Fun to Be Had - INDOORS!

If you’re visiting the Orlando theme parks anytime between June and September, you might just find yourself looking for an umbrella! Thanks to Orlando’s subtropical climate, rainfall can be a common occurrence during these popular travel months. While some may find bad weather a hindrance for the more traditional attractions like Universal Studios or Disney World, there are plenty of indoor attractions you can still enjoy while staying dry.

WonderWorks is a great spot for families looking to have fun with their children and learn at the same time. The building is hard to miss, as it is completely upside down! You and your family will enjoy taking pictures outside of WonderWorks before you even step inside. This museum has over 100 exhibits that will educate and entertain guests with their flight simulators, laser tag and a gift shop featuring over 21 different colors of M&M’s and a huge assortment of candy. Land the space shuttle, experience a 5.3 magnitude earthquake or fly a F-18 flight simulator at this attraction that also features one of the best dinner shows in Orlando. The Outta Control Magic Comedy Hour Dinner show is a one-man dinner show with unlimited pizza, salad and beer included with your dinner ticket price. This award-winning show runs twice a night at 6:00 pm and 8:00pm and is a great way to end your day at WonderWorks.

If you must see The Mouse during your rainy day adventure, stop by Disney Quest over at Downtown Disney. This indoor interactive theme park features 5 floors packed with cutting edge video games and even bumper cars. The Disney-themed games are sure to be a hit with your group thanks to games like CyberSpace Mountain, where you can design your own roller-coaster, and Animation Academy, where an instructor teaches you how to draw your favorite Disney character. This state-of-the-art arcade has over 250 games and ride simulations that will make you forget about any bad weather outside. You’ll be having fun within Walt Disney World without having to get soaked in long lines!

For those interested in the arts, Cirque Du Soleil’s only permanent show on the East Coast of the United States is located right here in Orlando. La Nouba, right near Disney Quest in Downtown Disney, is a spectacular event that cannot be missed. The title of this show, which originates from a French term that means to “live it up," clues you in to what your Cirque Du Soleil experience will be like. Your senses will be bombarded by beautiful sights and sounds of live singing, original music compositions and acrobatic performances unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The News & Press Journal called it “the hottest thing under the Orlando soleil”. Why not stop by and see why for yourself?

Whatever your preference for fun, don’t let the weather put a damper on your plans. There are plenty of indoor attractions for you to enjoy!

Gators and Airboats - A Different Side of Orlando

Not every Orlando attraction revolves around mouse ears and movie sets. There is a different side of the Orlando area many tourists bypass in lieu of thrill rides and theme restaurants, but it is a side well worth exploring. The Kissimmee River area marks the beginning of the Everglades National Park, a massive expanse of mangroves, saw grass and endangered animals native to the state of Florida. This national landmark provides the perfect setting for nature lovers wanting to get away from the long lines of the Orlando theme parks and explore the unique nature settings Florida has to offer.

The Florida Everglades are unique to the continent. It is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and is a designated World Heritage Site. The Everglades were home to Tequesta, Calusa and Seminole Indians before foreign exploration by both the British and the Spaniards. Using roads and canals to break through the swamps, the colonial settlers created most of Southern Florida’s modern cities. But there is a large section of the Everglades that was left untouched and is now protected by the government, a section that nature lovers from across the world come to enjoy every year.

One of the best ways to enjoy the Everglades is via airboat. Boggy Creek Airboat Rides will take you on a nature excursion deep into the Florida Everglades. Zoom over saw grass and through the marshes at speeds of up to 45 mph on these 30 minute airboat rides. Each ride is lead by a US Coast Guard captain whose knowledge of the area will make for a wonderful and educational experience. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles, exotic birds and the Florida gator—but be careful with cameras and video equipment, as the airboats do kick up a bit of spray!

If you would rather get a first-hand look at the Florida gator and other native animals then check out the oldest attraction in Central Florida—Gatorland. This 110 acre theme park and nature conservatory has a variety of fun exhibits starring gators, wild birds and even farm animals. “The Alligator Capital of the World” is a great way to spend your day, especially if you’re a fan of the large reptiles. The park recently opened up a splash pool area for the kids and they offer face painting at the park’s train station. The Gatorland Express offers relaxing train rides through the large park if you want a break from all of the walking.

These two attractions are a great way to have some fun, learn a lot and experience a side of Central Florida that many often miss. Check out great deals on these attractions on DWTickets.com.

Can You Smile for 67 Days?

If you think you might be able to flash your pearly whites for 67 days straight (with some pauses in between, of course), then the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (Orlando CVB) has a mission for you.

In conjunction with its new global marketing campaign, “Orlando Makes Me Smile,” the Orlando CVB is looking for two people with great grins to experience one smiles-packed Orlando vacation. Over the course of 67 days, the two lucky winners will experience every single one of the more than 100 attractions available in Orlando. Meanwhile, they’ll share their daily adventures with a global audience via social media outlets and media interviews.

“There are clearly a lot of frowns throughout the world because of the economic downturn,” said Danielle Courtenay, Orlando CVB Chief Marketing Officer. “We want an engaging pair of people who you can’t help but smile along with as you follow their Orlando tale of some of the best vacation experiences in the world. You don’t have to have a perfect smile to apply – just a ‘smiling’ personality and outlook on life."

During their 67-day trek around the city, the winning pair will live in a two-bedroom condo in Downtown Orlando. They’ll be given cell phones, digital video and still cameras, a Dollar Rent A Car, and even $25,000 to cover living expenses back home. And as for their daily itinerary, the duo will visit every kind of attraction in Orlando, with their fun and varied experiences including everything from rollercoaster riding at Universal Studios to swimming with dolphins at SeaWorld and gator wrestling at Gatorland. They’ll also golf, have a spa day, explore museums, go to the theatre, dine, and much more.

The “67 Days of Smiles” will begin this year in late August and end in early November. The Orlando CVB is conducting its search now for the lucky pair of partners who’ll make their way around Orlando’s theme parks and attractions.

Both people in the pair must be over 21 and pairs can be any combination of friends, family, spouses, or co-workers. To enter the contest, pairs must complete a personal profile, submit 500 words in English on why their smiles should be chosen, and upload a 60 seconds or less video in English of both applicants along with photos at VisitOrlando.com/67DaysofSmiles by June 30. The winners will be notified in late July.

The contest is particularly looking for adventurous couples willing to try everything from skydiving to high-speed racing with a penchant for good storytelling and fun personalities.

However, if you don’t think you fit the qualifications (in other words, if jumping out of a plane doesn’t sound like fun to you), you can still enjoy a great Orlando vacation for 67 days, 67 hours, or however long as you like. Simply check out the Walt Disney World tickets and Universal Studios tickets, among other great offerings, at DWTickets.com and get your smile on.

Two Big Coasters Get Ready to Rock Orlando

This spring will hold more than just warm weather in its forecast for Orlando, Florida. Two major theme parks, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Studios, will be unveiling two eagerly anticipated roller coasters that are sure to transform the Orlando skyline, bring new visitors to the parks, and thrill roller coaster lovers and adrenaline rush seekers of all ages. The time is slowly approaching when Orlando residents and vacationers will be able to experience Manta and the Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit roller coasters!

Debuting first will be Manta, which SeaWorld recently revealed will open on May 22. We can’t wait for this particularly sweet attraction, which will be unique among Orlando roller coasters for several reasons. First, as opposed to normal upright seated roller coasters (yawn) or roller coasters where your feet dangle (been there, done that), Manta will position the rider practically face down. The idea is that you’ll feel like you’re soaring through the air, much like a Manta ray soars through the water.

In addition, once it’s completed, Manta will be the one of the longest, tallest, and fastest roller coasters in the world, with four inversions and a speed of at least 56 mph. The inversions will include a pretzel loop, an in-line twist, and two corkscrews. Moreover, the roller coaster cars will be designed to resemble manta rays, with wingspans of 12 feet. Reportedly, during one portion of the ride, the Manta car will pass extremely close to the water below, and its wings will skim the surface, creating a big splash for the riders.

Manta will also have an incredible queue area for guests to take in while they wait for their wild ride. The queue will pass through art-adorned underground caves with enormous Plexiglas tanks featuring over 300 rays, as well as thousands of fish and other mysterious marine creatures.

And while Manta is poised to become the most graceful flying roller coaster in the world, the Hollywood Rip, Ride, and Rockit (RRR) coaster at Universal Studios is set on being the most technologically advanced one. Set to open sometime this spring (mid-to-late June would be the latest), the RRR will feature fast-paced, high-flying excitement, all set to the tune of a customizable song you pick out before strapping in. Moreover, every second of your whirlwind ride will be on video, allowing guests to edit it and send it to their friends when it’s all over.

The RRR will reach a maximum of 65 mph and will soar up to 17 stories over Universal Studios, making it the tallest in the Orlando area and the largest ride of its kind in the world. Six near-miss moments will have riders’ hearts lurching into their throats, and a non-inverting loop nicknamed the “double take” will break records around the world. And the ride, which features colorful LED lights, will even blast through a building façade, making it a visually stunning aerial landmark weaving up and down, in and out of the park.

If you couldn’t think of a reason to visit SeaWorld or Universal Orlando before, now you have it – the two new roller coasters getting ready to whirl through our favorite Orlando theme parks this spring. Start planning your roller coaster adventure now with discount theme park tickets from DWTickets.com, and you’ll be ready for two wild rides.

Beat the Winter with Indoor Shows

Winters are pretty interesting here in Orlando – one week, temperatures run a pleasant 70 degrees, and the next week, it’s time to break out the turtlenecks and parkas! But until the season starts heating up more regularly in the coming months, Orlando theme parks have plenty of attractions to keep you warm, with indoor shows that are both an entertaining and comfortable way to spend an afternoon.

First up on the list of our favorites is definitely A’Lure, The Call of the Ocean, the newest show at SeaWorld Orlando. Performing daily at the Nautilus Theater, this theatrical production combines mesmerizing under-the-sea visuals with Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatics and athleticism.

Set to a musical score recorded by the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, A’Lure’s dynamic 30-minute production takes guests on a journey through the ocean’s depths and mysteries. With a dozen Chinese acrobats and vibrant animated images, it tells the mythical story of the Sea Sirens, who have lured entranced fishermen into the water for centuries. The show takes place on a massive stage with an oversized projection screen serving as an ever-changing backdrop while gravity-defying aerial tumblers, scaling pole climbers, lyrical dancers, and unicycle champions dazzle on stage.

Over at the Hollywood area of Universal Studios Orlando, another great indoor show is a tried and true classic, Terminator 2: 3D Battle Across Time. Throw on your 3D glasses and settle into a comfortable theater seat while you watch Sarah and John Connor travel into the future to destroy SkyNet. But it won’t be easy – the T-1000 is back to kill John, though luckily, the T-800 (Arnold) is there to help stop him too. With on-screen special effects, 3D cinematography that seems to hover right before your face, and live-action stunts, the Terminator 2: 3D is a beloved Universal Studios favorite.

And at Walt Disney World, there’s no shortage of indoor shows among the five parks. However, one recent addition that’s particularly fun is Finding Nemo – The Musical at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Adapted from the popular and funny Disney-Pixar film into a 30-minute Broadway-style musical, Finding Nemo is fun for all ages. Inside the Theater in the Wild at the DinoLand USA area, the musical features Marlin, his curious son Nemo, and their friend Dory performing new musical numbers inspired by lines from the movie, including “Just Keep Swimming.” Even if you’re not big into musicals, this one is a sight to see with innovative lighting, special effects, and theatrical puppets, some as big as cars.

So next time the temperatures drop, grab a sweater and head on over to one of these Orlando theme parks. You’ll be snuggly and warm while you enjoy a show, and when the fun’s over, you can skip right on to another fun indoor attraction. Look to DWTickets.com for your discount Orlando theme park tickets, and before you know it, you’ll be escaping the winter cold in style.

Out of this World Experiences at Kennedy Space Center

It is the beginning of a New Year, and many of you are probably trying to either think of a good New Year’s resolution or keep the ones you’ve already made. One of the most common resolutions people make is to try new experiences – we all want to enjoy life more and try things we’ve never encountered or done before. And one great place where you can do both is Kennedy Space Center (KSC). There, anyone who’s ever dreamed of going into outer space but lacks the NASA training can experience the next best thing with the KSC’s Shuttle Launch Experience. You’ll experience the sights, sounds, and sensations of a real shuttle space launch on this heart-lurching ride, which will definitely satisfy any New Year’s resolution.

The KSC’s newest attraction, the Shuttle Launch Experience, simulates the space shuttle’s vibrant rush from takeout into Earth’s orbit. The experience begins as passengers enter the Shuttle Launch Simulation Facility, a giant six-story structure similar to the space shuttle facilities at the KSC. As they wait for their chance at launch and ascend the gantry, passengers – known as ‘crewmembers’ from thereon – will witness veteran astronauts sharing their stories, setting the mood for the wild ride to come.

Then, crewmembers will enter the heart of the Space Shuttle Simulation Facility for a pre-launch briefing, where they’ll be told what to expect by veteran Space Shuttle Commander Charlie Bolden. Step-by-step, Bolden goes through the shuttle launch sequence. Then, passengers will board a mock-up Space Shuttle and strap in before the shuttle launch begins. The suspense is palpable with every second of the countdown thanks to a few special effects – then it’s a powerful, knuckle-clenching liftoff as you soar into outer space. You’ll feel like you’re actually cutting through Earth’s atmosphere thanks to state-of-the-art audio, visual, and lighting effects, along with a unique motion simulator that replicates the G-forces and rattle of lift-off.

The fun continues even after the initial boom; the sensations of launch continue as the ‘shuttle’ approaches Max Q, the zone where enormous forces squeeze the Shuttle. Crewmembers will also experience Solid Rocket Booster separation, main engine cut-off, and the External Tank separation. Everything has been designed to exactly replicate an actual shuttle launch. After the Shuttle Launch Experience, guests at KSC will definitely have a whole new appreciation for astronauts.

“It's not a thrill ride,” said Dan LeBlanc, chief operating officer of the Visitor Complex. “You won't be dodging asteroids or battling any aliens. We have worked hard to ensure that it is as close as you can be to simulating the reality of a Space Shuttle launch within the confines of Earth's gravity.”

And though it’s not a thrill ride by your typical standards, the Shuttle Launch Experience delivers plenty of thrills that until now, only astronauts have experienced. It’s definitely a ‘new’ experience that will put a fresh, fun spin on a New Year. So don’t wait until next year to experience the most realistic space shuttle simulation on the planet – get discount Kennedy Space Center tickets at DWTickets.com, and you’ll have one less resolution to break this year.

Gaylord Palms Resort Has the Best of Christmas

This holiday season, ice isn’t all you can see at the Gaylord Palms Resort – and when we say ice, we mean ICE!, the super-cool winter wonderland attraction carved from nearly two million pounds of ice. This year, the Gaylord Palms actually has a slew of Christmas fun planned for its guests with the Best of Florida Christmas celebration from November 17th through January 4th, 2009.

All the activities at this luxurious 63-acre resort will have you feeling merry and ready for the holiday season. First, guests can enjoy the 4.5-acre glass atrium, which is transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland with both elegant and whimsical decorations. There’s also a majestic 54-foot Christmas tree decked with tons of beautiful lights and ornaments.

And as part of the Best of Florida Christmas program, the resort has 49 days of revelry planned that is sure to spice up your holiday vacation. At the atrium, you can see Christmas in Florida – the Country Wreath Collection, which features holiday wreaths representing all the diverse and different areas of Florida. Also on display is an elaborate holiday model train courtesy of MTH Trains. And for some holiday-style entertainment, guests will love the Holiday Traditions stage show, which features classic holiday songs and a fun seasonal storyline.

Kids will also love the Hidden Holiday Gnome Hunt – stashed all throughout the Gaylord Palms atrium are little gnomes, akin to the mascot of the Travelocity commercials. You and your family will love seeking out these little guys, each dressed in a special costume for the holiday. And what’s a holiday celebration without Santa? Children will be able to share their Christmas wishes with the big man in red in person at the atrium or via e-mail.

And let’s not forget about dining – the Gaylord Palms really goes all out for the holidays, and they’ve added a special brunch with Mrs. Claus on Saturdays and Sundays from November 29th through December 21st. This incredible holiday brunch includes delicious dishes from the Villa de Flora restaurant, which serves Italian, French, Spanish, and Greek fare. The resort also offers special Christmas Eve and Christmas day brunches and dinners.

In order to make your holiday experience really special, Gaylord Palms Resort is also offering a special Best of Florida Christmas package for overnight guests. The package’s perks include priority entry to ICE!, holiday bedtime stories broadcast every night via a special in-room channel, a Christmas concierge (who will help recommend and book unique Orlando holiday attractions), and the opportunity to create a family gingerbread house with the help of a Gaylord Palms pastry chef. For an additional fee, there are even bedtime tuck-ins with special holiday characters.

There’s no doubt that the Gaylord Palms Resort knows a thing or two about celebrating the holidays, and there’s really no better place to stay in Orlando for the holidays. Kids of all ages will love the Christmas spirit that absolutely emanates from this resort, and though the Grinches in us all might not admit it, the Best of Florida Christmas celebration will definitely warm your heart.

Santa, Ice, and Everything Nice at the Gaylord Palms Resort

The winter season is upon us – Thanksgiving is just a few short weeks away, and Christmas will be here before you know it. Of course, with the temperature running at an average high of about 79 degrees in mid-November and the palm trees still swinging happily, visitors to Florida may not feel in a very wintry mood. Some might even say Florida’s no place to spend the holidays, with no snow to put you in the holiday spirit. The people over at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, though, have never heard such nonsense. With their ICE! Attraction opening from November 17th to January 4th, 2009, the Gaylord Palms near Walt Disney World proves that you can still have classic winter fun even in Florida.

A walk-through attraction hand-carved from nearly two million pounds of ice, ICE! will definitely make anyone forget they’re in the Sunshine State. The attraction, which is entering its sixth year, allows visitors to experience a winter wonderland with incredible icy landscapes, slippery ice slides, and three-dimensional sculptures hand carved by a team of artisans from China. Combined with over 1,500 fluorescent and fiber optic lights frozen within the ice in over 18,000 square feet of space, the sculptures create a magical holiday experience like no other.

This year’s ICE! theme is “Santa’s Arctic Blast,” which will feature several scenes starring St. Nick, including an oversized “Santa’s Knee” photo opportunity that kids will love. The ICE! castle and slides have also been upgraded to celebrate Santa’s Christmas Eve flight, complete with reindeer and all. And don’t miss ICE’s yearly signature scene, a life-sized Nativity carved completely out of ice. A favorite among visitors, the nativity features dramatic lighting and a narrated soundtrack that brings to life the story of the birth of Christ. It’s a great way to pause and reflect on the meaning of the season.

Every year, 40 artisans from Harbin, China, spend a month in Kissimmee, Florida, to create the sculptures in ICE! out of nearly 5,000 blocks of ice. The artisans are participants in Harbin’s famous annual International Ice and Snow Festival, where sculptors carve a 100-acre walk-through at Zhao Lin Park with ice taken from the Songhua River.

Visitors to ICE! should beware; this is no artificial winter simulation. It really is cold in there! Kept at a brisk 9 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve the ice, the unique structure housing ICE! is also known as the “Florida Fridge,” one of the first of its kind in North America. So lose the flip flops unless you want to have some really cold toes. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are definitely recommended. However, if your suitcase is lacking in fuzzy sweaters, all guests are provided calf-length, hooded winter coats to keep them warm (coats are available in all sizes). Hats and gloves should also be donned and are on sale in the ICE! House Gifts shop, which also features one-of-a-kind holiday gift items.

Whether you’re a hardy winter expert or haven’t ever seen snow, ICE! is a exciting wintry attraction for all. From the incredible artistry and craftsmanship to the heart-warming holiday scenes, there’s plenty to see and enjoy, so don’t forget a cold-friendly camera! You’re sure to have a lot of fun, so long as you don’t lick the ice – no mater how good it looks.

A Fall Chill Is Moving In On Your Orlando Vacation

Nothing can cool off an Orlando vacation like a little bit of ice, and this fall, ICEBAR Orlando is plunging into Orlando’s hip entertainment scene with 50 tons of the stuff. ICEBAR Orlando is the first ever permanent all-ice exhibit to hit the Orlando vacation circuit, and it is sure to become an Orlando hotspot in no time.

ICEBAR Orlando is made entirely of ice – 50 tons of ice. The walls, tables, chairs, bars and sculptures are solid ice. And it’s cold. ICEBAR Orlando will maintain a temperature of below-freezing 27 degrees Fahrenheit. What could be more refreshing during your hot Orlando vacation?

At 1000 square feet, ICEBAR Orlando is the largest permanent ice bar in the whole country. It is the first of its kind anywhere in the southeast, and it should be a must see on all Orlando vacation lists.

Here’s how the ICEBAR Orlando experience works:

First, make a reservation for your 45-minute ICEBAR Orlando expedition. Arrive early so you can hang out in the super hip Chill Lounge, a brand new 4000 square foot Nordic style bar that serves as the fabulously unique entrance to ICEBAR Orlando.

When your ICEBAR Orlando reservation time rolls around, you will be provided with a designer cape, thermal for the utmost warmth, and gloves to keep you cozy during your 45-minute frozen treat. If you’re over 21 years old, a delicious premium vodka cocktail comes with admission, and it is delightfully served in an glass made of – you guessed it, ice. (Under agers get an icy drink too, just without the vodka.)

Once your drink is frozen in hand, you are free to explore this icy wonderland. Sit on an ice-chair, chill at an ice table and admire some spectacular ice sculptures. Your timed ICEBAR Orlando expedition will be the adventure of a lifetime, and when your time is up, you can enjoy a few more drinks and live entertainment at the Chill Lounge.

ICEBAR Orlando is located on International Drive. Formerly known as the Glo Lounge, the totally chill and completely renovated ICEBAR Orlando officially opens on October 1. Admission to ICEBAR Orlando starts at $35 per person, and don’t forget that includes a premium vodka drink for anyone over 21. Reservations are required. There is no admission charge or reservation required for the Chill Lounge.

You and Your Tax Rebate Check Are Going To Disney World!

You may think a Disney getaway means big bucks, but now there’s a way for you to take your family’s tax rebate check and say, “We’re going to Disney World!” First and foremost you need Disney tickets, and we have the best discounts in town on Disney tickets (Universal tickets and Sea World tickets too).

Disney tickets are more affordable than you think
So, you’ve always thought that Disney tickets are expensive. Well, if you’re looking solely at the cost of a one-day ticket to Walt Disney World, that is understandable. What you may not realize is that the Magic Your Way Disney ticket gives you multiple days in the Disney theme parks at a huge discount when compared to the price of a one-day Disney ticket.

With the extra money brought in by your tax rebate check this year, you can afford Disney tickets for the whole family and have cash leftover!

Planning your Tax Rebate Disney Getaway
A family of four should get a rebate of about $1800. Here’s what that tax rebate check can get you at the Walt Disney World Resort:

• 2 Adult 5-day Magic Your Way base Disney tickets good for admission to a different Disney theme park each day. (Total = $420)
• 2 Child 5-day Magic Your Way base Disney tickets. (Total = $350)
• A 5-night stay at a Disney Value Resort like Disney’s Pop Century Resort, where room rates start at just $82 per night. (Total = $410)

Now you have your tickets and your hotel and you barely broke $1,000! You still have more than $600 to use for travel, food and gifts on your Tax Rebate Disney Getaway.

Get more from your Tax Rebate Disney Getaway by camping
If you want to get even more out of your tax rebate check, add the Disney water parks to your Disney ticket package and rough it Disney-style at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Try a package like this to enjoy the great outdoors, Disney theme parks and Disney water parks too!

• 2 Adult 5-day Magic Your Way Water Park Fun and More tickets. (Total = $512)
• 2 Child 5-day Magic Your Way Water Park Fun and More tickets. (Total = $445)
  Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness start at only $42 per night, so a 5-night Disney camping adventure is really reasonable. (Total = $210)

At a grand total of about $1170, this campy Tax Rebate Disney Getaway simply can’t be beat. So, grab that tax rebate check, get your Disney tickets and thank God for the IRS!

Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando

The Universal Orlando Resort has some of the best events and celebrations in town, from special holiday events like Halloween Horror Nights to Grinchmas every Christmas at the two Universal theme parks. While these celebrations take the fun factor up a notch at Universal, none are as big of a party as Mardi Gras at Universal Studios! From the floats to the beads, the Universal Orlando Resort brings the spirit of Mardi Gras and the Big Easy down to Central Florida each Spring!

If you are planning a trip to the Sunshine State before April 19, your vacations plans need to include a trip to Universal Studios for all of the Mardi Gras action. In fact, all that lies between you and the party of your life is a ticket into the theme park! And while it may be good news that you no longer have to travel to New Orleans to get a feel for Mardi Gras, even better news may be on the horizon. Right here at DWTickets.com, we provide discounted tickets to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, along with all of the other top attractions in Orlando. Because we are the No. 1 online source for discounted theme park tickets, you won’t find any better deals anywhere else! So what are you waiting for – get your discounted Universal Studios tickets now by clicking here and get yourself one step closer to Mardi Gras at the Universal Orlando Resort!

As we mentioned earlier, Mardi Gras is celebrated every Saturday until April 19, meaning that time is ticking for you to join in on the fun! Each weekend, the streets of Universal Studios come alive with the sights and sounds of a real Mardi Gras party. A French Quarter Courtyard serves as the center of the party, with a Bourbon Street-feel that includes tantalizing performers direct from Louisiana and authentic Cajun cuisine!

And of course, what would a Mardi Gras celebration be without a parade? Each evening, this highlight of Mardi Gras winds its way through the streets of Universal Studios with floats direct from New Orleans right alongside floats that represent this year’s theme, “Discovering Utopia.” This one-of-a-kind parade is complete with colorful costumes, towering stilt walkers, dancers, street performers and float riders tossing handfuls of beads to parade-goers in the park.

In addition to the above festivities, Mardi Gras also features a popular act each week that headlines the Universal Studios 2008 Mardi Gras concert series. Upcoming performers include:

• Mar. 22 – Kool and the Gang
• Mar. 29 – Heart
• Apr. 5 – Huey Lewis and the News
• Apr. 12 – LL Cool J
• Apr. 19 – Earth, Wind & Fire

Universal’s CityWalk even gets into the action, as Pat O’Brien’s serves at the official CityWalk Mardi Gras headquarters. The exact replica of the famed New Orleans watering hole has a Mardi Gras theme 365 days a year. Visitors can enjoy Hurricanes on the Patio Bar with the famous flaming fountains, eat Cajun favorites in the Main Bar or join the gang in a sing-along in the Piano Lounge to celebrate the special occasion.

Universal Studios’ Mardi Gras is ending soon, so hurry up and purchase your tickets right here! But, just because all good things must come to an end doesn’t mean that the fun at the Universal Orlando Resort stops there. In fact, there is non-stop fun at all of the Central Florida theme parks 365 days a year, meaning you can take advantage of our discounted theme park ticket deals all year long right here at DWTickets.com!

Advice for the Theme Park Weary

If you are planning a vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort your plans are surely centered around your visits to and from the four world class theme parks on the Disney property. And while these four parks have more entertainment options than one could take in during one vacation, there are undoubtedly going to be times during your vacation that you want to get away from the madness of the parks to just relax and enjoy everything else that the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer. To help prepare you for those rare down times, DWTickets.com has assembled some helpful tips of things you can do away from the parks, whether you have half a day off or a full day to occupy your time. Keep reading below for more details!

• If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, which we highly suggest due to the amount of benefits you receive, one of the best things you can do with downtime is to explore your resort and all of the other hotels on property. Each one has a distinct personality and theme that is reflected through everything from the hotel rooms themselves to the architecture of the buildings and the activities/pools on the hotel grounds. If you are not staying at a deluxe resort, you might want to venture to one of them, especially the Magic Kingdom Park resorts around the Seven Seas Lagoon (you can easily access any of them via the monorail at the Ticket and Transportation Center). Another way to fully experience one of the resorts is by booking a full-service meal at one, as the hotels have some of the top-rated restaurants in all of Central Florida incorporated into them.


• While the Walt Disney World Resort has some great shopping (Downtown Disney is a great place for one-stop souvenir shopping), it doesn’t compare to the shopping that local area malls and outlets provide! With two of the largest outlet malls in the southeast, the Prime Outlets and Premium Outlets, only a few miles away, along with two malls with every story you can imagine (the Florida Mall and Mall at Millenia), Orlando has turned into a shopping mecca over the last few years. If you are looking to stay on a budget, you can get designer duds for a cheap price at the outlets, or if you are looking for the real thing, the Mall at Millenia is the place for you to go for all of the best in designer merchandise in town!


• Want to fuel your competitive juices while on vacation? Try a round of golf at one of Disney’s five championship golf courses, or for those less skilled, you can always test your hand at Disney’s two miniature golf courses. Of course, these aren’t the only courses in town to choose from – mini golf course line the streets of Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee, and Orlando is one of the top spots in the country for competitive golf courses due to the year-round seasonable climate. A day on the links just may be the perfect way for you to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Disney parks!In addition to some of the best shopping options in the state, Orlando also has some of the best restaurants in the entire country! You can find a restaurant for every taste bud in the Orlando area, and you have plenty of affordable options to choose from as well. However, if you are looking to make an entire night out of your dinner, we suggest taking in an area dinner show. These dinner shows are several hours long and offer unlimited food and drinks, as well as spectacular entertainment for the whole family. And, exclusively here at DWTickets.com, you can purchase discounted dinner show tickets for your whole family! We offer these discounted tickets to Arabian Nights, the Pirates Dinner Theatre, Medieval Times, the Makahiki Luau at Sea World and Tony and Tina’s Wedding dinner show, and any of these shows are guaranteed to give you a whole new dinner experience!


• Finally, Disney has a plethora of recreation options for those who want to relax and see a different side of Disney. The Walt Disney World Resort has everything from luxurious spas, boat rentals for the many waterways across property, bike rentals, horseback excursions and even the Richard Petty Driving Experience, which allows you to step into a real stock for the ride of your life! These activities are only the tip of the iceberg of things to do while you are at Disney, so be sure to check with your resort if you are staying at a hotel on property for a complete list of activities and ideas of things to do while you are visiting.

No matter what activities you plan for your time outside the parks, we would also like to keep your theme park plans as stress-free as possible. That is why we are proud to be your No. 1 online source for discounted tickets to Walt Disney World, Sea World Orlando, Universal Orlando and all of the other top Central Florida attractions. If you are planning a trip to Central Florida, be sure to start right here at DWTickets.com!

Orlando Attractions Calendar March 2008

What iss happening What is closed and Where to get your discount Orlando theme park tickets

Orlando theme parks are busy places all year round. The only constant in the Orlando vacation kingdom is the cheap theme park tickets you will find at DWTickets.com.

Here’s what’s going on at the Orlando attractions this March:

Openings and Closings:

Aquatica – Orlando’s newest attraction – opens to the public March 1, so get your Aquatica tickets now and be one of the first to splash your way around the freshest Orlando theme park.

Blizzard Beach at the Walt Disney World Resort is closed for refurbishment March 1-8. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is open for business, though, so soak in all of the cheap Disney tickets you need to get wet right here.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park
Peter Pan’s Flight is closed for refurbishment March 1-14.

Sea World Orlando
Swishy Fishies in Shamu’s Happy Harbor will be closed March 8-21.

There are a ton of special events this month, and we know you want to do it all. The only way you can is by getting all of your cheap Orlando theme park tickets at DWTickets.com, the one-stop-shop for your favorite Orlando attraction tickets.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Bud and BBQ concerts offer music and munchies Sundays, March 2 and 9.

Cypress Gardens
Festival of Flowers runs from Feb. 22 – March 30.
Concerts shine on the Star Haven Amphitheatre every weekend from March 1-30.
Eggstravaganza amazing Easter event rolls in on March 22.

SeaWorld Orlando
Bud and BBQ concerts bring beer and bites on Saturdays, March 1 and 8.

Universal Orlando Resort
Mardi Gras at Universal Studios becomes the Big Easy on Saturdays through April 19.
“The Ellen Degeneres Show” returns for live tapings March 31-April 2.

Walt Disney World Resort
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival sprouts on March 19.
Atlanta Braves train at Disney’s Wide World of Sports on select days through March 27
Mickey’s Pirate and Princess Party plunders Disney’s Magic Kingdom on special nights through June 4.

No matter who you are, you will find something you like at one of these Orlando attractions during the month of March. So get those Orlando theme park tickets now and let’s get this party started!

Orlandos Top Ten To Start 2008

2008 is already proving to be a great year to finally take that Orlando vacation. Your friends at DWTickets.com – the best source for cheap theme park tickets in town - have put together the top ten reasons to plan your trip in the next couple of months.

1. DWTickets.com! We are the number one reason to get on down to Orlando because we offer the best discounts on all the theme park tickets you need to make your Orlando vacation spectacular.


2. Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Because you know you want to be one of the first people to celebrate “all things Hollywood” in Orlando now that this park has a new name.


3. Mardi Gras at the Universal Orlando Resort. “America’s biggest street party this side of New Orleans” takes place every Saturday night from February 2 – April 19.


4. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Celebrating its 15th year, the theme is “Fun in the Sun,” and the event will run from March 19 – June 1.


5. Bud & BBQ at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa. This exciting concert series takes place on Fridays at SeaWorld and Saturdays at Busch Gardens from February 16 – March 9.


6. The Pirate and Princess Party at the Magic Kingdom. This special ticket, after-hours party runs on select dates only from 7 p.m. til midnight and features the “Enchanted Adventures Parade” and the “Magic, Music, and Mayhem” fireworks show.


7. Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride…Starring You! at Universal Studios Orlando. Be one of the first guests to help film “Motha Nature” at the newly opened Disaster Studios.


8. Spaceship Earth relaunch. The most recognizable icon at Epcot is reopening its doors this February after a nine-month renovation project. The changes and updates include narration by Dame Judi Dench, brand new scenes and a refurbished time travel machine to transport guests through the giant sphere.


9. Spring Training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. The Atlanta Braves return on February 14 to start their 11th year of practicing and playing spring games at Disney’s 220-acre sports complex.


10. The extension of the “Year of a Million Dreams” at the Walt Disney World Resort.
    
    And that’s just the beginning! There are many, many more reasons to visit Orlando this year. But remember, the best reason of all is the cheap tickets right here at DWTickets.com!