April 2013 - Page 2 of 4 - On the Go in MCO

May Tables In Wonderland Events – Hosted By Jiko

Jiko – The Cooking Place is pleased to announce the following Wine Dinners…

South African Winemakers Tour – Saturday, May 4^th 2013

-And-

The Wines of Warwick Estates – Thursday, May 16^th, 2013

The following details apply to both events:

6:00pm Reception/6:30pm Dinner
$160, plus tax and gratuity
Business Casual Evening Attire
Meet in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Lobby, Sunset Lounge

Please see below for Menu Offerings for Each Dinner

For reservations please contact Victoria Thompson at Victoria.j.thompson@disney.com.

Each event is limited to 40 guests. Each event requires a credit card guarantee, and there is a 3 day cancellation policy.

Jiko – The Cooking Place presents the South African Winemakers Tour

Abrie Beeslar, Kanonkop; Peter De Wet, Excelsior; Gavin Slabbert, Raats Family Wines

Saturday, May 4^th, 2013; 6:00pm

Reception…Arusha Terrace

Spinach and Mushroom Dumpling, Paneer Cheese, and Harissa Sauce

Fire Roasted Corn Cake with Applewood Smoked Bacon

Braised Beef Short Rib, Cracked Pappadom, and Peppadew-Cucumber Raita

Excelsior Chardonnay, Robertson

First Course

Grilled Moroccan Spiced Quail, Chickpea Puree, and Wilted Greens

Side By Side Chenin Blanc Tasting

Raats Original Chenin Blanc, Coastal Region

Raats Chenin Blanc, Coastal Region

Second Course

Tunisian Olive Oil Poached Butterfish, Chorizo Bobotie, and Crispy Okra

Side By Side Chenin Blanc Tasting

Raats Original Chenin Blanc, Coastal Region

Raats Chenin Blanc, Coastal Region

Salad

Watermelon and Tomato Salad, Sherry Vinaigrette

Kanonkop Kadette, Stellenbosch

Entrée

Ostrich, Herb Pasta, and Spring Vegetable Medley

Kanonkop Pinotage, Stellenbosch

Dessert

Chocolate Chile Molten Cake and Drunken Cherries

Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon, Robertson

Jiko – The Cooking Place presents the Wines of Warwick Estates

Thursday, May 16, 2013; 6:00pm

Reception…Sunset Lounge

Braised Curried Tomatoes, Toasted Millet Bunny Chow, and Gooseberry Marmalade

Rooibos Honey Smoked Quail, Compressed Orange, and Sweet Potato

Cinnamon-Dashi Oysters and Chili Pearls

Warwick “Professor Black”, Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch

First Course

Berber Spiced Duck Confit, Potato Gaufrettes, and Mango Sambal

Warwick “Old Bush Vines” Pinotage, Stellenbosch

Second Course

Creamy Zellwood Corn Soup with Jumbo Lump Crab

Warwick “The First Lady” Chardonnay, Stellenbosch

Salad

California Delta Asparagus, Exotic Greens, and Wild Mushrooms

Warwick “Three Cape Ladies”, Stellenbosch

Entrée

Ember Charred Buffalo, Curried Lentil Puree, and Roasted Vegetables

Villafonte “Series C”, Paarl

Dessert

Cape Town Malva Pudding

Warwick Estate “The First Lady” Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch

TrenD Report: Spring Mish Mash and Blogiversary Giveaway Week Continues

TrenD Report – April 23, 2013

This week’s TrenD Report is a bit of a mish mash of spring goodies!

I found some really cute spring pieces, but again I found myself in the middle of a TrenD merchandise transition this week!

The Minnie Mouse fun flip flops are adorable! The stylized Minnie design on the soles is growing on me and the rhinestone bow is super cute!

The I love the I Heart my MOUSEstache shirt! Every time I see one of these shirts it makes me giggle…I am easily amused!

Also it look like they’ve put out some new styles of sunglasses lately! There is a style for everyone, and at $19.95 they’re a great deal!

Bag charms were all over TrenD, and I am starting to come around to this trend since I started my It’s A Small World LeSportsac addiction!

Stuck in among the Princess shirts, I found a few new hair accessories, too!

I am interested by the new Disney Couture purse designs. The Snow White bag and wallet I found are a great design, but with such a high price point I am curious to how they’ll do and if there will be more coming soon.

While it was a total Mish Mash of finds, it was still a great trip…and I picked up a little something for you to win…

To continue in the Blogiversary Giveraway fun, enter to win this really cool retro print scarf from TrenD! It’s light weight and perfect for a slightly chilly spring night.

Good luck!!!

Congratulations Michael for winning our TrenD Report Giveaway!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Orlando City Lions Travel To North Carolina

Orlando City Travels To North Carolina For Tuesday Night Matchup

Orlando plays the Charlotte Eagles Tuesday night at 7 p.m. EST

Orlando, Fla.— After winning back-to-back home games, Orlando City (3-1-0, 9 points) goes back on the road to face the Charlotte Eagles (1-0-1, 4 points) at Queens University Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. EST. Tuesday night.

“We had a great turnout (Friday night) and we have to go out and win on Tuesday,“ said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “The league is a lot tougher this year and we have to put together a full 90 minutes each game we play.”

The Lions topped the visiting LA Blues 3-2 in front of a regular-season record crowd of 9,140 Friday night at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Midfielder Jamie Watson was involved with all three goals as Orlando avenged their only loss of the young season. The Lions now sit atop the league table through four games played tied with LA, who have a game in-hand on Orlando.

Orlando is 3-0-1 all-time against the Eagles, who have yet to allow a goal through two games played. The Eagles are led by Head Coach Mark Steffens, who’s currently in his 17^th year of the position with Charlotte. Forward Christian Ramirez and Midfielder Nathan Thornton both lead the Eagles in scoring with one goal a piece. Tuesday night’s game will be live streamed on USLNation.com.

The Lions then return home for a game on Saturday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m. against the Dayton Dutch Lions. Pregame festivities including a concert by local band Built To Be Broken. For more information on this week’s upcoming matches, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

Happy 15th Anniversary Animal Kingdom!

Happy 15th Anniversary Animal Kingdom!!!

Today is Earth Day, but it’s also the 15th Anniversary of Animal Kingdom!

There will be a lot of fun activities planned if you’ll be in the park to celebrate the Anniversary!

Some of the activities you’ll find are:

Special opening ceremony – Meet at the Tree of Life at 8:40 a.m., to hear from Josh D’Amaro, Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Dr. Jackie Ogden, Vice President of Animals, Science and Environment. Make sure you arrive early for this!
Earth Day “Party for the Planet” festivities – Special interactive activities that focus on animals and nature will take place throughout the park from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Artists and other vendors will present their work on in Africa and on Discovery Island, with their work available for purchase.
Opportunity to purchase special 15th anniversary merchandise, available in limited quantities.
Special food & beverage.

But, we thought we would celebrate the 15th Anniversary Animal Kingdom by sharing some of our favorite things to do in the park!

httpv://youtu.be/C5dW5GkTMlw

If you can’t make it to Animal Kingdom to join in the fun, this week’s Limited Time Magic keeps the party going with a Party for the Planet!

We are also celebrating our Blogiversary this week with daily giveaways, and to bring some of the 15th Anniversary celebration to we’ll be giving away a box of the 15th Anniversary Animal Kingdom Mystery Pins!

Super huge Congrats to KJ for winning the

15th Anniversary Animal Kingdom Mystery Pins!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We hope that you enjoyed our video and good luck entering the contest!!!

We’d love to hear what you love to do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and keep checking back for this week for more Blogiversary giveaways!!!

A Titanic Experience for Mother’s Day Brunch

A Titanic Experience for Mother’s Day Brunch

WHAT: Titanic The Experience is hosting a Mother’s Day brunch this Mother’s Day. A Titanic Mother’s Day brunch will consist of a buffet-style meal including eggs, bacon, sausage and potatoes similar to what was likely served in the first class dining rooms for breakfast during the maiden voyage. Guests will also enjoy live entertainment from famous passengers and crew members aboard the R.M.S. Titanic including The Unsinkable Margaret “Molly” Brown, Captain E.J. Smith and more. Guests are encouraged to sing and dance along. This is a fun and interactive way to celebrate mom and something the whole family will enjoy!

WHEN: Sunday, May 12, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.

TICKETS: Tickets may be purchased at the Exhibition Box Office, by calling 407-248-1166, or online at titanictheexperience.com. The cost is $45 for adults and $35 for children.

WHERE: Titanic The Experience7324 International DriveOrlando, FL 32819The exhibition is located between Sea World and Universal Studios on International Drive

About Titanic The Experience:

Titanic The Experience reopened in January 2012 after undergoing extensive enhancements and renovations under the new owner, Premier Exhibitions and RMS Titanic, Inc. Among the additions, 100 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site of Titanic were added, in celebration of the 2012 Centennial anniversary of the sinking of Titanic. The second largest piece of Titanic ever recovered, a two ton section of the Ship’s hull, is now the centerpiece of this interactive Exhibition.

CFVRMA Supports Orlando City Soccer MLS Bid

Central Florida Vacation Rental Manager’s Association Supports Orlando City Soccer Club’s MLS Bid

ORLANDO, FLA.– Central Florida Vacation Rental Manager’s Association (CFVRMA), the largest group of vacation rental manager’s in the state of Florida, have endorsed Orlando City Soccer Club’s (OCSC) bid to become a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise.

Following the news that a site has been chosen for the new downtown multipurpose soccer stadium, CFVRMA has decided to throw its support behind the bid for MLS in Central Florida. Wednesday, Mayor Buddy Dyer announced the $8.2 million site for the stadium as being the two blocks bordered by Central Boulevard, Church Street, Terry and Parramore Avenues. If the bid is successful, Orlando could be awarded a franchise by this December and play in MLS in 2015.

“ The vacation rental industry in Central Florida has largely flown under the radar for approximately two decades,” said CFVRMA Vice President Nigel Worrall. “In that time, the industry has grown to create over 33,000 local jobs and to bring an economic impact of over $1.7 Billion to the local economy, largely in Osceola and Polk counties.”

“We believe the time is right for Orlando to have another major league sporting team and we’d like to play a part in helping that bid,” Worrall continued. “Approximately $12 million dollars a year is created by the vacation home industry in tourist development taxes in Osceola County alone. Orange County, by comparison, collects just a small fraction of that from vacation rentals. We’d like to change that and help bring more dollars to the county. We believe we can contribute a similar amount to that collected in Osceola County if given the opportunity and that would undoubtedly help Orange County with future projects and planning.”
“We are proud to have the support of the CFVRMA,” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins. “Tourism is important to our organization as we strive to bring a MLS franchise to Orlando by 2015.”
About Central Florida Vacation Manager’s Association: The Central Florida Vacation Rental Managers Association was founded in 1998 to unite Central Florida vacation home management companies as a professional body, and to work together to promote the vacation rental industry, support compliance and serve and protect the interests of property owners and guests. Vacation rental managers are held to a code of ethics and membership must be approved by a majority of the board of directors. Members attend monthly meetings, which include educational training, networking opportunities and updates relevant to the vacation rental industry.

AMERICAN IDOL® LIVE! SEASON 12 TOUR

AMERICAN IDOL® LIVE! | SEASON 12 TOUR

WHEN: THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 2013 | 7:30 P.M. WHERE: AMWAY CENTER | ORLANDO, FLORIDA ON SALE: FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2013 | 10 A.M.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – American Idol® Live! returns this summer for another hit tour to showcase the season’s talented top finalists. 19 Entertainment and AEG Live announced the 40-show concert tour launches June 29 and includes a stop at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida on August 1.

American Idol Live! gives fans the unique opportunity to be up close and personal with Season 12 Idol Finalists Amber Holcomb, Angie Miller, Burnell Taylor, Candice Glover, Curtis Finch Jr., Devin Velez, Janelle Arthur, Kree Harrison, Lazaro Arbos and Paul Jolley. Plus, Aubrey Cleland joins the tour as the 11th Idol finalist thanks to the AT&T American Idol Live! Tour Fan Save, voted on by the Idol fans.

Finalists will perform favorite moments from the season, as well as never-before-seen performances. The American Idol season finale will air on FOX on May 16 and this season’s fan-favorites will continue on with the 2013 Live! Tour.

Claire’s, one of the world’s leading specialty retailers of fashionable accessories and jewelry, joins as an Associate Sponsor of the Tour.

This year American Idol Live! partnered with The Melanoma Research Alliance (www.curemelanoma.org). For every ticket purchased for the tour, American Idol Live! will donate $1 to The Melanoma Research Alliance to help cure melanoma. Melanoma Research Alliance helps find treatments and a cure for melanoma, a skin disease whose incidence is among the fastest growing cancers.

TICKETS: $31.50, $44 & $64 – Buy tickets at amwaycenter.com, Chase® Box Office at Amway Center, Ticketmaster retail locations, charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000 or at Ticketmaster.com. All dates, act(s) and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges. For Amway Center box office and ticket information, visit amwaycenter.com (phone purchases are not available through the Amway Center box office). The Amway Center is located at 400 West Church Street and the box office is located on the north side of the Amway Center, near the intersection of Church Street and Hughey Avenue.

ABOUT AMWAY CENTER
The Orlando Magic served as the developer of the Amway Center, which hosts major national events, concerts and family shows. Opened in the fall of 2010, the facility is owned and operated by the City of Orlando on behalf of the Central Florida community. The Amway Center was designed to reflect the character of the community, meet the goals of the users and build on the legacy of sports and entertainment in Orlando. The building’s exterior features a modern blend of glass and metal materials, along with ever-changing graphics via a monumental wall along one facade. A 180-foot tall tower serves as a beacon amid the downtown skyline. At 875,000 square feet, the new arena is almost triple the size of the old Amway Arena (367,000 square feet). The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certified building features a sustainable, environmentally-friendly design and unmatched technology, featuring 1,100 digital monitors, the tallest high-definition video board in an NBA venue and multiple premium amenities available to all patrons in the building. Awarded 2012 Sports Facility of the Year by SportsBusiness Journal. For more information about the Amway Center, visit www.amwaycenter.com.

Limited Time Magic – Party For The Planet

Limited Time Magic ~ April 22 to April 28, 2013 ~ Party for the Planet

This April, there’s a party going on at Walt Disney World Resort… and you’re officially invited!

Come celebrate the 15th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom park at “Party for the Planet”—an Earth Week event where you can meet some of your favorite Disney Characters, purchase collectable merchandise, and try out some tasty sweet treats!

Disney Character Dance Party
The party kicks off with a week-long character reunion, where some rarely seen Disney Characters will be making cameo appearances in Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park.

Stop by for a chance to see Lilo & Stitch, Flik & Princess Atta, Koda & Kenai, and Thumper & Miss Bunny as they march along, and then join them for a dance party hosted by DJ Dino-Mite in Dinoland, USA!

Commemorative Merchandise
Once the celebration’s started, make your way to Creature Comforts where you can buy celebratory clothing, commemorative pins, limited edition Vinylmation figures and other once-in-a-lifetime merchandise you won’t find anywhere else.

Can’t make it to Florida for the occasion? Take advantage of a special opportunity to order an exclusive 15th Anniversary T-shirt online… but get yours fast—the T-shirt will only be available from April 22 to April 24, 2013!

“Dig Up” Something Delicious
The Earth Week celebration continues all across Walt Disney World Resort, where for a limited time, you can “dig in” to a duo of playful desserts.

Head into Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Kona Café at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and try out the “Worm and Dirt Cupcake.” Or, travel to Magic Kingdom park or Epcot for a delightfully delicious “Worm and Dirt Tart.”

Remember, the Earth Week experience is only taking place for a limited time—don’t miss your chance to celebrate the planet in the most magical of ways!*

*Events and characters are subject to change.

Orlando City Faces LA Blues Today!

Orlando City Faces Top-Place LA Blues Today at 7:30 p.m.

Lions look for win over Blues after early season loss on Friday at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl

Orlando City continues their home stand this Friday, April 19^th, against the LA Blues at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl with kick off set for 7:30 p.m. The two met last week in California, with the Lions upended 1-0 by the upstart Blues on their second road match in three days to begin the regular season.

“We haven’t strung a full 90 together that we’ve all been proud of, but we’re improving,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I feel that we’re getting into some sort of rhythm and we’re looking forward to the game on Friday.”

The Lions (2-1-0, 6 points) most recently topped Rochester 3-1 at their home opener on Sunday night. Inclement weather caused the game to be delayed nearly two hours, with Dom Dwyer, Long Tan and Jamie Watson scoring for Orlando after the long delay for the win.

LA (3-1-0, 9 points) stands at the top of the table through the early 2013 USL PRO Season. Orlando fell to the Blues last week 1-0 at Cal State Fullerton Titan Stadium in Fullerton, Calif. A goal in the 80th minute from former Orlando Striker George Davis IV put LA on top, giving them their first-ever victory over the Lions in franchise history.

Orlando is 2-1-1 all-time against LA, with Heath stating this year’s Blues squad is much improved over last season’s team.

“I told the guys before we played LA the first time that the Blues are going to be a lot better than last year,” Heath added. “The coach and GM are serious football people over there and we expect them to be strong.”

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Friday, with pregame festivities including a concert by local band The Crazy Carls. Friday night’s game will be live streamed on USLNation.com. For more information on Friday’s match, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

New WWE Performance Center Opening Summer 2013 In Orlando

New WWE Performance Center Opening

This summer a state-of the-art WWE Performance Center will open, and will serve as home to WWE’s talent development system, recently re-branded NXT®. We were beyond thrilled to attend the Press Conference and to be able to tour the still under construction Center.

httpv://youtu.be/QVKKmt2zSvU

Once complete, the Performance Center will be 26,000 square-feet of world class training facility featuring seven training rings, a world-class strength and conditioning program, and a cutting-edge editing and production facility focused on creating ‘Bulletproof’ athletes from the inside out.

On our tour of the WWE Performance Center, led by Paul “Triple H®” Levesque, we got a great sense of how the Center will operate once it is opened this summer.

The all-new Performance Center will give WWE the ability to train more potential performers than ever before through a comprehensive program including in-ring training, physical preparedness, and character development.

The new center will be the training ground for talent that includes former professional and collegiate athletes, Olympians, and entertainers, and will offer a best-in-class sports medicine program creating a central location for all WWE talent to receive the best care both in and out of the ring.

The sports medicine aspect of the Performance Center will be a great asset, as it will allow doctors and trainers to work hand in hand to create stronger athletes whose health is comprehensively documented. This is especially important with rehabilitation from injuries and treatment of any future injuries.

But the highlight of the WWE Performance Center is the Training Room! This room will will feature 7 rings that will be outfitted with the same lights and equipment used for the taping of WWE Programs.

It was clear to see that the WWE Performance Center has been created to mold the next generation of WWE Superstars into complete and ‘Bulletproof’ packages. As a fan, I have to say that it was really exciting to see the care and thought that has gone into the design of the WWE Performance Center!

Not only is the creation of this Center beneficial to the future of the WWE, but it will also be contributing to the local economy as well.

“Our economy has created nearly 300,000 new private sector jobs in just over two years, meaning that thousands of Florida families now have the opportunity to pursue their dreams,” said Governor Rick Scott. “WWE could have chosen anywhere in the world to house this new global performance center – and they chose the Sunshine State. Today’s announcement that WWE will create nearly 100 more jobs for families in Central Florida is further proof that everything we do is geared towards job creation and its working.”

“We are so excited that WWE has chosen to establish its training and talent development operations in Central Florida,” said Teresa Jacobs, Mayor of Orange County. “In addition to strengthening our burgeoning entertainment production industry, the WWE Performance Center brings high-value jobs, capital investment and continued economic expansion to our area.”

Today’s announcement solidifies WWE’s presence in Orlando and evolves WWE’s partnership with Full Sail University.

Last year, WWE and Full Sail announced an innovative partnership that moved live tapings of WWE NXT series, WWE’s weekly one-hour show that broadcasts on WWE.com and in more than 60 countries worldwide, to Full Sail Live, the university’s state-of-the-art performance venue.

The partnership, which created a new student scholarship fund, also allows students of the university’s entertainment-focused degree programs, including Film, Show Production, Digital Arts and Design, Internet Marketing and Entertainment Business, and to gain real-world experience alongside WWE production staff during WWE NXT tapings.

“The WWE Performance Center and our partnership with Full Sail University are critical to the future of our company,” said Paul “Triple H^®” Levesque, Executive Vice President, Talent and Live Events, WWE. “Orlando is now the home to the next generation of WWE Superstars.”

“Collaborating with WWE has elevated the education experience here at Full Sail University by creating many opportunities for our students to gain hands-on experience by being mentored by some of the best minds in the entertainment production industry,” said Garry Jones, President of Full Sail University. “We are excited to welcome WWE to the neighborhood and can’t wait to see what the future holds for this evolving partnership.”

It was beyond an honor to be able to tour the facility, meet members of the WWE and Full Sail teams, and as a fan it was great to hear the enthusiasm that Governor Scott & Mayor Jacobs have for this partnership and its expansion in the future!

About WWE

WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 150 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 650 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Miami, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Istanbul and Tokyo.

Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

Disney Dreamers and Doers Accepting Student Self-Nominations

The Disney Dreamers and Doers Program, now in its 30^th year, is once again open for students throughout Central Florida who serve as role models at school, at home and in their community. Approximately 400 students were selected by principals in 2012 to represent their school as a Disney Dreamer and Doer.

Students are asked to self-nominate for something they are doing at school, at home, or in their community that inspires others and makes their world, and our world a better place. Examples could include helping younger siblings to excel in school, serving as a role model to others, involvement in a community effort, or committing to a healthier and more active lifestyle with their families.

Once students are chosen as their school’s Dreamer and Doer, a panel of Disney judges will select 18 Shining Stars from elementary, middle and high schools in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Polk counties, as well as the Florida Virtual School. These students are considered the best of the best, by consistently demonstrating outstanding character, leading by example, and having a caring spirit.

“The Disney Dreamers and Doers program is just one way we demonstrate our commitment to the children of Central Florida,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of Community Relations for Walt Disney World Resort. “We are so proud of all of these students, especially the Shining Stars. They offer bright hope for the future as each of them has a special spark. They truly are making a difference in our community and inspiring others to do the same.”

Disney Dreamers and Doers receive an honorary certificate, medallion, and four park passes. Those later selected as Shining Stars will receive a Mickey Mouse statue known as a “Mousecar” (Disney’s version of the Oscar), Walt Disney World annual theme park passes for themselves and their immediate family, a gold medallion and be celebrated at their respective schools.

Since the program’s inception more than 12,000 students have been recognized as Disney Dreamers and Doers. In the past year, Disney’s involvement in education has included Disney Helping Kids Shine grants for five school districts and early learning coalitions, sponsorship of A Gift For Teaching and A Gift For Music, donations of clothing, and more than 2.1 million school supplies donated to students at the start of the school year

Spring into Adventures

Spring is in the air. Hopefully the pollen and my allergies will clear up soon and it is heating up and starting to feel like summer here in Florida. I thought I’d take this opportunity to share some of the things I’m most looking forward to over the next couple of months instead of doing that spring cleaning that I probably should be doing. Now that I’ve found out my schedule for the rest of the spring and beginning of summer, I thought I’d start planning some weekend adventures. The parks across the area have some fantastic special events this time of year, and before the kids are out of school it is a great time to get away while the crowds are lower.

At Epcot we are already more than halfway through the International Flower & Garden Festival. I love this event each year and have been attending since 1998! I dearly miss Davy Jones of the Monkees, as his was always my go to concert for the Flower Power Concert Series. The thing I think I am most excited about (aside from the newly added food and beverage kiosks) is that my favorite HGTV celebrity, David Bromstad, is going to be hosting presentations May 17 – 19 and I’m now off that weekend!

Another of my favorite things that I will get to do for the third year in a row is Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This fabulous event has quickly become a must do for me! I still have so many things I haven’t done yet that are on my to do list. I need to get up early enough and get to the park to see the Stormtroopers on top of the entrance to the park above the turnstiles. Also, I really want to get my picture taken with as many of the characters as possible and go to some of the presentations and shows. And then, of course, there is Hyperspace Hoopla, my favorite of all! My apologies to anyone who now has that song stuck in their head (Hoooooooopla, Hyperspace Hoopla…).

Busch Gardens and Sea World are playing host to an awesome special event that I got to experience last year for the first time: Viva la Mύsica! This great offering is one that features Latin American food, merchandise, cuture, and of course, music. I got to go just for an hour or so to Busch Gardens after work last year and got to try to some amazing food, but was too late for the concert. This year I was hoping to catch at least one weekend at Busch Gardens and Sea World each. I was so excited when I found out that my favorite salsa band, El Gran Combo, was going to be playing at both parks. I know where I’ll be that weekend!

One of the greatest things about these three events is that they are all included in park admission. Food and beverages of course are extra, but the entertainment and most of the presentations are free of charge with your ticket. These add tremendous value to your vacation or even just a day in the park for us locals.

Water parks are definitely on my list for the next few months. I’ve lived in Florida for almost 20 years and I’ve only been to Typhoon Lagoon for a couple hours and did the lazy river and snorkled with the sharks before the park closed due to weather. This needs to be rectified. I’ve visited Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach for functions, but haven’t done a single water slide. This is a travesty! I also would love to check out some of the other area water parks like Sea World’s Aquatica and Adventure Island in Tampa.

Now we all know that sometimes with the spring come those showers that we need for those pretty flowers. What to do when it isn’t exactly park weather? Why not catch a film? Two movies I am ridiculously excited to see this spring are Marvel’s Iron Man 3 and Disney/Pixar’s Monsters University (visit this site if you haven’t already – it is hilarious!). I am a huge Avengers fan and loved the first Iron Man movie, enjoyed the second one, and adored the Avengers, so I cannot wait to see what they have in store for Tony Stark in this next installment. Monsters Inc was a great, feel good family flick and I think that this will be very entertaining to see some of Mike and Sulley’s adventures before they were best buds.

What are you looking forward to this spring? Did I miss any of your favorite spring special events? Have you been to any of these before? What are some of your favorite things to do in spring when the weather doesn’t cooperate? Hit us up and let us know.

Tables In Wonderland – Fantasmic! Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Tables in Wonderland Special Event

Fantasmic! Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Saturday, May 11, 2013 8:30pm – 9:30pm

Price: $68.72 per person – tax and gratuity included.

Experience the fun, fancy and fears of everybody’s favorite heroic mouse as he battles forces that turn his vibrant dreams into a vivid nightmare. Mickey faces off against Disney villains in a lavish spectacular of dancing water, dramatic music, breathtaking animation, lasers, fireworks, and surprises! You are invited to a private Tables in Wonderland Dessert Party! Come enjoy VIP seating at the premier nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios , Fantasmic!, while you sample platters of exquisitely prepared delectable desserts.

Offerings include:

Savory Station

Artisan Cheeses, Dried Fruits, Nuts, and Sliced Baguettes

Sampler Station

Mickey Ear Brownie Bon Bons

Balsamic Macerated Strawberries, Mascarpone and Lemon Biscotti Crumbles

Lemon Pound Cake with Raspberries and Country Cream

Butter Cupcake with Maple Butter Cream and Bacon Brittle

Mickey Peanut Butter Tarts

Action Station

Warm Peach Crumble served in Mason Jar topped with Liquid Nitrogen Infused Limoncello Moonshine

Basil Lemonade, Coffees and Teas

Beer, Wine, and Cordials

For reservations, please visit the following website www.disneyurl.com/TIWFantasmicDessertParty for self-booking and instant confirmation. The website will go live and begin taking reservations on Monday, April 22nd at 10:00am.

The event is limited to 100 Guests, and is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members. You must show your valid Tables in Wonderland ticket to gain entrance into the event.

Wordless Wednesday – Local Advertisements

Wordless Wednesday – April 17, 2009

Wordless Wednesday 4 16 2013 — Wordless Wednesday this week takes us to the village of Harambe in Disney’s Animal Kingdom to see some of the local advertisements.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin 2013 Food & Wine Classic

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Announce Dates

For Fourth Annual Food & Wine Classic

Culinary artistry, fine wine and celebrity chef meet-and-greets will once again highlight the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic. The event, back for its fourth year, will be held on Oct. 18 – 19, 2013 at the Epcot Resort Area hotel.

The outdoor festival will include food and beverage seminars, food and wine tastings and live music. Seminars will be led by the hotel’s chefs and certified beverage experts, while the hotel’s award-winning restaurants will showcase signature culinary selections to pair with tastings from more than 30 wineries.

Celebrity Chef Todd English, whose restaurant Todd English’s bluezoo is located in the hotel, will be in attendance to meet and greet with guests. English is a renowned restaurateur who has gained national acclaim through his line of restaurants and cookbooks, and other food-related enterprises. Todd English’s bluezoo features fresh seafood in a vibrant atmosphere.

With 17 restaurants and lounges, and a distinguished culinary and beverage team, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel continually earns national recognition for its food and beverage program. The hotel features more than 70 certified wine sommeliers and 1,400 wine selections.

Tickets to the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic are currently available as part of a hotel package or individually. For more information or to book, please visit www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or call 1-800-227-1500.

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’s Animal 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 offers additional time for guests to enjoy select attractions. (Valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required). The hotel can be reached at 800-227-1500, www.swandolphin.comor through Facebook at www.facebook.com/swananddolphin.