August 2016 - On the Go in MCO

Raglan Road Hosts 5th Annual Great Irish Hooley

Great Irish Hooley Celebrates 5th Anniversary Labor Day Weekend at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Disney Springs

NEW: ‘Rhythms of Raglan’ show, plus top Irish Bands, Dance, Food and Craft Beers

The Great Irish Hooley is returning to Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant at Disney Springs for the 5th year with new live music and dance entertainment, fresh menu creations and plenty of craft beer and cocktail options are on tap Labor Day weekend September 2-5, 2016.

Celebrating Irish song, dance, food and drink over the long Labor Day weekend, the Great Irish Hooley is Central Florida’s only boutique Irish festival with performances beginning at noon Friday and continuing each day and night through late Monday.

The highlight of this year’s Hooley is the brand-new Rhythms of Ragland which is a 90-minute live show of music and dance that was produced in Ireland, exported to Raglan Road and directed by David Hayes (Riverdance, “The Voice” Ireland edition) with guest choreographers including Michael Donellan (Lord of the Dance). You can catch a debut of this new show at 4 pm on September 2nd, and at 1 pm and 4 pm September 3rd, 4th, and 5th.

A traditional Irish social celebration, the “Hooley” combines music ranging from traditional to rock tunes with entertainment and fun for the whole family (no cover charge). And this year the music will feature headliner Screaming Orphans and other bands popular on the festival circuit.

Great Irish Hooley Raglan Road Disney Springs 2016 - Screaming Orphans — *Screaming Orphans / Photo: Raglan Road*

Screaming Orphans – Four talented sisters from Bundoran in County Donegal, Ireland, combine original pop/rock music with the Ceili (kay-lee) traditional music of their family roots. Their dynamic show has taken the festival circuit by storm.
Jake Richardson – Jake is a singer-songwriter and musician from Dublin whose passion for music inspires audiences as he entertains with unique vocals and catchy songs.
Flat Out – Flat Out is an award winning four-piece band from the West of Ireland that plays an exciting mix of folk, traditional, pop and New World music. Band members are all multi-instrumentalists combining Irish harp, guitar, fiddle, tin whistle, flute, button accordion, bodhran. They play fresh original music along with funky cover music and have been playing and travelling the world since 2013.
Marianne Fraser Band – Marianne is one of the most sought after guitarists and songwriters on the Irish music scene who is ably supported by Danny Hunter on fiddle and Ali Levack on whistles and pipes. The band performs a high-energy mix of traditional and modern tunes along with Marianne’s own compositions.
Swingin’ On the Gate – This four-piece band of multi-instrumentalists with roots in legendary Lisdoonvarna in Co. Clare have serious crossover credentials and musical pedigree including traditional and classical training. They are multiple medal winners at Fleadhs music competitions and have toured in Italy, Switzerland and the United States.

Great Irish Hooley Raglan Road Disney Springs 2016 - Raglan Roots — *The Raglan Roots Coalition / Photo: Raglan Road*

The Raglan Roots Coalition – 10 years down the road, Raglan felt it was time to shake its boogie – Roots style, with this new Irish house band. Think soul-rocking Celtic bluegrass with some hip-swingin’, knee-shakin’ funky roots beats.
The High Road – These young, traditional Irish musicians met in University in Ireland. A predominately Irish traditional group, they also play British folk, blues and soul, and their combined talents provide for a vibrant, exciting live show of music and song.
Cooney & Ryan – One of the finest traditional Irish music duos around, these accomplished, energetic musicians often invite the crowd to sing along.

Great Irish Hooley Raglan Road Disney Springs 2016 - Raglan Road Dancers — *The Raglan Road Irish Dancers / Photo: Raglan Road*

The Raglan Road Irish Dancers – Plucked from the cast and stages of the world’s greatest Irish dance shows, the Raglan Road Dancers perform throughout the long Hooley weekend. You can even learn some traditional Irish dance steps – no experience necessary!
The Flyin’ Marys – A young, hip all-girl band that mixes it up with raucous tunes, beautiful ballads and strong vocals.

The Hooley is a perfect way for families to spend time together this holiday weekend! There will be Celtic face-painting Saturday through Monday.

With contemporary Irish cuisine by celebrity chef Kevin Dundon, Irish craft beers, hand-crafted cocktails and day-into-night entertainment, the Great Irish Hooley promises a high-voltage music festival for all who drop by or reserve a table.

Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Educator Appreciation Days

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Educator Appreciation Days

All K-12 teachers and staff receive free admission to Ripley’s Florida attractions from September 6 – October 16Ripley’s Believe It or Not! attractions in Florida are thanking

All Florida locations of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! will be honoring K-12 educators for all their hard work with the return of Educator Appreciation Days this fall.

All K-12 school personnel are invited to visit any of Ripley’s Florida attractions for FREE from September 6 – October 16. Participating attractions include:

Orlando: Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
St. Augustine: Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, Red Train Tours, Bayfront Mini Golf and Ripley’s Ghost Train Adventures
Panama City Beach: Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, 7D Moving Theater and Marvelous Mirror Maze
Key West: Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium

Educators need to bring a current pay stub and photo ID to receive their free admission. They can also bring up to five guests who will receive 50% discounts on their admission.

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.

Win Tickets To See OVO At The Amway Center

Disclosure: I received tickets to see Ovo from Cirque du Soleil at the Amway Center to host this giveaway, but all opinions are my own.

Over the years I’ve seen several Cirque du Soleil shows, and I was really excited to see that OVO will be performed here in Orlando from September 21 to 25, 2016 at the Amway Center.

Thrilling more than 4.5 million people worldwide since the show premiered in 2009, OVO embarks on a new journey, performing the same captivating production, now in arenas, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy a Cirque du Soleil show in their hometown.

OVO, meaning “egg” in Portuguese, is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. When a mysterious egg appears in their midst, the insects are awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives. It is love at first sight when a gawky, quirky insect arrives in this bustling community and a fabulous ladybug catches his eye – and the feeling is mutual.

The cast of OVO is comprised of 50 performing artists from 12 countries specializing in many acrobatic acts. One highlight of OVO is the stunning Flying Act where a group of scarabs soar high above – from each corner of the stage – and land together on a platform in the middle.

Click here for more information about OVO and Cirque du Soleil.

Tickets are available now, $150, $90, $68, $52 & $35 | All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges, and you won’t want to miss the chance to see this unique show!

Win a Family Four (4) Pack of Tickets to see OVO at the Amway Center

We’re also excited to announce that we are giving away a Family Four (4) Pack of tickets to see Ovo from Cirque du Soleil at the Amway Center on September 21, 2016 at 7:30 pm!

Contest is open to Residents of the United States who are eighteen(18) years and older. We will be giving away Family four (4) pack of tickets to Cirque du Soleil, Ovo at Amway Center on September 21, 2016 at 7:30 pm. Parking at the Amway Center is not included in this giveaway. Void where prohibited by law. We use Rafflecopter to choose one lucky winner at random, and each & every contest entry will be verified. The winner of our contest will be contacted by email (so be sure to double check your entry) and will have 24 hours to respond to the email or a new winner will be chosen. The winner will be responsible for picking up their tickets on the day of the show at the Amway Center’s Will Call Window with a valid photo ID. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

D23 News: Destination D Update

D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures presented by Ethan Allen | Disney will take place at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World November 19^th & 20^th, and as more details are announced the more excited I get!

AVATAR creators James Cameron (writer, director, producer) and Jon Landau (producer) will join Imagineer Joe Rohde for Pandora – The World of AVATAR, a presentation where they will unveil new details about the immersive, 12-acre land coming soon to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In addition, the event will include a conversation with Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Plus, Moana screenwriter Jared Bush (co-writer/co-director Zootopia) will be on hand to provide guests an exclusive advance look at the making of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ newest animated feature.

Cameron, Landau, and Chapek join previously announced Disney Legends Marty Sklar and Tony Baxter; Walt Disney Imagineers Rohde, Chris Merritt, Jason Grandt, and Wyatt Winter; producer Don Hahn (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast);and Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline. The event, exclusively for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, celebrates landmarks of the past, present, and future, from the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean to the planet of Pandora.

On of my favorite parts of Destination D is always the Walt Disney Archives! This year they will present a special exhibit created exclusively for the event called Walt’s Great Adventures. This will feature photographs, props, and models that showcase Walt Disney’s personal voyages, including his trip to South America in 1941, as well as some of his most memorable creations for television, film, and theme parks, such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Additionally, during the weekend, guests will be among the first to see the new Ethan Allen | Disney home furnishing line in person.

Additional D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures presentations announced include:

Welcome to Adventureland: Set off on a journey through “Adventurelands” at Disney Parks around the world, beginning with a rare look at artist Harper Goff’s exotic concepts for Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
Tales from the Jungle Cruise: Fans of “the backside of water” unite! Discover the legendary history of the world-famous attraction with a panel of wisecracking experts, including a behind-the-scenes look at recent holiday overlays and the new Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort’s 45th Anniversary: From tropical hideaways to enchanting entertainment, celebrate the spirit of aloha as D23 looks back at 45 years of the classic South Pacific-themed getaway.

Another highlight of the weekend is the chance to shop at Mickey’s of Glendale, the famed Walt Disney Imagineering store! The a pop-up shop at the event for attendees will feature a selection of exclusive Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise as well as limited-edition pins, apparel, and collectibles themed to the event.

Tickets are currently on sale, and are $190 each for D23 Gold and Gold Family Members or D23 General Members for $250 per ticket. All guests will receive a special gift created exclusively for the event, and attendees are guaranteed seats at all panels and presentations.

Further details about the program and tickets for D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures presented by Ethan Allen | Disney can be found at D23.com/Events. Additional details about the schedule will be shared in the coming months.

LEGO Star Wars Days This Fall At LEGOLAND Florida

LEGO Star Wars Days Takes Guests Out of This World for a Weekend

Two-Day Event Features Park-Wide LEGO Star Wars™ Themed Activities

LEGO Star Wars Days at LEGOLAND Florida Resort The Force is strong with LEGOLAND Florida Resort as the anticipation builds for LEGO Star Wars Days presented by LEGO Club. During this exclusive, one-weekend-only event, guests can release their inner Jedi or Stormtrooper as they participate in a variety of immersive, themed activities. No extra ticket or Jedi mind tricks required.

The event will feature theLEGO Star Wars Miniland Model Display — seven of the most famous scenes from the six live-action Star Wars movies, as well as a scene from the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, all made out of 1.5 million LEGO bricks.

During LEGO Star Wars Days, fans are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite LEGO Star Wars characters and take part in an all-new parade. Those who dress the part will also have the chance to win a LEGO Star Wars prize pack. And, be warned, The Dark Side awaits those who stop in for a meet-and-greet with LEGO Darth Vader.

LEGO Star Wars set designer Jens Kronvold Frederiksen will host a live speaker session with an interactive Q&A and Master Model Builders will offer building tips. There will also be a LEGO Star Wars Mural Build and budding builders are encouraged to get creative during a competition build.

Each guest at LEGO Star Wars Day will have the opportunity to join LEGO Club and be the first to know all the new and exciting things coming from The LEGO Group and LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

For more information onLEGO Star Wars Days that are #BuiltForKids event, visit https://www.legoland.com/florida/.

Celebrate 25 Years of Beauty and the Beast

In Celebration of the 25^th Anniversary of “Beauty and the Beast,” bring home all of the Disney Princesses for a limited time!

For the first time ever, the unforgettable Disney Princess films will all be available for purchase at the same time, Sept. 6 – Oct. 17!

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the beloved animated classic “Beauty and the Beast,” Disney fans are gaining unprecedented access to Disney’s Princess films. On Sept. 6, the beloved animated classic featuring Belle and Beast will be released as part of The Walt Disney Signature Collection and in celebration of the event, for the first time ever, all 11 Disney Princess films are being made available to bring home at the same time, Sept. 6 – Oct. 17.

Twenty-five years ago, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” broke ground as the first animated feature film to receive an Academy Award® nomination for best picture. The beloved classic won two Oscars®, including best song and best original score, as well as a Golden Globe Award® for best comedy/musical. Now a whole new generation of viewers will follow the magical journey of Belle, an independent and intelligent, modern-day heroine who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her precarious situation, Belle befriends the castle’s enchanted staff—a teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock, among others—and ultimately learns to see beneath the Beast’s exterior to discover the heart and soul of a prince.

The Walt Disney Signature Collection edition features four versions of “Beauty and the Beast,” including a never-before-released on home entertainment, sing-along version. A host of all-new bonus extras include a rare opportunity to gather around the piano with some of Disney’s greatest composers, as they sing and share how they’ve personally been inspired by the film’s award-winning music; a look at how Walt Disney himself sought to adapt this famous fairytale; a nostalgic look back with Paige O’Hara, the voice of Belle; behind-the-scenes access into the recording booth with the cast; and a sneak peek at Disney’s upcoming live-action re-telling of “Beauty and the Beast,” arriving in theaters in 2017.

For nearly 80 years, audiences have followed the dreams and magical adventures of Disney Princesses including Belle, Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel and Merida. The timeless tales that introduced the world to these inspirational heroines include “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Tangled,” “Cinderella,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Brave,” “Pocahontas,” and “Mulan.” And now, for the first time ever, all 11 of these timeless family favorites will be available to purchase during the same six-week window.

Disney Twenty-Three Fall 2016 Issue Details

2016 Fall Disney Twenty-three D23 Beauty and the Beast

Disney Twenty-Three Fall 2016 Issue Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Beauty And The Beast & More

Interviews with Paige I’Hara, Robby Benson, Alan Menken, Angela Lansbury, Lina Wollverton, and many more give fans a rich look at the creation and enduring legacy of the beloved classic.

This year, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast—the first animated film ever to be nominated for an Academy Award^® for Best Picture—celebrates its 25th anniversary, and Disney twenty-three is giving fans a spectacular look at the film from its inception to its timeless legacy. The issue features interviews with Paige O’Hara (Belle), Robby Benson (Beast), Angela Lansbury (Mrs. Potts), David Ogden Stiers (Cogsworth), Richard White (Gaston), composer Alan Menken, screenwriter Linda Woolverton, producer Don Hahn, and many more, as well as stories about how the film has been equally successful in Disney theme parks and on stage. Plus, readers will learn more about the live-action adaptation of the film, coming to theaters in 2017.

The issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also features a Fall TV Preview, which includes interviews with ABC’s Once Upon a Time creators Eddy Kitsis and Adam Horowitz; the producers and stars of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.; and Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh (who created Phineas and Ferb), who reveal details about their new Disney XD show, Milo Murphy’s Law. Plus, Hayley Atwell of Agent Carter and Cinderella gives fans a preview of her new ABC show, Conviction, and shares with readers her favorite Disneyland attractions.

Also included in the fall publication of Disney twenty-three is an exclusive interview with Benedict Cumberbatch about his upcoming Marvel film Doctor Strange; a look at how Disney Theatrical Group creates spectacular shows for Broadway and beyond; a peek at the creation of Disney’s newest princess, Elena of Avalor; and a story focusing on the timeless artwork ofDumbo to toast the film’s 75th anniversary. The issue also includes regular columns such as Ask Dave, From the Vault, A Walk with Walt, and a special “From the Desk of” to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.

The celebration of Beauty and the Beast’s 25th anniversary continues on September 5, when D23 Members—and Disney fans—are invited to join the festivities as the club kicks off its annual Fanniversary event. D23 will be holding member screenings of the groundbreaking film around the country, Gold Members will receive special “selfie kits” with the fall publication, and D23.com will offer fans exclusive features, new videos, printables, recipes, and much more. Fans are invited to “be our guest” for this 25-day event, and to use the hashtag #D23Fanniversary on social media to join the conversation. More details will be available in the coming weeks at D23.com/D23Fanniversary.

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in late August.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($74.99), Gold Family Membership ($99.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

Jack Hanna Hosts ‘Wild Weekend’ At SeaWorld

Jack Hanna Hosts A ‘Wild Weekend’

At SeaWorld Orlando

Jack Hanna, World-renowned animal expert, is returning to SeaWorld Orlando for another ‘Wild Weekend’ of excitement and storytelling at SeaWorld Orlando on August 20 and 21.

During ‘Wild Weekend’, Jungle Jack will share animal facts and his travel tales during captivating and interactive presentations inside the Nautilus Theater from his time as an internationally-known conservationist, author, television personality, and lifelong adventurer.

In addition to shows, included with park admission, SeaWorld will have several additional opportunities for guests to personally interact with Jack Hanna at the park including meet-and-greets, autograph signings, and exclusive dining packages.

Meet Jack Hanna (Saturday, August 20) – Reserve space now to meet Jack Hanna and receive reserved seats to his show at SeaWorld Orlando. Prepare for Jack to entertain with animal facts, stories and answers to questions from you. Package includes a seat in the reserved section to the 1:00 p.m. show. Pricing begins at $39 per person and Pass Members receive a 10% discount.

Dine With Shamu Jack Hanna Dinner (Saturday, August 20) – Enjoy a delicious dinner and mingle with Jack at Dine with Shamu. The package includes dinner at Dine with Shamu, meet-and-greet with Jack and a seat in the reserved section at the 3:00 p.m. show. Dinner is at 5:30 p.m. Pricing begins at $59 per person and Pass Members receive a 10% discount.

Dine With Shamu Jack Hanna Brunch (Sunday, August 21) – Enjoy a delicious brunch with all of your breakfast favorites and mingle with Jack at Dine with Shamu. The package includes brunch at Dine with Shamu, meet-and-greet with Jack and special reserved seats to the 11:30 a.m. show. Brunch is at 10:00 a.m. Pricing begins at $49 per person and Pass Members receive a 10% discount.

Guests can enjoy a wild weekend at SeaWorld Orlando with Jack Hanna for just $69 with the purchase of a limited-time single-day admission at SeaWorldOrlando.com.

Things To Know On The Go: Christmas At Gaylord Palms

Christmas at Gaylord Palms is one of my absolute FAVORITE Holiday Events, and this year there are some really great new additions as well as some returning favorites!

Things To Know On The Go:

Christmas At Gaylord Palms

1. Familiar friends join the Christmas fun at ICE!

This year Presented by Pepsi, ICE! will be featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles Schulz. Visitors can watch Charlie Brown rediscover the true meaning of Christmas as the beloved classic story unfolds through interactive ice sculptures and displays. Experience the Peanuts gang in iconic scenes such as their holiday play rehearsal, Snoopy’s decorated doghouse and Charlie Brown choosing the perfect Christmas tree. Everything hand-carved from 2 million pounds of ice!

2. Create new family Holiday traditions

Mrs. Claus’ Holiday Traditions is a story time and sing-along where guests can cozy around the jolliest hostess of all time, delight in the reading of holiday classic stories and sing carols during this 30-minute interactive show. This show is complete with Mrs. Claus’ world-famous cookies and a glass of cold milk.

3. Throw a snowball in Florida

Santa’s Snow Throw is as fun as it sounds. Guests are invited to show off their pitching prowess by tossing real snowballs at a variety of targets.

4. Enjoy a new Resort Atrium centerpiece

Christmas at Gaylord Palms — Rendering: Gaylord Palms

Guests who enjoyed the lighting of the 54-foot majestic Christmas tree in the past will revel in the all new light show ignited by the hotel’s all new LED based 60-foot Christmas tree.

5. Have breakfast with new friends

Christmas at Gaylord Palms

Who hasn’t dreamed of having breakfast with Charlie Brown & Friends? This one-of-a-kind interactive character breakfast includes a delicious breakfast buffet withPeanuts-themed dishes, such as Charlie Brown’s Build-Your-Own-French-Toast Station withSnoopy’s Maple Syrup, Pig Pen’s Dirty Hash Browns, Lucy’s Flap Jacks and Woodstock’s Granola. Plus, guests will get to hang out with the Peanuts gang including Lucy and Charlie Brown.

6. Unwrap a new dream

Back by popular demand, Broadway director and Cirque Dreams Founder NeilGoldberg brings his famed entertainment brand to Orlando for the second year in a row.Created exclusively for Gaylord Palms, this year’s spellbinding production unwraps an exciting new experience featuring breathtaking artistry from around the world. The entire family can enjoy this uniquely inspired 25-minute Christmas fable and dream presented with CirqueDreams renowned theatricality, spectacle and imagination.

7. Slide on a snow tube in the sunshine state

Alpine Rush is back this year along with Cosmic Snow Tubing and the all new Down with the Decades. Guests will be able to zoom down an eight-lane tubing hill that’s fun for all ages and covered in real snow. Cosmic tubing turns up the fun with flashing LED lights and high-spirited holiday music while Down with the Decades blasts popular music from past decades.

8. Re-discover returning favorites for families

Families visiting Christmas at Gaylord Palms will find many favorite activities have returned for 2016! You will be able to find scout elves and solve some puzzles as you take part in the Elf on a Shelf Scavenger Hunt around the resort for a special prize, head down to the Alpine Village to the Gingerbread Decoration Corner where you can decorate your own Gingerbread creation and even take a photo with a life-sized Gingerbread Man, build your own friend at the Build-A-Bear Workshop, and don’t forget to take a photo with Santa.

9. Find returning favorites for adults

Adults aren’t left out in the cold this year at Christmas at Gaylord Palms! On the Blocks, the adult-only exclusive ICE! bar, will be making a return inside of the ICE! attraction, there are special cocktails and menus throughout the resort, and taking a nighttime stroll through the resort atrium’s lush gardens (over 500,000 plants) sprinkled with poinsettias, grand holiday displays and more than 2 million twinkling lights is truly magical.

Christmas at Gaylord Palms takes place from November 18, 2016 – January 1, 2017, and you and your family won’t want to miss this fantastic Holiday experience!

Make sure you visit the ChristmasatGaylordPalms.com for exclusive deals (right now select dates are 20% off), calendars to make planning your visit easier, and more!

Celebrate National Bowling Day On August 13th!

Aloma Bowling Centers celebrate National Bowling Day with one free game on Aug. 13

Circle Saturday, August 13, on your calendar and get ready to head to Aloma Bowling Centers.

National Bowling Day 2016

Saturday, August 13, is National Bowling Day, and that means FREE bowling for everyone.

Aloma Bowling Centers will share the love of the sport with a great deal. Guests at Aloma Bowl, Boardwalk Bowl and Airport Lanes will receive one free game of bowling per person from 9 a.m. to noon that day. Shoe rental is not included.

In addition to bowling, guests at each venue can enjoy billiards, food and arcades. The centers offer 144 combined lanes, and each also offers quality corporate and party space.

Aloma Bowling Centers consists of three venues-Aloma Bowl in Winter Park, Boardwalk Bowl in Orlando and Airport Lanes in Sanford.

For more information, visit alomabowlingcenters.com.

Important Timelines For Disney Infinity

Earlier this year it was sadly announced that Disney Interactive will discontinue the production of Disney Infinity, but recently information and timelines for the closure of the game’s online versions and community features have been released.

It’s important to note that:

The console versions of Disney Infinity will continue to operate as usual with full access to figures and play sets only with the exception of community content features and online multiplayer
Until September 30, 2016, Community Content will still be available and you will be able to upload and download any of your favorite Toy Box creations

Important Timelines For Disney Infinity

As of September 30, 2016

You will no longer be able to log in to play the PC, iOS, Google Android and Amazon Android versions of Disney Infinity, these will no longer be available on the respective app stores
The Steam versions of Disney Infinity 2.0 & 3.0 will remain operational with the exception of all online services and community features as these will be discontinued
Apple TV versions of Disney Infinity will be removed from the AppStore
The Disney Infinity Community team will no longer be reviewing or approving any new Toy Boxes that are submitted to Disney for all console, mobile and PC versions of the game. However if you are playing on any console, Apple TV or Windows 8/10 versions of the game, you can continue to download your favorite Toy Boxes from the Community Content section until March 3, 2017

As of January 3, 2017

No in-game purchases can be made within the Windows 8/10 versions of the game as this feature will be removed

As of March 3, 2017

Apple TV and Windows 8/10 versions will no longer be available, supported or playable
All game online services and community features for all versions will be discontinued

To learn more about which services of Disney Infinity are being removed or information related to your game version across all platforms, visit the Disney Infinity website and FAQ pages frequently prior to March 3, 2017 should the status change.

SeaWorld Salutes Florida First Responders

SeaWorld Orlando Salutes Florida First Responders with Free Admission

“Thank You” Offer for First Responders Available through August

SeaWorld Orlando, Firehouse Subs and Coca-Cola are honoring Florida first responders for their bravery, sacrifice and service with a special opportunity to spend a day at the park with their families. Now through August 31, first responders can register to receive free admission to SeaWorld Orlando through September 30.

In addition to complimentary admission, qualified first responders receive up to four discounted tickets for friends and family for just $49.50 per person, a savings of 50 percent off general admission.

Qualifying first responders include:

Florida Fire Rescue First Responders
Florida EMT/EMS Employees
Florida Law Enforcement Officers
Florida 911 Dispatchers

Qualifying first responders should visit SeaWorld.com/FirehouseSubs for more information on how to register. Tickets must be used bySeptember 30, 2016.

The park also has a tribute program called Waves of Honor. Created in 2001, the Waves of Honor military salute program provides free admission to the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks, and Sesame Place for active members of U.S. armed forces and as many as three direct dependents per service member. Information on current active duty and veteran ticket offers is available at WavesOfHonor.com.

New Experiences At The 2016 Food & Wine Classic

New experiences announced for Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

All-new brunch offering and two new seminars to join seventh annual event

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will introduce a Sunday Champagne Brunch at Il Mulino New York Trattoria along with two new beverage seminars,Craft Cocktails and More than Malbec, when it returns for its seventh year Friday, October 28, and Saturday, October 29.

Guests can extend their Food & Wine Classic experience one more day at the first ever Sunday Champagne Brunch on October 30, featuring a lavish menu of traditional and unconventional dishes. The brunch, presented by J Vineyards and Winery, will include various cured meats and imported cheeses along with an array of sushi and trattoria-inspired entrees.

The Sunday Champagne Brunch can be booked along with a 2-night stay or Saturday night stay festival package for $75 per person, which includes one glass of J Vineyards champagne or specialty mimosa. Available seatings are at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Along with the Sunday Champagne Brunch, event attendees can experience two new seminars that have been added to the selection of hands-on educational experiences taught by members of the hotel’s award-winning food and beverage team. The new spirits seminar, Craft Cocktails, educates guests on the origins of traditional cocktails and how to make them. More than Malbec introduces the world of popular Argentinian wines, with tastings and tips for pairing.

Returning beverage seminars will be Wine Blending, Italian Wines, Base to Bubbles, Beer Please and TQU: Tequila University, while The Cheese Course, Pasta Making and Fine Art of Sushi and Sake return as pairing seminars.

Beverage seminar tickets are $50 per person, and pairing seminar tickets are $70 per person and require the purchase of the general outdoor causeway ticket.

Fans can visit www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com to view the 2016 food menu as well as book overnight packages and purchase tickets for the event, seminars and Sunday Champagne Brunch.

The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic offers guests unlimited tastings at more than 40 stations featuring culinary selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and wine from more than 30 wineries amidst a festive backdrop of live entertainment on the hotel’s scenic causeway. Upgraded ticket options allow guests to enjoy access to a beer garden featuring a wide selection of craft beers and Oktoberfest-inspired cuisine.

Great Irish Hooley Celebrates 5th Anniversary Labor Day Weekend at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Disney Springs

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Educator Appreciation Days

Win a Family Four (4) Pack of Tickets to see OVO at the Amway Center

Additional D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures presentations announced include:

In Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of “Beauty and the Beast,” bring home all of the Disney Princesses for a limited time!

Disney Twenty-Three Fall 2016 Issue Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Beauty And The Beast & More

Jack Hanna Hosts A ‘Wild Weekend’

At SeaWorld Orlando

Things To Know On The Go:

Christmas At Gaylord Palms

Aloma Bowling Centers celebrate National Bowling Day with one free game on Aug. 13

Important Timelines For Disney Infinity

SeaWorld Orlando Salutes Florida First Responders with Free Admission

New experiences announced for Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

In Celebration of the 25^th Anniversary of “Beauty and the Beast,” bring home all of the Disney Princesses for a limited time!