SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and Madame Tussauds Orlando at ICON Park have officially reopened to guests for an enjoyable escape.
A range of new health and safety measures have been introduced in line with government advice and the requirements of local health authorities.
Safety measures such as social distancing signage, contactless payment, and enhanced cleaning will be clearly visible to guests from the moment they arrive.
Interactive experiences including touch tanks at SEA LIFE Aquarium and photo props at Madame Tussauds have been temporarily removed.
Capacity will also be restricted to no more than 25 percent of permitted occupancy.
“The health of our guests, staff, and sea animals is of utmost importance. We are taking proactive steps to provide visitors with a safe, comfortable environment,” said General Manager of SEA LIFE Orlando and Madame Tussauds Orlando James Paulding. “We will continue to adapt our operations to adhere with health and safety guidelines while offering guests the chance to create magical memories.”
As part of the reopening, SEA LIFE Orlando and Madame Tussauds Orlando will honor the tireless work of local medical professionals by providing complimentary tickets to healthcare heroes.
For every guest who shares a photo of their visit and tags the attraction in a social media post during their visit, both locations will donate one ticket to a local healthcare worker from a health care partner to be announced soon.
For a limited time, guests who are the “First To Play” will get a specially discounted ticket that includes free digital downloads. Entry to both SEA LIFE Orlando and Madame Tussauds is now available for $30 per adult and $25 per child. Single attraction tickets are discounted to $20 per adult and $15 per child and also include free digital downloads.
Families are encouraged to visit the SEA LIFE ORLANDO website and Madame Tussauds Orlando website to purchase tickets and review safety protocols ahead of their visit.
You can find more information about theme park news and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
CityWalk was really the ‘Epicenter of Awesome’ this week as they opened with limited operations.
It was so great to once again see people roaming CityWalk, but I will caution you that I expect the area to be busy this weekend so there a few things you can do to cut down on your waits!
Download the Official Universal Orlando Resort App – Be ready to make those Cashless purchases and make sure to link your Universal Orlando Resort Pass for discounts!
Plan to arrive early: They are limiting the number of guests they are allowing in the CityWalk area, and there can be a back up at the parking plaza as self-parking is free.
Be prepared – Have that mask on and ready as you approach the temperature check so security can pass you as quickly as possible.
Be patient – Mind those 6ft social distancing markers on the ground, relax, and make sure to enjoy your time once again at Universal’s CityWalk!!!
CityWalk at the Universal Orlando Resort is open daily from 4-10 pm, but please remember that the theme parks and resorts are still currently closed.
On the Go in the Parks: Disney Springs
While I know it is a bit early…let’s look ahead to the opening of Disney Springs on May 20, 2020!
There is so much to look forward to, and new information is coming out everyday!
Disney Springs dining locations opening May 20th include:
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill
STK Orlando
Wine Bar George
Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC
YeSake
The Polite Pig
Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Co.
4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck
Sunshine Churros
Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream
Earl of Sandwich – Just Announced
Planet Hollywood Observatory – Just Announced
Chicken Guy – Just Announced
The Boathouse – Just Announced
Disney Springs shopping locations opening May 20th include:
American Threads
Anthropologie
Crystal Arts by Arribas Bros.
Free People
Pele Soccer
Pop Gallery
Ron Jon Surf Shop
Uniqlo
Disney Springs dining locations opening May 22nd include:
Pizza Ponte
Morimoto Asia
Morimoto Asia Street Food
Vivoli il Gelato
We are still waiting on a lot of details about the opening of Disney Springs, so make sure to follow @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
CityWalk, at the Universal Orlando Resort, will begin limited operation of select venues on Thursday, May 14 from 4-10 pm daily as they take the first steps toward reopening the destination.
Let’s talk about what you will find once the area begins its limited operations!
5 things to know about Universal Orlando’s CityWalk Limited Operations
1. What safety measures will be in place for guests?
The Universal Orlando Resort is working closely with local health officials and their own health and safety experts and adhere to CDC guidelines.
Here are specific safety measures you will find when Universal Orlando’s CityWalk begins limited operations:
Team Members will undergo temperature checks and will wear face coverings.
Temperature checks for each guest will be taken upon arrival. If a guest has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater, they will not be able to enter CityWalk.
The Universal Orlando Resort will require guests to wear face coverings during their visit, and they will have complimentary disposable face coverings as well as face coverings available for purchase at cost. If a guest has a disability that prevents them from wearing a facial covering, they’ll be directed to the Guest Services team to discuss reasonable accommodations.
Each venue will limit the capacity to help enforce social distancing, and all chairs and tables will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each seating. High-touch surfaces throughout CityWalk will be frequently cleaned and disinfected as well.
Cashless payments will be available at all venues.
Please note the CDC advises that older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Guests should evaluate their risk in determining whether to attend.
People who show no symptoms can spread COVID-19 if they are infected, any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to COVID-19, and the Universal Orlando Resort cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed during your visit.
2. Where can I park?
During the limited operations of Universal Orlando’s CityWalk, self-parking is complimentary and is subject to change.
It is important to note that each restaurant will have a limited menu and limited seating available, and reservations are recommended for full-service restaurants.
Guests are also encouraged to go contact-free with the Official Universal Orlando app, available for free in the App Store and Google Play Store.
5. What shopping locations will be open?
While additional shopping locations may open, currently the following CityWalk locations are scheduled to open May 14, 2020:
To prepare for your visit, you can find more information on the CDC guidelines here and more information about Universal Orlando’s policies during this time here.
Again, please keep in mind that Universal Orlando’s theme parks and hotels as well as Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk Hollywood remain closed through at least May 31, 2020.
I am soooo excited to see locations begin to reopen, and I can’t wait to visit Universal Orlando’s CityWalk!
You can find more information about theme park news and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
A phased reopening of Disney Springs will begin on May 20. Following the guidance of government and health officials, a limited number of shopping and dining experiences that are owned by third-party operating participants will begin to open during this initial phase. The rest of Walt Disney World Resort will remain closed, including theme parks and resort hotels.
As we continue to monitor conditions, and with the health of guests and Disney cast members at the forefront of our planning, we are making several operational changes. Disney Springs will begin to reopen in a way that incorporates enhanced safety measures, including increased cleaning procedures, the use of appropriate face coverings by both cast members and guests, limited-contact guest services and additional safety training for cast members.
While the announcement wasn’t full of details, there were 5 key takeaways to note.
Disney Springs Reopening:
5 Things to Know
1. What we know about the locations opening on May 20, 2020…
When Disney Springs reopens guests will find, “a limited number of shopping and dining experiences that are owned by third-party operating participants will begin to open during this initial phase. The rest of Walt Disney World Resort will remain closed, including theme parks and Disney Resort hotels.”
So when it initially reopens, Disney Springs guests will not be able to shop at stores or dine at locations operated by Walt Disney World.
While not listed in this announcement, examples of these Walt Disney World operated locations include stores like World of Disney and the Co Op as well as dining locations like Jock Lindsey’s and D-Luxe Burger.
2. What we know about planning your trip to Disney Springs in the initial reopening phase…
When you think about planning your trip to Disney Springs in this phase, it is important to note that there will be limitations on capacity, parking, and operating hours.
While no specifics were given in this initial announcement about any of these three important details, it will be important to watch for these details to make planning easier.
3. What will be different when Disney Springs begins reopening…
Disney Springs did note in their announcement that they would be making several operational changes that would include enhanced safety measures including increased cleaning procedures, limited-contact Guest Services, and additional safety training for Cast Members
We will apply learnings and ideas from leaders in the health and travel industries, and we’re also talking to our unions as we prepare for some Cast Members to return to work.
Safety is ALWAYS at the forefront of operations at the Walt Disney World Resort, and I am beyond confident that they are going above and beyond to ensure the safety of guests and Cast Members.
4. What will guests need to have to visit Disney Springs…
Included in the many safety measures that Disney Springs is taking is, “…the use of appropriate face coverings by both Cast Members and Guests…”
This isn’t meant to spark debate…just know that you will need to wear a face covering to visit Disney Springs in this phase of reopening.
5. More Information
As we get closer to May 20, 2020, more specific information will be coming out, but I would encourage everyone to stay patient, understanding, and most of all kind as we continue to figure this out together!!!
We are really excited about the reopening of Disney Springs, and will be sharing information as it is released!
You can find more information about theme park news and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Discover the Behind-the-Scenes Story of the Toys at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes
Two years before the orange doors of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes officially opened in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, Maria Kazaros and her team were already hard at work to bring novelty jokes and pranks inspired by those of Fred and George Weasley to life.
As a senior buyer on Universal Orlando Resorts’ merchandise team, Maria essentially is involved with product development, taking the idea of something and turning it into something tangible. Or, as is the case with her role developing merchandise for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, taking the idea of something and turning it into something magical.
“One of the hardest parts in the beginning was just, how do you bring things to life from Harry’s world,” Maria explains. “We spent many months watching the movies, reading the books, brainstorming, doing work sessions. And we brought in some of the fans to see what they liked. Those fans care and they know what they want, so that helped us all in figuring out what the merchandise in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter would be.”
Of course, while the source material for the Wizarding World (as seen in the Harry Potter film series) is plentiful and rich in detail, it can be tricky taking something you see in a movie and figuring out how to make it into an operational toy.
“One thing that I do is I rely on my product partners who are experts in the industry and know how toys can go from nothing to something,” Maria says. “I ask a lot of questions or just come to them and say, ‘I want to make this, can I?’ And then we’ll sort of reengineer it and I get to create my vision, so to speak.”
Maria has been with the company since 1999, starting out as a store manager in a handful of merchandise locations until joining the merchandise development team in 2001. Maria says she enjoys working with toys because it allows her to be a problem-solver.
“It’s challenging to take something non-magical, like a pen, and make it magical,” Maria says. “Or something that is magical, like The Monster Book of Monsters, and make it something real for people to interact with.”
Walking through Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, there is a lot to interact with. From the toilet-in-the-front-window flushing at the flick of your interactive wand, to all the Extendable Ears and Skiving Snackboxes your heart desires, the entire shop is packed to the ceiling (which, be sure to look up at for a surprise) with Weasleys-inspired items and tie-ins to the movies.
“I still watch the movies over and over because there’s so much that you can still catch from them that you haven’t seen,” Maria says.
To be honest, I also watch the Harry Potter movies over and over, so what’s the difference when Maria does? When I watch a scene with the Marauder’s Map, I am simply enjoying the magic of it all. Maria on the other hand…
“The Marauder’s Map was a fun one to figure out,” Maria says. “You hit it with the wand and the footprints go around, just like in the movies.”
One of Maria’s top priorities when developing merchandise for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is ensuring everything feels authentic — taking the notch up on what people expect from an everyday toy. And as for the merchandise in Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, there is a unique chaos she aims to capture.
“When you think of that scene in the movie, everything is moving. Dolores Umbridge on the unicycle moves in their store and moves in ours. So that’s one we actually created and brought to life from the movies.”
With the impending closures of the theme parks in Orlando, I am sad to say that this will be my last On the Go in the Parks this month.
My sincerest thoughts are with everyone impacted by these closures, and my prayers are that we all look back on this time in the future and see that it could have been worse if these drastic measures hadn’t been taken.
Don’t forget to tune in to News 96.5 WDBO this evening to hear me talk about these events and more on Orlando’s Evening News with Tony Marino!!!
Get out your finest green outfit and head to Disney Springs for the return of the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant!
Celebrate five days of fun, March 13-17, with non-stop Irish-infused entertainment from morning until night, a mighty selection of beers and cocktails and of course, the most authentic Irish food.
My favorite part of the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival is the fantastic line-up of live entertainment hand-picked straight from Ireland.
Universal Orlando is celebrating 25 years of its family-friendly Mardi Gras festivities with new parade floats, globally inspired cuisine, and live concerts on select nights from February 1 to April 2 at the Universal Studios Florida theme park.
This year’s parade features six new additional floats and steps-off at 7:45 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
On select nights during the event, guests can enjoy performances by some of the biggest names in music on the Universal Music Plaza Stage.
This weekend you can see:
Friday, Mar. 13 – Luis Fonsi @ 8:30 pm
Saturday, Mar. 14 – The All-American Rejects @ 8:30 pm
Sunday, Mar. 15 – Diana Ross @ 8:30 pm
Opening daily at 4 pm, the French Quarter Courtyard is where you can find food and spirits available for purchase and performances from Louisiana jazz, blues, and zydeco bands. You can see the New Breed Brass Band will take to the French Quarter Courtyard Stage daily until March 21.
All of the excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with a Seasonal or Annual Pass (blockout dates apply).
And until April 2, Florida residents can experience this year’s Mardi Gras celebration and the spring season by saving up to $65 on multi-day tickets and up to $75 on Seasonal and Annual Passes.
The 27th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival will bloom at the Walt Disney World Resort filling the park with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Spring daily until June 1, 2020.
The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series will rock every evening of the Festival with three performances by chart-topping artists on the America Gardens Theatre stage.
Here is who you can see perform this weekend:
March 13 through 16: Simple Plan
The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is included with your theme park admission.
In 2020 the Seven Seas Food Festival will runs weekends through May 5, including Fridays (WOOOOT), to give park-goers plenty more chances to sample more than 180 mouthwatering options from Chef Héctor Colón and his amazing culinary team!
New food offerings include the cricket crusted bison slider, duck and mushroom ramen bowl and the chicken and waffle.
Enjoy local craft beers and mouthwatering culinary flavors while exploring our marketplaces throughout the park.
In addition to delicious eats, guests visiting SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival can enjoy world-class entertainment every Saturday and Sunday at Bayside Stadium, all included with theme park admission.
This weekend the Seven Seas Food Festival will feature free concerts from:
March 14 – Hunter Hayes
March 15 – Joe Nichols
You can find more information about theme park news and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
DISCLOSURE: I was invited by the Walt Disney World Resort to experience Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, but all opinions and over-use of exclamation points are 100% my own.
From the moment I stepped off of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, I knew that it had just entered my top 5 favorite attractions at Walt Disney World.
I don’t take that place of honor very lightly, and this attraction deserves that ranking because it is full of fun at every turn and details galore.
And with so many details and fun facts about the attraction, I thought it would be fun to share them with you all today!
A ‘Fab’ Cast of Characters
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the first attraction to star Mickey and Minnie Mouse, is full of iconic Disney characters, including a new little bird destined to fly right into guests’ hearts.
Here is where you can find each of them:
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse – These true originals are ready to take their little red convertible for a leisurely drive through Runnamuck Park in search of the perfect picnic spot. What could possibly go wrong?
Pluto – The dutiful dog just wants to bring Mickey and Minnie their lost picnic basket.
Engineer Goofy – Mickey and Minnie’s lanky pal invites guests into the cartoon world for what surely promises to be an uneventful train ride through Runnamuck Park.
Daisy Duck – The proprietor of Daisy’s Dance Studio is ready to teach guests some fancy new moves.
Donald Duck – Everyone’s favorite hot-headed “problem child” is steaming again, as someone made off with the sign from his hot dog stand at the carnival.
Jackhammer Pete – The big brute’s vibrations may have some unforeseen consequences for Mickey and Minnie.
Chuuby (pronounced “choo-bee”) – This adorable little bird – created exclusively for the attraction – likes to sing and dance in Runnamuck Park.
All in the Details: An Authentic Mickey & Minnie Experience
Disney Imagineers watched every cartoon short in the latest “Mickey Mouse” series countless times while developing Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (Imagineer Kevin Rafferty had a still from each one pinned to his office wall).
They wanted to soak up the essence of what makes the cartoons so fun and endearing, so they could then translate those fundamental principles into a ride-through attraction. Their research is just one facet of the total commitment to authenticity on display throughout Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
Walt Disney Imagineering consulted with Paul Rudish and Joseph Holt – executive producer and art director, respectively, for the “Mickey Mouse” shorts – to ensure the attraction’s hand-drawn look is authentic to the cartoon. For example, Imagineers added extra floating “lines” around a cactus in the stampede scene that appear as if they’re standing alone in midair, emulating a common technique used in the cartoons to emphasize motion.
Christopher Willis, award-winning composer of the “Mickey Mouse” shorts, composed the attraction’s soundtrack and co-wrote “Nothing Can Stop Us Now,” the exclusive theme song for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, with his wife, Elyse Willis.
The attraction’s glamorous marquee features blinking bulbs and hand-crafted animated neon depictions of Mickey and Minnie. Its design cue comes from the extravagant marquees that were custom made for premieres of epic films in the mid-20th century.
In collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Television Animation created 10 new posters that appear in the attraction’s queue; nine highlight existing “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts, while the 10th is for “Perfect Picnic,” the new short debuting in the theater.
The attraction features several sound effects created by Disney Legend Jimmy Macdonald for Disney animated shorts dating back to the 1930s; some new effects were developed using Macdonald’s original equipment.
The tri-tone whistle from Mickey Mouse’s debut cartoon in 1928, “Steamboat Willie,” was used to record the locomotive whistle sound for Engineer Goofy’s train.
Special painting techniques were used on the attraction’s ride vehicles so they appear to be hand-drawn, as if in a cartoon.
Hidden Gems Abound
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is full of hidden gems that nod to Disney history. It will likely take many times through the attraction to spot them all, but here are just a few:
A newspaper features the headline “Oswald Wins!” – a reference to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, the cartoon character created by Walt Disney that predates Mickey Mouse.
The Iwerks and Uwerks Waterworks water treatment plant is named for Disney Legend Ub Iwerks, the animator credited with sketching Mickey Mouse for the first time.
The 1401 Flower Shop is an homage to Walt Disney Imagineering’s headquarters in Glendale, Calif.
The numbers 1901 and 1928 can be seen inside the attraction; these are references to Walt Disney’s and Mickey Mouse’s birth years, respectively.
I cannot wait to ride again and again and again and again!!!!
You can find more information about theme park news and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Don’t forget to tune in to News 96.5 WDBO this evening to hear me talk about how you can be On the Go in the Parks this weekend on Orlando’s Evening News with Tony Marino!!!
The theme parks of Central Florida are always buzzing with excitement and events, and here is everything you can experience On the Go in the Parks this weekend!
The 27th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival will bloom at the Walt Disney World Resort filling the park with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Spring daily until June 1, 2020.
The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series will rock every evening of the Festival with three performances by chart-topping artists on the America Gardens Theatre stage.
Here is who you can see perform this weekend:
March 6 through 9: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is included with your theme park admission.
Have you ever wanted to jump through the screen and into “Mickey Mouse” cartoon short? Well now is your time to make it happen, because anything can happen aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The newly reimagined Mickey Shorts Theater debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on March 4, 2020, and I was really excited to check it out!
Located adjacent to the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, the new Mickey Shorts Theater is designed to evoke the fun of the Mickey Mouse shorts where ‘Mouse Rules Apply’.
Universal Orlando is celebrating 25 years of its family-friendly Mardi Gras festivities with new parade floats, globally inspired cuisine, and live concerts on select nights from February 1 to April 2 at the Universal Studios Florida theme park.
This year’s parade features six new additional floats and steps-off at 7:45 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
On select nights during the event, guests can enjoy performances by some of the biggest names in music on the Universal Music Plaza Stage.
This weekend you can see:
Saturday, Mar. 7 – REO Speedwagon @ 8:30 pm
Sunday, Mar. 8 – Dustin Lynch @ 8:30 pm
Opening daily at 4 pm, the French Quarter Courtyard is where you can find food and spirits available for purchase and performances from Louisiana jazz, blues, and zydeco bands. You can see the New Breed Brass Band will take to the French Quarter Courtyard Stage daily until March 21.
All of the excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with a Seasonal or Annual Pass (blockout dates apply).
And until April 2, Florida residents can experience this year’s Mardi Gras celebration and the spring season by saving up to $65 on multi-day tickets and up to $75 on Seasonal and Annual Passes.
In 2020 the Seven Seas Food Festival will runs weekends through May 5, including Fridays (WOOOOT), to give park-goers plenty more chances to sample more than 180 mouthwatering options from Chef Héctor Colón and his amazing culinary team!
New food offerings include the cricket crusted bison slider, duck and mushroom ramen bowl and the chicken and waffle.
Enjoy local craft beers and mouthwatering culinary flavors while exploring our marketplaces throughout the park.
In addition to delicious eats, guests visiting SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival can enjoy world-class entertainment every Saturday and Sunday at Bayside Stadium, all included with theme park admission.
This weekend the Seven Seas Food Festival will feature free concerts from:
March 7 – AJR
March 8 – Dylan Scott
You can find more information about theme park news and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
DISCLOSURE: I was invited by the Walt Disney World Resort to experience the Mickey Shorts Theater, but all opinions and over-use of exclamation points are 100% my own.
The newly reimagined Mickey Shorts Theater debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on March 4, 2020, and I was really excited to check it out!
Located adjacent to the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, the new Mickey Shorts Theater is designed to evoke the fun of the Mickey Mouse shorts where ‘Mouse Rules Apply’.
Before you go into the theater make sure you open your Play Disney Parks App to try your hand at Mickey & Minnie’s Trivia Time – Mouse Rules Apply! that celebrates the openings of both Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and the “Vacation Fun” short in the Mickey Shorts Theater.
The game features five trivia packs containing hundreds of questions spanning from Mickey and Minnie’s debut in “Steamboat Willie” to today. Some of these trivia packs will be available at home, while others can be unlocked after experiencing Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway or “Vacation Fun” at Mickey Shorts Theater to extend the cartoon fun even further.
Okay now back to the theater itself, and now that I have finally seen the theater seats from the concept art…I can say without a doubt that I am COMPLETELY OBSESSED with how adorable they are!
Okay…back to the main attraction…the short!
The “Vacation Fun” short is exclusive to Walt Disney World’s Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and includes new animation as well as clips from favorite “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts.
The short move at lightning speed, and has a ‘Greatest Hits’ feel than a regular short. I thought it was a lot of fun, but if you haven’t seen the new shorts it might be overwhelming.
But the fun doesn’t stop there, because after the show guests can make even more memories by stepping into life-sized versions of beloved animated “Mickey Mouse” shorts, where they can pose for photos with family and friends.
Existing shorts from the Mickey Mouse television series that are being used in the post-show photo experience are Yodelburg, Potatoland, Entombed, and Panda-monium.
You can find more information about theme park news and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
The incredibly popular Garden Rocks Concert Series, included with your admission to Epcot, rocks the American Gardens Theatre nightly at 5:30 pm, 6:45 pm, and 8 pm until June 1, 2020.
2020 Garden Rocks Concert Series Line-Up
March 4 through 5: Peabo Bryson
March 6 through 9: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
March 10 through 12: The Guess Who
March 13 through 16: Simple Plan
March 17 through 19: STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
March 20 through 23: Mark Wills – NEW!
March 24 through 26: The Spinners
March 27 and 28: Sister Hazel
March 29 and 30: The Pointer Sisters
March 31 through April 2: Steve Augeri – Former Lead Vocalist of Journey
April 3 and 4: Blood, Sweat & Tears
April 5 and 6: Expose’
April 7 through 9: Berlin
April 10 and 11: A Flock of Seagulls
April 12 and 13: Atlantic Starr – NEW!
April 14 through 16: Tony Orlando
April 17 and 18: High Valley – NEW!
April 19 and 20: Rick Springfield
April 21 through 23: Christopher Cross
April 24 through 27: Plain White T’s
April 28 through 30: Don Felder – Formerly of The Eagles
May 1 and 2: Don McLean – NEW!
May 3 and 4: Casting Crowns – NEW!
May 5 through 7: Ambrosia with Peter Beckett
May 8 and 9: Thelma Houston – NEW!
May 10 and 11: The Allman Betts Band – NEW!
May 12 through 14: Air Supply
May 15 through 18: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
May 19 through 21: Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot – NEW!
May 22 and 23: Claudia Leitte – NEW!
May 24 and 25: Daughtry – NEW!
May 26 through 28: Marshall Tucker Band
May 29 and 30: Crowder – NEW!
May 31 and June 1: Survivor
Garden Rocks Dining Package
Fabulous food and great music go hand in hand, and with the Garden Rocks Dining Package Festival guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at select Epcot restaurants and guaranteed seating at one of three concert performances later that day.
Each package includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert—or one (1) full buffet or family-style dining, where applicable—along with a non-alcoholic beverage and one (1) guaranteed seat to the Garden Rocks Concert held on the same day.
Participating restaurants Include:
Biergarten Restaurant Lunch: $57 for adults; $32 for kids (tax and gratuity not included) Dinner: $57 for adults; $32 for kids (tax and gratuity not included)
Coral Reef Restaurant Lunch: $69 for adults; $22 for kids (tax and gratuity not included) Dinner: $69 for adults; $22 for kids (tax and gratuity not included)
The Garden Grill Restaurant Breakfast $52 for adults; $31 for kids (tax and gratuity not included) Lunch: $65 for adults; $39 for kids (tax and gratuity not included) Dinner: $65 for adults; $39 for kids (tax and gratuity not included)
Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room Lunch: $57 for adults; $22 for kids (tax and gratuity not included) Dinner: $57 for adults; $22 for kids (tax and gratuity not included).
Before booking your dining package, keep in mind:
Valid Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining package price
Advance reservations are highly recommended as events fill up quickly
Reservations must provide a minimum 2.5-hour window prior to showtime and require a credit card guarantee
Disney Dining Plan and Disney Deluxe Dining Plans require 2 table-service entitlements
Alcohol will only be served to Guests ages 21 and older
You can find more information about the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, theme park news, and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Have you ever wanted to jump through the screen and into “Mickey Mouse” cartoon short? Well now is your time to make it happen, because anything can happen aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
It all started with a mouse…
Audiences were first introduced to Mickey Mouse in 1928 as the star of “Steamboat Willie,” and as soon as the iconic whistle blew Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse changed the world of entertainment forever.
And over 90 years later, Mickey Mouse is a cultural icon with a combination of childlike innocence, an impish sense of humor, and a plucky attitude.
Even though Mickey Mouse has had adventures over the years, the one thing he hasn’t done is starred in his own attraction.
History is about to change again with the debut of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Classic Disney Storytelling, Driven by State-of-the-Art Design
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway brings the past and future together as the ride combines cutting-edge technology with the rich history of Mickey and Minnie Mouse as a two-dimensional cartoon world becomes a world of where ‘mouse rules apply’.
The attraction features a combination of physical sets, Audio-Animatronics figures, animated media, and projection-mapping techniques, all syncing in time with trackless vehicles and an original musical score that will get stuck in your head for days.
** Proceed with caution as there are Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway spoilers ahead **
Last chance to turn back…
Everything starts with a story
In the story, Mickey and Minnie set off on a journey to find the best spot for a romantic picnic, taking their little red convertible for a drive through Runnamuck Park.
Little do they know Pluto has accidentally stowed away in the trunk of their car, so when the roadster hits a bump and the dutiful dog flies out … mayhem ensues.
It’s at this point Disney magic brings guests through the movie screen and into the cartoon world, where they join Engineer Goofy on a train ride on the Runnamuck Railroad, following Mickey and Minnie through the park on their quest for that perfect picnic. And with Goofy at the helm, what could possibly go wrong?
It’s up to Mickey and Minnie to keep guests out of trouble, all while poor Pluto tries to catch up and bring them their picnic basket!
While I absolutely loved The Great Movie Ride, I cannot wait to ride Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway!!!!
Spring has sprung in the theme parks of Central Florida, which means that March is filled with special events that invite guests to enjoy the wonderful weather!
Universal Orlando is celebrating 25 years of its family-friendly Mardi Gras festivities with new parade floats, globally inspired cuisine, and live concerts on select nights through April 2 at the Universal Studios Florida theme park.
This year’s parade features six new additional floats, and steps-off at different times during the month.
The parade steps off at 6:15 pm: March 1- 6
The parade steps off at 7:30 pm: March 9-12, 16-19, 23-27, March 30 – April 2
The parade steps off at 7:45 pm: March 7, 8, 13-15, 20-22, 28-29
On select nights during the event, guests can enjoy performances by some of the biggest names in music on the Universal Music Plaza Stage.
Here is who will be performing in March:
Saturday, Mar. 7 – REO Speedwagon @ 8:30 pm
Sunday, Mar. 8 – Dustin Lynch @ 8:30 pm
Friday, Mar. 13 – Luis Fonsi @ 8:30 pm
Saturday, Mar. 14 – The All-American Rejects @ 8:30 pm
Sunday, Mar. 15 – Diana Ross @ 8:30 pm
Friday, Mar. 20 – Chris Young @8:30 pm
Saturday, Mar. 21 – Earth, Wind & Fire @ 8:30 pm
Sunday, Mar. 22 – Marshmello @ 8:30 pm
Saturday, Mar. 28 – Why Don’t We @ 8:30 pm
Sunday, Mar. 29 – Gavin DeGraw @ 8:30 pm
Opening daily at 4 pm, the French Quarter Courtyard is where you can find food and spirits available for purchase and performances from Louisiana jazz, blues, and zydeco bands.
In March you can see the New Breed Brass Band March 6 through March 21 and the Naughty Professor Brass Band March 22 through April 2 on the French Quarter Courtyard stage.
All of the excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with a Seasonal or Annual Pass (blockout dates apply).
And until April 2, Florida residents can experience this year’s Mardi Gras celebration and the spring season by saving up to $65 on multi-day tickets and up to $75 on Seasonal and Annual Passes.
Don’t forget that Mardi Gras celebrations at Universal Studios Florida are held rain or shine, so be sure to plan accordingly.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival is back for another year to give guests the delicious opportunity to taste their way around the world of international street food traditions. The Seven Seas Food Festival will run through May 5, including Fridays, to give park-goers plenty more chances to sample more than 180 mouthwatering options!
A complete menu of the Seven Seas Food Festival dishes and drinks can be found online here.
In addition to delicious eats, guests visiting SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival can enjoy world-class entertainment every Saturday and Sunday at Bayside Stadium, all included with theme park admission.
Here is who will be taking the stage in March:
March 7 – AJR
March 8 – Dylan Scott
March 14 – Hunter Hayes
March 15 – Joe Nichols
March 21 – YES and Alan Parsons Live Project
March 22 – Edwin McCain
March 28 – Gin Blossoms
March 29 – Village People
Concerts are held at Bayside Stadium each Saturday and Sunday at 6:00 p.m. To ensure you get the best seats in the house, guests can purchase reserved seating for select performances. Reserved seating opportunities are available online here.
The 27th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival will bloom at the Walt Disney World Resort filling the park with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Spring daily from March 4 until June 1, 2020.
The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series will rock every evening of the Festival with three performances by chart-topping artists on the America Gardens Theatre stage.
Here is who you can see perform this month:
March 4 and 5: Peabo Bryson – NEW!
March 6 through 9: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
March 10 through 12: The Guess Who
March 13 through 16: Simple Plan
March 17 through 19: STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
March 20 through 23: Mark Wills – NEW!
March 24 through 26: The Spinners
March 27 and 28: Sister Hazel
March 29 and 30: The Pointer Sisters
March 31 through April 2: Steve Augeri – Former Lead Vocalist of Journey
A world of taste awaits at the sixth annual Food & Wine Festival each weekend until April 26. The festival features new and exciting dishes, plus a large selection of wines, craft brews and cocktails.
While enjoying delicious eats, fans can see some of the biggest names in music as they take the stage on the Festival Field.
This month’s concerts include:
March 1: The Commodores
March 7: Chase Bryant & Danielle Bradbery
March 8: Rachel Platten
March 14: Ezra Ray Hart
March 15: THREE DOG NIGHT
March 21: LOCASH
March 22: Fitz & The Tantrums
March 28: Home Free
March 29: Taking Back Sunday
All concerts are included with daily ticketed admission to the park.
You can find more information about theme park news and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
The 27th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival will bloom at the Walt Disney World Resort filling the park with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Spring daily from March 4 until June 1, 2020.
Lush Gardens
Imagination blooms around every corner during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival as breathtaking flower beds, plots of plant life, and wildlife habitats can be found in every area of the park.
Bamboo Garden – As a member of the grass family, bamboo can be found at the China Pavilion in many colors, patterns and sizes.
Bold Bromeliads – Located at the Mexico Pavilion
Bonsai Collection – Take a trip to the Japan Pavilion and discover the ancient art of bonsai with some of the finest living sculptures created by bonsai masters, who carefully shape and tend these miniature works of art—creating peace and balance with the earth.
Chinese Zodiac Natural Sculptures – Located at the China Pavilion
English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings of London – Discover the history and art of tea blending at this elegant English Tea Garden at the United Kingdom Pavilion, featuring plants important to some of Twinings finest tea blends.
Festival Blooms – Located at Future World, this display boasts thousands of flowers form colorful, living panoramas overlooking Future World’s East and West lakes.
Floating Mini-Gardens – Peer upon more than 100 petite plots drifting on the ponds that border the walkway between Future World and the World Showcase.
Garden Italiano – From fresh spaghetti sauce to your favorite pizza topping, this Tuscan kitchen garden at the Italy Pavilion features all the produce and herbs needed to create a classic Italian feast.
Health Full Trail Presented by AdventHealth – Delight in a whimsical area along Imagination Walkway for kids, made to inspire youthful energy and creativity. Your whole family can learn fun and interactive ways to stay healthy at a brand-new playground and outdoor kitchen.
The Honey Bee-Stro – Learn about the importance of honeybees in this immersive garden. You can also enjoy some food options, made possible by their hard work, from the adjoining outdoor kitchen. Find it near Imagination! Pavilion.
Kokedama Garden – Admire fresh expressions of an ancient Japanese art. The Kokedama Garden features skilled bonsai creations.
Growing the Future Presented by Murata – Explore how cutting-edge technology paired with agricultural science can transform the way we feed the world. Discover the possibilities with our friends at Science from Scientists and engage in fun, fascinating, hands-on experiments—opening April 7, 2020.
Shakespeare Garden – Thou shalt adore matching up famous quotes to flowers found within this vibrant garden at the United Kingdom Pavilion. William Shakespeare often used flowers and exotic gardens to help set the scenes for his plays and employed them as symbols and metaphors.
The Goodness Garden Butterfly House Presented by GoGo squeeZ – Visit this foliage-filled exhibit at Future World West to view a kaleidoscope of butterflies and observe several species up close, learning about their life cycles and maybe even witnessing them emerging from chrysalises.
Plant a Garden Perfect for Pollinators – Stop by this display near the Butterfly House and take garden-ready ideas home with you, along with garden crafts and sustainable best practices.
Tropical Rainforest Garden – Visit the Mexico Pavilion and learn how Mexico rainforests are rich with plants and animals that have adapted to a wide variety of light levels and water conditions.
Urban Spice – At the Morocco Pavilion, learn how in many eastern cultures, ancient spices were considered more valuable than gold. Even today, many cultures are defined by their signature spices and herb blends, created from plant leaves, stems, roots, seeds and flowers.
Topiaries with character
The topiaries are the highlight of every Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, and this year 70 hand-crafted topiaries have been created by Disney’s talented team horticulturists.
While there are many returning favorites, there are a few new additions you won’t want to miss!
Here is where you will find the topiaries during the Festival:
Anna and Elsa from Frozen – Located at the Norway Pavilion
Bambi & Friends(Featuring Flower, Bambi and Thumper) – Located in Future World East just outside of the new Mousegear
Beauty and the Beast Located at the France Pavilion
Bo Peep and Her Sheep with Woody – Located at Future World East
Bold Bromeliads – Located near The Land at Future World East
Bromeliad Dragon – Located at the Japan Pavilion
Buzz Lightyear – Located near Mission: SPACE at Future World East
Captain Hook and Peter Pan – Located at the United Kingdom Pavilion
Construction Mickey and Minnie with Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale – Located between Future World and World Showcase
Donald and Daisy with Huey, Dewey and Louie – Located near Showcase Plaza
Fantasia – Sorcerer Mickey, Brooms, Ostriches and Hippo – Located near Imagination at Future World West
Lady and the Tramp – Located at the Italy Pavilion (their new location on the water is my favorite)
Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog – Located between the United Kingdom and Canada Pavilions at the France Pavilions
Pandas – Located at the China Pavilion
Pluto and Goofy – Located between Future World and World Showcase
Remy (NEW!) – Located at the France Pavilion
Simba and Friends(Featuring Rafiki, Simba, Mufasa and Sarabi) – Located between The Outpost Shop and the Germany Pavilion
Snow White and Dopey – Located at the Germany Pavilion
Tinker Bell and Fairy Houses – Located at the United Kingdom Pavilion
The Three Caballeros(Featuring Jose, Donald and Panchito) – Located at the Mexico Pavilion
Topiary Butterflies – Located at Future World West
Topiary Flowers – Located near the Main Entrance
Winnie-the-Pooh & Friends – Located at the United Kingdom Pavilion
Interactive Play Scapes
Families can take a step off the Festival path to experience two play gardens filled with hands-on activities and interactive playscapes.
At Bo Peep’s Playtime Training Grounds, located near Test Track, little ones of all ages can enjoy a playful playground and garden inspired by Bo Peep and the rest of your Toy Story pals.
The Play Full Garden, located on the Imagination Walkway, will inspire the entire family to gather for interactive activities that focus on nutrition and wellness.
Family Scavenger Hunts
Gardeners of all ages are invited to participate in Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration, a springtime scavenger hunt starring Spike the bzzzz-iest honey bee at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Once you have your Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration map, available for purchase at the Port of Entry for $6.99 plus tax, search for Spike’s best blooms across Epcot’s World Showcase, and once you’ve completed the hunt return the completed map to the Port of Entry store for a special surprise.
Also for a limited time, March 27 to April 12 or while supplies last, Epcot becomes the ‘Hop-piest Place on Earth’ with an Egg-stravaganza Scavenger Hunt around World Showcase in search of Disney character-themed eggs.
Annual Passholders can receive a discount on the purchase of both Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration and the Egg-stravaganza Scavenger Hunts! Just make sure to show your Annual Pass with ID.
Outdoor Kitchens
As festival-goers take in all the floral wonders of the Festival, they can also find culinary delights at over a dozen Outdoor Kitchens around Epcot’s World Showcase.
The Outdoor Kitchens open at 11am, and just outside of each location a garden offers inspiration for learning to grow healthy ingredients.
A complete list of Outdoor Kitchens and menus can be found here.
Garden Rocks Concert Series
The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series will rock every evening of the Festival with three performances by chart-topping artists on the America Gardens Theatre stage.
It is such a great way to kick off your evening in the park or wrap up a fantastic day!
Additionally, guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at 15 popular Epcot restaurants with guaranteed seating for a nightly concert with a Garden Rocks Dining Package. Dining packages can be booked by calling (407) WDW-DINE.
You can find the entire Garden Rocks Concert Series and more information on the dining packages here.
Festival Exclusive Guided Tours
Guided tours are available for gardeners of all skill levels who are interested in learning more about nature’s magic exclusively during the Festival.
The Royal Tea Garden Tour, presented by Twinings, takes place each festival morning at the United Kingdom Pavilion and guides guests through the tranquil tea garden to learn the history and artistry behind growing and blending tea.
The Gardens of the World tour, offered on select days, lets guests join a Disney horticulturist for a three-hour walking tour to explore the festival gardens and topiaries discovering new plant materials and gardening techniques to use in their home gardens.
Epcot admission and a fee are required to join these tours. To make a reservation, call (407) WDW-TOUR.
The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, including all gardens and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.
You can find more information about theme park special events, news, and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
The Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival kicks off earlier than ever, starting February 29!
Featuring dozens of all-new menu items, including delicious food, wine, craft brews, specialty cocktails such as the Iron Gwazi Gimlet, and a fantastic line-up of world-class musical acts – the 6th Annual Food & Wine Festival runs every weekend February 29 through April 26 and is included with park admission.
World-Class Entertainment to Satisfy All Tastes
The Food & Wine Festival line-up reflects musical genres of all tastes – from nostalgic bands to modern favorites.
Concert headliners include:
Feb 29: Collective Soul
March 1: The Commodores
March 7: Chase Bryant & Danielle Bradbery
March 8: Rachel Platten
March 14: Ezra Ray Hart
March 15: THREE DOG NIGHT
March 21: LOCASH
March 22: Fitz & The Tantrums
March 28: Home Free
March 29: Taking Back Sunday
April 4: Third Eye Blind
April 5: KC & The Sunshine Band
April 11: 38 Special
April 12: Micah Tyler & Austin French
April 18 Lee Brice
April 19: Clint Black
April 25: El Gran Combo
April 26: Toad the Wet Sprocket & The Verve Pipe
Fans can book the ultimate festival experience with one of two exclusive VIP packages available for each act, including reserved concert seating and a 5-item Food & Wine Festival Sampler Lanyard.
NEW for 2020, upgrade to the ultimate concert-goer experience with Unlimited Food & Wine Festival VIP Seating which includes VIP seating for EVERY concert of our 2020 Festival!
All-New Menu, All-New Flavors
Busch Gardens’ new award-winning Executive Chef, Ernie Reyes brings a fresh approach to this popular event.
With 25 NEW food items in addition to fan-favorite dishes and over 80 wines, beers and cocktails to choose from, the Food & Wine Festival offers an endless variety of flavors to sip and savor!
Guests can tempt their taste buds with the following NEW items:
The ALL-NEW Chef’s Corner cabin: featuring three signature dishes carefully crafted by the park’s head chefs – arroz con pollo, pork belly taco with kimchi slaw, and pork tenderloin with champagne watercress sauce.
NEW Iconic Coaster Cocktails: including Iron Gwazi Gimlet, Falcon’s Fury Lemon Drop, and Tigris Tea
NEW Pick-A-Barrel tasting: create your own flight of liquors and wines from around the world
Click here to view the entire menu and pick your perfect upgrade or purchase your Food & Wine Festival Sampler Lanyard – the best way to savor and save on everything the event has to offer!
Guests can purchase a 5, 8 or 12-item sampler lanyard to use at each festival cabin to explore sample-sized dishes and drink offerings with ease, starting at just $32.
Pass Members can purchase an exclusive 15-item sampler for the same price as a 12-item sampler and SAVE 20%!
Best Way to Play:
The best value to visit Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival and year-round events is with an Annual Pass that includes 12 months of unlimited visits, FREE parking, FREE Serengeti Safari, merchandise and dining discounts, and special limited-time perks throughout the year.
Or for a limited time, buy a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 2020 Fun Card and an Adventure Island 2020 Fun Card FREE – Florida families can take advantage of this limited time buy-one-get-one FREE offer and get unlimited year-round park admission to TWO until December 31, 2020.
Today new details were released about the new Mickey Shorts Theater that will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on March 4, 2020!
The reimagined theater, located between For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration and Star Tours, has an interior inspired by the fun of the Disney Channel cartoon series.
How adorable are those seats???
And now we have more information about the one-of-a-kind animated short featuring everyone’s favorite mouse and his leading lady and the post-show experience.
The “Vacation Fun” all-new animated short that will be shown in the Mickey Shorts Theater celebrates Mickey and Minnie’s favorite vacation memories, plus a few new adventures!
After the show, guests can make even more memories by stepping into life-sized versions of beloved animated Mickey shorts, where they can pose for photos with family and friends.
Existing shorts from the Mickey Mouse television series that are being used in the post-show photo experience are Yodelburg, Potatoland, Entombed, and Panda-monium.