Mickeys Very Merry

What’s In Store for the 2017 Holidays at the Orlando Theme Parks

At the Central Florida theme parks, it’s never too early to celebrate the special end-of-year occasions. The 2017 Holiday season starts in November itself, promises a much bigger and merrier holiday experience for all. Also this year we have a host of new and extended attractions, including special offers and packages to look for.

Universal Orlando Holidays 2017

Universal Orlando Holidays 2017


At the Universal Orlando Resort the most notable holiday highlights include Christmas in Hogsmeade. For the first time Potter fans will have a different and extended experience of their favorite attraction altogether. The one-of-a-kind, special holiday shows and decors across the two Potter properties (Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Diagon Alley) between the two Universal Orlando parks will surely add to the excitements and cheers. For theme park parade lovers, there is something exciting as well. The Universal Orlando’s holiday parade comes with new experiences, including new and self-propelled floats, not-seen before balloons from Macy’s and more. If you haven’t done the reservations yet then hurry! Get your discount universal studios tickets at the earliest and be a part of the celebrations.

Disney World Holidays 2017

Disney World Holidays 2017


The holiday decorations and shows takes the Holiday experience even further at the Walt Disney World Resort. For example, the Echo Lake area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios will adorn a completely new holiday look and feel during the 2017 holidays. Also new to this year is the Sunset Season’s Greetings that brings to life the billboards and facades, including the Hollywood Tower Hotel (Twilight Zone Tower of Terror), on Sunset Boulevard. At the Epcot it’s the new name – The Epcot International Festival of Holidays replacing the old Holidays Around the World. The Park will also feature 15 Holiday Kitchens with special festive menus. At Magic Kingdom things get even more magical with exclusive parades, fireworks, deserts and meeting and greeting with favorite characters. Magic Kingdom is also host to the most popular Christmas party – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. . If you haven’t done the reservations yet then hurry! Get your discount Disney world tickets soon and join the most amazing holiday celebration ever.

SeaWorld Orlando has exciting offers for the 2017 holidays as well. The line-up includes attractions such as Dinner with Rudolph and the all-new encounter with Santa at Wild Arctic. Guests will experience a never-before ride to the top of the world where they will meet the most famous resident of the Arctic – Santa Claus. SeaWorld also enhances its special holiday package to include hotel stays, including the park admissions and signature show seating. You can find the best admission offers on your discount sea world tickets with the Officialticketcenter.com

Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream 2017

Scream Is Inescapable at Howl-O-Scream 2017

It’s true that Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights Fest is the nation’s premier Halloween event, but there are few others with similar experience as well. Such as, at Busch Gardens Tampa, Florida the Howl-O-Scream event brings to you enough reasons to scream. The uniquely terrifying Halloween event, features as many haunted houses, scare zones and shows that will leave you screaming for days. True horror fans need not have to worry as everything about the event is scary. If you are visiting the Busch Gardens on selects nights from September 22, through October 29, 2017, you will definitely end up with the best Halloween experience ever.

The annual Howl-O-Scream event comes with many terrifying encounters, including new and returning favorite, and menus with plenty of special dishes and drinks. This year too, the Event promises the best of scares, featuring 2 brand new haunted houses, taking the total to 7 haunted houses, also included are 5 scare zones and 2 lively shows. If that is not enough, you can also opt for one of those favorite thrill rides. But be careful, the scare is everywhere. You have nowhere to hide, not even in the rides.

Among the extremely strong line-up of houses, the newest two, include Demented Dimensions and Undead Arena: Live. The brand new house Demented Dimensions comes in the form of an amazing replacement for the old Zombie Mortuary. While Undead Arena: Live replaces the old Circus of Superstition. Though the first one seems to have a better concept and detailing, I think both are exciting. With their unique stories and scares they both add some freshness to the overall experience at the Event.

Among the older houses, include the greatly improved Motel Hell, debuted in the 2016 Event. It presents an excellent theme, with some new twist and surprises, including changes to the house layout. The Black Spot is another 2016 debutante that returns to scare you with an amazing theme and story. The Unearthed, debuted in 2015 is also a great house to look for at this year’s Event. From among the oldest favorites include Death Water Bayou, debuted in 2013. It’s one of the must visit houses with amazing detail and plenty of great scares. The Zombie Containment Unit 15 is the next returning old favorite.

Again the scare zones play an important role in keeping the experience in flow. In sort they will never let you take that much needed break. They will ensure that the scare never stops. The favorite five scare zones at 2017 Event include – Meat Market, Wasteland, Class Deceased, Carnie Camp and Playground. Also we have two special Shows at the Event namely, Joshua Seth: Inside Your Mind, which is the newest, debuting in 2017. The second Show is Fiends – a returning annual favorite for many Howl-O-Scream fans.

Howl-O-Scream is a hard ticketed event and runs on select nights. For special event tickets one can visit the Official Busch Gardens website. Also there are many online ticket deals and discounts on Busch Gardens tickets and Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream tickets.

sesame street kids land - SeaWorld Orlando

A New Sesame Street Kids Land For SeaWorld Orlando Fans Soon

SeaWorld Orlando guests will be able to experience a live version of Sesame Street in a few years from now. Expected to open by the fall of 2022, the new land is seen as one of the key projects in taking the experience to next level. While the design and features are yet to be determined, speculations suggest the possibilities of a never before marine experience with rides, parade and shows with Sesame Street characters. In fact the new land is expected to be something – which is more immersive than what the Sesame Street Bay of Play kiddie attractions in SeaWorld San Diego and San Antonio parks or the Safari of Fun at Busch Gardens Tampa has to offer.

The new themed land is replacing SeaWorld Orlando’s Shamu’s Happy Harbor – a play area with an array of children’s rides and net climb. Sesame Street has a more subtle presence in Orlando till now. The characters used to appear on special holiday shows and events only. Given the new Land coming in 2022, Sesame Street fans will have the live version of the popular TV show for the first time – where kids will enjoy the scenes and sights in company with live characters such as Big Bird, Elmo and others.

SeaWorld’s relationship with Sesame Workshop (the creators of the Sesame Street) is 37 years old. The long-running partnership between the companies has led to the birth of some of the most extraordinary Sesame Street attractions across the various parks with the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens locations in San Diego and San Antonio. And soon we will have an entire Sesame Street Kids Land for the Orlando Resort as well.

Back in 1980, came the original Sesame Place, built over 14 acres of land in the outskirts of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The latest revelation of a second theme park of its kind is another most exciting prospect in the offing. Location for the new Sesame Place theme park is yet to be determined by the Company. But there are possibilities suggesting that SeaWorld Orlando could be the new location for the upcoming project. The new Sesame Place theme park is opening in 2021, one year ahead of the new Sesame Street Kids Land in Orlando.

New SeaWorld Attractions 2017

SeaWorld Orlando Offers Unbelievable New Experiences This Summer

For SeaWorld Orlando fans it’s a whole new world of thrills and entertainments this summer. With its newest 2017 additions and offerings the marine entertainment giant is transforming into a place you have never seen before. Whether it’s the newly modified version of legendary kraken roller coaster –Kraken Unleashed, or the vibrant new night-time attraction – Electric Ocean, the bubble spectacular – POP or the all-new Dolphin Nursery, SeaWorld is taking the experience to next level. So if you are planning your next Orlando theme park visit this summer, don’t forget to include the SeaWorld trip. The premier marine resort is offering you a bunch of never before attractions and adventures aptly described as – What’s Next Is Now.

Kraken Unleashed - SeaWorld's newest coaster experience

Kraken Unleashed – SeaWorld’s newest coaster experience


If you are a thrill seeker, get ready to stare into the teeth of the fastest sea monster ever. The revamped Kraken Unleashed brings to life a first of its kind VR – virtual reality experience on the SeaWorld’s famous floor-less roller coaster. Riders on-board the newly re-designed coaster will explore additional thrills with uniquely designed virtual reality headsets. As it soars to a great height, you plunge to new depths down underneath the sea, discovering new secrets and surprises. The mythical world of the legendary sea monster comes to life as you race through underwater canyons and deep, dark hunting ground of the beast himself. The minimum height requirement for this ride is 54 inches.

POP - Bubble Spectacular - SeaWorld Orlando

POP – Bubble Spectacular – SeaWorld Orlando


The all-new POP in another spectacular highlight that will blow your minds. POP brings to life a highly imaginative and innovative, multi-sensory bubble spectacular that connects you to the wonders of the ocean like never before. This one of a kind offerings of SeaWorld and Bubble Legendary features a unique fusion of natural wonders and amazing bubble artistry by world-famous bubble masters. With an incredible mix of music, lights, lasers and bubbles (big and small) POP is an experience both mysterious and inspiring.

Electric Ocean - SeaWorld Orlando nighttime event

Electric Ocean – SeaWorld Orlando nighttime event


SeaWorld dazzles even more at sunset. The new night-time spectacular Electric Ocean transforms the place into a vibrant and sparkling world of music, dance and party like no other. During the event you will immerse into the exotic underwater world – where playful sea creatures greet you with their awe-inspiring performances, where world class DJ’s transforms the night into electrifying, fun-filled family experience for all times to come.

New Dolphin Nursery

New Dolphin Nursery


SeaWorld’s all-new Dolphin Nursery is again a great 2017 summer offering by the Resort. It comes with a whole new view of the beauty of life in the underwater world, featuring new born bottlenose dolphins with their moms in a playful natural settings like never before.

Plan out your SeaWorld trip in advance. Visit The Official Ticket Center for discounts on Sea World Tickets

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival

Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival Combines the Best of Music and Culinary Experiences

The special annual events hosted by the world famous theme parks and resorts in Orlando are source to unique fun and festivities. Visiting the parks during such special occasion is a different experience altogether. This is the time when the fun and entertainment doubles up leaving you and your family with even more special and memorable moments to share and celebrate. At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay too it’s the return of the annual Food and Wine Festival that brings to life the festive spirit that many don’t want to miss. In deed the popular Busch Gardens Event is a unique mix of music and culinary delights.

The popular Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food and Wine Festival is running for its third consecutive year, featuring an amazing line-up of musical acts by chart-topping artists and culinary masterpieces, starting March 4, 2017 through April 30, 2017. No extra fee is required. The Event and the Concerts included with the Park’s regular admissions, and with any annual pass or fun card.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival Concert line-up

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival Concert line-up


Music lovers will have the best in country, contemporary, classic, Latin, pop and rock genre to choose from. Among the big names in entertainment that take over the stage for the headlining concert at 7 p.m. on Gwazi Field on every Saturdays and Sundays throughout the Event include Daughtry – March 4, Andy Grammer – March 5, Goo Goo Dolls – March 11, Kool & The Gang – March 12, Young the Giant – March 18, Jason Isbell & John Hiatt Trio – March 19, NBC’s The Voice finalists Craig Wayne Boyd & Adam Wakefield – March 25, El Gran Combo – March 26, DNCE – April 1, Walk Off The Earth – April 2, Daya and Matt Nathanson – April 9, Newsboys – April 16, Gilberto Santa Rosa – April 22, Lynyrd Skynyrd – April 23, and more.

When it comes to food and wine, the Festival is loaded with exciting new cuisine, dishes and alcoholic beverages that can change your selection of taste and flavours forever. Among the main food offerings include lobster ravioli, banana foster panna cotta, duck tacos, gator bites, bacon mac & cheese, brown sugar rubbed pork belly, cabernet-filled chocolates and many others. Wine lovers can choose from a wide selection of wines, cocktails and brews as well. It’s to be noted that unlike the Concerts, the food and beverage is chargeable and is available for an extra fee. For alcoholic beverages one must be 21 years or older.

Disney World Christmas 2016

Christmas in Orlando Is Extra Magical

The holiday season offers the most wonderful opportunity to visit the world famous theme Parks in Orlando. With so many special events, including parades, shows and miles of dazzling lights and decorations around, it makes a tough choice for the guests. Whether it’s Disney World, or Universal or SeaWorld for that matter, every park has its own unique way of celebrating the epic Story. The crowd is big and so is the celebration. Join the festive fun for a memorable holiday experience.

Magic Kingdom Christmas 2016

Magic Kingdom Christmas 2016

If you are planning to visit Disney World during the Holidays then don’t forget to include the iconic Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom. The Castle comes alive with a breath-taking makeover, featuring over 20000 lights during Christmas. With the special night-time show A Frozen Holiday Wish led by Queen Elsa and her friends Anna, Kristoff and Olaf, the Castle transforms into a glittering ice palace – a sight you really don’t want to miss. Another must visit Magic Kingdom offering is the most popular, separately ticketed Event – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Here you will experience the Christmas magic with Mickey like no other. The annual Event comes with plenty of Festive offerings such as Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and the holly jolly stage show – Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration’, Fireworks and much more.

At Epcot the holly jolly sights of Christmas traditions from around the world is a great fun. Holidays Around the World offers an incredible mix of sights, sounds and flavors of the season from cultures across the globe. The stunning Candlelight Processional, on the other hand takes the popular tradition to new height with awe-inspiring performances from celebrity narrators. Disney’s Hollywood Studios comes with all new Christmas spectacular Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!

Universal Orlando Christmas 2016

Universal Orlando Christmas 2016

At Universal Studios Florida it’s the most amazing ‘Macy’s Holiday Parade’ that brings to life the spirit of the season. The highlight includes sights of amazing balloons and floats, bands, dancers and not to mention the surprising Santa, and the tree lighting ritual. On the other hand, at Islands of Adventure the Grinch is doing his best to ruin the celebrations, coz it’s no Christmas, it’s Grinchmas out there.

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas 2016

SeaWorld Orlando Christmas 2016


At SeaWorld the Holiday tradition comes to life amidst a wintry, wet-wonderland. SeaWorld Christmas Celebration comes with special shows and attractions such as the Shamu Christmas Miracles, Winter Wonderland on Ice with world-famous skaters, and The Polar Experience. Also not to forget the chances of meeting all new Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer and friends.

SeaWorld Orlando Attractions 2017

Plenty of New Experiences for SeaWorld Fans In 2017

Florida theme parks are known for their world class vacation experiences. And the SeaWorld Orlando Resort is no different in this regard. The Resort’s long list of exciting new attractions, it recently unveils for the year 2017, has reasons enough to boost the park’s attendance. The most anticipated line-up of fresh attractions, including special shows and events will surely deliver the must needed fodder – inspire guests to visit the popular marine theme park again and again.

SeaWorld Orlando Kraken Virtual Reality (VR) Roller Coaster

SeaWorld Orlando Kraken Virtual Reality (VR) Roller Coaster

One of the main SeaWorld highlights for 2017 is the Kraken Virtual Reality (VR) Coaster. The inclusion of virtual reality narrative to the legendary ride attraction brings a new level of excitement and interest to the ride. In fact, the addition of new technology makes it one of the most unique roller coaster experience altogether – the first of its kind ride attraction in Florida. The all new Kraken attraction puts you in under the ocean’s surface, where strange sea creatures of the past, including the mighty Kraken – the mythical sea serpent joins you on a never before ride experience.

Seven Seas Festival is having extended weekends for its upcoming celebrations in SeaWorld Orlando. The popular music and food event is running for 14 weekends starting February, 2017. It brings to life a host of new culinary experiences for guests at the park. Brew tasters can also have their tastiest delights by indulging in a variety of local, seasonal and exotic brews at the Event. The Seven Seas Festival is inspired by street food from Asia, South America, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

The new nightly show – Electric Ocean is another 2017 highlights, debuting next summer. Electric Ocean show makes a perfect end-of-the-day spectacle, where the ocean comes to life like never before. The whole area turns into a glowing sea of wonder with fireworks, fountains, lights and music. There is also a new show at the Nautilus Theater, debuting next summer, on the Memorial Day weekend.

For annual pass holders, the Aquatica Pass Member Pavilion opens during the spring break time next year. The all new pass member pavilion features concierge service, complimentary sunscreen, private entrance to the beach, private encounters with SeaWorld animals and other special offers. And not to be missed – the Dolphin Nursery, which gets even more interactive with up-close encounters in ways like never before. With features such as large-scale acrylic windows with multiple levels, new slide out areas and lifting floor, including multi-purpose digital displays it becomes a thrilling new experience with the most beloved sea creature ever.

Orlando Theme Park Offers

Orlando Theme Parks Desperate to Attract Guests Following a Slow Summer

For the Orlando Theme Parks – summer 2016 is unexpectedly on the quieter side in terms of attendance. Defying convention, the level of visit stands at a surprising low this time. What should have been the busiest season, turns into a lazy and slow summer with the parks struggling to bring back their usual crowd. Not just Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort, it is happening with almost all the central Florida parks during 2016 so far.

May be it’s the high prices on theme park tickets or lack of other special vacation deals and offers that keep the crowd away. May be there are other global factors such as the low percentage of International travel, etc. that could have contributed to this unusual downturn.

However, the slowness is seen as a perfect opportunity for the budget-minded tourist, and guests holding off their Orlando theme park trips due to high prices, and lack of suitable offers. Truly, the parks are more desperate now. They are throwing the best offers, both in terms of prices and special fun and entertainment options to attract the crowd they always wanted to have.

Indeed we have some serious consumer-friendly opportunities to capitalize on before the end of this summer. Lifting the block out dates for annual pass-holders can boost the visit level by huge margins. And Universal Orlando is doing that with immediate effect. The Resort is lifting all summer block out dates for its lowest tier – Power passes. On the other hand, although not announced yet, Disney World pass holders also have all the good chances of getting relieve from their summer-time block out dates as well. Disney had already done this before when it surprises fans by lifting its block out restrictions during the spring break earlier.

Theme parks hate slow season and they will go against all odds to spice up situations. During such period, one can expect some surprising offers unlike the regular holiday deals. The Orlando theme parks have gone even further in this regard – giving away their most unique offerings to survive a lazy summer set-back. From heavy discounted ticket offers and special price cuts on stays – be it at the Universal Orlando Resort or Walt Disney World for that matter, it’s in fact a very tempting time to re-visit the world famous Florida attractions.

Summer Soak Party 2016

Summer Soak Party 2016

Moreover, if the advent of those newest ride attractions and shows aren’t sufficient enough to convince you, then the parks have opened up dozens of special time-bound events to attract guests such as the newly announced 2016 “Summer Soak Party” by SeaWorld Orlando. So it doesn’t matter whether the all new Kong attraction at the Islands of Adventure or the latest Epcot ride inspires you or not. It can be one of those special limited-time events that forms the most attractive reason for your next visit.

The changes to theme park dining experiences with fresh menus and discounted dining packages also plays important role in encouraging more visitors to the parks. The in-park dining deals this summer are quite an attraction for fans, such as the recently launched special deal by Universal Studios on Coca-Cola Freestyle mugs for the annual pass-holders or the recent developments on Disney World’s dining offers, including changes to popular menus, and coming up of new restaurants and more.

Mako ride

The Mako Ride –Thrill Seekers Newest Pride

So you think you fear the shark, you don’t have to do that again. For now it’s time to conquer the underwater monster once and for all. Again, if you are a fan of it and love to admire the sea monster, then there is no better way to do that, other than visiting the SeaWorld Orlando Resort this summer. Thanks to the premier marine Resort, in creating such a unique ride experience right in the heart of the most exclusive section of the Park – I mean the area dedicated to the sharks, namely the Shark Wreck Reef.

shark wreck reef

shark wreck reef

Ride enthusiasts might have come across other bigger hyper-coasters in different parts of the country, but in Orlando Mako is the new hero in town. While it flaunts all the features of a true hyper-coaster, it’s certainly the fastest, tallest and longest attraction of its kind in Orlando till date. We know that the Orlando Parks never stop bringing in the best of thrills. There has never been a dull moment for thrill seekers. But the opportunity to get acquainted with such extremes of a ride in all departments – be it in height, speed and miles of daring tracks, including ample air-time, all in one single shark inspired coaster attraction. With Mako being officially launched now the much needed void of a super hyper-coaster is filled.

As the name suggest, the new SeaWorld Orlando ride is a true incarnation of the apex predator himself. Like the Mako shark the riders on-board the new coaster will conquer the oceans of the SeaWorld, surging through the waters, going up to a never-ending height of 200 ft. and down into the depth with a deadly drop at a killer speed of 73 mph. Truly, when thrill comes in such merciless designs, the result is an insane ride experience.

Almost 3 exhilarating minutes of speed, plenty of air-times, and goose bumps, the new ride is a test of senses. The sight of the huge coaster structure itself is enough to pump up your heartbeats. You may board the ride vehicle with your friends but nothing will prepare you for the most anticipated moments ahead. As it slowly start crawling up and up to a spine-shivering peak you might want to hold those precious breaths before that insane drop leaves you breathless for several minutes even after you and your friends have left the site.

shark conservation info

shark conservation info


During the ride the floating sensation is immensely felt by the riders. If you are a fan of speed and airtime Mako is just the right shot for you. And don’t forget at the helm of all this hair-raising and heart pumping initiative it’s the growing concern about the sharks and their struggling existence today.

Early Arrival to the Orlando Theme Parks for No Lines

I get the same questions every day from my guests traveling out to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld. The question is, “How can we avoid the line at the parks”? The answer is short and sweet, get there early. If you get to the theme parks early, you will have accomplished the biggest task of your day. Getting there early before everyone gets there not only ensures that you won’t have to wait in long lines for the most popular rides, but it will also save you time from the hot Florida sun that will zap your energy level quick!

Most travelers like to wake up kind of early, stroll down to the lobby of their hotel or resort, have a cup of coffee, then head back up to get the rest of the family for breakfast. This takes up at least two hours in the morning and this does not even take in consideration the time needed to travel to the parks. Combine all of this with the crowds rolling in late and security checkpoint lines and bam, you are now in the thick of late morning traffic that everyone hates.

Getting there one hour before the park opens for example at Disney’s Magic Kingdom will not only give you a smooth and stress free experience, but will also get you a very special early morning performance from of all of Disney’s characters before being allowed into their park for the day. After the performance, greeters welcome guests in to enjoy Mainstreet USA for a short period before their rope drop. Many early morning guests then travel back to the top rides with no wait at all. One could ride at least four rides before really encountering any kind of real lines.

When it comes to the saying, “The early bird gets the worm”, this is exactly right when it comes to getting the most while at the theme parks. This method really works best for travelers who can get to bed early the night before and really try to hydrate the evening and morning before arriving at the parks. Waking up early really works best for travelers from Europe due to the time difference. A traveler from England has the clock on their side as they are five hours ahead of us, so the can wake up at 6 am and feel like they slept in until noon! Unfortunately this is not the case for us in the USA.