One of Orlando’s most popular and iconic rides is getting ready for a makeover.  The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride at Universal’s Islands of Adventure will temporarily close on Feb. 7 as the park upgrades the attraction. A newer, more vivid high definition version of the ride should be ready for guests in March. The original Spider-Man ride opened in 1999.  The new technology is designed to add even more exquisite detail to the scenes thanks to a new projector system, 4K digital high-def animated picture, new optical 3-D glasses and improved lighting. In addition, Universal will update some of the real life sets within the ride and along the queue.

The party goes on and on at Universal Studios Florida as the popular Mardi Gras celebration continues through mid-April. This week’s musical guest stara is Akon, the Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter and one of the music industry’s fastest-rising stars.

Akon’s special mix of hip-hop, R&B and rap includes a number of chart-topping hits like Lonely, I Wanna Love You, Don’t Matter and Dangerous. He’s the first artist to accomplish the feat of holding both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice.

A frequent guest on TV’s American Idol, Akon brings his act to Universal’s Mardi Gras at 8:30 pm on March 6, 2010.

Go to www.OrlandoThemeParkVacations.com for information on Universal Studios, Mardi Gras and other Orlando area theme parks and attractions, as well as details on discount theme park tickets and Orlando vacation packages. Or visit www.WestgateReservations.com/sweepstakes.cfm for information on discount Orlando resort and hotel lodging.

Voyage through five islands of fun and adventure at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando, FL. Experience an amazing place where myths, legends and cartoons come alive. Encounter rides, shows, dining, shops and attractions featuring your favorite characters including The Cat In The Hat, Hulk, Spider-Man, Dr. Seuss, E.T., Jurassic Park and more. Meet your favorite super heroes on Marvel Super Hero Island and revisit your favorite cartoons and comic strips within Toon Lagoon. Let dinosaurs chase you in Jurassic Park, then explore The Lost Continent for an adventure of timeless myths and epic legends. Finally, visit Seuss Landing for some highly entertaining and whimsical tales. Purchase an Island’s of Adventure vacation package for affordable fun the whole family can enjoy.

Universal Studios Orlando provides a wide variety of Hollywood themed rides and attractions. You can enjoy Shrek in 4D, or go for an indoor roller coaster ride based on the movie The Mummy. Plus you can get a unique look behind the scenes of many other popular movies. There are many shops and restaurants for you to enjoy and there are hotels on the resort itself for your lodging convenience. The theme park offers so much that it might take multiple visits to cover everything it has to offer. Book your Universal Studios vacation now!