Wordless Wednesday – It’s A Small World
The JCC’s 4th Annual Winter Festival
The JCC’s 4th Annual Winter Festival presented by theJewish Community Center of Greater Orlando will be Sunday, January 27, 2013 from 11:00am until 5:00pm.
The Winter Festival is full of great activities, food, fun, and games for the whole family!
This year’s festival will feature a real snow park for sledding and winter fun, a rock wall, horse and carriage rides, carnival rides, bounce houses, and a bungee jump.
For the younger children in your family Mr. Richard will be there singing and telling stories and there will be face painting. While the older children may want to check out the video game area.
The Winter Festival also features a JCC IDOL Singing Competition with Celebrity Judges, and anyone from the ages 5 to adult can enter to win $500 or an iPad mini! You will have to register in advance to participate in the competition at http://www.orlandojcc.org/calendar/featured_events/j_idol.
Admission to the Winter Festival is free, but there is a small charge for activity wristbands.
The JCC Winter Festival will be held at JCC’s Jack & Lee Rosen Southwest Orlando Campus
1184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road
Orlando, FL 32836 (map)
407-387-5330
To buy your activity wristbands in advance & to get more event details, visit http://www.orlandowinterfestival.org/
You can also share the Winter Festival with friends for a chance to win prizes!
http://orlandowinterfestival.sharewitheverybody.com/
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SeaWorld Parks Launches New Mobile Websites for SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Parks
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Launches New Mobile Websites and Ticketing for SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Parks
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment launched new mobile websites for the three SeaWorld and two Busch Gardens parks last week, providing guests and fans with a convenient and easy way to plan their vacations and purchase and redeem tickets directly from their mobile devices.
SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are some of the first in the theme park industry to effectively use mobile sites with geo-location capabilities. When a guest is near one of the SeaWorld or Busch Gardens parks and connects to the website, the guest’s phone will immediately default to driving directions. However, if the guest is actually in the park, the site will automatically default to a park map so they can find their next adventure without missing a beat. Receiving the most relevant content, products, offers and promotions based on their location to the parks are just some of the many intuitive features mobile users can now experience.
“These mobile sites have been in development for several months and we are excited about the incredibly positive response we’ve already seen from guests,” said Anne Fischer, Director of Interactive Marketing for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. “With ever-increasing mobile traffic to our parks, guests can expect more exciting mobile websites, products, apps and systems designed to make their lives more convenient in the near future.”
The sites provide guests with a simplified mobile purchase experience with images, text and easy steps for the entire process. Once the purchase process is complete, guests will receive their digital admission ticket directly on their phone, allowing them to proceed directly to the front gate for entry to the park.
Unlike other theme park mobile sites, guests can not only purchase single day tickets, but also multi-park and season passes, allowing guests to save money and time. Based on the tickets purchased, the sites will suggest additional experiences and adventures, including behind-the-scenes tours, up-close animal interactions or dining options to make their visit to the park even more memorable.
The new sites were designed to work with some of the most popular cell phone operating systems, including Apple, Android and Windows.
Follow us for more updates: Monster Jam Returns To Orlando on January 26th
Monster Jam Returns To Orlando on January 26th
Annual motor sports spectacle is Central Florida’s largest stadium event of the year
The Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam makes its return to the Orlando area when the annual motor sports spectacle drives into the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium.
Central Florida will heat up this January when 1,500 horsepower, 10,000-pound monster trucks compete in side-by-side racing and the fan-favorite freestyle competition where each monster truck gets up to 120 seconds to “wow” the crowd with huge jumps, wheelies, truck-spinning donuts, flips, and the destruction of cars, vans, buses, motor homes and more.
The Monster Jam is one of Orlando’s most popular and largest single day stadium events, attracting capacity crowds of over 60,000 fans. A huge field of sixteen monster trucks will compete in side-by-racing and the fan-favorite freestyle competition.
One of the many highlights of this year’s event is the 10th anniversary of the sport’s 10-time World Champion Maximum Destruction.
Four-time World Champion, Dennis Anderson, returns to his favorite city driving the legendary monster truck he created 31 years ago, GRAVE DIGGER.
After touring with his oldest son Adam in 2012, Dennis will bring another Anderson with him to Orlando in 2013 with the debut appearance of SON OF A DIGGER driven by Anderson’s middle son, Ryan Anderson.
The event will also feature 10-Time World Champion MAXIMUM DESTRUCTION celebrating the team’s 10th anniversary, plus the return of GRINDER, Latino favorite EL TORO LOCO, and more yet-to-be announced motorsports competitions.
Monster Jam returns to Orlando with one show only on Saturday, January 26th at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium, 1610 W. Church Street, Orlando, Florida, 32805. Gates Open at 5 pm. Opening Ceremonies at 6:30pm. Racing Starts at 7 pm.
Advance purchase SuperValue Tickets are ONLY $15. $35 VIP / $25 Sideline. However, tickets are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets, the Amway Center Box Office, or charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. Tickets will also be available day of show at the Citrus Bowl.
All seats reserved. Subject to facility fee, plus convenience and handling charges. Don’t wait – buy tickets in advance as prices go up $5 more day of show. Get more show information at www.MonsterJam.com (click on “Tickets” and search for Orlando January 26th).
Fans can also save $15 with a Buy 3 Get 1 FREE 4-pak ticket voucher deal at area Metro PCS locations.
There are also a ton of Preview Opportunities and Contests going on for Monster Jam!
- Fans can go behind the scenes, meet the drivers for autographs and photo ops, and see themonster trucks up close at the World’s Ultimate Pit Party at Tinker Field from 2-5 pm. Purchase a pit pass for only $10 more when making your ticket purchase, or pick up a free pit pass at participating Orlando area Southern Ford Dealers beginning January 2nd. Pit Passes, along with a valid event ticket, get fans into the Pit Area.
- Fans can also go for a ride in a real monster truck before the show by picking up a free Monster Truck Ride Pass at any Advance Auto Parts location from 1/7/13-1/25/13 while supplies last. Monster truck rides begin at 1 p.m. in the lot across from Gate D and run until 7 p.m. Valid only with a Saturday, January 26th event ticket.
- Save $15 and get a FREE SuperValue Ticket with a Buy 3 Get 1 SuperValue Ticket
- FREE Deal. Pick up your free 4-Pack Ticket Voucher from participating Orlando Area MetroPCS Locations from 1/7/13 through 1/25/13 while supplies last. See Voucher for details.
Winter Jam JAMS out in Tampa
This past Saturday Shalon and I were lucky enough to be invited to the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular in Tampa. Being the music lovers that we are we jumped at the chance. Winter Jam is a Christian Rock concert that has toured since 1995. It was started by the group New Song and has grown with popularity over the years. At the heart of Winter Jam is ministry and it’s commitment to no tickets and only $10 at the door. This remains a unique characteristic to Winter Jam and underscores the importance of making the event affordable for families, individuals and groups of all sizes. Luckily the tour made a stop close to us this year and we were able to go!
Having made friends with Royal Tailor when we were at Night of Joy, we were super excited to see them again in Concert. We knew that there were a bunch of bands performing and that while each group only had time to do 3 or 4 songs, we would get to see the best that each band had to offer!
Up first was a band called Capital Kings who we learned were a Electric Pop duo who had the whole forum on their feet when they performed in the very center of the floor!
Next up was OBB (which stands for Oswald Brothers Band) An adorable band of brothers who had great harmony and chemistry on stage! We were instant fans!
Up next was American Idol Alumni Jason Castro! Always love listening to his voice and guitar playing! Kid is seriously talented and he always puts on a great concert!
Performing next was of course the highlight of our night Royal Tailor. We were so fortunate to be able to get to know Tauren, Blake, DJ and Jarrod when we had dinner with them during Night of Joy and we beyond thrilled to see the guys in concert again! This time as fans and friends! And they did not disappoint! The boys were on point and kept the crowd happy their whole set! There was even a youth group that leaned the dance from their video Make A Move. It was Awesome!!!!
The next highlight for me was the band Red. I have been a long time fan of them and missed them totally due to rain at Night of Joy and was SO excited to see them here. I wont ruin it for you, but they had an AMAZING SET!!!!! A M A Z I N G !!!!!!!
Jamie Grace, Newsong, Sidewalk Prophets and Matthew West were in the next set! All had wonderful performances that kept the crowd all singing and moving the whole time!
The Headliner and the last act of the night was Toby Mac! If you have ever seen him in concert then you know his energy is exactly what you want to end an evening with! That man does not stop the whole time he is on stage and he MOVES FAST! When he adds in all his people, it is a show that is always worth it!!!!!!
After the concert each of the bands did a meet and greet with fans and signed CDs and shirts and things! Luckily we got to see our favorite Royal Tailor Guys and say hi to them again! It was nice to be able to talk to them and make plans for when they return to Florida.
Shalon and I had a BLAST at Winter Jam and If you have the tour coming near you soon, spend the $10.00 and go for yourself! Even if you are only a fan of one or two of the artists, it is totally worth it!!!! Thank you to Carol with Winter Jam for allowing us to come to the concert!!!!!
We have a TON more pictures from the concert on our Facebook Page! Also keep an eye on our YouTube page as well for some clips!!!!
Follow us for more updates: Wordless Wednesday – One Ocean
TrenD Report – Dooney, Harveys, And New Shirts Oh My!
It’s time to get 2013’s TrenD Reports started off with a bang!
While there was a lot of great merchandise over the holidays, I am super excited to start seeing the spring merchandise arriving at TrenD!
If you have an iPhone 4/4s and are a fan of the Disney Dooney & Bourke purses you are in luck, because TrenD (and other shops throughout Walt Disney World) are now carrying the iPhone case. The case is available in the sketch pattern with a background of black and white. I really love the white, but the pattern shows up pretty well on the black background as well.
New Harveys bags have also made their way to the TrenD Report! The new Mickey and Minnie in Love bags feature rough sketches of Mickey and Minnie with red hearts, which is absolutely perfect for Valentine’s Day (HINT HINT DAVID CARAN)! This new design is soooooo much fun!!! I really love the playful design, and the red/white/blue/black color combination is perfect for the spring and summer. I honestly feel like you can’t go wrong with this bag! Great style, perfect colors, and once again the durable construction & warranty totally make buying one of the Harveys Bags a fun idea!
Again the shirts and hoodies are taking on a very fun character twist, because they’re staying true to their character’s traits but having fun with the TrenD styles!
There are some great new bags out, too! The plastic bag is a great option for the beach or water park, and the matching cosmetic/ditty bag set is a great touch since you can see through the bag in places. Also, the canvas/velvet ribbon Princess bags are super cute!!!
And finally I found some really cute small items tucked away to include in the TrenD Report this week! Fun frames, some interesting tights, a cute necklace, and more.
I really hope that you enjoy this week’s TrenD Report!!!
Orlando City Adds Bryan Burke
Orlando City Adds Bryan Burke
2011 USL PDL Finals MVP Joins Lions Backline for 2013
Orlando City has signed Defender Bryan Burke to the pro team roster. The Newport Beach, Calif., native was a part of the LA Blues last season, leading the team in minutes played (1,867) and tied for the team-lead in games played (23) after moving up from the PDL one year ago. Burke will wear No. 7 for the Lions.
“Bryan is by far the best player we played against all last year,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “When we get the opportunity to take a player like that then we have to sign him. He’s a great athlete and we’re delighted to pick him up.”
Burke got his start with Orange County Blue Star of the USL Premier Development League (PDL). Playing from 2007-10, Burke appeared 29 times for Orange County, scoring four goals. In 2011, Burke joined the Kitsap Pumas of the PDL, leading them to the 2011 PDL Championship. Burke’s assist led to the game-winning goal in the 11th minute of the championship match, earning himself MVP honors in the 1-0 win over the Laredo Heat.
The signing, which was originally announced at the club’s fan forum in early December, adds to the already impressive Orlando City backline that boasts 2011 USL PRO Defender of the Year Rob Valentino and winger Luke Boden. The backline, which allowed a league-low 18 goals last season, is something Heath says will be key to repeat for a third championship in 2013.
“The way that we play, we see adding Burke as a strong point,“ said Heath. “He’s very good at going down the right hand side and will be a great asset for our attacking half.”
The club is looking to add four to five more players heading up until the regular season starts, with many players on last season’s championship squad now free agents, including Kyle Davies, Erik Ustruck and 2012 USL PRO player of the year Kevin Molino. Stay tuned to all roster updates by going to OrlandoCitySoccer.com through the entire 2013 preseason.
Acquisition: Orlando City (USLPRO) signs Bryan Burke
Pro Experience: 1 year
Last Club: Los Angeles Blues
Birthday: 1/3/89
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.
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Downtown Food And Wine Fest At Lake Eola
Downtown Food And Wine Fest At Lake Eola
“A Treat for the Senses” on February 23 and 24, 2013
Produced by MIX 105.1, 1059 SUNNY FM, and 102 JAMZ in partnership with the
Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association
The tradition continues as more than 20,000 foodies and wine lovers experience unique local cuisine paired with wines from around the globe at the Downtown Food & Wine Fest, Saturday, February 23 and Sunday, February 24, 2013.
The Fifth Annual Downtown Food & Wine Fest (previously known as The Orlando Food and Wine Fest) has established itself as a signature event for Orlando.
Here are the things you need to know!
Date/Time
Saturday, February 23, 2013 from noon – 9:00 pm
Sunday, February 24, 2013 from noon – 7:00 pm
Location
Located in the heart of downtown Orlando at Lake Eola along Robinson Street
Tickets
Admission is $10 per person, per day with advance online purchases available January 15, 2013 at
www.DowntownFoodAndWineFest.com or at Mercedes-Benz of Sanford, Mercedes-Benz of Orlando, and Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando
Admission will also be available at the door is $15 per person, per day. Admission for children under age 12 is free. Food tickets are available at the event for $2 each; food and wine offerings range from one to four tickets.
New for 2013, VIP ticket packages include parking, a private pavilion, and additional Fest perks and privileges. A limited number of VIP tickets are available only at Mercedes-Benz of Sanford, Mercedes-Benz of Orlando, and Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando.
The Fest is presented and produced by CBS RADIO, led by Orlando favorites MIX 105.1, 1059 SUNNY FM, and 102 JAMZ in partnership with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. Located in the heart of downtown Orlando at Lake Eola on Robinson Street, the two-day Fest features mouth-watering dishes from 40 of Orlando’s premier restaurants, domestic and international wines, and live entertainment. A portion of the proceeds benefitSecond Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and the FRLA Educational Foundation.
“The Fest is the perfect combination of divine food, unique wines, and headliner entertainment right in the heart of downtown,” said Nicole Dipietro, participating restaurateur and president, Central Florida Chapter, FRLA. “Orlando has emerged onto the national culinary stage with award-winning restaurants and memorable events to showcase the spirit of the City Beautiful.”
Forty top restaurants are scheduled to present culinary tastings including the return of the 2012 Foodie Award winners as honored by a panel of Orlando elected officials, food writers and reporters, and celebrity chefs.
Foodie Award (based on one food item for taste, unique flavor and culinary excellence)
Pork Belly Slider – PRIMO by Melissa Kelly at JW Marriott
Best of Show (based on overall menu creativity, depth of offerings, and quality)
Tuscany at Orlando World Center Marriott
Spirit of the Fest (based on fun factor, overall energy and crowd vibe with the booth)
K Restaurant
Dave Robbins, senior vice president, Orlando market manager CBS RADIO commented, “Through the power of radio and the strength of our FRLA restaurants, we are ready to provide foodies and fans with another unforgettable experience that brings our community together to indulge in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Orlando.”
Stay Connected
For more information on the Downtown Food & Wine Fest:
- Visit www.DowntownFoodAndWineFest.com
- Like Downtown Food & Wine Fest on Facebook
- Follow @DTFoodWineFest on Twitter
- Call the events hotline at (407) 919-1048
- Email DowntownFoodandWineFest@cbsradio.com
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About CBS RADIO
CBS RADIO, one of the largest major-market operators in the United States with stations covering news, sports, talk, rock, oldies, country, adult contemporary and urban formats, among others, offers audiences an enhanced and customized listening experience through the combination of on-air, online and new media platforms. CBS RADIO operates 127 radio stations throughout the nation’s top 50 markets and broadcasts play-by-play coverage of more than two dozen of the country’s leading professional sports franchises. CBS RADIO also has embraced interactive programming through the use of streaming, HD Radio, podcasts and mobile messaging. CBS RADIO is a division of CBS Corporation. For more information on CBS RADIO, please visit www.cbsradio.com.
About Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association
FRLA’s mission is to Protect, Educate and Promote Florida’s hospitality industry – which represents a $62.4 billion industry, 20 percent of Florida’s economy, $3.4 billion in sales tax revenue, and more than 900,000 employees, making it Florida’s largest employer. It is Florida’s premier non-profit, hospitality industry trade association. FRLA safeguards the needs of the hospitality industry, improves the business climate, promotes the highest levels of quality and safety for our patrons, provides legislative advocacy, and eases navigation of government regulation. The Association represents and serves more than 10,000 independent and household name members, including theme parks and the largest casual theme restaurant company in the world. Carol Dover serves as President/CEO. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org.
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Claire Bilby Moves On To Disneyland Paris; Ken Potrock Takes Over Disney Vacation Club
Claire Bilby Message to Members
Dear Members,
I want to share an important Disney Vacation Club organizational announcement with you, our Member families.
As Disney continues to identify ways to deliver the best-possible vacation experiences, the company is providing new growth opportunities for members of the leadership team. In this case, Disney is giving me the opportunity to lead the Sales and Marketing organization at Disneyland Paris, leveraging my depth of international sales experience.
I am thrilled about this new opportunity, which begins February 1, and also deeply proud of the great work our team has done over the past couple of years at Disney Vacation Club. The team has accomplished so much and truly elevated the benefits, perks and experiences we provide to our Members.
You will be pleased to learn that longtime Disney leader Ken Potrock is succeeding me at Disney Vacation Club as Senior Vice President and General Manager. I can tell you that you’re in great hands with Ken. He is a wonderful leader, full of creativity and passion for the Disney brand, and extremely talented. Most recently, Ken has served as the Senior Vice President of Disney Sports Enterprises and Downtown Disney in Florida. I have known him for a long time and couldn’t be more delighted with his passion for the Disney brand, for innovation, and for always putting our Guests and Members first. In his new role, Ken will also have responsibility for Adventures by Disney, our family guided-tour business.
As I say “au revoir” for now, please know how much I have enjoyed my time with Disney Vacation Club and the privilege of getting to know so many of our Members. I look forward to Ken and the rest of the organization continuing to enhance the Member experience in creative and magical ways!
At Disney Vacation Club, it’s all about you – the Member – and that commitment will never change. Thank you for vacationing with Disney year in and year out. We look forward to delighting and surprising you each time we welcome you home.
Sincerely,
Claire Bilby
Follow us for more updates: Tables in Wonderland – The Wave… of American Flavor’s Discovery Dinner
Thursday, January 17, 2013
6:30 p.m. Reception; 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Meet at The Wave… of American Flavor’s Main Podium
Dress Code – Casual Evening Attire
$110 per person, includes tax and gratuity
The Wave… of American Flavors has an exciting evening planned for the January Tables in Wonderland Discovery Dinner. Local farmers will be represented by Cahaba Clubs Herbal Outpost. Cahaba Clubs Herbal Outpost sits nestled on a 10 acre parcel in Odessa, Florida, just northwest of downtown Tampa. Marvin Wilhite began his hydroponic growing operation in this serene setting in 2000. Marvin is all about Micros! Cahaba sells the freshest hydroponic micro-greens, micro-herbs, micro-vegetables, exotic tiny greens, tiny lettuces and a variety of pea shoots. Chefs use Cahaba products as not only a garnish, but as a unique and flavorful condiment to their signature dishes.
The Wave… of American Flavors welcomes Chris Doncsecz as the wine representative for the January Tables in Wonderland Discovery Dinner. A former cast member in the 1990’s, Chris went on to work as a captain at notable restaurants in Manhattan to include Jean George’s “V”, Del Frisco’s across from Radio City Music Hall and he was part of the opening team for TAO that once hosted New York and Hollywood’s “A List” celebrities (well there were others, “ask how David Copperfield made him disappear”). After which, Chris ventured to Seattle, Los Angeles, and Hawaii until settling back in Orlando as wine representative for Stacole Fine Wines.
Reception in The Wave… of American Flavors Lounge
Chive-tied Crepe Bundles with Smoked Salmon and Lemon Crème Fraîche
Wild Boar with Parsnip Purée and Chive Oil
Roasted Vegetable Terrine with Goat Cheese
Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvée – Sonoma County, California
Dinner in The Wave… of American Flavors Private Dining Room
Appetizer
Oyster Rockefeller Soup with Big Bayou, Apalachicola Bay Oysters
Spy Valley Pinot Noir – Marlborough, New Zealand
Salad
Micro Green Salad with Red Oak, Green Oak, Red Sticks of Fire, Yellow and Green Pea Shoots, Tiny Heirloom Tomatoes, and Ice Wine Vinaigrette
Warwick Professor Black Sauvignon Blanc – Stellenbosch, South Africa
Entrée
Apple Cider Braised Pork Belly with Naturally Raised Pork Tenderloin, Anson Mills Risotto Oats, Micro “Bulls Blood” Beet Greens
Pulenta Estate La Flor Malbec – Mendoza, Argentina
Cheese Course
Cabot Cheddar, Pecorino Romano, and English Stilton Blue
Torbreck Woodcutter’s Shiraz – Barossa Valley, Australia
Dessert
Fennel Scented Caramel Apple Crepes, Cinnamon Basil Ice Cream, and Vanilla-Thyme Shortbread
Gruet Blanc de Noirs, Albuquerque New Mexico
For reservations, please visit the following website www.disneyurl.com/TheWaveJanuary for self-booking and instant confirmation. The website will go live and begin taking reservations on Thursday January 10, 2013 at 10:00am.
Please have the following information ready:
Tables in Wonderland Ticket Number
First and Last Name of everyone in your party (maximum is Party of 8)
Home address
Phone number
Credit Card Number
Billing Address of the Credit Card (Your credit card will be charged at the time of booking, and you will receive an immediate confirmation email.)
Personal Email Address (Please use a personal email address as many work email addresses think the confirmation email is spam.)
Special Dietary Needs (if any)
Guest Policies
The event is limited to 46 Guests, and is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members.
You must show your valid Tables in Wonderland ticket to gain entrance into the event.
Wordless Wednesday – Chinese Theatre
Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras 2013 Overview: Music, Food, And Fun
Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras Overview: Music, Food, And Fun
Mardi Gras Brings 14 Nights of Electrifying Live Concerts – Including Demi Lovato, Phillip Phillipsand Pitbull – a Dazzling Parade, Cajun Cuisine and Tons of Beads
Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras 2013 is coming up soon, and I couldn’t be more excited!!!
Last year I was lucky enough to spend almost two weeks in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, and Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras does not disappoint!
On select nights Feb. 9 through April 20, guests will let the good times roll as they experience an authentic, family-friendly version of the Mardi Gras bash at Universal Studios Florida. The event couples unparalleled theme park entertainment with a dazzling parade, authentic New Orleans musicians, mouth-watering Cajun cuisine, tons of glittering Mardi Gras beads and live concerts by high-profile artists.
Before enjoying the live concerts, guests can dance along with dozens of energetic street performers and collect beads by the handful as the Mardi Gras parade winds through Universal Studios.
This year’s parade celebrates “Colorful Cultures Around the World,” featuring all-new float additions inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead, Chinese New Year and Elegance of India. The parade’s elaborate, hand-crafted floats are built by Blaine Kern Artists – the same company that designs floats for the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans.
But let’s get to the real reason you’re here…the Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras Concert Lineup!!!
This year’s talent lineup features an incredible variety of music, ranging from Americana rock to soulful R&B to upbeat pop to Latin rhythms. Guests can return night after night to hear their favorite performers, including internationally-renowned rapper Pitbull – whose number-one single, “Give Me Everything,” was named “Top Radio Song” in the 2012 Billboard Music Awards; 2012 People’s Choice Award-winner Demi Lovato for “Favorite Pop Artist;” season 11 winner of “American Idol,” Phillip Phillips whose hit song, “Home,” was certified double-platinum; chart-topping country duo Montgomery Gentry, with top hits like “If You Ever Stop Loving Me” and “Back When I Knew It All;” teen heartthrob Austin Mahone; and alternative rock band Matchbox Twenty, whose latest studio album, “North,” debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Below you will find the current line-up of artists that will be performing during these 14 nights of Mardi Gras fun at the Universal Orlando Resort. While the Headliners are always a really good time, you should definitely head over the French Quarter area to check out these local New Orleans bands perform Blues, Jazz and Zydeco music!
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2013 MARDI GRAS TALENT LINE-UP |
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Mardi Gras Event Dates |
Headliners (performing in the Music Plaza) |
New Orleans Bands (performing in the French Quarter) |
| Saturday, February 9 | Lifehouse | John Lisi & Delta Funk! |
| Saturday, February 16 | Steve Miller Band | The Dirty Bourbon River Show |
| Sunday, February 17 | Boys Like Girls | The Dirty Bourbon River Show |
| Saturday, February 23 | Trey Songz | Colin Lake |
| Saturday, March 2 | Demi Lovato | Beth McKee |
| Saturday, March 9 | Montgomery Gentry | Gravy |
| Friday, March 15 | Sean Kingston | Lil Brian and the Zydeco Travelers |
| Saturday, March 16 | Matchbox Twenty | Lil Brian and the Zydeco Travelers |
| Friday, March 22 | Austin Mahone | The Soul Project NOLA |
| Saturday, March 23 | Phillip Phillips | The Soul Project NOLA |
| Saturday, March 30 | Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo | Big Al & the Heavyweights |
| Saturday, April 6 | TBD | Mississippi Rail Company |
| Saturday, April 13 | Pitbull | The Rockin’ Jake Band |
| Saturday, April 20 | TBD | Daddy Mack Blues Band |
The French Quarter Courtyard at Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras is one of my favorite places to spend time during the celebration! This area is one huge party, where you can enjoy the soulful sounds of amazing music, authentic Cajun cuisine, including jambalaya, gumbo, beignets and more, and partake in some adult beverages just for the Mardi Gras Celebration. We spent a lot of time in this area last year, and I can’t wait to go back again!!!
The excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras is included with admission to Universal Studios, and we will definitely be posting more about Mardi Gras and attending a lot of these celebrations!
For more information about Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.
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Safari Of Fun Tea Party At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Join Abby Cadabby and Zoe for a
Safari of Fun Tea Party at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
If Your little one is a fan of Sesame Street, you are going to want to head over to enjoy a special Safari of Fun Tea Party featuring Abby Cadabby and Zoe from Sesame Street® at Sesame Street® Safari of FunTM at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Sunday, January 13 from 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm.
During this Safari of Fun Tea Party with Abby Cadabby and Zoe at Sesame Street® Safari of Fun, everyone will snack on mini assorted sandwiches, veggies with cream cheese and soy butter, fresh fruit, chicken tenders, mac and cheese, mini cupcakes and cookies. And there are several beverages to choose from including fruit flavored teas as well as milk, juice and hot cocoa.
Lunch is $22 for adults and $15 for children. Pass members receive a 10 percent discount. Also, you will receive One 6×8 photo, which is included, per family. Admission to the park is not included, but is required.
The Sesame Street® Safari of FunTM area at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a really great place for younger members of your family to experience small thrills and big fun at just the right size!
Come join everyone’s favorite Sesame Street® friends on a family-friendly Safari adventure where the rhythms of Africa are sprinkled with giggles. It’s Busch Gardens’® newest land filled with kid-size rides, cool water fun, and plenty of memorable adventures.
Fly through the desert with Grover. Climb in Elmo’s Tree House. Splash in Bert and Ernie’s watering hole. You can even dine with your child’s furry friends.
It’s Sesame Street Safari of Fun, where imaginations run wild and there’s fun for everyone.
To make reservations for this Safari of Fun Tea Party, simply Visit SesameStreetSafariofFun.com or call 1-888-800-5447.
Follow us for more updates: Reading With Ringling Days Visit The Orlando Area January 9th!
Free Reading with Ringling Day for the Public
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Ambassadors of Laughter to
Clown Around Central Florida January 9th
Get ready to giggle, Central Florida: on January 9, clowns from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® will make special appearances in the region to entertain and interact with the public. The Ambassadors of Laughter will ignite attendees’ funny bones with lighthearted antics that
offer a sneak preview of Built to Amaze!, the all-new 143RD Edition of The Greatest Show On Earth® playing the Amway Center this January.
On Wednesday, January 9, clowns will blend the magic of the circus with the importance of reading during Reading with Ringling Day, special presentations at three libraries in Orange and Seminole counties. After a lively rendition of a circus-themed book, they’ll engage the audience with juggling, plate spinning and other silly and dynamic demonstrations previewing The Greatest Show on Earth. The clowns will give away stickers and clown noses (while supplies last).
The library events are free and everyone is invited. The locations and appearance times are:
Orange County Library System
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Downtown Branch – 101 East Central Blvd., Orlando, FL 32801
For more information, call 407-835-7481, or visit www.ocls.info.
Maitland Public Library
11:30 a.m. – 12 noon
501 S. Maitland Ave, Maitland, FL 32751
For more information, call 407-647-7700, or visit http://www.maitlandpubliclibrary.org/.
Seminole County Library
2:30 – 3 p.m.
Central Branch, 215 N. Oxford Rd., Casselberry, FL 32707
For more information, call 407-665-1500, or visit http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/guide/libraries
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey is proud to present Built To Amaze! Drama, surprise and wonder build the excitement so BIG that it could only be The Greatest Show On Earth. The all-new show is coming is coming January 10-13 to the Amway Center in Orlando. For tickets and more information, visit www.ringling.com
About Feld Entertainment: Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 70 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Feld Motor Sports, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!
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