Kennedy Space Center STS-131 Crew

Image above: Seated are Commander Alan Poindexter (right) and Pilot James P. Dutton Jr. From the left (standing) are Mission Specialists Rick Mastracchio, Stephanie Wilson, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Naoko Yamazaki and Clayton Anderson. Image credit: NASA

Commander Alan Poindexter will lead the STS-131 mission to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Discovery. Jim Dutton will serve as the pilot. Mission Specialists are Rick Mastracchio, Clay Anderson, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Stephanie Wilson and Naoko Yamazaki of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

Discovery will deliver a multi-purpose logistics module filled with science racks to be transferred to laboratories on the International Space Station. The mission will feature three spacewalks.

Mastracchio and Anderson will conduct three six-and-a-half-hour-long spacewalks on flight days 5, 7 and 9 to replace an ammonia tank assembly, retrieve a Japanese experiment from the station’s exterior and switch out a rate gyro assembly on the S0 element of the station’s truss.

STS-131 is the 33rd shuttle mission to the station.

Launch Date: Targeted for Monday, April 5, 2010
Launch Time: 6:21 a.m. ET
Launch time and date are subject to change.

A limited number of STS-131 launch viewing tickets to view the launch from the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® are now available by calling (877) 406-4836. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and NASA Causeway launch viewing tickets are sold out. Due to the expected retirement of the space shuttle in 2010, an increased interest in space shuttle launches has created a higher demand for space shuttle launch viewing tickets.

Ticket orders cannot be placed via email or by leaving a voicemail. Closely monitor the launch date status before finalizing your travel plans to Florida.

This is a very cool interactive map to assist you in planning your visit that was provided via Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/interactive-map.aspx

Please contact our office to purchase your discount Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex tickets.

With a little help from Mickey Mouse, Chicago residents (from left) Danielle Rub, Dwayne Gibson and Marissa Sproul begin a volunteer project Sept. 29, 2009 at the Bethune School of Excellence in Chicago. (Photo by Gene Duncan/Walt Disney World)

Walt Disney World announced on Tuesday that they would be ending the ‘Give a Day, Get a Free Disney Day’ promotion because they have reached their goal of 1 million volunteers.  Just 10 weeks after Disney launched the promotion, 1 million individuals have either completed volunteer service or registered to volunteer with one of the participating organizations.

“By any measure, the ‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ program exceeded our expectations,” Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs said in a prepared statement. “These 1 million volunteers touched their communities with their hearts and hands.”

We are thrilled and amazed that so many VoluntEARS stepped up and took part in this great opportunity!  Even though the promotion has officially ended, the need for volunteers is still present, and we encourage you to keep lending helping hands.  For volunteer opportunities, please visit http://HandsOnNetwork.org.

For more information, or to purchase Discount Disney Tickets, please visit our webite or Kissimmee Location, The Official Ticket Center, or call us toll-free at 1-877-406-4836.

On March 9th, the Animal Rescue Team of Sea World Orlando rescued a young female manatee from a canal near Satellite Beach, Florida.  The approzimately 5-foot long sea cow was suffering from cold stress and is the 11th manatee to be rescued during this unseasonably chilly winter season by the Sea World team.

The Sea World Parks and Entertainment Blog posted some updated information about the manatee’s condition:  The animal remains in guarded condition at SeaWorld’s Manatee Rehabilitation Center, where she will be treated by park veterinarians and animal care specialists in hopes of releasing her back to nature. Cold stress can occur when manatees spend an extended period of time in water that dips below 60 degrees.

Sea World is the global leader in the rescue and rehabilitation of manatees.  To read more about manatee rescue efforts, please check out our blog, Sea World Orlando Helps Florida’s Endangered Manatees.

For more information or to purchase Discount Sea World Tickets, please visit our website or Kissimmee Location, The Official Ticket Center, or call us toll-free at 1-877-406-4836.

Some runners dressed up as Disney Princesses for the Half-Marathon

This past weekend, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida hosted the Disney’s Princess Half-Marathon.  The event included a Fit for a Princess Expo on Friday, a Royal Family 5k and Kids Races on Saturday, and the Half-Marathon on Sunday.  Walt Disney World hosts a series of atheltic and endurance events all year, with runners and princesses traveling from all over the world to participate!Our very own Samantha ran the 5k, and enjoyed running through Epcot’s World Showcase.  “Running the 5k was a great experience, not only because I was achieving a personal goal of mine, but because I was doing it with other women and families in a place as magical as Disney,” said Samantha.  “Plus, with the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival in full bloom, what a gorgeous backdrop for a race!”

Princesses take a break to snap a photo with Beauty & the Beast

The newly revamped ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex offers many other opportunities for Princesses in Training to strut their atheltic skills at Walt Disney World.  Check out these upcoming events:

For more information or to purchase Discount Disney Tickets, please visit our website or Kissimmee location, The Official Ticket Center, or call us toll-free at 1-877-406-4836.

A Sneek Peek at Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Another journey around the edge of Wizarding World of Harry Potter reveals a few new sights, a couple of re-revealed elements and a blockage at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure. (Disclaimer: No, we don’t have the exact opening date of Wizarding World. Think “spring.”)

The hanging Hogsmeade sign (”Please respect the spell limits”) is unveiled. Again. But look at the red patch beneath that — it’s a glimpse of Hogwarts Express. (Back to the sign for a second. I haven’t seen any Wizarding World merch yet, but I’d totally buy a t-shirt with that sign as an image.)

Here’s another angle of the Express, construction workers and more Hogsmeade signage. Yes, I stood on a planter wall for this, but just for a second. I really didn’t want the Enchanted Fountain yelling at me.

Scene from the temporary bridge. Significant scaffolding and some framework I’d not seen before.

There’s less wandering to do now that Dueling Dragons has been walled off. Will we ever be able to duel again or must we wait for Dragon Challenge in the new Wizarding World order? No official word yet from Universal, but an educated guess would be that DD as we know/knew it is gone.

The (temporary) juxtaposition of Hogwarts and Jurassic Park Popcorn still amuses me.

Meanwhile, through the palms, what has been non-descript part of Wizarding World is getting gussied up with decorative trim.

And more treatments … is that a pre-rusted look we’re applying? Only in Orlando, kids. Gotta love it.

If you are planning on visiting Universal Studios and need to purchase your discount Universal Studios tickets, then please call our office toll free at 1-877-406-4836.

Guests can see the new baby gorilla at the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail at Animal Kingdom

The Disney Parks Blog announced a new arrival – a critically endangered western lowland gorilla - at Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.  The baby girl was born to first-time mother, Kashata, and father, Gino. 

New Baby Gorilla with mother, Kashata

The new baby is the third gorilla born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan which manages genetic diversity among species through detailed records of individual animals. Disney’s Animal Kingdom also participates in AZA Species Survival Plans for several other animals, including elephants, cotton-top tamarins and okapi.

Guests can take a peek at the newborn gorilla at the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail at Animal Kingdom.

Do you love adorable baby animal pictures?  Then check out some of our previous blogs!  Baby Anteaters were recently born at Discovery Cove Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa.

For more information, or to purchase Discount Disney Tickets, please visit our website or our Kissimmee location, The Official Ticket Center, or call us toll-free at 1-877-406-4836.

Concept Art of Fantasyland Expansion at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Orlando

According to the Disney Parks Blog, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida has finally broken ground on their much anticipated Fantasyland expansion at Magic Kingdom.  New images have been released of a 1/4 inch dimensional model, showcasing the four Disney Classic-inspired neighborhoods that guests will be able to explore, including interactive storybook adventures with some of our favorite princesses!

Model of the Dumbo the Flying Elephant expansion at Magic Kingdom

Dumbo the Flying Elephant will be expanded to include two attractions in its own mini-land.  Guests will “be invited to take part in a series of interactive experiences inside an air-conditioned three-ring circus tent,” states the Disney Parks Blog.

We sure are excited to be gaining little nuggests of information about this amazing expansion, and we look forward to learning more!  Be sure to check our Walt Disney Weekly Scoop Blog regularly to receive updated information.

  For more information, or to purchase Discount Disney Tickets, please visit our website or Kissimmee locations, The Official Ticket Center, or call us toll-free at 1-877-406-4836.

Viva la Musica is back at Sea World Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa!   The music festival and live concert series is an annual event that takes place on Saturdays at Sea World and Sundays at Busch Gardens.  Similar to Bands Brew and BBQ, the festivities will start at 12:00 PM, with concerts at 4:00 PM, unless otherwise noted.  The event features world-famous Latin music stars, local acts throughout the afternoon, delicious Latin foods and beverages, and much more!  Viva la Musica is included with park admission and with the purchase of Discount Sea World Tickets and Discount Busch Gardens Tickets.  Keep reading for concert headliners and dates:

Saturdays at Sea World Orlando

Victor Manuelle is a successful Latin Grammy nominated Puerto Rican American salsa singer, songwriter, and improvisational sonero, known to his fans as El Sonero de la Juventud (”The Youth’s Sonero”). He is identified primarily with salsa romantica or “salsa monga”, but has also experimented with styles ranging from Colombian vallenato to urban reggaeton. Unlike other young salsa performers such as Marc Anthony, he has neither recorded in English, nor made a Latin pop album, nor (with rare exceptions) ventured into acting, preferring to remain a musician grounded within salsa music.

Oscar D’León is a Venezuelan musician who became internationally famous for his salsa music. In Spanish, he is known as El Sonero del Mundo (”the Improviser of the World”). His most famous song is perhaps “Llorarás,” which he recorded in 1975 with his group La Dimensión Latina. He is also ambassador for Operation Smile.  During the 1980s, D’León achieved success in salsa music, and is now one of the great singers of Caribbean music.  Because of successful tours throughout America and Spain, D’León was the first latino to sign a contract with the BBC.

Talented Sergio Vargas is primarily a merengue singer, but has also earned acclaim for his ability to sing other forms of Tropical music, including ballads. He was born in the Dominican Republic and got his start singing with the local group La Banda Brava. Vargas founded his band, Los Hijos del Rey, in 1986 and by 1988 had become a major star throughout Latin America where he began touring. Later that year, Vargas signed to CBS Records in the U.S. and his debut album eventually went gold. By 1991, he was recording with Sony and remains one of his country’s top artists.

The quartet known as Grupo Manía was formed in 1993 and became one of the most popular young merengue bands at that time. It is composed of three brothers of the Serrano Matos family: Héctor Iván “Banchy”, Edwin and Oscar, along with young choreographer Alfred Cotto. Their debut album A bombazo… ¡sí! reached number one in Puerto Rico radio play with hits such as “Celos”, “Dos mujeres” and “Me sigue pareciendo frío”. A year later, Elvis Crespo replaced Edwin, who was then replaced by Reynaldo Santiago. At the start of the new millenium, the band released their fifth album for Sony: Masters of the Stage. At the same time, “Destiny” was nominated for a Grammy award and for an award at the first Latin Grammy awards celebration, in the Merengue category.

Sundays at Busch Gardens

Nicaraguan salsa vocalist Luis Enrique was one of Latin music’s first pioneers of the romantic “salsa sensual” style. Approaching an otherwise aggressive and bright musical style with a smoother, more emotive sensibility, Enrique laid the groundwork for salsa and Latin pop artists to follow, such as Marc Anthony and Victor Manuelle.  Though many had held the title before him, his sensual, romantic approach earned Enrique the title of “Prince of Salsa.” Enrique’s sizable discography has earned him five Grammy nominations and five Lo Nuestro Awards, in addition to numerous gold and platinum records. His 2007 release, Dentro y Fuera, marked a successful 20 years in the industry for the artist.

Zion & Lennox are one of reggaeton’s most recognizable duos. Felix Ortiz (Zion) and Gabriel Pizzaro (Lennox) grew up in Carolina, Puerto Rico, as neighbors.  After three years of building their fan base and positive reputation with guest spots and compilation records, Zion & Lennox released their first full-length record, Motivando a la Yal. Thanks to the record’s success as it hit the charts with force, Zion & Lennox toured all over the Americas, performing before large and appreciative audiences. Soon industry demand and personal pressure caused Zion & Lennox to go in different directions. Although new releases are expected from the popular duo in the future, they are no longer tied to one another.

Noted Grammy Award-nominated Tropical Salsa singer, La India is also known as the “Princess of Salsa”. At the early age of 16 India decided to become a singer in the dance group TKA, one of the first ensembles of the Latin Hip Hop generation.  Since then La India has become a superstar in the world of Salsa music with her mix of intense emotional overtones that sets her apart from any other female artist in the business.  La India also maintains a busy yearlong touring schedule performing past and present club hits around the world along with her Salsa band.

Milly Quezada is a Latin Grammy-winning Dominican Merengue music singer. She is a famous singer in Latin America; especially in those Latin American countries bordered by the Caribbean Sea, and in the eastern seaboard region of the United States.She is also known as the queen of Merengue music.  In early 2009, Milly joined eleven other Dominican music legends on a national tour celebrating the merengue and bachata music traditions of the country.

For more information or to purchase Discount Tickets, please visit our website or Kissimmee location, The Official Ticket Center, or call us toll-free at 1-877-406-4836.

CityWalk at Universal Studios Orlando is the hot spot for nightly entertainment, with restaurants, shops, bars, and clubs galore!  The Discount CityWalk Party Pass allows for guests 21 and up to receive FREE admission into all the clubs CityWalk has to offer.  FREE admission to the CityWalk clubs is included on multi-day Discount Universal Tickets.

**SPECIAL EVENTS**

Universal CityWalk Is The Official Mardi Gras After Party!

When the party ends at Universal Studios, the fun is just beginning at CityWalk! On Mardi Gars event nights, your Mardi Gras ticket gives you free admission to select CityWalk clubs.

Pat O’Brien’s VIP Upgrade: $20 per person

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Sunday, March 28

The Ellen DeGeneres Show is coming back to Unviersal Orlando on March 28th. Join the Riff Raff street party in CityWalk to see live musical performances and watch the shows on the Astrovision screen.

St. Patty’s with Attitude at Pat O’Brien’s

Wednesday, March 17 ~ 4pm – Close

- Traditional Irish food and drinks (separate purchase)

- $7.95 Hurricanes all night (glass not included)

- $2 Bud Drafts

- Live Rock Band, Stilt Walkers and Bead Girls!

General admission: $12 plus tax

- No cover until 7PM – 21 and up only after 6PM

Tickets are limited

Fat Tuesday – NEW

Located next to the groove

Cool off with your favorite frozen concoctions at a convenient walk-up counter. Enjoy premium frozen daiquiris and more!

**RESTAURANTS AND CLUBS**

Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom

Legendary Thursdays ~ 9pm – close

- 1/2 off select appetizers

- Heineken and Appleton drink specials

Entertainment

Mystik NRG ~ Monday – Friday

Chain Reaction ~ Saturday & Sunday

CityWalk’s Rising Star

Entertainment

Karaoke with Live Band & Backup Singers ~ Tuesday – Saturday

Karaoke with Backup Singers ~ Sunday & Monday

Emeril’s Restaurant Orlando

Happy Hour ~ Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays 5pm – 8pm

the groove

80s Night – Every Thursday from 9pm to close

- Free admission until 10pm

- $7 cover after 10pm; 21 and up for admission

- SWITCH live every 3rd Thursday

- Russian Standard & Pinnacle Vodka drink specials

- DJ Doc Wells spinning dance, new wave, hair bands and more

Teen Nights at the groove

Come listen to live DJs spin all of today’s hits, and experience state-of-the-art sound, lighting and video. Open to teens, ages 15-19 with proper student ID. Text TEEN NIGHTS to 64646 for on-going updates.

Friday, March 26 ~7pm – 11pm (Admission: $10)

Wednesday, March 31 ~ 8pm – 12am (Admission: $10)

Entertainment

DJs nightly

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville

Happy Hour at Lone Palm ~ Monday – Friday from 3pm to 5pm

Half-priced domestic drafts and house margaritas

Entertainment

Blue Stone Circle ~ Tuesday – Saturday

Hypersona ~ Sunday & Monday

Guitar Hero at Lone Palm ~ Daily

Live Guitar Soloist on Porch of Indecision ~ Daily

Interactive DJ on the Porch of Indecision ~ Friday & Saturday nights

Latin Quarter

Entertainment

Alejandro Kartal ~ Nightly on the patio

DJ Leony ~ Thursday – Saturday

NASCAR Sports Grille

Happy Hour ~ All Day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Thursday Madness ~ 7pm to close

- Food and drink specials

- Free video games in the Speed Zone Arcade

- NFL Football Games: Free bucket of beer with parking receipt

NBA City

All sports, all the time!

Happy Hour daily ~ 4pm – 7pm

Drink specials and special bar menu during all basketball and football games

Pat O’Brien’s Orlando

2 for Tuesdays ~ Every Tuesday, 4pm – 10pm

2 for 1 Hurricanes; 2 for 1 domestic drafts and drink specials

Half-price select appetizers

Entertainment

World Famous Dueling Piano Players ~ Nightly

Red Coconut Club

Nightly Happy Hour

Sunday – Thursday: 8pm – 10pm; Friday and Saturday: 6pm – 9pm

$5 Martinis and complimentary valet parking

Ladies Night every Thursday ~ 8pm – close

Ladies receive complimentary admission and drink specials all evening

In Crowd Hospitality Sundays ~ Sundays at 10pm

Free admission for members of the hospitality industry all evening

Russian Standard Vodka drink specials starting at $3 with your ID or hospitality pay stub

Entertainment

Herb Williams Band ~ Thursday – Saturday

DJs ~ Nightly

Universal Cineplex 20, an AMC Theatre

Green Zone – March 12, 2010

**Dates and times subject to change

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Relaunch Event on Feb. 25th

ESPN the Weekend is an annual event that takes place at Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.  For the first time, the event branches out to the newly revamped and renamed ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.  The official relaunch of the brand took place on Thursday, February 25th, with ESPN the Weekend taking place this weekend.

ESPN the Weekend

Dates: February 25, 2010 – February 28, 2010

ESPN The Weekend is a winter special event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park packed with all-star athletes, live ESPN telecasts, broadcast personalities and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in interactive sports experiences with hall of famers.

Come live your sports dream at the ultimate sports fan fest featuring in-depth public discussions with sport luminaries, informative presentations, motorcade parades with many of your favorite stars, the kinetic ESPN Sports Zone Interactive Area and plenty of collectable merchandise.

ESPN the Weekend event at Hollywood Studios - Photo Courtesy of Attractions Magazine

Event Highlights

Live Shows

ESPN will present live telecasts – including First Take and NFL Live from a set in front of Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat on Hollywood Boulevard. Park guests will have a chance to appear on-air via crowd shots while watching the programming on video screens. Popular ESPN Radio shows Mike & Mike in the Morning and The Herd with Colin Cowherd will be broadcast live from the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Feb. 25-26.

As Major League Baseball Spring Training games get underway in Florida, ESPN’s on-site program lineup will feature a special two-hour Baseball Tonight with host Karl Ravech and analysts John Kruk, Bobby Valentine and Chris Singleton from the theme park Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. as ESPN’s popular baseball news, information and highlights show kicks off its 21st season.

Mike & Mike Celebrate 10 Years

ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike in the Morning will celebrate the show’s 10th anniversary at the newly re-imagined ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort on Wednesday, Feb. 24 (6-10 a.m.). ESPN Radio’s popular morning-drive show hosted by Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic launched in January 2000. Today the show is heard (and seen on ESPN2) by more than 12 million listeners each week on more than 350 stations nationwide.

Inside ESPN

Live stage shows will bring fans and guests behind-the-scenes of some of the network’s most popular programs, including SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight, First Take, NFL Live and Stump the Schwab. The shows will provide an inside look at favorite athletes, teams and ESPN programs. Fans can get into the action themselves by asking questions directly to ESPN personalities and athletes.

Dream Job

Guests who think they have what it takes to be on SportsCenter can experience what it’s like to audition for ESPN. Select contestants will go through a series of on-air tasks and the audience will select the best sportscaster during each show. ESPN personalities and sports celebrities will help mentor contestants as part of the experience.

Motorcades and Conversations

Periodically throughout each day, sports stars will motorcade up Hollywood Boulevard to the stage at the base of Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat and join ESPN commentators for conversations about their careers and Q&A sessions with park guests.

Interactive Sports Area

The ESPN Sports Zone will give guests of all ages the opportunity to test their skills at a wide variety of sports. MLB-, NBA-, NFL- and BASS-themed interactive areas within the Zone will have fans swinging for the fences, shooting baskets and throwing passes, as well as Dick’s Sporting Goods’ Sports Caravan, a multi-sport interactive area.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park admission is required. ESPN The Weekend events are included with admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Availability is limited for some events. Events and celebrity appearances are subject to change and may be cancelled at any time.

To purchase Discount Disney Tickets, please visit our website.

New Orleans' Saints' Garret Hartley helps kick off the ESPN relaunch

ESPN Wide World of Sports Relaunch

Olympic gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson, NFL star Chad Ochocinco, LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam, NFL star Maurice Jones-Drew, Olympic softball gold medalist Jennie Finch and 2009s Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes were just a few of the athletes in attendance along with several popular ESPN personalities and Florida governor Charlie Crist. Instead of a Hollywood-style red carpet, the celebrities walked a turf carpet painted with yard lines to resemble a football field. The sports complex, already the leading multi-sports venue in the nation, was officially re-launched when New Orleans Saints’ Super Bowl champion kicker Garrett Hartley booted a football, held by Minnie Mouse, over the complex entrance gate amid waves of fireworks and confetti.

Afterwards, the celebrity athletes and ESPN talent attended a private reception at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill. Then some of them watched a special performance by the Harlem Globetrotters and even got into the act.

The complex at Disney was re-designed with the signature elements of ESPN – 56 HD video cameras, 40 HD video screens, 20-zone audio system, ESPN SportsCenter desk – that create a one-of-a-kind ESPN-style youth sports experience for the two million athletes, coaches and fans who come to the complex each year. Now, in addition to playing on the same fields and courts as some of the biggest names in sports, youth athletes who compete at the sports complex will also feel as if they’ve reached the “big-time’’ and made it onto ESPN.

Admission to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is included with the purchase of a Waterpark Fun & More Ticket.  For more information, or to purchase Discount Disney Tickets, please visit our website or Kissimmee location, The Official Ticket Center, or call us toll-free at 1-877-406-4836.