The popular spring music concerts continue at Orlando’s big theme parks this weekend. At Disney’s Epcot, the annual International Flower & Garden Festival offers up Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone as this week’s musical guest.The headliner for the Flower Power Concert Series at America Gardens Theatre is yet another popular performer from years gone by as the Hermits bring back their sounds from the mid-60s.

The group performs Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. and performances are included with regular Epcot admission.

Meanwhile at Universal Studios, Mardi Gras fans can enjoy a double dose of parades and fun. An added Friday night Mardi Gras event features musical guest Sheryl Crow while Flo Rida takes the Mardi Gras stage on Saturday night.

For information on all the Orlando theme parks and concert events, visit http://www.orlandothemeparkvacations.com/ or for discount Orlando family vacation packages, go to http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

The days are dwindling for the long-running Universal Mardi Gras celebration in Orlando. But music fans can get a double dose of Mardi Gras fun this weekend.The weekly party which started back on Feb. 6, continues with two live concerts starting with a Mardi Gras bonus night on Friday, April 9 featuring special musical guest Sheryl Crow.

The bold and free-spirited Crowe uniquely blends her smooth mix of rock, country and pop into one contemporary mainstream sound that has produced a steady stream of hits and nine Grammy Awards.

The very next night there will be more Mardi Gras excitement as musical guest Flo Rida takes the Universal Studios stage on Saturday, April 10. Both musical celebrations include the usual Mardi Gras revelry consisting of Cajun foods, street performers and a parade.

Mardi Gras 2010 wraps up at Universal Studios on Sat. April 17 with musical guest Chicago.

For more information regarding Mardi Gras, go to http://www.universalorlando.com/ or http://www.orlandothemeparkvacations.com/ where you’ll also find discount Orlando family vacation packages, theme park tickets and accommodations including the 5-Star Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa.

The 9^th Annual Gatlinburg Ribfest & Wings celebration on April 22 is sure to be a tasty celebration of food and fun.

This highly anticipated event in the Great Smoky Mountains area features live entertainment, children’s activities, eating contests and a chance to sample a wide variety of delicious barbecued ribs and wings.  Ribfest runs from 5-9 pm with food sampling from 6-9 pm or until the wings run out. Afterward, the Gatlinburg Parkway turns into a giant street fair.

Live entertainment at Ribfest includes the classic tunes of the Beat Daddys and their soulful rock ‘n roll blues as well as the musical group Soulfinger, offering up some neo-classic soul.

A panel will judge and award prizes for the best ribs or wings in seven different categories. In addition, all of the participating vendors will vie for the “People’s Choice Award” as chosen by popular vote.

Hot wing eating contests sponsored by All Sauced Up will feature wings prepared in sauces such as “Blazing Bomb,” “Treacherous Tongue,” “Fire Pit Hell,” “Scorching Screaming” and “Next Day Disaster.” Prizes will be awarded to the “Hot Wing Eating Contest Champion of the Year.”

An armband for Ribfest & Wings may be purchased for $12 ($5 for kids).

For more information about activities, lodging and discount vacation packages in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit www.GatlinburgVacationStore.com. For discount hotel and resort packages, including Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Wild Bear Falls indoor water park, visit www.WestgateReservations.com.

Most come to vacation in Orlando for the fabulous theme parks and attractions. But if you’re looking for a truly relaxing getaway, Orlando could be the place for you, too.

The nation’s “best spa” results were recently announced based on an annual reader poll conducted by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Of the top 100, more than 20% of the spas listed can be found in Florida, including five in the Orlando area. 

Of the top 100 resort spas, Orlando’s Ritz-Carlton at Grande Lakes ranked third in the nation and the state of Florida featured 21 of the top 100. The Orlando area was represented by five spas. Others included in the rankings were JW Marriott Orlando at Grande Lakes at No. 24, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa at No. 49, Gaylord Palms Resort at No. 59 and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at No. 70.

For more information about spas and discount Orlando vacation packages including Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, visit www.WestgateReservations.com. Or go to www.OrlandoThemeParkVacations.com for information on discount Disney tickets, dinner shows and more.

Two attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park in Orlando are scheduled to close temporarily for refurbishment in the near future.

The first is Jim Henson’s MuppetVision 3-D which will close from April 24 through May 14, 2010. The second is the popular Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Starring Aerosmith. That ride is slated to close briefly for refurbishment from May 15 through May 20.

The Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, which opened in July 1999, puts riders into an immediate thrill with initial acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2.8 seconds. Each of the coaster trains feature a different Aerosmith song and those songs contain some new lyrics written specifically for the attraction. For example, “Love in an Elevator” is sung as “Love in a roller coaster.”

For additional information about Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or any of the other Disney World parks in Orlando, FL, visit www.OrlandoThemeParkVacations.com. Or go to www.WestgateReservations.com for details on discount Disney vacation packages and hotel or resort accommodations.