December 6, 2011 LEGOLAND Florida is getting into the holiday spirit with the first annual Christmas Bricktacular. Festive decorations and sounds of the season will fill The Beginning and Fun Town through the holidays, Dec. 8-31, followed by Kids’ New Year’s Eve on Dec. 31. With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions all dedicated to families with children age 2 to 12 and one of the widest selections of LEGO® products available, LEGOLAND Florida is the best place to celebrate the season and pick up the Christmas gifts that are on every child’s wish list – LEGO!
The Beginning is home to a truly spectacular, Bricktacular sight – a more than 30-foot-tall LEGO Christmas tree made with a combination of 270,000 forest green LEGO and DUPLO® bricks. The park’s first-ever tree lighting ceremony takes place on Dec. 5 with a special master of ceremonies. Through Dec. 31, a special family will be chosen to help light the Bricktacular tree each night.
Santa Claus even makes special daily appearances in the historical botanical gardens making a picture perfect spot to capture family memories sure to be treasured for years to come.
Kids’ New Year’s Eve on Dec. 31 let’s kids rock out and watch the sky explode with LEGO fireworks at just the right time for them, midnight KST (Kid Standard Time) – otherwise known as 7 p.m. EST.
Holiday events are included in park admission. Tickets and Annual Passes for LEGOLAND Florida are available at www.LEGOLAND.com
LEGOLAND® Florida is a 150-acre interactive theme park dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, LEGOLAND is geared towards family fun! There are currently four other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Germany and LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London. The LEGOLAND theme parks are a part of Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest attractions operator in the world. For the most current information, log on to www.LEGOLAND.com.
MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS is the leading name in location-based, family entertainment, and has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. Europe’s Number 1 and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates over 78 attractions, six hotels/two holiday villages in 17 countries and across four continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 43.6 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and more than 15,000 employees. Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions – SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The EDF Energy London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Heide Park, Earth Explorer, Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World, Sydney Tower Observatory and Skywalk, Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter Underwater World, Oceanworld Manly and Hamilton Island Koala Gallery. All brands which are distinctive, challenging and innovative – and which have great potential for growth in the future. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.
       
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.
       
March 11, 2011 
Westgate Lakes Special! Book a Studio for $79 night (normally $129) or One-Bedroom for $99 night (normally $159). Must travel by 5/31/11. Use promo code: LAKES www://wglakes.com.
       
November 5, 2010 
The Candlelight Processional will return to Epcot November 26 through December 30, 2010. Joined by a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra, this immensely popular holiday tradition will take place at America Gardens Theatre nightly at 5 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:15 PM.
Below are scheduled celebrity narrators (subject to change without notice):
November 26-28, 2010 – Isabella Rossellini
November 29 – December 1, 2010 – TBA
December 2-4, 2010 – Corbin Bernsen
December 5-6, 2010 – Susan Lucci
December 7-9, 2010 - Jodi Benson
December 10-11, 2010 – Whoopi Goldberg
December 12-15, 2010 – Steven Curtis Chapman
December 16-18, 2010 – Thomas Gibson
December 19-21, 2010 – Trace Adkins
December 22-23, 2010 – Brad Garrett
December 24-27, 2010 – Edward James Olmos
December 28-30, 2010 – Marlee Matlin/Jack Jason
Note: Performances are included with Epcot admission, and guests are advised to arrive early.
For more information about the Epcot Candlelight Processional, visit www.disneyworld.com/holidays.
       
October 26, 2010 Using an interactive multi-media video presentation, LEGOLAND® Florida unveiled detailed plans today mapping out the ten lands of the family theme park and announcing the sale of advance-purchase tickets and annual passes. Opening in October 2011, LEGOLAND Florida will be a 150-acre full-day theme park geared specifically to families with children ages 2 to 12. There will be more than 50 interactive rides, shows and attractions including amazing LEGO® models making it unlike any other theme park in Florida.
“With exactly one year until we open, the countdown really begins now, “said Adrian Jones, LEGOLAND® Florida’s General Manager, to a group of 150 guests at the Park’s 4-D Theater. “We are thrilled to announce the layout of the Park and give details of what rides and attractions will be housed in each of our ten specially-themed lands. Much thought and creativity has gone into the design of this fantastic Park and we are excited to present it for the first time today.”
The ten different lands of LEGOLAND Florida are The Beginning, Fun Town, Miniland USA, Castle Hill, Land of Adventure, XTreme, LEGO City, Imagination Zone, Pirate Cove & DUPLO® Village.
Jones also announced that one-day tickets and annual passes are now available at www.LEGOLANDFloridaResort.com with pre-opening discounts. For a limited time, LEGOLAND Florida tickets are $65 for adults and $55 for children and seniors. Standard Annual Passes purchased now through the end of the year are available at the children’s prices of $99. A lifetime pass is available for $2,500 and is the perfect gift for the ultimate LEGO fan and include unlimited admission, discounts on preferred parking, special events, plus discounts on food and merchandise.
LEGOLAND® Florida opens in October 2011 and will be a 150-acre interactive theme park dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, LEGOLAND is geared towards family fun! There are currently four other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Germany and LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London. The LEGOLAND theme parks are a part of Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest attractions operator in the world. For the most current information, log on to www.LEGOLANDFloridaResort.com.
The MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTSGROUP is the leading name in location based, family entertainment, which has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. Europe’s number one, and the world’s second largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin has 62 attractions and 6 hotels in 12 countries, across 3 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 38.5 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and more than 14,000 employees. Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions – SEA LIFE – the world’s No 1 aquarium brand, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The Merlin Entertainments London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, THORPE PARK, Chessington World of Adventures, Heide Park, Underwater Adventures, and Earth Explorer.
       
September 22, 2010 
       
September 15, 2010 Which Florida island was named for the daughter of King George II?
Which famous American writer spent the winter of 1827 in St. Augustine recovering from tuberculosis?
Which famous rock singer and poet was born in Melbourne on December 8, 1943?
Which actress won the Miss Florida title for 1974?
“Doc Hollywood” was filmed in which small North Central Florida town?
Which Florida state park boasts a 120-foot-deep sinkhole that is accessible from a stairway leading to a “miniature rain forest”?
Which national park lies nearly 70 miles West of Key West and is accessible only by seaplane or boat?
Which Central Florida museum boasts the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany?
What is the nickname of Stetson University?
Which Florida state park is home to one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world?
Which U.S. President dedicated Bok Tower Gardens on February 1, 1929?
Mel Fisher was an American treasure hunter best known for finding which 1622 shipwreck?
Which Florida college is home to the largest single-site collection of the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright?
Which is the only Florida state park to offer cave tours to the public?
On which Florida Key can you find Flipper’s grave?
Which South Florida attraction has been referred to as “America’s Stonehenge”?
What is the second-largest lake in Florida?
Which Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist once lived and worked in the tiny community of Cross Creek?
Which Florida Key is home to Perky’s Bat Tower?
What city in Florida boasts the “World’s Smallest Police Station”?
Which historic neighborhood in Tampa was once known as the “Cigar Capital of the World”?
Which Historic Spiritualist Camp founded in 1894 is the oldest active religious community in the Southeastern United States?
The original boat used in the classic 1951 movie, “The African Queen,” is docked on which of the Florida Keys?
Famous for its glass bottom boat tours, which attraction is known as “Florida’s Original Theme Park”?
What is the former name of the Astro Orbiter ride in Tomorrowland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park?
What International Drive landmark is known as “Orlando’s only upside-down attraction”?
Which attraction at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park boasts the world’s largest seamless projection screen?
Scenes from which 1998 Adam Sandler movie were filmed at the Citrus Bowl in downtown Orlando?
For answers to the Florida Trivia Quiz, visit http://www.orlando-florida.net/florida-vacations/florida-trivia.html
       
September 8, 2010 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA (Jan. 6-9, 2011), part of Disney’s Endurance Series, culminates with a magical 26.2-mile journey through all four Walt Disney World theme parks and several resort hotel areas that is regarded as one of the top marathons for “first-timers” (and veterans alike). The gala, sports-filled weekend features a variety of events for all ages and running abilities – kids races, a Family Fun Run 5K, Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, the Disney Half Marathon and the Disney Marathon, plus the Health & Fitness Expo.
For the first time in event history, athletes and fans took part in an online poll to choose the design that would grace the coveted medal given to finishers of the full marathon. After receiving more than 50,000 votes, the top vote-getting design – Mickey Mouse, in his running gear, breaking the tape at the Disney Marathon finish line – was chosen. The medal will be awarded to full marathon athletes who finish the race within the time limit. For athletes that desire even more of an endurance test, there’s Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge. Participants in this event compete in the Half Marathon on Saturday and then the Marathon on Sunday. If athletes finish both races within the time limits, they are awarded a very special “Goofy” medal. The magical miles in the half marathon and marathon are highlighted by high-energy entertainment – including special appearances by Disney characters – providing a unique form of motivation for athletes. In fact, it’s not unusual to see runners actually stop along the course during the race and stand in line to have their photos taken with the Disney characters. Note: The Disney Marathon Weekend races traditionally have filled to capacity.
Guests can check current registration availability at www.disneyworldmarathon.com. Planning to attend Disney Marathon Weekend? If you are seeking great deals on comfortable accommodations that provide easy access to Walt Disney World Resort, look no farther than Westgate Resorts. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.
       
September 1, 2010 
All new experiences mark the 20th year of the nation’s best, most intense Halloween event – Halloween Horror Nights XX at Universal Orlando Resort! For 24 nights beginning September 24 and running through October 31, Halloween Horror Nights will reveal Fear as he has never been seen or experienced before. Fear and what he has created have horrified people for 19 years. And this year, he will be more real than ever. This year, Halloween Horror Nights will feature eight all-new haunted houses, new scarezones and live shows. And everything Fear touches will never be the same.
Halloween Horror Nights runs September 24-25, September 30-October 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 20-24 and 27-31. Advance tickets are now on sale for $74.99 plus tax. For tickets and event information, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com. Due to the event’s popularity, tickets for weekend nights are expected to sell out and should be purchased well in advance.
Daily updates and exclusive details on Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights are also available on the event’s official Facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/halloweenhorrornightsorlando or search on Facebook for “Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights – Orlando OFFICIAL.”
Eight All-New Horrifying Haunted Houses
Horror Nights: The Hallow’d Past - Halloween Horror Nights. The name brings with it millions of tales, each filled with thousands of screams. Now, you have the opportunity to travel into a realm where Horror Nights isn’t just an event, but a reality.
The Orfanage: Ashes to Ashes – Ashes to ashes, forever now dust. For years she has existed in the shadows, never getting her due. Misunderstood by all around her, she has had enough of her playthings at the Good Harvest Orphanage – now is the time for vengeance. This burned out shell contains the souls of the forgotten and the lost who all scream one name: Cindy.
Hades: The Gates of Ruin – Hades bids you welcome. Make your way into the Underworld, and come face to face with the most terrifying creatures of legend as you cross through the Gates of Ruin.
Psychoscarepy: Echoes of Shadybrook – The truth, as they say, is far stranger than fiction, and in this instance they happen to be correct. Although Shadybrook’s doors have indeed been closed for the last 15 years, the place is still very much alive with all of the criminally insane souls that have ever walked its halls.
Havoc: Dogs of War – Ten years ago, the Shadowcreek Enterprise was tasked with developing an elite corp of soldiers. They succeeded. Through an inhalant that includes a compound of testosterone, adrenaline, and other anesthetics, Shadow Creek’s latest run of volunteer test subjects are ready for inspection. The project name: HAVOC. The subjects are known simply as the Dogs of War.
Catacombs: Black Death Rising – During a plague of Paris and Marseilles in 1534, thousands died due to an undisclosed viral outbreak. A group of doctors took it upon themselves to quarantine the most infected citizens of the city. They had no way of knowing that the townspeople would betray them, sealing them into their doom. They have been unable to escape for almost five hundred years. Now that the dead inside have found a way out, they are rising to take their centuries old vengeance on any living being that dares to enter the Catacombs.
Zombiegeddon – The United States government has re-taken the continental United States, and is actively engaged in clearing the remaining infested pockets of Canada. The government also licenses and sanctions private companies to capture “un-live” subjects and use them as practical targets during these training sessions. Dozens of independent training consultant “companies” spring up, promising the best training that money can buy…and then there’s ZAP…The Zombie Awareness Program.
Legendary Truth: The Wyandot Estate – The Spirit Seekers have come up with a machine that actually gathers spirits toward it. The group has decided to do a live broadcast from inside one of the most reportedly “haunted” sites in the entire United States, The Wyandot Estate, built in the 1920′s in Carey, Ohio by the entrepreneur Malcolm Wyandot and his wife Lydia. The house has been rumored to be haunted since Malcolm brutally killed 13 dinner guests and his wife Lydia before committing suicide on October 30, 1929. The team is about to get more than they bargained for as the murdered hear their call and answer with terrible violence.
Six Inescapable Scarezones
HHN: 20 Years of Fear – Step into the shadows of the last Twenty Years of Fear. Move toward the lantern, and encounter the most frightening characters of Halloween Horror Nights past.
Fear Revealed – The souls of Chaos, Death, Sacrifice, Mythos and Vengeance – He created them and gave them terror. Each with a part to play, they fulfilled their tasks. Their malice provided him bone, their rage gave him blood, and their terror fulfilled his soul. What has been 19 cycles for some have been eons for him. He’s waited patiently for the final piece, and now on the 20th cycle… HE IS REVEALED.
Zombie Gras – This Mardi Gras parade has gone severely off course. Infected by the North American zombie infestation, the undead walk among us, searching for their next meal…
Esqueleto Muerte – Revel in the seductive taunts of Death as you wind through a glowing skeletal nightmare.
Saws ‘n Steam – Enormous trenches in the earth’s crust have opened below its vast oceans, exposing them to intense heat. Steam power is essential to the inhabitants of New Yorkshire, but diminishing oceans have put the city in jeopardy, forcing the citizens to evil lengths. Beware upon entering the city, as the water in your body is now a coveted resource. And the citizens will stop at nothing to get it.
The Coven – The Cult of the Raven has unsettled spirits, and its Sirens are screaming throughout the witches’ realm. As you creep past their obelisk, beware their spells. For those who don’t believe will be condemned to death.
Two Outrageous Live Shows
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure – Party on as those two most excellent dudes return to skewer the biggest names in entertainment and pop culture.
Brian Brushwood: Menace and Malice – Experience two realms of bizarre magic by one of the country’s most outrageous illusionists.
Planning to attend Halloween Horror Nights XX? If you are seeking great deals on comfortable accommodations that provide easy access to Universal Orlando Resort, look no farther than Westgate Resorts. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.
       
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