Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2011 – Orlando
February 7, 2011 by Bill Downs
Filed under Seasonal Events, Universal Studios Orlando
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Its that time of year again and not a moment too soon – Universal’s Mardi Gras 2011 at Universal Studios is sure to be one of their best line-ups yet. Expect to see several Global Team members attending Mardi Gras this year. With acts such as Franki Valli to Lynard Skynyrd to NE-YO – there is sure to be at least one show that interests you.
Getting to the show early is important if you expect to be near the stage. While some fans line up hours beforehand, 90 minutes before showtime should be good enough to get close enough to the Music Plaza stage. Performances take place in the shadow of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Roller Coaster and it can get tight so you should decide if seeing the performers up-close is that important. There are large screens towards the back of the courtyard which helps to entertain fans who might want to make a quick exit once the performance is over. Most of the food/drink stands are also on the fringe or at the back of the courtyard so it can be convenient to stand back a little.
Just one caution for those attending Universals Mardi Gras, while not an absolute, the performances are usually very good and suitable for fans of all ages. I did see Kid Rock a few years back and all I can say is that his language wouldn’t have been put up with a few miles down I-4 in Disney World.
The complete line-up:
- Feb. 12: Frankie Valli & the Four Season
- Feb. 19: The B-52s
- Feb. 20 (Sunday): KC & the Sunshine Band
- Feb. 26: Pitbull
- March 5: Lynyrd Skynyrd
- March 12: Foreigner
- March 18 (Friday): Neon Trees
- March 19: The Roots
- March 25 (Friday): OneRepublic
- March 26: Blake Shelton
- April 1 (Friday): Sean Kingston
- April 2: Ne-Yo
- April 9: Lifehouse
- April 16: The Beach Boys
- April 23: Thirty Seconds to Mars
If you’re a Global guest and at one of the shows, please send us a picture – we would love to feature you on our website!
For more information and up to date show times, please visit the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2011 website.
Kennedy Space Center
December 29, 2010 by Tara Salinas
Filed under Theme Park News
Kennedy Space Center – just a quick trip to the east coast
The space program never ceases to amaze me. Living in Central Florida, you forget sometimes that not everyone can just walk outside and see the fire from a rocket or space shuttle from their backyard on a clear day or even better, during a night launch.
As fun and exciting as that may be, actually visiting the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) gives you a wonderful experience of the history of space travel. Just under an hour away from the Kissimmee/Orlando area, this is a Florida attraction that shouldn’t be overlooked. I was reminded of this on my trip to KSC last week.
Upon arrival, we entered the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex which has more of a small theme park feel than a place where rocket scientists do their thing; I appreciated this option for the vacationer that wants to do more than the big theme parks. It definitely has automatic appeal to all ages. There are real NASA rockets, exhibits that show the history of the space program bringing you to where it is today, and an IMAX film that is full of great information and fun to watch.
Want a little bit of adventure? A fun thing to try is the Shuttle Launch Experience, which is a simulation ride that puts you aboard a space shuttle and it launches you into space where you orbit the Earth. All of your senses will feel, hear and see what it could be like during an actual launch. Pretty cool thing to do. My 10 year old absolutely loved this and it was the highlight of her day!
There is also a bus tour that will take you onto the secured part of the property where the Space Center is located. There is an observation tower that gives you a 360 degree view over several launch sites where the shuttles take off. It also makes a stop a stop at the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Here you will find artifacts (including a REAL moon rock), photos, films, interactive exhibits, and the most powerful rocket ever launched by the United State, the Saturn V.
The last stop of the day for us was the gift shop, which I couldn’t not begin to imagine going to the KSC and not have Astronaut Ice Cream. It’s a staple item that you just have to buy…for where else would you expect such a thing? KSC is open daily from 9am-6pm and is located SR 405, Kennedy Space Center, FL, 32899. For tickets and park specials, please visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com .