Island adventures in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. » Universal Orlando Resort is building a water park.

Construction has begun on Volcano Bay, expected to open in 2017.

It will join Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure at the Orlando theme park.
Universal says the water park will be an immersive experience themed on “picture-postcard tropical islands.”

Group offers old-time train trips

FORT WAYNE, Ind. » An historic steam locomotive will operate a series of passenger trips in Indiana and Ohio in July. The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society will host an excursion of Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive No. 765 on July 18 and 19.

It will travel one round trip per day from Fort Wayne to Lafayette in a trip called the Wabash Cannonball.

The train’s second summer trip will be July 25 and 26 in Ohio, when it goes from Youngstown  to Ashtabula.

That excursion is known as the Ashtabula Special. The (Fort Wayne) Journal Gazette reports it will be the first steam train to leave Youngstown since 1986.

The locomotive also will be on display this summer at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pa.

Singing Grinch takes Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. » Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! the Musical” is coming to Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House Nov. 20 through Dec. 27, as part of “A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Resort.” Hailed by The New York Times as “100 times better than any bedside story,” this classic holiday musical will enchant adults and children alike.