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Christian music takes over two of Central Florida's biggest theme parks this weekend, mixing roller coasters and thrill rides with songs of praise.
Night of Joy at Disney's Magic Kingdom, in its 21st year, focuses on more mainstream Christian acts: Jars of Clay, Rebecca St. James, Michael W. Smith, Point of Grace and Kirk Franklin.
Its younger, edgier competitor, the 6-year-old Rock the Universe at Universal Studios, features artists such as Toby Mac, Third Day, Audio Adrenaline, Skillet and Superchic(k).
Both parks keep their most popular rides open during the events. At Disney, that includes Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain. Universal rides include Jaws, Men in Black Alien Attack and Back to the Future - The Ride.
The Night of Joy schedule:
FRIDAY: Jars of Clay, Cinderella Castle stage, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; Nicole C. Mullen, Splash stage, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; Rebecca St. James, Galaxy Palace Theater, 7:30 and 9 p.m.; Stacie Orrico, Tomorrowland stage, 8:15 and 9:45 p.m.; Downhere, Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, 9:15 and 11 p.m.; Switchfoot, Splash stage, 10:15 and 11:30 p.m.; Petra, Galaxy Palace stage, 10:30 and 11:45 p.m.; and Michael W. Smith, Cinderella Castle stage, 10:30 and 11:45 p.m.
SATURDAY: Point of Grace, Cinderella Castle stage, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; O.C. Supertones, Splash stage, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; Yolanda Adams, Galaxy Palace Theater, 7:30 and 9 p.m.; Salvador, Tomorrowland stage, 8:15 and 9:45 p.m.; Rachael Lampa, Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, 9:15 and 11 p.m.; ZOEgirl, Splash stage, 10:15 and 11:30 p.m.; Freddie Colloca, Galaxy Palace stage, 10:30 and 11:45 p.m.; Kirk Franklin, Cinderella Castle stage, 10:30 and 11:45 p.m.
Rock the Universe schedule:
FRIDAY: Taylor, Animal Actors stage, 4 p.m.; speaker David Nasser, Animal Actors stage, 4:30 p.m.; Big Dismal, Animal Actors stage, 5 p.m.; Souljahz, Hollywood stage, 6:15 p.m.; Bleach, Boneyard stage, 6:45 p.m.; Superchic(k), Hollywood stage, 8 p.m.; Pillar, Boneyard stage, 8:15 p.m.; Toby Mac, Boneyard stage, 9:30 p.m.; Third Day, Boneyard stage, 10 p.m.
SATURDAY: Justifide, Animal Actors stage, 4 p.m.; speaker Jay Strack, Animal Actors stage, 4:30 p.m.; Across the Sky, Animal Actors stage, 5 p.m.; The Elms, Hollywood stage, 6:15 p.m.; Paul Colman Trio, Boneyard stage, 7:15 p.m.; Mercy Me, Hollywood stage, 8 p.m.; Skillet, Boneyard stage, 8:45 p.m.; Audio Adrenaline, Hollywood stage, 9:30 p.m.; Newsboys, Boneyard stage, 10:15 p.m.
PREVIEW
Rock the Universe begins at 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Universal Studios, Orlando. Tickets are $35.95 one night or $53.95 (both nights) in advance, $40.95 at the gate, if available. Toll-free 1-866-788-4636 or www.rocktheuniverse.com
Night of Joy begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Disney's Magic Kingdom, Orlando. Tickets are $35.95 one night or $57.95 (both nights) in advance, $40.95 at the gate, if available. (407) 934-7639 or www.nightofjoy.com