Universal Studios Orlando Events
NOTE: All event dates/entertainment are subject to change
On the last Thursday of every month (except November and December), the lobby of the Hard Rock Hotel is transformed into an intimate, high-energy entertainment venue for "Velvet Sessions". The event features a different band each month and includes complimentary cocktails (limited selection), butler-served hors d'oeuvres and warm-up music starting at 6:30 pm. At 8:30 pm, the featured band starts and a cash bar is available. Complimentary valet parking is available.
Prices:
$29 online, $35 at the door, VIP $50
*Buy your tickets online and receive early entry at 6 pm, along with free specialty drinks.
** VIP tickets include the benefits of a standard ticket, plus a special viewing area with a private bar serving specialty drinks.
(cover charges subject to change depending on which band is performing. Be sure to check www.velvetsessions.com for details).
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort
- Sundays, through June 24 (except April 8)
- 12:30-2:00 pm (registration begins at noon, click here for reservations)
- Adults: $50, Children ages 4-12: $25
- Dress code is casual
Listen to live music while enjoy this brunch buffet featuring champagne, mimosas, desserts and more.
Harbor Nights Primavera - Wine Tasting & Jazz at the Portofino
- Friday, April 27 2012 @ 6:30 pm
- Tickets: $45 online or $55 at the door.
Reserved seating tickets (with private wine station and passed hors d'oeuvres are $75 online or $85 at the door - Held in the Harbor Piazza in February, March, April, September, October, November, and December
- For reservations 407-503-1200
- This wine tasting and jazz event will capture the mood and feeling of the Mediterranean. Guests will enjoy wine, gourmet food, and live jazz on the Harbor Piazza at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
- Royal Pacific Resort
- 6:00 pm, Saturdays (registration begins at 5:30, reservations required by calling 407-503-DINE or clicking here)
- Adults: $60, Children ages 12 and under: $33 (gratuity included)
This weekly Hawaiian luau is hosted every Saturday! While watching hula and fire dancers, enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet with such island foods as a pit-roasted pig, fire-grilled beef with mushroom, fresh Pacific fish, tropical fruits, and desserts. Children will have their own special buffet with pizza, chicken fingers and macaroni & cheese.
Adults will also enjoy the included mai tais, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages.
May
Universal Grad Bash - April 20-21, 27-28, May 4, 2012
Join the graduation party at Universal Orlando - party at both parks from 7 pm - 2 am! Enjoy live concerts, street entertainment, dance parties and karaoke!
Some of the entertainment will include:
Pitbull
DJ Khaled
TNA Wrestling's "iMPACT!" Taping - May 1, 14, 15, 28, 29
You can catch TNA (Total Nonstop Action) Wrestling's "iMPACT!" Spike TV tapings live at Universal Orlando Resort. Tapings are held every month at Universal Studios' Soundstage 21. Doors open at 5:30pm, taping begins at 6pm. Seating based upon availability and is left to the sole discretion of show management. Shows may not be suitable for all ages. Due to length of program and live audience recording the recommended minimum age is 14. For the most up-to-date information please call 407-224-6000.
Gradventure - May 11 and 18, 2012
Graduation party for middle schoolers! Tickets will include entrance to both parks at 4:00 pm and vouchers for dinner. Guests will celebrate with DJs, dance parties, karaoke, photo ops, street entertainment and dinner.
May 12, 2012 @ 8:00 pm
Cy Curnin of The Fixx, will perform some of his most popular songs from his career, including Are We Ourselves, Saved by Zero, One Thing Leads to Another, Secret Separation, Deeper and Deeper, Red Skies and The Fool. This acoustic show will be held in the lobby of Universal's Hard Rock Hotel.
The event is free from the standing section, or guests may reserve a table - $40 for a table for two, $60 for a table for four. Tables include complimentary first round of drinks (house wine, house liquor, domestic draft beer or soda) and complimentary self or valet parking.
Call 407-503-2402 for reservations and more information.
For patrons in the standing room only section, self parking is $5, valet parking is $10.
May 13, 2012
Mama Della's Ristorante - Portofino Bay Hotel
9:00 am - 2:30 pm
Adults: $34(includes complimentary glass of champagne), children (4-12): $17
This brunch will feature truffle meatloaf, chicken Cordon Bleu, beef bourguignon, desserts and more. Strolling musicians will entertain the crowd. Click here for reservations.
The Kitchen restaurant - Hard Rock Hotel
7:00 am - 1:00 pm
Adults: $30, children (4-12): $12
Breakfast here is divided into stations - omelets, carving stations, and build-your-own parfaits! Kids even have their own dedicated areas with pancakes and cookie decorating! Click here for reservations.
Brunch at the Wantilan - Royal Pacific Resort
11:00 am - 1:00 am
Adults: $52, children (4-12): $26
This is a casual outdoor brunch with Wantilan specialties like Tahitian French toast and Hawaiian honey glazed ham. There will also be a carving station, desserts and a kids' buffet. While you eat, enjoy the Hawaii Past and Present show, live music, face painters and balloon artists. Click here for reservations.
TNA Pay-Per-View Event "Sacrifice" - May 13, 2012
Be a part of the live television audience for Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling's pay per view. Doors open at 7:00pm, the live pay per view is from 8:00pm to 11pm. This is a non-ticketed event and seating is based on a first come first served basis.
June
Universal Orlando's Summer Concert Series features performances by some of music’s biggest talent – live at the outdoor Music Plaza. Beginning Saturday, June 9 and running Saturday nights through July 14, this concert series will give guests the chance to top off their day in the park with a nighttime mega-concert.
The Summer Concert Series is included with park admission. If guests want to come to the park just for the concerts, a "Summer Concert Ticket" is available online beginning May 15. For $59.99, guests can get one-time access to Universal Studios after 7:00 pm, exclusively for the concerts.
The concert line-up features some of the biggest names in rock, pop, hip-hop and R&B.
- June 9, 2012 - Nickelodeon's "VicTORIous" cast (Including a Q&A)
- June 16, 2012 - ZZ Top and 3 Doors Down
- June 23, 2012 - Josh Turner
- June 30, 2012 - Al Green
- July 7, 2012 - Lupe Fiasco
- July 14, 2012 - TBA
The concert series spotlights Universal Orlando’s new home for hit music – the Music Plaza. Located in the heart of the Universal Studios theme park, the Music Plaza debuted during Universal’s Mardi Gras event last year. It is a state-of-the-art outdoor music venue designed in the spirit of one of the most famous outdoor concert venues of all-time, The Hollywood Bowl: home to landmark performances by everyone from the Beatles to Elton John and more. The Music Plaza features a 2,400-square-foot performance stage, a 15,000-square-foot viewing lawn and two 20-foot-tall projection screens so that everyone can see the show.
July
July 4th, 2011
Universal Orlando will add a special patriotic ending with fireworks to their evening show "Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular".
Universal officials have said that the fireworks will not be able to be viewed from Islands of Adventure or Universal CityWalk.
Summer Concert Series
Universal Orlando's Summer Concert Series features performances by some of music’s biggest talent – live at the outdoor Music Plaza. Beginning Saturday, June 9 and running Saturday nights through July 14, this concert series will give guests the chance to top off their day in the park with a nighttime mega-concert.
- June 9, 2012 - Nickelodeon's "VicTORIous" cast (Including a Q&A)
- June 16, 2012 - ZZ Top and 3 Doors Down
- June 23, 2012 - Josh Turner
- June 30, 2012 - Al Green
- July 7, 2012 - Lupe Fiasco
- July 14, 2012 - TBA
The concert series spotlights Universal Orlando’s new home for hit music – the Music Plaza. Located in the heart of the Universal Studios theme park, the Music Plaza debuted during Universal’s Mardi Gras event last year. It is a state-of-the-art outdoor music venue designed in the spirit of one of the most famous outdoor concert venues of all-time, The Hollywood Bowl: home to landmark performances by everyone from the Beatles to Elton John and more. The Music Plaza features a 2,400-square-foot performance stage, a 15,000-square-foot viewing lawn and two 20-foot-tall projection screens so that everyone can see the show.
come first served basis.
August
See Monthly Events
September
September 7 & 8, 2012: 4 pm - 1 am
- Join other fans to experience one of the biggest Christian rock concerts in the world! Pay one price and see some of the biggest names in Christian music today!
- Skillet, Switchfoot, Casting Crowns, David Crowder Band, Anberlin, Third Day, and Relient K are scheduled to appear.
- Saturday night candle lighting service will feature popular band Tenth Avenue North, plus guest speakers and more
- Everfound and We As Human will perform at the Fan Zone presented by Coca-Cola. There will be autograph sessions with the bands, karaoke and band merchandise.
| Friday, September 7 | Saturday, September 8 |
| Skillet | tobyMac |
| Newsboys | Switchfoot |
| Jeremy Camp | Reliant K |
| For King & Country | Britt Nicole |
| Family Force 5 | Tenth Avenue North |
| Robert Pierre | Rhett Walker Band |
| Group 1 Crew | Group 1 Crew |
| We As Human | We As Human |
| Everfound | Everfound |
**Bands in bold are headlining acts.
SEPTEMBER 23, 24, 29, 30, 2011
OCTOBER 1, 2, 6-9, 13-16, 19-23, 26-31, 2011
October
September 23, 24, 29, 30, 2011
October 1, 2, 6-9, 13-16, 19-23, 26-31, 2011
November
December
Holiday Events at Universal Orlando
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
-
Macy's Holiday Parade - Takes place nightly at dusk. Photos | Blog
-
Holiday Concert Series at the new Music Plaza.
• Mannheim Steamroller: December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18
ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE
- Seuss Landing at Island of Adventure is transformed into Grinchmas with authentic move props and colorful decorations. Visitors can even meet the Grinch in his "lair" and take a walk through the Whoville Wonky Tree Lot.
- Make sure to see the musical stage show of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas"!
Check the park map for show times.
Breakfast with the Grinch and Friends!
The Grinch is inviting you to breakfast! Treat your family to a special Grinchmas Character Breakfast (separate fee applies) at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Watch the Video here
You’ll enjoy an all-inclusive buffet at Confisco Grille where you’ll dine with The Grinch and many more of your favorite Seuss characters, including a Who or two. Plus, you’ll get express access to The Cat In The Hat ride with your Character Breakfast receipt!
With limited seating and select dates, these breakfasts are sure to fill up fast.
2011 Dates: December 1-4, 8-12, 15-19, 21-31
Call (407) 224-4012 to reserve your space today!
 |
DIS Unplugged Web Radio Show Podcast Pete Werner talks about his experience having breakfast with the Grinch! Discuss | Blog | RSS Feed | Add to iTunes | Podcast Main |
New Year's at the Universal Orlando Resort
Party on the Piazza
Portofino Bay Hotel
12/31/11 8:30 pm
$125 per person (age 21+ only)
Countdown to the New Year on the Harbor Piazza with gourmet food samples from Mama Della's Ristorante, Trattoria del Porto, Sal's Market Deli, Splendido's Bar & Grill and Gelateria. More than a dozen wines and sparkling wines will be available. Jazz music will be provided by Johnny Cool and the Mobster Swing Band and the Portofino opera singers will help to ring in the new year.
Rockin' New Year's Eve Celebration
Hard Rock Hotel
12/31/11 8:00 pm
The Hard Rock Hotel is hosting a New Year's Eve celebration that you can customize to your liking! Enjoy Universal's characters, the "Magic Men," a face painter and balloon artist. There will be a DJ playing music in the lobby and movies in the ballrooms. Three packages are available:
The Lobby Package: Access to party, ballrooms and dessert bar.
Adults: $25, children (4-12) $10, children 3 and under free.
The Kitchen Package: Includes lobby party package, New Year's Eve dinner buffet in The Kitchen Restaurant (5:00-11:00 pm) and party favors.
Adults: $85, children (4-12) $30, children 3 and under free.
Velvet Couples Package: Includes lobby party package, plus bottle of Kenwood Yalupa champagne.
Adults: $70 per couple, must be 21 and older
For reservations and information, call 407-503-2200.
New Year's at Universal Citywalk: Rock In the New Year
- 12/31/11 8 pm - 2 am
Entertainment on the Plaza Stage by Smash Mouth and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Smash Mouth: 8:00 pm - 8:45 pm and 10:30 pm - 11:15 pm
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: 9:15 pm - 11:00 pm and 11:45 pm - 12:30 am
Tickets:
- Advance tickets (must be purchased on or before 12/15/11): $119.99 (plus tax)
- Ticket purchased on or after 12/16/11: $139.99 (plus tax)
- Annual Passholders can get New Year's Eve tickets for $99.99 (plus tax) if purchased before 12/15/11.
Entertainment:
In addition to the bands on the Plaza Stage, there will be live entertainment at SEVEN clubs! Gourmet food available in every club. A champagne toast and confetti burst will be held at midnight.
Food:
Pat O'Briens
- Jammin Jambalaya
Bob Marley's Jerk Pit
- Jamaican beef and veggie patties served with yucca fries and and chipotle ketchup
Latin Quarter
- Vegetarian Paella
Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville
- Cheeseburger in Paradise station
Entree Stations
• Roasted filet mignon wrapped in applewood smoked bacon served with red wine sauce and roasted fingerling potatoes
• Mediterranean Holiday chicken roulade
• Chef’s selections - hot hors d’oeuvres
• Penne pasta ala alfredo with fresh broccoli and wild mushrooms in white wine garlic cream
• Jalapeno poppers with a cool ranch dip
• Mixed field green salad with seasonal toppings
• International and domestic cheese with fruit, gourmet crackers and breads
Seafood Stations
- Jumbo shrimp and crab claws served with fresh lemons, cocktail sauce and Sauce Louie
Dessert stations
- Miniature pastries, cakes, pies and tortes
Must be 21 or older to enter this event.
January
See Monthly Events
February
Universal Orlando Mardi Gras - February 11 – April 14, 2012
This event held annually at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL blends the best of New Orleans with some of the best names in music for a rockin’ good time.
Mardi Gras features live bands straight from the heart of New Orleans, a parade, authentic Louisiana cuisine and one special performing artist celebration. Really a great time!
2012 Mardi Gras Concert Schedule
TNA Pay-Per-View Event "Against All Odds" - February 12, 2012
Be a part of the live television audience for Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling's pay per view. Doors open at 7:00pm, the live pay per view is from 8:00pm to 11pm. This is a non-ticketed event and seating is based on a first come first served basis.
Velvet Unplugged - February 14, 2012 @ 8:00 pm (doors open at 7:00)
Starring in this month's show is Carl Dixon, known from his time with The Guess Who. Dixon will perform such hits as "These Eyes, "No Time," "American Woman," and "No Sugar Tonight" in the lobby of the Hard Rock Hotel.
The event is free from the standing section, or guests may reserve a table - $30 for a table for two, $50 for a table for four. Reserved tables include complimentary first round of drinks and self or valet parking.
Call 407-503-2402 for reservations and more information.
Self parking is $5, valet parking is $10.
March
St. Patrick’s Day - Saturday, March 17, 2012
Universal Citywalk celebrates St. Patty's Day with Attitude at Pat O’Brien’s.
12:00 pm - Close (free admission until 6:00 pm, must be 21+ after 6:00 pm)
Remember to wear your green and come enjoy the party with a live rock band, dueling pianos, stilt walkers, bead girls and more! Traditional Irish food and drink specials are available, as well as $3 domestic drafts and $9 hurricanes (prices good 12 pm - 4 pm)!
Free admission until 6:00 pm
General admission is $12 (plus tax), VIP admission* available for $20 (plus tax)
*(VIP Admission includes private balcony access, light appetizers, and free admission to select CityWalk clubs)
Buy Your Tickets Now at Universal CityWalk® Guest Services or by calling 407-224-2691
Universal Orlando Mardi Gras - February 11 – April 14, 2012
This event held annually at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL blends the best of New Orleans with some of the best names in music for a rockin’ good time.
Mardi Gras features live bands straight from the heart of New Orleans, a parade, authentic Louisiana cuisine and one special performing artist celebration. Really a great time!
2012 Mardi Gras Concert Schedule
TNA Pay-Per-View Event "Victory Road" - March 18, 2012
Be a part of the live television audience for Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling's pay per view. Doors open at 7:00pm, the live pay per view is from 8:00pm to 11pm. This is a non-ticketed event and seating is based on a first come first served basis.
TNA Wrestling's "iMPACT!" Taping - March 19, 20 2012
You can catch TNA (Total Nonstop Action) Wrestling's "iMPACT!" Spike TV tapings live at Universal Orlando Resort. Tapings are held every month at Universal Studios' Soundstage 21. Doors open at 5:30pm, taping begins at 6pm. Seating based upon availability and is left to the sole discretion of show management. Shows may not be suitable for all ages. Due to length of program and live audience recording the recommended minimum age is 14. For the most up-to-date information please call 407-224-6000.
April
Universal Orlando Mardi Gras - February 11 – April 14, 2012
This event held annually at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL blends the best of New Orleans with some of the best names in music for a rockin’ good time.
Mardi Gras features live bands straight from the heart of New Orleans, a parade, authentic Louisiana cuisine and one special performing artist celebration. Really a great time!
2012 Mardi Gras Concert Schedule
TNA Wrestling's "iMPACT!" Taping - April 2, 3, 17, 18, 30 2012
You can catch TNA (Total Nonstop Action) Wrestling's "iMPACT!" Spike TV tapings live at Universal Orlando Resort. Tapings are held every month at Universal Studios' Soundstage 21. Doors open at 5:30pm, taping begins at 6pm. Seating based upon availability and is left to the sole discretion of show management. Shows may not be suitable for all ages. Due to length of program and live audience recording the recommended minimum age is 14. For the most up-to-date information please call 407-224-6000.
Universal Grad Bash - April 20-21, 27-28, May 4, 2012
Join the graduation party at Universal Orlando - party at both parks from 7 pm - 2 am! Enjoy live concerts, street entertainment, dance parties and karaoke!
Some of the entertainment will include:
Pitbull
DJ Khaled
Portofino Bay Hotel
Italian Easter Buffet @ Trattoria del Porto, 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Adults: $58 (includes complimentary glass of champagne)
Children: ages 4 - 12: $26, ages 3 and under complimentary
This champagne brunch features smoked New York strip loin, roasted leg of lamb, crackling roasted pork loin, mahi mahi, seared chicken, and pasta stations. Desserts available are Trattoria del Porto’s signature pastries, pies, cakes, and tortes. Children will enjoy visits from Universal characters, strolling musicians, a face painter and balloon artist.
Hard Rock Hotel
Easter brunch @ The Kitchen, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Adults: $42
Children: ages 4 - 12: $16, ages 3 and under complimentary
Enjoy New York sirloin, baked ham, omelet station, rotisserie chicken, and a dessert station. Kids will love the “kids only” pancake and cookie decorating station, as well as visiting with the Easter bunny.
Royal Pacific Resort
Easter buffet @ Islands Dining Room, 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Adults: $52 (includes complimentary glass of champagne)
Children: ages 4 - 12: $26, ages 3 and under complimentary
Executive Chef Nando Belmonte has created this brunch buffet including smoked prime rib, roasted leg of lamb, stuffed chicken breast, a seafood raw bar, omelet and waffle station, Asian cuisine, sushi, stir-fry and carving stations, and freshly made desserts. Children will enjoy visits from Universal characters, live islands music, hula dancers, a face painter, balloon artist and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
Harbor Nights Primavera - Wine Tasting & Jazz at the Portofino
- Friday, April 27 2012 @ 6:30 pm
- Tickets: $45 online or $55 at the door.
Reserved seating tickets (with private wine station and passed hors d'oeuvres are $75 online or $85 at the door - Held in the Harbor Piazza in February, March, April, September, October, November, and December
- For reservations 407-503-1200
- This wine tasting and jazz event will capture the mood and feeling of the Mediterranean. Guests will enjoy wine, gourmet food, and live jazz on the Harbor Piazza at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
- Florida residents - Get 3 extra months with the purchase of an annual pass!
- Tickets on sale for Universal's Rock the Universe
- Blog - Universal Orlando Update
- List of performers updated for Summer Concert Series
- Universal offers new "Summer Concert Ticket"
- Mother's Day dining at Universal Resorts
- Photos from Universal's Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories
- Photos from Universal's Superstar Parade
- Cy Curnin of The Fixx to perform at Velvet Unplugged
- May's Velvet Sessions: STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
- Florida residents save $35 at Blue Man Group
- Florida residents can get a third day free at Universal Orlando!
