On the Go in MCO - Page 169 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.

Wordless Wednesday – Prayer Ribbons

Wordless Wednesday – July 10, 2013

WWE NXT Ticket Giveaway!

Don’t miss “The Showoff,” WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler, appearing live during the SOLD OUT July 11, 2013 WWE NXT taping at Full Sail University.

This very special WWE NXT evening will include NXT Champion Bo Dallas, NXT Tag Team Champions Luke Harper and Erick Rowan from The Wyatt Family, the NXT Divas and more.

It’s crazy quick, but we have four (4) general admission tickets to the WWE NXT July 11, 2013, sold out show to give away!!!

Entering to win is SUPER easy!

Mandatory: Leave a comment letting us know why you’re a wrestling fan!
Extra Entry: Follow @onthegoinmco on Twitter and leave a comment that you do
Extra Entry: Follow On the Go in MCO on Facebook and leave a comment that you do
Extra Entry: Subscribe to the On the Go in MCO YouTube Channel and leave a comment that you do
Extra Entry: Follow us On the Go in MCO on Pinterest and leave a comment that you do

Winners will be chosen at random and entries must be in by July 10, 2013 11:59 pm. Winners will be announced by July 11, 2013 at 7:00 am and will be able to pick up their tickets at will call with a valid ID from the Full Sail Live Box Office, 141 University Park Dr., Winter Park, FL 32792.

Congratulations Mark Bate for winning the WWE NXT tickets!!! Thanks to everyone who entered our ticket giveaway!!!

For future NXT event ticket sales, purchases of tickets for future WWE/NXT tapings will be made available at the end of each event inside Full Sail Live or online. And it’s important to know that tickets and seating for this event will be made available on a first come, first served basis.

For some of our favorite tips about attending a WWE NXT taping, check out Mike’s post!

Proceeds from ticket contributions benefit the Full Sail / WWE Scholarship Fund.

Disney Consumer Products At Disney’s D23 Expo 2013

Disney Consumer Products Takes Fans On Journey From Sketch to Shelf At Disney’s D23 Expo 2013

Disney’s Ultimate Fans to Enjoy Access to Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Content and Merchandise

Disney Consumer Products (DCP) will give Disney’s most loyal fans an up close look at an extensive collection of interactive experiences and merchandise that celebrate Disney, Marvel and Star Wars timeless characters during the bi-annual D23 Expo, the ultimate Disney fan event. Held at the Anaheim Convention Center from Aug. 9-11, 2013, Disney fans will have the chance to follow their favorite products from “sketch to shelf” and learn how Disney Consumer Products extends storytelling from character and content extension to product development through featured discussions, art and sculptures and final product displays.

While at the D23 Expo fans will also be able to immerse themselves in exhibits, hands-on demonstrations, special signing opportunities and exclusive product offerings at the Disney Consumer Products Pavilion.

Disney Consumer Products’ exciting lineup of events and attractions includes:

Celebrating Disney, Marvel and Star Wars

Disney Junior Fun Spot – Get a sneak peek of brand-new toys before they hit store shelves this fall and enjoy special giveaways while supplies last.

Disney Princess Ariel-Themed Sephora Pop-up Shop – Sephora Pro artists and manicurists will give attendees the royal treatment with products from the Disney Ariel Collection by Sephora. The collection will be available for purchase along with an exclusive-to-D23 Expo-only Swarovski crystal-encrusted Ariel compact mirror. Attendees will receive starfish hair clips with every complimentary beauty service each day, while supplies last.

The Mystical World of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen – See feature animation art concepts, storyboards, unreleased film clips, and products from the mystical world of Frozen, the daring comedy-adventure from Walt Disney Animation Studios releasing in November 2013.

Steamboat Willie Redux – Celebrate the history and timelessness of the most cherished Disney character through this graphically re-interpreted mash-up of the pioneering 1928 cartoon short, Steamboat Willie.

Spider-Man’s Ultimate Innovation – Come check out products on the cutting edge of product innovation and design featuring one of the most popular Super Heroes in the world, Spider-Man, in Marvel’s first-ever appearance in the DCP showcase at the D23 Expo.

Star Wars at D23 Expo! – For the first time at the D23 Expo Star Wars fans can have access to experiences created for them by Lucasfilm and Disney. Darth Vader: The Evolution of a Villain, located in the DCP pavilion, showcases the development of the iconic villain from early concepts to striking realization. Crash Course in the Force: Star Wars Saga 101, presented by Lucasfilm’s resident authority Pablo Hidalgo at Stage 23, will give Star Wars newbies and experts alike a thorough grounding in all matters of the Force and the Star Wars legacy.

Fans will have the opportunity to participate in other immersive experiences, including: Find Your Voice with The Little Mermaid, a karaoke experience celebrating the music from the film; Journey through the Art of Tink, a gallery where Disney artists, designers, illustrators, and animators from around the world have re-imagined our magical, sassy and feisty fairy, Tinker Bell; What Makes a Puppet a Muppet?, which will help fans learn what it takes to create a Muppets “plush” and then create your own; Take a Ride with Disney•Pixar’s World of Cars and Disney’s Planes, which explains how the highly collectible diecast vehicles are made; Assembling The Avengers Franchise, an exclusive tour through the history of The Avengers and the chance to see the latest The Avengers products; and I heart Mickey & Minnie, a rarely seen collection of beloved Mickey Mouse toys, apparel, and accessories from past decades, along with a showcase of Minnie Mouse-inspired fashions from around the globe.

Disney Store

D23 Members attending the Expo are invited to attend the Disney Store signature store opening ceremony to “Unlock Imagination”, each morning at 9 a.m. at the Convention Center, when the D23 Expo floor opens for members. The 1,800-square-foot Disney Store retail space will be packed with the latest D23 Expo merchandise created by Disney Store and will feature guest artist signings. In addition, guests will find an array of products not yet available to the public, including a Disney∙Pixar capsule collection, which will bring together multiple characters from Disney∙Pixar’s cherished portfolio of films for the first time ever.

Presentations from Disney Store on the Disney Consumer Products Workshop Stage include:

Disney Fairytale Designer Collection – Guest artist signing with Gerald Mendez and Jessica Fuchs (Friday, Aug. 9 – 10:15-11:15 a.m.)

The Art of Ariel – Special guest artist signing with Gerald Mendez, Enrique Pita, Quincy Sutton, and Steve Thompson (Saturday, Aug. 10 – 10:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)

Artist Series Two – On Sunday, Disney Store will launch Artist Series Two, a collection of merchandise with artwork created by Disney Store artists and will host a guest artist signing on stage with Robert Farrell, John T. Quinn III, Jeff Shelly, and Becky Wong (Saturday, Aug. 10 – 2 p.m.-3 p.m.)

Disney Publishing
Disney Publishing will take fans into the world of books, apps and everything in between by showcasing how artists, storytelling and innovative content combined creates stories full of magic and adventure. Guests can participate in live readings with Fairy Godmother on Friday, watch artists behind popular Disney stories sketch live on Saturday and get their hair styled like a Disney Princess by Sephora on Sunday with the help of the Disney Princess Royal Salon app. New books and never-before-seen lithographs featuring Peter Pan, Mickey Mouse and Sleeping Beauty will be available for sale inside the booth.

Disney Publishing’s Stage 28 presentations and signings include:

Ridley Pearson and The Kingdom Keepers Insider App Quest – New York Times best-selling author Ridley Pearson embarks on a journey to write the seventh and final book in the Kingdom Keepers series—only this time, his readers are helping him write it! Join the author as he reveals how deception and betrayal rock the Kingdom Keepers’ world as the merciless group of Overtakers (Disney villains) stage an unexpected comeback (Presentation: Friday, Aug. 9 – 12 p.m.-1 p.m. Signing: 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m., Talent Round Up).

Dave Bossert Remembers Roy E. Disney with special guest Roy P. Disney – Dave Bossert and Roy P. Disney will share stories, drawings and candid photos found in Bossert’s new book Remembering Roy E. Disney: Memories and Photos of a Storied Life (Presentation: Friday, Aug. 9 – 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Signing: 2:45 – 3:45, The Dream Store).

Disney Imagineering Legend Marty Sklar Presents…Dream It! Do It!: My Half-Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms – Disney Legend Marty Sklar will take guests through a presentation based on his new memoir—one that recounts his epic Disney adventure, including working as Walt’s literary right-hand man for the Disney Parks, writing a film expressing Walt’s philosophy for the Walt Disney World project and Epcot and opening nine of the 11 Disney parks around the world (Presentation: Friday, Aug. 9 – 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Signing: 4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Talent Round Up).

Tickets and pricing information for D23 Expo 2013 are available at D23Expo.com Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 Expo and can be purchased for single days or for the full three days of festivities. Members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans will receive a discount on admission, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 Expo for themselves and their guests. More details about D23 Expo entertainment, events, and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can keep up with all the news by visiting D23Expo.com or by following “DisneyD23” on Twitter and Facebook.

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 www.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; 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.

Fans can join D23 at www.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.

About Disney Consumer Products
Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) that delivers innovative and engaging product experiences across thousands of categories from toys and apparel to books and fine art. As the world’s largest licensor, DCP inspires the imaginations of people around the world by bringing the magic of Disney into consumers’ homes with products they can enjoy year-round. DCP is comprised of three business units: Licensing, Publishing and Disney Store. The Licensing business is aligned around five strategic brand priorities: Disney Media, Classics & Entertainment, Disney & Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Princess & Disney Fairies, Lucasfilm and Marvel. Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world’s largest publisher of children’s books, magazines, and digital products and also includes an English language learning business, consisting of more than 40 Disney English learning centers across China and a supplemental learning book program. DPW’s growing library of digital products includes best-selling eBook titles and original apps that leverage Disney content in innovative ways. The Disney Store retail chain operates across North America, Europe, and Japan with more than 350 stores worldwide and is known for providing consumers with high-quality, unique products. Disney’s official shopping portals online are www.DisneyStore.com and www.DisneyStore.co.uk. For more information, please visit Disney Consumer Products www.DisneyConsumerProducts.com or follow us at www.YouTube.com/DisneyLiving, www.Facebook.com/DisneyLiving, www.Twitter.com/DisneyLiving and http://www.Pinterest.com/DisneyLiving.

LeSportsac It’s A Small World Purse Giveaway!!!

Hi, my name is Shelley and I am a purse addict.

Seven Months ago, Dave got me a LeSportsac It’s A Small World Purse and cosmetic case in the London Pattern for the holidays and I was hooked!

What really drew me to the LeSportsac purses is that they are super light-weight, durable, and come in sizes and shapes that are extremely practical while still being stylish.

Above all else, is that these LeSportsac It’s A Small World purses are inspired by Mary Blair’s artwork for the attraction. The colors, whimsical patterns, and playful doll charms all are such special touches that make these purses special to me.

As a tribute to the original It’s a Small World Attraction at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these LeSportsac It’s A Small World bags are donated to UNICEF. And each product in this line comes with information about both UNICEF and the original It’s A Small World exhibit.

Every season they are releasing a new pattern featuring a fun new design from the It’s A Small World attraction, and I was sent a few LeSportsac bags to review.

I was sent the Spring 2013 Holland Blooming Joy Kasey and Medium Weekender Bag which I can’t wait to take to Disneyland for my first visit for the D23 Expo! The bags feature great zip closures and compartments that will make my travels more organized and fun! I love how it’s just enough ‘Disney’ without looking cartoon like.

The Deluxe Shoulder Satchel in the Around the World pattern is also a great bag for park visits and beyond, because while it is on the smaller side of purses in the line at 7.5 x 11.75 x 5 it is full of usable space and pockets with zip closures. The white background and colorful designs really scream summer to me!

And now for the fun part!!!

We are super excited to giveaway a LeSportsac It’s A Small World purse in the Summer 2013 Around the World Pattern.

The purse we will be giving away is a Molly purse which is a great size at 9 x 14 x 7.5 in, 22.86 x 35.56 x 19.05 cm, and is a very special purse to the collection as it wasn’t a part of the initial release! The Molly purse has a ton of usable space featuring a zipped closure main compartment, exterior front and back snap closure compartments, a cell phone pocket in front compartment, and zipper pocket in back compartment. Since this is a sample bag it does not come with a matching zip closure pouch, but does come with the pattern’s Mary Doll Charm.

Entering our giveaway is super easy, but make sure that you read all the details as there are ways to earn extra entries every day!

Good luck and we are looking forward to bringing you more LeSportsac giveaways in the future!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Take On Despicable Me 2

Despicable Me 2

Come For The Minions, Stay For The Story

I was able to attend a media preview of Despicable Me 2, and I cannot tell you how happy I was to be able to see this movie!

In Despicable Me 2 we meet up again with the Gru (Steve Carrell), Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Agnes (Elsie Fisher), Edith (Dana Gaier), Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand), and of course the minions as they have settled into a more…domestic style life.

Gone are Gru’s days of villainy, and here to stay are days of fathering, running a more respectable business, and tailoring his gadgets and minions to create a lifestyle of fun and ease for the family.

httpv://youtu.be/U5Ou90w5lDc

But as time passes Gru finds himself looking for more, and is recruited in a not so traditional way by Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig) of the Anti-Villain League to help crack a tough case.

And while Gru deals with the job of solving the case, he find finds himself facing his fears of the girls growing up, the evil that is boys, his mixed emotions of missing his past life, and falling in love.

Despicable Me 2 has a story that is quick to draw you in, to make you laugh, to reflect, and to even cry.

The new characters that join in the story of Despicable Me 2 blend in seamlessly, and as always the minions are there to keep things super fun and help move the plot along. There are definitely more minions, and they play an even larger part in the movie and that is okay with me!

If you haven’t had the chance to go to see Despicable Me 2 in the theaters, what are you waiting for? This is definitely a movie that you will want (and probably in my case have) to see more than once with a smile on your face!

Orlando City SC Draw Against Charleston Battery

Orlando City SC Lions Score First, Hold Off Charleston in 1-1 Draw

Orlando Takes Key Point Away From Home Despite Playing Man Down in Final 27 Minutes

Orlando City SC (10-2-4, 34 points) played to a 1-1 draw against the Charleston Battery (7-2-6, 27 points) at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C., Friday night. After having a goal advantage early in the second half, the Lions went down a man – allowing a last-minute score to even the match at 1-1.

An unlucky challenge got the game off on the wrong foot for the Lions, with Winger Bryan Burke going off the pitch due to an apparent leg injury in the 8^th minute of play. His status will be evaluated early next week.

Sporting Kansas City loanee and Goalkeeper Jon Kempin, who was making his first start in league play in just under a month, made key saves for the Lions to keep the score line even early. One of those saves was in the 18^th minute, with Battery Midfielder Michael Azira blasting a shot inside the 18-yard box only to be deflected out of danger by the Kansas native.

The goalkeeper continued to play at a high level throughout the first half, keeping Charleston scoreless despite multiple chances by the opponent’s frontline in the later part of the first half.

After the break, the Orlando offense turned up the heat-with the Lions capitalizing in the 56^th minute of play. After earning a corner kick, Defender Luke Boden whipped in an attempt, finding Rob Valentino on the volley for the 1-0 advantage.

Despite the 1-0 lead, the Lions went down to 10 men after Midfielder Adama Mbengue was shown a straight red card with a challenge on the Battery in the 63^rd minute of play. The man-down put Orlando at a disadvantage for the rest of the match, with Charleston capitalizing in the final minutes of regulation.

The Battery came on the offensive in the final parts of the match, attacking open spaces in the Orlando backline. The Charleston side knocked it even in the 89^th minute, with Haviel Cordoves’ shot deflecting past Kempin to even the score line at 1-1. The Lions held off another late charge by the home team, taking a key point away from Orlando in the draw.

With the result, Orlando stretches their lead atop the league table over second-place Harrisburg City Islanders (31 points) by a full three points.

Orlando returns home for a rematch against the Battery on Thursday, July 11, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. For more information on the upcoming Charleston match, including ticket prices and more, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

Orlando City Match Recap:

Team 1 2 Final

Orlando City 0 1 1

Charleston Battery 0 1 1

Scoring Summary:

ORL- Rob Valentino (Luke Boden) 56^th

CRL- Haviel Cordoves (unassisted) 89^th

Lineups/Substitutions:

Orlando City- GK Jon Kempin, D Bryan Burke (Erik Ustruck 9’), Luke Boden, Rob Valentino, Renan Boufleur, M Jonathan Mendoza (Brian Fekete 77’), Anthony Pulis, Adama Mbengue, James O’Connor (Freddie Braun 46’), F Dennis Chin (Long Tan 77’), Jamie Watson (Christian Duke 45’)

Charleston Battery- GK Odisnel Cooper, D Mark Wiltse, Colin Falvey, Kenneth Ellison (Haviel Cordoves 73’), Emmanuel Adjetey, M Jarad Van Schaik (Bryce Alderson 69’), Quinton Griffith (Zachary Prince 81’), Nicholas Paterson, Michael Azira, F Jose Cuevas, Dane Kelley

Penalty Summary:

ORL- Adama Mbengue (Red) 63^rd

CRL- Nicholas Paterson (Yellow) 81^st

Match Facts:

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

Weather: Clear

Attendance: 4,387

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 www.orlandocitysoccer.com and www.orlandocityyouth.org.

A Silver Bullet Review of The Lone Ranger

Yesterday was July 4th, and I found it or that while I was standing in the middle of the Magic Kingdom that my only goal was to head over to Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe and get myself a root beer slush. Admittedly it was a fairly hot day, but that wasn’t why I was getting the drink. What I wanted was the mug that it came in, shaped like a boot, and stamped with the logo for the newly released Disney film The Lone Ranger and the image of a Texas Ranger badge. For the longest time, I’ve been a fan of the character, and his history. As a child I had a spray-painted silver bullet on my desk, had made myself my own Halloween costume (that got worn more often), and was even a Texas Rangers fan. So I’ll just apologize upfront if this seems biased.

The legend of the Lone Ranger goes back to a 1933 radio show which was one of the most popular of all time. It has since gone on to produce a highly successful television program, a series of books, comic books, other movie treatments, merchandising, etc. It’s safe to say that for 80 years this character has never not made money in some capacity. And in 2007 the Weinstein brothers, after having left Disney, found themselves planning to buy the rights to the Lone Ranger for use in the home video market – only to see the company that was selling it to them snatched up by Dreamworks before this could happen.

Eventually, with the help of Jerry Bruckheimer, the movie was set up at Disney. The first script treatment had had an extreme supernatural overtone, trying to play off the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. I’m not kidding, there were werewolves. Elements of this original script were brought forward into the final product and can be found very obviously imbued into nature of the characters of Tonto and Butch Cavendish primarily, and to a lesser extent that of the main character John Reid. In 2010, after the idea was on the verge of being scrapped, Gore Verbinski steps into the picture, and production kicked into high gear. While Johnny Depp had been signed to the project back in 2008, they needed their Ranger, and Armie Hammer was signed to do so.

In my time as a fan I’ve read, watched, or listened to more than a dozen different version of the origin story of the Lone Ranger, and I have to say that this movie, The Lone Ranger, is a very fresh adaptation. If you look closely it has so much of what has been brought before in it. The Ranger is the lawman seeking justice, more literally as a lawyer. Tonto is still the guide, taking a more spiritual bent. And Butch Cavendish is as vile, rotten, and disgusting as he should be, adding a new bent that wasn’t too hard to… swallow (do you see what I did there). A few of the twists in the movie are nicely done, especially the reveal – which is only lightly telegraphed. There are still mines of silver and even nephew Dan as a future sidekick is alluded to.

For 22 (or more) minutes of the film I was on the verge of tears. Why? Because on the screen is something I feel no filmed treatment has gotten right since the television series use of the William Tell Overture. The full treatment, overlaid on the end game of the movie is one of the most enjoyable on screen moments I’ve experienced. The timing of every note to the action, movement, and feeling of the moment rounded this movie out fully and really brought it home for me. It said to me, “Yes, this is the Lone Ranger.”

Right now you’re seeing a lot of negative criticism about the movie, but really audience reviews of the movie are great. Try to ignore the professional critics and go watch this movie and make your own decision about it. There are some gruesome moments in the movie, that if you’re bringing your children you may get questions about. Up front, I’ll warn you that Westerns aren’t for everyone, but we seldom get good ones that have the right feel to them anymore. This however is one. And if you’re a fan of the genre I feel you’re going to enjoy it.

In addition to doing the web designer and programming for the On the Go in MCO website, Todd Perlmutter is a host for the Disney Film Project Podcast. You can join him and his fellow hosts for a Live Review of The Lone Ranger on Thursday, July 18, 2013.

Tips To Know: Attending A NXT TAPING

Coming up on July 11th at Full Sail University, WWE NXT returns for what is shaping up to be yet another great night of wrestling featuring many of your favorite NXT superstars as well as appearances by WWE Superstars Dolph Ziggler and the current WWE Diva’s Champion, AJ Lee.

I have had some amazing experiences attending NXTmyself, however, in this post I wanted to take the time to give both first timers and other NXT fans some tips and hints about attending future NXT events.

One tip that I cannot stress enough is to buy your tickets for the event early. Tickets typically go on sale on the NXT ticketing website the day after the last NXT taping at Full Sail University has taken place and the best seats will often sell out quickly. However, if you are lucky enough to be at the Full Sail taping, tickets for the next NXT event go on sale directly after the show, giving you a bit of a jump start over those not in attendance. Seats are available for as little as $10 which enables you to access GA bleacher seating around the Full Sail Live arena. If you want to sit ringside, for $5 more you can purchase what is known as Gold Circle seating which brings you even closer to the action.

Another tip is to arrive early to the events. If you purchased tickets via will call, the line typically begins to form a few hours before to get into the arena so you want to make sure you grab your tickets early enough to get a good spot in line. In past events, we have made a point of arriving not later than 4:30pm as doors typically open around 5:45 pm with the show itself starting at 6:30 pm. By arriving early, not only will you not have to worry about rushing to find seats but also you’ll avoid any last-minute traffic coming into the event.

One last tip I have when attending NXT tapings is to make sure you follow WWE NXT on Twitter and Instagram as they constantly keep you up to date with any promotions, pre-sale codes and contests that may be going on during the show. Currently, NXT is holding an Instagram contest where if you dress up as your favorite NXT or WWE Superstar/Diva and then post a photo to Instagram with the name of the superstar, your twitter handle and the hashtag #NXTInstaSLAM you could win an exclusive meet-and-greet with a WWE Superstar before the 7/11 NXT TV Taping at Full Sail University. Entries must be submitted by 7/10 at 11:59 pm EST so be sure to enter as soon as possible!

For further questions about attending any of the WWE NXT Full Sail Live Tapings, please feel free to comment below or be sure to check out my past post about my own personal NXT experience.

DON’T Forget!

The WWE Performance Center opens next week, and we’ll be there covering the action! Until then, don’t forget to check out our video of the WWE Performance Center Announcement!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVKKmt2zSvU

Escaping to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

When someone asks me what I love most about Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, I almost always answer with the way it transports me to a different time and place. Part of what vacation is to me is that escapism.

I live here in Florida and to me, the Wilderness Lodge is the Walt Disney World resort that most makes me feel like I am in a completely different place. Maybe it is partially because I’ve never been to the Pacific Northwest and this may just be a respectable facsimile of the real thing, but I’d never know any better. To me, this resort epitomizes that portion of the country. It speaks of adventure in its cavernous lobby, dramatic background music, and lush non-tropical surroundings.

I heard someone say a while back that the resorts around the Magic Kingdom were loosely themed around lands of the park. The Grand Floridian correlates to the Victorian stylings of Main Street USA, the Polynesian is modeled after the tropical themes of Adventureland, the Contemporary reflects the clean modern lines of Tomorrowland, and Fort Wilderness and the Wilderness Lodge exude the rustic spirit of Frontierland. One can absolutely see the parallels between the western feel of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (the wildest ride in the WILDERNESS!!!) and the Wilderness Lodge. From the rockwork, to the animals carved into the lodge pole pine beams in the lobby to the elements of railroad in the decor, it isn’t hard to see that the Wilderness Lodge was designed with Frontierland in mind.

Part of what makes this resort so fantastic, is the feeling of being surrounded by nature and wilderness. There is a babbling brook, the Silver Spring, that starts in the lobby and trips over rocks and even small waterfalls until it empties onto the shores of Bay Lake. A geyser spouts off hot water and steam several times throughout the day, lending the resort the feel of a National Park. Pine trees are prevalent throughout the resort, and animals, or at least representations of them, can be seen from before you even enter the lobby. Topiaries of birds and buffalo greet guests before they pull up to the magnificent entrance to the resort of the Wilderness Lodge. Wildflowers bloom and grasses grow in a way that feels very natural to the landscape and not overly manicured by the fabulous horticultural team at Disney.

There are so many great spots to just relax and enjoy the scenery at this resort. It always makes me way to just pull up a rocking chair and read a book, whether by the pool, out on the upper level balcony off the lobby, or in one of the hidden nooks hidden above the entrance to the lobby. I find myself slowing down to enjoy this resort more than others. The resort lends itself to a pace where you can amble along the shore of the lake to discover the path to Fort Wilderness. If you want, of course, you have many recreation activities at your disposal from boating to biking, spa services, fitness center, and the Magic Kingdom is just a short 5-10 minute boat ride away.

I can remember the first time I stayed at the Wilderness Lodge the week before Christmas in 2008. It was the first time I ever stayed club level and it was amazing. Although this is not my favorite overall resort, at Christmas it wins for me, hands down. I don’t know if it is the fireplace, or the absolutely perfect background music, or the incredible 7 story tall Christmas tree in the atrium lobby, but it all adds up to what Christmas looks, smells, sounds and feels like in my book. This is the resort I must visit at some point during the Christmas season above all others at Walt Disney World. Maybe this is partially why I have such a great connection to this resort, due to the first stay being so magical. I almost always stay in a Courtyard view room and have lucked out with views of Bay Lake each time. I’ve even before fortunate enough to be able to lay in bed to watch the Electrical Water Pageant cruise by at night and open the doors to my balcony to enjoy the show.

The accommodations are some of the most affordable in the Deluxe resort category at Walt Disney World, and that may have something to do with why I have stayed here more than any other resort, other than Pop Century. I have stayed at least once a year since 2008, and don’t see that changing any time soon. I adore the peacefulness I feel when I set foot in the lobby. I look up at the totems and remember hearing their stories from Ranger Joe several times. If you haven’t met the Rangers at the resort, make sure to take time out to take the Wilderness Lodge tour, which is given at least once a week typically around 10am. The animals carved into the poles representing the different levels of elevation they would be found at in the mountains are beautiful. Similarly, the effort that went into creating the amazing fireplace cannot go unnoticed. The rockwork (some real and some faux) is stunning! Layers of rock are stacked on top of each other representing different strata of the Grand Canyon.

If you get an opportunity to stay here, I highly recommend the Wilderness Lodge. If not, please at least take the time to explore the resort. Take a few hours and come early or stay late after a reservation for a lively meal at Whispering Canyon Cafe, or a nice quiet dinner at Artist Point, the resort’s signature dining restaurant. Or even just come to enjoy a night cap at the Territory Lounge, but please come. Examine the Native American artifacts like the recreated headdress in the lobby, the display cases on the upper level by hopping on the elevator to the 3 – 6th floors, or find those hidden seating areas above the entrance. There are so many places to explore, including one of my all time favorites, the Carolwood Pacific Room in the Villas. You can read more about some of my favorite Quiet Places to Relax here. I just stayed at the Wilderness Lodge again for the sixth time last week, and I have another reservation coming up in November when friends are in town to visit. I cannot stress enough what a fantastic resort this is and that everyone should stay here at some point. Have you stayed at the Wilderness Lodge? What did you think?

LEGOLAND Florida Opens The World Of Chima

LEGOLAND Florida Celebrates Opening of

The LEGO World of Chima Presented by Cartoon Network

Expansion Features Thrilling, Interactive Water Ride and Play Areas

Today LEGOLAND Florida celebrates the opening of The LEGO® World of Chima presented by Cartoon Network today, and we were able to visit for Media Day yesterday.

The World of Chima is a new direction for LEGOLAND Florida, as it marks the first of many highly-themed areas that will be coming to the park in the years to come.

The Quest for Chi, is the centerpiece attraction for The World of Chima, and features an interactive water ride where guests will join in the battle to protect the Chi and get SOAKED!

On The Quest for Chi after boarding your watercraft, families can use water cannons activate the story in each of the scenes along their journey as well as have a chance to battle other boats and guests along the shore line.

The Quest for Chi is a fun attraction! The controls for the ride are simple for children to operate without help from adults and the theming is age appropriate.

Some things to keep in mind while you’re riding The Quest for Chi…

Each boat has 2 rows of cannons with benches for you to sit, but you can also stand.
As you load your watercraft, the benches on the side closest to the load area are a little dryer…just a little tho!
YOU WILL GET WET!!! Please head this warning, and watch out for your cameras and phones!!!

The only height requirement for The Quest for Chi is that riders under 48” must ride with a supervising companion.

Cragger’s Swamp Play Area is a water play area for younger guests that features playful bubbles, intermittent water spouts, and interactive elements that trigger swamp water effects.

The models in Cragger’s Swamp are pretty awesome and the water cannons are a lot of fun! I almost got soaked from the water spouts that go off as you get closer to them!

At the Speedorz Arena, guests can take part in a multiple players battle against each other using rip cordpowered LEGO vehicles. The Arena is under shade, and there are benches for parents to sit which is a huge plus for this area!!!

The World of Chima also features a character meet and greet area, located near Razar’s Bazaar.

Razar’s Bazaar is the merchandise location that carries the latest LEGO Legends of Chima building sets, costumes, and other Chima merchandise.

LEGO Legends of Chima fans also shouldn’t miss the new and exclusive to LEGOLAND Parks and Discovery Centers 4-D movie experience, The LEGO Chima Movie Experience.

“The World of Chima will become a signature land for LEGOLAND Florida and provides an experience unlike any other in our park today,” said Adrian Jones, LEGOLAND Florida General Manager. “Developing and opening yet another expansion is a prime example of how LEGOLAND Florida continues to provide unique guest experiences, rides, shows and attractions for families with children ages 2-12.”

The World of Chima features:

2 million LEGO bricks, (bringing the total of LEGO bricks found in
LEGOLAND Florida to an astounding 58 million)
Nearly 150 LEGO models
219,000 gallons of water in The Quest for CHI
Capacity for approximately 1,200 guests per hour to experience The Quest
for CHI ride
Mount Cavora which stands 55 feet from the ground
Mount Cavora itself is 23 feet high and 40 feet in diameter
Weighs 7,500 lbs.
Rushes 1,000 gallons of water every minute

We really enjoyed our visit to The World of Chima at LEGOLAND Florida, and I know that we are going to have to pry Zoe out of here!!!

For more pictures from Media Day at the World of Chima, check out our Facebook album!

LEGO® Legends of Chima™ fans can also tune into Cartoon Network on July 10 at 8 p.m. for the cartoon series premiere.

For the most current information on LEGOLAND Florida and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.LEGOLAND.com.

Wordless Wednesday – Epcot For The Fourth

Wordless Wednesday: July 3, 2013

Wordless Wednesday 4th of July — This week’s Wordless Wednesday takes us to Epcot for the Fourth of July last year. While Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky at the Magic Kingdom is great, there is nothing like the special tag they add to Illuminations!

Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky

Delivery Man Official Trailer Debut

We are really excited to be one of 533 blogs chosen to debut the official trailer for Delivery Man starring Vince Vaughn.

Delivery Man opens in theatres everywhere on November 22, 2013, and stars Vince Vaughn, Cobie Smulders and Chris Pratt.

In the film, Vince Vaughn plays an affable underachiever looking for his purpose in life, when he finds out he’s fathered 533 children through anonymous donations to a fertility clinic 20 years ago. Now he must decide whether or not to come forward when 142 of them want to meet their biological father.

Delivery Man is a really funny and heartwarming look at what it means to be a family…even if it’s unconventional is size, shape, or form!

httpv://youtu.be/V1lZKDNJ4aQ

This movie really looks like it is going to hit home with me on so many levels, but mostly because my sense of ‘family’ isn’t totally traditional. While my family is little, it isn’t small because it is made up of great friends who have become members of my family as we don’t have any family living near us.

It’s important to know that this movie is for adults and not small children, and is rated PG-13 for mature themes.

I really hope that you enjoy the Delivery Man trailer as much as I did, and are looking forward to November as much as I am!

Make sure to keep up with all the Delivery Man latest news by:

“Liking” on Facebook: Facebook.com/DeliveryManMovie

Following on Twitter: @DeliveryManFilm

Following on Pinterest: Pinterest.com/DeliveryManFilm

Following on Instagram: DeliveryManMovie

Biking Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Over the past month we’ve taken many laps biking around Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Resort.

If you’re staying at or visiting either Wilderness Lodge or Ft. Wilderness, you are able to rent bikes on property ($18/day). Since we live so close and now have our own bikes (yay!), we load them up on the car and go explore for a hour or so.

We’ve started each ride from the Wilderness Lodge parking lot (but you can start from either) and we take one of two trails that connect between the lodge and the campground.

If you leave the parking lot and go toward the right (near the bus loop), you can take the paved trail all the way to the campground.

But, if you’re up for even more adventure, head toward the left of the parking lot (by the lake) and you will find the bike rental area and an unpaved trail.

This unpaved trail leads to one of my favorite spots on Disney property.

What a view!

The unpaved trail comes to a fork. Head towards the right where you will meet up with the paved trail.

If you see this sign…you’re going the wrong way…

Both of these paths are great and I forget I’m even on Disney property.

Well, that is until I see the Contemporary or Disney busses passing us 🙂

You enter the campground area going by Tri-Circle-D Farm and you can visit with the ponies, head towards the hall where Hoop Dee Doo Review is held, grab lunch at a quick service restaurant, view the lake or not stop at all and make a couple of laps around the campground.

Don’t worry about getting lost. It’s quite a big area, but we’ve always found our way back to Tri-Circle-D Farm area. While the campground can be kind of busy depending what time of year you visit, there is always plenty of room to bike.

If you have kids with you, there are a couple of playgrounds along the route that they can play on while you catch your breath!

Once you feel like you’ve had enough, you can take one of the two trails back to the lodge.

Oh and you never know what you’re gonna see! We’ve seen so many bunnies along the path and even a deer once!

Please be sure to stay hydrated when you’re biking around the resort. I’ve seen a water fountain at the trading post, but I’d almost bet that there would be some around the comfort stations as well.

The last souvenirs you’re going to want to take away from Disney World are bug bites, take some big spray with you!

So, go explore!

D23 Expo Takes An Unprecedented Look At The Imagineering “Dream Factory”

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to Celebrate

60 Years of Imagineering At Disney’s D23 Expo

August 9-11, 2013

In honor of the 60th anniversary of Walt Disney Imagineering and the origins of Disney Parks and Resorts, Imagineering is hosting an “open house” at the D23 Expo, August 9-11, opening the doors of its unique facilities and offering an unprecedented look at its creative processes—all on the floor of the Anaheim Convention Center. In addition, Imagineers past and present will host an entire day of panel discussions on Sunday, August 11, celebrating their 60 magical years of “dreaming and doing.”

Within the “open house” pavilion, D23 Expo guests will get an up close look at an eclectic array of Imagineering’s creative minds—ride engineers, model builders, pre-visualization artists, special effects designers, inventors, and show animators—as they share the skills and talents behind Imagineering’s creative process. In addition, guests will have the chance to glimpse at the “workspaces” of several project teams from around Disney’s global portfolio of parks and resorts, perhaps spotting a few clues into coming attractions along the way.

For the first time at the D23 Expo, Walt Disney Imagineering will be showcasing some of its most historical and revered concept art from its Art Library, including Herb Ryman’s original drawing of Disneyland. Also in the Disney Parks pavilion, D23 Expo guests will again have the chance to explore Mickey’s of Glendale, an outlet of Walt Disney Imagineering’s employee-only store, to shop for unique souvenirs and collectibles and Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise not available anywhere else.

In addition to the Imagineering Open House, D23 Expo attendees will be able to attend 12 unique presentations and panel discussions that will take fans on the incredible journey behind the latest Disney resorts, attractions, and entertainment including:

The Art and Artistry of Aulani – Imagineers Joe Rohde and Jeanette Lomboy will share the authentic tapestry of art and stories found at Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa.
Mayhem, Mischief, and Monkeys: The Magic of Mystic Manor – Join Imagineers Joe Lanzisero and others for the strange stories behind Hong Kong Disneyland’s Mystic Manor, the newest and one of the most sophisticated attractions ever built.
Undiscovered Disneyland – Legendary Imagineer Tony Baxter shares rare and never-before-seen footage of the early days of Disneyland, from design and construction through opening day.
Broadcasts from Buena Vista Street – Enjoy the latest ‘soundtrack’ from Disney California Adventure’s Buena Vista Street, featuring a live performance of Scary Symphony from radio station KBVS and a panel discussion led by Imagineers.
Disney Ambassadors – Join current Disney Parks Ambassadors from around the world as they discuss this renowned program and share insights about its rich heritage, current outreach efforts, and the importance of sharing Disney goodwill.
Voices of the Disney Parks – Back by popular demand, this panel of famous Disney voices will gather for an encore panel discussion, including recreations of some unforgettable Disney Parks sayings.
Charles Phoenix Presents – Noted humorist and self-proclaimed “retro daddy” Charles Phoenix shares some of his favorite images from around Disney, featuring classic kitsch, clashing colors schemes, and hairdos that truly defy gravity.

The panels continue on Sunday August 11, with a full day dedicated to the celebration of Walt Disney Imagineering’s 60th anniversary. The presentations in the 2,000-seat Stage 23 with current and former Imagineers will explore a wide range of topics, from working with Walt Disney himself and the exploration of creativity, innovation, and humor in the parks, to a lively discussion of what it’s like to lead one of the world’s most creative organizations. More details on these exciting panels and presenters will be revealed soon.

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 www.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 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; 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.

Fans can join D23 at www.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.

D23 Expo Plans Special 3D Screening of Planes

The Walt Disney Studios To Present Disney’s Planes,

A High-Flying, Big-Screen Comedy Adventure

at D23 Expo

D23 Expo Attendees to Be Among the First to See the Film in 3D

with Special Appearances from Select Filmmakers and Stars

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club reveals plans for a special 3D screening of the high-flying big-screen adventure Disney’s Planes at the D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

D23 Expo attendees will be among the first to see Disney’s Planes on its opening day. An action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure from Disneytoon Studios, Disney’s Planes will take flight in theaters nationwide August 9, but D23 Expo guests will see this special 3D presentation featuring an introduction by some very special guests. Dusty Crophopper dreams of competing as a high-flying racer, but he’s not exactly built for racing—and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps him train to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar.

Directed by lifelong aviation enthusiast Klay Hall (King of the Hill, The Simpsons), and produced by Traci Balthazor-Flynn, Disney’s Planes features the voices of Dane Cook, Stacy Keach, Brad Garrett, Teri Hatcher, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Priyanka Chopra, John Cleese, Cedric the Entertainer, Carlos Alazraqui, Roger Craig Smith, Anthony Edwards, Val Kilmer, Sinbad, Gabriel Iglesias, Brent Musburger, Colin Cowherd, Danny Mann, Oliver Kalkofe, and John Ratzenberger.

The screening is slated for Friday, August 9, 2013, at 3 p.m. at the Arena inside the Anaheim Convention Center. For more information about the movie, check out Disney.com/Planes, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyPlanes and follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DisneyPictures.

DISNEYTOON STUDIOS, a division of The Walt Disney Studios, is home to a vibrant group of filmmakers, artists, and production teams who produce original high-quality series-based stories for in-home and theatrical audiences, including Disney’s Planes, which hits the big screen Aug. 9, and the popular Disney’s Fairies franchise, starring Tinker Bell and her Pixie Hollow friends.

About D23 Expo 2013

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; 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.

Fans can join D23 at www.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.