On the Go in MCO - Page 167 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.

Red Bull Training Grounds Hits Full Sail University for E-Sports Competition

Red Bull Training Grounds Hits Full Sail University For Three Days of eSports Competition, Anaylsis, and Student Interaction

Eight professional StarCraft II players from around the world head to Full Sail University for Red Bull Training Grounds, a competitive training intensive for pro gamers, with $10K in prizes up for grabs.

Taking place at the high tech on-campus entertainment venue, Full Sail Live, select students of this award-winning entertainment and media institution will take part in behind-the-scenes educational opportunities during the production, while receiving hands-on experience from industry professionals throughout the event.

The eight elite players will experience valuable training in a true tournament environment, while fans at home and in the live studio audience gain insight into their strategies and stumbles in the post-match analysis from not only the players themselves, but eSports’ elite experts, Sean ‘Day[9]’ Plott, Marcus “djWHEAT” Graham and Ben ‘MrBitter’ Nichols.

Every moment of the action and analysis will be available for the millions of eSports fans and aspiring players worldwide via live digital broadcast on the newly launched Red Bull eSports channel, www.redbull.com/esports. For those interested in attending in-person, the event is free and open to the public. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.

WHAT:

Red Bull Training Grounds, a competitive training invitational for professional gamers, incorporating intense matches and in-depth expert analysis.

WHO:

Commentators: Sean ‘Day[9]’ Plott | Marcus ‘djWHEAT’ Graham | Ben ‘MrBitter’ Nichol

Eight pro gamers from around the world including:
Jens “Snute” Aasgaard, Norway Kyeonghyun “SeLect” Ryoo, USA
Dario “TLO” Wunsch, Germany Ryan “State” Visbeck, USA
Chris “HuK” Loranger, USA Dennis “Succeed” Schmuck, Sweden

Full Sail University Game School Faculty:
Jeremiah Blanchard, Program Manager, Mobile Gaming Master of Science Degree Program
Liam Hislop, Final Project Producer, Game Development Bachelor of Science Degree Program
Lee Wood, Program Manager, Game Design Bachelor of Science Degree Program-Online

WHEN:

Friday, July 26th – Sunday July 28th, 2013*
Doors open at 1PM EST. Live digital broadcast begins daily at 11am PST / 2pm EST / 7pm GMT

WHERE:

Full Sail Live at Full Sail University / 141 University Park Dr. Winter Park, Florida
Live broadcast daily at www.redbull.com/esports

AMC’s The Walking Dead Returns to Halloween Horror Nights

AMC’s The Walking Dead to be resurrected at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort’s

Award-Winning Halloween Horror Nights events for second consecutive year!

Universal Halloween Horror Nights — Beginning September 20, AMC’s The Walking Dead will come to life at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights events with all-new terrifying mazes inspired by Season 3 of the critically-acclaimed, award-winning television series.

Season 3 of the Golden Globe-Nominated, Emmy-Award Winning series, ‘The Walking Dead,’

Sets the Stage for All-Original Horrifying Experiences on Both Coasts

Fans with a voracious appetite for AMC’s “The Walking Dead” will have a chance to walk in the footsteps of human survivors when Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort debut all new terrifying mazes inspired by Season 3 of the critically-acclaimed, award-winning television series at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights events beginning September 20.

The eerily authentic and disturbingly real maze experiences will place Halloween Horror Nights guests at the heart of the show’s once impenetrable prison, the West Georgia Correctional Facility, now overrun by hordes of flesh-eating walkers. The mazes at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando will send guests cowering through the walker-infested wilderness that surrounds the prison and into the seemingly utopian town of Woodbury where gruesome secrets are concealed.

Universal Orlando is also dedicating its entire Halloween Horror Nights street experience to “The Walking Dead” – making this the first time ever that all of the scare zones throughout the park will be themed after a hit television series. Guests brave enough to walk the streets of Universal Studios Florida will encounter iconic scenes from all three seasons of the hit show – including the perilous city of Atlanta and Hershel’s dismal barn – and fleets of blood-thirsty walkers who are hungry for their next victim…

The Golden Globe®-nominated, Emmy® Award-winning series “The Walking Dead” is based on the graphic novel written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics. The series tells the story of the months and years after a zombie apocalypse. It follows a group of survivors, led by sheriff Rick Grimes, who travel in search of a safe and secure home. “The Walking Dead” is the first original cable series ever to end the broadcast TV season as the number-one show for adults 18-49. AMC’s “The Walking Dead” returns for season 4 on Sunday, October 13 at 9pm ET/PT.

“What’s great about working with a property like ‘The Walking Dead’ is that each season presents new environments and characters for us to draw inspiration,” said John Murdy, Creative Director for Universal Studios Hollywood. “With the prison as the main setting of Season 3, we seized this opportunity to recreate that very environment, down to the last detail, to be as genuine and authentic to the show as possible. Using movie-quality production value, our goal is to make guests feel as if they are mired in the world of blood-thirsty zombies, which is something you can only do at Halloween Horror Nights”.

“The goal is always to surround guests with authentic and terrifying experiences,” said Michael Aiello, Creative Development Director for Universal Orlando’s Entertainment team. “The combination of ‘The Walking Dead’ themed street experiences and the haunted maze will make it difficult for our guests to escape the hordes of ravenous walkers they’ve seen on their television. The moment you pass through our gate, you become a survivor fighting for your life.”

Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights events have a more than 20-year history of creating incredibly entertaining, horrifying Halloween experiences that are consistently rated the nation’s best. The events on each coast feature highly-themed, disturbingly real, haunted mazes based on everything from films to nightmares — and streets filled with hundreds of specially trained “scareactors.”

For more information about Halloween Horror Nights at either Universal Orlando Resort or Universal Studios Hollywood, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

About Universal Orlando Resort
There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation, but there is only one place where vacation becomes adventure: Universal Orlando Resort. It is a unique destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It’s the only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained – you become part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. You can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, be transformed into a banana-loving minion in the hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D. Now open: TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D.

Universal Orlando Resort is an NBCUniversal company.

Disney Twenty-Three Fall Issue Coming Soon

Disney Twenty-Three Fall Issue

Breaks The Ice With

Disney’s Coolest Animated Film Ever – Frozen

Delivered Exclusively to D23 Gold Members, August 2013

Rarely Seen Photos from Walt Disney’s Personal Camera and a Look Inside Marty Sklar’s Home

Disney twenty-three—the flagship magazine of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club—ushers in winter early, celebrating Disney’s new animated film Frozen. The cover story features exclusive interviews with the film’s cool voice actors Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel, as well as a visit with the filmmakers as they bring Frozen’s wintery wonderland to life in Disney’s 53rd animated feature, coming to theaters this November.

Walt Disney lives on in “Every Picture Tells a Story,” an article showcasing newly discovered photos Walt shot with his personal camera. The photos provide a unique opportunity for fans to see Disney’s world through Walt’s eyes. D23 Members will also get a special treat as former International Ambassador for Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Legend Marty Sklar welcomes readers inside his home to discuss the fascinating new book about his career shaping timeless Disney icons: Dream It! Do It!: My Half-Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms.

Disney twenty-three’s Fall issue also offers a look at Disney parks around the world. Readers journey across the Pacific Ocean to Tokyo Disneyland to celebrate its joyful 30th anniversary in “Happiness in the Park,” and head to Hong Kong Disneyland’s Mystic Manor to explore one of Walt Disney Imagineering’s most multifaceted and exhilarating attractions yet.

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

America’s Mouseketeer sweetheart Annette Funicello is remembered in “Forever Annette”
A glimpse at Mickey’s latest cartoon escapades
On its 25th anniversary, we take look at how the instant Disney classic, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, spectacularly combined animation and realism
PHOTOfiles: See the picture often referred to as the “best photo ever taken” of Walt
“D Society”: Tailgate at the Monsters University world premiere; see Jerry Bruckheimer accept his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; and head to Burbank to tour the Disney Studio Lot with D23 Members

The Disney magic continues at www.D23.com, which will feature unique and member-exclusive stories that amplify the contents of D23’s glossy magazine. D23 Web Extras, online August 9, will complement the Fall issue of Disney twenty-three:

Interviews with Dane Cook and Teri Hatcher, the voices of Dusty Crophopper and Dottie in the upcoming animated feature Disney’s Planes
An expanded photo gallery of the gorgeous artwork from Frozen
A video interview with Disney Legend Marty Sklar, taken when D23 visited his home

Also in the Fall issue, members will receive one of two exclusive magnets designed by artist Kevin Kidney. These high-spirited, retro-style magnets pay homage to the Haunted Mansion’s Hatbox Ghost and Tinker Bell, during this trick-or-treat time of year.

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, highlighted by the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, August 9–11, 2013.

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.

John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art

One of my absolute favorite museums to visit is Sarasota’s John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Built on Sarasota Bay, along with their mansion Ca’ d’Zan, the Asolo Theater, the Circus Museum, the Ringling Museum of Art is a gem. The grounds surrounding the museum are absolutely gorgeous and well worth spending an entire day there.

Last week I had the pleasure of spending a few hours at the Ringling Museum on Monday. Each week, the museum offers free admission to the art museum on Mondays. There is still a fee on Mondays if you want to visit John and Mabel’s mansion Ca’ d’Zan or the Circus Museum. The museum is open 7 days a week except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Regular hours are 10am – 5pm Friday – Wednesday and 10am – 8pm on Thursdays in the art and circus museums. Regular admission is $25 for adults, $5 for children 6 – 17 and children 5 and under are free. There are often discounts available for seniors, Florida teachers, active duty military, and college students as well as multiple day passes. Due to the size of the grounds, and for visitors’ convenience, the museum offers complimentary trams back and forth between the art museum, mansion, circus museum and the entrance.

I have been to this museum dozens of times, but each time I discover something new, and this time was no exception. It is great for a one time visit or every few weeks to catch the rotating special exhibits. The Ringling Museum is a fantastic way to spend an hour or even all day in Sarasota. The art museum is host to tremendous works from artists by the likes of Rubens, Rembrandt, El Greco, Marcel Duchamp and many more. What brought me here this trip, in addition to it had just been a while, was a new exhibit that opened last month. The American Moderns collection was beautiful. There were artists of many different modern styles, but my favorites were Norman Rockwell’s The Tattoo Artist and Georgia O’Keeffe’s Black Pansy & Forget-Me-Nots. Just a head’s up, pictures are not permitted in the special collections, unlike the rest of the museum where photography is allowed as long as it is without flash.

The artwork at the museum is only possibly paralleled by the museum and gardens surrounding it. Ceilings seem to stretch 30 – 40 feet high, which is perfect for displaying the gigantic canvases from Rubens you encounter in the first salon. As you continue around to each new room, the ornate designs that greet you are more and more elegant. It is very easy to see the Ringlings had magnificent style and it is carried from the mansion into the art museum. Take time to appreciate and explore the architecture and the courtyard, including the replica of Michaelangelo’s David that is the centerpiece of this breathtaking garden.

I have been to the Ringling Museum for special events after hours several times. Some of my favorites have been charity events around the holidays at night at Ca’ d’Zan and then a separate wine tasting event held outside in the courtyard in the spring. There have also been times where I’ve just explored the grounds and Mable’s beautiful rose gardens. If you get an opportunity, I strongly recommend that you take the time to spend a day at this great museum. If you can go on a Monday or a Thursday when you get even more bang for your buck, even better. The Ringling Museum also regularly holds special events like live music, movies and even yoga on the terrace.

Follow the Ringling Museum on twitter at @theRingling. They also have a fantastic app for smartphones that offer gallery pictures, gps enabled maps, hours, and great info about the museums. It can be found by searching the app store for Ringling Museum Guide.

Have you been to Sarasota to visit the Ringling? It is amazing and I hope you all get the chance to explore this beautiful complex of museums.

Rembrandt's Lamentation — Rembrandt’s Lamentation

Replica of Michaelangelo's David — Replica of Michaelangelo’s David

Looking from the courtyard onto Sarasota Bay

El Greco's The Crucifixion with Mary and Saint John — El Greco’s The Crucifixion with Mary and Saint John

Diego Velazquez' Philip IV, King of Spain — Diego Velazquez’ Philip IV, King of Spain

Marcel Duchamp's Sur la Falaise (On the Cliffs) — Marcel Duchamp’s Sur la Falaise (On the Cliffs)

Ship captain's house — Ship captain’s house

Tree lined entrance to Ca' d'Zan — Tree lined entrance to Ca’ d’Zan

Approaching Ca' d'Zan — Approaching Ca’ d’Zan

Ca' d'Zan through the trees — Ca’ d’Zan through the trees

Ca' d'Zan is full of amazing architectural details and colors — Ca’ d’Zan is full of amazing architectural details and colors

Moorish influence in the archways and windows

Longboat Key on the other side of Sarasota Bay

Mable's rose gardens — Mable’s rose gardens

Super Welterweight Boxing Match At The Amway Center

WHAT:

Super Welterweight Boxing Match

Three-Division world Champion Miguel Cotto vs. Two-Time World Title Challenger & Top-Five Contender Delvin Rodriguez

WHEN:

Saturday, October 5, 2013

WHERE:

Amway Center | Orlando, Florida

ON SALE:

Tuesday, July 30, 2013 | 10 a.m.

Twelve years after making his professional debut, three-division world champion and the Pride of Puerto Rico Miguel Cotto will make his Florida debut when he faces two-time world title challenger and current Top-Five contender Delvin Rodriguez in a 12-round super welterweight battle. Cotto vs. Rodriguez will take place Saturday, October 5, at the home of the Orlando Magic, Amway Center in Orlando, FL, which is hosting its first-ever professional boxing event. Promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions and Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Tecate, tickets to Cotto vs. Rodriguez go on sale Tuesday, July 30 at 10 a.m.

Cotto and Rodriguez boast a combined record of 65-10-3 (46 KOs) – a winning percentage of over 83% and a victory by knockout ratio of 71%.

“I am very happy to be back on October 5 and fighting in front of all the great fans of Orlando, Florida,” said Cotto.

“I’m going to go for the knockout,” said Rodriguez. “I will take advantage of the biggest opportunity of my life.”

“Miguel Cotto has participated in some of boxing’s biggest events over the past 10 years,” said Todd duBoef, president of Top Rank. “His return to the ring on October 5 will be another electrifying night for the fans watching it live in Orlando and the boxing fans throughout the world. Top Rank is thrilled to work with him and his promotional team on this event.”

“When Miguel Cotto is in the ring it is always exciting to watch. For us it is a great pleasure to present the return of one of boxing’s biggest stars to our great Puerto Rican community in Orlando and all the Latino fans of Florida. It’ll be a great night for boxing,” said Héctor Soto, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions.

“As Delvin’s promoter, it is an honor to have our boxer fight against Miguel Cotto, a true boxing legend,” said Joe DeGuardia, president of Star Boxing. “As a boxing aficionado, I am excited to see this fight, which is one that real boxing fans are enthusiastic about. I expect a thrilling battle of will and skill between these two veteran warriors.”

“Landing another high-profile event like this is a knockout for the City of Orlando in terms of entertainment and economic impact,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Whether it’s Wrestlemania, the NBA All-Star game or NCAA Championship games, Orlando has proven that we have what it takes to host top-tier sporting events. We look forward to hosting what will be a thrilling fight and once again showcasing Orlando to a worldwide audience.”

“Today’s announcement is particularly exciting because it is our first professional boxing match and an internationally televised one,” said Orlando Venues Executive Director Allen Johnson. “This is yet another milestone for Amway Center and illustrates our commitment to host diverse events that cater to the greater Central Florida community and beyond.”

Cotto (37-4, 30 KOs), from Caguas, Puerto Rico, has sold more fight tickets at the “Mecca of Boxing,” Madison Square Garden, than any other fighter in this millennium. He held a world title every year from 2004 to 2012 while winning 17 of the 21 world championship bouts he has fought. Puerto Rico’s most exciting fighter and one of its greatest, Cotto held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight crown from 2004-2006, successfully defending it six times before vacating it to capture the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title at the end of 2006, a title he held for nearly as long. After losing the WBA title to three-time world champion Antonio Margarito, arguably the fight of the year, in July 2008, Cotto won his second welterweight belt in February 2009, knocking out Michael Jennings in the fifth round to become the WBO welterweight champion. He lost the title in his second defense, November 2009, to Manny Pacquiao. Cotto captured the WBA super welterweight title June 5, 2010, in the first fight ever held at the new Yankee Stadium, by stopping undefeated defending champion Yuri Foreman. He successfully defended that title twice in 2011, knocking out former world champion Ricardo Mayorga and Margarito in the 12th and 10th rounds, respectively. He lost his world championship belt on May 5, 2012, losing an exciting and close decision to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a title unification bout in what many consider one of the toughest fights of Mayweather’s career. In his last fight, on December 1, Cotto unsuccessfully challenged WBA super welterweight champion Austin Trout, losing a 12-round decision. Notable scalps on Cotto’s belt include world champions, “Sugar” Shane Mosley, Zab Judah, Joshua Clottey, Paulie Malignaggi and Demarcus Corley.

Rodriguez (28-6-3, 16 KOs), a native of the Dominican Republic, now fighting out of Danbury, Conn., first came into prominence by knocking out Luis Hernandez (20-2, 13 KOs) in the third round of their 2006 fight to capture the USBA welterweight title. Victories over Oscar Diaz (26-2, 12 KOs) and Shamone Alvarez (20-1, 11 KOs), led to Rodriguez’s first title shot, against Isaac Hlatshwayo, for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight crown in 2009, where Rodriguez lost a close split decision. Rodriguez’s debut in the super welterweight division was in 2011’s “Fight of Year,” a Draw against Pawel Wolak (29-1, 19 KOs) that had fans on their feet as the two gladiators went toe-to-toe for 12 brutally exquisite rounds. After winning the rematch against Wolak at the end of that same year, Rodriguez unsuccessfully challenged undefeated WBA super welterweight champion Austin Trout in 2012, losing a 12-round decision. He enters this fight having knocked out previously undefeated George Tahdooahnippah (31-0, 23 KOs) and Freddy Hernandez (30-4, 20 KOs) in the sixth and eighth rounds, in February and May of this year, respectively. He is currently world-rated No. 4 by the WBO.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com and www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing and facebook.com/trboxeo, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo or twitter.com/warcotto.

TICKETS: $25, $50, $100 & $150. 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, visitamwaycenter.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.

D23 Expo App Now Available

The Interactive Application Includes Schedule, Talent Bios, Trivia, Breaking News, and Much More About The Ultimate Disney Fan Event

Guests attending the D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event are now able to download the free D23 Expo app from the iTunes and Google Play stores. This multi-layered application will serve as a useful tool for those guests attending the event, which takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center August 9–11, 2013. Included in the app:

The most up-to-date schedules for all Expo presentations
Sneak peeks at merchandise and collectibles that will be available for purchase exclusively at the event
The ability to push alerts of the latest Expo news including announcements and notifications when panels, presentations, and events are booked up
Map of the show floor

Answers to frequently asked questions
Loads of Disney trivia
Bios of all talent who will be attending the Expo
Additional fun features such as a D23 Photo Booth, a scavenger hunt, and more!

Tickets for the D23 Expo are $57 for a one-day adult admission and $47 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $50 for a one-day adult admission and $42 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available for both D23 Members and the general public, and D23 Members can save as much as $84 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for members and general admission, visit D23Expo.com.

About D23 Expo 2013

The D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings the entire world of Disney under one roof, providing attendees with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, and theme parks. For the latest D23 Expo 2013 news, visitD23Expo.com. To be part of the D23 Expo conversation, make sure to follow @DisneyD23 and tag your tweets with #D23Expo.

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 publicationDisney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts and special events for D23 Members throughout the year, highlighted by the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, August 9–11, 2013.

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.

Busch Gardens Celebrates International Tiger Day

July 27-29, 2013

Weekend-long Event Includes Face Painting, Keeper Talks and Endangered Malayan Tiger Cubs

In recognition of International Tiger Day on July 29, guests are invited to join a weekend-long celebration at Busch Gardens® Tampa. The festivities take place daily from July 27-29 in the Jungala® area of the park.

With only 3,200 wild tigers in the world, International Tiger Day, also known as Global Tiger Day, is an annual celebration to raise awareness for tiger conservation. Busch Gardens is celebrating with face painting, tiger keeper talks and feedings. Also, a portion of the proceeds from the tigress and cubs plush toys sold in the Tiger Lodge gift shop in the Jungala area will be donated to the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.

Additionally, three of Busch Gardens’ newest additions, endangered Malayan tiger cubs, are scheduled to make an appearance on the Jungala habitat all three days of the celebration.

Keeper Talks

Stop by the Rainforest Research Station to find out what it’s like to be a tiger at Busch Gardens. The animal care team will demonstrate how they work with tigers from feedings to enrichment to playtime.

Malayan Tiger Cubs

In May, Busch Gardens announced the birth of three endangered Malayan tiger cubs to mother Bzui and father Mata. The three cubs, named Cinta, meaning “love”, Bundar, meaning “round,” and Rukayah, meaning “delicate,” will be on the Jungala habitat throughout the celebration.

Species Survival Program (SSP)

The Malayan tiger births are part of park’s partnership in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP). The mission of the SSP is to cooperatively manage specific, and typically threatened or endangered, species populations within AZA-accredited facilities. There are currently just over 50 Malayan tigers in the Species Survival Plan.

Wordless Wednesday – The Lost Continent

Wordless Wednesday – July 24, 2013

This week’s Wordless Wednesday takes us to one of my favorite places in Universal Islands of Adventure, The Lost Continent. I love this area because you really can’t go wrong with Poseidon’s Fury & Mythos!

R.I.P.D., Rest In Peace Department

While I know the movie hasn’t gotten the best of reviews, I’m going to just go ahead and say that I enjoyed R.I.P.D. I have never read any of the comics or heck, I didn’t even know what this movie was about when we went into the theater. But guess what, I kind of want to see it again.

Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds headline the 3D supernatural action-adventure R.I.P.D. as two cops dispatched by the otherworldly Rest In Peace Department to protect and serve the living from an increasingly destructive array of souls who refuse to move peacefully to the other side.

Veteran sheriff Roy Pulsifer (Bridges) has spent his career with the legendary police force known as R.I.P.D. tracking monstrous spirits who are cleverly disguised as ordinary people. His mission? To arrest and bring to justice a special brand of criminals trying to escape final judgment by hiding among the unsuspecting on Earth.

Once the wise-cracking Roy is assigned former rising-star detective Nick Walker (Reynolds) as his junior officer, the new partners have to turn grudging respect into top-notch teamwork. When they uncover a plot that could end life as we know it, two of R.I.P.D.’s finest must miraculously restore the cosmic balance…or watch the tunnel to the afterlife begin sending angry souls the very wrong way.

I get pretty anxious when it comes to movie theaters and normally I can’t zone out when I hear other people stirring in their seats or eating their candy or popcorn, but this is one of the few movies that I’ve seen in theaters lately where I feel like I completely zoned out.

The combination of Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds kept the movie having it’s little funny, quirky parts and I don’t know whether it was the actors just ad libbing during filming or if the writers get all the credit, but the side comments and funny things that the characters said back and forth to each other made me (and others) laugh quite a bit during the movie.

I loved seeing Mary Louise Parker in her role as Proctor to keep the boys in line.

Like I said, I didn’t know anything about this movie and had I known it had supernatural elements to it I’m not sure I would have wanted to see it, but I’m so glad I did. All of the special effects looked really good and worked well in the movie.

Oh and you can’t forget about Kevin Bacon…and I’ll leave it at just that when it comes to him.

R.I.P.D. had a very ‘Dead Like Me‘ feel to it. If you haven’t seen that show, you should. And if you like that show and want to see a twist put into it, this is definitely that. I really enjoyed Roy (Jeff Bridges) and how he was from the old west time period and it kept throughout the entire movie.

If you’re looking to get out of the heat (or rain!) and watch a movie that you can just kick back and enjoy, this could be the one for you.

You can find R.I.P.D on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Tumblr for even more fun!

LEGOLAND Florida Rolls Out VIP Experience

LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park

Officially Rolls Out VIP Experience

LEGOLAND® Florida today announced final plans for the LEGOLAND Florida VIP Experience, and the LEGOLAND Florida and LEGOLAND Water Park combo VIP Experience. The private guided tour experiences include park admission, a personal guide, lunch, refreshments, an exclusive LEGO Model Shop tour and a special build experience with a Master Model Builder. A seasonal special events package add-on is also available. The announcement comes after the successful conclusion of its pilot program, which began testing in March.

As part of the experience, guests also receive priority entrance to rides and attractions, a photography package, a special gift bag with LEGO product, and learn behind the scenes fun facts about LEGOLAND Florida. The theme park and water park combo experience includes a private cabana and a souvenir towel in addition to the theme park perks.

“The official roll out of the LEGOLAND Florida VIP Experience is a very exciting time for the park and for our guests,” Said Phil Royle, Product Excellence Manager. As with all products, we constantly test and adjust to ensure we’re providing the absolute best experience for our guests. This is a prime example of how we took time with a pilot program and shaped it to the best it could be.”

See full details of LEGOLAND Florida VIP Experience and LEGOLAND Florida and LEGOLAND Water Park VIP Experience below:

LEGOLAND Florida VIP Experience

Single day admission to LEGOLAND Florida and VIP parking
Private VIP host for group
Exclusive tour of ‘secret’ Model Shop and building experience with a Master Model Builder
Front of the line priority access to rides and attractions
Behind the scenes fun facts on LEGO models and LEGOLAND Florida
Locker usage
LEGOLAND Florida gift bag
Lunch with reserved seating and refreshments
Souvenir photograph
A digital photograph package for the day

Prices start from $445 per child & $495 per adult

LEGOLAND Florida and LEGOLAND Water Park VIP Experience
Everything in the LEGOLAND Florida VIP Experience, plus;

Single-day admission to LEGOLAND Florida and LEGOLAND Water Park and VIP parking
Private cabana in LEGOLAND Water Park with full service
Refreshments
Beach towels
Souvenir Photograph
Locker usage

Prices start from $545 per child & $595 per adult

LEGOLAND Florida Special Events VIP Experience
A VIP Experience is also available during LEGOLAND Florida Special Events such as Red, Brick & Boom, Christmas Bricktacular and Kid’s New Years’ Eve

VIP picnic for special events
VIP host
Prime viewing location for special event fireworks

Prices vary per event

For more information or to make a reservation for a LEGOLAND Florida VIP Experience, call (855) 753-7777.

Guests outside of the U.S. can make a reservation by calling +1 855 753 7777.

Orlando City SC Win Over Harrisburg

Alexandre Scores Brace, Orlando City Lions

Grab 3-1 Win Over Harrisburg

Midfielder returns from national team duty with Haiti, scores brace in first half

Orlando City SC (12-2-6, 42 points) defeated the Harrisburg City Islanders (11-8-1, 34 points) 3-1 Saturday night at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. 7,311 supporters watched Orlando Midfielder Jean Alexandre score two in his return from national team play, leading the Lions to a crucial three points at home.

“I thought first half we played terrific and played a lot of really good football,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “We dropped off in the second half but after all the travel and games we’ve played recently- the upcoming break is coming at the right time.“

Orlando began the match in fine form, finding open spaces behind the Harrisburg backline in the first minutes of play. The first scoring chance for the Lions came in the 20^th minute of play, with the second Orlando corner of the night nearly converting for the lead. Defenders Luke Boden and Rob Valentino almost connected on the attempt, with Valentino’s header ricocheting off the crossbar and out of danger. Orlando kept digging, however, with their first score of the match following soon after.

Midfielder Jean Alexandre’s return to the Lions provided an immediate boost for Heath’s side in the midfield. Alexandre, who spent the last three weeks as captain of the Haitian National Team in CONCACAF Gold Cup play, converted Orlando’s first score in the 25^th minute. After another corner attempt, Boden found himself free with possession- crossing in to the near post as Alexandre nodded it in for the 1-0 advantage.

The Haiti native wasn’t done scoring in his return to Orlando, with a well-played ball by Midfielder Jamie Watson finding Alexandre for his second of the night. In the 36^th minute, Watson fed a charging Alexandre behind the City Islanders’ defense- with the midfielder tucking it in the back of the net for the 2-0 lead.

Orlando kept the scoring up as the match went on, with Forward Dennis Chin netting his fourth goal of the season in the process. Substitute Jonathan Mendoza began the play, with his effort deflecting right to Chin. The speedy striker slotted home the score inside the 18-yard box, giving the Lions a 3-0 lead midway through the second half.

A late goal by Harrisburg’s Lucky Mkosano put the visiting side within striking distance, but the two-goal differential proved to be too much as Orlando came out on top 3-1.

After a tough stretch of matches in the month of July, the Lions will now be able to take time and recuperate with their next game set for August 3^rd at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The two clubs met on Wednesday night, with the game ending in a 0-0 draw in Pittsburgh, Penn.

For more information on the upcoming home match against the Riverhounds, stay tuned to OrlandoCitySoccer.com.

Orlando City SC Match Recap:

Team 1 2 Final

Orlando City 2 1 3

Harrisburg City Islanders 0 1 1

Scoring Summary:

ORL- Jean Alexandre (Luke Boden) 25^th

ORL- Jean Alexandre (Jamie Watson) 36^th

ORL- Dennis Chin (unassisted) 71^st

HAR- Lucky Mkosano (Yann Erka) 79^th

Lineups/Substitutions:

Orlando City- GK Miguel Gallardo, D Kevin Ellis, Rob Valentino, Renan Boufleur, Luke Boden, M Christian Duke, James O’Connor, Jamie Watson (Jonathan Mendoza 44’), Jean Alexandre (Freddie Braun 73’), Adama Mbengue (Erik Ustruck 89’) F Dennis Chin

Harrisburg- GK Nick Noble, D Stephen Basso (Antonio Bua 74’), Andrew Ribeiro, Coady Andrews, Colin Zizzi, M Jason Pelletier (Matt Bahner 51’), Kenny Caceros (Jamiel Hardware 69’), Cris Hernandez (Yann Ekra 46’), Don Anding, F Jimmy McLaughlin (Morgan Langley) 62’, Lucky Mkosano

Penalty Summary:

HAR- Kenny Caceros (yellow)- 16^th

ORL- Kevin Ellis (yellow) – 89^th

Match Facts:

Time of Match: 7:30 p.m. EST

Weather: Clear/Light Rain

Attendance: 7,311

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is a premier professional soccer sports franchise in the United States and is a member of the USL PRO. The Lion’s pro team has won two regular season titles and one postseason championship during their short time in Orlando. 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.

$50 Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores Giveaway

Win a $50 Gift Certificate to Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores

It’s almost August, and you know what that means: school bells will be ringing soon, and so will cash registers during back to school shopping. If you’re like me, shopping smarter and stretching my budget will be a priority. The Florida Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 2 and ends at 11:59 on Sunday, August 4. Local schools go back into session in mid-to-late August, so plan now to take advantage of that. I’ll be looking for deals throughout the month.

That’s why I plan to head out to destinations like Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, one of Central Florida’s best-kept shopping secrets where you’ll find savings up to 75% off at select stores. The village-style center offers a customer-friendly shopping experience and 50 spacious outlet shops with convenient store-front parking. Shoppers will find great deals at the area’s only Old Navy and G by GUESS outlet stores, newcomers Justice, Crocs, Calvin Klein and Levi’s® Outlet Store, as well as other well-known outlet stores include Aeropostale, Carters, Converse, Famous Footwear Outlet, Fossil, Gap, Izod, Nike Factory Store, OshKosh, Rack Room Shoes, and many more. Stop into the new Lindt Chocolate for a treat!

Here’s your chance to win a $50 gift certificate to the Center.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Even if you don’t win the gift certificate, you can get in on the savings by downloading a coupon from the Center’s web site, then bringing it to Travelpro to receive a coupon booklet valued up to $400 in savings. The Center is located at 15657 S Apopka Vineland Rd (SR 535), Orlando, FL 32821.

Happy shopping!

Harrod’s Disney Princess Dresses And More Added to D23 Expo Schedule

Harrod’s Disney Princess Dresses Make Their U.S. Debut

At the D23 Expo in Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives!

Plus, New D23 Expo Panels on

**“The Lost Chords” and Mary Poppins Announced**

A stunning display of exclusive gowns inspired by Disney’s iconic Princesses will make their U.S. debut at the D23 Expo inside the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit. These handcrafted designs by world-leading designers will be available for viewing each day of the event, August 9–11 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Included are works inspired by the individual stories of the Disney Princesses by Ralph & Russo (Tiana), Versace (Cinderella), Elie Saab (Aurora), Marchesa (Ariel), Escada (Jasmine), Missoni (Mulan), Roberto Cavalli (Pocahontas), Jenny Packham (Rapunzel), Valentino (Belle), and Oscar de la Renta (Snow White). The stunning dresses were first showcased in an ultra-glamorous set of window displays at Harrods, the luxury store in Knightsbridge, London, during the 2012 holiday season.

In addition, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is announcing two additional presentations. As we near the award-winning film’s 50th anniversary, Disney Legend and Walt Disney Archives Chief Archivist Emeritus Dave Smith will host “Behind the Scenes of Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins.” Guests will learn the complete story of how Walt Disney first discovered the book, worked on the script with author P.L. Travers, brought in the Sherman Brothers to write a memorable score, selected an unforgettable cast, oversaw actual filming, and celebrated at a gala Hollywood premiere.

During “Secrets of ‘The Lost Chords,’” Grammy^® Award-winning producer and resident Disney Music historian, Randy Thornton will reveal some of the secrets behind Disney’s “lost” songs written for classic Disney films by legendary Disney composers (such as the Sherman Brothers) that were essentially lost for decades—until now. Plus, as a special part of this exclusive D23 event, guests will be among the very first to hear songs currently in production from a significant upcoming “Lost Chords” release.

Disney Artist and Historian Stacia Martin will present “Sounds Delightful: An Illustrated Audio Adventure,” which will take guests on an entertaining trip across the decades via vintage Disney Vinyl Recordings from her extensive personal collection. Forgotten favorites from the family turntable of yesteryear will be heard along with rare promotional and production tracks… including never-before-heard musical moments from Walt Disney’s own “journey down the Yellow Brick Road.”

For presentation times, dates, and locations (subject to change), please visit D23Expo.com.

About D23 Expo 2013

The D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings the entire world of Disney under one roof, providing attendees with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, and theme parks. For the latest D23 Expo 2013 news, visit D23Expo.com. To be part of the D23 Expo conversation, make sure to follow @DisneyD23 and tag your tweets with #D23Expo.

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; and member-exclusive discounts and special events for D23 Members throughout the year, highlighted by the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, August 9–11, 2013.

Cheryl’s Grand Floridian Thoughts

Since Disney Vacation Club properties Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the soon to be opening Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort and Spa are similarly priced when you buy through Disney, I thought I would compare my opinions between the two resorts.

Grand Floridian Pluses:

The decor, especially the flooring and tile work, are definitely more upscale
You get additional h20 bath products, such as foot scrub, like you do when you stay at Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort and Spa.
In each closet, there are spa robes provided for you to relax in.
There is an additional Bed available.

The Villas at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Preview Center — A glimpse at the h20 products

Grand Floridian Things To Consider:

You will be sharing a pool with Grand Floridian Guests.
You can not walk to Magic Kingdom from the Grand Floridian.
There are no signature items to attract you to stay at this resort. Example Bay Lake Tower offers an observation deck and Bar.
In the 1 bedroom villas, there is no additional sleeper chair and bathroom.

Things To Ponder:

Will there be transportation challenges. Will buses and monorails become more crowded?
If you are driving to the resort, will parking be an issue?
How will weddings at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion impact the villas?

So I’ve been thinking about if I would buy in, and I’m not jumping at owning at the Grand Floridian right now. I’m going to be waiting to see to see what happens.

I will be staying at Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort and Spa, because I was lucky and got an available room for the Disney World Marathon weekend by runDisney. I was previously wait listed at Bay Lake and Wilderness Lodge.

Should I win the lottery? Sign me up for Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort and Spa! Along with a home at Golden Oak and a stay at Aulani!

Here is a closer look at the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa that are at the DVC preview center. It’s important to note that some of the finishes and decor may be different than those found in the actual rooms of the resort when it opens.

httpv://youtu.be/qg9IWD2UyuE

Happy Teen Beach Movie Day!

Happy Teen Beach Movie Day!!!

If your house is anything like mine, there is much rejoicing that this summer’s DCom Teen Beach Movie premieres tonight!

The television premiere of Teen Beach Movie, a Disney Channel Original Movie sponsored by Honda and Best Western International, is FRIDAY, JULY 19 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel U.S. followed by telecasts on Disney Channels around the world. This contemporary surf-rock musical looks like a lot of fun, and stars Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell, Garrett Clayton, Grace Phipps, John Deluca, Chrissie Fit, Barry Bostwick, Kevin Chamberlin and Steve Valentine Star.

httpv://youtu.be/GCtQH4Jg9uc

“Teen Beach Movie” introduces confident, resilient surfer McKenzie and her carefree boyfriend Brady, a fan of the retro surf musical movie, “Wet Side Story.” On the morning of McKenzie’s planned departure for boarding school, she and Brady catch one last epic wave which mysteriously carries them right into “Wet Side Story,” circa 1962, where they meet Seacat, Giggles, Rascal and Cheechee, among others. Amidst the spontaneous song and dance, there’s trouble in paradise — it’s bikers versus surfers for control of the local hangout but Mack and Brady unwittingly interfere with the movie’s star-crossed plot, one that would pair a surfer (the teen matinee idol Tanner) and a biker (Lela, the sister of Butchy, the biker gang’s leader). Typical of the teen beach movie genre, a kooky subplot has mad scientists Les Camembert and Dr. Fusion scheming to alter weather patterns and take over the local hangout and then, the world.

Also, to celebrate Teen Beach Movie Typhoon Lagoon is hosting the Teen Beach Movie: Dance Party that is held several times a day and features a hip DJ spinning remixes of retro tunes, beach-y-themed games and some really rad “bikers” and “surfers” to party with guests as they dance away the dog days. Taking over part of Typhoon Lagoon’s main beach and wave pool area, guests can participate in relays on the sand, hula hoop spinning, water balloon and beach ball tossing, and the grooviest dance moves this side of Mt. Mayday. The Teen Beach Movie: Dance Party is going on until September 1, 2013 as part of Limited Time Magic!

httpv://youtu.be/pGW1LEi4-kA

The Teen Beach Movie schedule is multiplatform and chocked full of fun that goes well past the premiere tonight!

FRIDAY, JULY 19 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT)

Premiere of “Teen Beach Movie” on Disney Channel U.S. and UK and on Family Channel Canada.

SATURDAY, JULY 20 (11:00 a.m., ET/PT)

During the encore telecast of “Teen Beach Movie,” Disney Channel will host a Live Chat experience inviting viewers to chat LIVE with the stars of the movie at DisneyChannel.com/LiveChat. Throughout the experience, viewers will also be served trivia, polls, photos, fun facts and will have the ability to download a limited amount of ringtones. Viewers can submit questions beginning July 12 for this live chat hosted by Radio Disney’s Jake Whetter. The event will be accessible on your desktop, tablet and smartphones.

Fans can use their Disney Channel Photo Finish app for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch to “Watch and Unlock” or sync to any of the encore broadcasts and receive free “Bikers vs Surfers” and “Sing & Dance” sticker packs. The app is available now for free in the App Store at http://AppStore.com/DisneyChannelPhotoFinish.

Premiere of “Teen Beach Movie” on Disney Channel Japan.

SUNDAY, JULY 21 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT)

The Sing Along edition of “Teen Beach Movie” will be presented on Disney Channel. Lyrics to the movie’s nine songs will be visible on screen and available at DisneyChannel.com/TeenBeachMovie.

SATURDAY, JULY 27 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT)

A Dance Along telecast, hosted by the cast of “Teen Beach Movie,” airs on Disney Channel with dance tutorials also available on DisneyChannel.com

TUESDAY, JULY 30

“Teen Beach Movie” will be released on DVD at retailers nationwide on July 30. An exclusive new music and dance number including behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage, and an in-packed collectible surfboard zipper pull, will be available on Disney DVD at retailers nationwide and at Walmart exclusively on July 19.