Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Lady Foot Locker

March 3rd, 2010

Princess_Run_RGB

 This year’s Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend is scheduled for March 5-March 7, 2010 and since it has been very popular Disney has extended the race capacity and is accepting 2,500 additional entries.

This Marathon Weekend brings women of all ages together to participate in a magical event designed just for them. The Disney Princesses are the inspiration for the weekend’s events and will focus on the attributes every princess possesses: courage, fantasy, commitment, determination, perseverance, and strength.

The weekend events include:

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon

Disney’s Royal Family 5K

Disney’s Royal Family Kid’s Races

Disney’s fit for a Princess Expo

 The weekend’s signature event, Disney’s Princess Half Marathon, will take runners on a 13.1 mile royal journey through Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Last year more than 11,000 runners from every U.S. state and 17 other countries competed in various races throughout the weekend, which included the Royal Family 5K and the Princess Kid’s races, making this event one of the largest endurance race weekends that is geared towards women.

Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo is a 2-day celebration of women, focused on health and fitness! The Expo will be located in the brand new Jostens® Center, located at Disney’s Wide World of Sports® Complex. This event will involve celebrity runner appearances, seminars on training, racing, and nutrition, along with the opportunity to experience the latest in running and fitness equipment. A variety of Disney’s Half Marathon Weekend merchandise will be available for purchase at the expo.

Holiday Inn Main Gate East offers Florida and Georgia residents a 10% discount. For reservations please call 1.800.327.1128 or book on line now at http://tinyurl.com/y8sf4dh.

It’s Rodeo Time!

February 20th, 2010

silver spurs rodeo May 2009

It’s time to dust off your Stetson hat, grab the family and head out to the 124th Silver Spurs Rodeo at the Osceola Heritage Park. The Rodeo will be held February 19-21, 2010 and ticket prices are just $15, kids 10 and under are free. Rodeo fans will be amazed by the pulse-elevating events such as bull riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, barrel racing and be entertained by crowd pleasing cowboy clowns. http://www.silverspursrodeo.com/

The Silver Spurs Rodeo was founded by the Silver Spurs Riding club in 1944 to promote good horsemanship in Osceola County and is the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi and is annually ranked among the top 50 events sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).

Back in the 1500’s, when Spanish explorers landed on the coast of Florida, their ships were loaded with everything they needed to make a new territory, including the cattle. They found that crossing the watery swamps of Central Florida was treacherous and they lost a lot of cattle in the mucky waters. Despite the conditions and dangerous environment, the lost cattle actually survived and multiplied and more than 200 years later, the next settlers found the plains of the Kissimmee River Valley overrun with wild cows. It has been said that the early residents in downtown Kissimmee fenced their yards to keep the wild cows out.  These cows provided valuable food source and a way of life that remains even today.

Make your rodeo day a rodeo weekend and stay with us. The Holiday Inn Main Gate East is just minutes from the Osceola Heritage Park and just 2.5 miles from the main entrance to the Walt Disney World Resort area and across the street from Old Town shopping and entertainment complex. The 444-room, full service hotel features two high-rise towers with interior corridors, Italian tile throughout and rooms with private balconies. All rooms boost colorful and stylish triple-sheeted beds, granite countertops and high speed internet. This is a kid’s ultimate hotel! Kids love the kid’s suites, kid size swimming pool, kid’s playground, and Kids Theater. Kids play, stay and eat free at Holiday Inn Main Gate East.

ESPN The Weekend February 25-28, 2010

February 13th, 2010

Disney Hollywood Studios ESPN Feb 2010

ESPN- The Weekend is a winter special event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park packed with all-star athletes, live ESPN telecasts, broadcast personalities and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in interactive sports experiences with hall of famers.

Come live your sports dream at the ultimate sports fan fest featuring in-depth public discussions with sport luminaries, informative presentations, motorcade parades with many of your favorite stars, the kinetic ESPN Sports Zone Interactive Area and plenty of collectable merchandise.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park admission is required. ESPN The Weekend events are included with admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Availability is limited for some events. Events and celebrity appearances are subject to change and may be cancelled at any time.

PLAY GOLF WHERE THE PROS PLAY!

February 5th, 2010

Disney Golf 2008

No golfing experience comes close to the Walt Disney World® Resort. Take a swing on any of our championship courses – the same ones the pros play during the annual Disney Golf Classic. Each course has its own unique challenges – thanks to designers the likes of Tom Fazio and Joe Lee – and the kind of magic only Disney can provide. From modern clubhouse facilities, GPS technology and full-service pro shops, to Titleist and FootJoy shoe rentals and specialized instruction, you’ll find the Walt Disney World® Resort fits every golfer to a tee.

DISCOVER Endless possibilities at Epcot®

January 22nd, 2010

Epcot Test Track Jan 2010

At Epcot®, high tech fun and Disney imagination are combined with the wonder of diverse cultures in two distinct worlds, Future World and World Showcase. Both are bursting with thrills and excitement.

Fly to new heights on Soarin’™, an exhila­rating ride experience that picks you up and really gets you flying! You’ll feel as if you’re gliding over spectacular natural wonders and glorious countrysides, taking in the sights, the sounds, and scents – like a bird in flight!

On The Seas with Nemo & Friends, you don’t need gills to dive into undersea adventure––just a “clamobile!” So climb aboard and journey alongside Marlin and Dory on an exciting quest to find Nemo. Along the way, you’ll meet up with Bruce the shark, ride the EAC with Crush the sea turtle, and even come face-to-fin with some real-life fishies in a gigantic aquarium. It’s an ocean of fun inspired by Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Nemo.”

What’s it like to be an astronaut? Find out aboard Mission: SPACE® as you dodge meteors, navigate nebulae and slingshot around the moon…without leaving Earth. If you think you’ve got the right stuff, join the Orange Team for some seriously intense training that lets you feel the full force of an actual space launch. Or, if you’d prefer a not-so-white-knuckle-filled journey, join the Green Team. Both adventures are out of this world.

 Buckle up for high-octane thrills as you put a racecar through the rigors of an automotive proving ground on Test Track––one of the longest, fastest attractions in Disney history. You’ll race up bumpy terrain, zip through hair-pin turns, feel the burn in a heat chamber, experience the chill of the cold chamber, then speed outside and onto 50-degree banked curves at 60mph and found out how fast, fast really is!

Come have a ball inside the incredible icon of Epcot®––Spaceship Earth! With a world of amazing, new enhancements, including narration by famed actress, Dame Judi Dench, this classic attraction will take you from living in the past to picturing yourself in the future…literally. And the excitement doesn’t stop when your Time Machine does, because that’s when you get to experience “Project Tomorrow”––a brand-new interactive playground area where you can build, play, create, compete and explore.

Leave it to the wacky scientists of the Imagination Institute to put your senses to the test with the help of a playful purple dragon! Aboard Journey Into Imagination With Figment, you’ll wanna listen up in the Sound Lab, use your Common Scents in the Smell Lab (watch out for the skunk junk) and watch your world turn upside down in Figment’s house. There’s no journey like the one into your imagination!

Creativity and imagination abound as you celebrate innovations that enhance your life and expand your horizons.

But, that’s only half the fun. In World Showcase, you can travel around the world…and you don’t even need a passport! Eleven great nations offer the best of their food, music, products and culture. Journey through the poetic mountains of China; soar in a balloon over France; encounter tricky trolls on a Viking expedition in Norway. And the food! Gourmet French cuisine…succulent steaks from the Great White North… bratwurst and beer from Germany… Mediterranean sandwiches from Morocco…the finest seafood, sushi and vegetables from Japan…fresh-baked Norwegian pastries and desserts… it’s an international feast of delectable delights. Plus, you can shop ‘til you drop, indulging in tempting Guerlain fragrances, Goebel Hummel figurines, glass etchings, antiques, trinkets, jewelry, gifts, toys and more. You’ll find something to amaze and excite everywhere you turn…from living “statues” in France to rock ‘n’ roll bag­pipers in Canada.

The grand finale? IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, an inspiration of music, fireworks, lasers and special effects celebrating the planet we call home. Epcot®. Two big worlds of discovery. One incredible experience unlike any other on earth 

At Epcot®, high tech fun and Disney imagination are combined with the wonder of diverse cultures in two distinct worlds, Future World and World Showcase. Both are bursting with thrills and excitement.

Fly to new heights on Soarin’™, an exhila­rating ride experience that picks you up and really gets you flying! You’ll feel as if you’re gliding over spectacular natural wonders and glorious countrysides, taking in the sights, the sounds, and scents – like a bird in flight!

On The Seas with Nemo & Friends, you don’t need gills to dive into undersea adventure––just a “clamobile!” So climb aboard and journey alongside Marlin and Dory on an exciting quest to find Nemo. Along the way, you’ll meet up with Bruce the shark, ride the EAC with Crush the sea turtle, and even come face-to-fin with some real-life fishies in a gigantic aquarium. It’s an ocean of fun inspired by Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Nemo.”

What’s it like to be an astronaut? Find out aboard Mission: SPACE® as you dodge meteors, navigate nebulae and slingshot around the moon…without leaving Earth. If you think you’ve got the right stuff, join the Orange Team for some seriously intense training that lets you feel the full force of an actual space launch. Or, if you’d prefer a not-so-white-knuckle-filled journey, join the Green Team. Both adventures are out of this world.

 

Buckle up for high-octane thrills as you put a racecar through the rigors of an automotive proving ground on Test Track––one of the longest, fastest attractions in Disney history. You’ll race up bumpy terrain, zip through hair-pin turns, feel the burn in a heat chamber, experience the chill of the cold chamber, then speed outside and onto 50-degree banked curves at 60mph and found out how fast, fast really is!

Come have a ball inside the incredible icon of Epcot®––Spaceship Earth! With a world of amazing, new enhancements, including narration by famed actress, Dame Judi Dench, this classic attraction will take you from living in the past to picturing yourself in the future…literally. And the excitement doesn’t stop when your Time Machine does, because that’s when you get to experience “Project Tomorrow”––a brand-new interactive playground area where you can build, play, create, compete and explore.

 

Leave it to the wacky scientists of the Imagination Institute to put your senses to the test with the help of a playful purple dragon! Aboard Journey Into Imagination With Figment, you’ll wanna listen up in the Sound Lab, use your Common Scents in the Smell Lab (watch out for the skunk junk) and watch your world turn upside down in Figment’s house. There’s no journey like the one into your imagination!

Creativity and imagination abound as you celebrate innovations that enhance your life and expand your horizons.

But, that’s only half the fun. In World Showcase, you can travel around the world…and you don’t even need a passport! Eleven great nations offer the best of their food, music, products and culture. Journey through the poetic mountains of China; soar in a balloon over France; encounter tricky trolls on a Viking expedition in Norway. And the food! Gourmet French cuisine…succulent steaks from the Great White North… bratwurst and beer from Germany… Mediterranean sandwiches from Morocco…the finest seafood, sushi and vegetables from Japan…fresh-baked Norwegian pastries and desserts… it’s an international feast of delectable delights. Plus, you can shop ‘til you drop, indulging in tempting Guerlain fragrances, Goebel Hummel figurines, glass etchings, antiques, trinkets, jewelry, gifts, toys and more. You’ll find something to amaze and excite everywhere you turn…from living “statues” in France to rock ‘n’ roll bag­pipers in Canada.

The grand finale? IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, an inspiration of music, fireworks, lasers and special effects celebrating the planet we call home. Epcot®. Two big worlds of discovery. One incredible experience unlike any other on earth

Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ Where action takes center stage!

January 15th, 2010

Lights…camera…and the stage is set for plenty of action! The glitz and glamour of Hollywood take center stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™. But the star is you!

Take aim and ride an interactive 4-D  “Toy Story” adventure like no other. It’s Toy Story Mania!—a brand-new attraction inspired by Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story” films. So come grab some 3-D glasses before boarding your ride vehicle and zipping off into a world of immersive, midway-style games hosted by favorite characters like Woody, Buzz, Rex and Hamm!

Act one: Play, party and dance at Block Party Bash, the wildest, most interactive parade in Disney history! Groove to fun party songs, delight to amazing acrobatics, and laugh along with over 20 favorite Disney•Pixar characters as they explode onto the streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios inviting you to party with them!

Act Two: Laugh, play and sing along at Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage!, featuring favorite characters from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” Little Einsteins™,” “Handy Manny” and more!  It’s also the place where you can find today’s hottest charac­ters including Cars, Power Rangers and Kim Possible. Be mesmerized by the Broadway-style extravaganza, Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage. Then, take a dive under the sea with Ariel, Sebastian and Flounder for Voyage of the Little Mermaid.

Act Three: Catch the up-and-down beat of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith in a twistin’, turnin’, loopin’ limo ride that is sure to get your adrenaline jammin’. And you’ll never experience the same fear twice at radically random eleva­tor experience The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™. The Tower is in control, so it’s never the same fear twice.

With so much to see and do, you just may need an encore! Go ahead and raise the curtain at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™.

“The Twilight Zone®” is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc. And is used with permission pursuant to a license from CBS, Inc.© Disney/LucasFilm, Ltd.

Happy New Year to all our guests, fans and partners!

January 8th, 2010

As we start the New Year we want to share with you one of our favorite Orlando non- profit home, The Russell Home for Atypical Children. This home proudly displays License Number 1 issued by the State Welfare Board as the first non-profit home for brain-damaged children.

The home consists of children from various ethnic groups as well as various handicaps and needs. The first child that arrived at the home was in 1951 and is still in the home today.

The Russell Home is “Home” for a number of children and adults with the mental age of children whose handicaps prevent their independent functioning in the community. The Russell Home provides around the clock specialized care, love, and a “Home-like atmosphere so vital to their special needs.” The home also provides day care on a regular or part time basis, as well as temporary respite care during vacations, emergency situations, or just a break for parents whose handicap child lives at home.

 By choice The Russell Home operates without the benefit of federal, state, or local funding, the purpose being to eliminate possible restrictions that would defeat the founding principal of the home, that acceptance be based solely on the need for services offered. Because it is a unique facility-the only of its kind in Central Florida-there is always shortage of space. Referrals come from churches, doctors, police departments, and the courts for permanent, or part-time or interim care.

 Michael arrived at the Russell Home via Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital at the age of 3 weeks, and was only 4 pounds and 6 ounces. Born with just a brain stem and Hydrocephalus, his life expectancy was only for weeks. A shunt was inserted to drain and prevent further swelling. Along with a lot of love and care, Michael is still surprising the family daily.

 Thus, the Russell Home over the years has captured the interest and the support of the surrounding community. Holiday Inn Main Gate East has been proudly supporting the home for several years and would like to thank all our associates, friends, partners for their kind offerings.

To learn more about The Russell Home or to see how you can help, please visit their web site at

www.RussellHome.org.

 Holiday Inn Main Gate East

5711 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy.

Kissimmee, FL 34746

407-396-4222

Holiday Inn Main Gate East welcomes the 2010 Runners to the Walt Disney World Marathon

December 22nd, 2009

WDW Main Street Dec 2009

January is a perfect month in Central Florida to be running in one of the Disney Marathons. The weather is picture perfect with sunny cool days and nights. We guarantee there are no snow storms in the forecast.

 Once you cross the start line, you know crossing the finish line will be one of the best moments of your life and all the time you took to prepare will be well worth it. Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA-with fantastic races through the most magical setting in the world. The entire weekend filled with competition and fun starting with Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo and finishing when you cross the finish line to earn the exclusive Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, or Goofy medals.

 The weekend features a variety of races that are simply for fun or can be highly competitive. The 2010 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Events include:

 

  • Walt Disney World ®Marathon
  • Walt Disney World® Half Marathon
  • Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge
  • Disney/Pixar Up & Away Family Fun Run 5K
  • Mickey’s Marathon Kid’s Fest and Mickey Mile
  • Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo

 The Holiday Inn Main Gate East is located just 2.5 miles from the main entrance to the Walt Disney World Resort and across the street from Old Town Shopping and entertainment.  Our rooms feature two queen size beds, one king or enjoy one of our kid suites. Some of our amenities include coffee/tea maker, hair dryer, in room safe and a private balcony*.

 Kid’s love the Holiday Inn Main Gate East because there is so much to do such as, watch their favorite movie in our kids theater, play outside in their very own playground, swim in our kids pool or play some of their favorite games in our family interactive game room.

 While the kids are having fun we also have plenty of options for the grownups. Start your day working out in our fitness center, swim laps in our huge outdoor heated swimming pool, enjoy your favorite snacks and beverages in Chianti’s lobby lounge with indoor and poolside seating. Be sure to start your day with our breakfast of champions in the Trattoria Café. Book online or call today 1-800-327-1128.

 *kid’s suites do not have balconies

Mickey’s Verry Merry Christmas Party

November 21st, 2009

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom Park is definitely a must see for every one of all ages. Celebrate the magic of the season with your friends and family at this special event that is sure to make you merry!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party features:

*The enchanted Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella’s Castle

*Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas Parade, complete with a special appearance by Santa Claus himself!

*An exclusive holiday fireworks extravaganza-Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season

*Live entertainment featuring Disney Characters

*Meet and greet opportunities throughout the Magic Kingdom theme park with some of your favorite characters

*Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa

*A magical snow fall on Main Street, U.S.A.

This special event requires a separate ticket and will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on the following dates:

November  20, 29

December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18

Tickets may be purchased in advance and the event can sell out. For ticket information please call (407) WDISNEY (934-7639).

Dancing Lights coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

November 12th, 2009

Ozborne Spectacular

Central Florida is such a wonderful play to be during the holiday season! The theme parks are decked out with beautiful twinkling lights, buildings with colorful wreaths on their doors and Santa’s everywhere. The streets are lined with some decorations and everyone is in such a festive mood.

One of our favorite places to visit during the holiday season is Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park to see the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Millions of glittering lights that are perfectly synchronized to holiday music and put on a breathtaking show all of their own.  Thousand lights form twirling carousels, heavenly angels and they also form Santa and his reindeer. You will see entire buildings that are coved in multi-colored lights.

 Where did the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights come from?  The decorations game from Arkansas. Every year, Jennings Osborne and his family set up an elaborate collection of holiday lights and over the years, the collection kept growing and growing. In 1995, the Osborne family decided to share their magic with the world, and Walt Disney World Resort happily offered to become the new permanent home for this exceptional exhibition of holiday cheer. This event does not require a special ticket and is included with your park admission.

 If you have some spare time, be sure to visit Downtown Disney. You will find unique gift opportunities of every kind; this is a favorite place for holiday shoppers who are treated to holiday themed display windows, lots of colorful light displays and a photo opportunity with Santa Claus himself.  The World of Disney Store is the largest Disney character store in the Walt Disney World Resort. There are 12 rooms that overflow with an overwhelming collection of items including, clothing, Disney character merchandise, collectibles, arts and crafts, baby needs, candy, plush toys, pirate and princess accessories, trading pins and much more. Bibbidi Boutique is tucked away in this store.