Posts filed under 'Walt Disney World'
Now in its seventh year, Otronicon, or the Orlando Electronic Interactive Entertainment Convention, at the Orlando Science Center, January 13-16, celebrates how video games, simulation and digital media impact the way we live by exploring the science, art and technology behind them. “Boot-up” for four days of video game-filled fun and play video games, from classic arcade games to the latest platforms, as well as experience virtual reality and real-world training simulators.
Providing more than just family entertainment, at Otronicon you can learn how video games and interactive technology contribute to advancements in health care, education, training and simulation. Meet creative professionals behind video game technology including EA SPORTS, Lockheed Martin, University of Central Florida, Florida Hospital and for the first time, Walt Disney World® Resort. Disney will be demonstrating how they use modeling and simulation to create some of the world’s most memorable attractions.
Jam in “Rock Band” onstage with the controls embedded in an actual drum kit, attend a workshop and learn how to create video games, control robots, challenge players to a round of laser tag, see a laser light show, explore the Orlando Science Center and much, much more! Otronicon, this year, is expected to be the biggest event yet. Take the whole family and have fun while learning on your Orlando vacation!
Admission to Otronicon is included in general admission to the Orlando Science Center which is $17 for adults and $12 for kids ages 3-11. Visit http://www.otronicon.org/for more information.
January 13th, 2012
On your mark, get set, go! Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend is off and running and ALL STAR Vacation Homes would like to wish good luck to all the runners!
Kicking-off yesterday with the Pasta in the Park Party, runners have been lacing up their running shoes and taking off for a weekend full of races throughout all four Disney Theme Parks.
Scheduled races:
Friday, January 6
Disney Family Fiesta 5K featuring the Three Caballeros
Mickey Mile
Disney Kids’ Races
Saturday, January 7
Walt Disney World® Half Marathon
Disney Kids’ Races
Sunday, January 8
Walt Disney World® Marathon
Walt Disney World® Marathon Relay
Registration is sold out for all the races but there are many opportunities to be a spectator and cheer on the runners. Click here for a guide for spectators.
Now through Saturday, January 7, marathon runners and guests alike can attend Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo to learn about training, racing, fitness, nutrition and more! You can view running and fitness products from companies around the world, enjoy free samples, make a sign to cheer on the marathon runners or shop for official Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend Merchandise. During the Expo’s Speaker Series, guest speakers and celebrity runners will teach you the hard work, dedication and discipline that goes into marathon training along with Q&As and autograph sessions. Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo is located in at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Visit the official website for daily expo hours and a schedule of events.
January 6th, 2012
With hit music from Smash Mouth and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, say goodbye to 2011 and ring in 2012 at Rock in the New Year at Universal CityWalk®. At Rock in the New Year, adults ages 21 and up enjoy a huge New Year’s party throughout CityWalk® featuring live music, all-you-can-eat food and a champagne toast at midnight.
Highlighting the event, Smash Mouth and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will perform live and each of CityWalk®’s seven clubs will also have live entertainment including karaoke at Rising Star, dueling pianos at Pat O’Brein’s, live DJs and bands and more! Special note: designated drivers that are attending Rock in the New Year can pick up a wristband at any of the New Year’s Eve venues to receive free non-alcoholic fountain beverages throughout the night.
Tickets to Rock in the New Year, December 31, 8 pm-2 am, cost $139.99 per person (ages 21 and up only) and include food, a midnight champagne toast, admission to CityWalk® and its seven clubs and performances by Smash Mouth and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Click here for more information.
For families seeking a celebration everyone can enjoy, Walt Disney World® Resort will have fireworks shows and extended hours at Epcot®, Magic Kingdom® and Hollywood Studios®. Enjoy a unique musical celebration with sea creatures and a fireworks show at SeaWorld® Orlando. LEGOLAND® Florida will count down to the new year during the Kids’ New Year’s Eve at 7 pm. Visit each individual theme park’s website for more information.
December 27th, 2011
Just in time for the Holidays, Disney’s Hollywood Studios® theme park is bringing back the Comedy Warehouse, but only for a limited time. From December 25 through December 31, entertainers in the “The Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special” will put on a hilarious improvisational stage show sure to make your entire family jolly with laughter.
“The Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special” features improv performers formally from the Comedy Warehouse on Pleasure Island that closed in 2008. The performers will create skits and ask for suggestions from the audience and show off their skills by reinventing holiday classics including songs, stories, poems and movie scenarios.
“The Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special,” December 25-December 31, takes place at the ABC Sound Studio at Disney’s Holiday Studios® and is included with park admission. Showtimes (subject to change) are 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 3:45 pm, 4:45 pm and 5:45 pm daily.
December 22nd, 2011
ALL STAR Vacation Homes has joined the prestigious new Disney affiliation program for vacation rental home companies, Vacation Rental Home Connection, Part of the Disney Ticket Network®. This new affiliation program provides Central Florida professional vacation rental management companies and guests staying in the vacation rental homes with a greater connection to the Walt Disney World® Resort.
Over the last year, Disney has worked with key vacation rental management companies, including ALL STAR Vacation Homes, to develop clear standards for vacation rentals, and guidelines for promoting the Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks. Participating companies are required by Disney to meet a criterion for high quality and service standards, providing guests with consistent and reliable accommodations.
Disney’s recognition of the Vacation Rental Home industry in Central Florida and through the Vacation Rental Home Connection, part of the Disney Ticket Network®, assist guests in identifying these spacious accommodations providing families and groups of all sizes the ability to enjoy a Disney Vacation.
For more information, visit the ALL STAR Vacation Homes – 2011 News & Releases.
December 21st, 2011
‘Tis the season for yuletide celebrations at Walt Disney World Resort®, but did you know there is a special celebration at Epcot® that takes visitors on a journey around the world to explore holiday traditions? At Holidays Around the World at Epcot®, you and your family can travel around the World Showcase to discover holiday customs and stories from other countries without needing a passport! Visit each country to hear storytellers portray holiday cultural icons from around the globe including France’s Pere Noel, Italy’s LaBefana, Great Britain’s Father Christmas and America’s Santa Claus. Learn their holiday customs and traditions and then compare them to your own.
The festivities don’t end there. Delight in the magic of the season during the Candlelight Processional event that retells the story of Christmas with a special celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir. There are also daily tree lighting ceremonies and IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, an award-winning, awe-inspiring fireworks, laser and water spectacle.
Holidays Around the World events are included with park admission and run through December 30, 2011. Click here to see a full schedule of celebrity narrators for the Candlelight Processional.
December 16th, 2011
Running through the holiday season is the returning splendor of The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Exhibited at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park for more than fifteen years, Dancing Lights features millions of lights that dance in choreographed whimsy to holiday music and include angels, carousels and even Santa and his reindeer.
What began as a Christmas present for his daughter, Jennings Osborne’s elaborate light display grew bigger and bigger with every passing year, until he decided to share it at Hollywood Studios.
Visit Hollywood Studios on your Orlando vacation and take in the breathtaking sight of the Dancing Lights, a spectacle you’ll have to see to believe!
November 30th, 2011
As the holidays approach, the theme parks are sure tobe at high traffic crowds. Many apps can now help you plan and navigate your way through to get the most out of your day at the park. These apps can help you fit in all of your family’s favorite attractions and activities.
Mobile Magic
Disney’s only official app available exclusively through Verizon, Mobile Magic is a great way to ensure a stress-free day at the park. Get updates on attraction wait times and FASTPASS return times, even find out where your favorite characters are.
Touring Plans
Available for the iPhone, Android and Blackberry, this app offers information on a variety of parks. Check out wait times for rides, information on attractions and chat with other vacationers to gather tips that will greatly enhance your park-going experience.
Hidden Mickeys
The Hidden Mickeys app has taken a decades-old game to a whole new interactive level. Available for Apple’s iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, Hidden Mickeys gives you a whole new way to enjoy the Disney parks.
Universal Studios Wait Time
This app for Android is perfect for managing your time at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Plan out your day with park information on wait times at all attractions and rides.
SeaWorld App
It’s like a tour guide on your iPhone! Easily navigate through the park with a handy map and highlighted paths and find information about attractions, shows and wait times. Also handy is the car locator and camera option within the app with the added SeaWorld framing option.
Now it’s easier than ever to enjoy your Orlando vacation. Download these apps and start planning today!
November 28th, 2011
Kick off the holidays with Mickey this year on your Orlando vacation. Starting November 8th, bring the family to Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This fun-filled party is complete with live entertainment featuring Disney Characters, Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, an exclusive holiday fireworks show and a magical snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A. Feast on complimentary cookies and hot cocoa while meeting your favorite Disney characters and taking in the Magic Kingdom’s many sights and attractions.
Only Disney could bring a Christmas extravaganza so entertaining and festive!
November 21st, 2011
The magic of James Cameron’s 2009 mega-hit “Avatar” will be coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Construction is expected to begin in 2013 with the consultation of James Cameron and producing partner Jon Landau. Along with their Lightening Entertainment team, they will work with the Disney team to bring “Avatar” to life. Two “Avatar” sequels are already slated to begin production, which will allow for endless possibilities in tying in with the upcoming park attraction.
This is a perfect fit for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, known for its focus on animals and nature, different worlds and habitats co-existing in harmony. This is definitely something to plan for your future Orlando vacation.
October 5th, 2011
Don’t miss WDW Radio this weekend, while Lou Mongello and friends bring the fun to you as they host a 40-hour live show celebrating Walt Disney World’s 40th anniversary.
Watch and chat live during the 40-hour show at http://www.wdwradio.com/40/ as they broadcast live from their home base at ALL STAR Vacation Homes and throughout the parks. Catch all the news and updates from Walt Disney World’s special events looking back on its 40-year history. The live show starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 1!
September 29th, 2011
The Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa Featured Guest Review for April 2011 is by D. Groshek from Michigan who stayed at 6-2001 LK-LK #304, a 3 bedroom Orlando vacation condo rental:
“We were absolutely thrilled when we opened the door of our condo; it looked exactly as nice as the online photographs. The view from our balcony was fabulous. The kitchen was fully equipped and all appliances stainless steel and spotlessly clean.
“Perfectly located for Disney; the drive there was quick and easy. Staff was very helpful, friendly and provided excellent service. Would highly recommend Lighthouse Key to anyone considering an Orlando vacation.”
For more Disney area vacation condo rental reviews, visit the Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa Guest Reviews page.
April 5th, 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
by Rick E-Mouse
March 25, 2011 Edition
2011 Epcot® Flower & Garden Festival
Flower Power Concert Series Schedule
Make your 2011 Disney vacation “rock” – catch the Flower Power Concert Series at the 18th Annual Epcot® Flower & Garden Festival in Walt Disney World® Resort.
Upcoming concerts include:
- March 25 – 27: Melissa Manchester
- April 1 – 3: Starship starring Mickey Thomas
- April 8 – 10: Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.
- April 15 – 17: Juice Newton
- April 22 – 24: Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons
- April 29 – May 1: Paul Revere & the Raiders
- May 6 – 8: Davy Jones
- May 13 – 15: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
Performances are held at the America Gardens Theatre and are scheduled for 5:15pm, 6:30pm and 7:45pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the festival.
March 25th, 2011
Enjoy BIG savings on your 2011 Spring Orlando vacation at ALL STAR Vacation Homes and Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa with these great Orlando vacation rental deals:
Plan now and SAVE up to HUNDREDS or More!
*Offers valid now through June 10, 2011. Excludes April 16, 2011 – April 29, 2011. See website for terms & conditions and more details.
March 21st, 2011
by Rick E-Mouse
March 18, 2011 Edition
Upgraded Star Tours Ride Opening
This May at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®
Return to your favorite “galaxy far, far away” on your 2011 Orlando vacation – experience Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® in Walt Disney World® Resort.
Set for a grand opening on May 20, 2011, this popular Disney attraction will feature these exciting new enhancements:
- More Characters – new droids “Ace” AC-38 & Spokesbot Aly San San in addition to R2-D2, C-3PO and Darth Vader himself!
- New Ride Vehicle – the “Starspeeder 1000″ racing through events set between Episode III & IV!
- Surprise Journeys – a different adventure each time, like podracing on Tatooine, speeding through Coruscant and escaping Boba Fett!
The ride will also include 3-D HD video – plus new visual, atmospheric and motion simulation effects!
Shoot for the stars on your Disney vacation – ride Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.
March 18th, 2011
Congratulations to the Breister Family from Wisconsin, our 2010 ALL STAR Story winners!
“WE will be back!! No more hotels for us! We were very happy with the home we chose, it was absolutely beautiful. We had 14 of us total, 4 adults and 10 kids. We had plenty of room for everyone.”
Read about their Disney area vacation home experience and enter for your chance to Win a 7-night stay with ALL STAR!
March 17th, 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
The Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa Featured Guest Review for March 2011 is by M. Plessing from New Jersey who stayed at 6-2001 LK-LK #501, a 4 bedroom Orlando vacation condo:
“The resort/condo exceeded my expectations! It was immaculately clean, conveniently located and beautiful. Everyone was very helpful. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone.”
For more Disney area vacation condo reviews, visit the Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa Guest Reviews page.
March 10th, 2011
Previous Posts
Now in its seventh year, Otronicon, or the Orlando Electronic Interactive Entertainment Convention, at the Orlando Science Center, January 13-16, celebrates how video games, simulation and digital media impact the way we live by exploring the science, art and technology behind them. “Boot-up” for four days of video game-filled fun and play video games, from classic arcade games to the latest platforms, as well as experience virtual reality and real-world training simulators.
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