The Edison at Disney Springs comes alive at night, and now you can enter a fantasy world of electrifying mystique and intrigue at The Edison’s inaugural Masquerade on February 22.
From the moment you cross the threshold of the restaurant, guests will be surprised and delighted around every corner as all party goers will be dressed incognito during a magical evening shrouded in an air of secrecy.
During the event guests will enjoy power-house trays of gourmet passed appetizers as well as access to a dedicated menu of themed-cocktails for the night.
For the Masquerade masks are mandatory, however full face masks are prohibited, and guests must be 21 or older to attend.
Tickets are available now $65 per person plus tax & gratuity, and don’t forget there is a 48 hour cancellation policy associated with this event.
Want to take your experience to the next level? VIP booths and reserved seating available for purchase. Email OrlandoEvents@patinagroup.com, or call The Edison for more information at (407) 560-8155.
Space is limited so don’t delay in snagging your spot for a shows-topping evening!
On March 3, The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art will open Selected Portraits from the Morse Collection. The exhibition will feature about a dozen paintings by leading American portraitists and a number of photographs by early American studios. Works date from the 1790s to the 1930s.
At their most basic level, portraits record a person’s physical appearance on a specific date. When done well these records do more, revealing the psychological characteristics of a subject. The tension in portraiture is between the insights of a talented artist and the often unclear expectations of a sitter. The compelling personalities of figures ranging from powerful business executives to lovely women—both of genteel and working classes—are presented in the works on view in Selected Portraits from the Morse Collection.
A charming and arresting portrait of Sylvester S. Marvin (1841–1924), the founder of Nabisco, was commissioned around 1905 from the well-known artist William Merritt Chase (1849–1916). Chase and other painters like Gilbert Stuart (1755–1828) and Robert Henri (1865–1929) created interpretive renderings with inimitable styles that brought the artists themselves a level of celebrity. Stuart, for example, is famed for his portrait of George Washington that graces the dollar bill. Two painted portraits on display by Stuart capture the costume and personae representative of the early years of the republic.
A photographed portrait reflected a modern worldview in the growing American society of 1900. Photography studios such as Matzene Studio (1900–1937) seized on the opportunities this medium afforded in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. The photographs taken by this firm, founded by Jens Rudolph Matzene (c. 1870–1950), include an image of Chicago socialite Elizabeth Morse, later Genius, (1872–1928), the mother of Morse Museum founder Jeannette Genius McKean (1909–89). Also contained in Matzene Studio’s portfolio is the elegant stage and film star Julia Dean (1878–1952).
Selected Portraits from the Morse Collection presents painted and photographic portrayals of Americans over a period of transition in both style and medium. Regardless of the medium or tradition, the concept of the portrait remained the same, to capture the qualities of a sitter through the skilled interpretation of an artist—painter or photographer.
The Morse Museum, located at 445 N. Park Avenue, is open 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday; 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Regular admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $1 for students, and free for children younger than 12.
All visitors are admitted free 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, November through April.
For more information, call (407) 645-5311 or visit morsemuseum.org.
Disney’s Aladdin has entertained audience members around the world, and beginning January 22 the show will begin a 24-performance run on the Walt Disney Theatre stage at Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Disney’s Aladdin brings the timeless Disney animated feature film to life with fan-favorite songs from the film as well as new music written by Tony and Academy Award winner Alan Menken with lyrics penned by the legendary Howard Ashman, Tony Award winner Tim Rice and book writer Chad Beguelin.
I am beyond excited to see “Friend Like Me”, featuring the Genie and all his antics!
If you have a little Disney’s Aladdin fan in your family, don’t feel intimidated about bringing them to the theatre! Check out my past post where I share tips and tricks for bringing them!
Tickets for Disney’s Aladdin at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts from January 22 to February 9 are on sale now and start at only $31.
Here are a few thing to keep in mind if you are planning on attending Disney’s Aladdin at the Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts:
Parking can be purchased in advance for valet and two garages, Seaside Plaza and City Commons, online before you arrive to make parking a breeze.
All persons entering the theater, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the theatre.
Only purchase tickets directly from the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in person or online at Drphillipscenter.org.
While 2019 was an incredible year of growth for the theme parks of Central Florida, 2020 will bring even more fun to the parks with new attractions, entertainment, restaurants, hotels, and celebrations.
The Bourne Stuntacular, a live-action stunt show, will drop into Universal Studios Florida in Spring 2020 with intense scenes, fistfights, death-defying leaps, and danger at every turn.
During the show you will follow Jason Bourne around the globe as sinister characters pursue him featuring live performers, interactive props, and a gigantic LED screen.
The Universal Orlando Resort will open their eighth hotel, Dockside Inn and Suites at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, in March 2020 with exclusive benefits and rates starting at $85. The resort will have 2,050 guest rooms featuring both standard rooms and 2-Bedroom Suites that can accommodate up to six people.
Making its debut in spring 2020, riders will shiver through family friendly adventures on SeaWorld Orlando’s first launch coaster: Ice Breaker. Named after the icy Arctic summits, Ice Breaker will feature four launches, both backwards and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida — a 93-foot tall spike with 100-degree angle.
Aquatica Orlando will open Florida’s first-ever dueling water slide, Riptide Race.
Each team of two will start atop a 68-foot tower before they speed along 650 feet of slide with low walls racing face-to-face through tight loops and accelerations including indoor and outdoor sections.
Riptide Race will have a height requirement of 42 inches to appeal to families with children, and the new slide will be located on the north side of the park next to Banana Beach Cook Out.
Iron Gwazi takes thrills to new heights, plunging riders from a 206 foot-tall peak into a 91-degree drop and reaching top speeds of 76 miles per hour. With elements of the former wooden attraction being integrated into the new ride, the journey will include three inversions and 12 airtime hills as it races along more than 4,075 feet of purple steel track. With a 48” height requirement, Iron Gwazi will be an exciting thrill attraction that families can take on together.
Located just 130 kid-steps from the theme park entrance, LEGOLAND Pirate Island Hotel will feature 150 LEGO-filled rooms, a heated pool, hundreds of LEGO models, in-room LEGO treasure hunts, and exclusive character experiences. Similar to the popular LEGOLAND Hotel, each room will include two separate spaces: a kid’s sleeping area and an adult area.
The five-story hotel will house the pirate-themed Shipwreck Restaurant with family-style dining, Smuggler’s Bar for adult swashbucklers, an entertainment area with kid-friendly nightly programming and LEGO play areas.
Also, with every overnight stay, guests will enjoy a complimentary family-style breakfast. Directly outside the entrance to the hotel, a pirate shipwreck will greet guests and offer a unique photo opportunity.
Pirate Water Ski Show Adventure
After an eight year run, Battle for Brickbeard’s Bounty will close to make way for a brand-new pirate adventure on April 18 with skiing acrobatics, water stunts, pirate humor and more surprises.
PirateFest Weekends
During PirateFest guests will learn to walk like a pirate, talk like a pirate, and vacation like a pirate during this three-weekend event.
During the event an exclusive “pirate passport” will outline the resort-wide activities that includes exclusive pirate character meet and greets.
For the first time ever, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will have their own ride-through attraction. Using cutting edge technology, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway in Disney’s Hollywood Studios will take guests through the movie screen to join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and pals on a wacky adventure with a Goofy conductor at the helm.
Cique du Soleil Show | Disney Springs
Walt Disney Animation Studios stories will come to life in a first-of-its-kind show that combines Disney storytelling with Cirque du Soleil artistry featuring new original acrobatic sequences, dazzling choreography, musical masterpieces and whimsical characters at Disney Springs. Previews will begin March 20, 2020, leading up to the world premiere on April 17.
City Works Eatery & Pour House | Disney Springs
City Works Eatery & Pour House will offer a menu of classic American food with chef-driven twists for lunch and dinner serving over 90 local and global varieties of beers on tap. The 8,632 square foot building will house the restaurant, retail space, expansive seating, high-definition TVs – including a 165-inch screen – and a 1,767 square foot patio.
The space will also exhibit three full-service bars, two of which allow for covered, open air dining along the patio.
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue is a fast-casual restaurant where the pit master uses techniques from classic barbecue regions to smoke selections over oak wood, they serve four delicious house-recipe sauces – Spicy Mop Sauce, Sweet BBQ Sauce, Vinegar-based Sauce, and Tangy Mustard Sauce also known as “Carolina Gold” – and serve up a variety of beers, cocktails, and ciders from around the United States.
Awesome Planet | Epcot – The Land
Awesome Planet is an on-screen exploration of our planet that highlights the beauty, diversity and dynamic story of Earth with spectacular nature photography, immersive in-theater effects, and a space sequences created by Industrial Light & Magic.
HarmonioUS | Epcot – World Showcase Lagoon
HarmonioUS will debut at Epcot as the largest nighttime theme park spectacular ever created for a Disney park.
It will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people the world over that features familiar Disney tunes reinterpreted by a diverse group of artists from around the globe. HarmonioUS will light up World Showcase Lagoon and the night sky with floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers, and more.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure | Epcot – France Pavilion
Remy’s Ratatouille is similar to the 4-D attraction at Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris, where you shrink down in size to join Remy and friends, who have cooked up a delicious feast.
But the adventure goes awry when you are discovered by Chef Skinner who chases you through the sights, sounds, and smells of Gusteau’s famous Parisian restaurant.
La Crêperie de Paris | Epcot – France Pavilion
La Crêperie de Paris will feature the cuisine of celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse, the mastermind behind the pavilion’s Chefs de France brasserie and Monsieur Paul. With a menu inspired by the Brittany region of France, the new location will offer table service dining as well as a quick-service stop for guests craving savory crepes called galettes and sweet crepes.
Beauty and the Beast Sing Along | Epcot – France Pavilion
The Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, directed by Don Hahn who was the producer of both the animated and live-action versions of this tale as old as time, will rotate with the classic Impressions de France film in the France Pavilion.
Wonderous China | Epcot – China Pavilion
In the China pavilion, Wondrous China will take guests on a spectacular journey across China, filmed and presented in a completely seamless 360-degree digital format.
Canada Far and Wide | Epcot – Canada Pavilion
The film Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360 will debut in January 2020 in the Canada pavilion with new scenes and a new story.
The new restaurant Space 220, an expansion of the Mission: SPACE pavilion in Future World, will be an out-of-this-world culinary experience with the celestial panorama of a space station, including daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles up.
Disney Genie
Disney Genie is the next step in technology focused on making Walt Disney World vacation planning easier with flexible and customized itineraries geared to your interests in 2020.
Disney Genie will also share real-time theme park tips and updates, recommendations based on your preferences, and will make reservations for the experience in multiple steps for you.
In 2020 SeaWorld Orlando is continuing their 52 weekends of celebrations included with theme park admission, and this weekend the January Inside Look event, running on Friday’s, Saturday’s, and Sunday’s through January 26, will begin.
During SeaWorld Orlando’s January Inside Look event, families will dive deeper into the world of dolphin, sea lions, manatees, and more.
This behind-the-scenes event gives guests the chance to meet and interact with SeaWorld’s renowned veterinarians and animal experts as they give an intimate look at the day-to-day care they provide these amazing animals including exclusive access to areas of the park never before visited by guests.
SeaWorld will be offering continuous tours throughout the day at the following six areas:
SeaWorld Rescue Center
Bee Rescue Conservation Program
Dolphin Theater
Dive Operations at Manatee Underwater Viewing
Manta Aquarium
Sea Lion & Otter Primary Housing
As a bonus if guests collect 3 stamps in their Explorer Guide, they will earn an exclusive SeaWorld Expert Explorer pin. While supplies last.
In addition, we will be hosting presentations and appearance at the Nautilus Theater:
Wildlife Rescue and Research Presentation – January 11 and 18
Jack Hanna Animal Presentation – January 25 and 26 at 1:00pm and 3:00pm
In addition to the daily offers on seaworld.com, there is a special Inside Look offer!
During any Inside Look day guests can buy one up-close tour and get one up-close tour free, but this can only be purchased in the park at the Information and Reservation Counter or Guest Services.
Make sure to mark your calendar, because this will be the first of three Inside Look events that SeaWorld Orlando will be hosting this year with the others happening on weekends May 9 – 17 and weekends November 7 – 15.
SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando are once again offering their 2020 Preschool Card exclusively for Florida Residents.
Kids 5 and younger can experience an ocean of experiences that are perfect for pint-sized guests with the free Preschool Card valid for unlimited visits to SeaWorld and Aquatica Orlando through December 31, 2020.
The 2020 Preschool Fun Card includes popular, family friendly SeaWorld events including Inside Look, Elmo’s Birthday Celebration, Sesame Street Kids’ Weekend, Seven Seas Food Festival, Electric Ocean and the kid-favorite Spooktacular.
Advance registration must be completed online for the Preschool Card by February 3, 2020 and guests must redeem their ticket by March 31, 2020.
You can find more information about theme park news and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Otronicon is celebrating their 15th year of celebrating art, science and technology at the Orlando Science Center January 17 through 20!
Otronicon connects guests of all ages with larger-than-life experiences to explore how science and technology impact society with four floors of simulators, robots, artwork, virtual reality, video games, competitions, workshops, audiovisual presentations and so much more.
The event focuses on Central Florida’s growing tech industry while connecting attendees with professionals who are driving Orlando’s digital future with partners including Lockheed Martin, AdventHealth, Disney, UCF, FIEA, Full Sail, Microsoft and the Orange County Public Library Melrose Center.
New to this year’s Otronicon are selfie stations, Pokemon labs, a musical Tesla Coil show, drone cages and a “Star Wars”-themed coding workshop hosted by Disney.
Also, attendees will want to hear keynote speaker Kate Edwards from International Game Designers Association as she coaches fledgling game designers about creating more vivid and inclusive worlds in their games.
Exhibitors
Almost 60 exhibitors will be in attendance at Otronicon sharing the latest technology from the education, military and gaming fields with hands-on experiences and demonstrations for attendees of all ages to enjoy.
During Otronicon guests of various ages and skill levels can register for 60- to 90-minute hands-on workshops about a variety of topics such as game design, coding, programming, robotics and more during the event.
The workshop schedule varies daily, and registration is available in the Club House on Level 1.
Space for these opportunities is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so please sign up upon arriving at Otronicon to guarantee your spot.
The Otronicon speaker series gives audiences the chance to hear directly from industry leaders, visionaries and professors about how technology developed in the Orlando area is changing the world.
The speaker series takes place daily at the Discovery Stage in Our Planet on Level 4 with unique presentations each day.
The Disney Parks Blog shared that 2020 is going to be iconic as fashion icon Minnie Mouse will have a new monthly series of merchandise coming to the Disney Parks around the world, Disney store and online at shopDisney.com!
Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction is an all-new, limited-release series featuring none other than Minnie Mouse herself honoring beloved Disney parks attractions around the world, and a new collection from the series will be released on the third Saturday of each month throughout 2020.
Each collection will feature an attraction-themed assortment with items such as a Minnie Mouse ear headband, plush, pin, mug, mini backpack or hip pack by Loungefly, and even a Walt Disney World Resort MagicBand.
As seen above, first up is the Space Mountain collection celebrating the 45th anniversary of this iconic attraction at Walt Disney World Resort. It releases later this month on Jan. 18 at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort as well as in the Disney store nationwide or online at shopDisney.com.
The celebration doesn’t stop there; check out a sneak peek at the rest of the year’s collections below. Which one are you most excited for?!
Is there a month that you are really looking forward to? I know I can’t wait for April!!!
The annual Epcot International Festival of the Artsat the Walt Disney World Resort will fill the park with a celebration of visual, culinary, and performing arts from around the world beginning January 17 through February 24, 2020.
The 39 day event features visiting artists, culinary delights, and opportunities for guests to embrace their own inner artists.
Festival event ‘Must Do’s’ include the Disney on Broadway Concert Series, the new Green Landing Family Play Zone, and the Food Studios with dishes that are almost too pretty to eat!
This event is included with park admission, however you do need to purchase food and some premium experiences.
Florida’s biggest Christian Music festival — Universal Orlando’s Rock the Universe — returns on January 24 and 25 for a faith and fun-filled weekend with live music by some of Christian music’s top artists, plus thrilling theme park attractions and entertainment.
For more details on Rock the Universe 2020 and to purchase tickets, visit www.RocktheUniverse.com.
Join the 2020 Pro Bowl in Orlando for a week-long celebration of football’s brightest stars January 22-25 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex!
Catch your favorite AFC and NFC players as they prepare for the game at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, the official practice site of the Pro Bowl. Practices will be happening January 22 – 25, 2020.
AFC and NFC practices will occur simultaneously (schedule subject to change without notice).
If the practice seating areas reach capacity, fans may stand and watch AFC and NFC practices from limited availability areas in the north end zones of each field.
Practices are free and open to the public from January 22 – 25, 2020.
Fans will be allowed into the AFC and NFC practice seating on a first come, first served basis.
Practices are free and open to the public. For more information visit ProBowl.com.
Real Music Real Masters, the longest running concert series at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, brings unique acts to the Stanleyville Theater from Tuesdays through Sunday from January 7 to March 15.
This month guests can enjoy incredible live performances spanning from the 1950s to today, including the following acts:
January 7- 12: Leonard, Coleman, and Blunt: Former Lead Singers of the Temptations, Platters and Drifters
January 14- 19: The Diamonds
January 21-26: NEW! BJ Thomas
January 28- February 2:NEW! Piano Men: Sir Elton John and Billy Joel Tribute
In SeaWorld Orlando’s January Inside Look event, families will dive deeper into the world of dolphin, sea lions, manatees and more.
Meet and interact with SeaWorld’s renowned veterinarians and animal experts as they give you an intimate look at the day-to-day care they provide these amazing animals. Plus, you’ll get exclusive access to areas of the park never before visited by guests. It’s an unbelievable, up-close event you and your family will never forget!
Join “Jungle Jack” Hanna for wild animal shows, autograph signings, and special meet-and-greets when he visits SeaWorld on January 25 and 26.
The internationally-known animal expert will share animal facts and travel tales from his adventures around the world during animal shows at Nautilus Theater.
On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy two live animal shows featuring Jack Hanna. Seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserved and Front Row Reserved seating is available for the 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. shows. Please join us 30 minutes before each show time for a special meet-and-greet with Jack Hanna.
Spend time with friends and family as you run, skip, jog, or stroll through SeaWorld Orlando’s Inaugural Rescue Run!
This inaugural event benefiting the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund takes place on Saturday, January 25, 2020. Enjoy the relaxing ambiance of the park’s picturesque pathways and catch a glimpse of SeaWorld’s animals before you cross the finish line at Shamu Stadium. There’s even an exclusive Whale Show at the conclusion of the event.
Celebrate your favorite ninja heroes with exclusive in-park activities and meet-and-greets with Kai, Nya and Master Wu! Then become the ninja in LEGO NINJAGO World, where kids can battle against familiar foes like Lord Garmadon and the Great Devourer aboard LEGO NINJAGO The Ride.
The dinosaurs from “Jurassic World” are making their way off the screen and into Orlando’s Amway Center January 17 to 20 with Feld Entertainment’s Jurassic World Live Tour.
Experience the excitement of being face-to-face with life-sized dinosaurs, including the vicious Tyrannosaurus Rex, the Velociraptor Blue and many other favorites. Adventure is guaranteed with arena-sized action, special effects and physical stunts that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Some 10 million audience members worldwide have had the chance to experience the magic of “Disney’s Aladdin,” and starting on January 22, the show will begin a 24 performance run in the Walt Disney Theatre at Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
“Disney’s Aladdin” brings the timeless Disney animated feature film to life with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle.
Tickets for “Disney’s Aladdin” at the Dr. Phillips Center from January 22 to February 9 are on sale now and start at $81 with VIP packages available.
Otronicon is a celebration of the intersection between science and technology that highlights innovative technology being developed in Central Florida with interactive exhibitors, workshops, speakers and competitions at the Orlando Science Center January 17 to 20.
The event is a collaboration between educational institutions and the tech and manufacturing communities. It shows how they impact day-to-day activities and their potential to drive the future, individually, regionally and globally.