Tickets Now Available for 29th Annual Orlando Museum of Art Festival of Trees

Tickets Now Available for 29th Annual Orlando Museum of Art Festival of Trees

Celebrate the season at Orlando Museum of Art from November 14 – 22
Tickets are now on sale for one of Central Florida’s favorite holiday traditions, the 29th annual Festival of Trees, benefiting the Orlando Museum of Art.

This year the Council of 101 invites you to Jingle All the Way through the halls of the Orlando Museum of Art filled with extravagant, designer-decorated trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, vignettes and tabletop displays. The café provides food and refreshments for festival visitors and the boutiques offer a variety of gifts to help with holiday shopping.
Festival of Trees is a major fundraiser for the Orlando Museum of Art. A visit to the festival includes admission to the museum and its current exhibitions.

Festival of Trees Details

Dates: Saturday, November 14 – Sunday, November 22
 
Times: 10 am – 5 pm daily
 
Tickets: $10 for adults, $6 for children 3-11. Tickets can be purchased in person, via phone by calling
407-896-4231 x254 or online at
 
Special Events:
  • Friday, November 13A Gala to Remember – Celebrating Our Golden Anniversary
  • Saturday, November 14 – Opening Day
  • Monday, November 16 – Military Appreciation Day (new this year)
  • Tuesday, November 17 – Festival Salutes Seniors
  • Wednesday, November 18 – Reindeer Romp Children’s Party
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Celebrating A Disney Christmas in…April?

Disney Christmas in April

It is NEVER too early to starting thinking about celebrating a Disney Christmas…right?

Every time I walk into Disney’s Days of Christmas in the Downtown Disney Marketplace, I can’t help but get excited about Christmas!

With so many Christmas ornaments how could you not?

Priced between $17.95 and $19.95, these Disney Christmas Character Ornaments are a great way to add a really personal touch of ‘Disney’ to your Christmas tree.

I have really enjoyed watching and collecting this line of ornaments as they have grown over the years, and I thought I would share some of my favorite new (and new-ish) Character Ornaments!

Celebrating A Disney Christmas Up

Russell and Dug from Up

Celebrating A Disney Christmas Mickey Mouse and Duffy Christmas Character Ornament

Mickey Mouse hugging Duffy the Disney Bear

Celebrating A Disney Christmas Bambi Character Ornament

Bambi and Thumper

Celebrating A Disney Christmas Character Ornament Green Army Man

Parachuting Green Army Man

Celebrating A Disney Christmas Character Ornament Nemo Seagull

Seagull from Finding Nemo

Celebrating A Disney Christmas Character Ornament Pete the DragonElliott from Pete’s Dragon

Celebrating A Disney Christmas Character Ornament Timon and Pumba The Lion King

Timon and Pumbaa

Celebrating A Disney Christmas Character Ornament Marie Cat AristocatsMarie

Celebrating A Disney Christmas Character Ornament Muppets Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy

Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy

Celebrating A Disney Christmas Character Ornament Muppets Beaker and Honeydew

Dr. Bunson Honeydew and Beaker

Celebrating A Disney Christmas Character Ornament Mr. Toad Mr. Toad's Wild Ride

J. Thaddeus Toad

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Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Presents Holidays In Space

 Holidays in Space Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

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

Mapping Wow Guests at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

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

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

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

Holidays in Space Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

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

Holidays in Space Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

 

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

Holidays in Space Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

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

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

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

Holidays in Space Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

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

Holidays in Space Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

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

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

Holidays in Space Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

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

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

 Space Shuttle Atlantis Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, Shuttle Launch Experience®, 3D IMAX® space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space®:  Explorers Wanted and many other interactive exhibits. The new $100 million home for Space Shuttle AtlantisSM opened June 29, 2013. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, which opens daily at noon and closing times vary by season. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season.  Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

 

Twitter: @ExploreSpaceKsc

facebook.com/KennedySpaceCenterVisitorComplex


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Last Minute Gift Ideas For The Guys!

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

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

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

Tickets and more information available at arnoldpalmerinvitational.com

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

gift

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

Tickets and more information available at daytonainternationalspeedway.com

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

gift

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

gifts Silver Spur Rodeo

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

Tickets and more information available at silverspursrodeo.com

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

Runaway Country Music Festival 2015 gifts

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

Tickets and more information available at runawaycountry.com

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SeaWorld Christmas Celebration

It’s Christmas time again!! SeaWorld has brought back their Christmas Celebration and it bigger and better than ever! New Shows, decorations, and Atmosphere Entertainment have been added to this year’s festivities! As always, these events are included in your regular park admission!

Our first stop was Elmo’s Christmas Wish – Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, Zoe, Rosita all make their Christmas wishes! There is tons of singing and dancing as the friends all make their wishes for Christmas and help Elmo make his wish. This is a must do for the little ones! Little Man was very excited to see his favorites on stage! He also loved the bubbles and “snow” coming down from the ceiling!

After we left the show, we headed to the waterfront to see the Sea of Trees. Crazy!! SO MANY TREES, over 100 of them! They were everywhere; and the colors and music were so festive. I absolutely loved seeing all the dancing images on the trees: candy canes, Frosty the Snowman, gingerbread men and more. It was 10 minutes of magic!

After the Sea of Trees we headed over to O Wondrous Night, the Greatest Story Never Told. We were greeted to a friendly guitar playing singing Christmas songs! What an amazing show! It’s the Christmas Story in a way you’ve never heard before- through the eyes of the animals! The show is filled with wonderful performers, singing traditional Christmas songs, fun puppetry and an actual living nativity! We loved the performance (little man did get kind of antsy, it’s a 30 min show)! Little man’s favorite part was when all the live animals started coming out!

We wen to see Shamu’s Christmas Miracles next. They had a saxophone player for a preshow. I always love the night time Shamu shows! This one was no exception! They whales performed between videos of people telling about their miracles. They had a heart touching video of the first Baby Shamu! We had a few moments where the whales didn’t want to perform, but that happens. We definitely want to come back and see it again!

We ended the night with Winter Wonderland on Ice. We found out earlier in the day that they are skating on real ice, not a synthetic surface. Such a festive ice skating show! Fantastic skaters and some of my favorite Christmas songs, and a new fun one for us “Hot, Hot, Hot Chocolate!” My favorite part was when Pete and Penny Penguin came out to ice skate!! We loved how the fountains and the trees danced to the music too, it was very immersive.

Immediately after the show is Holiday Reflections: Fireworks & Fountain Finale. If you are already there for Winter Wonderland on Ice you don’t need to move, you have a great spot for this finale!

The only things we missed out on during our visit to SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration was the Polar Express, the snow flurries on the waterfront, and meeting Santa Shamu! We will definitely be back to see them!

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Sharing The Holiday Spirit With Christmas In The Shire

If you are looking for a new family holiday tradition, you may want to consider checking out Christmas in the Shire!

Christmas in the Shire Logo

Christmas in the Shire is the largest, private holiday display in Orlando! It has also been voted one of the top displays by local event guides.

httpv://youtu.be/2FgFtUsgdIA

The display is open daily until December 27th and includes tens of thousands of lights, over 40 trees outside, and almost 50 themed trees inside that you can view during their Open House times.

This year there are two new trees featuring a Wizard of Oz themed rainbow tree and a News Years Eve theme.

If you have been before or if you are new to the display, like myself, it is important to also know that Christmas in the Shire has moved to a new address in the Grand Cove neighborhood of Falcon Trace.

For the new address, schedule, and more information about Christmas in the Shire check out their Facebook page!

 

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Holiday Gift Ideas: Wonder Forge Games

Disclaimer: I was given games by the Wonder Forge Company to create this post. All opinions are my own.

Wonder Forge Logo

In my search for Holiday Gifts I am always on the lookout for products that recall memories from our trips to the Orlando Theme Parks, and Wonder Forge has some great games for the whole family!

What I really appreciate about Wonder Forge games is that they are extremely high quality and they really pay attention to every detail!

Wonder Forge Palace Pets Detail

When you open the game boxes, you will notice that there is place for everything! If you are anything like me you try to keep your game pieces organized, and the good folks at Wonder Forge have created packages that have holders for cards and package dice in zip top bags. It makes clean up a breeze, because it is easy to see if you are missing anything.

Wonder Forge Frozen Slides Detail

Also the pieces, spinners, and dice are full of details are a great size that easy for little hands to manage.

Let’s take a peek at some of the games that I was sent to review!

Disney Pictopia: The Ultimate Picture Trivia Game

Wonder Forge Disney Pictopia

While I am sometimes wary of trivia games to play with Zoe, but Disney Pictopia is the perfect mix of questions for the whole family!

Disney Pictopia has 1,000 questions with pictures covering the the World of Disney from Disney Jr. and Disney XD to the Disney Parks to films that players use to place a wager based on their knowledge of those images.

We really enjoyed that there were individual and group questions!

Disney Pictopia: The Ultimate Picture Trivia is now added to our normal rotation for Friday Family Game Nights!

Frozen Surprise Slides

Wonder Forge Frozen Surprise Slides

Frozen Surprise Slides is a really fun take on the classic slides and ladder game that we all really had a blast playing.

The game play is cofortably familiar, but as you journey high into the Arendelle Mountains with some of your favorite friends things can take a twist as paths and your scenery can change with a flick of the spinner.

I love that Marshmallow, the troll’s secret glen, and skate past Wandering Oaken.

Our only issue was deciding who got to be Olaf!!!

Royal Pet Salon

Wonder Forge Royal Palace Pets Salon

Zoe’s absolute favorite games was the Disney Palace Pets Royal Pet Salon Game!

In this 3D Royal Pet Salon, you move your super cute pet from room to room looking for products that are hidden within the rooms that are fit for a Disney Princess.

I think that this game would be especially fun at a sleep over or playdate!

Disney Junior Super Stretchy

Wonder Forge Super Stretchy

 

I may have thrown my back out playing the Disney Junior Super Stretchy Game, but it was a blast.

Disney Junior characters from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, and Jake and the Neverland Pirates encourage you the whole family to get moving.

Make sure that you set this up in an area where you have lots of space and that is not too slippery.

We were laughing so hard it was hard to make our next move, but I thought that was a good problem to have!

Dr. Suess Charades

Wonder Forge Dr Suess Charades

We play a lot of charades in our house, and Dr. Suess Charades is a fun ‘Suessian’ twist on this classic game!

I really enjoyed that the cards had both the words and illustrations making even the youngest player confident enough to join the fun!

While I was initially worried that Zoe would have a hard time with the Suess character, I was totally wrong as she was very in to the game!

Ultimate Spider-Man Trickshot Duel Action Game

Wonder Forge Ultimate Spider-Man Duel Trickshot

I didn’t want to leave out the boys, and Wonder Forge didn’t either because the Ultimate Spider-Man Trickshot Duel Action Game rocks!

Green Goblin hatches an evil plan to break Spider-Man’s arch-enemies out from behind bars on the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier. Face off in the game arena as Spidey or Green Goblin and fire discs to take out your opponent’s hero or villain pucks. Last one standing in the Helicarrier arena is the winner!

It is important to note that you do ‘shoot’ discs in this game, so we found that playing on the floor worked better than a table since we had to pick up pieces on a few occasions.

2014Wonder Forge Pictopia Detail

We really had a ton of fun playing all of these wonderful games from Wonder Forge, and I can’t wait until our next Friday Family Game Night to play them again!

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Walt Disney World Christmas Merchandise

Walt Disney World Christmas Merchandise

Christmas has arrived at Walt Disney World, and what better way to bring a piece of the #DisneyHolidays home with you than some of the new Walt Disney World Christmas Merchandise!

John from BigFatPanda.com had the chance to chat with Steven Miller about the new merchandise you will find in the parks and some tips for shopping in the parks.

httpv://youtu.be/9Bows-iuQhU?list=UUxhza5Nkv4ukqKmIFLE9dgA

If you can’t make your way to Walt Disney World this Holiday Season, you can find these and more goodies online!

Don’t forget to check out the Magical Friday Deals that are available now while you are there!

Walt Disney World Christmas Online Sale

I can’t thank John enough for filming this #DisneyHolidays video for us! Make sure you give his BigFatPanda.com YouTube channel a follow!

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Celebrating #DisneyHolidays: Build Your Own Gingerbread House

One of my family’s favorite ways to celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World is by taking a little time away from the parks to explore the resorts and their beautiful decorations.

We especially enjoy touring the five deluxe resorts that create unique holiday displays and sugar shacks that are made of edible ingredients. It is amazing to see the craftsmanship that goes into these creations!

Frozen Gingerbread Holiday Display Walt Disney World Contemporary Resort
Walt Disney World Resort guests can enjoy an all-new Gingerbread Holiday Ice Castle inspired by Disney’s “Frozen” this year on the 4th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. TheÊ17-foot-tall culinary concoction is adorned with favorite characters from the film including Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven, 1,500 gingerbread shingles, snowflakes and chocolate-covered trees. “Frozen”-themed merchandise, desserts and gingerbread treats also are available for purchase at the ice castle kiosk. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

A great way to bring a piece of the #DisneyHolidays to your home is by building a Gingerbread House of your own!

Gingerbread House Christmas at Walt Disney World BoardWalk Inn
Photo: Kelly Hicks

Just inside of the lobby of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is the location of a new gingerbread display inspired by the Jersey Shore. This new “Gingerbread Stand” is reminiscent of New Jersey Boardwalk concession stands with wreaths made of ice cream cones, plus Disney whimsy with Mickey and Minnie shaped gingerbread heads surrounding the marshmallow dotted marquee. 

Christmas at Walt Disney World BoardWalk Inn Gingerbread House
Photo: Kelly Hicks
Gingerbread House Christmas at Walt Disney World BoardWalk Inn
Photo: Kelly Hicks

At the Gingerbread Stand, you can purchase a kit to create your own house like a Disney Chef for $14.95, and John from BigFatPanda.com had a chance to create an adorable Gingerbread house with Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Pastry Chef Matt Avery.

httpv://youtu.be/ByFwiqGtW_E

I can’t thank John enough for filming this #DisneyHolidays video for us! Make sure you give his BigFatPanda.com YouTube channel a follow!

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Festival of Trees Tickets On Sale Now

Festival of Trees Orlando Museum of Art Christmas

Festival of Trees: “Tis the Season” Opens

November 15 at the Orlando Museum of Art

Tickets now on sale for Central Florida’s favorite Holiday Tradition!

Elaborately decorated and themed trees will showcase timeless holiday traditions. 

Orlando, Fla. (October 2, 2014) – ‘Tis The Season to get your tickets for Central Florida’s favorite holiday event – the 28th Annual Festival of Trees, benefiting the Orlando Museum of Art. 

This year the Orlando Museum of Art’s Council of 101 presents the most elegant tradition of the holidays with the Festival of Trees ‘Tis The Season November 15 – 23rd, 2014

Tickets are now available for purchase by calling 407-896-4231, Ext. 254, visiting www.omart.org/programs/festival-trees or at the Orlando Museum of Art.

Everything at the Festival of Trees will inspire guests and can be purchased to brighten your home or business this season. This beloved holiday event will feature exquisite designer decorated trees of all sizes, wreaths, holiday vignettes and gingerbread houses created by local designers, pastry chefs and businesses.

Along with the exciting collection of holiday displays, gifts and so much more, guests are invited to attend these special events throughout the Festival:


Friday, November 14 7-11pm A TARTAN AFFAIRE
$125/Person – Opening Night Festival Gala

Tuesday, November 18 10am – 5pm FESTIVAL SALUTES SENIORS
$9 Senior Admission/$10 General Admission – Celebrating Seniors

Wednesday, November 19 6:30 – 8:30pm REINDEER ROMP CHILDREN’S PARTY
$12 All Ages – Family Fun, Santa, Children’s Entertainment

NEW THIS YEAR! RUDOLPH’S VIP PASS*
$25 All Ages 5:30pm PRIORITY ENTRY
VIP Pass will allow for a full hour of enjoying Reindeer Romp privately before the doors open at 6:30pm for Reindeer Romp General Admission








Local artist-designed trees, professionally created gingerbread houses, and many other one-of-a-kind items and furnishings will be showcased throughout the museum and will also be available for purchase.

The Orlando Museum of Art will come alive with the sights sounds smells and decorations of the holiday. The Festival of Trees will showcase awe-inspiring fully decorated designer trees, ranging from tabletop displays to 9 feet tall, wreaths, gingerbread creations, all available for purchase along with stunning holiday vignettes. Visitors will enjoy visiting the Holiday Boutique, Festival Café, Toyland Town activity area and Children’s Shop, Deck the Halls, Gingerbread Village and Entertaining by Design in anticipation of being a lucky drawing winner at the Festival Finale and the along with enjoying daily entertainment.


General Admission
November 15-23, 2014
10am – 5pm Daily/$10 Adult $6 Child (ages 3-11)

Includes admission to current Orlando Museum of Art exhibitions including Lamar Peterson: Suburbia Sublime and David Rathman: Stand By Your Accidents.

The Festival of Trees is a major fundraiser for the Orlando Museum of Art and supports its mission to advance the positive impact of art and culture in the state of Florida in the region by providing excellence in visual arts. The Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving and interpreting notable works of art and to developing and presenting first-rate educational programs. Since its founding, the volunteer Council of 101 has raised more than $6 million to support Museum efforts.

About the Council of 101
The Council of 101 was founded in 1965 to further the cultural development and appreciation of the visual arts in Central Florida. Today, this outstanding group of volunteers consists of Active, Associate, Honorary, Provisional and Sustaining members who comprise an organization of nearly 300 women. These dedicated members devote countless volunteer hours, boundless energy and strong personal skills to annual fund-raising projects that provide significant financial support to the Orlando Museum of Art.

In addition to cash donations, the Council of 101 purchases, through the Corporate Lease Program, Museum-quality prints created by contemporary American artists and gifts them to the Orlando Museum of Art. Prints from this collection may be leased by local businesses through the program administered by the Council of 101. The Council of 101, since its inception, has contributed in excess of $6 million towards art, exhibits, facility renovation and Museum expansion programs. For more information about the Council of 101, please call 407-896-4231 x254.

The Orlando Museum of Art 
The Orlando Museum of Art is located in Orlando’s Historic Loch Haven Park at 2416 North Mills Ave., Orlando, Fla. From I-4 take the Princeton Street exit 85. Drive east on Princeton Street, and at the corner of Princeton and Mills (US Highway 17 / 92), turn left. Go one block to east Rollins Street and turn left. The entrance is the first driveway on the left. For further information please call 407-896-4231, Ext. 254 or visitwww.omart.org/programs/festival-trees. On-site parking during the Festival of Trees $5, Off-site parking visit the website.

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Orlando Museum of Art is a Blue Star Museum supported by the Museum’s Board of Trustees, the Ambassadors, Council of 101, Friends of American Art, Acquisition Trust, earned income, contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is sponsored in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program, the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on the Arts and Culture. The National Endowment provides additional support for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.

*VIP Passes must be pre-purchased/Limited to 100 Guests. Rudolph’s VIP Pass will allow for a full hour of enjoying Reindeer Romp privately. Guests will have the opportunity to visit with Santa and enjoy the evening’s festivities before the doors open at 6:30pm for Reindeer Romp general admission.

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Sketchbook Ornaments From The Disney Store

Sketchbook Ornaments Disney Store Christmas Disney

The Disney Store has a new set of Sketchbook Ornaments this year that I am absolutely obsessed with, and my ‘wish list’ of ornaments is crazy!

The Sketchbook Ornaments are so wonderful, because each ornament really captures an iconic character moment using quality finishes at a really reasonable price!

Sketchbook Ornaments Artist Information Disney Christmas

The price point of the ornaments in the line are between $12.95 and $16.95, and the price reflects if an ornament has light and sound features and if it can be personalized.

Sketchbook Ornaments closer details Disney Christmas

These resin ornaments are really beautiful, and no detail has been skipped and the colors used are the same as they are in the movies or shorts. Also, all of the Sketchbook Ornaments feature a 2014 Disney Store Logo Charm.

They even have an exclusive set of on-line Disney Sketchbook Ornaments that are released monthly, and capture ‘Moments that made Disney’. You can see them here. October’s release will celebrate the 1932 release of Flowers and Trees in the Silly Symphonies Series.

So enough talking, lets look at some of my favorites!

2014 Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Anna

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Chip and Dale

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Dalmations

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Donald and Daisy

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Elsa

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Goofy Fishing

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Hula Timon

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Jessica and Roger

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Lady and the Tramp

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Lilo and Stitch

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Mary Poppins

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Mickey and Minnie Kissing

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Mike and Sulley

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Minnie and Figaro

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Olaf on the beach

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Oswald

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Pascal

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Pocahontas and Meeko

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Pooh and Piglet fishing

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Singing Elsa

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Sofia

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Tinker Bell Lantern

The Disney Store’s site is always offering great deals, and you can get free shipping everyday for orders over $75 when you use the code SHIPMAGIC at checkout. Make sure that you sign up for their email list for even more offers!

So what do you think of the new Sketchbook Ornaments from the Disney Store? Will you be picking one up for the holidays?

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornaments Card

Also, I just wanted to add a note that this post is not sponsored. I really love these ornaments and wanted to share them with you!

 

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Christmas at Gaylord Palms News!

Gaylord Palms Christmas Christmas at Gaylord Palms

Christmas at Gaylord Palms: ICE! at Gaylord Palms, Ice Tubing, and returning favorites!

 

Christmas at Gaylord Palms is an event that my whole family (especially Zoe) looks forward to every year, and this year’s ICE! at the Gaylord Palms keeps getting better!

 httpv://youtu.be/7Qpv2eP3A5E?list=UUbSxSA5ZM2rXDBvXVDCn7DQ

The Christmas season at the Gaylord Palms Resort begins on November 15, 2014 and comes to a close on January 4, 2015 with some new additions and returning favorites!

 

Christmas at Gaylord Palms: ICE! Featuring The Nutcracker

Christmas at Gaylord Palms Ice! at the Gaylord Palms Hotel Nutcracker 2014

Dreams of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Mouse King will come to life in a full-on frozen wonderland this winter during Christmas at Gaylord Palms.

Experience the magic of The Nutcracker in ICE! Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince for a magical adventure in more than TWO MILLION pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures and four thrilling slides! Relive your favorite scenes from the classic ballet, accompanied by the original Tchaikovsky score.

Christmas at Gaylord Palms

ICE! will again showcase live carving stations inside of the Artisans in Action Frostbite Factory, which was absolutely mesmerizing. We stood and watched the artisans from Harbin, China work for as long as we could!

Christmas at Gaylord Palms

As always, the ICE! experience concludes with the wonder and majesty of the Nativity scene in ice that is beautiful!

Christmas at Gaylord Palms

 

Here is the pricing information for ICE! at the Gaylord Palms (and some early discounts):

Online & Advance

Box Office

$28.99 Adults

$29.99 Adults

$26.99 Seniors (ages 55+)

$28.99 Seniors (ages 55+)

$14.99 Children (ages 4 – 12)

$16.99 Children (ages 4 – 12)


Florida Residents Offer

Save an additional $4 per ticket for advance tickets and save $3 on regular ticket sales. Use promo code FLR14 when you book your tickets to save!


Marriott Rewards Member Offer — Discount on ICE! Tickets*

Save 30% prior to November 1 -OR- Save 20% after November 1.

Use promo code MRICE14 when you book your tickets.

The discount is available:

  • November 23 – December 18
  • Sunday – Thursday


*Not valid with any other offers or discounts.


Chill Pass

Priority Access plus one (1) cup of hot cocoa

Price: $9.99*/person (add-on above regular ticket price)

Dates: Any day of the week

Available for purchase at the ICE! Box Office.

 Christmas at Gaylord Palms

It is important to keep in mind that all prices are subject to sales tax plus $2.00 facility fee per ticket, ICE! ticket payment is also non-refundabl, and children ages 3 and under are free

There are other opportunities to attend ICE! at the Gaylord Palms that benefit some great charities that we will let you know about once we get more information!

 

ICE! is open daily from Nov. 15, 2014 to Jan. 4, 2015, including holidays. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com.

Christmas at Gaylord Palms: New in 2014

That’s not the only exciting happening during this year’s annual Christmas at Gaylord Palms.  Guests can now experience the rush – Alpine Rush Snow Tubing – an 18’ 8-lane giant snow hill created with 1.5 million pounds of real Florida snow. Children and adults of all ages will frolic with delight as they speed down these snow covered hills.

 Christmas at Gaylord Palms

Christmas at Gaylord Palms: The Christmas Experience

Christmas at Gaylord Palms is a mystical and fun for the whole family experience that boasts the true nature of the season all under a glass enclosed atrium. 

 Christmas at Gaylord Palms

The lush gardens are sprinkled with poinsettias, grand holiday displays, and more than 2 million twinkling lights.

 Christmas at Gaylord Palms

And how could I forget to mention the 54-foot-tall majestic Christmas tree, character dining and meet and greets, delectable holiday dining, Cookies with Mrs. Claus, and awe-inspiring live entertainment that crowds have grown to love including the rhythmic Luminescence show.

 Christmas at Gaylord Palms

I am also hoping that Betsy and I will have the chance to make Gingerbread houses again!!!

httpv://youtu.be/siRw0NQDSTw

There really is soooo much to see and do during Christmas at the Gaylord Palms! It is a great way to spend a staycation to get wrapped up in the magic of the holidays!

Christmas at Gaylord Palms

The Christmas experience begins Nov. 21, 2014, however Christmas at Gaylord Palms packages are now on sale!To book or for more information, email the Gaylord Palms team at Christmas@GaylordPalms.com.

 

 

 

 

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Candlelight Processional Packages Available

Candlelight Processional
Photo: Disney

It’s Christmas in July as the Disney Parks Blog announced that  Candlelight Processional Dining Packages can be booked starting today.

For those who don’t know, the Candlelight Processional is a holiday tradition at Walt Disney World! During this moving show, a celebrity narrator accompanied by a full orchestra and choir fill the America Gardens Theater at Epcot with Christmas songs and stories.

Candlelight Processional
Photo: Disney

Candlelight Processional Dining Packageare available on select days during the holiday season, and start at $35 for lunch and $50 for dinner for adults. Included in the Candlelight Processional Package is a delicious meal at an Epcot restaurant and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances.

You can find more information, including all the restaurants participating here.

Here are some things to know about the Candlelight Processional Dining Packages before you book:

  • Seating at the Candlelight Processional is first-come, first-served unless you’ve reserved a Candlelight Processional Dining Packages.
  • Dining packages are paid for at the individual restaurant, where you’ll receive your Candlelight Seating badges for seating at the America Gardens Theatre for the booked showtime.
  • Advance reservations are highly recommended for the Candlelight Processional Dining Packages and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit.
  • Park admission is required and is not included in the price of the dining package.

Note: Availability is limited. Guests can call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) or book online at www.disneyworld.com/holidays.

Also released today, was a partial list of celebrity narrators for this year including Candlelight veterans Whoopi Goldberg and Jodi Benson, and the addition of two fabulous new narrators Academy-Award-winning actress Sharon Stone and Saturday Night Live alum Ana Gasteyer.

Candlelight Processional
Photo: Disney

Here is the early schedule of Candlelight Processional Narrators:

  • Jodi Benson – 11/28 – 11/29
  • TBD – 11/30 – 12/2
  • TBD – 12/3 – 12/4
  • Whoopi Goldberg – 12/5 – 12/6
  • TBD – 12/7* – 12/8
  • TBD – 12/9 – 12/11
  • TBD – 12/12 – 12/14
  • Sharon Stone (New) – 12/15 – 12/17
  • Ana Gasteyer (New) – 12/18 – 12/20
  • Marlee Matlin – 12/21 – 12/23
  • TBD – 12/24 – 12/25
  • TBD – 12/26 – 12/27
  • Steven Curtis Chapman – 12/28 – 12/30

Some things to keep in mind about this early list of Candlelight Processional celebrity narrators:

* Narrators are subject to change without notice.

* Show Times are at 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m. & 8:15 p.m. each night.

*Show Times on December 7 are 6:45 p.m. & 8:15 p.m. only


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