Shelley, Author at On the Go in MCO

Merlin Entertainment Brings Three New Attractions to Orlando

Project Update from Merlin Entertainments PLC for Three New Orlando Attractions

Coming Spring 2015

The leading U.K.-based family entertainment company, owner of LEGOLAND Florida, is bringing three of its best know global visitor attraction brands to Orlando – The Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds and Sea Life aquarium

With less than a year to grand opening, Merlin Entertainments PLC (Merlin) is gearing up to introduce three of its exciting global brands to the Central Florida region, with the launches of The Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE aquarium in Spring 2015 at I-Drive 360 on International Drive.

Merlin, the second largest visitor attraction operator in the world, already operates LEGOLAND Florida, the highly successful theme park uniquely targeted at families with children under 12, which opened in 2011.

The Orlando Eye, the cantilevered observation wheel at the heart of the complex, will be a little sister icon to London’s world-famous landmark, providing breathtaking views of Central Florida in all directions within fully enclosed, air-conditioned glass capsules.

Madame Tussauds, the world’s most famous celebrity wax attraction, provides visitors with the ultimate fame experience and its signature red carpet treatment. Madame Tussauds showcases incredibly detailed and lifelike wax figures that lovingly pay tribute to the most influential celebrity and historical figures of our time.

SEA LIFE Orlando will offer a new wave of underwater adventures with beautiful displays of colorful fish, sharks, jellyfish, sea horses and more, that turn the traditional aquarium observation on its head. Winding tunnels, floor-to-ceiling tanks and bubble aquariums provide an immersive experience for children and adults alike. Additionally, the aquarium, known for its strong conservation efforts, will have unique educational components for young marine life enthusiasts.

“The success of LEGOLAND Florida has underlined to us the potential for Merlin’s high quality global attractions in Central Florida; and particularly in Orlando, undoubtedly the best and most exciting location for family entertainment anywhere in the world,” said Nick Varney, Chief Executive of Merlin Entertainments PLC. “We believe that this is an exceptional group of attractions which will not only provide three quite different new experiences for visitors; but also together add an exciting new dimension to what is already available in the region.”

“We are very excited to be bringing some of Merlin’s best-loved global attractions to International Drive. SEA LIFE and Madame Tussauds have already proven their popularity with audiences across North America; and in Europe and Asia,” added James Paulding, Head of Openings for North America, Merlin Entertainments. “From 2015, these two, together with the unique views from the Eye will become must-do experiences for every visitor to Orlando.”

All three attractions are scheduled to open in Spring 2015, in addition to numerous shopping and dining options in the complex, adding a new dimension to Orlando’s world-class entertainment options.

Giveaway: Magic At Play Arrives At Kohl’s

Magic at Play Giveaway!

Disclosure: Through a partnership with Kohl’s, I have received a promotional item and Gift Card for the Giveaway in exchange for this post. All opinions and thoughts are 100% my own.

The Magic at Play clothing line is an exclusive collaboration between Jumping Beans and Kohl’s that helps your smallest family members show their #DisneySide!

Magic at Play is an extremely fashionable, fun, and affordable line featuring exclusive Disney artwork that doesn’t skimp on quality!

The collection from the line features Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in an ‘Americana’ theme, and is perfect for the summer with a variety of pieces perfect for playing outside and parties.

The Girl’s Collection is full of bright colors available in a wide variety of styles sure to make any Princess happy!

The Boy’s Collection is sporty and fun with a touch of preppy. The material is super sturdy, yet lightweight for warmer weather.

Magic at Play Jumping Beans Kohl's — I love the ‘Hidden Mickeys’ in this Boy’s Tech Shirt!

The exclusive Magic at Play Disney-branded apparel by Jumping Beans collections, is available for infants (12-24 months), toddlers (2T-4T), boys (4-7) and girls (4-7).

Also, the line will be constantly growing as new collections inspired by favorite Disney characters and stories will be available each season.

Shopping at Kohl’s is always a treasure hunt, because they always have amazing sales and coupons! Make sure that you keep an eye out before you go to really make the most of your budget!

We are really excited to offer you the chance to win a $50 Kohl’s Gift Card so you can find out just how amazing the Magic at Play by Disney and Jumping Beans line is for your own family!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Our contest is open to Residents of the United States who are eighteen(18) years and older. Void where prohibited by law. We use rafflecopter to choose one lucky winner at random, and each & every contest entry will be verified. The winner of our contest will be contacted by email (so be sure to double check your entry) and will have 48 hours to respond to the email or a new winner will be chosen. Any questions? Contact shelley@onthegoinmco.com

Celebrating The 50th Anniversary of It’s A Small World At Walt Disney World

Yesterday the Walt Disney World Resort joined in with the other Disney Parks around the world to celebrates the 50^th anniversary of It’s a Small World.

It’s a Small World opened as a tribute to peace and hope at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, and is an important part of my family’s heart.

It is my father’s favorite attraction (he makes us ride it at least twice per visit), it was my first ride at Walt Disney World, and we brought it full circle as my father and I rode with Zoe for her first ride ever at Walt Disney World.

As part of a live global sing-along connecting all the Disney Parks around the world, international cast members from the countries of Epcot will lead a choir of children and cast members in song in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=050ZVhjPiNk&list=UUxhza5Nkv4ukqKmIFLE9dgA&feature=share

Throughout the day, in-park performers – the Dapper Dans, Coke Corner Pianist, Notorious Banjo Brothers, Royal Majesty Maker Musicians and Main Street Philharmonic – are scheduled to include “it’s a small world” in their appearances. And, a special moment is planned for Magic Kingdom guests to join in singing the iconic song prior to the 3 p.m. Disney Festival of Fantasy parade.

Thank you so much to John from Big Fat Panda.com for creating an AMAZING video!!! Make sure that you check out his amazing show (especially show #1 with your’s truly) and videos on his chanel.

Ihu’s Breakaway Falls Final Section Installed

The Final Slide Section Installed at Ihu’s Breakaway Falls

at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark

The final slide section was installed today at Aquatica Orlando’s newest attraction, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls. More than 200 sections are bolted together to make Orlando’s tallest, steepest and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind. Ihu’s Breakaway Falls opens May 9.

Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is the only high-speed water thrill slide in the world that propels guests through four, 360-degree spirals. With slides nearly 80 feet tall, thrill seekers will face their fears and each other. Riders will step into one of three clear “breakaway boxes,” and watch each other fall one-by-one as the floor underneath them disappears OR test their bravery on a just as thrilling fourth open slide. They’ll never know who’s going to breakaway first – and the anticipation of who drops next is part of the wild ride!

From high-speed water slides and exhilarating wave pools, to tranquil beaches and the remarkable animal habitats that are the hallmark of SeaWorld®, Aquatica Orlando delights all ages and interests. This one-of-a-kind waterpark is home to some of the world’s most thrilling water rides, featuring 38 slides, rivers and lagoons and 84,000 square feet of sparkling white, sandy beaches.

Be among the first to hear the latest updates and go behind-the-scenes of Ihu’s Breakaway Falls by staying connected on Facebook and joining the conversation using #NothingTaller. For more information, visit AquaticaOrlando.com.

Wordless Wednesday – Disneyland Train Station

Wordless Wednesday – April 9, 2014

I know that I have been trying my best to keep these really Wordless Wednesday, but I can’t help myself this week! I leave tomorrow for this year’s Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, and I can’t wait to take a ride on the Disneyland Railroad!!!

I also hope that you’ll join me on my #DisneySMMoms adventure on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

2014 Great American Pie Festival Giveaway

The 2014 Great American Pie Festival

is returning to Celebration, and we’ve got a sweet giveaway!

The Great American Pie Festival will be returning for its thirteenth year to the streets of Downtown Celebration, Florida on April 26th and 27th, bringing thousands of pie lovers and bakers together!

The highlight of the Great American Pie Festival is the the Never-Ending Pie Buffet, featuring award winning pie, ice cream, toppings, and beverages from the Festival’s sponsors.

The Never-Ending Pie Buffet will have sweet offerings by Bakers Square Restaurants and Pies, Legendary Baking, Kroger’s Private Selection, Publix Super Markets, Inc., Village Inn, Wick’s Pies, Harlan Bakeries, Winn-Dixie and Cabot Cheese. Zoe ALWAYS has to visit the Publix ice cream and the Duncan Hines Comstock/Wilderness toppings first!

Tickets for the Never Ending Pie Buffet will be on sale at the door for $10/adults and $5/seniors 65+ and children 6-12.

Children and adults alike can make their own pies at the Comstock Creation Station. There will be pie shell decorating, pie art, take your photo at the Paramount Pictures Labor Day Booth, chef hat decorating and many more pie activities to enjoy. Of course, no pie festival would be complete without a Pie Eating Contest, sponsored by Private Selection. Cost for the children’s area, which includes the crafts and bouncy houses was $10/child. The Pietopia Demonstration Stage sponsored by Village Inn and Bakers Square Restaurants features entertainment and baking demonstration by chefs from across the country and was free to all attendees.

And now for the really sweet part… You have the chance to win a Family Four Pack of Tickets to the Great American Pie Festival Never-Ending Buffet!

We will be giving away one Family Four Pack (2 adult and 2 children) Tickets to the Great American Pie Festival in Celebration, FL on April 26 or 27, 2014. You will be contacted via email for confirmation and pick-up instructions.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

Share Your #UniversalMoments

Universal Orlando Resort Launches New #UniversalMoments Campaign Asking Guests to Share Their Favorite Universal Moments

Guests Can Tag Their Photos and Videos on Twitter, Instagram and Vine Using #UniversalMoments for a Chance to be Featured in a Future Ad Campaign

httpv://youtu.be/0Ei6N2k9QaI

Universal Orlando Resort has launched a new online campaign asking guests to share their favorite Universal Orlando moments and potentially be featured in a future Universal Orlando ad campaign.

Guests can participate by sharing their favorite moments through photos and videos on Twitter, Vine and Instagram using #UniversalMoments.

Guests can also upload their favorite Universal Orlando photos and videos -like their first time conquering The Incredible Hulk Coaster or dancing with the minions – directly to moments.universalorlando.com or browse the site to see favorite moments of other fans.

Those selected to be in the future ad campaign will be contacted at a later date by Universal Orlando Resort.

Here is the picture I submitted for the #UniversalMoments campaign!

My daughter Zoe is HUGE thrill seeker who is growing into attractions! On our last visit to Islands of Adventure, Zoe was FINALLY tall enough to ride Doctor Doom’s Fear Fall and she was over the moon. Once we were strapped into our seats she gave me a nervous smile and took my hand, and as I assured her it would be okay we were off. It was so much fun sharing her first ride experience on one of my favorite attractions in the park. I don’t know what was bigger…her screams or her smile! It was truly a #UniversalMoment!

Jesus Christ Superstar Arena Tour Coming To The Amway Center

North American Arena Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar

Coming to the Amway Center in Orlando, June 14

Jesus Christ Superstar Arena Tour Amway Center

BRANDON BOYD TO PLAY ‘JUDAS ISCARIOT’, JC CHASEZ AS ‘PONTIUS PILATE’, MICHELLE WILLIAMS AS ‘MARY MAGDALENE’,

JOHN ROTTEN LYDON ANNOUNCED AS ‘KING HEROD’, AND INTRODUCING BEN FORSTER IN THE ROLE OF ‘JESUS’

Ticket presales begin April 7 at 10 a.m.

Tickets On Sale Beginning Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m.

Jesus Christ Superstar, the global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for over 40 years, is reimagined for the 21^st century as an arena-rock spectacular. The biggest ever North American arena tour of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s groundbreaking rock musical is coming to Orlando at the Amway Center on Saturday, June 14 with an extraordinary cast of rock, pop and R&B superstars.

Tickets go on sale Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800.745.3000 and at the Amway Center box office. American Express^® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Friday, April 4 at 10 a.m. Tickets range from $34.50 to $149.50 with a limited number of Gold Circle seats and VIP Experience packages available. Additional ticket fees may apply.

Brandon Boyd, Grammy^® nominated lead vocalist of rock band Incubus, is confirmed for the role of ‘Judas Iscariot’, Grammy^®nominated *NSYNC vocalist, JC Chasez, will play ‘Pontius Pilate’, Grammy^® Award winner and member of Destiny’s Child, Michelle Williams, will take the female lead as ‘Mary Magdalene’, English singer-songwriter and lead singer in Public Image Ltd. (PiL) and Sex Pistols, John Rotten Lydon, will play ‘King Herod’ and introducing British actor and singer, Ben Forster, who won England’s “ITV Superstar” competition in 2012 and played the lead role in the UK and Australian arena tours of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” will revive his role as ‘Jesus.’ With over 50 cast and musicians on stage this is one arena show that can’t be missed!

The North American leg comes on the heels of the wildly successful UK and Australian arena tours, which began in the UK in September 2012 and commenced in Australia in May 2013. The Times said, “The show gets the right balance between the spectacular, the jokey and the sincere. The performances from the well-choreographed supporting cast are fine throughout. Honestly, it’s enough to give rock opera a good name.” The Evening Chronicle exclaimed, “the extravagance of the production, a flamboyant spectacle of acrobatics, dramatic flames and provocative pole dancing,” and Liverpool Daily Post claimed, “Restored to its rock roots, the star-studded second coming of Jesus Christ Superstar is big, brash and bold…” and the Manchester Evening News stated, “from the very opening strains the pounding music, the huge and sophisticated video backdrops and pulsating energy from a talented ensemble cast make this a true spectacle.”

“In 1971 Andrew and I were thrilled by the first-ever Jesus Christ Superstar tour of the United States,” said Tim Rice. “We certainly did not imagine then that 43 years later we would be witnessing another America-wide tour of our first big hit show. We are delighted and grateful that enthusiasm for Superstar has been maintained over the years and this new production presents the work in its most powerful format – as a true rock experience.”

“Jesus Christ Superstar began life as a rock album…probably because nobody believed back in 1969 that you could present a stage musical about the last days of the life of Jesus Christ. I shall never forget its first live performance in the Civic Arena, Pittsburgh on July 12th 1971. Of course JCS subsequently became a legit theatre stalwart, but I, personally, have always hankered after seeing it again in the arenas where it started,” said Andrew Lloyd Webber.

“I’m excited to be involved with Jesus Christ Superstar,” said Michael Cohl. “The show has evolved greatly over the past 40 years and it is exhilarating to be a part of a project that marries this incredible property and its extraordinary music with the new, innovative technology that has become available for live shows. This arena rock spectacular is a whole new experience for fans.”

“I am so thrilled to be a part of this amazing production!” said Brandon Boyd. “I grew up on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classics and never imagined I would be playing a role in one, let alone with such an incredibly diverse cast of players. Truly an honor!”

“When I heard Jesus Christ Superstar was coming to the States, I was excited at the idea to be a part of telling one of the most influential stories in history through the scope of such a talented composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber,” said JC Chasez. “I’m excited to work with such a dynamic cast, and to bring Jesus Christ Superstar back to its roots as a rock arena experience.”

“I am so excited to be part of such a legendary production alongside an amazing cast!, said Michelle Williams. “I am truly looking forward to this experience!”

“I’m here to sing with the King of the Jews, who could ask for anything more?” said John Rotten Lydon.

“I feel so excited to bring this production to North America,” said Ben Forster. “America has to experience this rock arena spectacular as Andrew Lloyd Webber envisaged it. I am the real life Billy Elliot, from a coal mining city in the north of England to touring huge arenas across North America! You are about to witness my dream come true!”

The Jesus Christ Superstar Arena Spectacular North American Tour is presented by S2BN Entertainment and The Really Useful Group.

TICKETS: $34.50 to $149.50. 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.

Short, Short Tip: Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

We’re launching a new series on our YouTube channel of Short, Short tips and we are starting off with a tip for the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival!

With so many great activities, shows, demonstrations, concerts, topiaries, and more to see during the 2014 Epcot International Flower and Garden festival it is easy to overwhelmed.

If your schedule only permits one or two days at Epcot, you want to make sure that you go in with a great plan for how to see and experience all of your Must Do’s for the trip.

What I find helpful is making a list of highlights from the festival that I show my family to make sure that we include a little something for everyone during our visit. You can find my 2014 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Highlights here.

Short, Short Tip: Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

httpv://youtu.be/9IIUa8hLgu0

Make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel for more tips, and keep up with all our adventures by following us…

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Full Sail University Returns As Primary Sponsor Of The Florida Film Festival

Full Sail University Returns for 11th Year

as Primary Sponsor of the Florida Film Festival

Full Sail University is proud to return as the primary sponsor of the 23rd annual Florida Film Festival (FFF) held April 4 through April 13 at the Enzian Theater. 2014 marks Full Sail University’s 11th year as the primary sponsor and 17th year with the Festival.

“For more than a decade, Full Sail University has been proud to serve as the primary sponsor of this meaningful 10-day film festival that Enzian offers the Central Florida community,” said Garry Jones, President of Full Sail University. “We look forward to sharing in the many educational and entertaining events included in the 2014 schedule, and we congratulate our students and alumni whose film projects are showcased within the festival’s programming.”

Full Sail student and alumni credits can be seen on several films throughout the festival. The short film, The Cyclist, which will hold its world premiere during the FFF, features the work of Full Sail graduates Kellen Voss (producer and sound designer) and Donald Shults (production sound), and the short film The Past, featured in Best of Brouhaha was directed by Full Sail alumni Sean Sida & Garrett Callahan.

Attendees of the festival will also have the opportunity to see the work of over a dozen Full Sail University Film students who visited local farms and markets including Palmetto Creek Farms, Lake Meadows Farms, and East End Market to produce short documentaries showcasing how food is prepared and the importance of these farms to the local community.

Contributing to the educational elements of the festival, Full Sail University’s Program Manager of the Film Production MFA, Maylen Dominguez, will be moderating the panel discussion “Perseverance: Women in the Industry” on Thursday, April 10, from 11AM–12:30PM at the Enzian. In addition, Dave Franko, Full Sail’s V.P. of Academic Affairs, will be moderating the panel “Pushing the “Curfew”: A Case Study from Short to Feature” on Friday, April 11, from 11AM–12:30PM at the Enzian. These film-focused panel discussions are free and open to the public.

The 2014 Florida Film Festival will screen more than 170 feature and short films representing 26 countries. Of the films selected, 137 have premiere status. The festival features a vast array of forums, parties, and special events including celebrity guest appearances by Academy Award-winning actress, Susan Sarandon (Dead Man Walking), film and television actor, Paul Sorvino (Goodfellas), and actor, director, and producer, Giancarlo Esposito (AMC’s Breaking Bad).

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 Top Five Game Degree Programs by Electronic Gaming Monthly, one of the Best Music Programs by Rolling Stone Magazine, and one of the Best Film Programs by UNleashed Magazine. Recently, Full Sail received the “21st Century Best Practices in Distance Learning Award” from the United States Distance Learning Association, was named the “School/College of the Year” by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges, 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 animation, art, business, education, graphic design, film, marketing, web development, music, recording arts, sports, and video games. 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

Wordless Wednesday – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Wordless Wednesday – April 2, 2014

Pick Six: Cabana Bay Beach Resort

I am currently staying at the newly opened Cabana Bay Beach Resort at the Universal Orlando Resort, and I have to tell you that I am blown away!

The family suites are extremely spacious with lots of room for keeping a family on the go organized while they’re away and are perfectly retro in every way.

I wanted to share my initial reaction to the Cabana Bay Beach Resort in today’s Pick Six, because I am honestly obsessed with this resort.

Pick Six: Cabana Bay Beach Resort

1. The Decor

The decor at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort is beyond wonderful! My Grandmother had a house that had tons of nick-nacks from the 50’s & 60’s, and everywhere I turn I find something that makes me smile as I think of her.

2. The Pool

I will be exploring this area more today with Zoe, but this 10,000 square foot pool is full of fun for the whole family. The pool is heated with stair and zero entry options, and the iconic dive tower includes a speedy and fun water slide.

Another great area of the pool is the splash pad and water play area for the younger guests! This area is perfect for the young ones, because it is gated in to let them splash around safely and it is heated for those somewhat chilly nights.

Also, I adore that there are ‘white sand beaches’ poolside!

3. The Neon

What would a resort themed to the 50’s and 60’s be without a ton of neon?

The resort really takes on totally new look and feel at night when all of the neon is turned on. It really is a wonderful touch that I enjoy!

4. Bayliner Diner

The Bayliner Diner is the largest area to eat at the Cabana Bay Resort, and you will definitely find something for everyone there. You can grab anything from burgers, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, a salad bar, international dishes, and grab-and-go items.

This is where you can buy your Sonic Fill Mugs, watch some old (and really fun) television, and see the resort’s iconic mural.

5. Character Interaction

You never know who you will find roaming the lobby at the Cabana Bay Resort for an interaction unlike most that you will find around the parks.

Also, there are some really beautiful ladies walking around the resort to help set the scene.

6.Galaxy Bowl

Galaxy Bowl is 10-lane full service bowling experience set in the 1950’s, buy you will also find all of today’s entertainment technology and a full-service restaurant. Bowling is available at an extra charge, and can get hopping at night. So make sure that if you want to bowl you get there early or don’t mind waiting in their bar area (you will also find a Sonic Fill Mug Freestyle Coke Machine here).

It was a lot of fun taking a break from the day by bowling a game!

We’ll be at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort for the next day, so make sure you keep up with our adventures on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!

Disclosure: I was provided with accommodations at the Cabana Bay Resort, and all opinions expressed are my own.

2014 Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival

The 2014 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is here, and I couldn’t be more excited because it is my favorite time of year!

There are some great new additions joining returning offferings making this year’s Festival even more fun (if that’s even possible)!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFLH3_dhIvI&list=UUxhza5Nkv4ukqKmIFLE9dgA&feature=share

While there visiting the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is always a multi-day experience for us, here are some of my ‘Must Do’s’ if you only have a day to visit!

Must Do’s 2014 Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival

1. New Topiaries

This year two new topiaries have joined the line-up for this year’s Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival!

The Muppets Most Wanted topiary perfectly captures the charm and spirit of Kermit and Miss Piggy! I love that Kermit has his banjo and that Miss Piggy is a fabulous as ever.

I have to say that my favorite new topiaries and bonus photo opportunity at the Flower and Garden Festival is the World Cup area, where you can try your best to stop Goofy and Donald from scoring a goal! It was really fun to actually get into the display to be a part of the Festival. There are Cast Members there to help keep the area organized and help take your photo, because on the day we visited there wasn’t a Photopass Photographer available.

You will also notice that some familiar favorites, like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs have had a bit of a face lift. At first it was a little odd seeing this new technique being used on the them, but it has definitely grown on me!

2. Mike and Sulley’s Monsterous Garden

Tthe play areas of the Flower and Garden Festival are where we spend a lot of time as a family, because it’s a great chance to let Zoe run off some energy! This year Mike and Sulley’s Monsterous Garden is full of fun, vibrant colors, and benches in the shade for parents to take a break. We really loved how close you could get to the Mike and Sully topiaries for pictures!

3. Flower and Garden Passports

Make suer that you pick up this year’s Garden Passport, because it serves as your interactive guide to all the activities and delicious food that make up the Flower and Garden Festival. Plus collecting stamps is a great way to keep the kids involved in all there is to explore. Passports can be found at the Festival Welcome Center, at any Disney Vacation Club Information Center throughout the Park, at all Outdoor Kitchens, and at several merchandise locations.

4. Flower Power Concert Series

The Flower Power Concert Series is a great way to end your day at Epcot!

This year’s series is full of returning fan favorites, and two new-to-the-festival-acts: Gary Lewis and The Playboys (“This Diamond Ring”) and Alan Parsons Live Project (“Eye in the Sky”).

Performances are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and are included with Epcot admission.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival — Photo: Disney

Here is this year’s lineup (subject to change without notice):


April 4-6	Paul Revere & The Raiders “Good Thing”
April 11-13	Village People “Y.M.C.A”
April 18-20	The Grass Roots “Midnight Confessions”
April 25-27	Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry the VIII, I Am”
May 2-4	Starship starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
May 9-11	Chubby Checker & The Wildcats “The Twist”
May 16-18	NEW! Alan Parsons Live Project “Eye in the Sky”

5. HGTV and DIY Network Stars

I love having the chance to see some of my favorite TV stars up close, and the Superstars of HGTV and DIY Network shows will be appearing at the 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV until May 18, 2014.

The popular HGTV celebrities will meet festival guests and showcase expert tips and clever tricks at noon and 3 p.m. each Friday, Saturday and Sunday on The Designers’ Stage presented by HGTV at the Festival Center.

Here is the line-up of presenters:

April 4-6 – Taniya Nayak, ”House Hunters on Vacation”

April 11-13 – Amy Matthews, “Renovation Raiders”

April 18-20 – John Gidding, ”Curb Appeal”

April 25-27 – David Bromstad, “Color Splash”

May 2-4 – Chip Wade, ”Elbow Room”

May 9-11 – Genevieve Gorder, HGTV Star

May 16-18 – Alison Victoria, ”Kitchen Crashers”

6. Food

With 11 outdoor kitchens and the Intermission Cafe in the Festival Center offering so many great dishes, it is hard to choose a favorite!

Make sure that when you walk up to the outdoor kitchens, you take a moment to look at the plants and displays around them so you can learn a little more about what they’re offering at each location.

I have to say that my early delicious dishes are the Land-grown eggplant “scallop” with romesco sauce and spaghetti squash from the Urban Farm Eats Kitchen and the Macaron à la fleur d’ Oranger – Orange blossom macaron with white chocolate ganache from Fleur de Lys!

I hope that you’ve enjoyed taking a look at some of our highlights of the 2014 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival! Make sure you keep up with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for ongoing coverage!

Orlando City SC Home Opener At ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex Saturday

Orlando City SC to Play Final USL PRO Home Opener on Saturday

Kick-off set for 7:30 p.m. at ESPN Wide World of Sports

Orlando City SC kicks off their final USL PRO home opener at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, as they welcome the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday, March 29. The match will kick-off at 7:30 p.m.

“We’re delighted to play in-front of our fans this weekend and we’ll be looking to come out of the gate strong,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath on the home-opener. “Pittsburgh is a good side and we know that we have a bigger target on our backs this year, but we’ll be up for it.”

The WWOS complex will serve as a temporary one-year home for the Lions and has increased capacity to allow approximately 5,500 fans to attend City’s home matches this season.

After starting the season on the road in South Carolina with a 1-1 draw against the Battery, the Lions will look for their first win of the season. Newly signed Midfielder Austin da Luz looked sharp in his debut with Orlando, recording the team’s first goal of the 2014 campaign.

“The fans that made the trip to Charleston were unbelievable,” da Luz said ahead of Saturday’s matchup with Pittsburgh. “I can’t imagine what the home opener is going to be like. I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for us to get our first win.”

Defender Rob Valentino should be ready to go for the home opener this weekend. Valentino and Rusin looked to be a formidable partnership during the Pro Soccer Classic, as the Lions only conceded two goals in the two games Valentino and Rusin played together.

However, during the off-season Pittsburgh added even more attacking firepower to their core lineup and will provide a solid test for the City backline. After resigning lethal Striker Jose Angulo, who recorded 13 goals last season, the Riverhounds also added former Fulham and Chicago Fire Forward Collins John. Pittsburgh’s squad also includes three loanees from MLS affiliate Houston Dynamo.

During the 2013 season the Lions went 1-1-1 against the Riverhounds, but defeated them in the USL PRO quarterfinals en route to City’s third USL PRO Championship.

About Orlando City SC:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is Major League Soccer’s newest expansion team. The club will begin play in MLS in 2015, becoming the league’s 21^st club. The Lions’ first team has won two USL PRO regular season titles and two postseason championships and will continue play in USL PRO in 2014 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Outside of the first squad, OCSC also has a youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U-23 team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com and www.OrlandoCityYouth.org.

Getting Ready for the runDisney Avengers Half Marathon Weekend

If you are anything like me, you are beyond stoked to #SmashTheHalf at the runDisney Avengers Half Marathon Weekend in November 14-16, 2014, at the Disneyland Resort in California!

The one thing that I am looking forward to the most is that this will be my first race showing my #DisneySide by running in a costume. I will be running as Thor and Kelly will be running as Loki.

With the race looming closer I have started my search for pieces for my costume, and I found some great Marvel tech shirts at SuperHero Stuff. The shirts have amazing details and are incredibly affordable as they start at $26.99!

Also, a huge plus is that you can order either a men’s or women’s shirt. For me the arms on the men’s shirts are always so loose and they drive me crazy, because they rub my arms on my longer runs. So having the option to order a women’s cut will hopefully mean less training in costume. I can’t wait to run the streets of Celebration in my Thor costume!!!

And how can you not love the product description from their site?

Now you can preform in that USO show just like always wanted to with the 92% polyester 8% spandex Captain America Sublimated Costume Fitness T-Shirt! You just need to find some backup dancers, some Vita Rays, Super Solider Serum, and Hugo Weaving. Gotta have Agent Smith in there for it to count for anything! Intensely sheer and of the utmost quality, the Captain America Sublimated Costume Fitness T-Shirt emulates the First Avenger’s torso with an all over and right-up-to-the-edge print that even makes wielders of the Tesseract jealous!

Using the Captain America and Loki fitness shirts, as they call them, and some of our favorite brands (Sparkle Athletic, Oakley, and New Balance) I have created some ideas for running friendly costumes to wear at the runDisney Avengers Half Marathon!

Are you considering dressing up for the runDisney Avengers Half Marathon or any of the upcoming runDisney races? Do you have any tips for this first timer?

Disclosure: I received nothing for writing this post, these are all just products that I find extremely cool!