Filed in
Christmas, Event Update, Orlando News, Universal Studios |
18 October, 2009
Universal Studios is filling their new Music Plaza with a brand-new Christmas concert series featuring the sensational Mannheim Steamroller and chart-topping artists Natalie Cole and Chris Isaak.
The concerts are the latest addition to Universal Orlando's holiday line-up, which also includes Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and the Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios.
The holiday at Universal Orlando begin Dec. 5 and run through Jan. 1. As for the concerts:
* Mannheim Steamroller, the iconic holiday music masters who have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, will perform at Universal Studios on Dec. 5.
* Chris Isaak, who will sing a mix of holiday classics along side his most popular hits, will perform on Dec. 12
* Natalie Cole, a nine-time Grammy Award winner whose hits include "This Will Be" and "Unforgettable," will also perform a mix of holiday classics and popular hits on Dec. 19.
Each concert begins after the scheduled Macy’s Holiday Parade, which is held nightly, Dec. 5 and run through Jan. 1.
The performances will take place at the new Music Plaza, the park's new state-of-the-art, permanent outdoor concert venue, located in the heart of the Universal Studios theme park.
For more information about November and December events in Orlando, including Christmas events at Orlando theme parks, visit ChristmasInOrlando.com.
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Disney news, Event Update, New Year's Eve, Orlando News, Universal Studios |
28 December, 2008
There is nothing like "ringing in the New Year" at an Orlando theme park. Dazzling fireworks, special stage entertainment and extended park hours make Orlando's famous theme parks a popular spot to join in the fun.
- At Epcot, a special version of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” the laser-light spectacular featuring dancing flames and cascading fountains orchestrated to an original musical score, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. and 11:40 p.m. The park’s Dec. 31 operating hours are 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios will host “Fantasmic!,” the lavish spectacular of water animation, lasers and fireworks, at 6:30 p.m. and 8 and 10 p.m. Revelers can “rock on” with live performances by in-park band “Mulch, Sweat and Shears,” plus a DJ spinning tunes at Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat. A special “Lights, Camera, Happy New Year” fireworks show brings in the new year at 11:50 p.m. The park is open from 8 a.m. until midnight on Dec. 31.
- Late-nighters can party at Magic Kingdom until the wee hours with parades and fireworks galore. The park is aglow with “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” at 12 noon and 3:30 p.m., followed by the wondrous “SpectroMagic” parade at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. “Holiday Wishes” fireworks, the boldest and brightest pyrotechnics show at Disney, takes place at 8:30 p.m. capped with the grand finale “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks at 11:50 p.m. On Dec. 31, the park is open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 31. Guests can enjoy one of the final presentations of the romping character cavalcade “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade” at 3:45 p.m.
- At SeaWorld Orlando, enjoy a musical celebration and vibrant fireworks. For those who would rather end the year with a splash, the park's attractions and thrill rides will remain open until midnight. Special entertainment from 9pm to 12:30am., featuring Michael Andrew and his 18-piece Atomic Big Band at the Bayside Stadium.
- Universal CityWalk, the Universal Studios 30-acre entertainment complex, hosts one of Orlando's hottest New Year's Eve parties. Bid farewell to 2008 with music by The Doobie Brothers. The evening event includes live entertainment in every nightlife venue and all-you-can-eat buffet with filet mignon, jumbo shrimp, desserts and more; along with a midnight champagne toast. Hats and noisemakers are included with admission. The event is from 8pm to 2am. Advance tickets are $119.99 (plus tax) and $124.99 (plus tax) after Dec. 21. Save an additional $5 on each ticket and receive express line access when purchased with an American Express card.
- At Universal Orlando, stay up late at Universal Studios, open until 1am. Please note: Islands of Adventure closes at 10pm.
For more information about Disney celebrations, visit Disneyworld.com or contact 407/824-4321. For more information about SeaWorld, call 407/363-2259 or visit SeaWorld.com. For the scoop on Universal Studios, visit UniversalOrlando.com.
Filed in
Christmas, Event Update, Orlando News, Universal Studios |
6 November, 2008
The Orlando Sentinel reported today that Universal Orlando will be kicking off their holiday season with two performances by the Grammy-winning group Mannheim Steamroller on Dec. 6.
Mannheim Steamroller is known for their unique instrumental tracks that founder Chip Davis calls "18th Century classical rock."
The group, which enjoys enormous popularity during the Christmas season, collaborated on the music for last year's original stage show "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" which will once again be performed at Seuss Landing inside Islands of Adventure theme park.
The 
Universal Studios concerts, held at 6pm and 8pm on Dec. 6, will include music from the IOA "Grinch" show, old favorites, and selections from the new Steamroller CD Christmasville
. It is the only scheduled holiday-season appearances by Steamroller founder Chip Davis.
According to the Sentinel report, the concerts will be included in regular theme-park admission.
For further updates about Orlando Christmas events, including ICE! at Gaylord Palms, visit www.christmasinorlando.com
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Best of Florida Christmas, Christmas, Disney news, Event Update, Gaylord Palms, ICE! at Gaylord Palms, New Year's Eve, Orlando News, Thanksgiving, Universal Studios |
20 December, 2007
THEME PARK PASSHOLDERS ARE OFFERED
FREE CHILD ADMISSION TO
ICE! AT GAYLORD PALMS
Orlando Attraction Combats Christmas Blackout Periods
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Oct. 20, 2008) – This year, season passholders for select Florida theme parks can receive a free child’s admission to ICE! for every adult admission purchased.
This offer is available by showing a current season pass at the ICE! Box Office, for use on the following dates: Nov. 17 through Dec. 5; Dec. 8 through Dec. 12 and Dec. 29 through Jan. 4.
This promotion is valid for season passholders of the following theme parks: all Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks, all Universal Orlando theme parks, SeaWorld Adventure Park, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Aquatica, Wet ‘n Wild, and Cypress Gardens.
This special offer will come as welcome news to season passholders, many which have holiday “blackout” periods when the passes are not valid.
The fine print: This offer is valid only on specified dates in 2008. Only one complimentary child ticket will be issued per adult season passholder with purchase of a regularly priced adult ICE! ticket. Season passholder must be present, and will be required to show valid theme park season pass. Child tickets valid for children ages 4 through 12 only.
For more information, please visit www.gaylordpalms.com/passholder.
For further updates about Orlando Christmas events, visit www.christmasinorlando.com
Filed in
Christmas, Event Update, Orlando News, Universal Studios |
8 November, 2007
According to the Orlando Sentinel (and an email sent to passholders this week), Grinchmas is back 
on at Universal's Islands of Adventure.
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the book "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," the park will feature a brand new live musical stage-show salute to the beloved holiday story.
Also new: "Who-ville's Wonky Tree Lot" and The Grinch character breakfast, which runs at 8 a.m. Thursdays through Sundays. [Cost is $19.95 for adults, $13.95 for kids ages 9 and younger. Info and reservations: 407-224-4012.]
Heralded as "The Return of Grinchmas," this year's celebration should make up for last year's scaled-back Grinch-themed holiday who-ha. Who-ray!
(Oh, and for those who can't make it to Orlando this Christmas, the 50th birthday of The Grinch is also being celebrated in Nashville, with Gaylord Opryland's Grinch-themed version of ICE!)
For more details about Christmas at Universal, and Christmas events at Orlando theme parks, visit ChristmasInOrlando.com.
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Christmas, ChristmasInOrlando.com, Event Update, New Year's Eve, Orlando News, Universal Studios |
10 June, 2007
This weekend, we added several 2007 holiday events to the ChristmasinOrlando.com website:
To see the latest list of Central Florida holiday events, visit our event listing page.
Watch for further updates as details become official!
For more information about the holiday season in Orlando, visit http://www.christmasinorlando.com.
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Christmas, ChristmasInOrlando.com, Disney news, Gaylord Palms, ICE! at Gaylord Palms, Orlando News, Universal Studios |
15 November, 2006
A few tidbits concering this year's Christmas at Walt Disney World:
Dancing lights - The word "Dancing" has been officially added to The Osbourne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. According to the Disney website, "guests will be dazzled by millions of lights, dancing in synchronized splendor to a symphony for the senses with twirling carousels, heavenly angels — even Santa and his reindeer — amidst electrifying holiday music!" The addition of motion will surely "electrify" this amazing spectacle of lights. For more information about the attraction's interesting history, visit our page at ChristmasInOrlando.com.
Dancing sponsor - Also interesting to note… the The Osbourne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights now has SYLVANIA as a sponsor. SYLVANIA — the light bulb company – must be looking to make a splash in Orlando, as they are also an official sponsor of ICE! at Gaylord Palms.
Disappearing tree - The Disney fansite Mouse Planet reports that Disney's towering Magic Kingdom Christmas tree has been temporarily constructed in the rose garden. Once again, the tree will be moved to Town Square after filming for the Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade is complete. The annual television special will be filmed Dec. 1-3 and will air on Christmas Day.
Disappearing bears - And now some sad news. It looks as if the "Country Bear Christmas Special" won't be returning to Magic Kingdom this season. To confirm the rumors, we emailed Disney this weekend. Their response was clear: "From time to time, we make adjustments to our offerings based on Guest demand and operational considerations. As a result, the Country Bears Holiday Show will not be offered this holiday season. The Country Bear Jamboree will continue to be in place to delight Guests year round."
Disappearing narrator - Disney's offical website no longer lists Broadway star Chita Rivera as the celebrity narrator for Dec. 3-5. Surely a new celebrity will be found for the popular "Candlelight Processional" show at Epcot, considering the 5 p.m. show on Dec. 3 is "Community Relations Night," a Disney event for local VIPs and elected officials.
Filed in
Christmas, Disney news, General Stuff, Orlando News, Universal Studios |
14 November, 2006
The Orlando Sentinel reported that Cypress Gardens will admit for free the holders of a season pass to any other theme park in the United States through Dec. 24.
That's good news for season passholders at Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Universal Studios! Hmm. Too bad that all Splendid China season passes have already expired!
This is perfect timing for those who want to enjoy the park's "An Old-Fashioned Christmas" celebration.
More details on the Cypress Gardens website.
Filed in
Christmas, ChristmasInOrlando.com, Orlando News, Universal Studios |
9 November, 2006
The Macy's Holiday Parade will return this year to Universal Studios Florida.
Those wanting a "sneak peek" of the entertainment elements need only peruse the listings at the Universal Studios Entertainment Auditions website. Although the auditions are over, we really enjoyed reading the descriptions and qualifications:
High Kick Dancer
Performers with engaging personalities and high kicking ability. Must be able to learn and perform an extension dance combination and floor work. Bring character type heel or similar footwear to auditions. Requirements: Female dancers, 5'5" and taller.
Santa Claus
Look-a-likes to play the role of this Holiday icon. Must be enthusiastic, jovial and possess a jolly demeanor. Requirements: Male performer. Type out audition will apply.
Skip Stilt Walker
Energetic performers that are highly skilled in the art of stilt-walking and acrobatics. Requirements: Male/Female stilt walkers and acrobats. Must have previous experience and high level of skill. Weight restrictions apply.
Stilt Walker
Energetic performers for various outgoing stilt-walking roles. Requirements: Male/Female stilt walkers. Must have previous experience and high level of skill. Weight restrictions apply (190lb. weight limit; candidates will be weighed at the time of audition.)
Parade Talent
Enthusiastic performers who possess excellent movement ability and the ability to interact well with large crowds. Requirements: Male/Female performer.
For more details about Orlando Christmas events, including Theme Park New Year's Eve events, Orlando Shopping, a calendar of events, and Christmas at Disney, visit ChristmasInOrlando.com.
