SeaWorld Orlando’s Bands, Brew & BBQ Week 4

Bands, Brew & BBQ
SEAWORLD® ORLANDO’S BANDS, BREW & BBQ™ HEADLINERS FOR WEEK FOUR
THE COMMODORES (FEB. 22), JUSTIN MOORE (FEB. 23)
ORLANDO, Fla. (February 17, 2014) – SeaWorld Orlando’s Bands, Brew & BBQ festival features four more weekends of rocking concerts, mouth-watering BBQ, thirst-quenching beer and toe-tapping fun. Bands, Brew & BBQtakes place weekends in February through the first two weekends in March.
 
  • Soul/funk/Motown legends The Commodores play Saturday, February 22.
 
  • Country superstar Justin Moore plays Sunday, February 23.
 
Both shows start at 4 p.m. at the park’s Bayside Stadium. Visit SeaWorldOrlando.com for more details.
Bands, Brew & BBQ also celebrates the food! Serious barbecue connoisseurs can taste it all and pick their favorites. Sample Orlando’s best barbecue from local smokehouses — Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que, Cecil’s Texas Style BAR-B-Q and Sonny’s BBQ® – plus SeaWorld’s very own Sweet & Smokin’ Barbecue. Sip on our ice-cold craft beer selection while enjoying live rocking concerts and exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Even the little ones have their own area to get up close to animals, work on masterpieces at coloring stations, take photos with SeaWorld costume characters, learn from educators and play interactive games.
During Bands, Brew & BBQ, all Harley-Davidson® riders get free parking when they ride their hog to SeaWorld.  And in between all the eating and line dancing, event-goers can take in the proudly displayed 2014 Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Like all other events at SeaWorld Orlando, Bands, Brew & BBQ is included with park admission or any annual pass product.
The best way to experience Bands, Brew & BBQ is with a Fun Card; pay for a day and play all year – with no blackout dates – to experience all of SeaWorld’s remarkable events.
Visit SeaWorldOrlando.com for more information.
 
 
About The Commodores:
In 1968 the group was formed while all the members were in college at Tuskegee Institute located in Tuskegee, Alabama. After being discovered by Berry Gordy, the Commodores went on to sell over 60 million records for Motown. With hits like “Machine Gun” and “Sail On”, the Commodores became proven artists. They proved it then. They proved it in 1986 with “Night Shift”, and they continue to prove it to this day. The Commodores have maintained their place among the most successful entertainers in the world. Their careers as entrepreneurs, as well as performers bring the boys from Tuskegee full circle. Culminating the talent and experience of three decades of writing, producing, and performing hit music to a whole new generation of fans, the Commodores are proving once again that their future is as bright as their past.
 
About Justin Moore:
Justin Moore’s always had a thing about doing it his way. Call it stubborn redneck mettle, a well-developed case of “who I am” or just the fierce commitment to blaze a trail inherent to people from his home of Poyen, Arkansas. It doesn’t matter why, just that the blazing sense of off the beaten path drives his album of the same name. Again teaming with fellow writer/producer Jeremy Stover, the pair turn up the guitars, lean into the swagger and refine the powerful good ole boy perspective that allows for all the bravado. There’s a strong vein of tenderness and decency holding Moore’s kind of country together. Look no further than Rhett Atkins/Ben Hayslip/Ross Copperman-written “Point At You,” the lead single, that acknowledges every wild hair Moore has, but hits the bottom line of his goodness via the woman who became his bride.
 
 
About SeaWorld:
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, attractions that 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.
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Celebrating National Engineers Week In Epcot With Raytheon

National Engineers Week

Every year Raytheon, sponsor of Sum of All Thrills in Innoventions East, helps guests National Engineers Week in Epcot, but this year they have really taken it to the next level!

For the week of February 17-21, 2014, Raytheon is presenting ‘Science Thrills Live’ show in Innoventions West.

httpv://youtu.be/P9Uvz0AWRis

In ‘Science Thrills Live’, which is part of Raytheon’s Math Moves You program, Dr. Erika Ebbel Angle leads a group of three scientists who demonstrate various scientific concepts with experiments that involve and engage even the youngest members of the audience!

National Engineers Week

I had the chance to speak with Dr. Erika Ebbel Angle before the show, and this former Miss Massachusetts is also a Biochemist who founded Science for Scientists with a passion for education and firing kids up about STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) to show them the real world applications of science.

Dr. Angle said that ‘Our goal is to dispel stereotypes of science, while also showing kids that science and engineering are awesome, fun, and engaging.’

National Engineers Week

The energy of the show was really fun, and as an extra bonus they used a lot of music from Meet the Robinsons during the show.

“Science Thrills Live” show is 20 minutes long, and will occur daily all week with shows at 11 a.m., 1, 2, 3, and 4 p.m. in Innoventions West near the Great Piggy Bank Adventure.

National Engineers Week

I suggest showing up 30 minutes early, because it is not a huge space. While you are waiting there are experiments to do and a really great pre-show that gives you a taste of what you can expect once the show begins!

In addition to ‘Science Thrills Live’, Raytheon employees will be on hand to lead Guests in hands-on experiments, again located in Innoventions West, to share kid-friendly activities while they share their passion for education and engineering.

National Engineers Week

And after the show and experiments, you definitely have to take the chance to experience science first hand by designing and experiencing their own thrill ride at The Sum of All Thrills presented by Raytheon

We look forward to celebrating National Engineers Week every year with Raytheon, but this year is especially memorable so be sure to drop by Innoventions West this week! 

National Engineers Week

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Run for Rescues – 5k & 1 mile dog jog

LogoLarge

RUN FOR RESCUES

A Fashionable 5K & 1 Mile Dog Jog
to benefit the SPCA of Central Florida

The first annual RUN FOR RESCUES will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at The Mall at Millenia.

ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE SPCA OF CENTRAL FLORIDA.

Healthy pets and healthy people are always in fashion!

You can find all of the Run for Rescues details here.

Who said formal wear and running shoes don’t go together? Accessorize your running apparel with a tutu, tiara, bow tie, or anything else you can imagine – and RUN FOR RESCUES!

Choose from:

  • A timed, chipped USATF certified Fashionable 5k – for serious or casual human runners and walkers
  • A fun, untimed, 1 Mile Dog Jog to walk or jog with or without your dog.

Prizes will be awarded to top individual and team finishers and the largest team in the Fashionable 5k. There will also be prizes for the most fashionable humans in the Fashionable 5k and the most fashionable humans and dogs in the 1 Mile Dog Jog.

The event will feature health screenings and demonstrations for people and dogs as well as photo ops on the
red carpet with the “pup-arazzi” and celebrity shelter pets!

TRAINING PROGRAMS:

    • The SPCA of Central Florida has partnered with Florida Hospital Healthy 100 to create
      Get Your Jog On: 5k Fitness Training Program for People to get you in shape to confidently run the Fashionable 5k in just 10 weeks. Choose from:

      • A personally coached version featuring a series of five in-person training sessions with Florida Hospital experts, supplemented by a schedule of independent exercise sessions. This version requires a $10 donation to the SPCA of Central Florida.
      • A do-it-yourself version: We provide you with the schedule and you start training by yourself or with your friends! This version is free.
    • The SPCA of Central Florida has partnered with the veterinarians at Sanlando Springs Animal Hospital and the trainer at Big Paw Pet Care to create Get Your Dog On: 1 Mile Fitness Training Program for Dogs to get your dog in shape to confidently run or jog the 1 Mile Dog Jog in just 10 weeks. Choose from:
      • A personally coached version featuring a series of three in-person canine fitness training sessions with the trainer from Big Paw Pet Care, supplemented by a schedule of independent exercise sessions. This version requires a $5 donation to the SPCA of Central Florida.
      • A do-it-yourself version: We provide you with the schedule and you start training your dog! This version is free.

RELAX WITH THE RESCUES: After the Fashionable 5k & 1 Mile Dog Jog, head across the street to the  SPCA of Central Florida’s Orlando shelter and meet the cats and dogs available for adoption. Enjoy $10 micro-chipping for your dog (regularly $30) and a special reduced adoption rate all weekend long!

THE SPCA OF CENTRAL FLORIDA: All proceeds from Run for Rescues will benefit the SPCA of Central Florida. By participating in this event you will be supporting Florida’s oldest and largest animal welfare organization. The SPCA of Central Florida is a full-service animal welfare agency, providing shelter and adoption programs, affordable veterinary care, and community outreach programs.
The SPCA of Central Florida is a 501 (c)(3) charity. They are strictly a local organization and receive no federal, state, county, government, national animal organization, or United Way funding. So all the money the SPCA of Central Florida raises goes to helping pets right here in Central Florida! To learn more please visit www.orlandopets.org

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WWE Live Orlando: A First Timer’s View

Recently, I attended my first WWE event at the Amway Center in Orlando. Maybe I should start at the beginning with my journey into the wrestling world. I never really watched wrestling growing up, and have to admit I always thought it was kind of stupid. Granted, this is coming from someone who watched General Hospital religiously for 18 years before giving it up, so my opinion might be slightly skewed. Of course I was peripherally aware of names like Hulk Hogan, Sgt. Slaughter, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Jake the Snake Roberts, Andre the Giant and several others, but I never once in my life watched wrestling … that is until July of 2010.

It was my acquaintance Tom’s birthday (he’s one of those guys, like Harry from “When Harry Met Sally,” who doesn’t think men and women can be friends), where the party was going to be wrestling themed that I got my first introduction to WWE. I’ve been “ruined” ever since. Our friend Scarlett mentioned her favorite wrestler was Randy Orton, Tom’s was CM Punk, a few others voiced their opinions, but I decided to wait to see the guys before I chose a favorite. Eventually, my attention was brought to the tv and on screen was Randy Orton, The Viper, The Apex Predator. I was immediately captivated.

Here we are a little over three and a half years later and I’ve spent countless hours watching WWE wrestling events, pay per views, even bought Randy Orton’s dvd, Evolution of a Predator. I have been given shirts, action figures, souvenir cups, but now it was time to attend my first real live WWE event where I’d see my favorite wrestler in person!

I really didn’t know what to expect other than some of the lineup thanks to the WWE app. The stage is setup similarly to how it looks on tv for Raw or Smackdown, but on a bit smaller scale since there are no cameras. The ring appeared smaller in person than I expected even though I was in some pretty sweet seats in the first section off the floor. I liked that I didn’t know all the wrestlers that were going to be there so there were some surprise elements, which I’ve come to expect in some capacity from the tv shows. The thing I think that was the biggest difference aside from there not being commentators, was the lack of talking from the wrestlers. I am used to the smacktalk between the competitors or promoters or whomever shows up and grabs a mic, and I have to say I kind of missed it.

I would love to go back to another WWE Live event to see some of my other favorites that were at another event that night. It was still fantastic to see Randy Orton, John Cena, Kane, the Big Show and many others up close and in person. I’d highly recommend checking out a live event if they come to a town near year. Or, if you’re here in the area, check out the NXT facilities and tapings at Full Sail University. I hope I can catch a live taping of Raw when they come back this summer. In the meantime, at least I have a few pictures of Randy and some others to tide me over. 😉

WWE Announcer R Truth entrance R Truth Fandango entrance R Truth making fun of Fandango Fandango IMG_6873 IMG_6877 IMG_6878 IMG_6897 IMG_6903 IMG_6907 IMG_6914 IMG_6927 IMG_6935 IMG_6941 IMG_6966 IMG_6967 IMG_6974 IMG_6985 IMG_6995 IMG_7000 IMG_7007 IMG_7013 IMG_7044 IMG_7057 IMG_7061 IMG_7065 IMG_7070 IMG_7073 IMG_7093 IMG_7099 IMG_7102 IMG_7118 IMG_7145 IMG_7166 IMG_7203 IMG_7209 IMG_7211 IMG_7218 IMG_7219 IMG_7221 IMG_7226 IMG_7234 IMG_7237 IMG_7238 IMG_7250 IMG_7257 IMG_7260 IMG_7265 IMG_7271 IMG_7281IMG_7620IMG_7503IMG_7774

 

httpv://youtu.be/5LHRaTSFU7s

 

Have you ever been to a WWE event? It is so much fun to see these athletes entertain in person! Their acrobatic stunts and feats of strength are even more incredible up close. If you get a chance make sure to catch the next WWE event in your area or even on tv! Let me know, was your favorite wrestler there?

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SeaWorld Orlando Bands, Brew, & BBQ Headliners

SeaWorld Orlando Bands, Brew, & BBQ

SeaWorld Bands

Announces Headliners For Their Third Week

SeaWorld Orlando’s Bands, Brew & BBQ festival features four more weekends of rocking concerts, mouth-watering BBQ, thirst-quenching beer and toe-tapping fun. Bands, Brew & BBQ takes place weekends in February through the first two weekends in March.

Sister Hazel plays Saturday, February 15.

SeaWorld Orlando Bands, Brews, & BBQ

Sister Hazel’s creative train just keeps rolling. The band’s well-received “Release” reached the band’s highest ever spot (#37) on the Billboard Album Charts, topping even their platinum disc “Somewhere More Familiar,” and they later kept the momentum going with “Heartland Highway” (Oct. 12, 2010, Rock Ridge Music), marking the band’s quickest album-to-album turnaround in their 15-plus-year career.

Comedian Larry the Cable Guy plays Sunday, February 16.

SeaWorld Orlando Bands, Brews, & BBQ

Larry the Cable Guy is a multiplatinum recording artist, Grammy nominee, Billboard award winner and one of the top comedians in the country.  He has his own line of merchandise and continues to sell out theatres and arenas across the United States.  Larry has created The Git-R-Done Foundation, which was named after Larry’s signature catchphrase, and has donated more than 7 million dollars to various charities. Larry most recently co-starred in the Tyler Perry movie A Madea Christmas. He also hosted Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy on History for three seasons.  The show premiered in 2011 and was a huge ratings success. In each episode, Larry visited various sites across the country revealing bits of real history while immersing himself in new and different lifestyles, jobs and hobbies that celebrate the American experience.  Larry was also the star of the CMT animated show Bounty Hunters, which reunited him with Jeff Foxworthy and Bill Engvall.  

Both shows start at 4 p.m. at the park’s Bayside Stadium. Visit SeaWorldOrlando.com for more details.

Bands, Brew & BBQ also celebrates the food! Serious barbecue connoisseurs can taste it all and pick their favorites. Sample Orlando’s best barbecue from local smokehouses — Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que, Cecil’s Texas Style BAR-B-Q and Sonny’s BBQ® – plus SeaWorld’s very own Sweet & Smokin’ Barbecue. Sip on our ice-cold craft beer selection while enjoying live rocking concerts and exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy. 

Even the little ones have their own area to get up close to animals, work on masterpieces at coloring stations, take photos with SeaWorld costume characters, learn from educators and play interactive games.

During Bands, Brew & BBQ, all Harley-Davidson® riders get free parking when they ride their hog to SeaWorld.  And in between all the eating and line dancing, event-goers can take in the proudly displayed 2014 Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Like all other events at SeaWorld Orlando, Bands, Brew & BBQ is included with park admission or any annual pass product.

The best way to experience Bands, Brew & BBQ is with a Fun Card; pay for a day and play all year – with no blackout dates – to experience all of SeaWorld’s remarkable events.

Visit SeaWorldOrlando.com for more information.  

 

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Our Favorite Valentine’s Day Places At Walt Disney World

Happy Valentine’s Day!

We thought that to celebrate the day, we would share some of our ideal places to celebrate at Walt Disney World!

Valentine's Day

Beth

A fun unique way to spend Valentines Day at WDW for me is to take a stroll around the Boardwalk. Grab some dinner & drinks while taking in a view of Illuminations before ending the night at Jellyrolls for a fun sing-a-long. 

Betsy

One of the most romantic things I love to do at Walt Disney World is stroll around with that special someone. I have a few places in particular that I enjoy. One of my favorites is Epcot at night. The parks transforms when the torches are lit before Illuminations and the ambient noise from guests seems the die down. I especially love finding a quiet spot in France by the back gardens or tucked away while everyone else is getting ready for the fireworks and listening to the beautiful French accordion music. Enjoying a toast with an adult beverage or even a snack from the patisserie is a great way to cap off a romantic stroll around World Showcase. 

 

If you are looking for romance outside the parks, also in the evenings I really enjoy walking around the gardens at Port Orleans French Quarter, maybe after enjoying some beignets! After all, the French do seem to know what they’re doing when it comes to l’amour <3!  I also would never turn down a romantic walk around the Polynesian with the palms swaying in the breeze, ukelele and steel guitar music gently wafting through the air, sand beneath my toes, and a view of Wishes fireworks from the beach would make almost anyone swoon. 

 

Dining options around Walt Disney World are prevalent, but it can sometimes be hard to picture a romantic place that is quiet and sans children. Of course if I had the choice, I’d pick dressing up with my man to go to Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian where no children under 12 are admitted and the tones are decidedly hushed. I’d also prefer not to pay that bill ;). Looking for something a bit more affordable, but still with a nice atmosphere, I like Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge or Flying Fish at the Boardwalk. Both are quieter than most other restaurants I’ve found on property and have a nice ambiance, great food and wine to match. 

Gail

There are many restaurants and places to go for Valentines day, depending on how extravagant one is willing to go.

 

For me, if I’m not planning on going to a restaurant or park, one of my favorite things is fireworks. So my recommendation would be to go to The Polynesian, pick up a coffee and a sweet snack and head down to the beach area. If it’s chilly be sure to take a blanket, which can be used to sit on too. 

 

The view from the beach at the Polynesian is special as you don’t need park access, and the view is stunning as you get the reflections off the lake too.  Just be sure to get there around 15/20 minutes before they begin so you can secure a good viewing spot. 

Watching the fireworks with your loved one can be so romantic, especially snuggled up with a hot beverage by the beach! Don’t forget a selfie to capture your night! 

Jillian

I’d love to spend Valentine’s Day with a nice meal at Yachtsman Steakhouse followed by a night time stroll around Crescent Lake or World Showcase. Then cap the evening off with any of the firework spectaculars. 

Kelly Hicks

My ideal Valentine’s Day at WDW would have to be in the World Showcase at Epcot. I especially love wandering around at night when the pavilions are lit up. Maybe grab an ice cream cone at L’Artisan des Glaces in France – my favorite flavor is profiterole! – and do a little window shopping. Of course the night wouldn’t be complete without a viewing of Illuminations!

Kelly Walker

When I think romance (which I hardly ever do in general) around Disney World, I immediately think of Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Not only is it one of our favorite restaurants, but it tends to be quite one-on-one. It’s normally not loud and while it’s “fancy”, it’s got a laid back feel to it as well. And if you’re not looking to spend a bunch of money on dinner, a favorite of mine is to get a good spot on the train station and watch Wishes from there.

Mike

If I could pick somewhere to spend Valentines Day in Walt Disney World it would have to be experiencing a romantic candlelit dinner at the California Grill located within the Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Not only does this location have excellent food and atmosphere, but it also provides for some of the greatest views of the entire Walt Disney World property. Located on the 15th floor, the California Grill provides views of the Magic Kingdom, the Seven Seas Lagoon, Bay Lake and numerous other landmarks on Disney World property. There’s nothing quite like being able to catch a Florida sunset from the top of the Contemporary Resort while enjoying an excellent glass of wine and top notch cuisine. At the end of the night you can head out onto the balcony and top off your romantic evening with a breathtaking view of Wishes, the Magic Kingdom’s night time spectacular. In my opinion the California Grill is one of the most romantic dining options on Walt Disney World property and an excellent way to spend your Valentines Day. 

Shelley

My favorite date night with Dave is a little bit corny, but we love to head to the Magic Kingdom. We have a ‘light’ dinner of appetizer’s at Tony’s Town Square, take a stroll through the park as the sunsets, and then settle into our favorite spot for the rest of the night. We head over to Sleepy Hollow Refreshments to grab a funnel cake and a table near the castle. Sleepy Hollow is an awesome spot, because you can watch the Main Street Electrical Parade and Celebrate the Magic before heading to the castle to watch Wishes! I love our Magic Kingdom nights, because it’s a great chance to slow down and I don’t have to share my treats with Zoe!!!

Wherever you are celebrating today, we hope that your Valentine’s Day is awesome!

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Wet ‘N Wild Announces New Attraction

Wet ‘N Wild Orlando Announces New

High-Speed Attraction For Summer 2014

Aqua Drag Racer Will be the Tallest and Fastest of its Kind in Florida

Wet 'N Wild

A high-speed race awaits guests this summer when Wet ‘n Wild Orlando opens Florida’s tallest and fastest water-based racing attraction of its kind. The Aqua Drag Racer will be six stories tall and propel guests through four lanes of head-to-head competition at fifteen feet per-second before splashing them across the finish line.

Guests will take their mark, get ready for a full throttle adrenaline rush and then power through enclosed braided, twisting tunnels as they accelerate into four parallel racing lanes. They will gain even more speed before rushing toward the finish line. The Aqua Drag Racer is designed to be the wettest and wildest high-speed drag race ever.

“The new Aqua Drag Racer will pull guests into a high-speed thrill ride unlike any other around,” said Michael Black, Sr. Vice President & GM of Wet ‘n Wild. “This ride combines friendly competition along with the excitement of sharing the rush with family and friends.”

Wet ‘n Wild Orlando, a premier waterpark, sets the standard for thrills and over-the-top excitement – offering world-class attractions to thrill-seekers of all ages. Families can share a wide variety of waterpark adventure, with more than fifteen themed rides and attractions and more multi-person rides than any other waterpark in Central Florida. Experience a deep space adventure that’s light years from ordinary on The Black Hole™: The Next Generation, encounter a splashing dose of group therapy on the Brain Wash™ or boogie down on the retro raft adventure Disco H2O™. At Wet ‘n Wild you’ll find high-speed, seriously twisted, multi-person adventures that let you feel the fun and share the rush.

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#DisneySide Party Wreath Giveaway

DisneySide Party Wreath

For quite some time now, I have had the #DisneySide Party Fever and as my party is this weekend I thought I would share (literally) my favorite thing that I have made!

I wanted a unique and festive wreath to greet our guests as they arrived, and I wasn’t having luck finding what I was looking for so I decided to try to make a balloon wreath myself!

Here is what you will need for the #DisneySide Party Wreath Project:

  • 14″ straw wreath wrapped in plastic (I chose this, because it is easy to work with and extremely inexpensive)
  • 2 Yards of Ribbon to hang your wreath (I used tulle, because it is what I had on hand)
  • Floral or Dressmaker Pins
  • Approximately 300 9″ latex party balloons (My Dollar Tree has 25 in a package for $!
  • Styrofoam balls in two sizes
  • toothpicks
  • Low temperature hot glue gun and glue
  • black paint
  • glitter

Now that you’ve got all your supplies together, lets get going on your #DisneySide Party Wreath!

I like to start by getting all the materials I needed organized. I opened all the balloon packages, and emptied them into a container that was easy to get into. I chose a large plasticware container, because I am clumsy and I was worried I would knock it over! 🙂

DisneySide Party Wreath

DisneySide Party Wreath

The next thing I did was to tie my ribbon around my wreath to make a hanger. I suggest this step even if you are going to be using a wreath hanger, because it makes placing the balloons on the wreath easier.

DisneySide Party Wreath

I like to wrap my edges of the tulle instead of cutting them off, because I have a tendency to cut too close to the knot which usually leads to it untying itself.

DisneySide Party Wreath

Now comes the fun part…placing the balloons!

I like to hang my wreath up to place the balloons to give a better idea of how the balloons will lay once it is hung on the door.

DisneySide Party Wreath

My goal was to create a really full balloon wreath, so before I put the pin into the balloon I folded it in half with a little twist.

DisneySide Party Wreath

Don’t worry if your wreath looks a little thin at first! You really won’t get a good idea of where you need to add balloons for fullness until your wreath is about halfway done.

DisneySide Party Wreath

DisneySide Party Wreath

DisneySide Party Wreath

To have a fully finished look, I also pinned balloons to the back of the wreath.

DisneySide Party Wreath

It took me about an hour of pinning (your fingers will not feel so hot) to fill my wreath out to my liking, but it was totally worth it!

While my fingers were recovering I turned my attention to the ‘Hidden Mickeys’ I wanted to place on the wreath!

I first organized the Styrofoam balls into my ‘Hidden Mickeys’ and glued them together.

DisneySide Party Wreath

DisneySide Party Wreath

MAKE SURE THAT YOU ONLY USE A LOW TEMPERATURE GLUE GUN ON STYROFOAM! It is really awful if you don’t, and can lead to burns so be super safe!

DisneySide Party Wreath

After the glue has dried I put toothpicks into them and using a 1″ sponge brush I painted them with black acrylic paint.

DisneySide Party Wreath

DisneySide Party Wreath

My glitter skills are not the best, so I use a little cheat…

When the glue is still tacky I use spray on glitter that you would normally use in your hair.

When you are spraying the glitter, make sure you are either outside or are in a very well ventilated room! Safety first!

DisneySide Party Wreath

After the ‘Hidden Mickeys’ is dry, I use the toothpicks from painting them to place them on the wreath.

DisneySide Party Wreath

I liked to make sure that I wasn’t trying to push the toothpick through a balloon on my wreath, so I moved them aside to pin them directly into the wreath.

DisneySide Party Wreath

And just like that you have your own #DisneySide Party wreath!

DisneySide Party Wreath

Don’t have time to make your own? You are in luck, because I made an extra wreath that you can win! Make sure you read the contest rules below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And if you are wondering what we might be doing at our #DisneySide Party, here is a peek!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4dEqai9r4g&list=UUxhza5Nkv4ukqKmIFLE9dgA&feature=share&index=4

Contest Rules:  Contest is open to Residents of the United States who are eighteen (18) years and older. Void where prohibited by law. We use rafflecopter to choose one lucky winner at random, and each & every contest entry will be verified. The winner of our contest will be contacted by email (so be sure to double check your entry) and will have 48 hours to respond to the email or a new winner will be chosen. Any questions? Contact shelley@onthegoinmco.com

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LEGO Friends Weekend At LEGOLAND Florida

LEGO Friends Weekend

LEGO Friends Weekend Returns to LEGOLAND Florida in Star-Studded Fashion

It’s all glitz and glamour as the beloved LEGOFriends – Olivia, Andrea, Stephanie, Emma and Mia – return to LEGOLAND Florida to host a weekend of fabulous fun Feb. 15-16. The third annual LEGO Friends Weekend is a daytime party geared to girls ages 2 to 12. This razzle-dazzle event puts girls in the spotlight and lets them celebrate their individuality with a chance to walk the pink carpet, build LEGO creations with Olivia and sing like a rock star with Andrea.

LEGO Friends Weekend

LEGO Friends Weekend Event Will Include:

  • Strike a Glamour Pose on the Pink Carpet with Emma, Stephanie and Andrea – Market Restaurant Plaza, 10:00am-12:00pm
    Strut down the pink carpet and show off your unique style and fashion for LEGO Friends Emma, Stephanie and Andrea. They are so excited to meet you. Smile for the paparazzi as they capture a photo of you and your friends.
  • Girls Just Wanna Build Bash with Olivia – Fun Town Theatre Plaza, 10:00am-5:00pm
    Olivia and LEGOLAND Model Builder are building a giant cupcake and need your help. Stop by to see how much fun building with friends can be!
  • Rising Star Sing-a-Along with Andrea – Miniland USA Stage, 12:00pm and 3:00pm
    Andrea is looking for super star singers! Showcase your singing voice during this 30 minute karaoke sessions. Sign up at the park, spots are limited.
  • Mia’s Animal Scavenger Hunt – Miniland Water Fall, 10:00am-6:00pm
    Mia has rescued so many animals she has lost count. Pick up a tracking sheet at the LEGO Friends shop to list all the animals you find or visit 
    http://florida.legoland.com/FriendsScavengerHunt to enter online.
  • Best Friends Build Competition – Imagination Zone, 10:00am-5:00pm
    Build alone or with your best friend. Build a model that represents your friendship. A winning model from each event day will be selected to win a LEGOLAND prize pack. See official rules and prizes at park registration desk.
  • Friends Video Game – WB Games Zone, 10:00am-6:00pm
    Test your video game skills and play the new LEGO Friends video game.
  • Two New LEGO Friends Specials Hit the Big Screen – Wells Fargo 4D Theatre
    • Stephanie’s Surprise Party – 10:45am and 12:45pm – When Emma, Olivia, Andrea and Mia plan a surprise party for Stephanie’s birthday, they soon discover it’s not easy keeping a secret from Stephanie.
    • Dolphin Cruise – 11:45am and 1:45pm – The LEGO Friends have a science project to find a way to help dolphins in trouble.
  • BFF Dance Party – Miniland USA Stage, 3:30pm-6:00pm
    It’s time to party like a star! At 5:00pm, all of the LEGO Friends will join the party to teach you dance moves from their music videos.
  • LEGO Friends Farewell – Miniland USA, 5:45p
    The party might be ending, but the friendship will last forever. Come say goodnight to all your LEGO Friends.

LEGO Friends Weekend

LEGO Friends Weekend is included with park admission and guests will have complete access to a full day of theme park fun with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions. The best way to experience LEGOLAND Florida is with the LEGOLAND Florida Resident Annual Pass as low as $99 each. Pass members receive unlimited admission for 12 months to LEGOLAND Florida and the LEGOLAND Water Park, as well as all other Merlin US attractions (LEGOLAND California & Water Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers, Sea Life Centers and Madam Tussauds), free parking and 10% off food and merchandise with no black-out dates. For the most current information on special events, daily operating hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.

Make sure that you follow LEGOLAND Florida on Facebook and Twitter for more information and fun!

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Richard Petty Driving Experience Valentine’s Specials

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SPECIAL VALENTINE’S $79 RIDE-ALONG OFFER:

Get their heart racing with our high-speed ride-along experience! Our 3-lap Ride-Along lets them ride shotgun with a professional driving instructor around the track at speeds up to 165mph. Click here and get our limited time $79 Ride-Alongs (retail $99-$135).

SPECIAL VALENTINE’S DRIVING EXPERIENCE OFFER:

Click here to get 25% off a reserved driving experience of your choice. Driving Experiences start at $449- your price only $336.75! This special driving experience offer is also available by calling 1.800.237.3889 with promotion code VD25RPDE.
Your discount will be displayed at time of checkout.

For Valentine’s Offers Click Here

Rules and regulations apply, sales tax applies where applicable. To receive your 25% off a reserved driving experience or $79 Ride-Along please click on the links above or here to continue to our site. Your discount will be displayed at time of checkout. Discounts are not valid on Driver Release fee, gift cards, merchandise, group events or previous purchases. Reservations may also be made by calling 1.800.237.3889 with promo code VD25RPDE. Offers expire 2/14/14. Other rules and regulations may apply.
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Festival of Fantasy Parade

Festival of Fantasy
All photos and images in this post are provided by Disney

The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will debut in March energizing the streets of the Magic Kingdom with an infectious, whimsical, and contemporary spirit, and I can’t wait!

Festival of Fantasy will celebrate the worlds of new and classic Disney and Pixar stories on a scale that is beyond belief, as nearly 100 performers on floats that will soar as tall as three stories bring some of our favorite (and not so favorite) characters to life in a dramatic and artistic way.

“The parade celebrates and pays homage to what the Magic Kingdom is all about,” said Randy Wojcik, senior show director Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Creative Entertainment. “It has the most beautiful floats, enchanting characters, vibrant costumes that come to life; and the choreography is just glorious. Yet, it is also very kinetic, relevant and powerful on a scale never seen before at Walt Disney World.”

Seven unique units comprised of nine spectacular floats of the Festival of Fantasy will travel accompanied by an original soundtrack inspired by Disney film favorites, composed by Mark Hammond (World of Color at Disney California Adventure and Flights of Fantasy parade at Hong Kong Disneyland) to have a distinct voice that is customized by parade float, theme, and mood

Here is the float-by-float Festival of Fantasy line-up!

The Princess Garden – This pageantry of princesses celebrates Disney royalty. Cinderella, Tiana and Belle accompanied by their respective princes, ride in a garden of topiaries with woodland creatures, birds and more. Cinderella’s dress playfully twirls like a turntable, while Swan Court couples lead the 50-foot-long majestic float, capped off with a special appearance by Anna and Elsa from Disney’s hit animated feature, “Frozen.”

Festival of Fantasy
Disney

Tangled – A massive long ship on the high seas showcases Flynn Rider and Rapunzel in search of adventure and another Best. Day. Ever! Rapunzel’s iconic tresses weave throughout this 36-foot-long float decked out with swaying pendulums carrying dastardly thugs.

Festival of Fantasy
Disney

Little Mermaid – Ariel and her friends sit atop a colorfully kinetic seashell music box that boasts an enchanting musical jubilee. There’s no shortage of whimsy on this Under the Sea float with conga dancing fish kicking up their fins and bubbles galore. Shimmering fabrics and intricately designed costumes for the Lion Fish, Coral Fish, Seashell and Sea Horse performers are runway-inspired.

Festival of Fantasy
Disney

Peter Pan – Straight from Never Land come Peter Pan and Wendy soaring high aboard the famous Jolly Roger pirate ship complete with smoke effects and special surprises. A rainbow arch shines over Skull Rock and Tinker Bell nestled among giant flowers, while Captain Hook takes center stage on a swinging anchor. “Newsies-inspired” Lost Boys kick up their heels to high-energy choreography.

Festival of Fantasy
Disney

Brave – Celtic couples and a vessel shaped like an enormous bagpipe announce the arrival of Merida perched high on her majestic crown. Scottish dancers step to melodies of the Great Highlands in celebration of the popular Disney*Pixar film, “Brave.”

Festival of Fantasy
Disney

Sleeping Beauty – The heroic Prince Phillip battles a Steampunk-inspired Dragon as the wicked Maleficent. This float stretches 53 feet in length and 26 feet tall with a prickly spinning wheel dead center of the float. With fiery eyes and glowing effects the spectacular dragon was built on an articulating chassis allowing the float to bend and flex as it moves along the parade route – a first for Disney parades. This float was designed in a partnership with Tony Award-winner Michael Curry. There’s Prince Phillip, thorn-inspired stilt performers, dramatic raven dancers, plus the three good fairies, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather glide along the parade route.

Festival of Fantasy
Disney

Finale and Mickey’s Airship – The parade culminates with a 90-foot-long magical caravan of characters featuring Pinocchio, Dumbo, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Mad Hatter, Pluto and more in a splashy carnival of color. There’s Pegasus horses, dancing hippos and sassy Bubble Girls with cotton-candy-like hair celebrating Storybook Circus in New Fantasyland. Sporting zany new costumes Mickey and Minnie Mouse sit sky high in Mickey’s Airship — a giant hot air balloon that rounds out Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade.

httpv://youtu.be/XP2-rOErUr4

Here is video of the floats arriving at the Magic Kingdom from the Disney Parks Blog.

The costumes for the Festival of Fantasy were constructed with new and innovative technology, and are absolutely mind-blowing! The attention to detail, over-the-top glitz, and sheer size are overwhelming in the best possible ways!

Here are some of my favorite ‘Fun Facts’ about the Festival of Fantasy costumes:

  • Elaborate costumes are being crafted by 10 different costume houses, in eight cities, in two countries — including Creative Costuming facilities in both Florida and California.
  • Some 27 separate custom designed fabrics were designed by Mirena Rada in collaboration with Creative Costuming Graphic Artist Paul Jordan.
  • Counting interfacings and trims, it takes 28 separate fabrics to make up one Swing Thug #1 Costume (Tangled unit).  His vest requires vinyl to be cut into 75 separate diamond shapes and then stitched onto cool max fabric.
  • Some pieces, including the Seashell Girl (Little Mermaid unit) headpiece, were digitally sculpted and then grown to size with a 3D printer.
  • It takes 30 yards of fabric to make one Seashell Girl costume which includes 12 different colors of Nitex Mesh.
  • The coral pieces for the Coral Twins (Little Mermaid unit) were custom designed.  They are being hand poured in three separate colors by the artisans of the Creative Costuming Craft Team and baked and finished for 16 hours each in an oven.
  • The socks worn by the Lost Boys (Peter Pan unit) are custom designs that were knitted to order in Hong Kong.
  • Minnie Mouse’s Dress and Hat (finale unit) uses 95 gold lame dots that are cut out, “blinged out,” and then sewn on.
  • The Bubble Girl (finale unit) headpiece is made from three separate clown wigs that are blended together by the Creative Costuming Millinery Team.
  • Cha Cha Girl (finale unit) – Her wig was designed with 148 yards of horsehair in four colors, that is then rolled, pressed and curled by hand.

I have missed the energy that the afternoon parade brought to the Magic Kingdom, and I truly cannot wait to see the Festival of Fantasy in person! March can’t get here soon enough!!!

 

 

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Enzian Theater Valentines Brunch & Film

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This Valentine’s celebrate love and romance with an elegant Saturday brunch with your sweetheart at Enzian. Be serenaded by a live band while you enjoy a delectable buffet spread complete with carving station and fresh-squeezed juices. Fall in love with Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, & Whoopi Goldberg in the classic ‘90s romance GHOST.

Limited VIP tables are available and offer the convenience of arriving at your leisure, knowing your preferred table is reserved just for you. This event is expected to sell out, so purchase your tickets early!

DOORS TO THE THEATER 10AM
BUFFET 10AM TO 11:30AM
FILM BEGINS 11:30AM

Tickets: 
$100 per couple
$150 per VIP couple

ALL GUESTS GET TO ENJOY:

The Cook Trio before the film
Film- GHOST
Brunch buffet with a carving station
Coffee, Tea, Juices, and Unlimited Mimosas!

VIP GUESTS ALSO GET TO ENJOY:
Reserved Table
A commemorative gift bag
A bottle of Champagne

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A Visit to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar- Part II

And now, for the exciting conclusion, let’s head back to another sunny and comparatively warm part of the United States during early February: Anaheim, CA…

All Iimages provided by Pearson Images
All photos in this article are provided by Pearson Images unless otherwise noted.

Welcome back readers!  In last week’s post, we covered some exterior and interior details, the backstory, and the Disney magic and drinks you can find inside Trader Sam’s. This week we’ll focus exclusively on some of the hidden gems the Imagineers have placed throughout and explore some of Trader Sam’s connections to Walt Disney World (as well as other Disney Parks) and what may be in store for Orlando when the jungle’s “Head Salesman” expands his operations to the East Coast.

When you enter Sam’s the skippers behind the bar yell “Aloha!” to all who enter that happy place. Find a seat, grab an illustrated menu , then sit back and soak up the sights and sounds of Trader Sam’s.

Skipper Ramiro makes another Uh-Oa.
Skipper Ramiro makes another Uh-Oa.

It’s in the Details

Alternating tropical tunes and antique diddies like you might hear waiting in line for the Jungle Cruise comprise the soundtrack of Trader Sam’s. Patrons inside are constantly ordering one of the handful of drinks which “awaken” the tiki gods and stir up a little chaos. But, amidst all the sights and sounds, be sure to wander around and inspect the ephemera Sam has “collected”, which decorate the walls and ceiling. Including the walls behind the bar!

As we mentioned last week, there’s notes, postcards, photos, artifacts , and more that give a nod –or flat out refer- to different Disney characters, rides, and places, including Disneyland Tokyo and a photo of a familiar sight from Typhoon Lagoon!

I was originally going to list my top ten favorite Trader Sam’s artifacts, but there’s just too many to pick from. Plus, a great deal of fun is exploring the place on your own.  So, instead, I’ll let some photos do the “talking.”

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If you're looking for a hidden Mickey here, you're cruising down the right river... And if you aren't, then you're in "de Nile".
If you’re looking for a hidden Mickey here, you’re cruising down the right river… And if you aren’t, then you’re in “de Nile”.
The glass bottle that actually camer from the Adventurer's Club. Be sure to watch this when someone orders a "Shipwreck on the Rocks!"
The glass bottle that actually came from the Adventurer’s Club. Be sure to watch when someone orders a “Shipwreck on the Rocks!”
Even the beer handles are themed and enjoy a little Disney "magic."
Even the beer handles are themed and enjoy a little Disney “magic.”
This Glass case warrants taking a gander at. Anybody know what movie that SF newspaper is from? (Hint: there's a hardback clue on the far right side of the shelf in the picture with the White Hat mentioned further below.)  Take a close look with the flash on your camera at the inside bottom right corner to look for another hidden Mickey.
This Glass case warrants taking a gander at. Anybody know what movie that SF newspaper is from? (Hint: there’s a hardback clue on the far right side of the shelf in the picture with the White Hat mentioned further below.)
Take a close look with the flash on your camera at the inside bottom right corner to look for another hidden Mickey.
Can you find the letter from an Indiana Jones character? Or the Indy voodoo doll from Temple of Doom?
Can you find the letter from an Indiana Jones character? Or the Indy voodoo doll from Temple of Doom?

 

I showed the photo of Colonel Critchlow Suchbench last week, but patrons looking up at a crate hanging from the ceiling on the left side of the bar will note some other familiar Adventurer’s Club artifacts.

Slappy the puppets dangles from the top of the crate.
Slappy the puppet dangles from the top of the crate.

There’s a letter attached to the crate via wooden arrow. I took a close-up photo with flash so it was legible. Those familiar with the old Adventurer’s Club will find it amusing.

Take a read. This is the only way you'll be able to.
Take a read. This is the only way you’ll be able to.

See how many other Adventure’s Club connections you can find throughout Sam’s. I’ve never tried to count them all, but just from the ones I’ve observed, there’s at least 12 or 13 (counting the identifiable objects in the crate separately)

Last week I mentioned TWO hidden Mickey’s inside Trader Sam’s. Well, here’s a photographic hint to one of them, also related to the Adventurer’s Club. Can you identify where this Col. Suchbench Vinylmation is “floating” around?

HIdden Mickey "floating" around inside Sam's. You will NEED FLASH on a camera in order to see this, as it's otherwise obsucred by darkness.
HIdden Mickey “floating” around inside Sam’s. You will NEED FLASH on a camera in order to see this, as it’s otherwise obscured by darkness.

 

Orange Bird Alert! He showed up here a year before his "official" return to Walt Disney World.
Orange Bird Alert! He showed up here a year before his “official” return to Walt Disney World.

 

Tiki mugs, a pirhana, and some familiar tiki gods inside Trader Sam's.
Tiki mugs, a pirhana, and some familiar tiki gods inside Trader Sam’s.

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A lot to see stashed here. That white hat on top of the container of “Gorilla Grog” is probably just meant to be a “period” hat from the early decades of the 1900’s, but given the penchant for Indiana Jones here, I like to think that’s the hat worn by the Man in the Panama Hat  in the prologue of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, whose hat we see floating with a hole in it at the end of the prologue.

panama hat This screen capture was taken from the Indiana Jones Wiki page.

After visiting more times than I can keep track of, I still notice new things. So, whether you’ve been before or haven’t been yet, there’s always going to be more eye candy for you to enjoy. Let’s hope the same imaginative and thorough approach is taken when Trader Sam’s comes to Orlando.

Trader Sam’s in Orlando

Not long after rumors first circulated about WDW engaging in a notable renovation of the Polynesian Hotel, rumors started to abound in late-2012 & early-2013 that Disney was actively planning to bring Trader Sam’s to Orlando. Not a huge surprise given its success in Anaheim. The joint is regularly packed, sits well with locals AND resort guests, and sells an average of 200 souvenir tiki mugs each weekend (according to one skipper, and that’s JUST the weekend).  It was all too natural to pair the impending renovation of the Polynesian with plans to bring Trader Sam’s to Orlando. But, no official announcement was made regarding Sam’s.

However, shortly after Disney “officially” announced  the renovation of the Downtown Disney area (soon to be “Disney Springs”) in March 2013, there was some initial confusion about the location of Orlando’s Sam’s. A logo banner with properties designed by one of the Creative contractors working with Disney leaked out with the Trader Sam’s logo. Quickly, rumor spread that WDW’s Trader Sam’s must be going into Disney Springs.  But, to date, that does not appear to be the plan. (Apparently, the logo banner only contained projects the Creative firm had worked on previously, one of which was Trader Sam’s.)

Although Disney still has not officially announced any plans for a Trader Sam’s in Orlando, there is strong sentiment among the Disney community on-line that Sam’s will eventually show up at the Polynesian. It could end up in the Great Ceremonial House building, but it’s still anyone’s guess. For more detailed coverage of the Polynesian renovations and “Disney Springs” project, I’ve been following the Atomic Grog here, and Tikiman, who maintains the Unofficial Polynesian Resort pages here.

Given the amount of space to work with at the Polynesian and the general trend to fit the needs for WDW’s larger crowd capacity, it seems likely that any port of Trader Sam’s built in Orlando will reflect a significant increase of patron capacity beyond Trader Sam’s mere “47 occupants” inside the bar itself. And, perhaps, there could be a whole portion of Trader Sam’s with dedicated wait-staff service in addition to the bar we have already come to love. Those who have experienced Sam’s firsthand know that the tight capacity is both a blessing and a curse. It can be hard as heck to find ANYWHERE to sit (or stand) inside the bar on a Friday or Saturday night, or when there’s a big conference in Anaheim. And, the noise amplifies pretty quickly in those close quarters. But, it’s the coziness of the bar and proximity to other celebratory patrons that gives Sam’s part of its character. It creates the sense being in a place where everyone is nobody, but everyone belongs. It’s something that is hard to create in a bigger, open space where groups can keep to themselves.

Over at The Atomic Grog, there’s some pondering over whether the Orlando version of Trader Sam’s might also include some sort of a dinner show, akin to the old Adventurer’s Club or even closer to Walt Disney’s original concept for the Enchanted Tiki Room in Disneyland (which would have been a restaurant with animatronic bird show.) There’s been no indication of any such plan so far, but it sure does excite the mind to imagine the possibilities of what THAT experience could be like!

While planning his Orlando theme park, Walt Disney engaged in a lot of research, including sourcing inspiration for the Polynesian.  It’s not inconceivable that Walt might have visited the historic Mai-Kai in Ft. Lauderdale, giving further influence to some of the initial design of the Polynesian (perhaps?) I’ve been to the Mai-Kai and it’s an amazing mid-century style South Seas dinner and show experience not to be missed for anyone visiting Ft. Lauderdale. An Orlando Trader Sam’s that looked and felt like this could be incredible! Here’s a couple of pictures to get your mind spinning.

One of the bars inside The Mai-Kai (photo courtesy of the Sun-Sentinel).
One of the bars inside The Mai-Kai (photo courtesy of the Sun-Sentinel).

maikai2  Mai Kai photo above courtesy of The Tiki Chick blog (http://thetikichick.com/)

I’d also like to imagine a dining area or bar that took some inspiration from Don the Beachcomber. There’s only two Don’s left now (Southern California and Kona, HI), but in its mid-century hey-day, Don’s was one of the biggest inspirations for the kind of “wall of artifacts” style of décor employed at Sam’s.

DTB

 Don the Beachcomber image from the Don the Beachcomber Facebook page.

Hopefully the installation of former Disneyland Resort President George Kalogridis, who oversaw the transformation of Disney California Adventure, will encourage Orlando to create their new Trader Sam’s with the same sensibilities, fun, and tongue-in-cheek references that make Disneyland’s Trader Sam’s such an amazing experience.

What do you all want to see in the Trader Sam’s that’ll hopefully come to Walt Disney World? Tell me in the comments below.

Well, that’ll round out the second half of our visit with Trader Sam’s. Hope you all enjoyed it. Please do leave comments below and let us know what YOU HOPE TRADER SAM’S IN ORLANDO will be like.

As they used to say at another Orlando Disney location that was imbued with fun and “magic”, “If you come in here a stranger, you will exit as a friend.” That, friends, is the Trader Sam’s spirit of “aloha” we hope will find its way to Orlando.

Cheers until the next time!

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Girl’s Day – Mount Dora Garden Gate Tea Room!

When I want to go and experience a quaint, relaxing and comfortable girls day lunch, a tea room always seems to be top choice. We are lucky to live in an area where we have many to chose from, specializing in many different foods and or themes. One of my most favorite places to go for this experience is the Garden Gate Tea Room in Mount Dora.

 

Gorgeous
Gorgeous

If you haven’t visited Mount Dora before, firstly you need to, and secondly its a wonderful little lake front historic town! Its famous for its festivals, arts, dining and especially its antique stores. They often have art fairs and festivals, there’s always something to do when visiting.

IMG_6266 Garden Gate Tea Room

There are so many restaurants I love here, but the Garden Gate Tea Room is always my most favorite!

Nestled in the heart of historic Mount Dora, The Garden Gate Tea Room is such a wonderful establishment, I end up spending the majority of my birthdays and celebrations here. They have a wide range of different teas, and despite my British heritage I actually find myself favoring their iced tea! My favorite is their Southern Belle peach iced tea, which comes served with the sugar around the rim of the glass, its so refreshing! I love their menu, as being a vegetarian I love that they have a delicious vegetarian option, the asparagus sandwich melt, and sometimes the quiche of the day. I feel neither are rushed just to simply accommodate vegetarians last minute, they are wonderful options.

 

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One of their most popular dishes is their “famous Herb-crusted Rosemary Baked Chicken Pie”, everyone I go with who orders this cannot believe how it just melts in your mouth. It’s so popular they do end up selling out some days, but don’t fret as, really, any of their options are just wonderful.

They also offer “Afternoon Tea”, which does require at least a 24hr reservation in advance, and costs $17.95 per person. I can tell you it was worth every penny!  I let them know in advance one of us was vegetarian so they ensured that I had a starter in place of the salmon souffle salad normally served first.

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After this you are presented with a three-tiered tray of chef’s assorted sandwiches (again vegetarian ones are made by request).

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Next are the desserts, my favorite! This featured a selection of chocolate covered strawberries, lemon curd cookies, fruit and their home made Cream Puff Swans filled with Chantilly Cream, so good!!!

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No afternoon tea is complete without  fresh home made scones! Theirs are served with clotted cream and jam. There is much debate on the appropriate way to layer ones scone, from what I have been told it is proper to spread the jam first, then apply the cream going around the scone in a circle. But hey, who are we to judge how to eat your scone, as long as it tastes delicious thats all that matters!

My favorite feature of this tea room is the simply stunning, shabby chic inspired decor. From the light blue paint, to the antique artifacts placed around the cafe, you feel so cosy and comfortable there. You wont be able to stop looking around at all the antique mirrors, lamps and twinkling lights.

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For those with a sense of style, one may also select a hat from their collection to wear during tea! I like to try them on after my lunch and take silly selfies in the mirror, but thats just me!

 

Silly Selfies
Silly Selfies

The ladies who work there encourage you to take your time and take as many pictures as you’d like, and will happily take any groups pictures for you. Make sure you go down the stairs and look into their larger seating area too, its simply stunning. You can also get a glimpse into their garden from there, which is available for private functions.

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If you have not been already I strongly suggest you take the time to visit this wonderful cafe, it does close at 2/3pm, so ensure you come early or book in advance.

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After lunch, you can walk off your food and browse the many stores they have here, or drive a mile or so down the road to the lake and miniature lighthouse for a peaceful relaxing afternoon.

 

Mount Dora Lightouse
Mount Dora Lighthouse

You can visit www.thegardengatetearoom.com for more information or how to book your visit ahead of time, and also take the time to look at www.mountdora.com for ideas on how to make the most of your visit.

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