Theme Park Closures How soon will the Orlando theme parks open again?

Theme Park Closures: How soon will the Orlando theme parks open again?

Like other popular destinations across the country and around the world, Orlando, FL has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. Instead of the usual crowds of spring break enthusiasts and exciting families arriving from near and far, the central Florida area is instead filled with empty theme parks, closed storefronts and restaurants only offering take out orders.

Despite the temporary gloom, Orlando is still bursting with beautiful sunshine and seasonally warm temperatures. And from Walt Disney World Resort and all the other attractions to shops, restaurants, hotels and resorts, Orlando is eagerly awaiting its opportunity to re-open the doors to the usual fun and excitement.

When the time comes and it’s safe to head back to the parks, your Official Ticket Center will be ready and waiting to help you kickstart the family fun and memories. In the meantime, here is a brief update from Orlando’s major theme parks.

Disney World Epcot Train

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

All theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios), water parks (Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon), resorts and hotels, plus Disney Springs and other Disney venues are currently closed until at least April 19, 2020.

In fact, all of Disney’s worldwide parks are now closed at the same time for the first time in history – including Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Hong Kong, Paris, Shanghai and Tokyo.

  • Disney is now taking reservations for June 1, 2020 or later.
  • Unused tickets from March 12, 2020 and throughout the closed period may be used anytime thru December 15, 2020.
  • If you can’t use tickets by Dec. 15, you can apply the value of any wholly unused ticket toward the price of a ticket on a future date.
  • All change and cancellation fees are being waived for any reservations through June 1, 2020.

Universal Orlando Hogwarts

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

Universal Orlando Resort also closed its operations in mid-March, shutting the doors to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay water theme park, as well as Universal’s exclusive resort hotels. Those venues are all currently slated to stay closed until at least April 19, 2020.

  • Universal Orlando tickets for all dates during the closure period will still be valid for 365 days from the original purchase date.
  • Guests can also apply the value of any wholly unused tickets toward tickets purchased for a later date.
  • Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration will not be restarted upon the park’s opening. Any remaining Mardi Gras 2020 dates/concerts have been cancelled.
  • All Blue Man Group shows at Universal Orlando CityWalk are cancelled through at least April 19, 2020.

SeaWorld Orlando Shamu

SEAWORLD ORLANDO

SeaWorld Orlando and its sister parks, including Busch Gardens Tampa, Discovery Cove and Aquatica water park are also closed indefinitely until further notice, with no projected reopening date yet scheduled.

  • SeaWorld park tickets good for any dates during the closure will be extended through December 31, 2020.
  • Discovery Cove reservations prior to April 30 can be re-booked for any date prior to December 31, 2020 at the same rate, with no change fee.

OTHER NEARBY  ATTRACTIONS

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – NASA’s fun-filled space park is closed until further notice.

  • Daily admission tickets dated from March 16 until the Visitors Complex reopens will be refunded.
  • Any unexpired daily admission tickets are still valid.
  • Special private programs (Dine with an Astronaut, ATX, Overnight Adventures, Special Interest Bus Tours, etc.) will be cancelled and refunded.
  • All refunds will be automatically issued in calendar date order.>
SeaWorld Orlando Summer Celebrations 2018

Visiting SeaWorld Orlando This Summer Is A Different Experience Altogether

It seems to be a great opportunity for SeaWorld Orlando fans to visit their favourite Park this summer. The park is adding up some of its most anticipated attractions, activities and promotions that you don’t want to miss. Whether it’s the special night-time fun shows at the Electric Ocean light and musical celebration, or the most anticipated world-class raft ride – Infinity Falls, the amazing dolphins in actions, or Ignite – Fireworks, the availability of free beer or more, it’s quite a mesmerizing summer of fun that SeaWorld has to offer.

When the sun goes down, the Park comes alive with an amazing line-up of special attractions, activities and shows. The 2018 summer celebration includes a new and even more exciting festive offer. As the evening kicks-off, you will be greeted with the all new “Touch the Sky” show featuring awesome dolphin performances such as the underwater corkscrew manoeuvre. The sights of the beautiful macaws in flight and the trainers dancing to an original score also add up to the excitements. The night-time musical event Electric Ocean is the main highlight. Guests will find themselves in the middle of an immersive, bioluminescent undersea fest. There is also the night-time fireworks – Ignite with synchronized water-affects that shoots up to a height of about 100 feet in the air. Also it’s to be noted that all the amazing acts and performances are done in sync with a mesmerizing musical score.

Again the return of old favourite “Sea Lion Tonite” show is another major highlight of the celebration. The comic offering is quite a delight to watch with sea lions, Clyde and Seamore. It also features the SeaWorld Mime. The “Shamu’s Celebration: Light Up the Night” and the returning bubble show “Pop” are other important highlights that one should not miss before joining the fun at Electric Ocean. Thrill seekers can also embark on their most challenging adventures. SeaWorld’s three world class coasters – manta, Mako and the Kraken Unleashed will take the excitement to next level under the night sky.

When it comes to food you may want to try the new menu items created for the Event, such as toastdas, popcorn ice cream, waffles and beers. In addition there’s free beer available through September 2, 2018 as well. One can have up to two complimentary 7-ounce beers per visit. Available at the patio bar next to Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen Patio. Also there is a BOGO offer on beverages every day at Flamecraft Bar and at the Sharks Underwater Grill.
All activities are included with the regular park admissions or sea world tickets.

Orlando Vacation - Save Money on Tickets

How to Save Money on an Orlando Theme Park Vacation in 2018

Airfare, Hotel, Car-Rental, foods, Tickets and more, prices just pile up to a shocking reality when it comes to the planning of a trip to the world famous Walt Disney World or the Universal parks in Orlando, Florida. In fact for many it’s the Park admission or entrance cost itself comes to you at a much higher price than expected. Given the $100 plus price slab for just a one-day ticket to either Disney World or Universal Orlando, the Orlando parks are definitely expensive options for guests and families on a tight vacation budget. But it’s also true that there are ways and options available to get rid of vacation expenses as well. There are ways and options that enable you to experience the dream vacation at a price much less than the inevitable $100 per person, per day.

For returning visitors this is not new and probably many of them know how to deal with a bulky budget. However, there are others, including first timers who are still in the look-out for better and more reasonable and reliable money saving tips and tricks. And if you are one of them then I suppose reading this article would definitely assists you in your quests for saving more on you theme park tickets.

There exists many deals and discounts on tickets online. But don’t just get lost in the myriad. One of the most recommend and sought-after money saving tips is to go for advance booking online. Visit the official websites of respective theme parks and compare the prices on dates you are planning to visit. The parks offer different prices on different dates and they give away discounts on advance booking of tickets from their websites. But wait, don’t booked them yet. Marked the official discounted price and compare it with other discount ticket sources, such as the authorized re-sellers, including OfficialTicketCenter.com that offers you real discounted disney tickets, passes, universal studios tickets and tickets to other Orlando area attractions.

Authorized Reseller - The Official Ticket Center

Authorized Reseller – The Official Ticket Center


As the name suggest the authorized re-sellers are authorized to offer legitimate park tickets. Also along with the official websites and re-sellers, you may also want to follow the parks on social media, such as Twitter and Facebook. Who knows you may stumble upon an even better deal there. At times Disney and Universal may surprise you with event deals and vacation packages that you won’t be able to resist. However, it’s to be noted that you should stay away from getting cheated with all those fake or invalid tickets on sale online by various un-authorized sources at a price that seems too good to be true.

The Annual Pass is another great money saving tool. If you are interested in spending more days, week or more on each visit then better go for one instead. You will enjoy the best of benefits at the lowest possible costs on theme park admission per person, per day. Annual passes also come with in-park benefits such as free parking, dinning offers and souvenirs, including multiple park access. One of to pay extra to include multi-park access with a single day or multi-day ticket. However, it’s to be noted that annual passes are subject to block-out dates. Either you need to match your vacation timings with dates with the passes are valid, or go for an expensive or premium annual pass instead.

Electric Ocean - SeaWorld Orlando 2018

Electric Ocean Returns to Light-up SeaWorld Orlando Once Again This Summer

SeaWorld Orlando’s most popular night-time celebration – Electric Ocean is back for another summer of fun, featuring an electrifying evening of fun, foods and dazzling lights. Starting May 25, 2018, the one-of-a-kind show tends to add more energy and fun to spice up your SeaWorld experience after sunset. So plan your SeaWorld trip beyond the regular park hours this summer. Stay back and be a part of the most sparkling nigh-time fun adventure that the park has to offer.

Electric Ocean brings to you a host of returning favourites and new additions for the 2018 summer event. Among the new 2018 attractions include – Touch the Sky, a high energy entertainment of the sky and sea, featuring beautiful bottlenose dolphins, macaws and original score. Also new to this year’s event is Elmo Rocks that features Sesame Street characters Elmo, Abby, Cookie Monster, Zoe, Bert and Ernie all in their best of rock n’ roll at the SeaPort Theatre.

The entertainment for Electric Ocean is quite electrifying at Club Sea Glow as well. With 35 electrifying performers, world-class DJs and colossal neon sea creatures, dancing lights, music and laser effects it’s a mesmerizing experience. The “Pop” show, presented by SeaWorld and Bubble legendary is another must see offerings of the event. Pop brings to life an amazing display of artistry by blending the best of lights, lasers, music and bubbles.

The classic show – Sea Lions Tonite is another most exciting and hilarious highlights that will take you on a parody trip to SeaWorld through the eyes of sea lion heroes, Clyde and Seamore. Again, “Shamu’s Celebration: Light Up The Night” is another returning favourite that puts you in front of one of the most powerful and fun-filled presentations of SeaWorld’s majestic killer whales. During the show the entire Shamu Stadium is charged up with a colourful and vibrant ambience.

The night-time show ends with a spectacular firework display called Ignite, featuring amazing water effects backed by a powerful musical score. When Ignite erupts, the entire lake area of the Park comes alive with intricate laser projections and towering flames that shoot up to 100 feet in the air. Electric Ocean is included with the regular sea world tickets and takes place on select nights starting May, 25 through September 2, 2018.

Seven Seas Food Festival -Sea World Orlando 2018

It’s a Delicious Mix of New & Returning Favorites with World Class Entertainments at Seven Seas Food Festival

SeaWorld Orlando fans are having a great time with food and entertainment as the on-going Seven Seas Food Festival is leaving no stone unturned in its quest for a delicious and fun-filled experience. Powered with awe-inspiring culinary marketplaces (includes both new and returning favorites) and world – class musical acts it seems the 2018 Festival is even more exciting than last year when it was celebrated for the first time. Starting February 17 through April 15, 2018, each Saturday and Sunday it will be an amazing discovery of flavors from around the world, including local craft brews, wines and spirits. And to top it up you have the incredible concerts – live performances by top music artists on every select dates.

The Seven Seas Food Festival is comparatively a new event that SeaWorld Orlando is celebrating annually for the last two years now. It offers you a taste – adventure unlike any other. Seven Seas Food Festival is an exciting discovery of global delicacies, including local and Latin flavors – served by a selection of most amazing marketplaces right in the middle of the world’s most incredible marine environments. Also it’s great to know that each and every item you have at the Festival reflects SeaWorld’s commitment towards sustainable foods and farming, featuring organic dishes, regional and sustainable seafood.

Among the favorite culinary marketplaces two of them are the newest to join the list this year, namely the new German Market with delicious servings such as Weiner Schnitzel Slider, and the new All-American Market with servings such as Nathan’s Chicago, New York, & Coney Island Hot Dog Sliders. Among the returning favorites include the last year’s Mediterranean Market, Mexican Market, Caribbean Market, Florida Market, Polynesian Market, North Atlantic Market, Pacific Coast Market, Brazilian Market, Gulf Coast Market, and Asian Market. The taste adventure also includes special BBQ dishes as well.

The world – class concert series is another important part of the Festival that leaves you dancing, singing and rocking like never before. Don’t miss the fun at Bayside Stadium area of the Park. Here you experience the best of musical acts put up by top country, rock and Latin music artists. The last updated list of performances include big names such as – Alabama, Chris Young, Daughtry, Hanson, Hunter Hayes, Easton Corbin, America, Eli Young Band, El Gran Combo, and more. The concerts start at 5pm and are included with your regular park admission or sea world tickets. However you have to pay extra fee for the special food items in the Festival. Special upgrades such as sampling lanyards for specialty dining are also available at extra cost.

Busch Gardens Food & Wine Fest Returns with Exciting New Cuisine and Concerts

Busch Gardens Tampa Florida is celebrating its annual Food & Wine Festival – starting March 3, 2018 through April 29, 2018 on Saturdays and Sundays. The favourite spring – time Fest brings to you the best of culinary and concert experiences, featuring new dishes, wines, and world-class musical acts from some of the biggest names in music today.

The 2018 Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival presents a total of 13 culinary cabins packed with new and favourite dishes, including a large selection of wines, brews and cocktails. From brie grilled cheese to fried frog legs with bacon corn fritters, Korean-style ribs to lobster tart with leeks and Swiss cheese, and over 65 wines and 50 beers and specialty cocktails, it’s a whole world of tastes to be explored.

TLC Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival-2018 Concerts

TLC Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival-2018 Concerts


Along with cuisine, concerts are the life and soul of the Event too. A total of 18 top artists will take over the stage on Gwazi Field. Be prepared to re-live the dream of the ‘90s once again at Busch Gardens. The 2018 Fest comes with an incredible concert line-up, featuring big names such as Boyz II Men, Michael Bolton, TLC, and more.
The schedule for all upcoming concerts is as follows – Sister Hazel and Edwin McCain – March 3, and Grupo Niche – March 4. The Fray – March 10, and Southern Uprising Tour with Travis Tritt, Marshall Tucker Band and the Outlaws – March 11. Olga Tanon – March 17, and Goo Goo Dolls – March 18. Better Than Ezra and Tonic – March 24, and Michael Bolton – March 25. Boyz II Men – March 31, and Natalie Grant – April 1. Hank Williams Jr. – April 7, and TLC – April 8. Bret Michaels – April 14, and TBA – April 15. All Americal Rejects – April 21, and Cole Swindell – April 22. Flo Rida – April 28, and Kaleo and Bleachers – April 29. All concerts starts at 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and at 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Entry to the Event is included with the regular busch gardens tickets and passes. However, while the concerts are free, food and beverages are not. You have to pay extra fee for that. The Event also offers a special VIP upgrade for those willing to take the experience even further. The VIP package includes priority concert seating and sample foods.

Fast & Furious – Supercharged ride - universal orlando

Upcoming Orlando Theme Park Attractions 2018

For Orlando theme park guests it’s a whole new list of anticipations in 2018. At SeaWorld Orlando the upcoming Infinity Falls promises to take guests on a never before river ride adventure. Come spring, guests at Universal Studios Florida Park will be hijacked for a high-octane experience with the likes of Dom, Letty, Hobbs and the rest of Fast & Furious crew. Again Legoland Florida is offering the first V-R coaster for kids, featuring the wildest Lego race ever imagined. Last but not the least Disney World is all set to shrink guests to the size of a toy with its blockbuster 2018 project – Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios park.

The new Fast & Furious – Supercharged ride attraction is opening at the Universal Studios Florida section of the popular Resort. The ride will take you on a pulse pounding action where you will meet up with the Fast & Furious gang. During the adventure you have to stay with the unbreakable team that will help you escape dangers during the wild chase. The new standalone attraction promises a longer and more furious and immersive ride experience, featuring vehicles with 120 mph ride speed, and high definition 3-D projections.

The Infinity Falls river raft ride at SeaWorld Orlando promises a thrilling journey of discovery. Amidst soaking fountains and waterfalls, roaring rapids and tallest drop, the newest ride will put you through the wildest wet experiences ever. Guests will board a round shape, eight-seater blue and green ride vehicle as they navigate through turbulent waters of Infinity Falls that ends with a pulse pounding 40 foot drop. At LEGOLAND Florida it’s another wildest Lego race waiting to take your kid’s V-R coaster experience to next level. The Great Lego Race is seen as the first V-R roller coaster initiative with the kids in mind. The wild virtual race pits guests against Lego speedsters.

When it comes to Walt Disney World – the Toy Story Land is one of the most anticipated 2018 attractions to look for at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A great opportunity for fans to experience the world of toys. The new land will shrink guests down to the size of a toy and put you in Andy’s backyard. The new attraction features the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster and the spinning ride – Alien Swirling Saucers ride. Toy Story Land also include a quick-food restaurant and the popular Toy Story Mania 4-D shooting ride.

You can book your discount Sea world, Disney World or universal studios tickets from Officialticketcenter.com in advance and save more on upcoming trips to your favorite theme parks in Orlando, Florida.