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Wordless Wednesday: New in Orlando for 2012 Edition

Sneak peek of some of the new things coming this year...

TurtleTrek at SeaWorld Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort

It’s the Deal Season for Florida Residents!

Take advantage of Orlando's many unique attractions and incredible discounts. With many Orlando-area hotels, shows and attractions offering Florida resident deals, there is no better time to visit Orlando and experience the adventure everyone is talking about!

Here are some awesome Florida Resident Deals for Orlando-area attractions!

• Gatorland - Step into the wild world of Central Florida's wetlands with a special admission price of only $9.99 through Feb. 26.
• Cirque du Soleil La Nouba - Experience this incredible production at Downtown Disney for 20% off admission any Tuesday through Friday until March 30.

• Kennedy Space Center - Feel what it's like to blast into space all year long with an annual pass available for only $50 through March 7.

• Walt Disney World Resort - Visit three Disney theme parks or pick your favorite and keep going back with the special $99 Wild for 3 Pass available for purchase until May 21 (must be used by May 24). For those hot summer days, an after 2 p.m. annual pass to the water parks is also available.
• Universal Orlando Resort - Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter every week with a Weekday Annual pass for only $114.99.
• SeaWorld Orlando - Feed all your favorite sea animals this year with an Annual Pass for $119.99 that includes free parking plus in-park discounts.

 

Need somewhere to stay when visiting your favorite Orlando attractions? We got you covered with these hotel accommodation discounts!

•  Save 35% on Walt Disney World hotel reservations through March 7.
• Save 36% on Universal Orlando hotel reservations through early June.
• Register online for the Florida Residents Club at the Nick Hotel and receive a variety of discounts including 20% off accommodations in a family suite, $50 off an Ultimate Sliming Experience, 10% off Food and Beverage during your entire stay, 10% off 4-D Experience films and 10% off cabana rentals.

 

Music Makes the People Come Together

Rock out and dance as Orlando becomes the unofficial music capital of the springtime. Featuring many of music's biggest names performing at Universal Studios and SeaWorld Orlando, there is bound to be an act or two that you cannot miss! Universal Studios is throwing parties every weekend with Mardi Gras while SeaWorld Orlando is celebrating with great food, drinks and music during Bands, Brew and BBQ. Both events kick off Feb. 11.

Universal Studios Mardi Gras

The beads and music of The Big Easy are on their way to Orlando for Universal Studios Mardi Gras 2012! As the sun goes down, see 14 of music's biggest names performing live at the Universal Music Plaza Stage. The best part about the event is that admission is included with your entrance ticket or year pass. Each week a limited number of pass holders have the chance to take special part in the festivities and ride through the park as part of the parade! Space is limited, so make sure to register as soon as possible. http://www.universalorlandoresort.com/mardigras/evite2012/ Check out the following concert lineup:

• Saturday, Feb. 11, B-52's
• Saturday, Feb. 18, Kelly Clarkson
• Sunday, Feb. 19, Boyz II Men
• Saturday, Feb. 25, Diana Ross
• Saturday, March 3, Goo Goo Dolls
• Saturday, March 10, Big Time Rush
• Friday, March 16, J. Cole
• Saturday, March 17, Sugar Ray
• Friday, March 23, Hot Chelle Rae
• Saturday, March 24, B.o.B.
• Friday, March 30, Plain White T's
• Saturday, March 31, Prince Royce
• Saturday, April 7, Cyndi Lauper
• Saturday, April 14, KC & the Sunshine Band
  
  

SeaWorld Bands, Brew and BBQ

2012's Bands, Brew & BBQ will be twice as fun this year with rockin' concerts being hosted both Saturdays and Sundays. Top classic rock and country music artists will have you entertained with incredible concerts all weekend long. For sizzle and flavor, SeaWorld partnered with favorite local restaurants to bring a rich variety of BBQ and great grilled food to the theme park. There's a thirst-quenching beer garden featuring nearly 50 craft beers from around 20 different domestic and international breweries. Bands, Brew & BBQ is also included with park admission! Check out the following concert line up:

• Saturday, Feb. 11, Foreigner
• Sunday, Feb. 12, Gary Allan
• Saturday, Feb. 18, Trace Adkins
• Sunday, Feb. 19, Kenny Rogers
• Saturday, Feb. 25, Doobie Brothers
• Sunday, Feb. 26, Ronnie Dunn
• Saturday, March 3, Sara Evans
• Sunday, March 4, Scotty McCreery

Unique Orlando Gifts and Experiences for Valentine’s Day

It's already February! That means there are only a few days before Valentine's Day. Do you know what you're doing for that special someone? If your automatic answer is the standard dinner-chocolates-and-flowers, consider trying something a little more memorable. Whether you've been dating for a while, just starting, or even if you're planning on asking someone out for the first time, Orlando has a variety of unparalleled Valentine's activities in multiple price ranges to make sure your sweetheart appreciates how much you care and admires your original, romantic flair. Shhh...we won't tell where you got the ideas!

Orlando Balloon Rides
What could be more romantic than a hot air balloon ride at dawn over beautiful Central Florida? Take your special someone on a dream date in the clouds, with a champagne toast and buffet breakfast included! No one will forget a Valentine's Day that starts like this. Tickets are $175 per person.

SeaWorld's Beluga Interaction
If you're lucky enough to live in Orlando, you might take advantage of the unique gift options offered only at theme parks like SeaWorld, where you can enter the water and interact with beautiful and friendly beluga whales. Share an unforgettable experience with the one you love in this rare opportunity. Prices start at $99 per person after park admission.

Universal VIP Experience
You've never seen Universal Orlando like this before, and the VIP treatment won't be lost on your partner. Feel like a couple of A-listers on this guided tour through one of Orlando's top parks, including free refreshments, valet parking, and Universal Express to skip waiting in lines! Choose between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, or upgrade to tour both with star-treatment.

Walt Disney World's Wild Africa Trek
Give the ultimate gift of an unforgettable adventure, perfect for animal lovers or would-be safari-ers. Journey just above Nile Crocodiles across a suspended rope bridge, get a close-up look at massive hippos, and enjoy the stunning views of giraffes and rhinos from an exclusive safari camp. Create a unique memory with your date as you view wild African creatures in their native habitat, and relive the adventure at home with a CD of photos taken along the way, included with the tour. Prices start at $189 per person plus park admission.

Mount Dora Art Festival
If you want to find a one-of-a-kind gift guaranteed to wow your significant other, you could take a little trip to the free Mount Dora Art Festival this weekend, Feb. 4 - 5. From beautiful handmade jewelry to paintings, pottery, and more, there's sure to be something perfect and completely out of the ordinary, often at prices cheaper than typical store-bought gifts. If you're really stealthy, you could bring your lover along and make a relaxing day out of it, watch to see what things he or she likes, and when the kettle corn draws your date's attention, make an excuse to go back and purchase the gift they picked out. It doesn't get any easier to shop for someone!

Paddleboard Yoga
A unique experience in Orlando doesn't have to break the bank; take your date for a Paddleboard Yoga session on Orlando's many lovely lakes. A fun and relaxing adventure, Paddleboard Yoga is perfect for nature-lovers, health-nuts, and adventure-seekers alike. Prices start at just $25 per person.

Painting with a Twist
Is your honey creative or artsy? If so, this might be the perfect place for a Valentine's Day date. Bring a bottle of wine and create a delightful work of art with the help and guidance of professional artists. Canvases, brushes and paint are provided- all you have to do is bring your beau or lady. Valentine's Day classes for couples are $45 per seat- and you get to take home your paintings!

Texas de Brazil
This isn't your typical Valentine's Day dinner. Texas de Brazil offers an incredible dining experience unlike any other, perfect for a romantic and remarkable evening. Browse a wide selection of fresh salads and appetizers, then turn your table card to green when you're ready for the main course! Servers shave various melt-in-your-mouth meats off long skewers right onto your plate, as often and as much as you want. Come hungry and guarantee a good time for yourself and your sweetie. Regular dinner prices start at  $46.99 per person.

Truffles and Trifles Cooking Classes
Make a date out of preparing the meal as well as eating it! Truffles and Trifles offers several evenings of Valentine's Day themed cooking classes that will ensure a delicious meal and a fun, romantic night together. Prices start at $140 per couple.

Wordless Wednesday - Orlando's 12 for 12 Edition

Orlando's 12 for 12 Edition: 12 new Orlando attractions in 2012! Can we get 12 woop woops? 

Healthy Eating in Orlando’s Theme Parks: It Can Be Done!

If your New Year's resolution was to eat healthier - or to continue eating healthy - bravo!  Many wonder what kind of food options they'll have while on vacation to help them continue eating healthily. Below are some suggestions within Orlando's theme parks.

SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment

You don't want eat like Shamu when you visit SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment! But have no fear, they have one of the top healthy dining programs out of all the Orlando attractions, making it easy to stick to your resolutions.

SeaWorld offers a vegetarian favorite that's also incredibly low-calorie at the Spice Mill: the juicy Garden Burger. Or, try the Veggie Wrap in the Antarctic Market, just the thing to cool you down and fill you up for a tasty lunch. The siren smells wafting out of the Voyagers Smokehouse might tempt you to cheat, but go for the flavorful and healthy turkey sandwich, which is just as delicious but a lot nicer to your figure.

Universal Orlando Resort

Looking for a bit of adventure and a healthy meal too? Universal Orlando Resort has you covered.  The Beverly Hills Boulangerie, Louie's Italian Restaurant and Richter's Burger Co. all offer a selection of soups, salads and sandwiches that won't send you on a guilt trip for the rest of your visit.

If you're touring Islands of Adventure, try the Garden Burger at Burger Digs or the Chicken Caesar Salad at Pizza Predittoria for a quick and wholesome meal. For a top rate meal, check out the award-winning Mythos Restaurant and enjoy the Cedar Plank Salmon.

The choices don't end at the park gates - Universal CityWalk has a host of renowned restaurants you can select from as well. Head to Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville for the Caribbean Chicken Salad and dance off extra calories at The Red Coconut Club or The Groove.

No matter where you stop for fuel, Universal Orlando Resort is looking out for your health; almost all of their dining options offer healthy alternatives to French fries and other high-calorie sides. Choose from veggies, side salads or fruit to help balance any meal.

Walt Disney World Resort

Healthy snacking is the key to keeping both parents and kids happy while they visit the Most Magical Place on Earth. Fresh fruit and veggies can be found in any of the parks, like in Animal Kingdom's Harambe Fruit Market. Or, try the low-fat smoothies at Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies in Magic Kingdom.

Want to stop for lunch? Hollywood Studios has veggie sandwiches and a Southwest Salad with chicken at Starring Rolls or Backlot Express. Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom offers tofu and noodle bowls at the Terrance Noodle Station and Turkey Bacon Wraps at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café. Don't worry, you don't have to skip the flavor to be healthy in Walt Disney World Resort; sample the exotic, healthy fare at Animal Kingdom's Yak & Yeti, like their Mandarin Chicken Salad, or the hibachi-style grill in Teppan Edo at EPCOT. French fries aren't going away, but at least one low-fat and one vegetarian entrée are now offered at all table service restaurants, and side options include salads and fresh fruit.  Even your sweet tooth can be satisfied without breaking your diet. Instead of a Mickey's Ice Cream Bar, get a Dole Whip, and pat yourself on the back while you enjoy the creamy soft-serve treat.

Your picky eaters can still eat better with kid's side options like carrot sticks, grapes, apple sauce or Jell-O. And don't forget that smaller portions mean fewer calories - so share your food!

On your mark, get set, go! 2012 Orlando Race Schedule

Each year, Orlando offers a variety of 5K's and half and full marathons to help you keep those New Year's resolutions going strong all year long, while soaking up the sunshine. Take part in walking and running races through unique locations like the Orlando wetlands or the happiest place on earth, Walt Disney World Resort. Enjoy Orlando's wonderful outdoor year-round weather as you sprint your way to a healthier new you.  

• Dick Batchelor Run for the Children 5-K, Jan. 28
• Lady Track Shack 5K, Feb. 4
• Orlando Xtreme Marathon, Feb. 11
• Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend, Feb. 24 - 26
• Smile Mile, March 10
• PPMS Charity 5K & Family Fun Run, March 24
• Winter Park Road Race, March 24
• Memory Miles Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run, March 25
• Baldwin Park Parquet 5K Race, March TBD
• Corporate 5-K presented by IOA, April 12
• Expedition Everest Challenge, May 5
• I-Drive 5K Run, May 12
• The GORUCK Challenge, May 19
• Operation Giveback 10K, 5K, Kids Run, May TBD
• Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series 5K Race 1, June TBD
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend, Sept. 28 - 29
• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, Nov. 9 - 10
• Elf Classic Distance Dare 10K and 5K Races, Dec. TBD
• Reindeer Run 3M Race, Dec. TBD
• SeaWorld Orlando Marathon, Dec. TBD

The Scoop on Annual Passes

If you made a new year's resolution to have fun, Orlando is here to help you keep that resolution. Enjoy year-round smiles with an annual pass to Orlando's world-famous theme parks. Visit often and save money. Now, that's fun!   

Walt Disney World Resort

Everyone needs a little magic in their life!  Walt Disney World Resort offers several passes to fit your Disney passion and your wallet.

• Annual Pass- Park-hopper admission and parking in all Disney theme parks for one year, exclusive event access, and discounts on dining, merchandise, and more for $552.74 for adults and $509.07 for children; $414.29 for Florida Residents.
• Premium Annual Pass- Includes all Annual Pass advantages, plus admission to both Disney water parks, Disney's Wide World of Sports, DisneyQuest, and Oak Trail Gold Course for $691.19 for adults and $636.87 for children; $542.09 for Florida Residents.
• Seasonal Pass- Park-hopper admission to all Disney theme parks for one year (excluding blockout dates), exclusive event access, and discounts on dining, merchandise, and more for $286.49 for Florida Residents.

Purchase Walt Disney Resort passes here.

Universal Orlando Resort

Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, hang out with The Amazing Spiderman, or survive the Revenge of the Mummy whenever the spirit of adventure hits! Universal Orlando Resort offers excitement year-round with these annual passes:

• Power Pass- One year 2-park admission (excluding blockout dates), and free admission to special events such as the Summer Concert Series, Holidays, and Mardi Gras, featuring concerts and a nightly parade select nights February through April, for $189.99; $164.99 for Florida Residents.
• Preferred Pass- One year 2-park admission, free self-parking, discounts on merchandise, food, Blue Man Group Tickets, free admission to special events as above, and more for $259.99; $224.99 for Florida Residents.
• Premier Pass- Includes all Preferred Pass advantages, plus free valet and preferred self-parking, one free Halloween Horror Night ticket (non-peak night), Free CityWalk Club access, and more for $399.99; $349.99 for Florida Residents.

Purchase Universal Orlando Resort passes here.

SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment

Journey to the bottom of the Ocean or to the top of the Cheetah Chase Coaster with these special park Passports. Buy them now to explore and enjoy two (or more!) of your favorite Florida theme parks all year:

• SeaWorld Orlando Fun Card- Pay for a day, play all year- Unlimited park admission through December 31, 2012. $81.99 for adults, $73.99 for children.
• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Fun Card- Pay for a day, play all year- Unlimited park admission through December 31, 2012. $79.99 for adults, $71.99 for children.
• Sea World Orlando Year Pass- Unlimited park admission, free parking, and discounts on admissions to Discovery Cove, merchandise, food, and more. One year for $119.99, two years for $169.99.
• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Year Pass- Unlimited park admission, free parking, and discounts on admissions to Discovery Cove, merchandise, food, and more. One year for $119.99, two years for $169.99.
• Platinum Pass- All the benefits of a Year Pass, plus free admission to SeaWorld San Diego, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Busch Garden's Williamsburg, Aquatica Orlando, Adventure Island, and more, as well as free parking for all SeaWorld or Busch Gardens parks, and more. One year for $299.99, two years for $439.99.

Purchase Passports for SeaWorld Orlando here.

Purchase Passports for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay here.

Wordless Wednesday – Exotic Driving Experience Edition

Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari 458 Italia, Porsche 997 S and an Audi R8 - oh my! Car enthusiasts have the chance to drive these luxury cars at the new Exotic Driving Experience at the Walt Disney World Speedway.

                                       Christian Fittipaldi

This Week in Orlando: Music and Motorcycle Fun for Everyone!

Enjoy Orlando's wonderful outdoor weather at one of several unique outdoor festivals and events this upcoming week featuring everything from motorcycle rides to big band music. Here's what's happening in Orlando Jan. 16 - 22:

The Real Music Concert Series at Busch Gardens, Jan. 18 - Mar. 24
From sock-hop era idols to swingin' big bands, this concert series at Busch Gardens has something for everyone! This week be sure to catch The Terry Myers Orchestra with The Swing Sisters performing Wednesday to Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the Stanleyville Theater. Admission is included with regular park ticket.

66^th Annual Camellia Show & Festival, Jan. 21
Witness for yourself why January in Central Florida is camellia season at the Camellia Show & Festival. Taking place from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Mead Botanical Garden and featuring the beauty of thousands of camellia flower blooms, this is the perfect event to enjoy the beauty of Orlando in January. The festival includes camellia plants for sale, a special 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. "Camellia 101 Class" (RSVP for classes by emailing lkmccoy@cfl.rr.com) and 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. tours of the Mead Botanical Garden with expert gardeners available to answer any winter gardening questions. Admission to the festival is free.

Zora Neale Hurston Festival, Jan. 21 - 29
This inspiring festival highlights the life and works of one of America's most celebrated collectors and interpreters of Southern rural African-American culture through theatrical performances, educational programs and a juried art show. The nine-day extravaganza takes place in various locations throughout Orlando and Eatonville, the nation's oldest incorporated Africa-American municipality. Admission to the festival is free, performance prices vary.

Harley Davidson Motorcycle Ride, Jan. 22
Orlando Harley-Davidson is hosting a pair of special events to benefit the Tri-County Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse. From 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., a police-escorted bike convoy will travel on I-4 from Downtown Disney West Side to the Orlando Harley-Davidson I-4 Historic Factory Dealership. Ride registration will be from 10 - 11:30 a.m. in the Downtown Disney West Side parking lot N and requires a $10 donation per rider, and $5 donation per passenger. Immediately following the bike convoy will be an after-party from 12 - 3 p.m. The party will feature free entertainment and food, including live music by The Pendletones and a whole lot of rider-related activities. Attendance is free and open to the public.