Author: Shelley

When she isn't chasing her chihuahuas, daughter, or cheering for her Hokies you can find Shelley On the Go in the Central Florida Area and on-air with WDBO News 96.5 on Friday evenings!

SeaWorld Orlando Free Preschool Pass

SeaWorld Orlando Busch Gardens Tampa Preschool Pass

SeaWorld Orlando Offers Free Pass for Preschoolers

Children five and younger can enjoy all of 2015 at SeaWorld Orlando for FREE

SeaWorld Orlando is celebrating the new year and families with young kids with a limited-time offer. Children five and younger can explore SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa for FREE throughout 2015 with the return of the Preschool Pass.

Starting today, guests can register for the pass online and get their kids ready for all of the excitement, thrills and inspiring shows that only SeaWorld and Busch Gardens can provide.

Kids will love being kids at Shamu’s Happy Harbor®, a play area that features fun for all, including:

SeaWorld Orlando Busch Gardens Tampa Preschool Pass

  • Shamu Express® – the park’s first family-oriented roller coaster reaching speeds of 26 mph
  • Jazzy Jellies – a jellyfish-themed ride that lifts and spins families to heights of 30 feet
  • Sea Carousel – a classical marine-themed masterpiece topped by a 45-foot-wide pink octopus
  • A variety of other kid-sized attractions to keep the little ones moving and shaking

And at Busch Gardens, experience kid-sized attractions and exciting encounters, including:

Madagascar Live SeaWorld Orlando Busch Gardens Tampa Preschool Pass

  • Busch Gardens’ Sesame Street® Safari of Fun – a family-friendly African adventure filled with kid-size rides and cool water fun
  • Madagascar Live – kids can join the adventure with King Julien and his friends during this live show
  • Treetop Trails at Jungala® – older kids can explore and climb nets, bridges and tubes in this multi-level maze, while the younger set can play in the water area inside this 3-story family play area

Sign up today for the SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Preschool Pass!

The Free SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Preschool Pass is an exclusive online offer, available at SeaWorldOrlando.com. It is exclusively for Florida residents ages five and younger and is valid for unlimited admission – with no blackout dates – through Dec. 31, 2015, at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The Preschool Pass does not include parking or Pass Member discounts or benefits.

Busch Gardens Wild Days Featuring Jack Hanna SeaWorld Orlando Busch Gardens Tampa Preschool Pass

Another great reason to get a free Preschool Pass for the little ones is that all of SeaWorld’s 2015 events are included! The year kicks off with Wild Days, an immersive event that connects kids to the wild and wonderful world we all share; followed by the all-new Praise Wave, a series that makes the park come alive with the hottest names in Christian music. And don’t forget about family favorites Halloween Spooktacular and SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, also included with a Preschool Pass!

SeaWorld Orlando Summer 2014 SeaWorld Orlando Busch Gardens Tampa Preschool Pass

The best deal for the rest of the family is a SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Fun Card which allows unlimited admission to both parks throughout the year at a discounted price of $165.

SeaWorld and Busch Gardens SeaWorld Orlando Busch Gardens Tampa Preschool Pass

 

From soaring on the mighty Manta roller coaster and experiencing the power and grace of killer whales in the One Ocean show, to exploring an underwater journey of sea turtles at TurtleTrek and seeing penguins on the thrilling, chilling adventure of Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, there is something for everyone in the family at SeaWorld Orlando.

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Jimmy Buffet And The Coral Reefer Band Coming To The Amway Center

Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefer Band This One's For You Tour Amway Center

Jimmy Buffet and The Coral Reefer Band bring the “This One’s For You Tour” To the Amway Center

 Orlando, the wait is over, Jimmy Buffett and The Coral Reefer Band perform at the Amway Center for one night only on Thursday, April 16. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, January 9 at 10 a.m.

Here’s the opportunity for Central Florida Parrotheads to soak in the Margaritaville experience as part of Buffett’s, “This One’s For You Tour.”

“Spring just isn’t the same without Jimmy Buffett,” said Orlando Venues Executive Director Allen Johnson. “We are thrilled to welcome Jimmy’s return to the Amway Center and look forward to another ‘Escape to Margaritaville.’ Fins up!”

This marks the 40th anniversary of the release of Buffett’s “A1A” album, which is his first Top 40 record and includes the hit, “A Pirate Looks At Forty,” a perennial concert favorite. Another popular hit song performed at every concert is “Margaritaville,” which is ranked 234th on the Recording Industry Association of America’s list of Songs of the Century. Among the 30+ albums Buffett has released, eight are gold albums and nine are platinum or multi-platinum. His latest album, “Songs from St. Somewhere,” was released last August. In 2003, Buffett won his first Country Music Award (CMA) for his song, “It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere,” with Alan Jackson and was nominated again in 2007 for the CMA Event of the Year award for his song, “Hey Good Lookin,” featuring Alan Jackson and George Strait.

This year’s tour celebrates Buffett’s 40th touring season. The popularity of his trademark Key West and laid back atmosphere at his live shows gained a devoted following of fans, called Parrottheads. He consistently earns a spot on Billboard’s highest grossing tours. In 2014, Buffett earned the number 32 spot on Billboard’s, “Music’s Top 40 Money Makers: The Rich List.”

TICKETS: $34, $84, $133.50. Buy tickets at amwaycenter.com, Chase Box Office at Amway Center, Ticketmaster retail locations, charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000 or at Ticketmaster.com.  All dates, act(s) and ticket prices are subject to change without notice.  All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges.  For Amway Center box office and ticket information, visit amwaycenter.com (phone purchases are not available through the Amway Center box office).  The Amway Center is located at 400 West Church Street and the box office is located on the north side of the Amway Center, near the intersection of Church Street and Hughey Avenue. 

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Sofia The First: The Curse Of Princess Ivy On DVD Soon

Sofia the First Curse of the Princess Ivy DVD Image

Sofia the First: Curse of the Princess Ivy

Arrives on Disney DVD February 24th, 2015

Features a Full-Length Adventure with Special Appearance by Rapunzel!

Plus Three Additional Episodes and a FREE Exclusive Color-Changing Butterfly Necklace!

Sofia the First: The Curse of Princess Ivy is a full length adventure with a special appearance by Rapuzel, and the DVD out on February 24th also features three additional episodes and a free exclusive color-changing butterfly necklace.

The revelation of a spellbinding secret sets in motion the most thrilling adventure in the history of Sofia the First! After learning that the Amulet of Avalor is magical, Amber snatches it while Sofia is sleeping.  Unfortunately, she unwittingly unleashes a curse that summons evil Princess Ivy, who threatens to destroy the amulet, seize the crown and turn the entire kingdom black-and-white!  Amber and Sofia soar through the skies on a flying dragon – aided by special guest Rapunzel – as they embark on a daring quest to defeat Ivy, break the curse and save Enchancia.  Packed with high-flying excitement, plus three more song-filled episodes, The Curse of Princess Ivy shows how love, trust, and unselfishly putting others’ needs first can truly work magic!

If your little Princess or Prince is a Sofia the First, you will want to mark your calendars for this release!

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SEA LIFE Orlando Kicks Off Search for Young Environmentalists Panel

 Sea Life Young Environmentalist I Drive

SEA LIFE Orlando Search for Young Environmentalists Panel

World’s largest aquarium chain invites Florida children passionate about marine life to serve on panel

 

SEA LIFE Orlando, the brand new immersive aquarium experience opening at I-Drive 360 in spring 2015, has announced a contest to select five children to serve on its Young Environmentalists Panel. Each of the panelists, between the ages of 7-12, will serve as ambassadors to help educate the community about SEA LIFE, and its local and global conservation efforts.

Merlin Entertainment
SEA LIFE Orlando Ocean Tunnel Rendering

SEA LIFE Orlando is asking children in Florida, between the ages of 7-12, who are passionate about marine life and conservation, to submit an entry by writing a 150-word essay or 30-second video on ways they protect the environment.

Finalists will have the chance to participate in preview events leading up to grand opening; and participate in special events throughout the year where they will help communicate SEA LIFE’s conservation messages and get involved with activities to help protect the environment.

“We are excited to launch our Young Environmentalists Panel and begin engaging with young marine life enthusiasts in our community,” said Steve Blair, displays curator for SEA LIFE Orlando. “From protecting our oceans to helping with animal conservation, our young panelists will not only promote our conservation outreach, but also help to inspire and educate others throughout the State of Florida.”

To enter, or to learn more about the Young Environmentalists Panel, go to Sea Life Orlando’s site, and download the Parent/Guardian Release Form to submit along with your child’s essay or video. All entries must be submitted via email to andrea.alava@merlinentertainments.biz. The deadline for entries is January 15, 2015.

Sea Life Orlando Florida I Drive

About SEA LIFE Orlando

Opening in spring 2015, SEA LIFE Orlando is an immersive, one-of-kind aquarium experience that allows marine life enthusiasts to experience the magical world beneath our oceans of the world with interactive touch pools, bubble aquariums, floor-to-ceiling displays, and 360-degree and 180-degree ocean tunnels featuring more than 5,000 sea creatures. The 25,000-square foot aquarium attraction will be home to colorful fish, sharks, sea horses, sting rays, jellies, sea turtles and much more.

SEA LIFE provides a glimpse of the diversity of marine life, while also playing an active role in animal and environmental conservation. Visitors will see strong evidence of the Breed, Rescue and Protect program with activities around the world, and new projects developed locally, as well as educational initiatives, including guest lectures and talks.

SEA LIFE is the world’s largest aquarium chain and SEA LIFE Orlando is 50th location aquarium launched in the world and the 8th in the U.S. SEA LIFE Orlando is located at 8337 International Drive in Orlando, Florida, inside I-Drive 360, the entertainment and dining complex which is the home of the 400-foot Orlando Eye observation wheel and celebrity wax attraction Madame Tussauds Orlando.

For more information, go to www.visitsealife.com/orlando.

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2015 At LEGOLAND Florida Is Full Of Special Events

Welcome to LEGOLAND Florida

LEGOLAND Florida Resort 2015 Special Events Calendar

With the opening of the LEGOLAND Florida Hotel in the Summer and the addition of new events 2015 at the LEGOLAND Florida Resort is going to be AWESOME!

Buddy's Character Corner LEGOLAND Florida
Photo: LEGOLAND Florida Resort

LEGOLAND Florida kicks off the year with a full line-up of action-packed fun for 2015 with special events specifically geared towards families with children ages 2 to 12. Guests will want to return again and again to enjoy a full year of LEGOLAND Florida’s special events and more than 50 rides, shows and attractions.

The best part, is that all events (*except Brick Dash) are included with regular Park admission.

What we are really excited about is how the Force will grow even stronger at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort with the LEGO Club Weekend featuring the LEGO Star Wars™ Miniland model display!

I’m really excited, so let’s look at how 2015 shapes up at the LEGOLAND Florida Resort!

LEGOLAND Florida Miniland Yoda Model Build
Photo: LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Feb. 21 & 22: LEGO® Club Weekends Featuring LEGO Star Wars™ Miniland brings the Force to its guests in 2015! LEGO® Club Weekend featuring LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland are going to be out-of-this-world with fun activities! Join other Star Wars fans for character meet and greet opportunities with LEGO Darth Vader, Star Wars building activities, costume contests and giveaways, plus take an interactive guided LEGO Star Wars™ Miniland Tour.

LEGOLAND Florida Water Park
Photo: LEGOLAND Florida Resort

March 28:  LEGOLAND Water Park, a park within a park, re-opens with a splash and just in time for summer-time fun. Guests of all ages can spend a full day of play in the water park with the Build-A-Raft River, where guests can build their own LEGO inner tubes and float down a 1,000-foot lazy river or splash and play in the DUPLO® Splash Safari, the Joker Soaker water playground, a 583,000-gallon wave pool and five slippery-fast water slides. Opens March 28 and runs through the end of October. Daily operational hours vary and can be found at www.LEGOLAND.com.

April 11:  Brick Dash 5k Run and Fun Walk* benefitting Winter Haven Hospital Foundation’s Fund for Women and Children.  This community-wide health event is designed for runners and walkers of all ages. Participants receive exclusive discounts for post-event Park admission. Visitwww.LEGOLAND.com for event registration fees and processes.

Red, Brick And Boom LEGOLAND Florida
Photo: LEGOLAND Florida Resort

July 3, 4 & 5: Red, Brick & Boom allows guests to celebrate the 4th of July with a bang at this third annual Independence Day event.  With a brick flag build and special viewing glasses that turn ordinary fireworks into millions of exploding bricks, this July 4th celebration is sure to dazzle and delight with three nights of family fun and fireworks.

LEGOLAND Florida Brick or Treat 2014
Photo: LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Select dates in Oct.: Brick-or-Treat offers safe and family-friendly Halloween festivities in October. This spooky, kooky event features trick-or-treating along the Brick-or-Treat Trail, LEGO build activities, the largest LEGO jack-o-lantern in the world, a haunted scavenger hunt in Miniland U.S.A., Halloween-themed entertainment and an all-kids costume contest with “bricktastic” prizes!

LEGOLAND Florida Christmas Bricktacular Make a Wish 2014
Photo: LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Select dates in Dec.: Christmas Bricktacular brings in the holiday season with a 30-foot tall LEGO Christmas tree made of 270,000 LEGO bricks, life-size LEGO Santa, reindeer and sleigh, festive decorations, LEGO build activity, a LEGO Santa Scavenger Hunt and holiday entertainment. LEGO Santa and LEGO Toy Soldier make daily appearances in the Park providing a perfect family photo opportunity.

Select dates in Dec.: Nightly Fireworks over Lake Eloise. Watch the spectacular fireworks explode into millions of tiny LEGO bricks with special viewing glasses.

Red, Brick And Boom LEGOLAND Florida
Photo: LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Dec. 31: Kids’ New Year’s Eve is the perfect way to bring in the New Year with the family as a giant LEGO brick drops at a very kid-friendly midnight KST (Kid Standard Time) – otherwise known as 7 p.m. EST.

LEGOLAND Hotel LEGOLAND Florida Resort

About LEGOLAND Florida Resort:

LEGOLAND Florida Resort is a 150-acre interactive theme park with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, a Water Park and The LEGO®World of Chima presented by Cartoon Network all geared to families with children ages 2 to 12. Recently announced, LEGOLAND Hotel will open in 2015 featuring 152 highly themed rooms and suites, LEGO décor, interactive play areas, a pool and a restaurant. There are currently five other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Germany and LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London and LEGOLAND Malaysia —the sixth LEGOLAND Park and first in Asia. The LEGOLAND theme parks are a part of Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest attractions operator in the world. For the most current information, log on to www.LEGOLAND.com.

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Free Reading With Ringling Day

Reading With Ringling Clown Around Central Florida

Free Reading with Ringling Day for the Public

Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Ambassadors Of Laughter
Clown Around on January 7
Get ready to giggle, Central Florida.  On Wednesday, January 7, clowns from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®  make a special appearance to entertain and interact with the public. The Ambassadors of Laughter will ignite attendees’ funny bones with lighthearted antics that offer a sneak preview of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents CIRCUS XTREME. 
Reading with Ringling
On Wednesday, January 7, clowns will blend the magic of the circus with the importance of reading during Reading with Ringling Day, a special presentation with the Orange County Library System at the Downtown Branch. After a lively rendition of a circus-themed book, they’ll engage the audience with juggling, plate spinning and other silly and dynamic demonstrations previewing The Greatest Show On Earth®.   The clowns will give away stickers and clown noses (while supplies last).
The library event is free and everyone is invited!
Orange County Library System
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Downtown Branch – 101 East Central Blvd., Orlando, FL 32801
For more information, call 407-835-7481, or visit www.ocls.info.
Prepare to be astonished and amazed by some of the coolest acts that can only be seen at The Greatest Show On Earth.® Children Of All Ages can let their imagination go wild in an exhilarating adventure with extraordinary circus artists and exotic animals. From the highest mountains to the deepest seas, join us at Amway Center in Orlando January 8–11, 2015 as we explore a world of extreme beauty, flexibility, strength and dexterity in ways you’ve never seen before.
Circus Xtreme Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Amway Center Reading with Ringling
In Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents CIRCUS XTREME, Ringmaster David Shipman guides audiences on a quest around the world with the help of hilarious adventure seekers, Alex and Irina Emelin.
The show will thrill you as the Mongolian riders send arrows flying across the arena sky. This all-female troupe displays their skills in one of the most unique acts this year, performing a series of tricks and maneuvers atop elegant two-hump camels. Jaw-dropping freestyle BMX riders and free running tumblers fill the arena floor performing crazy-stunts mixed with acrobats leaping through a 15-foot transparent tower – and this is just one act!
Circus Xtreme Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Reading with Ringling
During this energetic show, personal introductions to our performing pachyderms will allow audiences to be on a first name basis with our magnificent animals. All this and more happens during the most unexpected circus experience at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents CIRCUS XTREME.
 
Tickets: Tickets for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents CIRCUS XTREME start at $16.  All seats are reserved. Purchase tickets and view show times at www.ringling.com or www.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling 800-745-3000, or at the Amway Center box office (phone: 407-440-7900). For group ticket sales and information, call 866-248-8740.  Ticketmaster service charges and facility fees not included.  For more information, visitwww.Ringling.com or visit us on Facebook.
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Nickelodeon Suites Resorts Preschool Weekend Celebration

Nickelodeon Preschool Celebration Nickelodeon Suites Resort

The Nickelodeon Suites Resort will be celebrating their younger guests during the Nickelodeon Preschool Weekend Celebration featuring Julius Jr. and special Nickelodeon Preschool-themed activities, shows, and character meet & greets around the resort.

This Nickelodeon Preschool Weekend includes activities at Nickelodeon Suites Resort, January 9-11, 2015, for the ultimate Orlando family vacation for all ages!

Nickelodeon Preschool Weekend Celebration includes:

  • Story Time with Dora and her Friends Live Show (Saturday & Sunday)
  • Nickelodeon Preschool episode viewings
  • Self-guided scavenger hunt (daily)
  • Nickelodeon Preschool Giveaway (1 per child)
  • Character* meet & greet opportunities with:
    • Julius Jr.
    • Dora the Explorer, Boots and Diego
    • Milli & Geo from Team Umizoomi
    • Molly & Gil from Bubble Guppies
    • Blue from Blue’s Clues
    • Pablo from the Backyardigans
    • Ming-Ming from Wonder Pets

* Characters listed appear throughout the weekend.

Nickelodeon Suites Resort Nick Hotel Power Rangers Super Megaforce Weekends Nickelodeon Preschool Celebration

For more information, check out Nickelodeon Suites Resort site.

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Last Call For CityWalk New Year’s Eve Celebration Tickets

CityWalk New Year's Eve Celebration

TICKETS FOR UNIVERSAL CITYWALK’S UNPARALLELED NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION ON-SALE NOW

Celebration features access to six Universal CityWalk venues, unlimited gourmet cuisine,

six unique party zones and Orlando’s biggest outdoor dance floor

 

On Dec. 31, 2014, guests can experience non-stop entertainment at EVE, Universal CityWalk’s unparalleled New Year’s celebration. With unique party zones – each featuring their own entertainment and signature drinks, access to six different clubs with live music and unlimited gourmet cuisine, EVE will be the place to ring in the New Year.

 

Partygoers can celebrate all night on Orlando’s biggest outdoor dance floor, built just for this event. When midnight strikes, guests will kiss 2014 goodbye in style with a champagne toast, and enjoy a pyrotechnics display with incredible special effects.

CityWalk New Year's Eve Celebration

Tickets for CityWalk New Year’s Eve Celebration are on-sale now for $129.99 plus tax.

Admission includes access to:

  • Unlimited gourmet cuisine, including jumbo shrimp, roast sirloin, custom desserts and more
  • Six unique outdoor party zones with entertainment and signature drinks
  • Orlando’s largest outdoor dance floor, featuring live music from DJ M-Squared on a 360˚ DJ platform
  • Six Universal CityWalk venues, including: Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Pat O’Brien’s, the groove, Rising Star and Red Coconut Club
  • Midnight champagne toast and pyrotechnics display

httpv://youtu.be/cYVh0ZKrn6M

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.citywalk.com/EVE.

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Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Presents Holidays In Space

 Holidays in Space Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

All New Holidays in Space Laser Light Spectacle, 3D Projection

Mapping Wow Guests at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The annual Holidays in Space Celebration at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has two new out-of-this-world additions that are stunning!

Guests at Holidays in Space now have the opportunity to see a 3D projection mapping presentation and a Holiday Laser Light Spectacular that may be visible to the crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

The 3D projection mapping presentation is being shown on the side of a 223-foot-long Saturn 1B rocket. Also called spatial augmented reality, this technology is used to project images onto irregularly shaped objects, such as bridges, buildings, and now, a rocket. 

Holidays in Space Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

In this remarkable presentation – a first at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – iconic NASA images, historic video footage, and custom animation bend around the contours and span every inch of one of America’s most powerful rockets, bringing to life the past, present and future of NASA’s space program like never before.

Holidays in Space Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

 

During the presentation that is shown every 15 minutes you can bounce along the lunar surface in a moon buggy then float along weightlessly with an astronaut on a spacewalk, see Shuttles burst from their launch pads, and watch as the modules of the International Space Station (ISS) seem to click together effortlessly before the focus shifts to the Red Planet and our future among the majesty of the stars. The 3D projection mapping presentation is part of Holidays in Space through Dec. 30.

Holidays in Space Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The new Holiday Laser Light Spectacular features an incredible music and laser light show that is visible in Orlando and throughout Central Florida. The green rays from the laser show may even be bright enough for crew aboard the ISS to see. The Holiday Laser Light Spectacular continues until Dec. 31.

Holidays in Space Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
The laser pointed at the ISS just outside of the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit.

The Visitor Complex previously unveiled an all-new Holiday Rocket Garden Light Show, which takes place daily through Jan. 4 in the ever-popular Rocket Garden, a Visitor Complex hallmark. The outdoor garden features a majestic collection of real and replica capsules and rockets, soaring 80, 90, and 100 feet into the sky, demonstrating how manned space flight progressed through the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo eras.

Holidays in Space Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The Visitor Complex is adorned for the holiday season with a stunning array of decorations including a 41-foot Christmas tree, a giant NASA ornament, garlands, lights, ribbons, bows and more.

Holidays in Space Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

“Many astronauts have told us that they have felt no greater sense of peace and hope for humankind than when looking down on the blue marble of Earth from space,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of the Visitor Complex. “Through these truly unique celebrations, we hope to share that incredible feeling with all our guests this holiday season.”

All holiday activities are included with Visitor Complex admission; no advance reservations are required. Light shows begin at dusk each day.

Holidays in Space Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

A trip to Holidays in Space at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a great trip for families during Holiday Break from school, because you can spend the day taking in the wonderful Atlantis Exhibit and the nighttime spectaculars and still get home in time for a regular bedtime.

Don’t wait another day to “unwrap” this one-of-a-kind holiday celebration! As you’ll soon see, the vastness of our universe lies in the palm of your hand when you visit Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Holidays in Space. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s holiday hours of operation are: December 27-January 4 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 Space Shuttle Atlantis Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

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, Shuttle Launch Experience®, 3D IMAX® space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space®:  Explorers Wanted and many other interactive exhibits. The new $100 million home for Space Shuttle AtlantisSM opened June 29, 2013. 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. 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.com/KennedySpaceCenterVisitorComplex


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Orlando Predators 2015 Season Schedule

Orlando Predators
Photo: Orlando Predators

Orlando Predators Announce 2015 Season Schedule

Home games include the return to Amway Center on March 29 and a match-up against former owner Brett Bouchy’s LA KISS

The Orlando Predators today announced its schedule for the 2015 Arena Football League season.

The 18-game schedule features nine home games with eight Saturday evening games and one Sunday afternoon game.

The team kicks off its 24th season with its return to the Amway Center on Sunday, March 29, against the Philadelphia Soul. It is the team’s first game back at the Amway Center after playing last season in the CFE Arena at the University of Central Florida.

This season also marks the first full season under new owner, Westgate Resorts CEO David Siegel, who acquired the team in July.

“The Orlando Predators will finally be back home in Downtown Orlando at the Amway Center,” said Siegel. “This season, we’re going to deliver a product the Orlando community will be excited to support and will proudly represent our city and fans.”

Orlando Predators
Photo: Orlando Predators

“We’re excited to announce the dates for our first season under our new ownership,” said Orlando Predators President Jared Saft. “We can’t wait to welcome all of our new and returning fans back to start a new chapter in this franchise’s storied history.”

This season’s home games feature a rematch of last year’s American Conference Championship against the Cleveland Gladiators on May 2 and a visit from in-state rival Jacksonville Sharks on August 1. The “War on I-4” returns when the Predators host the Tampa Bay Storm on May 16 and for the regular season finale, August 8.

In Week 4, the Predators will host a match-up against the LA KISS, the expansion team launched last season by KISS band members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley and former Predators owner Brett Bouchy. Bouchy was an owner of the Predators for 15 years before leaving in 2013 to launch the LA KISS. The LA KISS was the subject of the AMC reality TV series 4th and Loud.

Tough road match-ups include a visit to division opponent New Orleans VooDoo in Week 3 and a trip to face the three-time defending champion Arizona Rattlers in Week 13.

Season ticket packages start at $99 and are available at www.orlandopredators.com/season-tickets. Packages up to $2,400 offer exclusive benefits such as a vacation at Westgate Las Vegas or Westgate River Ranch, invitations to player meet-and-greet-events at Westgate Resorts properties, access to team practices, complimentary drinks in the Fields Ultimate Lounge and complimentary parking in the GEICO Garage.

The Orlando Predators 2015 Season Schedule:

Week Date Time Opponent
1 Sunday, March 29 2 p.m. vs Philadelphia Soul
2 Saturday, April 4 7 p.m. at Jacksonville Sharks
3 Saturday, April 11 8 p.m. at New Orleans VooDoo
4 Saturday, April 18 7 p.m. vs LA KISS
5 Saturday, April 25 10 p.m. at Spokane Shock
6 Saturday, May 2 7 p.m. vs Cleveland Gladiators
7 Friday, May 8 7:30 p.m. at Philadelphia Soul
8 Saturday, May 16 7 p.m. vs Tampa Bay Storm
9 Saturday, May 23 7 p.m. vs Portland Thunder
10 Friday, May 29 7 p.m. at Cleveland Gladiators
11 Saturday, June 6 7 p.m. at Jacksonville Sharks
12 Saturday, June 13 7 p.m. vs Philadelphia Soul
13 Saturday, June 20 9 p.m. at Arizona Rattlers
14 Saturday, June 27 7 p.m. vs New Orleans VooDoo
15 Bye Week
16 Saturday, July 11 7:30 p.m. at Tampa Bay Storm
17 Saturday, July 18 7 p.m. at Cleveland Gladiators
18 Bye Week
19 Saturday, Aug. 1 7 p.m. vs Jacksonville Sharks
20 Saturday, Aug. 8 7 p.m. vs Tampa Bay Storm

 

For more information and specific times, please visit www.orlandopredators.com.

 Orlando Predators

ABOUT THE ORLANDO PREDATORS

The 2014 South Division Champion Orlando Predators enter their 24th season as Central Florida’s most exciting andinnovative professional sports franchise. Proud members of the Arena Football League, the Predators have achievedunprecedented success on the field. Orlando has advanced to the AFL playoffs a league-leading 22 times in their history while securing seven conference championships, including two ArenaBowl Championship victories in 1998 and 2000.

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Last Minute Gift Ideas For The Guys!

So my husband is sometimes tricky to shop for, and if you are anything like me you’re feeling the time crunch of the Holidays!
If you are stuck on what to buy your husband, boyfriend, father, or son this year, you may want to consider checking out these events that happen in the spring that would make a perfect last-minute gift.

Arnold Palmer’s Invitational Presented by MasterCard 
March 16 – 22, 2015
Two ticket price: $100

GiftsA crown jewel of the PGA TOUR, the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard annually features one of the strongest international fields of competitors of the season. Held at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge, the Tournament touts past champions including Fred Couples, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Tim Herron and Tiger Woods. Proceeds benefit the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.

Tickets and more information available at arnoldpalmerinvitational.com

57th Annual Daytona 500
February 22, 2015
Two ticket price: $64

gift

Cheer on the best stock car drivers in the world as they compete in NASCAR’s most prestigious race. Featuring 43 of the sport’s top drivers competing for the sport’s largest purse at more than 200 miles per hour, the legendary event will take place on February 22 at Daytona International Speedway.

Tickets and more information available at daytonainternationalspeedway.com

Monster Jam
January 24, 2015
Two ticket price: $30

gift

Attracting more than 60,000 fans of roaring, car-crushing 1,500 horsepower monster trucks, Orlando’s annual Monster Jam is one of the largest and most popular events of the year. Monster Jam kicks off the 2015 season at the recently renovated Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium and will feature four-time world champion Grave Digger and 12-time world champion Maximum Destruction competing on the new field.Tickets and more information available at monsterjam.com/Events/2015/01/24/Orlando,_FL
134th Silver Spurs Rodeo of Champions
February 20 – 22, 2015
Two ticket price: $40

gifts Silver Spur Rodeo

The largest rodeo east of the Mississippi, the 134th annual Silver Spurs Rodeo will take place at Silver Spurs Arena in Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee, from February 20 through 22. An Osceola County tradition since 1941 and one of the top 50 events sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the historic rodeo’s events include barrel racing, bull riding and team roping.

Tickets and more information available at silverspursrodeo.com

Runaway Country Music Fest
March 20 – 22, 2015
Two ticket price: $178

Runaway Country Music Festival 2015 gifts

Hosting Florida’s largest gathering of country music stars, the 5th annual Runaway Country Music Festival will rock Wickham Park in Melbourne, FL, from March 20 through 22. In addition to an all-star lineup of performers including Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, and Lee Brice, the event features some of Florida’s best beaches as well as world-class fishing, surfing and weather.

Tickets and more information available at runawaycountry.com

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New SeaWorld Kids Apps Here In Time For The Holidays

SeaWorld Kids has released some new educational apps just in time for the Holiday Break to keep kids learning and exploring the world!

Zoe plays with my phone and tablet all the time, and while building snowcones or playing with Palace Pets is great I am always on the lookout for educational apps that will keep her learning and occupied.

With five different themes, Polar Bears, Penguins, Big Cats, Baby Animals ,and a more general Kids Network, children can pick and choose which interests them most and stay connected with animals and nature.

Each app serves as an “activity center,” with games and videos that are both entertaining and educational.

I especially love that these apps are completely free (no in-app purchases), from the App Store and will work on iPad, iPhone and iPad Touch.

Penguin’s Playground

Penguin’s Playground, powered by SeaWorld Kids, features thirty activities featuring funny playful penguins!

 

httpv://youtu.be/Jz1ZFQ3CS8s

The app includes interactive games like “Match the Penguin” and “The Penguin Puzzle” to engage the creative minds of your child. Users can also watch funny video clips of penguins strutting their stuff in “The Penguin Walk” and slipping and falling in “Watch Your Step!” Meet penguin chicks, newly hatched in “The Chicks Have Arrived” and an adorable, fluffy Emperor penguin hatchling who is learning how to talk (with a little coaching from a SeaWorld aviculturist) in “The Emperor Penguin Hatchling.” Create a perfect animated Antarctic penguin habitat and more!

From Emperors to tuxedos, SeaWorld Kids has your penguin needs covered in this fun new activity center!
The activities in this app have been curated by educators and domain experts and are designed to entertain and educate kids through a wide variety of content including:

● High definition videos of Antarctic creatures in their natural habitats

● Educational e-books that highlight words as they are read to you

● Puzzles with 4 difficulty levels to entertain kids of all ages

● Image galleries filled with stunning pictures of Antarctic animals

● Memory/matching games that encourage cognitive development

● Coloring activities with special stickers

● Interactive games to create, save and share customized Antarctic animal scenes

Polar Bear Playground

The Polar Bear Playground, powered by SeaWorld Kids, features thirty activities highlighting and teaching users about polar bears.

 

httpv://youtu.be/IkjvsNoi-Xo

Watch videos about the “jet setting polar bear” and the polar bear who likes ice cream! Read along
with the digital book “Polar Power” and learn all about how polar bears are amazing, large powerful
animals. Join animal ambassador, Julie Scardina, and learn about how polar bears hunt and eat.

The activities in this app are designed to entertain and educate kids through a wide variety of content
including:

● High definition videos of arctic creatures in their natural habitats
● Educational e-books that highlight words as they are read to you
● Puzzles with 4 difficulty levels to entertain kids of all ages
● Image galleries filled with stunning pictures of arctic animals
● Memory/matching games that encourage cognitive development
● Runner games in which kids read and learn about polar bears while jumping from platform to
platform
● Coloring activities with special stickers Interactive games to create, save and share customized arctic animal scenes

Baby Animals

What is cuter than baby animals? Nothing, we think – which is why SeaWorld Kids has produced an app full of activities highlighting the lives of adorable newborn animals.

 

httpv://youtu.be/BKwqSmcsdy8

Meet Cupid the newborn giraffe in a clip from The Wildlife Docs™; say “baaaahhh” with newborn
baby lambs born at Busch Gardens, and see a dramatic Sea Rescue episode where an orphan killer
whale is reunited with his pod!

From dolphins to cheetahs, with many in-between, the Baby Animal app includes:

● High definition videos of baby animals and their adoring parents
● Educational e-books that highlight words as they are read to you
● Puzzles with 4 difficulty levels to entertain kids of all ages
● Image galleries filled with cute pictures of newborn animals
● Memory/matching games that encourage cognitive development
● Infinite runner games in which kids read and learn about turtles while jumping from platform to
platform

Ocean Tales

The Dolphins, Sharks & Turtles – Ocean Tales App features thirty activities highlighting majestic ocean creatures!

 

httpv://youtu.be/oPcnpfxEssk

It includes high-definition video clips of marine animals, digital picture books accompanied by audio narration, interactive matching games, photo galleries, coloring activities, puzzles, and a baby turtle rescue game. Children will learn animal facts and be inspired to help save endangered animals as they play with hours of engaging content.

Generation Nature’s Animal Ambassador, Bindi Irwin, is featured in several of the app’s thirty interactive activities – many with multiple skill levels to engage kids from 2-12. Meet a new baby dolphin, learn why sharks don’t bump into each other, watch a sea lion return home, help hatching baby turtles make it from the beach to the ocean, create and share colorful coral reef artworks and more.

The app will provide kids with hours of entertainment while teaching them about ocean creatures and the secrets of the sea. Join the generation that’s preserving our oceans – Generation Nature!

Tigers, Lions, and Cheetahs

The Big Cats app, powered by SeaWorld Kids, hosts thirty activities highlighting the “king of the jungle,” the lion and his ferocious friends, the tigers, cheetahs and other big cats!

 

httpv://youtu.be/ogRwD8aXR7M

 

Big Cats also features digital picture books accompanied by audio narration, interactive matching
games, photo galleries, coloring activities and puzzles. he activities in this app have been curated by educators and are designed to entertain and educate kids through a wide variety of content including:

● High definition videos of wild cats in their natural habitats
● Educational e-books that highlight words as they are read to you
● Puzzles with 4 difficulty levels to entertain kids of all ages
● Image galleries filled with stunning pictures of big cats from around the world
● Memory/matching games that encourage cognitive development
● Coloring activities with special stickers

SeaWorld Kids Network

Keep your kids entertained with fun, engaging videos from the SeaWorld Kids Network! Programming featuring animals from all over the world and ensures that your little one is learning about nature and conservation, even while being entertained. Videos are updated weekly, and feature high-def clips from popular shows like The Wildlife Docs™, Sea Rescue™ and The Jungle Bunch!

 

httpv://youtu.be/tYRJAG3wIe0

Take a trip with Generation Nature’s own Bindi Irwin to create the perfect animated beach habitat for a group of baby sea turtles. Or, learn facts about polar bears and their natural surroundings while
jumping with an animated polar bear in Polar Bear Runners!

Kids can watch videos about newborn baby animals, SeaWorld animal rescue and educational videos about specific animals – including – polar bears, lions, giraffes, penguins, whales, turtles, sea otters and more.

You can find more information about these apps at seaworldkids.com, and if you haven’t had that chance to check out the information on the site you should because it’s a great site.

I am really excited for Zoe to try out these apps!

 

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