Fireworks, Partying, and Theme park fun will be happening at The Walt Disney World Parks, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld on New Years Eve.
All parks are staying open until late to join in the festivities and give visitors a spectacular and memorable way to say goodbye to 2011 and say hello to 2012.
Wishing all our readers a very happy and enjoyable New Year.
At Disney’s indoor interactive theme park which is situated in the Downtown Disney area of Walt Disney World there will be a New Years Eve party with a difference, guests will have access to all the Disney Quest attractions including video games, virtual technology interaction, music, dancing, food, and a countdown to the New Year with a confetti drop at the strike of twelve.
The festivities start at 8.00pm. December 31st 2011 until 1.00am January 1st 2012.
Need a route to Downtown Disney? Look here - http://orlando-maps.info/locations
Or ask via. this page - http://orlandoqna.blogspot.com/
Disney’s Hollywood Studio’s theme park is once again holding ‘The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights,’ this seasonal glittering display of lights together with synchronized music is a perfect way to add to the enjoyment of this festive time.
The story behind the show, is that a family from Arkansas called Osborne had an annual display of Christmas lights which grew each year and became so big and elaborate that they shared their idea with Walt Disney Resort who decided to house the event and share the delightful array.
For more information please go to…..
For news on Christmas events and festivities at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure for the Christmas period 2011 visit their web site for detailed information.
http://www.universalorlando.com/Events/Holidays/Overview.aspx
SeaWorld Orlando has an amazing display of fibre optic ‘LED’ Christmas trees. The trees sparkle in time to festive music, giving an atmosphere of wonder and delight.
For pictures of the trees go:
http://seaworldparks.com/en/christmas_promo/Orlando/Sea-of-Trees
Christmas at Universal Orlando begins December 3rd 2011, here you will find exciting Christmas entertainment for all the family, with festive events happening throughout the two parks right through to January 1st 2012.
At Universal Studios see the 10th Anniversary Macy’s Holiday Parade, with marching bands, colourful floats and of course Santa, visit the holiday village for crafts, gifts and tasty Christmas treats.
And at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, walk into a musical wintery wonderland of ‘Grinchmas’ at Seuss Landing, see the Grinch live show and immerse yourself in the holiday festivities.
More information can be found at……http://www.universalorlando.com/Events/Holidays/Overview.aspx
For a route to get to Universal Orlando Resort look here - http://orlando-maps.info/locations
Or ask via. this page - http://orlandoqna.blogspot.com/
For getting around the International Drive area in Orlando Florida there is a transport system called the I-Ride Trolley. It gives guests easy access to the attractions and theme parks in the neighbourhood.
This highly successful transport system has been operating since 1997 and used by thousands of vacationers every year.
It operates daily from 8am.-10.30pm every 20-30minutes.
For more info go to…http://www.iridetrolley.com/maps.asp
Accommodation routes? Look here - http://orlando-maps.info/locations
Or ask via. this page - http://orlandoqna.blogspot.com/
A Loggerhead Turtle was released back into the wild by the SeaWorld animal rescue team, near Cocoa Beach, read the article from The Disney Blog, with video.
Also see more information of what the team achieve when rescuing wildlife.
Article from Central Florida News….
Universal Orlando to celebrate Veterans Day - Central Florida News 13
At Typhoon Lagoon you will find water fun for all the family, with a white sandy beach for sunbathing or relaxing on a hammock. There are fun water slides, a tube ride that lasts 45 minutes travelling through a rainforest and caves. Raft over rapids, try the ‘Crush ‘n’ Gusher’ water coaster with its twists and turns. You can also swim with sharks and tropical fish [with provided equipment and training], there is a surf pool where big waves come every 90 seconds and for thrill seekers you can plunge 65metres down ‘Mount Mayday’! Not forgetting the smaller members of the family who can have fun with water slides and activities at ‘Ketchakiddee Creek’.
The water park is situated at Walt Disney World Florida close to the Downtown Disney area.
For routes around the area go to…….
On the theme of Halloween why not take a look at Universal Orlando’s Horror Make up Show, where you can see how the special effects artists create outrageous make up from the movies with creatures and spine tingling scenes in their demonstration show, you will also be shown movie clips and props up close.
It is an indoor show located in the Hollywood back lot area.
Parents beware, there may be scary scenes, but no height restriction.
You may be interested in this timeline created by The Disney Parks Blog.
Timeline: Celebrating 40 Years at Walt Disney World « Disney Parks Blog
To celebrate Halloween in Orlando Florida there is fun for all ages, here is information on a few venues……..
Disney’s Magic Kingdom will be holding it’s ‘Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party’ this after hours party will take place on 23 selected nights from September13th to November 1st. 2011. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/special-events/mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party.
All the Disney parks will have a Halloween theme with special events and decorations throughout.
At Disney’s Fort Wilderness you can ride in a horse driven haunted carriage whilst listening to the ‘Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ [Booking is advised, price is $60 per carriage.]http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/campsites-at-fort-wilderness-resort/recreation/
SeaWorld is attracting families to come and join in their Halloween events with sea themed games and art activities, ‘spooky shows’, and sea creature characters. SeaWorlds Spooktacular runs each weekend in October from 12.00-8.00pm. http://www.seaworldspooktacular.com/
Green Meadows Petting Farm in Kissimmee has a special ‘Fall’ theme, where children can pick their own pumpkin. http://www.greenmeadowsfarm.com/
And not for young children or for the faint hearted…..Universal Studios is holding its annual ‘Halloween Horror Nights’ the event runs on selected nights through October. [Booking is advised].
http://www.universalorlando.com/Events/Halloween-Horror-Nights.aspx
During a recent visit to Epcot in Walt Disney World Florida, my daughter’s and I decided to try the ‘Kim Possible Adventure’ although we are all adults it was one of the highlights of our trip, I would recommend it to any age, particularly families with children, it’s a great way to visit the different Pavilions, adding more interest to your World Showcase experience. It is easy to follow once you have picked up your ‘Kimmunicator’ which will show you areas and objects you probably wouldn’t have been aware of before, whilst solving your secret mission!
For more information please go to……
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/kim-possible/
At Epcot Walt Disney World Florida the annual ‘International Food and Wine Festival’ will be commencing on September 30th 2011 until November 13th.
It is a great opportunity to experience culinary produce from all around the globe. The event takes place at the ‘World Showcase at Epcot,’
There will be seminars, food tasting, demonstrations, wine tasting, food purchasing, merchandise, dining in the parks restaurants [although pre-booking is advised]. Many tempting ideas and culinary experiences for all the family.
Also…
‘The Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon’ event will be held on September 30th 2011. This night time race will run through the Disney theme parks and afterwards there will be an ‘extra hours’ event exclusive party for competitors and spectators.
In Adventureland at The Magic Kingdom Park Walt Disney World there is a new meet and greet area called ‘Tinker Bell’s Magical Nook.’ Walk inside this magical place which is filled with glittering fairy like decorations and pictures of Tinker bell and her friends, go further to immerse yourself and imagine you are in Fairyland where you can meet and have photos with your favourite fairy friends.
To find information and fairy visiting times look in the park times guide so as not to miss out.
If you are visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Florida, one of the many attractions is a baby gorilla who was born February 2010. You can see the Western Lowland Gorilla named Lilly and her family at the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. She began her life with speculation as she seemed slow in developing in the expected way but she has caught up and is thriving well.
The Harry Potter series of books, and films, can be argued by many as the most important, and popular series of the last 10 years. With children growing up with the characters, and the films bringing these imaginations to the screen, there was only one thing left. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios allows the fans of this immensely life-changing franchise to step into its magical world, and to experience all things Harry Potter. With a ‘Forbidden Journey’, and the famous shops from the books on Hogsmeade’s high street, imaginations are bought to reality.
The giant Hogwarts castle that towers over the park houses the ‘Forbidden Journey’ ride, within which guests can soar above the grounds and take part in a journey with Harry himself, and encounter some of the fantastical creatures featured in the book. The queue area of the ride is an attraction in itself, winding through the many rooms of Hogwarts, including Dumbledore’s office, and some of the classrooms, where every detail has been perfected to feel like it has come right from the book.
Dragon Challenge lets the fearless race dragons, either a wild Hungarian Horntail, or the ferocious Chinese Fireball, on a fast, exciting ride. The two ‘dragons’ race against each other, on intertwining courses, and a near miss is sure to make it feel as if you really are flying in the sky on a speeding dragon.
Try out one of Hagrid’s infamous Care of Magical Creatures classes, and ride the ‘Flight of the Hippogriff’. Learn how to approach it, just as Harry Potter did, and then be rewarded with a fantastical flight, that circles Hagrid’s hut, and swoops down and around his pumpkin patch.
Dining in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is purely magical. The Three Broomsticks is the local restaurant of Hogsmeade, and is the perfect place to stop and have a taste of the famous Butterbeer, or to have a hearty English lunch. Meals include Fish and Chips, Turkey Legs, and Shepherd’s Pie, with many other dishes to please all, while sitting in the traditional wooden tavern style surroundings. Included in the back of The Three Broomsticks is the Hog’s Head pub, within which guests can try Butterbeer, pumpkin juice, and a range of alcoholic beverages for the adults.
There is a wide range of shops for young wizards to supply themselves with their Wizarding goods. Including Dervish and Banges, Zonkos, Honeydukes, for magical treats and sweets, and Ollivanders, where guests can have their wand choose them, there is something for everyone.
A recent addition to The American Adventure in World Showcase sees a revival of some of the candy from America’s past. The Heritage Manor Gifts shop has set up a display of candy, spanning from Sky Bars to all kinds of Taffy brands and so much more. This is the place to go to re-live your childhood and to taste the sweet memories, and maybe try something new.
‘Happy July 4th’to all our American readers.
To our other readers visiting, have a great day and enjoy the fireworks!!
The spectacular night-time show, featuring a host of Disney characters, and breath taking water and fire special effects, has announced that it will be showing seven nights a week, giving guests even more of a chance to catch this must-see show, from 3rd July to 30th September.
To end one of the days of your holiday of a life time, why not visit SeaWorld’s Summer Nights Spectacular. Running from June 18th to August 14th 2011.
You can ride roller coasters as the sun sets, with the background music and festivities going on all around you including a water spectacular show called Shamu Rocks. There will be a family party atmosphere with D.J’s playing music and live bands at weekends, fireworks end the evenings entertainment with an amazing fountain finale.
For more information go to….
The 20th May 2011 means one thing. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is opening, with brand new journeys, and including the 21st century technology of 3D.
After being closed for 6 months, the newly renovated motion simulator ride will finally be able to open its doors and take the public on a series of new adventures.
New planets will be explored, as well as new characters being introduced, making this a truly exciting and new addition to the previous Star Tours experience.
The popular Beatles tribute band ‘The British Invasion’ will be leaving Epcot after performing at the United Kingdom Pavilion for 15years. New performers will be replacing them as soon as bookings are confirmed.
If you have any Questions on Orlando we would be happy to help you please go to…….http://orlandoqna.blogspot.com/
Earth day Celebrations in Orlando include ‘Party for the planet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom’ April 22nd 9am to 3pm.
At Universal Orlando special events with the theme of conserving the environment will be held around the park through the week starting 17th April 2011 to April 24th 2011.
At Lake Eola Orlando ‘Central Florida Earth Day’ will be an organised free event on April 23rd 2011.
Disney Parks Blog has a great article on what is happening at the Magic Kingdom for the Easter celebrations.
Easter Bunny Hops Into Town April 17 at Magic Kingdom « Disney Parks Blog
Disney cares about conservation at its parks in Florida and all around the World, it provides financial support to the ‘Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund’ and has several projects for families to get involved.
For more details go to:
http://corporate.disney.go.com/citizenship2010/natureconservation/overview/ourapproach/
Close to the entrance is ‘The Oasis’ an African themed tropical garden area with pathways where you can see, Tree Kangaroos, Chinese deer, Giant Ant Eaters, birds streams and waterfalls.
‘Discovery Island Trails’ offers a wonderful atmosphere to walk on jungle pathways surrounded by exotic wildlife, with a chance to observe and take photos.
Experience a real safari without the danger, by going on ‘Kilimanjaro Safaris’ where you can see African wildlife close up and pretend you are really there.
‘Pangani Forest Exploration Trail’ is a tropical walkway with gorillas, exotic birds hippos, and other wildlife.
The Conservation Station, is where you can learn about animal care and conservation from the animal handlers as they go about their work.
There is also fun for children at the petting zoo, with friendly domesticated animals.
At ‘Rafiki’s’ planet you can watch the Tamarin monkeys play, as you walk the adventure trail.
The ‘Wildlife Express Train’ which is at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, is an African train that takes you through areas where the animals live and are cared for. The journey is 1-2 miles. Suitable for all ages.
Visit the tiger’s compound at ‘Maharajah Jungle trek’ with exotic birds and animals in an atmospheric Asian land.
‘Expedition Everest’ can also be found at ‘Asia’ a thrill ride for older kids and adults.
If you want cooling down, there is water ride called ‘Kali River Rapids’ for older children and adults. Not just a ride but a scenic adventure raft experience.
At ‘Dinoland USA’. The ‘Cretaceous Trail’ will take you to a fossil dig site where you can learn about animals that have been around since prehistoric times. View ‘Dino-Sue’ a replica of a dinosaur found in South Dakota from 67million years ago. There is an outdoor area for fun and games with the dinosaur theme and a children’s playground called the ‘Boneyard’ with a maze, tunnels and sand for excavating fossils.
For the older kids and adults there is the thrill ride ‘Dinosaur’ also ‘Primeval Whirl’ which is a wild ride of fun fair style. ‘TriceraTop Spin’ another ride for smaller kids in mind but fun for all ages to fly on a dinosaur.
You can’t miss the ‘Tree of Life’ at the heart of Animal Kingdom. It has pathways to wander around it and look up at its splendour. Look closely at the tree to spot many animals delicately carved into it.
This is just a few of the amazing attractions on offer at Animal Kingdom. There is a lot more to do, there are shows, exploring clubs, greeting trails with Mickey and Minnie mouse and there are Disney characters scattered around the park to make your day complete.
A ride has been re-opened at Universal Islands of Adventure after closure due to a fire on New Years day.
The water flume ride Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls is now operating again after it was evacuated because of a fire.
The Orlando Fire Dept. made the area safe and there were no injuries.
After two months maintenance work on the ride it is now safely up and running.
The International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV is now being held at Epcot, Walt Disney World, Florida until May 15 2011.
There will be themed weekends, presentations from gardening experts and a Flower Power concert series, with live music hosting artists from the 1960s and 1970s including Davy Jones and The Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
Toy Story 3 will be included in the topiary section which has 100 topiaries throughout Epcot, depicting Disney’s favourite characters. There will also be special events laid on for children including a bee scavenger hunt and Bambi’s butterfly house with gardening workshops etc.
Disney horticulturists will be holding seminars for those seeking garden advice and ideas.
‘Mardi Gras’ is underway at Universal Studios Florida, it started February 12th and continues until April 23rd 2011. Every Saturday and selected nights there will be big name bands performing, surrounded by a New Orleans feel, with parades, costumes, stilt walkers, lots of Creole and Cajun food. A colourful, musical, and feast delight.
For more information…..
http://www.universalorlando.com/Events/Mardi_Gras/overview.aspx
Toontown Fair will close February 12th 2011 due to a big expansion which is underway in the Magic Kingdom WDW Florida, but don’t worry you can still meet Mickey and Minnie throughout the magic Kingdom and from spring 2011 at the Town Square Exposition Hall. Toontown station will close but the Walt Disney World Railroad will stay open.
If you want a taste of something other than the Theme Parks near Orlando there is a lot of entertainment on offer, at Universal City Walk for instance, you will find shops, restaurants, cinemas, concert venues, street performers, nightclubs:-
Hard Rock Café
Hard Rock Live
Nascar sports Grille
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.Restaurant and Market
Red Coconut Club
Emeril’s restaurant Orlando
Pastamore
Pat O’Brien’s
Latin Quarter
Jimmy Buffet’s Margritaville
The Grove
NBA City
Citywalk’s Rising Star
AMC Universal Cineplex 20
Bob Marley-A tribute to Freedom
Blue Man Group
Downtown Disney has entertainment of all kinds for the family
House of Blues
Cirque du Solell’s La Nouba
AMC 24 Theatres Complex
DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme park
Wolfgang Puck Café
Bongo’s Cuban Café
Planet Hollywood
Raglan Road-Irish Pub
Characters in Flight-Balloon
Lego Imagination Centre
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique-Princess Makeovers
World of Disney- Disney Merchandise
Once Upon a Toy
T-Rex- Eating, Shopping and Family Interactive Adventure
And at Disney Boardwalk, shopping music, dancing and even an art gallery…..
Atlantic Dance Hall-Nightclub for over 21’s
Big River Grille and Brewing Works
Flying Fish Café-Watch the meal being prepared
Jelly Rolls –Piano bar, over 21’s
Screen Door General Stores- Souvenirs and Goods
Boardwalk Character Carnival-Disney Houseware Merchandise
Wyland Galleries-Art Gallery
Thimbles and Threads-Clothes
ESPN Club Entertainment Dining and Store-Eat, Shop and Watch Sport.
Don’t forget Golf, Miniature Golf, Water parks, Horse riding, Tennis, Water sports, Spa’s, Museums.
If you need more information on these please ask on our Question and Answers link
The new show called “One Ocean” is set to start in the spring 2011.
Trainers will interact with the whales but not in the tank, safety measures have been taken after an accident where a trainer was accidently drowned in February 2010.
An overview of the theme parks entertainment in Orlando can be found at these e-mail addresses
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/
http://www.universalorlando.com/Home/home.aspx
http://www.seaworld.com/orlando/
http://buschgardens.com/Bgt/default.aspx
If more information is needed don’t forget our Questions and Answers page at…………http://orlandoqna.blogspot.com/
I guess quite a few households over Christmas received some thing to do with Toy Story, did you know there is an area at Disney’s Hollywood studios with interactive fun for all the family with the Toy story theme? It is an area with a ride suitable for all ages featuring the characters of the Disney Pixar Toy Story films.
For more information go to:-
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/attractions/toy-story-mania/
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