Now it’s easier than ever to find your way around SeaWorld. 

Shamu’s SMARTGUIDE is a Global Positioning System, “GPS unit” designed to help guests maximize their time at SeaWorld Orlando Adventure Park.  This informative electronic guide provides an interactive digital park map that will assist in navigating your way around the park, while providing ease and convenience in locating attractions and facilities.  The GPS unit can be reserved and rented from SeaWorld for just $18.25 (plus tax) per day. 

The Shamu SMARTGUIDE takes you on a world of discovery as you enjoy the ultimate in theme park navigation. Let Shamu’s SMARTGUIDE Global Positioning System provide you with quick answers to all your park questions; give you the inside scoop on shows and attractions; and offer special zoological insights on SeaWorld’s amazing wildlife and their unique habitats.

For additional information, stop by SeaWorld’s Information Counter just inside the park entrance.  Quantities are limited.  Park admission is required and not included.

Aquatica by SeaWorld, Orlando’s newest water park, has announced a change in operating hours.  From Aug. 18 to Sept. 1, 2008, the park’s closing time will be moved up from 10 pm to 9 pm.

In addition, the park will open for all individuals beginning at 9 am.

Elmo, Cookie Monster and the rest of the Sesame Street® crew is coming to Busch Gardens Williamsburg.  The theme park recently announced plans to expand its children’s offerings with an all new Sesame Street area slated to open within the England section of the park in 2009.

The Sesame Street area will include a variety of new kid-sized attractions including a junior roller coaster, log flume, wet and dry play areas, character dining and more.  In addition, kids of all ages will enjoy a new 4-D movie titled, Sesame Street presents Lights, Camera, Imagination!  In this special movie encounter, you’ll feel real raindrops and see your favorite Sesame Street characters appear to leap off the screen!

It’s all coming to Busch Gardens in 2009!

When it comes to packing for your Orlando getaway, a little advance planning can add up to big savings.

A last-minute purchase or rental of certain items out of necessity can add up quickly.  If you are flying and can’t bring certain items in your carry-on luggage, you might consider making a list of items to pick up as soon as you reach Orlando.

No matter what time of year, be sure to have plenty of sunscreen and water bottles at your disposal.  It’s much cheaper to purchase a case of water and sunscreen in advance than purchasing those items inside a theme park or attraction.  And most parks will allow you to bring in water if the bottles are unopened.

Other items to pack or purchase in advance include rain ponchos, band aids, snacks and disposable cameras.  And if you have younger children, an umbrella stroller can come in handy.  Although many children will resist at first, after a long day of walking, they may soon be begging to be pushed along.

At the Portofino Bay Hotel, you might feel as if you’ve just stepped directly into one of the beloved stories of Dr. Seuss!

The Cat in the Hat^TM, Horton Hears a Who^TM, The Grinch^TM and The Sneetches^TM smile back at you as these Dr. Seuss stories come to life in three dimensions at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando®. The new Dr. Seuss Kids’ Suites are an immersive, larger-than-life experience that integrates the adventures of Seuss Landing^TM at Universal’s Islands of Adventure® theme park right into the hotel.

The two-room suites offer plenty of space for the whole family at 650 sq. ft.: a king bedroom for the adults and two twin-sized beds in the children’s portion of the suite. Plus, parents appreciate the added feature that only allows access from the children’s room into the adult’s room, not into the hallway.

Special kid’s suites accommodations are also available at the other on-site hotels including new Jurassic Park-themed suites at Loews Royal Pacific Resort and music-inspired kids’ suites at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando.

Step into the action and excitement of the hottest movies to hit the big screen this summer at Universal Orlando Resort where you can “ride the movies!”

And right now you can get a double dose of one popular movie adventure.  First you can plunge into darkness on Universal Studios’ popular thrill ride, Revenge of the Mummy® roller coaster.

Then after a full day of fun at the theme park, head to the adjacent CityWalk Universal Cineplex 20, an AMC Theatre® to experience Universal Picture’s thrilling new The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor starring Brendan Fraser and Jet Li, opening August 1. 2008.