Archive for February, 2012
In the March 2012 edition of New England Golf Monthly magazine, the article “The Perfect Life: Golf Luxury & Style at the 2012 PGA show” lists homes and condos offered by ALL STAR Vacation Homes as “The Perfect Foursome Digs in Orlando.” The article highlights the upscale resort amenities including pools, restaurants, a Spa and a fitness center golf travelers can enjoy with ALL STAR’s homes and condos located in Reunion Resort. Not only affordable when shared by golfers, homes and condos in Reunion Resort provide luxurious accommodations situated between three world-class golf courses: The Tradition by Jack Nicklaus, The Legacy by Arnold Palmer and The Independence by Tom Watson.
New England Golf Monthly is the most read golf publication in the New England region. Click here to read the article.
February 29th, 2012
For the first time in Disney history, take advantage of the opportunity to experience a full 24 hours of excitement at the Magic Kingdom® Park on leap day! The park will open at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, February 29 and will remain open until 6 a.m. on Thursday, March 1 for families to create extra magical memories during “One More Disney Day.”
See your favorite Disney characters like you’ve never seen them before—in their pajamas! Take pictures under the stars in front of Cinderella Castle and discover if The Haunted Mansion® looks any spookier during the wee hours of the morning. Check out the new role playing game, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom®, available at a special time from 6 a.m. until 5 a.m. You can also attend The Magic, The Memories, and You! show that features a new romance segment with Disney princesses at three different show times throughout leap day.
Tip: to take full advantage of “One More Disney Day,” consider getting a Park Hopper® pass. With the Park Hopper® pass, you can enjoy other Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks during the day and spend the evening at Magic Kingdom® Park. Disney is also offering a sweepstakes through February 29, where you can win a Disney Parks vacation.
Keep in mind that Magic Kingdom® Park is the only park open for 24 hours. Normal Magic Kingdom® Park hours will resume at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 1. Click here for more information.
February 28th, 2012
This weekend, Walt Disney World® Resort is your family’s destination for sports fun with Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend, today through Sunday, February 26, and the Pro Soccer Classic, today through Saturday, March 3.
Ladies, lace up your glass slippers and get ready for fitness with fairytale flair. Disney princesses are the inspiration for the Disney “Tangled” Royal Family 5K, Disney Royal Family Kids’ Races and Disney’s Princess Half Marathon. The races, designed for women of all ages, focus on the attributes every princess possesses: commitment, courage, determination, fantasy, perseverance, and strength.
Registration is sold out for all the races but there are many opportunities to watch the runners and cheer them on. Click here for a guide for spectators. Also, as part of Princess Half Marathon Weekend, attend the Fit for a Princess Expo at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, to learn about nutrition and how to stay fit, and more! Click here for more information on Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend and a schedule of events.
At the Pro Soccer Classic, watch Major League Soccer teams the Houston Dynamo, Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Montreal Impact, FC Dallas, Sporting Kansas City, Orlando City Soccer Club and Sweden’s B.K. Hacken compete in 14 games across seven thrilling days. All games take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex where you can shop in the merchandise store or enjoy a meal at the Grill or concession stands while you wait for the match to begin.
Click here for more information and admission prices for the Pro Soccer Classic and for a game schedule.
February 24th, 2012
If you need a baseball fix after a long hiatus, you’re in luck. Did you know that Florida hosts spring training games for 15 Major League Baseball Teams? Join fellow fans and check out this year’s talent as you root for your favorite team. The Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros play right here in Kissimmee, but here is a list of all Major League Baseball teams that call Florida home for spring training:
Kissimmee
- Atlanta Braves: Kissimmee, FL (March 3 – April 2)
- Houston Astros: Kissimmee, FL (March 3 – March 31)
Surrounding areas
- Baltimore Orioles: Sarasota, FL
- Boston Red Sox: Fort Myers, FL
- Detroit Tigers: Lakeland, FL
- Miami Marlins: Jupiter, FL
- Minnesota Twins: Fort Myers, FL
- New York Mets: Port St. Lucie, FL
- New York Yankees: Tampa, FL
- Philadelphia Phillies: Clearwater, FL
- Pittsburgh Pirates: Bradenton, FL
- St. Louis Cardinals: Jupiter, FL
- Tampa Bay Rays: Port Charlotte, FL
- Toronto Blue Jays: Dunedin, FL
- Washington Nationals: Viera, FL
If you’ve never been to a spring training game before, you can expect a laid-back atmosphere and closer proximity to players. Not only are tickets cheaper than during the regular season, but everything from beer to hotdogs costs less. And forget the massive lines! Everything is on a smaller scale, and you may even have a shot at catching a foul ball or getting a player’s autograph. Players sometimes meet with kids before and after the games to sign mementos and give away free gear.
The Major League Baseball spring training season begins on March 3 and ends on April 4. Click here for schedules and ticket information for all teams. Don’t forget your baseball mitt!
February 23rd, 2012
What could be better than a day of rockin’ bands, thirst-quenching brews and mouthwatering BBQ? Two days of bands, brews and BBQ! This year, SeaWorld® Orlando has expanded its Bands, Brew & BBQ Festival to include both Saturdays and Sundays, each week, through March 4.
The fun starts at 11:30 a.m., just in time for lunch! Grab plenty of napkins and satisfy your craving for authentic BBQ as SeaWorld’s culinary team, along with local restaurants, dish up some delectable plates including beef jerky, ribs and a whole lot more. To all beer enthusiasts, don’t miss the expansive beer garden for the “Brew-licious Beer Sampler” that consists of nearly 50 craft brews from domestic and international breweries.
At 4 p.m., the main concert series showcases some of your favorite artists like Sara Evans and the Doobie Brothers. The concerts take place at Bayside Stadium, and be sure to get there early because seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Here is a list of upcoming performances and festival dates:
- Saturday, February 25: Doobie Brothers
- Sunday, February 26: Ronnie Dunn
- Saturday, March 3: Sara Evans
- Sunday, March 4: Scotty McCreery
Also at the festival, check out some of Orlando’s local bands that will be performing on a side stage. For those of you who like to show off your “slide and strut moves,” a DJ will play tunes that you can line dance to.
The Bands, Brew & BBQ festival is included with park admission and takes place on Saturdays and Sundays through March 4. Click here for more information.
February 20th, 2012
Walt Disney World® Resort has been putting the finishing touches on a brand-new, interactive role playing game, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom®, set to debut later this month. Hades, from the movie “Hercules,” has decided he wants to make the Magic Kingdom® Park his own personal getaway and has enlisted the help of some familiar Disney villains. Merlin the magician recruits you as a new apprentice sorcerer and sends you on a park-wide quest to defeat the villains and find the missing pieces of his crystal ball.
At the start of your quest, choose one of the eight quests to receive a special key card and five spell cards. Next, you must find and unlock a mystic portal to hear instructions from Merlin. Now, it’s in your hands to search the Magic Kingdom® Park for more portals, locate the villains and then use your spell cards to defeat them, but choose your spell cards carefully! Each spell card used produces a different result on the enemy and each time you play, the outcome can be different!
Guests can choose to go on one quest, which takes about 30 minutes, or complete all eight to reveal a ninth “final” mission. Each time you play, you receive five spell cards with 70 total you can collect. You can reuse the different spell cards to replay the quests again and again with different outcomes! What magic will you create?
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom® is planned to be available at the end of February. Click here for more information and look out for updates!
February 16th, 2012
Grab some beads, put on your favorite feathered mask and stroll over to Universal Studios Florida® for a Mardi Gras celebration only New Orleans could top! With concerts, Cajun cuisine and a parade of elaborate floats for the whole family to enjoy, Universal Studios® Mardi Gras brings the Big Easy to you!
Universal Studios® Mardi Gras hosts concerts on Saturdays and select nights through April 14. Upcoming performances include Kelly Clarkson, Boyz II Men, Big Time Rush, Hot Chelle Ray and KC & The Sunshine Band.
What Mardi Gras celebration would be complete without a parade? Your family won’t want to miss the must-see parade where they can catch handfuls of colorful beads, jive and clap to Zydeco music, watch street performers and stilt walkers and wave to the Mardi Gras king and queen. This year’s parade is themed “Blue Planet” and debuts some all-new floats. The theme for the parade explores the beauty of planet earth with floats decorated to represent the sea, rainforest, bayous & swamps and different parts of the world. Small children will enjoy the Little Jester’s Parade Viewing Area and KidZone Mardi Pardi Krew where they can watch a parade just for them, get lots of free beads and party with some of their favorite characters.
In between the parades and concerts, visit the French Quarter Courtyard to listen to musicians direct from New Orleans playing blues, Zydeco and more while you snack on New Orleans-style food. Sample jambalaya, shrimp gumbo, red beans & rice, andouille sausage, beignets and other Cajun favorites. Surrounded with the tastes, sights and sounds of New Orleans, you’ll feel like you’re back in the bayou.
Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida® occurs Saturdays and select nights through April 14. Admission is included with park admission. Click here for a full concert schedule.
February 15th, 2012
Although flowers and candy are always a hit on Valentine’s Day, imagine the look on your loved one’s face when a dolphin swims up close to deliver a special message! Perfect Day Packages, at SeaWorld® Orlando’s Discovery Cove®, offer unique ways to celebrate memorable milestones. Relax in your own personal cabana, experience private animal encounters and take home exclusive souvenirs that are sure to make your day unforgettable. Some couples even choose to pop the question! Click here to see a picture of a surprise marriage proposal.
No matter what kind of special event you are planning, there are a variety of packages available. Click here to see Discovery Cove®’s Perfect Day Package options, pricing or information.
Also at Discovery Cove®, the new Freshwater Oasis attraction is set to open this spring. Check out this sneak peek video that details the exciting new addition!
February 9th, 2012
Looking for entertainment that doesn’t cost a dime? ArtsFest, presented by United Arts of Central Florida, celebrates local arts and culture by hosting various events in the Central Florida area during the month of February.
Feed your family’s artistic spirit or discover a new curiosity by attending one of the 302 free cultural events including theater, dance, comedy, art and exhibition galleries, workshops, storytelling and much more. Some family-friendly events located close to Kissimmee or worth the drive downtown include:
- Osceola Arts Festival (Kissimmee): February 11 and 12, head to Valencia College and see over 150 artists from around the U.S.
- The Storyteller (International Drive – Orlando): February 18 and 25, celebrate diversity and learn about struggles and successes of African-Americans.
- SomeBunny Special Puppet Show (Downtown Orlando): February 21, join Miss Bunny on her forest adventure full of surprises, where kids learn that they are “SomeBunny Special” too.
- Tree of Light (Downtown Orlando): All month, 24 hours a day, interact with the Tree of Light, a tall sculpture made from recycled materials, and discover what happens once all the lights are on.
Keep in mind that some events do require a fee for parking. Click here for more information and a detailed schedule of non-ticketed events. (Although the ticket lottery has ended, more than 260 events are non-ticketed where you can just show up and enjoy.)
February 7th, 2012
Today at 1:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10:30 a.m., join host Peter Miller, professional angler and three-time world sailfish champion of the “Get Lit” fishing team, for an episode of “Bass 2 Billfish” on NBC Sports (formerly Versus) and discover some hidden fishing spots in Kissimmee, Florida! “Bass 2 Billfish” tours Florida, the fishing capital of the world, blending travel and sports fishing while uncovering unique fishing spots as it explores new locations around the state.
On today’s episode of the popular reality TV show, Peter Miller and Bruce and Vanessa Callis, a father and daughter team, embark on an once-in-a-lifetime bass fishing adventure on Lake Toho in Kissimmee. Watch as Peter, Bruce and Vanessa hook lunker bass and find out who reels in the biggest largemouth of the day! Also, tour a beautiful ALL STAR vacation home in Acadia Estates, where Peter, Bruce, Vanessa and the “Blass 2 Billfish” crew stayed during their trip.
The Lake Toho episode of “Bass 2 Billfish” airs on NBC Sports today at 1:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Check your local listings or click here for more information.
February 3rd, 2012
Iceploration, a brand new 30-minute ice show opening today at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay (located just 70 miles from Kissimmee), inspires you and your family to “explore the world” by taking audiences on a “journey” to the four corners of the earth.
Through the help of imagery from graceful ice skaters, animals, puppets, costumes and music, Iceploration tells the story of Austin, a tech-savvy pre-teen, and his grandfather, an old-world explorer. With smart phones, computers and other technological advancements, Austin believes his generation is more connected to the world than ever before, however his grandfather shows him there’s more out there to explore than what can be found on a computer screen. Austin and his grandfather go on an adventure around the globe to the African Serengeti, Great Barrier Reef, the Arctic and the Amazon rainforest.
During Iceploration, your entire family will be delighted by the story of Austin and his grandfather as you watch ice skaters skate, dance, spin and twirl on a large ice stage created by 10,000 gallons of water. You’ll also enjoy appearances by 21 live animals including an African ground hornbill, sun conures, a Siberian lynx and Siberian huskies. After the show, stay for a meet-and-greet with the cast and get your picture taken.
The Iceploration ice show is included with admission to Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay. Click here for a schedule of show times. Busch Gardens® is located in Tampa, less than 70 miles from Kissimmee.
February 2nd, 2012
Wet ‘n Wild® Orlando is bringing the sand and surf to families this summer with a brand new sandcastle-themed Kids’ Park water playground. Encompassing an acre, the Kids’ Park will be the largest waterpark playground in Florida, covering 15,000 square feet and spanning more than 60 feet in height. The sandcastle playground will feature two pools with 85,000 gallons of water, guaranteed not to wash away with the tide.
The Kids’ Park will be Wet ‘n Wild’s first new attraction in four years, replacing the current kids’ park. Guests will get splashed by more than 100 soakers, jets, waterfalls and cannons as they explore a giant sandcastle, splash in two pools and ride down 17 slides. Parents will enjoy soaking up rays in a beach-themed seating area surrounded by lush tropical landscaping. Click here to view a full-size image of the Kids’ Park.
Designed to have families enjoy more together, the interactive Kids’ Park was created for families with kids of all ages, no shovel or pail needed! The new Kids’ Park at Wet ‘n Wild® Orlando is scheduled to open Summer of 2012 and will be included with general admission.
February 1st, 2012
In the March 2012 edition of New England Golf Monthly magazine, the article “The Perfect Life: Golf Luxury & Style at the 2012 PGA show” lists homes and condos offered by ALL STAR Vacation Homes as “The Perfect Foursome Digs in Orlando.” The article highlights the upscale resort amenities including pools, restaurants, a Spa and a fitness center golf travelers can enjoy with ALL STAR’s homes and condos located in Reunion Resort. Not only affordable when shared by golfers, homes and condos in Reunion Resort provide luxurious accommodations situated between three world-class golf courses: The Tradition by Jack Nicklaus, The Legacy by Arnold Palmer and The Independence by Tom Watson.
Loading ...
