A Walk Around The Amazing CityWalk Expansion

Universal Orlando Resort Holidays Universal Orlando CityWalk

DISCLOSURE: I was an invited guest of the Universal Orlando Resort, and I was provided with admission, lodging, and promotional items for sharing my opinions, experiences, and thoughts. All opinions are my own.

CityWalk, at the Universal Orlando Resort, has always been an exciting nighttime destination in Orlando, however over the last eight months seven new and two enhanced venues have really brought new life to this bustling area!

Universal Orlando CityWalk

This epic CityWalk expansion was the product of a nationwide search for culinary concepts that included a mix of established national brands, up-and-coming concepts and Universal’s own creations. The new venues all share an overall theme that includes inviting common areas, al fresco dining, open kitchens and more.

Antojitos Construction earlier this year
Antojitos Construction earlier this year

Over the past months, we have had the opportunity to spend a lot of time exploring the new additions to CityWalk and are anxiously awaiting our chance to try ‘Burgushi’ at The Cowfish.

So join us as we take a look around the new and enhanced CityWalk Venues with some great photos from Betsy Bates!

A closer look at the CityWalk Expansion

Red Oven Pizza Bakery

Orlando CityWalk Universal Orlando - Red Brick Oven

Take a quick trip to Italy for authentic, artisan pizza–made fresh, while you wait–at Universal CityWalk’s first-ever Neopolitan-style pizza bakery. The combination of the highest quality ingredients and a traditional 900-degree stone-lined oven ensures every slice is pizza perfection.

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The menu at Red Brick Oven Pizza Bakery features some really yummy pizza combinations, fresh salads, and beverages.

Orlando CityWalk Universal Orlando - Red Brick Oven

The outside seating area is really relaxed and covered to shield you from the rain and sun!

Orlando CityWalk Universal Orlando -  Red Brick Oven

I’ve really enjoyed the Alla Benno red pizza! It’s a really great combination of sweet, salty, and spicy!

Orlando CityWalk Universal Orlando - Red Brick Oven

Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food

Orlando CityWalk Universal Orlando -

Take a journey through the cantinas, street carts, and markets of Mexico for unique tapas-style dining at Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food. Only the freshest ingredients are used to create craveable, made from scratch Mexican street fare in an environment of unmatched authenticity.

I adore Antojitos!

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The authentic Mexican Cuisine and specialty drinks are served up in a vibrant environment of art and music! The downstairs of Antojitos has a more relaxed feel, while the upstairs dining area has the vibe of a fancy family meal!

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You can check out my post on icFlorida.com from the opening of Antojitos in February!

Hot Dog Hall of Fame

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Strike out your hunger at Hot Dog Hall of Fame with some of the most iconic hot dog creations from our nation’s most famous ballparks. Take a seat in the bleachers and enjoy a loaded Chicago dog with all the toppings, a perfectly charred Boston brat, a monster LA dog and more.

Orlando CityWalk Universal Orlando -

The seating for the Hot Dog Hall of Fame lets you know that you are definitely in for a unique and fun experience when you choose to eat here!

Orlando CityWalk Universal Orlando - If you are a mustard lover, you will definitely want to visit the Hot Dog Hall of Fame to try all of their mustard creations!

The Cowfish

Orlando CityWalk Universal Orlando -

Innovative sushi joins forces with creative burgers for an untraditional dining experience at this reincarnation of the popular North Carolina hotspot. The result: “Burgushi”. A cutting-edge fusion of burger and sushi, burgushi items include sushi rolls created using burger components and sandwiches created using sushi elements.

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During the Orlando CityWalk announcement in December, nothing garnered as much interest as an item called ‘burgushi’, which is a burger topped with sushi elements, and I seriously cannot wait to give it a try!!!!!!

Vivo

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Immerse yourself in the essence of modern Italian cuisine at this new restaurant created by Universal Orlando. Watch as the culinary team handcrafts your pasta from scratch to create fresh takes on classic dishes in a clean, contemporary dining atmosphere.

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We had the chance to dine at the VIVO Italian Kitchen during our Diagon Alley FAM trip, and it was amazing! The food is rustic and comforting with a flair for the unexpected!

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I will be sharing more about our meal at VIVO soon!

Bread Box

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With a Bread Box sandwich, you’ll be transported back to your childhood kitchen or your favorite street corner deli. Here you’ll find that the combination of quality meats and vegetables, fresh bread, and simple preparation can transform a sandwich into something more.

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While I haven’t gotten the chance to try Bread Box yet, it has a really fun vibe and sandwiches that look amazing!

Orlando CityWalk Universal Orlando - I seriously want to try ALL of the grilled cheese Bread Boxes!!!!

Cold Stone Creamery

Orlando CityWalk Universal Orlando -

For more than 25 years, Cold Stone Creamery has served up the finest, freshest ice cream, cakes, smoothies and shakes using only the highest quality ingredients and their signature process of preparing your custom ice cream creation on a frozen granite stone.

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Is there really anything better than Coldstone on a hot Florida day??? It is really great to have this familiar favorite as a new venue in CityWalk!

Menchie’s

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One of the world’s most popular frozen yogurt shops is coming to Universal CityWalk. The dream was to create a place where people from all walks of life and ages could enjoy themselves—not only with great tasting, quality frozen yogurt and an expansive self-serve toppings bar, but with a unique experience in a fun and happy environment that makes you smile.

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I know that my daughter LOVES that Menchie’s has been added to CityWalk!!! We used to climb the ramp and stairs to go to TCBY, but now I notice that no matter how tired she is Zoe zips up there quicker!

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The Menchie’s location has a good amount of indoor seating, a large assortment of both topics and yogurt flavors, and a staff that is crazy friendly.

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Universal Orlando Annual Passholders also receive a discount here, so make sure that you show your pass at the register!

Starbucks

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While there has always been a Starbucks located in CityWalk, their new venue is full of indoor and outdoor seating and is beautiful inside!

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I cannot tell you how excited I about the expanded seating areas and the fact that it is on the ‘first’ floor of CityWalk!

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Starbucks is our go-to place to grab a bite of breakfast before heading into the parks, and it is so easy to pop in and out of now! We love it!

Universal Studios Store

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The new and improved Universal Studios Store is an absolute welcome addition to CityWalk!

Orlando CityWalk Universal Orlando -

They carry a huge variety of park merchandise in one place, and it has been a trip-saver for us on more than one occasion!

All of these new venues have really brought a new life to CityWalk at the Universal Orlando Resort, and I seriously can’t wait to explore and try them some more!

What is your favorite venue at CityWalk?

It’s never a dull moment at the Universal Orlando Resort, so make sure that you keep up with the latest news by following the Universal Orlando Resort on FacebookTwitterInstagramand YouTube.

 

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Dead Fall Voting Starts For Howl-O-Scream Scares

Dead Fall

Dead Fall Howl-O-Scream Fans Choose “Gardening Shears”

Third Round of Facebook Voting Starts Today – Name Dead Fall’s Resident Ghost

 
Howl-O-Scream 2014 Facebook fans have once again spoken, and the murder weapon of Dead Fall’s Gardener is a pair of gardening shears. Thousands of fans participated in the second round of voting and will be able to see the end result when they visit Dead Fall and witness how the shears bring the groundskeeper to his demise.
 
The third and final poll, open today through Aug. 26, allows fans to name the resident ghost of Dead Fall. Perched in an overhead branch on estate grounds is a precocious young male ghost who watches, teases and distracts you as you try to make it out of Dead Fall’s Hedge Maze.  Visit the Howl-O-Scream Facebook page to vote to name this resident of Dead Fall – the winning name will be prominently displayed on his tree house on estate grounds.
 
 
Stay tuned to the Howl-O-Scream Facebook and Instagram accounts for more contests and updated event information.
 
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtcJI_vZxzE
Freaky Preview returns this year with Howl-O-Scream 2014’s opening weekend on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26 and 27. The event then runsThursday through Saturday nights, Oct. 2-Nov. 1Howl-O-Scream will also be open on Sunday, Oct. 19.  Operating hours are 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. for all event nights.
 
General admission is $89 plus tax. Reduced advance-purchase rates and special offers are available for Busch Gardens Pass members at HowlOScream.com. Guests can save $39 on general admission tickets in advance at participating Publix Supermarkets and AAA locations.  Take advantage of promotional codes found at participating WingHouse and Taco Bell locations in Central Florida and on Fanta products in participating Walgreens and Coca-Cola products in participating Circle K locations.
 
Howl-O-Scream 2014 is a separate ticketed night event. No costumes are allowed. For guest information, visit HowlOScream.com or call 1-888-800-5447. For media inquiries contact Busch Gardens Public Relations at 813-987-5090 or BGTPublic.Relations@BuschGardens.com.
 
Use #howloscream and follow Howl-O-Scream on FacebookInstagram,  Twitter and YouTube  to learn about promotions and insider information first.   
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Cirque Du Soleil Presents Varekai Amway Center Giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I was given tickets to see Cirque du Soleil presents Varekai at the Amway Center in exchange for this blog post. All opinions are my own.

 Cirque du Soleil Vareki Amway Center

Cirque Du Soleil presents Varekai

at the Amway Center Giveaway!

Win two tickets to see Cirque du Soleil presents Varekai at Amway Center on September 17, 2014, dinner certificate for the Magic Grill, and one parking pass.

Today my husband Dave and I are celebrating our 10th Wedding Anniversary, and one of our most favorites dates of all time was a fun and romantic night of dinner and seeing Cirque du Soleil presents Varekai!

Cirque du Soleil Vareki Amway Center

To keep the celebration going, we are offering you the chance to win two tickets to see Cirque du Soleil presents Varekai at Amway Center on September 17, 2014, dinner certificate for the Magic Grill, and one parking pass.

Cirque du Soleil Vareki Amway Center

Cirque du Soleil presents Varekai is an absolutely beautiful show!!!

Deep within a forest, at the summit of a volcano, exists an extraordinary world a world where something else is possible. A world called Varekai.

Cirque du Soleil Vareki Amway Center

 

The sky lets go a solitary young man, and the story of Varekai begins. Parachuted into the shadows of a magical forest, a kaleidoscopic world imbued with fantastical creatures, a young man takes flight in an adventure both absurd and extraordinary. On this day at the edge of time, in this place of pure and undiluted possibility, begins an inspired incantation to a life rediscovered and to a newly found wonder in the mysteries of the world and the mind.

Cirque du Soleil Vareki Amway Center

 

The word Varekai (pronounced ver·ay·’kie) means “wherever” in the Romany language of the gypsies the universal wanderers. Directed by Dominic Champagne, this production pays tribute to the nomadic soul, to the spirit and art of the circus tradition, and to those who quest with infinite passion along the path that leads to Varekai.

The Magic Grill is conveniently located on the northwest corner of Amway Center, Magic Grill is open to the public and features two large bars, outdoor seating and more than a dozen flat screen TV’s. This all-new restaurant is the perfect spot for fans to gather in a relaxed setting to enjoy traditional sports pub fare with a modern twist.

WWE RAW

 

The Magic Grill is reasonably priced and open before, during, and after events at the Amway Center. We make it a point to get to events on the earlier side so we can pop in for a bite before we go in (through their own entrance to the Amway Center!). My favorite thing to order is the Barbacoa Chicken Quesadilla, but the burgers are Dave’s favorite!

And now for the fun part!!!

Win two tickets to see Cirque du Soleil presents Varekai at Amway Center on September 17, 2014, dinner certificate for the Magic Grill, and one parking pass.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest is open to Residents of the United States who are eighteen(18) years and older.  We will be giving away Win two (2) tickets to see Cirque du Soleil presents Varekai at Amway Center on September 17, 2014, dinner certificate for the Magic Grill, and one (1) parking pass.Void where prohibited by law. We use Rafflecopter to choose one lucky winner at random, and each & every contest entry will be verified. The winner of our contest will be contacted by email (so be sure to double check your entry) and will have 48 hours to respond to the email or a new winner will be chosen. The winner will be responsible for picking up their tickets on the day of the show at the Amway Center’s Will Call with a valid photo ID. Good luck!

Tickets to see Cirque du Soleil presents Varekai at the Amway Center are still available!

cirque du soleil varekai amway center

  • $35 to $150 | All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges.

  • Door opening times for the Amway Center vary according to each event. Guests may enter the arena one hour prior to the start time of each event, unless otherwise specifically noted. Guests may check door times in advance by calling 407.440.7900.

  • The show reserves the right to approve camera use at any time during and/or before the event and to prohibit the use of any camera that is deemed unacceptable. Cameras with a detachable lens and/or 6” or longer, tablets and the use of flash photography are prohibited at all Amway Center events. Check amwaycenter.com or call the administration office at 407.440.7000 prior to the event for any camera policy updates. Camera policy is subject to change at any time at the show’s discretion.

cirque du soleil varekai amway center

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Holy Guest Stars, Batman!

Batman box setIf you grew up like me watching the Adam West version of Batman on tv, you may have heard that the series is being released on blu ray and dvd later this year. This show has been at the top of my list (along with The Wonder Years) of series I’ve been hoping to be released for years now. Who doesn’t love the campiness of the Pow! Sock! Blam! Zap! Splat! onomatopoeia that came along with Batman and Robin laying waste to the villainy that plagued Gotham City?

This classic series ran from 1966 to 1968, but has lived on in pop culture and in syndication for the decades since.  I have owned Batman: The Movie for years, which was also released in 1966, but wasn’t put out on dvd until 2001. The Caped Crusader and Boy Wonder have long been some of my favorite super heroes and I cannot wait to buy this box set of all 120 episodes with bonus features when it is released on November 11th.

What I thought I’d take a look at today is some of the awesome guest stars, usually in the forms of villains, that graced the small screen in Batman’s two year run. Some became series regulars, but others were only in a single story arc. To the Batmobile!

Some of my favorite roles of guest stars were simple cameos in the form of what is commonly known as the Batclimb. This is when Batman and Robin must scale the side of a building for one reason or another, and out of one of the windows pops a celebrity, or Kato and the Green Hornet thanks to Bruce Lee and Van Williams. This is how we encountered acting legends like Edward G. Robinson, pop culture mainstays like Dick Clark, singers Don Ho and Sammy Davis Jr., tv regulars like Art Linkletter, Werner Klemperer as Colonel Klink from Hogan’s Heroes, and Jerry Lewis.

Sammy Davis, Jr.
Sammy Davis, Jr.
Art Linkletter
Art Linkletter
Edward G. Robinson
Edward G. Robinson
Jerry Lewis
Jerry Lewis

Fans of stage and screen may appreciate some of the parallels like Gypsy Rose Lee and also Ethel Merman who was famous for portraying her on stage in Gypsy. Mary Poppins fans might spot Mrs. Banks actress Glynnis Johns and one of the maids for the Banks family who was played by Hermione Baddeley. Stars of tv and music from the 1960s were pretty prevalent in the show’s almost three year run. Jerry Mathers aka Beaver Cleaver had an uncredited role in one Batman episode. Alan Hale Jr., the Skipper from Gilligan’s Island, showed up too.

Jerry Mathers
Jerry Mathers

Women who were popular at the time had brief roles in Batman as a variety of lethal ladies. Zsa Zsa Gabor played Minerva in two episodes, which I had not seen until this year. Shelley Winters, probably best known for her roles in A Place In The Sun opposite Montogmery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor, and the 1970s disaster flick Poseidon Adventure, also put in time as the villainous Ma Parker. Singer Lesley Gore, diva Joan Collins, stage and screen legend Tallulah Bankhead, and later Bond girl Jill St. John made appearances on Batman as well.

Check this out: Tallulah Bankhead was directed in the film A Royal Scandal by Otto Preminger. He was one of the actors who played Mr. Freeze, and he fathered a child with Gypsy Rose Lee. And as we already have learned, Gypsy was played on stage by Ethel Merman. And all of them were guest stars on the show! Holy tangled web of stars, Batman!

Tallulah Bankhead
Tallulah Bankhead
Otto Preminger
Otto Preminger
Gypsy Rose Lee
Gypsy Rose Lee
Ethel Merman
Ethel Merman
Vincent Price
Vincent Price

There are so many more stars who made their way to Batman over the years, but I can’t list them all here. I will list a few more of my favorites though. Tv host Steve Allen, tv/film actor/director Rob Reiner, the voice of Fred Flintstone Alan Reed, Honeymooner’s star Art Carney, Gomez Addams/Patty Duke’s ex husband/Sean Astin’s father John Astin, classic film character actor Eli Wallach, Liberace, Milton Berle, actors Roddy McDowall, Cliff Robertson, James Brolin, master of macabre Vincent Price, and Nat from Beverly Hills 90210 Joe E. Tata.

These guest stars don’t even begin to scratch the surface of the fantastic list of people who acted on Batman from 1966 to 1968. I tried to highlight some of the more popular names, and ones that I found fun connections between. I didn’t even get into some of the most popular characters like Cesar Romero as the Joker, Burgess Meredith as the Penguin, Julie Newmar/Eartha Kitt/Lee Meriwether as Catwoman, Frank Gorshin as the Riddler, Victor Buono as King Tut, and tons more.

Hope you enjoyed this look back at some of the famous faces the Dynamic Duo encountered in their time on screen! For those who get the Independent Film Channel (IFC), Batman is airing six or seven times a day every day right now. Check your local listings for times. Tune in next week – same Bat Time and same Bat Channel for more fun! I will leave you with this one parting image, as all things should end, with the Batusi.

Batusi

 

 

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O-Town MacDown Competition This Saturday

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Saturday, August 23
11am – 4pm
Orange County Convention Center
Hall D2 West Concourse

Online Ticket Sales End Friday at 5pm
($10 Adult, $5 Kids)
Tickets Available at the Door
($15 Adults, $10 Kids)

*There is a discounted community parking fee of $9.00 if you choose to park at the Convention Center.

Come see the O-Town MacDown, a delicious “food fight” cooking competition featuring professional chefs and restaurants as well as home cooks and non-profit organizations who will duke it out to the very end to be named Orlando’s Mac-n-Cheese Champion.

Prizes will be awarded in various categories, and the event will include live entertainment, celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, live performances, a kids’ fun zone including face painting, bounce houses and macaroni art station, theme park character meet-and-greets and vendor booths.

Presenting sponsor SeaWorld along with Give Kids The World invite the general public to come sample the cheesiest mac-n-cheese that area culinary combatants have to offer at this cooking challenge.

Attendance and participation benefits Give Kids The World Village, a 70-acre, nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides weeklong, cost-free vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

For more information visit the website.

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LEGOLAND Florida LEGOLAND Hotel Taking Reservations

LEGOLAND Hotel 

LEGOLAND FLORIDA RESORT is offering guests a chance to book their spot in history for the opening of the LEGOLAND Hotel! 

Reservations now being accepted for the new LEGOLAND® Hotel, opening Summer 2015

It’s less than one year before LEGOLAND Florida Resort opens the doors to its new LEGOLAND Hotel, and the window is now officially open for guests to book their rooms!

LEGOLAND Hotel

Opening Summer 2015, the five story LEGO themed hotel will feature 152 brightly colored and highly themed rooms and suites, thousands of LEGO models and interactive play areas!

The addition of the Hotel gives guests the opportunity to extend their stay and explore LEGOLAND Florida Resort for more than one day giving them the ultimate family experience.

LEGOLAND Hotel

To book your reservation to LEGOLAND Hotel, visit: www.LEGOLANDHotel.com.

LEGOLAND Hotel

Construction is going strong since the November groundbreaking and LEGOLAND Hotel recently reached its “topping off” milestone as the concrete was poured onto the roof.

Emmet, from “The LEGO Movie,” dusted off his construction hat to help with the placing of the Merlin flag. Merlin Entertainments, the parent company of LEGOLAND Parks, is the number one attraction operator in Europe and the second largest in the world with more than 100 attractions in 22 countries and across four continents.

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Located at the main entrance of LEGOLAND Florida, the Hotel includes a pool, restaurants including a kid-size buffet, interactive play areas and is truly designed to inspire imaginations and create memories for all visitors. Hotel guests will have early access to the Park and be treated to nightly entertainment.

LEGOLAND Hotel

Families can choose from one of three popular LEGO toy lines as their room theme: Pirate, Kingdom or Adventure.

LEGOLAND Hotel
LEGOLAND Hotel Pirate Premium Themed Room
LEGOLAND Hotel
LEGOLAND Hotel Kingdom Premium Themed Room
LEGOLAND Hotel
LEGOLAND Hotel Adventure Premium Themed Room

All rooms include two separate sleeping areas, with a queen-size bed for grown-ups, and a separate sleeping area for up to three little ones, complete with a bunk bed, pull-out trundle bed and their very own TV! An exciting new room theme will be announced at a later date. Room rates start as low as $249, varying by season. For the most updated information, visit Florida.LEGOLAND.com.

LEGOLAND Hotel LEGOLAND Florida Resort

About LEGOLAND® Florida Resort:

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is a 150-acre interactive theme park with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, a Water Park and The LEGO® World of Chima presented by Cartoon Network all geared to families with children ages 2 to 12. Recently announced, The LEGOLAND Hotel will open in 2015 featuring 152 highly themed rooms and suites, LEGO décor, interactive play areas, a pool and a restaurant. There are currently five other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Germany and LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London and LEGOLAND Malaysia —the sixth LEGOLAND Park and first in Asia. The LEGOLAND theme parks are a part of Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest attractions operator in the world. For the most current information, log on to www.LEGOLAND.com.

About Merlin Entertainments:

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS plc is the leading name in location-based, family entertainment. Europe’s number one and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates 104 attractions, 10 hotels/3 holiday villages in 22 countries and across 4 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its almost 60 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and more than 20,000 employees.

Merlin has twenty three attractions and one hotel in North America  – including two stunning LEGOLAND Resorts – LEGOLAND Florida with its theme park, water park, and LEGOLAND California theme park with water park, SEA LIFE Aquarium and themed hotel; Madame Tussauds celebrity wax attractions in New York City, Washington D.C., Las Vegas; Hollywood; and San Francisco; LEGOLAND Discovery Centers in Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Kansas City Missouri, Atlanta, Boston; Westchester and Toronto, Canada; a Dungeon in San Francisco; and SEA LIFE Aquariums in Phoenix, Arizona; Kansas City, Missouri; Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, the Mall of America in Minneapolis and Charlotte underlining the company’s position as the world’s biggest global aquarium operator.  Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.

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Artegon Marketplace Opening Date Announced

Artegon Marketplace

Artegon Marketplace Orlando

Opens November 20

International Drive’s Newest Shopping Attraction Features
Florida’s Largest Daily Indoor Artisan Marketplace and World-Class Anchors
 
Redevelopment of Former I-Drive Landmark to Create 675 New Jobs
 
Artegon Marketplace Orlando, a 1.1 million-square-foot shopping attraction and artisan marketplace, is scheduled to open on November 20 in the heart of Orlando’s tourism district on International Drive. Paragon Outlet Partners, LLC has redeveloped the former Festival Bay Mall into a new shopping concept for the region inspired by such famous marketplaces as Seattle’s Pike Place, Boston’s Faneuil Hall, New York’s Chelsea Market and the London Flower Market.
 
“We are making a significant investment to reinvigorate one of the most valuable parcels on I-Drive, delivering an asset to the community that will create jobs, support local artisans, craftspeople and entrepreneurs, and contribute to the local tax base,” said Steven Sless, executive vice president for Paragon Outlet Partners. Sless forecasts Artegon Marketplace will create more than 675 new jobs. At the peak of construction, more than 150 workers were employed.
Artegon Marketplace 
Artegon Marketplace will house Florida’s largest daily indoor artisan marketplace with more than 160 studio spaces featuring unique art, one-of-a-kind boutiques, handcrafted items and diverse food offerings from some of Central Florida’s finest craftspeople. “We have curated a collection of many of the area’s top artisans, carefully selected for the quality and uniqueness of their works. Food and drink purveyors offer fresh, farm-direct fare of the highest quality,” said Sless.
 
Complementing the artisan marketplace, Artegon Marketplace is anchored by some of the biggest brands in dining and retail, including Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Cinemark Theaters, Sheplers Western Stores, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, and Berghoff’s Octoberfest. The latter two venues are scheduled to open between fall 2014 and spring 2015.
 
Paragon Outlet Partners, LLC is considered one of the most influential and forward-thinking development firms in the nation’s retail real estate industry. Locally, it is also credited with re-energizing the former Belz Factory Outlet into the highly-successful Prime Outlets Orlando that eventually sold to Simon Properties.
 
“Artegon Marketplace is poised to become a must-see attraction for residents, visitors and conventioneers alike, providing them with a new place to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors unique to Central Florida,” Sless continues. “Guests can discover authentic local culture and take home a hand-made treasure and lasting memento of their trip to Orlando.”
Artegon Marketplace’s industrial-chic environment, punctuated by heavy wooden support beams, exposed brick and weathered steel accents, is designed to transport shoppers into an immersive experience unlike any other in Central Florida.  More than 160 local purveyors of handcrafted items and specialty retailers will be selling and demonstrating a kaleidoscope of products and services including eco-friendly handbags and accessories, soaps, jewelry, sculpture, mixed media artwork, custom clothing and much, much more. Hand-crafted foods – ranging from 70 different types of popcorn to hot sauces, nuts and local honey – offer a smorgasbord for eating and gift-giving. 
 
The Artegon Marketplace experience is also highly interactive with caricaturists, henna and jawa tattoo painters, canvas airbrush artists, and other edgy performers.  Visitors can watch glassblowing in a studio. Artegon’s center court will feature an expansive rope climbing attraction. Streetmosphere performers, from jugglers to singers to stilt walkers, will stroll throughout. More than 20 in-line retailers, including Subway, will round out the guest experience. 
 
For group outings, Artegon Marketplace is an interactive and entertaining addition to the region’s inventory of options for compelling community events, off-site convention outings, corporate parties and bus tours.
 
The center provides ample, free surface parking with 5,800 spaces. Operating hours are 10am-9pm MondaySaturday and 11am-7pm on Sunday. Artisan studios will be open MondaySaturday 11am-8pm and noon-6pm on Sunday. Artegon Marketplace Orlando is located at 5250 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. 
 
To learn more about Artegon Marketplace Orlando, visit ArtegonOrlando.comLike on Facebook and Follow on Twitter and Instagram#EatShopArtegon.
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Marvel Studios Begin Production on Marvel’s Ant-Man

Marvel Studios Begins Production

on Marvel’s Ant-Man

Marvel Ant-Man

Principal Photography Begins in San Francisco

 

Marvel Studios began principal photography today in San Francisco, California, on its newest Super Hero franchise Marvel’s “Ant-Man.” The film brings one of Marvel comics’ original founding members of The Avengers into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The production also shoots on location in Atlanta, Georgia, which serves as the base for the film’s production.

Marvel Ant-Man
Shot on location in San Francisco, Paul Rudd stars as Scott Lang AKA Ant-Man, in Marvel Studio’s Ant-Man, scheduled for release in the U.S. on July 17th, 2015.

Set for release in the United States on July 17, 2015, the film is directed by Peyton Reed (“Bring it On,” “The Break-Up”) and stars Paul Rudd (“I Love You Man,” “Role Models”) as Scott Lang aka Ant-Man, and Michael Douglas (“Behind The Candelabra,” “Wall Street”) as his mentor Dr. Hank Pym and Evangeline Lilly (“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” “Lost”) as Hope Van Dyne, daughter of Hank Pym.

The film also includes outstanding additional cast including Corey Stoll (“House of Cards,” “The Bourne Legacy”), Bobby Cannavale (“Danny Collins,” “Annie,” “HBO’s “The Long Play”), Michael Peña (“End of Watch,” “American Hustle”), Abby Ryder Fortson (“Togetherness”), Judy Greer (“13 Going on 30,” “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”), David Dastmalchian (“The Dark Knight,” “Prisoners”), Wood Harris (“Remember the Titans,” “The Wire”), John Slattery (“Mad Men,” Marvel’s “Iron Man 2”) and Gregg Turkington (“The Comedy,” “On Cinema”) and multi-hyphenate T.I. (“American Gangster,” “Takers”).

Marvel Ant-Man

Based on the Marvel comic character first published in 1962, Marvel’s “Ant-Man” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in Marvel’s “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “Marvel’s The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy” and the upcoming Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

Marvel Ant-Man
Marvel’s Ant-Man SDCC Exclusive concept art poster for Marvels AntMan by Andy Park

Marvel’s “Ant-Man” is produced by Marvel Studios’ president, Kevin Feige, with Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo and Stan Lee serving as executive producers.

Director Peyton Reed’s creative team also includes Oscar® winning cinematographer Russell Carpenter (“Titanic,” “21”), production designer Sheppard Frankel (“Identity Thief,” “Horrible Bosses”) costume designer Sammy Sheldon Differ (“X-Men: First Class,” “Kick Ass”), visual effects supervisor Jake Morrison (Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World,” “The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers”), stunt coordinator Jeff Habberstad (Marvel’s “Iron Man 3,” “X-Men: Days of Future Past”) and six-time Oscar® nominee, special effects supervisor Dan Sudik (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Marvel’s The Avengers”).  The editors include Dan Lebental, ACE (Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World,” Marvel’s “Iron Man”) and Colby Parker Jr. (“Lone Survivor,” “Hancock”).

 Marvels Ant Man Marvel Studio Logo

Marvel Studios’ upcoming release schedule includes Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” on May 1, 2015, Marvel’s “Captain America 3” on May 6, 2016, and Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy 2,” on July 28, 2017.

Marvel Studios continued its unprecedented success in 2014 with more record-breaking films including the #1 releases of Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” which recorded the largest April opening of all time at $95 million and Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” which recorded the largest August opening of all time with $94.1 million. Both films were the #1 film in the world when they were released on April 4, 2014 and August 1, 2014, respectively.

In 2013 Marvel Studios delivered #1 openings for Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World,” which grossed over $640 million worldwide and Marvel’s “Iron Man 3,” which grossed over $1.2 billon worldwide and was the highest grossing film of the calendar year.

In 2012 the studio produced the critically acclaimed “Marvel’s The Avengers,” which set the all-time, domestic 3-day weekend box office record at $207.4 million. The film, which shattered both domestic and international box office records, is Disney’s highest-grossing global and domestic release of all time and marked the studio’s fifth film to gross more than $1 billion worldwide.

In the summer of 2011, Marvel successfully launched two new franchises with Marvel’s “Thor,” starring Chris Hemsworth, and Marvel’s “Captain America: The First Avenger,” starring Chris Evans. Both films opened #1 at the box office and have grossed over $800 million worldwide combined. In 2010 Marvel’s “Iron Man 2,” starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Mickey Rourke and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury took the #1 spot in its first weekend with a domestic box office gross of $128.1 million.

In the summer of 2008, Marvel produced the summer blockbuster movies Marvel’s “Iron Man” and Marvel’s “The Incredible Hulk.” Marvel’s “Iron Man,” in which Robert Downey Jr. originally donned the Super Hero’s powerful armor and starred alongside co-stars Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Shaun Toub and Gwyneth Paltrow, was released May 2, 2008, and was an immediate box office success.

Garnering the number one position for two weeks in a row, the film brought in over $100 million in its opening weekend.  On June 13, 2008, Marvel released Marvel’s “The Incredible Hulk,” marking its second number one opener of that summer.

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years.  Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit marvel.com. ©MARVEL

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Hi Eugene! Theatre Presents Matt & Ben

Hi Eugene! Theatre Productions Presents

Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers’

Matt & Ben

Hi Eugene Portion of Proceeds to be Donated to The American Heart Association
of Greater Orlando in Honor of Recently Passed Orlando Actor Carl Krickmire

After the wild success of its inaugural production, Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead, Hi Eugene! Theatre Productions is proud to present Mindy Kaling &Brenda Wither’s Matt & Ben.  The show will run at Bay Street Theatre in Eustis, Fla., Aug. 22 to 24, 2014, and at The Venue in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 8 to 9, 2014.

Hi Eugene

Written by actress and producer Mindy Kaling – best known for her roles on NBC’s The Office and The Mindy Project – Matt & Bendepicts its Hollywood golden boys – before J-Lo, before Gwyneth, before Project Greenlight, before Oscar and before anyone actually gave a damn. When the screenplay for Good Will Hunting drops mysteriously from the heavens, the boys realize they’re being tested by a higher power.

“This show is really a story of true, ever-lasting friendship,” director Devon Lucia said. “Friends are the family you choose to surround yourself with.  Since moving to Florida, my friends have really been my backbone through some tough times and now I’m pursuing my dream of directing.  I couldn’t do it without them.”

Hi Eugene

A portion of proceeds from the Orlando run will go to The American Heart Association of Greater Orlando in honor of recently passed Orlando actor Carl Krickmire.  Krickmire’s most recent performance was in SAK Comedy Lab’s Jekyll n’ Hyde at the Orlando Fringe Festival.  The show was written and directed by Lindsay Taylor, who will play “Matt” in Matt & Ben.

“Carl’s death strongly affected the Central Florida theater community, really bringing people together,” Taylor said. “I’ve put my entire heart into this show for one person.  This is for Carl.”

Hi Eugene

About Hi Eugene! Theatre Productions
Created by the Lucia sisters – Devon and Dannon – in 2009 and launched the theatre company in 2013, Hi Eugene! Theatre Productions is a local production company striving to provide community arts and entertainment that have both a heart and a message. Hi Eugene! brings awareness to causes affecting young people today through relevant, poignant and entertaining stage productions. In an effort to raise awareness even offstage, the company hosts fundraising events and charitable outreach programs.  If fundraising goals are met, Hi Eugene! donates 100 percent of a specific night’s profits to a pre-determined charity. To learn more about Hi Eugene!, its mission and upcoming productions or to donate and purchase tickets, visit www.HiEugeneTheatreProductions.com.

Hi Eugene! Theatre Productions Presents

Matt & Ben
Written by Mindy Kaling & Brenda Withers
Directed by Devon D. Lucia

Hi Eugene

August 22 – 24, 2014
8:00 p.m. (Fri. and Sat.)
2:00, 8:00 p.m. (Sun.)

Bay Street Theatre
109 N. Bay St.
Eustis, FL 32726

November 8 – 9, 2014
8:00 p.m. (Fri. and Sat.)
2:00, 7:30 p.m. (Sun.)

The Venue
511 Virginia Dr.
Orlando, FL 32803

Tickets:  $15

Our Company:
“Matt” – Lindsay Taylor
“Ben” – Christina Carmona

Our Team:
Director & Producer – Devon D. Lucia
Assistant Director – Brian Gutierrez
Executive Producer – Dannon Lucia
Graphic Designer – Samantha Sanders
Set Designer and Construction – Adam S. Ressa
Stage Manager – Jordan Irvine

**Matt & Ben has not been authorized or approved in any manner by Matt Damon or Ben Affleck Estate, which have no responsibility for its content. Produced with permission from Samuel French INC

 

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Four Seasons Orlando Overview

Four Seasons OrlandoThis past week, Cheryl and I had the opportunity to tour the new Four Seasons Orlando that just opened up a couple of weeks ago. We met with the resort’s social media manager, Sally, and she showed us around this beautiful new resort. While we were there, we had a chance to tour some rooms, see the restaurants, pools, recreation areas, spa and more. I thought I’d take a bit of time to share an overview with pictures of the new Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World.

Upon first stepping in to the Four Seasons lobby, you can tell this is not like any other resort you’ve seen at Walt Disney World. It features gorgeous marble and tile floors and a custom chandelier made in the Czech Republic specifically for the resort to mimic the look of fireworks. One of the first things I noticed was the attentiveness of the staff. From valets to doormen, front desk to concierge, everyone was willing and ready to help and welcome you to the resort. The service level throughout our three hour visit (including lunch) was fantastic.

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Restaurants

We started our Four Seasons tour at Lickety-Split, the grab and go counter service establishment located just adjacent to the lobby that’s open from 6am til 5pm. Here their specialties include pastries made fresh daily, coffee from a special drip machine that brews for 8 hours, pre-made salads and sandwiches, and gelato. They have seating areas in the coffee shop and you can also get your food to go of course to sit in one of the resort’s many beautiful outdoor seating areas.

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Next to Lickety-Split is the Ravello Bar which is open from 5pm to midnight. This extension of the Ravello restaurant downstairs offers a full service bar and full dining menu as well for dinner. The indoor seating is very comfortable and welcoming, but still upscale without feeling pretentious, which is how I’d describe the whole Four Seasons Resort. Outdoor seating is extended from the inside and to me felt like an Italian villa overlooking the lake and pool areas below.

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On the first level of the Four Seasons is where you will find Ravello, a breakfast buffet or a la carte restaurant in the morning from 6:30 to 11, and an Italian restaurant at night from 5:30 – 10pm. We were touring during breakfast and the buffet looked great. They are also home to a character breakfast with “Goofy & Pals” on Thursdays and Saturdays. Additionally some Tuesdays may offer the character meal during more popular times of the year. I can’t wait to try this for the character meal as well as for dinner.

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In addition to Ravello and Lickety-Split, the Four Seasons currently offers 24 hour room service and lunch and afternoon dining at PB+G, their pool bar and grill. Cheryl and I had a great lunch at PB+G after our tour. The food and service were very good and we both decided we would both order what we had gotten again. Cheryl started with the Crimson Red Corn Popcorn with Guajillo Chili, Smoke and Lime. She liked it a lot, but it does have a bit of a kick. I opted for the Hushpuppies with Huitlacoche Caramel and Habanero Salt. These were fantastic and I’d definitely get them again! For our entrees we got the Smoked Tofu with Carrot and Kale and the Flew the Coop – Smoked Chicken, Celery, Pecan, Grape and Housemade Alabama White BBQ Sauce. I’d never had chicken salad with a barbecued chicken before so it was an interesting twist. I liked it, and would order it again, but I think next time I’ll try one of the BBQ specialties. Cheryl really liked her tofu and said she’d definitely get it again.

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The resort also has two other restaurants that will be opening next month. Plancha will be opening in September in the Golf Clubhouse and focuses on Cuban cuisine with sandwiches, burgers, mojitos, daiquiris and more. This restaurant will be open from 10am – 6pm daily. The restaurant I am most looking forward to trying is Capa, the rooftop Spanish steakhouse on the 17th floor of the Four Seasons. I can only imagine how gorgeous the view for fireworks will be from here and I can’t wait to try the tapas and hopefully paella here. They will be open from 6 – 10pm nightly. Good news for locals or guests not staying at the Four Seasons is that you can get your parking validated if you are eating in one of the resort’s restaurants so valet is only $5 since there is no self parking as opposed to the nightly rate of $26.

Pools and Recreation

There are several individual pool areas at the Four Seasons Orlando. The first one you encounter when you exit the building is the Adult Pool in the Oasis, which is for guests 21 and up only. This quiet infinity pool overlooks the lake and features tons of great seating areas, lounge chairs and cabanas for rent. The staff here was quite attentive and had towels, ice water and sunscreen available for guests to use with their last name and room number at no additional cost. In addition to the infinity pool, there is a nice Jacuzzi overlooking the lake. All of the pool areas are open from sunrise to sunset.

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The Family Pool is zero entry with tons of great seating for families all around the pool area in part of the resort called Explorer Island. There are cabanas for the family with different themes that come with different amenities and decor based on the theme. A small kiddie slide is in the middle of the Four Seasons family pool meant for toddlers.

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As you head up the steps from the Family Pool, you come to the middle of Explorer Island. This is where you find the ruined mansion that houses outdoor recreation like bean bag toss, pool tables, climbing wall and the Kids for All Seasons children’s activity center. Kids for All Seasons is a complimentary kid’s play area with supervision for children ages 4 – 12. Also nearby are the two water slides, Splash Zone water play area, the lazy river (watch out for the water cannons), beach volleyball court, basketball courts, and the Hideout which will open in September as a video game and hangout area.

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The Tranquilo Golf Club at the Four Seasons is not open yet, but will be starting in September. This Tom Fazio designed 18 hole golf course is about a two minute drive by golf cart from the resort. The club will feature a driving range, pro shop, pros on site, club rentals, lessons available and a putting green.

On the opposite side of the Four Seasons from the pool are the three Har-Tru tennis courts. Lessons are available, tournaments can be arranged and a ball machine is available as well. Housed on the first level of the resort, guests will find the state of the art spa with 18 treatment rooms. Just next door to the spa is the aerobics studio with spin cycles and yoga mats available to guests. Across the lawn from the aerobics studio is the 24 hour fitness center. There is also a steam room, sauna and whirlpool for guest use.

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Four Seasons Room and Suites

The first thing you will notice about the rooms and suites at the Four Seasons is their size. The standard room size is 500 square feet, which is the largest of any resort in Orlando. Suites start at 825 square feet then go all the way up to 3300. The Royal Suite can actually connect to other rooms on the 16th floor to make it a 9 bedroom, 3 living room suite with a view of the Magic Kingdom. You can even buy out the entire 16th floor if you so desire. The Four Seasons features 375 standard rooms in addition to the 68 suites.

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Standard rooms come in several view types including Four Seasons, Golden Oak, Lake and Park View. The rooms have either a king bed and a queen pull out sofa or two double beds and can accommodate either 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. We were fortunate enough to tour a park view room and deluxe suite and they were beautiful. I loved the decor, amenities and the views of the parks were stunning. From the rooms we toured on the 11th floor, we could see Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and the Magic Kingdom. I understand from some rooms you can see Epcot as well and some guests have been able to see fireworks from Epcot, DHS and MK all in one evening.

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The amenities in the rooms are again refined, but still very comfortable. Mini refrigerators are at adult eye level, which is convenient not having to bend down to access it. Guests can request fridges be stocked for an additional fee prior to their arrival. Each room also comes with a personal Nespresso machine with individual cup brewing with an assortment of coffees and teas. Free wifi is available throughout the resort, but if you wish to stream, you can pay an additional fee for a higher speed internet connection. There are multiple HMDI hookups and stereo jacks in the back of each tv for guest convenience if they wish to hook up their electronic devices to the tv. Each room also features a mini ipad to order room service from as well as some other features. For those Disney fans staying at the Four Seasons, we saw for ourselves that they do have Stacey and the Disney Must Dos on the tv along with a pretty good variety of stations. I also liked the button on the wall next to the bed indicating do not disturb or requesting housekeeping service in case you don’t want to get out of bed to put up the do not disturb sign.

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The rooms are quite spacious with nice sized balconies off of each room at the Four Seasons. The closet area is open between the bedroom and bathroom off the entry hall. The bathroom has a nice setup with a separate toilet room, shower, tub and a vanity area with a tv in the mirror like the Villas at Grand Floridian. There are no onsite self service laundry facilities for guests, but there is dry cleaning available for an additional cost. DVD players and cribs are available upon request at no additional cost. Rooms come with the typical room amenities like hairdryers, bathrobes, etc., but also have umbrellas for guests to use. If the adults need a night out alone, babysitting services for children from six weeks to 12 years old can be arranged for in the room.

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Overall Impressions

I was very happy with everything that I saw of the Four Seasons. I know that the resort is not fully open yet with some of the restaurants, shops and amenities not quite finished. I hope to come back and stay at the resort next month or in October with the Florida Resident special that is being offered. The service and attention from the staff was one of the things that most stood out to me on this visit. My background is in hotel management, so I know good service when I see it. I’ve been in the hospitality business for 20 years now and this was one of the best demonstrations of great service I’ve seen. One of the coolest things I saw that I wish more resorts would embrace is the Late Departure Lounge for guests to relax if they have a later flight. There is a nice lounge with sofas and seating areas with tables and chairs, tvs, books to read, and a mini kitchen to store food.

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The resort does have a Disney planning center desk right in the lobby that can do most things that the ticket windows at the parks can. Their services include selling tickets, annual passes, magicbands, assisting with fast pass plus scheduling, recreation and dining reservations, and basic park information. Complimentary buses run to the Magic Kingdom via the TTC every half hour on the hour and half hour. The bus to the Animal Kingdom runs every hour on the hour, and buses go to Epcot and Hollywood Studios each every hour on the half hour. If guests need transportation to the water parks, Downtown Disney, or most other Disney locations, for a flat fee of $18-20 the Four Seasons can arrange a private car. Valet parking is $26 per night and self parking is not available. The Four Seasons does not participate in Disney’s Extra Magic Hours or charging to the resort from the theme parks. Mears ground transportation is available at an additional cost to and from the airport and cabs are readily available as well. There are no resort fees at the Four Seasons.

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Currently, the resort is about 95% open and I hope to see it soon at 100%. The gift shop, Fable, and boutique, Wardrobe, should be opening in September along with most of the other amenities that aren’t open yet. If a guest needs anything though, the Four Seasons will do what they can to acquire it for the guest. The Four Seasons also allows guests to have their packages sent back from the Walt Disney World theme parks to be picked up next day for convenience. I seriously cannot wait to get back to this resort to stay at the Four Seasons Orlando as a guest. I look forward to seeing the resort fully opened on my next visit and want to see what a relaxing weekend I can have with all the amazing activities and services this phenomenal resort has to offer.

Have you stayed at the Four Seasons yet? I will definitely be back there in the next couple of months to stay and I’m sure after that for meals as well. Let me know if you’ve been or if you have any other questions about this great resort.

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Universal Orlando Resort 2014 Holiday Celebration Details

Universal Orlando Resort Holidays

‘Tis the Season to Create Lasting Family Memories at Universal Orlando Resort’s 2014 Holidays Celebration 

Universal Orlando’s Holiday Offerings to include Grinchmas, Macy’s Holiday Parade and Electrifying Holiday Concerts by Mannheim Steamroller 

Hotel Rates Now Available Featuring Savings of up to 30 Percent at Universal Orlando’s On-Site Hotels

 

Universal Orlando Resort is the perfect place for families to spend the holiday season. In addition to the pulse-pounding attractions and unforgettable experiences found at the theme parks, families can build lifelong memories together at Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration.

Beginning Dec. 6 and running daily through Jan. 3, the Holidays at Universal Orlando features one-of-a-kind traditions for guests from one to 92 throughout the destination.  At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, families will light up with holiday cheer as Grinchmas comes to life throughout Seuss Landing. Guests can enjoy a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday tale, “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular,” featuring the Whos from Who-ville, accompanied by an original musical score by Mannheim Steamroller. Guests can also meet The Grinch and the Whos and on select dates, enjoy a special breakfast with the characters.

Universal Orlando Resort Holiday Celebration

At Universal Studios Florida, the Macy’s Holiday Parade will fill the streets every evening with the same larger-than-life balloons seen in Macy’s famous Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. This year, you won’t want to miss the Chloe The Clown “Balloonicle,” a new addition to the parade that combines a towering balloon with a self-powered vehicle that roams the streets of Universal Studios. Guests will also enjoy colorful holiday characters, fantasy-filled floats and a tree-lighting ceremony by Santa Claus.

Universal Orlando Resort Holidays

This year, the masters of modern Christmas music—Mannheim Steamroller—will return to the stage to spread Christmas cheer. With more than 40 million albums sold worldwide, the acclaimed musical group will take to the Music Plaza stage in Universal Studios on select nights to perform their memorable holiday hits. Performance nights are Dec. 6, 7, 14, 15, 20 and 21.

All theme park holiday entertainment—including Mannheim Steamroller—is included with Park-to-Park admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

Wordless Wednesday Universal Orlando Resort Holiday Celebration

During their holiday experience, guests can also enjoy the extraordinary attractions and exhilarating entertainment that can only be found at Universal Orlando’s two theme parks – including The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Islands of Adventure and TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and the all-new, spectacularly-themed environment, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. This incredibly immersive area features shops, dining experiences and the next generation thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and expands upon The Wizarding of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, found at Islands of Adventure. Guests with Park-to-Park admission can journey between both lands aboard the Hogwarts Express, the iconic steam locomotive from the Harry Potter books and films.

New Year’s Eve at Universal CityWalk

Universal Orlando Resort Holidays Universal Orlando CityWalk

It’s never too early to plan how you’ll ring in the New Year. At Universal’s CityWalk, guests can experience a dynamic New Year’s Eve celebration which includes non-stop entertainment, unique party zones—each with their own entertainment and signature drinks—along with six different clubs with live music, unlimited gourmet cuisine, and Orlando’s largest dance floor. Information about New Year’s Eve event tickets will be released at a later date.

For a memorable getaway, guests can take advantage of the following Universal Orlando Holiday Resort offer: 

Offer Details
 SAVE up to 30% at one of our Spectacular On-Site Hotels**

 

**Minimum 3-night stay

  • Stay more nights and save up to 30% at on-site hotels, including Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
  • Average Nightly Rates as low as $106 per adult, per night
  • Deluxe on-site hotel guests enjoy even more benefits, including Free Universal Express Unlimited ride access so you can SKIP THE REGULAR THEME PARK LINES in both parks a value of up to $89 per person, per day!
  • On-site hotel guests receive Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme parks open and complimentary on-site transportation to both theme parks and Universal CityWalk

 

For more information on the Holidays at Universal Orlando, vacation packages and ticket offers, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/holidays

Universal Orlando Holiday Logo Universal Orlando Resort Holiday Celebration

About Universal Orlando Resort
Vacation like you mean it at Universal Orlando Resort – where every heart pounding, jaw-dropping, goose-bumping second counts.  It is the only place where you can turn spending time with your family into spending time as a family.  Together, you can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, become a Minion in the hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, and join Optimus Prime in the fight to save mankind on the new mega-attraction, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D.  And now, you can step into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

Universal Orlando Resort is home to two incredible theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure; four magnificently themed on-site hotels:  Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and the newest addition, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort; and Universal CityWalk – a unique dining and entertainment complex featuring one-of-a-kind restaurants, shops and nightclubs.  And located just minutes from Universal Orlando Resort is Wet n’ Wild, Orlando’s premier waterpark.
Universal Orlando Resort is part of NBCUniversal, a Comcast company.  Follow Universal Orlando Resort on FacebookTwitterInstagram and YouTube.

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2014 Merry Member Mixer Dates Announced

Merry Member Mixer

‘Tis the season to plan for

2014 Merry Member Mixer!

Despite what the temperature is like outside, it’s never too early to start making holiday travel plans. If you’re all set to celebrate the season at Walt Disney World Resort this year, come get cozy with a Disney Vacation Club event you won’t want to miss – the Merry Member Mixer!

membermixer2014

Disney Vacation Club Member families and their Guests are invited to be welcomed “home” for the holidays with festive entertainment and complimentary refreshments while mingling with fellow Members at the annual Merry Member Mixer.
Merry Member Mixer
At the Merry Member Mixer you will find exclusive merchandise!
Enjoy Character meet and greets, children’s holiday craft area, a DJ dance party and limited-edition merchandise while supplies last. Taking place at World Showplace Pavilion at Epcot,* up to six Guests may attend the event per Member I.D.,** no RSVP required.

Dates for 2014 Merry Member Mixer are as follows:

    – Monday, November 24, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
– Monday, December 1, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
– Monday, December 15, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
– Monday, December 22, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

For more information, please visit the Member Experiences section of DVCMember.com.

Merry Member Mixer
The 2013 Merry Member Mixer Ornament

* Park admission required for entry to Epcot
** A valid Member I.D. must be shown to enter

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Planning a Disney Wedding: The Menu Tasting

Planning a Disney Wedding: The Menu Tasting

Previously I shared my experience at a Disney Wedding Planning Session. In that post, I mentioned that couples can also request a meeting with chefs that will be preparing your reception meal. This can be scheduled the same day as your planning session, or at another time. We chose to have our planning session in the morning and our menu tasting in the afternoon on the same day.

In the months leading up to the planning session, your Disney wedding planner will send a menu tasting checklist where you can request the dishes that you wish to try. There are eight slots available and you are allowed up to three proteins (entrées). Your planner will also provide sample menus from Disney Catering. For the tasting, you can choose any of the items from these menus or you can even ask to try the chef’s interpretation of your favorite dishes at Disney restaurants. Tip for future bride and grooms: don’t waste a tasting spot on a dish that you know how it tastes.  For example, Mickey waffles taste the same everywhere. We want to have them at our brunch reception, but we didn’t need to try them at our tasting.

Since our reception will be held at the Boardwalk Resort, that is where we had our tasting. We were scheduled to meet back up with our planner at 2:15 at the Boardwalk Convention Center.

Convention Center Disney Wedding
Convention Center

We got there a little early and wandered around a bit before our server, Manny, saw us and showed us to our room. Yes, we had our own server for the tasting! He was awesome and got us sodas and water while we waited.

The tasting itself actually took place in a sectioned off portion of a ballroom. There was a table set up that was decorated and had several napkin folds on display.

Disney Wedding Table

At the far end of the room, the buffet was set up. This was mind-blowing to me, that they set up a buffet like to would be for our actual reception.

Buffet Disney Wedding
Buffet set up

Once our planner arrived, the first order of business was to choose a napkin fold.

Our napkin fold Disney Wedding
Our napkin fold

Then Chef Redgie arrived. He introduced himself and told us about how he started as an intern three years ago and did so well that he was offered a permanent position. He told us that the BoardWalk Catering Department is the smallest of all the resorts with six chefs. He brought us over the the buffet stations and described each of the dishes the had asked to try. He held off on preparing the pasta dishes so that we could see those prepared on stage. He told us we could customize as we go. As we tried each thing, we talked about what we liked or didn’t like and Chef Redgie took notes. He told us that they love to customize the menu and work with couples to make sure everything is exactly they way they want them. They will even prepare your favorite family dishes if you provide them with a recipe. I thought that was a pretty cool option.

Here are the dishes that we tried, minus the pasta dishes that I didn’t get a picture of:

Chicken Disney Wedding  Salmon Disney Wedding  Pork Disney Wedding  Cinnamon Disney Wedding  Lobster Disney Wedding

 

From left to right: parmesan-crusted chicken with creamy tomato sauce, seared salmon with pancetta marmalade and dill cream, maple ginger pork loin with fig compote, cinnamon bread pudding (picture taken before the warm vanilla icing was added), truffle-scented macaroni and cheese with lobster meat. Not pictured are penne pasta with cognac cheese sauce and artichokes; and genelli pasta with asiago cream sauce, roasted tomatoes and spinach.

Everything was delicious and it was really difficult to decide on our final menu. In the end we cut the pork, lobster macaroni and cheese, and the penne pasta dish. We were also given a couple of parting gifts which was so nice and really made us feel special.

Parting gifts : whisk and heart cookie cutters Disney Wedding
Parting gifts : whisk and heart cookie cutters

This was such a cool experience and I am so excited for our brunch reception. Huge thanks for Chef Redgie and Manny for being so amazing!

Chef Disney Wedding

 

And with that, the majority of our wedding planning is complete. We just need to get a few last minute details together in the next four months and then it’s wedding time!

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Orlando City SC Win Gives Them Home Advantage

Orlando City SC
Photo: Orlando City SC

Orlando City SC Captures Home Field Advantage for First 2014 USL PRO Playoff Match, Molino ties USL PRO Goal ​Scoring Record

Playoff Tickets available at www.OrlandoCitySC.com or 855-ORL-CITY

 

Despite conceding an early goal, a brilliant free kick in the 8th minute by M Darwin Cerén led Orlando City SC (16-2-4, 52 points) to an eventual 3-1 victory over the Harrisburg City Islanders (8-9-6, 30 points) before a sold-out crowd at the ESPN Wide World of Sports.

F Kevin Molino recorded his 15th tally, tying former Lion and current Sporting KC star Dom Dwyer and Jose Angulo of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds for the USL PRO single season goal scoring record, with six matches remaining.

Tonight’s win extended City’s USL PRO home unbeaten streak to 17 fixtures and – more importantly – secured home field advantage for the Lion’s first 2014 USL PRO playoff match scheduled for September 13.  Tickets are available for purchase at www.OrlandoCitySC.com or 855-ORL-CITY.

The action started quickly as Harrisburg’s Robbie Derschang was able to slip a shot past Gallardo for the game’s first goal in the 6th minute.  Cerén’s curling delivery from 40 yards away snuck into the far post two minutes later leveling the field. In the 18th minute, Molino and Corey Hertzog developed a crafty 1-2 into the box, where the Trinidadian finished the play by chipping it over the oncoming ‘keeper.

Molino was humble when asked about tying the goal scoring record, “What’s most important for me is the team. If any records come after that, I will accept them but for now I just want to be focused on what we have to do to win the league.”

City created a number of opportunities throughout the game, forcing Islander ‘Keeper Nick Noble to come up with a number of saves.  However, as Head Coach Adrian Heath addressed, it was a well deserved win for the Club: “It would have been a travesty if we had not have taken all three points.  We created a lot of chances and we played some really good football.

“If there’s one little thing I can pick at,” he added, “It’s the fact that we didn’t take enough of the chances.  At 2-1, there’s still a game on.  The game is never won.  You’re one mistake away from dropping a couple of points but fortunately Darwin got the third one and that saw us through.”

In the 89th minute, Cerén bags a brace after receiving a long pass, splitting two Harrisburg defenders and a diving Noble to secure the match for the Lions.

Orlando City is on the road for their next match, travelling to Charlotte to face the Eagles on August 20.

For more information on Orlando City SC, 2015 MLS Season Tickets or tickets to the Club’s remaining USL PRO home games, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com or call 855-ORL-CITY.  Also, follow the latest Orlando City news and updates via FacebookTwitterInstagram and YouTube.

Orlando City SC Match Recap:

Team                                  1    2    Final

Orlando City SC                  2    1     3

Harrisburg City Islanders    1    0     1 

Scoring Summary:

HAR: Robbie Derschang (Leo Fernandez) 6’

ORL: Darwin Cerén (Unassisted) 8’

ORL: Kevin Molino (Corey Hertzog) 19’

ORL: Darwin Cerén (Unassisted) 89’

Lineups/Substitutions:

Orlando City SC – GK Miguel Gallardo, D Tyler Turner, Brad Rusin, Luke Boden, Rob Valentino, M Darwin Cerén, Harrison Heath (Aodhan Quinn 61), Kevin Molino (Tommy Redding 85), Adama Mbengue (Bitielo Jean Jacques 90), Brian “Cobi” Span (Austin da Luz 77), F Corey Hertzog (Dennis Chin 61)

Harrisburg City Islanders – GK Nicholas Noble, D Coady Andrews, Matthew Bahner, Raphael Cox, Richie Marquez, M Jose Barril, Leo Fernandes (Jamiel Hardware 78), Jason Pelletier, Zach Pfeffer (Clesio Bauque 64), Robbie Derschang (Garret Pettis 82), Antoine Hoppenot (Cristhian Hernandez 85)

Disciplinary Summary:

ORL: Brad Rusin 41

ORL: Harrison Heath 43

HAR: Raphael Cox 66

ORL: Tyler Turner 83

Match Facts:

Time of Match: 7:30 p.m. EST

Weather: — Clear

Orlando City SC

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.

 

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