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DISASTER! A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE RIDE…STARRING YOU! OPENS TODAY AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

January 16, 2008

Orlando, Fla. (January 17, 2008) – Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride…Starring You! opens today at Universal Studios Florida. The new attraction features the first-ever use by a theme park of a high-tech virtual imagery technology called “Musion” and a special appearance by Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson.

Disaster! replaces Earthquake and combines the best, most dramatic elements of Earthquake with an all-new storyline, top name celebrities, new “Musion” technology and all-new interactive elements. Park guests enter “Disaster Studios” and become part of the production action surrounding a “major motion picture.”

Johnson was at Universal Studios Thursday for the opening of the new attraction. In the attraction, Johnson plays a film hero who helps “save the day.”

Musion technology is a unique high-definition video projection system that transforms two-dimensional images into what seem to be live three-dimensional images. The Musion set in place at Disaster! is the first-ever use of the technology by a theme park and the largest permanent installation of that technology ever. Universal uses Musion technology to bring Disaster Studio Director “Frank Kincaid” to life as he explains the passion behind his work and recruits guests to take part in his next picture.

“The use of Musion technology in this attraction allows us to blend illusion with reality to surprise and entertain our guests,” said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative for Universal Parks and Resorts. “They are amazed by the effects we have created.”

Throughout the 15-minute attraction experience, guests are filmed as extras for different elements of Disaster Studios’ newest blockbuster film, “Mutha Nature,” taking direction from Frank Kinkaid and his production assistants. In the end, they are able to see the results of their work in a tongue-in-cheek trailer for the film, starring Johnson. Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride…Starring You! is located in the San Francisco area of Universal Studios Florida.

Dwayne Johnson is best known for his roles in Universal Pictures’ The Mummy Returns, The Scorpion King and, most recently, The Game Plan. Now a firmly established presence in Hollywood, he can be seen in the upcoming Warner Brother’s comedy GET SMART opening in theaters June 20, 2008. Johnson is currently filming the family comedy Witch Mountain scheduled to be released in the summer of 2009.

Universal Orlando Resort (www.universalorlando.com). With Steven Spielberg as creative consultant, Universal Orlando has created some of the world’s most innovative theme park attractions based on pop culture’s most compelling films and stories.
Families will experience two world-class theme parks - Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure - a nighttime entertainment complex and magnificently themed on-site hotels. Universal Studios is a working film and TV production studio as well as a highly acclaimed motion picture and television theme park featuring attractions such as “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride” and “Shrek 4-D.” Islands of Adventure is the world’s most technologically advanced theme park and features five uniquely themed islands that include Seuss Landing, Marvel Super Hero Island and Jurassic Park. Its marquee attractions include “Jurassic Park River Adventure” and “The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.”

In addition to its theme parks, Universal Orlando Resort also includes CityWalk, a 30-acre nighttime entertainment complex that features restaurants, shops, clubs, a 20-screen cineplex and live-entertainment. The destination’s three on-site Loews hotels include the Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and the Royal Pacific Resort.

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Harry Potter “Theme Park within a Theme Park” Scheduled to Debut in 2009 -- Fans to be Immersed in the Adventures of the World’s Most Popular Wizard

Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and Universal Orlando Resort are partnering to create the world’s first fully immersive Harry Potter themed environment based on the bestselling books by J.K. Rowling and blockbuster feature films from Warner Bros. Envisioned as a “theme park within a theme park” and titled “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” the new environment will become part of the experience within Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort.

“Over the years we’ve received thousands of letters from fans around the world wishing they could visit Hogwarts and the wonderful locations described in each of J.K. Rowling’s beloved stories,” said Barry Meyer, chairman and CEO, Warner Bros. Entertainment. “Working with Universal Orlando Resort, we are confident that we’ll be able to provide Harry Potter fans with an incredible experience that upholds the richness of J.K. Rowling’s books and delivers on the authentic detail portrayed in our films.”

“We will rely on our company’s rich movie heritage and expertise in transforming film concepts into theme park entertainment experiences,” said Ron Meyer, president and COO, Universal Studios. “The Harry Potter stories are among the most compelling of our time. The millions of people who have read the books and seen the movies will now be able to experience the world of Harry Potter in person.”

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters – and faithful to the visual landscapes of the films – “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the magical world of Harry and his friends. The fully immersive, themed land will enable guests to visit some of the most iconic locations found in the books and the films including the village of Hogsmeade, the mysterious Forbidden Forest, and even Hogwarts castle itself. "The plans I've seen look incredibly exciting, and I don't think fans of the books or films will be disappointed," said J.K. Rowling.

“We have a profound sense of responsibility for the Harry Potter franchise at Warner Bros. Bringing the magic of J.K. Rowling’s written word to the motion picture screen was the first step in expanding this amazing and imaginative world. Working with Universal Orlando Resort to bring it to life in a physical environment that you can walk through, relax in and ride on is the natural next step for fans to experience and enjoy,” said Alan Horn, president and COO, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Expected to open in late 2009, the new environment will feature immersive rides and interactive attractions, as well as experiential shops and restaurants that will enable guests to sample fare from the wizarding world’s best known establishments. Also debuting will be a state-of-the-art attraction that will bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in an exciting way that guests have never before experienced.

“We are going to devote more time, more money, more expertise and more executive talent from throughout our entire organization and creative team – as well as from Warner Bros., our partners – to ensure that
this entire environment is second-to-none,” said Tom Williams, chairman and CEO, Universal Parks
and Resorts.

Brad Globe, president of Warner Bros. Worldwide Consumer Products, added: “In Universal, we found the right partner whose unparalleled commitment will ensure that this is a world class destination. Their track record of success and the consistently high level of entertainment at all of their parks gave us the confidence to know that they will meet—or exceed— the extremely high expectations we all have for this project.”

The Academy Award-winning production designer Stuart Craig, who has worked to bring the world of Harry Potter to life in all of the feature films to date, leads the creative design for the area to ensure it remains faithful to the look and feel of the films.

“Our primary goal is to make sure this experience is an authentic extension of Harry Potter’s world as it is portrayed in the books and films,” said Craig. “I am very excited to be working closely with the Universal Orlando team to bring the area to life.”

The Universal Orlando resort destination (www.universalorlando.com) includes two dramatically distinct and adjacent theme parks, the Universal Studios motion picture and television theme park and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Orlando's most thrilling and exhilarating theme park. Universal Orlando also includes CityWalk, a 30-acre dining, shopping, club and live-entertainment venue as well as premier on-site Loews hotels and world-class film and television production facilities.

Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. The series of books by author J.K. Rowling has been translated into 65 languages with more than 325 million copies sold in over 200 territories around the world. The films, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, have grossed more than $3.5 billion at the box office worldwide. Each of the four Harry Potter films produced to date has the distinction of making it into the all time top 20 grossing films worldwide. The fifth film in the series, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™, will be released in theatres on July 11, 2007.

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HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.
(s07)

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THE SIMPSONS RIDE” OPENS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO IN ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED ATTRACTION LAUNCHES IN HISTORY

Orlando, FL (May 15, 2008) – You’ve seen the show, played The Game, watched The Movie. And now, yes, it’s finally here. You can ride – The Ride.

America’s favorite animated family has arrived in Orlando – with their very own mega-attraction. The Simpsons Ride officially opened today at Universal Orlando Resort. The new attraction plants guests smack in the middle of a brand-new Simpsons adventure – a ride adventure so big, so funny and so thrilling it’s no surprise it took years to make.

In an unprecedented collaboration, Executive Producer James L. Brooks, Creator Matt Groening and Executive Producer Al Jean in association with 20th Century Fox Television and the creative teams of Gracie Films and Universal Theme Parks have accomplished what has never been done before – the launch of the world’s first authentic mega-attraction of The Simpsons.

“The Simpsons Ride” showcases everything the hugely popular television series has made famous and that Simpsons fans love . . . a great story, humor and irreverence that are pure Simpsons, with original animation starring cast members Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, and guest star Kelsey Grammer.

Guests are swept into Krustyland, a theme park created by the show’s cash hungry clown. Meanwhile, maniacal Sideshow Bob has escaped from prison and has taken control of the park to get his revenge on Krusty and the Simpson family. Hand-picked by Krusty to be the first to ride his newest attraction, you are thrust into the middle of the action.

The attraction is larger than life – from the 28-foot-tall Krusty the Clown at the entrance (guests walk through Krusty’s mouth on his extended tongue) to the giant wrap-around cinematic experience created for this great new adventure. Guests soar through Krustyland and Springfield on a ride that features the world’s first-ever cork screw that’s animated!

“I take with all due sense of mission and humility the opportunity to spray water and spritz baby
powder at Universal patrons,” says James L. Brooks.

“For twenty years I've been dreaming about this, and here it is -- a wild, thrilling Simpsons Ride put together by a huge number of talented artists and amusement-park maniacs,” says Matt Groening.

“The Simpsons Ride is Universal at its best: bringing blockbusters to life in entirely new ways,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts. “And with its unique sense of humor and enormous popularity, it is the perfect complement to our brand of entertainment.”

“We have created the ultimate Simpsons experience,” said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative. “It’s a wild ride through the world of the Simpsons – up close and with the whole family, Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie – like you’ve never seen her before.”

“We’re bringing the fun and joy of The Simpsons to millions of fans in the most immersive way possible. The Simpsons Ride is a blast!”, said Elie Dekel, Fox’s Executive Vice President of Licensing.

As the longest running animated series and the longest running primetime comedy series ever, The Simpsons has aired more than 400 episodes. The critically acclaimed show features Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson, who take traditional family life and turn it upside down. Exploding into a cultural phenomenon in 1990, The Simpsons has remained one of the most visible and marketable properties domestically and internationally. The Simpsons is noted for famous celebrity guest voices (such as Kelsey Grammer, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Kiefer Sutherland, Natalie Portman, Simon Cowell, Gore Vidal, U2, Mick Jagger and Aerosmith) and received a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in January of 2000. The Simpsons Movie was released on July 27, 2007, has earned more then 500 million dollars worldwide and is now available on DVD.

This twenty-three time Emmy-Award-winning series is currently airing its 19th season. The Simpsons is a Gracie Films Production in association with 20th Century Fox Television. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, and Al Jean are the current Executive Producers. Film Roman is the animation studio.

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BLUE MAN GROUP AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

October 17, 2007

BLUE MAN GROUP AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT OFFERS EXCITING, CUSTOMIZED GROUP EVENTS AT THE STATE-OF-THE-ART SHARP AQUOS THEATRE

ORLANDO, Fla. (June 15, 2007) – Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando, performing daily at the state-of-the-art Sharp Aquos Theatre, adds another dimension of excitement for meeting planners holding their meetings and events at Universal Orlando Resort.

By booking the wildly popular Blue Man Group show, attendees will enjoy the unique style of Blue Man Group entertainment that has been experienced by more than 10 million people worldwide. Accessible from both Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios, the newest Blue Man show combines music, comedy and multimedia theatrics, creating an energetic, fun atmosphere that is a Blue Man Group trademark.

Meeting groups now have the opportunity to incorporate the innovative Blue Man Group show into their program by purchasing individual tickets for attendees to see the regularly scheduled, live show. Groups opting for a complete venue buyout – a private show for their attendees only – can create an event more lasting impression, with customizable options such as:

• Logo “Painting” – (also called “paint drumming”). As the Blue Men drum, splashing paint onto the canvas, the company logo is slowly revealed.

• LED Signs – To warm up the crowd prior to the performance, the Blue Man Group runs LED sign messages to engage and amuse the audience. For example, letting attendees know that someone in the audience is celebrating a birthday; that a woman has a headache; that someone is a little late on their credit card payments, etc. The planner may provide the names of five or six key players within the organization to incorporate into the sign messages.

• Posters – In this piece, the Blue Men overload the audience with information using a series of posters. These posters may be customized with specific company or product information for maximum impact.

• Jellohead – The Blue Men bring an audience member on stage to use as a human “paintbrush” in a set highlighted by video interaction. A planner can select someone in advance that they would like the Blue Men to use for this piece.

• Late Arrivals – The Blue Men’s plans to detonate a balloon filled with paint are interrupted by late patrons. In this scene, a planner may select two people from their group to serve as the “late arrivals”.

• Meet and Greet – Planners may arrange a private “meet and greet” session with the Blue Man performers, booking a photo opportunity and scheduling a Q&A session following the show.

As a show add-on option, smaller groups may book a Blue Man Group-themed reception in the auditorium’s VIP area before or after the show; groups booking a show buyout may also arrange a customizable, themed reception for their attendees.

Blue Man Group, performing from the custom-built Sharp AQUOS Theatre at Universal Studios, can accommodate 1,000 attendees theater-style. The show includes elements of the group’s existing shows as well as newly created material. Universal Orlando’s seasoned event planners will work with groups to customize the show based on the group’s specific requests and budgets.

“The unparalleled fanfare and exhilaration of the pop-culture icon Blue Man Group – combined with Universal Orlando Resort’s uniquely themed, on-site Loews Hotels, the thrills of the resort’s two world-famous theme parks, and the variety of eclectic dining and entertainment venues at Universal CityWalk – contribute to create a memorable meeting and event experience that is hard to match,” said Paul Rothenberg, vice president of specialty sales at Universal Orlando Resort.

Blue Man Group (www.blueman.com) applies its unique creative process to a wide variety of projects, including their ongoing theatrical shows located in 7 cities worldwide, their touring rock concert “How To Be a Megastar 2.0,” and the recording of three albums; the Grammy nominated Audio, The Complex, which became the musical basis for The Complex Rock Tour, and Live At The Venetian ® ¬- Las Vegas, available exclusively on iTunes ©. Blue Man Group has also ventured into film and TV scoring (most recently the animated feature Robots), commercial campaigns (such as Intel), and television programs (like the recurring storyline in “Arrested Development”). As the company grows, it remains true to its vision of providing exciting experiences in a variety of media, which appeal to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds.

The Universal Orlando Resort destination (www.universalorlando.com) includes two dramatically distinct and adjacent theme parks, the Universal Studios motion picture and television theme park and Islands of Adventure, Orlando's most thrilling and exhilarating theme park. Universal Orlando also includes CityWalk, a 30-acre dining, shopping, club and live-entertainment venue, world-class film and television production facilities, 250,000 square feet of resort-wide meeting space and 2,400 guest rooms at the three premier on-site Loews hotels, the Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and the Royal Pacific Resort.

To book a Universal Orlando Resort meeting, please visit www.uomeetingsandevents.com or contact the Universal Orlando Meeting & Events team at 888-331-9108.

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LIGHTS . . . CAMERA . . . COASTER!

Universal Orlando Resort Announces Brand-New Roller Coaster
That Features Total Immersion Entertainment and Puts Guests In The Director’s Seat

ORLANDO, FL (March 19, 2008) – Adrenaline pumping and music thumping, you find yourself heading straight toward the sky. Suddenly, you are doing 65 mph, 17 stories over Universal Studios. Gasping with excitement, you rock out to a song you picked before strapping in. And, it’s all on video. Once the adventure is over, you edit the video to send to your friends.

This is true high-tech, customizable, multi-sensory entertainment. Scheduled to open in spring 2009, Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit will stake its claim as the most technologically advanced roller coaster in the world. The Universal Creative team is combining audio and special effects engineering, sophisticated on- and off-board video and one-of-a-kind guest personalization to create a roller coaster experience unlike any other.

“This is the perfect intersection of the digital age and theme park entertainment,” said Mark Woodbury, President of Creative for Universal Parks & Resorts. “Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit blends roller coaster intensity and guest interaction in a way where no two experiences will be the same.”

Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit touts six near-miss moments and first-ever thrills including a record-breaking loop. Ride vehicles feature the brightest and most innovative color changing LEDs in the world. High-energy visual displays fill the queue line. With up to four ride vehicles on the tracks at any given time, and with concert lighting and special effects mixed in, Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit will be a true high-intensity, multi-sensory experience that is unmatched.

Guests can customize their ride experience by choosing what song will play while they’re on the roller coaster. LED boards in the queue lines will display song options from five genres (classic rock, rap, country, pop and disco). Once on-board, guests can choose their song or let the coaster’s digital sound system choose for them. When the ride is over, guests will be able to customize footage from their experience and compile it into a take-home music video.

Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit will be located near the Jimmy Neutron attraction traveling the southern perimeter of the Universal Studios theme park, over to the CityWalk lagoon and back.