Linda Mac's Orlando Adventures

I made an unexpected quick trip up to Universal Studios and found a few new additions since my last visit. The Simpsons have joined the Universal Family and are now doing meet and greets just inside the park entrance. Bart and Lisa were greeting guests when I arrived and according to a cast member I spoke with, Homer and Marge are alternating with Bart and Lisa. Their arrival coincides with the release of the upcoming Simpsons Movie opening this weekend and the new Simpsons attraction which will open in 2008 in the former home of Back To The Future at Universal Studios.

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The construction walls around the future Simpson's attraction now features all the characters from the show. Many people were acting out what the characters were doing while having their picture taken. The new attraction will let you experience a side of Springfield previously unexplored as you enjoy the new ride's interpretation of thrill rides, dark rides and "live" shows that make up a new fantasy amusement park "Krusty Land" dreamed up by the show's cantankerous Krusty the Clown. For more information on the upcoming Simpson's attraction, please visit our Universal Orlando Resort News Page and scroll down a few stories.

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Springfield's most famous convenience store has opened at Universal Studios in Orlando. This Kwik-E-Mart features Simpson's merchandise and is located in the building formerly occupied by the Back To The Future gift shop. The new Simpson's Mega Attraction which is located next to the Kwik-E-Mart and is set to open in the Spring of 2008. The new attraction will replace Back To The Future - The Ride in the World Expo section of the theme park.

The Simpson's Attraction Information - Guests will be rocketed along with the Simpson family on a hysterical, almost unimaginable adventure. They'll experience a side of Springfield previously unexplored as they enjoy the new ride's interpretation of thrill rides, dark rides and "live" shows that make up a new fantasy amusement park "Krusty Land" dreamed up by the show's cantankerous Krusty the Clown. The attraction will feature the show's classic humor and many instantly recognizable characters -- all voiced by the original actors. "The ride is designed to duplicate the Simpsons home-viewing experience, only at high speed and with lots of screaming," stated Matt Groening, who created the Simpsons over 20 years ago.

Mardi Gras 2008 at Universal Orlando Resort begins February 2 and runs for twelve Saturday nights through April 19. Each Saturday night party-goers will enjoy an elaborate parade, hundreds of costumed characters, tons of beads, Cajun cuisine and live performances by top-name talent. In additon, New Orleans-style bands will showcase their music in the "French Quarter".

All Mardi Gras events inside Universal Studios are included with your admission ticket excluding food and beverages.

February 2 - Bret Michaels of Poison
February 9 - Go-Go's
February 16 - Sara Evans
Febrary 23 - Third Eye Blind
March 1 - Gretchen Wilson
March 8 - Smokey Robinson
March 15 - Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
March 22 - Kool & The Gang
March 29 - Heart
April 5 - Huey Lewis and The News
April 12 - LL Cool J
April 19 - Earth, Wind and Fire

For more information about Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando

A "late" change to the Mardi Gras concert talent list was just released by Universal Orlando Resort. KC and the Sunshine Band will now be appearing at the March 15th Mardi Gras Concert. Frank Valli and The Four Seasons were originally scheduled to perform this evening.

KC & the Sunshine Band are still as widely popular today as they were when they first danced into the music scene 30 years ago. Harry Wayne Casey - KC for short - developed a unique fusion of R&B and funk, with a hint of a Latin percussion groove, giving us an impressive string of hits like "Get Down Tonight," "That's The Way (I Like It)," and "Shake Your Booty." With sales in excess of 100 million records, nine Grammy nominations, three Grammy Awards and an American Music Award, KC & the Sunshine Band is an American legend and still one of the most recognized sounds of party music!

For Mardi Gras information and photos: 2008 Mardi Gras at Universal Studios

The Rising Star karaoke club had its official Grand Opening this past weekend at Universal Orlando's CityWalk. Not being a karaoke person, I wasn't expecting too much when I stopped by after Saturday night's Mardi Gras party. Let me just say that Universal has raised the karaoke bar up quite a few notches.

The new venue replaced City Jazz which, most recently, was operating as a combination jazz and comedy club.

What makes Rising Star so special?

Wannabe singing stars choose from a list of approximately 80 songs ranging from Like a Virgin to What a Wonderful World to Since U Been Gone. Instead of singing along to pre-recorded music with a tiny monitor on the floor, at Rising Star there is a live band and 2 backup singers on a full size stage.

As people try their hand at singing, a live video of them plays over head.

While getting in the mood to sing, you can enjoy one of Rising Star’s signature drinks, such as the “Open Mic-Tini” or the “Liquid Courage”. Appetizers and sandwiches are available. I tried the Sliders with Potato Wedges which consisted of 4 small cheeseburgers and 3 or 4 super large seasoned wedges for $8.95. They were very tasty even though I opted to have my Sliders to go.

If you enjoy karaoke, I highly suggest adding Rising Star to your "to do" list for your next visit to Universal's CityWalk. Rising Star is open nightly from 8pm – 2am, Tuesday – Saturday: Live band with backup singers & host and Sunday & Monday: Backup singers and host. The cover charge to enter the club is $7. CityWalk Party Passes accepted.

My Premier Annual Pass allowed me free entry to the club. I believe this benefit is only available during on Mardi Gras nights.

Enjoy the photos.

For the third time in as many years, Ellen Degeneres brought her TV show to Universal Orlando's CityWalk. “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” takes place on the Lagoon Stage. The Lagoon Stage is an outdoor, waterfront amphitheater, seating 1000 people and overlooking the entrances to the Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks as well as the stunning 30-acre CityWalk dining, shopping and entertainment complex.

Ellen taped two shows on Friday (3/38) and will tape one show on Saturday (3/29). The shows will air Monday (3/31), Tuesday (4/1) and Wednesday (4/2). Check your local listings for show times in your area.

I turned down tickets for this year's shows so I could wander and wing-it. Last year, I felt very restricted with the hurry up and wait rules of getting into the tapings. I spend a lot of time in the hot sun, then a 30 minute workout of dancing and finally, the sky opened up on me. Plus the musical acts perform on a stage behind the audience. Besides, there are several jumbo TV screens to watch the show on as well. Unfortunately, they don't make for great photos.

Looks like I was the only person to turn down tickets to the shows yesterday.

Ellen made her usual grand entrance (think human cannonball), then she opened her first show by dancing with her musical guest Flo Rida.

In case your not familiar with Flo Rida ( I wasn't), he is a Rapper who was born and raised in Florida hence the name. He performed his hit song "Low". Audience members received a free copy of Flo Rida latest CD.

Next up, a favorite of mine, "You Might Be A Redneck" Comedian Jeff Foxworthy. Jeff shared memories from his first job at an unnamed theme park. He was kind enough to stop for a picture after show. It helped that when I called his name. I said I watched his show (Are you smarter than a 5th Grader?) the night before because he asked me if I knew the answers. He looked at me kinda funny when I mentioned a part of the million dollar answer. Hey, I thought he was testing me. Oh well, the picture is still great.

Ellen opened her second show with her new invention. It is a must have for all serious theme park fans or turkey leg lovers. I don't want to spoil the surprise so you will just have to watch the show.

Southern cook, restaurateur, writer and Emmy Award winning TV Personality, Paula Deen of the Food Network and her sons Jamie and Bobby were Ellen's guests for the second taping. The boys have a new book they were promoting called "Ya'll Come Eat". I have always enjoyed watching Paula Deen and find the warmth that comes across the TV very genuine. Well, that was reinforced yesterday when Paula and her husband, Michael arrived for her segment. I had a great shot lined up of them but my camera didn't work. And I guess I said it loud enough for her to hear me and she stopped and turned back around for a few seconds and waved as I took her photo.

But the big buzz was all about the musical act for the second taping. The Jonas Brothers who fame has sky rocketed lately. Being the opening act and touring with Hannah Montana didn't hurt either. You will have to watch on the show on Tuesday to see which songs they performed. Truth be told, I don't know the names of them. My hearing may never be the same again after standing in the middle of thousands of screaming female fans.

The next picture shows the crowd waiting for the Jonas Brothers to perform. The stage is out of sight on the left. In case you are wondering why most of the the Jonas Brothers pictures are cropped, this photo of the crowd says it all. I had the pleasure of chatting with Ann, Rachel and Jami who told me they are the Jonas Brothers biggest fans.

Ellen joined the boys on stage before and after their show.

At the end of the second show, Ellen announced she was going over to Islands of Adventure to ride The Incredible Hulk rollercoaster. That rumor had been flying around all day so I took a chance and headed over there. I found a great spot behind the dining reservation booth and waited. I passed my time taking pictures of every car that went by. Then a few of the cars came out without anyone on them. Hmmm...that's a good sign. The next car had people on it and in the front row were the Jonas Brothers with Ellen in the middle.

I attended my 5th Mardi Gras Party of the year and my very first Heart concert last Saturday night (3/29) at Universal Studios.

With some time to spare before the show, I walked over to World Expo to check on the progress of the new Simpsons Ride. It occupies the space which used to house Back to the Future.

Until recently, you really couldn't see much change going on as the work was taking place inside the building and behind the construction walls. Now the Krustyland Midway is really starting to take shape.

The Simpson's Ride is a motion simulator set to open in the "Spring 2008" at both Universal Orlando and Universal Hollywood. From the pictures you will see below, it looks like passholder previews and soft openings may not be too far off.

Here's some attraction information provided by Universal.

The Simpsons are visiting fabulous Krustyland, Krusty The Clown's Krusty-themed theme park that Krusty guarantees* is not a shameless rip-off of other, better theme parks in Florida and California.

Line up along side Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie, then enter through Krustyland's carnival midway, where you will come face to face with Apu, Patty, Selma, Groundskeepers Willie, and other favorite Simpsons characters manning the classic carny booths including the Milk Bottle Toss Game, the Snack Stand and Lost and Found.

Once you board your ride vehicle, get ready to do what was once thought to be physically impossible: scream and laugh at the same time. It's one hilarious suprise after another as your swept away with the Simpsons on a wild ride through Krustyland....flying, bumping, floating and crashing your way through Krusty's thrilltacular attractions.

The ride features all new animation staring the voices of the show's Emmy-award winning original cast projected on to a towering 80 foot dome. The ride vehicles tilt, pitch, dip and twist with all the madcap action on the screen.

*Krusty's guarantee is neither legally binding nor uttered in good-faith.

Some of the photos appear to be cut off but that is because the constructions walls are still up. I did the best I could.

Check out some of my earlier blogs about new Simpsons Ride.
Kwik-E-Mart

Simpsons Characters Arrive at Universal Studio