If you’re planning to celebrate America’s independence with a trip to Walt Disney World, you’ll find plenty of events to keep your family entertained throughout your stay. Headline events at Walt Disney World Resort in July include several live concerts in each of Disney’s parks, including Disney’s “Celebrate America! concert, July 3 and 4 , at 9 p.m.;Epcot’s “Illumnations:Reflections of Earth” laser light show. Several shows continue throughout the month of July, such as the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade and the Electric Light parade, both at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. At Animal Kingdom, guests can watch a 15-minute,parade known as Mickey’s Jammin Jungle Parade, which loops through the various sections of the park—Africa, Discovery Island, Asia, and back to Africa.
Mickey’s Jammin Jungle Parade begins at 3:45 p.m.,daily and features elaborate animal puppets, spectacular stilt walkers, drummers, musical safari vehicles , wacky rickshaw taxis and 8-foot-tall Party Animals. Other popular parades in July include Disney Hollywood Studios Block Party Bash,featuring your child’s favorite Pixar characters, including characters from Monsters Inc, The Incredibles and Toy Story. Other attractions at the Block Party Bash include acrobats, trampolines and retro tunes. Like the electrical light parade, the Block Party was originally featured at Disney’s California Adventure Theme Park. Another popular show at Hollywood Studios in July is Fantasmic! Which features one million gallons of water and 50 costumed performers. Combining explosive pyrotechnics, shimmering laser lights and dazzling dancing water effects
A two week-long sporting event known as ESPN Rise Games highlights the third and fourth weeks of July at Walt Disney’s Wide World of Sports. ESPN Rise is a series of sports challenges for youth and high school sports teams in basketball, football, lacrosse and soccer, and youth baseball, basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, and track & field teams. If you don’t think your family can afford a week or long weekend at Walt Disney World, you should visit reputable discount Orlando vacation package sites. With hundreds of Disney-area hotels desperate to sell rooms during the economic depression, there’s never been a better time to find an incredible deal on lodging in the central Florida area.
Archive for June, 2010
July events at Walt Disney World
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010Events at Universal Studios for July
Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010July 4th celebrations are only one of several headline events at Universal Orlando this summer. Music fans will flock to see some of the world’s most popular bands at Hard Rock Live’s Summer Concert Series. Notable bands include Counting Crows, REO Speedwagon and Pat Benetar, on July 3, Rob Thomas,on July 10 and Counting Crows on July 17. Pat Benetar is a four-time Grammy Award winning artist, REO Speedwagon produced platinum selling Albums, Rob Thomas has sold more than 80 million albums and the Counting Crows were one of the most popular bands of the 90s, with 20 million albums sold worldwide.
Friday, July 2 at the Portofino Hotel and Resort, guests can enjoy gourmet food samples and sparkling wine, at Harbor Nights, a jazz and wine tasting events and jazz event, with complimentary hand-rolled cigars.
If you’re in Universal Studios on July 4th, you can rock out to live music from the O’Jays at the Celebrate Independence Day festival. Other events on the July 4 weekend include Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular,which features, lasers and pyrotechnic effects that display scenes from classic films in cinema history. Of course, you can’t call it a fourth of July celebration without a fireworks show. At 10 p.m., a fireworks show begins. Throughout July, Universal will host Mat Hoffman’s Aggro-Circus, an extreme sports event showcasing the world’s most talented skaters, BMX, in-line, and motocross athletes,who will perform daily at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Other Universal Orlando events in July include Velvet Sessions at Hard Rock Live, where music fans can enjoy two hours of complimentary drinks and hour dourves while they listen to bands such as Everclear, in a casual and intimate setting. Tickets for Velvet Sessions are $25.
If you can’t make it to Velvet Sessions or the July 4 celebrations, you can find plenty of entertainment at the various nightclubs that line Universal Citywalk. Popular nightclubs at City Walk include the Red Coconut, Pat O’Brien’s, Rising Star karaoke and the Groove.
If you are looking to visit in July don’t miss the chance to check out our Universal Studios Orlando package deals.
Best zoos in Orlando Florida
Sunday, June 20th, 2010When you think of the main attractions in Orlando, it’s easy to think of the world’s most popular theme parks such as Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Islands of Adventure, but there are great zoos in Orlando, as well.
For families looking to save money on their vacation budget,zoos offer a great alternative to the expensive theme parks. Two zoos that feature Florida’s finest wildlife are Gator Land and Jungle Safari. Located off of Orange Blossom Trail in Kissimmee, Gator Land is set on 100 acres and is only $15 for admission. Gator Land is a great park to learn about the Sunshine State’s most spectacular wildlife, including giant alligators, ibis, herons and roseate spoonbills. You can watch live displays and feedings by trained experts, who share their knowledge on the ancient reptiles.
On the opposite side of Orlando, on the east side, closer to the Space Coast and Cocoa Beach, you can visit Jungle Adventures Nature Park. With prices comparable to Gator Land, a family of four can enter the park for less than $100.With a 200-foot, stone gator statue adorning the entrance, Jungle Adventures is easy to spot on Highway 50 (also known as Colonial parkway). At Jungle Land, your kids can explore a replica Spanish Fort and encounter Florida’s wildlife up-close, on a pontoon boat ride called the Jungle Swamp Cruise. Jungle Land is home to more than 200 live gators, as well as other exotic animals such as the rare Florida Panther, Black Bears, Gray Wolves, White-Tailed Deer and Tropical Birds. Tickets are priced very reasonably, with admission at $12.95 for Children ages 11 and younger, $19.95 for adults, $16.95 for senior citizens and free admission for children under the age of three.
If you’re in the mood to see the world’s most venomous snakes, be sure to visit Reptile World Serpentarium, located at 5705 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in St. Cloud.The exhibit was originally used as a research facility in the early 1970s, and is now home to Cobras, Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, Water Moccasins and many other dangerous species. Venom shows are scheduled at noon and 3:00 p.m. daily.
If you are coming to Orlando don’t forget to check out our great Orlando vacation packages which come complete with theme park tickets and accommodations.
Best Orlando Waters for July
Saturday, June 19th, 2010Summers in central Florida are known for their scorching hot temperatures, but you can find a variety of fun ways to cool off in Orlando. If you plan to visit the Orlando area in July, you should plan to spend at least one of your family vacation days at a water park. Whether you’re staying near the Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld or Universal Studios, you can find a water park within a few miles of your resort or vacation home.
One of Orlando’s most popular water parks is Wet N Wild. Located in the heart of the International Drive, Wet N Wild features a wide variety of slides for park visitors of all ages. Some of the most popular slides at Wet N Wild include the Bubba Tub, Der Stooka and the Black Hole. If you’re staying in Orlando for several days, you can combine your Wet N Wild ticket with admission to Universal Studios and Bush Garden, using the special ticket deal known as the Flexticket.
Orlando’s newest waterpark is also located on International Drive: Sea World’s Aquatica theme park. Located just across the road from SeaWorld, Aquatica combines the up-close marine life encounters of Sea World and thrilling water slides spread across a 60 acre water park. Popular slides at Aquatica include Roa’s rapids, Wanau Way, Walkabout Waters, Taumata Racer, Hoo Roo Run, Tassie Twister and Walhalla Way.
If you’re staying closer to the Lake Buena Vista section of Orlando near Walt Disney World Resort, you can visit Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Attractions at Typhoon Lagoon include the wave pool, where you can body surf waves up to six feet tall, Castaway Creek, Gangplank Falls ( a 300-foot long slide with family-sized tubs), the Humunga Kowabunga free fall water slide, Mayday falls innertube ride and Shark Reef, where you can snorkel with reef sharks.
Another Disney water park is Blizzard Beach, which was built a few years after Typhoon Lagoon. Top attractions at Blizzard Beach include the Slush Gusher, a 90-foot tall water slide, and Snow Stormers.
Best Downtown Orlando Attractions
Monday, June 14th, 2010Many visitors to Orlando spend much of their time in the suburban areas such as Lake Buena Vista. If you’re a traveling businessmen or visiting the Orange County Convention Center, you may spend much more of your time in the downtown Orlando area. While Disney and Universal are known for their world-class entertainment, you can find plenty of interesting restaurants stores and museums in the heart of Orlando.
Remember, Downtown Disney is different than downtown Orlando. Downtown Disney is nearly 20 miles away from the high rise buildings of downtown Orlando. Popular attractions in Downtown Orlando include Amway Arena, home of the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association, the Bob Carr Center for the Performing Arts, Historical Church Street Station, Thornton Park and Lake Eola.
Historians will appreciate one of the newest affiliates of the Smithsonian which is located in the heart of Downtown Orlando: The Orange County Regional History Center. Inside the Orange County Regional History Center, which served as the county courthouse until 1999. At the Regional History Center, you can browse through four floors of exhibits that illustrate the stories behind the growth and development Orange County. The top floor displays the history of Florida’s oldest natives: the Seminole Indian tribe. Other cultures highlighted on the tour include Florida’s earliest pioneers, which were known as the Crackers.
Orange County’s rich history in tourism is also on display, with documents that detail the earliest days of Walt Disney World and the pack of travelers known as the Tin Can Tourists, from the 1920s.
Fans of forensic science and the most infamous criminal cases in history will enjoy the Orange County Regional History Center, where Ted Bundy was tried and the first criminal was convicted due to DNA evidence.
If you’re searching for a great place to relax and unwind after a day full of meetings and hectic negotiations, catch a movie a the Plaza Theater or visit Church Street Station or the Corona Cigar Bar. For live entertainment, Tappas Spanish restaurant features live dancing and a great atmosphere.
We have quite a few downtown Orlando hotels to choose from if you want to take in one of these great attractions.
Best Pubs in Orlando
Saturday, June 12th, 2010Nightlife for adults in Orlando isn’t limited to Downtown Disney. Pub crawlers can choose from a wide number of local pubs with Irish themes and unique atmospheres. A local favorite in the Winter Park area is called Fiddlers’ Green. Since 1996, Fiddler’s Green has been a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike, with live bands playing classic rock and Irish pub classics, Fiddlers’ Green combines great music and authentic Irish atmosphere.
If you’re closer to downtown in the afternoon or early evening, you can treat yourself to happy hour at Lizzy McCormack’s, located at 5 North Orange Avenue. With five-hours of two-for one’s every weekday, Lizzy McComarck’s is known as one of the best places to grab a Guiness, downtown. Other top draws in the downtown area include Orlando Brewing, home to Florida’s only organic brewery. With a brewery on-site, you can sample Florida-made beer, a gift shop and daily tours.
Popular pubs in the Universal Studios area include the British Pub: Cricketer’s Arms Club, located at Festival Bay Mall on International Drive, and Pat O’Brien’s, at Universal Citywalk. Cricketer’s Arms hosts live bands throughout the week. Beer enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive selection of 17 tap beers, including 4 hand drawn ales. Cricketer’s Arm’s menu has authentic British dishes and you can catch international soccer and rugby on the TVs.
If you’re in more of a party mood, head to the dueling piano bar at Pat O’Brien’s, located at Universal CityWalk. A replica of the New Orlean’s pub, Pat O’Brien’s is known for its Hurricane cocktail and interactive entertainers who play songs by request on the two pianos. If you’re staying in the Walt Disney World area and looking for an irish pub with world-class entertainment and a family friendly atmosphere, head to Raglan Road, which has a live band on spacious seating for your entire family to dine.
Keep in mind many of our hotels in Orlando have great pubs as well.
Best Italian Restaurants in Orlando
Thursday, June 10th, 2010If you’re searching for delicious Italian dishes in Orlando, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the diverse settings and menus you’ll find across central Florida. For example, Cafe Trastevere combines casual dining with a great setting. With outdoor seating on two patios and two floors of dining rooms, Cafe Tastevere has meals and wines at reasonable prices. Popular dinner selections include fettucine alfredo, linguine with fresh clams and eggplant parmigana, baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese over linguine.Feature wines at Cafe Trastevere include Costamolino Argiloas-Sardegna and Chardonnay Cadonini.
Another popular Italian restaurant in Orlando is Christini’s Restaurante Italiano. Christini’s owner opened the restaurant in 1984 and Mr. Christini oversees all aspects of his restaurant.His attention to detail keeps Christini’s atmosphere and service among the most honored in the country, which is why Christini’s received the best of the best five star diamond award and was named to the Fine Dining Hall of Fame by Nation’s Restaurant News. Popular dishes at Christini’s include Gamberoni Fra Diavolo – Jumbo shrimp served over linguine in a spicy pescatore sauce and Vitello Ai Quattro Formaggi Veal scaloppini dipped in flour, egg and bread crumbs, pan fried, toppes with fresh tomato sauce, fine herbs and four types of imported cheese.
Ciao Italiana resteraunt in Orlando was opened in 1991, by two natives of Italy who brought years of experience. Ciao Italiana, has received several awards and honors,including “Most Romantic restaurant” by Florida Gourmet magazine,Golden Spoon Award, from Florida Trend Magazine and Florida’s Top 500 Restaurants, from Great Florida Restaurant Guide.
Another famous Italian dining venue in Orlando is Gargi’s Lakeside Italian cusine,located in 1414 North Orange Ave. Gargi’s offers one of the best views for sunsets over downtown Orlando. Gargis opened in Orlando back in 1987. Gargi’s has received several notable awards for its excellent food and atmosphere, including the My City Eats, Sagat Award and Foodie awards.
If you are coming to visit one of these great Italian restaurants for out of town please visit check out our Orlando vacation specials.
Best Seafood Restaurants in Orlando
Wednesday, June 9th, 2010With the Atlantic shore less than an hour to the East, Orlando is a great city for seafood. Among the most popular seafood spots:The Oceana, High Tide Harry’s, Fulton’s Crabhouse at Downtown Disney World and Little Saigon Vietenamese Restaurant.
Oceana’s menu offers a wide variety of dishes including a full oyster bar, shrimp cocktail platters and special main course dishes, including baked stuffed shrimp, with creamy linguini pasta, Equadorian swordfish , served with carmaleized onions and blue cheese butter, baked stuffed Atlantic Flounder, bacon-wrapped jump shrimp, San Francisco Fisherman’s Stew, Pacific Rockfish, Mexican Mutton Snapper, Alaskan Halibut and Seared South American Seabass.
Situated in the heart of Downtown Disney, Fulton’s Crab House is one of the most distinct landmarks and dining spots in the Walt Disney World Resort area. Designed as a replica of a vintage American Steamboat, Fulton’s Crab House has tables available on three outdoor decks and a nautical dining room with walls full of seafaring history and folk art.Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the vast collection of wine more than 2,000 bottles in Fulton’s wine cellar.
The most popular dishes at Fulton’s Crab House include Alaska king crab claws, snow crab, and blue Crab. Little Saigon serves more than just seafood, but the most popular seafood choices on its menu include Com Tom Xao, sauteed shrimp with onion over Rice, Com Tom Xao Bong Cai, sauteed Shrimp, onion and broccoli over rice.
On the east side of Orlando, close to the Orlando Airport, you’ll find a local favorite: High Tide Harry’s.You won’t have to worry about your attire at High Tide Harry’s. The laidback setting throughout the restaurant offers a casual and family-friendly atmosphere. Meals at High Tide Harry’s are cooked to order, to ensure the freshest tasting seafood. Specials at High Tide Harry’s include all you can eat specials each day, ranging from 99 cent fish tacos on Tijuana Tuesdays, Wednesday micro-night, with 50% off all beers. On Thursday’s , you can order snow crab, tuna, mahi-mahi, steamed shrimp, fried shrimp, catfish fillet or catfish fingerlins and two sides, for $12.99. High Tide Harry’s is moving from 925 N. Semoran Boulevard to 4645 South Semoran Boulevard.
10 Best starting back up in June
Tuesday, June 8th, 2010A few years ago we receive quite a bit fan letters from readers of our blog when we did a series on the 10 best in Orlando. Good news we are starting it back up. Here is the schedule for you to review on the articles we are going to be writing:
1. Best Seafood Restaurants in Orlando
2. Best Italian Restaurants in Orlando
3. Best pubs
4. Best Sports Bars
5. Best downtown Orlando attractions
6. Best art and culture venues
We hope you find this list entertaining and enjoyable. I know we have a lot of fun here at the office coming up with the list. Please check back often and let us know what you think.
Disney World Events in June 2010
Friday, June 4th, 2010Central Florida nights heat up in June at Walt Disney World during the nightly celebration known as “Summer Nightastic.” Park visitors can enjoy the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios during extended hours.
Light up your summer at Walt Disney World Resort with Summer Nightastic! from June 6 through August 14, 2010. The highlight of the night is Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade. For decades, millions of Disney fans have flocked to see the animated floats featuring the characters from their favorite Disney Classics, including Tinker Bell from Peter Pan, Pinocchio and Snow White.
Other parks at Walt Disney World are enhancing the daily experience for park visitors. At Hollywood Studios, thrill-seekers are sure to love the new effects added to the park’s most popular ride: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Music lovers can watch tribute bands pay tribute to the most popular bands of all time at the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series, an annual live event that rocks Epcot theme park. From June 12 to June 19, fans of the 70′s disco band, the Bee Gees, can hear the Bee Gees tribute: Stayin’ Alive. From June 20 to June 26, Hotel California, a tribute to the legendary rock band known as “The Eagles”, will perform nightly at Epcot.
Summertime also marks more events for nature lovers at Animal Kingdom, including Kilimanjaro Safaris and Expedition Everest and the daily shows. Kilimanjaro Safaris give riders an up-close and personal encounter with giraffes, zebras and other wildlife, with open-sided safari vehicles. The expedition ventures across rivers and open fields, to give riders a unique look at wildlife in an open habitat.
Summers at Disney World also mark the start of a special time for star wars fans: Star Wars weekends. Hosted by Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Wars weekends include light saber demons,special shows and presentations. Star Wars Weekends events are included with admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.