Trattoria al Forno Restaurant Announced

Trattoria al Forno
image copyright Disney

The Disney Parks Blog announced this week that a new Italian restaurant, Trattoria al Forno, will be opening in the location currently occupied by Kouzzina by Cat Cora at Disney’s Boardwalk. The restaurant is tentatively scheduled to open before the end of the year in December, but has not announced an official opening date. Kouzzina is currently set to close on September 30th.

Trattoria al Forno will exclusively feature wines from Italy. There will be over 25 wines available by the glass and more than 60 by the bottle. The restaurant will also have Italian sodas and specially crafted cocktails. Food from all different regions of Italy will include daily made fresh mozzarella, pasta, and pizza baked in wood-burning ovens.

Seasonal pasta dishes, risottos and vegetarian offerings will be standard at Trattoria al Forno. The restaurant’s name means essentially a tavern that serves food baked in the oven. Dishes will range from steaks to chicken, seafood, salads and classic Italian desserts like tiramisu, panna cotta and gelato.

With no opening date set yet, it is unknown when Trattoria al Forno will start taking reservations, but it is expected to be in the next several weeks. Contact Disney Dining for any further information once reservations are offered at 407-939-3463.

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Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back At The Enzian

janandsilentbob

Wednesday Night Pitcher Show

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

Wednesday 7/16 at 8pm

The comic ‘Bluntman and Chronic’ is based on real-life stoners Jay and Silent Bob, so when they get no profit from a big-screen adaptation they set out to wreck the movie.

Grab a beer (or two) and some munchies at Eden Bar and enjoy a FREE outdoor movie on the lawn at Enzian. Come thirsty for Jell-o shot movie trivia before the show! This night of great drinks and fun flicks is best enjoyed under the stars with your buddies by your side.

To help with traffic and parking, Enzian will now have valet parking available for everyWednesday Night Pitcher Show for $3 per car. Show your valet stub for a FREE popcorn! Free parking is also available at First Watch and State Farm across the street.

This event is FREE and open to the public!

Click Here For More Information

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Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Park Ticket and Credit Offer

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

THEME PARKS BY DAY, LUXURY AT NIGHT AT HYATT REGENCY GRAND CYPRESS

Book Two Nights and Receive Two, One-Day Tickets to a World-Famous Orlando Theme Park
Experience the thrill of an Orlando theme park by day and the luxury of Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress by night.  With the Orlando Theme Park Package, package rates start at $269 and includes two, one-day tickets to an Orlando theme park, and a $25 food and beverage credit to enjoy the resort’s restaurants featuring unique cocktails and culinary fare.
Enjoy a day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom or Epcot; Universal Orlando®; Universal Studio’s Islands of Adventure; or SeaWorld now through Dec. 22, 2014.  The theme park package allows resort guests to take advantage of area special events (additional special event fees may apply) including:
  • Now – Aug. 10:            SeaWorld® Orlando Summer Nights
  • Sept. 1 – Oct. 31          Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
  • Sept. 19 – Nov. 10       EPCOT® International Food & Wine Festival
  • Sept. 19 – Nov. 1:        Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights® 24
Use offer code EXPLR. A limited number of rooms are allocated to this promotion; blackout periods may apply due to seasonal periods or special events.  Additional terms and conditions apply. Plus, Grand Cypress offers complimentary transportation to and from Walt Disney World®, Universal Orlando® and SeaWorld.
The 1,500 acre Grand Cypress resort offers guests an upscale travel experience with 815 well-appointed guest rooms and suites and a host of amenities including the resort’s signature half-acre, tropical lagoon pool. Nestled along 1,000 feet of white sandy beach on private Lake Windsong, the expansive, wrap-around sundecks also feature a new Water Slide Tower Pavilion, Water Jet Splash Zone, and children’s Rock Climbing Stations. Guests may also enjoy 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf and the property’s 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. For more information; call 407.239.1234; visitwww.GrandCypress.Hyatt.com; like Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress on Facebook; and follow on Twitter at @HRGrandCypress.
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A Quick Run Around ESPN Wide World of Sports

This week I had the great opportunity to be a guest of Walt Disney World for the #ESPNatDisney FAM trip, and it gave me a chance to really connect with the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex where I spend a good bit of time.

ESPN Wide World of Sports ESPNatDisney

On any given day there are a ton of events going on at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, but today we were among children who were there to compete in the Disney Cup International, USSSA Elite Baseball World Series, and the AAU Summer Basketball Championships. It was great to hear their excitement, and it really gave me a different feel for the complex!

As we walked further into the Complex down to the New Balance Track & Field Complex, I started to realize how much I took for granted as I usually scurry in and out of the complex during the hustle and bustle of a runDisney race expo.

ESPN Wide World of Sports ESPNatDisney

When we met up for our fun run around the complex to start our day at the facility, Faron Kelley said that the way he likes to explore a new city is by taking a run and that was what we were going to do on our early morning outing.

ESPN Wide World of Sports ESPNatDisney

It was so nice to really slow down and watch all the great things going on around us.

Standing on the New Balance Track & Field Complex before our run we talked a little bit about the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and all the amazing events that are held there during the year.

ESPN Wide World of Sports ESPNatDisney

Then we were off on our run, a quick 1.5 miles on the cross-country portion of the Disney Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run that is part of the runDisney The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend.

ESPN Wide World of Sports ESPNatDisney

Running around the facility was just so peaceful and beautiful!

ESPN Wide World of Sports ESPNatDisney

ESPN Wide World of Sports ESPNatDisney

And while I am not a fast runner at all, it was a lot of fun!

ESPN Wide World of Sports ESPNatDisney

Also, I was totally stoked to see Goofy waiting for us at the Finish line! (Goofy gives a solid high five!)

ESPN Wide World of Sports ESPNatDisney

The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is amazing, and here are a few ‘Fun Facts’!

GENERAL FACTS 

  • The 230-acre ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which hosts more than 100 events and 350,000 athletes from more than 70 countries each year, is the leading multi-sports venue for amateur and professional sports in the nation, accommodating 70 different sports.
  • Home to AAU National Championships, Pop Warner Super Bowl, and National Cheer & Dance Championship, Atlanta Braves Spring Training, as well as Disney-created events such as the Disney Cup International, Disney Fit Challenge, and open registration tournaments & training camps.

CHAMPION STADIUM 

  • The centerpiece of the sports complex, Champion Stadium is a retro-style Major League Baseball ballpark that annually hosts MLB spring training (Atlanta Braves) and numerous amateur tournaments. With permanent seating and existing infrastructure, the facility can also host concerts, corporate hospitality functions, event opening ceremonies and other large gatherings.
  • Maximum capacity for 11,500 guests, including 9,500 permanent upper and lower deck seats (80 percent are located between first and third base), plus a grass berm in left field that offers seating for an additional 2,000+ guests.
  • Four luxury suites (all include indoor and outdoor seating areas), plus an additional suite that features a large conference room; two upper-level outdoor suites; and two mezzanine-level outdoor terraces.
    Display booth equipped with state-of-the-art production equipment for managing in-stadium entertainment, including a 33′ 7″ wide by 21’7″ high jumbo screen which can display ESPN programming, customized videos, daily highlight reels and interviews from the sports complex.

PRODUCTION CENTER

  •  2,500 square foot state-of-the-art facility with eight edit bays and uplinks to ESPN in Bristol, Conn., Los Angeles, and New York.
  • 56 high-definition cameras (42 robotic, 10 handheld and four studio) and 40 high-definition video screens, including 3 jumbo screens that can capture and display footage, event highlights and interviews that will broadcast throughout the complex and on various Disney and ESPN platforms.
  • The ESPN Production Center has produced over 2,000 hours of content for the ESPN family of networks this past year.

HP FIELD HOUSE

  • 165,000-square-foot multi-sport indoor arena includes high arches and trusses and other architectural and design elements reminiscent of a classic 1950s style fieldhouse (capacity: 5,500). This multi-purpose facility can accommodate virtually any indoor sport that does not require ice, including basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, volleyball, martial arts, team handball, roller hockey, cheerleading and dance, trampoline and tumbling, indoor tennis, etc., in addition to concerts and conventions.
  • The HP Creation Center offers guests a place to download, design and enhance commemorative event photos and images, then immediately produce and print them onsite. It also includes a retail area featuring a variety of imaging-related product options for athletes and consumers, such as creating life-size posters of action photos, wallpaper covering and other photo keepsakes.
  •  The fieldhouse has room for six full-size collegiate basketball courts (four on main level and two upstairs on auxiliary court).

JOSTENS CENTER

  •  A state-of-the-art multi-sport fieldhouse, Jostens Center includes space for six college-size basketball courts, or 12 regulation-size volleyball courts, or two roller hockey rinks, and four locker rooms, two conference rooms and two officials’ rooms.

HESS SPORTS FIELDS

  • The Sports Fields venue, sponsored by Amerada Hess Corporation, are large enough to accommodate a variety of outdoor sports — soccer, football, lacrosse, baseball, field hockey, rugby, softball, cricket, etc. The seven grass playing surfaces and four fields may be used collectively for one large event or multiple events may take place simultaneously on various fields.
  •  Permanent bleacher seating is available at each field and additional bleachers may be added for larger events (capacity: 10,000).

BASEBALL QUADRAPLEX/ SOFTBALL COMPLEX

  • The Baseball Quadraplex includes four professional baseball fields and a half field (used for infield drills). The quad annually hosts MLB players during spring training and minor league players during Rookie League (Gulf Coast League) and Fall Instructional League seasons, as well as camps, clinics and tournaments for amateur and youth players.
  • The Softball Complex includes six fields that can accommodate fastpitch and slowpitch softball, as well as youth baseball (12 and younger).

TENNIS COMPLEX

  • Tennis complex includes 10 “HAR TRU” green clay courts, including a stadium court, and can accommodate events ranging from youth clinics to major professional tournaments. Formerly hosted U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships on ATP Tour (1997-2000).

TRACK & FIELD COMPLEX

  • World-class 400-meter polyurethane Track & Field Complex meets IAAF world governing body standards and measurements, and is consistent with Olympic T&F venues throughout the world.
  • The Track & Field Complex features an adaptable Cross Country Course.

ESPN WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS GRILL

  •  An enlarged and enhanced sports-themed fast casual restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating located across from Champion Stadium. The restaurant contains a full bar and menu items include burgers, pizza, signature sandwiches and salads, along with a variety of desserts and beverages.
  • Includes high-definition TV screens, live radio remote capabilities and a SportsCenter desk.

ESPN INNOVATION LAB

  •  New home for the Emerging Technology group at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
  •  Facility develops various broadcast-related technologies that eventually may make their way to air on ESPN Networks.
  •  ESPN has utilized the sports complex and its numerous sporting events to build and test future on-air applications, such as player and object tracking and player game simulation.

UNIQUE EXTRAS 
Retail facilities: Three sports-themed merchandise locations reside at the sports complex, while customized merchandise vehicles are located throughout the other venues during individual events.
The Welcome Center provides assistance to sports complex guests during their visit to Walt Disney World Resort, including planning for theme park visits, dining and golf reservations.

– See more at: http://disneysportsnews.com/fact-sheets/2011/03/29/espn-wide-world-of-sports-complex-facility-breakdown/#sthash.uqfsCx7K.dpuf

I will be writing more about my #ESPNatDisney experience! It was a great few days full of information!

DISCLOSURE: I was a guest of Walt Disney World for the #ESPNatDisney FAM trip, but all opinions are my own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Apollo II 45th Anniversary Celebration

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Astronaut Bruce McCandless II Joins Apollo 11 45th Anniversary Celebration

at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

 

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will celebrate the 45thanniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20 with a special appearance by Bruce McCandless II, Apollo 11 capsule communicator and space shuttle astronaut.

McCandless is a veteran astronaut who served as the Apollo 11 capsule communicator for the first lunar spacewalk. During this momentous event, he was responsible for communication between Mission Control and the three Apollo 11 astronauts: Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. McCandless began his NASA career in 1966, serving in numerous capacities until his opportunity for spaceflight during the Space Shuttle Program. He flew two shuttle missions, but is best known for his first, STS-41B, when he made the first, untethered free flight spacewalk. The iconic picture of McCandless using the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) was taken by crewmember Robert “Hoot” Gibson.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

On July 20, guests can participate in a 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. meet-and-greet session with McCandless in Space Shuttle AtlantisSM. In addition, during a special Astronaut Encounter with McCandless beginning at 4 p.m. in the Astronaut Encounter Theater, guests will have the opportunity to relive the Apollo 11 moon landing and hear first-hand what it was like to communicate with the astronauts as they made that remarkable step in history. These events with McCandless are included with daily admission to the Visitor Complex. All Visitor Complex guests also will receive a special commemorative Apollo 11 pin recognizing one of humankind’s greatest achievements, landing on the moon.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is also offering an exclusive opportunity to annual passholders, who can join McCandless for a private tour through the Apollo/Saturn V Center as he recounts his experience communicating with the Apollo 11 astronauts during their extraordinary mission. This is a limited capacity tour designed exclusively for annual passholders and advanced reservations are required by calling 866-714-9795.

In addition to enjoying the Apollo 11 45th anniversary special events, Visitor Complex guests can relive the Apollo program at the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Guests can explore and experience the tremendous accomplishments of the Apollo Program through dramatic multi-media shows and numerous hands-on displays that provide an inspirational and exhilarating look into America’s quest for the moon.

At the Apollo/Saturn V Center, guests experience the historic launch of Apollo 8 at the Firing Room Theater, where three screens ignite with original news clips from the early years of NASA and ends with footage from Apollo 8. The theater is an authentic representation of the 1960s Firing Room, containing the actual launch consoles NASA used during Apollo. Visitors then experience a re-creation of the Apollo 11 moon landing in the Lunar Theater.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The centerpiece of the Apollo/Saturn V Center is a monstrous 363-foot long, fully restored Saturn V moon rocket, the most powerful rocket ever built and one of only three Saturn V rockets in existence.

The Apollo Treasures Gallery, also located in the Apollo/Saturn V Center, showcases treasures from the Apollo moon missions, including Apollo 14 Commander Alan Shepard’s spacesuit and Command Module, Kitty Hawk. The Apollo Treasures Gallery also features an extensive and rare collection of developmental spacesuits and other gear used by Apollo moon walkers on the lunar surface.

Admission tickets may be purchased at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com or by calling 877-313-2610.

 

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California Grill- finally my first visit!

California Grill

 

I have been wanting to dine at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for so long now, and I am always asked if I would recommend it. Of course, from what I hear I absolutely recommend it, but I had never actually been there myself. So it was my wedding anniversary this month, and we decided it was the perfect reason to go to California Grill as we had heard it was a very romantic restaurant. Plus it has recently been re-imagined with a new design inspired by mid-century modern California, featuring a new seasonal ingredients menu. The sushi bar was also extended and now features a 12-course omakase menu.

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We found out that the Wishes fireworks at Magic Kingdom were going off that night at 10pm, so we booked our meal for 9:40pm knowing that would give us time to sit, peruse the menu, order some drinks and possibly appetizers right by the time we should be thinking about going out on the balcony to watch them. One of the highlights of California Grill is the amazing view over Magic Kingdom to watch the fireworks.

 

So we checked in at the California Grill desk on the second floor in the Contemporary, and were told to take the elevator upstairs to the restaurant. Upon getting out of the elevator, there’s a secondary check in desk in front of a very impressive wine selection of 1,600 bottles housed in a climate controlled showcase. It has been reported that they have about 250 wine selections, 80 by the glass!

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While you wait for your table to be ready, you are invited to sit in the lounge area, where tables are a first come first serve basis. Some people without reservations actually dine here as the entire California Grill menu is available to order from the lounge also. We had only just been given our menus when our buzzer was already going off, so the wait was very short. The nice thing about when they take you to your table is that they walk you by the open kitchen, so you can see all the chefs and what dishes they are coming up with. The person who seated us actually pointed some items out that we were looking at, which later on helped me decide on which dessert I was going to order!

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We ended up being seated in a quieter room toward the side of the California Grill. I want to say she called it the Monorail Room, but as there was no view of the monorail I must have misheard her. From what I gather this used to be the old wine room, but it was very intimate as the ceiling is lower here, and there are only around 10 tables inside. The view was very relaxing as although you couldn’t see Magic Kingdom, you could see the lake and the electrical water pageant very well.

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I was told the drinks are wonderful at California Grill, so of course we had to try them out. Our favorite was the Sake Martini recommended by a friend, it was so delicious! The Cucumber Fizz was my second favorite, but I don’t doubt that had I tried more, that they would have all quickly become my new favorites!

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By this point they had announced that in 5 minutes Wishes fireworks were going to be starting, so they give you time to get outside on to the balcony to find your spot. Of course, you don’t have to go outside, if you remain inside California Grill they dim the lights and play the music inside the restaurant for you. As we couldn’t see them from our room, we decided to head outside for them. We got a great spot, and they have speakers out there playing the same songs and sound effects as the ones in the park.

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Despite living close by, there’s nothing like watching them from high up, going off over Cinderella Castle! Feels quite romantic too if you tune out the rest of the people around you and just face forward. This was truly a highlight of the meal at California Grill, and I’m sure it looked and felt just as beautiful from inside the restaurant if you had a lovely view.

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We got back to our table and the server brought out our appetizers immediately, they must have been holding them ready for when you return from the fireworks. For our starters, my husband had sushi which he loved as it was such a generous portion for an appetizer! I had the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, which was nice but I wasn’t expecting it to just be one piece, at least I wasn’t too full for my main course.

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For our main course, Simon had the grilled pork tenderloin, and he said it was so delicious and cooked perfectly to his liking! I chose something that wasn’t on the California Grill menu, I chose to go with the Vegetarian Unplugged, a dish that is always different. Basically you never know what you are going to get, as the chefs pass a dish around the kitchen and they put a part of whatever vegetarian side dish they are creating at that time. So you end up with something different each time you go, they also do a Vegan Unplugged dish too with the same idea.

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My server wasn’t quite sure what my items were but they were pretty easy to figure out. The only thing I didn’t like was the fact that there didn’t seem to be much to each plate, so it wasn’t very filling and had a lot of similar tastes, which was a shame as it had sounded so promising. Nevertheless, I enjoyed my dishes at California Grill.

 

I would say the best part of the meal at California Grill was the dessert! Simon ordered the Seasonal Tasting featuring Peach themed desserts, and I ordered the Sundae Sampler. My favorite being the Reverse Root Beer Float, which featured root beer ice cream with a little tiny cute glass bottle of vanilla soda to pour on top! Very cute!

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Overall we did really enjoy our food at California Grill, but for me, as a vegetarian I wasn’t that impressed with the dish I had. I was also a bit disappointed no one acknowledged that we were on our anniversary despite letting them know at the podium and telling our server. I’m not sure if they just don’t do anything special here, but a simple “Happy Anniversary” would have been lovely. I might not be rushing back to dine here, but now I can recommend it to others and I will certainly encourage them to try the Sake Martini and Reverse Root Beer Float!

 

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From Dusk till Dawn: The Series Coming to Halloween Horror Nights

From Dusk Till Dawn Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights Logo

Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort join Forces with

Filmmaker Robert Rodriguez to Bring Supernatural Television Show,

From Dusk till Dawn: The Series To Life At Halloween Horror Nights Events

 

From cult horror film to breakthrough television series on El Rey Network, “From Dusk Till Dawn” will add terrifying maze to its credits when filmmaker Robert Rodriguez’s acclaimed supernatural show debuts as a menacing new “Halloween Horror Nights” experience at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort, beginning Friday, September 19.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqS58htaeeM

This all-new maze, inspired by the critically acclaimed television series, will thrust guests into the deviant world of “From Dusk Till Dawn,” where they will encounter sordid mythological creatures known as “Culebras,” serpent-like vampires who have tormented the earth for centuries.  Residing within the elusive and sinister nightclub, “The Twister,” located just over the Mexican border and above cursed ancient ruins, the “Culebras” prove to be a band of immoral and depraved beasts with a deadly agenda. As guests navigate the maze and venture deep within the bowels of “The Twister,” they will find themselves face to face with a cast of perverse characters, including exotic dancer, Santanico Pandemonium, a mysterious and irresistible “Culebras” femme fatale and Queen Vampire.

Based on the film of the same name, “From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series” is a supernatural crime saga centered around bank robber, Seth Gecko and his violent, unpredictable brother, Richard “Richie” Gecko, who are wanted by the FBI after a bank heist leaves several people dead.  While on the run to Mexico, Seth and Richie encounter former pastor Jacob Fuller and his family, whom they take hostage. Using the family RV to cross the border, chaos ensues when the group detours to a club populated by vampires and are forced to fight until dawn in order to get out alive. The series deepens the tone of the film, From Dusk Till Dawn, upon which it is based, adding new characters and backstories that expand the Mesoamerican mythology behind the creatures inside the club.

From Dusk Till Dawn

“Universal Studios’ ‘Halloween Horror Nights’ event is the ideal platform to take fans of ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ to literally experience the terror of stepping into the show,” said Robert Rodriguez.  “It has been an incredible opportunity to work closely with the Creative teams at both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort to bring this maze to life with such detail and authenticity.  This maze will capture the visceral excitement and thrills of the series, and I can’t wait to experience it myself.”

A versatile and award-winning filmmaker, Robert Rodriguez is renowned for directing a variety of successful and groundbreaking film sagas, including such cult horror classics as Planet Terror, Machete, Grindhouse and From Dusk Till Dawn, upon which El Rey Network’s hit television show, “From Dusk Till Dawn:  The Series” is based. Rodriguez is also the Founder & Chairman of El Rey Network, a 24-hour, general entertainment English-language cable channel which debuted in the U.S. in December 2013.

“Robert Rodriguez’ genius in pushing the boundaries of the horror genre is a perfect pairing for ‘Halloween Horror Nights’ as we continue to intensify our event with the most credible horror voices within the entertainment industry,” said John Murdy, Creative Director for Universal Studios Hollywood and Executive Producer of “Halloween Horror Nights.” “This radical new maze will give fans of ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ an unprecedented opportunity to experience the show’s Mesoamerican mythology and will come to life with the same attention to detail and production value that Robert’s work is known for.”

“Robert Rodriguez’s vision of ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ has translated so well into a maze experience,” said Michael Aiello, Director of Entertainment – Creative Development, Universal Orlando Resort.  “We will feature the over-the-top gore that the show does so well and our guests will come face-to-face with Robert’s unique and wickedly cool take on the vampire mythos that is completely authentic to the show. From the Nightclub interiors to the inner sanctum of its tombs, these bloodthirsty beasts will be everywhere and have a thirst that can’t be quenched.”

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aab5vK7RD9Q

Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” events have a more than 20-year history of creating incredibly entertaining, horrifying Halloween experiences that are consistently rated the nation’s best. The events on each coast feature highly-themed, disturbingly real, haunted mazes based on everything from films to nightmares – and streets filled with hundreds of specially trained “scareactors.” In addition to the “From Dusk Till Dawn” maze, other announced mazes include, “The Walking Dead:  The End of the Line.”

 

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runDisney Princess Half Marathon Registration Opens Tomorrow!

Photo: runDisney Princess Half Marathon runDisney
Photo: runDisney

The 2015 runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, February 19-22, opens for registration tomorrow, July 15th, at noon EST!!!

A touch of winter is going to be coming to Florida for this runDisney event, as the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Walt Disney World next year as the Disney Princess 5K and runDisney Kids races will have a Frozen theme with new medals inspired from the film.

Princess Half Marathon

Also returning is the Disney Princess Enchanted 10K to help round out the Disney Glass Slipper Challenge, which involves running the 10K and half marathon on consecutive days for a total of 19.3 miles to earn an additional Disney Glass Slipper Challenge Medal!

glass slipper challege medals
2014 Inaugural Glass Slipper Challenge Medals

The Princess Half Marathon and Tinker Bell Half Marathon hosted at Disneyland in California are women-focused runDisney events and focus on healthy and active lifestyles for women and girls. And participants in both the Tinker Bell and Princess Half Marathons have the opportunity to earn a special Coast-to-Coast Challenge medal.

RunDisney
The 2014 Tinker Bell/Princess Half Marathon Coast to Coast Medal

Keep your eyes open, because we hear there might be a ‘tropical’ challenge that might be announced soon that Olaf would LOVE!!!!

Frozen Olaf Summer runDisney Princess Half Marathon

The Princess Half Marathon was my first Half Marathon in 2012, and it is by far my absolute favorite runDisney race!!! I look forward to it every year, because it holds so many special memories and is an amazing display of women and girls excelling in a supportive and positive atmosphere. I love it!

 

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Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores Back To School Giveaway

Win a $50 gift card to

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores

 Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores

It’s almost August, and you know what that means: school bells will be ringing soon, and so will cash registers during back to school shopping. The Florida Sales Tax Holiday is August 1-3, so plan now to take advantage of that. I’ll be looking for deals throughout the month.

That’s why I plan to head to Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, where shopping is hassle-free and you can find factory-direct premium quality merchandise at savings up to 75% off (and sometimes more). Plus, there’s easy store front parking.

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores

Here’s your chance to win a $50 gift certificate to the mall, where you can select merchandise at over 50 spacious outlet shops and get great deals at the area’s only Old Navy outlet store, newcomer U.S. Polo Assn., newly renovated Nike, OshKosh B’Gosh and Tommy Hilfiger Stores, plus other well-known outlets including VF Outlet for uniforms, G by GUESS, Justice, Carter’s, Crocs, Calvin Klein, Levi’s®, Aeropostale, Converse, Famous Footwear Outlet, Fossil, Gap, Izod, Rack Room Shoes, and many more. Don’t forget to stop by and treat yourself at Lindt Chocolate, too!

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores

We are giving away one (1) $50 gift certificate to the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores. this offer is only valid for one winner, one time, through 2014. No duplicate entries at multiple blogger websites, please.This contest is open to US residents 18 and older. You will be contacted by email about winning, and have 48 hours to respond. pick up your gift certificate in the mall office any week day between 10am-5pm. Please be prepared to show a photo ID.Also, please note that gift certificates MUST be picked up between July 30 and August 30, 2014.  Sorry, we are unable to mail gift certificates. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Even if you don’t win, you can get in on the savings by downloading a coupon from the Center’s website, then bringing it to Travelpro at the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores to receive a coupon booklet valued up to $400 in savings. Many stores offer additional savings from 20-40% off to “Friends & Family.”  Savvy discount shoppers can learn about these discounts, as well as specific stores and their hours by following the center on FacebookTwitter and Pinterest, as well as visiting www.lbvfs.com. Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores is located just one mile from Walt Disney World at 15657 S. Apopka Vineland Road (State Road 535), Orlando, FL 32821-6316, and two miles south of I-4, Exit 68. Stores are openMonday-Saturday, 10am-9pm, and 10am-7pm on Sunday.

 Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores

Let the school bells ring!

DISCLOSURE: Through a partnership with Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores , I was provided with a gift certificate to the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores and one to giveaway. All opinions are my own.

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D23 Disney Fanniversary Tickets Available Now To The General Public

D23 Disney Fanniversary 2014 Fanniversary Logo

D23 Disney Fanniversary Celebration Tickets Now Available To The General Public

The Official Disney Fan Club Brings Roadshow Event to Burbank, San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, Orlando, and Washington, D.C.

Guests Will Celebrate Favorite Disney Movies, Attractions, Music, Television Shows, Characters, and More.

 

Tickets are now on sale to the general public for the D23 Disney Fanniversary Celebration presented by Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection. The live event will bring Disney magic to 11 cities across the U.S., commemorating dozens of milestones celebrating landmark anniversaries this year.

D23 Disney Fanniversary

Included in the 105-minute show created by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are tributes to beloved classics such as: Donald Duck’s 80th anniversary, the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, Sleeping Beauty, Haunted Mansion, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Little Mermaid, the Disney Afternoon, The Lion King, Splash Mountain, and many more. Plus, Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection will debut never-before-heard songs from the upcoming releases honoringSleeping Beauty and The Little Mermaid. The show will also feature exclusive video interviews with Disney Legends, luminaries, and celebrities sharing stories about the “Fanniversary” to which they contributed.

In addition, following each show, two rare items from the Walt Disney Archives will be on display for guests to see and photograph: a hat worn by Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins, and a “Duckster” award. Created in 1952, this bronze-colored award in the image of Donald Duck honored those who made significant contributions to Disney over the years. Both Walt Disney and Donald Duck himself were among the recipients of this unique honor.

D23 Disney Fanniversary

Tickets for the general public are available now for $40 each. Specially priced tickets are available for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. Tickets are available at D23.com/Events. The touring schedule is as follows:

  • August 9: Burbank, Calif.
  • August 10: San Diego
  • August 16 & 17: San Francisco
  • September 6: Chicago
  • September 13: Seattle
  • September 20: Atlanta
  • September 21: Philadelphia
  • September 26: Washington, D.C.
  • September 28: New York City
  • October 4: Boston
  • October 25: Orlando

For times, locations, and additional details, please visit the event listing page.

 

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Team Building 101 With Guardians Of The Galaxy

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With the 10th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Guardians of the Galaxy, being released in less than a month (August 1, 2014) it’s no surprise to see that the marketing push for the movie is in full force.  There have been several trailers and featurettes released that give you a glimpse of characters that probably leave many who are not too familiar with the Marvel Universe wondering how this clearly science fiction film has any connection to superheroes in general.  For that I’m sure many will have to wait until the movie is released, but what about these characters themselves?  How does a team of a “thief”, two “thugs”, and two assassins come to be a team that is capable of doing anything together, let alone saving the universe?

That’s where the movie scene shown during the Guardians of the Galaxy IMAX Sneak Peek comes in.   Not all friendships and bonds are simply found.  Often, at times of dire circumstance, they are thrust upon you in unexpected ways.  Without specifics, what we saw on screen was a demonstration of that.  Five individuals placed into an unfamiliar location and circumstance working together to achieve a common and mutually beneficial goal… saving their own keisters.

As a comic book fan, and someone who is familiar with the Guardians of the Galaxy, here’s what I felt I saw.  Four out of five characters amazingly on point for how they are in comic books, and one I’m not too sure of yet as I’m trying to figure out how much of his past has been changed for the movie.  It’s a scene central to the formation of this team and to do that it harkened back to an event and location in comic books that pre-dates their formation during Annihilation: Conquest.  There are quite a few “name drops”, and references to things that will also make fans quite happy.  All this plus lots of gunfire and some awesome mayhem in the span of 17 minutes.  Sadly though, no new songs from the Star-Lord’s Mix Tape were in this preview.

What does this mean for moviegoers?  Simply put, only good things.  From what I saw this movie could quite possibly exceed the high bar set by The Avengers 2 years ago.  These characters are removed enough (though integral to) the whole of the Marvel Universe that this movie will be an excellent jumping in point for someone who has not yet seen any or all of the other MCU movies.  And it will be well received by existing fans.  The only downside may be that this movie may be a lot for some viewers to absorb and understand clocking in at only 122 minutes (according to IMDb).  Or to quote Peter “Star-Lord” Quill, “Something good.  Something bad.  A little bit of both.

In addition to doing the web design and programming for the On the Go in MCO website, Todd Perlmutter is a host for the Disney Film Project Podcast.

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Vintage Disneyland Video

Happy Friday!!!

To celebrate the end of a great week and to bring an extra smile to your face, take a second to take a look at some captivating footage of Disneyland as it looked in 1968.

httpv://m.youtube.com/watch?v=naamRGkVxJU#

For those of you who have made the pilgrimage to Walt’s first Park, it’s amazing to see how do many details remain engagingly the same (and also fun to compare how things looked “then” compared to “now”.)

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SpaceX Rocket Launch July 14 Information

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex SpaceX

Guests Can Enjoy Best Public Viewing of SpaceX

Rocket Launch on July 14 at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

 

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering a “front row seat” to view the July 14 SpaceX Falcon 9 launch, which is scheduled for 9:21 a.m. The Visitor Complex will open early at 7:30 a.m. to accommodate launch viewing opportunities and provide the closest possible public viewing area: the Apollo/Saturn V Center inside Kennedy Space Center.

From the Apollo/Saturn V Center, guests will have a direct view of the Falcon 9 rocket on the launch pad and the exciting liftoff. Viewing also will be available at the Visitor Complex. Both  viewing areas feature live launch commentary and are included in daily admission. Admission to the Visitor Complex is $50 plus tax for adults and $40 plus tax for children 3-11.

Bus boarding to the Apollo/Saturn V Center for guests will be available via the KSC Tour Buses beginning at 7:30 a.m. Guests should arrive at the Visitor Complex no later than 8:30 a.m. to allow time for transportation to the Apollo/Saturn V Center for launch viewing.

The viewing area at the Apollo/Saturn V Center features an open lawn and bleacher section overlooking the Banana River. Food concessions and restroom facilities are available at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will lift off from Launch Pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Falcon 9 rocket will launch six second-generation ORBCOMM communications satellites to provide two-way data messaging services for global customers.

On launch day, the Visitor Complex will remain open until 7 p.m., offering a full-day space experience, with such attractions and activities as:

  • Space Shuttle AtlantisSM, where visitors can “be the astronaut” as they get nose to nose with a real spaceflown orbiter. Space Shuttle Atlantis is displayed as if floating in space – the only space shuttle orbiter in the world exhibited this way. Guests can also flex their astronaut abilities as they train on various simulators: take a simulated spacewalk, land the space shuttle on the shuttle landing facility, operate the robotic Canadarm or dock with the International Space Station.
  • KSC Up-Close Explore Tour, which gives visitors an insider’s view of the U.S. Space Program, from the launch sites of today at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to the past and future of space exploration at Kennedy Space Center. The KSC Up-Close Explore Tour includes up-close views of the massive, 525-foot-high Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and the Shuttle Landing Facility. The tour stops in between the Kennedy Space Center launch pads for a close-up photo opportunity, in front of the VAB, and on the NASA Causeway where guests are surrounded by a panoramic view of launch pads at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
  • The Apollo/Saturn V Center, where dramatic multi-media shows and numerous hands-on displays provide visitors with an inspirational and exhilarating look into America’s quest for the moon. Guests relive the historic launch of Apollo 8 at the Firing Room Theater, then marvel at a monstrous 363-foot long Saturn V moon rocket, the most powerful rocket ever built and one of only three Saturn V rockets in existence. The Apollo Treasures Gallery showcases treasures from the Apollo moon missions, including Apollo 14 Commander Alan Shepard’s spacesuit and the Apollo 14 Command Module, Kitty Hawk.

Admission tickets may be purchased at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com or by calling 877-313-2610.

Launch date, time and viewing locations are subject to change.

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Frozen Summer Fun Live! First Impressions

Frozen Summer FunFrozen is a phenomenon that seems to have taken the world by storm. Disney’s Hollywood Studios introduced a new summer event that started this past Saturday and runs through September 1st. The special event is called Frozen Summer Fun Live! and has different entertainment and shopping opportunities throughout the day. Please note that there will not be fireworks the evening of August 23rd since that is the night of the special hard ticket event Villains Unleashed. All other aspects of the Frozen Summer Fun Live! should take place as scheduled on that date.

Being that this was the first day and a holiday weekend, I thought it best to make good use of the fact that I was staying at Port Orleans French Quarter and took advantage of Extra Magic Hours. The first scheduled event for Frozen didn’t take place until 11am, however I had a feeling the lines for merchandise might get a bit out of hand the later into the day it got. So, arriving at the park before EMH at 8am wasn’t exactly fun, but ended up being the right call. When Shelley and I arrived, we were greeted (okay, along with all the other guests) by snow on Hollywood Blvd, which was a nice touch.

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After stopping for a few pictures along the way, we arrived at Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post at 8:10am. The line was already a couple of switchbacks deep at this point. Thankfully, we made it inside to check out all of the Frozen merchandise with only about a 15 minute wait. Later in the day this time soared to several hours, so if you are going on a weekend especially and staying on property, get in early for EMH and get out of the trading post. I’d like to note that the procedures changed throughout the day (keep in mind it was the first day of an event that seems to have come together relatively quickly as events go in the parks). At one point, when we arrived, there were separate lines for the Trading Post and for Oaken’s Frozen Funland, but when we returned later they were combined lines. We decided to skip the Funland for now and returned later when the line subsided some.

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Once we grabbed breakfast after finishing our shopping, we decided it was getting close to 10am, so we should probably find a spot for the first event of Frozen Summer Fun at 11. Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome starts near the front of the park and proceeds up Hollywood Blvd to make a stop at the Sorcerer’s Hat stage. After a brief singalong to Let It Go, most of the processional returns to their floats and continues along the parade route in front of American Idol, ending by the Jedi Training Academy stage. This was a short processional, but a nice way to see the characters, and was the debut of Kristoff. Some guests may recognize familiar elements borrowed from the Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade featured during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom.  Shelley watched the parade from Hollywood Blvd near the intersection of Sunset Blvd and I watched from the benches across from the restrooms near Backlot Express. I think for a first timer, it is a better experience on Hollywood with the snow and then being able to follow up to the stage for the singalong. As far as we could tell, the only thing I missed out on from my location was the small group of young Frozen fans included in the parade. For repeat viewing though, I loved my spot on the benches with nobody allowed to stand in front as it is close to where the floats come.

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We learned while we were waiting for the parade that tickets were required for the next event, the For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration at 12:30pm. This is why I ended up splitting from Shelley before the parade started. Tickets are handed out back at the corner of San Francisco Street by the Premiere Theater from park opening (not EMH). Each guest in your party should be present to collect the ticket for whichever time of the show you’d like to attend. There are several shows each day, usually about an hour apart starting in the afternoon. I got there around 10:25am and there were still several hundred tickets left for the first show. On the ticket, a return time is listed to queue up near the extended queue for Muppetvision, which is often used during Star Wars Weekends for shows in the same theater.

859294531For me, the singalong was what I was most looking forward to, but it even ended up exceeding my expectations. Since this was the first day of Frozen Summer Fun, we didn’t have a lot of information or really know what to expect beyond what was in the times guide. The approximately 30 minute show featured stage performers, primarily Eric and Aria, the Royal Historians of Arendelle, as well as Princess Anna, Queen Elsa and Kristoff.  The historians help tell the story of Frozen and lead guests along in a singalong of most of the songs from the movie where one can follow the bouncing snowflake on the video screen along with clips from the film. The performers were fantastic and added so much more humor to the story and what could have been your usual old singalong. For us, this was absolutely the highlight of the day and Frozen Summer Fun! I’ve even included a video below of some of the highlights, but left out the surprise ending.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5116pm6T6A&list=UUxhza5Nkv4ukqKmIFLE9dgA&feature=share&index=2

Later in the day, we made our way back to Oaken’s Frozen Funland to check out the indoor ice skating. Since I’ve got a bum knee and aversion to most things cold, I opted to simply watch the fun unfold. For those who have been in Sound Stage 1 before for things like Darth’s Mall during Star Wars Weekend, I will say they have made an amazing transformation of the same space. It was absolutely incredible how you felt transported to Arendelle! I loved that there were some Magic Shots created just for this event and Photopass photographers were setup inside and out for several of these locations. Luckily, I had Memory Maker for this trip and have included some of those shots here. The highlight of the space is definitely the indoor ice skating on real ice. There’s even a mini Zamboni to clean it! We were fortunate enough to time our visit right and to catch the performance of Wandering Oaken’s cousins and their ice skating to some of the songs from Frozen. This was fantastic and so much fun. I also loved seeing the young kids (and their parents) get to play in the Do You Want To Build A Snowman Snowground.

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httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ifz1_IDwqBQ&list=UUxhza5Nkv4ukqKmIFLE9dgA&feature=share

Due to some prior commitments, we were not able to stay for the dance party and fireworks, but that gives us something to look forward to catching over the next few weeks. I absolutely loved the Frozen Summer Fun celebration and think you should check it out. Even some of my friends who aren’t as big of Frozen fans as I am thought that the event was well done and were impressed with what they had seen. Have you been yet to Frozen Summer Fun Live! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? If so, what were your first impressions? Will you be heading back like I will be several times over the next couple of months?

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