Monthly Archives: May 2016

Last Chance for Viva La Musica at SeaWorld Orlando

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If you happen to be in Orlando and want to listen to some great music and sample some tasty food, well SeaWorld is the place to be. This weekend marks the last of their visa let music performances at their park and it should go out with a huge bang! All you’ll need to attend a savanna is your day pass and a huge appetite for Latin America culture. This fiery festive celebration has been running since April and ends this Sunday with some top rated musical acts and local restaurant cuisine. You’ll be able to enjoy some world-class music all while enjoying local craft beers, margaritas and Mojitos.

All of the pads will be lined with tense selling delicious pastries and desserts and you’ll even be able to wash it all down with some special housemate sparkling red sangria. There will be no excuse for you to be empty-handed! If you want to get up close to the stage you can pay for seats and they start at around $15 or you can just bring a blanket and lay out along the lake like we do and enjoy it for free from a distance. All of the tents Will have food and beverages and is reminiscent of SeaWorld parties when they have the bands brews and barbecue events. It is such a festive event and things that you will definitely want to see are the Jardin areas.

This is an area where you will be able to go and relax with COM music but still be close enough to where the fiesta is happening you be able to sit down at tables and watch the party. Next will be the Mercados. These will be peppered across the pathway throughout the park and they’ll be little shops stationed with original artwork and paraphernalia inspired by the Latin culture and created by local artist sings and artists. Such items will include paintings, jewelry and music. Over by the bayside area, the pathways will be full of energy! These pathways will be colored with bright beautiful Caribbean décor, and dance floors will be spaced throughout and DJs spinning live music. Remember to bring your appetite, thirst and hunger for some Latin music culture.

SeaWorld Orlando Set to Break Some Rollercoaster Records This June

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Summer cannot come fast enough to SeaWorld Orlando. And the reason why is because Orlando is about to get the largest tallest fastest roller coaster in the state. See world already has some serious arsenal but adding this one will be the cherry on top! When News broke that they were going to be bringing this behemoth us to Central Florida, everyone set up in their seats and listened. Set to open June 10, 2016 they have already had a few media events were they fired up the ride for photos and videos.

From what I have seen it will pretty much in golf the whole back of their theme park that sets up next to Central Florida Parkway. You can see it all the way from interstate for it almost looks like it is even with their sky tower observation platform. The roller coaster will climbed to 200 feet and then set riders off on a 73 mph ride along a massive steel masterpiece that they are calling a hyper coaster. Next time you’re driving down the highway rolled on your window and stick your arm out and this is pretty much about before she will feel on the first drop of Mako.

The one thing that really stands out about Mako and makes it very different from all of the roller coasters in Central Florida is that you will only be held in by a lab restraint. Most of the other roller coasters put you in a full body harness with overhead shoulder straps. This will not be the case for Mako. Designers wanted to add a bit of excitement and I think they have accomplished it by doing this. If you have ever been to sea world Orlando the new roller coaster will be in the back of the park and over where there shark encounter exhibit is.

The actual roller coaster will come out and over the sharks attraction well spectators can sit and watch riders scream overhead. Having this type of roller coasters sure to bring travelers over from the other theme parks for an afternoon and take part in some record-breaking while exploring one of Orlando’s most beautiful attractions. Lately see world has been in the spotlight and had a little bit of downtime but lately they have been on the up and up and I look forward to visiting this June to ride this one-of-a-kind masterpieces!

Having a Great Time at Walt Disney World for Almost Nothing

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If you have ever come to Disney World and we were pretty strapped for cash, there are so many things to do for free that most people don’t even know about. The biggest and best one would have to be the Walt Disney World monorail. Guess can pay the parking fee of $20, then go to the ticket and transportation center and climb aboard the world-famous monorail. You can take it for a spin around the seven seas lagoon and even stop in and explore waltz resorts.

Next you can walk outback of those resorts and jump on a boat and go resort hopping. Doing this will get you some of the best and most beautiful views of Walt Disney world. One of my favorite stops has to be the wilderness Lodge. This resort is the closest thing to the Pacific Northwest without needing to jump on an airplane. Explore the great halls, sit by the fire or even walk out back and catch a Disney movie on an inflatable screen with the beautiful Bay Lake as your backdrop.

Next would have to be the boardwalk resort that is located behind Epcot. Here you can park in the parking lot of the resort and walk him through the hotel lobby and out onto the boardwalk. Here you will find a beautiful lake surrounded by a 30 foot wooden boardwalk peppered with restaurants and small stores. They even have a brick oven walk up pizza Rea that serves up some pretty delicious pizza slices. Walk a few more steps and you can catch a game inside the ES PN lounge while sipping on a cold brew.

If you are into Micro brewery, stop in to Disney’s own big River brewing Company for a pint of award winning Beer. When the daytime comes tonight walk over to the backside of Epcot and catch your free display of Epcot’s firework show.  I have spent many a evening with my children in tow watching illuminations reflections of earth while chowing down on a few slices of pizza.

If you want to catch another cool firework show, walk through the pathway from the boardwalk over by the Swan and dolphin hotel and continue on the path towards Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Sit along the walkway in the evening and catch the all new Star Wars firework show. So it’s a little more than a parking fee or not one can have a great time at the Walt Disney World resort while saving money!

Please Pardon the Walt Disney World Pixie Dust

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With Walt Disney World Resort in the biggest construction and demolition time in their life, one project stands out to me the most. What used to be called Downtown Disney has transformed into an entertainment and dining Mecca of Orlando. Its new name is now called Disney springs. It had gone to a few name changes but Disney Springs is the one that stuck to the wall. They have actually created what looks like a natural Floridian stream that is supplied by crystal blue and green water from somewhere I have yet to see yet.

One of the biggest transformations yet has to be the old Fulton’s crab House. I was just down there the other evening and the old sign in for sod has been removed and work has started in earnest.   The new name for the restaurant will now be called paddlefish. It is set to open in the fall of 2016 and will serve up fresh seafood, steaks and the catch of the day. Sticking with the seafood fair there will be such dishes like lobster corn dogs, Alaskan king and queen crab, local favorites like Florida stone crab and guacamole made right at your table with lobster, Chili’s, cilantro, lime and tortilla chips.

One of the coolest things is that you will be able to build your own boil and pick your own seasonings to your liking. Recently I was down and noticed a new fish and chips store located beside Raglan Road. Looking at what the people were eating as I walked by looked absolutely delicious. There is nothing like a good pint of Guinness Stout and some fish and chips. The Disney Springs area is probably the best new hangout for folks who like to pop in and have a drink and a small bite to eat. Disney really took care to make sure that guess enjoy their waterfront property that was solely neglected during the downtown Disney pleasure island years.

One of my favorites has to be Maury Moto’s. It’s a beautiful new restaurant that overlooks the new waterways that run through Disney springs. If you can be so lucky to sit outside on their upper deck, you will have some very beautiful scenery while you eat and drink. I think one of the coolest additions the Disney has made is to incorporate live entertainment peppered throughout the Disney Springs area. You can grab some gelato, or a cold beverage while sitting and listening to beautiful Spanish classical guitar players or sit back and be amazed by futuristic music that is being played on some of the weirdest instruments you have ever seen. This is a must stop for anybody who is visiting the Orlando area while on vacation

Epcot Set to Bring Three New Additions to Their World Showcase

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With all of the expansion of work going on at Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida, one of the most exciting ones come to mind. The one I am most excited about is at Epcot and will incorporate three new additions. The biggest debut will be Sorin’ Around the World. Is very popular attraction has been down for the past year while new footage was being recorded and IMAX. If you remember the old ride it took you to such places as California Florida and even Disney itself.

Located in the land pavilion guess we’ll still experience flying over beautiful scenery of land far away. I hope they still incorporate the smells like they did when he flew over the orange groves. I’m sure Disney will not disappoint. From what I have seen, they have spared no expense at bringing high definition video to it screams. The next will be over in the Norway pavilion and will have the all new frozen after ever after. This will be the actual very first attraction inspired by Disney’s movie frozen that was a blockbusters we’ll be able to walk the streets of Erin Dell as they take in the sites sounds and smell of this fairytale land.

Afterwards guess can stop by and visit with the two sisters at the Royal summerhouse. Recently you have been able to visit Anna and Elsa at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, but with lines reaching up to three hours long, Disney saw fit to expand this meeting greet to Epcot. Norway was due for a facelift and I’m glad that they are putting frozen ever after within its very popular pavilion. Many people disagree with me and feel that Epcot should not be turned into a Magic Kingdom or Hollywood studios.

But I welcome the new addition and can’t wait! I feel Norway is a perfect place for an addition like this. If you remember their ride, the Maelstrom, it was a little Gloomy to say the least. I love the ride but hope that Disney brightens up the experience and brings happy joy joy feelings to adults and kids alike.

Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios Set for Star Wars Greatness

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Lately things of gotten a little bit noisy at Walt Disney World Orlando’s – Hollywood Studios in Florida. Recently the theme park has launched a new nighttime spectacular called Star Wars eclectic spectacular fireworks show. Just like at the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood studios will have nightly shows that will showcase fireworks and pyrotechnics alongside videos of the Star Wars movies as well as synchronized to music that go along with the Star Wars music.

I was able to see this from the parking lot last week and the finale was one of the best ones I’ve ever seen. Mixed with the iconic colors of Star Wars red and blue, the fireworks towered over the theme park with spot beams that created would look like light sabers in the sky. Disney has been dropping some serious money into their newly acquired Star Wars theme is at the park. Rumor is a huge expansion is coming and that is the reason why the Lights Action Motor Car show was shut down about a month ago.

All of this comes after Disney purchased Star Wars from George Lucas a few years back. With the movie the force awakens setting box office hits records; Disney was quick to jump on the scene park in merchandise bandwagon. Anytime you go over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios you will see thousands of small children and even adults carrying their Jedi or Sith light sabers. There are a few new stores over there to purchase these items at like the new Star Wars launch bay and there is even one down at the new Disney Springs in the old downtown Disney area.

The other expansion that has been under the radar has been Toy Story. It is getting a big facelift as well and is reported to be growing in size to accommodate a whole land for itself. Not to long ago the Art of Animation studios were shut down in order for this Toy Story land to have space enough for the new land.

Disney has big pockets so I am sure that anything they bring moved to Hollywood studios is going to be absolutely amazing

Good Things Come to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Lately at Walt Disney World animal kingdom there have been signs of new life. Recently they have come out with a new water show over by their roller coaster Everest called rivers of light. About a month ago they had a media event where they had industry professionals come out and see firsthand what Disney has been up to. First and foremost I would like to say that I am absolutely thrilled that Walt Disney World animal kingdom is staying open late. It was always a shame to have to leave at around 5 o’clock in the evening when things were just starting to get good. Being at the theme parks at twilight is such a beautiful time.

Now that you can stay later, the animal kingdom’s tree of life puts on a new show where projectors project high definition colors and images onto the tree. I was able to see a small sample not too long ago and it was so beautiful that it almost brought me to tears. There are so many beautiful areas at Disney’s animal Kingdom, going to be absolutely amazing to stay well on into the night. They haven’t yet worked out all the kinks yet with the rivers of light show, but from what I have seen it is going to look absolutely amazing.

The park is also going to have a few new events called Harambe wildlife party and Discovery Island carnival   As well as bringing the new jungle book movie to life with the jungle book alive with magic water show which will bring to life the Jungle Book’s Baloo and Mowgli their new discovery river each evening. Probably the biggest addition to come will be the new avatar land that has been in construction for the past couple of years. You can see it from the parking lot as it sits right behind the rain forest café at the entrance to Disney’s animal Kingdom This project should be done in the next few years and is slated to be one of Disney’s biggest accomplishments to date.

I’m so glad to see is me putting their biggest efforts forward at this very unique and beautiful theme park.

Are the New Disney Special Events at the Magic Kingdom the Way to Go?

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Recently Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida has given its guess a special event for travelers wanting to beat the crowds and the heat. The new event is called Disney after hours and is at the Magic Kingdom. Guess are able to purchase a separate ticket and enter at 7 o’clock at night and stay until 2 AM. Almost all of the rides are open with little to no Q and free ice cream is served up throughout the event. There are no parades or fireworks but that is just a side note to having the whole park to yourself. I feel the biggest perk to this event is that they only allow up to 3000 gas and to a park that has been known to hold over 100,000 people.

The two evenings that I went there in the early beginning of the event, there were maybe only 1000 people at most. Now that the cat is out of the bag we are starting to see more people go to the event but still there is only up to 3000 people on any given night. There’s nothing like walking onto a ride that is normally two hours long and walking right up and on with little to no people in line in front or behind you. I was able to ride the seven dwarves mine train just by walking up and getting on to the ride. This is probably the most popular attraction at the Magic Kingdom. If you go first thing in the evening at 7 PM, you will be intermingled with the days guess until cast member start to a sure of them out at around 11 o’clock. You will be able to watch wishes fireworks and watch the Main Street electrical Parade.

After the parade is over you can drastically see the drop in attendees. Most people know that there is an ass special event that evening, so they start heading home or to their respective resort on Disney property. Having Cinderella’s Castle all to yourself is a very Special feeling into itself. There is nothing like the Magic Kingdom at night with no one in it as well as no cranky little kid screaming. So if you were looking to have a very special evening while visiting the Walt Disney World resort, I highly suggest taking a look at this once in a lifetime special event.

Universal Orlando’s New Design Concepts are Original Masterpieces

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If you have ever visited Universal Studios Orlando you most certainly have walked through Citywalk. Here is where Universal Orlando borrowed the idea for the very successful Downtown Disney now known as Disney Springs. The people at Universal knew that they had to have a place for their guests to play and dine when not in their theme parks. This business model served Disney very well and Universal made CityWalk their very own. Bringing heavy hitters like Jimmy Buffett and the world famous Hard Rock Cafe, Universal was poised for great success!

There have been some hits and misses over the years and Universal watched this very carefully. Taking out what was not working and replacing them with current original works like the all new Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, Vivo Italian Kitchen and Red Oven Pizza Bakery. I guess the NASCAR cafe restaurant and NBA City did not work out as planned but with these replacements, they are sure to be big winners! I remember eating in the NBA City restaurant and was not impressed at all. I am personally glad that they got rid of that one. Very happy that Margaritaville made the cut!

CityWalk has always been a great place to party and eat at! With all of the new additions, Universal resort guests will never need to leave the resort grounds and I think this is what Universal had in mind for good reason. Keeping their guests there instead of at SeaWorld or Disney keeps the Benjamins in Universal’s pockets. At the end of the day, that’s what it is all about. Keeping that money in house in order to build bigger and better things for their guests. I can remember when it was just Universal Studios with no CityWalk and I am sure glad that they had the foresight to make this type of expansion!

The one thing I look forward to is the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. They said that they took steampunk era designs and incorperated it into their ideas. Should be pretty amazing. I imagine it as a Willy Wonka heaven on earth but not all sweets! I hope I’m right.

Staying at Universal Studios Orlando Resort

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Have you ever wanted to stay at a resort that is at one of your favourite theme parks? Universal Studios Orlando has five at this moment with a few more on the way. After a busy day at the theme parks, the last thing you want to do is get on a crowded tram and climb into your sweltering hot car and drive back to your hotel room that you booked on some online search engine. The newest big thing in accommodations is the onsite resorts, especially the one over at Universal Orlando.

The people at Universal are very smart people and currently the trend is offer a great room plus admission tickets and dining and people will come stay at the resorts. Well this winning formula seems to be working as rooms are filling up for this summer fast. The coolest of all of the resorts there would have to be that all new Cabana Bay. Here one will find the comforts of the 1950 Florida beach scene. The goal here was to transport their visitors back in time to a place that was the tourist destination of North America. The other hotel that would be my second would have to be the Hard Rock. Located right next to Universal Studios, this iconic stay is just the place for younger families who loved growing up in the 1970’s and up.

Being the closest to the park comes in handy as you can just walk out back and jump on one of their water taxi’s and bam, you are at the front of the gates. Or even better walk out back and down a beautiful walkway along side the water and within 5 minutes, you are in the parks. Portofino Bay is also attached by water taxi and would be my third favourite resort. It is very beautiful and reminiscent of a European beach side resort. Beautiful, but not my favourite. I would have to take the Royal Pacific over the Portofino as I am a pacific rim kind of guy! Plus the Royal Pacific has some sweet eat stops like Emeril’s Chop Shop. This place is also connected by water taxi which make life so much easier at the end of the day. So next time you look online for that best deal, try calling up one of these places and ask what kind if discount packages they are offering.