December 2015 - Page 2 of 2 - On the Go in MCO

Christmas Bricktacular At LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Holiday Fireworks Making Spirits Bright During Annual Christmas Bricktacular Celebration at LEGOLAND Florida Resort

This December, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort will celebrate the holidays in a uniquely LEGO^® way with the return of Christmas Bricktacular Presented by Shutterfly^®, the theme park’s annual seasonal celebration for kids. This year, the festivities expand with an exclusive yuletide fireworks spectacular presented each night, plus a more than 30-foot-tall Christmas tree made entirely of LEGO and DUPLO^®bricks, a life-size LEGO model of Santa, his reindeer and sleigh, themed scavenger hunts and more.

CHRISTMAS BRICKTACULAR Legoland Florida Resort — *PHOTO / LEGOLAND Florida, Merlin Entertainments Group, Chip Litherland)*

Included with park admission, Christmas Bricktacular takes place on select dates through December and provides a fun and interactive place for kids to enjoy holiday festivities in a playful way only LEGOLAND Florida Resort could imagine. In addition to creative holiday photo opportunities and festive décor throughout the park, activities will include:

Meet-and-greets with LEGO Santa and LEGO Toy Soldier

A LEGO Christmas mosaic guests can assemble with our Master Model Builders
Holiday-themed scavenger hunts in Miniland USA and DUPLO Valley with a chance to win a LEGO prize pack
A station where kids can write a LEGO letter to Santa and send it to the North Pole
A Jingle Jam to kick off the event, dance and celebrate with LEGO Santa and LEGO Toy Soldier
A competition build in DUPLO Valley with another chance to win a LEGO prize pack

The wintertime fun concludes each night with a holiday-themed fireworks show presented only during Christmas Bricktacular. For the best viewing location, guests should head for the spacious Ski Stadiums in Pirates’ Cove or the grass lawn in between.

Looking for a special LEGO gift? Select stores will stay open for an extra hour of holiday shopping each night after the park closes. Guests will find a dizzying variety of LEGO-branded toys and souvenirs throughout the park, including hard-to-find LEGO sets, children’s and adult apparel, and great stocking stuffers.

Guests can share their favorite Christmas Bricktacular photos with #ChristmasBricktacular on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and tag @LEGOLANDFlorida for a chance to win a special LEGO prize.

For even more fun, guests can book a spot at LEGO Santa’s Christmas Workshop, a special VIP experience. The workshop includes a playful interaction with holiday characters, tasty seasonal treats and the chance to meet a Master Model Builder and create an exclusive Christmas decoration to keep.

2015 Christmas Bricktacular Presented by Shutterfly® Dates:

December 12-13 (Saturday & Sunday)
December 19-20 (Saturday & Sunday)
December 26-30 (Saturday-Wednesday)

On Thursday, Dec. 31, ring in 2016 at the high-energy Kids’ New Year’s Eve celebration, which features a LEGO brick-drop countdown to midnight Kid Standard Time (that’s 8 p.m. to moms and dads), a kid-centric dance party and a dazzling fireworks display to end the year with a bang. It’s all included with park admission.

For more about everything there is to do and see at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, including the brand-new, onsite LEGOLAND Hotel, visit http://florida.legoland.com and our official blog at www.llfblog.com.

Dreaming of a Disney Christmas: Christmas Ornaments With Character

Adding a touch of Disney magic to your Christmas Tree is as awesome as ever with these new Christmas Ornaments from Disney Parks.

I’ve shared several of these Disney Christmas Ornaments over the years, but I love how they keep getting better with even more details and expanding to new characters.

All of these ornaments are $19.99 plus tax, and I would love to hear which ones are your favorites!

Disney Parks Disney Christmas Ornaments 2015 — I’m not too sure that I would look forward to opening this present…

Don’t forget you can use the Shop Disney Parks App available on iTunes and Google Play Store to find these and more great Disney Parks items with free shipping!

Take a Peek at The BFG

The talents of three of the world’s greatest storytellers – Roald Dahl, Walt Disney and Steven Spielberg – finally unite to bring Dahl’s beloved classic “The BFG” to life. Directed by Spielberg, Disney’s “The BFG” tells the imaginative story of a young girl and the Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country.

“I think it was kind of genius of Roald Dahl to be able to empower the children. It was very, very brave of him to introduce that combination of darkness and light which was so much Disney’s original signature in a lot of their earlier works like in ‘Dumbo,’ ‘Fantasia,’ ‘Snow White’ and ‘Cinderella,’ and being able to do scary, but also be redemptive at the same time and teach a lesson, an enduring lesson, to everyone, it was a wonderful thing for Dahl to have done, and it was one of the things that attracted me to want to direct this Dahl book,” says Spielberg.

The BFG (Mark Rylance), while a giant himself, is a Big Friendly Giant and nothing like the other inhabitants of Giant Country. Standing 24-feet tall with enormous ears and a keen sense of smell, he is endearingly dim-witted and keeps to himself for the most part. Giants like Bloodbottler (Bill Hader) and Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement) on the other hand, are twice as big and at least twice as scary and have been known to eat humans, while the BFG prefers Snozzcumber and Frobscottle. Upon her arrival in Giant Country, Sophie, a precocious 10-year-old girl from London, is initially frightened of the mysterious giant who has brought her to his cave, but soon comes to realize that the BFG is actually quite gentle and charming, and, having never met a giant before, has many questions. The BFG brings Sophie to Dream Country where he collects dreams and sends them to children, teaching her all about the magic and mystery of dreams.

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Having both been on their own in the world up until now, their affection for one another quickly grows. But Sophie’s presence in Giant Country has attracted the unwanted attention of the other giants, who have become increasingly more bothersome. Says Spielberg, “It’s a story about friendship, it’s a story about loyalty and protecting your friends and it’s a story that shows that even a little girl can help a big giant solve his biggest problems.” Sophie and the BFG soon depart for London to see the Queen (Penelope Wilton) and warn her of the precarious giant situation, but they must first convince the Queen and her maid, Mary (Rebecca Hall), that giants do indeed exist. Together, they come up with a plan to get rid of the giants once and for all.

Roald Dahl’s “The BFG” (Big Friendly Giant) was first published in 1982 and has been enchanting readers of all ages ever since. Dahl’s books, which also include “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “James and the Giant Peach” and “Matilda,” are currently available in 58 languages and have sold over 200 million copies worldwide. Originally created as a bedtime story, “The BFG” was Dahl’s own favorite of all his stories. “It was very important for us to be loyal to the language,” says Spielberg, “and the great writer Melissa Mathison, who also wrote ‘E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,’ wrote “The BFG.”

“The BFG” opens in U.S. theaters on July 1, 2016, the year that marks the 100^th anniversary of Dahl’s birth.

A Visit To The Star Wars Launch Bay For Beginners

Visiting the newly opened Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios can seem intimidating if you aren’t familiar familiar with the Star Wars Saga, but fear not because it is actually a really great place to start your Star Wars Fandom if you keep a few things in mind!

The first thing to know is that there is no shame in admitting that you aren’t a huge Star Wars fan! After the initial gasp, you will find that the only thing that Star Wars fans are more passionate about than the movies is sharing their love of the movies!

Now that you’re ready for your visit to the Star Wars Launch Bay, here are a few things to do to make your visit awesome!

1. Bring a friend who is familiar with Star Wars with you.

While visiting the parks alone is always fun, having a friend visit with you who is familiar with Star Wars is a great resource for any questions you may have along the way.

2. Once you arrive at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, head directly to the ABC Soundstage to watch ‘Path of the Jedi’.

This dramatic 10 minute film compiles exhilarating Star Wars movie moments to tell the tale of the Jedi Order’s fall and return.

For over a thousand generations, the Jedi Order protected the galaxy and brought peace to the Galactic Republic—with the help of a mysterious power called the Force. A young Jedi named Anakin Skywalker—secretly influenced by the scheming Darth Sidious—turned to the Dark Side of the Force and brought ruin to the Jedi. Anakin became the dreaded Darth Vader and Darth Sidious became the evil Emperor Palpatine.

A generation passed and Anakin’s children, Luke and Leia, joined the Rebel Alliance to oppose the tyranny of the Galactic Empire. With the help of a charming rogue named Han Solo, Luke and Leia succeeded in defeating the Empire and turning Darth Vader away from the Dark Side.

Star Wars: Path of the Jedi retells this epic saga and hints at what’s next! The Star Wars story continues in the new movie, Star Wars: The Force Awakens—Luke, Leia and Han return along with a new cast of brave heroes and dastardly villains.

3. Don’t skip the line to enter the Star Wars Launch Bay.

Why it may be extremely tempting, don’t skip the line to line to enter the Star Wars Launch Bay through the Launch Bay Theater. because the queue is FULL of great details and images!

4. Get Hyped by watching the ‘Behind-the-Scenes’ short film in the Launch Bay Theater!

Inside this stellar screening room, watch a stirring short film celebrating the Star Wars saga. Running continuously throughout the day, this 10-minute “behind-the-scenes” movie includes exclusive interviews with the directors, writers, producers and other key players responsible for bringing the Star Wars galaxy to life.

Now why will you get hyped? I’m glad you asked!

The short film’s interviews are a great glimpse into the passion that the creators have for Star Wars with peeks at the movies.

5. When you are waiting in line for the amazing Meet and Greets in the Star Wars Launch Bay, make sure you pay attention to the trivia that is playing on the screens.

While the Meet and Greet queue itself is full of great props and replicas from Star Wars, along the walls you will find screens playing Star Wars Trivia. This is a great opportunity to learn details from the movies and to find out even more by asking questions.

6. Learn to read Aurebesh…No really…do it!

Star Wars Launch Bay Disney's Hollywood Studios — *Super huge thanks to Christie for letting me use her photo! You can find her on Instagram and Twitter!*

Along the walls of the Star Wars Launch Bay you’ll see sayings from the movies in Aurebesh, and if you ask a Cast Member they may have the Aurebesh alphabet with our alphabet to help you ‘decode’ the messages.

7. Take your time!

The Launch Bay is full of great galleries chocked full of costumes, props, models, actual items from the movies, and more so make sure you take your time to read all the plaques and to ask the near-by Cast Members questions.

8. Bring something to trade with the Jawas.

It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but bringing something to trade with the Jawas is always a ton of fun!

The Jawas love shiny things, don’t we all really, however you can see in my video that I traded an On the Go in MCO button and things went swimmingly!

9. After you’ve had the full Star Wars Launch Bay experience, pick a character that you really liked to learn more about before Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens on December 18, 2015!

Find your favorite character, find out more about them, buy some fun merchandise, and have fun…just keep away from Bobba Fett…he’s all mine!!!

Madame Tussauds Orlando Welcomes YouTube Stars SMOSH

Madame Tussauds adds the comedy duo and YouTube sensations are the first digital media stars to be honored by the celebrity wax attraction

Madame Tussauds Orlando has rolled out the red carpet for its newest wax figures of digital celebrities Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox, the duo behind powerhouse comedy brand SMOSH.

The figures will be featured inside the Orlando attraction’s film zone in a special set featuring a green screen, which encourages fans to select between numerous SMOSH-centric backdrops as well as graphic elements to enhance their photo experiences. Images and videos taken will be available to fans via email or text to share and preserve their experiences with SMOSH.

Madame Tussauds artists met with the duo to take hundreds of measurements so they could create the most accurate and lifelike representation of SMOSH. The SMOSH figures are dressed in clothing personally selected and donated by Padilla and Hecox. The figures were originally unveiled in California at the world premiere of SMOSH: The Movie this past summer.

“What an honor it is to be recognized and chosen for Madame Tussauds [as the] first YouTube wax figures in their 250 year history,” said Hecox and Padilla during the initial unveiling. “To have the big reveal take place on the red carpet at the premiere of our first movie just made this eventful day even more memorable.”

Named as one of the top-ranking celebrities by teens in a survey commissioned by Variety Magazine and supported by over 30 million subscribers across the brand’s multiple YouTube channels, SMOSH represents a new, community-driven sector of digital entertainment.

Smosh’s 3,000-plus videos have accrued 7.4 billion views. Their first video, released in November 2005, the Pokémon Theme Music Video catapulted them to success. It became the most-viewed video on YouTube at that time, and has since gained 24.7 million views. SMOSH has released four studio albums, Sexy Album (2010), If Music Were Real (2011), Smoshtastic (2012) and The Sweet Sound of Smosh (2013).

Madame Tussauds Orlando also has new Florida resident rates, offering attraction admission for $18 ($13 for children between the ages of 3-12). This special offer saves visitors more than 25 percent off regular admission. For a limited time, tickets may be purchased at MadameTussauds.com/Orlando or at the attraction’s admissions desk.

This offer is valid for Florida residents, with valid proof of residency, such as a state-issued ID, utilities or cable bill, bank statement, library card, or recent paystub. Restrictions may apply. Prices and hours subject to change without notice. Attraction admission is not guaranteed and subject to availability. The offer is not valid for premium products and cannot be combined with any other offers or packages.

Madame Tussauds is world-renowned for the creation of detailed and lifelike wax figures that pay homage to A-list celebrities from film and television, sports icons, musicians from all genres, and notable figures from history and pop culture. Each Madame Tussauds figure is truly a work of art, involving teams of professional artists and sculptors who spend months on extensive research and take more than 300 measurements to recreate world-famous icons, to achieve the kind of astonishing realism that has been at the heart of the 250-year Madame Tussauds legacy.

Guests at Madame Tussauds Orlando will experience the essence of America with this brand new, immersive and interactive wax experience, bursting with family fun and world-class entertainment, as they move through themed areas meeting all of their favorite stars from award-winning film actors, to historical and modern world leaders, sports stars, music legends as well as figures important to Florida. All visitors can shake hands with the president, get on stage with rock stars and pop princesses, or get up close and personal with a Hollywood heartthrob and take the ultimate selfie! For more information, visit www.madametussauds.com/orlando.

Frostival At The Orlando Eye & I-Drive 360

Frostival Presented By The Orlando Eye & I-Drive 360

Guests visiting the Orlando Eye can enjoy holiday-themed capsules, ice-skating, a flight with Santa, and much more during Frostival

The Orlando Eye and I-Drive 360 are adding to Central Florida’s holiday happenings with special events to celebrate the season with Frostival.

From now until December 25th, guests to I-Drive 360 can celebrate on land or in the air!

Experience the Holidays at 400 feet by riding in one of four beautifully themed holiday capsules on The Orlando Eye.

Frostival The Orlando Eye — *Photo: The Orlando Eye*

The capsule themes range from The Night Before Christmas, Gingerbread House, Winter Wonderland and Candy Canes.

Holiday capsule packages begin at $30, and include priority boarding and holiday music throughout the flight.

During select times throughout the month, younger guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a flight with Santa Claus himself! Santa flight packages begin at $35, and include priority boarding, photo opportunities, a holiday cookie, and a holiday story reading.

Throughout the entire season, look to the skies to see the Orlando Eye lit in different colors to celebrate the holidays, on the night we visited it was lit up like a wreath. In addition to special lighting for Christmas and the New Year, the Eye will feature blue and white lighting on December 14th to celebrate the last day of Hanukkah.

After you have taken flight on the Orlando Eye, experience I-Drive 360 decked out for the holidays!

The center’s courtyard is full of festiveness with a 20-feet Christmas tree, purple wreaths, string lighting, as well as an outdoor ice-skating rink and snow machines. Ice-skating rates begin at $10 (with advanced purchase of Orlando Eye admission) or $12 at the door. The cost includes 30 minutes of skate time and skate rentals.

Tickets may be purchased at online or at the attraction’s admissions desk. Prices and event hours subject to change without notice. For more information, visit OfficialOrlandoEye.com.

Krispy Kreme Holiday Doughnuts And Deals

KRISPY KREME® SHARES HOLIDAY JOY WITH SEASONAL SWEET TREATS

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. is making the holiday season a little more joyous with an assortment of sweet treats perfect for sharing with family and friends. The Santa Belly, Snowman and Red Velvet Cake doughnuts are available now through Dec. 27 at the following Central Florida 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

This season’s treats include:

Santa Belly Doughnut: A yeast shell filled with Chocolate Kreme™ filling and hand-decorated with red and milk chocolate icings and a sugar piece belt buckle resembling Santa’s jolly belly.
Snowman Doughnut: A snowman-shaped yeast doughnut with white icing and hand-decorated with chocolate and red icing.
Red Velvet Cake Doughnut: A glazed, red velvet traditional cake doughnut decorated with burgundy chocolate icing, topped with a blend of Kreme and delicious cream cheese filling, and delicately sprinkled with red velvet cake crumbles.
Peppermint Mocha (available only at Krispy Kreme Millenia): Rich espresso, dark chocolate and frosty peppermint, finished with whipped cream and a cheerful peppermint bark topping. Available hot and iced.

In the spirit of the season, Krispy Kreme will celebrate the Day of the Dozens Saturday, December 12 (12/12/15). Guests will receive one FREE dozen Original Glazed® doughnuts with the purchase of a dozen Original Glazed® doughnuts.

Print your #DayOfTheDozens coupon at http://www.krispykreme.com/DayoftheDozens.

10 Things To Know On The Go: ICE! Featuring Twas The Night Before Christmas

10 Things To Know On The Go:

ICE! Featuring Twas The Night Before Christmas

It’s no secret that I love experiencing Christmas at Gaylord Palms, and that going to ICE! is something I look forward to every year.

So being somewhat of an ICE!pert, I thought I would share 10 Things to Know On The Go to help make your visit to ICE! featuring ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas awesome!

1. 9 DEGREES!

Yes you read that correctly, ICE! is 9 Degrees! And while the use of a lovely blue parka is included in your admission, you will want to plan your visit inside ICE! to last around 30-40 minutes to ensure that you aren’t uncomfortable during the experience.

2. Dress

While the temperature inside the attraction is chilly, dressing to be comfortable both inside and out can be a bit of a challenge as you may be walking into the Gaylord Palms from temperatures near 80.

My best suggestion is to wear lots of layers and to have a change of shoes in the car for after your visit, as it will feel a lot warmer outside when you are done.

3. Shoes

Now some of this shoe talk may be common sense, but I have seen it all so I wanted to make sure you’re prepared.

Closed toe shoes are required to enter the attraction, but don’t feel like you have to wear boots because the walkways are carpeted.

I suggest wearing a pair of comfortable shoes that you are comfortable walking in that can be worn with thick socks.

Cold feet are no fun!

4. Taking Pictures

Taking pictures inside ICE! is a lot of fun, and you will want to take a ton of them!

Try to keep your phone as close to your body as possible when it isn’t in use to keep it warm, because the colder your battery it is the quicker it drains.

Christmas at Gaylord Palms 2015 ICE! Christmas at Gaylord Palms 2015 ICE!

You can also expect to experience a “fogging” of the lens when exiting from ICE! into warmer temperatures. This, however, usually goes away once the camera warms up.

Please check the manufacturer information regarding the cold tolerance of your camera equipment.

5. Ice Slides

What would a visit be without a trip down one of the 4 Ice Slides located inside the attraction.

There are 2 ‘adult’ slides which are larger and 2 ‘Child’ slides appropriate for little ones under 4 years or under 40” which are a ton of fun.

Just make sure that you follow the directions of the slide operators and make sure you are prepared to stay in this room for quite some time as one slide is never enough.

My pro-tip for sliding is to make sure you get a slightly larger parka before you enter the attraction, because you can sit on the parka and lean slightly back to travel a little faster down the slide.

6. On the Blocks

‘Chill out’ at On The Blocks—the exclusive bar inside ICE! where Adults 21+ can enjoy a sampling of Jackson Morgan Southern Cream and Goose Island Beer plus a choice of a Maker’s Mark or Absolut specialty drink, or Hidden Crush Cabernet or Chardonnay, served in a souvenir glass—yours to keep!

Inside On the Blocks you will also find ambient lighting, music, and fun photo opportunities.

There is an additional cost of $15.95, which includes gratuity, to go inside On the Blocks, but it is a great way to add a VIP touch to your visit!

7. Wheelchairs & Strollers

The ICE! attraction is accessible by both wheelchairs and strollers. Although a limited number of wheelchairs are available on site, to minimize waiting times you are encourage to bring your own.

8. Cirque Dreams UnWrapped and More!

Christmas at the Gaylord Palms is MUCH more than just ICE! You can check out all that there is to experience here.

9. Tickets (& Discounts)

So I have put all the information and discount offers on ICE! featuring ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas together for you so you can weigh your options!

Advance Purchase

Freezin’ Season Pass – (ICE! ONLY)

All-season pass to ICE!, including front of the line priority access.

Adult: $55

Child: $35

Adult with Parking:$90

Florida Residents Offer (ICE! tickets only)

Save an additional $4 per ticket for advance tickets, and save $3 on regular ticket sales. Use promo code FLR15 when you book your tickets to save**! Offer valid on the purchase of ICE! tickets only.
Marriott Rewards Member Offer — Discount on ICE! Tickets

Save 20% on ICE! tickets by using promo code MRICE15**.
Discount available:

Sunday – Thursday
November 24 – December 17

Tickets are available online, via phone or at the Box Office.

Special Promotional Pricing – Box Office Only

Hero Offer

The program is for first responders and their families (military, fire, police).
Price:

Adult: $22.99**
Child: $8.99**

Dates: Every day
Purchase: ICE! Box Office only

Chill Pass

Go straight to the front of the line with the Chill Pass!
Price: $9.99/person (add-on above regular ticket price)

Dates: Any day of the week

Purchase: ICE! Box Office only

Includes: Priority Access, plus one (1) cup of hot cocoa

All prices subject to sales tax and $2.00 facility fee.

** Not valid with any other offers or discounts. **

10. Parking

Parking at the Gaylord Palms is not included with admission, and the cost of self-parking is $20.00 plus tax and Valet parking is $27.00 plus tax.

HOWEVER, if you are planning on making a day of your visit to the Gaylord Palms the Resort Restaurants will validate your parking for a MUCH lower cost.

Make sure you share all of your great ICE! photos using the #CAGP15 and your picture could be chosen to be shared on one of their digital billboards!

I hope that all of this information helps make your visit to ICE! featuring ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas awesome!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Legends At The Amway Center

January 14-17, 2016

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS unveils the unbelievable to Children Of All Ages. Legendary circus artists from around the globe perform awe-inspiring feats of daring, spectacles of strength and thrills of wonder. Join us for an unforgettable family night of legendary proportions at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & BaileyPresents LEGENDS at the Amway Center from January 14-17, 2016.

Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson guides Paulo the Legend Seeker on a quest to discover real, living legends from around the world. Audiences will experience Alexander Lacey and his enduring bond with his lions, majestic leopard and tigers during one of the most captivating acts. The Solar Hawks, a dream team of acrobats, come together to amaze by attempting four consecutive triple somersaults on a one-of-a-kind double-wide trapeze specifically designed for The Greatest Show On Earth^®. The Riders of the Wind, Cossack trick-riders will thrill as they thunder into the arena on the backs of thoroughbred horses stealing your breath with their daring stunts. Experience and learn about the special relationship between trainers and treasured Ringling Bros.^® Asian Elephants as each trainer shows off individual elephant’s natural skills and abilities.

Free to all ticketholders, the All Access Pre-show starts an hour before the show. Come down to the arena floor and meet the performers of The Greatest Show On Earth, get autographs, take photos and enter to win a one-of-a-kind pachyderm painting.

Ticketholders can purchase an upgrade and go backstage with a VIP Behind the Scenes Tour of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. The backstage experience includes an insider look at props and wardrobe, an up close and personal encounter with the animals and a chance to meet stars from the show. Fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures and learn educational fun facts. To take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, just log on to ringlingbros.expapp.com from your iPhone or Android smartphone, and provide your name, e-mail and phone number to become a VIP circus insider.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Legends At The Amway Center Performance Schedule:

Thursday, January 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, January 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 16 at 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 17 at 1:00 p.m.

Monday, January 18 at 1:00 p.m. (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)

For more information visit Ringling.com, or visit us on Facebook, and YouTube.

Tickets for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS start at $16. All seats are reserved and tickets go on sale Tuesday, October 20^th. Tickets are available at www.Ringling.com or www.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling800-745-3000, or at the Amway Center box office (phone: 407-440-7900). For group ticket sales and information, call 866-248-8740. The Amway Center is located at 400 West Church Street – Suite 200, Orlando, Florida 32801.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Florida Resident Discount

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Florida Attractions Offer
50% off to Florida Residents

Half price on holiday fun until December 18, 2015

Florida residents are getting an early holiday gift from Ripley’s Believe It or Not! with half price tickets for Florida residents to all Ripley’s Florida attractions until December 18, 2015.

Ripley's Believe It or Not Florida

Participating

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Florida attractions include:

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando Odditorium
Ripley’s Believe it or Not! St. Augustine Odditorium, daytime Red Train Tours and Ghost Train Adventure
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Panama City Beach Odditorium and
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Key West Odditorium

Residents will need to show a local photo ID in order to receive the discount. All adults in the party will need to have proof of residency in order to receive the discount.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando is conveniently located at 8201 International Drive, and is open daily from 9:00 am to midnight (last entry nightly at 11:00 pm). For more information, please visit

www.ripleys.com/orlando or call 407-345-0501.

About Ripley Entertainment
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando is part of the Ripley Entertainment Inc. (www.ripleys.com) family of worldwide attractions, the global leader in location-based entertainment. More than 13 million people visit its 95-plus attractions in 10 countries each year. In addition to its 32 Believe It or Not!Odditoriums, the Orlando, Florida-based company has publishing, licensing and broadcast divisions that oversee projects including the syndicated Believe It or Not! television show, best-selling books and the popular syndicated cartoon strip, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, that still runs daily in 42 countries. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the third-largest privately held company in Canada.

A Day Celebrating Holidays Around the World At Epcot

On Friday, November 27, Epcot began their holiday festivities with their annual Holidays Around the World line up. This post will be extra picture heavy as I think they tell the story better than I could.

My family and I like to make a day of the special events each year. We always make reservations for the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package and spend the day going around World Showcase listening to the different storytellers. I love looking at all the decorations that are country-specific too. We also make sure to sample some of the special holiday treats that are available – make sure to pick up a passport!

All of the countries feature a special holiday performer or storyteller (or two). We can never fit in all the storytellers in one day, but I have seen all of them at least once before. There are descriptions posted at each country that are worth a read even if you don’t catch the performer. Here is a description of all of them with pictures of the ones we caught over the weekend, plus some of the decorations in the countries.

Canada – The Holiday Voyageurs perform on the Mill Stage singing songs and describing holiday traditions of different regions in Canada.

United Kingdom – Father Christmas tell us what the holiday season is like in the United Kingdom and explains the mistletoe custom. There’s also a short sing-a-long of Deck the Halls, a song that comes from Wales.

France – Père Noël tells us the story of Babette and her Christmas wish. Through the story we learn about french customs.

Morocco – Hear about holidays and festivals in Morocco, focusing on celebrating the harvests with dances and feasts.

Japan – Listen to the story of the Daruma doll and New Year’s celebrations in Japan.

American Adventure – Hear about the traditions of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa and the histories behind them. Santa and Mrs. Claus also meet and Voices of Liberty wear Dickens style clothes and sing songs of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. This year there is a gingerbread Capitol building and Washington Monument inside the rotunda.

Gingerbread Capitol and Washington Monument

Italy – La Befana is a witch who brings presents to children in Italy on the Eve of the Epiphany. She tells a story of searching for the Christ child.

Germany – Helga tells us all about the Christmas traditions in Germany, many of which we have adopted here in the United States like the Christmas tree and the nutcracker.

China – The Lion Dancers perform and bestow good luck wishes for the New Year.

Norway – Sigrid explains the holiday traditions of Norway while Julenissen tries to make her believe in the Christmas gnome, with a lot of help from the audience.

Mexico – Mariachi Cobre and dancers perform traditional songs and dances. Musicians and dancers are fantastic in this and there’s even a piñata for the kids.

The headliner of Epcot’s Holidays Around the World is the Candlelight Processional. A celebrity narrator reads scripture from the Christmas story surrounded by a choir and an amazing orchestra. Our narrator was Gary Sinise. It’s definitely a must-see. We like getting the dinner package at least once so we get seats without waiting in a long line. Other times we’ve stood in the back and still enjoyed it.

Of course, we have to end the day with Illuminations, which features a special holiday ending at this time of year with the countries wishing for Peace on Earth.

Spending the day at Epcot during the holiday season will definitely get you into the spirit.

AMC Sensory Friendly Films – Star Wars #TheForceAwakens

AMC has partnered with the Autism Society to create movie showings for guests and family living with Autism or other special needs where ‘you can feel free to be you’ with their AMC Sensory Friendly Films Program.

During these showings the lights will be turned up while the sound will be turned down, so you can feel free to get up and move about the theater.

Due to the overwhelming response, AMC has expanded the Sensory Friendly Film Program to four showings per month.

The second and fourth Tuesday and Saturday.
Family-friendly movies will continue to show Saturdays, starting at 10am local time
We’ve added Tuesday showings at 7pm local time that may appeal to others on the autism spectrum.

The next film to be featured in this program is Star Wars: The Force Awakens!

AMC Sensory Friendly Films Star Wars The Force Awakens

And what is even more amazing, is that several AMC theaters in the Orlando area are participating in the Sensory Friendly Film Program!

AMC Altamonte Mall 18

AMC Disney Springs 24 with Dine-in Theatres

AMC West Oaks 14

You can find out more about the AMC Sensory Friendly Films and what theaters are participating near you on their official site.

I am so excited that this program exists, and you can share your posts and pics of the family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly!

Fun December Activities With The Good Dinosaur #GoodDino

I wanted to share a few fun activities from Disney/Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur, in theaters now, to help celebrate the beginning of December!

Arlo’s Advent Calendar

Origami Arlo

Make a Dino-Snowflake

If you haven’t seen it yet…

The Good Dinosaur asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct?

Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo (voice of Raymond Ochoa) makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.

Directed by Peter Sohn and produced by Denise Ream (“Cars 2”), Disney•Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur” opens in theaters on Nov. 25, 2015.

For more information, check out http://movies.disney.com/the-good-dinosaur, like us them Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/PixarTheGoodDinosaur, and follow them on Twitter, https://twitter.com/TheGoodDinosaur, and Instagram, https://instagram.com/TheGoodDinosaur.

#GivingTuesday With Give Kids The World & Alex And Ani

Today is #GivingTuesday, and Give Kids the World has a way that you can give back and add a special Alex and Ani to your stack of bracelets.

What is #GivingTuesday? According to GivingTuesday.org …

We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. Now, we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. On Tuesday, December 1, 2015, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.

It’s a simple idea. Just find a way for your family, your community, your company or your organization to come together to give something more. Then tell everyone you can about how you are giving. Join us and be a part of a global celebration of a new tradition of generosity.

And while Give Kids the World has a special site set up for #GivingTuesday donations, but inside of their Memory Market is a special Alex and Ani bracelet created especially for Give Kids the World.

As the heart and soul of Alex and Ani, CEO, Founder and Creative Director, Carolyn Rafaelian, created Charity by Design, which serves as a unique division focused solely on giving and making the dreams of charitable organizations come true.

Carolyn creates customized symbolic charms that capture the essence of a charity making it more accessible to the public while raising awareness and funds. Through December 2015, 20% of the proceeds received by Alex and Ani from selling the “Sweet Treats” Bangle, with a minimum donation of $25,000, will be donated to Give Kids The World.

The Ice Cream Cone not only represents ‘Ice Cream for Breakfast’, but also exudes blissful energy in connection to shared moments with loved ones and is a carefree symbol of the simple enjoyment found in savoring a decadent treat.

The Alex and Ani Sweet Treats Bangle is available in Gold and Silver Tone for $28, and it is a great addition to your Disney stack!

Barry Manilow Bringing One Last Time! Tour To The Amway Center

Barry Manilow announced today that he is hitting the road again to perform concerts across North America one last time. The music legend’s multi-city One Last Time! Tour visits Orlando’s Amway Center on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

With his band of 13 musicians and singers, Manilow said, “We’re having a great time putting the show together. We hope to take everyone on an emotional roller coaster. I can’t wait to see everyone dancing in the aisles.”

After performing more than 400 concerts at the Las Vegas Hilton and Paris Las Vegas from 2005 through 2011, Manilow has limited his concert appearances. The One Last Time! Tour is a major undertaking and as Manilow said, “it’s my way of thanking everyone for their years of support…one last time!”

The Grammy®, Tony®, and Emmy® Award-winning musician’s career skyrocketed to superstardom when his mega hit song, “Mandy,” topped the charts in 1975. In the spirit of that special year, tickets will be priced to tie into that year and start at only $19.75.

Manilow insisted that the average ticket price remain low and that a greater range of these tickets be available.

Barry Manilow | One Last Time! Tour | Info At-A-Glance

WHEN:
Tuesday, February 2, 2016 | 7:30 pm

WHERE:
AMWAY CENTER | ORLANDO, FLORIDA

ON SALE:
Now!

TICKETS:

$19.75, $59.75, $79.75, $99.75 & $149.75. 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. Ticket limit is eight (8) per person. All dates, bouts, fighters 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 West Church Street and the box office is located on the north side of the Amway Center, near the intersection of Church Street and Hughey Avenue.