The countdown is finally over, and the all-new TurtleTrek is NOW OPEN!

SeaWorld Orlando, Florida ~ TurtleTrek is a unique blend of up-close animal encounters and state-of-the-art entertainment. You first visit two massive naturalistic habitats, home to gentle manatees (all rescued) and gliding sea turtles, learning what makes each species so special. You’ll then enter a domed theater and what happens next has never before been seen and is a first at any theme park in the world.

Inside the dome, you are surrounded by a hyper-realistic, 3D 360 degree film that takes you on the amazing life journey of a special sea turtle named Nyah. The experience is all around you and even above you– not just in front of you or on only one screen. It’s this all-new and immersive way of showcasing a sea turtle’s epic adventure that is the heart of TurtleTrek. And for the first time, you are given a turtle’s eye view of the ocean’s wonders.

As if that isn’t amazing enough… there’s even more at TurtleTrek: You’ll love competing on the fun (and educational) “Race for the Beach” video game that plays out on enormous video screens. And, TurtleTrek’s gift shop is unique in the way it continues the attraction’s inspiration. And you’ll see exactly how a portion of each dollar spent benefits in-the-field research to help save animals.

As the park’s newest addition, TurtleTrek makes SeaWorld Orlando a must-see this summer. The wait is over. Live the 3D 360 journey at Sea World Orlando’s TurtleTrek… now open!

To learn more, visit www.officialticketcenter.com

Universal's Superstar Parade Now Open

Orlando, Fla. (May 8, 2012) – Universal’s Superstar Parade and Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories officially opens today at Universal Orlando Resort – bringing two brand-new kinds of entertainment experiences to Universal’s guests.

The new experiences are the latest in Universal Orlando’s “Year to be Here” – during which Universal is creating more new entertainment experiences across its entire destination than any other year in its history.  The year began with a newly enhanced Blue Man Group Show at Universal CityWalk, continued with the high-tech re-launch of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and will continue with the launch of the new Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction at Universal Studios Florida this summer.

Universal’s Superstar Parade brings an entirely new form of entertainment to Universal Studios that combines wildly creative floats with hundreds of performers to create whole new levels of fun and excitement. Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories is a nighttime show that unfolds across Universal Studios’ central lagoon, taking guests on a journey filled with powerful movie moments – stirring both emotion and imagination.

“We are creating special moments for the entire family,” said Jim Timon, Senior Vice President of Entertainment for Universal Orlando Resort.  “You can laugh and dance with your children and their favorite characters and then be completely moved as you watch the most powerful tribute to film you could imagine – all in the same day.”

Universal’s Superstar Parade
The streets of Universal Studios will transform into a theme-park-wide performance stage as today’s most beloved stories and characters bring new adventure and excitement to guests everywhere.  Universal’s Superstar Parade is one of the largest entertainment experiences the theme park has ever created and will make its way through the streets of Universal Studios every day.  It will feature elaborately themed floats that tower above guests, hundreds of energetic street performers and spectacular music and dance performances.  Unforgettable moments include Gru, his daughters and Vector from the blockbuster animated adventure Despicable Me dancing to “Boogie Fever,” Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob arriving in his pineapple home from under the sea with his friends from Bikini Bottom, E.B. from the hit comedy Hop playing the drums and acrobatic performances by characters from Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go! Throughout the day, guests will be able to sing and dance with their favorite characters from the parade during special performances at select locations.

Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories
The new show is a tribute to Universal’s 100 years of film-making history, highlighting some of the most fun, dramatic, awe-inspiring moments from Universal Pictures’ most iconic films. These moments are shown in crystal-clear clarity on huge waterfall screens within the Universal Studios Lagoon, surrounded by colorful fountains and pyrotechnics, all against an incredible musical score and a powerful narration by Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman. The show will take guests on a journey of epic cinematic moments filled with heroes, horror, laughter, good versus evil and triumph – all against a backdrop of light, sound and special effects.

Everyone can remember powerful film moments such as Elliott and E.T. riding across the moon in E.T: The Extra Terrestrial, the heroic struggle of the crew from Apollo 13 or the terror of watching the famed shower scene in Psycho. Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular captures these moments – and so many more.  Other iconic films featured in the show include American Pie, The Bourne Ultimatum, Jurassic Park, Scent of a Woman, The Mummy, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Fast and the Furious.

Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories and Universal’s Superstar Parade will run year-round except during annual and special events. For more information about both experiences visit http://www.officialticketcenter.com/universal-studios.aspx

New Dates For Fantasyland Opening

The Official Ticket Center ~ This July and “Holidays 2012″ are the next two milestones for openings in the multi-year expansion of the New Fantasyland, announced Friday.

A “What’s New, What’s Next” presentation to media detailed the next phases in the project designed to nearly double the size of Fantasyland, the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history.

“Fantasyland is a place where a very special kind of memory is made: where children just old enough to understand the moment come in contact with princesses and heroes and meet their most beloved friends,” said Meg Crofton, president, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, United States and France.

“We are excited about sharing our treasured stories in new ways and giving guests the opportunity to interact with their favorite characters like never before.”

Last month, the New Fantasyland unwrapped its first openings with one of two Dumbos planned for Storybook Circus, a new train station and The Barnstormer family coaster whimsically re-themed to The Great Goofini (see separate release for additional information).

Announced Friday were next phases:

July 2012

• Opening of the second Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Indoor interactive area serving the new double attraction
• Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station.

Openings “In time for Holidays 2012″ were also announced by Crofton for:

• Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Enchanted Tales with Belle
• Be Our Guest Restaurant
• Gaston’s Tavern
• Ariel’s Grotto

And beyond…

• In addition, Crofton announced plans for a 2014 opening for The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

To purchase your Disney Orlando tickets for this upcoming grand opening, call our office toll free at 1-877-406-4836 or click here for discount Disney Tickets or here to save big by purchasing our Disney ticket packages.

Florida Turtle Season

Did you know that all species of sea turtles are either threatened or endangered? An especially critical time for these amazing animals is nesting season, which officially starts today in Florida, and lasts until Oct. 31.

Florida beaches are nesting sites for a number of species, including hawksbill, loggerhead, leatherback, Kemp’s ridley and green sea turtles. Nests can be found on both the east and west coasts of Florida.

Hatchlings generally emerge at night, before making their difficult trek to the water. Coastal development and disturbances, such as noise and activity on beaches, leave little room for sea turtle nesting areas. Artificial lighting on beaches can confuse nocturnal nesting sea turtles as they may mistake the lighting for daytime and return to sea without nesting. Hatchlings are also confused by artificial lighting, including street and city lights, causing them to head away from the ocean and toward parking lots and city streets. Pollution, such as plastic bags resembling jellyfish, can also cause sea turtle deaths.

SeaWorld Turtle Rescue

SeaWorld is a global leader in the rescue and rehabilitation of the endangered sea turtle — returning more than 1,100 back into their natural habitat so far this year. Beach-goers are encouraged to be mindful of these magnificent creatures when spending time on Florida’s beaches this summer.

No animal’s journey is more fascinating than that of the sea turtle — which is the inspiration behind the newest attraction at SeaWorld, TurtleTrek, which just opened on April 27. Guests can see gliding hawksbill and green sea turtles above and below water viewing areas, before embarking on a 3D 360 movie adventure through the eyes of a sea turtle.

SeaWorld Turtle Observation

Splitsville at Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney, Fl. ~ Here is some new artwork that has been released by Disney showing off an updated exterior for Splitsville, that is currently under construction in Downtown Disney Westside. Splitsville will feature bowling, billiards, dining and more when it opens this fall.

Splitsville is reported to be a 45,000 square-foot facility with two floors of 30 lanes of bowling. It will also feature patio dining, live music, billiards and more. Some of the menu items include fresh-rolled sushi, hand-cut filet sliders and served right at the bowling lane. Below are pictures of their Tampa location.

This will be a great place to hang out at night for locals and tourists alike. It will be a great place for special events, company parties and birthday parties.
If you would like to read more about Splitsville, check out their website here at splitsvillelanes.com. Currently they have two other locations in Florida, one is in Miami and one in Tampa. The new Splitsville in Downtown Disney will replace the old Ridemakerz and Virgin Mega Store location.

Universal Orlando Resorts

Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories will present some of the world’s best and most popular films in an innovative, high-tech symphony of imagery, light, sound and special effects.  The show highlights some of the most fun, dramatic, awe-inspiring moments from nearly 200 films – representing approximately 300 Academy Award nominations and 100 Academy Award winners.

Narrated by Academy Award-winning actor and Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille honoree Morgan Freeman, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular celebrates Universal Pictures’ most iconic films. Their most powerful moments will be shown in crystal-clear clarity on cutting-edge waterfall screens within the Universal Studios lagoon — surrounded by colorful, dramatically synchronized fountains and pyrotechnics and all against a powerful musical score.  The experience will take guests on an emotional journey through epic cinematic moments filled with heroes, horror, laughter, good vs. evil and triumph. The new show will run year-round except during annual and special events.

Universal’s Superstar Parade will offer an entirely new form of interactive entertainment that will give guests and entire families the opportunity to join in the fun.  Some of today’s most beloved characters and stories will bring new adventure to the streets of Universal Studios Orlando during the parade, an all-new show experience that features larger-than-life floats, state-of-the-art technology and hundreds of energetic street performers. Guests will get to sing and dance along with their favorite characters including the minions from the blockbuster animated feature Despicable Me, E.B. from the hit comedy, Hop, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora & Diego. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy performances and character meet-and-greets prior to the parade at select locations throughout the day.

About Universal Orlando Resort There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation, but there is only one place where vacation becomes adventure:  Universal Orlando Resort. It is a unique destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It’s the only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained – you become part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. You can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, battle aliens alongside Agent J, and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D. Coming this summer:  Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

Universal Orlando Resort is an NBCUniversal company.

Epcot Center Flower & Garden Festival 2012

Epcot Tickets Orlando ~ There is so much to discover at Epcot®, especially during the Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival that continues through May 20. With all the blooms, amazing topiaries, exhibits, and attractions and characters throughout the Theme Park, your Guests will be able to keep their whole family entertained. There is always something for everyone to enjoy in the Disney Theme Parks. The central hub of the Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival is the Festival Center, open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. between Universe of Energy and Mission: SPACE in Future World where your Guests can enjoy fascinating programs, home and garden resources, delicious refreshments, and exquisite merchandise offerings.
Highlights to recommend include:
HGTV Designers Stage- Your Guests can see informative and entertaining presentations from nationally recognized garden personalities, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m.
Greenhouse Stage- Gardening experts share tips and secrets that your Guests can use in their own gardens, daily 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Ask an Expert- Your Guests can get their gardening questions answered by master gardeners from the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida, continuous daily shows from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Planting Pointers- Your Guests can get great gardening ideas from the gardening experts at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on select days.
Intermissions Café- Your Guests can enjoy fine wines by the glass, English teas, cold sandwiches, salads and light snacks.
HGTV Theater-Featuring tips and hints from HGTV, continuous daily shows from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Specially-themed weekends featuring Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park Specialists will also occur at the Festival Center April 13-15 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day. Your Guests can meet the experts and learn about incredible insects that are part of our world.
Flower Power Concert Series
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays – 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7:45 p.m. at the America Gardens Theatre
April 13-15 – Paul Revere & The Raiders, known for Good Thing

To purchase your Discount Epcot Tickets, call our office at 1-877-406-4836 TODAY!

Jack Hanna at Sea World Orlando

Are you an animal lover? Well, here’s your chance to see world-renowned wildlife expert Jack Hanna at Sea World Orlando for Jack Hanna Weekend, accompanied by some of the most amazing animal ambassadors.

This special limited-time series takes place at Nautilus Theater on Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25. Show times will be at 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m., and seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis so get there early. Hanna’s past “co-stars” have included clouded leopards, chatty kookaburra birds, and all kinds of majestic eagles. Recognized around the world for his boundless enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation, “Jungle Jack” will help you share in this wondrous connection to wildlife and the world we share.

For Sea World’s Pass Members, there’s an exclusive Pass Member Breakfast with Jack Hanna, which gives families an up-close opportunity to spend some quality time with Jack and some of his ‘wild’ friends and receive reserved seats to the 1:15 p.m. show.

“Is a liger real? Do bugs have bones? Do anteaters really eat ants?” Learn the answers to all of these questions and more during a breakfast experience full of educational facts and great family fun. Pass Members can enjoy a scrumptious breakfast buffet at the Seafire Inn while Jack Hanna entertains with some of his favorite animals. Existing Pass Members can book their breakfast.

To purchase your Sea World Orlando tickets and get in on this great expierence, call us toll free at 1-877-406-4836 or visit us on the web at http://www.officialticketcenter.com

Having Fun at the Magic Kingdom

Following the success of Disneyland, which opened in 1955, entertainment pioneer Walt Disney (1901-66) set his sights on what he called his company’s “most exciting and challenging assignment” — the creation of a vast vacation paradise known today as Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt’s dream was realized when Magic Kingdom, the first of four theme parks at the sprawling Florida site, opened Oct. 1, 1971. Walt’s older brother and lifelong business partner, Roy O. Disney, inaugurated the park with a heartfelt dedication that remains today on a bronze plaque in Main Street, U.S.A.:

WALT DISNEY WORLD is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney

… and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney’s dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring Joy and Inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place … a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn — together.

The Park

Magic Kingdom sits on 142 acres with the towering Cinderella Castle at its center. Similar to Disneyland in California, the park is divided into seven themed lands — Main Street, U.S.A.; Adventureland; Frontierland; Liberty Square; Fantasyland; Mickey’s Toontown Fair; and Tomorrowland.

Popular attractions include Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Stitch’s Great Escape!, Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor, “Mickey’s PhilharMagic,” Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, it’s a small world, Jungle Cruise, Hall of Presidents, Mad Tea Party, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Country Bear Jamboree, Tom Sawyer Island, Peter Pan’s Flight and Dumbo the Flying Elephant.

Cinderella Castle, the park’s icon, stands 189 feet tall and includes 18 towers. Inside its main hall, five glittering mosaics created under the direction of Dorothea Redmond and Hanns-Joachim Scharff tell the story of Cinderella in 500 brilliant hues of glass.

Entertainment

In addition to dozens of Disney characters found at locations throughout the park, Magic Kingdom presents a rich variety of entertainment each day, from colorful parades to visiting marching bands. Major productions include:

“Dream Along with Mickey” — Mickey Mouse and friends show Donald Duck that dreams really do come true in this musical stage show.

“Celebrate a Dream Come True” — Mickey Mouse leads a daily parade celebrating the history of Disney animation.

“SpectroMagic” — Presented on select nights, this energetic parade of Disney characters features floats dotted with millions of twinkling lights.

“Wishes” — Jiminy Cricket narrates the biggest, boldest fireworks show ever presented at Magic Kingdom, a heart-tugging “story in the sky” about making a wish come true, presented most nights.