Mickey Mouse and friends rock the world with the stars from The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story in their new touring show Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival coming to the UCF Arena March 3, 2013.
Disney hits are remixed to the hottest sounds of today featuring hip hop, pop, swing, reggae, rock, country and much more! The irresistible lineup of performers, including Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy; Ariel, Sebastian and Ursula; Jasmine, Aladdin and Genie; and Woody, Buzz and Jessie; are among the more than 25 Disney stars featured in this jam session fit for the entire family!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUyxUfdmiNw
We’ll be posting more details, discounts, and a ticket Give-a-way soon!
Make sure you like Disney Live! on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for Updates and information about Disney Live! coming to your town!
Major League Soccer Integration In USL PRO Beginning In 2013
The USL PRO released their 2013 schedule today, with Orlando City opening up the regular season on the road against new USL PRO franchise Phoenix FC on April 7 and play its first home match on Sunday, April 14, vs. the Rochester Rhinos. The Lions will also play a home-and-away series against the Seattle Sounders Reserves in the 2013 regular season.
The USL/Major League Soccer (MLS) agreement announced yesterday has given MLS franchises the opportunity to pair up with an existing USL team in 2013. Orlando became the first USL PRO team to announce an affiliation, partnering with Sporting Kansas City for the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Kansas City will be sending a minimum of four players to the Lions to gain playing time.
Other features of the schedule include a rematch of the 2012 USL PRO Semifinal vs. the Wilmington Hammerheads on May 25 at the Citrus Bowl, away against new cross-state USL PRO franchise VSI Tampa on August 4 and visiting the Sounders Reserves in Seattle at the Starfire Sports Complex on May 12. The club also plays host to Seattle on August 11. The two matches against Seattle will count toward the USL PRO standings and MLS Reserve standings, respectively, in 2013. City also plans to hold international friendlies in the June and July area, with announcements to be made on specific opponents later on in the year.
The 2013 USL PRO Playoffs will include the top eight finishers in the table, with the quarterfinals (No. 1 vs. No. 8, No. 2 vs. No. 7, etc.) set for the weekend of August 23-25. The semifinals featuring the four remaining teams will be played the following weekend, with the 2013 USL PRO Championship set for the weekend of September 6-8. All playoff rounds feature a single-game knockout format and teams will not be re-seeded following each round.
The Lions officially kick off the 2013 preseason at the Disney Pro Soccer Classic on February 9th. Orlando will play against MLS sides Philadelphia Union, Toronto FC and Columbus Crew. The team continues its preseason in the first ever “I-4 Derby”, a home-and-away series against 2012 NASL Champion Tampa Bay Rowdies on March 9 and 30.
City has begun a regular training schedule, practicing at the team’s facility in Sanford at the Seminole Soccer Complex.
This week’s TrenD Report is full of some fun new T-shirts, jewelry, and fun Disney items to spruce up your home for 2013!
Alice Baseball T-shirt – $36.95
This Alice T-shirt…Bomb!!! – $28.00
Cheshire Cat Magnet Clip – $6.95
Simple and fun Snow White Apple T-Shirt – $40.00
I love that Snow White is hidden in this flowy tank – $39.95
This Snow White Magnet is pretty awesome! – $6.95
One of my favorite Walt Quotes of all time on a long chained necklace – $15.95
Minnie Mouse Jewelry Tree – $24.95
Tile Necklaces – $9.95
Mickey Mouse Charm Bracelet – $39.95
Minnie Mouse Nail Polish Set – $12.95
Minnie Mouse Lip Gloss Set – $12.95
Minnie is certainly Lookin Good in this almost sheer printed shirt – $36.95
I love Minnie’s expression on this shirt! – $39.95
Winking Mickey Gold Crop Top – $39.95
Kissing Mickey T-shirt has blue foil flakes… <3 - $36.95
Love this stripey t-shirt – $39.95
Super cute Tink Canvas Bag – $49.95
Mickey Tassel Necklaces – $19.95
This Minnie Mouse Trinket Box and Water Bottle are adorable – $24.95/$14.95
OBSESSED!!! Minnie Mouse Message Board – $24.95
This is perfect for Valentine’s Day!!! M + M 4 Ever Large Hobo – $39.95
Dumbo Magnet Clip – $6.95
<3 this mug!!! - $11.95
Mickey Canvas Printed Purse – $34.95
Run Disney Tote without the WDW Marathon tags is available
Don’t forget to take a look at last week’s TrenD Report, because I am still pretty much obsessed with the new purses they have out!
And while I am especially in love with the Harveys Mickey loves Minnie collection, I am chomping at the bit to see the Good vs Evil collection that will be released February 9th!!!
I hope that you’ve enjoyed window shopping with me!!!
Orlando City (USL PRO) and Sporting Kansas City (Major League Soccer) are proud to announce a two-year partnership, with the Lions becoming the official USL PRO affiliate of Sporting KC. The landmark agreement made by the two clubs kicks off an important stepping stone in the U.S. soccer pyramid, with MLS reserve players to be integrated into USL PRO play beginning in 2013.
“We are excited to begin our partnership with one of the greatest MLS brands, Sporting KC,” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins. “We believe the integration of USL and MLS will go down as an important day in the history of the American soccer pyramid.”
Starting with an announcement earlier today via the two leagues, MLS teams now have the chance to partner with USL PRO clubs. As an official affiliate, Orlando City will retain a minimum of four Sporting KC players for development throughout the USL PRO regular season. Those players would then get playing time, in preparation to be called up by their MLS club. The four reserve players Sporting will send to Orlando for the 2013 season have not yet been announced.
Both clubs are known to be top-level organizations within their respective leagues, making for a logical partnership.
Sporting Kansas City began developing a strong relationship with Orlando City Soccer Club during the team’s 2012 pre-season trip to Orlando, where the team will return next month for the 2013 Disney Pro Soccer Classic. The teams met in the Third Round of the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Sporting Park and have remained in regular communication over the last several months for opportunities to develop a more meaningful professional partnership.
In addition to providing loan opportunities for select Sporting Kansas City reserve players, the technical staffs from both teams will collaborate on several initiatives including joint coaching seminars, business endeavors, scouting mechanisms and access to facilities. These efforts would strive to be mutually beneficial for both clubs and serve to build upon the foundation that has been established.
“We are fortunate Orlando City has agreed to partner with us in this new, groundbreaking opportunity. They are a class club and this will be a great partnership for both organizations,” Sporting Kansas City Manager Peter Vermes said. “It will provide beneficial opportunities for our players to develop within a competitive environment for a tremendous organization and fanbase. Together, our shared vision for this affiliation made it easy for us to enter into the opportunity.”
Beginning this season, each USL PRO team will play two (2) inter-league games against a single MLS Reserve League opponent, except Antigua (two different opponents). It is anticipated that over half of the games at the MLS opponent will be played in their primary venue (Red Bull Arena, Jeld-Wen Field, Pizza Hut Park, etc.) and in several cases as part of a doubleheader with the MLS “first team” game on the same date.
About Orlando City Soccer Club:
Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is a premier professional soccer sports franchise in the United States and is a member of the USL PRO. The Lion’s pro team has won two regular season titles and one postseason championship during their short time in Orlando. Outside of the pro squad, OCSC also has their own youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U23s team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com and www.orlandocityyouth.org.
About Sporting KC:
Sporting Kansas City is proud to be the only professional sports organization in Kansas City with local ownership. The team’s parent organization, Sporting Club, consists of the following five entrepreneurs in the Kansas City business community: Neal Patterson, Cliff Illig, Robb Heineman, Greg Maday and Pat Curran. Under their direction, Sporting Kansas City has opened a world-class training center at Swope Park and now plays at state-of-the-art Sporting Park, while also investing in the Sporting KC Academy for developing local youth into homegrown talent. Sporting Kansas City enters 2013 in its 18th season as a charter member of Major League Soccer and has finished in first place in the Eastern Conference each of the last two seasons. The team will represent Major League Soccer in the 2013-14 CONCACAF Champions League as winners of the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Recently I visited LEGOLAND Florida for the first time with my mom. Ever since we learned of it being announced in the central Florida area we both wanted to go. Having grown up playing with Legos, this was a great treat to be able to finally attend this relatively new theme park. We were both excited to be able to explore the park as adults (read as kids at heart) without any kids this trip.
As a kid I would spend hours on end creating with Legos and dreaming up new landscapes, vehicles, and architectural designs. I couldn’t wait to see the minilands in particular at the park, but also the great rides, shows and the ability to visit Cypress Gardens. LEGOLAND Florida did not disappoint at all! I had done little research ahead of time as to what attractions there were, but had heard great things from friends by word of mouth ensuring me that I’d enjoy my visit.
One of the first things we did upon entering the parks was to pick up maps, even though I already downloaded the great LEGOLAND Florida app for my iphone. My mom is more inclined to use a paper map than the newer technology and I am a fan of ephemera from parks in particular, so it was nice to have a backup to the user friendly app I prefer to use on my phone. We devised a plan to catch several of the shows that were at set times so we would make sure not to miss them.
The park is divided into different areas: The Beginning, Fun Town, Miniland USA, Duplo Village, Lego Kingdoms, Land of Adventure, Lego City, Imagination Zone, Lego Technic, Pirates’ Cove and Cypress Gardens. The first attraction we experienced was in The Beginning, Island in the Sky, an enclosed platform with seats around the perimeter facing outwards. The platform rises up to 150 feet in the air and slowly rotates 360 degrees giving an amazing panoramic view of the park as well as miles in every direction, including as far as the Bok Tower. This was an absolutely gorgeous way to start the day and to get our bearings and see an overview of the park.
Granny’s Apple Fries
From here we went to catch one of the 4-D shows, A Clutch Powers 4-D Adventure, in the nearby theatre in the Fun Town section of LEGOLAND. This was an entertaining show that featured great graphics and a fun story. We didn’t get a chance to catch any of the other 4-D movies, but look forward to coming back again to see the others we missed. Since it was mid morning we stopped for a quick snack, one of my favorites of the day, Granny’s Apple Fries. These fried apple slices were served warm with cinnamon sugar and a tasty vanilla dipping sauce. This was the perfect way to get energized before tackling some rides.
As I mentioned, we are just big kids at heart, so even though we were enjoying the park sans kids, it didn’t mean we were going to explore rides intended for younger children. After our snack break, we rode the double-decker Grand Carousel before heading into Duplo Village. We briefly looked around the playground area of Duplo Farm before riding Granny’s Jalopies, participating in the Junior Fire Academy, and then I rode Big Rig Rally. Yes, these rides are intended for smaller folks, but we still had a great time in this section of the park.
Next up, I wanted to ride some bigger rides, but my mom just wanted to explore, so we headed into the Lego Kingdoms where I rode the Dragon. This is a great coaster that is a combination of indoor dark ride and outdoor roller coaster with some thrills! I especially enjoyed the scenes inside the castle of what is going on before you arrive at the dragon. The other attraction we experienced in this area was Merlin’s Challenge, which I was glad we did before lunch. This ride is a train of sorts that runs seemingly by Merlin’s magic. It is on an undulating track that makes this unassuming appearing ride even more fun once it gets going.
Since I am currently not eating meat, I did look at the official LEGOLAND Florida app ahead of time to see that there were vegetarian options for meals and was happy to see that there were several options to choose from. Based on show schedules and where we wanted to be when, we decided to take our lunch break at I-Zone Panini in the Imagination Zone where I opted for a great vegetarian panzanella.
This was a nice resting point before taking in the Live Water Ski show, The Battle for Brickbeard’s Bounty at Pirates’ Cove. We thoroughly enjoyed this stunt show that featured water skiing, adventure and more on the shores of Lake Eloise. Being a fan of pirates in general, this was definitely one of the highlights of my day with an entertaining story intertwined with great action stunts.
The Battle for Brickbeard’s BountyPirates’ Cove with Island in the Sky in the backgroundBarefoot waterskiierWakeboarder doing a flipHydrofoil skiingWaterskiiers jumpingFlipping waterskiiersBrickbeard on jetskiCaptain Brickbeard and his piratesShark chasing away Brickbeard
Another one of our favorite parts of the day was definitely Cypress Gardens. This beautiful botanical garden was one of the aspects of the park my mom was most looking forward to since she had never been to the park in its previous incarnation. My grandparents had taken me as a child, so it was nice to revisit it as an adult. I absolutely loved the time (almost an hour!) we spent leisurely exploring the meandering paths in this gorgeously preserved area of the park. There is even a fun game to get the kids involved searching for five hidden Travelocity gnomes (I only stumbled upon four – guess this means I’ll have to go back soon to find the fifth one).
Mom having fun riding Safari Trek
My mom wanted to take a break to find a gift for my brother, who is also a huge fan of Legos, so I decided to do a few more of the rollercoasters she said she was going to skip. I think my favorite was the Lego Technic Coaster, which had an awesome drop almost right out of the gate. I also enjoyed the classic wooden coaster, Coastersaurus. We met back up and both rode the fun Safari Trek also in the Land of Adventure.
The area of the park we both knew we were looking forward to the most, and somewhere we ended up spending over an hour in, was Miniland USA. We have varied interests, so we split up part of the time, and reconvened several times crossing paths between the different locations. This section of LEGOLAND is broken up into Daytona International Speedway, Kennedy Space Center, Las Vegas, Florida (with several major cities like Miami, Key West and Tampa represented), Washington D.C., Pirate’s Shores, San Francisco, Hollywood, New York City, and the new Lego Star Wars! I was just telling a friend today I could have easily spent all day in the Miniland USA displays pushing buttons to make the interactive parts work. It is so cool seeing some of these places I’ve visited, and some I’ve seen only in films, come to life right in front of your eyes.
Finishing up the day, we rode one last right in the Land of Adventure, Lost Kingdom Adventure, which is a ride where you shoot lasers at targets to accumulate points. My mom was very proud she beat me in this fun attraction.On our way out, we meandered through stores and the factory tour. We even found ourselves riding the Island in the Sky again since there was next to no wait. Our last stop before heading out of the park for the day was The Big Shop, the park’s largest gift shop. I found an awesome lightweight hooded sweatshirt in my size and favorite color that I couldn’t resist bringing home with me. It was a steal at half off!
We had an amazing time at LEGOLAND Florida as adults, acting like big kids, for the most part. There were a couple of attractions that were challenges for me personally as a larger person, but other than that, we had just as much fun as everyone else enjoying the park. I can’t wait to go back and explore, especially as we get closer to the opening of the LEGOLAND Florida Water Park in a few weeks on March 9th. Overall, LEGOLAND is a great place for kids and adults of all ages. If you want to feel like a kid again, but still enjoy some of the more thrilling rides as an adult, LEGOLAND Florida is a fantastic choice!
Check out some of our other posts about LEGOLAND Water Park here and Star Wars Miniland here.
Entering LEGOLAND FloridaPosing in front of the Lego Christmas treeLooking down from Island in the SkyHugging a Giraffe in Duplo VillageRiding Granny’s Jalopies with MomLego KingdomsLego Batman and RobinPanzanella paniniEntering Cypress GardensCypress Gardens at LEGOLAND FloridaSunbathing turtlesBeautiful afternoon on Lake EloiseBanyan treeHibiscusPretty plantTropical plantBananas!Dinosaur outside CoastersaurusRiding CoastersaurusDarth Vader creeping on meGreedo Shot FirstNYCThe Sound of Plastic sign in Times Square is my favorite detailLas VegasThe Venetian Las VegasKennedy Space CenterShuttleDaytona SpeedwayMiniland USA Fun FactMinilandMiniland USAMore MinilandMore Miniland USAPanorama of FloridaCastillo de San MarcosWashington DCJefferson MemorialPirate’s ShoresLove the guy floating on a barrel and the sharkPanorama of San FranciscoI’ve ridden this carousel at Pier 39Miniland Fun FactLALegowoodLand of AdventureEgyptianFactory at LEGOLAND FloridaMom and me with Lego ManI wish they had this Captain Jack Sparrow shirt for adultsMy new hooded LEGOLAND Florida sweatshirt
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The SeaWorld Just For Kids Festival Is A Great Time For the Whole Family
Featuring performances by kids’ favorite entertainers, party zone area and more
During the SeaWorld Just For Kids Festival, the paths of SeaWorld Orlando are full of fun kid-friendly music, live performances, games, dancing, and more during this four week festival, which is included in the price of admission.
Zoe’s (and our) favorite part of Just For Kids was the concert, and this year the SeaWorld Just For Kids concert lineup is amazing!
We were able to see the Imagination Movers during the first week, but there are still two Saturdays left to experience some great performances.
Zoe had a blast rocking out at the Imagination Mover’s concert!
Saturday, January 26 Choo-Choo Soul with Genevieve
Starring Genevieve Goings, Choo-Choo Soul allows parents to enjoy the same music their kids do. Featuring soulful and current renditions of the ABC’s, 1-2-3’s, and learning how to be polite, Choo-Choo Soul is a diverse and incredibly hip duo, teaching children through music on an animated train.
Saturday, February 4 Kratt Brothers Live featuring the stars of Wild Kratts
The Kratt Brothers are Chris and Martin Kratt and they are the creators and producers of the widely popular children’s animated series Wild Kratts that airs on PBS. They are the recipients of the 2012 Parents’ Choice Recommended Award.
You will definitely want to make sure that you catch a concert while at the SeaWorld Just For Kids Festival, but you may want to keep a few things in mind when planning your day.
The admission to the concerts is included with park admission, with show times at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at SeaWorld’s Nautilus Theater.
However, to attend guests will need to pick up concert tickets across from Nautilus Theater in order to attend the shows, and tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 9 a.m. each event day. Since shows can and do fill up I absolutely suggest going to the ticket distribution area as soon as you get to SeaWorld, to make sure that you are able to attend the show that best works for your (and especially your little one’s) schedule. Also note that if you are a Platinum Pass Holder, you will not have reserved seating for the concerts.
Zoe really got to groove when Mover Dave let her play with the band!
Once you have your tickets, you are also going to want to arrive 30-45 minutes before show time to line up outside of the Nautilus Theater to ensure that you have a good seat for the concert.
Once you are inside you will also want to make sure that you know that there is a bathroom located at the back of the Nautilus Theater which is an amazingly convenient thing with little ones, that dancing in the aisles is allowed (and encouraged), and that you will want to make sure that you are prepared for fun!
Before the concert begins there are two acts by the Dragon Legend Acrobats from China that you won’t want to miss! While the acts are pretty amazing, they are also a great way to get your little one accustomed the concert atmosphere.
The Dragon Legend Acrobats Hula Hoopers were amazing!!!The Dragon Legend Acrobats Jugglers from China were amazing!
BUT…if you are like me, you will want to find some way around all of the waiting before the concerts and for that you have two options…
SeaWorld Just For Kids Great Eats & Concert Seats:
It’s easy to reserve your seats to the show by pre-purchasing one of the below dining options.
Elmo’s VIP Character Breakfast – 9 a.m. at Sharks Underwater Grill
Children (2-9) $39.00 / Adults (10+) $49.00
At Elmo’s VIP Character Breakfast, families will enjoy a full-service breakfast experience at Sharks Underwater Grill with Elmo and one of his special Sesame Street friends. Following breakfast, little ones, (and parents, too), will visit with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends for photos. In addition to that, each family will receive one complimentary 6×8 photo. Those attending the 9 a.m. VIP breakfast will receive VIP seating for the 11 a.m. SeaWorld Just For Kids concert.
Another great bonus is that by attending Elmo’s VIP Character Breakfast you will receive complimentary Valet Parking at SeaWorld Orlando.
Shamu & Friends Character Breakfast Buffet at Terrace Garden – 2 seatings, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Children (2-9) $29.00 / Adults (10+) $39.00
At the Shamu & Friends Character Breakfast Buffet, not only will you get to meet your favorite SeaWorld characters, you will also receive guaranteed admission to specific Just For Kids concerts.
You’ll enjoy and all you care to eat buffet at Terrace Garden Buffet restaurant, and also receive a complimentary 6×8 family photo from the Breakfast. For the concerts, 9:00 am breakfast guests will receive admission to the 2:00 pm concert and 11:00 am breakfast guests will receive admission to the 4:00 pm concert.
With both Character Breakfasts,guests must make sure to arrive at the theater 15 minutes prior to show time to guarantee seating.
If you are Passholders, you can visit the Passholder Site to receive 10% off of these Great Eats & Concert Seats Packages.
We are HUGE fans of the Character Breakfasts offered at SeaWorld, and I cannot recommend them highly enough! The food is delicious, and it offers you the opportunity to spend more time playing in the park rather than running to grab tickets and waiting to get into the Theater.
SeaWorld Just For Kids Festival Highlights:
There is a lot more to the SeaWorld Just For Kids Festival than just fun concerts! The whole park is filled with great kid-centric activities, meet and greet opportunities, and shows!
This year there are three new great experiences that have been added to the SeaWorld Just For Kids Festival.
New! Franklin, from the beloved children’s show Franklin and Friends™
Zoe and her pal Franklin
Hey, it’s Franklin!
You can meet SeaWorld’s newest friend Franklin located near Pelican Preserve, across from Flamingo Point. Franklin is available at the Woodland for meet and greet opportunities, autographs, and photos (there is a SeaWorld Photographer at the meet and greet) throughout the day at 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 4:30 pm.
Exclusive Franklin-branded merchandise will also be available near the meet and greet area.
Zoe really loved the opportunity to meet one of her favorite characters in a really cute setting! I will warn you that it can get really warm in that area and there isn’t much shade in this area, so you’ll want to make sure the sun is at your back for pictures and it isn’t too warm out while you wait. Also, if you want to minimize your wait make sure to visit Franklin during show and concert times!
There are two Franklin storybooks and a plush that are available for him to sign at the Meet and Greet.
New! Elmo Rocks!(Located at Seafire Inn)
In Elmo Rocks, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Zoe, Abby Cadabby, Bert and Ernie are getting for their very own rock concert located at the Seafire Inn!
The show is full of fun music, dancing, and lots of audience participation. Zoe really enjoyed herself and danced all over the place! You will want to check the time’s guide for show times, but shows are typically at 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm, and 5:30 pm.
Again, you are going to want to show up 15-30 minutes early to the Seafire Inn to make sure you grab a seat for the show! You will have a rockin’ good time!
New! Enhanced Ocean Adventures Kids Program
Zoe hard at work to complete her Ocean Adventure!
The Ocean Adventure Program was the highlight of Zoe’s day, outside of the concerts, because she got the chance to experience some of her favorite areas of SeaWorld Orlando in an even better way.
Using the event map children will look for the Sea Star icons inside the park, where they’ll partake in exciting educational activities about animals that make their home at SeaWorld. At each location kids will collect a stamp and a limited edition Just For Kids Explorer’s card. Once they visit all four locations, Wild Arctic, Stingray Lagoon, Manta Aquarium, and near the Shark Encounter, they’ll receive a coupon to redeem at select gift shops for a special prize. Limit one prize per participating child.
Zoe had an absolutely amazing time talking to the knowledgeable and friendly SeaWorld staff, and she wanted to do it again when she was done!
If you are worried about your schedule for the day and how the Ocean Adventures Kids Program will fit in, don’t be! Each station takes less than 5 minutes, and the SeaWorld staff knows how to get in some great information and fun while keeping the line moving.
SeaWorld Just For Kids Specials
The best way to experience all of the fun, music, treats and more at Just for Kids is with a Fun Card, where Florida residents pay for a day and play all year through Dec. 31, 2013. Fun Card members can enjoy all four weeks of Just for Kids fun and all of the amazing special events throughout the year, plus the unforgettable animal encounters, world-class thrill rides and family fun found only at SeaWorld. Fun Cards are available at SeaWorldOrlando.com, at the front gate, or by calling 1-888-800-5447.
Zoe got to do a mean Chicken Dance at Shamu’s Party Zone!
We absolutely loved our Saturday at the SeaWorld Just For Kids Festival! We had a great day together watching a great concert, riding great attractions, and seeing Shamu…What more could you ask for?
How did I get involved with run Disney? Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of running……um NO! Honestly, I don’t really even like running. The races are fun but the training is definitely tough and requires discipline. Ok, so let me back up.
So I decided on a whim in November of 2011 to sign up for the Family 5k, or 3.1 miles, during WDW Marathon Weekend 2012. Having never trained before or participated in a race, I decided to join up with other runners on a “team” so I wouldn’t have to do the 5k alone. Being familiar with Lou Mongello and the WDW Radio Show, I knew they had a running team so I signed up for the WDW Radio Running Team. Who knew that one simple 5k and click of a mouse would completely change my life? Arriving at the Epcot parking lot at 4 AM that first morning was scary. I didn’t know these “teammates” I was searching for in the vast crowd. All I knew was that we were all wearing WDW Radio blue….did I mention that the official 5k shirts were blue that year too? So it’s 4AM, chilly and I’m staring at a sea of blue shirts looking for my team. Finally, after a mild panic attack fearing I was going to have to run this race totally alone, I spotted Katie McNamara and Mike Beckerman who I recognized from the facebook page for the running team. I walked over and introduced myself and immediately was welcomed with open arms. The three of us along with Deanna Mongello and Steve Drew ran the race together and honestly, as we neared the finish line we were all a bit sad that it was over. Yes! I actually wanted to keep running so that we could all be together. They all got me through that first race and I knew then and there, these were friends for life. They even humored me by waiting in line to get an official race photo taken with our medallions. Jokingly at the end of the race, Steve and Deanna said, you’ll be doing half marathons before you know it.
Beth’s First 5K!!!
I tentatively agreed to do the half in 2013 but first I came home and immediately called my best friend Jaimee Dietz and asked her if she’d run the Royal Family 5k with me in February of 2012. She agreed and we began training together which was infinitely better than running alone. I couldn’t wait to get back to Florida and introduce her to all these wonderful friends that I had met the month prior. Princess Weekend 2012 cemented my addiction to running, my love for Florida, and my adoration for all these new friends. I was also introduced to the amazing Shelley Caran and Shalon Given during this weekend proving that you never know where life is taking you. More on that in a minute! Jaimee and I met people that weekend who are truly our best friends for life. The Royal Family 5k was so much fun; we got to wear tutus and tiaras which totally distracted us from the running aspect of the event.
The Royal Family 5K
My next event would be my biggest and scariest challenge, the Tower of Terror 10 miler. This race was tough, it was a night race, and extremely warm and humid. It was a special night though as the race started on Jaimee’s birthday and ended on my birthday. Thanks to Shelley and Shalon for helping us make some cute running shirts to celebrate this. It was also very exciting to get my first real race bling, an actual medal. The 5k medallions are nice but nothing compares to getting your first real medal. I also knew that having completed the 10 miler, I was totally capable of running and finishing the 2013 WDW Half Marathon. So now here we are, January 2013 and its been ten days since I completed my first half marathon. I won’t say it was easy because it wasn’t, but I had amazing teammates to pull me through. I can’t stress enough how much a running buddy can help you when you think you have nothing left inside you. I ran with three guys who had all previously done half’s or full’s so they were very helpful in explaining what and when I needed to eat, how to pace, and just what to expect in general. I’ll always be grateful to my Coral F running buds, Charles Stoddard, Nathan Mauldin, and Mike Beckerman.
Tower of Terror Birthday Shirts
So here we are, January 2013 and I have four 5k’s, one 10 miler, and one half marathon in the books. Whew….it’s been quite a year. This year I’m already registered for the Princess 1/2 next month and the Dumbo Double Dare Challenge, a 10k followed by the Disneyland 1/2 marathon, in August.
Tower of Terror 10 Mile Medal
So why do I keep doing this? What started as a whim turned into a totally new life for me. I lost weight, I raised money for the Dream Team Project benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation, I made lifelong friends, and I moved to Florida so that I could be with them all the time! Without all that, I wouldn’t be writing for this blog, operating my own handmade tutu and hair bow company, challenging myself daily to new things, and living a new life that I couldn’t be happier with.
So why Run Disney? Like most things, Disney exceeds your expectations when they put on an event. The races are filled with so much fun. There’s music, character meet-n-greets along the course, fireworks, after parties, and the BLING! It’s definitely not an inexpensive hobby but I’ve never once felt like I wasn’t getting my money’s worth in a Disney race. Another favorite aspect of race weekends is the camaraderie among runners in the parks following the races. Everyone wears their new bling, from the 5kers to the Goofy participants (those who run a 1/2 followed by a full marathon in one weekend) and congratulate each other as they pass in the parks. Even as I was cheering during the Full Marathon, wearing my 1/2 marathon medal, runners were going by congratulating me! They’re on mile 25 out of 26.1 and they take the time to tell me good job on my accomplishment as they are running by! I can’t forget to mention the amazing volunteers that make these races possible. They hand out water, drinks, biofreeze, and the medals.
Big thanks to On The Go’s own Aurora McBride for personally giving me my very first 1/2 marathon medal this year.
Aurora giving Beth her first Half Marathon medal
If you’re considering joining the Run Disney family, do it! You won’t regret it. You’ll gain so much more than you can even imagine. So join me, and follow along on my Run Disney journey this year as I go Coast-to-Coast! Happy running!
Wordless Wednesday takes us to my favorite childhood ride at Magic Kingdom…It’s A Small World. I can’t ride IASW without thinking of my Dad and I singing the whole way through the attraction or how I sang it to Zoe when she was a baby.
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The JCC’s 4th Annual Winter Festival presented by theJewish Community Center of Greater Orlando will be Sunday, January 27, 2013 from 11:00am until 5:00pm.
The Winter Festival is full of great activities, food, fun, and games for the whole family!
This year’s festival will feature a real snow park for sledding and winter fun, a rock wall, horse and carriage rides, carnival rides, bounce houses, and a bungee jump.
For the younger children in your family Mr. Richard will be there singing and telling stories and there will be face painting. While the older children may want to check out the video game area.
The Winter Festival also features a JCC IDOL Singing Competition with Celebrity Judges, and anyone from the ages 5 to adult can enter to win $500 or an iPad mini! You will have to register in advance to participate in the competition at http://www.orlandojcc.org/calendar/featured_events/j_idol.
Admission to the Winter Festival is free, but there is a small charge for activity wristbands.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Launches New Mobile Websites and Ticketing for SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Parks
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment launched new mobile websites for the three SeaWorld and two Busch Gardens parks last week, providing guests and fans with a convenient and easy way to plan their vacations and purchase and redeem tickets directly from their mobile devices.
SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are some of the first in the theme park industry to effectively use mobile sites with geo-location capabilities. When a guest is near one of the SeaWorld or Busch Gardens parks and connects to the website, the guest’s phone will immediately default to driving directions. However, if the guest is actually in the park, the site will automatically default to a park map so they can find their next adventure without missing a beat. Receiving the most relevant content, products, offers and promotions based on their location to the parks are just some of the many intuitive features mobile users can now experience.
“These mobile sites have been in development for several months and we are excited about the incredibly positive response we’ve already seen from guests,” said Anne Fischer, Director of Interactive Marketing for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. “With ever-increasing mobile traffic to our parks, guests can expect more exciting mobile websites, products, apps and systems designed to make their lives more convenient in the near future.”
The sites provide guests with a simplified mobile purchase experience with images, text and easy steps for the entire process. Once the purchase process is complete, guests will receive their digital admission ticket directly on their phone, allowing them to proceed directly to the front gate for entry to the park.
Unlike other theme park mobile sites, guests can not only purchase single day tickets, but also multi-park and season passes, allowing guests to save money and time. Based on the tickets purchased, the sites will suggest additional experiences and adventures, including behind-the-scenes tours, up-close animal interactions or dining options to make their visit to the park even more memorable.
The new sites were designed to work with some of the most popular cell phone operating systems, including Apple, Android and Windows.
Annual motor sports spectacle is Central Florida’s largest stadium event of the year
The Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam makes its return to the Orlando area when the annual motor sports spectacle drives into the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium.
Central Florida will heat up this January when 1,500 horsepower, 10,000-pound monster trucks compete in side-by-side racing and the fan-favorite freestyle competition where each monster truck gets up to 120 seconds to “wow” the crowd with huge jumps, wheelies, truck-spinning donuts, flips, and the destruction of cars, vans, buses, motor homes and more.
The Monster Jam is one of Orlando’s most popular and largest single day stadium events, attracting capacity crowds of over 60,000 fans. A huge field of sixteen monster trucks will compete in side-by-racing and the fan-favorite freestyle competition.
One of the many highlights of this year’s event is the 10th anniversary of the sport’s 10-time World Champion Maximum Destruction.
Four-time World Champion, Dennis Anderson, returns to his favorite city driving the legendary monster truck he created 31 years ago, GRAVE DIGGER.
After touring with his oldest son Adam in 2012, Dennis will bring another Anderson with him to Orlando in 2013 with the debut appearance of SON OF A DIGGER driven by Anderson’s middle son, Ryan Anderson.
The event will also feature 10-Time World Champion MAXIMUM DESTRUCTION celebrating the team’s 10th anniversary, plus the return of GRINDER, Latino favorite EL TORO LOCO, and more yet-to-be announced motorsports competitions.
Maximum Destruction
Monster Jam returns to Orlando with one show only on Saturday, January 26that the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium, 1610 W. Church Street, Orlando, Florida, 32805. Gates Open at 5 pm. Opening Ceremonies at 6:30pm. Racing Starts at 7 pm.
Advance purchase SuperValue Tickets are ONLY $15. $35 VIP / $25 Sideline. However, tickets are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets, the Amway Center Box Office, or charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. Tickets will also be available day of show at the Citrus Bowl.
All seats reserved. Subject to facility fee, plus convenience and handling charges. Don’t wait – buy tickets in advance as prices go up $5 more day of show. Get more show information at www.MonsterJam.com (click on “Tickets” and search for Orlando January 26th).
Fans can also save $15 with a Buy 3 Get 1 FREE 4-pak ticket voucher deal at area Metro PCS locations.
Grave Digger
There are also a ton of Preview Opportunities and Contests going on for Monster Jam!
Fans can go behind the scenes, meet the drivers for autographs and photo ops, and see themonster trucks up close at the World’s Ultimate Pit Party at Tinker Field from 2-5 pm. Purchase a pit pass for only $10 more when making your ticket purchase, or pick up a free pit pass at participating Orlando area Southern Ford Dealers beginning January 2nd. Pit Passes, along with a valid event ticket, get fans into the Pit Area.
Fans can also go for a ride in a real monster truck before the show by picking up a free Monster Truck Ride Pass at any Advance Auto Parts location from 1/7/13-1/25/13 while supplies last. Monster truck rides begin at 1 p.m. in the lot across from Gate D and run until 7 p.m. Valid only with a Saturday, January 26th event ticket.
Save $15 and get a FREE SuperValue Ticket with a Buy 3 Get 1 SuperValue Ticket
FREE Deal. Pick up your free 4-Pack Ticket Voucher from participating Orlando Area MetroPCS Locations from 1/7/13 through 1/25/13 while supplies last. See Voucher for details.
This past Saturday Shalon and I were lucky enough to be invited to the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular in Tampa. Being the music lovers that we are we jumped at the chance. Winter Jam is a Christian Rock concert that has toured since 1995. It was started by the group New Song and has grown with popularity over the years. At the heart of Winter Jam is ministry and it’s commitment to no tickets and only $10 at the door. This remains a unique characteristic to Winter Jam and underscores the importance of making the event affordable for families, individuals and groups of all sizes. Luckily the tour made a stop close to us this year and we were able to go!
Having made friends with Royal Tailor when we were at Night of Joy, we were super excited to see them again in Concert. We knew that there were a bunch of bands performing and that while each group only had time to do 3 or 4 songs, we would get to see the best that each band had to offer!
Up first was a band called Capital Kings who we learned were a Electric Pop duo who had the whole forum on their feet when they performed in the very center of the floor!
Next up was OBB (which stands for Oswald Brothers Band) An adorable band of brothers who had great harmony and chemistry on stage! We were instant fans!
Up next was American Idol Alumni Jason Castro! Always love listening to his voice and guitar playing! Kid is seriously talented and he always puts on a great concert!
Performing next was of course the highlight of our night Royal Tailor. We were so fortunate to be able to get to know Tauren, Blake, DJ and Jarrod when we had dinner with them during Night of Joy and we beyond thrilled to see the guys in concert again! This time as fans and friends! And they did not disappoint! The boys were on point and kept the crowd happy their whole set! There was even a youth group that leaned the dance from their video Make A Move. It was Awesome!!!!
The next highlight for me was the band Red. I have been a long time fan of them and missed them totally due to rain at Night of Joy and was SO excited to see them here. I wont ruin it for you, but they had an AMAZING SET!!!!! A M A Z I N G !!!!!!!
Jamie Grace, Newsong, Sidewalk Prophets and Matthew West were in the next set! All had wonderful performances that kept the crowd all singing and moving the whole time!
The Headliner and the last act of the night was Toby Mac! If you have ever seen him in concert then you know his energy is exactly what you want to end an evening with! That man does not stop the whole time he is on stage and he MOVES FAST! When he adds in all his people, it is a show that is always worth it!!!!!!
After the concert each of the bands did a meet and greet with fans and signed CDs and shirts and things! Luckily we got to see our favorite Royal Tailor Guys and say hi to them again! It was nice to be able to talk to them and make plans for when they return to Florida.
Shalon and I had a BLAST at Winter Jam and If you have the tour coming near you soon, spend the $10.00 and go for yourself! Even if you are only a fan of one or two of the artists, it is totally worth it!!!! Thank you to Carol with Winter Jam for allowing us to come to the concert!!!!!
We have a TON more pictures from the concert on our Facebook Page! Also keep an eye on our YouTube page as well for some clips!!!!
It’s time to get 2013’s TrenD Reports started off with a bang!
While there was a lot of great merchandise over the holidays, I am super excited to start seeing the spring merchandise arriving at TrenD!
If you have an iPhone 4/4s and are a fan of the Disney Dooney & Bourke purses you are in luck, because TrenD (and other shops throughout Walt Disney World) are now carrying the iPhone case. The case is available in the sketch pattern with a background of black and white. I really love the white, but the pattern shows up pretty well on the black background as well.
New Harveys bags have also made their way to the TrenD Report! The new Mickey and Minnie in Love bags feature rough sketches of Mickey and Minnie with red hearts, which is absolutely perfect for Valentine’s Day (HINT HINT DAVID CARAN)! This new design is soooooo much fun!!! I really love the playful design, and the red/white/blue/black color combination is perfect for the spring and summer. I honestly feel like you can’t go wrong with this bag! Great style, perfect colors, and once again the durable construction & warranty totally make buying one of the Harveys Bags a fun idea!
Again the shirts and hoodies are taking on a very fun character twist, because they’re staying true to their character’s traits but having fun with the TrenD styles!
There are some great new bags out, too! The plastic bag is a great option for the beach or water park, and the matching cosmetic/ditty bag set is a great touch since you can see through the bag in places. Also, the canvas/velvet ribbon Princess bags are super cute!!!
And finally I found some really cute small items tucked away to include in the TrenD Report this week! Fun frames, some interesting tights, a cute necklace, and more.
I really hope that you enjoy this week’s TrenD Report!!!
The new Dooney and Bourke iPhone 4/4s cases
I am absolutely in love with these Harveys Bags!
A closer look at the Harveys Bags patterns
I love the stripes and neon of this bag collection! $49.95
The matching cosmetic/ditty bag is a perfect compliment to the canvas and plastic bag. $29.95
This plastic bag is perfect for the beach or water parks.
This graffiti scarf is a lot of fun! $21.95
This Bambi scarf has beautiful shades of brown, and is a nice light weight. $21.95
This key necklace is super fun and cute!!! I love how its almost a Hidden Mickey!
Good Gravy!!! This antenna topper is the best!
This new canvas Princess Bag is super fun! $34.95
The matching canvas Princess wallet.
Cinderella canvas wristlet. $29.95
Belle canvas wristlet. $29.95
Belle small sling bag. $39.95
Cinderella Canvas tote bag with velvet ribbon. $49.95
Cinderella small sling bag. $39.95
The decor in TrenD is a lot of fun.
I am in LOVE with these PJs!!!
These magnets are sooo much fun! I especially love the Cinderella one! $4.95
These embellished nude tights are super cool! I only wish the design went all the way down the side. $15.95
This picture frame is really adorable with the polka dot ribbon bow and sparkly Mickey.
I love the faux Peter Pan collar on this Minnie Mouse T-shirt! $32.95
How fun is this goofy sweatshirt??? $39.95
Minnie is my gal, and I am loving all the new merchandise with her on it! $39.95
Minnie Mouse embellished sweatshirt. $49.95
This pop art Snow White shirt is crazy fun! $44.95
Snow White embellished shirt. $39.95
This Walt Disney World light sweatshirt is a really fun look at the parks.
This might be my favorite new shirt! The pink is a great shade, and the gold flecks are a great tie in to the yellow bow.
This shirt is amazing! I love the birds from Cinderella with the flecks of gold foil.
