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!
Busch Gardens Provides Unprecedented Value With Free Adventure Island Fun Card Offer
Guests Can Enjoy All the Thrills of Busch Gardens Tampa AND Water-Soaked Fun of Adventure Island
Guests can take advantage of an unprecedented offer and receive an Adventure Island® Fun Card FREE with the purchase of a Busch Gardens® Tampa Fun Card. This new, limited-time offer let’s guests enjoyunlimited thrills at Busch Gardens and the water-soaked fun of Adventure Island for $92 for adults and $87 for children (ages 3-9) with no blackout dates.
Falcon’s Fury image copyright Busch Gardens
“We’re excited to bring this extraordinary offer to the loyal Busch Gardens and Adventure Island fans and guests,” saidBusch Gardens Park President Jim Dean. “In addition to experiencing the thrilling rides, world-class entertainment and over 12,000 animals that Busch Gardens offers, guests can also cool off at Adventure Island all season long.”
In addition to the unparalleled combination of thrill rides, animal attractions and entertainment, each Fun Card includes admission to the incredible line-up of events at each park, such as the Real Music Concert Series, Bands, Brew & BBQ, Island Nights and Summer Nights.
Offer is valid through March 31, 2014 and provides unlimited access to Busch Gardens through Dec. 31, 2014 andAdventure Island through Oct. 12, 2014. Guests can take advantage of this unprecedented offer online atbuschgardens.com, by calling (888) 800-5447, at the front gates at Busch Gardens or at select AAA locations.
This is a limited time offer and does not include admission to select special events (including Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town at Busch Gardens). Offer does not include parking or discounts on food and merchandise. Price is plus tax, per person and is valid for only residents of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Offer is non-transferable and non-refundable and not valid with other discounts or special offers. Other restrictions may apply. Subject to change without notice.
Be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following the park’s blog atBuschGardensTampaBlog.com. You can also “like” the Busch GardensFacebook page, and follow @buschgardens onTwitter and on Pinterest.
Riders brave a watery free-fall when Ihu’s Breakaway Falls™ – the tallest, steepest and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind in the southern United States – opens at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark™ May 9.
At nearly 80 feet tall, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is where thrill seekers face their fears and each other. After stepping into one of three clear “breakaway boxes,” they’ll watch each other fall one-by-one as the floor underneath them disappears. They’ll never know who’s going to breakaway first – and the anticipation of who drops next is part of the wild ride!
“With four unique slide paths, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls brings a whole new level of thrill to Aquatica Orlando,” said Bryan Nadeau, Aquatica Orlando vice president. “Riders can step into three breakaway boxes or test their bravery on a fourth open slide for a different, but just as thrilling experience. No matter which slide you choose, once you get to the top, the only way down is down.”
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.
The best way to experience Ihu’s Breakaway Falls when it opens is with an Aquatica Orlando Annual Pass starting at just $8 a month with EZpay available for a limited time only through March 31, 2014. For more information, visit AquaticaOrlando.com.
Ihu’s Breakaway Falls features the tallest, steepest, longest and only multi-drop tower slides of their kind in the southern United States.
At nearly 80 feet tall, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls has the tallest and steepest 360-degree spirals in the southern United States.
Those who dare to brave Ihu’s Breakaway Falls will experience an almost vertical drop for nearly 40 feet, the steepest in the southern United States.
Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is the longest water thrill slide of its kind featuring three “breakaway boxes” and four completely different slide paths. Once the floor disappears, riders will drop 20-24 feet per second.
Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is theonlyhigh-speed water thrill slide in the world that propels guests through four, 360-degree spirals.
Aquatica is a part of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment inspires millions, through the power of entertainment, to celebrate, connect with and care for the natural world. The Company is best known for its 11 U.S. theme parks, attractions that hosted more than 24 million guests in 2012 and include the beloved SeaWorld®, Busch Gardens® and Sesame Place® brands. The parks offer guests animal encounters that invite exploration and appreciation of the natural world, thrilling rides and spectacular shows. In 2011 the Company began expanding its popular brands into media platforms to connect people to nature and animals through movies, television, and digital media; plus began developing new lines of licensed consumer products.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations. The Company maintains one of the largest animal collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of species in zoological facilities and in the conservation of wild populations. It also operates one of the world’s most respected programs to rescue, rehabilitate and return to the ocean marine animals that are ill or injured: SeaWorld has rescued more than 23,000 animals over the last four decades.
Tori Amos ‘Unrepentant Geraldines’ Worldwide Tour To Play Bob Carr Performing Arts Center
Tickets on Sale – March 7, 2014 at 10:00 am
Tori Amos is set to release her brand new studio album, “Unrepentant Geraldines,” May 13 in the U.S. on Mercury Classics/Universal Music Classics. “Unrepentant Geraldines” is pop/rock in both content and feel and is a change in pace from Amos’ most recent releases. The album is both one step further in the evolution of one of the most successful and influential artists of her generation, and a resurgence to the inspiring and personal music that Amos is known for all around the world. Amos’ worldwide tour kicks off this May and performs at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre on August 23. Tickets go on sale March 7 at 10 a.m.
WHO: TORI AMOS | UNREPENTANT GERALDINES WORLDWIDE TOUR
WHEN: SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2014 | 8 P.M.
WHERE: BOB CARR PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE | ORLANDO, FLORIDA
ON SALE: FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 | 10 A.M.
“Unrepentant Geraldines” is Amos’ 14th studio recording, and the revival of her core identity as a creator of contemporary songs, following a series of more classically-inspired and innovative musical projects of the last four years. These have included the seasonal collection “Midwinter Graces,” the classically influenced “Night of Hunters,” and “Gold Dust,” a collection of orchestral re-workings of songs spanning her career. Released in October 2012, “Gold Dust” included “Flavor,” which was remixed by the late DJ Peter Rauhofer and peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Club Dance Chart in February 2013.
Amos recently launched her most ambitious project to date as a composer, along with book writer Samuel Adamson, with the musical The Light Princes, which premiered at London’s National Theatre in fall of 2013.
Photo Credit: Amarpaul Kalirai
Amos has sold over 12 million albums, has played over a thousand shows and has won numerous awards. Since the release of her debut album “Little Earthquakes” in 1992 where she pushed boundaries with her confessional style of songwriting, Amos continues to be adored, picking up new fans along the way, romanced by her messages of empowerment, tenderness, acerbic assertiveness, and of course her utterly peerless sound.
A pioneer across multiple platforms, Amos was the first major label artist to offer a single for download. She has had her songs turned into graphic novels and has produced groundbreaking videos throughout her career. Amos is also a noted humanitarian and co-founder of RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network), which is the United States’ largest anti-sexual assault organization.
TICKETS: $37.50, $47.50 & $67.50. All seats reserved. Tickets are available through OrlandoVenues.net, Chase® Box Office at the Amway Center, Ticketmaster retail locations, charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000 and at Ticketmaster.com. All dates, acts and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges. For box office and ticket information call 407.440.7900.
ABOUT ORLANDO VENUES
Since 1989, Orlando Venues has served as Central Florida’s epicenter of sports and live entertainment. Orlando Venues includes the Amway Center, Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, Florida Citrus Bowl, Tinker Field, Harry P. Leu Gardens and Mennello Museum of American Art. Orlando Venues’ mission is to present the Central Florida community with an extensive collection of live sports and entertainment and deliver a standard which results in the ultimate experience for our visitors. Amway Center is home to the NBA’s 2009 Eastern Conference Champions, the Orlando Magic and the East Coast Hockey League’s Orlando Solar Bears. The Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre is the principal theatre for Fairwinds Broadway Across America-Orlando, Orlando Ballet and the Orlando Philharmonic. Annually, the Florida Citrus Bowl hosts the historic Florida Classic and two of the NCAA’s premier bowl games – the Russell Athletic Bowl and Capital One Bowl. Tinker Field, built in 1914, is on the US National Register of Historic Places and is a recurrent venue for outdoor music festivals. Harry P. Leu Gardens features 50 acres of lush landscapes and has one of America’s largest collections of camellias. The Mennello Museum of American Art enriches the community with special exhibitions and showcases a permanent collection of paintings by Earl Cunningham. The department also oversees the City’s Public Art Program which includes the City Hall Gallery and Mayor’s Gallery.
Orlando City Finishes Pro Soccer Classic in Third Place
After a draw in regulation, both sides forgo routine penalty-kicks
In the Walt Disney Pro Soccer Classic third place match, Orlando City SC drew the New York Red Bulls 4-4 on Saturday, March 1, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. With Orlando and New York electing to forgo a decision by penalty kicks, both sides will finish the Pro Soccer Classic in third place.
“Despite allowing two or three poor goals, there were a lot of pleasing moments for us, especially going forward,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath after the match. “As their coaches just said, we’re difficult to contain with the way we move the ball.”
After controlling possession early in the match, a miscommunication in the New York defense would provide a golden opportunity for new signing Corey Hertzog. Going against the club who drafted him in 2011, Hertzog was in pursuit of a long-floated ball from Darwin Ceren.
Ceren’s ball seemed to be an easy clearance for the Red Bulls defense, but Defender Kosuke Kimura accidentally headed it past Goalkeeper Luis Robles who was on his way to clear the danger away. Hertzog was lurking in the area and slotted it home to give Orlando a 1-0 lead.
In light of Hertzog’s early goal, Orlando would get into their rhythm, and Molino and Hertzog would create a few opportunities that kept Robles honest.
On the other end, the 2013 Supporter Shield winners weren’t shy of going forward either and showed why they were one of the best sides in MLS last year. In response to a cracking effort from Molino that hit the cross-bar, New York progressed their way down the pitch and equalized the match in the 28th minute.
After receiving the ball on the right-hand-side, Midfielder Lloyd Sam whipped in a driven cross to the near-post and Bradley Wright-Phillips was there to place it past Gallardo.
The equalizer from New York was arguably a fair reflection of the first-half, as neither side was ever in full-control of the game. Nevertheless, despite not having as much time on the ball in comparison to the matches in the group-stages, Orlando still looked dangerous in spurts.
Midfielder Darwin Ceren has quickly become a fan-favorite for his contributions on the pitch, and was a key facilitator in City’s attacking plays. As a result, Orlando would create the best chance of the match, in the 43rd minute, after several probing efforts.
After good build-up play on the left-hand side, City worked the ball across the edge of the area to Yordany Alvarez who hit a powerful volley that forced Robles to push it over the bar and into the supporters section.
The play leading up to Alvarez’s effort was almost an identical replication of Darwin Ceren’s first goal for the Lions against Columbus Crew.
Photo: Alison Petro
To begin the second half, Heath brought on Dennis Chin for Hertzog as his only change during the intermission.
Within two minutes of entering the game, the Chin would score his second goal of the preseason. After Molino earned a corner, Alvarez whipped the ball to the near-post for Chin who nodded it past Robles Robles.
However, Orlando had very little time to celebrate as Wright-Phillips tapped home his second goal of the game in the 50th minute. Wright-Phillips, the brother of former England-international Sean Wright-Phillips, used his pace to get in behind the Orlando defense on several occasions but Gallardo maintained his excellent form with notable key saves.
But in the 68th minute, New York would get the better of the Mexican goalkeeper when Ibrahim Sekagaya scored a tap in. Gallardo made a quality save on the initial free-kick from Orlando-native Dax McCarty, but Sekagya was there to tuck it away after City failed to clear it away.
In the ensuing moments after Sekagya’s goal, Orlando would not lose their fighting spirit and Adama Mbengue, who came on as a substitute in the 57th minute, provided an equalizer in 76th minute.
Stemming from another Yordany Alvarez corner-kick, Mbengue blasted a screamer from the edge of the area that flew into the top-corner.
Nevertheless, Midfielder Jonny Steele would respond with the Red Bull’s fourth goal of the match, only two minutes later.
Steele’s goal marks the second consecutive game in which Orlando has allowed four goals. However, similar to the Columbus match, City would respond and level the game at four goals apiece.
Orlando’s goal occurred after beautiful build-up play in the midfield that allowed Mbengue to release Molino in behind. The Trinidadian quickly latched on to the ball and dinked it by Robles.
“We played a pretty good New York side tonight and I think we made a good account for ourselves by finishing the tournament unbeaten,” added Heath.
With neither side being able to break the dead-lock in regulation, the match would finish as a 4-4 draw. After the final whistle, both clubs opted to forgo the routine penalty-kicks and conclude the Pro Soccer Classic with a tie for third place.
Orlando City’s next preseason match will take place on March 8 against Florida International University (FIU). Kick-off is set for 3 p.m., and the match will occur at Seminole Soccer Complex.
Orlando City SC- GK Miguel Gallardo, D Mason Trafford (Trial), Rob Valentino, Luke Boden, Tyler Turner (Jordan Cyrus trial 48’), M James O’Connor (Anthony Pulis 57’), Yordany Alvarez, Austin Da Luz (Adama Mbengue 57’), Darwin Ceren, Kevin Molino, Corey Hertzog (Dennis Chin 46’)
New York Red Bulls- GK Luis Robles, D Ibrahim Sekagya, Armando, Kosuke Kimura, Chris Duvall, M Lloyd Sam, Jonny Steele, Dax McCarty, Eric Alexander, F Peguy Luyindala, Bradley Wright-Phillips
Match Facts:
Time of Match: 6:00 p.m. EST
Weather: — Clear
About Orlando City Soccer Club:
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 21st 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.
Last night as we were watching Idina Menzel perform ‘Let it Go’ during last night’s Academy Awards, Congratulations to Frozen for two Oscars and to Robert Lopez for being the youngest EGOT, a few of us got into a discussion about what our favorite songs were from Disney Movies.
I thought I would take a break from the theme parks to share with you a personal post on my Pick Six of favorite Disney Songs.
Pick Six: Favorite Disney Movie Songs (In no particular order)
I will tell you in all fairness that Cinderella is both my favorite Disney Movie and Princess, so I fully admit to bias here! I adore this song with all of my heart! It’s haunting melody, beautiful message, and I feel the same way every morning when I hear my alarm. Also, I really wish I had birds that would help be make my bed!
When I was growing up, during the summer my brother and I were each able to pick out a VHS to rent from the local video store to watch for the week (I am REALLY showing my age here…), and while we would often choose different movies we always agreed on Mary Poppins when it was available. We would watch it over and over again, my Mom warned us we would break both the rewind button and the tape, and we sing and dance around our den like we were penguins or chimney sweeps.
Jolly Holiday was always our favorite, because it was just so fun and whimsical that you couldn’t help but sing a little louder or dance a little crazier. We would always get in trouble, but it was soooooo worth it!!!
Little Mermaid came out when I was in Middle School, and we are all awkward and looking for our place in the world so Part of Your World really spoke to me.
I will also admit that I cannot help myself, and no matter where I am or what I am doing I will ALWAYS sing this song at the top of my lungs. It’s really involuntary, and I apologize in advance if you ever have to witness this!
My husband, Dave, loves The Jungle Book, and as a result it has become a family favorite and go-to movie. There is nothing quite like watching your husband and you daughter dance around the house as they sing ‘I Wanna Be Like You’! The giggles, the shaking, the funny conversations about ‘What is he saying, Daddy?’…nope…It will never ever stop making me smile.
I seriously cannot see, sing, watch, or think about ‘Reflection’ from Mulan without welling up with tears.
We all struggle with finding our place in this world, balancing family and their expectations of us, and accepting & embracing that we are the way we are, and this song beautifully sums up these battles in a way that makes you feel like you are not alone. The no one is really who you think they are, because we all have our issues and insecurities.
If you haven’t given Disney’s On The Record a listen, you are doing yourself a disservice! It is a glorious and wonderful arrangement of Disney songs from movies, shorts, attractions, and more. Seriously, GO LISTEN!
The Whistle While You Work mash-up featured is incredibly infectious, and I dare you not to move to the beat!
I’d love to hear what you think of my Favorite Disney Movie Song choices and what your favorites are!!!
Disney Twenty-Three Celebrates Disney’s Contributions To The
1964-1965 New York’s World’s Fair in Spring 2014 Issue
Featuring rarely seen concept art and photography from the fair, as well as exclusive interviews with Chris Evans, Tina Fey, and The Muppets
Plus, D23.com online exclusives include extended celebrity interviews and additional stories, artwork, and photography from the World’s Fair.
The 1964–65 World’s Fair in New York celebrated a time of optimism, growth, and progress. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club captures all the excitement of this epic event in the Spring issue of its publication, Disney twenty-three. The Fair, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, marked the creation of landmark Disney technology, music, and attractions including it’s a small world,Audio-Animatronics® technology, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, and the Carousel of Progress—with its memorable theme song “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.” Disney twenty-three sat down with several Disney Legends responsible for these iconic landmarks including Marty Sklar, Alice Davis, and Bob Gurr. Stunning concept art and rarely seen photography from the Fair complement the stories in this issue, available exclusively to Gold Members of D23.
Disney twenty-three’sSpring issue also includes a look ahead at some of the latest entertainment coming from Disney. Ty Burrell, Tina Fey, Kermit the Frog, and Miss Piggy give readers a peek “behind the felt” at Muppets Most Wanted,which opens this March. Chris Evans talks about suiting up once again for April’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier.Plus, Jonathan Freeman discusses taking his characterization of the villainous Jafar from screen to stage, as Disney Theatrical Productions prepares to open Aladdin on Broadway this March.
Also included in the Spring issue of Disney twenty-three:
We celebrate D23’s fifth anniversary with a look at some of the club’s most memorable events
“Ask Dave” with Disney Legend and Chief Archivist Emeritus Dave Smith returns to print in the U.S. for the first time in nearly a decade
Disney trendsetters are all the rage—and on the page—in “The Hippest Place on Earth”
Regular columns including A Walk with Walt, PHOTOfiles, D Society, and more
All D23 Members are invited to visit www.D23.com for additional members-only content, including extended Q&As with Kermit, Fey, Burrell, and the irrepressible Miss Piggy from Muppets Most Wanted.
A closer look at the artwork from it’s a small world’s Tower of the Four Winds at the New York World’s Fair
Details on which parts of the World’s Fair attractions made their way to Disneyland
A drive though the Ford Magic Skyway, with an extensive photo gallery
Also in the Spring issue, D23 Gold Members will receive a reproduction of the “Souvenir Map and Small World Guide” from the centerfold of the commemorative it’s a small world, guide book.
Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership.
About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s nearly 90-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.
Fans can join D23 at Gold, Silver, and Free Membership levels at D23.com and at www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow us @DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.
America’s Premier Figure Skating Production Welcomes the
U.S. Olympic Bronze Medal Figure Skating Team to the
Amway Center on Sunday, April 6
Tickets On Sale Now
Meryl Davis & Charlie White returned from the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, with the United States’ first ice dancing gold medal in history. Stars on Ice, featuring Davis & White along with their bronze medal-winning teammates from the inaugural Olympic figure skating team event, visit Orlando on Sunday, April 6 for a performance at the Amway Center. Tickets are on sale now.
The country’s premier figure skating production, Stars on Ice, in partnership with U.S. Figure Skating, is proud to announce that for the first time ever, the U.S. Olympic Figure Skating team will headline the annual nationwide tour. Bringing the spirit and passion of the Winter Olympics back to home ice, the entirebronze medal-winning U.S. Figure Skating team will highlight a truly spectacular and star-studded cast. In addition to gold medalists Davis & White, two-time U.S. champion Ashley Wagner, 2014 U.S. champion Gracie Gold, four-time and reigning U.S. champion Jeremy Abbott, 2014 U.S. silver medalist Jason Brown, and two-time reigning U.S. pairs champions Marissa Castelli & Simon Shnapir comprise the bronze medal team joining the Stars on Ice 2014 Tour.
The Stars on Ice 2014 Tour cast also includes two-time U.S. ice dancing silver medalists Madison Chock & Evan Bates, 2011 U.S. Champion Ryan Bradley and 2010 Olympian and 2014 U.S. bronze medalist Mirai Nagasu. Several special guests will also make appearances throughout the tour.
Stars on Ice continues to be a pioneer in figure skating by offering fans the rare opportunity to witness some of America’s most creative and cherished champions performing together in both individual and ensemble routines. Founded and produced by Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton, Stars on Ice is one of the premier family entertainment events in the U.S., and the only figure skating tour in America, bringing you the greatest performances and competitors from the 2014 Winter Games. This year’s Stars on Ice production joins forces with U.S. Figure Skating, moving its traditional tour dates to the spring in order to showcase the world’s best figure skaters at the top of their form and offering special opportunities for fans across the country to celebrate the accomplishments of these historic skaters.
Special on-ice seating is available upon request. Tickets start at $25 and are available via www.starsonice.com, www.amwaycenter.com, the Amway Center box office and by phone at 1.800.745.3000. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. Please visit www.starsonice.com for the most up-to-date information, as well as exciting show announcements. Stars on Ice is pleased to announce Macy’s, KOSE, and airweave as Associate Sponsors of the 2014 Tour.
TICKETS: $25, $45, $80 & $145 – 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.
ABOUT STARS ON ICE
Founded in 1986 by skating icon Scott Hamilton, the Stars on Ice tour has performed more than 1,000 shows over the last three decades. Past tour performers include Olympic Gold Medalists Kristi Yamaguchi, Katarina Witt, Scott Hamilton and Torvill & Dean. The Tour has won three Emmy Awards, one ACE Cable Award (Best Sports Special), and is recognized as the finest ice production in the world. Stars on Ice is produced by IMG, the world’s premier Sports, Entertainment and Media Company. For more information about the tour, visit www.starsonice.com. Keep in touch with Stars on Ice on Facebook: www.facebook.com/starsonice and on Twitter: @starsonice, www.twitter.com/starsonice.
ABOUT AMWAY CENTER
The Orlando Magic served as the developer of the Amway Center, which hosts major national events, concerts and family shows. Opened in the fall of 2010, the facility is owned and operated by the City of Orlando on behalf of the Central Florida community. The Amway Center was designed to reflect the character of the community, meet the goals of the users and build on the legacy of sports and entertainment in Orlando. The building’s exterior features a modern blend of glass and metal materials, along with ever-changing graphics via a monumental wall along one facade. A 180-foot tall tower serves as a beacon amid the downtown skyline. The 875,000 square foot, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certified building features a sustainable, environmentally-friendly design and unmatched technology, including 1,100 digital monitors, the tallest high-definition video board in an NBA venue and multiple premium amenities available to all patrons in the building. Amway Center was recently honored with TheStadiumBusiness Awards’ 2013 Customer Experience Award and named SportsBusiness Journal’s 2012 Sports Facility of the Year. For more information about the Amway Center, visit www.amwaycenter.com.
SEAWORLD ORLANDO’S BANDS, BREW & BBQ HEADLINERS FOR WEEK FIVE
SeaWorld Orlando presents Week 5 of Bands, Brew & BBQ festival features only two more weekends of rocking concerts, mouth-watering BBQ, thirst-quenching beer and toe-tapping fun. Bands, Brew & BBQ’s final weekends are March 1 and 2, andMarch 8 and 9.
Country star Scotty McCreery plays Saturday, March 1.
In two short years, Scotty McCreery became one of country’s hottest new stars, with album sales topping 1.6 million, including a platinum-selling debut album that made Billboard history and helped him win several new artist awards. During this whirlwind career explosion, he performed for President Obama, sung the national anthem at the World Series, performed in the Macy’s Day Parade and put on shows from coast to coast.
Classic rock legends Steve Miller Band plays Sunday, March 2.
Call him the Gangster of Love. Call him Maurice. You can even call him the The Joker or Space Cowboy. Everybody knows that Steve Miller speaks the pompatus of love. The announcement of the 2013 touring season by the Steve Miller Band follows four of the most busy, productive years in the long, illustrious career of Steve Miller, an artist at the peak of his powers, in demand around the world, whether returning for his second tour of Europe in two years last year or headed off on his New Zealand Australia tour in spring 2013.
Both shows start at 4 p.m. at the SeaWorld Orlando Bayside Stadium.
Bands, Brew & BBQ also celebrates the food! Serious barbecue connoisseurs can taste it all and pick their favorites. Sample Orlando’s best barbecue from local smokehouses — Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que, Cecil’s Texas Style BAR-B-Q and Sonny’s BBQ® – plus SeaWorld’s very own Sweet & Smokin’ Barbecue. Sip on our ice-cold craft beer selection while enjoying live rocking concerts and exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Even the little ones have their own area to get up close to animals, work on masterpieces at coloring stations, take photos with SeaWorld costume characters, learn from educators and play interactive games.
During Bands, Brew & BBQ, all Harley-Davidson® riders get free parking when they ride their hog to SeaWorld. And in between all the eating and line dancing, event-goers can take in the proudly displayed 2014 Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Like all other events at SeaWorld Orlando, Bands, Brew & BBQ is included with park admission or any annual pass product.
The best way to experience Bands, Brew & BBQ is with a Fun Card; pay for a day and play all year – with no blackout dates – to experience all of SeaWorld’s remarkable events.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment inspires millions, through the power of entertainment, to celebrate, connect with and care for the natural world. The Company has been creating innovative entertainment experiences that blend imagination with nature for more than 50 years and is best known for its 11 U.S. theme parks, attractions that hosted more than 24 million guests in 2012 and include the beloved SeaWorld®, Busch Gardens® and Sesame Place® brands. The parks offer guests a variety of up-close experiences, from animal encounters that invite exploration and appreciation of the natural world, to thrilling rides and spectacular shows. In 2011 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment began expanding its popular brands into media and entertainment platforms to connect people to nature and animals through movies, television, and digital media; plus began developing new lines of licensed consumer products.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care. The Company maintains one of the largest animal collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of species in zoological facilities and in the conservation of wild populations. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment also operates one of the world’s most respected programs to rescue, rehabilitate and return to the ocean marine animals that are ill, injured and orphaned. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped more than 23,000 animals in need over the last four decades.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment employs more than 21,000 people nationwide.
Adventure Island Kicks Off New Season With A Special Offer
Splash into spring when Adventure Island® begins the 2014 season of fun in the sun on Saturday, March 8. It’s time again to splash in the wave pool, amble down the Rambling Bayou, race down speed slides, including Everglides® and Riptide, or just kick back on the beach amidst a tropical Key West setting.
Now, for a limited time, the best value to visit all season long is the Adventure Island Fun Card:
Pay for a day and enjoy unlimited access to Adventure Island all season long with no blackout dates.
The Adventure Island Fun Card is $47 for adults and $43 children.
Add Busch Gardens for a combined Fun Card for $129 (adults) and $120 (children) at AdventureIsland.com.
CABANAS – make the most of your Adventure Island visit and rent a cabana for a shaded, exclusive spot for your family and friends to gather throughout the day. Each cabana includes four chaise lounges, a locker, a mini-fridge with bottled waters and four souvenir towels. Daily rental prices range from $99.99 to $189.99, based on the time of year.
ADVENTURE ISLAND
From the moment guests enter Adventure Island®, they are immersed in a Key West-themed paradise. The 40-acre water park features thrilling slides and tube rides, including Riptide, Wahoo Run®, Key West Rapids, Runaway Rapids, Everglides®, Calypso Coaster, Aruba Tuba, Caribbean Corkscrew®, Water Moccasin and Gulf Scream. Guests can also kick back on the beach or in the 17,000-square-foot wave pool, play on professional sand volleyball courts, breeze through the tropical gift shop or let the current sweep them through a half-mile of lush landscapes and tropical waterfalls on the Rambling Bayou.
Visit AdventureIsland.com for daily operating hours. Single-day admission tickets for Adventure Island are $47 for adults and $43 for children. Children ages 2 and younger are free, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. All prices are per person, plus tax. Park hours are subject to change. Visit AdventureIsland.com for more information.
I am always on the look out for new MagicBand Accessories, and I was really excited to find a few that I had never seen before as I was walking around the Downtown Disney Marketplace.
I really love the new MagicSliders!
Who wouldn’t love to have an R2D2 MagicSlider???
The newer MagicSlider characters are really fun with a slight Japanese influence in their shape and design. Also, I appreciate that they have less parts that stick out far enough to get caught on sleeves. I think that Mike Wazowski is my favorite!!!
It’s also great to see the Princesses get some love, too! And the set of three would be great for siblings to split up.
Seeing Star Wars MagicBandits made my day! I like how their look and that they are here before Star Wars Weekends, because I can now match my bandits to my outfit. (I know…I am matchy-matchy!)
The jelly sparkle Mickey heads are also a welcome addition to the MagicBand accessory line, because these look like a vast improvement from the first set of MagicBandits that came out last year. The colors are more vibrant and the glitter seems to be a better quality.
Don’t forget to check out and subscribe to our YouTube Channel with great tips for utilizing FastPass+, accessorizing your MagicBands, and even how to make a box to keep your MagicBand Accessories organized!
httpv://youtu.be/koolv7fRW-g
What do you think? Will you be buying any MagicBand accessories for your upcoming trip to Walt Disney World?
Every year Raytheon, sponsor of Sum of All Thrills in Innoventions East, helps guests National Engineers Week in Epcot, but this year they have really taken it to the next level!
For the week of February 17-21, 2014, Raytheon is presenting ‘Science Thrills Live’ show in Innoventions West.
httpv://youtu.be/P9Uvz0AWRis
In ‘Science Thrills Live’, which is part of Raytheon’s Math Moves You program, Dr. Erika Ebbel Angle leads a group of three scientists who demonstrate various scientific concepts with experiments that involve and engage even the youngest members of the audience!
I had the chance to speak with Dr. Erika Ebbel Angle before the show, and this former Miss Massachusetts is also a Biochemist who founded Science for Scientists with a passion for education and firing kids up about STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) to show them the real world applications of science.
Dr. Angle said that ‘Our goal is to dispel stereotypes of science, while also showing kids that science and engineering are awesome, fun, and engaging.’
The energy of the show was really fun, and as an extra bonus they used a lot of music from Meet the Robinsons during the show.
“Science Thrills Live” show is 20 minutes long, and will occur daily all week with shows at 11 a.m., 1, 2, 3, and 4 p.m. in Innoventions West near the Great Piggy Bank Adventure.
I suggest showing up 30 minutes early, because it is not a huge space. While you are waiting there are experiments to do and a really great pre-show that gives you a taste of what you can expect once the show begins!
In addition to ‘Science Thrills Live’, Raytheon employees will be on hand to lead Guests in hands-on experiments, again located in Innoventions West, to share kid-friendly activities while they share their passion for education and engineering.
And after the show and experiments, you definitely have to take the chance to experience science first hand by designing and experiencing their own thrill ride at The Sum of All Thrills presented by Raytheon
We look forward to celebrating National Engineers Week every year with Raytheon, but this year is especially memorable so be sure to drop by Innoventions West this week!
SeaWorld Orlando’s Bands, Brew & BBQ festival features four more weekends of rocking concerts, mouth-watering BBQ, thirst-quenching beer and toe-tapping fun. Bands, Brew & BBQ takes place weekends in February through the first two weekends in March.
Sister Hazel plays Saturday, February 15.
Sister Hazel’s creative train just keeps rolling. The band’s well-received “Release” reached the band’s highest ever spot (#37) on the Billboard Album Charts, topping even their platinum disc “Somewhere More Familiar,” and they later kept the momentum going with “Heartland Highway” (Oct. 12, 2010, Rock Ridge Music), marking the band’s quickest album-to-album turnaround in their 15-plus-year career.
Comedian Larry the Cable Guy plays Sunday, February 16.
Larry the Cable Guy is a multiplatinum recording artist, Grammy nominee, Billboard award winner and one of the top comedians in the country. He has his own line of merchandise and continues to sell out theatres and arenas across the United States. Larry has created The Git-R-Done Foundation, which was named after Larry’s signature catchphrase, and has donated more than 7 million dollars to various charities. Larry most recently co-starred in the Tyler Perry movie A Madea Christmas. He also hosted Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy on History for three seasons. The show premiered in 2011 and was a huge ratings success. In each episode, Larry visited various sites across the country revealing bits of real history while immersing himself in new and different lifestyles, jobs and hobbies that celebrate the American experience. Larry was also the star of the CMT animated show Bounty Hunters, which reunited him with Jeff Foxworthy and Bill Engvall.
Both shows start at 4 p.m. at the park’s Bayside Stadium. Visit SeaWorldOrlando.com for more details.
Bands, Brew & BBQ also celebrates the food! Serious barbecue connoisseurs can taste it all and pick their favorites. Sample Orlando’s best barbecue from local smokehouses — Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que, Cecil’s Texas Style BAR-B-Q and Sonny’s BBQ® – plus SeaWorld’s very own Sweet & Smokin’ Barbecue. Sip on our ice-cold craft beer selection while enjoying live rocking concerts and exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Even the little ones have their own area to get up close to animals, work on masterpieces at coloring stations, take photos with SeaWorld costume characters, learn from educators and play interactive games.
During Bands, Brew & BBQ, all Harley-Davidson® riders get free parking when they ride their hog to SeaWorld. And in between all the eating and line dancing, event-goers can take in the proudly displayed 2014 Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Like all other events at SeaWorld Orlando, Bands, Brew & BBQ is included with park admission or any annual pass product.
The best way to experience Bands, Brew & BBQ is with a Fun Card; pay for a day and play all year – with no blackout dates – to experience all of SeaWorld’s remarkable events.
We thought that to celebrate the day, we would share some of our ideal places to celebrate at Walt Disney World!
Beth
A fun unique way to spend ValentinesDayat WDW for me is to take a stroll around the Boardwalk. Grab some dinner & drinks while taking in a view of Illuminations before ending the night at Jellyrolls for a fun sing-a-long.
Betsy
One of the most romantic things I love to do at Walt Disney World is stroll around with that special someone. I have a few places in particular that I enjoy. One of my favorites is Epcot at night. The parks transforms when the torches are lit before Illuminations and the ambient noise from guests seems the die down. I especially love finding a quiet spot in France by the back gardens or tucked away while everyone else is getting ready for the fireworks and listening to the beautiful French accordion music. Enjoying a toast with an adult beverage or even a snack from the patisserie is a great way to cap off a romantic stroll around World Showcase.
If you are looking for romance outside the parks, also in the evenings I really enjoy walking around the gardens at Port Orleans French Quarter, maybe after enjoying some beignets! After all, the French do seem to know what they’re doing when it comes to l’amour <3! I also would never turn down a romantic walk around the Polynesian with the palms swaying in the breeze, ukelele and steel guitar music gently wafting through the air, sand beneath my toes, and a view of Wishes fireworks from the beach would make almost anyone swoon.
Dining options around Walt Disney World are prevalent, but it can sometimes be hard to picture a romantic place that is quiet and sans children. Of course if I had the choice, I’d pick dressing up with my man to go to Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian where no children under 12 are admitted and the tones are decidedly hushed. I’d also prefer not to pay that bill ;). Looking for something a bit more affordable, but still with a nice atmosphere, I like Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge or Flying Fish at the Boardwalk. Both are quieter than most other restaurants I’ve found on property and have a nice ambiance, great food and wine to match.
Gail
There are many restaurants and places to go for Valentines day, depending on how extravagant one is willing to go.
For me, if I’m not planning on going to a restaurant or park, one of my favorite things is fireworks. So my recommendation would be to go to The Polynesian, pick up a coffee and a sweet snack and head down to the beach area. If it’s chilly be sure to take a blanket, which can be used to sit on too.
The view from the beach at the Polynesian is special as you don’t need park access, and the view is stunning as you get the reflections off the lake too. Just be sure to get there around 15/20 minutes before they begin so you can secure a good viewing spot.
Watching the fireworks with your loved one can be so romantic, especially snuggled up with a hot beverage by the beach! Don’t forget a selfie to capture your night!
Jillian
I’d love to spend Valentine’s Daywith a nice meal at Yachtsman Steakhouse followed by a night time stroll around Crescent Lake or World Showcase. Then cap the evening off with any of the firework spectaculars.
Kelly Hicks
My ideal Valentine’s Dayat WDW would have to be in the World Showcase at Epcot. I especially love wandering around at night when the pavilions are lit up. Maybe grab an ice cream cone at L’Artisan des Glaces in France – my favorite flavor is profiterole! – and do a little window shopping. Of course the night wouldn’t be complete without a viewing of Illuminations!
Kelly Walker
When I think romance (which I hardly ever do in general) around Disney World, I immediately think of Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Not only is it one of our favorite restaurants, but it tends to be quite one-on-one. It’s normally not loud and while it’s “fancy”, it’s got a laid back feel to it as well. And if you’re not looking to spend a bunch of money on dinner, a favorite of mine is to get a good spot on the train station and watch Wishes from there.
Mike
If I could pick somewhere to spend ValentinesDayin Walt Disney World it would have to be experiencing a romantic candlelit dinner at the California Grill located within the Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Not only does this location have excellent food and atmosphere, but it also provides for some of the greatest views of the entire Walt Disney World property. Located on the 15th floor, the California Grill provides views of the Magic Kingdom, the Seven Seas Lagoon, Bay Lake and numerous other landmarks on Disney World property. There’s nothing quite like being able to catch a Florida sunset from the top of the Contemporary Resort while enjoying an excellent glass of wine and top notch cuisine. At the end of the night you can head out onto the balcony and top off your romantic evening with a breathtaking view of Wishes, the Magic Kingdom’s night time spectacular. In my opinion the California Grill is one of the most romantic dining options on Walt Disney World property and an excellent way to spend your ValentinesDay.
Shelley
My favorite date night with Dave is a little bit corny, but we love to head to the Magic Kingdom. We have a ‘light’ dinner of appetizer’s at Tony’s Town Square, take a stroll through the park as the sunsets, and then settle into our favorite spot for the rest of the night. We head over to Sleepy Hollow Refreshments to grab a funnel cake and a table near the castle. Sleepy Hollow is an awesome spot, because you can watch the Main Street Electrical Parade and Celebrate the Magic before heading to the castle to watch Wishes! I love our Magic Kingdom nights, because it’s a great chance to slow down and I don’t have to share my treats with Zoe!!!
Wherever you are celebrating today, we hope that your Valentine’s Day is awesome!
Aqua Drag Racer Will be the Tallest and Fastest of its Kind in Florida
A high-speed race awaits guests this summer when Wet ‘n Wild Orlando opens Florida’s tallest and fastest water-based racing attraction of its kind. The Aqua Drag Racer will be six stories tall and propel guests through four lanes of head-to-head competition at fifteen feet per-second before splashing them across the finish line.
Guests will take their mark, get ready for a full throttle adrenaline rush and then power through enclosed braided, twisting tunnels as they accelerate into four parallel racing lanes. They will gain even more speed before rushing toward the finish line. The Aqua Drag Racer is designed to be the wettest and wildest high-speed drag race ever.
“The new Aqua Drag Racer will pull guests into a high-speed thrill ride unlike any other around,” said Michael Black, Sr. Vice President & GM of Wet ‘n Wild. “This ride combines friendly competition along with the excitement of sharing the rush with family and friends.”
Wet ‘n Wild Orlando, a 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 Hole™: The Next Generation, encounter a splashing dose of group therapy on the Brain Wash™ or boogie down on the retro raft adventure Disco H2O™. At Wet ‘n Wild you’ll find high-speed, seriously twisted, multi-person adventures that let you feel the fun and share the rush.
For quite some time now, I have had the #DisneySide Party Fever and as my party is this weekend I thought I would share (literally) my favorite thing that I have made!
I wanted a unique and festive wreath to greet our guests as they arrived, and I wasn’t having luck finding what I was looking for so I decided to try to make a balloon wreath myself!
Here is what you will need for the #DisneySide Party Wreath Project:
14″ straw wreath wrapped in plastic (I chose this, because it is easy to work with and extremely inexpensive)
2 Yards of Ribbon to hang your wreath (I used tulle, because it is what I had on hand)
Floral or Dressmaker Pins
Approximately 300 9″ latex party balloons (My Dollar Tree has 25 in a package for $!
Styrofoam balls in two sizes
toothpicks
Low temperature hot glue gun and glue
black paint
glitter
Now that you’ve got all your supplies together, lets get going on your #DisneySide Party Wreath!
I like to start by getting all the materials I needed organized. I opened all the balloon packages, and emptied them into a container that was easy to get into. I chose a large plasticware container, because I am clumsy and I was worried I would knock it over! 🙂
The next thing I did was to tie my ribbon around my wreath to make a hanger. I suggest this step even if you are going to be using a wreath hanger, because it makes placing the balloons on the wreath easier.
I like to wrap my edges of the tulle instead of cutting them off, because I have a tendency to cut too close to the knot which usually leads to it untying itself.
Now comes the fun part…placing the balloons!
I like to hang my wreath up to place the balloons to give a better idea of how the balloons will lay once it is hung on the door.
My goal was to create a really full balloon wreath, so before I put the pin into the balloon I folded it in half with a little twist.
Don’t worry if your wreath looks a little thin at first! You really won’t get a good idea of where you need to add balloons for fullness until your wreath is about halfway done.
To have a fully finished look, I also pinned balloons to the back of the wreath.
It took me about an hour of pinning (your fingers will not feel so hot) to fill my wreath out to my liking, but it was totally worth it!
While my fingers were recovering I turned my attention to the ‘Hidden Mickeys’ I wanted to place on the wreath!
I first organized the Styrofoam balls into my ‘Hidden Mickeys’ and glued them together.
MAKE SURE THAT YOU ONLY USE A LOW TEMPERATURE GLUE GUN ON STYROFOAM! It is really awful if you don’t, and can lead to burns so be super safe!
After the glue has dried I put toothpicks into them and using a 1″ sponge brush I painted them with black acrylic paint.
My glitter skills are not the best, so I use a little cheat…
When the glue is still tacky I use spray on glitter that you would normally use in your hair.
When you are spraying the glitter, make sure you are either outside or are in a very well ventilated room! Safety first!
After the ‘Hidden Mickeys’ is dry, I use the toothpicks from painting them to place them on the wreath.
I liked to make sure that I wasn’t trying to push the toothpick through a balloon on my wreath, so I moved them aside to pin them directly into the wreath.
And just like that you have your own #DisneySide Party wreath!
Don’t have time to make your own? You are in luck, because I made an extra wreath that you can win! Make sure you read the contest rules below!
Contest Rules: 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
