Summer 2021 Archives - On the Go in MCO

On the Go in MCO: Summer Must Do’s

Don’t forget that you can catch these great events and more on the Obie & Ashley Unfiltered Podcast!

Summer is wrapping up, so I wanted to make sure that no stone was left unturned when it came to finding fun On the Go in MCO!!!

On the Go in MCO: Summer Must Do’s

Hollywood Drive-In Golf at Universal CityWalk

Hollywood Drive-In Golf has two state-of-the-art 18-hole courses that are unlike any other miniature golf experience.

Inspired by the 1950’s era, guests enter a classic drive-in theater box office area where they select either a “single-feature” (18-holes) or “double-feature” (36-holes) with a choice of two family-friendly courses, “The Haunting of Ghostly Greens” and “Invaders From Planet Putt.”

Based on vintage horror flicks and “little green men” science fiction films, guests putt through elaborate movie-style scenes, passing through a cemetery, under a giant spider, around an enormous alien robot, through the open mouth of a giant space worm, and into the basement lab of a towering haunted house.

Cutting-edge interactive elements and special effects immerse guests further into the “double feature,” and LED neon edge-lighting allows play during the day, night, and late night.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

KSCVC is the epicenter of humankind’s greatest adventures, a launchpad to experiencing and exploring a space adventure.

With attractions that allow you to view the Space Shuttle Atlantis and to go back to the race to the moon and look forward to exploring other planets, KSCVC delights and inspires.

And don’t forget that while you learn there are exhibits, photo ops, and of course freeze-dried ice cream.

What’s super exciting is that they announced the new Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex experience that will showcase NASA and commercial spaceflight and an immersive “journey” through space taking off March 2022.

Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens – Sanford, Florida

Leave Central Florida, and step into a tropical world that is home to some of our planet’s rarest animals as well as local wildlife like the Florida black bear and the American alligator.

Throughout the day there are opportunities to learn about the animals in the Keeper Chats, take a spin on the carousel or hop aboard the miniature train.

The adventurous can experience the Seminole Aerial Adventure zipline or cool off at the Wharton Smith Tropical Splash Ground.

Want to really get wild? You can feed giraffes and book special experiences like a rhinoceros encounter.

For more activities On the Go in MCO, make sure follow @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

It’s an Awe-Summer at LEGOLAND Florida

For six weeks this summer starting June 26, LEGOLAND Florida Resort is throwing an AWE-SUMMER celebration packed with engaging stage shows, special weekend events, and surprise streetmosphere performances around every corner.

The party runs all summer, June 26 through August 8, at the Theme Park built for kids with returning events, fan-favorite shows and more.

Specialty summer treats and beverages like Summer’s Own Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint, Splash of Summer Watermelon Lemonade, and a bedazzled red, white, and blue ice cream cone are the perfectly cool complements to this party-packed season.

It’s the return to summer that we’ve all been waiting for this year!

High Energy Entertainment Builds the Awe-Summer Lineup

NEW! Birthday Surprise Squad – In celebration of the park’s 10th birthday, this pop-up squad is popping up around the park with surprises, performances, and even special birthday giveaways.
NEW! Time to Learn! – Join the Florida Prepaid Schoolhouse teachers as they engage in activities and songs about the fun of science, and the excitement of reading and writing in a show that is perfect for our smallest guests ages two to six.
NEW! Clap along to the rhythm and sounds of the all-new Safari Drummers and test your dinosaur knowledge with the Dino Duo.

Brickbeard’s Watersports Stunt Show – Watch as Captain Brickbeard and Calico Jade whip their crew of new recruits into shape through a series of thrilling stunts on the seas, including wakeboarding, barefoot skiing, and an all-new flyboard act.

Elemental Masters – This LEGO NINJAGO Days fan-favorite show returns with ninjas demonstrating advanced abilities in mastering the elemental powers with kicking, spinning, and tumbling on the LEGO City Stage.
Robots to the Rescue –Join Olivia as she returns from LEGO Friends Weekends in Heartlake Hall for an interactive LEGO brick build workshop to help save her robot friend.

Specialty Weekends Stack Up with Even More Fun

Red White and BOOM LEGOLAND Florida — PHOTO / LEGOLAND Florida, Merlin Entertainments Group, Edward Linsmier

Red, White and BOOM! –Fireworks return on July 3 and 4! Celebrate America’s Independence Day as the skies above Lake Eloise fill with colorful fireworks. Complimentary fireworks glasses transform the fireworks into bursting LEGO bricks! Before the sun goes down, guests can help create a giant U.S. flag out of thousands of LEGO bricks.

Heroes Weekend at LEGOLAND FL_LOGO — PHOTO / LOCK + LAND, Chip Litherland

Heroes Weekend – On August 7 and 8, learn about safety in a fun and playful way while we celebrate the Heroes who keep us safe! Kids can take part in a variety of fun activities, attractions, and character experiences, while families gather important information from the National Fire Protection Association.

LEGOLAND Florida Preschooler Pass Park Entrance with Family — PHOTO / CHIP LITHERLAND

All Awe-Summer activities are included with LEGOLAND Theme Park general admission and select Annual Passes, starting at $9/month with a small down payment. Annual Passes are the best way to join the yearlong birthday celebration — join the party at LEGOLAND.com/florida.

On the Go in MCO: Indoor Activities for Kids

This summer I am sharing fun ways you can be On the Go in MCO, and this week we are looking at free (or mostly free) indoor activities!

Don’t forget that you can catch these great events and more on the Obie & Ashley Unfiltered Podcast!

Last week we looked at fun ways to explore the outdoors for under $10 a car load, and this week we’re looking at fun ways to beat the heat with free (or mostly free) indoor activities for the kids.

On the Go in MCO: Indoor Activities for Kids

Free Bowling All Summer Long

Aloma Bowl: 2530 Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792

On the Go In MCO Indoor Activities for Kids Aloma Bowling

Until September 5, 2021, children 15 and under can play two free games of bowling with the purchase of shoe rentals Monday through Friday from 11 am – 5 pm.

Online registration in advance is required and a parent or guardian must be present but they do not need to pay to take advantage of this offer.

Don’t forget about OCLS

On the Go In MCO Indoor Activities for Kids OCLS

While the Orange County Liberty Service programming may look a little different than it has in the past, they are still offering families free activities and incentives for summer reading!

With your OCLS library card you can attend their Summer Livestream Series of performances, learn new crafts, and kids can enjoy their own events where learning is fun.

On the Go In MCO Indoor Activities for Kids

And we can’t talk about the Library without mentioning a Summer Reading Program, and there’s still time for kids to join Tales & Tails!

Kids, ages 6 to 12, can participate in virtual events, track your reading and complete fun activities right at home to earn badges.

Also this summer, OCLS is working with Orange County Public Schools Food & Nutrition Services to offer grab-n-go meals at no charge to children and young adults under 18. Check out the locations here.

Museums with a Local Flair

Orlando is home to some amazing museum, and throughout the city you can find smaller museums that focus on the history of our area.

Some of my top picks are the Central Florida Railroad Museum, Orlando Fire Museum, Winter Park History Museum, Lake Mary Historical Museum, Cornell Fine Arts Museum, and the Holocaust Museum in Maitland.

These hidden gems are all free, and are guaranteed to give your entire family a new appreciation for the City Beautiful!

You can find even more events as you are On the Go in MCO as well as theme park news and tips by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Spark New Fun

Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will offer guests over 100 nights of world-class coasters, electrifying entertainment throughout the park, and more extended hours than ever beginning May 28.

And as a special bonus on weekends and select dates, guests can look to the sky for the NEW “Spark! A Nighttime Spectacular” featuring an explosive NEW firework and special effects production, the biggest, brightest show ever!

Sizzling NEW Summer Nights Experiences!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Summer Nights 2019 — 📸 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

ALL NEW! Ignite the night with NEW “Spark! A Nighttime Spectacular”: For an epic finale to a coaster-filled day of adventure, guests will be drawn to the vibrant energy radiating from a unique new production on the Festival Field. As the most stunning show ever to light the park’s sky, “Spark!” will feature an explosive array of fireworks and exciting effects from dazzling lasers to graceful water elements and dramatic pyrotechnics. “Spark!” is offered every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at 9:15 P.M. from May 28 to September 6, including extra presentations on May 31 for Memorial Day, July 1-4 for Independence Day, and September 6 for Labor Day.

Long before the first burst of “Spark!” covers the night sky, guests can join in the evening excitement with NEW entertainment, music, food and drinks for the park’s biggest and brightest summer celebration:

NEW! Pre-Party on the Festival Pathway: Greeted by glowing lights strung among the trees, live music and more, the stunning visual journey on the Festival Pathway will spark the spirit of summer in everyone.

NEW! Seasonal Summer Menu: Senses will ignite with delicious bursts of flavor from a special menu inspired by backyard summer cookouts with a Busch Gardens twist. Guests will discover a walkable take on grilled classics, decadent sweet treats and more along the festival pathway and new locations throughout the park. Adults 21+ can indulge in NEW glow-in-the-dark summer cocktails or refreshing non-alcoholic drinks that are equally beautiful and satisfying for the perfect end to a summer night.

NEW! DJ Block Parties: As the sun goes down, electric summer vibes amp up on the Festival Field. It’s an open-air dance party with DJs, dancing, and endless energy to build the excitement before “Spark!” ignites the sky.

NEW! Giraffe Bar: Combining a perfect Serengeti sunset, delicious cocktails and savory snacks is the best way to fuel a night of summer fun at the NEW Giraffe Bar located on the second floor of Serengeti Overlook.

ALL NEW! “Cirque Electric” show opens: For awe-inspiring feats that spark the imagination, the dynamic performance of “Cirque Electric”, an ALL-NEW acrobatic stunt show exclusively produced for Busch Gardens, opening May 28 at the Stanleyville Theater. From the daring airborne aerialist to stunning displays of balance and strength and a fascinating act on wheels that cannot be missed, guests will be dazzled by world-class performers during select dates for Summer Nights.

MORE Fan-favorite summer experiences return this season!

_Turn it Up!_ opens at Busch Gardens on May 28!

Award-winning “Turn It Up!” ice skating show returns: Starting May 28, the Moroccan Palace Theater will once again be home to “Turn It Up!” the award-winning ice-skating show, including late shows on select dates for Summer Nights.

Back by popular demand! Open-air block parties throughout the park: Complete with seasonal eats and electric beats, guests will encounter sizzling summer entertainment throughout the spacious 300-acre park, including:

Cheetah Hunt Plaza: Between dashing through the night sky on Cheetah Hunt and Cobra’s Curse, guests can dance to DJ beats throughout the evening.

Stanleyville Plaza: After taking on the daring launches of Tigris, guests will find refreshing tunes and classic summer flavors with a twist in the shadow of SheiKra.

All NEW _Cirque Electric_ opens May 28! _Photo does not reflect current safety standards. Protective face coverings will be required for performers at Busch Gardens.

Party All Summer with a Busch Gardens Annual Pass or Fun Card!

Celebrate all summer long and visit again and again with a Busch Gardens Fun Card, where guests can pay for a day and play all year!* For the price of a single-day ticket to Busch Gardens, the Fun Card allows access throughout the year, so you can visit again and again, and experience great events like Summer Nights, Bier Fest, Christmas Town, and more! For the best value and benefits, guests can upgrade to a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Annual Pass to enjoy the perks they want most throughout 2021. Annual Pass Members* receive 12 months of visits with the best benefits ever, including FREE parking, up to 6 free guest tickets, and up to 50-percent savings on merchandise, Quick Queue, and more!

For a limited time, guests can take advantage of Busch Gardens’ Memorial Sale and save up to 50% on tickets, Fun Cards and Annual Passes. The deal ends May 31.

Guests can visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com for more information and reservations—and to purchase tickets, Fun Cards, or Annual Passes.

You can find even more about theme park news and tips by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

Explore the Summer of More at the Gaylord Palms Resort

Gaylord Palms Summer of More 2021 - Fairy — Photo: Gaylord Palms Resort

The Summer of Fun at the Gaylord Palms Resort is going to fill the world-class property, featuring a 3- acre outdoor water park, two sparkling pools, and four-and-a-half acres of sprawling indoor gardens, with fun for the entire family.

From May 21 through September 6, 2021, the resort’s Summer of More will deliver the perfect getaway for families with immersive aquatic experiences, event-exclusive culinary and beverage offerings, soothing spa treatments, and an itinerary full of themed programming inclusive of live entertainment, family-friendly shows, activities, and much more.

“Summer travelers wishing to make the most out of their vacation can come here for a one-stop destination,” said Johann Krieger, General Manager for Gaylord Palms Resort. “From our Cypress Springs water park and EXPLORE activities to our award-winning restaurants and world-class spa, we offer everything you could want and deserve for the ultimate summer experience.”

The theme of this year’s itinerary of activities and events is EXPLORE, and this brand-new programming will encourage guests and local visitors to uncover the stories and discover the natural wonders of Florida.

Gaylord Palms Summer of Fun Highlights

Explore Summer: Uncover the stories and discover the natural wonders of Florida in this brand-new, guided, atrium adventure.

Secret Garden Escape Room: You’ve stumbled upon a beautiful and enchanted garden, but beware – an evil witch lurks in the shadows. Escape back to reality within 30 minutes, or you might find yourself under a spell and trapped forever in this garden as a gnome, frog, or spider! This family-friendly experience includes live performers.

Gaylord Palms Summer of More 2021 - Fairy Set 2 — Photo: Gaylord Palms

Florida Explorer Scavenger Hunt: Your journey begins inside the 4.5-acre atrium, filled to the brim with flora (plant-life) and fauna (animal-life) from all over the state. To succeed in becoming a real-life Florida explorer, you will need to navigate through the atrium and learn about unique plants, animals, and historical landmarks.

Gaylord Palms Summer of More 2021_Gator Springs_Gaylord Palms Resort — Photo: Gaylord Palms Resort

Illuminate Florida Show: High above the St. Augustine Atrium thousands of lights dance and create summer images to music several times a night.

Gaylord Palms Summer of More 2021_Light Show_Gaylord Palms Resort — Photo: Gaylord Palms Resort

Animal Encounters with Wild Florida: A special educational opportunity to interact with and learn about a variety of incredible creatures.

A summertime must, Gaylord Palms’ 3-acre water park, Cypress Springs, offers thrills and relaxation for every member of the family – from the tranquil South Beach Pool to exhilarating attractions including drop and racing slides, a multi-level water playground, the FlowRider surfing experience and an all-new action river, Crystal River Rapids.

Gaylord Palms Crystal River Rapids Once Upon a Spring Easter 2021

This new water attraction takes guests on a thrilling ride as they twist and turn through speeding currents. Exclusive poolside cabanas available for rent provide extra shade, comfortable lounge seating, a refrigerator, television, and a designated pool server. Premium poolside seating also available for purchase.

Gaylord Palms Summer of More 2021_Relache Entrance Sign_Gaylord Palms Resort — Photo: Gaylord Palms Resort

Not to be left out…Adults who are searching for the ultimate in relaxation can unwind in the resort’s luxurious Relâche Spa and enjoy a de-stressing massage, rejuvenating facial, or calming body treatment.

The resort features multiple award-winning restaurants with unique culinary experiences, breathtaking atrium views, and mouth-watering seasonal dishes and summer cocktails. Dining options are available for every palate – even from the comfort of the guest’s room.

Christmas at Gaylord Palms 2020 — Photo: Gaylord Palms Resort

As the safety of its guests and STARS (employees) is of paramount importance, the resort’s summer events have been developed in accordance with Marriott’s “Commitment to Clean” program and enhanced protocols.

For more information about Gaylord Palms Resort and to book an overnight stay, room package, or events and activities, visit www.GaylordPalms.com.

For more information and the latest theme park news make sure to follow @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

Disney Twenty-Three Summer 2021 Issue

The summer 2021 issue of Disney twenty-three is making a splash (and if you don’t believe us, you’re in… de-Nile) showcasing Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt in an exclusive wrap-around cover to celebrate the July 30 opening of the rollicking adventure Jungle Cruise. Editor-in-chief Max Lark journeyed to the backside of water, visiting the breathtaking tropical set of the film to speak with its stars and creative team about turning the beloved Disney Parks favorite into a thrilling new movie. Fans also get a fascinating look at the creation of Jungle Cruise for Disneyland and the exciting changes in store for the attraction this year.

Plus, in honor of Lucasfilm’s 50th anniversary, every issue of the publication will be shipped with a poster created exclusively for D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, featuring stunning poster artwork from every film the studio has made over the past five decades, including rarely seen images from one-sheets around the world.

Disney Twenty-Three Summer 2021 Issue Lucas Film Poster

Also in the new issue, which is available exclusively to D23 Gold Members, Tom Hiddleston discusses spinning off the wickedly wonderful Loki for his new Marvel Studios series on Disney+ and bringing an entirely “new” version of the God of Mischief to life.

Hiddleston’s on-screen brother, Chris Hemsworth, dons a different kind of (swim)suit as he takes a dip with some apex predators for National Geographic’s Shark Beach, as the avid surfer and environmentalist dives beneath the surface of what we know about the toothy creatures.

And Disney twenty-three goes behind-the-seams with Academy Award winner Emma Thompson for a special look at the ferociously fashion-forward Cruella, coming to theaters and Disney+ Premier Access May 28.

And on June 4, Super Hero fans will assemble at Disney California Adventure for the opening of Avengers Campus, a stunning new land where guests will be able to sling webs with Spider-Man and eat enormous pretzels thanks to “Pym” technology. Amidst stunning photography, the Imagineers and creators of the Campus detail its creation and what guests can expect, and it’s… super.

Also included in the Summer issue of Disney twenty-three:

Monsters, Inc. is beefing up its workforce, as Ben Feldman joins the team in the hilarious new Disney+ animated series Monsters At Work
Journey to the seaside (with some lovable sea monsters) as star Jacob Tremblay and Luca’s creative team reveal details about the new Pixar film
Behind the Attraction, coming to Disney+, uncovers fascinating facts and surprising stories about Disney park favorites
Walt’s original princess enjoys new adventures with Disneyland’s reimagined Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
It’s a new generation of fun as the Turner & Hooch series arrives on Disney+ with just the right amount of slobber
Star Jeffrey Wright and producer Brad Winderbaum get animated for Marvel Studios’ new colorful series What If…?, coming to Disney+
Regular features including By the Numbers, Character Analysis, and Ask the Walt Disney Archives

Additional details will be available at D23.com. Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving before the end of May.

About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s nearly 100-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic year-round through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive offers and discounts; and special experiences for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99), Gold Duo Membership ($129.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com.

Universal Orlando Unveils VelociCoaster Vehicle

Universal Orlando Resort Universal Islands of Adventure Jurassic Park VelociCoaster — Photo: Universal Orlando Resort

The Universal Orlando Resort has shared a new glimpse at the VelociCoaster, the all-new species of roller coaster coming to Jurassic Park at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in summer 2021.

Jurassic World VelociCoaster will raise the bar in extreme roller coaster design and become the ultimate experience for thrill-seekers – catapulting guests up to 70 mph and more than 150 feet in the air as they feel the rush of the hunt alongside a swift pack of Velociraptors.

Designed for speed and engineered for the hunt, the coaster’s revolutionary ride vehicle will send riders twisting and soaring across 4,700 feet of track as they encounter near-misses, launches, 12 heart-pounding seconds of airtime, and more – with just a lap bar restraint holding them in place. Click here for an up-close look at the vehicle.

More details about Jurassic World VelociCoaster will be revealed in early 2021, so make sure that you follow @onthegoincmo on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for updates!

On the Go in MCO: Summer Must Do’s

High Energy Entertainment Builds the Awe-Summer Lineup​​​​​​​

Specialty Weekends Stack Up with Even More Fun

On the Go in MCO: Indoor Activities for Kids

Free Bowling All Summer Long

Museums with a Local Flair

Sizzling NEW Summer Nights Experiences!

MORE Fan-favorite summer experiences return this season!

Party All Summer with a Busch Gardens Annual Pass or Fun Card!

You can find even more about theme park news and tips by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

Gaylord Palms Summer of Fun Highlights

For more information and the latest theme park news make sure to follow @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

High Energy Entertainment Builds the Awe-Summer Lineup