Nick Hotel's Orlando Guide » Orlando Family Vacation

Firefighter Hero Celebration

Team Nick — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:00:16 +0000

In honor of all firefighters and their families, we’ve put together special weekends of activities to show our appreciation.

•Hero Celebration March 14, 2010 Join us in Studio Nick for a red-hot celebration with special firefighter guests, live game shows and free pizza. Local fire departments will compete in a head-to-head battle. Come see who gets pied and who gets SLIMED!

•Antique Fire truck display Saturdays and Sundays Get up-close-and-personal with real life fire trucks. Encounter tall ladders, long hoses and all the tools used throughout the years to fight fires. Sponsored by Florida Antique Bucket Brigade.

•Support National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Every day Donate to this organization when you check in and you’ll receive your very own firefighter helmet.

•Fire Public Education Select Saturdays Stop, drop and roll! Learn about important fire safety tip with local firefighters. Experience a simulated fire drill in a portable safety house, sponsored by Kissimmee Fire Department. Plus, you’ll get the chance to take pictures in front of a big, red fire truck.

•Bucket Brigade Saturdays and Sundays Kids and parents compete to fill big buckets with water. The team that fills their bucket first wins! A competition wouldn’t be complete without a SLIME finale.

•Jell-O Eating Contest Saturdays and Sundays Get ready to compete! Join us for a red, white and blue Jell-O eating contest.

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.

Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:48:45 +0000

Prepare yourself for the magical world of wizards, witches, spells and potions at the new Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Set to open in 2010, the theme park based on the best-selling book series by J.K. Rowling, will be located within Universal’s Island of Adventure. Wind your way up and down the corridors and classrooms of Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry or experience the shrill of the Forbidden Forests. Fans will enjoy a trip to the inviting rooftops of Hogsmeade and many other book locations. Amongst the attractions, rides, shops and restaurants set to open next year are Dervish and Banges gift shop, Three Broomsticks and Owl’s Eye View.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios

Team Nick — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:44:06 +0000

Roaring to life this summer is Universal Studio Orlando’s Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. Strap in and climb a 17-story vertical lift. As your reach the top, blast your way down adrenaline pumping drops, vertical loops, twists and curves. With construction beginning in May 2008, this technologically advanced coaster will reach speeds up to 65-miles per hour for one thrilling, hair raising experience. Rip Ride Rockit will also include a high-tech on-board sound system allowing riders to customize the music they jam to while on board. Riders can choose from disco, rock, pop and other genres. The ride comes complete with individual video cameras so riders can record, edit and send their personalized videos to a friend.

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.