March 2020 - On the Go in MCO

On the Go in the Parks: March 13- 15, 2020

With the impending closures of the theme parks in Orlando, I am sad to say that this will be my last On the Go in the Parks this month.

My sincerest thoughts are with everyone impacted by these closures, and my prayers are that we all look back on this time in the future and see that it could have been worse if these drastic measures hadn’t been taken.

Don’t forget to tune in to News 96.5 WDBO this evening to hear me talk about these events and more on Orlando’s Evening News with Tony Marino!!!

On the Go in the Parks: New this Weekend

The Mighty St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Raglan Road

Raglan Road 2018 Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival

Get out your finest green outfit and head to Disney Springs for the return of the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant!

Celebrate five days of fun, March 13-17, with non-stop Irish-infused entertainment from morning until night, a mighty selection of beers and cocktails and of course, the most authentic Irish food.

My favorite part of the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival is the fantastic line-up of live entertainment hand-picked straight from Ireland.

On the Go in the Parks: Returning Favorites

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras

Universal Orlando is celebrating 25 years of its family-friendly Mardi Gras festivities with new parade floats, globally inspired cuisine, and live concerts on select nights from February 1 to April 2 at the Universal Studios Florida theme park.

This year’s parade features six new additional floats and steps-off at 7:45 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

On select nights during the event, guests can enjoy performances by some of the biggest names in music on the Universal Music Plaza Stage.

This weekend you can see:

Friday, Mar. 13 – Luis Fonsi @ 8:30 pm
Saturday, Mar. 14 – The All-American Rejects @ 8:30 pm
Sunday, Mar. 15 – Diana Ross @ 8:30 pm

Opening daily at 4 pm, the French Quarter Courtyard is where you can find food and spirits available for purchase and performances from Louisiana jazz, blues, and zydeco bands. You can see the New Breed Brass Band will take to the French Quarter Courtyard Stage daily until March 21.

All of the excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with a Seasonal or Annual Pass (blockout dates apply).

And until April 2, Florida residents can experience this year’s Mardi Gras celebration and the spring season by saving up to $65 on multi-day tickets and up to $75 on Seasonal and Annual Passes.

EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival

The 27th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival will bloom at the Walt Disney World Resort filling the park with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Spring daily until June 1, 2020.

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 is who you can see perform this weekend:

March 13 through 16: Simple Plan

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is included with your theme park admission.

Seven Seas Food Festival @ SeaWorld Orlando

2020 Seven Seas Food Festival Guide SeaWorld Orlando

In 2020 the Seven Seas Food Festival will runs weekends through May 5, including Fridays (WOOOOT), to give park-goers plenty more chances to sample more than 180 mouthwatering options from Chef Héctor Colón and his amazing culinary team!

New food offerings include the cricket crusted bison slider, duck and mushroom ramen bowl and the chicken and waffle.

Enjoy local craft beers and mouthwatering culinary flavors while exploring our marketplaces throughout the park.

In addition to delicious eats, guests visiting SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival can enjoy world-class entertainment every Saturday and Sunday at Bayside Stadium, all included with theme park admission.

This weekend the Seven Seas Food Festival will feature free concerts from:

March 14 – Hunter Hayes
March 15 – Joe Nichols

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!

Wallenda to Walk the Pirate Island Hotel Plank

Nik Wallenda LEGOLAND Florida Pirate Island Hotel Announcement

Just a few days after he performed his most daring stunt yet, walking over an active volcano, live on ABC, world-renown daredevil Nik Wallenda announced this morning that his next major event will be at LEGOLAND Florida Resort to mark the opening of the all-new Pirate Island Hotel.

In true pirate-fashion, Wallenda will “walk the plank” from inside the theme park to the new hotel to kick off the resort’s opening festivities on Thursday, April 16. LEGOLAND Florida Resort park and hotel guests are invited to take part in the fun and watch the nail-biting stunt safely from the ground.

This event will be no “walk in the park” for the Wallenda Team as they will construct a high wire longer than 500 feet for the walk. They will also work closely with LEGOLAND master model builders to craft LEGO bricks onto Wallenda’s 28-foot balance pole.

LEGOLAND and Nik Wallenda fans alike can stay tuned to Facebook and Instagram as the park releases additional details on how to watch the stunt unfold live on Thursday, April 16.

Pirate Island Hotel will officially open to the public on Fri., April 17. Reservations are available at LEGOLAND.com/pirateisland

NEW! LEGOLAND Pirate Island Hotel Grand Opening – April 17

LEGOLAND Florida LEGO Pirate Island Hotel — LEGOLAND Florida

Located just 130 kid-steps from the theme park entrance, LEGOLAND Pirate Island Hotel will feature 150 LEGO-filled rooms (including four suites), a heated pool (complete with LEGO soft bricks to build in the pool), hundreds of LEGO models, exclusive character experiences and in-room LEGO treasure hunts. Similar to the popular LEGOLAND Hotel, each room will include two separate spaces: a kid’s sleeping area and an adult area.

LEGOLAND Florida Introduces All-Inclusive Vacation Packages 2020 — Photo: / LOCK + LAND, Chip Litherland

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. Directly outside the entrance to the hotel, a pirate shipwreck will greet guests and offer a unique photo opportunity.

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!

Raglan Road Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival Returns

Get out your finest green outfit and head to Disney Springs for the return of the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant!

Celebrate five days of fun, March 13-17, with non-stop Irish-infused entertainment from morning until night, a mighty selection of beers and cocktails and of course, the most authentic Irish food.

My favorite part of the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival is the fantastic line-up of live entertainment hand-picked straight from Ireland.

Mighty St. Patrick's Day Festival Raglan Road Disney Springs 2020

Here’s a look at this year’s line-up:

Strings & Things will bring their contemporary Irish Trad/Folk/Roots crossover talent from Tipperary and Galway to the festival stage. Their unique sound and powerful stage energy promise a raucous evening of music and song.
TradGad features three talented musicians from Kerry, Dublin and Galway charming guests with their vibrant performances on guitar, fiddle, mandolin, uilleann pipes, tin whistle, banjo and bouzouki.
Maca an Irish sister duo dubbed “Ireland’s next big thing” will rock the Raglan Road Pub stages with their extraordinary talent.
Fia Rua featuring band members from Ireland and Scotland, will blend their musical backgrounds to perform and wow guests with a unique Celtic sound.
Mike Waters, from the southeast of Ireland, will perform Irish songs and ballads from traditional to contemporary with a good measure of chat and humor.
Emily Furlong an extraordinary singer and entertainer from Wexford, Ireland will captivate guests with her stunning voice.
No Half Measures an exciting, fresh and vibrant four-piece band from Scotland, Cork and Kilkenny will spin their youthful, contemporary sound for the Mighty Festival audience.

And you can’t talk about Raglan Road without talking about their fantastic food!!!!

While the entire menu will be available, guests dining on Monday, March 16 can enjoy a new whiskey pairing dinner from 3-11 p.m. featuring a special prix fixe menu with locally sourced dishes like Whiskey Cured House Smoked Salmon and Apple Baked Dumplings paired with the finest Irish whiskey cocktails.

Planning to stop by over the weekend? The Rollicking Raglan Weekend Brunch will be served March 14 and 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 pm.

Raglan Road Great Irish Hooley 2019 Raglan Road Bar Disney Springs Walt Disney World Mighty St. Patrick's Day Festival Raglan Road Disney Springs 2020

Of course, don’t miss the popular Raglan Road Irish Dancers plucked from the cast and stages of the world’s greatest Irish dance shows! They’ll be performing intermittently during the festival and ready to teach you an Irish jig – no experience necessary! Kids will also have a blast at this family-friendly party so be sure to bring everyone dressed in their best green garb and enjoy complimentary face painting.

Rhythms of Raglan Road Disney Springs Walt Disney World Mighty St. Patrick's Day Festival Raglan Road Disney Springs 2020

For those planning to celebrate on St. Patrick’s Day, be sure to plan ahead for the fun!

On March 17, guests will be seated on a first-come, first-serve basis with a cover charge of $10 for each guest 18 and older. Reservations can be booked online for other festival days, including brunch by calling 407-938-0300.

Art in Bloom: Festival of Fine Arts & Flowers

Florida might not have much of a winter, but spring is stunning in the Sunshine State. This March, the Council of 101 will welcome the season once again with its second-annual springtime fundraiser — Art in Bloom: A Festival of Fine Arts & Flowers.

The event will run from March 26-29 at the Orlando Museum of Art and includes the Museum’s collections and current exhibition Living Color: The Art of the Highwaymen.

The Council of 101 will put the “petal” to the metal to bring visitors a museum-wide kaleidoscope of breathtaking floral arrangements inspired by works from the Orlando Museum of Art’s permanent collection and current exhibitions. There will also be curated antiques, lifestyle events and design workshops that are sure to inspire.

“Springtime is beautiful in Central Florida,” said Nancy Sedacca, president of the Council of 101. “We’re very excited to host this festival for the second year to bring the community together and help support the arts.”

This year’s special guests are Margot Shaw, the founder and editor-in-chief of Flower Magazine and author of Living Floral: Entertaining and Decorating with Flowers, and Carleton Varney, one of America’s best-known interior designers and president and owner of Dorothy Draper & Co., Inc. Shaw and Varney will give lectures and sign books during the festival.

Other events on the schedule include the opening night party, daily appraisals, a mystery home tour, and floral workshops.

Art in Bloom supports the Orlando Museum of Art. The Council of 101 has raised more than $12 million for the museum’s educational programs and operational expenses over the years.

General Admission:

General admission is $15 Adults / $5 Children (Ages 3-11)

Friday, March 27, 2020 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, March 28, 2020 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, March 29, 2020 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Admission to Art in Bloom includes entry to the current Orlando Museum of Art exhibitions. Parking is available on-site for a fee.

For more information, please visit OrlandoArtInBloom.com.

A Closer Look at Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

DISCLOSURE: I was invited by the Walt Disney World Resort to experience Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, but all opinions and over-use of exclamation points are 100% my own.

From the moment I stepped off of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, I knew that it had just entered my top 5 favorite attractions at Walt Disney World.

I don’t take that place of honor very lightly, and this attraction deserves that ranking because it is full of fun at every turn and details galore.

And with so many details and fun facts about the attraction, I thought it would be fun to share them with you all today!

A ‘Fab’ Cast of Characters

Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway Disney's Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World — Matt Stroshane, photographer

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the first attraction to star Mickey and Minnie Mouse, is full of iconic Disney characters, including a new little bird destined to fly right into guests’ hearts.

Here is where you can find each of them:

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse – These true originals are ready to take their little red convertible for a leisurely drive through Runnamuck Park in search of the perfect picnic spot. What could possibly go wrong?
Pluto – The dutiful dog just wants to bring Mickey and Minnie their lost picnic basket.
Engineer Goofy – Mickey and Minnie’s lanky pal invites guests into the cartoon world for what surely promises to be an uneventful train ride through Runnamuck Park.
Daisy Duck – The proprietor of Daisy’s Dance Studio is ready to teach guests some fancy new moves.
Donald Duck – Everyone’s favorite hot-headed “problem child” is steaming again, as someone made off with the sign from his hot dog stand at the carnival.
Jackhammer Pete – The big brute’s vibrations may have some unforeseen consequences for Mickey and Minnie.
Chuuby (pronounced “choo-bee”) – This adorable little bird – created exclusively for the attraction – likes to sing and dance in Runnamuck Park.

All in the Details: An Authentic Mickey & Minnie Experience

Disney Imagineers watched every cartoon short in the latest “Mickey Mouse” series countless times while developing Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (Imagineer Kevin Rafferty had a still from each one pinned to his office wall).

They wanted to soak up the essence of what makes the cartoons so fun and endearing, so they could then translate those fundamental principles into a ride-through attraction. Their research is just one facet of the total commitment to authenticity on display throughout Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

Walt Disney Imagineering consulted with Paul Rudish and Joseph Holt – executive producer and art director, respectively, for the “Mickey Mouse” shorts – to ensure the attraction’s hand-drawn look is authentic to the cartoon. For example, Imagineers added extra floating “lines” around a cactus in the stampede scene that appear as if they’re standing alone in midair, emulating a common technique used in the cartoons to emphasize motion.
Christopher Willis, award-winning composer of the “Mickey Mouse” shorts, composed the attraction’s soundtrack and co-wrote “Nothing Can Stop Us Now,” the exclusive theme song for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, with his wife, Elyse Willis.
The attraction’s glamorous marquee features blinking bulbs and hand-crafted animated neon depictions of Mickey and Minnie. Its design cue comes from the extravagant marquees that were custom made for premieres of epic films in the mid-20th century.
In collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Television Animation created 10 new posters that appear in the attraction’s queue; nine highlight existing “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts, while the 10th is for “Perfect Picnic,” the new short debuting in the theater.
The attraction features several sound effects created by Disney Legend Jimmy Macdonald for Disney animated shorts dating back to the 1930s; some new effects were developed using Macdonald’s original equipment.
The tri-tone whistle from Mickey Mouse’s debut cartoon in 1928, “Steamboat Willie,” was used to record the locomotive whistle sound for Engineer Goofy’s train.
Special painting techniques were used on the attraction’s ride vehicles so they appear to be hand-drawn, as if in a cartoon.

Hidden Gems Abound

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is full of hidden gems that nod to Disney history. It will likely take many times through the attraction to spot them all, but here are just a few:

A newspaper features the headline “Oswald Wins!” – a reference to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, the cartoon character created by Walt Disney that predates Mickey Mouse.
The Iwerks and Uwerks Waterworks water treatment plant is named for Disney Legend Ub Iwerks, the animator credited with sketching Mickey Mouse for the first time.
The 1401 Flower Shop is an homage to Walt Disney Imagineering’s headquarters in Glendale, Calif.
The numbers 1901 and 1928 can be seen inside the attraction; these are references to Walt Disney’s and Mickey Mouse’s birth years, respectively.

I cannot wait to ride again and again and again and again!!!!

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!

On the Go in the Parks: March 6-8, 2020

Don’t forget to tune in to News 96.5 WDBO this evening to hear me talk about how you can be On the Go in the Parks this weekend on Orlando’s Evening News with Tony Marino!!!

The theme parks of Central Florida are always buzzing with excitement and events, and here is everything you can experience On the Go in the Parks this weekend!

On the Go in the Parks: New this Weekend

EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival

The 27th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival will bloom at the Walt Disney World Resort filling the park with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Spring daily until June 1, 2020.

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 is who you can see perform this weekend:

March 6 through 9: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is included with your theme park admission.

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Have you ever wanted to jump through the screen and into “Mickey Mouse” cartoon short? Well now is your time to make it happen, because anything can happen aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Mickey Shorts Theater

The newly reimagined Mickey Shorts Theater debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on March 4, 2020, and I was really excited to check it out!

Located adjacent to the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, the new Mickey Shorts Theater is designed to evoke the fun of the Mickey Mouse shorts where ‘Mouse Rules Apply’.

On the Go in the Parks:Returning Favorites

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras

This year’s parade features six new additional floats and steps-off at 7:45 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

On select nights during the event, guests can enjoy performances by some of the biggest names in music on the Universal Music Plaza Stage.

This weekend you can see:

Saturday, Mar. 7 – REO Speedwagon @ 8:30 pm
Sunday, Mar. 8 – Dustin Lynch @ 8:30 pm

All of the excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with a Seasonal or Annual Pass (blockout dates apply).

And until April 2, Florida residents can experience this year’s Mardi Gras celebration and the spring season by saving up to $65 on multi-day tickets and up to $75 on Seasonal and Annual Passes.

Seven Seas Food Festival @ SeaWorld Orlando

New food offerings include the cricket crusted bison slider, duck and mushroom ramen bowl and the chicken and waffle.

Enjoy local craft beers and mouthwatering culinary flavors while exploring our marketplaces throughout the park.

This weekend the Seven Seas Food Festival will feature free concerts from:

March 7 – AJR
March 8 – Dylan Scott

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!

My First Visit – Mickey Shorts Theater

DISCLOSURE: I was invited by the Walt Disney World Resort to experience the Mickey Shorts Theater, but all opinions and over-use of exclamation points are 100% my own.

The newly reimagined Mickey Shorts Theater debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on March 4, 2020, and I was really excited to check it out!

Located adjacent to the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, the new Mickey Shorts Theater is designed to evoke the fun of the Mickey Mouse shorts where ‘Mouse Rules Apply’.

Before you go into the theater make sure you open your Play Disney Parks App to try your hand at Mickey & Minnie’s Trivia Time – Mouse Rules Apply! that celebrates the openings of both Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and the “Vacation Fun” short in the Mickey Shorts Theater.

The game features five trivia packs containing hundreds of questions spanning from Mickey and Minnie’s debut in “Steamboat Willie” to today. Some of these trivia packs will be available at home, while others can be unlocked after experiencing Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway or “Vacation Fun” at Mickey Shorts Theater to extend the cartoon fun even further.

Okay now back to the theater itself, and now that I have finally seen the theater seats from the concept art…I can say without a doubt that I am COMPLETELY OBSESSED with how adorable they are!

Okay…back to the main attraction…the short!

The “Vacation Fun” short is exclusive to Walt Disney World’s Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and includes new animation as well as clips from favorite “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts.

“Vacation Fun” features new animation and clips from some of your favorite Mickey shorts, including Panda-monium, Couples Sweaters, Potatoland, Croissant de Triomphe, Entombed, Dumb Luck, Al Rojo Vivo, Yodelburg and Outback at Ya!.

The short move at lightning speed, and has a ‘Greatest Hits’ feel than a regular short. I thought it was a lot of fun, but if you haven’t seen the new shorts it might be overwhelming.

But the fun doesn’t stop there, because after the show guests can make even more memories by stepping into life-sized versions of beloved animated “Mickey Mouse” shorts, where they can pose for photos with family and friends.

Existing shorts from the Mickey Mouse television series that are being used in the post-show photo experience are Yodelburg, Potatoland, Entombed, and Panda-monium.

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!

2020 Garden Rocks Concert Series

The 2020 Garden Rocks Concert Series during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is back with new acts and more concerts than ever!

The incredibly popular Garden Rocks Concert Series, included with your admission to Epcot, rocks the American Gardens Theatre nightly at 5:30 pm, 6:45 pm, and 8 pm until June 1, 2020.

2020 Garden Rocks Concert Series Line-Up

March 4 through 5: Peabo Bryson
March 6 through 9: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
March 10 through 12: The Guess Who
March 13 through 16: Simple Plan
March 17 through 19: STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
March 20 through 23: Mark Wills – NEW!
March 24 through 26: The Spinners
March 27 and 28: Sister Hazel
March 29 and 30: The Pointer Sisters
March 31 through April 2: Steve Augeri – Former Lead Vocalist of Journey
April 3 and 4: Blood, Sweat & Tears
April 5 and 6: Expose’
April 7 through 9: Berlin
April 10 and 11: A Flock of Seagulls
April 12 and 13: Atlantic Starr – NEW!
April 14 through 16: Tony Orlando
April 17 and 18: High Valley – NEW!
April 19 and 20: Rick Springfield
April 21 through 23: Christopher Cross
April 24 through 27: Plain White T’s
April 28 through 30: Don Felder – Formerly of The Eagles
May 1 and 2: Don McLean – NEW!
May 3 and 4: Casting Crowns – NEW!
May 5 through 7: Ambrosia with Peter Beckett
May 8 and 9: Thelma Houston – NEW!
May 10 and 11: The Allman Betts Band – NEW!
May 12 through 14: Air Supply
May 15 through 18: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
May 19 through 21: Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot – NEW!
May 22 and 23: Claudia Leitte – NEW!
May 24 and 25: Daughtry – NEW!
May 26 through 28: Marshall Tucker Band
May 29 and 30: Crowder – NEW!
May 31 and June 1: Survivor

Garden Rocks Concert Series Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2020

Garden Rocks Dining Package

Fabulous food and great music go hand in hand, and with the Garden Rocks Dining Package Festival guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at select Epcot restaurants and guaranteed seating at one of three concert performances later that day.

Each package includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert—or one (1) full buffet or family-style dining, where applicable—along with a non-alcoholic beverage and one (1) guaranteed seat to the Garden Rocks Concert held on the same day.

Participating restaurants Include:

Biergarten Restaurant
Lunch: $57 for adults; $32 for kids (tax and gratuity not included)
Dinner: $57 for adults; $32 for kids (tax and gratuity not included)

Coral Reef Restaurant
Lunch: $69 for adults; $22 for kids (tax and gratuity not included)
Dinner: $69 for adults; $22 for kids (tax and gratuity not included)

The Garden Grill Restaurant
Breakfast $52 for adults; $31 for kids (tax and gratuity not included)
Lunch: $65 for adults; $39 for kids (tax and gratuity not included)
Dinner: $65 for adults; $39 for kids (tax and gratuity not included)

Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room
Lunch: $57 for adults; $22 for kids (tax and gratuity not included)
Dinner: $57 for adults; $22 for kids (tax and gratuity not included).

Before booking your dining package, keep in mind:

Valid Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining package price
Advance reservations are highly recommended as events fill up quickly
Reservations must provide a minimum 2.5-hour window prior to showtime and require a credit card guarantee
Garden Rocks Dining Packages can be booked online
Disney Dining Plan and Disney Deluxe Dining Plans require 2 table-service entitlements
Alcohol will only be served to Guests ages 21 and older

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2020 Walt Disney World — 📷 Walt Disney World Resort

You can find more information about the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, theme park news, and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

FIRST LOOK – Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

It all started with a mouse…

Audiences were first introduced to Mickey Mouse in 1928 as the star of “Steamboat Willie,” and as soon as the iconic whistle blew Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse changed the world of entertainment forever.

And over 90 years later, Mickey Mouse is a cultural icon with a combination of childlike innocence, an impish sense of humor, and a plucky attitude.

Even though Mickey Mouse has had adventures over the years, the one thing he hasn’t done is starred in his own attraction.

History is about to change again with the debut of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Classic Disney Storytelling, Driven by State-of-the-Art Design

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway brings the past and future together as the ride combines cutting-edge technology with the rich history of Mickey and Minnie Mouse as a two-dimensional cartoon world becomes a world of where ‘mouse rules apply’.

The attraction features a combination of physical sets, Audio-Animatronics figures, animated media, and projection-mapping techniques, all syncing in time with trackless vehicles and an original musical score that will get stuck in your head for days.

Proceed with caution as there are Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway spoilers ahead

Last chance to turn back…

Everything starts with a story

In the story, Mickey and Minnie set off on a journey to find the best spot for a romantic picnic, taking their little red convertible for a drive through Runnamuck Park.

Little do they know Pluto has accidentally stowed away in the trunk of their car, so when the roadster hits a bump and the dutiful dog flies out … mayhem ensues.

It’s at this point Disney magic brings guests through the movie screen and into the cartoon world, where they join Engineer Goofy on a train ride on the Runnamuck Railroad, following Mickey and Minnie through the park on their quest for that perfect picnic. And with Goofy at the helm, what could possibly go wrong?

It’s up to Mickey and Minnie to keep guests out of trouble, all while poor Pluto tries to catch up and bring them their picnic basket!

While I absolutely loved The Great Movie Ride, I cannot wait to ride Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway!!!!

March 2020 in the Central Florida Theme Parks

Spring has sprung in the theme parks of Central Florida, which means that March is filled with special events that invite guests to enjoy the wonderful weather!

Universal Orlando Resort – March 2020

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras

Universal Orlando is celebrating 25 years of its family-friendly Mardi Gras festivities with new parade floats, globally inspired cuisine, and live concerts on select nights through April 2 at the Universal Studios Florida theme park.

This year’s parade features six new additional floats, and steps-off at different times during the month.

The parade steps off at 6:15 pm: March 1- 6
The parade steps off at 7:30 pm: March 9-12, 16-19, 23-27, March 30 – April 2
The parade steps off at 7:45 pm: March 7, 8, 13-15, 20-22, 28-29

On select nights during the event, guests can enjoy performances by some of the biggest names in music on the Universal Music Plaza Stage.

Here is who will be performing in March:

Saturday, Mar. 7 – REO Speedwagon @ 8:30 pm
Sunday, Mar. 8 – Dustin Lynch @ 8:30 pm
Friday, Mar. 13 – Luis Fonsi @ 8:30 pm
Saturday, Mar. 14 – The All-American Rejects @ 8:30 pm
Sunday, Mar. 15 – Diana Ross @ 8:30 pm
Friday, Mar. 20 – Chris Young @8:30 pm
Saturday, Mar. 21 – Earth, Wind & Fire @ 8:30 pm
Sunday, Mar. 22 – Marshmello @ 8:30 pm
Saturday, Mar. 28 – Why Don’t We @ 8:30 pm
Sunday, Mar. 29 – Gavin DeGraw @ 8:30 pm

Opening daily at 4 pm, the French Quarter Courtyard is where you can find food and spirits available for purchase and performances from Louisiana jazz, blues, and zydeco bands.

In March you can see the New Breed Brass Band March 6 through March 21 and the Naughty Professor Brass Band March 22 through April 2 on the French Quarter Courtyard stage.

All of the excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with a Seasonal or Annual Pass (blockout dates apply).

And until April 2, Florida residents can experience this year’s Mardi Gras celebration and the spring season by saving up to $65 on multi-day tickets and up to $75 on Seasonal and Annual Passes.

Don’t forget that Mardi Gras celebrations at Universal Studios Florida are held rain or shine, so be sure to plan accordingly.

SeaWorld Orlando – March 2020

Seven Seas Food Festival

SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival is back for another year to give guests the delicious opportunity to taste their way around the world of international street food traditions. The Seven Seas Food Festival will run through May 5, including Fridays, to give park-goers plenty more chances to sample more than 180 mouthwatering options!

A complete menu of the Seven Seas Food Festival dishes and drinks can be found online here.

Here is who will be taking the stage in March:

March 7 – AJR
March 8 – Dylan Scott
March 14 – Hunter Hayes
March 15 – Joe Nichols
March 21 – YES and Alan Parsons Live Project
March 22 – Edwin McCain
March 28 – Gin Blossoms
March 29 – Village People

Concerts are held at Bayside Stadium each Saturday and Sunday at 6:00 p.m. To ensure you get the best seats in the house, guests can purchase reserved seating for select performances. Reserved seating opportunities are available online here.

Walt Disney World – March 2020

EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival

The 27th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival will bloom at the Walt Disney World Resort filling the park with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Spring daily from March 4 until June 1, 2020.

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 is who you can see perform this month:

March 4 and 5: Peabo Bryson – NEW!
March 6 through 9: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
March 10 through 12: The Guess Who
March 13 through 16: Simple Plan
March 17 through 19: STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
March 20 through 23: Mark Wills – NEW!
March 24 through 26: The Spinners
March 27 and 28: Sister Hazel
March 29 and 30: The Pointer Sisters
March 31 through April 2: Steve Augeri – Former Lead Vocalist of Journey

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – March 2020

2020 Food & Wine Festival

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival 2020

A world of taste awaits at the sixth annual Food & Wine Festival each weekend until April 26. The festival features new and exciting dishes, plus a large selection of wines, craft brews and cocktails.

While enjoying delicious eats, fans can see some of the biggest names in music as they take the stage on the Festival Field.

This month’s concerts include:

March 1: The Commodores
March 7: Chase Bryant & Danielle Bradbery
March 8: Rachel Platten
March 14: Ezra Ray Hart
March 15: THREE DOG NIGHT
March 21: LOCASH
March 22: Fitz & The Tantrums
March 28: Home Free
March 29: Taking Back Sunday

All concerts are included with daily ticketed admission to the park.

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!

Don’t forget to tune in to News 96.5 WDBO this evening to hear me talk about these events and more on Orlando’s Evening News with Tony Marino!!!

On the Go in the Parks: New this Weekend

On the Go in the Parks: Returning Favorites

A ‘Fab’ Cast of Characters

All in the Details: An Authentic Mickey & Minnie Experience

Hidden Gems Abound

Don’t forget to tune in to News 96.5 WDBO this evening to hear me talk about how you can be On the Go in the Parks this weekend on Orlando’s Evening News with Tony Marino!!!

On the Go in the Parks: New this Weekend

On the Go in the Parks:Returning Favorites

DISCLOSURE: I was invited by the Walt Disney World Resort to experience the Mickey Shorts Theater, but all opinions and over-use of exclamation points are 100% my own.

2020 Garden Rocks Concert Series Line-Up

Garden Rocks Dining Package

** Proceed with caution as there are Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway spoilers ahead **

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!

Proceed with caution as there are Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway spoilers ahead