November 9, 2015 - On the Go in MCO

Blue Man Group Supports Autism Speaks with Sensory-Friendly Show December 5, 2015

Blue Man Group will host a sensory-friendly show, suitable for children with autism spectrum disorders, supporting Autism Speaks on Saturday, December 5 at 6 pm at Universal Orlando Resort.

Co-founder Phil Stanton on why this partnership is an important step for Blue Man Group:

“We’ve heard from many families affected by autism that their children responded to the Blue Man character in a very moving way. We don’t know the exact reason. We can only speculate that it has to do with the Blue Men communicating in their own unique way — non-verbally, through visuals, touch and sound. Their message often resonates on a deeper, more sincere level,” says Phil Stanton, Blue Man Group Co-Founder, “Once we knew that we could be helpful or provide an outlet for those affected by autism, we felt it was important to do more. With our sensory-friendly shows, we want to create a safe and welcoming environment for individuals and families affected by this disorder, in the hopes that they can have an entertaining and joyful experience together.”

Slight modifications will be made to the show including:

Reducing sound and light levels at various moments during the performance.

Sound reducing headphones will be available upon request.

The Blue Men will limit the amount of direct audience interaction and keep their approach to the audience more subdued.

Blue Man Group will also create calming environments in the theater’s lobby for families seeking a break from the excitement.

Tickets start at $49 (plus applicable fees) with a portion of proceeds from the event going directly to the nonprofit. The fastest growing developmental disorder in the U.S., autism spectrum disorder affects one in 68 children and one in 42 boys. Characteristics include social challenges, communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors. This year, Blue Man Group is supporting autism programs in all of its markets, including Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas and New York, with a minimum donation of $25,000 given to the cause. As a non-verbal, visually-stunning show, Blue Man Group serves as a great fit for all children and families.

For more information, please visit blueman.com/autismspeaks or call 1.800.blueman.

Fans may keep up with Blue Man Group through Twitter,Facebook, Instagram, or the hashtag #DareToLive.

While I have never gotten the chance to see the Blue Man Group in person, this sends my appreciation of them through the roof!

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Holidays In Space Returns

Guests Can Celebrate ‘Holidays in Space’ at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex with

Light Show and ‘Spirit of Exploration’ Presentation

Looking for something new and unique to do this holiday season? Start a new tradition at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where the holidays go high-tech with the fourth annual “Holidays in Space” celebration December 19, 2015 through January 3, 2016.

Holidays in Space Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The iconic Rocket Garden will be the site of “Spirit of Exploration,” a stunning presentation of space imagery shown on the side of the 223-foot-long Saturn 1B rocket. The presentation, which takes guests on a journey through NASA’s history and plans for the future, features custom animation blended with historic footage of actual launches and awe-inspiring views of Earth from the International Space Station.

The “Rocket Garden Light Show” also takes place daily in the Rocket Garden, which features a majestic collection of real and replica capsules and rockets, some towering more than 100 feet into the sky.

Holidays in Space Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

In addition, from Nov. 27– Jan. 3 the visitor complex is adorned for the holiday season with a stunning array of decorations including a 41-foot Christmas tree, a giant NASA “meatball” ornament, garlands, lights, ribbons, bows and more.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Christmas

All holiday activities are included with visitor complex admission; no advance reservations are required. Light shows begin at dusk each day. The visitor complex is open 365 days a year, including Christmas Day, Dec. 25.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s holiday hours of operation are:

November 25 – December 21: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

December 22-25: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

December 26-31: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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, the new Space ShuttleAtlantis^SM, Shuttle Launch Experience^®, IMAX^® Hubble 3D and Journey To Space films, Astronaut Encounter, Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted, Rocket Garden and many other interactive exhibits. 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. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers multiday admission 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.