Family fun Archives - Page 2 of 2

LEGOLAND Florida New DUPLO Valley Opening in 2014

LEGOLAND Florida Announces

New DUPLO Valley Toddler Area Opening in 2014

Plans Include New Attractions, Renovations and Enhanced Theming

LEGOLANDFlorida today announced new attractions and significant renovations to the theme park’s toddler-dedicated area, which will be called DUPLO^® Valley when it reopens in spring 2014. Planned enhancements will bring the LEGO^® DUPLO line of preschool building toys to life with new farm-themed attractions, an air-conditioned indoor play area, and a water play area all geared to toddlers ages 2 to 5. DUPLO Valley will be the ideal place for park guests to play and relax with their toddlers.

New attractions coming to DUPLO Valley include a train, a mini tractor ride, and a water play area. The central feature will be the DUPLO Train where toddlers can board a train on their own or with their parents to explore countryside-themed scenery passing through farms, fishing holes and campgrounds. Just across the way, toddlers can jump on a tractor just their size and help the farmers plow the cornfields and hunt for missing farm animals. For those looking to cool off, the new splash and play area will be refreshingly fun with intermittent water spouts and interactive water elements set among larger than life farm animals with a soft deck for safety.

Another key element will be the existing DUPLO Barn, which will feature significant enhancements to allow kids to play indoors in the comfort of air conditioning. Existing attractions will be enhanced with additional DUPLO farm-themed play areas and a toddler room where parents can relax while kids build with DUPLO bricks. The barn’s Baby Care Center will continue to provide all the amenities to take care of young children. It offers private nursing stations, rocking chairs, microwaves, bottle warmers, high chairs, changing stations, Wi-Fi, cell phone charging stations and more. The Baby Care Center will remain open during construction to accommodate families.

During construction, park guests with toddlers are encouraged to explore the many other attractions the entire family can enjoy including the newest attractions in The LEGO World of Chima presented by Cartoon Network. A complete list of toddler-based attractions can be found at www.legoland.com/toddlers.

The new DUPLO Valley will add more excitement to LEGOLAND Florida’s line-up of more than 50 rides, shows and attractions dedicated to children of ages 2 to 12.

Make sure you keep up with all the latest LEGOLAND Florida News, by following them!

Website: www.legoland.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LEGOLANDFlorida
Twitter: www.twitter.com/@LEGOLANDFlorida

Pick Six: Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando

A highlight of the Halloween Party season in Orlando for our family is Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando!

Halloween Spooktacular events at SeaWorld Orlando take place weekends in October on the 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, and 26-27 from 12 to 8 pm, and Trick-or-Treat stations, special characters, Penelope’s Party Zone, and more are all included with your admission! There are also special Halloween Spooktacular themed cookie decorating, merchandise, and games which are available at a very reasonable extra charge.

While the party is filled with great activities, characters, candy, and fun here are our favorite highlights of Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando!

Pick Six:

Halloween Spooktacular Orlando Highlights

1. Decorations

I absolutely adore how SeaWorld Orlando is transformed for Halloween Spooktacular! You’ll find fishy looking pumpkins, tons of bubbles, colorful banners, and scenes that really transport you to a Halloween ‘Fantasea’! Zoe especially loves the bubbles everywhere!!!

2. Characters

When you think of SeaWorld you may not think of meeting characters, but you should! This year Pirate Shamu and friends are meeting and dancing with guests at Penelope’s Party Zone in Bayside Stadium. This is a HUGE improvement from last year’s meet and greet location, because the characters really know how to boogie and really who doesn’t want to dance with Shamu???

3. Free Activities

Since Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando is during the day and centered around family fun, there are really great free activities for kids of all ages! For the younger guests at Halloween Spooktacular, there are coloring easels with stools and play areas. And for the older guests, there are pumpkin foam crafts to make and iPads with big screens set up to play the SeaWorld Turtle Trek game! These activities are all found in Penelope’s Party Zone, and I will warn parents that you will spend a lot of your Halloween Spooktacular time here!

4. Cookie Decorating

Every year there is a special treat to decorate, and this year’s cookie decorating doesn’t disappoint! On the upper walkway of Bayside Stadium you will find the cookie decorating tents where you can purchase a cookie decorating kit for $5.50, which includes a cookie, icing, decorating sprinkles & candies, and your choice of water, apple juice, and milk. What I especially love about this area is that it is a place where you and your children can sit away from the party to grab a snack and let them unwind for a spell. If you are a SeaWorld Orlando Annual Passholder, you will receive a discount on the cookie decorating kit!

5. Animal Interactions

Zoe ALWAYS loves the animal interactions that she finds when we visit SeaWorld Orlando, and she loves them even more when she can take a picture with them in her Halloween costume! The day we attended Halloween Spooktacular, Zoe met a Tawny Frogmouth, who was super soft and sweet!

6. Trick-or-Treating

I left our favorite highlight for last…Trick-or-Treating! At Halloween Spooktacular Trick-or-Treating is no joke! You can enter the Underwater Fantasea Path near Shamu Stadium or at the path near the Dolphin Nursery, and the path takes you through the center of all the Halloween Spooktacular fun with 12 Trick-or-Treating spots. The lines are clearly marked which keeps things really organized, and the type of candy being distributed is clearly displayed so you can see if you want to stop or if you need to start thinking of a candy trade to make! You also don’t have to worry about bringing a bag for your treats, because they have high quality paper bags and maps at both entrances to the path!

When you do go to Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando, make sure that you follow SeaWorld on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for great details and information! If you are sharing pictures also make sure to tag your pictures with #SeaWorldSpooktacular, because SeaWorld wants to hear from you and they are even holding contests for attendees!

I hope that you enjoyed our Pick Six for Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando, and I’d love to hear what you love the best about this family-friendly and fun filled Halloween event!

Colorvision Amazing Pictures At The Universal Orlando Resort Expands

Colorvision Amazing Pictures At Universal Orlando Resort Adds Two Great Photo Experiences

Universal Orlando Guests Now Have Innovative Ways to Capture Timeless Park Memories

Recently I had the opportunity to visit the Colorvision International Inc. – Amazing Pictures (Colorvision) headquarters to learn about the expanding photo experience they are offering at the Universal Orlando Resort!

“Colorvision has been proud to partner with Universal Orlando Resort since 2009,” said Colorvision President Mark Simmons. “We are thrilled to unveil this one of a kind system, designed specifically with the guests of Universal Orlando Resort in mind. Colorvision has been providing high end digital products that memorialize the guest’s experience forever while generating superior results for our partners for the last 35 years, and the best is yet to come.”

When you visit the Universal Orlando Resort, you find tons of photo options to make your visit to Universal Orlando Resort memorable! You will find Colorvision providing roaming photographers, fun pictures that put you in scenes with some of your favorite characters, on-ride photos, their newest offering which lets you take a seat in the Simpsons living room, and more.

In addition to these photo experiences at Universal Orlando Resort, the Universal Photo Connect and Star Card have debuted that are perfect for Annual Passholders and for guests spending an extended amount of time at the resort.

The Universal Photo Connect is a way to keep the photos that you to take photos during your visit to the Universal Orlando Resort organized and in one place online so you can view and share them easily.

To participate in the Universal Photo Connect, you will need to get your picture taken by a Photo Connect photographer to receive a card and then you will need to visit Photo Connect locations in both the Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure parks to see your pictures and choose your options before you leave for the day. Both of the main stores are located just inside of the turnstiles are are clearly marked.

There are tons of products that can be ordered online and customized with your photos, and my favorite that we saw was their photo books which are reasonably priced and are created with the help of Colorvision International Inc. – Amazing Pictures (Colorvision) graphic designers.

For me the most exciting launch between Colorvision and Universal Orlando Resort is the Star Card!

Guests who purchase the Star Card get great photos accessible online and large format print of their favorite image, a lanyard, a personalized Photo Connect Card displaying their favorite image and a digital copy of all pictures taken in the parks.

After your visit to the Universal Orlando Resort, Star Card guests easily log into their accounts universalphotoconnect.com from home where they can share their pictures on social media, order prints, and photo CDs (with stock professional stock photos included) & products.

Here is a quick breakdown of the Star Card Program:

* The Star Card Package is $59.95 plus tax and can be bought at locations in both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

* The Star Card Package includes the following items:

Digital copies of all you in-park and ride photos for five days.
(1) 8×10 or 5×7 photo print per package.
Photo Connect lanyard.
Customized Photo Connect Card (with your favorite photos).
Photo CD of all your pictures (fulfilled online, shipping and handling fees apply).
Discounts up to 20 percent on prints, videos, and accessories sold at the Photo Connect Stores

* Prints can be added to your Star Card Package for $24.95 plus tax, and you can also get a prints only version of the Star Card which you can get more details at the locations in the parks. The prints are 4×6 and are only limited to the times you do the attraction, ride, in-park experience, or character photos.

* You can pre-purchase your Star Card Package and save $10! Here is the link to pre-order your package!

* The Star Card is ideal for Annual Passholders, because you can get a whole year of photos for $59.95 plus tax!

*Guests can also share photos via the Amazing Pictures Mobile App for Apple and Andriod!

The team at Colorvision are continuing to create new and easier ways for guests to use, share, and experience the Universal Orlando Resort, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next!

As part of this review I was provided a Star Card to use, and we have had a lot of fun taking photos and sharing our memories with family & friends.

Make sure to follow us Colorvision International Inc. – Amazing Pictures (Colorvision) on Twitter @CVCREATIVE and Facebook for great offers and up-to-date news!

Family Day At Universal Studios Florida

Every so often our Universal Orlando Daredevil wants to take a break from taking on Universal Orlando Resort at a break-neck pace, so we decided to head to Universal Studios Florida to have a fun day in the park together!

Since we are always running through the parks, we decided to let Zoe make the decisions and that led us to a really fun and laid back day!

Zoe’s first stop was E.T. Adventure, which is one of our favorite attractions in the park, to take a walk through the woods before we took an adventurous bike ride. I seriously don’t know what it is about this ride that makes us so incredibly happy…but it does! I hope I never stop giggling at E.T. saying ‘Shelley’!

A good tip is that if you have riders who aren’t comfortable on the ‘bike seats’, you can talk to a Team Member to see if there is a ride vehicle with a bench available to ride.

After we saved The Green Planet, E.T.’s home world, we headed over to Fievel’s Playland to let Zoe run around for a bit!

While she was playing and riding the water slide, Dave and I used the time to take it easy for a minute and talk in the shade!

After 3 rides on the slide, Zoe decided it was time to keep our adventure going!

But we didn’t get the chance to make it too far, because she saw that SpongeBob was out at SpongeBob StorePants which made for some great pictures and fun as we found some cool details in the store! Zoe especially lost her mind when she found Gary!!!

Zoe then decided it was time to eat, so we headed over to Springfield to visit her absolute favorite part of Universal Studios Florida!

Zoe loves eating at Fast Food Boulevard, so while she and Dave enjoyed Krusty Burgers I decided to give the Bumblebee Man Taco Truck a try!

Simpsons Universal Orlando — Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck

I had the Carne Asada Tacos, and they were really good! You have your choice of tortilla (flour or corn) for the tacos and it comes with tortilla chips. The steak was perfectly cooked, the guacamole was surprisingly delicious, and the toppings were fresh! The only thing that I wish was different is that they don’t have any Annual Pass discounts. However, the tacos paired with a Flaming Moe made a perfect and light meal for a warm day! I apologize for the lack of picture, but I was starving and they were really tasty!

We decided to give Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl a spin, and while it wasn’t the best of decisions after lunch it was still a lot of fun! The signs along the queue are a lot of fun and getting your saucer into orbit just right to trigger the character voices around the attraction is a great plus!

It may sound weird, but Zoe loves answering the phone outside of the Kwik-E-Mart! She would stay here forever if we let her!

We finally were able to lure her away with promises of letting her play the carnival games outside of The Simpsons Ride. While the games look like your typical sketchy carnival games, the Team Members in this area are always there to make them super fun! The games aren’t too expensive or hard that you don’t have a good chance at winning a prize.

Another big plus of these games is that you can win actual Simpsons prizes, and Zoe wound up winning a little Lisa who is now by her side at all times!

Lisa and Zoe wanted to kick it up a little bit, so we took a spin on MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack. While it is a really fun attraction, the air conditioning was blasting which was a huge bonus on this super sunny day!

We knew our day was starting to wind down, so we walked along the construction and took a moment to play with the Universal ScreenPlay app! It was another nice break from rushing towards the exit.

For Zoe’s last treat of the day, she asked to climb the walls! She absolutely loves the climbing area located near The Mummy, and for $5 it is more than fairly priced for similar experiences outside of the park! Adults have to sign a waiver, kids wear a harness and helmet, and helpful Team Members are there for extra encouragement.

As Optimus ‘Primed’ us to the fact storms were starting to roll in, we decided to head home after a fun and relaxing day at Universal Studios Florida.

I hope that you enjoyed joining us on our Family day at Universal Studios Florida, what do your kids like to choose when they get to call the shots and choose the attractions?

My Swiss Family Treehouse Story

Growing up Swiss Family Robinson was one of my most favorite movies of all times, and I remember running up these stairs of the Swiss Family Treehouse on my first visit with a spring in my step (I was only 9 at the time)!

Now I still venture up the 116 stairs of the Disneyodendron Eximus, but my spring is more of a jaunt now!

If you haven’t seen the movie, the Swiss Family Treehouse recreates the home the Robinson family built following a shipwreck.

When their ill-fated ship, the Swallow, becomes stranded off the coast of an uninhabited South Seas island after a pirate attack, the Robinson family unites to build a new home inside a huge tree, utilizing wreckage from the ship. But the pirates return, and the Robinson family must band together and evade capture.

httpv://youtu.be/HFzRVpD_Qzk

The Swiss Family Treehouse is a walk-though tour that takes about 15-20 minutes on a somewhat busy day, so if you’re unable to climb the stairs on your own or with the aid of someone within your party, it is recommended that you skip this attraction.

After you cross a bridge that lies at the foot of a large leafy tree, you will find a large wooden wheel gathers water from a stream and carries it up to the various rooms inside the Treehouse. And as you look further up at the 6 story tree covered with over 300,000 leaves, you will find open-air rooms that are full of great details from the movie.

If you are a fan of the movie, you will absolutely appreciate all of the rooms in the Treehouse! There are so many great details that will put a smile on your face!

The Living Room
Mahogany furniture, dishware and an organ mingle alongside the large wheel from the shipwrecked Swallow ship.
The Kitchen and Dining Room
A clamshell sink, a volcanic stone hearth and oven, and a table with benches are just some of the more modern conveniences you’ll see.
The Crow’s Nest
See the living quarters of sons Fritz, Ernst and Francis, complete with hammocks, a ragged chest and strewn clothing.
Study/Library
Home to antique books, a desk, a handmade bamboo chair and a lantern, this is where the Robinsons came to feed their minds and their souls.
Jungle Lookout
Boasting panoramic views from the top of the tree, this perch provided the Robinsons with serenity during their stay on the island.
View at the Top
Those who reach the summit of the treehouse will enjoy 360-degree views of Adventureland and Magic Kingdom park, particularly the river on which the Jungle Cruise boats sail. At over 6 stories high, it’s a spectacular sight to see!

Swiss Family Treehouse is a lot of fun, but it definitely isn’t for the faint of heart or for those looking to have a leisurely visit to the Magic Kingdom.

I really love this attraction, and hope that you enjoyed joining me while I re-visited some of my favorite childhood memories!

Celebration Kicks Off Fall With Oktoberfest

Celebration Kicks off Seventh Annual Oktoberfest

with Falling Leaves on October 25^th and 26^th

On October 25^th and 26^th, Celebration Town Center transforms before your very eyes as the falling leaves of the season drop on Market Street in the Fall Festival known as Oktoberfest. Listen for the rustling of leaves, relax by the lakeside and rock your troubles away, and enjoy the live music with family and friends in this one-of-a-kind themed extravaganza.

On Friday October 25^thOktoberfest will be celebrated in the old-world German tradition featuring the sounds of Dan Witucki & Heimatland Musikanten. Come join in on the interactive live show featuring everything from yodeling to crowd sing-a-long fun.

Then, come back on October 26^thas Celebration Town Center will celebrate “Rocktoberfest”. Featuring the sounds of The Micah Read Band and Lucy Iris, Celebration Town Center is the place to be to usher in Fall. It’s the coolest family-friendly Oktoberfest in the Southeast, so don’t miss it.

Hop on a hayride, dance to terrific live music, paint a pumpkin, or just stroll and enjoy the crisp fall air and enjoy the great savings at the lakeside promenade.

Leaves fall daily at 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 PM.

Parking and Admission are FREE!!!

There is something for everyone at this one of a kind Fall Festival presented by Lexin and sponsored in part by San Adams, Mona Lisa Suite Hotel, Axis Magazine, The Celebration Town Tavern, and Experience Kissimmee. For more information, visit us at www.celebrationtowncenter.com

Come early, Stay Late, and have fun at Celebration’s 7^th Annual Oktoberfest!!!!

October 25^th Schedule

5:30 PM DJ Tami Begins/Pumpkin Painting Begins

6:10-7:00 PM Dan Witucki & Heimatland Musikanten

7:00 PM Leaves Fall

7:15-8:00 PM Dan Witucki & Heimatland Musikanten

8:00 PM Leaves Fall

8:15-9:00 PM Dan Witucki & Heimatland Musikanten

9:00 PM Leaves Fall

9:15-10:00 PM Dan Witucki & Heimatland Musikanten

10:00 PM Event Ends

October 26^th Schedule

5:00 PM DJ Tami Begins/Pumpkin Painting Begins

5:30-6:15 PM TBA

6:15-7:00 PM Lucy Iris

7:00 PM Leaves Fall

7:15-8:00 PM The Micah Read Band

8:00 PM Leaves Fall

8:15-9:00 PM The Micah Read Band

9:00 PM Leaves Fall

9:15-10:00 PM The Micah Read Band

10:30 PM Event Ends

Busch Gardens Summer Nights Return

Summer Nights Bring Nightly Fireworks Back to Busch Gardens Tampa

Add Exciting Entertainment and World-Class Coasters in the Dark, and Busch Gardens is THE Place to Be Every Night This Summer!

Busch Gardens’ Summer Nights amps up the excitement year-after-year, and 2013 promises to offer even more after-dark entertainment and fun for the whole family with a new rock-n-roll musical production at the Desert Grill and the return of guests’ favorites, including an energizing acrobatics show featuring Kinetix, and an amazing fireworks finale every night of the event.

Starting this Saturday, June 8 through Aug. 18, 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’ 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. The show’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! Born to Rock

Feel the beat and get ready to let loose with Busch Gardens Tampa’s Born to Rock! Follow along with Arvin as he unexpectedly finds himself in the middle of a rock-n-roll musical production, filled with mash-ups of contemporary music and high-energy choreography. A live guitarist, belly dancers and a top-notch circus round out this excitingly wonderful whirlwind of color and music.

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.

On Thursdays, 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.

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. See Busch Gardens’ 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 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 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 daily admission or any annual pass.

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

NEW! The hottest ticket this summer is the 3-Park Summer Sizzler. This new, limited-time offer lets guests enjoy unlimited admission to Busch Gardens Tampa and unlimited weekday (Monday – Friday) admission to Adventure Island™ and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark™ Orlando, now through Labor Day for only $99. Florida’s best resident summer value is valid from the date of purchase through Labor Day, Sept. 2, 2013. Valid for Florida residents only (photo ID required); price is $99 plus tax. Take advantage of the Summer Sizzler online at Buschgardens.com or AdventureIsland.com, by calling (888) 800-5447, or at the front gates at Busch Gardens, Adventure Island™ and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark™.

How To Do Florida With Chad Crawford Coming This June With Great Giveaways

TV series explores fun, easy Florida adventures just in time for Summer Vacation! Plus your chance to win a $50 Gift Card from Gander Mountain and $1,000 “Family Camping Starter Kit”!!!

Fourth Season of the Award-winning

how to Do florida with Chad Crawford

Begins in June with some Great Giveaways!

From dry caving in Ocala to catching a 100-pound Goliath Grouper in Ft. Myers, Season 4 of the how-to travel and discovery series how to Do florida with Chad Crawford has something for everyone beginning in June. The award-winning syndicated TV series takes viewers from the Florida Keys to the Panhandle to discover exciting outdoor activities and shows how to do them. It is produced by Central Florida-based Crawford Entertainment and airs on the Sun Sports cable network and a mix of broadcast TV stations throughout the state.

how to Do florida with Chad Crawford is an entertaining resource for families planning their Florida vacations. Fast-paced, informative and humorous, each 30-minute episode features two outdoor destinations plus the popular “Florida Cooking” segment with Florida Department of Agriculture culinary ambassador chef Justin Timineri. Other new adventures for Season 4 include:

Swimming with manatees in Homosassa Springs
Venomous snakes 101 in Orlando
Hot air balloon ride adventure in Davenport
Experiencing a luxury working ranch near Haines City
A motorcycle trip from Flagler Beach to Cedar Key
Wine making in Clermont
Land-based shark fishing in Ft. Pierce and shark tooth diving in Tampa
A retro RV family road trip with a lunch stop in Tarpon Springs, an overnight stay at Rainbow Springs National Park and ending at the Blue Crab Festival in Palatka

This season’s line-up also includes three Top Five special edition shows featuring favorite how-to activities from past episodes.

The Television Syndication Company which distributes how to Do florida with Chad Crawford calls the program a ratings success. “how to Do florida has become a summer staple on TV stations across Florida,” said President Cassie Yde. “With solid ratings and great viewership in each market, how to Do florida consistently delivers added value to our stations’ schedules.”

With more than 14 million viewers tuning in to watch Season 3 of how to Do florida with Chad Crawford, creator and host Chad Crawford credits the show’s popularity to a combination of good content, high production value and his passion for all things Florida. “how to Do florida is much more than simply a TV show. It’s a movement; a chance to introduce people to the real Florida,” explained Crawford, a third-generation Floridian. “I want people – especially families – to get outdoors, discover the Florida of my youth and learn how to enjoy the awesome adventures I’m sharing with my family.”

A companion website www.howtodoflorida.com contains additional video content and helpful links for those wanting to learn more about the topics and locations featured on the show. In addition, the show’s social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube offer viewers a deeper, more interactive experience on how to discover Florida.

Sponsors for Season 4 are Bealls Florida Department Stores, Florida Department of Agriculture, Gander Mountain, the Florida Wildflower Foundation, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, Florida Hospital, the Florida Tomato Committee and Grand Golf Resorts of Florida.

To jump-start family outdoor vacations, how to Do florida with Chad Crawford is giving away a “Family Camping Starter Kit” valued at $1,000. For contest details and entry form, visit www.howtodoflorida.com starting July 12. No purchase is required. The contest is open to all Florida residents 18 or older.

Also to help celebrate how to Do florida with Chad Crawford kicking off, we are happy be giving away a $50 gift card to Gander Mountain!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

how to Do florida with Chad Crawford is produced by Crawford Entertainment, a full-service production company based in Lake Mary, Fla. that creates, develops and produces original themed television series and specials for national television syndication and cable networks.

Find Yourself In Nature At The Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition

Find Yourself In Nature On Florida’s Space Coast

April 6 – 21, 2013

At the Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition

For sixteen days in April, the Space Coast will be host to hikers, bikers, paddlers, horseback riders and more during the Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition from April 6-21, 2013. The Space Coast of Florida boasts a variety of habitats to explore, from coastal scrub and forested uplands to open prairies and maritime hammocks. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy an amazing diversity of ecosystems during specially planned treks and tours during the Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition.

Inspired by the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition (FWCE) that covered 1000 miles of Florida in 100 days from the Florida Everglades to the Georgia Okefenokee Swamp, in April 2012, the Brevard Nature Alliance (BNA) created a local version of the statewide expedition. We share similar goals of creating awareness of conservation lands and wildlife corridors, but the BNA chose to encourage extensive active participation of the public. The Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition (BWCE) will feature the active involvement of many expert guides, residents and visitors. Some Brevard events will be limited to very fit participants, like a six-day 74 mile kayaking trip in the Indian River Lagoon spanning the county. A four-day fifty mile paddling trip will follow much of the same route used by the FWCE up the St Johns River to Titusville. A two-day 38 mile trip on fat-tire bikes from Cape Canaveral to Sebastian Inlet will provide another unique experience. Many other events are far less physically demanding such as pontoon boat rides in the Indian River Lagoon, plant identification hikes and a variety of educational events. This expedition includes keynote presentations by three of the participants of the FWCE as well as a Spring Seafood Jubilee.

The BWCE moves across land and water, providing approximately 8o scheduled events from April 6-21. This event offers a variety of activities that relate to the natural areas of Brevard County. These activities will appeal to a wide range of interests, ages and fitness levels. Some of the activities include: eco-tours on horseback, by kayak or canoe and fat-tire bikes; stand up paddleboarding in the Indian River Lagoon; a nocturnal nature hike; a night critter watch ride; pontoon boat guided excursions; wildlife photography, surf fishing and plant identification instruction; and more.

Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition Cornerstone Events:

6-day 70+ mile Indian River Lagoon paddling and camping trip–Scottsmoor to Micco (with 3-day options)
4-day 50+ mile St. Johns paddling trip–Lake Washington to Midway
April 13: Elam Stoltzfus at Brevard Community College/Titusville – Capturing the 100 Days in Video–from the Everglades to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, including along the St. Johns River in Brevard County.

The motto of the Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition is “find yourself in nature” — the event is designed to build awareness of conservation lands and wildlife corridors in Brevard County – Florida’s Space Coast.

The Expedition is being organized by local volunteers and has received support from sponsors and experts on the lands and outdoor recreation of the area, including special support from the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands program and the Space Coast Office of Tourism.

The Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition is presented by the Brevard Nature Alliance, a voluntary group of individuals and organizations associated for the purpose of raising the awareness of citizens and visitors to the value and importance of the natural resources of Brevard County, Florida. The group is dedicated to serving the community through educational outreach, environmental program development, strategic planning, and the sharing of information and expertise with all interested parties.

The Mission of the Brevard Nature Alliance is to build public awareness and appreciation of the value of Brevard County’s natural resources by fostering and promoting ethical nature-based ecotourism.

Israel Independence Day Family Festival

Join the Roth Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando for their Israel Independence Day Family Festival in just 2 weeks on Sunday, April 21, 2013 from 10am – 4pm at Cranes Roost Park (map) in Altamonte Springs!

Save $5 on activity tickets when you purchase them in advance!

Great American Pie Festival Giveaway!

While I love the holidays in Celebration, nothing makes me happier than the arrival of spring and the Great American Pie Festival!

This year marks the 12^th year that the ever popular American Pie Council Great American Pie Festival sponsored by Crisco® returns to Celebration, Florida, making the dreams of thousands of pie lovers come true on April 27^th and 28^th, 2013.

The festival will be held at Lakeside Park at 631 Sycamore St. in downtown Celebration, Florida 34747. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, April 27; noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, April 28.

Admission to the Great American Pie Festival is free, and full of great activities, entertainment, and most importantly pie!

Some of the activities that you’ll find at the festival include a Pie Creation Station, pie tin art activity for art lovers of all ages, and the Pietopia Demonstration Stage sponsored by Village Inn and Bakers Square Restaurants, featuring entertainment and baking demonstrations with chefs from across the country.

And what would a Pie Festival be without the kids’ and adults’ pie eating contests that are returning this year, once again sponsored by Private Selection.

There is also a really large Children’s area that is chocked full of great crafts, some are edible and all are fun, and tons of bouncy houses. Zoe absolutely LOVES this area, and while she loves the pie this is her absolute favorite area!!! Admission to participate in all this area has to offer is $10/child, but it is absolutely worth it and a great way to work off some of the pie you’ve eaten!

However the shining star of the Great American Pie Festival is the Never Ending Pie Buffet, which last year featured an astounding 90,000 slices of pie as well as ice cream, toppings and beverages from America’s best known commercial bakers.

This year the Never Ending Pie Buffet will feature Bakers Square Restaurants and Pies, Bonert’s Slice of Pie, J. Horner’s Desserts, Kroger’s Private Selection, Publix Super Markets, Inc., Rocky Mountain Pies, Smucker’s Toppings, Village Inn, and Wick’s Pies among others.

Tickets to the Pie Buffet are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors over 65 and children under 5 to enjoy all they care of eat and drink.

Now…for the super fun part!

I am giving away a Family Four Pack of Tickets to the Great American Pie Festival’s Never Ending Pie Buffet! The Family Four Pack of Tickets includes 2 adult and 2 children’s admission tickets, and entry is easy and ends on April 19, 2013. So enter our giveaway today and every day until then!

Great American Pie Festival Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and I hope to see you there!!!

Those interested in keeping up to date on the latest news concerning the pie championships, pie festival or pie news can follow the American Pie Council on Facebook and Pinterest and on Twitter.

Gaylord Palms Celebrates Family Fun With Shrek And Friends

Did someone say Fun?

Grab your swamp shorts and Join Gaylord Palms for

Family Fun with Dreamworks Animation’s Shrek and Friends

Find your roar. Score some swampy goo. Devour scrumptious concoctions. Test your mettle and see if you are made for swamp life livin’ at its finest. Get down and dirty and become honorary ogres when you celebrate Family Fun with Shrek & Friends taking place at Gaylord Palms Resort on April 13 and May 4, 2013.

Mix and mingle and rub elbows with the friendliest — er, mightiest of ogres, the one and only Shrek! Create some ooey gooey swampy slime, and then feast on swamp sludge and eyeball cookies (green milk and M&M cookies). If that doesn’t satisfy your fever for the family fun factor, head outside for a Crack-A-Lackin’ Pool Party and Splash ‘N’ Screen viewing of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.’s film, Shrek Forever After. You will want to capture this sticky situation, so pack those cameras!

Package guests will also be fit for fun with your very own DreamWorks autograph book and Shrek ears amenities, along with a DreamWorks activity book, all received at check-in. Additionally, you will embark on an adventure like no other in the Rise of the Guardians Adventure Scavenger Hunt. Join forces with Jack Frost and the legendary Guardians to solve exciting puzzles, crack codes and find the clues needed to defeat the evil spirit, Pitch, and his devious plan to engulf the world in darkness and fear. Are you brave enough to take the challenge? Themed prizes can be retrieved at Concierge.

Why let the fun stop there? For an additional charge, guests can start the next day with a ShrekFeast Interactive Character Breakfast.Kids will love becoming an honorary Ogre and joining Shrek and friends for a fairytale feast fit for a king. Tableside hugs included! This experience features a Magic Fountain bubbling over with intoxicating chocolate potions and Shrek-shaped waffles with syrup.

This exclusive ogre-ific event is part of The DreamWorks Experience and takes place at Gaylord Palms on April 13 and May 4. Visit www.gaylordpalms.com today to book your Family Fun with Shrek & Friends package. Package rates start at $179 per night (exclusive of tax, resort fees and parking).

Gaylord Palms Resort is located five minutes from the gates of Walt Disney World at 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34746. For more information, visit www.gaylordpalms.com or call 407-586-2000.

Be sure to “Like” Gaylord Palms on Facebook to get the most up-to-date information and promotions!

Disney Easter Matching Game From Wonder Forge

I was super excited to receive the Wonder Forge Disney Easter Matching Game to review just in time for Easter!

This isn’t just your average matching game, because every so often you get a surprise glimpse of one of your favorite Disney Characters all dressed up and ready to celebrate Easter with your family. It was so fun to see Zoe’s face when she got a character that was as she called them ‘extra cool’!

The Disney Easter Matching game is played with the normal 72 cards, however instead of 2 of each card there are 4. While this took a little getting used to, Zoe found that it was easier for her to play.

The game is recommended for Children ages 3 and up, and is played like the classic matching game where the player with the most matched cards wins! If you are looking for a harder option, you can play with the rule that you must find all 4 matching cards. Playing Alone? Time yourself to see how long it takes to find and match all of the cards. Also, if you have a younger Disney Fan at home, you could play with half the cards for a less intimidating and faster matching game.

We really enjoyed playing the Disney Easter Matching Game together! It was a really fun twist on the classic matching game that I am sure we’ll be playing all year long.

If you’re looking for a really fun last minute goody to fill your Easter Baskets that is fun for the entire family, I suggest picking up the Disney Easter Matching Game from Wonder Forge.

Make sure you follow Wonder Forge on Facebook and Twitter for information on all their new games and giveaways!

Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando

Unlike most theme parks Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando, offers their Halloween activities, entertainment, and fun at no additional charge to admission making it a really great value and experience for everyone to enjoy!

Halloween Spooktacular has something for everyone in your family!

There is a HUGE Trick-or-Treat Trail that winds its way around over half of the park, and is jam packed full of candy stops, entertainment, and unique Halloween characters! There are two entrances to the trail, which opens at noon, and you receive a really nice paper Trick-or-Treating bag to continue with their dedication to use bags that are more eco-friendly! We prefer to start at the entrance closer to the Dolphin Nursery, because it is really festive and filled with bubbles which Zoe cannot resist!!! Another great part of the Halloween Spooktacular event is that if you follow the Trick-or-Treat trail you will eventually hit every highlight of the event!

Penelope’s Party Zone is where we tend to spend a large majority of our time at Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando! This area, in Bayside Stadium, is where you can find a DJ and characters getting down, a free craft activity, storytelling, drawing areas for younger children, and most importantly a shady spot for parents and kids to take a break from the fun for a bit! I really think that Zoe would rather spend her time dancing than getting candy!

There is also Sesame Street Countdown to Halloween which is a really fun show that plays only on Halloween Spooktacular days. This is a fun musical production about Halloween starring all of your favorite characters. It is a favorite part of Spooktacular in our family.

Check out the all-new Penelope’s Photacular where you can show off your most Halloween Spooktacular costume, and it might make a celebrity guest appearance before the Shamu Rocks show in a virtual costume parade! Located on the Bayside Trick-or-Treat Trail between Bayside Stadium and Wild Arctic this fun photo stop also includes some great SeaWorld Characters!!! The virtual costume parade before Shamu Rocks will start 30 minutes prior to the show, so make sure that you get to the stadium early so you don’t miss any of the fun.

While all of the above events are free, there are a few ways that you can enhance your day at SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular. The Count Von Count Spooktacular Breakfast at the Seafire Inn is a wonderful way to start your Spooktacular day!!! At this buffet breakfast you will get to meet your favorite Sesame Street characters and watch a show. You want to make sure that you get there at least 15 minutes early, because there is a special character who greets you, a 5×7 photo is included in the price of the buffet for your family as a keepsake! The cost for the Count Von Count Spooktacular Breakfast is $24.99 for ages 10 and up and $14.99 for children, and as always at SeaWorld Orlando Passholder discounts are available!

Also at Penelope’s Party Zone, there is a create your own apple and rice crispy treat stand. There are tons of topping and decorations for your edible masterpiece, and it is $5 ($4.50 for Passholders) which is a great value.

Along the Trick-or-Treat Trail there are also a lot of fun games that cost a little extra, but every player wins a prize so you really can’t go wrong! Zoe won a pink octopus that she is very proud of.

If you haven’t had the chance to experience Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld, what are you waiting for??? This is the last weekend so you better hurry!!!

Make sure you “Like” us on Facebook, and while you’re there check out more of our Halloween Spooktacular Photos!

Celebration Florida Celebrates Oktoberfest With Falling Leaves October 5th and 6th

Celebration Florida Kicks Off Sixth Annual Oktoberfest with Falling Leaves on

October 5th and 6^th with National Headliner-Ryan Cabrera

Celebration, FL

Celebration Florida will celebrate Oktoberfest on October 5 and 6.Celebration Town Center transforms before your very eyes as the falling leaves of the season drop on Market Street in the Fall Festival known as Oktoberfest. Listen for the rustling of leaves, relax by the lakeside and rock your troubles away, and enjoy the live music with family and friends in this one-of-a-kind themed extravaganza. It is Central Florida’s premier family-friendly Oktoberfest event.

On Friday October 5^thOktoberfest will be celebrated in the old-world German tradition featuring the sounds of Dan Witucki & Heimatland Musikanten. Come join in on the interactive live show featuring everything from yodeling to crowd sing-a-long fun.

Then, come back on October 6^th as Celebration Town Center welcomes a host of rock and roll entertainment for a night of “Rock”toberfest featuring national recording artist Ryan Cabrera(“On the Way Down” & “True” & more) as well as Jordyn Kane, and The Reflections Band.

Hop on a hayride, dance to terrific live music, paint a pumpkin, or just stroll and enjoy the crisp fall air and enjoy the great savings at the lakeside promenade.

Leaves fall daily in Celebration Florida at 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 PM.

Parking and Admission are FREE!!!

There is something for everyone at this one of a kind Fall Festival presented by Lexin and sponsored in part by Radeberger Pilsner, Melia Suite Hotel, Axis Magazine, The Celebration Town Tavern, and the Kissimmee Conventions and Visitors Bureau. For more information, visit us at www.celebrationtowncenter.com

Come early, Stay Late, and have fun at Celebration’s Annual Oktoberfest!!!!

October 5^th Celebration Florida Oktoberfest Schedule

5:30 PM DJ Tami Begins/Pumpkin Painting Begins

6:10-7:00 PM Dan Witucki & Heimatland Musikanten

7:00 PM Leaves Fall

7:15-8:00 PM Dan Witucki & Heimatland Musikanten

8:00 PM Leaves Fall

8:15-9:00 PM Dan Witucki & Heimatland Musikanten

9:00 PM Leaves Fall

9:15-10:00 PM Dan Witucki & Heimatland Musikanten

10:00 PM Event Ends

October 6^th Celebration Florida Oktoberfest Schedule

5:00 PM DJ Tami Begins/Pumpkin Painting Begins

5:30-6:15 PM Jordyn Kane

6:15-7:00 PM The Reflections Band

7:00 PM Leaves Fall

7:15-8:00 PM The Reflections Band

8:00 PM Leaves Fall

8:15-9:00 PM The Reflections Band

9:00 PM Leaves Fall

9:15-10:00 PM Ryan Cabrera

10:00 PM Event Ends

LEGOLAND Florida Announces

New DUPLO Valley Toddler Area Opening in 2014

Pick Six:

Halloween Spooktacular Orlando Highlights

Colorvision Amazing Pictures At Universal Orlando Resort Adds Two Great Photo Experiences

Celebration Kicks off Seventh Annual Oktoberfest

with Falling Leaves on October 25th and 26th

Fourth Season of the Award-winning

how to Do florida with Chad Crawford

Begins in June with some Great Giveaways!

Find Yourself In Nature On Florida’s Space Coast

April 6 – 21, 2013

At the Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition

Great American Pie Festival Giveaway!

Did someone say Fun?

Grab your swamp shorts and Join Gaylord Palms for

Family Fun with Dreamworks Animation’s Shrek and Friends

with Falling Leaves on October 25^th and 26^th