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Orlando Solar Bears Unveil 2 New Logos!
Author: Aurora
Girls Night Out At Universal CityWalk
A few weeks ago some of us On The Go ladies decided to have a impromptu Girls Night Out! Shalon, Megan and I decided to head to Universal Studios City Walk for some festive drinks and music!
We started out at Red Coconut for a few fruity and POTENT Cocktails! I only have one picture of my Lovely WhipTini but let me tell you that their martinis are TO DIE FOR! They have signature drinks and they always make them with extra love 😉
Club Details:
Dance to live music every Thursday through Saturday night. On all other evenings a DJ spins popular tunes into the wee hours of the night. Every Thursday is Ladies’ night with free admission for ladies.
Hours: Open seven nights a week Sun – Thurs 8 pm to 2 am and Fri – Sat 6 pm to 2 am
Charges: Cover is $7, tax included, after 9 pm or as part of the CityWalk Party Pass
Phone: For more information, please call the Red Coconut Club Line at 407-224-2425.
Admission is 21 and older and dress code is casual-chic.
Attire: Casual-Chic
After we got our drinks we decided to head over to Rising Star! Rising Star is one of my favorite places. Not only do you get to sing Karaoke style but you get a back up band and back up singers!!! They have a VERY extensive list of songs. I wish I could tell you how they pick each singer each night but it seems like a crap shoot lol. There are song lists and sign up forms when you walk in. You choose TWO songs and write them on the slips, you place them in a bucket on the stage and wait… and wait… and sometimes wait…. and wait still yet. There seems to be no rhyme or reason as to how the choosing is done. My suggestion is to pick a up beat and fun song, those seem to be picked more than slow songs. When we got there I immediately put my two song choices down and ordered a drink. The girls and I loved watching the other people on stage. Some are amazing and some are…. let us say less then so 😉 We were having a great time being impatient! Finally my name was on the list! So I went downstairs to I wouldn’t be late! I am sharing this with you all because I love you…. lol. No judging allowed…. well at least not in comments 🙂
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2chC5Wt7Smo
Was it my best? No. Was it a Blast? YES! The backup singers and dancers were so much fun and having a live band behind you instead of just recorded music was a blast. I am looking forward to heading back after this summer when it isn’t as busy for some more singing fun! I also plan on entering their annual Karaoke contest at the end of the summer!
Club Details:
Enjoy karaoke nightly. Tuesday through Saturday nights you can perform with a live band and backup singers, with a host keeping the show moving. Sunday and Monday evenings feature a host, live backup singers and recorded tracks. There’s a large selection of song titles to choose from, in a variety of tempos and styles from hard rock to country ballads to favorite standards.
Hours: Open nightly from 8 pm – 2 am
Info: Tuesday – Saturday: Live band with backup singers & host
Sunday & Monday: Backup singers and host
Cover: $7, no charge to sing
CityWalk Party Passes accepted
Full Bar with signature cocktails
We decided that it was time to shake out tail feathers for the remainder of the night so we headed over to The Groove. Who can pass up dancing with the girls? The place was packed but we got some shaking in and people watched which is always fun as well!
Club Details:
Dance to the best in Top 40, Hip-Hop, R&B and Top Pop Hits. There’s a DJ every night, and occasional appearances by live performers. It’s a different experience every evening!
Hours: Open 9 pm – 2 am 7 days a week
Charges: Cover is $7, tax included
Must be 21 and older
Attire: Casual chic; no hats or tank tops
If you want to take a break from the dance floor there are multiple bars and three themed lounges – the cool Blue Room, which has a futuristic sci-fi feel; the sizzling and romantic Red Room; and the tranquil Green Room, which has a 70’s vibe.
Overall, I love City Walk. It is awesome that you can get lots of different club vibes in one area. We didnt go to Bob Marley or Pat O’Briens this time but rest assured, we will be back! Their dining options are great too! I have NOTHING but good things to say about the fried pickles at Margaritaville! And I will always recommend stopping by the Long Palm Bar and picking up a VooDoo Juice !!!!!!
I can not wait to show you readers out next Girls Night Out activity!!!! We have all sorts of fun things planned!!!!!
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SOLAR BEARS AGREE TO TERMS WITH SIMON DANIS-PEPIN
From the Desk of our Beloved Orlando Solar Bears:
Orlando, Fl — The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that they have agreed to terms with defenseman Simon Danis-Pepin.
Danis-Pepin (6’7″, 221 lbs.) has played in the American Hockey League and the ECHL. A second round draft pick (61st overall) of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Danis-Pepin has spent the majority of the last 3 seasons with the Toledo Walleye (ECHL). He registered 36 points and 65 penalty minutes in 71 career games with the Walleye (2009-12).
Before professional hockey, the Montreal, Quebec native played four years at the University of Maine. Danis-Pepin served as the Black Bears co-captain during his senior year and accumulated 36 points and 81 penalty minutes in 133 career games of collegiate hockey (2005-09).
Over the next 2-6 weeks the Solar Bears expect to announce a number of player signings, our new radio broadcast partner, details for our OSB Training Camp dates and Open Invitation Try-Out, Single Game Ticket “On Sale” date, details regarding the formation of the OSB Alumni Association, details about two trophies that will be awarded annually to a current Solar Bears player in honor and memory of both Dan Snyder and Rob Kenny, and a number of exciting promotional events. In addition, the Solar Bears will provide details for the raising of the 2001 Turner Cup Banner during the upcoming season and the team will unveil a commemorative “Out of Hibernation” logo that will be affixed to the team’s home and road jerseys for the 2012-13 season. The team also plans to unveil its 3rd jersey during the early portion of the season. Follow the Solar Bears at OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com, Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and updates.
The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and AHL’s Houston Aeros, are coming Out of Hibernation and will play 36 regular season home games at the 2012Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center, beginning October 20, 2012.
Season ticket plans are available now. Everyone is invited to take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority. Full and half season ticket plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season ticket (includes facility fee), reflecting a savings of up to 42% off box office pricing. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 or visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com.
Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call 407-951-8200.
Orlando Solar Bears merchandise can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/.
Stats from hockeydb.com
A Night on The Titanic: A Visit to Titanic the Experience
When Titanic the movie came out, I was a senior in High School and I saw it no less then 10 times in the theaters. No Lie. I own both the VHS Tapes (it’s a 2 set) and the DVD. I, like most teenage girls LOVED Leonardo DiCaprio…. Oh how I loved him with his floppy hair and crinkly eyes… and the way he laughed…. Oh and when he was on growing pains… or in the movie when he was drawing Rose……… oh Leo…..
sorry…. i got off track…
whew
ANYWAY when the Thelma to my Louise Shelley asked me to go with her to the Titanic the Experience Exhibit on International Drive the other night I JUMPED at the chance.
When you visit their website it tells you that : “Redesigned in January 2012 by RMS Titanic, Inc., Titanic The Experience is a blockbuster Orlando attraction located on 7324 International Drive near Universal Studios, Sea World and Walt Disney World. Become a passenger and travel back in time to 100 years ago, where authentic artifacts and interactive storytellers in period costume allow you to visit the unforgettable sights, sounds, and emotions of most famous Ship ever to set sail, Titanic.
This 17 gallery tour includes full scale room re-creations where you visit Titanic’s Grand Staircase, First Class Parlor Suite, Boilers, Captain’s Bridge and Promenade Deck offering a haunting, emotional connection to lives abruptly ended or forever altered.
In addition, you will now view more than 400 unique pieces of memorabilia and 100 artifacts recovered from the wreck site of Titanic- 21 of which have recently completed conservation and are on display for the first time. These celebrated pieces include a 3-ton portion of the Ship’s hull, the Captain’s wheel and personal belongings from Titanic’s passengers and crew.
The story of the sinking is legendary; now experience the wonder and tragedy of this ill-fated Ship on a journey through Titanic history at Titanic The Experience.”
So Shelley and I dressed in our finest fancy wear and headed off to board The Titanic. When you enter the front of this International Drive buliding you are treated to movie memorabilia and actualy pieces of Titanic findings. They have merged the movie world together with the real event very nicely. You can even take the FAMOUS picture on the bow of the boat (HOLD ME LEO)! You also recieve a Boarding Pass with a name and a story on it when you walk in. You can not board Titanic otherwise 🙂 The Boarding Pass has a real name and real story about someone who actually sailed Titanic. It brings the whole experience that much more together in my personal opinion.
You then meet your Tour Guide who is a passenger along with you on The Titanic. Harry Elkins Widener was our guide. His Father owned the company that built the Titanic! Henry and his parents were going to be sailing on The Titanic with Henry’s EXTENSIVE book collection. He was a book collector and LOVED his first editions. Henry is our guide through the whole experience. He tours us through the
- 17 gallery, 20,000 sq ft Interactive Museum
- Over 100 newly added artifacts recovered from the wreck site of Titanic
- “Little Big Piece,” 3-ton section of the Ship’s hull and the second largest piece of Titanicever recovered
- Full Scale recreations of her Grand Staircase, First Class Cabin, Verandah Cafe and more
This was one of the most POWERFUL Walking tours I have been on. The artifacts speak and the way that our guide told the story of them all was amazing. I felt as though in some portions I was there. I don’t want to spoil the experience and tell you everything you will see but I will say that as an overly emotional girl, this was breathtaking.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-jCZVPHpts
While we only had one tour guide, it is often the chance that you will run into other people on the tour. Molly Brown (The Unsinkable) and Captain Smith being two of the most popular. These actors take their roles VERY seriously and spend many hours researching nuances and mannerisms of these well known Titanic figures.
Come to find out, Harry Widener, the role that our tour guide was portraying, did not make it off The Titanic. His Mother Elanor did and she donated his entire book collection to Harvard University where it still is to this day. The Library on Campus is named The Harry Elkins Widener Library and was built in his memory thanks to his Mother’s very generous donation of 3.5 million dollars on June 24, 1915.
I was thoroughly impressed with this experience. I would do it again in a heart beat. I know there were artifacts that I missed and I would LOVE to be able to experience the other actors. Titanic The Experience also offers a Dinner Event where you get treated to a 3 course meal and celebrate the Legendary retirement of Captain E.J. Smith. You dine with Titanic’s most notable passengers and there is also a re-enactment of the night of April 14th,1912. They also do a Titanic Ghost Tour every Thursday. Some of the staff members have encountered strange events within the exhibition swearing that it is maybe passengers and crew members of The Titanic….. Or is it? (cue creepy music)
The Cost for Titanic The Experience is by far one of the best Deals in Orlando. at $21.95 per person you can not beat that at all. The Dinner Show is $64.95 per person and that includes a 3 course meal with the exhibit. The Ghost Tour every Thursday is $32.00
But get THIS! If you mention the word BLOG when you walk into the Titanic Experience you will receive a 20% off Discount!!! WAHOOOOOOO!!!
Thank you to the Ladies and Gentlemen at Titanic the Experience and to the Ladies at Tango Marketing for hosting us! Y’all have made me fall in love with Titanic all over again!
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Orlando Solar Bears Sign 3 New Team Members!
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SOLAR BEARS AGREE TO TERMS WITH FORWARDS CRAMER, MAHBOD AND KLAPKOWSKI
Orlando, Fl. – The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that they have added speed, skill, and scoring to the lineup with the additions of forwards Ron Cramer, Samson Mahbod, and Gary Klapkowski.
Cramer (5’8″, 175 lbs.) spent the last four seasons playing at Robert Morris University. During his college career, the New Wilmington, PA native recorded 21 goals and 39 assists. After completing the 2011-12 season at RMU, Cramer played two games with the Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL).
For the last two seasons Mahbod (5’9″,165 lbs.) has played in both the ECHL and Central Hockey League. In 43 games with the Arizona Sundogs of the CHL, the Montreal, Quebec native recorded seven goals and 15 assists (2011-12). Mahbod notched 10 goals and 16 assists in 47 games during his rookie season in the ECHL (2010-11).
Klapkowski (5’9″, 190 lbs.) has played in the CHL, Mid Atlantic Hockey League, and the ECHL. During the 2007-08 season he tallied 49 points in 38 games while playing in both the MAHL and ECHL.
Over the next 2-6 weeks the Solar Bears expect to announce a number of player signings, our new radio broadcast partner, details for our OSB Training Camp dates and Open Invitation Try-Out, Single Game Ticket “On Sale” date, details regarding the formation of the OSB Alumni Association, details about two trophies that will be awarded annually to a current Solar Bears player in honor and memory of both Dan Snyder and Rob Kenny, and a number of exciting promotional events. In addition, the Solar Bears will unveil a commemorative “Out of Hibernation” logo that will be affixed to the team’s home and road jerseys for the 2012-13 season. The team also plans to unveil its 3rd jersey during the early portion of the season. Follow the Solar Bears at OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com, Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and updates.
The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and AHL’s Houston Aeros, are coming Out of Hibernation and will play 36 regular season home games at the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center, beginning October 20, 2012.
Season ticket plans are available now. Everyone is invited to take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority. Full and half season ticket plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season ticket (includes facility fee), reflecting a savings of up to 42% off box office pricing. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 or visit OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com.
Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call407-951-8200.
Orlando Solar Bears merchandise can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/.
Stats from Hockeydb.com.
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Solar Bears to Raise The Turner Cup Banner
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Magical Dining Month Returns to Orlando
70 Restaurants Ready to Dish Out Savings During Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month
Newly-Updated Website Features Menus, Message Boards and Reservations
For the entire month of September, 70 of Orlando’s top restaurants will serve up three-course prix-fixe dinners for $30 during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month. The newly-updated OrlandoMagicalDining.com features menus, message boards, reservations and a mobile version launching late August. In addition, the month-long event will benefit the Edgewood Children’s Ranch, with $1 from every meal donated to the organization.
Now in its 7th year, Magical Dining Month continues to grow with the addition of new restaurants to Orlando’s ever-expanding dining scene, including Fogo de Chão, Prickly Pear and Nick’s Italian Kitchen. This year’s restaurant list boasts a wide variety of unique atmospheres and cuisines spread across six unique dining districts:
- Convention District – This area, encompassing International Drive, hosts the largest concentration of Magical Dining restaurants, including popular steakhouses like The Capital Grille, Charley’s Steak House and Vito’s Chop House.
- Disney/Lake Buena Vista District – Known for its world-class theme parks and resorts, this upbeat district offers up upscale, fine dining restaurants including The Venetian Room, Todd English’s bluezoo and La Luce by Donna Scala.
- Downtown District – In the midst of trendy neighborhoods and endless nighttime entertainment options, downtown Orlando hosts local favorites including Citrus Restaurant, Funky Monkey Wine Company, Le Coq Au Vin and The Boheme.
- Universal/CityWalk District – Fully-themed, Universal area restaurants include Emeril’s Tchoup Chop at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Bice Ristorante at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and The Palm at Hard Rock Hotel.
- Restaurant Row District – This one-mile stretch of Sand Lake Road is a mecca for upscale and casual restaurants, including Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion, Timpano Italian Chophouse and Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine. Featured seafood restaurants in the area include Ocean Prime, Moonfish, Big Fin Seafood Kitchen and Fishbones.
- Winter Park District – Signature restaurants – unique to the Orlando area – including Luma on Park and Chez Vincent make up this quaint, picturesque district just north of downtown Orlando.
As the 2012 charitable beneficiary for Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month, Edgewood Children’s Ranch will receive $1 for every meal served. Edgewood Children’s Ranch provides residential, educational and counseling services for troubled children and their families. For more information visit EdgewoodRanch.com.
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Why We Are All Orlando City Soccer Club Fans!
So as everyone knows, I love to do new things! A few nights ago Shelley and I (and then two nights later Shalon and I) went to our first Orlando City Soccer Club match and I have to say they have made fans for LIFE!
The Orlando City Soccer Club is an American professional soccer team based in Orlando, Florida, United States. Founded in 2010, the team plays in the American Division of the USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid. Their Colors are Purple, Red and Gold and White and their mascot is the Lion.
The ownership group, originally identified as Orlando Pro Soccer, was announced on March 4, 2010, and was initially affiliated with the Orlando Titans National Lacrosse League team. However, the Titans ran into financial difficulties. Steve Donner left the Titans club after the 2010 NLL season to focus on the soccer effort. In October 2010, the Orlando Pro Soccer USL rights were purchased by Phil Rawlins, a board member of EnglishPremier League club Stoke City, who moved the Austin Aztex organization to Orlando. The team was announced on October 25, 2010. Rawlins stated at the press conference that he intends to bring a Major League Soccer franchise to Orlando “within 3–5 years”, and intends to bring international matches to the city as well. Rawlins is President and majority owner of the club’s ownership group, Orlando Sports Holdings. Also in the group is Brendan Flood, a board member of English Championship club Burnley. Rawlins announced that the Aztex organization would remain intact in Orlando, with Adrian Heath being retained as manager and most of the team’s players returning as well.
Since then The Orlando City Soccer Club has made their reign very well known in Orlando. In 2011 they were the PSL Pro Champions and they also just clinched that title for 2012 this past Friday in a 4-0 win over the Charleston Battery!
I wish I could explain the energy that these games put off! It is so much fun!!! I have been to big sporting events (Everyone knows I love my Red Sox and Patriots), and for a home town game these fans know how to have FUN!!!! They have Drums, horns, confetti, and chants and it is infectious. Even if you don’t know the words to the chants, You have to jump and clap along!
There are a few different groups that frequent these games.
The Ruckus is the oldest of these groups, whose basis was formed in 2009 as the “Orlando Soccer Supporters Club” without an affiliation to any particular soccer team. They occupy section 119.
The “Iron Lion Firm“, which separated from The Ruckus prior to the start of City’s first season. They run section 121.
The “Orlando Natural Riddim Section” is a Trinidadian drum band that occupies section 109 and plays drums and other percussion instruments throughout home matches.
“Los Guerrilloz”, a Spanish-language barra brava, has formed recently and typically occupies section 128.
For both of the games we hung out in section 121 with the Iron Lion Firm, the ILF!
I got the opportunity to speak to one of the front members of the ILF names Ahmed and he filled me in on what the ILF is about!
Ahmed shared with me that The Iron Lion Firm was formed on March 5th, 2011 by 4 like minded individuals that love the game and culture of soccer and want the sport to flourish here in the states especially Orlando. The ILF are a independent supporters club of Orlando City Soccer Club, with that being said, they fund themselves from within the group for essential items that are crucial to their game day experience; Tailgate supplies, food, streamers, flags, smoke bombs, banners, scarfs and membership T-shirts.
The Iron Lion Firm are a group of culturally diverse individuals and we are a young demographic. Their age group ranges from 17-mid 30’s, but a bulk of the group are in their 20’s. They have about 120 members paying dues to date and that grows throughout the season. Being a paid member get’s you a Purple Iron Lion Firm T-shirt with the club crest on the front, discounts on other merchandise that they create throughout the year such as scarfs, and a discount at their home pub (R.S. Busby’s Orlando) where they host their meetings at. It’s pretty crazy how a group of 4 guys who love the game and want Major League Soccer here in the city beautiful can spread like wildfire just after the first season of being together.
The songs & chants are mostly created or donated by other members & translated into English. They have chants both in English & Spanish.
These games have to be some of the most fun things to do in Orlando. When you go you see flags from all over the world. You see fans of every ethnicity and every culture. You see kids getting into it, you see adults, you see grand parents, you see families having picnics in the stands, we even saw people on their first dates!
The games are held at the Citrus Bowl in downtown Orlando. They have vendors selling the typical fair fare all around the entrance. Corn dogs, French fries, nachos and of course Beer! 🙂 They have Orlando City Soccer Merchandise trucks selling T-shirts and Scarves and Jerseys. Stickers and Posters and Balls OH My! And the best part is that the pricing for the games is SUPER affordable!
The fact that the players have SO MUCH love for their fans is what has me hooked. They include local boys and girls as the ball kids for the games, the players walk on the field with kids from the local teams at the beginning of the games, and they are always out for pictures and autographs and to even kick the ball around with their fans after the games! The team wants their fans involved. They want people to scream and yell and get rowdy! We even heard from #12 Forward Matt Luzunaris that no matter where they play all over the world, The Orlando City team always has the best and loudest fans!!! Even at away matches. That says a lot! That makes me a proud Orlando Girl!
The Orlando City Soccer Club has play off games coming up and as of right now they only home game listed on their Website is the game on August 17, 2012 against The Dayton Dutch Lions at 7:30pm.
PLEASE Go see these boys in action! Take part in being a fan of Orlando, Soccer and this AMAZING team! Throw on your favorite Purple Shirt, or a red hat, grab a beverage and get ready for some fun!
I want to throw out a huge thanks to Chris Jones who is the Media Relations Coordinator for Orlando City for hosting our blog at the games and always answering our newbie questions and encouraging us to cheer loudly!
Also a MAJOR Thanks out to Ahmed of the Iron Lion Firm for answering our questions and letting us join in the fun!!!
Eat To The Beat Concert Series 2012 at Epcot!!!
It is almost the most WONDERFUL time of the year!!!!!! Nope… Not Christmas….. Surely you must know that I am talking about
Anyone who knows my husband and I is well aware that you will find us out and about multiple times a week when it is time for Food and Wine Festival at Epcot! We can not get enough of the food stands and the drinks and the atmosphere! I ask my brother DAILY “Is it almost time for Food & Wine” And every day he responds “I wish”. This year it runs from September 28-November 12,2012. The weather is always cooler, the crowds are lighter and who can pass up 3 and 4 dollar yummy bits all over World Showcase!
Another thing that comes with Food and Wine every year is the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.
They bring in all sorts of acts from today and yesterday ( Mostly yesterday but that’s ok ). I personally have seen Boyz II Men for the past three years and plan on making this year 4 years in a row! And I know a certain West Virginia Girl that I blog with that will be front and center for Sugar Ray 😉 Ahem Shalon!!!! The artists always put on a fun show rain or shine! People dance and sing along and It is free with park admission!! How can you say no??? This year’s line up includes:
- 9/28-9/30: Night Ranger
- 10/1-10/3: Sugar Ray
- 10/4- 10/7: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas
- 10/8-10/10: Boyz II Men
- 10/11-10/12: Smash Mouth
- 10/13-10/14: Javier Colon, winner of “The Voice”
- 10/15-10/17: Air Supply
- 10/18-10/19: Gin Blossoms
- 10/20-10/21: Survivor
- 10/22-10/23: Hanson
- 10/24-10/25: The Pointer Sisters
- 10/26-10/28: Sister Hazel
- 10/29-10/31: Billy Ocean
- 11/1-11/2: 38 Special
- 11/3-11/4: Howard Jones LIVE
- 11/5-11/6: Blues Traveler
- 11/7-11/8: Dennis DeYoung, original member of the group STYX
- 11/9-11/12: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Please stay tuned to our little slice of blog for more information in the coming weeks about Food and Wine Festival! I can not wait to tell you all about the seminars and the cooking classes that are offered and maybe even preview some of the new foods they will have!!!!
And FYI… the count down is 68 Days!!!!!!!
See… that is almost time…. right???
Follow us for more updates: Disney’s Water Parks Dive Into Summer 2012 with New Entertainment, Eats and More
From the Desk of The Walt Disney World Resort:
Typhoon Lagoon Packs in New Seasonal Offerings, Both Parks Offer Extra Magic Hours Through Late August
Summer 2012 brings a splash of fun for the whole family at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach water parks, with new entertainment and dining options at Typhoon Lagoon and Extra Magic Hours at both parks.
New Entertainment
The relaxing atmosphere at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is enhanced with new sounds of summer. For the first time, Calypso band “Tropicals” brings Caribbean steel drums to the park from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Friday through Sunday until July 15. The band can be found near the Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster pool area. Returning this year every day through September 8, characters Lilo and Stitch can be found just outside of the High N’ Dry sundries shop at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon; at Disney’s Blizzard Beach, guests can chill out with Goofy, who can be found roaming the water park.
New Dining Option
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon guests looking for summer fare beyond the normal park offerings may visit Tropicalamity. The new temporary food and beverage tent, located near Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster pool area, features a variety of eats, including chicken jerk pita wrap, citrus chicken salad, hot meatball sub and cold Italian sub.
Summer Extra Magic Hours
Guests staying at Walt Disney World resort hotels can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours on select days and times at both Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach through late August.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
- Currently, Wednesday mornings before the park opens, from 8-9 a.m. through August 22.
- Starting July 7, guests can take advantage of additional extra magic hours Saturday mornings before the park opens, from 8-9 a.m. through August 18.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach
- Currently, Thursday mornings before the park opens, from 8-9 a.m. through August 23.
- Starting July 3, guests can take advantage of additional extra magic hours Tuesday mornings before the park opens, from 8-9 a.m. through August 14.
About Disney’s Water Parks
Walt Disney World guests visiting Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park escape to a tropical paradise left behind by a storm. Surfboards, fishing gear, boats, including the iconic shrimp boat, Ms. Tilly, once strewn about by a typhoon, add to the ambiance.
Guests visiting Disney’s Blizzard Beach will discover a melting wonderland where a freak snowstorm hit Florida. Icicles, ski gear and steep slopes grace the ski resort landscape, home to some of the most thrilling water rides in the United States.
For more information about Disney’s Water Parks, guests can visit disneyworld.com/waterparks.
Follow us for more updates: Celebrity Mascot Games 2012
The 2012 Celebrity Mascot Games will be held July 19 at Stetson University in Deland, Florida at 12:30pm , and July 20 at 12:30 & 21 at 2:00pm at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida .The 20th Annual Celebrity Mascot Games is the only event of its kind, and will feature 30 mascots from sports teams across the country competing in a variety of games during three exciting shows.
More than 15,000 fans will enjoy thrilling and pulse-pounding competition, as more than 25 mascots from Major League Baseball, NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA and the Arena Football League battle through wild and wacky games, to see who the true champion of the mascot world is.
Proceeds from the Celebrity Mascot Games benefit New Hope for Kids, an Orlando based not-for-profit organization. New Hope For Kids grants wishes to children under the age of 18 who are suffering from life-threatening illness and provides grief support for children who have lost a family member. Since its inception, New Hope has granted more than 3,000 wishes, focusing on the children of Central Florida. In addition, since the first Mascot Games in 1992, this event raised nearly $300,000 for New Hope for Kids.
There are tons of great pictures, charity auctions, and more information about the Games can be found on the Mascot Games website!
Back by popular demand! Purchase a reserved seat and guarantee yourself an up close and personal experience at the Celebrity Mascot Games. Reserved seats are $16.00. Reserved seats are only available for the July 21st show at Amway Center.
General Admission tickets for the Celebrity Mascot Games are $10.00.
Tickets are now on-sale, and they can be purchased in advance at the Amway Center Box Office (407-849-2020). In addition, tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased the day of the games at Stetson University and Amway Center.
For handicapped seating questions, please contact the Amway Center Box Office at (407) 440-7000.
Children 2 and under, who plan to sit in a parent’s lap, will receive free admission.
Military Discounts are available for only $8. These tickets are only available for purchase, in person at the Amway Center Box Office.
Follow us for more updates: Night of Joy at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom
From the Desk of Walt Disney World:
Each fall, Night of Joy brings spirited and soulful entertainment to Magic Kingdom theme park. During this contemporary Christian music festival, Guests can delight in live performances by music superstars across a variety of genres—including rock, pop and gospel.
Mark your calendars for a weekend of outstanding entertainment on September 7, 2012 and September 8, 2012. Enjoy performances from a variety of Christian artists, including:
Performing Friday, September 7, 2012:
- Casting Crowns
- Chris Tomlin
- NEEDTOBREATHE
- Red
- Francesca Battistelli
- Brandon Heath
- Royal Tailor
- Disciple
Performing Saturday, September 8, 2012:
- MercyMe
- Third Day
- Kutless
- Thousand Foot Krutch
- Lecrae
- Chris August
From soulful, inspiring singers to hard-hitting, high-energy rockers, Night of Joy offers a variety of entertainment that’s sure to lift your spirits.
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Get the latest concert news, browse artist photos and share your excitement for the ultimate Christian music festival at the official Night of Joy Facebook page!
Join Us On The Amway Center Fan Tour!
As most people know I am a Twitter fiend, says the girl with 103,880 tweets! Twitter is my drug of choice! I am forever tweeting about lots of things that usually aren’t important but a lot of time those silly things have paid off!
The Amway Center here in Orlando is home to the Orlando Magic, The Orlando Predators and my person favorite the Orlando Solar Bears. They are a huge concert and sporting venue. Beautiful new facility that replaced the old Amway Arena a few years ago. They were running a Twitter and Facebook ReTweet/RePost contest for all their followers for a chance at a behind the scenes tour of the facility! Well, I was one of the lucky ten winners!!! So this past Wednesday me and my favorite +1 Shelley Caran took a trip to see this beautiful facility!
Do you see that 46 foot Jumbo tron???? Yeah Buddy! It is the Biggest in the USA!!!! We learned so much about the facility and what goes into making it from a basketball court, to a hockey arena, into a concert venue and into a Circus Tent!!!! We also learned that the Amway Center is the FIRST NBA facility to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design new construction certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The arena uses 20% less energy and 40% less water than arenas of similar size.
Amway Center “green” features include:
- Preferred parking for hybrids and other energy-efficient vehicles
- High-efficiency heating and cooling systems
- Ultra-low-flow toilets
- A reflective and insulated roof that reduces cooling costs
- High-tech monitoring systems that shut off the lights when a room is empty
- Bicycle racks, showers and changing rooms for workers who bike to work
- Systems to treat storm runoff before it can pollute nearby lakes
- Recycling bins for fans and concertgoers
- Additionally, many of the points toward LEED certification for the Amway Center were earned during construction. For example, of the facility’s building materials, 15 percent are recycled and 20 percent come from local sources. About 83 percent of the wood, concrete and steel construction waste has been recycled rather than sent to a landfill.
This is ONE beautiful facility! They took us on a tour of everything, we got to meet Stuff (Orlando Magic Mascot) and Shades (Orlando Hockey Mascot), we got treated to an amazing dessert spread and they even did a few giveaways and of course, me being Princess Luck won a Orlando Magic Jersey! We also got a swag bag at the end that included tickets to an Orlando Predators game and an Orlando Predators shirt to wear! They treated us like royalty! Big Huge Shout out to Jen at the Amway Center who was the young lady who set up our tour and is the face behind their twitter account! I can not wait to go to a Preds game and I am SO SO SO SO SO SO SO Excited for the upcoming Hockey Season! See you all on the glass!!
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Frozen! In Theaters November 2013
From the Desk of Walt Disney Animation Studios:
WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS UNVEILS EPIC ADVENTURE “FROZEN”—IN THEATERS NOVEMBER 2013
Film/TV/Stage Star Kristen Bell and Tony® Award Winner/film/TV star
Idina Menzel Lend their Singing/Acting Talents
Broadway Greats Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez to
Contribute Original Songs
BURBANK, Calif. (June 11, 2012) – Walt Disney Animation Studios presents an epic tale of adventure and comedy in “Frozen,” a computer-animated feature film slated for the big screen in November 2013. Directed by Chris Buck (“Tarzan,” “Surf’s Up”) and produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Princess and the Frog”), “Frozen” features the vocal talents of film/TV/stage star Kristen Bell as Anna, a young dreamer about to take the adventure of a lifetime, and Tony Award ®-winning actress Idina Menzel as Elsa the Snow Queen. The movie will feature original songs by Broadway greats Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez.
In “Frozen,” a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, so Anna (voice of Bell) must team up with Kristoff, a daring mountain man, on the grandest of journeys to find the Snow Queen (voice of Menzel) and put an end to the icy spell. Encountering Everest-like extremes, mystical creatures and magic at every turn, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom from destruction.
Bell has starred in a variety of films, including the comedies “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Couples Retreat,” and the upcoming films “Hit & Run,” “Some Girls” and the Farrelly Brothers’ “Movie 43.” On the small screen, Bell is currently starring in the Showtime series “House of Lies” alongside Don Cheadle; she has also starred in “Heroes” and “Veronica Mars.” Broadway credits include “The Crucible” and “Tom Sawyer.”
Menzel, who won a Tony Award® as Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Elphaba in Broadway’s “Wicked” (2004), landed her first role on Broadway in 1995 in the Tony Award-winning musical “Rent.” Film credits include “Enchanted” and the feature film “Rent.” She has appeared in a recurring role on TV’s “Glee” and recently released “Idina Menzel Live: Barefoot at the Symphony,” a live concert with an orchestra led by composer/conductor Marvin Hamlisch. Menzel is currently on a North American concert tour.
Robert Lopez is a three-time Tony Award®-winning writer of the Tony and Grammy® Award-winning musical “The Book of Mormon,” which was co-written with Trey Parker and Matt Stone (“South Park”), and the musical “Avenue Q,” which ran for six years on Broadway and four years in London’s West End. Lopez teamed with wife Anderson-Lopez, whose Drama Desk-winning show “In Transit” is Broadway-bound, to write original songs for 2011’s “Winnie the Pooh,” a stage version of “Finding Nemo” and a new musical called “Up Here.”
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A Flashback 4th of July in Celebration, Fl
A Flashback 4th of July-An All-American Salute to Cinema
Come Celebrate July 4th in style with A Flashback 4th of July in beautiful Celebration, Florida. Regarded as one of the top fireworks shows in the Southeast, Celebration Town Center’s unique fireworks and event will be centered around “A Salute to Cinema” July 4thwith A Flashback 4th of July-A Salute to Cinema will begin at 5:30 PM and the movie themed fireworks show will get under way at 9:30 PM.
Celebration Town Center’s “A Flashback 4th of July” will feature a movie themed costume contest at 7:30 PM, so come dressed as your favorite movie character for a chance to win big prizes. It will also feature a synchronized fireworks spectacular set to a movie theme, bounce houses for kids, live music by Mo Geetz, DJ Tami, Gina Marie Incandela and a whole lot more. Hosted by actor/host Justin Smith (The Vampire Diaries, VH1′s Single Ladies, Burn Notice, Meet the Spartans and more) So, get ready to dance the night away in a one of a kind family friendly event.
There will be something for people of all ages as Town Center’s KidZone will feature an assortment of inflatable games for kids and teens that will include a jousting area, a rock climbing wall, face painting and more.
Additional music will be offered by The Dixieland Jazz Band. This unique group, made up of former members of the “Rosie O’Grady’s Good Time Band” offers patriotic music for the whole family.
Sponsored in part by the Melia Suites Hotel, The Celebration Town Tavern, Celebration Sanitation, T-Creative, Axis Magazine, and Sam Adams this event will be “the can’t miss place to be” this July 4th.
As always, Parking and Admission are FREE!!!!
Free Park and Ride Shuttle will be available.
Come early, stay late and have fun at this years “A Flashback 4th of July”.
EVENT SCHEDULE:
9:00 AM– July 4th Parade through Celebration Town Center
5:00 PM– Park and Ride Service Begins (bus pickup point: TBA)
5:30 PM– Event Opens (DJ Tami Begins)
6:00 PM-7:30: PM– Mo Geetz Performs
7:30-8:00 PM Jordyn Kane Performs
8:15 PM– Costume Contest (come dressed as your favorite movie character for a chance to win prize money)
8:30-9:25 PM– Mo Geetz Performs
9:25 PM– National Anthem Sung
9:30 PM- Fireworks!!!!
10:00-10:30 Mo Geetz Performs
10:30 PM– Event Ends
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