College students can get discounted entry to Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park, now through June 30. College students, staff and faculty members can visit Aquatica one time — with up to six guests — for $29.99 per person. A valid college ID must be presented at time of purchase. This offer is available at the front gate box office of Aquatica and only good on the day of purchase. Regular price for a day at Aquatica is $49.99, although Florida residents can currently get deals at the water park’s website for $39.99, For more information, go to www.aquaticabyseaworld.com. Continue reading →

Universal Orlando has introduced an annual-pass deal for Florida residents that gives passholders access to its two theme parks for 15 months. All three types of Universal’s annual passes are eligible, ranging from $164.99 to $349.99. (Note: The least-expensive passes come with black-out dates.) The offer much be purchased and activated by Aug. 31. Universal recently added or upgraded some key attractions. At Islands of Adventure, the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride is now presented in high definition, and Universal Studios theme park now features Universal’s Superstar Parade and Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular, an end-of-night lagoon show with fireworks, fountain-based effects and movie clips. Opening this summer at the Studios — Universal has not announced a more exact date yet – will be Despicable Me Minion ... Continue reading →

By Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel2:29 p.m. EST, May 24, 2012 Guests at Legoland's new water park attempt to break a world record by throwing hundreds of beach balls into the air simultaneously during a preview of the park in Winter Haven, Fla. Thursday, May 24, 2012. The grand opening is Saturday, May 26, 2012. (Gary W. Green, Orlando Sentinel / May 24, 2012)Legoland Florida previewed its new water park for more than 1,300 guests Thursday. The park-within-a-park, which officially opens Saturday, requires admission to Legoland plus an additional $12 surcharge. Thursday's guests were allowed in free as the park attempted to set a world record for tossing beach balls into the air. The previous record was 400 participants. Legoland officials expect to have the effort ... Continue reading →

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WhirlyDome opened for business this week, and I made a quick visit to check out the home of WhirlyBall and other games. It wasn’t very crowded, but you wouldn’t expect it to be on a midafternoon weekday of the first week of operation. But I did get the lay of the land and learn a little more about WhirlyBall. WhirlyDome is located at 6464 International Drive, former site of Sports Dominator. It has a new color scheme, but the giant athlete still dominates the exterior. (Those are Magical Midway rides in the background.) Almost immediately inside the front door is the WhirlyBall court. A game typically is two, five-member teams in “WhirlyBugs,” a sort of bumper car. More than a dozen windows surround the court, ... Continue reading →

Legoland Florida’s water park officially opens to the public this Saturday, but there’s a chance to preview it for free (and set a world record) on Thursday. Folks wanting to participate must be at Legoland Florida’s main entrance at 9 a.m. Thursday. The first 400 guests will receive free admission plus a free T-shirt and beach ball. The park, which opened in Winter Haven in October, will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for “most beach balls in the air at one time.” The current mark is 400. Participants will be allowed to stay in the water park and the rest of Legoland for the entire day. Note: No free admissions will be allowed after 9:30 a.m. The water park — featuring a lazy ... Continue reading →

Skillet is one of the headlining acts of the Friday session of Rock the Universe at Universal Studios in September. Tickets for Rock the Universe, the two-night Christian music festival at Universal Studios theme park, are now on sale. The event, which runs Sept. 7 and 8, offers several ticket options. A one-night ticket costs $52.99 per person when purchased in advance, $60.99 when purchased day-of. A two-night ticket runs $84.99 in advance and $85.99 day-of. The “Rock Your Weekend” ticket costs $109.99 and includes both nights of the event, access to the Sunday-morning worship service and all-day admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for three days: Sept. 7-9. This option must be purchased by Aug. 31. There are discounts available for annual ... Continue reading →

Discovery Cove, the swim-with-dolphins tropical resort, has upped its side benefits. Customers now get passes to two sister attractions – SeaWorld Orlando theme park and Aquatica water park — for 14 days. Previously, guests had to choose between SeaWorld or Aquatica. Amenities within Discovery Cove include full-day access to the Grand Reef’s snorkeling with rays and fish, 30-minute dolphin interactions, calm beaches and exotic birds plus two meals, snacks and beverages throughout the experience. The attraction will add Freshwater Oasis, which will feature face-to-face encounters with otters and marmosets, at some point this summer. A day at Discovery Cove costs between $319 and $359, depending on availability. A Florida resident discount offer kicks in Aug. 23, according to the website, providing Discovery Cove admission for ... Continue reading →