Central Florida
Orlando Eye too close for annual maintenance
The Coca-Cola Orlando Eye will be closed for annual maintenance Jan. 30 – Feb. 8 and reopen on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m.
Although most of our regular planned maintenance and engineering work takes place overnight after we have closed to the public each night, we will close for a 10-day period to perform larger maintenance projects.
Madame Tussauds Orlando and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium will remain open during that time, as will the admissions desks for all three attractions. Visit OfficialOrlandoEye.com for more information.
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S 2017 MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION
Universal Orlando Resort today announced the headliners taking the stage for the 2017 Mardi Gras celebration– a family-friendly version of the famed New Orleans bash that features Cajun-style cuisine, authentic New Orleans flare, a spectacular parade, and – on select nights – live concerts by a star-studded lineup of musical artists covering everything from pop and R&B to rock and disco.
Universal’s Mardi Gras 2017 will run daily from Feb. 4 through March 25 – giving guests 50 nights to join the celebration. For 12 select nights during the event, guests can enjoy performances by nationally-recognized musical acts including award winning-multiplatinum selling Fifth Harmony, three-time GRAMMY Award winner NE-YO, superstar singer-songwriter Toby Keith and rock band Collective Soul. For the complete line-up and performance schedule, see below.
The celebration also includes a uniquely themed nightly parade featuring festive Mardi Gras floats – complete with New Orleans-inspired music, dozens of colorful dancers and stilt performers, and more than one million beads. This year’s parade will feature six all-new Mythical Creatures Themed floats including, The Dance of the Dragon, The Flight of the Pegasus, and The Rise of the Garuda. All of the exquisitely detailed Mardi Gras floats are engineered by Blaine Kern Artists, the same company that has hand crafted floats for the iconic New Orleans celebration since 1947.
Guests can also enjoy authentic New Orleans-style cuisine at The French Quarter Courtyard and performances by bands pulled straight from Bourbon Street.
The excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios
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2017 MARDI GRAS HEADLINERS LINE-UP |
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Mardi Gras Event Dates |
Headliners (performing in the Music Plaza) |
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Feb. 4 |
Trace Adkins |
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Feb. 11 |
NE-YO |
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Feb. 18 |
Collective Soul |
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Feb. 19 |
X Ambassadors |
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Feb. 25 |
Fifth Harmony |
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March 4 |
Kool & the Gang |
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March 5 |
Olivia Newton-John |
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March 11 |
UB40 |
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March 12 |
Toby Keith |
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March 18 |
Jason Derulo |
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March 19 |
Earth, Wind & Fire |
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March 25 |
The All – American Rejects |
LEGO® Batman™ and KIDZ BOP Lead Unparalleled Lineup of Special Events at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort in 2017
Gotham City’s Caped Crusader kicks off an awesome lineup of special events at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort in 2017, promising plenty of fun, fireworks and festivities at the popular vacation destination, including two all-new events.
Whether it’s fan-focused celebrations of blockbuster properties like “The LEGO® Batman™ Movie” and LEGO Star Wars™, an exclusive KIDZ BOP concert series or a unique spin on special occasions like Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, LEGOLAND Florida Resort offers an incredible calendar of kid-centric events that bring to life the limitless creativity of the LEGO brand.
Here’s what’s happening in 2017, our awesomest year ever:
The LEGO Batman™ Movie Days – March 4-5 & 11-12; new this year!
Super hero. Crime-fighter. Master Builder. LEGO Batman™ is all of those and so much more. Come meet Gotham City’s Caped Crusader during this celebration of the Warner Bros. feature film, which will include photo ops with the scene-stealing star, a themed scavenger hunt and LEGO Batman™-inspired LEGO build activities.
KIDZ BOP Weekend – April 28-30; new this year!
The No. 1 music brand for kids will deliver three days of high-energy fun during this inaugural event exclusive to LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Come see The KIDZ Bop Kids live in concert at The KIDZ Bop Theater as part of their 2017 tour, including songs from the forthcoming “KIDZ BOP 34” album and their version of the LEGO NINJAGO® theme song, “The Weekend Whip.”
LEGO Star Wars™ Days – May 6-7 & 13-14; two weekends this year!
Visit a galaxy far, far away during this Lucasfilm-authorized event, which features some of the most famous scenes from the Star Wars™ saga made out of 1.5 million LEGO bricks in our LEGO Star Wars™ MINILAND Model Display. Activities will include appearances by costumed Star Wars™ fans, LEGO building activities inspired by Star Wars™ characters, settings and stories, and a Star Wars™-themed costume parade for kids. It’s the only LEGO Star Wars™ theme park event in Florida!
LEGOLAND Knight Lights – Select dates in July, including Tuesday, July 4
When the sun goes down, the fun goes up during our signature summertime event, exclusive to LEGOLAND Florida Resort! The Good Knight offers extended park hours, uniquely LEGO light displays, opportunities to build alongside our Master Model Builders and meet-and-greet opportunities with one of the heroes of LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS™! Plus, enjoy a spectacular themed fireworks show over Lake Eloise to end the night, with a special patriotic show planned for the Fourth of July.
Firefighter Fridays – October 6, 13, 20 and 27
The National Fire Protection Association returns for our annual kickoff of NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week and a month-long celebration of real-life heroes. The event includes fun, educational activities that teach kids the importance of fire safety, plus opportunities to meet firefighters who keep our community safe.
Brick or Treat – Select dates in October
Our annual, all-day Halloween event promises lots of spooky, kooky fun throughout the theme park, including larger-than-life LEGO models, a costume parade, multiple LEGO build activities, trick-or-treating (with lots of candy!), exclusive LEGO character meet-and-greets, a Halloween-themed fireworks show, and much more!
Christmas Bricktacular – Select dates in December
Join us for lots of festive fun throughout the theme park as we celebrate the season with a giant Christmas tree made of thousands of LEGO and DUPLO®bricks, holiday-themed scavenger hunts and LEGO building activities, meet-and-greets with LEGO Santa and LEGO Toy Soldier, sparkling lights, beautiful decorations and even the occasional snow flurry! Plus, each date ends with a not-so-silent-night fireworks spectacular choreographed to classic holiday music.
Kids’ New Year’s Eve – Sunday, December 31 only
Ring in the New Year with our one-night-only party built for kids, featuring an exclusive dance party, park-wide LEGO building activities and special entertainment, and an awesome fireworks show that kicks off with the countdown to our giant LEGO “brick drop” – all before midnight!
All events are full-day experiences included with all forms of park admission and offer incredible entertainment and great value. No extra ticket required!
The best way to enjoy this incredible lineup of events is with our Awesome Annual Pass, which offers unlimited admission for a whole year to both LEGOLAND Florida theme park and LEGOLAND Water Park, along with many other great benefits. It’s a terrific value at just $99 plus tax for Florida residents.
Meanwhile, more than 50 rides, shows and attractions inspired by the LEGO and DUPLO brands can be found at the place where #AwesomeAwaits, including experiences based on “The LEGO Movie™,” LEGO NINJAGO, LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS, LEGO City, LEGO Technic and LEGO Friends.
RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT SEAWORLD ORLANDO
Families and friends can ring in the New Year at SeaWorld Orlando on December 31 as vibrant fireworks fill the night sky and festive entertainment can be enjoyed throughout the park until 12:30 a.m., including craft beers and delectable dishes.
To get the full experience, the 4-course New Year’s Eve Celebration Dining & Fireworks Package at Sharks Underwater Grill features a prix-fixe signature meal, with mouthwatering entree choices such as char-grilled filet mignon, blackened Cape Canaveral shrimp and much more. Guests will also receive a souvenir group photo and will end the evening with reserved seating at Bayside Stadium for the fireworks show. The New Year’s Eve Celebration Dining & Fireworks package is $199 per person.
For families seeking a unique experience to enjoy together, the park favorite, New Year’s Eve Dine with Shamu Package is returning.While reveling in a delicious, all-you-care-to-enjoy meal, guests can experience a special evening dining alongside killer whales and learning more about their care. At $99 per person, this package includes a souvenir photo and an exclusive firework-viewing reception from the Hilltop Patio.
To book unforgettable SeaWorld dining experiences for New Year’s Eve, guests are encouraged to visithttps://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/dine-and-shop/dining/signature-dining to confirm their spot. The dining packages typically sell out in advance. Theme park admission is required to enjoy these special opportunities.
Guests who visit SeaWorld on December 31 will also experience all the wonder, excitement and fun ofSeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration™, which includes six dazzling shows, over one million lights, and more than 60 tasty treats and drinks. Full details are available atwww.seaworldorlando.com.
The best way to experienceSeaWorld’s New Year’s Eve andSeaWorld’s Christmas CelebrationTM is with an Annual Pass offering unlimited general admission and free parking all year long.
Major Star Wars announcements released from Disney!
On Wednesday night how are very own Jenie Gallo (The Princess Papers) was on hand at the Disney parks Blog Meetup as Michael Roddy announced some amazing new Star Wars offerings coming to Walt Disney World Resort.
Beginning this month, Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® will have even more to celebrate as favorite Star Wars experiences are updated and new experiences begin in 2017:
Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away: AWR (Advanced Weapons Research) Troopers from the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will debut during a new scene in the existing Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away daytime show. AWR Troopers are encased in specialized Stormtrooper armor with a dark, ominous gleam.
Star Wars Launch Bay: This location will feature new props from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Making-of footage can be seen in the attraction’s behind-the-scenes film, “Meet the Makers.” Similar updates can also be found at Star Wars Launch Bay in Disneyland® Park in California.
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue: Voyage changes are coming starting in mid-December, switching back to randomized beginnings (instead of starting each journey on the planet of Jakku) and final destinations.
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular: This spectacular show will return nightly beginning Dec. 16, 2016 in celebration of the theatrical release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, joining “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” as a second nightly fireworks spectacular at the park through Dec. 31, 2016.
Star Wars Guided Tour: Beginning in 2017, this seven-hour guided tour will be led by a Star Wars “all-in-the-know” tour guide. Your Clients will blast off on Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, get an in-depth, insider’s tour around Launch Bay, and enjoy Star Wars-themed menu items at Backlot Express. Plus, Guests age 4-12 will have an opportunity to participate in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. And, the finale of this unforgettable day includes themed sweets and specialty beverages at Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party, which also includes reserved viewing for the show. Stay tuned to Disney Travel News for more information on this tour and booking information.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story opens in U.S. theaters on Dec. 16, 2016.
To book these specialty tours and packages contact our Fairy Godmother Mary Morales
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A special thank you to The Princess Papers and Jeanie Gallo for the great photos and information!
Hundreds celebrate Walt Disney’s 115th birthday at his birth place in Chicago
December 5th marked the 115th birthday of Walt Disney. In a special dedication ceremony today his birth house was officially dedicated.
This location has been under major renovation for over a year the exterior has been restored and an organization has been formed to continue the restoration on the interior to make it and national historical location.
As the dedication to place local school children sang hope Disney’s granddaughter spoke and Walt Disney himself took to the porch where he was born to say some words. But in true humble Walt Disney fashion the ceremony was short and sweet and followed by cake for everyone.
Very special thank you to Jamie for the photos please like and follow supersize Orlando the Princess Papers and Mary Morales for more exciting information
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT’S HOLIDAYS CELEBRATION BEGINS
Now through Jan. 1, families can create lifelong holiday memories at Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration. Guests will have the opportunity to:
- Experience the 15th anniversaryMacy’s Holiday Parade, featuring some of the samelarger-than-life balloons seen in last week’s famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Colorful holiday characters and fantasy-filled floats will fill the streets of Universal Studios Florida followed by a tree-lighting ceremony by Santa Claus. New to this year’s parade is the “Virginia” balloon depicting the 8-year old girl from the famed Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus newspaper editorial of the late 1800s, as well as the “Mother Ginger” special character from The Nutcracker.
- Come face-to-face with the mean, green one himself and the Whos from Who-ville as Grinchmas comes to life throughout Seuss Landing in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Guests can experience the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular,” a heartwarming live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday tale “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” or join the Grinch and friends for a special holiday breakfast buffet on select dates.
· Plus, the Christmas music sensation –
Mannheim Steamroller – returns to the Music Plaza stage in Universal Studios on select nights to perform electrifying holiday classics with a modern twist. Performances will take place on Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18.
Access to Universal Orlando’s Holidays festivities is included with admission to the theme parks.
For more information on Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/holidays.
SECRET LIFE OF PETS,” BECOMES INTERACTIVE FLOAT IN SUPERSTAR PARADE AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT
Starting this December, guests will experience some of the most hilarious and memorable moments from Illumination Entertainment’s smash hit, “The Secret Life of Pets” as they come to life in Universal’s Superstar Parade. The all-new parade floats will give guests the chance to interact with their favorite characters from the film and get a glimpse into what happens when the pet owners are away.
The world of “The Secret Life of Pets” will be brought to life in two incredibly detailed floats. The first is themed after Central Park and will feature the film’s two main characters, Max and his unlikely friend Duke. The second float will showcase the apartments and skyline of The Big Apple from the film. It will house even more memorable characters including the head-banging Leonard, Buddy (and his unique massage mixer), fearless leader Snowball, Gidget, Chloe and more. And – for the first time ever – some of the characters will talk with guests.
The all-new floats will be surrounded by high-energy performers dressed as ordinary pet owners, who will dance, bounce – and even do parkour gymnastics – to a remake of the dance classic “Bust a Move” as the floats make their way down the streets of Universal Studios Florida.
Magical Changes Happening over Disney
Characters in Flight balloon at Disney Springs will be replaced in January. New design will reflect the change to Disney Springs from Downtown Disney and is said to be “brighter”/more easily seen at night. Typically the balloons are replaced every 4 years in Florida due to weathering. The Balloon replacement will take approximately one week. The Guest area/catwalk of the balloon should be similar. Exact design not released. #InfoFromIAAPAExpo
About the Balloon
Custom-built for Disney by Paris-headquartered company Aérophile S.A., the Aéro30 illuminates to showcase the silhouettes of its beloved Disney characters and is filled with 210,000 cubic feet of helium. The balloon’s 19-foot-diameter basket holds up to 29 people plus one Aérophile-certified pilot per “flight.” Guests on board will be treated to stunning vistas up to 10 miles away!
Custom-built for Disney by Paris-headquartered company Aérophile S.A., the Aéro30 illuminates to showcase the silhouettes of its beloved Disney characters and is filled with 210,000 cubic feet of helium. The balloon’s 19-foot-diameter basket holds up to 29 people plus one Aérophile-certified pilot per “flight.” Guests on board will be treated to stunning vistas up to 10 miles away!
Tickets can be purchased on site at Disney Springs
Price
| Adult | USD $18.00 |
| Child | USD $12.00 |
Know Before You Go
Tickets can be purchased at the attraction location on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition:
- Maximum capacity is affected by wind speeds. The balloon will not fly if winds exceed 22 mph or if there is a storm. Please note that the balloon is tethered and will not travel beyond 400 feet at any time.
- Bags, food and drink, smoking and strollers are not permitted.
- Guests must transfer from their motorized scooter or ECV to an available wheelchair to experience this attraction.
- Guests over 9 years of age are permitted to ride by themselves. However, children under 9 years of age must be accompanied by an adult (18 years of age or older).
- Expectant mothers should not ride.
- This attraction is not recommended for those prone to motion sickness, vertigo, heart problems or any other condition that may be aggravated by flight.
City of Orlando Declare Nov. 17, 2016 as “Blue Man Group Day”
Twenty-five years ago on this day (Nov. 17), a creative collaboration among friends led to the first euphoric and historic Blue Man Group performance at the Astor Place Theatre in New York.
Locally, both Orange County and the City of Orlando have officially declared Nov. 17, 2016 “Blue Man Group Day” in celebration of the group daring to live in full color for 25 years. Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs joined the Blue Men for an official proclamation ceremony last night (Nov. 16) at Universal Orlando Resort. Continuing the celebration, Universal Orlando Resort will illuminate its iconic entryway arches blue for the evening tonight (Nov. 17).
Fans may keep up with Blue Man Group through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or the hashtag #DareToLive.
About Blue Man Group
As Blue Man Group celebrates 25 years of living in full color, the global entertainment phenomenon is inventive as ever with numerous projects and appearances in the creative pipeline. In 2016 alone the group released a new studio album, published their first-ever book, embarked on a World Tour and much more.
The company is best known for the award-winning Blue Man Group show, performed in over 20 countries and seen by more than 35 million people worldwide since 1991. A dynamic combination of music, comedy and technology, the show appeals to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds. It is continually refreshed with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments and state-of-the-art technology.
The company developed through a creative collaboration among three close friends, Chris Wink, Phil Stanton and Matt Goldman on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Blue Man Group now has permanent theatrical productions in Las Vegas, Orlando, Boston, Chicago, New York, Berlin, and a World Tour.
This creative collective is part of the pop culture zeitgeist. Beyond the stage show, they have toured the globe with the “Megastar World Tour” rock concert parody, released 6 albums, including the latest album, THREE, and the Grammy-nominated Audio, released their first-ever book, Blue Man World, and contributed to numerous film and TV scores. They’ve served as the face of branding campaigns for Intel and TIM/Brasil and appeared countless times on hit shows like “The Tonight Show”, “Arrested Development”, “Ellen”, “Schlag den Raab” (Germany), “WOWOW” (Japan), and “Caldeirão do Huck” (Brasil).
Based in New York City, Blue Man Productions has extensive production facilities, recording studios and a 6,000 square foot Research & Development Lab.
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