Universal Orlando Resort Archives - Page 7 of 8

Universal Orlando Hosts Harry Potter Special Event

“A Celebration of Harry Potter” will Feature Exciting Activities Across Both Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure from Jan. 24 – 26

Vacation Packages with Exclusive Benefits, Including Access to a Private Evening Reception in
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,

Go on Sale Thursday, August 22 at Noon EST

Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. announced today that they will host “A Celebration of Harry Potter”– a special event for fans of all ages that will celebrate all of Harry’s adventures, from the beloved books to the Warner Bros. feature films.

Beginning January 24, 2014, fans will enjoy three days of unforgettable experiences – including interactive Q&As with Harry Potter talent and more. Special event vacation packages will go on sale August 22 and will include exclusive benefits such as access to a private evening reception held in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Full vacation package details are below.

Guests will have the opportunity to:

Attend Q&A sessions with Harry Potter talent, filmmakers, and other special guests (talent attendees will be announced at a later date)
Revisit some of their favorite Harry Potter film moments during a film tribute with Harry Potter talent and filmmakers (talent attendees will be announced at a later date)
Learn the art of “duelling” at a wand masterclass that’s featured at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and hosted by Paul Harris – the choreographer who trained the cast of the Harry Potter films
And much more!

Guests will also have access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, where they can soar above Hogwarts on the thrilling attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, sip Butterbeer at the Hog’s Head pub, see a wand choose a wizard inOllivanders, explore iconic shops like Honeydukes, Zonko’s, and more.

While most of the activities for “A Celebration of Harry Potter” will be open to all Universal Orlando park guests and annual passholders, only guests who purchase the special event package will enjoy exclusive benefits and reserved seating for select events. Packages are extremely limited and go on sale at noon EST on Thursday, August 22. See below for full package details.

Packages for “A Celebration of Harry Potter” at Universal Orlando Resort

On Sale at Noon EST on August 22, 2013

On-Site Hotel Celebration Vacation Package ~ Starts at $675 per adult, tax inclusive

· 3-night accommodations at one of Universal Orlando’s award-winning on-site hotels – including complimentary Universal Express access to select rides and attractions· 3-day park-to-park ticket to both Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida· Access to the exclusive evening reception held in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

· Reserved seating for select events – including the Harry Potter film tribute, Q&A sessions and the wand masterclass

· Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and breakfast at the Three Broomsticks

Off-Site Hotel Celebration Vacation Package ~ Starts at $395 per adult, tax inclusive

· 3-night accommodations at a Universal Partner Hotel near Universal Orlando· 3-day park-to-park ticket to both Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida· Access to all celebration activities– including reserved seating for select events and access to the exclusive evening reception in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

· Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and breakfast at the Three Broomsticks

· Note: This package does not include complimentary Universal Express access

Access to select events within “A Celebration of Harry Potter” is included in regular admission to Universal Orlando or with an annual pass. For more information about the event, tickets and vacation packages, visit www.universalorlando.com/celebration.

Matisyahu At Hard Rock Live Orlando

This year Matisyahu returns to Orlando, and will be performing on September 17 at the Hard Rock Live Orlando.

Matisyahu puts on an amazing show that is perfect for teenagers, young adults, and all Matisyahu fans. The performance features a full band and highlights songs from Matisyahu’s new record Spark Seeker as well as some fan favorite songs like “One Day”, “King Without a Crown”, “Sunshine”, and “Jerusalem”.

The Hard Rock Live Orlando is located at Universal CityWalk, and is a really great place to see a concert and I love Matisyahu!!!

Tickets are still available, so what are you waiting for???

AMC’s The Walking Dead Returns to Halloween Horror Nights

AMC’s The Walking Dead to be resurrected at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort’s

Award-Winning Halloween Horror Nights events for second consecutive year!

Universal Halloween Horror Nights — Beginning September 20, AMC’s The Walking Dead will come to life at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights events with all-new terrifying mazes inspired by Season 3 of the critically-acclaimed, award-winning television series.

Season 3 of the Golden Globe-Nominated, Emmy-Award Winning series, ‘The Walking Dead,’

Sets the Stage for All-Original Horrifying Experiences on Both Coasts

Fans with a voracious appetite for AMC’s “The Walking Dead” will have a chance to walk in the footsteps of human survivors when Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort debut all new terrifying mazes inspired by Season 3 of the critically-acclaimed, award-winning television series at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights events beginning September 20.

The eerily authentic and disturbingly real maze experiences will place Halloween Horror Nights guests at the heart of the show’s once impenetrable prison, the West Georgia Correctional Facility, now overrun by hordes of flesh-eating walkers. The mazes at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando will send guests cowering through the walker-infested wilderness that surrounds the prison and into the seemingly utopian town of Woodbury where gruesome secrets are concealed.

Universal Orlando is also dedicating its entire Halloween Horror Nights street experience to “The Walking Dead” – making this the first time ever that all of the scare zones throughout the park will be themed after a hit television series. Guests brave enough to walk the streets of Universal Studios Florida will encounter iconic scenes from all three seasons of the hit show – including the perilous city of Atlanta and Hershel’s dismal barn – and fleets of blood-thirsty walkers who are hungry for their next victim…

The Golden Globe®-nominated, Emmy® Award-winning series “The Walking Dead” is based on the graphic novel written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics. The series tells the story of the months and years after a zombie apocalypse. It follows a group of survivors, led by sheriff Rick Grimes, who travel in search of a safe and secure home. “The Walking Dead” is the first original cable series ever to end the broadcast TV season as the number-one show for adults 18-49. AMC’s “The Walking Dead” returns for season 4 on Sunday, October 13 at 9pm ET/PT.

“What’s great about working with a property like ‘The Walking Dead’ is that each season presents new environments and characters for us to draw inspiration,” said John Murdy, Creative Director for Universal Studios Hollywood. “With the prison as the main setting of Season 3, we seized this opportunity to recreate that very environment, down to the last detail, to be as genuine and authentic to the show as possible. Using movie-quality production value, our goal is to make guests feel as if they are mired in the world of blood-thirsty zombies, which is something you can only do at Halloween Horror Nights”.

“The goal is always to surround guests with authentic and terrifying experiences,” said Michael Aiello, Creative Development Director for Universal Orlando’s Entertainment team. “The combination of ‘The Walking Dead’ themed street experiences and the haunted maze will make it difficult for our guests to escape the hordes of ravenous walkers they’ve seen on their television. The moment you pass through our gate, you become a survivor fighting for your life.”

Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights events have a more than 20-year history of creating incredibly entertaining, horrifying Halloween experiences that are consistently rated the nation’s best. The events on each coast feature highly-themed, disturbingly real, haunted mazes based on everything from films to nightmares — and streets filled with hundreds of specially trained “scareactors.”

For more information about Halloween Horror Nights at either Universal Orlando Resort or Universal Studios Hollywood, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

About Universal Orlando Resort
There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation, but there is only one place where vacation becomes adventure: Universal Orlando Resort. It is a unique destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It’s the only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained – you become part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. You can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, be transformed into a banana-loving minion in the hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D. Now open: TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D.

Universal Orlando Resort is an NBCUniversal company.

Wordless Wednesday – The Lost Continent

Wordless Wednesday – July 24, 2013

This week’s Wordless Wednesday takes us to one of my favorite places in Universal Islands of Adventure, The Lost Continent. I love this area because you really can’t go wrong with Poseidon’s Fury & Mythos!

Hard Rock Cafe Orlando Hosts Legendary Tweet-Up

Our adventures on Saturday June 15th took us to the very first Hard Rock Cafe Orlando’s “Social Media Rock Party”, exclusively for @Hardrockorlando ‘s Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook fans.

Guests were told to meet at the Hard Rock Cafe Orlando at 6:30, and despite all the rain that night, there was even a red carpet to welcome us on arrival!

We were guided upstairs to a private room just for us social media fans. As soon as we walked in we were greeted by the friendly staff and asked to sign in to receive our name badges. Looking around it was a great turn out, some familiar faces, and lots of new ones to meet and mingle with!

We were told to help ourselves to the food and soft drinks provided, which not only looked like a nice selection but was presented so uniquely too.

Being a vegetarian I was so pleased to see they had considered their guests’ different tastes, and offered plenty for non meat eaters also!

The food was delicious, and it was made even sweeter by their cupcakes for dessert! I personally highly recommend their tiramisu cupcake, had to resist to only eat one so as not to appear greedy!

The room we were seated in was full of rock memorabilia of all eras, so offered great talking points for the guests and fun items to see.

After a bit of mingling and, of course, a photo opportunity with their social media mascot Rocky Bearboa, we were introduced to some of our hosts for the evening.

One of which included the Hard Rock Cafe Orlando VIBE Host, which every Hard Rock Cafe has at least one, who really specializes in rock and roll and Hard Rock’s history.

We learnt so many interesting facts that we didn’t know before tonight, and guests who were able to answer trivia questions were rewarded with Hard Rock Swag bags!

Our night was really topped off when we found out that next we would be attending the show at Hard Rock Live to see Classic Albums Live Featuring Queen’s “A Night At The Opera”!

But before heading to our seats we were taken on a tour into the Lennon Room! This is a special room designed to replicate Lennon and Ono’s apartment in the Dakota, which one can only gain access to upon being taken to via a tour or by invite.

The room was largely white, but filled with memorabilia all around! One of my favorite pieces was the couch that John actually used to compose some of his songs on!

After touring this room, and getting to see the beautiful views from the patio, we were lead upstairs to our upper balcony VIP leather seats!

The show was amazing, and the second set featured many Queen classics from Bohemian Rhapsody, and Under Pressure, to We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions!

From our seats it was obvious to me that everyone was singing along with the words and dancing. They were even given a standing ovation at the end, best Freddie Mercury tribute singer I’ve had the pleasure to hear!

That night we left feeling like we were treated like true VIP rock royalty! We met some amazing new people, and got to see a side to Hard Rock Cafe that most don’t get the chance to.

But next time you are here, be sure to ask for a special tour if you’re early enough, and you too may get to see the famous Lennon Room!

If you have never eaten at a Hard Rock Cafe before, be sure to stop by, and if you have the pleasure of being served by @justmikeyhrc then you are indeed in for a treat! Not only is he a passionate music fan, but he was also the one responsible for putting together this wonderful event for us!

So thank you Mikey, the sponsors and the workers of the world’s largest Hard Rock Cafe Orlando! What a fantastic event, showing us that Orlando truly does ROCK!

TRANSFORMERS: The Ride–3D Technical Rehearsals

TRANSFORMERS: The Ride–3D is set to have it’s grand opening on June 20, 2013, but the attraction is currently in technical rehearsals right now meaning that it will not be scheduled to open and can be closed at any time.

The N.E.S.T. building is impressive, especially now that Optimus Prime adorns the entrance rooftop above the attraction entrance.

The wait when I got to the attraction was 90 minutes, and the single rider line was being used sparingly. On our ride we were directed to use the Express Pass queue line.

Right before it’s your time to protect the AllSpark, N.E.S.T. agents are debriefing guests about their ride vehicle, EVAC.

Once you’re inside of EVAC, the ride vehicle, you know that this is going to be a really great attraction.

The attraction is very similar in feel to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, because it uses the same ride vehicle and 3D glasses technology.

The graphics are well done and feel very real, like you are actually a part of the battle.

The story line and ride sequence of TRANSFORMERS: The Ride–3D are fun and intense!

Here is a closer look at EVAC, the newest transformer, is protecting the AllSpark from Megatron, so you are always being chased by him and the Decepticons. Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and other autobots help out you and EVAC along the way to help defeat the Decepticons.

TRANSFORMERS: The Ride–3D was really entertaining, and I cannot wait to ride it again! But since it is a new attraction, you will want to be prepared for a long wait especially if you are visiting before it officially opens.

Fast Food Boulevard Opens In Springfield at Universal Studios Florida

Universal Orlando recently debuted Fast Food Boulevard in Springfield, where the Simpson ride is located, in Universal Studios Florida. There is still more of Springfield to be completed later this summer, but be sure to check out this new area! It is a must-see for any Simpsons fan!

Colorful murals cover the walls in the main eating area of Fast Food Boulevard.

Within Fast Food Boulevard, you can find Krusty Burger, The Frying Dutchman, Luigi’s Pizza, and more. It is set up like a food court, and you can move about to decide what you would like to eat. A queue line and menus are available and will be in use during busier times.

The Krusty Burger comes with a 6 oz burger, secret sauce, lettuce, tomato, and cheddar cheese sauce all served on a specialty bun. It comes with ‘kurly’ fries and a pickle spear. You can also substitute fresh fruit or apple sauce for the fries for a slightly healthier option.

The ‘World Famous Lard Lad Donut’ can feed a group of friends. It is so good!

In addition to the outside entrance, you find that Moe’s Tavern also has an entrance off of the food court area. They have televisions playing a loop of scenes from The Simpsons that take place at Moe’s.

The best table in the room to sit at has to be the pool table!

You can even purchase a flaming Moe or Duff Beer , available in 3 varieties, in the food court, but it feels more authentic to order them in Moe’s Tavern!

The Flaming Moe is non-alcoholic, and is a must buy just to watch it smoke and bubble! It tastes similar to carbonated Orange Tang. Oh, and only Moe knows what makes it ‘flaming’.

I hope that you enjoyed this look at Fast Food Boulevard in Springfield, and we can’t wait for the rest of this area to open at Universal Studios Florida!

We’ll also be uploading even more pictures from Fast Food Boulevard to our Facebook Page, so be sure to swing by and check them out and ‘Like’ us!

Wordless Wednesday – Men In Black

Wordless Wednesday – June 5, 2013

Enter The World of Springfield Like Never Before This Summer At Universal Orlando Resort

Enter The World of Springfield Like Never Before At Universal Orlando Resort

This Summer

Woo Hoo! Springfield, hometown to America’s favorite animated family, The Simpsons, comes to life at Universal Orlando Resort this summer.

The expansive, new area within Universal Studios will be anchored by the mega-attraction, The Simpsons Ride, and will allow guests to enter the world of The Simpsons like never before. It will be the only place in the world where guests can walk the streets of Springfield. It will include a brand-new outdoor attraction, places and foods pulled right from the show and two new Simpsons characters who will make their debut with the new area – Krusty the Clown and Sideshow Bob.

And yes – there will be Duff Beer, brewed exclusively for Universal Orlando.

For the first time ever – anywhere – fans will be able to walk down Fast Food Boulevard and visit the places that helped Springfield stake its claim as “Shelbyville by the Sea.” They will be able to grab a Krusty-certified meat sandwich at Krusty Burger, snatch the catch of the day at the Frying Dutchman, get a slice at Luigi’s Pizza, go nuts for donuts at Lard Lad, enjoy a “Taco Fresho” with Bumblebee Man and imbibe at Moe’s Tavern.

The new attraction – called Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl – will take “foolish humans” on an intergalactic spin designed to send them into orbit.

“This will be a must-see experience for Simpsons fans all over the world,” said Mark Woodbury, President of Universal Creative. “For the first time ever, they’re going to be able to enter a world that they’ve only seen on television – and we’re really excited to bring that world to life.”

“This new expansion will broaden and deepen the already incredible experience at Universal, by bringing to life the iconic landmarks of Springfield that fans have grown to love,” said Jeffrey Godsick, President, Fox Consumer Products. “Fans will literally be able to live and breathe Springfield as they visit the statue of Jebediah, enjoy a Krusty Burger, and have a seat at Moe’s Tavern, which are just a few of the great experiences awaiting at Universal.”

“It has been an honor to bring the world of the Simpsons to life in such a letter-perfect way,” said Denise Sirkot, President, Worldwide Brand, Gracie Films. “Truly this is the Krustyest place on earth.”

For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com.

Universal Orlando Resort Harry Potter Expansion Announced Today

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES:
THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER – DIAGON ALLEY
IS COMING TO UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

‘London’ and Diagon Alley Will Come to Life at Universal Orlando in 2014

World’s First Centrally Themed, Multi-Park Experience

Building on the global phenomenon that is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Entertainment today announced an expansion of historic proportion with the entirely new themed environment, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

Scheduled to open in 2014, the world’s first centrally themed, multi-park experience expands The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across both Universal Orlando theme parks and allows Universal’s creative team to bring an unparalleled vision to this unique project. The new area will bring to life some of the experiences and places found in and around London in the Harry Potter books and films, offering brand-new adventures for fans and theme park guests from around the world.

Diagon Alley and ‘London’ will be located within the Universal Studios Florida theme park, which is adjacent to Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, where guests now experience Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. The new area within Universal Studios will be just as expansive, immersive and authentic as the existing themed environment.

And – just like in the books and films – guests will be able to travel between ‘London’ and Hogsmeade aboard the Hogwarts Express.

Work on the new area is already underway. When complete, it will feature shops, a restaurant and an innovative, marquee attraction based on Gringotts bank – all directly inspired by the fiction and films.

More details on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will be released over time.

To bring Diagon Alley and ‘London’ to life, Universal’s creative team is working closely with Warner Bros. and the production design team from the Harry Potter films – just as it did for Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.

“I’m so pleased that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has proved so popular to date, and I’m sure that the attention to detail in creating the new Diagon Alley area will make this an even better experience,” said J.K. Rowling.

“We are continuing the journey and adding an entirely new level of adventure,” said Tom Williams, Chairman of Universal Parks & Resorts. “And we are bringing the same drive, commitment, enthusiasm and innovation to this project as we did to the first.”

“We are thrilled to offer the legions of fans the opportunity to embark on this new journey and experience Diagon Alley as it was brought to life in the books and films,” said Brad Globe, president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

“Our vision is to create two amazing theme park experiences that combine into one, complete, magical journey,” said Alice Norsworthy, executive vice president, marketing and sales for Universal Orlando Resort.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade opened at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in June 2010 as a fully immersive Harry Potter themed environment – bringing to life the bestselling books by J.K. Rowling and the blockbuster feature films from Warner Bros. Since that time, it has become a global phenomenon, entertaining millions of people from around the world.

Visitors to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are swept into the adventures of Harry Potter. They can tour Hogwarts castle, shop in Hogsmeade and dine at the Three Broomsticks. They can soar above Hogwarts with Harry, be chosen by a wand at Ollivanders, sample Butterbeer and much more.

The Announcement of the Universal Orlando Resort Harry Potter Expansion from the Universal Orlando Resort Facebook Page:

Building on the global phenomenon that is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Entertainment today announced an expansion of historic proportion with the entirely new themed environment, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort Now Accepting Reservations

Universal Announces Room Rates, New Features for New 1,800 Room On-Site Hotel

Guests can now book reservations for Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, the new, 1800-room hotel at Universal Orlando Resort that will feature value-priced guest rooms and moderately priced family suites.

The hotel is scheduled to open in early 2014 – with reservations now being accepted for stays beginning on March 31, 2014.

The new hotel is the fourth hotel within Universal Orlando Resort and will evoke the classic, retro-feel of iconic beach resorts from the 1950s and 60’s. An area located around the North Courtyard will open first, followed later in 2014 by an area located around the South Courtyard. Each area will have a unique look and feel.

Families will have two options for experiencing the hotel – a value-priced standard guest room or a moderately priced, 430-square-foot family suite that sleeps six. From the moment they arrive, they will be surrounded by the hotel’s bold design, period colors, neon and retro feel. When complete, there will be two pool complexes with sand beach and interactive features, a themed lazy river experience and 10-lane bowling alley. Family suite rates will begin at $174 per-night; standard room rates will begin at $119 per-night. Package rates are available with savings based on length-of-stay; a family of four can stay for seven nights for $47 per person, per-day – including accommodations and tickets to both Universal Orlando theme parks.

“We believe Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort will offer an experience unlike any other in Central Florida,” said Alice Norsworthy, executive vice president of marketing and sales at Universal Orlando Resort. “And at the same time, it will create an entirely new, value-driven option for families that want to stay within the Universal Orlando Resort.”

As with all Resort hotels, guests at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort will be just a brief walk from Universal Orlando’s theme parks and Universal CityWalk. They will enjoy benefits that include Early Theme Park Admission, complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk, complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the resort to their hotel and resort-wide charging privileges with their room key. Guests can upgrade to one of Universal Orlando’s three deluxe hotels for additional benefits – including complimentary Universal Express Unlimited ride access. Those hotels are Loews Portofino Bay, the Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

Each of Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s Courtyards will have a unique design and atmosphere. They will share a highly themed, two-story arrival building that will also be home to a food court serving traditional American classics along with an ever-changing selection of international cuisine, a 10-lane “retro” bowling alley, a game room and a fitness center.

FAST FACTS
Book now.
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is accepting reservations.

Opening Dates: early 2014; reservations being accepted for stays beginning on March 31, 2014.
Style: Inspired by the iconic beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s, when the pool was the place to relax after the day’s road trip.
Rooms: 900 Guest Rooms and 900 Family Suites, each with colorful “retro” décor.
Pricing: Starting at $119 per night for guest rooms and $174 per night for family suites. Guests who stay longer will save more with discounts up to 25 percent off per night. Packages are available.
Unique Amenities: Highlights include a 10-lane, “retro” bowling alley; two main pools; and Universal Orlando’s first lazy river.
Dining: Food court serving American classics and international fare. The resort also offers light bites in the bowling alley and in the South Courtyard.
How to Book: Visit universalorlando.com or call 888-273-1311 .

North Courtyard (Reservations Being Accepted for Stays Beginning March 31, 2014)

First to open, the North Courtyard and its 600 family suites will be inspired by the sweeping motor courts of the 1950s and 60s. It will feature four-story buildings with open corridors and direct access to guest rooms. Each of the 600, 430-square-foot suites will sleep up to six and include a fold-out foam bed, kitchenette, a sliding partition for privacy, two flat-screen TVs, and an extra-large bathroom with preparation spaces for three people at once.

The suite buildings will surround a more than 10,000-square-foot, zero-entry pool with a 100-foot water slide, waterfall features and 4,000-square-foot interactive play area. Cabanas will be available to guests for rent, and lounge chairs will ring the deck, backed by zones for sunning, game playing, picnicking and relaxing on the grass.

South Courtyard (Opening Later in 2014)

The South Courtyard will also be inspired by the 50s and 60s, but with an entirely different feel. The South Courtyard will feature a colorful, tropical resort design with serpentine, seven-story towers flowing like waves around a massive pool and lazy-river complex.

A more than 8,000-square-foot, zero-entry pool with a 6,000-square-foot sand beach will offer plenty of entertainment options, including the first lazy river at Universal Orlando Resort, a 700-foot-long feature offering multiple interactive zones. In addition to 300 suites, the towers will feature 900 guest rooms that are each 300-square-feet and that sleep four and include two queen beds and mini-fridge.

Rates begin at $119 per night for guest rooms and $174 per night for Family Suites (guests who stay longer will save more, with discounts up to 25 percent off per night. Package rates are available with savings based on length-of-stay; a family of four can stay for seven nights for $47 per person, per-day – including accommodations and tickets to both Universal Orlando theme parks.

To book, visit universalorlando.com or call 1-888-273-1311 .

Coalition For The Homeless of Central Florida Hearts of Gold Concert Featuring 38 Special

Coalition For The Homeless of Central Florida

20th Anniversary Hearts of Gold
Presented by Bright House Networks

Featuring Southern Rock Classic 38 SPECIAL
MARCH 1, 2013
Hard Rock Live at Universal Orlando

The Coalition For the Homeless of Central Florida 20th Annual Hearts of Gold concert be Friday, March 1, 2013, at Hard Rock Live at Universal Orlando, and the concert will feature a performance by Southern Rock classic 38 Special!

WHEN: Friday, March 1, 2013
WHERE: Hard Rock Live at Universal Orlando
WHAT: Concert event benefiting Coalition for the Homeless. Includes:

:: 6 PM | All-Access VIP Reception
:: 6 PM | Special Reception
:: 7:30 PM | General Admission

Guests will not only enjoy a phenomenal concert, but may choose to attend either of our pre-event receptions or take advantage of an enticing silent auction.

The elite All-Access VIP Reception in Hard Rock Live’s Lennon Room includes an exclusive meet n’ greet with the band, complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres, premium concert seating, and early access to the silent auction.

The Special Reception includes complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres, premium concert seating, and early access to the silent auction.

Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida Exclusive.

Sale. One-Time Offer. Special.

In a word, you don’t want to miss this: Two (2) Special Reception tickets to the 20th Annual Hearts of Gold featuring Southern Rock classic, 38 Special, for just $138. It’s the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. Show someone special you have a heart of gold — your ticket purchase will literally transform lives. Special Reception guests will enjoy early access to the Silent Auction, complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres until 7:30 PM, and great seats for the concert.

The Special Reception: 6:00 PM, Concert: 8:00 PM

Tickets to this Special Reception will not be available at any other time. Offer ends 2/14/13 at 5:00 PM (or while supplies last).

After 2/14/13 you can still get concert tickets or upgrade to All-Access VIP Passes for an incredible red-carpet experience including a meet ‘n greet with the band and complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres.

Hearts of Gold is their largest fundraising event of the year. Your ticket will literally change someone’s life.

Additional details about the concert can be found at Coalition For The Homeless Central Florida website.

Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras 2013 Overview: Music, Food, And Fun

Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras Overview: Music, Food, And Fun

Mardi Gras Brings 14 Nights of Electrifying Live Concerts – Including Demi Lovato, Phillip Phillipsand Pitbull – a Dazzling Parade, Cajun Cuisine and Tons of Beads

Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras 2013 is coming up soon, and I couldn’t be more excited!!!

Last year I was lucky enough to spend almost two weeks in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, and Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras does not disappoint!

On select nights Feb. 9 through April 20, guests will let the good times roll as they experience an authentic, family-friendly version of the Mardi Gras bash at Universal Studios Florida. The event couples unparalleled theme park entertainment with a dazzling parade, authentic New Orleans musicians, mouth-watering Cajun cuisine, tons of glittering Mardi Gras beads and live concerts by high-profile artists.

Before enjoying the live concerts, guests can dance along with dozens of energetic street performers and collect beads by the handful as the Mardi Gras parade winds through Universal Studios.

This year’s parade celebrates “Colorful Cultures Around the World,” featuring all-new float additions inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead, Chinese New Year and Elegance of India. The parade’s elaborate, hand-crafted floats are built by Blaine Kern Artists – the same company that designs floats for the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans.

But let’s get to the real reason you’re here…the Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras Concert Lineup!!!

This year’s talent lineup features an incredible variety of music, ranging from Americana rock to soulful R&B to upbeat pop to Latin rhythms. Guests can return night after night to hear their favorite performers, including internationally-renowned rapper Pitbull – whose number-one single, “Give Me Everything,” was named “Top Radio Song” in the 2012 Billboard Music Awards; 2012 People’s Choice Award-winner Demi Lovato for “Favorite Pop Artist;” season 11 winner of “American Idol,” Phillip Phillips whose hit song, “Home,” was certified double-platinum; chart-topping country duo Montgomery Gentry, with top hits like “If You Ever Stop Loving Me” and “Back When I Knew It All;” teen heartthrob Austin Mahone; and alternative rock band Matchbox Twenty, whose latest studio album, “North,” debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Below you will find the current line-up of artists that will be performing during these 14 nights of Mardi Gras fun at the Universal Orlando Resort. While the Headliners are always a really good time, you should definitely head over the French Quarter area to check out these local New Orleans bands perform Blues, Jazz and Zydeco music!

2013 MARDI GRAS TALENT LINE-UP
Mardi Gras Event Dates	Headliners (performing in the Music Plaza)	New Orleans Bands (performing in the French Quarter)
Saturday, February 9	Lifehouse	John Lisi & Delta Funk!
Saturday, February 16	Steve Miller Band	The Dirty Bourbon River Show
Sunday, February 17	Boys Like Girls	The Dirty Bourbon River Show
Saturday, February 23	Trey Songz	Colin Lake
Saturday, March 2	Demi Lovato	Beth McKee
Saturday, March 9	Montgomery Gentry	Gravy
Friday, March 15	Sean Kingston	Lil Brian and the Zydeco Travelers
Saturday, March 16	Matchbox Twenty	Lil Brian and the Zydeco Travelers
Friday, March 22	Austin Mahone	The Soul Project NOLA
Saturday, March 23	Phillip Phillips	The Soul Project NOLA
Saturday, March 30	Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo	Big Al & the Heavyweights
Saturday, April 6	TBD	Mississippi Rail Company
Saturday, April 13	Pitbull	The Rockin’ Jake Band
Saturday, April 20	TBD	Daddy Mack Blues Band

The French Quarter Courtyard at Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras is one of my favorite places to spend time during the celebration! This area is one huge party, where you can enjoy the soulful sounds of amazing music, authentic Cajun cuisine, including jambalaya, gumbo, beignets and more, and partake in some adult beverages just for the Mardi Gras Celebration. We spent a lot of time in this area last year, and I can’t wait to go back again!!!

The excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras is included with admission to Universal Studios, and we will definitely be posting more about Mardi Gras and attending a lot of these celebrations!

For more information about Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.