Magical Dining Month at Walt Disney World

DISCLOSURE: I just wanted to let everyone know that this post is in no way sponsored by Visit Orlando. I just really enjoy Magical Dining Month. I am just really excited to share that Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Restaurants are participating this year.

Walt Disney World Resort Restaurant Turf Club Visit Orlando Magical Dining Month 2017

For the first time select Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Restaurants are participating in Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month, and I couldn’t be more excited to share my experience!

If you aren’t familiar with it, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month, happening from now until October 1st, gives locals and visitors to Orlando the opportunity to dine at over 100 restaurants around the City Beautiful with a prix fixe menu that only costs $35. The best part of the deal is that one dollar from of each meal goes locally to support Freedom Ride and BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation.

This year there are six participating Walt Disney World Resort hotel restaurants, and they include: (The links actually show the prix fixe menu offered at each location)

I had the opportunity to dine at The Turf Club Bar and Grill at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort with my family & friends, and we had a fantastic meal!

Walt Disney World Resort Restaurant Turf Club Visit Orlando Magical Dining Month 2017

We tried to order a few things so we could try as many dishes as possible, and the portion sizes are no smaller than they normally are so it was really easy to share.

Let’s look at what we ordered!

Appetizers

The Turf Club Grilled Romaine Salad

lightly grilled hearts of romaine, roasted tomatoes, balsamic vinegar glaze, Caesar dressing, and croutons

Walt Disney World Resort Restaurant Turf Club Visit Orlando Magical Dining Month 2017

Classical French Onion Soup

beef broth, julienne onions, Melted Swiss, and Gruyère cheeses with croutons

Walt Disney World Resort Restaurant Turf Club Visit Orlando Magical Dining Month 2017

Entrees

Pan Seared Corvina

lemon risotto and garlic-basil cream reduction topped with a fresh tomato relish

Walt Disney World Resort Restaurant Turf Club Visit Orlando Magical Dining Month 2017

Grilled New York Strip Steak

hand-cut rosemary Parmesan fries and béarnaise sauce

Walt Disney World Resort Restaurant Turf Club Visit Orlando Magical Dining Month 2017

Desserts

Chocolate-Espresso Torte

with raspberry sauce and vanilla-port wine ice cream

Walt Disney World Resort Restaurant Turf Club Visit Orlando Magical Dining Month 2017

Madagascar Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee

fresh fruit and butter breton cri that is gluten free

Walt Disney World Resort Restaurant Turf Club Visit Orlando Magical Dining Month 2017

Know Before You Go To Walt Disney World Resort Restaurant Magical Dining Month:

  • You still need to make an Advanced Dining Reservation using the Walt Disney World website, calling 407-WDW-DINE, or by using the My Disney Experience App. When making your reservation, you will not need to note that you will be ordering from the Magical Dining Month prix fixe menu.
  • If you have allergies or dietary restrictions know that no substitutions can be made to the menu, so talk with your server to make sure that the menu fits with your needs.
  • Applicable sales tax, gratuities, and beverages are not included in the Magical Dining Month prix fixe menu cost.
  • An 18% service charge is added for parties of six (6) or more.
  • The prix fixe menu is not available to those utilizing any Disney Dining Plan.
  • No discounts can be applied to the Magical Dining Month menu, and while there are great discounts available for Annual Passholders and Tables in Wonderland card holders they cannot be applied to your check unless they are additions to the prix fixe menu and are charged to a separate check which takes extra time to complete which is extremely time consuming.

 

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Educator Days At Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

Summer is almost over and school will soon be in session. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! wants to thank Florida K-12, College, Homeschool, Preschool educators, and school support staff during Educator Days by offering extended summer fun with the return of Educator Days.
Ripley’s attractions in Orlando, St. Augustine, Panama City Beach, and Key West will offer FREE admission for in-state educators from September 5 – October 15, 2017.
“We appreciate all the hard work our teachers do throughout the school year. This is one small way for us to give back and show our gratitude,” says Kim Kiff, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Regional Manager.
Teachers, administrators, counselors, and support staff are also eligible for free admission when they show a current pay stub and photo ID. Additionally, up to three guests will receive 50% off admission.

Educator Days At Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Location Details:

WHAT
Educator Days: Free admission for educators + 50% off for up to three guests.
WHO
Florida K-12, College, Homeschool, Preschool educators, administrators, counselors, and support staff
WHEN
September 5 – October 15, 2017
WHERE
Educator Days 2017 - Ripleys Orlando
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando
8201 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
Educator Days 2017 - Ripleys St Augustine
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! St. Augustine
19 San Marco Avenue
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Educator Days 2017 - Ripleys Panama City Beach
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Panama City Beach
9907 Front Beach Road
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Educator Days 2017 - Ripleys Key West
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Key West
108 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
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The Best Of…Aquatica Orlando

Disclosure: I was invited by Aquatica Orlando to spend a day in the park with my family and to experience a family cabana, but all opinions are my own.

Aquatica Orlando 2017

Aquatica Orlando, a water park owned and operated by SeaWorld Orlando, is truly a gem in the Orlando line-up of theme parks.

Themed to the South Pacific, this water park that opened in 2008 is home to eight water slides, two lazy rivers, side-by-side wave pools, two children’s water play areas, animal habitats and conservation stations, as well as several restaurants and shops.

Aquatica Orlando 2017

Aquatica Orlando has a wide variety of attractions and activities making it a great place to visit for the entire family, and here are some of the best things to experience on your next visit to the park.

The Best Of…Aquatica Orlando

The best attraction for families…Loggerhead Lane 

Aquatica Orlando 2017 -

Loggerhead Lane is a traditional Lazy River with a fun extra. As you are floating along you will find that there are two different paths you can take, and depending on which you choose you will find yourself floating past the Fish Grotto or the Commerson’s Dolphins viewing area.

The best attraction for toddlers…Kata’s Kukaburra Cove 

Aquatica Orlando 2017

For toddlers, the Kata Kookaburra Cove play area located near the wave pools and beach is chocked full of slides, sprays, and water obstacles for kids to play in and on for hours with their parents. 

The best attraction for children…Walkabout Waters 

Aquatica Orlando 2017

Walkabout Waters, closely located to Roa’s Rapids and Taumata Racers, is home to a gigantic multi-level water play areas with dump buckets, slides, and water sprays perfect for younger kids to play in with their parents while older kids experience the more thrilling slides in the area.

What is really nice about both play areas is that they are almost over-staffed with Aquatica lifeguards with lot of areas for parents to supervise and stay cool.

The best attraction for tweens…Taumata Racer 

Aquatica Orlando 2017 -

Taumata Racers is a racing slide with a twist. This eight lane racing slide with mats has both enclosed and open areas to add an extra thrill to the slide’s intense speed. And to help settle any disputes, at the bottom of the lanes are timers that show which racer went the fastest.

The best attraction for thrills…Ihu’s Breakaway Falls

Ihu's Breakaway Falls SeaWorld Orlando Aquatica Orlando

At nearly 80 feet tall, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is Orlando’s tallest, steepest and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind.  Offering four unique slide paths, you’ll step into one of three “breakaway boxes” and watch each other fall one-by-one or test your bravery on a fourth open slide for a different but just as thrilling experience. This is definitely a set of slides for the brave of heart!

The best attraction for family thrills…Walhala Wave 

Aquatica Orlando 2017

Walhalla Wave is a family raft ride that require riders to be 42” tall to ride, because it is an intense and dark experience. A huge bonus of this slide is that you don’t have to worry about lugging a large tube up stairs while watching your children. Walhalla Wave is extremely thrilling at six stories tall with zooming twists, turns, and tunnels.

The BEST attraction…Roa’s Rapids 

Aquatica Orlando 2017 -

Roa’s Rapids is a Not-So-Lazy River that is really long and has powerful jets that move you through the river that I could stay on all day!!! Our first time around Roa’s Rapids we chose not to grab life vests since we are all strong swimmers, but on our second trip around we decided to wear one and it was a much more enjoyable experience.

Aquatica Orlando 2017 -

Getting out of the current can be a tad difficult for younger ones, so make sure you communicate early about when you are looking to exit Roa’s Rapids.

The best annual passholder perk…Pass Member Pavilion

Aquatica Orlando 2017 -

The all-new Pass Member Pavilion is a place exclusively for Pass Holders with concierge services, complimentary sunscreen, private chairs, charging centers, a private entrance to Banana Beach Cook-Out, and a place to find exclusive offers. And now for a Limited Time, Pass Members should stop by to pick up an Aquatica Pass Member reusable tote that is available while supplies last.

The best place to eat…Banana Beach Cook-Out 

Aquatica Orlando 2017

There are a wide variety of food and bar options at Aquatica, but we chose to get all-day wristbands for the Banana Beach Cookout where we got to eat, drink, and snack all day. It was great to be able to pop in and grab a drink or slice of pizza or BBQ sandwich! And if you only want to visit once, there is a single visit option as well. Pass Members can save 10% by showing their pass and photo ID.

The best add-on to your day…Quick Queue

Aquatica Orlando 2017

If slides are your thing, adding quick queue to your day will make conquering all the thrills easier. There are two Quick Queue options that allow front-of-the-line access to six of your favorite water-slides including:

  • Whanau Way – Must be able to maintain proper riding position unassisted. Sliders under 48” must wear a life jacket.
  • Omaka Rocka– Minimum height requirement is 48”.
  • Ihu’s Breakaway Falls– Minimum height requirement is 48”.
  • Taumata Racer– Minimum height requirement is 42”
  • Walhalla Wave – Minimum height requirement is 42”
  • HooRoo Run – Minimum height requirement is 42”.

Pricing and inventory vary by season, so check specific dates for actual price and availability. Aquatica Orlando Pass Members save 10% on the purchase of Quick Queue.

The MUST add-on to your day…Locker Rental

Aquatica Orlando 2017 -

When I am at the water park, I tend to drop my stuff and go so having a locker for my valuables is a MUST! The locker rentals are centrally located, reasonably priced, and are available in three different sizes.

The best add-on luxury…Cabana

Aquatica Orlando 2017

I will have to say that the biggest luxury at any water park is a cabana, and at Aquatica Orlando they have a wide variety of cabanas available for most budgets. You can check out the different levels and areas of the park that you can find cabanas and what each include here.

Aquatica Orlando 2017 -

For more information about Aquatica Orlando and the latest ticket deals, make sure to visit their official website.

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Celebrate National Chocolate Day At Capa

Partake in sweet celebration of National Chocolate Day this September 13, 2017 at a one-of-a-kind Dessert Party at Capa restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. Executive Pastry Chef Rabii Saber has prepared a delicious assortment of desserts, and will showcase his award-winning “Curtain Rise” chocolate cake. In addition, the Resort will welcome Master Sommelier George Miliotes for this special event, who will present dessert wines and specialty drinks to accompany the sweet smorgasbord.

National Chocolate Day Capa Four Seasons Resort Orlando Walt Disney World
Chef Saber – Four Seasons Resort Orlando Walt Disney World

Saber is truly a dessert genius, and due to his talents, he was invited to participate in the Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie – often referred to as a “Pastry Olympics” – in Lyon, France in January 2017, where Team USA took home 4th place overall. One dessert, a stunning chocolate cake called the “Curtain Rise” took home the highest honour in the chocolate category. The special cake features several layers: a thin, crispy layer of chocolate with pieces of caramelised hazelnut; two layers of chocolate sponge cake; a delicate layer of Caraibe chocolate cremeux; and a layer of coffee bean crème brulee. The entire cake is wrapped with a thin chocolate glaze.

“I consider chocolate art one of my strengths, and I am pleased that the cake won for this portion of the event,” sayes Saber. “I’m excited to unveil it to the local Orlando community for National Chocolate Day.”

National Chocolate Day Capa Four Seasons Resort Orlando Walt Disney World
Four Seasons Resort Orlando Walt Disney World

In addition to the Curtain Rise cake, guests will experience confections including:

  • Hazelnut and chocolate kisses
  • Peanut butter and jelly choux pastry
  • Chocolate olive oil tartlet
  • 5-spice blueberry cheesecake
  • Passion fruit baba cake
  • Matcha and black sesame lollipop

Miliotes, one of only 236 worldwide industry professionals certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers, is opening Wine Bar George at Disney Springs.  Wine Bar George will be the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in the Sunshine State. The menu will feature a range of varietals, vintages and prices, and a large selection of wines by the glass.

“I’m thrilled to share my enthusiasm and passion for wine with each and every guest, and look forward to a fun dessert event at Capa,” notes Miliotes, who is sourcing wines not typically offered at Capa for this exclusive event.

Space is limited as this event will be held in one of the private dining rooms at Capa.  Tickets are USD 55 per person and must be purchased online.  The September 13 event will begin at 8:00 pm and conclude at 10:00 pm.

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2018 Disney Parks Moms Panel Search Announced

Are you the person your friends and colleagues always seek out for heartfelt advice on planning a Disney vacation? Have you put together more amazing Disney trips than you can count, and do you want to help others do the same?

Disney Parks Moms Panel 2018 Search

If so, then you may want to apply for a spot on the 2018 Disney Parks Moms Panel, the go-to online resource for guests seeking honest and relatable Disney vacation tips from likeminded parents.

From September 6-13, 2017, the search is on for everyday moms, dads and trusted family members to serve on the wildly popular forum. Applications can be submitted online at www.momspanelsearch.com.

Applicants will be selected based on their personal experience exploring various Disney destinations and their ability to communicate their Disney knowledge to prospective guests in easy-to-understand and friendly ways. The selection committee is eager to hear from parents from a variety of backgrounds and experiences who can lend diverse trip-planning insights, including moms, dads, grandparents, military service members, and more.

Heading into its 11th search, the Disney Parks Moms Panel has grown to be one of the most popular and trusted Disney vacation planning tools. It offers tailored parent-to-parent vacation advice in a convenient question-and-answer format. Additionally, the panel is available in four languages – English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese – to meet the unique needs of every type of Disney traveler and Disney hopes to welcome even more bilingual panelists to the 2018 panel.

“There is something so genuine in the exchange of trusted advice among neighbors. That’s what inspired the first Disney Parks Moms Panel in 2008 and why it continues to grow and serve travelers throughout the world 10 years later,” said Leanne O’Regan, Director of Public Relations for Disney Parks. “The panel is filled with personal, heartfelt advice based on panelists’ real experiences in Disney theme parks, resorts & hotels, and cruises. We know this year’s search will bring out another impressive group of applicants who know the ins and outs of planning a Disney vacation. We can’t wait to hear from them and see who will be selected to join the 2018 panel!”

Disney Parks Moms Panel Fact Sheet
Disney

Accessible at home or on-the-go, the Disney Parks Moms Panel offers firsthand insights into a myriad of topics like how to maximize time in the parks with preschoolers and how Disney Cruise Line can accommodate families with special needs. Advice comes from real-life moms and dads who have been there before, providing instant connections to fellow parents.

New questions are posted daily, and visitors can explore ‘Trending Topics’ and ‘Most Useful Questions’ to uncover valuable trip planning advice they may have not considered to ask. Of course, the Disney Parks Moms Panel is also the source for tips on new Disney attractions and entertainment like the latest groundbreaking experiences: Pandora – The World of Avatar at Walt Disney World Resort and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! at Disneyland Resort.

How to Apply for the Disney Parks Moms Panel

Applications for the 2018 Disney Parks Moms Panel will be accepted from noon EDT on September 6, 2017, through noon EDT on September 13, 2017. To apply, visit www.momspanelsearch.com. The application process follows the below format, though subject to change if needed: a series of short- answer questions in the first round, additional short-answer questions and submission of a brief video in Round 2, and phone interviews for applicants making it to the final round. The 2018 Disney Parks Moms Panel will be announced in January. Applicants selected must be available to attend a training session at Walt Disney World Resort from November 29 to December 3, 2017.

About the Disney Parks Moms Panel

The Disney Parks Moms Panel is the official online forum where guests can get tips and insights from real moms, dads and grandparents who have mastered the art of planning Disney vacations. Guests can pose questions to the panelists in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, as well as gain access to other tools for planning and booking a Disney vacation. Featuring just 12 members in its inaugural year in 2008, the panel now boasts 40 park-savvy panelists as a result of the popularity of the site and the ever-growing number of questions submitted by curious Guests. Serving as independent contractors, the panelists receive a rewards trip to one Disney Destination for themselves and up to three family members for their participation on the Disney Parks Moms Panel. For more information and to meet the current panelists, visit www.DisneyParksMomsPanel.com.

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Krispy Kreme Offers Solar Eclipse Doughnuts

The Solar Eclipse is a week away, and Krispy Kreme will be doing something they have never done before!

Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Doughnut Eclipsed by Chocolate v4
Krispy Kreme

For a limited time their Original Glazed Doughnuts will be eclipsed by a mouth‑watering chocolate glaze to coincide with the solar eclipse at all shops in Central Florida.

Guests also can get an early taste of this limited-time doughnut during evening Hot Light hours Saturday and Sunday, August 19 and 20, at the following locations:

Krispy Kreme Winter Park – Drive thru Open 24 hours
1031 S. Orlando Avenue (17-92), 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 Highway, (192 / Mile Marker 11.5), Kissimmee, FL 34746

Krispy Kreme Daytona Beach – Open 24 Hours
980 W International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Krispy Kreme Melbourne – Drive thru Open 24 Hours
2040 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32935

“The solar eclipse is a rare occasion providing a total sensory experience for viewers across the continental U.S. Chocolate will have the same effect as we introduce a first-time chocolate glazing of our iconic Original Glazed Doughnut,” said Jenny Bellanca, vice president of operations for Florida Family Foods LLC, an authorized franchisee of Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation. “The Chocolate Glazed Doughnut is a delicious way to experience the solar eclipse – no matter where you are – and we can’t wait for fans to try it.”

The Solar Eclipse Glazed Doughnut features the classic Original Glazed Doughnut, smothered in a rich chocolate glaze. Guests who visit participating Krispy Kreme shops can see the chocolate glaze waterfall as the doughnuts are prepared, smell the aroma of chocolate wafting through the shop and taste the familiar Original Glazed Doughnut smothered in a new delicious chocolate.

Be one of the first to try the tastiest eclipse in history. Find a Krispy Kreme shop near you and find out when the Hot Light is on by going to www.krispykreme.com/Eclipse.

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Lindsey Buckingham and Christie McVie Tour

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and Live Nation announce that Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie will count Orlando among the 22 cities they visit on the second leg of their North American tour on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 8 p.m.

Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Tickets go on sale to the general publicFriday, August 18, 2017 at 10 a.m. Tickets start at $59.50 and may be purchased online at drphillipscenter.org, by calling 844.513.2014 or by visiting the Dr. Phillips Center Box Office at 445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday. Online and phone ticket purchases are subject to handling fees.

The announcement of the tour coincides with the announcement of a new single that goes to radio entitled “Lay Down for Free.” Simply titled “Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie,” a new 10-song album is now available on CD, LP and all digital and streaming services via Atlantic Records. Of the album, NPR says, “The marvel that is these two longtime bandmates can simultaneously stand on their own and exert a gentle pull on each other, expanding our appreciation of them as living, breathing artists…”

The collaboration began three years ago, when McVie rejoined Fleetwood Mac for the group’s On with the Show tour. The pair went in to record new material prior to rehearsals for the tour and their natural creative chemistry was reignited. According to Buckingham: “We were exploring a creative process, and the identity of the project took on a life organically. The body of work felt like it was meant to be a duet album. We acknowledged that to each other on many occasions and said to ourselves, ‘What took us so long?!’”

Working their natural singer-songwriter skills together came easily for the duo. Said Christine McVie, “We’ve always written well together, Lindsey and I, and this has just spiraled into something really amazing that we’ve done between us.”

Sessions for the album took place at The Village Studios in Los Angeles, which is where Fleetwood Mac recorded several of their classic albums, including “Tusk.” Buckingham and McVie were joined in the studio by fellow bandmates Mick Fleetwood and John McVie, who supplied much of the dynamic rhythmic engine.

For more information, please visit www.buckinghammcvie.com.

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Aloma Bowling Centers Celebrates 40 Years

Who said getting older was no fun? Aloma Bowling Centers will be ringing in their 40th birthday with a week-long celebration at all three venues.

The anniversary celebration kicks off with Aloma Bowling Centerdeals from 9 p.m. to close every night from Monday, Aug. 14 to Thursday, Aug. 17, at Aloma Bowl in Winter Park. Airport Lanes in Sanford and Boardwalk Bowling Orlando will join in on the celebration, too, offering deals from 8 p.m. to close those nights. All week long, guests can enjoy throwback pricing from when the Aloma Bowling Centers first began. Games of bowling will be just 90 cents, shoe rentals will be just 40 cents, and arcade games will be just 25 cents.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. The festivities culminate with a party from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 at the original Aloma Bowling Centerslocation – Aloma Bowl. The entertainment center will keep the deals on games, shoes and arcade games rolling, but there will also be $3 burgers and fries and $1 Bud Light drafts.

At night, things will really get groovy with live music and a costume contest. Guests are invited to show off their bellbottoms and disco duds to celebrate Aloma’s 1970s roots.

And five lucky guests will get to keep the good times rolling after the party with free bowling for a year. Everyone who attends the party will be entered to win, and guests who wear ’70s attire will get five additional entries.

Keith Baldwin, the regional general manager for Aloma Bowling Centers, said the birthday bash is an opportunity to celebrate with the community.

“The community has supported and loved Aloma Bowl the past 40 years,” he said. “This is our way to thank the community we grew up in.”

To learn more about Aloma Bowl, visit Alomabowlingcenters.com/aloma/.

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Musical Thrones Parody Coming To Dr. Phillips Center

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts announces the Orlando engagement of the musical parody Musical Thrones, sending-up the popular HBO drama, “Game of Thrones.”

Musical Thrones Paraody Dr. Phillips Center Orlando 2017
Dr. Phillips Center

The show, billed as 90 minutes of hilarity, comes to the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center on January 26 and 28, 2018 for three performances.

Fans of the most-talked-about show on television can now get their fantasy fix live-on-stage with this hilarious parody. Composed by the hysterical madmen behind the long-running Silence! The Musical, Jon and Al Kaplan, Musical Thrones: A Parody brings your most beloved and be-hated characters to life as you journey through the first six seasons of theEmmy® Award-winning “Game of Thrones” series. Sing and dance along with Daenerys and her dragons, Joffery and the jolly members of the Lannister and Stark families in this love letter to fans.

Guests will be transported to “Thrones”’s magical locations (if they close their eyes) where bloodthirsty musical theater comics leave no joke unturned in serving up the show’s notorious violence, power struggles, manipulation and sex – plus, worst yet, a ballad or two. The show is preparing for battle, so saddle up and come down to King’s Landing, and hold onto your swords!

Tickets, available now, for Musical Thrones start at $39.50 and may be purchased online at drphillipscenter.org, by calling 844.513.2014 or by visiting the Dr. Phillips Center Box Office at 445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.Saturday. Online and phone ticket purchases are subject to handling fees.

 

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New Show, Brew, and Bites at Raglan Road

Disclosure: I was invited out by Raglan Road to see experience the new show with Zoe and to try some new bites in exchange for my review. All opinions and exclamation points within this post are my own.

Rhythms of Raglan Road Disney Springs Walt Disney World

Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant at Disney Springs has always been one of our favorite stops for a great bite to eat and fun, and this summer they are debuting a new show and menu items that you won’t want to miss.

The new show is called ‘Rhythms of Raglan’, presented at no extra charge, is a 90-minute live spectacle of Irish music and dance featuring talented musicians and award-winning Irish Dancers that even lets the littlest of dancers take center stage.

Rhythms of Raglan Road Disney Springs Walt Disney World

The show itself is fantastic and was produced in Ireland, exported to Raglan Road, & is directed by David Hayes of Riverdance and “The Voice” Ireland edition with lead choreographer Ciaran Keating.

Rhythms of Raglan Road Disney Springs Walt Disney World

But the highlight of the show is when the little dancers get to take to the stage to try their hand at traditional Irish dancing. After the show begins, the Raglan Road dancers make their way around the restaurant to see which children are interested (and to offer words of encouragement to those who might be a little shy) in participating and to get their names for a fun surprise. The children get a chance to be on stage to dance with the dancers and musical performers, and afterwards are presented with a certificate and sticker. What an awesome souvenir!

Rhythms of Raglan Road Disney Springs Walt Disney World

The ‘Rhythms of Raglan Road’ show runs daily (including weekends) from 4 pm -5:30 pm. The show also is part of the Rollicking Raglan Brunch entertainment that runs each Saturday & Sunday from 12 – 3 p.m (so you can see it early or at 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday).

Rhythms of Raglan Road Disney Springs Walt Disney World

And as part of our experience we got to try two new dishes and a new craft beer that will be debuting at Raglan Road before this year’s Great Irish Hooley (you can see the entertainment schedule here & make table reservations here)!

Boaring Burger

Rhythms of Raglan Road Disney Springs Walt Disney World

This is a grilled wild boar burger with port and pear chutney, crispy onions, garlic and herb aioli, Cashel blue cheese, and arugula on a potato bun.

This was my first time trying a wild boar burger, and it was nothing like I expected! I was expecting the boar to be gamey, but it was a touch sweet which made the sweet and tangy toppings sing.

If you love a loaded burger, the ‘Boaring Burger’ should be on your list of things to try!

Gnocchi sea, gnocchi do

Rhythms of Raglan Road Disney Springs Walt Disney World

This irresistable dish is a handmade potato gnocchi with seared Georges Bank scallops, crispy pork belly, tomato and brood beans with a white wine butter sauce.

So I am going to be REAL here…I totally convinced Zoe that she wouldn’t like this dish so I could eat her’s…Does that make me a bad mom? Sure. Was it worth it? Totally!!!

The sweet Georges Bank scallops cut the buttery goodness of the potato gnocchi making it a lighter dish than you would expect.

Blagger – Organic Blonde Lager

Rhythms of Raglan Road Disney Springs Walt Disney World

Once again Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant has teamed up with Orlando Brewing to created a new craft brew that can be bought by the pint or as part of a flight.

I am not a gigantic beer drinker, but the Blagger was really refreshing and lovely.

The Blagger is light in color and low in bitterness at only 6 IBU. Made with organic malts, organic Hallertau hops and organic yeast, this brew has a crisp finish reminiscent of a dry sparkling wine.

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American Idol Bus Stops In Orlando

Calling all singers!!! ABC’s American Idol will visit Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort to launch the start of its highly anticipated open auditions on August 17th!

American Idol Orlando Auditions 2017

I can’t be the only one to be excited to see the iconic American Idol bus will roll into Disney Springs? But what is also exciting is that Idol-winners Jordin Sparks, Kris Allen and Ruben Studdard will make a special appearance and greet lucky audition participants during the kickoff celebration of the search for America’s next superstar.

If you can’t make it out on August 17th, don’t worry! After the bus rolls away at the end of the day, Central Florida hopefuls still have a chance to be a part of Idol history by auditioning in the American Idol pop-up kiosk from August 18 to September 15. The kiosk will be open during regular Disney Springs operating hours.

Auditions for this season of American Idol will simultaneously kick off on the West Coast in Portland, Oregon.

You can find more information and specific audition details, eligibility requirements, submission forms, terms, and conditions by visiting www.americanidol.com.

American Idol contest 2017

But if you are looking for a chance to skip the line, you only have a few more days to enter for your chance to win a coveted ‘Silver Ticket’ and audition for the celebrity judges or win a ‘Front of the Line’ pass and skip the line at the Orlando auditions from Channel 9 and Power 95.3.

So pick out your favorite song, grab your camera, and upload your song! You can find all the details you need to know on icFlorida.com!

I want to take a second to wish everyone auditioning for American Idol either here or around the country good luck!!! We can’t wait to see how everyone does!!! Break a leg!!!

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Screamin Gator Zip Line Experience Special Offer

Gatorland, the “Alligator Capital of The World,” has announced a special offer for their Screamin Gator Zip Line experience for a limited time!

Screamin Gator Zip Line Gatorland
Gatorland

The Screamin Gator Zip Line has been rated Top Zip Line in the USA by AOL Travel and features a breathtaking journey along 1,200 feet of high flying adventure from platforms designed to replicate the Breeding Marsh Tower. At heights up to 56 feet, guests will fly at speeds near 30 miles per hour through the park.

The Screamin Gator Zip Line at Gatorland carries riders in length from 230 feet to more than 500 feet over some of the most exciting exhibits.   On just the second leg of the journey, adventurers soar above the theme park’s collection of jumping Cuban Crocodiles. Next is a bird’s eye view of the Alligator Breeding Marsh with more than 150 giant alligators.  The 45-minute experience includes a brief orientation session, a nature walk through the swamp, five breath-taking zips and an exciting 150-foot swinging suspension bridge.

The Screamin Gator Zip Line offer is for $49.99 per person when booked online, online payment must be made at time of booking, on its website by August 27, 2017 for reservation dates through Dec. 15, 2017.  That’s a $20 savings off the regular price of $69.99 per person!

Screamin Gator Zip Line Requirements:

  • Participants must wear closed toe shoes. Skirts, dresses, and short shorts are discouraged.
  • Participants must be at least 37″ tall and weigh no more than 275 lbs, and must fit safely into the zip line harnesses (Guests may be required to weigh in at time of participation).
  • The Screamin Gator Zip Line traverses numerous public walkways and animal exhibits. For the safety of the animals and park guests below the zip lines, cameras, cell phones, video equipment including GoPro™ HD cameras and other personal items may not be taken on your adventure. Secure lockers will be available for storing your belongings.
  • Guests will be required to sign a Release, Liability Waiver, and Consent Agreement prior to their launch.  Minors under the age of 18 MUST have a Liability Waiver and Consent Agreement executed and signed by a parent or natural guardian.  To book your Screamin Gator Zip Line adventure today, go to http://www.gatorland.com/

For more Gatorland information, visit  http://www.gatorland.com or call 800-393-JAWS.  Find us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram.

 

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