Shelley, Author at On the Go in MCO

RunDisney Roundtable

For this week’s Roundtable, I thought it would be a lot of fun to look at all of our different thought on the RunDisney Events we have participated in!

I hope you enjoy!

1. What made you start participating in RunDisney Events?
Aurora – My Husband, Brother and Best friend VoluntEARed at our first event MANY years ago and it is something that my Husband and I have continued. We started off doing the Special Olympics events and now we try to do Marathon Weekend and Princess every weekend. We are running people but we LOVE VoluntEARing!!!
Beth – Just a whim actually. Sounded fun so I signed up for the Family 5k during Marathon Weekend 2012. I met some great people and got hooked!
Betsy – I set a goal for myself to do a 5k two years after I had major knee surgery.
Cheryl – My husband started running
Kelly – I figured it would motivate me to want to get out there and complete some races myself. And also to see everyone completing goals.
Shalon – I was never a very athletic person and never thought I’d be able to even complete a 5k. After seeing the wide array of people who ran a 5k at Disney I knew it was a goal I wanted to set for myself. After doing a 5k I decided to train for a half marathon as it was a bucket list item and was incredible to accomplish that goal at Disney!
Shelley – I have never been an avid runner, but after hearing people talk about how much they loved the RunDisney 5K’s I thought I would give it a shot…and I haven’t really looked back since!

2. What is your favorite Run Disney Race?
Betsy – I think the first race I ever ran is still my favorite. It was the inaugural Mickey’s Halloween 5k in October of 2010. It is the only 5k to my knowledge that ran through the Magic Kingdom. It was absolutely amazing! I wish they still had 5ks in that park.
Beth – Princess Weekend is special to me because I ran the Royal Family 5k in 2012 with my best friend Jaimee & soon to be best friends Mike and James. That weekend solidified my addiction to Run Disney and my desire to move to Florida. Plus you get to dress up like Princesses!!
Cheryl – Magic Kingdom 5k – sad that I never got to run this!
Kelly – I’ve only volunteered for the marathon weekend events, so I’d have to go with that.
Shalon – Princess weekend is my favorite since it was my first 5k and first half marathon.
Shelley – I am obsessed with the Princess Half Marathon Weekend activities! I love how even the guys get in the spirit of dressing up and having a great time running.
Aurora – Marathon Weekend every January is my favorite! So many costumes and creativity! A lot of people use this first race of the year as a tribute race for someone or a first time race for themselves.

3. Do you prefer night or day RunDisney races?
Cheryl – day
Kelly – To volunteer, either. If I was completing a race myself, day. I would think it would throw my schedule off to run a race at night.
Shalon – I prefer day races, its hard getting up that early but was much easier to adjust to than staying up later for a night race. Once a day race is over you can walk around the parks to work out any soreness and of course show off your bling!
Shelley – I prefer day races, because I love being able to walk around the parks and eating whatever I want…you know cause I just ran and it won’t count…right???
Aurora – I prefer voluntEARing at the day time races so I can see my friends faces and costumes lol!
Beth – Having run one night race and the rest day races, I prefer day. Night races are tough to prepare for especially the day of in terms of resting and eating enough prior to the start of the race.
Betsy – I think I prefer day races even though I am not a morning person. It is easier to rest up and prepare for the races than night races.

4. Costume or no costume when you’re running?
Kelly – For me to run in, no costume, but I love seeing everyone else in their costumes. It adds additional time on top of their training schedules for everyone to make their costumes, so to see everyone’s hard work is so fun!
Shalon – Costumes are a blast to create and show off during races! Just make sure to try them out beforehand to make sure it all fits well and won’t bother you during the race.
Shelley – I LOVE all the costumes, and I have really enjoyed the races when I have dressed up!
Aurora – As a spectator/voluntEAR I love the costumes! Have fun with it!!!!!
Beth – Costumes ABSOLUTELY! That’s one of my favorite parts second only to the bling! Be creative and have fun with it. Just make sure its comfortable and allows your skin to breath while running!
Betsy – I have never worn a costume while running, but I do enjoy seeing the costumes.
Cheryl – No Costume

5. What’s your best tip for visiting RunDisney Expos?
Shalon – Take you time to look around all the booths and companies there. You may not buy something that day but gives great ideas for running gear later on. Always take business cards of booths you enjoy so you will remember them after race weekend.
Shelley – Keep your eyes on the prize or you will find yourself walking out with TONS of cool stuff that you might not necessarily need!
Aurora – Do not go in there with a time limit set. Give yourself time to get your packet and have time to look at all the booths. There are SO MANY things to look at that if you only have an hour or whatever, you will end up skipping one that you probably wanted to see really bad!
Beth – I like to go as early as possible the very first day. It can be crowded and hectic but it’s a great time to see new products and meet up with friends and really get into the spirit of the race weekend.
Betsy – Definitely get there as early as you can and plan on allowing at least an hour or two. For larger race weekends like marathon, Princess and Wine and Dine, it can get crazy long lines. Take time to wander around the expo after packet pickup and see what the vendors have to offer. I’ve found some great deals on shoes, running belts, etc.
Cheryl – Go there early, it gets crowded!
Kelly – Go the first day, as early as possible. I’ve seen numerous products (if not all of them) sell out so quick.

6. What is your favorite RunDisney memory?
Shelley – This is such a tough one! But the memory that always makes me tear up is when I was running the Princess Half last year. We had just crossed the start line, and out of the blue I could hear Zoe yelling ‘Go Mommy! I’m so proud of you’ and I found her in the crowd jumping up & down blowing me kisses. Just knowing that I am setting an example of being healthy and reaching goals makes me push myself harder.
Aurora – Medaling my Best Friend Nicole when she on a whim ran her first full marathon! Nicole has never been a runner. She is more of a mosier! She decided to run at the pressing of her soon to be husband and did the full marathon in about 3 and 1/2hours! I have never been so PROUD in my life! She beat some people who are real runners and she had a blast doing it! I cried and cried and cried when she crossed and have never been so happy to see someone cross in my life! Putting that medal around her neck is something that will stick with me forever!
Beth – One of my favorite memories is running the 2012 Tower of Terror 10 Miler with my best friend, Jaimee, on both of our birthdays. It was a night race and started at 10pm on her birthday and we were still running when the clock struck midnight signaling the beginning of my birthday. We made shirts to go with our costumes that celebrated this. It was so fun running and having so many people wish us Happy Birthday!
Betsy – My favorite memory was running my first race since there was such a great sense of accomplishment coming off of my knee surgery. I have great memories from most all of the seven races I’ve run, but I think that the first was the best.
Cheryl – Running across the finish line
Kelly – My very first 5k was a RunDisney event and it was such an emotional day for me, so crossing that finish line and being able to see my parents and boyfriend cheering me on is definitely my favorite memory. Also, putting medals on a couple of the 20 year ‘Perfects’ this past marathon weekend was very cool, along seeing people get really emotional after finishing their first half marathon/marathon and being able to celebrate with them.
Shalon – Even though completing my first 5k was very memorable, completing my first half marathon Princess weekend 2012 was an experience I’ll never forget. I had such an incredible time running and sharing that memory with Shelley. I’ll never forget how we both burst into tears as we crossed the finish line…and again as we cried like babies as Aurora gave us our medals!

Wordless Wednesday – RunDisney Princesses

Wordless Wednesday – February 20, 2013

Celtic Woman Coming to Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre

The enchanting Irish musical ensemble Celtic Woman returns to America for an expansive four-month concert tour, beginning on February 21 following on the heels of the group’s sold-out Christmas Celebration tour. In addition, Celtic Woman was recently named Billboard Magazine’s number one World Music Artist in their year-end issue. Celtic Woman plays the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre on Saturday, May 4 and tickets are on sale now.

Celtic Woman combines the talents of four gifted Irish women – vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lisa Lambe and Susan McFadden, and violinist Máiréad Nesbitt – whose dazzling performances combine the sounds and sensibility of Irish traditional music with memorable original compositions and contemporary pop standards. The 2013 tour boasts an exciting new stage production and the return of such enduring fan favorites as “You Raise Me Up” and “Orinoco Flow.”

Since its formation in 2004, Celtic Woman has emerged as both a spectacular commercial success and a global cultural phenomenon. The group’s uplifting mix of timeless tradition and contemporary craft has transcended national and cultural borders to touch the hearts of a devoted international fan base, who have embraced Celtic Woman’s hugely successful public television specials and made their CDs and DVDs into multi-platinum best-sellers. The group’s albums have sold more than seven million copies around the world. Celtic Woman’s two album releases in 2012, the acclaimed “Believe” CD/DVD and the holiday-themed CD “Home For Christmas,” both debuted at number one on Billboard’s World Music chart – marking eight-consecutive chart-topping albums for the group.

Celtic Woman recently made their soap opera debut as featured guests in multiple episodes of the CBS daytime drama “The Bold and the Beautiful.”

httpv://youtu.be/5wZ_wQLcI4M

Having sold nearly three million concert tickets worldwide, Celtic Woman has won a dedicated and loyal audience in America, where their elaborately staged, visually stunning concert tours consistently draw sellout crowds. Singing songs of love, loss, hope and inspiration, Celtic Woman celebrates the emotional resonance of Ireland’s centuries-old musical and cultural heritage while taking advantage of the limitless options of state-of-the-art production. The result is a breathtaking musical and theatrical experience to be enjoyed by multiple generations of concertgoers.

WHO: Celtic Woman

WHEN: Saturday, May 4, 2013 | 8 p.m.

WHERE: Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre | Orlando, Florida

TICKETS: $38.50, $69.50 & $99 – All seats reserved. Tickets are available through OrlandoVenues.net, Chase^® box office at 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 .

RunDisney Costumes

You’ve signed up for a Run Disney race, trained physically and prepared mentally. You have the perfect running shoes and you’ve picked out your race day running clothes, a basic running shirt and shorts. Ok, so it’s practical, it will be sufficient for running, but you could have so much more fun. What about wearing a running costume?

Costumes for Disney races are becoming increasingly popular and creative. The easiest and most popular thing to wear is a tutu. Runners wear everything from a simple one color tutu to a detailed specific character inspired creation. It’s a fun way for anyone, of any age, shape and size to add a little kick to their running attire. There are Minnie’s, Tinkerbell’s, Pirates and lots of Princesses, especially for the upcoming Walt Disney World Princess Half Marathon. And RunDisney Costumes are not just for the ladies!

Wondering where to start to design your costume? Start with a good moisture-wicking running shirt in the color of the character you are trying to emulate. For example, to dress as Rapunzel, I purchased a lavender running shirt and attached pink ribbons to give the laced up corset effect. I also added tulle and ribbons to the sleeves. I made a lavender and pink tulle tutu and decorated it with ribbon, rhinestones, and flower accents. Top it off with a sparkling tiara and it’s an easy princess look.

Tutu’s are great for running because they are practically feather weight and can be worn over any running skirt or shorts. Tutu’s aren’t the only option when it comes to running costumes but an important thing to consider is materials and fabrics. It’s always a good idea to do a practice run in your costume before race day to be sure it’s comfortable and doesn’t inhibit your ability to run properl

Run Disney does have a few guidelines when it comes to costumes so be sure to follow their specifications. A really fun thing to do is to run in costume with a group. This is an especially popular idea for the upcoming inaugural 10k in Disneyland this summer. The race is rumored to be themed to Alice in Wonderland so lots of participants are planning groups of Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Red Queen and the Cheshire Cat.

Go look in your closet or visit your craft store for inspiration and supplies to make a unique running costume. If you aren’t crafty, let someone design and create it for you. Be creative, have fun and let your imagination run free!

Beth has taken her passion for RunDisney Costumes, and she’s built a business

around it with Beth’s Bowtique!

She makes all sorts of bows & tutus, and she posts her creations on Twitter all the time!

Downtown Food And Wine Fest Giveaway

It’s almost time for foodies and wine lovers to experience unique local cuisine paired with wines from around the globe as the Downtown Food and Wine Fest at Lake Eola is set to kick off this Saturday, February 23 and Sunday, February 24, 2013.

“The Fest is the perfect combination of divine food, unique wines, and headliner entertainment right in the heart of downtown,” said Nicole Dipietro, participating restaurateur and president, Central Florida Chapter, FRLA. ”Orlando has emerged onto the national culinary stage with award-winning restaurants and memorable events to showcase the spirit of the City Beautiful.”

Forty top restaurants are scheduled to present culinary tastings including the return of the 2012 Foodie Award winners as honored by a panel of Orlando elected officials, food writers and reporters, and celebrity chefs.

We are happy to offer you the chance to win two (2) daily admission passes for the Downtown Food And Wine Fest at Lake Eola!

This is going to be a super quick giveaway, so entering is SUPER easy!

All you need to do is leave a comment on this post that you follow On the Go in MCO on Twitter or ‘Like’ us on Facebook! If you follow us on both, please leave two comments.

I’ll be choosing a winner by 3:00 pm, and the tickets for the Downtown Food And Wine Fest will be available at Will Call.

Good Luck!

** Congratulations Shane Grizzard! You have won the two passes to the Downtown Food And Wine Fest!!! **

Valentine’s Day Makeover: Orlando Edition

Candlelight and roses are predictably pleasant ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but studies show more adventurous activities that get the heart pumping faster actually bring couples closer together. In fact, in the September 2012 issue of Womens Health magazine, psychoanalyst and author Paul Joannides insists, “fun is the best aphrodisiac.”

Valentine’s Day is here, and if you are still unsure of your plans tonight we have put together some great ideas for spending a romantic night in the City Beautiful!

Southern Brazilian Steakhouse Fogo de Chão is a great place to have a special meal out with your special someone for Valentine’s Day!

“We are a vibrant, expressive, fun dining experience, which is a little different than what you might encounter at other high-end steakhouses here,” says Head Gaucho Chef Paulo Simonetti. “Our guests are naturally drawn to lively atmospheres and are generally eager to experience life at its fullest, so our date-night suggestions are the perfect prelude to an evening at Fogo.”

Some other great ideas for a wonderful Valentine’s Day night around Orlando include…

André Rieu Amway Center Concert Announcement and Ticket Giveaway

Violin Master André Rieu Performing at the Amway Center March 7, 2012

Violin master André Rieu, one of the best-selling live acts in the world, is returning to the U.S. and Canada with a brand new show. Rieu will hit 12 cities on this tour including the west coast and Vancouver and will perform at Orlando’s Amway Center March 7, 2013. The Orlando concert will be part of Rieu’s international “And The Waltz Goes On Tour,” named after his successful album for which he collaborated with Sir Anthony Hopkins.

Looking for a way to keep the romance of Valentine’s Day going?

Why not take advantage of the chance to see Andre Rieu at the Amway Center with BOGO tickets to his March 7th performance!

The offer is vailid through 11:59pm February 17, 2013.

All you need to do is follow the ticket link, and enter the password: WALTZ.

Billboard ranked his 2011 tour as the ninth highest grossing tour of the year, just behind Lady Gaga. He has broken all classical concert records, packing stadiums and arenas with more than 700,000 adoring fans each year. Rieu has sold more than 32 million albums globally and received 243 platinum awards for his albums. With his natural charisma, Rieu conducts his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra and plays his 1,732 Stradivarius violin to create a celebratory atmosphere.

“Every night when I play around the whole world, I’m able to witness what the waltz does with the audience. People get out of their seats and waltz in the aisles spontaneously. They sing, they smile and for a moment they forget all their worries and are happy. That is why this tour is an ode to the waltz!” says Rieu.

More than waltzes
Sure, the maestro and his orchestra will perform beautiful waltzes on this tour, but the concerts are much more than that. From famous Viennese operettas to film scores, spirituals to musicals and from folk songs to marches; Rieu’s concerts are a perfect mix of thrilling, romantic, festive and emotional melodies combined with surprises, balloons, beautiful soloists and of course, Rieu’s great sense of humor.

A record breaking 2012
2012 was a very successful year for the violinist. Rieu gave a record breaking series of 30 sold-out concerts in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He won a Classic BRIT award for his album “And The Waltz Goes On” and was nominated for a prestigious Mexican Luna award. With his first tour in Brazil, Rieu reached the number one position in Pollstar’s Box Office Chart of highest grossing tours in July. Leaving behind artists like Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Radiohead, Coldplay, Celine Dion, The Black Keys and Pearl Jam.

On October 30, Rieu’s record company, Universal Music released Home For The Holidays on CD, DVD and Blu-ray™.

httpv://youtu.be/PTX91UTZ9Tc

Tickets to see André Rieu are On Sale Now
Ticket Prices:

$39.00, $75.00, $99.00 & $139.00 | All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges.

Doors Open:

Door opening times for the Amway Center vary according to each event. Guests may enter the arena one hour prior to the start time of each event, unless otherwise specifically noted. Guests may check door times in advance by calling 407.440.7900 .

Camera Policy:

The show reserves the right to approve camera use at any time during and/or before the event and to prohibit the use of any camera that is deemed unacceptable. Cameras with a detachable lens, iPads and the use of flash photography are prohibited at all Amway Center events. Check amwaycenter.com or call the administration office at 407.440.7000 prior to the event for any camera policy updates. Camera policy is subject to change at any time at the show’s discretion.

André Rieu Ticket Giveaway

Congratulations to our winner Winanne Brady!

We are also excited to say that we are giving away four (4) Tickets to see André Rieu perform at the Amway Center on March 7th!

The giveaway starts today, and will end March 2, 2013.

Good Luck!

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Wordless Wednesday – So This Is Love

Wordless Wednesday – February 13, 2013

Super huge thanks to Kelly for letting us use her amazing picture for this week’s Wordless Wednesday!

Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation coming to Busch Gardens Tampa

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Launches

Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation

at California and Florida Parks

— New Live Show Debuts at Busch Gardens Tampa^® and SeaWorld San Diego in 2013 —

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment today announced it will premiere Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation, an original live musical show featuring the characters from DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: DWA) beloved Madagascar franchise, at two of the company’s parks this summer.

Celebrating the box office success of Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted, which has grossed more than $740 million at the worldwide box office, Alex the Lion and friends will party while on vacation with guests at Busch Gardens Tampa^® and SeaWorld^® throughout 2013.

The 20-minute musical show follows the antics of Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo, King Julien, Mort and the Penguins during a vacation adventure. The show will feature rock/pop music performed by a live band and include both classic and original songs. The characters also will conduct meet and greets with park guests. Additionally, special co-branded merchandise exclusive to the parks, will be available.

These two locations will be the only theme parks in the U.S. where fans can see the characters of Madagascar live. The new show “Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation” premieres in the following locations:

· Busch Gardens Tampa^® May 18, 2013.
· SeaWorld San Diego June 15, 2013.

The company also has the opportunity to expand the show to other parks in the SeaWorld family in the future.

“Audiences around the world have embraced the characters of Madagascar, and SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks are the ideal places for families to enjoy this immersive live entertainment experience,” said DreamWorks Animation’s Head of Worldwide Licensing & Consumer Products, Kerry Phelan. “The entire creative team behind this uniquely original version of “Madagascar Live!” has done an impressive job of translating the beloved world from screen to stage, bringing it to life for young park guests and family audiences alike.”

“Our parks both entertain and inspire guests to care about animals,” said Scott Helmstedter, Chief Creative Officer of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. “Likewise, the Madagascar movies also inspire animal lovers, but in a different way with their inimitable charm and humor. We welcome these characters to our family with open arms and look forward to working with DreamWorks Animation on this incredibly funny and engaging new show.”

Madagascar is one of the most successful CG animated movie franchises of all time, grossing more than $1.8 billion at the worldwide box office. In 2012 “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted,” grossed over $740 million at the global box office, becoming the highest grossing film of the series.

Disney Live! Orlando Ticket Giveaway

I am so excited that Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival is coming to Orlando at the UCF Arena on March 3rd, but I am even more excited to giveaway 4 Tickets to either performance!

Mickey Mouse and friends rock the world with the stars from The Little Mermaid, Aladdinand Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story in their new touring show Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival. Disney hits are remixed to the hottest sounds of today featuring hip hop, pop, swing, reggae, rock, country and much more! The irresistible lineup of performers, including Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy; Ariel, Sebastian and Ursula; Jasmine, Aladdin and Genie; and Woody, Buzz and Jessie; are among the more than 25 Disney stars featured in this jam session fit for the entire family! You can’t resist dancing, singing, playing your air-guitar and laughing with this band of characters! Come join them at Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival for a lively concert experience guaranteed to deliver enough rockin’ memories to last a lifetime.

httpv://youtu.be/NUyxUfdmiNw

Make sure you like Disney Live! on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for Updates and information about Disney Live! coming to your town!

The contest is open now and ends February 16, 2013 at midnight! Winning is super easy! Just follow On the Go in MCO on Twitter, Like On the GO in MCO on Facebook, and tweet about the Giveaway!

I will be choosing a winner, February 17, 2013, so be sure to enter soon and daily!!!

If you want to purchase your own tickets for the show, you can also save $3 on any performance, not valid on the purchase of Front Row or VIP Floor Seats, at http://www.ucfarena.com/tickets using the Promo Code DLUCF.

Good luck and I hope to see you at Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival!

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LEGO Friends Weekend Returns to LEGOLAND Florida

Join your LEGO Friends Olivia, Andrea, Stephanie, Emma, and Mia as LEGOLAND Florida Friends Weekend returns February 9th and 10th.

During LEGO Friends Weekend glitz, glamour, and sparkles will fill the park with fabulous fun! This second annual event celebrates girls and their personal individuality, just like the LEGO Friends product line for girls.

LEGO Friends Weekend Events

Live from the Pink Carpet with Emma & Stephanie – Market Restaurant, 9:30am-4:30pm – Make a superstar entrance to the LEGO Friends weekend. Girls feel famous as they walk the pink carpet with two of their favorite LEGO Friends, Emma & Stephanie. Be sure to stop and pose for fashion photos from the star-struck paparazzi.

Olivia’s Girls Just Wanna Build Bash – Fun Town Plaza, 9:30am-4:30pm – Olivia and LEGOLAND Model Builder, Angie are building masterful LEGO creations and need your help. Stop by to see how much fun building with friends can be!

Mia’s Missing Animal Search – Cypress Gardens, 9:30am-5:00pm – Mia needs your help to find her missing animals. Families have fun as they hunt together through the historic Cypress Gardens to find Mia’s favorite furry friends. Once you find all Mia’s animals, place your turn in your tracking guide for your chance to win a prize.

Rising Star Sing-a-Along – Miniland USA, 12:00pm and 3:00pm – Andrea is looking for new talent! Show her what you’ve got during her show-stopping Karaoke sessions.

A LEGO Friends Special , “A New Girl in Town” – Wells Fargo 4D Theatre, 11:45am, 12:45pm, 2:45pm, 3:45pm – Check out all your LEGO Friends on the big screen. Olivia is new in town, and she can’t wait to make new friends. So she volunteers to help out at the pet adoption booth at the Heartlake City World Petacular. But after a few mishaps, Olivia’s made four brand-new enemies. There’s only one way to repair the damage – teamwork! Can Olivia, Andrea, Emma, Mia, and Stephanie work together to put things right in time for the Petacular?

A LEGO Friends Special Premiere Wrap Party – Miniland USA, 5:00pm – The LEGO Friends Special, “A New Girl in Town”, was a success and now it’s time to party like a star! Join all your LEGO Friends for a dance party celebration.

LEGO Friends Farewell – Market Restaurant, 5:45pm – The LEGO Friends Party might be ending, but the friendship will last forever. Come say goodnight to all your LEGO Friends.

All of the LEGO Friends Weekend activities are included in admission to LEGOLAND Florida!

The best way to experience LEGOLAND Florida is with the new LEGOLAND Florida Resident Pass starting at just $10 per month after a down payment (only $159 for adults, only $129 for children/seniors). 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. The Monthly Payment Plan includes a down payment of $57.24 with a monthly payment of $9.26 for an adult and a $46.44 down payment with a monthly payment of only $7.51 (pre-tax) for a child/senior. For the most current information on special events, daily operating hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.

Full Sail University Hall of Fame Concerts Announced

During the Full Sail University 4^th Annual Hall of Fame celebration, they are going to offer two free concerts at the University’s state-of-the-art performance venue, Full Sail Live, Full in Winter Park, Florida.

Kicking off their Hall of Fame concert schedule will be a special Valentine’s Day free public concert at 8pm EST on Thursday, February 14 by singer/songwriter and Vanguard Records artist, Marc Broussard. Marc visited Full Sail in 2011, and here is the awesome sizzle reel from his visit.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzANYge1YXY

Marc, who hails from Louisiana, mixes classic R&B and rock to create his unique sound that has been called “Bayou Soul.” He’s released five studio albums in his ten-plus year career and is currently working on a new album that will be out sometime this year.

Full Sail University also just recently announced the addition of a second free concert with Universal Republic Records recording artist, Mat Kearney. Kearney will perform live in concert at the Full Sail Live venue at 8pm EST on Saturday, February 16.

httpv://youtu.be/a7YP4k7rMuc

As a Nashville-based singer/songwriter, Kearney has released three full-length studio albums, has had four singles in the Billboard Top 20, and has toured with artists including John Mayer, Keane, and The Fray. The songs off his latest album, 2011’s Young Love, are a slight departure from his two earlier releases with a mix of radio-friendly rock and a bit of a reggae and hip-hop influence.

These free concerts are open to the public and admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Full Sail’s 4th Annual Hall of Fame Week is sponsored by Sony Electronics’ Professional Solutions of America, with additional sponsors Adobe, Avid, CDW, ESPN, Murphy Lighting, Sennheiser Electronic Corporation, and WWE.

Full Sail University Announces 4th Annual Hall of Fame Celebration Week – February 13-16, 2013

Full Sail University Announces 4th Annual Hall of Fame Celebration Week –

February 13-16, 2013

Full Sail University is proud to announce the 4^th Annual Hall of Fame celebration week featuring the induction ceremony of the 2012 class of the Full Sail University Hall of Fame on February 15, 2013 on Full Sail’s campus in Winter Park, Florida. The induction ceremony is the highlight of a series of campus-wide special events scheduled to take place from February 13-16, 2013.

Full Sail’s 4th Annual Hall of Fame Week is sponsored by Sony Electronics’ Professional Solutions of America, with additional sponsors Adobe, Avid, CDW, ESPN, Sennheiser Electronic Corporation, and WWE. The university will welcome celebrity and industry friends of Full Sail and among those scheduled to appear at the February 15 induction ceremony and participate in Hall of Fame Week include: GRAMMY® award-winning audio engineer and music producer Bruce Swedien, Academy Award-winning visual effects artist and producer Ed Jones, ESPN’s Senior Vice President, Content and Information Technology Kevin Stolworthy, ESPN’s Vice President of Emerging Technology Anthony Bailey, former NARAS President and music attorney Al Schlesinger, Live Nation’s Senior Vice President of Global Operations Craig Evans, actor and television personality John O’Hurley, founding member of the GRAMMY®- nominated multi-platinum selling group 98 Degrees Jeff Timmons, former NFL Super Bowl

winning running back Ricky Watters, GRAMMY®-nominated multi-platinum hip hop group the Nappy Roots, Senior Vice President of Special Events at WWE John Saboor, Meyer Sound’s Live Audio and Education Specialist Buford Jones (who has mixed on tour for Eric Clapton, Prince and Pink Floyd), Google’s Cherie Hannouche, People Magazine writer and New York Times best-selling author Steve Helling, co-hosts of the nationally syndicated morning show The Daily Buzz, Charles Divins, Lisa Spooner, Lance Smith and Jessica Reyes, co-hosts of the nationally syndicated lifestyle show Life Love Shopping, Andrea Jackson and Michelle Yarn, Wilspro Management’s Debbie Wilson and Doug Shaw, and Orlando Predators Defensive End R-Kal Truluck.

The mission of the multi-day celebration is to acknowledge past Hall of Fame inductees, honor and induct the newest members (comprised of six Full Sail graduates), and to provide one-of-a- kind educational experiences showcasing entertainment and media industry leaders.

Guest lectures and panel discussions will take place featuring many of the guests listed above, as well as all of the new Hall of Fame inductees and nine previous inductees. Portions of the week will be streamed live to the university’s online students.

In addition, a number of Hall of Fame week music-related events will be held on the university’s campus highlighted by two free public concerts. The concerts will be held in the university’s on-campus state-of-the-art performance venue, Full SailLive.

“Hosting our annual Hall of Fame celebration week allows us to take time to reflect upon the vast and tremendous accomplishments of our alumni, while inspiring our university as a whole,” said Full Sail University President, Garry Jones. “It is my great pleasure to thank all of our students, staff, educators, guests, friends, industry leaders, inductees, and sponsors, both past and present, who will be celebrating with us throughout the 4th Annual Hall of Fame Week.”

For more information on this year’s Hall of Fame inductees and a full listing of their credits, please visit here.

Additional information regarding events, special guests, and sponsors will be announced, as we get closer to Hall of Fame Week. Please visit our mobile-optimized site and for more details, and follow @FullSail to join the #FullSailHOF conversation on Twitter.

SeaWorld Bands, Brew, & BBQ Festival 2013 Kicks Off This Weekend!

SeaWorld Bands, Brew, & BBQ Festival

Featuring live concerts by top names in the music industry

SeaWorld Orlando hosts an exciting concert lineup for its Bands, Brew & BBQ Festival, Saturdays and Sundays, February 9 – March 17. This year’s event will be bigger and better than ever with two additional weekends of sizzling BBQ and incredible concerts.

Bands, Brew & BBQ is included with park admission. And the best way to experience this festival is with a Fun Card where you pay for a day’s admission and come back all year –
with no blackout dates – to experience all of SeaWorld’s remarkable events.

The 2013 Bands, Brew & BBQ concert lineup includes:

Saturday, February 9 Chris Young with Jerrod Niemann
Sunday, February 10 Merle Haggard
Saturday, February 16 The Beach Boys
Sunday, February 17 Styx
Saturday, February 23 Big & Rich
Sunday, February 24 Third Eye Blind
Saturday, March 2 Daryl Hall and John Oates
Sunday, March 3 Darius Rucker
Saturday, March 9 Michael McDonald
Sunday, March 10 Josh Turner
Saturday, March 16 Rodney Atkins with Uncle Kracker
Sunday, March 17 Sheryl Crow

Enjoy a cornucopia of all things BBQ featuring SeaWorld’s signature mouth-watering BBQ, along with local favorites such as Tony Roma’s, Cecil’s Texas Style Bar B Q and Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q, who will be on hand serving BBQ foods tendered to perfection.

For those who want to feel like a rock star, the VIP package and Craft Brew Sampler are available. Guests who take advantage will enjoy the best seats in the house, mouth-watering food and a unique experience that they’ll never forget as they get up-close and personal with some of today’s hottest classic rock and country music performers.

There is a side stage showcasing local bands and for those who want to show off their line dancing and boot scootin’ skills, a DJ will be spinning music to satisfy movers and shakers of all ages and levels.

And through March 3, in between all the barbeque eatin’ and side steppin’, event-goers can take in the sights of the proudly displayed 2013 Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. For all Harley lovers who ride their Harley to Bands, Brew & BBQ, parking is free!

For more details about Bands, Brew & BBQ visit www.SeaWorldOrlando.com

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 22,000 animals in need over the last four decades.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment employs more than 21,000 people nationwide.

Author: Shelley

RunDisney Roundtable

Wordless Wednesday – RunDisney Princesses

Wordless Wednesday – February 20, 2013

Celtic Woman Coming to Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre

WHO: Celtic Woman

WHEN: Saturday, May 4, 2013 | 8 p.m.

WHERE: Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre | Orlando, Florida

RunDisney Costumes

Beth has taken her passion for RunDisney Costumes, and she’s built a business

around it with Beth’s Bowtique!

She makes all sorts of bows & tutus, and she posts her creations on Twitter all the time!

Downtown Food And Wine Fest Giveaway

Valentine’s Day Makeover: Orlando Edition

Valentine’s Day Makeover: Orlando Edition

André Rieu Amway Center Concert Announcement and Ticket Giveaway

Violin Master André Rieu Performing at the Amway Center March 7, 2012

André Rieu Ticket Giveaway

Congratulations to our winner Winanne Brady!

Wordless Wednesday – So This Is Love

Wordless Wednesday – February 13, 2013

Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation coming to Busch Gardens Tampa

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Launches

Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation

at California and Florida Parks

Disney Live! Orlando Ticket Giveaway

LEGO Friends Weekend Returns to LEGOLAND Florida

LEGO Friends Weekend Events

Full Sail University Hall of Fame Concerts Announced

Full Sail University Announces 4th Annual Hall of Fame Celebration Week – February 13-16, 2013

Full Sail University Announces 4th Annual Hall of Fame Celebration Week –

February 13-16, 2013

SeaWorld Bands, Brew, & BBQ Festival 2013 Kicks Off This Weekend!

SeaWorld Bands, Brew, & BBQ Festival

Wordless Wednesday – First Sunrise

Wordless Wednesday – February 6, 2013