Remember the huge expansion Discovery Cove unveiled last year across from Sea World Orlando? They are now adding another new area – Freshwater Oasis.
Florida Theme Parks & Attractions
Fourth of July Events at SeaWorld Orlando
- Sea Lions Tonite SeaWorld’s popular sea lion comedic duo takes the laughs into the night. Hilarious hijinks ensue in this evening show as the park’s talented sea lions, otters and walrus parody other favorite daytime SeaWorld shows and attractions. And this year, a new spoof based on the park’s newest attraction – TurtleTrek — will keep guests laughing all night long.
- Shamu Rocks SeaWorld’s spectacular whale show with more flash – and certainly more splash – than a rock concert. Shamu Rocks is a high-energy celebration of unprecedented proportions, combining awe-inspiring whales with a stunning light show, water fountain display and music from some of the hottest rock stars in the industry.
- Reflections: Fireworks and Fountains Show Finale
SeaWorld is showcased in a whole new light during this spectacular celebration of soaring fountains and dazzling fireworks. A newly arranged soundtrack features the thrilling and inspirational music of SeaWorld’s most popular shows, including segments of the incredible score from TurtleTrek. Families and friends will experience a wondrous connection that lights the night like never before.
Medieval Times Premiers Epic New Show, Costumes, and Music!
One of the wonderful things about the Orlando area is that there are countless attractions and activities for everyone. Medieval Times is a well-known show with locations across the country, where you know going in what to expect – a royally good time. Before you write them off as just being a show with knights on horses and no utensils, Medieval Times has just premiered an all-new show to keep things fresh and exciting. I could not remember the last time I had been to Medieval Times, I think it was when my oldest (now 13) was a wee one. However, now that I’ve been back, I can’t wait to go again.
The whole Medieval Times castle is wonderfully themed and the time you can wait before seating begins is filled with knighting ceremonies, photo opportunities by roaming castle-dwellers, and merchandise to peruse. There are also three cash bars and a lovely “wine cellar” seating area which makes waiting for the show to start relaxing and fun. Soon the knights are announced and begin roaming around and taking photos before guests are called to their table by the color of their crowns they were given upon arrival. I was really impressed with the well-organized check-in process and reception area. It made my family and I genuinely excited for the night (and knights haha) ahead.
Once inside, service instantly began with servers explaining the evening’s fare for us and how things worked. The menu is conveniently printed inside the napkin so you know what to expect. As recent vegetarians, my husband and I let the server know and we were and there were no issues with that. We were still able to enjoy the delicious tomato soup and garlic bread, and the main entree was a lovely combination of hummus and pita chips, a veggie kabob, wild rice and some of the potato wedges served with the regular dinner. I was pleasantly surprised. I do wish they’d have an alternative for small children though. My three-year old was not into any of the choices, and ended up eating bits of the bread and drinking orange juice for the night.
The new show was wonderful and definitely kept everyone entertained and happy. You’ll still find the action-packed knight battles, but this time there is an invader from the north to liven things up and keep the show going even after the winning knight triumphed. There are also beautiful and amazing horses who perform in between battles and a falcon who flies around the entire arena. New costumes and an exciting new musical score round out the new show. It was a fabulous night of entertainment that had everyone cheering and on their feet by the end of the night. I can’t recommend the show and the entire Medieval Times experience enough and I look forward to our next visit.
For more photos, check out the Zannaland Facebook page album – and see the new parts of the show too! (and feel free to “LIKE” my Facebook page while you’re there!)
Check out more info at MedievalTimes.com and book your visit today online or by calling 1-888-WE-JOUST.
Guests also can find Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament on Facebook and Twitter.
My family and I were provided with complimentary admission to Medieval Times for this event, but as always, my opinions and thoughts were my own.
Hilton Orlando’s Summer Birthday POOL-ooza Offers Fun for Locals and Visitors
If someone you love has been cursed blessed with a summer birthday, you know how difficult it can be to ensure they have just as much fun as those with birthdays during the school year when folks are not away on vacation somewhere. Well, the Hilton Orlando has solved that problem by letting the birthday boy or girl have a pool party they’ll remember all summer long. Located right in the middle of all the theme parks and attractions, The Hilton Orlando’s summer birthday pool package is available to non-hotel guests and local residents – perfect!
The package is available Monday – Thursday for a maximum of 25 people (including adults). Party guests will receive:
- Two poolside cabanas for four hours (between 11 am and 3 pm or 4 pm and 8 pm),
- One custom-decorated cake
- Two large two-topping pizzas and four pitchers of soda
- Full access to the main pool, the adult “quiet” pool, whirlpools, water slide and lazy river
- A one-hour activity of choice (volleyball, basketball, or water balloon toss) hosted by Hilton Orlando recreation staff
- 50% discount on self-parking
The cost of the package is $25 per person with a 15 person minimum, and will provide hours of fun for both adults and children alike, so be sure to splash on over to Hilton Orlando for your birthday celebration. It’s sure to be a swimmingly good time!
Sounds great, doesn’t it? My birthday isn’t even until December and I want to go hang out in the lazy river all day!! We may just have to do this for my daughter’s birthday in August. Check out the other amazing packages the Hilton Orlando offers – they look fantastic! Head over to TheHiltonOrlando.com or call 407-313-4300 to book your getaway now!
Celebrate Father’s Day at the Swan and Dolphin Hotels
In honor of Father’s Day, guests can receive a special rate and complimentary room upgrade during Father’s Day Weekend
I’ve stayed at the Walt Disney World Dolphin a few times, and dined there and the Swan and loved it each time. The “Heavenly beds” live up to their name and there is a feel of ultimate luxury when you walk in the lobby. The Swan and Dolphin are now offering a deal for dads for the upcoming Father’s Day weekend – check out the details below:
Families looking to give dad the vacation he deserves can now do so with a special Father’s Day offer from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel. For the weekend of June 15-17, guests can receive rooms starting at $199 per night and a complimentary room upgrade at the Orlando hotel.
Located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel offers easy access for dads to spend time with their families in the Disney theme parks, unwind on one of the four championship golf courses or drive an exotic sports car at the Richard Petty Driving Experience.
In addition, the hotel itself offers a number of amenities and activities that will appeal to dad and the entire family including five pools, recreational activities, and numerous dining options such as Shula’s Steak House and character dining.
Reservations can be made online at www.swandolphin.com/offers
In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The hotel is located between Epcot andDisney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The hotel features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and the Extra Magic Hours benefit, where each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks is open extra time to enjoy select attractions. (Valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required). The hotel can be reached at 800-227-1500, www.swandolphin.
LEGOLAND Florida Hosts LEGO Club Weekend for Father’s Day
LEGOLAND Florida has been growing brick by brick since opening last Fall. With the recent addition of LEGOLAND’s Water Park now there is even more fun for all down in nearby Winter Haven. Just in time for Father’s Day weekend, LEGOLAND is now hosting a fun LEGO Club Weekend with lots of fun activities and prizes. Check out the news from LEGOLAND below:
Holy LEGOLAND Batman! LEGOLAND® Florida, Central Florida’s newest theme park with over 50 rides, shows and attractions, offers a chance to play like your favorite super hero during LEGO® Club Weekend Jun. 16 and 17. Celebrate with Dad this Father’s Day during this special weekend and let him show off the super hero we already know he is.
LEGO® Club Weekend will be action-packed with fun for the whole family:
- Whether you’re young or just young-in-spirit, come dressed in your favorite super hero costume to have a chance to win cool prizes. Prizes include a LEGO® prize pack filled with Super Hero product and LEGOLAND® Florida tickets and the ultimate Warner Brothers® grand prize of an XBOX 360 Console.
- Be among the first to preview the all-new LEGO® Batman 2: DC Super Heroes video game at the all-new Warner Bros.™ Games Zone. Compliments of our partner, Warner Bros.™ Interactive Entertainment, the first 200 guests to come and play will get a free LEGO® Batman 2 poster. Warner Bros.™ Games Zone, an all-new attraction in the Imagination Zone at LEGOLAND® Florida, is every gamers dream and a great way to take a break from the heat. This interactive game zone is where kids can test and play the latest LEGO® video games and interact with high-tech technology such as, iPads and playable video kiosks.
- Become an official certified super hero by defeating the villains at Super Hero Training Camp. The Gardens have been transformed into the ultimate training facility so you can practice your super powers.
- Challenge your family to a Super Hero Scavenger Hunt. Your favorite heroes and villains have invaded Miniland USA and it’s up to you to save it. And for your hard work, the winner will take home a LEGO® prize pack filled with Super Hero product and LEGOLAND® Florida tickets.
- Meet Max, the LEGO® Club mascot, and get your picture with him.
- Enjoy special discounts on food and beverage.
All events are included with park admission and subject to change without notice. The best way to experience LEGOLAND® Florida for the best value is with the Premium Pass, which offers 12 months admission to LEGOLAND® Florida and seasonal access to the all-new LEGOLAND® Water Park for just $179 for adults and $149 for child/senior. Single-day LEGOLAND Florida guests may upgrade to a water park attraction ticket for an additional $12 per person (children under 3 are $3). The Premium Pass is now available for purchase at www.LEGOLAND.com or AAA Auto Group branches.
All who attend the LEGO® Club Weekend event can register to become a LEGO® Club member for free.
Summer Nights Arrive at SeaWorld Orlando
Summer Nights at SeaWorldis a nighttime spectacular that only SeaWorld could create, and the best place to be in Central Florida when the sun sets. Waves of fun wash over the park with incredible shows, an all-new attraction, thrilling coasters under the stars, and a nightly fireworks and fountain finale.During Summer Nights –- June 23 through August 12 — SeaWorld is open until 10 p.m., providing even more time for guests to 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.
Summer Nights at SeaWorld, plus the amazing, new TurtleTrek – the only attraction of its kind in the world – coupled with amazing admission offers and values, makes the park a must-see for locals and residents this summer. The best admission deals can be found online by visiting SeaWorldOrlando.com.Additional details:
All-new: TurtleTrek
SeaWorld Orlando’s newest attraction, TurtleTrek, comes to life with SeaWorld’s unique blend of up-close encounters with manatees and sea turtles and state-of-the art entertainment, making for a real adventure and a first-of-its-kind 3D 360 degree dome theater film that is completely surrounding and immersive.
Shamu Rocks
Rock the night away with Shamu during this spectacular whale show with more flash – and certainly more splash – than a rock concert. Shamu Rocks is a high-energy celebration of unprecedented proportions, combining awe-inspiring whales with a stunning light show, water fountain display and music from some of the hottest rock stars in the industry.
Sea Lions Tonite
SeaWorld’s popular sea lion comedic duo takes the laughs into the night. Hilarious hijinks ensue in this evening show as the park’s talented sea lions, otters and walrus parody other favorite daytime SeaWorld shows and attractions. And this year, a new spoof based on the park’s newest attraction – TurtleTrek — will keep guests laughing all night long.
Reflections: Fireworks and Fountains Show Finale
SeaWorld is showcased in a whole new light during this spectacular celebration of soaring fountains and dazzling fireworks. A newly arranged soundtrack features the thrilling and inspirational music of SeaWorld’s most popular shows, including segments of the incredible score from TurtleTrek. Families and friends will experience a wondrous connection that lights the night like never before.
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 at nighttime, under the stars.
Summer Nights VIP Tour
Experience the highlights of SeaWorld Summer Nights, VIP-style. This six-hour, guided tour includes an opportunity to feed dolphins, front-of-the-line access to our most popular rides, including Manta, and reserved seating at our exhilarating night shows, Shamu Rocks and Reflections. Included with the tour is the convenient, all-you-care-to-eat All Day Dining Deal, where you and your family can enjoy all of your favorite foods from your favorite participating restaurants!
For more information visit SeaWorldOrlando.com
LEGOLAND Florida Water Park Opens As a Park Within a Park
Today we were invited to experience the newly finished LEGOLAND Florida Water Park, just steps away from the LEGOLAND Florida park in Winter Haven, Florida. The day was kicked off with a Guinness World Record being set for the most people bouncing beach balls. The final total reached 1,355 volunteers which smashed the previous record of 401 beach balls. Guinness auditors will evaluate the attempt for authentication over the next several weeks. The colorful event celebrated the addition of the water park, which opens to the public Saturday, May 26.
After the setting the record, crowds and media were allowed to enjoy the LEGOLAND Water Park with their families. Unlike traditional all-day water parks, the LEGOLAND version is a “Park within a Park,” which means that it’s much less vast and time-consuming than most water parks. This new water park is a $12 add-on option for day visitors to LEGOLAND Florida, and guests may also purchase a premium annual passes, which includes 12-months of LEGOLAND Florida admission as well as Water Park access. With the heat of the Florida sun, it’s perfect to have a place to cool down and splash around either before heading home or back into LEGOLAND before the end of the day.
It is important to note that the LEGOLAND Water Park is definitely in keeping with the theme of the park next-door. Everything is geared toward families with children, especially younger ones, and LEGO lovers. There are two steep speed slides and some regular twisting water slides, but everything else in the park is made with a child in mind. The wave pool has small waves, no whitecaps, which run 5 minutes on and 10 minutes off. There are two kids splash zones, one made to look like Duplo blocks for the younger set. The main kids area is full of mini-slides, splash areas and a very low-depth pool area, all of which gets a soaked from a giant bucket of water above.
The 1000 foot Build-A-Raft lazy river circles the park, with various inner tubes to float in the 3 feet of water. Foam versions of familiar LEGO bricks float throughout the river, allowing guests to build creations on the edge of their tubes. A note of caution: I’m not sure if it was opening day policies or the way things will be daily, but there were quite a few (unwritten) rules about the lazy river. Be sure you find out before entering how you are expected to float around with your group.
Overall, the LEGOLAND Water Park was a fun experience. As with the LEGOLAND park, there are lots of fun little details which remind you of the reason you’ve made the trip – you’re a LEGO fan! A LEGO seagull perches atop the fence surrounding the Lazy River, LEGO jellyfish hang from the ceiling in the counter service dining location, and a fun LEGO water feature sits near the wave pool, where kids can build with real LEGO bricks after floating them down a chute full of water. The water park is small and easily navigable by young and old alike. If you are looking for big thrills, big waves, or big views, this won’t be your spot, but if you’re in LEGOLAND and would love to cool off in a pool or on the river, you’ll have a great time here.
For more information about the LEGOLAND Water Park and ticket options, head to LEGOLANDFlorida.com.
VIDEO: Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Spectacular-100 Years of Movie Memories
Tuesday night saw the official premiere of Universal Studios Florida’s newest nighttime lagoon show, the Universal Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories. Being relatively new to the Universal Orlando Resort parks, I had not seen past nighttime shows, but when I first heard about Cinematic Spectacular, I was excited to see it.
After two years of planning and executing, the Universal team, led by Show Director and writer Mike Aiello, have brought the movies to life. They found a new technology in Aqua Graphic Curtains, which provide a crystal clear backdrop for the movie projections. The images are viewable the same on both sides of the curtain – not in reverse. There are several of these curtains spread across the lagoon, flanked by fountains, which provide an additional canvas in some scenes, and color accents in others. Top it all off with Morgan Freeman narration, original movie soundtracks, and fireworks, and you’ve got a pretty good movie show. In fact, fans of Disney parks will probably feel like this the ending of the Great Movie Ride, on steroids. It was fun to spot favorite movies in the mix, and the scenes are up to date, with Battleship and Snow White and the Hunstman clips included. This is definitely a show you can see over and over and see something new each time. I love how you can stand at various points across the edge of the lagoon and see virtually the same show; you aren’t missing anything.
Let’s hear a bit more from Mike Aiello and see the Cinematic Spectacular from the Battery Park area of Universal Studios Florida:
So many people rush to compare Disney Parks to Universal, and as someone that’s grown up going to Walt Disney World, I understand. However, after having visited the Universal Orlando Resort several times over the past months, I realize that there really is no comparison. Sure, they are competing for our tourist dollars and guest revenue, but Universal is a completely different experience, and stands on its own, with no “but Disney…” needed. Since all of my visits to the parks have been as invited media, I haven’t even gotten to experience all the attractions the parks have to offer, but I do know that I love looking at the authentic architecture in the New York and Hollywood sections of Universal Studios Florida, and the theming in Islands of Adventure is wonderful too. I look forward to when I can experience the rest of the parks but until then, I love the entertainment options I’ve seen so far. They are completely different than what Disney does daily – and that’s okay.
Be sure to check out the Cinematic Spectacular on your next visit and check out video from the new Superstar Parade before you visit too. Thanks to Universal for providing dinner and exclusive viewing of both shows for my family and me. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own – we loved both shows!
Universal Orlando Resort Creates Family Fun with its Superstar Parade
Last night, Universal Orlando Resort premiered its two newest entertainment offerings. These shows have been in sneak peek mode for a few weeks now, but media (myself included) and special guests were invited to experience their grand opening, and given the red carpet treatment too. While the central Florida rain put a slight delay on festivities, we were still able to see both shows and they were worth the wait.
Universal Orlando continues to impress me with their new offerings and they are living up to their “Year to Be Here” motto for 2012. The Superstar Parade has taken two years to get to fruition and the result is something for everyone. Parade Show Director Lora Wallace explained that this was no accident. If your child loves Dora and Diego, they will be thrilled at the float containing the familiar pair, along with Boots the monkey and baby jaguar. If they have outgrown Dora, there are tumbling monkeys on the float which will impress any age group. The same goes for SpongeBob SquarePants; if you aren’t a fan, they’ve added aerial silk performers on the back of his float to entertain and wow audiences. One of my favorite parts was the HOP float, where E.B. plays a drum set on the float, as a drum corps follows along behind him. Lora is a former snare drum player from her high school marching band, so this was a personal addition she was pleased to add as it tied in with HOP perfectly. As a mom of a school band drummer, I loved it too!
In addition to these fun visual elements, this new parade makes two stops along its route – in the Hollywood and New York areas. These stops showcase dance numbers and tons of guest interaction. No matter where you watch the parade, you’ll get a slightly different experience, or you can choose to stand in a specific spot to see your favorite characters. The Despicable Me characters which lead the parade are a great park addition and will tie in perfectly to the new Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem attraction opening this summer. I can’t wait!
The Superstar Parade runs daily at 5pm. Plans have not yet been finalized for the presentation of this parade during the Macy’s Holiday and Mardi Gras parade seasons, but it will all be worked out according to Senior Vice President for Entertainment at Universal Orlando, Jim Timon. Our viewing was shown at night due to the rain delay, so the video below will reflect that. However, for a parade created to show in the daytime, it’s still quite vibrant and beautiful at night! Check out the video below for a preview with some Superstar Parade highlights:
You can find out more about Universal Orlando Resort at UniversalOrlando.com. Special thanks to the UOR team for providing my family with dinner, desserts and entertainment so I could review these events for you. Opinions and reviews are 100% my own. Also check out the Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Universal Memories, the amazing new nighttime lagoon show.