August 19, 2011 In addition to world-class theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando, the Orlando area offers a variety of festivals, events and fairs in 2011 that are sure to please visitors and residents alike. On most weekends throughout 2011, but especially during the fall, you’ll discover lively festivals and events going on somewhere in Orlando. Mark your calendar for the following Orlando events this fall:
2011 Orlando Home Show
October 7-9, 2011
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
Enjoy interesting exhibits, talk to home improvement experts and listen to special guest speakers at the Orlando area’s largest home design and landscaping showcase, which will take place at the Orange County Convention Center.
2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
September 30 – November 13, 2011
Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Take an eclectic tour of the world at the 2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival as you sample delicious foods and fine wines during this international culinary celebration, which also offers nightly Eat to the Beat! concerts, celebrity-che cooking demonstrations, children’s activities and the talents of street performers from acrobats to musicians.
2011 Halloween Horror Nights
Select Nights Between September 23 & October 31, 2011
Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida
Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights is the largest Halloween event in the United States and spread out over both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Events at the month-long fright fest include specialty designed haunted houses and mazes, inescapable scare zones, a Halloween parade, thrilling shows and live music, as well as an assortment of wandering ghouls, zombies, demons, werewolves, ghosts, goblins and vampires.
2011 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Select Nights September through November 2011
Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida
This after-hours extravaganza at Disney’s Magic Kingdom allows guests to dress up in Halloween costumes and also features the “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade and the “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular. There’s trick-or-treating as well and also the opportunity to enjoy rides and attractions from 7 PM to midnight.
2011 SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular
TBA, 2011
SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Florida
Halloween meets the sea at SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular, carving an underwater “fantasea” where children can dance with an ice DJ, learn from a school of fish and play with a sea fairy. SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular uniquely brings children’s “fantaseas” to life with enchanted pathways and charming sea creatures, providing the utmost in family-friendly trick-or-treating.
2011 Children’s Miracle Network Classic
October 17-23, 2011
Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
One of the most popular events on the PGA Tour, the Children’s Miracle Network Classic at Walt Disney World Resort has served as an annual tradition since 1971, the same year Disney World opened its doors. The Children’s Miracle Network Classic, takes place at Disney’s championship Palm and Magnolia courses.
2011 Festival of the Masters
November 11-13, 2011
Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Festival of the Masters at Walt Disney World Resort is simply one of the most acclaimed open-air art festivals in the United States. Approximately 150 award-winning artists display their diverse wares at this immense outdoor showcase at Downtown Disney that also includes live entertainment, culinary offerings and children’s activities, as well as the House of Blues Folk Art Festival.
Good sources for more information on upcoming Orlando festivals and events include the “Orlando Seasonal Events” section of the Orlando, Florida Guide, as well as the Friday entertainment sections of the Orlando Sentinel and the Orlando Weekly, a weekly arts and entertainment publication.
Seeking spacious and affordable accommodations during your Orlando vacation getaway this fall? Look no farther than Westgate Resorts, which offers spacious suites, abundant amenities and convenient access to Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando theme parks, as well as other Orlando area attractions. Choose from Westgate Resorts properties such as Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.
2011 Way Of Grace Fest A Fall
6pm – Saturday October 29, 2011
8550 Clarcona-Ocoee Road, Orlando, FL 32818
A Free Community Event
Fest-A-Fall is the annual Way Of Grace Ministries Orlando Fall Festivals. It is a FREE community event. A night of family fun and enjoyment for young and old alike, Fest-A-Fall includes: Games, Food, Hay Rides, Bouncy Houses, A Fun House Campfire with S’mores, Trunk-Or-Treat, A Pumpkin Carving Competition, Face Painting …and much more And best of all…It’s FREE! Fest-A-Fall takes place on Saturday, October 29, 2011 on the grounds of Way Of Grace Ministries at: 8550 Clarcona Ocoee Rd, Orlando, FL 32818 and starts at 6pm.
       
August 8, 2011 Night of Joy at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park takes place on September 9-10, 2011, as some of the most talented singers in contemporary Christian music take the stage for two nights of great performances, joy and inspiration. Ticketholders can enjoy all the musical acts and ride some of the most popular attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park during Night of Joy, which runs from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM on both nights.
The roster of Christian music acts at the 2011 NIght of Joy includes newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Skillet, Matthew West, Francesca Battistelli, Group 1 Crew, Sidewalk Prophets, Disciple, MercyMe, TobyMac, Jars of Clay, Marvin Sapp, Sanctus Real, Kutless, Chris August and VaShawn Mitchell.
One- and two-night tickets are available to Night of Joy but act quickly since they often sell out in advance. A one-night ticket to Night of Joy costs $51.95 plus tax in advance and $59.95 plus tax on the day of the event. A two-night ticket to Night of Joy costs $92.95 (advance purchase only). For more information about Night of Joy, visit http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/special-events/night-of-joy.
Quality accommodations on or near Disney World property are available for Night of Joy weekend if you book as soon as possible. For great deals on comfortable accommodations that provide easy access to Walt Disney World Resort, consider Westgate Resorts. For more information about Westgate Reosrts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.
Night of Joy – Friday, September 9, 2011*:
newsboys
Jeremy Camp
Skillet
Matthew West
Francesca Battistelli
Group 1 Crew
Sidewalk Prophets
Disciple
Night of Joy – Saturday, September 10, 2011*:
MercyMe
TobyMac
Jars of Clay
Marvin Sapp
Sanctus Real
Kutless
Chris August
VaShawn Mitchell
*Night of Joy entertainment is subject to change without notice.
       
Night of Joy at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park takes place on September 11-12, 2011, as some of the most talented singers in contemporary Christian music take the stage for two nights of great performances, joy and inspiration. Ticketholders can enjoy all the musical acts and ride some of the most popular attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park during Night of Joy, which runs from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM on both nights.
The roster of Christian music acts at the 2011 NIght of Joy includes newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Skillet, Matthew West, Francesca Battistelli, Group 1 Crew, Sidewalk Prophets, Disciple, MercyMe, TobyMac, Jars of Clay, Marvin Sapp, Sanctus Real, Kutless, Chris August and VaShawn Mitchell.
One- and two-night tickets are available to Night of Joy but act quickly since they often sell out in advance. A one-night ticket to Night of Joy costs $51.95 plus tax in advance and $59.95 plus tax on the day of the event. A two-night ticket to Night of Joy costs $92.95 (advance purchase only). For more information about Night of Joy, visit http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/special-events/night-of-joy.
Quality accommodations on or near Disney World property are available for Night of Joy weekend if you book as soon as possible. For great deals on comfortable accommodations that provide easy access to Walt Disney World Resort, consider Westgate Resorts. For more information about Westgate Reosrts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.
Night of Joy – Friday, September 9, 2011*:
newsboys
Jeremy Camp
Skillet
Matthew West
Francesca Battistelli
Group 1 Crew
Sidewalk Prophets
Disciple
Night of Joy – Saturday, September 10, 2011*:
MercyMe
TobyMac
Jars of Clay
Marvin Sapp
Sanctus Real
Kutless
Chris August
VaShawn Mitchell
*Night of Joy entertainment is subject to change without notice.
May 19, 2011 
Universal Orlando announced today that its newest attraction will be based on the blockbuster 3-D CGI feature Despicable Me – “bringing minions, mayhem and a whole new level of 3-D family fun to its guests.” The new “Despicable Me” attraction will replace the Jimmy Neutron attraction at Universal Studios Florida. In addition, Universal announced that one its most popular rides, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, will be completely reanimated in 4K digital high definition. Both will open in 2012 and utilize brand-new, highly sophisticated Infitec 3-D projection systems designed to make the experience sharper, clearer and more “real” than ever before.
With a worldwide gross of more than $540 million, 2010′s Despicable Me is the sixth most successful film that Universal Pictures has ever distributed. It is now the 10th-biggest animated film in U.S. history. “Despicable Me” will be the first-ever Universal animated film to be transformed into a theme park experience. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com.
       
March 9, 2011 
The top flowboarders in the country will converge on Kissimmee on April 30, 2011, when the 2011 U.S. FLOW Tour comes to the new Fantasy Surf® at FantasyWorld Resort indoor water attraction.
Wave Loch, creator of the U.S. FLOW Tour and manufacturer of FlowRiders®, has selected Fantasy Surf to be the second stop of the four month long tour that is held at 16 venues across 13 states.
“Wave Loch has been closely involved with the construction and launch of Fantasy Surf. We’re impressed with the beautiful 14,000 square foot facility and the way the community has embraced the new venue,” said Rob Chalfant of Wave Loch. A typical U.S. FLOW Tour event brings hundreds of participants, coordinators, sponsors and vendors to a venue.
“Hosting a FLOW Tour competition will not only put Fantasy Surf on the national map but it will provide an economic boost to surrounding businesses that will offer lodging, food, and other amenities to the tour audience,” said Chuck Richardson, director of sales and hospitality at Fantasy Surf.
Fantasy Surf features Wave Loch’s patented double FlowRider® system which uses high-pressure pumps to create as much as a 30 MPH three-inch sheet of water. The water from the 55,000 gallon tank flows up and over the shape of a faultless tension sheet wave simulating the feeling of surfing.
Riding the indoor attraction has the look of surfing and wakeboarding, ride of snowboarding, and tricks of skateboarding in a safe and controlled environment.
Fantasy Surf sponsors the expert men’s and expert women’s champions of the 2010 U.S. FLOW Tour: Sean Silveira and Amanda McCormick, both from the Orlando area. After winning the U.S. competition, Silveira and McCormick went on to capture their respective divisions in the World Flowboarding Championships in October in Singapore. Both Silveira and McCormick plan to compete in the 2011 tour and will train at Fantasy Surf. For more information, visit www.ultimateindoorwave.com.
       
February 23, 2011 
The original roller coaster at Walt Disney World Resort, Space Mountain is located in Tomorrowland and features two roller coaster tracks that wind through the 183-foot-tall mountain in total darkness at speeds up to 28 miles per hour. Believe it or not, astronauts Jim Irwin, Gordon Cooper and Scott Carpenter took the first ride during the grand opening of Space Mountain in 1975. You must be at least 44 inches tall to ride Space Mountain. FASTPASS is available for Space Mountain. Two other hugely popular Magic Kingdom thrill rides lies within Frontierland: Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. At Splash Mountain, you take a wildly entertaining flume ride and meet lively characters such as Brer Bear, Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit from Disney’s classic 1946 film, Song of the South. Prepare yourself for a five-story free fall at a 45-degree angle into the splash pool at 40 miles per hour (you will get soaked!). You must be at least 40 inches tall to ride Splash Mountain. FASTPASS is available for Splash Mountain. Adjacent to Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a “runaway train” that speeds its way through an Old West mining town through caves, around mountains and over sulfur pools. It’s billed as “the wildest ride in the wilderness!” You must be at least 40 inches tall to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. FASTPASS is available for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
       
February 3, 2011 
“One Ocean” is scheduled to premiere at SeaWorld Orlando at the end of April. Visit www.seaworld.com/oneocean for more information.
       
January 10, 2011 
Otronicon, the Orlando Electronic Interactive Entertainment Convention, will take place January 14-17, 2011, at the Orlando Science Center. General admission is $17 daily for adults, $16 daily for students/seniors and $12 daily for ages 3-11. In addition, a Family All Event Pass is available for $125. For more information, visit www.otronicon.org.
       
December 1, 2010 Light up this year’s holiday season at SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration. It’s where guests can experience the joys of Christmas with all-new festivities sure to inspire traditions for years to come. Holiday events take place Friday through Sunday nights, now through Dec. 12, 2010, and nightly Dec. 17, 2010-Jan. 2, 2011.
The best way to experience SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration with family and friends is with an Annual Pass. Now with the purchase of an Annual Pass, guests receive three months free to enjoy all the park’s benefits, such as amazing animal encounters, thrill rides and world-class shows. For more information about SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration or to purchase an annual pass, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.
All-New Holiday Festivities
New to this year’s Christmas Celebration is the Sea of Trees. Guests will discover 74 massive trees, each sparkling, lighted and choreographed to classic holiday tunes, making a dramatic display around SeaWorld’s center lake.
Also new this year is The Christmas Market, located on the park’s Bayside Pathway. Here guests can shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and dine on scrumptious holiday delights.
“Our guests will be immersed in the wonderful sights, sounds, and tastes of a joyous holiday experience,” said Michael Fletcher, vice president of Entertainment for SeaWorld Orlando. “The Sea of Trees is going to transform our holiday nights with a stunning symphony of lights and music on the water. Guests can even do their Christmas shopping in the Christmas Market while they feast on delicious holiday favorites. We want SeaWorld to become a joyous holiday tradition for our guests, so this year we’re truly bringing the sea to the season!”
Returning Holiday Favorites
Returning to SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration are family favorites. At the park’s Wild Arctic attraction, guests can jump aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS Experience and take an unforgettable train ride to the North Pole. Classic scenes from THE POLAR EXPRESS movie are recreated in a multi-sensory experience that immerses passengers in speciallighting, scent, sound and motion effects. When they arrive at the North Pole, guests discover a winter wonderland surrounded by holiday cheer and amazing animal encounters.
THE POLAR EXPRESS Experience is based on the film from Warner Bros. Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment, inspired by the beloved Caldecott Medal children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg about a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. He embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
Families and friends can once again enjoy the spirit of Christmas during four of SeaWorld’s holiday-themed shows:
· Winter Wonderland on Ice, is a spectacular show where Christmas comes to life with towering water fountains, magnificent fireworks and some of the most talented ice skaters in the world.
· Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas, is a Christmas comedy with everyone’s favorite sea lions Clyde and Seamore and a few mischievous otters and a jolly walrus or two, just for good measure.
· A Sesame Street Christmas is a festive and fun musical celebration where guests can celebrate the holidays with friends from Sesame Street. The holidays have arrived, but Abby Cadabby doesn’t understand what all the fuss is about … she’s never heard of Christmas! Elmo, Big Bird and other Sesame Street friends gather to share the true spirit of the holiday with her.
· Shamu Stadium once again brightens the night with dazzling lights and glowing candles, while Christmas carols abound and Shamu splashes to celebrate the holiday season. It’s the magnificent holiday show, Shamu Christmas … Miracles.
For those looking for unique holiday cuisine with SeaWorld’s special touch, the Makahiki Christmas Luau is a South Seas-style festive celebration of the ancient holiday traditions of the Pacific Islands. Joyful songs of the season are reinterpreted with Polynesian rhythms, music and dance.
       
Light up this year’s holiday season at SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration. It’s where guests can experience the joys of Christmas with all-new festivities sure to inspire traditions for years to come. Holiday events take place Friday through Sunday nights, now through Dec. 12, 2010, and nightly Dec. 17, 2010-Jan. 2, 2011.
The best way to experience SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration with family and friends is with an Annual Pass. Now with the purchase of an Annual Pass, guests receive three months free to enjoy all the park’s benefits, such as amazing animal encounters, thrill rides and world-class shows. For more information about SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration or to purchase an annual pass, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.
All-New Holiday Festivities
New to this year’s Christmas Celebration is the Sea of Trees. Guests will discover 74 massive trees, each sparkling, lighted and choreographed to classic holiday tunes, making a dramatic display around SeaWorld’s center lake.
Also new this year is The Christmas Market, located on the park’s Bayside Pathway. Here guests can shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and dine on scrumptious holiday delights.
“Our guests will be immersed in the wonderful sights, sounds, and tastes of a joyous holiday experience,” said Michael Fletcher, vice president of Entertainment for SeaWorld Orlando. “The Sea of Trees is going to transform our holiday nights with a stunning symphony of lights and music on the water. Guests can even do their Christmas shopping in the Christmas Market while they feast on delicious holiday favorites. We want SeaWorld to become a joyous holiday tradition for our guests, so this year we’re truly bringing the sea to the season!”
Returning Holiday Favorites
Returning to SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration are family favorites. At the park’s Wild Arctic attraction, guests can jump aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS Experience and take an unforgettable train ride to the North Pole. Classic scenes from THE POLAR EXPRESS movie are recreated in a multi-sensory experience that immerses passengers in speciallighting, scent, sound and motion effects. When they arrive at the North Pole, guests discover a winter wonderland surrounded by holiday cheer and amazing animal encounters.
THE POLAR EXPRESS Experience is based on the film from Warner Bros. Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment, inspired by the beloved Caldecott Medal children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg about a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. He embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
Families and friends can once again enjoy the spirit of Christmas during four of SeaWorld’s holiday-themed shows:
· Winter Wonderland on Ice, is a spectacular show where Christmas comes to life with towering water fountains, magnificent fireworks and some of the most talented ice skaters in the world.
· Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas, is a Christmas comedy with everyone’s favorite sea lions Clyde and Seamore and a few mischievous otters and a jolly walrus or two, just for good measure.
· A Sesame Street Christmas is a festive and fun musical celebration where guests can celebrate the holidays with friends from Sesame Street. The holidays have arrived, but Abby Cadabby doesn’t understand what all the fuss is about … she’s never heard of Christmas! Elmo, Big Bird and other Sesame Street friends gather to share the true spirit of the holiday with her.
· Shamu Stadium once again brightens the night with dazzling lights and glowing candles, while Christmas carols abound and Shamu splashes to celebrate the holiday season. It’s the magnificent holiday show, Shamu Christmas … Miracles.
For those looking for unique holiday cuisine with SeaWorld’s special touch, the Makahiki Christmas Luau is a South Seas-style festive celebration of the ancient holiday traditions of the Pacific Islands. Joyful songs of the season are reinterpreted with Polynesian rhythms, music and dance.
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