WOODBRIDGE, N.J. -- Universal City Travel Co. said it changed its
name to Universal Studio Vacations because the new name is a much
better fit with the Universal Studios Escape destination resort
that is under development in Orlando, Fla.
As reported, the company made the change last month.
The 1999 Universal Studios Escape package brochure is available
to agents, featuring special event-inclusive offerings.
The 1999 Universal Studios Escape Travel Industry Reference
Manual provides details on the destination resort's components.
They include the existing Universal Studios theme park; Universal
Studios CityWalk, an entertainment and dining enclave opening this
fall; Universal Studios Islands of Adventure theme park, opening
next summer; the Loews-managed, 750-room Portofino Bay Hotel at
Universal Studios Escape, also opening next summer, and the
650-room Loews-managed Hard Rock Hotel, opening in late 2000.
Portofino Bay's rack rates will start at $235 per night, and
reservations will be accepted starting Oct. 15. Three more
properties are to be added in the next few years.
Initially there were plans for an on-site golf course, but they
were scrapped, an official said, because the area already has many
golf facilities and the land could be used for other purposes.
In related news, Ramsey, N.J.-based Gogo Worldwide Vacations,
Ramsey, N.J., became one of Universal Studios Florida's preferred
wholesalers.
Universal Studios Escape, Agent Hot Line -- Phone: (800)
BE-A-STAR
Portofino Bay Hotel, Phone: (800) 877-U-ESCAPE