Quest World Flair Bartending at CityWalk

CityWalk has been a hit at Universal Studios Orlando since it first opened back in 1999. This giant entertainment complex features themed restaurants like Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, NASCAR Sports Grille, and the Hard Rock Café, along with amazing nightclubs like the groove and a 20 screen movie theatre. There are always amazing events going on at CityWalk from Happy Hour specials to concerts featuring great bands from every musical genre. During special events like Halloween Horror Nights, Universal CityWalk serves as the perfect gateway to start the party early. You can grab dinner or some drinks before heading into big events at either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure.

This week anyone that’s ever dreamed of being a bartender will be thrilled to find out that Universal CityWalk is hosting the Quest World Flair Bartending Grand Finals. Flair bartending involves more than just mixing some vodka and cranberry juice into a glass; it involves intricate tricks like juggling and pouring drinks over your head or behind your back. Flair bartending takes the art of mixing cocktails to a whole other level! If you’re in the CityWalk area this week you’ll be able to see the action starting tomorrow at Pat O’Brien’s. The Irish establishment will be holding a practice session for the 100 flair bartenders that have come to compete in Orlando from over 15 countries.

Stop by Pat O’Brien’s on Tuesday November 17th at 4:00 pm to watch the bartenders practice as you enjoy traditional Irish food, live entertainment, and $7.95 Hurricanes. The fun continues on Wednesday November 18th for the Quest World Flair Bartending Grand Finals at the groove! Doors open at 6:30 pm and there will be Three Olives drink specials throughout the night. You have to be 21 and over, of course, so make sure you bring your ID to this awesome event!

Your best bet would be to search for some discount Universal tickets and check out the amazing rides at Universal Studios like Revenge of the Mummy or the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Or you can go to Islands of Adventure and ride The Hulk and try to get a sneak peek at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The choice is up to you, but make sure you check out the Quest World Flair Bartending Grand Finals!

New Horror Nights Scare Zone a Sneak Peek?

There is only one week of Halloween Horror Nights left. The popular Halloween attraction is in its 19th year of production over at Universal Studios Orlando and it keeps drawing a massive amount of fans every year. Weekend dates sell out quickly since horror fanatics wait all year for this awesome event. This year’s “Ripped from the Silver Screen” event brought back classic horror icons like Chucky, Wolfman, Dracula, The Phantom of the Opera, Jigsaw and more. With great scare zones, haunted houses and the always fun Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure show which pokes fun at the year’s craziest pop culture moments, you’re guaranteed to have an awesome time.

This year’s scare zones featured WW2 zombie soldiers, circus freaks, wandering horror movie icons, contaminated people and the classic chainsaw guys. While the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit wasn’t open for rides when we checked out it, The Simpsons and Revenge of the Mummy were two of the attractions that were open for the night. But we just heard something quite strange from the Orlando theme parks world. Apparently, Halloween Horror Nights just created a brand new scare zone a week before its final days!

Back towards the New York section of Universal Studios, a dark alleyway has been converted into a scare zone. The details are scarce, but the Universal camp posted an ominous message on their Facebook page talking about spooky shadows and creatures of the night. Universal Studios is doing this as a test for fans lucky enough to get a peek at what’s to come for next year’s 20th anniversary event. At times Halloween Horror Nights has been held in Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, but the recent years have seen it at Universal Studios only. As for next year’s theme we’re already hearing wedding bells…could a “’Till Death Do Us Part” theme be in the minds of the Halloween Horror Nights creators? If you went to the event this year make sure you fill out the survey Universal Studios sends you to give your feedback on the event. We’re already psyched for the 20th year of this awesome event in 2010!

Check Out Universal Studios—Through Google!

Up until recently, Legoland in California was the only U.S. theme park to be featured on Google Maps Street View. Now we can add Universal Studios Orlando Resort to the Google Street View crew! This is a great feature for any theme park fanatic, especially those of you that are die hard Universal Studios fans. We’re not sure if other Orlando theme parks will be added to the satellite map feature, but we can only hope other parks follow suit with Universal, because this is a great way to check out the theme parks and pre-plan before booking your trip.

Once you access the general map of Universal Studios, you will see certain areas highlighted in blue. Those are the areas which were photographed for the Google Street View feature. You can then zoom in on to street view level and “walk” through the entire park. You can see the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit over at Universal Studios and most of the features of Islands of Adventure and CityWalk as well. You don’t have to worry about identity issues, since the faces of the people have been blurred. The Google crew rode through Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk on a bicycle mounted with a high-tech camera and filmed the theme parks in order to create this feature. While there are some glitches, such as disappearing restaurants or an inability to “go” in certain directions, overall it’s a great option for the technologically savvy.

One attraction you won’t find is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Apparently the parks seemed to have been captured before construction started on Islands of Adventure’s newest (and most anticipated) attraction. The Harry Potter island has yet to be completed but the park officials have already announced a spring 2010 opening. We know that “muggles” around the world are waiting on pins and needles for this island to open, and we’re pretty sure Google will return to the park to add the new island to their Street View feature. The first park to ever be featured on Google Street View was Disneyland Paris—could the Walt Disney World Resort be next?

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!

Party it Up Island Style at CityWalk!

CityWalk is a great way to take a breather from Orlando theme parks without leaving them entirely. After all, both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are just a short walk away, and with all of the clubs and restaurants around you, there is plenty of action going on and tons of ways to have a blast. One of the great things about CityWalk is that you can get a little taste of the island life without having to make the drive out to the coast from Central Florida.

This week marks Jamaican Independence Day, and CityWalk plans to celebrate in full force! Bob Marley: A Tribute to Freedom will be hosting the celebration. This restaurant is modeled after Marley’s home and garden in Kingston, Jamaica. It is a tribute to his music and his message of peace and freedom for the world. Marley fans will also find artifacts from his musical career and personal belongings of the “Reggae King.” The restaurant features a full service bar including Red Stripe beer and features food like Jamaican patties. As a special event for the festival, the restaurant will be throwing a party with live reggae music from Chain Reaction, food and drink specials, DJ’s, vendors and street performers.

If your island style is more Key West than Kingston, check out Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. Sip on the best margaritas in town as you chow down on your “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and listen to Buffet’s classic songs. There is live music in the laid-back Key West style and happy hour specials at this great CityWalk location. There is a great shop available that features margarita mix, leisurewear and Jimmy Buffet’s music. It’s a great place for Parrotheads and hungry guests alike.

If you’re looking for Latin island flavor, check out the Latin Quarter to eat and dance the night away. The Latin Quarter is influenced by over 21 Latin American countries and the décor is influenced by Aztec and Mayan architecture. This dining establishment features foods from South and Central America as well as the Latin countries in the Caribbean. Thursday nights is Ladies’ Night with Rumba 100.3 FM and the Latin Quarter also features Reggaeton and Freestyle dance parties from 10PM - 2AM.

You can always head back to the theme parks thanks to CityWalk’s great location, but there is plenty of cultural nightlife for you to explore at CityWalk. Make sure you stop by!

Satisfy Your Junk Food Fix in the Parks

Working up an appetite in Orlando theme parks is easy. After hours of waiting in line and walking from one end of the park to another, you’ll surely want a nice meal and a break. If you’re in the parks during the hot Florida summers, then you’ll most definitely want to sit down in the air-conditioning—believe me, it gets really hot here! There is rarely time for a fancy sit-down dinner, and after all that activity you need a little bit more fuel than a salad. So here is a small list of our favorite places to grab some junk food at the parks.

A lot of times you’ll see visitors to the parks munching on turkey legs as they walk from one attraction to the other, but we would rather take advantage of the amount of detail put into the décor of some of the restaurants the parks have to offer. At Universal Studios, check out Mel’s Drive-In, located in the Hollywood section of Universal Studios. This 50’s style diner will send many down memory lane and give 50’s enthusiasts a great place to rest their feet and fill their stomachs. Mel’s offers, you guessed it, diner food. Milkshakes, burgers and chili-cheese fries are all available along with the classic root beer float.

If you’re looking for a more fulfilling restaurant experience, we love heading to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, located in Universal’s CityWalk. The menu here is more extensive compared to the restaurants inside the park, and therefore healthier options are available for those watching their waistlines. But if you aren’t, then feel free to indulge in the Cheeseburger in Paradise. Named after Buffet’s famous song, this has to be my favorite burger in the Orlando area. Feel free to sing along to the music playing in the background as your Heinz 57 on your burger.

As for dining in the House of Mouse, there are two locations we always have to go when in the Walt Disney World Resort. Our “old faithful” location in the Magic Kingdom has to be Casey’s Corner on Main Street. This Main Street classic is a baseball-themed restaurant that highlights the glory days of America’s past time. It’s great to check out the classic baseball-themed cartoons on the bleachers with younger members of the group as well. No matter what we do when visiting Disney World with our families, we have to stop at Casey’s. If we don’t make it for lunch, then it’s the last thing we do before getting back to the hotel. There is nothing fancy about their hot dogs, but who needs fancy when they’re so good?

Hopefully you’ve worked up a craving for these classic eats after reading the blog. Make sure you keep them in mind when you’re heading out to the parks with your discount Disney tickets and your Universal Studios tickets.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Begins Testing

Now that Manta is open and soaring high over at SeaWorld, it’s time for roller coasters aficionados to turn their attention to the other big attraction opening this summer, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (HRRR or “Rockit” for short). To the eye, this new coaster at Universal Studios might not seem as innovative as Manta, but it actually packs a wallop as big as its name with fun technological elements and never-before-attempted roller coaster maneuvers.

We’ve discussed in previous blogs how the HRRR will feature six special maneuvers, three of which have never been attempted with a coaster before. There’s the 17-story high vertical lift, a non-inverted loop (the world’s first), a spiraling negative gravity move, and much more, including a 95 degree angled swoop over the crowd as they wait in line for their turn.

Now, even more details are coming out about the Rockit’s unique design. Particularly important to the coaster is its ultra-maneuverable X-CAR passenger car, which allows the Rockit to have the moves of many different styles of coaster. Each will feature only a lap-bar restraint, which will leave the upper body less restricted, allowing for extra thrills during those crazy loops and drops.

In addition, the trains will reportedly never stop at the loading station thanks to a groundbreaking new loading area design. We’re not sure how it works, but plans dictate that the Rockit will dispatch a train roughly every 23 seconds.

And though plenty has been said about the technological elements of the Rockit, most probably aren’t appreciating how tech-equipped this ride really is. The HRRR has six on-board cameras and eight high speed special effects cameras for capturing each rider’s experience. Needless to say, that goes way beyond the one camera that most rides flash at you when you’re donning your goofiest expression of terror. With 54 special effects shots, guests will not only be able to see their ride in full, but they’ll even be able to produce their own unique ride video and buy a DVD of it, download it at home or onto their phone, and send it to their friends.

Moreover, the Rockit will feature a 55-watt on-board speaker system that will blast out one of 30 songs from 5 genres; the song choices will include both classic and contemporary artists.

Though the Rockit was originally set to open in spring of this year, the opening was delayed to summer due to what we hear were some difficulties constructing that sky-high lift. Since then, however, the ride’s been coming along swimmingly; all pieces of the track are in place, the trains have been placed on it, and they’ve already begun testing of the ride.

We’ve even heard whispers that the HRRR will be debuted on July 4, meaning that it will coincide with the park’s Independence Day celebrations and the last day of the Summer Concert Series (check out our blog on that here). If that’s true, then the 4th of July is sure to be filled with good times all around at Universal.

In the meantime, if you do happen to see the ride being tested out while you visit Universal and are surprised at how slow things are running, don’t fear – the ride’s speed will pick up significantly once it’s out of testing phase!

Crowds are sure to gather for the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit when it opens, so you’ll want to save time by getting your Universal Studios tickets well in advance from DWTickets.com. We’ll see you in line for this exciting new coaster!

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!

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Prepares to Rock Universal

Roller coasters enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Orlando, the newest attraction to be added to the park since The Simpsons Ride. And though they’ll have to wait a little while longer – the coaster’s opening has been delayed until this summer with the earliest opening likely in June – we’ve got a few extra juicy details on the Rip Ride Rockit to tide everyone over until then.

We’ve already mentioned on this blog that the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (HRRR) will be one of the most technologically advanced coasters in Orlando, with the ability to choose the ride’s soundtrack before boarding, watch your experience on video after riding, and even edit and send that video to friends. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this exciting new coaster, which will feature plenty of moves and maneuvers that are sure to get your heart pumping.

First, the HRRR, once completed, will be the tallest, largest, and fastest X-CAR style roller coaster in the world. Having an X-CAR vehicle – which is more maneuverable than other coaster vehicles and uses innovative, less restrictive restraints – makes the HRRR capable of moves other coasters aren’t. It also allows for more vehicles on the track, ensuring a whirl of non-stop movement.

Some of that movement takes place during six special maneuvers on the HRRR, three of which have never been built before. Those include the Double Take, the world’s first non-inverted loop; the Treble-Clef, where the track bends to form the shape of the musical symbol by the same name, and the Jump Cut, a spiraling negative-gravity move. Other fun maneuvers to look forward to on the Rockit include a 17-story high vertical lift, a drop into an underground chasm, and an inclined loop with a 150-degree banking turn. Riders will also get to soar 33 feet above the ground at a 95 degree angle over the crowd as they wait in the ride’s queue.

Here’s a fun fact – the HRRR features 3,800 feet of steel track, and believe it or not, work first began on it not in the US, but in Munich, Germany last summer. More than 60 sections of track and 200 columns were completed overseas, then packaged into 120 containers and loaded onto ships for transport to the US. They arrived in Savannah, Georgia and then made the trip by road to Orlando, where they were placed in a holding area so the build-out could begin.

Now, it’s just a matter of waiting while the track is completed, and almost all of it is in place. In the meantime, we suggest planning your Universal Studios vacation as a way to pass the time and get excited for the park’s newest and most exhilarating roller coaster yet. Start by looking at the discount Universal Studios tickets on DWTickets.com to begin preparing for your first ride on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.

From a Room with a Who to a Tropical Evening at Universal Orlando Hotels

When planning a vacation to Orlando, Florida, it’s important to pick a hotel that offers more than just a place to rest your head. For the best vacation, you want a place that offers fun when the day at the park is over and a hotel room with unique extras that’ll make certain members of your family extra comfortable. And at Universal Orlando resorts, the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and the Loews Royal Pacific Hotel have gone to extra lengths to make additions that do exactly both those things.

First, at the Loews Portofino Bay, the hotel recently debuted a new hotel suite with a Who – from Who-ville, that is. Little ones will go wild over the newly added Dr. Seuss kids’ suites, which offer a larger-than-life experience that integrates the characters from Seuss Landings at Islands of Adventure into the hotel.

The suites, which were unveiled late last month, capture the spirit of Seuss with a montage of wild characters, fun colors, and unique patterns. Colors, in particular, are everywhere – from the vibrant blue carpeting that’s sprinkled with a pattern of lighter blue dots to the beds, which feature Seussian figures inspired from the Horton Hears a Who book. The two-room suites offer plenty of space from traveling families, and parents will appreciate an added feature that only allows access from the children’s room into the adult’s room and not into the hallway.

Making the suites even more fun are special packages offered by the resort, which include accommodations in a Dr. Seuss Suite (three night minimum), a breakfast of green eggs and ham in Trattoria del Porto for two daily, a special children’s welcome amenity, a set of four Dr. Seuss books, a set of four mini Dr. Seuss themed plush characters, and a souvenir Cat in the Hat photo frame.

If adults staying in the suite find all the Seuss-ness a little overwhelming, they can escape for a night to the Loews Royal Pacific Hotel, where a new celebration will give adults an extra reason to look forward to the end of the week. On ‘Aloha Friday,’ it’s time to break out your favorite Hawaiian shirt or dress as the Wantilan Luau Pavilion becomes the host to a fun, tropical party. Guests will be able to enjoy tasty island cuisine from the resort and Emeril’s Tchoup Tchoup, along with tropical drinks, beer and wine, gourmet coffee, a lei greeting, and more.

And providing the sounds for Aloha Friday will be Volcano Joe and the Hot Lava Band, who’ll perform sounds by your favorite artists – including Jimmy Buffet, The Eagles, UB40, and more. The party kicks off on Friday, April 17, at 6:30 pm, and tickets cost $25.

So if you’re looking for the perfect place to stay while you check out Universal Studios, consider the Loews resorts, which are great for kids and adults alike. Best yet, the resorts offer extra benefits for enjoying Universal Orlando, including express ride access just by showing your hotel room key card. Couple that with Universal Orlando tickets from DWTickets.com, and you have the makings of an Orlando vacation that will make everyone in the family happy.

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.

Have It Your Way at Universal CityWalk

The King has come to Orlando. No, we’re not talking about the King of Sweden or Saudi Arabia or even Elvis; we mean the Burger King, which has brought its Whopper goodness to Universal Orlando CityWalk in a new restaurant that’s the first of its kind anywhere. This week saw the opening of three new restaurants in the Universal Studios entertainment district, giving guests new options for great dining and casual fun.

Panda Express, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and the world’s first Burger King Whopper Bar are the new additions, housed together in one connected dining area on the second level of CityWalk. Open for lunch and dinner, each of the three new restaurants offers guests delicious food prepared right before your eyes. After placing and picking up their order, guests can then make their way into a new modern and trendy dining room outfitted with posh booths and tables.

Part of the family-owned national chain, Panda Express will serve up fresh, high quality Chinese food served hot; Panda’s highly-skilled chefs use the ancient Chinese art of wok cooking to prepare crisp and tangy favorites like Orange Chicken and Beijing Beef. Moe’s Southwestern Grill, meanwhile, will serve fresh, made-to-order southwest flare, with signature items such as the Homewrecker Burrito and Joe Coctostan Quesadilla. Complimentary chips and salsa come with every meal, as well as warm, exceptional service.

The Whopper Bar, however, will really make a unique mark on CityWalk’s dining with a new restaurant concept that takes Burger King’s “Have It Your Way” philosophy to new heights. There, guests will be able to enjoy premium and customizable selections off a new Whopper-based menu with interesting variations of the original Whopper. And when they say “have it your way,” they mean any way – guests will be able to dress their burger with unique toppings like jalapenos, Parmesan peppercorn sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and onion rings. They’ll even be able to opt for “extra thick” burgers.

Though the restaurant’s name may suggest otherwise, there’s no alcohol served at the Whopper Bar – just juicy whoppers, and in the morning, breakfast items like Croissan’wiches, French toast sticks, and hash browns. The restaurant has a sign indicating that the Orlando location is the world’s first.

A 30-acre complex filled with nightclubs, premier restaurants, and live entertainment, Universal CityWalk is one of Orlando’s hottest nightspots. When it came to dining, however, Universal CityWalk big wigs saw something missing in the area’s offerings.

“We saw a desire for quick, casual meals among our guests,” said Ric Florell, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Resort Revenue Operations. The three new restaurants were their answer to the void.

Great for fueling up in the morning before hitting Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure, Whopper Bar, Panda Express, and Moe’s Southwest Grill are sure to be popular spots at CityWalk. Be sure to check these eateries out next time you pass through Universal Studios, and remember to get your Universal Orlando tickets at DWTickets.com before you go so you’ll have more money left over for noshing.

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.

Ways to Save at Universal Studios

It seems as though everyone is locking up their wallets tight these days and being a little more careful about where they spend their dimes. And though you might consider a trip to Universal Studios a frivolous expense that will take away all your dimes, a trip to this Orlando theme park doesn’t necessarily have to be a costly good time. Just follow the following tips and you’ll see that a trip to Universal Studios can be fun and inexpensive too.

One of the biggest expenditures during an Orlando vacation is food. Three meals a day can add up to a lot over the span of a trip, and if you happen to get hungry at the parks, you’ll often find that the fare is pricier than you’d like. Many people save by bringing their own snacks and drinks in a backpack – then you can camp outside your favorite attraction and nosh away.

However, Universal Orlando also offers a Universal Meal Deal ticket, which allows you to enjoy an unlimited amount of lunch and dinner at either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure for one low price. Good for one or two days, the meal deal is a bargain if you plan on spending the entire day at the parks, and it’s good at places like Mel’s Drive In, the Comic Strip Café, and Louie’s Italian Restaurant. Best yet, you can go through the lines as many times as you want really gorge. We advise skipping on the Meal Deal Souvenir Cup, though. Unless you plan to drink a lot of soda (not a good idea when you’re about to go on a roller coaster), it’s simply not worth it.

Another big expense during theme park trips is souvenirs, especially if you’re traveling with kids. One money-saving tip is to allow each child only one souvenir that they can pick during the beginning or end of their vacation. Help them choose their souvenir carefully so that they pick something that will be useful throughout the trip or for their next one, like an autograph book or a hat. Also, you can eliminate opportunities for spending money by coming prepared with your own camera; that way, you won’t have to pay for shots with Spiderman.

You can also save on the costs of a rental by staying at one of Universal Studios’ three resorts. Guests of the Royal Pacific Resort, the Hard Rock Hotel, or the Portofino Bay Hotel all benefit from complimentary on-site transportation. You can take the convenient water taxis along picturesque waterways or ride the shuttle bus directly to Universal Studios or CityWalk. You can also ride free to SeaWorld, Wet ‘n Wild, and even Walt Disney World.

Universal Studios resort guests are also privy to Universal Express Ride Access, which entitles them to special shorter lines at popular park attractions. Your room key doubles as your Access Pass, and by saving time at the park, you’ll likely save money. This neat benefit certainly makes staying at the resorts worth it.

And for those who can’t get enough of CityWalk, you may want to hold off your visits to this entertainment-filled park until after 6 pm. Unfortunately, Universal began charging for parking at CityWalk at the beginning of the year, but the fee is $12 during the day and only $3 at night.

Finally, the best way to save on a Universal Studios excursion is by getting discount Universal Studios tickets at DWTickets.com. So go ahead and treat yourself to a Universal Studios adventure – with all the ways that you can save, you won’t even feel guilty about it.

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.

Universal Studios Harry Potter Update

We love the attractions at Universal Studios Orlando – some of the classic rides and shows like JAWS and Terminator 2: 3-D have a special place in our heart. But as much as these classics thrill us time after time, there’s nothing like the excitement of looking forward to a future attraction. One such addition that fans are particularly looking forward to is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a new area being built within Universal's Islands of Adventure that will create the world’s first fully immersive Harry Potter themed environment.

Based on the bestselling books by J.K. Rowling and the blockbuster hits by Warner Bros., construction first broke ground on the Wizarding World back in May 2007. The 20-acre area is being constructed in a portion of what used to be the Lost Continent and another area that was previously unused. Currently, the Wizarding World is expected to open in 2010.

When completed, the Wizarding World will allow guests to visit some of the most iconic locations found in the books and films, including the village of Hogsmeade, the mysterious Forbidden Forest, and even Hogwarts castle itself. Concepts from the film will be transformed into theme park experiences, with immersive rides and interactive attractions. Shops and restaurants will also allow guests to sample fare from the wizarding world’s best-known establishments, like The Leaky Cauldron in London and Hogsmeade’s The Three Broomsticks. And one state-of-the-art attraction in particular will bring the magic, characters, and stories of the books to life in a big, exciting way.

“Over the years we’ve received thousands of letters from fans around the world wishing they could visit Hogwarts and the wonderful locations described in each of J.K. Rowling’s beloved stories,” said Barry Meyer, chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Entertainment. “Working with Universal Orlando Resort, we are confident that we’ll be able to provide Harry Potter fans with an incredible experience that upholds the richness of J.K. Rowling’s books and delivers on the authentic detail portrayed in our films.”

"The plans I've seen look incredibly exciting, and I don't think fans of the books or films will be disappointed," added J.K. Rowling.

Academy Award-winning production designer Stuart Craig, who worked to bring the world of Harry Potter to life in all of the feature films, is leading the creative design team for the Wizarding World, a surefire bet that the attraction will stay true to the look and feel of the films.

As this “theme park within a theme park” develops, every ounce of secrecy is being used to prevent fans from getting a glimpse of the Wizarding World before it’s completed. Word has it that Universal Studios is even bringing roller coaster tracks in after the park closes to keep guests from seeing them. Much of construction is taking place behind fences in a big building, guarding the Wizarding World’s secrets from prying eyes.

Nonetheless, reports have swirled that actors from the films have been brought in to shoot sequences and provide voice-overs for some of the future rides and attractions. Rumor also has it that Hogwarts Castle will be massive, possibly over 200 feet (making it taller than Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom). And sources say that a Whomping Willow or Shrieking Shack experience is in the works.

Until 2010, it looks like we’ll have to wait to find out everything the Wizarding World will offer. However, if you get frustrated, it helps to remember the Ministry of Magic proclamations posted around the under-construction Wizarding World area, which read, “Magic at Work: Your Patience is Requested.” And in the meantime, you can always enjoy the rest of the park with discount Universal Studios tickets from DWTickets.com.

Ring in the New Year at Universal Studios

We’ve kept you in the know about all the New Year’s Eve festivities over at Walt Disney World, and now it’s Universal Studios Orlando's turn. Though Walt Disney World might have some of the best fireworks shows and parades on December 31st for a memorable, family-friendly way to ring in the New Year, Universal Studios is where the party’s at. You can bid a particularly fond farewell to 2008 and rock in 2009 at Universal CityWalk with the "Takin’ the Party to the Streets" celebration on December 31st, from 8pm to 2 am.

In this wild, end-of-the-year celebration, it’s all about the music and food in a raucous street party that will say hello to 2009 with a bang. Live performances from the Doobie Brothers and other bands will keep the streets of CityWalk grooving all night long, along with music in every club, all-you-can-eat gourmet food, and more.

On December 31st, be sure to bounce around to all the clubs and restaurants at CityWalk -- the special one-night-only party ticket includes all-night admission to them all. Live entertainment will be featured at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom, the groove, Latin Quarter, Pat O’Brien’s, Red Coconut Club, and CityWalk’s Rising Star. In addition to hot music, you’ll also be able to find Chef-attended food stations featuring cuisine from each CityWalk venue. There’ll be Jammin’ Jambalaya, Paella, Cheeseburgers in Paradise, and Jumbo Shrimp, just to name a few. Partiers will also be able to find delicious dishes at Chef Carving Stations and Buffets, offering everything from Roasted Applewood Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon Tips to Skewered Fruits with Chocolate Fondue.

Then, just before midnight, party hats will go on and noisemakers will be passed around to usher in the New Year. The countdown will end in merriment and a midnight champagne toast for all.

If you do have the family in tow, the "Takin’ the Party to the Streets" celebration at CityWalk probably isn’t an option for celebrating the New Year – guests must be at least 21 years old to party. Don’t be discouraged, though – you can always ring in 2009 at Universal Studios theme park. The park will be open late on December 31st from 8 am to 1 am (Islands of Adventure will be open from 8 am to 10 pm).

At Universal, you can enjoy all your favorite rides late until the evening, and don’t miss the final showing of Universal 360 – A Cinesphere Spectacular at the end of the night. Through unique “Cinesphere” technology, this show recreates the sights and sounds of some of Hollywood’s biggest films projected onto the huge spheres in the Universal Studios lagoon, along with one of the largest laser and pyrotechnics displays in Florida. For folks staying at the resort, there are also New Year’s Eve party packages at the Hard Rock Hotel and the Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

So this New Year’s Eve, don’t stay home watching the countdown on TV. Start 2009 in style with the celebrations at Universal Studios and CityWalk. Save on discount Universal Studios tickets at DWTickets.com, and you’ll be on your way to some incredible New Year’s festivities.

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.

Enjoy Italian Music and Romance at Loews Portofino Hotel

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, both situated in the heart of Universal Studios Orlando, offer their guests plenty of awesome perks, including pools, dining, shopping, fast lines at Universal and Islands of Adventure, and more. What many don’t realize, however, is that each hotel offers their own attractions and events separate from the park throughout the year.

One such attraction that is a must-see for any guest of the Loews Portofino Hotel is “Musica Della Notte” (Music of the Night). Each night, guests can experience a true taste of Italy with this musical celebration. The fun begins at sunset when the strolling musicians of the Mama Della’s and Thirsty Fish restaurants perform from the balconies overlooking the Harbor Piazza. Musica della Notte showcases a blend of classic opera, romantic and festive music, and pop-opera favorites. One of four different themes pervades the show each night: Broadway Favorites, Viva Italia, Romanza, and Tenors Night.

With the Romanza themed show, you can expect to hear popular love songs with an Italian flavor, including songs made famous by Bocelli and Sinatra. On Tenors Night, the musicians perform classic tenor arias and Bocelli favorites. And during the Viva Italia show, you’ll hear spirited Italian songs that include Neapolitan favorites. The show’s themes operate on a fixed schedule, so you can call the concierge to find out which one will be performed that evening.

Since the show takes place around or shortly after sunset each night, weather permitting, the time of the performance fluctuates based on the time of the year. Currently, Musica Della Notte is being performed at 6:30, but anyone wanting to know when the show will be can call the hotel’s front desk.

The Portofino Hotel is expertly modeled after the Portofino village of Italy, and the Harbor Piazza, in which Musica Della Notte is performed, resembles a town square. Complete with cobblestone streets and outdoor cafés, it’s the perfect setting for the operatic show. Guests can even see Vespas and sports cars parked in the piazza along with faux fishing boats anchored in the harbor. The ambiance is romantic, charming, and classic Italian.

For a truly incredible experience, dine at Mama Della’s and request a table on the piazza when the Musica Della Notte starts. You’ll get a great view, enjoy classic Italian cuisine, and be able to see and hear the show comfortably. And best yet, with Campo Portofino, couples can enjoy a solo night of romance on the Piazza by dropping their kids off at this supervised children’s activity center (for ages 4 through 14 only). Parents won’t have to feel guilty about leaving little ones behind because they’ll have plenty to keep them entertained; Campo Portofino has play mats, an arts and crafts table, storybook corner, computer desks, a movie room, and more.

So next time you stay at Loews Portofino Hotel, be sure you explore the resort, which offers plenty of opportunities for excitement and romance. You’ll love Musica della Notte and the Italian charm of this one-of-a-kind resort.

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.

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.

New Years Eve Around Town

The year is rapidly coming to a close, and the time has come to make that final decision: what are you doing for New Years? DWTickets.com is here to help! First, we will give you all of the latest details on what is going on this December 31. Once you decide which event you want to attend, DWTickets.com steps up with the best discounts on cheap theme park tickets around.

Virtually all of the Orlando theme parks are open late during the holidays, and that means past midnight on New Year’s Eve. That also means some special celebrations for those year-end park guests.

New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld will feature pop, Latin and swing music throughout the park along with dancing tunes provided by Michael Andrews and his 18-piece Atomic Big Band. All of the park’s rides and attractions are staying open until midnight, when a fabulous fireworks show will escort in the new year.

Shamu’s cousins over at Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa will be hosting the “Ultimate New Year’s Eve Celebration” and keeping the rides open until 1 a.m. There will also be music and dancing featuring Rhythm Nation on the Gwazi Park stage. Over in the Desert Grill, guests can see Theatricks, with special guest Sideswipe (previously seen on America’s Got Talent!). To close out the old year and bring in the new, Busch Gardens will fill the sky with fireworks from December 26-30.

Back in Orlando, the excitement at Islands of Adventure continues late into the night. Park guests will be able to bring in the new year at midnight and then hang out and ride until 1 a.m. Universal Studios is also staying open until 1 a.m., and they are playing host to the special VIP Capital One Bowl Pre-Game party. Some lucky Universal Studios guests may even be treated to a sneak peak at the new Disasters! Ride that is due to open this month. Disasters! is replacing the Earthquake ride.

Also at the Universal Orlando Resort, the Blue Man Group will have special New Year’s Eve performances that include a champagne toast and “Auld Lang Syne” in the unique Blue-Man-Group style.

So if you don’t want to hit a bar or a gigantic crowd this New Year’s Eve, consider SeaWorld or Universal for your year-end celebration. Whatever you decide, DWTickets.com has the theme park tickets you need at the best prices in town.

The Holidays are Heading to Orlando

Finally, the weather is breaking and it doesn't feel like the middle of summer in Central Florida anymore. While temperatures all around the country are getting lower and lower, Orlando's thermometer is beginning to show numbers that were made for visiting the theme parks and local attractions. And since the weather here is simply perfect, DWTickets.com is the first place to visit to get your discount theme park tickets and plan a visit. No matter what the season, DWTickets.com is the best place to find the cheapest tickets for all the best parties in town. And the upcoming holiday celebrations abound, so as your number one ticket and insider information source here is your chance to find out the what,s and where,s for spending the holidays in Orlando.

Walt Disney World is the host with the most special and spectacular holiday events, and they aren,t wasting any time getting started. Hot on the heels of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park will be the first to break out their holiday happenings. Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade will begin marching through the park on November 12 and will run daily through January 6. During the same date span, The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights will be brightening up the evening skies at Disney-MGM Studios.

The Magic Kingdom Park will also begin celebrating Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party in November. This is a separate ticket night-time event that is held on select dates through December 21. Just down the road at Epcot, Holidays Around The World begins its cross-cultural gala on November 23, and this daily event can be experienced all across the park and will run through December 30.

Guests can get a little of that New York City holiday feel when they visit Universal Orlando starting on December 7. This season, they are continuing their annual Macy's Holiday Parade through New Years Day. The Return of Grinchmas is back at Universal's Islands of Adventure, and this year they are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Dr. Seuss Christmas classic from December 7 through January 1.

All of the Orlando area theme parks have incomparable decorations and parties to celebrate this special time of year, and it is a wonderful place to spend some cherished time with the family. So get everyone's favorite gift - cheap theme park tickets - right here at DWTickets.com and celebrate the season in Orlando!

Citywalk at Universal

For the past few weeks, DWTickets.com has been blogging about one of Orlando's biggest fall events, the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot. But we here at DWTickets.com like to keep our special visitors informed about all of the great opportunities for fun and excitement Orlando has to offer. We also give all of our VIP customers the very best discounts on cheap tickets for all of the area theme parks. In keeping with this month's them of fine food and drinking, we want to let you know about some new additions to City Walk at the Universal Orlando Resort. City Walk features ten fabulous eating and drinking establishments, including two new additions: the NASCAR Sports Grille and The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market.

Race fan or not, you won't be able to resist the tasty signature Ribs at the NASCAR Sports Grille. And while you're waiting for your food and drinks, you can tune your personal table-side plasma screen to the channel of your choice and feel right at home. After dinner, you can hang around for some fun on the new state-of-the-art NASCAR simulators, have some family game time, or watch the giant plasma wall for the latest sporting events.

Or you can run like Forrest to The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market. Here you and your family will enjoy...what else, but shrimp until your hearts' content! It is also fun to browse around and have a look at the "boatload" of memorabilia from the Oscar-winning film.

Superstars abound at City Walk's restaurants and bars. Stop at the Volcano Bar at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, have a delicious "Floribbean" concoction, and enjoy a live band every night starting at 10 p.m. For the more mellow set, there's Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom, a bar patterned after Marley's own home in Jamaica. With it's open-air veranda, you will definitely feel like you are on vacation. For a fancier fling, try Emeril's Restaurant Orlando. The famed chef never disappoints as his delectable Creole creations are served in a fine-dining style and can be paired with one of 12,000 bottles of wine from the second-floor wine gallery.

This is just a sampling of the tasty treats that are in store for City Walk guests. These special dining luxuries can fit easily into your vacation budget as long as you get all of your park tickets right here at DWTickets.com, your cheap ticket oasis!

What's New at Universal

Universal Studios has announced that they are closing one of their classic, and most famous rides, Back to the Future: The Ride. I, the DW Tickets Blog Man truly loved this ride, and will be sad to see it go. This attraction was my all-time favorite ride, and one of the first of its kind in terms of virtual reality simulators. There was nothing more exciting than hopping into Michael J. Fox's 1980's De Lorean and going for a virtual reality quantum leap back in time. It appears times are changing and the younger crowds that visit Universal Studios aren't too familiar with the Back to the Future era. Universal Studios has not announced what will take it's place, but a new exciting attraction should be occupying that building by the Fall of 2007.

Universal Orlando has also been focusing their efforts on creating and bringing in new entertainment to their theme parks. Starting in the summertime, Universal will be opening the famous Blue Man Group show, hosting an act that has been a long-running hit in New York City, Vegas and other great cities around the country. The show, which is a mix of high-energy choreography, amazing music, and special effects, is going into a brand new state-of-the-art theater that was once used as a sound stage for Universal movie and music projects. Universal has been remodeling it for the past year, and the final outcome is going to turn out brilliant. There are lots of new things going on at Universal Orlando, and I am very excited to see what is in store for this summer and beyond. Have a great week, and try to catch Back to the Future : The Ride at Universal Studios before the time-travelling De Lorean takes its final flight.

Orlando Flex Tickets

Happy Daylight Savings time everyone - the sun is out longer, and Spring is in the air! This is the Official DW Tickets Blog Man, and I'm here to tell you about the Orlando Flex Ticket - which is truly the greatest invention in theme park history. The Orlando Flex Ticket gives you the best bang for your buck, providing unlimited access to 4 or 5 of Florida's most popular theme parks : Universal Studios, Universal's Islands of Adventure, Sea World, Wet N Wild, and Busch Gardens. The Orlando Flex Ticket option allows you to visit any or all of these parks everyday - for 14 consecutive days! Come down to Florida and see the world's most exciting attractions for one unbeatable price - and you can visit as many parks as you desire for 14 striaght days. The Orlando Flex Ticket is the best option for people coming down to Florida for an extended vacation.

The fun and freedom that comes with having 2 full weeks of unlimited access to Central Florida attractions was practically unheard of until now. Spinning webs with Spiderman atUniversal Islands of Adventure, riding the movies at Universal Studios, chilling out on the water slides at Wet N Wild, the non-stop roller-coaster excitement of Busch Gardens in Tampa, getting splashed by Shamu at Sea World, and hitting the clubs at Universal Orlando's CityWalk is yours - all for one low price. The Orlando Flex ticket is the ultimate package deal for the theme park lovers and sets your family up for a little bit of everything. Normally it would cost thousands of dollars to spend 14 days at the theme parks, but with the Orlando Flex Ticket, you are getting 2 weeks of fun for one low price !

Orlando Flex Tickets come in two different varieties: the 4 Park Flex Ticket, which includes Universal Studios, Universal Islands of Adventure, Sea World and Wet N Wild; and the 5-Park Flex Ticket, which adds the Busch Gardens option to the flex pack. The coolest thing about your Orlando Flex Ticket is you can visit all the parks and attractions as many times as you want in the 14 days, and there are never any limitations. Most of the parks - you cannot see all in one day, so take your time and split up the trip, because with Orlando Flex tickets, you have 2 weeks of fun ahead of you. DW Tickets is the best place to purchase your Orlando Flex Tickets. The Orlando Flex Ticket is one of the most valuable, most worthwhile attraction discount passport available anywhere. To buy your Orlando Flex tickets, CLICK HERE!

Windermere Country Club - Championship Golf !

Good Wednesday - This is the DW Ticket Blog Man here, and I have some exciting, almost unbelievable news. There is a great golf course in Orlando, very close to Universal Studios called the Windermere Country Club. We have put together a package for DWTickets customers and created a 1-day pass for only $94 per day.

To purchase tickets to the Windermere Country Club, Click Here !