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Orlando’s Top 5 Food and Wine Festivals

While Orlando Magical Dining Month may be coming to a close, foodies never fear! Orlando offers a wide array of food and wine festivals each with unique wine and culinary choices to satisfy your cravings this fall season.

1.  Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (September 28 - November 12)
In its 17th year, this event is a food and wine lover's haven, offering new festival flavors including Florida Local and the Terra (includes vegan choices), celebrity chef demonstrations including Paul Pavlovic from The Crystal Palace Restaurant at Magic Kingdom® Park, and rocking performances including everything from Sister Hazel to Boys II Men, for the whole family to enjoy! Click on the image above to see last year's pictures.
Cost: Included in cost of regular Epcot park ticket. Appetizer-sized portions of featured food and beverages range from $3 -7.

2.  Waldorf Astoria Food & Wine Weekends (September 28 - November 3)
Designed for the serious epicurean, The Food & Wine Weekends at Waldorf Astoria® Orlando include:

• A Taste of Waldorf Astoria®, an exclusive degustation menu at Bull & Bear from master chefs of the most renowned hotels in the Waldorf Astoria brand including Versailles, Rome, Berlin and more.
• Il Cibo Della Vita at La Luce by Donna Scala - Be the first to same new items and wine pairings from celebrity chef and restaurateur Donna Scala. (On Oct 12 - 13 Donna Scala will be at the restaurant!)
• Bar du Chocolat and champagne tasting at Peacock Alley featuring a chocolate lover's dream crafted exclusively with chocolate from the world-renown Amedei of Tuscany.

Cost: Guests staying at the hotel are invited to enjoy Food & Wine Weekends. Guest packages begin at $268 per night and some packages include a $50 nightly resort credit

3.  Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin  Food & Wine Classic (October 12 - 13)
This outdoor festival will feature culinary offerings from: Shula's Steak House, II Mulino New York Trattoria, and Todd English's bluezoo, along with beverage seminars taught by the hotel's certified experts, and opportunities to meet with celebrity chefs like Todd English and Michael Mina.
Cost:  Make your trip an unforgettable one with over night packages starting at $285.

4.  Latin Food & Wine Festival (October 12 - 13)
A two day event with the mission to "celebrate the culinary delights of the Latin community while promoting cultural diversity in our region," starts off with "Taste the Night", a tasty trip around Latin America and Spain followed by the Grand Tasting featuring small plates from restaurants such as Bongos and El Inka Grill, located at Cranes Roost Park.
Cost: Tickets for Savor the Night start at $75 and Grand Tasting features small plates and drinks ranging from $1-5.

5.  Winter Park Food & Wine Classic   (October 26 - 27)
This two-day non-profit festival for foodies kicks off with the Friends of James Beard tribute dinner, a family-style dinner with wine pairings, prepared and plated by some of Orlando's finest culinary talent including chefs from The Ravenous Pig, Luma, K and more.
Day two is Cows & Cabs, a food-and-wine walk around, featuring gourmet fare, wine & craft beer tasting from up to sixteen local restaurants. Proceeds for the events go to local charities.
Cost: Tickets start at $80 dollars and you must be 21 or older to attend

Orlando's Fashion Week

Got that eye for fashion? Orlando can be fun, fashionable and fabulous on the runway too! Fashion Week returns to The Mall at Millenia and gives all visitors the opportunity to discover what's new on fashion's horizon.  The finest designs of the international fashion world will be celebrated from September 6th through 23rd as participating retailers highlight exclusive merchandise, launch new lines, unveil special promotions, and host champagne receptions. Plus, five cutting edge fashion shows - one of which will be hosted by features Emmy Nominee, Cat Deeley, host of So You Think You Can Dance as its host - will illuminate the Mall's Grand Court with unique ready-to-wear collections from world class designers.

Fashion Week's highlights include:

• September 6th at 6 p.m. - Fashion's Night Out. This event is open to the public and features a variety of in store activities, topped off with shopper gift with purchase rewards and sweepstakes contests.
• September 8th at 2 p.m. - Fashion For All, hosted by Jayde Donovan.
• September 9th, from 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Runway To Hope Champagne Brunch & Fashion Show. Special Ticket Event

For more details about Fashion Week 2012 at The Mall at Millenia click here.

Faith and Fun Weekend in Orlando

Last September's "Faith and Fun Weekend" was a blast and this year's is no different. Contemporary Christian music festivals return to the Walt Disney World Resort's Magic Kingdom and at Universal Orlando Resort's Universal Studios.

Disney's Night of Joy celebrates its 30th anniversary this year!  Live performances by rock, pop and gospel music superstars hit the stage with performances by Francesca Battistelli (pictured), MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Third Day and more. Advance ticket prices are $52.95 for one night ($62.95 day of) and $94.95 for both nights. Group rates are available.

*Entertainment, event times and schedule subject to change.

This year Universal's Rock the Universe includes performances by Skillet, Switchfoot, Jeremy Camp, and Britt Nicole among others. Guest celebrity speakers are singer-songwriter Jason Castro, actress Bailee Madison and MMA Champion Fighter Vitor Belfort.  This year, be part of the experience and sing along with your favorite Christian rock songs at Coca-Cola® Karaoke. Saturday night belongs to the Candlelighting Ceremony including music by Tenth Avenue North, inspirational guest speakers and much more. Advance ticket prices are $52.99 for one night and $85.99 for both nights. Special weekend packages and group rates are available.

*Times, attractions and entertainment subject to change.

For more fall events in Orlando, check out our calendar of events.

Find Orlando's Best Deals From August 15 - September 30

What's the #1 question we get asked? By far it's "What's the best time to Visit Orlando?"  So here you go, the answer is... August 15 - September 30. Why? It's Orlando's Deal Season where you'll find the best prices of the year at theme parks, attractions, hotels, restaurants and more. So, get ready for a second chance at a summer getaway during Orlando's Deal Season.

Here's the "deal" during Orlando's Deal Season:

• Travelocity Package Deals - Use Promo Code ORLANDODEALS100 to save $100 on a vacation package that includes flight and hotel.
• Walt Disney World Resort - Save up to 30% at select Disney Resort Hotels.
• Universal Orlando Resort - Receive a 4th night & 4th Day free with the purchase of an exclusive vacation offer.
• SeaWorld Orlando - Receive a free "All Day Dining" voucher with the purchase of a full paid, single-day admission ticket.
• Orlando Magicard - Print, order or pick up Orlando's discount card with enhanced deals just for Deal Season. Your choice!

And if you're looking for unique special events:

• The Force stays strong at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando with Star Wars Celebration VI from Aug. 23 through the 26th.
• More than 60 of the best Orlando-area restaurants offer three-course dinners for $30 as part of Visit Orlando's Magical Dining Month from Sept. 1 through the 30th.
• soaked, Orlando's new adrenaline pumping extreme water sports festival will take place at downtown Orlando's Lake Eola during the weekend of Sept. 7-8.

There's a lot more to see at VisitOrlando.com/deals. Go check it out!

The Saga Continues in Orlando at the Star Wars Celebration VI

If you're a Star Wars fan there's a high chance that you've seen all 6 episodes of the saga, tried to talk like Chewbacca or Yoda and hummed your own version of John Williams' The Imperial March. Now, did you know that there's a huge Star Wars fan event in Orlando this summer? Star Wars Celebration is the official Lucasfilm event celebrating all things Star Wars, produced by fans for fans. This event is the largest Star Wars party that features cast and crew celebrities, fans, costumes, music, live entertainment, autographs, collectibles, and panels.

Here are the details for the event:

When: August 23-26, 2012

Where: Orange County Convention Center

Admission:

• Adults: Thursday, Friday and Sunday - $55 each, Saturday - $65 and Four-Day Passes - $135
• Kids (6-12): Four-Day Passes - $54 and One-Day Passes - $27
• Kids under the age of 6 are free with a ticketed adult

You may purchase your tickets online or at a couple of Florida-local retailers.

May the Force be with you!

Deals and Events to Celebrate Fourth of July in Orlando

Celebrate the Red White and Blue at the most visited destination in the United States. This year, Orlando is pretty much jammed-packed with great options to celebrate Independence Day with family and friends. On July 1st from 6 - 9 p.m. the Independence Day Bash takes place at the trendy Baldwin Park neighborhood. The free event includes street vendors, live performances from Jason Bruce and Room 2 band, and a fireworks show. And in Altamonte, Red, Hot & Boom is what's happening. This celebration held at Cranes Roost Park on July 3rd and also free, will feature live entertainment, children's activities, vendor booths, food, drinks and a 25-minute fireworks display.

Every year, each of the theme parks put up outstanding Fourth of July celebrations! All celebrations are included with regular theme park admission. At SeaWorld Orlando there's a special Fourth of July Reflections show part of Summer Nights that will feature an expanded fireworks show. Universal Orlando Resort ignites the night with a special version of the popular Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular, an awe inspiring show with lasers and pyrotechnics and the Walt Disney World Resort has two places to choose from. You may either decide to go to Magic Kingdom and enjoy the 9 p.m. show "Disney's Celebrate America! - A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" or head to Epcot to celebrate with the holiday-inspired "IllumiNations: Reflections of the Earth" at 10 p.m. LEGOLAND Florida brings you Red, Brick & Boom, special 3D glasses and an ordinary fireworks show turned into millions of exploding bricks.

Other places to celebrate Independence Day in Orlando

Head towards Lake Eola and enjoy Fireworks at the Fountain, a free fireworks display and laser show reflected on the lake or go to Celebration for "A Flashback 4th of July" for a fireworks spectacular set to a movie theme, bounce houses for kids, live music and more. Guests who come dressed as their favorite movie character will be eligible for prizes. Also, U2's Tribute Band will perform at Baldwin Park's Fourth of July Spectacular. The event also features a free fireworks show, carnival rides, food trucks and games.       

Fourth of July Deals in Orlando

• The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art - Free admission all day on July 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• The Villas of Grand Cypress - Offering their Family Funcation Package that starts at $145 a night and a full day of activities.
• Capone's Dinner & Show - Every paying guest receives a 14 oz. etched glass souvenir for FREE!
• Wild Florida Airboats - $10 off all 1 hour airboat tours on the 4th.
• Enzian - Free admission to outdoor movie on the lawn. At 8 p.m. or sunset the projectors start rolling JAWS, a Universal Pictures classic.
• CoCo Key Hotel & Water Resort - $89/night Sun-Thurs and $99/night Fri-Sat. The package also includes 4 I-ride trolley passes and a voucher for a Pointe Orlando coupon book (savings valued at $300). Offer must be booked at cocokeyorlando.com with promo code SUMMER.
• At the beautiful Bonnet Creek Resort there will be a private fireworks show over the Bonnet Creek Golf Club on Saturday, July 7 which can be seen by guests of both the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and the Waldorf Astoria Orlando. During the fireworks, the Waldorf will also host "Jazz under the Full Moon."
• Buena Vista WaterSports - 10% off all watersports + complimentary volleyball and beach access for groups mentioning Visit Orlando for the week of July 4th.
• Fantasy of Flight - Florida Residents Offer - Buy One/Get One Free Admission

Other Events on July 4th
Orlando Magicard - Orlando only free discount card

Summer Nights at SeaWorld Orlando

Nights will get warmer this summer at SeaWorld Orlando! Summer Nights at SeaWorld is a nighttime spectacular that will run from June 23rd through August 12th. SeaWorld will remain open until 10 p.m. for Summer Nights, which means more time therefore more play.

Headlining Summer Nights is the all-new TurtleTrek, where guests can live the miraculous 3D 360 journey of a sea turtle; Shamu Rocks, a larger-than-life experience where guests jam to a rock-n-roll beat and watch as whales perform amazing behaviors; Sea Lions Tonite, a hilarious, satirical show featuring Clyde and Seamore that will have everyone in stitches; and Reflections, the sky-filling fireworks and fountains finale that ends the night with a bang.

And don't forget to ride Manta, an even more extraordinary sensation by moonlight, Manta lets you find out what it's like to spin, glide, skim and fly like a giant ray when you experience the only flying roller coaster of its kind in the world.

2012 Summer Concert Series’ Concert Lineup

Let's see... summer and concerts, sounds like a great idea doesn't it? This year's Summer Concert Seriesat Universal Studios Florida runs every Saturday night beginning June 9 through July 14. This is a great opportunity to end your day with a headlining concert. Access to all Summer Concert Series performances is included with regular theme park admission. Guests that only want to enjoy the concerts may go online to purchase the "Summer Concert Ticket" priced at $59.99 plus tax to gain access to Universal Studios Florida (after 7:00 p.m.)

Lineup:

June 16 - 3 Doors Down & ZZ Top
June 23 - Josh Turner (pictured middle)
June 30 - Al Green (pictured left)
July 7 - Lupe Fiasco (pictured right)
July 14 - Miranda Cosgrove

Deals and Activities to Celebrate Father’s Day in Orlando

Looking for deals and activities in Orlando to celebrate Dad? We've gathered a couple of ideas and deals for you:

Dad can have the ride of his dreams at the Exotic Driving Experience. Choices are: Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari. Choose one or choose them all! 

Practice your swing at the Shingle Creek Golf Club. On June 16 and 17, Dads play free at the award-winning Shingle Creek Golf Club with a full-paying family member.

Pamper pops at the Blue Harmony Spa with a steamed towel massage for $120, a man-cure for $25 at foot-cure for $40 and/or a gentleman's facial for $120.

The Orange County Regional History Center is letting fathers in for free on Father's Day. For the thrill-seeking dads Wild Florida is offering a free 30 min airboat tour. Fantasy of Flight is letting all fathers in for free when accompanied by a paying guest. Dad gets in free at Dinosaur World with a paid child's admission.

Catch the feature film, "Caddyshack," at Enzian. Dad receives a complimentary beer after the movie. At Ming Court - The Art of Oriental Cuisine, daddy can enjoy a complimentary TSINGTAO or a glass of Ming Court Label Merlot, Chardonnay or White Zinfandel with the order of any signature steak or Chef Specialty dinner entree. Dads are free on Father's Day at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament and at Pirate's Dinner Adventure.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort has a special Father's Day offer for the weekend of June 15-17.  Guests can receive rooms starting at $199 per night and a complimentary room upgrade at the Orlando. The Orlando World Center Marriott-the largest Marriott property on the planet with six pools, a golf course and ten dining venues- is featuring Father's Day food and drink deals. At High Velocity-one of the largest sports bars in Orlando featuring 28 flat-panel HDTV's and serving an array of beer and bites-dads can enjoy their first beer at just $1, plus $.50 wings, $1 sliders and additional drink specials. Pops can also enjoy a complimentary glass of red wine at the Lobby Bar. Head towards the Rosen Centre and at the Everglades Restaurant daddy receives a free two-course menu of Caesar salad and choice of prime rib or grilled swordfish entree ($37 value) with purchase of another entree and at Cafe Gauguin they receive a free beer with the purchase of the prime rib dinner buffet for $19.50 plus tax.

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.