Universal Orlando Resort’s Rock the Universe is an all-in-one destination for a weekend of music and thrills. On September 9 and 10, 2016, some of Christian music’s biggest names like Lecrae and Skillet will perform on the Music Plaza Stage in Universal Studios Florida. The action won’t stop between sets as you’ll be able to enjoy rides like Revenge of the Mummy and Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket throughout the event.
Here’s the full concert line-up for this year’s Rock the Universe:
Friday, September 9
Skillet
Matt Maher
Jeremy Camp
Rend Collective
KB
Lauren Daigle
Finding Favour
DJ Promote
Saturday, September 10
Lecrae
Colton Dixon
TobyMac
Family Force 5
Andy Mineo
NF
I Am They
DJ Promote
If you’re looking for autographs and opportunities to interact with your favorite artists, the Coca-Cola Fan Zone will provide you with additional live music and the new Electronic Dance Music with DJ Promote. Also, Saturday night’s candle lighting ceremony is set to unite crowds with a shared meaningful experience. Guests can expect to connect with others and be inspired by great music all weekend long.
Tickets for this event will go on-sale soon. Stay tuned to the blog for updates on Rock the Universe 2016 at Universal Orlando Resort.
Would you like to attend Rock the Universe or plan a Universal Orlando Resort vacation? Contact Siera at 734-771-1290 or siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information or your free, no obligation quote.
We just can’t get enough Star Wars, can we? A whole new generation has now fallen in love with Star Wars thanks to The Force Awakens. Star Wars is a big draw for many families at Disney World so you may want to check out these new Star Wars events at Disney World this spring and summer.
New Star Wars Nighttime Show is Sure to be a Blockbuster!
Following the extraordinary popularity of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Walt Disney World Resort is unveiling even more new Star Wars themed entertainment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting this spring – including one of the most elaborate fireworks and projection shows in the park’s history.
Just in time for spring, that “galaxy far, far away’’ will be closer than ever with the April 4th arrival of the newStar Wars live entertainment experience Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away and a menacing First Order stormtrooper procession at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And to kick off summer, the park is launching a new nightly fireworks and projection show called Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular that will eclipse anything of its kind in the park’s history.
These new Star Wars entertainment elements, coupled with other recently-added Star Wars experiences, make Disney’s Hollywood Studios the place for fans to celebrate their Star Wars passion.
Here are details on these latest entertainment features coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this spring and summer:
Now Available:
Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away: This new live, stage show celebrates iconic moments from the Star Wars saga with live vignettes featuring popular Star Wars characters, such as Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, Darth Vader and Darth Maul. The show will take place multiple times each day at the Center Stage area near The Great Movie Ride.
Stormtroopers march: At various times each day, the menacing Captain Phasma will lead a squad of First Order stormtroopers as they march in formation from Star Wars Launch Bay to the Center Stage area in an intimidating demonstration of the First Order’s indomitable strength.
SUMMER:
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular: As the next generation of the current Star Wars-inspired fireworks show, this blockbuster nightly show, unprecedented in Disney’s Hollywood Studios history, will light up the sky with Star Wars-themed fireworks, lasers, light projections and other special effects combined with Star Wars-themed music and iconic characters and scenes from throughout the saga.
Through these state-of-the-art special effects that project onto the nearby Chinese Theatre and other surrounding buildings, guests will gaze at the twin suns of Tatooine, push through a field of battle droids, navigate through an asteroid field, soar down the trench of the Death Star and deliver the final blow to destroy Starkiller Base. The show, which will unfold through a series of acts, will be punctuated by a tower of fire as well as powerful spotlight beams that create lightsabers in the sky.
These latest Star Wars experiences join other new Star Wars elements recently launched at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, such as Star Wars Launch Bay. Since its debut in December, Star Wars Launch Bay has become a popular and central location where guests immerse themselves in the Star Wars saga through themed galleries, large-scale artifacts and Star Wars character encounters, including recently-added Kylo Ren, the menacing character from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Other recent additions that have attracted legions of fans since their December debut include:
Star Wars: Path of the Jedi, a cinematic reel celebrating the Star Wars
The enhanced Star Tours – The Adventures Continue that includes new characters and a new journey from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
The reimagined Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, featuring new characters, including the Seventh Sister from the Disney XD series Star Wars Rebels.
The “Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular,’’ a nightly fireworks show set to Star Wars-themed music that will be reimagined as Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular this summer.
First Order stormtrooper patrols.
Star Wars-inspired food and beverage offerings.
With these new entertainment elements, Walt Disney World Resort guests can enjoy even more extensions of the record-setting movie Star Wars:The Force Awakens and further immerse themselves into the Star Warsgalaxy like never before. Each entertainment element offers guests a uniquely immersive Star Warsexperience, all adding to an unforgettable day and night at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
And more Star Wars experiences are on the way with the upcoming Star Wars-themed lands planned for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in California. Guests can join the conversation online using #StarWars. Which one of these Star Wars events at Disney World are you most excited to see?
Book a Disney World vacation package with us totaling at least $2,500 by May 31, 2016 and receive a FREE Build Your Own Light Saber Experience!
Contact Siera today at 734-771-1290 or siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information or to request your free, no obligation quote!
The Incredible Hulk Coaster Relaunches Summer 2016
A new story.
A new ride vehicle.
A new queue experience.
A new entrance.
The only things you’ll recognize when The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure re-opens in late summer are the world-famous twists and turns of the ride track.
This fan favorite is undergoing thrilling, new enhancements that will make it feel more immersive and high-tech – but will still have the same “Incredible” personality that makes it one of America’s most popular coasters. For the first time ever, we’re sharing details about the revamped coaster.
Massive New Marquee
From the moment you walk up to the beloved coaster, you’ll see the huge changes that were made to the attraction. As you enter the ride, you’ll pass underneath a towering figure of The Hulk, using his colossal strength to hold up pieces of the coaster’s track. And fun fact, these track pieces were salvaged from the original ride.
New, Original Storyline
General Thaddeus Ross is calling for volunteers for a new experiment. Your only warning is that you’ll be subjected to high levels of gamma radiation through a process called Hulk-a-fication – a potentially life-altering process first introduced by Dr. Bruce Banner.
The end result is said to give subjects magnificent strength and a forceful amount of energy. Will you emerge as the military’s next super soldier…or something else entirely?
Completely Redesigned Queue
Your part of the story begins the moment you enter the building – which has been redesigned as a state-of-the-art military research compound, commanded by General Ross.
Inside, General Ross is conducting an array of questionable, bio-radiological experiments. You’ll pass by laboratories containing high-tech equipment his team uses to execute his mysterious tests.
Next, you’ll arrive at the Gamma core – an intense energy source that sends pulsing waves of radiation upward to fuel General Ross’s experiment. Not to worry – a thick pane of glass will protect you from direct exposure to the radioactive core. ?
As you move along, you’ll witness the transformation of your predecessors as they undergo the perilous Hulk-a-fication process.
Finally, you’ll be rushed to a loading platform, sparking with electric bursts as the Gamma accelerator powers up to blast you with superhuman strength. Prepare for the ride of your life…
Totally New Ride Vehicle
From there, you’ll step into an entirely new ride vehicle. The changes start with its sleek, modern new look. Once on board, you’ll discover a brand new, in-seat audio system that booms an original ride score created by Patrick Stump, front man for the internationally-renowned rock band Fall Out Boy.
The next thing you know, you’re rocketing through a new launch tunnel, packed with amazing special effects, as you’re propelled out over Marvel Super Hero Island with super-human force.
It’s the ride you love, but not like you’ve ever known it before. Stay tuned here for all the details. And I’ll see you in late summer on The Incredible Hulk Coaster!
Are you ready to start planning your Universal Orlando vacation? Contact Siera at 734-771-1290 or siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information or your free, no obligation quote today!
You won’t want to miss Universal Orlando’s Epic Savings Event this week! You can enjoy a four night Universal Orlando Resort vacation package for as little as $99 per adult, per night, including taxes!
Universal Partner Hotels:
Starting from $99 per adult, per night, tax inclusive
FREE scheduled transportation to Universal Orlando
Discounts on merchandise, food & non-alcoholic beverages at select theme park & Universal CityWalk® locations
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort:
Starting from $145 per adult, per night, tax inclusive
Complimentary transportation to both theme parks and Universal CityWalk® make getting around the resort fast and easy so you can make the most of your time
Complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the resort to your hotel
Resort-wide charging privileges with your room key card
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Starting from $219 per adult, per night, tax inclusive
FREE Universal Express℠ Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines in both theme parks – a benefit worth up to $89 per person, per day
Complimentary transportation to both theme parks and Universal CityWalk® make getting around the resort fast and easy so you can make the most of your time
Complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the resort to your hotel
Resort-wide charging privileges with your room key card
And more!
Hard Rock Hotel
Starting from $239 per adult, per night, tax inclusive
FREE Universal Express℠ Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines in both theme parks – a benefit worth up to $89 per person, per day
Complimentary transportation to both theme parks and Universal CityWalk® make getting around the resort fast and easy so you can make the most of your time
Priority seating at select restaurants throughout both theme parks and Universal CityWalk®
And more!
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Starting from $249 per adult, per night, tax inclusive
FREE Universal Express℠ Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines in both theme parks – a benefit worth up to $89 per person, per day
Complimentary transportation to both theme parks and Universal CityWalk® make getting around the resort fast and easy so you can make the most of your time
Priority seating at select restaurants throughout both theme parks and Universal CityWalk®
And more!
Plus, only when you book your Universal Orlando vacation package with us, can you receive the following extra benefits:
Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter ($19.99 value)
Universal Perks- tips and tricks to help you get excited about and prepare for your vacation ($299 value)
To take advantage of Universal Orlando’s epic savings events, you must book your vacation by April 6, 2016 for travel now through June 10, 2016. Contact Siera today for more information or your free no obligation quote at 734-771-1290 or siera@destinationsinflorida.com!
Please note that all prices, package inclusions & options are subject to availability and to change without notice and additional restrictions may apply, per Universal Orlando Resort.
Book your next Universal vacation and get a free dining credit at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort!
You can be one of the first to experience Universal Orlando® Resort’s new island jewel – Loews Sapphire Falls Resort – and receive a FREE $150 dining credit* (per room) by booking any vacation package with a 4-night stay or longer by May 31, 2016.
Plus, hotel guests enjoy exclusive benefits including:
Early Park Admission† to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ one hour before the general public (valid theme park admission required)
Resort-wide charging privileges with room key
Complimentary transportation to both theme parks and Universal CityWalk®
This offer won’t last long so book your Universal Orlando Resort vacation and get a free dining credit at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort today!
* Offer valid for select travel dates July 14- December 15, 2016 with blockout dates November 23- November 26, 2016.
This is a great time to start thinking about Halloween Horror Nights 26 which runs mid-September through October! The nation’s premier Halloween event quickly sells out each year so start planning your visit now.
Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida. She would love to help you plan your Universal Orlando adventure at no cost to you! Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information or for your free, no obligation quote. Plus, you will receive our Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter ($19.99 value) when you book your Universal Orlando Resort vacation with us!
2016 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
The 2016 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival has expanded to cover 90 days from March 2 through May 30, 2016. From topiaries scattered throughout the park to outdoor kitchens and concerts, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this annual festival.
The 2016 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is welcoming two new Outdoor Kitchens, La Isla Fresca and Cider House.
La Isla Fresca will take guests to the Caribbean for authentic bites such as Jamaican braised beef with pigeon peas and rice; spicy jerk chicken or grouper with mango salsa and a Tres Leches cake with guava puree (the traditional meringue is replaced with whipped cream in this version). You can pair either of the savories with a Red Stripe Jamaican-style lager, or frozen Simply Tropical juice drink (with or without rum).
The Cider House offers a spin on tastes from the United Kingdom, including a field greens salad with greens harvested from The Land Pavilion, heirloom apples, Stilton cheese and dried blueberries; and a pear cider-brined shredded corned beef, braised cabbage and pears with Branston (a British food brand) dressing. The Cider House will offer four hard ciders, including a blueberry ciders made in Plant City, Fla., plus Cigar City Tampa-Style Lager.
The 11 other Outdoor Kitchens include Urban Farm Eats (new seared pork tenderloin), Pineapple Promenade , Fleur de Lys, Florida Fresh, Taste of Marrakesh, Hanami, THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brews (the pulled pig slider gets crispy onions on top), Primavera Kitchen, Lotus House, Bauernmarkt (German currywurst sausage is new this year) and Jardin de Fiestas.
You’ll be wowed (as always) by the colorful extravaganza put on by the Disney horticulture team – whimsical topiaries, 220 “floating gardens” in the lagoon and a new edible flower garden next to The Land Pavilion. It’s all beautiful at night, with twinkling lights shining across the gardens.
April 29-May 1 will be Florida Fresh Weekend, featuring the state’s edible bounty from Apalachicola to Zellwood.
As part of the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, you can enjoy free concerts in the park every weekend with the Garden Rocks concert series. Here’s the lineup for the 2016 Garden Rocks concert series at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival (subject to change without notice):
March 4-6 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”
March 11-13 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
March 18-20 – Little River Band “Reminiscing”
March 25-27 – Village People “Y.M.C.A.”
April 1-3 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry the VIII, I Am”
April 8-10 – The Guess Who “American Woman”
April 15-17 – NEW! Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Bice “Spinning Wheel”
April 22-24 – NEW! Bad Company, former lead singer BRIAN HOWE “Can’t Get Enough”
April 29-May 1 – NEW! Georgia Satellites “Keep Your Hands to Yourself”
May 6-8 – Gin Blossoms “Hey Jealousy”
May 13-15 – NEW! Darlene Love “Wait ‘Til My Bobby Gets Home”
May 20-22 – Night Ranger “Sister Christian”
May 27-30 (Monday) – The Spinners “Working My Way Back to You”
Performances for the 2016 Garden Rocks concert series are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45, and 8 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Festival and included with park admission.
Are you going to the 2016 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival? It’s not too late to plan your visit! As a reminder, the 2016 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is included with your park admission.
Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote.
