Krispy Kreme Celebrates Fall With New Flavors

Krispy Kreme Flavors of Fall 2015

Krispy Kreme New Salted Caramel Doughnut and Latte Highlight Line-Up Of Fall Flavors

Krispy Kreme is celebrating the flavors of fall with an array of sweet treats inspired by the season, including the new Salted Caramel Latte Doughnut and Salted Caramel Latte.

The popular Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut and Pumpkin Spice Latte are also available now through Nov. 26 at the following Central Florida locations:

Krispy Kreme Winter Park – Drive thru Open 24 hours: 1031 S. Orlando Ave, Winter Park, FL  32789

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

Krispy Kreme Kissimmee– Open 24 hours: 5310 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL  34746

Krispy Kreme Salted Caramel Latte Doughnut

The new delectable Salted Caramel Latte Doughnut is a yeast doughnut filled with an espresso flavored Kreme™ filling, topped with salted caramel icing, salted sugar and an espresso icing drizzle.

Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Spice Doughnut

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

The new mouthwatering Salted Caramel Latte features a blend of salt and amber sugar and is topped with whipped cream. The Pumpkin Spice Latte is topped with whipped cream and a pumpkin topping. *The Salted Caramel Latte and Pumpkin Spice Latte are available hot, iced or frozen exclusively at the Krispy Kreme Millenia shop.

Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Spice and Salted Caramel Latte Doughnuts

“Krispy Kreme’s Fall Flavors have quickly become something our fans look forward to each year to mark the change of seasons,” said Dwayne Chambers, Krispy Kreme’s chief marketing officer. “Our fans, who for years have enjoyed our Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut and more recently our Pumpkin Spice Latte, are going to love our new Salted Caramel Latte and Salted Caramel Latte Doughnut. They both are delicious ways to celebrate all things fall.”

Save the Date for Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19: Any buccaneer who enters a Krispy Kreme shop talking like a pirate gets one FREE Original Glazed doughnut.

 

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Star Wars Land Brings Big Changes To Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Star Wars Land Brings Big Changes To Disney’s Hollywood Studios

With all the news about this being the final Holiday Season of The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and rumors of Star Wars Land breaking ground in early 2016, I thought now would be a good chance to look at what Star Wars Land is going to bring to the Park.

Last month at the D23 Expo, The Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger was announced the 14 acre expansion coming to Walt Disney World.

Star Wars Land Expansion - Bob Iger
Photo: Disney

We are creating a jaw-dropping new world that represents our largest single themed land expansion ever. These new lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will transport guests to a whole new Star Wars planet, including an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance,” said Iger.

The Story of Star Wars Land

Star Wars Land Expansion from a distance
Photo: Disney

When you walk into Star Wars Land you will be walking into a whole new and never seen before gateway planet located in the Outer Rim that if filled with new and familiar characters and locations based on stories from a galaxy far, far away.

The inhabitants of this last frontier will offer every guest an authentic and immersive experience where every single detail is in story. From the restaurants to the storefronts, each experience will be ‘out of this world’ and appeal to all of your senses…even smell.

Star Wars Land will come to life on both coasts with updates to existing attractions and entertainment, new experiences and celebrations, but most importantly new attractions, restaurants, and shops.

Star Wars Land Attractions & Event Details We Know About

  • Star Tours: Later this year, the Star Tours attraction will receive an update that will include a new destination from Episode VII and encounters with new characters.

  • Jedi Training Academy: Later this year, the Jedi Training Experience will be enhanced with new designs, characters, and a new story.

  • Star Wars Launch Bay: The Star Wars Launch Bay, currently under construction in the former Magic of Disney Animation, will be where guests can explore exhibits, interact with characters, view exclusive content, and even try the newest Star Wars games from Disney Interactive.

Star Wars Launch Bay
Photo: Disney
  • Star Wars Season of the Force: Expanding on the successful Star Wars Weekends, this new Limited Time Season Event will be arriving in Early 2016 on both coasts with enhanced character experiences, special food and beverage options, limited merchandise events, and will conclude with an all new fireworks spectacular set to the epic John Williams score.

Star Wars Land Attractions & Event Details We Don’t Really Know About

Star Wars Land - Millenium Falcon
Photo: Disney

  • Star Wars Land Entrance: We know that the entrance to Star Wars Land will include an experience that immerses you in land completely. Will it be entering through a forest? Or will you enter through a loading bay?

  • Millennium Falcon Attraction: We know we will have the chance to fly a mission on the iconic Millennium Falcon where we find ourselves in the middle of an epic battle, and I can only guess that this will be a simulator experience similar to Star Tours.

  • Cantina Experience: We know that a ‘Cantina Experience’ will be a part of the Star Wars Land Expansion, but will this be based on Mos Eisley Cantina or will we find a new Cantina for galactic libations?

  • Star Wars Land Entertainment: We know that the new Star Wars Land will feature some great new entertainment, but will this be a ‘nightclub’ setting? Characters Roaming the Land? A new show?

  • Star Wars Land Storefronts and Restaurants: We know that we will be able to experience new Star Wars Restaurants and Stores, but what will they sell? Will they take a special currency?

  • Star Wars Land Inhabitants: We know that all of the inhabitants of this ‘last frontier gateway planet’ are welcoming us with open arms, but how will we communicate? Will they sport a new name badges like the ones you can purchase during Star Wars Weekends?

Star Wars Land Flying Millenium Falcon
Photo: Disney

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10 Things To Know On The Go: 2015 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

10 Things To Know On The Go

Things to Know On the Go Header Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

2015 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party returns to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on select nights September 1- November 1, 2015, with some new additions and returning favorites.

With the parties beginning this week, I thought I would share 10 Things to Know On the Go – 2015 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

1. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party officially begins at 7 pm and concludes at midnight, however guests may enter the park at 4 pm before the festivities begin.

Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party Happy HalloWishes
Photo: Walt Disney World

2. Happy HalloWishes will begin at 10 pm, which is a little later than last year, so you will want to pace younger party goers as they surely won’t want to miss these fireworks!

Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party Boo to You Parade
Photo: Walt Disney World

3. The ever popular Boo-To- You Parade steps off in Frontierland twice during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at new times of 8:35 pm and 11:15 pm.

4. If you love a Holiday cupcake or treat, then Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party has you covered. At Gaston’s Tavern you will find a special Ghost cupcake, Storybook Treats will be offering Candy Corn soft serve ice cream, The Main Street Bakery will have two special cupcakes – a spider cupcake and monster cupcake- and a Halloween Cookie, The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor will have a Halloween Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich, and you will be able to find Candy Corn Cotton Candy throughout the park.

Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party Treat Collage
Photo: Walt Disney World

5. Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular: This new and highly anticipated addition to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party takes place at 8 pm, 9:20 pm, 10:40 pm, and 12 am.

Here is a description of Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular from the Disney Parks’s Blog

In Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular the mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” return to the mortal world for one night during the Halloween season. With only a few hours to run amuck, the three sisters decide to use their magic to throw the best, evil Halloween party this side of the graveyard!

Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party Hocus Pocus Concept Art
Photo: Walt Disney World

With the help of the Disney villains, Winifred, Mary and Sarah gather together sinister shadows, nefarious nightmares and the power of their frightful friends to conjure the ultimate Hocus Pocus Party Potion and cast a spell on everyone in the Magic Kingdom Park. “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” features appearances by Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent and other great Disney villains, along with dancers, projections and special effects that combine to make this new show a not-to-be-missed Halloween treat.

6. Special Characters: You can meet some of your favorite Disney Characters in their Halloween costumes as well as meet characters who are exclusively visiting guests during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. You will find the character locations on the event map, and the Character Attendants are really helpful in letting you know when they will be meeting if they are not there.

Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party Character Collage
Photo: Walt Disney World

7. Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom: As in years past, there is a Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Exclusive Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card that is available at the Firestation on Main Street U.S.A.

Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party 2015 Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card
Photo: Walt Disney World

8. Trick-or-Treat Opportunities: Adults and children can Trick-or-Treat together at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party with 11 Candy Spots and a Trick-or-Treat Trail in Fantasyland that begins near the Fantasyland Railroad Station in Storybook Circus.

Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party Trick or Treating
Photo: Walt Disney World

9. Attractions: During Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party you will find that there are 26 attractions that will be open, but it is important to note that you will not be able to schedule any FastPass+ times during the party.

Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party Attractions
Photo: Walt Disney World

10. It wouldn’t be a Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party without exclusive party merchandise! This year there will be a special edition MagicBand, a special edition Trading Pin, and of course the event T-Shirt. You can get them at the Emporium, and at Frontier Trading Post for the pin.

Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party Merchandise

We’ll be at tonight’s first Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and on September 18th, so make sure you follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

For more information and to purchase tickets to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party visit the official website, and happy start of the Halloween Season!

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SCREAM-A-GEDDON Haunts Tampa This Fall

SCREAM-A-GEDDON

SCREAM-A-GEDDON to Attract

Thrill-Seekers This Fall

New Halloween Attraction Unleashes Terror in the Tampa Bay Area Starting Late September

 

SCREAM-A-GEDDON, a new horrifying Halloween attraction coming to Tampa Bay, will begin haunting the public on Friday, September 25th, 2015. The new horror park features six haunted attractions with a Monster Midway spread over a sinister 60 acres of Old Florida forest.

“SCREAM-A-GEDDON is a brand new type of horror park that Central Florida has never experienced before. Simply put, words can’t describe the terror within,” says Jonathan Pianki, Marketing Director. “It truly needs to be experienced in order to be believed.”

The owners and operators of SCREAM-A-GEDDON bring to bear their combined expertise running similar attractions across the country to create a unique Horror Park in the Central Florida area. The park features several never-before-seen, bone-chilling attractions with Hollywood special effects and exclusive interactive elements throughout the park.  

“Being an independent Halloween horror park allows us to stretch the boundaries of what customers have come to expect at the more ‘corporate’ Halloween attractions in the Tampa Bay and Orlando areas,” says Mark Bremer, Creative Director at SCREAM-A-GEDDON. “Victims who want a more interactive, intimate and terrifying haunted experience will be thrilled when our facility opens this fall.”

 

SCREAM-A-GEDDON will be open to the public on select nights from September 25th through November 1st. For more information, please visit www.SCREAMAGEDDON.com.

 

About SCREAM-A-GEDDON:

SCREAM-A-GEDDON is the newest Halloween attraction in the Tampa Bay area featuring six horrifying attractions spread over 60 acres. The “Monster Midway” will feature carnival games and a variety of food and beverages, including beer. For more information about SCREAM-A-GEDDON, please visit www.SCREAMAGEDDON.com

 

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Fall 2015 Round Table

Even though the official start of fall is still a couple of weeks off, here in Orlando it is definitely in full swing.
Fall decorations have made it to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and the first Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is only days away. Previews have started for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, while Halloween Spooktacular is only a few weeks away at SeaWorld. Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida starts the first weekend in October. Howl-O-Scream kicks off at Busch Gardens on September 25th. With all these awesome events just around the corner we thought we’d share some of our fall favorites.
What are you most looking forward to about fall outside the parks?
Betsy – This was a tough one for me between pumpkin flavored everything, cooler weather, but ultimately, football wins out. I love college football season and enjoy playing in a Fantasy league for NFL, so it brings that extra competitive edge to the fall.
fall
Cole in a Corn Maze last year
Jillian – I love all the smaller fall festivals the different towns hold, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hay rides! I love fall!
Shelley – Watching It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and carving pumpkins with Dave & Zoe.
Dave and Zoe Carving a Pumpkin Fall
Zoe and Dave Carving a Pumpkin
Dana – Pumpkin yogurt at Menchies
Jacqui – I’m ridiculously excited about dining at Morimoto Asia in Downtown Disney! A huge fan of Iron Chef ( and all cooking shows) I can’t wait to experience another new culinary gem at Walt Disney World.
Kelly – Cooler weather!
Gail – What I’m most looking forward to about fall outside the parks is not only the cooler weather and layers, but the food and the sense of family. The tasty fall drinks at Starbucks, the many yummy pies, the feeling of families starting to plan to get together for thanksgiving time. Once it gets cooler I enjoy going outdoors more and seeing the change of colors to the landscapes.
Cheryl – Looking forward to farmer’s markets

 

What is your favorite thing about fall in the parks?
Betsy – Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is my favorite special event at Walt Disney World, so I always look forward to it. This year I hope to check out Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND for the first time, and get to Spooktacular at SeaWorld again.
Jillian – The decorations all over the Magic Kingdom, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular.
Shelley – The decorations at the Magic Kingdom! I love seeing all the pumpkins!
Dana – The decorations!
Jacqui – The thing I love most about Fall in the parks is EVERYTHING….lower crowds, cooler weather, a decked out seasonal display at MK….and of course, my fave at EP, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival!
Kelly – I love the decorations in the Magic Kingdom, especially the themed jack-o-lanterns on Main Street.
Gail – My favorite part of fall in the parks is the decor! Disney magically transforms to leaves and pumpkins and orange all around! Universal Studios has Halloween Horror Nights which is my favorite! Then all the local haunted houses are so fun to find. Not forgetting the pirate house at Celebration that he decorates every year, it’s truly a sight to see AND hear!
Cheryl – I love the Fort and the Halloween decorations

 

What are you planning on dressing up as for Halloween or what was a favorite past costume that you wore at any point in your life?
Betsy – I will probably not dress up this year because I find it still a bit warm, but I can usually be counted on to wear a fun t-shirt. My favorite costume growing up was probably when I was a Smurf when I was about four. I’m short and blue is my favorite color, so it works.
 Smurf Betsy Fall
Smurf Betsy looks Smurfy
Jillian – Haven’t decided what we’re doing for costumes this year. Past favorites have included Snow White, and Kaylee from Firefly (and Serenity).
Shelley – You’ll just have to wait for this year’s costume!!!
Dana – My favorite past costume was Dr. Facilier, a female version.
Jacqui – I’m still deciding on a possible costume for this year, but my fave costume was Snow White. My toddler and I both dressed as her and the memories of that day are nothing short of magical.
Kelly – Not planning on it this year, but if I was I would probably be Sadness or Disgust from Inside Out. In the past, a group of friends and I dressed as Wizard of Oz characters. I was Scarecrow.
Gail – I don’t tend to dress up much for Halloween, just accessorize but my favorite outfit is my pumpkin outfit, it’s so silly but I love it!
Pumpkin Gail Fall
Pumpkin Gail
Cheryl – I have no idea.

 

What is your favorite fall food or drink?
Betsy – Almost anything pumpkin flavored, especially my beloved Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks. I also really enjoy a nice glass of apple cider with a hint of cloves and cinnamon either hot or cold.
Jillian – homemade pumpkin pie & hot apple cider
Shelley – My favorite fall food is the Halloween Sugar Cookies that Zoe and I make every year at SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular.
Halloween Sugar Cookie SeaWorld Orlando Fall
Can you see the cookie underneath all that candy???
Dana – Hot apple cider
Jacqui – Fave Fall food in general is roasted squash! Caramel Apples are a close second.
Kelly – I love the pumpkin waffle that they have at Sleepy Hollow during MNSSHP. And I never turn down apple cider.
Gail – My favorite fall food is the pies, sweet potato or pumpkin pie, I love how much pumpkin flavored stuff they do! My favorite drinks are the spiced ones, so pumpkin spice or apple spice, they really taste like fall to me!
Cheryl – Mashed potatoes

 

What is the movie you are most looking forward to seeing in theaters between now and the end of the year?
Betsy – My heart is completely torn in half on this one. Two of my greatest loves in Star Wars and James Bond, also two of the best film franchises in history, are both releasing films between November and December. SPECTRE looks like it is going to be amazing, but The Force Awakens will probably win the year’s box office if it is half as good as the previews look, plus BB-8!
Jillian – Star Wars: The Force Awakens!
Shelley – Star Wars: The Force Awakens! It will be Zoe’s first Star Wars movie on the ‘Big Screen’!!!
Dana – Star Wars, of course!
Jacqui – Love Bill Murray and love The Jungle Book, so I can’t wait for this one in October.
Kelly – Other than the obvious, Star Wars, I’m looking forward to seeing The Martian.
Gail – A movie I’m looking forward to is Ant Man, I know it’s terrible I haven’t seen it already! I am almost out of time but hoping to catch it, it looks fun!
Cheryl – The Force Awakens
Snow White Jillian
Snow White Jillian
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Ultron is Everywhere + Exclusive Avengers content now on Disney Movies Anywhere

Avengers: Age of Ultron is now available on Amazon Video and Microsoft Movies & TV Accessories On Disney Movies Anywhere

Avengers: Age of Ultron

I had strings, but now I’m free … there are no strings on me!”

 

I really love Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA), and it has really been a lifesaver when Zoe NEEDED a movie to watch when we are On the Go.

And now Disney Movies Anywhere now offers consumers even greater access to their digital collections of Disney, Disney•Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars movies at home and on the go with the addition today of two new retail partners, Amazon Video and Microsoft Movies & TV to its robust digital footprint. DMA is already available via iTunes, Google Play, and Walmart’s VUDU, and adds more devices next week as Roku and Android TV come on board.

What’s even better is that you can now watch MARVEL’S AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON wherever you go with Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) on September 15th!

Plus, when you buy Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron through DMA, you can take a deeper dive into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the exclusive bonus feature “Connecting the Universe.”

“Connecting the Universe,” an exclusive feature that explores the epic network of intertwining story lines in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, highlighting the intricate links between the worlds of the MCU characters and their comic history.

httpv://youtu.be/PyvBRv6jRog

You can visit Disney Movies Anywhere to find out more about collecting, watching, and taking your favorite Disney, Pixar and Marvel movies anywhere you go!  Visit www.disneymoviesanywhere.com or download the App at http://di.sn/hvV

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Halloween Spooktacular Treats SeaWorld Orlando Guests This October #SeaWorldSpooktacular

SeaWorld Orlando Halloween Spooktacular Logo

Halloween Spooktacular treats SeaWorld Orlando Guests Weekends in October

Immerse your entire Family in an ocean of Halloween fun at SeaWorld Orlando! 

 

Halloween Spooktacular, where Halloween meets the sea, returns to SeaWorld Orlando during the weekends in October.

Halloween Spooktacular

The family-friendly event will immerse guests in an underwater “fantasea” with trick-or-treating, whimsical pumpkin fish, sea-themed arts and crafts, and up-close animal encounters.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular takes place from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekends, October 3-31. Like all special events at SeaWorld, Halloween Spooktacular is included with park admission.

Halloween Spooktacular Highlights:

  • Waves of Trick-or-Treat Fun – Costumed youngsters can trick-or-treat for ghoulish goodies.  Each sea-themed, trick-or-treat station features an assortment of candy favorites including Tootsie Roll®, Jelly Beans®, Airheads®, just to name a few.

SeaWorld Orlando Halloween Spooktacular Trick or Treat Trail

  • Penelope’s Party Zone –  This dynamic “underwater” environment comes to life each weekend with a live DJ, a variety of craft opportunities, bubbles floating overhead and colorful sea-themed characters. The zone is located on SeaWorld’s Bayside Pathway.
  • Returning Fan Favorite: Sesame Street’s Countdown to Halloween – Celebrate a Spooktacular Halloween at SeaWorld with The Count, Elmo, Abby, and the rest of everyone’s Sesame Street friends!  The Count is feeling lonely this Halloween, and it’s up to you and the loveable monsters from Sesame Street to get him into the Halloween spirit.  Batty bats and spooky skeletons join the fun in a song filled stage show that invites you and your family to dance, play, and sing along.

SeaWorld Orlando Halloween Spooktacular Storytelling at Penelope's Party Zone

  • Spooktacular Dance Party –   Children join Princess Penelope and her under-the-sea friends for a Spooktacular Dance Party where they can participate in line-dancing favorites as clouds of bubbles fill the evening air. The party will kick off at the Village Square in the front of the park every event night one hour before park closing.

There are even ways to make your Halloween Spooktacular even more spectacular!

Halloween Spooktacular Spooky Add-Ons:

  • Dine With Shamu® Halloween Spooktacular Brunch – Guests can celebrate with an immersive and memorable brunch experience at Dine With Shamu®. They will enjoy seasonal items and reserved tables that bring them up close to majestic killer whales.  There also are some Halloween surprises including a family photo in a decorative frame and a free cookie decorating kit.  Prices begin at $28 plus tax for adults and $16 plus tax for kids.

SeaWorld Orlando Halloween Spooktacular Treat Decorating

  • Sweet Treat Decorating – Kids and parents alike can have a “splash” decorating their own sweet treats at the cookie decorating stations.  The kits include a cookie, frosting and toppings and are available for $7.

For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.SeaWorldOrlando.com.  Follow SeaWorld on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest Halloween Spooktacular details and information.  Join the conversation with #SeaWorld and #SeaWorldSpooktacular.

We cannot wait to bring you even more SeaWorld Orlando Halloween Spooktacular Family fun!!!

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Spooky Empire 2015: Zombies, Ghosts, And Ghouls Oh My!

 Spooky Empire 2015 Logo

Spooky Empire Returns Oct. 30 – Nov. 1

Zombies, ghosts and a horde of ghoulish guests to gather at the Hyatt Regency Orlando for the ultimate Halloween Weekend

 

This will be my first year attending Spooky Empire, one of the largest, horror and Halloween fan events in the country!

Held at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, October 30 to November 1, Spooky Empire is three days of fan-frenzy interaction with a host of horror movie and TV stars, vendors, artists, and costumed characters at the area’s most franken-tastic event ever to descend onto International Drive.

Also making their first appearance at the Hyatt Regency Orlando on International Drive, the event, thirteen years in the making, will include a wide variety of family-friendly events including hair-raising ghost stories, trick ‘r treating and face-to-face animal encounters in the Kids Zone, adult costume contests, live music, hundreds of Halloween-themed vendors, an award winning film festival, world-renowned tattoo artists, countless panels and seminars, a shadow cast performance of the Rocky Horror Picture Show with the stars of the film, and the world famous Zombie Walk featuring the largest gathering of zombies to creep through Central Florida.

Spooky Empire has lured an impressive cast of disturbingly delightful heroes & villains for guests to feast on including Lisa & Louise Burns, from The Shining, Neve Campbell and Skeet Ulrich, stars of Scream, George Romero, the master mind behind many of the classics including Dawn of the Dead, Creepshow, Night of the Living Dead, Malcolm McDowell, star of A Clockwork Orange and many others.

Make your reservations now as the haunted halls of the Hyatt Regency Orlando are filling fast!  For reservations call (407) 284-1234 and mention “Spooky Empire” for the annual blood donors special.  The property features plenty of broom parking with rates starting at just $10 per day.

Spooky Empire 2015

Information-At-A-Glance

WHERE:          Hyatt Regency Orlando 9801 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819

WHEN:           October 30 – November 1, 2015
                       Friday 5 pm – 11 pm
Saturday 11 am – 8 pm
Sunday 11 am – 4 pm

For a complete event schedule and to pre-purchase tickets for the event visit www.spookyempire.com or call (954) 258-7852 to reach the Spooky Empire hotline.

And also make sure you give them a Like on Facebook and Follow us on twitter @spookyempire.

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You Won’t Regret Going To The 2015 O-Town MacDown #OTownMacDown

O-Town MacDown 2015 Logo

Give Kids The World Village’s second annual O-Town MacDown is set for Saturday, September 12, from 11 am to 4 pm at Osceola Heritage Park, and this an event that you won’t want to miss!

The MacDown is a family-oriented event macaroni-and-cheese cooking contest and fundraiser for Give Kids The World Village, a 79-acre resort for children with life-threatening illnesses.

The event features talented chefs and caterers from around Orlando, each looking to whip up the best mac-n-cheese dish in Central Florida. Chefs from such well known restaurants as Hard Rock Café, Smokey Bones, and Disney’s Port Orleans will compete. This year’s O-Town MacDown presenting sponsor is Tom+Chee.

In addition to the mac-n-cheese battle, Saturday’s competition will include live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, a Kids’ Zone, interactive games provided by Orlando City Soccer Club, and unlimited samples of the best mac-n-cheese on the planet.

O-Town MacDown At A Glance

When: Saturday, September 12, 2015 – 11 am to 4 pm

 

Where: Osceola Heritage Park Exhibit Hall – 1875 Silver Spur Ln, Kissimmee, FL 34744

 

Parking: FREE

 

Tickets: Available online at www.OTownMacDown.org, $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12-years-old and under or on the day of the event at $15 for adults and $10 for kids 12-years-old and under. There’s no charge for children under 3.

Make sure that you keep up with the latest Give Kids the World Village news on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

And you can get all sorts of O-Town MacDown updates and see all the friends who will see there by RSVPing on their Facebook Event Page!

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D23 Expo Costume Gallery

This year I had the opportunity to attend the D23 Expo in Anaheim for the first time. Did I wear a costume? No, but I did get complimented on my awesome and unique tshirts each day (one Bing Bong, one Black Widow, and one Agent Carter). One of my favorite things I experienced during the convention was actually checking out costume and people watching. The cosplay and Disney bounding was amazing! Here are a few of my favorites from the three days I attended. Some people were in a hurry and a bit reluctant to pose, so I apologize some costume angles are from the side or behind.

Alice costume
Alice and Mad Hatter and Cinderella and Ariel
Belle and Elsa
Belle and Elsa
Captain EOs
Captain EOs
Elsa and Hans
Elsa and Hans
Elsa
Elsa
Haunted Mansion Stretching Room Lady
Haunted Mansion Stretching Room Lady
Hercules and Megara
Hercules and Megara
Jungle Cruise Skipper with boat and passenger!
Jungle Cruise Skipper with boat and passenger!
King Stefan and Queen Leah
King Stefan and Queen Leah
Lava
Lava
Maleficent
Maleficent
Princes and Princesses
Princes and Princesses
Quasimodo
Quasimodo
Queen of Hearts
Queen of Hearts
Rainbow Unicorn
Rainbow Unicorn
Robin Hood
Robin Hood
Sally and Zero
Sally and Zero
Sgt. Calhoun
Sgt. Calhoun
Storm Trooper and Darth Vader
Storm Trooper and Darth Vader
Summer Elsa and Anna
Summer Elsa and Anna

 

Which costume was your favorite? I can’t choose just one, but the Lava volcano costume together was one of mine. I also give major props to the dude who wore the Jungle Cruise Skipper costume complete with working microphone on his boat and a passenger. The Robin Hood costume is pretty awesome too. Let me know in the comments which costume you’d choose to wear.

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Disney Resort Labor Day Weekend Activities

Disney's Contemporary ResortIf you happen to be on vacation or a staycation at a Walt Disney World Resort for the holiday weekend like I am, I thought I’d share some special events going on at select resorts across property.

At Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, they are hosting the 104 Days of Summer Vacation: End of Summer Beach Party Bash! this Saturday, September 5th from 5:00 – 7:30pm. It will take place on the Martinique Beach (subject to weather). The recreation calendar says, “Join us on Martinique Beach for competitions, relays, crafts, marshmallow roasting, and a special drawing to win a free admission for Kid’s Night In: Pirate Adventure!”

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is having a Labor Day Beach Party on Monday, September 7th from 5:30 – 10:00pm. It will be on the beach at the resort and will have fun games, crafts, prizes, and more!

Later this month, on Monday, September 21st, the Contemporary will have a similar party for resort guests to celebrate the end of summer. It will also take place on the main beach from 5:30 – 10:00pm.

This Sunday, September 6th, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside is throwing a Riverside Fair! The party will center around the main theme pool at Ol’ Man Island from 11:30am – 5:00pm. The resort will celebrate Labor Day with games, music and more, with a barbecue (additional cost for food). After the pool party, the fun continues at the marina with arts and crafts, games, live entertainment, and a character meet and greet. There will also be specialty food and drinks available for purchase at the resort.

Today, Friday, September 4th, and tomorrow, Saturday, September 5th, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort will be having an extended campfire on the beach. They will feature unlimited s’mores, games, crafts, and face painting for resort guests from 6:30 – 8:30pm both nights.

 

If you get a chance, and are staying at one of these resorts, definitely check out some of these fun extra recreation activities being offered. Have a great and safe holiday weekend!

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Blue Jasper Restaurant Review

Blue Jasper exterior
Blue Jasper exterior

Last week I discovered a new breakfast and lunch restaurant, Blue Jasper, quite by accident. My mom and I were out running errands and were hungry for breakfast, but not in the mood for our usual breakfast place or any chains. I took to Yelp and stumbled upon a new place I’d never heard of that had only been open a few months.

I pulled up the reviews for Blue Jasper, which numbered almost twenty and average 4.5/5. I looked at the menu and found an article from the local paper from April when Blue Jasper opened. It talked about how they wanted to use local produce and resources as much as possible, and ran through the impressive resume of the owner/chef. My mom and I were sold.

Showing up only minutes later, we weren’t disappointed. Being mid morning in the middle of the week, it was relatively quiet with only four or five of the twenty or so tables being occupied. The server, Hillary was very friendly, attentive, but not overly so, and was knowledgeable.

After taking a long time to peruse the Blue Jasper breakfast menu, and decide we were coming back for lunch later in the week, we placed our orders. We decided to order a few different things to try and share.

First, we started with the lox and three herb cream cheese on a bagel with tomato. We opted for no onions and the capers on the side. The lox was perfectly sliced and nice and thin with a nice smoked salmon flavor. This was complemented very well with the herb cream cheese.

French Toast
Bagel and lox
Bagel and lox
Corned beef hash
Corned beef hash
Blue Jasper interior
Blue Jasper interior

To balance out the savory bagel and lox, we decided to order the crunchy fruit compote French toast brioche with the whipped cream on the side. We both agreed that this was quite probably the best French toast we’d ever had. It didn’t need butter, we used a touch of syrup, and I used a little of the whipped cream, but the berry compote was perfect served cold over the warm French toast. I am assuming the crunch came from cereal or oatmeal on the brioche toast added after an egg wash.

I also chose to give a side of corned beef hash a try. Now, I am very particular about my hash. I do not like salty things, and oddly enough, corned beef is very salty by nature. So I don’t ever want salt added, and I’m not a fan of peppers in my corned beef hash, which a lot of places like to try to sneak in for some reason. This corned beef hash at Blue Jasper again was possibly the best I’ve ever had. It was perfectly seasoned, not salty at all, but still flavorful. I felt a little bad trying some with a dab of ketchup like I usually do.

The food was all fantastic with great flavor and nice presentation. As promised, we returned to Blue Jasper for lunch over the weekend and were not disappointed! We had the duck confit sliders, and their extraordinary grilled cheese. The sliders are served on sour dough bread with brie, arugula, sweet orange rinds, and bacon aioli. Served with tomato bisque, the grilled cheese has smoked bacon, apple butter, grilled apple slices, and smoked cheddar on brioche. Neither made it home for leftovers, but we did have some extra of the yummy sweet potato fries that made a great snack later.

Duck confit sliders
Duck confit sliders
Grilled cheese and tomato bisque
Grilled cheese and tomato bisque
Tables
Tables
Blue Jasper
Blue Jasper

All in all this is a great new spot, and I’m so glad we found it. We will now be adding it into our regular rotation of restaurants. They are open Tuesday through Sunday 7am – 3pm, and also offer catering. There are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options, as well as vegan/gluten free options. If you are in the Sarasota or Bradenton area any time soon, make sure to hit up Blue Jasper for either breakfast or lunch.

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Top 10 Rides and Attractions at Disneyland 

Having just come back from Disneyland a couple of weeks ago, I thought I’d reflect on some of my favorites. I put together this list of my Top 10 Rides and Attractions at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Some of these are sentimental favorites, others are great thrill rides, but I love them all for different reasons. For listing purposes, I have split up the list into two parts, one for traditional rides, and the other into attractions/shows/entertainment. I’m sure many will disagree, but hopefully I’ve got some of your favorites here, or maybe you’ll come to appreciate a new attraction from my lists.

 

RIDES

10. Indiana Jones Adventure – The theming of the thrilling dark ride is spot on. The queue is amazing and the story is great.

9. Casey Jr. Circus Train – I love the simplicity of this, which is one of two Dumbo rides, and how you get a great view of the canal boats and Matterhorn.

rides

8. Storybook Land Canal Boats – Rides are always better when they’re on a boat. This slow moving trip through Monstro and around the houses and castles of many of our favorite characters is most beautiful at dusk with the twinkle lights.

7. Mr Toad’s Wild Ride – I think I move this up on the list a bit since we used to have it here in Florida, but don’t anymore. I used to love to ride it as a kid and now get to ride it again as an adult.

6. Disneyland Railroad – I love that there are different styles of seating and scenes to see while riding the train all around the park.

Matterhorn5. Matterhorn Bobsleds – Although this can be one of the roughest Disney rollercoasters or rides overall, I love the new upgrades to Harold. To me, this is the icon of Disneyland. It was the first thing I saw from almost a mile away on my first trip, and a trip is not complete without Matterhorn Macaroons from Jolly Holiday Bakery.

4. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree – This is one of those rides that is just dadgum fun! It is one of my must rides every trip and is the ride I tend to see the most smiles on across the board in either of the two parks. Plus it has an awesome soundtrack.

3. Radiator Springs Racers – Another must do for every trip. This one I prefer at dusk or at Racersnight. It is an amazing combination of a racing ride and a classic dark ride, with some competition thrown in for good measure. I’d love if they made a ride of similar nature in Walt Disney World.

2. Pirates of the Caribbean – A classic. That smell. Those drops. The fireflies. The song. Despite the fact I get soaked every single time, I adore this ride and love that Walt got to work on it.

1. Alice In Wonderland – If I don’t get to ride any other rides at Disneyland other than this, it will still be a great day. I think I built an emotional and sentimental attachment to this ride since my first trip. I did no research before I came to Disneyland, but had seen things and was aware of a picture I had seen of Walt riding back in the 1950s. I don’t really even like the movie, but I absolutely adore and cherish this ride. The updates were handled with care and I think mirror the spirit of the original attraction.

Alice

Honorable mention: Haunted Mansion Holiday – This is a fantastic overlay with The Nightmare Before Christmas taking over the Haunted Mansion for the last few months of the year. I could ride this over and over with the holiday version.

 

SHOWS/ATTRACTIONS

10. Fantasmic – The Disneyland version is far superior to the one at Hollywood Studios, in my opinion. Between the dragon and the use of the Mark Twain and Columbia, it is an awesome improvement.

9. Aladdin – I enjoy the Genie’s up to the minute changes on his jokes in this Broadway style show. Flying carpet is pretty sweet too.

8. Animation Academy – This is not just an awesome place to cool off on warm days, but now the only place on either coast where guests can learn to draw classic Disney characters for free.

7. Red Car News Boys – Part of my appreciation for this live act comes from my enjoyment of Newsies. Another is my love of the Red Car Trolley itself and Buena Vista Street in general. But much of it is attributed to the addictive earworm that is A Suitcase and a Dream.

6. Five and Dime – Yet another fun live musical group that performs outside Carthay Circle in DCA. I love their fun take on classic songs.

5. Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln – A classic attraction that combines parts from the Hall of Presidents and the American Adventure, but focuses on the 16th President and his life.

4. Enchanted Tiki Room – One of Walt’s attractions that still lives on today. The outside waiting area is so charming and beautiful at night, plus you can get dole whips quicker on the inside line usually, and the attraction has its own bathroom.

3. Mickey and the Magical Map – This show is one of my new favorites. I really enjoy the combination of projections and live performers from some of my favorite musical moments in Disney movies.

2. Disneyland Forever – I love these fireworks, but it was mostly in conjunction with the projections on Main Street, Sleeping Beauty Castle, and the Matterhorn that made this amazing. I go back and forth between preferring this or Paint the Night, but they’re both amazing. I can’t wait to watch it again by It’s A Small World.

1. Paint The Night – I am not a huge parade person usually, but this one blew me away. I stood watching this with my jaw dropped and a stupid grin on my face. The technology is incredible and the music is great.

PaintMackDonaldMickeyVortex

Honorable mention: World of Color – The original version was my everything. I would watch it every night if I could. I am still astonished and appreciate the technology behind it, and I like the parts of the Celebrate show with Walt. I miss the other incarnation, but like the new one over Winter Dreams.

 

These are just my opinions at this moment in time, and I will admit, my own Top 10 rides list shifts around based on my mood. But as the wind blows right now, these are where they stand. Did I hit any of your favorite rides? Do you have a completely different Top 10? Leave me a note in the comments with your thoughts.

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