Iconic Horror Film The Exorcist Coming to Universal Orlando Resort Halloween Horror Nights for the First Time Ever “HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS” FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER
For the first time ever, supernatural thriller,The Exorcist, will take possession of “Halloween Horror Nights” in an all-new horrifying maze opening at the Universal Orlando Resort beginning this September.
The twisted minds behind the nation’s best, most intense Halloween events will bring to life one of the scariest and most nightmare-inducing horror films in history.
At Universal Orlando Resort, guests will see, hear, feel – and even smell – every iconic levitating, head-spinning, vomit-wrenching, skin-crawling moment from the film. They’ll be paralyzed with fear as they witness the power of the supernatural, scream uncontrollably as they become part of Regan MacNeil’s possession and run in terror as they try to escape the horrific battle between innocence and evil.
httpv://youtu.be/Wg3dAtzV4c0
Revered as one of the scariest movies of all-time, The Exorcist earned its place in history as the first horror film nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. Directed by William Friedkin, the film also established itself as leading influence in pop culture horror, affecting a multitude of subsequent films since its terrifying debut in 1973.
Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” is the ultimate Halloween event. For more than 20 years, guests from around the world have visited “Halloween Horror Nights” in Orlando to become victims inside their own horror film. The streets of each coast’s event are transformed into highly-themed scare zones where menacing “scare-actors” lunge from every darkened corner. Multiple movie-quality haunted houses are erected throughout the event, based on anything from iconic slasher films to hit horror television series to haunting original stories.
Additional details about Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” will be revealed soon. For more information about Halloween Horror Nights at the Universal Orlando Resort visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.
Leatherface and his lethal chain saw to invade Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 26
Flashes of a familiar facemask blur the line between reality and film. The roar of a chain saw inside a darkened, deteriorating farmhouse is deafening. You are being hunted. Moving past the rotting remains of other victims, you find your escape blocked by an immovable force. A force that has only one purpose – complete and total destruction.
httpv://youtu.be/WNpJZ_fWrBM
This year, “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” – one of the greatest horror films ever made – will come to life as an all-new maze at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 26.
You will walk through the iconic Texas farmhouse and experience Leatherface’s kills from the 1974 slasher film. You will desperately try to escape as the violent roar of his chain saw surrounds you. You will hear the cries – and see what remains – of Leatherface’s other victims. And you will come face-to-face with Leatherface himself.
The film follows a group of friends on a roadtrip to visit a family homestead. When they seek assistance at a house nearby, they become the prey of a cannibalistic family.
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” is the first in a horrifying list of mazes to be revealed at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 26. Additional details about the event will be revealed soon.
Halloween Horror Nights 26 will run select nights from September 16 to October 31. Guests can book a special vacation package that combines the spine-tingling chills of Halloween Horror Nights, with the daytime thrills of Universal Orlando’s two theme parks, and a stay at Universal Orlando Resort’s newest on-site hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. For more information and additional ticket offers, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com/Orlando.
This week’s Wordless Wednesday takes us to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World for a spin on the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel with a very special horse.
Rock the Universe 2016 line-up brings the best of Christian Music to the Universal Orlando Resort
Skillet, Lecrae, TobyMac and more to deliver a night of faith and fun at Universal Studios Florida
Universal Orlando will host Rock the Universe, Florida’s biggest Christian music festival, returns September 9 and 10 with live performances by some of today’s most compelling artists in Christian music.
Rock the Universe offers fans a unique opportunity to see their favorite faith-based artists in the heart of Universal Studios Florida. This year’s line-up features Billboard Music Award-winning and GRAMMY-nominated rock band Skillet; two-time GRAMMY-award winner and Billboard Top 200 regular Lecrae; and Christian hip-hop legend TobyMac, who has sold more than ten million albums and has won seven GRAMMY awards since the start of his music career.
ROCK THE UNIVERSE 2016 LINE-UP
Friday, September 9
Saturday, September 10
Skillet
Lecrae
Jeremy Camp
TobyMac
Rend Collective
Family Force 5
KB
Andy Mineo
Matt Maher
Colton Dixon
Lauren Daigle
NF
Finding Favour
I Am They
DJ Promote
DJ Promote
** Names in bold indicate headlining acts.
Guests will be greeted with rock, hip-hop, and gospel sounds in an unforgettable atmosphere that only Rock the Universe can provide. The festival also features the Fan Zone with more live music, electronic dance music with DJ Promote, autograph sessions with performing acts and more. Guests will also have the opportunity to experience a Saturday night candle lighting ceremony and access to Universal Studios Florida’s thrilling attractions – like Revenge of the Mummy, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – and more.
About Universal Orlando Resort For 25 years, Universal Orlando Resort has been creating epic vacations for the entire family – incredible experiences that place guests in the heart of powerful stories and adventures. Guests can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, grab a Krusty burger in Springfield, join the ranks of the Minions and so much more.
Universal Orlando’s two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, are home to some of the world’s most exciting and innovative attractions. Its on-site resort hotels, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort are destinations unto themselves. Its entertainment complex, Universal CityWalk, offers dining and entertainment for every member of the family. And just minutes away is Wet ‘n Wild, a family water park.
Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled 18 new guest experiences in the past five years – powerful attractions, incredible dining opportunities and a dramatically themed hotel. And more is on the way. Coming in 2016 is Universal Orlando’s fifth on-site hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort; and Skull Island: Reign of Kong, a groundbreaking attraction in Islands of Adventure. And in 2017 will come Universal’s Volcano Bay, an entirely new water theme park experience.
Viva la Música Brings Latin Beats & Flavors to Life at SeaWorld Orlando
First two Saturdays will feature Latin sensations Jerry Rivera and Víctor Manuelle
Viva la Música is sizzling back into action at SeaWorld Orlando with new flavors and some of the hottest Hispanic artists in the industry. This fiery, festive celebration runs Saturdays April 16 and 23, and May 7 and 14 and is included with park admission.
On Saturday, April 16, salsa and Latin music sensation, Jerry Rivera will take the stage. Rivera has sold more than 11 million records and has topped the Billboard chart with gold and platinum songs.
Then on Saturday, April 23, Latin Grammy winner, Víctor Manuelle will dazzle guests as he performs hit songs like “No Quería Engañarte” from his multiplatinum albums.
Viva la Música activities begin at 12 p.m. each Saturday at the Bayside pathway, with concerts starting at 3 p.m. at Bayside Stadium.
Foodies and music lovers can enjoy this family-friendly annual festival with new authentic cuisine prepared by SeaWorld’s Executive Chef Hector Colon; live concerts by these internationally acclaimed Hispanic artists and bands; and unique merchandise from local artisans that reflect the true spirit of Latin culture.
FLAVORS TO TASTE
Chef’s signature creations – New this year at Mango Joe’s is the Hamburguesa Cubana, a hamburger made with a chorizo, ground beef and pork patty. Plus, guests who visit Seafire Grill, Cypress Bakery and Mango Joe’s will find an array of Latin infused limited-time dishes.
New, savory and authentic dishes this year include:
o Piononos – Sweet plantain stuffed with traditional seasoned ground beef
o Morcilla – Traditional Latin American blood sausage
o Sorullitos – Caribbean-style fried polenta sticks
o Frituras de camarones – Skewered shrimp fritters with fried plantains
o Lechón asado – Traditional roaster pork rubbed with Caribbean spices
Some of the guests’ returning favorites include piraguas (shaved ice with tropical flavors), bacalaítos (fried salted codfish pancakes), pinchos (skewered grilled meat with fried plantains) and tripletas, a hearty sandwich made with roast pork, chicken, steak and cheese topped with potato sticks and a special sauce.
Food Sampler Package – For $25, guests looking to try an assortment of new flavors can choose from five samples of select dishes and also receive 15 percent off all food and drink purchases on the event pathway.
Pastries, desserts, beers, margaritas, mojitos, cuba libres, wine and a special house-made sparkling red sangria are also available throughout the event pathway.
SOUNDS TO HEAR
Every Saturday during Viva la Música, upbeat concerts from internationally renowned stars of reggaeton, salsa, merengue and more will take the stage at SeaWorld Orlando’s Bayside Stadium for exciting live concerts.
Scheduled performances include:
Saturday, April 16: Jerry Rivera
Saturday, April 23: Víctor Manuelle
Saturday, May 7: To be announced
Saturday, May 14: To be announced
Floor Seating Package – Starting at just $15, guests can reserve concert floor seats right in front of the stage act.
*BONUS! – Guests looking to pair their savory cuisine with the perfect Latin beats can purchase the Food Sampler +Front Row Seating Package – Starting at $45, guests can reserve a front row seat (just inches away from the artists), plus enjoy all the benefits of the food sampler package.
SIGHTS TO SEE
Jardín – Returning this year is the Viva la Música garden, providing a more relaxing environment for the entire family, but still just steps away from the main fiesta. Seating and Domino tables are available for guests to relax and enjoy in this area as well.
Mercados – Sprinkled across the event pathway will be small shops stationed with original merchandise inspired by the Latin culture and created by local artisans and artists including handmade oil paintings, organic jewelry and much more.
Festive Latin Atmosphere – The Bayside pathway will come alive with bright colors, Caribbean décor, dance floors and DJs spinning live music hits.
The best way to experience Viva la Música and all of SeaWorld’s special events throughout the year is with a SeaWorld Orlando Annual Pass. From now until April 24, guests who purchase a SeaWorld annual pass will also receive access to Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark for free. With an annual pass, guests will also be able to return this summer for the opening of MAKO – Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest rollercoaster.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay on the beat with Viva la Música. Join the conversation with #SeaWorld and #VivaLaMusica.
Have you ever been sitting in front of your computer wondering how to start your Walt Disney World planning?
Today we will share some hints to help make the process easier and more efficient when you call the Disney Reservation Center (407) 934-7639.
Whether if it is your first trip to Walt Disney World, first time booking a vacation for yourself, or even if you’re a seasoned pro you’ll find some useful tips!
Walt Disney World Planning Tips:
7 Things to Know Before You Call
1. Travel Dates
Try to have an idea of when you are looking to travel. Pick specific dates, know they can be changed. It is also a good idea to have a backup set of dates or know if you are even flexible by a day or two.
2. Travel Party
Have a plan of who is traveling in your party. Know how many adults, how many children (including their ages), and make sure that you include infants in your count. These can all have an impact on where you can stay and your overall cost.
3. Travel Plans
How are you planning on getting to Walt Disney World? Are you flying, driving, or coming by train? Did you know you can book airfare or rental cars or limos through Disney for one stop shopping?
4. Plan Ahead
If you can, plan your vacation as early as you possibly can. This gives you a chance to save money for your trip and possibly on your trip. Did you know you can currently book stays up to 499 days in advance of your travel dates by calling Disney directly? This can be extremely helpful if you know where you want to stay, when you want to come, especially if you’re coming at a popular time of year.
5. My Disney Experience
Do you have a My Disney Experience account?
Setting up an account online is easy and will make the reservation process efficient.
You will need a minimal amount information to setup an account at mydisneyexperience.com, and the process should take less than five minutes.
6. Contact Information
Make sure you have the contact information for those for whom you’re trying to book as you are not able to book them all under your info.
The information you will need to provide is:
legal first and last names (middle names or initials as they appear on government issued ids like license, birth certificate, or passport if flying with dates of birth for TSA),
ages of any children under 18 at the time of check in,
complete mailing addresses (street address, city, state, zip, etc.),
the best contact phone number, and
an email address.
Keep in mind Disney cannot honor surprise reservations, so they will be sending out reservation information by either email or postal mail including pricing.
7. Saving Money
Calling the Disney Reservation Center at (407) 934-7639 directly could also lead to finding ways to save that you didn’t expect.
You may find an offer that you are eligible for that you have not received yet, occasional and random room upgrade offers, packages that can only be booked over the phone such as discounts for active duty or retired military, and packages with room and dining without tickets.
Cast Members can also provide helpful suggestions and easily compare package savings over the phone between multiple offers to see which one is the best savings for your party.
I hope that these tips help you in your Walt Disney World planning!
Discovery Cove Guests Swim with the Fishes…Help Save the Reefs
Guests who swim among tropical fish at Discovery Cove in Orlando now have a new connection to the world’s oceans: When they swim in the park’s Grand Reef, or participate in the SeaVenture® underwater dive experience, they are surrounded by — and supporting – a conservation research program that aims to protect the world’s most fragile ocean reefs.
Rising Tide Conservation is an innovative initiative – started by SeaWorld and now including universities, professional aquarists, aquaculture facilities and retail pet supply companies as partners — that promotes efforts to breed and raise marine tropical fish in aquaculture facilities rather than collecting them in the wild. Collection of marine tropical fish can cause damage to both the reef and the ecosystem it sustains.
Discovery Cove directly participates in the program by collecting and donating fish eggs that otherwise would not hatch and purchasing fish that have been raised through the program. The eggs that are collected are sent to partner laboratories in the program to be utilized in breeding research.
The Grand Reef at Discovery Cove, which all guests can swim and snorkel in, is now home to hundreds of fish that have been aquacultured through this initiative, and hundreds more that are involved in the research program by providing eggs.
Additionally, new this year, guests who participate in the SeaVenture program also will directly help support Rising Tide Conservation, as the park is donating five percent of every program purchased.
“Rising Tide Conservation is a forward-thinking, innovative program that will have long-term, positive impacts on whole reef-based ecosystems and we are proud of our company’s long-held support of it,” said Discovery Cove Vice President Stewart Clark. “Now guests, too, can see firsthand – and be a part of – the efforts of multiple groups working together to help save reefs.”
Two new announcements feed the frenzy for the coming of the hypercoaster
Two announcements about the highly anticipated Mako has thrill ride enthusiasts in a frenzy!
The new coaster, which will be Orlando’s tallest, fastest, and longest hypercoaster, will take riders on an adventure like no other as the attraction now has a grand opening date of June 10, 2016.
The countdown in on!!!!!
Feeding the frenzy is a new live presentation in the park for guests who want a sneak peek starting now. The new presentation gives guests a preview of the ride design, construction and experience, and also shares interesting educational facts about sharks in the wild that need our help.
The preview presentation, called Mako Rising, is now being shown at Nautilus Theater daily at 11:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Audience members enjoy complimentary snacks as they relax in the cool indoor theater and participate in the informative, interactive experience. All audience guests also will receive special in-park offers and the opportunity to win a prize during the presentation.
Opening June 10, 2016, Mako will be the tallest, fastest and longest coaster in Orlando.
Mako will be a hypercoaster, designed for speed and relentless “air time”
Orlando’s only hypercoaster lures guests to brave tight turns, stomach steep drops and endure shark-attack speeds.
Riders will soar up to 200 feet high and reach speeds up to 73 mph.
Mako will be the centerpiece of the new two-acre shark-themed realm which also includes Shark Encounter®, Sharks Underwater Grill®, gift shops, and shark- and shipwreck-themed educational experiences.
Follow the frenzy using the hashtag #NothingFaster. Visit SeaWorld.com/Mako for more information and updates on the new ride.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort Partners with Autism Speaks
Partnership includes Central Florida Fundraising Walks, raising awareness, and a focus on making the vacation destination more accessible for guests with Autism
Expanding its efforts to accommodate guests with special needs, LEGOLAND Florida Resort is partnering with Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, to make its iconic, kid-centric theme park a more welcoming place for guests with autism.
Working closely with Autism Speaks, the vacation resort #BuiltForKids currently is installing a large panel of hands-on, sensory-stimulating activities in a quiet space within its theme park, the first of several planned projects designed to make LEGOLAND Florida Resort a more autism-friendly destination for children and families.
“Autism Speaks applauds the efforts of LEGOLAND Florida Resort to provide special accommodations so that guests on the autism spectrum can maximize their park experience,” said Karen Bacharach, senior director with Autism Speaks’ Southeastern Regional Office in Maitland, Fla. “When asked, our Central Florida volunteers were eager to offer some design considerations to help the resort be autism friendly.”
According to Aymee Good, brand manager at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, a recent refurbishment of the theme park’s Annual Pass processing center provided an ideal opportunity to create a safe, calming space for children with special needs, a project that quickly bloomed into multiple ideas among several departments to make the resort a more welcoming place for kids of all ages and abilities.
Under the partnership, Autism Speaks staff members and volunteers will consult on the development and installation of “quiet rooms” and other resort facilities designed to meet the needs of guests with autism. The organization also will help LEGOLAND Florida Resort create online “social stories” that will provide illustrated walkthroughs of its attractions, shows and other guest amenities, and will consult on other autism-friendly initiatives such as a park map designed for guests with special needs and possible revisions to its existing Guide for Guests with Disabilities.
To better educate LEGOLAND Florida Resort employees (known as “Model Citizens”) about the unique needs of guests on the autism spectrum, Autism Speaks staff members and volunteers will conduct training sessions at the resort at least twice a year and will supply educational material to be distributed to all new hires.
“We’re proud to say that we’re built for kids,” said Rex Jackson, director of Marketing & Sales at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. “By partnering with Autism Speaks and making these smart changes that will benefit so many families, we’re helping to ensure that our resort is truly built for all kids.”
On Saturday, April 23, LEGOLAND Florida Resort will sponsor the Kids Zone area during the Autism Speaks Walk at Tropicana Field in Tampa, Fla., and on Saturday, Nov. 12, during the Autism Speaks Walk at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs, Fla. The family friendly walks are an inspirational and impactful opportunity to raise money and awareness to help change the future for all those who struggle with autism. For more information, visit walknowforautismspeaks.org.
To learn more about visiting LEGOLAND Florida Resort, including savings on advance purchase of admission tickets, multi-tier annual passes, special events, VIP experiences, educational programs, services for guests with disabilities and themed accommodations at LEGOLAND Hotel, visit LEGOLAND.com/florida.
Cirque du Soleil La Nouba and Experience Kissimmee team up to bring a one-of-a-kind Trapeze performance outside the tent via Facebook Live
La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil Trapeze team to attempt 2 rarely performed Trapeze tricks during a live show
I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek behind the scenes at Cirque du Soleil La Nouba at Disney Springs as Trapeze artists prepare for a performance of a lifetime!
During a live show on Thursday, March 31ST, Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba, in partnership with Experience Kissimmee, will stream LIVE via Facebook Live and Periscope as the energetic Trapeze troupe attempts two (2) rarely performed tricks that only a handful of Trapeze artists have accomplished. The “Double & ½ Layout to the Legs” is an extremely skillful maneuver that includes a 2 ½ backward layout with a twist, all performed within seconds before the artists is caught by his legs. The second trick will be a “Quadruple” layout, which is rumored to be completed less than 20 times in the 150 year history of Trapeze.
“We are delighted to partner with Experience Kissimmee as we bring this rare performance to life via Facebook Live,” said Neil Boyd, Company Manager for La Nouba. “This collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and Experience Kissimmee allows for a new, emerging way to engage fans during our attempt at feats that are not common to the show.”
To see the live broadcasts from behind the scenes and the trapeze act, visit Experience Kissimmee’s official Facebook page at Facebook.com/ExperienceKissimmee during the 6 p.m. EDT performance of La Nouba on Thursday, March 31. Experience Kissimmee will also broadcast via Periscope. Follow @Kissimmee on Twitter for updates. Fans can check the hashtag #CirqueLIVE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to find sneak peeks and broadcasts for the event.
It was a true delight to watch these talented performers practice, and I know that I will be tuning into #CirqueLive with fingers crossed and breath held!
This week’s Wordless Wednesday takes us to Universal’s Islands of Adventure where we find the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon where we join the Global Discover Group to venture into Poseidon’s Fury on the Lost Continent.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort Announces Five Big Projects to open by 2017
LEGOLAND Florida Resort announced their largest expansion in the history of the park as five big additions will be coming to the Resort by 2017.
With a new and exciting Resort opening, three attractions, and several upgrades to the LEGOLAND Florida Water Park there is a lot to look forward to at LEGOLAND!
LEGOLAND Beach Retreat – Opening mid 2017
Under construction now across the street from LEGOLAND Florida on Lake Dexter, the LEGOLAND BEACH RETREAT will have a completely different feel from the LEGOLAND Hotel while still providing the same level of extraordinary service and exclusive amenities.
The Resort is made up of 83 single-story duplex units, offering 166 separate accommodations that sleep up to five, that will create a village-style, lakefront retreat complete with a LEGO Lighthouse.
Amenities at the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat will include a themed pool, a sandy play area, a buffet-style restaurant, and complimentary transportation to and from the theme park when the Resort opens mid-2017.
LEGO NINJAGO World – opening early 2017
“LEGO NINJAGO: Masters of Spinjitzu,” is incredibly popular and the inspiration for the newest land coming to LEGOLAND Florida that invites guests to step into a magical, martial arts kingdom where they’ll experience a first-of-its-kind attraction that blends eye-popping, 3D computer animation, “4D” atmospheric effects and groundbreaking technology by Montreal-based Triotech.
The LEGO NINJAGO area will be located near Coastersaurus, and will have multiple hands-on, interactive experiences that will hone kids’ physical skills like NINJAGO heroes Kai, Jay, Cole, Zane, and Nya before their ultimate test on LEGO NINJAGO The Ride.
LEGO NINJAGO The Ride is the largest attraction in this area, and during the ride up to four guests per vehicle will create blasts of animated fireballs, lightning, shockwaves, and ice using nothing more than their hands as they travel through dojos mastering their skills before teaming up to defeat a powerful villain. Riders collect points and scores are displayed when each quest is complete.
The LEGO NINJAGO World is set to open in early 2017.
Creative Cove featuring Build-A-Boat and New LEGOLAND Water Park Amenities – Now Open
The LEGOLAND Water Park has just re-opened for the season with a new play & build area and upgraded amenities to make your next visit REALLY awesome!
The new Creative Cove Build-A-Boat is the newest attraction where kids can create and race LEGO watercraft through fast-flowing rivers alongside cheering crowds in a setting inspired by the popular LEGO City Coast Guard sets.
PHOTO / CHIP LITHERLAND
The Imagination Station has a new expansion that now lets younger model citizens build and play with colorful DUPLO bricks in a water-filled activity center.
PHOTO / CHIP LITHERLAND
Additional dining offerings, increased seating capacity and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the entire water park round out the all-new offerings for 2016.
“LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS 4D: The Book of Creativity – Opening May 26, 2016
Based on the new LEGO series of building sets and the just-launched TV show,“LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS 4D: The Book of Creativity” will join the rotation of current 4D movies shown in the Wells Fargo 4D Theater.
This all-new theatrical attraction is set in the futuristic Kingdom of Knighton and pits five young knights against the evil Jestro and his sidekick, the Book of Monsters, in a battle for control of a rare book of magic that gives its owner tremendous power.
“LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS 4D: The Book of Creativity” is a 12½-minute long, immersive experience combines 3D computer animation with “4D,” real-world effects that bring the high-tech action bursting off the screen and into the audience.
Elsewhere in the theme park, kids will discover six exclusive shields that unlock unique NEXO Powers within the LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS: Merlok 2.0 mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
LEGOLAND Night Lights – Summer 2016
On June 18, 2016, the LEGOLAND Florida Resort will debut its latest all-new event, which will be a celebration of summertime fun featuring extended park hours, meet-and-greet opportunities with some of your favorite LEGO characters, exclusive opportunities to build alongside LEGO Master Model Builders, and a brick-tacular NINJAGO fireworks display that will light the night above Lake Eloise with brilliant colors and triumphant music.
PHOTO / LEGOLAND Florida, Merlin Entertainments Group, Edward Linsmier
This event will be held exclusively at the LEGOLAND Florida Resort every Saturday and Sunday from June 18 to July 31, and is included with park admission.
PHOTO / Chip Litherland Photography for LEGOLAND Florida Resort
These five new projects mark the largest expansion of LEGOLAND Florida in its whirlwind 4 ½ years! It is amazing to see how far the park has come, and I am excited to see the new additions take it into the future..brick by brick.
For more information about visiting LEGOLAND Florida Resort, including savings on advance purchase of admission tickets, multi-tier annual passes, special events, VIP experiences, educational programs, services for guests with disabilities, and themed accommodations at LEGOLAND Hotel visit www.legoland.com/Florida.
If you and your family will be celebrating Easter at Walt Disney World, you will find many ways to make your day unforgettable!
Easter Day Religious Services
Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be hosting Easter Day Religious Services for guests, and while you do not need to be staying specifically at the Contemporary Resort to join in the services you will need to find your own way to the resort.
For the best transportation options, visit your Resort’s Concierge Desk and speak to a Cast Member.
Guests can be a part of an Easter Day Religious Ceremony at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
There will be three Services:
Catholic Mass: 8:00am & 10:30am
Protestant Service: 9:15am
Easter Day Meals
So many family memories around Easter are created around the dinner table, and even if you are away from home you can still have a wonderful holiday family meal at Walt Disney World.
Throughout the Walt Disney World Resort you will find that several dining locations are adding special touches to meals through out the day.
Boatwright’s Dining Hall – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside: Brunch Buffet
Boma – Flavors of Africa – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Breakfast Buffet
Cape May –Disney’s Beach Club Resort: Breakfast & Dinner Buffet
Captain’s Grille –Disney’s Yacht Club Resort: Brunch Buffet
Chef Mickey’s –Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Brunch Buffet
The Wave –Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Brunch Buffet
Epcot World ShowPlace – Epcot World Showcase: Brunch Buffet
Easter Activities at the Resorts
If you are looking for an Easter Egg Hunt or Candy Dash to help complete your Easter Celebrations, you find that Easter Day is full of activities at the Walt Disney World Resorts.
Guests at the following Disney’s on-site Resorts will find special Easter themed recreation activities on Easter Day, and some will also host special Easter Character Meet & Greet Opportunities, Easter Egg Hunts, and Candy Dashes.
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn & Villas Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
Disney’s Grand Floridian
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
For a full schedule of activities and if Characters will be visiting your Resort, check with the Concierge Desk. Also make sure you arrive 10-15 minutes early to ensure you will be able to participate.
Meeting the Easter Bunny and more at the Magic Kingdom
You can meet Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny daily from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm until March 27, 2016 in the Town Square Area. There will also be a PhotoPass photographers available so you can get a family photo.
Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade will take place at noon and 3:00 pm daily, and March 26 & 27, the Azalea Trail Maids will be in a pre-parade before the Festival of Fantasy parade. They will also be in Town Square for meet and greets on March 27.
Easter Egg Display
Every year the chefs at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort create stunning Disney themed Easter Eggs that are pieces of art created from chocolate and sugar that are displayed in the Resort’s lobby.
You definitely don’t want to miss these beautiful Easter Eggs!
Ostrich Egg Silent Auctions
This year both Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village will host Ostrich Egg Silent Auctions.
The eggs, uniquely designed by Resort Cast Members, are displayed in the Lobbies of each resort from 10:00am-5:00pm Wednesday, March 23 – Thursday, March 24, and guests have the opportunity to take part in a silent auction to win one of these fantastic eggs.
The winning bids are announced on Friday, March 25th, and all proceeds earned will be donated to the Disney Conservation Fund.
Epcot’s Egg-stravaganza
Returning to Epcot is the Egg-stravaganza! From March 2-27, guests search Epcot’s World Showcase for special hidden Easter Eggs themed to some of your favorite Disney Characters.
What can you egg-spect? From March 2 – March 27, search for special hidden ‘eggs’ themed to Disney characters at some of your favorite theme parks.
How it works:
Purchase a Map and Stickers for $5.95, plus tax and no discounts apply, at Heritage Manor, Pin Central, Port of Entry, and World Traveler.
Egg-splore Epcot’s WorldShowcase for ‘eggs’ that portray Disney characters!
Record your findings by placing the matching sticker on the specially themed Egg-stravaganza map to represent that location.
Show your completed map to the Cast Member in the redemption location inside Port of Entry, and play a game of ‘egg-scramble’ to pick up your surprise.
Tangled: The Musical, exclusive to the Magic in Disney Cruise Line’s Fleet, debuted last November and I had an opportunity to see the production, talk with the designers, and step into The Snuggly Duckling as the ship was in dock in Miami.
At an hour long, only 40 minutes shorter than the movie, Tangled: The Musical is a visually stunning production that brings the beloved animated world to life with just as much heart with three new songs created just for this show.
The show stays true to the storyline from the hit feature film—with a few special twists to create a live stage production—featuring favorite characters like Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, the villainous Mother Gothel and Maximus the guard horse.
The story follows the thrilling adventure of Rapunzel as she escapes the confines of her tower and the clutches of Mother Gothel, who wishes to shield the secret of Rapunzel’s magical golden tresses and royal roots. Rapunzel strikes up an unlikely friendship with the suave, crown-stealing bandit Flynn Rider, and together they face ruffians, thugs and a budding romance on a hair-raising journey filled with classic Disney playfulness and whimsy that will delight audiences of all ages.
The amazing composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater returned to pen the three new songs and to add musicality to the flow of Tangled: The Musical.
The three new songs are “Flower of Gold” which opens the show with a look at the birth and abduction of Rapunzel, “Wanted Man” gives us a closer look at who Flynn Rider is, and my favorite “When The Princess Returns” is set in the Kingdom of Corona and captures the spirit of just how much Rapunzel was loved and the optimism & hope surrounding her hopeful return.
In addition to new melodies you will also experience favorite songs from the movie, including “When Will My Life Begin,” “Mother Knows Best,” “I’ve Got a Dream”, and the Grammy Award-winning ballad “I See the Light” that will bring you to tears.
The production is full of beautiful costumes, puppetry that will have you wondering how they bring Maximus to life, and sets that transport you from the Walt Disney Theatre & immerse you in the world of Tangled.
Disney assembled an all-star creative team to develop this extravagant production, and having the chance to talk with them only made me appreciate Tangled: The Musical more.
Master puppet designer Michael Curry, whose extraordinary creations are featured in Disney’s Tony Award-winning musical “The Lion King” on Broadway, has created a new standard and level of puppetry in Maximus blending craftsmanship with the comedic abilities of the actor to create this sassy character who is the mane.
During our time on the Magic, we got to hear from the two of the show’s designers.
Tony Award-winning designer Paloma Young joined the team to create the beautiful and vibrant costumes. While the inspiration for the costumes came from a ‘natural place’ with flower iconography and natural textures, Paloma had a personal inspiration for Rapunzel that you might not expect.
I’ve been calling her the ‘Pinterest Princess’, in that she has so much energy and creativity. And she paints, she bakes, she braids her hair in all sorts of different ways, and is sort of this contemporary idea. You can just imagine Rapunzel’s Pinterest Board with things like ‘Today this is how I painted the lanterns’, so I was inspired by both Folk Craft and contemporary interpretation of Folk Craft.
Bradley Kay is the Senior Art Designer of Tangled: The Musical, and he spoke on the process of bringing Tangled to life on stage.
When I got the script I went back to the source material. To Bavaria, the forrest, the palace, the scope of the area, the lanterns, and really all the elements and how we could adapt that to bring the show to the stage so we aren’t lifting and repeating the film and make it much more theatrical.
With that we started looking at the carvings and the paint styles.
This is Rapunzel and this is Rapunzel’s view of her world, so we started off very rigid from the moment you enter the Tower. But when we get to her it gets soft and fluid reflecting her murals and paintings. Then once we go out of the Tower with her, I tried to go through her eyes where everything is even more soft and fluid with no straight lines in the entire set.
The Tangled fun doesn’t stop there at O’Gills Pub has been taken over by Thugs for the night, and you can sling a mug at The Snuggly Duckling.
I was bowled over by tith clever details from the movie and touches inspired by the regulars of The Snuggly Duckling! I mean…who WOULDN’T want to play a game of THUGO!
In the main dining rooms of the Magic, you will also find two desserts from The Snuggly Duckling.
I really enjoyed my time with Disney Cruise Line on the Disney Magic to see Tangled: The Musical, and I have my fingers crossed that I will get to experience a full sailing one day!
You can find more pictures from my time on the Disney Magic to experience the ship and Tangled: The Musical on our Facebook Page.
For more information about the sailings of the Disney Magic, check out the Disney Cruise line website.
This week’s Wordless Wednesday takes us to the most magical time of day in the Most Magical Place on Earth. The sunsets at the Magic Kingdom are amazing, and I just happened to look up at Cinderella Castle at just the right moment.
