“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Package” includes hotel accommodations and admission to both Universal Orlando theme parks — along with a wide-range of benefits available by booking through www.universaltravelagents.com

Benefits include early park admission, allowing clients to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter before other guests each day, as well as a traditional British breakfast at the Three Broomsticks, the signature eating establishment within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

When clients are booked at an on-site hotel, they can enjoy exclusive Universal Express ride access to select attractions and shows, allowing them to skip regular lines all day — a free benefit worth at least $70 per person per day.

The four-night Wizarding World of Harry Potter vacation package starts at $645 per adult ($1,548 for a family of four).

It includes four nights at one of Universal’s three on-site AAA Four Diamond hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort; three days admission to Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks (park-to-park not included); complimentary Universal Express access to bypass the regular lines at select theme park rides and attractions (a $70 value per day); early park admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter; breakfast at the Three Broomsticks; and commemorative ticket for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The package is good for travel beginning May 28, 2010 (though the Harry Potter attraction is expected to open earlier).

Agents can book a four-night vacation and then add additional nights and also upgrade their client’s theme park tickets to include park-to-park access, allowing them to go to both Universal theme parks each day.

Additional packages are available with prices starting at $285 per adult ($829 for a family of four) for four nights at a hotel near Universal.

All packages and prices are available at www.universaltravelagents.com

SeaWorld’s parks in Florida – SeaWorld, Aquatica, Discovery Cove and Busch Gardens – are not just about high speed thrills – there’s a whole world of discoveries for parents with younger children too. From the thrills of ‘my first coaster’ to covering the practicalities, like clean, comfortable baby changing facilities, SeaWorld Parks offer something for the whole family – no matter how small!

NEW FOR 2010

With nearly 3,000 animals, Busch Gardens really is the ultimate adventure park for families and opening at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay this Easter is Sesame Street Safari of Fun.

This unique play land, featuring Elmo, Big Bird and all their friends will be filled with rides, shows and adventures celebrating the spirit of Africa.

Kids can try out Air Grover; a new junior coaster, Elmo’s Safari Go-Round; a tribal carousel, Oscar’s Swamp Stomp and Bert & Ernie’s Water Hole; wet adventures filled with bubblers, geysers, jets and dumping buckets, Zoe-Patra & the Hippos of the Nile; a splashy flume ride through the Nile river and a 4D Sesame Street Show.

It’s not all about the kids though; for thrill-seeking parents, Busch Gardens offers a “Baby Swap” service at all of the major rides where adults can take turns riding the roller coasters and water rides without waiting in line twice.

SeaWorld Orlando is home to Shamu’s Happy Harbour, a dedicated land for little ones. Toddlers can enjoy ‘my first coaster’ Shamu Express (38 in. minimum height), which thrills children and parents alike while travelling down more than 850 feet of track at 26 mph.

Jazzy Jellies (42 in. minimum) lifts and spins families in oversized seats, while Swishy Fishies (36 in. minimum) takes adventurous youngsters on a spin around a giant waterspout. Shamu’s Happy Harbour also features the Sea Carousel (no minimum height), the Flying Fiddler (42 in. minimum), a giant fiddler crab that descends vertically in a quick series of short drops and Ocean Commotion (42 in. minimum), a fanta-sea themed tug boat that swings passengers side to side.

SeaWorld’s littlest guests can explore four storeys of colourful climbing nets and tunnels, nine slippery slides and a splashy water maze and there are lots of shady spots for parents to sit and keep an eye on the fun. There is also a cosy Baby Care Centre with comfortable changing facilities, private feeding rooms and pint-sized toilets.

Young families can enjoy up-close animal encounters and incredible shows throughout the park, from the hilarious theatrics of sea lions, otters and walrus in Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island to the comic talents of a menagerie of dogs, cats, birds, rats, skunks, pot-belly pigs and other animals Pets Ahoy. Check the park map for family friendly show times.

Shamu & Crew characters can be found from 9am to noon every morning near the front gate, waiting to meet their little fans and even sign autographs. While older kids are riding the new flying roller coaster, Manta, younger ones can experience the incredible underwater world of tropical fish and rays in the floor-to-ceiling aquariums at the attraction’s viewing area. With over 3,000 fish and rays in 10 aquariums, there’s even a mini ‘pop up’ viewing bubble that puts them into an aquarium for an amazing 360° view, creating a perfect photo-opp for parent as they are surrounded by colourful fish.

For whippersnappers that like it wet, wet, wet, Aquatica is a one-of-a-kind waterpark from SeaWorld, immersing guests in the playfulness of the sea and boasting some of the world’s most unique water rides and animal encounters. Walkabout Waters is a splashy fun area for little ones with tipping buckets, squirting guns and mini slides, and toddlers will love playing on the sandy beaches under a shady umbrella, frolicking in the shallow end of the 84-degree twin wave pools or just watching the black and white Commerson’s dolphins. Lifevests are available in all sizes so parents can relax if their tiddlers can only toddle.

Discovery Cove is a tropical oasis where little ones can meet exotic birds, watch dolphins play and enjoy the warm waters with mum or dad at this all-inclusive luxury day out. Whilst older kids can enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime dolphin swim, the younger ones can enjoy splashing around in the crystal waters and playing in the immaculate white sands. Lifevests are complimentary as are special sand baby buggies.

Inspired by the underwater flight of these powerful creatures, the ride will take you face down in a horizontal position underneath the belly of the rollercoaster train shaped like a giant Manta Ray.

With a wing span of 12 feet, the giant Manta will soar over the sea and sky in the most graceful flying coaster ever created. With all this on offer plus the brand new Aquatica water park and American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Orlando has plenty more to offer families and specialist tour operator Thomson Tailormade is offering fabulous deals to help you on your way.

Thomson Tailormade offer 7 nights at the 2 star plus Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista, Orlando from £499 per person, saving £117 per person and based on departure on 19th April 2010.

Price includes accommodation on a room only basis and return flights from London Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic.

Kids will love the colourful Family Fun Suites at this excellent value resort. Located just 10 minutes drive from Walt Disney World® Resort, the motel-style hotel is set in beautiful gardens with a kids play area and it’s own lake.

In the nearby area, you’ll find restaurants, entertainment and shops within walking distance. Facilities include two swimming pools, two restaurants, a Lounge/Bar, Convenience Store and Games room.
For bookings and information visit www.thomsontailormade.com  or call 0871 664 0273

Thomson Tailormade offer 10 nights at the 3 star Monumental Movieland, Orlando from £629 per person, saving £100 per person and based on departure on 10th May 2010.

Price includes accommodation on a room only basis and return flights from London Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic.

Its all about movies and shopping at this centrally located hotel. Just minutes away from the new Millenia shopping Mall, featuring stores such as Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus plus over a hundred shops and restaurants are all within walking distance on International Drive.

Be treated like a moviestar at this friendly hotel with excellent facilities. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, Restaurant, Bar, gift shop and Games room.

For bookings and information visit the Thomson banner ad here or call 0871 664 0273

Thomson Tailormade offer 10 nights at the 3 bedroom Bronze Villas, Orlando from £649 per person, saving £70 per person and based on departure on 3rd May 2010.

Price includes accommodation on a self catering basis and return flights from London Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic.

Thomson Tailormade’s Bronze homes have been carefully selected, offering a high level of comfort, pleasant furnishings and a choice of between one and five bedrooms.

Feel at home in the fully equipped, luxury accommodation with all the things you need to enjoy your stay, including a fully equipped kitchen and your very own private, screened swimming pool. All homes are only a short drive from all of Orlando’s major attractions, Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Theme Parks and SeaWorld® and are close to a wide variety of shops and restaurants.

There are over 30 world class golf courses within an hour’s drive of the Bronze Homes, with many just a few minutes away.

Surrounded by a lush conservation area, Bronze Homes provides a peaceful haven within easy reach of from Orlando’s busy attractions. Facilities include a screened swimming pool, fully equipped kitchen and Private double garage.
For bookings and information visit the banner ad or call 0871 664 0273

Thomson Tailormade offer 7 nights at the 3 star Disney All Star Sports Resorts, Orlando from £699 per person, saving £104 per person and based on departure on 20th June 2010.

Price includes accommodation on a self catering basis and return flights from London Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic.

Guests who book early will receive the Orlando hotel discount price of $69, based on advance purchase and prepayment.

The Book Early and Save Orlando Vacation Package includes accommodations, wireless high-speed Internet, parking and continental breakfast.

The offer is valid through Dec. 31, 2010. Be sure that the promotional code ADP appears in the Corporate/Promotional code box when making an online reservation 45 days prior, or call 800-834-7015 in the U.S. and ask for promotional code ADP.

For more information, visit www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/mcolz

Florida specialist Ocean Florida (www.ocean-florida.co.uk; 0800 652 0850) is offering three star packages with 14 nights at the Best Western Lakeside for just £499 per person.

Price includes return flights from Manchester to Orlando, transfers, taxes, 14–nights’ accommodation in the three-star Best Western Lakeside Hotel including a miniature mini golf, three swimming pools, complimentary shuttle to services to theme parks and kids eat FREE at Planet Hollywood, Orlando (If no kids each adult gets a free lunch at Planet Hollywood instead).

Price is based on selected departures between 22nd August and 30th November 2010.

Alternatively, try the flight only option to Florida from just £399 per person.

For further information and to book please see www.ocean-florida.co.uk  or call 0800 652 0850 to talk to a Florida expert.

Characters, including wookiees, droids, ewoks, bounty hunters and jedi, will roam the streets, making the studios “Star Wars Central” for guests of all ages.

Also featured in special meet-and-greet opportunities are characters from the animated film and TV series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” The weekends’ festivities will mark the last for the Star Tours attraction in its current form; later this year, work will begin on an innovative, 3D enhancement to transform the attraction into Star Tours II.

The Jedi Training Academy, one of many interactive entertainment experiences at the theme park, takes place on the main stage and allows young guests to learn from a Jedi Master before testing their newly acquired skills in a battle with Darth Vader.

Also featured is the chance for fans to purchase one-of-a-kind “Star Wars” memorabilia, “Star Wars” games, special “Star Wars” parades, star conversations and autograph sessions with famous “Star Wars” actors (celebrity lineup will be announced at a later date).

Event activities are included in theme park admission.

For more information, visit www.StarWars.com

With just four tables, the room features French gueridon service and a 10-course menu by Chef Scott Hunnel.

Children under 10 are not allowed in the dining room, and men must wear jackets (tie optional) for this dining affair.

After three to four hours of leisurely dining, guests float out the door with long-stemmed roses and personalized menus.

Reservations for Queen Victoria’s Room are now being accepted, with just one seating offered nightly.

The restaurant has its own private reservation line, 407-939-3862.

The Triple Twist, which opened at Great Wolf Lodge at Kings Island, is a first-of-its-kind-in-the-world slide.

New slides at two other resort locations will open by the end of March. The Triple Twist is a five-story waterslide featuring a high speed drop into a huge funnel, followed by twists and turns, and two more funnels.

Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City is scheduled to open its version of The Triple Twist on March 12, with Great Wolf Lodge in the Pocono Mountains scheduled to open Double Barrel Drop on March 26.

The new Pocono Mountains attraction, which will be the first indoor waterslide of its kind in the world, is a six-story adventure that starts with a high speed drop into a huge funnel, a 450 degree turn into a dark vortex tunnel, and then a second funnel. All three new waterslides will include lighting and special effects to enhance the rider experience.

To celebrate these three new attractions, all 11 Great Wolf Lodge locations will participate in an attempt to break a world’s record on March 26-27.

The Great Wolf Lodge “World’s Largest Waterslide-athon” will take place over 24 consecutive hours with one designated slide per resort.

Every slider who descends the designated slide will count toward breaking the record for longest distance traveled on waterslides over a 24 hour period.

The current Guinness World Record for this attempt was set in Germany in 2007 with a total distance of 843 miles.

Participants in the Great Wolf Lodge “World’s Largest Waterslide-athon” will be asked to donate $1, with proceeds from the company’s U.S. locations going to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the company’s charity of choice.

Great Wolf Resorts will be matching each donation, up to $50,000.

The grand opening celebration and Guinness Record attempt at the end of March will include the three “First Families,” winners of a sweepstakes held earlier this year to promote the new attractions. The First Families of Great Wolf at King’s Island, Kansas City, and Pocono Mountains will be the first to have their rides down the slides count toward the Guinness World Record attempt at those locations.

 For more information, visit www.greatwolf.com/worldrecord

The production, a collaboration by Jackson, Disney, Producer George Lucas and Director Francis Ford Coppola, is a 17-minute 3D film experience starring Jackson as Captain EO.

The film features two original songs and features Oscar-winning actress Anjelica Huston and a cast of mythical space characters with dual personalities who undergo magical transformations to become Jackson’s electronic band in conquering the forces of darkness.

The film also features a new, 70-mm print of the film and better sound, thanks to acoustical enhancements made to the theater. “Captain EO” is presented multiple times daily at Disneyland.

For more information, call 866-603-4763 or visit www.disney.go.com  or www.disneyland.com

For more information, call 888-99-WORLD and request rate code FR6, or visit www.marriottworldcenter.com