Orlando Florida

Google Looking for Test City for Ultra High Speed Internet

2010-03-17T07:52:00.000-04:00

As you may have heard, Google is looking for a City like ours to test their experimental ultra high speed internet network.They’re offering us the chance to be home to the fastest internet connection in the world!That means our residents and businesses would have access to an internet connection 100 times faster than anyone else. As you can imagine, the possibilities for this infusion of technology are endless.

More than just a lightning fast internet experience, this opportunity would allow our residents to dream up extraordinary new ways to use the web. It would give our businesses an incredible edge in creating the technology and jobs of tomorrow that ultimately benefit our community.Before that can happen, we need your help to let Google know that Orlando is the place to be!We need you to tell Google why we’re the right community to take full advantage of this incredible opportunity.Here’s how you can help:

Fill out Google’s survey: Tell Google what you or your company might be able to accomplish with this kind of internet connection. What sort of dreams could you turn into reality? You can find a link to it on our very own web site: GetGoogling.com

Get Creative: Show the world why you want Google to choose Orlando by making your own You Tube video and submitting it to GetGoogling.com

Tell your friends: Pass along this email, post it on Facebook, talk about it on Twitter or Buzz. Tell them to go to GetGoogling.com

We don’t have much time. Our City’s application is due back to Google on March 26. We need to get to work fast to show Google that the next generation of the internet is a natural fit with Orlando … the next Great American City.

Source: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer

Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld/International Center

2010-03-17T05:00:00.004-04:00

Families planning a trip to Orlando Florida need easy access to the attractions, affordable prices, and plenty of room to move. The Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld/International Center offers all of this and more, and was even named the hotel Best for Families in the U.S. by TripAdvisor® in its 2008 Travelers Choice awards.

Guests of the Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld/International Center won’t have to travel far to enjoy an entire day at SeaWorld, Discovery Cove or Aquatica, and this Orlando Marriott hotel is only minutes away from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure, and all of the restaurants, shops and entertainment venues along International Drive. Complimentary theme park transportation is also available.

Business travelers will appreciate staying at a SeaWorld Orlando hotel with free high speed Internet access and suites that include a desk, dual-line phone, and ergonomic chair. Visiting families can take advantage of rooms that have 50% more space than traditional hotel rooms, and one or two bedroom suites are also available. And no matter what brings guests to an Orlando Marriott hotel near SeaWorld, they will benefit from Marriott s new Revive® bedding package includes crisp linens, custom comforters, and soft pillows; fully equipped kitchens with dining table and chairs; and a complimentary hot American breakfast buffet.

Other family-friendly amenities at the Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld/International Center include a heated outdoor swimming pool, game room, and sport court, to give guests a little bit of down-time after a day at the theme parks. Travelers looking for an Orlando hotel near SeaWorld can trust the Marriott name, making the Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld/International Center an ideal choice.

Save money on your wedding day

2010-03-16T16:41:00.002-04:00

FOX 35 talked to Mindy Cunnigham from Best Western Orlando Gateway. Watch our video interview!

Bridal Open House Featuring budget friendly vendors Best Western Orlando Gateway April 8th 5:30 pm - 8:30pm
RSVP at mindy@bworlando.com
Best Western Orlando Gateway 7299 Universal Blvd. Orlando, FL 32819 Toll Free: (800) 445-7299 Phone: (407) 351-5009 www.bworlando.com

Carlos Pena at Discovery Cove

2010-03-16T16:19:00.002-04:00

ORLANDO, FL – CARLOS PEÑA’S ALL-STAR DAY AT DISCOVERY COVE -- Carlos Peña, first baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays, swims with a new fan, Jenny, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Peña spent the day at Discovery Cove in Orlando swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with rays, and hand-feeding exotic birds. Explore more at DiscoveryCove.com.

Food Network Chef Tyler Florence at Bob Carr March 25 • 8 pm

2010-03-16T15:07:00.002-04:00

Food Network Chef Tyler Florence, one of the biggest stars in food and cooking, will be appearing in this scrumptious series! Tyler will present an evening of cooking demonstrations, story-telling, Q and A, and fun that will give each audience member a rare opportunity to share a delicious evening with Tyler! Plus big screens ensure no one misses a moment of the action.

BUY ONE GET ONE OFFER*
Start: Tuesday, March 16 • 10 amEnd: Tuesday, March 23 • 10 pmPassword: TYLEREnter password in 'Buy One, Get One' section Buy tickets on Ticketmaster.com, the #1 ticketing portal on the web

*Tyler Florence Buy One, Get One ticket offer applies to $54 tickets only. Tyler Florence Buy One, Get One ticket offer is available until March 23 at 10 pm, or until tickets are sold out.
Dates, times, prices, discounts, venues, performers and deadlines are subject to change.

Women Airforce Service Pilots

2010-03-16T11:27:00.000-04:00

Since the release of the film "Amelia Earhart" last year, millions have seen the aviation legend brought to life by actor Hilary Swank. Now, fans of the world's most famous female pilot will not only have an opportunity to meet Susan Butler, the author of the biography, "East to the Dawn: The Life of Amelia Earhart" that was made into a blockbuster movie, but will also be able to meet the fearless female pilots who carried on Amelia Earhart's dreams of flight. Fantasy of Flight has just announced that Butler will serve as a special guest moderator for its March 26 luncheon honoring the WASP-Women Airforce Service Pilots, the first female pilots ever to pilot U.S. military aircraft during World War II.

The intimate, reservations-only luncheon will be held Friday, March 26, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Orlampa Conference Center at Fantasy of Flight. Tickets are $65 plus tax per person and include admission to the afternoon symposium and attraction after the luncheon. Reservations are required. For tickets, visit www.fantasyofflight.com/livinghistory or call 863-984-3500, ext. 220. Corporate tables and individual tickets are available.

Proceeds from the luncheon will go to Girls Inc., a national nonprofit youth organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, and provides vital educational programs to millions of American girls, particularly those in high-risk, under-served areas.

"The Library of Congress theme for Women's History Month is to 'write women back into history' so I can't think of a better way to celebrate the great women of aviation than with this luncheon and symposium," said Kim Long, General Manager, Fantasy of Flight. "From Amelia Earhart who laid the groundwork for women in flight, to her close friend, WASP founder Jackie Cochran, to the four WASP who have so graciously agreed to share their personal stories with us, to Susan Butler who had the foresight to tell Earhart's story like it had never been told before, and for all of the young women of Girls Inc. who will be emboldened and lifted up by the proceeds from this luncheon, we at Fantasy of Flight are proud to share this important era in American history with the public."

Butler was inspired by the life of Amelia Earhart through the passions of her own mother and grandmother, who fell in love with flying long before most people would set foot in an airplane. Her mother, one of the few women pilots of her time, was a member of the Ninety Nines, the women's flying organization which Amelia Earhart helped start. The Washington Post called her Earhart biography, "The single best book that we now have on Earhart's life." Butler now lives in Lake Wales, Florida.

The luncheon is just one part of the activities planned during Fantasy of Flight's Living History Symposium honoring the WASP. From March 25-27, in honor of Women's History Month, four of the original WASP: Bernice "Bee" Falk Haydu, Riviera Beach, Fla., Florence Rubin Mascott, Palm Beach, Fla., Barry Vincent Smith, Avon Park, Fla. and Helen Wyatt Snapp, Pembroke Pines, Fla., will take part in the second of Fantasy of Flight's three-part Living History Symposium Series. Called "A Passionate Pursuit," the weekend forum will celebrate all of the fearless female pilots who left their homes and jobs at the height of World War II to serve their country as the first American women to fly for the U.S. military.

Last week, and more than 60 years since their brave service during World War, the WASP were officially recognized by the U.S. Congress with the Congressional Gold Medal. On March 10, as many as 300 of the original 1,114 WASP convened on Capitol Hill to receive the highest award a civilian can receive from the United States Congress. The Congressional Gold Medal is bestowed only upon those who have performed an outstanding act of service for their country. President Barack Obama signed the bill into law in July 2009 to grant the WASP this great honor.

The symposium will bring to life the experiences of these courageous aviators through several open-forum/question-and-answer sessions with Haydu, Mascott, Smith and Snapp, as well as permanent and semi-permanent exhibits and real aircraft. Fantasy of Flight's WASP exhibition, which includes aircraft as well as four separate bays that feature historical, anecdotal, and inspirational newsreel footage, original photos, and storytelling panels from the 1940s and today, will serve as the backdrop for historic appearances from the real pilots.

Only 1,830 of the 25,000 applicants were accepted into the WASP program, and 1,074 of those women earned their silver WASP wings. Their indomitable founder, Jackie Cochran, became the first civilian to receive the U.S. Army Distinguished Service Medal for her vision and leadership of the WASP program.

The third in the Living History Symposium Series, "Victory in the Sky" will take place Saturday, April 17 featuring American Fighter Aces in honor of National Military Month. This elite group of combat pilots shot down five or more hostile aircraft in air-to-air combat in World War I and II, as well as Korea and Vietnam.

During each symposium, Fantasy of Flight will feature "Open Cockpit Days" during which guests are invited to get up close and personal with some of America's most rare vintage aircraft and climb aboard for a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.

Fantasy of Flight also hosts a number of other special events throughout the 2010 year, including the Sun 'n Fun Splash-In at Fantasy of Flight on Lakes Agnes, April 15; Mustangs & Mustangs-Legends Havin' Fun 2010, April 17; Roar n' Soar, Nov. 13 -14 and many more.

Cost of each Living History symposium is included with Fantasy of Flight admission, which is $28.95 for adults, $14.95 for children ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Children 5 and younger are free. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults, $39.95 for children ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax, and are good for one year from the date of purchase. Open Cockpit Days are free for Annual Pass holders and $20 additional for paid guests.

For more information, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.

Fairfield Inn and Suites Orlando at SeaWorld

2010-03-15T05:00:00.001-04:00

A family vacation at SeaWorld Orlando is more affordable than ever at the Fairfield Inn & Suites at SeaWorld. Located on International Drive right by SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and adjacent to Orlando's newest water park, Aquatica, the Fairfield Inn & Suites at SeaWorld is part of the Marriott family of hotels, so guests can enjoy reasonable rates as well as the peace of mind that comes with staying at a Marriott hotel.

The Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld offers a number of free amenities, including onsite parking, continental breakfast, high speed Wi-Fi Internet access in all public areas and meeting rooms, and shuttle service to some of Orlando's most popular attractions.

Kids will appreciate the one-of-a-kind Shamu pool and splash zone, and the entire family can dine at the Splash Zone Bar & Grille. Dozens of restaurants are just a mile or two north of this Marriott hotel near SeaWorld on International Drive, and some of the largest outlet shopping in the southeast is located just minutes away from this Orlando Marriott hotel.

Business travelers can also take advantage of the Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld's location just one mile away from the Orange County Convention Center. Best of all, guests can have full access to the restaurants, attractions, and shops that are part of the I-Drive tourist district, without being in the thick of International Drive's most crowded areas.

Experienced travelers know that they can't go wrong with choosing a Marriott hotel, which is why visitors looking for an Orlando Marriott near SeaWorld will appreciate everything the Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld has to offer.

Disney Reaches 1 Million People

2010-03-14T07:42:00.003-04:00

On March 9, 2010, it was announced that “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” – a first-of-its-kind program of Disney Parks – reached its goal of inspiring 1 million people in 2010 to give back to their communities through volunteer service in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. Since the program started just 10 weeks ago, on Jan. 1, a million people already have volunteered or have committed to volunteer in their communities, according to Disney Parks and HandsOn Network, the nation’s largest volunteer network and a facilitator of “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day.” Although the program has ended and a free Disney theme park ticket will no longer be provided, those still interested in volunteering may search for opportunities through HandsOn Network at HandsOnNetwork.org (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

President Obama Signed Travel Promotion Act into Law

2010-03-13T01:59:00.000-05:00

President Obama signed the Travel Promotion Act which represents an enormous victory for the exhibitions, meetings and travel industries. The legislation, led by the lobbying efforts of the U.S. Travel Association and dozens of supporting organizations, including the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), took almost three years to pass through Congress."

All IAEE members who visited Washington D.C., who talked with, wrote and called their Congressional representatives and senators share in this important victory," says IAEE President Steven Hacker, CAE. "Working in tandem with our partners across the industry ensured that our messages were both heard and acted upon. It is now time to go about the work of recapturing international market share for the business travelers who are so important to our domestic trade shows and events."

In the last decade, the U.S. lost substantial ground in the global travel market to other nations. The economic loss to the nation is estimated to be in excess of billions. Now that the Travel Promotion Act is law, the U.S. will have a source of travel promotion support for the first time.Click here to read full story.
Source: Travel Daily News

SpringHill Suites at SeaWorld

2010-03-12T05:00:00.001-05:00

The SpringHill Suites at SeaWorld enables guests to get closer to SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Aquatica without the crowds found on the north end of International Drive. Part of the Marriott brand of hotels, the SpringHill Suites offers suites that are 25% larger than comparably priced Orlando hotel rooms on International Drive. The SpringHill Suites at SeaWorld is adjacent to Aquatica, Orlando’s newest water park, and is only a few minutes away from Orange County Convention Center and the Orlando Premium Outlets.

While dozens of restaurants are accessible up the road on I-Drive, guests of the SpringHill Suites at SeaWorld can also choose to stay put at the hotel and enjoy a meal at the Splash Bar & Grill or TGI Friday’s on site. For visiting families, there is an outdoor zero-depth entry swimming pool with a Shamu-themed splash zone and a video arcade room. For business travelers or engaged couples, the SpringHill Suites at SeaWorld has meeting and banquet facilities to accommodate your memorable event.

Most importantly, the SpringHill Suites at SeaWorld rooms are spacious and affordable enough to accommodate an extended stay in the Orlando area. All rooms include complimentary breakfast and free high-speed Internet access. Room amenities include a choice of one king or two queen sized beds, a sofa bed, plus cable TV, a coffee maker, microwave, mini-refrigerator, a shower/tub combination and hair dryer in the bathroom, and plush, homey furnishings.

Whether you plan to spend your entire Orlando vacation at the SeaWorld parks or intend on expanding your trip itinerary to include Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, the SpringHill Suites at SeaWorld is ideally suited for your entire family. To make reservations, visit the SpringHill Suites at SeaWorld Web site.

Country Inn & Suites, Orlando Universal

2010-03-11T16:53:00.000-05:00

Warm weather has returned to Central Florida and the Country Inn & Suites Orlando Universal is in the center of all of the action. We are located one block from the International Drive Restaurants, Shopping and Attractions and close to all the local theme parks. The Country Inn & Suites, Orlando, Universal is a AAA approved 3 Diamond Hotel and offers free scheduled shuttle to Universal Studios, Sea World and the Walt Disney World Resort. If you are traveling for business, we are located one mile from the Orange County Convention Center.

We offer cozy accommodations at a comfortable price for your stay in the Orlando area. A hot deluxe continental breakfast is offered daily and is included in your room rate. There is a game room, gift shop, fitness center and outdoor pool on site. Our Standard rooms include 2 queen size beds, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, cable television, in-room safe, and free high-speed wireless internet access. Our suites offer a king size bed in the bedroom, a pull out queen size sleeper sofa in the living room, a microwave, refrigerator as well as all of the amenities of our standard rooms.

When you visit our hotel during your stay in the Central Florida area, we know that you will leave saying, “I Love This Country.” Be sure to follow us on Facebook and look for online promotions at www.facebook.com/countryinnuniversal.

SeaWorld Rescues 11th Manatee This Year

2010-03-11T01:44:00.002-05:00

SeaWorld Rescues 11th Manatee This Year … (March 9, 2010) … Orlando, Fla. -- SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team rescues a young female manatee today from a canal near Satellite Beach, Fla. This was the park’s 11th cold-stress manatee rescue this year – an unusually high number due to Florida’s unseasonably cold and extended winter. The approximately five-foot-long sea cow remains in guarded condition at SeaWorld’s Manatee Rehabilitation Center, where she is be treated by park veterinarians and animal care specialists in hopes of releasing her back to nature.

SeaWorld is the global leader in the rescue and rehabilitation of manatees. The park’s Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation Team is on call 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. SeaWorld has released seven manatees this year.

Source: SeaWorld

Best Western Orlando Gateway Hotel

2010-03-10T05:00:00.001-05:00

Located in Orlando’s International Drive tourist district, the Best Western Orlando Gateway Hotel is at the heart of everything that Orlando, Florida has to offer. The Best Western Orlando Gateway is a family-friendly AAA 3-diamond hotel that offers free scheduled shuttle transportation to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Universal City Walk, SeaWorld and Discovery Cove. Orlando’s original water park—Wet ‘n Wild—is located just across the street and the Walt Disney World resort is only minutes away. Dozens of restaurants of within walking distance from the hotel, and the largest outlet shopping mall in the Southeast—Prime Outlets—is only a few minutes away by car.

With the Orange County Convention Center just two miles south of the hotel on I-Drive, the Best Western Orlando Gateway also handles meetings and banquets. And for visitors who have an Orlando wedding in mind, the Best Western Orlando Gateway offers a variety of wedding packages that may include a fully catered rehearsal dinner, reception, or a farewell brunch.

Best of all, the Best Western Orlando Gateway offers comfortable accommodations at very reasonable prices. Choose from deluxe guest rooms, leisure guest rooms, poolside rooms, and spacious mini-suites, which are ideal for traveling families. The deluxe guest rooms, which are among the best deals of any Orlando Florida value hotel, are available with two double beds, coffee maker, iron and board, hair dryer, 37” plasma TV, free high-speed Internet access and a remote controlled TV with cable and Super Nintendo games.

Orlando visitors have a lot of choices, but only a chosen few hotels can be located right in the center of all the action. To make reservations, visit the Best Western Orlando Gateway Hotel Web site.

Calling All Remote Control Planes Fans To Fantasy of Flight

2010-03-09T12:45:00.002-05:00

Scale models of vintage aircraft and flying machines from the earliest years of aviation will compete in "The Blue Max Scale R/C Challenge and Fly-In," an AMA Sanctioned Event at Fantasy of Flight, Central Florida's premier aviation attraction.

Competing pilots will show off their craftsmen skills and aerial maneuvers March 12 and March 13 at the 300-acre Fantasy of Flight in Polk City. The event includes a stationary display of the models along with a fly-in competition where pilots will be judged on their flight skills. Entries are limited to aircraft that flew between 1903 and 1919.

Fantasy of Flight allows the public to view part of the world's largest privately-held vintage aircraft collection, visit fascinating exhibits and relive moments from aviation's storied past. The Blue Max event fits into Fantasy of Flight's theme of recognizing man's fascination with flight.

"Blue Max is a challenging effort to bring modelers from this era of aviation together in a single contest," said Fantasy of Flight founder Kermit Weeks, who owns the largest private collection of vintage airplanes in the world. "I have a great affinity for these aircraft and we'll fly a few of the real planes during the competition."

Models competing in the event will include those made from commercial kits and planes built from scratch. Pilots must present an actual representation of the plane based on historical documentation. The planes will perform 10 maneuvers in each of three rounds during the flying competition. The best two rounds will be averaged for the final score. All aircraft must pass a safety inspection before flying.

The $40 Blue Max registration includes one aircraft, passes for two full days of flying, admission for the pilot and a guest. Additional competitive planes can be added for $10 each. The static and non-competitive registration fee is $25 per person. Participants can purchase additional weekend guest passes for $20. The public is invited to watch and can do so by purchasing a Fantasy of Flight general admission ticket.

Fly-in hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. All pilots must be present for a pilot briefing at 8:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Fantasy of Flight is located at 1400 Broadway Blvd. SE, Polk City. The attraction is off exit 44 on I-4, midway between Tampa and Orlando.

The Blue Max Scale R/C Challenge and Fly-In is one of several special events hosted by Fantasy of Flight including the Sun 'n Fun Splash In at Fantasy of Flight on Lakes Agnes, April 15; Mustangs & Mustangs-Legends Havin' Fun 2010 and Living History Symposium Series "Victory in the Sky," both April 17, Roar n' Soar, Nov. 13 -14 and many more. For more information, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival 2010

2010-03-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

One of Disney World’s most popular annual events, The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival 2010 will be in full bloom March 3 – May 16, 2010, featuring specialty gardens, kids’ areas, a Florida farmer’s market and concerts from some of the top pop artists of the 1960s and 1970s.

Epcot admission is required to attend the International Flower & Garden Festival events. This year’s highlights include a Garden Town exhibit with presentations from nationally recognized gardeners; several merchandise locations for home gardeners, the Fresh from Florida farmer’s market, an English Tea Garden, Fragrance Garden, and kids areas such as the Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden, Bee Scavenger Hunt, Princess Tiana’s Wedding Bayou, and Let’s Get Moving play areas.

The Flower & Garden Festival concerts are a big draw, and this year’s lineup features some returning favorites. The 2010 concerts are at 5:15, 6:30, and 7:45 p.m. The artists scheduled to appear are as follows:

March 5 – 7: Jose Feliciano
March 12 – 14: Paul Revere & the Raiders
March 19 – 21: David Cassidy
March 26 – 28: Starship starring Mickey Thomas
April 2 – 4: Tony Orlando
April 9 – 11: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
April 16 – 18: Ricky Nelson remembered featuring The Nelsons
April 23 – 25: Atlanta Rhythm Section’
April 30, May 1 & 2: Fran Cosmo (former singer of Boston)
May 7 – 9: Davy Jones
May 14 – 16: Chubby Checker & the Wildcats

For more information, visit the official Disney Web site.

Florida Legoland Could Include Aquarium Attraction

2010-03-07T15:35:00.000-05:00

Would an aquarium made of Lego blocks hold water? Mark Jackson thinks it could be so.

A Sea Life aquarium could eventually be part of the final package as Legoland comes to Central Florida according to Jackson, director of tourism and sports marketing for the Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau.

The second phase of Legoland construction “possibly, if you look at the California model, (could include) a Sea Life aquarium (and) definitely a resort destination hotel,” he said Friday at a meeting of the Haines City Chamber of Commerce. Merlin Entertainment, the company which will build Polk’s Legoland’s park, also owns Sea Life aquarium centers, more than 30 around the world, including one in California at the Legoland park there. Company officials told Jackson a Polk Sea Life aquarium is a possibility.

There are two Sea Life attractions currently in the United States, one adjacent to the California Legoland attraction and a second stand-alone attraction in Arizona. The California location opened in August of 2008, and was the first one to be built in this country.

Source: C.J. Newton, Polk County Democrat

'BIG' FUN AT EPCOT: Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

2010-03-07T08:40:00.002-05:00

Horticulturist Julia Clark tends to the Germany pavilion's miniature train garden at Epcot during the 2006 edition of the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. Horticulture displays are found all around the park, including this mini-train garden that includes floral decorations on pint-sized buildings, a tiny festival sign and even a dollhouse-size Snow White topiary (left) being cultivated by two gardeners. Epcot is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

Stay 3 nights pay for 2 deals at Walt Disney World area hotels

2010-03-06T05:00:00.002-05:00

Has cabin fever turned into spring fever yet? When travelers stay at the Holiday Inn Main Gate East, Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel, or America’s Best Inn Main Gate East—all just minutes away from the Walt Disney World resort—they can stay for three nights and only pay for two.

In addition to the “stay three nights pay for two” offer the Holiday Inn Main Gate East, Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel, and America’s Best Inn Main Gate East are giving visitors the opportunity to pre-pay for a hotel reservation of three or more nights and receive a discount of 20 – 25 % off the regular hotel room price.

Springtime in Orlando is an ideal time to visit Walt Disney World, when some of the resort’s most popular annual events take place, including the Disney Princess Half Marathon, the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival, and Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Thanks to the budget-conscious room rates at the Holiday Inn Main Gate East, Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel, and America’s Best Inn Main Gate East, staying at a Walt Disney World area hotel just became more affordable.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival kicks off March 3 – earlier than ever

2010-03-05T06:06:00.003-05:00

The 17th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival kicks off March 3 – earlier than ever – and continues for 75 days through May 16, 2010, with bold strokes of seasonal color and brand-new topiary whimsy. Last year’s festival began March 18; now Walt Disney World guests get a head start on the gardening season as they explore exhibits and activities geared toward discovery and outdoor fun.

Even before spring has sprung, Donald Duck and his topiary pals set up camp in full floral color to celebrate the Great Outdoors at the Epcot front entrance. The elaborate topiary with a North American theme, live waterfall and pond features Goofy in a fly-fishing misadventure, Daisy Duck roasting marshmallows over a campfire and Pluto in his “pup tent.” It’s a must-stop photo op for guests as soon as they pass through the park turnstiles. Packing more floral punch this year, the festival showcases more than 100 expertly crafted topiaries – including a new Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse topiary among a bed of flowers and vegetables in an “American Gothic” parody located at World Showcase Plaza.

“The advantage of starting earlier is that we’ll be able to feature more brilliant color than ever, with richly hued petunias, violas, snapdragons and other hardy flowers,” says festival horticulture manager Eric Darden. “By starting earlier and going through mid-May, it allows more guests than ever to experience the festival and to plan ahead for their spring and summer gardening.”

New This Year!

Special gardens, events and children’s play areas throughout the park offer more reasons to visit the 17th annual festival:

New Community Garden – Disney’s “fab five” topiary pals – Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto and Goofy – gather at American Adventure to tend tomatoes, beans, peppers, herbs and other edibles in their first Community Garden for a salute to the many community gardens being planted across the country.

Newly Expanded Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden – Colorful topiaries of Tinker Bell and friends from Walt Disney Pictures’ latest DVD release “Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue” will sprinkle pixie dust over this playful, expanded garden for kids. New characters on display with returning fairy favorites are fast-flying, sharp-tongued Vidia and charming Terence, dispenser of pixie dust. Tinker Bell’s Nook has hands-on activities. In a synergistic turn, the “Great Fairy Rescue” DVD includes a bonus feature on “The Making of the Fairy House,” featuring a child’s fairy house design brought to life by Disney’s horticulture team, along with the movie’s producer and director, who helped plan the garden.

Fawn’s Butterfly House at Pixie Hollow – Formerly known as Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly House, the butterfly garden this year is part of the Expanded Pixie Hollow and named after fairy Fawn from the popular Tinker Bell films. Hundreds of butterflies will flit among the lush foliage, and guests can wander and watch as winged beauties of multiple species light on flowers filled with nectar and as caterpillars emerge from their chrysalis in a special discovery exhibit.

Princess Tiana’s Wedding Bayou – This picturesque garden tucked into a corner of Future World near the Test Track walkway features full-size images of Tiana, Prince Naveen, Mama Odie, Louis the alligator and other animal friends gathered beneath a stand of trees. Disney gardeners created a pond with water lilies nearby, and bright bottles dangle from the trees as in the movie’s bayou scene. Coloring and rubbing stations are set up for children.

First-Ever American Gothic Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse – Topiary experts pull out all the stops to create an American Gothic Mickey and Minnie topiary scene based on the 1930 Grant Wood painting. At World Showcase Plaza.

The Art of Green Living Garden – This Tuscan-themed garden is located between the France and Morocco pavilions and shows guests how to create an environmentally friendly garden that showcases the beauty of Tuscany. Olive and loquat trees, bubbling fountains, a “green” wall, a patio kitchen and a kids play area are just some of this large garden’s features.

Throughout the festival, more than 100 topiaries plus sweeping floral beds and exhibits will decorate the park landscape and showcase the extraordinary craftsmanship of Disney gardeners. A Fragrance Garden at the France pavilion will tell the “love story” of plants and perfume, and the art of bonsai will “wow” guests at the Japan showcase.

Festival highlights also include:

Flower Power concerts – Popular bands will rock the open-air America Gardens Theatre every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. Jose Feliciano is scheduled to kick off the concert series March 5-7. On subsequent weekends, the lineup is slated to feature pop favorites like Davy Jones, Chubby Checker & The Wildcats, Tony Orlando, former Boston lead singer Fran Cosmo, and other top acts.

Disney Gardening at Home presentations – Disney horticulturists will share gardening tips and lead guests in a hands-on, take-home activity.

The Great American Gardeners series – Gardening celebrities and authors from across the country will reveal their gardening secrets. Opening weekend, Robert Bowden, author and director of lush Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, kicks off the series.

The Garden Town Festival Center – Guests can shop for festival merchandise, attend speaker presentations and demonstrations and ask gardening questions of the experts.

Special Festival Celebrations – An Art in the Garden celebration of plein air artists is scheduled March 26-28; a Florida Farmer’s Market celebration is April 23-25, and the popular I Dig Bugs event is set for April 30-May 2.

Victor Manuelle and Luis Enrique Kick of Viva La Música This Weekend at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens

2010-03-05T03:19:00.000-05:00

Viva La Música kicks off this weekend with performances by Victor Manuelle at SeaWorld on Saturday, March 6, and Luis Enrique at Busch Gardens on Sunday, March 7.

Native to Puerto Rico, the power of Victor Manuelle’s tropical music and performances comes from his passion and mastery of traditional Puerto Rican singing. With 15 studio albums to his credit, Victor Manuelle has topped the charts since the late 90s, earning countless recognitions at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, the Lo Nuestro Awards and ASCAP’s Latin Music Awards.
Luis Enrique is a Nicaraguan singer and composer who was the leading pioneer in the “salsa romantica” movement of the 1980s. His success earned him the title "El Principe de la Salsa (The Prince of Salsa).” Enrique’s 2009 album Ciclos won a Latin Grammy for Best Salsa Album of the Year and was nominated for Album of the Year.

Viva La Música occurs every weekend in March with concerts and festivities on Saturdays at SeaWorld Orlando and Sundays at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This red-hot Hispanic concert series blends live performances from award-winning Latin artists with “el sabor” (the flavor) of the heritage — featuring popular Hispanic food and authentic arts and crafts.

Admission to Viva La Música is included with regular park admission, Fun Card or valid Passport membership. Concert seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests can also purchase VIP seating the day of. Concert dates and artists are subject to change.

During Viva La Música, Spanish-language tours will be offered every Saturday at SeaWorld and every Sunday at Busch Gardens.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Lady Foot Locker

2010-03-04T13:45:00.002-05:00

This year’s Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend is scheduled for March 5-March 7, 2010 and since it has been very popular Disney has extended the race capacity and is accepting 2,500 additional entries.

This Marathon Weekend brings women of all ages together to participate in a magical event designed just for them. The Disney Princesses are the inspiration for the weekend’s events and will focus on the attributes every princess possesses: courage, fantasy, commitment, determination, perseverance, and strength.

The weekend events include:
Disney’s Princess Half Marathon
Disney’s Royal Family 5K
Disney’s Royal Family Kid’s Races
Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo

The weekend’s signature event, Disney’s Princess Half Marathon, will take runners on a 13.1 mile royal journey through Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Last year more than 11,000 runners from every U.S. state and 17 other countries competed in various races throughout the weekend, which included the Royal Family 5K and the Princess Kid’s races, making this event one of the largest endurance race weekends that is geared towards women.

Disney's Fit for a Princess Expo is a 2-day celebration of women, focused on health and fitness! The Expo will be located in the brand new Jostens® Center, located at Disney's Wide World of Sports® Complex. This event will involve celebrity runner appearances, seminars on training, racing, and nutrition, along with the opportunity to experience the latest in running and fitness equipment. A variety of Disney’s Half Marathon Weekend merchandise will be available for purchase at the expo.

Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel “an Official Walt Disney World Hotel”, the most affordable full-service hotel in the Downtown Disney Resort Area. The property prides itself on offering amenities normally found in higher priced accommodations including; private furnished balconies, guest rooms with two queen size bed or one king size beds by Simmons Beautyrest with triple sheeting and luxury linens and wireless internet service throughout the entire hotel. For your convenience the hotel offers continuous shuttle service every half hour to the Walt Disney World Theme Parks. For reservations please call 1-800-348-3765 or visit us at http://www.lakebuenavistaresorthotel.com/.

Discount Vacation Rentals Online

2010-03-03T05:00:00.000-05:00

The Orlando vacation of your dreams is becoming even more affordable with Discount Vacation Rentals Online (DVRO). Specializing in Orlando vacation homes, condos and town houses, Discount Vacation Rentals Online can put you and your extended family in affordable accommodations just minutes away from the Walt Disney World resort and many other Orlando area theme park, shopping, dining and entertainment attractions.

Accommodating a large group might require several costly, separate rooms at a hotel or major resort, but Discount Vacation Rentals Online works with numerous management companies and owners for their expansive inventory of rental homes and other properties. Not all of the available properties are listed on the site, so vacation planners can contact DVRO directly to locate the best deals in the ideal location. Vacation home specials are also available for additional savings.

DVRO also offers special “family packs,” which include amenities that will make the trip even more enjoyable for children, including a private swimming pool, DVD/VCR player, video games and much more. High speed Internet access is included with many of the vacation rental properties as well. With so many properties to choose from, Discount Vacation Rentals Online can match your family with the best accommodations for your next Orlando vacation.

Stay with us while attending the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

2010-03-02T09:54:00.002-05:00

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, presented by Disneynature, is a spring special event filled with colorful array of flowers, gardens, topiaries, live music and educational events.

This is one of our favorite events that take place at Epcot and it’s perfect for guests of all ages! You will enjoy millions of blooming flowers and a vibrant of Disney-themed topiaries, and hundreds of butterflies inside Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden. On the weekends you can meet with top horticulturists at one of the many Garden Town Programs and learn helpful gardening tips. Be sure to attend the public demonstrations of advanced gardening techniques from around the world. Some of the demonstrations will include, Easy to do Water Features, Fun Family Gardening Projects, What’s Old is New and many more.

One highlight of this event is on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the festival you can enjoy music from the 1960’s and 1970’s during the Flower Power Concert Series. Some of this year’s concert performers are Jose Feliciano, Paul Revere & The Raiders, David Cassidy, Starship, Tony Orlando, Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone, Ricky Nelson Remembered Featuring the Nelsons, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Fran Cosmo (Former lead singer of Boston), Davy Jones and Chubby Checker & The Wildcats. Entertainment is subject to change without notice.

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival starts early this year, March 3-May 16, 2010 so make your spring break plans now and stay with us. The Best Western Lake Buena Vista, “An Official Walt Disney World Resort” Hotel, is located within walking distance to Downtown Disney’s shopping, dining and entertainment complex and offers complimentary continuous shuttles to the Walt Disney Theme parks. Our 18-story, 325 room, full service hotel overlooks scenic Lake Buena Vista and the magical Walt Disney World Resort. The hotel’s contemporary lobby level features a variety of dining and shopping outlets including an official Disney Gift Shop. All rooms boost colorful and stylish triple sheeted beds, furnished private balconies and complimentary internet access. Enjoy breakfast at Trader’s Island Grill where you can even make your very own Mickey Mouse waffles. Flamingo Cove offers indoor and poolside dining with daily specials and also serves Pizza Hut Express pizzas. Be sure to take advantage
Of our 20% off prepay special. For reservations call 800.348.3765 or visit our web site at www.lakebuenavistaresorthotel.com.

2010 Olympians

2010-03-02T09:51:00.002-05:00

Don't miss your chance to see 2010 Olympians* Evan Lysacek,Meryl Davis & Charlie White, Mirai Nagasu, Tanith Belbin & Benjamin Agosto,Jeremy Abbott, Rachael Flatt, Shen & Zhaoand Miki Ando plus Sasha Cohen,Todd Eldredge, Michael Weiss and more of the world's best skaters in this magical combination of athleticism, artistry and great music - all in one show!at the Amway Arena on SATURDAY, APRIL 3 • 7:30 PM
*Olympians May Vary By City
Buy tickets on Ticketmaster.com, the #1 ticketing portal on the web

Disney DVD releases for March 2010

2010-03-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

Disney will release two modern Pixar classics and the newest Disney princess during the month of March. The Princess and the Frog will be released on Blu-Ray, DVD, and as a Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack, and Toy Story and Toy Story 2 will be released on March 23 on Blu-Ray combo packs.

Released in theatres nationwide in December 2009, The Princess and the Frog introduced Disney’s first African-American princess. The film is set in 1920s New Orleans and features original music and hand-drawn animation in the style of Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. Princess Tiana made her debut at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom a few months ahead of the film’s premiere.

The re-release of the Toy Story movies is significant because Toy Story 3 is scheduled for theatrical release on June 18, 2010. In this latest movie in the Toy Story series, Woody and Buzz face an uncertain future as their owner Andy prepares to move away to college. Since the original Toy Story was released in 1995, the characters from Toy Story have been staples of the Walt Disney World theme parks. Woody and Jesse (from Toy Story 2) have appeared in a Magic Kingdom parade, Buzz Lightyear space Ranger Spin is a popular attraction at Magic Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to Toy Story Mania and the Block Party Bash parade featuring many of the characters from Toy Story and other Pixar films.