Catch the beads. Catch the Music. Catch the Spirit. It’s all part of the fun and excitement of the annual Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Studios^® in Orlando!The whole family can join the party as the sights, sounds, and even the tastes of the Big Easy come back to Universal Orlando Resort on Saturdays and select nights from February 11 through April 14, 2012.

On Mardi Gras days, the fun begins every evening as a variety of unique performers take to the streets of Universal Studios. Head over to the French Quarter Courtyard to sample some authentic Cajun food and enjoy live music from bands straight out of New Orleans.

Then get ready for a spectacular parade filled with dazzling floats, colorful costumes and, of course, beads, beads and more beads being tossed from the floats into the crowd.

This year’s parade highlights the wonder and whimsy of planet Earth. A wide variety of floats help take guests on a breathtaking journey to different parts of the world to explore the beauty and diversity of our globe. Float designs include a riverboat, gator, New Orleans, deep blue sea, polar regions, rain forest, bayous & swamps, coral reef and more.

If that’s not enough, there’s also an electrifying concert, featuring some of the biggest names in music. Scheduled performers include:

• Sat, Feb. 11:  The B-52s
• Sat, Feb. 18:  Kelly Clarkson
• Sun, Feb. 19:  Boyz II Men
• Sat, Feb. 25:  Diana Ross
• Sat, March 3: [To be announced]
• Sat, March 10:  Big Time Rush
• Fri, March 16:   J. Cole
• Sat, March 17:  Jill Scott
• Fri, March 23:   Hot Chelle Rae
• Sat, March 24:  B.o.B
• Fri, March 30:  Plain White T’s
• Sat, March 31:  Prince Royce
• Sat: April 7:  Cyndi Lauper
• Sat, April 14:  KC & the Sunshine Band 

Even the littlest ones can enjoy Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando. Children get their own private parade experience at the Little Jester’s Parade Viewing Areas located next to the Terminator 2^®: 3-D attraction.

Children will also love the KidZone Mardi Pardi Krewe, located in Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone. This special party zone features free beads and a live stage show starring their favorite characters. Check out the daily shows at 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm and 5 pm.

When the excitement dies down at Universal Studios, the party continues on at Universal CityWalk.

On Mardi Gras event nights, guests 21-and-older can use their Universal Studios theme park ticket or Annual Pass to receive free admission to the shopping and entertainment district’s seven unique clubs and bars. That includes admission to Pat O’Brien’s, an exact replica of the famed New Orleans club where it’s Mardi Gras every day of the year. CityWalk is open nightly til 2 am.

Mardi Gras parades and concerts are included in regular admission to Universal Studios. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras. Or go to http://www.westgatereservations.com/ for details on discount Orlando theme park tickets and discount Orlando vacation packages.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in central Florida will host a groundbreaking ceremony on January 18 for a $100 million exhibit designed to showcase the retired space shuttle Atlantis.

Home to NASA’s space shuttle program throughout its 30-year history, the Kennedy Space Center plans a 65,000-square-foot exhibit space for the orbiter. The exhibit will offer guests a close-up look at the shuttle while highlighting the long history and storied history of the shuttle program.

The groundbreaking ceremony is set to begin at 11 am and is open to guests at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The event will feature several speakers including Chris Ferguson, former Atlantis commander; Bill Moore, chief operating officer of the visitor complex; Janet Petro, deputy director of the Kennedy Space Center and others.

For information on discount Orlando area attraction tickets and discount Orlando family vacation packages, please visit http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

Country and classic rock concerts. Sizzlin’ and delicious BBQ for top local restaurants. Sampling tents and beer gardens. It all adds up to another year of Bands, Brew & BBQ at SeaWorld Orlando.

The popular annual event runs Saturdays and Sundays over the course of four weekends, Feb. 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 and March 3-4, 2012.

In addition to all the regularly scheduled fun and adventure at SeaWorld, this special event offers up rocking concerts from some of the top musical artists in country and rock. The theme park also partners with Orlando area restaurants to provide a rich and varied array of BBQ and grilled foods, plus a thirst-quenching beer garden featuring nearly 50 craft beers from nearly 20 different domestic and international breweries.

This year’s musical artists include:

• Sat, Feb. 11:      Foreigner
• Sun, Feb. 12:    Gary Allan
• Sat, Feb. 18:     Trace Adkins
• Sun, Feb. 19:    Kenny Rogers
• Sat, Feb. 25:     Doobie Brothers
• Sun, Feb. 26:    Ronnie Dunn
• Sat, Mar. 3:       Sara Evans
• Sun, Mar, 4:      Scotty McCreery

The sinking of the Titanic remains one of the most unforgettable tragedies in history as the world prepares to honor the 100^th anniversary of the ship’s fateful inaugural journey that ended after hitting an iceberg on April 15, 1912.

The Titanic Experience in Orlando is a unique attraction that utilizes actual relics and artifacts from the Titanic, as well as live, interactive interpretations by storytellers in period costume to capture and portray the sights, sounds and emotions of the luxurious ocean liner’s brief but storied history.

The 20,000 square foot museum features full scale replicas of the ship’s extraordinary Grand Staircase as well as a First Class Parlor Suite, Boilers, Verandah Café, Captain’s Bridge and more, all filled with authentic artifacts and historical treasures. Walk out onto the Promenade Deck where you’ll feel the chill of the cold Atlantic Ocean as you gaze at the stars.

The Titanic Exhibit showcases an extensive Underwater Room where you’ll find an 8-foot replica of the ship as she appears on the bottom of the Atlantic today.

Now, The Titanic Experience has recently incorporated nearly 100 new artifacts, including a 2-ton slab of steel from the ship’s hull, the second-largest piece ever recovered from the wreckage. Of the new items now on display, 21 have never before been viewed by the public. New artifacts include postcards, pieces of the ship, galley equipment, an unopened bottle of champagne, an engraved spittoon, copper décor from the Grand Staircase, playing cards and more.

For information on discount Orlando attraction tickets and discount accommodations including Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, visit http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

Thanks in part to having the “greatest snow on earth,” Park City, Utah hosted pieces of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Now the area is preparing to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of those Games with a number of special events and activities scheduled in February.

With its spectacular ski slopes, Park City was the primary site for the Olympic alpine events during those Salt Lake City Winter Games. Now 10 years later, that Olympic legacy still burns brightly and February brings three Olympic-sport competitions back to the snow covered slopes.

Park City’s beautiful and historic Main Street will kick off the celebration with a free concert by Robert Randolph and the Family Band and other Olympic-related events on February 1.

Pre-concert activities will include a Torch Relay, a video board featuring 2002 Olympic highlight videos, and introductions of past Olympians, current Olympic hopefuls and other athletes. The official Olympic mascots - Coal, Copper and Powder - will also be on hand for photo opportunities. Olympics fans can also trade Olympic pins and memorabilia, attend Olympic athlete autograph sessions and enjoy various Olympic displays and exhibits.

The Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation has collaborated with a number of Olympic venues and host cities to schedule Olympic-sport competitions and a variety of Olympic-related activities throughout the month of February 2012.

Olympic sport competitions include:

• Freestyle World Cup at Deer Valley Resort (Feb 1-4)
• FIBT Skeleton Intercontinental Cup at Utah Olympic Park (Feb 6-11)
• US Snowboarding & Freeskiing Grand Prix at Canyons (Feb 9-12)

For information on Park City area attractions and discount Park City vacation packages, visit www,westgatereservations.com.

Being a Leap Year, 2012 brings us an extra day on Feb. 29. And to celebrate, Disney will keep two of its parks open for a full 24-hour period from 6 am on Feb. 29 thru 6 am on March 1.

The “One More Disney Day” promotion is the first of its kind for Disney which will keep Orlando’s Magic Kingdom as well as Disneyland Park in California open on Feb. 29.

Disney also announced that its theme parks will extend their “Let the Memories Begin” campaign throughout 2012. By staying open 24 hours on Feb. 29, Disney is aiming to give guests an opportunity to take advantage of every minute of that extra day to make special Disney memories.

Winter means it is off season in Branson, Missouri. Just like the off season in most popular vacation destinations, things are a little slower and a lot less hectic than the busy summer season. Yet the off season in Branson still offers plenty of excitement for the entire family. And you can still enjoy a unique and fun-filled Branson experience.

Many of Branson’s famed live shows are closed during January and most stay closed through February, yet you’ll still find a variety of great shows to choose from, including the Grand Jubilee, the Hughes Brothers and others.

And while the Ozarks biggest attraction, Silver Dollar City theme park, is closed til March 15, 2012, the Branson area remains filled with year round options such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum, the Castle of Chaos and Hollywood Wax Museum. 2012 is also a big year for the Titanic Museum attraction as it honors the 100^th anniversary of the sinking of the legendary ship. The museum will host a number of special events throughout the year.

Even in the winter, Branson offers plenty of opportunity to get outside. On February 4-5, 2012, visitors can enjoy the National Ice Carving Association’s U.S. Nationals. And you can also test your skills fishing for trout on Lake Taneycomo or bass on Table Rock Lake. Or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Branson Landing Boardwalk.

Any season is shopping season in Branson. From the Tanger Outlets and Branson Landing to a wide range of boutique and specialty shops, Branson offers an unparalleled shopping experience and great values, year round.

Off season also means fewer people and a lot less traffic around Branson and the surrounding Ozark Mountains. Plus you can take advantage of off season value and savings at area accommodations such as Westgate Branson Woods Resort. For discount Branson vacation packages and tickets, visit http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

All of your favorite old theme parks are ready and waiting for you in Orlando in 2012. But as usual, you can look forward to discovering some exciting new options and attractions in those parks.

While Universal Studios’ opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter^TM dominated the Orlando theme park landscape the last two years, 2012 will be highlighted by new changes at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

Magic Kingdom is currently undertaking a massive $425 million expansion of its Fantasyland area. The initial phase of the project includes the spring 2012 debut of the revamped Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride. The ride for toddlers is being relocated and expanded to include a second Dumbo ride and an interactive queue area. The children’s roller coaster formerly known as Goofy’s Barnstormer is also being re-themed for the area and will be called the Great Goofini coaster.

Fantasyland changes will continue throughout the year and later in 2012, Disney will introduce another all-new attraction, Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid. The indoor ride is based on Disney’s animated film, The Little Mermaid.

Two other popular Disney movies will also be represented in the new Fantasyland.

Be Our Guest, will be a new Beauty and the Beast-themed restaurant set to open in 2012 and an indoor, family roller coaster based on the adventures of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves is scheduled to be completed in 2013.

For information on discount Disney and other Orlando area theme park tickets, or discount Orlando resort accommodations and family vacation packages, please go to http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

One of Disney’s fastest and most popular marquee attractions will soon be re-imagined to ensure its long-term presence at Epcot.

Disney and General Motors recently renewed their longstanding sponsorship agreement for Test Track, a ride that debuted in 1999 and highlights the design, manufacturing and testing of GM vehicles.

As a result, the ride is slated to close in April 2012 when it will be re-imagined and reopen with a new focus on the GM Chevrolet brand. In addition to the redesigned ride, the theme park will add a “Chevrolet Design Center at Epcot” where guests will have an opportunity to custom design their own concept vehicle.

Test Track, a high-speed vehicle-simulation ride, is one of Disney’s longest and fastest rides, reaching speeds of more than 60 miles per hour. Guests strap in and experience the world of automotive testing and each 6-seat vehicle completes the safety and quality tests that GM performs on every prototype it manufactures.

The five-minute, one-mile journey includes a steep ascent followed by a quick downhill ride before the vehicle blasts across a bumpy road and roars through 50-degree banked curves and hair-pin turns that test suspension and brakes. Guests and vehicles also experience the environmental chamber featuring heat and cold tests at temperatures varying by more than 100 degrees, before finally facing the challenge of avoiding a crash barrier.

The attraction’s pre-ride queue area is also filled with auto test lab simulations, crash test dummies as well as real vehicles in various states of production.

 For discount Disney theme park tickets and discount Orlando family vacation packages, visit www.westgatereservations.com today.

SeaWorld Orlando is offering kids a little something extra with its new Just for Kids festival.

The program, which takes place on Saturdays from January 14 to February 4, offers youngsters an opportunity to sing, dance and play while at the popular Orlando marine theme park.

Kids can enjoy breakfast with their favorite characters from Sesame Street. They can experience live concerts starring artists like Choo Choo Soul, Doodlebops and Max & Ruby. It’s all part of the fun and adventure that also includes kid-sized rides, animal encounters and more.

Tickets to the four Just for Kids concerts will be distributed on a first come, first served basis, across from the park’s Nautilus Theater starting at 9 am each day of the festival. Seating is limited and tickets, while they last, are included with regular park admission.

January 14:  LazyTown - Stephanie and Ziggy are trying to set a new energy record in the town they are visiting. They call Sportacus for help, but Robbie appears and the energy meter is dropping. Join Robbie, Ziggy, Stephanie and Sportacus as they set a new energy record.

January 21:  Max & Ruby’s Musical Playdate - Celebrate the universal nature of sibling relationships in Max & Ruby’s Musical Playdate. Max & Ruby never quite want the same thing and their plans always collide, with hilarious results.  Featuring upbeat and original songs, this Playdate is sure to have the whole audience singing and hopping along.

January 28:  Doodlebops’ Musical Playdate - Get movin’ and groovin’ with the kids’ favorite band in the Doodlebops’ Musical Playdate. Join rock stars DeeDee, Rooney and Moe as they sing their favorite songs, tell their wackiest jokes and show off their funkiest dance moves. The Doodlebops can’t wait to “Get on the Bus” and come to your town.

February 4:  Choo Choo Soul - Conductor Genevieve Goings and her Beat Boxing / Break Dancing engineer DC bring Choo Choo Soul to town for a live visit! Winner of the Parent’s Choice Award for Children’s Television, Choo Choo Soul takes the whole family on an amazing learning and musical adventure, as they present fun and kid-friendly hip hop style songs all about those ABCs, 123s, vegetables and most importantly the power of doing your own dance!