Universal Studios Summer Concert Series in June / July
One of Orlando’s most popular summer events is back – Universal Studios’ Summer Concert Series, bringing some big names in music to entertain you on weekends over the summer. Every Saturday, live concerts at the Universal Music Plaza stage commence at 9pm with legendary performances from great artists. First gig was Saturday 11 June and they are running until 16 July.
Great deal at Fun Spot Orlando – $13 for unlimited Go-Kart and Thrill Rides!
Had to let you know about a really good discount deal on 11th June at Fun Spot amusement park next to Old Town – for ONE DAY only – $13 armbands for ALL DAY riding privileges on 4 Go-Kart tracks, 7 Thrill Rides and 7 Kid Spot Rides (normally priced $34.95!!!) Tickets must be purchased on that day between 10am and noon to get the deal.
I went there this week and have some pictures and video for you to take a look at which I will be adding shortly but check out the video below to give you an idea of what to expect.
Busch Gardens Tampa – New Cheetah Hunt Roller Coaster
Just wanted to update you on Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay and their latest park attraction – the new Cheetah Hunt roller coaster has offically opened this week!! Hyped as a great thrill ride it’s made it to number 3 on Yahoo’s travel article: “World’s Coolest New Tourist Attractions“.
Busch Gardens is well known for its animal expertise, stunning gardens and Big Thrill African-inspired ride attractions and is a popular day trip if you’re holidaying in Florida.
Star Wars Weekends at Disney Hollywood Studios!
May the Force Be With You, it certainly is with Disney as it’s the annual comeback of the Star Wars Weekends celebrated by die-hard fans at Hollywood Studios starting May 20th 2011 for 4 consecutive weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sundays) upto 12th June 2011.
Disney Fastpass and Universal Express Plus Pass – lose the queues!
If you’re heading out to either Disney or Universal theme parks and want to fit in the most ‘play’ time along with the least ‘stand in line’ time to really optimise your days in the parks, you’ll want to make use of the passes available. As they differ between the parks, I’ve got a run down here of how each works. In short, where regular lines can average an hour or more wait time per attraction, these passes will reduce that to a maximum of 10 minutes per attraction – making choosing attractions for the family much easier.
So with the Disney FastPass, good news its free for all park guests and you just buy a standard admission ticket.
SeaWorld Orlando launch brand new ‘One Ocean’ Shamu show!
Exciting news – Sea World have officially replaced the ‘Believe’ Shamu killer whale show, running since 2006 with the premiere of ‘One Ocean’ today!!!
Taking over a year to develop, the show will feature an all-new design backdrop, spectacular water fountains and the orcas will continue to splash and soak the audience in good measure. The first show will start at 10am and run regularly throughout the day and hopefully for years to come.
Check out the behind the scenes ideas which led to the creation of the new format show, with its message to inspire SeaWorld guests to “celebrate, connect and care” for the ocean. Here’s a couple of videos of the trainers, producers and designers collaborating over the set design, special effects, costumes and the ultimate musical score to encompass a multi-sensory celebration of life under the sea with the killer whales.
Can’t wait to see it for myself and update you on the new show. In the meantime, if you’re lucky enough to be visiting SeaWorld Orlando soon please come back and give us your comments – we’d love to hear what you think.
The majority of our 500 Florida vacation rental villas are within an easy 20-30 minute drive of SeaWorld Orlando and the major theme park attractions in Central Florida.
Downtown Disney Orlando
Downtown Disney equals lots of entertainment and nightlife all in one Disney hotspot. Situated on Buena Vista Drive, follow the signs for Walt Disney World and then you’ll see signs for Downtown Disney, taking you to the free parking lots. The majority of our Florida villas to rent are within a 20 minute drive away. You can stroll along the scenic walkway of the 3 distinct sections, all bordering the village waterfront and experience the dining, shopping and entertainment on offer. On the West side – you can take in a live theatrical show of breathtaking acrobatics at the Cirque du Soleil theatre – tickets can be purchased at the box office in the theatre or by calling 407-WDW-SEAT. Or perhaps see the latest Hollywood movie at the AMC Pleasure Island 24 screen cinema – we have a handy post on our Florida Villas blog for film showtimes. Soak up the party atmosphere on Pleasure Island with the bars, discos and eateries. You’ll also find the very best Disney souvenirs and gifts for friends and family at the World of Disney store (largest Disney character store in the world) in the shopping hub of Downtown Disney Marketplace on the East side. Featured in the store is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique salon for girls and boys who want the ultimate princess and knight fairytale makeovers. This is extremely popular with young children over 3 years and we would advise calling in advance to make reservations. Makeover package prices vary. The marketplace also has a fine art gallery which is fun to browse called The Art of Disney. There are an abundance of themed restaurants for the family – the Rainforest Cafe has casual dining in an amazing tropical rainforest setting. For an unforgettable experience, try the T-Rex Cafe – a prehistoric adventure where you can eat, shop and gaze at the moving T-Rex dinosaur.
For music lovers, back on the west side, the House of Blues offers southern-inspired food along with live music from Rock ‘n’ Roll to R&B in their Music Hall adjacent to the diner. Once you visit, you’ll be coming back again and again. Check out Leona Lewis below…..
Why not try a 400ft balloon ride in the Characters in Flight open everyday.
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is on until 15th May!
If your taking your Orlando holiday anytime from now until 15th May you might want to bookmark this special spring event to take your family or party to. Held in Epcot, Walt Disney World Orlando, at the Epcot International Flower & Garden festival you’ll see over 75 Disney character topiaries and as a first for this annual event Disney are including famous Pixar characters – including Buzz, Woody and Lotso from Toy Story 3! Standard Epcot admission ticket will be required.
Download the Festival guide here with highlights, map and events calendar
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Sanford Florida
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford, Florida has over 400 exciting animal attractions and a great mix of education and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy! Have a close encounter with the the elephants at feeding times. Take your swimsuit, towel and suncream to experience the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground – a unique water playground featuring animal inspired water fountains, rain trees and a fun water tunnel.
With a separate charge, you can visit ZOOm Air Adventure Park – explore the surrounding forest from an animal’s perspective on the aerial treetop adventure course with rope bridges and thrilling ziplines.
Visit the ZOOm Air Treetop Adventure Park website for prices and further details here.
The Central Florida Zoo is about 60-90 minutes away from most of our Orlando rental villas and is located just off junction 104 of Interstate 4 (I4) and is a very easy drive.
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Harry Potter World – Universal Orlando
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a feature of theme park Universal’s Islands of Adventure is a must see for all Harry Potter fans. There’s rides for all ages and family members: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (voted best new attraction of 2010 by ThemeParkInsider.com), Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff.
Experience the excitement first hand soaring above Hogwarts castle grounds on a ride in this iconic location you’ll recognise from the books and films. As part of this spectacularly themed environment, you can visit the Three Broomsticks for a unique dining experience. Here you can try the butterbeer, the favourite drink in the books – people queue up in anticipation of tasting this famous brew! It’s non-alcoholic, so family friendly and the sweet taste is likened to shortbread and butterscotch.
Visit the shops of Hogsmeade, along the streets you’ll find Dervish and Bangs, Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods, Zonko’s joke shop and the Owl Post Office! There’s a lot that will captivate your imagination and you might want to bring home a souvenir – perhaps a ‘sneekascope’. Watch the video here of the ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. For directions on how to get to Universal, from I-4 Eastbound (Disney/Lake Buena Vista/Kissimmee) take exit 75A, or from I-4 Westbound (Downtown Orlando) take exit 74B.
