Florida Theme Parks & Attractions

LEGOLAND Water Park Gets Water-Real H2O, not bricks!

3 April 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Less than two months until the LEGOLAND^® Water Park opens on May 26, and the attraction is getting its middle name – water! More than a half a million gallons of H2O were pumped into the LEGO^® Wave Pool by a friend of the LEGO City Volunteer Fire Department. The first wave pool in any LEGOLAND Water Park will be home to gently rolling waves sure to please splashers young and old. Meanwhile, the rest of the water park attraction is currently under construction from DUPLO^®Splash Safari to Joker Soaker.

Key areas of LEGOLAND Water Park attraction include:

LEGO Wave Pool – Families can catch a gentle wave or simply cool off in this perfectly sized wave pool where the waves are just big enough for all ages to enjoy
Build-A-Raft River – Families can imagine, design and build a unique LEGO vessel and set afloat on a maiden voyage around the 1000-foot-long lazy river, set amongst playful LEGO Friends, flowering vegetation and palm trees
Twin Chasers – Friends ride tubes 375 feet down an intertwining pair of enclosed water slides before plunging into a refreshing pool below
Splash Out – The thrill seekers of the family can ascend to the tallest point of the water park attraction and choose from one of three unique slides, then speed down a 60-foot drop and “splash out” into the water below
Joker Soaker – A fun, interactive playground with various lengths, heights and types of slides that offer something different for every member of the family. Guests can wade in the surrounding pool and be surprised with a torrential spill from a 300-gallon bucket
DUPLO Splash Safari – Toddlers will rule at this water play area with shorter slides and interactive, larger-than-life DUPLO creatures

Admission to the water park attraction is included with an all-new LEGOLAND Premium Pass, which offers 12 months admission to LEGOLAND Florida and seasonal access to the 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.

Orlando Bloggers Tour the City Beautiful With Chevy of Florida

27 March 2012 by Suzannah Otis 11 Comments

The fleet of cars, at Leu Gardens: Volt, Cruze, Sonic, Cruze Eco, and Malibu

Those of you following me on twitter and facebook may have been wondering why I was tagging my photos last Saturday with #ChevyOrlando. I was invited to join a group of Orlando area bloggers as we toured Orlando – “The City Beautiful” in brand new Chevy vehicles, provided by GM in the Southeast and Chevy of Florida. Put together by fellow blogger and media maven extraordinaire Joscelyn Ramos Campbell, we set out to tour the “real” Florida, away from the crowds and tourists of the theme parks.

As you know, I am a huge Orlando theme park fan, however I am also a big nature-lover and anything that gets me back into the real world, looking up at trees, down at flowers, or surrounded by water, makes me happy. So I was thrilled to be on this day-long tour, visiting the Scenic Winter Park Boat Tour, historic Leu Gardens and other Orlando sites as we traveled in style in brand new Chevrolet vehicles: The Chevy Cruze, Cruze Eco, Malibu, Volt and all-new Sonic.

Along the way we enjoyed lunch at the beautiful and delicious Prato in downtown Winter Park, made our own chocolates at Farris and Foster in Baldwin Park, and dined at that newly opened Fogo de Chao on International Drive. It was a whirlwind day of non-stop fun and friendship and I was honored and grateful to be a part. Perhaps the best part of all is that the 12 of us – tweeting with our #ChevyOrlando hashtag – made #ChevyOrlando the number 3 trending topic by around 1pm that day!! That’s the power of bloggers, my friends!

I will be posting my experiences and reviews from the various locations we visited in the coming days and weeks, but for now I wanted to highlight the fun photos of the cars and blogging ladies from the day.

Amanda Tinney about to drive the Chevy Cruze Eco

We loved having OnStar in the cars because we could just call for directions, or put the address into the navigation system and we were on our way!

Bloggers on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

Gorgeous Winter Park canal on the Scenic Boat Tour

Driving the Chevy Cruze

This car had some great pick up and was comfy too. Loved having xm satellite radio built in as well.

Prato Winter Park - review coming soon, but it was SO good!

Making peanut butter cups at Farris and Foster's Chocolate Factory

Chocolate creations at Farris and Foster's

The #ChevyOrlando blogging team at Farris and Foster's

Chevy Cruze dashboard

The Chevy Malibu was also great to drive, so roomy and beautiful inside. It’s come a looong way since the one my husband drove in 1995!

Angel Trumpet flowers at Leu Gardens

After Leu Gardens, we were given an hour to tour the city and take some photos to tweet about the City Beautiful and Chevy. Here are our photos – they won me a gift bag and one to give away here, so keep reading for details! When we teamed up into cars, our ‘team’ was Amanda Tinney, Amanda Nethero and me and we drove the Volt. It was such a fun car, whisper quiet and had 3 charging ports for phones!

Chevy Volt at one of the scenic Orlando lakes - "Hey City Beautiful! We're electric in the Chevy Volt!"

Chevy Volt at the old Church Street Station - "Going to Church...Street is heavenly in the Chevy Volt!"

Chevy Volt at the Amway! - "Drivin' a Chevrolet in the USA at the Amway!"

Fun with the Chevy Volt at the Orlando precinct! 😉 "It should be illegal to drive a car that looks this good!"

Chevy Volt at Lake Eola - "Enjoying the views of The City Beautiful AND the Chevy Volt"

I think we’re ready for a Chevy commercial, don’t you?? 😉 Next we drove to Fogo de Chao for an amazing dinner.

Our blogging team at Fogo de Chao

On the way back after dinner, we drove the Chevy Sonic. While this is the smallest car we drove, it didn’t feel like it, and we were actually shocked when told that. The interior was really stylish and comfy too. Starting at $14,000, it’s a great first car, second car, or any car!

Huge thanks to Joscelyn and the Chevy of Florida team for putting this day together and letting it happen. It was a real treat to ride around in style and experience some lesser known attractions throughout the city. As I mentioned above, our fun photos garnered me a winning gift bag to give away here on the site. It’s a beach bag full of all the essentials for a trip to any one of Florida’s gorgeous beaches, or just a sparkling pool!

Beach Bag Giveaway! Contents include a Chevy reusable bag plus the actual beach bag, beach towel, tumbler, sunscreen and lip balm, and some snacks too!

~~To enter to win the beach bag:~~

~~Comment below with which Chevy vehicle you’d love to drive for weekend getaway in Florida.~~
~~LIKE Zannaland’s facebook page: facebook.com/zannaland~~

~~Optional entries:~~

Share the giveaway on twitter or facebook and comment here with a link. Be sure to include the @zannaland so I can see it too! (Sample tweet: “I just entered to win a Beach Bag of goodies from @zannaland and @ChevyFlorida and you can too! #ChevyOrlando http://bit.ly/GXHLTh “

Giveaway ends April 3 and winner will be announced April 4 here on this post. Winner will be contacted via email and mailing address must be given for prize to be mailed. Open to US residents only, thanks! Good luck!

Congrats to commenter #6, chosen at random.org as the winner of the beach bag! Thanks everyone for entering!

You can watch for more photos from the event, news and upcoming events with Chevy of Florida here:

Facebook.com/GMintheSoutheast

Twitter: @ChevyFlorida

@GMSoutheast

Fogo de Chão Upscale Brazilian Steakhouse Opens in Orlando

23 March 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I was excited to hear about this new restaurant opening, and even more excited because I will get to dine there this Saturday as part of the Chevy Florida “Cruze the City Beautiful” blogger event I’ll be participating in. I’ll be writing up a full review of my experience, but until then, let’s learn a little more about this Brazilian steakhouse:

Fogo de Chão (pronounced fo-go dèe shoun), an authentic Southern Brazilian steakhouse that’s been named one of Zagat’s top U.S. restaurants, opened last week on International Drive. The restaurant’s dining experience is based on the centuries-old gaucho tradition known as churrasco, the art of roasting meats over an open charcoal fire. A prix fixe menu features freshly grilled meats carved tableside, as well as an extensive salad bar and authentic Brazilian sides.

Fogo de Chão specializes in espeto corrido, or “continuous service,” in which a team of Brazilian-trained gaucho chefs prepare and serve 15 different cuts of beef, lamb, chicken and pork. Guests dictate both the pace and the portions of their dining experience by using a small, double-sided disc that signals to the gaucho chefs that they are ready for additional service.

Although meats are the primary focus, the restaurant also features a gourmet salad and sides bar with more than 30 selections, including smoked salmon, sun-dried tomatoes, hearts of palm, tabbouleh salad, jumbo asparagus, cured meats, artisan breads and imported cheeses.

The restaurant offers a 200-label wine list, for which it has received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for the past eight years. Guests may also sample the Caipirinha, made from Brazilian liquor cachaça, as well as Guarana Brazilian soda and zesty Brazilian lemonade. Desserts include the restaurant’s signature Papaya Cream, made with fresh papaya, vanilla ice cream and Crème de Cassis liqueur, as well as South American Flan, Crème Brule, Turtle Cheesecake, Molten Chocolate Cake and Key Lime Pie.

While the menu and service are traditional, the architectural elements are strikingly contemporary, with a rich color palette of terracotta, oxblood red, tan and cream. Red clay tile roof accents and crisp, black awnings frame the restaurant’s centerpiece: a multi-storied, cobalt-blue tile tower entrance with a glass-enclosed open flame rotisserie at its foundation.

Fogo do Chão Orlando is located at 8282 International Drive, a quarter mile south of Sand Lake Road and about a mile north of the Orange County Convention Center.

Operation hours and prices are as follows:

Lunch
$26.50 (Salad Bar Only – $19.50)

Monday – Thursday: 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Friday: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

$35.50 (Salad Bar Only – $19.50)

Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Dinner
$42.50 (Salad Bar Only – $19.50)
Monday – Thursday: 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Sunday: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Children five years of age and under enjoy complimentary dining. Children six to 10 years of age dine at half the prices listed above. Beverages, desserts, taxes and gratuity are additional.

Known as the premiere Brazilian steakhouse, Fogo de Chão was founded in 1979 in Porto Alegre, Brazil and expanded into the United States in 1997. Orlando is the 18^th U.S. location; there are seven restaurants in Brazil. For more information, visit www.fogo.com.

Review of Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras in Florida

13 March 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

While I’ve been to New Orleans before, never during Mardi Gras, and it’s certainly not a destination with a family reputation. With that in mind Universal Orlando Resort has been bringing Mardi Gras to central Florida for years now. One of the highlights is the Mardi Gras parade, where guests receive beads from the passing floats – a favorite for kids in the crowd. This year’s parade takes guests on a journey through the earth’s different ecosystems with elaborately themed floats including: bayous and swamps, rainforest, coral reefs, the deep blue sea and Polar Regions. Every year, the parade’s hand-crafted floats are built by Blaine Kern Artists – the same company that designs the floats for the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans.

Universal also puts together a French Quarter Courtyard, where guests can enjoy authentic New Orleans bands every night before the headliner concert. Since 2006, more than 20 bands have traveled straight from The Big Easy to Universal Orlando to perform Blues, Jazz and Zydeco music for partygoers – adding to the authenticity of Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration. The French Quarter also features delicious Cajun cuisine, including jambalaya, gumbo, beignets and much more. We were able to sample the gumbo, jambalaya and beignets and they were pretty darn good! Spicy and authentic!

Mardi Gras Parade at Universal Orlando - loved the floats!

In addition, there are headline bands performing each Friday and Saturday, which is included in the price of park admission! We saw Big Time Rush, which was very well-received by the local tween crowds. Speaking of crowds, this is one of two caveats I have for families heading to Universal Studios Florida for these events. We had been here for the Christmastime events, with Mannheim Steamroller performing. Let’s just say there are a few more people in the park to see Big Time Rush vs. Mannheim Steamroller. When we arrived at 4:30, guests had already staked out their spots for the concert at 8:30 after the parade. We had to make our way from the lakefront area where we’d seen the wonderful parade to the stage area for the show and trying to maneuver through the crowds – with strollers, was pretty scary. While I can appreciate the amazing value of a free show like this, when it’s geared toward families, better crowd control and exit pathways could be worked on.

The second issue I had was with the amount of alcohol being served. This isn’t so much a Universal issue as I had the same report during Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival. Seeing employees walking around selling jello shots just gives off a different vibe, however. I get that it IS Mardi Gras after all, an event not exactly known for teetotaling. I don’t pretend to shield my children from the realities of adults on vacation, but that much alcohol in any environment makes me uncomfortable, and it is billed as a “family event”

That said, the little kids show we were treated to when we first arrived was super cute, with costumed characters dancing to zydeco music and throwing beads at the end. The kids in the audience all loved it and it was a great way to get them introduced to the music and excitement of the event. I think overall it’s a super fun event for families and adults alike, maybe just plan to get the stroller-set home after the parade.

Here are the remaining performers and performances for Universal’s Mardi Gras:

Mardi Gras Event Dates

Headliners (performing in the Music Plaza)

New Orleans Bands (performing in the French Quarter)

Friday, March 16	J. Cole	Lil’ Brian & The Zydeco Travelers
Saturday, March 17	Sugar Ray	Lil’ Brian & The Zydeco Travelers
Friday, March 23	Hot Chelle Rae	J.J. Caillier & The Zydeco Knockouts
Saturday, March 24	B.o.B	J.J. Caillier & The Zydeco Knockouts
Friday, March 30	Plain White T’s	Soul Project
Saturday, March 31	Prince Royce	Soul Project
Saturday, April 7	Cyndi Lauper	Rockin’ Jake
Saturday, April 14	KC & The Sunshine Band	Big Al & The Heavyweights

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You can see the rest of my photos from the evening at my Flickr account!

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I was provided entrance to Universal Orlando Resort and dinner for my family and myself on the night we attended, but this in no way affected my review or opinions contained herein. Thanks to Universal Orlando for a great night.

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More information about Universal Orlando Resort may be found at UniversalOrlando.com.

Spidey Sense in Overdrive! Amazing Enhancements to Universal’s Spiderman Ride

8 March 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Today marked the re-opening of Universal Orlando Resort’s Amazing Adventures of Spiderman at Islands of Adventure. I was unable to make this special opening event this morning, but luckily have a guest author to help give us a detailed review of the new experience. First let’s go over the official facts about the attraction:

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man reopens today with all-new 4K digital high-definition animation, a new highly-sophisticated Infitec 3-D projection system, a new music score and new high-tech 3-D glasses so that guests can experience the improvements the way the attraction’s creators envisioned. The attraction’s sets, audio system and lighting have also been upgraded.

As they reanimated the attraction film, the creative team added hundreds of new details and effects. Guests will see moss swaying in the wind, rats scurrying through the streets and hear electricity arching so close it will raise the hair on the back of their necks. And for the first time ever, Spider-Man co-creator Stan Lee will make a cameo appearance inside the attraction. Lee was meticulously animated in 3-D and placed in more than one scene inside the new animation.

Guests Enjoying The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - HR — Guests Enjoying The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

“The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man was so wonderful before,” said comic book icon and Spider-Man co-creator, Stan Lee. “But now – with all of the new technology that’s been added – it is indescribably spectacular.”

Here are the top 10 unique new elements in The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man:

The action is more life-like than ever. Guests will actually see the movement of the characters’ muscles and the changes in their facial expressions.
The new HD film animation combined with brand-new, highly sophisticated Infitec 3-D projection, allows guests to experience mind-blowing details they’ve never been able to…from the flames spewing from Hobgoblin’s pumpkins to the electricity arching through Electro’s body to the stitching on Spider-Man’s gloves.
Guests will experience the ride’s new details through all-new 3-D “Spider-Vision” glasses, complete with new lenses made of dichroic filters for amazing color and clarity.
The enhanced attraction features a new original music score. It is the same Spider-Man theme you love – with a rockin’ twist.
The ride vehicle’s audio system has been upgraded from 8-channel to 16-channel so riders will be even more immersed in the action. Guests will experience 3-D sound quality.
All of the film animation for The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man has been completely reanimated in 4K high-definition – that’s one of the highest HD resolutions available.
Every single scene in the attraction has at least one new element.
There are hundreds of cool new details for guests to discover in the attraction. Lighting, sets, graphics, props and even scenic detail have been updated to further enhance the animation’s tremendous improvements.
Legendary comic book icon and Spider-Man co-creator Stan Lee makes a cameo appearance in the new film animation.The attraction experience continues to use the latest technology to provide guests a fully integrated and immersive experience with some of their favorite Marvel characters.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - Scream - HR — Yikes!

Sounds fabulous, right? Now let’s hear from fan and fellow blogger Blaine Cummings, who experienced the ride in person this morning:

From when you first enter the building, to after you exit, The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure truly lives up to it’s name, amazing! Spiderman himself along with a group of little heroes helped reopen the ride! Cannoned confetti and streamers topped off the excitement!

When first getting in the queue you could easily tell everything was repainted and made more vibrant! Since it was reopening day I waited in line for about an hour, but the theming and cartoon news action to watch kept me well entertained the whole time. They changed up the queue just a bit, where there used to be a green screen to take pictures, there is now a trophy cabinet full of awards. A few by the man himself, J. Jonah Jamison. If you look even closer you might recognize a few names as some of the creative team on the attraction.

Before getting on I noticed that there were all new 3D glasses! Much like the ones Walt Disney World brought in for Star Tours: The Adventure Continues. These were a bit more durable though, with hard lenses made of dichroic filters.

Everything including audio, visuals, and even the vehicles themselves seemed to have a whole new touch up! This was not just new animation added in, this was the whole package. The ride was much smoother and reacted with the scenes much better than in the past. The onboard audio synced with the buildings speakers perfectly creating an excellent illusion of everything going on. Each vehicle’s sound system was enhanced from an 8-channel to a 16-channel to immerse you in the experience.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - Doc Ock - HR — The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - Doc Ock

The animation was very impressive! More realistic and drew you in more. They didn’t just copy it second by second, they changed a few bits up. It still all followed that same exact story, with a few twists!

You may have heard that Stan Lee makes a cameo in the attraction, he does! I saw him twice actually! I’ll add in below where you can see him in a spoiler section. All around a very “Amazing” revamp of a classic attraction. I’ll be returning to ride multiple times in the future!

SPOILER: Stan Lee can be found about half way through the ride, right after you encounter the Hob Goblin, you turn and run into Doc Ock, Stan is right under the theatre marquee that Doc blasts with the ray gun. He also appears again at the end of the ride when all of the villains are webbed up, he’s right under and to the left of them.

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Thanks, Blaine! I can’t wait to head over there myself and check it out! Hopefully this Saturday when we’ll be experiencing Universal’s Mardi Gras party with the family!

You can find Blaine online at: DisneyMagicMan.blogspot.com on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DisMagicMan and YouTube: www.youtube.com/DisneyMagicMan.

For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.

Gaylord Palms Family Fun Night Package With Shrek & Friends

8 February 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

One of our family’s favorite parts of visiting Gaylord Palms ICE during the holidays was the Dreamworks’ characters. They are so larger than life, it’s impossible not to want to hug them (especially when I see Puss in Boots). Even better, the resort itself is just gorgeous, you could walk around in the atrium and various themed areas for hours, not to mention the wonderful dining options and relaxing spa.

Now Gaylord Palms is offering another DreamWorks Experience package for Saturday, February 18, 2012. Families will have an immersive experience with Shrek, Fiona and Puss in Boots that features dancing, movies, scavenger hunts, crafts and special treats. And best of all, kids stay FREE*!

From $99* per person based on double occupancy, The one-night package includes:

Accommodations at Gaylord Palms Resort for a family of up to four (4)
Admission to DJ dance party with appearances by Shrek, Fiona and Puss in Boots
Admission to a DreamWorks movie shown on a big screen
Puss In Boots Quest for the Magic Beans Scavenger Hunt
Swamp Juice & Ogre Treats
A Family Souvenir Photo
DreamWorks craft activity
Resort Fee
Self-Parking

Guests are encouraged to make it a two- or three-night stay* to take advantage of all the entertainment and extraordinary experiences available. Gaylord Palms Resort features signature, glass-covered atriums that offer acres of sculpted indoor gardens, walkways, and streams that feel like the outdoors but are kept at a pleasant, 72 degrees year round. Visitors can also indulge in rejuvenating treatments at Relâche Spa & Salon, voted a 4-Star Spa by Forbes Travel Guide; enjoy world-class cuisine at a multitude of award-winning restaurants, including the new Wreckers Sports Bar; and enjoy excellent shopping and nightlife options. Gaylord Palms Resort, located in the heart of Central Florida, is the perfect “home base” for day trips to some of the nation’s most thrilling and exciting attractions and theme parks!

For a full itinerary, more information and to book the Family Fun Night With Shrek & Friends, visit www.GaylordPalms.com

*Per person based on double occupancy plus tax and Osceola County Assessment Fee for two occupants; up to two children (age 12 and under) stay FREE. Limited availability. Extra nights and atrium upgrades may be available at prevailing rates. Not valid or combinable with other offers or groups.

Bands Brew & BBQ Festival at SeaWorld Brings Music+Food Together

1 February 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

BANDS, BREW & BBQ FESTIVAL AT SEAWORLD ORLANDO

Now Includes Saturdays and Sundays, February 11 through March 4

SeaWorld Orlando’s Bands, Brew & BBQ festival is twice as fun this year when the park hosts rockin’ concerts Saturdays AND Sundays on Feb. 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, and March 3-4. That’s four weekends of smokin’ hot bands, sizzling BBQ from your favorite local restaurants and SeaWorld’s very own culinary team, plus a thirst-quenching beer garden and amazing atmosphere.

Bands, Brew & BBQ is included with park admission.And the best way to experience this festival is with a Fun Card where you pay for a day’s admission and come back all year –
with no blackout dates – to experience all of SeaWorld’s remarkable events.

This year’s awesome line-up features top artists in classic rock and country music including a side stage showcasing local bands. For those who want to show off their line dancing and boot scootin’ skills, a DJ will be spinning music to satisfy movers and shakers of all levels.

Concert times are at 4 p.m. and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

This year beer lovers will rejoice with our “brew”-licious Beer Sampler. Hoist your mugs in our thirst-quenching beer garden that showcases nearly 50 craft beers from domestic and international breweries.

A haze of sweet-smelling BBQ smoke will fill the air as SeaWorld’s culinary team serves up a cornucopia of all things BBQ including the authentic Homemade Beef Jerky and bodacious Famous BBQ Spare Rib Platter. In addition, favorite local restaurants will be on hand serving BBQ foods tendered to perfection.

For those who want to feel like a rock star there are VIP and Elite VIP ticket packages available. Guests who take advantage will enjoy the best seats in the house, mouth-watering food and a unique experience that they’ll never forget as they get up-close and personal with some of today’s hottest classic rock and country music performers.

Regular, single-day SeaWorld admission is $81.99 for adults and $73.99 for children ages 3-9. The Fun Card is valid from the date of purchase and good throughout all of 2012 with no blackout dates.

Fun Cards are available at the front gate, online at SeaWorldOrlando.com or by calling 1-888-800-5447. Event dates, times and artists are subject to change. Performances are included with any daily admission or annual pass. Concert seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Concert dates and artists are subject to change.

SeaWorld Just For Kids Weekends, Valentines Packages and More!

21 January 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

SeaWorld knows how to keep little ones entertained and with the recent announcement of the PreSchool Pass getting kids under 5 in for free, along with the Just for Kids concerts below, there is no reason not to check out the park’s offerings.

We were recently invited to check out the Lazytown concert, which I loved because my two older kids grew up watching Lazytown. The show itself was a fun little overview of what Lazytown is all about – getting kids to eat healthy; “sports candy” or fruit and veggies vs. junk food, and exercise vs. sitting around. The show was preceded by an amazing troupe of Chinese hula hoop acrobats, a juggler and a visit from an alpaca named Bob. The kids in the audience loved the show and were very enthusiastic about the performances.

Concerts are included with park admission, with show times at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at SeaWorld’s Nautilus Theater. Guests will need to pick up concert tickets across from Nautilus Theater in order to attend the shows. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 9 a.m. each event day.

In addition to the concerts, SeaWorld offers kids dance parties over by the Spice Mill restaurant waterfront at Shamu’s Party Zone. There kids can show their moves with SeaWorld characters, pose for photos, and partake in paid activities like face-painting and sand art, all while bubbles flow overhead. The best part about “Just for Kids” days is the concerts and dance party are included for FREE with park admission. No extra ticket price or add-ons! On event days, parents can rent strollers at half-price, and the following items are free for kids with each paid adult: all-day dining deal and free Penguins Up-close, Dolphins Up-close or Behind-the-Scenes tours.

The concert lineup includes:

Saturday, January 21 Max & Ruby’s Musical Playdate

Celebrate the universal nature of sibling relationships in Max & Ruby’s Musical Playdate. Max & Ruby never quite want the same thing and their plans always collide – with hilarious results. Featuring upbeat and original songs, this playdate is sure to have the whole audience singing and hopping along!

Saturday, January 28 Doodlebops’ Musical Playdate

Get movin’ and groovin’ with the Doodlebops, a real favorite of all kids. Rock stars DeeDee, Rooney and Moe sing their favorite songs, tell their wackiest jokes and show off their funkiest dance moves.

Saturday, February 4 Choo-Choo Soul with Genevieve

Starring Genevieve Goings, Choo-Choo Soul allows parents to enjoy the same music their kids do. Featuring soulful and current renditions of the ABC’s, 1-2-3’s, and learning how to be polite, Choo-Choo Soul is a diverse and incredibly hip duo, teaching children through music on an animated train.

And, “Just For Kids” has even more fun in store!

Elmo and Abby’s Treasure Hunt
Sesame Street’s Abby Cadabby and her friends Elmo, Cookie Monster, Rosita and Grover are off on a treasure hunt—and all kids are invited to come along! This 25-minute show will get everyone laughing and cheering along at SeaPort Theater.

Breakfast with Elmo and Friends
Elmo and his Sesame Street friends will perform a short song and dance number and then visit every table for an up-close meeting at this amazing breakfast buffet. Cost is $29.99 for adults and $24.99 for children ages 3-9. Times are 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. at SeaFire Inn at The Waterfront. This fun-filled breakfast also includes reserved seats at the concert of the day – attending the 8:30 a.m. breakfast includes reserved seats at the 11 a.m. concert, and the 10:30 a.m. breakfast includes reserved seats at the 2 p.m. concert.

And for parents or couples getaways, SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove has just announced some Valentine’s packages for experiencing paradise in Orlando.

Celebration Package $129 – includes a personalized buoy, gift bag, 6×8 photo, photo frame or plush toy, T-shirt, and 25% off the Ultimate photo package
Premium Package $229 – includes everything in Celebration Package plus a private cabana including table and chairs, chaise lounges, rolled towels, stocked refrigerator, and personal locker
Elite Package $449 – includes everything in Premium Package plus a private meet-and-greet with an animal at your cabana, champagne, souvenir toasting flutes, a dozen roses, and chocolate truffles

For more information on how Discovery Cove can create an unforgettable memory for you and your Valentine, visit DiscoveryCove.com or check out SeaWorld’s blog post.

While you’re there, be sure to watch SeaWorld’s first webisode covering Turtle Trek, the amazing 3-D, 360 degree experience coming this Spring to SeaWorld. There is so much to see and do at SeaWorld and Discovery Cove, it’s quickly becoming one of our family’s favorite places in Orlando.

Fun Cards are available at the front gate, online at SeaWorldOrlando.com or by calling 1-888-800-5447. “Just for Kids” event dates, times and artists are subject to change. Performances are included with any daily admission or annual pass. Concert seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Concert dates and artists are subject to change.

Busch Gardens Opens State-of-the-Art Animal Care Center With Guest Access

12 January 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I was unable to attend the media preview of this new facility at Busch Gardens, but it sounds fabulous so I wanted to pass along the news to my readers. It looks like a must-visit area for our next trip to Busch Gardens and it’s great to know the wonderful care the animals are receiving.

TAMPA, Fla. (Jan. 12, 2012) – Busch Gardens welcomes guests to closely observe and even take part in the animal care experience when the Tampa park opens its new Animal Care Center on Jan. 23, 2012. From nutrition to treatments, X-rays to surgeries, much of Busch Gardens’ animal care will be conducted in guest view in this new state-of-the-art facility.

“We are proud of the care we provide our animals,” said Mike Boos, vice president of zoological operations. “We welcome the opportunity to share our level of care with our guests, and to continue our mission of connecting guests to animals and the natural world. No other zoological facility can offer the unique, up-close experience that this new facility will provide.”

The major guest components of the new facility include a nutrition center, treatment rooms, a clinical lab and an interactive diagnostic activity. The nutrition center will feature a kitchen similar in set-up to a cooking show on television. Educators will lead demonstrations several times a day on the planning and preparation of animal diets. Guests will even have the chance to assist in preparing and doling out the range of food the park provides its animals, from fruits and vegetables to crickets and mealworms. Nutrition demonstrations will take place during scheduled times each day.

The treatment center will allow guests to watch as Busch Gardens’ skilled vets do preventative checkups, treatments and surgeries on animals. Guests will be able to see into the rooms through glass walls, and audio capabilities will allow guests to talk to vets working behind the glass. Cameras placed over the exam table will show unique vantage points to guests who can watch on monitors. During treatments and surgeries, zoo educators will also be on hand to talk about what’s taking place. Since it is a working center, procedures will vary daily, and will not take place during all scheduled park hours due to field work, office work and other projects requiring the vets’ time and attention. Daily schedules will be subject to change.

BG Animal Care Center Anteater Cardiology Exam

In the clinical lab, staff will perform tests on samples collected from the animals, such as blood, urine, and feces, using the same types of laboratory equipment used in human hospitals and veterinary clinics. A camera connected to the laboratory’s microscope will allow guests to see exactly what the staff who are looking under the microscope see.

Guests can also participate in a diagnostic exercise by scanning an interactive activity card at several stations as they follow an animal from diagnosis to treatment to blood and lab work to a final outcome.

In addition to the guest views, the new facility will also include animal recovery and holding rooms and vet offices. The new, nearly 16,000 square-foot facility replaced the rhino exhibit in the Nairobi area of the park. The park’s former animal care center was located behind the scenes.

Busch Gardens, and its parent company, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, are world leaders in animal care, caring for more than 60,000 animals, one of the world’s largest zoological collections. Busch Gardens Tampa cares for more than 2,000 animals representing 307 species. You can learn more about visiting either park at BuschGardens.com and SeaWorld.com

SeaWorld and Busch Gardens PreSchool Pass-FL Kids 5 and Under FREE!

5 January 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

CHILDREN AGES 5 AND YOUNGER CAN EXPERIENCE
FAMILY ADVENTURE FOR FREE AT BUSCH GARDENS & SEAWORLD
The New SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Preschool Pass Offers Kids
Unlimited Admission With No Blackout Dates Through 2012

The folks at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens just sent over this press release and I’m excited to get one for my little guy!

– It’s an awesome time to be a preschooler! Children ages five and younger can now explore the wonders of Africa and the depths of the ocean for FREE with the new Busch Gardens & SeaWorld Preschool Pass. Little ones will experience kid-size thrills at Busch Gardens’ Sesame Street Safari of Fun and SeaWorld’s Shamu’s Happy Harbor play areas, get up close to their favorite furry and feathered friends, and see new shows brought to life.

The pass is valid for all of 2012 at both SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Kids are welcome to experience all there is to do for the preschool set, including seasonal events such as Summer Nights at Busch Gardens, SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular and festive holiday events at both parks. New this year, Busch Gardens will delight guests with its biggest ice show ever, Iceploration, premiering Feb. 2. And SeaWorld is introducing an all-new festival this year, “Just for Kids!” featuring concerts by Lazy Town, Max & Ruby, the Doodlebops and Choo-Choo Soul, along with plenty of family-friendly fun and activities on Saturdays Jan. 14 through Feb. 4.

Parents and older kids can join in on all the excitement with a Fun Card, which invites guests to pay for a day and play all year through Dec. 31, 2012, with no blackout dates.

“Must-see” preschool attractions at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Preschoolers will delight in Sesame Street Safari of Fun, a sunny, funny play land, filled with moments that your family can share for the first time — like a first coaster experience aboard Air Grover. And everyday smiles can be repeated again and again: clapping along to original shows, splashing in an expansive water play area and enjoying kid-size rides.

Also available in Sesame Street Safari of Fun, families can Dine with Elmo and Friends on select days and enjoy special event dining experiences with the characters to mark holidays, character birthdays and more. Beginning in March, opt for the Family Fun Buffet, offered on select days. It’s the perfect way to feed your hungry family during your busy day and not miss out on any of the fun! Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet along with the chance to meet beloved Sesame Street characters between 12 and 4 p.m. on select days in the Sesame Street Safari of Fun Dining Pavilion. Reservations are not required.

In February, children’s imaginations will go wild when Iceploration takes the ice. The all-new, 30-minute show combines ethereal ice skating, larger-than-life puppets, amazing costumes and even animal stars. Iceploration opens Feb. 2, 2012 with shows daily in the Moroccan Palace Theatre. Another family favorite at Busch Gardens is “Critter Castaways,” in which a cast of unlikely characters – including dogs, cats, parrots and exotic animals – come together to create a side-splitting show with surprise twists that will have the whole family laughing.

There are plenty of animal encounters and pint-sized rides for families with young children to enjoy as well. In Jungala, families can connect with the jungle through a three-story play land, enjoy a water play zone and come face to face with exotic and endangered animals. At Jambo Junction, guests can have up-close interactions with animals such as flamingos, lemurs and sloths. And in Timbuktu, a carousel and other junior rides will delight those not ready for the major coasters. And what preschooler doesn’t enjoy a train ride? You and your little one can journey across the Serengeti Plains to view zebra, rhino and giraffes aboard the Serengeti Express.

Some additional features that Busch Gardens offers families with young kids include stroller parking and reduced prices on kids’ meals in 2012. Parking spots are available within our preferred parking area designated strictly for guests with strollers, so they can bypass the tram. No additional fee is required, and spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis to guests who request them at the parking tollbooths. At the park’s restaurants, kids’ meals are now just $5.99, including a drink, making it even more affordable to not only entertain, but also feed your little ones at Busch Gardens.

SeaWorld loves kids, too

And don’t forget that this awesome new FREE Preschool Pass also includes admission to SeaWorld Orlando. Just a short hour’s drive away, SeaWorld’s littlest guests can enjoy the wildly popular 4-acre play area, Shamu’s Happy Harbor. It’s a kid’s dream come true, complete with kid-size rides, a 4-story net climb, and a great place for parents to relax in the shade. The park’s first family-oriented roller coaster, Shamu Express, can be found here, along with many other kiddie rides to explore.

And that’s in addition to all the wondrous animal encounters at SeaWorld. Your family can meet penguins, dolphins, fish, rays, sharks, and, of course, Shamu!

Sign up today!

The Free SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Preschool Pass is an online-only offer, available at BuschGardensTampaBay.com or SeaWorldOrlando.com. It is exclusively for Florida residents ages 5 and younger and is valid for unlimited admission – with no blackout dates – through Dec. 31, 2012 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando. The Preschool Pass does not include parking or Premium Passport discounts or benefits.

After registering through either park’s website, registrants can pick up the Preschool Pass for their child by bringing a printed confirmation and a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate to any ticket window at Busch Gardens’ or SeaWorld’s front gate.

For more information on the Free SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Preschool Pass, visit BuschGardensTampaBay.com or SeaWorldOrlando.com.