Shelley, Author at On the Go in MCO

LEGO Friends Weekend At LEGOLAND Florida

LEGO Friends Weekend Returns to LEGOLAND Florida in Star-Studded Fashion

It’s all glitz and glamour as the beloved LEGOFriends – Olivia, Andrea, Stephanie, Emma and Mia – return to LEGOLAND Florida to host a weekend of fabulous fun Feb. 15-16. The third annual LEGO Friends Weekend is a daytime party geared to girls ages 2 to 12. This razzle-dazzle event puts girls in the spotlight and lets them celebrate their individuality with a chance to walk the pink carpet, build LEGO creations with Olivia and sing like a rock star with Andrea.

LEGO Friends Weekend Event Will Include:

Strike a Glamour Pose on the Pink Carpet with Emma, Stephanie and Andrea – Market Restaurant Plaza, 10:00am-12:00pm
Strut down the pink carpet and show off your unique style and fashion for LEGO Friends Emma, Stephanie and Andrea. They are so excited to meet you. Smile for the paparazzi as they capture a photo of you and your friends.
Girls Just Wanna Build Bash with Olivia – Fun Town Theatre Plaza, 10:00am-5:00pm
Olivia and LEGOLAND Model Builder are building a giant cupcake and need your help. Stop by to see how much fun building with friends can be!
Rising Star Sing-a-Along with Andrea – Miniland USA Stage, 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Andrea is looking for super star singers! Showcase your singing voice during this 30 minute karaoke sessions. Sign up at the park, spots are limited.
Mia’s Animal Scavenger Hunt – Miniland Water Fall, 10:00am-6:00pm
Mia has rescued so many animals she has lost count. Pick up a tracking sheet at the LEGO Friends shop to list all the animals you find or visit http://florida.legoland.com/FriendsScavengerHunt to enter online.
Best Friends Build Competition – Imagination Zone, 10:00am-5:00pm
Build alone or with your best friend. Build a model that represents your friendship. A winning model from each event day will be selected to win a LEGOLAND prize pack. See official rules and prizes at park registration desk.
Friends Video Game – WB Games Zone, 10:00am-6:00pm
Test your video game skills and play the new LEGO Friends video game.
Two New LEGO Friends Specials Hit the Big Screen – Wells Fargo 4D Theatre
- Stephanie’s Surprise Party – 10:45am and 12:45pm – When Emma, Olivia, Andrea and Mia plan a surprise party for Stephanie’s birthday, they soon discover it’s not easy keeping a secret from Stephanie.
- Dolphin Cruise – 11:45am and 1:45pm – The LEGO Friends have a science project to find a way to help dolphins in trouble.
BFF Dance Party – Miniland USA Stage, 3:30pm-6:00pm
It’s time to party like a star! At 5:00pm, all of the LEGO Friends will join the party to teach you dance moves from their music videos.
LEGO Friends Farewell – Miniland USA, 5:45p
The party might be ending, but the friendship will last forever. Come say goodnight to all your LEGO Friends.

LEGO Friends Weekend is included with park admission and guests will have complete access to a full day of theme park fun with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions. The best way to experience LEGOLAND Florida is with the LEGOLAND Florida Resident Annual Pass as low as $99 each. Pass members receive unlimited admission for 12 months to LEGOLAND Florida and the LEGOLAND Water Park, as well as all other Merlin US attractions (LEGOLAND California & Water Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers, Sea Life Centers and Madam Tussauds), free parking and 10% off food and merchandise with no black-out dates. For the most current information on special events, daily operating hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.

Make sure that you follow LEGOLAND Florida on Facebook and Twitter for more information and fun!

Festival of Fantasy Parade

The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will debut in March energizing the streets of the Magic Kingdom with an infectious, whimsical, and contemporary spirit, and I can’t wait!

Festival of Fantasy will celebrate the worlds of new and classic Disney and Pixar stories on a scale that is beyond belief, as nearly 100 performers on floats that will soar as tall as three stories bring some of our favorite (and not so favorite) characters to life in a dramatic and artistic way.

“The parade celebrates and pays homage to what the Magic Kingdom is all about,” said Randy Wojcik, senior show director Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Creative Entertainment. “It has the most beautiful floats, enchanting characters, vibrant costumes that come to life; and the choreography is just glorious. Yet, it is also very kinetic, relevant and powerful on a scale never seen before at Walt Disney World.”

Seven unique units comprised of nine spectacular floats of the Festival of Fantasy will travel accompanied by an original soundtrack inspired by Disney film favorites, composed by Mark Hammond (World of Color at Disney California Adventure and Flights of Fantasy parade at Hong Kong Disneyland) to have a distinct voice that is customized by parade float, theme, and mood

Here is the float-by-float Festival of Fantasy line-up!

The Princess Garden – This pageantry of princesses celebrates Disney royalty. Cinderella, Tiana and Belle accompanied by their respective princes, ride in a garden of topiaries with woodland creatures, birds and more. Cinderella’s dress playfully twirls like a turntable, while Swan Court couples lead the 50-foot-long majestic float, capped off with a special appearance by Anna and Elsa from Disney’s hit animated feature, “Frozen.”

Disney

Tangled – A massive long ship on the high seas showcases Flynn Rider and Rapunzel in search of adventure and another Best. Day. Ever! Rapunzel’s iconic tresses weave throughout this 36-foot-long float decked out with swaying pendulums carrying dastardly thugs.

Disney

Little Mermaid – Ariel and her friends sit atop a colorfully kinetic seashell music box that boasts an enchanting musical jubilee. There’s no shortage of whimsy on this Under the Sea float with conga dancing fish kicking up their fins and bubbles galore. Shimmering fabrics and intricately designed costumes for the Lion Fish, Coral Fish, Seashell and Sea Horse performers are runway-inspired.

Disney

Peter Pan – Straight from Never Land come Peter Pan and Wendy soaring high aboard the famous Jolly Roger pirate ship complete with smoke effects and special surprises. A rainbow arch shines over Skull Rock and Tinker Bell nestled among giant flowers, while Captain Hook takes center stage on a swinging anchor. “Newsies-inspired” Lost Boys kick up their heels to high-energy choreography.

Disney

Brave – Celtic couples and a vessel shaped like an enormous bagpipe announce the arrival of Merida perched high on her majestic crown. Scottish dancers step to melodies of the Great Highlands in celebration of the popular Disney*Pixar film, “Brave.”

Disney

Sleeping Beauty – The heroic Prince Phillip battles a Steampunk-inspired Dragon as the wicked Maleficent. This float stretches 53 feet in length and 26 feet tall with a prickly spinning wheel dead center of the float. With fiery eyes and glowing effects the spectacular dragon was built on an articulating chassis allowing the float to bend and flex as it moves along the parade route – a first for Disney parades. This float was designed in a partnership with Tony Award-winner Michael Curry. There’s Prince Phillip, thorn-inspired stilt performers, dramatic raven dancers, plus the three good fairies, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather glide along the parade route.

Disney

Finale and Mickey’s Airship – The parade culminates with a 90-foot-long magical caravan of characters featuring Pinocchio, Dumbo, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Mad Hatter, Pluto and more in a splashy carnival of color. There’s Pegasus horses, dancing hippos and sassy Bubble Girls with cotton-candy-like hair celebrating Storybook Circus in New Fantasyland. Sporting zany new costumes Mickey and Minnie Mouse sit sky high in Mickey’s Airship — a giant hot air balloon that rounds out Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade.

httpv://youtu.be/XP2-rOErUr4

Here is video of the floats arriving at the Magic Kingdom from the Disney Parks Blog.

The costumes for the Festival of Fantasy were constructed with new and innovative technology, and are absolutely mind-blowing! The attention to detail, over-the-top glitz, and sheer size are overwhelming in the best possible ways!

Here are some of my favorite ‘Fun Facts’ about the Festival of Fantasy costumes:

Elaborate costumes are being crafted by 10 different costume houses, in eight cities, in two countries — including Creative Costuming facilities in both Florida and California.

Some 27 separate custom designed fabrics were designed by Mirena Rada in collaboration with Creative Costuming Graphic Artist Paul Jordan.

Counting interfacings and trims, it takes 28 separate fabrics to make up one Swing Thug #1 Costume (Tangled unit). His vest requires vinyl to be cut into 75 separate diamond shapes and then stitched onto cool max fabric.

Some pieces, including the Seashell Girl (Little Mermaid unit) headpiece, were digitally sculpted and then grown to size with a 3D printer.

It takes 30 yards of fabric to make one Seashell Girl costume which includes 12 different colors of Nitex Mesh.

The coral pieces for the Coral Twins (Little Mermaid unit) were custom designed. They are being hand poured in three separate colors by the artisans of the Creative Costuming Craft Team and baked and finished for 16 hours each in an oven.

The socks worn by the Lost Boys (Peter Pan unit) are custom designs that were knitted to order in Hong Kong.

Minnie Mouse’s Dress and Hat (finale unit) uses 95 gold lame dots that are cut out, “blinged out,” and then sewn on.

The Bubble Girl (finale unit) headpiece is made from three separate clown wigs that are blended together by the Creative Costuming Millinery Team.

Cha Cha Girl (finale unit) – Her wig was designed with 148 yards of horsehair in four colors, that is then rolled, pressed and curled by hand.

I have missed the energy that the afternoon parade brought to the Magic Kingdom, and I truly cannot wait to see the Festival of Fantasy in person! March can’t get here soon enough!!!

Full Sail Hall of Fame Music Festival

Full Sail University Adds Music Festival to 5^th Annual Hall of Fame

Celebration Schedule – February 19-21, 2014

Full Sail University is proud to announce the addition of a three-day music festival to the 5^th Annual Hall of Fame celebration featuring nationally and locally recognized bands and artists performing live on Full Sail’s campus. The Hall of Fame music festival will also include gaming exhibits, film screenings, food trucks and more.

This year’s Hall of Fame Music Festival, sponsored by WWE®, will feature performances by: Bear Toe, Beebs and Her Money Makers, Courrier, Jeremy Ellis, The Pauses, Thomas Wynn & The Believers, and many more. Admission to the music festival is free and open to the public, with doors opening at 12pm daily and performances held on the university’s Hollywood-style backlot from 3pm to 9pm. Full Sail’s Hall of Fame Week is sponsored by Sony Electronics’ Professional Solutions of America, with supporting sponsors WWE, Adobe Systems, Inc., Avid, CDW-G, Cisco, Hewlett Packard Co., Murphy Lighting Systems, and Sennheiser.

During Hall of Fame week, guest lectures and panel discussions will take place featuring new and past Hall of Fame inductees and industry leaders from notable companies including, but not limited to, ESPN, Sony, and WWE. Select events within the week will be streamed live to the university’s online students and the public.

Kicking off the Hall of Fame week celebration on February 18, Full Sail is proud to host the world premiere of Orlando Rising, a documentary film dedicated to the growth and economic impact of the Orlando digital industry. On February 21, the highlight of the multi-day celebration will be the induction ceremony of the latest Full Sail University Hall of Fame induction class comprised of six Full Sail graduates.

“As we embark on our 5^th annual Hall of Fame celebration week, and the 35^th anniversary of our university, we are filled with an astounding sense of pride surrounding our remarkable university community,” said Full Sail University President, Garry Jones.

Additional information regarding events, music festival performance schedule, and special guests will be announced as Hall of Fame Week approaches. Please visit the mobile-optimized site http://halloffame.fullsail.edu for more details, Like Full Sail University on Facebook and follow @FullSail to join the #FullSailHOF conversation on Twitter.

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.

The LEGO Movie Weekend At LEGOLAND Florida

LEGOLAND Florida Hosts

THE LEGO MOVIE Weekend February 8-9, 2014

LEGOLAND Florida will celebrates the launch of the first-ever, full length theatrical LEGO adventure, The LEGO Movie^T, with a movie-themed weekend in the park on February 8 and 9, 2014.

If your little ones are anything like Zoe, we have watched The LEGO Movie trailer a million times! She is so excited!!!

httpv://youtu.be/fZ_JOBCLF-I

You can head to your local theatre to watch The LEGO Movie, opening nationwide on Friday, February 7, and then head over to LEGOLAND Florida to see LEGO come to life amidst more than 50 rides, shows and attractions and special movie-themed fun all geared for families with children ages 2 to 12.

The LEGO Movie Weekend at LEGOLAND Florida includes the following activities:

The LEGO Movie Scavenger Hunt – Miniland USA
Movie characters Emmet, Wyldstyle, Lord Business and MetalBeard are lost in Miniland USA. Guests can help find them to save the day! Guests can submit an entry to win a LEGO Prize Pack at www.LEGOLAND.com. See website for official rules.

The LEGO Movie Video Game Challenge – Warner Bros. Games Zone
Gaming fans can test their skills and play the latest action-packed video game, “The LEGO Movie.”

Build Your Own World Competition – Imagination Zone
Guests can use their imagination to build their own unique LEGO model. LEGOLAND Florida Master Model Builders will select a winner from each event day to receive a LEGO prize pack. Official rules will be available at the park.

The LEGO Movie Mural Build – Imagination Zone
Families can build together and help create a giant LEGO poster of “The LEGO Movie.”

Character Meet & Greets – LEGO City
Fans can walk the red carpet and meet two of the stars of “The LEGO Movie.” Emmet and Wyldstyle.

We will absolutely be there, and hope that you will be, too!!!

Make sure you keep up with all the LEGOLAND Florida news and information by following them on Facebook and Twitter!

The LEGO Movie, from Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures and LEGO System A/S, opens in theaters on February 7, 2014. Directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, it stars Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie and Charlie Day, with Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman. The original 3D computer animated story follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.

The LEGO Movie Weekend is included with park admission and guests will have complete access to a full day of theme park fun with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions. The best way to experience LEGOLAND Florida is with the LEGOLAND Florida Resident Annual Pass as low as $99 each. Pass members receive unlimited admission for 12 months to LEGOLAND Florida and the LEGOLAND Water Park, as well as all other Merlin US attractions (LEGOLAND California & Water Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers, Sea Life Centers and Madam Tussauds), free parking and 10% off food and merchandise with no black-out dates. For the most current information on special events, daily operating hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.

No App For That Family Event

No App for That Event Will Encourage Parents to Set a New Year’s

Resolution of Less Screen Time and More Nature for their Kids

“Screen time”- the time children spend in front of some sort of electronic device- has taken over an alarming portion of U.S. children’s lives. The No App for That Event in Orlando on Feb.1, 2014 will take a step to try and change that.

The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates children spend an average of 7 hours a day on entertainment media, including televisions, computers, phones and other electronic devices.

Studies have shown too much screen time has been linked to obesity, irregular sleep, behavior problems, impaired academic problems, violence, and results in less time for play.

No App for That is a three-hour interactive seminar for parents to help them evaluate the impact this is having on their families, and offer an alternative: exposing kids to the many benefits of more time with nature.

The event is the brainchild of Lake Mary’s Chad Crawford, creator and host of the Emmy Award-winning syndicated TV series “How to Do Florida.” Crawford- a father of four young children- read the best-selling book “Last Child in the Woods” by Richard Louv and felt immediately called into action.

“That book smacked me in the head,” said Crawford. “This is information every parent needs. What they decide to do with it is up to them.”

Crawford contacted author Richard Louv and invited him to be the keynote speaker for the seminar. Louv, who has also authored the best-selling “The Nature Principle,” has sparked an international movement to reconnect kids and nature. He has influenced national policy and helped inspire campaigns in over eighty cities, states, and provinces throughout North America.

Louv coined the phrase “nature deficit disorder”- the loss of connection children increasingly feel with the natural world. He argues, nature-deficit disorder affects “health, spiritual well-being, and many other areas, including people’s ability to feel ultimately alive.”

“The future will belong to the nature-smart,” Louv says. “Those individuals, families, businesses, and political leaders who develop a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the natural world and who balance the virtual with the real. The more high-tech we become, the more nature we need.”

Other speakers will also highlight the seminar which runs from 9:00 a.m to noon:

– Dr. Angela Fals, Medical Director of Healthy 100 Kids at Florida Hospital for Children, who will speak on how to obtain a healthy balance for screened devices in the home.

-Dr. Joel C. Hunter, senior pastor of Northland, A Church Distributed. He serves as a spiritual advisor to President Obama and works with respected members of the religious and scientific communities to call attention to human-caused threats to the environment. He will speak on experiencing God in nature.

-Chad Crawford, Creator and Host of “How to Do Florida” TV series. Crawford, the “ultimate Florida adventurer,” will have an interactive presentation with video on the top ten outdoor things to do for families in Central Florida.

“Parents will walk away from this event with concrete ways to connect their kids to nature, set healthy boundaries for screen time, and how to create a culture of the outdoors for their families,” said Crawford.

“No App for That” is being presented by Florida Hospital for Children and is being held at Northland Church, 530 Dog Track Road Longwood, FL 32750. Seating is limited and tickets are $10 and available at www.noappforthat.com. Free childcare is being provided for infants through 5th grade.

Fun Photo Spots In Toon Lagoon

A visit to Toon Lagoon at Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure is quite different right now, because Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls is currently closed for rehab and the cold temperatures make riding Popeye & Bluto’s Blige-Rat Barges not really an option.

So as I spent some time this weekend in the now quiet Toon Lagoon area of the park, I found that I had been walking by a really fun and unique photo opportunity that was a lot of fun!

As you walk along the row of shops on Comic Book Lane in Toon Lagoon, look up and you will find several cartoon dialogue balloons above the stores and restaurants that make for some terrific photos.

These balloons and thought bubbles can be found on lamp posts, trees, and are even part of the store signs in front of almost every location on this lane that’s full of ‘character’.

When you are taking the pictures, make sure that you take a peek at each side because they say different things!

I had an absolute blast taking these pictures!

I can’t wait to go back with my daughter and friends to see what kind of pictures they take!

D23 Announces 2014 Events

D23 Unlocks the magic of Disney with a new year of Spectacular Member Events Across the Country

In 2014, The Official Disney Fan Club Will Travel to New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Other Cities as Well as Walt Disney World Resort

This year, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has an amazing line up of member events that criss cross the country, and there are SO many that I am really excited about!

I am a charter member of D23 and have had the opportunity to attend many events, but this year looks like it is stacking up to be an exceptional year!

If you aren’t a D23 Member, What are you waiting for? There are tons of membership options at different price points (even free)!

So let’s take a closer look at these exciting events!

DESTINATION D: ATTRACTION REWIND presented by H20 Plus: Walt Disney once said, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” It’s in that spirit that guests this summer will have the opportunity to visit—or revisit—some of the most beloved Disney attractions of yesteryear.Destination D: Attraction Rewind, held July 26 and 27 at Walt Disney World Resort, will bring Disney archivists, Imagineers, Legends and luminaries together to celebrate fan favorites such as Adventure Thru Inner Space, If You Had Wings, and20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with rarely seen concept art and images; vintage video clips; and revealing stories. In addition, several presentations will be dedicated to the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, which spawned beloved attractions like it’s a small world and Carousel of Progress.

MARY POPPINS 50th ANNIVERSARY SCREENING: On August 24, 2014—nearly 50 years to the day on which this beloved classic premiered—D23 will celebrate with a very special screening event.

D23’S DISNEY FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: For the third year in a row, D23 will hit the road, visiting cities across the U.S. to commemorate dozens of magical Disney milestones celebrating landmark anniversaries this year. Hosted by Disney archivists and the D23 Team, D23’s Disney Fanniversary Celebration events will be held in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Orlando, New York City, Seattle, and other cities in fall 2014. Fanniversary 2014 will revisit some of the most beloved theme park attractions, animated and live-action films, characters, TV series, and more than 90 years of Disney history including Donald Duck, the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, Sleeping Beauty, Haunted Mansion, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Little Mermaid, and many more. Fanniversary events will be open to the public, with special admission prices and surprises created for D23 Members in attendance.

D23’S LUNCH WITH A LEGEND: A limited number of D23 Members will join Disney Legend Marty Sklar for a private luncheon on The Walt Disney Studios lot, where Marty will talk about his extraordinary 54-year career with Disney. Look for additional “Legendary” lunches later this year.

DISNEY STORE MEMBER MIXERS: After giving members a peek at the reimagined stores in Florida, Kansas, New Jersey, California, and Nevada in 2013, Disney Store will once again invite D23 Members for exclusive mornings of shopping, discounts, games and goodies.

MICKEY’S OF GLENDALE: The Walt Disney Imagineering employee store in Glendale, Calif., will open its doors to D23 Members on April 26, June 21, and other dates throughout the year, with special guests and surprises. Members will have an opportunity to purchase limited-edition merchandise and view the park-like grounds at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts’ creative “think tank.”

SCREENINGS ON THE DISNEY STUDIO LOT: Throughout the year, D23 will continue its popular movie screenings inside the historic Studio Theatre at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. The 2014 roster includes Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, and The Little Mermaid.

D23 DAY AT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS AND ARCHIVES: D23’s members-only tours of the historic Studio Lot and Walt Disney Archives in Burbank return, highlighting historic moments from Disney film, television, and theme parks—as well as showcasing many of the external locations used for filming Saving Mr. Banks. Tours will take place March 22, May 31, August 2, and November 8.

SIGNATURE EVENTS: Look for the return of some favorites, including the popular holiday offering DISNEY AND DICKENS (in Burbank in December), as well as other D23 traditions.

The Dates, ticketing information, and more for D23 events will be announced throughout the year. I can’t wait!!! This is a great way to get prepared for the year of 2014 events, because tickets do tend to go extremely fast!!!

You can find full details on D23’s lineup of 2014 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at www.D23.com/events. All events and dates are subject to change.

Current 2014 D23 Event Calendar:

January 31: D23’s Lunch with a Legend — Marty Sklar, Burbank, Calif.
February 15: The Jungle Book, Burbank, Calif.
March 22: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
April 26: Mickey’s of Glendale shopping event, Glendale, Calif.
May 31: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
June 21: Mickey’s of Glendale shopping event, Glendale, Calif.
July 26 & 27: Destination D: Attraction Rewind presented by H20+, Walt Disney World Resort
August 2: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
August 24: Mary Poppins 50th Anniversary Celebration, Los Angeles Area
Fall: D23’s 2014 Disney Fanniversary Celebration, locations to be announced mid-2014
September 13: The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, Burbank, Calif.
October 11: Sleeping Beauty, Burbank, Calif.
November 8: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
November 15: The Little Mermaid, Burbank, Calif.
December: Disney and Dickens, Burbank, Calif.

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 more than 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.

Universal Orlando Resort – 2014 Mardi Gras

Universal Orlando Resort Unveils 2014 Mardi Gras Celebration Details and Line-Up

This Year’s Mardi Gras Celebration Delivers More Excitement Than Ever Before With an Extended Concert Series Featuring Robin Thicke, Nelly, The Wanted and More

First things first, I absolutely adore Mardi Gras at the Universal Orlando Resort!!! It is by far one of my favorite things to attend in Orlando!!!

On select nights February 8 through May 31, the Universal Orlando Resort comes alive with a Mardi Gras celebration featuring 20 nights of AMAZING concerts from popular stars and New Orleans bands, great food that takes you to the heart of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, a parade full of fun floats and bead throwing, and a party atmosphere that is fun for the whole family! It is also one of my husband and date night!

The best part??? All of these are included in your admission to Universal Studios Florida!!!

There are so many great things to experience at Universal Studios Mardi Gras, but the concerts this year are AMAZING!!!!

This year’s powerhouse musical lineup features a diverse array of talent, from R&B superstar Robin Thicke, whose hit single “Blurred Lines” topped the Billboard chart for a near-record 12 weeks, to UK pop sensation The Wanted, who has sold nearly 10 million albums worldwide, to Latin idol Prince Royce, who reached number one on the U.S. Hot Latin Songs chart with “Corazón Sin Cara.” Also performing is rock band Daughtry, Grammy award-winning Hip Hop artist Nelly, and the classic rock group Foreigner, one of the best-selling bands of all time.

2014 Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras Talent Line-Up
Mardi Gras Event Dates	Headliners (performing in the Music Plaza)	New Orleans Bands (performing in the French Quarter)
February 8	Daughtry	Remedy Krewe
February 15	Barenaked Ladies	Soul Project
February 16	Thomas Rhett	Soul Project
February 22	Robin Thicke	Rockin Jake
March 1	Collective Soul	Big Al and The Heavyweights
March 8	Prince Royce	Daddy Mac Blues Band
March 14	Cody Simpson	Mississippi Rail Company
March 15	Foreigner	Mississippi Rail Company
March 21	TBD	The Big Easy Playboys
March 22	Gavin DeGraw	The Big Easy Playboys
March 28	TBD	Dirty Bourbon River Show
March 29	TBD	Dirty Bourbon River Show
April 5	Skillet	John Lisi and Delt Funk
April 12	Lynyrd Skynyrd	Beth McKee & The Sliders
April 19	Kool & the Gang	Gravy
May 3	Nelly	Chris O’Leary
May 10	The Wanted	T Bird & The Breaks
May 17	TBD	Grady Champion
May 24	TBD	Cha Wa
May 31	TBD	Naughty Professor

Guests can also catch colorful beads by the handful during this year’s parade, which will feature 12 vibrant floats, including three new additions celebrating Jules Verne’s novel, “Around the World in Eighty Days.” All of the exquisitely detailed Mardi Gras floats are engineered by Blaine Kern Artists, the same company that has been hand-crafting floats for the iconic New Orleans celebration since 1947.

In addition to all that, at Universal Studios Mardi Gras you can visit a vibrant French Quarter Courtyard for delicious and authentic Cajun cuisine, street performers, and bands pulled straight from Bourbon Street performing.

And when you are ready, you can keep the Mardi Gras party going at Universal CityWalk at their great bars and entertainment venues!!!

Florida residents have some pretty amazing special offer that they can take advantage of during Mardi Gras at the Universal Orlando Resort!

In addition to amazing deals on theme park Annual Passes, there are great deals on the three on-site hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and a fourth on-site hotel, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, opening March 31, 2014.

2014 Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras Florida Resident Offers

Up to 3 months FREE on any Annual Pass

For a limited time, get up to 3 months free on any Annual Pass:

Power Pass – $174.99 (plus tax)
Preferred Pass – $244.99 (plus tax)
Premier Pass – $369.99 (plus tax)
Offer is also available on FlexPay, Universal Orlando’s monthly payment option
Must be purchased and activated by April 30, 2014 with a Coca-Cola UPC code or promo code on specially-marked cups at participating Wendy’s.
Visit UniversalOrlando.com for full details and to learn about the benefits of each annual pass

Florida Resident Getaway

2-night accommodations at a nearby Universal Partner Hotel
Florida Resident 2-day base ticket to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme park opens
Complimentary scheduled transportation between hotel and Universal Orlando Resort
And more!
Starts at only $105 per adult, per night, tax inclusive
Upgrade to one of three deluxe on-site hotels at Universal Orlando Resort and stay in the heart of the party! Plus, receive complimentary Universal Express Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines in both theme parks (a FREE benefit worth up to $89 per person, per day)

Guests can also take advantage of this current special offer:

SAVE & Play Vacation Package
*SAVE up to $500 with an On-Site Vacation Package**	Deluxe On-site Hotel Accommodations at one of three AAA Four Diamond Award on-site hotels Theme Park Admission Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme park opens Complimentary on-site transportation via water taxi or shuttle bus to both theme parks and Universal CityWalk Receive complimentary Universal Express Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines in both theme parks (a FREE benefit worth up to $89 per person, per day) Book by March 31 and use promotion code UNIPLAY at time of purchase to save! Valid for travel January 1 – May 22, 2014

* Restrictions may apply. Visit http://www.universalorlando.com for additional vacation package details.

I know that I will be at Mardi Gras several nights, and I hope to see you there!!!

For more information about Mardi Gras at the Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

About Universal Orlando Resort
Vacation like you mean it at Universal Orlando Resort – where every heart-pounding, jaw-dropping, goose-bumping second counts. With two incredible theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex, Universal Orlando is the only place where you can turn spending time with your family into spending timeas a family. Together, you can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, become a Minion in the hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, and join Optimus Prime in the fight to save mankind on the new mega-attraction, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D.
Universal Orlando Resort is part of NBCUniversal, a Comcast company. Follow Universal Orlando Resort on Facebook, Twitter, Instagramand YouTube.

Disney Movie Collection Giveaway

We have joined with several other Disney Blogs and Blogger to bring you a Disney Movie Collection Giveaway that is amazing!

This awesome group has joined forces to giveaway 20 Disney DVDs that include classics, animated, live action, and comedies. Man, just think of the Disney Movie Rewards points!

The complete list of movies included in the Disney Movie Collection Giveaway are:

The Little Mermaid
Toy Story 3
The Incredibles
Cinderella
Monster’s University
Brave
Babe’s in Toyland
Lady and the Tramp
A Bug’s Life
Muppet Treasure Island and Great Muppet Caper Collection
Wall-E
Wreck It Ralph
Alice in Wonderland (Tim Burton)
Iron Man 3
Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue
Aladdin
Tinker Bell
Mary Poppins (40th Anniversary)
Herbie Collection (Love Bug / Herbie Goes Bananas / Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo / Herbie Rides Again)
Kurt Russell: 4-Movie Collection

These movies can all be yours if the entry is right!!!

Here are a few things to keep in mind before you enter the Disney Movie Collection Giveaway!

Giveaway starts at midnight EST on January 14/15 and ends at 11:59 PM MST (1:59 am EST) January 27th
Winner must be a US Resident 18 years or Older.
Winner will be notified by email and will have 24 hours to respond to claim their prize or another winner may be chosen.
Movies will be sent individually from each blog sponsor.
Winner’s address will be shared with all blog sponsors (18).
If winner does not agree to have his/her address shared with all sponsors, another winner will be chosen.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Orlando City SC Preseason Friendly Series

Orlando City SC Announces

Preseason Friendly Series

Lions to play Chicago Fire on Feb. 11 at IMG Academy in Bradenton; college friendly series part of 2014 preseason

Orlando City SC announced Wednesday the club’s 2014 preseason schedule, featuring a match against Major League Soccer (MLS) Chicago Fire on Tuesday, February 11 at IMG Academy in Brandenton, Fla. A series of collegiate friendlies across Central Florida will also take place, leading up to the 2014 USL PRO season.

The collegiate section of the schedule includes matches against Florida International University, Stetson University, Rollins College and the University of South Florida. Fans are welcome to attend friendlies throughout the preseason.

Orlando City will also be participating in the annual Disney Pro Soccer Classic held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. The Pro Soccer Classic begins on Wednesday, February 19, and runs through Saturday, March 1. The Lions will face such prominent MLS sides as the Philadelphia Union (February 19), Toronto FC (February 22) and the Columbus Crew (February 26).

Season ticket holders will be able to claim a special discount for all Disney Pro Soccer Classic matches by calling (855) ORL-CITY. 2014 season tickets are still available to the general public but are going fast. Fans can call the same number for more information.

Orlando City SC Friendlies Schedule:

Date	Time	Opponent	Admission		Parking	Location
February 11	7 p.m.	Chicago Fire (MLS)	Starts at $9 for children, and $13 for adults		Available around soccer facility	5500 34^th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34210
February 19	6 p.m.	Philadelphia Union (MLS)*	Single session tickets start at $20*		Available at ESPN Wide World of Sports	700 S. Victory Way Kissimmee, FL 34747
February 22	8 p.m.	Toronto FC (MLS)*	Single session tickets start at $20*		Available at ESPN Wide World of Sports	700 S. Victory Way Kissimmee, FL 34747
February 26	6 p.m.	Columbus Crew (MLS)*	Single session tickets start at $20*		Available at ESPN Wide World of Sports	700 S. Victory Way Kissimmee, FL 34747
March 1	TBD	TBD (PSC Championship Game)*	Single session tickets start at $20*		Available at ESPN Wide World of Sports	700 S. Victory Way Kissimmee, FL 34747
March 8	3 p.m.	FIU	Free		Available at Seminole Soccer Complex	1900 Seminole Soccer Loop Sanford, FL 32771
March 12	7 p.m.	Stetson	Free		Available at Seminole Soccer Complex	1900 Seminole Soccer Loop Sanford, FL 32771
March 15	7 p.m.	Rollins		Free	Available at Seminole Soccer Complex	1900 Seminole Soccer Loop Sanford, FL 32771
April 1	7 p.m.	@USF (Corbett Soccer Stadium)		TBD	Available around Corbett Soccer Stadium	Elm Dr, Tampa, FL 33617

*= Disney Pro Soccer Classic

**=Single session guarantees entry into two Disney Pro Soccer Classic matches

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 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.OrlandoCitySoccer.com and www.OrlandoCityYouth.org.

Wordless Wednesday – My Favorite Tree

Wordless Wednesday – January 15, 2014

Two Teams Join The Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic

New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC Bolster

Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic Field

Major League Soccer (MLS) teams join MLS Cup Champion Sporting KC, Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew, Montreal Impact and USL Pro Club Orlando City in the eight-team field at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex; Final team expected to be announced soon; Tickets on sale today.

The New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC have joined the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic field at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

The Red Bulls are coming back to the February event at Walt Disney World in suburban Orlando after winning the event in 2010, while Toronto FC has been a regular participant in the event.

The Red Bulls and Toronto FC join Sporting KC, Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew, Montreal Impact and Orlando City soccer clubs in the eight-team field. Teams will begin arriving in Central Florida on Feb. 19 for three weeks of pre-season training camp and competition, culminating with the Disney Pro Soccer Classic title game on Mar. 1.

In 2013, the New York Red Bulls won their first MLS Supporters’ Shield, given to the team with the most regular season points in the league. Led by international standouts Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill, along with Winter Park, FL native Dax McCarty, the Red Bulls have qualified for the MLS Cup playoffs 10 of the last 11 seasons.

Toronto FC is looking to rebuild this season under second-year head coach Ryan Nelsen. Toronto FC is led by forward Robert Earnshaw, who scored eight goals last season.

Entering its fifth year, the Disney Pro Soccer Classic is designed to boost interest in soccer throughout Central Florida and establish the area as a prime training and competition destination for pro soccer clubs. Last year, the event at Disney attracted fans from across the U.S. and Canada and gave them a unique opportunity for an intimate fan experience at a world-class facility.

The tournament is just one of more than a dozen popular soccer events held annually at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which is the leading multi-sports venue in the nation and the official preseason training home of the AS Roma soccer club.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAfeGo3Rl08

For more information on the Disney Pro Soccer Classic, visit www.espnwwos.com/prosoccerclassic. Tickets for the event are on sale today through Ticketmaster.com, search “Pro Soccer Classic” or by calling 800-745-3000. Travel packages are available through GetTravel.com. The packages may include accommodations near Walt Disney World Resort, game tickets, ground transportation and discounted Disney theme park tickets.

About ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which hosts more than 350 events a year, is the leading multi-sport venue for amateur and professional sports in the nation, accommodating 70 different sports and athletes from more than 70 countries. Designed to take youth sports to the next level, the 230-acre facility features multiple competition venues, including Champion Stadium, the HP Field House, the Jostens Center, the Hess Sports Fields, a track & field facility, a tennis complex and a baseball/softball sportsplex. It is also home to the ESPN Innovation Lab, a real-world testing ground for the ESPN Emerging Technology Group that develops ground-breaking on-air products like Ball Track and ESPN Snap Zoom. In addition, the complex features 56 high-definition cameras and 40 high-definition video screens, including three jumbo screens, which can capture and display footage from any event taking place at the complex. The camera and video screens, as well as a 20-zone audio system, are controlled through the state-of-the-art HD production center with direct links to ESPN facilities in Bristol, Conn., New York and Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.disneysportsnews.com for press releases, photos and videos.

Wordless Wednesday – Practically Perfect

Wordless Wednesday – January 8, 2014

Merchandise Spotlight – Walt Disney World January 7, 2014

This week’s Merchandise Spotlight takes us to Walt Disney World to look at some fun shirts for the guys!

I thought that I would start with my personal favorite…the sweater t-shirt! I love how absolutely these fun t-shirts, and they’re ideal for Florida where it has been way too warm for sweaters lately!

Looking to show your inner John Lasseter? Here are two Hawaiian Shirts for you!

When I was peeking around, I found a shirt that I have to get for myself! I found this really fun soccer jersey that has some great details on the front and back. It’s a little pricey, but I think I will have to splurge for this one!

I am also really digging on this vintage athletic line of Walt Disney World Merchandise! I did notice that this line sports more of a athletic cut, more room in the shoulders and slimmer cut through the body, so you’ll definitely want to keep that in mind when you are shopping for your special guy.

And finally, there are two Walt Disney World t-shirts that I thought were worth mentioning.

I hope that you enjoyed window shopping with me!

And if you missed last week’s Merchandise Spotlight, never fear you can find it here!

SeaWorld Orlando Wild Days Debut

SeaWorld Orlando Wild Days debut kicks off the year

Connect even deeper to animals and the wonderful world we share during SeaWorld Orlando Wild Days, an all-new event at SeaWorld Orlando happening weekends January 11 through January 26, 2014. Families can enjoy three weekends of interactive shows and up-close animal encounters and meet the leaders in the world of animal rescue and rehabilitation, celebrate penguins and immerse themselves in what they love about SeaWorld – our animals!

SeaWorld Orlando Wild Days Wild Days includes:

January 11-12: Jack Hanna Weekend

Join “Jungle Jack” for a wild weekend of furry and feathered fun. Recognized around the world for his boundless enthusiasm for animals and conservation, Jack Hanna helps us share in his wondrous connection to wildlife and the world we share.

January 18-19: Sea Rescue Weekend

Meet the leaders in the world of animal rescue and rehabilitation as they share incredible stories that have been featured on the national show, Sea Rescue. SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue team is on call 24/7, 365 days a year to help ill or injured animals, and for nearly 40 years the team has rescued more than 23,000 animals. Featured animal rescue stories will include: turtles, flamingos, manatees, pilot whales and dolphins.

January 25-26: Penguin Lovers’ Weekend with Julie Scardina

Penguin Lovers of the world unite! Don’t miss this refreshingly fun and educational weekend centered around penguins. Join SeaWorld Animal Ambassador Julie Scardina as she shares her lifelong love of animals and the parks’ commitment to wildlife conservation and as well as tell stories of her trips around the globe from continent to continent.

At Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, to celebrate the weekend, penguin lovers will have the special chance to virtually dance like a penguin, walk side by side with a penguin colony, and star in shareable Antarctica photo opportunities at the coolest “ice” block party.

And every day at SeaWorld Orlando, guests can get up close to penguins at Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, SeaWorld Orlando’s newest attraction that transports guests into the icy world of the penguin like never before. Experience the mysterious land through the penguins’ eyes on a first-of-its-kind family ride, and then, connect with a colony above and below the water and be inspired to make a difference.

All Wild Days shows are included with park admission with show times at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at SeaWorld’s Nautilus Theater. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Shows and times are subject to change without notice.

SeaWorld Orlando Wild Days Highlights:

New! Shamu Up Close

Celebrate the beauty and wonder of killer whales at the never-before-seen Shamu Up Close experience. It’s an intimate and moving look at the whales, SeaWorld’s trainers and the awe-inspiring bond between them. In this unparalleled experience, SeaWorld invites you behind the scenes into a fascinating world, with walkthrough killer whale viewing all day, complimented by even more enhanced encounters. Shamu Up Close is the living story of SeaWorld and our passionate commitment to the care of these extraordinary animals and their ocean world. This is your opportunity to be a part of SeaWorld like you never have before.

New! Trainer Talks

Learn from the SeaWorld Animal Training team what it takes to care for whales, sea lions, walruses and other animals that call SeaWorld home, and how caring for them has helped with the rescue and rehabilitation of other injured animals. Trainer Talks will take place at key locations in the park. Check park maps for times and locations.

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, attractionsthat 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.

The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, a registered non-profit conservation foundation, has granted more than $9 million to wildlife research and conservation projects that protect wildlife and wild places. The Fund commits 100% of donations to on-the-ground wildlife conservation efforts.