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!

Splashing Into Summer at the Universal Orlando Resort

Summer is here. It’s time for an Orlando vacation, and one of the coolest places to hang out on your Orlando vacation is the Universal Orlando Resort. With two theme parks – Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure – amazing on-site hotels and a Wet ‘n Wild water park, the Universal Orlando Resort is packed with splashing summer fun!

Get Wet ‘n Wild at Universal Orlando
The Universal Orlando Resort has its very own water park, and there are soaking great times for everyone at Wet ‘n Wild. A summer Orlando vacation can get hot, and Wet ‘n Wild is the best place for a refreshing cool down. With slippery slides, wild water rides, a Lazy River and a splashing kids’ park, the whole family will be chillin’ the day away.

A separate Wet ‘n Wild ticket is required for admission. This water park is not covered by your Universal ticket.

Splash Down at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Universal’s Islands of Adventure is jam-packed with thrill rides and kiddie fun, and when the afternoon starts heating up you want to head to the wettest rides in the park:

• The Jurassic Park River Adventure takes brave explorers through the age of the dinosaurs all the way to an 85-foot plummet that will leave you soaked but not so hot anymore. Riders must be at least 42 inches tall.
• Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls is another great place for a refreshing plunge, with its 75-foot drop that actually takes you below the water level. This one has a height minimum of 44 inches.

All Islands of Adventure rides and attractions require a Universal ticket.

New Summer Stars at Universal Studios Florida
One of the biggest treats on every Orlando vacation this summer is the chance to hang out with the Simpson’s at Universal Studios Florida. America’s favorite funny family just arrived at their awesome new attraction – The Simpsons Ride, and now is the time to check it out. Ok, so it’s not a water ride, but it’s definitely cool.

A Universal ticket is required for admission to Universal Studios.

Universal Orlando Resort’s on-site Loews Hotels
There are three hotels right on-site at the Universal Orlando Resort, and all of them offer some splashing summertime fun. Book a room and you can spend those hot afternoons relaxing poolside at one of these special Universal Orlando Resort pools:

• The Beach Pool at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
• The Sandy Beach Pool at the Hard Rock Hotel
• The Lagoon Pool at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort