Orlando Travel Blog

Orlando, Florida, is known as both the “Theme Park Capital of the World” and the “Vacation Capital of the World.” Orlando boasts an average annual temperature of 72.4° Fahrenheit and is easily accessible via the Orlando International Airport. There are approximately 112,000 hotel rooms in Orlando, as well as 4,500 restaurants and 150 golf courses within 45 minutes of downtown Orlando. Orlando area theme parks include Walt Disney World Resort (Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom), Universal Orlando (Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure) and SeaWorld Orlando. Water parks include Discovery Cove, Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Wet ‘n’ Wild Water Park and Aquatica. Many other attractions can be found in the Orlando area such as Gatorland, Holy Land Experience, Orlando Science Center, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! and WonderWorks, among others. Popular day trips from Orlando include Busch Gardens Africa, Central Florida Zoo, Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and Silver Springs. Seeking nightlife? Check out such entertainment complexes as Downtown Disney Pleasure Island and Universal CityWalk.

The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios – recently voted “Best New Theme Park Attraction” for 2008 by ThemeParkInsider.com – became the fastest attraction in Universal Orlando Resort history to hit 1 million riders, the company announced today.

The new mega-attraction showcases everything the popular television series has made famous and that Simpsons fans love – a great story, humor and irreverence that are pure Simpsons with original animation starring  many of the show’s instantly recognizable characters, voiced by the original actors.

 America’s favorite animated family officially arrived in Orlando on May 15, 2008, when “The Simpsons Ride” celebrated its grand opening. In an unprecedented collaboration, Executive Producer James L. Brooks, Creator Matt Groening and Executive Producer Al Jean in association with 20th Century Fox Television and the creative teams of Gracie Films and Universal Theme Parks accomplished what had never been done before – the  launch of the world’s first authentic Simpsons mega-attraction.

The millionth rider, Dion Fenderson, was on vacation in Orlando from the Detroit suburb of Eastpointe with his wife, LaTika, and two sons, Dion (11) and Dylan (6).

Below is the 2008 Eat to the Beat! Concert Schedule. Eat to the Beat! is part of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which will take place at Epcot from September 26 through November 9, 2008. All concerts take place at the America Gardens Theatre stage at 6:30 PM and 7:45 PM nightly. Note: Concert schedule is subject to change without notice.

September 26-27, 2008 - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
September 28-30, 2008 - Sheena Easton
October 1-4, 2008 - Starship Starring Mickey Thomas
October 5-7, 2008 - En Vogue
October 8-9, 2008 - Jonny Lang
October 10-12, 2008 - Peabo Bryson
October 13-14, 2008 - Sister Hazel
October 15-16, 2008 - David Sanborn
October 17-18, 2008 - Jon Secada
October 19-21, 2008 - Spyro Gyra
October 22-23, 2008 - Otis Day & the Knights
October 24-26, 2008 - Exposé
October 27-28, 2008 - Kool & The Gang
October 29-30, 2008 - Boyz II Men
October 31 - November 2, 2008 - Atlanta Rhythm Section
November 3-5, 2008 - David Cassidy
November 6-7, 2008 - Night Ranger
November 8-9, 2008 - Los Lobos

The HotelsCorp.com Travel Events Blog features detailed information about upcoming events for Orlando, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Miami, Florida; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Park City, Utah; Williamsburg, Virginia; Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Branson, Missouri; and Cancun, Mexico. Visit the HotelsCorp.com Travel Events Blog today!  

A three-day Japanese animation festival, Anime Festival Orlando 2008 will provide hardcore anime fans with screenings, guest panels, workshops, game shows and contests, video games and a variety of anime dealers offering rare collectibles. Anime Festival Orlando will take place August 15-17, 2008, at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, 8001 International Drive, Orlando. Admission is charged.

Are you a big Simpsons fan? Have you checked out the new Simpsons Ride at Universal Orlando? If you know the answer to any of the following Simpsons Trivia questions, take the Simpson Trivia Challenge today!

What is the name of the fictional town in The Simpsons?
Which actor provides the voice for Sideshow Bob?
What is the Simpsons’ pet dog?
What is Homer Simpson’s favorite bar?
Where does Homer work?
Who is the owner of the Kwik-E-Mart?
What color is Marge Simpson’s hair?
Who is the youngest of the Simpson family members?
Name the Simpsons’ next-door neighbor.
Who is Springfield’s Chief of Police?
Who is Bart Simpson’s nerdy friend?
Name the elementary school bus driver.
What is the school principal’s name?
Name Bart’s two favorite cartoon characters.
What is Homer’s boss’ name?
What musical instrument does Lisa Simpson play?
Which former “Taxi” star provides the voice for Homer’s half-brother?
Which cartoonist created The Simpsons?
Who is the son of Rabbi Hyman Krustofski?
The Simpsons originated on which variety show?
What is the name of Mr. Burns’ assistant?
Which year did The Simpsons make its debut as a half-hour series?
Who is the minister of The First Church of Springfield?
Which Simpsons character has an IQ of 55?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will return for their seventh NFL training camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, from July 26 to August 14, 2008.

The team’s daily practices are free and open to the public, with the schedule often incorporating two-a-day sessions in the morning and afternoon.

Featuring one of the league’s most animated head coaches, the Jon Gruden-led Bucs seek to build on their winning ways from 2007 with a collection of established stars such as quarterback Jeff Garcia, linebacker Derrick Brooks and cornerback Ronde Barber.

The 2008 season will also see the return of Warrick Dunn back into the Buccaneer fold. The diminutive, big-play tailback spent his first five seasons with Tampa Bay, totaling more than 6,500 yards of offense and 26 touchdowns.

A fertile breeding ground for success, the Buccaneers have produced three division titles and one Super Bowl championship since first arriving at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in 2002. Fans once again will be allowed the unique access to witness the daily workouts and drills that NFL players undertake in preparation for the rigorous regular season, along with routine autograph opportunities following practice.

A popular July 4th tradition at Walt Disney World Resort will continue this year as star-spangled salutes to America’s independence are presented all across the Florida Vacation Kingdom.

Here’s some of the fireworks fun scheduled for July 4 this year:

Disney’s Magic Kingdom
A Fourth of July “Concert in the Sky” will light up the night at Magic Kingdom in honor of Independence Day. Featuring a magnificent display of aerial fireworks, dazzling pyrotechnic effects and dynamic music, the show, entitled “Disney’s Celebrate America!-A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” is a grand tribute to the United States, its people and traditions. The special show is scheduled for 9 p.m. Magic Kingdom also will feature two performances of the “SpectroMagic” nighttime parade, first at 10:30 p.m. and then again at 12:30 a.m. that same night.

Epcot
A holiday-inspired finale will be added to Epcot’s nightly fireworks extravaganza, “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.” The park’s American Adventure pavilion also will feature enhanced entertainment throughout the day, with visits from historic characters who will share their stories. American Adventure also will feature additional performances of its signature musical group, Voices of Liberty, performing patriotic classics.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will present a special July 4th fireworks show at 9 p.m., with skyrockets and patriotic music filling the air at the showbiz-themed park. The park’s popular “Fantasmic!” show, featuring fireworks, animation, dancing waters and Disney characters, will be presented on July 4 at 10:30 p.m.

Downtown Disney 
Downtown Disney will present July 4th fireworks at 10:30 p.m. for the revelers, shoppers and diners enjoying the nighttime entertainment district.

It’s a weekend full of faith against a backdrop of theme park excitement as Universal Orlando Resort unleashes Rock the Universe 2008 on September 5 and 6, 2008. Tickets are on sale now for guests to enjoy more than a dozen mega-talented artists who will transform Universal Studios Florida into the ultimate destination for Christian music and unforgettable thrills.

Throughout the two-day event, guests will have the opportunity to see live performances by today’s hottest Christian rock bands and artists, witness moving testimonies from celebrity guest speakers and experience thrilling rides and attractions.

Rock the Universe 2008 features a powerful lineup of music ranging from contemporary Christian and hip-hop to punk. On Friday, September 5, 2008, the event features Grammy-nominated alternative rock band Switchfoot, pop/punk rock group Relient K, contemporary Christian band Newsboys, hard-rock group Skillet, hip-hop groups Grits and Group 1 Crew and up-and-coming artist New Method. On Saturday, September 6, 2008, internationally acclaimed group Third Day, singer/songwriter Jeremy Camp, Grammy Award-winning band Jars of Clay, pop-punk group Stellar Kart and rock bands Leeland, This Beautiful Republic and Special D will take center stage at the event.

In addition to music, attendees of Rock the Universe 2008 will hear the life-changing testimonies of celebrity guest speakers AJ Styles and Brian “Head” Welch. Styles is one of TNA’s best high-flying pro wrestlers, and Welch is the former lead guitarist of the popular rock group Korn. Thrill seekers attending the event will also have the opportunity to enjoy immersive theme park rides and attractions at Universal Studios, including the all-new Simpsons Ride, the psychological thrill ride Revenge of the Mummy - The Ride and Shrek 4-D.

Sunday Morning Worship returns this year with three scheduled services taking place on Sunday, September 7, 2008. The nondenominational services, which are free with any Rock the Universe 2008 ticket, feature praise and worship music, a special appearance by Brian “Head” Welch and a speaker from Lifeway Christian Resources.

Tickets for Rock the Universe 2008 can be purchased online at www.rocktheuniverse.com. The popular “Rock Your Whole Weekend” package is available this year, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy an entire weekend of uplifting concerts and motivating guest speakers, along with three days free admission to Universal Orlando Resort’s two amazing theme parks. The “Rock Your Whole Weekend” ticket includes daytime park admission Friday, September 5 through Sunday, September 7, 2008 to Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, as well as admission to both nights of Rock the Universe. If purchased on or before August 29, 2008, guests can get the “Rock Your Whole Weekend” ticket for $69.99 (group rate) or $73.99 (individual rate). After August 29, 2008, the price increases to $95.99 for both individuals and groups.

Single-night individual tickets are on sale now for $44.99 in advance and $49.99 for day-of-event tickets. Single-night group tickets are available for $42.99 in advance and $49.99 at the gate. Tickets are nonrefundableand will be honored at Universal Studios Florida after 4 PM until the park closes at 1 AM. Select Universal Studios’ attractions will also remain open until 1 AM throughout the weekend. For more information about Rock the Universe 2008 or to purchase tickets, visit www.rocktheuniverse.com or call 1-866-RTU-INFO (1-866-788-4636).

SeaWorld Orlando has announced the next generation of SeaWorld thrills with Manta - a new mega-attraction which will seamlessly transition guests from the awe of watching rays in underwater flight . . . into the sensation of actually being one. Swooping over sea and sky, Manta will inspire riders with amazing underwater animal habitats, then soar them face-down aboard a manta-inspired flying coaster. Manta opens summer 2009.

FROM SEEING . . . THE ANIMALS
Total Animals: 3,000
Gallons of Water: 184,000
Aquariums: 10
Species: 60+
Rays: 304
Sea Dragons: 23
Sea Horses: 20
Fish: 2,500+
Underwater Views: Floor-to-ceiling, 9-foot-tall views through 4 inches of Plexiglas
Exterior Lagoon: 16,300 square feet

TO BEING . . . THE RAY

Type of Ride: Flying coaster
Seating: Horizontal, face-down, four people across
Thrills: Flies through sky and over a lagoon
Height: 140 feet
Maximum Drop: 113 feet
Top Speed: 56 miles per hour
Inversions: 4
Track Length: 3,359 feet
Vehicle Wing Span: 12 feet
Cycle Time: 2 minutes, 35 seconds
Manufacturer: Bolliger & Mabillard; Monthey, Switzerland
Height Requirement: 54 inches
Trains: 3 per track; with 32 people on each train
Capacity: Approximately 1,500 people per hour
Opening Date: Summer 2009

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is harnessing the power of Google Earth™ to build an interactive, three-dimensional tour of Walt Disney World Resort that brings you one step closer to a true park experience. With direct links to Disney’s online travel-planning tools, Walt Disney World Resort in 3D will re-invent how people plan and book vacations.

Disney guests can use Google Earth, a program which offers a 3D digital model of the world, to virtually tour Walt Disney World’s four theme parks, as well as its 22 hotels and resorts. An overview of Walt Disney World Resort in 3D, along with instructions on how to get started, can be found at www.disneyworld.com/3dparks. Existing Google Earth 4.3 users can see Walt Disney World Resort in 3D by enabling the “Gallery” folder within Google Earth, or by selecting any of the 3D buildings within the resort.

Disney’s digital mapping project, Walt Disney World Resort in 3D, will become the ultimate online travel guide for Walt Disney World Resort, integrating the Google Earth 3D experience with the planning features of Disney.com. Whether guests book through the Disney reservation center, a travel agent or online, nearly nine out of ten Walt Disney World guests use the internet to plan their vacations and Walt Disney World Resort in 3D provides the latest technology available to enhance that experience. From Google Earth, guests and travel planners can click on images of their favorite attractions and hotels to purchase tickets, make reservations, and map out the vacation that is right for their families – in 3D and with the click of a mouse. Disneyworld.com visitors can view videos and other information about viewing Walt Disney World in 3D at www.disneyworld.com/3dparks.

The depth and vivid detail of Walt Disney World Resort in 3D project makes this a unique, truly immersive experience within Google Earth. Visitors begin their virtual tour of Disney World with a stratospheric view of the globe, a starting point familiar to anyone who has ever used Google Earth. A skydive takes visitors past the flatlands of Florida to a view of the Seven Seas Lagoon in the Magic Kingdom. Guests can then fly through the streets and explore in and around the hotels and resorts, down Main Street to Cinderella Castle, from the heights of The Tower of Terror to base of the Tree of Life.

To enter the virtual park:

Download Google Earth 4.3 by visiting www.disneyworld.com/3dparks.
Launch Google Earth and search for ‘Disney World’.
Click the Mickey Ears to open an info window.
In the info window, click “Show Disney World in 3D.”
Now explore!

During the project’s first phase, eight photographers worked for 10 days to shoot all the visible surfaces of Walt Disney World, including every building façade. A total 100,000 photos were taken in all; these became the start for some 1,500 3D models that populate the virtual tour. Walt Disney World Resort in 3D creates a new level of usability for vacation planners and makes detailed information about one of the world’s foremost destinations available to Google Earth’s 350 million users, furthering the Google Earth team’s goal of recreating the world as it really is.

For more information about Aquatica, visit the Essential Guide to SeaWorld Aquatica.

SeaWorld Orlando recently announced the next generation of SeaWorld thrills with Manta - a new mega-attraction that will seamlessly transition guests from the awe of encountering rays in underwater flight into the sensation of actually being one! Swooping over sea and sky, Manta will inspire riders with amazing underwater animal habitats, then soar them face-down, in a horizontal position, aboard a manta-inspired flying coaster. Manta opens in the summer of 2009.

The Manta flying coaster will create a new level of immersion into the animal world - in a way only SeaWorld can do - enveloping riders in a sensation of oneness with the ocean’s most powerful and graceful creature as they soar, dive and plummet through the air . . .  and at times within inches of the sea.

The journey begins the second guests enter a mythical village filled with artisan-created engravings and artwork that celebrate ray legend and lore. No ordinary queue line - the attractions starts with the first step inside. Anticipation builds as guests wind through caverns adorned with ray-inspired art in marble, jewels and mosiacs, all hand-created and left behind by artists who were moved to pay tribute to the beauty, grace and intrique of these animals.

Whether guests choose to ride or not, the attraction is a world unto itself. Floor-to-ceiling windows create mesmerizing face-to-fin encounters with 300 rays, as well as thousands of fish and mysterious creatures native to oceans all over the world. Shark rays, spotted eagle rays, leopard rays, cownose rays and oscillate river rays float past guests with fluidity and grace in a view new to SeaWorld Orlando. Enhancing the feeling of awe, elaborate lighting, sound and rushing waterfalls further submerge guests into this underwater universe.

The experience then evolves from seeing  . . . to being!

Inspired by the underwater flight of these powerful creatures, guests will fly face-down, in a horizontal position, underneath the belly of a coaster train shaped as a giant manta. With a wing span of 12 feet, the giant manta will soar over sea and sky in the most graceful flying coaster ever created.

Gliding, swooping and diving up to nearly 60 miles per hour, through four inversions on 3,359 feet of track, riders will feel as if they are a ray, taking flight effortlessly from sky to sea - so close at times that the Manta’s wings skim the waves.

The seven-acre, 140-foot-tall attraction will be located inside the main entrance to SeaWorld Orlando, and become an icon in the park with its unique design. Towering over SeaWorld’s 200 acres, the manta-themed coaster - cloaked in hues of dark purple, ultramarine blue and cobalt - will lure guests into the world of the mysterious ray.

SeaWorld Orlando is working with the renowned Swiss coaster design company, Bolliger & Mabillard, for the design of Manta.

The 121st-annual Silver Spurs Rodeo will take place at Silver Spurs Arena (Highway 192, Kissimmee) June 6-8. Rodeo times are Friday, June 6 at 7:30 PM; Saturday, June 7 at 7:30 PM; and Sunday, June 8 at 2 PM. Tickets are just $15; ages 10 and under are admitted free.

Source: HotelsCorp.com Travel Events Blog

You’ve seen the show, played The Game, watched The Movie. And now, yes, it’s finally here. You can ride - The Ride!

America’s favorite animated family has arrived in Orlando - with their very own mega-attraction. The Simpsons Ride officially opened May 15, 2008, at Universal Orlando Resort. The new attraction plants guests smack in the middle of a brand-new Simpsons adventure - a ride adventure so big, so funny and so thrilling it’s no surprise it took years to make.

In an unprecedented collaboration, Executive Producer James L. Brooks, Creator Matt Groening and Executive Producer Al Jean in association with 20th Century Fox Television and the creative teams of Gracie Films and Universal Theme Parks have accomplished what has never been done before - the launch of the world’s first authentic mega-attraction of The Simpsons.

“The Simpsons Ride” showcases everything the hugely popular television series has made famous and that Simpsons fans love . . . a great story, humor and irreverence that are pure Simpsons, with original animation starring cast members Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardly Smith, Hank Azaria and guest star Kelsey Grammer.

Guests are swept into Krustyland, a theme park created by the show’s cash-hungry clown. Meanwhile, maniacal Sideshow Bob has escaped from prison and has taken control of the park to get his revenge on Krusty and the Simpson family. Handpicked by Krusty to be the first to ride his newest attraction, you are thrust into the middle of the action.

The attraction is larger than life - from the 28-foot-tall Krusty the Clown at the entrance (guests walk through Krusty’s mouth on his extended tongue) to the giant wraparound cinematic experience created for this great new adventure. Guests soar through Krustyland and Springfield on a ride that features the world’s first-ever cork screw that’s animated!

As the longest running animated series and the longest running primetime comedy series ever, “The Simpsons” has aired more than 400 episodes. The critically acclaimed show features Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson, who take traditional family life and turn it upside down. Exploding into a cultural phenomenon in 1990, “The Simpsons” has remained one of the most viable and marketable properties domestically and internationally. “The Simpsons” is noted for famous celebrity guest voices (such as Grammer, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Keifer Sutherland, Natalie Portman, Simon Cowell, Gore Vidal, U2, MIck Jagger and Aerosmith) and received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000. The Simpsons Movie was released on July 27, 2007, has earned more than 500 million dollars worldwide and is now available on DVD.

For more information about the new Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios, visit http://www.orlando-florida.net/universal-orlando/universal-studios/world-expo/simpsons.htm.

The 2008 Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot will feature a great lineup of rock bands covering timeless tunes from such groups as U2, Bee Gees, Eagles and ABBA.

June 2008 Sounds Like Summer Schedule

2U - A Tribute to U2 - June 9-15, 2008

Stayin’ Alive - A Tribute to the Bee Gees - June 16-22, 2008

Hotel California - Eagles Tribute Band - June 23-29, 2008

Bjorn Again - ABBA Tribute Band - June 30-July 10, 2008

Concerts are subject to change without notice. All concerts will take place at the America Gardens Theatre at 5:45 PM, 7 PM and 8 PM, and are included with regular Epcot admission.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival - Epcot, Through June 1, 2008

Mickey’s Pirate & Princess Party - Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, Select Dates through June 4, 2008

Toy Story Mania! - Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Opens Late May 2008

Star Wars Weekends - Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, June 6-29, 2008

Sounds Like Summer - Epcot, June 9 - August 10, 2008

Journey into Narnia - Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Summer 2008

Night of Joy - Disney’s Hollywood Studios, September 5-6, 2008

Source: www.orlando-florida.net

Star Wars celebrities will be at each weekend of 2008 Star Wars Weekends for photos, Q&A, autograph sessions and Hollywood-style motorcades. All four weekends, Star Wars actor Warwick Davis (who portrayed “Wicket the Ewok”) will serve as celebrity emcee and host of the event. Here’s the list of celebrities scheduled to attend (subject to change without notice):

June 6-8, 2008: Jeremy Bulloch (”Boba Fett”) and Daniel Logan (young “Boba Fett”)
June 13-15, 2008: Peter Mayhew (”Chewbacca”) and David Prowse (”Darth Vader”)
June 20-22, 2008: Amy Allen (”Aayla Secura”) and Matthew Wood (”General Grievous”)
June 27-29: Dave Filoni (director of the upcoming “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)

The Star Wars Weekends fun is included with regular admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests can access more information by visiting disneyworld.com/starwars or www.starwars.

The Tampa Bay Rays will face the Toronto Blue Jays April 22-24, 2008, at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex. Disney Limited Edition Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Mini Bobbleheads will be distributed to the first 2,500 children ages 14 and under: Donald Duck Bobblehead (April 22), Goofy Bobblehead (April 23) and Micky Mouse Bobblehead (April 24).