This summer the theme parks of Central Florida are debuting new offerings, and we are breaking them all down for you!
Walt Disney World Resort
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Photo: Walt Disney World | David Roark, photographer
For over two years “Rivers of Light” has filled the Discovery River Amphitheater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom nightly with stunning imagery and mystical music, and this summer a new, enhanced version of the show called “Rivers of Light: We are One” brings a distinctively Disney twist to the nighttime pageant.
The new chapter introduces new imagery featuring familiar animal characters from Disneynature films and classic moments from Disney animation with familiar Disney themes mixed into the original score.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Photo: Walt Disney World | David Roark, photographer
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is celebrating its 30th Anniversary, and while Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open later in the summer a new nighttime projection show has already debuted at the park.
The “Wonderful World of Animation” transforms the facade of the Chinese Theatre nightly into a tribute to animation with sequences from beloved films like “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Incredibles,” “Coco”, and many more.
Epcot
Photo: Walt Disney World
At the end of the summer after nearly 20 years, “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” will be ending its nightly run on Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon.
The show which filled the park with with energetic music, fireworks, special effects, lasers, and so much more will make way for the debut of the “Epcot Forever” limited-time spectacle on October 1, 2019.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
Photo: Walt Disney World
H2O Glow Nights are back at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon on select nights until August 24th, bringing an electric celebration inspired by the Toy Story Toon, “Partysaurus Rex” to the water park for a second summer.
This after-hours special ticketed event boasts shorter wait times for popular water attractions, special entertainment, character meet-and-greets, exclusive food and beverage offerings, and so much more!
SeaWorld Orlando
Photo: SeaWorld Orlando
At SeaWorld Orlando, when the sun goes down the night comes to life as Electric Ocean brings an exotic world of light and music filled with glowing sea creatures, DJ entertainment, special shows, and a spectacular display of fireworks to the park on select nights until September 1, 2019.
The Electric Ocean celebrations are included with your admission to SeaWorld Orlando.
Universal Orlando Resort
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort
This summer an epic new addition is coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure will be the first-of-its-kind ‘Story Coaster’ that will take guests into the Forbidden Forest, far beyond the grounds of Hogwarts castle, on an adventure past towering trees, magical creatures, and impossible obstacles bringing riders close to some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures.
LEGOLAND Florida
Photo: LOCK + LAND, Chip Litherland
The LEGOLAND Florida Resort is celebrating the summer with six weekends of Awe-Summer Events that are bigger and better than ever before!
Joining fan favorite events Red, White & Boom and Fire Safety weekend, THE LEGOMOVIE DAYS will offer guests a special theater-to-theme park experience filled with THE LEGO MOVIE characters, special activities, and more!
All of these Awe-Summer Events are included with theme park admission and select annual passes.
BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY
Photo: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay heat up when the sun goes down, including extended hours every night through August 11 and fireworks each Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Music, entertainment, special event food, and more to create a vibrant nightlife atmosphere surrounding Florida’s best thrill rides. In addition to fan-favorite coasters, thrill seekers can now take on Tigris, Florida’s tallest launch coaster, in an exciting new way after dark. The triple-launch coaster takes thrills to new heights as riders face a 150’ upward surge, dramatic heartline roll and top speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour through the night sky.
Earlier today Thomas Smith shared a post on the Disney Parks Blog about a new series of new limited-release designer Mouse Ears that are coming to Disney Parks and shopDisney.com starting on May 24th!
These ears are going to be a MUST OWN for any Disney Fashionista!!!
I’d love to know which Mouse Ears are your favorite!!!
Limited-Release Designer Mouse Ears Coming to Disney Parks & shopDisney
Have you heard about the all-new Disney Parks Designer Collection? Starting May 24, guests at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort can get their hands on a series of limited-release Mickey Mouse ear hats and Minnie Mouse ear headbands that, for the first time ever, are designed by notable celebrities, designers and artists!
The collection will introduce signature elements of each collaborator to the iconic silhouettes of Mickey and Minnie for a never-before-seen look. For those of you not at the resorts, you’re in luck! They will also be available online at shopDisney.com.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Each month, new designs will be released such as a bridal-inspired design using hand sewn crystal and pearl embroidery by Vera Wang, a decadent crystal-encrusted ear hat from The Blonds, a classic pink-puffed ear headband by Betsey Johnson, a mommy-and-daughter set by Cupcakes and Cashmere and a genuine crafted leather, floral-inspired ear headband by COACH, as seen above.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Legendary supermodel, television host and entrepreneur Heidi Klum also designed a dazzling pair of ears coming this fall, as seen above. And in early 2020, another stunning ear headband will hit the shelves from American supermodel and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
The creative collaborations don’t stop there! Other designers in the collection include HARVEYS (as seen above), ALEX AND ANI, Loungefly and a design from a galaxy far, far away by Star Warsactress Ashley Eckstein for Her Universe.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Artists from around the world will also expand upon the stories of some of the most beloved characters and attractions in a whole new way. Some designs from artists as featured in the WonderGround Art Galleries include: NOAH, SHAG, Jerrod Maruyama, Dave Perillo and John Coulter.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Many of the designs in the collection take inspiration from beloved Disney characters and Disney Parks attractions, including an Enchanted Tiki Room-inspired design pictured above and forthcoming designs by Disney Imagineers such as Kim Irvine, Kevin Rafferty and Joe Rohde.
For those of you looking to get your Mouse Ears on, check out the jam-packed release schedule, with even more designs to be announced in the coming months:
HARVEYS – May 24th
Betsey Johnson – Summer 2019
ALEX AND ANI – Summer 2019
Noah Fine Art – Summer 2019
Kim Irvine – Summer 2019
Her Universe – Summer 2019
SHAG – Summer 2019
Jerrod Maruyama – Fall 2019
Heidi Klum – Fall 2019
The Blonds – Fall 2019
Loungefly – Fall 2019
COACH – Fall 2019
Joe Rhode – April 2020
Vera Wang – Spring 2020
Cupcakes and Cashmere – Spring 2020
Kevin Rafferty – Spring 2020
Karlie Kloss – Spring 2020
John Coulter – Summer 2020
Get ready to show your #DisneyStyle when these new designs from the collection hit The Disney Dress Shop, Disneyana and Off the Page at Disneyland Resort in California, Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories, MouseGear, Uptown Jewelers, Once Upon a Time and Discovery Trading Companyat Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and online at shopDisney.com/Disney-Parks-Designer-Collection.
All-new restaurant to put modern twist on open-fire cooking, adding bold flavors to American classic dishes
ORLANDO, Fla.
This summer, Universal Orlando Resort will debut its next original concept dining experience – Bigfire – an all-new, full-service restaurant that will bring a specially created menu and a highly-themed environment directly to guests at Universal CityWalk – and take open fire cooking to a whole new level.
Bigfire will feature unique theming designed to make guests feel as though they have stepped into a grand lakeside lodge, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of summers spent by the water.
Rendering Universal Orlando Resort
The two-story venue will feature warm modern surroundings, from a cozy fireplace to cast iron and wood design elements mixed with nostalgic camp lanterns and oversized plaid blankets.
As guests step onto the outside patio, they will be greeted with twinkling lights, comfortable seating and lawn games for the entire family to enjoy. And guests will be able to enjoy one of the most popular fireside treats– s’mores – which they will be able to prepare themselves right at their table.
At the heart of the venue will be a custom wood fire grill that will allow guests to see their meal being prepared from anywhere in the restaurant. And for the first time at Universal Orlando, each dish will be expertly paired with the perfect type of wood to bring out the smoky goodness in each bite.
Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast
From Cherrywood to Pecanwood and more, the pairings will add bold flavors to the American classic dishes and unique entrees, including a signature bison burger, coffee, chili and cocoa rubbed top sirloin, delectable freshwater trout, mouth-watering smoked salads and more.
Bigfire Signature Bison Burger
Bigfire will be another example of what happens when the Universal Creative team that designs world-class theme park attractions partners with Universal’s award-winning culinary team to create incredible dining experiences for guests.
When it opens, Bigfire will become the next highly-themed, original concept restaurant at CityWalk, and join other popular experiences such as The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, VIVO Italian Kitchen and more.
The restaurant will be located between VIVO Italian Kitchen and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville on the edge of the lagoon – offering incredible views of Universal CityWalk.
I grew up with a father who was a HUGE Jethro Tull fan, and this November the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will host Jethro Tull by Ian Anderson in the art center’s Walt Disney Theater on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at 8 pm.
The anticipated concert will feature a solid collection of the best-known Tull repertoire from 1968 to date. Fans will recognize key songs from various albums – songs which put Jethro Tull and Ian Anderson on the map in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Many of the songs will be accompanied by big screen HD video elements to enhance the concert experience. Favorites include, “Dharma for One” in 1968, “Bourée,” “Nothing is Easy,” “A New Day Yesterday,” “Living in the Past,” “Aqualung,” “Locomotive Breath,” “My God,” all through “Thick as a Brick” and material from albums of the following three decades. A few recent works round out the concert selection which will vary each performance.
Anderson is accompanied by Tull members David Goodier (bass), John O’Hara (keyboards), Florian Ophale (guitar), and Scott Hammond (drums).
Jethro Tull by Ian Anderson will play in Australia and New Zealand in April of this year, with further dates throughout Europe, South America and the United States, including the Orlando date, later this year.
Tickets are on sale now starting at $35.00 and may be purchased online at drphillipscenter.org, by calling 844.513.2014 , or by visiting the Dr. Phillips Center Box Office at 445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday. Online and phone ticket purchases are subject to handling fees.
A new album from Anderson and England’s The Carducci String Quartet entitled “Jethro Tull – The String Quartets” will be available in March 24, 2017 via The End Records/BMG. The album is available for pre-order on Pledge Music at http://www.pledgemusic.com/.
The spring issue of Disney Twenty-Three Magazine looks amazing! Inside you’ll find behind-the-scenes looks at upcoming movies, attractions, television shows, and as always a look back on Disney history!
Transforming one of the most beloved animated films of all time into a live-action feature, complete with elaborate sets, extravagant costumes, vibrant musical numbers, and dazzling special effects, is no easy task. But that’s exactly what director Bill Condon has done with Beauty and the Beast, which arrives in theaters March 17.
“When a musical works and you feel that kind of thrill of taking off, I think it’s like nothing else,” says Condon who, along with stars Emma Watson (Belle) and Josh Gad (LeFou), reveals to Disney twenty-three the unique challenges they faced and the heartfelt moments they experienced when creating this sumptuous new film.
The spring issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also features a look behind the scenes with Chris Pratt and Kurt Russell at the making of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, as well as an interview with Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde, who describes in detail the thrills and excitement that await guests on Guardians of the Galaxy—Mission: BREAKOUT!—coming to Disney California Adventure later this year.
Plus, actors Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi talk exclusively with Disney twenty-three about Tangled: The Series, and the hair-raising good time they’ve had stepping back into the roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider (now known as Eugene).Disney twenty-three looks at five incredible decades of Pirates of the Caribbean, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer offers readers a sneak peek at May’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. And the Mouseketeers from The New Mickey Mouse Club come together 40 years later to look back on their fun and funkadelic ’70s-era show.
Also included in the spring issue of Disney twenty-three:
A celebration of the Main Street Electrical Parade’s 45th anniversary, as it returns to its original home at Disneyland Park
The wonder and beauty of Disneynature’s newest film, Born in China
A peek at what’s to come during the 25th anniversary of Disneyland Paris
Eleven cool experiences you may not have known about at Walt Disney World Resort
A look inside the newly renovated Walt Disney Animation Studios headquarters
Regular features including A Walk with Walt, D Society, and Ask Dave
And readers will get a look at the 2017 D23 Gold Member Gift, “Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men.” The gift, sent to D23 Gold Members who join or renew for 2017, includes 23 meticulously reproduced items—including beautiful artwork—that represent the work and legacy of the nine animators who created some of Disney’s most enduring characters. More on the gift is available at D23.com/NineOldMen.
Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in mid-February.
About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.
Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($74.99), Gold Family Membership ($99.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.Follow us for more updates:
The 2017 Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Slate has me giddy to say the least with familiar and favorite stories being re-told and continued, a chance to journey into nature, and to go on a colorful adventure.
I can’t wait any longer…let’s go!
New in 2017: Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Slate
March 17, 2017 –Beauty and the Beast (Walt Disney Studios)
Every time I see the Beauty and the Beast trailer I have to catch my breath a little, because Belle is one of my top Disney Princesses and I cannot wait to watch Emma Watson as Belle live out the dream of dancing with Beast in the ballroom or to see/hate Luke Evans as Gaston.
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action re-telling of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs.
Walt Disney Studios
“Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within.
httpv://youtu.be/OvW_L8sTu5E
Seriously…is it May yet???
April 21, 2017 – Born In China (Disneynature)
Watching Born in China will be the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day this year! With stunning footage of never-before-seen imagery of China’s vast terrain, the movie’s adventure takes us through and above the frigid mountains to the heart of the bamboo forest while telling a compelling story.
Disneynature’s new True Life Adventure film “Born In China” takes an epic journey into the wilds of China where few people have ever ventured.
Walt Disney Studios
Following the stories of three animal families, the film transports audiences to some of the most extreme environments on Earth to witness some of the most intimate moments ever captured in a nature film. A doting panda bear mother guides her growing baby as she begins to explore and seek independence. A two-year-old golden monkey who feels displaced by his new baby sister joins up with a group of free-spirited outcasts. And a mother snow leopard—an elusive animal rarely caught on camera—faces the very real drama of raising her two cubs in one of the harshest and most unforgiving environments on the planet.
httpv://youtu.be/Yv3eTYz3_zo
It’s been awesome to be able to share the next generation of ‘True Life Adventure’ films that I loved so much with my daughter, and Born in China looks to be an fantastic addition to the Disneynature films.
May 5, 2017 – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (Marvel Studios)
The first Marvel Studios release in the 2017 Motion Picture Slate is going to set the bar pretty high for the summer, because I don’t know too many people who aren’t hyped for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2!
httpv://youtu.be/dW1BIid8Osg
Set to the all-new sonic backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos.
Walt Disney Studios
The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand.
I. Cannot. Wait. From the moment I saw the first teaser photo, I flipped! Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 seems to be a continuation of the adventures with a perfect combination of action, witty dialogue, & amazing music…and this time we get more Baby Groot!
May 26, 2017 – PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES (Walt Disney Studios)
Fans of the Disney Parks can’t help but get excited to hear more familiar words that echo in the caverns of the attraction on the big screen! Dead Men Tell No Tales is a continuation of a story and ride that I have enjoyed most of my life!
httpv://youtu.be/1xo3af_6_Jk
Johnny Depp returns to the big screen as the iconic, swashbuckling anti-hero Jack Sparrow in the all-new “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.”
Walt Disney Studios
The rip-roaring adventure finds down-on-his-luck Captain Jack feeling the winds of ill-fortune blowing strongly his way when deadly ghost sailors, led by the terrifying Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), escape from the Devil’s Triangle bent on killing every pirate at sea—notably Jack. Jack’s only hope of survival lies in the legendary Trident of Poseidon, but to find it he must forge an uneasy alliance with Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), a brilliant and beautiful astronomer, and Henry (Brenton Thwaites), a headstrong young sailor in the Royal Navy. At the helm of the Dying Gull, his pitifully small and shabby ship, Captain Jack seeks not only to reverse his recent spate of ill fortune, but to save his very life from the most formidable and malicious foe he has ever faced.
What could be wrong about having more Captain Jack Sparrow in 2017???
June 16, 2017 – CARS 3 (Disney / Pixar)
The intensity of the Cars 3 teaser trailer made me realize how emotionally invested I was in Lightning McQueen…A sentence I never thought I would type.
httpv://youtu.be/E4K7JgPJ8-s
Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves.
Walt Disney Studios
To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage!
When Zoe was younger we watched Cars on repeat and then when Cars 2 was released I watched as she enjoyed racing with her friends again, and now I can’t wait to experience Cars 3 with my favorite passenger!
November 3, 2017 – Thor: Ragnarok (Marvel Studios)
While Tony Stark is my main man, I can’t help but wait to see one of my other favorite Avengers back on the big screen.
In Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Ragnarok,” Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok—the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization—at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela. But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger—the Incredible Hulk!
Thor? Gladiatorial contest? The Incredible Hulk? Evil villain? I’m all in!
November 22, 2017 – COCO (Disney / Pixar)
At the 2015 D23 Expo in Anaheim, I was lucky (lucky = waited in the basement of the convention center for hours with great friends, even better conversation, and mediocre snacks) to snag a seat at the Walt Disney Studios presentation to hear about Coco.
Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt).
Walt Disney Studios
Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.
I have always been intrigued by the Día de los Muertos celebrations, so you can only imagine what my excitement level is on a scale from 1 to 10…it’s an 11!
December 15, 2017 – STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII (Lucasfilm)
2017 is going to end in a galaxy far, far away when Star Wars: Episode VIII hits the screen.
Now while we don’t know much about what adventures we will go on, we do know that this journey will push the boundaries of the saga even further.
Is there really a better way to end an amazing year of films?
If you aren’t pumped for the 2017 Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Slate, then I don’t know if we can be friends! This is the stuff that movie dreams are made of, and I can’t wait to share more information and even some fun activities about them this year.
Make sure you follow @onthegoinmco on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to keep up with the latest news and trailers from the amazing Walt Disney Studios 2017 Motion Picture Slate!Follow us for more updates:
The Good Dinosaur opens in Theaters on November 25th, and I am really excited to share a first peek of the Pixar Animation Studios short film that will open in front of it called Sanjay’s Super Team!
In Sanjay’s Super Team, the new short film from Pixar Animation Studios, accomplished artist Sanjay Patel uses his own experience to tell the story of a young, first-generation Indian-American boy whose love for western pop culture comes into conflict with his father’s traditions.
Sanjay is absorbed in the world of cartoons and comics, while his father tries to draw him into the traditions of his Hindu practice.
Tedium and reluctance quickly turn into an awe-inspiring adventure as the boy embarks on a journey he never imagined, returning with a new perspective that they can both embrace.
Sanjay’s Super Team opens in theaters everywhere on November 25th, in front of Disney•Pixar’s THE GOOD DINOSAUR.
2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival: Rockin’ Burger Block Party Definitely Rocks
TheRockin’ Burger Block Partyis a brand new special event during the 2015 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival that is the place to be if you a designer burger lover!
On select nights the Rockin’ Burger Block Party, held in Epcot’s World Showplace from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, is an evening of all you care to enjoy event where you can find burgers paired with craft beers, wines, cocktails, and more hosted by Celebrity Chefs.
During the party you mix and mingle among adozen stations offering sliders, delicious sides, and beverages. Here’s a look at a few of the burgers you will find!
Chef Melissa’s Thail Shellfish Burger: Shrimp and Scallop Burger topped with Spicy Thai Slaw and Cilantro-Lime Mayo served on a Sesame Bun. Served with a side of smoked sea-salted fried edamame.
Chef Carlos’ Smooth Burger: Ground Turkey and Grape Jelly Burger with Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, and Smooth Peanut Butter on Toasted Bun. Served with plantain chips.
Chef Dale’s Asian Cheese Burger: CVAP Chicken Duck Burger topped with Butterkase Cheese, Bulqogi Braised Pork Belly and Sweet Thai Chili Sauce on a Sesame Bun. Served with a side of Kim Chi Slaw.
It’s important to try as many sliders as you can, because at the end of the night it is up to you to decide who had the most Rockin’ Burger at the Block Party!
What would a party be without music? Never fear, because DJ Elliot is there mixing an awesome mash-up of great songs guaranteed to have you singing and dancing along.
And once you’ve danced off your sliders, make sure you head to the dessert station! The cinnamon roll fireball bread pudding with cream cheese glaze, snickerdoodle-crusted apple custard crisp, and Valrhona chocolate ganache brownies are all solid and extremely tasty desserts.
There are two more Rockin’ Burger Block Parties during the 2015 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. On October 8, with hosts of ABC’s ‘The Chew’ and November 6 with Buddy Valastro.
There are three admission options for the Rockin’ Burger Block party, so there is a way for everyone to rock!
Rockin’ Burger Block Party General Admission: $99 per person, plus tax
Limited seating is available to sip and dine your way through the night!
Reserved Seating Reserved Seating: $119 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.
Reserved table on the main Floor
Early admission to the Rockin’ Burger Block Party (6:45 pm)
Specialty Cocktail before the doors open
Nosh Pit Seating: $199 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Epcot admission required.
Private reserved table
Early admission to the Rockin’ Burger Block Party (6:45 pm)
Specialty Cocktail before the doors open
Premium Bar
Exclusive Dessert
For more information about the Rockin’ Burger Block Party, call (407) 939-3378.
Guests 21 and under or for those looking for non-alcoholic beverages, there were many options.
Also keep in mind that you will need separate admission into Epcot and, as with any other kind of entertainment, events are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
We had an awesome time at the Rockin’ Burger Block Party, and if you are considering attending one premium event I would absolutely recommend this experience!
Nintendo partners with Universal Parks & Resorts to create world’s first-ever theme park attractions based on Nintendo’s beloved games and characters
Nintendo and Universal Parks & Resorts today announced plans to bring the world of Nintendo to life at Universal theme parks – creating spectacular, dedicated experiences based on Nintendo’s wildly popular games, characters and worlds.
The agreement brings two icons of entertainment together and represents a significant partnership for Nintendo as it expands the reach and popularity of its characters and intellectual property.
Universal theme parks offer incredibly popular, innovative themed family entertainment experiences based on compelling stories and characters – using powerful storytelling and innovative technology. Nintendo has created remarkable and imaginative worlds filled with captivating stories and beloved characters. Now, for the first time, those stories and characters will be brought to life in entirely new ways – only at Universal theme parks.
The immersive experiences will include major attractions at Universal’s theme parks and will feature Nintendo’s most famous characters and games. More details will be announced in the future, as the Nintendo and Universal creative teams work to create specific concepts.
About Universal Parks & Resorts
Universal Parks & Resorts, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal, offers guests around the globe today’s most relevant and popular entertainment experiences. With three-time Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg as creative consultant, its theme parks are known for immersive experiences that feature some of the world’s most thrilling and technologically advanced film- and television-based attractions. Comcast NBCUniversal is a global media and technology company that owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news, sports and entertainment networks; Universal Pictures, a premier motion picture company; significant television production operations; a leading television stations group; and world-renowned theme parks.
Comcast NBCUniversal wholly owns Universal Studios Hollywood, which includes Universal CityWalk Hollywood. It also owns Universal Orlando Resort, a world-class destination resort featuring two theme parks (Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure), four resort hotels, and Universal CityWalk Orlando. Comcast NBCUniversal also has license agreements with Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, Japan and Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore. In addition, Comcast NBCUniversal has recently announced plans for a theme park in Beijing and an indoor theme park to be developed as part of the Galactica Park project in Moscow.
About Nintendo
The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii U™ and Wii™ home consoles, and Nintendo 3DS™ and Nintendo DS™ families of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 4.3 billion video games and more than 680 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii U, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™, Nintendo GameCube™ and Wii systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and Pokémon™.
A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.com/.Follow us for more updates:
Guests Can Enjoy Best Public Viewing of SpaceX Rocket Launch
on April 13 at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Exclusive Viewing Options Offer a ‘Front Row Seat’ for the Launch
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guests can experience the stunning sights and powerful sounds of the April 10 launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, scheduled for 4:33 p.m., with two exclusive launch viewing locations from which to choose.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will send the Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS). This is the sixth of 14 resupply missions by SpaceXfor NASA, delivering food and supplies, including new science experiments and technology research, to the crew aboard the ISS.
The Visitor Complex will offer launch viewing from the Apollo/Saturn V Center, located within the secured areas of Kennedy Space Center, as well as bleacher seating or an open lawn viewing area near Space Shuttle AtlantisSM located in the main Visitor Complex.
Each of the locations offers thrilling viewing experiences:
The Apollo/Saturn V Center is located within Kennedy Space Center and is approximately eight miles from Space Launch Complex 37. The viewing area features an open lawn and bleacher section overlooking the scenic Banana River. The area includes live launch commentary, food and retail available for purchase, and indoor restroom facilities. Launch Transportation Tickets to Apollo/Saturn V Center are available for $20 in addition to admission and may be purchased online at KennedySpaceCenter.com or by calling 866-870-6239. Buses from the Visitor Complex will begin taking guests with Launch Transportation Tickets to the Apollo/Saturn V Center at 2:45 p.m.
Located at the main Visitor Complex, viewing adjacent to Space Shuttle Atlantis is included in daily admission. The viewing area is approximately seven miles from the launch pad and offers guests a view of the rocket once it clears the tree line. Bleacher seating, an open lawn viewing area and live launch commentary are provided.
Admission to the Visitor Complex is $50 plus tax for adults and $40 plus tax for children 3-11. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex admission tickets may be purchased at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com or by calling 877-313-2610.
Visitor Complex hours on April 13 are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Launch date, time and viewing locations are subject to change.
About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, the new Space ShuttleAtlantisSM, Shuttle Launch Experience®, IMAX® Hubble 3D and Journey to Space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space®: Explorers Wanted, Rocket Garden and many other interactive exhibits. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, which opens daily at noon and closing times vary by season. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season. Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
In honor of National Puppy Day this week I wanted to share that Disney’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie’s Pet Salon will be releasing on DVD May 19th!
Minnie’s sparkling new Pet Salon is open for business…and adventure!
All your Clubhouse pals are bringing their animal friends to get spruced up for Pluto’s All-Star Pet Show.With so many pets to bathe, groom and train, Minnie needs help.Luckily, Mickey and the gang are there to lend a hand.But when three adorable little kittens go missing, it will take the right Mouseketools – and help from YOU– to find them in time for the big show.With over two hours of song-filled pet-themed fun, including 4 additional episodes, Minnie’s Pet Salon is the “purr-fect” gift.
You can bring the fun of Minnie’s Pet Salon home and get your pet all spruced up for Pluto’s All-Star Pet Show with a FREE Exclusive Pet Comb that’s included with the DVD!Follow us for more updates:
Wet ‘n Wild Announces 2015 Waves of Glory Lineup with Two Headlining Acts, Plumb and Tim Timmons.
Enjoy a full day of uplifting and inspiring Christian Music with Live performances during the Battle of the Bands Competition.
Modern Christian Rock artist Plumb and Contemporary Christian artist Tim Timmons will perform live in concert at Wet ‘n Wild Orlando’s Annual Waves of Glory on Saturday, May 2, 2015 in partnership with Z88.3.
This year’s event features eight artists competing during a Battle of the Bands competition followed by a show-stopping performance by Tim Timmons who will perform tracks from his studio album “Cast my Cares.” Closing out the night DOVE nominated artist Plumb who has sold more than 500,000 albums and over two million singles worldwide will perform tracks like “Need You Now” and “Drifting” along with other fan favorites.
“I am so excited to be a part of Waves of Glory, especially as this event is just a few days before my new album “Exhale” releases. This will be a perfect way to kick off the new album. I’m excited to share new music – and sunscreen – with everyone in Orlando,” said Plumb.
During the Waves of Glory’s signature Battle of the Bands competition, emerging artists in Christian rock, worship and rap help celebrate a day of fun, faith and fellowship as part of a high-powered, musical face-off. Musicians will be competing to win two thousand dollars in cash prizes for production and charitable donations as well as the chance to perform this September at Universal Studios’ Rock the Universe, Florida’s largest Christian music festival.
Waves of Glory is free with park admission. The Battle of the Bands competition begins at 11:00AM, with headlining concerts starting at 3:30PM at the Beach Club Stage.
Wet ‘n Wild, Orlando’s premier waterpark, sets the standard for thrills and over-the-top excitement – offering world-class attractions to thrill-seekers of all ages. Families can share a wide variety of waterpark adventure, with more than fifteen themed rides and attractions and more multi-person rides than any other waterpark in Central Florida. Experience a deep space adventure that’s light years from ordinary on The Black HoleTM: The Next Generation. Encounter a splashing dose of group therapy on the Brain WashTM or boogie down on the retro raft adventure Disco H2OTM. Experience Wet ‘n Wild’s newest attraction Aqua Drag RacerTM the tallest and fastest ride of its kind in Florida. At Wet ‘n Wild you’ll find high-speed, seriously twisted, multi-person adventures that let you feel the fun and share the rush.Follow us for more updates:
LEGOLAND FLORIDA RESORT is offering guests a chance to book their spot in history for the opening of the LEGOLAND Hotel!
Reservations now being accepted for the new LEGOLAND® Hotel, opening Summer 2015
It’s less than one year before LEGOLAND Florida Resort opens the doors to its new LEGOLAND Hotel, and the window is now officially open for guests to book their rooms!
Opening Summer 2015, the five story LEGO themed hotel will feature 152 brightly colored and highly themed rooms and suites, thousands of LEGO models and interactive play areas!
The addition of the Hotel gives guests the opportunity to extend their stay and explore LEGOLAND Florida Resort for more than one day giving them the ultimate family experience.
Construction is going strong since the November groundbreaking and LEGOLAND Hotel recently reached its “topping off” milestone as the concrete was poured onto the roof.
Emmet, from “The LEGO Movie,” dusted off his construction hat to help with the placing of the Merlin flag. Merlin Entertainments, the parent company of LEGOLAND Parks, is the number one attraction operator in Europe and the second largest in the world with more than 100 attractions in 22 countries and across four continents.
httpv://youtu.be/iZjHHH9ib8E
Located at the main entrance of LEGOLAND Florida, the Hotel includes a pool, restaurants including a kid-size buffet, interactive play areas and is truly designed to inspire imaginations and create memories for all visitors. Hotel guests will have early access to the Park and be treated to nightly entertainment.
Families can choose from one of three popular LEGO toy lines as their room theme: Pirate, Kingdom or Adventure.
LEGOLAND Hotel Pirate Premium Themed Room
LEGOLAND Hotel Kingdom Premium Themed Room
LEGOLAND Hotel Adventure Premium Themed Room
All rooms include two separate sleeping areas, with a queen-size bed for grown-ups, and a separate sleeping area for up to three little ones, complete with a bunk bed, pull-out trundle bed and their very own TV! An exciting new room theme will be announced at a later date. Room rates start as low as $249, varying by season. For the most updated information, visit Florida.LEGOLAND.com.
About LEGOLAND® Florida Resort:
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is a 150-acre interactive theme park with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, a Water Park and The LEGO® World of Chima presented by Cartoon Network all geared to families with children ages 2 to 12. Recently announced, The LEGOLAND Hotel will open in 2015 featuring 152 highly themed rooms and suites, LEGO décor, interactive play areas, a pool and a restaurant. There are currently five other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Germany and LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London and LEGOLAND Malaysia —the sixth LEGOLAND Park and first in Asia. The LEGOLAND theme parks are a part of Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest attractions operator in the world. For the most current information, log on to www.LEGOLAND.com.
About Merlin Entertainments:
MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS plc is the leading name in location-based, family entertainment. Europe’s number one and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates 104 attractions, 10 hotels/3 holiday villages in 22 countries and across 4 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its almost 60 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and more than 20,000 employees.
Merlin has twenty three attractions and one hotel in North America – including two stunning LEGOLAND Resorts – LEGOLAND Florida with its theme park, water park, and LEGOLAND California theme park with water park, SEA LIFE Aquarium and themed hotel; Madame Tussauds celebrity wax attractions in New York City, Washington D.C., Las Vegas; Hollywood; and San Francisco; LEGOLAND Discovery Centers in Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Kansas City Missouri, Atlanta, Boston; Westchester and Toronto, Canada; a Dungeon in San Francisco; and SEA LIFE Aquariums in Phoenix, Arizona; Kansas City, Missouri; Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, the Mall of America in Minneapolis and Charlotte underlining the company’s position as the world’s biggest global aquarium operator. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.Follow us for more updates:
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the perfect place to visit with the start of the new school year just around the corner and many summer camps ending, as parents are looking for fun but educational experiences to round out summer vacation.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers an interactive learning experience that kids will love. From the earliest days of America’s storied space program, Kennedy Space Center has captured the world’s imagination as the epicenter of mankind’s greatest adventure. Today, at the Visitor Complex, kids can learn about the past, present and future of the space program and the role that STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects play.
Here are the top 5 fun learning activities/attractions at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex:
Guests experience the inspiring accomplishments of the U.S. space shuttle program at the unique $100 million, 90,000-square-foot Space Shuttle AtlantisSMattraction (see image below), where visitors get nose to nose with a real spaceflown orbiter. Space Shuttle Atlantis is displayed as if floating in space – the only space shuttle orbiter in the world exhibited this way. Guests also can train on various realistic simulators: take a simulated spacewalk, land the space shuttle on the shuttle landing facility, operate the robotic Canadarm or dock with the International Space Station. Shuttle Launch Experience, part of Space Shuttle Atlantis, is an incredible journey of vertically launching into space and orbiting Earth aboard the space shuttle. Guests also strap in for an all-too-real simulation, which immerses visitors in the sights, sounds and feelings of a space shuttle launch, including simulated weightlessness.
The new Great Balls of Fire interactive exhibit opened this month and allows guests to discover the risks that asteroids, comets and meteorites present to our planet. The exhibit explores how we keep track of near-Earth objects while examining the effects of possible impacts. Within the Great Balls of Fire exhibit is Asteroid Encounter, where guests can climb aboard a “spaceship” and blast off to the asteroid belt and Jupiter while compiling data about asteroids and comets. Guests also can explore what would happen if one of these celestial bodies were to hit their hometown, determine Science Fact or Science Fictionof Hollywood movie clips and much more.
KSC Up-Close Explore Tour gives an insider’s view of the U.S. Space Program, from the launch sites of today at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to the past and future of space exploration at Kennedy Space Center. The KSC Up-Close Explore Tour includes up-close views of the massive, 525-foot-high Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) (one of the largest structures in the world) and the Shuttle Landing Facility. The tour stops in between the Kennedy Space Center launch pads for a close-up photo opportunity, in front of the VAB, and on the NASA Causeway where guests are surrounded by a panoramic view of launch pads at Cape Canaveral that are currently accommodating rocket launches by NASA, SpaceX and the United Launch Alliance.
The Apollo/Saturn V Center features dramatic multimedia shows and numerous hands-on displays that provide visitors with an inspirational and exhilarating look into America’s bold quest for the moon. Guests relive the historic launch of Apollo 8 at the Firing Room Theater, then marvel at a monstrous 363-foot long Saturn V moon rocket, the most powerful rocket ever built and one of only three Saturn V rockets in existence. The Apollo Treasures Gallery showcases treasures from the Apollo moon missions, including Apollo 14 Commander Alan Shepard’s spacesuit and the Apollo 14 Command Module, Kitty Hawk. July 16 marked the 45th anniversary of the lift off of Apollo 11, which landed the first humans on the moon.
Also new at the Visitor Complex are hands-on, science-based “Activity Adventures.” The activities, each lasting from 90 minutes to two hours, provide guests the opportunity to launch a water rocket (Rockitz), create and then land a rover on “Mars” (Rover Lander Drop) or race a jet car (Super Jet Cars). See image below.
Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. Space Shuttle Atlantis, Shuttle Launch Experience, Apollo/Saturn V Center, and Great Balls of Fire are included in daily admission.Follow us for more updates:
A touch of winter is going to be coming to Florida for this runDisney event, as the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Walt Disney World next year as the Disney Princess 5K and runDisney Kids races will have a Frozen theme with new medals inspired from the film.
Also returning is the Disney Princess Enchanted 10K to help round out the Disney Glass Slipper Challenge, which involves running the 10K and half marathon on consecutive days for a total of 19.3 miles to earn an additional Disney Glass Slipper Challenge Medal!
2014 Inaugural Glass Slipper Challenge Medals
The Princess Half Marathon and Tinker Bell Half Marathon hosted at Disneyland in California are women-focused runDisney events and focus on healthy and active lifestyles for women and girls. And participants in both the Tinker Bell and Princess Half Marathons have the opportunity to earn a special Coast-to-Coast Challenge medal.
The 2014 Tinker Bell/Princess Half Marathon Coast to Coast Medal
Keep your eyes open, because we hear there might be a ‘tropical’ challenge that might be announced soon that Olaf would LOVE!!!!
The Princess Half Marathon was my first Half Marathon in 2012, and it is by far my absolute favorite runDisney race!!! I look forward to it every year, because it holds so many special memories and is an amazing display of women and girls excelling in a supportive and positive atmosphere. I love it!
