Summer specials at area Water Parks are a great way to beat the heat while having a good time. Save money by bringing your own cooler with drinks and lunch. Call the individual parks for updates on summer deals and discounts and to check what you are allowed to bring inside.

More: Theme Park Specials During July

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A remarkably lifelike Audio-Animatronics figure of President Barack Obama enters the spotlight in a revised and refreshed Hall of Presidents show that reopened July 4, 2009 in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.

The recently installed figure of the country’s 44th chief executive – which comes to life with recognizable mannerisms and makes comments that were recorded recently at the White House – is only part of an eight-month makeover so significant that the iconic attraction in the park’s Liberty Square has been re-titled Hall of Presidents: A Celebration of Liberty’s Leaders.

^{Photo © WDW}

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July 11 and 12, 2009, Orlando becomes the destination for all things nerdy as Nerdapalooza kicks off its third year. Nerdapalooza is a two-day music festival dedicated to the celebration of all nerd music. It will take place the second weekend of July from noon to midnight on both days.

Hosting almost 30 artists from across the U.S., the event will cost $15 for either day or $20 for the entire weekend and will take place at the Holiday Inn Convention Center on International Drive in Orlando, FL.

Last year’s Nerdapalooza Southeast 2008 was labeled “the World’s Geekiest Music Festival” and this year’s show looks forward to retaining that title. Also, like last year’s Nerdapalooza, this year is a charity show benefiting Child’s Play, with all of the proceeds being donated to that charity.

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Do you have what it takes to be a star on American Idol? If so, your opportunity is right around the corner. American Idol auditions are coming to Orlando. Registration dates are July 7-8, 2009 and auditions will be held on July 9th at the Amway Arena in Downtown Orlando.

Have you visited 'The American Idol Experience' at Disney's Hollywood Studios? Get a fast-pass to the front of the audition line at any regional auditions for the "American Idol" television show.

^{Photo © WDW
American Idol winners for Seasons 1-7 celebrate the opening of Disney's 'The American Idol Experience.'}

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