LEGOLAND Florida Makes Learning Fun With STEM Focused, Interactive Educational Programs

LEGOLAND® FLORIDA MAKES LEARNING FUN WITH STEM FOCUSED, INTERACTIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS
LEGOLAND Florida provides interactive entertainment for families with children ages 2-12 .

LEGOLAND® Florida sparks imagination and creativity beyond the walls of the classroom and makes learning fun this year with hands-on and interactive field trips. Just in time for the 2012-2013 academic year, Central Florida’s newest theme park rolls out eight dynamic, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) focused educational programs for grades K-6 including new curriculum using WeDo Robotics LEGO® Education Set especially designed for grades 1-2 and continues to offer free field trips to Polk County 2nd graders.

From learning about how structures are made and what makes them strong in Tall Towers to Amazing Machines where students build their own amazing machine equipped with gears, levers, pulleys and motors, teachers can find just the right program to match what they’re learning about in the classroom.

Due to the overwhelming success of last year’s second grade program, LEGOLAND Florida is bringing it back to ensure that all 2nd graders in Polk County Public Schools will get the chance to participate in one of the eight programs free of charge.

“Research shows that early exposure to math and science, primarily before 3rd grade, increases the likelihood that a child will continue in that field. By showcasing math and science in a fun and interactive way at LEGOLAND Florida, we aim to ensure a positive view of these sometimes difficult subjects,” said Kim Isemann, Director of Sales and Marketing. “We’re proud to offer Polk County 2nd graders an opportunity to visit LEGOLAND Florida and experience our education classes.”

With eight educational programs incorporating STEM and the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards, LEGOLAND Florida is dedicated to affordable extracurricular education.  Each of the eight programs is seasonally priced and starts at $8 per student and includes a 45-minute educational session and a full-day at the park. Field trip reservations are limited per day and can be booked by appropriate school officials by calling 1.877.350.LEGO      .

Field trip programs include:

–  Tall Towers (Grades K-3): Students learn about how structures are made and what makes them strong and then test their creation on an earthquake table.

– Funtastic Gears (Grades K-2): Students build a theme park ride using gears to alter the speed and direction.

–  New! Robotics for Young Beginners (Grades 1-2): Students will build a Florida alligator and make it move to learn introductory concepts of robotics using motors and sensors. Program uses WeDo Robotics LEGO Education Set.

– Get Moving (Grades 2-5): Students build a car and predict which car will win the race and why – all while learning about friction, inertia and wind resistance.

–  Energy Lab (Grades 2-6): Students build a solar-powered car where they collect, store and transfer the solar energy to power their vehicle.

–  Amazing Machines (Grades 3-6): Students build their own amazing machine equipped with gears, levers, pulleys and motors.

–  Dr. Heartbeat (Grades 3-6): With students at the helm, “Dr. Heartbeat” and other NXT-bots complete a variety of life-saving operations and medical procedures using a computer, light & sound sensors and motors.

– Adventure Bot (Grades 3-6): Students can go on a mission using Adventure-bots to retrieve golden marble treasures and hide them from the treasure hunters using a computer, light and sound sensors and motors.

These dynamic educational programs and more than 50 rides, shows and attractions specifically geared toward families with children ages 2 to 12 can be found daily at LEGOLAND Florida. To find out more, visit www.legoland.com.

LEGOLAND Florida – Winter Haven, FL
Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

A Night on The Titanic: A Visit to Titanic the Experience

When Titanic the movie came out, I was a senior in High School and I saw it no less then 10 times in the theaters. No Lie. I own both the VHS Tapes (it’s a 2 set) and the DVD. I, like most teenage girls LOVED Leonardo DiCaprio…. Oh how I loved him with his floppy hair and crinkly eyes… and the way he laughed…. Oh and when he was on growing pains… or in the movie when he was drawing Rose……… oh Leo…..

sorry…. i got off track…

whew

ANYWAY when the Thelma to my Louise Shelley asked me to go with her to the Titanic the Experience Exhibit on International Drive the other night I JUMPED at the chance.

Titanic The Experience

When you visit their website it tells you that : “Redesigned in January 2012 by RMS Titanic, Inc., Titanic The Experience is a blockbuster Orlando attraction located on 7324 International Drive near Universal Studios, Sea World and Walt Disney World. Become a passenger and travel back in time to 100 years ago, where authentic artifacts and interactive storytellers in period costume allow you to visit the unforgettable sights, sounds, and emotions of most famous Ship ever to set sail, Titanic.

This 17 gallery tour includes full scale room re-creations where you visit Titanic’s Grand Staircase, First Class Parlor Suite, Boilers, Captain’s Bridge and Promenade Deck offering a haunting, emotional connection to lives abruptly ended or forever altered.

In addition, you will now view more than 400 unique pieces of memorabilia and 100 artifacts recovered from the wreck site of Titanic- 21 of which have recently completed conservation and are on display for the first time. These celebrated pieces include a 3-ton portion of the Ship’s hull, the Captain’s wheel and personal belongings from Titanic’s passengers and crew.

The story of the sinking is legendary; now experience the wonder and tragedy of this ill-fated Ship on a journey through Titanic history at Titanic The Experience.”

 

So Shelley and I dressed in our finest fancy wear and headed off to board The Titanic. When you enter the front of this International Drive buliding you are treated to movie memorabilia and actualy pieces of Titanic findings. They have merged the movie world together with the real event very nicely. You can even take the FAMOUS picture on the bow of the boat (HOLD ME LEO)!  You also recieve a Boarding Pass with a name and a story on it when you walk in. You can not board Titanic otherwise 🙂 The Boarding Pass has a real name and real story about someone who actually sailed Titanic. It brings the whole experience that much more together in my personal opinion.

Titanic the Experience Boarding Pass – Aurora
Titanic the Experience Boarding Pass – Shelley

You then meet your Tour Guide who is a passenger along with you on The Titanic. Harry Elkins Widener was our guide. His Father owned the company that built the Titanic! Henry and his parents were going to be sailing on The Titanic with Henry’s EXTENSIVE book collection. He was a book collector and LOVED his first editions. Henry is our guide through the whole experience. He tours us through the

  • 17 gallery, 20,000 sq ft Interactive Museum
  • Over 100 newly added artifacts recovered from the wreck site of Titanic
  • “Little Big Piece,” 3-ton section of the Ship’s hull and the second largest piece of Titanicever recovered
  • Full Scale recreations of her Grand Staircase, First Class Cabin, Verandah Cafe and more

This was one of the most POWERFUL Walking tours I have been on. The artifacts speak and the way that our guide told the story of them all was amazing. I felt as though in some portions I was there. I don’t want to spoil the experience and tell you everything you will see but I will say that as an overly emotional girl, this was breathtaking.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-jCZVPHpts

While we only had one tour guide, it is often the chance that you will run into other people on the tour. Molly Brown (The Unsinkable) and Captain Smith being two of the most popular. These actors take their roles VERY seriously and spend many hours researching nuances and mannerisms  of these well known Titanic figures.

Come to find out,  Harry Widener, the role that our tour guide was portraying,  did not make it off The Titanic. His Mother Elanor did and she donated his entire book collection to Harvard University where it still is to this day. The Library on Campus is named The Harry Elkins Widener Library and was built in his memory thanks to his Mother’s very generous donation of 3.5 million dollars on June 24, 1915.

I was thoroughly impressed with this experience. I would do it again in a heart beat. I know there were artifacts that I missed and I would LOVE to be able to experience the other actors. Titanic The Experience also offers a Dinner Event where you get treated to a 3 course meal and celebrate the Legendary retirement of Captain E.J. Smith. You dine with Titanic’s most notable passengers and there is also a re-enactment of the night of April 14th,1912. They also do a Titanic Ghost Tour every Thursday. Some of the staff members have encountered strange events within the exhibition swearing that it is maybe passengers and crew members of The Titanic….. Or is it? (cue creepy music)

The Cost for Titanic The Experience is by far one of the best Deals in Orlando. at $21.95 per person you can not beat that at all. The Dinner Show is $64.95 per person and that includes a 3 course meal with the exhibit. The Ghost Tour every Thursday is $32.00

But get THIS! If you mention the word BLOG when you walk into the Titanic Experience you will receive a 20% off Discount!!! WAHOOOOOOO!!!

Thank you to the Ladies and Gentlemen at Titanic the Experience and to the Ladies at Tango Marketing for hosting us! Y’all have made me fall in love with Titanic all over again!

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Orlando City Soccer Announcement!

KEVIN MOLINO NAMED TO TRINIDAD SQUAD FOR CANADA FRIENDLY

Orlando City midfielder expected to earn 10th career cap on Wednesday

 

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation has named Orlando City Soccer Club Midfielder Kevin Molino to the squad for Wednesday’s international friendly against Canada.  Molino is aiming for the 10th cap of his senior international career.

 

“I’ve never faced them before at the senior level so I’m anxious to play this first game,” said Molino to TTFF media. “I know it’s going to be a tough game because they have been together for a while and they are preparing for the rest of their 2014 qualifying games.”

 

Molino has joined the T&T squad in Ft. Lauderdale for a brief training camp ahead of Wednesday’s match.  The game will be played in Lauderhill, Fla., at the Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium.  Former Lion Devorn Jorsling, the player who converted the game-winning penalty kick in last year’s USL PRO Championship Game, was also named to the Soca Warriors squad for Wednesday.

 

“I’m delighted he’s getting another cap for his country,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath.  “It’s another opportunity to show his talent to a wider audience.  It all helps with gaining experience.  Hopefully he comes back fit and well for Friday.”

 

With the limited amount of travel required for Wednesday, Molino is expected to be available for Orlando City’s regular season finale against the Dayton Dutch Lions on Friday.  With City having a first-round bye in the playoffs, Molino will still have plenty of time to rest should he play two games in three days.

 

Tickets are still available for Friday’s match, and start at just $15.  Tickets for the playoff opener on August 31, opponent to be determined, are also on sale now.  Call 855-ORL-CITY or visitwww.orlandocitysoccer.com for more information.

 

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is one of Orlando’s premier professional sports franchises. Orlando City plays in the USL PRO league, part of the United Soccer Leagues.  During the inaugural 2011 season, the Orlando City Lions captured the USL PRO American Division, Regular Season, and Playoff championships, and was named the 2011 USL PRO Organization of the Year.  For more information, visitwww.orlandocitysoccer.com today.

 

CONGRATS To Kevin!!!! He happens to be one of our favorite players! ( Aurora I am looking at YOU MA’AM) ! We are so proud that one of our guys got picked for this! Amazing news!!! See You All at the game on the 17th !!!!!!

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Orlando Solar Bears Sign 3 New Team Members!

 

SOLAR BEARS AGREE TO TERMS WITH FORWARDS CRAMER, MAHBOD AND KLAPKOWSKI

 

Orlando, Fl. – The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that they have added speed, skill, and scoring to the lineup with the additions of forwards Ron Cramer, Samson Mahbod, and Gary Klapkowski.

 

Cramer (5’8″, 175 lbs.) spent the last four seasons playing at Robert Morris University. During his college career, the New Wilmington, PA native recorded 21 goals and 39 assists. After completing the 2011-12 season at RMU, Cramer played two games with the Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL).

 

For the last two seasons Mahbod (5’9″,165 lbs.) has played in both the ECHL and Central Hockey League. In 43 games with the Arizona Sundogs of the CHL, the Montreal, Quebec native recorded seven goals and 15 assists (2011-12). Mahbod notched 10 goals and 16 assists in 47 games during his rookie season in the ECHL (2010-11).

 

Klapkowski (5’9″, 190 lbs.) has played in the CHL, Mid Atlantic Hockey League, and the ECHL. During the 2007-08 season he tallied 49 points in 38 games while playing in both the MAHL and ECHL.

 

Over the next 2-6 weeks the Solar Bears expect to announce a number of player signings, our new radio broadcast partner, details for our OSB Training Camp dates and Open Invitation Try-Out, Single Game Ticket “On Sale” date, details regarding the formation of the OSB Alumni Association, details about two trophies that will be awarded annually to a current Solar Bears player in honor and memory of both Dan Snyder and Rob Kenny, and a number of exciting promotional events. In addition, the Solar Bears will unveil a commemorative “Out of Hibernation” logo that will be affixed to the team’s home and road jerseys for the 2012-13 season. The team also plans to unveil its 3rd jersey during the early portion of the season. Follow the Solar Bears at OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.comFacebook and Twitter for all the latest news and updates.

 

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and AHL’s Houston Aeros, are coming Out of Hibernation and will play 36 regular season home games at the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center, beginning October 20, 2012.

 

Season ticket plans are available now. Everyone is invited to take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority. Full and half season ticket plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season ticket (includes facility fee), reflecting a savings of up to 42% off box office pricing. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 or visit OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com.

 

Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call407-951-8200.

 

Orlando Solar Bears merchandise can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/.

 

Stats from Hockeydb.com.

       

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

The Week in Review: August 6 – August 10, 2012: Movies, DVC, and Orlando Sports…Oh My!

The Week in Review: August 6 – August 10, 2012

It has been another amazing week here at On the Go, and now let’s take a look back at how the first full week of August went down!!!

Let’s do this thing!

On Monday, Todd Perlmutter, of Disney Film Project fame, takes a break from taking the blame about everything around here to take a spoiler free look at The Odd Life of Timothy Green.

The Odd Life of Timothy Green

Looking for an opportunity to volunteer in the UCF area? Or are you looking for a 5K to run? Are you a huge college sports fan? If you answered yes, you might want to check out the Inaugural Orlando Health Gridiron 5K Challenge, that our friends at the Central Florida Sports Commission have created!

2012 Gridiron 5K Challenge

Check out our review of the latest Disney Chanel Original Movie Let It Shine on DVD and enter for your chance to win a copy!

Let It Shine Comes to DVD August 7, 2012

This week’s Wordless Wednesday takes us over to the Hollywood Drive-In Golf at Universal’s CityWalk!

Hollywood Drive-In Golf Golf at Universal Citywalk

Earlier this summer we told you about SeaWorld rescuing a pregnant manatee that gave birth to an adorable calf, and we updated you about their return to their home in Merritt Island, Florida.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue team prepares calf and mom for transport to Sykes Creek.

Thursday, we were really excited to let you know about Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month returning this year in September! This is definitely something you are going to want to check out!!!

We are all super excited about the Solar Bears returning to the ice in Orlando, and they will be returning under their 2001 Turner Cup Championship Banner!

And we wrapped up the week with Cheryl taking a look back at her DVC stay at the Beach Club Villas!

Beach Club Villas Studio Main Room
Beach Club Villas Studio Main Room (courtesy of Betsy Bates)

Then finally I took a look at the really cool tokidoki MARVEL merchandise that is available at DStreet!

Tokidoki MARVEL Men’s T-Shirt

Thanks for joining us this week at On the Go, and we can’t wait to bring you even more posts next week!!!

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook!!!

If you love pinning as much as we do, please make sure that you also follow us on Pinterest!

And if you don’t already, follow us on Twitter!

 

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

New tokidoki MARVEL Items Available At Downtown Disney Westside DStreet

Close up tokidoki MARVEL logo

When I wandered into DStreet, at Downtown Disney’s Westside, I was really excited to see that they had new tokidoki MARVEL T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and merchandise available…and this time in Women’s styles!

I excitedly walked over (maybe even a little bit of a run to be honest) to check out the new Women’s shirts. The last time that DStreet had tokidoki MARVEL items, they only carried men’s items so the addition of women’s items is amazing! My favorite (and MUST purchase item) was Thor riding a unicorn! The shirts are cut on the smaller side, but are printed on a very high quality shirt.

And then, of course, I had to check out the Women’s Sweatshirts. Much like the shirts, these are cut on the smaller side and are also on the heavier side of sweatshirts. The colors are great and vibrant, and the cartoon detail of the hood is a great touch!

But I couldn’t not look at the Men’s T-shirts and Sweatshirts.These, unlike the ladies, are cut on the larger side, and are printed on heaver shirt and sweatshirt material. The images on these are on the larger side this time, but they aren’t overwhelming.

And then I spied a really fun 59Fifty Spider-Man hat! I love the look of these hats, but they really aren’t my style…but if they are your’s you should take a peek at them!

Then, as we were at the register I looked to my left and found the tokidoki MARVEL Frenzies! These are about the same size that Vinylmation Jrs, and also come in blind boxes. There are 20 different Frenzies figurines to collect (Captain America, Cyclops, Doctor Doom, Doctor Octopus, Hulk, Human Torch, Invisible Woman, Iron Man, Magneto, Mister Fantastic, Punisher, Red Skull, Rogue, Silver Surfer, Spider-Man, Storm, Thing, Thor, Vision, Wolverine), and I want them all! They are designed as phone charms, but they could be easily attached to anything! These cute figures have only added to my tokidoki MARVEL obsession!!!

I was super proud of myself for not buying one of everything, but I can’t make that promise about my next visit!

I hope you enjoy this look at the new tokidoki MARVEL items at DStreet!

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Disney Vacation Club: Beach Club Villas and Running The Princess 5K and Half Marathon

It was last minute trip. Our friends were running the Princess Marathon, and then I decided to run the 5k. So we needed a room!

I searched for availability and saw that there were rooms at the Beach Club Villas. After I made sure it was a host resort for the race,so we would have transportation, we booked our stay.

Since we didn’t care where our room was, I chose to do an online check in. We had never done online check in before, and it was really easy. We also opted for  Disney to send us a text when the room was ready.

After our race we went to Epcot, and then got the notification that the room was ready. We went back to the room rested a little then boated over to the boardwalk for an event.

We then went to Wide World of Sports for packet pickup for a friend. Then it was back to the parks, and then off to dinner at Beaches and Cream. After dinner we went back to the room for an early bedtime to get ready for the race.

The next morning we caught a shuttle to Epcot for race start, and I went to Magic Kingdom to catch everyone on Main Street. Then after the race, I went back to the room to rest for a bit.

The best features at the Beach Club are the pools, they have 2 quiet pools in addition to their feature pool, Stormalong Bay, which has a slide and a lazy river. Also in addition to Beaches and Cream, it offers a Character Breakfast & Seafood Buffet Dinner at Cape May, and the Beach Club Marketplace with sandwiches and convenience items.

I wish I had more time at this resort!

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Solar Bears to Raise The Turner Cup Banner

 

SOLAR BEARS TO RAISE TURNER CUP CHAMPIONSHIP BANNER

 

Orlando, Fl. – The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that they will honor the 2001 (IHL) Championship team by raising the Turner Cup Championship banner during this year’s Out of Hibernation season. The banner is scheduled to be raised during a special pre-game ceremony on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at the Amway Center before the Solar Bears take on the Trenton Titans.

 

In 2001, the Orlando Solar Bears defeated the Chicago Wolves 5-1 in Game 5 of the best of seven series to win the Championship series 4 games to 1. The Solar Bears were the last IHL team to win the Turner Cup before the IHL ceased operations that summer.

 

“From ‘Day One’ of our existence we have had every intention of honoring the past as we celebrate our future.  This is unfinished business,” stated Solar Bears Managing Partner Jason Siegel.  “For the players and coaches, front office staff, Amway Arena staff, and fans of the 2001 Championship team this ceremony is long overdue and we are honored to play a small role in assuring it happens.”

 

The banner raising pregame ceremony will include special appearances by members of the Solar Bears’ championship team.   Arrangements have been made with the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto to have the Turner Cup on hand and the current Solar Bears team will wear commemorative throw-back jerseys that night.  Fans in attendance on February 2 will take home commemorative mini-banners as a keep sake.

 

Over the next 2-6 weeks the Solar Bears expect to announce a number of player signings, our new radio broadcast partner, details for our OSB Training Camp dates and Open Invitation Try-Out, Single Game Ticket “On Sale” date, details regarding the formation of the OSB Alumni Association, details about two trophies that will be awarded annually to a current Solar Bears player in honor and memory of both Dan Snyder and Rob Kenny, and a number of exciting promotional events. In addition, the Solar Bears will unveil a commemorative “Out of Hibernation” logo that will be affixed to the team’s home and road jerseys for the 2012-13 season. The team also plans to unveil its 3rd jersey during the early portion of the season. Follow the Solar Bears at OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com,Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and updates.

 

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and AHL’s Houston Aeros, are coming Out of Hibernation and will play 36 regular season home games at the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center, beginning October 20, 2012.

 

Season ticket plans are available now. Everyone is invited to take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority. Full and half season ticket plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season ticket (includes facility fee), reflecting a savings of up to 42% off box office pricing. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 or visit OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com.

 

Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call 407-951-8200.

 

Orlando Solar Bears merchandise can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Magical Dining Month Returns to Orlando

70 Restaurants Ready to Dish Out Savings During Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month

Newly-Updated Website Features Menus, Message Boards and Reservations

 

For the entire month of September, 70 of Orlando’s top restaurants will serve up three-course prix-fixe dinners for $30 during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month. The newly-updated OrlandoMagicalDining.com features menus, message boards, reservations and a mobile version launching late August. In addition, the month-long event will benefit the Edgewood Children’s Ranch, with $1 from every meal donated to the organization.

Now in its 7th year, Magical Dining Month continues to grow with the addition of new restaurants to Orlando’s ever-expanding dining scene, including Fogo de Chão, Prickly Pear and Nick’s Italian Kitchen. This year’s restaurant list boasts a wide variety of unique atmospheres and cuisines spread across six unique dining districts:

  • Convention District – This area, encompassing International Drive, hosts the largest concentration of Magical Dining restaurants, including popular steakhouses like The Capital Grille, Charley’s Steak House and Vito’s Chop House.
  • Disney/Lake Buena Vista District – Known for its world-class theme parks and resorts, this upbeat district offers up upscale, fine dining restaurants including The Venetian Room, Todd English’s bluezoo and La Luce by Donna Scala.
  • Downtown District – In the midst of trendy neighborhoods and endless nighttime entertainment options, downtown Orlando hosts local favorites including Citrus Restaurant, Funky Monkey Wine Company, Le Coq Au Vin and The Boheme.
  • Universal/CityWalk District – Fully-themed, Universal area restaurants include Emeril’s Tchoup Chop at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Bice Ristorante at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and The Palm at Hard Rock Hotel.
  • Restaurant Row District – This one-mile stretch of Sand Lake Road is a mecca for upscale and casual restaurants, including Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion, Timpano Italian Chophouse and Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine. Featured seafood restaurants in the area include Ocean Prime, Moonfish, Big Fin Seafood Kitchen and Fishbones.
  • Winter Park District – Signature restaurants – unique to the Orlando area – including Luma on Park and Chez Vincent make up this quaint, picturesque district just north of downtown Orlando.

As the 2012 charitable beneficiary for Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month, Edgewood Children’s Ranch will receive $1 for every meal served. Edgewood Children’s Ranch provides residential, educational and counseling services for troubled children and their families. For more information visit EdgewoodRanch.com.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

UPDATE: SeaWorld Orlando Returns Rescued Manatee and Her Newborn Calf

August 2, 2012, SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue team traveled to Merritt Island, Fla. to return a rescued manatee and her two-week-old calf to their natural environment. The pair was successfully returned to the waters of Sykes Creek, where mom was originally rescued.
Yesterday morning, SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue team traveled to Merritt Island, Fla. to return a mom and calf manatee pair to their natural environment. The mother was rescued earlier this summer, and during her rehabilitation gave birth to a male manatee calf at SeaWorld Orlando.
 
The female manatee was pregnant when she was rescued about two months ago, and during her rehabilitation at SeaWorld Orlando gave birth to a healthy male calf. Once the pair had bonded and the veterinary team confirmed that the calf was nursing, the park’s animal experts felt the manatees had an excellent chance to survive on their own. SeaWorld’s ultimate goal is to return rescued animals to the wild once they are in good health. 
SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue team prepares calf and mom for transport to Sykes Creek.
 
BACKGROUND:
On June 8, 2012, SeaWorld’s animal rescue team rescued the 10-foot manatee from Sykes Creek. She had severe injuries to her front right flipper caused by a crab pot line, and fishing line was also tightly wrapped around both of her front flippers. 
 
Weighing nearly 1,380 pounds, the manatee was transported by the rescue team to SeaWorld Orlando for further evaluation and care. After assessment, her front right flipper was amputated and bandaged. She received antibiotics and was treated for her injuries, and her health continued to improve.
 
Based on her size, SeaWorld’s veterinary team suspected the manatee could be pregnant. After performing a sonogram procedure on the gentle giant, it was confirmed that she was pregnant and about six weeks later, the calf was born. SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Care team kept a close eye on the pair, to ensure they were both healthy enough for yesterday’s return.
 
SeaWorld’s animal rescue team is on call 24/7 to save and care for injured, orphaned or ill animals. So far in 2012, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued 12 manatees.

All manatee rescue footage produced by SeaWorld under FWS Permit Number MA7701911

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Win A Copy Of “Let It Shine: Extended Edition” On DVD Today!!!

Let It Shine Comes to DVD August 7, 2012

The Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) “Let It Shine: Extended Edition” featuring an exclusive extended music scene arrives as a 1-Disc DVD (DVD + Digital Copy on the same disc) Today, August 7, 2012. Set in the world of hip-hop, rap and gospel music, the uplifting and energetic modern day story inspired by Cyrano de Bergerac is driven by its original and catchy soundtrack and stars Tyler James Williams, Coco Jones, Trevor Jackson, Brandon Mychal Smith, Nicole Sullivan, Dawnn Lewis, Alex Desert, and Courtney B. Vance.

Let It Shine is full of great messages about how important family and friends can be and how having self-confidence can help you achieve your dreams,  and most importantly it is also full of fun music that Zoe had a blast dancing around the room to during the movie! Also, the soundtrack of 12 original songs for Let It Shine is great! I was really pleasantly surprised by how much we all enjoyed this DCOM!!!

Celebrating family and friendship, the story unfolds in Atlanta, Georgia, as Cyrus DeBarge (Tyler James Williams) and his best friend Kris McDuffy (Trevor Jackson) reunite with their childhood friend, teenage singing sensation Roxanne “Roxie” Andrews (Coco Jones), whose music label is sponsoring a songwriting contest at a teen club. Cyrus, who writes music under the name “Truth,” crafts a heartfelt and contest-winning rhyme about Roxie but to his dismay, his work is mistakenly attributed to Kris. Lacking the confidence to step forward, Cyrus stands by while Kris not only takes credit for the lyrics, but ultimately begins to win Roxie’s heart too. Now, it’s up to the true poet to overcome self-doubt, seize the opportunity to reveal his authentic self, and pursue his dreams. At the same time, Cyrus must convince his preacher father (Courtney B. Vance) that hip-hop music can convey a positive message.

I do have to say that there is some mild name-calling and confrontation between kids and your expected kids rebelling against adults, but it was nothing that was too over the top or anything you wouldn’t expect from a DCOM. But it’s how the characters handle adversity in Let It Shine that makes it such an enjoyable movie!

Available only on the “Let It Shine: Extended Edition” DVD is the exclusive extended scene featuring Cyrus in his first-ever rap battle of the rhymes against his nemesis, Bling, to establish which performer is the more talented verse master. The truth is in the music!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPEJFdtKPH0

“Let It Shine” is directed by two-time DGA award winner Paul Hoen (“Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam,” “JONAS”), written by Eric Daniel and Don D. Scott (“Barbershop,” “Barbershop 2: Back in Business”) and choreographed by Danny Teeson (“American Idol”) and associate Brandon Shaw (“So You Think You Can Dance,” NAACP Image Awards). A production of G WaveProductions, LLC., the movie was shot on location in Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia.

If you have a child that is into music, they will thoroughly enjoy Let It Shine! And I will warn you now, that you will enjoy it and find yourself hearing the music at times during your day and it will bring a smile to your face!!!

** GIVEAWAY!!!** If you would like to win a copy of Let It Shine: Extended Edition all you need to do leave a comment about this or your favorite Disney Channel Original Movie on this post by Monday, August 13th at Midnight! Please make sure you leave your email address!!!

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Volunteering Opportunities: Orlando Health Gridiron 5K Challenge

2012 Gridiron 5K Challenge

When Aurora and I volunteered at the Celebrity Mascot Games at the Amway Center, we were introduced to a whole new way to participate in activities in the Orlando Area.

The Central Florida Sports Commission is responsible for a lot of great events around Orlando, and it was a blast spending our day volunteering so we thought we would share any upcoming opportunities with you!

The Inaugural Orlando Health Gridiron 5K Challenge presented by Pizza Hut is a 3.1 mile run/walk that celebrates the heated rivalries that exist in Florida and the beginning of the college football season. Fans of Florida’s major universities and college football fans are invited to sport their team’s gear and participate in day’s worth of activities that will kick off with a 5K around the UCF campus. The race will take place Saturday, August 25 on campus at UCF. Volunteers are needed to help with bag stuffing, registration, timing, and along the course at water stops.

Here are the days/shifts that volunteers are needed:

Race Week – Monday, August 20

– Bag Stuffing from 5-7pm at the CFSC office in downtown Orlando

Race Day @ UCF – Saturday, August 25 

– Pre-race & post-race: arrive at 5am

Volunteers will help with set-up, registration, packet pickup, and the post-race tailgate party.

– Water stops: arrive at 6:30am

Volunteers will hand out water/Gatorade as runners pass.

– Finish line: arrive at 7am

Volunteers will help with timing and awards.

 

All volunteers will receive free parking, event t-shirt, and coffee/donuts. If interested in helping please respond to this email with your preferred day/shift.

If you’re interested in volunteering at the Inaugural Orlando Health Gridiron 5K Challenge presented by Pizza Hut, please contact Georgianna Brown (gbrown@centralfloridasports.org).

However if you are interested in running the Inaugural Orlando Health Gridiron 5K Challenge presented by Pizza Hut, there is still time and you can check out the course and register for the race here.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

*** SPOILER FREE *** Review of The Odd Life of Timothy Green

Having seen The Odd Life of Timothy Green just a few days ago, I’ve been trying to put my finger on the pulse of the movie.  There is so much wrapped into this compact, sweet, lovable, and quirky movie that I don’t feel that simple labels like “comedy” or “drama” are enough, though it clearly has elements of both.  What shines through most in this movie though is its tremendous heart.  There are in this movie no good guys, and no bad guys – there are just people behaving like… people, and yet their lives are all simply transformed by Timothy.

The story was conceived by Ahmet Zappa son of the singer, songwriter, and musician Frank Zappa.  For Disney to put this out under their own brand rather than one of their subsidiaries says a lot about their trust for the material and Zappa.  This trust goes back a few yeas to the creation of Kingdom Comics in 2008 which included a multi-year contract to create new films and rejuvenate old live-action Disney films by first releasing them in graphic novel form.  This is the first new film to be released through this venture.

You are going to cry at this movie.  There is no doubt.  Some of those tears will be from laughing, some will be from sorrow.  But many will come from that place you enter when you let yourself go in the magic of a moment and realize how amazing the world would be if things always could just work this way.  To be able to put our wishes, our hopes and our dreams into a box and have them come true… even if only for a short while.

Those who love the art of storytelling will almost immediately pick up on the O. Henry styling of the story.  There is a twist to the tale, it’s not hidden – the trailers for the movie already give it away.  But the twist is designed to deliver a message and that’s what’s important.  Life is fleeting.  We are here for a moment, and then we’re gone.  But it’s what we do with that moment.  The way in which the lives of those whose lives intertwine with our own are affected by that which we do and the choices that we make.  In the end, this is what matters – so make them count.

The moments of impact Timothy gets to make, are not ones that are chosen for him.  But when they come he accepts them and embraces them all.  Makes the best of the moment for good or for ill.  And with that he transforms the lives of those around him in a way that has no other description than magic.  But it’s not in your face magic.  No, rather it’s the sort of subtle magic that is administered by Mary Poppins or comes riding in on a tornado from Oz.  Right down to magical storms and whimsical winds.

Despite being a family movie, I can’t say that this movie is for everyone.  Some of the themes that run through this are deep and may require explanation to your children.  The emotions in this movie are strong – it could be as much as a two box movie depending on the viewer.   And many people like to avoid that sort of thing.  This movie is also not without its flaws, but at the same time few are worth nitpicking. However, if you can be accepting of a little magic running its course, then I highly recommend seeing this movie.

As much as I’d like to give a star rating for this movie now, you will have to wait until August 27th when I release Episode 86 of the Disney Film Project Podcast for that and a more thorough review.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram