Get Your Wrestling Fix in Orlando

Love it or hate it, wrestling has one of the biggest and most loyal fanbase in the history of sports - or more appropriately, sports entertainment. Whether you grew up watching WCW or WWF (now called WWE) there are plenty of kids that grew up liking wrestling who continued to like it through adulthood. If you’ve ever been to the Orlando theme parks you’re sure to have seen people wearing Stone Cold Steve Austin or John Cena t-shirts. Well did you know that you can actually see wrestling live in Orlando?

TNA, or Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, films its shows and Pay-Per-Views (PPV) live at Universal Studios Orlando. TNA features a six-sided ring, the high-flying X Division (where you can see crazy stunts and flips) and the TNA Knockouts, their women’s division. Plenty of wrestling stars that have come from WCW and WWE are now part of TNA and you can see them all live at Soundstage 21 August through December. Kurt Angle, Sting, Mick Foley, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Christie Hemme and Awesome Kong are all part of the superstar lineup TNA brings to you throughout the year.

The best part is that getting into the show, even Pay-Per-View, is completely free! All you have to do is purchase a ticket to Universal Studios Orlando and you are game to get a seat for all of the TNA action, so why not get a discount Universal ticket and save some cash while you’re at it? Tapings go on through the year but October is the busiest month with fve shows. November features TNA’s PPV “Turning Point” on the 15th. While you don’t need a ticket, seating is first come first serve so make sure you get there on time. Because of the subject matter you might see at a TNA show, you have to be 14 years of age and older to get in. We recommend showing up about an hour early just so you can grab a prime seat. Doors open at 6 for the regular 6:30 tapings and at 6:45 for their PPV shows. PPV’s also have pre-show tapings at 7:30 until the show goes live from 8:00-11:00 pm. If you love wrestling, Universal Studios Orlando is the place for you!

“Pinktober” Returns to Universal Studios Orlando

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and even Orlando theme parks are participating in the campaign to end the disease that affects so many women in the US. You’re sure to find all kinds of merchandise and special promotions in your local malls and restaurants regarding Breast Cancer Awareness month. From special lipstick colors at the makeup counters to optional donations at the grocery store, the entire nation gets together to raise money for various breast cancer charities, like the Susan G. Komen foundation. But when “Pinktoberfest” hits Universal Studios, you will get to help fight breast cancer through another famous charity, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Universal Studios Orlando plans to kick off the month long campaign on September 24th with their Velvet Sessions event. This concert series will take place in the Hard Rock Hotel’s lobby and will feature a performance by The Bangles. One of the most notable female groups in US music history, The Bangles had hits like “Walk Like an Egyptian” or “Manic Monday.” A cocktail party will precede the concert event and then it’s full speed ahead with preparations for “Pinktober.”

“This event brings together great music for a great cause and now more than ever, people are looking for ways they can help make a difference,” says Hard Rock Hotel General Manager Carlton Hudson. “We will even light the hotel’s guitar fountain and the front drive in pink on the night of the Bangles event, as a visual reminder of Hard Rock’s commitment to love all and serve all in the fight against breast cancer.”

Some rooms in the Hard Rock Hotel will be decorated in pink for the fundraising event. If you book one of the “Pink Sheets” rooms 25% of the revenue will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The Hard Rock will also be selling some great pink-themed merchandise to help the cause. If you buy one of the commemorative pins, 75% of the retail price goes to the research foundation. If you buy other items like t-shirts, keychains and even a leather vest, 15% of the retail price goes to the foundation. So whether you stay at the Hard Rock, pick up some souvenirs or attend the concert there are plenty of ways to contribute to the fight against breast cancer.

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!

Guiding Light at Universal Studios This Week

If you love daytime soaps, yearn to be part of some Hollywood magic, or simply need an excuse to go to an Orlando theme park, you’ll be interested to know that CBS daytime drama Guiding Light will be filming at Universal Orlando all week long. Our fair city is no stranger to the spotlights of TV – SeaWorld Orlando recently played host to tapings of Wheel of Fortune – and the Universal parks will join the queue of parks that have held tapings this year with TV shoots running through Friday, March 20.

Guiding Light, which is the longest-running drama on television with an eight-decade run, will be shooting at various spots at Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Universal CityWalk, and other spots within the park. Fans will be able to see the footage in multiple episodes airing from April 24 through May 4, but they’ll also be able to watch from behind the set at Universal while shooting is underway this week. Crew members, of course, will prevent anyone from getting too close, but park guests will be seen in the background of various shots. So if you’re well-placed and oblivious enough, you could be on the show!

The taping begins each day before the park opens, and shooting is fast-paced, with the cast and crew moving from location to location quite a few times in one day. Many residents of Orlando were cast as extras for the episodes in an open casting call that took place earlier in the month at CityWalk’s Groove nightclub.

Universal Orlando stars as itself in the episodes’ scripts, which mainly involve Bill (played by Daniel Cosgrove) whisking Lizzie (played by Marcy Rylan) away to the park to rekindle their love. Bill wants to give Lizzie the childhood she never had as a Spaulding, but Lizzie’s family and friends are never far behind.

If you can’t stop by Universal this week to watch the shoots, don’t fret – when filming wraps on Friday, the cast of Guiding Light will continue to stick around for Mardi Gras and a day of autograph sessions with fans in front of Fear Factor Live. On Saturday, March 21, the cast will be signing autographs from 10 am to 5 pm, starting with a full cast session and Q&A exclusive to annual passholders from 10 am to 11 am and followed by one hour sessions with select cast members through the rest of the day.

Then at Mardi Gras on Saturday night, the entire cast will appear in the evening’s parade at 8 pm. Several actors will be throwing beads to fans, and Kim Zimmer and Robert Newman (who play Reva and Josh, respectively), will be the king and queen of the parade.

There’s no extra cost to watch the filming, attend a signing, or catch the Mardi Gras fun at Universal; only regular admission is needed. So if you’re an avid fan of the show, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to meet the cast and watch them in action. Score your Universal Orlando tickets here at DWTickets.com and you’ll be ready for your close-up with Guiding Light.

Mardi Gras Prepares to Kick Off at Universal

The days are winding down to one of the best parties of the year at Universal Studios Orlando. If the state of affairs in the world is getting you down, then we can think of no better solution than to relax, let loose, and have fun with Mardi Gras: Let the Music Move You. On Saturdays and select nights from February 7 through April 18, park guests will be able to party in the Universal streets New Orleans-style. Enjoy music, food, and outrageous performers in a colorful celebration that’s sure to lift your spirits.

What’s garnering the most excitement in this year’s upcoming Mardi Gras is the concert line-up, which even Universal Orlando admits is the best and most diverse in the event’s history. With a combined total of more than 300 million records sold and a dozen Grammy Awards between them, this year’s Mardi Gras lineup features thirteen of the most popular names in pop, rock, R&B, country, hip-hop, and more.

Party-goers will be able to hear the sounds of KC & the Sunshine Band, Frankie Vallie & the Four Seasons, the Village People, Ne-Yo, and Pat Benatar (featuring Neil Giraldo on guitar) in February; Barenaked Ladies, Montgomery Gentry, Collective Soul, Boys Like Girls, and Kelly Clarkson in March; and MC Hammer, Trade Adkins, and Nelly in April. All these performances will take place in a brand new permanent live concert venue within the park called the Hollywood Bowl Stage, which will make its debut during Mardi Gras.

In addition, New Orleans bands will showcase their authentic bayou music in the “French Quarter,” a replica of the famous district in New Orleans. Guests will be able to groove to the tunes of Big Red and the Zydeco Playmakers, Lil Malcolm and the House Rockers, the Daddy Mac Blues Band, The Honey Islands Swamp Band, and Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone.

And that’s not all – one of the highlights of Mardi Gras is the fantastic parade, which features hundreds of costumed characters, tons of souvenir beads, and amazing street performers. This year’s parade theme is “the Wonderful World of Literature,” giving guests a glimpse into the world of beloved books. Themed floats featuring memorable characters and settings from popular novels and children’s stories will cruise the streets of Universal Studios throughout each Mardi Gras night at 8 or 9 pm. The floats are designed by Blaine Kern Artists, Inc., who also designs floats for the New Orleans parade.

In the middle of all the dazzling floats and pumping music, guests will also be able to enjoy the spicy flavor of Cajun and Creole snacks, entrees, and desserts straight from the Big Easy. Jambalaya, Shrimp Gumbo, Andouille Sausage, Red Beans and Rice, Cheese Steaks, and Beignets are just a few of the tasty offerings that will be available.

And after all the fun at Universal Studios, be sure to head to Universal's CityWalk for the official Mardi Gras after party, where your Mardi Gras ticket provides you with free admission to select CityWalk clubs.

So when the weather starts to heat up this spring in Orlando, you can bet that Mardi Gras: Let the Music Move You is the source. Get in on the Bayou excitement and fun now by getting your discount Universal Studios tickets at DWTickets.com.

Holiday Cheer You Can Only Hear at Universal Studios

In the past few weeks, our readers have had the chance to find out all about the various holiday attractions at Orlando theme parks. A lot of the coverage has been centering on Walt Disney World, we admit, due to the sheer number of parks and activities it has going during the holiday season. But that doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten about Orlando’s other gem, Universal Studios. Famous as the home of the Grinch, that mean, green anti-Christmas fiend, the Studios offers lots of fun holiday entertainment that will warm the Grinch’s heart and yours during "Holiday Cheer You Can Only Hear Here." This festive celebration from December 6th through January 1st features the sounds and sights of the season along with all the classic Universal fun you love year-round.

The fun starts at Universal Islands of Adventure as Seuss Landing is transformed into the wintry land of Grinchmas. You’ll love strolling around the Whoville Wonky Tree Lot and taking in all the whimsical Wholiday decorations. The highlight of Grinchmas, however, is definitely the popular, live musical performance of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Starring the Grinch and featuring music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller, this hilarious and heart-warming show will have you singing along with a whole town of singing and dancing Whos.

And while you’re in Grinchmas, don’t miss out on a chance to meet the man himself – not Santa Claus, the Grinch! The green one will be available for autographs and photographs, and you and the family can even have breakfast with him. The Grinchmas Character Breakfast is available on select dates and includes an all-inclusive buffet at Confisco Grille, where you’ll nosh with the Grinch and many more Seuss characters, including the happy Whos.

Over at Universal Studios proper, be sure to catch the popular Macy’s Holiday Parade at dusk every evening. This annual favorite brings balloons and floats straight from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and features marching bands, colorful street performers, and more. After every parade, you’ll see the Studios’ spectacular tree being lit with festive music and an incredible display of lights.

Universal will also feature fun holiday shows such as the KidZone Holiday Show, Barney’s Christmas Show, and the Blues Brothers Christmas Show, all featuring your favorite seasonal characters singing and dancing along to festive holiday music. And at the end of every night from December 26th through December 31st, wrap up your day at the Studios with the Universal 360 – A Cinesphere Spectacular. This Hollywood finale projects sights and sounds from your favorite films onto huge spheres in the Universal Studios lagoon, along with a spectacular laser and pyrotechnic display.

All the fun kicks off on December 6th, when Mannheim Steamroller will perform live at the park for the first time ever. You’ll groove along as the band performs original songs from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and puts their modern twist on some of your favorite holiday tunes with songs from their newest album Christmasville.

Best yet, all the fun and festivities are included with your admission, so there’s no excuse not to enjoy all the holiday cheer at Universal Studios. And with the big savings you’ll get from buying your discount Universal Studios tickets here at DWTickets.com, you’ll be hearing the Whos and Mannheim Steamroller in no time. And who knows? At Universal Studios, your heart just might even grow a couple sizes.

Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights of the Past

Universal Studios Orlando has always been one of the best places to celebrate Halloween in spooky style, so we decided to pay tribute to some of the Halloween Horror Nights themes of the past. You have been petrified, you have been haunted, and you have loved every second of these frightening themes.

Halloween Horror Nights X – Not Afraid of the Dark? You Don’t Know Jack

Jack the Clown was the terrifying host of the tenth Halloween Horror Nights. Jack was an evil clown and mass murderer, a carnival performer in “Dr. Oddfellow’s Carnival of Thrills.” On Halloween 1920, the police were closing in on Jack and he revealed his secret to Dr. Oddfellow hoping that he would hide him. In an effort to protect himself and keep his own crimes secret, Dr. Oddfellow murdered Jack and hid his body within a traveling carnival as an exhibit. Years later, a television crew came upon the carnival and discovered a large wooden box with a crank. After turning the crank, out popped the decomposing body of Jack. His body was taken to the coroner’s for examination, but on Halloween, the van carrying the box disappeared – and later that week, the film crew was discovered dead!

It’s said that Jack is on a search for Dr. Oddfellow and will reward anyone who releases him from his box. During Halloween Horror Nights X, Jack hosted a haunted carnival and a scarezone taken over by clowns, and he appeared in the Jacked Up show.

Halloween Horror Nights XII

In 2002, the mazes revolved around the imagination of Dr. Albert Caine, otherwise known as the Caretaker. Dr. Caine was a tall and withered old mortician of a cemetery where he and his family used the town’s deceased citizens to conduct unnatural and twisted experiments. Eventually, he began using live specimens by luring victims to his Victorian mansion, so that he could then perform experiments on them to capture their soul – while his family used their body parts for meal ingredients! The Caretaker’s mansion was the main scream house of Halloween Horror Nights 12, and he starred in a show where guests got to see him torturing victims with his signature claw in one of his horrific experiments.

Halloween Horror Nights XIII - The Director Will See You Now

The Director was the star of “The All Nite DIE-in Theater,” one of Halloween Horrror Nights 13’s six haunted houses. The European director was a demented creator of slasher films who liked his actors to do their scenes in one take! In films that were banned in almost every country, he would torture his actors and murder them in brutal and violent ways. Upon entering his haunted house, guests would see him on screen editing one of his bloody movies, only to walk through the screen and into some of the most horrifying movie sets!

With all the many great past Halloween Horror Nights themes, you can be sure that this year’s is going to be just as terrifying, if not more so! At the current Halloween Horror Nights, you can see Dr. Mary Agana, or Bloody Mary, who faces her fear of death by watching you experience yours! Catch Halloween Horror Nights now through November 1st, and get your discount Halloween Horror Nights tickets here at DWTickets.com.

Hot Summer Sounds for Your Orlando Summer Vacation

Orlando is famous for theme parks, water parks and the best attractions on the planet. What you might not know is that an Orlando vacation can also mean great live music at some of the most unique concert venues in town. If you’re taking an Orlando vacation this summer, why not add a live music show to your Orlando vacation itinerary.

Epcot presents the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series
Over at Walt Disney World, they have gathered some of the best tribute bands around for a concert series under the summer skies at Epcot. The Sounds Like Summer concert series runs through Aug. 10, and features nightly shows at Epcot’s America Gardens Theatre. Here is the upcoming lineup:

• June 30-July 10: Bjorn Again, ABBA tribute
• July 11-20: Slippery When Wet, Bon Jovi tribute
• July 21-27: 52nd Street, Billy Joel tribute
• July 28-Aug. 3: Captain Fantastic, Elton John tribute
• Aug. 4-10: The Sounds of The Supremes, a Supremes tribute

A Disney ticket is required to see all shows during the Sounds Like Summer concert series at Epcot. All of the Epcot concerts are included with your Disney ticket.

Hard Rock Live at Universal CityWalk Is Jammin’ in July
The Universal Orlando Resort is one of the hottest entertainment spots to hit on your Orlando vacation, and some of this summer’s best shows are at Hard Rock Live in Universal CityWalk. Here is this month’s smashing concert lineup:

• Michael Bolton, July 13 at 7 p.m.
• Lisa Lampanelli, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.
• Zappa Plays Zappa, July 23 at 8 p.m.
• Frank Caliendo, July 25 at 8 p.m.
• Boy George Greatest Hits Tour, July 26 at 8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live is a local favorite when it comes to live concerts in Orlando. It is conveniently located at Universal CityWalk between Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. You don’t need a Universal ticket for live music events at Hard Rock Live, but a separate concert ticket is usually required. Tickets prices vary, depending on the event.

Universal CityWalk Is Hot All Summer Long
The streets at Universal CityWalk are smokin’ hot this summer, and filled with revelers enjoying their Orlando vacation. Whether you want to dance, drink or dine, you will find a place to do it at Universal CityWalk. No Universal ticket is needed to get into Universal CityWalk, however, some of the venues do require admission.

The Universal Orlando Resort is Celebrating America

At the Universal Orlando Resort, there is always a celebration going on, and this year’s Fourth of July extravaganza promises to be one of the best ever. This Independence Day, there is something to celebrate all across the Universal Orlando Resort: a new lagoon show at Universal Studios Florida, extended hours at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and live entertainment along with summertime treats at Universal CityWalk.

Universal Studios Florida Blasts Off With New Lagoon Extravaganza
Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular is the latest and greatest “high-tech lagoon show” at Universal Studios Florida. The outdoor show goes off over the central lagoon at Universal Studios Florida and is projected on 360-degree “cinespheres” that are four stories tall.

For this year’s Fourth of July celebration, the Cinesphere Spectacular will include an exclusive finale filled with patriotic themes and a fabulous fireworks presentation that is sure to wow and awe the crowds. The Universal 360 show begins at 10 p.m., and a Universal ticket is required for admission to Universal Studios Florida.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure is Open Late to Celebrate
If you want to celebrate your independence with some wild rides, then head over to Universal’s Islands of Adventure to experience some of the most innovative and thrilling rides in Orlando. This year Islands of Adventure is staying open late – until 11 p.m. – to celebrate the Fourth of July in style. A Universal ticket is needed to get in to Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park.

Universal CityWalk Marks the Fourth of July with American Fare
If you don’t have a Universal ticket but still want to celebrate the Fourth of July at the Universal Orlando Resort, Universal CityWalk is the party place to be. All of the clubs and restaurants at CityWalk will be open for the big Fourth of July bash, and there will be live music and street entertainment throughout CityWalk. For some spicy summer food favs, grab a bite at the All-American Barbecue Celebration at Universal CityWalk anytime from 5-9 p.m. on July 4.

Universal Orlando Resort Fourth of July Fireworks Changes
In the past, guests without a Universal ticket could watch Universal’s Fourth of July fireworks display from Universal CityWalk or Islands of Adventure. Due to new attraction construction going on this year, the Fourth of July fireworks will only be visible from inside Universal Studios Florida, and a Universal ticket is required for admission.

Valentines Day at a Universal Orlando Park

Couples who are looking for an unconventional approach to Valentines Day this year may want to consider a visit to a Universal Orlando theme park, which includes Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. At Universal Studios Florida, the No. 1 movie and TV-based theme park in the world, guests can “ride the movies” at this real, working film and television studio. Neighboring Islands of Adventure may be only steps away, but the atmosphere couldn’t be any more different, as this high-tech park aims to thrill you with the most innovative attractions in the country, from high-speed roller coasters to children’s rides that are second to none.

If any of the above appeals to you, DWTickets.com can help you on your quest to visit the Universal Orlando Resort for Valentine’s Day this year. As the No. 1 online source for discounted tickets to all of the top attractions and theme parks in Central Florida, DWTickets.com can help you to not only make this day a unique experience for you and your loved one, but we can also help you do it at a discounted price. To get a head start on your plans for Valentine’s Day this year, click here now to purchase these special discounted offers!

Universal Studios Florida will be open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. this February 14, giving you and your sweetheart plenty of time to experience the movie magic inside the theme park’s gates. You can experience some of the best theme park attractions in the country, from the thrill ride Revenge of the Mummy to Shrek 4-D and the brand new Disaster ride, which is a major motion picture ride – starring you! If you are looking for a nice restaurant to celebrate Valentine’s Day in this park, the most recommended sit-down restaurant is Lombard’s Seafood Grille. With prices ranging from $11-30 per meal, this restaurant offers a delectable sample of fresh seafood, chowder, pastas and salads, including a hearty fried clam basket that is highly recommended. For advanced reservations to Lombard’s Seafood Grille, call 407-224-3613.

If you are planning to extend your Valentine’s Day activities out until the weekend at Universal, you will want to be sure to hit up Universal Studios Florida on Saturday, February 16 for the Mardi Gras Celebration. Each Saturday from February 2-April 19, the streets of Universal come alive with a special Mardi Gras parade, live music – and of course – those famous beads! On February 16, Sara Evans will take the stage to perform for the guests at Universal Studios Florida, and the best part about the whole celebration is that it is included with theme park admission!

Islands of Adventure, also open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, offers thrill seekers the perfect day full of adventure, as some of the top roller coasters and attractions in the country are located here, including the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, Dueling Dragons and the Incredible Hulk Coaster. And after you have worked up an appetite on these rides, you can head over to one of the most highly coveted sit-down restaurants in all of Orlando for a dining experience that is second to none! Mythos Restaurant, which has been given the Theme Park Insider Award as the best theme park restaurant for the past four years, features fresh, contemporary cuisine, a full bar including wine selection, family favorites like fresh salads, wood-fired oven pizzas and burgers and elaborate dishes of fish, seafood and steaks. Reservations can be made at this restaurant, and even if you are not visiting the theme park, you can still dine here by leaving a credit card at the gate and staying inside the park for only a certain window of time.

Whether you are planning on visiting Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure (or both!) on Valentine’s Day this year, remember that you can see it all for less if you purchase your tickets right here at DWTickets.com! Click here to get your discounted tickets today!