Universal Studios Florida® makes choosing 2012 for your family’s Orlando Vacation, an “extraordinary year to be here!” A highlight of Universal’s recent announcements is the debut, this spring, of the Superstar Parade, the theme park’s first-ever daily parade.
During the interactive Superstar Parade, you and your family will be able to see some of your favorite characters from “Despicable Me,” “Hop” and Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Dora the Explorer.” Sing and dance to musical performances on the all-new floats with dancers, stilt walkers and more surprises!
Before the parade, enjoy meet-and-greets and photo opportunities with Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes and maybe even a minion or two; “Hop’s” E.B.; SpongeBob and friends; and Dora and Diego.
Admission to the Superstar Parade is included in admission to Universal Studios Florida®. Click here to view more exciting additions to Universal Orlando® Resort planned for this year.
It has terrorized Amity Island for years. It’s coming and you can’t escape it… January 2, 2012, the last day you can ride JAWS® at Universal Studios Florida®! One of the original attractions since Universal opened, JAWS® has been thrilling park visitors since 1990.
JAWS® takes visitors on a fictional scenic boat tour off the cost of Amity where the famed 1974 great white shark attacks that inspired movie took place. Visitors are assured great white sharks haven’t been spotting in the area for years, until now! According to the ride description by Universal Orlando® Resort, “Your boat’s skipper calls for help and fires into the water. A darkened boathouse offers no refuge. The monstrous shark hammers your boat relentlessly, surrounding you with a sea of wreckage. If you can just get past those flaming fuel pumps you might make it back to dry land…” Can you and your family survive JAWS®?
Don’t miss your chance to make memories with your family and enjoy the iconic JAWS® ride one last time during your Orlando Vacation. JAWS® closes January 2, 2012 and is included with park admission. The Amity Island area of the park will also be closing. Click here for more information on the closing of JAWS®.
As the holidays approach, the theme parks are sure tobe at high traffic crowds. Many apps can now help you plan and navigate your way through to get the most out of your day at the park. These apps can help you fit in all of your family’s favorite attractions and activities.
Mobile Magic
Disney’s only official app available exclusively through Verizon, Mobile Magic is a great way to ensure a stress-free day at the park. Get updates on attraction wait times and FASTPASS return times, even find out where your favorite characters are.
Touring Plans
Available for the iPhone, Android and Blackberry, this app offers information on a variety of parks. Check out wait times for rides, information on attractions and chat with other vacationers to gather tips that will greatly enhance your park-going experience.
Hidden Mickeys
The Hidden Mickeys app has taken a decades-old game to a whole new interactive level. Available for Apple’s iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, Hidden Mickeys gives you a whole new way to enjoy the Disney parks.
Universal Studios Wait Time
This app for Android is perfect for managing your time at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Plan out your day with park information on wait times at all attractions and rides.
SeaWorld App
It’s like a tour guide on your iPhone! Easily navigate through the park with a handy map and highlighted paths and find information about attractions, shows and wait times. Also handy is the car locator and camera option within the app with the added SeaWorld framing option.
Now it’s easier than ever to enjoy your Orlando vacation. Download these apps and start planning today!
Make your Spring Orlando vacation complete with these fun and festive events:
Epcot® Flower & Garden Festival
Explore a world of flowery fun with millions of beautiful blooms, Disney character topiaries, gardening tips from HGTV experts and live Flower Power concerts! Now through Sunday, May 15th at Walt Disney World® Resort.
Viva La Musica
Enjoy a fiesta of Latin music, food, arts and crafts. Now in its Final Weekend: Saturday, April 2nd at SeaWorld Orlando and Sunday, April 3rd at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida®
It’s “Beads, Bands and Good Times!” with concerts, the sounds of New Orleans, Cajun food and parades! Saturdays, now through April 23rd at Universal Studios Florida®.
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.
Celebrate a the holidays on your Orlando vacation with Holiday Cheer You Can Only Find Here at Universal Studios Florida® and Universal’s Islands of Adventure®.
At Universal’s Islands of Adventure® enjoy Grinchmas™, featuring a live performance of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas”.
And at Universal Studios Florida® there’s Macy’s Holiday Parade™, the all-new Holiday Village and live concerts featuring Mannheim Steamroller on December 18th – plus the Sounds of the Holidays a cappella group on select nights.
This fun holiday Orlando vacation celebration runs now through January 1st.
Orlando Premium Outlets – featuring 150 name brands at discount prices
Florida Mall – browse over 260 stores, a movie theatre and more!
The Mall at Millenia – enjoy high-end retail stores like Bloomingdale’s, Nieman-Marcus and Macy’s
Festival Bay Mall – explore 1,000,000 square feet of shopping fun
Pointe Orlando – with outdoor shopping, dining plus a 21-screen Regal IMAX theatre
Enjoy more Orlando shopping fun at Downtown Disney and Universal CityWalk – plus don’t miss Old Town in Kissimmee, featuring four blocks of specialty shops, dining, games and rides!
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.
ALL STAR Vacation Homes also offers luxury vacation condo rentals in the International Drive area close to SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Studios Florida® and adjacent to the Orlando Orange County Convention Center at Vista Cay Resort and the Isles at Cay Commons.
Plus, all of our Orlando vacation rentals are just minutes from other popular Orlando attractions, golf courses, shopping outlets and restaurants!
Here’s what our guests have to say about ALL STAR’s vacation rental locations:
“The location was perfect! We easily drove to the parks and grocery stores – even the ocean was a pleasant 45 minute drive. It was in good proximity to other major attractions of the area as well.”
- The Willis Family from Minnesota
“Perfectly located for Disney; the drive there was quick and easy.”
- D. Groshek from Michigan
Plan your Orlando vacation at Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa and enjoy expanded complimentary shuttle service to Disney.
Through our partner, Maingate Transportation, Lighthouse Key now offers complimentary transportation to and from all four Disney World parks!
Plus, you can arrange for transportation to other popular Orlando vacation attractions like SeaWorld, Universal and even shuttle service from the Orlando International Airport to Lighthouse Key at a discounted rate!
Orlando Vacation Attraction Facts and Tips for the
‘Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey’ Ride
Attention “muggles”! Planning on riding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey on your Orlando vacation?
Here’s some information, tips and a special secret about this exciting new Orlando vacation attraction at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal’s Islands of Adventure:
Test seats are located outside the ride for you to try out
Place loose items (camera bags, purses, drinks, etc.) in the lockers at the ride entrance
“Wizard” attendants are stationed outside and at the entrance to answer your questions
Secret: The ride wait times can be as long as up to 2 hours or more. To start your adventure sooner, head to the single rider line which can be as short as a 10 to 15 minute wait! Please note: if you choose this option, you won’t get to see a lot of the special rooms in the castle that the main queue line sees.
For a magical and unforgettable Orlando vacation experience, ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Now Open at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Kick off your summer Orlando vacation with a truly magical experience – explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, opening today at Universal’s Islands of Adventure!
Here’s a handy guide to get you acquainted with this magical new world:
You’ll also find the Hogwarts Express, Hagrid’s Hut and many other exciting attractions!
Journey to a new world of magic on your Orlando vacation – explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, opening June 18th at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
This brand new addition to the Orlando, Florida theme park will feature many popular characters and places from the beloved Harry Potter series, including Hogwart’s Castle – home to the thrilling Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride that takes guests on an adventure through the castle, a quidditch match, the Forbidden Forest and more!
Additional attractions include: the shop-filled town of Hogsmeade, the Dragon Challenge dual roller coaster, Three Broomsticks restaurant – plus many other Harry Potter themed rides and locations.
Add more magic to your 2010 Orlando vacation – visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, opening June 18th!
For the latest Orlando and Central Florida vacation news, updates and more, visit ALL STAR Vacation Homes on Facebook and Twitter.
Find out about Orlando and Central Florida attractions and events, including news and updates for Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal – and read the latest posts on the ALL STAR Blog.
You’ll also discover special Orlando vacation deals from ALL STAR Vacation Homes, view ALL STAR photos and be the first to know about newly added Orlando vacation home rentals to the ALL STAR Vacation Homes website!
Plan your Spring Break or Spring Orlando vacation at Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa and SAVE BIG!
Receive 4 Nights for the Price of 3 when you reserve Disney area vacation condos at Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa during March and April travel dates*.
That adds up to ONE FREE NIGHT with a total savings of up to $200 or More! With your reservation, you’ll also receive special Disney and other Orlando attraction ticket discounts!
Choose from 1 to 4 bedroom upscale Orlando vacation condos with private patios, fully equipped kitchens, living and dining areas, Plasma TVs and wireless Internet access.
Plus, take advantage of all the great resort vacation amenities available at Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa, including:
A Full Service Spa
Two Heated Swimming Pools
On-Site Food And Beverage
Fitness Center
Game Room
Movie Theatre
Free Shuttle Service to Disney, SeaWorld & Universal
…and More!
Enjoy BIG savings on your Spring Orlando vacation – reserve your stay at Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa today!
*Excludes April holiday dates: April 3, 2010 through April 10, 2010. See website for more details.
Be sure to check out these March Orlando events during your stay with ALL STAR Vacation Homes:
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival – Explore a wonderland of floral beauty, great music and more! March 3rd through May 16th.
Viva La Musica – Enjoy Latin music, food and fun! Every Saturday in March at SeaWorld® Orlando.
Mardi Gras 2010 – Celebrate New Orleans style with Cajun cuisine, amazing parades and spectacular concerts. Saturdays and select nights through April 17th at Universal Studios Florida®.
Atlanta Braves Spring Training – Catch exciting baseball action March 3rd and select days through March 31st at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Walt Disney World®.
Can’t wait until March for exciting Orlando vacation fun?
Don’t miss ESPN The Weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this Friday, February 26th through Sunday, February 28th!
Experience the spirit of New Orleans on your Orlando vacation – celebrate Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida®.
This year’s theme is “15 Years of Beads, Bands and Good Times” to mark the theme park’s 15th anniversary of the annual event.
Enjoy a spectacular party featuring an amazing parade, Cajun cuisine, unique street performers and a great concert lineup that includes: Sheryl Crow, Aretha Franklin, 3 Doors Down, Beach Boys, Chicago and more!
Mardi Gras runs Saturday nights, February 6th through April 17th – plus Sunday, February 14th and Friday, April 9th.
It’s the perfect place to celebrate on your Orlando vacation!
This year, many great new Orlando vacation attractions opened to the delight of all. If you missed any of them, catch them now or on your 2010 Orlando vacation:
Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure at Epcot
The American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Characters in Flight at Downtown Disney
Manta at SeaWorld
The Pirates League at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World
Hollywood Rip Ride RockitSM at Universal Studios Florida®
Also, be sure not to miss The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, scheduled to open Spring 2010 at Universal’s Islands of Adventure®!
Celebrate Your Holiday Orlando Vacation at
Universal Studios Florida® and Islands of Adventure®
Celebrate a world of holiday fun on your Orlando vacation with Holiday Cheer you can Only Hear Here at Universal Studios Florida® and Universal’s Islands of Adventure®.
This unique Orlando vacation holiday celebration runs now through January 1st, 2010 and includes Grinchmas™ at Universal’s Islands of Adventure® – with a live performance of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.”
At Universal Studios Florida®, there’s the Macy’s Holiday Parade™ – plus special holiday shows, including The Blues Brothers® Christmas Show, Barney’s Holiday Show – and more!
And, new for this year, there’s the Holiday Concert Series in the Universal Music Plaza, featuring Mannheim Steamroller, Chris Isaak and Natalie Cole!
Universal Studios Florida® makes choosing 2012 for your family’s Orlando Vacation, an “extraordinary year to be here!” A highlight of Universal’s recent announcements is the debut, this spring, of the Superstar Parade, the theme park’s first-ever daily parade. 
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