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DRIP offers special MegaCon events March 13-16
Central Florida Home & Garden Show Giveaway
Central Florida Home & Garden Show Springs Into Action March 22-24
Featuring Jason Cameron, DIY Experts, Top Local Chefs and Home and Garden Solutions
One of the region’s most anticipated spring events will be here in no time: the 2013 Central Florida Home & Garden Show, returning March 22-24 to the Orange County Convention Center in Hall South B in the Center’s South Concourse facing International Drive. The home improvement extravaganza is the premier place to find innovative products, new ideas, practical advice and great deals in remodeling, home improvement and gardening with hundreds of experts all under one roof. From windows and flooring to cabinets and landscaping, consumers can shop, compare and save on a wide variety of products and services to renew, refresh and restore their homes.
Show highlights include appearances by Jason Cameron of DIY Network’s Man Caves and Desperate Landscapes; tips and advice from local and national home improvement experts appearing on the IKEA Home Stage throughout the weekend; demonstrations by some of the area’s favorite chefs on the Edible Orlando Cooking Stage; Hero Day on Friday only, offering free admission to retired or current members of the military and first responders; designer rooms with instant ideas to refresh and restyle; and a “fun-raiser” for Children’s Home Society of Florida; and more than 250 DIY, landscaping and home improvement experts offering a range of new products and services, including more than 100 exhibitors new to the market or making their Central Florida Home & Garden Show debut.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoxpfNLfVfM&feature=share&list=UUXVc9UOnBIQpe-WLbNWHUzQ
Marketplace Events, North America’s largest producer of home shows, including the Central Florida Home & Garden Show and fall Orlando Home Show, announced earlier this year that attendance at the first four home shows in the company’s annual portfolio realized an average attendance increase of 17 percent over the prior year, and that exhibit space and online advance ticket sales were also trending upward. “Our results so far this year, coupled with low interest rates and improving home sales, lead us to believe that more and more people are taking on home improvement projects that they have previously postponed,” said Tom Baugh, CEO of Marketplace Events. “Now more than ever, home shows are relevant to bring people with projects together with local businesses offering competitive pricing and promotions that even savvy shoppers might not find elsewhere.”
“Our shows offer something for everyone,” added Cristian Moore, show manager for Marketplace Events. “Whether they have a specific project in mind or simply want to enjoy a fun day out, local residents and visitors can refresh their space, reinvent their décor and restyle their lives at our show.”
Jason Cameron of DIY Network’s Man Caves and Desperate Landscapes shares his passion for architecture and the wood shop, along with tips, advice and behind-the-scenes stories during his appearances on the IKEA Home Stage on Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 12 noon and 5 p.m., and Sunday at 4 p.m. (subject to change without notice).
Guests can enjoy mouth-watering demonstrations and tasty samples prepared by some of the area’s favorite chefs and culinary pros on the Edible Orlando Cooking Stage. Scheduled to demonstrate their signature recipes and dispense advice throughout the weekend are James and Julie Petrakis of the The Ravenous Pig; Kevin Spencer of Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops at Hilton Orlando; Greg Picard, executive chef for Orlando World Center Marriott; Dun Chau of Sushi House Orlando; Danny Otera of Teak Neighborhood Grill, and chefs and experts from Whole Foods Market, New York Dinger and World of Beer. Gloria B, the bi-lingual host of KQ103 FM’s afternoon drive show, spices up the stage on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., Latino style!
Get answers to important DIY and home improvement, landscaping and home décor questions from more than 250 experts around the show floor and on the main stage throughout the weekend. Local favorites Harry P. Leu Gardens Director Robert Bowden and popular green thumb and Orlando Sentinel columnist Tom MacCubbin are among the presenters (visit www.CentralFloridaHomeAndGardenShow.com for a complete listing of presentations and times).
Other experts can help show-goers make their gardens a beautiful retreat. Belgard Hardscapes, Hoffner Landscape, Jan Clay Flowers, Lanai Hardscape Company, Pebble Junction, Pondtastic Water Gardens and Smithwell will be on site with ideas, tips and cash-and-carry items.
Speaking of items for cash-and-carry, guests can “raise the woof!” and show their furry housemates some love at the Pet Pavilion sponsored by Urban Pet Magazine and Stanley Steemer. Exhibitors range from emergency vet, boarding, training and pet rescue services to purveyors of fashion, treats and grooming for cats, dogs and other critters.
Other not-to-be-missed features and opportunities at the show include Hero Day on Friday only, offering free admission to retired or current members of the military and first responders with proper ID or in uniform; Friday Family Day, offering free admission to children ages 12 and under and family-fun activities on the show floor; Children’s Home Society of Florida’s Champions for Children™ Corner, where guests can spin the prize wheel, putt for prizes and bid on celebrity painted bird houses to support Florida’s most vulnerable kids; fantastic ice and fruit carving displays throughout the weekend by Laz of Wizard Connection; and designer rooms with instant ideas to refresh and restyle. Plus enter-to-win contests, prize drawings, and much more!
Show hours are Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m, and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the door, and are $10 for adults 13+, $5 for seniors (60+, at the box office only), $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children ages five and under. Advance tickets can be purchased online for a $3 discount off full-price $10 admission at www.CentralFloridaHomeAndGardenShow.com, courtesy of TD Bank.
For more information, visit www.CentralFloridaHomeAndGardenShow.com , or call 877-871-SHOW (7469). Connect on Facebook, Twitter (@FloridaHomeShow), Pinterest (pinterest.com/homeshows/) for up-to-the-minute show details, discounts and fabulous home improvement tips. Visit the show’s blog at www.HomeAndGardenBlog.com.
We are also offering you the chance to win 4 tickets to the Central Florida Home & Garden Show!
But wait, there’s more! Your winner (and you) will be entered into a random drawing for a chance to win a meet and greet with our special celebrity guest, Jason Cameron of DIY Network’s Man Caves and Desperate Landscapes and VIP front row seats to his Saturday stage appearance.
Opening Day of the Central Florida Home & Garden Show Friday, March 22 is FAMILY DAY, a celebration of all things home and family. In the midst of spring and Spring Break, now’s the time to bring the kid out in all of us. Join in special activities and gather tips for a family-friendly home. Kids ages and 12 and under are FREE on Friday!
The Central Florida Home & Garden Show and its fall sister show, the Orlando Home Show (October 4-6, 2013) are both produced by Marketplace Events.
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Disney’s Vero Beach Resort – A Breath of Fresh Air
The second day of my trip to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, I got up and was excited to be heading back to Shutters for the character breakfast with Goofy and Donald. This breakfast is one of the best character meal values I’ve ever seen at under $18 for adults. It is family style usually, but since I wasn’t eating meat, I was permitted to order off the menu and got the pina colada pancakes with pineapple and rum sauce. Incredible!!!
Shortly after breakfast, I heard from Shalon, who had asked if she could come visit for lunch since she had not been to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort before either. I told her no problem. We met up, and I showed her around before we had lunch at the Green Cabin Room, another casual restaurant and bar at the resort that is open for lunch and dinner. In the evening they also sometimes offer live entertainment in the form of musicians. We had a nice lunch, with me ordering a roma tomato, basil, roasted garlic and buffalo mozzarella flatbread, and Shalon got the oak-grilled breast of chicken on crispy pretzel. We were both very happy with our selections. After lunch we decided to try out the miniature golf course since it looked like fun (and it was, until that six on the last hole) and it was such a great value. Shalon headed back home after a quick stop in the gift shop where we found out one of the CMs I had spoken to the evening before for almost an hour about the turtles, turned out to be our friend Matt’s mom. It is indeed a small world after all.
Playing hostess, even for just a few hours, can really take it out of a girl. Bed called, but not before I called down to the spa to see if there was a pedicure appointment available. Luckily, there was for late afternoon, which would still allow me some more reading time before my dinner reservation at Sonya’s, the more upscale restaurant at Vero Beach. This trip really was shaping up to be the ultimate in R&R. If only I had been able to splurge even more on the massage, but there’s always next time. The pedicure was great and again, with an ocean view from the spa, and phenomenal service.
Sonya’s vegetarian trio, along with the spectacular service and the triple chocolate dessert made the evening even more magical. I finished earlier than I expected, so I again was able to go back to my room to read for an hour or so before the campfire. Although very different, I would say both nights’ singalongs were equally enjoyable. I even saw the couple from New Jersey from the night before, as well as some other guests from Orlando that I enjoyed speaking to earlier in the trip. Disney’s Vero Beach Resort very much has the feel of a family resort that guests return to year after year and the CMs get to see the families grow up over time. I loved this feeling of kinship and recognition. Even though I was only at the resort for a couple of days, I was remembered and called by name from the restaurant staff at Shutters to the recreation cast. It was really a nice feeling that I don’t typically experience at most WDW resorts just due to the sheer size and turnover of the resorts.
On my last evening at Vero Beach, upon returning to my room, I found my favorite movie of all time, Casablanca, on Turner Classic Movies and felt compelled to watch the rest of the film as a great ending to the night. I read for a bit longer to finish my book after the movie ended, and set my alarm so I would have enough time to grab a bite to eat before checking out at 11 before heading to work. I slept so well, hearing the waves crashing on the shore just outside my window. It is one of the most peaceful sounds, yet backed by so much power. It was entrancing! I missed it from my youth and miss it now.
There is a Sunday brunch offered at Shutter’s, with additional seating in Sonya’s, but seeing as I couldn’t eat the majority of the items on the buffet, I chose to order a la carte and got the heavenly orange oatmeal french toast. Even the chefs in the restaurant remembered me from day to day due to me having food allergies and needing to consult them before ordering. Also, the table service restaurants at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort even take Tables In Wonderland, excluding the Sunday brunch. This was meal a great way to end my trip.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort was most definitely the breath of fresh air that I needed to recharge and renew myself. It was absolutely one of the best weekend vacations I’ve ever taken. I cannot wait to go back and experience some of the amazing culinary options I wasn’t able to try this trip. I relished the fact that I could unplug (literally and figuratively) and get the rest and relaxation I was so wanting and needing. This trip and resort completely exceeded any and all expectations I had. I think this is due so much in part, possibly in whole, to the incredible Cast Members. I even took the time before leaving to get the manager of the resort to personally compliment him on the exemplary service everyone provided. I do not think there was a single thing I would have changed about this visit, other than to maybe extend it by a week or two.
I hope that everyone will take the opportunity to visit this magnificent resort at some point. Have you ever been to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort? What did you enjoy most? Did you take it easy like I did, or did you take advantage of the tons of activities at the resort and in the area?
Beth’s Aerial Adventure!
I recently had the opportunity to attend an Aerial silk dance class at Northwest Dance Studio in Orlando. The moment I heard about the class, I said sign me up because when will I ever get the opportunity to do this again.
First a little background on the studio. The studio, directed by Sarah Swindell, opened in 2005 and strives to provide not only dance training but also instill self esteem and confidence in its students. It is focused on reaching out to students in the nearby community and offers them opportunities they otherwise would not be exposed to due to financial or other similar hindrances. Classes offered include ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, aerial silks and more and are open to all ages and abilities. The studio is also home to the Northwest Dance Company which offers the serious student performance opportunities throughout the year. Students learn not only dance and performance technique, but also learn about lighting, music, and stage production.
As I said earlier, as soon as I heard about the aerial silks class, I couldn’t wait to try it. After some stretching and Pilates, our instructor, Sarah, demonstrated the first skill we would learn. She showed us a single leg wrap and how you use it to climb the silk. Of course she made it look extremely easy as she climbed the silk to the top, extended her legs, and then descended quickly and smoothly. The other ladies and I couldn’t wait to try. But oh were we in for a surprise! It’s hard! I quickly discovered that aerial silk dance uses nearly every muscle, even ones you won’t be aware of until the following morning. It requires leg strength, upper body strength, core strength, and even uses the tiny muscles in the fingers and toes. I attempted a back walk over with the silk but need more practice to master that one. The last skill I learned involved tying a knot in the silk that supports the low back. I lay back on the knot and then flipped my hips in a straddle position over my head so that I was upside down. It was very fun and actually stretched out my back muscles. When executed properly, aerial silk dancing is very graceful and elegant. Not sure I’ll ever be ready for Cirque du Soleil but I had a great time trying out something new and I definitely have a new appreciation for how hard these dancers work yet look effortless doing it.
Be sure to check out the Northwest Dance Company’s latest production Maggie, based loosely on the ancient story of Mary Magdalene, featuring aerial skills, contemporary and ballet choreographed to the sounds of an all-original soundtrack. Performances will be held in the Northwest Church Auditorium, 5495 Clarcona-Ocoee Road in Orlando, on Friday March 29, 2013 at 7 P.M. and Sunday March 31 at 9 and 10:30 A.M. and 12 noon. Admission is free and seating is first come, first served. Call the studio for more information regarding this performance and classes for children and adults at 407-490-3345 and visit them at Facebook.com/NorthwestDanceStudio or their website at www.NWDanceOrlando.com.
Wordless Wednesday – When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
Wordless Wednesday – March 13, 2013
runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend Half Registration Open
Registration Opens for Runners’ Ultimate Night Out at runDisney
Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
Field of 20,000-plus runners expected to push runDisney to record year of more than 175,000 registered runners in 2013
All runDisney runners can now register for this year’s Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort, Nov. 8 – 9, by going to www.rundisney.com.
More than 20,500 runners are expected to register for weekend races, including 14,000 for the nighttime half marathon, increasing the number of registeredrunners for runDisney races in 2013 to more than 175,000 – a single-year record for runDisney, which has seven event weekends. Last year more than 125,000 runners competed in runDisney’s seven event weekends at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
The 13.1-mile Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon course takes runners through Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. After crossing the finish line runners can join family and friends for a special ticketed post-race party inside Epcot until 4 am (friends and family must purchase party ticket for entry). The Finish Line Party features more than 25 kiosks offering fine cuisine and wine from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, plus Disney characters, music and the opportunity to ride various attractions such as the newly reimagined Test Track Presented by Chevrolet and Soarin’.
New this year is the Disney Wine & Dine Pre-Race Taste on Friday, Nov. 8, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This special ticketed event offers runners and fans a private reception on the set of Lights, Motor, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, featuring food and beverages from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, music and Disney characters.
In addition, Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend features the runDisney Kids Races, Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K and the half marathon which starts at 10 pm at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
There’s also Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8 – 9, at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The expo offers the latest in running apparel, technology and a speaker series featuring running experts such asrunDisney official training consultant Jeff Galloway and runDisney nutritionist Tara Gidus. Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo is free and open to the public.
To register for Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend races and to purchase tickets for the Disney Wine and Dine Pre-Race Taste and Finish Line Party at Epcot, visit www.runDisney.com.
Schedule of Events
Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo
Nov. 8 – 9
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Disney Wine & Dine Pre-Race Taste
Nov. 8, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K
Nov. 9, 7 am
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
runDisney Kids Races
Nov. 9
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon
Nov.9, 10 pm
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Finish Line Party
Nov. 9, 10 pm – 4 am
Epcot
About runDisney
runDisney is a series of events providing runners unique opportunities to run various distances through Disney theme parks. Race participants earn Disney-themed medals, experience legendary Disney entertainment and guest service and ultimately celebrate their accomplishments with a Disney vacation. The original event in the series, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna, takes place in January followed by theDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend in February, Expedition Everest Challenge in May, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler in September and the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend in November. Disneyland hosts the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend in January and the Disneyland Half Marathon in September during Labor Day Weekend. More than 125,000 running enthusiasts participate in runDisney events each year. For more information, visit www.runDisney.com and follow us on Facebook (runDisney) and Twitter @runDisney.
Follow us for more updates: 2013 Florida Film Festival Feature Film Competition Announced
2013 Florida Film Festival Feature Film Competition Announced Featuring Two World Premieres!
The Narrative and Documentary Feature Film selections for the 2013 Florida Film Festival American Independent Competition were announced. Nineteen of the selections will be celebrating a premiere: 2 World, 6 East Coast, 8 Southeast and 3 Florida premieres. Among the recognizable faces on screen this year are Jane Adams (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind),
Jason Ritter (TV’s Parenthood), Jesse Eisenberg(The Social Network), Tippi Hedren (The Birds), and Melanie Lynskey (Up In the Air).
AMERICAN INDEPENDENT COMPETITION
Competition Documentaries
BIG JOY: THE ADVENTURES OF JAMES BROUGHTON/USA (Director: Eric Slade, Stephen Silha, Dawn Logsdon) EAST COAST PREMIERE
DOWNEAST/USA (Director: David Redmon, Ashley Sabin) SOUTHEAST PREMIERE
FAR OUT ISN’T FAR ENOUGH: THE TOMI UNGERER STORY/USA (Director: Brad Bernstein)
FIRST COMES LOVE/USA (Director: Nina Davenport) SOUTHEAST PREMIERE
ICEBERG SLIM: PORTRAIT OF A PIMP/USA (Director: Jorge Hinojosa) FLORIDA PREMIERE
INFORMANT/USA (Director: Jamie Meltzer) SOUTHEAST PREMIERE
MAGICAL UNIVERSE/USA (Director: Jeremy Workman) WORLD PREMIERE
SEEKING ASIAN FEMALE/USA (Director: Debbie Lum) SOUTHEAST PREMIERE
SHEPARD & DARK/USA (Director: Treva Wurmfield) SOUTHEAST PREMIERE
YEAR OF THE LIVING DEAD/USA (Director: Rob Kuhns) EAST COAST PREMIERE
AMERICAN INDEPENDENT COMPETITION
Narrative Features
ALL THE LIGHT IN THE SKY/USA (Director: Joe Swanberg) EAST COAST PREMIERE
BE GOOD/USA (Director: Todd Looby) EAST COAST PREMIERE
THE FORGOTTEN KINGDOM/USA (Director: Andrew Mudge) WORLD PREMIERE
FREE SAMPLES/USA (Director: Jay Gammill) FLORIDA PREMIERE
THE HISTORY OF FUTURE FOLK/USA (Director: J.Anderson Mitchell, Jeremy Kipp Walker) SOUTHEAST PREMIERE
NANCY, PLEASE/USA (Director: Andrew Semans) FLORIDA PREMIERE
PUTZEL/USA (Director: Jason Chaet) SOUTHEAST PREMIERE
THE TAIWAN OYSTER/USA (Director: Mark Jarrett) SOUTHEAST PREMIERE
THIS IS MARTIN BONNER/USA (Director: Chad Hartigan) EAST COAST PREMIERE
THIS IS WHERE WE LIVE/USA (Director: Josh Barrett, Marc Menchaca) EAST COAST PREMIERE
The complete Festival film lineup will be revealed Wednesday, March 13. Early redemption occurs Wednesday, March 13 – Saturday, March 16. Individual film tickets will be available to the general public starting Sunday, March 17.
Click Here for More Information
Follow us for more updates: TrenD Report – Get Ready for Spring With Maxi Dresses, Scarves, Tanks, and More
TrenD Report – March 12, 2013
It is time to start thinking about putting away your sweaters and getting ready for Spring in this week’s TrenD Report which is full of great new pieces!
I was really excited to find that there were two new maxi dresses at TrenD! The Bambi Maxi Dress is jersey materials that is super lightweight but not see through. And the black and white Mickey Maxi Dress has a really great drawstring waist detail and is a two layer dress that would be great for date night. I love the short dresses that I have, and I am looking forward to trying these dresses on soon.
And the tanks are soooo much fun this spring. There are so many great styles out right now! From frilly and fun to perfect for warm weather tanks perfect for park hopping you’re sure to find something you’ll love! I really love all the stylized princess tanks, especially the ruffled Sleeping Beauty tank!
This time I didn’t find too many new purses, but I still love the black, white, and pink line that they have added pieces to over the last month! The color combination had me at hello!
It was also really fun to see all of the the Oz shirts, accessories, and OPI nail polishes in one place. I really want to give the OPI sand texture polish a try and the super soft t-shirts are whimsical and true to the style of the movie.
Another thing that I am excited about is the variety of Summer Scarves that are available! These lightweight scarves are the perfect accessory for windy spring evening watching fireworks. I am a huge fan of a scarves, and the retro scarf is really awesome in person.
I found all sorts of other great finds on my trip to Downtown Disney’s TrenD!
Have a great time window shopping with me!
Party In Your PJs With Puss In Boots At Gaylord Palms Resort
Party In Your PJs With Puss In Boots At Gaylord Palms Resort
Pack your favorite pajamas to party with the most darling swashbuckler and all around coolest cat in Central Florida! Gaylord Palms invites guests and their families to a brand new DreamWorks Experience, the Puss in Boots & Friends’ Purrrrrrfect Pajama Party. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 16 because this exclusive event will take place one night only!
Guests have one chance to participate in this purrrrrrfect family friendly adventure. Clad in your party pjs enjoy an exclusive meet & greet with your most admired feline hero, Puss in Boots. Package guests will want to bring their DreamWorks autograph book amenity for this one – and don’t forget a camera! Tap into your creative genius by decorating and customizing your very own Puss in Boots pillowcase while snacking on cookies and leche (milk). The party continues outside at Gaylord Palms’ Cypress Springs Family Fun Water Park as you settle in for a Splash ‘N’ Screen viewing of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.’s Academy Award® nominated film, Puss in Boots.
Upon check-in, children will get their paws on some special gifts including their very own magic beans and a memento from DreamWorks’ most recent film, Rise of the Guardians. Additionally, package guests will embark on an adventure like no other in the Rise of the GuardiansAdventure Scavenger Hunt. Join forces with Jack Frost and the legendary Guardians to solve exciting puzzles, crack codes and find the clues needed to defeat the evil spirit, Pitch, and his devious plan to engulf the world in darkness and fear. Are you brave enough to take the challenge?
Why let the fun stop there? For an additional charge, guests can start the next day with a ShrekFeast Interactive Character Breakfast. Kids will love becoming an honorary Ogre and joining Shrek and friends for a fairytale feast fit for a king. Tableside hugs included! This experience features a Magic Fountain bubbling over with intoxicating chocolate potions and Shrek-shaped waffles with syrup.
The feline fiesta is part of The DreamWorks Experience and takes place at Gaylord Palms on Saturday, March 16. Visit www.gaylordpalms.com today to book your Puss in Boots & Friends’ Purrrrrrfect Pajama Party package. Package rates start at $189 per night for a family of four (exclusive of tax, resort fees and parking).
Gaylord Palms Resort is located five minutes from the gates of Walt Disney World at 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34746. For more information, visit www.gaylordpalms.com or call 407-586-2000.
Be sure to “Like” Gaylord Palms on Facebook to get the most up-to-date information and promotions!
Follow us for more updates: Orlando City Completes Comeback Against Tampa Bay
Orlando City Completes Comeback Against Tampa Bay
Down 1-0 at half, Lions scored three unanswered to take home the win
Despite being down a goal at halftime, Orlando City rallied back to beat the Tampa Bay Rowdies 3-2 in the first leg of the I-4 Derby sponsored by United World Soccer at the Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl Saturday night. The Lions scored in the 49th, 58th and 70th minutes and withstood a late score by the Rowdies to complete the comeback victory.
“Our response in the second half was positive, we moved the ball quickly and opened them up,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “The game could’ve been out of sight with the amount of chances we had, but certainly glad of the 3-2 result after being down 1-nil at halftime.“
Orlando put the pressure on the Tampa Bay side early and often, creating chances for the Lions in the first half. Midfielder Jamie Watson was on the end of a few scoring chances in the first 10 minutes, having two shots on goal with one skipping inches left of the post for the Lions.
Tampa got on the board first, however, with a bad giveaway from the Orlando City backline leading to the score. Tampa Bay Forward Amani Walker took advantage of the poor passing by the City backline, slotting home the goal to give the Rowdies a 1-0 lead in the 17th minute.
City continued to pressure throughout the rest of the first half, with the Lions holding a 12 -2 advantage in shots as the halftime whistle blew with the Rowdies still ahead by one.
Orlando got on the board immediately starting the second half, with Watson converting a corner kick to even the score line at 1-1. New signee Freddie Braun attempted the corner leading to the score, with the midfielder slotting home the goal.
The Lions offensive continued, with another goal coming in the 58th minute for Orlando. After Forward Long Tan’s strike was deflected back in the middle of the pitch by Tampa Goalkeeper Andrew Fontein, Midfielder James O’Connor half-volleyed the deflection into the lower left-hand corner to give Orlando the 2-1 advantage. Forward Jean Alexandre also got on the scoreboard in the second half, with the striker chipping his breakaway opportunity up and over Fontein for the score and 3-1 lead.
Tampa Bay wasn’t done, with 2011 USL PRO Rookie of the Year Luke Mulholland converting on a free kick in the 75th to put the Rowdies back in contention. The consistent Orlando attack was too much as the game wore on, with the match ending in a 3-2 victory for the Lions.
The Lions continue the 2013 preseason in a series of collegiate friendlies, starting with University of Stetson this Wednesday, March 13, at the Seminole Soccer Complex in Sanford, Fla. Orlando will also meet Florida Gulf Coast, Rollins College and the University of Tampa before the Lions square off against the Rowdies in the second leg of the I-4 Derby presented by United World Soccer in St. Petersburg, Fla., at Al Lang Stadium on March 30.
Orlando City Game Summary
Team 1 2 Final
Orlando City 0 3 3
Tampa Bay Rowdies 1 1 2
Scoring Summary:
(TB)-Amani Walker- 17th
(ORL)-Jamie Watson- 49th
(ORL)-James O’Connor-58th
(ORL)-Jean Alexandre-70th
(TB)-Luke Mulholland-75th
Lineups:
Orlando City- Miguel Gallardo, Bryan Burke, Luke Boden, Oumar Diakhite, Rob Valentino, Adama Mbengue (Jonathan Mendoza-79th), Freddie Braun, James O’Connor, Jamie Watson, Jean Alexandre, Long Tan
Tampa Bay- Andrew Fontein, Takuya Yamada, Dan Scott (Georgi Hristov-56th), Jay Needham, Andres Arango (Jordan Gafa-79th), Raphael Cox, Stuart Campbell, Shane Hill, Luke Mulholland, Amani Walker, Evans Frimpong
Match Facts:
Time of Match: 7:30 p.m.
Weather: Clear
Attendance: 6,877
For all game information and times of matches, visit OrlandoCitySoccer.com.
Follow us for more updates: Spring Break Kicks Off With A New Season at Busch Garden’s Adventure Island
Spring Break Kicks Off With A New Season at Busch Garden’s Adventure Island
Splash into spring when Adventure Island begins its 2013 season of fun in the sun on Saturday, March 9, 2013. It’s time again to splash in the wave pool, amble down the Rambling Bayou, race down speed slides, including Everglides® and Riptide, or just kick back on the beach amidst a tropical Key West setting,
The best value to visit all season long is the Adventure Island Weekday Pass.
- Play weekdays all season long – Enjoy unlimited weekday access to Adventure Island during the 2013 season with no blackout dates.
- Valid Mondays through Fridays, March 11 through Sept. 2, 2013
- Purchase at AdventureIsland.com, at the Adventure Island or Busch Gardens front gates or by calling 1-888-800-5447.
- The Adventure Island Weekday Pass is $51 for adults and children.
ISLAND NIGHTS RETURNS IN SUMMER
When the sun goes down, the fun heats up at Adventure Island® during Island Nights, a sunset celebration every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from June 13 to Aug. 10. From 5 to 9 p.m. the energy revs up with music and games on the beach, entertainment and tropical-inspired cuisine, in addition to all the thrilling slides, tube rides and water-drenched fun of Adventure Island®.
CABANAS To make the most of your Adventure Island® visit, rent a cabana for a shaded, exclusive spot for your family and friends to gather throughout the day. Each cabana includes four chaise lounges, a locker, a mini-fridge with assorted drinks and four souvenir towels. Daily rental prices range from $99.99 to $189.99, based on the time of year.
ADVENTURE ISLAND
From the moment guests enter Adventure Island®, they are immersed in a Key West-themed paradise. The 40-acre water park features thrilling slides and tube rides, including Riptide, Wahoo Run®, Key West Rapids, Runaway Rapids, Everglides®, Calypso Coaster, Aruba Tuba, Caribbean Corkscrew®, Water Moccasin and Gulf Scream. Guests can also kick back on the beach or in the 17,000-square-foot wave pool, play on professional sand volleyball courts, breeze through the tropical gift shop or let the current sweep them through a half-mile of lush landscapes and tropical waterfalls on the Rambling Bayou.
Visit AdventureIsland.com for daily operating hours. Single-day admission tickets for Adventure Island® are $46 for adults and $42 for children. Children ages 2 and younger are free, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. All prices are per person, plus tax. Park hours are subject to change. Visit AdventureIsland.com for more information.
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LEGOLAND Florida Water Park Opening For Second Year With Great New Additions
LEGOLAND Florida Splashes Into A Second Year Of Water Park Fun
With Twice As Many Lego Bricks
LEGOLAND Water Park Opens March 9, 2013
Mermaids, sharks and divers, oh my! LEGOLAND® Florida Water Park splashes into a second year of family fun with twice as many LEGO® bricks for all to enjoy. Two million LEGO bricks have been added since its debut last year bringing the total to an astounding four million LEGO bricks found in impressive models throughout the water park. Opening for the season on March 9, the LEGOLAND Water Park is unique in that it is specifically geared toward families with children ages two to 12 offering interactive, water play fun for the most timid of tikes to the boldest of tweens.
In addition to LEGO seahorses, clams, surfers and shells now displayed throughout, the new features at the LEGOLAND Water Park include:
- Build-A-Raft River Entrance: A new brightly-colored LEGO entrance now greets guests as they enter this distinctive 1,000-foot lazy river experience where families can test their creativity by building their own LEGO rafts.
- LEGO Moby Dick: While floating along the Build-A-Raft River, families will be fascinated by Moby Dick, a ferocious whale made famous in American literature. LEGO Moby Dick is made of 200,879 LEGO DUPLO® bricks.
- LEGO Wave Pool: The 583,000-gallon, crystal-clear wave pool is now decked-out with an amazing display of bright, cascading blue waves with two new LEGO models:
- LEGO Shark, made of 248,642 bricks, is found among the waves searching for friends.
- LEGO Scuba Diver, made of 86,233 bricks, finds himself face-to-face with a fiercely friendly LEGO Shark.
- LEGO Mermaid: The entrance of the LEGOLAND Water Park now provides an impressive exhibit of intermittent water spouts and playful bubbles that burst from a LEGO Mermaid standing 15 ft tall. LEGO Mermaid is made of 176,210 bricks.
- Waveside Grill: A new dining option can be found near the LEGO Wave Pool serving up delicious hot dogs and more.
“The LEGOLAND Water Park offers a distinct experience as its various elements are specifically designed for the safety and enjoyment of families with small children,” said LEGOLAND Florida General Manager Adrian Jones. “As we open the doors for our second year, we are thrilled that we are now offering even more exciting features for guests to enjoy.”
In addition to its newest features, the LEGOLAND Water Park is home to the DUPLO® Splash Safari with toddler-sized slides and a zero-depth wading pool, the Joker Soaker water playground, with a riot of brightly colored ladders, levers, pumps and slides, imagination stations and five slippery-fast water slides that will thrill families all day long.
The best way to experience LEGOLAND Florida and the Water Park is with a Florida Resident Annual Pass for just $99, plus tax. Pass members will receive unlimited admission for 12 months to LEGOLAND Florida and the LEGOLAND Water Park along with other Merlin U.S. attractions including LEGOLAND California Resort & Water Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers, Sea Life Centers and Madame Tussauds with no black-out dates. The LEGOLAND Florida Resident Annual Pass also includes admission into special events throughout the year including Red, Brick & Boom, Brick-or-Treat, Christmas Bricktacular and Kid’s New Year’s Eve. Additionally, pass members will enjoy free parking and discounts on all food and merchandise throughout the year.
For the most current information on LEGOLAND Florida and to purchase tickets, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.
Follow us for more updates: Oz The Great and Powerful Review
I thought that I should begin my Oz the Great and Powerful review with some disclaimers:
- I love the original Wizard of Oz!
- I was super excited for a week straight when I found out I was going to an early viewing to see “Oz The Great and Powerful”, no lie.
- I’m not sure how appropriate this movie is for kids. I’m not a parent, but some of the things said were kind of grown-uppish and those dang monkeys are way scarier than before!
- While I’m going to do my best to not talk about any spoilers, this is the warning, just in case you feel as though there is a spoiler in the mix, but I don’t think there is.
Like I said, I am definitely apart of the group that LOVES Wizard of Oz. I grew up watching it and I couldn’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve seen it over the years.
As soon as I found out that a ‘new’ Oz movie was being made I freaked out and then promptly forgot about it because I didn’t want to watch any trailers before seeing the movie. I did, however, make sure that it wasn’t going to be a remake. And that it is not, thankfully.
But before we get to that, I feel I need to mention how great it was to see the Monsters University trailer on the big screen! Oh and we also saw the Iron Man 3 trailer.
Oscar “Oz” Diggs is a magician in a small circus. He’s an egotistical ladies man who tries to impress pretty much any girl he meets. While part of me wanted to not like him, that just couldn’t happen.
Oz gets swept away from the circus he’s traveling with and makes it to the bright and beautiful Land of Oz where he meets an Oz local and he gets filled in on what the current status of Oz is.
After making his journey to Oz (have you lost count as to how many times I’ve said Oz yet?), he meets all three witches and we find out all three have very different personalities and all get along with Oz in very different ways – keep in mind, he’s being himself when it comes to how he talks to them.
After his trip through the Dark Forest, Oz realizes he has to work his magic…literally. And while you think Oz’s trickery can only get him so far, he truly is great and powerful.
There were some twist and turns that I honestly didn’t see coming. But getting introduced to some likable and even some unlikable (in a good way) characters makes for a great movie. When we meet the people of Oz I felt like I was back in my childhood home watching Wizard of Oz.
All in all, I loved this movie. I chuckled and laughed throughout the movie, one liners always tend to get me.
I loved that we get to see the beginning of Oz, the man and Oz, the land. There was even some little added tie-ins to Wizard of Oz –a lion shows up and scarecrows…does that mean I missed a tin man? Guess I need to see it again to be sure!
Oh and yes, there are a TON of computer-animated backgrounds, but that’s part of what kept me glued to the movie and feeling like I was actually in Land of Oz.
The 3D elements in this were great. Nothing overwhelming. Certain bits and pieces were perfect for 3D! This is the first movie in a while where I thought the 3D actually worked overall.
The cast was very well put together and I feel like everything worked amazingly. I will be seeing “Oz The Great and Powerful” again in theaters and it will be added into my “to watch over-and-over again” movie rotation as soon as it’s released on DVD.
Total number of times the “O” word was used: 22
httpv://youtu.be/708jhvxEQvg
Follow us for more updates: Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection Coming to Epcot
Guests to the American Adventure pavilion at Epcot will journey “between the pages” of history as the American Heritage Gallery opens its doors to an art exhibit representing over 400 years of African-American achievement and contribution from the Kinsey Collection.
“Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection,” which opens March 8, draws from an extensive collection of rare art, documents, books and artifacts amassed by philanthropists Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, who share a passion for African-American history.
Their private collection has been displayed throughout the U.S., including in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Approximately 40 pieces will be on display for Epcot guests at any given time on a rotating basis during the exhibit run.
“We always wanted to extend the reach of the Collection to a larger, more international and diverse audience,” explained Bernard Kinsey. “So we are delighted to be collaborating with Disney to share the stories of our remarkable ancestors.”
Overseeing the collection is the Kinseys’ son, Khalil, whose school-age curiosity inspired his parents to build their collection.
The exhibit – themed to hope, belief, courage, imagination and heritage – provides optimistic and empowering stories from American history from voices that are not commonly seen or heard. Art and artifacts pay homage to African-Americans who helped build and transform a nation. Their stories of determination and courage, from the nation’s early days to the present, are at the heart of the exhibit.
To enrich the immersive storytelling experience of the exhibit, Walt Disney Imagineers added interactive displays in which Epcot guests can deepen their knowledge of the American heritage that the Kinsey holdings represent. Epcot guests will be able to use touch screens placed throughout the exhibit to further explore the art, artifacts and history. Guest-activated lanterns will help bring the history to life, with narration provided by Academy Award-winner Whoopi Goldberg (“The View”), Diane Sawyer (“ABC World News with Diane Sawyer”), and actors Chandra Wilson & James Pickens, Jr. (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Kerry Washington (“Scandal”), Zendaya Coleman & Roshon Fegan (“Shake It Up”), China Anne McClain (“A.N.T. Farm”), Tyrel Jackson Williams (“Lab Rats”).
“We are thrilled to bring the Kinsey Collection to Epcot guests,” said Jim MacPhee, senior vice president, Walt Disney World Parks. “Epcot is such a rich cultural tapestry that it serves as the perfect showcase for this powerful collection, with its celebration of the human spirit.”
Among highlights of each themed gallery:
HOPE
- By age 19, Phillis Wheatley became internationally known as the first African-American ever to publish a book of poetry (1773). She wrote poetry about hope and freedom and is now known as The Mother of African American Literature. (Document on display: Phyllis Wheatley’s first book).
- Other Hope Gallery highlights: Samuel Francis Smith, My Country ‘Tis of Thee lyrics (1895); “Untitled,” Hughie Lee Smith (1951); Almanack, Benjamin Banneker (1796)
COURAGE
- Harriet Jacobs, an enslaved young black woman often called an “American Anne Frank” stayed seven years in a tiny attic until she could escape to freedom. She later chronicled her story in an autobiography. (Document on display: Harriet Jacobs’ book, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, 1862)
- Other Courage Gallery highlights: Sea Island Woman, fiber art, Bisa Butler (2006); Loss, sculpture, Michael Chukes (1998);
BELIEF
- In 1870, only seven years after Emancipation, Hiram Rhodes Revels became the first African-American to represent Mississippi in the U.S. Senate. Josiah Walls became the first African-American to represent Florida in the House of Representatives. (Document on display: “Senator Hiram Rhodes Revels Cabinet Card Photograph”)
- Other Belief Gallery highlights: Buffalo Soldiers Parade Flag (1889); What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Old Southern Cooking, Abby Fisher (1881); A Negro Explorer at the North Pole, Matthew Henson book (1912) and article.
IMAGINATION
- Alain Locke not only became the first African-American Rhodes scholar in 1907, but his book “The New Negro” helped inspire the Harlem Renaissance, a period in American culture that produced artists, musicians, writers and thinkers that showed the world how American greatness comes from all of its citizens. (Document on display: The Negro in Art, by Alain Locke).
- Other Imagination Gallery highlights: Harmon Foundation Catalogs (1931-1935); American Beach Negro Ocean Playground, Florida – Steel plaque (1930); “Untitled” (Kadir Nelson, 1992)
HERITAGE
- History can be shared through many types of artifacts. Sometimes it’s as simple as a timeworn letter written by Carrie Kinsey (Bernard’s cousin) to President Roosevelt. Or an old sewing machine passed down through generations by Shirley’s grandmother, Susie Plummer Pooler. (Document on display: “Letter to President Roosevelt,” by Carrie Kinsey)
- Other Heritage Gallery highlights: Bill of Sale-William Johnson (1832); Schedule of Over 500 Slaves (1820); Sewing Machine (1900), Susie Plummer Pooler
The American Adventure pavilion is in the heart of the World Showcase area of Epcot. “Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection” is included in Epcot admission. For more: http://thekinseycollection.com
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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Welcomes Baby Aardvark
Busch Gardens has welcomed its newest resident: an adorable aardvark born Tuesday, Feb. 6. The healthy baby is expected to grow to more than 120 lbs. within its first year of life.
Aardvarks are solitary by nature, and aardvark births are not common. The animal care team is very proud to announce this birth as the third baby born to parents “Izzy” and “Friz.” The baby’s sister “Adazee” was born on March 26 last year and its older brother “Zawadi” will be two years old on April 10.
The baby, whose sex is unknown at this time, is receiving primary care from its mother and additional care from members of the Busch Gardens animal care team.
Stay tuned to Busch Gardens’ Facebook and Blog to learn more about the more than 12,000 animals that call Busch Gardens Tampa home.
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