January 2021 - Page 2 of 2 - On the Go in MCO

Discovery Cove Offers Romantic Getaways

Discovery Cove offers a slice of tropical paradise in the middle of Central Florida that is the perfect place for couples to spend a fantastic day together.

If you aren’t familiar with this hidden gem that is one of my top picks in Orlando, Discovery Cove provides guests with the opportunity to relax in a beautiful, safe, outdoor environment filled with animal encounters with a very limited capacity.

During your day at Discovery Cove, couples can get back to nature and experience a swim with dolphins during a modified experience or explore the stunning coral reef habitat at The Grand Reef.

Relaxation comes naturally, whether riding the soothing currents along Wind-Away River, enjoying the melodies of colorful feathered friends in the Explorer’s Aviary, or simply soaking up the sun on the white sandy beaches with plenty of open space for physical distancing.

In addition to inspiring animal experiences, guests to Discovery Cove enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and all-you-can-eat snacks throughout the day, plus unlimited gourmet coffee, ice-cold beverages, and beer and wine for guests 21 and over.

For the convenience of Discovery Cove guests, parking, lockers, wetsuits, and swim gear are also included with your admission to the tropical getaway.

Guests looking for additional enhancements during their visit to Discovery Cove may enjoy a reserved, private cabana, starting at just $199. Private cabanas come complete with everything from waterway views, chaise lounges, towel service, stocked mini-fridge, snack basket, photo package, reserved seating for dining, and more.

And to help make Valentine’s Day celebrations even more romantic Discovery Cove has partnered with four fan-favorite hotels and resorts to create exclusive Romance Packages that include resort admission, hotel accommodations, upgraded beverage service, and more.

For their staycation couples can choose from a night at the luxurious five-star Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, or they can select the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld or the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, both Official Hotels of SeaWorld.

Each property offers unique amenities, services, and special touches to make your weekend perfectly yours.

The four Romance Packages are available for visits from January 28 through February 28, 2021, with reservations available at DiscoveryCove.com/Romance.

Discovery Cove Orlando Valentine's Day Dolphin Experience

Due to the exclusivity of the experience and capacity limitations, advance reservations are required, and daily attendance is limited to ensure no overcrowding. Couples will be greeted at a reception center and proceed down a nature walk for their day of discovery.

During these unprecedented times, Discovery Cove understands that visitors are looking for flexibility in their vacation planning, which is why the resort offers the Book with confidence policy which allows guests free cancellations and a 100% refund if guests need to cancel more than 30 days prior to their reservation date.

On the Go this Weekend in the Parks: January 8-10, 2021

Instagram Post - On the Go In the Parks January 2021

There are so many great events and deals you won’t want to miss in the City Beautiful this weekend as you are On the Go!!!

On the Go this Weekend in the Parks: January 8-10, 2021

Epcot Festival of the Arts

Starting January 8, 2021, the Walt Disney World Resort will welcome the Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts daily until February 22, 2021.

While this year’s global celebration of the visual, culinary, and performing arts may look a little different, guests will still be able to enjoy a wide selection of activities for the entire family that is included in their admission to the park.

SeaWorld Orlando Inside Look Weekends

Inside Look Weekends SeaWorld Orlando January 20021

For the next 2 weekends, you can go behind-the-scenes at SeaWorld Orlando to experience the popular Inside Look Weekends.

This special event features six unique, entirely behind-the-scenes locations, accessible in small groups to limit capacity and maintain safe physical distancing.

Universal Orlando Deals

The Universal Orlando Resort is welcoming 2021 with SEVERAL special offers that invite guests to plan an epic trip to the award-winning theme park destination this year.

The current special offers include:

Get 3 Months Free on any 2-Park Annual or Seasonal Pass
Florida residents can also take advantage of an exclusive Universal Orlando ticket offer to purchase a 1-Day, 2-Park ticket (as low as $181 per adult, plus tax) and receive three extra days free to experience both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Florida residents can take advantage of nightly rates as low as $79 plus tax at the all-new Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, while non-Florida residents can book a stay at Dockside Inn and Suites for as low as $88 per night, plus tax based on a four-night stay.
Guests who purchase a 4-Day, 2-Park or 3-Park ticket (starting at $224.99 per adult, plus tax) can save up to $50 per ticket – that’s a combined savings of up to $200 for a family of four.
Guests can also take advantage of this offer as part of a vacation package to Universal Orlando, and receive a total savings of up to $800 on a package that includes five-night accommodations at one of Universal’s beautifully-themed hotels and 4-day theme park tickets for a family of four.

Gatorland Deal

Florida Residents can visit Gatorland Orlando for just $9.99 for single-day admission, now through January 31st.

Tickets must be purchased at the admission’s gate with a valid Florida ID.

This rare discount won’t be around long.

Universal Orlando Premieres 2021 Special Offers

The Universal Orlando Resort is welcoming 2021 with SEVERAL special offers that invite guests to plan an epic trip to the award-winning theme park destination this year.

Here are the epic offers guests can take advantage of today:

Get 3 Months Free on any 2-Park Annual or Seasonal Pass

Right now any guest who purchases a 2-Park Annual or Seasonal Pass will receive three extra months free to enjoy all that Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure have to offer. Universal Orlando Annual and Seasonal Passes are loaded with benefits and perks to experience the resort like a pro, including exclusive extras like discounts and special offers.

This offer is available for purchase through March 31, 2021. Blockout dates apply on select passes. For more information and to purchase, click here.

Family Savings on Vacation Packages

Guests can also take advantage of special offers to receive huge savings on a multi-day getaway to Universal Orlando now through mid-December.

Guests who purchase a 4-Day, 2-Park or 3-Park ticket (starting at $224.99 per adult, plus tax) can save up to $50 per ticket – that’s a combined savings of up to $200 for a family of four.

Guests can also take advantage of this offer as part of a vacation package to Universal Orlando, and receive a total savings of up to $800 on a package that includes five-night accommodations at one of Universal’s beautifully-themed hotels and 4-day theme park tickets for a family of four.

These offers are available for purchase now through April 27, 2021, and can be used for visits through December 17, 2021. For more information and to purchase, click here.

Florida Resident Ticket Offer

Florida residents can also take advantage of an exclusive Universal Orlando ticket offer to purchase a 1-Day, 2-Park ticket (as low as $181 per adult, plus tax) and receive three extra days free to experience both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Florida residents can purchase this ticket now (subject to availability) and can visit any four days through April 30, 2021 with no blockout dates. This offer is not available for purchase at the front gate. For more information and to purchase, click here.

Florida Resident Staycation Offer

Staying in one of Universal Orlando’s hotels is the best way to make the most of a vacation to the award-winning theme park destination, with exclusive theme park benefits like Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, free Universal Express Unlimited access at select hotels, convenient and complimentary transportation across the destination and more.

Florida residents can take advantage of nightly rates as low as $79 plus tax at the all-new Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, while non-Florida residents can book a stay at Dockside Inn and Suites for as low as $88 per night, plus tax based on a four-night stay. And, with a hotel for every vacation style and budget, discounted nightly rates are currently available at every Universal Orlando hotel.

For more information about these offers, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.

Dive into Inside Look Weekends in January 2021

The popular Inside Look Weekends are returning to SeaWorld Orlando to take theme park guests behind-the-scenes to hear and see firsthand what goes into providing world-class animal care from the experts who do it every day.

Inside Look Weekends take place Saturdays and Sundays, January 9-17, and are included with park admission.

This special event features six unique, entirely behind-the-scenes locations, accessible in small groups to limit capacity and maintain safe physical distancing.

Inside Look Weekends Locations:

SeaWorld Rescue Center

Guests can visit the home base of the SeaWorld Rescue Team and meet and hear from the dedicated veterinarians, animal care personnel, lab technicians, and filtration experts who work around the clock to deliver life-saving care to animals in need.

Dive Operations at Manatee Underwater Viewing

SeaWorld’s team of divers has some of the park’s most challenging and interesting responsibilities. Here, guests will meet the divers, learn more about the basics of diving, and find out about some of the little-known secrets of what it takes to be a part of SeaWorld’s dive team.

Beluga & Seal Primary Housing

Step into the maze of back hallways that provide service access to the beluga whales and harbor seals that call Wild Arctic home. Plus, guests can meet the team that spends their days caring for these incredible animals.

Shark Encounter

Get a topside view at Shark Encounter and unlock the mysteries of caring for the sharks and sawfish in SeaWorld’s 700,000-gallon shark habitat. Guests can visit the medical pool and learn how a shark receives its annual physical. They can also observe the moving walkway used to temporarily divide the exhibit for cleaning and understand how the sharks are fed. Guests have the opportunity to experience SeaWorld’s sharks from a vantage point that is very different from the regular guest view and hear directly from the aquarists who care for these fascinating creatures. This location is not ADA accessible.

Manta Aquarium

Go above the surface, literally, and discover what it looks like towering over the depths of Manta’s main aquarium. In a location few have ever seen, guests can uncover what goes into caring for the wide array of fish, rays, sea dragons, live corals, and giant Pacific octopus that call Manta home. This location is not ADA accessible.

Trainer Talks

Guests can join the park’s trainers to hear them share their passion for animal care and learn about training and husbandry techniques with the animals. The Trainer Talks take place behind-the-scenes at locations throughout the park including Dolphin Theater, Sea Lion and Otter Theater, and Orca Encounter.

Inside Look Weekends Dining Options

Inside Look Dine at Sharks Underwater Grill: NEW this year on Saturdays during Inside Look weekends, guests can enjoy a signature meal hosted by members of the SeaWorld Rescue and Zoological Operations teams at SeaWorld Orlando, including an inspiring presentation on our commitment to research and rescue. We recommend booking in advance as capacity is very limited.

Guests can also dive into Orlando’s most immersive and memorable family dining experience at Dine with Orcas, where guests dine next to orcas, learn more about them from animal care experts and watch the specialized care they receive daily.

Both restaurants include arranged seating layouts to accommodate physical distancing and limited capacity. Tables and chairs are sanitized with increased frequency, condiment and topping stations are closed, and guests with refillable products will be provided single-use alternatives. In lieu of traditional menus, paperless QR code menus will be used, and buffet-style service areas have been adjusted or closed until further notice.

SeaWorld Orlando Special Offers

For a limited time, pay for a day and play all year with the purchase of a 2021 Fun Card! That means for the price of a single day’s admission, Fun Card holders can visit again and again to enjoy events like Inside Look and more throughout 2021¹. This offer is available only for a short time as prices go up on February 1, 2021.

For guests looking for additional perks and discounts on things like parking, additional guest tickets, and access to special VIP events, upgrading to an Annual Pass is the best option. Available starting at low monthly rates of $11.75/month with NO down payment. Restrictions apply.

Visit www.Seaworld.com/Orlando for more information, park hours, and to purchase tickets.

Preschooler Pass Returns to LEGOLAND Florida

Families won’t want to miss their opportunity to register for LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s free Preschooler Pass that grants Florida Resident children ages 3-years-old and 4-years-old 12 months of admission to both LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park and Water Park PLUS access to select events.

The Preschooler Pass is available for a limited time until February 3, 2021.

LEGOLAND Florida Preschooler Pass Boating School — PHOTO/LEGOLAND Florida, Merlin Entertainments Group, Chip Litherland

Both LEGOLAND Theme Park and Water Park are built for kids to take the lead, full of immersive experiences to suit all guests, and with over 60 percent of the theme parks’ rides built for guests 40 inches or taller, there’s a whole host of attractions perfect for Preschoolers!

LEGOLAND Florida Preschooler Pass Florida Prepaid Schoolhouse — PHOTO / LOCK + LAND, Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort

The Florida Prepaid Schoolhouse is a favorite attraction among preschoolers. As an indoor play area, the Schoolhouse features a stage, school-themed play equipment, DUPLO brick play areas, and a touchscreen where children can practice numbers and letters while exploring exciting future careers, from marine biologists to teachers.

LEGOLAND Florida Preschooler Pass DUPLO Valley — STAFF PHOTO / CHIP LITHERLAND

2021 will be an incredible year for pint-sized pirates and preschool playmates at the Resort, as LEGOLAND celebrates 10 Years of Awesome! The limited-time-offer pass grants admission to select 2021 events, including our all-new PirateFest Weekends in February and returning favorites like LEGO^® Friends Weekends and Heroes Weekends.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s Preschooler Pass will be available for a limited time at the Front Gate Will Call window only. Guests must bring a copy of their child’s birth certificate or travel passport for proof of age.

LEGOLAND Florida Preschooler Pass Park Entrance with Family — PHOTO / CHIP LITHERLAND

The Preschooler Pass is available exclusively for Florida Residents aged 3-years-old or 4-years-old. Children must be present when redeeming the Preschooler Pass at the ticket window. Guests ages 2-years-old and under will continue to receive free admission.

Learn more at legoland.com/florida/offers/preschooler-pass/!

Busch Gardens Tampa Kicks of 2021 with Mardi Gras Fun

In 2021 exciting events will safely return to Busch Gardens Tampa starting with the park’s Mardi Gras event, now expanded to weekends and select dates from January 16 to February 16.

The Busch Gardens team has consulted with medical experts to offer modified events with required reservations and limited capacity for safe celebrations.

All seasonal events feature open-air entertainment throughout the park’s more than 300 spacious acres as well as enhanced health and safety measures including increased cleaning and sanitation, temperature checks, face-covering requirements, and physical distancing.

Reservations are required and limited and can be made at www.BuschGardensTampa.com.

Let the good times roll with an expanded Mardi Gras celebration! Weekends and select dates, January 16 – February 16, 2021

With more weekends to celebrate safely, Busch Gardens is getting jazzed up with music, beads, and more for open-air festivities with French-Quarter flair.

Guests will have the opportunity to catch some beads from physically distant New Orleans street performers periodically strolling throughout the day.

There will be plenty of room to dance through spacious walkways while enjoying festive tunes from live musicians while flavorful dishes and cocktails tempt the senses.

Busch Gardens has brought the “Big Easy” to Tampa Bay with Mardi Gras-inspired food including a signature shrimp po’boy, hearty jambalaya, and hot and fresh beignets.

Handcrafted cocktail classics like Hurricanes join new signature drinks for a perfect pairing with the park’s carefully crafted culinary offering, which can be best enjoyed with a Mardi Gras Sampler Lanyard. Starting at $34.99 for a 5-punch lanyard with a 10-punch option and an exclusive 12-punch lanyard for Pass Members, Sampler Lanyards make it easy for guests to embrace that “Fat Tuesday” feeling!

MORE fan-favorite events are returning to Busch Gardens Tampa this year!

The fun in 2021 doesn’t stop with Mardi Gras – park guests can look forward to modified versions of their favorite seasonal events to promote enhanced health and safety measures, including Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends, and the Food & Wine Festival.

Sesame Street Kids Weekends, January 30 – February 14

For kids and kids-at-heart, there are more special moments with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and the rest of their Sesame Street friends coming up this season! Fans won’t want to miss new physically distant celebrations for Elmo’s birthday and Valentine’s Day this year.

Food & Wine Festival, Friday to Sunday, February 20 – April 25

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food and Wine Festival 2020

Taste buds will bloom this spring with a delicious menu of dishes and drinks as dynamic and unique as the park’s thrilling roller coaster collection. Guests will also enjoy a taste of local musical talent throughout the open-air festival to accompany their sweet and savory samples.

Whether using a single visit ticket, Fun Card or Annual Pass, guests can enjoy these seasonal events and more included in their park admission.

Enjoy TWO parks all year for the price of a single day Busch Gardens ticket with a limited-time Fun Card offer!

With so much to look forward to in 2021, Florida families can start the year with incredible savings on year-round park admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island!

For a limited time, guests who purchase the Busch Gardens Fun Card for $113.99 will receive an Adventure Island Fun Card for FREE. Save over $60, more than 35% off of the normal price and the same price as only one day of fun for unlimited visits in 2021!

For more park benefits, guests can upgrade to a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Annual Pass to enjoy the perks they want most throughout 2021. Annual Pass Members receive 12 months of visits with the best benefits ever, including FREE parking, up to 6 free guest tickets, Pass Member-exclusive ride events for the NEW Iron Gwazi opening in spring, and up to 50% savings on merchandise, photo prints, Quick Queue, and more!

Visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com for more information and reservations—and to purchase tickets, Fun Cards, or Annual Passes.

Shelley’s Weekend Top Picks: January 8-10, 2021

Every week you can hear me share my top weekend picks for things to do in and around the City Beautiful mornings on K92.3 with Obie and Ashley in the morning!

In case you missed it, here’s are my top picks for January 8-10, 2021!

This Weekend Around Orlando

Mecum Auto Auction kicks off at the Osceola Heritage Park!

Mecum Kissimmee, set for January 7-16, is the world’s largest collector-car auction featuring an estimated 3,500 vehicles and thousands of pieces of Road Art collectibles.

Registered bidders from nearly all 50 states and a dozen countries travel to Osceola Heritage Park annually to participate in the renowned auction event, portions of which are televised live on NBC Sports Network.

Tickets are required and there are health & safety protocols in place.

This Weekend in the Theme Parks

The Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts kicks off this weekend at Walt Disney World!

Starting January 8, 2021, the Walt Disney World Resort will welcome the Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts daily until February 22, 2021.

Outdoor Fun

Southern Hill Farms Strawberry Picking with Gail and Harper — On the Go Gal, Gail, and her ADORABLE mini-me went to Southern Hill Farms to check out Strawberry Picking!

Celebrate the winter harvest at your local farm by picking your own farm fresh strawberries at the first strawberry season at Southern Hill Farms in Clermont.

Tickets and/or reservations are not required, and you can visit the farm anytime that they are open.

Quantities cannot be guaranteed and strawberry picking is first come, first served with $4/lb u-pick strawberries.

While you are on the farm make sure you check out their bakery for their new strawberry donuts, blueberry cobbler, blueberry muffins, and other seasonal treats.

Please keep in mind that:

There are no additional crops or activities available at this time.
Face masks are required for all guests over the age of 3 while under covered barns, standing in lines, and when social distancing cannot be maintained.
No animals of any kind allowed on the farm during the strawberry u-pick due to state and federal food safety regulations.
No outside alcohol, coolers, and catered meals are allowed.
Schofield Road is a Lake County clay road.
Southern Hill Farms is a working farm, you will be parking and walking in grass and unpaved areas.
All events are subject to change or cancellation due to inclement weather and crop availability.
Always check their website on the day of your planned visit for final event details.
Please arrive prepared.

Hours and directions:

16651 Schofield Road, Clermont, FL 34714. from 11 am to 4 pm.

DEAL ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gatorland Orlando Social Distancing Skunk On the Go in the Parks

Gatorland has brought its most popular Florida Resident Special back from extinction. Not seen since 2014, Florida Residents can visit the Alligator Capital of the World for just $9.99 for single-day admission, now through January 31^st. Tickets must be purchased at the admission’s gate with a valid Florida ID. This rare discount won’t be around long.

Florida residents will enjoy their favorite rides, shows, and exhibits such as the Alligator Breeding Marsh, White Gator Swamp, Petting Zoo, Bird Aviary, Jungle Crocs of the World, the Alligators – Legends of the Swamp and Up Close Encounters shows, and of course, Social Distancing Skunk Ape. Guests won’t want to miss Gatorland’s newest residents, Ben and Jerry, the Capybaras.

2021 Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts

Starting January 8, 2021, the Walt Disney World Resort will welcome the Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts daily until February 22, 2021.

Visual Arts

To celebrate the visual arts, Festival guests will find the brilliant and diverse works of Disney and other invited artists on display in marketplaces encircling World Showcase Lagoon.

In addition to the outdoor art marketplaces, guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy curated gallery collections throughout the park.

Culinary Arts

2021 Epcot Festival of the Arts Walt Disney World

Every year the Epcot culinary team creates a wide selection of culinary masterpieces that are both Instagrammable and delicious!

During the 2021 Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts, guests will enjoy these delectable creations at 15 Food Studios around the World Showcase Lagoon.

Performing Arts

At this year’s festival, guests will find new and returning artists performing on the American Gardens Theatre Stage and around World Showcase.

Festival guests will be able to catch performances by Epcot musical artists Mariachi Cobre and the JAMMitors, watch artists create magic before their eyes, and enjoy the brand-new showcase of Disney songs celebrating the artistry of Disney’s composers sung by the iconic Voices of Liberty.

Family Fun

One of my favorite things about the Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts is that you not only get to see the arts, but you also get to participate in them by helping to create daily Festival murals.

Also, families will want to join an artful scavenger hunt as you search for Figment around World Showcase to earn a fun prize.

Photo Locations

Epcot Festival of the Arts — This is obviously an older photo, but please keep in mind that face coverings must be worn at all times while you are in the park.

The Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts gives guests the unique opportunity to “Step into” life-sized versions of some of the most-admired artwork from around the world.

Festival Merchandise

And while you are enjoying the Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts, don’t miss your chance to purchase exclusive festival merchandise featuring some of your favorite Disney characters.

If you are interested in attending the Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts, please remember that all guests ages three and older must have a park reservation in addition to valid admission for the same park on the same date.

For more information about the Walt Disney World Resort Park Pass Reservation System, a reservation availability calendar, and Florida Resident hotel and ticket offers, visit this website.

Know Before You Go: Park Hopping in 2021

2021 is kicking off with an awesome start, because Park Hopping has returned to the theme parks of the Walt Disney World Resort!!!

Starting January 1, 2021, guests visiting the Walt Disney World Resort who have purchased a ticket or annual pass with Park Hopper benefits will be able to visit more than one park per day.

I know you’re as stoked as I am, but before you go there are a few things to keep in mind about the park hopping process since it is a little different than we are used to using.

Know Before You Go: Park Hopping in 2021

Reservations are Required…

With the updated Park Hopper experience, guests must make a Disney Park Pass reservation using the DisneyWorld.com/ParkHours or the My Disney Experience app for the first park they plan to visit that day.

If you want to park hop, you MUST enter using that first Park Pass reservation prior to visiting another.

Park Hopping Hours

When planning your park hopping experience it is important to know that park hopping hours start at 2 p.m. each day and end at the park’s scheduled close time.

Arriving Early

If you arrive at your second park prior to 2 p.m. you will be directed to a queue outside of the theme park’s touchpoints.

Park Hopping Limits

Currently, there is no limit on park hopping and guests can travel to more than two theme parks a day based on availability.

Park Hopping Planning

Walt Disney World is already hard at work to make the park hopping process easier!

Soon guests will be able to find up-to-date Park Hopper hours and helpful information to plan their day by visiting DisneyWorld.com/ParkHours website or using the My Disney Experience app.

Safety

These park hopping modifications are designed to help the Walt Disney World theme parks continue to manage attendance in a way that fosters physical distancing.

Please note that all other enhanced health and safety measures remain in effect including face coverings required for all guests ages two and up.

Florida Resident Discover Disney Ticket

Walt Disney World is offering a special deal to Florida residents looking to start 2021 off with a little magic with the new Florida Resident Discover Disney Ticket.

This special offer invites guests to visit the four theme parks of the Walt Disney World Resort now through June 18, 2021, subject to blockout dates, for just under $50 per day plus tax.

The Florida Resident Discover Disney tickets can be used on consecutive or non-consecutive days—so you can spread out the fun!

Discover Disney Tickets are valid for admission to one theme park per day (park reservations via the Disney Park Pass system are required). You can also choose a Discover Disney Ticket that includes the Park Hopper Option.

As always, make sure to follow @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for updates and fun around the City Beautiful!!!