Filed under: Florida, Florida Attractions, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Florida, theme parks, travel | Tags: Christmas Bricktacular, Florida Attractions, Florida Theme Parks, LEGO, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Florida, LEGOLAND Parks, New Year's Eve, theme parks, Winter Haven
LEGOLAND Florida is getting into the holiday spirit with the first annual Christmas Bricktacular. Festive decorations and sounds of the season will fill The Beginning and Fun Town through the holidays, Dec. 8-31, followed by Kids’ New Year’s Eve on Dec. 31. With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions all dedicated to families with children age 2 to 12 and one of the widest selections of LEGO® products available, LEGOLAND Florida is the best place to celebrate the season and pick up the Christmas gifts that are on every child’s wish list – LEGO!
The Beginning is home to a truly spectacular, Bricktacular sight – a more than 30-foot-tall LEGO Christmas tree made with a combination of 270,000 forest green LEGO and DUPLO® bricks. The park’s first-ever tree lighting ceremony takes place on Dec. 5 with a special master of ceremonies. Through Dec. 31, a special family will be chosen to help light the Bricktacular tree each night.
Santa Claus even makes special daily appearances in the historical botanical gardens making a picture perfect spot to capture family memories sure to be treasured for years to come.
Kids’ New Year’s Eve on Dec. 31 let’s kids rock out and watch the sky explode with LEGO fireworks at just the right time for them, midnight KST (Kid Standard Time) – otherwise known as 7 p.m. EST.
Holiday events are included in park admission. Tickets and Annual Passes for LEGOLAND Florida are available at www.LEGOLAND.com
LEGOLAND® Florida is a 150-acre interactive theme park dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, LEGOLAND is geared towards family fun! There are currently four other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Germany and LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London. The LEGOLAND theme parks are a part of Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest attractions operator in the world. For the most current information, log on to www.LEGOLAND.com.
MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS is the leading name in location-based, family entertainment, and has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. Europe’s Number 1 and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates over 78 attractions, six hotels/two holiday villages in 17 countries and across four continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 43.6 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and more than 15,000 employees. Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions – SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The EDF Energy London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Heide Park, Earth Explorer, Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World, Sydney Tower Observatory and Skywalk, Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter Underwater World, Oceanworld Manly and Hamilton Island Koala Gallery. All brands which are distinctive, challenging and innovative – and which have great potential for growth in the future. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.
Filed under: disney, Disney World, Disney World Video, Magic Kingdom, theme parks, Walt Disney World Resort | Tags: Cinderella Castle, Disney World, Disney World Events, Disney World Parade, Disney World Videos, Magic Kingdom, Main Street USA, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park – On 19 special nights, holiday revelers can delight during this cheery, family-friendly event. Party-goers embrace the joys of the season – sipping cocoa, catching a “snowflake” and enjoying merry shows, fireworks, carolers and special character meet and greets.
This after-hours party on select nights between Nov. 8 and Dec. 18, 2011, features a sleigh full of merriment:
•An enchanting Cinderella Castle adorned with Castle Dream Lights (through Jan.8)
•Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, complete with a special appearance by Santa Claus himself, and for the first time Duffy the Disney Bear.
•An exclusive holiday fireworks extravaganza — Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season
•Live entertainment featuring Disney characters
•Meet and greet opportunities with favorite Disney characters in Holiday attire, including Phineas & Ferb in Tomorrowland, the Seven Dwarfs in Frontierland and Duffy the Disney Bear in Town Square.
•Complimentary cookies, apple slices and hot cocoa
•A magical snow fall on Main Street, U.S.A.
•Many popular Magic Kingdom attractions open for fun
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will take place Nov. 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29, 30, Dec. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16 and 18, 2011, from 7 p.m. until midnight. Day-of-event pricing is $62.95 and $57.95 for ages 3 to 9. Savings of $6 per ticket are available if tickets are purchased in advance. Visit www.Disneyworld.com/holidays.
Filed under: Central Florida, Florida, Florida Attractions, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Florida, Orlando Day Trips, orlando vacation, theme parks, Westgate Destinations, Westgate Resorts, Westgate River Ranch | Tags: Airboat Rides, Championship Rodeo, Dude Ranch, Florida Dude Ranch, Florida Rodeo, Florida Theme Parks, Horseback Riding, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Attractions, LEGOLAND Florida, Legos, River Ranch Saloon, Smokehouse Grill, Swamp Buggy Rides, Westgate, Westgate Resorts, Westgate River Ranch
The Beginning
Island in the Sky
Duplo Village
Big Rig Rally
DUPLO Farm
Granny’s Jalopies
Junior Fire Academy
Fun Town
Conservatory (coming soon)
Factory Tour
The Grand Carousel
Wells Fargo Fun Town 4D Theater
Imagination Zone
Build & Test
Hero Factory
Kid Power Towers
LEGO MINDSTORMS
Land of Adventure
Adventure Games
Beetle Bounce
Coastersaurus
Lost Kingdom Adventure
Pharaoh’s Revenge
Safari Trek
Lego City
Big Test Live Show
Boating School
Flying School
FORD Driving School
FORD Jr. Driving School
Rescue Academy
Lego Kingdoms
Castle Stage
The Dragon
The Forestmen’s Hideout
Jester’s Games
Merlin’s Challenge
Royal Joust
Lego Technic
AQUAZONE Wave Racers
Extreme Games
Technicycle
Test Track
Miniland
California
Daytona International Speedway
Florida
Kennedy Space Center
Las Vegas
New York
Pirate’s Shores
Washington D.C.
Pirates’ Cove
Pirates’ Cove Live Water Ski Show
Special Events Venue
Visit http://florida.legoland.com for more information about LEGOLAND Florida.
An authentic dude ranch, Westgate River Ranch lies less than 40 miles from LEGOLAND Florida. Onsite amenities at Westgate River Ranch include the Smokehouse Grill Restaurant, a full-service marina, Saturday night rodeo, horseback riding, nine-hole golf course, outdoor pool, miniature golf, airboat and swamp buggy rides, River Ranch Saloon, skeet/trap shooting range, hay rides, general store with deli and wedding chapel. For more information about Westgate River Ranch, visit www.wgriverranch.com.
Filed under: Halloween Horror Nights, Orlando Events, Orlando Hotels, theme parks, universal orlando, Universal Studios, Westgate, Westgate Destinations, Westgate Resorts | Tags: Halloween Horror Nights, Halloween Horror Nights Video, Westgate Resorts
Add Halloween Horror Nights tickets to your Orlando vacation package through Westgate Resorts! Visit www.wglakes.com/westgate-lakes-universal-partner-resort.html for details.
Filed under: Disney World, Disney World Video, theme parks | Tags: Disney World, Disney World Video, Walt Disney World Resort
Filed under: Disney World, Disney World Video, Magic Kingdom, orlando, Orlando Events, theme parks | Tags: Disney World, Disney World Events, Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is scheduled to return to Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park for 23 select nights between September 13 and November 1, 2011. The after-hours Magic Kingdom party will feature Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade and the “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular, as well as trick-or-treating, meet and greets, and more. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates for 2011 are September 13, 16, 20, 23, 27 and 30; October 2, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30 and 31 and November 1. Visit www.disneyworld.com/halloween or call 407/W-DISNEY to purchase advance tickets.
Seeking great deals on accommodations in Orlando? Check out the latest specials at Westgate Resorts! Visit www.westgatedestinations.com for more information.
Filed under: Orlando Events, theme parks, universal orlando | Tags: Halloween Events, Halloween Horror Nights, Halloween Horror Nights 2011, universal orlando
For 25 nights beginning September 23, Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights returns as the nation’s best and most intense Halloween event. Guests will confront extreme Halloween entertainment that cannot be experienced anywhere else. This year, they will scream as they become prey to fiendish creatures, panic as they come face-to-face with a horrifying “thing,” feel chills as they are haunted by deceased souls – and watch in paralyzing fear as Lady Luck transforms from a tempting seductress to a bloodthirsty beast. Lady Luck is the force behind this year’s event, and she awaits those brave enough to challenge her and take a chance. Her main weapon is choice, and her desire is for you to make yours. But no matter what you decide, you can’t escape the terror she has in store at Halloween Horror Nights 21. For a detailed listing of each haunted house, scarezone and show featured at this year’s event, see below. Halloween Horror Nights runs September 23-24, September 29-30, October 1-2, 6-9, 13-16, 19-23 and 26-31. Tickets and vacation packages are on sale now and can be purchased at http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando. Due to the event’s popularity, tickets for weekend nights are expected to sell out and should be purchased well in advance. Guests can get updates and exclusive details on Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights on the event’s official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/halloweenhorrornightsorlando) and Twitter handle (www.twitter.com@UORHHN).
Filed under: Night of Joy, Orlando concerts, Orlando Events, theme parks, universal orlando, Westgate, Westgate Destinations, Westgate Resorts | Tags: Christian music, Christian Music Festival, Disney World, Jars of Clay, Jeremy Camp, Magic Kingdom, MercyMe, Newsboys, Night of Joy, Skillet, tobyMac, Westgate, Westgate Destinations, Westgate Resorts
The 2011 version of Disney’s Night of Joy, a contemporary Christian music event, will take place September 9-10, 2011, at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Scheduled headliners include TobyMac, MercyMe, newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Jars of Clay and Skillet. Note: Night of Joy is an after-hours event that requires a special ticket. Event hours are 7:30 PM to 1 AM each night. For more information, visit www.nightofjoy.com.
Seeking great deals on accommodations in Orlando? Check out the latest specials at Westgate Resorts! Visit www.westgatedestinations.com for more information.
Filed under: Disney World, orlando, Orlando Attractions, Orlando Events, Orlando Hotels, orlando vacation, sea world, SeaWorld Orlando, theme parks, travel, universal orlando, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World Resort, Westgate, Westgate Resorts | Tags: Children's Miracle Network Classic, Disney World, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Festival of the Masters, Halloween Horror Nights, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Orlando Home Show, orlando hotels, Orlando Sentinel, Orlando Weekly, SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular, theme parks, universal orlando, Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Resorts, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center, Westgate Vacation Villas
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 2011 that are sure to please visitors and residents alike. On most weekends throughout 2011, 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:
2011 Orlando Home Show
October 7-9, 2011
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
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.
2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
September 30 – November 13, 2011
Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Take an eclectic tour of the world at the 2011 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.
2011 Halloween Horror Nights
Select Nights Between September 23 & October 31, 2011
Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida
Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 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.
2011 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Select Nights September through November 2011
Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida
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.
2011 SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular
TBA, 2011
SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Florida
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.
2011 Children’s Miracle Network Classic
October 17-23, 2011
Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
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.
2011 Festival of the Masters
November 11-13, 2011
Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
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.
2011 Way Of Grace Fest A Fall
6pm – Saturday October 29, 2011
8550 Clarcona-Ocoee Road, Orlando, FL 32818
A Free Community Event
Fest-A-Fall is the annual Way Of Grace Ministries Orlando Fall Festivals. It is a FREE community event. A night of family fun and enjoyment for young and old alike, Fest-A-Fall includes: Games, Food, Hay Rides, Bouncy Houses, A Fun House Campfire with S’mores, Trunk-Or-Treat, A Pumpkin Carving Competition, Face Painting …and much more And best of all…It’s FREE! Fest-A-Fall takes place on Saturday, October 29, 2011 on the grounds of Way Of Grace Ministries at: 8550 Clarcona Ocoee Rd, Orlando, FL 32818 and starts at 6pm.
Filed under: Halloween Horror Nights, Orlando Events, theme parks, Universal Studios | Tags: Halloween Horror Nights, Halloween Horror Nights 21, Orlando Events, Orlando Halloween Events, Universal Studios
Halloween Horror Nights 21 – “the country’s best Halloween event” – will begin on September 23, 2011, at Universal Studios Florida. Halloween Horror Nights dates are September 23-24 and 29-30, October 1-2, 6-9, 13-16, 19-23 and 26-31, 2011. Advance tickets for Halloween Horror Nights 21 are now on sale for $81.99 plus tax. Guests can purchase Halloween Horror Nights 21 tickets at www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com or by calling 1-888-467-7677 (HORROR-7).
Orlando Travel Blog 