https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/gb Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Universal is coming to Britain

9th April 20259th April 2025 funtime65

And good news out of America… Universal is coming to Britain and it will be the biggest theme park in Europe when it launches in 2031.

Yes, they’re regular visitors in these shores and in Ireland, spreading the gospel on hospitality nights promoting upcoming features.

And also inviting us over to Orlando and Los Angeles to immerse ourselves in their worlds.

So what can we expect… well, like a Ron Weasley trick all will be revealed but just not yet.

In with the bricks

Tracks of time: With pal Colin in Orlando

But what we do know is that it will be built in Bedfordshire on the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks site, 45 miles north of London, and will spread across 473 acres.

And it will attract 8.5million visitors in its first year alone.

That British Universal will be built on a former brickworks site brings to mind a story told to us.

By those behind the Wizarding World of Harry Potter on our first visit.

That when Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley were being recreated in Orlando 15 years ago a designer was passing through the airport.

Only to be stopped and asked why there was a brick in his luggage.

Of course they told Homeland Security that it was for the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

And that JK Rowling had insisted that it had to be exactly the same brick that she had imagined for his books from back home in Britain.

Rowling with it

Buttering up: With butter beer in Universal Orlando

It is that exact detail that sets Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley apart with every brick, fixture and fitting, merch and butter beer passed first by the author.

Of course Universal like the big milky way we live in is always evolving.

And Potterheads are besides themselves in anticipation.

For the Floridian funspot’s unveiling of 1920s Paris and the British Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe on 22 May.

Five new worlds

Now we’ve been keeping you up to date with Universal’s mega plans in the Oo Es of Eh.

And its five unique new worlds including Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe.

And, of course, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.

Now just think then what they might have in store for all of us on this side of the pond with six years to go.

And that Universal is coming to Britain.

America, Countries

Kissimmee quick – Florida bounces back

11th October 202411th October 2024 funtime65

Kissimmee quick – Florida bounces back and we’re happy to put ours into the heavy lifting.

The Central Floridian town bills itself as the Vacation Home Capital of the World.

Because of its proximity to Orlando’s Disney World and Universal Orlando.

And so, of course, for the world’s thrill-seekers and funsters, know this, that Kissimmee’s houses are all in good order.

Milton did, of course, pay a visit through Osceola County.

But as we reminded everyone, and we know you were paying attention, the theme parks were built in mid-Florida to resist hurricanes.

Vacation Home for the Holidays

Experience Kissimmee tells us damage to tourism infrastructure was minimal.

And tourism activities were gradually reopening yesterday.

Local authorities and emergency teams worked quickly to assess and secure the affected areas, ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors.

Thanks to these efforts, the impact on tourist attractions and services has been limited.

Allowing for the early recovery of local businesses and entertainment activities.

Major tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants and stores in Kissimmee will begin operating following all safety recommendations.

Celebrities’ showcase

Gateway to another world: Jen and Ashley

For a window into the Vacation Home Capital of the World Experience Kissimmee dipped into its contacts book to invite along celebrities to showcase its far

The Kissimmee Experience is live to view at experiencekissimmee.com/tke and on YouTube .

And later this year, the series will also be available on Amazon Prime.

The new series features six episodes.

With each 15-minute episode hosted by film and theatre star Jen Bonner.

Jen is joined by an influential guest whose personal expertise will inform an exciting itinerary of attractions and activities around the destination.

Together viewers will see, learn, taste, sweat, laugh, and marvel at the diverse meaning of the Kissimmee experience.

Walking in Kissimmee wonderland

Swordsman: Chandler Riggs from Walking Dead

Those joining Jen in the series include actor Chandler Riggs from The Walking Dead, acclaimed interior designer Tay BeeBop and singer-songwriter Samia.

Ashley Eckstein, known not only as the voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

But also for her fashion label Her Universe, is also on the cast.

As are Floridian lifestyle blogger and content creator Keiko Lynn and former baseball player-turned President of the Fast-Food Secrets Club, Jordan Howlett.

Now, of course Experience Kissimmee will treat everyone as a VIP.As we know too from their hosted lunches at American Travel Fairs.

And front-seat tickets to see the likes of Jason Derulo… yes, they’re always Glad U Came.

Kissimmee quick – Florida bounces back and we’re always there for the heavy lifting.

America, Countries

Disney’s World Princess Week

23rd August 202323rd August 2023 funtime65

Of course every week must be special when you’re a princess but the powers-that-be have deemed this week Disney’s World Princess Week.

So here we’ll pick our pole princesses in a listicle we like to call Disney she make a fine Princess?

And we’ll put aside our republican sympathies in the spirit of fun and Disney.

Take it as red

Merida, Brave: And an inspiration to carrotheads everywhere, Merida is a sassy sword-wielding Scot, a gorgeous gallous Gael.

Merida, star of Brave, is a redstrong 16-year-old when we meet her, challenging her mum Queen Elinor’s expectations of her.

Ellie wants her to be a proper royal lady while Merida wants to ride across country, her raven hair blowing in the wind, shooting arras.

You go girl.

Genie, genie

Jasmine, Aladdin: What’s not to love about Arab Amazon Jasmine who tells us…

‘How dare you! All of you- standing around, deciding my future? I am not a prize to be won!’

And how she meets Aladdin, a ‘diamond in the rough’, who wins the lottery, or meets a genie (just as likely) and wins Jazza’s love.

Awww Squaw

Pocohontas, Pocohantas: And the only Disney princess, or character of any sort to feature in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington DC.

And no wonder with Pocohantas’s tale of cross-race and cross-culture love with an English settler.

What’s more her name means ‘Little Mischief’?

Belle of the ball

Belle, Beauty and the Beast: A bit more challenging this one, of course, we never endorse anyone keeping fair maidens captive.

The Beast (probably a clue in the name) has self-image issues and Belle sees beyond that and gets him to mend his ways.

A tale as old as time but one that sits increasingly in our time.

Pure as the driven Snow

Snow White, Snow White: And a naive compliant waif who falls under the spell of her wicked (is there any other kind) stepmother is a tad outdated.

And we’d be suspicious of the notion that she can only be woken from her slumber by a prince’s kiss.

What happens if Snow White had got Prince Andrew?

Still, we’ll forgive her all that on the strength of her pals, the Seven Dwarfs (nothing politically incorrect there!!!!)

Our favourite princess

Of course, our favourite princess has to be one who lives in a Land Far, Far Away… Shrek’s Princess Fiona.

Who of course we can meet and join their adventures at Universal Orlando.

But seeing that this is Disney’s World Princess Week we won’t reign on their parade.

So let’s hear it for the Disney princesses.

And let us know who is your fave?