Halloween Horror NIghts 2018

Dates, Ticket Deals for Halloween Horror Nights 2018

It’s never too early to get ready for the next big trip to the Nation’s premier Halloween Event. While the annual fall Fest is still months away, starting September 14 through November 3, 2018, special packages and ticket deals for HHN-28 are on sale already. For Universal Orlando Halloween fans this is a great opportunity – just grab the best available offers in advance. Halloween Horror Nights Fest is one of the most anticipated events of its kind. And given the huge seasonal crowds, it’s always better to have the tickets early as possible. So plan your dates accordingly and take advantage of the initial ticket deals the Resort is offering for that scariest theme park experience ever.

The dates for Halloween Horror Nights 2018 as per the Universsal website are as follows – September 14 – 16, 20 – 23, 28 – 30 | October 3-7, 10 – 14, 17 – 21, 24 – 28, and 31 | November 1- 3.

The special limited-time ticket deal, which is on sale for HHN-28 come with great savings and a second fright nights for free. It allows admission for two select nights and is priced at $77.99. You can select any night of the Event except Saturday and you will get a second non-Saturday night of the Event for free. The special ticket deal is available on sale until June 6, 2018. The Resort is also offering a Horror Nights hotel package that allows four – night hotel stay, including four days of admissions to the three Universal Orlando parks – Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay Water Park, and of- course admission to HHN-28 for two select nights if booked on or before June 6, 2018. Prices for the special hotel package starts at $215. Ticket package can be upgraded with special attractions such as the exclusive Behind the Screams and RIP Tour as well.

HHN-28 is scheduled to run for 34 select nights, from September 14 through November 3, 2018. There is no further detail on additional ticket options yet. Also the Resort has not reveal any detail about the main attractions of the Event. There is no information on the upcoming haunted houses or blood-curdling scare zones for that matter. However, as per the speculations HHN-28 is expected to include a total of nine brand new haunted mazes and five scare zones. Horror fans will have everything from iconic horrors to classic cult to most terrifying and disturbing TV shows.

Please keep visiting the official Universal web-site or you may also want to logon to our Discount Universal Studios Tickets page for the latest updates and discounts on event tickets.

Rock the Universe 2018 - Florida's Biggest Christian Music Festival at Universal orlando

Get Ready for Some Amazing Concerts at Universal Orlando’s ‘Rock the Universe’ Fest 2018

It seems Florida’s biggest Christian music festival – Rock the Universe will create a new masterpiece once again when it returns to Universal Orlando in September, 2018. The special event offers you the most unforgettable weekend of faith and fun that Universal has to offer. Set with an incredible lineup of Christian concerts, with star performers such as TobyMac, Casting Crowns, and Jesus Culture the special event brings to you the best of rock and ride adventures ever.

Rock the Universe festival 2018 brings to you two nights of powerful music – to be held on September 7 and 8, 2018. The special event also includes a Candle-lighting ceremony and a special Fan Zone by Coca-Cola, featuring more live performances and autograph sessions as well. Among the favorite ride attractions that will be available during the event include the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, and if all things go as per schedule, probably guests will be able to experience the new Fast & Furious – Supercharged ride attraction, slated to debut this spring.

Rock the Universe 2018 - Concerts

Rock the Universe 2018 – Concerts


Rock the Universe is one of the most anticipated annual event. It received a rocking welcome last year too. But sadly it couldn’t continue for the second night due to Hurricane Irma. This year the Event will definitely fulfill all the promises and guests will have a never before rocking weekend for sure. The amazing lineup for this year include – Jesus Culture, TobyMac, Lauren Daigle, Red, Zach Williams, and Trip Lee on Friday, September 7, 2018. Followed by Casting Crowns, For King & Country, Family Force 5, Brandon Health, Andy Mineo, and Ryan Stevenson on Sunday, September 8, 2018.

Rock the Universe festival is a hard ticketed event. Not included in regular admissions. Guest will have to pay extra to attend the special Event. Universal typically release tickets for the Event in the month of July. So please keep visiting the official Universal Orlando website for the event tickets. You can also visit our special Universal Studios Tickets page for discount offers on various Universal admissions and updates on the special event tickets.

It’s true that Universal Music Plaza stage is the central attraction of the Event. But you may want to take a break from the main stage and visit the additional experiences the Event has to offer. Located at the New York section of the Park is the FanZone that offers you the opportunity to connect with and take autograph from the favorite artists. In addition to this there is also the Candle-lighting ceremony to be attended at the Music Plaza stage.

Usually, Rock the Universe tickets come in two different choices. You can either go for a one night ticket or two nights. Also special discounts available for annual pass-holders. Entry to the event starts at 4:00 pm in the evening.

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL WITH NEW MARDI GRAS MERCHANDIS

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2018 is gearing up to be one of the best.

Along with an incredible line-up to the concert list on select nights the new merchandise is giving a musical feel.

Musical notes can be found on the front of the Unisex T-Shirt, surrounding “Mardi Gras Universal Orlando”. The new skull design for 2018 rocks the back of the T-shirt in a shiny finish.

Mardi Gras Merchandise - Front of Shirt Tie

Mardi Gras Merchandise - Back of Shirt 2

The skull itself is crafted by musical inspiration. A guitar neck creates the bridge of the nose which goes into a guitar pick. A turn-table is in place of the eyes with piano keys in place of teeth.

You can also find the skull design on this year’s souvenir shot glass and bottle opener.

Mardi Gras Merch - Skull ShotGlass

The lanyard for Mardi Gras 2018, gives a festive graffiti look in colors and design. Crowns, music notes, glimpses of the skull, and even trumpets are displayed across the black lanyard canvas.

Mardi Gras Merch - Lanyard

When it comes to Mardi Gras and merchandise for this high-energy event, one thing can’t be left out – BEADS!

This year, there are beads by the dozens.

If you’re moody like me, we’ve got you covered—happy face on one side, sad face on the other.

Mardi Gras Merchandise - Happy Face Beads
Mardi Gras Merchandise - Sad Face Beads
 If you’re one of the lucky ones to find the baby in the King Cake, you can totally sport your royalty. (Yes, there are babies on the beads in the center.)

Mardi Gras Merchandise - It's Good to Be KingQueen Beads

Let the good times roll at Universal Orlando’s biggest party – Mardi Gras. Grab your new gear, eat a beignet, and join the festive parade every night.

Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando is bound to be a time you will never forget – you won’t want to miss this.

Mardi Gras Merchandise - Bottle Opener
Mardi Gras Merchandise - Heart Saints
Mardi Gras Merchandise - Sugar Skull
Mardi Gras Merchandise - Crown Bead
Mardi Gras Merchandise - Masks

New Astronaut Training Experience Center at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – The race to Mars has already begun, and with the opening of the new Astronaut Training Experience®

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(ATX) at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex this December, guests will be the first to
“touch down” on the Red Planet. The all-new Astronaut Training Experience will use immersive
simulation technology to transport participants to Mars, train them to live and work in the
harshest environment, and teach them what it’s like to travel to the Red Planet, using real NASA
science to address engineering challenges.
Astronaut Training Experience will boast the most high-tech, hands-on activities available at
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex through two distinct programs: Astronaut Training
Experience, for which Training Segments will be available to guests as of December 18, and
Mars Base 1, which opens in January 2018. Astronaut Training Experience will provide an
opportunity for visitors to train like an astronaut preparing for a mission to Mars. Mars Base 1
will provide participants with a chance to live on Mars for seven hours, as “rookie astronauts,”
while performing base operations along with real science experiments and engineering tasks.
“We’re offering something that most people thought they would never get to do in their
lifetime,” Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex said.
“For anyone who has wondered what it would be like to feel like an astronaut, to train like they
train, face the challenges and issues they have to work though while under extreme pressure,
Astronaut Training Experience and Mars Base 1 is now available to everyone.”

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Upon entering the Astronaut Training Experience Center, guests will be surrounded by ambiance
that replicates actual astronaut training techniques and experiences. A sleek design, realistic
signage and sophisticated technology provide a sense of authenticity. Excitement builds as
participants are handed life-like badges and special-issue t-shirts to immerse them in the
program, and their assignments, which are led by expertly trained educators – their “Trainers”
and “Lab Chiefs.”
Through the programs and associated assignments, participants will work together by taking on
specific roles to address challenges and solve problems:
In the Astronaut Training Experience program, groups of up to 24 will simultaneously work in
multiple training areas that will replicate astronaut training of the future. Trainees will attempt the
same physical tasks of the actual astronauts who will travel to Mars, by working within reproduced
environmental scenarios, such as the Land-and-Drive-on-Mars full-motion simulator, Walk-onMars
virtual reality, Launch Mission and Spacewalk Training.
Mars Base 1 provides the ultimate simulation of not just traveling to Mars, but living and
working there for an entire day. Offered to individuals and groups, the mission begins with a
“transport” to Mars. At three different stations within Mars Base 1, participants will be assigned
real-life challenges that require analytic thinking, communication and collaboration. For
example, in the Mars Engineering Lab, “rookie astronauts” will design and test a program that
allows a team of robots to efficiently clear debris from a photovoltaic panel, restoring maximum
solar power to the Base. They will also partner with scientists working on NASA’s Food
Production by planting, harvesting, and analyzing vegetables and plants as they gather data in a
series of controlled experiments taking place in the Mars Botany Lab.

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Now located among the other attractions at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and offered
as an add-on to regular admission or purchased separately, Astronaut Training Experience
activities are designed with a focus on problem solving, communication and collaboration,
making them ideal for team building in an interesting and inspirational environment. Programs
will range from 30- and 45-minute experiences easily added to a Kennedy Space Center Visitor
Complex day, to a few hours or two, three- and five-day camp programs, providing the
opportunity to participate based on interest level and specific educational needs.
“The new Astronaut Training Experience Center is the most interactive and technologically
advanced experience at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex,” said Protze. “ATX and Mars
Base 1 bring the future of space exploration to life. Guests looking to get as close to Mars as
possible without actually becoming an astronaut will be able to have that opportunity at the new
Astronaut Training Experience Center.”
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program,
offering a full day or more of fun, inspiration and educational activities. Highlights include
Heroes & Legends, featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, presented by Boeing, the
Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V
moon rocket, Space Shuttle Atlantis®, Shuttle Launch Experience®, IMAX® A Beautiful Planet
3D and Journey To Space 3D films, Astronaut Encounter, Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted,
Science on a Sphere®, Rocket Garden, Cosmic Quest, and many other exhibits.

Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing
times varying by season. Please contact our office to purchase your discount Kennedy Space Center tickets TODAY!

Toy Story at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Set to Amaze Guests in 2018

Here in the U.S., Toy Story Land is set to open to guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on June 30, 2018. This land will bring with it all the fun, imagination and beloved characters from the “Toy Story” films.

Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios

When it opens, guests visiting the land will “shrink” to the size of a toy and join in on the fun Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and Andy’s other favorite pals are having in Andy’s backyard. Here, guests can take a ride on Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit and topped off with Rex and Jessie, while Slinky serves as the coaster vehicle. (See photo above for a new look at the track).

Families will also be able to take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, a galactic play set that Andy won from Pizza Planet. Here, adorable little green aliens swirl about in their flying saucers with guests in tow in their rocket ship toys, while “The Claw” hangs overhead.

Guests can also walk through a new carnival game box to experience Toy Story Mania!, which has been a guest-favorite attraction at the park since it opened in 2008. Now expanded with a third track, the popular attraction will put even more guests in the action taking aim at 3D objects – using everything from baseballs to cream pies – in a variety of whimsical, fast-paced games.

Woody’s Lunch Box will serve up tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats from a walk-up window setting. The entire land will serve as a visual celebration of toys, with Crayons, Cooties, Green Army Men, Rubik’s Cubes, Tinkertoys, and other familiar toys and game pieces incorporated into the land’s design.

Bob also shared this amazing behind-the-scenes video that shows the progress that’s being made on Toy Story Lands at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Shanghai Disneyland. (Toy Story Land at Shanghai Disneyland will include three attractions – Rex’s Racer, Slinky Dog Spin and Woody’s Round-Up – and is on track to open on April 26, 2018). Take a peek at both in the video above.

Which attraction are you most looking forward to experiencing when Toy Story Land opens this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – or will you make the trip to Shanghai Disneyland? Tell us in the “Comments” section below! To purchase your discount Disney tickets, please call our office at 1-877-406-4836.

Epcot Back in Blooms: The 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Returns

Walt Disney World Resort

Some say Florida doesn’t have an official “Spring” season, but I beg to differ.

Spring most definitely begins in Florida when the more-than-30-million blooms come alive at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

This year is the Festival’s 25th year, and the park again is overflowing with the brightest plants, flowers, trees and topiaries adorning both Future World and World Showcase.

Here are some of the top things you shouldn’t miss at the Festival:

  • Gardens, Gardens and More Gardens: In addition to all the natural flora throughout the park, the Walt Disney World horticulture squad has curated some truly breathtaking gardens for our guests this year. New garden destinations this year include “The How-To Garden” and “The Imagination Play Garden” which are perfect for adults and kids to enjoy together. Returning favorites include “The Goodness Garden Butterfly House” and “The Water Wise Garden,” which showcase environmental responsibility as well as just being fun!
  • Outdoor Kitchens: What would an Epcot Festival be without fun food and drinks? 15 Outdoor Kitchens this year grace World Showcase, with the newest being “The Honey Bee-Stro,” which features Roasted Cauliflower with Buckwheat Honey Carrot Purée; Honey Tandoori Chicken Flatbread with White Cheddar Cheese; and Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream garnished with Fennel Pollen Meringue Kisses. These dishes were created to showcase multiple honey varietals in creative and exciting ways. Returning Outdoor Kitchen favorites include “The Berry Basket” (featuring a lamb chop with quinoa salad and blackberry gastrique) and “THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brew” (featuring a pulled-pork slider and warm chocolate cake with Bourbon-salted caramel sauce and spiced pecans). YUM!
  • Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration: One of the beloved characters from Disney animated short cartoons, Spike the honeybee, has been “pollen-nating” throughout the Festival. In this springtime scavenger hunt, gardeners of all ages can follow Spike on his pollination trail around World Showcase, where he will “bee” busy collecting nectar and pollinating gardens at Epcot. To get started, purchase your map and stickers at Port of Entry. Available while supplies last.
  • Garden Rocks Concert Series: Each Friday through Monday of the Festival (what we like to call a “Disney Weekend”), favorite artists from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s will rock out at the America Gardens Theatre. Night Ranger kicks off the series March 2-5, and Rick Springfield, Survivor and Lonestar are just some of the popular rock and rollers in the lineup. Each night, there will be three performances – 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. – and guests can pair a wonderful meal at several of our Epcot restaurants with reserved concert seating in a nice package. Click here for Garden Rocks dining package availability or call 407-WDW-DINE.
  • Character Topiaries: Locations throughout the park feature some of the most beloved Disney and Disney•Pixar characters including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Lady and The Tramp and Buzz Lightyear.
  • Merchandise: Guests will find a wealth of hats, T-shirts, mugs and other fun Festival merchandise throughout Future World and World Showcase. I can’t resist anything with Figment on it; so you KNOW I’ll be buying some.
  • Tours: One of the great ways to get the “inside track” on the Festival or the latest in gardening techniques is to take one of the tours offered during the Festival. There are tours of The Land pavilion greenhouses and the “Gardens of the World – Spring Edition.” There is also the daily Royal Tea Garden Tour at the United Kingdom pavilion that includes a tea tasting. Guests can find out more about the tours here or call 407-WDW-TOUR.

If you’re coming out to this year’s festival, plan on more than one day to see, smell, hear, touch and taste everything. You surely can’t do it all in one!

For more information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, call us at 1-877-406-4836 or for discount Disney tickets to this event.

 

Happy gardening!