September is Orlando’s 5th annual Orlando Magical Dining Month

August 31st, 2010

For the month of September you can preview some of Orlando’s top restaurants for $30 per person!

This year’s event showcases more than 60 restaurants offering three-course dinners for just $30, with $1 from every meal benefiting the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Central Florida, an organization that provides arts and cultural awareness and access to residents and visitors in Central Florida.

September 1-30 take advantage of meals at The Capitol Grille, Todd English’s bluezoo, Emeril’s Tchoup Chop, Charley’s Steak House, Chatham’s Place Restaurant, HUE Restaurant, Luma on Park, Coq au Vin, Ming Court, The Palm, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Norman’s, Primo by Melissa Kelly, Roy’s, Ocean Prime, Season’s 52  and The Ravenous Pig and more. The complete list of participating eateries is at orlandomagicaldining.com. At the web site, you can check out the special $30 menus and make your reservations. This event is a great way to experience a top-notch local place you’ve wanted to try without going broke.

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Rainforest Cafe: A Wild Place to Shop and Eat!

August 13th, 2010

Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney Marketplace brings adventure to the lunch and dinner table with outstanding American cuisine that includes luscious salads, pasta, sandwiches, seafood, burgers and poultry dishes, as well as a variety of vegetarian selections and kid-friendly meals.

Top off your dining safari with a signature desert such as the Sparkling Volcano, a chocolate brownie tower topped with ice cream, whipped cream and caramel and chocolate sauces—it’s erupting with sweet goodness!

Reservations are recommended for this popular themed restaurant where animated animals roam the rainforest as the sky claps with the boom of simulated thunder and sudden rainstorms. (Don’t worry—you won’t get wet!) Lush vegetation, banyan trees, waterfalls, trumpeting elephants and chest-pounding gorillas round out the rich jungle ambience.

Don’t forget to pick up that special souvenir gift from your visit. The Rainforest Cafe retail village offers a WILD variety of items for the entire family.

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Golfing at Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Course

August 6th, 2010

Late one moonlit Christmas Eve, as Santa was flying over Florida on his way back to the North Pole, he glanced down and discovered snow in a place that is usually hot. After surveying the strange location, he decided to build a vacation destination for his off-duty-elves—a Winter Summerland!

Seeing that the only thing Winter Summerland lacked was a golf course, the Santa Claus and his elves divided into two camps, one that enjoyed the warm Florida sun and another that preferred the snow and cold of the North Pole. The elves then built two distinctly different 18-hole golf experiences-a sand course and a snow course.

Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course-Winter Course: The Snow Course invites you to participate in 18-holes of challenging fun-which, in addition to Santa and his elves, includes some of your favorite Disney Characters-as you putt your way to the North Pole. Additionally, watch out for Squirty the Snowman: he sprays water when golf balls pass beneath him.

Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course-Summer Course:  The Sand Course promises fun in the sun for everyone, compliments of a delightful beach theme with sandcastles, surfboards and ornaments hanging from the palm trees. Delightfully themed holes include a sleepy Santa buried beneath a large sand mound and a giant sand castle. After sinking the last putt on Hole 18, receive a special greeting from Santa Claus, thanks to the WinterNet and a computer. Disney’s Winter Miniature Golf Course also features Santa’s “Winterbago,’ a converted trailer home to the starter booth, gift shop and snack stand.

Although subject to change, prices are $12 USD per 18-hole round for adults, and $10 USD for children 3 to 9 years of age.

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Dining at Bongo’s in Downtown Disney West Side

July 29th, 2010

Bongo’s Cuban Café, a magnificent restaurant opened in 1997 in Downtown Disney’s West side. The building is old Havana architecture and is dominated by a massive pineapple-shaped adobe structure that fills the skyline of Downtown Disney.

The restaurant created by music superstar Gloria Estefan and her producer husband Emilio, this vibrant restaurant is a mosaic of colors and flavors set against infectious music and a celebratory spirit. 

Bongo’s Cuban Café is open daily for lunch and dinner. They serve sandwiches between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. along with a full menu. One of their specialties is the, “Bongos Combo” that serves two people. This includes Fried Stuffed potatoes, Pork Tamale, Cuban mojo marinated Fried pork chunks, traditional Cuban ham croquettes, Stuffed Plantain cups, Green Plantain cups stuffed with shrimp Cuban creole or minced meat.

 The World’s Famous Mojitos-The original drink from Havana, made with the original Bacardi Superior Rum, fresh Mint Leaves, Lime wedge, sprinkle of sugar and a splash of Club soda. They offer several types of Mojitos such as So-Be Mojitos, Naranjito Mojitos, Raspaito Mojitos, Coco Mojitos, Grand Melon Mojitos and Calle Ocho Mojitos.

For dessert be sure to try the traditional Cuban Flan.

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Exciting Extravaganzas and Senses-Dazzling Delights

July 22nd, 2010

 Ready for a night on the town? Two dazzling entertainment districts- Downtown Disney and Disney’s Boardwalk-feature hot spots with everything from the smoothest jazz and cool, contemporary dance, to outrageous interactive adventures and the most mesmerizing theatrical experience on earth. Seize the night with block-after-block of big city fun at Downtown Disney. Prepare to be amazed at La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil, a dramatic mix of acrobatics, circus artistry and dance, outrageous costumes, magical lighting, and fantastic sets. Immerse yourself in five floors of high-tech virtual reality games at DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park. Or jump to the beat of a live concert at the House of Blues Music Hall.

For the captivating charm of 1940’s nightlife, Disney’s Boardwalk Entertainment District creates a sensation on the shore. Clap to spirited sing-a-longs at Jellyrolls dueling pianos. Delight in surrey bikes and silly magic. And, score big with exciting sports action at ESPN Club. From big city entertainment to the timeless fun of a bygone era, you can live it up in style at the Walt Disney World Resort.

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Looking for something different to do at the Walt Disney Magic Kingdom theme park this summer?

July 14th, 2010

Be sure to check out some of Disney’s behind the scene tours that they are currently being offered. This is sure to be a hit with the entire family.

 Disney’s Family Magic Tour invites Guests to join their family and friends on a 1 ½ to 2 hour guided interactive quest to save Magic Kingdom them park from the dastardly plans of a Disney Villain.

Guests of all ages are welcome; however the tour is best for guests’ ages 4 to 10 years. Your tour guide needs your help as your tour group searches high and low for clues in the adventure through Magic Kingdom theme park. Unlike most tours, your party will play an active role in the experience as you put your detective hat, follow tricky clues, solve diabolical puzzles and engage in a lively scavenger hunt.

Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour highlights the fascinating history of Walt Disney World Resort and provides backstage access to secret areas of the Magic Kingdom theme park.

Guest must be at least 16 years of age. This is approximately 4.5-hour walking tour and explores the stories behind the remarkable creation and growth of the Magic Kingdom theme park. Hear the intriguing story of Walt Disney and learn how his innovative ideas, revolutionary visions, creative philosophies and amazing accomplishments brought the Theme Park to life. The journey includes stops at backstage facilities and a variety of favorite attractions. One unforgettable highlight is a trip below Magic Kingdom theme park into the service tunnels known as the Utilidors. This is one urban legend that is absolutely, and almost unbelievably, true-the Guest accessible areas of Magic Kingdom theme park are actually on the second floor of a massive structure. The first floor-called the Utilidors-allows cast members, deliveries and even trash to be unknowingly transported below guests’ feet as they wait in line for their favorite ride. If you would like an even more in-depth look at the backstage areas of Walt Disney World Resort, consider the 7-hour Backstage Magic tour. Magic Kingdom theme park admission is required and is not included in the price of the tour. Please keep in mind that Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour is an outdoor walking tour, so be sure to check the weather report and dress appropriately.

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Ride! Rock! Rejoice!

June 25th, 2010

 Past Christian music “Artists of the Year” Third Day, mercyme and Chris Tomlin and 2010 “Artist of the Year” nominees Casting Crowns and Francesca Battistelli head a star-powered 15 act lineup set for the 28th Annual Disney’s Night of Joy September 10-11, 2010 when the long-running Christian music event makes its return to the Magic Kingdom.

 Also part of the two-night event (when specific acts play one evening each): David Crowder Band, Family Force 5, Red, BarlowGirl, Group 1 Crew, Day of Fire, Sokie Norful, Lecrae, 10th Avenue North and Sidewalk Prophets.

 From 7 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. each night-after regular Magic Kingdom hours-the special-ticket event will feature live performances on several stages throughout the park. In addition, guests can experience some of the park’s most popular attractions during Night of Joy hours.

 Musically, the acts add up to a lineup that runs the spectrum from Rock, Hip Hop and R & B-to Pop, Adult Contemporary and Gospel-continuing a tradition that has been a hallmark of Night of Joy since 1983 when the event first began.

 Entertainment is subject to change.

For more information please see www.nightofjoy.com.

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Summer Nightastic! at the Walt Disney World Resort

June 15th, 2010

Daily concerts, nightly dance parties and special perimeter fireworks are just part of the gun lined up for Summer Nightastic! At the Walt Disney World Resort. From now through August 14, Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot will each present something special as a part of Summer Nightastic!

The Main Street Electrical Parade takes place in the Magic Kingdom Park. This classic pageant of illuminated floats debuted at this theme park in 1977 and was regular nighttime entertainment at the Walt Disney World Resort through 1991. It returned from 1999 to 2001, before moving to Disney’s California Adventure. The parade features many old favorite floats, such as Elliott the Dragon and the Honor America finale float, as well as a few new additions, including floats for Tinker Bell, Pinocchio and Snow White.

At Epcot, Summer Nightastic! Fun will run through July 31, with the Sounds Like Summer concert series taking place nightly. Concerts are included in theme park admission.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror will offer new thrills and chills to anyone who dares to enter the attraction’s infamous service elevator. Enhancements have been made to the attraction that promise to deliver even greater levels of excitement this summer.

Did you know that the Main Street Electrical Parade is the longest-running parade in Disney theme park history?   It took 26 trucks to move the parade here from California, including two to transport costumes. The parade features the talents of 135 performers, float drivers and captains. It features more than 600,000 lights, with 11,000 appearing on costumes.

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Create a wild adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

June 10th, 2010

The fun gets wild at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Explore the realm of creatures that inhabit our world…and our imagination…and create your own adventure for an experience that roars with excitement.

Experience a high-speed train trek forward and backward through the treacherous Himalayan unknown, where the dreaded Yeti lurks on Expedition Everest™–Legend of the Forbidden Mountain.

The theater in the Wild at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park has been transformed into a magical undersea environment for a Broadway-caliber show, Finding Nemo – The Musical. This on-stage extravaganza is a retelling of the classic Disney•Pixar animated film Finding Nemo. To bring the little clownfish and his cast of friends to life, Disney reeled in some of Broadway’s finest designers and composers. The result is a visually-inventive, original musical, merging puppetry with live performances.

Explore over 100 acres of African Savannah on Kilimanjaro Safaris® Expedition as you become surrounded by free-roaming wildlife in their natural habitat.

Journey to Dinoland U.S.A. ® where there’s a rescue mission that goes back 65 million years on DINOSAUR, and the only thing between you and extinction is a seat belt!  Timon, Pumbaa and Simba welcome you to an energetic spectacle of Broadway proportions in Festival of the Lion King.

Now, trek over to Asia and be prepared to get wet – really wet – on a wild, water-rafting journey through Kali River Rapids®. And, be prepared for the breathtaking wonder of the mystical forest and ancient ruins of Maharajah Jungle Trek®, home to tigers, giant fruit bats and komodo dragons.

Don’t forget to go deep inside the Tree of Life to find out why It’s Tough to be a Bug! ®  in a funny, creepy, crawly 3-D adventure that will have you screaming and squirming for more.  Then join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and more of your Disney favorites for Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade, a swingin’ safari of character caravans accompanied by elaborate puppets and giant animal stilt walkers. To get a little one-on-one time with this Cast of Characters visit Mickey and the gang in Camp Minnie Mickey.  Pose for pictures and get their autographs.

It’s a wildly playful adventure like no other. And it’s yours to live. Come and explore Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.

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Shopping in Central Florida

June 3rd, 2010

Orlando may be the theme park capital of the world, but in recent years it has emerged as a shopping capital as well. From upscale malls, to outlet centers and trendy boutiques, Orlando is the only place on Earth that has a concentration of unique shopping experiences within a 15-mile radius. Choose from selections such as:

 The Pointe Orlando-A place where you can elevate your dining experience at restaurants offering everything from casual fare to haute cuisine. Where you can discover a diverse collection of specialty shops. And where, when the sun sets, you can find a place pulsing with energy, music & live entertainment. Among the towering palm trees that dot our landscaped walkways, among the fountains sitting in sun-dappled squares, you’ll discover an eclectic mix of extraordinary shops. From iconic brands-like Armani and Tommy Bahama—to chic boutiques, you’ll find it at the Pointe.

The Mall at Millenia-More than just the ultimate shopping destination, The Mall at Millenia treats guests to a sensory experience. Breathtaking architecture creates a distinct environment that exceeds all expectations. The latest runway fashions from NY, London, Paris and Milan are broadcast on LED screens atop 35-foot high masts. Amenities such as valet parking, multi-lingual guest services personnel, foreign currency exchange, and global shipping at a U.S. Post Office are offered to enhance the shopping experience.

The Florida Mall-Fabulous fashion. Exceptional eateries. Delightful diversions. That’s what shoppers find at Orlando’s fabulous fashion destination… The Florida Mall. Delectable treats at each and every turn. Opportunities to relax and refresh the spirit abound, and, ample parking makes getting here a breeze. Featuring Dillard’s, JCPenney, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Sears, along with over 250 specialty stores. The Florida Mall offers unparalleled shopping in Central Florida!

Orlando Premium Outlet Stores-This outlet provides a good choice for famous brand shopping such as at Ann Taylor, Barneys New York Outlet, Burberry, Coach, Diesel, Fendi, Gap Outlet, Giorgio Armani, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tommy Hilfiger. You can take our shuttle or if you are driving they do have a large parking garage that offers complimentary parking.

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores-Within minutes from our hotel, experience what everyone is talking about-The Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores-an Orlando outlet shopping experience too good to pass up! Stores offer factory direct, premium quality merchandise at savings up to 75% everyday! Designer and Name Brands.

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