Photo Credit: Kevin Kolczynski, © 2011 Universal Orlando Resort.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Detail #764
Photo Credit: Kevin Kolczynski, © 2011 Universal Orlando Resort.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Dolphin Calf born at SeaWorld Orlando (pic)
A dolphin calf was born Tuesday morning at 9:36 a.m. at SeaWorld Orlando. The calf weighs 35 pounds and is 40 inches long, with the sex unknown at this time. It was seen nursing and bonding with its mom, both a good indication that the calf is doing well. Park guests can see the pair at SeaWorld’s Dolphin Nursery. In the nursery pregnant dolphins, new mothers, their calves and experienced moms live together.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
New e-book by Robert Niles: Stories from a Theme Park Insider
New Disneyland Cast Member book (collection of stories) from Robert Niles. It's an e-Book only, alas (I like paper), but the premise sounds great! Only $4. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CK59EU
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Evanna Lynch, aka Luna Lovegood, visits Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Irish actress Evanna Lynch, known for her role as Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter film series, stopped to admire the Quibbler display and try on a pair of Spectrespecs at Dervish and Banges, a magical supplies and equipment shop at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on Monday, July 18, 2011. Lynch was hosted by Universal Orlando Resort, spending some time at the theme parks while attending a Harry Potter fan conference in Orlando. Lynch played a role in the final installment of the Harry Potter film series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2,” which debuted on Friday.
Orlando Attractions has an interview with Lynch.
Photo courtesy Roberto Gonzalez, Universal Orlando Resort
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Busch Gardens Tampa starts Grad Nite in 2012
So when Disney World ends Grad Nite, their competitors smelled an opportunity. Busch Gardens Tampa seized it, and now they will host Grad Nites starting in April 2012. Good for them. Tickets will be $55 for a park that stays open until 2am (not all night).
http://www.wftv.com/news/28544627/detail.html
http://www.wftv.com/news/28544627/detail.html
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Disney all but admits that Pleasure Island plans are in flux (and on hold)
From DisneyParks blog,
Over on Pleasure Island, we’ve completed removing some of the buildings that aren’t part of our future plans. During the course of this site work, we identified opportunities to further refine our master plan and are pausing to evaluate them. What does this mean for you? While we’re moving quickly, it will admittedly cause a delay in construction. But we’re willing to bet that any delay will be worth the wait once we’re able to share details about the exciting work we’ve been doing.
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/07/downtown-disney-update/
Over on Pleasure Island, we’ve completed removing some of the buildings that aren’t part of our future plans. During the course of this site work, we identified opportunities to further refine our master plan and are pausing to evaluate them. What does this mean for you? While we’re moving quickly, it will admittedly cause a delay in construction. But we’re willing to bet that any delay will be worth the wait once we’re able to share details about the exciting work we’ve been doing.
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/07/downtown-disney-update/
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Legoland 100 Days Away - Photos
Legoland Orlando has released some more construction photos.
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Winter Haven, FL (July 7, 2011) -- Look how far we’ve come! With just 100 days until Grand Opening on October 15, LEGOLAND® Florida has released a new batch of photographs as rides begin to appear at the park. From The Royal Joust to LEGO® Technic Test Track Coaster, construction crews are hard at work transforming the property into the interactive theme park geared toward families with children ages 2-12. The Royal Joust, where kids ride LEGO-themed horses through a number of medieval scenes where they encounter other riders in a simulated joust. LEGO TECHNIC® Test Track is a “wild mouse-style roller coaster where brave guests feel the power of acceleration, braking and maneuverability as they race a life-size LEGO TECHNIC vehicle along a wildly twisting track.
Winter Haven, FL (July 7, 2011) -- Look how far we’ve come! With just 100 days until Grand Opening on October 15, LEGOLAND® Florida has released a new batch of photographs as rides begin to appear at the park. From The Royal Joust to LEGO® Technic Test Track Coaster, construction crews are hard at work transforming the property into the interactive theme park geared toward families with children ages 2-12. The Royal Joust, where kids ride LEGO-themed horses through a number of medieval scenes where they encounter other riders in a simulated joust. LEGO TECHNIC® Test Track is a “wild mouse-style roller coaster where brave guests feel the power of acceleration, braking and maneuverability as they race a life-size LEGO TECHNIC vehicle along a wildly twisting track.
Saturday, July 09, 2011
M. Night Shyamalan finds his Magic Wand at Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The internationally acclaimed screenwriter, film director and producer M. Night Shyamalan was hosted by Universal Orlando Resort today and experienced the most spectacularly themed environment ever created – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Best known for films such as “The Sixth Sense,” “The Village” and “Signs,” Shyamalan enjoyed browsing the unique merchandise found in Hogsmeade before soaring above Hogwarts on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. Photo Credit: Sheri Lowen, Universal Orlando Resort
Baby Cheetah at Busch wins national poll for cuteness
Busch Gardens is thrilled to announce that Kasi is the winner of the national Budget Travel.com Poll for Cutest Zoo Baby. Thank you very much to all our fans and friends who voted for the adorable, four-month old baby cheetah. We agree, this zoo baby is about as cute as you can get!
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Friday, July 08, 2011
Universal annual passes cheap for residents
I just bought Florida resident preferred pass renewals for Universal (two parks, no blackout, includes parking). Care to guess the price?
The similar Disney Premium includes all four parks and two water parks... it costs over $500 for renewal.
Universal? Try $159 per person (admittedly, there is no child discount). One you factor in parking, it takes LESS than two visits for the pass to pay for itself.
HAPPY DAY!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
The similar Disney Premium includes all four parks and two water parks... it costs over $500 for renewal.
Universal? Try $159 per person (admittedly, there is no child discount). One you factor in parking, it takes LESS than two visits for the pass to pay for itself.
HAPPY DAY!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
"Boys Like Girls" to play at Universal on Saturday
Universal Orlando Resort’s Summer Concert Series is going to rock this weekend as platinum punk band Boys Like Girls takes the stage at Universal Studios Florida on Saturday, July 9. Originally from Massachusetts, Boys Like Girls has recorded hit singles such as “The Great Escape,” “Love Drunk” and their most recent hit, “Two is Better Than One” featuring country superstar Taylor Swift. The band participated in the first-ever MTV World Stage Live concert held in Malaysia and has toured with other hit acts like Good Charlotte, 3OH!3 and Third Eye Blind. They are currently working on a third album.
Event Continues July 9 and Runs Every Saturday through July 16
Event Continues July 9 and Runs Every Saturday through July 16
Friday, July 01, 2011
Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel's Summer Spirits Dining Series
ORLANDO (June 28, 2011) - Summertime is cause for celebration, and the award-winning Rosen Shingle Creek is helping patrons celebrate good times throughout the summer with its first-ever "Rosen Shingle Creek Summer Spirits Series." The second in the three-part dining series, "Craft Beer and Gourmet Burgers" takes place Saturday, July 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the hotel's classic steakhouse, A Land Remembered, and features five courses of burgers grilled to perfection and accompanied by a variety of craft beers.
The series concludes on Saturday, Aug. 13 with "Andiamo Italia" at Cala Bella Italian bistro, featuring six courses of Italian cuisines and wines. Each Summer Spirits event is $55 plus tax and gratuity per person. Guest rooms are available at a discounted rate of $99 plus tax on the night of each dinner only for event guests, based on availability. Guests receive complimentary valet parking when dining at any Rosen Shingle Creek restaurant. For more information, call (407) 996-FOOD (3663).
The "Craft Beer and Gourmet Burgers" night begins with a Black Angus Classic Burger topped with Vermont White Cheddar, Vidalia Onions, Slab Bacon and House Ketchup on a Classic Kaiser Roll. The second course offers a more exotic choice ̶ the Peppercorn Crusted Bison Burger, prepared with Smoky Rogue Blue Cheese, Truffle Fried Onions and Dijoinnaise on a Ciabatta Roll. Next is a sweet and spicy combination ̶ Barbeque Angus Short Rib Sliders topped with Fried Jalapenos, Sweet Summer Slaw and Queso Fresca served on a Mini Broiche. But that's not all. The fourth burger course consists of an All Natural Herbed Turkey Burger generously layered with Avocado, Heirloom Tomato, Baby Arugula and Lavender Honey Mustard on a Five Grain Roll. The grill-fest concludes with a Flat Seared Portabella Burger topped with Goat Cheese, Sun Dried Tomato Hummus and Organic Romaine served on Tandoori Flatbread.
Of course, what would gourmet burgers be without gourmet fries? Guests may choose from the following side item to complement their five course feast: Shoe String Fries, Sweet Potato Sticks, Seasoned Wedges or House Made Truffled Potato Chips. Each burger course will be accompanied by a different style of craft brew, including Rosen Hotels & Resorts' own home-brew, Alligator Drool.
On Saturday, Aug. 13, the Summer Spirits Series concludes with "Andiamo Italia" meaning "Let's go to Italy!" at Cala Bella Italian bistro. The six-course Italian meal will be paired with six premium Italian wines.
Rosen Shingle Creek is noted by locals, visitors and those in the meetings industry for its award-winning cuisine. The four-year-old hotel recently earned its second prestigious Gold Platter award from the readers of Meetings & Conventions (M&C) magazine for its all-around excellence in food and beverage. It was one of only 23 hotels in the United States, Puerto Rico and Bahamas to earn the coveted Gold Platter award this year.
The hotel recently brought its total in-house dining and lounge options to 14 with the opening of two new eateries this spring. Banrai Sushi, a 30-seat sushi bar and restaurant named for the Japanese word for "rest" serves signature rolls such as the Shingle Creek Roll as well more than a dozen traditional sushi offerings, 16 Nigiri sushi/sashimi choices, various appetizers, entrees, sakes and martinis. The new Tobias Flats & Watering Hole serves a variety of flatbread-based dishes, from starters and salads, to pizzas and sandwiches, themed for the characters in Patrick Smith's Florida-themed novel, "A Land Remembered," from which the hotel's classic steakhouse also borrows its name.
Two of the hotel's restaurants have earned the prestigious AAA Four Diamond rating: A Land Remembered which proudly serves Harris Ranch All Natural Black Angus Beef, and the upscale Cala Bella "Beautiful Creek" Italian bistro, which offers a Kitchen Presentation Bar for "ringside" views of its culinary artists at work. The hotel also boasts Café Osceola, featuring freshly prepared buffets and chef cooking stations; the adjacent Osceola Bar; Headwaters Lounge, a great place to network and mingle; the intimate Bella's Bar with live piano music; Cat-Tails Pool Bar & Grille with light bites perfect for poolside; Creek Ice Creamery serving Haagen-Dazs; Smoooth Java coffee bar serving coffee, smoothies and fresh pastries; 18 Monroe Street Market, a 24-hour deli with both made-to-order items and snacks; aswell as 24-hour room service.
The AAA Four Diamond, 1,500-room Rosen Shingle Creek is conveniently located at 9939 Universal Blvd., just off the International Drive tourist district and ten minutes from the Orlando International Airport. To book a room, guests may call the Rosen Shingle Creek reservations line at (866) 996-6338. For more information, visit www.rosenshinglecreek.com or call (866) 996-9939. For more information about Rosen Hotels & Resorts, visit www.rosenhotels.com.
The series concludes on Saturday, Aug. 13 with "Andiamo Italia" at Cala Bella Italian bistro, featuring six courses of Italian cuisines and wines. Each Summer Spirits event is $55 plus tax and gratuity per person. Guest rooms are available at a discounted rate of $99 plus tax on the night of each dinner only for event guests, based on availability. Guests receive complimentary valet parking when dining at any Rosen Shingle Creek restaurant. For more information, call (407) 996-FOOD (3663).
The "Craft Beer and Gourmet Burgers" night begins with a Black Angus Classic Burger topped with Vermont White Cheddar, Vidalia Onions, Slab Bacon and House Ketchup on a Classic Kaiser Roll. The second course offers a more exotic choice ̶ the Peppercorn Crusted Bison Burger, prepared with Smoky Rogue Blue Cheese, Truffle Fried Onions and Dijoinnaise on a Ciabatta Roll. Next is a sweet and spicy combination ̶ Barbeque Angus Short Rib Sliders topped with Fried Jalapenos, Sweet Summer Slaw and Queso Fresca served on a Mini Broiche. But that's not all. The fourth burger course consists of an All Natural Herbed Turkey Burger generously layered with Avocado, Heirloom Tomato, Baby Arugula and Lavender Honey Mustard on a Five Grain Roll. The grill-fest concludes with a Flat Seared Portabella Burger topped with Goat Cheese, Sun Dried Tomato Hummus and Organic Romaine served on Tandoori Flatbread.
Of course, what would gourmet burgers be without gourmet fries? Guests may choose from the following side item to complement their five course feast: Shoe String Fries, Sweet Potato Sticks, Seasoned Wedges or House Made Truffled Potato Chips. Each burger course will be accompanied by a different style of craft brew, including Rosen Hotels & Resorts' own home-brew, Alligator Drool.
On Saturday, Aug. 13, the Summer Spirits Series concludes with "Andiamo Italia" meaning "Let's go to Italy!" at Cala Bella Italian bistro. The six-course Italian meal will be paired with six premium Italian wines.
Rosen Shingle Creek is noted by locals, visitors and those in the meetings industry for its award-winning cuisine. The four-year-old hotel recently earned its second prestigious Gold Platter award from the readers of Meetings & Conventions (M&C) magazine for its all-around excellence in food and beverage. It was one of only 23 hotels in the United States, Puerto Rico and Bahamas to earn the coveted Gold Platter award this year.
The hotel recently brought its total in-house dining and lounge options to 14 with the opening of two new eateries this spring. Banrai Sushi, a 30-seat sushi bar and restaurant named for the Japanese word for "rest" serves signature rolls such as the Shingle Creek Roll as well more than a dozen traditional sushi offerings, 16 Nigiri sushi/sashimi choices, various appetizers, entrees, sakes and martinis. The new Tobias Flats & Watering Hole serves a variety of flatbread-based dishes, from starters and salads, to pizzas and sandwiches, themed for the characters in Patrick Smith's Florida-themed novel, "A Land Remembered," from which the hotel's classic steakhouse also borrows its name.
Two of the hotel's restaurants have earned the prestigious AAA Four Diamond rating: A Land Remembered which proudly serves Harris Ranch All Natural Black Angus Beef, and the upscale Cala Bella "Beautiful Creek" Italian bistro, which offers a Kitchen Presentation Bar for "ringside" views of its culinary artists at work. The hotel also boasts Café Osceola, featuring freshly prepared buffets and chef cooking stations; the adjacent Osceola Bar; Headwaters Lounge, a great place to network and mingle; the intimate Bella's Bar with live piano music; Cat-Tails Pool Bar & Grille with light bites perfect for poolside; Creek Ice Creamery serving Haagen-Dazs; Smoooth Java coffee bar serving coffee, smoothies and fresh pastries; 18 Monroe Street Market, a 24-hour deli with both made-to-order items and snacks; aswell as 24-hour room service.
The AAA Four Diamond, 1,500-room Rosen Shingle Creek is conveniently located at 9939 Universal Blvd., just off the International Drive tourist district and ten minutes from the Orlando International Airport. To book a room, guests may call the Rosen Shingle Creek reservations line at (866) 996-6338. For more information, visit www.rosenshinglecreek.com or call (866) 996-9939. For more information about Rosen Hotels & Resorts, visit www.rosenhotels.com.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Fantasy of Flight Announces Florida Resident Buy One/Get One Free Admission July 1 - Sept. 30
POLK CITY, Fla. (June 28, 2011) - Fantasy of Flight, Central Florida's Premier Aviation Attraction, salutes its Florida fans this summer with an affordable staycation adventure with a Buy One/Get One Free offer on adult and children's general admission.
Florida Residents are invited to enjoy the incredible savings July 1 - Sept. 30, 2011. Proof of residency is required.
While Fantasy of Flight provides more than enough for a day-long excursion with themed immersion experiences, backlot and restoration tours, special hands-on exhibits, vintage aircraft from the world's largest private collection and more, the attraction has planned special children's activities this summer in its Fun with Flight center - all included in the price of general admission. Guests may refer to a published daily schedule available at the attraction for more information.
The Florida Resident BOGO Free offer is good on both adult and children's general admission tickets. Fantasy of Flight general admission is $28.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Children 5 and younger are free. The offer cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion or discount.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Fantasy of Flight opened to the public on November 21, 1995, and quickly became Central Florida's Premier Aviation Attraction. The venue offered visitors a chance to experience something new - a place that merged the wonders of flight with aviation history, real-life aircraft displays and real flight experiences. Fantasy of Flight is believed to be the only attraction in the world that offers daily aerial demonstrations featuring rare, vintage aircraft. It also features daily tours of the restoration shops where craftsmen work to restore and rebuild aircraft to flyable condition.
Special events on the calendar this Fall include the inaugural Boy Scouts American Heritage Camporee, Sept. 23-25, and the "Legends & Legacies Symposium Series" final symposium, "The Great Escape: Heroes Underground," Oct. 14-15. In addition, the 5th Annual Roar n" Soar All American signature two-day extravaganza of the world's finest classic land, sea and air racing machines ever built returns Nov. 12-13.
For details, call 863-984-3500 or go to www.fantasyofflight.com for more information.
Florida Residents are invited to enjoy the incredible savings July 1 - Sept. 30, 2011. Proof of residency is required.
While Fantasy of Flight provides more than enough for a day-long excursion with themed immersion experiences, backlot and restoration tours, special hands-on exhibits, vintage aircraft from the world's largest private collection and more, the attraction has planned special children's activities this summer in its Fun with Flight center - all included in the price of general admission. Guests may refer to a published daily schedule available at the attraction for more information.
The Florida Resident BOGO Free offer is good on both adult and children's general admission tickets. Fantasy of Flight general admission is $28.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Children 5 and younger are free. The offer cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion or discount.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Fantasy of Flight opened to the public on November 21, 1995, and quickly became Central Florida's Premier Aviation Attraction. The venue offered visitors a chance to experience something new - a place that merged the wonders of flight with aviation history, real-life aircraft displays and real flight experiences. Fantasy of Flight is believed to be the only attraction in the world that offers daily aerial demonstrations featuring rare, vintage aircraft. It also features daily tours of the restoration shops where craftsmen work to restore and rebuild aircraft to flyable condition.
Special events on the calendar this Fall include the inaugural Boy Scouts American Heritage Camporee, Sept. 23-25, and the "Legends & Legacies Symposium Series" final symposium, "The Great Escape: Heroes Underground," Oct. 14-15. In addition, the 5th Annual Roar n" Soar All American signature two-day extravaganza of the world's finest classic land, sea and air racing machines ever built returns Nov. 12-13.
For details, call 863-984-3500 or go to www.fantasyofflight.com for more information.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Halloween Horror Nights - packages announced
Halloween Horror Nights Offers
Gory Getaway Vacation
Package ~ Entire package starts at $325
per adult, tax inclusive
· 3-night accommodations at a Universal Partner Hotel
· 2-day base ticket for admission to both Universal Orlando theme parks
· Early park admission to Universal’s Islands of Adventure
· 1-night admission to Halloween Horror Nights
· Admission to select live entertainment venues at Universal CityWalk
· One 5”x7” souvenir photograph
· On-site accommodations at one of Universal Orlando’s three AAA
Four-Diamond hotels are also available
Stay and Scream ~ Starts at $36.99
plus tax
· Guests visiting the parks can add Halloween Horror Nights 21 to any Universal Orlando theme park ticket
· Prices vary per night
Advance tickets for Halloween Horror Nights are now on sale for $81.99 plus tax.
Guests can purchase Halloween Horror Nights 21 tickets at www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com or by calling 1-888-467-7677 (HORROR-7). Because of the event’s popularity, tickets for weekend nights are expected to sell out and should be purchased well in advance.
Event dates: September 23-24 and 29-30, October 1-2, 6-9, 13-16, 19-23 and 26-31
Gory Getaway Vacation
Package ~ Entire package starts at $325
per adult, tax inclusive
· 3-night accommodations at a Universal Partner Hotel
· 2-day base ticket for admission to both Universal Orlando theme parks
· Early park admission to Universal’s Islands of Adventure
· 1-night admission to Halloween Horror Nights
· Admission to select live entertainment venues at Universal CityWalk
· One 5”x7” souvenir photograph
· On-site accommodations at one of Universal Orlando’s three AAA
Four-Diamond hotels are also available
Stay and Scream ~ Starts at $36.99
plus tax
· Guests visiting the parks can add Halloween Horror Nights 21 to any Universal Orlando theme park ticket
· Prices vary per night
Advance tickets for Halloween Horror Nights are now on sale for $81.99 plus tax.
Guests can purchase Halloween Horror Nights 21 tickets at www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com or by calling 1-888-467-7677 (HORROR-7). Because of the event’s popularity, tickets for weekend nights are expected to sell out and should be purchased well in advance.
Event dates: September 23-24 and 29-30, October 1-2, 6-9, 13-16, 19-23 and 26-31
Friday, June 24, 2011
Santa and Mrs. Claus are hitting the beach this summer at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel
This July, Santa Claus might just earn the nickname “Sandy Claus” as he ventures to the white sandy beach at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel for a summer getaway with Mrs. Claus. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the couple decked out in their warm-weather attire and get a taste of Christmas this summer.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will make public appearances at the hotel the evenings of July 16-17 and 23-24. Guests can visit with the pair and take advantage of a unique opportunity to get a family photo with the big guy himself, well enough in time for this year’s holiday cards.
Last November and December, the Clauses left their humble North Pole abode for a vacation at the Orlando hotel before Santa’s big night. They enjoyed themselves so much, they decided to return for the summer as well.
“We had a blast last holiday season relaxing at our Tiki hut and driving around in our customized golf cart,” said Santa. “Mrs. Claus and I can’t wait to return. We’re looking forward to swimming, enjoying a steak at Shula’s Steak House and meeting all of the wonderful families at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel.”
Guests who would like to vacation with Santa at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel can take advantage of a special summer offer with rates starting at $139 per night. For details or to book, guests can visit www.santasfavoriteresort.com or call 1-800-227-1500 and ask for rate code “SANTA”.
This winter, Santa and Mrs. Claus plan on returning once again for their pre Christmas Eve vacation where the hotel will roll out a full array of holiday activities and decor. They will include a life-sized sculpture of Santa constructed of 1,200 lbs. of chocolate on display in the lobby, an elf bedtime tuck-in service and personal Christmas tree guest room delivery.
In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The hotel is located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The hotel features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and the Extra Magic Hours benefit at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks. The hotel can be reached at 800-227-1500, www.swandolphin.com or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/swananddolphin.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will make public appearances at the hotel the evenings of July 16-17 and 23-24. Guests can visit with the pair and take advantage of a unique opportunity to get a family photo with the big guy himself, well enough in time for this year’s holiday cards.
Last November and December, the Clauses left their humble North Pole abode for a vacation at the Orlando hotel before Santa’s big night. They enjoyed themselves so much, they decided to return for the summer as well.
“We had a blast last holiday season relaxing at our Tiki hut and driving around in our customized golf cart,” said Santa. “Mrs. Claus and I can’t wait to return. We’re looking forward to swimming, enjoying a steak at Shula’s Steak House and meeting all of the wonderful families at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel.”
Guests who would like to vacation with Santa at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel can take advantage of a special summer offer with rates starting at $139 per night. For details or to book, guests can visit www.santasfavoriteresort.com or call 1-800-227-1500 and ask for rate code “SANTA”.
This winter, Santa and Mrs. Claus plan on returning once again for their pre Christmas Eve vacation where the hotel will roll out a full array of holiday activities and decor. They will include a life-sized sculpture of Santa constructed of 1,200 lbs. of chocolate on display in the lobby, an elf bedtime tuck-in service and personal Christmas tree guest room delivery.
In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The hotel is located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The hotel features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and the Extra Magic Hours benefit at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks. The hotel can be reached at 800-227-1500, www.swandolphin.com or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/swananddolphin.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Medieval Times Offers "Train to be a knight" Family Fun Adventure
Orlando, Fl. – During the summer season, families traveling to Orlando must maintain a balance of outdoor adventures and beating the heat indoors with fun, educational outings for their children. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Orlando, Florida, has the solution that is sure to please all the young lords and ladies, and create a memorable summer experience for the entire family.
Beginning June 26, Medieval Times’ Orlando Castle will offer a free adventure-filled "Train To Be A Knight" experience for children ages 5 to 12. This is a limited time offer with additional training dates available in July and August.
Date / Showtime
June 26 7 p.m.
July 3 7 p.m.
July 17 8:15 p.m.
July 24 7 p.m.
July 31 7 p.m.
Aug. 7 7 p.m.
Aug. 14 8:15 p.m.
Aug. 21 7 p.m.
Aug. 28 7 p.m.
This special program begins in advance of the nightly performance. Participants will enjoy an exclusive weapons demonstration by the knights and learn about the grueling training involved in becoming a knight. The fun-filled experience culminates as the children are "knighted" by his majesty King Philippe.
Space is limited and participation is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Closed toed and back shoes are required to participate. The "Train To Be A Knight" program begins an hour before show time. Tickets for the night’s performance are required, but there are no charges to participate in the "Train To Be A Knight" program.
Home to the only Medieval Life Village in North America, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament's Florida Castle is located at 4510 W. Vine St, minutes away from theme parks and resort attractions. For information, dates or reservations visit Medieval Times online at www.medievaltimes.comor call 1-888-WE-JOUST (888-935-6878).
Beginning June 26, Medieval Times’ Orlando Castle will offer a free adventure-filled "Train To Be A Knight" experience for children ages 5 to 12. This is a limited time offer with additional training dates available in July and August.
Date / Showtime
June 26 7 p.m.
July 3 7 p.m.
July 17 8:15 p.m.
July 24 7 p.m.
July 31 7 p.m.
Aug. 7 7 p.m.
Aug. 14 8:15 p.m.
Aug. 21 7 p.m.
Aug. 28 7 p.m.
This special program begins in advance of the nightly performance. Participants will enjoy an exclusive weapons demonstration by the knights and learn about the grueling training involved in becoming a knight. The fun-filled experience culminates as the children are "knighted" by his majesty King Philippe.
Space is limited and participation is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Closed toed and back shoes are required to participate. The "Train To Be A Knight" program begins an hour before show time. Tickets for the night’s performance are required, but there are no charges to participate in the "Train To Be A Knight" program.
Home to the only Medieval Life Village in North America, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament's Florida Castle is located at 4510 W. Vine St, minutes away from theme parks and resort attractions. For information, dates or reservations visit Medieval Times online at www.medievaltimes.com
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Universal Orlando's new free app (Apple and Android) now available
WHAT: For the first time ever, Universal Orlando Resort is launching an official mobile application, designed to help guests effortlessly navigate its two theme parks and entertainment complex.
Available as a free download for iPhone and Android users, the app relies on GPS to provide detailed information relevant to your position – whether you’re in Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure or Universal CityWalk.
With the new app, you can…
· Pinpoint your exact location on the app’s highly-visual interactive maps
· Discover nearby attractions, dining locations, guest services and more using the application’s GPS-based carousel navigation
· Learn fun facts about the destination’s unique and exciting attractions as you get ready to experience them firsthand
· Update your friends and family about your adventures in real time on Facebook and Twitter using the app’s check-in feature
· Reserve a table at your favorite Universal Orlando restaurant with the click of a button
Guests can also play a check-in game that highlights some of Universal Orlando’s most popular attractions and gives guests the opportunity to “check-in to win” a savings guide worth up to $150.
Created by Universal Orlando in partnership with Geodelic, the Universal Orlando Resort Mobile Phone App Version 1.0 will be available as a free download in Apple and Android app stores beginning June 22. A Blackberry version of the app is currently being developed. For more information, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 22, 2011
WHERE: Apple and Android mobile app stores
Apple: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/universal-orlando-resort-guide/id424378089?mt=8
Android: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.geodelic.android.client.universalorlando
Available as a free download for iPhone and Android users, the app relies on GPS to provide detailed information relevant to your position – whether you’re in Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure or Universal CityWalk.
With the new app, you can…
· Pinpoint your exact location on the app’s highly-visual interactive maps
· Discover nearby attractions, dining locations, guest services and more using the application’s GPS-based carousel navigation
· Learn fun facts about the destination’s unique and exciting attractions as you get ready to experience them firsthand
· Update your friends and family about your adventures in real time on Facebook and Twitter using the app’s check-in feature
· Reserve a table at your favorite Universal Orlando restaurant with the click of a button
Guests can also play a check-in game that highlights some of Universal Orlando’s most popular attractions and gives guests the opportunity to “check-in to win” a savings guide worth up to $150.
Created by Universal Orlando in partnership with Geodelic, the Universal Orlando Resort Mobile Phone App Version 1.0 will be available as a free download in Apple and Android app stores beginning June 22. A Blackberry version of the app is currently being developed. For more information, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 22, 2011
WHERE: Apple and Android mobile app stores
Apple: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/universal-orlando-resort-guide/id424378089?mt=8
Android: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.geodelic.android.client.universalorlando
Monday, June 20, 2011
DREAM STORE AND LIVE AUCTION RETURN TO THE D23 EXPO
BURBANK and ANAHEIM, Calif. – June 20, 2011 – Bursting with D23-themed merchandise and other specialty items from Disney Theme Park Merchandise, the Dream Store returns to D23 Expo 2011 with something magical for Disney fans of all ages. From Disney-inspired art and collectibles to classic character collections featuring such beloved characters as Mickey Mouse and Dumbo among others, the D23 Expo Dream Store is a Disney enthusiast’s dream come true. Highlights include:
D23 Expo Logo Merchandise will allow D23 fans to take home a piece of the magic from this year’s D23 Expo, with an assortment of merchandise including apparel, headwear, pins, and Vinylmation™. The heart of this collection is the official logo of the D23 Expo 2011.
Remember... it all started with a Mouse is a tribute to Walt’s legacy and visionary imagination. As part of this year’s D23 Expo, Disney Consumer Products commissioned local artist Noah to create an iconic graphic celebrating this year’s themes. In exquisite detail, Noah has captured the joy and laughter that come from Walt Disney’s ever-familiar and contagious smile. By carefully selecting a beautiful palette of colors, he cleverly reveals this year’s celebrated Disney film anniversaries, which include One Hundred and One Dalmatians, Alice in Wonderland, Dumbo and Beauty and the Beast.
For the past decade, Noah has continued to magically interpret Disney characters through his unique style, which has become a favorite among Disney collectors worldwide. For more information on Noah, visit www.noahfineart.com.
Disney Theme Park Merchandise debuts some of its newest releases, including the Disneyland Vintage Collection, which pays tribute to attractions from yesteryear, as well as the release of the much-anticipated, limited-edition TRON Monorail and the Disneyland Monorail play set. In addition, the latest releases from Disney licensees and artists, including Precious Moments, Robert Olszewski, Jim Shore, and more will be unveiled.
D23 Expo Anniversary Collection pays tribute to this year’s historical anniversaries of the beloved Disney classic films One Hundred and One Dalmatians, Alice in Wonderland, and Dumbo. Each day of the Expo, the Dream Store will release limited quantities of commemorative merchandise from each of these celebrated films.
Disney Dream Collection and D23-Exclusive Jewelry will captivate and dazzle audiences with new pieces of fine jewelry featuring classic Disney icons and characters, such as the Sleeping Beauty Castle, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Tinker Bell, among others.
Acme Archives Limited invites guests to make the magic come alive in your home with the latest releases from Disney•Pixar, Disney Studio Art, Disney Limited and Disney Underground.
Dream Store Autograph Sessions will give D23 fans the opportunity to meet and greet some of their favorite authors, artists, Disney Legends and other notable celebrities. Autograph sessions will be posted daily at the D23 Expo Autograph exhibition area.
Dream Store Showcase and Trading Area invites fans to find out more about what is “in store” from the world of Disney Theme Park Merchandise, including Disney Pins, Vinylmation™, Duffy the Disney Bear, limited-edition ear hats, and more. This special area is the place to trade, collect, and swap stories with fellow Disney fans.
D23 Expo 2011 Live and Silent Auction offers Disney enthusiasts the rare opportunity to bid on unique experiences, tours, artwork, props, and more—specially designed for Disney fans. The D23 Expo 2011 Live and Silent Auction takes place Saturday, August 20, 2011. Tickets for the Live and Silent Auction go on sale June 20, 2011, at 8:00 a.m. via www.ArtofDisneyParks.com. Separate D23 Expo admission is required.
Please continue to watch as we release more details about Dream Store merchandise, offerings, live and silent auction lots, and more on www.Disney.com/D23 and www.ArtofDisneyParks.com and on Facebook and Twitter at “DisneyD23”.
Tickets for D23 Expo 2011 are available at a discounted price through June 30, 2011. All D23 Members—both Gold level and Silver level—can take advantage of additional exclusive admission savings at www.D23Expo.com.
D23 Expo Logo Merchandise will allow D23 fans to take home a piece of the magic from this year’s D23 Expo, with an assortment of merchandise including apparel, headwear, pins, and Vinylmation™. The heart of this collection is the official logo of the D23 Expo 2011.
Remember... it all started with a Mouse is a tribute to Walt’s legacy and visionary imagination. As part of this year’s D23 Expo, Disney Consumer Products commissioned local artist Noah to create an iconic graphic celebrating this year’s themes. In exquisite detail, Noah has captured the joy and laughter that come from Walt Disney’s ever-familiar and contagious smile. By carefully selecting a beautiful palette of colors, he cleverly reveals this year’s celebrated Disney film anniversaries, which include One Hundred and One Dalmatians, Alice in Wonderland, Dumbo and Beauty and the Beast.
For the past decade, Noah has continued to magically interpret Disney characters through his unique style, which has become a favorite among Disney collectors worldwide. For more information on Noah, visit www.noahfineart.com.
Disney Theme Park Merchandise debuts some of its newest releases, including the Disneyland Vintage Collection, which pays tribute to attractions from yesteryear, as well as the release of the much-anticipated, limited-edition TRON Monorail and the Disneyland Monorail play set. In addition, the latest releases from Disney licensees and artists, including Precious Moments, Robert Olszewski, Jim Shore, and more will be unveiled.
D23 Expo Anniversary Collection pays tribute to this year’s historical anniversaries of the beloved Disney classic films One Hundred and One Dalmatians, Alice in Wonderland, and Dumbo. Each day of the Expo, the Dream Store will release limited quantities of commemorative merchandise from each of these celebrated films.
Disney Dream Collection and D23-Exclusive Jewelry will captivate and dazzle audiences with new pieces of fine jewelry featuring classic Disney icons and characters, such as the Sleeping Beauty Castle, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Tinker Bell, among others.
Acme Archives Limited invites guests to make the magic come alive in your home with the latest releases from Disney•Pixar, Disney Studio Art, Disney Limited and Disney Underground.
Dream Store Autograph Sessions will give D23 fans the opportunity to meet and greet some of their favorite authors, artists, Disney Legends and other notable celebrities. Autograph sessions will be posted daily at the D23 Expo Autograph exhibition area.
Dream Store Showcase and Trading Area invites fans to find out more about what is “in store” from the world of Disney Theme Park Merchandise, including Disney Pins, Vinylmation™, Duffy the Disney Bear, limited-edition ear hats, and more. This special area is the place to trade, collect, and swap stories with fellow Disney fans.
D23 Expo 2011 Live and Silent Auction offers Disney enthusiasts the rare opportunity to bid on unique experiences, tours, artwork, props, and more—specially designed for Disney fans. The D23 Expo 2011 Live and Silent Auction takes place Saturday, August 20, 2011. Tickets for the Live and Silent Auction go on sale June 20, 2011, at 8:00 a.m. via www.ArtofDisneyParks.com. Separate D23 Expo admission is required.
Please continue to watch as we release more details about Dream Store merchandise, offerings, live and silent auction lots, and more on www.Disney.com/D23 and www.ArtofDisneyParks.com and on Facebook and Twitter at “DisneyD23”.
Tickets for D23 Expo 2011 are available at a discounted price through June 30, 2011. All D23 Members—both Gold level and Silver level—can take advantage of additional exclusive admission savings at www.D23Expo.com.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
New Brazilian steakhouse at Universal CityWalk
Universal Orlando Resort guests can now enjoy even more delicious dining options at CityWalk with the addition of churrascaria menu offerings at a brand new Brazilian steakhouse experience now open within Latin Quarter. The new savory main courses are served “rodizio” style, which means a continuous service of South-American rotisserie skewers full of exquisite meats brought directly from the grill and sliced tableside throughout the entire experience.
Conveniently located in the upper level of Latin Quarter, churrascaria dining is a totally new experience housed within the favorite, award-winning cantina and club. Not only can guests enjoy a variety of mouth-watering main courses, such as filet mignon, roast beef, short ribs, lamb, pork and the house specialty picanha (top sirloin), but there is also a decadent buffet and gourmet salad bar filled with American favorites and authentic Brazilian side dishes.
“The churrascaria offerings at Latin Quarter capture a piece of Brazilian culture by providing guests with an authentic rodizio dining experience here at Universal CityWalk,” said Ric Florell, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Resort Revenue Operations.
Whether enjoying the new churrascaria experience upstairs, or the main dining room, all guests to Latin Quarter will experience the delicious delicacies of Latin America amidst the restaurant’s unique décor of a star-filled sky near an ancient Mayan temple. Reservations for churrascaria dining are suggested. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit http://bit.ly/jMgoo2 or call (407) 224-2691.
Conveniently located in the upper level of Latin Quarter, churrascaria dining is a totally new experience housed within the favorite, award-winning cantina and club. Not only can guests enjoy a variety of mouth-watering main courses, such as filet mignon, roast beef, short ribs, lamb, pork and the house specialty picanha (top sirloin), but there is also a decadent buffet and gourmet salad bar filled with American favorites and authentic Brazilian side dishes.
“The churrascaria offerings at Latin Quarter capture a piece of Brazilian culture by providing guests with an authentic rodizio dining experience here at Universal CityWalk,” said Ric Florell, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Resort Revenue Operations.
Whether enjoying the new churrascaria experience upstairs, or the main dining room, all guests to Latin Quarter will experience the delicious delicacies of Latin America amidst the restaurant’s unique décor of a star-filled sky near an ancient Mayan temple. Reservations for churrascaria dining are suggested. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit http://bit.ly/jMgoo2 or call (407) 224-2691.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
SeaWorld: Amazing Sea Turtle Documentary Debuts in Orlando on June 24th
Turtle: The Incredible Journey, a family documentary directed by National Geographic Explorer’s Nick Stringer and distributed by SeaWorld Pictures, debuts Friday, June 24th in Orlando.
Turtle: The Incredible Journey is an award-winning film that follows the life and migration of a loggerhead turtle from hatching to maturity and a return to its original Florida nesting grounds. The loggerhead turtle, a threatened species, has one of the longest and most difficult migratory patterns of any marine animal: Sea turtles newly hatched on the East Coast of the United States (usually in Florida) make their way from the sand into the ocean, and then begin a voyage that can span the entire Atlantic Ocean, only to return decades later to that same beach.
The movie is playing at Pointe Orlando and Oviedo Marketplace. Check listings for show times.
Turtle: The Incredible Journey is an award-winning film that follows the life and migration of a loggerhead turtle from hatching to maturity and a return to its original Florida nesting grounds. The loggerhead turtle, a threatened species, has one of the longest and most difficult migratory patterns of any marine animal: Sea turtles newly hatched on the East Coast of the United States (usually in Florida) make their way from the sand into the ocean, and then begin a voyage that can span the entire Atlantic Ocean, only to return decades later to that same beach.
The movie is playing at Pointe Orlando and Oviedo Marketplace. Check listings for show times.
2011 DISNEY LEGENDS AWARD HONOREES
BURBANK, Calif. – June 16, 2011 –Television icon Regis Philbin, Muppets creator Jim Henson, the extraordinary actresses who vocally brought to life many modern-day Disney Princesses including Jodi Benson (Ariel from The Little Mermaid), Paige O’Hara (Belle from Beauty and the Beast), Lea Salonga (singing voices of Jasmine from Aladdin and Mulan from Mulan), Linda Larkin (speaking voice of Jasmine from Aladdin), and Anika Noni Rose (Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog) plus other equally impressive contributors to the Disney legacy will be named and honored as official Disney Legends during the D23 EXPO at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 19, in the Anaheim Convention Center Arena.
The Disney Legends Awards program is a 24-year tradition of The Walt Disney Company, and the three-day D23 EXPO provides a rare opportunity for the public to be a part of the always touching and memorable presentation. The awards ceremony will kick off the first day of the D23 EXPO, hosted by noted television personality Tom Bergeron (host of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and America’s Funniest Home Videos), and will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 19, in the Anaheim Convention Center Arena.
“From giving voice to some of our most iconic and beloved Disney princesses to bringing a smile to millions of television viewers every morning for two decades, we are proud to present these 12 men and women with our highest, most coveted honor, The Disney Legends Award," said Disney President and CEO Bob Iger. "Our newest honorees now join this unique and prestigious circle, which recognizes those whose incredible talents and outstanding contributions have had a lasting, meaningful impact on Disney's great legacy."
The 2011 Disney Legends Award honorees (listed alphabetically) are:
JODI BENSON is an acclaimed voice actress and soprano singer who provided both the singing and speaking voices for Disney’s Princess Ariel in The Little Mermaid and its sequels. For more than 20 years, Benson has voiced Ariel in film, television, video games, toys and at Disney Parks. She also starred as Sam in Disney’s Enchanted and voiced Barbie in the hit Disney/Pixar films Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3, plus Weebo in the film comedy Flubber.
BARTON “BO” BOYD began his career at Disney 1968 as an Assistant Merchandise Supervisor at Disneyland. Continually advancing over the course of his 33-years with the company, Boyd was an integral part of the team creating merchandise specifically for Disneyland and Walt Disney World and held positions including Merchandise Division Director and Vice President, Retail Merchandising. In 1997, he was named Chairman of Disney Consumer Products where he oversaw one of the longest periods of sustained growth in the history of Disney merchandising with such initiatives as Licensed Merchandise, Walt Disney Records, the start of Hyperion Press, the entire line of Disney magazine products, Disney Catalog, Disney Interactive for computer games and educational software, ESPN—The Store, Walt Disney Classics Collection, Walt Disney Collectors Society and the establishment of the first Disney Store outside the grounds of the Disney Parks.
JIM HENSON, an Emmy Award-winning television producer and Oscar-nominated film director, was an American puppeteer and the creator of global phenomenon, The Muppets. The cross-cultural appeal of The Muppets propelled television shows like Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, and Fraggle Rock to new heights. The success of these series led Henson to explore feature films including The Muppet Movie, The Great Muppet Caper and The Muppets Take Manhattan, as well as the technologically ground-breaking fantasy classics The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. The Muppet legacy continued with popular Disney films such as The Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island, as well as the upcoming The Muppets, premiering this November.
LINDA LARKIN is a celebrated actress and popular voice performer best known for providing the voice of Princess Jasmine in the Disney animated feature Aladdin, its sequels, spin-offs and television specials. She has also been vocally featured in the Disney animated television series House of Mouse and the popular Kingdom Hearts video game.
PAIGE O’HARA is a Broadway actress and singer best known for providing the voice of Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, its sequels, series and games. She also starred as Angela in the Disney film hit Enchanted. O’Hara has also been vocally featured in the Disney video game Kingdom Hearts and as Belle on the 64th Annual Academy Awards.
REGIS PHILBIN is an Emmy Award-winning, cultural icon who has entertained millions of people through talk shows, game shows, books and albums for more than 50 years. For the past 23 years, Americans have woken up to Philbin, thanks to the nationally syndicated hit talk show LIVE! with Regis and Kelly which originated in 1983 when Philbin created The Morning Show for WABC in New York. In addition to his daytime success, Philbin launched ABC’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire into a primetime powerhouse and hosted a variety of shows including NBC’s America’s Got Talent, CBS’ Million Dollar Password, and the 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
JACK AND BONITA WRATHER struck a deal with their friend Walt Disney in 1954 to build a luxury family hotel on property adjacent to Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Ground was broken on March 18, 1955, and the hotel opened six and a half months later—104 rooms in five two-story buildings at a starting room rate of $15. The Disneyland Hotel, originally conceived as simply lodging, presaged future developments in how Americans entertained themselves, pioneering, as Jack’s son Chris wrote, “new forms of dining as entertainment, shopping as entertainment and the use of a waterfront setting” in an urban environment. The Disneyland Hotel has since played host to kings, queens, presidents, entertainment and sports legends and families from around the world.
ANIKA NONI ROSE is a renowned actress and singer who provided the voice of Princess Tiana in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. In addition, some of her Broadway, television and film credits include her Tony Award-winning performance in Caroline, or Change, the blockbuster feature film Dreamgirls, and television series including The Starter Wife and The Good Wife.
LEA SALONGA is a celebrated actress and singer who provided the singing voice for two Disney Princesses: Jasmine in Aladdin, and Fa Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II. In addition to her recording and television career, Salonga’s vast Broadway credits are highlighted by her performance as Kim in Miss Saigon which garnered her numerous awards including a Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics’ Circle and Theater World Awards.
RAY WATSON was President of The Irvine Company when he was asked to join the Board of Directors for Walt Disney Productions in 1973. Watson’s early tenure on the Board saw the expansion of Walt Disney World, the 1976 opening of River Country—Disney’s first water park, and the opening of EPCOT Center, in 1982, which at a cost of $1 billion was the largest private land development project ever at that time. In 1983, Watson was elected as Chairman of the Board and after stepping down as chairman 1984, remained on the Board until he retired in 2004 after serving the Company for 30 years and establishing a worldwide reputation as a real estate development visionary.
GUY WILLIAMS was an acclaimed actor who starred in the hit Disney television series Zorro and two feature films, The Sign of Zorro and Zorro the Avenger. Williams’ charming portrayal of Zorro helped galvanized the character in the public’s imagination and made the series a favorite among the Baby Boomer generation and beyond. His other popular television credits include the hit series Bonanza and Lost in Space.
Each honoree receives a two-foot-tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture that signifies the imagination, creativity and magic they have brought to the Company. Disney Legends Award recipients also participate in a handprint ceremony, and their bronzed prints will be displayed in the Disney Legends Plaza at the Company’s Burbank headquarters.
The first Disney Legend, actor Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire), was named in 1987. Including this year’s honorees, a total of 237 Disney Legends have been named. Past Disney Legends include Tim Allen, Robin Williams, Julie Andrews, Howard Ashman, Annette Funicello, Peter Jennings, Angela Lansbury, Steve Martin, Alan Menken, Hayley Mills, Fess Parker, Sir Tim Rice, Dick Van Dyke and Barbara Walters. At the inaugural D23 Expo in 2009, the Legends Awards ceremony, which honored Robin Williams, Beatrice Arthur, Estelle Getty, Rue McLanahan, Betty White, Tony Anselmo, Bill Farmer, Harry Archinal, Don Iwerks and Leota Toombs Thomas, was presented to thousands of Disney fans for the first time.
Tickets to the D23 EXPO are available at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 EXPO, including the Disney Legends Ceremony, and can be purchased for single days or for the full three days of festivities. Admission is $42 for a one-day adult ticket and $32 for children 3-12. Three-day passes are $121 for adults and $91 for children. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will receive a discount for up to four admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 EXPO for themselves and their guests.
The Disney Legends Awards program is a 24-year tradition of The Walt Disney Company, and the three-day D23 EXPO provides a rare opportunity for the public to be a part of the always touching and memorable presentation. The awards ceremony will kick off the first day of the D23 EXPO, hosted by noted television personality Tom Bergeron (host of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and America’s Funniest Home Videos), and will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 19, in the Anaheim Convention Center Arena.
“From giving voice to some of our most iconic and beloved Disney princesses to bringing a smile to millions of television viewers every morning for two decades, we are proud to present these 12 men and women with our highest, most coveted honor, The Disney Legends Award," said Disney President and CEO Bob Iger. "Our newest honorees now join this unique and prestigious circle, which recognizes those whose incredible talents and outstanding contributions have had a lasting, meaningful impact on Disney's great legacy."
The 2011 Disney Legends Award honorees (listed alphabetically) are:
JODI BENSON is an acclaimed voice actress and soprano singer who provided both the singing and speaking voices for Disney’s Princess Ariel in The Little Mermaid and its sequels. For more than 20 years, Benson has voiced Ariel in film, television, video games, toys and at Disney Parks. She also starred as Sam in Disney’s Enchanted and voiced Barbie in the hit Disney/Pixar films Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3, plus Weebo in the film comedy Flubber.
BARTON “BO” BOYD began his career at Disney 1968 as an Assistant Merchandise Supervisor at Disneyland. Continually advancing over the course of his 33-years with the company, Boyd was an integral part of the team creating merchandise specifically for Disneyland and Walt Disney World and held positions including Merchandise Division Director and Vice President, Retail Merchandising. In 1997, he was named Chairman of Disney Consumer Products where he oversaw one of the longest periods of sustained growth in the history of Disney merchandising with such initiatives as Licensed Merchandise, Walt Disney Records, the start of Hyperion Press, the entire line of Disney magazine products, Disney Catalog, Disney Interactive for computer games and educational software, ESPN—The Store, Walt Disney Classics Collection, Walt Disney Collectors Society and the establishment of the first Disney Store outside the grounds of the Disney Parks.
JIM HENSON, an Emmy Award-winning television producer and Oscar-nominated film director, was an American puppeteer and the creator of global phenomenon, The Muppets. The cross-cultural appeal of The Muppets propelled television shows like Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, and Fraggle Rock to new heights. The success of these series led Henson to explore feature films including The Muppet Movie, The Great Muppet Caper and The Muppets Take Manhattan, as well as the technologically ground-breaking fantasy classics The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. The Muppet legacy continued with popular Disney films such as The Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island, as well as the upcoming The Muppets, premiering this November.
LINDA LARKIN is a celebrated actress and popular voice performer best known for providing the voice of Princess Jasmine in the Disney animated feature Aladdin, its sequels, spin-offs and television specials. She has also been vocally featured in the Disney animated television series House of Mouse and the popular Kingdom Hearts video game.
PAIGE O’HARA is a Broadway actress and singer best known for providing the voice of Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, its sequels, series and games. She also starred as Angela in the Disney film hit Enchanted. O’Hara has also been vocally featured in the Disney video game Kingdom Hearts and as Belle on the 64th Annual Academy Awards.
REGIS PHILBIN is an Emmy Award-winning, cultural icon who has entertained millions of people through talk shows, game shows, books and albums for more than 50 years. For the past 23 years, Americans have woken up to Philbin, thanks to the nationally syndicated hit talk show LIVE! with Regis and Kelly which originated in 1983 when Philbin created The Morning Show for WABC in New York. In addition to his daytime success, Philbin launched ABC’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire into a primetime powerhouse and hosted a variety of shows including NBC’s America’s Got Talent, CBS’ Million Dollar Password, and the 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
JACK AND BONITA WRATHER struck a deal with their friend Walt Disney in 1954 to build a luxury family hotel on property adjacent to Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Ground was broken on March 18, 1955, and the hotel opened six and a half months later—104 rooms in five two-story buildings at a starting room rate of $15. The Disneyland Hotel, originally conceived as simply lodging, presaged future developments in how Americans entertained themselves, pioneering, as Jack’s son Chris wrote, “new forms of dining as entertainment, shopping as entertainment and the use of a waterfront setting” in an urban environment. The Disneyland Hotel has since played host to kings, queens, presidents, entertainment and sports legends and families from around the world.
ANIKA NONI ROSE is a renowned actress and singer who provided the voice of Princess Tiana in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. In addition, some of her Broadway, television and film credits include her Tony Award-winning performance in Caroline, or Change, the blockbuster feature film Dreamgirls, and television series including The Starter Wife and The Good Wife.
LEA SALONGA is a celebrated actress and singer who provided the singing voice for two Disney Princesses: Jasmine in Aladdin, and Fa Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II. In addition to her recording and television career, Salonga’s vast Broadway credits are highlighted by her performance as Kim in Miss Saigon which garnered her numerous awards including a Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics’ Circle and Theater World Awards.
RAY WATSON was President of The Irvine Company when he was asked to join the Board of Directors for Walt Disney Productions in 1973. Watson’s early tenure on the Board saw the expansion of Walt Disney World, the 1976 opening of River Country—Disney’s first water park, and the opening of EPCOT Center, in 1982, which at a cost of $1 billion was the largest private land development project ever at that time. In 1983, Watson was elected as Chairman of the Board and after stepping down as chairman 1984, remained on the Board until he retired in 2004 after serving the Company for 30 years and establishing a worldwide reputation as a real estate development visionary.
GUY WILLIAMS was an acclaimed actor who starred in the hit Disney television series Zorro and two feature films, The Sign of Zorro and Zorro the Avenger. Williams’ charming portrayal of Zorro helped galvanized the character in the public’s imagination and made the series a favorite among the Baby Boomer generation and beyond. His other popular television credits include the hit series Bonanza and Lost in Space.
Each honoree receives a two-foot-tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture that signifies the imagination, creativity and magic they have brought to the Company. Disney Legends Award recipients also participate in a handprint ceremony, and their bronzed prints will be displayed in the Disney Legends Plaza at the Company’s Burbank headquarters.
The first Disney Legend, actor Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire), was named in 1987. Including this year’s honorees, a total of 237 Disney Legends have been named. Past Disney Legends include Tim Allen, Robin Williams, Julie Andrews, Howard Ashman, Annette Funicello, Peter Jennings, Angela Lansbury, Steve Martin, Alan Menken, Hayley Mills, Fess Parker, Sir Tim Rice, Dick Van Dyke and Barbara Walters. At the inaugural D23 Expo in 2009, the Legends Awards ceremony, which honored Robin Williams, Beatrice Arthur, Estelle Getty, Rue McLanahan, Betty White, Tony Anselmo, Bill Farmer, Harry Archinal, Don Iwerks and Leota Toombs Thomas, was presented to thousands of Disney fans for the first time.
Tickets to the D23 EXPO are available at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 EXPO, including the Disney Legends Ceremony, and can be purchased for single days or for the full three days of festivities. Admission is $42 for a one-day adult ticket and $32 for children 3-12. Three-day passes are $121 for adults and $91 for children. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will receive a discount for up to four admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 EXPO for themselves and their guests.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Hip Hop Artist Nelly on stage this Saturday at Universal Studios
IT’S GETTIN’ “HOT IN HERRE” AS THE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES WITH NELLY LIVE ON STAGE THIS SATURDAY AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Event Continues June 18 and Runs Every Saturday through July 16
WHAT: Universal Orlando Resort’s Summer Concert Series continues this weekend with Grammy-award winning hip hop and rap artist Nelly. With more than 21 million albums sold in the United States and more than 20 hit singles, Nelly has been one of the best-selling artists and one of the most influential in the hip hop and rap genre since his solo career debut in 2000. His hits include early classics such as, “Ride Wit Me,” “Hot in Herre,” and “Shake Ya Tailfeather,” as well as his most recent hits “Just a Dream” and “Gone.”
With a combined total of 30 platinum albums, this year’s concert lineup features artists who have each led the U.S. music charts and continue to be some of the most popular names in music today. The celebration features the most dynamic musical lineup in the event’s history with six chart-topping recording artists taking center stage every Saturday night through July 16. The full lineup can be viewed below.
2011 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES LINEUP
Summer Concert Series Dates
Saturday, June 18
Nelly
Saturday, June 25
Third Eye Blind
Saturday, July 2
Trey Songz
Saturday, July 9
Boys Like Girls
Saturday, July 16
Drake
Currently in its third year, Universal Orlando’s Summer Concert Series is included in regular admission to Universal Studios Florida, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy world-class thrills by day, and a concert by a chart-topping artist by night. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/summer.
WHERE: Universal Studios Florida; Music Plaza stage
INFORMATION: Summer Concert Series Site: http://www.universalorlando.com/summer
Event Continues June 18 and Runs Every Saturday through July 16
WHAT: Universal Orlando Resort’s Summer Concert Series continues this weekend with Grammy-award winning hip hop and rap artist Nelly. With more than 21 million albums sold in the United States and more than 20 hit singles, Nelly has been one of the best-selling artists and one of the most influential in the hip hop and rap genre since his solo career debut in 2000. His hits include early classics such as, “Ride Wit Me,” “Hot in Herre,” and “Shake Ya Tailfeather,” as well as his most recent hits “Just a Dream” and “Gone.”
With a combined total of 30 platinum albums, this year’s concert lineup features artists who have each led the U.S. music charts and continue to be some of the most popular names in music today. The celebration features the most dynamic musical lineup in the event’s history with six chart-topping recording artists taking center stage every Saturday night through July 16. The full lineup can be viewed below.
2011 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES LINEUP
Summer Concert Series Dates
Saturday, June 18
Nelly
Saturday, June 25
Third Eye Blind
Saturday, July 2
Trey Songz
Saturday, July 9
Boys Like Girls
Saturday, July 16
Drake
Currently in its third year, Universal Orlando’s Summer Concert Series is included in regular admission to Universal Studios Florida, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy world-class thrills by day, and a concert by a chart-topping artist by night. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/summer.
WHERE: Universal Studios Florida; Music Plaza stage
INFORMATION: Summer Concert Series Site: http://www.universalorlando.com/summer
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Orlando's Rosen Shingle Creek Announces First-Ever Three-Part "Summer Spirits" Dining Series
ORLANDO (June 8, 2011) - Summertime is cause for celebration, and the award-winning Rosen Shingle Creek is helping patrons celebrate good times throughout the summer with its first-ever "Rosen Shingle Creek Summer Spirits Series." The three-part dining series will offer something for every taste, from simple to sophisticated, with each event highlighting a different spirit and style of cuisine from Rosen Shingle Creek's award-winning AAA Four Diamond restaurants:
· Saturday, June 11: "Scotch. Cigars. Seven Course Tasting." at A Land Remembered
· Saturday, July 9: "Microbrews and Gourmet Burgers Night" at A Land Remembered
· Saturday, Aug. 13: "Andiamo Italia" at Cala Bella Italian bistro, featuring six courses of Italian cuisines and wines
Each Summer Spirits event is $55 plus tax and gratuity per person, or patrons may reserve seating for the entire three-part series for a discounted rate of $150 plus tax and gratuity per person. Discounted rooms of $99 plus tax on the night of each dinner only for event guests, based on availability. Guests receive complimentary valet parking when dining at any Rosen Shingle Creek restaurant. For more information, call (407) 996-FOOD (3663).
The Rosen Shingle Creek Summer Spirits Series kicks off Saturday, June 11 with "Scotch. Cigars. Seven Course Tasting." at A Land Remembered classic steakhouse. According to the website, www.artofmanliness.com, "No other spirit has been associated with manhood like scotch whisky. Whether it's the hooking punch in the mouth or just the raw and earthy process by which it is brought forth from barley and water, scotch has held a prominent place in the lives of men from kings to authors to titans of industry."
Aspiring royals, "titans of industry" and other manly men and their companions are encouraged to indulge in Rosen Shingle Creek's seven-course tasting of fine Scotches and Scotch-inspired cuisines, including: Confit of Duck served with Mushroom Ragout and Port Wine Glaze paired with a 15-year-old Dalwhinnie; a Lobster Bisque Shot with White Truffle Crème Fraiche paired with a 10-year old Glenkinchie; a Hydroponic Bibb and Red Oak Salad with Maytag Blue Cheese, Peppered Applewood Bacon, Toasted Walnuts and Roasted Vidalia Vinaigrette accompanied by a Cragganmore 12-year; Herbed Lamb Loin Pan Jus served with Stewed Northern Beans and Butter Poached Asparagus along with a very rare 18-year-old Glenmorangie; Chilean Sea Bass with Smoked Chili Sauce and Fried Potato Sticks paired with Glenmorangie Finalta; Smoked Blue Cheese and Cheddar Chocolate Stout with Wild Strawberries in Balsamic with a 10-year Ardberg. The grand finale is Chef David's Exotic Chocolate with Glenmorangie La Santa, followed by a complimentary Don Tomas Allegro Cigar.
The series continues Saturday, July 9 with "Microbrews and Gourmet Burgers," a celebration of craft beers, including Rosen Hotels & Resorts' own home-brew, Alligator Drool, served with a variety of gourmet mini-burgers or "sliders."
On Saturday, Aug. 13, the Summer Spirits Series concludes with "Andiamo Italia" meaning "Let's go to Italy!" at Cala Bella Italian bistro. The six-course Italian meal will be paired with six premium Italian wines.
Rosen Shingle Creek is noted by locals, visitors and those in the meetings industry for its award-winning cuisine. The four-year-old hotel recently earned its second prestigious Gold Platter award from the readers of Meetings & Conventions (M&C) magazine for its all-around excellence in food and beverage. It was one of only 23 hotels in the United States, Puerto Rico and Bahamas to earn the coveted Gold Platter award this year.
The hotel recently brought its total in-house dining and lounge options to 14 with the opening of two new eateries this spring. Banrai Sushi, a 30-seat sushi bar and restaurant named for the Japanese word for "rest" serves signature rolls such as the Shingle Creek Roll as well as more than a dozen traditional sushi offerings, 16 Nigiri sushi/sashimi choices, various appetizers, entrees, sakes and martinis. The new Tobias Flats & Watering Hole serves a variety of flatbread-based dishes, from starters and salads, to pizzas and sandwiches, themed for the characters in Patrick Smith's Florida-themed novel, "A Land Remembered," from which the hotel's classic steakhouse also borrows its name.
Two of the hotel's restaurants have earned the prestigious AAA Four Diamond rating: A Land Remembered which proudly serves Harris Ranch All Natural Black Angus Beef, and the upscale Cala Bella "Beautiful Creek" Italian bistro, which offers a Kitchen Presentation Bar for "ringside" views of its culinary artists at work. The hotel also boasts Café Osceola, featuring freshly prepared buffets and chef cooking stations; the adjacent Osceola Bar; Headwaters Lounge, a great place to network and mingle; the intimate Bella's Bar with live piano music; Cat-Tails Pool Bar & Grille with light bites perfect for poolside; Creek Ice Creamery serving Haagen-Dazs; Smoooth Java coffee bar serving coffee, smoothies and fresh pastries; 18 Monroe Street Market, a 24-hour deli with both made-to-order items and snacks; as well as 24-hour room service.
The AAA Four Diamond, 1,500-room Rosen Shingle Creek is conveniently located at 9939 Universal Blvd., just off the International Drive tourist district and ten minutes from the Orlando International Airport. To book a room, guests may call the Rosen Shingle Creek reservations line at (866) 996-6338. For more information, visit www.rosenshinglecreek.com or call (866) 996-9939. For more information about Rosen Hotels & Resorts, visit www.rosenhotels.com.
· Saturday, June 11: "Scotch. Cigars. Seven Course Tasting." at A Land Remembered
· Saturday, July 9: "Microbrews and Gourmet Burgers Night" at A Land Remembered
· Saturday, Aug. 13: "Andiamo Italia" at Cala Bella Italian bistro, featuring six courses of Italian cuisines and wines
Each Summer Spirits event is $55 plus tax and gratuity per person, or patrons may reserve seating for the entire three-part series for a discounted rate of $150 plus tax and gratuity per person. Discounted rooms of $99 plus tax on the night of each dinner only for event guests, based on availability. Guests receive complimentary valet parking when dining at any Rosen Shingle Creek restaurant. For more information, call (407) 996-FOOD (3663).
The Rosen Shingle Creek Summer Spirits Series kicks off Saturday, June 11 with "Scotch. Cigars. Seven Course Tasting." at A Land Remembered classic steakhouse. According to the website, www.artofmanliness.com, "No other spirit has been associated with manhood like scotch whisky. Whether it's the hooking punch in the mouth or just the raw and earthy process by which it is brought forth from barley and water, scotch has held a prominent place in the lives of men from kings to authors to titans of industry."
Aspiring royals, "titans of industry" and other manly men and their companions are encouraged to indulge in Rosen Shingle Creek's seven-course tasting of fine Scotches and Scotch-inspired cuisines, including: Confit of Duck served with Mushroom Ragout and Port Wine Glaze paired with a 15-year-old Dalwhinnie; a Lobster Bisque Shot with White Truffle Crème Fraiche paired with a 10-year old Glenkinchie; a Hydroponic Bibb and Red Oak Salad with Maytag Blue Cheese, Peppered Applewood Bacon, Toasted Walnuts and Roasted Vidalia Vinaigrette accompanied by a Cragganmore 12-year; Herbed Lamb Loin Pan Jus served with Stewed Northern Beans and Butter Poached Asparagus along with a very rare 18-year-old Glenmorangie; Chilean Sea Bass with Smoked Chili Sauce and Fried Potato Sticks paired with Glenmorangie Finalta; Smoked Blue Cheese and Cheddar Chocolate Stout with Wild Strawberries in Balsamic with a 10-year Ardberg. The grand finale is Chef David's Exotic Chocolate with Glenmorangie La Santa, followed by a complimentary Don Tomas Allegro Cigar.
The series continues Saturday, July 9 with "Microbrews and Gourmet Burgers," a celebration of craft beers, including Rosen Hotels & Resorts' own home-brew, Alligator Drool, served with a variety of gourmet mini-burgers or "sliders."
On Saturday, Aug. 13, the Summer Spirits Series concludes with "Andiamo Italia" meaning "Let's go to Italy!" at Cala Bella Italian bistro. The six-course Italian meal will be paired with six premium Italian wines.
Rosen Shingle Creek is noted by locals, visitors and those in the meetings industry for its award-winning cuisine. The four-year-old hotel recently earned its second prestigious Gold Platter award from the readers of Meetings & Conventions (M&C) magazine for its all-around excellence in food and beverage. It was one of only 23 hotels in the United States, Puerto Rico and Bahamas to earn the coveted Gold Platter award this year.
The hotel recently brought its total in-house dining and lounge options to 14 with the opening of two new eateries this spring. Banrai Sushi, a 30-seat sushi bar and restaurant named for the Japanese word for "rest" serves signature rolls such as the Shingle Creek Roll as well as more than a dozen traditional sushi offerings, 16 Nigiri sushi/sashimi choices, various appetizers, entrees, sakes and martinis. The new Tobias Flats & Watering Hole serves a variety of flatbread-based dishes, from starters and salads, to pizzas and sandwiches, themed for the characters in Patrick Smith's Florida-themed novel, "A Land Remembered," from which the hotel's classic steakhouse also borrows its name.
Two of the hotel's restaurants have earned the prestigious AAA Four Diamond rating: A Land Remembered which proudly serves Harris Ranch All Natural Black Angus Beef, and the upscale Cala Bella "Beautiful Creek" Italian bistro, which offers a Kitchen Presentation Bar for "ringside" views of its culinary artists at work. The hotel also boasts Café Osceola, featuring freshly prepared buffets and chef cooking stations; the adjacent Osceola Bar; Headwaters Lounge, a great place to network and mingle; the intimate Bella's Bar with live piano music; Cat-Tails Pool Bar & Grille with light bites perfect for poolside; Creek Ice Creamery serving Haagen-Dazs; Smoooth Java coffee bar serving coffee, smoothies and fresh pastries; 18 Monroe Street Market, a 24-hour deli with both made-to-order items and snacks; as well as 24-hour room service.
The AAA Four Diamond, 1,500-room Rosen Shingle Creek is conveniently located at 9939 Universal Blvd., just off the International Drive tourist district and ten minutes from the Orlando International Airport. To book a room, guests may call the Rosen Shingle Creek reservations line at (866) 996-6338. For more information, visit www.rosenshinglecreek.com or call (866) 996-9939. For more information about Rosen Hotels & Resorts, visit www.rosenhotels.com.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Wizarding World website wins a "Webby" Award
Universal Orlando Resort Brings Home Two of the Internet’s Highest Honors
ORLANDO, Fla. (June 13, 2011) – Universal Orlando Resort’s website for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has received two of the highest honors for excellence on the Internet – The Webby Award and the People’s Voice Award for “Best Tourism Website.”
The website, found at www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter, has helped guests around the world learn more about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films come to life. The site features ground-breaking interactive elements, including:
· A photo-realistic, fly-through tour of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts castle
· The Wizarding World News, where you can learn more about this spectacularly themed environment through news articles, video and other multimedia tools
· A virtual Owl Post, where you can send e-cards to friends and family
· An augmented reality map, which appeared online throughout 2010 and allowed guests to explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in a unique way by blending real-life environments with computer animation
“From the very beginning, our Interactive and Creative teams strived to imagine beyond normal boundaries and assume anything was possible with this website,” said Al Callier, vice president of interactive development and web production. “These awards are an outstanding honor and a testament to the hard work of many extraordinary creative minds.”
This year marks the 15th Annual WEBBY Awards, and the leading international award association received more than 10,000 entries worldwide in more than 100 categories. Two awards are presented in each category – The Webby Award and the People’s Voice Award.
The Webby Award-winner is selected by members of The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, which includes more than 750 of the world’s leading Web experts, business professionals and creative celebrities. The People’s Voice Award is determined by the online community, and the winners receive hundreds of thousands of votes.
To experience the award-winning website and learn more about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, visit www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter.
ORLANDO, Fla. (June 13, 2011) – Universal Orlando Resort’s website for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has received two of the highest honors for excellence on the Internet – The Webby Award and the People’s Voice Award for “Best Tourism Website.”
The website, found at www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter, has helped guests around the world learn more about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films come to life. The site features ground-breaking interactive elements, including:
· A photo-realistic, fly-through tour of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts castle
· The Wizarding World News, where you can learn more about this spectacularly themed environment through news articles, video and other multimedia tools
· A virtual Owl Post, where you can send e-cards to friends and family
· An augmented reality map, which appeared online throughout 2010 and allowed guests to explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in a unique way by blending real-life environments with computer animation
“From the very beginning, our Interactive and Creative teams strived to imagine beyond normal boundaries and assume anything was possible with this website,” said Al Callier, vice president of interactive development and web production. “These awards are an outstanding honor and a testament to the hard work of many extraordinary creative minds.”
This year marks the 15th Annual WEBBY Awards, and the leading international award association received more than 10,000 entries worldwide in more than 100 categories. Two awards are presented in each category – The Webby Award and the People’s Voice Award.
The Webby Award-winner is selected by members of The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, which includes more than 750 of the world’s leading Web experts, business professionals and creative celebrities. The People’s Voice Award is determined by the online community, and the winners receive hundreds of thousands of votes.
To experience the award-winning website and learn more about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, visit www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Discovery Cove opens expansion area - The Grand Reef
SeaWorld Orlando's boutique all-inclusive water park Discovery Cove just opened their newest area -- The Grand Reef. Here's a quick highlight video.
Read the rest of my review over on The Disney Blog.
Read the rest of my review over on The Disney Blog.
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Phelps Twins Return to Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Oliver and James Phelps, who portray the mischievous Weasley brothers, George and Fred respectively, in the Harry Potter films – stopped to greet fans and take photos with eager guests in Hogsmeade at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter while visiting Universal Orlando Resort on Thursday, June 9, 2011. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which celebrated its grand opening nearly one year ago, is the most spectacular-themed environment ever created.
The Phelps twins, while not looking quite so ginger as in the films, did have some trademark Weasley fun while invading Zonkos and exploring other parts of Hogsmeade. They were in Islands of Adventure doing some filming, probably for a DVD extra for the final movie.
Looks like fun was had by all.
Friday, June 03, 2011
Star Tours - Inside Jokes, Tributes, Remnants, Homages
Part of what makes the new Star Tours so awesome, for me at least, is the incredible level of inside jokes, remnants, and homages. Probably this is because I publish a book of such tributes.
Here’s what we’ve been able to find so far, listed “chronologically” as we progress through the queue and ride. It should be noted that numerous posters on a couple Disney fan sites helped me by adding to my initial list with new items, that are now folded in:
Queue
THX1138. On the terminal boarding announcements, watch the bottom of the screen for Flight 1138 to Chandrila. There's also a verbal announcement for landspeeder THX1138, an echo (though a new recording) of a similar announcement pre-rehab.
Fantasy in the Sky fireworks. One video on the large viewscreen mentions Fantasy in the Sky, a reference to the longtime fireworks show at Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom.
George Lucas. One verbal terminal announcement pages Egroeg Sacul (George Lucas), a holdover announcement from the ride's previous incarnation.
Tom Morrow. Another verbal announcement mentions Mot Worrom (Tom Morrow backwards), which honors an Audio-Animatronics figure from Tomorrowland's past (at Disneyland, more than one!)
NCC-1701. Just before reaching the large overhead screen, look to your right for white circle designs in the wall. One is labeled in red font with N1C7C01 - an 'every other letter' cipher for the number designation of Star Trek's Enterprise, NCC-1701.
C3PO and R2D2. Another circle design in this same location uses a backward cipher for the droid names.
Tony Baxter. In the corner just below (just after) the overhead screen, look for lettering in dim light saying TWB3000. This is in deference to Senior Vice President of Creative Development at WDI Tony Wayne Baxter, and the old Star Tours flight number 3000.
Captain Rex. As you cross into the second queue room, look to one side to spot Rex, our former pilot. He’s now marked “defective” and is being sent back for repairs. Listen for a while and you’ll hear some audio from the original ride. I love this tribute, but I’m aware that it’s anachronistic. We’re in the time frame between Episode 3 and Episode 4, so the Rex pilot we know and love hasn’t even been installed yet—having a joke about him is a bit “out of time.” I suppose this is an “even earlier” version of Rex we’re looking at?
Robot Birds. In the original Orlando queue, robotic birds sat atop the entry door just after the second G2 droid—they looked a bit like Salacious Crumb, the lackey “monkey” near Jabba in the movies. They are now encased in a cage near Rex, no longer animated.
TK-421. The Stormtrooper who “wasn’t at his post” in the original Star Wars movie is honored here with a sign just above Rex and the other droids. Note: TK421 is again referenced by the luggage droid, who sees a stormtrooper helmet in the scanner and wonders why he's not at his post.
America Sings. The two droids in the second queue room were remodeled slightly in the rehab, but you can still see their webbed feet and wagging tails - these animatronics began life as oversized geese in America Sings (later the Innoventions building) in Anaheim's Tomorrowland. You can see identical geese - their brethren - who were later moved from American Sings to the first indoor scene of Splash Mountain in Anaheim (the whole thing was reproduced here in Orlando, even though the "history" is referential rather than direct).
Star Tours-Anaheim’s Opening Date. Star Tours in Anaheim opened on January 9, 1987 (I was there!), so the mention of 109.87 is no accident! This number appears on the front side of the “suitcase tube” behind G2-9T (the “take a picture it will last longer” droid).
Luggage scanner jokes (movie and character references). The suitcase scanner looks inside baggage to illuminate what’s inside, and there’s often a joke here, like a stormtrooper helmet, Madame Leota, C3PO’s head, Wall-E’s eyes, the Aladdin lamp, Mouse ears (with the name "Luke" on them), Major and Minor Domo from Captain EO, Chip and Dale, or the Incredibles outfit. Also visible at one point is the old logo for the Living Seas pavilion at Epcot.
Ellen's Energy Adventure. G2-9T (the luggage droid) says "you just think about that!" in a way reminiscent of Ellen's preshow.
Fix broken droids. G2-9T (the luggage droid) says "this job is a lot better than, say, fixing broken droids all day" - which was his job prior to the refurbishment (and he even sang "I've been working on the same droid / all my livelong day."
Han Solo's Detention Center banter. G2-9T (the luggage droid) says "boring conversation anyway," echoing language used by Han Solo on the Death Star intercom while breaking Leia out of the detention center.
Hidden Mickey R2. The shadow figures at the bend in the upramp include an R2 with Mickey ears (also known as R2-MK).
K-DROID. In the original Star Tours queue in Anaheim, a radio sat opposite G2-9T on the first upramp, displaying “107.9” (it was different in Orlando) with the announcer calling it K-DROID every few moments. In the new queue, wait until you are on the second platform, looking down at G2-9T, and you’ll spot a panel labeled KDRD 107.9.
Soarin. The second droid (who constantly urges us to move along) is voiced by Disney veteran (and Soarin' host) Patrick Warburton. This droid quotes the Soarin' safety video with phrases like "place all carryons in the overhead comPARTments" and "nice work, pal."
Safety video
Alison Janney. Ali San San’s name can be traced to its voice: actress Alison Janney (the ‘sound’ of the name is similar).
Delta Airlines. A prominent safety spiel on Delta airlines uses a coy tone of voice and wagging finger to say "smoking is never allowed on Delta flights", and Ali San San uses much the same phrase (also including photography) in a clear homage.
Inappropriate flash photo. In the 1987 safety video, a little boy turns around to the row behind him and takes a flash photo of Chewbacca, causing Chewie growl in protest while a nearby Calamarian threatens the boy with a backhand. In the 2011 safety video, a different little child does the same move, and again Chewie reacts while the Calamarian threatens a backhand (a little more subtly than in 1987).
Crazy haired safety spiel lady. The lady with the wacky hairdo in the old ride's preshow is still around, as party of the group getting onto the speeder in the safety video, though she doesn't have a speaking role. Look to the second row of the speeder, wearing a purple cloak (she will be on the right side of the screen).
WDI Street Address. We’re on Flight 1401. Sound familiar? WDI is located at 1401 Flower St in Glendale, CA.
PeopleMover. Vehicles at the start of the Stormtrooper opening (moving luggage) are shaped like Orlando’s PeopleMover TTA cars, but they are colored white (with a blue stripe) like Anaheim’s PeopleMover. These luggage cars are also visible on the preshow video if you get there early enough.
Kashyyyk sequence
Wilhelm Scream. The speeder bike clone trooper who crashes into a tree (just after the wookie slides off the viewscreen) gives the famous Wilhelm scream.
Hoth sequence
Restricted Combat Zone. "Star Tours - What are you doing here? This is a combat zone. It's restricted. Ease off on your main thruster." This phrase is largely kept in the new movie during the Hoth scene: "Star Tours - This is a restricted area. What are you doing here? Stay clear of the combat zone."
Mission Space homage. The finale of the Mission Space ride at Epcot includes a moment where the spaceship teeters at the edge of an icy canyon, and our host Gary Sinise says “Don’t move a muscle.” A similar phrase is used when our Starspeeder-1000 teeters on the edge of an icy canyon on Hoth.
Tatooine sequence
Rex’s Death Star run. In the original movie, Rex claims “I’ve always wanted to do this! We’re going in!” In the new movie, C3PO says something similar in Tatooine: “Oh a podrace! I’ve always wanted to do this!”
Transmission sequences
Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Leia’s famous phrase is here relayed as “Help me, Star Tours. You’re my only hope.”
What message? C3PO’s famous phrase is also repeated here as "What transmission?" (and Threepio is still talking to R2D2!)
Naboo sequence
Rex’s lack of brakes. In the original movie, Rex screams “Brakes! Brakes! Where are the brakes?!” near the beginning of that movie. C3PO says the same exact phrase at the end of the Naboo sequence.
Mustafar sequence
I have a bad feeling about this. As we approach the Death Star, C3PO utters the phrase used in all Star Wars movies.
Mighty Microscope. Inside the Death Star (Mustafar/asteroid scene) is hidden the Mighty Microscope, on the left side of the screen in the tunnel as we exit the Death Star. The Mighty Microscope was a prop/element in Adventure Thru Inner Space, an Omnimover ride that preceded Star Tours in Anaheim. When Star Tours moved in (1987), the Microscope showed up as a prop in the hangar of the movie (also true of the Orlando attraction, which used the same film).
Coruscant sequence
Tomorrowland-T. One of the electronic billboards we fly past includes the "T" logo from Disneyland's 1998 Tomorrowland re-do.
FUEL Truck. We almost crashed into a truck labeled FUEL (all caps) in the original movie, and a similarly-named truck can be seen at the end of the Coruscant sequence.
Hidden Mickeys. Look to the back wall in the last scene of Coruscant for a whole row of Hidden Mickeys.
Here’s what we’ve been able to find so far, listed “chronologically” as we progress through the queue and ride. It should be noted that numerous posters on a couple Disney fan sites helped me by adding to my initial list with new items, that are now folded in:
Queue
THX1138. On the terminal boarding announcements, watch the bottom of the screen for Flight 1138 to Chandrila. There's also a verbal announcement for landspeeder THX1138, an echo (though a new recording) of a similar announcement pre-rehab.
Fantasy in the Sky fireworks. One video on the large viewscreen mentions Fantasy in the Sky, a reference to the longtime fireworks show at Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom.
George Lucas. One verbal terminal announcement pages Egroeg Sacul (George Lucas), a holdover announcement from the ride's previous incarnation.
Tom Morrow. Another verbal announcement mentions Mot Worrom (Tom Morrow backwards), which honors an Audio-Animatronics figure from Tomorrowland's past (at Disneyland, more than one!)
NCC-1701. Just before reaching the large overhead screen, look to your right for white circle designs in the wall. One is labeled in red font with N1C7C01 - an 'every other letter' cipher for the number designation of Star Trek's Enterprise, NCC-1701.
C3PO and R2D2. Another circle design in this same location uses a backward cipher for the droid names.
Tony Baxter. In the corner just below (just after) the overhead screen, look for lettering in dim light saying TWB3000. This is in deference to Senior Vice President of Creative Development at WDI Tony Wayne Baxter, and the old Star Tours flight number 3000.
Captain Rex. As you cross into the second queue room, look to one side to spot Rex, our former pilot. He’s now marked “defective” and is being sent back for repairs. Listen for a while and you’ll hear some audio from the original ride. I love this tribute, but I’m aware that it’s anachronistic. We’re in the time frame between Episode 3 and Episode 4, so the Rex pilot we know and love hasn’t even been installed yet—having a joke about him is a bit “out of time.” I suppose this is an “even earlier” version of Rex we’re looking at?
Robot Birds. In the original Orlando queue, robotic birds sat atop the entry door just after the second G2 droid—they looked a bit like Salacious Crumb, the lackey “monkey” near Jabba in the movies. They are now encased in a cage near Rex, no longer animated.
TK-421. The Stormtrooper who “wasn’t at his post” in the original Star Wars movie is honored here with a sign just above Rex and the other droids. Note: TK421 is again referenced by the luggage droid, who sees a stormtrooper helmet in the scanner and wonders why he's not at his post.
America Sings. The two droids in the second queue room were remodeled slightly in the rehab, but you can still see their webbed feet and wagging tails - these animatronics began life as oversized geese in America Sings (later the Innoventions building) in Anaheim's Tomorrowland. You can see identical geese - their brethren - who were later moved from American Sings to the first indoor scene of Splash Mountain in Anaheim (the whole thing was reproduced here in Orlando, even though the "history" is referential rather than direct).
Star Tours-Anaheim’s Opening Date. Star Tours in Anaheim opened on January 9, 1987 (I was there!), so the mention of 109.87 is no accident! This number appears on the front side of the “suitcase tube” behind G2-9T (the “take a picture it will last longer” droid).
Luggage scanner jokes (movie and character references). The suitcase scanner looks inside baggage to illuminate what’s inside, and there’s often a joke here, like a stormtrooper helmet, Madame Leota, C3PO’s head, Wall-E’s eyes, the Aladdin lamp, Mouse ears (with the name "Luke" on them), Major and Minor Domo from Captain EO, Chip and Dale, or the Incredibles outfit. Also visible at one point is the old logo for the Living Seas pavilion at Epcot.
Ellen's Energy Adventure. G2-9T (the luggage droid) says "you just think about that!" in a way reminiscent of Ellen's preshow.
Fix broken droids. G2-9T (the luggage droid) says "this job is a lot better than, say, fixing broken droids all day" - which was his job prior to the refurbishment (and he even sang "I've been working on the same droid / all my livelong day."
Han Solo's Detention Center banter. G2-9T (the luggage droid) says "boring conversation anyway," echoing language used by Han Solo on the Death Star intercom while breaking Leia out of the detention center.
Hidden Mickey R2. The shadow figures at the bend in the upramp include an R2 with Mickey ears (also known as R2-MK).
K-DROID. In the original Star Tours queue in Anaheim, a radio sat opposite G2-9T on the first upramp, displaying “107.9” (it was different in Orlando) with the announcer calling it K-DROID every few moments. In the new queue, wait until you are on the second platform, looking down at G2-9T, and you’ll spot a panel labeled KDRD 107.9.
Soarin. The second droid (who constantly urges us to move along) is voiced by Disney veteran (and Soarin' host) Patrick Warburton. This droid quotes the Soarin' safety video with phrases like "place all carryons in the overhead comPARTments" and "nice work, pal."
Safety video
Alison Janney. Ali San San’s name can be traced to its voice: actress Alison Janney (the ‘sound’ of the name is similar).
Delta Airlines. A prominent safety spiel on Delta airlines uses a coy tone of voice and wagging finger to say "smoking is never allowed on Delta flights", and Ali San San uses much the same phrase (also including photography) in a clear homage.
Inappropriate flash photo. In the 1987 safety video, a little boy turns around to the row behind him and takes a flash photo of Chewbacca, causing Chewie growl in protest while a nearby Calamarian threatens the boy with a backhand. In the 2011 safety video, a different little child does the same move, and again Chewie reacts while the Calamarian threatens a backhand (a little more subtly than in 1987).
Crazy haired safety spiel lady. The lady with the wacky hairdo in the old ride's preshow is still around, as party of the group getting onto the speeder in the safety video, though she doesn't have a speaking role. Look to the second row of the speeder, wearing a purple cloak (she will be on the right side of the screen).
WDI Street Address. We’re on Flight 1401. Sound familiar? WDI is located at 1401 Flower St in Glendale, CA.
PeopleMover. Vehicles at the start of the Stormtrooper opening (moving luggage) are shaped like Orlando’s PeopleMover TTA cars, but they are colored white (with a blue stripe) like Anaheim’s PeopleMover. These luggage cars are also visible on the preshow video if you get there early enough.
Kashyyyk sequence
Wilhelm Scream. The speeder bike clone trooper who crashes into a tree (just after the wookie slides off the viewscreen) gives the famous Wilhelm scream.
Hoth sequence
Restricted Combat Zone. "Star Tours - What are you doing here? This is a combat zone. It's restricted. Ease off on your main thruster." This phrase is largely kept in the new movie during the Hoth scene: "Star Tours - This is a restricted area. What are you doing here? Stay clear of the combat zone."
Mission Space homage. The finale of the Mission Space ride at Epcot includes a moment where the spaceship teeters at the edge of an icy canyon, and our host Gary Sinise says “Don’t move a muscle.” A similar phrase is used when our Starspeeder-1000 teeters on the edge of an icy canyon on Hoth.
Tatooine sequence
Rex’s Death Star run. In the original movie, Rex claims “I’ve always wanted to do this! We’re going in!” In the new movie, C3PO says something similar in Tatooine: “Oh a podrace! I’ve always wanted to do this!”
Transmission sequences
Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Leia’s famous phrase is here relayed as “Help me, Star Tours. You’re my only hope.”
What message? C3PO’s famous phrase is also repeated here as "What transmission?" (and Threepio is still talking to R2D2!)
Naboo sequence
Rex’s lack of brakes. In the original movie, Rex screams “Brakes! Brakes! Where are the brakes?!” near the beginning of that movie. C3PO says the same exact phrase at the end of the Naboo sequence.
Mustafar sequence
I have a bad feeling about this. As we approach the Death Star, C3PO utters the phrase used in all Star Wars movies.
Mighty Microscope. Inside the Death Star (Mustafar/asteroid scene) is hidden the Mighty Microscope, on the left side of the screen in the tunnel as we exit the Death Star. The Mighty Microscope was a prop/element in Adventure Thru Inner Space, an Omnimover ride that preceded Star Tours in Anaheim. When Star Tours moved in (1987), the Microscope showed up as a prop in the hangar of the movie (also true of the Orlando attraction, which used the same film).
Coruscant sequence
Tomorrowland-T. One of the electronic billboards we fly past includes the "T" logo from Disneyland's 1998 Tomorrowland re-do.
FUEL Truck. We almost crashed into a truck labeled FUEL (all caps) in the original movie, and a similarly-named truck can be seen at the end of the Coruscant sequence.
Hidden Mickeys. Look to the back wall in the last scene of Coruscant for a whole row of Hidden Mickeys.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
SeaWorld Ends Residents Fun Card
Today was the last day for Florida and Georgia residents to purchase a Fun Card from SeaWorld Orlando or Tampa Bay Busch Gardens. The $80 ticket allowed residents to turn their one day visit into a multi-day ticket good through the end of the year.
The company is apparently satisfied that attendance will continue to trend upwards as the economy recovers. They will be pushing annual passes instead. Switching to an AP should be a relatively painless upgrade for most as SeaWorld offers monthly payment plans for the AP and it includes parking. When you added in parking for future visits the FunCard was less of a value anyway.
The AP has other benefits (including food and merchandise discounts and discounts on tickets for other Seaworld parks) and is good for 365 days from purchase too.
More about the SeaWorld Resident deals.
The company is apparently satisfied that attendance will continue to trend upwards as the economy recovers. They will be pushing annual passes instead. Switching to an AP should be a relatively painless upgrade for most as SeaWorld offers monthly payment plans for the AP and it includes parking. When you added in parking for future visits the FunCard was less of a value anyway.
The AP has other benefits (including food and merchandise discounts and discounts on tickets for other Seaworld parks) and is good for 365 days from purchase too.
More about the SeaWorld Resident deals.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Orlando-Kissimmee the most dangerous pedestrian city in the USA
A group called "Transportation for America" has published a "Dangerous by Design" report (current for 2007-2008) and they isolated Orlando-Kissimmee as the #1 dangerous place to walk streets (especially the high-speed "arterial" roads) in the country. In second place was the Tampa Bay area.
Read the full report here: http://t4america.org/docs/dangerousbydesign/dangerous_by_design.pdf
Read the full report here: http://t4america.org/docs/dangerousbydesign/dangerous_by_design.pdf
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Dave & Buster's is coming to Orlando
Dave & Buster’s Orlando will open its doors on Monday, July 18, 2011, in the heart of International Drive adjacent to Interstate 4. If you don't know the concept, think DisneyQuest but for adults - many games (some are expensive) and also a bar-like atmosphere.
The Orlando location will accommodate more than 1,000 guests with 40,000 square feet of dining, entertainment and gaming space. Inside, the dynamic backdrop features high-tech accents and more than 170 interactive simulator and redemption games, including the popular Touch FX featuring the Fruit Ninja slicing game available for play on a 46-inch screen. There will also be Guitar Hero, NASCAR racing and more. Other games reward players with tickets redeemable for prizes like Xbox game consoles and iPads. Guests can also keep track of their favorite sports teams on dozens of flat-screen HD TVs.
The full menu captures the fun, playful energy of Dave & Buster’s with creative twists on familiar favorites like Philly Cheese Steak Egg Rolls, Pretzel Bites and Mountain O’ Nachos. There’s even something for the traditionalist like the fire grilled salmon and New York strip steak. With close proximity to the Orlando-Orange County Convention Center, the venue offers an ideal meeting space of more than 3,100 square feet for group events, meetings and corporate team building.
For more information about the company and its newest location, visit http://www.daveandbusters.com.
# # #
About Dave & Buster's:
Dave & Buster's was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Dave & Buster's operates 56 large venue, high-volume restaurant/entertainment complexes throughout North America that offer a food and fun-filled experience to adults and families. The exciting environment of the Dave & Buster's complex also provides the perfect setting for corporate and group events.
Each Dave & Buster's offers an impressive selection of high-quality food and beverage items, combined with the latest games and attractions. Guests can play state-of the-art simulators and games of skill they can’t play anywhere else, as well as billiards and shuffleboard. http://www.daveandbusters.com
The Orlando location will accommodate more than 1,000 guests with 40,000 square feet of dining, entertainment and gaming space. Inside, the dynamic backdrop features high-tech accents and more than 170 interactive simulator and redemption games, including the popular Touch FX featuring the Fruit Ninja slicing game available for play on a 46-inch screen. There will also be Guitar Hero, NASCAR racing and more. Other games reward players with tickets redeemable for prizes like Xbox game consoles and iPads. Guests can also keep track of their favorite sports teams on dozens of flat-screen HD TVs.
The full menu captures the fun, playful energy of Dave & Buster’s with creative twists on familiar favorites like Philly Cheese Steak Egg Rolls, Pretzel Bites and Mountain O’ Nachos. There’s even something for the traditionalist like the fire grilled salmon and New York strip steak. With close proximity to the Orlando-Orange County Convention Center, the venue offers an ideal meeting space of more than 3,100 square feet for group events, meetings and corporate team building.
For more information about the company and its newest location, visit http://www.daveandbusters.com.
# # #
About Dave & Buster's:
Dave & Buster's was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Dave & Buster's operates 56 large venue, high-volume restaurant/entertainment complexes throughout North America that offer a food and fun-filled experience to adults and families. The exciting environment of the Dave & Buster's complex also provides the perfect setting for corporate and group events.
Each Dave & Buster's offers an impressive selection of high-quality food and beverage items, combined with the latest games and attractions. Guests can play state-of the-art simulators and games of skill they can’t play anywhere else, as well as billiards and shuffleboard. http://www.daveandbusters.com
Monday, May 23, 2011
LEGOLAND Florida announces October 15th Opening Date
LEGOLAND Florida has revealed its official opening date to be Saturday, October 15, 2011. Park officials disclosed the date, a closely guarded secret since the park broke ground last year, to help families already planning vacations in the fall.
The new park takes over the former Cypress Gardens Adventure park in Winter Haven Florida, about 45 minutes south of the Attractions Area in Orlando. The new 150-acre theme park is expected to play to families with kids ages 2 to 12 and adults with a love of the classic LEGO blocks. It will feature more than 50 “pink-knuckle” rides – from roller coasters to race cars – as well as family focused shows and attractions.
“I’d estimate 80 percent of the inquiries we’ve received have been about our opening date,” said LEGOLAND Florida sales manager Todd Andrus. “Guests are all but begging to know the date, so they can book their flights and accommodations, and purchase admission tickets.”
LEGOLAND also unveiled a new online reservations program to make the vacation booking experience even easier. Travelers can now book tickets, accommodations, airlines and rental cars through the LEGOLAND Florida website.
“Planning a family vacation can be daunting, especially for families with very young children,” said Andrus, a father and frequent traveler. “Packing alone is enough to overwhelm even the most organized parents. That’s why we designed our online system to be both user-friendly and convenient, allowing parents to book the essentials and then print out everything they’ll need right at home.”
The other key benefit of the program, Andrus explained, is that it features 13 preferred hotels in Central Florida that are officially endorsed by the park. Part of the “Bed & Brick” program, the hotels are all family friendly and collectively provide a range of price points and assets to accommodate different styles and budgets. Each of the hotels in the program will offer special rates and ticket/room packages.
For more information: www.LEGOLAND.com; Facebook.com/LEGOLANDFlorida and Twitter @LEGOLANDFlorida.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
New Star Tours - Tributes and Remnants list
Part of what makes the new Star Tours so awesome, for me at least, is the incredible level of inside jokes, remnants, and homages. Here’s what I’ve been able to find so far, listed “chronologically” as we progress through the queue and ride:
THX1138. On the terminal boarding announcements, watch the bottom of the screen for Flight 1138 to Chandrila.
Captain Rex. As you cross into the second queue room, look to your left to spot Rex, our former pilot. He’s now marked “defective” and is being sent back for repairs. Listen for a while and you’ll hear some audio from the original ride. I love this tribute, but I’m aware that it’s anachronistic. We’re in the time frame between Episode 3 and Episode 4, so the Rex pilot we know and love hasn’t even been installed yet—having a joke about him is a bit “out of time.” I suppose this is an “even earlier” version of Rex we’re looking at? It’s weak, but it’s the only way to make sense of it.
Robot Birds. In the original Orlando queue, robotic birds sat atop the entry door just after the second G2 droid—they looked a bit like Salacious Crumb, the lackey “monkey” near Jabba in the movies. They are now encased in a cage near Rex, no longer animated.
TK-421. The Stormtrooper who “wasn’t at his post” in the original Star Wars movie is honored here with a sign just above Rex and the other droids.
Star Tours-Anaheim’s Opening Date. Star Tours in Anaheim opened on January 9, 1987 (I was there!), so the mention of 109.87 is no accident! This number appears on the front side of the “suitcase tube” behind G2-9T (the “take a picture it will last longer” droid).
Movie references. The suitcase scanner looks inside baggage to illuminate what’s inside, and there’s often a joke here, like C3PO’s head, Wall-E’s eyes, the Aladdin lamp, or the Incredibles outfit.
K-DROID. In the original Star Tours queue in Anaheim, a radio sat opposite G2-9T on the first upramp, displaying “107.9” (it was different in Orlando) with the announcer calling it K-DROID every few moments. In the new queue, wait until you are on the second platform, looking down at G2-9T, and you’ll spot a panel labeled KDRD 107.9.
Alison Janney. Ali San San’s name can be traced to its voice: actress Alison Janney (the ‘sound’ of the name is similar).
Crazy haired safety spiel lady. The lady with the wacky hairdo in the old ride's preshow is still around, as party of the group getting onto the speeder in the safety video, though she doesn't have a speaking role.
WDI Street Address. We’re on Flight 1401. Sound familiar? WDI is located at 1401 Flower St in Glendale, CA.
PeopleMover. Vehicles at the start of the movie moving luggage are shaped like Orlando’s PeopleMover TTA cars, but they are colored white (with a blue stripe) like Anaheim’s PeopleMover.
Rex’s Death Star run. In the original movie, Rex claims “I’ve always wanted to do this! We’re going in!” In the new movie, C3PO says something similar in Tatooine: “Oh a podrace! I’ve always wanted to do this!”
Rex’s lack of brakes. In the original movie, Rex ends by screaming “Brakes! Brakes! Where are the brakes?!” C3PO says the same exact phrase at the end of the Naboo sequence.
Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Leia’s famous phrase is here relayed as “Help me, Star Tours. You’re my only hope.”
What message? C3PO’s famous phrase is also repeated here (and Threepio is still talking to R2D2!)
Mission Space homage. The finale of the Mission Space ride at Epcot includes a moment where the spaceship teeters at the edge of an icy canyon, and our host Gary Sinise says “Don’t move a muscle.” The exact phrase is used when our Starspeeder-1000 teeters on the edge of an icy canyon on Hoth.
FUEL Truck. We almost crashed into a truck labeled FUEL (all caps) in the original movie, and a similarly-named truck can be seen at the end of the Coruscant sequence.
Hidden Mickeys. Look to the back wall in the last scene of Coruscant for a whole row of Hidden Mickeys.
What’s missing? Well, there used to be a Hidden Kermit in the queue—it was a 3 foot robot shaped like the famous frog. I couldn’t find hide nor hair of him in the new queue… I hope he’s preserved somewhere!
THX1138. On the terminal boarding announcements, watch the bottom of the screen for Flight 1138 to Chandrila.
Captain Rex. As you cross into the second queue room, look to your left to spot Rex, our former pilot. He’s now marked “defective” and is being sent back for repairs. Listen for a while and you’ll hear some audio from the original ride. I love this tribute, but I’m aware that it’s anachronistic. We’re in the time frame between Episode 3 and Episode 4, so the Rex pilot we know and love hasn’t even been installed yet—having a joke about him is a bit “out of time.” I suppose this is an “even earlier” version of Rex we’re looking at? It’s weak, but it’s the only way to make sense of it.
Robot Birds. In the original Orlando queue, robotic birds sat atop the entry door just after the second G2 droid—they looked a bit like Salacious Crumb, the lackey “monkey” near Jabba in the movies. They are now encased in a cage near Rex, no longer animated.
TK-421. The Stormtrooper who “wasn’t at his post” in the original Star Wars movie is honored here with a sign just above Rex and the other droids.
Star Tours-Anaheim’s Opening Date. Star Tours in Anaheim opened on January 9, 1987 (I was there!), so the mention of 109.87 is no accident! This number appears on the front side of the “suitcase tube” behind G2-9T (the “take a picture it will last longer” droid).
Movie references. The suitcase scanner looks inside baggage to illuminate what’s inside, and there’s often a joke here, like C3PO’s head, Wall-E’s eyes, the Aladdin lamp, or the Incredibles outfit.
K-DROID. In the original Star Tours queue in Anaheim, a radio sat opposite G2-9T on the first upramp, displaying “107.9” (it was different in Orlando) with the announcer calling it K-DROID every few moments. In the new queue, wait until you are on the second platform, looking down at G2-9T, and you’ll spot a panel labeled KDRD 107.9.
Alison Janney. Ali San San’s name can be traced to its voice: actress Alison Janney (the ‘sound’ of the name is similar).
Crazy haired safety spiel lady. The lady with the wacky hairdo in the old ride's preshow is still around, as party of the group getting onto the speeder in the safety video, though she doesn't have a speaking role.
WDI Street Address. We’re on Flight 1401. Sound familiar? WDI is located at 1401 Flower St in Glendale, CA.
PeopleMover. Vehicles at the start of the movie moving luggage are shaped like Orlando’s PeopleMover TTA cars, but they are colored white (with a blue stripe) like Anaheim’s PeopleMover.
Rex’s Death Star run. In the original movie, Rex claims “I’ve always wanted to do this! We’re going in!” In the new movie, C3PO says something similar in Tatooine: “Oh a podrace! I’ve always wanted to do this!”
Rex’s lack of brakes. In the original movie, Rex ends by screaming “Brakes! Brakes! Where are the brakes?!” C3PO says the same exact phrase at the end of the Naboo sequence.
Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Leia’s famous phrase is here relayed as “Help me, Star Tours. You’re my only hope.”
What message? C3PO’s famous phrase is also repeated here (and Threepio is still talking to R2D2!)
Mission Space homage. The finale of the Mission Space ride at Epcot includes a moment where the spaceship teeters at the edge of an icy canyon, and our host Gary Sinise says “Don’t move a muscle.” The exact phrase is used when our Starspeeder-1000 teeters on the edge of an icy canyon on Hoth.
FUEL Truck. We almost crashed into a truck labeled FUEL (all caps) in the original movie, and a similarly-named truck can be seen at the end of the Coruscant sequence.
Hidden Mickeys. Look to the back wall in the last scene of Coruscant for a whole row of Hidden Mickeys.
What’s missing? Well, there used to be a Hidden Kermit in the queue—it was a 3 foot robot shaped like the famous frog. I couldn’t find hide nor hair of him in the new queue… I hope he’s preserved somewhere!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Star Tours is open! Made it into the line. Will report later #startours
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First WDW Ambassador Debbie Dane Brown speaks at Destination D #D23
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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.
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.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Dine in Theater First Look
It's opulent in this lounge. And the food looks yummy. More soon #AMCDIT
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
AMC dine in theater tonight!
I'll be sampling the new AMC Dine In Theater tonight at Downtown Disney. More info soon! #AMCDIT
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, May 06, 2011
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.
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.
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