Orlando, Florida—Universal Studios Orlando showcases resort-wide festivities with attractions and events throughout its theme parks and hotels—offering visitors a holiday season that’s anything but ordinary.

From the colorful balloons and festive floats of the Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios to meeting the Grinch and sliding down the icy Mt. Crumpit Snow Plummet during the Grinchmas celebration at Islands of Adventure, the theme parks will be jammed-packed with holiday excitement.

The holiday celebration continues throughout the destination. Universal Orlando’s three world-class on-site hotels will glisten with holiday décor as guests enjoy carolers, tree-lighting ceremonies, holiday cooking demonstrations, holiday movies, and more. Old-fashioned holiday fun is in store at CityWalk, the 30-acre entertainment complex. There will be glittering decorations, horse-drawn carriage rides, live musical performances, intermittent “snow” flurries, a train ride on the CityWalk Junction, and opportunities to meet Santa and his elves.

MACY’S HOLIDAY PARADE

The merriment of Macy’s world-famous Thanksgiving Day Parade comes to life in an all-new Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Florida. The all-new parade will roll through the streets of the theme park daily beginning December 12, 2003 through January 4, 2004. This year’s parade features more elements than ever before—more than a dozen authentic parade balloons, eight festive floats, thirteen parade vehicles, brigades of clowns and numerous marching bands from across the country.

The parade kicks off at dusk and features authentic Macy’s balloons, including the Happy Hippo, Uncle Sam, elf, toy soldier, Macy’s stars and more. Parade floats, including Universal-themed Shrek and Grinch floats, will delight guests with their color and whimsy. And this year, Santa Claus and his reindeer, straight from their appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, will add a festive flair to the grand finale.

GRINCHMAS

There’s more fun in store next-door at Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park as Grinchmas springs to life November 21 through January 4. Based on the holiday tale and Universal Pictures’ and Imagine Entertainment’s Academy Award-winning blockbuster hit, “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” Grinchmas transports guests into the whimsical world of “Whoville,” located within the park’s Seuss Landing themed area.

Visitors can meet the reclusive Mr. Grinch in his frosty lair with his little dog Max. The lair is decked out with actual props used in the movie. Children can also slide down the 60-foot icy Mt. Crumpit Snow Plummet.

A visit to “Whoville” wouldn’t be complete without meeting the perky Who-villians. During the heart-warming Whobilation Show, the singing Whos teach the Grinch the true meaning of the season and light the quirky 35-foot tall Seussian Christmas tree during the evening’s final show.

Both Macy’s Holiday Parade and Grinchmas celebrations are included in the price of admission.

RESORT HOTELS

Universal Orlando’s award-winning on-site hotels will feature themed celebrations, including an exotic island holiday festival at the Royal Pacific Resort, a rock ’n’ roll Christmas at the chic Hard Rock Hotel and a romantic European celebration at the Mediterranean-style Portofino Bay Hotel.

Guests are transported to the enchanting isles of the South Pacific when they stay at the exotic Royal Pacific Resort. For the holidays, a special feast of traditional cuisine and tropical fare will be available in the hotel’s Islands Dining Room. The festivities will also feature live holiday music with a South Pacific twist, photos with Island Santa, cookie decorating sessions and more.

The “Hotel California” inspired Hard Rock Hotel will be rocking during the holidays as guests listen to hip tunes around the 25-foot Christmas tree. In the lobby, a miniature gingerbread replica of Graceland pays tribute to the “King of Rock ‘n Roll,” Elvis Presley.

Visitors will enjoy a Mediterranean ambiance as they enter the enchanting Portofino Bay Hotel. Guests can meander along the picturesque harbor and stop to enjoy a holiday aperitif at outdoor tables or listen to readings of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” around the Christmas tree.

For more information about Universal Orlando’s holiday celebrations or travel packages, visit our website at www.universalorlando.com.