Orlando Travel Blog


Mark Your Calendar for Central Florida Halloween Events by TheWiseman

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Magic Kingdom Park
September 14, 18, 21, 23, 28 & 30, 2010

Halloween Horror Nights XX
(“Twenty Years of Fear”)

Universal Orlando Resort
September 24, 25 & 30; October 1-3, 7-10, 14, 17-20-21, 24, 27-28 & 31, 2010

Howl-O-Scream
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
September 24-25, 2010 (Freaky Preview)
September 30; October 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, 21-23 & 28-31, 2010

ZooBoo
Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa
October 1-2, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24 & 28-31, 2010

Halloween Spooktacular
SeaWorld Orlando
October 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 & 29-31, 2010

Guppyween
Florida Aquarium
October 24, 2010

Hall-O-Boo
MOSI, Tampa
October 28-30, 2010

For more information about upcoming Orlando events, visit www.orlando-florida.net.



Vero Beach Magazine Features Westgate River Ranch by TheWiseman

 

An authentic dude ranch that lies just 50 miles from downtown Vero Beach, Westgate River Ranch was featured in the Summer 2010 issue of Vero Beach Magazine:

“Instead of mechanical park rides and automated animals, this old world – so near yet so far from the madding crowd – was populated by livestock and cowboys. Quarter horses and cattle, including some longhorn steers, roamed the pastures, and a menagerie of sheep, goats, donkeys, llamas and other exotic creatures resided in a petting farm . . . There were hayrides through a vast, wooded preserve and across a grassy open range, followed by a family-style, buffet barbecue, and marshmallows toasted by the fire . . . horseback riding along a trail that was almost totally enveloped in forest and grasslands . . . a rodeo, with cowboys and cowgirls whose expert roping and riding filled the arena with drama and pageantry . . . The 1,700-acre dude ranch sits along the banks of the Kissimmee River surrounded by thousands of acres of land, most of it leased from the state and federal government to local ranchers.”

For more information about Westgate River Ranch, visit www.wgriverranch.com.



Disney’s Magic Kingdom Highlights by TheWiseman

Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park presents a delightful mix of new thrill rides with classic attractions that appeal to longtime visitors while attracting new generations of enthusiasts. Some of the must-see attractions at the Magic Kingdom include Splash Mountain, an incredible flume ride that features audio-animatronic characters from Disney’s classic film, Song of the South; Space Mountain, a thrilling indoor roller coaster that shoots you on a journey through the cosmos in complete darkness; Pirates of the Caribbean, a hilarious adventure through an island town overrun with pirates; Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, where you score points by zapping aliens; Haunted Mansion, home to 999 ghosts and assorted ghouls; and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a “runaway train” that speeds its way through an Old West mining town. Other Magic Kingdom highlights include Hall of Presidents, Country Bear Jamboree, Jungle Cruise and Tomorrowland Indy Speedway, among others.



Universal to Host Rock the Universe 2010 by TheWiseman

Rock the Universe 2010 will take place at Universal Studios Florida September 10-11, 2010, featuring one of the most exciting celebrations of Christian music in the country! For more information about Rock the Universe 2010 and to purchase tickets, visit www.rocktheuniverse.com.

Rock the Universe 2010 Lineup

Friday, September 10, 2010: Skillet, Newsboys, Jars of Clay, Hawk Nelson, Decyfer Down, Kutless, Chuck Tocco

Saturday, September 11, 2010: Relient K, tobyMac, Jeremy Camp, Grits, Needtobreathe, Fireflight, Jeff Chandler



Last Tour to Endor at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by TheWiseman

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Thrill Rides by TheWiseman

One of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World Resort, Expedition Everest is located in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and has already achieved cult status among regular visitors to the theme park. Towering nearly 200 feet, Expedition Everest features an amazing train adventure through bamboo forests, cascading waterfalls, mountain caverns and icy canyons toward a terrifying encounter with the ferocious Yeti (abominable snowman). You must be at least 44 inches tall to ride Expedition Everest. Health restrictions are also posted at the entrance to Expedition Everest. FASTPASS is available (and recommended!) for Expedition Everest. Disney’s Animal Kingdom also boasts a thrilling rafting adventure ride called Kali River Rapids (prepare to get soaked!), which is also located in the Asia section of the theme park. You must be at least 38 inches tall to ride the Kali River Rapids. FASTPASS is available for Kali River Rapids.

Looking for Disney World tickets? Check out the latest theme park ticket deals and Orlando vacation packages at www.orlando-florida.net.



Disney World Raises Ticket Prices Again by TheWiseman

Yesterday Walt Disney World announced that it is planning to raise the price of a one-day, one-park adult ticket from $79 to $82 effective this Thursday. In addition, Disney will increase prices for multiday tickets and annual passes.



Celebrate Jamaican Independence Day at Universal! by TheWiseman

Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom at Universal CityWalk will host a lively Jamaican Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, August 7, 2010, starting at 4 PM. Highlights will include live reggae music with Chain Reaction; drink specials featuring Bacardi, Grey Goose and Heineken; Jamaican and African merchandise vendors; and 102 Jamz broadcasting the event live from 4 PM to 6 PM. Admission is free until 6 PM ($15 plus tax after 6 PM). VIP admission is $25 plus tax and includes private balcony access, light appetizers between 8 PM and 1 AM, and free admission to select clubs. You must be 21+ after 9 PM. For more information about the Jamaican Independence Day Celebration at Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom, visit http://www.universalorlando.com/Citywalk/Restaurants/bob_marley_tribute_freedom.aspx.



2010 Fall Events Guide to Orlando by TheWiseman

In addition to world-class theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando, the Orlando area offers a variety of festivals, events and fairs in 2010 that are sure to please visitors and residents alike. On most weekends throughout 2010, but especially during the fall, you’ll discover lively festivals and events going on somewhere in Orlando. Mark your calendar for the following Orlando events this fall:

2010 Orlando Home Show
October 22-24, 2010
Enjoy interesting exhibits, talk to home improvement experts and listen to special guest speakers at the Orlando area’s largest home design and landscaping showcase, which will take place at the Orange County Convention Center.

2010 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
October 1 – November 14, 2010
Take an eclectic tour of the world at the 2010 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival as you sample delicious foods and fine wines during this international culinary celebration, which also offers nightly Eat to the Beat! concerts, celebrity-che cooking demonstrations, children’s activities and the talents of street performers from acrobats to musicians.

2010 Halloween Horror Nights
September 24, 25 & 30; October 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30 & 31, 2010
Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights, which celebrates its 21st anniversary in 2010, is the largest Halloween event in the United States and spread out over both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Events at the month-long fright fest include specialty 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.

2010 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
September 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28 & 30; October 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29 & 31; November 1, 2010
This after-hours extravaganza at Disney’s Magic Kingdom allows guests to dress up in Halloween costumes and also features the “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade and the “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular. There’s trick-or-treating as well and also the opportunity to enjoy rides and attractions from 7 PM to midnight.

2010 SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular
Select Dates in October 2010

Halloween meets the sea at SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular, carving an underwater “fantasea” where children can dance with an ice DJ, learn from a school of fish and play with a sea fairy. SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular uniquely brings children’s “fantaseas” to life with enchanted pathways and charming sea creatures, providing the utmost in family-friendly trick-or-treating.

2010 Children’s Miracle Network Classic
November 11-14, 2010
One of the most popular events on the PGA Tour, the Children’s Miracle Network Classic at Walt Disney World Resort has served as an annual tradition since 1971, the same year Disney World opened its doors. The Children’s Miracle Network Classic, takes place at Disney’s championship Palm and Magnolia courses.

2010 Festival of the Masters
November 12-14, 2010

Festival of the Masters at Walt Disney World Resort is simply one of the most acclaimed open-air art festivals in the United States. Approximately 150 award-winning artists display their diverse wares at this immense outdoor showcase at Downtown Disney that also includes live entertainment, culinary offerings and children’s activities, as well as the House of Blues Folk Art Festival.

Good sources for more information on upcoming Orlando festivals and events include the “Orlando Seasonal Events” section of the Orlando, Florida Guide, as well as the Friday entertainment sections of the Orlando Sentinel and the Orlando Weekly, a weekly arts and entertainment publication.

Seeking spacious and affordable accommodations during your Orlando vacation getaway this fall? Look no farther than Westgate Resorts, which offers spacious suites, abundant amenities and convenient access to Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando theme parks, as well as other Orlando area attractions. Choose from Westgate Resorts properties such as Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.




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