August 2012 - Page 3 of 4 - On the Go in MCO

Disney Vacation Club: Beach Club Villas and Running The Princess 5K and Half Marathon

It was last minute trip. Our friends were running the Princess Marathon, and then I decided to run the 5k. So we needed a room!

I searched for availability and saw that there were rooms at the Beach Club Villas. After I made sure it was a host resort for the race,so we would have transportation, we booked our stay.

Since we didn’t care where our room was, I chose to do an online check in. We had never done online check in before, and it was really easy. We also opted for Disney to send us a text when the room was ready.

After our race we went to Epcot, and then got the notification that the room was ready. We went back to the room rested a little then boated over to the boardwalk for an event.

We then went to Wide World of Sports for packet pickup for a friend. Then it was back to the parks, and then off to dinner at Beaches and Cream. After dinner we went back to the room for an early bedtime to get ready for the race.

The next morning we caught a shuttle to Epcot for race start, and I went to Magic Kingdom to catch everyone on Main Street. Then after the race, I went back to the room to rest for a bit.

The best features at the Beach Club are the pools, they have 2 quiet pools in addition to their feature pool, Stormalong Bay, which has a slide and a lazy river. Also in addition to Beaches and Cream, it offers a Character Breakfast & Seafood Buffet Dinner at Cape May, and the Beach Club Marketplace with sandwiches and convenience items.

I wish I had more time at this resort!

Beach Club Villas Studio Main Room (courtesy of Betsy Bates)

Beach Club Villas Studio Kitchenette (courtesy of Betsy Bates)

Solar Bears to Raise The Turner Cup Banner

SOLAR BEARS TO RAISE TURNER CUP CHAMPIONSHIP BANNER

Orlando, Fl. – The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that they will honor the 2001 (IHL) Championship team by raising the Turner Cup Championship banner during this year’s Out of Hibernation season. The banner is scheduled to be raised during a special pre-game ceremony on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at the Amway Center before the Solar Bears take on the Trenton Titans.

In 2001, the Orlando Solar Bears defeated the Chicago Wolves 5-1 in Game 5 of the best of seven series to win the Championship series 4 games to 1. The Solar Bears were the last IHL team to win the Turner Cup before the IHL ceased operations that summer.

“From ‘Day One’ of our existence we have had every intention of honoring the past as we celebrate our future. This is unfinished business,” stated Solar Bears Managing Partner Jason Siegel. “For the players and coaches, front office staff, Amway Arena staff, and fans of the 2001 Championship team this ceremony is long overdue and we are honored to play a small role in assuring it happens.”

The banner raising pregame ceremony will include special appearances by members of the Solar Bears’ championship team. Arrangements have been made with the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto to have the Turner Cup on hand and the current Solar Bears team will wear commemorative throw-back jerseys that night. Fans in attendance on February 2 will take home commemorative mini-banners as a keep sake.

Over the next 2-6 weeks the Solar Bears expect to announce a number of player signings, our new radio broadcast partner, details for our OSB Training Camp dates and Open Invitation Try-Out, Single Game Ticket “On Sale” date, details regarding the formation of the OSB Alumni Association, details about two trophies that will be awarded annually to a current Solar Bears player in honor and memory of both Dan Snyder and Rob Kenny, and a number of exciting promotional events. In addition, the Solar Bears will unveil a commemorative “Out of Hibernation” logo that will be affixed to the team’s home and road jerseys for the 2012-13 season. The team also plans to unveil its 3rd jersey during the early portion of the season. Follow the Solar Bears at OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com,Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and updates.

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and AHL’s Houston Aeros, are coming Out of Hibernation and will play 36 regular season home games at the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center, beginning October 20, 2012.

Season ticket plans are available now. Everyone is invited to take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority. Full and half season ticket plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season ticket (includes facility fee), reflecting a savings of up to 42% off box office pricing. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 or visit OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com.

Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call 407-951-8200.

Orlando Solar Bears merchandise can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/.

Magical Dining Month Returns to Orlando

70 Restaurants Ready to Dish Out Savings During Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month

Newly-Updated Website Features Menus, Message Boards and Reservations

For the entire month of September, 70 of Orlando’s top restaurants will serve up three-course prix-fixe dinners for $30 during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month. The newly-updated OrlandoMagicalDining.com features menus, message boards, reservations and a mobile version launching late August. In addition, the month-long event will benefit the Edgewood Children’s Ranch, with $1 from every meal donated to the organization.

Now in its 7th year, Magical Dining Month continues to grow with the addition of new restaurants to Orlando’s ever-expanding dining scene, including Fogo de Chão, Prickly Pear and Nick’s Italian Kitchen. This year’s restaurant list boasts a wide variety of unique atmospheres and cuisines spread across six unique dining districts:

Convention District – This area, encompassing International Drive, hosts the largest concentration of Magical Dining restaurants, including popular steakhouses like The Capital Grille, Charley’s Steak House and Vito’s Chop House.
Disney/Lake Buena Vista District – Known for its world-class theme parks and resorts, this upbeat district offers up upscale, fine dining restaurants including The Venetian Room, Todd English’s bluezoo and La Luce by Donna Scala.
Downtown District – In the midst of trendy neighborhoods and endless nighttime entertainment options, downtown Orlando hosts local favorites including Citrus Restaurant, Funky Monkey Wine Company, Le Coq Au Vin and The Boheme.
Universal/CityWalk District – Fully-themed, Universal area restaurants include Emeril’s Tchoup Chop at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Bice Ristorante at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and The Palm at Hard Rock Hotel.
Restaurant Row District – This one-mile stretch of Sand Lake Road is a mecca for upscale and casual restaurants, including Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion, Timpano Italian Chophouse and Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine. Featured seafood restaurants in the area include Ocean Prime, Moonfish, Big Fin Seafood Kitchen and Fishbones.
Winter Park District – Signature restaurants – unique to the Orlando area – including Luma on Park and Chez Vincent make up this quaint, picturesque district just north of downtown Orlando.

As the 2012 charitable beneficiary for Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month, Edgewood Children’s Ranch will receive $1 for every meal served. Edgewood Children’s Ranch provides residential, educational and counseling services for troubled children and their families. For more information visit EdgewoodRanch.com.

UPDATE: SeaWorld Orlando Returns Rescued Manatee and Her Newborn Calf

August 2, 2012, SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue team traveled to Merritt Island, Fla. to return a rescued manatee and her two-week-old calf to their natural environment. The pair was successfully returned to the waters of Sykes Creek, where mom was originally rescued.

20120802_Manatee Release_08 — Yesterday morning, SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue team traveled to Merritt Island, Fla. to return a mom and calf manatee pair to their natural environment. The mother was rescued earlier this summer, and during her rehabilitation gave birth to a male manatee calf at SeaWorld Orlando.

The female manatee was pregnant when she was rescued about two months ago, and during her rehabilitation at SeaWorld Orlando gave birth to a healthy male calf. Once the pair had bonded and the veterinary team confirmed that the calf was nursing, the park’s animal experts felt the manatees had an excellent chance to survive on their own. SeaWorld’s ultimate goal is to return rescued animals to the wild once they are in good health.

20120802_Manatee Release_18 — SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue team prepares calf and mom for transport to Sykes Creek.

BACKGROUND:

On June 8, 2012, SeaWorld’s animal rescue team rescued the 10-foot manatee from Sykes Creek. She had severe injuries to her front right flipper caused by a crab pot line, and fishing line was also tightly wrapped around both of her front flippers.

Weighing nearly 1,380 pounds, the manatee was transported by the rescue team to SeaWorld Orlando for further evaluation and care. After assessment, her front right flipper was amputated and bandaged. She received antibiotics and was treated for her injuries, and her health continued to improve.

Based on her size, SeaWorld’s veterinary team suspected the manatee could be pregnant. After performing a sonogram procedure on the gentle giant, it was confirmed that she was pregnant and about six weeks later, the calf was born. SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Care team kept a close eye on the pair, to ensure they were both healthy enough for yesterday’s return.

SeaWorld’s animal rescue team is on call 24/7 to save and care for injured, orphaned or ill animals. So far in 2012, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued 12 manatees.

All manatee rescue footage produced by SeaWorld under FWS Permit Number MA7701911

Wordless Wednesday: Invaders From Planet Putt

8 8 2012 — Hollywood Drive-In Golf Golf at Universal Citywalk

Win A Copy Of “Let It Shine: Extended Edition” On DVD Today!!!

LetItShine DVD(small) — Let It Shine Comes to DVD August 7, 2012

The Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) “Let It Shine: Extended Edition” featuring an exclusive extended music scene arrives as a 1-Disc DVD (DVD + Digital Copy on the same disc) Today, August 7, 2012. Set in the world of hip-hop, rap and gospel music, the uplifting and energetic modern day story inspired by Cyrano de Bergerac is driven by its original and catchy soundtrack and stars Tyler James Williams, Coco Jones, Trevor Jackson, Brandon Mychal Smith, Nicole Sullivan, Dawnn Lewis, Alex Desert, and Courtney B. Vance.

Let It Shine is full of great messages about how important family and friends can be and how having self-confidence can help you achieve your dreams, and most importantly it is also full of fun music that Zoe had a blast dancing around the room to during the movie! Also, the soundtrack of 12 original songs for Let It Shine is great! I was really pleasantly surprised by how much we all enjoyed this DCOM!!!

Celebrating family and friendship, the story unfolds in Atlanta, Georgia, as Cyrus DeBarge (Tyler James Williams) and his best friend Kris McDuffy (Trevor Jackson) reunite with their childhood friend, teenage singing sensation Roxanne “Roxie” Andrews (Coco Jones), whose music label is sponsoring a songwriting contest at a teen club. Cyrus, who writes music under the name “Truth,” crafts a heartfelt and contest-winning rhyme about Roxie but to his dismay, his work is mistakenly attributed to Kris. Lacking the confidence to step forward, Cyrus stands by while Kris not only takes credit for the lyrics, but ultimately begins to win Roxie’s heart too. Now, it’s up to the true poet to overcome self-doubt, seize the opportunity to reveal his authentic self, and pursue his dreams. At the same time, Cyrus must convince his preacher father (Courtney B. Vance) that hip-hop music can convey a positive message.

I do have to say that there is some mild name-calling and confrontation between kids and your expected kids rebelling against adults, but it was nothing that was too over the top or anything you wouldn’t expect from a DCOM. But it’s how the characters handle adversity in Let It Shine that makes it such an enjoyable movie!

Available only on the “Let It Shine: Extended Edition” DVD is the exclusive extended scene featuring Cyrus in his first-ever rap battle of the rhymes against his nemesis, Bling, to establish which performer is the more talented verse master. The truth is in the music!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPEJFdtKPH0

“Let It Shine” is directed by two-time DGA award winner Paul Hoen (“Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam,” “JONAS”), written by Eric Daniel and Don D. Scott (“Barbershop,” “Barbershop 2: Back in Business”) and choreographed by Danny Teeson (“American Idol”) and associate Brandon Shaw (“So You Think You Can Dance,” NAACP Image Awards). A production of G WaveProductions, LLC., the movie was shot on location in Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia.

If you have a child that is into music, they will thoroughly enjoy Let It Shine! And I will warn you now, that you will enjoy it and find yourself hearing the music at times during your day and it will bring a smile to your face!!!

** GIVEAWAY!!!** If you would like to win a copy of Let It Shine: Extended Edition all you need to do leave a comment about this or your favorite Disney Channel Original Movie on this post by Monday, August 13th at Midnight! Please make sure you leave your email address!!!

Volunteering Opportunities: Orlando Health Gridiron 5K Challenge

2012 Gridiron 5K Challenge Banner — 2012 Gridiron 5K Challenge

When Aurora and I volunteered at the Celebrity Mascot Games at the Amway Center, we were introduced to a whole new way to participate in activities in the Orlando Area.

The Central Florida Sports Commission is responsible for a lot of great events around Orlando, and it was a blast spending our day volunteering so we thought we would share any upcoming opportunities with you!

The Inaugural Orlando Health Gridiron 5K Challenge presented by Pizza Hut is a 3.1 mile run/walk that celebrates the heated rivalries that exist in Florida and the beginning of the college football season. Fans of Florida’s major universities and college football fans are invited to sport their team’s gear and participate in day’s worth of activities that will kick off with a 5K around the UCF campus. The race will take place Saturday, August 25 on campus at UCF. Volunteers are needed to help with bag stuffing, registration, timing, and along the course at water stops.

Here are the days/shifts that volunteers are needed:

Race Week – Monday, August 20

– Bag Stuffing from 5-7pm at the CFSC office in downtown Orlando

Race Day @ UCF – Saturday, August 25

– Pre-race & post-race: arrive at 5am

Volunteers will help with set-up, registration, packet pickup, and the post-race tailgate party.

– Water stops: arrive at 6:30am

Volunteers will hand out water/Gatorade as runners pass.

– Finish line: arrive at 7am

Volunteers will help with timing and awards.

All volunteers will receive free parking, event t-shirt, and coffee/donuts. If interested in helping please respond to this email with your preferred day/shift.

If you’re interested in volunteering at the Inaugural Orlando Health Gridiron 5K Challenge presented by Pizza Hut, please contact Georgianna Brown (gbrown@centralfloridasports.org).

However if you are interested in running the Inaugural Orlando Health Gridiron 5K Challenge presented by Pizza Hut, there is still time and you can check out the course and register for the race here.

* SPOILER FREE * Review of The Odd Life of Timothy Green

Having seen The Odd Life of Timothy Green just a few days ago, I’ve been trying to put my finger on the pulse of the movie. There is so much wrapped into this compact, sweet, lovable, and quirky movie that I don’t feel that simple labels like “comedy” or “drama” are enough, though it clearly has elements of both. What shines through most in this movie though is its tremendous heart. There are in this movie no good guys, and no bad guys – there are just people behaving like… people, and yet their lives are all simply transformed by Timothy.

The story was conceived by Ahmet Zappa son of the singer, songwriter, and musician Frank Zappa. For Disney to put this out under their own brand rather than one of their subsidiaries says a lot about their trust for the material and Zappa. This trust goes back a few yeas to the creation of Kingdom Comics in 2008 which included a multi-year contract to create new films and rejuvenate old live-action Disney films by first releasing them in graphic novel form. This is the first new film to be released through this venture.

You are going to cry at this movie. There is no doubt. Some of those tears will be from laughing, some will be from sorrow. But many will come from that place you enter when you let yourself go in the magic of a moment and realize how amazing the world would be if things always could just work this way. To be able to put our wishes, our hopes and our dreams into a box and have them come true… even if only for a short while.

Those who love the art of storytelling will almost immediately pick up on the O. Henry styling of the story. There is a twist to the tale, it’s not hidden – the trailers for the movie already give it away. But the twist is designed to deliver a message and that’s what’s important. Life is fleeting. We are here for a moment, and then we’re gone. But it’s what we do with that moment. The way in which the lives of those whose lives intertwine with our own are affected by that which we do and the choices that we make. In the end, this is what matters – so make them count.

The moments of impact Timothy gets to make, are not ones that are chosen for him. But when they come he accepts them and embraces them all. Makes the best of the moment for good or for ill. And with that he transforms the lives of those around him in a way that has no other description than magic. But it’s not in your face magic. No, rather it’s the sort of subtle magic that is administered by Mary Poppins or comes riding in on a tornado from Oz. Right down to magical storms and whimsical winds.

Despite being a family movie, I can’t say that this movie is for everyone. Some of the themes that run through this are deep and may require explanation to your children. The emotions in this movie are strong – it could be as much as a two box movie depending on the viewer. And many people like to avoid that sort of thing. This movie is also not without its flaws, but at the same time few are worth nitpicking. However, if you can be accepting of a little magic running its course, then I highly recommend seeing this movie.

As much as I’d like to give a star rating for this movie now, you will have to wait until August 27th when I release Episode 86 of the Disney Film Project Podcast for that and a more thorough review.

The Week in Review: July 30 – August 3, 2012: Fashion, Celebrities, SUP, & Giveaways!!!

The Week in Review: July 30 – August 3, 2012: Fashion, Celebrities, SUP, & Giveaways!!!

It has been another amazing week here at On the Go, and now it’s time to look back at all that happened July 30^th to August 3^rd!!!

Let’s Go!

On Monday, Christa Dunbar helped us take a peek at the new Artist Collection for Target! I am going to go broke buying these awesome shirts!!!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLcUg-Id6GU

Also, I took a look at all of the activities you can find at Discovery Cove! This boutique park has a lot more to offer than just swimming with Dolphins!!!

DC_Dolphin_Interation — The Dolphin Interaction at Discovery Cove!

We all have a new passion at On the Go, and that is supporting the Orlando City Soccer Club! Check out Aurora’s soccer adventures as she talks about the sport, culture, and fun of being a OCSC Fan!

For Wordless Wednesday, I took at a look at one of my favorite Hidden Mickeys at the Magic Kingdom! Arrrr!!!

8 1 2012 — Pirates of the Caribbean Hidden Mickey in the Gold!

On Thursday, we announced our latest giveaway! Enter to win a $50 gift certificate to the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores!!! Hurry!!!! Entries must be received by midnight on August 6^th!!!!

Shalon put together an awesome video highlighting our experience at the Orlando City Soccer Club game against Stoke City!!!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo62GCoeHTE

CELEBRITY SIGHTING!!! Betsy shares her day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios complete with a Tom Cruise sighting at Toy Story Midway Mania!!!!!

Tom Cruise on Toy Story Midway Mania 2 — Tom Cruise on Toy Story Midway Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

LEGOLAND Florida announced their Brick-Or-Treat Halloween Event that will take place later this fall! It looks like it’s going to be a really family-friendly way to celebrate with your favorite ghosts and goblins!

BOT Pumkin Castle Witch Scarecrow — Celebrate Halloween this fall with Brick-Or-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida

This Friday all of us sat down to share our favorite ways to Beat the Heat in the Parks just in time for the dog days of summer in our latest Roundtable discussion!

And we rounded out our week, with Megan looking back at the first in our Florida Adventures Series with our Paddleboarding, SUP, experience with East Coast Paddle in New Smyrna Beach, Florida!

East Coast Paddle with Megan and Shelley — Shelley and Megan Paddleboarding in New Smyrna Beach, FL!

Thanks for joining us this week at On the Go, and we can’t wait to bring you even more posts next week!!!

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Florida Adventures: East Coast Paddle in New Smyrna Beach

I am always looking to find adventurous things to do in Central Florida. When I first moved to the area I learned about something called paddleboarding. Anything that involves water automatically peaks my interest! When the opportunity came for Shelley and I to visit East Coast Paddle in New Smyrna Beach, I jumped at it. New Smyrna Beach is about 90 minutes northeast of Orlando just off of Interstate 4, so even if you are interested in taking one of the early morning sessions, getting there wouldn’t involve too early of a wake-up call. We were able to leave Orlando at 7 and made it with time to spare before our 9 am tour.

East Coast Paddle Boat — Cheryl and Captain Todd coming to meet us in Mosquito Lagoon!

Indian River Manatee Sign — It is amazing how much effort and love goes into protecting the manatees.

We took the Stand Up Paddleboard Eco-Tour. To start our tour, we met up with our guide, Cheryl and our captain, Todd, at JB’s Fish Camp on the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon. Captain Todd pulled the boat right up to the dock and everyone in our group was able to climb right aboard. Cheryl was an excellent guide, telling us all about the areas we would be seeing and giving us some tips on what areas we needed to avoid. A large area of the river is actually used as an oyster farm for JB’s and there are oyster beds along the edges of the river too. Cheryl informed us that these were areas to be avoided.

East Coast Paddle Group Photo — Shelley and I before the Paddleboarding Eco-Tour!

On our way out to the drop off location, we had our first wildlife spotting. A dolphin! This wouldn’t be the last spotting either. Once we reached our destination, our boat was anchored and Captain Todd stepped out from behind the wheel to give us our lesson before we each got onto our boards. I am an experience canoeist so I picked up on the techniques that he explained to us pretty quickly. The most important part of the instructions included the positioning of the paddle in the water and the positioning of our hands and arms throughout the stroke. Once you figured that out you were good to go.

East Coast Paddle Indian River — Shelley out on her Paddleboard!

East Coast Paddle on the Water — This is a shot of our group out on the water about to start the tour!

After our group pictures, we were all set out on the boards. Cheryl went out first so she could capture our first moments out on the board and Captain Todd got us positioned on our boards one at a time. The tour includes all the pictures they take of the day. Cheryl sends out digital copies within a day of your tour! When it was my turn, I climbed onto my knees on the board and paddled away from the boat. Once I was far enough away from the boat, Cheryl told me it was okay to stand up. That was the part I was most nervous about. Despite the fact that Cheryl insisted that these were the most stable boards that they produced, I was still nervous about my ability to balance. However, once I was on my feet, I was surprised at the stability of the board. I even rocked it a little bit, just to test it out of course!

East Coast Paddle Standing Up — Here I am on my Paddleboard!

I was actually the last person in our tour to get onto a board so as soon as I caught up to the group, we began our journey down the river. I was incredibly comfortable on the board. With the exception of a couple times when I put a bit too much effort into a stroke, I never felt like I was going to lose my balance.

East Coast Paddle Group on Water — Another shot of our tour group! It was fun to share this experience with others who were just as excited as we were!!!

One of my favorite things about Florida is the wildlife and the tour definitely delivered on that front. My favorite part of our tour was our visit to Manatee Cove. We were surrounded by manatees who kept sticking their noses out of the water. I admit that I was nervous that one of the manatees would try to surface right underneath my board, by I had nothing to worry about. The manatees were close but not right underneath me. After hanging out with the manatees, it was time to complete our tour and head back to the dock.

East Coast Paddle Manatee Cove — Getting instructions on how to paddle in Manatee Cove.

The tour we took is the best tour for beginners, however there are other tour options for beginners or more experienced paddleboarders. East Coast Paddle offers lessons, fishing and rentals. In addition, they provide Paddle Fit classes and Yoga on Water. I am definitely interested in the fitness classes that they offer. In addition to the services offered on a regular basis, they are willing to create a customized tour for groups. Just ask Cheryl about the bachelorette party that they planned during your visit!

East Coast Paddle Blanks — Its amazing all the work that goes into making these Paddleboards!

East Coast Paddle Glassing — I have my eye on a wood grained Paddleboard from East Coast…Do you hear that Santa??? 🙂

East Coast Paddle not only provides tours and lessons, but they also make the boards in their own factory. After a morning out learning to paddleboard, Shelley and I were able to tour the factory. All the boards are made using AutoCad (Computer Aided Drafting) Software to design the boards and they use their own 3D Shaping machine to cut the boards out of the blanks. The boards are all airbrushed and finished in the factory to the specifications of each buyer.

East Coast Paddle Factory — It was a really great bonus to be able to see how these boards are made!!!

I had a great time with Cheryl and Captain Todd during my first paddleboarding experience. They made the whole experience fun and relaxing, as well as a good workout. I look forward to visiting them again and, in the future, purchasing my own board so I can head out boarding every weekend! Make sure to visit their website and like them on Facebook. Also, don’t forget to visit our Facebook page to see our complete album of pictures from our visit.

How We Like To Beat The Heat – The Latest On The Go Roundtable

What is your favorite way to take a break on a hot day while you are at the parks?

Aurora– It depends on which park you are at. Epcot seems to have the most places that you can chill! Weather it is Club Cool or The Land or Ellen’s Energy Adventure! MGM it is always a safe bet to watch an American Idol Show. Animal Kingdom we always head to Festival of The Lion King and at Magic Kingdom, my personal Favorite: Carousel of Progress!!

Betsy– You may also occasionally find me in La Cava del Tequila, Rose and Crown or Tutto Gusto in Epcot for a cool adult beverage.

Cheryl– I like to go visit a resort or get a snack at an indoor counter service.

Megan– Going back to my room, especially when I’m staying at a DVC resort. I can relax in the room or at the pool. If heading back to the room isn’t an option, I try to visit any of the indoor movies or attractions, like the movies in Epcot’s World Showcase.

Shalon– I really enjoy scheduling a long table service lunch on hot days. It’s a great way to get out of the heat and off your feet.

Shelley– I like to hang out in Innoventions and play the games, and then pop over every so often to Club Cool for some Kinley!

2. If you could go to any resort pool for the afternoon, which one would you choose and why?

Betsy– The best pool is Stormalong Bay, which is shared between Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club resorts. It is amazing with different sections with sandy bottom an an awesome water slide out of a shipwreck! My second favorite pool is the Nanea Volcano pool at the Polynesian. It has the best view of the Magic Kingdom hands down.

Cheryl– I’d choose Saratoga Springs new pool at the Paddock. It’s the newest DVC pool.

Megan– I would choose Kidani Village. In the afternoon you are more likely to see the animals in the savannah. Take a dip in the pool then head over to see who is outside.

Shalon– I would like to go to the pool at Port Orleans Riverside. It’s so well themed and quite most of the time. There are also a lot of large trees around which provide plenty of shade for relaxing.

Shelley– I really love the pool at Port Orleans French Quarter, because it’s a good size, you can watch the boats on the Sassagoula River, and most importantly you are close to beignets.

Aurora– Art of Animation! That pool is so lovely. There is a ton of space around both the Big Blue Pool and the Carsland Pool. And Mr. Ray even talks to you in the Big Blue Pool! And you have so much to look at while in the pool! Plus, they have a PRIMO pool bar! The Drop Off is awesome!!

3. When it is hot outside, what is your favorite treat to eat to cool you down?

Cheryl– Fruit or tofutti

Megan– A Dole Whip without a doubt. When it’s hot I don’t want ice cream but I definitely want something cold.

Shalon– I love the classic Mickey bar although it can be quiet the challenge to eat it on a hot day without wearing some of it!

Shelley– My answer is always the same…when all else fails, pink cotton candy and a frozen coke!!!

Aurora– I would go for a Strawberry Bar! They don’t melt right away and there isn’t a lot of sugar so you don’t feel dehydrated! Perfect snack on a hot day!!!

Betsy– This is a tossup for me between a frozen coke, Mickey bar and a dole whip. I’d say my go to is probably the frozen coke since it can get kind of warm and ice cream isn’t always the best thing in the heat and humidity.

4. What is your favorite attraction to cool off in?

Megan– I love the Carousel of Progress. I can go in there almost any time, but when it’s hot, it is especially nice since it usually has a short line.

Shalon– I love ducking into The American Adventure on hot days. It’s such an incredible show and is lengthy enough to relax and cool down.

Shelley– Ellen’s Energy Adventure at Epcot is my favorite, because it is the world’s longest attraction!!! LOL!!!

Aurora– Philharmagic!!!! They squirt water at you 😉

Betsy– At the Magic Kingdom my go to spots to cool off are a ride on the Peoplemover or shows like Mickey’s Philharmagic, Hall of Presidents or Country Bears Jamboree. At Epcot my favorite is Impressions de France, followed closely by American Adventure. Disney’s Hollywood Studios provides great places to enjoy air conditioning like at the Animation Academy, One Man’s Dream, Voyage of the Little Mermaid and the Great Movie Ride. At Animal Kingdom I prefer Festival of the Lion King, but Finding Nemo is a slightly longer show

Cheryl– Innoventions is my favorite!!!

5. Give us your best tip for staying cool during a day in the Parks.

Shalon– My go to for hot days in parks is a small handheld fan. You can get them at many drug stores for a dollar and they run on 2 AA batteries. Many of them come with clips so they are very easy to tote along in the parks.

Shelley– Don’t overdo it! Take your time! You can duck into a store along the way to cool off, linger in a post-show area, and take another moment to talk about your day after you finish your meal!

Aurora– LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS of water! You can always get those free cups of ice water at any quick service place, so make sure you keep yourself hydrated. Also you can keep the sun off your face by wearing a hat, carry a wash cloth to dampen to blot your skin, and especially take advantage of indoor attractions and save things that have little to no covering in the queue or ride for early evening late afternoon

Betsy– Definitely stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and try to alternate indoor and outdoor attractions so you don’t get overheated. Hat or visors and sunglasses can also help to keep you cool.

Cheryl– Take breaks inside the Air conditioning

Megan– You should try to drink lots of water and stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Cups of ice water are free at any location that has fountain beverages.

6. What is your favorite beverage to help quench your thirst on a hot afternoon?

Shelley– After lots of water, I like to have a frozen coke! They are magical!!!

Aurora– A Peach Tea Snap from China is my MOST favorite thirst quenching cool down treat/drink!!!!!

Betsy– Water is best, but if I am in Epcot it is hard to beat a refreshing avocado margarita or a snakebite and black.

Cheryl– I enjoy the new guava fruit drinks at Animal Kingdom!

Megan– Beverly! (Just kidding) Water always works for me. Sometimes grabbing a Powerade is necessary though. Or maybe even a Grand Marnier slushie.

Shalon– Love getting a frozen Coke or other flavor!!

Brick-or-Treat comes to LEGOLAND Florida this Fall!

CELEBRATE ALL YEAR LONG AT LEGOLAND® FLORIDA

-From spooky, kooky Halloween fun to holly, jolly holiday cheer; families and friends can celebrate all year long at the newest Central Florida theme park and water park attraction-

Just because summer is coming to an end that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. LEGOLAND® Florida has extended their Florida resident Premium Pass offer through August, 31, 2012 so guests can enjoy more interactive fun all year long. Plus, enjoy the all-new water park and special seasonal events including the park’s first big celebration of Brick-or-Treat, a kid-friendly Halloween event.

During Brick-or-Treat, ghouls, ghosts and goblins will descend on Miniland USA transforming it into a fun, haunted scavenger hunt. The whole family will be able to search for scary LEGO® creatures hidden within the 30 million LEGO bricks that make up Miniland USA.

This spooky, kooky event also features trick-or-treating, a brick-or-treat trail, a kids’ four category costume contest with brick-tastic prizes and a build your own Halloween themed LEGO model activity station. And don’t forget to check out the world’s largest LEGO Jack-O-Lantern that can only be found at LEGOLAND Florida.

With the purchase of the Premium Pass, guests will get to experience not only Brick-or-Treat on Saturdays and Sundays in October, but,LEGOLAND Florida’s first birthday celebration, Christmas Bricktacular, Kids’ New Year’s Eve Celebration and much more.

Premium pass holders receive unlimited admission for 12 months to LEGOLAND Florida and the all-new LEGOLAND Water Park for just $159 plus tax with no black-out dates. Plus, free parking, discounts on food and merchandise and a complimentary subscription to LEGOClub Magazine are also included. Guests can purchase the Premium Pass at the front gate or online.

All events are included with park admission and subject to change without notice. For the most current information on LEGOLAND Florida special events and operating schedule, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.

Tom Cruise sighting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

While spending a couple hours in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Wednesday evening I thought I would get to do one or two things. I started off with my favorite activity, the Animation Academy and wound up doing that back to back and drawing two characters I’d never done before (Carl from Up and Grumpy).

Then I was going to ride the Great Movie Ride, which is another favorite of mine, but the wait was over 40 minutes. I went to ride Toy Story Midway Mania instead. When I came to the downstairs part of the queue I saw a line of leaders/coordinators against the wall on the side where you exit.

I knew something was going on, but I wasn’t quite sure what, so I asked the cast member after I was in the corral for my ride vehicle. She told me that there was a VIP and that he would be getting off the ride very shortly. She said it would be someone instantly recognizable, but was unable to indicate who he was. I figured I would get my camera ready, just in case it was someone I happened to know, and there came Tom Cruise. I snapped a few pictures before he got out of the vehicle (sorry they are kind of blurry, but it was quick).

The next set of riders got on and he was ushered to a separate backstage entrance. I’ve seen a few celebrities in the parks previous, but never with this many Disney CMs around them. Usually they just have a VIP guide with them or two depending on their party size. Granted I’ve never seen anyone with the celebrity status of Tom Cruise either. After a couple minutes, right before I was supposed to ride, I saw the heard of coordinators come back from the backstage area. Apparently Tom Cruise was going to ride again. I just happened to be in prime position with my camera and switched it to video as he rode by.

httpv://youtu.be/_RudG-2tEJo

This wasn’t exactly how I was planning on my evening going, but it was still kind of fun. At least I got the high score of the hour on TSMM and got to do Animation Academy twice. I missed out on dinner, which forced me to have a dinner of ice cream (okay, just dinner for me maybe) with friends since it took more time waiting for the attraction since it was stopped twice to accommodate Tom Cruise. I think he owes me dinner. 😉

Check out more of our videos here on our YouTube page.

Highlights From Our Orlando City Soccer Club Experience!!!

We wanted to share what it is like to go to an Orlando City Soccer Club match!

I hope that you enjoy these highlights from the Orlando City Soccer match again Stoke City, July 27, 2012. We watched the game from the fun and rowdy section 121 which is occupied by the Iron Lion Firm fans!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo62GCoeHTE

GIVEAWAY: Win A $50 Gift Certificate to Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores!!!

*** Congratulations Mark!!! You’ve won the $50 Gift Certificate!!!! ***

Win a $50 Gift Certificate to Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores

It’s almost August, and you know what that means: school bells will be ringing soon, and so will cash registers during back to school shopping. If you’re like me and most of the consumers recently surveyed by the National Retail Federation, shopping smarter and stretching my budget will be a priority. The Florida Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. this Friday, August 3 and ends at 11:59 on Sunday, August 5, so plan now to take advantage of that. I’ll be looking for deals throughout the month.

Lake Buena Vista Shopping Center Image — The Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores are a great place to do your Back to School shopping!

That’s why I plan to head out to destinations like Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, one of Central Florida’s best-kept shopping secrets where you’ll find savings up to 75% off at select stores. The village-style center offers a customer-friendly shopping experience and 50 spacious outlet shops with convenient store-front parking, including 2012 newcomers Big Dogs, Crocs and Jones New York. Great deals are going on now at many favorite retailers. And they are always having great specials!!!

Here’s your chance to win a $50 gift certificate to the Center! Make sure you enter by midnight on August 6th!!!

Even if you don’t win, you can get in on the savings by downloading a coupon from the Center’s website, then bringing it to Travelpro at the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores to receive a coupon booklet valued up to $400 in savings. The Center is located at 15657 S Apopka Vineland Rd (SR 535), Orlando, FL 32821.

Happy shopping!