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Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Invites Guests to Fly With An Astronaut April 2-6

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Invites Guests to Fly With An Astronaut April 2-6, 2015

New Half-Day Program Features Private Tour, ‘Flight’ on Shuttle Launch Experience^®

and Lunch with Veteran NASA Astronaut

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering a special, limited-time, limited-capacity program called “Fly With An Astronaut” in which guests can spend a thrilling half day experiencing the highlights of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, including a ‘flight’ on Shuttle Launch Experience^®, with a veteran NASA space shuttle astronaut and pilot.

Limited to just 43 guests per day Friday, April 2 through Monday, April 6 only (Easter weekend), the program includes admission to the Visitor Complex as well as a morning of tours and activities guided by astronaut Jon McBride. One of many highlights of the day is the opportunity to “fly” on Shuttle Launch Experience with McBride, who served as the pilot of STS-41G aboard space shuttle Challenger and is a former naval aviator who has logged more than 8,800 total flight hours, 4,700 of those hours in jets. The experience also includes a catered buffet lunch at the Apollo/Saturn V Center; a panoramic photo stop at the Launch Complex (LC) 39 Observation Gantry, which is otherwise not accessible to guests; an autographed photo of the guest with the astronaut hero; and a retail gift.

“We are proud to offer this extraordinary opportunity to guests who want to learn about and experience America’s space program through the eyes of an experienced, veteran NASA astronaut,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “What better way to engage and inspire guests of all ages, particularly our future space explorers, than to offer them a chance to ‘fly’ aboard a shuttle with an actual space shuttle pilot, see actual spaceflight opeNanrations areas, and hear firsthand his personal recollections of life in space?”

Fly With An Astronaut participants will meet at Space Shuttle Atlantis at 9:30 a.m. each day for a “preflight” briefing and individual photo with McBride – and then the countdown begins! The newly recruited “crew members” will enter Shuttle Launch Experience to find out what it feels like to launch into space aboard a shuttle traveling 17,500 mph – with an experienced NASA astronaut and space shuttle pilot at their side.

“I’ve ridden plenty of launch simulators and I’ve been at the controls of a real space shuttle, so I can tell you that Shuttle Launch Experience is the closest thing to a shuttle launch as you can get without actually leaving Earth,” said McBride. “I’m looking forward to sharing that exhilarating experience with guests who want to come and ‘fly’ with me and spend a few hours learning more about Kennedy Space Center and the past, present and future of our space program from an astronaut’s perspective.”

Participants will then board a bus with McBride for a private tour of Kennedy Space Center, including a drive past the Vehicle Assembly Building and a stop at the LC-39 Observation Gantry. Here, McBride will share stories of his launch aboard space shuttle Challenger and his astronaut experiences as guests take advantage of panoramic photo opportunities of KSC and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in the distance.

The next stop is the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where participants will enjoy a guided tour with McBride, followed by a catered buffet lunch. During lunch, guests will receive a printed photo of themselves with McBride and have an opportunity for him to autograph it. At the end of the tour, at approximately 1:30 p.m., guests will receive a retail memento and will be free to continue touring the Apollo/Saturn V Center or board a bus back to the Visitor Complex.

The new, limited-time, limited-capacity program is $199 for adults; $174 for children (ages 3-11), including Visitor Complex admission, a catered lunch, an autographed photo and a retail gift. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex annual pass holders may purchase the program for $149 per adult or $134 per child (ages 3-11)

Seating is limited; for reservations, please call 877-313-2610.

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, the new Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM, Shuttle Launch Experience^®, IMAX^® Hubble 3D and Journey to Space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space^®: Explorers Wanted, Rocket Garden and many other interactive exhibits. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame^®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, which opens daily at noon and closing times vary by season. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season. Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

Twitter: @ExploreSpaceKSC

Facebook: facebook.com/KennedySpaceCenterVisitorComplex

#AlwaysExploring

Busch Gardens Tampa Food & Wine Festival Gardening Masterpieces

Busch Gardens Tampa Food & Wine Festival

Imaginations Blossom this Spring with Gardening Masterpieces at Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival

Living Works of Art Capture the Excitement of Spring at Inaugural Food & Wine Festival

Busch Gardens Tampa is cultivating some excitement this spring with 11 brand new, larger-than-life topiaries, debuting for the park’s inaugural Food & Wine Festival. The Busch Gardens’ horticulture team began creating the living works of art last July, showcasing more than 16 different plant species:

Spirit of Spring

Located near Bird Gardens, the 20-foot-tall Spirit of Spring features more than 165,000 plants of six different species. Inspired by a 100-year-old bronze art nouveau sculpture, the Spirit of Spring weighs more than 25 tons and will have its own internal irrigation system and reflecting pool.

Topirazzi

Inspired by paparazzi, five Topirazzi figures welcome guests at the front of the park. Crafted by computer-generated and automated laser-cutting machines, these masterpieces are the perfect photo opportunity for guests of all ages.

Sesame Street® Characters

Sesame Street® Safari of Fun blooms this spring with topiaries inspired by Elmo, Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch. The topiaries will colorfully decorate the family-friendly area with thousands of red begonias, yellow St. Joseph’s coat and green creeping fig plants.

Naga’ Zira’ the Green Boa Constrictor

Reptile lovers will be in awe Naga’ Zira’ the Green Boa Constrictor, a sidewalk serpent made from more than 25,000 of red St. Joseph’s coats, green ficus’ and yellow alternantheras. This horticulture masterpiece is also located near the all-new Conservation Cabin, where guests can learn about animal conservation and even meet several snake species that call Busch Gardens home.

Giant Florida Octopus

The Giant Florida Octopus rises up to 18 feet from the depths of the Garden Gate pond with more than 64,000 flower varieties, including ajugas, creeping figs and alternantheras.

Busch Gardens invites guests to unleash their inner foodie during the inaugural Food & Wine Festival with an exciting variety of sample-size tastings of delicious cuisine and spirits, tempting taste buds like never before. Plus, the Food & Wine Festival brings together the best in pop, soft rock, Latin, country, contemporary and classic music during live concerts every event day on Gwazi Field.

The Festival is included with any Pass, Fun Card or daily admission. Food and beverage is not included with park admission and is available for an extra fee. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages.

For more information, visit buschgardens.com. Or, be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following the park’s blog at BuschGardensTampaBlog.com, and join the conversation by using #CorksandCoasters on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Busch Gardens Entertainment Spices Up Food & Wine Festival

Busch Gardens

Eclectic Entertainment Spices Up the Busch Gardens Tampa Food & Wine Festival

This spring, the Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival brings together the best ingredients for a good time, including live entertainment, stage shows and local band performances on Gwazi Field:

Local Band Performances

Before headlining concerts at 6 p.m., local bands take the stage at 1:45 p.m. and 4 p.m. Some of the hottest Tampa Bay-area bands will entertain festivalgoers, including the Jacob Jeffries Band, Orange Avenue and more. For the entire lineup, visit buschgardens.com.

Mix It Up

This high-energy, food-inspired rhythmic show will get the entire family’s pulse dancing with up-beat music, drum solos, dancers and more. Catch this all-new live stage show at Marrakesh Theatre select times on Festival days.

Wine Glass Harp

Wine glass harmonies vibrate throughout the Moroccan Village as a glass harpist fills the air with an interactive performance simply using wine glasses and water. Performances are at various times on Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Atmospheric Entertainment

Busch Gardens brings together the best in entertainment with a flying cellist who combines the art of flying with music and a living fountain that captivates guests with a statuesque performance. Plus, character appearances from a chef, spice salesman and self-acclaimed food and wine experts add exciting, comedic flavor along the Festival pathway.

Busch Gardens invites guests to unleash their inner foodie during the inaugural Food & Wine Festival with an exciting variety of sample-size tastings of delicious cuisine and spirits, tempting taste buds like never before. Plus, the Food & Wine Festival brings together the best in pop, soft rock, Latin, country, contemporary and classic music during live concerts every event day on Gwazi Field. The event takes place on weekends now through April 26.

The Festival is included with any Pass, Fun Card or daily admission. Food and beverage is not included with park admission and is available for an extra fee. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages.

Al-Marah Arabians Offer New Equestrian Activities for 2015

Clermont farm offers world-class, hands-on horse experiences

Al-Marah Arabians, the country’s premier Arabian horse farm, is announcing new activities for 2015, aimed at beginners to equestrian experts – and everyone in between.

Al-Marah Arabians is owned by Mark Miller, founder of the Arabian Nights dinner attraction that wowed more than 10 million guests over its 25 year run. After Arabian Nights closed, Miller turned his focus to the operation and legacy of his family’s Arabian horse farm, consolidating the farm on 80 acres of rolling hills in Clermont. The farm offers lessons and activities for the public, horse sales, breeding and more. Al-Marah Arabians has won more than 40 National Championships in just the last two years.

New Al-Marah Arabians activities for 2015

Al-Marah Arabians Offer New Equestrian Activities for 2015

Al-Marah’s new Interactive Horse Experience allows visitors to get hands-on with some of the farm’s famous Arabians. Guests get a meet-and-greet with the horses, a riding lesson, a paint-a-pony opportunity and will learn some of training techniques that were used in the most famous performances at Arabian Nights, including the Liberty Act, where participants will learn how to teach a horse to rear and bow. This is a rare opportunity to interact with some of the top horses and trainers in the world. This activity is perfect for horse lovers of all ages and experience levels, and is available daily from 9 am – 4 pm. The experience costs $195 for the first participant, $95 for the second participant, and $20 for observers. Guests should plan on about three hours for the Interactive Horse Experience.

Riding lessons are also available for both adults and children and start at just $65. Al-Marah’s expert instructors will customize each lesson based on the rider’s experience and individual needs.

For group events, Al-Marah offers the Interactive Horse Experience and a farm tour for groups of 15 or more. Prices start at just $20 per person and makes for a great corporate outing or team-building event.

For more information on Al-Marah Arabians, please visit www.al-marah.com or call 352-536-1502.

About Al-Marah Arabians: Al-Marah Arabians is owned by Mark Miller, founder and owner of the world famous Arabian Nights Dinner Attraction, which he closed at the end of 2013 in order to continue the Legacy of Al-Marah. Mark’s mother, Bazy Tankersley, started breeding Arabian horses in the late 1930s, and founded her Al-Marah Arabian Horse Farm in Tucson, Arizona in 1942. In 1956, Al-Marah Arabians added the horses from Crabbet Stud and Hanstead Stud to their herd and has been the principle breeder of the Arabian Horses first gathered from the desert by Abbas Pasha in 1815, making Al-Marah the oldest privately owned band of

Arabian Horses in the world. Mark is the 6th person in the

third family to have control of this herd.

Orlando City Soccer Club Offers Exclusive Ticket Option

Orlando City Soccer Club Exclusive Two Game Pack Ticket Offer

Orlando City Soccer Club announced the exclusive pre-sale of special “Two Pack” ticket featuring admission to both the Mexico vs. Costa Rica match on June 27, and the Orlando City vs. L.A. Galaxy match on May 17 are available for sale. Two-Pack tickets start at $45 and are available here.

In addition, Orlando City SC Season Ticket Members will receive an exclusive email offer to purchase single-game tickets to the match prior to public on-sale.

Single-game tickets for the Mexico vs. Costa Rica match will go on sale to the general public on April 15 at 10 a.m. ET via www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
Kickoff for the Mexico vs. Costa Rica match is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

The Orlando Eye Releases Preview Weekend Tickets

The Orlando Eye to Release First Set of Tickets for May 1-3 Preview Weekend

Subscribers of The Orlando Eye’s e-newsletter will be among the first to purchase tickets for the 400-foot observation wheel

Want to be the first to fly? The Orlando Eye has released tickets for International Drive’s newest attraction.

Guests seeking to be on the first flights can sign up at OfficialOrlandoEye.com. Only subscribers to the observation wheel’s e-newsletter will be able to purchase tickets for the May 1-3 preview weekend.

Starting at $18, exclusive tickets will be available for the special weekend preview ahead of the official May 4 grand opening, and can only be purchased with an invitational link included in the e-newsletter distribution.

For more information, or to sign up for the e-newsletter, go to OfficialOrlandoEye.com.

Who: The Orlando Eye

What: The Orlando Eye to release tickets for May 1-3 preview weekend via email invitation

Where: To sign-up for the e-newsletter, go to OfficialOrlandoEye.com

The Orlando Eye

Located in the heart of International Drive, the 400-foot Orlando Eye is the tallest observation wheel on the U.S. eastern coast, offering a new way to experience the breathtaking views of Central Florida.

Poised to become a top visitor attraction for the tourism capital of the U.S., the Orlando Eye, part of the I-Drive 360 entertainment and dining complex, will showcase 360-degree views of Central Florida, including nearby theme parks and attractions, downtown Orlando and Kennedy Space Center on Florida’s east coast, all within the comfort of 30 air-conditioned glass capsules. Each capsule has room for up to 15 guests to enjoy a serene 20-minute journey above the scenic landscape.

Included in the Orlando Eye journey is access to the pre-flight 4D cinema experience, taking guests on a full 3D aerial journey of Florida, with the added dimension of sensory experiences, including lighting, wind, spray and scent effects.

The Orlando Eye opens May 4, 2015. Visit OfficialOrlandoEye.com for more information.

Artegon Marketplace Orlando Hosts Free Easter Egg Hunt

Hunt the Village at Artegon Marketplace Orlando – Saturday, April 4, 2015 (Noon – 5:00 pm)

Hop on over to Artegon Marketplace Orlando for a FREE family fun event. Hunt for Easter eggs scattered throughout the artisan village and in surrounding stores — some containing prizes from Artegon merchants. Visit with the Easter Bunny in the Great Hall and make a custom flipbook (between 1-4 p.m., free while supplies last). Register at guest services to win an Artegon Easter basket filled with merchant prizes, and take home festive Easter balloon animals.

Upcoming Signature Events at Artegon Marketplace Orlando in March:

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS – FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 5:00-9:00 P.M. (RECURRING)

Artegon Marketplace’s “Food Truck Crazy” truck rally held on the fourth Friday of every month kicks off on March 27. Gather on Artegon’s front patio for live music, entertainment and a kaleidoscope of food options, plus savor a unique deal: bring a purchase receipt from The Village at Artegon Marketplace to guest services and redeem for $5 in Food Truck Bucks.

For the most up-to-date list of upcoming Signature Events and Weekend Entertainment here for the make sure you visit here.

Full Sail University Opens REBL HQ With Maker Studios

Full Sail University launches REBL HQ
in collaboration with Maker Studios

New On-Campus Studio To Create Original Content And
Online Video Creator Curriculum To Launch This Year

Full Sail University, a worldwide educational leader in entertainment, media, technology, and the arts, and Maker Studios,the global leader in short-form video and the largest content network on YouTube, announced a unique collaboration to produce premium programming at the new digital entertainment studio “REBL HQ” located on the Full Sail University campus in Winter Park, Florida, as well as develop and launch an online video creator curriculum.

Located in a brand-new facility that houses state-of-the-art video soundstages, REBL HQ will create content across genres such as comedy, gaming, beauty, travel, and more; will provide students with real-world opportunities to participate on professional productions, as well as study development, production and distribution for online short-form video; and will serve as an innovation hub for the evolving world of online video delivery systems, production techniques and storytelling.

“Full Sail consistently works alongside entertainment industry leaders to create, mold and evolve pioneering curriculum and opportunities for our students. In addition to the exciting productions that will occur within REBL HQ, we know we have aligned with the industry leader in short-form content and look forward to the collaboration and educational opportunities that result with Maker,” said Garry Jones, president of Full Sail University.

Full Sail University and Maker will develop and collaboratively offer innovative coursework in online video to a global student base through Full Sail’s award-winning online learning platform. The curriculum will provide instruction on best practices in content creation and optimizing online video creators’ ability to attract audiences.

“Maker is always looking for new ways to help creative people develop their skills and grow audience to their full potential. We want to empower students with the proper skills to become a successful part of the digital content ecosystem. We’re excited to produce programming with REBL HQ as well as share our expertise with Full Sail students,” said Erin McPherson, chief content officer of Maker Studios.

While production activities commenced earlier this year at REBL HQ, today marks the official ribbon cutting ceremony to open the studio timed to Full Sail’s annual University Hall of Fame celebration, which recognizes the extraordinary accomplishments of graduates who have excelled in their career field.

Full Sail and Maker are working collaboratively on original content initiatives as part of REBL HQ such as today’s launch of actress Gianna Simone’s YouTube channel featuring the original series “Love, Gianna.” Another example is a five-episode series documenting student game developer teams and Maker talent such as Keyori challenged with creating a video game in just 48 hours. “Full Sail Game Maker Challenge” premieres March 28.

About Full Sail University:
Full Sail University is an award-winning educational leader for those pursuing careers in the entertainment and media industry. Founded in 1979, Full Sail has been recognized as one of the 2014 “Top 25 Graduate Schools to Study Game Design” by The Princeton Review, one of the “Top 25 Music Schools” by The Hollywood Reporter, one of the Best Music Programs by Rolling Stone Magazine, and one of the Best Film Programs by UNleashed Magazine. Full Sail was named the 2014 “School/College of the Year” by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges, received the “21st Century Best Practices in Distance Learning Award” from the United States Distance Learning Association, and was recognized as one of the Top 100 Social Media Colleges by Studentadvisor.com.

Full Sail offers on-campus and online Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree programs in areas related to Art & Design, Business, Film & Television, Games, Media & Communications, Music & Recording, and Web & Technology. Full Sail graduate credits include work on OSCAR®, Emmy®, GRAMMY®, ADDY®, MTV Video Music Award, and Spike VGX Video Game Award nominated and winning projects.

www.fullsail.edu
www.twitter.com/fullsail
www.facebook.com/fullsailuniversity

About Maker Studios:
Maker Studios is the global leader in online short-form video and the largest content network on YouTube. Maker specializes in reaching millennial audiences across multiple programming genres. Maker’s network includes 55,000 independent creators from more than 100 countries, attracting over 11 billion views per month, with a growing scale driven by its robust technology platform, direct-to-consumer distribution and data analytics. Maker is home to many of the world’s leading online talent and award-winning original programs such as “Epic Rap Battles of History.” Maker Studios is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company and is headquartered in Los Angeles, with operations in New York, London, and Singapore. For more information visit www.makerstudios.com<http://www.makerstudios.com>.

Wet ‘n Wild Announces 2015 Waves of Glory Lineup

Wet ‘n Wild Announces 2015 Waves of Glory Lineup with Two Headlining Acts, Plumb and Tim Timmons.

Enjoy a full day of uplifting and inspiring Christian Music with Live performances during the Battle of the Bands Competition.

Modern Christian Rock artist Plumb and Contemporary Christian artist Tim Timmons will perform live in concert at Wet ‘n Wild Orlando’s Annual Waves of Glory on Saturday, May 2, 2015 in partnership with Z88.3.

This year’s event features eight artists competing during a Battle of the Bands competition followed by a show-stopping performance by Tim Timmons who will perform tracks from his studio album “Cast my Cares.” Closing out the night DOVE nominated artist Plumb who has sold more than 500,000 albums and over two million singles worldwide will perform tracks like “Need You Now” and “Drifting” along with other fan favorites.

“I am so excited to be a part of Waves of Glory, especially as this event is just a few days before my new album “Exhale” releases. This will be a perfect way to kick off the new album. I’m excited to share new music – and sunscreen – with everyone in Orlando,” said Plumb.

During the Waves of Glory’s signature Battle of the Bands competition, emerging artists in Christian rock, worship and rap help celebrate a day of fun, faith and fellowship as part of a high-powered, musical face-off. Musicians will be competing to win two thousand dollars in cash prizes for production and charitable donations as well as the chance to perform this September at Universal Studios’ Rock the Universe, Florida’s largest Christian music festival.

Waves of Glory is free with park admission. The Battle of the Bands competition begins at 11:00AM, with headlining concerts starting at 3:30PM at the Beach Club Stage.

Here’s the complete lineup:

Tickets are on sale now at wetnwildorlando.com/wavesofglory. Special discounts are available for groups of 10 or more, contact Group Sales at 407-354-2084 or email wavesofglory@wetnwildorlando.com.

Wet ‘n Wild, Orlando’s premier waterpark, sets the standard for thrills and over-the-top excitement – offering world-class attractions to thrill-seekers of all ages. Families can share a wide variety of waterpark adventure, with more than fifteen themed rides and attractions and more multi-person rides than any other waterpark in Central Florida. Experience a deep space adventure that’s light years from ordinary on The Black HoleTM: The Next Generation. Encounter a splashing dose of group therapy on the Brain WashTM or boogie down on the retro raft adventure Disco H2OTM. Experience Wet ‘n Wild’s newest attraction Aqua Drag RacerTM the tallest and fastest ride of its kind in Florida. At Wet ‘n Wild you’ll find high-speed, seriously twisted, multi-person adventures that let you feel the fun and share the rush.

Halloween Horror Nights 25 At Universal Orlando Dates Revealed

WILL YOU SURVIVE TWENTY-FIVE?

Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights Celebrates 25th Year with More Event Nights and More Scares than Ever Before.

Guests Can Be Among the First to Book A Vacation Package

for the Nation’s Premier Halloween Event

By day, guests at Universal Orlando Resort are propelled into some of pop culture’s most iconic and beloved stories – laughing as they experience cutting-edge attractions and screaming as they brave plummeting roller coasters.

But there’s another, darker side to Universal Orlando.

httpv://youtu.be/cVVcTuqampU

On select nights in September and October, guests sprint away in paralyzing fear. They scream uncontrollably. Their nightmares come to life at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights.

Now, guests can be among the first to book a vacation package that combines the excitement of Universal Orlando’s two world-class theme parks by day and heart-pumping horror of Halloween Horror Nights by night.

Consistently ranked the nation’s best, Halloween Horror Nights is the ultimate Halloween event, attracting guests from around the world. From the moment guests step inside the event’s gates, they become a victim inside their own horror film. The streets of Universal Studios Florida are transformed into highly-themed scare zones, brought to life with elaborate scenery and teams of menacing “scare-actors” that lunge from the shadows and tactically hunt guests as prey.

Multiple haunted houses are erected throughout the theme park, rivaling the most detailed and terrifying of movie sets. Once inside, guests shriek their way through an unpredictable, multi-sensory labyrinth based on anything from iconic slasher films to hit horror video games to haunting original stories created by Universal’s Entertainment team.

This fall, Halloween Horror Nights will mark its milestone 25^th year as the biggest, longest and most intense in event history. It will run for a record-breaking 30 nights, including the following event dates:

Sept. 18-19, 24-25, 26-27
Oct. 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 21-25, 28-31
Nov. 1

Details about the newly-announced Halloween Horror Nights 25 Hotel & Ticket Package are available below. Additional details about the event will be announced at a later date. For more information, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com/Orlando.

Halloween Horror Nights 25

Hotel & Ticket Package

Starts at $165 per adult, per night, tax inclusive**Book by Oct. 31 for travel from Sept. 18 to Nov. 1

· 3-night on-site hotel accommodations at Universal’s Cabana Bay Resort – allowing guests to stay in the heart of the horror· 1-night ticket to Halloween Horror Nights 25 (Non-Saturday)· Special event entry gate for on-site hotel guests until 8 p.m.

· 2-day Park-to-Park ticket to Universal Orlando’s theme parks

· Early Park Admission to select attractions at one Universal Orlando theme park as determined by Universal one hour before scheduled park opening.

· Access to select live entertainment venues at Universal CityWalk

· Upgrade to one of three AAA Four-Diamond deluxe on-site hotels at Universal Orlando Resort to receive complimentary Universal Express Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines at select attractions in both theme parks all day (a FREE benefit worth up to $89 per person, per day)

· Additional accommodations also available at Universal Partner Hotels

***Additional ticket and vacation offers for Florida Residents will be announced at a later date.

Discovery Cove Welcomes Baby Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

Female Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin Born at Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove in Orlando welcomes Dolphin Awareness Month with special news – sharing the birth of a beautiful bouncing baby girl born Feb. 7, 2015. The female calf now weighs approximately 44 pounds, is 3 feet 10 inches long, and is nursing and bonding with her mother, Coral. This is Coral’s second calf and the 29th dolphin to be born at Discovery Cove since it opened in 2000. Coral was also born at Discovery Cove in October 2000.

A week after the calf was born, the Discovery Cove Veterinary and Zoological Team performed her first neonatal wellness exam. Mom Coral kept a watchful eye close by as the team conducted the mini-physical. These examinations are part of the general health care given to all animals at Discovery Cove, which ensures the highest standards of care.

The Zoological Team is excited to welcome this new addition to the family and is providing around-the-clock care for Coral and her new calf. The veterinary team is checking on the progress of the baby 24 hours a day to monitor her behavior, respirations and nursing. By observing Coral throughout her pregnancy, and now providing supplemental care for the calf, the team is able to gather necessary research to better understand the dolphin gestation process, and it also aids the Animal Rescue Team when rescuing ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned dolphins in the wild.

Discovery Cove will soon host a naming contest on its Facebook page where fans can help choose the new baby dolphin’s name.

Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive tropical day resort where guests experience awe-inspiring encounters swimming with dolphins, snorkeling among rays and tropical fish, hand-feeding exotic birds and relaxing on pristine beaches. For the second consecutive year, Discovery Cove was named the No. 1 amusement park in the world in the 2014 TripAdvisor® Travelers’ Choice™ Amusement Parks and Water Parks category. To learn more about Discovery Cove and to book reservations, visit the recently redesigned website DiscoveryCove.com, featuring a more user-friendly interface.

Experience Spring Break Fun At Four Seasons Resort Orlando

Experience Spring Break Fun In the Sun at

Four Seasons Resort Orlando.

Put down the shovel and escape to the pool this spring break with an enticing value-added package with a daily resort credit.

In many areas, March is the month with the greatest snowfall, and even April can be quite chilly; but in Orlando, it’s the time of year when the weather is blissfully sunny and the temperatures are perfect for poolside relaxation. To celebrate the inaugural spring break season at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, the new Fun In the Sun package offers a daily resort credit for guests to maximize their on-property experience. For a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort in perfect balance, guests can enjoy the Disney parks along with Four Seasons’ many on-site recreational activities.

The Fun In the Sun package extends a daily USD 50.00 resort credit with a four-night minimum stay, available for use on Tranquilo Golf Club; at The Spa or Salon; shopping in the resort’s designer boutiques; for a golf, tennis or fitness lesson; poolside cabana rental, and more. The resort credit enables guests to maximize their on-property enjoyment by experiencing a variety of resort activities during their stay.

“With easy access to Walt Disney World Resort, and the dynamic diversions offered right here on property, guests will be assured the perfect spring break vacation,” says Thomas Steinhauer, general manager of Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.

On Property Recreational Pursuits
A highlight of Four Seasons Resort Orlando is the five-acre (two hectare) “Explorer Island” water park, including a winding lazy river complete with a rapids section, two water slides, an interactive splash zone with water cannons, and much more. Family fun abounds, with activities including table tennis, bocce ball, beach volleyball, a rock climbing wall, and more all found at Explorer Island. “The Hideout” at Explorer Island is a separate freestanding building offering the latest gaming systems, billiards and more. Additionally, “The Mansion” at Explorer Island is home to the Kids For All Seasons program, providing a complimentary kids camp for children ages 4 to 12 on a daily basis during the hours of 10 am to 6pm—a one- of- a-kind offering in central Florida.

While children are having a blast at Kids For All Seasons, moms and dads can enjoy relaxation at the 18-treatment room Spa, or unwind in the paradise of The Oasis adult pool, for ages 21 and up, featuring cabanas and poolside cocktail service. In addition, golfers will love the 18-hole Tranquilo Golf Club, and tennis aficionados will enjoy the three Har-Tru tennis courts and a variety of clinics, matches and more offered in partnership with Peter Burwash International. A spacious lakeside fitness center is available 24-hours a day, with fitness classes ranging from yoga to cardio offered on a weekly basis.

Spring Break Activities
During the spring break period, between March 20, 2015 to April 12, 2015, guests will enjoy added resort activities on a complimentary basis, offering fun for all ages. Kids For All Seasons will offer fun water slide races, hula hooping contests, lazy river boat races, family feud games, Nintendo Wii dance parties, balloon artistry, face painting, S’mores making, pizza making with the Chef, and more. For adults, mixology classes and cooking classes with the culinary team will be offered in the resort’s custom demonstration kitchen, along with special theme dinners in Plancha. Fitness classes including yoga, spinning, “power flex” and “yogalates” are also offered throughout the week.

In addition, other activities will be offered for a fee, such as Kids For All Seasons’ special Hide Out Nights Out, where parents can drop off the kids for a few hours to enjoy a romantic dinner. Tranquilo Golf Club will offer daily clinics with Head of Golf Instruction Rod Cook, on topics such as the fundamentals of chipping, how to make more putts, how to control distance with a scoring club, and how to control curvature and trajectory of shots.

Easter at Four Seasons Resort Orlando
For guests staying at the resort over Easter Sunday, on April 5, little ones will enjoy a morning and afternoon Easter Egg Hunt, along with games and photos with the Easter Bunny. Ravello will offer an Easter buffet from 11 am to 8 pm, for USD 95.00 per adult and USD 45.00 per child. Additionally, Capa restaurant, typically open exclusively for dinner, will be open on Easter for a special a la carte brunch from 10 am to 2 pm.

Disney Connectivity

Guests of Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort enjoy great access to Walt Disney World, including complimentary transportation to Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The resort also offers a lobby level Disney Planning Center and a character breakfast, The Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals, offered on Thursdays, Saturdays and select Tuesdays at Ravello restaurant.

Rates start at USD 579.00 per night at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort for the spring break period. Visitwww.fourseasons.com/orlando/offers or call 1-800-267-3046 for more information.

2014 Osceola Fall Art Festival

The 2014 Osceola Fall Art Festival, presented by Osceola Center for the Arts and Kissimmee Main Street, will take place in beautiful historic downtown Kissimmee on November 15 & 16.

Up to 150 artists will be invited to participate in this two-day event. As an invited artists you will enjoy easy load in/load out, artists awards breakfast, free parking, $20,000 in cash prizes and excellent restaurants in a beautiful historic setting.

This year the Osceola Fall Art Festival has a new Patron Purchase Program, and it’s a great way to support local art!

If you are planning to make a purchase at the upcoming Osceola Fall Art Festival, please consider taking part in our Art Patron Program.

2014 Osceola Fall Art Festival Art Patron

You can also head over to http://osceolaartfestival.com/ to find our more details.

Orlando City SC Forms City Alliance

Orlando City SC Looks to Build Business through the City Alliance Network

Connecting Businesses and Customers through their Passion for Soccer

Orlando City SC (OCSC) today announced the launch of City Alliance, a network of local Season Ticket Members developed to introduce customers and businesses through their common support of Orlando City.

Membership in City Alliance is complimentary for Club, Midfield and Sideline Season Ticket Members, as well as Orlando City’s corporate partners. Benefits include networking opportunities and events, discounts to host events at OCSC’s City Pub, recognition on the City Alliance webpage and directory listing, and many more.

“City Alliance is yet another way in which Orlando City is helping drive the economy in Central Florida,” said Club President and Founder Phil Rawlins. “A significant number of local businesses already recognize the opportunities afforded by networking and entertaining at our matches. The City Alliance program provides yet another avenue for business growth by connecting potential customers and encouraging Lions fans to develop professional relationships.”

There are two levels of membership in City Alliance – Gold, which requires a minimum of four (4) Midfield or Sideline Season Ticket Seats, and Purple, which requires a minimum of two (2) Club Seats:

Gold membership provides access to networking events, online directory listing, a newsletter subscription, eligibility for a spotlight feature online and in the newsletter, and a preferred rental fee for City Pub in the Orlando City offices.
Purple members also get the opportunity to host an event at their place of business, prominent recognition on the City Alliance webpage, and complimentary rental of City Pub.

All Season Ticket Members that have already made qualifying purchases are automatically enrolled in the City Alliance program. More information on how to activate their memberships will be provided at a later date.

For more information on City Alliance, please visit www.orlandocitysc.com/tickets/cityalliance/ or call 855-ORL-CITY.

For more information on Orlando City SC or 2015 MLS Season Tickets, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com or call 855-ORL-CITY. Also, follow the latest Orlando City news and updates via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Colossal Curl Coming To Adventure Island

Colossal Curl makes a splash at Adventure Island in 2015

Adventure Island® guests are in for an epic journey on the park’s newest thrill ride Colossal Curl, set to debut at Tampa Bay’s premier waterpark in 2015.

True to its name and holding up to four passengers, this mega slide delivers a high-adrenaline, action-packed adventure, making it the ultimate family thrill slide and adding to the waterpark’s unrivaled combination of corkscrews, waterfalls, high-speed thrills and tropical, tranquil surroundings for guests of all ages.

“We’re excited to continue in our tradition of offering thrilling rides, and slides, at Adventure Island and Busch Gardens® Tampa,” said Park President Jim Dean.

Colossal Curl will be located in the center of the park, next to Mango Joe’s Café®, and will take the place of Gulf Scream. The slide will be the tallest ride atAdventure Island at nearly 70 feet high and 560 feet in length. Construction on Colossal Curl™ will begin in the coming weeks and by early 2015 many of the ride’s features will be visible to guests.

Riders will hurtle high above Adventure Island’s 30 acres of water-drenched fun in the sun and experience a feeling of weightlessness aboard Colossal Curl™. This colorful slide combines funnel and wave elements for an exciting ride that’s sure to get hearts racing.

This is the first new attraction at the waterpark since 2006, and the ride is expected to open during the 2015 Adventure Island season, which begins March 2015. Visit ColossalCurl.com for more information.