Nick Hotel's Orlando Guide » Orlando Family Events

Universal Studios Macy’s Holiday Party

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:08:39 +0000

Every night as dusk approaches, the New York Streets of Universal Studios Orlando becomes filled with anticipation as young kids and families eagerly await the holiday procession. At the Macy’s Holiday Parade, floats and balloons from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York City are flaunted before their eyes. This riveting spectacle will have you on your feet as you watch mellifluous marching bands troop pass or active street performers dazzle you with their tricks and talents. After the parade stick around for a tree lighting ceremony complete with music and a spectacular lighting display.

Grinchmas at Universal Studios

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:06:22 +0000

The sights, sounds and attractions of Universal Studio’s greatest cinematic experience are transformed into one big holiday party welcoming the winter season. Come celebrate with Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure with a stroll around Seuss Landing and the holiday decorated Whoville Wonky Tree Lot. Meet the green Grinch himself or watch a live theatrical performance of Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller leads the town of energetic Whos in dance and song to keep the bitter Grinch from ruining Christmas. The next day, start your day with an interactive character breakfast with the Grinch and his friends at the Confisco Grille.

Universal Studios Orlando offers much more holiday cheer. Sing-along to your favorite holiday tunes at the KidZone Holiday Show, Barney’s Christmas Show and Blue Brothers Christmas. At Universal 360 Cinesphere Spectacular, watch scenes from your favorite Hollywood movies projected onto enormous spheres at the Universal Studios Lagoon.

All of Universal Studio’s holiday events are available with the purchase of a 2-park admission ticket. Holiday events at Universal Studios Orlando are held from December 6, 2009 to Jan 1, 2010.

Magic Kingdom’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:03:51 +0000

Once upon a time in Orlando’s Magic Kingdom, Disney characters roamed the snowy Main Street as Cinderella’s castle shined brightly behind them. At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a slew of holiday festivities and live entertainment help you welcome the holiday season. Spot Santa Clause or your favorite Disney characters at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade then watch colorful fireworks illuminate the night sky. Warm up with cookies and cocoa as you witness snow fall onto Main Street, U.S.A. afterwards, enjoy the other sights and attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, kids of all ages are invited to take part in this Disney winter wonderland. Events take place on select nights only and a separate ticket is required to attend. This year’s event will be held from 7:00PM to 12:00AM on the following dates: November 10, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, and 29 and December 1, 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 18.

Special tickets are required. Order tickets by calling (407) 934-7639.

SeaWorld’s Polar Express Experience

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:00:52 +0000

All aboard the Polar Express as this whirlwind simulator ride at SeaWorld Orlando takes you on a journey beyond your wildest dreams. Based on the 2004 animated film, the Polar Express Experience gives adventurers one high-flying helicopter and fast-paced train ride. Pass scenes from the movie and experience realistic sounds, smells and motion effects that simulate a trek through the chilly North. First stop, the North Pole! Gentle beluga whales, friendly walruses and snow white polar bears are there to greet you. What would a journey to the North Pole be without jolly Old St. Nick and snow capped villages illuminated by the starry sky? Get ready for one fantastic ride starting with the all too familiar whistle of the Polar Express.

The Polar Express Experience takes place from November 13, 2009 – January 3, 2010.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:36:24 +0000

As an NHL expansion team, the Tampa Bay Lightning first took the ice during the 1992-1993 season where they quickly became a part of the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division. Nicknamed the ‘bolts,’ the professional hockey team saw disappointing loses and an internal financial crisis before winning the coveted Stanley cup in 2004. Today, the bolts call St. Pete Times Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida home. Catch fast-paced hockey action in pure Florida fashion.

Orlando, Florida Spring Training

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:34:40 +0000

From Mid-February to the beginning of the regular Major League Baseball season, visitors and locals of the Sunshine State can catch all the Florida Grapefruit League action as well as professional pre-season baseball games. Here, sixteen teams battle under the warm Florida sun at various sports parks and stadiums throughout Florida.

Orlando, Florida is conveniently located near the Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee, home of the Houston Astros spring training. The Atlanta Braves pre-season games can also be experienced at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in the Walt Disney Resort.

Sports Events at Amway Arena

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:32:23 +0000

A slew of name changes can’t mask the Amway Arena’s chief function as a premier sports venue. Built in 1989, Amway Arena has been coined different nicknames, like the Orlando Arena, TD Waterhouse and the Arena in Orlando. Today, Amway Arena is currently home to the NBA’s Orlando Magic and the Arena Football League’s Orlando Predators. Besides hosting its fair share of sporting events, Amway Arena produces a wide range of entertainment events, concerts, ice shows and even high school graduations. Construction of the Orlando Events Center is currently underway and is expected to be completed for the Orlando Magic’s 2010-2011 season.

Lake Eola Park Music Events

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:49:11 +0000

At Lake Eola Park, 43-acres of scenic landscape, flower beds and glistening lake water nestled in the heart of downtown Orlando provide visitors a chance to relax, take a break and soak up the sun. Home to the Lake Eola fountains, Orlando’s city symbol, Lake Eola Park allows visitors to run, bike or take a stroll around the .9-mile lakeside path. Enjoy paddle boating and romantic gondola rides or discover the swans, birds and other wildlife which roam the park freely. Kids will enjoy the Walt Disney Amphitheater and playgrounds. Whether you’re taking a mid-day breather or enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon, Lake Eola Park is the place to enjoy the sunny Florida weather and spectacular views of the Orlando city skyline.

Established in 1888 when the first parcel of land was donated by a local family, Lake Eola was officially made into a park in 1892. In 1912 the first Lake Eola fountain was added. Renovations to the park where done in 1988 as well as in 2007, when a kids’ playground and the Walt Disney Amphitheater hosting special events and concerts were added.

Kissimmee Free Concert Series

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:47:16 +0000

Relax with blankets and lawn chairs as you treat your ears to a free concert series in Lakefront Park from January to May. Put on by the City of Kissimmee near Orlando, Florida, free music events expose concert goers to a wide range of musical genres, talented musicians and dancers. Rhythm & Blues, Caribbean Fusion and Jazzfest are only a few of the festival themes. The Symphony in the Park concert concludes the series in May. Each concert also features music, dance, art and plenty of food.

Live Music at the House of Blues

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:45:04 +0000

In 1992, the now infamous House of Blues first opened its doors in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A project undertaken by Isaac Tigrett, his vision was to create a place where art, music and good food could collide in a showcase of the South’s rich music and artistic history. Today, the House of Blues name has become synonymous with quality concerts celebrating the rural South’s Rhythm & Blues, Gospel, Jazz and Rock & Roll genres. A scrumptious dining menu with a twang of Southern flair completes this entertaining experience.

At the House of Blues in Orlando, Florida, a giant water tower overlooks the Downtown Disney Promenade. Inside the artistic styles of Mr. Imagination and the traditional “Crazy Quilt” hang on display. The House of Blues in Orlando is never short on concerts and tasty food including the famous Gospel Brunch. Here, a home-cooked buffet and inspiring gospel performances give plenty of food for the soul.