On the Go in MCO - Page 159 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.

Two Disney Collection by Vera Bradley Announcements

Today the Disney Parks Blog has two great announcements about the Disney Collection by Vera Bradley!

The first is that the first two patterns of the Disney Collection by Vera Bradley will be available online starting October 21, 2013!

The ‘Just Mousing Around’ and ‘Midnight With Mickey’ patterns have been wildly popular, you see them EVERYWHERE in the parks, and now Disney Vera Bradley fans can add these to their holiday wish lists!

Here is another look at the patterns and purses in the Disney Collection by Vera Bradley collection that will be available in the Disney Parks Online Store!

And the second announcement was the reveal of the ‘Where’s Mickey?’ pattern that will be coming soon to the World of Disney Marketplace in Florida!

The pattern features great colors for the fall, and enough Hidden Mickeys to make any hunter excited!

‘Where’s Mickey?’ will be featured on several familiar and popular styles such as the hipster, backpack, large duffel, Smartphone wristlet and more.

As with the previous Disney Collection by Vera Bradley patterns, they have been created especially and exclusively for Disney Theme Parks Merchandise and will be only be available for purchase in the Disney Parks and online at the Disney Parks Online Store!

I will definitely be on the lookout for this new pattern, and will bring you the news as soon as they are spotted at the World of Disney Marketplace!

Second Screen Live Experience For The Nightmare Before Christmas

Disney Offering Exclusive Second Screen Live Experiences to fans of the cult of classic

Tim Burton film The Nightmare Before Christmas

Beginning October 18 in select theaters, The Walt Disney Studios invites fans to join Jack Skellington for a spooktacular special engagement of Second Screen Live: The Nightmare Before Christmas, an interactive moviegoing experience.

Download the Second Screen Live: The Nightmare Before Christmas app, and bring your iPad to the theater to explore the cult classic from the mind of Tim Burton and become part of the story like never before, engaging with the film in real time through songs, games and audience participation, including competition between friends and teams.

httpv://youtu.be/udsWqcQ6Yso

Second Screen Live is an all-new Walt Disney Studios mobile application that enhances the theatrical moviegoing experience. Unlike the traditional theatrical experience, Second Screen Live is a special screening event for iPad users only where moviegoers are encouraged to “break the rules” and experience a classic film in an exciting new way through gameplay on their tablet device.

When: Second Screen Live: The Nightmare Before Christmas will play exclusively in select theaters starting October 18, 2013.

Requirements: Guests will need to bring an iPad or iPad mini (running iOS 5.0 or higher) to the theater with the Second Screen Live: The Nightmare Before Christmas app already installed.

The App: The app can be downloaded for free from the iTunes store. Just search for “Nightmare Before Christmas Second Screen Live” in iTunes.

More info: movies.disney.com/the-nightmare-before-christmas/second-screen-live

Second Screen Live: The Nightmare Before Christmas will play in the following theaters:

City Center 15: Cinema de Lux (White Plains, NY)

Farmingdale Multiplex Cinemas (Farmingdale, NY)

Arclight Pasadena (Pasadena, CA)

Arclight Sherman Oaks (Sherman Oaks, CA)

Muvico Thousand Oaks 14 (Thousand Oaks, CA)

AMC Empire 25 (New York, NY)

AMC Garden State 16 (Paramus, NJ)

AMC Burbank 16 (Burbank, CA)

AMC Downtown Disney 12 (Anaheim, CA)

AMC Bay Street 16 (Emeryville, CA)

AMC Town Center 20 (Leawood, KS)

Century Huntington Beach and XD (Huntington Beach, CA)

Cinemark West Plano and XD (West Plano, TX)

Carmike Thoroughbred 20 (Nashville, TN)

Carmike 15 (Columbus, GA)

Take Home The Movie

Fans can also take home the 20^th Anniversary Edition of the cult classic, Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. The film was released in stores nationwide on September 10^th and just in time for Halloween.

Inaugural Edible Orlando Field to Feast Dinner

Benefitting the Kid’s Café program of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

Starring Walt Disney World® Resort Chefs

4-7 p.m. Sunday, October 27

Long & Scott Farms • Zellwood, Florida

FEATURING

Victoria & Albert’s

Chef Scott Hunnel

Sommelier Rebecca Lewis

Lake Meadow Chicken Sausage with Zellwood Corn Succotash

California Grill

Chef Brian Piasecki

Sommelier Michael Scheifler

Spice-crusted Local Calico Scallops with Zellwood Pumpkin Ravioli, Toasted Pumpkin Seed Vinaigrette, Baby Sage, Buttered Brussel Sprouts, and Pumpkin Dust Brittle

Flying Fish Cafe

Chef Tim Keating

Sommelier Stig Jacobsen

Asian-inspired Uncle Matt’s Citrus-marinated Rock Shrimp and Local Calico Bay Scallop “Cocktail” with Salad of MacGregor Farms Greens, Herbs, Epcot Cucumber, and

Bhut Jolokia-Kaffir Lime Vinaigrette

The Wave . . . of American Flavors

Chef Frank Brough

Sommelier Damaris Jimenez

Locally-sourced Sweet Potato Agnolotti with Bourbon-Maple Pork Belly, Liquid Caramel Corn, and Vanilla Powder

Epcot^® Events

Chef Leonard Thomson

Sommelier Olaronké Olatunji

Suwannee Farms Florida Fresh Cab Beef Tenderloin over Balsamic Charred Onion Bread Pudding topped with Wine Reduction and served with Duck Fat Fries and Zellwood Sweet Corn Gelato

Florida Local at Epcot^® International Food & Wine Festival

Chef Jens Dahlmann

Sommelier Tom Kovacs

Pasture Prime Mangalitsa Pork Arepa with Long & Scott Corn Esquites and Cahaba Farms Micro Cilantro

Cítricos

Chef Phil Ponticelli

Sommelier Keith Gimbel

Florida Pink Shrimp with Sunny Meadow Farms Egg Pasta with Sarasota Black Sturgeon Caviar

Disney Desserts

Pastry Chef Stefan Riemer

Sommelier Vicky Thompson

Squash Beignets served with Habañero-Corn Ice Cream with Madeira Glaze and Cocoa Dust

Chocolate Pot de Crème with Bosc Pears, and Rye Bread Tuile

TICKETS

$175 each / $325 per couple
Tickets available via EdibleOrlando.com

To directly purchase tickets:
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/8169514237/es2/?rank=49

Phineas And Ferb: Mission Marvel Review

Two worlds collide as Phineas and Ferb team up with Marvel Super Heroes in Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel

Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel is the first animated Marvel Crossover created between the Disney Channel and Marvel, and it is sure to please fans of both franchises

The fate of the Tri-State area – and the world – hangs in the balance as Agent P and Danville’s most dynamic duo team up with four of Marvel’s greatest Super Heroes- Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, and Spider-Man – in one awesome full-length adventure.

After Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s latest “-inator” scheme accidentally removes the powers of some very well-known Marvel Super Heroes (Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, and Hulk), the heroes enter the world of Danville and team up with Phineas and Ferb to relocate their powers, defeat the Marvel Super Villains (Red Skull, MODOK, Whiplash and Venom) – who have also shown up to steal Doofenshmirtz’s power-draining technology – and save Danville from ultimate destruction!

httpv://youtu.be/lngO85cJdP4

The episode is full of great nods to each Marvel character and their backstory, shout-outs to several sci-fi shows and movies (I’m looking at you Dr. Who and Howard the Duck), and even a required cameo by Stan Lee!

Helping Super Heroes bust Super Villains is what they’re going to do today!

In addition to the Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel full length adventure, there are six other full episodes of Phineas and Ferb on this DVD that make up 145 minutes of fun sure to keep big and little ones hooked!

Another fun feature of Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel is that inside each DVD is a Collectible Comic Book featuring characters from the episode, as well as one of three distinct and exclusive Marvel Posters. For collectors this is a huge bonus!!!

Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel is available now on Disney DVD, and if you are a fan of Phineas and Ferb or Marvel you are going to want to grab this song filled, action packed DVD for your collection!!!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel to review for this post. All opinions and fandom are my own!

Universal Orlando Resort Vacation Package Offers!

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT GUESTS GET A THIRD NIGHT AND THIRD DAY FREE WITH EXCLUSIVE OFFERS

Universal Orlando Resort is introducing two new offers that give families more time together to enjoy the incredible thrills of Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Starting today, guests who buy a 2-day park ticket will get a third day FREE. And guests who purchase a two-night vacation package at a Universal Partner Hotel get the third night FREE, plus a third day FREE to enjoy the theme parks.

At Universal Orlando, families create one-of-a-kind memories – all while experiencing the unique entertainment at both theme parks. And with the additions of Springfield – hometown to America’s favorite animated family, The Simpsons – and the all-new TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D, where guests can join the epic battle between the Autobots and Decepticons, there has never been a more exciting time to visit Universal Orlando Resort.

Additional details about these exclusive offers can be found below.

Exclusive Ticket and Vacation Package Offers

OFFER

DETAILS

3^rd Day FREE Ticket Offer

**Starts at $125.99 per adult

2-day Base ticket to experience Universal Orlando’s theme parks – with the third day FREE

*Tickets are available for purchase Oct. 10, 2013 through May 9, 2014 and are valid for three days during a 14-day period which includes the first day of use. All ticket usage must be completed on or before May 22, 2014 when the ticket will expire in full.

3^rd Night FREE Vacation Package

**Starts at $229 per adult

Two nights of accommodations at a nearby Universal Partner Hotel – with the third night FREE
2-day Base ticket to experience Universal Orlando’s theme parks – with the third day FREE
Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme park opens
Access to live entertainment at Universal CityWalk
FREE scheduled transportation between Universal Orlando and hotel
And more!

**Vacation package is available for purchase from Oct. 10, 2013 through Dec. 15, 2013for travel beginning Nov. 1 through Dec. 22, 2013.

Additional vacation package options are also available online, enabling guests to stay in the heart of the excitement at one of Universal Orlando’s three on-site AAA Four Diamond hotels. On-site hotel guests can enjoy exclusive benefits such as free Universal Express access to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions and complimentary on-site transportation via water taxi or shuttle bus. And when guests book a three-night or more on-site vacation package for travel before Dec. 25, 2013, kids eat free at any one of Universal Orlando Resort’s three deluxe on-site hotels, and play free at Hollywood Drive-In Golf at Universal CityWalk.

For more information about Universal Orlando’s vacation packages and the theme parks, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.

Follow Universal Orlando Resort on Facebook, Twitter,Instagram and YouTube.

Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Florida

Unlike so many others, Halloween is not my favorite holiday. I never really got into as a child and I still don’t. However, when I saw that LEGOLAND Florida was holding their Brick or Treat event, I was game!

Brick or Treat is held on the weekends (Saturday and Sunday) during October and the fun begins as soon as you head into Fun Town!

A lot of the action is located around the Grand Carousel area. A couple of times when we were walking by we saw a show going on with a juggler, which was quite fun because there was some kid involvement happening and lots of laughs from the audience.

I found Max hanging out in his firefighter costume!

The three characters, Buddy, Max, and Mummy alternate hanging out by the Grand Carousel for a fun photo opportunity! There is a list of the characters that you’ll find on the times guide.

If your child decides to wear a costume (which they should because I saw some AMAZING ones!), they can enter to be in the costume contest. You can sign them up in front of the Fun Town Theater, which is also where the contest is held. There are three age groups for the contests, 0-3 years, 4-8 years, 9-12 years. Make sure you check out the Brick or Treat guide for the contest times.

In front of the Fun Town Theater is…wait for it…the world’s LARGEST LEGO pumpkin. Yep. It’s as amazing as it sounds. You get to step inside for a super cool photo opp!

Inside Miniland they have integrated a Monster Fighter game (of sorts.) You have to go through and find five ghosts and unscramble the letters that are around the signs in Miniland. The cool part is once you complete the hunt you can enter to win a prize pack…which I need to go back and complete the scavenger hunt so I can try to get the hook up on that prize!!

One of the main attractions is the Brick or Treat Trail.

This is where kids (under 12) can go through and collect goodies! While I didn’t have any kids in my party, I had to go through and see the set up. Lots of different sponsors, so the kids seemed to be getting some pretty sweet (no pun intended) treats.

The Trail opens at 1PM, however, if you have an annual pass, you can beat the line and head down the Trail at noon!

On Saturdays there is a Monster Mash dance party in Miniland! From what I saw there is a DJ set up and I can only imagine the fun that’s bound to be had in Miniland when there’s music. Also during the dance party, the costume contest winners will be announced!

If you’re on the hunt for some of the Monster Fighter LEGO sets, you’ll get a GREAT discount on these sets during Brick or Treat – 20% off, which is one of the best sales that I’ve ever seen on LEGOs. I already had the Haunted House or it would have come home with me!

Happy treating…brick or treating! 🙂

Food & Wine Weekends

Running in concurrence with the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, the Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort and Waldorf Astoria Orlando, located within the gates of the Walt Disney World Resort, is offering Food & Wine Weekends, now through November 9.

Food & Wine Weekends

This special event takes place Fridays through Sundays and offers a taste of the fabulous restaurants and bars inside the Hilton and Waldorf Astoria. Highlights include samplings and exclusive pairing menus from Bull & Bear, La Luce, Zeta Bar & Sushi Lounge and Peacock Alley. I recently had the opportunity to experience the event first hand and found it to be a great way to dine at some of the restaurants that I had not tried before.

I began with visiting the lobby kiosk for a Taste of Japan. I sampled three variations of sake, Gekkeikan Zipang Sparkling Sake, Takara Plum Wine and Momokawa Silver. They were all unique in taste and all very good. Paired with the sake was a sampling of a California roll from Zeta Bar & Sushi Lounge. It was fresh, tasty, and perfectly chilled. I’m very particular about the temperature of my sushi and this was perfect.

Next, I headed into La Luce by Donna Scala to try out the special chef created menu specifically for that night. The menu changes each Friday and Saturday so there’s always something new to try. I started with the Butternut Squash soup which was garnished with a seared Basil leaf. Next up was bruschetta with mozzarella, roasted tomato, and arugula. It was delicious and filling. I still had a little room left so I chose the risotto made with speck, a meat similar to prosciutto, wrapped scallops with wild mushrooms and reggiano. The final course was a divine cannoli made with ricotta and mascarpone cheese, filled with chunks of chocolate and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Each course had a recommended wine paired with it, though I chose to slowly sip a glass of Robert Oatley Shiraz throughout my dining experience.

I would definitely return to Food & Wine Weekends at the Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando. The accommodations are beautiful and very comfortable and the staff is definitely top notch. Visit www.HiltonBonnetCreek.com/Food-Wine and www.WaldorfAstoriaOrlando.com/Food-Wine for more information

Best Bathrooms in Disney

I thought I would take this time to share some of my favorite bathrooms around Walt Disney World and Disneyland. I know this may not be the most glamorous subject, but I thought it would be fun. Hey, maybe you’ll find a new favorite spot. This is certainly subjective, but I am basing my list on a few things. Theming is one parameter, location is another, and size/stall to guest ratio. They don’t all have to meet all criteria and they are not listed in any particular order.

Magic Kingdom Bathrooms

I have to say the Tangled bathrooms in the Magic Kingdom are probably the most themed I’ve ever seen. Rapunzel’s tower is illuminated at night and the surrounding area is beautifully decorated around the village near Rapunzel’s parents’ castle and the Snuggly Duckling. Lanterns are lit up at night and hang above the area to provide a gentle light at night. Outside there are seating clusters even with charging stations. Inside the theming is carried on even further (at least in the ladies room) to reflect many of Rapunzel’s hobbies featured in the opening song of Tangled. Plus, there are tons of stalls and I’ve never had to wait.

As a runner up, I’d choose the bathrooms in the Fantasyland train station. They aren’t quite as spacious as the Tangled toilets, but they are very pretty. Honorable mention in the Magic Kingdom goes to the New Fantasyland bathrooms behind Gaston’s Tavern.

Disneyland Bathrooms

Hands down my favorite bathrooms in Disneyland are the Alice in Wonderland bathrooms adjacent to the Alice attraction and the Matterhorn. Friends of mine steered me to these bathrooms to check them out on my first trip and I wasn’t disappointed. While Alice in Wonderland isn’t one of my favorite Disney films, the attraction is my favorite dark ride in Fantasyland. I loved these bathrooms with the cards for the stall doors and the hearts on the light fixtures.

I haven’t seen them in person, but a shoutout to the Club 33 bathrooms must be made. Also, have to give props to the Tiki Room bathrooms as the only bathrooms to my knowledge inside of an attraction.

Epcot Bathrooms

Just recently the new bathrooms opened in the American Adventure pavilion, which might now usurp the position of my favorite bathrooms from the old Millennium Village/now World Showplace bathrooms as my favorite in World Showcase. I have to give the edge to America because the World Showplace bathrooms are often only open for special events or during super crowded times of the year like New Year’s Eve. The new bathrooms are also much prettier with a colonial theme (or as colonial as you can get with Dyson airblade hand dryers).

In Future World, I adore the bathrooms tucked away to the right of the entrance to the Imagination Pavilion. So few people seem to know these exist I have rarely seen more than one or two other people here. Bonus points are definitely awarded for the bright rainbow colors carrying over the theming from the pavilion and the fact I’ve never had to wait in line for these bathrooms.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Bathrooms

My pick here for best bathrooms comes down to a matter of convenience and accessibility. The restrooms outside of the American Idol Experience to the right of the attraction entrance aren’t themed at all. They are purely functional, however they are, from what I’ve found, consistently the least crowded bathrooms anywhere in the park. These bathrooms are also pretty centrally located just off of Hollywood Boulevard to the left of the Sorcerer’s Hat.

Disney California Adventure Bathrooms

On first thinking of this post, my immediate answer was the beautifully themed new bathrooms on Buena Vista Street on the right a little after the park entrance. I loved the colors and how they fit right in with the style of Hollywood in the late 20s and early 30s. When I mentioned this post to Shelley, she added the bathrooms in Carthay Circle as a suggestion. I forgot how great these were as well with pictures of Walt and other celebs from the time of the premiere of Snow White at the Carthay Circle Theatre in the 1930s.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Bathrooms

The best themed bathrooms are tucked away in a corner of Camp Minnie-Mickey just outside the exit to the Festival of the Lion King. These are rarely busy, except right after a show of FotLK lets out. They are representative of the decor with a camp style reminiscent of the woods that currently surround them. I say currently because these bathrooms are probably not long for this world with the relocation of Lion King to Africa. The proposed Avartarland expansion of this section of the park will surely be the end of these bathrooms, at least in their current state. I can’t imagine they’d fit in with the landscape of Pandora.

What are some of your favorite bathrooms at Walt Disney World or Disneyland? Did I miss any?

LEGOLAND Florida New DUPLO Valley Opening in 2014

LEGOLAND Florida Announces

New DUPLO Valley Toddler Area Opening in 2014

Plans Include New Attractions, Renovations and Enhanced Theming

LEGOLANDFlorida today announced new attractions and significant renovations to the theme park’s toddler-dedicated area, which will be called DUPLO^® Valley when it reopens in spring 2014. Planned enhancements will bring the LEGO^® DUPLO line of preschool building toys to life with new farm-themed attractions, an air-conditioned indoor play area, and a water play area all geared to toddlers ages 2 to 5. DUPLO Valley will be the ideal place for park guests to play and relax with their toddlers.

New attractions coming to DUPLO Valley include a train, a mini tractor ride, and a water play area. The central feature will be the DUPLO Train where toddlers can board a train on their own or with their parents to explore countryside-themed scenery passing through farms, fishing holes and campgrounds. Just across the way, toddlers can jump on a tractor just their size and help the farmers plow the cornfields and hunt for missing farm animals. For those looking to cool off, the new splash and play area will be refreshingly fun with intermittent water spouts and interactive water elements set among larger than life farm animals with a soft deck for safety.

Another key element will be the existing DUPLO Barn, which will feature significant enhancements to allow kids to play indoors in the comfort of air conditioning. Existing attractions will be enhanced with additional DUPLO farm-themed play areas and a toddler room where parents can relax while kids build with DUPLO bricks. The barn’s Baby Care Center will continue to provide all the amenities to take care of young children. It offers private nursing stations, rocking chairs, microwaves, bottle warmers, high chairs, changing stations, Wi-Fi, cell phone charging stations and more. The Baby Care Center will remain open during construction to accommodate families.

During construction, park guests with toddlers are encouraged to explore the many other attractions the entire family can enjoy including the newest attractions in The LEGO World of Chima presented by Cartoon Network. A complete list of toddler-based attractions can be found at www.legoland.com/toddlers.

The new DUPLO Valley will add more excitement to LEGOLAND Florida’s line-up of more than 50 rides, shows and attractions dedicated to children of ages 2 to 12.

Make sure you keep up with all the latest LEGOLAND Florida News, by following them!

Website: www.legoland.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LEGOLANDFlorida
Twitter: www.twitter.com/@LEGOLANDFlorida

Wordless Wednesday: All Aboard

Wordless Wednesday – October 9, 2013

This week’s Wordless Wednesday is a shot I took from Kendra’s 1,000th ride on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. I was beyond excited to actually get such a great shot of the train as it was about to go under the TTA track! It’s definitely one of my favorite pictures!

A Closer Look At The Villas At The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

The Disney Vacation Club will be opening their 12^th property, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa on October 23, 2013, so I thought we would take a closer look at the rooms they’ll be offering.

The Villas at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Combining tons of Victorian elegance, fun Disney touches, and state of the art technology The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are beautiful!

We had a chance to tour the model rooms at the Disney Vacation Club Walt Disney World Preview Center, and while some of the finishes may be different when the resort opens I know I can’t wait to see the finished product.

httpv://youtu.be/qg9IWD2UyuE

There are four room types at the Villas, and they all feature crown molding, granite countertops, and a mirror TV in each bathroom in addition to what guests have come to expect from staying in a Disney Vacation Club room.

Room Types Available At

The Villas at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:

Deluxe Studio

Sleeps up to 5
1 queen-size bed, 1 queen-size sleeper sofa, 1 pull-down bunk size bed
Kitchenette
Small refrigerator
Wet bar
Flat panel TV and Blu-ray™ player
Full bathroom with separate tub and shower
Private porch or balcony

One-Bedroom Villa

Sleeps up to 5
1 king-size bed, 1 queen-size sleeper sofa, 1 pull-down bunk-size bed
Fully equipped kitchen
Dishwasher
Refrigerator
Stove and oven
Washer and dryer
Flat panel TV and Blu-ray player
Freestanding tub with air jets
Walk-in shower
Private porch or balcony

The Villas at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will feature many of the amenities guests have come to love at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa…especially the larger selection of H2O products found in each bathroom.

Two-Bedroom Villa

Sleeps up to 9
1 king-size bed, 2 queen-size beds, 1 queen-size sleeper sofa, 1 pull-down bunk-size bed
Fully equipped kitchen
Dishwasher
Refrigerator
Stove and oven
Washer and dryer
Flat panel TV and Blu-ray player
Freestanding tub with air jets
Walk-in shower
Private porch or balcony

Three-Bedroom Grand Villa

Sleeps up to 12
1 king-size bed, 4 queen-size beds, 1 queen-size sleeper sofa
Fully equipped kitchen
Dishwasher
Refrigerator
Stove and oven
Laundry room with washer and dryer
4 bathrooms – 1 with whirlpool tub and shower, 1 with shower only, and 2 with combination tub/shower
Media room with home theater system including flat panel TV and Blu-ray player
Flat panel TV in living room and each bedroom, with Blu-ray player in living room
Dining room with dining table and chairs
Private porch or balcony

Cheryl shared some thoughts comparing The Villas at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to Bay Lake Tower in this DVC post, and I can’t wait to hear what she thinks of the completed project!

I hope that you enjoyed this look around The Villas at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and don’t forget to join us on October 23^rd!

Orlando City Soccer Is One Step Closer To Soccer Stadium

City of Orlando Commissioners Unanimously Approve Funding For

Orlanco City SC Soccer Stadium

Orange County Commissioners Vote on 22^nd Final Step in Bringing MLS to Orlando

The City of Orlando Board of Commissioners voted through the approval of funds for a new downtown, multi-purpose soccer stadium Monday afternoon in downtown Orlando. The vote moves the club one step closer toward bringing a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise to Orlando, with the Orange County Commissioners vote on October 22 the final stage in completion of stadium funding.

“This is obviously a very big step toward our goal of bringing MLS,” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins. “I am delighted to have the City behind us so we can now focus on the second vote that is only two weeks away.”

Supporters came out to the event to show the support of the vote, which was unanimous among the six Commissioners and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. The vote approved the use of Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds for multiple venues, including a soccer stadium.

“There are significant days in our community and this is one of them,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Hopefully we have another one later this month.“

The final step on funding for a stadium will occur on Tuesday, October 22, at the County Administration Building. Pending the County approval of the stadium plan, Orlando would be able to enter into final negotiations with MLS to award an expansion team to Central Florida.

The October 22 vote takes place at 201 S Rosalind Avenue at the County Administration Building. Parking is available around the building.

For more information on the upcoming votes, stay tuned to OrlandoCitySoccer.com.

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.

Barry Manilow Live At The Amway Center

Multi-million selling artist Barry Manilow performs his collection of smash hits at the Amway Center on Saturday, January 18, 2014. Tickets are on sale now.

What: Barry Manilow

When: January 18, 2014 | 7:30 pm

Where: Amway Center | Orlando, Florida

On Sale: Now!!!

Manilow, the undisputed number one adult contemporary artist of all time, brings his high-energy, hit-packed concert to Orlando for one night only. With more than 50 top 40 hits like “Mandy,” “Can’t Smile Without You” and “Copacabana (at The Copa),” Manilow will perform many of his memorable songs.

Ticket Prices: $25, $50, $100 & $150 | All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges.

Doors Open: Door opening times for the Amway Center vary according to each event. Guests may enter the arena one hour prior to the start time of each event, unless otherwise specifically noted. Guests may check door times in advance by calling 407.440.7900.

Camera Policy: The show reserves the right to approve camera use at any time during and/or before the event and to prohibit the use of any camera that is deemed unacceptable. Cameras with a detachable lens, iPads and the use of flash photography are prohibited at all Amway Center events. Check amwaycenter.com or call the administration office at 407.440.7000 prior to the event for any camera policy updates. Camera policy is subject to change at any time at the show’s discretion.

With worldwide record sales exceeding 80 million, Manilow’s inimitable career encompasses virtually every arena of entertainment, including performing, writing, composing, arranging and producing. A Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Manilow has produced, arranged and released more than 40 albums during the course of his career. He has also written and produced songs for legendary artists such as Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Dionne Warwick and many more. He has been honored with a Grammy^®, two Emmys, a Tony Award, an Oscar nomination and a top-selling autobiography.

For more information, visit:
www.manilow.com
www.facebook.com/barrymanilow
www.manilowmusicproject.org/

TICKETS: $9.49, $37.99, $67.99, $97.99, $127.49 & $157.49 – 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.

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.

Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Monster’s Ball

**Seminole Hard Rock TampaHosting A Monster’s Ball That Will Be Fang-tastic Affair**

True Blood’s Joe Manganiello Making Special Appearance at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa

He plays the role of a werewolf on the HBO television series True Blood, so it seems appropriate JoeManganiello will be making a special guest appearance at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa “Monster’s Ball” on Saturday, October 26.

The “Monster’s Ball” will be staged in Hard Rock Cafe and include a $1,000 costume contest (no masks or full facial make-up allowed).

The evening will be hosted by 93.3 FLZ’s Brian Fink with Monster mash-up music mixes provided by DJ Barry Carew (from the 2013 Corona Light Kenny Chesney Tour) and DJ Santana.

Limited pre-sale tickets starting at $15 will go on sale Monday, October 7, at www.ROCKTAMPA.com.

Before taking over as the werewolf Alcide Herveaux on True Blood, Manganiello played Flash Thompson in the Spider-Man film series and had recurring roles on such TV shows as ER, How I Met Your Mother and One Tree Hill. He was also in the movie “Magic Mike” with Channing Tatum.

Having once been paid to dress up like Captain Morgan at bars in Pittsburgh, Manganiello went on to graduate from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in drama. He was named US Magazine’s “Sharp Dressed Man” of 2011.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa recently completed a $75 million expansion, making it the world’s sixth-largest casino, based on gaming positions or number of seats at a table or slot. This ultimate entertainment destination features 118 table games including Blackjack, Mini and Midi-Baccarat, Pai Gow Tiles and Poker, Three Card Poker and Texas Hold ‘em Poker, along with over 5,000 slot machines and a smoke-free poker room with 50 tables offering high stakes action. The luxurious High Limit Table Games Room features 17 tables for blackjack and midi-baccarat and offers higher table limits, a personal cashier and attentive bartenders. For the sixth year in a row, the American Automobile Association (AAA) has awarded this 250-luxury room hotel its prestigious Four Diamond rating. Guests can enjoy a new pool area and restaurants including the Hard Rock Cafe Tampa, part of Hard Rock’s 142 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll themed restaurants, the award-winning Council Oak Steaks & Seafood Restaurant, and Rise Kitchen & Bakery™, which features freshly baked breads and entrees made with fresh ingredients. The new Asian gaming complex Jubao Palace features 17 table games and an accompanying 15-seat, quick service noodle bar. Valet and more than 5,000 free, self-parking spaces are available. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is located off of I-4 at North Orient Road and Hillsborough Avenue, between I-75 and I-275, about 10 minutes east of downtown Tampa. For more information, please call 1-800-937-0010 or visit us online at www.seminolehardrocktampa.com or www.facebook.com/seminolehardrocktampa. Follow us on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/SHRTampa.

Pick Six: Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando

A highlight of the Halloween Party season in Orlando for our family is Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando!

Halloween Spooktacular events at SeaWorld Orlando take place weekends in October on the 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, and 26-27 from 12 to 8 pm, and Trick-or-Treat stations, special characters, Penelope’s Party Zone, and more are all included with your admission! There are also special Halloween Spooktacular themed cookie decorating, merchandise, and games which are available at a very reasonable extra charge.

While the party is filled with great activities, characters, candy, and fun here are our favorite highlights of Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando!

Pick Six:

Halloween Spooktacular Orlando Highlights

1. Decorations

I absolutely adore how SeaWorld Orlando is transformed for Halloween Spooktacular! You’ll find fishy looking pumpkins, tons of bubbles, colorful banners, and scenes that really transport you to a Halloween ‘Fantasea’! Zoe especially loves the bubbles everywhere!!!

2. Characters

When you think of SeaWorld you may not think of meeting characters, but you should! This year Pirate Shamu and friends are meeting and dancing with guests at Penelope’s Party Zone in Bayside Stadium. This is a HUGE improvement from last year’s meet and greet location, because the characters really know how to boogie and really who doesn’t want to dance with Shamu???

3. Free Activities

Since Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando is during the day and centered around family fun, there are really great free activities for kids of all ages! For the younger guests at Halloween Spooktacular, there are coloring easels with stools and play areas. And for the older guests, there are pumpkin foam crafts to make and iPads with big screens set up to play the SeaWorld Turtle Trek game! These activities are all found in Penelope’s Party Zone, and I will warn parents that you will spend a lot of your Halloween Spooktacular time here!

4. Cookie Decorating

Every year there is a special treat to decorate, and this year’s cookie decorating doesn’t disappoint! On the upper walkway of Bayside Stadium you will find the cookie decorating tents where you can purchase a cookie decorating kit for $5.50, which includes a cookie, icing, decorating sprinkles & candies, and your choice of water, apple juice, and milk. What I especially love about this area is that it is a place where you and your children can sit away from the party to grab a snack and let them unwind for a spell. If you are a SeaWorld Orlando Annual Passholder, you will receive a discount on the cookie decorating kit!

5. Animal Interactions

Zoe ALWAYS loves the animal interactions that she finds when we visit SeaWorld Orlando, and she loves them even more when she can take a picture with them in her Halloween costume! The day we attended Halloween Spooktacular, Zoe met a Tawny Frogmouth, who was super soft and sweet!

6. Trick-or-Treating

I left our favorite highlight for last…Trick-or-Treating! At Halloween Spooktacular Trick-or-Treating is no joke! You can enter the Underwater Fantasea Path near Shamu Stadium or at the path near the Dolphin Nursery, and the path takes you through the center of all the Halloween Spooktacular fun with 12 Trick-or-Treating spots. The lines are clearly marked which keeps things really organized, and the type of candy being distributed is clearly displayed so you can see if you want to stop or if you need to start thinking of a candy trade to make! You also don’t have to worry about bringing a bag for your treats, because they have high quality paper bags and maps at both entrances to the path!

When you do go to Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando, make sure that you follow SeaWorld on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for great details and information! If you are sharing pictures also make sure to tag your pictures with #SeaWorldSpooktacular, because SeaWorld wants to hear from you and they are even holding contests for attendees!

I hope that you enjoyed our Pick Six for Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando, and I’d love to hear what you love the best about this family-friendly and fun filled Halloween event!