Press Release: SeaWorld's First Mobile Game

We’re proud to announce the launch of SeaWorld’s first mobile game - "SEAWORLD PRESENTS TURTLE TREK!"

Turtle Trek is an endless side-scroller that features an adorable sea turtle who explores the open ocean, meets friends (like Shamu), while dodging sea dangers and natural predators.

Our game is unique because it’s a kid-friendly family game that seamlessly incorporates environmental education. When you meet a sea friend, complete your "Trek Book" - and even learn a few fun animal facts!

To play Turtle Trek, please visit: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id568141829 

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Press Release - Theresa Caputo Live at UCF on Feb 8

Theresa Caputo Live!

Star of TLC’s Long Island Medium

UCF Arena – Friday, February 8th

Tickets go on-sale Friday, December 21st at 10am

Theresa Caputo, psychic medium and star of the hit TLC show, Long Island Medium, will be appearing live at the UCF Arena on Friday, February 8th at 7pm. Theresa will give interactive readings to audience members throughout the show and will also share personal stories about her life and her unique gifts. Tickets go on-sale Friday, December 21st at 10am and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, 1.800.745.300, or in person at the UCF Arena Ticket Office. Tickets start at $39.75 plus applicable service fees. A limited number of VIP tickets are available including a post-show meet and greet. Purchasing a ticket does not guarantee a reading. 

Long Island Medium began its third season on TLC in September, following Theresa’s life as a typical Long Island wife and mom, except for one distinct difference…her ability to communicate with the dead. Since she cannot “turn off” this gift, messages can come through at any time and the local car mechanic, manicurist or cashier at the bagel shop may find themselves receiving a spontaneous reading from Theresa as she goes about her daily life. The show also covers how Theresa copes with the special challenges that her unique abilities create for her husband of 22 years, Larry, and her two children, aged 17 and 21.

Theresa has been a practicing medium for 10 years and is a certified medium with the Forever-Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to connecting science with the afterlife. She helps individuals find closure by connecting them with their departed loved ones. For Theresa, this is not just her job... this is her life.

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Press Release: Bands, Brew, BBQ at Busch Gardens Tampa

BANDS, BREW & BBQ BRINGS ROCK TO BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA

 

Guests Eat, Drink and Get Rockin’ With 100+ Beers to Sample, Big-Name Barbecue and Live Music

 

TAMPA, Fla. (Jan. 29, 2013) – Bands, Brew & BBQ is back for its sixth straight year, and it’s bigger than ever! Busch Gardens Tampa’s^® smokin’ hot festival is filling every Sunday, Feb. 10 – March 3, with an unlimited sampling of more than 100 specialty and craft beers, saucy barbeque from the bay area’s most popular restaurants and live concerts from some of the biggest names in rock music.

With more options than ever before, the expanded Beer Festival will feature more than 100 imported, domestic and craft beers. Select brews are available at each of the tents along the Bands, Brew and BBQ pathway, as well as in Gwazi Park.

 

For those looking to sample several of the specialty brews, unlimited sampling is available from noon to 5:30 p.m. every Sunday with a Beer Festival Wristband. Wristbands are $30 per person (ages 21+), or two for $50 for Busch Gardens Pass Members, and also include sampling privileges at the Desert Grill restaurant, Crown Colony pub and Zambia Smokehouse.

 

The festival also serves up a savory series of food tents, with Outback Steakhouse, Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill and local favorite Kojak’s House of Ribs, as well as a selection of Busch Gardens’ own barbeque favorites. Whether hungry for a sampler plate or a hearty platter, guests will have their choice of perfectly prepared chicken, beef, ribs, sides and more!

 

On Sundays, the Gwazi Park stage sizzles with some of the biggest names in classic rock. Concerts start at 5 p.m., with the field opening to guests at 3 p.m. The full concert area is free to guests and located just behind Gwazi rollercoaster. This year’s lineup includes:

 

                February 10 - John Kay & Steppenwolf

                February 17 - Barenaked Ladies       

                February 24 - The Doobie Brothers

                March 3 - Goo Goo Dolls

 

Guests can reserve the best seat in house for their favorite acts with the Bands, Brew & BBQ VIP Ticket. The VIP Ticket is $34.99 per person and includes priority reserved seating at center stage plus an entrée platter and non-alcoholic beverage at any festival tent location OR an entrée, one side salad, side dish or dessert, and a regular-sized non-alcoholic beverage from any of Busch Gardens’ restaurants. The VIP ticket is available for sale at BuschGardens.com and in park at the Adventure Outpost store, located at the front gate.

Can’t decide which performance to attend?  Buy a 2013 Fun Card so you can pay for a day and come back all year to catch them all! It’s the best value for again-and-again access to all of the exciting, big-name entertainment, amazing animal encounters, and world-class thrill rides Busch Gardens has to offer, including Cheetah Hunt, the Animal Care Center and Iceploration – Busch Gardens’ biggest ice show ever. The 2013 Fun Card is valid from the date of purchase through Dec. 31, 2013 and is available at the Busch Gardens’ front gate, online or by calling (888) 800-5447. 

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Press Release: Aquatica hosting Special Olympics Polar Plunge Feb 2

AQUATICA TO HOST THE 4^TH ANNUAL SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA POLAR PLUNGE

Take the Plunge on Saturday, February 2

 

 

ORLANDO, Fla. (January 24, 2013) -  Aquatica is pleased to be hosting the fourth annual Special Olympics Florida Polar Plunge® 2013 on Saturday, February 2.  Individuals and teams, alongside Special Olympics athletes, families, sponsors and community members will experience heart-warming and bone chilling-extremes as they take the plunge into the cold Aquatica wave pool to raise money for Special Olympics Florida.

 

Hundreds of “Plungers” are expected to participate in the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Florida – and there’s still plenty of time to join in this unique, wacky event.  In addition to jumping into cold water for a good cause, a highlight of the annual event is the array of crazy costumes Plungers are encouraged to wear in the name of fun.

You can take the Plunge individually or with a team, and everyone who raises a minimum of $100 may Plunge. For just $100 in pledges, Plungers will receive admission to Aquatica, an All-Day Food Pass, official Polar Plunge® T-shirt and two spectator passes. There are numerous incentives for individuals to raise additional funds, including tickets to Aquatica, SeaWorld and Discovery Cove. In addition, plungers can stay and enjoy Aquatica all day after the event.

Plungers can create their own Plunge Web Page for friends, family and co-workers to visit and donate online. It’s quick and easy through FirstGiving.com.

 

WHAT: Special Olympics Florida Polar Plunge

 

WHEN: Saturday, February 2 

9:30 a.m. Registration
 11 a.m. Ceremony followed by the Plunge

 

WHERE: Aquatica 5800 Water Play Way, Orlando, Florida 32821

 

 

For full details and to register, visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org/polarplunge

All proceeds support SeaWorld’s long-time partner, Special Olympics Florida, which provides year-round sports training and competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities at no cost to the athlete or their caregiver as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem and life skills necessary to be a productive, respected and contributing members of their communities.

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Text of Disney's Response to Congress on Privacy (satire; not real)

Have you ever seen how Disneyland and Walt Disney World answer written letters from their Guest Relations department? There's a certain rhythm to their replies. Wouldn't it be funny if they used that in responding to Congress's recent questions about privacy? [the following is a FAKE letter in this vein]

Dear Senator Markey,

Thank you for your letter dated January 24, 2013, and your questions regarding MagicBand, our privacy policies, and targeting of advertising to patrons, including children. 

As you know, the Walt Disney parks and resorts division encompassing both DISNEYLAND® Park and the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort has always striven to listen carefully to suggestions and questions from our visitors, and we value your input.

We constantly survey our visitors to determine their wishes and priorities for future visits. Due to popular demand, we are installing monitors every few yards in our parks to track their every movement, with a requirement that they wear a bracelet at all times to also track their purchases, ride habits, walking patterns, and even which kind of DISNEYLAND® Park visitor they are currently tailing from attraction to attraction in hopes of hooking up.

In keeping with Walt Disney's belief that we should always exceed expectations, we are rolling out still more initiatives that have not yet been announced. We have not yet made public our plans for BATHROOM+ but our surveys indicate our Guests will value it as much as they desire the upcoming FASTPASS+. 

As we are constantly re-evaluating our offerings based on Guest demand and feedback, plans may change at any time. Walt Disney once said that DISNEYLAND® Park will never be complete as long as there is imagination left in the world, and we use this quote whenever we want to avoid letting anyone outside the company know what we are actually planning to do.

We know you will be excited by our upcoming attractions and services, and look forward to seeing you at DISNEYLAND® Park and the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort soon! 

Sincerely,

Bob Iger

Note: the above was parody and satire. To my knowledge, as of this writing Disney hasn't  published a response to Congress yet. And yes, I guess the tone here doesn't track the usual Guest Relations letter EXACTLY [grin]

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Press Release: SeaWorld Epic Voyage campaign to tour USA

SeaWorld Orlando^® embarks on epic voyage

New app and experiential marketing tour launch

Orlando, FL (January 18, 2013) –- SeaWorld Orlando kicks off its “Epic Voyage” campaign in New York City to launch Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, the park’s all-new, largest-ever attraction opening this spring. The campaign includes stops in seven cities and a new mobile app, both designed to give families a sneak peek into the new attraction’s thrilling and chilling adventure in ways as amazing as the continent itself. 

SeaWorld Orlando’s new attraction, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin will transport families into a rarely seen, icy world. They’ll feel the majestic grandeur of the South Pole and see it through the penguins’ eyes on an exhilarating, first-of-its-kind family ride. They’ll explore a massive penguin colony in an expanse that envelops them in cool extremes, both above and below the penguins’ icy world.  It’s a must-see, one-of-a-kind theme park experience only at SeaWorld in Orlando. 

In select cities, SeaWorld’s “Epic Voyage” takes over malls and consumer travel shows with a unique family experience filled with a massive ice dome, interactive virtual reality, shareable photo opportunities, chances to win incredible prizes by playing Antarctica-themed games, and, of course, live penguins.  Coca-Cola Freestyle machines will also be part of the experience on site to quench the thirst of attendees with complimentary, refreshing drinks.

SeaWorld street teams will roam the cities in wrapped, Antarctic-themed Hyundai Santa Fes and Sonata Hybrids as they mingle with the locals at various hot spots, commuter stations and key landmarks.  The street team will test the locals with trivia, hand out prizes and allow them to escape to Antarctica through the augmented reality videos that can be shared with family and friends.

While the “Epic Voyage” tour takes over a few key cities, SeaWorld’s made sure everyone can follow the freeze. An all-new mobile app allows fans the world over to put themselves in the action … plus interactive elements to share with friends. From behind-the-scenes teaser videos and tour details to penguin fun facts and trivia, consumers can immerse themselves virtually into Antarctica through augmented reality and also enter the Family Voyage Sweepstakes. The app -- SeaWorld’s Antarctica -- is available for download today on iPhone/iPad and is coming soon for Android devices.

"Since Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin was announced in November 2011, we’ve been planning and looking forward to bringing a glimpse of the attraction to these key markets to connect with our fans and let them feel the chill,” said Vice President of Marketing & Sales for SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando Toni Caracciolo. 

Anyone can enter to win the trip of a lifetime with the Family Voyage Sweepstakes. Two lucky families will receive a 4-day, 3-night journey to SeaWorld Orlando to be one of the first to experience Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin. This amazing vacation for four includes roundtrip airfare provided by Southwest Airlines, hotel accommodations, tickets to SeaWorld and Aquatica in Orlando, Quick Queue passes to SeaWorld, Antarctica gift bags, and All-day Dining at SeaWorld. 18 Weekly First Prize Winners will receive four admissions to SeaWorld Orlando valid for use in 2013 to experience Antarctica first hand.

For more information about the Epic Voyage, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com/Antarctica, where you’re able to watch videos, sign up for emails, learn about penguins and Antarctica, enter the Family Voyage sweepstakes, and find the best vacation values to start planning your next voyage to SeaWorld Orlando.

The Epic Voyage schedule:

BOSTON	PHILADELPHIA
Boston Globe Travel Show	King of Prussia MallFebruary 23-24
Seaport World Trade Center
February 8-10
WASHINGTON D.C.	JACKSONVILLE
Washington, D.C. Travel & Adventure Show	The Avenues Mall
March 9-10	March 23-24
ATLANTA
April dates TBD
MIAMI	MIAMI
Miami Dolphins Fin Fest 2013	Aventura Mall
Saturday, April 27	May 4-5

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Press Release: Dark Sky Festival in Harmony FL Feb 2

Press Release:

HARMONY, FL – December 12, 2012 --- On the first Saturday in February 2013, the general public is invited to attend the 10th Annual Dark Sky Festival at Harmony, an evening of celebration and education with a primary focus on the benefits of a night sky free from the effects of excessive artificial lighting. The purpose of the event is to expose people of all ages to the marvels of astronomy and the importance of protecting dark skies --- not just for astronomy purposes, but also for the values that darkness provides to area wildlife. Now in it’s tenth year, this family-friendly festival is FREE and open to all. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. and continue until 10 p.m.

“It has been a wonderful experience watching our festival grow year after year, ” said Greg Golgowski, Harmony’s full-time Conservation Director. “Our hope is to increase awareness of the affects of light pollution and offer simple solutions in a fun atmosphere.”

The event is held outdoors in low light conditions on the streets, sidewalks and park located in Harmony Town Square. Amateur astronomers from around the state set up their telescopes and invite guests to view the skies. The astronomers welcome any questions and are always more than willing to share their knowledge of the night skies.

The 2013 event will feature:

• Speakers from NASA, Seminole State College Planetarium, International Dark Sky Association, and more
• Two mobile planetariums with on-going presentations & NASA Exhibit Display
• Over 50 telescopes for public viewing of a wide variety of planets and galaxies
• A variety of kids activities including Mad Science, demos from a variety of high school robotics clubs, Kids Zone (including a Ferris Wheel, Caterpillar Ride, Gyroscope, and more)

In addition, there will be lots of music and food, numerous specialty booths, and presentations from scientists and other experts. Attendees may even bump into a character or two from Star Wars.


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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Press Release: discounts to first responders at La Nouba

Press Release:

La Nouba salutes Florida’s Emergency First Responders with Local Heroes Offer

Emergency Personnel get 35% off Category 3 seats

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. – La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil introduces a Local Heroes offer for Florida’s police officers, firefighters and emergency medical service personnel in honor of their service to our communities. The Cirque du Soleil show, located at Downtown Disney’s West Side, wanted to kick off the new year with a special rate that salutes everyday heroes. “This is La Nouba’s way of saying ‘thank you’ to those who make a difference in the lives of our artists, employees and guests,” says Neil Boyd, Company Manager for La Nouba.

Seen by more than 8 million guests, La Nouba features high wire and flying trapeze acts, stunning acro-gymnastic performances and other dynamic displays of coordination and strength.  

The Local Heroes offer features 35% off Category 3 seats starting January 17. The discount applies to Tuesday through Saturday performances from January 29 through March 9. La Nouba is performed exclusively at Downtown Disney® West Side at Walt Disney World® Resort.

TICKET INFORMATION  The Local Heroes Offer Category 3 seats for La Nouba are $48.75 (adult) and $39.00 (child), plus tax. Tickets are available for purchase online at cirquedusoleil.com/lanouba, by phone at (407) 939-7328 or at the box office located on the plaza level of the theater. Florida Emergency Responder Personnel ID required. Tickets are subject to availability and restrictions apply.  

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE  Tuesdays through Saturdays at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.  The theater is dark Sundays and Mondays. For details, visit Cirquedusoleil.com/LaNouba.  

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Miceage 1/13 - Splitsville, IBM Think, France Bakery, SeaWorld #justforkids http://micechat.com/19661-splitsville

Enough happens in O-Town that it’s impossible for a single person to see everything, especially if trying to cram it all in on weekends. So it happens sometimes that I’m very late to the party, which is the case with this week’s topic: the Downtown Disney bowling alley, Splitsville (which opened several weeks ago). Verdict: a big thumbs up. This is a win for the outside company that built/runs it, and it’s a win for Disney in all the right ways.

Occupying the site of the former Virgin Megastore in the West End section of DtD, Splitsville sounded like a good idea when it was announced. It would surely be more of a draw that the Virgin store, which felt frankly like just a shopping experience you might find in any mall. There was nothing distinctive about it particularly. When Virgin closed, it was followed by a Princess Diana gallery that charged too much money and didn’t allow photos…and didn’t last very long. Then came the RC car Ridemakerz, which was at least interesting and different, but very much a mismatch for the cavernous space of the former Virgin store. When it moved to take up residence in the back half of another Disney shop (a much better fit), the space was ripe for a new concept, and Splitsville sounded fun.

The basic idea is retro-cool colors and designs paired with modern amenities and a busy hipster vibe. At least for right now, while interest and crowds are high, it works. There’s a hive of activity on weekend nights anyway (also true of midweek?) that makes the place seem desirable and inviting. But the layout and overall design aesthetic would probably draw folks in even if it were empty. Without getting too technical in the reasons why, let’s just say that the design works. There’s a “Vacation Kingdom” mural in one corner of the first floor, and there are few things as retro-cool as that on the entire WDW property.

This time around, I didn’t even bowl (my wife had done it earlier, though, and liked it, even though the lanes felt awfully close to each other in her view). The designs on each lane are shimmering with opalescent colors in a way that reminds me of the 1960s without actually looking 50 years old. That’s impressive. What excited me, though, was the seating for each lane. Rather than the customary chairs, they have padded bench seating around a table. Your chairs, in other words, double as a dining table. Love it! It’s like they merged an Applebee’s and a bowling lane, and the marriage was made in heaven. That puts the emphasis on the food.


Read more at MiceAge: http://micechat.com/19661-splitsville
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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

"Many Languages" finale of Small World gutted and empty (pics)

Took a ride on Small World on 1/13 and saw to my surprise that the finale was just gone. After the "white" room came a room with nothing it in; just bare black walls and a few show lights. 

 

It's a fair assumption that something new will go in here that ties in to the NextGen initiative. Maybe dolls that know your name and say something personal to you?

Here's how the finale used to look:

In the middle of all that was this sign:

Take a closer look. Doesn't that look like "Say what the crap?"

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

New IBM Think Exhibit in Epcot references 1977 science movie Powers of Ten

I'll have photos soon of the IBM Think Exhibit in Innoventions, new this week in Epcot. But something in the new show caught my eye immediately. There's a scene where the camera zooms in from space to the U.S. Midwest, then to a lakeside park, then down to a picnic blanket and a happy couple. I knew this image; it was in a science film from my youth. Specifically, it was called Powers of Ten (1977) and showed what changing the magnification did to scale.

When I got home, I looked up an image from the old movie, and compared it to a photo I'd snapped in the attraction. Pretty close, don't you think? (click for a larger version)

I was impressed by how much the new version tried to mimic the details. There's a picnic basket up top with the blue/white checker design. There are two blankets, with different designs. It's odd they didn't reproduce the colors exactly. Specifically, the man's shirt went from pink to red... maybe they feel pink is out? The woman's colors appear roughly the same. As does the placement of the food.

In case you wanted to see the original 1977 movie, here it is:



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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Limited Time Magic #2 - Another Dud (ruminations and suggestions)

Disney today announced the second Limited Time Magic offering at WDW (the followup to the largely irrelevant "Bling in the New Year" dance party in Tomorrowland). This time it's a Winter Wonderland in Canada! 

Didn't we just see Donald in winter outfit and a winter landscape (Christmas tree lot) at the upcharge Christmas parties? This isn't very special.

Plus, it's going to be like 85 degrees this weekend. I'm not even kidding. It's that hot in Orlando in mid-January this year. Part of me wants to see what they do with that!

Disney World has had two chances, and two strikes so far. Third strike and you're out?

There just isn't a lot of imagination going into this. The CONCEPT of limited magic is not that bad. They could do any number of things in these categories:

1. Characters we never see (Tod and Copper, Gurgi, Cinderella mice, Zazu) as walkarounds. There are literally hundreds they could choose from.
2. Things that USED to be in the parks but aren't anymore. Disneyland got Golden Horseshoe back briefly. So far, WDW has gotten nothing. They could do this with very little budget. Change the TTA soundtrack back. Put the cake castle on the projector full time every evening. 
3. Tweak the park experience. I can name, with literally no thought, a bunch of low cost things to do. Make Space Mountain totally black for a week; no lights. Or another week with lights ON! How about Peter Pan with audio from the movie rather than the usual ride audio - maybe just songs on repeat? What if they changed all the TTA PeopleMover lightbulbs to be bright orange for a week?

Alas, what we've gotten instead displays no creativity whatsoever. The New Year party fits into a category called "New Atmosphere Acts" which could sound cool if only they were actually interesting. The Winter Wonderland is a category I will call "Steal from Private Parties" - meaning they use costumes and decorations they already own and everyone sees once a year anyway.

It's supposed to be limited time MAGIC, not limited time BUSINESS AS USUAL.

Of course, they could always think big. Why not install meet and greets with the various Star Wars characters (which they now own)... there must be 52 of those, one per week!

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

MiceAge 1/10 - DisneyQuest Stagnation

There’s a lot to like about DisneyQuest. It’s a five story arcade that lets you play games all day for one price. Even if you paid full price ($46) it could end up being a bargain if you’re the sort of person who could play video games–and other interactive experiences and simulators–all day long. I’m that kind of person, so I like the idea of DisneyQuest. More people end up here because it’s included with the “Water Parks & More” add-on to the base park tickets. Since they “paid” for it, many people figure they might as well drop by and experience it.

One assumes they don’t have a super high level of expectation. After all, most of them didn’t shell out money specifically for this admission. By the time they arrive, many consider it a “bonus” (even though they did, in fact, pay for it. This is the magic of all-encompassing vacations and pre-paid vacations) and as such probably won’t get too indignant if the experience doesn’t measure up.

For the most part, the experience DOES measure up. There are actually five floors of games and experiences. Everything is included in the cost. The games are routinely cycled out and replaced by new ones. They have somewhat new four person air hockey here (though not the divinely fun Pac Man Smash Air Hockey I saw at IAAPA this year, which apparently is elsewhere on Disney property for people who pay for each game). The vintage games section is supposed to be vintage, and it’s fine. The modern games section really does have mostly modern games. And it really is possible to spend a long afternoon here, or even the entire day.

Scratch at the surface a little bit, though, and it’s not hard to see that the “magic” here has some rough edges. Some of the signage is peeling, and the laminate covering is pulling away. This sort of thing doesn’t happen overnight–it must have been a long time building up. When I worked in restaurants at Disneyland a couple decades ago, this would have gotten someone in big trouble. Let’s think about this for a second. What are the various ways this could have come to still be on display for the paying public to see?


Either (1) no one has reported it or (2) it’s not being fixed because of budget. The budget part could be because there is no money for new signs–it just gets deferred to the next refurb–or because there are not enough maintenance workers at night to fix all the problems (which would still be a budget thing). I don’t know which it is, and at some level I don’t care. What matters is the final outcome and what the paying public is seeing.

There are beaten up walls, scratches and dings all over. Some of this is unavoidable. It is, after all, a working facility pummeled by hundreds of visitors a day. But even given that extra latitude, it’s hard to reconcile the reality of what’s on the walls with the image of pristine environments that used to be the hallmark of Disney parks and attractions. It’s just so much. Individually it’s easy to explain away dings and scratches, but on a cumulative level they just add up to imply, subtly but firmly, that the place is run-down.


Read the rest of the article: http://micechat.com/19295-disneyquest-stagnation/


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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

SeaWorld's Just For Kids Festival (Schedule)

Press Release:

SEAWORLD ORLANDO’S JUST FOR KIDS FESTIVAL IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER

Featuring performances by kids’ favorite entertainers, party zone area and more

 

 

ORLANDO, Fla. (January 9, 2013) – Little ones can sing, dance and play the day away, Saturdays at SeaWorld starting January 12. Families can see live performances from popular kid-acts and groove to the music, enjoy kid-size rides and meet furried friends up close while spending a family fun day together at SeaWorld.  Just for Kids is included in SeaWorld admission and takes place Saturdays from January 12 – February 2.

 

The best way to experience all of the fun, music, treats and more at Just for Kids is with a Fun Card, where Florida residents pay for a day and play all year through Dec. 31, 2013.  Fun Card members can enjoy all four weeks of Just for Kids fun and all of the amazing special events throughout the year, plus the unforgettable animal encounters, world-class thrill rides and family fun found only at SeaWorld.

The 2013 Just for Kids Festival concert lineup includes:

 

Saturday, January 12    Imagination MoversEmmy-winners Rich, Scott, Dave and Smitty of the hit Disney Junior show Imagination Movers will perform their most crowd pleasing tunes along with each Movers' favorite songs.

 

Saturday, January 19     Laurie Berkner – Solo Performance

Laurie Berkner is a children’s recording artist and author whose music videos regularly appear on Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr. Berkner has also appeared on FX network's American Baby Show, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and is the recipient of Parent's Guide to Children's Media Award.

 

Saturday, January 26    Choo-Choo Soul with Genevieve

Starring Genevieve Goings, Choo-Choo Soul allows parents to enjoy the same music their kids do. Featuring soulful and current renditions of the ABC’s, 1-2-3’s, and learning how to be polite, Choo-Choo Soul is a diverse and incredibly hip duo, teaching children through music on an animated train.

 

Saturday, February 4     Kratt Brothers Live featuring the stars of Wild Kratts

The Kratt Brothers are Chris and Martin Kratt and they are the creators and producers of the widely popular children’s animated series Wild Kratts that airs on PBS. They are the recipients of the 2012 Parents’ Choice Recommended Award.

 

Concerts are included with park admission, with show times at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at SeaWorld’s Nautilus Theater. Guests will need to pick up concert tickets across from Nautilus Theater in order to attend the shows. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 9 a.m. each event day         

 

Just For Kids Festival Highlights:

 

New! Franklin, from the beloved children’s show Franklin and Friends™

Franklin will be located near Pelican Preserve, across from Flamingo Point for meet and greet opportunities, autographs and photos at select times throughout the day.  Exclusive Franklin-branded merchandise will also be available.

 

New! Elmo Rocks! (Located at Seafire Inn)

Join Elmo, Cookie Monster, Zoe, Abby Cadabby, Bert and Ernie for their very own rock concert! Great music, dancing and lots of audience participation are what you'll find when you come see this brand new show.

 

New! Enhanced Ocean Adventures Kids Program

Children will enjoy a fun, educational, card collecting program, also included with admission. Children will look for the Sea Star icons inside the park (detailed on their event map), where they’ll partake in exciting educational activities. At each location kids will collect a stamp and a limited edition Just For Kids Explorer’s card.  Once they visit all four locations, they’ll receive a coupon to redeem at select gift shops for a special prize.  Limit one prize per participating child.

 

 

Great Eats & Concert Seats:

 

Reserve your seats to the show by pre-purchasing one of the below dining options.  Guests must arrive at the theater 15 minutes prior to showtime to guarantee seating. Reservations and park admission are required to purchase either breakfast.

 

Elmo’s VIP Character Breakfast - 9 a.m. at Sharks Underwater Grill

Have breakfast with Elmo and one of his special Sesame Street friends at the Elmo VIP Character Breakfast. Families will enjoy a full-service breakfast experience at Sharks Underwater Grill.  Following breakfast, little ones, (and parents, too), will visit with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends for photo memories that will last a lifetime. Each family will receive one complimentary photo. Those attending the 9 a.m. VIP breakfast will receive VIP seating for the 11 a.m. Just For Kids concert.  

 

Shamu & Friends Character Breakfast Buffet at Terrace Garden – 2 seatings, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Join SeaWorld characters for meet-and-greet opportunities and photos, plus receive guaranteed admission to specific concerts.

 

Fun Cards are available at SeaWorldOrlando.com, at the front gate, or by calling 1-888-800-5447. Event dates, times and artists are subject to change. Performances are included with any daily admission or annual pass. Concert seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Concert dates and artists are subject to change. 

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Press Release: Legoland FL's full 2013 calendar of events

Press Release:

Winter Haven, Fla. (January 7, 2013) – LEGOLAND® Florida kicks off the year with a full line-up of action-packed fun for 2013 with special events specifically geared towards families with children age 2 to 12. From LEGO® Friends Weekend to Kids’ New Year’s Eve, guests will want to return again and again to enjoy a full year of LEGOLAND® Florida’s special events and more than 50 rides, shows and attractions. All events are included with regular park admission. Families will also enjoy more hours of interactive family-fun with extended daily operating hours for 2013, 9:30am — 6:00pm. Operating hours are extended even further for certain special events. Operating hours are available at www.legoland.com.     

•       Junior Master Model Builder is a fun and interactive LEGO® building competition that takes place quarterly. Guests are invited to participate and build a model that follows the designated LEGO theme for each competition. Quarterly winners receive special prizes and will be invited to participate in the Ultimate Build Off at the end of the year.

•       January 26 and 27, 2013: LEGO City Theme

•       May 4 and 5, 2013: Yoda Chronicles Theme

•       July 4 and 5, 2013: Independence Day Theme

•       November 9 and 10, 2013: LEGO Chima Theme

•       LEGO® Friends Weekend is a daytime party for girls that includes a LEGO Friends building event, entertainment, games, activities, a chance to meet your favorite character and much more. This second annual event celebrates girls and their personal individuality, just like the LEGO Friends product line for girls.

February 9 and 10, 2013

•       LEGOLAND Water Park, a park within a park, re-opens with a splash and just in time for spring break and summer-time fun. Guests of all ages can spend a full day of play in the water park with the Build-A-Raft River, where guests can build their own LEGO inner tubes and float down a 1,000-foot lazy river, the DUPLO® Splash Safari, the Joker Soaker water playground, a 583,000-gallon wave pool and five slippery-fast water slides. Opens March 9 and runs through the end of October. Daily operational hours vary and can be found at www.legoland.com.
March 9, 2013

·         Winter Haven Hospital Foundation’s Citrus Classic 5K Run and Fun Walk*allows runners and walkers to “play their part” during this community-wide health event designed for participants of all ages. Participants receive exclusive discounts for post-event park admission. Visit www.legoland.com for event registration fees and processes.

April 6, 2013                                                                                                                                                                      

•       LEGO® Star Wars^TM Days is a thrilling event where guests will feel the power of the force. Celebrating all-things Star Wars^TM, guests will enjoy reliving the Star Wars^TM saga in the park’s newest expansion of Miniland USA where the six live-action Star Wars^TM movies, as well as a scene from the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars™ are created of more than 1.5 million LEGO bricks. Guests will enjoy a Yoda Scavenger Hunt and a special LEGO Yoda build activity.
May 4 and 5, 2013

·         Red, Brick & Boom allows guests to celebrate the 4^th of July with a bang at this second annual Independence Day event.  With special viewing glasses that turn ordinary fireworks into millions of exploding bricks, this July 4^th celebration is sure to dazzle and delight with three nights of family fun and fireworks.July 4, 5 and 6, 2013

•       Brick-or-Treat offers safe and family-friendly Halloween festivities every Saturday and Sunday in October. This spooky, kooky event features a Haunted Scavenger Hunt in Miniland USA, trick-or-treating along the brick-or-treat trail, LEGO build activities, the largest LEGO Jack-O-Lantern in the world, Halloween entertainment and an all-kids costume contest with brick-tastic prizes!

Weekends in October 2013

•       Christmas Bricktacular brings in the holiday season with a 30-foot tall LEGO Christmas tree made of 270,000 LEGO bricks, festive decorations, LEGO build activity stations, a LEGO Santa Scavenger Hunt and holiday entertainment. LEGO Santa and LEGO Toy Soldier make daily appearances in the park providing a perfect family photo opportunity.

Weekends in December 2013

•       Countdown to Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party features nightly fireworks over Lake Eloise. Watch the spectacular fireworks explode into millions of tiny LEGO bricks with special viewing glasses. December 26-30, 2013

•       Kids’ New Year’s Eve is the perfect way to bring in the new year with the family where the giant LEGO brick drops at a very kid-friendly midnight KST (Kid Standard Time) – otherwise known as 6 p.m. EST. Other event elements include a spectacular fireworks show and a DJ dance party in Miniland USA.
December 31, 2013

All events (*except Citrus Classic 5K) are included with regular park admission. The best way to experience LEGOLAND Florida is with the new LEGOLAND Florida Resident Pass starting at just $10 per month after a down payment (only $159 for adults, only $129 for children/seniors). Pass members receive unlimited admission for 12 months to LEGOLAND Florida and the LEGOLAND Water Park, as well as all other Merlin US attractions (LEGOLAND California & Water Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers, Sea Life Centers and Madam Tussauds), free parking and 10% off food and merchandise with no black-out dates. The Monthly Payment Plan includes a down payment of $57.24 with a monthly payment of $9.26 for an adult and a $46.44 down payment with a monthly payment of only $7.51 (pre-tax) for a child/senior. For the most current information on special events, daily operating hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Hidden Mickey in Magic Mirror room (ceiling)

Look up when you stand in front of the Magic Mirror in Maurice's Cottage, part of Enchanted Tales with Belle, and you'll see this great Hidden Mickey!

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.