Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Gaylord Palms DreamWorks package $219 per room until May 19

[press release]

Gaylord Palms Introduces Family Fun Weekends with Shrek & Friends


The DreamWorks Experience Continues

Kissimmee, Fla. (03/20/2012) – Families looking for a memorable weekend away can now bring their vacation to life with Gaylord Palms’ newest DreamWorks Experience package, Family Fun Weekends with Shrek & Friends, available on select dates now through May19, 2012.

From $219* per room based on four person occupancy, families will have an immersive experience with Shrek and friends that features scavenger hunts, Character Meet & Greets and beginning in mid-April, an exclusive tropical pool party at the All-NEW Cypress Springs Family Fun Water Park!

The Family Fun Weekends with Shrek & Friends package includes:

* One night room accommodations at Gaylord Palms Resort
* Priority access to Character Meet & Greet
* 20% discount when you add a ticket to ShrekFeast interactive character meal, plus priority access
* Paradise Pool Party at the All-NEW Cypress Springs Family Fun Water Park (beginning mid-April 2012)
* Puss In Boots Quest for the Magic Beans Scavenger Hunt
* Family Souvenir Photo
* Resort Fee
* Self-Parking
Gaylord Palms Resort features signature, glass-covered atriums that offer acres of sculpted indoor gardens, walkways, and streams that feel like the outdoors but are kept at a pleasant, 72 degrees year round. Visitors can also indulge in rejuvenating treatments at Relâche Spa & Salon, voted a 4-Star Spa by Forbes Travel Guide; enjoy world-class cuisine at a multitude of award-winning restaurants, including the new Wreckers Sports Bar; and enjoy excellent shopping and nightlife options. Gaylord Palms Resort, located in the heart of Central Florida, is the perfect “home base” for day trips to some of the nation’s most thrilling and exciting attractions and theme parks!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

J. Cole and Sugar Ray at Universal Orlando Mardi Gras this weekend

MULTI-PLATINUM SELLING ARTISTS J. COLE AND SUGAR RAY TO PERFORM
THIS WEEKEND AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S MARDI GRAS

The Biggest Mardi Gras Celebration Outside the Big Easy Runs Every Saturday & Select Nights Through April 14
 
WHAT:                       The party continues this weekend at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras with a chart-topping double header featuring rap superstar J. Cole and pop rock sensation Sugar Ray.

On Friday, March 16, Grammy-nominated rap artist J. Cole will take center stage with his smooth and unique style which has earned him the reputation of the next game-changing rapper. The first rap artist signed to Jay-Z’s label Roc Nation, Cole gained notoriety with the release of his debut album “Cole World: The Sideline Story” featuring the platinum hit, “Work Out.” His album debuted at No.1 on the US Billboard 200, Top R&B Albums and Top Rap Albums charts and earned him the 2011 Grammy Nomination for Best New Artist.

On Saturday, March 17, guests will dance to the pop rock beats of Sugar Ray. The band’s music dominated the 90s with its two platinum certified albums “Floored” and “14:59.” Some of their top hits include “Fly,” which reached No. 1 on the US Billboard’s Top 100 list, “Someday” and “Every Morning.”

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras combines unparalleled theme park entertainment with an elaborate Mardi Gras parade, dozens of colorfully costumed performers, authentic New Orleans bands, delicious Cajun cuisine and live concerts by some of today’s most popular artists. This ultimate street party runs every Saturday and select nights through April 14.

This year’s Mardi Gras celebration features one of Universal Orlando’s most powerful and diverse musical line-ups ever. With a combined total of more than 350 million albums sold, guests are rocking out this spring to some of the biggest names in music during an authentic and family-friendly version of the famed New Orleans street party. For full headliner line-up, see below.

MARDI GRAS 2012 TALENT LINE-UP
Mardi Gras Event Dates
Headliners (Performing in the Music Plaza)
Friday, March 16
J. Cole
Saturday, March 17
Sugar Ray
Friday, March 23
Hot Chelle Rae
Saturday, March 24
B.o.B
Friday, March 30
Plain White T’s
Saturday, March 31
Prince Royce
Saturday, April 7
Cyndi Lauper
Saturday, April 14
KC & The Sunshine Band


Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included in regular admission to Universal Studios Florida. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

WHEN:                      Friday, March 16, 2012 & Saturday, March 17, 2012
                                                                       
WHERE:                    Universal Studios Florida

MARDI GRAS           Friday, March 16, 2012
SCHEDULE:              5 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Lil’ Brian and The Zydeco Travelers
8 p.m.: Mardi Gras Parade Starts
8:30 p.m.: J. Cole

Saturday, March 17, 2012
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Lil’ Brian and The Zydeco Travelers
8 p.m.: Mardi Gras Parade Starts
8:30 p.m.: Sugar Ray

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Press Release: new trolley tour at Fantasy of Flight

New Orange Grove, Heritage and Nature Tour Blossoms at Fantasy of Flight

Aviation Attraction Continues to Grow with Addition of New Trolley Tour

POLK CITY, Fla. (March 13, 2012) - Central Florida visitors - and even locals - can now soak up the sunshine and enjoy a taste of "Old Florida" as Fantasy of Flight introduces its brand new orange grove, heritage and nature tour.

Guests are invited to climb aboard Fantasy of Flight's open air trolley, the "Orlampa Express," for a leisurely 60-minute tour into the heart of the Sunshine State. Passengers will learn about Florida's golden fruit, glittering waters, pioneer heritage and priceless ecology, all outdoors amidst an abundance of citrus groves.

The "Orlampa Express" tour guides will share the true wonders of "The Sun Porch of America" in a memorable and inspiring way, while taking guests to several diverse areas on and surrounding Fantasy of Flight, including wetlands marsh and forest, citrus groves, beehives, and scenic Lake Helene and Lake Agnes.

Tour themes will be adapted based on the season to include:
*   The diverse landscapes from grove to wetland to forest and the creatures who inhabit them, from bees and bald eagles to bass and alligators.
*   The sources of Florida's "gold rush" - citrus and sunshine.
*   How water from the earth and the sky sustain a fragile cycle of renewal within pristine Lakes Helene and Agnes.
*   How Florida's pioneer culture evolved into an American Paradise.

The nostalgia of Old Florida reaches far beyond the orange groves and into the heart of Fantasy of Flight, home to a world-renowned collection of rare and vintage aircraft. In fact, the 1930s is the setting for the attraction's Compass Rose Diner, a glamorous, Art Deco style eatery named for the flower-like, circular design on a compass that indicates north, south, east and west. Much like the corner soda fountains that were so popular in the World War II era, the diner features a long bar with twirling barstools as well as booth and table seating. A circular bank of windows provides breathtaking views of vintage aircraft in flight. With a lunchtime menu of classic diner fare such as homemade soups, sandwiches and burgers, as well as lighter options such as salads and wraps, visitors can easily spend an entire day at the attraction. Before heading home, guests can stop in at the Fantasy of Flight gift shop and pick up some souvenirs, orange blossom honey, homemade fudge or orange ice cream.

"The Orlampa Express tour transports guests back to a simpler day when citrus and sunshine were Florida's main attractions," said Kim Long, General Manager of Fantasy of Flight. "The beautiful, sunny weather here in Central Florida helped shape our heritage as a land of cattle ranchers and later, citrus growers. These elements of Old Florida come together to create a unique and compelling visitor experience and we feel fortunate to be able to add this tour as yet another experience for our guests."

Last fall, Fantasy of Flight added Wing WalkAir, a thrilling outdoor ropes course which towers to heights of up to 45 feet and features 33 mid-air challenges plus 600 feet of screaming zip line. Tours aboard the "Orlampa Express" depart from Fantasy of Flight daily. Reservations are recommended. Cost is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for youth ages 12 and under. Packages are available for parties of 15 or more (advance booking required).

Fantasy of Flight also hosts a number of special events throughout the year, including the 2012 Legends & Legacies Symposium Series including: "Unspoken Valor: The Bomber Crews of World War II," April 13-14; D-Day: "The Invasion of Normandy," May 11-12; "Reflections of Vietnam," June 8-9 and "Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival," Oct. 12-13. Other special events include the Sun 'n Fun Splash-In, March 29, and 15th Annual Mustangs & Mustangs, March 31.

 

Monday, March 05, 2012

Orlando-based sleight of hand magician

Here's something a little different: sleight-of-hand magician Kostya Kimlat appears at the following Orlando locations:

Thursdays:


Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.

25 West Church Street Orlando, FL 32801

Magicians: Dave Maldo, Micheal Eaton, Jonathan Frost, Darren Rockwell, Josh Arroyo



Fridays:

The Tap Room at Historic Dubsdread from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

549 West Par Street Orlando, FL 32804

Magicians: Michael Eaton, Craig Fennessy, Josh Arroyo, Dave Maldo, Nathan Coe Marsh, Jonathan Frost



Saturdays:

Del Frisco’s Prime Steak & Lobster from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

729 Lee Road Orlando, FL 32810

Magician: Kostya Kimlat
For more details, visit www.SeeLiveMagic.com or “Like” SeeLiveMagic on Facebook to stay updated on magical performances near you.


Select Fridays Kostya performs a special Magical Dinner Show at Del Frisco’s Prime Steak & Lobster from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. For $98 per person (tax and gratuity included) enjoy a meal with shrimp cocktail, a house salad followed by the main course, which includes a choice of fillet, New York strip or salmon accompanied by chateau potatoes and asparagus. A sweet finish, indulge in a chocolate mousse. The 90-minute magic show is segmented in three parts and is presented between courses. Tickets for this show can be purchased at www.magicshoworlando.com.

Spider-Man reopens on Thursday March 8

[press release]
WHAT: Today, Universal Orlando Resort revealed what people around the world have been waiting to learn: The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man will reopen on Thursday, March 8 – featuring all-new stunning 4K digital high-definition animation, a rockin’ new musical score and all-new 3-D “Spider-Vision” glasses.

The enhancements will transform what is already one of the most popular theme park attractions ever created into what will feel like an all-new adventure. The newly reanimated, high-definition experience will unfold within the attraction’s towering visual spaces. The enhancements will allow guests to experience details they’ve never been able to before – from the flames spewing from Hobgoblin’s pumpkins to the electricity arching through Electro’s body to the stitching on Spider-Man’s gloves.

Here are highlights from the must-see 3-D experience:
1. Legendary comic book icon and Spider-Man co-creator Stan Lee makes a cameo appearance in the new film animation.

2. The action is more life-like than ever. Guests will actually see the movement of the characters’ muscles and the changes in their facial expressions.

3. The enhanced attraction features a new original music score. It is the same Spider-Man theme you love – with a rockin’ twist.

4. The ride vehicle audio system has been upgraded from 8-channel to 16-channel so riders will be even more immersed in the action. Guests will experience 3-D sound quality.

5. There are hundreds of cool new details for guests to discover in the attraction. Lighting, sets, graphics, props and even scenic detail have been updated to further enhance the animation’s tremendous improvements.

And, for the first time ever, Universal Orlando is giving fans the opportunity to unlock sneak peeks of the new hi-def ride animation before the attraction reopens next week. Click HERE to see a new piece of the reanimation and to learn how you and your readers can unlock even more.

WHEN: The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man reopens on Thursday, March 8, 2012