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I am very excited to announce that The Mom Maven will be sharing more Florida attractions news with you! I am now working with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island, SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, Aquatica, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure to bring you news, reviews and trip planning information. All of this is in addition to my work with Walt Disney World! I am working hard to make The Mom Maven your source for information on Florida family vacation destinations.

Universal Orlando’s Mardis Gras celebration kicks off this Saturday and runs every Saturday and other select nights through April 17th. I have never attended Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration but I have wanted to for years. This year is no different, the musical acts that will be performing at this year’s celebration is amazing! With a combined total of more than half a billion records sold worldwide, this year’s Mardi Gras lineup features an eclectic mix of 13 of the biggest names in music. From hip-hop to pop, country to rock, and R&B to disco, there is something for everyone.

This Saturday, guests will get down to the funky sounds of Mardi Gras fan favorite KC and the Sunshine Band as they perform live in concert during the celebration. One of the most popular names in music, KC and the Sunshine Band is responsible for some of the most recognizable dance songs in music history. The group has had a profound influence on pop culture with some of their songs being featured on video games, TV commercials and movies. Some of their biggest hits include, “Boogie Shoes,” “Get Down Tonight,” “Shake Your Booty” and “That’s the Way (I Like It).”

Coming up during the celebration the acts include:

• 2/13 Heart
• 2/14 Kool & the Gang
• 2/20 Blondie
• 2/27 Dierks Bentley
• 3/6 Akon
• 3/13 Aretha Franklin
• 3/20 Miranda Lambert
• 3/27 3 Doors Down
• 4/3 Beach Boys
• 4/9 Sheryl Crow
• 4/10 Flo Rida
• 4/17 Chicago

Universal Orlando is ready for its 15th year of Mardi Gras – the biggest and most authentic Mardi Gras celebration outside of The Big Easy. Guests will experience the spirit of Bourbon St. in the heart of Universal Studios with authentic Cajun cuisine, a spectacular parade, hundreds of costumed characters, tons of beads and live performances by some of music’s biggest names. Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included in admission to Universal Studios Florida. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

Universal Orlando Resort – home to the biggest and most authentic Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans – is showing you how to bring the flavor of The Big Easy to your kitchen by sharing its popular Mardi Gras jambalaya recipe.

In the all-new video (below), award-winning Universal Parks and Resorts Executive Chef Steven Jayson shares the step-by-step process that he uses to make the delicious jambalaya that has become a must-taste for Mardi Gras guests. The full recipe is included at the end of the demo.

Guests can enjoy the aroma and taste of jambalaya – along with other authentic Cajun dishes like gumbo, beignets and King Cake – at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration. Festivities also include an elaborate parade, hundreds of costumed characters, tons of souvenir beads and live performances by mega-talented artists.

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration runs Saturdays and other select nights through April 17 and is included in admission to Universal Studios Florida.

This morning I had breakfast with Elmo, Big Bird and a lot of my Sesame Street friends. This was a huge treat for me because I have been a fan of Sesame Street since the first day it aired! I was in kindregarten on November 10, 1969 when Sesame Street premiered on PBS (yes I am that old). I attended kindergarten at our church since there was no public kindergarten in our town at that time. We all got to go to the pastor’s study and watch television! It was an exciting time for us to see a new television program that was created just for kids like us! Fast forward (ahem) 40 years and today I felt like I was that 5 year old little girl again.

On March 27,2010 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay welcomes families to an all-new, Sesame Street-themed, sunny funny play land featuring Elmo, Big Bird and all their friends. Sesame Street Safari of Fun will be filled with kid-size rides, cool water fun, shows and memorable adventures that celebrate the spirit of Africa. Donnie Mills, Busch Gardens Executive Vice President and General Manager said, “With the addition of sesame Street Safari of Fun, Busch Gardens truly has something for all ages, and this new destination in the park is certain to be a hit among families and kids.”

The 2.5 acre area will feature:

• Air Grover A junior coaster full of turns and mini-dives perfect for parents and kids to ride together.
• The Count’s Zambezi Rally A kid-sized car ride that takes you on a jaunt through the desert and tribal trails
• Zoe-Patra & the Hippos of the Nile A splashy flume through the famed river
• Elmo’s Safari-Go-Round A tribal inspired carousel with Elmo and his friends
• Snuffy’s Elephant Romp Fly around and around and up and down on Snuffy’s fun friends
• Rosita’s Djembe Fly-Away A swing ride through the jungle that sends kids whirling above the African canopy
• Big Bird’s Whirly Birdie It’s funny side up on Big Bird’s delightfully playful ferris wheel ride.
• Telly’s Jungle Jam Explore sounds, shapes and shadows in this naturally engaging play area for kids of ALL abilities
• Elmo’s Treehouse Trek a 3-story hideaway to play hide-n-seek, discover new levels of fun and get a bird’s eye view of the entire play land.
• Cookie Monster’s Canopy Crawl Climb, crawl and explore in this 3-story net climb
• Slimey’s Sahara Sand A fun-filled, sand-filled beachy oasis where kids can frolic in the coolest dessert around
• Oscar’s Swamp Stomp Stomp, splash and play in Oscar’s delightfully cool water play area
• Bert & Ernie’s Watering Hole A wildly fun water adventure filled with bubblers, geysers, jets, dumping buckets and more.
• Sunny Day Theatre Musical performances bring tales of adventure to life
• Sesame Street presents “Lights, Camera, Imagination!” A 4-D movie that brings the Sesame Street Muppets’ adventures to life with zany 3-D gags and special effects like wind, water and jump-out-of-your-seat surprises. Playing in the 4-D theater in Timbuktu area of the park.

You can share breakfast or lunch with Elmo and his friends on select days at an outdoor dining facility adjacent to Sesame Street Safari of Fun. Fill up on hugs from your favorite characters, delicious food and family together time during these unique dining experiences. The menu includes items sure to please both adults and kids alike. Breakfast is $18 for adults and $15 for children; lunch is $23 for adults and $17 for children. Breakfast and lunch prices include one free 6×8 photo per family. You can make your reservations at SesameStreetSafariofFun.com or cal 1-888-800-5447.

While you are visiting your Sesame Street friends you can stop by Big Bird’s 123-Smile with Me photo area to meet and greet you favorite characters!

Disclaimer-I was invited by Busch Gardens to a preview breakfast for Sesame Street Safari of Fun. If you have any questions please refer to my disclosure statement at the bottom of this page.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced today that to commemorate the opening of Sesame Street Safari of Fun kids ages 5 and younger can receive a FREE Commemorative Busch Gardens Preschool pass which is good for admission for the rest of 2010! That is 10 months of Busch Gardens and Sesame Street fun for your little one!

The FREE Commemorative Busch Gardens Preschool Pass is an exclusive online offer available at SesameStreetSafariofFun.com. It is exclusively for Florida residents with kids ages 5 and younger and is valid for unlimited admission-with no blackout dates-through December 31, 2010 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. After registering at the website, registrants may pick up the Preschool Pass for their child by bringing a printed confirmation and a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate to any ticket window at Busch Garden’s front gate.