New Attractions at Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure

When I was at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure last weekend I was checking out the construction behind all the panels and trying to see what the newest thing was going to be.  Lots of speculation has taken place about what is the large construction where the old Jaws Ride used to be.  It's a structure about the same size as the Transformers Ride but when I was at Islands of Adventure I noticed something else.

Behind the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is what looks like the construction of a train station.  The idea  was first floated last year that an addition to the Harry Potter theme would be at the Jaws site and it looks like there may be a connector to the two parks.  Unfortunately, the only way I could see it was from the Dueling Dragons ride and I couldn't possibly get a photo during all that action.  When I go back I'm going to see if I can find a way to shoot the construction and let everybody see for themselves.

[Clear 1080P] HD POV - Transformers the Ride 3D at Universal Studios Hol...

Transformers - The Ride - Universal Studios Orlando

Coming to Universal Studios, Florida this summer is Transformers The Ride 3-D.  This will be the ultimate battle between Megatron and the Decepticons against planet Earth and, you guessed it - it's our job to save the planet! Awesome!

Transformers will be located in this huge warehouse -looking building right across from the Rip Rocket Roller Coaster next to Shrek 3-D.  This place is enormous and will likely be similar to Men in Black, an interactive 3-D battle between good and evil. The kids are going to love Transformers and having gone on all the interactive rides, I can say that everybody will enjoy this one.

Book your travel plans to Orlando now and only use trusted travel sites.  You can get your best package deals for Universal Studios at www.UniversalOrlando.com.  I also suggest Orbitz, Travelocity, Kayak, and the sites for Sea World and Walt Disney World.  Shop around and do your homework.  Take some notes and save hundreds by researching.  Vacations can be expensive if you just "buy" so be careful and enjoy your stay with us.

Viva La Musica - Busch Gardens Tampa

One of the coolest music and food celebrations in Florida is Viva la Musica at Busch Gardens, Tampa.  On Sundays, April 14th through May 5th you can see some fantastic musical acts such as Ednita Nazario, Oscar D'Leon, and El Gran Combo.  There is food, drink, music, and fun including live meringue and salsa dancing from professional dancer troupes. Try the hand-rolled pretzels, empanadas, or quesadillas prepared in authentic cuisine. Ever tried pineapple water or Hibiscus Lemonade?

Viva La Musica is included with daily admission, Fun Card, or Annual Pass.  You can purchase additional reserved seating for $19.99 or VIP seating for $26.99. Sit right up at stage front while enjoying some of the hottest Latin concerts on the planet!  Prices and purchases can be made directly at:

                                                         www.SeaWorldParks.com

Or you can pick them up at the box office at the park.  Either way there is a good time to be had. Florida's theme parks are always in competition to bring the best musical acts to their venues and provide great entertainment while enjoying a family day in the best parks in the world.

House of Blues - Orlando

House of Blues, Orlando, is a place where you can see top quality entertainment and enjoy a good meal.  Good name acts like Tesla, Cinderella, and Guns and Roses, have played on stage recently.  The inside is like an old time saloon, lots of wood, stairs, 2 bars, and a mezzanine with benches for those who don't want to stand at stage side (like me). I believe it only holds about 1500 people and tickets are general admission.  The good part is the tickets are reasonable (usually $45-$90/each), but if you don't like standing with the rest of the herd it may not be for you.  I prefer seating but I'll stand in a mob to see the artists from 10 feet away.

If you aren't somebody who likes concerts but enjoy good food try Cross Roads at  House of Blues, an award winning restaurant championed by world-class chef Aaron Sanchez.  He perfected dishes like Voodoo Shrimp and Jambalaya.

They also create a New York Strip steak and they have great burgers.  So, visit the House of Blues for whatever reason.  They are located at the west end of Downtown Disney right across from Cirque de Soleil. If you're not sure when you get there, look for the Big Top and the Water Tower.  You'll be glad you did.  Thanks again for reading.

Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is the largest entertainment complex in the world.  At over 30,00 acres (47 sq. miles) it rivals Orlando, the nearest city and covers large portions of two Florida counties.  Walt Disney World consists of 4 major theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT.  It also boasts two water parks: Disney Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

Magic Kingdom, opened in 1971, is the original Walt Disney World park, featuring the classics like the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain. Animal Kingdom is a world class wildlife exhibit that showcases animals in their natural environments, but wait - you can actually see the animals because you are going to take a bus tour right through their habitat!  Nobody but Disney could have thought of that.

Then there is Disney Hollywood Studios, a tribute to Disney and MGM's fantastic world of 100 years of film-making.  Rides, shows, stage acts, and the ever-popular Star Wars Weekend make this a popular venue for families. When you;'re there don't pass up the Tower of Terror and the Rockin' Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith.

Park hours vary and they extend through the summer months.  Get up to date hours and ticket pricing at:

                                                          www.disneyworld.disney.go.com


Welcome to Florida. Have a fun summer and be safe.  Please have the time of your life!

Fun Spot Action Park

Fun Spot Action Park has two locations in Orlando -  the one on International Drive and on US 192 in Kissimmee.  It's a different kind of park in the Orlando area and definitely worth checking out. Built more like an old-fashioned amusement park, Fun Spot is a smaller venue that has rides, games, a Ferris wheel, and carousel.

For a price you can ride and play all day on the tracks and other amusements.  There are cafes and the food is totally decent.  Younger kids and parents can ride the go carts together and, for the older ones, there are the larger tracks they can enjoy all day.

Under construction is the 250 foot Sky Coaster that hurls the more daring park enthusiasts through the air.  Not my thing but I've seen folks have a ball on these.  Kind of like the old bungee jump experience but you have to have the stomach of an astronaut!

Prices are listed above.  Not too bad for an all day fun trip and a break from the major theme parks.  Fun Spot has been in Kissimmee for years and the one on International Drive, while newer, has just as much and people love the location.

Located right off I-4 and International Drive across from Universal Studios, Fun Spot is easy to get to and close to hotels and dining. Check with your hotels and restaurants because many of them have coupons or discount deals with these venues but don't advertise them.