CitySurfing Orlando

Not content to rest on the laurels of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando held a press conference this last week to unveil what they have planned for park guests for 2012.

Artist Rendering of Despicable Me Attraction Entrance Room

The January 25 conference included information on new attractions, upgrades to existing attractions and shows, and more that are coming to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk.

Here’s a quick rundown:

The popular Blue Man Group show will be debuting an entirely new show to audiences in February 2012. Their CityWalk theater is being revamped with cutting edge technology and the show will feature more interaction with the audience. New elements to the show include BMG interacting with enormous “GiPads” (not sure what exactly those are but it sounds fun). The finale will also feature new music.

Hollywood Drive-In Golf is set to open in February, as well. Designed to resemble a classic drive-in theater, one side will be 18 holes of classic horror film themes and the other side will be 18 holes of sci-fi film themes.

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Every year, one of the biggest events in Orlando is the Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Orlando, and part of that is due to the concerts that take place.

This week, the theme park revealed the concert line-up for its 2012 festivities. They take place every Saturday, with the occcasional Friday and Sunday, and start out with a huge Mardi Gras parade followed by a concert from a big name headliner.

Here is the just released list of shows:

• Feb. 11 – The B-52′s
• Feb. 18 – Kelly Clarkson
• Feb. 19 – Boyz II Men
• Feb. 25 – Diana Ross
• March 3 – Goo Goo Dolls
• March 10 – Big Time Rush
• March 16 – J Cole
• March 17 – Sugar Ray
• March 23 – Hot Chelle Rae
• March 24 – B.o.B.
• March 30 – Plain White T’s
• March 31 – Prince Royce
• April 7 – Cyndi Lauper
• April 14 – KC & The Sunshine Band

I am disappointed that there aren’t any classic rock or country acts this year. There are plenty of contemporary acts this year, so I expect to see a younger crowd at most of the shows.

Admission is included in regular park admission for the day, and there is also an “After 5″ discounted pass for those who just want to do Mardi Gras (though if you want to do any of the rides, you really do get a better deal paying for the whole day and doing the rides during the day and the Mardi Gras celebrations at night).

Following each night’s Mardi Gras festivities, you can use your park admission as a complimentary CityWalk Party Pass to access the clubs.

So you do you see any headliners that you’re excited about on this list? Let us know in comments.

Every month, except November and December, the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando hosts a live concert called Velvet Sessions. It’s a 21 and over event that features classic rock and pop artists performing in an intimate club-like atmosphere.

For January 2012, the band tapped to play is The Fixx, which had a string of hit singles in the 1980s including “Saved By Zero,” “One Thing Leads to Another,” and “Red Skies.”

This month’s Velvet Sessions takes place on January 26, 2012.

Tickets are $29 in advance online or $35 at the door. This not only gets you in the door, but free specialty drinks, finger foods and warm-up tunes from 6:30 pm until show time. Complimentary valet parking is also included.

For $50, you can upgrade to VIP, which in addition to the above perks, gives you access to a special viewing area with a private bar serving those free specialty drinks all night.

Here’s a video of one of their hit tunes to prepare you for the show:

How’s this for an unusual crossover? Actress Ginnifer Goodwin, currently starring in ABC’s hit TV series “Once Upon A TIme,” was recently in Orlando. While she was here, she took time out to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando.

On her show, Goodwin plays dual roles, one of which is Snow White.. Shhh! Nobody tell the Evil Queen where she is.

[Photos courtesy Universal Orlando]

Normally theme parks conjure up mental pictures of excess and over-the-top fun. But at part of its parent company’s “Green is Universal” campaign for November, Universal Orlando will be holding an event that celebrates environmentally-friendly living.

On Saturday, November 19, Universal will hold Green Fest 2011 at CityWalk, from noon to 6pm.

During the event, there will be eco-friendly vendors with free samples and organic merchandise for sale, including food and drink.

Orlando band Lighter Exchange will be providing free entertainment during the event, too.

There is no charge to attend Green Fest 2011 itself, since it’s outdoors at CityWalk, but you’ll still need to pay to park at the Universal Orlando parking garage. Currently, that charge is $15 per vehicle (a great excuse to carpool to this eco-friendly event).