On the Go in MCO - Page 157 of 224 - A lifestyle and informational blog about all that central Florida has to offer! Enjoy our unique perspectives and news about the Orlando area attractions and resorts.

Mary Poppins Takes Flight In the Winter Issue of Disney Twenty-Three

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH SAVING MR. BANKS STARS TOM HANKS AND

EMMA THOMPSON HIGHLIGHT A SPECIAL ISSUE DEDICATED TO THE

WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS NANNY

Plus, D23.com online exclusives include video of the 1964 Mary Poppins premiere,

galleries of the film’s matte paintings, and an interactive map of the Walt Disney Studios

featuring locations used in Saving Mr. Banks.

To celebrate the release of Saving Mr. Banks and the upcoming 50th anniversary of Mary Poppins, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has dedicated the entire winter issue of its flagship magazine, Disney twenty-three, to our beloved nanny. The publication, available exclusively to Gold Members of D23, includes exclusive interviews with Saving Mr. Banks stars Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson, and Bradley Whitford, as well as director John Lee Hancock. It takes readers behind the scenes of the making of this spectacular new film, which opens this Christmas and looks at the creation of Disney’s Mary Poppins and the sometimes combative but respectful relationship between the character’s creator, P.L. Travers (Thompson), and Walt Disney (Hanks).

Disney twenty-three’s Winter issue also offers a look inside the fascinating life of P.L. Travers, with a personal reminiscence by her friend, author Brian Sibley, whom she once told, “I don’t feel for a moment that I invented her. I feel visited by her.” And original film composer Richard M. Sherman, visual consultant Tony Walton, and choreographers Marc Beaux and Dee Dee Wood offer exclusive insight into the creation of the 1964 Disney classic, which will officially celebrate its 50th anniversary next August.

Also included in the Winter issue of Disney twenty-three:

A first-person account of the creation of the stage musical Mary Poppins from Disney Theatrical Productions president Thomas Schumacher
“Elements of Fun,” looking at 50 years of unique “Mary merchandise”
An in-depth look at the film’s groundbreaking special effects
A walk down the red carpet for the Mary Poppins premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

All D23 Members are invited to visit www.D23.com, where the fan club is kicking off its year-long celebration of Mary Poppins’ 50th anniversary with a unique video reconstruction of the Mary Poppins world premiere, containing five minutes of never-before-released material. Although the original telecast of the event appears to have been lost forever, this 22-minute segment includes audio from the premiere’s two separate interview locations, combined with all the surviving color film and black-and-white newsreel footage—re-creating the excitement and glamour of this stellar premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on August 27, 1964.

Other features planned for D23.com’s online celebration include:

Extensive Mary Poppins galleries, including a look at the film’s breathtaking matte paintings.
An interactive map of the Walt Disney Studios with photo locations from Saving Mr. Banks
Rarely heard audio files from the making of Mary Poppins
An in-depth Mary Poppins production timeline
A look at the sodium screen/traveling matte process, which gave the film its unique visual look
An exclusive interview with Mary Poppins visual consultant Tony Walton

Also in the Winter issue, D23 Gold Members will receive a reproduction of the ticket mailed to invitees for the Mary Poppins premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s nearly 90-year history. D23 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, Silver, and Free Membership levels at D23.com and at www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow us @DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Festival of the Masters Returns to Downtown Disney

Dazzling Displays of Art Highlight

Festival of the Masters at

Downtown Disney November 8-10, 2013

For its 38 year, Festival of the Masters presented by Michaels is transforming Downtown Disney into an art lovers’ paradise Nov. 8-10, 2013. The prestigious open-air fine arts festival features more than 300 artists creating and showcasing their unique works in painting, photography, sculpture, chalk, glass and more. Exhibits feature more than 130 award-winning artists, nearly 20 up-and-coming Emerging Masters, the Disney Artist Village, live performance artists and more.

From Friday to Sunday, prepare yourself for a refined experience as hundreds of artists hone their talents and focus their abilities before an audience of onlookers, connoisseurs and appraisers alike.

Staged around the Downtown Disney area—with displays at Downtown Disney West Side and Downtown Disney Marketplace—let your curiosity lead the way to a series of exhibits, activities, presentations and more. This is your chance to interact with dozens of eclectic creators while each showcases his or her own unparalleled sense of individuality, from unique perspectives and personalities to distinctive styles and signatures.

It’s set to be one truly unforgettable event, an art show 38 years in the making!

Festival of the Masters presented by Michaels®
November 8 to November 10, 2013
Friday and Saturday – 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

During the Festival of the Masters there are many chances to encounter an art chat where you can interact with a gallery of inspired personalities, or you stumble upon a live performance of artists creating magical Disney pieces out of thin air, dozens of experiences await your discovery at several different locations, including:

Downtown Disney West Side – Find over 130 award-winning fine artists—including 20 several talented “Emerging Masters”—in addition to limited-edition paintings, sculptures, jewelry, glasswork, woodwork and more.
Disney Artist Village – Enjoy one of the largest displays of Disney pieces available for purchase as you meet more than 25 talented people who created each of the works.
The Waterside Stage – Gaze in amazement during a drove of live shows where Disney artists bring remarkable pieces to life, right before your very eyes.
House of Blues – Celebrate 15 years of folk alongside more than 30 accomplished artists as the House of Blues stages a longtime favorite event—the Folk Art Festival!
Downtown Disney Sidewalks – Stroll sidewalks adorned by 60 works of chalk such as the always popular children’s chart art exhibition.

For more information on participating artists, visit the Artist Gallery!

You will have the opportunity to meet Walt Disney Imagineers, Disney Design Group artists and Disney-inspired artists, among others at the Festival of the Masters! The following artists will be on hand for special appearances and signings: ACME Archives, Costa Alavezos, Dave Avanzino, Steve Barton, Brian Blackmore, Trevor Carlton, Maria Clapsis, Ron Cohee, John Coulter, Disney Fine Art, David Doss, Larry Dotson, Stephen Fishwick, Will Gay, Joe Kaminski, Rob Kaz, Katie, Kelly, Alex Maher, Greg McCullough, Noah, Arnel Platon, Tim Rogerson, Thomas Scott, Mark Seppala, Bil Shannon, Michelle St.Laurent, Guy Vasilovich, Don “Ducky” Williams and Darren Wilson.

For a full schedule of Artist Appearances and Signings, please visit here. But please keep in mind that all events, appearances, and other elements are subject to change so keep an eye out for notifications!

Disney Artists Trevor Carlton and Stephen Fishwick also will be performing live shows as they create new works of art on stage and will host interactive chats about art and what it can be. Both the art chats and live performances will take place at Waterside Stage in the Marketplace, and times will be available in the times guide.

New this year, “Mixers and Masters” will highlight artistic cocktails throughout Downtown Disney. Select dining locations will feature specialty drinks for sipping and strolling including the Pinkberry Martini from Wolfgang Puck Café, Blue Nile from Rainforest Café and Huckleberry Lemonade at Splitsville. Guests can learn what goes into making an artfully delicious cocktail during daily presentations on Waterside Stage. “The Art of Mixology” will feature 10-minute demonstrations with experts three times a day.

This year you can become part of the Festival of the masters with the various interactive crafting experiences that you will find throughout Downtown Disney!

The Michaels Design Team will be on hand for a variety of fun experiences where you can participate, create and even take home your own self-made souvenir!

Make It Take It: Mickey Ears – Design a set of Mickey Ear wood frames—complete with a fun assortment of extras—inspired by everyone’s favorite mouse.
Make It Take it: Sun Visor – Fashion your very own piece of artistic headwear, one that expresses your creative side while also shielding your eyes.
Draw a Disney Masterpiece – Take your pick from an array of coloring tools and make magic as you create personalized art based on Disney’s latest film.
Michaels Master Mural – Partner up with the crew from Michaels as you work in tandem and put together a larger-than-life master mural, piece by piece!

Children are invited to creatively chalk sections of the Marketplace for the Children’s Chalk Art display; help build a giant LEGO masterpiece and create an interactive LEGO mural.

Other Festival of the Masters activities will include:

• Live entertainment by performers from La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil

• House of Blues 15 year celebration of its Folk Art Festival with more than 30 accomplished artists

• Special artist appearances at Hoypoloi and Pop Gallery

• Live entertainment at various venues, including House of Blues, Bongos Cuban Café, Raglan Road, and Splitsville

The event takes place from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission and self-parking are complimentary at Downtown Disney; valet parking is available during the event from 12 p.m. – 2 a.m. via Entrance 4 at Downtown Disney West Side.

We’ll be there and we can’t wait to share tons of pictures so make sure you follow us on Twitter and Facebook to keep up with all the fun!

Harlem Globetrotters Coming To Amway Center

The world famous Harlem Globetrotters take fan interaction to an entirely new level when the 2014 “Fans Rule” World Tour comes to Amway Center in Orlando on Thursday, March 6, 2014, at 7 p.m. Online voting is now open at harlemglobetrotters.com/rule, where all fans can choose which new game-changing rules they want to see in their hometown. Tickets are on sale now!!!

WHAT:

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS | 2014 “FANS RULE” WORLD TOUR

WHEN:

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014 | 7 P.M.

WHERE:

AMWAY CENTER | ORLANDO, FLORIDA

The Globetrotters are the first organization in sports and entertainment allowing fans to vote on rules when the team introduced the concept last year. Due to the overwhelming fan response, the team is doing it again – but with a major twist.

httpv://youtu.be/RcDnEb-8ul8

The 2014 online ballot includes three never-before-seen revolutionary rules:

Hot Hand Jersey – Both teams have a “Hot Hand Jersey” they pass among each other. The player whom is wearing the jersey receives double points on made baskets.

Make or Miss – The quarter begins with only two players on the court for each team. When a team scores, a teammate may enter the game. When they miss, the player missing the shot must leave the court, leaving his or her teammates shorthanded.
Trick Shot Challenge – Via three challenge flags per team, each coach can challenge the other team to make a trick shot. If the team makes the trick shot, they earn five points. If they miss, the other team receives five points.

With a roster showcasing stars such as Special K Daley, Big Easy Lofton, Flight Time Lang, Hi-Lite Bruton and Dizzy Grant – plus female stars TNT Maddox, T-Time Brawner and Sweet J Ekworomadu* – the Globetrotters’ one-of-a-kind family show features mesmerizing ball handling, an assortment of trick shots, high-flying dunks and precise timing – all with an array of comedy guaranteed to entertain the young and the young at heart.

After every game, Globetrotter stars remain on the court for autographs and photographs with fans.

The Globetrotters tipped off the North American leg of their world tour with the first-ever events at the new Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine, onSeptember 20 and 21. The tour recommences on
December 26, 2013, with the Globetrotters playing more than 290 games in over 250 cities in 47 U.S. states, six Canadian provinces and Puerto Rico through April 2014.

Sponsored by Wonderful Pistachios, Howard Johnson Hotels and Greyhound Lines, the Original Harlem Globetrotters are celebrating their 88th consecutive year, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and exceptional family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. Throughout their history, the Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 122 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans – among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents – over more than eight thrilling decades. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets and team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters’ official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

TICKETS: $23, $30, $38, $48, $68, $88 & $128. Buy tickets at amwaycenter.com, Chase Box Office at Amway Center, Ticketmaster retail locations, charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000 or at Ticketmaster.com. All dates, act(s) and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges. For Amway Center box office and ticket information, visit amwaycenter.com (phone purchases are not available through the Amway Center box office). The Amway Center is located at 400 West Church Street and the box office is located on the north side of the Amway Center, near the intersection of Church Street and Hughey Avenue.

*Rosters will vary in each city and are subject to change.

# Subject to availability.

ABOUT AMWAY CENTER

The Orlando Magic served as the developer of the Amway Center, which hosts major national events, concerts and family shows. Opened in the fall of 2010, the facility is owned and operated by the City of Orlando on behalf of the Central Florida community. The Amway Center was designed to reflect the character of the community, meet the goals of the users and build on the legacy of sports and entertainment in Orlando. The building’s exterior features a modern blend of glass and metal materials, along with ever-changing graphics via a monumental wall along one facade. A 180-foot tall tower serves as a beacon amid the downtown skyline. The 875,000 square foot, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certified building features a sustainable, environmentally-friendly design and unmatched technology, including 1,100 digital monitors, the tallest high-definition video board in an NBA venue and multiple premium amenities available to all patrons in the building. Amway Center was recently honored with TheStadiumBusiness Awards’ 2013 Customer Experience Award and named SportsBusiness Journal’s 2012 Sports Facility of the Year. For more information about the Amway Center, visit www.amwaycenter.com.

Florida Citrus Bowl Invites Public To U.S. Women’s National Team Training Session

U.S. Women’s National Team to Hold Public Training Session

November 9, 2013 at

Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando

U.S. Soccer Fans Are Encouraged to Attend Public Training Session at 11 a.m. ET as U.S. WNT Prepares to Face Brazil

All U.S. Soccer fans are invited to attend the U.S. Women’s National Team’s public training session on Saturday, Nov. 9, at11 a.m. ET at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla.

Admission is free and open to the public. U.S. Soccer Supporters Club members will receive premium seating at the public training session. If fans wish to take part in this exclusive priority, they can join the U.S. Soccer Supporters Club through ussoccer.com or at the stadium on the day of the training session.

At the session, fans will get a first-hand look at how the U.S. Women’s National Team prepares for a match a little more than 24 hours before kickoff.

Fans attending the public training session at the Citrus Bowl are asked to park in Lots 1, 6, 7 and A free of charge. Fans may enter the stadium through Gate B, which will open at 10:30 a.m. ET.

The U.S. will face Brazil in an international friendly match on Sunday, Nov. 10, at 3:30 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the match live on NBC, as well as follow the action on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker and via Twitter @ussoccer_wnt.

The meeting of the world’s top-ranked U.S. team against fourth-ranked Brazil marks the first match between the countries in the United States since 2008, when the USA pulled out a 1-0 victory in San Diego. The teams have played three times since: in Beijing, China, at the 2008 Olympic gold medal game; in Dresden, Germany, during the historic 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup quarterfinal; and in Chiba, Japan, during an international tournament in April 2012.

Tickets are on sale through ussoccer.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and at all Ticketmaster ticket centers throughout Central Florida (including many Walmart locations), as well as the Amway Center ticket office (open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) [Note: Tickets are not sold at the Florida Citrus Bowl except on the day of the event.]

The match will be the USA’s first visit to Orlando and the Florida Citrus Bowl since May 22, 1999, when the Americans also played Brazil. That 3-0 U.S. victory featured Mia Hamm scoring her 108th-career goal to break the international scoring record.

Fun Children’s Show Coming To Busch Gardens Tampa

Fisher Price Presents

Live From Little People Place

At Busch Gardens Tampa

Children Up To Age 9 Receive FREE Admission on Show Days – Nov. 20-21

For more than five decades, Busch Gardens® Tampa has set the industry’s standard for delivering unforgettable entertainment experiences. From Nov. 20-21, the park is continuing the tradition by partnering with Fisher Price to welcome Fisher Price presents LIVE FROM LITTLE PEOPLE PLACE™.

Fisher Price has stood by their position to celebrate people, places and things through discoveries that spark little stories and big imaginations. Fisher Price presents LIVE FROM LITTLE PEOPLE PLACE™ will give guests the chance to meet the characters that have been a part of a global brand for more than 54 years.

Kids will get a chance to meet Eddie™ (high energy & a ready, fire, aim kind of boy), Sofie (fashion experimenter who is curious & questioning), Tessa (the go-getter who loves to twirl), Mia® (sensitive & gentle, prim & proper) and Koby (the silly jester, full of cosmic energy) during this live stage show.

The five kid characters are led by their teacher and guide, and through song and dance take the audience on an adventure filled with exploration and discovery. Fisher Price presents LIVE FROM LITTLE PEOPLE PLACE!™ is showing for a limited time at Busch Gardens’ Marrakesh Theater.

Kids Get In To Busch Gardens Tampa Free!

During show days, Nov. 20-21, children up to age 9 can come enjoy Fisher Price presents LIVE FROM LITTLE PEOPLE PLACE™, along with the rest of Busch Gardens, for FREE. Visit buschgardens.com for details.

Show times are 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. each day. Guests can also take part in a meet-n-greet with the stars from Fisher Price presents LIVE FROM LITTLE PEOPLE PLACE!™ at 11:45 a.m. at Zagora Café.

Be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following the park’s blog atBuschGardensTampaBlog.com. You can also “like” the Busch Gardens Facebook page, and follow @buschgardens on Twitter, on Pinterest and Instagram.

A Petrified Forest – Do you dare go?

So for people looking for somewhere different and a bit more off the beaten path to do for Halloween, you might want to consider visiting A Petrified Forest – Musuem of Mayhem in Altamonte Springs. The main attraction is a haunted trail, where you are literally walking through a forest with scare actors hiding along the way! There is even a real cornfield along it! Some areas feature elaborate scenes, some are just in nature. The fact that you are walking through a forest, tripping on tree limbs and rocks, feeling branches and leaves on your head and arms, all play to heighten your senses. You know you are in a real forest so instead of the typical haunted house, you feel exposed and vulnerable. Some parts of A Petrified Forest were so dark you start imagining people there!

There is one scene where they use fog and lasers to create a misty lake where the actors hide underneath and jump out as if from no where, it was such an amazing effect and one I’ve not seen used before! You have one more night to go and experience A Petrified Forest this way, or for the really brave there are two special nights to go. November 1st and 2nd are known as Total Eclipse Nights! Basically on these nights, your group is given ONE glow stick per group, and the whole forest is plunged into complete darkness! They tell you that if a monster should steal your glowstick, another one will NOT be provided! I had a hard time enough seeing through this forest WITH the lights, but with no lights?! This would be the creepiest experience ever, and I’m not sure I’m brave enough to do it. Not this year anyway!

If you have never been to A Petrified Forest, I urge you to try it. It was very scary and the forest element really made everything so much creepier!

They also feature laser tag, which we tried out, it was more silly and funny than anything, and not something I’d do again but it was 10 minutes of giggles and laughter!

Another feature is their laser maze, where you have to dodge the lasers to collect artifacts from different rooms for prizes. We didn’t try this one as it didn’t look as fun, but people seemed to be enjoying it.

They had a live band on stage throughout the night, and food and drinks available for purchase. On the whole it was quite a fun night at A Petrified Forest, and I’m so glad we went as it’s something I had never experienced before. I am very very curious about the Total Eclipse night, the actors can even touch you then too, If anyone goes please report back, as we are not brave enough this year!

You can buy your tickets online before the event, or you can pay cash only when you get there.

Halloween Spooktacular Fun For Little Ones

I don’t know about you, but I love Halloween! It is such a fun time of year with all the parties going on everywhere!

Last year was little man’s first Halloween, but at 6 months, he was more cute than anything else. We didn’t do too much more than a “costume” and some pictures. This year he’s big enough to go and have fun!

I jumped on the opportunity to take him to SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular this year! Costumes, candy, dance parties and characters, what fun!!

We really had a great time at SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular! Overall it seemed to REALLY be geared towards the little ones, and that was perfect for us. My favorite things are that this special event is included in your regular park admission, it is during regular park hours (i.e. no late nights!) and there are lots of activities going on during Spooktacular!

Little man’s favorite things are the bubbles everywhere, the trick or treat trail (where he could hold his bag closed and try to give his candy/snacks back to people), the dance party and the characters!

One of the things available at a small addition fee was cookie decorating. He had so much fun playing with his cookie and eating it!

It wasn’t very crowded at all while we were there, it was quite nice! Unfortunately this event is only available a few days in the season – just weekends in October, so we were only able to go once. Next year it is definitely on our must do list! Have you been to SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular? What was your favorite part?

Halloween Activities at Walt Disney World

Halloween is upon us, and for some of you, you may be wondering what there is to do at Walt Disney World since Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is sold out for tonight. You’re on vacation, or maybe you live here and aren’t going trick or treating, but you’re still looking for something fun to do. Well, you are in luck! I’m here to help you take a look at the activities at Walt Disney World. If you are dead set on still making it to MNSSHP at the Magic Kingdom, as of right now (1am on Halloween), there are still tickets available for the last Halloween party on November 1st.

At Downtown Disney, DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park is hosting a Halloween party of its own from 6 – 11pm. In addition to regular DisneyQuest access to all the games and attractions, there will also be trick or treating, costume contests, dance parties with DJs, games and characters. Tickets are $54. plus tax for guests age 3 and up.

Blizzard Beach Water Park is even getting into the Halloween spirit with their own party from 11am – 2pm. The party is included in the regular water park admission cost. Like DisneyQuest, there will also be a dance party, character meet and greets, and there will be a chance to judge a pumpkin carving contest.

Each of the Walt Disney World Resorts will offer some sort of activity for Halloween. These include Disney movies under the stars at night with a Halloween theme like Hocus Pocus, Tower of Terror, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Halloweentown, Monsters University, Haunted Mansion, or Frankenweenie. During the day, arts and crafts and games take place at each resort in some fashion. There are a variety of afternoon and evening happenings with several of the resorts offering costume contests, trick or treating and dance parties. For more information about the specific activities for Halloween, consult the recreation calendar at your resort or call 407-W-DISNEY to get schedules.

If you get an opportunity, I highly recommend spending time at Walt Disney World for Halloween. I’ve gone trick or treating at resorts, voted on pumpkin carving contests, attended Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and watched movies and played games under the stars. It is a lot of fun to spend Halloween at WDW and if I weren’t working tonight, that is where I’d be since it is frowned upon to go trick or treating elsewhere when you are in your mid 30s. 😉

Happy Halloween! Have a safe a fun time tonight!

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal!

So it’s almost upon us, Halloween! If you haven’t already made it over to the 23rd Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights, fear not (lol) you still have some time! There are still three more days of fear to enjoy, the last night being November 2nd. This year’s theme is zombies, with The Walking Dead being the main theme, but also featuring houses such as Resident Evil, Havoc, Cabin In The Woods, Resident Evil, Evil Dead, La Llorona, Afterlife and American Werewolf In London.

Without giving too much away about Halloween Horror Nights, my favorite house this year was, by far, American Werewolf In London! I think it’s because it gave me the most scares! I literally screamed my way through this house from start to end, the effects were just so lifelike and the werewolf felt so real! The scenes were very well set up also, and I found myself pushing my way through to get away from it all! Loved it!

I also really enjoyed the Cabin In The Woods house, as having seen the movie, it was really fun being able to walk through the scenes and feel like i was actually on the set, it was so elaborate!

Halloween Horror Night’s scare zones this year were all the same theme, zombies. Which was quite gory but not really very scary in my opinion, as they don’t move very fast and tend to just groan or scream in your face. I miss the variety of scare zones they used to have with roller skating aliens and creepy pumpkin men! But if you are into the whole zombie theme then it is perfect for you, it feels like they are everywhere!

I didn’t do the Rocky Horror Picture Show this year, but I always catch The Bill & Ted Show every year, and this year was no exception. I felt this year it had more pop culture references that I understood, so I found it very entertaining, and the music is always so fun and upbeat. Its certainly worth taking a break from the Halloween Horror Night houses to do!

I actually really enjoyed being able to do some of the new rides too, as most of the large rides are open during Halloween Horror Nights and you’ll find they have decent wait times as most people are going into the houses, so many are just 10-15 minute wait times! I enjoyed eating a Krusty Burger (a vegetarian version, which was yummy!) at Moe’s and checking out the huge pink donuts on sale in Springfield!

The tickets we chose this year were the Rush Of Fear passes, which gave us access to the first 3 weeks of Halloween Horror Nights. This we found was a great deal, as the first 3 weeks are much quieter as they start in September, and they include Saturdays, so we will be doing this for next year also. The Frequent Fear passes are another good option if you are planning on going multiple days, these last longer but block out most Saturday nights, which tend to be busier anyway so they are a great deal also.

Parking at City Walk is $16 up until 8pm, after 8pm it’s $5 and after 10pm its free for Florida Residents.

So what are you waiting for? Go check out Halloween Horror Nights 23 before November 2nd, but be prepared to scream, jump and run your way through the night!

Wordless Wednesday: HalloWishes For A Happy Halloween

Wordless Wednesday – October 30, 2013

This week’s Wordless Wednesday takes us to scene’s from Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World! May all your HalloWishes come true for a fun and safe Halloween!

Preaparing for 2014: Orlando City Signing News

Orlando City SC Lions Re-Sign Gallardo, Boden and Pulis for 2014 Season, Preparing For 2015 Season

Club signing players who have potential for jump to MLS in Spring 2015

Orlando City SC announced Monday that Goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo, Defender Luke Boden and Midfielder Anthony Pulis have all re-signed with the Lions for the upcoming 2014 USL PRO season, pending USSF approval. The signings mark a continued effort by Head Coach Adrian Heath to retool the roster with talented players with an eye toward a 2015 entry into Major League Soccer (MLS).

“We are preparing a squad that consists of players who we believe might make that jump with us,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath.

Luke Boden originally signed with Orlando prior to the inaugural 2011 season and, along with Gallardo, is one of five players who have made their way onto the 2014 squad after joining the Lions in their first-ever season. Boden has been a consistent starter in Heath’s system over the past three seasons, playing in 61 regular season matches from 2011-2013.

In 2013, the defender started all of the matches he appeared in (22), playing 90 minutes all but one time.

Miguel Gallardo has been consistently been a mainstay between the nets over the past three seasons. The Torreon, Mexico, native has never had a Goals Against Average (GAA) higher than 1.00 during his time in Orlando, earning accolades such as 2011 USL PRO Goalkeeper of the year. In 2012, Gallardo led the league in GAA with a .780 average and recorded eight shutouts.

Gallardo played in 15 regular season matches for Orlando in 2013, totalling five shutouts and a .958 GAA in 1,221 minutes played. He also started all three postseason matches in the Lions’ run toward a 2013 USL PRO Championship.

Anthony Pulis re-joins the Lions after two successful seasons with Orlando, making 32 total appearances from 2012-2103. Pulis has served as an anchor in the midfield for Heath’s club, playing alongside newly promoted Coach/Midfielder James O’Connor.

Before joining the Lions in 2012, Pulis spent time with premier English sides such as Stoke City and Southampton.

Heath has said multiple times that the club is searching for players that would make the jump from USL PRO to MLS in 2015. Gallardo, Pulis and Boden join James O’Connor, Rob Valentino, Dennis Chin and Jamie Watson as players from the 2013 season to make the 2014 squad.

For more information and signings, stay tuned to OrlandoCitySoccer.com.

Transaction:

Orlando City SC (USL PRO) signs Goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo, Defender Luke Boden, Midfielder Anthony Pulis

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is a premier soccer club in the United States, aiming to be in Major League Soccer by 2015. The Lions recently captured the 2013 USL PRO Championship, the club’s second postseason title in just three years. Outside of the pro squad, OCSC also has their own youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U23s team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit OrlandoCitySoccer.com and OrlandoCityYouth.org.

Pick Six: Halloween in Celebration

Celebrating Halloween in Celebration can be full of treats or tricks depending on how prepared you are, so join us for a Pick Six full of tips for making the most of Halloween in Celebration!

Pick Six: Halloween in Celebration

1. The Pirate Ship House

No visit to Halloween in Celebration is complete without a visit to the Pirate Ship House which is located on the corner of Mulberry Avenue and Celebration Avenue!

The Pirate Ship House is a private residence that completely transforms into a swashbuckling Trick-or-Treating experience with a detailed facade that runs along the entire front of the house that is full of pirate skeletons, treasures, cannons, and even a gangplank.

Lines to Trick-or-Treat here are almost as scary as facing the Kraken, so make sure you are patient and give the crew of this home an extra Yo Ho for all that they have created!

2. Community Presbyterian Church Pumpkin Patch

Community Presbyterian Church, located at 511 Celebration Avenue, is more than just a place to buy a pumpkin when you are experiencing Halloween in Celebration.

In its 6^th year, the Pumpkin Patch is full of photo opportunities for kids of all ages, and most importantly proceeds benefit Help Now of Osceola!

The Community Presbyterian Church Pumpkin Patch is open daily!

Monday thru Thursday 9 am – dusk
Friday and Saturday 9 am – 10 pm
Sunday noon – dusk

3. Downtown Celebration

Downtown Celebration is full of great stores and restaurants with Halloween treats, so you will definitely want to take some extra time exploring this area!

4. Trick-or-Treating

There is no way to candy coat this…Trick-or-Treating during Halloween in Celebration can make even the best of us a little witchy!

The first thing to keep in mind is that families start haunting houses early, usually around 5:30 pm for the younger monsters, so don’t worry about being too early for the fun!

Now I warn you first about how early Trick-or-Treaters hit the pavement, because the streets of Celebration (especially in the Downtown Area) can get extremely congested!

It’s important to keep in mind that in Celebration there aren’t a ton of parking lots and street parking can be scare, so you will want to think ahead about your route and plan accordingly. My best advice is to get here as early as possible, grab a bite downtown, and take in all the fun you can!

And finally, lines can get bananas long for candy at houses in the Downtown Celebration area! One year our line went in both directions for a block with 4 of us handing out candy…I kid you not!!!

5. House Decorations

While we all can’t have Pirate Ship Houses, during Halloween in Celebration you’ll find a lot of houses decorated to the nines and most of them have at least one fun ‘Disney’ side!

6. Have fun

Happy Halloween from my family to yours!!!

We hope you have a fun night celebrating Halloween in Celebration, and if you are here make sure you share your pictures with us!!!

We’ll be posting more pictures from Halloween in Celebration on our Facebook Page, so drop by and let us know what you think!

Beer And Bacon Festival Sizzles In November

A festival of flavors with more than 30 unique craft beers and creative bacon specialties from local restaurant favorites at this year’s Beer and Bacon Festival

The Beer and Bacon Festival features more than 30 of the finest craft beers paired with delicious bacon-inspired specialties to tempt and tease every palate onSaturday, November 2. This festival, presented by seasoned event producers CBS RADIO ORLANDO and hosted at Uptown Altamonte, showcases the growing love of craft beer along the scenic shores of Cranes Roost Park.

The Fest is presented and produced by CBS RADIO, led by Orlando favorites MIX 105.1, 1059 SUNNY FM, and 102 JAMZ in partnership with sponsors AutoNation Acura of North Orlando, Seminole Harley Davidson, and Wayne Densch Inc. CBS RADIO produces several signature events throughout the year including; Downtown Food & Wine Fest, Orlando Extreme Watersports Fest, and Pet-A-Palooza.

Dave Robbins, senior vice president, Orlando market manager at CBS RADIO said, “Through the power of radio and our expertise in offering and producing signature events in Central Florida, we are ready to create memorable experiences with an emphasis on beer appreciation. The Beer and Bacon Festival is a place to learn about craft beers and pay homage to bacon-inspired culinary favorites – it’s simple, fun, and delicious.”

4 Rivers Smokehouse Features bacon wrapped jalapeños at the Beer and Bacon Festival.

Date: Saturday, November 2, 2013

Festival Opens at 3 p.m.

Craft Beer Sampling 4 to 7 p.m.

Experience: Your ticket includes sampling of more than 30 craft beers.

Restaurant small-plate offerings are available for purchase between $2 and $6.

Full-pour beer, wine, and soft drink beverages are available for purchase. A limited number of craft beer sampling tickets will be offered. This event is sure to sell-out to maintain a high-quality and enjoyable experience for all.

Location: Cranes Roost Park at Uptown Altamonte is located at 247 Cranes Roost Blvd,

Altamonte Springs, FL 32701. The park is easily accessible from exit 92, SR 436

from Interstate 4. Access to Cranes Roost Park is free and open to the public.

Parking: FREE parking is available for all festival and park guests throughout Uptown Altamonte and nearby at Altamonte Mall.

Tickets: Purchase tickets online at BeerAndBaconFestival.com

Beer and Bacon Festival

Craft Beer and Menu Highlights

Sampling Ticket: Sampling Tickets $35 per 21+ adult – at the Gate (Cash or Credit Card)

Craft Beer Ticket: $25 per 21+ adult – Advance Online Ticket Purchase

Craft Beer Purveyors: (subject to change and seasonal availability)

Blue Point Brewing (4 varietals)
Florida Beer Company (4 varietals)
Goose Island (4 varietals)
Kona (4 varietals)
Magic Hat (2 varietals)
Red Hook (2 varietals)
Shock Top (3 varietals)
Sweetwater (4 varietals)
Victory Brewing (4 varietals)
Woodchuck (5 varietals)

Restaurants / Menu Highlights: (subject to change)

4 Rivers Smokehouse (Brisket or pulled pork sliders with bacon, Chicken on a biscuit with bacon and maple drizzle, Bacon wrapped jalapenos)
Cupcake Crazy (Bacon salted caramel cupcake and Amaretto custard)
Miller’s Ale House – (Fries with melted cheese topped with bacon, scallions, and ranch dressing, Watermelon and bacon salad, Tuna slider with chopped egg and bacon)
Omaha Steakhouse (Bacon and bleu cheese burger sliders, Bleu cheese chips with bacon, Bacon and caramel popcorn pops)
Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Crab BLT, Prime beef slider with bacon and onion jam, Cheesecake with chocolate almond bacon clusters)
Tako Cheena (Chinese BBQ chara siu pork belly tako, Bani mi pernil tako with pickled daikon radish, Crispy smoked eggplant empanada, Bacon infused ice cream)
Terramia Ristorante (Rigatoni amatriciana with pancetta, Stromboli with pancetta, mushrooms and buffalo mozzarella, and Ravioli with prosciutto and vodka sauce)
The Hammered Lamb (Grilled cheese with bacon and side of bacon jam, Bacon and lamb mash over a buttermilk biscuit, covered with a lamb reduction, Bacon, maple and waffle cone rice crispy treat)
Whole Foods Market (Cheddar bacon maple sausage topped with caramelized onions with a side of sautéed bacon greens, Vegan bacon and chocolate chip cookie, Gourmet cheese and olive sampler)

Beer and Bacon Festival

Activities and Information

CBS RADIO ORLANDO On-air Personalities Meet & Greet and Live Music Mixers
Interactive Games and Sponsor Displays
The Official After Party will be held at Miller’s Ale House in front of the Altamonte Mall. Festival attendees receive $1 off craft beer (must show wristband).
Creative pretzel necklaces, welcome!
Orlando Magic RV with video games, two TVs, and giveaways
Several restaurants and full-pour bars will accept credit cards; all vendors accept cash. ATMs are available at the Festival.
Kindly leave your pets at home.
The Beer and Bacon Festival will be held rain or shine.
Tickets are non-refundable.
CBS RADIO ORLANDO encourages everyone to drink responsibly. Don’t drink and drive. Alert Cab, sponsored by Anheuser-Busch local beer distributor Wayne Densch Inc., will provide free taxi rides home for patrons in need.

The Beer and Bacon Festival features more than 30 craft beers, plus bacon-inspired menu items from local restaurant favorites. For more information visit BeerAndBaconFestival.com.

Stay Connected: Facebook.com/BeerAndBaconFestivalOrlando

Twitter: @BeerBaconORL #BeerAndBaconFestival

Shula Burger Restaurant Review

All this food was paid for by me! No compensation here!

When we saw a new place being added on 192 near 429/Target in Kissimmee and the other run of the mill restaurants, we just assumed it’d be just another place, thankfully we were wrong!

My boyfriend has been stalking Shula Burger since the sign went up, and when he saw it was open, he was more than ready to go.

Guys, they had been open THREE days when we went. I am always skeptical when places haven’t been open too long because they probably haven’t gotten their stuff together.

Wrong again. We were proved wrong in the BEST way.

First of all, Shula Burger is not your standard burger joint. You order your burger, salad, chicken, sweets, whatever you want at the counter.

From there you can get your order to go or eat in. They give you a number if you eat in and your food comes to you! Oh and if you want to call in and pick it up, you can do that too.

We both ordered create your own burgers – garlic herb mayo, onions, mushrooms, bacon, cheese. The choices go on and on. I had sweet potato tots (which were AMAZING) and Jeff enjoyed his sea salt fries.

During our lunch I actually stopped and said, “This burger is cooked perfectly.” And it truly was.

Oh and if you’re wanting to enjoy the outside with your meal, you can sit in this huge patio area.

Before we left I approached the kitchen window, some of the staff, and the manager to tell them how great our experience was.

When we left I heard “See you soon!” and that is 100% true – they will definitely see us soon!

Be a STAR Rally At Lake Nona Middle School

Yesterday I had the chance to attend a Be a STAR rally at Lake Nona Middle School, and to say it was a moving experience would be an understatement!

Be a STAR (Show Tolerance And Respect) was founded by The Creative Coalition and WWE in April 2011 to help take action against bullying! Be a STAR has also created a partnership with 58 alliance members, including National Education Association Health Information Network (NEA HIN), GLAAD, STOMP Out Bullying, The Ad Council and the United Federation of Teachers all working together to get the message out!

The mission of Be a STAR is to ensure a positive and equitable social environment for everyone regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation through grassroots efforts beginning with education and awareness. Be a STAR promotes positive methods of social interaction and encourages people to treat others as equals and with respect because everyone is a star in their own right.

What is truly amazing is that since it’s launch of the Be a STAR website over 30,000 people from all 50 US states and from 91 countries have taken the pledge to put an end bullying!

In addition to a free anti-bullying curriculum for teachers created by NEA HIN and True Educator, Inc., online resources for parents to help their children deal with bullying, and local Be a STAR chapters in schools and communities, two to three times a month WWE Superstars and Divas visit communities with celebrities and local officials to reinforce the Be a STAR message at rallies!

And these Be a STAR rallies truly drive home the message that everyone can do something to help put an end to bullying!

Yesterday it was an honor to watch as WWE Superstar Sheamus, WWE Diva Summer Rae, and NXT Superstar Xavier Woods addressed hundreds of 6^th grade students at Lake Nona Middle School.

The atmosphere of the rally was pretty awesome! Kids who were relieved to hear that they weren’t alone and had no reason to be ashamed of the bullying they had experienced, WWE talent that opened their hearts to share their own experiences, and a Lake Nona Middle School faculty and staff committed to making sure that their students had every tool they could give them to make sure that they were successful in a healthy learning environment.

As Xavier Woods spoke about the different kinds of bullying, it was eye-opening to see how many of these children had been affected by cyber-bullying…even on Instagram.

Summer Rae shared how she felt when she was teased about being ‘too skinny’ while her friends were bystanders who would just watch it happen instead of speaking up out of fear. She also reinforced to the audience that while she plays a not-so-nice character in the ring, that she does not think that is the right way to treat others and that they should act like the person Summer Rae and not her on-air persona.

Then Sheamus took to the podium with cheers that were heard clear across town! Sheamus really hit home that even at his size, he was often bullied. Sheamus also spoke about not blaming yourself for being a target of bullies, and that through understanding and action we can all help put an end to bullying.

And among chants of Don’t be a bully, be a STAR the rally was over.

It was really nice to overhear the students talking about what they had just experienced and things they personally wanted to change as I waited for my chance to talk to Sheamus, Summer Rae, and Xavier Woods.

This was Summer Rae’s first Be a STAR rally, and she was really excited to have the opportunity to participate and make a difference!

It was an important message for us today that speaking up and not being a bystander is very, very important! When kids are a bystander and say ‘I didn’t see it so I wasn’t a bully’, it’s helping show that it’s just as bad.

Xavier Woods really got the crowd pumped up and ready to hear his experiences when he was cyber bullied.

I did well in school, studied all the time, I was into comic books and video games, and I was the definition of a nerd. And people called me that in a derogatory sense, and so I think that the biggest thing for me besides the cyber-bullying was just completely cutting people off, blocking them, deleting messages, and ignoring them completely was being okay with myself. So once I accepted this is me, this is who I am, I don’t care what anybody thinks that was the last thing I had to get over before I was done with bullying.

Sheamus is a Be a STAR veteran, and I wanted to know if any of the children had ever reached out to him after speaking at a Be a STAR rally.

It happens all the time. I get a lot of tweets from kids who have realized they were being bullies and why and now they’ve stopped and even kids who found the courage to speak up and help. They tell me stories and send me pictures.. They tell me how they felt hearing that even I have been bullied, and it is just wonderful knowing that I have helped make a difference to hopefully stop bullying.

People often ask my why I am such a huge WWE fan who wants to share my enthusiasm, and quite honestly this is a big reason why. The WWE has shown a dedication to help end bullying through education, resources, and reinforcement from the WWE Superstars and Divas who truly speak from their heart to these children!

I am also asking you to please help to spread the Be a STAR message! Find them on Facebook & Twitter, take action & the pledge to Be a STAR, and help make our communities and schools a better place!