Holiday events at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure

It’s the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort – and Grinchmas, the Macy’s Holiday Parade and other special events run from December 3 through January 1, 2012.

• Grinchmas & Macy's Holiday Parade Photos
• Mannheim Steamroller Performance Photos
• VIDEO - Breakfast with the Grinch
• Purchase Universal Tickets
• Resort Dining - Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

At Islands of Adventure, the popular Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is brought to life in Grinchmas, a live stage show featuring an original musical score by Mannheim Steamroller. During the show, six songs are performed by a live cast, including The Grinch and The Whos from Whoville. This show is performed on Soundstage 20.  As a part of the Grinchmas celebration, guests will also have the opportunity to meet The Grinch and explore the Whoville Wonky Tree Lot.  Check the park map for times.

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Join the Grinch for Breakfast

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.

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. Call (407) 224-4012 to reserve your space today!

• Select dates (reservations recommended):
  Dec. 1-4, 8-12, 15-19, 21-31, 2011
  
  
• Children (ages 3-9):
  $14.85 plus tax & gratuity, per person
  
  
• Adults:
  $21.95 plus tax & gratuity, per person
  
  
• Annual Passholder discount:
  Premier Passholders: 15%
  Preferred Passholders: 10%

For reservations, call (407) 224-4012

Next door at Universal Studios, the world-renowned balloons and floats from Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade return. Guests can experience the excitement of the New York City tradition as the Macy’s Holiday Parade cruises through the streets of the park. In addition to the parade, Universal Studios guests can enjoy performances by marching bands from across the country, a nightly Christmas tree lighting, as well as specially themed holiday shows.

This parade begins near Beetlejuice at dusk. Please check park map for times.

Located in the New York Area & Music Plaza Stage, and following the Macy's Holiday Parade, Holiday Village is filled with local artisans, kids crafts, tasty snacks for purchase and more.

Mannheim Steamroller performs!

The famous Mannheim Steamroller will perform on the Music Plaza Stage on December 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 7:00 pm and December 17 and 18 at 8:00 pm! The Grammy Award-winning, platinum-selling group has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide.

Mannheim Steamroller Performance Photos

StarToons Holiday Show

In this live show, watch your favorite characters dance to holiday hits.

A Barney Holiday

At A Day In The Park With Barney, join Barney and his friends as they sing together in this crowd-pleasing show.

The Blues Brothers Holiday Show

Sing along with Jake and Elwood as they perform favorite holiday songs, like "Santa Claus is Coming To Town" and "Blue Christmas."  At the end of each show, it will snow on Delancey Street!

The celebration continues at Universal Orlando’s three on-site hotels – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort – all of which will glisten with holiday decorations. Hotel guests will be immersed in the spirit of the season with carolers, tree-lighting ceremonies, holiday movie presentations and special holiday menus.

Hard Rock Hotel - The Kitchen

Christmas Eve

Prix Fixe menu available from 5:00 - 11:00 pm

$47 per person, tax and gratuity not included

A la carte menu also available

• Appetizer
  • Choice of House-smoked salmon or Shrimp bisque
• Salad
  • Frisse, Pears and Roquefort Salad
• Entree
  • Choice of Grilled herbed swordfish or Roasted pork loin
• Dessert
  • Deconstructed apple pie

Christmas Day

Prix Fixe menu available from 5:00 - 11:00 pm

$52 per person, tax and gratuity not included

A la carte menu also available

• Soup
  • Butternut squash soup
• Salad
  • Watercress, marinated shrimp salad
• Entree
  • Choice of Pan-seared Florida snapper or Roasted New York strip loin
• Dessert
  • Florida Snowman - white chocolate key lime and coconut snowman

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Portofino Bay Hotel - Trattoria del Porto

Christmas Day Champagne Buffet

11:00 am - 7:00 pm

Adults: $54 (champagne included), children 4-12: $24, 3 and under free

Menu:

• Smoked salmon and pastrami salmon with capers, diced onions, chopped eggs
• Omelets and crepes made to order (11:00 am - 2:00 pm)
• Risotto Station (2:00 pm - 7:00 pm)
• Antipasto Display
  • cured Italian meats and grilled marinated vegetables
• Selection of domestic and imported cheese, rustic Italian breads, assorted crackers
• Tropical fruit display
• Soups and Salads
  • Pasta patata
  • Italian seafood salad
  • Field greens with cucumber, shaved fennel, dried cherry, pear tomato
  • Traditional caesar salad with parmesan cheese, herb croutons, caesar dressing
  • Smoked duck and pomegranate salad
  • Wild mushroom, truffled cous cous salad
  • Country seafood terrine & meat galantines, Prosecco chive sauce,
  • Pear and apple compote, stone ground mustard
• Chilled Seafood Display
  • Gulf shrimp skewers
  • snow crab claws
• Pasta Station
  • Create your own with the chef's fresh selection of vegetables, shrimp and chicken
  • Oriechetti or Fettuccini
  • Marinara, bolognese, alfredo or pesto sauces
• Live Action Stations
  • Orange glazed duck, citrus duck demi
  • Roast prime rib of beef with au jus
  • Fresh pork porchetta, oregano and garlic
  • Spicy scungilli, garlic crostini
• Entrees
  • Roasted winter root vegetables
  • Greens beans almandine, amaretto butter
  • Truffle whipped potatoes
  • Fontina filled chicken saltimbocca, lemon caper sauce
  • Sicilian style flounder rotalini, zucchini sauce
• Dessert Station
  • Trattoria del Porto’s signature pastry station

Children will be entertained by the characters, face painting, balloon artist and strolling musicians.

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Royal Pacific Resort - Islands Dining Room

Christmas Day Champagne Buffet

11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Adults: $48 (champagne included), children 4-12: $24, 3 and under free

This champagne buffet will feature several different food stations, including Smoked Seafood, Iced Raw Bar, Sushi, Stir Fry and Omelets.  Other items include Rosemary and slow-roasted Carolina turkey, Palmetto Creek farm-fresh ham, oven-roasted stuffed quail, pan-seared halibut, freshly baked breads, pastries, cakes and pies.

Children will be entertained by the characters, face painting, balloon artist and hula dancers.

For more info or reservations at any of these locations, call 407-503-DINE.