Visit Orlando Blog

Pet Events in Orlando

Granted, Orlando is very well-known for all the cool and exciting events offered to all our visitors. Now, there are plenty of pet friendly options and events in Orlando guaranteed to make your furry pals smile.

Wine for Whiskers Is a Summer Wine Festival that will take place July 19 at the Doubletree by Hilton in Downtown Orlando. Wine for Whiskers is a night of casual wine tasting in the heart of Central Florida; all proceeds from this annual event go to helping find permanent loving homes for thousands of animals in Orlando. For more information about the event visit orlandopets.org

The Pampered Pet Expo is one of the biggest pet events in Orlando. Although pets are not allowed at this event, families are invited to shop the booths for food and goodies; toys and supplies; housing and furniture; clothes and costumes and more. There are also fun activities like educational presentations, entertainment, exhibits, pet adoptions, prizes and giveaways.

The 12th Annual Park Avenue Pet Costume Contest takes place in dog-friendly Winter Park on October 30th.  This annual Halloween event includes large and small dog costume contests, caricature artists, dog trainers, pet trick-or-treating, holistic massages, all natural foods, pet sitting, and day care. This event will benefit the Sebastian Haul Fund - a fund created to help local greyhound organizations transport retired racing greyhounds to loving homes in other states. Oh, and leave any retractable leashes at home! :-)

It's a party! The Howl-O-Ween in the Boneyard Costume Party is held at Paw Park Place each year in the historic town of Sanford, minutes away from sunny Orlando. Dog will have the chance to win prizes in various costume contests. The fun-filled day also includes K-9 demonstrations, games, prizes and more.

As part of the Orlando Christmas Parade, the 1.5-mile ( 2.4-kilometer) Annual Jingle Bell Dog Jog kicks off on the corner of Rosalind Avenue and Robinson Street, travels through the streets of Downtown Orlando and ends on the corner of Orange Avenue and Amelia Street. Pets and owners have the chance to win prizes in costume contests categories including funniest and best use of props. After the jog, guests can watch the parade from a special viewing area in front of the Amphitheatre.

Pet-Friendly Options in Orlando

Pets are wonderful creatures, aren't they? There's practically nothing we wouldn't do for them. Now, ever had that million dollar question: Where will the pets stay when we take that much-needed vacation to Orlando? Most likely you have and we have great news for you. Orlando has plenty of options for the little furry ones. In fact, Orlando has many places stay and play with your pet while you visit. Just like you, your pet can dine, get pampered, relax and sight see at a variety pet-friendly venues.

Doggie Daycare

• SeaWorld Orlando Kennels are located just outside the main entrance and will board family pets for the day. Owners should provide food and are responsible for walking their pet throughout their stay at the park. The kennels are air conditioned and remain open half an hour after the park closes. Cost - $15.00 per day ($10.00 for Passport members - excluding Fun Cards).
• Universal Orlando Resort offers the Studio Kennel where guests can board their family pets for the day. The kennel is located in the parking structure and closes two hours after the last park shuts its door for the day. Guests must provide food and return periodically to walk their pet. No overnight boarding is permitted. Cost - $15.00 per pet

• At the Walt Disney World Resort, guests can board their family friends in fun-yet-luxurious accommodations at Best Friends Pet Care Resort. This one-of-a-kind facility provides a full range of pet hospitality services including boarding, grooming and day camps. The pet resort, located across from the Disney's Port Orleans Resort, offers both daytime and overnight boarding for all types of pets including dogs, cats and "pocket pets," such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets.
• At K-9 Lounge guests can take advantage of the wonders of technology with services like a live doggie Web cam using the KidsVision Web Cam Service, allowing parents to watch their pooch from any computer (or device) with an Internet connection. They also offer a wide range of services to keep any pup happy and healthy including daycare, boarding, pet sitting and grooming. Cost $24 (One Day); $99 (5 day); $180 (10 day)

Ritzy Pet Palaces

• Loews Hotels (Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando) - These pet-friendly digs not only accept the family pet, but they encourage their stay. Loews Loves Pets is a specially designed program that caters to the needs of cuddly creatures and their owners. Upon arrival, all pets receive their very own welcome amenity, including a logo bowl, placemat and special treat to start their vacation off on the right paw. They're offering the Woofie Weekends at Loews, valid until December 31, 2012.
• At Happy Paws Pet Resort every detail has been made to cater to a stress free, fun and perrrfect stay for pets. The facility offers top-notch air conditioning units which filtrate and purifies the air and make it virtually viral free, double insulation for noise reduction, and a "bone shaped" salt water based pool (the only one in the Orlando area) for relaxation and fun.  Services include grooming, doggie day care, dog and cat boarding, training and other pet-oriented concierge services.

Join the Fiesta at SeaWorld Orlando’s Viva La Música Festival

Music, food and tons of fun!  What else can you ask for? The "Viva La Música" festival returns to SeaWorld Orlando on Saturdays through May 5th to showcase the Latin cuisine, music and arts and crafts in a fun family atmosphere. Award winning performers hit the stage at the Bayside Stadium and, in the event of a little rain, the Nautilus Theater. With over 20 years of culinary experience, SeaWorld Orlando's Executive Chef, Héctor Colón, brings new flavors of the authentic Latin cuisine.   

This past Saturday, Latin Grammy Award Winner singer and Viva La Música performer Elvis Crespo unexpectedly met two fans from SeaWorld's sea lion and otter show, Captain Squid and Clyde, a California sea lion. 

Viva La Música concert line-up:
April 14 - Elvis Crespo
April 21 - Grupo Niche
April 28 - RKM & Ken-Y 
May 5 - Gilberto Santa Rosa

VIP packages starting at $19.99 are available for reserved, front-and-center seating to performances. Here's a cool tip: a SeaWorld Fun Card grants access to all concerts and for the remainder of the year.

Visit VivalaMusicafestival.com for more details.

Be The First to Experience New Rides and Attractions in Orlando

Spring break always flies by so quickly, don’t you think?  If it passed you by this year, now there’s a perfect excuse to come to Orlando from May 1 – June 15 to Be The First to experience all the new opening rides, parades and adventures and a whole bunch of entertaining experiences. Here’s a list of the many new ways the unbelievable and enchanting side of Orlando is coming alive this year and for you to have Be The First bragging rights:

• Experience the life of a sea turtle at SeaWorld Orlando as they open TurtleTrek on April 27^th.

• Enjoy the new Superstar Parade at Universal Studios Florida launching May 8. Enjoy floats, street performers and characters like Sponge Bob and, of course, the minions from Despicable Me.

• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man are now more than amazing with new animation and outstanding high-def visuals. 

• At the Walt Disney World Resort, the Magic Kingdom is doubling up in magic as it doubles up in size.  Phase 1 of the Fantasyland Expansion is now open.

• LEGOLAND Florida is opening a waterpark to stay cool and adding more attractions.

• Rollercoasters aren’t just for theme parks.  At Forever Florida EcoSafaris you’ll find The Rattlesnake, first zipline roller coaster in the USA.

Offers and Discounts May 1 – June 15:

• The Buena Vista Suites are offering rates beginning at $89 per night with a $10 per night food credit and 20% off spa services.
• At the Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel one-bedroom suites start at $159.49 and two-bedroom villas begin at $259.49. The villa package includes a $60 nightly food & beverage credit.
• Fresh off of a $25 million renovation, at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort rates begin at $135 per night and come with 40% off a spa treatment at the new Top of The Palms Spa and 20% off food and beverage throughout the stay. Mention GRANDOP at booking.

Go to VisitOrlando.com/first to view all of the offers and start planning your May/June getaway.

Hop Your Way to Easter Activities and Dining in Orlando

From chocolate eggs to mischievous bunnies, Orlando features a wide variety of family fun and delicious fare to celebrate Easter. Put a little spring in your step with gourmet feasts, photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, egg hunts or some special Easter savings.

Family Fun - Egg Hunts & The Easter Bunny

Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek have an "egg"cellent weekend of events planned for families. At both hotels, children 10 and under can enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday, and at the Waldorf, kids can meet a live bunny after the Easter Egg Hunt! Additional activities at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, include family favorites like crafts, egg-and-spoon races, candy bingo and special movie showings in the evenings.

Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
Dine with the Easter Bunny at the Easter Brunch Buffet, served from 8 a.m. through 2 p.m. For $21 a person, guests can socialize with the Easter Bunny, decorate pancakes and indulge in carving stations with Palmetto Creek ham and Harris Ranch prime rib. Kids can sip lemonade, chow down on cupcakes and search for eggs with two egg hunts taking place at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

The Florida Mall
Capture the memories at the Easter Photo Experience event with the Easter Bunny, taking place from Saturday, March 17, through Saturday, April 7. Promotional prize drawings and kid's activities for the new movie Hop are included in the event.

Winter Park Village
Start your holiday early at an Easter Event of extraordinary proportions Saturday, March 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  This free event features an Easter egg scavenger hunt, hat decorating contest, giveaways, music and more!  Event attendees are welcome to participate in a Parade with the Easter Bunny! 

Easter Deals

The Peabody Orlando
The Peabody's Spring Spectacular package begins at $155 per night for stays April 5 to12 and May 25 to 28. Stay for Easter Brunch at the Capriccio Grill on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., priced at $74.95 for adults and $25 for children ages 6-12.

Morse Museum of American Art
Enjoy free admission to the Morse Museum of American Art throughout Easter weekend, April 6 through 8. Public hours for the open house are 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Easter Sunday.

Orlando Balloon Rides
Take to the skies on an unforgettable trip with Orlando Balloon Rides with an Easter Special of $25 off the regular adult price and one free child (ages 4 - 10) per paying adult. This special is offered for the entire month of April, so take advantage while you can!

Easter Brunch

deep blu seafood grille
Recently-named OpenTable Orlando Diner's Choice winner, deep blu seafood grille will offer an all-inclusive Easter menu on Sunday, April 8 highlighting the restaurant's gourmet dining offerings of the freshest, sustainable seafood and fusion fare. Sample the live oyster bar, gourmet cheese presentation, champagne mimosas and an 11-dish dessert display. Yum! The Easter menu is $48 for adults, $24 for children 5 - 11 (kids under 4 are free) and will be served from noon - 9 p.m.

Luma on Park
Indulge in an Orlando favorite with a special Easter Brunch at Luma from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a variety of lunch and brunch items as well as bloody marys and Bellinis. This trendy upscale eatery fills up fast, so make your reservations for Sunday, April 8 before it's too late!

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar's
Celebrate the season with an elegant three-course Easter Brunch offered on April 8th, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The prix fixe menu includes decadent entrees like Filet Mignon Benedict and New Orleans-Style French Toast, with fruit or salad appetizers and crème brûlée, White Chocolate Bread Pudding or Walnut Turtle Pie for dessert. The special spread is $34.95 per person with a children's version for $16.95.

Trattoria del Porto at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
Taste the sweet life, complete with a strolling musician during this Easter champagne brunch from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.  Trattoria del Porto will serve an all-you-can eat brunch with smoked New York strip, roasted leg of lamb, roasted pork loin, mahi mahi and more.  Children can meet Universal characters, get their faces painted and enjoy a special children's activity table. The price is $58 for adults and $26 for children ages 4 - 12 (kids under 3 are free).

Islands Dining Room at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
Escape to a tropical paradise setting for Easter Sunday with a champagne brunch in the Islands Dining Room from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. complete with islands music, hula dancers and an all-you-can eat brunch featuring smoked prime rib, roasted leg of lamb, seafood raw bar, sushi stations and more.  Kids will love the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny and some of their favorite Universal characters. The price is $52 for adults and $26 for children ages 4 - 12 (kids under 3 are free).

The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando
Cue up Easter brunch with a touch of rock 'n' roll attitude in The Kitchen restaurant from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  The hits will include New York sirloin, baked ham, omelet station, special kids items for the lil' rockers and a mouth-watering dessert station. Kids can meet the Easter bunny and visit the restaurant's "kids only" pancake and cupcake decorating station. This Easter menu is $42 for adults and $16 for children ages 4 - 12 (kids under 3 are free).

Wordless Wednesday - Fantasyland Expansion Phase 1

Phase 1 of the new Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom opened to guests earlier this month.

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Wordless Wednesday - Harry P. Leu Gardens Edition

Harry P. Leu Gardens, 50 acres of beauty and blooming nature in Orlando.

Top Family-Friendly Restaurants in Orlando

With so many choices in Orlando, visitors and locals alike might have trouble deciding where to take the family for good food and fun. Before you head to your usual spot, take a little inspiration from the magic Orlando offers in one of these kid-friendly restaurants, and turn a meal into a memorable family experience.

T-REX Café
The newest themed-dining addition to Downtown Disney, T-REX is a time machine to an interactive prehistoric environment. Life-size animatronic dinosaurs, woolly mammoths and aquariums offer something to discover at every turn. Between bites of delicious Layers of the Earth Lasagna or the Gigantosaurus Burger, families will be enchanted by all the creatures found among cascading waterfalls, bubbling geysers and a fossil dig site.

NBA City
Got a little sports fan in your family? Universal CityWalk ‘s NBA City evokes the classic basketball arenas of the 1940s and 50s, serving excellent American fare that will score points with anyone. Twice named Orlando's best themed restaurant by the Orlando Sentinel, NBA City offers some of the best sandwiches and pizzas in CityWalk with a fun atmosphere that kids love.

Rainforest Café
Rainforest Café is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds! The menu features crowd-pleasers like burgers, pastas, and exotic salads, but tropical treats like the chocolate-y Sparkling Volcano will really wow the whole family. With two locations, one at Disney's Animal Kingdom and the other in Downtown Disney, the lush tropical rain forest comes to life through a combination of animated wildlife and special effects, making it a "wild place to eat and shop."

Bubbalou's Bodacious Barbeque
A famous Orlando favorite, this finger-lickin' food is served in five Orlando locations. Too yummy not to share, the BBQ options from chicken to sliced pork sandwiches come in kid servings too. With all the southern sides you could ask for and even homemade desserts, Bubbalou's was named one of America's top barbeque restaurants by Zagat's Restaurant Survey, and publications like Southern Living and USA Today.

The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill & Griddle House
Opened in 1961 inside the DeLeon Springs State Park, this distinctive restaurant brings a whole new experience to a family breakfast out. Kids become culinary artists as they create their own pancakes on the personal griddles at each table! With pitchers of homemade pancake batter, the meal makes for a fun and creative family experience that couldn't be easier. Specialty toppings like bananas, peanut butter, pecans and apples add a tasty flourish to each griddle work-of-art, making this breakfast a cherished memory for all.

Park Plaza Gardens
Indulge in a little mother-daughter bonding or a birthday party fit for a queen at the Park Plaza Garden Tea Room. From delicate finger sandwiches, succulent scones, and of course, delicious hot teas, little ladies and grown-ups alike will love getting the real princess treatment. Afternoon tea, Royal Tea, dessert tea and themed teas are all available from 3 to 5 p.m. daily with a reservation made 24-hours prior.

Sweet Tomatoes
A family favorite, this buffet-style eatery offers healthy and nutritious options parents want for their kids, but with plenty of yummy sides and even desserts that are perfect eat-your-vegetables bribes! Fresh seasonal soups, salads, hot-from-the-oven baked goods and an ice cream bar make this affordable dining experience a real treat that everyone in the family enjoys. The monthly menu feature for March is "Feel like a kid again," with specialty items like creamy tomato soup and grilled cheese focaccia dippers. Yum!

Wordless Wednesday – The Mall at Millenia Edition

Get ready for Spring fashion with new additions and recently renovated stores at The Mall at Millenia

St. Patrick’s Day in Orlando is Filled With Events and Luck

Everyone's a little Irish on St. Patrick's Day, right? Orlando offers plenty of ways to celebrate- bagpipes, green beer and more! Whether you prefer a jolly feast of corned beef hash and potato bread, want to relax with a pint of Guinness, or sling back Irish Car Bombs, as long as you're wearing green a St. Paddy's experience awaits you in Orlando.

Raglan Road at Downtown Disney - Visit a little piece of genuine Ireland right here in Orlando at Ragland Road- where an authentic Irish pub has been imported and reassembled. Family-friendly and fun for all ages, the St. Patrick's Day festivities offer Celtic fare, Irish Dancers and guest musicians all the way from Ireland, including Murphy's Law & The Irish Rogues. Kids and adults alike can enjoy games and competitions where prizes are awarded to the winners! Elevation, the world's best U2 Tribute band, hits the stage at 10 p.m. on March 17, promising to bring the house down with renditions of U2's greatest hits. The fun begins at 11 a. m.

Pat O'Brien's - Universal Citywalk celebrates St. Patty's Day with Attitude at this favorite "New Orleans" watering hole. Enjoy a live rock band and dueling pianos, Irish food, stilt walkers, bead girls, and more! Drink specials include $3 domestic drafts and $9 Hurricanes from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free until 6 p.m. General admission (for guests 21+ only after 6 p.m.) is $12, and VIP admission is available for $20. It's everything you could want in your St. Patrick's Day celebration!

The Pub at Pointe Orlando - It's an important day in Irish history, and the Pub at Pointe Orlando promises to give you a "historically accurate" good time through a variety of drink specials, like $3 Green Beer (while it lasts); $5 Guinness, Smithwick's and Harp; $5 Car Bombs and Jameson Shots and more. Irish food and cocktails are available all weekend, including during the "Hair of the Dog that Bit You" brunch at 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 18.

The Celt Irish Pub - The Harp and Celt present The Great St. Patrick's Day Party Trilogy 2012, featuring a Friday countdown party, "Luck of the Irish St. Patrick's Day Party" all day Saturday, and an "I Survived St. Patrick's Day Party" on Sunday, with a traditional Irish breakfast served all day. You won't want to miss the live music, food, and drinks - especially the Irish Beer Garden outside!

Wall Street Plaza St. Patrick's Day Block Party - If you want to party like a leprechaun, the Wall Street St. Patrick's Day Block Party is your pot o' gold. Starting at 4 p.m. and ending at 2 p.m., this bash offers seven bars and restaurants along with Irish dancers; live music performances by Off Kilter and the Orlando Fire Department's Pipe and Drums; and plenty of Irish fare and drink specials, like $3 Michael Collins Irish Whiskey drinks. How lucky!

Luck of the Irish St. Paddys Day Pub Crawl Orlando - Join PubCrawls.com as they attempt to break the record for the Largest Pub Crawl Ever in Orlando on St. Patrick's Day. Never before has the city seen a pub crawl like this. Sláinte!

Fiddlers Green Irish Pub ‎- As the Orlando area's oldest Irish Pub, Fiddlers celebrates St. Patrick's Day with Irish food, drink, and a cozy, genuine atmosphere.

World of Beer - In addition to World of Beer's usual selection of hundreds of beer varieties, drink specials including $4 Irish pints and $1 Irish shots will be served in honor of the great St. Patrick.  Live music performances promise to keep things lively, with Chris Burns on stage at 3 p.m. and The Dropa Stone on at 9 p.m. at the UCF location. Happy St. Patrick's Day!