Lots going down at Universal Studios Orlando right now! Within the past week, we have been invited to two media events. Once for the kick off of Grinchmas 2013 and one for the City Walk expansion that is happening RIGHT NOW at Universal Orlando.

This is one of those cases where the photos speak for themselves, so here goes...

Welcome to Universal Orlando! 2014 is going to be a year with lots of changes and new expansions at the resort! 8 new restaurants at City Walk, the brand new Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and of course the second phase of Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley!

First lets take a look at the final event in 2013...

GRINCHMAS!

At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, guests will smile from ear-to-ear during the heartwarming live show, “Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular,” featuring The Grinch and the Whos from Who-ville, accompanied by an original musical score by Mannheim Steamroller.

Guests can meet the mean, green one himself and the Whos daily and, on select dates, enjoy a special breakfast with the characters.

The show is a new "re-telling" of the classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

But I think most of us will at least recognize the story and the songs!

Had a great time checking out this year's version of the show!

At Universal Studios Florida, the Macy’s Holiday Parade will fill the streets with the same larger-than-life balloons seen in the famous New York City parade.

Guests will be immersed in the spirit of the season with holiday characters, fantasy-filled floats and a tree-lighting ceremony with the big man himself, Santa Claus.

This year, there is a brand new addition to the line-up of timeless holiday parade icons.

Happy the Hippo, a recreation of a 1940s Macy's Parade balloon, made her debut in New York City this Thanksgiving before heading to Orlando to appear in the Macy's Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Florida.

Guess what? HIPPO BUTT!!!

I was just in NYC a couple of weeks ago to see the Macy's parade...

...and now it's here at Universal Studios Orlando!

Following the parade, the acclaimed musical group Mannheim Steamroller will take to the Music Plaza stage in Universal Studios six nights this year to perform memorable holiday hits on Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22.

Remember - Grinchmas at Universal's Islands of Adventure...

And the Macy's Holiday Parade at Universal Studios! Now through Jan 4th!

Ready for some more big announcements? How about a make-over of City Walk at Universal Studios Orlando! Check out these 8 new eating and dining locations:

Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food: Take a journey through the cantinas, street carts, and markets of Mexico for unique tapas-style dining at Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food. This restaurant takes the place of "Latin Quarter."

Click here for Page 2 of Universal Studios December 2013 Media Annoucement Photos

Universal Studios December 2013 Media Annoucement - Page 1 2 3

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