Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Begins Testing

Now that Manta is open and soaring high over at SeaWorld, it’s time for roller coasters aficionados to turn their attention to the other big attraction opening this summer, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (HRRR or “Rockit” for short). To the eye, this new coaster at Universal Studios might not seem as innovative as Manta, but it actually packs a wallop as big as its name with fun technological elements and never-before-attempted roller coaster maneuvers.

We’ve discussed in previous blogs how the HRRR will feature six special maneuvers, three of which have never been attempted with a coaster before. There’s the 17-story high vertical lift, a non-inverted loop (the world’s first), a spiraling negative gravity move, and much more, including a 95 degree angled swoop over the crowd as they wait in line for their turn.

Now, even more details are coming out about the Rockit’s unique design. Particularly important to the coaster is its ultra-maneuverable X-CAR passenger car, which allows the Rockit to have the moves of many different styles of coaster. Each will feature only a lap-bar restraint, which will leave the upper body less restricted, allowing for extra thrills during those crazy loops and drops.

In addition, the trains will reportedly never stop at the loading station thanks to a groundbreaking new loading area design. We’re not sure how it works, but plans dictate that the Rockit will dispatch a train roughly every 23 seconds.

And though plenty has been said about the technological elements of the Rockit, most probably aren’t appreciating how tech-equipped this ride really is. The HRRR has six on-board cameras and eight high speed special effects cameras for capturing each rider’s experience. Needless to say, that goes way beyond the one camera that most rides flash at you when you’re donning your goofiest expression of terror. With 54 special effects shots, guests will not only be able to see their ride in full, but they’ll even be able to produce their own unique ride video and buy a DVD of it, download it at home or onto their phone, and send it to their friends.

Moreover, the Rockit will feature a 55-watt on-board speaker system that will blast out one of 30 songs from 5 genres; the song choices will include both classic and contemporary artists.

Though the Rockit was originally set to open in spring of this year, the opening was delayed to summer due to what we hear were some difficulties constructing that sky-high lift. Since then, however, the ride’s been coming along swimmingly; all pieces of the track are in place, the trains have been placed on it, and they’ve already begun testing of the ride.

We’ve even heard whispers that the HRRR will be debuted on July 4, meaning that it will coincide with the park’s Independence Day celebrations and the last day of the Summer Concert Series (check out our blog on that here). If that’s true, then the 4th of July is sure to be filled with good times all around at Universal.

In the meantime, if you do happen to see the ride being tested out while you visit Universal and are surprised at how slow things are running, don’t fear – the ride’s speed will pick up significantly once it’s out of testing phase!

Crowds are sure to gather for the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit when it opens, so you’ll want to save time by getting your Universal Studios tickets well in advance from DWTickets.com. We’ll see you in line for this exciting new coaster!

American Idol Comes to Disney World This Week

Kris Allen just won season 8 of American Idol, and what is he going to do next? Why, visit Walt Disney World, of course!

Just jmoments after he won, the adorable and sweet-voiced Allen promised he'd be visiting the Mouse House in celebration as part of the iconic Disney commerical that aired just a few hours later. And he's wasting no time in keeping that promise; Allen will be making a visit to Disney's Hollywood Studios this Friday, May 29. Sources say he'll be starring in the 10 am motorcade, and he'll most likely follow that with a visit to the American Idol Experience. While he's there, he'll probably shoot some film spots for the attraction, which features cameos by several past American Idols and finalists, in addition to the current American Idol.

Allen is just the second singer in history to participate in the "I'm Going to Disney World" campaign, joining David Cook and a league of football heroes, Olympic superstars, and other athletes and celebrities. The very first star to utter the famous phrase, "I'm going to Disney World!" was New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms in 1987, right after Super Bowl XXI.

In the latest Disney commercial, Allen sings the classic song "When You Wish Upon a Star" in the background while scenes from his childhood and his first American Idol audition flash across the screen. The commercial concludes with Allen saying that famous line and enthusiastically following it with a "WOO!"

Disney camera crews captured the celebratory declaration on the Nokia Theatre stage a short while after American Idol host Ryan Seacrest announced Allen's win to the millions of viewers watching worldwide. Within hours, the iconic commercial was already on air.

Allen's role in the commercial is inteded to draw attention to Hollywood Studios' American Idol Experience, which opened this past February. The best way to experience American Idol short of actually witnessing a show in Los Angeles, the Experience gives park guests the chance to show their singing chops on stage in front of a live audience of fellow park guests. Complete with a trio of quirky judges and some surprise guests, the Experience awards on talented guest each day with a Dream Ticket - a pass to a front-of-the-line audition at an actual American Idol regional audition.

"The American Idol Experience really will blow your mind. If you've never been to the show, you pretty much have been to the show after you've been there," said Jason Castro, season 7 finalist, on the red carpet of the American Idol finale.

"Go in there, give it your all," added season 2 winner Ruben Studdard, "because you may be where I am right now."

If you want to see Kris Allen in person and try your hand at the American Idol Experience, check out Walt Disney World tickets on DWTickets.com and visit the park this Friday! You just might be able to get some singing tips from Allen and take your first step to becoming the next American Idol.

A First Look at Animatronic Obama

On July 4, the historic Hall of Presidents exhibit at Magic Kingdom will reopen after the biggest makeover in its 38-year history. But in meantime, the New York Times got to have the first look at the exhibit's latest addition: an animatronic President Barack Obama, or as the folks at Disney like to call it, Robobama.

The 44th President of the United States has been recreated in animatronic form for his induction into The Hall of Presidents at Walt Disney World, which pays tribute to each of the presidents in an entertaining and educational show. Lincoln, Carter, Bush - they're all present in robotic form in the attraction, and former presidents Bush and Clinton even provided their voices for the presidential 'roll call.' But as the Times learned, Obama not only provided his voice, but even his measurements for his figure, which DIsney says is the most lifelike president they've created yet.

Supposedly, when President Obama saw renderings of the figure, he said Disney Imaginaeers made the figure "better-looking than he was."

Similar to presidents before him, Robobama will have a speaking role in the attractions. He'll recite his oath of office in addition to a newly drafted speech written by Disney writers and tweaked by Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau. President Obama recorded the speed in March inside the White House Map Room, which was apparently the best room for recording in Disney high-definition sound.

Joining Robobama in speaking to the crowd will be Abraham Lincoln, who has always had a speaking role in the Hall of Presidents. However, after the July 4 unveiling of the attraction, Lincoln will be delivering the Gettysburg Address in its entirety. Also, George Washington will have a speaking role for the first time ever.

These are just a few of the new additions to the attraction, which will also feature a new film narrated by Morgan Freeman. The hall itself will also get an upgrade, including new digital-video projection systems and new, longer spotlights for each president with modernized controls.

And of course, former president George W. Bush will be added to the attraction in the form of a less sophisticated animatronic figure. Robobama is actually the same figure as the old Robobush, simply recycled, reprogrammed, and given some significant plastic surgery.

However, one would never guess that Robobama was once another president, as the Times reports that Disney has gone to great lengths to accurately convey not only the President's expression, but his mannerisms as well.

"Thus the audio-animatronic Obama purses its lips to pronounce its b's and p's in a way frighteningly evocative of the real one, and raises its hands, open-palmed, while shruggiong its shoulders, in a way that can only be described as Obamaesque. Even the president's wedding ring, with its braided design, has been recreated," wrote Jacques Steinberg.

One of Disney's oldest attractions, the Hall of Presidents was first conceived by Walt Disney himself when he produced a "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln" attraction for the 1964 World's Fair in New York. The Hall has been featured in Magic Kingdom since the park opened in 1971 and features all 43 presidents of the United States in a celebration of American history.

The Hall of Presidents officially reopens on July 4, a very appropriate day for the reintroduction of the most patriotic attraction at Disney. In addition to all the other Independence Day festivities at Disney, you won't want to miss seeing the latest Presidential figures in action. Check out Walt Disney World tickets on DWTickets.com now to come face to face with President Obama - Robobama, that is.

SeaWorld After Dark Rocks the Night with New Shows and Manta

It was eventful Memorial Day Weekend at SeaWorld with many more visitors enjoying the aquatic theme park then usual. And they has good reason to - not only did the highly anticipated new roller coaster Manta open on Friday, May 22, but the weekend ushered in another fun happening in the park: SeaWorld After Dark. Normally, SeaWorld closes at 7 pm, but beginning Saturday and continuing through the summer, the park stays open until 10 pm, adding on three new hours of shows, nighttime Manta fun, and an all-new fireworks spectacular.

You'll definitely want to stick around when the sun goes down for the great nighttime entertainment of SeaWorld After Dark, which will uplift you, make you tap your toes, and crack you up.

First up in the night's schedule is one of our personal favorites, Sea Lions Tonight. Featuring the park's comedia sea lion duo, Clyde and Seamore, this hilarious show will have you rolling in the aisles with its hilarious hijinks. WIth a little help from some otters and walruses, Clyde and Seamore parody other favorite SeaWorld shows, and their talent is truly amazing.

Then, the spotlight falls on Shamu ROcks, a high-energy rock n' roll extravaganza starring everybody's favorit e killer whale. Combining awe-inspiring moves from Shamu with a stunning light show and music from some of the hottest rock stars in the industry, Shamu Rocks is a popular favorite at the park and is only performed during After Dark and holidays, so don't miss it!

Finally, SeaWorld AFter Dark comes to a close with Reflections, a spectacular celebration of soaring fountains and dazzling fireworks. Accompanied by thrilling and inspiration music from the park's most popular shows, Reflections will dazzle you as it lights up the Orlando sky. Best yet, new seating at Bayside Stadium will allow guests to enjoy the show in comfort.

While you're enjoying the park's new nighttime hours, you're bound to get hungry. Instead of skipping dinner, take advantage of the Makahiki Luau, an evening extravaganza providing incredible live entertainment and a satisfying Polynesian-style feast. Guests will nosh on tasty entrees like Hawaiian Chicken and Polynesian-styloe barbeque spareribs while they enjoy a breathtaking fire dance.

Meanwhile, in between shows and the luau, guests can still enjoy their favorite SeaWorld rides and attractions, especially the high-flying and glidining Manta. This newly-opened roller coaster is an intense and wild ride during the day, so we can only imagine how thrilling it must be at night! The ride offers an incredible view of Orlando, sp at the least, it will be amazing to soar over the park and see the bright city lights.

There's no extra fee to enjoy SeaWorld After Dark; guests will get three extra hours of fun at the park for the same price of regular admission. So, you'd have to be silly not to take advantage of it! Check out discount SeaWorld tickets on DWTickets.com to save even more on this great deal and begin enjoying cool summer nights at SeaWorld.

Save the Piggy Banks at Epcot

At Epcot, the Innoventions Plaza is where guests of Walt Disney World can step into the future with incredicle exhibits displaying the latest in scientific and technological innovations. But that's not to say that visitors to Innoventions won't discover a few things there that they can use today. At a new exhibit, for example, guests will learn a lesson we can all benefit from these days - the importance of saving and managing money responsibly.

This new interactive exhibit, sponsored by the global investment management organization T. Rowe Price, is called The Great Piggy Bank Adventure, and it will put families to the test when it comes to basic savings and investing with a series of fun and educational games.

"At INNOVENTIONS, our focus is on encouraging guests to imagine, incent, inquire, and inspire while exploring amazing innovations that make our lives better. The Great Piggy Bank Adventure will give our visitors a better insight into what it means to save and invest in an innovative and enagaging manner," said Dan Cockerell, Vice President of Epcot.

"Empowering parents to initiate discussion of the topics of saving and investing with their children is more important than ever before," added Edward C. Bernard, vice chairman of T. Rowe Price Group. "Financial awareness and decision-making is heavily influenced by one's early experiences, making vibrant family discussion a powerful and lifelong educational influence that can help children develop sound financial values and habits. In watching families during play-testing of the exhibit, it has been rewarding to see how The Great Piggy Bank Adventure engages families in a unique way and really does get the conversation started."

In The Great Piggy Bank Adventure, guests will play interactive games where they'll guide large plastic piggy banks through a series of video challenges designed to teach financial lessons. They'll be assisted by a talking piggy bank as they address four key financial themes, which include setting goals, saving and spending smartly, staying ahead of inflation, and diversifying your investments.

When guests head home, they'll even be able to continue the lesson with an online game from T. Rowe that's designed to be paired with the Innoventions exhibit. Planning on the exhibit actually began over three years ago between Epcot Business Development and Walt Disney Imagineers.

We bet you never thought that talking about saving and investing could be fun, but at the Great Piggy Bank Adventure, families will join together to save the piggy bank in a captivating and entertaining way. If you haven't stopped by Innoventions in a while, brush up on the latest developments and be sure to pay a visit to the Great Piggy Bank Adventure. Before you've even begun your financial education at the exhibit, you can already start spending smart by checking out the discount Walt Disney World tickets on DWTickets.com.

Out of this World Fun at Disney's Star Wars Weekends

If you're an avid Star Wars fan, then follow the trail of the Force - to Walt Disney World this May and June! It's time once again for Star Wars Weekends, a sci-fi fan-fest like no other that pays tribute to one of the world's greatest film sagas. Galactic characters, unique events and attractions, and one-of-a-kind meet and greet session are just some of the highlights of these fun-filled weekends, which are a must for any Jedi or Wookiee at heart.

Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May 22 through June 14, Star Wars Weekends will fill Disney's Hollywood Studios with the power of the Force - and more Star Wars characters than you've ever seen in your life! Sith, droids, Jedi, Ewoks, bounty hunters, Rodians, and yes, even Wookies - they'll all flock to the park where guests will be able to pose and chat with them in meet and greet encounters throughout Hollywood Studios. There'll even be well-known figures from the saga, including Darth Vader, Yoda, and Princess Leia, and fans will be able to spot them all during "Legends of the Force," a Star Wars motorcade.

That's not all - guests will be able to participate in Star Wars trivia contests, ride the famed Star Tours attraction, purchase one-of-a-kind memorabilia, and more. There'll be autograph sessions and star conversations with famous Star Wars actors and creative geniuses every weekend, and special shows, presentations, and interactive experiences each day of each Star Wars Weekend.

This year, the Weekends will be hosted by Jay Laga'aia ("Captain Typho") with special guest Ashley Eckstein ("Ahsoka Tano"). During the weekend, Laga'aia will host "Stars of the Saga," a Star Wars talk show and Q&A, and Eckstein will host "Clone Wars: Behind the Force," a behind-the-scenes show that explores the TV series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Both stars, along with other big names in the saga, will also have autograph sessions with fans.

Another highlight of the Weekends will be the Jedi Training Academy, where each young Anakin who is chosen will be readied to face the dark side. Taking place throughout the day on the event's main stage, young guests will learn a lightsaber combination from a Jedi Master before testing their skills in a battle with Darth Vader.

Kids under 12 will also be able to test their wits befor the Jedi Council in a Padawan Mind Challenge. And of course, no Star Wars Weekend is complete without blasting your starspeeder through the galaxy on the Star Tours attraction or shopping a galaxy of Star Wars themed and limited edition merchandise in Wicket's Warehouse.

At the end of each Weekend day, Star Wars characters and guests will gather for the Hyperspace Hoopla! Show, an entertaining conclusion to the day where the saga favorites let loose with music, comedy, dancing, and more. The Star Wars Weekends dates are May 22-24, May 29-31, June 5-7, and June 12-14.

The Star Wars Weekends are free with regular admission to Hollywood Studios, so all you need are Walt Disney World tickets, which you cna get right here on DWTickets.com. Get yours and strap in for a wild space ride of a weekend with more Star Wars fun than you can handle!

UP Characters Land at Walt Disney World

On May 29, Disney-Pixar will release its 10th animated film, UP. A comedy adventure about 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredericksen, the film follows this grumpy old curmudgeon as he finally fulfills his lifelong dream of traveling to the wilds of South America. He does so by tying thousands of balloons to his home, which causes it to spring right off its foundations and soar fantastically into the sky. But soon enough, Fredericksen learns he's not alone - tagging along for the journey is Russell, an eager and enthusiastic 8-year-old wilderness explorer who'll show Fredericksen that you're never too old or young for an adventure.

If reading about UP has got you interested in learning more, you're in luck - before the film hits theaters, guests can actually meet its stars at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Starting May 14, the characters from the new Disney-Pixar comedy have been making visits to the park. They include the optimistic young Russell, the ill-tempered Carl, and Dug, the talking dog, who Russell and Carl meet along their journey.

Together, the characters will be making regular meet-and-greet appearances for guests inside Hollywood Studios' "Magic of Disney Animation" attraction. There, fans will be able to get their autographs and pose for pictures with them in front of Mickey's Sorcerer Hat. They might even be able to ask the stars about their wild adventures to South Africa!

UP debuts in US theaters nationwide on May 29, 2009 and has already gotten rave reviews - it's even earned itself a spot in history as the first animated film ever to open the Cannes Film Festival. Early reviews say the film is bittersweet but funny with a lot of hear and an unexpected friendship at the end.

Several stars have lent their voices to their film, such as Ed Asner, who voices Carl Fredericksen. Christopher Plummer voices the explorer and villian Charles Muntz, and John Ratzenberger, who has provided the voices for several other Disney films such as Finding Nemo and Ratatouille, also lends his vocal talents to UP.

When UP arrives in theaters, moviegoers can catch it in all its animated glory at Downtown Disney, where the AMC Pleasure Island 24 Theatres Complex, will have several showings of the film all day. We particularly like catching Disney flicks in this theater, which features loveseat-stle stadium seating. THX Suround Sound, and Sony Dynamic Digital Sound, which really makes all the great music and audio of Disney films crystal clear.

In the meantime, be sure to drop by Disney's Hollywood Studios to meet the characters of UP! Check out Walt Disney World tickets on DWTickets.com today to start planning your own adventure into the world of Disney movies.

Universal Will Feature New Summer Concert Series

This summer, turn off your radio or iPod and head to Universal Orlando - there, you’ll be able to hear some of today’s hottest recording artists during a brand new summer concert series. Live at its new outdoor Music Plaza underneath the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, the park’s first-ever Summer Concert Series will rock Orlando with four of the biggest names in pop, hip-hop, and R&B. Guests will be able to top off their day at the park with these sizzling performances, which will begin Saturday, June 13 and continue each Saturday night until July 4.

The Summer Concert Series will feature Chart-topping, multi-platinum, Grammy Award nominees and winners. First to perform on June 13 is American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, whose self-titled album has sold more than a million copies. Following Sparks on June 20 will be LL Cool J, with more than 15 million records sold and 20 singles on the Billboard charts. Then on June 27 comes Natasha Bedingfield, who can boast album sales of more than 10 million, and on July 4, the Summer Concert Series closes with Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famers The O’Jays.

These hot concerts will take place at Universal’s brand new Music Plaza, which debuted earlier this year during the Mardi Gras festivities. Designed in the spirit of the Hollywood Bowl, this state-of-the-art outdoor music venue features a 2,400 square-foot performance stage, a 15,000 square-foot viewing lawn, and two 20-foot-tall projection screens so that no one will be able to miss a second of the show, no matter where you’re standing.

“Our Music Plaza has quickly become Orlando’s perfect place to enjoy great music outdoors,” said Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment for Universal Orlando Resort. “Our Summer Concert Series will continue that tradition – and be an amazing experience for everyone from dedicated music fans to families wanting a great way to end their day in the parks.”

Plus, a little birdie told us that towards the end of the Summer Concert Series, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to catch a great concert and ride the brand new Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, which is slated to debut early this summer – perhaps on the 4th of July?

The only thing better than hearing incredible music at the end of a great day at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure is knowing that you didn’t have to pay anything extra for it! The Summer Concert Series is free with admission to Universal Studios, so all you need to do to get access to the hottest performances of the year is get your Universal Studios tickets from DWTickets.com. Start planning your summer fun at the park now!

Around the World's Gardens at Epcot

Before you know it, the end of May will be here, and with it, the end of the International Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot. If you haven’t seen this colorful compilation of flower fun at Walt Disney World, you definitely should – there’s plenty to see and hear, from the whimsical character topiaries and beautiful gardens to the sounds of the Flower Power concerts. We’ve been covering highlights of the festival throughout its duration, and as its last few weeks approach, we bring you one more – the gardens of the World Showcase.

At the Flower & Garden Festival, one of the most fun activities is spotting your favorite characters and Disney films represented through displays like the Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden and the “Cinderellabration” topiary. But Disney has also taken special care to pay tribute to different landscapes around the world, and guests can see this when they visit the 11 pavilions of the World Showcase. There, gardens tell each country’s story in blooms and provide continuity and transition from one nation to the next.

At the Mexico pavilion, for example, landscaping represents the country’s two regions, the jungle and desert. Facing the Mayan temple, guests will see tropical plants and flowers commonly found in the jungle, such as the floss silk tree, often endowed with springtime blossoms and oddly-shaped fruit. Epcot gardeners have been careful to make this garden look “unmaintained” to make it appear more like a genuine jungle.

“We wanted to steer clear of creating a ‘perfect’ landscape and use irregular spots of colorful flowers to give it a more exotic look,” says Eric Darden, Walt Disney World horticulturist.

A similarly natural look has been created in the China pavilion, where the grass isn’t mowed and plants are more haphazardly placed than in Western landscapes, in accordance with Chinese gardening. Water is an essential element in every Chinese garden, and at Epcot, ponds lie still with water lilies blooming atop. Older looking trees, like a weeping mulberry, have also been added to give the garden a mature look, which the Chinese appreciate.

By contrast, the garden at The American Adventure pavilion is much more organized and formal, designed in the style of old colonial architecture and landscapes. A predominant color scheme of red, white, and blue flowers abounds, accompanied by sycamore trees whose branches interlace overhead.

“This pavilion is by far the most formal, with its soldier-like rows of magnolias, boxed hedges and precisely planted annuals,” Darden said.

Meanwhile, at the France pavilion, guests will enjoy light and airy gardens reminiscent of Parisian park. An allee (avenue or pathway) of trees has been created with Natchez crape myrtle, similar to the linden trees they’re originally composed of in France. And in Le Notre Garden, 985 shrubs have been crafted into the shape of a French symbol, the fleur-de-lis.

The international gardens of the World Showcase are maintained by a horticulture staff of more than 50 gardeners and experts. And if you want to see all of them while learning about the process behind their assembly, check out the “Gardens of the World” tour. A three-hour walking tour through the World Showcase for guests 16 and older, it provides an in-depth look at the styles of landscaping in each pavilion.

Be sure to check out the International Flower & Garden Festival soon before it ends on May 31. The festival is open to all guests with regular Epcot admission, so get your Walt Disney World tickets here on DWTickets.com to begin exploring the world’s gardens at Epcot.

Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration Blasts off in Tomorrowland

Only one Disney character can bring musical madness, wacky wizardry, and futuristic fun to Walt Disney World, and that’s a fuzzy alien named Experiment 626. Also known as the “Guru of Gross-Out,” “the Maker of Mischief,” or just plain “Stitch,” this fuzzy extraterrestrial is now starring in his own live show at Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland. A new, high-energy, retro-futuristic music video dance party, this galactic spectacle debuted on May 6 with dazzling dance moves and comedic quips. And Stitch is inviting everyone to come party and celebrate along.

At the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland, guests will join in an interactive experience where the outdoor stage comes alive with music, dancing, and real-time animation. The 25-minute show begins when a live broadcast of the Tomorrowland News Network, with your host Tip Trendo and the Galactic Girls, is interrupted by a mysterious video transmission. To everyone’s surprise, the cut up from Lilo & Stitch appears on screen via a giant LED screen and kicks off a Galaxy Day celebration of fun and surprises.

Audiences will laugh along as Tip and the Galactic Girls get to know Stitch, who’s “borrowed” a space cruiser. But this show isn’t a passive experience for the audience – they’ll talk and interact with Stitch too, who appears live on screen using the same real-time technology that appears in “Turtle Talk with Crush” and the “Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.” Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration will offer a different show every time as Stitch picks out members of the audiences, snaps their photograph, and leads the crowd in a playful dialogue.

Whether Stitch is commenting on the clothes audience members are wearing or asking them questions, guests will feel like part of the show during Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration. And while Stitch cracks up the crowd, Tip and the girls will entertain with some space-age dance moves to original songs and classic grooves. They’ll even have some company on stage in the form of two malfunctioning, breakdancing robots, sent courtesy of one Mr. Stitch.

“Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration’ immerses Tomorrowland guests into Stitch’s whimsical world using real-time animation technology,” said Kristine Bunnell, show producer for Walt Disney World Entertainment. “And during this year’s ‘What Will You Celebrate?’ our show gives guests another reason to party."

Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration will take place six times daily at Magic Kingdom. And if you’re hankering for more Stitch-flavored fun, be sure to check out the Stitch’s Great Escape attraction at Magic Kingdom, where the mischievous blue alien attempts to escape from the outer space authorities.

Start your celebration with Stitch by getting Walt Disney World tickets from DWTickets.com.

Glory at the Gardens at Busch Gardens

In addition to being a super-fun theme park with adrenaline-rushing thrill rides, wild animal experiences, and other unique attractions, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a great place to hear some great music. Recently, for example, the park hosted the Viva La Musica festival, which was a feast for the ears with a wide range of great Latin music. And before that, the Bud & BBQ festival lit up the park with some of today’s hottest country artists. Now, the park continues its dedication to great tunes with Glory at the Gardens, a Christian music series taking place May 9 and May 16.

A brand new event premiering at Busch Gardens Tampa, Glory at the Gardens will offer a jam-packed festival of music and fellowship set amid the thrills, animal encounters, and world-class entertainment of the park. Five concerts will take place each day with performances from the biggest names in contemporary Christian and Christian rock, including Dove Award winners and nominees.

On Saturday, May 9, Busch Gardens will welcome headlining performer Reliant K; there’ll also be performances by NEEDTO BREATHE, This Beautiful Republic, Worth Dying For, and Sanctus Real.

And on Saturday May 16, you can catch headliner Steven Curtis Chapman, along with other performing guests Matthew West, Brandon Heath, Sara Groves, and Joel Auge. On each day, Gwazi Park will open at noon with music, radio personalities, vendors, and food. Concerts start at 1 pm, and the headliner will perform at 4 pm.

If you really love Christian music and want to make an experience out of one of the Glory at the Gardens concerts, you might want to check out a Glory at the Gardens VIP Ticket. Separate from Busch Gardens admission, this ticket will get you front and center stage for the concerts in the “VIP Circle.” It also scores you a meal certificate redeemable at any one of Busch Gardens’ restaurants for an entrée, any one extra item like a side or dessert, and a beverage.

However, you can always score a great seat at the featured Glory at the Gardens concert by arriving early and staking your spot in Gwazi Park. No extra fee or ticket is necessary for attending the concerts; both days of concerts are included with regular admission to Busch Gardens. So if you’re a big fan of great music in a fun atmosphere, you won’t want to miss out this first-ever concert series at Busch Gardens. Check out Busch Gardens tickets at DWTickets.com now and get your access pass to Glory at the Gardens, which is sure to be the hottest Christian music series of the year in Orlando.

Manta Will Open for Sneak Preview

You’ve been waiting all spring, and now, SeaWorld Orlando is rewarding you for your patience. The aquatic theme park will be opening its new roller coaster Manta early for a special sneak preview this Tuesday, May 5 (Cinco de Mayo). Manta will open at noon that day, as well as every day afterwards through the week until at least the following Sunday, May 10. Though guests should be prepared for periodic closures, it’s still a great chance to ride the ray before it officially opens.

Manta’s official opening date is May 22, but rumors have been circulating for a while now that the ride has come together so quickly and so well that guests will likely get to ride it for limited hours leading up to May 22.

“A lot of the locals and residents want to experience this before summer,” said SeaWorld spokesperson Nick Gollattscheck.

The sneak preview announcement was actually first made by Shamu via Twitter, who pronounced, “I have decided to open Manta early. Tuesday, May 5 at noon. Yes, I have that kind of pull. When you speak of me, speak well.” Needless to say, Shamu’s not a modest killer whale.

Manta will be a first for SeaWorld in many ways – though it’s not the park’s only roller coaster, it will be the first flying roller coaster of its kind in the park and in the world. Riders will begin by climbing into traditional seats and harnesses, but soon enough they’ll see what makes the ride so special as the entire seating assembly rotates forward, positioning riders horizontally.

From there, they’ll soar over the park like a Manta ray, flying headfirst at 56 mph. The coaster features a track-twisting pretzel loop, in-line spins, a close call with a waterfall, and a wing dip just inches from the water that throws out a 14-foot high, 60-foot long spray of water.

Adding on to the incredible experience is Manta’s aquarium; while waiting on line for the ride, guests will get a glimpse into the underwater worlds of tropical fish and rays. Floor to ceiling aquariums will showcase rare leafy sea dragons, colorful clownfish, and mysterious sea anemones. Smaller guests will even get to ‘pop up’ into an aquarium and come face-to-face with the aquarium’s inhabitants – which include three hundred rays and a massive Pacific octopus, which creeps along the interior of Manta’s saltwater habitat.

“Manta takes what SeaWorld does best – animal encounters and thrill rides – and blends
them to create something you can’t find anywhere else in the world,” said Dan Brown,
SeaWorld Orlando’s general manager. “Manta’s actually the next generation of what makes
Orlando so much fun. Orlando is the must-do vacation this summer, and Manta is the must-see."

So what are you waiting for? Get your first look at the must-see attraction of the summer, and grab your discount SeaWorld tickets from DWTickets.com. We can’t imagine a better way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than by riding a manta ray at SeaWorld.