Free frozen yogurt Nov. 3

Free Pinkberry for All Highlights Public Pre-Opening Event Thursday, Nov. 3


ORLANDO (Oct. 25, 2011) -- Pinkberry, the number one tart frozen yogurt brand, will bring fashion and good taste together when it opens its third Orlando location at The Mall at Millenia. The store will be located at 4200 Conroy Road at the main mall entrance on the lower level next to Brio Tuscan Grille. The new store will open Friday, Nov. 4, just over a year after opening the first Pinkberry in Orlando -- and the state -- at The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips. A second Pinkberry store opened last spring at Orlando Premium Outlets® - International Dr.

"Fashion lovers have great taste, so Pinkberry and The Mall at Millenia are a natural fit," said Bill Harmening II, Pinkberry area developer for Orlando. "Whether greeting shoppers with the cool taste of tart frozen yogurt or refreshing them as they leave the mall, Pinkberry is proud to offer our international sensation to visitors and locals alike."

Similar to the first two Orlando store openings, Pinkberry will host a pre-opening party serving up free Pinkberry with all of the toppings at the new store location on Thursday, Nov. 3 from 5-9 pm. The event is open to the general public. The store is also now hiring for 25 hourly positions. Applicants may send resumes to orlandojobs@pinkberry.com.

Frozen yogurt for "caviar tastes and Cavalli waistlines," Pinkberry is made with real nonfat yogurt and nonfat milk that is rBST hormone free. Pinkberry is heralded as the company that launched the current tart frozen yogurt craze when it opened its first store in West Hollywood, Calif. in 2005. The premium taste of Pinkberry soon became a celebrity and trendsetter favorite, with Swirly Goodness spreading to now more than 100 locations worldwide.

The Mall at Millenia store will offer Pinkberry's six distinctive flavors and thirty premium toppings, including daily fresh cut seasonal fruits, organic fruity bears and shaved Belgian milk chocolate, as well as Pinkberry Smoothies, Fresh Fruit Bowls and Parfaits and Take Home packs. The fresh, tart taste of Pinkberry served by friendly Swirly Artists will be complemented by the store's clean, contemporary furnishings in hues of orange, blue and green, offering an inviting social environment for the Pinkberry Promise of "20 minutes of fun."

"We are pleased to add this exciting concept to our retail mix," said Brenda Lounsberry, Marketing Director, The Mall at Millenia. "This concept is a perfect match for The Mall at Millenia trend-conscious shopper."

The Mall at Millenia Pinkberry store will be open Monday - Saturday 10 am - 9 pm and Sunday 11 am - 7 pm. The store's phone number is 407-351-9852. Pinkberry will now have three stores in Orlando, including its original location at The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips, 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd. at the corner of Dr. Phillips Blvd. and Sandlake Rd. The original store opened Aug. 20, 2010. A second location at Orlando Premium Outlets -- International Dr. at 4951 International Drive opened on April 1, 2011.

Busch Gardens Tampa to start Grad Nite (now that WDW stopped theirs)

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY TO HOST FIRST-EVER 12TH GRADE GRAD NITE


Cobra Starship and Comedian Gabriel Iglesias will Play an Exciting Role in this Special Night Devoted to Graduating High School Seniors.

Tampa, Fla. (Oct. 17, 2011) - Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is excited to host its first annual 12th Grade Grad Nite on Friday, April 27, 2012. This once-in-a-lifetime experience for graduating high school seniors is not your average daytime “walk in the park.” This special night offers live entertainment by two popular acts, the thrill of riding world-class coasters in the dark, high-energy DJs and dance parties in the streets of Busch Gardens, and much more to amp up the celebration. American pop rock band Cobra Starship and comedian Gabriel Iglesias will headline the entertainment, adding to the excitement of the night with special performances for the graduating high school seniors. Cobra Starship, formed in 2005, released their fourth album, Night Shades, in August 2011 with the hit single “You Make Me Feel…” The band is best known for their Top 40 hit, “Good Girls Gone Bad.” Gabriel Iglesias is known as the “fluffy” comic in a Hawaiian shirt who coined the saying, “I’m not fat… I’m fluffy.” Gabriel hosts Comedy Central’s newest TV series, “Gabriel Iglesias Presents Stand-Up Revolution” and his credits include “Last Comic Standing,” ABC’s “My Wife & Kids,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” and “The Family Guy.”

WHAT: The park will remain open after hours for graduating seniors to enjoy high-energy DJs and dance parties, headline entertainment including Cobra Starship and comedian Gabriel Iglesias, and Busch Gardens’ top coasters in the dark, including SheiKra, Kumba, Montu, Gwazi, and our new mega-attraction, Cheetah Hunt, a one-of-a-kind launch coaster that offers a new breed of speed.

DATE/TIME: Friday, April 27, 2012, 7:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

ADMISSION: $54.99 + tax (One complimentary chaperone ticket given for each 10 paid student tickets; additional chaperone tickets can be purchased for $54.99 + tax)

RESERVATIONS: Please email gradnite@buschgardens.com OR call 1-866-781-1333Admission to the all new 12th Grade Grad Nite 2012 is limited, so make your reservations early. Grad Nite is a separate-ticketed night event and tickets may only be purchased through the student’s school. Entertainment, rides, attractions, operating hours, and prices are subject to change without notice.

Bulgogi Beef recipe from Epcot Food and Wine #FB

Bulgogi Beef

1.2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced

¼ cup brown sugar

¼ cup soy sauce

2 TB rice vinegar

4 tsp sesame oil

4 tsp minced garlic

Pinch black pepper (fresh!)

2 TB lime juice

2 tsp peanut oil

Kimchee

White rice

Place beef in gallon ziplock. Combine brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and pepper in medium mixing bowl.

Pour lime juice over beef and message into meat using your hands. Add soy sauce mixture and stir to coat. Refrigerate for 8-24 hours.

Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tsp peanut oil, then add about half of beef in one layer. Cook about 30 seconds per side. Repeat with remaining oil and beef.

Serve with kimchee and white rice.

SEAWORLD ORLANDO LAUNCHES SOCIAL MOBILE APP GAME SCVNGR FOR HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR

SEAWORLD ORLANDO LAUNCHES SOCIAL MOBILE APP GAME SCVNGR FOR HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR


SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular is about to become even more exciting! During the park’s amazing family-friendly Halloween event, guests can play SCVNGR, a free mobile app game all about going places, doing challenges and earning points. Instead of riddles to guide you to a place, SCVNGR concentrates on completing challenges at a particular location, like SeaWorld Orlando. SCVNGR is played from a custom app on iPhones or Android mobile devices.

Those who complete three simple and fun challenges at SeaWorld Orlando during Halloween Spooktacular will win a free limited-edition Shamu lunch box.

Players can expect to have a blast and earn some sweet rewards when they play SCVNGR at SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular,” said Chris Mahl, SVP and chief brand alchemist at SCVNGR. “It’s the perfect way to bring a social element to the awesomely spooktacular activities and events SeaWorld Orlando has planned!”SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular SCVNGR challenges are:

• Apple Decorating Post: Head to the apple decorating station and create a delicious treat. Which of the scrumptious toppings did you use to make the perfect candied apple? Type in your favorite topping.

• Welcome Creatures: Spooktacular’s hero is Otto the Octopus ... but did you know SeaWorld has a real octopus, too? Snap a photo of the REAL sea creature! (Hint: Last seen inside one of Manta’s aquariums).

• Otto Octopus: Shamu and friends are among many fanciful creatures welcoming trick-or-treaters! Snap a photo with any character at the PPZ (Penelope’s Party Zone)!

To start playing, download the SCVNGR app at the Android Market or Apple’s iTunes Store. When guests arrive at SeaWorld Orlando for Halloween Spooktacular, they’ll simply need to check-in on SCVNGR, go to “places,” and then tap on “SeaWorld Spooktacular.” Follow the prompts and have fun!

Halloween meets the sea during SeaWorld Orlando's Halloween Spooktacular, featuring an ocean of Halloween fun where children can trick-or-treat, dance with whimsical sea creatures, catch silly and spooky shows and create sea-themed arts and crafts.

SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular takes place October: 15-16, 22-23, and 28-30. The daytime event runs from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., leaving the littlest of trick-or-treaters wide-eyed for even more fun-filled activities. And now, kids are half-price with a full paid adult when bought online in advance.

Orlando's Rosen Inn $40 nightly through Dec. 23

Orlando's Rosen Inns Invite Guests to Celebrate One Year Anniversary of the "Rosen Inns" Brand with $39.99 Nightly Rate through Dec. 23

Recently Renovated AAA Three Diamond Hotels ̶ Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando and Rosen Inn closest to Universal ̶ Offer
ORLANDO (Oct. 18, 2011) - Although Orlando's Rosen Hotels & Resorts is celebrating nearly 40 years of providing hospitality to meetings and leisure travelers to Orlando, two of its four value-priced hotels -- Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando and the Rosen Inn closest to Universal -- are now celebrating the one year anniversary of their new "Rosen Inn" brand name. Along with their new names, the hotels also underwent breathtaking multi-million renovations which helped earn them earn prestigious AAA Three Diamond status last year. To celebrate this tremendous one year milestone, the two Rosen Inns are offering a special anniversary rate of just $39.99 per night when booked by Oct. 31 for travel anytime between now and Dec. 23, 2011. Both hotels will include a full American Breakfast Buffet for two adults for an additional $10, plus tax, per night. The offer is based on availability, some black-out dates apply.

To book this special one year anniversary offer, visit www.roseninns.com/anniversary or call 866-33ROSEN (76733) and ask for the Rosen Inn anniversary rate. This offer is not valid on existing reservations, for groups, during special events, holidays or conventions and this offer may not be combined with any other rate plan or discount.

With cooler weather, plenty of arts, cultural and sporting events on the calendar, and abundant holiday celebrations and decorations throughout the theme parks -- not to mention great rates at the Rosen Inns -- the fall and early holiday season is the perfect time for an Orlando getaway, whether for friends, couples or families.

"Our favorite way to celebrate milestones within the Rosen Hotels & Resorts family is to help guests spend more quality time with their families by offering great deals like this one," said Harris Rosen, President and COO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts. "This $39.99 nightly rate doesn't do justice to the beautifully remodeled rooms at our two conveniently located Rosen Inns, but it's our way of thanking all those who travel to Orlando for business or for pleasure, who have supported Rosen Hotels & Resorts and the newly rebranded Rosen Inns."

Extensive renovations at each of the hotels were completed in October 2010, with every guest room receiving all new furniture that was made in America, as well as new carpet, window treatments, upgraded art work, luxurious pillow-top mattresses and stylish, yet comfortable bedding. Private bathrooms now feature granite finish vanity and modern decorative lighting. Additional renovations were made to each hotel individually, including items such as signage, designer landscaping, repaved parking lots, new pool furniture and decks, updated elevator interiors, and environmentally friendly lighting. Refurbishments have also made the hotels more eco-friendly. These practices include, but are not limited to, water conservation measures by installing low flow plumbing fixtures and implementing a linen reuse program, and energy efficiency achieved by installing compact florescent (CFL) bulbs in all guestroom lamps and light fixtures, among other improvements.

The Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando (9000 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819) offers 1,020 guest rooms in six high-rise buildings. Three swimming pools and a sports bar offer downtime from the theme parks. Dining options include both breakfast and dinner restaurant buffets as well as the new Smoooth Java Coffee Bar™ featuring Starbucks® coffee products. Guests who need to do a little work while on vacation may also take advantage of the hotel's business center. The hotel is located just across International Drive and within a short walk of the Pointe Orlando shopping, dining, nightlife and entertainment complex. Hotel guests receive special offers for discounts at many of Pointe Orlando's restaurants, retail and entertainment locations.

The Rosen Inn closest to Universal (6327 International Drive, Orlando, FL, 32819) offers 315 guest rooms, a swimming pool and four onsite dining choices including the Shogun Japanese Steakhouse, the Palms Dining Room (full American breakfast buffet) as well as International Pub and Lite-Bite Deli. It is the closest Rosen property to Universal Orlando, offering minutes-away access to the popular theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure

The International Drive properties offer guests complimentary, scheduled shuttle service to Universal Orlando®, SeaWorld Orlando®, Aquatica® and Wet 'n Wild Orlando® (reservation required). The I-Ride Trolley stops in front of each hotel, providing low-cost transportation to more than 75 stops in the International Drive attractions area. The Rosen Inns are conveniently located off I-4, on International Drive, in the heart of the attractions area and just 12-15 minutes from Orlando International Airport. For more information about Rosen Hotels & Resorts leisure properties, visit www.orlandohotels4less.com.

Fantasy of Flight opens zip line and ropes course

POLK CITY, Fla. (October 12, 2011) - For years, Fantasy of Flight guests have been able to experience the thrill of flight vicariously through the stories of daring pilots, told both live and through multimedia exhibits. Many have even upgraded their experience to include a hot air balloon ride or biplane ride. But now, virtually every Fantasy of Flight guest can experience firsthand the excitement of "flight" and the rush of wind in their hair with the addition of Wing WalkAir - an all-new outdoor attraction featuring an adrenaline- pumping, 600-foot zip line suspended four stories above water and a three-level ropes course with 33 midair challenges. The attraction is the first of its kind in Polk County, located midway between Tampa and Orlando.

Safely harnessed and tethered to the zip line, guests get to "fly" through the air a total of 600 feet, to the landing tower and back again, giving them double the chance to take in the scenery or to see it for the first time if they were too scared to open their eyes! Meanwhile, the ropes course tests participants' balance and bravery with a series of 33 elements to be navigated while tethered to an overhead line, including exercises that mimic walking a tightrope, balance beam, and horizontal and vertical ladders, all while suspended as high as four stories off the ground. Three levels of challenges offer something for children to adults, whether mildly adventurous to absolutely fearless. And, while zip lining or navigating the ropes course, guests will get a birds' eye view of Fantasy of Flight, scenic Lake Agnes and the rare and vintage airplanes on display on the tarmac.

"Our mission has always been to inspire our guests and instill the confidence in our youth that they can achieve their dreams, no matter what they are. Our new Wing WalkAir zip line and ropes course not only adds a whole new element of fun and excitement to a visit, but also leaves participants with a great sense of accomplishment when they go home," said Kim Long, General Manager of Fantasy of Flight. "The ropes course is a perfect team building exercise for corporate groups, Scouts, youth groups and family reunions because participants can work together to successfully navigate the course."

Groups interested in team building and group challenges can also take advantage of Fantasy of Flight's diverse meeting space and on-staff event planners to create a full day or multiday event. Group rates are also available, call 863-984-3500 for details.

Regular, one-time admission for the zip line and ropes course is $22, or $15 for the zip line and $12 for the ropes course when purchased separately. Pricing is for children and adults and does not include 7 percent sales tax. Combo pricing is available with and without general admission included. Fantasy of Flight admission is not required for admission to Wing WalkAir. General admission is $28.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors ages 55 and over and $14.95 for children, ages 6-12, plus 7 percent sales tax. Special rates for groups and package combination tickets are available.

To participate, guests must be at least 48" tall or must be accompanied by an adult. All guests must be able to understand and follow safety rules as given by the safety personnel. The participant weight limit is 300 pounds and guests must be able to fit in the harness. Athletic shoes are recommended; no flip flops or loose shoes are permitted.

The opening of Wing WalkAir takes place in plenty of time for Fantasy of Flight's signature event, its Fifth Annual Roar n' Soar, Saturday, Nov. 12 and Sunday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (gates open at 9 a.m.) The two-day racing extravaganza showcases the finest classic racing machines ever built for land, sea or air and promises to feature an even more thrilling, jam-packed roster of events, including hair-raising aerial demonstrations, nail-biting classic car slalom competitions, exhibition fly-bys from sleek vintage race boats, an aerial "dog fight" by powered paragliders, an exciting sports showcase featuring skilled motocross riders. Meanwhile, the classic boat show and regatta, and classic car show provide entertainment for the slightly more faint of heart.

The zip line and ropes course comprise only the first phase of Fantasy of Flight's Wing WalkAir attraction. Plans are already underway for new additions to the area including a rock climbing wall and rappelling area to be installed this winter.

Syfy stars at Universal Orlando Holloween Horror Nights

Last week, Universal Orlando Resort hosted stars from various Syfy shows at Halloween Horror Nights 21, including Josh Gates – host of “Destination Truth,” Colin Ferguson – star of “Eureka” and McKenzie Westmore – presenter of “Face Off.” While attending the event, they experienced all-new, terrifying haunted houses, such as Winter’s Night: The Haunting of Hawthorn Cemetery where they were haunted by the dead in a gothic graveyard.
Click here to check out a video of their experience…and to find out if they survived. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhcWGQtQhBw&feature=youtu.be

80 Frankensteins - a charity by Universal

There is a charitable art project that is going on in Orlando right now. It is being put on by some artists at Universal Studios and many of the 80 pieces were created by people from the theme park industry. The idea is similar to cows on parade or the mickey 100 years pieces. 80 busts of Frankenstein were created and given to artist to do whatever they wanted to. They are going to be on display in downtown Orlando at the City Arts Factory on Orange Ave. It starts this Thursday at 6pm. They are going to be either sold or auctioned off over the course of a month to raise money for St. Judes Childrens Hospital. The opening event is this Thursday evening from 6-9 pm.  Also here is the Facebook link to more info or to lead others to from the site, http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Its-Alive-Project/111333602291151.

Thoughts on what it means that turkey legs now cost $9.75 at WDW. http://miceage.micechat.com/kevinyee/ky101811a.htm

WDW’s turkey legs now cost $9.75 – the price strikes me as high. You, too? It’s the cost of a theme park burger, for crying out loud! In 2005, the price was $6.50; if you assume the cost should have risen with inflation, that $6.50 turkey leg should cost $7.19 by 2010 (using the inflation calculator on westegg.com)


So it’s not your imagination. WDW really is getting more expensive, and it’s not just inflation. I’m not going to deny there’s an element of greed and money-grabbing in this move. There must be. But still, the scale of the climb is a bit breathtaking. Is there anything behind it?
Turns out, there is. Look around the Outdoor Vending (ODV) cart and you’ll discover a second sign. Like the price hike, this one might have been around for ages and I just never noticed, but then again I’m not the target audience. It’s for tourists staying at Disney hotels and using the Disney Dining Plan (DDP), you see.

As the sign points out, you can now use the DDP for a turkey leg “meal.” This will cause rejoicing among some tourists. I know the turkey legs have their fans. But others may see a more ominous future implied by this move

What came to my mind first is that the price hike might be related to the customer quest for value. If you’re on the DDP, you feel like you haven’t been ripped off if your meal would have cost $15 to buy out of pocket. But you might feel ripped off if your meal would have only cost $9. Solution? An artificial price hike to make it seem like your DDP purchase was a wise move. Unfortunately, it punishes those people NOT on the DDP with higher actual prices.

This also cheapens the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) entitlement of the DDP. If you’re using the QSR DDP, what you think you’ll get it burgers and fries, but now apparently turkey legs is added to the mix. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that if this sort of thing is considered acceptable by the DDP users, they will expand the project. Meaning that your DDP might in the future pay for carts rather than restaurants—the restaurants, even burger joints—might become saved for a higher level of DDP than the QSR one. Funny. Not too long ago, there was only one DDP. The price you paid included appetizer, dessert, and gratuity. They chipped away at what’s included (no more gratuity, no more appetizer) and redefined that old price as the QSR version of the DDP… that was nothing more than a stealth price hike.
 
read more: http://miceage.micechat.com/kevinyee/ky101811a.htm

Full-sized review and photo tour of Legoland Florida. http://miceage.micechat.com/kevinyee/ky101311a.htm #FB

Cutting right to the chase, let me proclaim right up front that Legoland delivers what you’d expect. This is a major theme park in the vein of Disney, Universal, or SeaWorld. Yes, it’s a touch smaller than they are, and has a smaller budget, but it’s still ahead of other competitors such as Kennedy Space Center or Holy Land Experience. Perhaps we need a category in-between, the way Pluto is neither planet nor moon. But it feels dismissive to call Legoland a “dwarf theme park,” especially since it’s plenty large, size-wise. It’s got 150 acres – that’s bigger than Disneyland!


They’ve placed 50 attractions in those acres, though what they call an “attraction” might not be what you’d call an attraction. There are eight “attractions” (read: sub-sections) at the famed Miniland Lego buildings. And many of the rides are short, small-footprint things you might find at carnivals (quick-circuit electric trains, gentle Power-Towers or drop rides for kids). Yet for all that, Legoland delivers because it also includes most of its key attractions from the San Diego park (I have only vague memories of the one I visited in Europe).
 
Read more: http://miceage.micechat.com/kevinyee/ky101311a.htm

First Legoland fan site: menus, show schedules, touring suggestions. http://brickpal.com/

Here at BrickPal we want to make it easy for you to plan your trip to Legoland Florida, a new family theme park destination just minutes from the attractions area of Central Florida. Content is still in its early stages, but we wanted to get some basic facts and figures that you will need to know to book your adventure. Also, look for some suggested strategies on how to maximize your visit during the parks limited hours of operation.


Planning – The basics you need to know

Getting There – Transportation Options

Dining – Menus and Prices: What to eat when you’re in the park.

Traveling With Children – Height and Age Requirements, etc.

Rides and Shows – Over 50 attractions

Review of Swan/Dolphin Food & Wine Classic, plus why neither Rasulo nor Staggs may take Iger's spot. http://miceage.micechat.com/kevinyee/ky101111a.htm

Who will be Bob’s successor? The obvious candidates for many theme park observers are Tom Staggs (head of parks and resorts) and Jay Rasulo (CFO), if for no other reason than they recently switched jobs with each other—a standard technique for grooming new leaders by giving them a taste of more parts of the company. This conventional wisdom could well turn out to be correct. Or a more creative individual, like John Lasseter, could be the choice, though that seems a long shot, since John’s experiences do not encompass the financial and strategic background a position like the CEO of Disney would require.
In fact, I kind of think it won’t be Jay or Tom, either. Their recent training might just be a way to provide a “deep bench” of experience to help out the person who DOES come in to the top spot. I think this because Disney is not a theme park company, as much as it pains me to admit it. Disney is a content media company. The four Pirates movies, for example, have made $3.7 billion worldwide. But forget the movies. It’s really the media networks, including powerhouse ESPN, that give Disney the pep in its performance. In the last several years, the operating income of the media segment has always outperformed parks and resorts by a factor of four.
 
Read more at http://miceage.micechat.com/kevinyee/ky101111a.htm