Disney are advising guests that:

You should aim to make any dining reservations for Thursday February 23 before 10pm on Wednesday February 22 2012.

Collect any February 23 dinner show reservation tickets (such as Spirit of Aloha) from the hotel front desk before 10pm on Wednesday February 22.

Source

Thanks to its thick, shaggy hair, the sloth has an unusual, symbiotic relationship with algae, which grows on its coat and aids in camouflaging the sloth as it hangs from tree branches.

The Busch Gardens’ zoo educators also brought a young southern ground hornbill named Tufts to meet Michaels and his band backstage.

Michaels’ 2010 album, Custom Built, rose to the top of Billboard’s Hard Rock list at #1 and his current “Get Your Rock On” tour is selling out venues across the country. He also took the reality television world by storm in the past few years on VH1’s “Rock of Love,” the 2010 docu-series “Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It” and as the winning contestant on the third season of Donald Trump’s NBC hit, “Celebrity Apprentice.”

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay combines world-class thrill rides, live entertainment and one of North America’s largest zoos in an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. This year, the park’s smokin’ hot Bands, Brew & BBQ festival fills every weekend, February 11 – March 4, with unlimited sampling of more than 80 specialty and craft beers, saucy barbeque from some of the bay area’s most popular restaurants and live concerts with the biggest names in classic rock, including 38 Special on Feb. 26 and REO Speedwagon on March 4.

Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Since her music debut in the 1960s as lead singer of Motown group The Supremes, Diana Ross has become one of the most successful female artists of all time.  With more than 100 million records sold, she was recently honored at the 2012 Grammy Awards with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Throughout the course of her music career, Ross recorded 18 No. 1 hits, including “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “I’m Coming Out,” “Upside Down” and “Love Hangover.”

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras combines unparalleled theme park entertainment with an elaborate Mardi Gras parade, dozens of colorfully costumed performers, authentic New Orleans bands, delicious Cajun cuisine and live concerts by some of today’s most popular artists. This ultimate street party runs every Saturday and select nights from February 11 through April 14. For full headliner line-up, see below.

This year’s Mardi Gras celebration features one of Universal Orlando’s most powerful and diverse musical line-ups ever. With a combined total of more than 350 million albums sold, guests will rock out this spring to 14 of the biggest names in music during an authentic and family-friendly version of the famed New Orleans street party.

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included in regular admission to Universal Studios Florida. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

WHEN:                       Saturday, February 25, 2012

WHERE:                    Universal Studios Florida

MARDI GRAS           Saturday, February 25, 2012
SCHEDULE:
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.: John Lisi & Delta Funk
8 p.m.: Mardi Gras Parade Starts
8:30 p.m.: Diana Ross

Photos By Robert Bearden for MickeyUpdates.com

B-52 have remained one of the most popular rock bands in the world, selling more than 20 million albums and receiving three Grammy nominations. Some of their most popular hits include, “Rock Lobster,” “Roam” and the worldwide classic hit, “Love Shack.”

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras combines unparalleled theme park entertainment with an elaborate Mardi Gras parade, dozens of colorfully costumed performers, authentic New Orleans bands, delicious Cajun cuisine and live concerts by some of today’s most popular artists. This ultimate street party runs every Saturday and select nights from February 11 through April 14. For full headliner line-up, see below.

This year’s celebration features one of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras most powerful and diverse musical line-ups ever. With a combined total of more than 350 million albums sold, guests will rock out this spring to 14 of the biggest names in music during an authentic and family-friendly version of the famed New Orleans street party.

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included in regular admission to Universal Studios Florida.

For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

WHERE: Universal Studios Florida

It was the first time we stayed on the monorail line.  That was very convenient with a 6 year old and a 3 month old!  It rained most of the time so no visits to the pool and no family movie nights outside by the pool.  Maybe another time!  The studios at Bay Lake tower are slightly bigger than a regular Disney room with a queen size bed and a queen pull out couch. We had 3 adults, a child and a baby and we had plenty of room.  The studios have a kitchenette with a mini refrigerator and sink.  Flat screen TV with a DVD player and a nice balcony.  I love the DVC room options!

Here are a couple of pictures of the view from our room at Bay Lake Tower.  In June we will be staying in the Treehouse Villas, and I can’t wait to review that location for everyone!

Till Next Time,
Nikki

Follow Nikki on Twitter @Nikkidscrafty
Visit Nikki’s blog: http://www.nikkidscraftyblog.blogspot.com

Busch Gardens offers food from your favorite local restaurants as well as their own special BBQ food. You can also enjoy unlimited beer each day of the event for $30. Pass Members can enjoy two unlimited beer passes for $50. Wristbands are available for purchase at Gwazi Path on each day of the event. You must be at least 21 years of age to purchase beer at this event.

You can enjoy live performances from award-winning country and classic rock artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bret Michaels, 38 Special and REO Speedwagon.

• Lynyrd Skynyrd - February 12, 2012
• Bret Michaels - February 19, 2012
• 38 Special - February 26, 2012
• REO Speedwagon - March 4, 2012

Bands, Brew & BBQ started February 11 and runs each weekend through March 4, 2012.

Grab a Busch Gardens Fun Card to experience each weekend of Bands, Brew & BBQ event and come back and visit throughout 2012.

You can view our photos from SeaWorld’s Bands, Brew & BBQ Festival here.

View our photos from the event below:

Bands, Brew & BBQ is included with park admission. And the best way to experience this festival is with a Fun Card where you pay for a day’s admission and come back all year – with no blackout dates – to experience all of SeaWorld’s remarkable events.

This year’s awesome line-up features top artists in classic rock and country music including a side stage showcasing local bands.  For those who want to show off their line dancing and boot scootin’ skills, a DJ will be spinning music to satisfy movers and shakers of all levels.

• Saturday, February 11:        Foreigner
• Sunday, February 12:          Gary Allan
• Saturday, February 18:        Trace Adkins
• Sunday, February 19:          Kenny Rogers
• Saturday, February 25:        Doobie Brothers
• Sunday, February 26:          Ronnie Dunn
• Saturday, March 3:              Sara Evans
• Sunday, March 4:                Scotty McCreery

You should definitely find time to visit SeaWorld’s Bands, Brew & BBQ Festival.

Here’s our photos from the Festival.

Combined revenue at NBUniversal’s theme-parks business, which includes licensing fees from overseas parks in Japan and Singapore, totaled $498 million for the quarter, up from $478 million during the same period a year ago.

That capped a year in which theme-park revenue surged 24 percent to $2 billion.

As they have for a year-and-a-half now, Comcast and NBCUniversal executives credited the growth to the continued popularity of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando and a King Kong attraction in California, both of which opened in mid-2010.

Keep Reading: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-universal-earnings-20120215,0,4365741.story

The Disney Store is celebrating 25 years and is rewarding guests with a special offer. Until Monday you’ll be able to receive 25% off your entire purchase at the Disney Store with the Promo Code: HAPPY25.

Visit The Disney Store.

Ninjago is a battle-themed LEGO game in which players build a character mounted on a spinner. An opponent also builds a character and the figures are “spun” at one another. The first spinning character knocked to the ground surrenders his weapon to the other player. Cards drawn throughout the game may add different advantages for players.

Guests can stop by the shop any time Friday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. to participate. You don’t need to play a full game, but merely spin a spinner to have it count toward the record.

Information from the Disney Parks Blog.

MickeyUpdates.com will be at the event!

Photos by Robert Bearden for MickeyUpdates.com

UPDATE – More Photos added. 

Photos By Robert Bearden for MickeyUpdates.com

Video shot and edited by Jeff Lange

(FEB. 14, 2012): Entertainer Paula Abdul poses with Minnie Mouse Feb. 14, 2012 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. For the day, Minnie Mouse wore her special “Valentine’s Day” dress, with white hearts replacing her usual white polka dots. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

Randy Taylor, 26, faces charges of lewd or lascivious conduct, lewd or lascivious exhibition and lewd act upon a child in connection with the Nov. 22 incident at CityWalk, records state.

A girl, whose age was not included in court documents but who was younger than 16, based on the charges, reported Taylor touched her inappropriately while she was playing pool.

The girl said she was bent over to take a shot, when Taylor walked behind her and grabbed her buttocks. She said he then walked into an employee-only area, but held the door open.

According to court documents, the girl told police Taylor then exposed himself while standing in the open doorway. The girl said she grabbed a friend and went to find her parents. 

Keep Reading: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/crime/os-universal-nascar-girl-molested-20120214,0,473721.story

Whether it’s splashing around at a the pool, gathering with fans at the ballpark, or an action- packed day in the theme parks, Disney is the vacation of choice for residents looking for an easy-to-get-to destination ideal for the whole family.  And resort and ticketing specials for Florida residents make it an attractive time to visit.

• Epcot guests can explore topiaries and gardens, learn planting, style and design techniques, plus live music during The 19^th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV . The festival will burst into full bloom March 7 and continue through May 20. More information is available online atdisneyworld.com/flowerandgarden.

• Spring is in the air and so is Major League Baseball spring training.  Baseball fans can take in a ball game as the Atlanta Braves return for their 15^th season of spring training at ESPN Wide World of Sports, with an 18-game home schedule featuring marquee matchups against many of baseball’s top teams. Contact 407-939-GAME for tickets.

Floridians can enjoy special rates at select Disney resorts this spring. For example, rates start at $114 per night, plus tax at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort most Sunday-Thursday nights, March 11-29,2012. Other special rates are available for weekends and other hotels now through June 14, 2012. For more information, visit Disneyworld.com/FLSpringBreak.*

And the Wild for 3 Pass allows Florida residents three days of theme park thrills for $99 per person, plus tax. Available for purchase now through May 21, 2012 it includes admission to one theme park per day on any 3 days through May 24, 2012, excluding block-out dates. Good at any of the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks.

*The number of rooms available at this rate is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price of the same room. Additional per adult charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. Minimum stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals.  No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Proof of Florida residency is required at check-in. Offer excludes suites and 3 bedrooms.

Opening to the public on Friday, February 24, the show will take guests on an incredible journey where they’ll join the Blue Men as they discover, engage and explore the world’s obsession with cutting-edge technology.  New sections include Blue Men interacting with “GiPads” (think Gigantic iPads), a funny and perceptive look at contemporary modes of communication; and a pulsating new finale featuring an original Blue Man Group music score that will have guests jumping to their feet.

“The heart of our show is, and always has been, the Blue Man, and his inquisitive, wide-eyed take on the world,” said Chris Wink, who co-founded Blue Man Group with Phil Stanton and Matt Goldman. “Our team of artists at Blue Man Productions has created fun, even astounding new visual aspects of the show, and our music team has given us a great new sound. We are really excited to incorporate these elements into the show at Universal Orlando Resort “

“This show will take one of Universal Orlando’s most popular experiences to a whole new level,” said Alice Norsworthy, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Universal Orlando Resort.  “It’s the perfect complement to the incredible entertainment we offer at our destination.”

Several of the signature moments that have made Blue Man Group one of today’s best-loved theatrical productions will remain in the show, although in most cases, they have also been updated.  And as always, the production will fuse innovative theatrical spectacle with improvisation and vaudeville-inspired comedy, art, science and irresistible music performed by the Blue Man Group live band.

“Many of our audience’s favorite pieces, including ‘Paint Drumming’ and ‘Gum Balls/Marshmallows’ will continue to be a part of the production – and yes, the first few rows will still need to wear ponchos,” added Phil Stanton, Blue Man Group co-founder. “But we have developed some brand new elements of the show that provide a larger-than-life, rousing, interactive experience that I hope will really speak to all cultures and give some of our most devoted fans a new reason to check us out again.” 

For more information about Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando Resort – or to purchase tickets – visit www.universalorlando.com/blueman.

About Blue Man Group

Blue Man Group is best known for its wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts that combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The blissful party atmosphere created at the live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man Group experience. Currently, Blue Man Group theatrical shows can be seen in New York, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando, Berlin, Tokyo, and on tour throughout the U.S. Blue Man Group can also be seen onboard the new Norwegian Epic by Norwegian Cruise Line – the Official Cruise Line of Blue Man Group.

Blue Man Group’s appeal is multi-generational, with several projects specifically designed for young people, including “Making Waves,” a popular touring exhibit for children, and the recently launched national “Invent an Instrument” competition. The company’s music, featuring custom made instruments and signature, percussive sound, can be heard on five albums, including the Grammy-nominated “Audio,” as well as various film and television projects. As the company grows, it remains true to its vision of providing exciting experiences in a variety of media, appealing to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds. Learn more at www.blueman.com.

Last night Orlando suffered extremely low temperatures which has caused monorail beam damage between the Grand Floridian Resort and the Magic Kingdom. Apparently due to cold weather a beam joint was damaged and forcing the monorails to slow to a crawl as they cross that section of the route, reducing capacity and slowing service times. The Epcot line hasn’t been effected and is running normally.

Video by FloridaThrills.net

Currently no information on a timeline for repairs and for service to return to normal.

Details from TouringPlans.com

Walt Disney World Resort’s new agreement with the AMF, Local 389 includes:

• Guaranteed pay raises for cast members each of the next six years;
• Bonus pay of up to $750.

“The positive working relationship between Walt Disney World and Local 389 is the centerpiece of our success,” said Mike Avila, president of AFM, Local 389. “We’re pleased we could come together on an agreement that meets the needs of both Disney and our musicians.”

“Throughout every step of the negotiation process the team at AFM, Local 389 worked hard with us to find common ground,” said Steve Eisenhardt, vice president of labor relations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Our new agreement recognizes the unique contributions the musicians make at Walt Disney World Resort and helps set up our musicians and our company for success in the coming years.”

For more than 40 years, Walt Disney WorldResort has maintained a positive working relationship with unions and regards their members as a key part of the company’s business success. Across the resort, 18 unions currently represent approximately 36,000 Cast Members.

“Guests ask us all the time about celebrating Chinese New Year,” said Sky Ng, a Cast Member from Macau. “I tell them it’s just like Christmas here in the United States. We celebrate the season for weeks and it’s a period where our families come together. And of course, it’s a special time for young people because of the ‘red packets.’”

“Red packets” refers to the tradition throughout the Chinese New Year of handing out red envelopes with money in them to younger generations by their parents, grandparents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends after the young people express good wishes for them in the coming year.

Joyce Cheng, a Cast Member from Hong Kong, says the easiest way to explain the ‘red packets’ and other traditions of the Chinese New Year to Guests is for them to think about the entire celebration as all the U.S. holiday traditions rolled into 15 days.

“I tell Guests to think of the 7^th day of the Chinese New Year as your birthday. It’s everybody’s birthday as we bring in a new year. Everyone’s a year older,” said Cheng. “The 15^th day of Chinese New Year is celebrated in many places just like Valentine’s Day is here. It’s a very special day and Guests can relate to that.”

For Isabella Wang, a Cast Member from Shenyang in the northern part of China, celebrating Chinese New Year when she was growing up was all about fireworks and a large, traditional Chinese meal with friends and family. This year at Epcot was no different.

“The Cast here at the China Pavilion came together backstage for a big lunch at the start of Chinese New Year and we had some of the most authentic Chinese food I’ve ever tasted in the United States,” said Wang. “At night, we went to the home of one of our Cast Members and celebrated in her community with her family and neighbors. And there were some fireworks.”

That Cast Member, June Lee from Taiwan, has been sharing her culture with Disney Guests for 15 years. She’s referred to as “June Ma” by the other Cast Members visiting from China for the way she acts as a mother figure to younger Cast Members so far from home.

“I hosted all of the Chinese pavilion Cast Members for a Chinese New Year meal and party at my home so they had that celebration,” said Lee.

Did she help her fellow Cast Members celebrate any other Chinese New Year traditions?

With a smile, Lee said “I gave all of them ‘red packets.”

“I want to thank Disney for all that they’ve done to support “Let’s Move” and to make sure our kids are eating right and being active,” Obama told the audience before joining Disney Channel and Disney XD stars for the new dance, “The Platypus Walk,” inspired by the hugely popular “Phineas and Ferb” character Perry the Platypus.

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson welcomed the crowd of nearly 1,500 children and families, demonstrating his own commitment to physical fitness by completing 50 push-ups on stage.

After addressing the audience, Obama welcomed the children to visit five Disney Magic of Healthy Living activity stations along with Disney Channel Stars Debby Ryan (“Jessie”), Roshon Fegan (“Shake It Up”), and Disney XD stars Doc Shaw and Kelsey Chow (“Pair of Kings”) and Olivia Holt (“Kickin’ It”). There, professional athletes helped children hone their physical fitness skills. Children ran sprints with renowned football coach Tom Shaw, completed drills with members of the Orlando City Soccer team and practiced their tennis serve with tennis professional James Blake.

Brandon Delfosse, a 13-year-old student at Orlando Science School and member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida, attended the event and was pleased Obama and Disney supported healthy living. “It’s very cool knowing someone cares about you… It’s smart. Disney is popular, and it helps get the word out.”

Disney Magic of Healthy Living provides children and families with engaging content, useful tools and unique experiences to help make healthier lifestyles simple and fun. The 2010 launch of Disney Magic of Healthy Living included a series of public service announcements featuring the first lady that inspire children to take control of their own health, fitness and nutrition, and encourage their families and friends to do the same.

For more information about the program, as well as recipes, tips and videos, visit Disney.com/TryIt and Family.com/TryIt.

Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative has made significant progress since launching in February  2010. Parents, businesses, educators, elected officials, members of the military, chefs, physicians, athletes, childcare providers, community and faith leaders and children themselves have made substantial commitments to improve the health of children. Through working together with Let’s Move!, these groups have provided children with healthier food and greater opportunities for physical activity in schools and communities, helped get families the information they need to make healthier decisions, supported a healthy start in early childhood, and have worked to ensure more people have access to healthy, affordable food.

For details about the Let’s Move! initiative, visit LetsMove.gov.

couples inhabit the ultimate artistic expression of LEGO®.  Central Florida’s newest family theme park is home to 15,000 Minilanders. These citizens of Miniland USA are made of just 60 bricks and come in all shapes and sizes – just like their human counterparts! 

Miniland USA Fun Facts:

• ·         20 million LEGO bricks comprise Miniland USA at LEGOLAND Florida
• ·         The models are created in 1:20 scale
• ·         The smallest model is a pigeon made from 6 bricks
• ·         Famous faces in Miniland USA include Elvis, Darth Vader, the cast from the Jersey Shore & actor Atticus Shaffer

With a romantic overlay for Valentine’s month, a new segment of the “The Magic, The Memories, and You!” projection show on Cinderella Castle runs through Feb. 15. Some of the most romantic moments in Disney animation inspire the special show as the iconic castle in Magic Kingdom is covered in red roses for one sequence and turned into a beautiful, star-filled sky for another. During part of the show, spectacular stained-glass windows grace the façades, depicting the stories of Cinderella, Snow White and Belle. “The Magic, The Memories, and You!” is a part of Disney’s “Let the Memories Begin” in 2012.

But couples who’ve been bitten by the love bug don’t need a fairy godmother to find romance at Walt Disney World Resort. This is, after all, home to some of the world’s most famous romances: Cinderella and Prince Charming, Lady and the Tramp, Beauty and the Beast – and don’t forget America’s sweethearts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

Throughout the 40-square-mile playground, love is in the air at the Vacation Kingdom. During a couples spa experience. In the middle of a romantic dinner. Or on one of the “love boats” that cruise Walt Disney World waterways.

Honeymooners thrive in the romantic allure of Walt Disney World Resort – a top-rated honeymoon destination, according to industry experts. And for couples who want to make their own fairy tale dream come true – complete with Cinderella’s coach and her famous glass slipper – Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings can create an unforgettable union.

The four Walt Disney World theme parks create a perfect setting for spontaneous romance – whether it’s a stroll along the lush Maharajah Jungle Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or a relaxing stop for espresso and pastries at a sidewalk table in the France pavilion at Epcot World Showcase. Beyond the parks, couples can embrace a bouquet of romantic experiences that seem designed just for them:

The Couple that ‘Spas’ and ‘Flies’ Together….. - What’s more enjoyable than a luxurious spa treatment? Imagine sharing it with that special someone. The Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, features a “couples room” where guests can enjoy specialized spa treatments – such as massages and facials – with the one they love. For information about spa treatments, call 407/827-4455

Make like Aladdin and Jasmine – fly through the sky with your loved one on an adventurous tandem parasail over Bay Lake. Those looking to soar to new heightscan spend 10 minutes alone soaring high above Disney and get a bird’s-eye view of Magic Kingdom and its neighboring resorts. Contact Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or call 407/939-0754 for reservations for a tandem flight.

Magical Resorts – From the romance of an African lodge to the Victorian splendor of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the mood is set for an enchanting stay at a Walt Disney World resort hotel. Disney’s fantasy hotels transport couples to faraway places with lavish theming, picturesque views and superior service. For reservations, call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639).

The Love Boat - The Grand Floridian’s Grand 1 – an elegant 52-foot yacht – can give couples, or parties up to 18, a stunning view of “Wishes” fireworks showering above Magic Kingdom during select evening cruises along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Private butler service and gourmet meals also are available. Romantic evening cruises include a captain and private deck hand. Reservations may be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407/824-2682. At Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Marina, a 1920s-style 26-foot mahogany runabout is available for private rental. Half-hour afternoon cruises are available for up to six people. Up to six guests can take a Fireworks Cruise into Epcot (45-50 minutes) for an exhilarating, one-of-a-kind view of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.” The craft – complete with captain – travels across Crescent Lake for the nightly fireworks, sound and laser show. Reservations may be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).The name of the boat is perfect for couples in love: Breathless II.

Disney Dining Serves Romance - Couples find Disney dining infused with romance in settings ranging from subdued to spectacular.

• California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers a panoramic view overlooking the Magic Kingdom theme park. Here, stellar cuisine and the restaurant’s award-winning selection of California wines set the stage. Lovebirds can catch a Florida sunset over Magic Kingdom.
• One of the most romantic dinner spots at Walt Disney World Resort is a table for two at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The elegant restaurant has been honored with the Five-Diamond Award from AAA for its gourmet cuisine. Combining Royal Doulton china, Cristofle silver and personalized menus, Victoria & Albert’s is the “crown jewel” of the Grand Floridian’s dining destinations. Soft harp music fills the air as “maids” and “butlers” provide stellar service to each of the tables in the intimate dining room. Ladies also receive a long-stemmed red rose.
• For the ultimate romantic experience, an evening at the Chef’s Table is unsurpassed. Couples are seated at a cozy table in Victoria & Albert’s kitchen and treated to a culinary feast custom tailored to their specific tastes by Chef Scott Hunnel.
• Guests who prefer to dine in an even more intimate setting at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa need only to pick up the closest telephone. The Grand Floridian can arrange a private dinner for two, served against the elegant backdrop of the Grand Floridian beach – or aboard the Grand 1 – on a sunset excursion along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Certain menu items can be specially prepared for the evening. Seven-day notice is requested.
• For all Walt Disney World dining information, guests can call 407/WDW-DINE (939-3463).

Nature Lovers - A horseback ride through one of the backwoods trails at Walt Disney World Resort is just the thing for couples who share a love of nature and each other. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers wrangler-led tours (45 minutes) through the deep, pine-scented woods that make up part of the Vacation Kingdom’s 40 square miles. Tours leave several times daily from Trail Blaze Corral, and may be reserved by calling 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

Romantic Evening - Horse-drawn carriage rides through the wilderness of Walt Disney World Resort are a romantic treat for couples looking for a secluded nighttime outing. The antique carriages depart from Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and traverse throughout the scenic landscape of the 750-acre rustic resort. Or guests can choose a relaxing old-fashioned carriage ride through Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside with pickup at Boatwright’s Dining Hall. Each nightly excursion is 25 minutes long.  For reservations, guests can call 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

Weddings Around the ‘World’ - The epitome of Disney romance can be summed up in four words: Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. Since the first wedding at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion in 1995, approximately 1,600 couples each year have exchanged vows at Walt Disney World Resort.

For these couples, dreams become reality. Where else but at Disney could a bride arrive for her wedding in Cinderella’s glass coach, have a handsome major domo carry wedding rings to the altar in a glass slipper, or have Mickey and Minnie greet guests at the reception?

Whether it’s an elegant ball at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, a traditional ceremony at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion or a beach-themed wedding complete with tiki torches, leis and luau on one of the Walt Disney World white-sand beaches, Disney custom designs each wedding with the famous “Disney Difference” – providing attention to the tiniest detail.

Disney’s wedding specialists incorporate all the elements in a one-stop shop including the ceremony, entertainment, cuisine, floral arrangements, audiovisuals and accommodations. For more information on Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, call 321/939-4623 or visit disneyweddings.com.

Couples who are tying the knot back home can arrange a Disney’s Fairy Tale Honeymoon by calling 321/939-4623 or visiting the website at disneyhoneymoons.com.

Renewing Vows - Many couples who’ve been married for years are coming to Walt Disney World Resort, often with their families, to renew their vows five, 10, 25 and 50 years later. A Disney vacation provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate this family milestone. Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings experts can tailor the ceremony and celebration to suit each couple.

“I think that says a lot about the business and the economy,” Disney President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger said during an interview with CNBC shortly after Disney reported its fiscal first-quarter earnings. “Generally speaking, we’re looking at a very, very healthy year ahead for that business.”

Click here to read more.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach will also be closed today.

Guests can use their “Water Park Fun & More” ticket for a round of golf at Disney’s Oak Trail golf course or for admission to DisneyQuest as an alternative.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach will also be closed tomorrow.

The dolphin calf – estimated to be about 9 months old – had been spotted in the river with its mother. Monofilament fishing line was wrapped once around its body and had cut into its flippers. The calf’s mother was not tangled.

SeaWorld’s team worked closely with experts from the National Marine Fisheries Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Hubbs/SeaWorld Research Institute. Once the teams had the pair secured, veterinarians removed the fishing line and took measurements of both dolphins. The calf was tagged with an identification marker before he was released.

The Sports Vinylmations will once again abound, with this week’s release of the NBA Vinylmations. The series will retail for $14.95 and they will be open window boxed, so you can see what you ‘re getting. The series includes: Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks. Also, Park Series 8 will be released this week. There’s a lot of news on this set, so lets get started with the previews.

NBA Vinylmations

The first wave of NBA Vinylmations to be released at Disney World includes the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, New York Knicks. The first wave of NBA Vinylmations to be released at Disneyland includes the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs. Of course the Oklahoma City Thunder Vinylmation is an Online only release, so far. Also, if you can’t make it to the Parks, you can always get these online.

Park Series 8

The folks at Disney will once again celebrate the WDW 40th Anniversary with the release of Series 8. As of right now there will be 11 regular Vinylmations, 1 chaser and 2 variants. The combo topper will be released, but Disney has not officially announced that yet. Below is a preview of the Park 8 Vinylmations that actually includes the chaser in the picture. In case you wanted to know, we’ll give you a hint: the chaser is wearing a coonskin hat. These will be released on Friday at both D-Streets and will retail for $12.95 each. Some of the designs may be a little obscure, but the online community has already talked this series up and it may just be one of the most popular ever.

The Vinylmation Release Summary

2/17/12 at Walt Disney World

Vinylmation – Park #8 – 3″ (limited release mystery series / $12.95 each)

National Basketball Association (Open Window / $14.95 each / Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, New York Knicks)

2/17/12 at Disneyland

Vinylmation – Park #8 – 3″ (limited release mystery series / $12.95 each)

National Basketball Association (Open Window / $14.95 each / Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs)

2/17/12 at Disney Stores

N/A

By Vinylmation World

Follow Vinylmation World on Twitter @VinylmationWorl
Visit their website –  http://vinylmationworld.com

]]> http://www.mickeyupdates.com/2012/weekly-vinylmation-update/feed/ 0 http://www.mickeyupdates.com/2012/blizzard-beach-closed-again-tomorrow-due-to-cold-weather-2/ http://www.mickeyupdates.com/2012/blizzard-beach-closed-again-tomorrow-due-to-cold-weather-2/#comments Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:04:14 +0000 Admin http://www.mickeyupdates.com/?p=10409 Blizzard Beach will be closed again tomorrow due to cold weather in the area. Typhoon Lagoon is also closed for refurbishment.

Typhoon Lagoon is currently closed for refurbishment. SeaWorld’s Water park Aquatica will also be closed.

Enjoy the show!

Typhoon Lagoon is currently closed for refurbishment. SeaWorld’s Water park, Aquatica will also be closed.

Beginning this spring, the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction will undergo some changes to give guests an additional opportunity to see more of their favorite animals, specifically zebra. To do so, Walt Disney Imagineering will make some creative changes to the last scene in the attraction by removing the Audio-Animatronics “Little Red” elephant and related set pieces. This area will then be reconstructed as savannah space and feature a new watering hole for live animals.

This enhancement is scheduled to begin this spring, and be completed by fall 2012. And don’t worry, the attraction will remain operational during the adjustment.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/02/kilimanjaro-safaris-to-boost-zebra-presence-add-savannah-space-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/

During the private event she will be joined by Disney Channel and Disney XD stars, professional athletes along with local families participating in physical activities.

Guests will not be able to attent the event at ESPN Wide World of Sport, official invitations only. Other areas of ESPN Wide World of Sports will be operating as normal for guests.

A couple of weeks ago President Obama also visited Walt Disney World to discuss the economy and tourism. More Details can be found by clicking here.

Currently Disney doesn’t allow guests to come before their FASTPASS return window. Disney will be also be changing this, with a 5 minute early arrival and 15 minute late arrival to be allowed. Guests arriving outside of those times will not be allowed entry to the attraction.

More Information at TouringPlans

Photo Credit: Kevin Kolczynski, Universal Orlando Resort

Actor and former U.S. army soldier J.R. Martinez was hosted by Universal Orlando Resort today as he vacationed in Orlando. Best known for winning season 13 of ABC’s hit TV series, “Dancing with the Stars,” J.R. enjoyed an exciting performance by students from the BeauxbatonsAcademy of Magic while visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. He also visited Ollivanders wand shop and soared above Hogwarts on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.