Universal Orlando Resort Features Live Performance By "Hop" Characters for a Limited Time

Now through April 5, guests at Universal Studios Florida can be among the first to meet the characters from “Hop,” Universal Pictures’ new animated film about candy, chicks, and rock ‘n’ roll. They’re performing live at the French Quarter stage within the New York area of the theme park, followed by a meet-and-greet where guests can snap photos with the characters. Universal Studios is one of two amazing theme parks within Universal Orlando Resort featuring cutting-edge attractions and some of the most revolutionary rides ever created.

** Performance schedule is subject to change without notice.

Last Section Of Cheetah Hunt Track Installed at Busch Gardens

With the Tightening of A Few Final Bolts, the Cheetah Hunt Track is Complete

Tuesday, March 15, 2011 (Tampa, FL) – Construction crews worked into the evening on Monday to install the final piece of track that completes Cheetah Hunt’s epic 4,429-foot run – a record length among Busch Gardens Tampa’s coasters. The final section, which completes the “jump” over the Skyride’s cables, was bolted into place just before 9:30 p.m.

Even with the completion of the track, however, the work is far from over in preparing the new mega-attraction for its May 27th grand opening. Crews will spend the next two months finishing the intricate sculpting – or “theming” – of the coasters’ surrounding architecture.

Construction also continues on innovative Cheetah Run habitat, which will house more than a dozen of the highly endangered cats and offer guests unique opportunities to get up-close and witness a cheetah’s speed first-hand during daily sprints.

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO ’S GRAD BASH 2011 FEATURES LIVE PERFORMANCES BY TODAY’S HOTTEST MUSIC STARS – JASON DERULO, PITBULL, B.O.B., AND DJ KHALED

High School Seniors Can Also Enjoy Exclusive Access to Two World-Class Theme Parks, Nonstop Entertainment and More

Tickets on Sale Now with High School Student Advisors for Orlando’s Hottest Grad Party

Universal Orlando ’s Grad Bash 2011 is Orlando ’s hottest high school graduation event where graduates can celebrate with exclusive access to two world-class theme parks, street entertainment and live performances by some of today’s most popular musical artists.

This year’s talent lineup includes Jason DeRulo – the artist behind smash hits like “Whatcha Say” and “In My Head;” Reggaeton rapper Pitbull, also known as “Mr. 305;” five-time 2011 Grammy award nominee B.o.B.; and BET’s 2008 “DJ of the Year,” DJ Khaled. Together, this dynamic group of acts lays claim to 11 platinum and multi-platinum singles and will be performing live for high school graduates on the Music Plaza Stage at Universal Studios Florida. Performance dates are listed below.

GRAD BASH 2011 TALENT LINE-UP
Performing at Universal Studios’ Music Plaza Stage

Grad Bash Event Dates
   
Live Talent Performances By:
Friday, April 15
·         Jason DeRulo

·         B.o.B.

·         DJ Khaled

Saturday, April 30
·         Jason DeRulo

·         B.o.B.

·         DJ Khaled

Friday, May 6
·         Pitbull

·         B.o.B.

·         DJ Khaled

Saturday, May 7
·         Pitbull

·         B.o.B.

·         DJ Khaled

Students also get late-night access to pulse-pounding rides and attractions at both Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. They can soar above Hogwarts on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, speed through darkness on Revenge of the Mummy and rock out at 65 mph on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.

High school seniors are encouraged to book their spot at Universal Orlando’s Grad Bash with their student advisor. For more information on the event, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/GradBash.

April 15, April 30, May 6, May 7
7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL JOINS EFFORT TO CONSERVE THE AMAZONIAN RAIN FOREST THROUGH PERU FIELD STATION

   San Diego Zoo Global will play a key role in helping to conserve the Amazonian rain forest by taking on management responsibility for a conservation and research station located in the Manu Biosphere Reserve in Peru. This will be the first South American-based field station for the San Diego Zoo and marks a significant extension of its commitment to the region.

     Manu National Park is located in the western Amazon and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and, as such, is protected as a biosphere preserve. It is one of the most biodiverse lowland tropical forests in the world and is considered one of the most pristine ecosystems on the planet.
     "Cocha Cashu Biological Station, which is part of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, represents a significant expansion of our conservation efforts," said Allison Alberts, Ph.D., chief conservation and research officer for San Diego Zoo Global. "We are inheriting a legacy of inestimable value and look forward to the challenge of understanding and conserving the unique and important biodiversity of Manu."
     Through the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation ResearchTM , San Diego Zoo Global currently manages field programs in more than 35 countries around the world. The new Peruvian-based station will be an important addition to the organization's existing conservation research stations, including three field stations in Cameroon's Ebo Forest, a California condor release site in Mexico, endangered bird breeding centers in Hawaii and San Clemente Island, and the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center in Nevada.
     Encompassing almost 6,000 square miles, the Manu Biosphere Reserve is protected as a national park by the Peruvian Department of Protected Areas in the Ministry of Environment. San Diego Zoo Global, which will officially take over management of the field station at the
beginning of summer, will be working with an existing team of Peruvian scientists in a collaborative effort to develop conservation science-based projects that study the many high-profile species that live in the Amazonian ecosphere.

     "Manu is unrivaled in its biodiversity," said Ron Swaisgood, Ph.D., director of applied animal ecology at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation ResearchTM.  "This project will allow us to expand our conservation efforts and develop partnerships with some of the key organizations and scientists working in the area."
     The Park is estimated to be home for more than 1,000 bird species, 200 species of reptiles and amphibians, 125 species of mammals and 40 species of fish. Living in the area of the field station are such rare and charismatic species as jaguars, giant river turtles, Goeldi's monkeys, black caimans, lowland tapirs, and giant river otters. The only human inhabitants of the region are indigenous groups including the Machigenga tribe and five other tribes that remain "uncontacted" by Western society.

A Multi-Million Dollar Expansion At Schlitterbahn Waterpark In Kansas City Means More Summer Jobs

Schlitterbahn is now accepting applications to hire more than 500 seasonal staff members to fill summer jobs.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Schlitterbahn Waterpark is currently accepting seasonal employment applications for the 2011 season. A multi-million dollar 2011 expansion which includes the region’s only surf ride, a mammoth rapids river, two head-first mat slides, an totally enclosed tube slide, a whitewater tube chute and ride-up Aqua Veyer, requires more than 150 additional staff members than last season.

500 seasonal staff members are needed to fill open positions which include food and beverage personnel, lifeguards, cashiers, retail assistants, maintenance workers, landscaping crew and more. Potential staff members should be at least 16 years of age and able to work throughout the summer months, including weekends and evenings.

“We are excited about assembling our largest summer team to date as we prepare to introduce six major new attractions and other guest amenities for the 2011 season,” said Keith Fontenot, general manager for Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark. “We strive to offer our staff members the best work experience and a competitive compensation plan including an end of the season bonus program.”

Those interested in job opportunities are encouraged to apply online in the Jobs section at schlitterbahn.com starting Monday, March 7. Those who prefer to apply in person may do so Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Staff Services office at 1709 North 98th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66111. Once an application is submitted, it is reviewed by Schlitterbahn staff and applicants are contacted to schedule interviews.

Schlitterbahn Waterparks is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Please email SKCJobs@schlitterbahn.com for more information or questions regarding employment.

Schlitterbahn is Kansas City’s only river tubing adventure and is likened to a float trip excursion inside a waterpark. The Transportainment River System™ allows guest to float in tubes throughout the park without leaving the water. Attractions include an uphill water coaster, a surfing ride, the world’s longest tidal wave river, a record-breaking rapids river, six huge slides, whitewater tube chutes, Aqua Veyers, two areas for kids with 13 mini slides, relaxing beach areas and a giant hot tub with a swim-up refreshment bar.

Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark is open May 21 & 22, then daily May 28-August 21 and weekends through Labor Day. The park offers fantastic family amenities that include free parking and free use inner tubes and life jackets. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets and coolers inside the park (no grilling, glass containers or alcohol).

Family-owned and operated, Schlitterbahn Waterparks has been a leader in family water entertainment since 1979.  In addition to the Kansas City property, Schlitterbahn currently operates three Texas waterparks – Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark in South Padre Island, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark in Galveston Island, and the award-winning flagship waterpark at Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort in New Braunfels.

For more information, please visit www.schlitterbahn.com.

Knott’s Berry Farm’s Studio K and Cloud 9 Reunion Turns the Clock Back to the ‘80’s

Buena Park, CA – Knott’s Berry Farm will be partying like it’s 1984 with the one night only return of Studio K and Could 9.  These dance clubs, formerly inside the Knott's Berry Farm amusement theme park, were the place to be for many Orange County teens from 1984 to 1991 and were known as two of the most successful dance facilities in the nation.

Now, after 20 years, both Cloud 9 and Studio K are returning for a one-night-only reunion party set to take place on April 1 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.  Two full bars, original DJs from the clubs, the hosting services of ex-KROQ personality Richard Blade, and access to some of the theme park’s most popular rides and attractions are expected to draw thousands who were regulars during their teen years.

Tickets for the event are $26.99 and can be purchased at Knott’s Berry Farm’s ticket booths as well as online at www.knotts.com. For more information, call (714) 220-5200.

FAIRYTALE TOWN APRIL & MAY EVENTS

Family Friendly Fun this Spring
The Fairytale Town Troupers - The Frog Princess

April 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 & 17 (Saturdays & Sundays)

Two Show times: 12:30PM & 1:30PM
The Fairytale Town Troupers are back with their first show of the season, the Frog Princess. Belazar Jette' is labeled the "Crown Prince of College Basketball" by sportscasters everywhere. The week before his first major NBA draft, Benny reluctantly agrees to visit his great-great grandmother in the deep, deep South, an extremely isolated little bayou town known only as Nola. Benny brings along his "Golden Ball," a national college basketball trophy topped off with a solid gold basketball, to try and impress her. When he loses his "Golden Ball" in the swamp, he is devastated, but help comes along in the most unexpected form: a talking frog. Rollicking Zydeco coupled with Mardi Gras Magic makes it a joyous Cajun Carnival for all ages. Performances will be held in Fairytale Town's Children's Theater. Tickets are $1, members and children 1 and under are free, in addition to paid park admission (show subject to change).

The Annual Puppet Festival - Five Unique Puppet Shows

April 20 - June 26 (Wednesdays - Sundays)
Show times: Weekdays at 10:30AM, 11:30AM, 12:30PM
Show times: Weekends at 12:30PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM

Puppet Art Theater is back this Spring for another season filled with music, puppetry chase scenes and fun! Five original shows will be performed in the Children's Theater. Puppet Show tickets are $1 members and $2 nonmembers, children 1 and under are free, in addition to paid park admission. All shows are performed by Puppet Art Theater Company. 

This year's line-up is as follows:

April 20 - April 24 - Bunny Boot Camp
April 27 - May 8: The Three Little Pigs
May 11 - May 22: Tommy's Train Troubles
May 25 - June 5: The Boy Who Cried Wolf
June 8 - June 26: Jack & The Beanstalk

Spring Eggstravanganza

Saturday & Sunday, April 23 & 24
11AM - 3PM

A fun-filled family weekend with egg hunts, prizes, spring-themed hands on activities, and pictures with Peter Cottontail (additional cost). Daily egg hunts will be held at 12PM, 1PM, and 2PM. Hunt areas are separated by age group. Children can also participate in hands-on arts and crafts activities. The Bunny Boot Camp puppet show will be performed in the Children's Theater for a small fee. Weekend park admission is $4.50 per person and children 1 and under are free. 

Farms, Friends & Fairytales

Saturday, May 21, 2011
11AM - 3PM

Celebrate agriculture awareness at the fourth annual Farms, Friends & Fairytales event! Arrive early to watch the twin Babydoll sheep, Lucy & Ethel, get sheared, then watch as a wool spinner spins the wool into thread using an old fashioned spinning wheel! Enjoy agriculture themed hands on activities, a mini-farmer's market and visit with local area farms and organizations to learn more about California's rich agricultural history. Weekend park admission is $4.50 per person and children 1 and under are free.