What’s Going On In June…
June is always a busy month in Florida and this year is no exception. Of course, the big news is that on 18th June The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is due to open to the public at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure and it promises to be both exhilarating and exciting as it will enable you to personally experience some of the best scenes from the books and movies. The 20-acre island will also feature attractions, shops and restaurants set inside such locations as the Forbidden Forest, Hogsmeade Village and the iconic Hogwarts castle.
Over at Walt Disney World is an event, or rather a series of events, that will enchant theme park guests when glittering light magic, high adventure, dance fever, thrills and chills set the after-dark scene. From June 6 through Aug. 14, “Summer Nightastic!” will light up the entertainment experience with a megawatt parade, a fireworks extravaganza, a rockin’ dance party, concerts and other surprises.
Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot will all present special events designed to add summertime energy to the after-dark theme-park experience. At Magic Kingdom, thousands of tiny lights illuminate the return of the beloved “Main Street Electrical Parade,” and the elaborate new “Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular” paints the night sky more brightly than ever.
Downtown Disney has also been getting something of a makeover as new places like D-Street, a new apparel store where urban inspired product “intersects” with a Disney creative edge and RIDEMAKERZ have sprung up. The RIDEMAKERZ experience invites guests into the ultimate car customizing shop where they can build a one-of-a-kind radio control car or “RIDE”. Between bodystyles and colors, tires and wheels, lights and sounds, accessories and decals, RIDEMAKERZ estimates there are more than 649 million possible build combinations, not including individual decal placement! Downtown Disney has also welcomed several other additions as part of its overall revitalization plan including two new stores, a quick-service restaurant and 3-D technology to the AMC Pleasure Island 24 Theatre Complex.
Debuting at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex this Summer is STAR TREK LIVE. This new interactive stage show begins on June 11, 2010 and is based on the popular science-fiction franchise. The show takes audiences on an exhilarating 30 minute journey offering an unforgettable live theatrical experience for fans of all ages. The show combines fun special effects, audience interaction and an exploration of real space-age technology.
At SeaWorld, the nights will be cooler and the atmosphere even hotter! SeaWorld AfterDark is transforming daytime favorites into nighttime spectacles.
SeaWorld AfterDark is showcasing the park in a whole new light, with a nighttime rock n’ roll extravaganza, a high-energy Shamu show, a hilarious sea lion show and a mystifying fireworks finale. That’s in addition to being able to experience all that’s awesome day and night, like Manta, up-close animal encounters and spectacular shows.
Busch Gardens is amping up the fun in 2010 during Summer Nights with MORE contemporary entertainment, MORE special effects and MORE reasons to stay and play each night from June 11 through Aug. 15. This year, the rides are even wilder and, each night, Busch Gardens goes out with a big, rock-style bang when Kinetix explodes onto the stage in Gwazi Park at 9 p.m.
Kinetix brings together live musicians, singers, dancers and artists from around the world for an original, non-stop 30-minute contemporary rock experience that delivers awesome lighting effects, modern music and high-energy performances.
Also in June, Busch Gardens’ world-class rides are amplified with pulsating sights and sounds to intensify each experience. Thrill rides, such as SheiKra, incorporate strobe lights, black lights, music and other special effects for an even bigger thrill. Even the carousel is amped up with a disco ball, and the Serengeti Express is aglow as it chugs around the park.
So, as you can see, it’s a great time to be in the Orlando area.
