January 2014 - Page 2 of 2 - On the Go in MCO

Disney Movie Collection Giveaway

We have joined with several other Disney Blogs and Blogger to bring you a Disney Movie Collection Giveaway that is amazing!

This awesome group has joined forces to giveaway 20 Disney DVDs that include classics, animated, live action, and comedies. Man, just think of the Disney Movie Rewards points!

The complete list of movies included in the Disney Movie Collection Giveaway are:

The Little Mermaid
Toy Story 3
The Incredibles
Cinderella
Monster’s University
Brave
Babe’s in Toyland
Lady and the Tramp
A Bug’s Life
Muppet Treasure Island and Great Muppet Caper Collection
Wall-E
Wreck It Ralph
Alice in Wonderland (Tim Burton)
Iron Man 3
Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue
Aladdin
Tinker Bell
Mary Poppins (40th Anniversary)
Herbie Collection (Love Bug / Herbie Goes Bananas / Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo / Herbie Rides Again)
Kurt Russell: 4-Movie Collection

These movies can all be yours if the entry is right!!!

Here are a few things to keep in mind before you enter the Disney Movie Collection Giveaway!

Giveaway starts at midnight EST on January 14/15 and ends at 11:59 PM MST (1:59 am EST) January 27th
Winner must be a US Resident 18 years or Older.
Winner will be notified by email and will have 24 hours to respond to claim their prize or another winner may be chosen.
Movies will be sent individually from each blog sponsor.
Winner’s address will be shared with all blog sponsors (18).
If winner does not agree to have his/her address shared with all sponsors, another winner will be chosen.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Orlando City SC Preseason Friendly Series

Orlando City SC Announces

Preseason Friendly Series

Lions to play Chicago Fire on Feb. 11 at IMG Academy in Bradenton; college friendly series part of 2014 preseason

Orlando City SC announced Wednesday the club’s 2014 preseason schedule, featuring a match against Major League Soccer (MLS) Chicago Fire on Tuesday, February 11 at IMG Academy in Brandenton, Fla. A series of collegiate friendlies across Central Florida will also take place, leading up to the 2014 USL PRO season.

The collegiate section of the schedule includes matches against Florida International University, Stetson University, Rollins College and the University of South Florida. Fans are welcome to attend friendlies throughout the preseason.

Orlando City will also be participating in the annual Disney Pro Soccer Classic held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. The Pro Soccer Classic begins on Wednesday, February 19, and runs through Saturday, March 1. The Lions will face such prominent MLS sides as the Philadelphia Union (February 19), Toronto FC (February 22) and the Columbus Crew (February 26).

Season ticket holders will be able to claim a special discount for all Disney Pro Soccer Classic matches by calling (855) ORL-CITY. 2014 season tickets are still available to the general public but are going fast. Fans can call the same number for more information.

Orlando City SC Friendlies Schedule:

Date	Time	Opponent	Admission		Parking	Location
February 11	7 p.m.	Chicago Fire (MLS)	Starts at $9 for children, and $13 for adults		Available around soccer facility	5500 34^th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34210
February 19	6 p.m.	Philadelphia Union (MLS)*	Single session tickets start at $20*		Available at ESPN Wide World of Sports	700 S. Victory Way Kissimmee, FL 34747
February 22	8 p.m.	Toronto FC (MLS)*	Single session tickets start at $20*		Available at ESPN Wide World of Sports	700 S. Victory Way Kissimmee, FL 34747
February 26	6 p.m.	Columbus Crew (MLS)*	Single session tickets start at $20*		Available at ESPN Wide World of Sports	700 S. Victory Way Kissimmee, FL 34747
March 1	TBD	TBD (PSC Championship Game)*	Single session tickets start at $20*		Available at ESPN Wide World of Sports	700 S. Victory Way Kissimmee, FL 34747
March 8	3 p.m.	FIU	Free		Available at Seminole Soccer Complex	1900 Seminole Soccer Loop Sanford, FL 32771
March 12	7 p.m.	Stetson	Free		Available at Seminole Soccer Complex	1900 Seminole Soccer Loop Sanford, FL 32771
March 15	7 p.m.	Rollins		Free	Available at Seminole Soccer Complex	1900 Seminole Soccer Loop Sanford, FL 32771
April 1	7 p.m.	@USF (Corbett Soccer Stadium)		TBD	Available around Corbett Soccer Stadium	Elm Dr, Tampa, FL 33617

*= Disney Pro Soccer Classic

**=Single session guarantees entry into two Disney Pro Soccer Classic matches

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is Major League Soccer’s newest expansion team. The club will begin play in MLS in 2015, becoming the league’s 21^st club. The Lions’ first team has won two USL PRO regular season titles and two postseason championships and will continue play in USL PRO in 2014 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Outside of the first squad, OCSC also has a youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U-23 team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit www.OrlandoCitySoccer.com and www.OrlandoCityYouth.org.

Wordless Wednesday – My Favorite Tree

Wordless Wednesday – January 15, 2014

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress 30th Anniversary Celebration

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

Celebrates 30 Years of Grand Excellence

Anniversary Weekend Celebration Featuring La Coquina Sunday Brunch Encore

and Year-round Resort Stay and Dining Package

Known and awarded for its long-standing grandeur, pristine outdoor recreation, privacy, and uncompromising standard of service, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress celebrates 30 years of grand excellence throughout 2014.

To celebrate and honor this milestone anniversary, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress offers several experiences:

30^th Anniversary Weekend

January 31 – February 2, 2014

Enjoy two nights in a deluxe guestroom with a $100 food and beverage credit for use during your stay at the resort’s award-winning restaurants including Cascade American Bistro, Hemingway’s, or the encore Sunday Brunch at La Coquina on February 2, 2014.

Rates start at $396. Use special offer code 1984.

Hemingway’s 30th Anniversary Grand Three-Course Dinner

Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1, 2014

$84 per couple (plus tax and gratuity)

Retro Menu Highlights: Coconut Shrimp, Lobster Crusted Sea Bass, Baked Alaska Style Key Lime Pie, Duo Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Open for dinner at 6 p.m. nightly

Call to make reservations: 407.239. 3854 or make reservations online.

La Coquina 30th Anniversary Encore Sunday Brunch

The one-time return of an award-winning classic

Sunday, February 2, 2014

$69 per person (plus tax and gratuity)

Retro Menu Highlights: Florida Greens, Local Tomato Gazpacho, Truffled Pasta Pouch, Terrine of Goat Cheese, Seafood Bar, Beef Wellington, Parsley Crusted Rack of Lamb, Whole Roasted Dover Sole, Breast of Pheasant with Ravioli, Shrimp Scampi on Herb Breaded Tomatoes, Belgian Waffles with Devonshire Cream, Traditional Eggs Benedict, Array of Display of Cakes, Tortes, Petite Fours & Chocolate Truffles

Live entertainment; resort attire preferred

Open for seatings 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Call to make reservations: 407.239.3830

The celebration continues with the 30^th Anniversary Grand Experience Getaway with room rates starting at $198.40 per night to include a $30 food and beverage credit, based on availability through December 20, 2014. Use special offer code RTRO.

“As we celebrate 30 years of grand excellence at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, I look forward to capitalizing on the outstanding tradition of exceptional service of Orlando’s original luxury resort,” said Pat Engfer, area vice president and general manager. “Together, our dedicated team will continue to offer families and business travelers the highest quality resort experience in one of the nation’s most popular destinations.”

According to a special section published by The Times, today known as The West Orange Times, the magnificence of Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress was unveiled to the local community, the Central Florida tourism industry, and the world as Orlando’s original luxury resort on February 1, 1984.

“After the decision was made to create a topnotch resort, many months were spent in conferral with architects, engineers, and consultants. Their instructions were to design the best vacation facility in the world.”

Site clearing began in June 1982 and was noted as the most impressive construction project in terms of speed, teamwork, and quality.

“Public response to the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress has been phenomenal. The hotel’s occupancy level during the initial six weeks of operation has far exceeded projections. The future looks very bright for this extraordinary beautiful new resort which is getting underway.”

More than 800 community leaders, elected officials, and invited guests were in attendance on February 1, 1984 for the official ribbon cutting ceremony in the signature atrium lobby to commence the award-winning history in the making of Orlando’s original luxury resort.

Living up to its ‘cool pool’ designation, the lagoon pool remains the signature attraction at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress surrounded by private lush tropical landscaping, rock formations, modern lighting, and finishing touches. Located along the 1,000 feet of white sandy beach of Lake Windsong, the 800,000 gallon, ½ acre, free-flowing lagoon pool boasts 12 waterfalls, heated and non-heated pools, two whirlpools.

Water Slide Tower Pavilion at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress SMALL

The new Water Slide Tower Pavilion, new Water Jet Splash Zone, and new children’s Rock Climbing Stations, complement resort favorites including the rope bridge, walking paths, and expansive, wrap-around sundecks, Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf, the Tennis and Racquet Club, and marked jogging, walking, and biking trails.

“The family vacation experience reaches new heights in Orlando with the new and enhanced activities just waiting for families to experience. Inspired by classic design, coupled with the simplicity of timeless fun, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress provides guests countless opportunities to make lifetime memories,” Engfer continued.

Family favorite recreation activities include; S’mores pit with fireside marshmallow roasting fun, beach volleyball, tether ball, lounge seating and hammocks, watersports with paddleboats, kayaks, hydro bikes, canoes, aqua cycles and sailboats, old-fashioned, canopied surrey bikes, and Camp Hyatt kids’ activity programs. The 1,500 acre Grand Cypress resort offers families an upscale travel experience with well-appointed guest rooms and suites and a host of new family amenities and activities.

About Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress –

Celebrating 30 Years of Grand Excellence

The award-winning, 1,500 acre Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is located one mile from Walt Disney World® and close to Universal Orlando® and SeaWorld® Orlando with a host of amenities and activities. Located along the 1,000 feet of white sandy beach of private Lake Windsong, the free-flowing lagoon pool boasts 12 waterfalls, heated and non-heated pools, two whirlpools, new Water Slide Tower Pavilion, new children’s Rock Climbing Stations, new interactive Water Jet Splash Zone, rope bridge, walking paths, and expansive, wrap-around sundecks. New features complement the resort’s favorite activities including; S’mores pit, beach volleyball, tether ball, hammocks, watersports and marked jogging, walking, and biking trails.

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is centrally located with convenient access to Orlando International Airport and Interstate 4 off Exit 68 in Lake Buena Vista. The resort’s address is One Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando, Florida, USA 32836.

For more information; call 407.239.1234; visit GrandCypress.Hyatt.com; like Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress on Facebook; and follow on Twitter at @HRGrandCypress.

Two Teams Join The Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic

New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC Bolster

Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic Field

Major League Soccer (MLS) teams join MLS Cup Champion Sporting KC, Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew, Montreal Impact and USL Pro Club Orlando City in the eight-team field at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex; Final team expected to be announced soon; Tickets on sale today.

The New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC have joined the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic field at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

The Red Bulls are coming back to the February event at Walt Disney World in suburban Orlando after winning the event in 2010, while Toronto FC has been a regular participant in the event.

The Red Bulls and Toronto FC join Sporting KC, Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew, Montreal Impact and Orlando City soccer clubs in the eight-team field. Teams will begin arriving in Central Florida on Feb. 19 for three weeks of pre-season training camp and competition, culminating with the Disney Pro Soccer Classic title game on Mar. 1.

In 2013, the New York Red Bulls won their first MLS Supporters’ Shield, given to the team with the most regular season points in the league. Led by international standouts Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill, along with Winter Park, FL native Dax McCarty, the Red Bulls have qualified for the MLS Cup playoffs 10 of the last 11 seasons.

Toronto FC is looking to rebuild this season under second-year head coach Ryan Nelsen. Toronto FC is led by forward Robert Earnshaw, who scored eight goals last season.

Entering its fifth year, the Disney Pro Soccer Classic is designed to boost interest in soccer throughout Central Florida and establish the area as a prime training and competition destination for pro soccer clubs. Last year, the event at Disney attracted fans from across the U.S. and Canada and gave them a unique opportunity for an intimate fan experience at a world-class facility.

The tournament is just one of more than a dozen popular soccer events held annually at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which is the leading multi-sports venue in the nation and the official preseason training home of the AS Roma soccer club.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAfeGo3Rl08

For more information on the Disney Pro Soccer Classic, visit www.espnwwos.com/prosoccerclassic. Tickets for the event are on sale today through Ticketmaster.com, search “Pro Soccer Classic” or by calling 800-745-3000. Travel packages are available through GetTravel.com. The packages may include accommodations near Walt Disney World Resort, game tickets, ground transportation and discounted Disney theme park tickets.

About ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which hosts more than 350 events a year, is the leading multi-sport venue for amateur and professional sports in the nation, accommodating 70 different sports and athletes from more than 70 countries. Designed to take youth sports to the next level, the 230-acre facility features multiple competition venues, including Champion Stadium, the HP Field House, the Jostens Center, the Hess Sports Fields, a track & field facility, a tennis complex and a baseball/softball sportsplex. It is also home to the ESPN Innovation Lab, a real-world testing ground for the ESPN Emerging Technology Group that develops ground-breaking on-air products like Ball Track and ESPN Snap Zoom. In addition, the complex features 56 high-definition cameras and 40 high-definition video screens, including three jumbo screens, which can capture and display footage from any event taking place at the complex. The camera and video screens, as well as a 20-zone audio system, are controlled through the state-of-the-art HD production center with direct links to ESPN facilities in Bristol, Conn., New York and Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.disneysportsnews.com for press releases, photos and videos.

The Pharmacy Review

Been to The Pharmacy lately?

No matter how many pharmacies you’ve been to in the past, this one is a bit different.

Have you realized I’m talking about a restaurant yet? If not, I am. It’s not a well known place because it’s set up like a speakeasy.

Do what?

I know. I understand. That was my same reaction when I found out about it.

The Pharmacy opened in early 2013. They serve local, organic food and tinctures/drinks are hand-crafted, as well as the sodas. It’s located at 8060 Via Dellagio Way in Dr. Phillips.

If you don’t know what you’re looking for, I guarantee you’ll miss it. It looks like a nondescript elevator.

That button on the right side is how you get the door to open.

If you listen close enough when you’re near it, you’ll think you’re close by an elevator where people aren’t standing around in an awkward silence 😉

All the food that we’ve had has been really good. This is just a little selection of what we’ve tried.

The fries (appetizer) are amazing, along with the homemade ketchup and mayo.

Hanger steak

Paella

Wagyu Burger, small but SO good

My biggest selling point for going are the drinks. They are amazing!

Sidecar (I tried this the first time we went, it’s my favorite and I haven’t seen it since!)

They are a bit on the pricey side, but one drink is like you’re drinking at least two. More than likely, you’ve never seen a drink list like theirs before!

Besides the somewhat high prices, the service is what makes us weary about going back. It’s been so hit or miss.

We’ve gone a few times (mainly for special occasions), while this isn’t out “go to” restaurant anymore, it’s still definitely a great place to go and experience!

Favorite Non-Speaking Disney Animated Characters

Some of my favorite characters in Disney Animation are those scene stealers that don’t even have any lines. Sometimes they are sidekicks, other times they are the title characters. I thought I’d take a look at some of my favorites through Disney cinematic history.

Dopey

Starting with the first Disney animated feature film, Dopey is one of my all time favorite characters. He is so expressive without saying a thing. He emotes with his eyes and body language so well. I absolutely adore him as my favorite of the seven dwarfs providing so much comic relief in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Cleo & Figaro

I group these two together as they are rarely seen apart. Cleo is Gepetto’s pet goldfish and Figaro is his mischievous cat in Pinocchio. They, like Dopey, provide some comedic moments in their short screen time. Figaro is a bratty little boy kitten who doesn’t take kindly to Pinocchio’s appearance at first, but eventually comes around.

Dumbo

He is the title character who doesn’t have any lines in his own movie. This makes the fact that the audience falls completely in love with him and feels for him even more impressive. To have a main character who doesn’t speak is one thing, but to have the protagonist not have any dialogue is a rarity. The baby elephant is one of Disney’s most endearing characters who is still very well known 70 plus years after his film debuted in 1941.

Tinkerbell

Okay, so I know she is no longer a voiceless character, but I haven’t seen any of the Fairy movies, so to me she’s still the pixie from Peter Pan. She is a feisty one and her bell sounds along with her twinkling can convey quite the range of emotions from anger to excitement to straight up jealousy. I have a strong connection to the Peter Pan story going back to when I was very little so she, although not my absolute favorite of characters, holds a place in my heart.

Abu

Not necessarily a fully fleshed out character, but one needed to move the plot forward. After all, if he didn’t get all greedy and touching stuff in the Cave of Wonders, how much of the rest of the plot of Aladdin would have come to fruition? Whether he is in troublemaker monkey form, or transformed into a useful elephant for Prince Ali, I love Abu. He is a rascal, but a darn cute one who proves to be a faithful friend to Aladdin.

Pegasus

Hercules was given his loyal flying steed as a baby on Mount Olympus, but Pegasus follows baby Herc down to Earth. Throughout his adventures, training, etc. Pegasus is always by Hercules’ side. He is skeptical of Meg at first, and rightfully so. Through thick and thin he always does right by the demigod.

Cri-kee

Mulan’s cricket sidekick is a lucky one at that. He tries to help keep Mushu in check, while supporting Mulan on her mission to help defeat the Huns. He is a cute little bug who is along for the ride to save China. Cri-kee is important enough to not only make it into the sequel (don’t bother), but also to make it on the VHS/DVD/Blu ray cover above the title.

Pascal & Maximus

These two characters were actually what prompted the idea for this post. I was watching Tangled one day and thought how much I absolutely adore the chameleon and horse that practically steal the show. Pascal is Rapunzel’s only friend before she meets Flynn/Eugene. Maximus is like a bloodhound in horse form who is originally the bane of Flynn’s existence, but later the two join together to save Rapunzel. Some of the film’s funniest moments come from this pair.

Sven

Reindeer(s) are better than people, at least according to Kristoff in Frozen. If we are talking about his best bud, Sven, then I’m inclined to agree. Even though he is a reindeer, Sven acts as Kristoff’s conscience and confidante. I love his big goofy eyes that almost mirror Kristoff’s eyes.

So, these are some of my favorite characters spanning movies over the past 75 plus years of Disney Animated film history. This is not a comprehensive list, and yes, typically animals don’t talk, but many others do in their films, which is what makes these characters special. For instance, a cricket talks in Pinocchio, but the cat and goldfish don’t, Mushu is a talking dragon, but Cri-kee is mute. Did I leave off any of your favorite non-speaking roles from Disney animated movies?

Wordless Wednesday – Practically Perfect

Wordless Wednesday – January 8, 2014

Merchandise Spotlight – Walt Disney World January 7, 2014

This week’s Merchandise Spotlight takes us to Walt Disney World to look at some fun shirts for the guys!

I thought that I would start with my personal favorite…the sweater t-shirt! I love how absolutely these fun t-shirts, and they’re ideal for Florida where it has been way too warm for sweaters lately!

Looking to show your inner John Lasseter? Here are two Hawaiian Shirts for you!

When I was peeking around, I found a shirt that I have to get for myself! I found this really fun soccer jersey that has some great details on the front and back. It’s a little pricey, but I think I will have to splurge for this one!

I am also really digging on this vintage athletic line of Walt Disney World Merchandise! I did notice that this line sports more of a athletic cut, more room in the shoulders and slimmer cut through the body, so you’ll definitely want to keep that in mind when you are shopping for your special guy.

And finally, there are two Walt Disney World t-shirts that I thought were worth mentioning.

I hope that you enjoyed window shopping with me!

And if you missed last week’s Merchandise Spotlight, never fear you can find it here!

SeaWorld Orlando Wild Days Debut

SeaWorld Orlando Wild Days debut kicks off the year

Connect even deeper to animals and the wonderful world we share during SeaWorld Orlando Wild Days, an all-new event at SeaWorld Orlando happening weekends January 11 through January 26, 2014. Families can enjoy three weekends of interactive shows and up-close animal encounters and meet the leaders in the world of animal rescue and rehabilitation, celebrate penguins and immerse themselves in what they love about SeaWorld – our animals!

SeaWorld Orlando Wild Days Wild Days includes:

January 11-12: Jack Hanna Weekend

Join “Jungle Jack” for a wild weekend of furry and feathered fun. Recognized around the world for his boundless enthusiasm for animals and conservation, Jack Hanna helps us share in his wondrous connection to wildlife and the world we share.

January 18-19: Sea Rescue Weekend

Meet the leaders in the world of animal rescue and rehabilitation as they share incredible stories that have been featured on the national show, Sea Rescue. SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue team is on call 24/7, 365 days a year to help ill or injured animals, and for nearly 40 years the team has rescued more than 23,000 animals. Featured animal rescue stories will include: turtles, flamingos, manatees, pilot whales and dolphins.

January 25-26: Penguin Lovers’ Weekend with Julie Scardina

Penguin Lovers of the world unite! Don’t miss this refreshingly fun and educational weekend centered around penguins. Join SeaWorld Animal Ambassador Julie Scardina as she shares her lifelong love of animals and the parks’ commitment to wildlife conservation and as well as tell stories of her trips around the globe from continent to continent.

At Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, to celebrate the weekend, penguin lovers will have the special chance to virtually dance like a penguin, walk side by side with a penguin colony, and star in shareable Antarctica photo opportunities at the coolest “ice” block party.

And every day at SeaWorld Orlando, guests can get up close to penguins at Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, SeaWorld Orlando’s newest attraction that transports guests into the icy world of the penguin like never before. Experience the mysterious land through the penguins’ eyes on a first-of-its-kind family ride, and then, connect with a colony above and below the water and be inspired to make a difference.

All Wild Days shows are included with park admission with show times at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at SeaWorld’s Nautilus Theater. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Shows and times are subject to change without notice.

SeaWorld Orlando Wild Days Highlights:

New! Shamu Up Close

Celebrate the beauty and wonder of killer whales at the never-before-seen Shamu Up Close experience. It’s an intimate and moving look at the whales, SeaWorld’s trainers and the awe-inspiring bond between them. In this unparalleled experience, SeaWorld invites you behind the scenes into a fascinating world, with walkthrough killer whale viewing all day, complimented by even more enhanced encounters. Shamu Up Close is the living story of SeaWorld and our passionate commitment to the care of these extraordinary animals and their ocean world. This is your opportunity to be a part of SeaWorld like you never have before.

New! Trainer Talks

Learn from the SeaWorld Animal Training team what it takes to care for whales, sea lions, walruses and other animals that call SeaWorld home, and how caring for them has helped with the rescue and rehabilitation of other injured animals. Trainer Talks will take place at key locations in the park. Check park maps for times and locations.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment inspires millions, through the power of entertainment, to celebrate, connect with and care for the natural world. The Company has been creating innovative entertainment experiences that blend imagination with nature for more than 50 years and is best known for its 11 U.S. theme parks, attractionsthat hosted more than 24 million guests in 2012 and include the beloved SeaWorld^®, Busch Gardens^® and Sesame Place^® brands. The parks offer guests a variety of up-close experiences, from animal encounters that invite exploration and appreciation of the natural world, to thrilling rides and spectacular shows. In 2011 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment began expanding its popular brands into media and entertainment platforms to connect people to nature and animals through movies, television, and digital media; plus began developing new lines of licensed consumer products.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care. The Company maintains one of the largest animal collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of species in zoological facilities and in the conservation of wild populations. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment also operates one of the world’s most respected programs to rescue, rehabilitate and return to the ocean marine animals that are ill, injured and orphaned. The SeaWorld^® rescue team has helped more than 23,000 animals in need over the last four decades. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment employs more than 21,000 people nationwide.

The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, a registered non-profit conservation foundation, has granted more than $9 million to wildlife research and conservation projects that protect wildlife and wild places. The Fund commits 100% of donations to on-the-ground wildlife conservation efforts.

Week In Review And News – January 3, 2014

With the start of a new year and with so much going on after the holidays, I thought it would be a great time to restart our Week in Review and play a little catch up on this week’s highlights and news from the Orlando and Central Florida Attractions and Venues!

Week in Review – December 30, 2013 to January 3, 2014

Walt Disney World Resort

The Disney Parks Blog announced a new contest where you can win a 5-day/4-night vacation for four to either the Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort.

We’ve just launched disney.com/resolutions where Disney celebrities are sharing how they plan to resolve to spend more time with family in 2014. A new video will be uploaded everyday in January.

On disney.com/resolutions, we are also awarding a vacation-a-day from December 31, 2013 through January 31, 2014! So enter every day for your chance to win because this is the year to spend more quality time with the people you love most. Good luck!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open only to individuals, who are, as of Entry, legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 U.S., D.C., Puerto Rico or Canada (excluding Quebec) and who are not Minors. Sweepstakes starts 12:01 AM (EST) on 12/31/13 and ends 11:59:59 PM (EST) on 1/31/14. Click here for Official Rules.

runDisney

With Walt Disney World Marathon weekend right around the corner, runDisney was everywhere when they released details about the Limited Edition runDisney 2014 New Balance shoes!

httpv://youtu.be/C8YXAZu9kCE

You can find out more about these shoes here.

Universal Orlando Resort

With construction on Diagon Alley ramping up, A Celebration of Harry Potter drawing close, Cabana Bay opening reservations being taken, and CityWalk undergoing a HUGE transformation, the Universal Orlando Resort is buzzing with energy!

Diagon Alley Construction on December 29, 2013. Week in Review — Diagon Alley Construction on December 29, 2013.

I don’t know about you, but I am so excited for everything that is coming to the Universal Orlando Resort!!!

SeaWorld Orlando

January is Passholder appreciation month at SeaWorld Orlando, and they are offering some great deals!

Bring a friend for FREE! SeaWorld® Orlando Pass Members receive a friend for free ticket*. Online registration is required. Valid for one single-day admission by January 31, 2014. Register Now.

Double Your Discount**

Save 20% on dining in all of our cafeteria-style restaurants

Save 20% on merchandise in our gift shops

*Pass Member must be present for guest to gain admittance. Free ticket offer valid for active SeaWorld Orlando 1-Year, 2-Year and FL Platinum Pass Members. Not valid for Fun Cards, Teacher’s Study Passes or Friends & Family Passes. Free ticket is non-transferable, not for resale and may be revoked for misuse.

**Offer only valid between Jan. 1-31, 2014. Must present active SeaWorld Orlando 1-Year, 2-Year, or FL Platinum Pass to receive savings. Not valid with any other discounts or offers. Not valid on All-Day Dining offers. Merchandise offer valid for in-park purchases only.

Amway Center

The Circus is coming to town!

Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus LEGENDS is coming to the Amway Center January 9-12, but Monday the circus train rolls into Orlando. Fantastic photo opportunities will be available as the Ringling Bros. pachyderm performers parade to the Amway Center.

The Ringling Bros.animal performers will unload at 8:00 p.m. and walk beginning at 8:30 p.m. Animals will unload at railroad tracks near 1035 W. Amelia, then travel east on Amelia, south on North Hughey Ave., then west on West South St. and enter the GEICO Garage behind Amway Center. (Note: route and time are subject to change without notice.)

Tickets are still available and start at $16. Ticketmaster service charges and facility fees not included. All seats are reserved. Tickets are available atwww.ringling.com or www.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling 800-745-3000, or at the Amway Center box office (phone:407-440-7900). For group ticket sales and information, call 866-248-8740.

LEGOLAND Florida

If your house is anything like mine, you have watched the trailer for ‘The LEGO Movie’ four times daily and I was excited to see that they are going to be having a weekend of activities in February!

httpv://youtu.be/fZ_JOBCLF-I

February 8 & 9, 2014 Enjoy fun for all with activities to celebrate “The LEGO Movie”, the first-ever, full-length theatrical LEGO adventure featuring an all-star cast and set to open in theaters February 7. Guests will enjoy a special movie-themed building activity, movie-themed scavenger hunt in Miniland USA and meet and greet sessions with costume characters Emmet and Wyldstyle, who play leading roles in this epic movie.

Busch Gardens Tampa

January is also Passholder appreciation month at Busch Gardens Tampa!

Double the Fun – Bring a Friend for FREE

During January, Pass Members can bring a friend for free! Online registration required. Limit one free ticket per active Pass Member. Offer valid between January 1-31, 2014. Other Restrictions Apply. Log in now to register your friend’s ticket and learn more about this limited time offer.

Triple the Savings – 30% off merchandise, food, and beverages

All month long, Pass Members get 30% off merchandise, food and beverages when you visit the park! Offer valid between January 1-31, 2014. Other Restrictions Apply.

Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex

A Falcon 9 rocket is targeted to lift-off during a dramatic SpaceX launch scheduled for January 3, launch time is subject to change but the launch window of 5:05 p.m. to 7:17 p.m. EST. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guests may view the launch from the Apollo/Saturn V Center, the closest possible public viewing area, or special areas at the Visitor Complex.

Launch viewing from the Apollo/Saturn V Center, located in Kennedy Space Center, includes live mission control commentary and is available for Visitor Complex guests for $20 plus the cost of admission. Admission to the Visitor Complex is $50 plus tax for adults and $40 plus tax for children 3-11. Bus boarding for the Apollo/Saturn V Center begins at 3:15 p.m.

Launch viewing, featuring live mission control commentary, also is available from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is included in regular admission.

Week in Review- Posts from On the Go in MCO

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Staycation

New Year’s Eve at the Walt Disney World Resort

Wordless Wednesday – Happy New Year

Merchandise Spotlight – Walt Disney World Resort

Thanks for joining us for this Week in Review, and if this is indication of how jam packed 2014 is going to be I am really excited!

Merchandise Spotlight – Walt Disney World January 2, 2014

For this week’s merchandise spotlight, I take a peek at some of the new women’s shirts, jackets, and accessories that can be found at Walt Disney World.

I thought that I would start off this merchandise spotlight with my favorite merchandise…purses!

I am always up for a great tote, and there were a few new park and character totes that I really love.

While I wasn’t a huge fan of the bowler bags that came out earlier this year that were made in a shiny red vinyl, I really like these new black matte designs!

I also like how they tweaked the black and white design of this bag.

And finally, these structured purses are a great new option!

There were some new jewelry pieces, but I especially loved this simple broach and this ‘gold’ necklace.

This new windbreaker/rain coat is a really high quality jacket with great pockets that is the perfect weight for both a summer rain that is sticky and layering when it is cooler.

There were a ton of new Mickey pajamas, but these were my favorites!

I found a few great shirts while I was in the park, too.

What park merchandise are you looking forward to in 2014? I’m excited to find more great purses and accessories, and maybe even trying my hand at Disney Bounding!

Month: January 2014