“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!

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.

Rock the Universe at Universal Studios

This September 5th and 6th Universal Studios where people ride the movies will be transformed to a place where people praise and celebrate their faith!

Every year since 1999 the Universal Studios Resort has hosted Rock the Universe, at the Universal Studios Park. With the top names in Christian Rock bands, celebrity speakers, candle light worship sessions, Rock the Universe is an event that the whole family can enjoy!

This year the bands are bigger, and all of Universal Studios top attraction will be open until 1 am! While you rock out make sure you experience, Revenge of the Mummy, Shrek 4-D, Men In Black Alien Attack, Terminator 2 3-D, E.T. Adventure, and the brand new Simpson’s Ride!

When you aren’t busy experiencing Universal’s world class attractions gather around the different stages set up throughout the park and rock out with your favorite Christian Rock bands! As you walk through the front lot, stop by Shrek 4-D then jam out to Switchfoot on the main stage while you make your way over to Revenge of the Mummy! After you have experienced some old testament fun, make your way towards Terminator 2 3-D and listen to New Method on Mels’ Diner Stage. After you fight the future with John Connor make your way towards the all new Simpson’s Ride while listening to the thumping of the Christian beats in the air, then take a moment to watch the color changing globes on the lagoon!

Rock The Universe is proud to present an all-star line up of talent-

Friday, September 5th

• Switchfoot
• Relient K
• Newsboys
• Group 1 Crew
• Skillet
• GRITS
• New Method

Saturday, September 6th

• Third Day
• Jeremy Camp
• Jars of Clay
• Stellar Kart
• Leeland
• This Beautiful Republic
• Special D

Make sure you checkout the celebrity guest speakers! Friday night AJ Styles of TNA Wrestling will speak about being a young superstar and over coming temptation and staying grounded! Then Saturday night HEAD formly of Korn will speak about his conversion, how he found God, quite the band, kicked drugs and lived to tell his tale!

Saturday night only there is a special candlelight service where you can join in with thousands of others to sing inspirational songs in an inspiring service let by Dr Jay Strack.

Rock The Universe is a special ticketed event and requires a date specific ticket in order to gain admission.

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.