Summer Savings at the Universal Orlando Resort

In this tight economy, you want to get as much bang for your buck as you can. This summer in Orlando that bang comes in the form of the “most explosive, jaw-dropping cinematic adventure you’ve ever seen” at Universal Studios.

Summertime has officially hit at the Universal Orlando Resort, and it hit with a loud explosion and some amazing attractions and movie-licious shows and dining options. You won’t want to miss the excitement at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure this summer, and you can get your Universal tickets today!

Universal Studios Summer Fun: Universal 360 – A Cinesphere Spectacular
Universal Studios Florida just introduced an innovative new nighttime extravaganza that features all of the latest projection technology combined with laser light acrobatics, pyro and a fireworks show that will bring the house down.

The latest show addition to the Universal Orlando Resort explodes into the sky every night at 9:45 p.m. A Universal ticket is required to catch this one, because it can only be seen from inside the Universal Studios Florida theme park.

Universal Orlando Resort Summer Fun: Blockbuster Attractions
Summer vacation at the Universal Orlando Resort means a chance to see the latest and greatest blockbuster attractions.

• The Simpsons Ride just opened at Universal Studios Florida, and it is sure to be Universal’s ride of the summer!
• Another Universal favorite is the Revenge of the Mummy thrill ride.
• Over at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, you will find hot, hot, hot attractions like The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk Coaster.
• There’s no time like summer time to “Ride the Movies” at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure Theme Park. Universal tickets are needed to enjoy these and many other amazing blockbuster attractions at the Universal Orlando Resort.

The Simpsons are Having Breakfast at Universal Studios Florida
Since the opening of The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios Florida, America’s favorite fun family has decided to invite some guests to breakfast at Universal Studio’s International Food and Film Festival. Here’s what they have in store for you:

• A breakfast buffet that includes all of your morning meal favorites.
• Appearances by Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie.
• Breakfast is served from park opening until 10 a.m. every Thursday through Sunday.A Universal ticket is required for admission and reservations are recommended.

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.

Best Orlando Souvenirs

When you vacation in Central Florida at one of the many theme parks in the area, you are surely going to want to take in all of the best attractions during your time in the parks. Likewise, when you leave the parks, you will likely want to take a little piece of your stay home with you to keep the memories alive, whether that be in the form of photos that you will turn into a scrapbook or memorabilia from the parks that you and your family can cherish for a lifetime. We at DWTickets.com have scoured the three major theme park destinations in Central Florida to help you decide what the best souvenirs are in Orlando and the best way to attain them – to find what they are, and how to get them, all you have to do is keep reading below!

While DWTickets.com is one of the top places on the Internet to find inside information about all of the theme parks in Central Florida, we are also famous for helping you out in another way – by providing discounted tickets to all of the top Central Florida tourist destinations! In fact, DWTickets.com is the largest ticket store in all of Orlando, providing you with deep discounts to the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, Sea World, Discovery Cove and Sea World’s new water park, Aquatica, along with other attractions and even local dinner shows! An entire vacation’s worth of fun – and discounts – are all within your reach by simply clicking here to get started now!

At the Walt Disney World Resort, the top selling and most coveted souvenir at the parks is undoubtedly Mickey Mouse ears! While you can pick these up at multiple stores in all of the parks, the best place to purchase your own set of mouse ears (along with any other Disney hat you can think of) is at The Chapeau on Main Street U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom Park. The Chapeau is the only place on Disney property where you can get your name engraved for free on the back of your hat, although we do highly suggest making this purchase early in the day, as this service understandably gets backed up throughout the day and you will have to wait several hours to get yours back (and perhaps not be able to do it at all if you wait until later in the day). Alao at the Magic Kingdom Park, The Emporium located on Main Street is also another great souvenir store with loads of classic Disney merchandise such as stuffed animals, clothes and T-shirts, princess dresses, hats and more.

If you are not at the Magic Kingdom Park but would still like to get your name engraved on your Mickey ears, just bring them with you on your trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Edith & Adrian’s Head to Toe shop on Hollywood Boulevard has an array of merchandise available for personalization, and they will also engrave your Mickey ears here as well for a small fee. Once you have hit up all of the gift shops in the theme parks, you have one more spot to visit for any and everything you missed in the theme parks – the World of Disney at the Downtown Disney Marketplace. This store is one of the largest in the world, with room after room full of Disney merchandise, scrapbook materials and souvenirs. Chances are, if you can’t find it here, or at one of the other shops at the Marketplace, you won’t be able to find it anywhere at Disney!

If you are looking to take home more photos than souvenirs, you may want to think about a couple things. First, look for the Kodak picture spots at all of the theme parks, as those are the places that Disney most recommends for picture taking with your personal camera. And, you might also want to think about taking your photograph with one of the professional photographers that are littered throughout the parks. You no longer have to purchase your pictures right there at the theme parks (although each park has a store with that option), because this service now allows you to take a card with you that each photographer who takes a picture of you will scan. Then, once you get home from your vacation, you can go to the web site on the back of the card to look at your pictures and order them directly online! These are perfect additions to the Disney photo album or Disney scrapbook from your vacation.

The Walt Disney World Resort isn’t the only place to grab your vacation souvenirs, however. The Universal Orlando Resort is known for having specialty merchandise shops, meaning that each shop has its own theme rather than generic Universal apparel and gifts. But, your best bet for finding the best souvenirs from Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are in the Universal Studios Store and Islands of Adventure Trading Store, respectively, as both of these offer the best merchandise from all over the parks.

Sea World also has a plethora of shops to choose from as well, beginning with The Waterfront, a five acre dining and shopping area with stores featuring souvenirs from all over the world. But, if you are after a classic Sea World souvenir, there is only one place for you to visit – Shamu’s Emporium. One of the largest in the entire park, this store is devoted to Sea World’s biggest attraction, Shamu, with a wide range of merchandise available, including T-shirts to toys and even plush Shamus to take home with you!

Good Times After Dark at Universal Orlando Resort

The Universal Orlando Resort is one of the most unique vacation destinations in Orlando for daytime fun during your Orlando vacation, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are both worth a visit. And when it comes time to buy your theme park tickets, DWTickets.com is your one-stop-shop for discount Universal tickets.

After you get your cheap tickets at DWTickets.com and spend the day frolicking in one of the theme parks at the Universal Orlando Resort, you don’t have to go home! Just walk over the bridge to Universal CityWalk and a whole new playground opens up before your eyes. This full service entertainment complex has treats for every taste: fine dining, live music, themed restaurants and bars and specialty shops you won’t find anyplace else in Orlando.

The bars and clubs are great…if you’re 21 or older. But when you’re here with the family and still want to enjoy the night life, you will not be lost at CityWalk. In fact, some of the most popular bars are open to all ages and great meals are part of their entertainment package.

Modeled after the original, CityWalk’s version of Pat O’Briens is an “authentic reproduction” of its sister bar in New Orleans. You will know you’re on vacation as you suck down your famous “Hurricane” cocktail and cheer on your favorite dueling piano player. If you’re lucky, you might even get to hobnob with the bigwigs on the 4,000 square-foot Patio where you can bask in the ambience of the famous “Flaming Fountain.”

Every Orlando vacation should be laid back, and no place embodies that spirit more than Jimmy Buffet’s® Margaritaville®, where masterpieces by Florida’s favorite son come to life in every nook and cranny. From its three bars – The Volcano Bar, Land Shark Bar and 12-Volt Bar – to the themed food and drinks – A Cheeseburger in Paradise, and of course, a variety of Margarita choices – to the nightly live music – you will get into the “Margaritaville State of Mind” in no time.

CityWalk is a party paradise for all ages, and the fun food and luscious libations are sure to spice up your Orlando vacation. Before you head out to party and play, though, make sure your first stop is at DWTickets.com. We are the best place in town for all of your discount ticket needs.

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!

Celebrate Saint. Patricks Day at Your Favorite Orlando Theme Park

Saint Patricks Day is a colossal celebration and the Orlando theme parks are joining in the festivities with parties at CityWalk and Pleasure Island. Get your Disney tickets or Universal tickets today, and wear your green for a festive frolick at any Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando theme park.

After a gleefully green day, step out in your Irish colors for a real St. Pat’s party at CityWalk or Pleasure Island. Both nightlife niches are offering fine Irish celebrations that are sure to be fun for all.

CityWalk is celebrating “St. Patty’s Day…With Attitude” at Pat O’Brien’s from 2 p.m. – 2 a.m. where you will find:

• Traditional Irish fare
• Live Irish music and dueling pianos
• Hurricanes (Pat O’Brien’s specialty drink) just $7.95 all night
• Bud drafts only $2 all night
• Admission $12; Must be 21 years old to get in
• Leprechauns, bagpipers, and beads for all!

If you really want to honor St. Patrick in style, go for the VIP package ($20 per person). This special pass includes:

• Line jumping (and on St. Patrick’s Day, this is really a time saver!)
• Access to exclusive balcony with private upstairs bar
• Delicious hors d’oeuvre buffet
• And…even more beads!!

Over at Pleasure Island, there is no admission charge and the party goes on all weekend with:

• Live music featuring the band “Seven Nations”
• Irish music videos for your viewing pleasure
• Leprechaun appearances and stilt walkers to enhance the evening
• 3-Days of partying: March 14, 15, and 17 from 7 p.m.-2 a.m.

This is the biggest day of the year at the Raglan Road Irish Pub in Pleasure Island, where traditional Ireland is always in abundance. For this year’s party they invite you to enjoy:

• U2 Elevation. (The U2 cover band is back by popular demand!)
• Tuskar Rock, the house band straight from the heart of Ireland.Top notch Irish dance performances by Danielle Fitzpatrick.
• Kilts and competitions and mayhem for all!
• Party starts at 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 16. (Cover charge on March 17.)

Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, so get your Orlando theme park tickets now and join in the wearin’ o’ the green. Eringobragh!

Spectcular shows at the Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Studios Florida is chockfull of spectacular shows. You can sing along with Beetlejuice and his monstrous friends at the frighteningly fun Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue. You test your bravery at the interactive Fear Factor Live. You will be entertained and amazed with all the adorable actors in the Animal Actors on Location. And do not forget the little ones who can spend A Day in the Park with Barney! Yes, Universal prides themselves on bringing the guest the very best in live entertainment and that trend continues with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling!

Emanating from behind the nail-biting Twister ride, Universal Studios Florida brings you Total Nonstop Action from right out of the world renowned Impact Zone. TNA promises an unique experience from their larger than life characters to their revolutionary (and exclusive!) six sided ring. Their famed X-division takes wrestling to the next level with innovative matches such as "The Six Sides of Steel" "Elevation X" and "The Hard Ten." Sometimes guests will even participate like in the notorious "Fans Revenge Lumberjack Match." With the TNA brain trust thinking up new cutting edge matches all the time, every show promises to be an one of a kind event.

These aren't just any performers as the roster includes all the hottest new names in sports entertainment. Top talent such as The Phenomenal AJ Styles, Samoa Joe and Black Machismo Jay Lethal. It also boasts wrestling legends like the Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle, Team 3D, and "The Icon" Sting. So, if you're coming to see to cheer an old fan favorite from your past, you just might see a new one for the future.

The best part of this extraordinary show is that it's taped for TV! Every Thursday night at 9 pm EST n Spike TV, TNA Impact is broadcast. So, on top of seeing wrestling stars of the past and future participating in matches you won't find anywhere else you have a chance to be on national television. They also give away prizes during the show and chances to have your picture taken with your favorite TNA superstar. The shows are taped on March 10th, 11th, 24th and 25th with more dates announced soon! On occasion they'll even tape Pay Per Views in the Impact Zone. This not only gives you a chance to be on TV but, DVD. Now, what's the cost of this amazing show? It's included in your regular Universal Studios Florida ticket which you can purchase right here at DWTickets.com

Orlando Becomes a Music Mecca This March

People from all over the world come to Orlando for its theme parks. Smart people visit DWTickets.com first to get discount tickets to all of the major Orlando attractions. Besides offering the widest assortment of cheap theme park tickets, DWTickets.com keeps you up-to-date on the latest events in and around Orlando.

Opportunities for catching great live concerts are abundant throughout all of Orlando’s theme parks. So, check the dates, pick a band and then buy all of the cheap theme park tickets you need right here to enjoy live shows in way cool places.

The Mardi Gras celebration is continuing at Universal Studios every Saturday through April 19. You need a ticket to enjoy this annual extravaganza, so get your discount Universal tickets today and treat yourself to one of these live acts:

• Sara Evans on Feb. 16
• Third Eye Blind on Feb. 23
• Gretchen Wilson on March 1
• Smokey Robinson on March 8
• Franki Valli & the Four Seasons on March 15

Walt Disney World is setting the stage for a major annual music event. The Epcot Flower & Garden Festival – and its Flower Power Concert Series - starts on March 15. Epcot admission is required to catch these fab functions, and you are already where you need to be to get your cheap Disney tickets: DWTickets.com! So jump back to these groovy groups of the 60s and 70s

• The Guess Who on March 19-22
• Petula Clark on March 23-24
• Paul Revere and the Raiders on March 25-29
• The 5th Dimension on March 30-31

The Bud & BBQ weekends at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are bringing some great bands to town too. And, of course, you can get your cheap Sea World tickets right here and discount Busch Gardens tickets too! Party with these acts in the next few weeks at either park:

Sea World Orlando Shows

• Trisha Yearwood on Feb. 16
• Credence Clearwater Revisited on Feb. 23
• Craig Morgan & Pat Green on March 1
• Joe Nichols & Jason Michael Carroll on March 8

Busch Gardens Shows

• Sara Evans on Feb. 17
• Styx on Feb. 24
• Clay Walker on March 2
• Gary Allan on March 9

So, no matter what kind of music you’re into, you can find it live at an Orlando theme park. And you will find the best discount tickets to get there right now at DWTickets.com!

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!