Posts filed under 'Dining in Orlando'
How would you like to taste Tuscan cooking, sip on Valencian wine and listen to Australian music, all in one place? This weekend, March 31 and April 1, the City of Orlando hosts the Downtown Food and Wine Festival, bringing together top restaurants, celebrity chefs, live entertainment and worldly wines to captivate your senses:
- Wine: From Napa Valley in California to the Loire Valley in France, some truly delightful wines have traveled over mountains and seas to this event for you to sample.
- Food: Your mouth will be watering as you enjoy delectable dishes from 40 of Orlando’s top restaurants such as Cantina Laredo and Taverna Opa.
- Demonstrations: Celebrity chefs will be showcasing scrumptious meals and taste-bud-thrilling desserts, prepared right in front of you.
- Music: Don’t leave out your aural senses; listen to some fantastic musicians including “American Idol” winner David Cook and Australian Rockers of the Little River Band.
The Downtown Food and Wine festival will be open Saturday, 12 p.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m.-7 p.m. and take place in Downtown Orlando around Lake Eola, on Robinson Street. Tickets cost $15 per person at the door or $10 in advance; admission for children under 12 is free. Visit the official event website for more details, including parking information and directions.
March 28th, 2012
Whether you’re Irish or Irish at heart, gather your family and head over to Raglan Road for three days of leprechaun-approved St. Patrick’s Day fun at this pub and restaurant located in the Downtown Disney® area. Running Thursday, March 15 through Saturday, March 17, 2012, the
St. Patrick’s Day Festival presents bands imported straight from Ireland, award-winning Celtic dancers and a variety of authentic festivities.
Here are a few highlights:
Thursday, March 15:
- Exclusive luncheon and culinary demonstration with Irish Master Chef Kevin Dundon, who will prepare a few deliciously authentic dishes (reservations required)
- Live music and dancing featuring a performance by Creel, a band that combines rock music with traditional Irish sounds
Friday, March 16:
- Musical performances by Creel with special guests and Murphy’s Law & The Irish Rogues
- Impressive shows featuring the Raglan Road Dancers
Saturday, March 17:
- Musical performances by Creel and Murphy’s Law & The Irish Rogues
- Raglan Road Dancers performing throughout the day
- A concert featuring ELEVATION, “the world’s greatest U2 tribute band”
- Dancers from the Watters School of Irish Dancing
- St. Patrick’s Day themed face-painting, stilt walkers, and more
Choose your best shamrock-shade attire and check out Raglan Road’s official event site for celebration times and details. You can also view a video of last year’s festivities.
March 14th, 2012
If you’re spending your Orlando Vacation in October, you’ll encounter the beautiful fall weather it has to offer. Venture out to explore some of Orlando’s finest points of interest.
Located just a short drive from the Disney theme parks on International Drive, Pointe Orlando offers an array of dining, entertainment and shopping options. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a night out with the family, Pointe Orlando will provide the right setting for you. Fine dining and kid-friendly restaurants are widely available. After dinner check out a movie at the Regal Cinemas Stadium 20 & IMAX or catch a show at the Improv Comedy Club. Top off your evening at Ben & Jerry’s for some homemade ice cream while you walk around this fabulous outdoor venue.
A bit closer to the parks is Celebration, Florida. Downtown Celebration offers a variety of dining options such as the Celebration Town Tavern whose slogan boasts: “Family, Food & Friends”. Take the family for some window-shopping or a lakeside stroll in this quaint community.
October 21st, 2011

by Rick E-Mouse
April 1, 2011 Edition
Spring 2011 Orlando Vacation Events
Make your Spring Orlando vacation complete with these fun and festive events:
Epcot® Flower & Garden Festival
Explore a world of flowery fun with millions of beautiful blooms, Disney character topiaries, gardening tips from HGTV experts and live Flower Power concerts! Now through Sunday, May 15th at Walt Disney World® Resort.
Viva La Musica
Enjoy a fiesta of Latin music, food, arts and crafts. Now in its Final Weekend: Saturday, April 2nd at SeaWorld Orlando and Sunday, April 3rd at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida®
It’s “Beads, Bands and Good Times!” with concerts, the sounds of New Orleans, Cajun food and parades! Saturdays, now through April 23rd at Universal Studios Florida®.
April 1st, 2011
Go with the flow on your Disney vacation – experience Finding Nemo – The Musical at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park in Walt Disney World® Resort.
This live, half-hour stage show is held at Theater in the Wild in the DinoLand U.S.A. section of the park and features:
- Favorite characters like Marlin, Crush and, of course, Nemo
- Immersive, animated backdrops
- Original songs composed just for the show
- Thrilling sound, lighting and special effects
Celebrate an ocean of fun on your Disney vacation at Finding Nemo – The Musical!
SPECIAL RESERVED SEATING OPTION
FOR FINDING NEMO – THE MUSICAL
Receive reserved seating for the 3:15pm show when you book your lunch at Tusker House Restaurant for dining between 1:00pm and 1:45pm!
One ticket/seat per guest booked on dining reservation. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the 3:15pm show.
March 31st, 2011
Go “green” on your Orlando vacation – celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Downtown Disney® in Walt Disney World® Resort.
Enjoy a full day of Irish fun at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant, located in Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island.
The festivities start at Noon and include:
- Irish Dance Performances
- Live Music by Creel & U2 Cover Band eLevation
- Face Painting
Plus, enjoy special entrees at Fulton’s Crab House, also located in Pleasure Island and at Wolfgang Puck Cafe, located in Downtown Disney® West Side.
Don’t miss this fun Disney vacation event!
March 14th, 2011
For a relaxing, fun and casual dining experience, head to Buffalo Wild Wings – just minutes from your Orlando vacation home.
Play trivia, watch your favorite sports games and enjoy a menu that includes New York-style wings with 14 signature sauces – plus salads, appetizers, burgers and more! You can even order carry out!
Buffalo Wild Wings is located off US Highway 192 on Formosa Gardens Boulevard, across from the ALL STAR Vacation Homes Hospitality Center parking lot.
View or download the Buffalo Wild Wings Menu.
March 1st, 2011

During your stay at ALL STAR’s Kissimmee vacation home rentals, you’ll find many family friendly Kissimmee attractions to enjoy on your Central Florida vacation.
Explore the thrills at Fun Spot USA and Old Town. Enjoy Kissimmee dinner show fun at Arabian Nights and Medieval Times. Embark on mini-golf adventures at Mighty Jungle Golf and Pirate’s Island.
For more Kissimmee attraction information, visit the ALL STAR Vacation Homes Guest Services Directory.
February 9th, 2011

by Rick E-Mouse
January 28, 2011 Edition
Central Florida Attractions and
Accommodations for Daytona 500 Fans

The 53rd running of the Daytona 500 is right around the corner!
Gear up for the big race with thrilling Orlando racing attractions and luxury vacation home accommodations.
Feel what it’s like to be a real NASCAR driver at the Richard Petty Driving Experience where you can test drive an actual stock car at Walt Disney World Speedway!
Visit Fun Spot Attractions in Orlando and Kissimmee, featuring NASCAR racing simulators and go kart tracks!
Experience high-speed fun at over 60mph – ride Test Track at Epcot® in Walt Disney World® Resort.
Enjoy casual Orlando dining while you watch the “Great American Race” on the big screen at NASCAR Sports Grille at Universal CityWalk in Orlando.
Plus, reserve your Daytona 500 vacation rental accommodations at ALL STAR Vacation Homes – just a short road trip to Daytona International Speedway!
January 28th, 2011
With golf season in full swing, now is the perfect time to plan an Orlando golf getaway at ALL STAR Vacation Homes at Reunion’s luxury Orlando condos and villas.
ALL STAR’s upscale Orlando vacation condo rentals in Reunion® Resort are located in the Villas North and Heritage Crossing subdivisions and feature 3 bedrooms, custom decor and luxury furnishings – plus private patios with beautiful views of Reunion’s resort golf courses!
For your convenience and comfort, all of our Orlando vacation condos and villas in Reunion include fully equipped kitchens, living & dining areas, complimentary wireless Internet access and TVs in all bedrooms! They’re the perfect place to stretch out and relax after a long day of Florida golfing.
As a guest of ALL STAR Vacation Homes at Reunion, a Preferred Partner of Reunion® Resort, enjoy unlimited access to:
- Three 18-Hole Championship Golf Courses - each designed by a pro: Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer & Tom Watson!
- The ANNIKA Academy™ – professional golf training with courses created by Annika Sorenstam
- Driving Range/Practice Green – hone your golf skills and brush up on your game
- On-Site Golf Pro Shop – for all your golfing needs
- Additional Resort Amenities - including a full service spa, casual and upscale dining, a 5 acre water park with infinity pool and more!
Plan the ultimate Orlando golf getaway – reserve your Orlando vacation condo with ALL STAR Vacation Homes at Reunion today!
January 25th, 2011
Make your Central Florida vacation sizzle this February – celebrate Bands, Brew & BBQ at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa.
Enjoy four weekends of rock, pop and country concerts plus smokin’ hot barbecue dishes provided by popular Central Florida restaurants!
Bands, Brew & BBQ runs Saturdays at SeaWorld Orlando and Sundays at Busch Gardens Tampa, February 12th through March 6th.
SeaWorld Orlando Concert Schedule
- Huey Lewis & The News – February 12th
- Willie Nelson – February 19th
- REO Speedwagon – February 26th
- Josh Turner – March 5th
Busch Gardens Tampa Concert Schedule
- Montgomery Gentry – February 13th
- Joan Jett and The Blackhearts – February 20th
- The Commodores & The Pointer Sisters – February 27th
- Travis Tritt & The Charlie Daniels Band – March 6th
SeaWorld concerts start at 4:30pm and begin at 5:00pm at Busch Gardens.
January 21st, 2011

Beyond the excitement of the Orlando theme parks, a world of Orlando vacation fun awaits on International Drive.
Enjoy family attractions like Fun Spot Action Park, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and Pirate’s Dinner Adventure.
Experience casual and fine Orlando dining at International Drive’s 150+ restaurants!
Explore Orlando shopping centers like Orlando Premium Outlets, Pointe Orlando and Festival Bay Mall.
Plus, enjoy miniature golf, helicopter tours and more!
There’s even the convenient I-RIDE Trolley service to make your International Drive journey even more relaxing and enjoyable!
For more Orlando vacation activities, visit the ALL STAR Vacation Homes Guests Services Directory.
January 20th, 2011

by Rick E-Mouse
December 30, 2010 Edition
Plan Your 2011 Orlando Vacation at
ALL STAR Vacation Homes
For a New Year’s resolution your whole family will enjoy, plan a 2011 Orlando vacation at ALL STAR Vacation Homes!
ALL STAR features over 260 Orlando vacation home rentals with more than 200 within four miles of Disney! They’re the perfect place to celebrate family traditions, events and more!
Choose from private pool vacation homes with up to nine bedrooms and amenities such as multiple master bedrooms, game rooms and home theatres – plus spacious town homes with private lounge pools and upscale condos that feature amenities like private patios, wireless Internet access and specialty decor.
As a preferred partner at Reunion® Resort, ALL STAR Vacation Homes also offers custom, high end Orlando vacation homes, condos and villas in Reunion with access to the resort’s world class amenities – including 3 championship golf courses, a 5 acre water park, a full service spa, plus upscale and casual on-site Orlando dining.
The port of call for your Orlando vacation, Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa features luxury two to four bedroom Disney area vacation condos in a beautiful resort setting that includes a full service European style spa, swimming pools, deli, free shuttle service to Disney and many other on-site vacation amenities and services.
Make ALL STAR Vacation Homes your home for the New Year – request a 2011 Orlando Vacation Planner today!
December 30th, 2010
Give your family a Christmas to remember during your holiday Orlando vacation with ALL STAR Vacation Homes at Reunion – enjoy a Christmas dinner at Reunion® Resort.
Choices include:
Christmas Buffet at the Clubhouse Grille
Served from 12pm to 8pm on Christmas day.
Christmas Day at Forte
With special three-course selections served from 12pm to 9pm.
Christmas To-Go
Enjoy a choice of turkey, ham or prime rib main courses with sides delivered to your Disney area vacation home or condo rental. Delivery times: 11am to 7pm, Christmas day. Orders must be placed by Wednesday, December 22, 2010.
For pricing and more information, download the Reunion Resort Christmas Dinner Menus.
December 21st, 2010
Celebrate Thanksgiving on your Orlando vacation at Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa with a ready-made turkey dinner.
Prepared by the on-site Beacon Deli, this delicious holiday meal serves 8 to 10 and features all the trimmings, including:
- A Fully Cooked Turkey
- Dressing & Cranberry Sauce
- Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
- A Dozen Dinner Rolls
- Pumpkin Pie & Whipped Cream
Additional sides, including sweet potato casserole, green beans, corn, cole slaw and extra dinner rolls are also available for an added charge.
Plus, enjoy FREE delivery to your Lighthouse Key Orlando vacation condo!
To ensure delivery, orders must be placed by November 22, 2010 at 2:00pm. For more information, download the Thanksgiving Dinner Menu on the Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa website.
Make your Thanksgiving Orlando vacation at Lighthouse Key complete – order your turkey dinner today!
November 3rd, 2010

by Rick E-Mouse
October 22, 2010 Edition
Enjoy Fine and Casual Orlando Dining at Reunion® Resort

While staying at your Orlando vacation rental with ALL STAR Vacation Homes at Reunion, a Preferred Partner of Reunion Resort, treat yourself to fine and casual dining at the resort’s on-site restaurants:
- Forte – a world-class chophouse on the main floor of the Reunion Grande with steak, seafood and pasta entrees plus an expansive selection of International wines
- Eleven – a tapas-style lounge on the top floor of the Reunion Grande serving cocktails, appetizers, full plate meals and featuring a rooftop pool
- Clubhouse Grille – casual indoor and outdoor dining with breakfast, lunch and dinner menus of classic American fare
- The Cove at Seven Eagles – poolside refreshments including sandwiches, snacks, Caribbean cuisine and a full bar
Plan your stay at ALL STAR Vacation Homes at Reunion and experience Orlando dining at its finest!
October 22nd, 2010

by Rick E-Mouse
October 1, 2010 Edition
Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival Starts Today!
Celebrate your Fall Orlando vacation at the 15th Annual Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival in Walt Disney World® Resort, starting today and running through November 14th.
Themed “Celebrating 15 Years of Delicious Discoveries”, this year’s festival features regional cuisine, wines and beers from around the globe at over 25 marketplaces, including Australia, South Africa and Morocco – plus, new for this year: South Korea and Belgium!
Highlights include: demonstrations by world-renowned chefs, wine tasting seminars and the grand opening of two new restaurants at Epcot: La Hacienda de San Angel in the Mexico pavilion and Via Napoli at the Italy pavilion!
Plus, enjoy great music at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, with popular acts such as Howard Jones, Rick Springfield, Boyz II Men, Night Ranger and Taylor Hicks!
Taste the world on your Fall Orlando vacation at the Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival in Walt Disney World® Resort.
October 1st, 2010
ALL STAR Vacation Homes at Reunion features luxury Orlando vacation condos and villas that provide the perfect setting for your family Disney vacation, Orlando golf experience or romantic getaway.
Located in the Villas North and Heritage Crossing areas in Reunion® Resort, ALL STAR’s spacious 3 bedroom Orlando vacation condo rentals are close to the resort water park and feature custom furnishings & decor, fully equipped kitchens, living & dining areas, TVs in all bedrooms, complimentary wireless Internet access and private patios with golf course & resort views!
In addition, you’ll enjoy complimentary access to Reunion’s world class resort amenities, including 3 championship golf courses, a 5 acre water park, a full service spa, on-site dining and outdoor vacation activities!
Plus, receive 4 Nights for the Price of 3 when you reserve our vacation condo rentals in Reunion during Fall travel dates!*
Plan your stay today and enjoy relaxing luxury, Orlando vacation fun and special Fall vacation savings!
*Excludes November 20, 2010 – November 28, 2010. See website for more details.
September 28th, 2010
Explore a “fantasea” world of Halloween fun on your Fall Orlando vacation at SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular.
This family-friendly Halloween celebration at SeaWorld Orlando is included with regular park admission and features these exciting kids’ activities:
- Trick-or-Treat Sea Sweets – Wear your favorite costumes and search for hidden “sea” treats at over 12 locations throughout the park using special “treasure” maps!
- Abby Cadabby’s Halloween Adventure – Enjoy photo-ops with Sesame Street’s Abby Caddaby plus help her search for her magic wand by solving interactive puzzles and more!
- Count Von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast – Mingle with The Count and other Sesame Street characters at this special breakfast buffet.
- Cookie Decorating Station – Design your own unique Halloween-themed cookies at this special decorating station filled with a wide assortment of cookie toppings!
- Frozen Fun Zone – Move to the groove of DJ’d music and join in on special interactive fun at Wild Arctic Plaza.
You’ll also encounter 35 costumed sea creatures including Gummy Worm Wanda, Salt Water Taffy, Swedish Fish Suzy – plus schools of pumpkin fish!
SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular starts at 12:00 Noon each day and runs Saturdays and Sundays, October 9th – 24th and Friday through Sunday, October 29th – 31st at SeaWorld Orlando.
*Abby Caddaby’s Halloween Adventure ™/© 2010 Sesame Workshop
*Count Von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast ™/© 2010 Sesame Workshop
September 22nd, 2010

by Rick E-Mouse
September 10, 2010 Edition
Top 5 Reasons to Plan a Fall Orlando Vacation

1. Lighter Crowds – Which means more time to enjoy Orlando vacation attractions and activities!
2. September Magical Dining Month – Thirty days of $30 prix fixe dinners at Central Florida’s premier dining destinations.
3. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – Taste the world! Enjoy international cuisine, regional wines and the Eat to the Beat Concert Series – October 1st to November 14th.
4. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – Family-friendly Disney Halloween fun at the Magic Kingdom® Park, select nights, September 14th through November 1st.
5. Fall Orlando Vacation Savings – Enjoy FREE nights with our Fall Orlando vacation deals!
September 10th, 2010
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