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.
Let your imagination soar as you build something amazing! During the second full weekend of each month, visit LEGOLAND® Florida for the Junior Master Model Builder Competition and character meet & greet with Max. Providing a fun and interactive LEGO® building experience, the Junior Master Model Builder Competition invites all park guests to create their own masterpiece that follows the designated LEGO theme for the month. Upcoming competition dates include:
June 9 & 10
July 14 & 15
August 11 & 12
September 8 & 9
October 13 & 14
November 10 & 11
December 8 & 9
If you and your family are up for the challenge, visit LEGOLAND’s Imagination Zone to receive LEGO bricks and a baseplate to get started on your own creation! Once you’re finished, you can enter your structure in one of three age categories: 9 and under, 10-15 years old and 16 years and up. All models from the weekend will be judged by a Master Model Builder and one winner from each age category will be chosen!
Winners receive a certificate, four single-day LEGOLAND Florida park tickets and an invitation to the Ultimate Build Off at the end of the year, where you can compete against winners from other Model Builder Competitions. The Junior Master Model Builder Competition is open to all park guests and is included in admission to LEGOLAND Florida. Click here for more information.
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.
Calling all home and garden enthusiasts! The Central Florida Home and Garden Show, returning to Orlando May 25-27 at the Orange County Convention Center, showcases home improvement products, exhibitors, how-to seminars, actual gardens and décor…all in one location. You’ll learn the best tips, trends and tricks from experts in remodeling, building, decorating, landscaping and much more. You might even be inspired to start your own do-it-yourself project. Here are some highlights:
Seminars: Be sure to visit the main stage that is filled each day with professional landscapers and home improvement gurus who enjoy sharing their expert knowledge with you. Don’t miss celebrity guest Kimberly Lacy from HGTV’s “Curb Appeal: The Block” who offers advice on how to enhance your home’s exterior.
Green Avenue: Wander around Green Avenue, a 6000-square-foot gardener’s paradise featuring abundant greenery and exquisite landscaping. Learn about gardening and meet with professional landscapers who will inspire you to create your own flourishing masterpieces at home.
Garden Marketplace: Browse this area for everything you’ll need to create your own backyard terrace. Purchase planters, pots, decorations, tools, hand-made gifts and more.
Exhibitors: No matter what home improvement task you’re attempting, the Central Florida Home and Garden Show has exhibitors and experts that can help! Interact with more than 100 vendors including appliance, construction, real estate, fitness, gardening and home entertainment professionals.
Pooch Parade: There’s even something for pets! Visit the pooch parade on Sunday at 1 p.m. for the latest in canine couture and shop the pet supply expo for pet products.
The Central Florida Home and Garden Show will be held at North Hall B of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students (ages 13-18) & seniors (60+) and free for children 12 and under. View the show’s official website for details, directions, parking and more information about this exciting upcoming event. Not all the details for the event have been released so be sure to check the website for updates.
Wade up-close with some wildlife in an all-new swimming adventure at Discovery Cove® Orlando. Opening this spring, Freshwater Oasis invites you and your family to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime encounters with Asian otters and marmoset monkeys.
Wade, swim and float in water-filled trails with a rainforest canopy above and sparkling-clear springs below. The water in Freshwater Oasis is mostly waist-deep or shallower making it an activity for the whole family. As you explore the twists and turns of Freshwater Oasis, you’ll stumble upon lively marmosets and curious otters. Watch otters romp and play and swim figure-eights and experience their lively energy without ever leaving the water. Look and listen as vocal marmoset monkeys navigate tree tops above. Meet plenty of animal friends along the way as you relax in refreshing tropical waters and warm sunshine.
Freshwater Oasis is expected to open at Discovery Cove® Orlando spring 2012. Access to Freshwater Oasis is included with admission to Discovery Cove®. Click here for more information and check back soon for updates!
Need some cool family fun this summer? Just add water! The brand new LEGOLAND® Water Park, opening May 26 at LEGOLAND® Florida, will feature a wave pool, Build-A-Raft lazy river, water slides and more. Intended for all ages, “build” some family memories during your Orlando vacation and be among the first to make a splash at this attraction!
The new Florida water park will be the first LEGOLAND water park to feature a wave pool in addition to other family-friendly rides. In the LEGO® wave pool, play and cool off in gently rolling waves perfect for “splashers” of all ages. At the Joker Soaker, have a laugh as a 300-gallon bucket suddenly pours water on your family and friends in an interactive playground setting. Let your imagination float away on the Build-A-Raft lazy river and construct your own LEGO raft for the 1,000-foot river. While older guests enjoy thrills on the Twin Chasers tube and Splash Out water slides, young visitors can have their own adventure at the DUPLO® Splash Safari water play area designed for toddlers with friendly DUPLO creatures.
Admission to the LEGOLAND Water Park requires purchase of a general admission ticket to LEGOLAND Florida plus an additional $12 per person, $3 for children under 3. Click here for more information and theme park hours.
The O.W.C.A. (Organization Without a Cool Acronym) has recruited you and your family this summer for a super-secret mission at Walt Disney World® Resort, if you choose to accept it. At Disney Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure, join your favorite duck-billed mammal and secret agent, Perry the Platypus, for an interactive adventure around the “world” at Epcot®.
Usually, foiling Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s latest evil plan is routine for Agent P — but this time he needs your help stopping one of the evil scientist’s most daring plots yet! At the start of the mission, you’ll receive a F.O.N.E. (Field Operative Notification Equipment) device to help you search Epcot® for clues and evil “Inators.” Traveling to Mexico, France and the other World Showcase pavilions, will you have what it takes to become a secret agent sidekick and rid the world of evil?
Disney Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure is planned to open at Epcot® this summer and will be included with Theme Park admission. It will replace Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure. Check the Disney Parks Blog for updates and more information.
Indulge in a heapin’ helpin’ of America’s favorite dessert whether it’s apple, chocolate, cherry, cream, pecan or lemon meringue à la mode at the 11th Annual Great American Pie Festival. The free festival, taking place Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29 at Lakeside Park in Celebration, Fla., brings together more than 32,000 pie lovers, bakers and tasters of all ages to pay homage to this flaky treat we all love.
Explore the festival for cookbooks and the latest in kitchen and chef gear. Discover clever techniques to decorate and make the most delicious pies from expert chefs. Have you ever wanted to have an entire meal of pies? At the Never Ending Pie Buffet, you can choose from thousands of pies and sample all-you-care-to-eat along with ice cream, toppings and more. And of course, no pie festival would be complete without kids’ and adults’ pie eating contests. Children will also enjoy an area just for them with pie decorating, “pie-scaping,” pie tin art and more.
Admission to the Great American Pie Festival, cooking demonstrations and entertainment are free. A separate ticket is required for the Never Ending Pie Buffet. Click here for more information and festival hours.
Have you been following SeaWorld® Orlando’s webisodes? If so, you know that the brand new TurtleTrek attraction is finally opening this Friday, April 27! If you haven’t watched the popular webisodes, now is your chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of TurtleTrek before it opens later this week.
TurtleTrek, the world’s first 3D 360-degree domed theater experience, takes you on the incredible journey of the sea turtle, from hatching on a beach to adulthood when a sea turtle must return to lay its eggs. Understand life from a turtle’s point-of-view and see the amazing challenges and hardships turtles and other sea creatures face to survive.
TurtleTrek gives you opportunities to view actual endangered and threatened species of turtles and manatees while you learn about conservation and how to help protect marine wildlife. In the naturalistic saltwater habitat area, see a variety of adult and juvenile sea turtles including green, loggerhead, hawksbill and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. In the freshwater habitat area, view gentle Florida manatees and discover how SeaWorld® Orlando rescues and cares for these heavy herbivores.
TurtleTrek, opens April 27, and is included in admission to SeaWorld® Orlando. Click here for more information.
Stormtroopers, Jedi Knights, Sith warriors, droids and fighters for the Rebellion and the Empire are invading Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. At “Star Wars” Weekends, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May 18 to June 10, make some out-of-this-world memories with your family as you explore the vast universe of “Star Wars” during your Orlando vacation. This annual event celebrates the legendary “Star Wars” saga and the animated television series, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” with celebrity meet-and-greets and autograph sessions, special shows, parades, presentations and more!
During “Star Wars” Weekends explore Disney’s Hollywood Studios® with characters and celebrities from the “Star Wars” films. Take pictures with your favorite characters or get an autograph from a “Star Wars” star. Scheduled Guests Include:
May 18-20
Ray Park – Darth Maul, “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace”
Jerome Blake – Rune Haako/Mas Amedda, “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace”
Dee Bradley Baker – voice of Clone Captain Rex and Clone Commander Cody, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”
May 25-27
Andy Secombe – Watto, “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace”
Ray Park – Darth Maul, “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace”
Tom Kane – voice of Yoda, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”
June 1-3
Jake Lloyd – Anakin Skywalker, “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace”
Silas Carson – Nute Gunray/Ki-Adi-Mundi, “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace”
June 8-10
Michonne Bourriague – Aurra Sing, “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace”
Jeremy Bulloch – Boba Fett, “Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back” and “Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi”
Daniel Logan – Boba Fett, “Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones”
Nika Futterman – voice of Asajj Ventress, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”
Blast through the universe to Hoth, Tatooine and beyond on a 3D motion simulation adventure inside a Starspeeder 1000 on the Star Tours ride. Party “cantina-style” at the Hyperspace Hoopla and be entertained with music, comedy and dancing with Ewoks, Wookiees, Jawas and other creatures. At the Jedi Training Academy, children under 12 can see if they have the “force” and learn lightsaber skills to defeat Darth Vader.
Admission to “Star Wars” Weekends, May 18-June 10, is included in Theme Park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. “Star Wars” Weekends takes place during normal Theme Park hours. Meet-and-greet sessions and autograph opportunities are extremely limited, so arrive early! Autographs are issued on a first-come, first served basis; limit one autograph per guest. Click here for more information.
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.
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.
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.
During the Citrus Classic 5K, race to the LEGO® Factory in FUN TOWN, past the amazing LEGO landmark replicas at MINILAND USA, to the finish line near LEGO CITY. After the race, stick around for a “bricktastic” 5K Awards presentation. Awards will be given to the fastest overall male and female, male and female masters and the top three males and females in each age group.
The Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Citrus Classic 5K starts at 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 14. Online registration closes Wednesday, April 11. LEGOLAND Florida is located less than one hour from Kissimmee in Winter Haven. Click here for registration information, entry fees and event details. Each race participant receives a T-shirt, race number and a link to purchase discounted tickets to LEGOLAND Florida. Please note registration does not include free park admission.
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.
Looking for something a little “eggs-traordinary” this Easter? Complete your Orlando Vacation by bringing your family to the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Green Meadows Farm on March 29 – April 8. Located in Kissimmee, Green Meadows Farm is working with the Easter bunny to find the perfect hiding places for his colored eggs.
Bring a basket and race around with your kids as they search to find Easter eggs that have been carefully placed behind bales of hay, inside small structures, beside trees and wherever else the bunny thought to hide them. After the hunt, the Easter bunny himself will be available for pictures. For the first time ever, the event will also play host to a butterfly house, where young explorers can watch as these beautiful creatures fly above them.
If you plan to attend Walt Disney World® Resort on Easter Sunday, here’s a tip: the Easter bunny has been known to make an appearance just before the parade at the Magic Kingdom® Park. You can also find special Easter dining options throughout the parks and an Easter Sunday Brunch at the Epcot® World Showcase.
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.
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.
Beyond flippers and fins, meet celebrity wildlife expert Jack Hanna and some of his animal sidekicks at the return of Jack Hanna Weekend at SeaWorld® Orlando, Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25. During this special two day series, learn about animals and conservation with rare, up close looks at endangered and exotic animals. Past animal ambassadors at Jack Hanna Weekend have included clouded leopards, kookaburra birds and eagles.
Also during Jack Hanna Weekend, SeaWorld® Orlando Pass Members can purchase tickets and attend an exclusive breakfast with “Jungle Jack.” Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast with “wild” entertainment from special animal guests. Discover if ligers really exist and if bugs have bones as Jack Hanna answers questions and shares his experiences. Not a pass member? You can click here to purchase a pass. Tickets to the Pass Member Breakfast also include reserved seats for the Jack Hanna Weekend show.
Show times for Jack Hanna Weekend are at 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. in the Nautilus Theater, Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis. General show admission is included with park admission to SeaWorld® Orlando. Click here for information.
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.
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.
Looking to warm up after the winter months? This spring’s hot and spicy 
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 
Looking for something a little “eggs-traordinary” this Easter? Complete your 
Take a short 45-minute trip to 
Whether you’re Irish or Irish at heart, gather your family and head over to 
Are you looking for a fun activity the whole family can enjoy during your Orlando vacation with 
Loading ...
