March 2014 - Page 3 of 4 - On the Go in MCO

Behind the Falls of Ihu’s Breakaway Falls At Aquatica

Behind The Falls of Ihu’s Breakaway Falls Dropping at Aquatica Orlando May 9

Aquatica Orlando is adding Ihu’s Breakaway Falls to their lineup of attractions, and I am super excited to give it a try!

Until the attraction opens you can follow Aquatica Orlando’s Vice President Bryan Nadeau Behind the Falls for an insider’s look into Ihu’s Breakaway Falls – the tallest, steepest and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind in Orlando AND all of the southern United States that will be dropping into Aquatica Orlando May 9, 2014.

Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is nearly 80 ft tall and also where you’ll face your fears and each other. Offering four unique slide paths, you’ll step into one of three “breakaway boxes” and watch each other fall one-by-one or test your bravery on a fourth open slide for a different but just as thrilling experience. You’ll never know who’s going to breakaway first – and the anticipation of who drops next is part of the wild ride!

Check out the first Behind the Falls webisode!

httpv://youtu.be/iTJO7ZsooMQ

Be among the first to hear the latest updates and go Behind the Falls by staying connected on Facebook and joining the conversation using #NothingTaller. For more information visit AquaticaOrlando.com.

All Aboard the Hogwarts Express At Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort Reveled New Details About The Magical Journey Guests Will Experience Aboard The Hogwarts Express

Universal Creating First-Ever Experience that Will Allow Guests to Actually Ride

the Iconic Train Between London and Hogsmeade – Just Like in the Books and Films

Reading the Harry Potter Series of books the one thing that I always wanted to do was to walk through to Platform 9 ¾ to board the Hogwarts Express, and now Universal Orlando is releasing more details about this experience coming to the Parks later this summer.

httpv://youtu.be/5gmSf4R2Ac4

This is going to be a ground breaking experience, because for the first time guests will be able to hop aboard this interactive ride between the two world of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The Hogwarts Express will connect the new land in Universal Studios Florida with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure – allowing guests with park-to-park admission to enjoy a real journey aboard the iconic locomotive.

Once you are in your cabin, storytelling will be taken to the next level through state-of-the-art animation and special effects coupled with live action.

Can you imagine…

· Being transported from the Muggle world to the wizarding world as you pass through the brick wall at King’s Cross Station to arrive at Platform 9 ¾

· Watching in amazement as the Hogwarts Express pulls into the station – its billowing steam and authentic whistle beckoning you to hop aboard

· Sitting in one of the train’s cabins with your family and friends and actually riding the Hogwarts Express – just as your favorite characters did in the Harry Potter films

· Looking outside your cabin window and enjoying a scenic, breathtaking journey through the British countryside as you encounter magical creatures, some of your favorite Harry Potter characters…and even Dementors…

And since you will be traveling between Hogsmeade and King‘s Cross Station in London, the two trips will be completely different!

Guests aboard the train’s cabins will be able to watch out of their windows to see as your magical journey plays out. Some things you will be able to see along the way are Hagrid pulling alongside the train on his flying motorbike, Buckbeak the Hippogriff swoop gracefully over the black lake, the Weasley twins on brooms and up to their usual antics, and the Knight Bus swerving through London traffic. I’m sure that there will also be a ton of great surprises along the way, too!

Here are some sample animation grabs that you might see out of your window.

Continuing on their comittment to creating a detailed and authentic experience in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Creative Team at Universal Orlando has been colaborating with Warner Bros., Stuart Craig, and the production team from the Harry Potter Films. They have been diligently working to produce a family-friendly ride that is authentic, even down to the paint colors and whistle.

It is important to keep in mind one key thing about the addition of the Hogwarts Express. If you are going to ride on the Hogwarts Express you’ll need Park-to-Park Admission to board in either King’s Cross Station or Hogsmeade Station. Or you can visit either land with a Single Park Admission Ticket without access to the Hogwarts Express.

We can’t wait to continue to bring you coverage of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley expansion at the Universal Orlando Resort! So make sure you keep up with our latest adventures and pictures on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

Disney Vacation Club Exclusive Coffee Drink

If you are like me, you love finding out that there are “secret” menus!

If you are a Disney Vacation Club Member, you might want want to check out this tip…

Here’s a fun little “secret menu” tip for Disney Vacation Club Members from Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company – The java brewers have created a special coffee drink exclusively for Members.

Named “Vienna Latte” and available (to Members who ask) at Joffrey’s kiosks throughout the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Theme Parks, it’s a tasty blend of espresso, steamed milk, chocolate sauce and vanilla syrup with whipped cream, and it’s available hot or iced.

Joffrey’s is a Tampa-based company that’s been importing and distributing premium coffees and teas using the finest beans and tea leaves from around the world. Insiders tell me the company uses specialty-grade Arabica beans, an elite category with rigorous standards met by fewer than 10 percent of coffee beans worldwide. As the standards of Disney Vacation Club Members are equally rigorous, we thought news of this beverage might create some positive “buzz.”

Also, you can buy really fun Disney blends of Joffrey’s Coffee that is exclusive to the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort Restaurants.

LEGOLAND Florida Opens Restored Florida Pool

LEGOLAND Florida is continuing to pay tribute to the heritage of Cypress Gardens by reopening the Florida Pool and Oriental Gardens. Surrounded by elected officials and community leaders, General Manager Adrian Jones and Bob Gernert, former Winter Haven Chamber Executive Director and Cypress Gardens historian, reopened this historic area.

As we approached the area we were greeted by Former Cypress Gardens southern belles in their billowing dresses and the LEGO belles.

The Florida Pool was filled to brim with LEGO brick and the outside of the pool was lined with fresh Florida citrus, paying homage to the iconic citrus photos made famous by Dick Pope, Sr. during the mid-1900s.

httpv://youtu.be/nJsdysmg8W0

“We have taken great care to restore and maintain the historic Cypress Gardens since our opening in 2011 and we are thrilled to reopen such beloved areas as the Florida Pool and the Oriental Gardens for guests of all ages to enjoy,” said Adrian Jones, LEGOLAND Florida General Manager.

Cypress Gardens was Florida’s first theme park that became famous for its botanical gardens, southern belles, and was known as the Water Ski Capitol of the World from the 1930s through the 1960s.

Cypress Gardens was used as a film site for a multitude of movies and TV shows, and the Florida Pool was originally built as a set for the 1953 film, “Easy to Love”, starring Esther Williams.

LEGOLAND Florida has taken great care to restore Cypress Gardens to beautiful, historic, and pristine condition as they sit at the heart of the park.

The collection of native plants, including azaleas and camellias, have been reclaimed and combined with a range of exotic species to create a horticultural masterpiece. The breathtaking Banyan Tree, planted in 1939 as a seedling, still stands prominent within the gardens.

“The most exciting thing about this is it makes the gardens whole again,” said Gernert. “It makes it exactly what it was when Mr. and Mrs. Pope put the concept together so many years ago.”

Cypress Gardens is included with general park admission. The best way to experience LEGOLAND Florida is with the LEGOLAND Florida Resident Annual Pass as low as $99 each. Pass members receive unlimited admission for 12 months to LEGOLAND Florid and free parking. For the most current information on special events, daily operating hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.

Disney Vacation Club Webcast: Aulani: The Paradise you never outgrow

The Disney Vacation Club is inviting you to watch Aulani: The Paradise You Never Outgrow with host Samantha Brown March 23 to 29, 2014. This On-Demand webcast will take a look at the absolutely stunning Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko Olina, Hawai’i, and explores the new enhancements at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.

I hope to one day make it out to Aulani for a stay, but until then I really enjoy watching specials and gathering as much information as I can about the resort!

Here are all the details about the upcoming DVC webcasts.

Join to watch the Disney Vacation Club
Aulani: The Paradise You Never Outgrow Webcast

An on-demand webcast from March 23 – 29, 2014
Presented by Disney Vacation Club
Hosted by Samantha Brown

Join travel guru Samantha Brown as she tours Aulani, DVC Villas, Ko Olina, Hawai’i, and explores the new enhancements at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.

Register and Participate FOR A CHANCE TO WIN

Watch and you’ll be entered into The Paradise You Never Outgrow Sweepstakes*!
You could win additional Vacation Points toward Aulani for three years,
to make even more Disney Vacation Club memories.

Robin Thicke Rescheduled To Perform At Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Celebration

Robin Thicke set to perform on June 7, 2014

as part of Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Celebration

After a cancellation due to illness earlier this year, Robin Thicke has rescheduled his Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Celebration concert for June 7, 2014! It is really great to see him coming back to Orlando, because his concert was highly anticipated by so many! And selfishly, I am excited to see the spirit of the Big Easy extend into June!

For full details about the upcoming concert, please check out the information from the Universal Orlando Resort below!

The excitement of Mardi Gras now continues through June 7 at Universal Orlando Resort, with a live performance by GRAMMY nominated musician Robin Thicke (performance rescheduled from Feb. 22). The summer of 2013 marked the debut of Thicke’s highly anticipated new studio album, Blurred Lines. The release quickly took the music world by storm and landed at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 while, “Blurred Lines,” the single, set records around the world. It went to No. 1 in more than 100 countries and had a record-setting 12-week reign in the US at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Robin continues to receive accolades for the album and single, including three GRAMMY Award nominations and four NAACP Image Award nominations.

Along with the live concert, guests can experience the spirit of the legendary Bayou bash during the dazzling Mardi Gras parade, featuring 12 vibrant floats, including three new additions celebrating Jules Verne’s novel, “Around the World in 80 Days.” Guests can also visit Universal Studios Florida’s very own French Quarter Courtyard to enjoy delectable Cajun cuisine and see performances by bands pulled straight from Bourbon Street.

The excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

2014 Mardi Gras Talent Line-Up
Mardi Gras Event Dates	Headliners (performing in the Music Plaza)
March 14	Cody Simpson
March 15	Foreigner
March 21	A Great Big World
March 22	Gavin DeGraw
March 28	Kelly Rowland
March 29	Weezer
April 5	Skillet
April 12	Lynyrd Skynyrd
April 19	Kool & the Gang
May 3	Nelly
May 10	The Wanted
May 17	The Roots
May 24	Cher Lloyd
May 31	Huey Lewis and the News
June 7	Robin Thicke

Robin Thicke – Saturday, June 7, 2014

4:00 p.m. – French Quarter Courtyard Opens

8:15 p.m. – Mardi Gras Parade Starts

9:00 p.m. – Concert Begins

Wordless Wednesday – Festival of Fantasy Parade

Wordless Wednesday – March 12, 2014

Disney Vacation Club Disneyland Big Thunder Preview

Disney Vacation Club Members in California have a really great opportunity to preview Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Disneyland before it reopens to the general public! The preview is from March 13 to 16, and you will definitely want to stop by early. It is so great to finally have Big Thunder Back open after such a lengthy refurb.

Check out the Disney Vacation Club Press Release for more information.

Disney Vacation Club Members Experience the

WILDest Preview in the Wilderness!

Hang on to them hats and glasses ‘cuz Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is back at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California! As Disney Vacation Club Members, you’re invited to preview this classic attraction before it officially reopens to the general public.

Stop by the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad FASTPASS distribution location, or the entrance to the attraction, between March 13 and 16, and show your Disney Vacation Club Member ID to gain access for yourself and up to five Guests.

Theme Park Admission is required but not included. Valid photo ID required. Space is limited. The event may include long wait periods, is subject to temporary closures and may be canceled at any time.

See ya there soon and while you’re here, tell us your favorite memory of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad below!

2014 Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic.

A super huge thank you to Kelly Christine Delaney for sharing her soccer knowledge, for tweeting from the games, and for this post!

The fifth annual Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic was a great kickoff to the 2014 soccer season as excitement mounts for Orlando City SC to join Major League Soccer, MLS. Eight teams participated and Orlando was the only USL team to participate this year.

The other seven teams were from Brazil (Fluminense FC) and Major League Soccer teams (Red Bull New York, Philadelphia Union, Sporting Kansas City, Columbus Crew, Montreal Impact, and Toronto FC.)

I was able to attend a fair amount of the matches for the third year in a row and I’ve really enjoyed seeing internationally known world class athletes in a more laid back environment.

There’s something special about seeing players and coaches you admire in such a close setting that you can’t experience during the regular season or in other preseason tournaments. It was also interesting to see the rosters of these teams take form as they cut various trialists to prepare for the season.

I highly recommend you check out the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic next year at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex as it will be your first chance to see Orlando City in their new role as an MLS team and congratulations to the Columbus Crew for winning the Classic this year.

Disney Vacation Club Membership Magic: Food Trucks at Saratoga Springs

It’s Disney Vacation Club Membership Magic

The Food Trucks are rolling in!

All year long Disney Vacation Club Membership Magic is brining special extras to their members through special events and offers. This is such a great new program that allows DVC Members to explore more of the Walt Disney World Resort while taking advantage of their discounts. Membership Magic is really great added bonus, and I am really excited to let our DVC readers know about this program! I hope that you all get the chance to enjoy these perks throughout the year!

Check out the Disney Press Release about the Disney Vacation Club Membership Magic Food Trucks below!

Food Trucks inspired by Walt Disney World Theme Parks have captured the culinary imaginations of Downtown Disney Guests, and I am excited to announce that some of these tempting trucks will be making a delicious detour at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa!

Brought to you as part of Membership Magic, this food truck service will offer creative cuisine available for purchase, with sweet treats compliments of Disney Vacation Club (while supplies last).

When:

March 11 – 5 pm to 8 pm
March 18 – 5 pm to 8 pm
March 25 – 5 pm to 8 pm
Where:

Near the Grandstand Pool

Add lively “side dishes” of music and entertainment, and you have what I hope will rank among your vacation’s most memorable meals! Note: While parking will be available onsite, the trucks’ location near the boat dock and bus stop presents multiple transportation options.

Atlanta Braves Spring Training Schedule At ESPN Wide World of Sports

Atlanta Braves Spring Training Underway

at ESPN Wide World of Sports

This year’s Spring Training game lineup will showcase some of Major League Baseball’s marquee teams, including the reigning World Series Champion Boston Red Sox and National League Champion St. Louis Cardinals.

This year’s roster retains many of the players on the 2013 National League East champion squad, including a core of strong young players, first baseman Freddie Freeman, right fielder Jason Heyward, left fielder Justin Upton and shortstop Andrelton Simmons. The Braves’ pitching staff remains mostly unchanged (excluding the loss of Tim Hudson) from the league-leading ERA lineup of last year. The projected rotation includes Kris Medlen, Mike Minor, Julio Teheran, Brandon Beachy and Alex Wood, with Craig Kimbrel, Jordan Walden and Luis Avilan in the bullpen.

Information on the Braves’ Spring Training season tickets, suite/hospitality, group tickets and mini-plans is available by calling our Premium Sales team at 407/939-GAME (4263) and online at www.espnwwos.com/atlantabraves. The popular mini-packs are now on sale, featuring four separate three-game options in 2014 and giving fans their first opportunity to purchase tickets to specific games on the Braves’ 2014 spring training schedule.

2014 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Home Schedule

Date

Opponent

Time

Tuesday, March 11

Philadelphia Phillies

1:05 PM

Wednesday, March 12

Washington Nationals

1:05 PM

Friday, March 14

Tampa Bay Rays

1:05 PM

Saturday, March 15

St. Louis Cardinals

1:05 PM

Wednesday, March 19

New York Yankees

1:05 PM

Friday, March 21

Detroit Tigers

1:05 PM

Saturday, March 22

Boston Red Sox

1:05 PM

Sunday, March 23

New York Mets

1:05 PM

Monday, March 24

Houston Astros

6:05 PM

Wednesday, March 26

Miami Marlins

1:05 PM

All times are Eastern and are subject to change

Animal Kingdom and Epcot Connecting Families With Nature

Animal Kingdom and Epcot

Connecting Families With Nature Series

Throughout the year Animal Kingdom and Epcot will be hosting Connecting Families With Nature Series of special events designed to bring attention to animals, their habitats, and what we humans can do to help them not only thrive but survive!

The events take place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot. The goal of each is to provide kids and families with a special opportunity to connect with nature, talk to our animal experts, and learn more about some of the fantastic creatures with whom we share our planet. Here’s the list of our 2014 events. Watch the Disney Parks Blog for more detailed posts shortly before each one. We hope to see you at one or more of them!

We ventured to Rafiki’s Planet Watch for the first event in the year long series on March 4th to celebrate ‘Springing Forward’ a few days early by celebrating frogs, toads and other amphibians.

Once we arrived, we were greeted by Cast Members and found all sorts of great games, activities, and special examinations we could watch.

The first thing we did, as we listened to Guitar Dan, was to make our very own Toad Abode for the frogs and toads in our yard to be comfy as Cast Members told us about frogs that were native to Florida. You know that I HAD to have a few Mickey’s on there!

Once inside we were able to try our hand at several games (who knew I could standing jump 7 ft!), watched an examination of a frog, and learned ways that we could do our part to help frogs.

Did you know that, according to some estimates, as many as one-third of the known amphibian species are threatened by extinction because of loss of habitat, climate change, pollution and disease? To find out more about Disney conservation efforts, visit www.disney.com/conservation

These Connecting Families With Nature Special Events are a great way to make your trip to the park extra special, and I know that we will definitely be going to more throughout the year. We had so much fun!

If you want to join in the fun with us, here are the upcoming 2014 events for Connecting Families with Nature! You always want to keep in mind that dates subject to change:

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

March 4: Spring Forward for Amphibians Day — Just a few days before we adjust our clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time, we’re “springing forward” to celebrate frogs, toads and other amphibians.
April 22: Party for the Planet in celebration of Earth Day — Every day is a Party for the Planet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as guests and cast members join together to celebrate the wonders of nature, but, on Earth Day, there will be even more natural magic. Included is a celebration of the release of Disneynature’s new True Life Adventure “Bears,” in theaters April 18, which showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two impressionable young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons.
May 6: International Migratory Bird Day — Time to celebrate of one the wonders of nature – bird migration – and the ways we can help protect birds on their journeys.
May 20: World Turtle Day — Turtles are fascinating creatures, and really cool dudes, too – just ask Crush! Both Disney’s Animal Kingdom and The Seas with Nemo & Friends celebrate turtles with special activities.
June 10: Pollinator Day — butterflies, bees and other pollinators are the stars of this celebration.
July 29: Big Cat Day — It’s all about the largest cats, like lions and tigers – cats to whom you wouldn’t want to say, “here, kitty, kitty.”
August 5: Primate Day — The perfect place to find out what a 400-pound gorilla and a one-pound cotton-top tamarin have in common.
September 23: Elephant and Rhino Day — Learn fun facts and important conservation information about magnificent and endangered elephants and rhinos.

At The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot:

April 22: Earth Day Celebration — It’s an ocean of fun at The Seas on Earth Day as this Earth Day celebration focuses on marine animals.
May 20: World Turtle Day — See the magnificent sea turtles swim by in the main aquarium and find out what each of us can do to keep turtles safe in the wild.
June 4: World Oceans Day — Join Nemo, Dory, Crush and the rest of the gang in celebrating the wonders of the oceans.

Downtown Disney St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Invites Wearin’ of the Green at Downtown Disney March 7-17

Music and merriment abound when the most authentic St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Central Florida comes to Downtown Disney March 7-17.

The celebration at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant and throughout Downtown Disney pays homage to Celtic culture with nearly 10 top Irish bands and pro dancers performing on three stages during select days of the festival. With performances starting nightly March 7-14 from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and daily 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. March 15-17 on stages indoors and out, guests can don their finest green duds and join in a jig or two.

Highlights of the celebration across Downtown Disney will include:

Performances by The Willis Clan, world-famous U2 tribute band Elevation, Goitse, Three Dollar Band, We Banjo 3, The Ragland Rebels, The Brazen Heads and Raglan Road house bands Creel and The West Coast Trio
The Raglan Road Dancers — seven full-time champion dancers, performing daily
Renowned Irish dancer and choreographer Ronan McCormack of the original Riverdance cast, leading Irish Dance Workshops “From Roots to Riverdance”
Ceili (kay-lee) traditional music and structured set-dancing event, during which host Ronan McCormack invites guest participation

Additional entertainment inspired by the Emerald Isle will include more than 50 musicians and dancers, face painting, stilt walkers, living statues and giveaways. Guests will find it’s easy being green at The Mighty Family Zone on the West Side, a new offering during the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival. Guests can snag a photo with Kermit, learn how to draw everyone’s favorite frog, take part in games and DJ dance parties, and more.

Miss Piggy and Kermit

Also new this year: the four Disney Food Trucks (Fantasy Fair, Namaste Café, Superstar Catering and World Showcase of Flavors) will serve delicious eats each evening of the festival at Downtown Disney West Side, including a special St. Patrick’s Day-themed cupcake. Guests can also purchase Fisherman’s Pie, a favorite dish from the Ireland kiosk at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, at the World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck.

Guests can order from the popular Raglan Road lunch, dinner and bar menus throughout the event. Irish celebrity chef Kevin Dundon of Raglan Road will bring traditional Irish flavors to Downtown Disney with dishes such as loin of bacon and cabbage, and guests will find a hearty selection of beers on tap.

The restaurant’s Cooke’s of Dublin counter-service eatery will offer Irish favorites like fish and chips, battered sausages and deep-fried candy bars, and guests will discover additional food and specialty drinks created just for the festival at select Downtown Disney restaurants.

On Monday, St. Patrick’s Day, guests will be seated at Raglan Road on a first-come, first-served basis with a cover charge of $10 for each guest age 18 and older. Reservations can be booked for other festival days by calling 407/938-0300. For more information visit Disneyworld.com/StPatricksDay.

Cabana Bay Beach Resort Retro Fitness Center

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort to Feature

Jack LaLanne Branded Fitness Center

Fitness center among the many amenities offered at Universal Orlando’s newest hotel including
bowling alley, lazy river, zero-entry pools and more

Guests can enjoy the resort’s brand-new family suites for introductory rates as low as $104 per family, per night

Universal Orlando Resort announced today that the world’s first Jack LaLanne-branded fitness center will be located at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal Orlando’s new moderate-and value-priced property, opening March 31, 2014.

The Jack LaLanne Fitness Center will perfectly complement the retro theming of Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort while paying homage to LaLanne, a pioneer of personal training and a television celebrity on “The Jack LaLanne Show” – a fitness program that was iconic during the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

From LaLanne memorabilia – including photos, trophies, artifacts and even a full-size statue of the fitness guru himself – to televisions playing old episodes of his show, guests will be immersed in the legacy of “the godfather of fitness” while keeping in shape on modern, state-of-the-art exercise equipment.

“When you think of fitness during these iconic decades, Jack LaLanne just resonates in our minds,” said Russ Dagon, Vice President and Executive Project Director, Universal Creative. “This partnership with the LaLanne family will complement the new property wonderfully, and we’re delighted that his name will live on here at Cabana Bay Beach Resort.”

The Jack LaLanne Fitness Center is just one of the many amenities that will be available to Cabana Bay Beach Resort guests. Additional offerings include a 10-lane bowling alley, two zero-entry pools, an iconic dive tower water slide and Universal Orlando’s first lazy river with waterfalls and cannons for interactive fun. The resort will also feature themed eateries, bars and a coffee shop.

“We’re creating a destination within our destination,” said Adnan Bizri, Managing Director, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. “From the beautiful pool areas to the bowling alley to the lazy river, we’re making sure that the fun doesn’t stop when the theme parks close.”

Guests can now book Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort for stays beginning March 31, 2014. The whole family can experience the resort’s new family suites with limited time introductory rates starting at $104 per night for a seven-night stay to $134 per night for a three-night stay. Conditions apply.

To learn more or to make a reservation, call 1-888-273-1311 or visit www.universalorlando.com.

About Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Cabana Bay Beach Resort is Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth on-site hotel with striking color schemes and nostalgic details throughout the décor. The new, 1800-room hotel features moderately priced family suites available this spring at the special preview price and value-priced guest rooms available June 16, 2014, along with a wealth of recreation. When complete, guests can experience a 10-lane bowling alley and enjoy two massive pools with sand beaches, a lazy river, waterslide and more.
The all-new family suites sleep up to six, surrounding guests with bold design, period colors, neon and a cool retro feel. The suites also feature a kitchenette with microwave, mini-refrigerator and sink. Combining affordability with convenience, the hotel’s location is within walking distance of both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Plus, hotel guests enjoy Early Park Admission to TheWizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme park opens.

About Universal Orlando Resort
Vacation like you mean it at Universal Orlando Resort – where every heart pounding, jaw-dropping, goose-bumping second counts. It is the only place where you can turn spending time with your family into spending time as a family. Together, you can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, become a Minion in the hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, and join Optimus Prime in the fight to save mankind on the new mega-attraction, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D. And coming this summer: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

Universal Orlando Resort is home to two incredible theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure; four magnificently themed on-site hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and the newest addition, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, opening March 31; and Universal CityWalk – a nighttime entertainment complex featuring a collection of nightclubs, restaurants and shops. And located just minutes from Universal Orlando Resort is Wet n’ Wild, Orlando’s premier waterpark.
Universal Orlando Resort is part of NBCUniversal, a Comcast company. Follow Universal Orlando Resort on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram andYouTube.

The LEGO Movie Weekends Return To LEGOLAND Florida

With a record-breaking box office debut, an action-packed video game and a contagious song, everything is awesome with The LEGO Movie, and kids and parents alike just can’t get enough. So, it’s no surprise that these fans are looking to LEGOLAND Florida for more movie-themed fun in a fantastic LEGO inspired theme park setting. Back by popular demand, The LEGO Movie Weekend festivities will return to LEGOLAND Florida every weekend in March starting Mar. 8, bringing back scavenger hunts, photo opportunities as well as new family fun with a chance to help transform Miniland USA’s New York City into the famous Bricksburg.

The LEGO Movie Weekend at LEGOLAND Florida

includes the following activities:

New! The LEGO Movie Take Over of Miniland’s New York City – Miniland USA
Guests can use their imagination to build their own unique LEGO model to help LEGOLAND Florida Master Model Builders transform Miniland USA’s New York City into Emmet’s home town, Bricksburg. Master Model Builders will add iconic LEGO Bricksburg Models each weekend such as:

The construction crane hoisting “The LEGO Movie” Logo over the city.
Lord Business’ Evil Lair
Batman’s Batwing Vehicle
Benny’s Spaceship…and more!

New! LEGO Batman Photo Opportunity – Imagination Zone

Pose with the LEGO Batman, Wyldstyle’s boyfriend in “The LEGO Movie.”

Meet & Greet with Emmet & Wyldstyle – Imagination Zone

Fans can walk the red carpet and meet the stars of “The LEGO Movie,” Emmet and Wyldstyle.

The LEGO Movie Scavenger Hunt – Miniland USA

Emmet, Wyldstyle and Lord Business are lost in Miniland USA. Guests can help find them to save the day! Guests can submit an entry to win a LEGO Prize Pack at www.legoland.com. See website for official rules.

The LEGO Movie Video Game Challenge – Warner Bros. Games Zone

Gaming fans can test their skills and play the latest action-packed video game, “The LEGO Movie.”

The LEGO Movie Mural Build – Imagination Zone

Families can build together and help create a giant LEGO poster of “The LEGO Movie.”

Currently in theaters nationwide, The LEGO® Movie is the first-ever, full-length theatrical LEGO® adventure from Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures and LEGO System A/S. Directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, it stars Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman,Alison Brie and Charlie Day, with Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman.

The LEGO Movie Weekend is included with park admission and guests will have complete access to a full day of theme park fun with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions all geared to families with children ages 2 to 12. The best way to experience LEGOLAND Florida is with the LEGOLAND Florida Resident Annual Pass as low as $99 each. Pass members receive unlimited admission for 12 months to LEGOLAND Florida and the LEGOLAND Water Park, as well as all other Merlin US attractions (LEGOLAND California & Water Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers, Sea Life Centers and Madam Tussauds), free parking and 10% off food and merchandise with no black-out dates. For the most current information on special events, daily operating hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.

LEGOLAND ® Florida:

LEGOLAND® Florida is a 150-acre interactive theme park with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, a Water Park and The LEGO® World of Chima presented by Cartoon Network all geared to families with children ages 2 to 12. Recently announced, The LEGOLAND Hotel will open in 2015 featuring 152 highly themed rooms and suites, LEGO décor, interactive play areas, a pool and a restaurant. There are currently five other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Germany and LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London and just opened LEGOLAND Malaysia —the sixth LEGOLAND Park and first in Asia. The LEGOLAND theme parks are a part of Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest attractions operator in the world. For the most current information, log on to www.LEGOLAND.com.

Universal Orlando Resort Reveled New Details About The Magical Journey Guests Will Experience Aboard The Hogwarts Express

Universal Creating First-Ever Experience that Will Allow Guests to Actually Ride

the Iconic Train Between London and Hogsmeade – Just Like in the Books and Films

Join to watch the Disney Vacation Club Aulani: The Paradise You Never Outgrow Webcast

Register and Participate FOR A CHANCE TO WIN

Robin Thicke set to perform on June 7, 2014

as part of Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Celebration

Wordless Wednesday – March 12, 2014

Disney Vacation Club Members Experience the

WILDest Preview in the Wilderness!

It’s Disney Vacation Club Membership Magic

The Food Trucks are rolling in!

Atlanta Braves Spring Training Underway

at ESPN Wide World of Sports

Animal Kingdom and Epcot

Connecting Families With Nature Series

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Invites Wearin’ of the Green at Downtown Disney March 7-17

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort to Feature

Jack LaLanne Branded Fitness Center

The LEGO Movie Weekend at LEGOLAND Florida

includes the following activities:

Join to watch the Disney Vacation Club
Aulani: The Paradise You Never Outgrow Webcast