Believe in the magic of the season aboard this one-of-a-kind journey to the North Pole
This holiday season, jump aboard The Polar Express Experience at SeaWorld for a magical trip to the North Pole. Debuting Nov. 23 and continuing through Jan. 1, 2008, SeaWorld’s Wild Arctic transforms into a thrilling, never-before-experienced expedition to the fabled Santa Town.
The Polar Express Experience is based on the film from Warner Bros. Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment, inspired by the beloved Caldecott Medal children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. “SeaWorld Orlando, Warner Bros. and Iwerks have created a one-of-a-kind motion simulation experience that combines one of the holiday’s most beloved movies with an actual winter wonderland,” said Michael Fletcher, Vice President of Entertainment for SeaWorld. “The result will completely immerse guests into a thrilling combination of fantasy and reality.” This heartwarming adventure begins with a three-minute preshow telling the story of a young boy lying awake on Christmas Eve, just before midnight. Straining to listen for the elusive sound of ringing bells aboard Santa’s sleigh, the boy is jolted out of bed from the thunderous roar of The Polar Express arriving to take him on a fascinating adventure to the North Pole. Guests then embark upon that same adventure as they board The Polar Express Experience. Recreating classic scenes from the movie in a multi-sensory experience, The Polar Express Experience immerses guests with lighting, scent, sound and motion to transport them to the North Pole… and into the spirit of the season.
When guests arrive at their destination, they step off the train and into the movie itself. Temperatures drop and holiday spirits soar as the travelers arrive at the frozen North Pole, complete with towering Christmas tree, gift-laden sleigh, village décor and Santa himself. The journey continues as guests also encounter other inhabitants of the North Pole – the animals themselves – including graceful beluga whales, powerful polar bears and giant walruses.
In addition to this stellar holiday attraction, SeaWorld also offers an array of festive shows and seasonal additions. Guests can join Shamu for the holidays during “Shamu Christmas…Miracles.” This captivating show helps guests celebrate the holiday season as a time filled with hope and peace and just possibly, miracles. The 22-minute production comes to life daily through Dec. 25 at Shamu Stadium.
Guests may also witness a winter wonder as snow flurries descend from up above, and jewels of water and light adorn the night during the “Christmastide” holiday fountain show -- a seasonal spectacular where water seemingly dances to the beat of Christmas music through Dec. 25.
“Mistify,” a nighttime finale Dec. 26 – 30, takes place on SeaWorld’s center lake and features larger-than-life marine creatures on 60-foot mist screens, 100-foot fountains, flames on water and dazzling fireworks.
Families will enjoy strolling through the Waterfront’s array of gift shops and restaurants all while listening to the joyful tunes of singers, musical quartets and the “Sizzlin’ Pianos” show that ignite the spirit of the season. Through Christmas, stores and restaurants will remain open until 7 p.m. during weekdays and 8 p.m. on weekends. The park will remain open until 10 p.m. Dec. 26 – 30.
Additional Festivities
The winter season warms up South Seas-style at “Makahiki Christmas Luau.” This festive celebration includes succulent island cuisine served with the ancient holiday traditions of the Pacific Islands. The sounds of Christmas are reinterpreted with authentic Polynesian rhythms, music and dancers Nov. 23, 2007 through Jan. 1, 2008 (except Dec. 25). Park admission is not required.
Breakfast with Elmo and Friends, Dec. 26-31, offers a delicious buffet served up with the hottest characters in town including Elmo, Big Bird, Grover, Zoe, Ernie and Cookie Monster. Prices are $16.95 plus tax for adults and $14.95 for children (ages 3-9). Children under 3 are free. Reservations are required and breakfast times are 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Park admission is required.
New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld
SeaWorld rings in the holiday Dec. 31 with a musical celebration that includes the best in pop, Latin and swing music and dancing. The party begins with Michael Andrew and his 18-piece Atomic Big Band who will keep the crowd dancing. At the stroke of midnight, the night will shine even brighter with vibrant fireworks. (For those who would rather end the year with a splash, the park’s attractions and thrill rides will remain open until midnight.)
For more information call (800) 327-2424.
About SeaWorld
SeaWorld is the world’s premier marine adventure park with 200 acres of world-class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters. Millions of visitors have explored the mysteries of the sea with up-close animal interactions and exhilarating experiences. State-of-the-art rides give guests unprecedented thrills, while amazing animal encounters include killer whales, dolphins, sea lions, sharks and more. Other Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks include SeaWorld parks in San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens Africa and Adventure Island in Tampa Bay and Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA in Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove in Orlando; and Sesame Place near Philadelphia. Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park, is under construction in Orlando and is scheduled to open March 2008. To learn more about the Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks, call toll-free (800)4ADVENTURE.
About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
About The Polar Express
Castle Rock Entertainment Presents, in Association with Shangri-La Entertainment, a Playtone / ImageMovers / Golden Mean Production of a Robert Zemeckis Film: Tom Hanks in The Polar Express. Directed by Robert Zemeckis from a screenplay by Zemeckis & William Broyles, Jr., the film is produced by Steve Starkey, Robert Zemeckis, Gary Goetzman and William Teitler and is based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg. Tom Hanks, Jack Rapke and Chris Van Allsburg are the executive producers. The production team includes directors of photography Don Burgess, A.S.C. and Robert Presley; production designers Rick Carter and Doug Chiang; and editors Jeremiah O’Driscoll & R. Orlando Duenas. Senior visual effects supervisors are Ken Ralston and Jerome Chen. Co-producer is Steven Boyd. Music score is by Alan Silvestri, and original songs by Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri. The Polar Express is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. Soundtrack album on Warner Sunset/Reprise Records. This film is rated G by the MPAA. For more information, please visit Sea World Orlando
Friday, November 30, 2007
SeaWorld honors Special Forces soldiers and family members
More than 125 soldiers and their family members celebrate their recent return home after deployment in Iraq with a special day at SeaWorld. The soldiers are enjoying a variety of events at the park including recognition during the Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island show and a family picnic. The soldiers are members of Company A, Third Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Florida Army National Guard and hail from throughout Florida.Anheuser-Busch has a long history of honoring the men and women of the U.S. armed forces with tribute programs like Here’s to the Heroes. Here’s to the Heroes provides a single day’s free admission to any one SeaWorld or Busch Gardens park, Sesame Place, Adventure Island or Water Country USA for the service member and as many as three of his or her direct dependents. In addition, Anheuser-Busch was recently recognized as one of the “Top 50 Military-Friendly Employers” by G.I. Jobs Magazine.
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007
9:45 a.m.
WHERE: SeaWorld’s Sea Lion & Otter Stadium
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Orlando area resort hosts Florida's premiere cold weather Holiday Attractions
Gaylord Palms Resort Creates Attraction fromNearly Two Million Pounds of Ice
The coldest spot in the United States this holiday season will likely be Central
Florida, where temperatures are predicted to be 9 degrees Fahrenheit, Nov. 19 - Jan. 3.
This “cold front” of winter weather is part of a flurry of holiday fun
at Gaylord Palms® Resort, located five minutes from Walt
Disney World theme parks. At this landmark resort, visitors flock
to a collection of “cold-weather” holiday activities, like ICE
skating, and ICE!, Orlando’s coolest holiday attraction, handcarved
from nearly TWO MILLION pounds of ice.
Inside, guests explore a whimsical winter wonderland of largerthan-
life, three-dimensional hand-carved ice monuments and
sculptures, including fantastic frozen creations, slippery ice
slides, and memorable holiday scenes. As for the chill, visitors
are given oversized parkas to stay comfortable inside the
attraction, which is kept at a blustery
9 degrees.
This year’s attraction, which reflects the theme “A Holiday
Road Trip,” is presented by Coca-Cola and sponsored by
Nissan and Sara Lee Food Service.
GAYLORD PALMS FEATURES “ICE!”
In its fifth season, ICE! will feature several new or revised scenes, including a walk-through igloo and
a towering gingerbread candy house, meticulously hand-carved from enormous blocks of colored ice.
A guest favorite, the ICE! castle and slides, has been re-designed to reflect a South Pole locale with a
colony of penguins surrounding the longest ice slide in the attraction’s history. The new slide,
measuring 5 feet taller and 30 feet longer than previous years, will curve around the exterior of the
scene to provide visitors with a more exhilarating slide experience.
The signature scene, a breathtaking life-size Nativity carved completely
of crystal-clear ice, has been described as one of the most breathtaking
depictions of the birth of Christ. Dramatic new lighting and a stirring
narrative track will ensure guests will continue to pause and reflect on
the story behind the season.
The enormous structure used to house ICE! is cooled to a chilly
9 degrees. To stay comfortable inside the attraction, visitors are loaned
oversized winter coats to wear.
“Not only is the artistry amazing to enjoy, but the brisk environment
inside the attraction creates a winter holiday experience like no other in
the Sunshine State – rosy cheeks and all!” said Kemp Gallineau,
general manager of Gaylord Palms.
The attraction is carved by a team of 40 artisans from Harbin,
China. The talented artisans spend nearly an entire month in
Kissimmee creating this one-of-a-kind attraction. Harbin is best
known for its annual International Ice and Snow Festival. Each
year more than 2,000 sculptors carve a 100-acre walk-through
Ice Park from blocks of ice taken from the Songhua River.
Produced exclusively for Gaylord Hotels, the artisans’ work
appeared for the first time in the United States in 2001, when a
similar attraction debuted at Gaylord Opryland® Resort’s "A
Country Christmas" celebration in Nashville. The project
expanded in 2003 to include ICE! at Gaylord Palms, and in
2005 to include ICE! at Gaylord Texan® Resort in Grapevine,
Texas, located near Dallas/Fort Worth.
Florida, where temperatures are predicted to be 9 degrees Fahrenheit, Nov. 19 - Jan. 3.
This “cold front” of winter weather is part of a flurry of holiday fun
at Gaylord Palms® Resort, located five minutes from Walt
Disney World theme parks. At this landmark resort, visitors flock
to a collection of “cold-weather” holiday activities, like ICE
skating, and ICE!, Orlando’s coolest holiday attraction, handcarved
from nearly TWO MILLION pounds of ice.
Inside, guests explore a whimsical winter wonderland of largerthan-
life, three-dimensional hand-carved ice monuments and
sculptures, including fantastic frozen creations, slippery ice
slides, and memorable holiday scenes. As for the chill, visitors
are given oversized parkas to stay comfortable inside the
attraction, which is kept at a blustery
9 degrees.
This year’s attraction, which reflects the theme “A Holiday
Road Trip,” is presented by Coca-Cola and sponsored by
Nissan and Sara Lee Food Service.
GAYLORD PALMS FEATURES “ICE!”
In its fifth season, ICE! will feature several new or revised scenes, including a walk-through igloo and
a towering gingerbread candy house, meticulously hand-carved from enormous blocks of colored ice.
A guest favorite, the ICE! castle and slides, has been re-designed to reflect a South Pole locale with a
colony of penguins surrounding the longest ice slide in the attraction’s history. The new slide,
measuring 5 feet taller and 30 feet longer than previous years, will curve around the exterior of the
scene to provide visitors with a more exhilarating slide experience.
The signature scene, a breathtaking life-size Nativity carved completely
of crystal-clear ice, has been described as one of the most breathtaking
depictions of the birth of Christ. Dramatic new lighting and a stirring
narrative track will ensure guests will continue to pause and reflect on
the story behind the season.
The enormous structure used to house ICE! is cooled to a chilly
9 degrees. To stay comfortable inside the attraction, visitors are loaned
oversized winter coats to wear.
“Not only is the artistry amazing to enjoy, but the brisk environment
inside the attraction creates a winter holiday experience like no other in
the Sunshine State – rosy cheeks and all!” said Kemp Gallineau,
general manager of Gaylord Palms.
The attraction is carved by a team of 40 artisans from Harbin,
China. The talented artisans spend nearly an entire month in
Kissimmee creating this one-of-a-kind attraction. Harbin is best
known for its annual International Ice and Snow Festival. Each
year more than 2,000 sculptors carve a 100-acre walk-through
Ice Park from blocks of ice taken from the Songhua River.
Produced exclusively for Gaylord Hotels, the artisans’ work
appeared for the first time in the United States in 2001, when a
similar attraction debuted at Gaylord Opryland® Resort’s "A
Country Christmas" celebration in Nashville. The project
expanded in 2003 to include ICE! at Gaylord Palms, and in
2005 to include ICE! at Gaylord Texan® Resort in Grapevine,
Texas, located near Dallas/Fort Worth.
GAYLORD PALMS FEATURES “ICE!”
In addition to ICE!, this year’s Best of Florida Christmas program will include 46 days of holiday
revelry, including several new or revised activities:
• ICE! Skating: A larger outdoor skating rink offering a holiday tradition common only in northern
climates. Skate rentals are included.
• “Luminescence – A Holiday Fantasy”: A heartwarming tale
with inspired music that is as edgy as it is classic. Part rock and
roll show, part holiday tale, part aerial exhibition,
“Luminescence” will bring a sense of joy, awe and wonderment
to the holiday season.
• Hidden Holiday Gnome Hunt, featuring The Roaming
Gnome: Families can hunt throughout the Gaylord Palms
atriums to spot cleverly hidden gnomes (presented by
Travelocity).
• Christmas in Florida: The County Wreath Collection: An
exhibition of wreaths decorated to reflect Florida’s diverse
destinations, from coast to coast.
• Visit Santa: Kids can take an opportunity to share their special Christmas wishes with Santa
Claus…in person, or via email.
• Brunch with Mrs. Claus: Santa’s “better half” is the
star of the show at Villa de Flora restaurant
(weekends).
While most activities are intended for both day guests
and hotel guests, this year’s celebration will include
special experiences created exclusively for guests who
purchase the Best of Florida Christmas overnight
package:
Priority Entry to the ICE! attraction
Multiple Visits into the ICE! attraction and ICE! Skating rink during the length of a guest’s
stay.
Family Memories Gingerbread Experience, an
opportunity for package guests to create a family
gingerbread house, with the help of a Gaylord pastry chef.
Holiday bedtime stories, broadcast every night via a
special in-room channel.
Character tuck-ins, bedtime visits by one of our holiday
characters (additional fee).
GAYLORD PALMS FEATURES “ICE!”
Christmas Concierge, featuring recommendations and assistance in booking unique holiday
experiences throughout Orlando.
Overnight Best of Florida Christmas packages start at $249 per night plus tax, based on a two-night
stay. Packages include a Florida-view guest room, 2 tickets to ICE! and ICE! Skating, a souvenir
photo, self parking, and a host of exclusive resort guest benefits. Packages and rates are available
for families of all sizes, beginning with a one-night stay.
ICE! tickets range from $9.99 - $24.99, depending on the type of ticket, and day of the week.
Discounts will be available for tickets purchased online in advance at www.gaylordpalms.com/ice.
Tickets will go on sale in September.
For more information or reservations, call (407) 586-4-ICE.
In addition to ICE!, this year’s Best of Florida Christmas program will include 46 days of holiday
revelry, including several new or revised activities:
• ICE! Skating: A larger outdoor skating rink offering a holiday tradition common only in northern
climates. Skate rentals are included.
• “Luminescence – A Holiday Fantasy”: A heartwarming tale
with inspired music that is as edgy as it is classic. Part rock and
roll show, part holiday tale, part aerial exhibition,
“Luminescence” will bring a sense of joy, awe and wonderment
to the holiday season.
• Hidden Holiday Gnome Hunt, featuring The Roaming
Gnome: Families can hunt throughout the Gaylord Palms
atriums to spot cleverly hidden gnomes (presented by
Travelocity).
• Christmas in Florida: The County Wreath Collection: An
exhibition of wreaths decorated to reflect Florida’s diverse
destinations, from coast to coast.
• Visit Santa: Kids can take an opportunity to share their special Christmas wishes with Santa
Claus…in person, or via email.
• Brunch with Mrs. Claus: Santa’s “better half” is the
star of the show at Villa de Flora restaurant
(weekends).
While most activities are intended for both day guests
and hotel guests, this year’s celebration will include
special experiences created exclusively for guests who
purchase the Best of Florida Christmas overnight
package:
Priority Entry to the ICE! attraction
Multiple Visits into the ICE! attraction and ICE! Skating rink during the length of a guest’s
stay.
Family Memories Gingerbread Experience, an
opportunity for package guests to create a family
gingerbread house, with the help of a Gaylord pastry chef.
Holiday bedtime stories, broadcast every night via a
special in-room channel.
Character tuck-ins, bedtime visits by one of our holiday
characters (additional fee).
GAYLORD PALMS FEATURES “ICE!”
Christmas Concierge, featuring recommendations and assistance in booking unique holiday
experiences throughout Orlando.
Overnight Best of Florida Christmas packages start at $249 per night plus tax, based on a two-night
stay. Packages include a Florida-view guest room, 2 tickets to ICE! and ICE! Skating, a souvenir
photo, self parking, and a host of exclusive resort guest benefits. Packages and rates are available
for families of all sizes, beginning with a one-night stay.
ICE! tickets range from $9.99 - $24.99, depending on the type of ticket, and day of the week.
Discounts will be available for tickets purchased online in advance at www.gaylordpalms.com/ice.
Tickets will go on sale in September.
For more information or reservations, call (407) 586-4-ICE.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Holiday party space still available!
HOLIDAY PARTY SPACE STILL AVAILABLE!
(formerly the Hyatt Orlando)
Groups from 50 to 1,000
Our Holiday Party Packages includes:
· Holiday centerpieces on each table.
· Holiday colored linens.
· Dance floor.
· Holiday Décor.
· Special rates for guest rooms.
· Complimentary one night stay for the party planner contact.
Discounts available Sunday to Thursday
Please call Annette to book your Holiday Party
at (407)390-5800 x 5303. Orlando Sun Resort
(formerly the Hyatt Orlando)
Groups from 50 to 1,000
Our Holiday Party Packages includes:
· Holiday centerpieces on each table.
· Holiday colored linens.
· Dance floor.
· Holiday Décor.
· Special rates for guest rooms.
· Complimentary one night stay for the party planner contact.
Discounts available Sunday to Thursday
Please call Annette to book your Holiday Party
at (407)390-5800 x 5303. Orlando Sun Resort
Benches in Germany (and Epcot in Winter)
Fairly new to World showcase are regular, plain vanilla picnic tables (unpainted pine, even, by the looks of them) that sit waterside in Germany. This is a great idea, since Germany always sells food from vendors and has no place to sit. And there was a pretty large walkway along the water that holds plenty of room, which was just un-utilized before.
It's my favorite season at Epcot. Crowds are way, way down. Temps are down. The Wand is down! (yay!)
The Lights of Winter are up. The holiday fireworks finale is up. My blood-alcohol and thus my mood is up.
Benches? Sure, why not. Epcot is such an amazing park to have in my backyard, I can barely notice it when small things are added or taken away. Well, strike that. I notice it when they disappear. But this kind of small 'plussing' of the place keeps me going, and going, and going.
I suppose the occasional drink helps. Not that they make this easier. The beer stand at the UK, usually left open after Food and Wine, still stands but I haven't seen it open yet. In the UK pub itself, they've stopped selling those half-yards of beer or cider.
Doesn't matter. Epcot is still phenomenal. Especially at this time of year.
It's my favorite season at Epcot. Crowds are way, way down. Temps are down. The Wand is down! (yay!)
The Lights of Winter are up. The holiday fireworks finale is up. My blood-alcohol and thus my mood is up.
Benches? Sure, why not. Epcot is such an amazing park to have in my backyard, I can barely notice it when small things are added or taken away. Well, strike that. I notice it when they disappear. But this kind of small 'plussing' of the place keeps me going, and going, and going.
I suppose the occasional drink helps. Not that they make this easier. The beer stand at the UK, usually left open after Food and Wine, still stands but I haven't seen it open yet. In the UK pub itself, they've stopped selling those half-yards of beer or cider.
Doesn't matter. Epcot is still phenomenal. Especially at this time of year.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Special Events in Orlando
Orlando Ballet presents: The Nutcracker
Performed with Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
Friday, December 14, 2007 at 7:30pm
Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 11:00 am – Family Series performance
Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Thursday, December 20, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Friday, December 21, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 23, 2007 at 2:00 pm
All Performances are held at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre
Tickets: $12-$65
For ticket information call: (407) 426-1739, (407) 839-3900 or visit ticketmaster.com.
This production will be noteworthy for its exciting and challenging choreography as created by the late Fernando Bujones. The Nutcracker will be danced to the full Tchaikovsky score performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and will include over 100 children from the award-winning Orlando Ballet School.
Orlando Ballet’s Annual Nutcracker Brunch
Sunday, December 16, 2007, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Orlando Marriott Downtown
400 West Livingston St.
Orlando, FL 32801
For ticket information call: (407) 426-1739.
On December 16, a holiday tradition returns to Orlando. Join us for a special holiday treat! Enjoy a delicious all you care to eat buffet brunch, Nutcracker character appearances, photo opportunities, and an exclusive commemorative holiday ornament. Pricing includes complimentary valet parking onsite at the Orlando Downtown Marriott
Brunch Only:
Adults: $ 35.00
Children: $23.00
Or
Brunch + Tickets to the Nutcracker Matinee
Adults: $75.00
Children: $63.00
Includes ‘A’ section seating for the 2:00pm December 16th Nutcracker performance at the Bob Carr along with your brunch.
Grande Masque 2007 – An Evening at Moulin Rouge
Monday, December 31, 2007, 7:00 pm – 1:00 am
Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee
For tickets call the Orlando Opera Box Office at (407) 426-1717.
Mark your calendars for Grand Masque 2007 – An Evening at Moulin Rouge to be held Monday, December 31, 2007. Leave the everyday world behind for this extraordinary holiday event of Parisian fantasy. Held at the luxurious Gaylord Palms Resort, Grande Masque is a black-tie, masked ball offering gourmet fare, a full open bar, dancing, and tres magnificent auction items. Experience the romantic glamour so grippingly captured on canvas by Toulouse-Lautrec as we stroll down to the foot of Montmartre to experience the decadence of An Evening at Moulin Rouge! This annual New Year’s Eve tradition is hosted by Orlando Ballet, Orlando Opera and Orlando Philharmonic. Attendees can purchase individual tickets or a table by calling the Orlando Opera Box Office at (407) 426-1717. This event is a charity gala and all proceeds benefit the host organizations. Hotels in Orlando
Performed with Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
Friday, December 14, 2007 at 7:30pm
Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 11:00 am – Family Series performance
Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Thursday, December 20, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Friday, December 21, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 23, 2007 at 2:00 pm
All Performances are held at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre
Tickets: $12-$65
For ticket information call: (407) 426-1739, (407) 839-3900 or visit ticketmaster.com.
This production will be noteworthy for its exciting and challenging choreography as created by the late Fernando Bujones. The Nutcracker will be danced to the full Tchaikovsky score performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and will include over 100 children from the award-winning Orlando Ballet School.
Orlando Ballet’s Annual Nutcracker Brunch
Sunday, December 16, 2007, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Orlando Marriott Downtown
400 West Livingston St.
Orlando, FL 32801
For ticket information call: (407) 426-1739.
On December 16, a holiday tradition returns to Orlando. Join us for a special holiday treat! Enjoy a delicious all you care to eat buffet brunch, Nutcracker character appearances, photo opportunities, and an exclusive commemorative holiday ornament. Pricing includes complimentary valet parking onsite at the Orlando Downtown Marriott
Brunch Only:
Adults: $ 35.00
Children: $23.00
Or
Brunch + Tickets to the Nutcracker Matinee
Adults: $75.00
Children: $63.00
Includes ‘A’ section seating for the 2:00pm December 16th Nutcracker performance at the Bob Carr along with your brunch.
Grande Masque 2007 – An Evening at Moulin Rouge
Monday, December 31, 2007, 7:00 pm – 1:00 am
Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee
For tickets call the Orlando Opera Box Office at (407) 426-1717.
Mark your calendars for Grand Masque 2007 – An Evening at Moulin Rouge to be held Monday, December 31, 2007. Leave the everyday world behind for this extraordinary holiday event of Parisian fantasy. Held at the luxurious Gaylord Palms Resort, Grande Masque is a black-tie, masked ball offering gourmet fare, a full open bar, dancing, and tres magnificent auction items. Experience the romantic glamour so grippingly captured on canvas by Toulouse-Lautrec as we stroll down to the foot of Montmartre to experience the decadence of An Evening at Moulin Rouge! This annual New Year’s Eve tradition is hosted by Orlando Ballet, Orlando Opera and Orlando Philharmonic. Attendees can purchase individual tickets or a table by calling the Orlando Opera Box Office at (407) 426-1717. This event is a charity gala and all proceeds benefit the host organizations. Hotels in Orlando
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Epcot Presents Holidays Around the World
With one extra event date this year, World Showcase transforms into a splendor of international holiday traditions and storytelling from Nov. 23 through Dec. 30. Holiday icons who delight children around the globe -- such as France's Père Noël and Italy's La Befana -- make special appearances in their respective countries, while Santa Claus himself pays visits to The American Adventure. Guests can see holiday traditions and legends as they are observed around the world, with Hanukah and Kwanzaa customs also showcased.
At nightfall, Mickey Mouse and his friends host a gala tree-lighting ceremony -- Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat -- complete with music and storytelling, in World Showcase Plaza. A dazzling synchronized light show -- "The Lights of Winter" -- illuminates a canopy adorning the World Showcase breezeway bridge. The laser, lights and fireworks spectacular, "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth," complete with a holiday finale, caps the celebration. Guests with a long holiday shopping list will discover one-of-a-kind gifts with international flair throughout World Showcase boutiques. The special holiday fun takes place daily, Nov. 23-Dec. 30, and is included with regular Epcot admission. Christmas in Orlando
At nightfall, Mickey Mouse and his friends host a gala tree-lighting ceremony -- Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat -- complete with music and storytelling, in World Showcase Plaza. A dazzling synchronized light show -- "The Lights of Winter" -- illuminates a canopy adorning the World Showcase breezeway bridge. The laser, lights and fireworks spectacular, "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth," complete with a holiday finale, caps the celebration. Guests with a long holiday shopping list will discover one-of-a-kind gifts with international flair throughout World Showcase boutiques. The special holiday fun takes place daily, Nov. 23-Dec. 30, and is included with regular Epcot admission. Christmas in Orlando
Monday, November 19, 2007
Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort
ICE CASTLES: For the first time, Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort magically morphs into a shimmering, glimmering ice palace for the holidays -- thanks to a new special effects spectacle bathing the castle in 200,000 twinkly white lights. Magic Kingdom guests are treated nightly to the castle celebration, which also features cherished Disney characters. Similar lighting spectacles also adorn Disney parks in Paris, Hong Kong and Anaheim, Calif. Walt Disney World Resort
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Park Square Homes features WatersSong Resort Style Community
The Palm Series
2 Ensuite Vacation Homes
in a Resort Style Community
From the $290s !!
Located just 15 minutes from the Walt Disney World® resort, The Palm Series at WaterSong offers your clients all of the amenities you have come to know from Park Square Resort Homes, including our +6,700 sq. ft. resort clubhouse. This luxurious facility is located in the center of the community, and is complete with concierge service, cyber café, weight room, video arcade, sundries shopping, conference facility, luggage storage and of course, the resort pool and spa. Attended entry gates, complete lawn service, TV cable and broadband high speed internet services are also included amenities at WaterSong, as is our superior customer service, construction and floor plan design. VIRTUALLY ALL OF OUR 150’ HOME SITES OFFER A CONSERVATION VIEW, making The Palm Series at WaterSong your client’s best destination for luxury, privacy and serenity.
The Palm Series offers 4 to 6 bedroom plans, with a complete resort home package. Most importantly, ALL OF THE HOMES IN THE PALM SERIES NOW OFFER 2 ENSUITE CONFIGURATION!!! Architectural shingles, pool w/gas heater, tile in all wet areas, all appliances and blinds are included. Homesite selection is all your buyers will need to choose, and their new vacation home will be complete.
Price Sheets and Lot Premiums for The Palm Series are attached. NOTE THE TABS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE EXCEL FILE. You will see the “Base Price” tab and then the “Suggested Package Price” tab. This shows suggested packaging of all-ensuite pricing with edge-to-edge decking, 15’ x 30’ pool and lanai (per plan).
Please don’t hesitate to call or email with any questions regarding this outstanding product.
From I-4 take exit 58 (Champions Gate) and drive east 3.5 miles on CR 532 (Osceola – Polk County Line Rd) to the end. Turn right onto US 17-92 and drive 3.5 miles south and WaterSong will be on your left.
Builder's commission to realtors is 12%
Builder’s incentive to buyer is 6%
Orlando Real Estate
2 Ensuite Vacation Homes
in a Resort Style Community
From the $290s !!
Located just 15 minutes from the Walt Disney World® resort, The Palm Series at WaterSong offers your clients all of the amenities you have come to know from Park Square Resort Homes, including our +6,700 sq. ft. resort clubhouse. This luxurious facility is located in the center of the community, and is complete with concierge service, cyber café, weight room, video arcade, sundries shopping, conference facility, luggage storage and of course, the resort pool and spa. Attended entry gates, complete lawn service, TV cable and broadband high speed internet services are also included amenities at WaterSong, as is our superior customer service, construction and floor plan design. VIRTUALLY ALL OF OUR 150’ HOME SITES OFFER A CONSERVATION VIEW, making The Palm Series at WaterSong your client’s best destination for luxury, privacy and serenity.
The Palm Series offers 4 to 6 bedroom plans, with a complete resort home package. Most importantly, ALL OF THE HOMES IN THE PALM SERIES NOW OFFER 2 ENSUITE CONFIGURATION!!! Architectural shingles, pool w/gas heater, tile in all wet areas, all appliances and blinds are included. Homesite selection is all your buyers will need to choose, and their new vacation home will be complete.
Price Sheets and Lot Premiums for The Palm Series are attached. NOTE THE TABS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE EXCEL FILE. You will see the “Base Price” tab and then the “Suggested Package Price” tab. This shows suggested packaging of all-ensuite pricing with edge-to-edge decking, 15’ x 30’ pool and lanai (per plan).
Please don’t hesitate to call or email with any questions regarding this outstanding product.
From I-4 take exit 58 (Champions Gate) and drive east 3.5 miles on CR 532 (Osceola – Polk County Line Rd) to the end. Turn right onto US 17-92 and drive 3.5 miles south and WaterSong will be on your left.
Builder's commission to realtors is 12%
Builder’s incentive to buyer is 6%
Orlando Real Estate
Osceola Art Festival
41st Annual Osceola Art Festival
The Osceola Center of the Arts is proud to present the 41st Annual Osceola Art Festival held November 17 and 18, 2007 in beautiful historic downtown Kissimmee. The festival offers a wide variety of art and events for the whole family and is FREE to attend. Public parking is abundant and the show is simple to navigate allowing one to see artists exhibiting work in painting, pastels/graphics/drawing, photography, sculpture/clay/ceramics, jewelry, glass wood, mixed media and metal.
In addition to a great variety of fine art, be sure to stop at the student art booth for children’s crafts and a special showcase of artwork by local students from around Osceola County. Bring your appetite for a great selection of food from local vendors and enjoy live entertainment throughout the weekend. The Radio Disney Fun Squad will be at the festival Sunday from 11:30am – 3:30pm with fun and games, promoting a FREE ticket giveaway for two pairs of tickets to the Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus, Best of Both Worlds Concert at the St. Pete Forum November 19th.
For more information on any of the festival events or to register at the festival for the FREE Hannah Montana concert tickets:
call (407) 846-6257. Hotels in Kissimmee
The Osceola Center of the Arts is proud to present the 41st Annual Osceola Art Festival held November 17 and 18, 2007 in beautiful historic downtown Kissimmee. The festival offers a wide variety of art and events for the whole family and is FREE to attend. Public parking is abundant and the show is simple to navigate allowing one to see artists exhibiting work in painting, pastels/graphics/drawing, photography, sculpture/clay/ceramics, jewelry, glass wood, mixed media and metal.
In addition to a great variety of fine art, be sure to stop at the student art booth for children’s crafts and a special showcase of artwork by local students from around Osceola County. Bring your appetite for a great selection of food from local vendors and enjoy live entertainment throughout the weekend. The Radio Disney Fun Squad will be at the festival Sunday from 11:30am – 3:30pm with fun and games, promoting a FREE ticket giveaway for two pairs of tickets to the Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus, Best of Both Worlds Concert at the St. Pete Forum November 19th.
For more information on any of the festival events or to register at the festival for the FREE Hannah Montana concert tickets:
call (407) 846-6257. Hotels in Kissimmee
Friday, November 16, 2007
Worlds of Discovery Ticket Prices
Worlds of Discovery
Adult Retail Price
SeaWorld $67.95
Busch Gardens $64.95
Aquatica $38.95
Adventure Island $36.95
Discovery Cove (off peak) $269.00
Discovery Cove (peak) $289.00
More Parks = More Value
Adult Retail Price
SeaWorld / Aquatica $89.95
SeaWorld / Busch Gardens $99.95
Busch Gardens/Adventure Island $79.95
Sea World / Busch Gardens / Aquatica $134.95
Discovery Cove Ultimate $339.00
Discovery Cove + SeaWorld+Busch Gardens + Aquatica
Orlando Flex Ticket $234.95
SeaWorld + Aquatica + Universal Studios + Islands of Adventure + Wet n Wild
Orlando Flex Ticket Plus $279.95
SeaWorld + Busch Gardens + Aquatica + Universal Studios + Islands of Adventure + Wet n Wild
Advance Purchase Benefits
Adult tickets at kid’s prices on single-park and multi-park tickets*
Unlimited admission flexibility through length of stay on all multi-park tickets
Round-trip transportation between Orlando and Busch Gardens
E-tickets that can be printed at home, offering fast, easy entry into the parks.
Florida Resident Benefits
Fun Card: Pay for a Day, Come Back all Year
Discovery Cove resident offers Passport Memberships
Aquatica open March 2008. Additional details available online. *Except Discovery Cove and Aquatica single day tickets.
Orlando Attraction Tickets
Adult Retail Price
SeaWorld $67.95
Busch Gardens $64.95
Aquatica $38.95
Adventure Island $36.95
Discovery Cove (off peak) $269.00
Discovery Cove (peak) $289.00
More Parks = More Value
Adult Retail Price
SeaWorld / Aquatica $89.95
SeaWorld / Busch Gardens $99.95
Busch Gardens/Adventure Island $79.95
Sea World / Busch Gardens / Aquatica $134.95
Discovery Cove Ultimate $339.00
Discovery Cove + SeaWorld+Busch Gardens + Aquatica
Orlando Flex Ticket $234.95
SeaWorld + Aquatica + Universal Studios + Islands of Adventure + Wet n Wild
Orlando Flex Ticket Plus $279.95
SeaWorld + Busch Gardens + Aquatica + Universal Studios + Islands of Adventure + Wet n Wild
Advance Purchase Benefits
Adult tickets at kid’s prices on single-park and multi-park tickets*
Unlimited admission flexibility through length of stay on all multi-park tickets
Round-trip transportation between Orlando and Busch Gardens
E-tickets that can be printed at home, offering fast, easy entry into the parks.
Florida Resident Benefits
Fun Card: Pay for a Day, Come Back all Year
Discovery Cove resident offers Passport Memberships
Aquatica open March 2008. Additional details available online. *Except Discovery Cove and Aquatica single day tickets.
Orlando Attraction Tickets
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Hong Kong DL: The reason Disney parks jumped the shark
Have you heard the term 'jump the shark'? It refers to Happy Days, when Fonzie jumped a literal shark on water skis, and the show started to go downhill from there.
When did Disney parks lose their luster and start to go downhill? A lot of people blame it on Eisner (and especially on the loss of partner Frank Wells).
That's mostly true. But another truth could be pointed to: the quitting of upper park management, the bi-coastal team of Dick Nunis and Norm Doerges. It wasn't until this week I learned why Dick had left the company - turns out for the same reason as Norm. Both of them were angry at Eisner for insisting on a park at Hong Kong.
Dick had wanted Australia - badly - and felt a communist country was the wrong place to be, just for political reasons. And that Chinese people didn't know the Disney characters. (He's right about that!)
When Eisner insisted, Dick had had enough. He'd been annoyed and burned once before (he wanted Spain for the Euro park, not Paris) and this was the icing on the cake. So he left.
When he left, the parks stopped focusing on the very things which had kept the cast happy and family-like for so many decades:
1. history
2. tradition
3. training
They went right out the window. I was there in those years and saw it happen. Hearing Dick reminisce about those times this week really struck a nerve with me.
Odd to think that a big, thus-far-unacknowledged part of the reason for such a huge change in the parks is Eisner's insistence that the company build in Hong Kong. I guess we all suffer for that little park that's still struggling.
When did Disney parks lose their luster and start to go downhill? A lot of people blame it on Eisner (and especially on the loss of partner Frank Wells).
That's mostly true. But another truth could be pointed to: the quitting of upper park management, the bi-coastal team of Dick Nunis and Norm Doerges. It wasn't until this week I learned why Dick had left the company - turns out for the same reason as Norm. Both of them were angry at Eisner for insisting on a park at Hong Kong.
Dick had wanted Australia - badly - and felt a communist country was the wrong place to be, just for political reasons. And that Chinese people didn't know the Disney characters. (He's right about that!)
When Eisner insisted, Dick had had enough. He'd been annoyed and burned once before (he wanted Spain for the Euro park, not Paris) and this was the icing on the cake. So he left.
When he left, the parks stopped focusing on the very things which had kept the cast happy and family-like for so many decades:
1. history
2. tradition
3. training
They went right out the window. I was there in those years and saw it happen. Hearing Dick reminisce about those times this week really struck a nerve with me.
Odd to think that a big, thus-far-unacknowledged part of the reason for such a huge change in the parks is Eisner's insistence that the company build in Hong Kong. I guess we all suffer for that little park that's still struggling.
Next big announcement: Hong Kong Disneyland
A little birdie whispered in my ear today that the next big announcement out of Disney, due any day now, will be about Hong Kong Disneyland. Something to rival the size and scope of the DCA makeover. Stay tooned.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Tis the season for Holiday fun at Pirates Dinner Adventure
Back by popular demand, the swashbuckling holiday version of “The World’s Most Interactive Dinner Show”
sets sail on November 1
Returning for an encore engagement after last year’s successful launch, Pirate’s Christmas Dinner Adventure sets sail on the merriest holiday adventure on the high seas this November. The infamous band of buccaneers, cast and crew of Pirate’s Dinner Adventure will celebrate the season with a holiday version of their popular nighttime theatrical experience, renowned as the “World’s Most Interactive Dinner Show.” From November 1 through January 6, Pirate’s Christmas Dinner Adventure features an exciting holiday story line, spectacular sets, seasonal music, and a shipload of yuletide surprises throughout the show. Even St. Nick is on hand for photos, fresh from his journey from the North Pole.
The entire Pirate’s Dinner Adventure Theatre will be decked out in true pirate fashion with a frosty twist for this swashbuckling holiday celebration. This family-friendly holiday experience kicks off in the pre-show area where a Live Nativity scene will feature live cuddly barnyard animals. In the village square the festivities continue with brightly colored garlands, snowmen, holiday trimmings and music, plus complimentary appetizers for guests.
The Christmas story begins during the pre-show as the evil Magistrate tries to halt the holiday festivities, the princess is captured, and Magee the Elf -- a pirate wannabe -- is called on to save the day. Jack Frost has come to town as a spectacular wintry scene greets guests entering the theatre in the round. Anchored in a 300,000-gallon indoor lagoon, and appearing frozen in time, sits an authentic replica of an 18th century Spanish galleon with a 40-foot mast. Icebergs surround the ship, icicles hang from her bow to stern, and snow blankets huge sections of the deck. The audience is swept up in a, cold winter’s eve as dramatic lighting bathes the entire scene in a chilling white light, as snow gently falls from the sky.
Led by one of six Pirates, guests go back in time to the 1800’s as pirates dazzle, thrill, and entertain with spectacularly choreographed swordplay, aerial artistry, and dynamic duals. Magee the elf transforms into a pirate in a thrilling, heroic effort to save both Christmas and the Princess.
From “pass the fruit cake” to “holiday gift toss,” Pirate team leaders enlist guests to join the fun in thrilling head-to-head competitions pitting one audience group against another. Over 150 guests each night will find themselves in the middle of the show as they don costumes and join the pirate action. A crowd-pleasing tradition established in last year’s holiday show, youngsters will again have the opportunity to join the March of the Toy Soldiers and help Magee save Christmas. The show ends will a spectacular, pyrotechnics-filled, audience-involving celebration guaranteed to raise the roof.
The merriment continues in the post-show area, where guests can mingle with the swashbuckling stars of this holiday celebration. And after the last performance of the evening, guests can party like a pirate at the Buccaneer Bash Dance party, included with each paid admission. The high-energy DJ disco party features a state-of-the-art sound and special effects system and dancing to a wide variety of music.
Pirate’s Christmas Dinner Adventure serves up festive fare, beginning with complimentary appetizers during the pre-show, and continuing with a hearty four-course feast. Guests can select traditional favorites including roasted breast of turkey, sliced pork loin with mushroom gravy, and shrimp in a delicious seasonal sauce, served with steamed vegetables plus roasted potatoes or Caribbean rice. Dessert is a warm apple cobbler alamode or profiterole pastries with vanilla ice cream. Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks are included during dinner. Vegetarian and “Captain Kid’s” meals are available upon request.
Those in search of even more piratical fun during the holidays can navigate their crew over to The Florida Mall, where Pirate’s Christmas Dinner Adventure is a sponsor of Santa. Pirates will invade the mall when Santa arrives at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 10th. A special discount for mall guests will be available throughout the holidays in Santa’s meet-and-greet/photo area.
About Pirate’s Dinner Adventure
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure is owned and operated by Odien, Inc. and is the creation of artistic directors and brothers, Ramon and Antonio Riba of Spain. The main theater is comprised of tiered seating for 800 guests and the venue is available for private group events and functions. Renowned for 10 years in the dinner theater industry for exemplary service, facilities and first-class entertainment, the Orlando venue is located one block from world famous International Drive. This venue is the prototype for brand expansion. A second Pirate’s Dinner Adventure opened in December 2005 in Buena Park, California. Admission prices for 2007 in Orlando are $55.95 plus tax for adults, $35.95 plus tax per child ages three to eleven, and free for children ages two and under. Group rates are offered for parties of 15 or more.
For additional information, group rates or to book a reservation call toll free 1-800-866-2469 (Florida) or visit Pirate’s Dinner Adventure online at www.piratesdinneradventure.com Hotels near Pirates Dinner Adventure
sets sail on November 1
Returning for an encore engagement after last year’s successful launch, Pirate’s Christmas Dinner Adventure sets sail on the merriest holiday adventure on the high seas this November. The infamous band of buccaneers, cast and crew of Pirate’s Dinner Adventure will celebrate the season with a holiday version of their popular nighttime theatrical experience, renowned as the “World’s Most Interactive Dinner Show.” From November 1 through January 6, Pirate’s Christmas Dinner Adventure features an exciting holiday story line, spectacular sets, seasonal music, and a shipload of yuletide surprises throughout the show. Even St. Nick is on hand for photos, fresh from his journey from the North Pole.
The entire Pirate’s Dinner Adventure Theatre will be decked out in true pirate fashion with a frosty twist for this swashbuckling holiday celebration. This family-friendly holiday experience kicks off in the pre-show area where a Live Nativity scene will feature live cuddly barnyard animals. In the village square the festivities continue with brightly colored garlands, snowmen, holiday trimmings and music, plus complimentary appetizers for guests.
The Christmas story begins during the pre-show as the evil Magistrate tries to halt the holiday festivities, the princess is captured, and Magee the Elf -- a pirate wannabe -- is called on to save the day. Jack Frost has come to town as a spectacular wintry scene greets guests entering the theatre in the round. Anchored in a 300,000-gallon indoor lagoon, and appearing frozen in time, sits an authentic replica of an 18th century Spanish galleon with a 40-foot mast. Icebergs surround the ship, icicles hang from her bow to stern, and snow blankets huge sections of the deck. The audience is swept up in a, cold winter’s eve as dramatic lighting bathes the entire scene in a chilling white light, as snow gently falls from the sky.
Led by one of six Pirates, guests go back in time to the 1800’s as pirates dazzle, thrill, and entertain with spectacularly choreographed swordplay, aerial artistry, and dynamic duals. Magee the elf transforms into a pirate in a thrilling, heroic effort to save both Christmas and the Princess.
From “pass the fruit cake” to “holiday gift toss,” Pirate team leaders enlist guests to join the fun in thrilling head-to-head competitions pitting one audience group against another. Over 150 guests each night will find themselves in the middle of the show as they don costumes and join the pirate action. A crowd-pleasing tradition established in last year’s holiday show, youngsters will again have the opportunity to join the March of the Toy Soldiers and help Magee save Christmas. The show ends will a spectacular, pyrotechnics-filled, audience-involving celebration guaranteed to raise the roof.
The merriment continues in the post-show area, where guests can mingle with the swashbuckling stars of this holiday celebration. And after the last performance of the evening, guests can party like a pirate at the Buccaneer Bash Dance party, included with each paid admission. The high-energy DJ disco party features a state-of-the-art sound and special effects system and dancing to a wide variety of music.
Pirate’s Christmas Dinner Adventure serves up festive fare, beginning with complimentary appetizers during the pre-show, and continuing with a hearty four-course feast. Guests can select traditional favorites including roasted breast of turkey, sliced pork loin with mushroom gravy, and shrimp in a delicious seasonal sauce, served with steamed vegetables plus roasted potatoes or Caribbean rice. Dessert is a warm apple cobbler alamode or profiterole pastries with vanilla ice cream. Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks are included during dinner. Vegetarian and “Captain Kid’s” meals are available upon request.
Those in search of even more piratical fun during the holidays can navigate their crew over to The Florida Mall, where Pirate’s Christmas Dinner Adventure is a sponsor of Santa. Pirates will invade the mall when Santa arrives at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 10th. A special discount for mall guests will be available throughout the holidays in Santa’s meet-and-greet/photo area.
About Pirate’s Dinner Adventure
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure is owned and operated by Odien, Inc. and is the creation of artistic directors and brothers, Ramon and Antonio Riba of Spain. The main theater is comprised of tiered seating for 800 guests and the venue is available for private group events and functions. Renowned for 10 years in the dinner theater industry for exemplary service, facilities and first-class entertainment, the Orlando venue is located one block from world famous International Drive. This venue is the prototype for brand expansion. A second Pirate’s Dinner Adventure opened in December 2005 in Buena Park, California. Admission prices for 2007 in Orlando are $55.95 plus tax for adults, $35.95 plus tax per child ages three to eleven, and free for children ages two and under. Group rates are offered for parties of 15 or more.
For additional information, group rates or to book a reservation call toll free 1-800-866-2469 (Florida) or visit Pirate’s Dinner Adventure online at www.piratesdinneradventure.com Hotels near Pirates Dinner Adventure
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
41st Annual Osceola Art Festival in Kisssimmee Florida
The Osceola Center of the Arts is proud to present the 41st Annual Osceola Art Festival held November 17 and 18, 2007 in beautiful historic downtown Kissimmee. The festival offers a wide variety of art and events for the whole family and is FREE to attend. Public parking is abundant and the show is simple to navigate allowing one to see artists exhibiting work in painting, pastels/graphics/drawing, photography, sculpture/clay/ceramics, jewelry, glass wood, mixed media and metal.
In addition to a great variety of fine art, be sure to stop at the student art booth for children’s crafts and a special showcase of artwork by local students from around Osceola County. Bring your appetite for a great selection of food from local vendors and enjoy live entertainment throughout the weekend. The Radio Disney Fun Squad will be at the festival Sunday from 11:30am – 3:30pm with fun and games, promoting a FREE ticket giveaway for two pairs of tickets to the Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus, Best of Both Worlds Concert at the St. Pete Forum November 19th.
For more information on any of the festival events or to register at the festival for the FREE Hannah Montana concert tickets:
Visit http://www.ocfta.com/ or call (407) 846-6257.
Hotels near Kissimmee
In addition to a great variety of fine art, be sure to stop at the student art booth for children’s crafts and a special showcase of artwork by local students from around Osceola County. Bring your appetite for a great selection of food from local vendors and enjoy live entertainment throughout the weekend. The Radio Disney Fun Squad will be at the festival Sunday from 11:30am – 3:30pm with fun and games, promoting a FREE ticket giveaway for two pairs of tickets to the Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus, Best of Both Worlds Concert at the St. Pete Forum November 19th.
For more information on any of the festival events or to register at the festival for the FREE Hannah Montana concert tickets:
Visit http://www.ocfta.com/ or call (407) 846-6257.
Hotels near Kissimmee
AT-ATs and Osborn
The Jedi training stage is there next to the AT-AT and it looks great. It's themed to the bunker entrance in Return of the Jedi. My wife joked we should jump on stage, hide in the sides of the bunker, and say the lines from the movie. We're geeks.
The AT-AT shoots water now (did it do that before? or just have the noise? or the noise plus lights?) and this soaks some people at night. Very amusing.
Osborn started up Monday night. Some thoughts:
1. there is more purple than ever before. pretty.
2. the dancing starts every 7 minutes, not every 15 minutes. this is much better customer service
3. the snow runs nonstop in the time when dancing is 'off', rather than saving money by only running some times. good customer service.
4. there is better choreography to the music this year. good show.
5. the new song is a lightning-fast version of jingle bells. I don't know if I liked it. At least it's more peppy than Feliz Navidad (which is just out place, it's so slow).
6. the 'side street' behind the Muppets exit is the barest I've ever seen. Where did the train go?
The AT-AT shoots water now (did it do that before? or just have the noise? or the noise plus lights?) and this soaks some people at night. Very amusing.
Osborn started up Monday night. Some thoughts:
1. there is more purple than ever before. pretty.
2. the dancing starts every 7 minutes, not every 15 minutes. this is much better customer service
3. the snow runs nonstop in the time when dancing is 'off', rather than saving money by only running some times. good customer service.
4. there is better choreography to the music this year. good show.
5. the new song is a lightning-fast version of jingle bells. I don't know if I liked it. At least it's more peppy than Feliz Navidad (which is just out place, it's so slow).
6. the 'side street' behind the Muppets exit is the barest I've ever seen. Where did the train go?
Monday, November 12, 2007
A Christmas Story
Based on the 1983 motion picture comedy, A Christmas Story, humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the Midwest of the 1940s follows 9 –year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself, at Godblatt’s Department Store. The consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out.”
All the elements from the beloved motion picture are in this play, including the family’s temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boy’s experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a net stocking; Ralphie’s fantasy scenarios and more. Come enjoy our newly renovated theatre and experience live community theatre at its best. For ticket information please call 407-846-6257.
November 30th – December 16th
Show times are Fridays and Saturdays @ 8pm
Sunday matinees @ 2pm
At the Osceola Center for the Arts
Kissimmee Hotels
All the elements from the beloved motion picture are in this play, including the family’s temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boy’s experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a net stocking; Ralphie’s fantasy scenarios and more. Come enjoy our newly renovated theatre and experience live community theatre at its best. For ticket information please call 407-846-6257.
November 30th – December 16th
Show times are Fridays and Saturdays @ 8pm
Sunday matinees @ 2pm
At the Osceola Center for the Arts
Kissimmee Hotels
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Worlds of Discovery Theme Parks in Florida
Launches new Ticket Menu Encompassing Five Distinct Adventures
Incentives for Guests Purchasing Multiple Parks and in Advance
The five Worlds of Discovery parks in Florida – SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, the new Aquatica (opening March 2008), Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island -- today announced a new ticket menu that offers guests adventures that can be found nowhere else in the world, along with tremendous value on multi-park tickets, as well as additional savings when they are purchased in advance.
The new tickets are available today, November 9, 2007.
MORE PARKS EQUAL MORE VALUE
With the opening of Aquatica, SeaWorld’s waterpark, in March 2008, guests will be able to create customized vacations with five parks in Florida – and interact with five natural worlds.
The more parks a guest adds, the greater the value. For example, a two-park ticket that combines both SeaWorld and Aquatica will be available for $89.95 – a savings of $16.95 per person compared to when purchased separately. A three-park ticket that includes SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens is $134.95 – a savings of $36.90 per person.
“This is an exciting time for our company as we continue to grow, drive innovation and create compelling reasons for guests to visit Central Florida,” said Joe Couceiro, corporate vice president and chief marketing officer for parent company Busch Entertainment Corporation. “When Aquatica, a park that only SeaWorld could create, opens in 2008, it establishes a portfolio of five parks in Florida, together offering five very different worlds.”
ULTIMATE VALUE AND BENEFITS WITH ADVANCE PURCHASE
For the ultimate flexibility and affordability in a Central Florida vacation, the parks offer special savings and benefits for guests who purchase tickets in advance and on-line.
Guests who plan ahead and purchase at least seven days in advance receive:
Adult tickets at kid’s prices on single-park and multi-park tickets
Unlimited admission flexibility through length of stay on all multi-park tickets
Round-trip transportation between Orlando and Busch Gardens
E-tickets that can be printed at home, offering fast, easy entry into the parks
For the ultimate adventure, these guests can also purchase a package that includes admission to the all-inclusive oasis, Discovery Cove, in addition to SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens. When purchased online, 100 days in advance, this package price is offered at a 10 percent savings off retail.
FLORIDA RESIDENTS “PAY FOR A DAY”
For Florida residents who want a value unmatched by any other theme park, the “Pay for a Day” offer allows residents a calendar year of unlimited admission to either SeaWorld or Busch Gardens for the price of a single-day ticket. The “Pay for a Day” offer will be available starting November 26, and will be the same as a single-day admission of $67.95 at SeaWorld and $64.95 at Busch Gardens.
”We recognize that Florida residents expect, and deserve, a value like none other,” said Couceiro. “Pay For A Day is, hands down, the best family entertainment offer for Floridians, and shows how much we appreciate our neighbors.”
The Worlds of Discovery parks include SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens Africa and Adventure Island in Tampa Bay and Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA in Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove in Orlando; and Sesame Place near Philadelphia. Aquatica, SeaWorld’s waterpark, is under construction in Orlando and is scheduled to open next spring. To learn more about the parks, visit http://www.4adventure.com/ or call toll-free (800)4ADVENTURE. Additionally, Busch Entertainment Corporation 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. Orlando Florida
Saturday, November 10, 2007
World of Discovery
Worlds of Discovery Await At Busch Entertainment Corporation’s Family of Parks
Introduction of Aquatica Shows Diversity of “Real” Experiences
Long-known for creating one-of-a-kind adventures based on interactive experiences within the natural world, the Busch Entertainment Corporation family of adventure parks will now be known as Worlds of Discovery.
“All of our parks offer guests the opportunity to celebrate, connect and care for the world we share with their families,” says Joe Couceiro, corporate vice president and chief marketing officer of Busch Entertainment Corporation. “This common thread of authentic experiences, interactive learning and leisure opportunities creates meaning beyond park visits and is the driving force behind Worlds of Discovery – the unifying identity for all 10 of our adventure parks.”
When Aquatica - the waterpark that only SeaWorld could create - joins the Worlds of Discovery parks in spring 2008, it will complement the SeaWorld experience. Along with Discovery Cove, these three parks in Orlando offer unique ways to connect with the world of the sea. The Worlds of Discovery parks also include SeaWorld parks in California and Texas, Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va., their adjoining water parks, Adventure Island and Water Country U.S.A., and Sesame Place near Philadelphia.
“Guests will come to know that through the Worlds of Discovery parks, they will have the opportunity to come closer to the world we share,” says Jim Atchison, incoming president and chief operating officer of Busch Entertainment Corporation. “It’s our culture and our heritage to present quality products, support conservation efforts and offer guests a real sense of discovery and learning.”
Through up-close animal encounters, thrill rides and live entertainment based on the cultures of continents around the globe, the Worlds of Discovery parks offer an unprecedented variety of experiences not available anywhere else.
The Worlds of Discovery parks include SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens Africa and Adventure Island in Tampa Bay and Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA in Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove in Orlando; and Sesame Place near Philadelphia. Aquatica, SeaWorld’s waterpark, is under construction in Orlando. Additionally, Busch Entertainment Corporation 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. Orlando Florida
Introduction of Aquatica Shows Diversity of “Real” Experiences
Long-known for creating one-of-a-kind adventures based on interactive experiences within the natural world, the Busch Entertainment Corporation family of adventure parks will now be known as Worlds of Discovery.
“All of our parks offer guests the opportunity to celebrate, connect and care for the world we share with their families,” says Joe Couceiro, corporate vice president and chief marketing officer of Busch Entertainment Corporation. “This common thread of authentic experiences, interactive learning and leisure opportunities creates meaning beyond park visits and is the driving force behind Worlds of Discovery – the unifying identity for all 10 of our adventure parks.”
When Aquatica - the waterpark that only SeaWorld could create - joins the Worlds of Discovery parks in spring 2008, it will complement the SeaWorld experience. Along with Discovery Cove, these three parks in Orlando offer unique ways to connect with the world of the sea. The Worlds of Discovery parks also include SeaWorld parks in California and Texas, Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va., their adjoining water parks, Adventure Island and Water Country U.S.A., and Sesame Place near Philadelphia.
“Guests will come to know that through the Worlds of Discovery parks, they will have the opportunity to come closer to the world we share,” says Jim Atchison, incoming president and chief operating officer of Busch Entertainment Corporation. “It’s our culture and our heritage to present quality products, support conservation efforts and offer guests a real sense of discovery and learning.”
Through up-close animal encounters, thrill rides and live entertainment based on the cultures of continents around the globe, the Worlds of Discovery parks offer an unprecedented variety of experiences not available anywhere else.
The Worlds of Discovery parks include SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens Africa and Adventure Island in Tampa Bay and Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA in Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove in Orlando; and Sesame Place near Philadelphia. Aquatica, SeaWorld’s waterpark, is under construction in Orlando. Additionally, Busch Entertainment Corporation 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. Orlando Florida
Friday, November 9, 2007
It’s a Wide, Wide World of Sports
Where can you find the most sensational sports entertainment in the country? That’s right: Orlando. Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex hosts countless events and attractions that will remind you of why you truly love sports while creating new memories you can enjoy for a lifetime.
With an impressive 220 acres of top-of-the line courts, fields, turf and diamonds, the facility provides an ideal setting for the most dedicated athletes and sports fans to witness competition and recreation like they have never seen before. The facility is jam-packed with amenities and architectural designs that attract visitors and athletes from all over the world to come and play a while.
Alex Linares, Amateur Athletic Union Sports Manager and coordinator of the complex’s annual International Softball tournament, brings in softball players from countries like Venezuela, Canada and Spain to play on Wide World’s six different softball fields. He says that the expressions on the athletes faces when they walk into the complex follow a similar trend—eyes wide and jaws open.
“It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from,” Linares says. “When you walk into the building, you’re impressed.”
Disney’s Wide World hosts over 180 professional and amateur events annually like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp, Pop Warner Super Bowl, NBA Pre-Draft Camp, as well as Tampa Bay Devil Rays regular season games. Check out the Devil Rays vs. the Texas Rangers from May 15 to 17.
Disney’s double-decker, retro-style baseball stadium—one of the tallest Major League Baseball spring training sites in the country—will host the tenth Atlanta Braves spring training program in March. Visitors will be able to watch these 14-time national champions train on any of the four fields while relaxing in any of the 9,500 extra-wide seats, two open-air suites or four luxury sky boxes. The first of 16 spring training games begins with the Braves vs. Georgia Tech on February 28.
Last year, the facility set a record with a total of 150,465 people in attendance for all spring training games. The complex has had 7 stadium sellouts, including a record attendance of 11,431 people when the Braves played the Yankees last year.
From February through May, visitors will also have a chance to see future star athletes perform; high school, college and club teams from almost every sport participate in training programs, practicing on the world-class fields and courts. Over 700 high school teams from all over the country will participate to win the attention of the big university coaches in attendance.
From May to July, Wide World of Sports will host the AAU National Championships, in sports ranging from volleyball to wrestling. Some noteworthy athletes who previously competed in the event are NBA players J.J. Redick (Orlando Magic) and Yao Ming (Houston Rockets). Even Michael Jordan has been spotted at the facility, watching his sons play.
Wide World also hosts games and practices for cricket, lacrosse, roller hockey, football and rugby. Check out the Hess Sports Field in July, and you’ll have the opportunity to watch the Tampa Bay Bucs train for next season!
The complex never falls out of the limelight—certainly not with its impressive serve and volley. The top quality green clay courts of the tennis complex were the 1997-2000 venue for U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship on ATP Tour.
Guests can always count on The Sports Experience facility to be open all event days and have interactive contests in basketball, baseball and soccer. Covered by a tent, the outdoor facility provides a setting for kids and adults to throw footballs, tackle dummies and participate in many other activities.
Families can also sit down together for a bite at the All Star Café, which has interactive sports trivia games and big screen TVs showing all kinds of games.
If you’re interested in an engine-revving thrill, check out the Richard Petty Driving Experience, where you can actually drive or ride on a speedway as fast as 140 to 150 mph in a real stock car from Nascar.
Cost of general admission to the complex is $8.50 for ages 3 to 9 and $11.25 for visitors 10 and older—a price well worth the experience, according to Sports Media Director, Darell Fry.
“The Disney Wide World of Sports complex offers a great complement to any family’s vacation,” says Fry. “The biggest national amateur and professional athletic events take place at Wide World of Sports—a myriad of high-profile games and tournaments that every family should experience.”
With an impressive 220 acres of top-of-the line courts, fields, turf and diamonds, the facility provides an ideal setting for the most dedicated athletes and sports fans to witness competition and recreation like they have never seen before. The facility is jam-packed with amenities and architectural designs that attract visitors and athletes from all over the world to come and play a while.
Alex Linares, Amateur Athletic Union Sports Manager and coordinator of the complex’s annual International Softball tournament, brings in softball players from countries like Venezuela, Canada and Spain to play on Wide World’s six different softball fields. He says that the expressions on the athletes faces when they walk into the complex follow a similar trend—eyes wide and jaws open.
“It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from,” Linares says. “When you walk into the building, you’re impressed.”
Disney’s Wide World hosts over 180 professional and amateur events annually like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp, Pop Warner Super Bowl, NBA Pre-Draft Camp, as well as Tampa Bay Devil Rays regular season games. Check out the Devil Rays vs. the Texas Rangers from May 15 to 17.
Disney’s double-decker, retro-style baseball stadium—one of the tallest Major League Baseball spring training sites in the country—will host the tenth Atlanta Braves spring training program in March. Visitors will be able to watch these 14-time national champions train on any of the four fields while relaxing in any of the 9,500 extra-wide seats, two open-air suites or four luxury sky boxes. The first of 16 spring training games begins with the Braves vs. Georgia Tech on February 28.
Last year, the facility set a record with a total of 150,465 people in attendance for all spring training games. The complex has had 7 stadium sellouts, including a record attendance of 11,431 people when the Braves played the Yankees last year.
From February through May, visitors will also have a chance to see future star athletes perform; high school, college and club teams from almost every sport participate in training programs, practicing on the world-class fields and courts. Over 700 high school teams from all over the country will participate to win the attention of the big university coaches in attendance.
From May to July, Wide World of Sports will host the AAU National Championships, in sports ranging from volleyball to wrestling. Some noteworthy athletes who previously competed in the event are NBA players J.J. Redick (Orlando Magic) and Yao Ming (Houston Rockets). Even Michael Jordan has been spotted at the facility, watching his sons play.
Wide World also hosts games and practices for cricket, lacrosse, roller hockey, football and rugby. Check out the Hess Sports Field in July, and you’ll have the opportunity to watch the Tampa Bay Bucs train for next season!
The complex never falls out of the limelight—certainly not with its impressive serve and volley. The top quality green clay courts of the tennis complex were the 1997-2000 venue for U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship on ATP Tour.
Guests can always count on The Sports Experience facility to be open all event days and have interactive contests in basketball, baseball and soccer. Covered by a tent, the outdoor facility provides a setting for kids and adults to throw footballs, tackle dummies and participate in many other activities.
Families can also sit down together for a bite at the All Star Café, which has interactive sports trivia games and big screen TVs showing all kinds of games.
If you’re interested in an engine-revving thrill, check out the Richard Petty Driving Experience, where you can actually drive or ride on a speedway as fast as 140 to 150 mph in a real stock car from Nascar.
Cost of general admission to the complex is $8.50 for ages 3 to 9 and $11.25 for visitors 10 and older—a price well worth the experience, according to Sports Media Director, Darell Fry.
“The Disney Wide World of Sports complex offers a great complement to any family’s vacation,” says Fry. “The biggest national amateur and professional athletic events take place at Wide World of Sports—a myriad of high-profile games and tournaments that every family should experience.”
WDW After a Month's Absence
When you visit every weekend, you hit all four parks with some regularity (Epcot I see at least every seven days, for instance). So when you're gone for a month to Tokyo, you come back to seeing some changes!
Magic Kingdom
- Haven't been yet. But I've seen what the Xmas lights look like on the castle's facade during daytime, and it looks bad. Did they think we wouldn't notice? It's a bit like the Big City facade at MGM, how it looks during the day. The difference is that the castle is a major icon and photography target. I'll know more when I see it F2F, and not just via pictures online.
Christmas has come to all the parks early, actually. By the first of November, there were traces. Seems a bit like a long season to me, but what do I know.
Epcot
- The highly embarassing line breaks and typos in the text for Lincoln (at the new exhibit in the American Adventure) has been fixed, I'm sure at great cost. Good for them.
- I saw traces of fresh paint on lots of things. In France, the Litfasssaeulen (a German word for those round columns with ads on them) are brand new, with presumably newly printed ads on them. They pop with color now.
- Half an hour before park closing, the 25th celebration room in West Innoventions-South was empty and awesome. The piped in nostalgia music really took me back in time. What a great reflective experience.
- I think I saw wine booths open from one week to the next. They are still adding wine capacity this late in the game? Lines have been long enough, during this F&W Festival, so maybe they are just maximizing profit.
- To Jim McPhee: thank you for NOT opening Spaceship Earth. It was either you, or an Imagineer in charge, who must have decided the show was not ready and thus would not open on time. I applaud this. Quality will out. I'd rather have it late and right, than on-time and poor.
DAK
- Catherine Jobson is still in the queue video for Safari, though not on the ride. Ironically, we had a ride where none of the onboard audio was working, so there was no Warden Wilson, just our guide speaking to us. I kind of liked it, actually.
- We got into line for safari 40 minutes before stated close time for the safari (due to sunset). The Standby wait time said 40 minutes. Coincidence? The real wait time was about 12. Am I cynical to think they do that on purpose to make sure the ride 'closes' on time for sunset? I guess they have to, to make sure the animals get back safely to their cages.
- Speaking of wait times, they inflate it badly for Everest Single Rider. It's not 25 minutes with ten people there. More like 5 or 10 minutes. In general, one person per minute moves from Single Rider into the ride.
- On our visit at least, Everest was totally dark in the backwards helix - they fixed the 'light pollution' problem! Hooray!
- Of course, the yeti was operating in 'b-mode' (not moving, and thus not lit up normally, but only lit with a strobe to imply movement). I'm one who thinks having a B-mode is a good thing. otherwise, the ride would be 101 (broken down) all the time, and that's a worse scenario.
- As someone pointed out in email to me, DAK has paper straws now, and has for some weeks. Hooray! Long overdue. And the animals will still be protected.
- At the Dino Dig kid's play area, there are some rope tunnels that are supposed to be 'one person at a time' but usually isn't guarded. On this visit, we saw a CM at each such tunnel enforcing the rule (it's on and off enforced anyway). It struck me as a waste of manpower, not to mention a horrible job to have to actually work. Do they endure lawsuits here, is that why they have to station a CM there?
MGM
- We saw ODF carts being rolled backstage at the end of the night, but not pushed by workers with bad backs. The carts were electrically controlled - there was a motor and the CM was merely 'driving'. Have they had this out here forever and I'm only now noticing?
- MGM closed at 8pm on our weekend visit. Sad, sad, sad. Bring on Pixar, bring on Lucas, and keep this sucker open til midnight.
Universal
- Saw a guest riding a segway around CitiWalk. I guess Uni lets them in. Disney certainly doesn't; they don't consider it an 'assistive device'.
- From the top of the Dueling Dragons lift hill, look ahead and to the left. You'll see a very large rectangle of ground cleared, with bulldozers pushing dirt around - that's for Hogwarts castle. Potter really is coming! Seeing the castle located there, you get a sense for how really big this sub-park is going to be, since it starts back by Poseidon.
Magic Kingdom
- Haven't been yet. But I've seen what the Xmas lights look like on the castle's facade during daytime, and it looks bad. Did they think we wouldn't notice? It's a bit like the Big City facade at MGM, how it looks during the day. The difference is that the castle is a major icon and photography target. I'll know more when I see it F2F, and not just via pictures online.
Christmas has come to all the parks early, actually. By the first of November, there were traces. Seems a bit like a long season to me, but what do I know.
Epcot
- The highly embarassing line breaks and typos in the text for Lincoln (at the new exhibit in the American Adventure) has been fixed, I'm sure at great cost. Good for them.
- I saw traces of fresh paint on lots of things. In France, the Litfasssaeulen (a German word for those round columns with ads on them) are brand new, with presumably newly printed ads on them. They pop with color now.
- Half an hour before park closing, the 25th celebration room in West Innoventions-South was empty and awesome. The piped in nostalgia music really took me back in time. What a great reflective experience.
- I think I saw wine booths open from one week to the next. They are still adding wine capacity this late in the game? Lines have been long enough, during this F&W Festival, so maybe they are just maximizing profit.
- To Jim McPhee: thank you for NOT opening Spaceship Earth. It was either you, or an Imagineer in charge, who must have decided the show was not ready and thus would not open on time. I applaud this. Quality will out. I'd rather have it late and right, than on-time and poor.
DAK
- Catherine Jobson is still in the queue video for Safari, though not on the ride. Ironically, we had a ride where none of the onboard audio was working, so there was no Warden Wilson, just our guide speaking to us. I kind of liked it, actually.
- We got into line for safari 40 minutes before stated close time for the safari (due to sunset). The Standby wait time said 40 minutes. Coincidence? The real wait time was about 12. Am I cynical to think they do that on purpose to make sure the ride 'closes' on time for sunset? I guess they have to, to make sure the animals get back safely to their cages.
- Speaking of wait times, they inflate it badly for Everest Single Rider. It's not 25 minutes with ten people there. More like 5 or 10 minutes. In general, one person per minute moves from Single Rider into the ride.
- On our visit at least, Everest was totally dark in the backwards helix - they fixed the 'light pollution' problem! Hooray!
- Of course, the yeti was operating in 'b-mode' (not moving, and thus not lit up normally, but only lit with a strobe to imply movement). I'm one who thinks having a B-mode is a good thing. otherwise, the ride would be 101 (broken down) all the time, and that's a worse scenario.
- As someone pointed out in email to me, DAK has paper straws now, and has for some weeks. Hooray! Long overdue. And the animals will still be protected.
- At the Dino Dig kid's play area, there are some rope tunnels that are supposed to be 'one person at a time' but usually isn't guarded. On this visit, we saw a CM at each such tunnel enforcing the rule (it's on and off enforced anyway). It struck me as a waste of manpower, not to mention a horrible job to have to actually work. Do they endure lawsuits here, is that why they have to station a CM there?
MGM
- We saw ODF carts being rolled backstage at the end of the night, but not pushed by workers with bad backs. The carts were electrically controlled - there was a motor and the CM was merely 'driving'. Have they had this out here forever and I'm only now noticing?
- MGM closed at 8pm on our weekend visit. Sad, sad, sad. Bring on Pixar, bring on Lucas, and keep this sucker open til midnight.
Universal
- Saw a guest riding a segway around CitiWalk. I guess Uni lets them in. Disney certainly doesn't; they don't consider it an 'assistive device'.
- From the top of the Dueling Dragons lift hill, look ahead and to the left. You'll see a very large rectangle of ground cleared, with bulldozers pushing dirt around - that's for Hogwarts castle. Potter really is coming! Seeing the castle located there, you get a sense for how really big this sub-park is going to be, since it starts back by Poseidon.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Winter wonderland coming to St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Only one hour away from Orlando you can , slide into a Winter Wonderland at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and enjoy tons of family fun! Beginning November 23, the amphitheatre will be the scene of a winter wonderland featuring ice skating, an elf village, lighted nature trails, holiday shopping, children’s storybook readings, theatrical performances, s’mores on an open fire -- even Santa Claus himself! Florida’s newest outdoor arts and cultural venue, the amphitheatre’s Winter Wonderland will offer a delightful holiday experience that is sure to thrill young and old alike. Combined with St. Augustine’s spectacular Nights of Lights featuring more than two million tiny white lights glowing in the heart of the historic district of the nation’s oldest city, the Winter Wonderland creates a perfect holiday getaway.
The large, outdoor skating rink will provide an opportunity for experienced and novice skaters to test their skills in a beautiful Florida setting complete with lighted nature trails winding through the maritime hammock. The Elf Village is perfect for creating a holiday atmosphere – especially when it includes a visit with Santa. In addition, special performances of the Christmas classic, The Gift of the Magi, will be presented each weekend in the amphitheatre’s Legacy Room. As an added bonus, there will be opportunities for holiday shopping and children’s storybook readings.
Winter Wonderland is free and open to the public, however, there is an $8 fee for ice-skating (skate rental available for $2) and tickets for The Gift of the Magi are $5. Winter Wonderland is open nightly, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., November 23 – January 6 and daily 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on non-school days. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is located on Anastasia Island at 1340 A1A South in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.471.1965 For more information on events and vacation opportunities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches
The large, outdoor skating rink will provide an opportunity for experienced and novice skaters to test their skills in a beautiful Florida setting complete with lighted nature trails winding through the maritime hammock. The Elf Village is perfect for creating a holiday atmosphere – especially when it includes a visit with Santa. In addition, special performances of the Christmas classic, The Gift of the Magi, will be presented each weekend in the amphitheatre’s Legacy Room. As an added bonus, there will be opportunities for holiday shopping and children’s storybook readings.
Winter Wonderland is free and open to the public, however, there is an $8 fee for ice-skating (skate rental available for $2) and tickets for The Gift of the Magi are $5. Winter Wonderland is open nightly, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., November 23 – January 6 and daily 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on non-school days. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is located on Anastasia Island at 1340 A1A South in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.471.1965 For more information on events and vacation opportunities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches
Farewells
I meant to comment on the news that Uni-Orlando is closing 'Earthquake' to replace it with something else, in just a few short weeks (which implies a makeover, not a new ride), but reality intrudes and I have to say farewell to something else: Bruce Gordon.
Disney fan sites are all saying goodbye to Bruce, and I echo their sense of loss. It's even deeper for me, though, since Bruce was a guiding light to Jason and I when writing our first Disneyland books and a mentor about publishing in general. I'm more than mourning - I'm pissed at the unfairness of the world. Bruce was a great guy, at least to us, and his passing is bad news for just about the whole world. His touch wasn't always golden (witness DL's Pooh ride), but that could very likely be the cause of budget considerations beyond his control, and not his fault. None of that matters. We are all a little more impoverished with this news.
Disney fan sites are all saying goodbye to Bruce, and I echo their sense of loss. It's even deeper for me, though, since Bruce was a guiding light to Jason and I when writing our first Disneyland books and a mentor about publishing in general. I'm more than mourning - I'm pissed at the unfairness of the world. Bruce was a great guy, at least to us, and his passing is bad news for just about the whole world. His touch wasn't always golden (witness DL's Pooh ride), but that could very likely be the cause of budget considerations beyond his control, and not his fault. None of that matters. We are all a little more impoverished with this news.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Top 10 Mild Rides at the Orlando Attractions
1.It s a Small World Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom —The granddaddy of the mild rides, this perennial musical favorite enchants the little ones as well as the parents and grandparents who have fond memories of this Magic Kingdom classic.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom —Another Magic Kingdom staple that has been updated over the years, riders can play “Where’s Johnny” as they keep an eye out for an animatronic Johnny Depp reprising his role as Captain Jack from the wildly successful Pirates movies.
Read More
2. Pirates of the Caribbean Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom —Another Magic Kingdom staple that has been updated over the years, riders can play “Where’s Johnny” as they keep an eye out for an animatronic Johnny Depp reprising his role as Captain Jack from the wildly successful Pirates movies.
Read More
Family Resorts Near Disney World
Family resorts near Disney World enable Orlando visitors to take a break from the theme park crowds without feeling like they are missing out on anything. After a full day at the Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa, the refreshed and relaxed guests might never want to leave! This newly constructed resort is the second property to open under the Mike Ditka Resorts brand, and the first to offer high-end spa treatment. Read more on Family resorts near Disney
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Encantada Resort
We stayed at Encantada the first week of October, 2007 and before our arrival I was already confident that townhome would be everything I hoped for and I was not disappointed because the staff, especially Morgan answered my MANY questions before our arrival. Our stay more enjoyable than I could have imagined and was so beautiful and very clean. I was amazed how close it was to everything including the theme parks, stores and restaurants. Being unfamiliar with Encantada or the immediate area, I was very happy that I had chosen Encantada to stay with my husband and 6 month old granddaughter and her mommy and daddy! I was provided a very nice playpen free of charge for our granddaughter to sleep in and it was in the unit upon arrival. Having a washer and dryer and the "heated" pool in our backyard was fabulous! We had plenty of room and the amenities were awesome. This definitely beats the hotel idea!!! The staff was amazing and the grounds were so immaculate! We can't wait to visit again and there is no doubt, where we will book our accommodations next time....ENCANTADA!!! It was everything and more that I had hoped for! Thank you to everyone for making a nervous newcomer to your resort completely satisfied in more ways than one! I was very impressed and pleased with the rates as well. Its the only place I'll stay in the future and I've told all my friends about you! They can't wait to visit too!
Encantada Resort Reservations
Encantada Resort Reservations
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Friday, November 2, 2007
Celebrate at Grand Cypress
With 65,000 square feet of function space at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress and 10,500 square feet at The Villas of Grand Cypress, there are countless ways to make the 2007 holidays memorable. Reserve space now for corporate holiday parties and special occasions by calling Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress at 1-800-646-6957 or The Villas of Grand Cypress at 1-800-646-6957 For Orlando online reservation
Old news: the upcoming Disney resort in Hawaii
Since I've been out of the country, and then out of state, and then busy with books, I haven't had time to comment on current events (the DCA facelift being made public, for instance), so I may have to do some posts that will come across as quite late.
This is one of them. Disney announced an upcoming hotel in Hawaii that has very little Disney footprint to it, certainly not rides. So on the surface, this isn't a Location-Based Entertainment concept, like I'd talked about at MiceAge. Maybe something more like Hilton Head?
Just what is Disney doing, putting its hotels everywhere? If there isn't a tie-in to a park-like atmosphere, or an LBE concept, is this really what Disney stands for? in some ways, it's a stealth makeover of the company's public face, and perhaps warrants more attention than the fans are giving it.
After all, if the brand becomes diluted, that just gives the parks permission to become diluted too, does it not?
This is one of them. Disney announced an upcoming hotel in Hawaii that has very little Disney footprint to it, certainly not rides. So on the surface, this isn't a Location-Based Entertainment concept, like I'd talked about at MiceAge. Maybe something more like Hilton Head?
Just what is Disney doing, putting its hotels everywhere? If there isn't a tie-in to a park-like atmosphere, or an LBE concept, is this really what Disney stands for? in some ways, it's a stealth makeover of the company's public face, and perhaps warrants more attention than the fans are giving it.
After all, if the brand becomes diluted, that just gives the parks permission to become diluted too, does it not?
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Epcot without Spaceship Earth
With Spaceship Earth out of commission until 2008 (probably February), Epcot is almost a different park. We find ourselves just a touch less excited about going there than had been the case before - is SSE really that central to the experience of Epcot?? I never realized it entirely. It's making me miss the older Epcot Center even more, when there were lots of AA extravaganzas.
New Series of Photography from Annie Leibovitz Puts More Stars in More Fantasies as Disney Parks Extends ‘Year of a Million Dreams’
Framed through the lens of renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, more stars are playing out their fantasies, living out their Disney dreams.
Actress Rachel Weisz is Snow White, tennis star Roger Federer is King Arthur from "The Sword in the Stone" and actress Julie Andrews is the Blue Fairy from "Pinocchio" with actress Abigail Breslin as Fira from "Disney Fairies" in a new wave of celebrity images celebrating "The Year of a Million Dreams" at Disney Parks.
They join Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella, Beyoncé as "Alice in Wonderland" twirling in a teacup and David Beckham atop a steed as Prince Phillip from "Sleeping Beauty" in a 14-page insert appearing later this year in several Condé Nast publications. Johansson, Beyoncé and Beckham also starred in the first flight of Leibovitz images last January.
The new photographs, placing stars in classic Disney fairy tale settings, continue the "Disney Dream Portrait Series" of celebrity images produced by Leibovitz as Disney Parks announces an extension, through 2008, of its "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration.
Elaborate sets and costuming went into the transformation of Weisz, Andrews, Breslin and Federer. Soundstages morphed into pixie-dusted spectacles as Leibovitz clicked away.
"It's thrilling to have an opportunity to re-create the characters we all loved as children," Leibovitz says. "The stories are real to my own children now, and their belief inspires me."
Dreamlike images in a year of dreams was a natural, added Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
"Putting celebrities right inside their fantasies reinforces the power of dreams, where anything is possible," he said. "Disney's 'Year of a Million Dreams' is about the imaginations and dreams that are inside us all. Through the lens of Annie Leibovitz, these dreams and fantasies come alive. It's the perfect fit."
For Weisz, slipping on the familiar hair band and dress of Snow White was a dream come true. Her finished image, "Where You're the Fairest of Them All," is a soft, sylvan scene in which she is surrounded by forest friends.
"I think you always want to be Snow White, it's every little girl's dream," Weisz said.
Federer traded his tennis racket for a regal sword, posing on a rock as the gallant King Arthur.
The finished photo, entitled "Where You're Always King of the Court," shows Federer, red cape flowing, beside a roiling sea.
In another photo, Breslin as Fira (from the "Disney Fairies" series) reposes on a giant leaf while the wand-waving Julie Andrews as the Blue Fairy of "Pinocchio" showers her with pixie dust. "Where the Magic Begins," reads the photo.
The special insert will be unveiled in the December editions of Cookie, Condé Nast Traveler, Details, Glamour, GQ, Men's Vogue, New Yorker, Self, Vanity Fair, Vogue and W.
On Oct. 1, Disney announced its "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration would be extended throughout 2008 at Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The celebration is filled with new attractions and entertainment plus more "dream-come-true" moments for guests than ever before.
Hotels near Disney World Orlando
Actress Rachel Weisz is Snow White, tennis star Roger Federer is King Arthur from "The Sword in the Stone" and actress Julie Andrews is the Blue Fairy from "Pinocchio" with actress Abigail Breslin as Fira from "Disney Fairies" in a new wave of celebrity images celebrating "The Year of a Million Dreams" at Disney Parks.
They join Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella, Beyoncé as "Alice in Wonderland" twirling in a teacup and David Beckham atop a steed as Prince Phillip from "Sleeping Beauty" in a 14-page insert appearing later this year in several Condé Nast publications. Johansson, Beyoncé and Beckham also starred in the first flight of Leibovitz images last January.
The new photographs, placing stars in classic Disney fairy tale settings, continue the "Disney Dream Portrait Series" of celebrity images produced by Leibovitz as Disney Parks announces an extension, through 2008, of its "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration.
Elaborate sets and costuming went into the transformation of Weisz, Andrews, Breslin and Federer. Soundstages morphed into pixie-dusted spectacles as Leibovitz clicked away.
"It's thrilling to have an opportunity to re-create the characters we all loved as children," Leibovitz says. "The stories are real to my own children now, and their belief inspires me."
Dreamlike images in a year of dreams was a natural, added Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
"Putting celebrities right inside their fantasies reinforces the power of dreams, where anything is possible," he said. "Disney's 'Year of a Million Dreams' is about the imaginations and dreams that are inside us all. Through the lens of Annie Leibovitz, these dreams and fantasies come alive. It's the perfect fit."
For Weisz, slipping on the familiar hair band and dress of Snow White was a dream come true. Her finished image, "Where You're the Fairest of Them All," is a soft, sylvan scene in which she is surrounded by forest friends.
"I think you always want to be Snow White, it's every little girl's dream," Weisz said.
Federer traded his tennis racket for a regal sword, posing on a rock as the gallant King Arthur.
The finished photo, entitled "Where You're Always King of the Court," shows Federer, red cape flowing, beside a roiling sea.
In another photo, Breslin as Fira (from the "Disney Fairies" series) reposes on a giant leaf while the wand-waving Julie Andrews as the Blue Fairy of "Pinocchio" showers her with pixie dust. "Where the Magic Begins," reads the photo.
The special insert will be unveiled in the December editions of Cookie, Condé Nast Traveler, Details, Glamour, GQ, Men's Vogue, New Yorker, Self, Vanity Fair, Vogue and W.
On Oct. 1, Disney announced its "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration would be extended throughout 2008 at Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The celebration is filled with new attractions and entertainment plus more "dream-come-true" moments for guests than ever before.
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