LEGOLAND Florida Resort Honors U.S. Police Officers, Firefighters, EMS Personnel, and other local heroes with Free Admission with ID at Theme Park Ticket Windows
For the entire month of September, real-life heroes dedicated to keeping our communities safe will receive FREE, single-day theme park admission at LEGOLAND Florida Resort to experience the all-new THE LEGO MOVIE WORLD. In addition, to show appreciation for the families of first responders, eligible personnel can purchase general admission tickets for up to four guests at a 50 percent discount.
This promotion is open to active and retired law enforcement, fire-and-rescue and EMT/EMS personnel working in the United States.
Eligible positions to participate in this offer include:
Firefighters
Emergency medical services employees (EMT/EMS)
Municipal and county police and sheriff’s officers
Highway patrol officers
Corrections officers
State and federal law enforcement officers
Fish and wildlife field officers
U.S. Forest Service rangers
National Park Service officers
Homeland Security and TSA agents
Environmental protection officers
To receive complimentary and discounted tickets, eligible personnel must visit the LEGOLAND Florida Resort ticket windows on the day of their visit and present their employee ID or professional organization membership card. This offer is not available with any other offers, online, by telephone or through ticket resellers, and is valid through Monday, Sept. 30, 2019.
Guests may upgrade to include the LEGOLAND Water Park for just $25 per person.
For more information about theme park news and updates make sure to follow @onthegoinmco on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
At the D23 Expo held in Anaheim, California, over the weekend Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman Bob Chapek led a presentation on the new additions coming to the Disney Parks around the world.
Walt Disney World
While there were several large announcements, Walt Disney World’s Epcot received the most attention as it continues to undergo the biggest transformation of any Disney park in history including the addition of several new attractions, restaurants, and experiences.
Walt Disney World
Starting with the news that Epcot will be organized into four neighborhoods that each speak to important aspects of the world and its people: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery.
Let’s start our look at the new additions coming to Epcot in World Showcase where new magic will join the celebration of World culture, cuisine, architecture, and traditions.
World Showcase
Walt Disney World
The United Kingdom pavilion will welcome the first attraction inspired by Mary Poppins. We don’t have an opening date yet, but we do know that it will include a step in time down Cherry Tree Lane past Admiral Boom’s house before entering Number 17, the home of the Banks family, where an adventure will begin.
Walt Disney World
In 2020, following the limited-time run of the nighttime spectacular “Epcot Forever,” the new “HarmonioUS” will debut as the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney park.
It will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people the world over, and it will feature familiar Disney tunes reinterpreted by a diverse group of artists from around the globe as well as massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers, and so much more.
Walt Disney World
In summer 2020, the France pavilion will be home to the much-anticipated attraction Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure where you’ll shrink to the size of Chef Remy and race through Gusteau’s restaurant on a wild adventure
Walt Disney World
Also debuting in 2020 is a new restaurant called La Crêperie de Paris featuring a menu from celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse that can be enjoyed as a table or quick-service dining location.
Walt Disney World
And the last bit of news in the France pavilion, is that the classic Impressions de France film will be joined by the new “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along,” debuting in January 2020 that is directed by Don Hahn, producer of both the animated and live-action versions of this tale as old as time.
Walt Disney World
“Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360” will debut in January 2020 in the Canada pavilion with new scenes and a new story.
In the China pavilion, “Wondrous China” will take guests on a spectacular journey across the country, filmed, and presented in a completely seamless 360-degree digital format.
Over in World Celebration new enhancements and additions will be focused on connecting individuals to the the world around them.
World Celebration
Walt Disney World
Iconic Spaceship Earth will remain a voyage through time, but soon it will transform to reflect the power of storytelling and its ability to unite the human experience.
Walt Disney World
The re-imagined attraction will feature new narration, an entirely new musical score, and a magical “story light” that will lead guests on a journey through history focused on the moments and ideas that define “our” story.
Walt Disney World
At the exit to Spaceship Earth, a new post-show experience will lead guests to discover a breathtaking new view of World Showcase from Dreamers Point.
Walt Disney World
A new three-level Celebration Pavilion will be home to live events, serve as the center of Epcot’s signature festivals, and will provide a stunning elevated view of the entire park and an ideal spot to witness Epcot’s nighttime spectacular.
Walt Disney World
Epcot’s entrance plaza will welcome guests with a reimagined fountain, new pathways, and sweeping green spaces that beautify the entryway to the park paying homage to the origins of Epcot.
Walt Disney World
The natural environments of the World Celebration neighborhood will have global design elements filled with Disney magic and surprises, including a wishing tree in an enchanted forest and a story fountain celebrating the power and music of iconic Disney storytelling.
Walt Disney World
World Celebration will also feature a new statue celebrating the legacy of the original dreamer, Walt Disney.
The World Nature neighborhood is dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty, awe, and balance of the natural world that will include the existing The Land and The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilions.
World Nature
Walt Disney World
Journey of Water, inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana” will lead guests down a lush exploration trail to meet and play with magical, living water.
Walt Disney World
The water will have a life of its own – just like Moana’s friend, the ocean – and you’ll learn about the importance of the natural water cycle.
The Land pavilion’s new film, “Awesome Planet,” will debut in January 2020 and will showcase the beauty, diversity, and dynamic story of the planet.
And finally the In World Discovery neighborhood will focus on science, technology, and intergalactic adventures.
World Discovery
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be the first “other-world” showcase pavilion at Epcot.
The adventure starts in the “Galaxarium,” a planetarium-like exhibition that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and Xandar. Guests will learn more about the treasures Xandar has to share – until the moment when the Guardians of the Galaxy arrive, and adventures across the cosmos ensue.
Walt Disney World
The attraction will also feature a new innovation from Walt Disney Imagineering – a storytelling coaster that rotates 360 degrees to focus your attention on the action, including the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.
Walt Disney World
This winter guests with reservations can board a special elevator in the Mission: SPACE pavilion for a journey to a space station high above the ground that offers both a celestial panorama of daytime and nighttime views of Earth as well as an out-of-this-world dining experience at restaurant Space 220.
Walt Disney World
The PLAY! pavilion, in the former Wonders of Life pavilion, will be a digital metropolis filled with games, activities, and experiences that connect guests and Disney characters – both real and virtual – like never before.
As part of this new pavilion guests will have the chance to help legendary fashion icon Edna Mode on her quest to rid the world of uninspired style or make a splash competing in a water-balloon fight hosted by Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby.
Walt Disney World
To help guests get ready for all of these new additions, on October 1, 2019, Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience in the Odyssey Events Pavilion will invite guests to discover interactive exhibits that showcase the relentless innovation, energy, and excitement driving the park’s future throughout this unprecedented period of transformation.
With so much going on in the theme parks of Central Florida, make sure you follow @onthegoinmco on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more details.
DISCLOSURE: I was invited by the Walt Disney Company to attend the 2019 D23 Expo, however all opinions and over-use of exclamation points are 100% my own. Also I purchased the Disney Plus Founders Circle, so I have put my money where my words are.
Disney Plus is making its debut at the 2019 D23 Expo, and the response to the new streaming service has been incredibly positive as excitement builds for its November 12, 2019, launch.
During its first-ever showcase presentation stars, directors, and writers filled the D23 Hall stage as announcements on new series in development were made and key details were revealed.
“With less than three months until launch, Disney+ will soon entertain and inspire audiences of all ages for generations to come, and we’re excited to preview some of the amazing original content being created for the service exclusively from our world-class brands today at the D23 Expo,” said Kevin Mayer, chairman, Direct-to-Consumer & International. “Storytelling is the cornerstone of The Walt Disney Company and we’re thrilled to unveil a new slate of original shows from the Star Wars and Marvel cinematic universes, along with popular television franchises set to return with all-new series streaming only on Disney+.”
With that in mind let’s look at ten of Disney Plus’ slate of originals from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic programs that I can’t wait to watch (in no particular order) with details from the 2019 D23 Presentation!!!!
Disney Plus Original Programs I Can’t Wait to Watch
Marvel Studios’ What If…?
For Marvel Studios’ “What If…?” Hayley Atwell was on hand to greet the audience. Atwell will voice Peggy Carter in Marvel Studios’ first animated series that focuses on different heroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and imagines what would happen if the events in the films worked out differently.
Kevin Feige also introduced director Bryan Andrews and head writer Ashley Bradley to the crowd.
“What If…?” premieres on Disney+ in 2021.
Muppets Now
Forty years after leaving the swamp in his big screen debut in “The Muppet Movie,” Kermit the Frog is heading upstream with Miss Piggy, and the gang, bringing a new kind of mayhem and laughter to Disney+ with their first-ever unscripted short-form series, “Muppets Now.”
The Mandalorian
For Lucasfilm’s “The Mandalorian,” executive producers Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni joined series stars Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers and Giancarlo Esposito, along with Taika Waititi, who brings the droid IG-11 to life, to premiere the teaser trailer for the first Star Wars live-action series.
At the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony during the 2019 D23 Expo, Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company, announced that new Disney Legend Ming-Na Wen will join the cast of the series.
Set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order, “The Mandalorian” follows the travails of a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic.
Wanda Vision
Stars Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen were on hand for their new series, Marvel Studios’ “WandaVision.” Bettany returns as Vision and Olsen as Wanda Maximoff—two super-powered beings living their ideal suburban lives who begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems.
Kevin Feige surprised the audience by bringing to the stage Kat Dennings and Randall Park who will reprise their roles from “Thor” and “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” and then he introduced Kathryn Hahn who has been cast as a new character in the series. Director Matt Shakman and head writer Jac Schaeffer joined everyone on stage to reveal that the streaming series will blend the style of classic sitcoms with Marvel Cinematic Universe.
“WandaVision” premieres on Disney+ in 2021.
The World According to Jeff Goldblum
Jeff Goldblum, who stars in and hosts “The World According to Jeff Goldblum” from National Geographic, gave fans a peek inside the series including a new trailer for the show. Through Goldblum’s always inquisitive and highly entertaining mind, nothing is as it seems in this new 12-episode series.
Forky Asks A Question
Tony Hale, who reprises his craft project turned toy role from “Toy Story 4” in the new collection of Pixar animated shorts “Forky Asks A Question,” premiered the first short (“What is Money?”).
In the 10 shorts, Forky explores important questions about how the world works, such as: What is love? What is time?
Noelle
“Noelle” stars Anna Kendrick and Billy Eichner joined Sean Bailey to announce their film will premiere on Disney+ on November 12 before sharing a new trailer. In the upcoming holiday comedy, Kris Kringle’s daughter is full of Christmas spirit and holiday fun, but wishes she could do something “important” like her beloved brother Nick, who will take over from their father this Christmas.
When Nick is about to crumble like a gingerbread cookie from all the pressure, Noelle suggests he take a break and get away…but when he doesn’t return, Noelle must find her brother and bring him back in time to save Christmas.
Untitled Cassian Andor Series
Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney
Stars Diego Luna and Alan Tudyk joined Kathleen Kennedy to introduce the audience to the second Lucasfilm live-action series for Disney+, which is now in development.
Both actors are reprising their roles from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” and the stories follow Cassian Andor’s adventures as a rebel spy during the formative years of the Rebellion, before the events of “A New Hope.”
The Falcon and The Winter Soldier
Director Kari Skogland introduced Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan, the stars of Marvel Studios’ ”The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” which finds Falcon and the Winter Soldier teaming up after “Avengers: Endgame.”
Emily VanCamp came on stage and Feige revealed that she will reprise her role as Sharon Carter.
Then, he introduced the crowd to Wyatt Russell who will play John Walker—a character from the comics coming to the screen for the first time.
Head writer Malcom Spellman was also on hand to greet the crowd.
“The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” will launch on Disney+ in 2020.
Monsters At Work
“Monsters At Work” stars Ben Feldman and Aisha Tyler unveiled the latest design of their characters Tylor and Millie. Inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award-winning feature film “Monsters, Inc.,” the new series from Disney Television Animation returns to Monstropolis and follows a new cast of monsters with special appearances from Mike and Sulley (voiced by Billy Crystal and John Goodman).
And I mean I can’t not have an honorable mention for just one more…
Ewan McGregor made a surprise appearance to announce his return as Obi-Wan Kenobi in a new untitled series from Lucasfilm.
I HAVE NO CHILL ABOUT DISNEY PLUS, AND YOU SHOULDN’T EITHER!!!
I’ll be bringing you more Disney Plus details soon!!!
DISCLOSURE: I was invited by the Walt Disney Company to attend the 2019 D23 Expo, however all opinions and over-use of exclamation points are 100% my own.
Inside the Disney Parks “Imagining Tomorrow, Today” Pavilion at the 2019 D23 Expo, visitors will be able to see what is coming next to the Disney Parks around the world.
While there are a lot of cool things to share, in this post we are going to focus on the additions coming to Walt Disney World with information from the Disney Parks Blog!
Walt Disney World
Let’s start with an all-new Star Wars vacation experience coming to Walt Disney World!
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will be a new, first-of-its-kind vacation experience where guests will check in for a two-night adventure aboard a glamorous starship.
Once onboard, guests will interact with characters and become active participants in stories that unfold around them on their galactic journey.
We were able to see a new model and incredible visuals of the starcruiser – called the Halcyon.
And then my heart stopped as we were shown a model of the multi-year transformation of Epcot complete with new experiences, “that will make the park more Disney, more family, more timeless, and more relevant” was unveiled.
The reinvention of Epcot will include several new additions, and the first one we learned about was Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana.”
Walt Disney World
This first-ever attraction based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios hit film, “Moana,” will let guests interact with magical, living water in a beautiful and inspiring setting.
And this October, guests will be able to visualize all of the exciting plans for Epcot at a new experience center in the Odyssey Events Pavilion, called Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience.
Walt Disney World
Inside this first-of-its-kind offering within a Disney park, guests will discover engaging and interactive exhibits that allow you to step inside the relentless innovation, energy and excitement, and see some never-before-revealed details driving the future of Epcot all throughout this unprecedented period of transformation.
Walt Disney World
The Disney Parks pavilion also features other upcoming Walt Disney World attractions including TRON Lightcycle Run coming to Magic Kingdom Park as well as Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
If you’re excited about today’s announcements, there is still more to come!
On Sunday, August 25, we’ll find out more details on these and other announcements during the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products presentation atD23 Expo 2019!
Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park now open for nighttime adventures
If you are looking for adventure look no further than the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park in Kissimmee, because now you can have nighttime adventures with the addition of new lighting on several of its exhilarating courses.
Adventurers can experience night climbs on Friday and Saturday evenings. The adventure park will open in the morning with a first climb at 8:30 a.m. It will then close briefly in the afternoon, reopening for night departures at 6, 6:30 and 7 p.m.
The all-new night adventure includes access to three courses: Green (minimum elevation/minimum skill level), Blue (medium elevation/medium skill level) and Silver (advanced elevation/medium skill). In addition to the aerial courses, guests will receive two rides down the park’s giant 425′ twin ziplines.
“We’ve been providing an awesome experience for visitors and residents alike for years,” said Pina Barbusci, one of the park’s owners. “We’re excited to open up even more opportunities for guests to feel the thrill of a Tree Trek adventure and make lasting memories with these night climbs.”
Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park contains 97 aerial challenges, four adult courses, two kids courses and giant twin ziplines, making it the perfect experience for the whole family. Surrounded by Florida’s natural beauty in a pine forest, the park is one of the top-rated experiences in Kissimmee. It is located just minutes from the Disney area.
Nighttime climb tickets are intended for those 9 and older who can reach a height of 5’9″ while standing flat on the ground. Tickets are $44.95 each. Additional items such as gloves and unlimited water are available for purchase.
The Ripken Experience at Walt Disney World Resort to Bring Premier Youth Tournaments to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in 2020
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Ripken Baseball announced they are bringing the Ripken Experience premier youth baseball tournaments to Walt Disney World in 2020.
Ripken Baseball, known for delivering big-league baseball experiences to youth ballplayers, will launch with top-level youth baseball tournaments next year for ages 6-18 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Ripken Experience at Walt Disney World Resort will encompass 11 ballfields – six youth-sized baseball fields equipped with lights for night games and five professional-sized fields, including The Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which hosted big-league spring training games for more than two decades.
“One of the core pillars of Ripken Baseball is to remember to have fun, so what better place to compete and maximize the family sports travel experience than right here at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort,” Ripken said. “We are thrilled to be working with such an iconic and internationally-respected brand as Walt Disney World to provide teams and their families with the most memorable experiences.”
Leveraging the world-class guest service and entertainment that visitors have come to expect from Walt Disney World Resort, Ripken Baseball will offer participants many opportunities to have magical experiences away from the ballfield. For instance, youth baseball participants will be treated to a dazzling opening ceremony and have free time in the Disney parks to experience new and popular attractions, such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which opens Aug. 29.
“At Disney Sports, we create the best possible experience for all of the athletes who walk through our gates,” said Faron Kelley, vice president of Disney Sports. “Working with baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr., and his outstanding youth baseball academy, we will be taking the baseball experience at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to a new level of excellence.”
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex joins Ripken Baseball’s lineup of youth sports destinations, including the Ripken family’s hometown of Aberdeen, Maryland; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Across its facilities and national clinic tours, Ripken Baseball last year hosted more than 70,000 ball players from 42 states and eight countries.
Ripken earned the nicknamed “The Iron Man” because he set the Major League Baseball record for most consecutive games played (2,632). Ripken spent 21 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles where he was a 19-time All-Star shortstop. He was a two-time American League Most Valuable Player (1983, 1991) and elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007.
The Ripken Experience at Walt Disney World Resort is one of several major youth sports experiences held annually at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Others include the Disney Soccer Showcase, Disney Spring Training and the Pop Warner Super Bowl Dance and Cheer Championship.
About Ripken Baseball
Ripken Baseball brings teammates, coaches and families together through its Big League Experiences, while teaching the values of the game, and how to play it the right way – the Ripken Way. Ripken Baseball continues to innovate the game through onsite tournaments, camps and clinics hosted at their state-of-the-art youth baseball and softball facilities – The Ripken Experience Aberdeen Powered by Under Armor (Maryland), The Ripken Experience Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), The Ripken Experience Pigeon Forge (Tennessee), and The Ripken Experience at Walt Disney World Resort (opening in 2020 in Florida).
My start with Bravo was back with Project Runway, Real Housewives of New York and Top Chef. Every season I find new favorites.
Did anyone else love Apres Ski or Bethanny and Frederick?
This season I loved watching Hester this season on Project Runway. On Southern Charm New Orleans and loved Tamica and watching Jeff dealing with his divorce. Below Deck Mediterranean has been great this season and it is great to see female chefs.
Million Dollar Listing New York Cast
Million Dollar Listing: New York, It is great to have back. Both Fredrick and Ryan are hilarious and make me laugh.
I’m anxiously awaiting Real Housewives of Dallas and ready for the Southern Charm final and reunion.
The best show is Watch What Happens Live, the celebrities are interesting and the games are fun. One of my bucket is to meet Andy Cohen.
Disney Springs is quickly becoming a mecca of dining (Did you know that Disney Springs is home to six James Beard Award-Winning, chef-owned dining locations?), and they have announced a new restaurant – Beatrix – will be joining the line-up that in the last year has seen opening of two new restaurants Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill and Jaleo by José Andrés.
Beatrix Restaurant, owned by Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (a Chicago-based restaurant group), will open their first restaurant in Florida at Disney Springs West Side.
Amidst a mid-century setting inspired by Palm Springs in the ‘50s and ‘60s, Beatrix offers a smorgasbord of health-conscious food and beverage options for appetites large and small.
This restaurant, in-house bakery, full-service bar and lounge features a mouthwatering menu with something for everyone—from gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and kids’ selections to coffee, fresh-squeezed juice cocktails, beer and wine.
Need a nosh to go? Head to the onsite market for quick ‘n’ easy treats.
Disney Parks Blog
Executive Partner and Divisional President, Marc Jacobs, explains “Beatrix represents the way people are eating today – it’s that mix of health and comfort. Whether grabbing a cup of coffee and your favorite pastry, or having a cocktail, lunch, or dinner with friends, it’s your neighborhood meeting place.”
Disney Parks Blog
Beatrix Restaurant at Disney Springs West Side, former spot of Bongos, will be open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, happy hour, dinner, and beyond.
Celebrate National Roller Coaster Day by riding your favorite coasters at the most thrilling time of day – nighttime – during Thrill Fest Ride Night!
For the second year in a row, and just in time for National Coaster Day, SeaWorld Orlando will host Thrill Fest Ride Night on August 16th with extended park hours.
Included in admission, guests can take the coaster challenge and ride all of their favorite thrills at SeaWorld Orlando: Manta, Mako, Infinity Falls, Kraken and Journey to Atlantis will stay open until 11:00 pm for coaster enthusiasts to enjoy during Thrill Fest Ride Night.
Ride Night Coaster Tech Talk
Go Behind-the-Scenes and experience an exclusive “Coaster Tech Talk” with our Operations and Ride Maintenance teams to see one of the Mako trains inside the “coaster house” and learn from the experts about its unique features.
This free 20-30 minute tour will be limited to 50 guests per tour and available on a first-come, first-serve basis at 1 pm and 2:30 pm on August 16. Guests must sign up in person at the Mako Gift Shop in order to participate.
Extended Happy Hour
Happy Hour, featuring buy one, get one free drinks will be extended at Waterway Grill and Flamecraft Bar until 11 pm on August 16.
Ride Photo Special Offer
Valid throughout National Roller Coaster Day, on August 16 guests can purchase five ride photos for $20, redeemable at Adventure Photo in the park.
And don’t forget to take advantage of the 2019 SeaWorld Orlando Fun Card with Aquatica Orlando option exclusively for Florida residents!!!
With the SeaWorld Orlando Fun Card you can pay less than a day to play all year when you buy a 2019 SeaWorld Orlando Fun Card for $79.99, and now you can add Aquatica for only $20 more!
Here are some things to know about the 2019 SeaWorld Orlando Fun Card:
8th Annual Great Irish Hooley Music Festival Will Rock Labor Day Weekend at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Disney Springs
Central Florida’s rip-roaring, toe-tapping, high-voltage boutique Irish music festival will serve up a colorful live playlist of traditional Irish, Celt grass, folk, blues and soul August 30-September 2 during the 8th Great Irish Hooley at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Disney Springs.
There’s no cover charge to join the fun, which begins at 4 p.m. Friday, August 30 and continues into the wee hours of Labor Day, September 2.
Never heard of a “hooley?” It’s an old Gaelic term for a party with music and entertainment with fun for the whole family. The Great Irish Hooley will include Celtic face painting, Hooley-crafted cocktails and beer plus creative new bites by the pub’s inventive culinary team. Raglan Road also will serve the delicious Rollicking Raglan Brunch Saturday, August 31 through Monday, September 2.
This year’s Hooley entertainment headliners include:
Billow Wood – Playing Irish and U.S. music festivals, this four-piece band fuses its unique brand of instrumentation with multi-vocals and harmonies for a blend of Irish and folk music. The band, which released its long-play album, “Can You See Me” – available for streaming and downloading on Spotify and other music sites – will have everyone tapping along to its bass and drums.
Strings & Things – Before returning to Raglan Road this summer, the original Irish folk/trad four-piece band Strings & Things toured in London and throughout Ireland with their own original sound and a variety of crossover songs featured on their first original album, “Turbulence.”
High Time – This fresh new trio from Connemara, Ireland, combines Irish music and an intriguing blend of modern folk influences to produce a rich sound and exciting experience. The band rocks an energetic statement with its instrumental line-up of flute, whistles, harp, bodhran, guitar and vocals – as well as some Irish dance steps thrown in!
TradGad — Three talented musicians from Kerry, Dublin, Colin Foley (guitar, vocals); Fionn Morrison (Uilleann pipes, whistles); and Ciara Ni Bhrian (guitar, fiddle, mandolin, Uilleann pipes, tin whistle, banjo and bazouki, charm Raglan Road audiences with their vibrant performances.
Maca – Two Irish sister-musician-songwriters dubbed “Ireland’s next big thing” are rocking Raglan Road Pub stages with their extraordinary talent. Saoise Carty (guitar,vocals) and Naoise Carty (fiddle, vocals) are from Wexford, Ireland.
The Rolling Wave – Stephen & Abby are one of the finest traditional Irish music duos around. These accomplished, energetic musicians work their crowd for some lively audience participation.
Atlantic Bridge – These accomplished musicians blend their rich musical backgrounds to create a fresh, exciting mix of country, folk and Irish trad music.
The Raglan Road Irish Dancers — Plucked from the cast and stages of the world’s greatest Irish dance shows, the Raglan Road Irish Dancers perform throughout the Great Irish Hooley. You can even learn some traditional Irish dance steps – no experience necessary!
Throughout the Hooley, guests can step up to one of Raglan Road’s 130-year-old imported-from-Ireland bars or grab a table for authentic contemporary Irish fare.
In May 2019, Raglan Road received OpenTable honors as one of the top 100 restaurants in America with “all the ingredients for the perfect big night out – upbeat energy innovative cocktails . . . and outstanding food.” A TripAdvisor Hall of Fame honoree and The Daily Meal’s 2018 “Best Irish Pub” in Florida, Raglan Road is known for its beer-battered fish and chips, Shepherd’s pie with a contemporary twist, delectable seafood and desserts, plus gluten-free entrees.
The festival will run from Friday afternoon at 4 pm through the wee hours of Labor Day (actually 1 a.m. Tuesday).
Owned and operated by Irish partners John Cooke and Paul Nolan, Raglan Road features traditional Irish dishes and new creations with a Celtic twist.
The restaurant’s warm interior of aged walnut and mahogany woods from old Irish bars and churches was built in Ireland and shipped to Orlando.
Live entertainment nightly includes a suite of shows featuring Irish bands and dancers. Guests also can enjoy shows beginning at noon during the weekend Rollicking Raglan Brunch. Lunch is served 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Dinner 3-11 p.m.; Bar menu 11 p.m.-late; Saturday and Sunday Rollicking Raglan Brunch is served from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant is located at Disney Springs in the Walt Disney World Resort, 1640 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
The Universal Orlando Resort has announced plans for an ambitious new theme park that will be called Universal’s Epic Universe that will bring “experiences beyond your wildest imagination to life” according to the park’s official press release.
“Our new park represents the single-largest investment Comcast NBCUniversal has made in its theme park business and in Florida overall,” said Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comcast Corporation. “It reflects the tremendous excitement we have for the future of our theme park business and for our entire company’s future in Florida.”
Universal’s Epic Universe Announcement: Nine Things to Know
1. Universal’s Epic Universe will be the 4th park to open as part of the Universal Orlando Resort.
2. The park will be built on a 750-acre site just south of Sand Lake Road and east of Universal Boulevard, and this new addition will almost double Universal’s total available acreage in Central Florida.
3. Universal’s Epic Universe will be considered the South Campus of the Universal Orlando Resort with the current parks & CityWalk as North Campus and the Endless Summer Resort on International Drive the Mid-Campus.
Universal Orlando Resort
4. Universal’s Epic Universe will take story telling, environments, and attractions to a new level for the Universal Orlando Resort!
The park’s vision is to create an entirely new level of experience that forever changes theme park entertainment that will take guests on a journey where beloved stories expand into vibrant lands – and where that journey is as much a part of their adventure as the ultimate destination.
5. This is not just a theme park filled with attractions! The new theme park will feature an entertainment center, hotels, shops, restaurants, and more.
6. Transportation will be important to this new park, and it is approximated a 12 minute trip from the Main Campus of the Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal Orlando Resort
7. Universal Orlando currently employees 25,000 people and will hire an additional 14,000 team members as part of Epic Universe, including professional, technical, culinary and other specialized positions at a base salary of $15 per hour.
8. Orange County and the Universal Orlando Resort are partnering to create better roadways and a new ‘streamlined’ permitting process that will include a permitting office that will be located inside of the Orange County Convention Center
“The investment Universal is making in our community and the benefit all of us will see is substantial,” said Mayor Jerry Demings. “This will benefit nearly every segment of our economy – from tourism to high-tech.”
Mayor Demings also spotlighted Universal’s role in the Kirkman Road extension. This is a 50/50 public-private partnership in which Universal is investing $160 million to extend Kirkman into the area where the new park will be located.
“The Kirkman extension will improve transportation through a busy and growing portion of our county and open up the entire area for additional development – including an important expansion of our Convention Center,” he said.
Universal Orlando Resort
9. What Universal spokespeople did NOT share was a lot of details about the ‘lands’ that will be in the park and an opening date.
As details become available I will be sharing details about Universal’s Epic Universe, and to make sure you find out first make sure to follow @onthegoinmco on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
SEA LIFE Orlando guests will test their skills against five superpowered sea creatures
Underwater Superheroes is a limited-time, interactive experience at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium that let’s guests will learn about the superpowers of five sea creatures and put their own skills to the test through interactive games and challenges daily until September 2, 2019.
“We love to create immersive and exciting experiences for guests to learn about sea creatures and their unbelievable abilities,” says James Paulding, general manager. “The more people learn about sea life, the more they can appreciate these creatures and contribute to the many efforts to keep them safe and thriving for generations to come.”
The Underwater Superheroes experience features stations offering hands-on challenges that feature the superpower of each creature throughout SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.
Guests will test their speed against a shark, strength against a crab, intelligence against an octopus, and more.
Additionally the Aquarium’s dive team will plunge into the ocean habitats and answer questions while swimming alongside sharks, fish, and stingrays.
The experience will also include daily shows, featuring the octopus camouflaging itself against changing backgrounds, painting underwater masterpieces, and more.
During the event, guests who post on social media using #SEALIFESuperheroes while wearing their favorite superhero outfits inside of the Aquarium will be entered to win prizes.
The Underwater Superheroes experience is included in the price of admission.
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium offers a wave of underwater adventures with sea creatures from around the world. Come face-to-fin with thousands of fish, sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and many more.
Prepare for a world of glittering scales, humongous tentacles and razor-sharp teeth. Get ready to plunge deep into the oceans, explore a 360-degree ocean tunnel, meet a friendly rescue sea turtle and touch exotic starfish and anemones. You can even jump behind the scenes and see all it takes to keep an aquarium running.
