Vehicle Assembly Building Opens to Guests at the Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex

Kennedy Space Center FL. ~ For the First Time in More than 30 Years, Guests Are Invited Inside Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to See Where Rockets are Built

For more than 30 years, tour buses have driven guests past the 525-foot tall Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at Kennedy Space Center,   pointing out the massive building in which Apollo V rockets, and later, space shuttles, were assembled for launch. But only a select few, including astronauts, NASA officials and space center personnel, have ever had the opportunity to go inside the building – until now.

For the first time since 1978, guests at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will have the chance to disembark their tour buses and tour inside the VAB to see firsthand where monstrous vehicles were assembled for launch, from the very first Saturn V rocket in the late 1960s to the very last space shuttle, STS-135 Atlantis, earlier this year.

The opportunity to visit the VAB will be offered for a limited time to a limited number of Visitor Complex guests per day as part of KSC Up-Close, a new two-hour, guided special interest tour.* Beginning Nov. 1, the tour will be offered eight times daily for $25 for adults and $19 for children ages 3-11, plus the cost of admission which is $43 + tax for adults and $33 + tax for children ages 3-11.

Making this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity even more special, for a very limited time, guests on the KSC Up-Close tour may see a space shuttle orbiter inside the VAB as they are being prepared for display in their new homes in Los Angeles, CA, Washington, DC and Florida.

The $100 million exhibit for Atlantis will be the marquee element of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s 10-year master plan. Initial design concepts for the 65,000 square-foot home for the orbiter include viewing the space shuttle “in flight,” showing how the spacecraft worked in space and providing a unique vantage point for guests to look at the complex vehicle up close. Complementing the orbiter display will be interactive features reflecting major accomplishments of the Space Shuttle Program, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station.

Officials with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex plan to break ground on Atlantis’ new home in 2012 with a grand opening planned for 2013. The orbiter home will be located in the Shuttle Plaza at the main Visitor Complex; incorporating the Shuttle Launch Experience attraction.

To purchase your discount Kennedy Space Center Tickets, please call us toll free at 1-877-406-4836 TODAY!

Universal Orlando ~ Holidays Event Returns

Universal Studios Orlando Tickets

Holiday Evented at Universal Orlando Resorts

There’s no better place to enjoy the Holidays with your family this year than at Universal Orlando Resort. It’s the only place you can come face-to-face with The Grinch and the Whos from Whoville, watch a cheerful holiday parade filled with big, colorful Macy’s balloons and sing along to the classic sounds of the season as you stroll through a holiday-trimmed theme park with your loved ones.

The Holidays fanfare runs from December 3, 2011 through January 1, 2012, offering guests incredible entertainment themed for the season at both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

At Islands of Adventure, adults and children alike will be entertained when the popular Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is brought to life in Grinchmas. Guests can see the heartwarming live stage show, “Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular,” starring The Grinch and the Whos from Whoville with an original recorded musical score by Mannheim Steamroller. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet The Grinch and the Whos, and on select dates, purchase a spot at a special character breakfast with the mean, green one himself.

At Universal Studios, the Macy’s Holiday Parade will celebrate its 10th Anniversary of partnership with Universal Orlando by filling the streets every evening with some of the same iconic elements seen winding through New York City each year at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The beloved event features colorful holiday characters, fantasy-filled floats – including one specially-designed to commemorate the 10-year milestone – a tree-lighting ceremony by Santa Claus and dozens of larger-than-life balloons. The Macy’s Holiday Parade also welcomes select park guests to participate in the procession as real balloon-handlers guiding the helium giants, a truly unique and exclusive experience to Universal Orlando.

Returning this year with more concerts than ever before is Mannheim Steamroller – the masters of Christmas music with more than 40 million albums sold worldwide. The acclaimed musical group will take to the Music Plaza stage in Universal Studios six times this year to play their memorable holiday hits for guests, performing on December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18.

Also at Universal Studios, guests can enjoy special holiday-themed versions of their favorite shows, and nightly a capella holiday music in the nearby Holiday Village, which is filled with hand-blown glass ornaments, caramel apples, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts and a cupcake decorating location.

Universal CityWalk Entertainment and Venue Calendar – October 2011

Universal Orlando Resort CityWalk Update

Universal Orlando Resort CityWalk Update

UNIVERSAL CITYWALK CALENDAR AND VENUE ENTERTAINMENT

OCTOBER 2011

For more information, guests may call The Official Ticket Center Guest Services at (407) 396-9020

Venues subject to $7 coverage charge or CityWalk Party Pass

21 and up are welcome

**SPECIAL EVENTS**

Late Night at Margaritaville
Nightly ~ 11:00pm – 2:00am
Inside the Restaurant
– Live Band and No Cover
– Drink Specials, including $3 domestic drafts, $4 wells and $5 Who’s To Blame margaritas

Pat O’Brien’s Party on the Patio
Friday and Saturday Nights During Halloween Horror Nights ~ 9:00pm – 2:00 am
– Drink specials all night long
– Live entertainment on the Flaming Fountain Stage
– Includes admission to the Dueling Pianos Bar and the Locals Bar
– Free admission with today’s Halloween Horror Nights ticket stub or CityWalk Party Pass; All others: admission is $7
– Must be 21 and up after 9pm

**RESTAURANTS AND CLUBS**

Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom
Legendary Thursdays ~ 4pm – close
– 1/2 off select appetizers
– Heineken and Appleton Run and Pinnacle Vodka drink specials

Ladies Night ~ Sundays, 9pm – close
– No cover for ladies until midnight
– 2 for 1 drink specials until midnight: Hypnotiq, Bacardi, Grey Goose and Red Stripe

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 ~ Daily: 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
– Russian Standard & Pinnacle Vodka drink specials

Entertainment
DJs ~ nightly

Hard Rock Live
Purchase tickets at the Hard Rock Live Box Office or by calling 407-351-LIVE

October 8th ~ The Script with Hot Chelle Rae
October 11th ~ Peter Frampton – Peter Frampton Comes Alive 35th Anniversary Tour
October 13th ~ Adele
October 14th ~ John Oliver *Mature Content*
October 20th ~ Hard Rock Live & Foundation present Bassnectar with Amp Live
October 23rd ~ Dream Theater with Trivium

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
Happy Hour at Lone Palm ~ Monday – Friday from 3pm to 5pm

Entertainment
Blue Stone Circle ~ Tuesday – Saturday
Hypersona ~ Sunday & Monday
Guitar Hero at Lone Palm ~ Daily
Live Guitar Soloist on the Porch of Indecision ~ Daily
Interactive DJ on the Porch of Indecision ~ Friday & Saturday

Latin Quarter
Happy Hour ~ Sunday – Friday 5pm – 7pm

Ladies Night Every Thursday ~ 10pm – 2am
Complimentary admission and drink specials all night long

Entertainment
Alejandro Kartal ~ Nightly on the patio
DJ Leony ~ Thursday – Saturday

NASCAR Sports Grille
– HHN Tailgate specials, daily beer and drink specials
– Showing all NFL, College Football, MLB games and UFC fights
– $1.95 Coors Light pilsner refills during all college football games
– 5 for $15 buckets of Miller Light and Coors Light during all NFL games
– Retail shop with the latest in NASCAR, NFL and College Football merchandise

NBA City
All sports, all the time!
Happy Hour daily ~ 4pm – 7pm

– Ask our servers for our daily drink specials

Pat O’Brien’s Orlando
2 for Tuesdays ~ 4pm – 10pm
2 for 1 Hurricanes; 2 for 1 domestic drafts and specialty drinks

Entertainment
World Famous Dueling Piano Players ~ Nightly

Red Coconut Club
Nightly Happy Hour
Sunday – Thursday: 8pm – 10pm; Friday and Saturday: 6pm – 9pm

Ladies Night every Thursday ~ 8pm – close
Ladies receive complimentary admission and drink specials all evening

Hospitality Tuesdays ~ Tuesdays 10pm – close
Free admission for members of the hospitality industry all evening with your ID or hospitality pay stub
Free parking after 10pm
$2 domestic beers, $3 premium cocktails

Entertainment
Herb Williams Band ~ Thursday – Saturday
DJs ~ Nightly

AMC Universal Cineplex 20 with IMAX

October 14th ~ The Thing

**Dates and times subject to change

Walt Disney World Weekly Update

Walt Disney World Weekly Update

Walt Disney World Weekly Update

16th Annual Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival-Now through November 13
While you are enjoying the extremely popular Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival in World Showcase, make sure you take as much time to enjoy Future World. The ideas behind Future World were Walt Disney’s plans for a better world, and as a result, each pavilion celebrates man’s accomplishments and challenges.
Remember, with the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival Welcome Center located in Future World and open daily 9-9, with great festival merchandise and demonstrations, you should be visiting all areas of the park so you don’t miss anything.
Eat to the Beat Concert Series at the America Gardens Theatre, daily at 5:15, 6:30, & 7:45 PM
10/23: Howard Jones-“No One Is To Blame”
10/24-26: Boyz II Men-“End of the Road”
10/27-28: Gin Blossoms-“Hey Jealousy”
10/29: Sister Hazel-“All For You”

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party-Continues Various Dates Now-November 1
This week’s dates are: October 23, 25, 27, and 28
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Must-Sees
Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial: Through high spirited instruction and audience participation, learn the not-so-gentle art of being a pirate, as taught by none other than Captain Jack Sparrow, himself! Assisted by his faithful crewman, Mack, Captain Sparrow shares his secrets for survival in a hands-on, fun-filled experience!

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will be closing on Sunday, October 30 – December 3 for their annual refurbishment.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will remain open during this time for your Guests who want to enjoy a great day at one our Disney Water Parks!

Pardon Their Pixie Dust
Magic Kingdom® Park: Swiss Family Treehouse will be closed through November 17
Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course: will be closed October 23

Vintage Walt Disney World: Journey Down El Río del Tiempo

El Río del Tiempo (now known as Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros) was dedicated at the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot on October 21. Below is a look at the attraction under construction prior to opening.

El Río del Tiempo at Epcot While Still Under Construction

As the tour begins, guests board boats and float through the 220-foot scenic background seen above (seen above still under construction) and below (today) which recreates a lush Yucatan jungle for the opening of their excursion. The crumbling pyramid and smoldering volcano set the scene as guests go in search of Donald before the Three Caballero’s reunion concert in Mexico City.

El Río del Tiempo at Epcot

After being launched up a pyramid via a high-speed escalator, losing his bathing suit while para-sailing, and bouncing off rocks while cliff diving, it’s a miracle Donald makes it to the show on time to perform for his fans.

Sights & Sounds of the Disney Parks: Walter E. Disney’s Love of Steam Trains

Walt Disney's Love of Trains

Walt Disney's Love of Trains

What makes a blissful, breezy ride on the Walt Disney World Railroad such a magical—and authentic—experience? And what was the deal with Walt Disney and trains, anyway? Did he really have a whole railroad in his backyard? Let Disney historian Jim Korkis, author of The Vault of Walt, be your guide for a fact filled journey ‘round the Magic Kingdom Park and into the heart of what brought joy to the man who brought so much joy to others.

A Food and Wine Lover’s Paradise Awaits you this Fall at the 2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Yummy Treats Await at Epcot Food & Wine Festival

Yummy Treats Await at Epcot Food & Wine Festival

Passport to a World of Flavors ~ A food and wine lover’s paradise awaits you this fall at Epcot Theme Park with the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, held September 30 to November 13, 2011.

From tasty tapas and refreshing beverages to celebrity chef demonstrations and rock star performances, there’s something to satisfy most every taste and interest.

When you arrive, visit the Festival Welcome Center to pick up your Marketplace Discovery Passport and plan your day. Then, dine your way around the world, attend a cooking demonstration, savor satisfying wines and tap your toes at an exciting outdoor concert.

Convenient Online Booking
Make a reservation—in mere moments—for select events! Online reservations are available for the following:

So plan ahead—and prepare for an extraordinary culinary event!

Admission
Epcot Theme Park admission is required. To secure a spot at special culinary events and experiences, call (407) WDW-FEST or (407) 939-3378, or view our Special Dining Events to book a reservation. Space is limited, so be sure to book in advance.

Some events require additional fees. To purchase food, merchandise and more, consider using the Festival-themed mini Disney Gift Card* to simplify your Festival spending.

Availability is limited for some events. Events may be rescheduled or cancelled at any time.

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

The opening weekend of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival begins with a bang—or a starting pistol!

Held September 30 to October 1, 2011, the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend blends the magic of a runDisney race with the flavorful festivities of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Whether you wish to race under the stars or support your favorite runner, this race weekend offers fun for all ages and tastes.

*The Disney Gift Card can be used at select participating locations at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Store locations in the U.S., DisneyStore.com, DisneyPhotoPass.com, and Adventures by Disney. Visit DisneyGiftCard.com for complete terms and conditions.

Universal Orlando Tickets

Universal Studios Orlando ~ If you have any vacation time to burn, now is the time to use it up at Universal Orlando Resort. This time of year is slower than summer time and now there is a very nice addition to Universal Studios, their Halloween Horror Nights event held on select nights from now until Halloween. The hot Florida air is getting considerably cooler and the evenings are taking on more of a Caribbean feel, so many travelers choose this time of year to come down to Orlando for a few days or even weeks to enjoy the peace and quit that only Central Florida can provide during the off tourism season. Many of our summer specials for Universal Orlando tickets are still in effect so make sure to take the time to check them out and save time and money. Make your Universal Studios experience a full one by adding the Universal Studios Halloween Horror Night tickets to your itinerary. Universal Studios Orlando closes down at about 6pm. on the nights that the Halloween Horror Nights event is taking place, so why not stay and make a full day out of it. If you are up for Orlando fun, tickets are your next step. Please call our office toll free at 1-877-406-4836 or just click here for pricing http://www.officialticketcenter.com/

Florida Halloween Events Start Early and Here’s a List of When & Where

Florida scares up spooktacular — and early — Halloween festivities

Whether you like your Halloween festivities to be super-spooky or perhaps not so scary, chances are very good that Florida has you covered with all manner of both ghostly — and ghastly — fun. And what is more: in Florida many of the Halloween happenings start weeks ahead of Oct. 31. Here are some events, arranged chronologically by beginning date, to get your Halloween revelry off to a good start this year. Some Halloween happenings are family-friendly; some may not be suitable for young children: some the organizers themselves say are not recommended for youngsters. Continue reading

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets and Event Information 2011

Orlando, FL. ~ So you want to take the kids out trick or treating and you don’t want to scare them so bad that they will be sleeping with you for years to come. Well there’s good news for you! Every year over at Walt Disney World’s, Magic Kingdom park, Mickey put on a very special Halloween party geared for the smaller trick or treat-er in the family. The great thing about this party is that the Magic Kingdom lets you dress up as your favorite Halloween character and grab goodies along with your little ones. This is also a very special time to enjoy the park as they put on a special parade and fireworks show to celebrate Halloween Disney style. During select dates, the Magic Kingdom will close down its park to the daily visitors and then reopen to the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party ticket holders. I have been there and it is like having the park to yourself. On average the Magic Kingdom holds 85 thousand people, but on these Halloween party nights, there might be only 10 thousand guests or even less. Now that’s my kind of visit. With this small of a crowd, lines to all of the rides are nothing and candy is plenty. Don’t forget to stay and watch the Headless Horseman ride down Main Street USA and afterwards, the very special and spooky Cinderella Castle firework shoot. This party is a must do if your are going to be visiting during this celebration. If you plan to go and need Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets, please call our office toll free at 1-877-406-4836 for pricing and information.

If you want to order now and see the prices, click here http://www.officialticketcenter.com/Mickeys-Not-So-Scary-Halloween-Party-Tickets.aspx

Copyright: Patrick S. Pulliam