Music Archives - On the Go in MCO

Full Sail Hall of Fame Music Festival

Full Sail University Adds Music Festival to 5^th Annual Hall of Fame

Celebration Schedule – February 19-21, 2014

Full Sail University is proud to announce the addition of a three-day music festival to the 5^th Annual Hall of Fame celebration featuring nationally and locally recognized bands and artists performing live on Full Sail’s campus. The Hall of Fame music festival will also include gaming exhibits, film screenings, food trucks and more.

This year’s Hall of Fame Music Festival, sponsored by WWE®, will feature performances by: Bear Toe, Beebs and Her Money Makers, Courrier, Jeremy Ellis, The Pauses, Thomas Wynn & The Believers, and many more. Admission to the music festival is free and open to the public, with doors opening at 12pm daily and performances held on the university’s Hollywood-style backlot from 3pm to 9pm. Full Sail’s Hall of Fame Week is sponsored by Sony Electronics’ Professional Solutions of America, with supporting sponsors WWE, Adobe Systems, Inc., Avid, CDW-G, Cisco, Hewlett Packard Co., Murphy Lighting Systems, and Sennheiser.

During Hall of Fame week, guest lectures and panel discussions will take place featuring new and past Hall of Fame inductees and industry leaders from notable companies including, but not limited to, ESPN, Sony, and WWE. Select events within the week will be streamed live to the university’s online students and the public.

Kicking off the Hall of Fame week celebration on February 18, Full Sail is proud to host the world premiere of Orlando Rising, a documentary film dedicated to the growth and economic impact of the Orlando digital industry. On February 21, the highlight of the multi-day celebration will be the induction ceremony of the latest Full Sail University Hall of Fame induction class comprised of six Full Sail graduates.

“As we embark on our 5^th annual Hall of Fame celebration week, and the 35^th anniversary of our university, we are filled with an astounding sense of pride surrounding our remarkable university community,” said Full Sail University President, Garry Jones.

Additional information regarding events, music festival performance schedule, and special guests will be announced as Hall of Fame Week approaches. Please visit the mobile-optimized site http://halloffame.fullsail.edu for more details, Like Full Sail University on Facebook and follow @FullSail to join the #FullSailHOF conversation on Twitter.

About Full Sail University:

Full Sail University is an award-winning educational leader for those pursuing careers in the entertainment and media industry. Founded in 1979, Full Sail has been recognized as one of the Top Five Game Degree Programs by Electronic Gaming Monthly, one of the Best Music Programs by Rolling Stone Magazine, and one of the Best Film Programs by UNleashed Magazine. Recently, Full Sail received the “21st Century Best Practices in Distance Learning Award” from the United States Distance Learning Association, was named the “School/College of the Year” by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges, and was recognized as one of the Top 100 Social Media Colleges by Studentadvisor.com.

Full Sail offers on-campus and online Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree programs in areas related to animation, art, business, education, graphic design, film, marketing, web development, music, recording arts, sports, and video games. Full Sail graduate credits include work on OSCAR®, Emmy®, GRAMMY®, ADDY®, MTV Video Music Award, and Spike VGX Video Game Award nominated and winning projects.

Justin Timberlake Brings The 20/20 Experience To Orlando!

WHAT: Justin Timberlake | The 20/20 Experience World Tour

WHEN: Thursday, December 19, 2013 | 8 pm

WHERE: Amway Center | Orlando, Florida

ON SALE: MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013 | 10 A.M.

One of this generation’s most celebrated entertainers, Justin Timberlake, announced he will kick off The 20/20 Experience World Tour starting on October 31. After dominating the global charts with the release of his acclaimed new album, “The 20/20 Experience,” Timberlake will bring his electrifying live

shows to fans with a worldwide tour that will run through 2014. The Grammy^® and Emmy^® Award-winning artist’s first tour in six years will visit dozens of countries throughout North America, Europe, South America and Australia. The 20/20 Experience World Tour is promoted worldwide by Live Nation Global Touring. Timberlake also revealed today the musical journey started on his album “The 20/20 Experience” will continue with the worldwide release of a new album on September 30. Timberlake brings his world tour to the Amway Center on December 19. Tickets go on sale May 13 at 10 a.m.

The 20/20 Experience World Tour will kick off in North America starting on October 31. On sale dates for this tour will be staggered with tickets for several shows going on sale starting on May 13 at 10 a.m. local time. Timberlake’s all-new fan club, The Tennessee Kids (#TNKids), will have access to a pre-sale starting on May 7 at 10 a.m. local time. Fans should visitwww.justintimberlake.com/tennesseekids to register for the fan club and receive a special code to access the pre-sale. A pre-sale for MasterCard cardholders will begin on May 8 at 10 a.m. local time. Cardholders will also have access to exclusive after shows in select markets as a part of the MasterCard Priceless Cities program. Fans should visitwww.priceless.com/justintimberlake for more information.

“The 20/20 Experience,” already hailed by critics as one of the year’s best albums, will continue with a second worldwide release this year on September 30. Written and produced byTimberlake, the epic album will feature 10 all new songs that explore the sonic boundaries fans discovered with the music found on this year’s earlier release.

TICKETS: $45, $90 & $175. Buy tickets at amwaycenter.com, Chase^®Box Office at Amway Center, Ticketmaster retail locations, charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000 or at Ticketmaster.com. All dates, act(s) and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges. For Amway Center box office and ticket information, visit amwaycenter.com (phone purchases are not available through the Amway Center box office). The Amway Center is located at 400 West Church Street and the box office is located on the north side of the Amway Center, near the intersection of Church Street and Hughey Avenue.

ABOUT AMWAY CENTER

The Orlando Magic served as the developer of the Amway Center, which hosts major national events, concerts and family shows. Opened in the fall of 2010, the facility is owned and operated by the City of Orlando on behalf of the Central Florida community. The Amway Center was designed to reflect the character of the community, meet the goals of the users and build on the legacy of sports and entertainment in Orlando. The building’s exterior features a modern blend of glass and metal materials, along with ever-changing graphics via a monumental wall along one facade. A 180-foot tall tower serves as a beacon amid the downtown skyline. At 875,000 square feet, the new arena is almost triple the size of the old Amway Arena (367,000 square feet). The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certified building features a sustainable, environmentally-friendly design and unmatched technology, featuring 1,100 digital monitors, the tallest high-definition video board in an NBA venue and multiple premium amenities available to all patrons in the building. Awarded 2012 Sports Facility of the Year by SportsBusiness Journal. For more information about the Amway Center, visit www.amwaycenter.com.

Legendary Rockers KISS to Headline ArenaBowl XXVI At The Amway Center

KISS to Headline ArenaBowl XXVI At The Amway Center

WHAT: KISS | MONSTER TOUR

WHEN: FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013 | 7:30 P.M.

WHERE: AMWAY CENTER | ORLANDO, FLORIDA

ON SALE: FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2013 | 10 A.M.

Legendary rock band KISS headlines ArenaBowl XXVI weekend festivities and celebrates their 40^th anniversary with the Champions of the Arena Football League on Friday, August 16 in Orlando, Florida at the Amway Center. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 3 at 10 a.m.

KISS, known for their elaborate explosive stage shows, iconic black and white face paint and never ending love of helping fans remember to “Rock and Roll All Nite,” return to Orlando for the first time since 2006. Lead by the founding partners Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, KISS has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide over the last four decades and attained eight Top 10 albums, highlighted by hit songs such as “Rock and Roll all Nite” and “Calling Dr. Love.” The recently released number one “Monster” album has been hailed by critics as the band’s greatest studio album in decades.

ArenaBowl XXVI is set for Saturday, August 17 at the Amway Center. The game will be broadcast live on CBS Television Network at 1 p.m. as part of the three-day ArenaBowl XXVI celebration.

Visit Tickemaster.com for KISS and ArenaBowl XXVI VIP packages.

TICKETS: $35, $49, $75 & $95 – Buy tickets at amwaycenter.com, Chase^®Box Office at Amway Center, Ticketmaster retail locations, charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000 or at Ticketmaster.com. All dates, act(s) and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges. For Amway Center box office and ticket information, visit amwaycenter.com (phone purchases are not available through the Amway Center box office). The Amway Center is located at 400 West Church Street and the box office is located on the north side of the Amway Center, near the intersection of Church Street and Hughey Avenue.

ABOUT ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Since its inception in 1987, the Arena Football League has showcased their fast-paced and exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. CBS Sports Network broadcasts an AFL National Game of the Week on Saturday nights for the regular season and postseason through the semifinal rounds. The ArenaBowl XXVI Championship Game airs on the CBS Television Network on August 17, 2013.

ABOUT AMWAY CENTER

Paul McCartney “Out There” Tour coming to Orlando’s Amway Center

Paul McCartney Adds Orlando

to All-New 2013″Out There” Tour

May 18, 2013 at Amway Center in Orlando, FL

Tickets On Sale – Friday, April 12, 2013 at 10:00 am

Paul McCartney has added more U.S. dates to his all-new 2013 “Out There” tour and will play the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida on May 18.

As previously announced, the tour will also be making stops May 22 in Austin, Texas at the Frank Erwin Center, May 29 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the BOK Center, July 9 in Boston, Massachusetts at Fenway Park and July 12 in Washington DC at Nationals Ballpark.

Tickets to the newly-announced show will go on sale beginning Friday, April 12 at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.com. American Express^® Cardmembers can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Tuesday, April 9 at 10 a.m. through Thursday, April 11 at 10 p.m. All times local.

Paul McCartney’s “Out There” tour is a brand new, never-before-seen production. The tour will feature hours of material from the most beloved catalog in popular music, with McCartney performing songs spanning his entire career–as a solo artist, member of Wings and of course The Beatles.

The McCartney live experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity. For approximately three hours, many of the greatest moments of the last 50 years of musical history–not to mention the soundtracks of entire lives–are magically brought to life as only McCartney’s can do. Last year marked 40 years since McCartney’s premiere tour as a solo artist and these past four decades have seen him play in a staggeringly impressive range of venues and locations, including outside the Coliseum in Rome, in Moscow’s Red Square, at the White House, a free show in Mexico to over 400,000 people and even a performance beamed into outer space. Having played with his peerless band of Paul ‘Wix’ Wickens (keyboards), Rusty Anderson (guitar), Abe Laboriel Jr. (drums) and Brian Ray (bass/guitar) for over ten years, Paul never disappoints.

McCartney is throwing himself into 2013 with full force following yet another landmark year in 2012, which saw him conclude his record-breaking “On The Run” tour, release his Grammy^®-winning “Kisses On The Bottom” album, accept a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, play at both the Diamond Jubilee and Olympics Opening Ceremony, be named MusiCares Person of the Year and headline 12-12-12 The Concert For Sandy Relief–to highlight just a few memorable moments. With the “Out There'” tour and a new studio album in the works, it looks like 2013 will show no signs of McCartney slowing down.

The “Out There” tour will see Paul and his band travel the world throughout the year, visiting both places of historical significance to McCartney and new spots for the very first time. Further announcements and dates will be added in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned to www.paulmccartney.com for official news and updates.

PAUL McCARTNEY
OUT THERE U.S. TOUR 2013

May 18 – Orlando FL – Amway Center
May 22 – Austin TX – Frank Erwin Center
May 26 – Memphis TN – FedEx Forum
May 29 – Tulsa OK – BOK Center
July 9 – Boston MA – Fenway Park
July 12 – Washington DC – Nationals Ballpark
July 19 – Seattle WA – Safeco Field

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment is the world’s leading live entertainment and ecommerce company, comprised of four market leaders: Ticketmaster.com, Live Nation Concerts, Artist Nation and Live Nation Network. Ticketmaster.com is the global event ticketing leader and one of the world’s top five ecommerce sites, with a database of over 119 million fans who visit our sites. Live Nation Concerts produces over 22,000 shows annually for more than 2,300 artists globally. Artist Nation is the world’s top artist management company, representing over 200 artists. These businesses power Live Nation Network, the leading provider of entertainment marketing solutions, enabling nearly 800 advertisers to tap into the 250 million consumers Live Nation delivers annually through its live event and digital platforms. For additional information, visit www.livenation.com/investors.

About Amway Center

www.amwaycenter.com.

DRIP offers special MegaCon events March 13-16

DRIP offers special MegaCon events March 13-16

COSTUMES! CAPES! LOTS of SPLAT! and POW!

ORLANDO, Fla. – What’s cooler than an original copy of Action Comics No. 1?

How about special comic and sci-fi themed events at DRIP? It’s happening Wednesday, March 13 – Saturday, March 16 to coincide with MegaCon.

This will be a fanboys dream, complete with:

Performers in special comic-inspired costumes
Comic and sci-fi inspired artwork
Interactive video game station
Comic & sci-fi balloon artist Bruce Carr
Body painting
Giveaways and surprises!

As with all DRIP events, people are strongly urged to dress down (jeans, t-shirts, sneakers) as colored sand, paint and other media fly with abandon. Guests are welcome to wear costumes and for those who do, ponchos will be available.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Wednesday, March 13: Comic & Sci-fi inspired art show from 8 pm – midnight. Comic exchange at 11 pm. $5 cover for people who bring a wrapped comic; $10 for all others. Ages 18+.

Thursday, March 14: DRIP shows at 8 pm and 11 pm; ages 18+.

Friday, March 15: DRIP shows at 8 pm and 11 pm; ages 21+.

Saturday, March 16: DRIP shows at 8 pm and 11 pm; ages 21+.

Each night will feature an after-party from midnight to 2 am with NO COVER. The first 20 people at each event will receive a limited edition DRIP trading card.

DRIP tickets cost $35 and are available at www.ILoveDRIP.com.

DRIP is located at 8747 International Drive, behind Denny’s and Señor Frogs.

Map and directions

About DRIP

DRIP is an arts entertainment company that combines performing and visual arts to create full sensory environments that excite and move audiences. Riff LLC is the parent company of DRIP, and Jessica Mariko serves as CEO of Riff and CEO and Creative Director of DRIP. Since its inception in 2006, DRIP has performed at the Orlando International Fringe Festival, Orlando’s Red Chair Affair, ArtsFest, WrestleMania XXIV, Create Chaos Convention, Blank Space Art Lounge, the Tavistock Cup and several corporate events. In 2011, Riff LLC signed a lease for its first permanent venue on Orlando’s International Drive. For more information, please visit www.ILoveDRIP.com.

Bruno Mars comes to Orlando for the Moonshine Jungle World Tour!

WHAT: BRUNO MARS | THE MOONSHINE JUNGLE WORLD TOUR

WHEN: TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

WHERE: AMWAY CENTER | ORLANDO, FLORIDA

ON SALE: FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013 | 10 A.M.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA [March 6, 2013] Atlantic recording artist Bruno Mars has unveiled details of his hugely anticipated world tour. The North American leg of The Moonshine Jungle World Tour gets underway on June 22 and continues through August. Special guests on select dates of the North American leg include Ellie Goulding and newly signed Elektra artist Fitz & The Tantrums. Tickets for Bruno Mars at Amway Center in Orlando on August 27 go on sale March 15 at 10 a.m.

The announcement of The Moonshine Jungle World Tour comes just as “When I Was Your Man,” the latest single from Mars’ just-released sophomore album “Unorthodox Jukebox” has exploded into the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100. It joins the album’s blockbuster first single “Locked Out Of Heaven” which recently spent six consecutive weeks atop the Hot 100 chart. The immediate success of “When I Was Your Man,” which also earned honors as the week’s top Streaming Gainer and Airplay Gainer, marks the Grammy^®10^th consecutive single to hit the top 10. Mars continues his already-established status as the male artist with the longest streak of top 10 hits as a performer since his debut. Furthermore, the single’s chart ascension places Mars in the history books as the first male artist to simultaneously place two titles in the top 10 since his own “Grenade” and “Just The Way You Are” doubled up on the chart in December 2010/January 2011.
As its title suggests, “Unorthodox Jukebox” once again sees Mars melding a multitude of musical approaches to create his own distinctive sound. Executive produced by The Smeezingtons, the hit-making production team comprised of Mars, Philip Lawrence and Ari Levine, the collection also features contributions from top producers such as Jeff Bhasker (fun., Kanye West, Jay-Z), Mark Ronson (Amy Winehouse, Lil Wayne, Black Lips) and Diplo (M.I.A, Usher).

“Unorthodox Jukebox” made a stunning SoundScan/Billboard 200 debut upon its release last year, entering the chart at number two with sales in excess of 192,000; the singer/songwriter/producer/musician’s highest first week sales debut thus far. In addition, the album exploded to the top spot on the British album charts, making history as the United Kingdom’s fastest selling solo album of 2012. The phenomenal success of “Unorthodox Jukebox” follows the equivalent popularity of Mars’ now classic 2010 debut, “Doo-Wops & Hooligans,” which proved the United Kingdom’s third best-selling album of 2011 and also entered the charts at number one.

Mars is undoubtedly among contemporary pop’s most gifted and compelling artists. And with global sales currently certified at 40x-platinum and over 50 million singles sold worldwide, the 14-time Grammy^®Award nominee has fully proven himself as a true superstar.
For more news and information, please visit: www.brunomars.com, www.facebook.com/thatbrunomars, www.youtube.com/brunomars, and twitter.com/BRUNOMARS.

ABOUT AMWAY CENTER

P!NK THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE Tour 2013

P!NK THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE 2013 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

WHEN: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

WHERE: AMWAY CENTER | ORLANDO, FLORIDA

ON SALE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2012 | 10:00AM

P!nk The Truth About Love Tour is coming to Orlando’s Amway Center in 2013!!!

P!nk, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and pop culture icon, announced that she will tour North America for the first time in four years, with P!nk The Truth About Love Tour, beginning on February 13, 2013. P!nk is known around the world as one of the most captivating live performers of her generation. The recently named COVERGIRL has confirmed 25 dates for The Truth About Love Tour presented by COVERGIRL in support of her new album, The Truth About Love, available today. The Live Nation produced arena tour is scheduled to begin on February 13, 2013 with dates confirmed through March 28, 2013.

P!nk is in the midst of a media blitz appearing on the Today Show today, as well as The View and John Stewart’s The Daily Show on September 19. Fans will have the opportunity to chat with P!nk about her upcoming tour live today at 12:00 noon Eastern. To register and participate in the web chat, fans should visit TheTruthAboutLove.com.

Citi presale info Citi^® cardmembers will also have access to presale tickets beginning September 25 at 10:00am local time through Citi’s Private Pass^® Program. For complete presale details visit www.CitiPrivatePass.com.

Since her debut in 2000, P!nk (Alecia Moore) has released seven albums (Can’t Take Me Home, M!ssundaztood, Try This, I’m Not Dead, Funhouse, Greatest Hits So Far!!!, The Truth About Love), sold over 40 million albums, 65 million singles (nearly 20 million digital tracks), over one million DVDs worldwide and has had 12 singles in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. In addition, 15 of P!nk’s singles have reached #1 in at least one or more countries. She is the recipient of three Grammy Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, five MTV Video Music Awards and two MTV Europe Awards,

People’s Choice Awards, and many more. P!nk’s last studio album Funhouse debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and #1 in the UK, Australia, Netherlands, New Zealand and Switzerland. The album produced the smash single “So What”, which marked P!nk’s 2^nd #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 (after “Lady Marmalade”). Her latest album, Greatest Hits So Far… debuted in the Top 10 in over 13 countries and spawned the hit singles, “F**ckin Perfect” which reach #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and “Raise Your Glass” which marked P!nk’s third #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. P!nk just released her sixth studio album, The Truth About Love, on September 18. The first single “Blow Me (One Last Kiss)” has sky-rocketed to the top of music charts all over the world and marks P!nk’s 12^th Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

The deluxe edition of The Truth About Love, will be sold exclusively at Target, and will offer fans four additional studio tracks. P!nk has teamed up with producer Greg Kurstin (Lily Allen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foster The People & The Shins) for the very first time on this release along with long time collaborators Max Martin and Shellback, Billy Mann and Butch Walker. She has also worked with songwriter/producer Dan Wilson (Adele’s “Someone Like You”). The album is P!nk’s unique take on the different shades of love – the dark, the light, the happy and the sad.

TICKETS: TBA – Buy tickets at amwaycenter.com, Amway Center box office, Ticketmaster retail locations, charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000 or at Ticketmaster.com. All dates, act(s) and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges. For Amway Center box office and ticket information, visit amwaycenter.com (phone purchases are not available through the Amway Center box office). The Amway Center is located at 400 West Church Street and the box office is located on the north side of the Amway Center, near the intersection of Church Street and Hughey Avenue.

ABOUT AMWAY CENTER

The Orlando Magic served as the developer of the Amway Center, which hosts major national events, concerts and family shows. Opened in the fall of 2010, the facility is owned and operated by the City of Orlando on behalf of the Central Florida community. The Amway Center was designed to reflect the character of the community, meet the goals of the users and build on the legacy of sports and entertainment in Orlando. The building’s exterior features a modern blend of glass and metal materials, along with ever-changing graphics via a monumental wall along one facade. A 180-foot tall tower serves as a beacon amid the downtown skyline. At 875,000 square feet, the new arena is almost triple the size of the old Amway Arena (367,000 square feet). The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certified building features a sustainable, environmentally-friendly design and unmatched technology, featuring 1,100 digital monitors, the tallest high-definition video board in an NBA venue and multiple premium amenities available to all patrons in the building. Awarded 2012 Sports Facility of the Year by Sports Business Journal. For more information about the Amway Center, visit www.amwaycenter.com.

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot

From The Desk of The Walt Disney World Resort:

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

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

The schedule (entertainment subject to change without notice):

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

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

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 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!!!

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!