LEGOLAND® FLORIDA: TICKET PRICE STAYS THE SAME

LEGOLAND® FLORIDA: TICKET PRICE STAYS THE SAME

– Central Florida’s newest theme park is also most affordable, best vacation value –

LEGOLAND Florida Ticket Prices Stay The Same

Despite rising ticket prices at other major Central Florida attractions, LEGOLAND® Florida today announced it will keep its prices steady through the summer at $75 for adults and $65 for children under 12.  A family of four visiting the park will save between $40 and $56 a day compared to a visit to a competing park.

“The comparisons are important, especially in today’s economy,” said LEGOLAND Florida Director of Sales & Marketing Kim Isemann.  “Families are looking for great experiences at prices they can afford.  A day at LEGOLAND Florida is one of the highest values in our industry.”

Isemann suggests families compare other incremental costs too, such as dining and parking.  At LEGOLAND Florida, all menu items – from mahi-mahi sandwiches to chicken Caesar salads – are priced no higher than $11.  Parking is also more affordable, at $12 per car, $6 for motorcycles.  Other parks charge $14 for both cars and motorcycles.

For those looking to visit LEGOLAND Florida and the all new water park attraction, which opened in May and features water slides, a wave pool, several playground areas and a lazy river called Build-A-Raft, they can for only an additional $12 a day.  A great value for families to experience more splashing thrills and family fun.

While ticket price comparisons are on single-day, full-price admissions, there are many discount and combination-ticket offers in the marketplace as well:

–       Florida Residents save $20 on a Premium Pass, with unlimited admission to the theme park and water park, as well as free parking, plus food and merchandise discounts, through July 31.

–       Guests save $10 off single-day combo tickets for the park and water park by purchasing online through October 28.

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It’s Time To Get Ready For Christmas With These Limited Edition Ornaments From Walt Disney World

Last year I was completely obsessed with the Ear Hat Ornaments that came out, since these hats have a special place in my heart.

So when Steven Miller posted on the Disney Parks Blog that the Ear Hat Ornament collection was expanding I had to go out and find them in the parks!!!

Aaron Babcock, Product Developer for seasonal merchandise, told me that last year’s ornaments were so popular that they expanded the collection.

“We were thrilled with the response from our guests about the porcelain ear hats,” said Aaron. “This year, we have significantly expanded the assortment to include hats inspired by villains, princesses, classic characters and even Pixar characters. We’ve also added a tremendous amount of detail to each new ornament.”

The Ear Hat Ornaments are in the parks now at Disney’s Days of Christmas and World of Disney at the Downtown Disney Marketplace, The Emporium on Main Street USA and the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom and will be available online soon!

These Ear Hat ornaments are made of resin and are a numbered limited edition of 6500, with the exception of the princess collection.

Also Haunted Mansion, Swashbuckler, and Sorcerer Mickey ornaments have been released!!!

I think that my favorite new Ear Hat Ornament is Wall-E Ornament!!! Which one is your favorite?

I hope that you enjoy this look at the new ornaments!

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Pumpkins in July? Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Is Growing “The Dark Side Of The Gardens” for Halloween

 

When It Comes to Creating “The Dark Side Of The Gardens” for Halloween,
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Horticulture Team has to Start Early


TAMPA, Fla. (July  2012) 
– As Busch Gardens began preparations earlier this year to transform the park into “The Dark Side of the Gardens” for its 13th annual Howl-O-Scream event this fall, the horticulture team realized that they faced a challenge: It’s hard to find heirloom pumpkins and winter squash in Tampa in October.

Their solution? To research seeds and plant their own heirloom pumpkin patch. Heirloom pumpkins are the antique varieties of fruits and vegetables not normally found in mainstream produce markets. Heirlooms often feature unusual shapes, unexpected colors, plus a very flavorful flesh. Busch Gardens’ crop of pumpkins is destined not for pies, however, but for the delight of park guests who will be ready for the cooler temperatures and Halloween fun that pumpkin season signals.

Pumpkins growing on a tree at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay!

“Last year was our first try at pumpkin farming which ended in miserable results due to heavy rains,” said Busch Gardens’ Director of Horticulture, Joe Parr. “This year, we started in February with raised beds of rich compost made right here at the park with zoo and landscaping debris, and are watering with a water-conserving drip irrigation system.”

It must be working: The pumpkin experiment has yielded more than 60 fruits so far, much to the excitement of the proud gardeners who coaxed the vines from seeds by hand-pollinating the flowers with cotton swabs… and who are now sharing their office with piles of pumpkins.

Some examples of the different varieties of pumpkins they have grown at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Pumpkins are all American members of the squash family and have been cultivated for more than 5,000 years. When Columbus discovered America, he found the native people growing a variety of pumpkin which would come to be named Seminole. Busch Gardens’ pumpkin patch features the Seminole, as well as La Estrellas, a tropical pumpkin hybrid from the University of Florida. Both thrive in Florida’s heat and humidity. Parr’s team is also growing Rouge Vif d’Etampes (also known as the “Cinderella pumpkin”,) tiny Jack-Be-Littles,  warty, dark-green Marina di Chioggias, the 50- to 60-pound“Big Max,” and even a “Pumpkin Tree,” which is actually a rare orange eggplant with tiny, ribbed fruits.

The challenge now will be to keep the ripe fruits looking their best until September when autumn harvest displays appear in the park for both day guests and Howl-O-Scream visitors to enjoy. If properly stored, pumpkins can last up to a year in Florida.

A member of the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay horticulture team with one of their many pumpkins!

“As the summer temperatures soar,” says Parr, “it’s nice to think that October’s chill and pumpkins are coming soon.”

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Cooling Off at Winter Summerland – Summer Course

One of my favorite activities outside the parks is playing miniature golf at Walt Disney World. There are four courses between the two miniature golf locations: Winter Summerland with the Winter and Summer courses and Fantasia Gardens with the Gardens and the Fairways courses. You can see some great pictures here that Shelley took of the Winter course from when we played last year. I have played all four of the courses at WDW, but the Summer course is definitely my favorite. It is a great place to escape the parks to slow down and enjoy a nice afternoon with family or friends. Now that the miniature golf courses are included in the Water Parks Fun & More option (before 4pm only), it makes it even easier to sneak away for a quick 18 or even 36 holes. Course hours are typically 10am to 11pm, weather permitting, so please call ahead if it looks questionable. Regular fees are $12. ages 10 and up and $10. for children 3 – 9. There are also great discounts for Annual Passholders and Cast Members at 50% off as well as half off second rounds if anyone wants to play another 18.

Disney does theming and attention to detail better than almost anyone else, and this is a huge part of what makes this miniature golf experience even more magical than your average putt putt place. The course is designed by Santa’s elves and themed around some of your favorite summer activities like fishing, going to the beach, surfing and building sand castles. Each hole has a sign introducing it with a clever tip with instructions on to how to best attack the hole to get the best score. Some of my favorite details are the names on the surfboards and inner tubes, as well as the bumper stickers on the “elfstream” trailers. I think it is great that the Imagineers took the time to put such great care in to creating these courses.

Each time I visit the Winter Summerland courses it makes me feel a little bit cooler, and happier (jollier?) with the great Christmas theme, even if I’m playing the warmer themed Summer course. I imagine the Christmas music playing in the background doesn’t hurt in setting the mood. This is one of my favorite things to do on a warm summer evening and I have a feeling I’ll be sneaking off for a round sometime in the very near future. Have you ever played these courses or Fantasia Gardens? Do you have a favorite? What are some of your favorite details? Let me know.

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I’m including the gallery of pictures as well if you want to click to see some of the details a bit better. Enjoy!

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Celebrate The Summer Games At The Walt Disney World Swan And Dolphin Hotel

Celebrate the Summer Games at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel

A broadcast of the opening ceremony as well as a visit from past medal-winning athletes mark this special occasion

Swan and Dolphin Hotels

 

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is celebrating the summer games with a special event in the Dolphin lobby featuring the broadcast of the opening ceremonies in London displayed on large screen televisions, complimentary food and beverage and an opportunity to meet with past summer games medalists.

The event will take place Friday, July 27 from 6 – 9pm and is open to hotel guests and the general public. On hand to interact, take photos and sign autographs with guests will be medalists: Wendy Bruce-Martin (’92 gymnast), Scott Johnson (‘84 and ’88 gymnast) and Fred Tyler (’72 swimmer). “Gold medal” cookies, British-themed edible treats and recreational activities for kids will all be part of the festivities at the Orlando hotel.

About the athletes:

Bruce-Martin was part of gymnastics team USA in 1992 and helped the team bring home the bronze medal from Barcelona, Spain.  Bruce-Martin now coaches gymnastics, with the goal of opening her own gym.  Bruce-Martin was recently inducted into the USAG Gymnastics hall of fame in 2010 and the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

Johnson is a two-time Olympian gymnast, winning the gold medal in 1984 and captaining the team in 1988. Since retiring from gymnastic competition in 1988, Johnson has continued to train up-and-coming gymnastic competitors in the Orlando, Fla. area.

Tyler earned a gold medal in the 4×200 meter freestyle relay and took fifth in the 200 meter free at the 1972 games in Munich, Germany. He currently teaches at Lake Mary High School in Lake Mary, Fla. and was previously the school’s head aquatic coach where he trained numerous state champions and All Americans in both swimming and water polo.

 

What:               Summer Games Celebration at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel

 

When:              6:00pm – 9:00pm, July 27

Opening ceremonies broadcast begins at 7:30pm

 

Where:             Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, Dolphin Lobby

1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd.

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 32830

 

Who:    The event is free and open to hotel guests and the public (Please note, there is a fee for on-site parking)

 

For more information:   Visit www.swandolphin.com/summergames or call 407-934-4000      

 

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The hotel is located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’sAnimal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The hotel features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and the Extra Magic Hours benefit, where each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks is open extra time to enjoy select attractions.  (Valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required). The hotel can be reached at 800-227-1500www.swandolphin.com or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/swananddolphin.

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“Sparks Fly” This Saturday Night With A Live Performance by Miranda Cosgrove At Universal Orlando’s Summer Concert Series 2012 Summer Concert Series Concludes This Saturday

Universal Orlando’s Summer Concert Series wraps this weekend with teen actress and pop sensation Miranda Cosgrove!

Cosgrove is best known for her starring role in Nickelodeon’s Emmy-nominated TV series, “iCarly.”  She launched her music career by recording songs for the hit show, including its theme song, “Leave It All To Me.”  In 2011, Cosgrove released her debut solo album, “Sparks Fly,” which reached the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Miranda Cosgrove

Guests can also hear Cosgrove’s voice inside the newest attraction at Universal Studios Florida, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – based on the blockbuster animated hit, “Despicable Me.”  She is the voice of Gru’s oldest daughter, Margo. The hilarious and heartwarming ride is now open and combines a new storyline, new animation, the latest 3-D technology – and the heart, outrageous humor and memorable characters of the hit animated film.

Sorry, I couldn’t resist putting this one up again…

Access to the Summer Concert Series is included in admission to Universal Studios Florida and gives guests the opportunity to add a major concert to a day of theme park thrills.  By day, guests can enjoy some of the most popular entertainment experiences in the world– including the all-new Universal’s Superstar Parade, a daily parade that features elaborately themed floats that tower above guests, hundreds of energetic street performers and spectacular music and dance performances. By night, park guests can rock out to a live performance by a multi-platinum artist at the Music Plaza, a venue illuminated by the colorful LED lights of Universal Studios’ mostrockin’ coaster, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.

For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com.

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Dine With Shamu Returns to SeaWorld Orlando

It’s Orlando’s most immersive and memorable family dining experience — Dine With Shamu at SeaWorld Orlando.  Guests get closer than ever to SeaWorld’s majestic whales while enjoying a delicious menu of seasonal and sustainable items at a reserved poolside table.
They’ll get an incredible glimpse into the interactions that occur between SeaWorld’s trainers and whales. They’ll find out what makes killer whales such unique animals. And, everyone will learn about the many things we all can do to help save valuable ocean resources and habitats by enjoying sustainable and natural foods.
 
It’s a behind-the-scenes experience that will connect guests to the world we share like never before and it’s only at SeaWorld Orlando.
 
SeaWorld’s commitment to the world we share extends into the food we serve. All items served at Dine With Shamu are seasonable, fresh and sustainable. The summer menu includes:
  • All-natural, grain-fed Black Angus strip loin
  • 100% natural cinnamon-cured roasted pork loin
  • Rosemary-glazed free range grilled chicken
  • Filet of cod (certified sustainable)
  • Seasonal sides including lemon butter herb-roasted red potatoes, summer vegetable lo mein, cucumber salad, mixed green salad, summer fruit salad, and coconut Caribbean rice
  • Baked goods made fresh at SeaWorld
  • Signature desserts
  • Special kids’ buffet
Dine With Shamu is $49 for adults and $24 for children (ages 3 through 9) and is not included with park admission.  Prices do not include tax.
 
Advance reservations can be made at SeaWorldOrlando.com (starting July 14) or day-of inside the park at the reservations center. 
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An Evening at Busch Gardens

Image Copyright Busch Gardens

Living and working near the parks in Central Florida affords those of us locals an opportunity to experience the theme parks in a little bit different way than those of you who come here for vacation. We have the luxury and privilege, if you will, to visit the parks for just a few hours at a time since we have access within about 15 minutes from either work or home. Last night was one such evening for me. I work just a short distance from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and was able to make a quick jaunt over to the park from 7pm until park closing at 9. So how do you spend just a couple hours? What do you do, what do you do?

A practically perfect evening for me consists of a nice balance of seeing some of my favorite animals, riding at least one or two rides, grabbing a bite to eat or drink, and seeing what the special events are that the park has to offer. Right now there is an event running until August 12th called Summer Nights. This was my first time seeing this nighttime spectacular that features a special concert/show called Kinetix. After the show, guests are treated to an awesome fireworks show.

So, this evening started off by making a bee line for my favorite ride, Cheetah Hunt. If you have not yet experienced this roller coaster, what are you waiting for?!?!?!? It is amazing!!! You have three super fast launches at close to 60mph. I love this ride, especially in the evening and it is one of the longer coasters around at almost a mile long lasting about four minutes. This typically has a 45 minute to an hour long wait, so coming in at 7pm, I knew I had to head here first.

After Cheetah Hunt I decided to catch a show. The one I wanted to see I guess is out of rotation for the summer, so I opted to go see Pirates 4D for the first time. On the way there I was able to snap a few pics of some animals including a pretty cool one of the lion up pretty close. The movie was cute, definitely geared toward a younger audience and I guess I chose my seat poorly because the last row I was in didn’t have any of the 4D effects.

About this time I was starting to get hungry and thought it might be a good idea to get a spot for Kinetix in Gwazi Park, which is situated behind Gwazi, the wooden rollercoaster. I wasn’t starving so I opted just for a churro and a frozen coke for dinner. I know this wasn’t the best meal, but it hit the spot and was only about $5 with my passholder discount. Arriving around 8:30, I was able to find a seat on the end of one of the rows of metal benches with backs that are setup in the park. If you are coming with more than one person, I would definitely recommend getting there closer to 8pm if you all want to sit together. Keep in mind I was there on a Monday night and I’m sure it is even more popular on the weekends.

Kinetix is an incredible show featuring current pop music (LMFAO, Pitbull, Nicki Minaj, Adele, Maroon 5, etc.) performed live on stage by singers, a band, dancers, acrobats and includes some crazy stunts from balancing to aerials to trick bikes. I love the energy that this show brings from all of the performers, and it is very appropriately named with all the kinetic energy you feel from the stage. I am going to include videos below since I don’t think pictures will begin to do it justice. Please go see this and the Summer Nights fireworks show that follows. I think this is probably the closest I’ve ever been to fireworks of this magnitude.

All in all it was a great way to spend a few hours in the park. I got my thrills on Cheetah Hunt. I was able to sit and relax in air conditioned comfort, a huge plus in July in Florida, at the Pirate 4D film and was entertained. Dinner could have been much more substantial, but I really wasn’t hungry for more than the churro and frozen coke, which I got to enjoy while seated on a bench with a nice breeze while listening to pop music before the Kinetix show. That was another thing I noticed that I think is new for the summer, or maybe just in the evening, but from the time I arrived at 7pm until I left a little before 10pm the music being played throughout the park was mostly familiar pop music. I thought this really added to the fun summer vibe I felt from the Summer Nights celebration.

How do you like to spend a quick few hours at Busch Gardens? Have you been to Summer Nights? What was your favorite part?

 

Check out our YouTube page here to see other great videos from around Central Florida parks and activities.

 

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httpv://youtu.be/j-7f4WZisRo

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Brittany Viola’s Patriotic Send Off Hosted By Planet Hollywood Orlando

On July 7th, I got to do something I had only dreamed about…I got to meet a real Olympian and I have to say it was one of the coolest experiences I have ever had!

Can you tell I was totally geeking out to meet her???

I was lucky enough to be invited to Brittany Viola’s Olympic Send Off Party hosted by Planet Hollywood Orlando, located in Downtown Disney’s West Side. Brittany leaves this Thursday to be a part of the USA Diving National Team, and a member of USA Diving’s Olympic Performance Squad, pursuing a gold medal at the 2012 Olympic games to be held in London.

Brittany Viola waving from the balcony of Planet Hollywood Orlando.

Surrounded by young divers from YCF Diving and above a restaurant full of American flags waving, Brittany was welcomed into Planet Hollywood to celebrate her amazing accomplishment among her family, friends, and children that aspire to one day be in her position!

Brittany had a lot of friends and family in attendance as she celebrated her accomplishments before leaving for London.

In the few minutes that I was able to spend with Brittany, I told her about we all watched the diving competition, I am fascinated by diving since I have never been able to do anything other than a cannon ball off of a pool board, and how we would all be cheering her on as she goes for the gold. She said that the first thing she wanted to do was go to the Olympic Village and take it all in since she had worked so hard to get there (London).

It was really an honor to spend time talking with Brittany!

Brittany Ann Viola (born in Minnesota in 1987) grew up in Orlando, FL and attended Lake Highland Preparatory School.

 

“It’s been a hard journey, but I had a lot of love and support around me to help me persevere and get where I am right now.” Said Viola

 

Brittany is the daughter of Frank and Kathy Viola. Frank was the 1987 World Series MVP for the Minnesota Twins, the 1988 American League Cy Young Award winner and a three-time All-Star.

 

In addition, she is working for Athletes in Action as Part-Time Field Staff at the University of Miami. Her goals are to teach, encourage, and support the student-athletes through their collegiate experiences.

 

She graduated in May of 2011, from the University of Miami, double majoring in Electronic Media and Sport Administration.

 

Brittany began diving in 2000, but missed the 2010 season while recovering from two foot surgeries.

For more information about Brittany’s Career, visit her website at www.brittanyviola.com.

Thank you so much to Planet Hollywood Orlando for hosting this great event, and I am really looking forward to bringing you more information about this restaurant in the future!!!

 

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Universal Orlando Resort Announces A New Themed On-Site Hotel Development

Cabana Bay Beach Resort Exterior

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 9, 2012) – Universal Parks & Resorts and Loews Hotels & Resorts will build a new hotel development at Universal Orlando that will add high-quality, high-value options for families wanting an affordable on-site experience.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort will offer two distinct experiences within the development’s multiple buildings:  900 family suites, capable of sleeping six, that include kitchen areas and 900 standard guest rooms – offering both moderate- and value-priced accommodations.  It will be operated by Loews Hotels & Resorts and is scheduled to open in 2014.

Cabana Bay Beach Resort Suite

The hotel will be themed differently than anything else currently available at Universal Orlando.  It will evoke the driving vacations so many Americans grew up enjoying with their families – spending time at sweeping motor courts just off the highway, where families relaxed and played after a long day’s drive.  The new hotel’s hip, vintage look will be accented with bold design, dramatic, clean lines, bright, period colors and touches of neon. Inside areas including the lobby, dining areas and large, comfortable rooms will follow suit.  The hotel will have two themed pool areas.

“Our new hotel will give guests an affordable, incredibly themed on-site hotel experience unlike anything else at our resort,” said Tom Williams, chairman and chief executive officer, Universal Parks & Resorts.  “Our new family suites and family-value pricing will give our guests on-site options they’ve never had before.”

Cabana Bay Beach Resort Lobby

The hotel will be built on a 37-acre site within Universal Orlando Resort and adjacent to Universal’s Islands of Adventure – just offHollywood Way and Turkey Lake Road.  Site work will begin soon.  Pricing information, opening timeframes and room on-sale dates will be released over time.

The new hotel will allow families to choose between value pricing or the higher level of benefits and service that come with staying at other on-site Universal Orlando hotels – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort.  It will provide early park admission, proximity to Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios and resort-wide charging privileges – but will not offer complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Access.

Cabana Bay Beach Resort Pool

“The Cabana Bay Beach Resort furthers our goal of operating special and distinct properties in important markets,” said Paul Whetsell, Loews Hotels & Resorts president and CEO.  “This is another important step in our plan to expand the Loews system in major markets across the United States.”

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Disney’s Water Parks Dive Into Summer 2012 with New Entertainment, Eats and More

From the Desk of The Walt Disney World Resort:

Typhoon Lagoon Packs in New Seasonal Offerings, Both Parks Offer Extra Magic Hours Through Late August

 

Summer 2012 brings a splash of fun for the whole family at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach water parks, with new entertainment and dining options at Typhoon Lagoon and Extra Magic Hours at both parks.

New Entertainment

The relaxing atmosphere at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is enhanced with new sounds of summer. For the first time, Calypso band “Tropicals” brings Caribbean steel drums to the park from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Friday through Sunday until July 15. The band can be found near the Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster pool area. Returning this year every day through September 8, characters Lilo and Stitch can be found just outside of the High N’ Dry sundries shop at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon; at Disney’s Blizzard Beach, guests can chill out with Goofy, who can be found roaming the water park.

New Dining Option

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon guests looking for summer fare beyond the normal park offerings may visit Tropicalamity. The new temporary food and beverage tent, located near Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster pool area, features a variety of eats, including chicken jerk pita wrap, citrus chicken salad, hot meatball sub and cold Italian sub. 

Summer Extra Magic Hours

Guests staying at Walt Disney World resort hotels can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours on select days and times at both Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach through late August.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

  • Currently, Wednesday mornings before the park opens, from 8-9 a.m. through August 22.
  • Starting July 7, guests can take advantage of additional extra magic hours Saturday mornings before the park opens, from 8-9 a.m. through August 18.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach

  • Currently, Thursday mornings before the park opens, from 8-9 a.m. through August 23.
  • Starting July 3, guests can take advantage of additional extra magic hours Tuesday mornings before the park opens, from 8-9 a.m. through August 14.

About Disney’s Water Parks

Walt Disney World guests visiting Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park escape to a tropical paradise left behind by a storm. Surfboards, fishing gear, boats, including the iconic shrimp boat, Ms. Tilly, once strewn about by a typhoon, add to the ambiance.

Guests visiting Disney’s Blizzard Beach will discover a melting wonderland where a freak snowstorm hit Florida. Icicles, ski gear and steep slopes grace the ski resort landscape, home to some of the most thrilling water rides in the United States.

For more information about Disney’s Water Parks, guests can visit disneyworld.com/waterparks.

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Banana Boat Natural Reflect 101 Days of Summer

Since moving to Celebration I have found that we are out and about all of the time, and as a result are always using tons of sunscreen!

 

I was able to attend a 101 Days of Summer Party with other local families, hosted by Melanie & Suzannah, where we learned about Banana Boat’s Natural Reflect Sunscreen Lotion. Using 100% naturally sourced mineral sunscreen, active with Zinc Oxide, deflects UVA and UVB rays — and it is ideal for sensitive and delicate skin, which is perfect for our family since Zoe and I have extremely sensitive skin!!!

 

100% Naturally Sourced Mineral Sunscreen Actives, Zinc Oxide
Oxybenzone and Paraben-Free
Gentle on Sensitive and Delicate Skin
Proven Effective Against Sunburn; Helps Prevent Long-Term Skin Damage
Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB Protection
Water Resistant (80 Minutes)
Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation
Dermatologist Tested

 

Another really cool thing that Banana Boat is doing as part of their 101 Days of Summer Campaign, is that if you go to their Facebook Page and take a pledge to encourage your kids to spend time outside everyday this summer they will donate a bottle of Natural Reflect Sunscreen to the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp!

Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is a community dedicated to providing “a different kind of healing” to children and their families coping with cancer, sickle cell anemia and other serious illnesses. Through summer sessions and family weekend programs at the Camp in Ashford, Connecticut, and year-round outreach to hospitals and clinics throughout the Northeast, the Camp serves more than 20,000 children and family members annually. All services are free of charge.

Thanks again to Melanie and Suzannah for hosting this Banana Boat 101 Days of Summer Party where we got to learn about the Natural Reflect products, play fun games, make cool crafts, and have a great afternoon with friends! Also, please don’t forget to visit their Facebook Page and take the pledge and help the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp!!!!

 

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post and attended a local event where I received product samples, but my opinions are my own.

 

 

 

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SeaWorld Orlando Welcomes Baby Dolphin

A dolphin calf was born Saturday morning 6/30/12 at 8:47 a.m. at SeaWorld Orlando. The young calf’s sex is unknown at this time, but it has been seen nursing and bonding with its mom, Starkey, both a good indication that the calf is doing well. This is Starkey’s sixth birth.  Park guests can see the pair at SeaWorld’s Dolphin Nursery where pregnant dolphins, new mothers, their calves and experienced moms live together.
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