Wekiva Paint Out Celebrates 17th Year

Wekiva Paint Out

The Wekiva Paint Out returns for its 17th year, bringing world-class artists from around the country to Wekiva Island and Wekiwa Springs State Park for a week of plein-air painting inspired by the natural Florida surroundings from February 27 to March 4, 2023.

The event raises money for the Wekiva Wilderness Trust and Keep Seminole Beautiful to help keep the river clean, protect it, and make it a place future generations can enjoy.

“There’s nothing like the Wekiva Paint Out,” said Mary Weinaug, the event’s organizer and Executive Director of Keep Seminole Beautiful. “The surroundings are already stunning, but to see what these incredible artists create and capture here brings it to another level. You truly have to see it with your own eyes.”

Visitors can do just that around Wekiva Island, the state park and the river during the week, as they can stop by to watch artists work. They can also see completed works at the gallery at Wekiva Island, all of which are for purchase. They can even buy work straight from the easel. In addition, the Wekiva Paint

Wekiva Paint Out

2023 Wekiva Paint Out Highlights

Live Auction—7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 1. Bids will fly as an auctioneer leads the live auction for pieces from each artist. The energy is electric, and bidders might even get a deal on an original piece of art.

Nocturne and Pasta Bar—5 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 3. Guests can tour the full gallery and grab a bite at Without a Paddle Café’s build-your-own-pasta bar night at Wekiva Island for $14.95. Artists will also be working around the Island to capture the evening scene.

Amateur Quick Draw competition—Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4. Paint with the pros and potentially win! Amateurs can enter to compete for cash prizes for $30/per person.

All-Inclusive Gala—See what the artists have created all week and celebrate with food, live music, and beer/wine for $50/per person or $90/per couple.

Wekiva Paint Out

The first Wekiva Paint Out was held in 2007. Wekiva Island became the host in 2009 after Bill Weinaug purchased the property. The event combines Wekiva Island’s core tenets: Art and Sustainability.

For more information, a full schedule and tickets to special events, visit their official website.

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Disney’s Magnolia Course to be Reimagined

Disney's Magnolia Golf Course

Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course opened on October 1, 1971, the same day as Magic Kingdom Theme Park. 

In the 50 years since its opening, the course has undergone renovations and redesigns to enhance conditions and playability to update the designs to today’s game. 

The Arnold Palmer Golf Management has been reimaging the finishing stretch of the course and has shared new information about the upcoming changes.

Designed and overseen by Ken Baker, who has extensive international design experience and is currently the head of golf course design at One Club Limited, these course updates will be completed by the end of the year.

Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course Reimaginining

Hole 14 – Currently a par 5, will become a par 4, with a new green location

Disney's Magnolia Golf Course

Hole 15 – Currently a par 3, will shift location and become a long par 5, dogleg to the right

Disney's Magnolia Golf Course

Hole 16 – Will shift location and remain a par 4, but will now become a dogleg to the left

Disney's Magnolia Golf Course

Hole 17 – Currently a par 4, will become a par 3, with new tee box locations

To accommodate the shifting hole locations, players will find several new fairways and greenside bunkers were engineered.

Suited to test each player’s level, a selection of new teeing grounds will also be a part of the reimagining.

The changes to the holes will retain the par 72 traditional nature of the golf course.

These changes are just the beginning of the other enhancements to the golf experience at Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course, which will result in reconstructing all 18 greens at Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course greens.

Recently two PGA Tour stars, 2017 Masters winner Sergio Garcia and 2019 US Open champion Gary Woodland, got a sneak peek at the redesign, and both walked away impressed.

Disney's Magnolia Golf Course

“It will be amazing. The 15th (becoming) a big par 5; 16 is a long par 4 and they’ve brought in the water perfectly,” said Woodland. “You’re going to have four closing holes down the stretch that will test every aspect of your game. It’ll be a great finish here at Magnolia.”

Added Garcia: “It’s a fun course to play. When (golfers) finish their rounds, they can’t wait to come back and I think that’s something the Magnolia course will have.”

Disney's Magnolia Golf Course

While Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course is now closed for play, you can still enjoy teeing up at Disney’s Palm Golf Course and Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. 

You can find information about “The Happiest Place on TURF,” including available tee times, limited edition Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary golf merchandise, instruction, and more at https://www.golfwdw.com.

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On The Go with Gail: A Trip To Wild Florida

Wild Florida

We recently visited Wild Florida located in Kenansville, if you haven’t been yet there is so much to do! You can do airboat rides, there’s a gator park, animal encounters, and a drive-thru safari park!

This time we just did the drive-thru safari park, but I know we will be back to do the rest soon!

Wild Florida

At only a 45 minute drive away from Orlando, this is an attraction you don’t want to miss. They have over 100 native and exotic animals roaming freely.

Wild Florida
Wild Florida

As soon as you enter the drive-thru you start seeing animals right away, not only are they roaming around the 85 acres of untouched scenic landscapes, but the way it is set up gets you upfront and personal with the animals. We even saw the car in front of us had an emu come right up to their vehicle and stick their head inside! You are not permitted to feed them but I’m sure they get curious and want to take a look!

Wild Florida
Wild Florida

They have animals from as far away as the African Savanna to the deciduous forests of North America. They do state that your vehicle has to have a top, no convertibles (could get awkward when an emu decides to call shotgun and ride with your family!). No motorcycles either, assuming you are too exposed and the noise could frighten the animals.

Wild Florida

You will have the opportunity to get up close to many animals such as giraffes, zebra, eland antelope, scimitar oryx, American bison, mouflon sheep, and many more! It’s a two-mile path through the safari, and there are places to hug the path a little if you wanted to pull to the side and let people by, while you admire the animals and take some epic photos! It really does feel amazing to be that close to these animals.

I loved how they had little feeding areas scattered around the route to encourage the animals to graze close to the safari path so we could see them better. It was even nice to see them resting so close to us!

After you have driven the route you can come back anytime during that day to drive it again as many times as you like before they close, which is great because you get the opportunity to see animals you may not have seen that close the first time. You can also head over to the giraffe encounter after, this is where you can pay extra to actually feed the giraffes up close. We didn’t do it this time but it looks like an amazing experience for the family! They even offer a painting with a giraffe package which sounds amazing!

Included in your drive-thru safari ticket is admission to their Gator Park. Here you can view more than 200 additional animals, as well as enjoy a variety of educational animal shows. You can also meet Crusher, their biggest American alligator (weighing just over 1,000 pounds). You can also watch a demonstration with some of their residents during their Exotic Animal Show.

They also have airboat rides and special animal encounters. You can pick from meeting a sloth, porcupine, tamandua, lemur, and more! They have unique swamp delicacies served at their Chomp House Grill so you really can make a whole day of visiting here!

Since 2010, their goal has been to provide an unforgettable Everglades experience that promotes a connection with animals while inspiring education and conservation. There really is something for everyone here, we can’t wait to go back and experience more. You can visit their website http://wildfloridairboats.com to purchase tickets in advance, and check out the VIP Tours and Florida resident tickets/annual pass options. Or you can call 407-957-3135.

They are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m to 6 p.m and closed on Sundays.

Want to be On the Go with Gail more? Follow her @gailyw on Instagram and find posts like her visit to the Apopka Wildlife Drive here!

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On the Go in MCO: April 9-11, 2021

Don’t forget that you can catch these great events and more on the Obie & Ashley Unfiltered Podcast!

Obie and Ashley Spring Break 2021 Tips On the Go in MCO

It’s time to put away the bunny ears, and hop into some great events to experience On the Go in MCO!!!

On the Go in MCO: April 9-11,2021

On the Go in MCO April 2021 RAM National Finals

RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo

  • April 9 & 10, 2021
  • Silver Spurs Rodeo Arena at Osceola Heritage Park

The excitement of the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo returns to Osceola County, bringing a level of rodeo competition unlike any other to the dirt-covered floor of the Silver Spurs Arena. 

Rodeo Fans will see 200+ circuit champions from across the US and Canada vie for $1 million in cash and prizes while trying to leave their mark on history. 

Plus, local vendors will be on-site for shopping and selling local merchandise.

On the Go in MCO April 2021 Planes Tunes BBQ

Planes, Tunes, & BBQ

  • April 9-10, 2021
  • Wooten Park: 100 E Ruby St, Tavares, FL 32778

The City of Tavares 13th Annual PLANES, TUNES & BBQ will be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 9th, 10th, and 11th in Wooton Park, Tavares. 

The family friendly event features live music, a twilight airshow, seaplane competitions, BBQ, vendors, family fun zone, fireworks, and more!

We will be kicking off the festivities Friday evening with live music, BBQ, and merchandise vendors. 

On Saturday, the savory smell of BBQ won’t be the only thing soaring through the air…the seaplanes will be arriving to participate in our Seaplane-A-Palooza flying competitions. You don’t won’t to miss the crowd favorite “melon bomb drop” contest!  

Following the contests, Derek Trull & Easy Street will bring you to your feet with a variety of soulful favorites. 

The Kennedy Wood Band will then return to the stage before the AeroShell Aerobatic team take flight in the twilight sky. 

Jaws are sure to drop! After the fireworks, move your eyes to the stage and get ready for the roaring energy and unique, bluesy rock ‘n roll, southern soulful style of A Thousand Horses performing! 

On the Go in MCO April 2021 Concours of Exotic Cars

Concours of Exotic Cars

  • April 9-10, 2021
  • Downtown Celebration 

Get up close to 300+ of the world’s most exotic cars, race cars and Hollywood movie cars, all lined up for concours judging along Celebration’s spectacular lakefront promenade in this premier concours event. 

Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Lotus, Aston Martin, Bugatti, Spyker, Saleen, McLaren, Pantera, DeLorean, and other ultra-exotic marques will be displayed and judged, culminating with an awards presentation starting at 3pm, where the owners will drive their winning cars across the red carpet to receive their trophy!

This year, Pagani is featured! Come out to the Concours of Exotic Cars on Saturday, April 10th to see the Pagani Zonda, the Zonda R, Huayra, Huayra Roadster, and Huayra BC, and meet Horacio Pagani, legendary designer and founder of Pagani Automobili!

This rain or shine event is free for spectators! 

On the Go in MCO April 2021 SeaWorld

Craig Morgan at SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival 

  • April 11, 2021, 6:00 pm
  • Bayside Stadium at &SeaWorld Orlando 

From foodies to families, everyone will find tasty delights among more than 200 distinct (and mostly new this year!) offerings at the biggest theme park food festival in Orlando. 

You can take a break from enjoying more than 50 fresh global cuisine choices to paired with over 75 wine and cocktail selections and 75 craft beers to rock out with free concerts at Bayside Stadium. 

This weekend Craig Morgan will be performing on Sunday, April 11th. If you want to make sure you have a seat, it’s just $9.99 for reserved seating in advance. Also, the concert will be broadcasted in the park. 

You can find even more events as you are On the Go in MCO as well as theme park news and tips by following @onthegoinmco on InstagramTwitterFacebook, and YouTube!
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The Chick-Fil-A Christmas Spectacular at the Citrus Tower

The Citrus Tower in Clermont has brought back its light show for the first time since they stopped the show 2 years ago. The new light show this year features 50,000 lights on the 226-foot tower, synchronized to music and snowfall.

Owners Scott and Heather Homan reached out to the community for help and support in funding the return of the show. They were seeking people to purchase $100 annual memberships, and the proceeds from those sales would go toward the light show. Then, Chick-Fil-A of Clermont’s owner Rocky DeStafano contributed 20-free chicken sandwich vouchers per membership, and sales spiked. With the support of other local business groups and the Real Life Church, they were able to meet the funding needed to make the show happen.

This 360-degree light show truly is one of a kind, and something we felt is very safe to be able to go view during these times of Covid-19. As you can see, it is really easy to social distance from people here. At first, we stayed in our car, but then we got out to view it better since the parking lot gives you plenty of space to stay away from others safely. They do have an announcement asking that children are monitored since it is a working parking lot.

Back in March this year, they had some lights attached to communicate hope amid the worldwide Coronavirus pandemic. But bringing back this light show was so magical, they even have snow machines set up and have a little closed off area right up front for people to stand closer away from the parking lot.

The owners have recently transformed the inside of the building adding a coffee shop, arcade, and a board game store. They also added free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a new seating area at the top of the tower to sit and enjoy the views, maybe with a coffee from downstairs.

The show will run until January 1st from 6-10 pm every night. Their Facebook page suggests you wear a mask at all times, social distance when possible, and to remain in your car to view the show if you are at risk for Covid. If you are comfortable heading inside (wear a mask please) the Citrus Coffee Company inside the lobby has a limited-time Christmas Drink: Ginger Snap S’More Latte available for purchase among other sweet treats.

The Florida Citrus Tower is located at 141 S Hwy 27, Clermont FL 34711.

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Wekiva Island Winter Wonderland 2020

Wekiva Island will be hosting its beloved Winter Wonderland celebration from December 1 to January 1. In its fifth year, the event will be adjusted for the “elf” and safety of guests and staff—but it will still bring the holiday cheer with daily “snow” flurries, thousands of lights, festive décor, and plenty of events for the whole family.

Wekiva Island Winter Wonderland 2020

To officially kick off the event, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 7 p.m. December 4, bringing the first “snow” of the 2020 holiday season with them.

“We’ve put a lot of thought and hard work into making sure this event is as safe as possible for all of our guests,” said Carrie Vanderhoef, manager. “This is always a favorite event, and we’re happy to be able to keep the holiday spirit alive this season.”

Guests will have plenty of opportunities to soak in that spirit and capture the perfect holiday photo on the Island.

This year’s Winter Wonderland will feature a breathtaking Christmas tree forest full of decorated trees that will serve as the perfect backdrop.

The schoolhouse will be made up to look like a giant gingerbread house, and “snow” flurries will fall nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. and 12 to 9 p.m. on weekends.

Guests can also take a “sleigh” ride down the river for $20 for adults and $10 for children on Saturdays and Sundays.

Families looking for the Santa experience with the kids also won’t be disappointed. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will make a socially distanced appearance for photos on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

This year, rather than sitting on Santa’s lap, guests are encouraged to leave letters for Santa in a special mailbox or via email. These letters will be read live at 7 p.m. every Tuesday on Wekiva Island’s Facebook.

Wekiva Island Winter Wonderland 2020

Winter Wonderland features many socially distanced holiday activities for children of all ages to enjoy:

  • Breakfast with Santa – Enjoy the most important meal of the day with Jolly Old St. Nick himself! Bring the entire family for the chance to take socially distanced photos with Santa while enjoying a delicious plate of breakfast eats. 9 a.m. to noon on December 13 with ticketed seating by the hour. $12.95 for adults and $9.95 for children 10 and younger.
  • VIP Winter Wonderland Party – Get the VIP treatment at the Island’s exclusive ticketholder-only holiday party. Enjoy craft beer and wine, gourmet small plates, live music and more from 7 to 11 p.m. on December 19. $50 per person, $90 for couples.
  • Holiday movies – Bring the whole family out to watch holiday classics at the Island! Bring your own lawn chair to social distance in style while enjoying the popcorn and hot cocoa available to purchase. 7 p.m. Sundays starting December 6.
  • Cocoa, stories & cookies with Mrs. Claus – Spend some time with Mrs. Claus and enjoy some tasty treats! This event is limited to the first 20 children in person but will also take place virtually. Reservations required. 6 p.m. December 10 and 17. $10 per child.
  • Reindeer feed box workshop – Join Santa and Mrs. Claus to learn how to make reindeer feed from the pros. For $10 a child, guests will receive all necessary ingredients to make the feed, a keepsake box and a cup of hot cocoa. If parents prefer a virtual experience, boxes can be purchased from The Tooting Otter General Store for $10. 6 to 8 p.m. December 14.
  • New Year’s Day Brunch – Ring in the New Year with a delicious brunch and river views on January 1.

To give back to the community, Wekiva Island will be filling canoes with toys to donate to Toys for Tots starting November 27. Marines will visit from 1 to 5 p.m. December 12 to collect the toys.

Wekiva Island also offers gift options at its General Store, and those who purchase a $100 gift card receive a $20 gift card free. The Island offers free gift wrapping on ALL gifts, even those not purchased there, so guests can kick back and enjoy a relaxing beverage while the Island elves do the hard work.

Winter Wonderland is open to the public. There is a $2 admission fee. A full calendar of daily events is available here. Tickets can be purchased for select events here.

Wekiva Island is requiring masks for guests at the entrance and whenever they are outside the boundaries of their small, socially distanced group. Temperature checks are required at the gate.

For more information, visit wekivaisland.com or call 407-862-1500.

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The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando Introduces New Treatments

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando
The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is Central Florida’s premier spa offering both high-tech, innovative results-driven therapies, combined with traditional body and facial therapies, for the ultimate in rejuvenation and restoration. Exclusive in Central Florida to Four Seasons Orlando, The Spa now offers the Parisian line Biologique Recherché and its array of remarkably effective facials. Additionally, The Spa is now offering several cryotherapy treatments for body contouring, using a high-tech Cryoskin machine.

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando
The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando

Biologique Recherché

Esteemed skin care line Biologique Recherché of France is known for its high concentrations of botanical, marine and biological extracts. Cold-made formulations that preserve the structure of active ingredients are applied to “recondition” the skin and help activate regeneration properties and balance the skin. 

The Spa now has the Biologique Recherché Remodeling Face Machine, a non-invasive machine that uses electrical currencies at three different frequencies, aimed to stimulate tissue, plump the skin, and create a radiant, refreshed look.

The following new treatments are offered incorporating this premium line:

  • Hyper Customised Facial – 50 minutes, USD 210; 80 minutes, USD 310 – A bespoke facial designed to show instant results for all ages and skin types, this facial includes a thorough skin consultation, deep cleanse, exfoliation, delightful and effective lifting and contouring facial massage, and a curated skin cocktail of serums and masks.
  • Lift & Remodel Facial – 80 minutes, USD 395 – Define and sculpt facial contours while stimulating underlying tissue with three currents. Galvanic, medium and high Ffrequency are utilised to lift the face, neck and décolleté. Remodeling Face Machine revitalises the skin, restores elasticity and reduces puffiness around eyes while improving the penetration of active ingredients for the ultimate anti-ageing experience.
  • Regenerating Micro Puncture Facial – 50 minutes, USD 350; 80 minutes, USD 445 – This facial is an intensive treatment that increases collagen production through intra-epidermal micro stimulation combined with a serum skin cocktail of highly active amino acids and vitamins.  Micro Puncture Lab activates the skin’s natural repair and regenerative process.  A remarkably effective treatment to illuminate the complexion, improve firmness and elasticity and combat premature signs of ageing.  The 80 minute treatment includes cocktails d’actifs and specialty collagen mask.Biologique Recherché Touch Therapies for the Body
  • Tone & Lift – 50 minutes, USD 190; 80 minutes USD 285 – A restorative body treatment featuring an exfoliating session followed by a bio-reflex massage using a moisturising and dermo-protecting complex, followed by the application of firming cream that prevents against skin slackening.  This treatment offers a full body toning of the epidermis while refining skin’s texture. 
  • Detox & Slim – 80 minutes, USD 285 – This treatment aims to improve circulation, blood flow, eliminate toxins and fats responsible for localised weight gain and help to regenerate body tissue.  This treatment is ideal for combating water retention and bloating while naturally encouraging slimming.Cryotherapy
    Exclusive to Four Seasons Resort Orlando in Central Florida, the cryotherapy treatments involve a technique to slim the body with a three-phase thermal shock system that destroys fat cells, followed by a lymphatic massage.  The Spa uses the Cryoskin machine, in which the therapist uses a wand to apply temperatures of negative two degrees Celsius to negative four degrees Celsius, to trigger the death of fat cells and achieve results.  An immediate slimming in the targeted area, such as the stomach, thighs, arms, or back, is often experienced as a result of localised exposure to sub-zero temperatures. Longer lasting results will be seen at the end of three to five sessions.
    Cryo toning sessions aim to eliminate cellulite, slow the skin’s ageing process and improve tone and appearance to areas lacking elasticity. This cold therapy treatment advances oxygenated blood flow, speeds up cellular metabolism and helps to yield higher collagen production.
  • Cryo Slimming – USD 350 for a 50 minute treatment; USD 325 per treatment for a series of three; or USD 300 per treatment for a series of five – Naturally slim the body with this remarkable treatment consisting of a three-phase thermal shock to destroy fat cells and lose inches on the stomach, thighs, arms, and back.  Results are immediate after one session and best results occur between three and six sessions.
  • Cryo Toning – USD 350 for a 50 minute treatment; USD 325 per treatment for a series of three; or USD 300 per a series of five – Eliminate cellulite, slow the skin’s ageing process and improve tone and appearance with this cold therapy treatment that improves microcirculation, speeds up cellular metabolism and helps to yield higher collagen production.
  • Cryo Facial – USD 250 for a 50 minute treatment; USD 225 per treatment for a series of three; or USD 200 per treatment for a series of five – For the face, cryo techniques can also assist with diminishing fine lines, boosting collagen production, improving elasticity, and feeling a tightening of the skin with advanced oxygenated blood flow from cold therapy.  Immediate enhancements in the tone and appearance of skin, as well as a refreshing lift and firmness, are experienced after one session.  The Cryo Facial stimulates major collagen production for a firmer, more radiant glow.
    With all cryo therapies, optimal results are seen with multiple sessions. Cryo Toning benefits are not permanent and are cumulative with regular sessions and healthy lifestyle choices. Cryo treatment results can last for several weeks after the treatment, and best results are typically seen between fifteen days and three weeks.

For appointments, call 407 313 6160.

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Wild Florida Welcomes Albino Alligators

Wild Florida is thrilled to announce the arrival of two rare albino alligators to its Gator and Wildlife Park in Kenansville. The 23-year-old female and 12-year-old male were acquired from the St. Augustine Alligator Farm.

Wild Florida Albino Alligator
Wild Florida

This will be the first pair of breeding albino alligators in Central Florida and one of the few places in the world visitors can see these rare animals. Due to the lack of melanin this species produces, their skin is completely white and sensitive to sunlight, so a state-of-the-art, climate-controlled exhibit has been built for the pair.

The addition of these gators to the park will allow the park to have the opportunity to showcase how unique gators are and further educate visitors.

“We’re very fortunate to add these gators to our Wild Florida family and can’t wait for our guests to see how incredible they are,”  says Sam Haught, co-owner and co-founder of Wild Florida.

Admission to the Gator and Wildlife Park is free for the remainder of 2017 to celebrate Wild Florida’s 7th anniversary as well as give all visitors the chance to see these rare alligators.

Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park, which opened on Lake Cypress in 2010, focuses on educating individuals on Central Florida’s natural resources. The Wild Florida team is dedicated to protecting, conserving, and enhancing Florida’s diverse ecosystem to ensure that future generations can enjoy the wonders of wild, native Florida. For additional information, visit www.wildfloridairboats.com.

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Wild Florida Welcomes Two Nile Crocodiles

Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park has welcomed two Nile Crocodiles to its Gator and Wildlife Park. The male and female crocodile pair were among a surplus of reptiles at a park located near the Florida Keys.

Wild Florida Gators March 2017

The 8-foot-long male and 6-foot-long female are acclimating to their new exhibit at Wild Florida and will begin training in the next couple of weeks. Known to be extremely intelligent animals, Wild Florida’s goal is for the crocodiles to eventually respond to their names and various queues.

Wild Florida’s mission has always been to promote a connection with the animals and further educate guests on the species in its wildlife park and nature conservation.

Along with these reptiles, a new animal trainer will join the Wild Florida team. Andrew Biddle will be responsible for training the crocodiles as well as enhancing the daily alligator feeding shows. Biddle has more than 20 years of experience in training and handling several species of animals, including alligators and crocodiles.

Wild Florida Andrew Biddle March 2017

“My mission is teaching the world how amazing animals are. Conservation through education. Giving people the chance to experience opportunities like no other with these amazing animals,” Biddle shared.

In addition to the new crocodiles, the wildlife park is home to various native Florida species and exotic animals such as sloths, lemurs, zebras, tropical birds, and more. Admission to the Gator and Wildlife Park is free with the purchase of an airboat tour, or separately for $18 per adult and $15 per child. Florida residents get 50% off with valid photo ID.

Wild Florida Logo

Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park, which opened on Lake Cypress in Kenansville in 2010, focuses on educating individuals on Central Florida’s natural resources. The Wild Florida team is dedicated to protecting, conserving, and enhancing Florida’s diverse ecosystem to ensure that future generations can enjoy the wonders of wild, native Florida.

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Finding Disney in New York City

New York City
Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theatre

Recently I took my first trip to New York City in December. This was a pretty big deal for me since I’d driven by it, flown through it, and even lived upstate for years, and never set foot on the island of Manhattan until a couple months ago. I finally made this trip happen, but wanted to squeeze in some Disney into my vacation to the Big Apple.

Standing in front of the Aladdin poster

Although we weren’t catching a Broadway show this trip, everyone knows there have been many hits from Disney in New York City from Beauty and the Beast, to Newsies, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, Aida, The Lion King, and Tarzan. I did get to go by the New Amsterdam Theatre many times since we were staying just a few blocks from Times Square, so of course I had to get my picture in front of the Aladdin posters. Also in Times Square is a large Disney Store with an escalator that is fun to ride if for other reason than to see the beautiful lanterns from Tangled and the decor. Going to the second floor to see more exclusive NYC merchandise is a good reason too. I ended up getting an awesome New York City shirt at the Disney Store.

New York City
Disney Store in Times Square

Escalator

New York City Disney Store merchandise

My NYC Disney shirt

Another Mickey NYC shirt

New York shirt

I Heart NY pin

New York City Apple pin

Minnie Lady Liberty pin

Not a lot of people realize this, but Walt Disney lived in New York City for a period of time. He had a place in Greenwich Village, where Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. had also lived at one point, called Twin Peaks at 102 Bedford St. This is just a couple houses down from where the Friends building exterior shots are. It is a very cool neighborhood where Cary Grant also lived. This was one of my favorite places in the city that seemed a bit more chill, aside from all the tour groups trying to take pictures outside of Monica and Rachel’s apartment.

Walt Disney’s house Twin Peaks

There are also a ton of Disney tv and movie connections to New York City. Every time I’d catch a glimpse of the Chrysler Building, I’d think of the Disney/ABC TV 1999 Adaptation of Annie, which is my favorite version. Of course, the Avengers, and Captain America were on my mind anytime I rode the subway and saw signs for Brooklyn, or when I was near Grand Central Terminal where their final battle is in the first movie. The Empire State Building reminded me of James and the Giant Peach, and I thought of Enchanted when I went by Central Park. When I was in the Village, I had to look for Waverly Place and see if there were any Wizards around, but I didn’t find any (Selena Gomez must have been busy). There are many more set in the city like Oliver and Company, Bolt, The Rescuers have their headquarters under the United Nations, the tv shows Jessie, and Girl Meets World were also set in New York City.

Chrysler Building top shining

Grand Central Terminal

Empire State Building minus the Peach

Central Park

Now even with the Disney Cruise Line having a port with departures leaving from New York City, it is even easier to find little bits of Disney magic in the city. There are new Broadway shows in development like Frozen. The ABC Studios at Times Square where Good Morning America broadcasts live during the week often feature actors from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar movies that debut soon. You also have Adventures by Disney with a New York City Itinerary that lets you see Aladdin, attend a taping of GMA, museums, restaurants, free time to explore the city and more! There are a variety of ways to experience Disney in NYC and I’m glad I finally got to see a few of them, but there are so many more. The new Festival of the Arts at Epcot has me clamoring to get back to see a show on Broadway after seeing these fantastic performances.Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram