All aboard! Something exciting is coming down the tracks at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
The Zoo announced today that it has a new train and that attraction will open in Fall 2022. The community mainstay is currently working to make updates and improvements to the tracks and crossings and is working with state and other independent inspectors for approvals on the attraction.
“The upcoming launch of our new train is one of the biggest announcements I have the honor of making this year,” said Richard E. Glover, Jr., the Zoo’s CEO. “Our train was always a favorite for kids and adults alike, and we’re excited to bring a new train for the community to enjoy.”
The streamliner carries guests on a loop around the Zoo’s property, through some natural Florida landscapes, across realistic railroad crossings and into the train depot near the Zoo’s entrance. The Zoo’s train, called The Champion, was built last year and is a one-quarter scale model of its namesake, an Atlantic Coast Line Railroad streamliner that started providing daily service from New York to Miami in 1939.
Glover said the Central Florida Zoo is able to offer the new train attraction to the public thanks to support it received from several outstanding sponsors, including Wharton-Smith Inc. and VyStar Credit Union.
“We could not be more thankful for their support,” Glover said. “We couldn’t have made this happen without them.”
More details about the train, including an opening date, pricing, and ticketing information, will be available soon.
For more information about the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, visit www.centralfloridazoo.org.
A legendary F-104 Starfighter flyby kicked off the grand opening of Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex yesterday.
Confetti and sparks flew as Jerry Jacobs, Jr., CEO, Delaware North, Janet Petro, director, Kennedy Space Center, and Therrin Protze, COO, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, pushed a ceremonial red button to officially welcome guests and invite them to a first glimpse inside the new, 50,000-square-foot attraction.
With a focus on the present and future of collaborative space exploration, guests to Gateway can experience the interstellar travel of tomorrow while celebrating everything happening right now within the space program. Through immersive education, atmospheric effects, and a motion theater experience, guests see, hear, and feel what it’s like to travel in space. It features a showcase of NASA and commercial spacecraft hardware as well as the spaceport of the future, Spaceport KSC.
“Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex is a bold new attraction where guests will personally experience NASA’s next giant leap and beyond, highlighting all the excitement within the space industry,” said Protze.
Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex Highlights include:
In addition to offering a “nose-to-nose” view of the SpaceX Falcon 9 booster, Gateway’s second floor features a 30-foot, floor-to-ceiling Robotic Space Explorers Interactive Wall touchscreen display where guests can learn about 40 different satellites and probes in space. A HoloTube presentation station teaches about the high-powered James Webb Space Telescope through holographic imagery, video, and animation via a touchscreen kiosk.
At Spaceport KSC, guests are transported to an airport of the future, hearing the atmospheric airport chatter and seeing distant views of active launches and landings through galactic spaceport windows.
The main concourse showcases destination, departure, and arrival information. Guests then board “spaceships” – in the form of a two-story, motion theater – for one of four journeys: Cosmic Wonders, Daring Explorers, Red Planet, or Uncharted Worlds. Each distinct destination allows for the possibility of a different experience with each visit.
In honor of Father’s Day, ICON Park has put together the ultimate package for families to celebrate Dad’s special day together.
ICON Park is offering the Family Fun Pack from June 19 to 30. For $119.99 plus tax, it includes:
One 20-minute rotation on The Wheel in a private capsule for up to six guests
One beverage per guest such as beer, wine, bubbly or a soft drink (patrons must be 21+ to consume alcohol)
One bucket of popcorn
The Family Fun Pack provides over 55 percent savings.
There’s no better way to complete Dad’s special day than a meal fit for a king. Choose from a variety of delicious restaurants at ICON Park. Enjoy options like Sloppy Joe’s, Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips, Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, Tapa Toro, Uncle Julio’s and so much more.
ICON Park is at the center of the new Orlando Entertainment District. Conveniently located near I-4, Florida’s Turnpike and the Beachline, this premiere entertainment destination is easy to access and offers free parking for any Central Florida resident or Orlando tourist.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ popular all-ages event, Family Sunset at the Zoo, is back, offering everyone a chance to enjoy the community institution in a whole new light.
The event takes place every fourth Friday from May to September. The Zoo reopens at 5 p.m. and comes alive with all sorts of fun until the sun goes down. Family Sunset features music at the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground, inflatable games, and some of your favorite animals along the shaded boardwalks.
Dates for Family Sunset are as follows:
May 27 – 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
June 24 – 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
July 22 – 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
August 26 – 5p.m. – 8 p.m.
September 23 – 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The last admission is at 7:30 p.m. for each event. Tickets are $6 per person when purchased online and $8 per person when purchased on-site. The event is separate from daytime admission and is not included for Annual Passholders.
Guests can also bundle and save with the Family 4-Pack for $40, which includes four tickets, four hot dogs, and four regular fountain drinks to fuel the whole family for fun.
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Morimoto Asia, as the Disney Springs restaurant hosts its Luau, featuring all the excitement, delicious foods, and festivities of a traditional Hawaiian party.
Guests will find themselves immersed in Asian-Pacific culture, experiencing a Hawaiian-inspired buffet, featuring a poke and sushi bar, a hotline to include Kahuku Food Truck’s Famous Garlic Shrimp, Morimoto Style Peking Duck, and a whole Kalua roasted pig, in addition to an assortment of desserts, such as pineapple upside-down cake and butter mochi.
A variety of specially curated Hawaiian-inspired cocktails will also be available for an upcharge. While guests enjoy their lunch, they will experience a series of captivating performances by a live band, Hula dancers, and a strolling Ukulele player — all prepared to serenade mothers on this special occasion.
I’ve talked about Southern Hill Farms before, but they have a bushel of fun events for the entire family this Mother’s Day!
Mother’s Day weekend kicks off on Saturday, May 7th, with live music by the one and only Jeff Whitfield from 11 am to 3 pm, event food trucks, and Kids Zone fun.
Then on Sunday, May 8th, Mom can unwind with Yoga on the Farm from 7 – 8 am, tickets are required and can be found at http://ow.ly/thr750IY3A6.
There will also be live music from Are Friends Electric from 10 am to 3 pm, seven food trucks, beer, wine, and Kids Zone fun.
Right now blueberries, peaches, vegetables, Sunflowers, and Zinnias are available to pick on the one hundred twenty acre farm.
Mothers will also receive one pound of complimentary u-pick blueberries on Saturday and Sunday only (5/7 + 5/8). Just make sure to mention the discount at check-out to receive the free pound, a minimum of two u-pick pounds are required to redeem this offer.
The 2022 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is blooming with fresh cuisine, beautiful gardens, whimsical topiaries of familiar characters, and flourishing entertainment daily through July 4, 2022.
The Garden Rocks Concert Series takes place at the American Gardens Theatre at 5:30 pm, 6:45 pm, and 8:00 pm. This weekend’s performers are:
May 6 & 7 – Blood, Sweat & Tears
May 8 – The Commodores – NEW to Garden Rocks!
As a reminder, to enjoy the 2022 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival parkgoers must have both valid theme park admission and a park pass reservation.
Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in MCO and beyond by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
Treat the educator in your life to a fun trip to the Museum of Illusions Orlando this Teach Appreciation Week from May 2 to 6.
With everything teachers do for our community, the Museum of Illusions Orlando wants to celebrate teachers and give back with our Florida Teacher Complimentary Ticket Program, which is available to all active Florida teachers and professors. They can receive a complimentary ticket to the museum and 10 percent off in the gift shop.
The best part of this deal? It’s available 365 days a year. Teachers can enjoy free admission all year long because teachers deserve more than just one week of appreciation. Eligible teachers can register for their complimentary Florida Teacher Card .
This deal allows teachers to receive up to four complimentary visits per year. The Florida Teacher Card can take up to 2-3 business days to process and tickets must be booked online only with their unique code.
The Museum specializes in “edutainment,” where education and fun intersect. Its collection of optical illusions is based on math, science, and psychology — making it the perfect place for teachers to explore on their own time or bring their class for a unique and interactive field trip.
“Teachers are a vital part of the Central Florida community that Museum of Illusions Orlando calls home,” said Marc Gregory Tipton, sales and marketing manager. “We’re excited to be able to give back to them all year long and we hope to see teachers stunned by our illusions this Teacher Appreciation Week!”
To learn more about the Museum of Illusions Orlando or to book tickets, visit https://moiorlando.com.
Head to Lake Eola Park to enjoy presentations, food preparation demonstrations, environmental education, an Earth Kids Zone, an Artist Corner, animal haven, music, Mind Body Spirit, activities, vegan food, and many Earth-friendly sponsors and vendors.
There are so many fun and interesting things happening on Central Florida Earth Day, that you will want to stay all day!
Celebrate Planet Earth in Lake Nona! Lake Nona Town Center and Boxi park will be filled with vendors, live music, food trucks, pop-up bars, activities, and lots of love for our planet!
There is no cost to attend this event and parking is free.
Celebrate Earth Day at the Zoo and spring into action to save our planet! Special activities will celebrate our planet’s amazing and diverse wildlife through interactive environmental education activities, fun activities, games, and crafts. Perfect for the entire family, Party for the Planet gives guests the opportunity to connect to nature and conservation in the community and be inspired to become conservation heroes to help protect our beautiful planet.
Head to St. Cloud’s Peghorn Nature Park (2101 Peghorn Way, St Cloud, FL 34769) for an Earth Day 2022 Celebration that will include environmental exhibitors, up-cycling crafts, live music, five-a-ways, clean up project, food trucks, a nature trail, and more.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park shines the spotlight on our beautiful, bountiful planet with its annual Earth Week Celebration, set for April 18-24, 2022.
During this popular event, guests are steeped in the wonders of the natural world through family-friendly experiences and special offerings. They become part of the park’s conservation story and connect with many of the animal species the Disney Conservation Fund is working hard to protect.
To celebrate the third planet from the sun, the park is pulling out all the stops! Guests will be treated to unique character sightings, fun learning opportunities, specialty merchandise, themed food and beverages, a limited-time Wilderness Explorer badge, and more.
This event is included with theme park admission.
Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in MCO and beyond by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
Get the most bark for your buck at Puppy Paw-ty hosted by the Museum of Illusions Orlando at ICON Park on I-Drive.
On April 23, the Museum of Illusions Orlando will once again open their doors to man’s best friend at its fan-favorite event, Puppy Paw-ty. From 8 to 10 a.m. guests can experience the interactive and immerse museum with their furry friends.
What could be better???
Admission to the party is $29.99 per owner, per dog. Tickets are limited, and advance reservations are required to book a time slot. All guests will receive a free return ticket to come back and visit without their four-legged friend.
“Calling all Dogs of Instagram (and their owners) you won’t want to miss this event,” said Marc Gregory Tipton, sales and marketing manager. “We are excited for our 3rd Puppy Paw-ty at the museum. It’s a fun and different experience for dog owners and we love seeing the adorable pups in our illusions!”
In addition to the Puppy Paw-ty, for the entire month of April, the Museum of Illusions Orlando is offering guests the chance to round up their ticket price to donate to Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando for Animal Cruelty Prevention Month. Donations will go towards the charity’s wish lists.
The Museum of Illusions Orlando isn’t your average museum. You won’t find “do not touch” signs, get shushed by curators, or have to follow around tour guides – Instead, it encourages guests to get a hands-on experience and explore all the wonders of the mind throughout more than 50 engaging exhibits.
To learn more about the Museum of Illusions Orlando or to book tickets, visit https://moiorlando.com/.
Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in the Parks and beyond by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
Photos and cap
tions
The Easter Bunny Garden Experience is
returning to ICON Park
Gather up your carrots and decorative eggs, then hop on over to ICON Park – The Easter Bunny Garden Experience is returning this year!
The Easter Bunny Garden Experience will be offering its award-winning Easter Bunny and candid spring photo packages at ICON Park until April 16 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
In addition to their beautiful photos, every child that visits the Easter Bunny will receive a special souvenir button they can display for a complimentary ride on The Wheel. Additional tickets can be purchased with a 50 percent discount for all of the Easter Bunny’s guests.
With the whole family dressed up in their Easter best, why not make a whole day of the experience? After the Easter Bunny visit and photo session, experience Orlando’s breathtaking views from 400 feet up on The Wheel. Ride around ICON Park in style in The Pearl Express Train. Let your mind roam as you explore SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Orlando, Museum of Illusions Orlando, In The Game ICON Park and Build-A-Bear.
The Easter Bunny
Garden Experience will run daily until April16 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m
Finally, finish your trip with a delicious meal from one of the entertainment center’s popular eateries like Sloppy Joe’s, Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips, Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, or The Wheelhouse Market Food Hall.
The Easter Bunny Garden Experience is from the same group that presents The Santa Workshop Experience. Both of these long-standing experiences formerly hosted at a popular Orlando mall have been expanded and moved to ICON Park.
Reservations are now open for The Easter Bunny Garden Experience. Click here to view photo packages and save your spot now.
ICON Park is at the center of the new Orlando Entertainment District. Conveniently located near I-4, Universal Boulevard, and the Beachline, this premier entertainment destination offers easy access and free parking for any Central Florida resident or Orlando tourist.
Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in the Parks and beyond by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
The Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts announced its Broadway in Orlando 2022/2023 Season last month, and to prepare for the upcoming subscription sales I thought it would be fun to take a closer look at the eight new (and two returning) shows coming to the Walt Disney Theater.
From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of heartbreak into an exuberant celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over. The New York Times says SIX “TOTALLY RULES!” and The Washington Post hails SIX as “Exactly the kind of energizing, inspirational illumination this town aches for! The Broadway season got supercharged!”
Hamilton
Hamilton is the story of America the, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theater–a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education. With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony®, Grammy® and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical
Her voice is undeniable. Her fire is unstoppable. Her triumph is unlike any other.
An uplifting comeback story like no other, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll.
One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner has won 12 Grammy® Awards and her live shows have been seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history.
Featuring her much loved songs, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd.
Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show
Riverdance, as you’ve never seen it before! A powerful and stirring reinvention of this beloved favorite, celebrated the world over for its Grammy® Award-winning thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Twenty-five years on, composer Bill Whelan has rerecorded his mesmerizing soundtrack while producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have completely reimagined the ground-breaking show with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, stage and costume designs. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary power and grace of its music and dance–beloved by fans of all ages. Fall in love with the magic of Riverdance all over again. For over 25 years, nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance.
Wicked
Talia Suskaer
Allison Bailey
Cleavant Derricks
Curt Hansen
Amanda Fallon Smith
DJ Plunkett
Sharon Sachs
Wicked
Wicked, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz … but from a different angel. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin––smart, fiery, misunderstood and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships … until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”
Pretty Woman: The Musical
Pretty Woman: The Musical, based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde).
Brought to the stage by lead producer Paula Wagner, Pretty Woman: The Musical features an original score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (“Summer of ‘69,” “Heaven”), and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton. Pretty Woman: The Musical will lift your spirits and light up your heart. “If you love the movie, you’ll love the musical!” (BuzzFeed News).
Are you ready to fall in love all over again?
Photo Credit: Julieta Cervantes
To Kill a Mockingbird
All rise for Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork. The New York Times Critic’s Pick To Kill a Mockingbird is “the most successful American play in Broadway history.” (60 Minutes). New York Magazine calls it “a real phenomenon. Majestic and incandescent, it’s filled with breath and nuance and soul.” With direction by Tony Award® winner Bartlett Sher, To Kill a Mockingbird – “the greatest novel of all time” (Chicago Tribune) – has quickly become “one of the greatest plays in history” (NPR). Emmy Award®-winning actor Richard Thomas will play the role of Atticus Finch in the National Tour.
Chicago
After 25 years, Chicago is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz, with one show stopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. No wonder Chicago has been honored with 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy® and thousands of standing ovations. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary – you’ve got to come see why the name on everyone’s lips is still…Chicago.
My Fair Lady
My Fair Lady
From Lincoln Center Theater that brought you The King & I and South Pacific, comes a “sumptuous new production of the most perfect musical of all time” (Entertainment Weekly), Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Lady. Director Bartlett Sher’s glowing production is “thrilling, glorious and better than it ever was” (New York Times). “Every so often a revival comes along that reminds you how indispensable great theater can be” (NY1).
Boasting such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “On the Street Where You Live,” My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed?
Beetlejuice
He earned his stripes on Broadway… now the ghost-with-the-most is coming to Orlando.
It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, Beetlejuice is “screamingly good fun!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love and making the most of every Day-O!
Broadway in Orlando subscribers must renew by Friday, April 15. New subscriptions will go on sale later this Spring, anyone interested can join the waitlist at BroadwayInOrlando.com to be among the first in line for new subscriptions.
Cute baby animals. Gorgeous, colorful blooms. Growing rays of warm sunshine. The signs of spring are starting to pop up everywhere. At the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, that can only mean one thing—Hippity Hop Adventure is just around the corner.
Kids and parents alike will want to hop on over on April 16 for the Zoo’s springtime celebration, Hippity Hop Adventure. The community tradition is presented by VyStar Credit Union.
This year’s Hippity Hop Adventure will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is part of general admission to the Zoo. In addition to all the fun of the Zoo, attendees can enjoy a live DJ, goody bags, and fun activities.
Of course, the main event will be the chance to take photos with the Easter Bunny inside the Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center.
“Hippity Hop Adventure is a yearly tradition for many families,” said Stephanie Williams, Zoo director. “We’re thankful to VyStar Credit Union for helping us continue this fun celebration of the season.”
General Admission tickets can be purchased here. This event is a blackout date for Annual Pass Holders, and admission is $5 per person named on the pass during the event.
Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in the Parks and beyond by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
Orlando Science Center Science Night Live, photo by Roberto Gonzalez
Science Night Live is back at the Orlando Science Center on Saturday, April 9th, with a superhero-themed evening of fun and discovery from 8 to 11:30 p.m. with everything you love about OSC– without the kids!
Science Night Live, October 6, 2018, photo by Roberto Gonzalez
Here’s a sneak peek at the fantastic Science Night Live programming you can expect!
Superhero science-themed activities (live shows, trivia and more)
Check out how insects exhibit super-powers with live specimens
Learn about innovations in hydroponics with a real-life food hero
See Superpower dogs on the giant screen of the Dr. Phillips CineDome
Enjoy night sky watching with telescopes on the Finfrock Terrace
Power up on super-fuel with food and drink available for purchase from 4Roots Café and Hard Rock Live
GUEST SPEAKER: MAGDALENA LAMARRE – FEMALE SUPERHEROES: WHAT ARE THEIR REAL POWERS?
Don’t miss guest speaker Magdalena Lamarre as she presents a spirited discussion about female superheroes, their portrayal in pop culture and impact on society. Lamarre was a Full Professor of History and Sociology at Miami Dade College until her retirement in 2016. During this special presentation, she’ll examine gender differences in the portrayal and perception of male and female superheroes. Superman vs. Wonder Woman? When he first flew onto comic book pages, the Kryptonian made superheroes the alpha for this medium. Female superheroes also filled those pages from the start, but their portrayal has always been the subject of controversy. This presentation examines how women are perceived in popular culture through the lens of comic books. Lamarre will discuss gender stereotyping and objectification of women and address two major questions: What are the real powers of female superheroes and why do I look like this?
Orlando Science Center Science Night Live, photo by Roberto Gonzalez
SAFETY GUIDELINES
Your health and safety are important to us! The following safety measures will be implemented at Science Night Live:
· FACE COVERINGS OPTIONAL – Guests may choose to wear a face covering when visiting Orlando Science Center, but it is not required. Please do not visit if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with someone diagnosed or showing signs of COVID-19. Orlando Science Center is monitoring COVID-19 community levels in our area and will revise this policy as needed. Please know that this policy is subject to change.
· Hand sanitation stations are available throughout the building with guests encouraged to sanitize their hands before engaging in any high-touch activity.
· Guests will have the cleanest indoor air quality utilizing UV sanitation and bipolar ionization systems with our HVAC systems.
· Overall capacity is limited. Must purchase tickets online at www.osc.org/snl.
Science Night Live, photo by Roberto Gonzalez
TICKETS AND MORE INFO
Tickets to Science Night Live are $16 for the general public and free for Orlando Science Center members.
Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in the Parks and beyond by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
Gatorland is the”Alligator Capital of the World,” but the annual Gatorland Photography Program allows unique access for a limited time.
Gatorland’s Bird Rookery, created in 1991 as an alligator breeding marsh, attracts hundreds of wild birds every Spring.
The unique habitat has grown into one of the largest and most accessible wading bird rookeries in Florida, providing a protected area for nesting, foraging, and roosting for over 20 different species of wild birds, many of which are listed as Endangered or Species of Special Concern.
Gatorland has created a special photographer’s pass program offered on 10 select dates in March, April, and May, allowing early morning entry at 7 am before the park opens to the general public at 10 a.m.
Gatorland’s boardwalks provide birders and photographers with close access to incredible birds to capture stunning photographs.
The 2022 Gatorland Photography Program dates are:
March 19
March 27
April 2
April 10
April 17
April 22
April 30
May 8
May 13
May 21
Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance, and availability is limited so booking right away is recommended.
Reservations can be made online at a cost of $25 plus tax per person per date, and a Birding Seasonal Pass is also available for $125 plus tax per person.
All tickets are date specific and non-transferable. No late stay is offered.
For more information on the Gatorland Photography Pass for the birding season, call the Bird Line at (407) 855-5496, ext. 233 or send a message to Gatorland at dannyperich@gatorland.com.
Get ready to let the good times roll again as Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras returns through April 24, 2022.
This year’s celebration will fill Universal Studios Florida with a spectacular Mardi Gras parade with new floats, celebratory cuisine featuring diverse flavors from around the world, the much-awaited return of star-studded live concerts, a new tribute store, and so much more.
Mardi Gras happens on select nights and is included in the price of admission to Universal Studios Florida!
SeaWorld Orlando is kicking off 2022 with the Seven Seas Food Festival that’s packed with more flavor than ever before every Thursday through Sunday, until May 8.
This year at Orlando’s largest theme park food festival, foodies and families alike can enjoy over 200 chef-and mixologist-curated tastes inspired by cultures from across the Seven Seas.
In addition to taste from around the world, you can catch these concerts at Bayside Stadium, included with your theme park admission:
The long-awaited Ice Breaker coaster will open officially to the public at SeaWorld Orlando on February 18, 2022.
SeaWorld Orlando Annual Passholders can experience the 1,900-foot multi-launch coaster that reaches a top speed of 52 mph with a 100-degree, 93-foot spike on select days.
Silver Pass Preview Dates:February 7-13
Bronze Pass and Fun Card holders Preview Dates: February 14-15
Exhilarating adventures in the visual, culinary, and performing arts await guests at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts happening daily through February 21, 2022.
Throughout the festival’s run, chefs showcase dishes inspired by art movements, visual masterpieces come to life and Broadway stars sing beloved show tunes in a celebration of performance art that’s sure to captivate festivalgoers as only Disney can.
This weekend’s Disney on Broadway Concert Series features performances from:
Kissy Simmons (The Lion King) and Michael James Scott (Aladdin): February 11 and 12
Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan): February 13
This month Disney Springs invites you to Celebrate Soulfully and ignite your senses as you immerse yourself in culturally inspired dining for brunch and happy hour, spirited music performed by Motown in Motion, House of Blues folk art, and more!
Let the Good Times Roll with Busch Gardens Mardi Gras, select dates from through March 6.
Get jazzed up with Mardi Gras-style live music and New Orleans-inspired entertainment. Catch some festival beads from strolling performers throughout the day, and get caught up in the fun as you dance through spacious walkways. Feast like kings and queens on classic Cajun cuisine as Busch Gardens brings the “Big Easy” to Tampa Bay.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s longest-running concert series returns with an all-new Real Music Concert series, Tuesday – Sunday until February 27.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s longest-running concert series brings nostalgic acts to Stanleyville Theater, including world-class tributes, musical performances, and chart-topping artists from the greatest musical eras.
Grab a seat in the climate-controlled Stanleyville Theater and see these memorable acts live at Busch Gardens Tampa.
DANCING DREAM: THE TRIBUTE TO ABBA ~ FEBRUARY 8 – 13
DANCING DREAM: The Tribute to ABBA, the greatest pop supergroup from Sweden, electrifies audiences of all ages with the best hits “Mamma Mia”, “Dancing Queen”, “Take a Chance”, “Fernando”, and many more. Established in 2009 The New York City-based touring tribute act is transporting nostalgic audiences back to the happy and groovy times of the 70s. Expect our team of seasoned musicians and talented lead singers (“Agnetha” and “Frida”) to take you on a nostalgic trip back to the glitz and glamour of the 70s with their beautiful harmonies, elaborate costumes, and exciting choreography. Every show is one to be remembered!
Florida Resident Savings On the Go in the Parks
Who doesn’t love saving when you are On the Go in the Parks???
Check out these Florida Resident exclusive ticket deals!
Florida Resident Disney Weekday Magic Tickets: Enjoy 2 days of theme park fun for $149, plus tax.
Florida Resident Annual Passes: Enjoy the magic all year long with an Annual Pass. Florida Resident Disney Pixie Dust Pass is $19 per month, plus down payment.
Save 40% on a 4-Day Ticket: Florida Residents can experience the magic of the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and save big on tickets!
LIMITED-TIME OFFER: SAVE 20% + COMPLIMENTARY DRINK PACKAGE
Florida Residents, enjoy year-round 20% savings and, for a limited time, receive a complimentary premium drink package (a $40 value) with your booking.
Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in the Parks and beyond by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
When it comes to love on Valentine’s Day, the sky is the limit! Luckily for you, The Wheel at ICON Park has you covered with a special offer.
ICON Park is celebrating love by bringing back the popular “I’m Sweet On You” package for the entire month of February. For a single price, guests can enjoy a private ride on The Wheel along with many other romantic perks.
“Orlando truly is the city beautiful, and there’s no more romantic place to experience it than from the top of The Wheel. It’s the ultimate date night,” said Chris Jaskiewicz, ICON Park president and CEO. “With over 40 amazing restaurants, bars, and can’t-miss attractions, you’ll always have a place to explore with your special someone”.
For $115 plus tax, couples who book the “I’m Sweet On You” package will receive:
A private capsule on The Wheel for two with two rotations (that’s 40 minutes taking in the romantic views of the City Beautiful)
One bottle of sparkling wine with a keepsake coozie (Both guests must be at least 21 years old)
Two mini cupcakes from Let’s Jess Bake at The Wheelhouse Market Food Hall
VIP photo package including unlimited digital downloads to commemorate your special evening
Couples who book the “I’m Sweet On You” package can enhance the ambience of their ride with a romantic playlist on the ICON Park Radio app curated by iHeartMedia.
Guests also have the option to play their own music by utilizing The Wheel’s Bluetooth capability feature that allows guests to connect their phones to the capsule sound system featuring Bose speakers.
ICON Park is at the center of the new Orlando Entertainment District. With free parking and conveniently located near I-4, Universal Boulevard, and the Beachline, this premiere entertainment complex is easy to access for any Central Florida resident or Orlando tourist.
Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in the Parks and beyond ICON Park by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
