September 2014 - Page 3 of 4 - On the Go in MCO

Disneyland Holidays Returning

Last year I was fortunate enough to experience Disneyland at the holidays for the first time. It really is the most wonderful time of the year to be at the Disney Parks. Yesterday the Disney Parks Blog announced the return of some of the elements from last year that are returning. I thought I’d share some of my favorite aspects of the holidays between Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney. I also cannot wait to see this again with friends this year.

We started our trip (after the requisite trip to In-N-Out of course) with a visit to Trader Sam’s to see the great holiday decorations and drinks.

Next up we moseyed through Downtown Disney to see the beautiful holiday lights and Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink.

Disneyland does decorations right. Whether it is during the day or at night, the tradition of Main Street USA, or the rustic beauty of Frontierland or charm of New Orleans Square, it is a gorgeous sight to be seen.

Two of the absolute best parts of the holidays at Disneyland are It’s A Small World Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday. These overlays are amazing and I cannot wait to see them again this year! I had to ride both two times they were so incredibly detailed.

Over in Disney California Adventure, I loved the decorations all around the park, but especially in Buena Vista Street. The bell ringers and tweaks to the regular entertainment offerings are great. Cars Land was also very cool to see with their take on the holidays.

Seasons Speedings from Cars Land — Season’s Speedings from Cars Land

The two special holiday offerings at DCA are the Viva Navidad celebration in the Paradise Gardens area of the park, and World of Color – Winter Dreams. I will say, I loved both of these last year. The bands, fun crafts and character meet and greets as well as special food offerings at Viva Navidad were fantastic. I think I also saw Winter Dreams four out of the five nights we were there, however it was before I had seen Frozen. It will be cool (no pun intended) to see it now that I have seen Frozen a few times and will know the characters.

World of Color - Winter Dreams — World of Color – Winter Dreams

Have you seen the holidays at Disneyland Resort? What are you most looking forward to seeing if you haven’t? I am only about 60 days away from my trip and I’m stoked I get to see all the decorations again this year.

Krispy Kreme Celebrates Talk Like A Pirate Day!

Ahoy Mateys! Talk Like a Pirate Day

FREE Krispy Kreme Doughnut for

Talking Like a Pirate on September 19

Visit Krispy Kreme on September 19 to release your inner self-pirate, create great memories, and join the celebration of 77 years of sharing one-of-a-kind treats with the community.

Krispy Kreme is celebrating Talk Like a Pirate Day with a tasty giveaway. Any buccaneer who enters a participating Krispy Kreme location talking like a pirate gets one FREE Original Glazed® doughnut.

To the landlubber who dares to wear full pirate attire, goes a bounty of one FREE dozen Original Glazed® doughnuts. Qualifying pirate costumes must include three or more of the following items: eye patch, pirate hat, bandanna, peg leg, parrot on shoulder, pirate shirt / loose white shirt, knickers, leather belt, silver and gold necklaces and earrings, pirate hook, pointy black boots, or ragged brown sandals. NO WEAPONS ALLOWED! Offer good on International Talk Like a Pirate Day, September 19, only.

Visit KrispyKreme.com for more information.

Get connected to Krispy Kreme and stay up to date on the latest offerings and promotions at KrispyKreme.com,www.hotlightapp.com, Tumblr and Instagram.

Usher Brings UR Experience Tour To The Amway Center

Hot on the heels of a blockbuster performance at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards and the release of his new single/video “She Came To Give It To You,” global megastar Usher announced today he is touring North America this fall and kicks off The UR Experience in Montreal, Quebec, on November 1. Special guests on the tour include August Alsina and DJ Cassidy. The UR Experience visits the Amway Center in Orlando on Friday, December 12. Tickets go on sale Monday, September 15 at 10 a.m. American Express^® Card Members will have an opportunity to purchase tickets before the general public.

Packed with an impressive repertoire of smash hits spanning his 20-year career, the critically-acclaimed showman will give his fans a unique experience that only the multi-talented Usher can deliver. His show will include a fresh take on early and recent songs as well as new music from his highly anticipated eighth studio album.

“With The UR Experience, I want to give my fans an ever-changing live show full of surprises and special guests,” says Usher. “I am really excited to be with my fans and give them an Usher experience like they’ve never seen or heard before.”

Challenging himself creatively and testing musical boundaries are characteristics that have defined Usher’s career since he was first discovered 20 years ago on Star Search. Usher has been ranked by the Recording Industry Association of America as one of the best-selling artists in American music history, having sold over 50 million albums worldwide. He has won numerous awards including eight Grammys and was named the number one Hot 100 artist of the 2000s decade. Billboard named him the second most successful artist of the 2000s decade, with his career-propelling 2004 album “Confessions” being ranked as the top solo album of the decade. Usher has attained nine Hot 100 number one hits (all as a lead artist) and 18 Hot 100 top-10 singles.

Earlier this year Usher completed filming his role as boxer Sugar Ray Leonard in the upcoming film “Hands of Stone,” a biopic of champion boxer Roberto Duran which co-stars Robert De Niro, and is due in theaters early 2015. In addition, Usher recently completed his second season as a coach on NBC’s Emmy^® Award-winning hit TV show “The Voice,” where he proved his top-notch coaching capability by mentoring Josh Kaufman who became the champion of Season Six.

Join the conversation at #URXTOUR.

USHER | THE UR EXPERIENCE TOUR

with special guests

August Alsina and DJ Cassidy

WHEN: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 | 8 P.M.

WHERE: AMWAY CENTER | ORLANDO, FLORIDA

ON SALE: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 | 10 A.M.

TICKETS: $35, $55, $85 & $150. Buy tickets at amwaycenter.com, Chase Box Office at Amway Center, Ticketmaster retail locations, charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000 or at Ticketmaster.com. All dates, act(s) and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges. For Amway Center box office and ticket information, visit amwaycenter.com (phone purchases are not available through the Amway Center box office). The Amway Center is located at 400 W. Church Street and the box office is located on the north side of the arena, near the intersection of Church Street and Hughey Avenue.

Door Policy: 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.

Camera Policy: 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, iPads 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.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: 2014 Preview

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival runs September 19 – November 10, 2014, and I can’t wait!

We were able to attend a sneak peek at this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at the VIP area of the Living Seas, and this year looks like it stacking up to be absolutely amazing!

Chef Jens Dahlmann spoke on the changes that are coming to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and here are some of the highlights of what you can expect at this year’s marketplaces.

This year there will be 25 ‘Marketplaces’ at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
There are several returning favorite marketplaces, however some of the marketplaces have broadened, for example last year’s Florida Fresh is now Farm Fresh, allowing Chef Dahlmann to be more playful with the menu and ingredients.
The Hops & Barley menu has received a lot of attention, and as a result the items featured at the marketplace will be more sophisticated while still having a twist of fun.
With more cooking going on inside of each Marketplace, this year several booths will feature fried items for the first time.
Favorites from the France Marketplace have received a HUGE facelift!
- The escargot will now be presented on a tart with creamed spinach, bacon, and parmesean cheese. The brioche presentation was a fan favorite, but this new set-up sounds delicious.
- Creme brulee caramel fluer de sel: sea salt caramel crème brulee with caramalized sugar has arrived, and it is quite possibly one of the most delicious things I was able to sample. Again with the new marketplaces focusing on preparing items on-site, the sugar will be caramalized inside the kiosk.

So enough yammering, let’s get to the food!

2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Media Preview

Ensalada de Carrucho which is a Caribbean Conch Salad with Onion, Tomato, and Cilantro from Puerto Rico.

This was my first time trying Conch Salad, and it did not disappoint! Prepared in a more traditional way the Ensalada de Carrucho is extremely refeshing with a unique texture.

Grilled ‘Yard Bird’ with Braised Greens and House-Made Habanero Sauce from Farm Fresh.

The grilled ‘Yard Bird’ aka chicken in this dish had a really great flavor and crispy skin, however the star fro me was the braised greens that were cooked to salty yet still firm perfection. My only wish for the dish was that there was more of the house-made habanero sauce, because it added some moisture, sweetness, and kick to a very savory plate.

Florida Grass Fed Beef Slider with Pimento Cheese from Hops & Barley paired with MmmHops Pale Ale from Fife and Drum.

If I could only eat one thing for the entire Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, this would be my choice! The Florida grass fed beef in the slider had a great flavor that served as a wonderful anchor for the heat in the pimento cheese, crunch from the sweet raw onions, and sweetness from the bun. As a gal with South Carolina roots, the pimento cheese is beyond delicious!

The MmmHops Pale Ale from Fife and Drum, yes this is the Hanson Beer, pairs well with the slider’s heat with a crisp bite that helps cool things down from the spicy pimento cheese.

Baked Lobster Alfredo from Hops & Barley.

While I am an absolute sucker for lobster, the baked lobster alfredo seems like a great choice towards the end of the festival on a night that is a little chillier. The dish is extremely rich with generous chunks of lobster. Talk about comfort food!

Sauerkraut Pierogi with Pork Goulash from Poland.

I grew up eating a lot of potato and cheese pierogies, so when I saw a sauerkraut pierogi on the Poland menu I was really excited because it was two of my favorite things in one dish! I found that the sauerkraut pierogi had a interesting, but tasty texture that was a great contrast to the spicy sauce of the pork goulash.

Roasted Verlasso Salmon with Quinoa Salad and Arugula Chimichurri from Patagonia.

Usually salmon isn’t really my thing, but the roasted Verlasso salmon had an amazing taste that was taken to the next level with the arugula chimichurri!

Crème Brulee Caramel Fluer de Sel: Sea Salt Caramel Crème Brulee with Caramalized Sugar from France paired with Nicolas Feuillatte Rosè from Desserts & Champagne.

Every year one of my favorite desserts at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival items is the Crème Brulee from France, and the Crème Brulee Caramel Fluer de Sel: Sea Salt Caramel Crème Brulee with Caramalized Sugar has taken my devotion to the next level. The predominant coffee and caramel flavors play so well off the savory hints of sea salt. The caramelization of the sugar topping completed on-site in the marketplace, really makes this dish special and definite must-do for your visit to the festival.

The Nicolas Feuillatte Rosè from Desserts & Champagne paired so well with the Crème Brulee Caramel Fluer de Sel, because the berry notes really added a lovely sweetness to the slightly savory crème brulee.

Fresh Baked Carrot Cake with Craisins and Cream Cheese Icing from Hops & Barley.

When you will eat this fresh baked carrot cake at Hops & Barley at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, you are going to feel like you just stole a treat from your Grandmother before dinner! The carrots, walnuts, and craisins are all on the larger scale inside the cake to give it a very homemade feel and familiar taste. What makes this carrot cake so special, is that it is served warm and iced inside the Hops & Barley marketplace for an interesting combination of temperatures and textures. If you like carrot cake, you definitely have to give this a go!

I really had a great time at the Media Preview for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and I left with a new spring in my step about this year’s marketplaces!

Wordless Wednesday: Headless Horseman

Wordless Wednesday: September 10, 2014

Loews Sapphire Falls Coming To The Universal Orlando Resort In 2016

Loews Sapphire Falls

Universal and Loews Hotels & Resorts Announce New Hotel For Universal Orlando Resort

Caribbean-themed Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Will Feature 1,000 Rooms and Suites –

Casual Feel Built Around a Lagoon and Towering Waterfall

When it opens in the summer of 2016, guests visiting the new Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando will walk into a colorful Caribbean hideaway built around a lush, tropical lagoon and towering waterfall.

The new hotel, announced today by Universal Orlando Resort and Loews Hotels & Resorts, will be located across Adventure Way from the new Cabana Bay Beach Resort. It will become the destination’s fifth resort hotel and its 1,000 rooms, including 77 suites, will bring the number of on-site hotel rooms at Universal Orlando to 5,200.

Inspired by the picturesque rivers and waterfalls of the Caribbean, Loews Sapphire Falls will immerse guests in a highly themed resort environment using traditional island styling with modern touches. A resort-style pool with a water slide, children’s play area, sand beach and fire pit will help form a central courtyard and will be surrounded by the hotel’s guest rooms. There will be water taxi and shuttle access to all of the entertainment and dining options throughout Universal Orlando Resort.

“We are excited to continue our growth plans at Loews Hotels by building another hotel with our long-standing partners at Universal Orlando,” says Jonathan Tisch, Chairman of Loews Hotels & Resorts. “Loews Sapphire Falls Resort will be every bit as distinctive as the other four on-site hotels and will offer a new option to families looking for a truly special Orlando vacation.”

“Our guests repeatedly tell us that our Universal Orlando on-site hotels provide them a completely immersive vacation experience from the moment they enter our hotels and are transported to another place,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Universal Parks & Resorts. “We look forward to bringing them yet another incredibly themed experience with the opening of Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.”

The new hotel will be full service. Amenities will include Early Park Admission to Universal’s theme parks, a full-service restaurant with scenic views and outdoor dining, a themed lobby lounge, poolside bar and grill, quick-service marketplace, valet service and a fitness center. Booking information and pricing will be announced at a later date.

Guest Post: The Imagination Gala Shines In These Brown Eyes

We are incredibly excited to have Elantrice from Diz Thru Brown Eyes joining us today for a guest post! She is an avid collector of Disney Pins, Vinylmations, Alex and Ani Bangles, and her Harveys for Disney Couture bags will make you green with envy!!! She also is a runDisney participant, who just earned her Coast-to-Coast challenge medal. Elantrice is one heck of a great blogger and friend, and again we are stoked to have her!

The Imagination Gala

Shines in these Brown Eyes

I attended Walt Disney World’s annual pin and Vinylmation event that is held in early September in Epcot. The events are themed with this year’s being The Imagination Gala.

Figment was our wonderful host and we even got to walk the violet carpet. The pin event was held over two days, September 5^th and 6^th. The Vinylmation event was held on September 7^th.

Before I get into the event, I wanted to share the registration process. You have to register for the pin and Vinylmation events separately. You can also choose to attend a breakfast for each event at an extra price and you get into the venue an hour and half before it opens to those who do not attend the breakfast. The merchandise offered during the event are limited edition. In order for there to be fairness, Disney uses Random Selection Progress (RSP). You place your choices on up to three forms. In early August, an email is sent stating what you have been awarded. At that time, you can choose to have items removed before your credit card is charged. If you did not receive what you wanted, you can possibly purchase at the event if items are available.

I selected to do early registration which allowed me to pick up my credentials and items on September 4^th at Coronado Springs Resort.

Usually there is a mad rush to get from the turnstiles to the venue that is located in United Kingdom Pavilion. I took my time both mornings and got coffee at Starbucks.

Why the mad rush you ask? Several attendees come to the event to participate in trading activities and to trade with others. There are several trading lines manned by Cast Members. The pin boards are refreshed a couple a times an hour with rare pins. There are “Pin Talks” with Disney Artists to inform us of what pins are to come. Besides this, there are fun contests to win prizes and a silent auction. On the last day of the pin event, winners of the silent auctions are announced as well as a grand prize winner. I do not trade. I spent my time taking pictures of upcoming releases of pins and Vinylmations.

At the pin event, pins are released before the public can purchase. Hipster Mickey and Minnie pins were released on September 5^th and the first pin in the Gen-EAR-ation D 2015 Walt Disney World series was released on September 6^th.

September 7^th was the Imagination Gala Vinylmation Event. I attended the breakfast that began at 8am. You could munch on fruit, pastries, quiche, and biscuits while waiting in the trading activities lines.

For attending the breakfast, the gift was Imagination Gala Award Ceremony Minnie.

I got in line at the event store for the opportunity to purchase Vinylmation. Released were 2014 Trade Night Figment Vinylmation (Limited edition 500) and Imagination Gala Award Ceremony Clarice (Limited edition 1000).

I got a variant Figment, which was very exciting due to their being only 50 made.

Also offered was Vintage Vinylmation Vault, where you had the opportunity to buy Vinylmation in past series. I choose a Vinylmation from Park 2.

I left the Vinylmation event early due to my flight leaving at 4:30pm. I can say I enjoyed both events. Even though I do not trade, I enjoyed talking with other collectors, Disney Artists, and Cast Members. I even took a picture with I think I mostly enjoyed sharing upcoming pin and Vinylmation releases with the Disney Community. I enjoyed attending this events due to me being a collector and a Disney Lover. I cannot wait for the 2015 event!

Make sure you keep up with Elantrice’s adventures on her blog DizThruBrownEyes!!

Twitter: @DizThruBrwnEyes

IG: DizThruBrownEyes

Facebook: Diz Thru Brown Eyes

Website: DizThruBrownEyes.com

Email: dizthrubrowneyes@yahoo.com

Doc McStuffins: School of Medicine Out On DVD Today

Doc McStuffins School of Medicine

on Disney DVD Today

Releasing on Disney DVD Tuesday, September 9^th
– Includes FREE Exclusive Doc McStuffins Dress Up Playset –

In Doc McStuffins: School of Medicine, a compilation of engaging Doc McStuffins stories, the many specialties in which doctors practice medicine and health care are highlighted for young kids to comprehend. In her playhouse clinic, Doc is an optometrist, helping her stuffed owl toy, Professor Hoostburgh, to see clearly again. As a dentist, she fixes a tooth on Donny’s toy shark Mr. Chomp and, as a radiologist, Doc takes an inside look at Daisy’s arm after a Roller Disco fall. Then, Doc accidentally sprains her own ankle, so it’s up to her toys to provide the care and compassion to Doc herself and with rest, patience and plenty of cuddles, she will be as good as new, singing “The Doc is in.”

httpv://youtu.be/4-dzoFLbxvo?list=UUNcdbMyA59zE-Vk668bKWOg

And to keep the excitement going make sure you tune into Doc McStuffins: School of Medicine week on Disney Junior on Disney Channel starting Monday, September 26 at 9am/8c! It’s a week of back-to-back episodes where you’ll see Doc practice all kinds of skills – like a dentist, eye doctor, and surgeon! Plus, meet some of the real-life medical experts that help keep us feeling our best. It all leads up to a new Doc McStuffins episode Friday, September 26 at 9am/8c on Disney Junior on Disney Channel!

A look into Disney On Ice presents Frozen!

On Wednesday night, we had the opportunity to attend a media preview of the final rehearsal for Disney on Ice Presents Frozen, the day before the show went live here at the Amway Center before heading out on a tour of North America!

I was so excited to see this show, as I had thought about how cool Frozen would be if Disney On Ice featured it, ever since I saw Stars On Ice here at the Amway Center in April!

Olympic Skater Gracie Gold paid tribute to Queen Elsa when she performed one of her routines to Let It Go, dressed in a smaller tutu version of Elsa’s iconic blue dress!

On our way in, we could purchase merchandise from the stands. There were not only programs available for $15, but there were items that I haven’t even noticed in any Disney Stores yet! Pull apart Olaf was very adorable, and they had many souvenir character cups, and plushes to buy! You could also get your photo taken with cardboard cut outs of Olaf, Elsa & Anna, and even have your face painted like them!

The show started with some warm up acts getting us on our feet, my favorite part being when they guided everybody though a dance and told us thats how you “do the snowman”! It got everyone dancing and ready for the show!

Our hosts came out to greet us first, which of course, was Mickey and Minnie Mouse! They were dressed up in warm skiing style costumes, and I admit to being very jealous about Minnie’s pink Ugg style boots, very stylish!

They soon brought out other Disney characters including the Princesses and their Princes! Soon enough the whole stage was full of our beloved Disney Characters. What a way to kick off the night!

We the story of Frozen started during the performance, and we got a glimpse into young sisters, Anna & Elsa, staying up playing, and of course building a snowman! Our first glimpse at Olaf!

True to the story, the scene ended with Anna being injured by her sister, so Elsa was told to “conceal, don’t feel” and hid away from Anna in her room.

We were then treated to Anna’s “For The First Time In Forever” scene, in which we first see her grown up and this is where we really see her shine! Her excitement is represented through her moves as she dances through the square looking forward to the Coronation, while Elsa looks on in the background forlornly.

Our next scene was “Love Is An Open Door” where Anna meets Hans for the first time, I loved the huge clock they had in the background, and the fountain added a nice effect from the movie.

When the other dancers came out for the Coronation, the colors used on the ice were just stunning and added such a beautiful visual!

After the coronation we saw Anna & Hans excitedly ask for, now Queen, Elsa’s permission to marry each other. Which she replied with the now famous “You can’t marry a man you JUST met!”, which as we know, led to the argument between the sisters, and Elsa’s mounting emotions coming through triggering her magic, accidentally setting off an eternal winter upon Arendelle. The pyrotechnics used during this scene really added to the dramatics and emotions of the moment.

The next scene led to a lot of cheers as we got to see grown up Kristoff and Sven, who we saw briefly at the beginning as their younger selves collecting their ice together.

Here we see them meet Anna, who persuades them to help her find her sister. However Anna is soon offended by Kristoff’s comments about Hans, “You mean to tell me you got engaged to someone you just met that day…didn’t your parents ever warn you about strangers?”.

It felt like the next scene was the one that everyone had been waiting for, Elsa’s moment of freedom from the restrictions that she has lived under all her life. It was time for Elsa to “Let It Go”.

The lights and snow flurries used in this scene just added to the magic as she made her ice castle. It was truly so beautiful to see her surrounded by ice!

We were then introduced to a real life Olaf! Which was played out so brilliantly as it went from a full size Olaf, to being tossed around by Anna and Kristoff in pieces!

This then led to such a fun part of the show, Olaf performing his “In Summer” song, it was so fun watching the choreography to this part!

I loved the next scene that showed when Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven finally reaching Elsa’s ice castle. Anna & Elsa began dancing around the ice together, during the “For The First Time In Forever (Reprise)” part, as Anna begs Elsa to come back home and restore summer in Arendelle.

But as we know, Elsa’s surprise leads her to accidentally freeze Anna’s heart, and she is prompted to order “Marshmallow” to drive them away.

Marshmallow was represented so well in this, he was huge and rolled out onto the ice with huge presence!

After running away from Marshmallow, Kristoff takes Anna to the Valley of the Living Rock, to meet his family, the Trolls. Where they mistake her for his girlfriend and “He’s A Bit Of A Fixer Upper” is performed, I loved it when all the trolls one by one linked arms and they rotated around Kristoff & Anna in the middle, it was so cute!

The scene ends with Anna being told that only an act of true love can save her from freezing and her untimely death.

So Kristoff takes Anna back to Arendelle so she may receive a kiss from Hans, her supposed true love!

Sadly this scene leads to use fining out Han’s true intentions, that he never loved Anna and was only using her to become the King of Arendelle!

But it did lead to a scene with a lot of cheers and “aw’s” when Olaf appears, lights a fire for Anna and speaks his famous line…”Some people are worth melting for!”. I think the whole stadium audience melted at this point too!

Luckily, Elsa, who managed to escape her capture by Hans, tries to find Anna but is hunted down by Hans which leads Anna to leap to the rescue and put herself in between them, freezing to death before the sword hits her. As we all know, Anna’s sacrifice was an act of true love for her sister, and then she is soon revived.

The last scenes in this show were my favorite, as not only do we see the party back at Arendelle once summer is restored, but ALL the characters from the beginning opening come back out to celebrate with the Frozen Characters!

I personally loved this part, as it felt like classic Disney, embracing and celebrating their most recent hit in Frozen!

I certainly recommend seeing Disney on Ice presents Frozen to any Frozen fan, as it did not disappoint!

For a complete list of tour dates visit disneyonice.com.

Jack Hanna Returns to Busch Gardens Tampa

Jack Hanna Returns to Busch Gardens Tampa September 13-14. 2014

Famed Animal Expert Presents a Weekend of Wild Animal Encounters

Join Jungle Jack Hanna at Busch Gardens Tampa on Sept. 13 and Sept. 14 for Wild Days, a weekend of wild animal shows, autograph signings and special meet and greets. The internationally-known animal expert will share animal facts and his travel tales during animal shows in Stanleyville Theater, as well as make special appearances at a family sleepover that on Saturday night.

Hanna’s hands-on approach has won him widespread acclaim as a conservationist, author, television personality and lifelong adventurer. He isbest known as the star of the Emmy^® Award-winning television series “Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild,” where audiences are invited to join him on expeditions around the globe.

Jack Hanna’s Wild Days in Stanleyville Theater
Saturday, Sept. 13 and Sunday, Sept. 14 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Hanna returns with his most popular show at Busch Gardens, featuring fan-favorite animals and even some adorable babies! Hanna will share his world travels and educate animal lovers of all ages about the importance of wildlife conservation during shows in Stanleyville Theater. All shows are included with any annual pass, Fun Card or paid admission.

Jack Hanna Family Fun Sleepover
Saturday, Sept. 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m.
Guests will spend the night at Busch Gardens in one of the park’s secure on-site venues and enjoy a night of family fun, interactive activities and an animal adventure hosted by Jack Hanna. Dinner, a continental breakfast and commemorative gifts are also included. The sleepover is designed for families with children in grade 3 or higher; the cost is $78 per person, with discounts available for Pass Members. Busch Gardensadmission is not required or included. Registration is required.

Be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following the park’s blog at BuschGardensTampaBlog.com, or “like” the Busch Gardens Facebook page, and follow @buschgardens on Twitter and Instagram.

For park tickets or to register for the sleepover, visit buschgardens.com or call 1-888-800-5447.

Falcon’s Fury Upcoming Pass Member Event At Busch Gardens Tampa

Falcon's Fury Pantopia — Photo: Busch Gardens Tampa

Falcon’s Fury is now open at Busch Gardens Tampa and Pass Member Event to celebrate

First Drop Tower of its Kind in the World, solidifies Park as Florida’s Thrill Ride Leader

Busch Gardens Pass Member Event and Special Offer

Falcon’s Fury, North America’s tallest freestanding drop tower, has officially opened at Busch Gardens Tampa!

httpv://youtu.be/cW5T5h23ik4

“We know guests from around the world have been waiting to experience this one-of-a-kind thrill ride, and we are excited to officially invite those guests to ride Falcon’s Fury,” said Park President Jim Dean.

Falcon’s Fury stands at 335 feet and takes riders soaring 60mph straight down. At the ride’s highest pointBusch Gardens has added an element of surprise; like its bird of prey namesake, riders pivot 90 degrees in midair to a face-down dive position. An instant later, riders plunge with speed and power that they’ve never experienced before.

Falcon's Fury Infographic — Busch Gardens Tampa

Pass Members can challenge Falcon’s Fury during an exclusive Pass Member Preview on Sept. 13-14, 20-21 & 27-28 from 9:30-10:30 AM. Experience Falcon’s Fury and take advantage of special offers throughout Pantopia – during the preview hour only!

Falcon's Fury Drop — Photo: Busch Gardens Tampa

Also, during September, Pass Members receive a FREE gift with their purchase of $12 or more at Painted Camel Bazaar or Emporium at Busch Gardens – while supplies last! Just present your active Pass at the time of purchase and choose between a select 6×8 Acrylic Photo Frame OR Busch Gardens Jumbo 2-Pack Pencil Set.

Minimum purchase of $12 pretax and post Pass Member discount required. One free gift per qualified transaction per Pass Member. Other restrictions apply.

You can find out more about the Pass Member Event and Special Offer by logging in here.

For more updates about Falcon’s Fury and Pantopia, visit to FalconsFury.com.
Be the first to know about new events and special deals by following the park’s blog at BuschGardensTampaBlog.com.
You can also like the Busch Gardens Facebook page, and follow @buschgardens on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Guests are encouraged to join the fun and share their post-ride reaction photos and tag them with #falconface.

Krispy Kreme Fall Flavors Available Now

Savor the Flavors of Fall

at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Pumpkin Spice Cake and Pumpkin Cheesecake Doughnuts Now Available at Central Florida Shops

The deliciously craveable flavors of fall have returned to Central Florida’s Krispy Kreme® Doughnuts. Pumpkin Spice Cake and Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake doughnuts are available now through November 30, 2014 at the following locations:

Krispy Kreme Winter Park – Drive thru Open 24 hours

1031 S. Orlando Avenue (17-92), Winter Park, FL 32789

Open 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Sunday–Thursday) and

5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Friday and Saturday)

Krispy Kreme Millenia – Open 24 hours
4080 Millenia Blvd., Orlando, FL 32939

Krispy Kreme Kissimmee – Open 24 hours
5310 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
(192 / Mile Marker 11.5), Kissimmee, FL 34746

Savor the flavors of fall with these Krispy Kreme seasonal treats:

Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Spice and Pumpkin Cheesecake Doughnuts through November 30

Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut: A moist, old-fashioned pumpkin spice flavored cake doughnut coated in Krispy Kreme’s signature glaze.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Doughnut: A yeast shell with pumpkin cheesecake filling, topped with cream cheese icing and a gingersnap cookie crumble.

Pumpkin Spice Latte: Available hot and iced at the Millenia shop only. Topped with whipped cream and a pumpkin topping.

Visit KrispyKreme.com for more information.

Get connected to Krispy Kreme and stay up to date on the latest offerings and promotions at KrispyKreme.com,www.hotlightapp.com, Tumblr and Instagram.

First Look At Disney Pixar Lava Short

A first look clip from the new short from Disney Pixar is now available, and Disney Pixar LAVA looks adorable.

httpv://youtu.be/EqZVHEDLeaM

It really has a Enchanted Tiki Room vibe and the music sticks with you.

Disney Pixar LAVA will open in theaters in front of Disney Pixar INSIDE OUT on June 19, 2015!

Inspired by the isolated beauty of tropical islands and the explosive allure of ocean volcanoes, Disney/Pixar LAVA is a musical love story that takes place over millions of years.

I hope that you lava it, too!

More Walt Disney World Character Ornaments

I have a Walt Disney World Character Ornament problem!I love them and I always find myself popping into Disney’s Days of Christmas to see if there are any new treasures that I must have for my tree!

On my most recent trip to Disney’s Days of Christmas at the Downtown Disney Marketplace, I found some new additions that I am pretty sure I am going to need to purchase for our tree this year!

While in my last Disney Character Christmas Ornaments post, I found individual ornaments this time around I found some adorable pairs ornaments.

You seriously can’t have a Disney pair without Lady and the Tramp!

I just love both of their expressions in this ornament! I love Kermy & Piggy!

Watch what happens when I push this little red button…

And how can you not love Chip and Dale in their festive hats and scarves!

This visit I was also really excited to see some new individual character ornaments, too!

Merry Christmas! I brought you this apple…

Look at how sweet Figment’s face is on this ornament looks!

And Peter Pan has never looked so dashing!

I really love the new Nightmare Before Christmas Shoe Ornament that was added to this extremely popular line collection of ornaments!

And finally, I found these really unique and fun hand-blown glass Mickey and Minnie ornaments in Disney’s Days of Christmas.

So as you can see, I really have a Christmas Ornament problem!

Which ornament is your favorite?

Want to see some really fun Disney Ideas for Christmas? Check out our Pinterest Board ~Dreaming of a Disney Christmas!

Orlando City SC Wins USL PRO Regular Season

Orlando City SC Wins

Third USL PRO Regular Season Title,

Secures Home Field Advantage for Playoffs

Lions battle Wilmington to 0-0 draw, winning second consecutive Commissioner’s Cup

In its final season as members of USL PRO, Orlando City SC (18-4-5, 59 points) claimed a third Regular Season Championship on Wednesday night after drawing the Wilmington Hammerheads (8-7-11, 35 points) 0-0 at Legion Stadium.

Heading into the match, the league-leaders needed a single point to clinch a first place berth in the league standings and home field advantage for the playoffs.

After the game, Head Coach Adrian Heath commented on Orlando’s title win saying, “I’m absolutely delighted, for not just the players, but also for the front office and everyone associated with the Club. It’s been a monumental season, and despite everything going on in the background this year, the players remained focused to win the title seven points clear with one game remaining. It speaks volumes for everyone associated with the organization.”

Wilmington provided the first chance of the match in the 11^th minute when a long ball over the Lions’ defense found Cody Arnoux, who managed to create space and hit an effort from inside the area. But Lions’ Goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski was in perfect position to make the save. Woszczynski would go on to register his second consecutive scoreless match for the Lions.

Orlando quickly responded with a quality strike on target in the 15^th minute of play when Midfielder Adama Mbengue connected well with Kevin Molino’s ball into the box. Shortly afterward, Mbengue was once again involved in another dangerous attacking play for City, forcing Stuver to make a difficult save after cutting inside past two defenders.

As the half progressed, Orlando’s timely attacks continued when Kevin Molino produced his first chance of the night toward the end of the first 45. In the 37^th minute, Molino skillfully controlled Quinn’s pass with his chest to evade a defender before firing a shot that skipped just past the near-post.

After a defensive and scoreless first half, Orlando opened the second period with two early chances in the 48^th minute.

Mbengue’s dangerous shot at the Hammerheads’ goal earned a corner for the Lions, leading to a cross into the box from Burke that found Quinn on the back-post. His volley was rifled directly at Stuver.

The Hammerheads came close to countering in the 55^th minute, however, when Mark-Anthony Kaye ventured into the box, pulling his strike inches past the post.

Midway through the second half, Mbengue shot a powerful blast at Wilmington’s goal that caused difficulties for Stuver. Following Mbengue’s chance, Brian Span, who came on as substitute in the 61^st minute, turned deep inside the box and hit another strike at Stuver, whose crucial point-blank save kept the score-line level.

Stuver continued to come up big for the Hammerheads in the final moments of the match, denying a curling strike from Dennis Chin who did well to create space inside the area. As the game approached the final whistle, Orlando focused on time management, keeping possession to preserve the 0-0 draw and secure the 2014 Commissioner’s Cup.

NEXT MATCH: Orlando City SC returns to ESPN Wide World of Sports for its final regular season match on September 6. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

For more information on Orlando City SC, 2015 MLS Season Tickets or tickets to the Club’s remaining USL PRO home games, including the Lions’ first playoff game on Sept. 13, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com or call 855-ORL-CITY. Also, follow the latest Orlando City news and updates via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Orlando City SC:

Recently ranked 14^th among all professional teams in North America, Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is Major League Soccer’s newest expansion team. The club will begin play in MLS in 2015, becoming the league’s 21^st club. The Lions’ first team has won two USL PRO regular season titles and two postseason championships and will continue play in USL PRO in 2014 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Outside of the first squad, OCSC also has a youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U-23 team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com and www.OrlandoCityYouth.org.