Can you hear it? It’s the rockin’ sounds of summer coming to you and your family through talented tribute bands playing your favorite hits live at the America Gardens Theater in World Showcase at Epcot®. June 10 through July 28, the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series makes “hot” summer nights sizzle courtesy of music and entertainment from seven of the most popular tribute bands.
Dance, move and tap your feet to re-creations of classic hits from the Eagles, Billy Joel, The Bee Gees, Police, U2, Bon Jovi and Lynyrd Skynyrd. With the tribute bands showing off signature moves, wearing costume replicas and impersonating band members, you’ll be amazed at the similarities – if you have ever been lucky enough to experience the actual bands perform. Some of the musicians have even played with the actual bands!
Tentative schedule of performances:
June 10-17: Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles
June 18-23: Mike DelGuidice and BIG SHOT – The Ultimate Billy Joel Experience
June 24-30: Stayin’ Alive Canada – A Tribute to The Bee Gees
July 1-7: Slippery When Wet – The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
July 8-14: The Police Experience – A Tribute to the Police
July 15-21: SouthBound and Company – A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd
July 22-28: 2U – The World’s 2nd best U2 Show
*Please note: the schedule is subject to change without notice. Please visit the official website as the event gets closer for confirmation.
Admission to the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot® is included with theme park admission. Concerts take place June 10-July 28 at 5:45 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Special performance times on July 4 are 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 9 p.m. Please visit the official event website to confirm dates and times prior to planning your trip.
Wet ‘n Wild® Orlando is getting even wilder this weekend with the 4th Annual Waves of Glory Christian music festival and Battle of the Bands, Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20. Dance, move and sway to contemporary rock, hip-hop and praise Christian music as bands compete for cash and prizes. With admission to Waves of Glory included in Wet ‘n Wild admission, your family can enjoy both the water park’s thrilling tube rides, slides, wave pool surf lagoon and lazy river and the spiritual melodies of the Waves of Glory concerts.
Starting with opening prayers each day, enjoy two days of faith-filled fun and a jam-packed schedule of musical performances. Bands include 410 East, Hope for Heroes, Judah, The Broken, Alma Vertical, The Invocation, Lastwatch, Carisa Turner, Stu Sanders and more! Cheer and clap to cast your “vote” for your favorite group as talented singers and bands “battle” to impress judges and claim their spots as finalists – and ultimately as champion. Watch special performances by the 2011 Waves of Glory Champions, the R Anthony Band, and 2010 Waves of Glory Competitor, Prodigal Son. In addition, learn the hula from the Salem Lutheran Church’s Hawaiian Worship Team and how to use it in worship.
Admission to Waves of Glory is included with admission to Wet ‘n Wild® Orlando. Click here for event times and more information.
Did you know there are snowmen and igloos in Florida?! If a North Pole-inspired adventure sounds like something you’d enjoy during your next Orlando vacation, check out Walt Disney World® Resort’s Winter Summerland miniature golf courses. You’ll be surprised and delighted as you putt through one winter and one summer-themed course with impressive obstacles like a smoky campfire, scattered hockey sticks and Santa’s boots descending down the chimney.
Legend has it that one Christmas Eve when Santa was heading back to the North Pole, he spotted a peculiar snowy location smack in the middle of Florida. He thought it would make the perfect site for his off-duty elves to take a vacation, so he built one area for elves who enjoy the sun and another for elves who prefer the arctic scene. Lucky for you, he included an 18-hole mini golf course in each setting!
Santa has worked closely with the Disney Imagineers to create a truly entertaining golf experience that incorporates your favorite Disney characters with North Pole-influenced scenery. Be on the lookout for fun details like flamingoes that lead Santa’s sleigh, characters made from “snow” and “sand,” and an actual spinning pole on the “North Hole” that takes your golf ball on a vertical ride. You’ll discover clever traps placed throughout the courses that add just enough of a challenge to make each hole exciting. At the “sand” castle in the summer course and the “snow” castle in the winter course, a drawbridge opens and closes to allow only so much time for your ball to pass before it ends up in the moat. You’ll also find a decorated Christmas tree surrounded by a moving train…with the hole right beside the tree trunk!
Both courses at Winter Summerland are open all week from 10 a.m. – 11p.m. Admission is $12 per 18-hole course for adults and $10 for kids ages 3-9. Visit Walt Disney World® Resort’s miniature golf website for more information. If you’d like to play both courses, receive a 50% discount on the second course with your same-day receipt. “Merry” putting!
Are you looking for an art event that truly has something for everyone? The 11th Annual Celebration Art Festival, coming to Celebration, Fla. on April 21-22, showcases a variety of artistic works for sale that have been created by 100 talented artists from 30 different states. Whether you prefer dramatic sculptures and expressive paintings or emotional photography and elegant jewelry, you will find something that appeals to your taste.
A favorite of locals, this festival invites visitors to stroll through Celebration’s Town Center and experience the zesty aromas of area restaurants and the friendly sights of quaint boutiques while the streets of Downtown Celebration transform into vivid art displays. The artists featured in the festival were selected by an independent panel of judges based on the quality, creativity and diversity of their original artwork. The featured artists, hand chosen from hundreds of applicants, are among some of the finest in the country, encouraging festival-goers to become fully immersed in the artistic atmosphere. As an added treat, all artists will be present to answer questions and discuss what inspired them to design their beautiful masterpieces.
The Celebration Art Festival will be open from 10 a.m. -5 p.m. on April 21-22. From affordable to the opulent, artwork is priced to accommodate any budget, ranging from roughly $25 to $30,000. Downtown Celebration is located close to Disney and other major attractions.
No need to go to Broadway because “The Lion King” is coming to Orlando. Now, that’s a wonderful phrase! From April 17 until May 13, the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre in Downtown Orlando hosts Disney’s “The Lion King,” a Tony Award-winning musical enjoyed by more than 60 million people around the world that tells the heartfelt story of how a young lion cub must face the reality of becoming king.
Listen to the Oscar-winning songs originally made famous by Elton John and Tim Rice as you marvel at the intricately designed costumes and one-of-a-kind choreography that incorporates animal movements with tribal dance. Zebras will trot, hyenas will prowl and giraffes will prance, all right beside your favorite characters like Simba and Pumbaa in a colorful African landscape that remarkably comes to life on stage. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
If you are coming to Orlando after the show leaves town, you can still see some “big-as-Broadway” Lion King entertainment year-round at the Festival of the Lion King. This 30-minute show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park combines the famous Lion King tale with puppetry, acrobatics, singing and dancing…and you’re encouraged to be part of the action.
A festival devoted to the dark? That’s right! Just before sundown on Saturday, April 14, take a short drive to Harmony, Fla., less than a half hour from Kissimmee, where the 9th Annual Dark Sky Festival celebrates the marvels of the night sky while teaching the importance of protecting its darkness. You’ll become fascinated when you view stars and constellations while learning about how light pollution can affect not only astronomy research but also wildlife and our environment.
This nighttime festival offers activities to delight the celestial curiosity of your entire family. Peer through impressive telescopes as you stargaze on “telescope hill” and interact with local astronomers and scientists from NASA. Challenge your kids to a game of “glow golf” for some unique nighttime fun! Other highlights include a cosmic kids zone, science exhibits, a mobile planetarium and live music.
The Dark Sky Festival is a free public event on Saturday from 6 – 11 p.m. in Harmony, Fla., located less than 30 minutes from Disney. You’ll have your whole family seeing stars at this “must see” event – last year’s festival welcomed an estimated 5,000 attendees! View the festival website for directions and more information.
Get revved up for this four-day festival held in downtown Celebration and at the Daytona International Speedway, April 12-15. The 9th Annual Celebration Exotic Car Festival showcases more than 250 exotic cars and racecars, including some from your favorite movies and TV shows, along with live music, food and more for the entire family! All of the net proceeds from the festival benefit the Arnold Palmer Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Special Olympics Florida.
The festival begins, April 12 and 13, with two exhilarating track days and Ferrari races at the world-famous Daytona International Speedway located approximately 70 miles from Kissimmee in Daytona Beach. More than 100 exotic cars and racecars will get your heart pumping as they circle the track exhibiting handling, maneuverability and speed. Additionally, each afternoon, owner-drivers of Ferrari Challenge racecars will keep you on the edge of your seat as they race to the finish line in the FCRA vintage Ferrari Challenge Race for individual and team trophies. Friday night, return to Celebration to refuel during the Prime Time Steak Out Lakeside barbecue and concert with Prime Time, New York’s ultimate party rock band.
Satisfy your need for speed on Saturday, April 14 at the Concours of Exotic Cars with up-close looks at more than 250 cars and racecars, including Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Rolls Royce, lining the streets of downtown Celebration. See the “Back to the Future” DeLorean, “Herbie the Love Bug” Volkswagen Beetle, the Lamborghini and Mutt Cutts van from “Dumb & Dumber,” “Star Wars” Land Speeder and more! Also, get a glimpse of celebrities from “Back to the Future” and other movies and TV shows who will be in attendance.
On Sunday, April 15, the festival concludes at 10 a.m. with the Exotic Car Road Rally. Watch the RPMs rise as cars compete in a police escorted road rally for bragging rights and trophies that will be awarded at a special luncheon following the event. Visit celebrationexoticcars.com for more information and ticket prices for each Celebration Exotic Car Festival event. Admission to the Concours of Exotic Cars is free for spectators.
Soak up the Florida sunshine during a Scenic Boat Tour in Winter Park. A popular tourist activity for more than 50 years, the Scenic Boat Tour guides you on a one hour narrated cruise through the lakes and canals of historic Winter Park.
The city of Winter Park was established in the late 19th century and was once a popular winter getaway and resort community for wealthy northerners. Today, it is famous for its stately oak trees, brick-lined streets, abundant parks, world-class museums and upscale homes. With an entertaining tour guide at the helm, learn about the area and take in breathtaking views of landmarks including Rollins College, Kraft Azalea Garden and Isle of Sicily along with tropical water birds, plants, flowers and magnificent mansions.
Winter Park is located less than 40 minutes from Kissimmee. After the boat tour, you and your family can share a meal at one of Winter Park’s fine restaurants or take a stroll down Park Avenue. Tickets for the Scenic Boat Tour are $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 2-11. Children under 2 ride free. Visit scenicboattours.com for more information.
Have you ever seen gymnastics on TV and wondered what a live competition would be like? Coming soon to Walt Disney World® Resort’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, the Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships, April 16-18, and the Acrobatic Gymnastics World Age Group Competition, April 20-22, showcase athletes from all over the globe as they compete for top ranks in categories such as balance, dynamic and combined.
You will be amazed at the magnificent abilities of these acrobatic gymnasts to combine the power and agility of acrobatics with the elegance of dance. More than 600 gymnasts have traveled across the world from countries like Russia, China and Brazil to participate in routines set to music that consist of partner skills, dance and tumbling, right in front of your eyes.
Competitions take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex’s HP Field House at Walt Disney World® Resort, and ticket prices range from $15.50 to $50 per person. View the USA Gymnastics website for complete details.
Looking to warm up after the winter months? This spring’s hot and spicy Viva La Música festival will leave you feeling muy caliente. Every Saturday, April 14-May 5, SeaWorld® Orlando hosts Viva La Música, a food and music festival that showcases popular Latin artists, exquisite ethnic cuisine and more.
The festival kicks off at noon with lunch. And amigos, do we mean lunch! SeaWorld’s executive chef, Héctor Colón, has created some outstanding traditional delights from South America, Mexico and the Caribbean presented along with a variety of beverages that complement each dish. On the menu are arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), lechón (roasted pork), sweet guava pastries and much more. For those of you with a curious palate, try something new like alcapurrias (Puerto Rican meat fritters) or mofongo con carne frita (plantain balls with fried pork and stock).
After lunch, don’t miss the Latin concert series starting at 3 p.m. This year’s event features internationally renowned artists who perform merengue, salsa and Spanish pop. Here is a list of entertainers:
• April 14: Elvis Crespo
• April 21: Grupo Niche
• April 28: RKM & Ken-Y
• May 5: Gilberto Santa Rosa
SeaWorld’s Viva La Música festival is included with admission, and there is a nominal fee for food. Concert seating is available on a first come, first served basis. View additional details at Viva La Música’s official website.
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.
Take a short 45-minute trip to LEGOLAND® Florida where girls can interact with their favorite LEGO® Friends characters at the first-ever LEGO® Friends Weekend on March 24-25. This daytime girl-powered party, hosted by all five recently introduced LEGO Friends, presents a variety of activities that will appeal to all LEGO-loving young ladies.
Is your child more like Stephanie, who loves fashion, or Olivia, who enjoys building things? LEGO Friends Weekend celebrates girls and their individuality by offering something for every personality. Girls can enjoy an animal scavenger hunt, a dance shindig, karaoke performances and a fashion show to learn how to dress like their favorite LEGO Friend. Be sure not to miss Olivia’s “Girls Just Wanna Build” event, where young builders can find inspiration to create all kinds of LEGO formations and meet LEGO Master Model Builder Adora.
Although the LEGO Friends Weekend is geared toward girls, boys are welcome to attend or explore the rest of the park. This event is included with regular park admission. Visit LEGOLAND’s website for driving directions and more information.
Travel with your family back to the 1950s, when drive-ins were all the rage, on a mini golf adventure at Universal Orlando® Resort’s new Hollywood Drive-in Golf attraction, located at Universal CityWalk®. Choose from two classic movie-themed courses: “The Haunting of Ghostly Greens,” inspired by an old drive-in theater monster movie, or “Invaders From Planet Putt,” which follows the style of a classic sci-fi film.
Open for 18 hours every day from 8 a.m. until 2 a.m., the attraction offers you plenty of opportunities to take your best swing at a hole-in-one. You can decide to play either one or both courses, each with 18 unique holes. These are no ordinary putt-putt courses; watch out for some out-of-this-world and spooky surprises, including:
Hair-raising lighting effects with an eerie glow (best after dark!)
Squirting water and spraying air to keep you on your toes
Patience-testing multilevel challenges
Colorful scenery and entertaining obstacles
Admission is $13.99 for adults and $11.99 for children ages 3-9 to enter one of the courses. Feel free to play one course and come back later with your receipt for a discount on the remaining course. The official website for Hollywood Drive-in Golf is still under construction, but check back soon for updates. Right now, you can view a series of photos on the home page of Universal CityWalk®.
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.
Are you looking for a fun activity the whole family can enjoy during your Orlando vacation with ALL STAR Vacation Homes? Add some extra ”cheer” to your trip with pompoms, handsprings and pyramids at this year’s UCA/UDA International All Star Championship happening on March 10 – 11, 2012 at Walt Disney World® Resort. The UCA/UDA All Star Championship, presented by the Universal Cheerleaders Association and Universal Dance Association, brings together the best all star cheer and dance teams from around the globe. Watch as they spin, jump and tumble to qualify for top ranks in mini, tiny, youth, junior, senior international open, limited coed and coed categories.
A menacing Yeti lurks in the shadows of the Forbidden Mountain, wishing to keep innocent Animal Kingdom® park-goers from passing through the peak’s trails. Will you have what it takes to join the expedition and bring the Yeti’s reign to an end? At this year’s Expedition Everest Challenge, journey through Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park on Saturday, May 5, 2012 for a 5K race and scavenger hunt to help “defeat the Yeti.”
The Expedition Everest Challenge 5K race will begin in the Butterfly Parking Lot at 9:30 p.m. and will twist and turn through the park’s attractions. Don’t forget to pay close attention to the five scavenger hunt clues during the course because they will help you “reach the summit” for your finisher award and guide you to the after party following the expedition. Watch out for a few obstacles the Yeti has thrown in your path that won’t be too grueling but will definitely make your journey a little more treacherous!
For young children, the Expedition Everest Challenge also welcomes small runners who wish to take part in the excitement. RunDisney Kids’ Races offer children, ages 4-10, the opportunity to earn finisher medallions by running, climbing and searching during a mini adventure created just for them.
Registration is quickly filling up, so choose your best running shoes and sign up your friends and family before it’s too late. You can register individually or as a team. View the official website of the Expedition Everest Challenge for details and a schedule of events.
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.
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.
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.
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!