Summer Nights At SeaWorld Orlando – When The Sun Goes Down, The Park Lights Up

SUMMER NIGHTS AT SEAWORLD ORLANDO…
WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN, THE PARK LIGHTS UP

ORLANDO, Fla. (June 5, 2012) – Summer Nights at SeaWorld is a nighttime spectacular that only SeaWorld could create, and the best place to be in Central Florida when the sun sets. Waves of fun wash over the park with incredible shows, an all-new attraction,thrilling coasters under the stars, and a nightly fireworks and fountain finale.

During Summer Nights –- June 23 through August 12 — SeaWorld is open until 10 p.m.,providing even more time for guests to play.

Headlining Summer Nights is the all-new TurtleTrek, where guests can live the miraculous 3D 360 journey of a sea turtle; Shamu Rocks, a larger-than-life experience where guests jam to a rock-n-roll beat and watch as whales perform amazing behaviors; Sea Lions Tonite, a hilarious, satirical show featuring Clyde and Seamore that will have everyone in stitches; and Reflections, the sky-filling fireworks and fountains finale that
ends the night with a bang.

Shamu Rocks at SeaWorld's Summer Nights

Summer Nights at SeaWorld, plus the amazing, new TurtleTrek – the only attraction of its kind in the world – coupled with amazing admission offers and values, makes the park a must-see for locals and residents this summer. The best admission deals can be found online by visiting SeaWorldOrlando.com.

Additional details:

All-new: TurtleTrek
SeaWorld Orlando’s newest attraction, TurtleTrek, comes to life with SeaWorld’s unique blend of up-close encounters with manatees and sea turtles and state-of-the art entertainment, making for a real adventure and a first-of-its-kind 3D 360 degree dome theater film that is completely surrounding and immersive.

Shamu Rocks
Rock the night away with Shamu during this spectacular whale show with more flash – and certainly more splash – than a rock concert. Shamu Rocks is a high-energy celebration of unprecedented proportions, combining awe-inspiring whales with a stunning light show, water fountain display and music from some of the hottest rock stars in the industry.

Sea Lions Tonite
SeaWorld’s popular sea lion comedic duo takes the laughs into the night. Hilarious hijinks ensue in this evening show as the park’s talented sea lions, otters and walrus parody other favorite daytime SeaWorld shows and attractions. And this year, a new spoof based on the park’s newest attraction – TurtleTrek — will keep guests laughing all night long.

Reflections: Fireworks and Fountains Show Finale
SeaWorld is showcased in a whole new light during this spectacular celebration of soaring fountains and dazzling fireworks. A newly arranged soundtrack features the thrilling and inspirational music of SeaWorld’s most popular shows, including segments of the incredible score from TurtleTrek. Families and friends will experience a wondrous connection that lights the night like never before.

Manta
An even more extraordinary sensation by moonlight, Manta lets you find out what it’s like to spin, glide, skim and fly like a giant ray when you experience the only flying roller coaster of its kind in the world at nighttime, under the stars.

Summer Nights VIP Tour
Experience the highlights of SeaWorld Summer Nights, VIP-style. This six-hour, guided tour includes an opportunity to feed dolphins, front-of-the-line access to our most popular rides, including Manta, and reserved seating at our exhilarating night shows, Shamu
Rocks and Reflections. Included with the tour is the convenient, all-you-care-to-eat All Day Dining Deal, where you and your family can enjoy all of your favorite foods from your favorite participating restaurants!

For more information visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Red, Hot & Boom 2012 in Altamonte Springs!

Get ready for Red Hot & Boom 2012!

Each year, the city of Altamonte Springs hosts a fireworks show like none other. With food, games, live music from some of today’s hottest stars, and of course a fireworks display that will keep your jaw to the floor, there’s no wonder why so many people choose Red Hot & Boom to celebrate the 4th of July.

When:
Tuesday July 3rd, 2012
4:00pm – 11:00pm

Where:
Cranes Roost Park – Uptown Altamonte

Info:
No Personal Fireworks, Pets, or Coolers
***Get there early***

Rain or Shine!

Red Hot and Boom 2012 Artist Lineup:

Cobra Starship – American pop punk band with chart-topping hit singles “Good Girls Go Bad” and “You Make Me Feel…”
Karmin – “Brokenhearted” pop music duo and YouTube sensation
JoJo – Platinum pop and R&B singer-songwriter
Outasight – “Tonight Is the Night” pop solo artist
A Rocket to the Moon – Four-piece alternative rock band from Massachusetts
Neon Hitch – Electropop British singer and songwriter
Chris Rene – Singer-songwriter and X Factor USA finalist

 



Artist stage times coming soon!

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot

From The Desk of The Walt Disney World Resort:

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Brings Classic Hits to Epcot This Weekend Through July

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The good ole days return to Epcot as select summer nights heat up from June to July with the some of the world’s greatest tribute bands. Classic hits from the likes of U2, The Bee Gees, Bon Jovi and many more will rock during Sounds Like Summer concert series. The high-energy performances take place at the open-air American Gardens Theater in World Showcase.

The schedule (entertainment subject to change without notice):

  • June 10-17: Hotel California ~ A Salute to the Eagles
  • June 18 to 23: Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot ~ The Ultimate Billy Joel Show
  • June 24 to 30: Stayin’ Alive ~ A Tribute to the Bee Gees
  • July 1 to 7: Slippery When Wet ~ The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
  • July 8 to 14: The Police Experience ~ A Tribute to the Police
  • July 15 to 21: SouthBound and Company ~ A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • July 22 to 28: 2U ~ A Tribute to U2

Show times are 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. – except on July 4 when show times are 5:15, 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m. Sounds Like Summer concerts are included with Epcot admission. Additional information is available at disneyworld.com/soundslikesummer. For the latest information and updated show times, guests may pick up an Entertainment Guide when entering the park.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Marvel Studios Begins Production On Third Installment Of The Blockbuster Franchise “Iron Man”!!!

From the Desk of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures:

 

 

MARVEL STUDIOS BEGINS PRODUCTION ON THIRD INSTALLMENT OF THE BLOCKBUSTER FRANCHISE “IRON MAN”

Marvel’s “Iron Man 3” Commences Principal Photography
In Preparation for May 3, 2013 Film Release

BURBANK, Calif. (June 4, 2012) – Following in the footsteps of the record-breaking Marvel Studios’ release “Marvel’s The Avengers,” production on the highly anticipated film “Iron Man 3,” directed by Shane Black, has commenced production in Wilmington, North Carolina. The production schedule will also include locations in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina, Miami, Florida and China.

Based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series, first published in 1963, “Iron Man 3” returns Robert Downey Jr. (“Iron Man,” “Marvel’s The Avengers”) as the iconic Super Hero character Tony Stark/Iron Man along with Gwyneth Paltrow (“Iron Man,” “Iron Man 2,”) as Pepper Potts, Don Cheadle (“Iron Man 2”) as James “Rhodey” Rhodes and Jon Favreau (“Iron Man,” “Iron Man 2”) as Happy Hogan. Set for release in the U.S. on May 3, 2013, Marvel’s “Iron Man 3” marks the second feature to be fully owned, marketed and distributed by Disney, which acquired Marvel in 2009.

“Iron Man 3” continues the epic, big-screen adventures of the world’s favorite billionaire inventor/Super Hero, Tony Stark aka “Iron Man.”  Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige is producing the film. Executive producers on the project include Jon Favreau, Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Stan Lee, Charles Newirth, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard and Dan Mintz.

The creative production team on the film includes two-time Oscar®-winning director of photography John Toll, ASC (“Braveheart,” “Legends of the Fall”), production designer Bill Brzeski (“The Hangover,” “Due Date”), editors Jeffrey Ford, A.C.E. (“Marvel’s The Avengers,” “Captain America: The First Avenger”) and Peter S. Elliot (“Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer”), and costume designer Louise Frogley (“Quantum of Solace,” “Contagion”).

Marvel Studios most recently produced the critically acclaimed “Marvel’s The Avengers,” which set the all-time, domestic 3-day weekend box office record at $207.4 million. The film, which is currently in release, continues to shatter box office records and is The Walt Disney Studios’ highest-grossing global and domestic release of all time and marks the studios’ fifth film to gross more than $1 billion worldwide.

In the summer of 2011, Marvel successfully launched two new franchises with “Thor,” starring Chris Hemsworth, and “Captain America: The First Avenger,” starring Chris Evans. Both films opened #1 at the box office and have grossed over $800 million worldwide combined. In 2010 “Iron Man 2,” starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson and Mickey Rourke, took the #1 spot in its first weekend with a domestic box office gross of $128.1 million.

In the summer of 2008, Marvel produced the summer blockbuster movies “Iron Man” and “The Incredible Hulk.”  “Iron Man,” in which Robert Downey Jr. originally dons the Super Hero’s powerful armor and stars alongside co-stars Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow, was released May 2, 2008, and was an immediate box office success.  Garnering the number one position for two weeks in a row, the film brought in over $100 million in its opening weekend.  On June 13, 2008, Marvel released “The Incredible Hulk,” marking its second number one opener of that summer.

 

ABOUT MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT:
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years.  Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com.

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

LEGOLAND Florida Expands Their Park With The Addition Of A Water Park

Just in time for summer, LEGOLAND Florida expanded their park options with the opening of their all-new Water Park on May 26, 2012.

“With the debut of our new water park, LEGOLAND Florida is now easily a two-day experience,” said LEGOLAND Florida General Manager Adrain Jones, “which puts us well down the road toward our goal of becoming a multi-day resort destination.”

A “park within a park,” the attraction includes Build-A-Raft River, where guests can build their own LEGO inner tubes and float down a 1,000-foot lazy river. For the little ones, the DUPLO Splash Safari is a toddler haven with perfectly sized slides a zero-depth wading pool. Guests of all ages can play for hours at the Joker Soaker water playground, a riot of brightly colored ladders, levers, pumps and slides of every length and type. And a 583,000 gallon, crystal clear wave pool and five slippery fast slides full of thrills.

The Water Park attraction is actually within LEGOLAND Florida, so guests must purchase a theme park ticket and pay an upgraded fee to enter the Water Park area and it also takes a lot more planning on your part to visit both in one day.

There are several different ticketing options if you are interested in visiting both the LEGOLAND theme park and water park.

  • Purchase a single-day LEGOLAND Florida ticket with water park upgrade for $87 (adult) or $77 (Children 3-12). Children under 3 only pay $3 for the water park.
  • Purchase a two-day ticket for $97 (adult) or $87 (Children 3-12) and get access to the theme park and water park for both days. Second day admission must be used within nine days of the first visit.
  • Purchase a Premium Pass for $179 (adult) or $149 (Children 3-12) and get unlimited access to LEGOLAND Florida and the water park (open Seasonally).

It is also important to know that the Water Park opens one hour after LEGOLAND Florida opens its gates seasonally, and since park hours fluctuate its a good idea to check www.LEGOLAND.com when you are planning your visit to the parks.

The first thing that you will want to do is reserve a locker for your belongings at a self-serve kiosk. There are three sizes of lockers available for rent small ($5), large ($7), and family ($12). Also, if you need an extra towel they are available for rent for a daily fee of $3.

There are plenty of umbrellas and lounge chairs, but if you are looking to have an upgraded experience you can reserve a private cabana online or when you arrive. The cabanas are large and airy and include a mini-fridge stocked with 10 bottles of water, upgraded lounge chairs and two souvenir towels. Daily cabana rental prices range from $79 to $199 based on season.

The LEGOLAND Water Park is a perfect way to introduce toddlers and younger children to the water park experience!

The Duplo Splash Safari is a play area perfect for timid toddlers that is loaded with hands on activities such as small slides, animal sprayers, and zero entry splash area. It is such a cute and perfect area for little ones to gain their confidence and have a great time learning about safety at a water park.

Another fun way to experience and see the park is by taking a ride on the 1,000 foot Build-A-Raft River where you can gather floating LEGO foam bricks to create your own perfect raft. This was by far my most favorite attraction! We had a blast floating around the lazy river gathering LEGO pieces to decorate our rafts!!!

Wave pools are tame at the LEGOLAND Florida water park, where gentle rolling waves make the LEGO Wave Pool perfect for the whole family. Smaller children can play at the water’s edge and work up the courage to venture further into the deeper end. The pool is just the right size that its not overwhelming!!!

If the LEGO Wave Pool is too much, you can take a break at the LEGO Imagination Station where kids can test their building skills in this water play area in the shade. I really appreciated that this area was under a large shade, because its important to have some time out of the sun for the little ones.

The Joaker Soaker is a gigantic water playground that is full of brightly colored ladders, levers, pumps and slides of every length and type. It is a great place to let the kids climb and play while the adults take a small and well deserved break! Who am I kidding? We had a blast running and splashing around in this area!!!

If you have thrill seekers in your party, you might want to check out Splash Out and Twin Towers which play home to five super fast slides.

At the Beach-n-Brick Grille there are several healthy (and not so healthy options) available with value in mind since every menu item is priced below $10, before tax, including combos that come with fries, salad or slaw and a 22-ounce drink.

The Surf Shop is the perfect place to shop for things you may have forgotten at home such as sunscreen, towels, swimsuits, and all sorts of things that may be useful for a day at the water park.

I really enjoyed my time at the LEGOLAND Water Park, and think that it is an excellent way to introduce toddlers and younger children to a water park experience!

 

 

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Wet ‘n Wild Orlando Opens All New, Family Friendly Water Playground – Blastaway Beach

All-New Sandcastle-Themed Water Playground Expected to Be the Largest of Its Kind in Florida

Wet ‘n Wild Orlando celebrated the grand opening of its newest attraction, Blastaway Beach™ – a family-friendly, sandcastle-themed water playground. It’s expected to be the largest water playground of its kind in Florida and Wet ‘n Wild’s first new attraction in over four years.

Built around a sandcastle rising 60-feet high, Blastaway Beach™ spans an acre and features 15 slides and expands across two pools with 160 soakers, jets, waterfalls and water cannons. Designed especially for families, the new area has a single entrance and exit, creating a secluded environment that is safe and fun for all ages.

To mark the occasion, Wet ‘n Wild asked local elementary school students to submit artistic representations of Blastaway Beach™. Fifty winners were selected and invited to bring their families to enjoy the new area. Wet ‘n Wild also gave the first 35 families to enter the park free access to Wet ‘n Wild’s All-U-Can-Eat Barbeque for the day.

For more information about Blastaway Beach™, visit www.wetnwildorlando.com.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Sea World / Busch Gardens App Review

This week I’d like to focus on two great apps for smartphones from Busch Gardens and Sea World. I have often being accused of being attached to my phone while in the parks, but in this case, this is a good thing. These apps are amazing! They have some great features that I will explore a little further with a bit more detail.

First off, the layout for both Busch Gardens is similar as you can see from the pictures below. On the first screen upon opening the app for the first time after downloading it, you will be asked to choose which park location you’d like to choose from to install that specific park’s information on your phone. Seen below are the screen shots for the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Sea World Orlando. The next screen you will see is the home screen with a built in compass. The screen is broken up into categories of Animals, Search, Shows, Attractions/Rides & Wait Times, Restrooms, Stay Connected, Food and Explore More. I have also taken a picture of the park maps with some of the search options.

 

Across the bottom of each screen you have the Home, Events, Camera, Map and More options. With the Busch Gardens map above I just zoomed out to see the whole park. For the Sea World map I opted to search for the companion restrooms at the park.

Since the features are practically identical for the two parks, I will focus just on one from this point forward since I went to Sea World most recently and much of the functionality is brought out best while in the park based on GPS location.

Animals

For the Animals section you are able to sort alphabetically by name or distance from your current location within the park.

Search

Search allows you to type in a keyword and gives your results in alphabetical order, but also shows your distance and a brief description. If you are wanting more specific information about dolphins, click on the listed links.

Shows
A'Lure Directions
A'Lure

One of my favorite things about the app is the show listings. I love all of the shows Sea World to offer and the function of sorting by name, distance or show time is great! I used this to find my way to explore a new show for me: A’Lure. It directed me and kept constantly updating my distance to the show.

Ride & Wait Times

Similar to shows, Ride & Wait Times allows you to sort by name, distance or wait time if you are looking for something to ride.

Restrooms

Again with the Restrooms you are able to sort by name or distance. If you want GPS directions, just click on the name of the restroom and the app will direct you with step by step map using GPS.

Stay Connected

On the Stay Connected tab, you can get more information on Sea World by following them on Twitter, liking them on Facebook, following the Sea World blog or signing up for the email list.

Food

Much like the other categories, with Food you can sort by name or distance. Once you select a location you can see more like sample menu items and pricing.

Explore More - Up-Close Tours
Explore More - In-Park Dining
Explore More - Animal Interactions
Explore More - Adventure Camps - Sleepovers
Explore More - Quick Queue

For the Explore More section of the app you can learn more about Tours, Camps, Animal Interaction programs, the Quick Queue program and the All Day Dining Deal (which I highly recommend).

Events

Events lists upcoming things like concert series and special events for the next few months along with more information and specific dates.

Camera

I absolutely loved the Camera function of the app. It was so cool to take pictures in the park and add fun borders right then to save to your phone to upload or send to friends and family. However, this was the only part of the app that I had some issues with it acting a little buggy going back to my phone’s home screen instead of to the app’s home screen when I was done take the picture.

Map

You can see the interactive footsteps on the map once you have selected your destination. Along the top you have options of searching or pre-selected categories of Animal Connections, Shows, Rides, First Aid, Restroom, Nursing Facility, Defibrillator, Drinks, Snacks & Refills, Companion Restrooms, ATM, Amenities, Dining, Lockers, Guest Information, Events, Gifts & Souvenirs, Smoking, and Clear All. You can select multiple options at the same time and can move the map around as well as zoom in and out. Also included is the ability to recenter the GPS to your current position.

More - Contact Us/General Information

If you are wanting to contact Sea World or get more general info about the park, like their address for GPS, you can find this under the More – Contact Us/General Information section.

More - Park Hours

Park Hours is pretty self explanatory and shows the hours for each day of the month when you click on the calendar.

More - Directions

The directions tab is particularly useful if you don’t have a GPS program. When I went to the Directions my phone verified my current location and calculated distance and time based on GPS.

More - Weather

There is even a built in Weather app to give you the forecast for the day.

More - Commitment

If you are wanting to learn more about Sea World’s mission and pledge to environmental education and protection, visit the Commitment section under More.

More - Car Finder
Car Finder
Car Finder
Car Finder

I think my favorite thing using the GPS was the Car Finder function. When you park your car you drop a pin to mark the GPS location of where you parked. When you are leaving for the day you can revisit the car finder to find your car! No more do you have to try to remember where exactly you parked. I found this to be very reliable and it even recognized when I reached my car.

 

All in all, I am very impressed with the Sea World and Busch Gardens apps. Even though I know my way around the parks well enough to not need a park map, it is nice to have the GPS to show you the shortest distance or alternate routes to get where you are going. There are tons of great features that these apps offer using the GPS technology and search functions. I use these apps pretty much every time I’m in these parks, especially for the show times to see what I can catch on a whim and also for wait times and exploring what is in the area. Honestly, the only thing I had any issues with was the camera function on occasion. I’d say it worked fine three out of five times I tried it. I think these are some of the nicest apps for parks in the area and wish some of the other parks would adopt some of these features and ease of use. Check them out next time you’re in the area or even if you just want to check to see what is going on in the parks in advance of your trip!

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Celebrate Father’s Day at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

Here’s a special offer from Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin:

In honor of Father’s Day, guests can receive a special rate and complimentary room upgrade during Father’s Day Weekend 

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – May 30, 2012 – Families looking to give dad the vacation he deserves can now do so with a special Father’s Day offer from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel.  For the weekend of June 15-17, guests can receive rooms starting at $199 per night and a complimentary room upgrade at the Orlando hotel.

Located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel offers easy access for dads to spend time with their families in the Disney theme parks, unwind on one of the four championship golf courses or drive an exotic sports car at the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

In addition, the hotel itself offers a number of amenities and activities that will appeal to dad and the entire family including five pools, recreational activities, and numerous dining options such as Shula’s Steak House and character dining.

Reservations can be made online at www.swandolphin.com/offers or by calling 1-800-227-1500and mentioning “Father.” Based on rate schedule availability. Offer is valid for stays June 15-17. Taxes, resort services fee and gratuities not included. Not valid with any other special offers, promotions, or for existing reservations or groups.

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The hotel is located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’s Animal 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 World Resort 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.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular

A few weeks ago, Universal Studios Orlando debuted a new nighttime show in celebration of 100 years of movies from Universal Studios.  This is one of the many new attractions that is part of Univeral’s “Year to Be Here” that are debuting in Orlando.

The new show is called Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular.  Spectacular is the right description for it.  Universal showcases several of its classic movies by featuring clips in segments of the show.  The segments vary from 100 Years of Heros to 100 Years of Horror to 100 Years of Laughter.  Some of the movies featured include such favorites as Back to the Future, Psycho, The Mummy, American Pie, and Gladiator.

The show is narrated by Morgan Freeman.  It has three water screens in the Universal Studios lagoon where the movie clips are projected.  The screens can be seen from multiple locations along the lagoon, with the most popular location being the decks near Mel’s Drive In.  In addition to the water screens, the show has water fountains, water fan screens and colorful lights between the larger water sceens.  To top it off the show includes fireworks to enhance the films and featured moments.

I was able to see the show at a preview in April and returned to see it during the opening week.  During the preview it appeared that they were testing the water screens that the movies are projected onto, however, once the attraction officially opened the preshow was full of surprises on the water screen.  I highly recommend getting there early enough to see these surprises.

A few viewing tips…

– find your spot at least a half hour before the show.  While both times that I’ve seen the show the crowds were low, I have no idea how the larger summer crowds will affect your ability to get a good view of the show.

– on windy nights, be aware of which way the wind is blowing.  The lagoon is narrow and you are close to the screens, water fountains and water fans and on windy days you will get wet.  The lagoon is surrounded by signs indicating the “splash zones.”

– be sure to have a view of the sky.  Don’t forget that the show includes fireworks around the lagoon!

If you’re not able to get to Universal soon, here is a video I took during the preview night.  I hope you enjoy the show!

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Rock the Universe at Universal Orlando Resort

From the Desk of Universal Orlando:

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT’S ROCK THE UNIVERSE 2012 TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Experience All the Action of Florida’s Biggest Christian Music
Festival with the Rock Your Weekend Ticket

ORLANDO, Fla. (May 22, 2012) – Tickets are now available for Rock the Universe 2012 – Florida’s biggest Christian music festival – happening Sept. 7 and 8 at Universal Orlando Resort.

Guests can rock out the entire weekend with the “Rock Your Weekend” ticket, which includes admission to both nights of the event and three days admission to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This ticket will only be available through Aug. 31, 2012 and will not be sold at the park entrance.

 

This year’s line-up features some of the most popular names in Christian rock. More than a dozen hit bands will take the stage, including Skillet – awarded a Billboard Music Award for “Top Christian Album” in 2011; four-time Grammy-nominated band Newsboys; rock group Switchfoot, which has sold millions of albums worldwide; and three-time Dove award winner Jeremy Camp. The full line-up is below.
Guests will also enjoy an exciting Fan Zone presented by Coca-Cola including live music by Everfound, Group 1 Crew, Jason Castro and We As Human, autograph sessions with the bands, karaoke and band merchandise. Guests will also experience a Saturday night candle lighting service featuring Tenth Avenue North.

Plus, guests will enjoy the thrilling attractions only found at Universal Studios Florida. They can rock out to their favorite Christian artists at 65 mph on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, laugh along with America’s favorite animated family on The Simpsons Ride and speed through the darkness on the world’s first psychological thrill ride – Revenge of the Mummy.

For more details about Rock the Universe 2012, visit www.RocktheUniverse.com or call 1-866-RTU-INFO (1-866-788-4636).

Universal Orlando Resort
There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation, but there is only one place where vacation becomes adventure: Universal Orlando Resort. It is a unique destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It’s the only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained – you become part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. You can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, battle aliens alongside Agent J, and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D. Coming this summer: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

 

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Our Thoughts on Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

A few of us had the opportunity to stay at Walt Disney World’s Art of Animation Resort, which opens today. We were able to stay in one of the Nemo Family Suites, explore the resort, take advantage of the Pool and Play areas, tour the soon to open Cars Family Suites, shop for resort specific merchandise, and eat at Landscape of Flavors. It was an amazing stay!!!

What was your favorite detail at the Art of Animation Resort?

The Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation was one of our favorite places!!!
Shelley: My absolute favorite detail of the Art of Animation Resort was how the trees around The Big Blue Pool were grown to have curvy trunks as if they were waving under the sea.
Aurora: The fact that in The Finding Nemo area that everything looked like it was under water. The way that the plants were placed and the way the trees were angled and the vibrant colors. The fish on the sides of the buildings with the colors being gradual blues made you feel like you were under water!
Betsy: There are so many to choose from, but I think one of my favorites has to be the diving mask by the Big Blue Pool that belongs to P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney. I missed it the first time I walked by the pool, but loved it as soon as I noticed it.
Megan: I loved the large icons. My favorite has to be Crush outside of the EAC building.

What is your biggest tip for people staying at the Art of Animation Resort?

Squirt at the Righteous Reef Playground at night is alive with color!
Aurora: Take advantage of everything to see! Take a tour of the property. Take pictures. Make sure that you look for the small details. The kids will LOVE finding their favorite characters in hidden spots all over the resort. This place is a feast for the eyes.
Betsy: Take time to enjoy this resort! It is amazingly themed and detailed and I hope that people will take the time to appreciate the effort that the imagineers put into constructing a resort that is so immersive. I want to go back just to hang out by the pool, enjoy the atmosphere and the great food!
Megan:Take time to look at the sketches in the lobby. Try to find the piece of artwork in the chandelier in the Lobby signed by John Lasseter.
Shelley: Make sure that you take time to enjoy the resort during the day and at night, because there are so many creative uses of lighting that make all the difference and bring out details that aren’t as easily noticed in the daytime!

What should people know about staying at the Art of Animation Resort?

A view of the jogging trail from the Finding Nemo Family Suites.
Betsy: There is a great walking/jogging path along Hourglass Lake that is beautiful at night. We were only able to experience part of it due to construction, but by the time the resort is completely open in the middle of September this will be a great place to exercise or just to take a nice stroll along the lake with your family.
Megan: Make sure to schedule time to spend hanging out at the pool or to go for a run around hourglass lake
Shelley: In the far corner of the check-in area of Animation Hall, there is a children’s play/screening area with a twist! Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm artists will be on hand showing kids of all ages how to draw their favorite characters and holding “Animation Classes”.
Aurora: That this is not your typical value resort. They have raised the bar. The pool is AMAZING! The Scenery is Beautiful. The Themeing kicks all the other resorts butts. This place is not your typical small room resort!

 

What are you looking forward to experiencing again?

The amazing attention to detail can be found everywhere in the Finding Nemo Family Suites!
Megan: The rooms. I loved how spacious they were. The details in them made me feel like I was in the movie.
Shelley: I am really looking forward to bringing Zoe to the Resort to experience the pool, water play areas, and playgrounds! I think she will absolutely love all that there is to offer!!!
Aurora: I can not wait to stay in the Little Mermaid section! But I honestly can not wait to get in that Big Blue Pool again and float around listening to Mr. Ray Jabber under the water!
Betsy:  I think the Big Blue Pool is the thing I’m most looking forward to since I forgot my bathing suit this last trip. I want to hear the underwater speakers, play games by the pool, enjoy adult beverages at The Drop Off pool bar and just relax and soak it all in.

What would you eat again at the Art of Animation Resort?

Shelley's amazing macaroon cupcake! It is hard to believe that this is came from a food court of a Value Hotel!
Shelley: Absolutely!!! With soooo many vegetarian options with a world twist and a beautiful setting I have a feeling I won’t get tired of eating at Landscape of Flavors any time soon!
Aurora: I LOVED My Meatball Sub. I will get it with the home made potato chips this time however. I also loved my yogurt and would get that again for a breakfast option. I want to try the Make Your Own Salad with Chicken, Also the Make your Own Pasta. I was VERY Jealous of Shelley’s cupcake with the macaroons on top so I may have to get one of those!!!!
Betsy: I loved the mini buckwheat waffles that I had for breakfast. My mom used to make buckwheat pancakes when I was little and I haven’t had them in years. This most definitely satisfied that craving. Plus, they were super cute and had Dory on them. 🙂
Megan: Definitely! The food was well above the normal value resort food quality.
What is one thing that you wish the Art of Animation Resort had?

Aurora: I would LOVE to see a Toy Story Section added on somewhere down the line. That is one of my personal favorite movies and I think the Theming is ENDLESS!

Betsy: I know value resorts don’t have them, but I would love it if there was a hot tub. This resort is so different from all the other value resorts, and dare I say, several steps above the rest, that I wouldn’t think it would be out of place at all.
Megan: A slide. The pool would be over the top if it had a slide.
Shelley: I wish that the resort had a tour with insight into the design and a look at the Imagineers designed the resort.

 

We hope that these tips and thoughts help you as you plan a stay at Walt Disney World’s Art of Animation Resort!!!

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Orlando Solar Bears Home Opener!!

The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that their Season Home Opener will be at the Amway Center on October 20, 2012 against the Florida Everblades!!!!! This will be a great game! The ECHL ( East Coast Hockey League) announced today their entire 25th Season schedule as well!

I can NOT wait to bring my friends and family to some of their first hockey games!!!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Hockey and I am SO SO Excited!

This was sent from the Desk of the ECHL:
ECHL RELEASES 2012-13 SCHEDULE
ECHL
PRESS RELEASES

May 30, 2012
PRINCETON, N.J. – The ECHL announced on Wednesday that its 25th season will begin on Friday, Oct. 12 with seven games being played in six states from New Jersey to California and continues on Saturday, Oct. 13 with 11 more games in nine states. Opening Weekend concludes on Sunday, Oct. 14 with one game.

Three of the ECHL’s four new members open their home schedules on the first weekend of the season. On Oct. 12, the Fort Wayne Komets host the Kalamazoo Wings at Memorial Coliseum while the San Francisco Bulls host the Bakersfield Condors in the first professional hockey game at the Cow Palace since 1996. The Evansville IceMen play their first ECHL game on Saturday, Oct. 13, hosting Fort Wayne at the Ford Center.

The Orlando Solar Bears open their home schedule at Amway Center on Saturday, Oct. 20 against Florida.

Began in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league that will have 23 teams in 16 states playing 828 games from Oct. 12, 2012 to March 30, 2013.

Wheeling celebrates its 21st season in 2012-13 while South Carolina plays its 20th season. Toledo returns for its 19th season, Florida celebrates its 15th year, Trenton its 14th season and Reading its 12th season in the ECHL. Alaska, Bakersfield, Gwinnett, Idaho and Las Vegas each celebrate their 10th ECHL season in 2012-13.

The third-longest tenured professional hockey league behind only the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League, the ECHL averaged 4,281 fans per game in 2011-112 which is the eighth consecutive season and the 20th time in the last 22 years that the ECHL has averaged over 4,000 fans.

The Florida Everblades will raise their first-ever Kelly Cup championship banner at Germain Arena on Saturday, Oct. 13 as they host Orlando in the Solar Bears’ first-ever ECHL game.

The Elmira Jackals will celebrate their Atlantic Division title when they open at First Arena against Reading on Friday, Oct. 12, while Ontario, which has led the ECHL in attendance each of the last three seasons, will raise its Pacific Division championship banner on Oct. 13 against Stockton.

Kalamazoo, which has won the North Division title each of its three seasons in the ECHL, opens its home schedule on Friday, Oct. 19 against Fort Wayne. The Gwinnett Gladiators will celebrate their South Division title the same night against Ontario.

Las Vegas will raise its Western Conference championship banner on Friday, Oct. 19 when they host Stockton. The Alaska Aces will raise their sixth division title banner the same night against Utah.

The Trenton Titans, who led the ECHL with a 26.1 percent increase in attendance in 2011-12, opens at home on Friday, Oct. 12 against Greenville. Colorado, which has sold out all 350 regular season and playoff games in team history, hosts Alaska at the Budweiser Events Center on Opening Night, while Idaho hosts Utah and Stockton entertains Ontario in their clubs’ home openers.

Toledo, which has surpassed 6,000 fans per game in two of its three seasons at Huntington Center, hosts Kalamazoo on Saturday, Oct. 13. Cincinnati, which has increased its attendance for each of the last five seasons, opens on Saturday against Wheeling.

It will be a Kelly Cup Playoffs rematch at the North Charleston Coliseum as the South Carolina Stingrays open their home schedule on Oct. 13 against Gwinnett. Also on Saturday, Reading opens its home schedule against Trenton while Utah hosts Idaho in the back end of an opening weekend home-and-home series.

The Bakersfield Condors wrap up Opening Weekend on Sunday, hosting the Las Vegas Wranglers at Rabobank Arena on Sunday, Oct. 14.

The Greenville Road Warriors open play at the BI-LO Center against their in-state rivals, the South Carolina Stingrays, on Friday, Oct. 19. Wheeling is the final team to host its home opener on Friday, Oct. 26 against Reading.

After no games between out-of-conference opponents during the 2011-12 regular season, the 2012-13 schedule sees 24 games between Eastern and Western Conference foes. Ontario travels to Gwinnett on Oct. 19 and South Carolina on Oct. 20 and 21. Bakersfield visits Wheeling on Jan. 25, Toledo on Jan. 26 and Kalamazoo on Jan. 27 while Idaho is at South Carolina on Jan. 25 and Gwinnett on Jan. 26 and 27. Las Vegas heads to Trenton on Jan. 25 and is at Reading on Jan. 26 and 27.

Florida and Fort Wayne will each play a three-game series at Colorado. The Everblades visit on Nov. 21, 23 and 24, while the Komets are at Budweiser Events Center on Feb. 6, 8 and 9. Orlando visits Las Vegas on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and is at Ontario on Dec. 2 while Gwinnett travels to Utah on March 6 and to Idaho on March 8 and 9.

Premier ‘AA’ Hockey League Fast Facts
• Watch games live on America One, the “Official Broadband & Mobile Broadcaster” of the ECHL.
• The ECHL celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2012-13 and is the third-longest tenured professional hockey league behind only the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League.
• ECHL began in 1988-89 with five teams in four states and has grown to be a coast-to-coast league with 23 teams in 16 states in 2012-13.
• The league officially changed its name from East Coast Hockey League to ECHL on May 19, 2003.
• 490 players have played in the NHL after playing in the ECHL including 23 in 2010-11.
• 23 ECHL players made their NHL debut in 2011-12: former Toledo Walleye, Gwinnett Gladiators and Colorado Eagles right wing Akim Aliu (Calgary on April 5), former Florida Everblades center Mike Angelidis (Tampa Bay on Jan. 24), former Victoria Salmon Kings defenseman Jordie Benn (Dallas on Jan. 3), former Bakersfield Condors and Elmira Jackals defenseman Stu Bickel (New York Rangers on Dec. 20), former Greenville Road Warriors defenseman Marc-Andre Bourdon (Philadelphia on Nov. 21), former South Carolina Stingrays defenseman Joe Finley (Buffalo on Dec. 2), Cincinnati Cyclones goaltender Brian Foster (Florida on Feb. 4), former Victoria Salmon Kings defenseman Kris Fredheim (Minnesota on Nov. 17), former Gwinnett Gladiators center Ryan Garbutt (Dallas on Feb. 18), former Elmira Jackals center Mike Hoffman (Ottawa on Dec. 23), former Victoria Salmon Kings goaltender Leland Irving (Calgary on Dec. 16), former Toledo Storm and Reading Royals center Bracken Kearns (Florida on Oct. 20), Stockton Thunder center Milan Kytnar (Edmonton on Jan. 11), former Bakersfield Condors center Maxime Macenauer (Anaheim on Oct. 7), former Ontario Reign center Jordan Nolan (Los Angeles on Feb. 11), former Idaho Steelheads center and two-time ECHL All-Star Greg Rallo (Florida on Dec. 18), former Cincinnati Cyclones center Ryan Russell (Columbus on Jan. 7), former Reading Royals goaltender Jussi Rynnas (Toronto on March 27), former Reading Royals goaltender Ben Scrivens (Toronto on Nov. 3), former Cincinnati Cyclones defenseman Frederic St. Denis (Montreal on Nov. 16), former Ontario Reign defenseman Colten Teubert (Edmonton on Nov. 3), former Wheeling Nailers goaltender Brad Thiessen (Pittsburgh on Feb. 26) and former Las Vegas Wranglers right wing Matt Watkins (Phoenix on Feb. 21).
• Six players played in the ECHL and NHL in 2011-12: Akim Aliu with Colorado and Calgary, Brian Foster with Cincinnati and Florida, Milan Kytnar with Stockton and Edmonton, Peter Mannino with Chicago and Winnipeg, Jussi Rynnas with Reading and Toronto and Allen York with Chicago and Columbus.
• The ECHL has had 298 players reach the NHL since 2002-03 when it changed its focus to become the primary developmental league for the NHL and the AHL. The ECHL had 97 players reach the NHL in its first 10 seasons and 215 in the first 15 years.
• 234 ECHL players have played their first game in the last seven seasons for an average of more than 33 per year.
• ECHL had a record 81 players on NHL opening-day rosters in 2011-12, surpassing the 79 from 2010-11 and marking the ninth year in a row that there have been over 50 former ECHL players on opening-day rosters.
• ECHL had affiliations with 26 of the 30 NHL teams in 2011-12, marking the 15th consecutive season that the league had affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL.
• 31 coaches with an ECHL background worked behind the benches of teams in the NHL in 2011-12 including Anaheim Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau, Pittsburgh Penguins head coach and 2011 Jack Adams Award winner Dan Bylsma, New York Islanders head coach Jack Capuano, Dallas Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan, Philadelphia Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette and Winnipeg Jets head coach Claude Noel. It is the seventh consecutive season that there have been 11 or more coaches with an ECHL background working in the NHL. Boudreau, who coached Mississippi for three seasons winning the Kelly Cup championship in 1999, was named NHL Coach of the Year in 2007-08 becoming the first former ECHL coach to receive the award.
• 24 former ECHL officials worked as part of the NHL officiating team in 2011-12 with referees David Banfield, Darcy Burchell, Francis Charron, Ghislain Hebert, Jean Hebert, Marc Joannette, Mike Leggo, Mark Lemelin, Wes McCauley, Dean Morton, Dan O’Rourke, Brian Pochmara, Kevin Pollock, Kyle Rehman, Chris Rooney, Justin St. Pierre, Graham Skilliter and Ian Walsh, and linesmen Steve Barton, Brian Mach, Matt MacPherson, Tim Nowak, Bryan Pancich and Jay Sharrers.
• ECHL was represented for the 11th year in a row on the Stanley Cup champion in 2011 with Boston Bruins assistant coach Geoff Ward, players Rich Peverley, Michael Ryder and Tim Thomas, radio broadcaster Dave Goucher and scout Tom McVie. Thomas is the first former ECHL player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as Most Valuable Player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. There were 34 former players and 19 coaches on the 16 teams competing in the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, marking the sixth year in a row that there have been at least 30 former ECHL players and the eighth consecutive season that over 25 players with ECHL experience have competed in the NHL postseason.
• Former ECHL and current Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas was the recipient of the Vezina Trophy as the top goaltender in the NHL in 2010-11, marking the second time he has won the award in the past three seasons. Thomas set a single-season NHL record with a .938 save percentage.
• Former ECHL player and current Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma was the recipient of the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s Coach of the Year in 2010-11.
• ECHL was represented in the 2012 NHL All-Star Game by Dan Girardi of the New York Rangers, Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings and Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins.
• Former ECHL broadcasters working in the NHL include John Ahlers and Steve Carroll of the Anaheim Ducks, Tom Callahan of the Nashville Predators, Dave Goucher of the Boston Bruins, Chris Kerber of the St. Louis Blues, Jack Michaels of the Edmonton Oilers, Dave Mishkin of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Bob McElligott of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
• Ryan Stanzel and Jeremy Zager, who were both recipients of the ECHL Media Relations Director of the Year award, are working in the communications department for the Minnesota Wild and the Los Angeles Kings, respectively. Former ECHL assistant director of communications Joe Siville and Kelly Murray are now with the Philadelphia Flyers and the Washington Capitals, respectively, while former ECHL director of communications Jason Rothwell is the creative director for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
• ECHL has affiliations with 24 of the 30 teams in the American Hockey League in 2011-12 and for the past 22 years there has been an ECHL player on the Calder Cup Champion.
• In the last seven seasons the ECHL has had more call-ups to the AHL than all other professional leagues combined with over 3,500 call-ups involving more than 1,800 players and in 2011-12 there were 10 times as many call-ups from the ECHL to the AHL than all other professional leagues.
• The ECHL averaged 4,281 fans per game in 2011-12, marking the eighth consecutive season and the 20th time in the last 22 years that the ECHL has averaged over 4,000 fans.
• Further information on the ECHL is available from its website at ECHL.com, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Landscape of Flavors Menus and More Food Pics

While we briefly gave an overview of the meals we sampled the other day for breakfast and dinner, I thought we should take a closer look at what I’m sure will become one of my favorite counter service locations on property: Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. There are so many amazing things to share about this great food court. It is like no other value resort in its attention to detail and theming that are prevalent throughout the resort common areas and suites.

One of my favorite details I wanted to share was all of the incredible artwork in the different dining areas themed after the resorts areas of The Lion King, Cars, Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid. I wish I could take some of this artwork home to decorate my house! It feels like you are immersed in a very cool art gallery while enjoying some truly incredible food. I was trying to describe the menu to a friend the other day and think Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Kidani Village is the closest as far as the world flavors influence, but with some Riverside Mill from Port Orleans Riverside thrown in with the create your own pasta and salad options. Having said that, this food court really doesn’t feel like any other. The ambiance is very relaxed and welcoming. I cannot wait to go back and try some of the incredible offerings that this restaurant has!

Also check out our post from the other day with pictures of what we ordered for dinner and breakfast here.

 

Landcape of Flavors general pictures and artwork

 

Breakfast pictures and menus

 

Snacks and drinks

 

Dinner pictures and menus

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram