Universal Joint Podcast: Halloween Horror Nights, Rock the Universe, and Jurassic Park Updates

Universal Parks News and Announcements

• 📺 Deal or No Deal revival is set to film 30 original episodes at Universal Studios Florida, bringing back host Howie Mandel.
• 🎃 Halloween Horror Nights will feature mazes inspired by Michael Dougherty's "Trick or Treat" at both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood.
• 🧟 Dead Exposure: Patient Zero is announced for Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights, referencing a popular 2008 maze.

Rock the Universe and Christian Music Events

• 🎶 Universal Orlando Resort continues its Christian music festival, Rock the Universe, on September 7th and 8th.
• ✝️ This event has been held annually since 1998, contrasting with Disney's recently canceled Night of Joy.
• 🎢 Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket will feature a special soundtrack curated with music from Christian artists for Rock the Universe attendees.

Jurassic Park and Islands of Adventure Updates

• 🦖 Jurassic Park's 25th anniversary celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood included a special appearance by Jeff Goldblum and the debut of a Blue walkaround raptor.
• 🌴 The Raptor Encounter Experience at Islands of Adventure is expected to feature the Blue walkaround raptor soon.
• 🏗️ Universal Orlando is planning a new 9100 square foot building in the Jurassic Park section of Islands of Adventure, potentially related to Project 791.
• 🌊 Universal Studios Hollywood is transforming its Jurassic Park water ride into a Jurassic World ride, set to debut in summer 2019.

New Shows and Attractions

• 🌃 A new nighttime lagoon show is in development for Universal Studios Florida, potentially replacing "Universal's Cinematic Spectacular" which was damaged by Hurricane Irma.
• ⚡ The new lagoon show is expected to feature new animation, music, lighting, and special effects, with construction platforms similar to Disney's World of Color.
• 🏰 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood is adding two new wand magic locations and bringing back the Nighttime Lights of Hogwarts Castle show for a limited time.
• 🎬 Universal Studios Hollywood is also replacing Terminator 2 3D: Battle Across Time with a new attraction.
• 🎢 A new Harry Potter-themed coaster is slated to open at Islands of Adventure in summer 2019.

Harry Potter Film Cast and Experiences

• 🌟 The opening of the original Wizarding World in 2012 featured cast members like Daniel Radcliffe and Michael Gambon, with a special projection show accompanied by a live orchestra conducted by John Williams.
• 🎬 Cast members like Rupert Grint and the Phelps twins shared anecdotes about filming their final Harry Potter scenes before the Orlando park's opening.
• 💡 The Nighttime Lights of Hogwarts Castle show at Islands of Adventure is described as short but effective, with unique viewing angles and integration of forest lighting.