January 2022 Archives - On the Go in MCO

On the Go in the Parks: January 29-30, 2022

If you are on the Go in the Parks from January 29 to 30, 2022, you are sure to find fun for the entire family and great deals!

On the Go in the Parks: January 29-30, 2022

Elmo’s Birthday Celebration

Celebrate Elmo’s Birthday Party at SeaWorld Orlando daily, January 29 through February 3, with meet-and-greets, a family-friendly DJ, photo opportunities with your favorite furry friends, and even more surprises in select locations around Sesame Street Land!

Rock the Universe at Universal Studios Florida

On the Go in the Parks Rock the Universe 2022

Fans and youth groups can once again come together at Florida’s biggest Christian music festival to enjoy gripping performances by some of Christian music’s top artists, powerful worship experiences, and thrilling theme park attractions during an unforgettable weekend of faith and fun at Universal Studios Florida, from January 28-30.

Epcot International Festival of the Arts

Exhilarating adventures in the visual, culinary, and performing arts await guests at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts happening daily through February 21, 2022.

Throughout the festival’s run, chefs showcase dishes inspired by art movements, visual masterpieces come to life and Broadway stars sing beloved show tunes in a celebration of performance art that’s sure to captivate festivalgoers as only Disney can.

On the Go in the Parks Disney on Broadway Epcot International Festival of the Arts

This weekend’s Disney on Broadway Concert Series features performances from:

Kara Lindsay (Newsies) and Dan DeLuca (Newsies): January 28 through 29
Heidi Blickenstaff (Freaky Friday, The Little Mermaid) and Robert Creighton (Frozen): January 30 through 31

PirateFest at LEGOLAND Florida

LEGOLAND FLORIDA_PirateFest Weekends — PHOTO / LOCK + LAND, Chip Litherland

Captain Redbeard and his crew return to shore for PirateFest Weekends at LEGOLAND Florida Resort for select consecutive weekends.

During the event, families can immerse themselves in the ultimate pirate-packed day of play, including exclusive character meet-and-greets, exciting entertainment, LEGO builds, and specialty food– plus, it’s all included in theme park admission.

Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Mardi Gras 2022 On the Go in the Parks

Let the Good Times Roll with Busch Gardens Mardi Gras, select dates from through March 6.

Get jazzed up with Mardi Gras-style live music and New Orleans-inspired entertainment. Catch some festival beads from strolling performers throughout the day, and get caught up in the fun as you dance through spacious walkways. Feast like kings and queens on classic Cajun cuisine as Busch Gardens brings the “Big Easy” to Tampa Bay.

Real Music Concerts at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s longest-running concert series returns with an all-new the Real Music Concert series, Tuesday – Sunday until February 27.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s longest-running concert series brings nostalgic acts to Stanleyville Theater, including world-class tributes, musical performances, and chart-topping artists from the greatest musical eras.

Grab a seat in the climate-controlled Stanleyville Theater and see these memorable acts live at Busch Gardens Tampa.

ALL-4-ONE ~ JANUARY 25 – 30

If you’ve ever been in love, then you’ve heard the name All-4- One and their timeless songs “I Swear”, “I Can Love You Like That”, “So Much In Love”, “ I Turn To You”, “These Arms”, “Beautiful As You” and much more. The Grammy Award Winning group All-4-One is internationally known for making beautiful love songs that not only chart radio airwaves, but also garner countless awards.

Florida Resident Savings

Walt Disney World

Florida Resident Disney Weekday Magic Tickets: Enjoy 2 days of theme park fun for $149, plus tax.

Florida Resident Annual Passes: Enjoy the magic all year long with an Annual Pass. Florida Resident Disney Pixie Dust Pass is $19 per month, plus down payment.

Save 40% on a 4-Day Ticket: Florida Residents can experience the magic of the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and save big on tickets!

Universal Orlando Resort

Get 2 days free with a 2-Park 2-Day Ticket and experience 4 days total at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Ticket Offer Details:

Purchase By: March 31, 2022
When to Go: Now – June 30, 2022
NO BLOCKOUT DATES
Can be used on non-consecutive days.
Prices Vary by Day and Season: Check the pricing calendar for specific travel dates (price determined by date of first visit)
Online Only. Offer not available at the front gate.
Valid Florida photo ID required.
Restrictions apply.

Add a day at Volcano Bay for only $29 more!

SeaWorld Orlando

There are SOOOOO many great SeaWorld Orlando ticket, fun card, and annual pass discounts you are sure to find a deal that fits your needs!!!

Discovery Cove

LIMITED-TIME OFFER: SAVE 20% + COMPLIMENTARY DRINK PACKAGE

Florida Residents, enjoy year-round 20% savings and, for a limited time, receive a complimentary premium drink package (a $40 value) with your booking.

Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in the Parks and beyond by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

Science Fiction, Science Future Exhibit at Orlando Science Center

Let your imagination run wild with the possibilities of the future in our latest exhibition, Science Fiction, Science Future, presented by The Macauley and Helen Dow Whiting Foundation, coming to the Orlando Science Center from January 29 to May 9, 2022.

The exhibit will also be a key feature of this year’s Otronicon Science Festival and Tech Expo, when it returns as a fully in-person onsite event during Presidents Day Weekend, February 18-21.

Created by the renowned Scitech in Perth, Australia, and produced by Imagine Exhibitions, Science Fiction, Science Future will allow you to move objects with your mind, disappear right before your eyes, interact with a robot that copies your movements and experience augmented reality in action.

When you look back at iconic works of science fiction, they often predict the innovations of the future. Tablet computers, GPS, automatic doors, and even biometric health data tracking were all just figments of the imagination when they first appeared on Star Trek in the 1960s. Now, these are everyday technologies.

Science Fiction, Science Future gives you the chance to explore the technology that classic science fiction predicted for our future while you imagine what comes next. How long do you think it will take for robots to walk the streets with us? They already built our cars and explore space. You could predict the next great invention!

Inside the exhibit, you will also be able to draw and describe what you think houses, transportation, and our planet will look like in the world of tomorrow.

Will we live on Mars, get around using jet-pack rockets, or have a robot cook our meals? It’s up to you to decide.

We live in an exciting time in a world that is constantly changing due to technological advances. For example, it used to be fantasy to have robots works for us but now they vacuum our homes, act as personal butlers, and even do complex tasks like performing surgeries!

Find out more about the science fiction predictions that could become realities in this thought-provoking exhibition. Make sure to check out Science Fiction, Science Future while it’s at the Orlando Science Center.

The future is here, and it’s in your hands! For more info, timed-entry tickets, and health and safety guidelines, please visit www.osc.org.

Sesame Street Kids Weekend at SeaWorld Orlando

Everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends are hosting a party just for kids at SeaWorld Orlando during Sesame Street Kids Weekend January 22 – 23.

Join Elmo, Cookie Monster, Rosita, and all your favorite furry friends for a fun-filled weekend with hands-on activities, character photo opportunities, and more.

Guests can also have fun celebrating Everyday Heroes during the event. So you should sure to bring your kindness and caring along (no cape required!).

This family-friendly celebration is located in Sesame Street Land and is included with park admission.

Sesame Street Kids Weekend at SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando Sesame Street Kids Weekend 2021

Storytime with Big Bird

Gather around Big Bird’s Nest for Storytime with Big Bird who will be sharing some of his favorite stories at select times throughout the day.

Sesame Street Party Parade

Move to the beat during the coolest party on wheels and celebrate with your favorite friends at the award-winning Sesame Street Party Parade.

Everyday Hero Badges

You don’t have to wear a cape to be an Everyday Hero. You’ll have a chance to earn special badges for things like Bravery, Helping, Manners, and more all weekend, so get ready to join the Everyday Heroes Club!

Oscar’s Trash Art Activity

Oscar would be proud! In this activity, kids get to turn everyday materials that may seem like trash into beautiful works of art, which is sure to make any grouch happy!

Oscar will not be present at the activity.

Breakfast with Elmo & Friends

Join your favorite furry friends for a fun-filled breakfast feast. The whole family will enjoy the tasty breakfast menu options while your Sesame Street friends dance, sing, and mingle with guests for hugs and photos.

You won’t want to miss out on this exciting dining experience during Sesame Street Kids Weekend!

Dragons & Fairies at Leu Gardens

“Dragons & Fairies” debuting at Harry P. Leu Gardens from January 28 through March 6, 2022. A moving story centering around an adolescent fairy and her dragon friend unfolds as live actors in beautiful costumes take audiences on a ¾ mile theatrical journey.

Along the way, large-scale lighting installations, lots of surprises, and nine animatronic dragons await.

Presented by Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies and the creators of “Dazzling Nights”, “Down the Rabbit Hole” and the annual IMMERSE festival in Orlando comes to another fantastical, family-friendly journey that will inspire audiences with wonder, awe, friendship, and adventure.

“‘Dragons & Fairies’ is a journey, unlike anything audiences, have seen before,” says Creative City Project Executive Director Cole NeSmith. “It has been our goal to continually create safe, memorable, inspiring, spectacular events for audiences of all ages amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the massive success of ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’ earlier this year, we are excited to now transform Leu Gardens from the winter wonderland it is now with ‘Dazzling Nights’ to a fantastical world of adventure with ‘Dragons & Fairies’, which we promise to be an immersive, theatrical experience not to be missed.”

Dragons & Fairies at Leu Gardens

LOCATION: Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803

DATES: January 28 – March 6, 2022 (Wednesday through Sunday)

TICKETS: Tickets are $22 per person on Wednesday and Thursday and $25 per person Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Purchase at www.dragonsorlando.com.

PARKING: On-site parking is available for $12.

SeaWorld Inside Look Weekends Return in 2022

Inside Look Weekends at SeaWorld Orlando take visitors behind the scenes giving them a look at what it takes to provide daily animal care from the people who do it every day.

Inside Look Weekends happen, January 8–16, plus Monday, January 17, and is included with park admission.

SeaWorld Orlando Inside Look Weekends January 2022

SeaWorld Orlando Inside Look Weekends 2022

Experiences & Tours

1 – New! Inside Marine Mammal Care

Ever wonder how you prepare a feast for a pod of dolphins and care for them throughout the day? Step behind the scenes and get a glimpse of what it takes at SeaWorld, from feeding at the fish house to a poolside experience at Dolphin Cove led by our animal care specialists.
Experience available between 11a.m. – 12:30p.m. & 2p.m. – 4:30p.m.

2 – Returning! Inside SeaWorld Rescue Center

Visit the home base of the SeaWorld Rescue Team to meet and hear from the dedicated filtration experts, animal care personnel, lab technicians, and veterinarians who work around the clock to deliver life-saving care to animals in need.

3 – Returning! Inside Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin

Venture beyond the ice and snow of SeaWorld’s penguin habitat and learn what goes into caring for these beloved birds who hail from some of the coldest environments in the world. Enjoy Inside Look-exclusive views and learn from our animal care specialists how we feed and care for an entire colony of penguins.

4 – Returning! Inside Pacific Point Preserve

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the home of our California sea lions and harbor seals. Hear stories and gain insights from the animal care specialists who care for them every day and learn what it takes to maintain a thriving sea lion social group. This location is not ADA accessible.

5 – Returning! Inside Shark Encounter

Get a topside view at Shark Encounter and unlock the mysteries of caring for the sharks and sawfish in SeaWorld’s 700,000-gallon shark habitat. Visit the medical pool and learn how we give annual physicals. See the moving walkway that temporarily divides the exhibit for cleaning and discover how we feed our sharks. This location is not ADA accessible.

6 – Returning! Inside Orca Encounter

See more and learn more with exclusive backstage access at Orca Encounter. Meet and hear from the dedicated animal care specialists who safeguard the health and well-being of our killer whales. See where hundreds of pounds of fish are prepared each day, check out our larger-than-life whale toys, and visit our medical pool and system of habitat pools to better understand the dynamics of caring for SeaWorld’s largest residents.
Experience available between 12p.m. – 2p.m. & 3p.m. – 6p.m.

7 – Returning! Inside Wild Arctic

Step behind the scenes into the maze of back hallways that provide service access to the beluga whales and harbor seals that call Wild Arctic home. Plus, meet the team members who spend their days caring for these incredible animals.

You can find even more Inside Look Weekends fun, check out their official website!

Don’t forget you can keep up with event news and more by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

Busch Gardens Mardi Gras 2022

Let the Good Times Roll with Busch Gardens Mardi Gras, select dates from January 8 through March 6.

Busch Gardens Mardi Gras 2022

Mardi Gras Dining Locations

LIVE MUSIC, PARADE AND BEADS

MARDI GRAS PARADE – The Bird Gardens come to life as entertainers, stilt walkers and musicians bring the Mardi Gras spirit to Tampa Bay during this lively parade.

BEAD GARDEN – What’s Mardi Gras without beads? Stop by the Bead Garden for an opportunity to catch beads with your party.
Select times during event hours. Limited quantity of beads available.

BRASS BAND – Enjoy Bourbon street beats and jazz classics as the Brass Band gets the party started in the Bird Gardens.

LIVE LOCAL MUSIC – Immerse yourself in the music of New Orleans as local musical groups bring zest to this flavorful event.
See the daily schedule for showtimes.

Tastes of Mardi Gras

Tempt your taste buds with a signature shrimp po’ boy, hearty jambalaya and gumbo, or specialty sweets like iconic beignets. Handcrafted cocktail classics like Hurricanes join new signature drinks for a perfect pairing with the park’s carefully crafted culinary offering. Try them all with a Mardi Gras Sampler Lanyard!

Cupcakes during Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa

XCURSIONS

Mardi Gras Cupcakes (2 or 4 Packs)
Rum Tastings
Artisan Crafts

Beignets during Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa

SWEET BEIGNETS

Beignets: Traditional Powdered SugarWoodford Reserve Chocolate DrizzleBanana Foster
Smoked Bourbon Peach Sour Cocktail: Woodford Reserve, Peach Sour, Club Soda

Jambalya during Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa

JACKSON SQUARE

NEW! IMPOSSIBLE™ Dirty Rice: Spices of New Orleans, Green Onions, IMPOSSIBLE™ Meat
REIMAGINED! Shrimp & Grits: Cajun Garlic Shrimp, Smoked Cheddar, Tasso Ham, Stone Ground Grits
Creole-Style Jambalaya: Chicken, Andouille Sausage, Tomatoes, Green Onions
Spiced Vanilla Old-Fashioned Cocktail: Woodford Reserve, Vanilla, Bitters

Hurricanes

HURRICANES

Traditional Hurricane: Served Frozen or Iced Spike DAT! +$3.50

Shrimp Po'boy during Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa

ESPLANADE STREET BITES

NEW! Smoked Peppered Brisket: Chipotle Cream, New Orleans Kettle Chip, Green Onions
NEW! Smoked Chicken Po’boy: Bourbon BBQ, Crisp Lettuce, Pickles
Shrimp Po’boy: Crispy Shrimp, Creole Remoulade, Crisp cabbage, PicklesSmoked Bloody Mary Cocktail: Tito’s Vodka, Hickory, Fresh Lemon

Guesting enjoying drinks from the giraffe bar

GIRAFFE BAR

Hurricanes
Select Draft Beers
Frozen Cocktails
Cocktails on Tap

NOLA CREAMERY

NEW! French Quarter Chocolate Amaretto Cheesecake Waffle Cone: Chocolate Drizzle, Mardi Gras Sprinkles
REIMAGINED! The Mardi Gras Waffle Cone Sundae: Salted Caramel Ice Cream, Popcorn, Chocolate Drizzle, Whipped Topping, Wild Morello Cherries
REIMAGINED! Bourbon Street Cream and Cookie: Choice of Ice Cream, Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Drizzle

BAYOU BEVERAGE

(GARDEN GATE CAFE)Draft Beer
Frozen Cocktails: Strawberry Daiquri, Piña Colada, Tampa ViceGold Coin Mojito, and Green Fairy Margarita

Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in the Parks and beyond by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

Steinmetz Hall Opening Weekend Celebration

The opening weekend community celebration of Steinmetz Hall, an acoustically remarkable theater that completes the original design of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, is going to be amazing!

The celebration will begin with an opening ceremony press event on Friday, January 14 at 11 a.m., followed by two open houses for the community. Guests are invited to experience the world’s newest cultural and architectural achievement, right in the heart of downtown Orlando, on Friday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday, January 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A dream decades in the making finally comes to life with an incredible lineup that will bring the Dr. Phillips Center vision, Arts For Every Life, to the stage for the first performance at Steinmetz Hall with Rise & Shine—a one-of-a-kind, two-day showcase of diverse talents from across Central Florida on Friday and Sunday, January 14 and 16.

More than 250 artists will perform under the leadership of creative director Cole NeSmith, music director Eric Jacobsen and Orlando’s top visionaries—including artists from the Asian Cultural Association, Bach Festival Choir, Central Florida Community Arts, City of Orlando Poet Laureate Shawn Welcome, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, Gospel Liturgical Dance team from Inez Patricia School of Dance, Matthew Fowler & Prado Sisters, Orlando Choral Society, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Raymi Dance, Rico Monaco, SAK Comedy Lab, The 502’s, United Ballet Theater and Wynn Family.

“We are incredibly proud to open Steinmetz Hall with a moving, heart-warming performance that celebrates our city’s unity, individual diversity and creative spirit on one stage,” said NeSmith, the creative director for the Dr. Phillips Center Presents Rise & Shine. “It will be a seamless blend of art forms with orchestral and choir arrangements, modern dance, spoken word, musical fusion of hip-hop, opera and jazz, ballet, improv comedy, folk and Asian-Latin gospel fusion coming together for 90 minutes.”

Michael Feinstein will also bring Orlando Broadway stars and regional legends Davis Gaines, Norm Lewis, and Sofia Deler back home to perform the greatest hits from Broadway and the Great American Songbook on Saturday, January 15.

The Grand Opening Celebration of Steinmetz Hall will continue for more than two weeks with performances from international, national, and regional artists, including The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Royal Ballet, Jennifer Hudson, Leon Bridges, Lyle Lovett, and the world premiere of Duke Ellington’s Black, Brown & Beige, the only full-length orchestration, and Sacred Music.

Named after philanthropists Chuck and Margery Pabst Steinmetz, Steinmetz Hall will be one of the world’s most acoustically remarkable spaces designed to reach the lowest levels at which humans can detect sound in a modern building. The multi-form venue is one of the few in the world that can also transform in shape, seating, and sound to accommodate a variety of art forms and events.

The Grand Opening Celebration is supported by Dr. Phillips Charities, Ravago Americas, and Korbin Family Foundation. Also supported by Chuck & Margery Pabst Steinmetz, Anonymous, Joyce T. Green, Lynn & Joe Conte, Orosz Family, and Bob VanderWeide & Shelby Norwich. The Grand Celebration Season is supported by AdventHealth and Massey Services, Inc.

To purchase tickets to Steinmetz Hall visit their official website.

Dr. Phillips Center Announces 2022 Shows

Courtesy of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

A diverse array of musicians, comedians, and entertainers are set to perform in Walt Disney Theater and Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center in the new year!

Newly Announced Dr. Phillips Center Shows

Dr. Phillips Center Presents Pat Metheny SIDE-EYE with James Francies & Joe Dyson

Dr. Phillips Presents Pat Metheny SIDE-EYE with James Francies & Joe Dyson

Date: Thursday, February 17, 2022
Time: 7:30 p.m.

About Pat Metheny

It is one thing to attain popularity as a musician, but it is another to receive the kind of acclaim Pat Metheny has garnered from critics and peers. Over the years, Metheny has won countless polls as “Best Jazz Guitarist” and awards, including three gold records for (Still Life) Talking, Letter from Home, and Secret Story. He has also won 20 Grammy Awards spread out over a variety of different categories including Best Rock Instrumental, Best Contemporary Jazz Recording, Best Jazz Instrumental Solo, Best Instrumental Composition and, at one point, winning seven consecutive Grammys for seven consecutive albums.

In 2015 he was inducted into the Downbeat Hall of Fame, becoming only the fourth guitarist to be included (along with Django Reinhardt, Charlie Christian and Wes Montgomery) and it’s youngest member. Metheny has spent much of his life on tour, often doing more than 100 shows a year since becoming a bandleader in the 70s. He continues to be one of the brightest stars of the jazz community, dedicating time to both his own projects and those of emerging artists and established veterans alike, helping them to reach their audience as well as realizing their own artistic visions.

Dr. Phillips Center Presents Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Date: Tuesday & Wednesday, February 22 & 23, 2022
Time: 7:30 p.m.

About Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater grew from a now-fabled performance in March 1958 at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. Led by Alvin Ailey and a group of young African-American modern dancers, that performance changed forever the perception of American dance.

The Ailey company has gone on to perform for an estimated 25 million people at theaters in 48 states and 71 countries on six continents, as well as millions more through television broadcasts, film screenings and online platforms. Today, the Company continues Mr. Ailey’s mission by presenting important works of the past and commissioning new ones. In all, more than 235 works by over 90 choreographers have been part of the Ailey company’s repertory.

Before his untimely death in 1989, Alvin Ailey named Judith Jamison as his successor, and over the next 21 years, she brought the Company to unprecedented success. Ms. Jamison, in turn, personally selected Robert Battle to succeed her in 2011, and The New York Times declared he “has injected the company with new life.”

Dr. Phillips Center in association with AEG Presents Jay Leno

Date: Friday, February 25, 2022
Time: 7:30 p.m.

About Jay Leno

Acclaimed TV late night host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, TV and movie voice-over artists, pioneering car builder and mechanic and philanthropist…Jay Leno is widely characterized as “the hardest working man in show business.”

Jay Leno’s late night television rating domination included two decades as the host of the #1-rated The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. After the first two years, Jay Leno never lost a single ratings year in which he served as host.

Leno is the recipient of many honors, including Emmy, People’s Choice, and TV Guide awards, Harris Poll selection as most popular star on television, the Hasty Pudding Award at Harvard University, The Mark Twain Prize, recipient of the Patriot Award given by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and being the first person to drive the pace car of all major NASCAR events.

Dr. Phillips Center Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

Dr. Phillips Center in association with AEG Presents Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

Date: Sunday, March 20, 2022
Time: 8:00 p.m.

About Frankie Valli

The original Jersey boy himself, Frankie Valli is a true American legend. His incredible career with the Four Seasons, as well as his solo success, has spawned countless hit singles, with unforgettable tunes like “Sherry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “December ‘63 – Oh What A Night,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” and of course, “Grease.”

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons have sold over 100 million records worldwide. Valli’s legendary career was the inspiration for the Broadway juggernaut Jersey Boys.

Frankie Valli is not only a pop music icon, but also an actor, having been featured in the iconic television show, The Sopranos, as Rusty, the capo in the Lupertazzi crime family, as well as Rob Reiner’s romantic comedy, And So It Goes, alongside Michael Douglas and Diane Keaton.

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons continue to tour throughout the U.S. and abroad to packed houses, receiving nightly standing ovations from thrilled fans of multiple generations.

FL Falun Dafa Association Presents Shen Yun 2022

Date: Friday-Sunday, May 20-22, 2022
Time: Show times vary

About Shen Yun

The culture of ancient China was divinely inspired. Shen Yun’s works reflect this rich spiritual heritage… Shen Yun invites you to travel back to the magical world of ancient China. Experience a lost culture through the incredible art of classical Chinese dance, and see legends come to life. Shen Yun makes this possible by pushing the boundaries of the performing arts, with a unique blend of stunning costuming, high-tech backdrops and an orchestra like no other. Be prepared for a theatrical experience that will take your breath away!

Tickets for these performances are on sale now at www.drphillipscenter.org!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town 2021

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is ringing in the holiday season with Christmas Town daily until January 2, 2022.

This year’s celebration is the biggest and brightest yet with millions of twinkling holiday lights throughout the park’s 335 acres, spectacular fireworks, and a brand-new experience with Santa that will create merry memories for guests of all ages.

Included in park admission, the award-winning holiday event features all-new activities for the whole family as well as returning favorites!

New at Busch Gardens Tampa Christmas Town

Holiday in the Sky Fireworks Show: Enjoy classic holiday tunes and watch festive bursts of Christmas colors as they cover the sky in a dazzling fireworks display. Holiday in the Sky is offered on the Festival Field every Saturday and select event nights.

Storytime with Mrs. Claus: Located in the Coke Canopy near the Christmas Town Village, Mrs. Claus will share traditional holiday tales and a joyful song.

Santa’s North Pole Experience, presented by Coca-Cola: Jolly elves guide guests to see Santa in his workshop as he prepares for the holiday season.

Other fan-favorite holiday entertainment returning to this year’s Florida-style winter wonderland include:

“Christmas on Ice”: Busch Gardens’ longest-running holiday show returns to the Moroccan Palace Theater. This inspiring skating production transforms the stage with incredible feats of skating athleticism for a truly unmissable show set to holiday classic songs.

Elmo’s Christmas Wish: Join Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover, and Zoe as they help Elmo find his Christmas wish! Families are sure to be singing and dancing along while watching this fun holiday show.

Three Kings Journey: The musical tale of the famed journey to Bethlehem is celebrated in the round at the Stanleyville Theater.

Holly Jolly Express: All aboard for Christmas Cheer! This locomotive is on track to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the favorite songs of the season as guests venture through the park.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Journey to Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland to find the most famous reindeer of all.

Explore the Christmas Town Village

Take a break from the fantastic attractions to enjoy Christmas Town Village, a delicious destination filled with drinks and dishes from an indulgent holiday menu.

The menu features a variety of unique, limited-time options like the specialty cocktails like the “Mistletoe Margarita” and the “Apple Brandy Hot Toddy”.

You’ll also want to complete the night with a signature Christmas Town Hot Chocolate featuring festive flavors like peppermint or gingerbread.

You can feel the spirit of the season in each bite with the new maple bourbon pecan pie or feast on holiday favorites like the smoked brisket “totchos.”

The best way for guests to savor and save during the holidays is with a Christmas Town Sampler Lanyard, starting at ONLY $44.99 for an 8-punch lanyard.

Busch Gardens Tampa Annual Passholders remember to show your valid pass for a discount on the 8-punch lanyard!!!

Give the Gift of Busch Gardens Tampa

For a limited time, guests who purchase a 2022 Busch Gardens Fun Card receive park admission to visit NOW through the end of 2022 for only $119.99.

For even more value, guests can purchase an Annual Pass for unlimited visits and unbeatable benefits ranging from no blockout dates, up to six free guest tickets, and exclusive monthly rewards for 2022. The Annual Pass is organized in easy-to-use tiers, and includes one-park, two-park Busch Gardens and Adventure Island Passes, and the popular Florida four-park options, allowing guests to choose the pass, benefits, and the parks that are the best fit.

Want to find even more holiday fun around the City Beautiful? Follow @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

Night of a Million Lights Holiday Lights Spectacular

Give Kids the World Village, located in Kissimmee, is a truly magical place, and during the Night of a Million Lights Holiday Light Spectacular, the 89-acre nonprofit resort is an enchanting and joyful winter wonderland from Friday, November 12, 2021, through Sunday, January 2, 2022!

What began as an inventive pandemic pivot for Give Kids The World has evolved into Central Florida’s most beloved new holiday tradition.

Give Kids the World Village - Night of a Million Lights Tunnel

More than 92,000 guests attended Night of a Million Lights in 2020, named by USA TODAY the “Number One Thing To Do In Orlando In December.” With the return of wish families to the Village, this year’s event promises to be brighter and more festive than ever, while preserving the privacy and comfort of wish families during their visits.

“Children with critical illnesses face countless appointments, treatments and hospital stays, and they are often told “no” due to the limitations of their illness. We feel privileged to give wish children and their families a week of “yes” where they can forget their worries, experience joy, and spend precious time together,” said Give Kids The World President and CEO Pamela Landwirth. “We look forward to once again sharing some holiday joy with the community while raising the funds that will enable us to continue creating the happiness that inspires hope for these precious families.”

This year’s Night of a Million Lights enhancements will include a 360-degree dancing lights show encompassing 21 fully programmed buildings set to music, with six three-minute holiday vignettes playing each hour.

Give Kids the World Village Night of a Million Lights

Fun Fact: A majority of the Night of a Million Lights were donated by Walt Disney World!!!

In addition, a holiday marketplace will offer upgraded food and beverage experiences, festive holiday merchandise, and an opportunity for children to meet Santa in his elaborately decorated Florida home.

Give Kids the World Village - Night of a Million Lights 2021

Also new this year, guests can make their visits extra special by purchasing one of a variety of premium packages, ranging from behind-the-scenes guided tours and dessert parties to special events and exclusive balcony experiences – providing a stunning setting for marriage proposals, vow renewals, birthday and anniversary celebrations, and other special moments.

The event will run from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, with entry times staggered to prevent crowding.

Tickets are on sale now at www.gktw.org/lights, enabling guests to immerse themselves in an exquisitely decorated fairytale neighborhood that wish families call home during their stays.

Guests can explore a sparkling tree trail; view larger-than-life holiday displays; take photos at one-of-a-kind step-in frames and backdrops; and enjoy a guided storytelling tour of 100 magnificently lit villas from the comfort of a tram, included in the price of the ticket.

Want to find even more holiday fun around the City Beautiful? Follow @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Returns in 2022

I am really excited to share that the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will be debuting on January 14, 2022!

EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2022 - Painting in Person

This global celebration of the performing, culinary and visual arts runs through Feb. 21, 2022, as part of The World’s Most Magical Celebration honoring the 50^th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort.

EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2022 - Disney on Broadway Series

And, there’s more good news! The DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series is returning for this year’s festival, where you can see some of your favorite entertainers perform Disney songs live at America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase.

During the festival, art lovers of all ages can enjoy inspirational experiences, such as:

Culinary delights from Food Studios around World Showcase
The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine – a fun food stroll featuring five delicious sweet and savory treats
Chalk artists turning walkways into stunning landscapes and portraits
Photo ops where you can step into famous artwork
A paint-by-number mural
Figment’s Brush with the Masters scavenger hunt
Performance and visual artists
Special festival merchandise

EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2022 - Mural Painting

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is available with valid theme park admission and a park reservation for the same date.

I REALLY enjoy the Festival of the Arts, and I am beyond excited for the return of the Disney on Broadway Series!

As always, you can find more information about the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts and other special events by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

Rock the Universe Returns in 2022

Get ready to rock, ride and rejoice – Universal Orlando’s Rock the Universe is back! Fans and youth groups can once again come together at Florida’s biggest Christian music festival to enjoy gripping performances by some of Christian music’s top artists, powerful worship experiences, and thrilling theme park attractions during an unforgettable weekend of faith and fun at Universal Studios Florida, from January 28-30.

The rocking weekend kicks off Friday night with feature performances by GRAMMY award-winning Christian pop duo, for KING & COUNTRY, Dove award-winning contemporary Christian artist, Matthew West, and more. The good times continue Saturday night with performances by GRAMMY award-winning contemporary Christian rock band, Casting Crowns, multiple GRAMMY award-winning Christian rock artist, Zach Williams, Dove award-winning contemporary Christian band, Big Daddy Weave, and more. For the full weekend lineup, visit www.RocktheUniverse.com.

Beyond the main stage performances, Rock the Universe attendees can enjoy worship experiences throughout the weekend – including a Saturday ceremony with a special message and a moving musical performance, a powerful Sunday morning worship service to wrap up the faith-filled weekend, plus a dedicated FanZone presented by Coca-Cola, featuring live performances from up-and-coming acts.

Event Tickets and Vacation Packages are Now on Sale!
Tickets to Florida’s biggest Christian music festival include admission to stellar performances and exclusive access to popular Universal Studios attractions during event hours. And this year, guests can take advantage of admission to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure with a 2-Park Rock Your Weekend Ticket, starting at $129.99, plus tax.

At the heart of the event, Rock the Universe supports youth group ministries and offers special pricing, exclusive vacation packages, benefits, and opportunities for groups of 10 people or more.

Starting at $195 per person at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites or Surfside Inn and Suites, a Rock Your Weekend Group Getaway vacation package includes a 2-night hotel stay, a 2-Park Rock Your Weekend Ticket, and a souvenir photo. Groups who stay at one of Universal Orlando’s hotels will receive exclusive perks, such as Early Park Admission with valid theme park admission, complimentary shuttle transportation to Universal’s theme parks and Universal CityWalk, and more.

To purchase Rock the Universe tickets and vacation packages, visit www.RocktheUniverse.com.

Night of a Million Lights Holiday Lights Returns this November

This holiday season Give Kids the World Village will once again be home to an amazing dancing lights show, tram tours, unique behind-the-scenes experiences, and an array of exciting additions guaranteed to make this year’s second annual Night of a Million Lights holiday lights spectacular another dazzling success.

Scheduled to illuminate the Central Florida skyline from Friday, November 12, 2021 through Sunday, January 2, 2022, Night of a Million Lights will once again provide the public with a rare glimpse inside Give Kids The World Village, an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort that provides critically ill children and their families with magical weeklong wish vacations at no cost.

Tickets are on sale now at www.gktw.org/lights, enabling guests to immerse themselves in an exquisitely decorated fairytale neighborhood which wish families call home during their stays. Guests can explore a sparkling tree trail; view larger-than-life holiday displays; take photos at one-of-a-kind step-in frames and backdrops; and enjoy a guided storytelling tour of 100 magnificently lit villas from the comfort of a tram, included in the price of the ticket. The event will run from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, with staggered entry times to prevent crowding.

What began as an inventive pandemic pivot for Give Kids The World has evolved into Central Florida’s most beloved new holiday tradition. More than 92,000 guests attended Night of a Million Lights in 2020, named #1 on USA Today’s list of the “Best Things To Do in December in Orlando.” With the return of wish families to the Village, this year’s event promises to be brighter and more festive than ever, while preserving the privacy and comfort of wish families during their visits.

“Children with critical illnesses face countless appointments, treatments and hospital stays, and they are often told “no” due to the limitations of their illness. We feel privileged to give wish children and their families a week of “yes” where they can forget their worries, experience joy, and spend precious time together,” said Give Kids The World President and CEO Pamela Landwirth. “We look forward to once again sharing some holiday joy with the community while raising the funds that will enable us to continue creating the happiness that inspires hope for these precious families.”

Also new this year, guests can make their visits extra special by purchasing one of a variety of VIP packages, ranging from behind-the-scenes guided tours and premium dessert parties to special events and exclusive balcony experiences – providing a stunning setting for marriage proposals, vow renewals, birthday and anniversary celebrations, and other special moments. Discounts are available for groups of 25 guests or more. To inquire about group discounts and special events, please contact events@gktw.org.

Proceeds from Night of a Million Lights will support Give Kids The World, rated Four Stars by Charity Navigator 15 years in a row. When wish-granting organizations receive a request from a critically ill child who wants to visit Central Florida, Give Kids The World fulfills the wish – providing each child and his/her family with an all-inclusive stay that includes transportation; accommodations in one of the Village’s 166 storybook residential villas; all meals and snacks; donated theme park tickets; nightly entertainment; daily gifts; and priceless interactive experiences at the Village, featuring accessible rides and attractions. Since 1986, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 176,000 families from all 50 states and more than 76 countries.

Give Kids The World Village is located at 210 South Bass Road in Kissimmee.

To learn more, visit www.gktw.org.