Universal Orlando Goes A Little Bit Country As Music Star Josh Turner Takes The Stage At The Summer Concert Series

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO GOES A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY AS MUSIC STAR JOSH TURNER

TAKES THE STAGE AT THE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

 

Summer Concert Series Runs Every Saturday Night Through July 14

Universal Orlando’s Summer Concert Series continues this weekend as country music star Josh Turner performs live at Universal Studios Florida.

Turner burst onto the country music scene in 2003 with his debut album, “Long Black Train.”  The album’s single, “Long Black Train,” spent more than 40 weeks on the Billboard country charts. In 2006, Turner was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry, making him the second youngest country singer to date ever to be inducted.  Turner’s most notable hits include “Your Man,” “Would You Go With Me,” and “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” which was the most played song on country radio in 2010 and earned him an American Country Award for “Singer of the Year – Male.”  Turner’s fifth studio album, “Punching Bag,” was released this month.

Universal Orlando’s Summer Concert Series is included in admission to Universal Studios and gives guests the opportunity to add a major concert to a day of theme park thrills.  This year’s star- lineup features top-name talent that will appeal to fans of every music genre.  The full list of upcoming acts is below.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2012 LINEUP

Date

Headliner

June 23 Josh Turner
June 30 Al Green
July 7 Lupe Fiasco
July 14

Miranda Cosgrove

Guests can also experience Universal Studios’ brand-new entertainment experiences – Universal’s Superstar Parade and Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories.   Before the concert, Universal’s Superstar Parade will roll through the streets and transform into a theme-park-wide performance stage as today’s most beloved stories and characters bring new adventure and excitement to guests.  After the concert, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – a nighttime show that takes guests on a journey filled with powerful movie moments – will unfold across the park’s central lagoon.

 

For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem To Officially Open On July 2!

From Universal Studios Orlando

 

ASSEMBLE THE MINIONS!

 

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT’S NEW BLOCKBUSTER RIDE,

DESPICABLE ME MINION MAYHEM, TO OFFICIALLY OPEN ON JULY 2

 

All-New 3-D Ride Will Take Guests on a Hilarious and Heartwarming Adventure with their Favorite Characters from the Worldwide Hit Film – Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes and

an Army of Mischievous Minions

 

Orlando, Fla. (June 13, 2012) – Minion recruits: mark your calendars!  Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, one of the most anticipated theme park attractions of 2012, will officially open at Universal Orlando Resort on July 2.

This brand-new ride combines the outrageous humor and memorable characters of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s blockbuster filmDespicable Me, with an all-new storyline, incredible new animation and the latest 3-D technology to create a wildly hysterical theme park experience.

Families will watch in amazement as they are transformed into minions, laugh together as they train to join Gru’s minion army and boogie down during the world’s-first minion-inspired dance party.  Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is hilarious and heartwarming fun for the entire family.

 

The ride begins when guests enter Gru, Margo, Edith and Agnes’ home and learn they are being recruited to become minions.  After picking up 3-D “minion goggles” in the living room and being scanned for “human germs” in the Minionization Prep Room, guests board Minion Transformation Pods to begin their training.  Things don’t go as planned and guests find themselves on an unforgettable adventure through Gru’s lab that’s filled with laughter, chaos and tons of minions.

The ride experience is capped off with an exciting dance party where guests can show off their best moves with the minions.  With a sparkling disco ball hanging overhead, the interactive celebration features large projection screens so that guests can see themselves partying with the minions to the legendary disco tune “Boogie Fever.”

Although Despicable Me Minion Mayhem officially opens on July 2, the attraction is now in technical rehearsal, meaning park guests may have the opportunity to experience the ride as a work in progress while Universal puts the finishing touches on the experience.  Leading up to the grand opening, the attraction will run select days and times.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is located in Universal Studios Florida.  For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular

A few weeks ago, Universal Studios Orlando debuted a new nighttime show in celebration of 100 years of movies from Universal Studios.  This is one of the many new attractions that is part of Univeral’s “Year to Be Here” that are debuting in Orlando.

The new show is called Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular.  Spectacular is the right description for it.  Universal showcases several of its classic movies by featuring clips in segments of the show.  The segments vary from 100 Years of Heros to 100 Years of Horror to 100 Years of Laughter.  Some of the movies featured include such favorites as Back to the Future, Psycho, The Mummy, American Pie, and Gladiator.

The show is narrated by Morgan Freeman.  It has three water screens in the Universal Studios lagoon where the movie clips are projected.  The screens can be seen from multiple locations along the lagoon, with the most popular location being the decks near Mel’s Drive In.  In addition to the water screens, the show has water fountains, water fan screens and colorful lights between the larger water sceens.  To top it off the show includes fireworks to enhance the films and featured moments.

I was able to see the show at a preview in April and returned to see it during the opening week.  During the preview it appeared that they were testing the water screens that the movies are projected onto, however, once the attraction officially opened the preshow was full of surprises on the water screen.  I highly recommend getting there early enough to see these surprises.

A few viewing tips…

– find your spot at least a half hour before the show.  While both times that I’ve seen the show the crowds were low, I have no idea how the larger summer crowds will affect your ability to get a good view of the show.

– on windy nights, be aware of which way the wind is blowing.  The lagoon is narrow and you are close to the screens, water fountains and water fans and on windy days you will get wet.  The lagoon is surrounded by signs indicating the “splash zones.”

– be sure to have a view of the sky.  Don’t forget that the show includes fireworks around the lagoon!

If you’re not able to get to Universal soon, here is a video I took during the preview night.  I hope you enjoy the show!

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Rock the Universe at Universal Orlando Resort

From the Desk of Universal Orlando:

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT’S ROCK THE UNIVERSE 2012 TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Experience All the Action of Florida’s Biggest Christian Music
Festival with the Rock Your Weekend Ticket

ORLANDO, Fla. (May 22, 2012) – Tickets are now available for Rock the Universe 2012 – Florida’s biggest Christian music festival – happening Sept. 7 and 8 at Universal Orlando Resort.

Guests can rock out the entire weekend with the “Rock Your Weekend” ticket, which includes admission to both nights of the event and three days admission to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This ticket will only be available through Aug. 31, 2012 and will not be sold at the park entrance.

 

This year’s line-up features some of the most popular names in Christian rock. More than a dozen hit bands will take the stage, including Skillet – awarded a Billboard Music Award for “Top Christian Album” in 2011; four-time Grammy-nominated band Newsboys; rock group Switchfoot, which has sold millions of albums worldwide; and three-time Dove award winner Jeremy Camp. The full line-up is below.
Guests will also enjoy an exciting Fan Zone presented by Coca-Cola including live music by Everfound, Group 1 Crew, Jason Castro and We As Human, autograph sessions with the bands, karaoke and band merchandise. Guests will also experience a Saturday night candle lighting service featuring Tenth Avenue North.

Plus, guests will enjoy the thrilling attractions only found at Universal Studios Florida. They can rock out to their favorite Christian artists at 65 mph on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, laugh along with America’s favorite animated family on The Simpsons Ride and speed through the darkness on the world’s first psychological thrill ride – Revenge of the Mummy.

For more details about Rock the Universe 2012, visit www.RocktheUniverse.com or call 1-866-RTU-INFO (1-866-788-4636).

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, battle aliens alongside Agent J, and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D. Coming this summer: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

 

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Islands Of Adventure Internet Cafe

While my Husband James and I were visiting Universal Orlando Resort a few weeks ago, we noticed a hidden gem over at Islands of Adventure.

Now a days, EVERYONE has a smart phone. They use it for keeping in touch with the world via Twitter or Facebook or Instagram or to stay in contact with work and with family. It is unheard of to walk through a Central Florida theme park and NOT see someone in a family, if not everyone with a phone or camera in their hand. But what happens when that phone dies? Or you have used up all your space on your memory card or you need to send an important email while you are in the parks?

Well, Islands of Adventure has taken care of that with their own Internet Cafe called…

Wossamotta U.

Wossamotta U is the perfect place to charge your phone, add some pictures to your blog while at the park, email the boss an important email, or even let grandma skype with you after you ride Dudley Do-Right and all of you are soaking wet!

Lets take a look around the store!

They offer computers with timed visits for the Internet use, but you can leave your phone or camera in there to charge as long as you need it with no charge. We saw a family who had brought their own power strip and had been sitting in the park on a bench, plugged into an outlet charging 7 different things and they were missing out on all the fun things to do! If you drop them off here, then you can go enjoy a few rides, come back in an hour, and you will have fully charged up devices! We have all been there, dead phone, dead camera batteries, and dead video camera. This is such a wonderful addition to the park! Drop off your devices, get a ticket, ride a few rides in the area, have some lunch, come back, and you are ready to enjoy the rest of your day!

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Universal’s Superstar Parade & Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years Of Movie Memories Now Officially Open At Universal Orlando Resort

*** We will be visiting Universal Orlando later this week to experience Universal’s Superstar Parade and Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories, so please follow us on twitter for live tweets @onthegoinmco and then check back for more pictures & personal reviews!!! ***

Universal’s Superstar Parade and Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories officially opens today at Universal Orlando Resort – bringing two brand-new kinds of entertainment experiences to Universal’s guests.

The new experiences are the latest in Universal Orlando’s “Year to be Here” – during which Universal is creating more new entertainment experiences across its entire destination than any other year in its history.  The year began with a newly enhanced Blue Man Group Show at Universal CityWalk, continued with the high-tech re-launch of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and will continue with the launch of the new Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction at Universal Studios Florida this summer.

Universal’s Superstar Parade brings an entirely new form of entertainment to Universal Studios that combines wildly creative floats with hundreds of performers to create whole new levels of fun and excitement. Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories is a nighttime show that unfolds across Universal Studios’ central lagoon, taking guests on a journey filled with powerful movie moments – stirring both emotion and imagination.

“We are creating special moments for the entire family,” said Jim Timon, Senior Vice President of Entertainment for Universal Orlando Resort.  “You can laugh and dance with your children and their favorite characters and then be completely moved as you watch the most powerful tribute to film you could imagine – all in the same day.”

 

Universal’s Superstar Parade

The streets of Universal Studios will transform into a theme-park-wide performance stage as today’s most beloved stories and characters bring new adventure and excitement to guests everywhere.  Universal’s Superstar Parade is one of the largest entertainment experiences the theme park has ever created and will make its way through the streets of Universal Studios every day.  It will feature elaborately themed floats that tower above guests, hundreds of energetic street performers and spectacular music and dance performances.  Unforgettable moments include Gru, his daughters and Vector from the blockbuster animated adventure Despicable Me dancing to “Boogie Fever,” Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob arriving in his pineapple home from under the sea with his friends from Bikini Bottom, E.B. from the hit comedy Hop playing the drums and acrobatic performances by characters from Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!Throughout the day, guests will be able to sing and dance with their favorite characters from the parade during special performances at select locations.

 

Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories

The new show is a tribute to Universal’s 100 years of film-making history, highlighting some of the most fun, dramatic, awe-inspiring moments from Universal Pictures’ most iconic films. These moments are shown in crystal-clear clarity on huge waterfall screens within the Universal Studios Lagoon, surrounded by colorful fountains and pyrotechnics, all against an incredible musical score and a powerful narration by Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman. The show will take guests on a journey of epic cinematic moments filled with heroes, horror, laughter, good versus evil and triumph – all against a backdrop of light, sound and special effects.

Everyone can remember powerful film moments such as Elliott and E.T. riding across the moon in E.T: The Extra Terrestrial, the heroic struggle of the crew from Apollo 13 or the terror of watching the famed shower scene in Psycho. Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular captures these moments – and so many more.  Other iconic films featured in the show include American PieThe Bourne UltimatumJurassic ParkScent of a WomanThe MummyTo Kill a Mockingbird and The Fast and the Furious.

Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories and Universal’s Superstar Parade will run year-round except during annual and special events. For more information about both experiences, visit www.universalorlando.com.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Universal Orlando Resort Offers New Themed Dining This Spring

Universal Orlando Resort is offering incredible value this spring and summer, plus special, new dining experiences that will give guests and their families moments and memories to last a lifetime.

The vacation package and the new dining program come just in time for guests to experience all of the new entertainment coming to Universal Orlando in 2012.  For example, starting May 8 guests can enjoy two all-new entertainment experiences at Universal Studios Florida: Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories and Universal’s Superstar Parade.

Visit Universal Orlando This Summer!

Explore all of the exhilarating rides and attractions in both Universal Orlando theme parks with a vacation package starting at $899 per family of four, tax inclusive.  The package includes:

  • Four night accommodations at a nearby Universal Partner Hotel
  • 3-Day Base Ticket to both Universal Orlando theme parks
  • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and, for a limited time, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man (valid for travel through June 30)
  • Breakfast at Three Broomsticks inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – one per person
  • Access to live entertainment at Universal CityWalk
  • Free scheduled transportation between the hotel and Universal Orlando Resort

 

All-New Dining Program at Universal Studios Florida

Guests can add two new, extraordinary dining options to their vacation package – each designed to create memorable experiences for the entire family from day to night.

Universal’s Superstar Character Breakfast starts with a breakfast experience filled with smiles, laughter and long-lasting memories. Children of all ages will be joined by some very special friends: the stars from the new Universal’s Superstar Parade. Guests will be able to share special moments with their favorite characters, such as creating mayhem with the minions from the blockbuster animated adventureDespicable Me, posing for a photo with Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and getting a coveted autograph from Dora & Diego.  Later that day, guests will feel like celebrities as they get special VIP viewing access to enjoy Universal’s Superstar Parade – an all-new entertainment experience that features larger-than-life floats, state-of-the-art technology, hundreds of energetic street performers along with some of today’s most beloved animated characters.

To cap off the evening, Universal’s Cinematic Dining Experience offers a unique way to enjoy Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular.  Guests will start off the night with a delicious meal at Lombard’s Seafood Grille, located along the picturesque Universal Studios lagoon.  Later that evening, guests will enjoy dessert in an exclusive area at the restaurant’s waterfront boardwalk, where the entire family will share a spectacular view of Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular, featuring some of the best, most inspiring, emotion-filled moments in film history.  The new show is a tribute to Universal’s 100 years of film-making history.  It will highlight some of the most fun, dramatic, awe-inspiring moments from Universal Picture’s most iconic films – shown in crystal-clear clarity on huge waterfall screens within the Universal Studios lagoon.  The show will take guests on a journey of epic cinematic moments filled with heroes, horror, laughter, good versus evil and triumph – all against a backdrop of light, sound and special effects.  

Universal’s Superstar Character Breakfast will be available for guests to experience starting on June 15, for $26.99 per adult and $10.99 per child; Universal’s Cinematic Dining Experience begins on June 1 and is available for $44.99 per adult and $12.99 per child. Guests can add both of these amazing experiences to any Universal Orlando vacation package starting today.

Universal’s Superstar Parade and Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular are part of the new entertainment experiences debuting during the “Year to Be Here” at Universal Orlando.  Earlier this year, in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man attraction re-launched with all-new 4K high definition animation, a new music score and new high-tech 3-D glasses.  In addition, the Blue Man Group show in Universal CityWalk has taken its unique and captivating brand of live entertainment to another level, with a new show environment, new music, new technology and new experiences.

For more information about Universal Orlando Resort’s vacation packages and the new dining program, visit www.universalorlando.com.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Universal Sets May 8th As Opening For New Entertainment Experiences

In the following press release, Universal Orlando has set a joint grand opening date for two new spectacularly entertaining guest experiences.

The new Universal’s Superstar Parade and Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories will have their grand opening on May 8, 2012.

Both experiences follow this year’s re-opening of The Blue Man Group Show, the re-launch of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and the opening of the new Hollywood Drive-In Miniature Golf experience at Universal Citywalk.  They will be followed by this summer’s launch of Universal Orlando’s newest blockbuster ride – Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories will present some of the world’s best and most popular films in an innovative, high-tech symphony of imagery, light, sound and special effects.  The show highlights some of the most fun, dramatic, awe-inspiring moments from nearly 200 films – representing approximately 300 Academy Award nominations and 100 Academy Award winners.

Narrated by Academy Award-winning actor and Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille honoree Morgan Freeman, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular celebrates Universal Pictures’ most iconic films. Their most powerful moments will be shown in crystal-clear clarity on cutting-edge waterfall screens within the Universal Studios lagoon — surrounded by colorful, dramatically synchronized fountains and pyrotechnics and all against a powerful musical score.  The experience will take guests on an emotional journey through epic cinematic moments filled with heroes, horror, laughter, good vs. evil and triumph. The new show will run year-round except during annual and special events.

Universal’s Superstar Parade will offer an entirely new form of interactive entertainment that will give guests and entire families the opportunity to join in the fun.  Some of today’s most beloved characters and stories will bring new adventure to the streets of Universal Studios during the parade, an all-new show experience that features larger-than-life floats, state-of-the-art technology and hundreds of energetic street performers. Guests will get to sing and dance along with their favorite characters including the minions from the blockbuster animated feature Despicable Me, E.B. from the hit comedy, Hop, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora & Diego. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy performances and character meet-and-greets prior to the parade at select locations throughout the day.

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram