Florida is one of the top vacation destinations in the nation because it has plenty of what vacationers look for — beaches, theme parks and shopping. In addition, theme parks offer extended hours, roll out special shows and include concerts by some of music's biggest talents! So, if you're planning a Florida vacation or getaway this summer, check out these fun destinations, things to do and special summer events listed below.
1. Busch Gardens' Summer Nights - A Busch Gardens Encore
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is celebrating summer with extended hours and a street-party atmosphere featuring star-quality live performances, special effects and nightly fireworks. Back by popular demand will be Kinetix, a show providing an explosion of music combined with aerobatics, in Gwazi Park each night. Summer Nights kicks off June 9 and continues through August 12, 2012.2. Sounds Like Summer... at Epcot
Legendary music will have Epcot guests rockin' and rollin' this summer when popular tribute bands take the stage at America Gardens Theatre in Epcot's World Showcase. The nightly concerts are included in regular Epcot admission and are staged at 5:45, 7:00 & 8:15 p.m. (except July 4 at 5:15, 6:30, 7:45 & 9:00 p.m.).
The lineup includes tributes to timeless tunes from U2, the Bee Gees, Janet Jackson, Bon Jovi and more. The 2012 lineup:
- June 10-17 - Hotel California (A Salute to the Eagles)
- June 18-23 - Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot (The Ultimate Billy Joel Show)
- June 24-30 - Stayin' Alive (A Tribute to the Bee Gees)
- July 1-7 - Slippery When Wet (The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute)
- July 8-14 - The Police Experience (A Tribute to the Police)
- July 15-21 - Southbound and Company (A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd)
- July 22-28 - 2U (A Tribute to U2)
3. Summer Nights at SeaWorld Orlando
© SeaWorld Orlando
Beginning June 23 and continuing through the summer until August 12, Summer Nights at SeaWorld Orlando will offer guests an evening encore nighttime extravaganza, featuring extended hours, a high-energy Shamu show, hilarious hijinks of a nighttime sea lion show, a nightly fireworks finale and more.
4. Summer Concert Series at Universal
Some of music's biggest names will perform this summer in Universal Orlando's third Summer Concert Series. The chart-topping talent will perform live on Saturdays at Universal's Music Plaza from June 9 through July 14.
- June 9 - Victorious
- June 16 - ZZ Top & 3 Doors Down
- June 23 - TBA
- June 30 - TBA
- July 7 - TBA
- July 14 - TBA
The Summer Concert series is included with regular admission to Universal Studios.
