Filed under: Vacations, Water Parks, orlando, orlando vacation, sea world, theme parks
An amazing, state-of-the-art water park is taking shape in Orlando – SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquatica – which will boast a unique blend of thrilling water rides, interactive animal encounters and white-sand beaches when it opens in the spring of 2008. Guests who visit SeaWorld’s 59-acre Aquatica water park will discover a lush, South Seas Island-style landscape, complete with refreshing waterfalls and fountains, sparkling blue rivers, hidden grottos, intricate rock formations and colorful flowers.
Highlights of SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquatica will include 36 thrilling waterslides, side-by-side wave pools (that operate independently or together), raft rides, more than 80,000 square feet of sandy beaches, and six rivers and lagoons. Aquatica’s signature attraction will be a 300-foot-long waterslide, which will feature a clear tube that will plunge riders down a 42-foot drop and through a crystal-clear lagoon full of black-and-white Commerson’s Dolphins (variously described as “baby Shamus”).
Two rivers will wind their way through Aquatica – one that will provide a relaxing, lazy river ride past waterfalls, exotic birds and an undersea grotto full of colorful tropical fish and the other that will feature whitewater rapids full of sharp twists and turns. Aquatica also will offer eight-lane, slalom-style racing slides, which will provide guests with the perfect opportunity to race their family and friends.
In addition, Aquatica will boast one of the world’s largest interactive water play areas, which will include a 60-foot-tall “rain fortress” and 15,000-square-foot pool, as well as several smaller slides and water cannons. Private cabanas and beachside waiter service also will be available for those guests who would simply like to relax on the white-sand beach.
Construction is already under way for SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquatica, which will cost more than $50 million and open along International Drive – just South of Sea Harbor Drive and across the street from its sister theme parks, SeaWorld Orlando (the world’s most popular marine adventure park) and Discovery Cove (an interactive water park). In fact, Aquatica will be the first theme park to open in Orlando since Discovery Cove in 2000.
“Aquatica will join Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Wet ‘n Wild Water Park on International Drive as one of Central Florida’s premier water parks,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com.
For more information about SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquatica, visit Orlando Florida Guide’s comprehensive Aquatica Preview, which includes up-to-date details about SeaWorld’s Aquatica.
Filed under: Disney World, Vacations, disney, orlando, orlando vacation, theme parks
The new after-hours event, Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party, made its debut in January 2007 and has proven so popular that the extravaganza will return to Disney’s Magic Kingdom on select nights from August 11 through September 3, 2007.
Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party allows children to dress up as their favorite princess or pirate and arms them with an adventure map and treasure pouch as they seek out royal beads and chocolate doubloons, explore pirate coves and take part in princess courts throughout Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party also features Disney’s Enchanted Adventures Parade, Dream Along With Mickey castle stage show and the “Magic, Music and Mayhem” fireworks spectacular.
Interactive activities that will take place during Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party include Jasmine’s Royal Guard Recruitment and Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial. There will also be plenty of opportunities for character meet and greets. In addition, guests can enjoy some of their favorite attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom during Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party.
Advance ticket prices for Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party are $38.95 plus tax for ages 10 and over and $32.95 plus tax for ages 3 through 9. Day of event ticket prices are $45.95 plus tax for ages 10 and over and $39.95 plus tax for ages 3 through 9.
“If you plan on attending Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party, it is essential to start making your plans today,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com. “Seek out the best online hotel deals and vacation packages so you and your family can experience the best of Disney World, while enjoying incredible savings in the process.”
Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party Schedule
August 11, 2007 – 7 PM to 12 AM
August 15, 2007 – 7 PM to 12 AM
August 18, 2007 – 7 PM to 12 AM
August 21, 2007 – 7 PM to 12 AM
August 24, 2007 – 7 PM to 12 AM
August 28, 2007 – 7 PM to 12 AM
August 31, 2007 – 7 PM to 12 AM
September 3, 2007 – 7 PM to 12 AM
Filed under: Disney World, Vacations, Water Parks, disney, orlando, orlando vacation, sea world, theme parks, universal orlando
1. What year did Disney’s Magic Kingdom open its doors?
A) 1955
B) 1971
C) 1975
2. What Orlando attraction is known as “The Alligator Capital of the World”?
A) Gatorland
B) Jungle Adventures
C) Holy Land Experience
3. Which Major League Baseball team plays its home games at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex during Spring Training?
A) Houston Astros
B) Atlanta Braves
C) Milwaukee Beers
4. What is the tallest structure at Disney’s Magic Kingdom?
A) Space Mountain
B) Swiss Family Treehouse
C) Cinderella Castle
5. Scenes from which 1998 Adam Sandler movie were filmed at the Citrus Bowl?
A) The Waterboy
B) Happy Gilmore
C) Deuce Bigalo: European Gigolo
6. What is the name of the new water park scheduled to open across the street from SeaWorld Orlando in the spring of 2008?
A) Seatopia
B) Aquatica
C) The Life Aquatic
7. Which PGA Tour golf tournament takes place at Bay Hill Golf Club each March?
A) Arnold Palmer Invitational
B) Arnold Jackson Invitational
C) Arnold Ziffel Invitational
8. What is the name of Disney World’s major promotional celebration that runs throughout 2007?
A) Year of a Million Dreams
B) Year of a Thousand Dreams
C) Year of 10 Dreams
9. What is Orlando’s “tallest, fastest, longest and only floorless roller coaster”?
A) Incredible Hulk Coaster
B) Kraken
C) Shamu Express
10. Which performing arts troupe will find a permanent home at Universal Orlando during the summer of 2007?
A) Cirque du Soleil
B) Milli Vanilli
C) Blue Man Group
11. What year did the Orlando Predators win the Arena Bowl championship?
A) 1965
B) 1998
C) 2000
12. What Orlando attraction is billed as the “world’s most interactive dinner show”?
A) Pirate’s Dinner Adventure
B) King Henry’s Feast
C) Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede
13. What is the tallest artificial mountain at Disney World?
A) Expedition Everest
B) Splash Mountain
C) Space Mountain
14. Which annual Orlando festival is billed as “10 Days of Theatre, Art, Music and Madness”?
A) Orlando International Fringe Festival
B) Epcot International Wine & Cheese Festival
C) Ocoee International Sailing Regatta
15. What is the fastest ride at Disney World?
A) Space Mountain
B) Test Track
C) WEDway PeopleMover
16. Which Cirque du Soleil show takes place at Downtown Disney?
A) Mystere
B) La Nouba
C) La Strada
17. Encompassing more than 500 acres, which is Disney World’s largest theme park?
A) Epcot
B) Boardwalk and Baseball
C) Disney’s Animal Kingdom
18. What is the name of the indoor interactive theme park at Downtown Disney?
A) DisneyQuest
B) DisneyInterQuest
C) Cirque du Quest
19. Name the “living, biblical history museum” that lies just off Interstate 4 in Orlando.
A) Holy Land Experience
B) Bible-o-Rama
C) Holy World
20. What is the name of the free reservation system Disney World uses for its most popular rides and attractions?
A) QUICKPASS
B) FASTPASS
C) SUNPASS
21. Which Major League Baseball team plays its home games at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee during Spring Training?
A) Houston Astros
B) Atlanta Braves
C) Durham Bulls
22. What year did Disney-MGM Studios open its doors?
A) 1982
B) 1989
C) 1998
23. Who is the head coach of the Orlando Magic?
A) Grant Hill
B) Brian Hill
C) Benny Hill
24. Which Orlando attraction is home to the Dr. Phillips Cinedome?
A) Orlando Museum of Art
B) Xanadu: Home of the Future
C) Orlando Science Center
25. Which is one of the seven enchanted lands that make up Disney’s Magic Kingdom?
A) Seussland
B) Copland
C) Adventureland
26. Which of the following countries is represented at Epcot’s World Showcase?
A) Bangladesh
B) Morocco
C) Algeria
27. Who was the first champion at the inaugural Walt Disney World Open Golf Invitational in 1971?
A)Jack Nicklaus
B) Tiger Woods
C) Arnold Palmer
28. What is the former name of the Astro Orbiter attraction in Tomorrowland?
A) Skyrockets in Flight
B) Star Jets
C) Mon Calamari Star Cruisers
29. Which astronaut took the first ride during the grand opening of Space Mountain in 1975?
A) Major Anthony “Tony” Nelson
B) Commander Neil Armstrong
C) Colonel Gordon Cooper
30. What is the name of Disney World’s first water park, which opened at Fort Wilderness Campground in 1976.
A) River Country
B) Splash Country
C) Wilderness Country
31. What did EPCOT originally stand for?
A) Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow
B) Experimental Polyester Clothes of Tomorrow
C) Every Pocketbook Comes Out Trashed
32. Which thrill ride can be found in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot?
A) Troll Trauma
B) Maelstrom
C) El Rio Del Norway
33. Singer Gloria Estefan owns which Downtown Disney restaurant?
A) Raglan Road Irish Pub
B) Bongos Cuban Cafe
C) Latin Quarter
34. Which is one of Disney World’s two miniature golf courses?
A) Disney’s Winter Summerland
B) Disney’s Summer Winterland
C) Disney’s Fall Springland
35. What International Drive landmark is known as “ Orlando’s only upside-down attraction”?
A) Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
B) Skull Kingdom
C) WonderWorks
36. Which PGA golf tournament takes place at Disney World each October?
A) FUNAI Golf Classic
B) Arnold Palmer Golf Classic
C) Bushwood Golf Classic
37. Summit Plummet, the world’s fastest and tallest free-fall waterslide, can be found at which water park?
A) Disney’s Blizzard Beach
B) Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
C) DisneyQuest
38. Which legendary rock band is associated with a thrill ride at Disney-MGM Studios?
A) Guns N’ Roses
B) Aerosmith
C) Insane Clown Posse
39. Which annual event takes place at Disney-MGM Studios?
A) Fear Factor Live Weekend
B) K-Fed Rapper Wannabe Weekend
C) ABC Super Soap Weekend
40. What is the airport code for the Orlando International Airport?
A) MCO
B) MCKY
C) ORL
41. How much does it cost to ride the I-Ride Trolley?
A) 25 cents
B) 75 cents
C) 99 cents
42. Which Kissimmee dinner show bills itself as a “Storybook Tale of Romance and Adventure”?
A) Medieval Times
B) Arabian Nights
C) Battlebots: Metal Munching Maniacs
43. What Orlando attraction gives you the opportunity to swim with bottlenose dolphins?
A) Discovery Cove
B) Wet ‘n Wild Water Park
C) Splendid China
44. Which shopping, dinning and entertainment complex in Kissimmee is home to the SkyCoaster thrill ride?
A) Celebration
B) Pointe*Kissimmee
C) Old Town
45. Who did the Orlando Magic select as its No. 1 draft pick in 2004?
A) Dwight Howard
B) Juwan Howard
C) Clint Howard
46. Which NASCAR legend offers a stock car “Driving Experience” attraction at Walt Disney World Speedway?
A) Dale Earnhardt Jr.
B) Richard Petty
C) Ricky Bobby
47. Which of the following attractions is still open on International Drive?
A) Titanic: The Experience
B) Skull Kingdom
C) Hard Rock Vault
48. Disney World is actually located in what city?
A) Orlando
B) Lake Buena Vista
C) Bithlo
49. Which Disney World theme park has more than one entrance?
A) Disney-MGM Studios
B) Disney’s Animal Kingdom
C) Epcot
50. The Living Seas Pavilion at Epcot has changed its name to honor which Disney animated character?
A) Nemo
B) Arial
C) Foghorn Leghorn
51. Which is the largest of the five islands that make up Universal’s Islands of Adventure?
A) Jurassic Park
B) Marvel Super Hero Island
C) Seuss Landing
52. What year did Epcot open its doors?
A) 1978
B) 1982
C) 1989
53. Which is not one of the characters from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies to be added to the Pirates attraction at Disney’s Magic Kingdom?
A) Captain Jack Sparrow
B) Barbossa
C) Cap’n Crunch
54. Which is one of the five “islands” at Universal’s Islands of Adventure?
A) Looney Tune Lagoon
B) Bufoon Lagoon
C) Toon Lagoon
55. The world’s first inverted, dueling roller coasters can be found at which Orlando theme park?
A) Universal’s Islands of Adventure
B) SeaWorld Orlando
C) Fun Spot Action Park
56. Mount Gushmore serves as the centerpiece of which Orlando area water park?
A) Disney’s Blizzard Beach
B) Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
C) Wet ‘n Wild Water Park
57. Which Fantasyland attraction boasts the world’s largest seamless projection screen?
A) It’s a Small World
B) Peter Pan’s Flight
C) Mickey’s PhilharMagic
58. The theme and characters for Splash Mountain were inspired by what 1946 Disney movie?
A)Song of the South
B) Fantasia
C) Splash
59. President Richard Nixon gave his famous “I am not a crook” speech during a convention at which Disney resort in 1973?
A) Polynesian Resort
B) Contemporary Resort
C) Motel 6
60. Which science fiction writer assisted in the design of Epcot’s Spaceship Earth?
A) Ray Bradbury
B) Isaac Asimov
C) Thomas Anderson
61. Who is the actor that currently narrates the Spaceship Earth ride at Epcot?
A) Jeremy Piven
B) Jeremy Irons
C) Jeremy Shockey
62. How many ghosts reside at the Haunted Mansion?
A) 99
B) 999
C) 9,999
63. Name the body of water that lies directly in front of Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
A) Discovery Lagoon
B) Seven Seas Lagoon
C) Toon Lagoon
64. Which was not one of the original attractions when Disney’s Magic Kingdom opened in 1971?
A) Haunted Mansion
B) Jungle Cruise
C) Pirates of the Caribbean
65. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride in Fantasyland was replaced by which attraction in the late ‘90s?
A) The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
B) If You Had Wings
C) 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
66. How much did a seven-ride attraction ticket book cost when Disney’s Magic Kingdom opened in 1971?
A) $4.75
B) $8.75
C) $67.75
67. How tall is Space Mountain?
A) 89 feet
B) 189 feet
C) 29,028 feet
68. Which of the Country Bears sings “Blood on the Saddle” during the Country Bear Jamboree?
A) Big Al
B) Mr. Big
C) Notorious B.I.G.
69. What is the name of the fort that is connected to Tom Sawyer Island by a swinging suspension bridge?
A) Fort Courage
B) Fort Longhorn
C) Fort Langhorne
70. What is the nickname of the vehicles used at The Haunted Mansion?
A) Doom Buggies
B) Creepy Carriages
C) Haunted Hearses
71. Which is not a location of one of the three Walt Disney World Railroad stations at Disney’s Magic Kingdom?
A) Frontierland
B) Adventureland
C) Mickey’s Toontown Fair
72. What is the highest rank you can achieve through accumulating points at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin?
A) Galactic Hero
B) Starfleet Captain
C) Space Nerd
73. What is the maximum speed of the Indy cars at Tomorrowland Indy Speedway?
A) 2.5 mph
B) 7.5 mph
C) 160 mph
74. Which of the following animated films was worked on at Disney-MGM Studios?
A) Mulan
B)Treasure Planet
C)Fritz the Cat
75. What is the original name of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority?
A) Mach Go Go Go
B) Blade Runner
C) WEDway People Mover
76. The Leave a Legacy Sculpture is located near the entrance to which Disney World theme park?
A) Disney’s Magic Kingdom
B) Disney-MGM Studios
C) Epcot
77. Which Epcot attraction gives you a bird’s-eye view of California landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Disneyland?
A) Soarin’
B) Flyin’
C) Glidin’
78. Who was the original narrator of Epcot’s Spaceship Earth?
A) Walter Cronkite
B) Carl Sagan
C) Butch Patrick
79. Which of the following is one of the audio-animatronic characters that host The American Adventure at Epcot?
A) Mark Twain
B) Abraham Lincoln
C) Donald Trump
80. What is the nickname of the water tower icon at Disney-MGM Studios?
A) Eyeful Tower
B) Earffel Tower
C) Falafel Tower
81. The Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney-MGM Studios reaches 0 to 60 miles per hour in how many seconds?
A) 2.8
B) 3.8
C) 23.8
82. Which thrill ride at Universal’s Islands of Adventure boasts two corkscrews, two vertical loops, a double-inverting cobra roll and a zero-g roll?
A) Dueling Dragons
B) Incredible Hulk Coaster
C) High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride
83. The Sounds Dangerous show at Disney-MGM Studios stars which TV comedian?
A) Carrot Top
B) Andrew “Dice” Clay
C) Drew Carey
84. How many stories does the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror plummet?
A) 15
B) 13
C) 2
85. Which of the following attractions is no longer open at Disney-MGM Studios?
A) Muppet Vision 3-D
B) Voyage of the Little Mermaid
C) Who Wants to be a Millionaire – Play It
86. What year did Disney’s Animal Kingdom open its doors?
A) 1989
B) 1998
C) 2000
87. Which attraction lies underneath the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?
A) It’s Tough to be a Bug!
B) Expedition Everest
C) Kali River Rapids
88. Expedition Everest takes you on a thrilling adventure that leads to a confrontation with what mythical creature?
A)Yeti from the Himalayas
B) Yoda from The Empire Strikes Back
C) Sloth from The Goonies
89. What is the nickname of the Tyrannosaurus Rex replica that serves as the unofficial mascot of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?
A) Dino-Mite
B) Dino-Sue
C) Dinah-Shore
90. Surfing instruction can be arranged at the Surf Pool of which Orlando area water park?
A) Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
B) Disney’s Blizzard Beach
C) Wet ‘n’ Wild Water Park
91. Which of the following theme restaurants is not located at Universal CityWalk?
A) NBA Café
B) Chuck E. Cheese’s
C) Hard Rock Cafe
92. A walk-through exhibit near the entrance to Universal Studios honors which legendary TV actress?
A) Lucille Ball
B) Mary Tyler Moore
C) Yasmine Bleeth
93. Which attraction at Universal Studios involves the use of “OgreVision googles”?
A) Shrek 4-D
B) Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast
C) Jaws
94. What is the name of the kiddie roller coaster located in The Lost Continent at Universal’s Islands of Adventure?
A) The Flying Spaghetti Monster
B) The Flying Dragon
C) The Flying Unicorn
95. What is the newest attraction in Seuss Landing at Universal’s Islands of Adventure?
A) Caro-Seuss-El
B) Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride
C) The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride
96. The grand opening of Walt Disney World on October 1, 1971, drew approximately how many guests?
A) 10,000
B) 20,000
C) 100,000
97. Which is one of the classic attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom that originally made its debut at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair?
A) Carousel of Progress
B) Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
C) Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm
98. The Great Movie Ride at Disney-MGM Studios is housed in a replica of which famous theater?
A) Mann’s Chinese Theater
B) Apollo Theater
C) AMC Pleasure Island 24
99. Which Adventureland attraction was once sponsored by Florida Citrus Growers?
A) Pirates of the Caribbean
B) Tiki Room
C) Jungle Cruise
100. A replica of what famous icon can be found in the center of Liberty Square?
A) Declaration of Independence
B) Liberty Bell
C) Michael Jackson’s Chimp, Bubbles
101. What thrill ride at Epcot is so authentic that motion sickness bags are available just in case of emergency?
A) Mission: SPACE
B) Test Track
C) Ellen’s Energy Adventure
102. Where does “intergalactic lounge singer” Sunny Eclipse perform daily at Disney’s Magic Kingdom?
A) Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café, Tomorrowland
B) Johnny Appleseed’s Tavern, Liberty Square
C) Big Bamboo Lounge, Highway 192
103. What is the name of the audio-animatronic dog in the Carousel of Progress?
A) Rover
B) Spot
C) Triumph
104. Which of the following movies had scenes shot in Orlando?
A)Police Academy 6: City Under Siege
B)The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie
C) Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector
105. Who won the 2007 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club & Lodge?
A) Tiger Woods
B) Happy Gilmore
C) Vijay Singh
106. What is the name of the one-of-a-kind “watercoaster” ride at SeaWorld Orlando?
A) Beyond Atlantis
B) Journey to Atlantis
C) Pelt a Penguin
107. Which new after-hours event did Disney’s Magic Kingdom introduce during the winter of 2007?
A) Disney’s Very Merry After Christmas Party
B) Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party
C) Disney’s It’s A Dead Man’s Party
108. Which body of water in Central Florida is the fourth-largest lake in Florida?
A) Lake Apopka
B) Lake Orlando
C) Lake Bithlo
ANSWERS:
1. B
2. A
3. B
4. C
5. A
6. B
7. A
8. A
9. B
10. C
11. C
12. A
13. A
14. A
15. B
16. B
17. C
18. A
19. A
20. B
21. A
22. B
23. B
24. C
25. C
26. B
27. A
28. B
29. C
30. A
31. A
32. B
33. B
34. A
35. C
36. A
37. A
38. B
39. C
40. A
41. B
42. B
43. A
44. C
45. A
46. B
47. A
48. B
49. C
50. A
51. A
52. B
53. C
54. C
55. A
56. A
57. C
58. A
59. B
60. A
61. B
62. B
63. B
64. C
65. A
66. A
67. B
68. A
69. C
70. A
71. B
72. A
73. B
74. A
75. C
76. C
77. A
78. A
79. A
80. B
81. B
82. B
83. C
84. B
85. C
86. B
87. A
88. A
89. B
90. A
91. B
92. A
93. A
94. C
95. C
96. A
97. A
98. A
99. B
100. B
101. A
102. A
103. A
104. C
105. C
106. B
107. B
108. A
Central Florida sports fans – visitors and residents alike – will have plenty to cheer about during 2007 with such popular spectator sports as the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association (NBA), Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League (AFL) and the University of Central Florida (UCF) Golden Knights football team. Orlando is also bustling with baseball action during Spring Training as the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros come to town this spring, as well as Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp starting in late July.
The Orlando Magic play all their home games at the 17,500-seat Amway Arena (formerly known as the TD Waterhouse Centre) in downtown Orlando. Founded in 1989, the Orlando Magic advanced to the NBA Finals during the 1994-95 season. Many basketball superstars have played for the Orlando Magic over the years such as Shaquille O’Neal, Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway and Tracy McGrady. The current Orlando Magic roster includes Dwight Howard, Grant Hill, Jameer Nelson and J.J. Redick. Brian Hill is the head coach of the Orlando Magic, which compete in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference. The Magic’s 2006-07 regular season schedule concludes on April 18, 2007, against the Miami Heat. Construction on a new, 20,000-seat Orlando Magic Arena in downtown Orlando is scheduled to begin in early 2008.
Founded in 1991, the Orlando Predators, who captured the Arena Bowl Championship in 2000, compete in the 19-team AFL. The Predators have made the playoffs 15 years in a row and compete in the Southern Division of the National Conference against the likes of the Austin Wranglers, Dallas Desperados, Georgia Force, Las Vegas Gladiators, New Orleans Voodoo and Tampa Bay Storm. The 16-game regular season includes eight home games at the Amway Arena (a.k.a. “The Jungle”) and runs from early February to late May. Jay Gruden is the head coach of the Orlando Predators, which finished the 2006 AFL season with a 10-6 record and lost to Chicago in ArenaBowl XX. The Predators open the 2007 season on March 2, 2007, against the Tampa Bay Storm.
The UCF Golden Knights football team competes in Conference USA against such teams as East Carolina University, Marshall University, Rice University, Southern Methodist University, Tulane University, University of Alabama Birmingham, University of Houston, University of Memphis, University of Southern Mississippi, University of Texas-El Paso and University of Tulsa. George O’Leary is the head coach of the Golden Knights, which finished with a record of 4-8 during the 2006 season. The Golden Knights formerly played their home games at the Citrus Bowl in downtown Orlando but a new stadium is currently under construction at the UCF campus. The 45,000-seat Bright House Networks Stadium is set to be completed in time for the Golden Knights’ home opener against the Texas Longhorns on September 15, 2007.
Central Florida is also the site of Major League Baseball (MLB) Spring Training when the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros arrive in February 2007. The Braves play 16 home games at a 7,500-seat, state-of-the-art ballpark within Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, while the Houston Astros compete at the recently renovated Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee. The Braves’ Spring Training season runs from February 28 to March 29, 2007, while the Astros will be here from March 1 to March 31, 2007. In addition, the 2002 World Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers spend Training Camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex starting in late July. Practices are open to the public and admission is free for Buccaneers Training Camp.
Other spectator sports scheduled to take place in the Orlando area over the next year include the Capital One Florida Citrus Bowl, which pits the second-ranked college football teams of the Southeastern and Big Ten conferences at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium on New Year’s Day; the Silver Spurs Rodeo, the largest rodeo East of the Mississippi, which takes place at the Silver Spurs Rodeo in Kissimmee from February 16-18, 2007; and the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club (March 12-18, 2007) and Walt Disney World Resort Classic (November 1-4, 2007), two immensely popular golf tournaments that draw some of the world’s top professional golfers on the PGA tour.
Orlando visitors should plan ahead and pre-order tickets for spectator sports they wish to attend during their stay, according to Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com.
“Tickets to sporting events, as well as theme park tickets, can often be added to discount vacation packages, allowing families to enjoy significant savings on their Orlando vacations,” said Collins.
For the first time in the history of Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights, the country’s most intense Halloween event joins forces with New Line Cinema Corporation to present three of the most frightening characters in film history: Jason from Friday the 13th, Freddy Krueger from Nightmare on Elm Street and Leatherface from Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
These legendary horror films and characters will be integrated into all aspects of Halloween Horror Nights’ creative content to offer guests the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet – or run from – Jason, Freddy and Leatherface in person. The “most extreme Halloween Horror Nights event in history” will take place on select nights throughout the months of October and November.
Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights, which celebrates its 18th anniversary in 2007, is the largest Halloween event in the United States and spread out over both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Events at the month-long fright fest include specially designed haunted houses and mazes, inescapable scare zones, a Halloween parade, thrilling shows and live music, as well as an assortment of wandering ghouls, zombies, demons, werewolves, ghosts, goblins and vampires.
Halloween Horror Nights will take place at Universal Orlando on September 28-29; October 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 24-28; and October 31-November 3, 2007.
“Because of the immense popularity of Halloween Horror Nights, tickets should be purchased well in advance,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com. “In addition, if you are planning to spend a few nights in Orlando to visit Universal Orlando, you will find a variety of great online hotel deals near the theme parks that will help you enjoy significant savings.”
Note: Halloween Horror Nights is definitely too intense for young children.
Filed under: Disney World, Vacations, Water Parks, orlando, sea world, theme parks, universal orlando
Many great (and not-so-great!) Central Florida attractions have come and gone over the years such as Circus World, Boardwalk and Baseball, Jungleland Zoo, King Henry’s Feast, Mystery Fun House, Splendid China, Stars Hall of Fame, Terror on Church Street, The Guinness World Records Experience, Wings & Wheels Museum, Xanadu: Home of the Future, Skull Kingdom and Hard Rock Vault, among others.
However, a couple of classic attractions that were around well before Walt Disney World celebrated its grand opening in 1971 have stood the test of time and continue to attract new generations of visitors. For example, Gatorland is a 110-acre wildlife preserve and theme park that first opened its doors in 1949. Despite suffering a massive fire in November 2006, Gatorland has already reopened and today features fascinating live shows such as the world-famous Gator Jumparoo and Jungle Crocs of the World, as well as reptile habitats, nature walk, boardwalk, aviary, petting zoo, train ride and much more. Known as “The Alligator Capital of the World,” Gatorland is located at 14501 South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando and open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Another classic roadside attraction, Jungle Adventures, first opened in the 1960s as Gator Jungle. A 20-acre wildlife sanctuary, Jungle Adventures offers live wildlife shows, animal habitats, a Native American Village and jungle cruise. Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Jungle Adventures lies approximately 17 miles East of Orlando in the town of Christmas at 26205 East State Road 50.
Near downtown Orlando lies another gem, the beautiful Harry P. Leu Gardens, which were donated to the City of Orlando in 1961. The Harry P. Leu Gardens boast Florida’s largest formal rose garden and the country’s largest collection of Camellias, as well as 50 acres of tropical plants and ancient oaks. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the restored 19 th-century Leu home is now a museum. The Harry P. Leu Gardens at 1920 North Forest Avenue are open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily.
Citrus Tower, which first opened in July 1956, recently celebrated its 50 th anniversary. Visitors to the Citrus Tower are still welcome to ride an elevator 226 feet to an observation deck for spectacular views of the Clermont countryside (however, today you are more likely to see sprawling suburbs than citrus trees!). Open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, the Citrus Tower at 141 North Highway 27 also features a gift shop and Mexican eatery.
Glass-bottom boats have been cruising along Silver Springs near Ocala since the 1870s. In addition to its world-famous glass bottom boats, Silver Springs today features live shows, animal habitats, botanical gardens, attractions and rides. Billed as “ Florida’s Original Theme Park,” Silver Springs is located at 5656 Silver Spring Boulevard in Silver Springs and open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Another great day trip from Orlando is Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, which opened in 1936 as Florida’s first theme park. Cypress Gardens is located in Winter Haven, which lies about an hour Southwest of Orlando. In addition to amazing water-ski shows, Cypress Gardens features thrill rides, kiddie rides and attractions, live shows, botanical gardens and live concerts at the Star Haven Amphitheater, as well as the adjacent Splash Island Water Park. Cypress Gardens is located at 6000 Cypress Gardens Boulevard and open daily at 10 AM.“Each of these classic Central Florida attractions make the perfect day trip after you’ve already visited Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com. “And by purchasing discount attraction tickets before you arrive in Orlando, you and your family can enjoy substantial savings on your vacation getaway.”
Filed under: Disney World, Vacations, Water Parks, orlando, sea world, theme parks, universal orlando
Orlando is a city with a lot to offer, and when searching for vacation hotspots with something for everyone, fewer cities can compare. From Disney World and Universal Orlando to world class golfing, shopping, nightlife and everything in between, Orlando is indeed a vacation paradise.
Choosing Orlando as a vacation destination is easy, but how can one get the best deal that will allow them to see the sights and enjoy the experiences they desire at the best possible price?
According to Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com, “ Orlando is one of the few vacation destinations that offers almost unlimited package options that can be customized to meet the needs of the individual or group. While package deals to other destinations usually involve substantial savings with limited choices, Orlando can be enjoyed at a discount without having to compromise.”
Travel agencies who specialize in Orlando getaways can help vacationers find a package that suits their tastes and without breaking the bank. Still, some packages may be the most suitable yet not include the full menu of activities that are available in Orlando, “The Vacation Capital of the World.”
“The way to book a satisfying trip to Orlando,” continues Collins, “is by finding a package deal that comes closest to offering all the activities you want and then taking advantage of add-ons to complete the experience.”
Add-ons are usually sold as excursions, tours or simply tickets and can usually be had at a discount if you include them when purchasing your initial package deal. Most agencies have discounted arrangements with the providers and operators of several popular activities, from shows to golf outings and more.
“Although it can be tempting to account for every waking moment by adding various activities to the itinerary,“ warns Collins, “vacationers should remember two important points when booking. The first is that keeping a more open schedule will allow them to relax between activities and enjoy each experience without feeling rushed. The second is that, undoubtedly, travelers will encounter things they want to try while on their vacation, so having some down time scheduled will allow them to make new plans without losing out on what they’ve already booked.”
