Filed under: Busch Gardens, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Vacations, orlando, orlando vacation, theme parks, travel | Tags: Busch Gardens, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Sesame Street, Sesame Street Safari
This spring, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay welcomes families to an all-new, Sesame Street-themed, sunny, funny playland featuring Elmo, Big Bird and all their friends. Sesame Street Safari of Fun will be filled with rides, shows and adventures that celebrate the spirit of Africa. Sesame Street and Busch Gardens unite to create a signature attraction found nowhere else.
Sesame Street Safari of Fun will include a new junior roller coaster designed for parents and children to ride together. “Air Grover” is full of mini-dives and twisty turns as families soar through the Sahara. Other kid-sized rides include “Zoe-Patra & the Hippos of the Nile,” a splashy flume ride through the famed river; “Rosita’s Djembe Fly-Away,” a swing ride that sends kids whirling above the African canopy; “Elmo’s Safari Go-Round,” a tribal-inspired carousel with Elmo and his friends; and more. “Oscar’s Swamp Stomp” provides cool water fun, and “Bert & Ernie’s Water Hole” is a wet adventure filled with bubblers, geysers, jets, dumping buckets and more. A photography studio gives kids the chance to share a hug and a smile with Sesame Street friends, and musical performances bring tales of adventure to life.
The new destination for family-friendly adventure will be created where Land of the Dragons now exists, and will double the area’s current size.
In addition to the rides and play areas, families also will be able to watch their favorite characters on the big screen. “Sesame Street presents Lights, Camera, Imagination!” will run in the park’s 4-D theater, located in Timbuktu. And families can share breakfast and lunch with Elmo and the rest of the characters on select days at an outdoor dining facility adjacent to Sesame Street Safari of Fun.
Sesame Street Safari of Fun expands upon the variety of unique experiences Busch Gardens offers. With thrilling rides, award-winning shows and exotic up-close animal encounters, Busch Gardens provides unrivaled excitement for guests of every age.
Filed under: Vacations, disney, orlando, orlando vacation, travel | Tags: Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, Central Florida, Disney Wilderness Preserve, Florida, Lake Eola Park, Lake Russell, orlando, Orlando Parks, Orlando Preserves, Tibet-Butler Preserve, Wekiwa Springs State Park
A popular destination in the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park offers swan-shaped paddle boat rentals, walking/jogging path, picnic tables, amphitheater and a playground. Another local favorite, the 300-acre Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, features boat rentals, nature trails, an outdoor pool, picnic areas and barbecue facilities. Nestled at the headwaters of the Wekiva River, Wekiwa Springs State Park provides a cool spring for swimming, boat rentals, hiking trails and picnic areas. Managed by The Nature Conservancy, the 12,000-acre Disney Wilderness Preserve borders scenic Lake Russell and provides a great locale for wildlife viewing, along with a one-mile hiking trail to the lake. The preserve, which protects the headwaters of the Everglades ecosystem, provides a home to bald eagles, sandhill cranes, gopher tortoises, Florida scrub-jays other other wildlife. Nature buffs will also love the Tibet-Butler Preserve, which offers miles of hiking trails and the Vera Carter Environmental Center.
Filed under: Vacations, orlando, orlando vacation, travel | Tags: 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational, Arnold Palmer, Arnold Palmer Invitational, Bay Hill, Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Bay Hill Invitational, Ben Crenshaw, Ernie Els, Florida, Fred Couples, Fuzzy Zoeller, Lee Trevino, orlando, Paul Azinger, Payne Stewart, PGA Tour, Phil Michelson, Tiger Woods, Tiger Woods Video, Tom Kite, Vijay Singh
The 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational will take place March 22-28, 2010, at the 7,137-yard, par-70 course at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida. Presented by MasterCard, The Arnold Palmer Invitational draws the world’s top professional golfers on the PGA Tour.
The event traces its history back to 1966 when it began as the Florida Citrus Open Invitational. Over the years, it has also been known as the Florida Citrus Invitational, Florida Citrus Open, Bay Hill Citrus Classic, Bay Hilll Classic, Hertz Bay Hill Classic, Nestle Invitational and Bay Hill Invitational. Palmer has owned Bay Hill Club & Lodge since 1976.
Tiger Woods captured the 2009 Arnold Palmer Invitational – his sixth win at the golf tournament since 2000! Other previous winners of the tournament include Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson, Lee Trevino, Arnold Palmer, Fred Couples, Payne Stewart, Ernie Els, Paul Azinger, Fuzzy Zoeller, Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw.
Admission is charged to the Arnold Palmer Invitational. For more information about the 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational, visit www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com.
Filed under: Disney World, Epcot, Vacations, Walt Disney World Resort, disney, orlando, orlando vacation, theme parks, travel | Tags: Cantina de San Angel, Disney Restaurants, Disney World Restaurants, Epcot, Epcot Fireworks, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Epcot Restaurants, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, Italy Pavilion, Mexico Pavilion, Neapolitan pizzeria
Culinary expansions are underway at the Italy Pavilion and Mexico Pavilion within Epcot World Showcase. In the Italy Pavilion, an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria is under construction with opening planned for fall 2010 in time for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The casual, 14,000-square-foot pizzeria will feature wood-burning ovens and the menu will feature pizzas, pastas, salads, sandwiches and Italian wines. At the Mexico Pavilion, the popular Cantina de San Angel restaurant is expanding and will feature 400 seats with al fresco seating for lunch and a perfect place for viewing ”IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” the nightly Epcot fireworks spectacular. Opening also is set for fall 2010.
Filed under: Harry Potter Theme Park, Islands of Adventure, Vacations, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, harry potter, orlando, orlando vacation, theme parks, travel | Tags: harry potter, Hogwarts Castle, Indianapolis Colts, Islands of Adventure, New Orleans Saints, Rosso Media Ltd, Super Bowl, Super Bowl XLIV, Theme Park, universal orlando, Wizarding World of Harry Potter
This Sunday, Universal Orlando Resort will launch a brand-new, national commercial for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during Super Bowl XLIV. The ad, created by Universal Orlando and Rosso Media Ltd in the UK, offers guests a look into the magic that awaits them at the highly anticipated theme park experience set to open Spring 2010. And, for fans who can’t wait until Super Bowl Sunday, the national commercial will be viewable through www.universalorlando.com starting TODAY!
Set to air during the first half of the Super Bowl (Indianapolis Colts vs. New Orleans Saints), the ad features all-new footage and pulls viewers directly into the new area – from Hogsmeade, to the immensity of Hogwarts Castle. The commercial also features Harry Potter and two children who get a glimpse of the excitement guests can expect to experience when they visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Filed under: Orlando concerts, Vacations, orlando, orlando vacation, sea world, theme parks, travel | Tags: 2010 Bands Brew & BBQ, Big and Rich, John Rich, LeAnn Rimes, Montgomery Gentry, SeaWorld, SeaWorld Concerts, SeaWorld Orlando, Yes
The 2010 Bands, Brew & BBQ Music Festival will take place at SeaWorld Orlando in February featuring great food, ice-cold beer and a stellar lineup of entertainment that includes LeAnn Rimes (February 6), Montgomery Gentry (February 13), John Rich of Big and Rich (February 20) and Yes (February 27). The festival starts at 11:30 AM and concerts start at 4 PM. The Bands, Brew & BBQ Music Festival is included with park admission.
Filed under: LEGOLAND, Vacations, orlando, orlando vacation, theme parks, travel | Tags: Central Florida, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Florida, LEGOLAND Video, theme parks
Filed under: Animal Kingdom, Disney World, Disney World Video, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Downtown Disney, Epcot, Vacations, Walt Disney World Resort, disney, orlando, orlando vacation, theme parks, travel | Tags: Disney World, Disney World Videos
Filed under: Orlando concerts, Universal Studios, Vacations, hotels, orlando, orlando vacation, theme parks, travel, universal orlando | Tags: 3 Doors Down, Akon, Aretha Franklin, Beach Boys, Big Easy, Blondie, Chicago, Dierks Bentley, Flo Rida, French Quarter, Heart, KC and the Sunshine Band, Kool & The Gang, Mardi Gras, Mardi Gras 2010, Mardi Gras at Universal Studios, Miranda Lambert, New Orleans, Queen of Soul, Revenge of the Mummy, Rip Ride Rockit, Roller Coaster, Sheryl Crow, Shrek, The Simpsons, Universal Studios, Westgate, Westgate Blue Tree, Westgate Destinations, Westgate Lakes, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Resorts, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center, Westgate Vacation Villas
Let the good times roll at Mardi Gras 2010! Universal Studios Florida boasts the largest Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans – complete with a live concert series that features a diversity of musical stars, colorful parades full of floats (plenty of beads will also be thrown around!), elaborately costumed characters and delectable “Big Easy” cuisine such as jambalaya and shrimp gumbo. Mardi Gras 2010 at Universal Studios will begin on Saturday, February 6, 2010, and runs every Saturday night through Saturday, April 17, 2010, with additional dates on Sunday, February 14, 2010, and Friday, April 9, 2010.
Topping the entertainment list for Mardi Gras 2010 are such musical superstars as KC and the Sunshine Band, Heart, Kool & the Gang, Blondie, country sensation Dierks Bentley, hip-hop artist Akon, “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin, Miranda Lambert, multi-platinum selling rock band 3 Doors Down, Beach Boys (No. 1 selling American band of all time), Sheryl Crow, Flo Rida and Chicago.
The centerpiece of Mardi Gras 2010 will be the parade featuring more than a dozen colorful floats that wind around the “French Quarter Courtyard” – a replica of New Orleans’ legendary French Quarter – the heart of Mardi Gras.
The Mardi Gras 2010 celebration would not be complete without the taste of traditional Cajun and Creole cuisine such as jambalaya, gumbo and beignets, which are sure to tempt the palate of Mardi Gras revelers. Along with delicious New Orleans-style cuisine, guests can enjoy flavorful drinks made famous in New Orleans.
Mardi Gras is included in park admission to Universal Studios. Admission to Universal Studios after 5 PM on Mardi Gras event dates is $49.99 plus tax. Live concerts in the Universal Studios Mardi Gras Concert Series begin at 8:30 PM.
So mark your calendar for Mardi Gras 2010 at Universal Studios, which provides a wonderful addition to the dynamic rides and shows at Universal Studios Florida such as Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, The Simpsons Ride, Shrek 4-D and Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride. Both locals and visitors alike will enjoy the nationally recognized musical acts that headline the Mardi Gras events.
MARDI GRAS AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS 2010 CONCERT SCHEDULE
FEBRUARY
KC and the Sunshine Band – Saturday, February 6, 2010
Heart – Saturday, February 13, 2010
Kool & the Gang – Sunday, February 14, 2010
Blondie – Saturday, February 20, 2010
Dieks Bentley – Saturday, February 20, 2010
MARCH
Akon – Saturday, March 6, 2010
Aretha Franklin – Saturday, March 13, 2010
Miranda Lambert – Saturday, March 20, 2010
3 Doors Down – Saturday, March 27, 2010
APRIL
Beach Boys – Saturday, April 3, 2010
Sheryl Crow – Friday, April 9, 2010
Flo Rida – Saturday, April 10, 2010
Chicago – Saturday, April 17, 2010
Note: Times, dates and entertainment are subject to change without notice.
Looking for great deals on spacious accommodations that provide convenient access to Universal Orlando Resort? Visit www.westgatedestinations.com for information on Westgate Resorts properties, including Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas.
Filed under: LEGOLAND, Other destinations, Vacations, cypress gardens, orlando, orlando vacation, theme parks, travel | Tags: Central Florida, cypress gardens, Florida, LEGOLAND, Theme Park, Winter Haven
“News was leaked Wednesday afternoon that the former home of Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in Winter Haven, Florida, has been purchased and will soon undergo restructuring to become the second LEGOLAND in the United States and just the fifth in the world . . .”
Read more: http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2010/01/new-legoland-coming-to-central-florida
Filed under: Other destinations, Vacations, orlando, orlando vacation, travel | Tags: Blue Spring Manatee Festival, Blue Spring State Park, Florida, Friends of Blue Spring State Park, Manatee Festival, Manatees, Orange City, Valentine Park
The 2010 Blue Spring Manatee Festival will take place from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday, January 23, and Sunday, January 24, 2010, at Valentine Park in Orange City, Florida. Highlights will include manatee viewings, shows and demonstrations, arts & crafts, children’s activities and more. Proceeds will benefit “Friends of Blue Spring State Park,” educational scholarships and other Greater Orange City organizations. For more information about the 2010 Blue Spring Manatee Festival, visit www.themanateefestival.com.
Filed under: Disney World, Disney World History, Disney World Video, Vacations, Walt Disney World Resort, disney, orlando, orlando vacation, theme parks, travel | Tags: Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Skyway to Tomorrowland, Tomorrowland, Walt Disney World Resort
Filed under: Orlando concerts, Universal Studios, Vacations, hotels, orlando, orlando vacation, travel, universal orlando | Tags: Dance With Me, Hard Rock Hotel, Let There Be Music, Love Takes Time, Orleans, Sails, Still the One, Sweet Destiny, universal orlando, Velvet Sessions
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort will kick off its ‘Velvet Sessions’ series in 2010 with Orleans, performing classic hits “Dance With Me,” “Still the One,” “Love Takes Time,” “Let There Be Music,” “Sweet Destiny,” “Sails” and more at 6:30 PM on Thursday, January 28, 2010. Velvet Sessions is Hard Rock Hotel’s special rock ‘n’ roll cocktail party and lobby concert held the last Thursday of the month (January through October). A $25 ticket includes free specialty drinks, finger foods and warm-up tunes from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Cash bars and live band from 8:30 PM onward. Tickets are $25 online (ticketing fees apply) or $30 at the door. Visit velvetsessions.com for more information.
Filed under: Orlando concerts, Vacations, orlando, orlando vacation, travel | Tags: Central Florida Jazz Society, Christopher Cross, Downtown Orlando, Gaelic Storm, Guy Davis, Kid Dutch & His New Orleans Music, Leo Kottke, orlando, Orlando Shows, Orlando Theater, Plaza Theatre, The Subdues, Zach Deputy
The Plaza Theatre is located in downtown Orlando. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit theplazatheatre.com.
- Gaelic Storm – January 14, 2010
- Zach Deputy – January 15, 2010
- Central Florida Jazz Society Presents Kid Dutch & His New Orleans Music – January 17, 2010
- Leo Kottke – January 22, 2010
- Christopher Cross – January 23, 2010
- The Subdues – January 28, 2010
- Guy Davis – January 30, 2010
Filed under: Disney World, Vacations, Walt Disney World Resort, disney, orlando, orlando vacation, travel | Tags: Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, Disney World, ESPN, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Florida Marlins, Houston Astros, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Spring Training, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, Walt Disney World Resort, Washington Nationals
The Atlanta Braves return to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort for 2010 Spring Training. Here is the 2010 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Home Schedule:
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 – New York Mets – 1:05 PM
Thursday, March 4, 2010 – Pittsburgh Pirates – 1:05 PM
Friday, March 5, 2010 – Washington Nationals – 1:05 PM
Sunday, March 7, 2010 – Houston Astros – 1:05 PM
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 – Philadelphia Phillies – 7:05 PM
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 – New York Mets – 1:05 PM
Friday, March 12, 2010 – Pittsburgh Pirates – 1:05 PM
Saturday, March 13, 2010 – Toronto Blue Jays – 1:05 PM
Tuesday, March 15, 2010 – Florida Marlins – 1:05 PM
Friday, March 19, 2010 – Detroit Tigers – 6:05 PM
Sunday, March 21, 2010 – St. Louis Cardinals – 1:05 PM
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 – Philadelphia Phillies – 1:05 PM
Friday, March 26, 2010 – Detroit Tigers – 1:05 PM
Saturday, March 27, 2010 – Washington Nationals – 1:05 PM
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 – New York Yankees – 1:05 PM
Wednesday, March 31, 2010 – Houston Astros – 1:05 PM
For more information about Atlanta Braves Spring Training, visit http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com.
Filed under: Universal Studios, orlando, orlando vacation, theme parks, travel, universal orlando | Tags: 2010 Mardi Gras, 2010 Mardi Gras at Universal Studios, 3 Doors Down, Akon, Aretha Franklin, Beach Boys, Blondie, Chicago, Dierks Bentley, Flo Rida, Heart, KC & The Sunshine Band, Kool & The Gang, Mardi Gras, Mardi Gras at Universal Studios, Miranda Lambert, Sheryl Crow, universal orlando, Universal Studios
2010 Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida will take place on Saturdays and select nights between February 6 and April 17, 2010.
KC & The Sunshine Band – 8:30 PM, Saturday, February 6, 2010
Heart – 8:30 PM, Saturday, February 13, 2010
Kool & The Gang – 8:30 PM, Sunday, February 14, 2010
Blondie – 8:30 PM, Saturday, February 20, 2010
Dierks Bentley – 8:30 PM, Saturday, February 27, 2010
Akon – 8:30 PM, Saturday, March 6, 2010
Aretha Franklin – 8:30 PM, Saturday, March 13, 2010
Miranda Lambert – 8:30 PM, Saturday, March 20, 2010
3 Doors Down – 9:30 PM, Saturday, March 27, 2010
Beach Boys – 9:30 PM, Saturday, April 3, 2010
Sheryl Crow – 9:30 PM, Friday, April 9, 2010
Flo Rida – 9:30 PM, Saturday, April 10, 2010
Chicago – 8:30 PM, Saturday, April 17, 2010
Filed under: Disney World, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Vacations, Walt Disney World Resort, disney, orlando, orlando vacation, theme parks, travel | Tags: Disney's Hollywood Studios, ESPN, ESPN The Weekend, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Florida, orlando
Presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods, ESPN The Weekend 2010 will take place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex February 25-28, 2010. Highlights will include the ESPN Interactive Sports Zone, Fan Q&A with Athletes, Celebrity Game Shows, Athlete Motorcades, ESPN Live TV Telecasts and ESPN Radio Live Broadcasts of Mike & Mike in the Morning, NFL Live, Baseball Tonight and more. Athletes scheduled to appear at ESPN The Weekend include Adam Vinatieri of the Indianapolis Colts, MLB legend Curt Schilling, beach volleyball player Misty May Treanor, Steven Jackson of the St. Louis Rams, soccer legend Brandi Chastain, NFL legend Darrell Green, NBA legend Scottie Pippen, University of South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier, Brian Dawkins of the Denver Broncos, Maurice Jones-Drew of the Jacksonville Jaguars, gymnast Shawn Johnson and NFL legend Thurman Thomas. ESPN personalities scheduled to appear at ESPN The Weekend include Mike Golic, Karl Ravech, Mark Schlereth, Skip Bayless, Stuart Scott, Mike Greenberg, Ron Jaworski, Jay Crawford, Tedy Bruschi, Sage Steele, Colin Cowherd, Trey Wingo, Dana Jacobson, John Kruk, John Anderson, Jay Harris and Howie Schwab. For more information about ESPN The Weekend 2010, visit www.espntheweekend.com.
Filed under: Disney World, Disney World Video, Vacations, Walt Disney World Resort, disney, orlando, orlando vacation, theme parks, travel | Tags: disney, Disney Tickets, Disney World, Disney World Tickets
Filed under: Harry Potter Theme Park, Islands of Adventure, Vacations, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, harry potter, hotels, orlando, orlando vacation, theme parks, travel | Tags: harry potter, Harry Potter Theme Park, Islands of Adventure, universal orlando, Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Filed under: Disney World Video, Vacations, disney, orlando, orlando vacation, theme parks, travel | Tags: Christmas Parade, Disney Parade, Disney Video, Disney World, Disney World Video
Filed under: Disney World, Disney World Video, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Roller Coasters, Walt Disney World Resort, disney, orlando, theme parks | Tags: Aerosmith, Disney Roller Coaster, Disney World, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Dude Looks Like a Lady, Fastpass, Nine Lives, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Sweet Emotion, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Walk This Way
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to two classic rides that are essential for thrill seekers: Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is a lively indoor roller coaster that launches you at a speed of 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds and boasts memorable tunes such as “Walk This Way,” “Sweet Emotion,” “Dude Looks Like a Lady” and “Nine Lives” from the legendary American rock band, Aerosmith. You must be at least 48 inches tall to ride Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. FASTPASS is available for Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror lies adjacent to Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and features a terrifying 13-story plummet aboard a faulty elevator within a rundown, 199-foot-tall Hollywood hotel. You must be at least 40 inches tall to ride The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. FASTPASS is available for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Filed under: Animal Kingdom, Disney World, Disney World Video, Vacations, Walt Disney World Resort, disney, orlando, orlando vacation, theme parks | Tags: Disney characters, Disney Holidays, Disney Parade, Disney World, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Donald Duck, Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade, Minnie Mouse, theme parks
Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade is a colorful and lively extravaganza that takes place from now until January 3, 2010, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and other popular Disney characters embark on a great jungle adventure while fun-filled performances take place and magnificent holiday music plays. The cheerful and exotic Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade is known for its outstanding abstract animal images, amazing designs with natural materials and fabrics, and unique holiday decorations. Don’t miss it!
