Orlando Calendar

A NEW HOLIDAY TRADITION BEGINS WITH FESTIVE PERFORMANCES FROM THE ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 2003) - SeaWorld Orlando ushers in a new holiday tradition this year with a "Christmas at SeaWorld," every weekend in December. The month-long yuletide celebration sets a festive mood every Saturday and Sunday with sensational fireworks set to live music from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, snowfalls at the Waterfront, a 48-foot-tall Christmas tree adorned with 4,500 brilliant lights and stunning ornaments, Santa's readings of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," and holiday music from classical harpists and carolers.

Festive Fireworks with the Philharmonic
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and international singing sensation Connie Kunckle, fill Bayside Stadium with Christmas melodies during eight yuletide performances. The musicians are joined by multitude of vibrant fireworks that fill the nighttime sky during the spectacular fireworks finale. On four nights, SeaWorld's Christmas Orchestra steps in to play guests' favorite holiday tunes.

Santa's Tree Lighting Festivities
A light snowfall descends upon SeaWorld's newest attraction -The Waterfront - as a brass quintet sets the mood for a wonderful yuletide presentation. Santa Claus arrives to read the holiday classic "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" to park guests and then leads a brilliant tree-lighting ceremony.

"A Norman Rockwell Holiday Showcase: Take a Walk Through the Covers of the Saturday Evening Post" Nov. 15 - Jan. 5

"A Norman Rockwell Holiday Showcase" returns to feature some of the most endearing images of holiday Americana and transport guests, both young and old, into the world of the famed artist, Norman Rockwell. Life-size sculptures straight from the covers of The Saturday Evening Post create a gallery of Rockwell's timeless illustrations -- his famous, innocent scenes of yesteryear. Park guests can create yuletide memories and celebrate the American spirit during "A Norman Rockwell Holiday Showcase." This holiday event transports guests into the world of one of America's beloved artists, Norman Rockwell. Life-size sculptures straight from the covers of The Saturday Evening Post weave a tale of family, friends and the warmth of the season. A 48-foot-tall Christmas tree adorned with brilliant lights and stunning ornaments, nightly story tellings, musicians and daily appearances by Santa Claus add to the celebration.

Shamu's Holiday Celebration
The festivities continue at Shamu Stadium as killer whales and trainers get into the Christmas spirit by performing astonishing feats to festive music during a special holiday-themed Shamu night show.

New Year's Eve celebration
SeaWorld's New Year's Eve party is a night full of live music and fireworks. Following a high-energy Shamu night show, guests can boot, scoot and boogey to the country-rock sounds of a live concert by Sawyer Brown. The party moves to The Waterfront, where a live DJ spins today's hottest hits in anticipation for 2004. At the stroke of midnight, the Orlando sky radiates as a brilliant fireworks finale rings in the New Year. "Christmas at SeaWorld" and the New Year's Eve celebration are both included with park admission. Show times are subject to change. For more information, call 866-797-7373.

Christmas at SeaWorld: Park hours November 29 - January 4 are:
Nov. 29, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.;
Nov. 30, 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.;
Weekdays Dec. 1 - Dec. 19, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.;
Weekends Dec. 6 - Dec. 14, 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.;
Dec. 20 - 21, 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.;
Dec. 22 - 25, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.;
Dec. 26 - 30, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.;
Dec.31/Jan. 1, 9 a.m. - 1 a.m.;
Jan. 1, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.;
Jan 2, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.;
Jan. 3, - 4, 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: SEAWORLD GIFT SHOPS HOST ARTISTS FROM AROUND THE
WORLD

Orlando, Fla. -- (Dec. 2003) -- SeaWorld's the perfect stop for holiday shopping this year. The marine park is hosting two top-of-the-line artists through Jan. 3, on-hand to create unique pieces and demonstrate their craftsmanship for guests.

Agnes Szczepanska, Chief Artist for the Norman Rockwell Christmas Glass Ornaments

SeaWorld Orlando is the only location in the country where Norman Rockwell Christmas glass ornaments are hand-painted by the chief artist, Agnes Szczepanska. The marine park also boasts the largest selection of Rockwell collectables nationwide, including plates, figurines, water globes and the popular Santa Claus ornaments.

Szczepanska will recreate, personalize, autograph and date any of the six Santa Claus images painted by Norman Rockwell and featured on the covers of the Saturday Evening Post. The chief artist will demonstrate her painting skills at SeaWorld Orlando's "Friends of the Wild" gift shop Wednesdays through Sundays from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., through Jan. 3. Szczepanska owns Art-Glass studio in her hometown of Zabkowice Slaskie, Poland.

Back by popular demand, I Nyoman Warka will showcase his woodcarving craft at SeaWorld's "Under the Sun Gift Shop" at The Waterfront each afternoon and evening from Dec. 15 through Jan. 3. (Warka will not be at SeaWorld Dec. 21, 22 or 28.)

Featuring marine life such as dolphins, turtles, seahorses and manatees, Warka's hand-carved wall décor and sculptured figures were such a hit with SeaWorld guests this past summer, the park invited him back for the holiday season. Using hand tools, an axe, saw, hammer and knives, Warka carves albesia wood, found only in Bali, Indonesia. For more information, guests may call 407-363-2500. Park admission is required.

SeaWorld Orlando is decking the halls every weekend in December with "A Christmas at SeaWorld," featuring a new holiday Shamu show, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, strolling musicians and carolers, fireworks, and even a little snowfall.

Walt Disney World® Resort Events: (For Hotels and Resorts at Walt Disney World click Here)

The Walt Disney World Resort celebrates “Holidays Around the World” at Epcot from Nov. 28 through Dec. 30. Share delightful holiday traditions from the far corners of the globe. Throughout the season, international gift-giving characters of lore and legend come to life in the World Showcase to share their diverse and delightful holiday customs. The celebration includes the glorious Candlelight Processional, a nightly retelling of The Christmas Story by a celebrity narrator, with a symphony orchestra and a choir of hundreds.

Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista held its preview opening Aug.of 2003 for Epcot’s “Mission: SPACE,” a one-of-a-kind thrill that will rocket guests to the galaxies in an out-of-this-world space adventure. Mission: SPACE officially launches in October. Featuring breakthrough technology that creates an unforgettable launch sequence and interplanetary journey, Mission: SPACE will take amazed riders straight up into space and on to Mars

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 4 at Disney-MGM Studios has launched a new drop sequence that takes riders to a new level of terror. The cutting-edge technology of the Tower of Terror allows ride engineers to re-program new twists to the ride, in this case launching riders to the top of the tower in breathtaking speed then dropping them faster-than-free-fall to the bottom again and again -- more drops than ever before.

FROM THE MERRIMENT OF MACY'S HOLIDAY PARADE TO MEETING THE GRINCH, UNIVERSALORLANDO CELEBRATES DESTINATION-WIDE HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES

Resort's Celebration Features Jubilant Shows, Lavish Decorations, Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, And More

Orlando, Florida--Universal Orlando showcases resort-wide festivities with attractions and events throughout its theme parks and hotels-offering visitors a holiday season that's anything but ordinary.

From the colorful balloons and festive floats of the Macy's Holiday Parade at Universal Studios to meeting the Grinch and sliding down the icy Mt. Crumpit Snow Plummet during the Grinchmas celebration at Islands of Adventure, the theme parks will be jammed-packed with holiday excitement.

The holiday celebration continues throughout the destination. Universal Orlando's three world-class on-site hotels will glisten with holiday décor as guests enjoy carolers, tree-lighting ceremonies, holiday cooking demonstrations, holiday movies, and more. Old-fashioned holiday fun is in store at CityWalk, the 30-acre entertainment complex. There will be glittering decorations, horse-drawn carriage rides, live musical performances, intermittent "snow" flurries, a train ride on the CityWalk Junction, and opportunities to meet Santa and his elves.

MACY'S HOLIDAY PARADE December 12 - January 4

The merriment of Macy's world-famous Thanksgiving Day Parade comes to life in an all-new Macy's Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Florida. The all-new parade will roll through the streets of the theme park daily beginning December 12, 2003 through January 4, 2004. This year's parade features more elements than ever before-more than a dozen authentic parade balloons, eight festive floats, thirteen parade vehicles, brigades of clowns and numerous marching bands from across the country.

MAcy's Holiday Parage in Orlando

The parade kicks off at dusk and features authentic Macy's balloons, including the Happy Hippo, Uncle Sam, elf, toy soldier, Macy's stars and more. Parade floats, including Universal-themed Shrek and Grinch floats, will delight guests with their color and whimsy. And this year, Santa Claus and his reindeer, straight from their appearance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, will add a festive flair to the grand finale.

Macy's Holiday Parade marches nightly through the streets of Universal Studios beginning at dusk. Features authentic elements directly from the world famous Mac's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Islands of Adventure transports guests to the charming and wintry home of the Grinch - the village of Dr. Seuss - Whoville! during the annual Grinchmas celebration. Macy's Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Florida®. Authentic helium balloons and floats direct from Macy's annual Thanksgiving Celebration in New York City will make their way through the studio streets. And don't forget there's a chance to meet with the star of the parade - Santa Claus!

GRINCHMAS at Universal's Islands of Adventure® - November 21 - January 4

There's more fun in store next-door at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park as Grinchmas springs to life November 21 through January 4. Based on the holiday tale and Universal Pictures' and Imagine Entertainment's Academy Award-winning blockbuster hit, "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas," Grinchmas transports guests into the whimsical world of "Whoville," located within the park's Seuss Landing themed area.

rinch that stole Christmas

Visitors can meet the reclusive Mr. Grinch in his frosty lair with his little dog Max. The lair is decked out with actual props used in the movie. Children can also slide down the 60-foot icy Mt. Crumpit Snow Plummet.

A visit to "Whoville" wouldn't be complete without meeting the perky Who-villians. During the heart-warming Whobilation Show, the singing Whos teach the Grinch the true meaning of the season and light the quirky 35-foot tall Seussian Christmas tree during the evening's final show.

Both Macy's Holiday Parade and Grinchmas celebrations are included in the price of admission.

RESORT HOTELS at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando's award-winning on-site hotels will feature themed celebrations, including an exotic island holiday festival at the Royal Pacific Resort, a rock 'n' roll Christmas at the chic Hard Rock Hotel and a romantic European celebration at the Mediterranean-style Portofino Bay Hotel.

Guests are transported to the enchanting isles of the South Pacific when they stay at the exotic Royal Pacific Resort. For the holidays, a special feast of traditional cuisine and tropical fare will be available in the hotel's Islands Dining Room. The festivities will also feature live holiday music with a South Pacific twist, photos with Island Santa, cookie decorating sessions and more.

The "Hotel California" inspired Hard Rock Hotel will be rocking during the holidays as guests listen to hip tunes around the 25-foot Christmas tree. In the lobby, a miniature gingerbread replica of Graceland pays tribute to the "King of Rock 'n Roll," Elvis Presley.

Visitors will enjoy a Mediterranean ambiance as they enter the enchanting Portofino Bay Hotel. Guests can meander along the picturesque harbor and stop to enjoy a holiday aperitif at outdoor tables or listen to readings of "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas" around the Christmas tree.

The Universal Orlando resort destination includes two dramatically distinct and adjacent theme parks, the Universal Studios motion picture and television theme park and Islands of Adventure, Orlando's next generation theme park. Universal Orlando also includes CityWalk, a 30-acre dining, shopping, club and live-entertainment venue as well as premier on-site Loews hotels and world-class film and television production facilities.

Grinchmas at Universal Orlando resort

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO KICKS-OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH LIVE PERFORMANCES BY JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS AND CHEAP TRICK

Brilliant Fireworks Light Up Sky over Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure; Delicious Cuisine, Champagne Toast and Night Club Entertainment Top Off Resort-wide Celebration

ORLANDO, FLORIDA--Universal Orlando Resort celebrates the arrival of 2004 with the party of all parties, complete with festivities throughout the resort destination - including events at CityWalk, Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, the Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando, a Loews Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and the Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, a Loews Hotel.

CityWalk, a 30-acre entertainment complex with themed restaurants, nightclubs and shops, will host one of Orlando's hottest New Year's Eve parties. The evening will feature live performances by national acts, an expansive gourmet buffet, a champagne toast and live entertainment at its nightclubs-all for $99 per person plus tax.

Guests will dance in the streets with Joan Jett and The Blackhearts and Cheap Trick. Straight from the heart of rock 'n roll, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts prove that loud guitars and blaring music will never truly die. Performing her mega hits, "I Hate Myself for Loving You," "Do You Want To Touch Me," and her number "I Love Rock and Roll," Joan Jett will hit the main stage ready to rock.

Returning to CityWalk for the 2003 New Year's Eve celebration, Cheap Trick will perform some of their numerous chart toppers such as "The Flame, "I Want You To Want Me," and "Dream Police" with as much power and energy as ever.

Throughout the evening, guests can experience an extensive assortment of delicious cuisine, including filet mignon, jumbo shrimp, gourmet desserts and more. And the party continues all night long with live entertainment and music at CityWalk's themed nightclubs, including the groove, an electrifying dance club, CityJazz, a hip jazz venue, Jimmy Buffett's Magaritaville, and others. At the stroke of midnight guests will ring in 2004 with a traditional champagne toast.

The CityWalk New Year's Eve celebration starts at 8 p.m. and tickets can be purchased in advance on-line at www.universalorlando.com, through Ticketmaster or by calling 407-224-5500. Annual passholders will receive a 10% discount on advance ticket purchases. Guests must be 21 or older to enter.

New Year's Eve at Universal Orlando - 2

At the Islands of Adventure theme park, guests can spend the day and night enjoying their favorite rides and attractions, including The Incredible Hulk Coaster and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. The evening will heat up with an outdoor dance party featuring strolling characters and today's hottest music. As midnight approaches, guests will welcome the New Year with a beautiful fireworks display. New Year Eve festivities are included in the price of regular admission. Park operating hours are 8 a.m. - 1 a.m.

Universal Studios rings in the New Year with music, dancing and a spectacular fireworks display at midnight. Guests can meet their favorite celebrity look-alikes as they arrive in style in the Hollywood area of the theme park. Blockbuster rides and attractions, such as MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack and Back To The Future: The Ride will be open all-day and night for visitors to enjoy. New Year's Eve festivities are included in the regular price of park admission. Park operating hours are 8 a.m. - 1 a.m.

Fireworks over both parks will occur simultaneously at midnight, lighting up the entire sky over Universal Orlando. Universal Orlando Resort tickets can be purchase through www.universalorlando.com or by calling (407) 363-8000.

The Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando, a Loews Hotel, boasts an exotic South Pacific-style celebration. The evening features a spectacular New Year's Eve Luau in the Pacifica ballroom featuring hula dancers, live music, traditional and exotic cuisine, carving stations featuring marinated New York strip and pit-roasted suckling pig, along with a midnight balloon drop and a champagne toast. The reception begins at 7:00 p.m. Dinner and entertainment begin at 8:00 p.m. The price is $99 for adults and $35 for children. (Prices include beer, wine, mai tais, tax and gratuity). At Islands Dining Room, a special holiday buffet and entertainment are in store for guests, from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The price is $38.00 for adults and $17.00 for children. Jake's American Bar will ring in the New Year with live music from 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m., along with party favors, a midnight balloon drop and champagne toast (there is a $10.00 cover charge after 11:00 p.m.).

The chic Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando, which features what is among the world's most valuable collection of rock 'n roll memorabilia, will rock in the New Year with a hip attitude. Showcasing a special buffet of fabulous food, guests will dine in style while waiting for the stroke of midnight. The New Year will be kicked-off with special entertainment, party favors, a Hard Rock keepsake, confetti cannons, a balloon drop, dessert reception and a champagne toast. The price is $49.95 for adults and $21.95 for children. The first seating is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and the second seating is from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

A European celebration is in store for guests at the Mediterranean-style Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, a Loews Hotel, where music and fun will take place out on the picturesque harbor of the hotel. Special holiday menus will be offered as part of Portofino Bay Hotel's New Year's Eve festivities. Mama Della's Ristorante will ring in the New Year from 5:30 p.m. until midnight with music, party favors and a midnight champagne toast. A prixe fixe menu will be offered, along with á la carte menu. Trattoria del Porto will feature a festive holiday buffet, plus music and party favors from 5:30 p.m. - midnight. The prices are $34.95 for adults and $19.50 for children ages 3-12. At Delfino Riviera, the Portofino's fine dining restaurant, guests can enjoy an elegant holiday menu, music and dancing. First seating: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. $75 per person. Second seating: 9:00 p.m. - midnight. $100 per person. For dinner reservations at any of Universal Orlando's on-site hotels, call
(407) 503-DINE.

“MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT" CHRISTMAS AT PINEWOOD - LAKE WALES, FL – Historic Bok Sanctuary will celebrate the holidays by “Making Spirits Bright” during its annual Christmas at Pinewood celebration held November 28, 2003, through January 11, 2004, at Pinewood Estate, a National Historic Landmark. This year’s event will make spirits bright and showcase the architecture and décor of the home originally built for Charles A. Buck of Pennsylvania. The mansion will be open for tours Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call Historic Bok Sanctuary at 863-676-1408 or visit www.boksanctuary.org.

Kennedy Space Center: Kennedy Space Center Events!

Sunshine State Resort to Shape Nearly Two Million Pounds of Ice Into Orlando’s Newest – and Coolest – Holiday Experience

The attraction – which will run from Nov. 25-Jan. 4 – will combine fantastic frozen creations, thrilling ice slides, dramatic lighting and special effects. “ICE!” is the highlight of the resort’s “Christmas at The Palms” festival, which features holiday activities for the entire family.

Visitors to “ICE!” will be given oversized parkas to stay comfortable inside the attraction. The enormous structure used to house “ICE!” – dubbed “The Florida Fridge” – is cooled to a chilly 9 degrees. The “Florida Fridge” is believed to be the first temporary-structure freezer of its kind used in North America. Upon entering, guests will see the final images of sunny Florida – swaying palm trees rendered in ice – before they meet a group of impish ice elves who bid them welcome.

Inside, guests will encounter fanciful holiday figures and scenes, including pirouetting ice-carved penguins and playful polar bears, the largest of which will weigh 17 tons. Many of the carvings and sculptures are more than 25 feet in length. Three fantastic ice slides will beckon the young and young at heart to travel through a thrilling and mysterious cave. Other areas will invite visitors to “chill out” and marvel at the craftsmanship.

“ICE!” will be open daily during the holiday season and will be accessible on the Exhibit Hall level at Gaylord Palms, which is located at 6000 W. Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee. For more information about "ICE" please visit our "Whats New In Orlando?" page. For hotel reservations at the Gaylord Palms through www.DestinationOrlando.com, please click here.

Events For Central Florida:

Brilliant Fireworks Light Up Sky over Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure; Delicious Cuisine, Champagne Toast and Night Club Entertainment Top Off Resort-wide Celebration.

Details on the New Years Eve Celebration are below.

Florida Theme Park Events and Info:

SeaWorld Adventure Park in Orlando: 2003 Calendar of Events

Walt Disney World® Resort Events: (For Hotels and Resorts at Walt Disney World click Here)

Universal Orlando® Resort Events: Theme Park Highlights

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO KICKS-OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH LIVE PERFORMANCES BY JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS AND CHEAP TRICK

Kennedy Space Center: Kennedy Space Center Events!