Universal also launched an all-new “Join the Resistance” Facebook experience to prepare fans for the battle they’ll experience on the mega-attraction. “Recruits” can create their very own NEST IDs, train for battle, access exclusive photos and video and win prizes – including a trip to the attraction’s grand opening celebration on June 20.

TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D is a mind-blowing, action-packed ride experience that pushes the limits of technology to place guests in the middle of a larger-than-life battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. The ride was created under license from Hasbro, Inc. and is based on its iconic TRANSFORMERS brand.

The battle begins when guests enter the NEST facility – the headquarters for the government operation that partners with the Autobots to protect Earth from the Decepticons. While inside, they are recruited to help protect the AllSpark – a powerful energy source that would allow the Decepticons to destroy the planet. Guests board EVAC – an Autobot created exclusively for the attraction – to transport the AllSpark to safety. But beware…the Decepticons are in close pursuit…

For more information about Universal Orlando and TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D, visit www.universalorlando.com.

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Paint Drumming

The Blue Man Group show is a mixture of music and interactive comedy and is entertaining for the entire family. the classic Paint Drumming was awesome to see in person and the gum balls and marshmallows really show off the cast’s excellent timing and skill. (Beware of the marshmallows, one ended up under my son’s shoe and by the end of the show it was a sticky mess that had to be cleaned off in the bathroom sink!)

My favorite part of the show were the new Gi Pads (think gigantic iPads). The way they poke fun at those of us who live our lives fully on line was funny and entertaining. The apps on the GiPads were hilarious and we couldn’t wait to see what would happen each time they clicked into a new app.

There is a good bit of audience interaction in the show so who knows, you might just end up in the show! The show is very loud and because of that I wouldn’t recommend it for very young children or those who have issues with loud noises but other than that, this show is a must see for everyone in the family.

The show schedule varies by season so make sure you check the schedule when you plan your trip. Tickets range in price from $69+ for ages 10+ and $29+ for children ages 3-9. For more information visit http://www.universalorlando.com/blueman.

Disclosure: we saw the show as guests of Universal Orlando. All opinions are 100% ours.

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This year’s Holidays event runs December 4 through January 1, 2011, and offers guests incredible entertainment themed for the season at both its theme parks.

At Universal Studios Florida, the Macy’s Holiday Parade will fill the streets every evening with the same iconic balloons seen winding through New York City. The parade features colorful holiday characters, floats, balloons and a tree-lighting ceremony by Santa Claus.

Kadence Wolfe, 4, from Gainesville, Ga., couldn’t stop smiling as The Grinch welcomed her to Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Photo courtesy of Universal Studios.

At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, adults and children alike will be entertained when the popular Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is brought to life in Grinchmas. Guests can see a live stage show featuring The Grinch and The Whos from Whoville with an original recorded musical score by Mannheim Steamroller. Also, guests will have the opportunity to meet The Grinch and the strolling Whos, and on select dates, purchase a spot at a special character breakfast with The Grinch.

Guests can also enjoy the sounds of nightly a capella holiday music at Universal Studios. And, on December 4, 11 and 18, Mannheim Steamroller – the masters of Christmas music with more than 30 million albums sold worldwide – will play their memorable holiday music for guests on the Music Plaza stage. Guests can explore the nearby, all-new Holiday Village, filled with hand-blown glass ornaments, caramel apples, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts and a cupcake decorating location.

The celebration continues at Universal Orlando’s three on-site hotels – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort – all of which will glisten with holiday decorations. Hotel guests will be immersed in the spirit of the season with tree-lighting ceremonies, special musical performances, holiday “dive-in” movie presentations and holiday buffets and dining events. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel kicks off the season on Friday, November 26 with ‘Holiday Harbor Nights’, a wine tasting, food and jazz celebration on the piazza. Hard Rock Hotel welcomes Santa to the Kitchen restaurant on Fridays in December and Loews Royal Pacific Resort rings in the new year with ALOHA 2011, a New Year’s Eve celebration, with a special kids-only party right next door to the main event. Florida Residents can enjoy discounted rates at each of the three on-site hotels.

All holiday entertainment – including the Mannheim Steamroller concerts – is included as part of 2-Park or Multi-day admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

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Viewers will be treated to highly-visual and entertaining events commemorating the opening of the world’s most anticipated entertainment experience. Viewers may even get a glimpse of stars from the “Harry Potter” films who will be in attendance at the events.

Live updates from the grand opening events will also be shared on Universal Orlando Resort’s Twitter page – www.twitter.com/UORnews.

More than five years in the making, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the most highly anticipated entertainment experience of 2010. The 20-acre area inspired by J.K. Rowling’scompelling stories and characters features multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant and brings the magic of Harry Potter to life.

Celebrity Preview Wednesday, June 16 from 9:30 – 10:00 PM EDT

Official Public Grand Opening Friday, June 18 from 9:00 – 9:30 AM EDT

Go to www.UniversalOrlando.com/HarryPotterNews and click on the LIVE FEED button at the top left of the home page (next to the RSS feeds button)

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