Visit Orlando Blog -  Theme Parks

WARNING: The Decepticons Are Coming to Orlando

The Decepticons are preparing for an all-out war and Orlando is their destination. Universal Orlando's highly anticipated blockbuster attraction TRANSFORMERS: The Ride - 3D is opening June 20 and fans are already preparing for what is to come of the action packed ride.  

The mind-blowing, 3D experience pushes the limits of technology to place guests in the middle of an intergalactic war between the Autobots and the Decepticons. The adventure begins as guests enter NEST headquarters and are recruited to help the Autobots protect the AllSpark, a powerful energy source that would allow the Decepticons to destroy the planet.

To get ready to defend our planet and prepare for battle alongside Optimus Prime, check out universalorlando.com.

The battle starts a week from today! Are you ready?

Celebrate Fourth of July in Orlando

Visitors from around the world come to Orlando for all this sunny and tropical destination has to offer and everyone can expect a little extra when they're in town for Independence Day on July 4^th. Every year, the Orlando skies are ignited with spectacular fireworks and family friendly activities such as live music and light shows and visitors are invited to join the celebration.

Celebrate Fourth of July at Orlando's Theme Parks

Independence Day at SeaWorld Orlando - July 4

As part of SeaWorld Orlando's Summer Nights, a special Fourth of July Reflections show will feature an expanded fireworks show timed to patriotic music.

Independence Day at Universal Orlando Resort - July 4

Guests can enjoy a special version of the popular Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular, a cinematic adventure that combines cutting-edge projection technology with lasers and pyrotechnics to bring movies to life like never before.

Independence Day at Walt Disney World Resort - July 4

"Disney's Celebrate America! - A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" at Magic Kingdom will start at 9 p.m. The holiday-inspired "IllumiNations: Reflections of the Earth" at Epcot will start at 10 p.m., and a special July 4^th fireworks presentation at Disney's Hollywood Studios will start at 10 p.m.

Independence Week at Magic Kingdom - June 30 - July 6

It's red, white and blue as Disney Parks salutes America with a 4^th of July Fireworks Party - for an entire week, with patriotic lighting bathing the Disney castles on both coasts. Mickey Mouse appears in his patriotic finest and guests will find special USA shirts, Ear Hats and other limited-edition souvenirs.

Red, Brick and Boom at LEGOLAND - July 4 - 7

A dazzling way to celebrate the 4^th of July, LEGOLAND Florida presents their first Independence Day event. 3D glasses make ordinary fireworks turn into millions of fantastic exploding bricks.

From Downtown Orlando to iconic celebration, Orlando also offers free activities to celebrate the "Red, White and Blue."

• On July 1, the 4^th Annual Independence Day Bash at Baldwin Park will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST featuring food, fun, music and a fireworks show.
• On July 3 XL 106.7 Radio will host its annual Red Hot & Boom celebration at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte.
• In Downtown Orlando, around the iconic Lake Eola, Fireworks at the Fountain will offer a fireworks display and laser show around the lake from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on July 4.
• Celebration Town Center is also adding a fun twist to the holiday, as they join forces with MegaCon to celebrate A Sci-Fi 4th of July on July 4 beginning at 5:00 p.m.

6 Essential Experiences for Your Orlando Honeymoon

Eat (and drink) around the globe at Epcot's World Showcase

Just because you're honeymooning in Orlando doesn't mean you can't have an international experience. You'll feel like a world traveler after a few laps around Epcot's World Showcase where eleven pavilions representing everywhere from Italy to Japan will take you on a cultural and epicurean escapade. Sample crepes in France, cheese empanadas in Mexico, then wash down a bratwurst sausage with a stein of beer at an authentic ‘biergarten' in Germany.

Discovery Cove Romance Package

Thanks to an all-inclusive and interactive experience minus the crowds, a day at Discovery Cove is always romantic, but you can up the love factor by booking a private cabana for an extra fee. Complete with table and chairs, chaise lounges, and towels, the cabanas provide an intimate place to hang out when you're not snorkeling, dining, and coming face to face with dolphins.

Town of Celebration

Pleasantville literally came to life in 1996 with the creation of the Town of Celebration, an ideal locale for a little shopping, drinks, lakeside strolls, dinner, and maybe a movie, if you can squeeze it all in. Wandering through this quaint little slice of Americana is fine by foot, but a better option is by horse-drawn carriage, available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from 6pm - 10pm.

Ritz -Carlton Spa

Located on the property of the palatial Grande Lakes Orlando, the 40,000 square-foot Ritz-Carlton Spa is Orlando's grandest spa and a favorite amongst couples seeking a daylong spa getaway. In between dips in the 4,000-square foot adults-only pool and naps in the co-ed relaxation room, couple can indulge in a long list of treatments, including couples massages.

Victoria and Albert's

If you're looking for an ultra-swanky way to toast your nuptials, look no further than Victoria and Albert's, arguably Orlando's most lavish (and expensive) dining experience. You'll need to dress for the occasion (men need a dinner jacket) but it's fitting since this upscale eatery is known for a white-gloved service that makes guests feel like royalty. Be forewarned; reservations typically need to be made months in advance.

Winter Park Day Trip

With its brick-lined boulevard housing more than 140 luxury boutiques and posh eateries, Winter Park's Park Avenue has well deserved its nickname as the Rodeo Drive of Florida. This quaint, upscale neighborhood north of downtown Orlando is the ideal locale for gourmet cheese shops, spice boutiques, croissant cafes, wine bars, and some of the Orlando area's most celebrated restaurants. Be sure to check out the Scenic Boat Tour, a one-hour, 12-mile float via pontoon boat through Winter Park's pristine lakes and canals.

Fireworks Flight

Definitely catch the fireworks display at all the theme parks, but for an unforgettable vantage point, hop on board Mauiva Air Tours' fireworks flight, a 30-minute trip over the theme parks' fireworks displays followed by a candlelit wine and cheese rendezvous for two on the tarmac.

This special post was written by Kristen Manieri. To read more about the romantic side of Orlando and other tips from Kristen, visit GreatDatesOrlando.com.

“Seven Dwarfs Mine Train” Track Completed at New Fantasyland

Much excitement is already surrounding the new Fantasyland attraction, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Set to open in 2014, this family coaster will take guests on an adventure through the mine where the Seven Dwarfs spend their days digging for gems. The attraction will feature classic music and characters from the Disney fairytale film "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." The ride will offer a thrilling journey on an innovative ride system with a train of mine carts that twists and turns at every bend. Walt Disney Imagineering have officially laid the last pieces of the coaster and are on track to a spectacular creation for all ages.

Walt Disney Imagineers give you a behind the scenes look of the exciting new attraction. Take a look!

The Today Show Goes Behind the Scenes at Universal Orlando Resort

Summer Openings in Orlando

Orlando is the perfect place to spend your summer vacation visiting the largest expansions in theme park history. Here's the exciting list of the new additions that await you in Central Florida this summer:

• Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, the coldest theme park attraction in the world, opens at SeaWorld Orlando on May 24.
• Monstrous Summer begins at Walt Disney World Resort, where Magic Kingdom Park will stay open for 24 hours from 6 a.m., May 24 all the way through 6 a.m., May 25, 2013. Aside from New Fantasyland, which opened in December as the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history, guests also will find new offerings such as an interactive "Pirates Adventure" game at Magic Kingdom, the newly re-imagined Test Track at Epcot, the new Disney Junior - Live on Stage! Show at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Wilderness Explorers at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
• Fun Spot America opens its 10-acre expansion on June 8^th.
• TRANSFORMERS: The Ride - 3D opens at Universal Orlando Resort on June 20^th.
• Space Shuttle Atlantis opens at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on June 29^th.
• World of Chima opens at LEGOLAND Florida on July 3^rd.

With new attractions opening at every theme park, Orlando is truly the top choice for a summer vacation. Don't miss out, plan your Orlando summer vacation today!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley Coming to Universal Orlando

Get excited, muggles!

The Harry Potter phenomenon is expanding at Universal Orlando Resort with the announcement of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Diagon Alley coming in 2014. This new expansion will allow guests to enjoy a multi-park experience as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter entertains guests both at Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure. Diagon Alley and ‘London' will be located within the Universal Studios Florida theme park, which is adjacent to Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park, where guests now experience Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. The new area, which guests can travel to from Hogsmeade aboard the Hogwarts Express, will be just as expansive, immersive and authentic as the existing themed environment.

When complete, the new area will feature shops, a restaurant and an innovative, marquee attraction based on Gringotts bank - all directly inspired by the fiction and films.

New Transformers Attraction Opens June 20 at Universal Orlando Resort

Following the unexpected arrival of Megatron to Downtown Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort invites all guests to prepare for battle as their new ride, Transformers: The Ride - 3D, opens on June 20^th, 2013. The new addition, one of many exciting new things in Orlando this year, will bring the intergalactic battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons to Universal Studios Florida.

Megatron Arrives in Orlando

Stay tuned for more news! Universal Orlando Resort will release the opening date of Transformers: The Ride - 3D tomorrow May 2^nd.

More Orlando Fun! – Magic Kingdom Open 24 Hours on May 24th

An Orlando vacation during May or June gives visitors Time For More and here's another good reason. As part of their Monstrous Summer, Magic Kingdom in Orlando will stay open from 6 a.m., May 24 to 6 a.m., May 25, 2013, local time. Now that's what we call a full day of Disney magic and Orlando fun.

Magic Kingdom will feature a Monsters University theme where Mike and Sulley will be the Grand Marshals of the "Celebrate a Dream Come True" day parade - complete with pomp and circumstance - and make appearances in Tomorrowland. Guests also will find extra entertainment throughout the day and night, including characters in their pajamas in Town Square during the late night and early morning, and late-night dance parties in and around the courtyard of Cinderella Castle.