Local 6 Theme World: Deals: Mardi Gras & Jack Hanna

February 6, 2015

Weekend Deals: Mardi Gras & Jack Hanna

A big weekend in Theme World from Orlando to the Space Coast.

Let's start with SeaWorld Orlando, Where its "Wild Days" celebration ends with a big name among animal lovers.

 
 February 7th & 8th, renowned animal expert Jack Hanna will share his experiences with special talks in the Nautilus Theater (formerly the home to the quirky A'Lure Stage show).
 You can  also meet animal ambassadors and their human handlers and  enjoy the "Sea Garden Block Party."
 
Wild Days is included in SeaWorld admission.
 
Speaking of admission: the park is beating even its popular "Fun Card" deal, if more than one person in your family is going to the park. "Fun Card" is $95 for adults & $90 for children 3-9 and lets you enjoy the rest of the year free, except for parking.

For a limited time, though, SeaWorld's annual pass is "buy one get one free." That's $156 /2 = $78 per person, and includes free parking and discounts on food & merchandise.  For $180, there's a BOGO pass that includes Aquatica.


Speaking of Aquatica, folks will be taking the plunge there Saturday for a good cause.

 Usually all of the park's pools and slides are heated, but at 11am, the park's wave pool will chill down for a Polar Plunge. Proceeds go to the Special Olympics.
Here is a link to more information.


Over at Kennedy Space Center, through Monday, a piece of space history is on display: the first SpaceX Dragon capsule to launch to the International Space Station back in 2012.

 The original dragon is here in honor of Sunday's planned SpaceX launch at Cape Canaveral. At 6:10pm, the company plans to launch the the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) for NOAA.  

Last, but certainly not least,   10 days ahead of the real Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras is back starting Saturday at Universal Studios Florida.
 

 
This is one of my favorite annual events at Universal, and it is included in park admission. Great food. Great live music. Plus a parade even many people who don't like parades can enjoy.  Universal claims it uses  more than 1.8 million beads.  Here's a link to my look at last year's celebration.

In addition to bands from the Big Easy in the park's New York plaza, Big name acts take the stage at the Universal Music Plaza Stage.

Kicking off this year's festivities is  Olivia Newton John this Saturday, February 7.
 
Here is the complete list of performers:

 
Feb. 7     Olivia Newton-John
Feb. 14     Jessie J    
Feb. 15     Barenaked Ladies    
Feb. 21    Kelly Clarkson    
Feb. 28    Heart    
March 7    Trace Adkins
March 13    MKTO    
March 14    Styx    
March 15    American Authors    
March 20    Becky G    
March 21    Yandel      
March 22    The B-52s    
March 28    Phillip Phillips    
April 4         The All-American Rejects    
April 11       The Band Perry    
April 18       Trey Songz    
 


Naturally, special merchandise is also available.  Here's a look at this year's signature t-shirt for sale.

Mardi Gras runs 16 days and nights through April 18th.

Like SeaWorld, Universal has a deal on its annual passes. You'll receive up to 3 months free, depending on what type of pass you buy. Here's a link to more information.