There are lots of different places to spend your direct holidays to America but there is only one Universal Orlando Resort. Totally separate from the rest of Orlando, the resort has two theme parks, three themed hotels; the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Loews Royal

Universal Parks & Resorts

Pacific Resort, and the magnificent night-time entertainment complex, Universal Citywalk. The whole family will love being part of the entertainment here as they swing above the streets with Spiderman, soar high above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, help Agent J defeat the aliens and help Shrek in his fight to save Princess Fiona.

Mardi Gras Orlando

In the spring of 2012 the exciting Big Easy comes to Universal Orlando Resort for Mardi Gras 2012. This is a family-friendly version of the famous New Orleans street party which sees the Universal Studios transformed for the celebrations. The Mardi Gras celebrations include an amazing parade with performers dressed in colourful costumes, authentic New Orleans bands, live concerts by popular artists including Kelly Clarkson and the chance to try some delicious Cajun cuisine. To enjoy the Mardi Gras celebrations you will need to book your direct holidays to Orlando between February 11th and April 14th next year.

The Mardi Gras parade meanders down the street of Universal Studios where street performers and visitors join together to celebrate this amazing occasion, not forgetting to collect handfuls of beads on the way. The beautiful hand-made floats are built by Blaine Kern Artists, the same company that designs the floats for the Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

The parade eventually reaches Universal Studios French Quarter Courtyard, the heart of Mardis Gras, where guests are entertained by authentic New Orleans bands who perform blues, jazz and zydeco (folk) music. Here in the French Quarter you can sample some amazing Cajun cuisine like jambalaya (a spicy rice dish), gumbo (a type of stew or soup) and beignets (delicious deep fried dough, similar to doughnuts).

There are lots of travel deals to America available throughout the internet.

Pictures from universalorlando.com

The Magic Kingdom theme park is one of four theme parks in Walt Disney’s World Resort. Children and adults alike will be amazed and enchanted by the attractions and entertainment which feature all their favourite Disney characters.

Cinderella Castle

The resort is spread over 107 acres with the main focal attraction being Cinderella’s Castle which is found at the centre of the park. Paths lead from the castle to six fantasy lands which are Main Street (USA area), Adventureland area, Frontierland area, Liberty Square, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland area. The attractions at the Magic Kingdom Park include Fantasyland’s ‘Its a Small World’ where a boat ride takes you through the continents of the world, Tomorrowland’s Astro Orbiter where a rocket ride takes you on a ride through space, Frontierland’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad where a runaway train races through a gold-mining town, Adventureland’s Jungle Cruise where you ride on a old safari boat through untamed rivers, The Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square where you can see a stage show featuring the history of every American president, The World Railroad in Main Street which takes you on a tour of the theme park on an antique steam-powered engine and many many more attractions, there are just too many to mention!
 

Fantasyland

Walt Disney World’s Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom in Florida is due to double in size. New attractions will open in phases, starting in late 2012 and will include a Fairytale Hall where children can meet Disney princesses, a Goofy rollercoaster, two Dumbo carousels, a Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and a Little Mermaid ride.

A new attraction which has already opened is a show called The Magic, Memories and You where images of that day’s visitors are projected on to Cinderella’s Castle. This ten minute show is displayed twice a day.

The park has no end of different dining venues including Cinderella’s Royal

Magic, Memories and You

 Table in Fantasyland, The Crystal Palace in Main Street, Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party, Columbia Harbour House in Liberty Square, El Pirata y el Perico Restaurant in Adventureland and the Golden Oak Outpost in Frontierland to name just a few.

Don’t forget to include the Magic Kingdom in your itinery when on your cheap package deals to the wonderful resort of Florida.

Watch out for the great holiday deals to Florida that are always on offer and make your childrens fantasies come to life. At the Pirates League children will be transformed into buccaneers while little girls can visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi beauty salon and be transformed into beautiful princesses.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened its doors temporarily to visitors of Orlando International’s Pow Wow convention last week.

Flight of the Hippogriff

Most of the park has been completed including the Hogsmeade Village, shops, restaurants, Hogwarts Castle and the Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff roller coasters. Work is currently being completed on the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride inside the castle, which is a 360 degree experience.

The park is due to open on 18th June.

If you are looking for great summer holidays to Orlando and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, there are always plenty throughout the internet.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at The Islands of Adventure Theme Park, Orlando is scheduled to open on the 18th June 2010.

There will be three themed attractions within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge.

Attractions will include Hogwarts Castle, complete with Dumbledore’s Office, The Gryffindor Common Room, The Defence Against the Dark Arts Classroom, The Room of Requirement and much much more.

There will also be a wand shop, Ollivanders, where visitors can re-enact a scene from the beginning of the Harry Potter story, in which the young

Ollivanders

wizard is ‘chosen’ by his wand.

Please refer to our previous post ‘Orlando,The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ for more details.

If you are looking for great holidays to Orlando and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, there are always plenty throughout the internet.