When The Sun Goes Down, The Fun Heats Up At Adventure Island During Island Nights

Adventure Island heats up this summer with a family-friendly sunset celebration during Island Nights. From June 14 to Aug. 11, Busch Gardens’ water park transforms into an island of fun in the sun with live music, eclectic entertainment, tropical wildlife and island-inspired cuisine.

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 5 to 9 p.m., DJs rev up the energy with music, dancing and games on the beach. Street performers, larger-than-life stiltwalkers and a steel drum band keep the celebration going until 9 p.m. each event night.

Magicians, jugglers and skilled fire performers captivate guests as they enjoy a vacation from the everyday. Guests can also sample the tastes of the islands with unique offerings added to the daily menu, including island shrimp, empanadas, black beans and rice, sangria and frozen drinks.

Open Late ALL Summer Long

Returning in 2012, Adventure Island will be open late every night this summer! From June 14 to Aug. 12, hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The best way to escape to Adventure Island every night this summer is with an Adventure Island Weekday Pass. Pay for a day and come back any WEEKDAY – that includes any Thursday or Friday of Island Nights – all season long.

Island Nights is the perfect nighttime escape for all ages, and admission is included with any daily park admission or Adventure Island Pass. Visit AdventureIsland.com for more information.

About Adventure Island

Located right across the street fromBuschGardensTampaBay,AdventureIslandis 30 acres of water-drenched fun in the sun featuring the ultimate combination of high-speed thrills and tropical, tranquil surroundings for guests of all ages.

Thrilling slides and tube rides include Riptide, Wahoo Run, Key West Rapids, Runaway Rapids, Everglides, Calypso Coaster, Aruba Tuba, Caribbean Corkscrew, Water Moccasin and Gulf Scream. Guests can also stretch out on the beach or in the 17,000-square-foot wave pool, play on professional sand volleyball courts, breeze through tropical gift shops or let the current sweep them through a half-mile of lush landscapes and tropical waterfalls on the Rambling Bayou.

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Summer Nights Bring Nightly Fireworks to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens’ Summer Nights amps up the excitement year after year, and 2012 promises to offer even more after-dark entertainment and fun for the whole family with a new Latin-infused show at the Desert Grill and—for the first time ever—an amazing fireworks finale every night of the event.

From June 9 through Aug. 12, guests will experience extended park hours, special entertainment, high-energy DJs, and the thrill of riding world-class coasters in the dark, including Busch Gardens’ new triple-launch coaster, Cheetah Hunt.

The award-winning Kinetix show returns to Summer Nights with nightly performances of its rock-fueled blast of music and acrobatics. Kinetix’s energizing performances include live musicians, singers, dancers and artists from around the world. Their thrilling performance – along with modern music and pyrotechnic effects – will pump up the crowd every night in Gwazi Park at 9 p.m. Gates open at 8 p.m., so arrive early to ensure a good spot and enjoy the Party Starters’ pre-show interactive games and dancing.

NEW Fireworks Light Up the Sky Every Night

Celebrate the perfect end to the evening with an amazing fireworks finale. Busch Gardens lights up the sky every night of the event with an incredible aerial display set to popular music. The best views are in Gwazi Park, right after the nightly Kinetix show, but the fireworks are visible from all over the park.

 

 

NEW “Let’s Get Loud” Takes the Stage in the Desert Grill

Singers, dancers and musicians heat up Summer Nights with popular contemporary music and dance, incorporating the Latin flair of Miami’s South Beach. “Let’s Get Loud,” a Miami Dance Party, opens June 9 and will feature music and dance infused with Hispanic heat from well-known artists like Gloria Estefan, Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin.

 

On Fridays and Saturdays, the Party Starters will host dance challenges all day throughout the park and pick the most outgoing guests to compete in the Dance-Off competition that evening. The Dance-Off will be a three-round competition starting at 7 p.m. in the Desert Grill. The audience picks the winner with “the best moves” by applause, and first prize is four tickets to come back to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Don’t forget that Busch Gardens is the place to be this summer ­– both day AND night – with brand-new attractions that offer exciting entertainment for everyone. Busch Gardens just opened its biggest ice show ever, Iceploration, bringing to life an all-new adventure filled with world-class skaters, original costumes, amazing aerial performances, master puppetry and live animal stars. The park’s new Animal Care Center welcomes guests to closely observe and even take part in the animal care experience in this new state-of-the-art facility. And the park’s newest mega-attraction and Florida’s first triple-launch coaster, Cheetah Hunt, launches riders from 0 to 60 in a matter of seconds. If going from zero to cheetah is not your speed, guests can watch as Busch Gardens’ cheetahs sprint several times a day in Cheetah Run.

Park hours for Summer Nights are extended until 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Summer Nights is included with a day’s paid admission or any annual pass.

For more information on Summer Nights and Busch Gardens, visit BuschGardens.com or call
1-888-800-5447.

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Islands Of Adventure Internet Cafe

While my Husband James and I were visiting Universal Orlando Resort a few weeks ago, we noticed a hidden gem over at Islands of Adventure.

Now a days, EVERYONE has a smart phone. They use it for keeping in touch with the world via Twitter or Facebook or Instagram or to stay in contact with work and with family. It is unheard of to walk through a Central Florida theme park and NOT see someone in a family, if not everyone with a phone or camera in their hand. But what happens when that phone dies? Or you have used up all your space on your memory card or you need to send an important email while you are in the parks?

Well, Islands of Adventure has taken care of that with their own Internet Cafe called…

Wossamotta U.

Wossamotta U is the perfect place to charge your phone, add some pictures to your blog while at the park, email the boss an important email, or even let grandma skype with you after you ride Dudley Do-Right and all of you are soaking wet!

Lets take a look around the store!

They offer computers with timed visits for the Internet use, but you can leave your phone or camera in there to charge as long as you need it with no charge. We saw a family who had brought their own power strip and had been sitting in the park on a bench, plugged into an outlet charging 7 different things and they were missing out on all the fun things to do! If you drop them off here, then you can go enjoy a few rides, come back in an hour, and you will have fully charged up devices! We have all been there, dead phone, dead camera batteries, and dead video camera. This is such a wonderful addition to the park! Drop off your devices, get a ticket, ride a few rides in the area, have some lunch, come back, and you are ready to enjoy the rest of your day!

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Patriotism in the Parks – V is for Victory

Today, as a way to reflect on Memorial Day and to honor those who gave their lives for our country and also those living who served, I thought I’d do a post focusing on patriotism in the theme parks. While discussing what we were thinking about doing for Memorial Day the other day Shelley suggested that we do a post for with a tribute to the Victory Gardens. If you are not familiar with the area, it is tucked away in a corner of the Sunset Market Ranch at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The garden is situated behind Fairfax Fare and to the right of Rosie’s All American Cafe and Catalina Eddie’s. Not having visited this area specifically for at least a couple years, I thought I’d take a little time to rediscover it. Victory Gardens were started during World War I and World War II for people to grow their own fruits and vegetables in order to decrease demand on suppliers and grocers. You can read more about the history of Victory Gardens here.

 

Victory Gardens 8/30/08
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Victory Gardens 5/25/12
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Victory Gardens 5/25/12

While I was aware of the Victory Garden, Shelley brought to my attention something new to me: the toy soldiers in the middle of one of the condiment stations at Rosie’s All American Cafe. I had never noticed these were even there, so I got the best pictures I could given the sunlight and the awkward position I had to get in to reach these. There are counters and slots for napkins and utensils between the toy soldiers and you if you want to get pictures, so good luck.

The entire area of Sunset Market Ranch is loaded with lots of patriotic memorabilia from mostly the WWII era of American history. After I finished photographing the toy soldiers, I noticed signs on the walls of Rosie’s and Catalina Eddie’s, as well as tons more inside these counter service locations. I took this opportunity to take pictures of the awesome things spread out between these two restaurants. I especially loved the Disney characters used for war propaganda.

Happy Memorial Day and thank you to all those who have served!

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Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Preview – Sketch Wall in Lobby

One of my favorite elements of the lobby at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is the sketch wall in the lobby that runs opposite the front desk in Animation Hall. The sketches are from the four featured themes of the resort: Cars, Finding Nemo, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid. From right to left with your back to the front desk, the sketches progress from very rough black and white sketches to more finished drafts, and then eventually on to full color sketches of the characters we know and love from these great Disney and Disney-Pixar films. Some of the drawings depict the characters as we are familiar with them from the movies while others are concept sketches of earlier incarnations. Enjoy this slide show showing the progression of the beautiful artistry from the animators and imagineers.

 

httpv://youtu.be/1eQwHryk0i8

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Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Preview – Landscape of Flavors

Last night a few friends and I were able to experience dinner at the new food court, Landscape of Flavors, at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. We sampled several different menu items from the restaurant and were very pleasantly surprised by both the level of service, quality of food and presentation for a value resort. First off, the food is served on real plates and bowls and with real silverware, as opposed to the paper plates and plastic utensils one finds at other counter service restaurants. I hope you enjoy some of the pictures from our dinner as well as breakfast this morning! We cannot wait to go back and try some more of the items we didn’t get to this visit. I have a feeling this will quickly become one of my go to counter service restaurants.

 

 

Tandori Shrimp with Naan bread with choice of 2 sides (Cauliflower and Paneer shown)
Tandori Acorn Squash & Basmati Rice with Naan bread with choice of 2 sides (Cauliflower shown)
Create Your Own Pasta Bowl with Ciabatta Toast . Choice of Pasta, Meat, Sauce and Toppings. ( Bowtie Pasta, Pesto, Cheese and Chicken shown)
Create Your Own Burger with 2 sides. Choice of Toppings and Cheese on a multi grain roll. ( Cheddar and Bacon with Double Fries shown)
Create Your Own Salad with choice of Meat, Dressing and Toppings. ( Shown with Shrimp, Ranch, Tomatoes, Roasted Beans, Cheese, Corn, Chick Peas, Roasted Red Peppers)
Meatball Sandwich on Ciabatta with a Side Caesar Salad

Mickey Mouse Oreo Vanilla Cupcake. Yellow Cake, Butter Cream icing, White Chocolate Mickey Face and Oreo Cookie Mickey Ears. Also Pictured is the Chocolate Croissant
Macaroon Cupcake , Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Buttercream. Candy Pearls around the sides and 3 Macaroons on top

Mini Buckwheat Character Shaped Waffles with Side of Bacon ( not shown side of apples)
American Breakfast Platter. Scrambled Eggs, Breakfast Potatoes, Turkey Bacon, Chicken Sausage and Biscuit.
Create-Your-Own Yogurt Parfait. Vanilla Greek yogurt with choice of toppings. ( Shown are Strawberries, Brown Sugar, Granola, Pistachios, Dried Apricots and Craisins)
Steak and Egg Breakfast Burger topped with a fried Mickey Egg, Pepper jack cheese and Bacon served with Breakfast Potatoes
Create-Your-Own Omelet With your choice of ingredients and served with Breakfast Potatoes ( shown here with Spinach, Feta Cheese, Tomato, Cheddar Cheese and Onions)
Breakfast Chicken Burger topped with Pepper Jack cheese and a green chili omelet served with Breakfast Potatoes

 

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Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Preview – Cars Family Suites

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Walt Disney World’s newest value resort, will be opening in just a few short days on May 31, 2012. Here are some pictures of the Cars Family Suites, of which there will be 480, that open on June 18th. I am so excited to be able to experience these highly themed suites in person this summer!

These family suites are approximately the size of two standard rooms at the other value resorts at a little over 500 square feet. The suites are comprised of a queen size bed in the bedroom, a pull out double sofa in the living room and a double murphy bed that comes down over the dining table. There is a full bath off of the living room and it is important to note that the master bathroom does not have a bathtub. Also in the living room is the kitchenette area that includes a compact refrigerator, small microwave, coffeemaker and a bar sink.

The detail of the rooms is nothing short of amazing, but I think I was even more impressed by the exteriors of the buildings. Imagineers have taken an incredible amount of effort in recreating the feel of Radiator Springs. This section of the resort is created to the scale as if the guests were the size of the Cars we all know and love from the Disney-Pixar films. One of my favorite things was on Fillmore, the classic VW van, who is a hippie in the Cars movie. He can be seen just outside the Wheel Well and at first glance only has a few bumper stickers on his side window. However, if you walk all the way around Fillmore, you are able to see the entire back of the van is covered. There are some great inside jokes that the Imagineers threw in there.

All in all, I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I fell in love with the Cars area of the resort in just the short time I was there. The rooms and colors in the Finding Nemo section are more my personal style, but I think I was even more blown away by how amazing Radiator Springs looks! There is so much to see and explore, I can’t wait to see the finished product so I can discover even more.

 

 

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCXupke6p4Q&feature=g-upl

 

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Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Preview – Pool And Play Areas

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is full of sooo many pool and play areas!!! The amount of recreation options at this resort is truly amazing!!!

The Big Blue Pool

The Big Blue Pool is located just outside of the Animation Hall, and is the single largest pool on property which has a really neat twist! While the pool is beautiful above the water with spraying jellyfish and coral, the true gem is when you are swimming under water you get to hear music…which sometimes features characters from Finding Nemo chiming in. My personal favorite was when Mr. Ray started to sing along and commentate with Jimmy Buffett’s “Fins”!!! Another fun touch is the landscaping around the pool, because you will find that all of the palm trees aren’t straight, and look like they are swaying with the current of the Big Blue Sea.

If you have someone in your traveling party with disabilities, it is important to note that there is a special lift chair available to help them into the pool. Also life vests are available for swimmers who could use a little help.

Schoolyard Sprayground is located just past The Big Blue Pool, and is a fun water play area for younger members of the family which is full of fun water sprays and fountains. Nemo and Marlin are in the middle of the Sprayground with the sea anemones, with Nemo’s friends all around them. If you have diaper-age children, swim diapers and rubber pants are required when they are using the pool or water play areas.

Kids can play, slide, and hide in small tunnels at the Righteous Reef Playground. Squirt swims along the coral creating a fun place for everyone to explore! The playground is located next to the Schoolyard Sprayground.

If you want to make sure that you are ready for the next RunDisney event or if you are feeling guilty about all the gelato you ate at the Landscapes of Flavor food court, there’s a 1.38 mile jogging trail that goes around the resort. It is a great way to explore the Art of Animation Resort, and at night the trail is extremely well lit and the view of Pop Century from the trail is beautiful!!!

The Pixel Play Arcade

Pixel Play Arcade is 4500 square feet of fun for the whole family! The arcade features ticket games, the latest in video games (I loved playing the supersized Fruit Ninja game), and classic games like air hockey. Instead of using cash in the arcade, you purchase a card with credits to spend there during your stay.

If you think that the activities stop there, you are really mistaken. Recreation Cast Members work overtime to make sure that there are plenty of great things going on in the afternoon and early evenings at The Big Blue Pool. There is The Big Blue Beach Party, the Righteous Dance Party Extravaganza, Arts & Crafts, Games, and Movies Under the Stars just to name a few. All of these activities are free, and are subject to change. In the event of inclement weather, activities may be moved to the kid’s playroom next to the Front Desk.

While the resort is a great value as far as space is concerned, when you add in the extra value of all of the water and play areas, amenities, and Recreation offerings you really can’t go wrong with a stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Make sure you check out our Facebook Page to find more pictures of the Finding Nemo Pool and Play areas at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort!

 

 

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Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Preview – Nemo Family Suites

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Walt Disney World’s newest value resort, will be opening in just a few short days on May 31, 2012. Here are some pictures of the Nemo Family Suites, which will open in the first phase with 320 rooms.

These family suites are approximately the size of two standard rooms at the other value resorts at a little over 500 square feet. The suites are comprised of a queen size bed in the bedroom, a pull out double sofa in the living room and a double murphy bed that comes down over the dining table. There is a full bath off of the living room and it is important to note that the master bathroom does not have a bathtub. Also in the living room is the kitchenette area that includes a compact refrigerator, small microwave, coffeemaker and a bar sink.

The Nemo Family Suites are the two buildings, four and five on the resort map, that flank The Big Blue Pool as you exit the Animation Hall. As you exit the Hall, you find yourself shrunk down to Nemo’s size to experience his world with his friends. Mr. Ray greets you at the door of building four, which is on your right as you face the pool, and you see the shadows of Bruce and friends who remind you that “Fish are friends, not food” as fish adorn the walls and landscape around the entrance. Across the pool, Crush and his friends are coasting along in the EAC. The plants around the building reflect those that you would find in the Big Blue, and there are fish friends mixed in among them.

As soon as you walk into the hallways, which is one of my favorite parts of this resort, there is no doubt that you are in the world of Finding Nemo! The carpets have seaweed and bubbles, watch out for a Hidden Mickey, the walls are painted a soothing blue, and huge paintings of the characters adorn the walls.

Each room is dripping with detail! The carpets are decorated with colorful seaweed, schools of fish have created pictures, and in the bathroom you find that your vanity is made from reclaimed boat parts. But my absolute favorite detail, is that when you pull down the Murphey Bed there is a picture of Nemo and Marlin waiting for you. Plus, every cabinet and dresser drawer front is beautifully decorated with images from Finding Nemo.

I am absolutely in LOVE with these rooms, and I cannot wait to bring my family here to stay!!!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0I2fNUfXFk&feature=relmfu

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Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Preview – Resort Merchandise

Located inside the Animation Hall at the Art of Animation Resort you can find the Ink and Paint Shop where you can find both resort specific and merchandise that ties into the characters featured at the Art of Animation Resort.

The shop is decorated with large paint bottles, and is really vibrant.

Also this is where package pick-up is located for guests who chose to have their purchases shipped to the resort.

 

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The Orlando Solar Bears Are Out Of Hibernation and Into The Wild!

After ten years without a Hockey team, Orlando is “Out of Hibernation and Into the Wild” with the re-creation of the Orlando Solar Bears.

It all officially started in November 2011 when the ECHL, a premier “AA” hockey league, approved Orlando’s expansion Membership Application for the Orlando Solar Bears to return to the ice at the Amway Center in October 2012 in time for the ECHL’s 25th season.

The Orlando Membership is owned by Orlando Pro Hockey Operations, L.P., an entity controlled by Joe Haleski, Bob Ohrablo, and Jason Siegel.

Once the expansion was approved by the ECHL, the race was on to get the team in place and ready to take the ice in 2012.

At the Amway Center in January 2012 during the Orlando Magic vs Chicago Bulls game, the new Orlando Solar Bears logo was unveiled.

The logo features the team’s mascot “Shades” and was designed by Joe Bosack, a leading sports graphic designer, and uses the traditional teal and purple color scheme.

 

“A focus group made up of youth hockey players and coaches, past Solar Bears season ticket holders and former Solar Bears employees assisted us as we developed the marks that we will unveil tonight; in both the planning stages and with the final presentation,” said Jason Siegel, President of Orlando Pro Hockey Operations, LP.

Then on May 10, 2012, Orlando Solar Bears partners Jason Siegel, Joe Haleski and Bob Ohrablo joined Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to welcome the National Hockey League’s Minnesota Wild and the AHL Houston Aeros as affiliates for the Solar Bears as they begin their Out of Hibernation season in October 2012. The announcement was made at RDV Ice Den, the official training and practice site of the Orlando Solar Bears.

 

With Minnesota Sports and Entertainment hockey executive Jim Mill on hand for the announcement, it was an exciting afternoon!

“We want to win,” exclaimed Ohrablo. “We strongly believe that affiliating with the Wild organization will provide us with a solid core of players from which we can build a competitive and exciting team for our fans.”

It was also a really nice touch that young skaters from the RDV Ice Den were on hand to present both Minnesota Wild and Houston Aeros jerseys to executives and Mayor Dyer.

If you are as excited as we are about the Solar Bears taking the ice, there are two different types of Season Tickets available.

With the Half-Season Ticket package, priced $225 – $540, you select the 18 games, Opening Night and 17 regular season games, which you would like to attend at a savings of up to 31%. You will get the following:

  • First choice of seat location that stays the same for all of the regular season games. In addition to these games, you will also get access to both regular and playoff presales for individual game tickets before the general public.
  • Also, there will be three VIP events which you will receive invitations to as a Half-Season ticket holder. The events will be in November/December 2012 “Holiday Skate with the Players”, January/February 2013 “Winter Carnival”, and in March 2013 there will be a Year-End Awards Banquet.
  • Ticket Forwarding – An easy way to email your tickets to others
  • Dedicated Account Manager
  • Online Account Access.

With the Full-Season Ticket package, priced $380 – $1,480, you will get tickets to all 36 regular season home games and the first four home playoff games at a savings up to 42%. In addition to all of the privileges that Half-Season ticket holder receive, Full-Season ticket holders will have the opportunity to “freeze” their ticket plan price for the Solar Bear’s first three seasons (2012-2015).

If you are interested in being either a Half or Full-Season ticket holder, you can find more information here.

For more information about Orlando’s Solar Bears, you can follow them on their website, on Facebook, on Twitter @OrlandoHockey, and on YouTube.

I can tell you that I am really excited about the upcoming Orlando Solar Bear’s season, and that I can’t wait to see my first game in October!!!

 

 

 

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A Day At Discovery Cove Now Includes Admission To SeaWorld Orlando And Aquatica

Discovery Cove is offering the ultimate vacation for Orlando visitors with the introduction of a new, all-inclusive package: A day at Discovery Cove now includes unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s waterpark.
These three parks — Discovery Cove, SeaWorld and Aquatica — are now known collectively as SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando, the only place in the world that features unique adventures that connect families with animals, the sea and each other. It’s the one destination in Orlando where animals are the highlight and includes preferred hotel stays and exclusive benefits.
 
“This new offer is incredible for guests because it allows them to explore Discovery Cove for the day and also enjoy SeaWorld and Aquatica during their Orlando vacation, so they can experience the amazing animal connections that all of our parks deliver in their own way.” said Toni Caracciolo, Marketing Vice President for SeaWorld Parks & Resorts. “It also solidifies the Discovery Cove reservation as a true, all-inclusive package,” she added.
 
At Discovery Cove, guests can enjoy a perfect day swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with rays and tropical fish, hand-feeding exotic birds, and relaxing on pristine beaches … and that’s just the beginning.
 
Opening later this summer at Discovery Cove is Freshwater Oasis, where guests can wade, relax and come face-to-face with new animals — playful otters and curious marmosets. Plus, with unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica for 14 consecutive days, guests have the ultimate flexibility to live the 3D 360 journey at TurtleTrek, SeaWorld’s newest attraction, and then cool off at Aquatica, a one-of-a-kind waterpark that immerses them in the playfulness of the sea.
Starting at $229, Dolphin Swim Day Resort Packages at Discovery Cove now include:
  • Reserved dolphin experience
  • Unlimited access to signature experiences including:  The Grand Reef, free-flight Explorer’s Aviary, Serenity Bay, Wind-Away River and coming soon Freshwater Oasis
  • Freshly prepared breakfast and lunch plus snacks throughout the day
  • Beverages all day long, including sodas, water and alcoholic drinks
  • All swim gear (mask, snorkel, and swim vest or wetsuit), towels, locker, sunscreen and other first-class amenities
  • All day self-parking at Discovery Cove
  • A complimentary photo portrait of guest and their party upon entry to park
  • A pass for 14 consecutive days of unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica in Orlando before, during or after Discovery Cove visit.
 
Guests that have already booked Discovery Cove reservations on or after May 22 and who have selected SeaWorld Orlando or Aquatica with their reservation will automatically have access to both parks during their vacation.  For reservations and to learn more, visit DiscoveryCove.com or call 1-877-434-7268.
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The Secret World of Arrietty Comes To Blu-Ray and DVD May 22

Walt Disney Studios and the legendary Studio Ghibli (“Ponyo” and “Spirited Away”) proudly open the doors to “The Secret World of Arrietty” on Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD, on May 22, 2012. This visually Stunning animated movie stars an impressive voice cast that includes Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, Bridgit Mendler, Moises Arias, David Henrie and the iconic Carol Burnett.

Based on the acclaimed children’s book series “The Borrowers,” by Mary Norton, “The Secret World of Arrietty” is an imaginative tale of “little people” living furtively among us, and the unlikely friendship that forms when their hidden world is discovered. The heartwarming family adventure features beautiful, stylized animation and timeless themes of friendship, courage, and determiniation

Residing quietly beneath the floorboards are little people who live undetected in a secret world to be discovered. Arrietty (voice of Bridgit Mendler), a tiny, but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents (voices of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper (voice of Carol Burnett). Like all the little people, Arrietty remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to “borrow” scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her human hosts.

 

But when 12-year-old Shawn (voiced by David Henrie), a human boy who comes to stay in the home, discovers hi mysterious housemate on evening, a secret friendship blossoms. If discovered, their relationship could drive Arrietty’s family from the home and straight into danger.

 

In Dave’s earlier review of The Secret World of Arrietty, the message and beauty of the story really shine in the Blu-Ray format!  While a lot of the more serious material of the movie went over Zoe’s head, the core messages of love, hope, trust and courage really hit home with her…and us for that matter! We are huge fans of Studio Ghibli, and The Secret World of Arriety doesn’t disappoint!!! It is truly a beautiful movie with a heartwarming message.

In addition to the Blu-Ray hi-definition picture and digital sound, the 2-disc Combo Pack includes a good variety of bonus features! There is a Storyboard Presentation of the film, as well as the original Japanese Trailers and Television Commercials, There are also two great music videos in the bonus materials! Both “Summertime” performed by Bridgit Mendler and “Arrietty’s Song” which is the movie’s theme song is performed by innovative singer and harpist Cecile Corbel, who also wrote the lyrics, do not disappoint!!! There is also a behind the scenes look at The Making of “Summertime” music video hosted by Bridgit Mendler.

The Secret World of Arrietty is 95 minutes of great movie and the bonus features are definitely the cherry on top! I only hope that you enjoy this movie as much as we did!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6enJL6JiQc

 

 

 

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