Get ready to rock, ride and rejoice! Universal Orlando Resort’s Rock the Universe returns. Fans and youth groups alike may join together at Florida’s biggest Christian music festival, enjoying moving performances by some of Christian music’s top artists, powerful worship experiences and thrilling theme park attractions during an unforgettable weekend of faith, fun and fellowship at Universal Studios Florida.

This year’s rocking weekend kicks off Friday night across Universal’s two stages, Music Plaza Stage and Hollywood Stage, with six feature performances from top Christian artists. The festival continues Saturday night with an additional six performances. This year’s musical guests will be announced at a later date.

Beyond the main stage performances, Rock the Universe attendees may enjoy worship experiences throughout the weekend – including a Saturday ceremony with a special message and moving musical performance, a powerful Sunday morning worship service to wrap up the faith-filled weekend, plus a dedicated FanZone presented by Coca-Cola, featuring live performances from up-and-coming acts throughout the weekend.

For the first time ever, multi award-winning artist The Weeknd joins forces with Halloween Horror Nights to inspire all-new, terrifying haunted houses based on his record-breaking “After Hours” album.

Global phenomenon, The Weeknd, is renowned for his groundbreaking music that blends daring, provocative lyrics with innovative sounds and ominous undertones. “After Hours” is The Weeknd’s fourth consecutive number one album and has spawned multiple chart-topping hits, including “Too Late,” “Heartless,” “In Your Eyes” and the wildly popular single “Blinding Lights” – which is ranked as the #1 Greatest Hot 100 Hit of All Time by Billboard.

This fall, select tracks from the riveting album are being reimagined as a horror movie soundtrack for the outrageously haunting experience at Halloween Horror Nights.

The dark undercurrent behind The Weeknd’s enigmatic persona will permeate the all-new Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses on both coasts. With the eerie sounds of “After Hours” reverberating throughout the experience, guests will step into a surreal living nightmare filled with grotesque characters and themes inspired by The Weeknd’s music and short films.

As they’re stalked by slashers, bandaged maniacs, gruesome toad-like creatures and other unfathomable horrors from the mind of the artist, guests will be challenged to survive the night while trapped within the terrifying, unexpected world of “The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare” – a place that only exists in The Weeknd’s vivid imagination and from which one may never escape.

“I always wanted my own Halloween Horror Nights haunted house as Halloween has always been significant to my music, so this is a total dream come to life. I feel like my music videos have served as a launching pad for a collaboration like this, and I cannot wait for people to experience this madness!” said Abel ‘The Weeknd’ Tesfaye.

“We are thrilled to take guests inside of the mind of The Weeknd, who is a Halloween Horror Nights fan himself,” said John Murdy, Executive Producer of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood.  “This is an unprecedented haunted house that is going to shatter the expectations of our guests and immerse them in an unforgettable experience that is equally unexpected and terrifying,” added Charles Gray, Senior Show Director for Entertainment Creative Development at Universal Orlando Resort.

Universal Orlando Resort invites guests to unwrap the awesome and let loose this holiday season during its Holiday celebration. Throughout the entire destination, guests can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with an incredible collection of epic festivities featuring some of pop culture’s most beloved stories and characters – all brought to life in experiences that range from traditional merriments to irreverent twists on holiday classics that can’t be experienced anywhere else. 

This holiday season, theme park guests can witness a spectacular transformation of Hogwarts castle during “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, meet “the mean, green one himself,” the Grinch, during Grinchmas, watch larger-than-life balloons and floats take the streets during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s and so much more.

Holidays at Universal Orlando

Holidays at Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The spectacularly themed lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will transform into wizarding wonderlands for the Holidays, complete with festive décor throughout the iconic streets of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley that includes themed decorations, garlands and lights.

Guests can also enjoy special holiday-themed performances from the Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant croaking frogs, in Hogsmeade and the wizarding world’s most popular singing sensation, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, in Diagon Alley.

And once night falls in Hogsmeade, guests can revel in a spectacular projection of holiday spirit and Christmas moments inspired by the beloved “Harry Potter” stories in “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s

Fan-favorite characters from Illumination’s Despicable Me and DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar – along with larger-than-life balloons, dozens of colorful holiday floats and hundreds of festive performers – fill the streets of Universal Studios Florida during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.

Santa Claus also makes an appearance during the awe-inspiring parade – leading a picturesque finale that culminates with the lighting of the park’s dazzling 80-foot Christmas Tree.

Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure

The spirit of Grinchmas comes to life at Universal’s Islands of Adventure with the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” – a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic starring the maven of mischief himself, the Grinch.

The celebration continues in Seuss Landing, which will be adorned in whimsical yuletide décor, including oversized candy canes, twisting Christmas trees, wreaths and beautiful tinsel ornaments. While strolling the land, guests can enjoy special appearances by the merry Whos from Who-ville as they prepare for their favorite holiday throughout Seuss Landing – and even meet the mean, green one himself, the Grinch, for a special photo opportunity.

Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Studios

The best-selling holiday artist of all time, Mannheim Steamroller, returns to Universal Studios Florida to fill the air with the iconic sounds of the season with live performances on December 3, 4, 10 and 11.

More Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

There’s even more fun to be had this holiday season at Universal Orlando with holiday-themed merchandise, food and beverage offerings, character encounters, seasonal décor and celebratory activities at Universal’s hotels, and more.

Stay tuned for more details about holidays at Universal Orlando Resort will be revealed soon.

After a successful “inaugural fear,” Howl-O-Scream is coming back to SeaWorld Orlando, and this year promises to be bigger than ever before with more pulse-pounding haunts, thrills, and chills.

Howl-O-Scream features more coasters, more haunted houses, more scare zones and more unexpected frights.  SeaWorld Orlando is only scratching the surface, and guests will not know what will be lurking around every corner of the park.

There are several all-new attractions coming to this year’s haunt, along with fan favorites from last year and a few re-imagined experiences that were announced today.

SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream Events

• ALL NEW! “Lurking in the Depths” show
• ALL NEW! “Sea of Fear” scare zone
• ALL NEW! “Cut Throat Cove” scare zone
• Re-imagined: “Captain’s Revenge – Drowned in Sorrow” house
• Re-imagined: “Frozen Terror” scare zone
• Re-imagined: “Longshoremen’s Tavern” bar
• Returning: “Beneath the Ice” house
• Returning: “Tormented” bar

Guests can also take their night of frights to another level by braving SeaWorld Orlando’s roller coasters at night. They can take a chilling ride on the park’s newest thrill ride “Ice Breaker”.  It was rated the #1 Best New Theme Park Attraction by USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards and features the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida.

On Oct. 1, 1971, Walt Disney World Resort officially opened to guests for the first time. It is amazing that we are celebrating “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” in honor of Disney World’s 50th birthday.

Today, I am going to showcase some of the “what’s new” for the Disney World 50th Celebration.

Nighttime Spectacular Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom Park

One of my favorite new shows is Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom. This show will take guests on a journey filled with adventure, wonder and empowerment. Inspiring everyone to believe in magic, Disney Enchantment includes a projection show on Cinderella Castle and Main Street USA. You will also see spectacular fireworks above Cinderella Castle. You can watch the full show below.

Harmonious Reimagines Disney Music at EPCOT

Harmonious at Epcot is one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney Park. This new show will bring the globe together at World Showcase Lagoon in a celebration of Disney music that inspires people worldwide. This show features lasers, fireworks, water fountains and so much more.

You can watch the full show below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ0W_66U97M&t=1s

We love this new show. You can find a great spot to watch Harmonious around the World Showcase Lagoon.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT

Love the new ride celebration the Disney World 50th Celebration This new ride is called Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. You can join Remy and his friends at Epcot. You will scurry through Gusteau’s famous restaurant as the size of a rat. Your whole family will love this adventure.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure has 4-D effects including water splashing up on you! It is so much fun for the whole family! #disneyworld50 #epcot #DisneyWorld50 pic.twitter.com/LWlf8DucBa

— Jones Family Travels (@JonesTravels) October 8, 2021

Beacons of Magic Shine for the Disney World 50th Celebration

As part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” icons at each Walt Disney World theme park will transform into magnificent Beacons of Magic at night, coming to life with their own EARidescent glow*.

• Cinderella Castle will illuminate Magic Kingdom
• Tree of Life is magical with fireflies at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
• Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be awash in a brilliance evoking the golden age
• Spaceship Earth will glow at EPCOT

Disney KiteTails to Take Flight at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

A new kid friendly show called Disney KiteTails is at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Performers will fly windcatchers and kites of all shapes and sizes. You may even spot a few 30 foot friends like Simba, Zazu, or Baloo soaring across the water.

This is my favorite part of KiteTails at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. #disneyworld #disneyworld50 #animalkingdom #WaltDisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/QJBN4Wrpx2

— Jones Family Travels (@JonesTravels) October 5, 2021

Golden ‘Disney Fab 50’ Appear Across the Theme Parks

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale will be part of a new collection of special golden character sculptures. You can find these statues at all 4 Disney Parks. Can you find all 50 of them?

For the Disney World 50th Anniversary, you can find gold statues throughout the Disney Parks. Dumbo is over at Magic Kingdom! It is fun to hunt for these gold statues. #disneyworld #waltdisneyworld #disneyworld50 pic.twitter.com/Z9UyFJ3tsJ

— Destinations in FL (@wdwfan) October 8, 2021

Mickey, Minnie and Friends Will Be Dressed for the Occasion

One of our favorite new additions for the Dinsey World 50th Celebration is new costumes for Mickey Mouse and friends. Their EARidescent fabrics glimmer in the sunlight. It is truly magical.

Are you looking forward to the Disney World 50th Celebration? Let us know in the comments below.

Are you ready to scream? Tim & I got to visit Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando. He loves Halloween and I am a big scaredy-cat. I was amazing how much we both loved Howl-O-Scream. It is now ranking as one of my favorite Halloween events in Orlando.

Come along with Tim and myself as we visit Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando.

Would you like Howl-O-Scream?

Our company received some exciting news this week! Universal Orlando recognized Destinations in Florida as a U-Preferred Agency. This program was created by Universal Orlando to recognize and reward top-selling travel partners.

We are honored to add this recognition to our other Universal Orlando awards including:

• 2012 Travel Agency Partner of the Year – Recognized by Universal Orlando Resort
• 2011 Travel Agency Partner of the Year – Recognized by Universal Orlando Resort
• 2010 Travel Agency Partner of the Year – Recognized by Universal Orlando Resort

As a Florida local travel agency, we have a passion for Universal Orlando. We visit with our families and love Universal Parks and Resorts. That passion helps us plan exceptional vacations for our guests.

We have planned Universal Orlando vacations for many families over the past 15+ years including royalty, actors, directors, NBL baseball players, famous photographers, Food Network Chefs, HGTV stars, and popular YouTubers.

We would love to add your family to our elite list of happy guests visiting Universal Orlando Resort.

Planning a Disney Cruise vacation can be overwhelming to navigate.  But it doesn’t have to be. With five Disney cruises under my belt I want to share tips and tricks to help make it a little less overwhelming. Fortunately, setting sail on a Disney Cruise is a far less complicated experience than visiting one of the theme parks.

These six tips should set you on the right course!

Disney Cruise Vacation Tips

1. Choose The Perfect Stateroom

Frequent cruisers are particular about staterooms, and for good reason: not all of the rooms are the same. Choosing a stateroom seems pretty easy, since there’s inside, ocean-view, and verandah. On a Disney Cruise there are actually several secret verandah and porthole staterooms, as well as mini-suites and over sized rooms, and often these are priced lower. Disney will sell out of the most popular staterooms up to a year in advance, so if you are eyeing up a particular one book it as soon as possible.

While a verandah is nicer for long cruises, an ocean-view room will save you money on a three or four night cruise.  The only time I suggest a verandah no matter the length of cruise is for Alaska voyages, this is premium whale watching territory.

The staterooms on Disney are made for families, and generally larger than standard cruise lines. Some cabins will even sleep a family of five!

Tip: You can decorate your stateroom doors, this helps you find it easily.

2. Use The Personal Navigator

You’re provided a Personal Navigator each day with the schedule of events on it. I like carrying this in my day bag, but I also recommend downloading the Personal Navigator App to use on board. This will be your guide to everything happening on the ship, from dining, to shows and special events.

It will be in your stateroom the night before with turn down service.

3. Choose a Late Dinner

This is always our choice when we cruise with Disney. If you are traveling with older kids or adults, choose the later dinner seating (8:15) and earlier showtime (6:30.) I can assure you that both your dinner and your show will be less crowded with fewer small children. Another great perk of  late dinner seating? The Oceaneer Club counselors come in at 9 p.m. to take any restless children over the age of 3 back to the kids’ clubs so the adults can finish the rest of their meal in peace or attend an adult only show after dinner.

I cannot tell you how many times my youngest has eaten her meal as fast as she can and eagerly awaited the kids club pick up.

4. Stay On The Ship

Just because you are in port doesn’t mean you have to disembark. There is so much to see and do on a Disney Cruise the only way to enjoy it all is to stay on the boat! Port days mean less crowded public spaces on-board. This will also save you some money, as excursions can be quite costly.

We have been able to get some really great photos of the ship while in port, because the crowds are so minimal during the day.

5. Enjoy FREE Room Service & A Movie

This may be my kids favorite part of the cruise. At the end of a long day they go back to our stateroom and order cookies and milk, or other tasty treats off the room service menu. Then they get comfy and find a classic Disney movie on the TV. Disney movies are on 24/7 in your stateroom and you can find classics such as Fox and The Hound or Cinderella playing each night.

6. Tipping and Your Key To The World

When you embark on your cruise at the terminal you are given a  “Key to the World” card that serves as your wallet and ID while on-board. You can swipe it just like a credit card to buy items such as adult beverages or popcorn before the nightly featured film. Be careful as those expenses add up fast! You can go to guest services and see your bill during your cruise and apply cash or Disney gift cards if you so choose. They will charge the card on file at midnight on the last night of cruise, so be prepared.

Tips are also handled a bit differently at the end of your cruise. If you prepaid tips, you will get four envelopes as well as four vouchers containing each of your service staff’s name and amount of tip they will be receiving from you. At this point you can add extra cash tips if they went above and beyond. I will assure you that on a Disney cruise they will absolutely go above and beyond, so take the extra cash.

Are you ready for your 1st cruise?

New Despicable Me Character Meal at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

What could be better than waking up, putting on your flip-flops, and digging into a delicious breakfast? Meeting with some of your favorite Despicable Me characters, that’s what. Starting January 13, 2018, every Saturday morning at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, you can head to the Cayman Court to fill up on a buffet of morning favorites including pancakes, bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs and more.

Take in the tropical surroundings and get ready to meet some of your favorite Despicable Me characters including Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes and the Minions. You’ll get one free digital download photo when they stop by to wave hello and pose for pictures. Theme park admission and/or hotel reservations are not required, but dining reservations are required 24 hours in advance

LOCATION

Cayman Court

DAY AND TIME

Saturday: 9:00 am–11:30 am

Best Tips to Make the Most of Holidays at Universal

It’s that time of year – the time for Christmas trees, an endless amount of cookies, hot chocolate and quality time with family and friends. If you’re in the Orlando area and looking for a fun holiday activity, look no further than Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort running now through January 6.

From beloved classics like Grinchmas and Mannheim Steamroller to exciting new experiences like Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s – there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

Since the parks do get busy during the holiday season, it’s best to come with a plan so you can see and do everything you want to do. To help with your planning, here are 6 insider tips to help maximize your visit.

1. Watch The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle Later in The Evening

Instead of rushing to Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure to see the first showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, head to the later show.

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle runs intermittently until park close – so take your time, enjoy the new decor throughout the parks and grab a Hot Butterbeer (my favorite type of Butterbeer).

2. Take the Scenic Route to Universal’s Islands of Adventure

I know what you’re thinking – “you want me to walk?” Just trust me! Although boarding The Hogwarts Express is popular route, by walking to Islands of Adventure from Universal Studios Florida, you’ll be sure to reach your daily step goal.

Once inside Islands of Adventure, hang a right and head through Lost Continent to the main entrance of Hogsmeade. This is the quickest way in, not to mention, you’ll be able to walk through Grinchmas in Seuss Landing where you’ll see beautiful Christmas decorations from the bingle balls to whofoo fluff.

3. Arrive Early and Grab a Hot Chocolate for the New Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s

What is the holiday season without a parade? And the new Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is one that you really don’t want to miss. With 16 new balloons and 15 floats, the parade is truly larger-than-life.

To get the best view, my tip is to hunker down along the streets of New York or Hollywood Blvd. at Universal Studios at least a half hour to 45 minutes before the start time of the parade. That way you’ll be up front and center in the streets of New York, where it snows! Can you imagine snow in Florida? Let me tell you – it’s magical.

4. Take a Closer Look at the Details

When enjoying Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, make sure you take a close look at the decor throughout the lands. The decor on the individual storefronts are specially themed for each shop. For example, the garland on Spindlewarps Wool Shop in Diagon Alley includes balls of yarn!

In addition, if you look at the Santa float during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, you’ll see a wish list wrapped around the globe that includes items that our Entertainment Team Members want for Christmas this year.

5. Dress Up For Grinchmas

And by dress up, I mean transform into a lean, mean, green machine. Grab your Grinch hat, gloves, shirt and frown before you make your way to the live retelling of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday classic in the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. That way you’ll feel in character when you sing along with the holiday music you know and love.

6. Rock Out to Mannheim Steamroller

If you’re a fan of live Christmas music with a rockin twist, you need to see Mannheim Steamroller. Make sure to plan your visit on a night when they are performing at Universal Studios Florida.

BONUS TIP FOR FLORIDA RESIDENTS:

For all my fellow Floridians, I have a bonus tip just for you.

7. Best Time to Experience it All is Before or Right After the Holidays

Yes, you read that right. Even theme parks experience the holiday rush, so I recommend planning a day trip (or staycation at one of our amazing on-site hotels!) either before or after Christmas and New Year’s.

I hope these tips help you have the best holiday season ever at Universal Orlando Resort. If you have any insights from visiting yourself, comment below. Be sure to grab your tickets to join in on the fun and have a wonderful holiday season.