PREVIEW

New year brings new theme park options

What: Just for Kids festival

Where: SeaWorld Orlando, off BeachLine Expressway, southwest of Orlando.

When to go: Four consecutive Saturdays, beginning Jan. 14

What to know: SeaWorld introduces a kid-centric concert series, featuring groups such as LazyTown and the Doodlebops. Tickets will be distributed at 9 a.m. each day for shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Nautilus Theater. Elsewhere: "Elmo and Abby's Treasure Hunt" stage show and Shamu's Party Zone.

What it costs: Included in park admission — a one-day pass is $81.99 general, $73.99 ages 3-9

More info: SeaWorldOrlando.com or 407-351-3600

What else: More adult fare is on the way with the annual Bands, Brew & BBQ events, beginning Feb. 11 with a concert by Foreigner.

Skate of the union

What: Iceploration

Where: Busch Gardens, 40th Street and Busch Boulevard, Tampa

When to go: Its debut is Feb. 2.

What to know: The 30-minute show will use figure skaters, puppetry and live animals to travel the world, including stops at the Great Barrier Reef, Amazon rain forest and Antarctica — all in the confines of the park's Moroccan Palace Theater.

More info: BuschGardens.com or 813-987-5082

What else: Busch Gardens' Real Music Concert Series begins Jan. 18 with the Terry Myers Orchestra and the Swing Sisters. (Also on the list: Tony Orlando, the Osmond Brothers.)

New Orleans East

What: Mardi Gras

Where: Universal Studios, Kirkman Road and Interstate 4, Orlando

When to go: Select dates, beginning Feb. 11

What to know: The annual concert series — plus parade and bead mania — returns. The musical lineup has not been revealed, with the exception of Kelly Clarkson, who will appear on the Music Plaza stage on Feb. 18.

More info: UniversalOrlando.com or 407-363-8000

Reporters and editors involved in creating and writing these cruise articles are in no way affiliated with any links that are placed on the pages. Read our full editorial policy.
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