Rescued Manatee Gives Birth to Manatee Calf at SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue team traveled to Sykes Creek in Merritt Island, Fla., on June 8 to rescue the 10-foot manatee that had severe injuries to the front right flipper caused by a crab pot line.
A pregnant manatee rescued by SeaWorld’s Animal team in June has given birth to a healthy manatee calf. Born early on Wednesday morning, between 3 and 6 a.m., the newborn calf has been nursing and bonding with mom in a back area pool. SeaWorld’s Animal Care team is on 24-hour watch keeping a close eye on the pair, who are both doing well.
BACKGROUND:
On June 8, 2012, SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue team traveled to Sykes Creek in Merritt Island, Fla. to rescue a 10-foot manatee. She had severe injuries to her front right flipper caused by a crab pot line. Fishing line was also wrapped around both of her front flippers.
The adult, weighing nearly 1,380 pounds, was transported by the Rescue Team to SeaWorld Orlando for further evaluation and care. After assessment, her front right flipper was amputated and bandaged. The manatee 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 (Wednesday), the calf was born.
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.
Approximately six weeks after her rescue, rescued manatee gives birth to a calf at SeaWorld Orlando on the morning of July 18, 2012.
All manatee rescue footage produced by SeaWorld under FWS Permit Number MA7701911
“WRECK-IT RALPH” TAPS TALENTED AND DIVERSE VOICES FOR HILARIOUS ARCADE-GAME-HOPPING ADVENTURE
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Reveals Key Cast Members Slated to Join
John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer and Jane Lynch
in “Wreck-It Ralph”—in Theaters November 2, 2012
Wreck-It Ralph Hits Movie Theaters November 2, 2012
Tapping stars from the big and small screens, Walt Disney Animation Studios rounds out its voice cast for “Wreck-It Ralph.” Directed by Rich Moore (TV’s “The Simpsons,” “Futurama”) and produced by Clark Spencer (“Lilo & Stitch,” “Bolt”), the hilarious arcade-game-hopping adventure adds to its current roster, which includes John C. Reilly as Wreck-It Ralph, Jack McBrayer as Fix-It Felix Jr., Jane Lynch as Sergeant Calhoun and Sarah Silverman as Vanellope von Schweetz. “Wreck-It Ralph” hits theaters November 2, 2012.
Helping to bring to life the diverse, colorful and wildly imaginative arcade-game worlds created for “Wreck-It Ralph” are the following voice cast members:
· Alan Tudyk (ABC’s “Suburgatory,” “Dodgeball”) as King Candy, ruler of Sugar Rush, a candy-coated cart racing game
· Ed O’Neill (ABC’s “Modern Family”) as Mr. Litwak, owner of Litwak’s Family Fun Center & Arcade
· Mindy Kaling (“The Mindy Project,” “The Office”) as Taffyta Muttonfudge, an accomplished racer and Vanellope’s nemesis
· Adam Carolla (“The Adam Carolla Show”) as Wynchel, Sugar Rush security
· Horatio Sanz (“Saturday Night Live”) as Duncan, Sugar Rush security
· Dennis Haysbert (CBS’s “The Unit,” “24”) as General from the first-person shooter game, Hero’s Duty
· Edie McClurg (“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” TV’s “The Life & Times of Tim,” “Planes, Trains & Automobiles”) – as Mary, a Nicelander who lives within the game Fix-It Felix, Jr.
· Roger Craig Smith (Captain Marvel from TV’s “The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes,” Ezio from game franchise “Assassin’s Creed”) as Sonic the Hedgehog
· Gerald C Rivers (video game “Street Fighter” series) as M. Bison
· Rachael Harris (“The Hangover,” TV’s “New Girl”) as Deanna, a Nicelander who lives within the game Fix-It Felix, Jr.
· Stefanie Scott (Disney Channel’s “A.N.T. Farm”) as Moppet Girl, a young arcade enthusiast who visits Litwak’s arcade
· Reuben Langdon (multiple “Street Fighter” video games) as Ken from Street Fighter
· Kyle Hebert (multiple “Street Fighter” video games, TV’s “The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes”) as Ryu from Street Fighter
ABOUT THE MOVIE
From Walt Disney Animation Studios and Emmy®-winning director Rich Moore comes “Wreck-It Ralph,” a hilarious, arcade-game-hopping adventure. For decades, Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) has been overshadowed by Fix-It Felix, Jr. (voice of Jack McBrayer), the good-guy star of their game who always gets to save the day. Tired of playing the role of a bad guy, Ralph takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a journey across the arcade through multiple generations of video games to prove he’s got what it takes to be a hero.
On his quest, Ralph meets tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun (voice of Jane Lynch) from the first-person action game Hero’s Duty, and feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) from the candy-coated cart racing game, Sugar Rush, who may just be his first real friend. But everything changes when a deadly enemy is unleashed, threatening the entire arcade and Vanellope herself. Ralph finally gets his chance to save the day—but can he do it in time? “Wreck-It Ralph” crashes onto the big screen on November 2, 2012, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.
Anyone who knows my husband and I is well aware that you will find us out and about multiple times a week when it is time for Food and Wine Festival at Epcot! We can not get enough of the food stands and the drinks and the atmosphere! I ask my brother DAILY “Is it almost time for Food & Wine” And every day he responds “I wish”. This year it runs from September 28-November 12,2012. The weather is always cooler, the crowds are lighter and who can pass up 3 and 4 dollar yummy bits all over World Showcase!
They bring in all sorts of acts from today and yesterday ( Mostly yesterday but that’s ok ). I personally have seen Boyz II Men for the past three years and plan on making this year 4 years in a row! And I know a certain West Virginia Girl that I blog with that will be front and center for Sugar Ray 😉 Ahem Shalon!!!! The artists always put on a fun show rain or shine! People dance and sing along and It is free with park admission!! How can you say no??? This year’s line up includes:
9/28-9/30: Night Ranger
10/1-10/3: Sugar Ray
10/4- 10/7: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas
10/8-10/10: Boyz II Men
10/11-10/12: Smash Mouth
10/13-10/14: Javier Colon, winner of “The Voice”
10/15-10/17: Air Supply
10/18-10/19: Gin Blossoms
10/20-10/21: Survivor
10/22-10/23: Hanson
10/24-10/25: The Pointer Sisters
10/26-10/28: Sister Hazel
10/29-10/31: Billy Ocean
11/1-11/2: 38 Special
11/3-11/4: Howard Jones LIVE
11/5-11/6: Blues Traveler
11/7-11/8: Dennis DeYoung, original member of the group STYX
11/9-11/12: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Please stay tuned to our little slice of blog for more information in the coming weeks about Food and Wine Festival! I can not wait to tell you all about the seminars and the cooking classes that are offered and maybe even preview some of the new foods they will have!!!!
Oz: The Great and Powerful will be released March 8, 2013
Disney’s fantastical adventure “Oz The Great and Powerful,” directed by Sam Raimi, imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum’s beloved character, the Wizard of Oz. When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot—fame and fortune are his for the taking—that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity—and even a bit of wizardry—Oscar transforms himself not only into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz but into a better man as well.
“Oz The Great and Powerful” is produced by Joe Roth and written by Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire (credit not final).Grant Curtis, Philip Steuer and Palak Patel are serving as executive producers. “Oz The Great and Powerful” opens in U.S. theaters on March 8, 2013.
When small-time magician Oscar Diggs (James Franco) pulls one flimflam too many, he finds himself hurled into the fantastical Land of Oz where he must somehow transform himself into the great and powerful Wizard—and just maybe into a better man as well.
Betsy took us along as she cooled off playing the Summer Course at the Winterland Summerland Miniature Golf Course.
Join us as we play the Summer Course at Winter Summerland!
This Week LEGOLAND Florida announced that they wouldn’t be raising ticket prices!
LEGOLAND Florida Prices Stay The Same
In Videos this week, we got see something we thought we would never do…We got to see Vanilla Ice Perform at the Gaylord Palms Christmas in July Event! We’ll be bringing you more details about what Gaylord Palms has in store for the Holidays next week, but here is someIce, Ice Baby goodness to hold you over…
The Gaylord Palms will be having a Merry Madagascar Ice starting in November!
We found some great new Merchandise this week at Walt Disney World!!! First we took at look at the new Limited Edition Ear Hat Ornaments that are sure to get you in the Holiday Spirit!
WALL-E Resin Ear Hat Ornament – Front
Then we found some Halloween Trading Pins and the Halloween Lanyard out at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
2012 Halloween Pin – Duffy
In More Halloween News, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has been hard at work getting ready for Howl-O-Scream by growing some crazy pumpkins.
A member of the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Horticulture Team showing off one of their many pumpkins!
For Wordless Wednesday, we take a look at the Mickey made of Mickeys at D Street at Walt Disney World Downtown Disney West Side.
Vinylmation Mickey at D Street at Downtown Disney West Side
If you love pinning as much as we do, please make sure that you also follow us on Pinterest!
I have always taken a lot of care and pride in creating Autograph Books for Zoe to use on our visits to Walt Disney World, and it was time to make a new one so I thought I would share my love of Disney Crafting with you!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bor1BRuaL0g
And now for the fun part! If you would like to win a customized Autograph Book, please enter our Giveaway by Midnight on July 27, 2012.
– Central Florida’s newest theme park is also most affordable, best vacation value –
LEGOLAND Florida Ticket Prices Stay The Same
Despite rising ticket prices at other major Central Florida attractions, LEGOLAND® Florida today announced it will keep its prices steady through the summer at $75 for adults and $65 for children under 12. A family of four visiting the park will save between $40 and $56 a day compared to a visit to a competing park.
“The comparisons are important, especially in today’s economy,” said LEGOLAND Florida Director of Sales & Marketing Kim Isemann. “Families are looking for great experiences at prices they can afford. A day at LEGOLAND Florida is one of the highest values in our industry.”
Isemann suggests families compare other incremental costs too, such as dining and parking. At LEGOLAND Florida, all menu items – from mahi-mahi sandwiches to chicken Caesar salads – are priced no higher than $11. Parking is also more affordable, at $12 per car, $6 for motorcycles. Other parks charge $14 for both cars and motorcycles.
For those looking to visit LEGOLAND Florida and the all new water park attraction, which opened in May and features water slides, a wave pool, several playground areas and a lazy river called Build-A-Raft, they can for only an additional $12 a day. A great value for families to experience more splashing thrills and family fun.
While ticket price comparisons are on single-day, full-price admissions, there are many discount and combination-ticket offers in the marketplace as well:
– Florida Residents save $20 on a Premium Pass, with unlimited admission to the theme park and water park, as well as free parking, plus food and merchandise discounts, through July 31.
– Guests save $10 off single-day combo tickets for the park and water park by purchasing online through October 28.
Last year I was completely obsessed with the Ear Hat Ornaments that came out, since these hats have a special place in my heart.
So when Steven Miller posted on the Disney Parks Blog that the Ear Hat Ornament collection was expanding I had to go out and find them in the parks!!!
Aaron Babcock, Product Developer for seasonal merchandise, told me that last year’s ornaments were so popular that they expanded the collection.
“We were thrilled with the response from our guests about the porcelain ear hats,” said Aaron. “This year, we have significantly expanded the assortment to include hats inspired by villains, princesses, classic characters and even Pixar characters. We’ve also added a tremendous amount of detail to each new ornament.”
The Ear Hat Ornaments are in the parks now at Disney’s Days of Christmas and World of Disney at the Downtown Disney Marketplace, The Emporium on Main Street USA and the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom and will be available online soon!
These Ear Hat ornaments are made of resin and are a numbered limited edition of 6500, with the exception of the princess collection.
Also Haunted Mansion, Swashbuckler, and Sorcerer Mickey ornaments have been released!!!
I think that my favorite new Ear Hat Ornament is Wall-E Ornament!!! Which one is your favorite?
I hope that you enjoy this look at the new ornaments!
When It Comes to Creating “The Dark Side Of The Gardens” for Halloween,
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Horticulture Team has to Start Early
TAMPA, Fla. (July 2012) – As Busch Gardens began preparations earlier this year to transform the park into “The Dark Side of the Gardens” for its 13th annual Howl-O-Scream event this fall, the horticulture team realized that they faced a challenge: It’s hard to find heirloom pumpkins and winter squash in Tampa in October.
Their solution? To research seeds and plant their own heirloom pumpkin patch. Heirloom pumpkins are the antique varieties of fruits and vegetables not normally found in mainstream produce markets. Heirlooms often feature unusual shapes, unexpected colors, plus a very flavorful flesh. Busch Gardens’ crop of pumpkins is destined not for pies, however, but for the delight of park guests who will be ready for the cooler temperatures and Halloween fun that pumpkin season signals.
Pumpkins growing on a tree at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay!
“Last year was our first try at pumpkin farming which ended in miserable results due to heavy rains,” said Busch Gardens’ Director of Horticulture, Joe Parr. “This year, we started in February with raised beds of rich compost made right here at the park with zoo and landscaping debris, and are watering with a water-conserving drip irrigation system.”
It must be working: The pumpkin experiment has yielded more than 60 fruits so far, much to the excitement of the proud gardeners who coaxed the vines from seeds by hand-pollinating the flowers with cotton swabs… and who are now sharing their office with piles of pumpkins.
Some examples of the different varieties of pumpkins they have grown at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Pumpkins are all American members of the squash family and have been cultivated for more than 5,000 years. When Columbus discovered America, he found the native people growing a variety of pumpkin which would come to be named Seminole. Busch Gardens’ pumpkin patch features the Seminole, as well as La Estrellas, a tropical pumpkin hybrid from the University of Florida. Both thrive in Florida’s heat and humidity. Parr’s team is also growing Rouge Vif d’Etampes (also known as the “Cinderella pumpkin”,) tiny Jack-Be-Littles, warty, dark-green Marina di Chioggias, the 50- to 60-pound“Big Max,” and even a “Pumpkin Tree,” which is actually a rare orange eggplant with tiny, ribbed fruits.
The challenge now will be to keep the ripe fruits looking their best until September when autumn harvest displays appear in the park for both day guests and Howl-O-Scream visitors to enjoy. If properly stored, pumpkins can last up to a year in Florida.
A member of the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay horticulture team with one of their many pumpkins!
“As the summer temperatures soar,” says Parr, “it’s nice to think that October’s chill and pumpkins are coming soon.”
One of my favorite activities outside the parks is playing miniature golf at Walt Disney World. There are four courses between the two miniature golf locations: Winter Summerland with the Winter and Summer courses and Fantasia Gardens with the Gardens and the Fairways courses. You can see some great pictures here that Shelley took of the Winter course from when we played last year. I have played all four of the courses at WDW, but the Summer course is definitely my favorite. It is a great place to escape the parks to slow down and enjoy a nice afternoon with family or friends. Now that the miniature golf courses are included in the Water Parks Fun & More option (before 4pm only), it makes it even easier to sneak away for a quick 18 or even 36 holes. Course hours are typically 10am to 11pm, weather permitting, so please call ahead if it looks questionable. Regular fees are $12. ages 10 and up and $10. for children 3 – 9. There are also great discounts for Annual Passholders and Cast Members at 50% off as well as half off second rounds if anyone wants to play another 18.
Disney does theming and attention to detail better than almost anyone else, and this is a huge part of what makes this miniature golf experience even more magical than your average putt putt place. The course is designed by Santa’s elves and themed around some of your favorite summer activities like fishing, going to the beach, surfing and building sand castles. Each hole has a sign introducing it with a clever tip with instructions on to how to best attack the hole to get the best score. Some of my favorite details are the names on the surfboards and inner tubes, as well as the bumper stickers on the “elfstream” trailers. I think it is great that the Imagineers took the time to put such great care in to creating these courses.
Each time I visit the Winter Summerland courses it makes me feel a little bit cooler, and happier (jollier?) with the great Christmas theme, even if I’m playing the warmer themed Summer course. I imagine the Christmas music playing in the background doesn’t hurt in setting the mood. This is one of my favorite things to do on a warm summer evening and I have a feeling I’ll be sneaking off for a round sometime in the very near future. Have you ever played these courses or Fantasia Gardens? Do you have a favorite? What are some of your favorite details? Let me know.
httpv://youtu.be/g4_TdshI26o
I’m including the gallery of pictures as well if you want to click to see some of the details a bit better. Enjoy!
Celebrate the Summer Games at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel
A broadcast of the opening ceremony as well as a visit from past medal-winning athletes mark this special occasion
Swan and Dolphin Hotels
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is celebrating the summer games with a special event in the Dolphin lobby featuring the broadcast of the opening ceremonies in London displayed on large screen televisions, complimentary food and beverage and an opportunity to meet with past summer games medalists.
The event will take place Friday, July 27 from 6 – 9pm and is open to hotel guests and the general public. On hand to interact, take photos and sign autographs with guests will be medalists: Wendy Bruce-Martin (’92 gymnast), Scott Johnson (‘84 and ’88 gymnast) and Fred Tyler (’72 swimmer). “Gold medal” cookies, British-themed edible treats and recreational activities for kids will all be part of the festivities at the Orlando hotel.
About the athletes:
Bruce-Martin was part of gymnastics team USA in 1992 and helped the team bring home the bronze medal from Barcelona, Spain. Bruce-Martin now coaches gymnastics, with the goal of opening her own gym. Bruce-Martin was recently inducted into the USAG Gymnastics hall of fame in 2010 and the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.
Johnson is a two-time Olympian gymnast, winning the gold medal in 1984 and captaining the team in 1988. Since retiring from gymnastic competition in 1988, Johnson has continued to train up-and-coming gymnastic competitors in the Orlando, Fla. area.
Tyler earned a gold medal in the 4×200 meter freestyle relay and took fifth in the 200 meter free at the 1972 games in Munich, Germany. He currently teaches at Lake Mary High School in Lake Mary, Fla. and was previously the school’s head aquatic coach where he trained numerous state champions and All Americans in both swimming and water polo.
What: Summer Games Celebration at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel
When: 6:00pm – 9:00pm, July 27
Opening ceremonies broadcast begins at 7:30pm
Where: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, Dolphin Lobby
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd.
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 32830
Who: The event is free and open to hotel guests and the public (Please note, there is a fee for on-site parking)
In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan andDolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The hotel is located between EpcotandDisney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’sAnimal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The hotel features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney WorldResort and the Extra Magic Hours benefit, where each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks is open extra time to enjoy select attractions. (Valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required). The hotel can be reached at 800-227-1500, www.swandolphin.com or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/swananddolphin.
Universal Orlando’s Summer Concert Series wraps this weekend with teen actress and pop sensation Miranda Cosgrove!
Cosgrove is best known for her starring role in Nickelodeon’s Emmy-nominated TV series, “iCarly.” She launched her music career by recording songs for the hit show, including its theme song, “Leave It All To Me.” In 2011, Cosgrove released her debut solo album, “Sparks Fly,” which reached the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Miranda Cosgrove
Guests can also hear Cosgrove’s voice inside the newest attraction at Universal Studios Florida, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – based on the blockbuster animated hit, “Despicable Me.” She is the voice of Gru’s oldest daughter, Margo. The hilarious and heartwarming ride is now open and combines a new storyline, new animation, the latest 3-D technology – and the heart, outrageous humor and memorable characters of the hit animated film.
Sorry, I couldn’t resist putting this one up again…
Access to the Summer Concert Series is included in admission to Universal Studios Florida and gives guests the opportunity to add a major concert to a day of theme park thrills. By day, guests can enjoy some of the most popular entertainment experiences in the world– including the all-new Universal’s Superstar Parade, a daily parade that features elaborately themed floats that tower above guests, hundreds of energetic street performers and spectacular music and dance performances. By night, park guests can rock out to a live performance by a multi-platinum artist at the Music Plaza, a venue illuminated by the colorful LED lights of Universal Studios’ mostrockin’ coaster, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
