Posted on Mon, Nov 16, 2009 @ 07:36 AM
Disney World, Universal Studios & SeaWorld Orlando Holiday Season Events
We've recovered from the Halloween sugar rush just in time for the visions of sugar plums to kick in at our theme parks. Some events are under way already, some favorites are coming up, and there are even new offerings out there this year. There's plenty of time to pace yourself. No need to OD on pixie dust and poinsettias right away.
Walt Disney World
Some of the Disney yuletide events already are in place. At Magic Kingdom, guests can see Cinderella Castle undergo a nightly transformation into Castle Dreamlights! (now with exclamation point) mode, a white-light immersion. At Disney's Hollywood Studios, the Osbourne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is back with its annual full-on assault of choreographed twinkling.
Also underway is the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party series of after-hours, separate ticket events at Magic Kingdom. New to the party this year is A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas! (again with the exclamation point!) featuring Stitch, Buzz Lightyear and Mike Wazowski. Very Merry includes a special holiday parade (toy soldier alert), themed fireworks, free hot cocoa and other shows. Remaining dates are today, Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Nov. 20 and 29, Dec. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 18.
Disney's Animal Kingdom shifts its afternoon parade to a holiday version on Nov. 27 when Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade kicks off. It appears daily through Jan. 3.
Epcot goes into holiday mode Nov. 27 with its Holidays Around the World presentation at World Showcase, which sports an international flair plus a special ending to the IllumiNations display. Candlelight Processional, a mass choir and orchestra backing a narration of the Christmas story, begins that night as well. The first celebrity speaker is scheduled to be Isabella Rossellini.
All Disney holiday events - with the exception of Very Merry - are included in regular park admission.
Universal Orlando
The bulk of Universal's holiday celebration takes place at Universal Studios theme park. New to the lineup this year is a three-weekend concert series at Music Plaza, which will kick off with a performance by holiday megagroup Mannheim Steamroller on Dec. 5. Other artists will be Chris Isaak (Wicked Game) on Dec. 12 and Natalie Cole ("Unforgettable") on Dec. 19.
Isaak and Cole will mix holiday songs into their usual playlist. Show times are 7 p.m.
Each concert is preceded by the Macy's Holiday Parade, a collection of balloons and floats imported from the famed Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. There should be a Santa Claus sighting as well. The parades are daily from Dec. 5 to Jan. 1.
Three Universal shows get a holiday overlay: Blues Brothers Christmas Show (with snow on Delaney Street), Kidzone Holiday Show and Barney's Christmas Show. The Universal Cinesphere 360 show returns for a six-day stint beginning Dec. 26.
Next door at Islands of Adventure is the park's musical version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, which is performed several times a day, beginning Dec. 5. All of these Universal offerings are included in regular park admission.
SeaWorld Orlando
The Polar Express Experience, a pine-scented overlay of the park's Wild Arctic simulator, returns today for its third holiday season, and " Shamu Christmas ... Miracles," starring a killer whale and gospel music, comes back Nov. 27.
But SeaWorld also has three new holiday productions that will debut Nov. 27.
An ice rink will be built at Bayside Stadium, the location for Winter Wonderland on Ice, an ice-skating show. A Muppet-driven show called A Sesame Street Christmas, featuring Elmo and Big Bird, will be at Seaport Theater, and sea lions will continue their comedy antics in Clyde and Seamore's Countdown to Christmas. That duo has performed a holiday show before but this will be an all-new production, SeaWorld says.
These attractions are included in regular SeaWorld admission.
Still haven't got your tickets or Holiday Vacation Packages yet to Disney World, Universal Studios or SeaWorld Orlando? Then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Orlando Vacation Packages needs!!!
Posted on Tue, Nov 10, 2009 @ 07:31 AM
Jungle Jack Hanna at SeaWorld & Busch Gardens
The following courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine
Celebrity animal expert Jungle Jack Hanna will be appearing at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa, each for a weekend on the wild side. Jungle Jack will be appearing at Busch Gardens this weekend, Nov. 14 and 15 and at SeaWorld on Nov. 21 and 22. He'll will be putting on two shows per day featuring animals from all over the world. His shows at Busch Gardens will be at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. at SeaWorld.
In addition to the shows, you can get more personal with Hanna during these special events:
Jack Hanna Family Sleepover at Busch Gardens:
Join Jack for a night of family experiences by going behind the scenes and spend the evening enjoying interactive activities while encountering animal nightlife, including an animal encounter hosted by Jack Hanna. Then sleep overnight at an onsite venue and with a continental breakfast the next morning. The sleepover runs 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. each night.
Jack Hanna Serengeti Night Safari at Busch Gardens
Explore the nighttime mysteries of hippos, lions and hyenas under the moon's light. Then, continue on a guided safari expedition, complete with night vision monoculars, on the 65-acre Serengeti Plain. End with a gathering around the bonfire with Jack for tales of African lore.
Breakfast With Jack Hanna at Busch Gardens and SeaWorld
An opportunity to get up close with Jack's furry friends.
To book your reservation for any of the special events, call 888-800-5447. The daily shows are included with park admission.
Still haven't got tickets yet to SeaWorld or Busch Gardens? Check out all our Orlando Vacation Packages for your next SeaWorld or Busch Gardens Vacation.
Posted on Thu, Oct 08, 2009 @ 07:24 AM
Blackstone Group to Purchase SeaWorld Orlando for up to $2.7 Billion
The Following Article courtesy of
Orlando Attractions MagazineAnheuser-Busch InBev and The Blackstone Group announced today that Anheuser-Busch InBev will sell its entertainment business to Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P. for up to $2.7 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, Blackstone will acquire Anheuser-Busch InBev's wholly owned subsidiary, Busch Entertainment Corporation (BEC), the second largest entertainment park operator in the United States with approximately 25 million annual visitors
The purchase includes:
* SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida
* Busch Gardens and Adventure Island in Tampa Bay, Florida
* Two more SeaWorld parks in San Antonio, Texas and San Diego, California
* Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia
* Other Busch/InBev-owned family entertainment attractions in Williamsburg, Virginia, and Langhorne, Pennsylvania.
In addition to the new purchase, Blackstone also currently owns 50 percent of the Universal Orlando theme parks. The firm also owns Merlin Entertainments Group, which owns Legoland theme parks, Madame Tussauds Wax Museums, The London Eye and more.
Worlds of Discovery President Jim Atchison made this statement:
"A short time ago, Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P., an investor fund advised by The Blackstone Group, announced that it had reached agreement with Anheuser-Busch InBev to purchase the company's entertainment park division, Busch Entertainment Corporation (BEC). While you may have never heard of BEC, if you are reading these words you know who we are.
"BEC operates 10 Worlds of Discovery - SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Diego, SeaWorld San Antonio, Busch Gardens Tampa, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Discovery Cove, Aquatica, Sesame Place, Adventure Island and Water Country USA - some of the best-known and most-loved entertainment parks in the world today. More than 25,000 men and women make up our team. Each is dedicated to providing you the very finest family entertainment experiences and service anywhere.
"For all of us at Worlds of Discovery, this is an exciting development. This new phase in our history is an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the principles that have guided us for the last 50 years. This is also our opportunity to make a promise to you. We pledge to deliver an experience that exceeds your expectations; an experience that brings you closer to those you love; an experience that is as enriching as it is thrilling and fun.
"Visit a Worlds of Discovery park. If it isn't everything you hoped it would be, contact us. We'll refund your admission. On behalf of the Worlds of Discovery team, thank you for your interest in our great parks. We hope to see you soon in one of our Worlds of Discovery."
Carlos Brito, Chief Executive Officer of Anheuser-Busch InBev, said:
"Busch Entertainment Corporation is a high performing asset with a world-class management team, but not a core business for Anheuser-Busch InBev. We are pleased to have reached an agreement with a buyer who understands the industry and has a strategic vision for the business. The sale of BEC represents another important milestone in our commitment to de-leverage the company and will also allow us to continue to focus on our core brewing business. "The Blackstone Group is a preeminent private equity firm and we are very happy to have reached an agreement with Blackstone. We have great respect for BEC's management and employees and know they will continue to prosper under Blackstone's ownership."
Joseph Baratta, Senior Managing Director of The Blackstone Group, said:
"We have long admired the Busch Entertainment Corporation parks. They are the premier collection of entertainment parks in the United States and offer a unique family experience. We are pleased to have the opportunity to acquire this business. We have deep sector experience and look forward to working with the excellent BEC management team to continue to invest in and grow the company."
Still haven't got tickets yet to visit SeaWorld Orlando? Then check out our website for all your SeaWorld Vacations & Ticket needs at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
Posted on Sat, Jul 18, 2009 @ 07:46 AM
Photo Shoots at SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando is offering an new exclusive opportunity to come face-to-face with the stars of SeaWorld Orlando's most popular shows. During the four and a half to five hour "Animal Shows and Photo Tour", guests will sit in priority reserved seats for the "Believe" Shamu Show, Blue Horizons whale and dolphin show, and Clyde & Seamore Take Pirate Island sea lion and otter show.
Article & Photo's courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine
Immediately following each show, the guests will pose with Shamu, a dolphin and a sea lion or walrus at the respected stadiums. Plus, guests will get up close and personal with a penguin and a clydesdale. Each participant will receive a photo CD filled with their memorable SeaWorld experience.
The cost is $125 for adults and $100 for kids. Children under three are free. This cost is in addition to theme park entrance.
Still haven't got your tickets to visit SeaWorld Orlando or any other theme parks in Orlando like Disney World or Universal Studios yet? Then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Orlando vacation Packages.
Posted on Wed, Jul 15, 2009 @ 06:34 AM
Baby Dolphins at SeaWorld's Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove at SeaWorld is booming with baby Dolphins - just this month, four Atlantic bottlenose Dolphins were born. Above, twelve year-old Clipper, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin at Discovery Cove, swims together with her newborn male calf. The calf will get a name shortly, usually about a month after birth.
Discovery Cove is a family adventure where guests enjoy a one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel with rays and tropical fish, hand-feed exotic birds and relax on pristine beaches.
Below is a short video of the mom and her calf at SeaWorld Discovery Cove:
Still haven't got tickets yet to SeaWorld Orlando or Discovery Cove? Then check out website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Orlando Vacation Package needs.
Posted on Thu, Jun 04, 2009 @ 06:56 AM
"After Dark" at SeaWorld Orlando
The summer is here, and if you are coming to Orlando? then stick around for SeaWorld’s nighttime rock and roll extravaganza featuring special attractions like Shamu Rocks, an all-new fireworks spectacular and Manta, a nothing-like-it-in-the-world experience that blends up-close animal discoveries with the thrill of a flying roller coaster ride.
Cool Shows, Hot Nights – SeaWorld AfterDark Amplifies the Summer: This summer, after our guests take a thrilling head-first roller coaster dive on Manta, they can stay for a rockin’ evening encore with SeaWorld AfterDark. Beginning May 23 to Sept. 7th, nighttime comes alive with uplifting shows and a fireworks extravaganza.
Shamu Rocks is a spectacular rock n’ roll killer whale show that wows audiences of all ages. This show is a high-energy concert of unprecedented proportions, combining awe-inspiring killer whales with a stunning light show and music from some of the hottest rock stars in the industry.
Reflections comes to life in a spectacular celebration of soaring fountains and dazzling fireworks. Through the thrilling and inspirational music of our most popular shows, families and friends will experience a wondrous connection that lights the night like never before. Also new this year is seating at Bayside Stadium that will allow audiences to watch the show in comfort.
Sea Lions Tonight - Our own comedic sea lion duo – Clyde and Seamore – take the laughs into the night. Hilarious hijinks ensue in this evening show as our talented sea lions, otters and walrus parody other favorite SeaWorld shows.
Makahiki Luau Dinner and Show -Be center-stage at SeaWorld’s exclusive evening extravaganza, the Makahiki Luau. This Polynesian festival fills the air with exotic and untamed energy. SeaWorld’s own Seafire Inn transforms to bring the tropics to life for you and your family with Pacific Isle cuisine and astounding costumes, all while witnessing one of the most breathtaking fire dances this side of the islands. Each admission includes incredible live entertainment, your choice of delectable family-style entrees, dessert and soft beverages. Each guest will receive a complimentary flower lei and a tropical welcome drink. So come join us in celebrating at the Makahiki Luau!
Haven't got your SeaWorld tickets yet? Check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your SeaWorld Orlando Vacation Packages!
Posted on Sun, May 17, 2009 @ 08:07 AM
Favorite Ride or Attraction at SeaWorld Orlando
So have you been to SeaWorld Orlando? Do you plan on going to SeaWorld?
If you had to pick one, what would your favorite attraction or ride be, or better yet, what would be the one that you are looking forward to the most when you arrive at SeaWorld Orlando?
Below is a few of our favorites:
Manta
SeaWorld Orlando's newest roller coaster is sure to give you the trill of your life with it's ride doing 60 miles an hour thru the lagoon and and park all the while you are laying on your stomach while the roller coaster ride is above you with a wing span of 12 feet..Don't pass on this one of a kind roller coaster...
Believe
By far SeaWorld Orlando's most talked about show. It stars Shamu the world famous Killer Whale. The show features some amazing choreography between the killer whales and their trainers; you get a real sense of the relationship the trainers have built with these giant mammals. The show is highly visual, and is filled with acrobatics, dramatic original music, and lives underwater video projection. Believe will amaze SeaWorld Orlando guests of all ages.
Blue Horizons
Come and see this breakthrough theatrical spectacular.Acrobatic dolphins, soaring birds, and amazing stunt actors in a show about where the sea meets the sky.
SeaWorld Orlando debuts a new genre of entertainment with the opening of Blue Horizons. This breakthrough theatrical spectacular unites sea and sky with visions of Broadway.
The Kraken
Based off of the mythic creature that Poseidon had caged deep in the sea. The Kraken is a modern personification of what it would be like for this monster to lift your ship high out of the water before he takes you for a deep plunge to his underwater prison. The Kraken is the longest and fastest coaster in Orlando. It will take you to the height of a fifteen story building and then drop you just as deep, and turn you upside down seven times at speeds of up to and including 65 mph. The Kraken is also only floor less roller coaster in Orlando.
Mistify
SeaWorld Orlando's center lake is the for home for this larger than life stage show. Mistify presents larger than life marine creatures on 60-foot mist screens, 100-foot fountains, flames, and fireworks. Mistify is a dazzling spectacle that encompasses both sea and sky. Guests can even view the show from several restaurants with outdoor lakeside seating. Please note that this is a seasonal show and typically performed during the summer months and holiday seasons.
And that is just a few of our favorite rides or attractions at SeaWorld Orlando...What is your favorite?
Still haven't got tickets to SeaWorld yet? Check out our Orlando Vacation Packages that offer you all your SeaWorld Orlando Vacation needs....
Posted on Tue, May 05, 2009 @ 07:14 AM
Manta at SeaWorld Orlando Soft Opening
SeaWorld Orlando hopes that the first of its kind in Florida roller coaster
will lure more visitors than ever to the park.
Beginning Tuesday, park visitors can get a sneak peek and
ride Manta before its official opening scheduled for May 22.
The new ride will
open even as speculation continues the park could be sold soon.
Move over Shamu, SeaWorld Orlando is offering a new attraction
much larger than an orca whale.
It is called Manta, a roller coaster park officials say
will seamlessly take guests from the awe of encountering manta rays in
underwater flight into the sensation of actually being one.
First, guests get to see some of the 3,000 rays the park
has in aquariums. Next, they get to ride the coaster.
Reaching up to 60mph, Manta flies through the sky and
over a lagoon. Riders will travel face-down, horizontally, underneath the belly
of a coaster train shaped as a giant manta with a wing span of 12-feet.
SeaWorld Orlando hopes this new ride will boost attendance at the
park.
It is still not clear what the future holds for SeaWorld.
It is currently owned by Belgian-based beverage company Inbev which could be
trying to sell SeaWorld and the rest of the parks formerly owned by Busch
Entertainment Corporation.
Haven't got your SeaWorld tickets yet? Check out our Orlando Vacation Packages that include tickets to SeaWorld Orlando.
Posted on Sun, May 03, 2009 @ 08:57 AM
Memorial Day Vacations to Orlando
With Memorial Day Weekend just around the corner, now is the time to start looking and to book your Orlando Vacation Package to either Disney World, Universal Studios or SeaWorld Orlando....
Right now www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com is running specials for all your vacation needs to Orlando.
Orlando Vacation Specials are:
Call one of our Orlando Vacation Specialists now to have an Orlando Vacation Package customized just right for you and your family or use one of our already custom Orlando Packages....