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Attractions Offer Ice, Lights, Santa

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By TED JACKOVICS

tjackovics@tampatrib.com

Published: November 29, 2008

Florida's theme parks did not wait for Thanksgiving to usher in the winter holiday season, but as the season begins, here's a quick look at what's happening at the major attractions.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Many holiday classics return this year, including a limited-engagement ice show at the Stanleyville Theater. The Marrakesh Theater presents a program called Christmas from the Heart.

The Christmas Celebration musical extravaganza returns to the Desert Grill with seasonal songs, tap-dancing toy soldiers and performances for all ages.

The New Year's celebration provides special entertainment and fireworks Dec. 27-31.

For details, go to www.buschgardens.com.

The Florida Aquarium

The aquarium is closed Christmas Day but offers plenty of holiday activity before and after Christmas, including $10 off the admission price in exchange for a new, unwrapped toy that will be donated to Metropolitan Ministries.

Santa Claus is scheduled to make an appearance Dec. 6, 13 and 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Children can have their picture taken with Santa or watch his elves perform at a diving show at the Coral Reef exhibit.

On Dec. 31, there's the Aqua-Eve 2008 New Year's Eve Party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Details are available at www.flaquarium.org.

Disney World

The four Disney parks at Lake Buena Vista create myriad holiday-themed attractions and displays, including Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Think snowflakes on Main Street U.S.A. and Cinderella's Castle cast in 200,000 lights. It's a special event with a separate ticket for admission.

Other attractions include Holidays Around The World, Spectacle of Dancing Lights, Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade and Festival of the Seasons.

For details, go to http://Disneyworld.disney.go.com.

SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando has already opened its Polar Express Experience, based on the children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. Shamu is presenting "Shamu Christmas ... Miracles" in Shamu stadium, which is illuminated with lights and candles. There's the Makahiki Christmas Luau, which continues through Jan. 4 featuring South Seas island cuisine. Park admission is not required but the adult price is $46.

SeaWorld also will hold a New Year's Eve party with fireworks.

Details for all holiday activities can be found at www.seaworld.com

Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Studios holiday attractions range from the theme park's Macy's Holiday Parade with balloons and floats from the New York parade on Thanksgiving Day, to "Grinchmas" at Universal's Islands of Adventure, with a live show of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" and a breakfast buffet with the Grinch and The Whos at the Confisco Grille.

The Cinesphere, a 3-D animation and laser extravaganza, lights up the park after sundown from Dec. 26 to Jan 1. Characters and scenes from Hollywood productions are projected across the Universal Studios lagoon for a pyrotechnic spectacular.

New Year's Eve at Universal CityWalk features a live performance by The Doobie Brothers.

Details are available at www.UniversalOrlando.com.

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