Posted on Sat, Feb 28, 2009 @ 07:49 AM
Universal Orlando's Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
In spite of the tuff economy the world is in, Universal Orlando (like Sea World Orlando) plans to unveil new
attractions this year, starting with Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit - a new coaster
slated to open sometime this spring (early May is what we're
hearing).
The site - http://www.hollywoodrockit.com touts the attraction as being
"the most personalized and immersive roller coaster experience in the world".
The site also includes a blog by Louis Alfieri, the rides creative director who
shares insight on the construction process.
Posted on Thu, Feb 26, 2009 @ 06:46 PM
Night of Joy
Multi-platinum Christian rock band P.O.D., who was currently on hiatus following
a lengthy world tour, will make its 2009 concert debut as part of a 14-act
lineup announced today for Disney’s Night of Joy Sept. 11-12 at Walt Disney
World. The musically diverse event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios also will feature MercyMe, newsboys, Skillet, Flyleaf, Chris Tomlin,
Kutless, Jars of Clay, Grits, Leeland, NeedToBreath, Superchick, Mandisa and
Family Force 5.
Seven acts will perform each evening between 7 p.m. and
12:30 a.m. at stage locations throughout the park. Night of Joy begins after
regular park operating hours, with concerts and select park attractions
available exclusively for the enjoyment of event ticket holders.
P.O.D.
is among four acts new to Night of Joy (along with Grits, NeedToBreath and
Family Force 5), joining a legacy of 134 Christian music acts that have played
Night of Joy since 1983. While a Disney “newbie,” the southern California-based
band that fuses hard rock with hip-hop, reggae and Latin music is well known in
music circles. They’ve been a hit on MTV, won two GMA Dove Awards, been
Grammy-nominated, had two platinum-certified albums – one triple platinum – and
in past summers played some of the north’s biggest Christian festivals.
But in spring/summer 2009, P.O.D. is chillin’: Vocalist Sonny Sandoval
and the rest of the band are home in SoCal enjoying family life following a
seven-month world tour that wound up in South America in December, making their
Sept. 11 date at Disney P.O.D.’s first gig of the year.
“In the past
year we’ve been blessed to play all around the globe but performing at Disney
World excites me most of all,” Sandoval said.
The complete Sept. 11
Night of Joy lineup: P.O.D., newsboys, Kutless, Tomlin, NeedToBreath, Leeland
and Superchick.
On Sept. 12, the Studios’ stages will present: Skillet,
MercyMe, Jars of Clay, Flyleaf, Family Force 5, Grits and Mandisa.
Eight
of the acts are nominated for Gospel Music Association Dove Awards in 2009,
topped by Tomlin with seven nominations including artist of the year. Other
nominees are Kutless, Leeland, NeedToBreath, Skillet, MercyMe, Mandisa and
Grits.
For Mandisa, Night of Joy will mark her second “guest appearance”
at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2009. On Feb. 12, she was among an
unprecedented gathering of 27 “American Idol” finalists – including the winners
from each of the show’s first seven seasons – who participated in a Hollywood
gala-style event to premiere “The American Idol Experience.” The new attraction
immerses guests in the excitement of the hit TV show “American Idol,” with some
guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios auditioning to take the spotlight onstage,
while fellow guests cheer them on from the audience and vote for their favorite
singer with instant results.
With an innovative ticket – exclusively for
groups of 10 or more – that combines a “day” visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
with Night of Joy admission that evening, guests will have a chance to
participate in “The American Idol Experience.” And by booking on or before Aug.
12, the Studios day/Night of Joy group ticket costs just $44.95 plus tax
(beginning Aug. 13, it costs $49.95).
There’s also a two-day ticket
exclusively for groups of 10 or more that combines Night of Joy admission on
both evenings (Sept. 11 and Sept. 12) with two “day visits” to the guest’s
choice of Walt Disney World theme parks (one per day) on Night of Joy weekend
(Sept. 11-13). Booked on/before Aug. 12, that ticket costs just $89.95 plus tax
(beginning Aug. 13, it costs $99.95).
Night of Joy tickets for
individuals also are available. One-night tickets purchased in advance (up to
the day prior to the event) are $49.95 plus tax (on event day, if available,
tickets are $54.95). Two-night tickets (providing admission to Night of Joy on
both Sept. 11 and 12) are $84.95 plus tax.
All the details about tickets
for groups and individuals are available online at www.nightofjoy.com
Posted on Mon, Feb 23, 2009 @ 06:01 AM
Tinker Bell at Disney's Magic Kingdom
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -To celebrate the animated film “Tinker Bell,”
Disney’s most famous fairy and four of her best friends are featured in
a meet-and-greet experience in Mickey’s Toontown Fair at Magic Kingdom
at Walt Disney World.
To meet Tinker Bell and her fairy friends, guests enter a magical
forest called “Pixie Hollow,” a special place deep in the heart of
Never Land.
Tinker Bell, made famous in the 1953 Disney animated classic “Peter
Pan,” for her “hostess” role in Disney television specials and for
“flying” above the Disney theme parks, is joined inside Pixie Hollow by
four fairy friends: Fawn, an animal fairy; Iridessa, a light fairy;
Rosetta, a garden fairy; and Silvermist, a water fairy.
In addition to meeting the Fairies at Magic Kingdom, guests can learn more about the Disney Fairies at www.disneyfairies.com.
And if Tinker Bell doesn’t “ring a bell” or jog a memory, here are some “fun fairy facts” about the sprightly pixie:
-- Tinker Bell debuted at Walt Disney World Resort in 1971, as the
classic attraction Peter Pan’s Flight opened in Fantasyland. The
beloved attraction immerses guests in the “Peter Pan” story as
passengers board flying pirate ships bound for Never Land.
-- Tinker Bell began “flying” from high atop Cinderella Castle in 1985.
Since then, she has taken her flight thousands of times to light the
sky with magical fireworks.
-- Tinker Bell made her Walt Disney World parade debut in 2007. She
made that premiere appearance atop a float in “Disney’s Enchanted
Adventures Parade,” an entertainment extravaganza during Disney’s
Pirate and Princess Party.
-- Tinker Bell merchandise continually ranks among the top sellers of character-based merchandise at Walt Disney World Resort.
Posted on Fri, Feb 20, 2009 @ 06:53 AM
Disney's Kim Possible Adventure
A new interactive experience has opened at Disney's Epcot Center. Disney's "Kim
Possible World Showcase Adventure" will have guests partnering with
"Team Possible" in saving the world from villains and their mad
inventions.
Guests will be given a "Kimmunicator" found at kiosks in Epcot Center. These
interactive devices will use state-of-the-art technology which will aid
them in finding the Kim Possible characters who will give them the
clues needed to find the villians and stop their quest for world
domination.
There will be top secret devices hidden in the World Showcase pavilions
at Mexico, Norway, China, Japan, France, Germany and the United
Kingdom. At each country, there will be a villain from the Kim Possible
TV show and a unque event for the guest "agents" to take part in.
Jim MacPhee, Epcot Vice President stated "Disney’s Kim Possible World
Showcase Adventure is an example of a next generation attraction that
offers fun and excitement for the entire family. We are constantly
exploring new ways to provide immersive experiences to Epcot guests,
and this new offering will add to our dynamic portfolio."
Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Executive of Walt Disney Imagineering
commented “Today’s emerging generation expects more immersive, personal
and interactive experiences in every facet of their lives, including
their entertainment choices. As leaders in family entertainment, Disney
theme parks push the envelope by combining state-of-the-art technology
with creative storytelling to enhance the overall Disney vacation
experience.
Posted on Thu, Feb 19, 2009 @ 06:48 AM
Disney's Epcot Center 2009 Flower & Garden Festival
A "Cinderellabration" theme is planned for Disney's 2009 Epcot Center Flower and Garden Festival
The main entrance will have topiaries of Cinderella with Prince Charming,
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty and Prince Phillip and Belle
with the Beast. The fountain will feature The Little Mermaid.
Throughout Disney's Epcot Center over 70 topiaries will be on
display. The Flower Power Concert Series will return as well as special kid's
activities and gardening workshops.
Featuring music from the 60's and 70's (Show Location America Gardens
Theatre):
Show times 5:45pm, 7:00pm & 8:15pm.
- 3/20 - 3/22: Davy Jones
- 3/25 - 3/29: Paul Revere and the Raiders
- 4/03 - 4/05: The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie
- 4/10 - 4/12: Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
- 4/17 - 4/19: The Ventures
- 4/24 - 4/26: Harold Melvin's Blue Notes (NEW)
- 5/01 - 5/03: Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
- 5/08 - 5/10: Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons
- 5/15 - 5/17: Jose Feliciano
- 5/22 - 5/24: The 5th Dimension
- 5/29 - 5/31: Tony Orlando
- March 18, 2009:
"Opening Ceremony" -
The official kick-off to the 16th Annual Epcot International Flower & Garden
Festival
- March 27 - 29, 2009:
"Art in the Garden Weekend" -
"Plein Air" artists display their craft throughout Epcot. In Future
World "Kid's Paint Out" is featured.
- April 24 - 26, 2009:
"Environmentality" - You guested it
- it's all about helping to keep our planet green, including ways to reduce
waste at home and in our community. Green Gardens are located adjacent to the
Morocco Pavilion.
- I Dig Bugs: If you find these tiny garden helpers
intriguing, this is the perfect opportunity to see the important role that
insects play in horticulture. One of the activities is a "good bug" release.
- May 8 - 10, 2009:
"Florida Farmers
Market" - Browse among the displays at this mega Florida Farmers Market
- May 29 - 31, 2009:
"Festival Farewell Weekend"
- The final opportunity to enjoy the Flower and Garden Festival
Posted on Tue, Feb 17, 2009 @ 06:17 AM
Move It Shake It Parade at Magic Kingdom
Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! debuted at Disney's Magic Kingdom in the Walt Disney World resort. I wasn’t sure what to expect after my lukewarm review of the new 3:00 PM parade.
The parade will be performed several times a day. The daily parade times will be in the times guide you can pick up as you enter the park.
It starts down by City Hall and moves down Main Street towards the castle. There are 5 floats. One has a performer on it along with Mickey and Minnie. The other 4 have big boxes with bows on them. They come down Main Street and turn right around the hub. That would be the best place to watch the parade from. They circle the hub once and the main float stops in front of the castle. The Mad Hatter, Lumiere, Sebastian, Genie appear from the boxes. There are some different characters in this parade. But I was surprised to see that Stitch wasn’t in this parade.
Posted on Mon, Feb 16, 2009 @ 09:16 AM
Emeril's Resturant at Universal Orlando
Last night I had the opportunity to have dinner at Emeril Lagasse's restaurant at Universal Orlando and I only have one word. WOW
First the service was spectacular, the wait staff was very friendly and very pleasant to talk to. They were also there any time that you need anything.
I ordered the 16 oz. Rib Eye and have to say that it was cooked to perfection. It was so tender that I can tell you in all my life of eating Rib Eye's that I have never been able to cut a steak with a fork until last night. I did not even use my knife one time. Also the Shrimp Scampi along with the sauteed mushrooms were to die for.
I would recommend Emeril's to anyone that is looking for a very nice and elegant dinner for 2 with great food and a great wait staff.
Posted on Thu, Feb 12, 2009 @ 10:57 AM
The American Idol Experience
With all the thrills and suspense that have made it a television and pop culture phenomenon, "American Idol" comes to Walt Disney World Resort in a groundbreaking new attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park.
"The American Idol Experience" captures the energy and excitement of the TV series, with some guests at Disney's Hollywood Studios auditioning to take the spotlight onstage, while fellow guests cheer them on from the audience and vote for their favorite singer with instant results.
The attraction - grand opening Feb. 14, 2009 - was developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in conjunction with FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) and 19 TV Ltd. It is based on the smash-hit television show "American Idol" - produced by 19 TV Ltd. and FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) - and is designed to immerse park guests in the authentic feel of a live television production.
"Disney parks are all about making dreams come true, and that's exactly what will happen at ‘The American Idol Experience,' " said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "Whether they are onstage singing or in the audience cheering on their favorite performer, our guests will feel immersed in a world of instant stardom."
Each show takes place in a 1,000-seat indoor theater that features the twirling neon signs and a multi-layered backdrop inspired by the actual "American Idol" set in California. Building on its hallmark of attention to detail, Walt Disney Imagineering worked with the Hollywood set designer who designed the actual TV show set for "American Idol." The newly designed venue is the most technologically advanced theater found at Walt Disney World Resort.
Designed to reflect the best and brightest elements of the TV show, "The American Idol Experience" includes an audition process open to Disney's Hollywood Studios guests 14 and older (audition slots are limited and interested guests are encouraged to arrive early). These guests perform live in front of a Disney's Hollywood Studios casting director for the opportunity to be cast in one of the preliminary theme park shows that same day.
If shown to have that special "star quality" during the multi-step audition process, it's on to performance training, hair and makeup. Then, the lights come up and it's showtime for the singers as they try to impress an audience of theme park guests - plus a panel of three expert judges.
Fellow park guests will be able to enjoy the performances just like at a live television taping. Then, audience members vote for their favorite performance using the armrest keypads, with their votes tallied to determine the top singer.
Performers with the highest votes during the preliminary shows will return for a high-energy grand finale show that same evening. After their encore performances, the big moment arrives. It's a super-charged, eye-popping scene as audience votes are tallied, the other performers drop off, music builds and the spotlight shines down, amid a blizzard of confetti, on the day's top singer. In addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getter will receive "The American Idol Experience" Dream Ticket, which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition to a future regional audition for the "American Idol" television show. And every member of the audience can take a bow, too, because they had a role in deciding that day's star.
"The American Idol Experience" is the newest attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The showbiz-inspired theme park immerses guests in the glamour of show business with thrilling attractions, Broadway-style shows, world-class atmosphere entertainment and interactive film, music, television and radio production facilities.
Posted on Tue, Feb 10, 2009 @ 03:07 PM
Top 10 Roller Coasters
Here is the List of the Most Popular Roller Coasters at Orlando Theme Parks
At Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure:
1. The Hulk
2. Spiderman
3. Dueling Dragons
4. The Simpsons
At Disney's Hollywood Studios:
1. The Tower of Terror
2. AeroSmiths Rock 'n' Rollercoaster
At Disney's Magic Kingdom:
1. Space Mountain
At SeaWorld Orlando:
1. The Kraken
At Busch Gardens Tampa:
1. Sheikra
2. Montu
Posted on Mon, Feb 09, 2009 @ 12:55 PM
SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Summer Sizzling BBQ
Are you ready for fun? Get ready for smokin’ hot food and fired-up music during SeaWorld & Busch
Gardens’ Bud & BBQ. Each weekend Feb. 7 through March 1, the parks present a
zesty line up of live performances by award-winning country and classic rock
artists paired with blazing barbeque and ice-cold Budweiser. All concerts start
at 4 p.m.
Make sure that you check out all our Orlando Vacation Packages for your SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Bud & BBQ trips.
Posted on Fri, Feb 06, 2009 @ 07:45 AM
Space Mountain Closing for Refurbishment
Disney World has announced that it will shut down Space Mountain this spring for what the company described as a months-long "refreshment" of the 34-year-old Magic Kingdom roller coaster.
The ride will close April 19, just after the Easter holiday. It is expected to reopen late in the year, Disney spokeswoman Andrea Finger said, though a specific reopening date has not been set.
The timetable means Space Mountain will be closed throughout the busy summer-travel season.
The construction work will include installing new track inside the enclosed coaster, which carries guests in the dark through a series of sudden drops and sharp turns. The layout of the track will remain the same, however.
Other upgrades will include a new enclosure for the ride's queuing area and a new ceiling inside its signature, white dome, Finger said.
Finger said the renovations are the first substantial work on the ride since September 1999. The project follows a series of other makeovers Disney World has made in recent years to some of its oldest attractions, including the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean in the Magic Kingdom and Spaceship Earth in Epcot Center.
Disney fans have been swapping rumors for more than a year that the company was planning a sweeping overhaul of Space Mountain. In 2005, the Walt Disney Co. completed an extensive, two-year makeover of the Space Mountain at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.
But the changes to Orlando's version of the ride -- it's the original Space Mountain, having opened Jan. 15, 1975 -- are likely to be more modest.
"We're retaining many of the classic elements that made Space Mountain a right of passage at the Magic Kingdom that's been enjoyed by generations," Finger said.
Posted on Wed, Feb 04, 2009 @ 08:38 AM
Orlando Dinner Shows
Many people that visit Orlando do not know that besides the many theme parks there is also many Dinner Shows that are here to entertain you and your family.
Arabian Nights:
Arabian Nights Dinner Show is probably the #1 show in Orlando, set in the era of Princess's and Prince's and featuring the World Famous Black Stallions, with a love story, different acrobatic stunts and audience participation, this show is sure to put a smile on anybody's face.
Arabian Nights Dinner Show usually last about 2 hours and comes complete with food and drinks. (Adults can have all the beer and wine they can drink, children get all the soft drinks, juice, milk, etc..)
Pirates Dinner Adventure:
The Pirates Dinner Adventure is a adventure set inside a Lagoon type atmosphere where you deal with swashbuckling Pirates and Sword fighting scenes.
Medieval Times:
Medieval Times Dinner Tournament is full of jousting with Kings & Queens and audience pertisapation that is sure to get the whole audience involved.
As with Arabian Nights & Pirates Dinner Show, Medieval Times is also is about 2 hours long and comes with dinner and drinks.
So why here in Orlando, make sure that you and your family check out one of the many dinner shows that Orlando has to offer.
Posted on Tue, Feb 03, 2009 @ 06:49 AM
Disney World Boardwalk & Universal's Citywalk
When visiting Disney World or Universal Studios, many people have no idea of the other things that are available while visiting these 2 great theme parks.
Disney World Boardwalk:
Over at Disney Boardwalk there are many very nice Resturants and Night Clubs (over 21) for for you and your family to enjoy. For good food and drinks you may want to stop at ESPN Cafe and catch your favorite Team playing on one of many Big Screens or Wall T.Vs.
Wanna hear great music and have a cocktail, then go on over to Jelly Rolls to watch 2 guys dueling it out with Dueling Pianos.
If that is not enough, then for the little ones, go on the other side of the Boardwalk with the kids and hang out at the Beach where every night there is a different Disney Movie playing on the portable Movie Theater put up right there on the Beach.
Then at 8:45, go right to the bridge and catch the 9pm Fireworks show from Epcot Center. And the best part is that you didn't have to pay to get into the park.
Universal's Citywalk:
Citywalk at Universal Studios has all the entertainment that your hearts can handle. Eat great food over at Emeril's Resturant or Margaritaville with Jimmy Buffet (he does show every once in a while) or jump over to Hard Rock and have great food and awesome drinks.
If clubing is in your blood then you may want to visit the many bars and clubs that Citywalk has to offer for all your night time dancing and drinking. (21 and Over)
Posted on Mon, Feb 02, 2009 @ 08:58 AM
Discount Theme Park Tickets
If your looking for Discount Tickets to the Theme Parks like Disney World, Universal Studios or SeaWorld, then look no further.
OrlandoDiscountTicketsUSA.com has been providing Discounted Theme Parks Tickets to families for many years.
The way we do this is having a very large contract with some of the major resorts here in Orlando, and by attending a simple 90/120 minute presentation of Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club, you can get all your favorite Theme Park Tickets at a discount rather then paying full gate price. And we know that in these tough economical times that every dime counts.
So feel free to check out our web site for great Discount Theme Park Tickets or Orlando Vacation Packages.
Posted on Sun, Feb 01, 2009 @ 10:45 AM
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Orlando Vacation Packages
If travel is on your mind for Spring, then look no further then www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Orlando Vacation Packages.
We specialize in helping you plan your Orlando Vacation so that during these tough economic times you are not spending a fortune on coming to the #1 Family destination spot in the world.
Whether it's Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld or any other Orlando Theme Park, we have all your Orlando Vacation Packages just for you and your family.
Posted on Sun, Feb 01, 2009 @ 06:51 AM
Where to Watch the Super Bowl
Sports fans everywhere (and generally anyone with testosterone) are undoubtedly eagerly awaiting the big game this upcoming weekend, also known as the Super Bowl. And for those down here on vacation, figuring out where to watch the game might be a conundrum, especially if you're used to enjoying it with pals at home, plenty of alcoholic beverages, and food. Thankfully, though, Orlando has no shortage of places where you can enjoy a Super Bowl party atmosphere that will rival anything you could have cooked up back home.
One easy place to go to is Universal Studios City Walk, one of Orlando's biggest destinations for dining and entertainment. And you can guarantee that plenty of eyes will be set on the big game at the Nascar Sports Grille and NBA City. Don't be fooled by their names; though NASCAR and NBA might be the sport of emphasis at these restaurant/bars, each place plays homage to all the major sports. The big game will be on the big screens at Nascar Sports Grille, and at NBA City, you can reserve a table for Super Bowl viewing. Better yet, you can even rent a private VIP room for an all-out Super Bowl party and invite 25 to 800 of your closest friends.
And over at Disney World, the best place to watch the game is most likely the ESPN Club at Disney's Boardwalk Inn, a restaurant, bar, arcade, and shop similar to ESPN Zones found throughout the US. More than 100 video monitors here will ensure that you won't miss a minute of the big game, with a 90-square-foot HD projection screen in the main dining room and several TV monitors installed in the bathrooms. Be sure to arrive early for all the Super Bowl action, as the fans pack the seats in droves here.
If you find the ESPN Club too full though, the All-Star Café at Disney Wide World of Sports is another good sports spot, especially if you plan to take the kids. The whole family can enjoy the game from 20 big screens while they enjoy classic American fare like burgers, buffalo wings, and chicken quesadillas.
Outside of the theme parks, one of the most popular places to watch big games is T.G.I. Friday's Front Row, located a mile away from the Orange County Convention Center on International Drive. Not your average Fridays, Front Row features two stories of non-stop sports action, with over 140 televisions, a state-of-the-art game room, free wireless internet, and private banquet rooms. And on Sunday, the restaurant will host Orlando's biggest Super Bowl party at 6 pm, featuring a packed buffet with plenty of beer and wine, and prizes and giveaways all night long. Be sure to call or email for a reservation if you plan to attend.
Finally, for a more laid-back Super Bowl experience, Miller's Ale House is a casual and comfortable place to watch the game. There are eleven locations throughout Central Florida to choose from, and you can book early to get reserved seating. With an all-you-can-eat buffet, open bar, and prizes and raffles throughout the game, Miller's will definitely be a popular spot to watch the game.
With so many places for sports fans to reunite, a Super Bowl party in Orlando isn't hard to find - the only hard part is deciding which one you want to attend. No matter where you go, you're sure to have a great Super Bowl Sunday.