Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin 2013 Food & Wine Classic

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Announce Dates

For Fourth Annual Food & Wine Classic

Culinary artistry, fine wine and celebrity chef meet-and-greets will once again highlight the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic. The event, back for its fourth year, will be held on Oct. 18 – 19, 2013 at the Epcot Resort Area hotel.

The outdoor festival will include food and beverage seminars, food and wine tastings and live music. Seminars will be led by the hotel’s chefs and certified beverage experts, while the hotel’s award-winning restaurants will showcase signature culinary selections to pair with tastings from more than 30 wineries.

Celebrity Chef Todd English, whose restaurant Todd English’s bluezoo is located in the hotel, will be in attendance to meet and greet with guests. English is a renowned restaurateur who has gained national acclaim through his line of restaurants and cookbooks, and other food-related enterprises. Todd English’s bluezoo features fresh seafood in a vibrant atmosphere.

With 17 restaurants and lounges, and a distinguished culinary and beverage team, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel continually earns national recognition for its food and beverage program. The hotel features more than 70 certified wine sommeliers and 1,400 wine selections.

Tickets to the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic are currently available as part of a hotel package or individually.  For more information or to book, please visit www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or call 1-800-227-1500.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The hotel is located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The hotel features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and the Extra Magic Hours benefit, where each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks offers additional time for guests to enjoy select attractions. (Valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required). The hotel can be reached at 800-227-1500www.swandolphin.comor through Facebook at www.facebook.com/swananddolphin.

 

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Gaylord Palms Celebrates Family Fun With Shrek And Friends

Did someone say Fun?

Gaylord Palms

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!

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Viva La Música Heats Up SeaWorld Orlando

Viva la Música
Viva La Música Heats Up SeaWorld Orlando
 
Saturdays are hotter than ever at SeaWorld Orlando during Viva la Música, Central Florida’s can’t-miss Latin food and concert festival, April 13 through May 4.
Come celebrate the food, fun, sights and sounds of Latin culture at this annual festival, featuring live concerts by internationally renowned Latin musical artists, all included with park admission.
Viva la Música
Enjoy savory Latin cuisine prepared by SeaWorld Orlando’s Executive Chef, Héctor Colón. With more than 20 years experience – and a lifetime enjoying countless Caribbean and Latin dishes – Chef Héctor Colόn has added his touch to the traditional Latin favorites such as arroz con gandules, arroz con pollo, habichuelas rojas y maduros, churrasco, ceviche, alcapurrias and bacalaítos.
Viva la Música
As with all SeaWorld special events, performances are included with daily admission, Fun Card or annual pass. Viva la Música festival activities begin at 12 p.m. each Saturday, with concerts starting at 3 p.m. at Bayside Stadium:
 
  • Saturday, April 13 – Daddy Yankee (reggaeton)
  • Saturday, April 20 – Willie Colón  (salsa)
  • Saturday, April 27 – Grupománia (merengue)
  • Saturday, May 4 – El Gran Combo (salsa)
Viva la Música
El Gran Combo
 
Concerts are general seating. However, reserved seating for your favorite concerts is available with the Viva la Música VIP Package. Starting at $24, this special package includes a meal (entrée and any one item from a selection of side salads, side dishes or desserts, plus a regular-sized non-alcoholic beverage) at any Viva la Música food sampling area or SeaWorld cafeteria-style restaurant, plus reserved seating — Center Stage! VIP seating can be purchased separately starting at $14. Both packages are available at SeaWorldOrlando.com.
 
The best way to experience Viva la Música is with a 2013 SeaWorld Fun Card – you can pay for a day and come back all year through Dec. 31, 2013, to enjoy unlimited admission to all SeaWorld Orlando special events. Plus, with a Fun Card, you can experience Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, SeaWorld Orlando’s newest, must-see attraction opening May 24, as many times as you’d like! SeaWorld’s Antarctica will transport families into a rarely seen, icy world. You’ll feel the majestic grandeur of the South Pole and see it through the penguins’ eyes on an exhilarating, first-of-its-kind family ride.
For more information, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.  Viva la Música event dates, times and artists are subject to change.
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Party In Your PJs With Puss In Boots At Gaylord Palms Resort

Gaylord Palms

 Party In Your PJs With Puss In Boots At Gaylord Palms Resort

Pack your favorite pajamas to party with the most darling swashbuckler and all around coolest cat in Central Florida! Gaylord Palms invites guests and their families to a brand new DreamWorks Experience, the Puss in Boots & Friends’ Purrrrrrfect Pajama Party. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 16 because this exclusive event will take place one night only!

Guests have one chance to participate in this purrrrrrfect family friendly adventure. Clad in your party pjs enjoy an exclusive meet & greet with your most admired feline hero, Puss in Boots. Package guests will want to bring their DreamWorks autograph book amenity for this one – and don’t forget a camera! Tap into your creative genius by decorating and customizing your very own Puss in Boots pillowcase while snacking on cookies and leche (milk). The party continues outside at Gaylord Palms’ Cypress Springs Family Fun Water Park as you settle in for a Splash ‘N’ Screen viewing of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.’s Academy Award® nominated film, Puss in Boots.

Upon check-in, children will get their paws on some special gifts including their very own magic beans and a memento from DreamWorks’ most recent film, Rise of the Guardians. Additionally, package guests will embark on an adventure like no other in the Rise of the GuardiansAdventure 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?

Why let the fun stop there? For an additional charge, guests can start the next day with a ShrekFeast Interactive Character BreakfastKids 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.

The feline fiesta is part of The DreamWorks Experience and takes place at Gaylord Palms on Saturday, March 16. Visit www.gaylordpalms.com today to book your Puss in Boots & Friends’ Purrrrrrfect Pajama Party package. Package rates start at $189 per night for a family of four (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!

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20th Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival Overview

The 20th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival presented by HGTV blooms into action March 6-May 19, 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort. More than 100 topiaries, 240 floating mini-gardens, dozens of flower towers and sweeping beds of multi-colored blooms will add floral splendor to the park landscape.

Flower and Garden Festival

This year Disney’s favorite topiaries and beautiful garden landscapes create the perfect backdrop this year’s new crop of festival additions that include food-and-beverage Garden Marketplaces, new topiaries, a circus-like “Land of Oz” play area, and nighttime illuminated gardens.

Flower and Garden Festival Additions Debuting This Year:

  • Garden Marketplace culinary creations ranging from smokehouse barbecue and shrimp with grits and Zellwood corn to sweet “frushi” made with fresh fruits and coconut rice.  Chefs are perfecting menus for marketplaces that will include Florida Fresh at World Showcase Promenade, Smokehouse Barbecue and Brew at American Adventure courtyard, Primavera Kitchen at Italy showcase, Hanami at Japan showcase and eight others.  Around the World Showcase promenade

Flower and Garden Festival

  • Garden Marketplace refreshing libations with a kick like Hot Sun Tomato Wine from Florida Orange Groves Winery and Dole Whip with Spiced Rum, as well as non-alcoholic drinks like Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade and Wild Berry Slush.  Beverage specialists will feature brews and beverages at food marketplaces and at Fruits by the Glass andPineapple PromenadeAround the World Showcase promenade
  • The Land of Oz Garden circus-like play area, based on the Disney fantastical film adventure “Oz The Great and Powerful” to be released March 8, 2013. The interactive children’s play zone will feature play systems adorned with giant flowers and designed to stretch kids’ imaginations and muscles. Midway-style games, circus-themed game tents and the “Oz Movie Garden” of intriguing plants will capture the spirit of the upcoming film.  Also on tap: photo opportunities and the “great and powerful Oz’s” crashed hot-air balloon. Imagination Walkway
Flower and Garden Festival
I am in love with these glass poppies outside of the Land of Oz play area.
  • Larger-than-life Fab Five Disney character topiary.  Floral versions of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck (with Daisy Duck in a cameo) star in a celebratory cookout scene in living topiary color. The 14-foot-tall Goofy topiary will bobble an anniversary cake while Donald and Daisy play badminton, Mickey fires up the grill, Pluto swipes a link of hot dogs and Minnie chills out on a colorful blanket of blossoms. Epcot Front Entrance

Flower and Garden Festival

  • Illuminated Gardens in the park’s Future World and World Showcase will twinkle and glow over the festival’s world-famous Disney gardens and topiaries each festival evening. Epcot Future World and World Showcase

httpv://youtu.be/Uaok6wbfjuI

When you travel World Showcase, you’ll find each pavilion features its own nation-themed Garden Marketplace (they may even look familiar) featuring great food and drink options for theFlower and Garden Festival! Here’s just a taste of what’s in store:

International Pavilions

  • The Smokehouse – Barbeque and Brews: Get into some finger-lickin’ barbecue—pulled pork and smoked brisket—and ice-cold craft beers at The American Adventure.
  • Lotus House: Delicacies with Far Eastern flair await you at China: a savory spring pancake, taro-bacon puff pastry, bubble tea and more.
  • L’Orangerie: France presents a rustic ratatouille tart, country pâté with cherry compote and, of course, a selection of French wines.
  • Bauernmarkt – Farmer’s Market: Visit Germany, for spring pea and mushroom bread pudding, potato pancakes and a variety of beers.
  • Primavera Kitchen: Italy will be serving lobster with asparagus, spring vegetable lasagna, panna cotta, fruity cocktails and Italian wines.
  • Hanami: Named after the nation’s custom of viewing spring flowers, this location in Japan will feature “frushi,” or fruit sushi, grilled seafood sticks and sake.
  • Jardin de Fiestas: Join the party in Mexico with crab tostadas, pork tacos, the strawberry-infused Rosita margarita and tequila flights.
  • Taste of Marrakesh: Enjoy Morocco’s lamb kebabs and couscous, harissa chicken drumettes with chermoula, desert rose cocktail and more.
  • The Cottage – Savories, Trifles and Tea: Stop by the United Kingdom for tea and delectable dainties, including a salmon tartare-topped cheddar biscuit, an ultra-gourmet Caprese and a trio of trifles.
  • Pineapple Promenade: Take a delicious break in your day, indulging in spiced rum Dole Whip, pineapple upside down cake, fruit cups and more.
  • Florida Fresh: Taste the Sunshine State with watermelon and feta salad, shrimp and grits, and tomato and carrot wines!
  • Fruits by the Glass: Toast to Spring with mango and blueberry wines, nonalcoholic wild berry slush and gluten-free raspberry ale, among others.

Throughout the 75-day garden party, guests will discover festival surprises around every corner including new topiary triumphs, a butterfly bounty, whimsical children’s play areas, HGTV celebrity designers, daily hands-on gardening seminars and a Festival Center packed with events that offer innovative ideas, gardening know-how and design tips.  Weekends, top Flower Power rockers of the 1960s and ’70s will perform.

Every Friday through Sunday, HGTV design celebrities will host Festival Center seminars in the Flower and Garden Festival Center. This is one of my favorite parts of theFlower and Garden Festival, and I absolutely suggest checking it out! If you do plan on attending one of these seminars, you’re going to want to grab a seat early.

Flower and Garden Festival

  • NEW! Chris Lambton of HGTV’s Going Yard
    March 8 – 10
  • NEW! Chris Grundy of DIY Network’s Cool Tools
    March 15 – 17
  • NEW! Egypt Sherrod of HGTV’s Property Virgins
    March 22 – 24
  • Brandon Johnson of HGTV’s My Yard Goes Disney
    March 29 – 31
  • Meg Caswell of HGTV’s Meg’s Great Rooms
    April 5 – 7
  • Jason Cameron of DIY Network’s Desperate Landscapes and Man Caves
    April 12 – 14
  • NEW! Sara Peterson of Editor-in-Chief, HGTV Magazine
    April 19 – 21
  • Carter Oosterhouse of HGTV’s Million Dollar Rooms
    April 26 – 28
  • NEW! Casey Noble of HGTV’s Design on a Dime
    May 3 – 5
  • Dan Faires of HGTV’s Design Star and HGTV.com’sDanMade
    May 10 – 12
  • NEW! David Bromstad of HGTV Design Star, Color Splash, Design Star All-Stars
    May 17 – 19

 

MoreFlower and Garden Festival  Family Highlights Include:

Flower and Garden Festival

  • “Monsters University” topiary:  Floral representations of Mike and Sully from the hit Disney-Pixar film “Monsters, Inc.” and stars of Disney-Pixar’s June 2013 release, “Monsters University,” will join the festivities as new topiary family members.  On the Future World Walkway
  • Phineas and Ferb topiary:  The popular Disney Channel animated celebs limit their shenanigans to go green for a family photo-op.  Behind Spaceship Earth
  • “Radiator Springs” interactive play zone:  Race car Lightning McQueen and tow truck “Mater” of the Disney-Pixar film “Cars 2″ will be the well-maintained topiary stars of this play area.  On the Test Track Walkway
  • Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House: Eight fanciful fairy topiaries of Pixie Hollow, including Tinker Bell, Fawn, Vidia and Terrence, take over the Butterfly House this year where hundreds of colorful winged beauties flit to life.  On the Imagination Walkway

Another really fun addition to theFlower and Garden Festival is the Flower Power Concert Series, which kicks off March 8-10 with Micky Dolenz (“I’m a Believer”), and continues each weekend with pop favorites including:

March 15-17:            Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
March 22-24:            The Guess Who
March 29-31:            Nelson
April 5-7:                  The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie
April 12-14:               Paul Revere & the Raiders
April 19-21:               Village People (new!)
April 26-28:               The Orchestra, Featuring Former Members of ELO and ELO II
May 3-5:                  Tommy Roe (new!)
May 10-12:               Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
May 17-19:               Starship starring Mickey Thomas.

Flower and Garden Festival

You’ll notice that there are two really groovy additions to the Flower Power Concert Series this year! The 1970s top disco band the Village People (April 19-21) and 1960s singer-songwriter Tommy Roe (May 3-5) bring on the Flower Power beat when they take the concert stage for the first time.

If you are planning on attending one of the Flower Power Concerts, make sure that you get there early! Seats tend to go quickly and they are always a blast!

While you’ll find a lot of great exhibits and topiaries in Epcot’s Future World, the Flower and Garden Festival keeps growing as you travel around World Showcase, where the spotlight will shine on topiaries of Disney princesses, storybook characters and even pandas and trolls, guests will discover the attractions, shops and restaurants that represent cultures and cuisine of 11 countries.

httpv://youtu.be/gAHllZIQuek

For more information about the 20th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639), check out the Flower and Garden Festival Guide, or visit www.EpcotinSpring.com.

The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission. Availability is limited for some events. Events may be rescheduled or cancelled at any time.

 

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LEGO Friends Weekend Returns to LEGOLAND Florida

LEGOLAND Florida Friends Weekend

Join your LEGO Friends Olivia, Andrea, Stephanie, Emma, and Mia as LEGOLAND Florida Friends Weekend returns February 9th and 10th.

During LEGO Friends Weekend glitz, glamour, and sparkles will fill the park with fabulous fun! This second annual event celebrates girls and their personal individuality, just like the LEGO Friends product line for girls.

LEGO Friends Weekend Events

  • Live from the Pink Carpet with Emma & Stephanie – Market Restaurant, 9:30am-4:30pm – Make a superstar entrance to the LEGO Friends weekend. Girls feel famous as they walk the pink carpet with two of their favorite LEGO Friends, Emma & Stephanie. Be sure to stop and pose for fashion photos from the star-struck paparazzi.
  • Olivia’s Girls Just Wanna Build Bash – Fun Town Plaza, 9:30am-4:30pm – Olivia and LEGOLAND Model Builder, Angie are building masterful LEGO creations and need your help. Stop by to see how much fun building with friends can be!
  • Mia’s Missing Animal Search – Cypress Gardens, 9:30am-5:00pm – Mia needs your help to find her missing animals. Families have fun as they hunt together through the historic Cypress Gardens to find Mia’s favorite furry friends. Once you find all Mia’s animals, place your turn in your tracking guide for your chance to win a prize.
  • Rising Star Sing-a-Along – Miniland USA, 12:00pm and 3:00pm – Andrea is looking for new talent! Show her what you’ve got during her show-stopping Karaoke sessions.
  • A LEGO Friends Special , “A New Girl in Town” – Wells Fargo 4D Theatre, 11:45am, 12:45pm, 2:45pm, 3:45pm – Check out all your LEGO Friends on the big screen. Olivia is new in town, and she can’t wait to make new friends. So she volunteers to help out at the pet adoption booth at the Heartlake City World Petacular. But after a few mishaps, Olivia’s made four brand-new enemies. There’s only one way to repair the damage – teamwork! Can Olivia, Andrea, Emma, Mia, and Stephanie work together to put things right in time for the Petacular?
  • A LEGO Friends Special Premiere Wrap Party – Miniland USA, 5:00pm – The LEGO Friends Special, “A New Girl in Town”, was a success and now it’s time to party like a star! Join all your LEGO Friends for a dance party celebration.
  • LEGO Friends Farewell – Market Restaurant, 5:45pm – The LEGO Friends Party might be ending, but the friendship will last forever. Come say goodnight to all your LEGO Friends.

All of the LEGO Friends Weekend activities are included in admission to LEGOLAND Florida!

LEGOLAND Florida Friends Weekend

The best way to experience LEGOLAND Florida is with the new LEGOLAND Florida Resident Pass starting at just $10 per month after a down payment (only $159 for adults, only $129 for children/seniors). Pass members receive unlimited admission for 12 months to LEGOLAND Florida and the LEGOLAND Water Park, as well as all other Merlin US attractions (LEGOLAND California & Water Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers, Sea Life Centers and Madam Tussauds), free parking and 10% off food and merchandise with no black-out dates. The Monthly Payment Plan includes a down payment of $57.24 with a monthly payment of $9.26 for an adult and a $46.44 down payment with a monthly payment of only $7.51 (pre-tax) for a child/senior. For the most current information on special events, daily operating hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.

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Full Sail University Announces 4th Annual Hall of Fame Celebration Week – February 13-16, 2013

Full Sail University Announces 4th Annual Hall of Fame Celebration Week –

February 13-16, 2013

 Full Sail University

Full Sail University is proud to announce the 4th Annual Hall of Fame celebration week featuring the induction ceremony of the 2012 class of the Full Sail University Hall of Fame on February 15, 2013 on Full Sail’s campus in Winter Park, Florida. The induction ceremony is the highlight of a series of campus-wide special events scheduled to take place from February 13-16, 2013.

Full Sail’s 4th Annual Hall of Fame Week is sponsored by Sony Electronics’ Professional Solutions of America, with additional sponsors Adobe, Avid, CDW, ESPN, Sennheiser Electronic Corporation, and WWE. The university will welcome celebrity and industry friends of Full Sail and among those scheduled to appear at the February 15 induction ceremony and participate in Hall of Fame Week include: GRAMMY® award-winning audio engineer and music producer Bruce Swedien, Academy Award-winning visual effects artist and producer Ed Jones, ESPN’s Senior Vice President, Content and Information Technology Kevin Stolworthy, ESPN’s Vice President of Emerging Technology Anthony Bailey, former NARAS President and music attorney Al Schlesinger, Live Nation’s Senior Vice President of Global Operations Craig Evans, actor and television personality John O’Hurley, founding member of the GRAMMY®- nominated multi-platinum selling group 98 Degrees Jeff Timmons, former NFL Super Bowl

winning running back Ricky Watters, GRAMMY®-nominated multi-platinum hip hop group the Nappy Roots, Senior Vice President of Special Events at WWE John Saboor, Meyer Sound’s Live Audio and Education Specialist Buford Jones (who has mixed on tour for Eric Clapton, Prince and Pink Floyd), Google’s Cherie Hannouche, People Magazine writer and New York Times best-selling author Steve Helling, co-hosts of the nationally syndicated morning show The Daily Buzz, Charles Divins, Lisa Spooner, Lance Smith and Jessica Reyes, co-hosts of the nationally syndicated lifestyle show Life Love Shopping, Andrea Jackson and Michelle Yarn, Wilspro Management’s Debbie Wilson and Doug Shaw, and Orlando Predators Defensive End R-Kal Truluck.

The mission of the multi-day celebration is to acknowledge past Hall of Fame inductees, honor and induct the newest members (comprised of six Full Sail graduates), and to provide one-of-a- kind educational experiences showcasing entertainment and media industry leaders.

Guest lectures and panel discussions will take place featuring many of the guests listed above, as well as all of the new Hall of Fame inductees and nine previous inductees. Portions of the week will be streamed live to the university’s online students.

In addition, a number of Hall of Fame week music-related events will be held on the university’s campus highlighted by two free public concerts. The concerts will be held in the university’s on-campus state-of-the-art performance venue, Full SailLive.

“Hosting our annual Hall of Fame celebration week allows us to take time to reflect upon the vast and tremendous accomplishments of our alumni, while inspiring our university as a whole,” said Full Sail University President, Garry Jones. “It is my great pleasure to thank all of our students, staff, educators, guests, friends, industry leaders, inductees, and sponsors, both past and present, who will be celebrating with us throughout the 4th Annual Hall of Fame Week.”

For more information on this year’s Hall of Fame inductees and a full listing of their credits, please visit here.

Additional information regarding events, special guests, and sponsors will be announced, as we get closer to Hall of Fame Week. Please visit our mobile-optimized site and for more details, and follow @FullSail to join the #FullSailHOF conversation on Twitter.

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SeaWorld Bands, Brew, & BBQ Festival 2013 Kicks Off This Weekend!

SeaWorld Bands, Brew, & BBQ Festival

Featuring live concerts by top names in the music industry

 SeaWorld Bands 

SeaWorld Orlando hosts an exciting concert lineup for its Bands, Brew & BBQ Festival, Saturdays and Sundays, February 9 – March 17. This year’s event will be bigger and better than ever with two additional weekends of sizzling BBQ and incredible concerts.

Bands, Brew & BBQ is included with park admission. And the best way to experience this festival is with a Fun Card where you pay for a day’s admission and come back all year –
with no blackout dates – to experience all of SeaWorld’s remarkable events.

The 2013 Bands, Brew & BBQ concert lineup includes:

  • Saturday, February 9              Chris Young with Jerrod Niemann
  • Sunday, February 10              Merle Haggard
  • Saturday, February 16            The Beach Boys
  • Sunday, February 17              Styx
  • Saturday, February 23            Big & Rich
  • Sunday, February 24              Third Eye Blind
  • Saturday, March 2                  Daryl Hall and John Oates
  • Sunday, March 3                    Darius Rucker
  • Saturday, March 9                  Michael McDonald
  • Sunday, March 10                  Josh Turner
  • Saturday, March 16                Rodney Atkins with Uncle Kracker
  • Sunday, March 17                  Sheryl Crow

Enjoy a cornucopia of all things BBQ featuring SeaWorld’s signature mouth-watering BBQ, along with local favorites such as Tony Roma’s, Cecil’s Texas Style Bar B Q and Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q, who will be on hand serving BBQ foods tendered to perfection.

For those who want to feel like a rock star, the VIP package and Craft Brew Sampler are available. Guests who take advantage will enjoy the best seats in the house, mouth-watering food and a unique experience that they’ll never forget as they get up-close and personal with some of today’s hottest classic rock and country music performers.

There is a side stage showcasing local bands and for those who want to show off their line dancing and boot scootin’ skills, a DJ will be spinning music to satisfy movers and shakers of all ages and levels.

And through March 3, in between all the barbeque eatin’ and side steppin’, event-goers can take in the sights of the proudly displayed 2013 Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. For all Harley lovers who ride their Harley to Bands, Brew & BBQ, parking is free!

For more details about Bands, Brew & BBQ visit www.SeaWorldOrlando.com

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment inspires millions, through the power of entertainment, to celebrate, connect with and care for the natural world. The Company has been creating innovative entertainment experiences that blend imagination with nature for more than 50 years and is best known for its 11 U.S. theme parks, attractions that hosted more than 24 million guests in 2012 and include the beloved SeaWorld®, Busch Gardens® and Sesame Place® brands.  The parks offer guests a variety of up-close experiences, from animal encounters that invite exploration and appreciation of the natural world, to thrilling rides and spectacular shows.  In 2011 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment began expanding its popular brands into media and entertainment platforms to connect people to nature and animals through movies, television, and digital media; plus began developing new lines of licensed consumer products. 

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care.  The Company maintains one of the largest animal collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of species in zoological facilities and in the conservation of wild populations. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment also operates one of the world’s most respected programs to rescue, rehabilitate and return to the ocean marine animals that are ill, injured and orphaned. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped more than 22,000 animals in need over the last four decades. 

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment employs more than 21,000 people nationwide.

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Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras 2013 Overview: Music, Food, And Fun

Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras Overview: Music, Food, And Fun

 

Mardi Gras Brings 14 Nights of Electrifying Live Concerts – Including Demi Lovato, Phillip Phillipsand Pitbull – a Dazzling Parade, Cajun Cuisine and Tons of Beads

 

Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras
Universal Orlando Resort is home to the biggest, best Mardi Gras party in the country – and it comes straight from New Orleans to you through April 23. Nationally renowned musical acts combine with an authentic Mardi Gras parade, dozens of colorfully costumed performers, authentic Cajun cooking and hand-picked New Orleans bands to capturethe look, feel and fun of New Orleans – all inside Universal Studios Florida.

Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras 2013 is coming up soon, and I couldn’t be more excited!!!

Last year I was lucky enough to spend almost two weeks in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, and Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras does not disappoint!

On select nights Feb. 9 through April 20, guests will let the good times roll as they experience an authentic, family-friendly version of the Mardi Gras bash at Universal Studios Florida. The event couples unparalleled theme park entertainment with a dazzling parade, authentic New Orleans musicians, mouth-watering Cajun cuisine, tons of glittering Mardi Gras beads and live concerts by high-profile artists.

Before enjoying the live concerts, guests can dance along with dozens of energetic street performers and collect beads by the handful as the Mardi Gras parade winds through Universal Studios.

Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras Parade on Hollywood Blvd at Universal Studios Florida

This year’s parade celebrates “Colorful Cultures Around the World,” featuring all-new float additions inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead, Chinese New Year and Elegance of India. The parade’s elaborate, hand-crafted floats are built by Blaine Kern Artists – the same company that designs floats for the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans.

But let’s get to the real reason you’re here…the Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras Concert Lineup!!!

Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras
I am most excited about Pitbull….who will be performing on my Birthday!!!

This year’s talent lineup features an incredible variety of music, ranging from Americana rock to soulful R&B to upbeat pop to Latin rhythms. Guests can return night after night to hear their favorite performers, including internationally-renowned rapper Pitbull – whose number-one single, “Give Me Everything,” was named “Top Radio Song” in the 2012 Billboard Music Awards; 2012 People’s Choice Award-winner Demi Lovato for “Favorite Pop Artist;” season 11 winner of “American Idol,” Phillip Phillips whose hit song, “Home,” was certified double-platinum; chart-topping country duo Montgomery Gentry, with top hits like “If You Ever Stop Loving Me” and “Back When I Knew It All;” teen heartthrob Austin Mahone; and alternative rock band Matchbox Twenty, whose latest studio album, “North,” debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras
Demi Lovato

Below you will find the current line-up of artists that will be performing during these 14 nights of Mardi Gras fun at the Universal Orlando Resort. While the Headliners are always a really good time, you should definitely head over the French Quarter area to check out these local New Orleans bands perform Blues, Jazz and Zydeco music!

Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras
Phillip Phillips

2013 MARDI GRAS TALENT LINE-UP

Mardi Gras Event Dates

Headliners

(performing in the Music Plaza)

New Orleans Bands

(performing in the French Quarter)

Saturday, February 9 Lifehouse John Lisi & Delta Funk!
Saturday, February 16 Steve Miller Band The Dirty Bourbon River Show
Sunday, February 17 Boys Like Girls The Dirty Bourbon River Show
Saturday, February 23 Trey Songz Colin Lake
Saturday, March 2 Demi Lovato Beth McKee
Saturday, March 9 Montgomery Gentry Gravy
Friday, March 15 Sean Kingston Lil Brian and the Zydeco Travelers
Saturday, March 16 Matchbox Twenty Lil Brian and the Zydeco Travelers
Friday, March 22 Austin Mahone The Soul Project NOLA
Saturday, March 23 Phillip Phillips The Soul Project NOLA
Saturday, March 30 Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo Big Al & the Heavyweights
Saturday, April 6 TBD Mississippi Rail Company
Saturday, April 13 Pitbull The Rockin’ Jake Band
Saturday, April 20 TBD Daddy Mack Blues Band

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mardi Gras Universal Orlando Resort

The French Quarter Courtyard at Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras is one of my favorite places to spend time during the celebration! This area is one huge party, where you can enjoy the soulful sounds of amazing music, authentic Cajun cuisine, including jambalaya, gumbo, beignets and more, and partake in some adult beverages just for the Mardi Gras Celebration. We spent a lot of time in this area last year, and I can’t wait to go back again!!!

The excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras is included with admission to Universal Studios, and we will definitely be posting more about Mardi Gras and attending a lot of these celebrations!

For more information about Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

Mardi Gras Universal Orlando Resort -

 

 

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Safari Of Fun Tea Party At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Join Abby Cadabby and Zoe for a

Safari of Fun Tea Party at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Safari of Fun Tea Party - Abby

 

If Your little one is a fan of Sesame Street, you are going to want to head over to enjoy a special Safari of Fun Tea Party featuring Abby Cadabby and Zoe from Sesame Street® at Sesame Street® Safari of FunTM at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Sunday, January 13 from 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm.

During this Safari of Fun Tea Party with Abby Cadabby and Zoe at Sesame Street® Safari of Fun, everyone will snack on mini assorted sandwiches, veggies with cream cheese and soy butter, fresh fruit, chicken tenders, mac and cheese, mini cupcakes and cookies. And there are several beverages to choose from including fruit flavored teas as well as milk, juice and hot cocoa.
Safari of Fun Tea Party - Zoe
Lunch is $22 for adults and $15 for children. Pass members receive a 10 percent discount. Also, you will receive One 6×8 photo, which is included, per family. Admission to the park is not included, but is required.
The Sesame Street® Safari of FunTM area at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a really great place for younger members of your family to experience small thrills and big fun at just the right size!
Safari of Fun Tea Party - Show

Come join everyone’s favorite Sesame Street® friends on a family-friendly Safari adventure where the rhythms of Africa are sprinkled with giggles. It’s Busch Gardens’® newest land filled with kid-size rides, cool water fun, and plenty of memorable adventures.

 

Fly through the desert with Grover. Climb in Elmo’s Tree House. Splash in Bert and Ernie’s watering hole. You can even dine with your child’s furry friends.

 

It’s Sesame Street Safari of Fun, where imaginations run wild and there’s fun for everyone.

To make reservations for this Safari of Fun Tea Party, simply Visit SesameStreetSafariofFun.com or call 1-888-800-5447.
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Bush Gardens Christmas Town Extends Celebration With An Extra Date And Hours!

Bush Gardens Christmas Town Extends Celebration With An Extra Date And Hours!

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Bush Gardens Christmas Town

Christmas Town Will Now Be Open Thursday, December 20 and until Midnight Select Nights
This Christmas season, Busch Gardens set out to create the newest tradition for Tampa families. Now, the park is adding even more joy to its calendar.
 
To respond to enthusiastic consumer demand, Busch Gardens Christmas Town has added an extra night and will now be open on Thursday, December 20 from 6 to 11 p.m.  In addition to the extra night, Christmas Town will remain open until midnight on December 15, 22 and 23.
Bush Gardens Christmas Town
Enchanted Flamingo Valley 
Christmas Town has transformed the park into a nighttime holiday wonderland of wintry surprises. Since its opening on November 30, families have caroled across the Serengeti on the Christmas Town Express, marveled at penguins’ underwater antics and played in the snow at SnowWorld® Presented by Coca-Cola®.
Bush Gardens Christmas Town
 
All of these new experiences and more are available every night of Busch Gardens Christmas Town, now through December 23. Christmas Town opens at 6 p.m. on every event night; however, guests with Christmas Town tickets can enter the park early at 5 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from Christmas Town will benefit All Children’s Hospital.
Bush Gardens Christmas Town
Candy Cane Lane to Train Station
Busch Gardens Christmas Town is a separate-ticketed night event, and regular daytime admission is not required or included. General admission for Christmas Town is $39.99 plus tax. Busch Gardens annual pass members will receive the deepest discounts with advance online priced at $24.99 for adults and $9.99 for children, and special offers are available for guests wishing to upgrade their paid daily admission to Busch Gardens. Gift cards are available at Bay area Publix locations and additional discounts are offered through promotional codes from Chick Fil-A, Coca-Cola at Wal-Mart and Fantastic Sam’s. Families with children ages 3 to 9 can still enjoy a special advance-purchase price of $9.99 for their youngest members.
 
For the latest park news, “Like” Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook and visit ChristmasTown.com.
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Wordless Wednesday – Hanukkah In Lights

Wordless Wednesday
Wordless Wednesday brings us Hanukkah in Lights at the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Happy Hanukkah!!!
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Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Merchandise – 2012

With Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party well under way, I thought it was a perfect time to take a look at the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party exclusive merchandise!

As they did with Mickey’s No So Scary Halloween Party Merchandise, Walt Disney World has released a series of pins for the party that you can buy individually or in a set. This year the ‘completer pin’ to the set, which features Duffy, is only available in the box and framed sets.

This year at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, they are also offering a special Annual Passholder pin. I really like the design of this pin, and appreciate that it is a little less expensive than the other pins available.

The short sleeved t-shirt, long sleeved t-shirt, and sweatshirt all feature the same design, and are available in green and red. I really feel like Disney missed an opportunity to make some really fun shirts that were a little more ornate like they did at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. But that being said, these are definitely made of a thicker t-shirt material and better suited for winter layering.

Shopping is always the first thing we do at the parties, and I still encourage you to do the same if buying party exclusive merch is your thing! The shirts and sweatshirts seem to always go first, but don’t hesitate if you see a pin that you have to own!!!

I hope that you enjoy this look at the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party exclusive merchandise!

 

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SeaWorld Bands, Brew, & BBQ Festival Line-Up Annonced

SeaWorld Band Brew BBQ

SeaWorld Bands, Brew & BBQ Festival Acts Announced

Featuring live concerts by some of the biggest names in music
 
 
SeaWorld Orlando announces an exciting concert lineup for its SeaWorld Bands, Brew & BBQ Festival, Saturdays and Sundays, February 9 – March 17. This year’s event will be bigger and better with two additional weekends of authentic sizzling BBQ and concerts.
The 2013 Bands, Brew & BBQ concert lineup includes:
  • Saturday, February 9            Chris Young with Jerrod Niemann
  • Sunday, February 10             Merle Haggard
  • Saturday, February 16   The Beach Boys
  • Sunday, February 17             Styx
  • Saturday, February 23   Big & Rich
  • Sunday, February 24             Third Eye Blind
  • Saturday, March 2               Daryl Hall and John Oates
  • Sunday, March 3                 TBA
  • Saturday, March 9               TBA
  • Sunday, March 10                Josh Turner
  • Saturday, March 16              TBA
  • Sunday, March 17                TBA
 
For more details about Bands, Brew & BBQ – and to get the latest additions to the lineup – visit www.SeaWorldOrlando.com
 
SeaWorld Orlando’s Bands, Brew & BBQ is included with park admission. The best way to catch all the concerts is with a 2013 Fun Card. Just pay for a day and get 2012’s Christmas Celebration and all of 2013’s events free!
 
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment operates 10 parks across the U.S. including SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove and Aquatica in Orlando; Sesame Place near Philadelphia, Pa.; and water parks Adventure Island in Tampa and Water Country USA in Williamsburg.  The 10 parks play host to 25 million guests each year and employ 26,000 people nationwide. To learn more, visitSeaWorldParksandEntertainment.com or call toll-free             1-888-800-5447      . Additionally, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment created the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, a non-profit, private charitable foundation committed to supporting wildlife and habitat conservation, research, education and animal rescue programs worldwide. Learn more at SWBG-ConservationFund.org.
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Medieval Times Orlando Offers Thanksgiving Week Special

Medieval Times Orlando is keeping the fun and specials going during Thanksgiving Week!

This Thanksgiving, guests are invited to a royal feast at the King’s court! From now until November 25th, visitors to Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, North America’s longest running dinner attraction, will enjoy discounted ticket rates of just $36.95 for adults and $29.95 for children.

Medieval Times Orlando

Shows start at 7 p.m. Nov. 19- 21st. There are shows at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Nov. 22nd & 23rd. Shows start at 6 p.m. Nov. 24 and Nov. 25th.

Medieval Times Orlando is a great way for you to spend a fun evening with your friends and family, and their special events are tons of fun! We had a blast at their Oktoberfest last month!

 

 

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