Travel, Theme Parks, and Resorts

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.

NEW EXCLUSIVE Disney Fantasy Inaugural Dooney & Bourke Bags-Gorgeous!

16 March 2012 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

I think these might be my favorite designs yet. They are completely different from the front-and-center Disney designs we’ve seen in the past, and in fact, I think if people didn’t look closely, they might not even see that these are Disney branded. I love the almost tattoo-like designs for the Disney Fantasy. Hopefully some day I’ll make it on the ship myself to pick one up.

Disney Fantasy Dooney and Bourke designs - Susanna tote (price to come), Mini barrel (price to come) and Travel duffle-$395

From the Disney Parks Blog:

The new collection is making its grand debut on the Maiden Voyage of the Disney Fantasy later this month. The collection, which will remain exclusive to the Disney Fantasy until later this summer, is sure to be hit with Disney Fantasy guests. “The new collection will be exclusive to the Disney Fantasy until later this summer when it will spread to the rest of the fleet,” explained Laura Caszatt, product developer for Accessories. “To make the new collection even more enticing for Disney Fantasy guests, the select collection silhouettes on the Disney Fantasy will feature leather embossed luggage tags that showcases it was part of the Inaugural Disney Fantasy Voyages.”

In addition, the Disney Parks Blog revealed that a new line will be coming out for the Disney Cruise Line Hawaiian sailings. For those that want a subtle Disney theme with a more recognizably nautical look:

Disney Cruise Line Nautical Dooney and Bourke — Traditional nautical stripes for this Disney Dooney & Bourke design

Don’t forget to check DisneyStore.com for sales of select current released Disney Dooney & Bourke purses and Zannaland’s Disney Dooney & Bourke page with ALL handbag photos and info.

*DisneyStore.com links are affiliate links, which means it costs you nothing extra to click or buy, but if you do, I get a small commission. Thanks for reading!

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.

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.

Cirque du Soleil Presents: Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour Feb 28-29

20 January 2012 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

directed by jamie king

Two Orlando performances from February 28 – 29, 2012

at the Amway Center

I am SO excited about this event coming to Orlando. We are huge fans of the Cirque du Soleil shows as well as the music and dance of Michael Jackson, so my entire family is hoping to see this show. Here are all the details below, I’m sure it’s guaranteed to entertain audiences of every age!

Orlando, FL – The Estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil are proud to present Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour™ in Orlando on February 28 – 29, 2012 at the Amway Center. This once-in-a-lifetime electrifying production combines Michael Jackson music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil creativity to give fans worldwide a unique view into the spirit, passion and heart of the artistic genius who forever transformed global pop culture. Proudly sponsored by Sun Life Financial, the show is written and directed by Jamie King, the leading concert director in pop music today, and features more than 60 international dancers, musicians and acrobats.

Tickets are on sale now for Orlando performances of Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour on February 28 and 29 at the Amway Center. Tickets are $50 to $250 each and are available at www.ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000. For additional information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/MichaelJackson.

A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world, Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour unfolds Michael Jackson’s artistry before the eyes of the audience. Aimed at lifelong fans as well as those experiencing Michael’s creative genius for the first time, the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend generations.

The Immortal World Tour takes place in a fantastical realm where we discover Michael’s inspirational Giving Tree—the wellspring of his creativity. The secrets of Michael’s inner world are unlocked—his love of music and dance, fairy tale and magic, and the fragile beauty of nature.

The underpinnings of The Immortal World Tour are Michael Jackson’s powerful, inspirational music and lyrics—the driving force behind the show—brought to life with extraordinary power and breathless intensity. Through unforgettable performances Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour underscores Michael’s global messages of love, peace and unity.

Writer and Director Jamie King has been called one of the most influential “movers and shakers” in the music industry, and the “Jerry Bruckheimer of tent-pole concert tours” by Variety. A multiple Emmy Award® and MTV Video Music Award® nominee, he has choreographed some of the most popular music videos and directed some of the highest-grossing concert tours of all time. For the past 12 years, he has served as Madonna’s creative director, and most recently directed world tours for Rihanna, Celine Dion, Spice Girls, Britney Spears and Avril Lavigne. King has worked with an array of superstars including Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Shakira, George Michael, Elton John, Diana Ross, Jennifer Lopez and even Ellen DeGeneres. This is Jamie’s first show with Cirque du Soleil.

It Gets Better. Thank you Disney.

21 December 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

As sad as it is that there is a need for this campaign, it is so very powerful because, it does – get better. As a child, teen, or even young adult, it’s so hard to see beyond the right now, to a place where the people and things that seem so important today, are just a memory. That’s why the It Gets Better project is wonderful, because you can see people just like you, or even people different from you, that had it rough and got through it.

Whether it’s famous people or everyday folks, it gets better. I thought this video was too important not to share here and hope it gets out to as many people as possible. It is the very things that make you different right now, which will make you amazing in the future.

To learn more about The Trevor Project, visit http://www.thetrevorproject.org

HOW TO FIND US:
http://www.twitter.com/trevorproject
http://www.facebook.com/thetrevorproject
http://thetrevorproject.tumblr.com
http://www.youtube.com/thetrevorproject

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents DRAGONS-Ticket Giveaway!

30 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis 10 Comments

Special ticket offer to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®Presents DRAGONS^SM

And a chance to win four free tickets!

Looking for a holiday gift that is sure to thrill? Ready for something BIG to arrive this January? Don’t miss DRAGONS, a once in a millennium event that honors The Year of the Dragon. Circus performers from the farthest reaches of the earth have assembled for Ringling Bros. Presents Dragons to showcase their astounding acts of bravery and astonishing athleticism. Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson presides over this fantastical celebratory tournament of circus champions that brings together mystic dragon lore with authentic circus feats. DRAGONS is a never-before-seen blend of renowned spiritual and real life legends that can be found only at The Greatest Show On Earth!^®. Playing the Amway Center Jan. 12-16.

Get tickets for just $12 (plus facility and handling fees) by using promo code MOMMY at checkout on ticketmaster.com. This offer is available for all tickets except Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP. The offer is valid for the following performances: Friday at 7:30 pm; Saturday at 11:30 am and 7:30 pm; Sunday at 5 pm; and Monday (MLK Day) at 5 pm.

Ringling Bros troupe — Asadullin Troupe - Teeterboard Aerialists - image ©Feld Entertainment

For those looking for something really special, try the VIP Family Four Pack, which includes 4 VIP tickets, 4 small Lemonades, 4 small Popcorn Boxes, and 4 jumbo Lollipops. The package is $170 and is a savings of over $50! To get this package use promo code FAMDEAL at checkout.

For more information on the show, visit www.Ringling.com. We’ll see you at the show!

Here’s your chance to win four ticket vouchers good for any performance of DRAGONS:

Comment below with your favorite part of a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey performance. I know I have such fond memories of seeing Gunther Gabel Williams and his tigers at my first visit many years ago! Contest runs from now until December 15, 2011. Winner chosen at random and announced December 16 and will need to contact me with your mailing address to receive the vouchers for any Orlando performance.

For additional entries, LIKE my facebook page facebook.com/zannaland or tweet about the contest, feel free to copy and paste the text below to tweet:

~~” I just entered to win 4 tix to the Greatest Show On Earth in Orlando @zannaland and you can too! bit.ly/txAiE0 “~~

Congrats to our winner Becky Browne Allen!

Good luck and On with the Show!

In exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Even though I receive these benefits, I always give an opinion that is 100% mine.

Experience Cold and Snow in Florida at Gaylord Palms ICE-Shrek the Halls!

16 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

My family first visited the Gaylord Palms and its ICE! event back in 2007. We loved it back then and I’ve been lucky enough to attend the last two ICE openings at a media sneak peek. This year was the first time I brought my littlest guy, now 3, to experience the fun. I wondered what he’d think of the extreme cold temperatures, but despite his initial resistance to wearing the puffy blue parkas the hotel provides for ICE visitors, he was excited to see everything!

As you enter the Gaylord Palms convention center, you are greeted by the “Holiday Halls” where ICE!, Snow, Gingy’s Gingerbread Decorating, and the DreamWorks Experience are held. In addition to the free elements of the Gaylord Palms holidays, the special ticketed events include ICE! with over 16,000 square feet of 9-degree weather – quite the contrast to the 80 degree temperatures we are experiencing.

This year, ICE! is Shrek-themed with perfect representations of your favorite characters including Shrek, Fiona, Puss in Boots, Donkey and more. It is amazing how much the huge blocks of colored ice look like their animated counterparts. Also within the experience are the slides made entirely of ice, which my big kids (and my friend and I) loved sliding down! It’s such a fun way to experience winter in central Florida!

Shrek in Ice — Donkey, Puss in Boots and more in ICE!

Shrek characters in ICE — An overview of some of the characters from Shrek

ICE slide — This slide in ICE is so much fun (and cold!) to do!

Kung Fu Panda Awesome SNOW is another play area with a separate admission. Inside there are more slides and playground equipment and 130 tons of freshly made snow. No parkas are needed in here, it’s around 50 degrees, but snowball fights abound as you play in a courtyard themed to the Valley of Peace from Kung Fu Panda. The whole family loved making snowballs and playing in the snow – without the shoveling and scraping ice off your cars!

New this year is Gingy’s Gingerbread Decorating. This area was not open last night but will be now. There guests can purchase and decorated gingerbread houses, cookies or a tree ornament cookie and meet with Gingy himself!

The DreamWorks Animation 3D Theater Experience is also now open, where guests can walk the red carpet with Puss in Boots and enjoy gourmet theater food and beverages with Shrek and Princess Fiona before enjoying Puss In Boots on the big screen, in 3D!

Ticket prices vary by date and you can also look into a one or two-night DreamWorks Experience package to stay at the Gaylord Palms and get some amazing amenities, including interactive Character Meals, Meet & Greets and more. Check out pricing and more info at ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com Be sure to check in on foursquare for a special treat too – free hot chocolate! Those on twitter can follow the action using the #GPICE hashtag and you can upload your photos to the group flickr account too. Speaking of flickr, for more photos from me check out my Gaylord Palms ICE set on flickr. As you can see below, photographers are on hand to capture your family’s experiences and allow you to bring home memories to last a lifetime.

ICE photo — Group shot of the family and Amanda Tinney's family too in our ICE! parkas!

Some of the free events within the hotel include Luminescence, a musical journey into the spirit of Christmas, Christmas Wonders and Majestic Christmas Tree Lighting and Visits with Santa. I can’t wait to bring the family back again and check out all of these beautiful events in person.

This Saturday, 11/19, Gaylord Palms is teaming up with the amazing local kids charity Give Kids the World, for 50% off admission to ICE! Be sure to use promo code: SEGKW when purchasing tickets!

Arrrr, it’s The Pirate House of Celebration, Florida!

31 October 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

I have driven by this house for a month now, watching Neil Motti with Tri County Maintenance turn the home of Kim Hawk into this spooky pirate-filled masterpiece. This is an annual tradition here in Celebration and just one of the many homes that go all out for holiday decor. If you are able to drive through the neighborhood (preferably before the trick-or-treating starts because traffic will be insane once 5pm hits!) be sure you check out all the neighborhoods. I’ve heard there is a house that does music synched to lights like the Halloween light show videos I posted last week, and I know of quite a few spooky residences I’ve driven by. One street got together and did themed scarecrow-like characters all paying homage to spooky or horror movies throughout the years. I thought that was brilliant and such a show of neighborly spirit around Celebration. I know I consider myself extremely lucky to count myself among Celebration’s residents and wanted to share a bit of the experience here: (click to enlarge)