For those interested in some exciting recreational activity, Disney’s Contemporary Resort Marina includes a water sports centre where a variety of thrills await.  Among the activities available, you can enjoy parasailing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing and tubing.

Parasailing is open to anyone 5 years old or older with a minimum weight requirement of 125 pounds and a maximum of 330 pounds.  Youngsters who do not meet the minimum weight may accompany another flier to meet the requirement.  Flights range from 8-10 minutes at 450 feet to 10-12 minutes at 600 feet.  The parasailing program is open 7 days a week, weather permitting.

Boats for waterskiing, wakeboarding and tubing enthusiasts can accommodate up to 5 guests and may be rented for as little as 30 minutes or by the hour.  Personal watercraft/wave runners can be taken on one-hour guided tours or non-guided excursions.  Watercraft can hold up to 3 guests with a combined weight less than 400 pounds.  Drivers must be at least 16 years of age and present a valid state issued driver’s license or permit with photo ID.

A 3,000-capacity concert venue located at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk, Hard Rock Live showcases a wide variety of music ranging from popular national acts to the best emerging new artists. Hard Rock Live and the 600-seat Hard Rock Cafe Orlando – which is also perfect for live music – are situated in a 140,000-square-foot building designed as a retro interpretation of the great Roman Coliseum.  The facility opened and held its first concert (Glenn Frey/Joe Walsh) on January 29, 1999. Today, the venue continues to be a popular stop for musicians and music fans alike. 

Looking to spend some leisure time outside the Disney parks?  Try a stroll around the Disney Boardwalk and enjoy an atmosphere that blends the timeless charm of a 1930s Atlantic coastal village with entertaining contemporary attractions. Walk along the water’s edge for great views and good times. You’ll experience a wealth of shopping opportunities, unique dining and fun-filled entertainment venues.

The Boardwalk offers a lively selection of fun-filled nightspots at this one-of-a-kind destination. One popular spot, especially on game days, is the ESPN Club.  Enjoy slam dunk fun and games as this massive entertainment complex provides three action packed sections – The Sidelines, an interactive multimedia entertainment center; The Yard, a sporting arcade of interactive games; and Sports Central, a full-service restaurant and television and radio broadcast facility.

Whether you’re at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas or walking the Boardwalk itself, you’ll find an innovative mix of dining choices. From sports bars to elegant night spots, there is an option for every taste and budget. One favorite is the Big River Grille and Brewing Works where you can see how beer is brewed! This special micro-brewery offers a glimpse into the beer-making process and provides samples of its award-winning handcrafted ales. Savor stunning steaks and other mouth-watering favorites in addition to the sensational suds.   Shoppers can stroll along the waterfront pier for leisurely window-shopping amidst an eclectic array of unique stores where you’ll discover timeless treasures and precious mementos ranging from Disney character merchandise for all ages as well as adult sport and golf apparel to groceries, beachwear, toys, souvenirs and fine art. 

Here’s your chance to be in the band! At Universal Orlando CityWalk’s Rising Star karaoke club, you take center stage as the lead singer of a band. This is real music, played live while you belt out your favorite songs in front of a live audience!

The karaoke club debuts March 22 and will be open nightly from 8pm – 2am. 

• Tuesday – Saturday: Live band with backup singers & host
• Sunday & Monday: Backup singers and host

There is a cover charge of $7 to enter the Karaoke Club, however, there is no charge to sing.  (CityWalk Party Passes accepted.)  The club is open to anyone age 21 or older (18 or older on Thursday nights).

Mardi Gras at Universal Studios continues this Saturday night with a live concert performance by KC and the Sunshine Band.  (Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons had previously been scheduled for the March 15 concert series date.)

KC & The Sunshine Band remains as popular today as they were when they first danced onto the music scene 35 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.  That sound resulted in a string of hits like Get Down Tonight, That’s The Way (I Like It) and Shake Your Booty.

The concert is just one piece of the Mardi Gras fun.  You’ll also enjoy festive street performers, cajun’ New Orleans style eats and a rocking parade with lots of Mardi Gras beads.

Mardi Gras is included with your daily admission price to Universal Studios.

Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is best known for its theme parks, water parks and entertainment centers such as Pleasure Island and Disney Marketplace.  But Disney also offers some of the best championship golf opportunities that you can find anywhere in Florida.

With four different championship courses, there are plenty of challenging options for golfers of any level.

At Osprey Ridge, a serene and elegant wilderness course designed by Tom Fazio allows you to explore dramatic fairways that cut through forests of scrub oak, pine, palmetto and cypress trees. 

Lake Buena Vista is a classic country club style course with a meandering layout that winds its way through pastel villas, pine forests and sparkling lakes.  You’ll tee off next to boats and canals and enjoy views of an enchanting lighthouse.

Experience the natural beauty of Florida’s woodlands on the Palm course.  This majestic layout is both one of the state’s toughest layouts and a true pleasure to play.  Featuring crystal lakes, tropical sand and strategically placed palms, this course is home to the first rounds of the PGA Tour’s Children’s Miracle Network Classic.

Home to the final rounds of the PGA tournament, the Magnolia course offers beautifully manicured links filled with an abundance of fragrant magnolias.  Elevated tees, spacious greens and tranquil water hazards provide a setting fit for championship golf.

Regardless of which course you choose, you can enjoy the benefits of GPS technology.  Each cart is fitted with a GPS that offers a full color monitor to provide detailed 3D views of each hole, precise yardage to the flagstick, professional tips and course strategy and more.

Novice golfers and families can enjoy a more modest golf experience at the delightful and pleasurable Oak Trail course.  This 9-hole walking course offers undulating greens and holes ranging from 132 to 517 yards from the back tees.  It’s a perfect course for the developing golfer or those looking to sneak in a quick nine. 

One of the best ways to see all of your favorite Disney characters up close is to attend one of the daily theme park parades.  In mid-March, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will roll out an all new parade adventure – the Block Party Bash!

This rockin’ and highly interactive parade through the streets of the park will feature 20 popular Disney Pixar characters and a wide variety of street performers and floats.  Don’t miss the fun at the Block Party Bash — coming soon!

Mardi Gras continues its run at Universal Orlando® Resort with another 7 weekends of Saturday night music and fun. The popular Mardi Gras parade and concert series continues this week with an appearance by Smokey Robinson on the Mardi Gras stage at Universal Studios Florida.  Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy exquisite Cajun cuisine, street entertainers, an electrifying parade, a rockin’ live concert and lots and lots of Mardi Gras beads! Mardi Gras at Universal continues every Saturday night thru April 19 with upcoming performances by Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, Kool & the Gang, Heart, Huey Lewis & the News, LL Cool J and Earth, Wind & Fire.  The Mardi Gras celebration is included in the regular cost of admission to Universal Studios.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show will tape 3 shows at Universal CityWalk® at the end of March.  Tickets are now available for the live studio audience.  However, if you are unable to get tickets, you can still join the fun!   

Everyone is invited to the “Riff Raff” Street Party where you can watch the show taping live on CityWalk’s big Astrovision screen. Plus you’ll be able to watch the show’s musical performances live on the CityWalk Plaza Stage!

Ellen will tape two shows in Orlando on March 28 and one show on March 29.  Taping times and show guests & performers have not yet been announced.