is returning to Celebration, and we’ve got a sweet giveaway!
The Great American Pie Festival will be returning for its thirteenth year to the streets of Downtown Celebration, Florida on April 26th and 27th, bringing thousands of pie lovers and bakers together!
The highlight of the Great American Pie Festival is the the Never-Ending Pie Buffet, featuring award winning pie, ice cream, toppings, and beverages from the Festival’s sponsors.
The Never-Ending Pie Buffet will have sweet offerings by Bakers Square Restaurants and Pies, Legendary Baking, Kroger’s Private Selection, Publix Super Markets, Inc., Village Inn, Wick’s Pies, Harlan Bakeries, Winn-Dixie and Cabot Cheese. Zoe ALWAYS has to visit the Publix ice cream and the Duncan Hines Comstock/Wilderness toppings first!
Tickets for the Never Ending Pie Buffet will be on sale at the door for $10/adults and $5/seniors 65+ and children 6-12.
Children and adults alike can make their own pies at the Comstock Creation Station. There will be pie shell decorating, pie art, take your photo at the Paramount Pictures Labor Day Booth, chef hat decorating and many more pie activities to enjoy. Of course, no pie festival would be complete without a Pie Eating Contest, sponsored by Private Selection. Cost for the children’s area, which includes the crafts and bouncy houses was $10/child. The Pietopia Demonstration Stage sponsored by Village Inn and Bakers Square Restaurants features entertainment and baking demonstration by chefs from across the country and was free to all attendees.
And now for the really sweet part… You have the chance to win a Family Four Pack of Tickets to the Great American Pie Festival Never-Ending Buffet!
We will be giving away one Family Four Pack (2 adult and 2 children) Tickets to the Great American Pie Festival in Celebration, FL on April 26 or 27, 2014. You will be contacted via email for confirmation and pick-up instructions.
Universal Orlando Resort Launches New #UniversalMoments Campaign Asking Guests to Share Their Favorite Universal Moments
Guests Can Tag Their Photos and Videos on Twitter, Instagram and Vine Using #UniversalMoments for a Chance to be Featured in a Future Ad Campaign
httpv://youtu.be/0Ei6N2k9QaI
Universal Orlando Resort has launched a new online campaign asking guests to share their favorite Universal Orlando moments and potentially be featured in a future Universal Orlando ad campaign.
Guests can participate by sharing their favorite moments through photos and videos on Twitter, Vine and Instagram using #UniversalMoments.
Guests can also upload their favorite Universal Orlandophotos and videos -like their first time conquering The Incredible Hulk Coaster or dancing with the minions – directly to moments.universalorlando.com or browse the site to see favorite moments of other fans.
Those selected to be in the future ad campaign will be contacted at a later date by Universal Orlando Resort.
Here is the picture I submitted for the #UniversalMoments campaign!
My daughter Zoe is HUGE thrill seeker who is growing into attractions! On our last visit to Islands of Adventure, Zoe was FINALLY tall enough to ride Doctor Doom’s Fear Fall and she was over the moon. Once we were strapped into our seats she gave me a nervous smile and took my hand, and as I assured her it would be okay we were off. It was so much fun sharing her first ride experience on one of my favorite attractions in the park. I don’t know what was bigger…her screams or her smile! It was truly a #UniversalMoment!
Sea World is hosting the Just For Kids! Festival on Saturdays through April 12, 2014; and, it’s included with your park admission! Don’t let the name fool you though, it’s definitely family friendly! While it is kid-centric, it brings families together for fun activities, rides, Animal Ambassadors, and more!
We were given a festival map as we came into the parking lot. They are also available at the Ocean Adventure areas as well. The map is the perfect size for your little one to help navigate. It has all the Fun Stations mapped out for you with just a few main park locations for reference points.
Just for Kids Festival map
The stars on the map are the Ocean Adventure areas. That’s where your kids can go on an educational and fun trip around the park. They have games and information at each of the four stops. After you complete your activity, the bottom of your map will get a punch and you get a limited edition Explorer’s card! The stations are really easy to spot too- there is a “take an Ocean Adventure” sign along with Just for Kids! banners like the one pictured here:
Ocean Adventure activity
The Ocean Adventures are spread out around the park, but not too spread out! One thing that I loved about this is that they never excluded Cole. He’s almost two, so he’s really into doing these fun things like the matching games, but he’s not quite old enough to answer questions about oil on penguin. Some of them they let me help him with but some tailored their activity to be more his level. It was tons of fun!
After you complete all four Ocean Adventure activities, you get a ticket that allows you to go to one of three stores and turn it in for a special surprise!
The four limited edition cards.
Another fun part of Just for Kids is the Rockin’ Rockhopper Party in Antarctica that starts at 11am. A DJ is there with some rockin’ hoppin’ music to get everyone moving. There are even special penguin guests who come out and party with you! They have games, snacks, face painting and you can even see live penguins! You don’t want to miss out!
As always, there are lots of great Animal Ambassadors to wow and amaze! It’s neat to see all the different animals and to hear their stories. The SEA Garden is home to one of the Ocean Adventures, many of the Animal Ambassadors and special story tellers.
Animal Ambassadors
Story time!
A highlight for my little one was the Elmo Rocks! show. He couldn’t stop talking about Elmo all weekend! Be sure to get there early as the show is only performed in the earlier part of the day and there are only a few shows.
Be sure to stick around for the end of the day too. The Shamu Dance Party, at the front of the park in Village Square, starts one hour before park close and lasts until 30 minutes after park close. There is a stilt walking emcee, music for the whole family to enjoy and dance to, and Shamu and his crew are there! Unfortunately no pictures of the party because we’ve had plans that caused us to miss it the first two weekends, but we’ll be there for the third one!
Have you been to Sea World’s Just for Kids Festival yet? What was your favorite part? We are excited to go again this weekend and hopefully next weekend as well!
To benefit kids and animals being held April 12, 2014 at SeaWorld Orlando
Scenic Family Run and Community Service Featured for Fourth Annual Event
The Dawn Brancheau Foundation’s Fourth Annual Dream Big 5K, a family-friendly fun run, will be heldSaturday, April 12 at 7:30 a.m. at SeaWorld Orlando. The run will be followed by community service projects that positively impact organizations the Foundation supports in the Central Florida area.
The Dream Big 5K is a scenic 3.1-mile fun run through SeaWorld Orlando. The mission of the Dawn Brancheau Foundation is to improve the lives of children and animals in need, inspire others to follow their dreams, and promote the importance of community service. Dream Big 5K participants are encouraged to form a team and ask family, friends, and co-workers to join them. There will also be a special route for a Family Fun Walk, where strollers/baby joggers are welcomed.
During the run, Dawn’s inspirational music from her personal iPod will play throughout the park. Prizes will be awarded for the first three male, female and youth runners.
The proceeds of this year’s event will be used to:
· Refurbish the Foundations two adopted villas at Give Kids the World
· Purchase farm equipment for the expansion of Dawn’s Garden at Edgewood Children’s Ranch
· Construct Dawn’s Playground for the children at Matthew’s Hope
· Purchase new bunk beds for the children at Central Florida Children’s Home
· Add exercise equipment to Dawn’s Play Yard at Osceola County Animal Services
· Supply veterinary care and medicines to the dogs at Harbor House Paws for Peace Kennel and Orange County Animal Services.
Runners, walkers, and supporters are encouraged to bring new or gently used running shoes with them on the day of the race so they can be donated to families serviced by Matthew’s Hope.
All participants are invited to join in the community service projects following the Dream Big 5K. Volunteers will remain in Sea Harbor Pavilions immediately after the event to assemble “doggie adoption bags” for Osceola County Animal Services, and “Family Food Bags” to be donated to the families serviced by Matthew’s Hope.
Registration and packet pick-up will be held in the lobby of the Fairfield Inn & Suites at 10815 International Drive on Friday April, 11, 2014, from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Onsite registration on the event day begins at 6 a.m. with the run kick off at 7:30 a.m.
For more information about The Dawn Brancheau Foundation’s Dream Big 5K, please visit http://dreambig5k2014.kintera.org/. The Dawn Brancheau Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, was formed in 2010 in memory of Dawn Brancheau, a truly inspirational woman. For more information about the Foundation or to donate, please visit DawnsFoundation.org.
North American Arena Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar
Coming to the Amway Center in Orlando, June 14
BRANDON BOYD TO PLAY ‘JUDAS ISCARIOT’, JC CHASEZ AS ‘PONTIUS PILATE’, MICHELLE WILLIAMS AS ‘MARY MAGDALENE’,
JOHN ROTTEN LYDON ANNOUNCED AS ‘KING HEROD’, AND INTRODUCING BEN FORSTER IN THE ROLE OF ‘JESUS’
Ticket presales begin April 7 at 10 a.m.
Tickets On Sale Beginning Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m.
Jesus Christ Superstar,the global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for over 40 years, is reimagined for the 21st century as an arena-rock spectacular. The biggest ever North American arena tour of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s groundbreaking rock musical is coming to Orlando at the Amway Center on Saturday, June 14 with an extraordinary cast of rock, pop and R&B superstars.
Tickets go on sale Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800.745.3000 and at the Amway Center box office.American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Friday, April 4 at 10 a.m. Tickets range from $34.50 to $149.50 with a limited number of Gold Circle seats and VIP Experience packages available. Additional ticket fees may apply.
Brandon Boyd, Grammy® nominated lead vocalist of rock band Incubus, is confirmed for the role of ‘Judas Iscariot’, Grammy®nominated *NSYNC vocalist, JC Chasez, will play ‘Pontius Pilate’,Grammy® Award winner and member of Destiny’s Child, Michelle Williams, will take the female lead as ‘Mary Magdalene’,English singer-songwriter and lead singer in Public Image Ltd. (PiL) and Sex Pistols, John Rotten Lydon, will play ‘King Herod’ and introducing British actor and singer, Ben Forster, who won England’s “ITV Superstar” competition in 2012 and played the lead role in the UK and Australian arena tours of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” will revive his role as ‘Jesus.’With over 50 cast and musicians on stage this is one arena show that can’t be missed!
The North American leg comes on the heels of the wildly successful UK and Australian arena tours, which began in the UK in September 2012 and commenced in Australia in May 2013. The Timessaid, “The show gets the right balance between the spectacular, the jokey and the sincere. The performances from the well-choreographed supporting cast are fine throughout. Honestly, it’s enough to give rock opera a good name.” The Evening Chronicleexclaimed, “the extravagance of the production, a flamboyant spectacle of acrobatics, dramatic flames and provocative pole dancing,” and Liverpool Daily Postclaimed, “Restored to its rock roots, the star-studded second coming of Jesus Christ Superstar is big, brash and bold…” and the Manchester Evening Newsstated, “from the very opening strains the pounding music, the huge and sophisticated video backdrops and pulsating energy from a talented ensemble cast make this a true spectacle.”
“In 1971 Andrew and I were thrilled by the first-ever Jesus Christ Superstar tour of the United States,” said Tim Rice. “We certainly did not imagine then that 43 years later we would be witnessing another America-wide tour of our first big hit show. We are delighted and grateful that enthusiasm for Superstar has been maintained over the years and this new production presents the work in its most powerful format – as a true rock experience.”
“Jesus Christ Superstar began life as a rock album…probably because nobody believed back in 1969 that you could present a stage musical about the last days of the life of Jesus Christ. I shall never forget its first live performance in the Civic Arena, Pittsburgh on July 12th 1971. Of course JCS subsequently became a legit theatre stalwart, but I, personally, have always hankered after seeing it again in the arenas where it started,” said Andrew Lloyd Webber.
“I’m excited to be involved with Jesus Christ Superstar,” said Michael Cohl. “The show has evolved greatly over the past 40 years and it is exhilarating to be a part of a project that marries this incredible property and its extraordinary music with the new, innovative technology that has become available for live shows. This arena rock spectacular is a whole new experience for fans.”
“I am so thrilled to be a part of this amazing production!” said Brandon Boyd. “I grew up on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classics and never imagined I would be playing a role in one, let alone with such an incredibly diverse cast of players. Truly an honor!”
“When I heard Jesus Christ Superstar was coming to the States, I was excited at the idea to be a part of telling one of the most influential stories in history through the scope of such a talented composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber,” said JC Chasez. “I’m excited to work with such a dynamic cast, and to bring Jesus Christ Superstar back to its roots as a rock arena experience.”
“I am so excited to be part of such a legendary production alongside an amazing cast!, said Michelle Williams. “I am truly looking forward to this experience!”
“I’m here to sing with the King of the Jews, who could ask for anything more?” said John Rotten Lydon.
“I feel so excited to bring this production to North America,” said Ben Forster. “America has to experience this rock arena spectacular as Andrew Lloyd Webber envisaged it. I am the real life Billy Elliot, from a coal mining city in the north of England to touring huge arenas across North America! You are about to witness my dream come true!”
The Jesus Christ Superstar Arena Spectacular North American Tour is presented by S2BN Entertainment and The Really Useful Group.
TICKETS: $34.50 to $149.50. Buy tickets at amwaycenter.com, Chase Box Office at Amway Center, Ticketmaster retail locations, charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000 or at Ticketmaster.com.All dates, act(s) and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges. For Amway Center box office and ticket information, visit amwaycenter.com (phone purchases are not available through the Amway Center box office). The Amway Center is located at 400 West Church Street and the box office is located on the north side of the Amway Center, near the intersection of Church Street and Hughey Avenue.
We’re launching a new series on our YouTube channel of Short, Short tips and we are starting off with a tip for the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival!
With so many great activities, shows, demonstrations, concerts, topiaries, and more to see during the 2014 Epcot International Flower and Garden festival it is easy to overwhelmed.
If your schedule only permits one or two days at Epcot, you want to make sure that you go in with a great plan for how to see and experience all of your Must Do’s for the trip.
What I find helpful is making a list of highlights from the festival that I show my family to make sure that we include a little something for everyone during our visit. You can find my 2014 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Highlights here.
Short, Short Tip: Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
httpv://youtu.be/9IIUa8hLgu0
Make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel for more tips, and keep up with all our adventures by following us…
Lions continue unbeaten streak against Rochester Rhinos
Orlando City SC gained their first win of the 2014 USL PRO regular season on Saturday, April 5, with a 3-1 victory over the Rochester Rhinos. The win against the Rhinos continues the Lions’ unbeaten run against Rochester, as City have never lost to the upstate New York based club in three years (7-0-1).
“I’m pleased that we won the game and I’m pleased that we scored three goals, but I think that our performance could have been a bit better,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “We had a bit of break when we needed it tonight, unlike last week.”
After only coming away with two 1-1 draws in their opening matches against Charleston and Pittsburgh, Head Coach Adrian Heath mentioned that City needed to score early to open the game up and prevent opposing teams from bunkering in.
On Saturday night, the gaffer got his wish when attacking midfielder Kevin Molino put the Lions up 1-0 in the third minute. The Trinidadian international began the match in cracking form and was active in the final third, creating chances for not only himself but also for his fellow attacking players.
Molino missed an early strike from inside the area in the 1st minute, but would make up for it two minutes later with a comfortable finish from a Tyler Turner cross.
With the early goal secured, the Lions looked more relaxed and began playing vintage Orlando City football.
The three attacking midfielders, da Luz, Molino and Ceren were popping in and out of the free space in Rochester’s defensive third, and the holding midfielders, Quinn and Alvarez, continuously made themselves available when the front three ran into trouble.
Meanwhile the backline looked equally impressive, as Orlando were fervent in their efforts to press the Rhinos high up the pitch and force them to clear it away.
However, despite not maintaining much possession, Rochester nearly equalized when Midfielder Minh Vu came close to capitalizing on a defensive error from Orlando. Luckily for the Lions, Vu tapped his strike just wide of the target.
Vu’s chance was the only clear-cut opportunity for the visitors in the opening half.
Orlando, on the other hand, managed to create several in the first period. With da Luz and Molino drifting further inside, Defenders Luke Boden and Tyler Turner found more space on the wings and were able to drive low crosses to the near-post.
After coming close to scoring on several occasions, including a chance from Hertzog that ricocheted off the post, Valentino scored the second goal of the game for Orlando.
Valentino scored six goals for the Lions in 2013 and added another to his career while wearing purple and white by calmly re-directing a well-placed cross from Alvarez.
With the momentum in their favor, Orlando came close to scoring a minute later when Hertzog had a one-on-one with Goalkeeper Luis Soffner, but the former Whitecaps striker hit his final strike directly at the ‘keeper.
Orlando City looked even more confident to begin the second half, but an early mistake from rookie Aodhan Quinn gave the visitors a bit of life.
Quinn attempted to play a back pass to Rusin but, instead, ending up splitting the two center-halves, and Rochester Midfielder JC Banks was able to run on to it and place it past Gallardo.
Two of three goals allowed by Orlando this year have come from their own mistakes, and City’s confident play became a bit more cautious. But in the 72nd minute, Heath made a tactical change and brought on attacking players Adama Mbengue and Dennis Chin.
Within minutes, Heath’s substitution would yield dividends when Chin scored a tap-in from six yards out in the 76th minute. The goal marked the first in 2014 for the Lions’ all-time leading scorer.
The remaining 14 minutes featured professional football from City as they maintained possession and didn’t allow Rochester to take advantage of any mistakes.
Next week, Orlando will host the Charleston Battery on Saturday, April 12, before venturing on a two-game road trip against F.C. Dallas and OKC Energy.
Orlando City SC-GK Miguel Gallardo, D Tyler Turner, Rob Valentino, Brad Rusin, Luke Boden, M Aodhan Quinn (Mikey Lopez), Yordany Alvarez, Darwin Ceren, Kevin Molino, Austin da Luz (Adama Mbengue 71’), Hertzog (Dennis Chin 71’)
Rochester Rhinos- GK Luis Soffner, D Ayao Sossou (Tony Walls 53’), Kyle Hoffer (Patrick McMahon 77’), Patrick Slogic, Babacar Diallo, Minh Vu (Samuel Petrone 76’), Lance Rozeboom, Tyler Rosenlund, Alex Dixon (Jonathan Mendoza 64’), JC Banks, Colin Rolfe (Ohua Obasi 76’)
Penalty Summary:
ROC- Kyle Hoffer (Yellow Card) 17’
ORL- Luke Boden (Yellow Card) 54’
ORL- Tyler Turner (Yellow Card) 68’
Match Facts:
Time of Match: 7:30 p.m. EST
Weather: — Clear
About Orlando City SC:
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 21st 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.OrlandoCitySC.com and www.OrlandoCityYouth.org.
When it comes to Captain America: The Winter Soldier, there are two types of people who will be watching over the coming months. Those that are comic book fans and those that are not. This is an important point, because what many believe to be the big reveal is, in fact, not the big reveal for many who will watch it. Either way, that reveal is to me, an avid (rabid?) comic book fan, is about the fourth most important thing you should have picked up from watching this movie. My point being this, when you’re watching keep an eye out for some of the smaller things because in a movie about subterfuge, subtlety is often key.
As I mentioned in Disney Film Project’s 2014 Preview Episode, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a movie drawing on a number of key things. To start with you have to remember that S.H.I.E.L.D. is a spy agency, and in modern culture due to certain events, such things aren’t looked at favorably or heroically. So it became necessary for the creators of the film to roll with that in order to create a story that will, I promise, lead to a better, stronger, and more heroic organization then what you’ve already seen. To be more specific would be spoiling this movie and a bit of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
The Winter Soldier was a character introduced to comics in 2005 by Ed Brubaker as part of what was considered to be another revival of Captain America himself. Pretty much right off fans were excited despite that they knew the “big secret”, because the journey was about Cap discovering it for himself and then working to track down The Winter Soldier and help him to regain his self and sanity by regaining his memories. In comic books, this involves a Cosmic Cube (movie fans will call this the Tesseract), and is going to be the basis for Captain America 3: The Hunt For The Red Skull (okay I made that title up, but that’s what I want it to be). By the time you get up from your seat, you’ll know what related device will be the Chekhov’s Gun for that film when it happens.
Also in 2005, as part of the Ultimate Universe from which much of the Marvel Cinematic Universe derives, came a story called Ultimate Nightmare created by Warren Ellis. In it Nick Fury pulls together a strike team including himself and three superheroes: Captain America, Black Widow, and Falcon. Sound familiar? It should, this is the same team that was picked for this movie. This team is one of my absolute favorites to come from the Ultimate Universe, and it made me extremely excited to know they would be at the core of this movie. Seeing them on screen, the buildup of absolute trust that they accrue toward each other throughout, and watching their character growth in this movie is one of the major reasons this movie is enjoyable.
Sam Wilson, a.k.a. Falon, is done fantastically in the film. He’s always been a hard character to present well, but also since 2005 he’s really come into his own as a solid character who no longer feels like a tag along / second fiddle. He is after all the second most important Captain America partner (the term “sidekick” doesn’t fit him. Keep in mind too that in comic books he’s not only teamed with Cap, he’s actually put on the uniform and been Captain America, and is actually an Avenger. He also got awesome mechanical wings and guns which make for some of the best action moments in this film.
After you get up from the film you’ll probably want to look up these names as they most likely play into future Captain America movies based on the way things are going (hint: you’ll already have seen 3 of them):
This movie is just extremely solid for the first part of a storyline that took more than 5 years to tell in comic books. It is designed in the same magical way that Marvel has created all their movies from Iron Man forward: appealing to movie fans, and appeasing the comic book fan at the same time. It’s a mix that other movie and comic companies simply haven’t yet, and may never, figure out how to deliver on. Will everyone like this movie? No, overall a lot of Avengers fans didn’t like Captain America: The First Avenger. But plenty will love this movie and it is going to rock a lot of socks, and the box office.
Full Sail University is proud to return as the primary sponsor of the 23rd annual Florida Film Festival (FFF) held April 4 through April 13 at the Enzian Theater. 2014 marks Full Sail University’s 11th year as the primary sponsor and 17th year with the Festival.
“For more than a decade, Full Sail University has been proud to serve as the primary sponsor of this meaningful 10-day film festival that Enzian offers the Central Florida community,” said Garry Jones, President of Full Sail University. “We look forward to sharing in the many educational and entertaining events included in the 2014 schedule, and we congratulate our students and alumni whose film projects are showcased within the festival’s programming.”
Full Sail student and alumni credits can be seen on several films throughout the festival. The short film, The Cyclist, which will hold its world premiere during the FFF, features the work of Full Sail graduates Kellen Voss (producer and sound designer) and Donald Shults (production sound), and the short film The Past, featured in Best of Brouhaha was directed by Full Sail alumni Sean Sida & Garrett Callahan.
Attendees of the festival will also have the opportunity to see the work of over a dozen Full Sail University Film students who visited local farms and markets including Palmetto Creek Farms, Lake Meadows Farms, and East End Market to produce short documentaries showcasing how food is prepared and the importance of these farms to the local community.
Contributing to the educational elements of the festival, Full Sail University’s Program Manager of the Film Production MFA, Maylen Dominguez, will be moderating the panel discussion “Perseverance: Women in the Industry” on Thursday, April 10, from 11AM–12:30PM at the Enzian. In addition, Dave Franko, Full Sail’s V.P. of Academic Affairs, will be moderating the panel “Pushing the “Curfew”: A Case Study from Short to Feature” on Friday, April 11, from 11AM–12:30PM at the Enzian. These film-focused panel discussions are free and open to the public.
The 2014 Florida Film Festival will screen more than 170 feature and short films representing 26 countries. Of the films selected, 137 have premiere status. The festival features a vast array of forums, parties, and special events including celebrity guest appearances by Academy Award-winning actress, Susan Sarandon (Dead Man Walking), film and television actor, Paul Sorvino (Goodfellas), and actor, director, and producer, Giancarlo Esposito (AMC’s Breaking Bad).
About Full Sail University:
Full Sail University is an award-winning educational leader for those pursuing careers in the entertainment and media industry. Founded in 1979, Full Sail has been recognized as one of the Top Five Game Degree Programs by Electronic Gaming Monthly, one of the Best Music Programs by Rolling Stone Magazine, and one of the Best Film Programs by UNleashed Magazine. Recently, Full Sail received the “21st Century Best Practices in Distance Learning Award” from the United States Distance Learning Association, was named the “School/College of the Year” by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges, and was recognized as one of the Top 100 Social Media Colleges by Studentadvisor.com.
Full Sail offers on-campus and online Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree programs in areas related to animation, art, business, education, graphic design, film, marketing, web development, music, recording arts, sports, and video games. Full Sail graduate credits include work on OSCAR®, Emmy®, GRAMMY®, ADDY®, MTV Video Music Award, and Spike VGX Video Game Award nominated and winning projects.
Guests of all ages will enjoy Easter fun in the Florida sun at Orlando’s original luxury resort, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress.
Starting Saturday, April 19, the resort’s entertainment-packed Easter weekend schedule includes crafts, pool games, all included in the resort services program. Guestroom visits by the Easter Bunny are also available for an additional, nominal fee. The weekend culminates on the Pitch N’ Putt Course with Grand Cypress’s famous Easter egg hunts, which include treats and prizes for children and adults. Florida residents enjoysavings up to 15 percent with rates starting at $179 per night over the Easter weekend.
Additionally, Hemingway’s signature gourmet Easter Sunday brunch features seasonal favorites with a Caribbean twist for $69 per adult and $34.50 per child age 4-12. Brunch is open for resort guests as well as area residents. Brunch reservations may be made online or by calling 407.239.3854.
“We look forward to a fun-filled Easter weekend that celebrates the season and highlights the many outstanding amenities that make our property one of Orlando’s most popular destinations,” says Area Vice President and General Manager Pat Engfer. “Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is proud to offer guests world-class getaways that feature the family-favorite traditions and flavors of the season.”
In addition to the Easter weekend recreation schedule, Grand Cypress offers families countless luxury amenities surrounded by a tropical oasis that features the resort’s signature lagoon pool. Inspired by contemporary design, the lagoon pool offers a tranquil escape coupled with vibrant activities for children of all ages. The 800,000 gallon, half acre, free-flowing pool boasts 12 waterfalls, heated and non-heated zones, two whirlpools, a rope bridge, walking paths, and expansive, wrap-around sundecks.
Guests can also enjoy the new Water Slide Tower Pavilion, new Water Jet Splash Zone, and new children’s Rock Climbing Stations complement the resort’s numerous recreation activities including the family favorite S’mores pit, beach volleyball, tether ball, hammocks, watersports and marked jogging, walking, and biking trails. Additionally, Grand Cypress guests have easy access to 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf and the award-winning Tennis and Racquet Club.
About Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
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 including 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf and the award-winning Tennis and Racquet Club. 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.
As Easter is fast approaching, I thought I’d take a look back at some of Disney’s most famous cinematic bunny rabbits. Throughout the decades there have been several prominent rabbits that have graced the silver screen of Disney films. Hop on in and join me as I reminisce about some of our favorite bunnies.
Thumper (Bambi)
One of the earliest bunny rabbits in Disney movies was in 1942’s Bambi with the introduction of Thumper. To this day, he is one of my favorite characters in Bambi, and I often use the term “twitterpated” to describe when someone is falling in love. He provides some great comic relief and helps Bambi grow up and find his way in the forest. This clip about Disney romance is a perfect snapshot representing Thumper’s character.
Sadly, I imagine many kids growing up these days haven’t seen this Disney movie. However, I bet if they have visited the theme parks they might just be familiar with the character Br’er Rabbit if they’ve ridden Splash Mountain. Based on the stories by Joel Chandler Harris, Song of the South tells the story of the sly and troublesome rabbit through the narration of Uncle Remus to a young boy named Johnny. Although some of the portrayals in the film may not be politically correct, I still recommend tracking this movie down if you get a chance to revisit some of the shenanigans with Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox. It will only make you appreciate Splash Mountain and its fantastic storytelling even more.
White Rabbit & March Hare (Alice in Wonderland)
These two furry fellows appear to be two sides of a coin to me in the movie inspired by Lewis Carroll’s tales. The White Rabbit is all prim and proper, albeit in a hurry, while the March Hare is a little off his rocker. Both add a great deal of comedy to poor Alice’s plight in their own way. You can see a small display of the rabbit and hare and their personalities in this clip promoting the 60th anniversary DVD and Blu Ray of Alice in Wonderland.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYR-bZdXUiE
Rabbit (The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh)
The word that comes to mind when I think of Rabbit from A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh stories is persnickety. He is often overly concerned with trivial matters and likes to fuss … a lot. He usually comes through for his friends in the end, but he is often reluctant to do so and does not usually do so without making it known he isn’t happy. Rabbit seems like a curmudgeon much of the time, but all in all he is a good bunny.
Rabbit
Roger Rabbit (Who Framed Roger Rabbit)
Technically, this is a Touchstone Pictures release, but I wanted to include it because Roger is definitely one of my favorite rabbits and you can find evidence of his presence in several locations in the Disney parks. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios there is even a window with his silhouette along with a tribute to Eddie Valiant, and tracks by the red car trolley for a once proposed ride at the end of Sunset Boulevard. Roger is a smart aleck rabbit (maybe why I like him so much), who is trying to clear his name after having been framed for a murder. This classic from 1988 is worth revisiting for the fantastic cameos of Disney and Warner Brothers characters alone.
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit (multiple shorts and Epic Mickey games)
Okay, so technically Oswald didn’t star in any feature films, but I’d be remiss if I left him off this list. If he didn’t exist, Walt Disney wouldn’t have been motivated to create a new character, Mickey Mouse. So, thanks to Oswald, we have one of the world’s most recognizable characters ever. If you haven’t played either of the Epic Mickey video games, please check out this short video about the history of Oswald.
Orlando City SC and Tampa Bay Rowdies Announce Return of I-4 Derby
Home Leg of I-4 Derby Included in Orlando City Season-Ticket Package
Orlando City SC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies announced today the return of the I-4 Derby friendly matches, beginning in April 2014. The first match of the derby will take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Wednesday, April 30, with the second leg occurring in St. Petersburg at Al Lang Stadium on Sunday, July 6.
For OCSC fans, the home leg of the I-4 Derby will be included in this year’s Orlando City season-ticket package. For non-season ticket holders, single game tickets will feature the same pricing as regular season matches- with tickets starting at just $19.
“We’re delighted to be playing the Rowdies again this year,” said President Phil Rawlins. “Derby matches are great for the sport and for our fans, so we’re looking forward to two great matches again this year.”
The I-4 Derby was agreed upon by both sides last year after continuous fan suggestion from the two clubs’ supporter groups.
After a win against the Rowdies in the Walt Disney Pro Soccer Classic, Orlando carried that momentum over into the 2013 derby matches and captured two 3-2 victories.
Both matches at the Florida Citrus Bowl and Al Lang Stadium featured an incredible atmosphere, as each team’s supporter groups travelled to the opposing side’s venue to represent not only their team but also their city.
“We definitely enjoy the chance to play against a nearby club,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “They’re a good side and they’ve made some moves this off-season, but we’ll definitely be up for the game because we know how much it means to the fans.”
Since then, City has gone on to win their second USL PRO post-season championship and has been active in comprising a talented roster for not only 2014 but also for their inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign in 2015.
During 2013, the Rowdies finished third in the North American Soccer League (NASL) fall tables (5-5-4) after winning the NASL Soccer Bowl in 2012. A key highlight for the Tampa Bay based club in 2013 was a 1-0 defeat over the Seattle Sounders of MLS in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Tickets for the first leg in Orlando will be available for purchase on Friday, April 4, at 10 a.m. via TicketMaster.com. Tickets for the away leg in Tampa will go on sale at a later date and will be available for purchase viawww.rowdiessoccer.com.
Orlando City season-ticket holders will receive their tickets in advance of the home leg.
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 21st 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.OrlandoCitySC.com and www.OrlandoCityYouth.org.
Florida’s Biggest Christian Music Festival to Feature Performances by Switchfoot, tobyMac, Lecrae and More
The Universal Orlando’s Rock the Universe, Florida’s biggest Christian music festival, will be returning to Universal Studios Florida September 5 and 6 with live performances by some of today’s hottest Christian artists, including Lecrae – who won Best Gospel Album at the 2013 Grammy Awards; Grammy and Billboard Music Award-winning hip hop artist tobyMac; four-time Grammy Award-winning group Third Day; and rock band Switchfoot, which has sold millions of albums worldwide.
ROCK THE UNIVERSE 2014 LINE-UP
Friday, September 5
(Praise & Worship)
Saturday, September 6
(Rock & Hip Hop)
Third Day
Switchfoot
Newsboys
tobyMac
Jeremy Camp
Lecrae
Kari Jobe
Red
Soulfire Revolution
Family Force 5
Rend Collective
Andy Mineo
About A Mile
Tedashii
Love & The Outcome
** Names in bold indicate headlining acts.
Rock the Universe guests can also visit the Coca-Cola Fan Zone for more live music, autograph sessions with performing acts, karaoke and more. Guests will also have the opportunity to experience a Saturday night candle lighting ceremony featuring special guest speakers and access to Universal Studios Florida’s thrilling attractions – like TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – and more.
Salutes World Autism Awareness Day by Lighting Hotel Blue
On April 2, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel will be joining other iconic buildings around the world — including the Empire State Building in New York City and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia – and lighting up blue to raise awareness for autism and to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day on Wednesday, April 2.
Light It Up Blue is a unique global campaign that kicks off Autism Awareness Month and helps raise awareness about the disorder. In honor of this historic day, thousands of iconic landmarks, buildings, hotels, bridges and retail stores are among the hundreds of thousands of homes and communities around the globe that illuminate blue to spread autism awareness.
In addition, one of the hotel’s signature restaurants, Todd English’s bluezoo has created a specialty blue cocktail, named blue sparkler, in honor of Autism Awareness Month. Through April 30th proceeds from sales of the drink will be donated to the Princeton House Charter School, an Orlando area school for children with autism.
The blue sparkler is a mixture of pavan liqueur, Florida 4 orange vodka, sparkling wine with orange and vanilla syrup. Todd English’s bluezoo is located in the lobby of the Dolphin and can be reached at 407-934-1111 or www.thebluezoo.com. For more information on Princeton House Charter School visit www.princeton-house.org.
