Concert Series Features Mannheim Steamroller, Chris Isaak, Natalie Cole

Holidays Begin Dec. 5 and Run Through Jan. 1 

Take Advantage of Special Florida Resident Holiday Offers

ORLANDO, Fla. – Universal Orlando Resort brings music home for the holidays this year as it kicks off a brand-new holiday concert series featuring Christmas-music mega-sensation Mannheim Steamroller and chart-topping artists Natalie Cole and Chris Isaak.

The concerts are an entirely new way to experience the holidays at Universal – and add to the already beloved Grinchmas celebration at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and the Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios.

“Music is a powerful part of the holidays – and we are creating a great, new way for families to enjoy the holidays together,” said Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment for Universal Orlando Resort.  “Whether it’s an exciting parade, a heart-warming Grinchmas show or a joyful concert – there will be something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.”

Holiday celebrations at Universal Orlando Resort begin Dec. 5 and run through Jan. 1.  Mannheim Steamroller – the iconic holiday music masters who have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide – performs at Universal Studios on Dec. 5.  Chris Isaak performs on Dec. 12 and Natalie Cole performs on Dec. 19.  Each concert begins after that night’s Macy’s Holiday Parade.  Natalie Cole and Chris Isaak will perform a mix of holiday classics along with their most popular hits.

The performances will take place at the new Music Plaza – a brand-new, state-of-the-art, outdoor permanent concert venue located in the heart of the Universal Studios theme park.

The Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios features the world-renowned balloons and floats from Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.  In addition to the parade, Universal Studios guests can enjoy performances by marching bands from across the country, a nightly Christmas tree lighting, and specially themed holiday shows including The Blues Brothers, Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone and Barney.

At Islands of Adventure, the popular Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is brought to life in Grinchmas, a live stage show featuring an original recorded musical score by Mannheim Steamroller.  During the show, six songs are performed by a live cast, including The Grinch and The Whos from Whoville.  As a part of the Grinchmas celebration, guests will also have the opportunity to meet The Grinch.

The celebration continues at the three on-site hotels at Universal Orlando– Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort – all of which will glisten with holiday decorations.  Hotel guests will be immersed in the spirit of the season with tree-lighting ceremonies, special musical performances, holiday “dive-in” movie presentations and holiday dining events.  Loews Portofino Bay Hotel kicks off the season on Friday, November 27 with 'Holiday Harbor Nights', a wine tasting, food and jazz celebration on the piazza.  Hard Rock Hotel welcomes Santa to the Kitchen restaurant on Fridays in December and Loews Royal Pacific Resort rings in the new year with ALOHA 2010, a New Year's Eve celebration.
 
Guests can also enjoy the holiday cheer at CityWalk with decorations, live music on the plaza stage and strolling entertainment on select dates throughout the event.
 
All holiday entertainment – including the Mannheim Steamroller concert, is included as part of admission to Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure.  Florida residents can take advantage of these special offers:

‘Tis the Season for Florida Resident Holiday Offers

2-Park Holiday Pass 
-Unlimited admission to both theme parks through Jan. 31, 2010 
-$79.99+ tax with Coca-Cola discount

Florida Resident Holidays Getaway 
-2 night stay at hotel near Universal Orlando
-2 day/2 park ticket to both theme parks
-Complimentary transportation between the hotel and theme parks
*PLUS early park admission
-Starting at $76 per person, per night
*Upgrade to on-site hotel (starting at $111 per person, per night) and receive complimentary Universal Express access to bypass the regular attraction lines

For more information on Universal Orlando’s holiday celebration and offers, guests can visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays.