Travel, Theme Parks, and Resorts

Fourth of July Festivities and Fireworks at Walt Disney World Resort

4 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

JULY 4TH CELEBRATED AT WALT DISNEY WORLD IN FLORIDA — Cinderella Castle with patriotic projections ©Disney

Here are all the official events going on at Disney Parks here in Florida tonight! For the first time ever, I’ll actually be attending Fourth of July activities at Epcot. I know it’ll be super busy, but it should be super fun too. The last time I was in a Disney park on the Fourth, I was working at the Magic Kingdom in 1995, so it’ll be nice to experience again, on the opposite side of the coin. I wish you all a wonderful patriotic day with family and friends! Enjoy good food and spectacular fireworks as we celebrate our freedom!

Walt Disney World Resort will pixie dust the night skies July 4 with special pyrotechnic shows, including a patriotic display at Magic Kingdom, a rock’n’roll spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and a classic sky show at Epcot infused with an Independence Day finale. Here’s how you can celebrate America’s birthday – Disney-style:

Magic Kingdom will present “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.” This patriotic fireworks spectacular, paying homage to the hopes and dreams of America’s forefathers, will light the skies at 9 p.m. July 4 – and for guests who would like to begin the Independence Day celebration early, the show also will be presented July 3 at 9 p.m.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, traditional Fourth of July fireworks take on a different spin when Mulch, Sweat, and Shears perform for the all-new “Rockin’ 4^th of July Celebration.” These resident landscapers – with serious rock and roll ambitions – take Disney guests on a musical road trip across America that will highlight each region’s contribution to rock and roll. Fireworks, lighting and special effects – backed by the driving live rock and roll of Mulch, Sweat, and Shears – combine to bring a new twist to celebrating Independence Day. Showtime July 4 is 9:45 p.m. Before the show, Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests can catch Disney’s Fantasmic!, performing July 4 at 9 p.m.
At Epcot, sky-watchers can check out “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” bursting high above World Showcase Lagoon. IllumiNations is a 14-minute spectacular during which pyrotechnics, lasers, water and music are all used to tell a story about the past, present and future of our planet. On the Fourth of July, the show will be enhanced with “The Heartbeat of Freedom,” an overture of traditional Americana themes displayed in a pyrotechnic and laser light event. The show is at 10 p.m.

In addition, Epcot guests may lend their ears to “Voices of Liberty 4^th of July Concert” and meet with Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross and Disney characters adorned in patriotic dress at American Adventure.

Theme park hours on July 4 (subject to change without notice): Magic Kingdom, 8 a.m.-1 a.m.; Epcot, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Disney’s Hollywood Studios, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Meet Otters And Swim Trails at Freshwater Oasis Now Open at Discovery Cove

29 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Remember the huge expansion Discovery Cove unveiled last year across from Sea World Orlando? They are now adding another new area – Freshwater Oasis.

Now open at Discovery Cove in Orlando is Freshwater Oasis, an all-new attraction featuring wading adventures and face-to-face encounters with playful otters and curious marmosets.

Designed with a rainforest canopy above and sparkling-clear springs below, Freshwater Oasis is a natural fit within Discovery Cove’s tropical atmosphere. Guests can relax, explore and swim in the water-filled trails. No matter where they turn, guests will find endless discoveries.

Freshwater Oasis is included with admission to Discovery Cove, an all-inclusive tropical day resort where guests can swim with dolphins, snorkel with colorful fish and rays, hand-feed exotic birds and relax on pristine beaches, plus enjoy unlimited admission for 14 days to sister parks SeaWorld and Aquatica in Orlando.

Limited to approximately 1,000 guests per day, Discovery Cove requires advance reservations which can be made at DiscoveryCove.com or by calling 1-877-434-7268. Seasonal rates for Discovery Cove’s Dolphin Swim Day Resort Package start at $229 (rates for Day Resort Package without dolphin swim experience and guests ages 3-5 start at $149).

To learn more about Freshwater Oasis, visit DiscoveryCove.com.

Fourth of July Events at SeaWorld Orlando

28 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Celebrate the Fourth of July at SeaWorld Orlando. In addition to Summer Nights special nighttime shows, an extended set of Reflections fireworks will blast off starting with a special pre-show at 9:30 p.m. at Bayside Stadium. An extraordinary performance by the Navy Band Southeast’s Wind Ensemble, a 40-piece band performing a variety of popular music ranging from traditional marches and patriotic fare to classical favorites and Broadway hits, kicks off the festivities. The celebration ends with the awe-inspiring Reflections fireworks and fountains show at 10:30 p.m. that include an extended set including an honorary tribute to the United States.

Guests can enjoy SeaWorld even later on July 4^th as the park is open until 11 p.m. Families can experience the all-new TurtleTrek, the world’s first 3D 360 dome theater experience, ride Manta under the stars (and fireworks!) and enjoy our amazing Summer Nights shows:

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.

For more information, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.

Medieval Times Premiers Epic New Show, Costumes, and Music!

28 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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.

Medieval Times Orlando — I love the castle reception area – the ceiling is gorgeous and there are details everywhere.

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.

Medieval Times Orlando Menu — The bill of fare for the evening

Medieval Times Orlando vegetarian platter — The vegetarian platter was delicious – and they give you utensils! Shhh!

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.

Medieval Times Orlando New Show — This amazing horse jumped straight in the air! Photo ©Medieval Times

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

12 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Hilton Orlando pool area — The 7,000-square-foot main pool simulates a beach atmosphere with zero-entry on both sides, and features a water slide perfect for a fun-filled day in the sun.

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!

Hilton Orlando lazy river — The 892-foot Lazy River gently meanders, winding and twisting alongside the pool and Tropics Bar & Grill, adorned with fountains, waterfalls and water cannons.

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!

LEGOLAND Florida Hosts LEGO Club Weekend for Father’s Day

8 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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

7 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

SeaWorld just sent over their latest news for summertime events and happenings. Looks like lots of fun will be happening over the next couple of months!

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

Gaylord Palms Orlando Opens Cypress Springs Water Park and Renovated Rooms

5 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Gaylord Palms Resort is just a short drive from the Walt Disney World Resort area, yet is like another world altogether when you step inside. Each time I walk in the front doors, I’m overwhelmed with the tropical beauty and vast spaces which are unrivaled in area resorts. For those who haven’t been, the atrium within the hotel is divided into several sections themed to different parts of Florida. You can wander through Key West with its laid back, island feel, stroll through a fort you might find in St. Augustine, or explore cypress trees and old Florida in the Everglades section (my personal favorite, it’s so realistic – minus the fear of gator attacks of course). Add to that impeccable gourmet food and gorgeous rooms and you won’t want to leave.

Gaylord Palms offers many special deals and events for families throughout the year as they partner with Dreamworks and feature characters like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and more at character meals and holiday parties. Now they appeal even more to families with the recent grand opening of their Cypress Springs family water park area for resort guests. I was able to visit with a friend recently, and it’s a wonderful place for families to relax and rejuvenate, while the kids have a blast.

Here’s more from Gaylord Palms Resort about their recent updates: (all images courtesy Gaylord Palms Resort)

We’ve got fun new indoor and outdoor play spaces, including the expansive Coquina Lawn. Indoors, our four-and-a-half acres of lush climate-controlled gardens and waterways beautifully recreate three unique Florida-themed environments. Don’t forget to visit our baby alligator and stingray feeding areas while you’re there!

For a real splash of WOW, kids will absolutely flip over the thrilling new Everglades-inspired Cypress Springs Family Fun Water Park! This fabulous water play area features a zero-entry swimming pool with four waterslides, a multi-level water playground tree house, an active lagoon, a plunge pool, “Splash ‘N’ Screen” movies, “Crack-A-Lackin’ pool parties” and a huge array of exciting adventures (some with a DreamWorks twist!). Conveniently located just steps from our pools, SandBar lets you grab a bite without having to leave the fun in the sun! Indulge in All-American favorites and refreshing beverages to quench your thirst.

And for your tranquil escape, the new South Beach Pool offers a chic, adult-only tropical oasis with covered restaurant and bar. Or visit our refreshing Relâche Spa & Salon for an invigorating body wrap, rejuvenating facial or exotic Ayurveda treatment. If you’d rather get your pulse racing, schedule a personal workout session at our 4,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Relâche Fitness Center.

For sports fans, we’ve tackled the extraordinary and won with Wreckers Sports Bar, a neighborhood-style watering hole featuring more than 50 HDTV’s, a two-story, 37-foot-high sports screen; floor; and two scenic terraces overlooking the posh palm-lined waters of the South Beach pool.

And to punctuate our grand renovation with the ultimate blend of comfort and style, we’ve updated each of our Guest Rooms with luxurious furnishings, quality linens, and flat screen TVs, all in a relaxing yet refined Florida décor.

Gaylord Palms Renovated RoomsGaylord Palms Cypress Springs Waterpark — I've seen these new rooms in person, they are stunning!

Gaylord Palms Renovated Room — A king bed or two queens (above) are available as well as suites.

Sounds (and looks) amazing, right? You can find out more at the Gaylord Palms Resort site, including specials and even Florida resident deals as well. It’s definitely on the top of my list for favorite places to escape, even though I live just down the street!

Marvel’s The Avengers GIVEAWAY! [CLOSED]

25 April 2012 by Suzannah Otis 140 Comments

Avengers, Assemble! I’ve just now caught up on all the Avengers films leading up to the May 4th release of Marvel’s The Avengers and couldn’t be more excited to see the film tonight at a media screening. I’ll be sure to share my thoughts in an upcoming review, but until then, I have a fun giveaway to share with Zannaland readers!

The good folks at Marvel were nice enough to put together a gift pack containing:

– MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS t-shirt in adult sizes of S, M, L, XL

– MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS set of 6 buttons

– MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS one pair of limited edition 3D glasses

Avengers buttons — Avenger's buttons - these are really cool!

Avengers 3D glasses themed to your favorite characters!

~~The giveaway starts NOW and ends May 9, 2012 (11:59pm EDT) when a winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here. Open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.~~

~~To Enter:~~

Comment below with your favorite Marvel character.
LIKE Zannaland on Facebook. (Comment below letting me know)
Follow Zannaland on Twitter. (Comment below letting me know)

~~Additional entries may be earned by:~~

Sharing the giveaway on Twitter or Facebook – feel free to tweet or share the following: “I just entered to win a Marvel’s The #Avengers Giveaway from @zannaland and you can too! http://bit.ly/J97Yur “.
~~Following Zannaland at another social network (subscribe on YouTube, follow on google+, follow on Pinterest).~~
~~LIKE Marvel’s The Avengers on Facebook.~~
~~Follow Marvel’s The Avengers on Twitter.~~

Giveaway has ended, thanks to all who entered! Congrats to Jim who was chosen from random.org as our winner!

Good luck and see you in theatres May 4th!

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!