Posts filed under 'NIGHT LIFE IN ORLANDO'
Have you heard? Universal’s innovative team has been dreaming up a whole new type of interactive parade and a dazzling nighttime performance that will leave you feeling captivated and awe-stricken. With the grand opening of “Universal’s Superstar Parade” and “Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories” at Universal Orlando® Resort on May 8, you will have the chance to experience these exciting shows and more!
The “Superstar Parade” is not simply a parade but a moving show. State-of-the-art technology combined with spirited, interactive performances make this a must-see family event where kids of all ages can dance with E.B. from “Hop,” get silly with minions from “Despicable Me” and sing along with Nickelodeon favorites like SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora & Diego. (Hint: if you crave additional character action, selected floats will be converted into character “meet and greet” areas throughout the day.)
As the evening approaches, get ready for a magnificent nighttime show where you can relive some of the most inspiring and emotional moments in movie history. In honor of Universal Pictures’ centennial celebration, the “Cinematic Spectacular” projects fan-favorite highlights from almost 200 beloved films onto water screens at the Universal Studios Lagoon. Narrated by Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman, this breathtaking show will be accompanied by towering fountains, colorful pyrotechnics and a powerful musical score to culminate your fun-filled day at Universal Orlando® Resort.
You will have plenty of opportunities to experience these shows, as they run year round except during annual and special events. Visit Universal Orlando® Resort’s new-in-2012 website to learn more about these brand new additions as well as the “Despicable Me” adventure opening this summer.
May 3rd, 2012
A festival devoted to the dark? That’s right! Just before sundown on Saturday, April 14, take a short drive to Harmony, Fla., less than a half hour from Kissimmee, where the 9th Annual Dark Sky Festival celebrates the marvels of the night sky while teaching the importance of protecting its darkness. You’ll become fascinated when you view stars and constellations while learning about how light pollution can affect not only astronomy research but also wildlife and our environment.
This nighttime festival offers activities to delight the celestial curiosity of your entire family. Peer through impressive telescopes as you stargaze on “telescope hill” and interact with local astronomers and scientists from NASA. Challenge your kids to a game of “glow golf” for some unique nighttime fun! Other highlights include a cosmic kids zone, science exhibits, a mobile planetarium and live music.
The Dark Sky Festival is a free public event on Saturday from 6 – 11 p.m. in Harmony, Fla., located less than 30 minutes from Disney. You’ll have your whole family seeing stars at this “must see” event – last year’s festival welcomed an estimated 5,000 attendees! View the festival website for directions and more information.
April 11th, 2012
How would you like to taste Tuscan cooking, sip on Valencian wine and listen to Australian music, all in one place? This weekend, March 31 and April 1, the City of Orlando hosts the Downtown Food and Wine Festival, bringing together top restaurants, celebrity chefs, live entertainment and worldly wines to captivate your senses:
- Wine: From Napa Valley in California to the Loire Valley in France, some truly delightful wines have traveled over mountains and seas to this event for you to sample.
- Food: Your mouth will be watering as you enjoy delectable dishes from 40 of Orlando’s top restaurants such as Cantina Laredo and Taverna Opa.
- Demonstrations: Celebrity chefs will be showcasing scrumptious meals and taste-bud-thrilling desserts, prepared right in front of you.
- Music: Don’t leave out your aural senses; listen to some fantastic musicians including “American Idol” winner David Cook and Australian Rockers of the Little River Band.
The Downtown Food and Wine festival will be open Saturday, 12 p.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m.-7 p.m. and take place in Downtown Orlando around Lake Eola, on Robinson Street. Tickets cost $15 per person at the door or $10 in advance; admission for children under 12 is free. Visit the official event website for more details, including parking information and directions.
March 28th, 2012
Travel with your family back to the 1950s, when drive-ins were all the rage, on a mini golf adventure at Universal Orlando® Resort’s new Hollywood Drive-in Golf attraction, located at Universal CityWalk®. Choose from two classic movie-themed courses: “The Haunting of Ghostly Greens,” inspired by an old drive-in theater monster movie, or “Invaders From Planet Putt,” which follows the style of a classic sci-fi film.
Open for 18 hours every day from 8 a.m. until 2 a.m., the attraction offers you plenty of opportunities to take your best swing at a hole-in-one. You can decide to play either one or both courses, each with 18 unique holes. These are no ordinary putt-putt courses; watch out for some out-of-this-world and spooky surprises, including:
- Hair-raising lighting effects with an eerie glow (best after dark!)
- Squirting water and spraying air to keep you on your toes
- Patience-testing multilevel challenges
- Colorful scenery and entertaining obstacles
Admission is $13.99 for adults and $11.99 for children ages 3-9 to enter one of the courses. Feel free to play one course and come back later with your receipt for a discount on the remaining course. The official website for Hollywood Drive-in Golf is still under construction, but check back soon for updates. Right now, you can view a series of photos on the home page of Universal CityWalk®.
March 15th, 2012
Whether you’re Irish or Irish at heart, gather your family and head over to Raglan Road for three days of leprechaun-approved St. Patrick’s Day fun at this pub and restaurant located in the Downtown Disney® area. Running Thursday, March 15 through Saturday, March 17, 2012, the
St. Patrick’s Day Festival presents bands imported straight from Ireland, award-winning Celtic dancers and a variety of authentic festivities.
Here are a few highlights:
Thursday, March 15:
- Exclusive luncheon and culinary demonstration with Irish Master Chef Kevin Dundon, who will prepare a few deliciously authentic dishes (reservations required)
- Live music and dancing featuring a performance by Creel, a band that combines rock music with traditional Irish sounds
Friday, March 16:
- Musical performances by Creel with special guests and Murphy’s Law & The Irish Rogues
- Impressive shows featuring the Raglan Road Dancers
Saturday, March 17:
- Musical performances by Creel and Murphy’s Law & The Irish Rogues
- Raglan Road Dancers performing throughout the day
- A concert featuring ELEVATION, “the world’s greatest U2 tribute band”
- Dancers from the Watters School of Irish Dancing
- St. Patrick’s Day themed face-painting, stilt walkers, and more
Choose your best shamrock-shade attire and check out Raglan Road’s official event site for celebration times and details. You can also view a video of last year’s festivities.
March 14th, 2012
For the first time in Disney history, take advantage of the opportunity to experience a full 24 hours of excitement at the Magic Kingdom® Park on leap day! The park will open at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, February 29 and will remain open until 6 a.m. on Thursday, March 1 for families to create extra magical memories during “One More Disney Day.”
See your favorite Disney characters like you’ve never seen them before—in their pajamas! Take pictures under the stars in front of Cinderella Castle and discover if The Haunted Mansion® looks any spookier during the wee hours of the morning. Check out the new role playing game, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom®, available at a special time from 6 a.m. until 5 a.m. You can also attend The Magic, The Memories, and You! show that features a new romance segment with Disney princesses at three different show times throughout leap day.
Tip: to take full advantage of “One More Disney Day,” consider getting a Park Hopper® pass. With the Park Hopper® pass, you can enjoy other Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks during the day and spend the evening at Magic Kingdom® Park. Disney is also offering a sweepstakes through February 29, where you can win a Disney Parks vacation.
Keep in mind that Magic Kingdom® Park is the only park open for 24 hours. Normal Magic Kingdom® Park hours will resume at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 1. Click here for more information.
February 28th, 2012
With hit music from Smash Mouth and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, say goodbye to 2011 and ring in 2012 at Rock in the New Year at Universal CityWalk®. At Rock in the New Year, adults ages 21 and up enjoy a huge New Year’s party throughout CityWalk® featuring live music, all-you-can-eat food and a champagne toast at midnight.
Highlighting the event, Smash Mouth and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will perform live and each of CityWalk®’s seven clubs will also have live entertainment including karaoke at Rising Star, dueling pianos at Pat O’Brein’s, live DJs and bands and more! Special note: designated drivers that are attending Rock in the New Year can pick up a wristband at any of the New Year’s Eve venues to receive free non-alcoholic fountain beverages throughout the night.
Tickets to Rock in the New Year, December 31, 8 pm-2 am, cost $139.99 per person (ages 21 and up only) and include food, a midnight champagne toast, admission to CityWalk® and its seven clubs and performances by Smash Mouth and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Click here for more information.
For families seeking a celebration everyone can enjoy, Walt Disney World® Resort will have fireworks shows and extended hours at Epcot®, Magic Kingdom® and Hollywood Studios®. Enjoy a unique musical celebration with sea creatures and a fireworks show at SeaWorld® Orlando. LEGOLAND® Florida will count down to the new year during the Kids’ New Year’s Eve at 7 pm. Visit each individual theme park’s website for more information.
December 27th, 2011
Go “green” on your Orlando vacation – celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Downtown Disney® in Walt Disney World® Resort.
Enjoy a full day of Irish fun at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant, located in Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island.
The festivities start at Noon and include:
- Irish Dance Performances
- Live Music by Creel & U2 Cover Band eLevation
- Face Painting
Plus, enjoy special entrees at Fulton’s Crab House, also located in Pleasure Island and at Wolfgang Puck Cafe, located in Downtown Disney® West Side.
Don’t miss this fun Disney vacation event!
March 14th, 2011
For a relaxing, fun and casual dining experience, head to Buffalo Wild Wings – just minutes from your Orlando vacation home.
Play trivia, watch your favorite sports games and enjoy a menu that includes New York-style wings with 14 signature sauces – plus salads, appetizers, burgers and more! You can even order carry out!
Buffalo Wild Wings is located off US Highway 192 on Formosa Gardens Boulevard, across from the ALL STAR Vacation Homes Hospitality Center parking lot.
View or download the Buffalo Wild Wings Menu.
March 1st, 2011
by Rick E-Mouse
February 11, 2011 Edition
Universal Studios Florida®
Mardi Gras Concert Schedule
Add “Beads, Bands and Good Times!” to your Orlando vacation – celebrate Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida®, beginning tomorrow, February 12th and running every Saturday plus select nights through April 23rd.
This exciting Orlando vacation event features live music from New Orleans bands, Cajun cuisine, parades and these spectacular concerts:
Saturday, February 12th – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
Saturday, February 19th – The B-52s
Sunday, February 20th – KC & The Sunshine Band
Saturday, February 26th – Pitbull
Saturday, March 5th – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Saturday, March 12th – Foreigner
Friday, March 18th – Neon Trees
Saturday, March 19th – The Roots
Friday, March 25th – OneRepublic
Saturday, March 26th – Blake Shelton
Friday, April 1st – Sean Kingston
Saturday, April 2nd – Ne-Yo
Saturday, April 9th – Lifehouse
Saturday, April 16th – The Beach Boys
Saturday, April 23rd – Thirty Seconds To Mars
Concerts start at 8:30pm from February 12th through April 9th and at 9:30pm April 16th and April 23rd.
For a festive Orlando vacation, experience Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida®!
February 11th, 2011
by Rick E-Mouse
January 28, 2011 Edition
Central Florida Attractions and
Accommodations for Daytona 500 Fans
The 53rd running of the Daytona 500 is right around the corner!
Gear up for the big race with thrilling Orlando racing attractions and luxury vacation home accommodations.
Feel what it’s like to be a real NASCAR driver at the Richard Petty Driving Experience where you can test drive an actual stock car at Walt Disney World Speedway!
Visit Fun Spot Attractions in Orlando and Kissimmee, featuring NASCAR racing simulators and go kart tracks!
Experience high-speed fun at over 60mph – ride Test Track at Epcot® in Walt Disney World® Resort.
Enjoy casual Orlando dining while you watch the “Great American Race” on the big screen at NASCAR Sports Grille at Universal CityWalk in Orlando.
Plus, reserve your Daytona 500 vacation rental accommodations at ALL STAR Vacation Homes – just a short road trip to Daytona International Speedway!
January 28th, 2011
Add more magic to your holiday Orlando vacation – celebrate Now Snowing Nightly in Celebration, Florida.
Now in its 12th year, Now Snowing Nightly features seasonal fun the whole family will enjoy, including soap bubble “snowfalls” at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm and 9pm – each lasting ten minutes!
Other highlights include: photos with Santa, strolling Charles Dickens carolers, train rides on The Celebration Express and an all new ice skating rink!
This unique Central Florida holiday event also features horse drawn carriage rides, free live entertainment and more!
Now Snowing Nightly runs Saturday, November 27th through Friday, December 31st at the Celebration Town Center. Admission and parking are FREE!
November 22nd, 2010
For tasty savings and delicious Orlando dining on your Central Florida vacation, don’t miss Orlando Magical Dining Month – starting next Wednesday and running the entire month of September.
Now in its fifth year, this annual culinary celebration features over 60 participating upscale restaurants in the Orlando area offering special three-course, prix fixe dinners for just $30 during normal dinner hours.
Among this year’s participating Orlando dining partners, you’ll find:
- Eleven at Reunion Resort
- Portobello Trattoria in Downtown Disney
- The Oceanaire Seafood Room at Pointe Orlando
- Latin Quarter at Universal CityWalk
- HUE Restaurant in downtown Orlando
Orlando Magical Dining Month is presented by the Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau and benefits the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Central Florida.
For additional Orlando vacation dining options, visit the ALL STAR Vacation Homes Orlando Restaurant Guide.
August 25th, 2010
by Rick E-Mouse
July 16, 2010 Edition
Summer Orlando Vacation Nighttime Events
When the sun goes down, the thrills heat up at these exciting summer Orlando vacation events:
At Walt Disney World® Resort, there’s Summer Nightastic!
This Disney Orlando vacation event features special nighttime celebrations, including: the Main Street Electrical Parade and Summer Nightastic Fireworks Spectacular at the Magic Kingdom® Park, the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot® (through July 31st), special lighting effects on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™, plus extended hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park – and so much more! Now through August 14th.
And at SeaWorld Orlando, there’s SeaWorld AfterDark, featuring the amazing Shamu Rocks, the hilarious Sea Lions Tonite and the breathtaking Reflections fireworks spectacular! Now through August 15th.
Looking for more nighttime fun on your Central Florida vacation? Then don’t miss Summer Nights at Busch Gardens, now through August 15th at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
July 16th, 2010
Meet your favorite “Survivor” stars on your Orlando vacation at the Summer Sidewalk Sale in Celebration Florida!
This exciting summer Orlando vacation event runs Friday, July 23rd through Sunday, July 25th at the Celebration Town Center and features its 2nd annual “Survivor” reunion.
Castaways scheduled to appear include: Yau-Man Chan, Jerri Manthey, Richard Hatch, Russell Hantz and many more – plus stars from “The Amazing Race”, “Big Brother” and even an “American Idol” finalist!
Featured events include:
- “Sales” Survivor Treasure Hunt – follow the clues on a special map to reveal the answers hidden around Celebration Town Center. One lucky “survivor” will win $500 in cash and prizes!
- Celebrity Autograph Signing – Saturday, July 24th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm in Downtown Celebration
- “Survivor Party” – at the Celebration Town Tavern hosted by comedian Dean Napolitano on Saturday following the autograph signing
For more details, visit the Celebration Town Center Event website.
Catch a real-life “Survivor” reunion on your Orlando vacation – don’t miss the Summer Sidewalk Sale, coming soon to Celebration Town Center in Celebration Florida!
July 13th, 2010
For cool evenings of music, dance, food and more on your Orlando vacation, be sure to catch the Taste of Africa Street Party – running July 9th through July 24th at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® in Walt Disney World®.
Located in the Africa area of the park, this fun summer Disney Orlando vacation event begins each night after Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade and continues until closing time, including nights with Extra Magic Hours!
In addition to a great party atmosphere, enjoy special merchandise and animal education experiences. There’s even beer and wine tastings in Tamu Tamu Courtyard!
Explore the wild side of Africa on your Orlando vacation – don’t miss the Taste of Africa Street Party at Disney’s Animal Kingdom®!
July 7th, 2010
Enjoy the hot sounds of your favorite artists from amazing sound-alike tribute bands on your Disney Orlando vacation at the Epcot® Sounds Like Summer Concert Series.
July Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Schedule
- Now through July 10th: Satisfaction (Rolling Stones)
- July 11th – July 17th: Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi)
- July 18th – July 24th: 2U (U2)
- July 25th – July 31st: Beginnings (Chicago)
Location: America Gardens Theatre
Show times: 5:45pm, 7:00pm and 8:15pm nightly.
Don’t miss this exciting Orlando vacation concert event, running now through July 31st at Epcot® in Walt Disney World®!
July 6th, 2010
by Rick E-Mouse
June 30, 2010 Edition
Orlando Vacation 4th of July Celebrations
Enjoy these explosive 4th of July celebrations on your Orlando vacation:
Walt Disney World
At the Magic Kingdom® Park in Walt Disney World, enjoy the “Celebrate America Fireworks” display Saturday, July 3rd and Sunday July 4th at 9pm.
And head to Epcot® on Sunday, July 4th for the Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert at the America Gardens Theatre, featuring the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps, Disney characters and more! Show times are 12:30 pm, 1:45 pm & 3:00 pm.
Plus don’t miss a special “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” fireworks display with a patriotic finale at 10:00pm!
SeaWorld Orlando
In addition to SeaWorld AfterDark events, SeaWorld Orlando is holding a 4th of July spectacular on Sunday, July 4th, beginning at 9:45pm.
This holiday Orlando vacation celebration features a special performance of both classic and modern songs by the 40-piece 13th Army Band, Florida National Guard at Bayside Stadium followed by a 4th of July Reflections finale with additional fireworks timed to patriotic music!
Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
June 30th, 2010
by Rick E-Mouse
June 11, 2010 Edition
Sounds Like Summer Concert Series
at Epcot® Starts Tomorrow
For a summer Disney vacation that’s music to your ears, don’t miss the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot®.
This exciting annual Orlando vacation concert event runs June 12th through July 31st, 2010 and features tribute bands performing songs from some of your favorite rock and pop artists!
2010 Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Schedule
June 12 – June 19: Stayin’ Alive (Bee Gees)
June 20 – June 26: Hotel California (The Eagles)
June 27 – July 3: Karin Lawson (Janet Jackson)
July 4 – July 10: Satisfaction (Rolling Stones)
July 11 – July 17: Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi)
July 18 – July 24: 2U (U2)
July 25 – July 31: Beginnings (Chicago)
Show times are 5:45pm, 7:00pm and 8:15pm nightly at the America Gardens Theatre.
Rock the summer away on your Disney Orlando vacation – catch the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot®.
June 11th, 2010
by Rick E-Mouse
May 21, 2010 Edition
Celebrate Summer Nightastic! at
Walt Disney World® Resort
© Disney
Light up your summer Orlando vacation – celebrate Summer Nightastic! at Walt Disney World® Resort
Summer Nightastic! – running June 6th through August 14th – is an exciting special nighttime celebration throughout Walt Disney World® Resort, jam-packed with sizzling summer fun!
Enjoy the dazzling Main Street Electrical Parade and Summer Nightastic Fireworks Spectacular at the Magic Kingdom® Park. Experience thrilling new lighting effects at the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™. And rock to the “Sounds Like Summer” Concert Series at Epcot®, June 12th through July 31st.
There’s also special street parties with DJ-spun music at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ and the Magic Kingdom® Park plus extended park hours, including Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park – and more!
For a high-energy and electrifying summer Disney vacation, experience Summer Nightastic! – coming soon to Walt Disney World® Resort.
May 21st, 2010
Previous Posts
Loading ...
