April 2019 - Page 2 of 2 - On the Go in MCO

Disney’s Animal Kingdom hosts a wild Party for the Planet

Party for the Planet 2019 Disneys Animal Kingdom

Today Jennifer Fickley-Baker shared the following details about the Party for the Planet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on the Disney Parks Blog.

Who’s ready to celebrate? In just a few weeks, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be hosting its annual Earth Day celebration, Party for the Planet, April 20-22. During this special three-day event, guests are invited to explore, engage and connect with the magic of nature through family-friendly experiences and specialty offerings.

Party for the Planet kicks off the moment you enter the park, as no Guest will be able to miss a larger-than-life marine debris sculpture celebrating Disneynature Penguins on display in the Oasis.

Party for the Planet 2019 Disneys Animal Kingdom Debris Sculpture — Walt Disney World

The fun continues throughout the park with unique character appearances, special entertainment, and commemorative photo opportunities available with Disney PhotoPass photographers.

Throughout this special weekend event you can meet some of our amazing animal care experts, animal educators and conservation experts to see first-hand how Disney cares for animals and works to save endangered species worldwide.

Party for the Planet 2019 Disneys Animal Kingdom Birds flying — Walt Disney World

Watch animal feedings and training experiences, specially planned for Party for the Planet, to learn how our keepers care for some of your favorite animals.

Looking for a unique experience during Party for the Planet? Take a journey through tales of adventure and cuisine during Tiffins Talks, a special dining experience April 20-22 from 1-3 p.m., featuring the beloved creative force behind the concept, design and buildout of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney Imagineer and Portfolio Executive Joe Rohde. Join Joe for a unique conversation as he regales you with stories from his travels through a delectable 4-course lunch featuring global dishes, desserts and specialty beverages. Space is limited. Pricing for this dining package is $199 plus tax and gratuity and requires separate park admission. Reservations can be made beginning today by calling 407 WDW-DINE (407 939-3463).

Party for the Planet 2019 Disneys Animal Kingdom Tiffins Talks — Walt Disney World

Guests are also invited to meet Joe Rohde at Mombasa Marketplace, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. April 20 and 22, where he will be on hand to sign his own unique artwork, a commemorative lion print that will be on sale throughout the event while supplies last. A wristband is required to meet Joe Rohde. For further details visit the Party for the Planet webpage.

Party for the Planet 2019 Disneys Animal Kingdom Joe Rhode — Walt Disney World

As if all the fun activities happening for Party for the Planet weren’t enough, on Earth Day, April 22, there will be a full assortment of “The Lion King” merchandise available at Mombasa Marketplace! You can feel the love and take home so many fun souvenirs like this adorable Simba mug, Hakuna Matata Spirit Jersey, this “roaringly” cute Simba youth baseball hat or one of the many new items recently added to this collection. #LionKingCelebration

Party for the Planet 2019 Disneys Animal Kingdom Lion King Spirit Jersey — Walt Disney World

There are so many incredible ways to celebrate nature and the place we all call home at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We hope to see you there!

Visit Disneyworld.com/partyfortheplanet for the latest information about the celebration. #PartyforthePlanet

Orlando Science Center Seeking Community Partners

Submissions are being accepted to help bring the story of this ancient city to life as part of the Pompeii: The Immortal City exhibition

ORLANDO, Fla.

Next year the Orlando Science Center will welcome Pompeii: The Immortal City exhibition, and they are inviting artists and cultural organizations from around Central Florida to help bring the ancient city of Pompeii to life with complimentary art exhibits, educational lectures, and artistic performances.

As part of the exhibition coming to the Orlando Science Center will be allocating $75,000 to support partnership programs and collaborations leading up to and coinciding with the run of the exhibition Pompeii: The Immortal City, opening summer 2020.

Selected program partners will develop engaging opportunities tied to the rich and influential culture of ancient Pompeii and the Roman world.

“A critical aspect of our mission is to support the creative and educational community,” says Orlando Science Center President & CEO JoAnn Newman. “Orlando is well known for its arts and sciences and we’re excited to bring them together in anticipation of this new exhibition.”

Pompeii: The Immortal City exhibition brings to light the extraordinary achievements of this ancient culture through artworks, interactive mechanical devices and multimedia experiences. The media-rich exhibition takes visitors on a journey through time into the daily life of the first-century Roman town, and places them at the center of events, as they hear and feel the roar of the volcano erupting before their eyes.

Submissions for proposals are being accepted now through April 30, 2019. Applicants can register at www.osc.org/pompeii. Partnership events and programs should have the goal of appealing to diverse and broad audiences. No proposal is too small, and collaborations with other institutions are highly encouraged.

Orlando Science Center is one of only four locations in the United States to host this exhibit, thanks to generous support from the Orange County Arts and Cultural Affairs Blockbuster Fund.

Busch Gardens Tampa Announces Tigris Opening

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Tigris — Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Triple-launch coaster Tigris to officially open Friday, April 19 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

TAMPA, Fla.

Just in time for the holiday weekend, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will officially open Tigris, a triple-launch steel roller coaster, on Friday, April 19, 2019.

The new attraction is Florida’s tallest launch coaster and the ninth coaster in the park’s collection, solidifying Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as Florida’s thrill ride leader.

Tigris will catapult riders through an exhilarating array of looping twists with forward and backward motion, breath-taking drops, a 150-foot skyward surge, and an inverted heartline roll, reaching a top speed of more than 60 miles per hour.

Riders will race riders along more than 1,800 feet of steel track designed to mimic the awe-inspiring agility of the world’s largest and most powerful cat –the tiger.

Tigris joins a top-rated list of favorites for coaster enthusiasts, including Cheetah Hunt, the park’s longest coaster, SheiKra, a 200-foot tall floorless dive coaster, Falcon’s Fury, a 335-foot freestanding drop tower, Montu, an inverted coaster, Kumba, and Cobra’s Curse, to name a few.

The best way to experience Tigris and all of the attractions at Busch Gardens as well as more than a dozen seasonal events throughout the year is with an Annual Pass.

Guests can choose from four unique passes for the benefits and value they want most. Pass Members will also enjoy exclusive ride time on Tigris for the first two weekends in May before the ride opens for the day to general guests.

Science of Wine at the Orlando Science Center

Science of Wine Orlando Science Center 2019

Ready your mind – and palate – for a night of wining, dining and learning at one of Orlando’s most unique food and wine events, the Science of Wine!

ORLANDO, Fla.

The 9th annual Science of Wine, presented by Southern Glazer’s Wines and Spirits, on April 27th is your chance to sip, savor, and support the mission of Orlando Science Center while you uncork your inner sommelier (and scientist!).

The Science of Wine is not just another wine tasting, but an oenological odyssey for adults only with presentations on multiple aspects of wine growing and wine tasting in addition to samples of more than 150 fine wines from the world’s most important wine regions and some of the best food from your favorite region, Central Florida!

Science of Wine 2019 Orlando Science Center — Orlando Science Center Facebook Page

There are also two add on experiences to take your night to the next level!

Swine & Sons Cooking Demos

Demos at 7:30pm and 8:45pm

$20 per person with purchase of Science of Wine ticket

Have you ever wondered why your favorite Cabernet compliments a grilled steak so perfectly, or which white wine would be best with the seafood dish you’re preparing?

We’ll explore the science behind some classic food and wine pairings and discover what works, and why in this interactive food and wine tasting demo hosted by Swine & Sons Provisions.

Cooking demos are $20 per person with the purchase of a Science of Wine ticket, and seats are limited.

Thank you to our partner, Swine and Son’s for leading guests on this cooking journey.

Wine Seminar – How’d It Get There?

Demo at 6:30pm

$20 per person with purchase of Science of Wine ticket

Want to become the wine expert within your friend group? Look no further than this wine seminar hosted by Julie Pepi, CSW Director for Fine Wine in Florida for Trinchero Family Estates!

You’ll learn why certain grapes grow better in specific places, what tannin and oak flavors actually are, where the bubbles in your favorite Champagne come from and so much more!

Seats to the Wine Seminar are $20 per person with the purchase of a Science of Wine ticket.

Limited seating is available so reserve your spot today.

Tickets are available now for this amazing evening benefitting the Orlando Science Center, and cost $100 for Orlando Science Center Members and $125 for General Admission.

2019 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Overview

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2019 — Walt Disney World – Matt Stroshane, photographer

The 26th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival has burst into bloom at the Walt Disney World Resort filling the park with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Spring daily until June 3, 2019.

Lush Gardens

During the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival breathtaking flower beds, plots of plant life, and wildlife habitats can be found in every area of the park.

From Bonsai trees to butterflies, there’s a bounty of displays ready to capture your family’s attention and imagination.

Topiaries with character

This year scattered around the park, 70 Disney-crafted topiaries have been created by the talented crew of Disney horticulturists.

Interactive Play Scapes

Step off the beaten Festival path to experience two new whimsical play gardens with fun, hands-on activities and interactive play scapes.

Bo Peep’s Playtime Training Grounds, located near Test Track, is a playful playground and garden inspired by Bo Peep and the rest of your Toy Story pals.

The Play Full Garden, located on the Imagination Walkway, will inspire the entire family to gather for interactive activities that focus on nutrition and wellness.

Outdoor Kitchens

As festival-goers take in all the floral wonders of the Festival, they can also find culinary delights at over a dozen Outdoor Kitchens around Epcot’s World Showcase.

The Outdoor Kitchens open at 11am, and just outside of each location a garden offers inspiration for learning to grow healthy ingredients.

Garden Rocks Concert Series

The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series will rock every evening of the festival with three performances by chart-topping artists on the America Gardens Theatre Stage.

Here are the performers you’ll see:

April 3 through 4 – Christopher Cross – NEW to Garden Rocks!
April 5 through 7 – The Spinners
April 8 through 9 – Dennis DeYoung, original member of the group Styx
April 10 through 11 – John Michael Montgomery – NEW!
April 12 through 13 – Sister Sledge – NEW to Garden Rocks!
April 14 through 16 – Night Ranger
April 17 through 19 – Sister Hazel – NEW to Garden Rocks!
April 20 through 21 – Steven Curtis Chapman – NEW!
April 22 through 23 – TobyMac – NEW!
April 24 through 26 – Lonestar
April 27 through 30 – The Orchestra, starring former members of ELO
May 1 through 4 – Herman’s Hermits, starring Peter Noone
May 5 through 7 – Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles
May 8 through 9 – A Flock of Seagulls – NEW!
May 10 through 11 – Marshall Tucker Band – NEW to Garden Rocks!
May 12 through 13 – Peabo Bryson – NEW!
May 14 through 15 – Richard Marx – NEW to Garden Rocks!
May 16 through 19 – Starship, starring Mickey Thomas
May 20 through 21 – Colin Hay of Men at Work – NEW!
May 22 through 23 – War – NEW!
May 24 through 27 – The Guess Who
May 28 through 29 – Jon Secada
May 30 through June 1 – Blood, Sweat and Tears
June 2 through June 3 – Eddie Palmieri – NEW!

Additionally, guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at 15 popular Epcot restaurants with guaranteed seating for a nightly concert with a Garden Rocks Dining Package. Dining packages can be booked by calling (407) WDW-DINE.

Festival Exclusive Guided Tours

Guided tours are available for guests interested in learning more about nature’s magic exclusively during the Festival.

The Royal Tea Garden Tour, presented by Twinings, takes place each festival morning at the United Kingdom Pavilion, and guides guests through the tranquil tea garden to learn the history and artistry behind growing and blending tea.

The Gardens of the World tour, offered on select days, lets guests join a Disney horticulturist for a three-hour walking tour to explore the festival gardens and topiaries discovering new plant materials and gardening techniques to use in their home gardens.

Epcot admission and a fee are required to join these tours. To make a reservation, call (407) WDW-TOUR.

Family Scavenger Hunts

Gardeners of all ages are invited to participate in Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration family scavenger hunt through the garden pollination trail on a search for Spike’s best blooms as he pollinates flower beds across Epcot.

The botanical-happy hunt begins by purchasing a map at Port of Entry for $6.99 plus tax, then continues with a visit to each World Showcase pavilion.

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, including all gardens and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

Monster Jam World Finals XX

DISCLOSURE: This post was created in partnership with the Monster Jam World Finals XX to help spread the word about this event. All opinions and thoughts are 100% my own.

Monster Jam, the unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable larger-than-life sport, is proud to announce Orlando, Florida as the first host city in Monster Jam World Finals new schedule.

ORLANDO, Fla.

The Monster Jam World Finals XX will be held at Camping World Stadium May 10–11, 2019 featuring all-new competition formats, including an elevated starting line above the seats, and seven championship crowning moments.

As in previous World Finals events, there will be the following competitions:

Racing
Freestyle
Showdown (World Finals Qualifier)

And World Finals XX will see the debut of the following competitions:

High Jump
Two-Wheel Skills
ATV Racing
Speedster Racing
Speedster Obstacle Course

At the end of the two-day event, a total of 7 World Finals Champions will be crowned.

“We are thrilled to announce the next step in the evolution of the Monster Jam franchise as we embark on a new chapter. Like other major sporting events, such as the Super Bowl and the NCAA Final Four, Feld Entertainment will bring our marquee event to world class destinations across the U.S., starting here in Orlando with our 20th Anniversary Monster Jam World Finals,” said Kenneth Feld, Chairman & CEO, Feld Entertainment. “Orlando is a city that is not only a premier sports destination, but it’s a city synonymous with family entertainment. We’re excited to make Monster Jam World Finals accessible to even more fans, with the anticipation of over 50,000 fans from around the world converging on “The City Beautiful.”

The championship weekend will deliver unprecedented access to the most Monster Jam athletes and the larger-than-life Monster Jam trucks they drive with a free Pit Party from 11am – 5:30pm with your same day event ticket.

“On behalf of our board of directors and community partners, we are looking forward to hosting Monster Jam World Finals in 2019 and 2020,” said Jason Siegel, CEO of the Central Florida Sports Commission. “We want to thank the Feld family for the opportunity to welcome one of their premier events to Camping World Stadium, and we know their fans and athletes will have a tremendous experience here in Central Florida.“

Tickets to Monster Jam World Finals XX are on sale now, and you can receive 20% off select seats with code BLOG20. Not valid on VIP seating. Hurry for the best available seats! Code expires May 9, 2019.

Seven Seas Food Festival Returns to SeaWorld Orlando

The Seven Seas Food Festival invites guests to sip, sample, and savor their way around SeaWorld Orlando and enjoy live entertainment each Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday until May 5, 2019.

The Seven Seas Food Festival showcases what SeaWorld Orlando does best, festivals that pack a punch that are included with theme park admission.

Seven Seas Food Festival SeaWorld Orlando 2019

Seven Seas Food Festival Marketplaces

Chef Héctor Colón and his culinary team at SeaWorld Orlando have created over 180 unique eats that are paired with distinct beverages from around the world.

Authentic Asian, Latin, European, Polynesian, and North Atlantic dishes can be found at Festival Markets located throughout the park.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival takes place on Friday evenings from 4:00 pm to 9:00pm then on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 am with all locations in full operation by 12:00 pm.

Like all food served at SeaWorld Orlando, each item at the Seven Seas Food Festival reflects the park’s commitment to sustainable foods and farming crafted with organic ingredients, cage-free eggs, regional produce, and sustainable seafood.

This year guests can also enjoy a diverse selection of beverages including over 50 wines, specialty cocktails, and over 70 local and international craft brews.

Sampling Lanyards are a great way to experience the Seven Seas Food Festival, because it lets guests choose an assortment of flavors from the festival’s extensive food, beer, and wine line-up to fill their day.

Guests can purchase a sampling lanyard, either in-person at the park or in advance online, with 10 items for $50 plus tax or 15 items for $65 plus tax, and as a special perk SeaWorld Orlando Pass Members can enjoy 20 samples for the price of 15.

To help guests plan their culinary journey, a complete menu of the Seven Seas Food Festival dishes and drinks can be found online at SeaWorld.com/Orlando.

Seven Seas Food Festival Entertainment

In addition to delicious eats, guests visiting SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival can enjoy world-class entertainment.

This year guests can rock out to more genres than ever before with 26 live performances taking the stage.

Concerts are held at Bayside Stadium each Saturday and Sunday and are included with park admission. It is important to note that show times vary by weekend and are subject to change.

SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival 2017 Bayside Stadium Concert — SeaWorld Orlando

Here are the concerts you’ll be able to see at the Seven Seas Food Festival:

April 6 – Olga Tañon
April 7 – Roots & Boots 90’s Electric Throwdown – Featuring Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin & Collin Raye
April 13 – Jay Leno
April 14 – Andy Grammer
April 20 – Collective Soul
April 21 – Tenth Avenue North
April 27 – Postmodern Jukebox
April 28 – Willie Colón
May 4 – Macy Gray
May 5 – Earth, Wind & Fire

While the concerts are included with theme park admission to SeaWorld Orlando, guests can choose to purchase reserved seating for the concerts to help minimize their wait.

The reserved seating is guaranteed and prices start at $10 plus tax, and can be purchased in-person at the park or in advance online.

Best Way to Play

The best way for guests to experience the Seven Sea’s Food Festival and all of the events at SeaWorld Orlando throughout the year is with an Annual Pass, starting as low as $10.99 a month for Florida residents.

Special members-only benefits such as discounts on parking, dining, and shopping make the Annual Pass especially valuable.

Month: April 2019