Thursday, June 24, 2010

NOW OPEN! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort


THE MOST HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE OF 2010

CAPTURES IMAGINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD

ORLANDO, Fla. (June 18, 2010) - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort celebrates its grand opening today with help from Harry Potter film actors Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, James and Oliver Phelps, Matthew Lewis, Bonnie Wright, Michael Gambon, Warwick Davis and thousands of excited fans - officially becoming the only place in the world where the adventures of Harry Potter come to life.

More than five years in the making, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has become the most highly anticipated entertainment experience of 2010. The Harry Potter books and films have captured the hearts and minds of millions - and now, guests can experience the adventure first-hand at Universal Orlando Resort. The spectacularly themed area, inspired by J.K. Rowling's compelling stories and characters, features multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant - all faithful to the books and films.

Visitors to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be swept into the adventures of Harry Potter. They will tour Hogwarts castle, shop in Hogsmeade and dine in the Three Broomsticks. Other adventures will allow them to fly with Harry, ride on a dragon, sample Butterbeer, eat exploding sweets - and experience all the magic and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films.

"We have created a special place unlike anywhere else in the world," said Tom Williams, chairman and CEO for Universal Parks and Resorts. "The adventures of Harry Potter are among the most popular of our time - and we are bringing them to life. We will put our guests in the middle of a Harry Potter adventure. They will feel as if they are in the movies with Harry and his friends."

"I said right at the beginning, either we do it right or we don't do it at all," said J.K. Rowling, author of the widely successful Harry Potter series. "The teams at Universal and Warner Bros. have done it right, so I am so happy."

The heart of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is Hogwarts castle - visible from everywhere within Islands of Adventure. And within the castle is what may be the most exhilarating theme park attraction ever created: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This all-new adventure combines a powerful storyline with spectacular new technology so effectively guests will be completely immersed in the experience. The ride will take guests on a journey where they will travel by Floo Network, soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.

AND, guests can experience the mischief of Zonko's, the magic of Ollivanders, the scrumptious delights of the Three Broomsticks and Hog's Head pub or buy their very own Marauder's Map at Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods. They can mail letters from Hogsmeade at the Owl Post, buy Hogwarts school robes at Dervish and Banges or rest under the rafters of the Owlery. Visitors can brave a Hungarian Horntail or a Chinese Fireball on the dueling roller coasters of Dragon Challenge or learn a few tips from Hagrid before taking a training flight on Flight of the Hippogriff.

"I remember when I was shooting the films when I was younger and I absolutely wished this world could be real and that I could be a part of it," said Daniel Radcliffe, who portrays Harry Potter in the film series. "It's amazing that people will finally get to do that and realize everything they've seen on screen."

"Today's grand opening is the culmination of our firm commitment to create the most authentic Harry Potter experience possible," said Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "We've enlisted the best possible partner in Universal Orlando Resort and we are proud to say that the result has fully captured the magical worlds detailed in both the books and the films."
Universal Orlando Resort

There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation - but there is only one Universal Orlando Resort. It is a completely separate destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It's the only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained - you are part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. You can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, battle aliens alongside Agent J, and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D. You can be courageous, be outrageous - and be extraordinary.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. The series of books by author J.K. Rowling has been translated into 69 languages with more than 400 million copies sold in over 200 territories around the world. The films, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, have grossed more than $5.4 billion at the box office worldwide, making Harry Potter the largest-grossing film franchise in history.

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HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.

(s10)

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Busch Garden's - Walkabout Way

Busch Gardens Tampa recently announced that a new area dedicated to Australian animals will is now open. Walkabout Way features kangaroos and wallabies and you’ll have the chance to pet and feed them, too!
The new area is located in the park’s Bird Gardens. There, you’ll meander down a sidewalk with kangaroos on either side of you behind a wooden fence, and wallabies potentially hopping right along your pathway.

Throughout the day, you can also hand-feed the animals. There will be scheduled feedings a few times each day. For $5, you get a cup of food and can have the animals feeding right out of your hand. But note, the area is for ages 5 and older. In addition to the roos and wallabies, Walkabout Way will also include other Australian species, including magpie geese and Australian black swans. There’s also the Kookaburra’s Nest, a free-flight aviary in Walkabout Way that will feature -- what else --kookaburras!
An education station there offers up-close encounters with the park’s animal ambassadors, ranging from Australian parrots, a tawny frogmouth, cockatoos, among other exotic animals that share an important message of conservation.

Walkabout Way is included in park admission, and expands the array of animal encounters Busch Gardens offers.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

SUMMER AT SEAWORLD ROCKS … DAY OR NIGHT


This summer at SeaWorld, the nights are cooler and the atmosphere is hotter! SeaWorld AfterDark transforms daytime favorites into nighttime spectacles.

SeaWorld AfterDark showcases the park in a whole new light, with a nighttime rock n' roll extravaganza, a high-energy Shamu show, a hilarious sea lion show and a mystifying fireworks finale. That's in addition to being able to experience all that's awesome day and night, like Manta, up-close animal encounters and spectacular shows. SeaWorld AfterDark begins May 29 and continues through August 15.

Whether day or night, SeaWorld is the place to be this summer for a one-of-a-kind experience, including:

MANTA
Experience what it’s like to spin, glide, skim and fly with the largest of rays when riding Manta – by moonlight, an even more extraordinary sensation. A seamless blend of up-close animal encounters with a head-first, face-down flying roller coaster thrill ride, Manta is an adventure only SeaWorld could create.

SHAMU ROCKS
Shamu Rocks is a spectacular rock ’n roll killer whale show that wows audiences of all ages. This show is a high-energy concert of unprecedented proportions, combining awe-inspiring killer whales with a stunning light show and music from some of the hottest rock stars in the industry.

SEA LIONS TONITE
SeaWorld’s popular sea lion comedic duo takes the laughs into the night. Hilarious hijinks ensue in this evening show as the park’s talented sea lions, otters and walrus parody other favorite SeaWorld shows and attractions.

REFLECTIONS: FIREWORKS AND FOUNTAIN SHOW FINALE
SeaWorld comes to life in a spectacular celebration of soaring fountains and dazzling fireworks. Through the thrilling and inspirational music of SeaWorld’s most popular shows, families and friends will experience a wondrous connection that lights the night like never before.

Tickets are available at http://www.kgstickets.com/ or by calling 321 939 2057

SUMMER NIGHTS ARE MORE INTENSE AT BUSCH GARDENS IN 2010


Ride Coasters in the Dark, Stay for an Awesome Night-Time Finale

Busch Gardens amps up the fun in 2010 during Summer Nights with MORE contemporary entertainment, MORE special effects and MORE reasons to stay and play each night from June 11 through Aug. 15. This year, the rides are even wilder and, each night, Busch Gardens goes out with a big, rock-style bang when Kinetix explodes onto the stage in Gwazi Park at 9 p.m.

Kinetix brings together live musicians, singers, dancers and artists from around the world for an original, non-stop 30-minute contemporary rock experience that delivers awesome lighting effects, modern music and high-energy performances.

Also in 2010, Busch Gardens’ world-class rides are amplified with pulsating sights and sounds to intensify each experience. Thrill rides, such as SheiKra, incorporate strobe lights, black lights, music and other special effects for an even bigger thrill. Even the carousel is amped up with a disco ball, and the Serengeti Express is aglow as it chugs around the park.

Jeff Civillico returns to Marrakesh Theater with his amazing blend of comedy, juggling, balancing, athleticism and audience participation. On July 3 and 4, catch an illuminating fireworks display at Busch Gardens.

DJ's up the energy each night throughout the park, playing party songs and inviting families to dance and play along. Every Friday and Saturday night, guests can bust their most impressive moves in the Dance Challenge. The best dancers will be selected throughout Friday and Saturday nights to compete in a dance off at 7 p.m. in Desert Grill – three rounds that challenge them to a variety of dance styles. First place winners each night receive 4 tickets to Busch Gardens, Adventure Island or SeaWorld.

Park hours for Summer Nights are extended until 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Summer Nights is included with a day’s paid admission or any annual pass.

While you’re at Busch Gardens, discover all that the park has to offer this summer – day and night. That includes Sesame Street Safari of Fun, a new sunny, funny play land filled with kid-size rides, cool water fun and plenty of memorable adventures. Dip and dive through the desert on Air Grover junior coaster. Climb and play in Elmo’s Treehouse Trek. Splash and refresh in Bert and Ernie’s fun-filled water play area. Watch your Sesame Street friends in African-inspired shows. In Sesame Street Safari of Fun, imaginations run wild, and there’s fun or everyone.

Also new is Walkabout Way, where guests can encounter unique animals indigenous to the Land Down Under. Hand feed kangaroos and free-roaming wallabies in Kangaloom during scheduled feedings throughout the day. Laugh along with a kookaburra and other Australian birds in the free-flight aviary, The Kookaburra’s Nest.

For more information on Summer Nights and Busch Gardens, visit KGSTickets.com or call 321 939 2057.

Friday, May 21, 2010

SeaWorld Rescues 16th Manatee in 2010

On Monday (5/17/2010), SeaWorld's Animal Rescue Team successfully rescued from a canal in Satellite Beach, FL an 8-foot manatee which had most likely been struck by a boat.

Currently, she is resting in our Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation where animal care specialists are treating her with antibiotics and provided fluids for nourishment.

This year alone, SeaWordl's team has rescued 16 manatees and have returned 10 back to the wild.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Baby Lemurs Born at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay


Busch Gardens Tampa Bay welcomed two endangered baby red-ruffed lemurs on April 21. The babies can be viewed by guests in Jambo Junction, where they reside with their mother and father, Maditra and Bozeny.

The babies are the first lemurs to be born at Jambo Junction, home to the parks’ animal ambassadors, since Maditra and Bozeny arrived as babies three years ago. Lemurs are a species of primate, and reach sexual maturity between 2 and 3 years old.

The sex of the babies has yet to be determined, but they are developing well overall, according to trainers. They are getting braver each day, and exploring their habitat under the watchful eye of Mom and Dad. They currently weigh about 300 grams or a little more than half a pound; lemurs average about 80 grams, or .17 of a pound, at birth. They grow to be about 8 to 10 pounds.

All species of lemurs are native to the island of Madagascar. Red-ruffed lemurs are one of nearly about 50 lemur species. Busch Gardens is home to five lemur species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers all lemurs endangered. Lemurs are endangered largely due to habitat destruction. Their forests are destroyed for their wood and to grow agricultural crops.

Lemurs play an important role in the ecology of Madagascar as seed dispersers. The seeds can then grow into new plants, which is important since the forests of Madagascar are being destroyed at a very high rate. However, they cannot disperse enough seeds to match the rate of forest destruction.

Purchase your Busch Gardens tickets at http://www.kgstickets.com/

Monday, May 3, 2010

SeaWorld/Aquatica News!


SeaWorld After Dark May 29 - August 15, 2010

This summer, stick around for SeaWorld's evening rock and roll extravaganza featuring special attractions like Shamu Rocks, and a mystifying fireworks finale plus Manta, a fly-face-first roller coaster experience that only SeaWorld could create.

SeaWorld Operating Hours:
May 1 thru 28 - 9 a.m until 7 p.m
May 29 thru 31 - 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Purchase your tickets at a LOW PRICE GUARANTEE here: http://www.kgstickets.com/

Omaka Rocka - NOW OPEN
The all-new water slide, Omaka Rocka, thrills you with high-speed tubes and half-pipe tunnels that will have you splashing and sliding frontward and backward and climbing the walls! It's all-new and only at Aquatica!
Aquatica Operating Hours:
May 1 thru May 28 - 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
May 29 thru May 31 - 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Purchase your tickets at a LOW PRICE GUARANTEE here: http://www.kgstickets.com/