This week’s Wordless Wednesday takes us to Princess Fairytale Hall which opens today at Walt Disney World in love Magic Kingdom! We have posted even more pictures from our visit to Princess Fairytale Hall on our Facebook Page!
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Gasparilla Treasures Mixer Planned for September 19, International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Seminole Hard Rock Tampa (SHRT) will be the title sponsor of the Gasparilla Pirate Fest for the next three years, it was announced today by SHRT President John Fontana.
To celebrate the momentous occasion, SHRT is throwing a Gasparilla Treasures Mixer on International Talk Like a Pirate Day – Sept. 19 – at the Hard Rock Café from 4-7 p.m. There is no cover charge and drink specials will be offered. Colorful pirates from Ye MysticKrewe of Gasparilla will join in the fun to allow for some great photo opportunities.
“We’re proud to once again be an integral part of such a premier event here in central Florida,” said Fontana, who revealed SHRT’ssponsorship would run through 2016. “We believe this title sponsorship exemplifies our core values of uplifting the community throughout the year and it allows us the ability to bring the fun from our place to Tampa Bay and beyond.”
The 2014 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest is scheduled for Saturday, January 25th and will feature the historic GasparillaInvasion and Parade of the Pirates presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, as well as the Gasparilla Pirate Fest Street Festival.
“The Gasparilla Pirate Fest is a very important celebration for the Tampa Bay community and provides a big boost to the economy each year,” added Fontana. “With that said, we want to see it grow even more successful.”
“We’re delighted Seminole Hard Rock has opted to sign a multi-year agreement to sponsor Tampa’s Gasparilla Pirate Fest,” offeredEventFest’s Darrell Stefany. “We look forward to working as a team to help develop ways to expand the Gasparilla celebration, while continuing to make a positive impact on the community.”
About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa recently completed a $75 million expansion, making it the world’s sixth-largest casino, based on gaming positions or number of seats at a table or slot. This ultimate entertainment destination features 118 table games including Blackjack, Mini and Midi-Baccarat, Pai Gow Tiles and Poker, Three Card Poker and Texas Hold ‘em Poker, along with over 5,000 slot machines and a smoke-free poker room with 50 tables offering high stakes action. The luxurious High Limit Table Games Room features 17 tables for blackjack and midi-baccarat and offers higher table limits, a personal cashier and attentive bartenders. For the sixth year in a row, the American Automobile Association (AAA) has awarded this 250-luxury room hotel its prestigious Four Diamond rating. Guests can enjoy a new pool area and restaurants including the Hard Rock Cafe Tampa, part of Hard Rock’s 142 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll themed restaurants, the award-winning Council Oak Steaks & Seafood Restaurant, and Rise Kitchen & Bakery™, which features freshly baked breads and entrees made with fresh ingredients. The new Asian gaming complex JubaoPalace features 17 table games and an accompanying 15-seat, quick service noodle bar. Valet and more than 5,000 free, self-parking spaces are available. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is located off of I-4 at North Orient Road and Hillsborough Avenue, between I-75 and I-275, about 10 minutes east of downtown Tampa. For more information, please call 1-800-937-0010 or visit us online at www.seminolehardrocktampa.com or www.facebook.com/
This past weekend I had the opportunity to eat at one of my favorite restaurants on Walt Disney World Property at Citricos. Located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Citricos is a signature restaurant with a focus on Mediterranean influence. I have eaten here at least 5 – 10 times over the past five years or so and it is consistently in my top five Disney restaurants. I previously wrote about it here when talking about my favorite restaurants.
The restaurant is located on the second floor of the Grand Floridian and is decorated in soft yellow and orange tones that invite guests to enter. Citricos shares a lobby with Victoria & Albert’s, the resort’s Five Diamond fine dining establishment. Inside Citricos there is a small lounge open to the restaurant, as is the kitchen, which always makes for fun dining to be able to see the chefs hard at work right before your eyes.
My friends and I arrived about half an hour before our scheduled reservation time, but since it was relatively slow, we were seated almost immediately in Citricos. The table we were lead to by the greeter was all the way in the back of the restaurant by the bank of windows facing the Magic Kingdom. We had a fantastic view of Cinderella Castle from our table for Wishes!
We started off each with an appetizer to begin our meal. I opted for the Ashley Farms Chicken B’steeya at the recommendation of a friend. It was almost like a version of baklava with chicken and almonds, a little sweet with the orange blossom honey, but very tasty. Shelley had the Crispy Fried Yellow and Buffalo Mozzarella, which was somewhat like a deconstructed Caesar salad. She said the sweet flavors of the heirloom tomatoes were well complemented by the bitter romaine and strong garlic of the dressing. Dave ordered the Panada, which one or two of us couldn’t help calling Panda and saying we didn’t want to eat our dear friend John. It was fantastic! The slow-cooked beef and pork are spiced with a tamarind sauce and then baked in phyllo.
For entrees we each chose something that wouldn’t necessarily be our go to item on the menu to live dangerously. Shelley was craving beef, so she order the Oak-grilled Filet of Beef, which had fantastic accompaniments of Yukon Gold Potato and Peppadew Peppers. She said it was a good cut of meat, but a little bland for her taste and felt it could have been seasoned a bit more, but the cabernet demi-glace did help. Dave opted for the Madeira-braised Short Ribs with Hominy-Cheddar Potato Puree and Wild Mushroom Ragout, which is my go to entree at Citricos. I went out on a limb and got the Berkshire Pork Two Ways with Rotisserie Pork Tenderloin, Roasted Pork Belly, Brentwood Farms Corn Bred, Rainbow Swiss Chard, Green Apple and Cipplolini Onion Chutney. I am not usually a fan of pork, but thought I’d give it a shot. Dave was having buyer’s remorse, so we ended up actually switching our entrees after trying the ones we originally ordered. This ended up working out perfectly as we were both much happier with what the other got.
Dessert was served just moments before Wishes started! Dave chose the Tiramisu, which he said was incredible. Shelley got the Tasting of Gelato, which is typically served with vanilla, cappuccino and raspberry, but she substituted the cappuccino for a second vanilla. I ordered the Granny Smith Green Apple Sorbet since I didn’t want anything creamy. This was amazing! It was like biting into a freshly frozen green apple and was served with strawberries and blueberries. Our view for the fireworks was awesome, only to be rivaled by the incredible service from our server Kierra.
All in all, this was yet another fantastic dining experience at Citricos. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough if you are looking for a nice meal outside the parks at Walt Disney World. I have learned I need to order the short ribs pretty much every time unless I opt for one of the phenomenal seafood dishes, which makes me lament the demise of the Gateau of Crab that used to be my favorite appetizer here. Have you been to Citricos recently? What did you order? Please let me know what your thoughts were.
Follow us for more updates: The 2013 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is here and is fun as ever!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6l2WlLMum8&feature=share&list=UUxhza5Nkv4ukqKmIFLE9dgA
This special event at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World takes place in the evenings on selected nights in September and October. For more information, see our post here.
Along with events at the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, there is exclusive Park Merchandise and even a Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card and here is your chance to win one!
To win the 2013 Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party exclusive card all you have to do is subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Make sure you leave a comment below the 2013 Mickey’s Not So Scary Party Highlights video letting us know that you have subscribed and want to be entered into the contest!
We’ll draw a winner using random.org at midnight on October 18, 2013! Good luck and Happy haunts!!!
Make sure you keep up with all our adventures at @onthegoinmco on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
Disclaimer: I am giving away my personal 2013 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Card. We didn’t get an extra and no tricks were played to get this treat. Just don’t tell Zoe…
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SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team returned 75 sea turtle hatchlings to waters off Florida’s east coast today. Ten green, three hawksbills, 61 loggerheads and one leatherback were transported by the Republic VII to a “weed line” about 14 miles offshore Jupiter, Fla.
A weed line is made up of sargassum sea weed grass and acts as protection and a source of food for the young turtles during the first two years of life.
Three of the 74 hatchlings had been receiving care at SeaWorld Orlando for the past several months. These hawksbill hatchlings were found by beachcombers and had likely been washed on shore due to harsh sea conditions. SeaWorld’s Animal Care Team assisted in providing medical and rehabilitative care, including feeding assistance, antibiotic treatment and radiographs, prior to today’s return.
Other juvenile turtles being returned today:
One by one, each turtle was carefully placed in the water near the sargassum sea weed line. Young turtles spend the two years of their life in the weed line. Jellyfish could be seen near the weed line, which are a main source of food for leatherbacks and can be a secondary source of food for other sea turtles as well.
Each turtle’s health was evaluated and all were medically cleared prior to today’s return.
In collaboration with the government and other members of accredited stranding networks, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment operates one of the world’s most respected programs to rescue ill and injured marine animals, with the goal to rehabilitate and return to the waters. SeaWorld animal experts have helped more than 22,000 animals in need – ill, injured, orphaned and abandoned – for more than four decades. So far this year, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued 52 turtles and returned 47, not including today’s return.
All turtle rescue footage produced by SeaWorld under FWS Permit Number MA7701911
If you see injured marine animal, you can help by calling the FWC hotline at 1(888) 404-3922 or by dialing *FWC on a cellular device.
Follow us for more updates: Growing up Swiss Family Robinson was one of my most favorite movies of all times, and I remember running up these stairs of the Swiss Family Treehouse on my first visit with a spring in my step (I was only 9 at the time)!
Now I still venture up the 116 stairs of the Disneyodendron Eximus, but my spring is more of a jaunt now!
If you haven’t seen the movie, the Swiss Family Treehouse recreates the home the Robinson family built following a shipwreck.
When their ill-fated ship, the Swallow, becomes stranded off the coast of an uninhabited South Seas island after a pirate attack, the Robinson family unites to build a new home inside a huge tree, utilizing wreckage from the ship. But the pirates return, and the Robinson family must band together and evade capture.
httpv://youtu.be/HFzRVpD_Qzk
The Swiss Family Treehouse is a walk-though tour that takes about 15-20 minutes on a somewhat busy day, so if you’re unable to climb the stairs on your own or with the aid of someone within your party, it is recommended that you skip this attraction.
After you cross a bridge that lies at the foot of a large leafy tree, you will find a large wooden wheel gathers water from a stream and carries it up to the various rooms inside the Treehouse. And as you look further up at the 6 story tree covered with over 300,000 leaves, you will find open-air rooms that are full of great details from the movie.
If you are a fan of the movie, you will absolutely appreciate all of the rooms in the Treehouse! There are so many great details that will put a smile on your face!
The Living Room
Mahogany furniture, dishware and an organ mingle alongside the large wheel from the shipwrecked Swallow ship.
The Kitchen and Dining Room
A clamshell sink, a volcanic stone hearth and oven, and a table with benches are just some of the more modern conveniences you’ll see.
The Crow’s Nest
See the living quarters of sons Fritz, Ernst and Francis, complete with hammocks, a ragged chest and strewn clothing.
Study/Library
Home to antique books, a desk, a handmade bamboo chair and a lantern, this is where the Robinsons came to feed their minds and their souls.
Jungle Lookout
Boasting panoramic views from the top of the tree, this perch provided the Robinsons with serenity during their stay on the island.
View at the Top
Those who reach the summit of the treehouse will enjoy 360-degree views of Adventureland and Magic Kingdom park, particularly the river on which the Jungle Cruise boats sail. At over 6 stories high, it’s a spectacular sight to see!
Swiss Family Treehouse is a lot of fun, but it definitely isn’t for the faint of heart or for those looking to have a leisurely visit to the Magic Kingdom.
I really love this attraction, and hope that you enjoyed joining me while I re-visited some of my favorite childhood memories!
We were extremely luck to attend a ceremony marking the placement of a NASA time capsule inside a wall of Space Shuttle Atlantis will be held at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The capsule, which is filled with a huge assortment of items related to the 30-year Space Shuttle Program, is scheduled to be opened by space enthusiasts in the year 2061.
At the ceremony we got to hear from the Kennedy Space Center Director of the Education and External Relations Directorate Cheryl Hurst and Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana about their person experiences and hopes for the future of exploration.
And Space Exploration Ambassador Patrick Sullivan was inspiring! I wish that I could have been such an great speaker at his age!
The Space Shuttle Program Time Capsule was created to help explain to people in 2061 the significance of the shuttle program by including items that tell the compelling story of what it meant to work at Kennedy Space Center during that 30-year period. All of the time capsule items were showcased at a “We Made History” event in August 2011 and include:
At the “We Made History” event, attendees also nominated individuals to become ambassadors for the time capsule. Those Space Exploration Ambassadors number 426 and are to be present when the time capsule is opened in 2061. One of the ambassadors, Patrick Sullivan, will speak at the time capsule ceremony about both the shuttle program and the future of space exploration.
After the ceremony we took the opportunity to look around the breathtaking Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, which was full of interesting facts and exhibits!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImSg-zwVhIA&feature=share&list=UUxhza5Nkv4ukqKmIFLE9dgA
We’ll be sharing more of our pictures from our visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on our Facebook Page!
About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, the new Angry Birds™ Space Encounter, Shuttle Launch Experience, 3D IMAX® space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted and many other interactive exhibits. The new $100 million home for Space Shuttle AtlantisSM opened June 29, 2013. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, which opens daily at noon and closing times vary by season. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season. Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Commander’s Club Annual Pass is $63 + tax for adults and $53 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) celebrates their first 15 years of touring with an encore and final performance of their multi-platinum rock opera, “The Lost Christmas Eve.” TSO’s 2013 Winter Tour will begin on November 13, playing over 100 shows in 67 cities across North America, presented by Hallmark Channel. TSO returns to Amway Center for two spectacular performances onNovember 30 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale September 13 at 10 a.m.
WHAT:
TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA“The Lost Christmas Eve” Final Performances
WHEN:
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2013 | 3 P.M. & 8 P.M.WHERE:
AMWAY CENTER | ORLANDO, FLORIDAON SALE:
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013 | 10 A.M.
TSO, whose phenomena has grown year after year, has played over 1,500 shows for more than 10 million fans in the past 15 years, and quietly became one of the world’s biggest arena-rock acts. The unprecedented fan driven growth is a testament to TSO founder Paul O’Neill’s vision of “Rock Theater,” the perfect amalgamation of Broadway storytelling with the spectacle of rock, delighting audiences of all ages year after year.
During the final tour, audiences will get to experience the modern Charles Dickens-like classic, “The Lost Christmas Eve.” Following the 2012 premiere of this acclaimed rock opera, critics were raving, calling it “…a must see for any music lover,” “…a rock ‘n’ roll holiday celebration worth seeing,” and an “unrivaled spectacle of sight and sound.” “The Lost Christmas Eve” features a diverse soundtrack fusing elements of rock, classical, folk, R&B, and theatrical-styled music, with the story taking you on a journey into the “Capra-esque” world of TSO creator/producer, Paul O’Neill. The critically acclaimed rock opera encompasses a rundown hotel, an old toy store, a blues bar, a Gothic cathedral, and their respective inhabitants all intertwined during a single enchanted Christmas Eve in New York City. “The Lost Christmas Eve”, performed in its entirety for the final time, will feature the hit single “Wizards in Winter,” as well as longtime crowd favorites, “Christmas Nights in Blue” and “Siberian Sleigh Ride.” It will be followed by songs from last year’s EP release from Lava/Republic, “Dreams of Fireflies (On a Christmas Night),” classics from TSO’s debut album, “Christmas Eve & Other Stories” and the rest of the heralded catalogue of rock operas.
httpv://youtu.be/EehOFiA-dxA
While off the road, TSO is constantly stockpiling new projects in their Rock Theater arsenal, including the rock operas “Gutter Ballet and the New York City Blues Express,” “Letters from the Labyrinth” and “Romanov: When Kings Must Whisper,” an epic story set amidst the Bolshevik Revolution.
Since their debut in 1996, TSO has defied the rules of an ever-changing music industry being regarded as a mix of The Who’s “Tommy,” Andrew Lloyd Weber’s musicals, and Pink Floyd’s expansive light show. Year after year, the group has ranked in the Top 10 for both gross revenues and attendance, according to Pollstar magazine. Having played live to over one million fans each year, TSO saw a 15% increase in sales alone in 2012, transforming them into a year round tradition that’s here to stay.
For more information on TSO 2013 tour dates, please visit: www.trans-siberian.com.
Tickets: $30, $38.50, $48.50, $58.50 & $68.50 – 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.
Doors Open: Door opening times for the Amway Center vary according to each event. Guests may enter the arena one hour prior to the start time of each event, unless otherwise specifically noted. Guests may check door times in advance by calling 407.440.7900.
Camera Policy: The show reserves the right to approve camera use at any time during and/or before the event and to prohibit the use of any camera that is deemed unacceptable. Cameras with a detachable lens, iPads and the use of flash photography are prohibited at all Amway Center events. Check amwaycenter.com or call the administration office at 407.440.7000 prior to the event for any camera policy updates. Camera policy is subject to change at any time at the show’s discretion.
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Join SeaWorld Orlando every weekend in October for silly, spooky fun at Halloween Spooktacular. During this daytime event, families will be immersed in an underwater “fantasea” filled with trick-or-treating, dancing with sea fairies and pumpkin fish and sea-themed arts and crafts.
SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular takes place weekends in October: 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27, from 12 to 8 p.m., leaving the littlest of trick-or-treaters wide-eyed for all of the fun-filled activities. Halloween Spooktacular is included with park admission.
NEW this year: Spooktacular Dance Party
Princess Penelope and her undersea friends invite guests to join the Spooktacular Dance Party, where children can dance along to a Spooktacular mix of line-dancing favorites as clouds of bubbles fill the evening air. The party will kick off at the front of the park every event night an hour before SeaWorld’s park closing time.
Waves of Trick-or-Treat Fun
Offering more than two million pieces of sweet treats, costumed youngsters can trick-or-treat “under the sea.” Each trick-or-treat station features an assortment of ghoulish goodies including Tootsie Roll, Jelly Belly jelly beans, Airheads and other candy favorites.
Penelope’s Party Zone
Located at SeaWorld’s Bayside area, this dynamic underwater environment comes to life each day with a live DJ, a variety of interactive crafts to choose from, countless bubbles floating overhead and colorful pumpkin fish gliding around!
Sweet Treat Decorating
Kids and parents alike can have a “splash” creating their own sweet treats at the cookie decorating station. Kids will be able to decorate and devour their spooky cookie when they purchase a kit that comes equipped with a cookie, frosting and toppings.
Jelly Belly® Bean Art to Come to Life at Spooktacular
Jelly Belly artist in residence, Kristen Cumings, will use more than 10,000 Jelly Belly jelly beans to create a portrait of rockhopper penguins, reflecting SeaWorld’s all-new, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin. Guests can watch as this handmade jelly bean creation comes together in front of their eyes during the final weekend of Halloween Spooktacular, Oct. 26 and 27. Kids can join in the fun too, with the opportunity to decorate a Halloween Spooktacular mural with a variety of Jelly Belly jelly beans.
Not included with admission to SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular, but always a really fun time is…
Count von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast
1-2-3… Dine with me! Don’t walk around on an empty stomach, stay 1 step ahead of hunger! What goes great with your 2 morning eggs? How about infinite hugs from Count von Count, Elmo and his furry friends! Featuring a delicious buffet sprinkled with the hottest characters in town, the Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast is a fun-filled experience sure to delight kids and parents alike. You can “count” on it! Adults $24, Child (2-9) $14.
We’ll be heading to SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular, and will be bringing you all sorts of great tips, tweets, and pictures!
Make sure to Like SeaWorld Orlando on Facebook or follow on Twitter and Instagram for the latest details about SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular. #SeaWorldSpooktacular
Last month on the Disney Parks Blog, a post was published about new menu items at the Biergarten in Epcot. Included in this article was a recipe for the new to the buffet nudel gratin. Looking at the pictures alone made me hungry for this Disney dish, so I decided to give it a shot making it at home.
Here is the recipe from the Parks Blog:
Nudel Gratin
Serves 8 to 10
2 cups heavy cream
2 eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch ground white pepper
Pinch nutmeg
4 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
4 ounces white cheddar cheese, shredded
1 pound cooked elbow macaroni
Nudel gratin is essentially a form of macaroni in cheese to put it in its simplest terms. The basics are there with elbow macaroni pasta, cheese, cream, salt, pepper, nutmeg and eggs. I have made mac and cheese from scratch before, but had forgotten how much time it takes in comparison to opening a box of Kraft or heating up Stouffer’s frozen mac and cheese. Make sure you read through the entire recipe including the instructions and not just the ingredients before you start cooking. I made the mistake of not doing so and didn’t realize until I was ready for it that I was out of aluminum foil and had to go out and get some even though the food was ready to go in the oven. I don’t think it had any adverse affect delaying the baking, but it made dinner later, which was annoying. So make sure you have your baking dish, mixing bowls, cooking spray, aluminum foil, etc. all ready to go along with your ingredients.
Since I couldn’t find shredded white cheddar or swiss cheese with the other shredded cheeses at Publix, I bought blocks of each type of cheese and ended up grating them myself. This also added just a couple minutes to the relatively quick prep time of otherwise about 15-20 minutes. Most of the prep time was taken up by preheating the oven while waiting for the water to boil and cooking the pasta. While these were happening that didn’t need active supervision, I combined the cream, eggs, salt, pepper, nutmeg and cheeses. Total start to finish time with preheating, prep work, baking and cooling should take about an hour and ten minutes, so make sure you set aside a good amount of time before dinner to start.
Overall, my brother and I thought it turned out well, and we would definitely have it again. We served it with ham and peas with a chardonnay, which seemed to complement the pasta dish well. Have you tried to make your favorite Disney dish at home? I’ve tried a few with varying degrees of success, but this was one of the best results and best tasting recipes I’ve made from Walt Disney World. Give it a try if you’re looking for a relatively easy, albeit time consuming, dish to start.
On October 25th and 26th, Celebration Town Center transforms before your very eyes as the falling leaves of the season drop on Market Street in the Fall Festival known as Oktoberfest. Listen for the rustling of leaves, relax by the lakeside and rock your troubles away, and enjoy the live music with family and friends in this one-of-a-kind themed extravaganza.
On Friday October 25th Oktoberfest will be celebrated in the old-world German tradition featuring the sounds of Dan Witucki & Heimatland Musikanten. Come join in on the interactive live show featuring everything from yodeling to crowd sing-a-long fun.
Then, come back on October 26th as Celebration Town Center will celebrate “Rocktoberfest”. Featuring the sounds of The Micah Read Band and Lucy Iris, Celebration Town Center is the place to be to usher in Fall. It’s the coolest family-friendly Oktoberfest in the Southeast, so don’t miss it.
Hop on a hayride, dance to terrific live music, paint a pumpkin, or just stroll and enjoy the crisp fall air and enjoy the great savings at the lakeside promenade.
Leaves fall daily at 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 PM.
Parking and Admission are FREE!!!
There is something for everyone at this one of a kind Fall Festival presented by Lexin and sponsored in part by San Adams, Mona Lisa Suite Hotel, Axis Magazine, The Celebration Town Tavern, and Experience Kissimmee. For more information, visit us at www.celebrationtowncenter.com
Come early, Stay Late, and have fun at Celebration’s 7th Annual Oktoberfest!!!!
October 25th Schedule
5:30 PM DJ Tami Begins/Pumpkin Painting Begins
6:10-7:00 PM Dan Witucki & Heimatland Musikanten
7:00 PM Leaves Fall
7:15-8:00 PM Dan Witucki & Heimatland Musikanten
8:00 PM Leaves Fall
8:15-9:00 PM Dan Witucki & Heimatland Musikanten
9:00 PM Leaves Fall
9:15-10:00 PM Dan Witucki & Heimatland Musikanten
10:00 PM Event Ends
October 26th Schedule
5:00 PM DJ Tami Begins/Pumpkin Painting Begins
5:30-6:15 PM TBA
6:15-7:00 PM Lucy Iris
7:00 PM Leaves Fall
7:15-8:00 PM The Micah Read Band
8:00 PM Leaves Fall
8:15-9:00 PM The Micah Read Band
9:00 PM Leaves Fall
9:15-10:00 PM The Micah Read Band
10:30 PM Event Ends
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Halloween is one of my favorite holidays! So when I start to see the Halloween decorations go up at the Magic Kingdom I get really excited! This week’s Wordless Wednesday takes us to the fun windows of the Emporium on Main Street USA! I absolutely adore Minnie and Mickey’s new Halloween outfits, and can’t wait to go to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party on Friday!
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Seven-time Grammy Award®-winning singer, songwriter and musician John Mayer announced additional dates for his current U.S. tour after a successful summer run, selling out in Los Angeles, Denver, Houston and Dallas among many other major cities. This is the singer’s first tour following a three-year hiatus. John Mayer brings his Born and Raised Tour to the Amway Center on December 9. Tickets go on sale September 20 at 10 a.m.
WHAT: JOHN MAYER | BORN AND RAISED TOUR with special guest PHILLIP PHILLIPS
WHEN: MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2013 | 7:30 P.M.
WHERE: AMWAY CENTER | ORLANDO, FLORIDA
ON SALE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013 | 10 A.M.
The new tour dates kick off on November 19 and run through December 17 with Phillip Phillips (“Home,” “Gone, Gone, Gone”) continuing to support for most U.S. shows. Citi cardmembers have exclusive access to pre-sale tickets with most dates going on sale September 17 at 10 a.m. EST. For full details please visit www.citiprivatepass.com and www.johnmayer.com.
Mayer’s new album “Paradise Valley” debuted at number one in four countries and in the Top 10 in another 8 countries. The new album also marks his highest career chart entry in Switzerland, Ireland, Austria, Italy and Belgium. His previous albums – “Room for Squares,” “Heavier Things,” “Continuum,” live album “Where the Light Is,” “Battle Studies” and “Born and Raised” – have sold more than 20 million copies worldwide combined.
Mayer is using the U.S. tour to both raise funds for and heighten awareness of the effects of post-traumatic stress on our military veterans. One dollar from each tour ticket sold in the U.S. will go to the Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE). Mayer partnered with NCIRE two years ago to create programs that help veterans return to healthy and productive civilian lives.
He has been honored with seven Grammy Awards and an additional 11 nominations. Mayer has also been included in Time Magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential contemporary thinkers, leaders, artists and entertainers, and twice been featured on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine’s annual “Guitar” issue. Last year, he was honored in Washington, D.C. by the Recording Academy for his philanthropic work on behalf of both U.S. military veterans and young people interested in music.
TICKETS: $33, $53 & $73 – 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. The 875,000 square foot, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certified building features a sustainable, environmentally-friendly design and unmatched technology, including 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. Amway Center was recently honored with TheStadiumBusiness Awards’ 2013 Customer Experience Award and named SportsBusiness Journal’s 2012 Sports Facility of the Year. For more information about the Amway Center, visit www.amwaycenter.com.
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-Pint-sized kid chefs help cooks prepare island-inspired meal for families of critically ill children-
-Special dinner helps kick off Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month Benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida-
More than 40 moms, dads, siblings and some very special kids were treated to a five-star Caribbean feast at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida near Florida Hospital today.
Several chef-hat-clad kid “volunteers” worked side-by-side with Citrus Restaurant Executive Chef and General Manager, Mark Roberts as cooks and servers prepared the savory treat to help promote Visit Orlando’s local charitable event, Magical Dining Month.
Now through the end of September, more than 60 top Orlando-area restaurants like Citrus are offering $33, three-course dinners, with $1 from each meal donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida.
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month features more than 60 of Orlando’s top restaurants offering $33 three-course dinners throughout the entire month of September. More information about Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month, including a complete list of participating restaurants, menus and hotel packages, is available at OrlandoMagicalDining.com.
Citrus Restaurant features regionally inspired new American cuisine. While Citrus is not “historic” or “citrus themed”, the restaurant name is meant to respect Central Florida’s heritage. The Citrus Restaurant concept reflects their interpretation of Florida flavors and ideas like fresh, clean, local and independent. The restaurant is located at 821 North Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando. To book a reservation, call 407.373.0622.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida (RMHCCF) finds, creates and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and families. The cornerstone program, the Ronald McDonald House®, provides a home away from home that offers comfort and care to families with children receiving treatment at local hospitals and medical facilities in Orlando. Since its inception in 1996, RMHCCF has served over 18,000 families. For more information about the charity, please visit www.rmhccf.org or call (407) 206-0957.
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Finally! WWE Raw has come back to Orlando!!!
WWE Monday Night Raw returns to Orlando for the first time in three years visiting the Amway Center on October 28 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale September 14 at 10 a.m. Tickets start at $15.
WHAT: WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW
WHEN: MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2013 | 7:30 P.M.
WHERE: AMWAY CENTER | ORLANDO, FLORIDA
ON SALE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013 | 10 A.M.
See your favorite WWE Superstars live including:
Many more of your favorites will be added. Card is subject to change. Visit http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw for more information.
TICKETS: $15, $25, $35, $50 & $95 – Buy tickets at amwaycenter.com, Chase Box Office Amway Center box office, 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. The 875,000 square foot, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certified building features a sustainable, environmentally-friendly design and unmatched technology, including 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. Amway Center was recently honored with TheStadiumBusiness Awards’ 2013 Customer Experience Award and named SportsBusiness Journal’s 2012 Sports Facility of the Year. For more information about the Amway Center, visit www.amwaycenter.com.
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