AMC Dine in Theater Review #AMCDIT

I scored a press invite Wednesday night to the new AMC dine-in theater, and man, was it impressive. I think I’ll be doing this full-time from now on. In short: expect to pay $2 more per seat, but you’ll reap the benefits of a much larger chair, a guilt-free recline in a disturb-free zone you can truly call your own, a fantastic footrest, and—oh yeah—the chance to order food and unlimited drink refills directly to your theater seat.

Backing up a bit, let’s explain the set up. AMC at Downtown Disney still has ‘regular’ theaters available, but half of the facility has been converted to the “Dine In” format. Think: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at DHS, but done in a standard movie theater format (sloping ‘stadium’ style seating).

In short, it’s a real restaurant experience. You order, they bring it to you. Pretty fast, too. Because they use PDA-style electronic tablets, the back kitchen hears the order before the server leaves your area. That’s not to say glitches can’t happen—my drink was apparently forgotten—but my server noticed it eventually.

There’s a button on the table in front of you, very much like you might use on an airplane to summon a flight attendant. Whenever you want a refill (or to pay your bill), you click this on, and instantly a display lights up at the back of the theater, summoning your server to you.

There are low-level lights on, even during the movie, but they didn’t bother me one iota. My wife, who is shorter than I am, reported later that she found the lights distracting. One strategy could be to block the lights with your menu, which stays on the table even after you order.

The seats are roomy in the extreme. They are comfortable. More to the point, they recline and you can put your feet up on the handy footrail provided. Best of all, no one behind you will kick your chair—because they are unlikely to reach your chair in the first place. Their own table gets in the way. In essence, you have your own cocoon space, and you won’t be disturbed.

Speaking purely for myself, I’ll be happy to pay the extra cost for such a seat in the future, even if I don’t order much from the menu. And it’s not as if the menu is substandard. Here’s the list of food items:

Crab Rangoon Dip - $7.99
Loaded Potato Skins - $2.99
Wings and Things Sampler - $12.99
Veggie Triple Feature - $7.99
Parmesan fries - $6.99
Queso Blanco Dip and Chips - $6.99
Homestyle Chili Bowl - $7.99
Sweet Onion Loops - $6.99
Buffalo Chicken Wings - $8.99
Double Cheese Batons - $7.99
Wedge Salad - $8.99
Fruit Salad - $9.99
Caesar Salad - $8.99
Asian Chicken Salad - $10.99
Thai Coconut Chicken Tenders - $11.99
Chicken Tenders - $11.99
Buffalo Chicken Tenders - $11.99
Fried Shrimp - $12.99
Chicken Mac and Cheese - $10.99
Fish and Chips - $11.99
Country Fried Steak - $11.99
Chicken Alfredo - $11.99
Smoked Brisket Quesadillas - $10.99
Chicken Quesadillas - $9.99
Veggie Quesadillas - $8.99
Southwest Fajita Chicken Wrap - $8.99
Lime Chicken Griller - $8.99
Roast Turkey Club - $8.99
BLT Cheese Griller - $8.99
Prime Rib Griller - $9.99
Smoked Salmon BLT - $10.99
Blue Max Burger - $9.99
Mushroom and Baby Swiss Burger - $9.99
Bacon Cheeseburger - $9.99
Cheeseburger - $9.49
Buffalo Chicken Flatbread - $9.99
Tuscan Pepperoni Flatbread - $9.99
Italiano Flatbread - $10.99
Margherita Flatbread - $9.99
Kids Meal - $6.99 – choice of cheese quesadilla, chicken quesadilla, chicken tenders, grilled cheese, flatbread pizzetta.

Dine In Theater looks like Sci Fi theater at DHS

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MacGuffins Bar greets you inside AMC

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Dine in Theater First Look

It's opulent in this lounge. And the food looks yummy. More soon #AMCDIT




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AMC dine in theater tonight!

I'll be sampling the new AMC Dine In Theater tonight at Downtown Disney. More info soon! #AMCDIT


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Disney 40th Anniversary Posters, unofficial

Fan Stefan Lawrence created these unofficial posters to honor WDW's 40th. Enjoy!

May 20 wine/dinner at Rosen Centre

Rosen Centre Pairs Wines that Rock with Legendary Cuisines in "Rock & Roll Hall of Fame" Themed Vine & Dine Dinner: Six-Course Dinner Features Rockin' Wine Collection Inspired by Woodstock, The Police, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and "The King"

ORLANDO (May 4, 2011) - The stage is set and the stars are ready to shine at the third installment of Rosen Centre's Vine & Dine 2011 wine pairing dinner series, "Rock & Roll Hall of Fame." For one night only, Friday, May 20, Rosen Centre's award-winning chefs will prepare a gourmet six-course meal inspired by the legends of rock & roll and pair each course or "track" with selections from the Wines That Rock collection developed by "rock star" winemaker Mark Beaman of the Mendocino Wine Company. Normally a five-course event, this special music-themed extravaganza comes with a bonus track - an additional course for the same price, just $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

The opening act begins at 7 p.m. with a "Pre-Party Party" in Everglades Bar where guests can mingle and unwind with a glass of Rock & Roll Wine Punch. The group then adjourns to Everglades restaurant, offering a comfortable, yet refined setting that evokes the natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere of the Florida Everglades, for a six-course, gourmet dinner highlighted by fresh, seasonal ingredients and wines expertly selected to complement the cuisine. During dinner, guests may engage in casual conversation about wines with an experienced wine maker or knowledgeable sommelier chosen for each event. Guests can also enter to win exciting raffle prizes, such as bottles of wine, wine-related items or hotel stays. An intimate dining experience, each Vine & Dine event is limited to no more than 40 guests, ensuring personal attention for each attendee.

Track One pays homage to Woodstock with a Flower Power Salad of Gravlox, Organic Greens and Edible Flowers, complemented with a Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette, paired with the Woodstock Chardonnay. Called "sunshine in a bottle," the wine features rich pear, mineral and papaya aromas complemented with fresh flavors of Asian pear apple, citrus and tropical fruit.

Track Two channels the magic of Sting and company, with THE POLICE Synchronicity Red, featuring aromas of fresh rose petals and wild berries and flavors of juicy strawberry and bright raspberry with a lush lingering finish. The refreshing red is paired with Wild Boar Sausage, Wild Mushroom Polenta and Grilled Ramps.

Track Three cleanses the palate with a Psychedelic Sorbet in preparation for the headliners -Tracks Four and Five... Track Four, the Orange Duck Ravioli with Meyer Lemon Ricotta, sautéed Snow Peas, Carrots and Red Peppers, garnished with Candied Orange, is the perfect partner to ROLLING STONE'S Forty Licks Merlot, which features aromas of black cherry with hints of mint and robust notes of plum, brown sugar, cinnamon and cedar. Track Five is sure to top the charts with a Sundried Cherry Glazed Venison Chop, served in a Port Wine Sauce and accompanied by Full Moon Beets and Granny Smith Apple Doughnuts. The main course is paired with PINK FLOYD'S Dark Side of the Moon Cabernet Sauvignon, featuring aromas of black currant and cherry, followed by rich flavors of cassis, toasted vanilla bean and hints of chocolate.

A rock & roll dinner wouldn't be complete without a course inspired by "The King." The dessert course inspired by Elvis - a Peanut Butter and Banana MilleFeuille, or Napoleon pastry -will most certainly have guests saying, "Thank you, thank you very much."

Each wine in the Wines That Rock collection was created by Beaman with the albums and artists specifically in mind. For instance, Beaman explained PINK FLOYD's Dark Side of the Moon Cabernet Sauvignon this way, "It needed to be a wine that was haunting...There's going to be other things that you probably never recognized before that are in this wine just because it's so jam-packed with complexity, like the album it can take and transport you to different places."

Remaining "Vine & Dine" events for 2011 include:

· Friday, May 20 - "Rock & Roll Hall of Fame" - A backstage pass to dinner inspired by Rock legends.

· Friday, July 22 - "All American Campfire" - Summertime comfort food goes gourmet.

· Friday, October 28 - "Vine & Dine Spooktacular" - A costume party with a surprise menu (The Trick) and the best wines from the cellar (The Treats!) for an amazing value, just $75 per person.

The cost of each Vine & Dine dinner is $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity, with the exception of the Halloween "Spooktacular," which is $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Diners may make their evenings even more special by spending the night in deluxe guest room for a special rate of only $89 plus tax. As with all Rosen Centre dining experiences, valet parking is complimentary.

For Vine & Dine reservations and more details, call 407 996-8560. For more information, visit www.evergladesrestaurant.com or www.rosencentre.com.

Universal Orlando's summer concert series

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT ANNOUNCES 2011 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES LINEUP

Guests Can Have A Blast At A Live Performance By One of Today’s Music Superstars
As Part Of Admission To Universal Studios Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. (May 3, 2011) – This summer, Universal Orlando Resort’s 2011 Summer Concert Series will feature the most dynamic lineup in the event’s history. Six hit artists – including Drake, Boys Like Girls and Trey Songz – will take center stage every Saturday night from June 11 to July 16.

With a combined total of 30 platinum albums, this year’s concert lineup features artists who have each led the U.S. music charts. The list of performers includes: Drake – one of only two musical artists to have his first two Top 10 songs occur in the same week; Grammy award-winning hip-hop artist Nelly; legendary female rock band Go-Go’s – who have their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; and multi-platinum rockers Third Eye Blind. The full lineup, including performance dates, can be viewed below.

In its third year, the Summer Concert Series has become one of Orlando’s most popular summertime events. By day, guests can enjoy world-class thrills found only at Universal Studios, such as The Simpsons Ride – featuring America’s favorite animated family – and Revenge of the Mummy – the world’s first psychological thrill ride based on the popular “Mummy” films. By night, guests can dance along to a live concert at the Music Plaza Stage in the glow of colorful LED lights from Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – Universal Orlando’s most radically-innovative roller coaster ever created.


SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2011 LINEUP



June 11
Go-Go’s

June 18
Nelly

June 25
Third Eye Blind

July 2
Trey Songz

July 9
Boys Like Girls

July 16
Drake


The Summer Concert Series is included with regular park admission to Universal Studios. Guests can upgrade a one-park ticket to include Universal’s Islands of Adventure – featuring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the most spectacularly themed environment ever created.

For more information on the Summer Concert Series or special offers available to guests, please visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Summer.

May Events outside Disney:

May 14-15 will be a big weekend at Disney. In addition to the D23 "Destination D" convention (and scavenger hunt), there's the Pixar Weekend at Epcot's Flower and Garden. But there's other stuff happening nearby, too:

Fantasy of Flight:
"D-Day: Invasion of Normandy" symposiums will take place May 13 and 14 in an open-forum, question-and-answer type setting with a meet-and-greet to follow.


Zumbathon Fundraiser for Japan Relief

To help raise funds for Japan relief, the Harris Rosen Foundation is hosting a Zumbathon class at Rosen Shingle Creek.

Event Name Zumbathon Fundraiser for Japan Relief

Date Saturday, May 14

Start Time 5:00 p.m.

End Time 7:00 p.m.

Location Rosen Shingle Creek
9939 Universal Blvd.
Orlando, FL

Registration (required or not) No

Event Description Come join the fun for a special two-hour Zumba class to benefit Japan Relief. All proceeds will go to the Harris Rosen Foundation to then be donated to Japan Relief. A $10 minimum donation is suggested.

URL https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=195359307166193

Orlando food truck bazaar is back, Sunday night 5/1

Orlando Food Truck Bazaar #2

Sunday May 1st, 2011
7pm - 12am
Dillards parking lot at Fashion Square Mall, Colonial Drive
Admission is free, the food is not.


TRUCKS
Red Eye BBQ
Korean BBQ Taco Box
CK Jerk Shack Island BBQ
Firehouse BBQ
Big Wheel Provisions
The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck
The Taco Lady
Papusas
Winter Park Fish Company
The Crooked Spoon
The Treehouse Truck
The Traveling Gourmet
The Wing Commander
Sunset Ice
Country Chuck Wagon

Legoland presale annual passes still on sale until May 1

Only a couple of days remain to purchase annual passes (adult and child) for $99, which includes fall 2011 and all of 2012.  On May 1, prices go up to $129 (plus tax).  Passes and single-day tickets can be purchased at LEGOLAND.com.

Legoland has released a new video:




Master model builders, who have one of the coolest jobs on the planet, are beginning the painstaking task of creating and caring for the nearly 15,000 LEGO® models that will be on display in the new park.

From an exact-replica White House complete with “mini figs” of the First Family to pterodactyls, tigers and treasure-seeking pirates, the models are being built in Winter Haven as well as Germany, Denmark, Malaysia and California.  The models are made of thousands of LEGO® bricks and can weigh up to 2,000 pounds.

When the park opens in October of this year, more than 50 million LEGO® bricks will have been used in its construction.

Chick with Rescued Sandhill Crane: A Cute Story of Sandhill Surrogacy

From the SeaWorld Press department:

(Monday, April 25, 2011) Orlando, FL – While caring for two rescued sandhill cranes – an injured adult and an orphaned chick – SeaWorld’s aviculture team put their problem-solving skills to work to create a successful surrogacy.

A few weeks ago, an adult sandhill crane was brought to SeaWorld with a rubber gasket around his bill. Not only was the crane incapable of eating, but the proper growth of its bill was also in jeopardy.

Once SeaWorld’s veterinarians removed the gasket, the aviculture team spent weeks giving the sandhill around-the-clock care. Thankfully, the adult sandhill crane has had a right-on-schedule recovery, and he just so happened to make a friend while doing so.

While caring for the adult crane, SeaWorld’s team rescued a newly hatched sandhill crane chick. Years of experience told the team that if a chick isn’t around other cranes during its early months, the possibility of imprinting on a human increases, making it difficult to return the chick to the wild when ready.    

The team came up with a unique solution:  Pair the two birds together. 

It is sometimes difficult for orphaned chicks to be tolerated by older cranes that are not familiar with them, but when the adult crane was placed with the orphaned chick, they took an instant liking to each other. The adult sandhill is currently acting as a surrogate, and the fuzzy chick is mimicking and learning crane behaviors, just like it would in the wild.

Eric Reece, SeaWorld’s Supervisor of Aviculture, adds, “The fact that the adult crane took to the chick bodes well for the development of the chick. It is now growing and doing well.”

So what does the future hold for these two pals? SeaWorld Orlando’s Aviculture Team plans to release the adult and chick together, once the chick learns to fly and the adult is fully recovered.

 

 

The Cuban sandhill and Mississippi sandhill are both subspecies of cranes that are listed as endangered and are protected under the Endangered Species Act.

SeaWorld's animal rescue team is on call 24/7 to save and care for injured, orphaned or ill animals.

 

If orphaned sandhill chicks aren’t around other sandhill cranes during their early months, they could imprint on humans. This dramatically decreases their chances of survival when they are released back into the wild. .

 

These two took an instant liking to each other, which means great things for the chick’s development.

 

This orphaned chick needed to be around other cranes in order to learn specific crane behaviors.

Universal Orlando to announce new attraction on May 19th

Today Universal Orlando Resort set the bait on a trap that will drop on May 19th. That's when they'll be announcing the details for a brand new major attraction at one of its theme parks. No further details than that, but already speculation is running wild?

Is this just a replacement for Jimmy Newtron or the rumored Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion? What's your best guess?

Highest gas prices in the USA here in Orlando

It made national news yesterday (saw it on CNN.com) - a Suncoast gas station near Orlando International Airport is $5.69 a gallon. I stopped by today to take a look (but not fill up).




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Orlando Thrill Park fails to pass first regulatory hurdle

Developers of a new theme park to be located across the freeway from Universal Orlando will have to regroup now that the Orlando Thrill Park failed to pass its first major regulatory hurdle. The Orlando Zoning board decided it just didn't have enough details on how much sound would drift over into a nearby neighborhood from the theme park's attractions. This means the Orlando Thrill Park will now have to hope that the city council will give them another chance.

While I love the idea of another theme park with an emphasis on the thrill ride aspect that teenagers often bemoan as missing from the current line up of parks in Orlando, I was never totally taken by the location. Sure, it had great visibility from the freeway but it lacked easy access via roads. I also worried that the park would quickly become boxed in by the very small 70 acres plot of land.

Even if this plot of land doesn't work out, I hope they're able to find a home somewhere... perhaps a bit further south on I-4... like say near the Gaylord Palms. I'm sure Osceola County would love the tax revenue if Orange County does not.

(via the Orlando Sentinel)

Great American Pie Festival is this weekend in Celebration

Want free pie this weekend? The first person to comment on this story on ultimateorlando.com (not twitter or facebook) will win a four-pack of tickets to the all-you-can-eat pie celebration discussed below, which takes place this weekend (obviously, only comment if you are able to be here and collect the tickets!)

ORLANDO (April 4, 2011) -- On April 9 and 10, 2011, pie lovers, tasters and bakers will gather in Celebration, Fla., for two very sweet days at the APC Great American Pie Festival sponsored by Crisco®. Now in its tenth year, this pie extravaganza dishes up luscious layers of fun for the young and the young at heart. Whether looking to enjoy some of the most delectable desserts in America or simply partake in one of the many entertainment and baking demonstrations staged along Main Street in one of America's most charming small towns, attendees are sure to enjoy pure pie perfection.


From top crust to two crust, juicy to sweet, chocolate to custard all matter of flavors and fillings will flow forth for two full days in April to the delight of an anticipated 28,000 pie lovers from around the world.

Presented by the American Pie Council® (APC) - an organization dedicated to preserving America's pie heritage - the popular festival returns to Celebration with all the activities that have made it a favorite event for families and remains free open to the public.

Whether bonafide pie lovers or casual nibblers looking for an afternoon of fun, Orlando residents and visitors are invited to stroll through the free-admission festival and enjoy two days of family fun, reminiscent of days gone by. The Crisco® Kids Creation Station will give aspiring young bakers an opportunity to create their own pies or enjoy some fun with pie decorating, pie-scaping, Piecasso tin art and many more activities! The Pietopia Demonstration Stage sponsored by Village Inn and Bakers Square Restaurants will feature entertainment and baking demonstrations with chefs from across the country. Of course, the Great American Pie Festival would not be complete without a Pie Eating Contest, sponsored by Private Selection. Attendees may opt to dig in and compete or simply sit back and enjoy the show. All festival events will be held both days.
As the festival favorite for the past nine years, the Never Ending Pie Buffet will once again feature an all you can eat smorgasbord of 83,000 award-winning pie slices - up from 70,000 in recent years -- as well as ice cream, toppings and beverages from local, regional and national commercial bakeries, restaurants and markets, including Bakers Square Restaurants and Pies, Bonert's Slice of Pie, California Raisin Marketing Board, J. Horner's Desserts, Kroger's Private Selection, Publix Super Markets, Inc., Rocky Mountain Pies, Smucker's Toppings, The Folger Coffee Company, Village Inn, Wick's Pies and Winn-Dixie. This is the only paid event at the festival. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors over 65 and children under 5 to enjoy all they care to eat and drink.

The 17th Annual American Pie Council/ Crisco® National Pie Championships return to Orlando April 8-10, 2011 expecting a record number of entries across all categories, to top last year's record entries: 417 commercial, 170 professional, 321 amateur and seven junior - totaling an astounding 907 pies!

New this year are three categories created to reflect the signs of the times. "Gluten-free" requiring a pie that is gluten-free in all aspects including crust, filling and toppings. "Innovation" sponsored by Crisco in honor of the brand's 100th Anniversary this year. The "Innovation" category requires a blend of classic and contemporary innovative pie making technique and pie flavor selections. Finally a "Royal Wedding" pie suitable for a soon-to-be-married Prince William and Kate Middleton is the third new category. The pie's the limit with all three of the new categories as well as familiar favorites.

It will take a record number of judges - 200 prequalified volunteer pie aficionados - to eat through almost 1,000 pieces to find the crème de la crème of North American pie bakers. It comes as no surprise that the largest number of entries for a single flavor goes to America's collective favorite - apple pie - with 39 entries in the amateur category.

Entry forms are available online for junior, amateur, professional and commercial divisions. Entry costs are free for juniors and $15 for amateurs. APC members receive discounts on entries.

Host hotel Caribe Royale Hotel is offering a special $129 per night room rate for those attending or participating in the Great American Pie Festival or National Pie Championships. To book this special rate, you must tell the hotel you are with the event. Call 800-823-8300 to book a room.

The festival will be held at Lakeside Park at 631 Sycamore St. in downtown Celebration, Florida 34747. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, April 9; noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, April 10. Admission to the festival is free. Costs for the Never Ending Pie Buffet are: $10 adults, $5 ages 65 and up; $5 ages 6-12.

Cheryl Hines visits Busch Gardens Tampa (Pic)

Friday, April 1, 2011 (Tampa, FL) – Cheryl Hines, best known for her role as Larry David's wife Cheryl on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm, was unable to contain her enthusiasm when she and her daughter Catherine handfed a reticulated giraffe at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay this week.

 

 

Photo: Singer Ne-Yo at Universal Orlando

Grammy-award winning singer and songwriter Ne-Yo – who recently played a role in the action/sci-fi film, “Battle: Los Angeles” – met up with some fellow galaxy defenders at the Men In Black: Alien Attack attraction while at Universal Orlando Resort on April 2, 2011. Ne-Yo spent some time at Universal Studios theme park before his scheduled concert for Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration. Mardi Gras at Universal Studios brings nationally renowned musical acts combine with an authentic Mardi Gras parade, Cajun cooking, and hand-picked New Orleans bands to capture the look, feel and fun of the Big Easy.

© 2011 Universal Orlando Resort. All rights reserved.

Photo Credit: Kevin Kolczynski, Universal Orlando Resort

$4 glass tumblers, Mansion-themed, at character warehouse

Also a very nice $19 decanter, heavy glass.



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Star Tours starspeeder 1000 on sale for $10 at Character Warehouse (limited Ed)

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BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA WELCOMES BABY THOMSON’S GAZELLE

 

Wednesday, March 30, 2011 (Tampa, FL) – Busch Gardens’ hoof-stock care team is currently hand raising a baby female Thomson’s gazelle. The baby weighed just over four pounds at birth on February 25.

 

When the calf refused to take milk from its mother, the park’s animal care team started bottle-feeding the baby.  She is now receiving five bottle feedings each day and is weighed daily to monitor her health.  At  about four weeks old, she has already gained more than two pounds.

 

Thomson’s gazelles, also called “tommies,” are one of three migratory species that make up the vast Serengeti migration. Like the zebra and the wildebeest, the Tommie population can reach more than 500,000 per migration.

 

This baby will remain in the park’s back area until she is healthy enough to join the herd of Thomson’s gazelles on the 65-acre Serengeti Plain. Guests can view the herd from Nairobi Walkway and get close-up views of the animals on the Serengeti Express Railway.

 

 

"Modern Family" Jesse Tyler Ferguson at Universal Studios

Actor and star of the hit TV series, “Modern Family,” Jesse Tyler Ferguson joked around with Woody Woodpecker while being hosted with boyfriend Justin Mikita at Universal Orlando Resort on March 25, 2011. The couple experienced both of Universal Orlando’s theme parks while on vacation, stopping to ride the Incredible Hulk coaster and enjoy lunch at Three Broomsticks at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

( Photo © 2011 Universal Orlando Resort. All rights reserved. Photo Credit: Roberto Gonzalez, Universal Orlando Resort )

Frontierland Hoedown - Disney's version of a flash mob

The schedule for this tiny little character show isn't published. You have to get lucky.

Four or so characters (including Country Bears) show up to dance, as do a dozen FR cast members. Expect audience involvement in the hokey pokey too!




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New Commercial for Universal Orlando, Because

Universal Orlando Resort will debut a new commercial on Monday as part of its new 'Because' campaign.



Nice to see that Universal is not just resting on the incredible growth in attendance and continues to go out and attract new customers.

10th Annual Florida Music Festival Industry Conference

Press release from the Florida Music Festival:

10th Annual Florida Music Festival Industry Conference


Welcomes Melvin Benn of Festival Republic as the 2011 Keynote Interview!
ORLANDO, FL – The Florida Music Festival & Conference celebrates a decade of introducing top tier music industry innovators to the aspiring music business students, regional industry and independent musicians. The 10th Annual edition welcomes a vital game changer in the international live music and event business, Melvin Benn of Festival Republic. Creating a successful event is one thing, but creating the blueprint for success is another, and Mr. Benn has demonstrated that with the oldest, most historic festival of it’s kind with READING & LEEDS in England. The dual festival weekend created the vision for such stateside events as Coachella and Bonnaroo, and witnessed everyone from Pink Floyd, to Nirvana, to more recently The Kings of Leon headlining the mainstage. Festival Republic’s eclectic portfolio also includes THE BIG CHILL(UK), ELECTRIC PICNIC(Ireland), HOVE(Norway) among other legendary events… and the recently announced ORLANDO CALLING coming to the Citrus Bowl in Downtown Orlando in Nov 2011! “I have been looking for new opportunities in the US,” Benn offered “and I am really pleased that this will see the Festival Republic family expand to the US for the first time.”

The historic Beacham Theatre hosts the Keynote Interview this year, with Allison Hagendorf of FUSE TV conducting the conversation. The Music Industry Educational Seminars have presented such innovaters as Monte Lipman & Avery Lipman (Founders & Co-Presidents of Universal Republic Records), John Janick (Founder: Fueled By Ramen/ President: Elektra Records), Steve Robertson (VP of A&R: Atlantic Records), Lou Pearlman (We apologize!), Richard Reines (Founder: Drive Thru Records), Rodney Jerkins (Producer: Michael Jackson/Beyonce), Richard Gottehrer (Founder: Orchard Distribution) and more.

All conference speakers will be available to all performing artists and registered music companies or aspiring music industry student, to network with post conference and throughout the weekend. Registration is open at www.FloridaMusicFestival.com and offers student and NARAS discounts. Don’t miss your chance at FMF2011 to further explore your career as an artist or aspiring industry representative! All submitting artists will receive passes to the Industry Conference(Performing artists receive one pass per member/Non-Performing artists receive two passes total). Industry Registration for music business representatives and students officially opens on March 7th, 2011!


WHEN: SATURDAY, APRIL 9th • 12pm – 6pm
WHERE: BEACHAM THEATRE • 46 N ORANGE AVENUE REGISTRATION: www.FLORIDAMUSICFESTIVAL.com

Universal's Grad Bash 2011

Disney may be ending Grad Nites after this year, but Universal will undoubtedly step up their own offerings as a result. Here is their 2011 lineup:

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S GRAD BASH 2011 FEATURES LIVE PERFORMANCES BY

TODAY’S HOTTEST MUSIC STARS – JASON DERULO, PITBULL, B.O.B., AND DJ KHALED

High School Seniors Can Also Enjoy Exclusive Access to

Two World-Class Theme Parks, Nonstop Entertainment and More

Tickets on Sale Now with High School Student Advisors for Orlando’s Hottest Grad Party

WHAT:                    Universal Orlando’s Grad Bash 2011 is Orlando’s hottest high school graduation event where graduates can celebrate with exclusive access to two world-class theme parks, street entertainment and live performances by some of today’s most popular musical artists.

                        This year’s talent lineup includes Jason DeRulo – the artist behind smash hits like “Whatcha Say” and “In My Head;” Reggaeton rapper Pitbull, also known as “Mr. 305;” five-time 2011 Grammy award nominee B.o.B.; and BET’s 2008 “DJ of the Year,” DJ Khaled. Together, this dynamic group of acts lays claim to 11 platinum and multi-platinum singles and will be performing live for high school graduates on the Music Plaza Stage at Universal Studios Florida. Performance dates are listed below.

                                   

GRAD BASH 2011 TALENT LINE-UP Performing at Universal Studios’ Music Plaza Stage
Grad Bash Event Dates	Live Talent Performances By:
Friday, April 15	·         Jason DeRulo ·         B.o.B. ·         DJ Khaled
Saturday, April 30	·         Jason DeRulo ·         B.o.B. ·         DJ Khaled
Friday, May 6	·         Pitbull ·         B.o.B. ·         DJ Khaled
Saturday, May 7	·         Pitbull ·         B.o.B. ·         DJ Khaled

Students also get late-night access to pulse-pounding rides and attractions at both Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. They can soar above Hogwarts on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, speed through darkness on Revenge of the Mummy and rock out at 65 mph on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.

High school seniors are encouraged to book their spot at Universal Orlando’s Grad Bash with their student advisor. For more information on the event, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/GradBash.

                                          

WHEN:                    April 15, April 30, May 6, May 7

                                 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

MORE                    

INFORMATION:    Grad Bash Site: http://www.universalorlando.com/GradBash

Characters now out for Universal's new movie "Hop"

From Universal's press release on 3/16:

HOP Caption:

Now through April 5, guests at Universal Studios Florida can be among the first to meet the characters from “Hop,” Universal Pictures’ new animated film about candy, chicks, and rock ‘n’ roll. They’re performing live at the French Quarter stage within the New York area of the theme park, followed by a meet-and-greet where guests can snap photos with the characters. Universal Studios is one of two amazing theme parks within Universal Orlando Resort featuring cutting-edge attractions and some of the most revolutionary rides ever created.

** Performance schedule is subject to change without notice. 

Universal Orlando's Jimmy Neutron ride to close on April 1 (mostly)

From a mailing by Universal Orlando,

[begin quote]

On April 1, Universal Orlando® Resort will close the Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast attraction at Universal Studios Florida® and immediately begin work on an all-new experience based on an amazing concept. The new attraction will be a natural fit for Universal Orlando and is just one of many exciting things planned for the next couple of years. We can't wait to share more details with you in the future.


Meanwhile, Boy Genius fans will be excited to know that the attraction will re-open for limited periods during the spring and summer before closing permanently on August 18.

[end quote]

Sounds like they won't be building anything new in that same spot, if the attraction can re-open for the summer months.

New at SeaWorld Orlando - 2011

New at SeaWorld Orlando - 2011
Below is the press release from SeaWorld. Of particular note is the new killer whale show and the fact that guests at the official hotels now get perks (just like at Universal... and soon at Disney?)

[begin quote]




“One Ocean” features SeaWorld’s majestic killer whales as ambassadors of the sea, and the ocean as the center of our natural world, sharing a message that both animals and humans are part of one world, with one ocean, and its future is in our hands to cherish and protect. Shamu Stadium’s three-story set, panoramic LED screens and hundreds of surround-sound speakers envelop guests in the show experience. Brilliantly colored lights, soaring fountains, stunning underwater imagery are set to an original, contemporary musical score with global rhythms. “One Ocean” opens late April.

Summer Nights at SeaWorld is a nighttime spectacular and the only place to celebrate when the sun sets over Central Florida’s theme parks. The park’s daytime favorites change to nighttime spectacles, showcasing the park in a whole new light with Shamu Rocks, a Shamu show driven by a larger-than-life, rock-n-roll beat. Summer Nights also includes a sky-filling fireworks finale, an all-new, uproarious sea lion show and hottest of all, Manta, Orlando’s most unique roller coaster, under the stars. Catch “Summer Nights at SeaWorld” every evening, June 25 – August 14.

New at Discovery Cove

The new Grand Reef takes a day at Discovery Cove – an all-inclusive tropical retreat in the heart of Orlando where guests swim with dolphins, hand-feed exotic birds in a free-flight aviary and relax on pristine beaches - to another level. The all-new saltwater reef is filled with thousands of tropical fish in shallow and deeper waters leaving guests to explore where they feel most comfortable. Snorkeling takes place among canyons inspired by reefs from around the world and guarantees sights of amazing exotic sea life ranging from spotted eagle rays and zebra sharks to lionfish and eels. For the daring, SeaVenture is an innovative, underwater walking tour where guests – wearing dive helmets – will feel right at home under the sea, getting up close to sharks and lionfish (safely behind glass), velvety rays and even star fish or sea urchins.

New for 2011 -- Official hotels include free benefits

For the first time ever, staying at one of SeaWorld’s official hotels includes incredible benefits for free.
* Complimentary transportation to SeaWorld, Aquatica, Discovery Cove and Universal Orlando
* Complimentary front-of-the-line access to SeaWorld’s thrill rides
* Early entry to SeaWorld and Aquatica and exclusive access to the SeaWorld Rescue Tour on select days during peak seasons
* Discounts on select food and gift purchases at SeaWorld and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s waterpark

All guests staying at an official SeaWorld hotel have access to the exclusive benefits. Families need only visit the hotel’s guest service desk – staffed by knowledgeable staff from Expedia Local Expert – for details.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Official Hotels represent a broad spectrum of lodging types, from affordable “select service” brands, to full-service resorts and even fully furnished vacation villas. Each of the six Official Hotels will offer the exclusive benefits and each hotel is within walking distance of SeaWorld. SeaWorld Orlando’s Official Hotels include the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, Doubletree Orlando by Hilton at SeaWorld, Hilton Grand Vacations Club at SeaWorld, Hilton Garden Inn at SeaWorld, SpringHill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld and the Fairfield Inn Orlando at SeaWorld.
Book a getaway package and eat for free, all day SeaWorldVacations.com is the one-stop vacation shop to find out what’s new, book hotel rooms and purchase theme park tickets. For a limited time only, each trip booked through SeaWorldVacations.com with any of 25 hotel partners includes free all-day dining deals at SeaWorld and an opportunity to buy admission to Aquatica and/or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for only $39 each. And, guests buying admission to those parks eat free all-day, too. Guests also can find more information on the special benefits and the entire collection of SeaWorld Hotel Partners (25 in total).

For more information, to see a complete list of SeaWorld Orlando’s official hotels and to book a getaway, go to SeaWorldVacations.com. To learn more about The Grand Reef and to make a reservation, go to DiscoveryCove.com.

Foreigner playing this Saturday at Universal's Mardi Gras

British-American band Foreigner is set to perform at Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras celebration this Saturday. You know the hits: “Jukebox Hero,” “Hot Blooded,” “Cold as Ice,” and the timeless, gospel-inspired rock ballad, “I Want to Know What Love Is.”

SCHEDULE:




5 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Honey Island Swamp Band (New Orleans Band)
8:00 p.m.: Mardi Gras Parade Starts
8:30 p.m.: Foreigner



Here are other upcoming bands in this concert series at Universal:


Friday, March 18
Neon Trees

Saturday, March 19
The Roots

Friday, March 25
OneRepublic

Saturday, March 26
Blake Shelton

Friday, April 1
Sean Kingston

Saturday, April 2
Ne-Yo

Saturday, April 9
Lifehouse

Saturday, April 16
The Beach Boys

Saturday, April 23
Thirty Seconds To Mars

The concerts are free with regular Universal admission (and take place inside the park)

Flower & Garden has Mickey Gnomes, but no Gnomeo and Juliet?

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WASP Women of WWII at Fantasy of Flight this weekend

Tomorrow Fantasy of Flight starts its second installment of the "Legends & Legacies Symposium Series" featuring the WASP women of WWII as well as real-life Rosie the Riveters in honor of Women's History Month. The symposiums will take place at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Madame Tussaud's and a giant Ferris Wheel coming to Orlando

Merlin Entertainment, the owner of Madame Tussauds and the London Eye Ferris wheel, wants to bring both attractions to I-Drive in Orlando. Merlin's already coming to Central Florida - they own the upcoming Legoland. And, wouldn't you know it, parent of Merlin (Blackstone) has large stakes in both Universal Studios and Busch Gardens/SeaWorld, too. Looks like Mickey has a real competitor in town. And the pressure is only now starting to ramp up.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-03-02/business/os-merlin-announcement-orlando-20110302_1_smaller-attractions-observation-wheel-madame-tussauds

Orlando Magic player Nick Anderson at Universal Orlando

Orlando Magic’s Community Ambassador and former player, Nick Anderson, was all smiles at Universal Orlando Resort while reading Dr. Seuss’ “The Cat in the Hat” to local schoolchildren in celebration of the National Education Association’s Read Across America day on March 2, 2011. As part of NEA’s 16^th annual reading party and Dr. Seuss’s birthday, Universal Orlando hosted two elementary classes from a local school to Seuss Landing in Universal’s Islands of Adventure for a day of Seussian storytelling and celebrations.

© 2011 Universal Orlando Resort. All rights reserved.

Photo Credit: Kevin Kolczynski, Universal Orlando Resort

Disney parks exec Al Weiss getting divorced

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-03-01/business/os-al-weiss-divorce-20110301_1_divorce-files-top-disney-exec

Avalon Park Yard Sale returns March 12

Orlando's biggest yard sale is back (it's twice a year now, with up to 200 families). It will be March 12, from 8-4: http://www.avalonyardsale.com/

Jeff Lange wearing accidental mouse ears at Sweet Tomatoes

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New toy: Disney tram - $17

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Storybook Circus signs now posted at Roontown Fair

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Review of Columbia Harbour House

Dinner on 2/25/11 was an uncomplicated affair, with short but unfortunately slow-moving lines.

The tuna sandwich ($8) uses albacore tuna (good) and a thin yet crusty multigrain (was it old?). It hinted a but too heavily of onion powder, but otherwise isn't different from what you'd make at home.

The kids Mac and Cheese ($5) is an old standby: very similar to Stouffer's. This batch was too soft - overcooked and sitting too long in the heated serving dish.

The fried shrimp ($10), a previous favorite, has changed it's formula. It's breadier and meatier (read: chewier), and thus not suited for every taste. A disappointment.




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Bands, Brew, and BBQ at Busch Gardens Tampa

BANDS, BREW AND BBQ GETS FUNKY FOR ITS THIRD WEEKEND

 

The Commodores and The Pointer Sisters Move the Body and Soul at Busch Gardens

TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 11, 2011) —The Commodores and The Pointer Sisters will mix it up at Bands, Brew and BBQ at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Sunday, Feb. 27. These two groovy groups will take guests back with their chart-topping tunes. The Commodores are best known for their timeless dance-floor hits and ballads including “Brick House” and “Three Times a Lady,” and The Pointer Sisters are known for turning up the heat with spirited songs like “Fire” and “I’m So Excited.”

 

Continuing every Sunday through March 6, Busch Gardens guests can jam out to award-winning country and classic rock artists, while indulging in savory BBQ from local favorite restaurants and refreshing specialty and craft beers at the all-new Festival Beer Garden.

 

This year, Busch Gardens introduces the Festival Beer Garden with more than 50 specialty and craft beers. Guests wanting unlimited access to all 14 beer tents can purchase a Beer Festival Wristband for $25, which includes a five-ounce souvenir pilsner to use for unlimited sampling. The Festival Beer Garden opens at noon each day of the festival.

Kick your experience up a notch by purchasing the Bands, Brew and BBQ VIP Ticket to reserve the best seat in the house for your favorite acts. For only $27.95 guests get priority seating at center stage and a meal is included.

Lime: Fresh Mexican Grill restaurant review

As former inhabitants of Los Angeles, my wife and I are picky eaters of Mexican food. No one outside CA seems to get it right.

Until now. Lime is located on Sand Lake (one exit south of Universal on I-4, and near the Pei Wei for locals in the know), and it's worth a drive from the Disney area.

Expect to pay $7 for most entrees (it's fast casual service, like Chipotle). The entrees range from big to humongous. But forget size - it's the taste that will stick with you.

We found the best pico de gallo we've seen in years. The best in Orlando, certainly. Refried beans are light, fluffy, and flavorful. Everything is flavorful. My "basic" beef taco salad defied easy description - how could it have so many complex notes in each bite?

Go. You won't be disappointed.



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High Speed Rail in Florida cancelled

Gov. Rick Scott is canceling a proposed high-speed train line between Orlando and Tampa, rejecting more than $2 billion from the federal government.
The Republican governor said Wednesday the proposal is too costly for Florida and could put the state's taxpayers on the hook for roughly $3 billion.

Scott said he believes that ridership and revenue projections tend to be too optimistic and would likely require ongoing state government subsidies.

Finally, Scott noted, that if the project went belly-up, Florida would be required to refund the federal government's investment in the project.
 
http://www.wftv.com/news/26885361/detail.html

Pinkberry frozen yogurt to open another location at Mall of Millenia

My family has been big into the resurgence of frozen yogurt (though less me than my wife and kids), so we've seen several stores open recently. Pinkberry is among the best, and there's another one coming.

Here's the press release:

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 opening is scheduled for early this summer, close to the one-year anniversary of the first Orlando Pinkberry opening at The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips.


"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."

Original Pinkberry

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."

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 will open this year on April 1.

Great American Pie Festival returns to Celebration on April 9-10

On April 9 and 10, 2011, pie lovers, tasters and bakers will gather in Celebration, Fla., for two very sweet days at the  APC Great American Pie Festival sponsored by Crisco®.  Now in its ninth year, this pie extravaganza dishes up luscious layers of fun for the young and the young at heart.  Whether looking to enjoy some of the most delectable desserts in America or simply partake in one of the many entertainment and baking demonstrations staged along Main Street in one of America's most charming small towns, attendees are sure to enjoy pure pie perfection.  

  

  

A Warm Pie Festival Welcome

From top crust to two crust, juicy to sweet, chocolate to custard all matter of flavors and fillings will flow forth for two full days in April to the delight of an anticipated 28,000 pie lovers from around the world.

Presented by the American Pie Council® (APC) - an organization dedicated to preserving America's pie heritage - the popular festival returns to Celebration with all the activities that have made it a favorite event for families and remains free open to the public. 

Whether bonafide pie lovers or casual nibblers looking for an afternoon of fun, Orlando residents and visitors are invited to stroll through the free-admission festival and enjoy two days of family fun, reminiscent of days gone by. The Crisco® Kids Creation Station will give aspiring young bakers an opportunity to create their own pies or enjoy some fun with pie decorating, pie-scaping, Piecasso tin art and many more activities! The Pietopia Demonstration Stage sponsored by Village Inn and Bakers Square Restaurants will feature entertainment and baking demonstrations with chefs from across the country. Of course, the Great American Pie Festival would not be complete without a Pie Eating Contest, sponsored by Private Selection.  Attendees may opt to dig in and compete or simply sit back and enjoy the show. All festival events will be held both days. 

  

  

Great American Pie Festival's Pie-Eating Contest

As the festival favorite for the past nine years, the Never Ending Pie Buffet will once again feature an all you can eat smorgasbord of 83,000 award-winning pie slices - up from 70,000 in recent years -- as well as ice cream, toppings and beverages from local, regional and national commercial bakeries, restaurants and markets, including Bakers Square Restaurants and Pies, Bonert's Slice of Pie, California Raisin Marketing Board, J. Horner's Desserts, Kroger's Private Selection, Publix Super Markets, Inc., Rocky Mountain Pies, Smucker's Toppings, The Folger Coffee Company, Village Inn, Wick's Pies and Winn-Dixie.   This is the only paid event at the festival.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors over 65 and children under 5 to enjoy all they care to eat and drink.

  

  

Digging Into Cherry Pie

  

The 17th Annual American Pie Council/ Crisco® National Pie Championships return to Orlando April 8-10, 2011 expecting a record number of entries across all categories, to top last year's record entries: 417 commercial, 170 professional, 321 amateur and seven junior - totaling an astounding 907 pies!  

New this year are three categories created to reflect the signs of the times.  "Gluten-free" requiring a pie that is gluten-free in all aspects including crust, filling and toppings.  "Innovation" sponsored by Crisco in honor of the brand's 100^th Anniversary this year.  The "Innovation" category requires a blend of classic and contemporary innovative pie making technique and pie flavor selections.  Finally a "Royal Wedding" pie suitable for a soon-to-be-married Prince William and Kate Middleton is the third new category. The pie's the limit with all three of the new categories as well as familiar favorites.  

It will take a record number of judges - 200 prequalified volunteer pie aficionados - to eat through almost 1,000 pieces to find the crème de la crème of North American pie bakers. It comes as no surprise that the largest number of entries for a single flavor goes to America's collective favorite - apple pie - with 39 entries in the amateur category.           

Entry forms are available online for junior, amateur, professional and commercial divisions.  Entry costs are free for juniors and $15 for amateurs.  APC members receive discounts on entries.

Host hotel Caribe Royale Hotel is offering a special $129 per night room rate for those attending or participating in the Great American Pie Festival or National Pie Championships.  To book this special rate, you must tell the hotel you are with the event.  Call 800-823-8300 to book a room.

The festival will be held at Lakeside Park at 631 Sycamore St. in downtown Celebration, Florida 34747. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, April 9; noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, April 10. Admission to the festival is free. Costs for the Never Ending Pie Buffet are: $10 adults, $5 ages 65 and up; $5 ages 6-12.

For more information, visit the Front Porch Celebration Community at www.celebration.fl.us or the American Pie Council www.piecouncil.org.

Main Street Motion is a real Tedt Track, this weekend in the Epcot parking lot.

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Splash Mtn 'splashes' are less wet post-refurb. Both 'big' splashes from the briar patch now fall short of logs or bridge observers.

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Orlando is the National Leader in Fast Food!

We're number one! We're number one!

Apparently Orlando has the most fast food restaurants per 100,000 residents in the country (at 196.3). We have a total of 463 fast food restaurants, with Subway being the most populous.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-02-08/40-fast-food-capitals/?cid=tag:all1

10 Years for DCA

Ten years ago today, I scurried over after work to Disneyland. Wait, scratch that. It was the "Disneyland Resort" for the first time ever, and Disneyland's companion park DCA was open for its inaugural day.

By the time I made it there, it was early evening. The park was, uh, not crowded (it was a Thursday, chosen to avoid the assuredly huge crowds that would come!) The park didn't draw the crowds they expected those first few years.

A lot has changed in those ten years, and even more is in the process of changing. Like many, I felt that DCA took the cheap route in a lot of ways, and the park didn't "feel" like a Disney park. But I also sensed that the basic idea - a park celebrating California - wasn't inherently flawed. The improvements over the years have been beneficial - especially World of Color, Monsters Inc, Flik's Fun Fair, Tower of Terror, and Toy Story Mania. They pale in comparison with Carsland and Little Mermaid. So much has changed, and the park marches forward, as we all knew it would. Happy birthday, DCA.