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New Ways to Experience Attractions at Disneyland Park in 2016

DL Railroad
DL Railroad

DL Railroad

Beginning this month, guests at the Disneyland Resort will have unique, limited-time opportunities to experience some favorite Disneyland attractions in new ways. Have you ever wondered how the Disneyland Railroad steam engines run or what the Jungle Cruise skippers do when not in their boats? You’ll soon get to find out!

The Disneyland Railroad will be temporarily closed this year while construction begins for Star Wars Land. While it’s closed, you can get up-close with the historic steam engines and learn about them firsthand from the train engineers and even take a picture with an engine. Each engine will be accompanied by knowledgeable train engineers, who will share fun facts, details on how the engines operate, stories from the history of the Disneyland Railroad and more.

Head over to the Main Street or New Orleans Square Train Stations for this unique experience!

The world-famous Jungle Cruise will also be closed for refurbishment early this year. While it’s closed the skippers will be in front of the attraction sharing their stories, adventures and humor with guests. Stop by for an entertaining chat while the Jungle Navigation Company headquarters readies for reopening later this year.

There will also be new, limited-time experiences aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia.

More information about those is still to come.

What do you think about these new experiences coming to Disneyland? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

For more information on special experiences and updates at the Disneyland Resort, or for assistance with booking your next magical adventure, email me at [email protected]

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Storms Into Number One Spot

Star Wars
Star Wars

Star Wars

Named one of the top films of 2015 by AFI, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which stormed into theaters just 20 days ago, is breaking records in every category.  The latest announcement is that The Force Awakens just became the Number One film surpassing Avatar’s record of $760.5 million in lifetime gross sales.

As of January 5th, the film has grossed $800 million in international box office numbers and  $758.2M domestically, for a grand total of $1,558.2 million  since its global debut.

Listed below are the numbers showing all the records, Star Wars: The Force Awakens has broken to date:

  • Fastest film to reach $100 million in 21 hours, $200 million in 3 days, $300 million reached in 5 days, $400 million was hit at day 8, $500 million in 10 days, $600 million was achieved in 12 days and $700 million mark within 16 days, with the latest $800 million in 20 days of release date.
  • Biggest all-time debut and biggest December debut ($247.966 million)
  • Biggest second weekend of all time ($149.2 million)
  • Biggest third weekend of all time ($90.2 million)
  • Biggest Thursday preview gross ($57 million)
  • Biggest Friday, opening, and single day ($119.1 million)
  • Biggest Sunday ($60.55 milion)
  • Biggest Monday ($40.1 million)
  • Biggest Tuesday ($37.3 million)
  • Biggest Christmas Day ($49.3 million)
  • Biggest New Year’s Day ($34.39 million)
  • Highest per-theater average for a wide debut ($59,982)
  • Biggest opening week ($390.85 million)
  • Biggest IMAX debut ($30.1 million)

World wide the film has hit record highs as well including, highest global opening weekend of all time ($528.967 million), passing the $1 billion mark in a record 12 days, biggest global IMAX debut ($48 million) with a high of $152 million in IMAX in a record 19 days. It was the highest international film debut in December history at $281 million and holds the number one spot in 18 major markets world wide.   With the final debut in two days in China, we can expect to see these numbers soar even higher.   Disney Addicts…what did you think of Star Wars: The Force Awakens?  Is it one of your favorites?

 

When Will the 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Begin?

2015 10 02 17.47.04 2
2015 10 02 17.47.04 2

Epcot

The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival at the Walt Disney World Resort is a food and wine lover’s paradise! This annual event happens in the fall and has something to satisfy almost every taste and interest. Dine your way around the world. Cultivate your cooking skills. Savor a rare vintage. Enjoy an exhilarating outdoor concert.

 

Some of the highlights at the festival are:

  • International marketplaces featuring tasty tapas and refreshing beverages
  • Cooking demonstrations and dining events – including experiences with celebrity chefs
  • Mixology classes and wine tastings
  • Live musical performances by popular hit-makers

 

There are so many different ways to make lasting memories at the Food and Wine festival!

 

The 2015 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival lasted from September 25 to November 16. Exact dates and specific information for the 2016 Food and Wine Festival have not been released yet. Based on last year’s dates, I predict the dates for this year will be September 23-November 14. Last year the dates were released in January so we’ll hopefully have that information soon!

 

If you’d like to be notified when the dates for this year’s event are released, email me at [email protected] and I will add you to my list! As a travel agent with World of Magic Travel I can also help you plan your magical vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort and find you the best promotion available. And my services are completely free!

 

Are you excited for the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival this year? Tell me your thoughts in the comments!

SoCal Residents Receive Ticket Deal for Disneyland Resort

DL Ticket
DL Ticket

DL Ticket

Starting today Southern California residents can get discounted tickets to Disneyland. For $149, residents get two visits by May 26 – going to Disneyland twice, Disney California Adventure twice or each park once. The non-discounted price for the same ticket is $185. That’s a pretty great deal for SoCal residents!

The discount is only for residents with a ZIP code of 90000 to 93599, which covers the stretch from the Mexican border to Palmdale. Residents in Northern Baja California in Mexico are eligible as well. Tickets must be purchased by May 19 online or at Disney stores, some supermarkets and the parks’ ticket booths. There is also a period when the tickets are not good: March 20 to April 2. That is usually the Spring Break rush at the Disneyland Resort.

This discount announcement comes just 5 days before a portion of the park will be closed to begin construction on Star Wars Land. Even though some of the park will be off-limits during the promotion, there will still be plenty for guests to experience and enjoy! The Diamond Celebration is still going on (through Sept. 5th) as well as Season of the Force in Tomorrowland, which is expected to continue until the summer.

Will you be visiting the Disneyland Resort during this promotion?

The Disneyland Resort is a magical place that everyone should experience at least once! Email me at [email protected] or follow me on Facebook for more information about discounts or to book your next amazing vacation!

 

Calvin & Hobbes Star Wars Force Awakens Mash Up Series

star wars the force awakens gets calvin hobbes style mashup art series1
star wars the force awakens gets calvin hobbes style mashup art series1

star-wars-the-force-awakens-gets-calvin-hobbes-style-mashup-art-series1

Disney Animation Studios and Marvel Comics artist Brian Kesinger has just resurrected my childhood with these Star Wars: The Force Awakens comics based off of the Bill Watterson classic strip Calvin & Hobbes!

star-wars-the-force-awakens-gets-calvin-hobbes-style-mashup-art-series

He recently started posting these fun comics to his Twitter Account @briankesinger just a few days ago!

star-wars-the-force-awakens-gets-calvin-hobbes-style-mashup-art-series3

So far there’s only 4 comics available with hopefully more on the way.

To see the 4th comic just click here and follow him on Twitter.

I am saving the best for last. If you have seen the movie you will remember that scene with Poe Dameron. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

 

Photo Credit Brian Kesinger via Twitter

Our Favorite Disney Things – The Ariel Collection

Ariel Collection 6
Ariel Collection 6

Ariel Collection 6

Our Favorite Disney Things Princess collection continues today with one of my childhood favorites; Ariel! The little mermaid had little girls singing anytime they were in the water when it was first released, especially me! I was so excited to put together my favorite Ariel picks.

Ariel Collection 2

One of my favorite parts in The Little Mermaid, is when Ursula steals Ariel’s voice. I loved the Aaah aaah aaah and the glowing necklace capturing every note. The Gold Ariel Voice Necklace from mermaidjewelryshop captures the essence of Ursula’s necklace holding our dear siren’s voice within.

Ariel Collection 3

Of course we can’t kick off a mermaid inspired collection with out a mermaid tail! The Ariel inspired Mermaid Tail from MagicalMermaidsLLC not only looks like Ariel’s flipping fins, you can also swim AND walk in it! The tail can be work with out without a monofin for swimming to give you versatility on using it.

Ariel Collection 4

Flipping your fins you won’t get to far, legs are required for jumping, dancing and wearing gorgeous Ariel High Heels from FairytaleMidnight. I really do love their hand fashioned princess shoes. They ar enot only sparkly, but really capture the iconic feel of each princess.

Ariel Collection 6

These darling little Ariel Hoop Earrings aren’t just beautiful, they’re miniature works of art. Artmary2 handcrafts each polymer figure by hand with incredible detail. I love them!

Ariel Collection 1a

I’m always on the hunt for great bags for Disneybounding. This Ariel Inspired Tote Bag from SewSewsBags is perfect because it embodies Ariel, without being super obvious. These bags are nice and roomy with pockets to organize so they are great for every day or chilling at the Disney Parks.

Ariel Collection 7

I love to include a pair of princess themed ears in these collections, because it’s so fun to have unique Mickey Ears to wear when at a Disney Resort. TangledinEarsx3 makes my favorite pair of Ariel themed Mouse Ears I’ve seen yet, they have her classic colors, mermaid scales and a DINGLEHOPPER! I mean how can you top that?

Ariel Collection 8

Our final addiction to our Little Mermaid collection is the Mermaid Shell Bow Top from designer TheClover88. Another find that’s great for Disneybounding or just because you are feeling like a mermaid. This shirt has an elegant embellishment the “Clover Bow”, a well sewn bow that adorns the back of a racer tank. The bow really sets it apart, and takes a basic tank top to fun and flirty.

Are you ready to dive into the mermaid waters? Which of these items is your must have?

New 2016 Events at LEGOLAND Florida Resort

LEGOLANDFLORIDA LEGOMOVIE 0001
LEGOLANDFLORIDA LEGOMOVIE 0001

WINTER HAVEN, FLORIDA -- LEGOLAND® Florida celebrates the launch of the first-ever, full length theatrical LEGO® adventure, “The LEGO® MovieTM”, with a movie-themed weekend in the park on Feb. 8 and 9, 2014. Guests can head to their local theatre to watch “The LEGO Movie,” opening nationwide on Friday, February 7, 2014, and then come to LEGOLAND Florida to see LEGO come to life amidst more than 50 rides, shows and attractions and special movie-themed fun all geared for families with children ages 2 to 12. (PHOTO / LEGOLAND Florida, Merlin Entertainments Group, Chip Litherland)

LEGOLAND Florida Resort is bigger and better than ever! What a year they had in 2015 with the opening of the Bricktacular LEGOLAND Hotel, and the new themed land Heartlake City! Now they plan on inviting you all to an amazing year long celebration in 2016 with  a 5 year anniversary line-up full of old favorites and new events that promise to entertain all ages!

Two all-new events exclusively available to Florida guests – “The LEGO® Movie™” 4D Weekends and LEGOLAND Night Lights – join returning favorites Brick or Treat and Christmas Bricktacular for a year packed full of fun.

All events are designed for kids 2 – 12 years old and offer incredible entertainment and great value, plus more than 50 rides, shows and attractions in 13 themed lands. With the single exception of the Brick Dash 5K Run and Fun Walk in April, every event is included with park admission at no additional charge.

Jan. 29: “The LEGO Movie 4D A New Adventure” picks up where the smash-hit movie left off when this dazzling new attraction premieres to guests. In an all-new story created exclusively for LEGOLAND® theme parks and LEGOLAND® Discovery Centers, Emmet, Wyldstyle, Unikitty, MetalBeard and Benny reunite at the invitation of a shady new character, Risky Business, who plans to open a curious theme park bearing a suspicious resemblance to LEGOLAND®. The 12 ½-minute 3D film will play several times a day in the Wells Fargo Fun Town Theater, with “4D” effects such as wind, water, fog and more bringing the action bursting off the screen and into the audience.

Every Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 6-28:The LEGO Movie 4D” Weekends invite fans to celebrate the new adventure of Emmet and his friends with an awesome new event featuring extended park hours, kid-centric activities and meet-and-greet opportunities with every character from the new attraction, including some never seen before in a LEGOLAND® theme park. A fantastic firework display will close out each night.

March 12: LEGOLAND Water Park opens for the 2016 season with an all-new attraction for kids in an expanded area that puts a nautical new twist on the park. Come enjoy a full summer floating along Build-A-Raft River, splishing and splashing in DUPLO® Splash Safari and the Joker Soaker water playground, enjoying a dip in the LEGO Wave Pool, or speed down the Splash Out and Twin Chasers slides. LEGOLAND Water Park will be open on select dates March 12 through October, with daily operation in June, July and August.

April 16: Brick Dash 5K Fun Run and Walk, a Polk County fundraising tradition for more than two decades, benefits Winter Haven Hospital Foundation’s Fund for Women and Children by winding its way through the early-morning beauty of LEGOLAND Florida theme park. The community-focused wellness event welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and offers every participant an exclusive discount to enjoy the park after the event. Registration is required, along with a nominal fee to participate, and will be available online soon.

Every Saturday and Sunday, June 18–July 31: Celebrate summer during LEGOLAND® Night Lights, another brand-new event that lets kids party past their bedtime with extended park hours, high-energy dance parties, uniquely LEGO light displays and much more. Plus, enjoy a spectacular, brick-tacular fireworks show in the sky above Lake Eloise each night of the festivities with a special patriotic show on July 4th.

Sept. 10 and 11: LEGO® Club Weekends Featuring LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland Model Display brings the Force to guests in 2016. Meet LEGO® Darth Vader, learn tricks of the trade from one of our resident Master Model Builders as they show you step-by-step how to build a LEGO Star Wars set, find the hidden items in our Yoda Scavenger Hunt, help build a LEGO Star Wars mural and engage in many more out-of-this-world activities. Best of all, end the night with a custom fireworks show designed just for this event.

Select dates in October: Brick or Treat will be back with more spooky, kooky Halloween fun for kids. Expanded in 2015, the friendly-not-frightening event features trick-or-treating along the Brick or Treat Trail, larger-than-life LEGO models, LEGO build activities, the world’s largest LEGO jack-o-lantern, a scavenger hunt with prizes, and an exclusive, Halloween-themed fireworks show in Pirates’ Cove.

Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28: Firefighter Fridays return in conjunction with the National Fire Protection Association. Come kick off NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week with fun, educational activities that teach kids the importance of fire safety. Every Friday during the month, you’ll also be able to meet some of the real-life firefighters who help keep Polk County safe.

Oct. 15: LEGOLAND’s fifth birthday arrives after a whirlwind of growth and expansion since they opened, including additions like LEGOLAND Water Park, World of Chima™, DUPLO® Valley, Heartlake City and the five-story LEGOLAND Hotel.

Select dates in December: Christmas Bricktacular, the  annual holiday celebration, returns to deck the halls with a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree made of thousands of LEGO and DUPLO® bricks, festive decorations, a life-size LEGO® Santa, reindeer and sleigh, holiday-themed scavenger hunts with prizes and opportunities to build with LEGO alongside the  Master Model Builders. Meet LEGO Santa and LEGO® Toy Soldier during daily park appearances and end the evening with a not-so-silent-night fireworks spectacular set to classic Christmas melodies.

Dec. 31: Kids’ New Year’s Eve is the perfect way to ring in the New Year before bedtime. Come see the giant LEGO brick drop at a very kid-friendly hour, move and groove at an exclusive dance party and wind down the year with awesome fireworks – all before midnight.

 

LEGOLAND HOTEL NEARS COMPLETITIONAfter enjoying the theme park, consider a stay in the brand-new, on-site LEGOLAND Hotel, which features 152 rooms and is located just steps from the park entrance. A buffet breakfast is included each morning of your reservation and kids will love the nightly lobby entertainment and exclusive Master Model Builder workshops available only to hotel guests.

Want the VIP treatment? Our theme park and hotel VIP Experiences offer the ultimate way to enjoy LEGOLAND Florida Resort throughout the year, from breakfast with a LEGO character to premium seating for our fireworks shows to your own VIP host to escort you and your family through the park.

To keep up with everything happening at LEGOLAND Florida Resort and all of the Orlando theme parks, be sure to follow Chip and Co.!  Contact me at [email protected] for more information and planning help for your family vacation!

Gorgeous New Disney Princess Fashion Sketch Mugs

Belle Mug
Belle Mug

Belle Mug

You’ll see the light each sunrise with these elegant latte mugs featuring a vintage-style fashion sketch of Belle, Rapunzel, Snow White or Cinderella that will provide a little touch of escape from your mornings.

 

I love when the Disney Store releases Princess collections with a fashion designer feel. The water color styled screen art strikes a pose for a glamorous start to your morning. The princesses are turned into fashion icons on bright backgrounds reminiscent of their iconic dress colors. The back of the mug displays a full length princess pose with a quote inspired by their story.
Rapunzel Fashion Sketch MugGorgeous New Disney Princess Fashion Sketch Mugs
The Rapunzel Fashion Sketch MugGorgeous New Disney Princess Fashion Sketch Mugs is a vision in purple! Rapunzel is one of my favorite princesses, and I love the touch of butterflies behind her.

Belle Fashion Sketch MugGorgeous New Disney Princess Fashion Sketch Mugs
The Belle Fashion Sketch MugGorgeous New Disney Princess Fashion Sketch Mugs is perfect for escaping into fun adventures between the pages of a book, while sipping your favorite hot beverage.

Snow White Fashion Sketch MugGorgeous New Disney Princess Fashion Sketch Mugs
Awaken refreshed from the deepest sleep with the Snow White Fashion Sketch MugGorgeous New Disney Princess Fashion Sketch Mugs.

Cinderella Fashion Sketch MugGorgeous New Disney Princess Fashion Sketch Mugs
The Cinderella Fashion Sketch MugGorgeous New Disney Princess Fashion Sketch Mugs is love at first site, with no worries about it turning into a pumpkin at midnight!

 

I think this would make a beautiful set of 4 to display in the kitchen, or on a shelf in the dining room! How would you display them?

Zootopia Tsum Tsum Coming in February

Zootopia Tsum Tsum
Zootopia Tsum Tsum

Zootopia Tsum Tsum

Zootopia is a fun new movie coming from Disney, and just in time for it’s release a new Tsum Tsum collection based on the movie is heading our way! February’s Tsum Tsum Tsuesday on the 2nd, will bring 13 fun new characters to the Tsum Tsum family.

The upcoming Zootopia series is one of the largest collections or Tsum Tsums released so far. If you’ve seen the new Zootopia trailer you’ll understand why the Sloth Tsum Tsum is number 1 on my list to get first.

This month brought us the Lion King Tsum Tsum collection, and they were roar-tastically cute! They are a fun new addition with the Lion Guard TV series debuting on Disney Junior later this month.
Mickey Mouse and Friends Valentine Candy Box ''Tsum Tsum'' Plush Set - Mini - 3 1/2''Zootopia Tsum Tsum Coming in February
Also new this month is the Mickey Mouse and Friends Valentine Candy Box ”Tsum Tsum” Plush SetZootopia Tsum Tsum Coming in February! Perfect for your Tsum Tsum loving sweetheart on Valentine’s Day!

Which Tsum Tsum plush is on your must have list?

Happy Stacking!

Top 5 Disney World Resorts to Visit While Resort Hopping

resort hopping
resort hopping

resort hopping

There are over 25 resorts on property at Walt Disney World, and the best way to see them all, besides staying at them all, is to resort hop. This is a great activity for a rest day or a day that you just don’t have park tickets. You can also resort hop even if you’re not staying on Disney property at all. So, hop on a bus, a boat, or a monorail and check out some of the other resorts that you’re not staying at that Disney has to offer.

Here are 5 Resorts that you should absolutely check out while resort hopping.

  • Art of Animation – This resort has larger than life Disney and Pixar scenes. Hang out and take pictures under the sea with Ariel, Nemo and their friends. While you’re there be sure to see Simba and his pals from the pride lands and your favorite characters from Radiator Springs. Inside the main building there are drawings of different characters. And if you’re hungry make your way to Landscape of Flavors where you can foods from around the world.
  • Wilderness Lodge – Make your way to this beautiful resort by boat from Magic Kingdom or by foot from Fort Wilderness. (You can also take a bus.) Wilderness Lodge is themed to feel like a Northwestern National Parks Lodge with high ceilings, totem poles, a large fireplace, and rushing water under a bridge in the lobby. At Christmas time be sure to check out the amazing, and large, Christmas tree. Grab a snack or a meal from Roaring Fork and for a sit down meal there is Whispering Canyon and the signature restaurant Artist Point. Also, be sure to find your way to the geyser by the pool that erupts on the hour.
  • Port Orleans Riverside – Journey to New Orleans where you can stroll through Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou. The resort is beautiful and quiet and really does transport you. Head inside the main building for a bite to eat at the Riverside Mill Food Court or Boatwright’s Dining Hall. You can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride, rent a surrey bike, try your hand at catch and release fishing, or take a boat ride to Disney Springs.
  • The Monorail Resorts – I know, I know this is three resorts and not just one. However, when all you have to do is enjoy a short ride on the highway in the sky between these resorts, why not? All three resorts have unique themes and are worth the time you’ll spend exploring. Enjoy live music in the lobby of the Grand Floridian, watch the monorail soar over your head at the Contemporary, soak up the island vibes at the Polynesian, and dine at any of the various and amazing locations at the three resorts. More great opportunities await you in the evening on the beaches at these resorts – enjoy the Electrical Water Pageant and Wishes!
  • Animal Kingdom Lodge – Here you’ll be transported to Africa and you can see various live animals all without having to enter a theme park. You can enjoy one of the largest collections of African art in the country. You can also enjoy delicious and adventurous eats at The Mara, Boma, Sanaa, and Jiko.

I certainly look forward to my family’s room only vacation in a couple of months where we will be doing a lot of resort hopping.

What is your favorite resort to visit? Let us know in the comments!

My name is Miriya Whitaker, I am a travel agent with World of Magic Travel, and I love all things Disney. Contact me at [email protected]  with any resort questions and/or to start planning your magical vacation. Also, follow me on Facebook for more Disney and travel information!

Photo Credit: Walt Disney World

Walt Disney Studios Takes Top Spots of Most Anticipated Movies of 2016

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rogueonehires900

Star Wars: Rogue One L to R: Actors Riz Ahmed, Diego Luna, Felicity Jones, Jiang Wen and Donnie Yen Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley ©Lucasfilm 2016

Walt Disney Pictures and LucasFilm continues to break records with Star Wars:  The Force Awakens at the box office both domestically and world wide.    Along with the success, the studio has also earned the top two spots for the most anticipated films of 2016.  In the top spot coming in December is Rogue One:  The Star Wars Story.   Perhaps the fact that Force Awakens has been such a huge hit or maybe because there are rumors that Darth Vader and Boba Fett will be in the film, but whatever the reason, Walt Disney Pictures does it again.

Earning the number two spot is the sequel to Finding Nemo – Finding Dory.   The highly awaited sequel finds our friend Dory along with Marlin and Nemo in new adventures to find her family.  Finding Dory, in second place in front of some of the best superhero films.The list below of the top 10 was a big surprise for this Entertainment Writer.  What did you think?  Any surprises?

Top Ten List of the Most Anticipated Movies of 2016:

  1. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (December 16)
  2. Finding Dory (June 17)
  3. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (March 25)
  4. New Untitled Bourne Movie (July 29)
  5. Captain America: Civil War (May 6)
  6. Star Trek Beyond (July 22)
  7. Independence Day: Resurgence (June 24)
  8. X-Men: Apocalypse (May 27)
  9. Zoolander No. 2 (February 12)
  10. The Jungle Book (April 15)

Follow me in 2016 on www.chipandco.com for all the news, updates and notification of all your favorite Disney Movies!

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Celebration- Feb 6- April 16, 2016

Mardi Gras float
Mardi Gras float

Universal Mardi Gras 2016

Universal Orlando finally released the music line-up for this year’s Mard Gras Celebration, and with just a short month away the party will begin! On select nights starting Feb. 6 through April 16 you’ll have the chance to listen to some great music, eat amazing New Orleans cuisine, and see some of the most colorful parade floats imaginable.
For those that don’t already know this…….I’m from New Orleans or “N’awlins” and growing up I remember the sounds and smells of one of the craziest parties you will ever see, Mardi Gras! It was a tradition to attend every parade, scream as loud as you could for beads, and eat as much king cake as possible! Mardi Gras comes as a very close second as my favorite holiday! Now let’s throw (see what I did there!?) Mardi Gras and my favorite theme park together and you get Universal Orlando’s family friendly version of New Orleans’s Mardi Gras celebration!
Just take a look at what Universal Orlando Resort’s have to say about this year’s event:

“Get your fill of authentic Cajun cuisine, a dazzling parade and exhilarating concerts from some of the biggest names in music. And this year’s concert line-up is a must-see with something for everyone to enjoy.”

If THAT doesn’t excite you then just wait until you see the concert line-up and the headliners! This year one of the main headliners include one of rock music’s best-selling bands, Fall Out Boy! I just screamed! I love them! Next headliner is the record breaking teen pop sensation Shawn Mendes. Are you a fan of the 60’s? If so this next headliner will sure to bring back the memories, the legendary singer Diana Ross will be joining the party! Last but not least a few more “WOW” entertainers headlining the event is GRAMMY-nominated recording artist Jessie J and country singer-songwriter Hunter Hayes.

Mardi Gras Talent 2016

Complete line-up:
February 6: Hunter Hayes
February 13: Diana Ross
February 14: Barenaked Ladies
February 20: Nate Ruess
February 27: Fall Out Boy
March 5: Kool & the Gang
March 12: The Fray
March 13: Adam Lambert
March 19: Shawn Mendes
March 20: 3 Doors Down
March 26: REO Speedwagon
April 2: T-Pain
April 9: Jessie J
April 16: Yandel

Any foodies out there? New Orleans has some of the best cuisine in the world, and I’m not just being bias, it’s really THAT GOOD! You’ll get a chance to taste some authentic New Orleans cuisine at the French Quarter Courtyard. A real “MUST TRY” is the gumbo all while listening to some jazz music and bands from Bourbon Street.

Mardi Gras Food
Now we’ve talked about the music, we’ve talked about the amazing food! Now let’s talk about the REAL show. The reason Mardi Gras is as symbolic and memorable, the parades!
Growing up in New Orleans you knew the name, Blaine Kern. This is the company that has been hand-crafting all of the floats for New Orleans’s Mardi Gras celebration since 1947, and they have also engineered floats for Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration.

Mardi Gras Float
This year’s parade will feature four new floats that celebrate the different cultures and festivals from around the world—Venetian Carnival, Oktoberfest, 4th of July and Rio de Janeiro Carnival.
Along with the floats you will have BEADS! More than 1.7 million beads, give or take a few, in this year’s celebration. Go prepared to catch beads by the handfuls!

Mardi Gras Float Mardi Gras Float

I know you are wondering how much is this amazing celebration? Well good news is you can experience it all with your annual pass or your theme park admission to Universal Studios Florida.

You have just a few more weeks before you can experience this amazing event, but rooms are selling out fast. For more information about planning a magical Universal Orlando vacation before it’s too late contact me anytime. I would love to help you plan the best vacation ever!

I hope you enjoy the event and what we like to say in Nawlins, “Laissez les bons temps rouler OR Let the Good Times Roll!”

My name is Leigh Saleh. I’m a Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel. I’m a Universal Orlando Specialist, SeaWorld Parks Specialist, Legoland Florida Specialist and a Disney Destination Specialist as well as many more destinations including cruise linesEmail me today at [email protected] to book your next “Magical” family vacation to your favorite destination.

**The Official photographs provided by Universal Orlando**