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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Universal Orlando’s Blue Man Group show is taking its unique and captivating brand of live entertainment to another level – complete with a new show environment, new music, new technology and new experiences.

Opening to the public on Friday, February 24, the show will take guests on an incredible journey where they’ll join the Blue Men as they discover, engage and explore the world’s obsession with cutting-edge technology. New sections include Blue Men interacting with “GiPads” (think Gigantic iPads), a funny and perceptive look at contemporary modes of communication; and a pulsating new finale featuring an original Blue Man Group music score that will have guests jumping to their feet.

“The heart of our show is, and always has been, the Blue Man, and his inquisitive, wide-eyed take on the world,” said Chris Wink, who co-founded Blue Man Group with Phil Stanton and Matt Goldman. “Our team of artists at Blue Man Productions has created fun, even astounding new visual aspects of the show, and our music team has given us a great new sound. We are really excited to incorporate these elements into the show at Universal Orlando Resort “

“This show will take one of Universal Orlando’s most popular experiences to a whole new level,” said Alice Norsworthy, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Universal Orlando Resort. “It’s the perfect complement to the incredible entertainment we offer at our destination.”

Several of the signature moments that have made Blue Man Group one of today’s best-loved theatrical productions will remain in the show, although in most cases, they have also been updated. And as always, the production will fuse innovative theatrical spectacle with improvisation and vaudeville-inspired comedy, art, science and irresistible music performed by the Blue Man Group live band.

“Many of our audience’s favorite pieces, including ‘Paint Drumming’ and ‘Gum Balls/Marshmallows’ will continue to be a part of the production – and yes, the first few rows will still need to wear ponchos,” added Phil Stanton, Blue Man Group co-founder. “But we have developed some brand new elements of the show that provide a larger-than-life, rousing, interactive experience that I hope will really speak to all cultures and give some of our most devoted fans a new reason to check us out again.”

For more information about Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando Resort – or to purchase tickets – visit www.universalorlando.com/blueman.

Have you attended a live Blue Man Group show? Do you want to? Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts.

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Tickets on Sale Now for One of the Hottest Christian Music Festivals in the Nation, Featuring Performances by Skillet, Relient K, Jars of Clay and More

Universal Orlando Resort’s Rock The Universe returns this September 10 and 11 with one of the most exciting celebrations of Christian music in the nation. Fourteen soul-stirring rock acts will take the stage for a weekend filled with incredible music, inspirational stories from celebrity speakers, and the opportunity to enjoy the most thrilling theme park attractions at Universal Studios Florida.

This year’s Rock The Universe lineup features the spiritual sounds of Christian rock’s hottest acts, such as five-time Grammy award-winning group Jars of Clay; hit band Relient K – featuring popular songs like “Forgiven” and “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been;” Skillet – whose unique symphonic rock sound inspires fans everywhere; and Needtobreathe – whose music has been featured in hit movies and television shows like “The Hills,” “Employee of the Month” and “P.S. I Love You.”

ROCK THE UNIVERSE 2010 LINEUP

Friday, September 10: Skillet, Relient K, Newsboys, Hawk Nelson, Decyfer Down, Kutless, and Chuck Tocco

Saturday, September 11: tobyMac, Jars of Clay, Jeremy Camp, Grits, Needtobreathe, Fireflight,  and Jeff Chandler

Rock The Universe guests will also experience the pulse-pounding thrills and revolutionary attractions that can only be found at Universal Studios Florida. Guests can plummet down a virtual 1,000-foot waterfall in Shrek 4-D, speed through darkness in the world’s first psychological thrill ride in Revenge of The Mummy or rock out at 65 mph on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – a radically-innovative roller coaster that combines hit music, first-ever maneuvers and highly-sophisticated audio and video for a one-of-a-kind ride experience.

There are a variety of ways to experience all the excitement of Rock The Universe 2010. The best value is the “Rock Your Weekend” ticket, which will be sold only in advance and includes admission to both nights of Christian rock concerts, access to the Sunday Morning Worship services and three-day tickets to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure – featuring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the most spectacularly-themed entertainment experience ever created that was inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters. This offer is only available until Sept. 3 and will not be sold at the gate.

ROCK THE UNIVERSE 2010 OFFERS:

“Rock Your Weekend” Ticket

• Must Be Purchased On or Before Sept. 3: $89. 95 for groups, $99.95 for individuals
• Three days’ admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure to use throughout the event
• Admission to both nights of Rock the Universe 2010
• Access to Sunday Morning Worship services

Rock The Universe 2010 Two-Night Ticket

• Advance Pricing: $69.95 for groups, $84.95 for individuals Day-of: $79.95 for groups, $84.95 for individuals
• Admission to Rock The Universe 2010 on both Friday, September 10 and Saturday, September 11

Rock The Universe 2010 One-Night Ticket

• Advance Pricing: $44.95 for groups, $49.95 for individuals Day-of: $57.95 for both
• Admission to Rock The Universe 2010 on either Friday, September 10 or Saturday, September 11

For more information about Rock The Universe 2010 – including the return of the Sunday Morning Worship services and the “Rock Your Weekend” Getaway package – or to purchase tickets, visit www.rocktheuniverse.com or call 1-888-RTU-INFO (1-888-788-4636).

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The Fund’s board of directors approved the 2010 grants to 95 wildlife protection projects including rescue and rehabilitation efforts of endangered manatees and sea turtles, protection of critical habitats such as the Florida Keys, studies of declining shark populations and education programs that inspire people to care for at-risk wildlife.

“The challenges and pressures facing wildlife and entire ecosystems are greater than ever,” said Brad Andrews, president and executive director of the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund and chief zoological officer for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. “We identify projects with the greatest potential to positively impact conservation so that every dollar we grant works as hard as possible to protect the animals.”

Just a few of the many projects and organizations supported in 2010 include:

Preserving the Florida KeysThe Florida Keys are known for sunshine and good times, but the area is also a vital ecological region suffering from environmental degradation. The Florida Keys Wildlife Rescue facility rescues and rehabilitates injured wildlife and educates the public on the importance of keeping the environment safe and clean for present and future generations.

San Diego Turtle and Tortoise SocietyThe San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society is the only non-profit organization in San Diego that rescues turtles and tortoises of any species. They also provide medical care, foster care and permanent home placements. The Fund’s support will help with medical care requirements of the California Desert Tortoise and education of the public concerning the proper care of the tortoise as well as how to help protect species native to California.

Safe Guarding Sea Turtle Nesting SitesCameroon Sea Turtle Society is protecting newly identified green and leatherback turtle nesting sites along the Wole beach in the Republic of Cameroon. This is an important nesting ground for sea turtles threatened by ship building, toxic waste and egg poachers. The Society’s efforts include nesting site clean-ups, creating safe zones that would limit access and educating egg poachers in other income–generating trades.

Bald Eagle Rescue and RehabilitationFlorida supports one of the largest breeding populations of bald eagles in the continental United States. The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey is the leading raptor rehabilitation facility in the region and works to protect bald eagles and their habitat through its rehabilitation program, nest monitoring program, and educational programs that reach more than 35,000 people annually.

Sand Tiger Shark Conservation Due to their unfortunate reputation as a “man-eater”, sharks are often not thought of when the public considers wildlife conservation. The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries is currently doing a study on the decline of the sand tiger shark population along the east coast of the United States. This information will be integrated into the development of the Coastal Sharks Interstate Fishery Management Plan by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to further the conservation of this threatened species.

Conserving the West African ManateeIn Africa, the lack of basic knowledge about West African manatees has been a great hindrance to the long-term conservation of the species. The Wildlife Trust is working to create a unified network of African researchers in countries of the animal’s range to collect collaborative research on the endangered species.

Save the ElephantsThe Mobile Education and Monitoring Unit is a new project that will double the outreach and education capabilities of the Save the Elephants Education Program in Samburu, northern Kenya. The work being done there includes long-term elephant monitoring and conducting mammal census in the Samburu and Buffalo Springs Reserves.

For more information on the Fund, please visit www.swbg-conservationfund.org.

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This year’s Summer Concert Series lineup showcases some of music’s most popular superstars. Each artist has scored top 10 hits on the Billboard charts, sold millions of albums worldwide and produced some of today’s most recognizable songs. Headliners include Train – the voice behind the international hit, “Hey, Soul Sister;” Pitbull – the hip-hop/reggaeton artist known as “Mr. 305;” Pat Benatar – one of the top-selling female artists of all time; Rob Thomas – the front man of award-winning rock band Matchbox 20 and Counting Crows – the chart-topping band whose songs have appeared in films like Shrek 2 and Clueless.

Check out this video for an exciting look at this year’s talent lineup.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2010 LINEUP

• June 12   Train
• June 19  Pitbull
• June 26  Earth, Wind & Fire
• July 3     Pat Benatar & REO Speedwagon
• July 10  Rob Thomas
• July 17  Counting Crows

All concerts will take place at the Music Plaza, the state-of-the-art outdoor music venue located in front of the new Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster at Universal Studios.

Universal Orlando’s Summer Concert Series is included with admission to Universal Studios. Florida residents can take advantage of a variety of offers to make the most of their summer experience at Universal Orlando.

FLORIDA RESIDENT SUMMER OFFERS

2-Park Annual Power Pass

· Access to all seven Summer Concert Series performances

· Admission to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for an entire year (limited blockout dates apply)

· $139.99 plus tax

· Available at www.universalorlando.com

Florida Resident On-Site Hotel Room Offer

· Receive huge savings on a stay at one of Universal’s three world-class on-site hotels

· Starting from $159 plus tax per night

· Receive complimentary Universal Express access to skip the regular lines at most rides and attractions

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photo courtesy of Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove’s Mother’s Day Escape package is the perfect gift for a memorable Mother’s Day that includes something very “splashy” to show how much mom is appreciated — a “love note” delivered by an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin.

Located in the heart of Orlando, Discovery Cove provides a secluded, tropical retreat where families can enjoy extraordinary adventures through up-close encounters with exotic marine life and other animals. In the sparkling Tropical Reef, families can snorkel, swim and wade among thousands of tropical fish and hundreds of velvety rays. In the Explorer’s Aviary, guests can hand-feed more than 250 exotic birds. A winding river, sandy beaches and resort pool add to the paradise, but the highlight of Discovery Cove is the dolphin experience, where guests enjoy interacting with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins – for most, a dream come true. And for Moms, a dolphin delivers a personalized “love note” on a keepsake buoy for a fantastic finale.

In addition, this special Mother’s Day Escape package features Crabtree & Evelyn® La Source spa essentials gift basket, photo and frame, champagne and a private cabana, and is available April 26 through May 9, 2010 for $329. Package prices are in addition to park admission and require the purchase of at least one dolphin-swim, which start at $199 per person, plus tax.

With approximately 1,000 guests per day, guests can enjoy the all-inclusive benefits of a light continental breakfast, freshly-prepared lunch, as well as snacks and beverages throughout the day. Other park amenities include complimentary snorkel gear, towels, lockers and parking, as well as a 14-day, unlimited-use pass to SeaWorld or Aquatica in Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

For those looking to “wow” Mom this Mother’s Day, visit DiscoveryCove.com or call
1-877-434-7268 to make a reservation.

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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. This is one of my noso-easy recipes.

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.

The post Universal Orlando Chef’s Jambalaya Recipe appeared first on The Mom Maven.

To best enjoy all Universal Orlando offers, guests may consider the four-night package featured below. Guests can add additional nights and also upgrade their theme park tickets to include park-to-park access, allowing them to go to both Universal theme parks each day. Additional packages are available with prices starting at $285 per-adult ($829 for a family of four) for four nights at a hotel near Universal. All packages and prices are available at UniversalOrlando.com. All travel begins May 28.*

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Package – Four Nights

On-site package starts at $645 per-adult ($1,548 for a family of four)

On-Site Package Benefit:

• Four-night accommodations at one of Universal’s three on-site AAA Four Diamond hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• Three days admission to Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks (park-to-park not included)
• Complimentary Universal Express access to bypass the regular lines at select theme park rides and attractions (a $70 value per day)
• Early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks
• Commemorative ticket for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Good for travel beginning May 28, 2010

This post is solely for your information. TheMomMaven.com does not endorse the reading of or participating in any activities related to the Harry Potter series of books and movies.

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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.

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