Month: November 2011
LEGOLAND Florida Offers Two Celebrations For The Holidays
LEGOLAND Florida will get into the holiday spirit by hosting its first annual Christmas Bricktacular where festive holiday decorations and music will fill The Beginning and Fun Town throughout the season.
The Beginning is home to a truly spectacular, Bricktacular sight – a more than 30-foot-tall LEGO Christmas tree made with a combination of 270,000 forest green LEGO and DUPLO® bricks.
The park’s first-ever tree lighting ceremony takes place on December 5th with a special master of ceremonies. Every night, through December 31st, a special family will be chosen to help light the Bricktacular tree.
Santa Claus will also make special daily appearances in the historical botanical gardens!
And when the holidays end, the fun continues with ‘Kids’ New Year’s Eve’ on Dec. 31. During this event kids will rock out and watch the sky explode with LEGO fireworks at just the right time for them, midnight KST (Kid Standard Time) – otherwise known as 7 p.m. EST.
Holiday events are included in park admission. Tickets and Annual Passes for LEGOLAND Florida are available at www.LEGOLAND.com
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2011 Holiday Merchandise Spotlight on Holiday Ear Hats
It’s Black Friday, so let’s go shopping!!!!
The last item featured in the 2011 Holiday Merchandise Spotlight was the Ear Hat Ornaments, and now it only makes sense that we take a peek at this year’s Holiday Ear Hats!!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Wordless Wednesday – Disney’s Hollywood Studios Tree
Celebration Kicks Off The Holiday Season In Style!
Celebration kicks off it’s exciting 13th Annual Holiday Events on November 26th with a schedule full of family fun!!!
The festivities begin on November 26th with the tree lighting ceremony that will include performances, strolling carolers, the first snowfall of the season, a visit from the main man, and some surprises.
Gina Marie Incandela will perform at 5:30 pm to kick off the event, followed by a special tree lighting ceremony and the first snowfall of the season at 6:00 pm. Snow will also fall at 7, 8, and 9 pm.
Now Snowing, Central Florida’s original and premier “Snowing” event, offers an all new ice rink and a schedule filled with surprises. Now Snowing happens nightly until December 31st.
This nightly Winter Wonderland Spectacular features strolling Charles Dickens Carolers, photos with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, the Celebration Express train, and nightly snowfall at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 PM.
The ice rink will be open daily from 4:00-10:00 PM through January 2nd, and there are Resident and guest passes available.
In addition to the everyday fun at Now Snowing Nightly, join us for the Orlando Sentinel Celebration of Voices on December 3rd and you can catch a special Radio Disney Holiday concert and filled with surprise performances on December 10th.
Now Snowing Nightly parking and admission are free. Parking can get a little crazy, so you may want to plan on being here earlier than you think.
If you come down to take in the festivities, make sure to drop me a line and let me know what you think!!!
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The Muppets – Possibly The Bestest Muppets Movie Yet
So when I was asked to attend a Media Preview of The Muppets my heart soared and sunk at the same time.
I grew up on the Muppets and love them dearly like they are family members, and while I was stoked from the first second I heard about this movie I was also a little nervous about how it would turn out.
As I sat down in my seat this morning, I took a deep breath and hoped for the best…
First up were trailers for The Secret World of Arrarity and Brave, both of which I am now absolutely DYING to see!!! They both look like great stories that are breathtaking on the big screen.
Then it was time for the Toy Story Short ‘Small Fry’. This short lives up to it’s predecessor ‘Hawaiian Vacation’! It was super funny, just the right length, and absolutely set the mood for the movie!!!
The Muppets is a heart warming story where three devoted fans help the Muppets reunite to save their old theatre.
The story itself is full of nods to the history of the Muppet franchise while staying current enough to be funny to newbies. And in true Muppet fashion the jokes read on the adult and child level, which led to TONS of laughter from all of us.
I am not going to lie, I cried during The Muppets. Now this may sound silly, but there were parts that struck such a cord of nostalgia for the past and hope for the future that I couldn’t help myself.
I absolutely cannot recommend this movie highly enough…I seriously want to see this movie again…NOW!!!!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq5LfuvRBVM
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2011 Holiday Merchandise Spotlight On Ear Hat Ornaments
Continuing with the 2011 Holiday Merchandise Spotlight, today I wanted to take a look at the two different styles of ear hat ornaments that are being offered this year.
The first ornaments are made of porcelain, come with a satin bow for hanging, and are limited editions. They are 1 3/4” H 3 1/4” W (at ears) x 2 1/4” Diameter.
Also available are miniature versions of the felt ear hats you can purchase in the stores!
I am completely obsessed with them!!!!
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2011 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Merchandise
This year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party was an absolute blast!!!
Who wouldn’t love a party filled with snow, hot chocolate, Christmas music…and pretty cool party exclusive merchandise!!!
While I will talk about the party itself some more soon, I hope that you enjoy a peek at this year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Merchandise!!!
Wordless Wednesday – Castle Dream Lights
Cars 2 Zooms To Blu-Ray And Into Our Hearts
Disney•Pixar’s Cars 2 comes home on Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray 3D, Movie Download and DVD November 1, 2011 just in time to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Pixar Animation Studios.
Cars 2 is a high octane journey around the world with a kid friendly spy movie feel featuring some old and new favorite characters. While the movie is action packed and really beautifully executed, I found myself really looking for the relationships that drove the first Cars movie. I was really glad that Larry the Cable Guy still steals the show as Mater!!! I can’t help but love Mater!!! I also loved Finn McMissle and Francesco Bernoulli!!!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H2ljjoWKDY
The #1 animated film of the year introduces us to an exclusive all-new animated short “Air Mater,” featuring the fan favorite character spinning his tales in an exciting adventure high above Radiator Springs, amazing commentary, and “Hawaiian Vacation,” the awesomely funny Toy Story animated short that accompanied the film in theatres.
Another pretty awesome bonus feature of Cars 2 is one-of-a-kind interactive “World Tour” map that takes viewers through nine different locations. This global thrill-ride invites us to ride shotgun to go behind-the-scenes with the Pixar artists and filmmakers as they circle the globe finding inspiration for the most international of all Pixar films to date.
The bonus features alone were amazing, and were the best cherry on top of a super cute movie!!!
Academy Award®-winning filmmaker John Lasseter, chief creative officer for Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, returns to the driver’s seat as director. “Cars 2” is produced by visual effects industry veteran Denise Ream (associate producer, “Up”; visual effects executive producer, “Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith”). Oscar®-winning composer Michael Giacchino (“The Incredibles,” “Up”) provides the electrifying score with a surf-rock-meets-spy-thriller flavor and a variety of global accents, evoking a sense of thrills, mystery and emotion. Brad Paisley, Robbie Williams, Weezer, French singer Bénabar and Japanese girl band Perfume lend their diverse musical talents to the film’s soundtrack.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyT1_jEx6eY
The film features an all-star vocal cast including Owen Wilson who reprises his role as hotshot racecar Lightning McQueen. Larry the Cable Guy provides the voice of Mater (proprietor of Tow Mater Towing and Salvage), Lightning McQueen’s best friend and the heart and soul of Radiator Springs. Bonnie Hunt is back as Sally, the baby-blue Porsche 911 Carrera whose motor races for Lightning. Acclaimed actor Michael Caine makes his Pixar debut as Finn McMissile, a top British spy who mistakes Mater for an undercover American agent with a genius disguise. Emily Mortimer brings charm, cleverness and cachet as Holley Shiftwell, a rookie field spy who knows every trick in the manual. Versatile actor John Turturro gives a free-wheeling performance as Francesco Bernoulli, the world-renowned Italian racing champ who is Lightning’s chief rival. Tony Shalhoub, Joe Mantegna, Peter Jacobson, Jason Isaacs, Eddie Izzard, Paul Dooley, Cheech Marin, John Ratzenberger, Franco Nero and Vanessa Redgrave also lend their vocal talents. Real-life Formula 1 racing champ Lewis Hamilton and NASCAR racer Jeff Gordon add a touch of authenticity with their cameos in the film.
Cars 2 definitely had something to offer everyone, and it was a really well done continuation of one of our family’s favorite movies!!!
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The Magic, The Memories, And You Holiday Tag
As an extra added bonus to the nightly showings of ‘The Magic, The Memories, and You’ a holiday tag has been added.
It is a really well done addition and fits in seamlessly with the existing show. Plus there is a super fun nod to the castle cake!!!
I hope that they keep doing these fun pluses to ‘The Magic, The Memories, and You’!!!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZyl9tJ-g30
Also, Shalon Given took this awesome video of the whole show!!!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gE2khk4gO0
Follow us for more updates:2011 Holiday Merchandise Spotlight on Vinylmations
I thought that I would end the week off with a look at the 2011 Holiday Viynlmations…The Jingle Smells!
These 3 inch scented Vinyls have poseable arms and hands like the regular Vinylmations, but they also feature a hook to allow you to hang them on your tree.
Jingle Smell Vinylmations are in open window tubes (instead of boxes), and are available in Chocolate, Gingerbread, Marshmallow, and Peppermint Candy Cane.
These Vinyls are soooooooooo super cute!!! I am normally not a fan, but I think I might have to get these bad boys to add to the tree!!!
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Wordless Wednesday – Mexican Gem
SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove Expansions for 2012 and 2013
Earlier this morning SeaWorld Orlando had a HUGE announcement about new attractions and experiences coming to both SeaWorld and Discovery Cove in 2012 and 2013, and I cannot tell you how excited I am about them!!!
These new attractions represent the biggest attraction expansions in the history of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, the parks’ parent company.
Terry Prather, president of the company’s Orlando parks, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Aquatica, said, “With TurtleTrek at SeaWorld Orlando and Freshwater Oasis at Discovery Cove, travelers will have all new reasons to visit Orlando. What we’re creating will take you places you’ve never been before, places only SeaWorld can take you.”
While creating TurtleTrek (opening at SeaWorld Orlando in spring 2012), designers stayed true to SeaWorld’s unique blend of nose-to-nose animal encounters and state-of-the art entertainment.
Guests first visit two massive naturalistic habitats, one filled with hundreds of freshwater fish and gentle manatees, the other home to more than 1,500 saltwater fish and more than a dozen sea turtles. Many of the manatees and sea turtles were rescued by the park’s animal team. Since SeaWorld Orlando’s rescue programs began, the team has cared for and returned to the wild nearly 240 manatees and more than 1,200 sea turtles.
Moving on from the habitat, guests enter a domed theater, and what happens next has never before been seen and is a first at any theme park in the world.
Coming to life is a first-of-its-kind 3-D/360-degree dome theater film that is completely immersive. The dome allows a hyper-realistic 3-D movie to be shown all around guests and even above them – not just in front them or on only one screen. It’s this unique and immersive way of showcasing a sea turtle’s epic and astounding journey that is the heart of TurtleTrek. And for the first time, SeaWorld guests are given a turtle’s eye view of the ocean’s wonders.
TurtleTrek is as inspirational as it is astounding. There’s a call-to-action at the end of the experience: SeaWorld calls on guests to join them in conserving the world we share. “Do a little, do a lot, but join us and do something to help the world and its animals,” said Brian Morrow, the attraction’s chief designer. “TurtleTrek is about the everyday heroes who can make a difference in nature.”
Opening at Discovery Cove in spring 2012 is Freshwater Oasis, an all-new attraction featuring swimming and wading adventures and face-to-face encounters with playful otters and curious marmosets.
Designed with a rainforest canopy above and sparkling-clear springs below, Freshwater Oasis is a natural fit within Discovery Cove’s tropical vibe. Guests can relax at the In-Water Relaxation Station and explore in the unique water ways and water-filled trails to discover marmosets and playful Asian otters. No matter where they turn, they’ll find endless discoveries.
Admission to the Freshwater Oasis is included with admission to Discovery Cove, a limited-admission, all-inclusive tropical resort where guests swim with dolphins, hand-feed tropical birds in a free-flight aviary, snorkel among thousands of colorful fish and rays and relax on pristine beaches.
Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin
Also announced was SeaWorld Orlando’s biggest-ever attraction expansion, Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin, opening spring 2013.
Through the years, SeaWorld Orlando has taken guests to far-flung corners of the globe, immersing them in the character and feel of exotic places and introducing them to unique worlds of adventure.
At the park’s “Wild Arctic” guests ride a simulated jet copter to the frozen north, into a habitat of polar bears, beluga whales and huge walruses. “Key West at SeaWorld” sets guests down in the funky ambience of the Florida Keys, with dolphins, stingrays and colorful birds. The rocky northern California coast is found at “Pacific Point Preserve,” with dozens of seals and sea lions. The park’s other attractions take guests into the worlds of sharks, sea turtles and manatees, or let guests soar like a ray on the Manta roller coaster or ride the back of a mythical beast, the Kraken.
But no journey is bigger — or as incredible — as the one to come in 2013. It’s a voyage to the bottom-of-the-world, to the coldest and windiest continent, to a place of ice more than 9,000- feet thick. It’s a journey to Antarctica and to the empire of the penguin.
Guests will be surrounded by the sights, sounds and awesome encounters found in this frozen place, embarking on a one-of-a-kind ride and an incredible family adventure.
They’ll experience the mystery and wonder of life on the ice through the eyes of a penguin, sensing the beauty and drama of their sometimes-dangerous habitat. Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin combines closer-then-ever animal connections with state-of-the-art interactive ride technologies for adventures that are different each time.
It’s an all-family experience that could only come from SeaWorld and can only be found at SeaWorld Orlando. And, it’s safe to say Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin will be the coldest theme park attraction in the world.
A year-and-a-half from opening at SeaWorld Orlando, details are few. For now, SeaWorld Orlando’s Antarctica will stay as mysterious as its namesake continent. “Only SeaWorld and its parks can take you on these journeys or bring these experiences to you,” said Prather. “We’re excited about what the future holds for our parks and our fans.”
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