October 13, 2014 - On the Go in MCO

Halloween Fun: #DisneySide Painting Pumpkins

I just love Halloween. With the change of seasons comes talk of pumpkins. Everywhere you turn you’ll find pumpkin candles, soaps, chewing gum, lattes, and so much more!

In our home, we get very excited about decorating pumpkins. Carving pumpkins is a favorite pastime. The only downside to carved pumpkins is their staying power. They just don’t last very long. A few years ago, we began painting pumpkins early in the season. Using an average pumpkin as our blank canvas, we can create some pretty spooktacular pumpkins that last and last and last.

Being a Disney family, we have always created Disney themed pumpkins. It is just one way we bring Disney to our home during the Halloween season! I can’t wait for you to see what we have created this year!

First up? Our FROZEN friend, Olaf!

Halloween Fun #DisneySide Pumpkin Painting Olaf

Next, I bring you the Evil Emperor Zurg!

Halloween Fun #DisneySide Pumpkin Painting Zurg

Last but not least, and my personal favorite, here is Mike Wazowski!

Halloween Fun #DisneySide Pumpkin Painting

The nice thing about painting pumpkins is that you can make them as simple or as elaborate as you like. Younger kids may like to create all on their own, or maybe they’d like a little help from mom or dad. Why not let them have fun and decide?

We like to use pencil to outline our creations. Pencils are great because you can easily erase and make adjustments as you go along. Once you are happy with the design, it’s time to start painting. I have found that acrylic craft paints work best. Depending on the effect you are going for, there are matte, glossy and metallic options available. Some colors may require 2-3 coats so you will want to allow plenty of drying time in between the applications.

Have fun creating your own Halloween pumpkins!

Renowned Photographer Michael Soluri Hosts Presentation and Signing Event to Celebrate Space-Themed Book Release at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Guests to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will meet renowned photographer Michael Soluri November 8 for a book signing and presentation for his new book, “Infinite Worlds: The People and Places of Space Exploration.”

Guests are invited to a 30-minute presentation by Michael Soluriat noon in the Hubble Theater at Space Shuttle Atlantis, which features 19 of Soluri’s images of the NASA and Kennedy Space Center workforce. At 1 p.m., a one-hour signing opportunity will follow the presentation on the lower level of Space Shuttle Atlantis. This event is included in daily admission to the Visitor Complex.

Michael Soluri has documented humankind’s space exploration journey for more than 15 years. His new book takes a behind-the-scenes look at NASA’s centers in Florida, Texas and Maryland. Published by Simon & Schuster, “Infinite Worlds: The People and Places of Space Exploration” features more than 300 fascinating images, 15 essays and a forward by legendary former astronaut and Senator John Glenn.

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, Shuttle Launch Experience®, 3D IMAX^® space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted and many other interactive exhibits. The new $100 million home for Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM opened June 29, 2013. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame^®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, which opens daily at noon and closing times vary by season. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season. Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.