Here is what we now know about the opening of Walt Disney World.

LEGOLAND Florida First Theme Park To Reopen

LEGOLAND Florida is set to open next week, June 1, 2020. The theme park hours are 10am-5pm and water park hours are noon-4pm for the time being. Of course, LEGOLAND is retraining its Model Citizens (employees) in updated cleaning and safety procedures. One big change to note is LEGOLAND has gone cashless, you must use a credit or debit card for all financial transactions.

• Download the official LEGOLAND Florida app for up-to-date information
• Operating at a reduced capacity but no reservations required.
• Added hand washing stations
• Updated socially distant parking spaces
• Temperature checks, no party with a member whose temperature checks at 100.4° F will not be admitted.
• Masks for those ages 3 and up. No masks for those who have trouble breathing or those who cannot remove the mask without assistance. The water park has its own mask guidelines. Check the website before heading to the park to know what is expected.
• Social distance in queues and stores, follow all signs and markers.
• Some attractions are on timeout and will not be open during this first phase.
• The LEGOLAND hotels are open for guests beginning June 1, 2020.

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort will be opening all 3 of its parks on June 5, 2020. When you visit their website you are greeted with this disclaimer.

Exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present; we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during your visit.

Universal Orlando Website

Hours for this first phase of reopening: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure 9am-6pm, Volcano Bay 10am-5pm, City Walk 8am-10pm. The parks will be open with limited capacity, but no reservations are required. The park will restrict entry when capacity is reached.

• Face coverings required ages 3+. Separate rules for Volcano Bay Water Park.
• Temperature check required in parking structure. Those 100.4° and above must return to their vehicle and it will be suggested they see a doctor.
• Wash your hands often
• Social distance-leave at least 6 feet between traveling parties.
• Observe floor markings when present
• Avoid contact with sick people
• Use provided hand sanitizer when required before boarding select ride vehicles
• Follow team member instructions at all times
• You can go contact free with the official Universal Orlando Resorts app
• Staggered Parking in the parking garage
• Virtual Line technology available on the app for select attractions
• Cashless payments are available through Google Wallet and Apple Pay.

Does the Fact that Central Florida Theme Parks Prepare to Reopen Effect Your Travel Plans?

So, does the fact that these Central Florida theme parks prepare to reopen effect your travel plans? Would you visit either of these theme parks with these restrictions in place if you’re looking for things to do in Florida with kids? If I were a passholder I would, otherwise I would not. I have said from the beginning, my goal is to be at Disney World the day they open…if I’m available. I’m a passholder though, not someone coming in for their once in a lifetime Central Florida theme park vacation.

I have counseled all of my out of state guests to wait til late fall or even 2021 to make their big trip. I don’t want them to miss out on all our amazing theme parks have to offer, and that isn’t possible with closed attractions and social distancing. Make sure you follow my travel Facebook page for any updates.

Will you be planning your Central Florida theme park vacation for later this year, 2021, or sometime later? If you are ready to book for 2020 or 2021, I’m here to help you start planning now. If your thinking that vacation will be in the more distant future, sign up to receive my very occasional travel email.

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The food and fun party atmosphere of the French Quarter Courtyard are not to be missed. The nightly Mardi Gras parade is amazing. We watched the parade near Mel’s Drive In and we got to see it twice, as it was going out and as it was coming back! I would definitely got for Mardi Gras again.

About Universal Orlando Mardi Gras

Universal’s Mardi Gras 2020 will run daily from Feb. 1 through April 2. For 16 select nights during the event, guests can enjoy performances by some of the biggest names in music, including world-renowned, chart-topping DJ and producer, Marshmello, the multi-platinum international star behind global smash-hits “Despacito” and “Échame La Culpa,” Luis Fonsi, and best-selling American girl group of all time, TLC, known for mega hits such as “Waterfalls,” “No Scrubs,” “Creep” and “Unpretty.” For the complete line-up and performance schedule, see below.

The party doesn’t stop there! Inspired by the all-new Treasures of the Deep theme, the nightly Mardi Gras parade runs throughout the streets of Universal Studios Florida featuring intricately detailed floats, vivacious dancers and stilt performers with extraordinary costumes, and countless beads. This year, the parade will debut six new floats inspired by mystical creatures of the deep, the sunken city of Atlantis and more. All 12 hand-crafted floats are engineered by Kern Studios, the same company that has created floats for the iconic New Orleans celebration since 1947. And, fan-favorite floats, including the Riverboat and King Gator, will return with all-new décor celebrating 25 years of party.

Guests can enjoy authentic Cajun cuisine at The French Quarter Courtyard and performances by bands pulled straight from Bourbon Street. New to this year’s event, guests can enjoy all-new food and beverage offerings at the Carnival Around the Universe tasting tent that will feature dishes inspired by carnivals worldwide with new menu items debuting bi-weekly throughout the event. And returning to this year’s event are fan-favorite add-on experiences, including the Bayou Boil, bringing guests an authentic New Orleans crawfish boil experience, as well as the Mardi Gras Tasting Lanyard which gives guests the chance to try a variety of classic New Orleans dishes throughout their visit – including gumbo, jambalaya, po boys and more.

2020 Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Headliners

2020 Mardi Gras New Orleans Bands

As you can see, Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort is so much fun! There are some great travel deals available for Universal this spring. I am a Universal Orlando Resort Specialist travel agent and I am here to help you, my services are free to you so just request a free quote.

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Honestly, I had thought Rock the Universe had quietly gone away. I had heard nothing about it! I live in Florida, I’m active in the Christian music community, and I usually receive PR info from Universal Studios but I didn’t even know it was happening…until I saw a poster on the door of my local Chick-fil-a the other night. Usually there is a lot of local buzz about RTU but since it moved to the beginning of the year, I haven’t heard of any local churches taking their youth groups.

If you, like me, didn’t know Rock the Universe was right around the corner, here is all the information you need to know and yes, there are still tickets and weekend packages available.

Rock the Universe 2020 Artists

Friday, January 24th

• Switchfoot
• Tenth Avenue North
• Tauren Wells
• Tedashii
• The Afters

Saturday, January 25th

• Chris Tomlin
• TobyMac
• Bethel Music
• We Are Messengers
• Unspoken
• I Am They

Rock the Universe 2020 Ticket Info

Group tickets for groups of 10 or more are still available on the Universal website, there are also group packages including hotel for a reasonable price.

• Single one night event only tickets which are for admission after 4pm start at $71.99 for all ages.
• Single two night event only tickets start at $111.99.
• Rock the Universe 2-Park Rock Your Weekend Ticket which includes both nights of RTU and 3 days of admission to Universal Studios Florida OR Islands of Adventure, one park per day start at $127.99
• Rock the Universe 3-Park Rock Your Weekend Ticket which includes both nights of RTU and 3 days of admission to Universal Studios Florida OR Islands of Adventure OR Volcano Bay, one park per day start at $127.99 .

Will you be taking your family to Rock the Universe 2020? If you need help planning your Universal Studios Florida vacation, I am a Universal Orlando Resort Specialist travel agent and I am here to help just Email me and we will get started.

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As part of this family-friendly version of the renowned New Orleans celebration, guests can enjoy a party animal-themed parade that will run nightly throughout the streets of Universal Studios Florida, as well as sample new and returning authentic Cajun cuisine available as a tasting size at the French Quarter Courtyard.

For a limited time, Florida residents can experience Mardi Gras and the spring season with an exclusive 2-Park, 3-Day Base ticket offer for only $159.99. This offer is valid for admission to one park per day and is available for purchase through April 4 with a valid promo code from Coca-Cola^® or Coke^® Zero Sugar. Click here for complete details and additional ticket options.

I have never personally attended Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando, someday, I hope. I am a certified Universal Orlando travel agent and I am happy to help you plan your trip to Florida’s Biggest Party. Just Email Me and we will get started.

The post The Mardi Gras Celebration has Begun at Universal Orlando appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Guests will enjoy two nights of live concerts by the genre’s top artists, including these new additions to the stellar lineup: Dove Award-winner Big Daddy Weave, GRAMMY Award-winner Francesca Battistelli, nine-time GRAMMY Award-nominee Matt Maher, Christian Billboard chart-topper Micah Tyler, LEDGER, the new project from the drummer and vocalist of rock band, Skillet, and the GRAMMY Award-nominated Rhett Walker Band.

Rock the Universe 2019 Headliners

Friday, February 1st

• Lecrae
• Matthew West
• Big Daddy Weave
• Colton Dixon
• Matt Maher
• Rhett Walker Band

Saturday, February 2nd

• Skillet
• Bethel Music
• Crowder
• Francesca Battistelli
• Micah Tyler
• LEDGER

Additional Rock the Universe experiences include the FanZone presented by Coca-Cola, which will feature even more live performances by DJ Promote and up-and-coming acts, as well as photo and autograph opportunities with top talent. Guests can also participate in a moving candle-lighting ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 2, and a non-denominational worship service on Sunday, Feb. 3. Plus, throughout the weekend, guests can experience Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Revenge of the Mummy and other thrilling attractions at Universal Studios Florida, as well as Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay with the three-park Rock Your Weekend ticket.

Youth groups can experience an ideal youth group retreat and take advantage of Rock the Universe group vacation packages, which include one free ticket for every 10 purchased, chaperone access to lounges stocked with complimentary refreshments during the event and on-site hotel accommodations.

All tickets for Rock the Universe 2019 are now on sale. Visit www.RocktheUniverse.com for details on group packages, individual tickets and special offers for Annual Passholders. Get your tickets now, February is right around the corner!

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EVE tickets are now on sale and start at $109.99. Special offers include $30 off tickets purchased before
Dec. 15, plus a special discount for Annual Passholders. VIP ticket packages are also available and include two complimentary drinks, additional premium food options and a private viewing area for the pyrotechnics display. For tickets and event details, visit www.CityWalk.com/EVE.

Guests can also ring in the New Year at Universal Studios Florida, where the Music Plaza Stage and Central Park areas will transform into party zones featuring live music, appearances by beloved Universal Orlando characters and essential party favors. Festivities continue as the new lagoon show, Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration, caps off a full day in the parks and pyrotechnic displays blast off at midnight to mark the start of a new year.

New Year’s Eve celebrations at Universal Studios Florida are included with regular theme park admission or a Preferred or Premier Annual Pass (Annual Passes are now available with up to six months free). Guests planning to celebrate the holidays at Universal Orlando can also take advantage of the Holidays Splash, Stay and Play package, which includes $100 savings on travel from November 17-January 6.

Universal Orlando’s on-site hotels will also offer unique dining options, live entertainment, midnight toasts and balloon drops to mark the new year. Highlights include Hard Rock Hotel’s “Rock-In 2018!” and Jake’s “Best of 2018” Beer Dinner at Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Click here for details on hotel events and special ticket offers.

I am now a certified travel agent with Universal Studios Orland so if you are interested in visiting just Email Me and we will get started.

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Brought to life by the award-winning Universal Creative team, Surfside Inn and Suites will offer nightly rates starting at just $73 for a seven-night stay and $85 per night for a four-night stay in a standard room. The hotel will feature 390 2 Bedroom Suites that sleep six and start as low as $111 per night for a seven-night stay.

“This hotel checks every box – quality, family-friendly suites and exclusive benefits that only come with staying in one of our hotels at a value that is simply unmatched in Orlando,” said Vince LaRuffa, Senior Vice President of Resort Sales and Marketing at Universal Orlando Resort. “With the addition of this new Value hotel category, we now offer a hotel for every style and budget.”

Guests at Surfside Inn and Suites can take advantage of exclusive Universal Orlando hotel benefits to enjoy an epic vacation, including:

• Early Park Admission – allowing them to breeze into one of Universal Orlando’s three amazing theme parks an hour before everyone else
• Complimentary shuttle bus transportation to and from the theme parks and Universal CityWalk
• Destination-wide charging privileges with their room key
• Complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the resort to their hotel

Families needing a bit more room will find it easy to relax in the spacious 2 Bedroom Suites, which sleep six comfortably and feature a kitchenette and separate bath and vanity areas. It’s the perfect home-base for families of any size to experience all that Universal Orlando has to offer.

The 750-room Surfside Inn and Suites will feature a relaxed and fun surf vibe with beach details woven throughout the experience. It will be the destination’s seventh hotel in partnership with Loews Hotels & Co.

Sister property Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suiteswill add 2,050 rooms and suites when it opens in 2020. Both hotels will be located minutes away from Universal Orlando’s three theme parks – Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay – as well as its dining and entertainment complex – Universal CityWalk.

To book a stay at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites, visit UniversalOrlando.com or call 800.BE.A.STAR (232-7827).

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Fans will enjoy live performances by 12 of Christian music’s most compelling talent in the heart of Universal Studios Florida. This year’s line-up includes Billboard chart-topping band Casting Crowns; six-time Grammy Award-winning hip-hop artist TobyMac; the musicians of Jesus Culture; and, more.

Plus, enjoy a moving Candlelighting Ceremony on Saturday and the FanZone presented by Coca-Cola® where you can catch more live performances and electronic dance music spun by Sarah Reeves and DJ PROMOTE. You’ll also enjoy the park’s most awesome rides and attractions like Revenge of the Mummy, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and the all-new, high-octane ride, Fast & Furious – Supercharged, which is opening this spring! It’s an unforgettable weekend of faith and fun.

2018 Rock the Universe Artists

Friday, September 7

• Jesus Culture-Music Plaza Stage
• TobyMac-Music Plaza Stage
• Lauren Daigle-Music Plaza Stage
• Red-Hollywood Stage
• Zach Williams-Hollywood Stage
• Trip Lee-Hollywood Stage

Saturday, September 8

• Casting Crowns-Music Plaza Stage
• For King & Country-Music Plaza Stage
• Family Force 5-Music Plaza Stage
• Brandon Heath-Hollywood Stage
• Andy Mineo-Hollywood Stage
• Ryan Stevenson-Hollywood Stage

Rock the Universe is a special ticketed event at Universal Studios Orlando. Tickets and packages will be going on sale soon so make sure to check back for that information when it becomes available.

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The musical stars won’t be the only ones on display as a constellation-themed Mardi Gras parade will keep the good times rolling every night throughout the streets of Universal Studios Florida with breathtakingly detailed floats, festive krewes of colorful dancers and stilt performers, and countless beads. Six new celestial floats – including Taurus, Virgo and Serpentarius – complete a lineup of 12 intricately hand-crafted floats engineered by Kern Studios, designer of the original New Orleans Mardi Gras floats for more than 50 years.

Guests will also enjoy mouthwatering shrimp po’boys, jambalaya, beignets and more at the French Quarter Courtyard while listening to authentic sounds of New Orleans straight from Bourbon Street.

2018 Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Headliners

These concerts take place in the Music Plaza

• February 3-Sean Paul
• February 10-The Beach Boys
• February 17-Kelsea Ballerini
• February 24-Andy Grammer
• February 24-Macklemore
• March 3-311
• March 4-Phillip Phillips
• March 10-To be Announced
• March 17-Foreigner
• March 18-Fifth Harmony
• March 24-To be Announced
• March 25-BUSH

2018 Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando New Orleans Bands

These concerts take place in the French Quarter Courtyard

• February 3 through February 20-Free Agents Brass Band
• February 21 through March 6-Naughty Professor Brass Band
• March 7 through March 20-New Breed Brass Band
  March 21 through March 31-Young Pinstripe Brass Band
  April 1 through April 7-Dirty Bourbon River Show

Mardi Gras is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with an annual pass. Florida Residents can get three months free on Power, Preferred and Premier Annual Passes with a UPC code from select Coca-Cola products. For more information, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras.

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2017 Rock the Universe Artists

Friday September 8

• Chris Tomlin
• Lecrae
• Kari Jobe
• Lauren Daigle
• 7eventh Time Down
• Social Club Misfits
• Steven Malcolm
• Hollyn
• GAWVI
• Kolby Koloff

Saturday September 9

• Casting Crowns
• For King & Country
• Thousand Foot Krutch
• Andy Mineo
• Family Force 5
• Ryan Stevenson
• DJ Promote
• For All Seasons
• Hannah Kerr
• Aaron Cole

Individual tickets, group tickets, and the Rock Your Weekend Group Getaway vacation package will all be available soon. Now is the time to decide if Rock the Universe 2017 fits into your September calendar so that when the tickets and packages go on sale you and your youth group are ready.

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