Universal Orlando Archives - On the Go in MCO

On the Go in the Parks: May 22-25, 2020

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!!!!

It’s been a crazy busy week for theme park fans!!!

The opening announcements, including the Universal Orlando Resort and LEGOLAND Florida Resort, have been flying in so let’s get to it!!!

What’s New This Weekend On the Go in the Parks

Madame Tussaud’s Orlando

ICON Park Orlando

Wednesday – Sunday: 11am – 6pm

Monday: 11am – 6pm

Tips for Staying Cool in the Theme Parks Tips for Beating the heat in the Theme Parks ICON Park Play Pass

SEALIFE Orlando

ICON Park Orlando

Wednesday – Sunday: 11am – 6pm

Monday: 11am – 6pm

As part of the reopening, SEA LIFE Orlando and Madame Tussauds Orlando will honor the tireless work of local medical professionals by providing complimentary tickets to healthcare heroes.

For every guest who shares a photo of their visit and tags the attraction in a social media post during their visit, SEA LIFE Orlando and Madame Tussauds Orlando will donate one ticket to a local healthcare worker from a health care partner to be announced soon.

Starflyer Orlando

ICON Park

Saturday: 2pm – 10pm

The times for operation vary per day, so make sure to check out their website before you go!

Gatorland Orlando

14501 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837

Saturday: 10am

Just make sure you stay on the lookout for their Social Distancing Skunk Ape!!!

Fun Spot America reopening On the GO in the Parks

Fun Spot Orlando

5700 Fun Spot Way, Orlando FL 32819

Friday: 2pm – 10pm

Saturday and Beyond: Noon – 10pm

Officials said masks are not required but encouraged.

Island H20 Live reopening On the GO in the Parks

Island H2O

Sunset Walk

Saturday thru Monday: 10am – 5pm

Fun to Experience as You’re On the Go in the Parks

Disney Springs

Daily, 10am – 10pm

It was really great to have a portion of the Walt Disney World Resort open again for guests, and even better that I had the opportunity to visit!!!

If you are going to make your way to Disney Springs, make sure that you bring your mask, make any dining reservations you would like in advance online, and take the time to be patient as Cast Members are still getting used to new cleaning procedures.

Universal Orlando’s CityWalk

Daily, 4pm – 10pm

Universal Orlando Resort CityWalk Reopening

It was so great to once again see people roaming CityWalk, but I will caution you that I expect the area to be busy this weekend so there a few things you can do to cut down on your waits!

Download the Official Universal Orlando Resort App – Cashless

Plan to arrive early: They are limiting the number of guests they are allowing in the CityWalk area, and there can be a back up at the parking plaza as self-parking is free

Be prepared – Have that mask on and ready as you approach the temperature check

Be patient – Mind those 6ft social distancing markers on the ground, relax, and make sure to enjoy your time once again at Universal’s CityWalk!!!

CityWalk at the Universal Orlando Resort is open daily from 4-10 pm, but please remember that the theme parks and resorts are still currently closed.

Summer 2019 In Central Florida’s Theme Parks

This summer the theme parks of Central Florida are debuting new offerings, and we are breaking them all down for you!

Walt Disney World Resort

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

For over two years “Rivers of Light” has filled the Discovery River Amphitheater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom nightly with stunning imagery and mystical music, and this summer a new, enhanced version of the show called “Rivers of Light: We are One” brings a distinctively Disney twist to the nighttime pageant.

The new chapter introduces new imagery featuring familiar animal characters from Disneynature films and classic moments from Disney animation with familiar Disney themes mixed into the original score.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is celebrating its 30th Anniversary, and while Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open later in the summer a new nighttime projection show has already debuted at the park.

The “Wonderful World of Animation” transforms the facade of the Chinese Theatre nightly into a tribute to animation with sequences from beloved films like “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Incredibles,” “Coco”, and many more.

Epcot

At the end of the summer after nearly 20 years, “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” will be ending its nightly run on Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon.

The show which filled the park with with energetic music, fireworks, special effects, lasers, and so much more will make way for the debut of the “Epcot Forever” limited-time spectacle on October 1, 2019.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

H2O Glow Nights are back at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon on select nights until August 24th, bringing an electric celebration inspired by the Toy Story Toon, “Partysaurus Rex” to the water park for a second summer.

This after-hours special ticketed event boasts shorter wait times for popular water attractions, special entertainment, character meet-and-greets, exclusive food and beverage offerings, and so much more!

SeaWorld Orlando

At SeaWorld Orlando, when the sun goes down the night comes to life as Electric Ocean brings an exotic world of light and music filled with glowing sea creatures, DJ entertainment, special shows, and a spectacular display of fireworks to the park on select nights until September 1, 2019.

The Electric Ocean celebrations are included with your admission to SeaWorld Orlando.

Universal Orlando Resort

This summer an epic new addition is coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure will be the first-of-its-kind ‘Story Coaster’ that will take guests into the Forbidden Forest, far beyond the grounds of Hogwarts castle, on an adventure past towering trees, magical creatures, and impossible obstacles bringing riders close to some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures.

LEGOLAND Florida

The LEGOLAND Florida Resort is celebrating the summer with six weekends of Awe-Summer Events that are bigger and better than ever before!

Joining fan favorite events Red, White & Boom and Fire Safety weekend, THE LEGOMOVIE DAYS will offer guests a special theater-to-theme park experience filled with THE LEGO MOVIE characters, special activities, and more!

All of these Awe-Summer Events are included with theme park admission and select annual passes.

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY

Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay heat up when the sun goes down, including extended hours every night through August 11 and fireworks each Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Music, entertainment, special event food, and more to create a vibrant nightlife atmosphere surrounding Florida’s best thrill rides. In addition to fan-favorite coasters, thrill seekers can now take on Tigris, Florida’s tallest launch coaster, in an exciting new way after dark. The triple-launch coaster takes thrills to new heights as riders face a 150’ upward surge, dramatic heartline roll and top speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour through the night sky.

Make sure you follow along on our summer shenanigans on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!

Universal Orlando Resort – 2014 Mardi Gras

Universal Orlando Resort Unveils 2014 Mardi Gras Celebration Details and Line-Up

This Year’s Mardi Gras Celebration Delivers More Excitement Than Ever Before With an Extended Concert Series Featuring Robin Thicke, Nelly, The Wanted and More

First things first, I absolutely adore Mardi Gras at the Universal Orlando Resort!!! It is by far one of my favorite things to attend in Orlando!!!

On select nights February 8 through May 31, the Universal Orlando Resort comes alive with a Mardi Gras celebration featuring 20 nights of AMAZING concerts from popular stars and New Orleans bands, great food that takes you to the heart of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, a parade full of fun floats and bead throwing, and a party atmosphere that is fun for the whole family! It is also one of my husband and date night!

The best part??? All of these are included in your admission to Universal Studios Florida!!!

There are so many great things to experience at Universal Studios Mardi Gras, but the concerts this year are AMAZING!!!!

This year’s powerhouse musical lineup features a diverse array of talent, from R&B superstar Robin Thicke, whose hit single “Blurred Lines” topped the Billboard chart for a near-record 12 weeks, to UK pop sensation The Wanted, who has sold nearly 10 million albums worldwide, to Latin idol Prince Royce, who reached number one on the U.S. Hot Latin Songs chart with “Corazón Sin Cara.” Also performing is rock band Daughtry, Grammy award-winning Hip Hop artist Nelly, and the classic rock group Foreigner, one of the best-selling bands of all time.

2014 Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras Talent Line-Up
Mardi Gras Event Dates	Headliners (performing in the Music Plaza)	New Orleans Bands (performing in the French Quarter)
February 8	Daughtry	Remedy Krewe
February 15	Barenaked Ladies	Soul Project
February 16	Thomas Rhett	Soul Project
February 22	Robin Thicke	Rockin Jake
March 1	Collective Soul	Big Al and The Heavyweights
March 8	Prince Royce	Daddy Mac Blues Band
March 14	Cody Simpson	Mississippi Rail Company
March 15	Foreigner	Mississippi Rail Company
March 21	TBD	The Big Easy Playboys
March 22	Gavin DeGraw	The Big Easy Playboys
March 28	TBD	Dirty Bourbon River Show
March 29	TBD	Dirty Bourbon River Show
April 5	Skillet	John Lisi and Delt Funk
April 12	Lynyrd Skynyrd	Beth McKee & The Sliders
April 19	Kool & the Gang	Gravy
May 3	Nelly	Chris O’Leary
May 10	The Wanted	T Bird & The Breaks
May 17	TBD	Grady Champion
May 24	TBD	Cha Wa
May 31	TBD	Naughty Professor

Guests can also catch colorful beads by the handful during this year’s parade, which will feature 12 vibrant floats, including three new additions celebrating Jules Verne’s novel, “Around the World in Eighty Days.” All of the exquisitely detailed Mardi Gras floats are engineered by Blaine Kern Artists, the same company that has been hand-crafting floats for the iconic New Orleans celebration since 1947.

In addition to all that, at Universal Studios Mardi Gras you can visit a vibrant French Quarter Courtyard for delicious and authentic Cajun cuisine, street performers, and bands pulled straight from Bourbon Street performing.

And when you are ready, you can keep the Mardi Gras party going at Universal CityWalk at their great bars and entertainment venues!!!

Florida residents have some pretty amazing special offer that they can take advantage of during Mardi Gras at the Universal Orlando Resort!

In addition to amazing deals on theme park Annual Passes, there are great deals on the three on-site hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and a fourth on-site hotel, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, opening March 31, 2014.

2014 Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras Florida Resident Offers

Up to 3 months FREE on any Annual Pass

For a limited time, get up to 3 months free on any Annual Pass:

Power Pass – $174.99 (plus tax)
Preferred Pass – $244.99 (plus tax)
Premier Pass – $369.99 (plus tax)
Offer is also available on FlexPay, Universal Orlando’s monthly payment option
Must be purchased and activated by April 30, 2014 with a Coca-Cola UPC code or promo code on specially-marked cups at participating Wendy’s.
Visit UniversalOrlando.com for full details and to learn about the benefits of each annual pass

Florida Resident Getaway

2-night accommodations at a nearby Universal Partner Hotel
Florida Resident 2-day base ticket to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme park opens
Complimentary scheduled transportation between hotel and Universal Orlando Resort
And more!
Starts at only $105 per adult, per night, tax inclusive
Upgrade to one of three deluxe on-site hotels at Universal Orlando Resort and stay in the heart of the party! Plus, receive complimentary Universal Express Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines in both theme parks (a FREE benefit worth up to $89 per person, per day)

Guests can also take advantage of this current special offer:

SAVE & Play Vacation Package
*SAVE up to $500 with an On-Site Vacation Package**	Deluxe On-site Hotel Accommodations at one of three AAA Four Diamond Award on-site hotels Theme Park Admission Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme park opens Complimentary on-site transportation via water taxi or shuttle bus to both theme parks and Universal CityWalk Receive complimentary Universal Express Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines in both theme parks (a FREE benefit worth up to $89 per person, per day) Book by March 31 and use promotion code UNIPLAY at time of purchase to save! Valid for travel January 1 – May 22, 2014

* Restrictions may apply. Visit http://www.universalorlando.com for additional vacation package details.

I know that I will be at Mardi Gras several nights, and I hope to see you there!!!

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

About Universal Orlando Resort
Vacation like you mean it at Universal Orlando Resort – where every heart-pounding, jaw-dropping, goose-bumping second counts. With two incredible theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex, Universal Orlando is the only place where you can turn spending time with your family into spending timeas 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.
Universal Orlando Resort is part of NBCUniversal, a Comcast company. Follow Universal Orlando Resort on Facebook, Twitter, Instagramand YouTube.Follow us for more updates:

Pick Six: Universal Orlando CityWalk Announcements

While I am still putting together a lot of my final ideas for a larger post on icFlorida about yesterday’s Universal Orlando CityWalk Announcements (You can find the Press Release here), I wanted to take a moment to look at my initial reactions to what we were shown.

1. Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

I had a lot of A-ha moments during The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley presentation! Originally I looked at how close the construction of Diagon Alley was to Universal Studios Florida, and I always wondered why it had to be so close to the existing park. And yesterday, when they spoke about how Diagon Alley was wedged into London everything clicked for me! And while I am positively giddy about riding on the Hogwarts Express, given the detail that is going into the streets of Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron (especially the ceiling) I want to camp out now! The current Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of my most favorite places in any theme park, and I am beyond hopeful about Diagon Alley!

2. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is going to be everything that you wish a Walt Disney World ‘Value’ Resort would be! The resort will have 900 Rooms and 900 Family Suites at opening with a fun 60’s retro feel. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort will also boast several large pools for each section of the resort, dining options, high-energy bowling alleys, and more at a manageable walking distance to the parks. I love fun resorts, and with the proximity to the park this ‘Value’ resort really has value.

3. The Cowfish / The Hot Dog Hall of Fame

The Cowfish and The Hot Dog Hall of Fame that will be coming to Universal CityWalk are fun and quirky! The Cowfish is a mix of sushi and burgers in a fun environment (there will be tablets in the Sushi Bar for people to surf as they sit under Pop Art), and the result is ‘Burgushi’ which include sushi rolls created using burger components and sandwiches created using sushi elements. The Hot Dog Hall of Fame boasts signature Hot Dogs from around the country and a Mustard Bar with custom mustards created from a partnership from the National Mustard Museum. If you love Hot Dogs, how can you not be excited about this restaurant coming to Universal Orlando CityWalk? Amid Bars and themed restaurants, I am looking forward to the fun options and atmosphere that these two locations will bring to the mix of CityWalk!

4. Starbucks / Menchies / Cold Stone Creamery

While I would have loved to see all original offerings at the Universal Orlando CityWalk announcement, I have to say that choosing to expand the Starbucks presence and adding Menchies and Cold Stone Creamery to CityWalk make more sense and go with the ‘best in class’ mind-set that is going into the renovation of Universal Orlando’s CityWalk. Starbucks moving downstairs and into a larger space that will be filled with seating (Yay!) and innovative touches is a win for everyone, because it is more accessible and adds another location to grab a quick breakfast at the parks which has always been an issue with my family. Menchies and Cold Stone Creamery are solid yogurt and ice cream places that are family favorites, which is important when you have a little (or big) kid who needs a treat after a long day in the theme parks!!!

5. Antojitos / The Red Oven / Bread Box / Pranzo

And now we come to the unique restaurants that are coming to Universal Orlando CityWalk! Antojitos is a going to be more of a culinary journey than passive restaurant experience. The themed facade of Anotjitos is where you start your trip to cantinas, street carts, and markets of Mexico for tapas-style dining with authentic Mexican food.The Red Oven is open now, and amid an modern Italian atmosphere you can find a huge variety of brick oven pizzas and salads. The Bread Box will feature hand made breads and sandwiches with fresh ingredients to capture the feel of the Deli of your childhood or movies! Pranzo will feature modern Italian foods and hand made pastas. The common thread between the variety of restaurants is that there will be a focus on using only fresh ingredients, that are hand-made, and sometimes even created as you watch. While I am a HUGE Mythos fan (aren’t we all though…Universal butter, bread that you can’t stop eating, and delicious dishes), I always find myself wanting more of a fresh feel to my meal. So beyond beautiful decor, I am excited to find these kinds of foods offered in a Theme Park Area.

6. Shopping!

I will admit that the shop-a-holic in me really wished there was more on this front, I am excited to see what the new Universal Studios Store will offer! The design will also boast more interactivity and fresh design elements. It is a great place to catch those souvenirs that you said you would go back to pick up that you might have forgotten.

With all these locations opening as the first phase of a Universal Orlando CityWalk revitalization by June of 2014, it makes me really excited to see what phase 2 is going to bring besides me spending more time there!Follow us for more updates:

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.

Hard Rock Hotel Velvet Sessions Taylor Dayne March 28

Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando’s Velvet Sessions
Featuring Taylor Dayne Set for Thursday, March 28

WHAT:
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando’s Velvet Sessions lobby concert series continues in March with Taylor Dayne performing her hits “Tell It To My Heart,” “With Every Beat Of My Heart,” “Don’t Rush Me,” “Heart of Stone,” “Love Will Lead You Back,” “I’ll Always Love You” and more!

Velvet Sessions is Hard Rock Hotel’s special rock ‘n’ roll cocktail party and lobby concert held the last Thursday of the month (January through October). Log onto VelvetSessions.com to buy your tickets and to receive monthly updates on who?s playing.

A Velvet Sessions ticket includes: FREE specialty drinks, finger foods and warm-up tunes from 6:30 pm until show time, cash bars and live band from show time onward and complimentary valet parking*

Velvet Sessions is a 21 and older event.

WHEN:
Thursday, March 28, 2013, at 6:30 pm

WHERE:
Velvet Bar & Lobby Lounge
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando
5800 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, Florida 32819-7834

TICKETS**:
Velvet Sessions tickets are $29 on-line or $35 at the door.

Purchase tickets on-line and receive early entry at 6:00 pm.

To purchase tickets and for more information, log onto VelvetSessions.com or call 407-503-2401
*^Velvet Sessions is a separately ticketed event; ticket prices include Florida sales tax at 6.0% and Orange County discretionary sales surtax at 0.5%; on-line ticketing fees apply. **Complimentary and special parking rates not valid for overnight hotel guests. Dates, activities and entertainment subject to change without notice. Cameras are not permitted at Velvet Sessions. Hard Rock Hotel © Hard Rock Cafe International (USA), Inc. All rights reserved. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2013 Universal Studios. © 2013 Universal Orlando. All rights reserved.Follow us for more updates:

Wordless Wednesday – The Roofs of Hogsmeade

Wordless Wednesday: Invaders From Planet Putt

8 8 2012 — Hollywood Drive-In Golf Golf at Universal Citywalk

Universal’s Summer Concert Series Continues On July 7th With Lupe Fiasco

“THE SHOW GOES ON” THIS SATURDAY NIGHT WITH A LIVE PERFORMANCE BY RAP SUPERSTAR LUPE FIASCO AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Summer Concert Series Runs Every Saturday Night Through July 14

This Saturday night, Universal Orlando’s Summer Concert Series continues with rap and hip hop artist Lupe Fiasco.

Lupe Fiasco’s musical career took off in 2006 with his Grammy award-nominated debut album, “Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor,” featuring hit singles like “I Gotcha” and “Daydreamin” featuring Jill Scott. He continued to release two additional hit albums, “Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool,” and “Lasers,” both of which included Top 10 smash hit songs – “Superstar” and “The Show Goes On.” The rap star has collaborated with other renowned hip hop artists, such as Kanye West, Wiz Khalifa and Trey Songz and is expected to release his fourth album, “Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album,” this fall.

Universal Orlando’s Summer Concert Series is included in admission to Universal Studios Florida and gives guests the opportunity to add a major concert to a day of theme park thrills. The full list of upcoming acts is below.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2012 LINEUP
Date	Headliner
July 7	Lupe Fiasco
July 14	Miranda Cosgrove

Guests can also experience Universal Orlando’s newest attraction, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and brand-new entertainment experiences – Universal’s Superstar Parade and Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is a hilarious and heartwarming new ride that combines a new storyline, new animation, the latest 3-D technology – and the heart, outrageous humor and memorable characters of the hit animated film. 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:

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:

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.comFollow us for more updates:

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!

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 Pie, The Bourne Ultimatum, Jurassic Park, Scent of a Woman, The Mummy, To 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: