Christmas music mega-sensation Mannheim Steamroller will kick off the holiday festivities with two live concerts at Universal Orlando Resort on Saturday, December 5, 2009. The Grammy Award-winning, platinum-selling group will perform songs they created specifically for the resort's original holiday stage show, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," as well as brand-new music from their newly released album Christmasville. Also appearing will be Chris Isaak on Saturday, December 12 and Natalie Cole will perform on Saturday, December 19. The performances will take place at the new Music Plaza — a permanent, brand-new, state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue located in the heart of the Universal Studios theme park.
At Universal Studios, balloons and floats are reminiscent of the classic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City... except the weather is much better! In addition to the parade, guests to Universal Studios will enjoy performances by marching bands from across the country, a nightly Christmas tree lighting and specially themed holiday shows including The Blues Brothers, Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone and Barney.
Islands of Adventure will celebrate with the Grinchmas, from the popular Dr. Seuss book "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." "Grinchmas," a live stage show that features an original recorded musical score by Mannheim Steamroller. During the show, six songs are performed by a live cast, including the Grinch and The Whos from Whoville. The live musical will be staged in the heart of Seuss Landing and park guests will also have the chance to meet The Grinch.
The festivities don't end at the theme park's turnstiles. The celebration continues at Universal Orlando's three world-class, on-site hotels — Hard Rock Hotel and the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Royal Pacific Resort — which will all glisten with holiday decorations. The hotel's guests will be treated to special holiday movie presentations, tree-lighting ceremonies and carolers. Also, on-site restaurants will feature special holiday menus.
Florida residents can take advantage of special seasonal offers, including:
- Florida residents can save on a 2-park Holiday Pass with the Coca Cola discount, providing unlimited admission to both theme parks through January 31, 2010, for just $79.99 (plus tax).
- Starting at just $76 per person, per night, the Florida Resident Holidays Getaway provides a two-night stay at a hotel near Universal Orlando, 2-day/2-park tickets to both theme parks, complimentary transportation between the hotel and theme parks, plus early park admission. Upgrade to an on-site hotel, starting at $111 per person, per night, and receive complimentary Universal Express access to bypass the regular attraction lines.
