Leisure … more than a word, it's a lifestyle

Even though students are just getting back to the classroom, Central Florida’s newest theme park LEGOLAND® Florida has gotten its marks by the toughest critics – the Kids!

Scheduled to open to the public on October 15, LEGOLAND has more than 50 rides, shows and attractions all geared toward families with children ages 2-12. Last weekend, the still-under-construction park invited twenty- two children and parents to be the first to ride four of LEGOLAND Florida’s rides. They soared in flight, drove their own LEGO® cars, trekked an African safari and battled through an Egyptian treasure hunt. Here’s some video…

Orlando secured their first appearance in the USL PRO’s championship match by defeating the Richmond Kickers 3-0 in the American Division Championship match at the Florida Citrus Bowl tonight. 8,304 fans packed the Citrus Bowl as they watched their team put in a superb performance that really should have seen them score more than the three goals they did get.

The game began with Richmond looking the stronger team and they played some neat football that had Orlando Head Coach Adrian Heath more than a little worried.  The Kickers were well aware of Orlando’s unbeaten record when scoring first and they pushed hard in the first fifteen minutes for a goal.  Lions keeper Miguel Gallardo was kept busy early on, but the game completely changed in the 20th minute as against the run of play, Orlando’s Luke Boden stunned Richmond with the opening goal. The goal (photos above) itself had a touch of fortune about it as Boden’s 20 yard shot deflected off Richmond defender Luke Vercellone and left Richmond keeper Ronnie Pascale wrong footed.

Orlando then upped the tempo and created several further chances to score before Haitian international Mechack Jerome rocketed in a shot from 30 yards out to put Orlando up 2-0 on the stroke of half time.  The goal was Jerome’s first of the season but it was a goal that stunned Richmond as well as the Lions crowd who hadn’t been used to seeing Orlando shoot from distance for much of the season.

“I got the shot I wanted,” Jerome said. “It was great to finally get a goal.”

Orlando protected their two goal advantage for much of the opening exchanges of the second half but the game was signed, sealed and delivered in the 70^th minute.  A sequence of quick passes found Lewis Neal in space about 35 yards from goal.  Neal slipped a low through ball past the Kickers defense to Dennis Chin (pictured above) and Chin jinked past his defender, giving him just enough space to strike and score his second playoff goal and third goal in as many games.

Chin was again in the action just moments from the end of the game as he was the victim of an elbow to the neck from the Kickers Henry Kalungi who earned himself a red card for his actions. It really was an unnecessary moment in the game but it didn’t ruin the night for Orlando’s delirious fans who now have a USL PRO Championship game to look forward to next Saturday.

At the end of the game City Head Coach Adrian Heath reflected on the match and said: “I thought that tonight we played at a level above the league we currently play in. I am really satisfied with tonight’s result. We played composed football, which is something I am very proud of.”

Orlando will face the Harrisburg City Islanders next week in the USL PRO Championship Final. The match will be played at the Citrus Bowl next Saturday, September 3. Kickoff is set for 7 pm.  The match will be broadcast nationally on FOX Soccer Channel.  To secure your seat to the American Championship game, call the ticket office at 855-ORL-CITY (855-675-2489) or email tickets@orlandocitysoccer.com.  Tickets start at just $12.

Scoring Summary

19^th Minute – Orlando: Luke Boden

45^th Minute+ 1 – Orlando: Mechack Jerome

70^th Minute – Orlando: Dennis Chin (Lewis Neal)

Orlando City Line-up

GK: Miguel Gallardo

D: Mechack Jerome, Kieron Bernard (42’ – Ian Fuller), Rob Valentino, Luke Boden

M: Kevin Molino (75’ – Jack Traynor), Yordany Alvarez, Lawrence Olum, Lewis Neal

F: Max Griffin (65’ – Dennis Chin), Jamie Watson (71’ – Erik Ustruck)

Unused Subs

Sean Kelley, Wes Allen, Devorn Jorsling

Richmond Kickers Line-up

GK: Ronnie Pascale

D: William Yomby, Sascha Goerres (74’ – Stanley Nyazamba), Henry Kalungi, Luke Vercellone (74’ – David Hertel)

M: Mike Callahan (61’ – Shaka Bangura), Hiroyama Nyazomi (58’ – Dan Bulow), Jamel Wallace (46’ – Gerson dos Santos), Ryan Heins, Edson Elcock

F: Matt Delicate

Unused Subs

Ryan Jones, Bobby Fogelsong

More photos from the game here.

The elephant herd at Disney’s Animal Kingdom got just a little larger with the birth of a baby calf. Weighing 311 pounds, the male African elephant was welcomed into the group by his mother Vasha, 10 herd members and a team of animal care professionals assisting with the birth.

The 25-year-old mother delivered the herd’s sixth offspring after gaining more than 800 pounds during a 22-month gestation. This latest addition, which has yet to be named, is the second calf for Vasha, who gave birth to a female calf, Kianga, in 2004. With support from the animal care team, the newborn, whose first tentative steps are becoming stronger and more confident, is now successfully nursing from his mother.

Vasha has been getting to know the calf, gently touching the young animal with her trunk and keeping a watchful eye on him. “The natural bonding between mother and calf is fascinating,” said Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., vice president of Disney’s Animal, Science and Environment Programs. “The team is encouraged by the early interaction between mother and calf and will continue to monitor them closely for the next several weeks.”

The next critical milestone is for the calf to continue the bonding process with his mother who will teach him important lessons and protect him as he gradually acclimates to the rest of the savannah herd over the next several weeks. With 12 elephants, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has one of the largest African elephant herds in North America, including four males and eight females.

Vasha became pregnant through artificial insemination in October 2009 and received extensive pre-natal care throughout pregnancy. Since early August, animal care teams have provided round-the-clock monitoring, regular ultrasounds and daily hormone monitoring to more accurately predict the beginning of labor.

In the past few years, Disney’s animal care teams have been able to narrow the birth window to within four days, which enables them to better prepare for the delivery. With this birth, the team had been on heightened baby-alert since Monday. This is the sixth elephant born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Others include:

* Tufani, a male, born in 2003;

* Kianga, a female, born in 2004;

* Nadirah a female, born in 2005;

* Tsavo, a male, born in 2008;

* Luna, a female born 2010.

Disney has been at the forefront of efforts to better understand and care for endangered elephants. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is part of a breeding program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) that is focused on sustaining the elephant population in North America. AZA’s Elephant Species Survival Plan has called for a five-fold increase in African elephant reproduction efforts – using both natural and artificial breeding methods – in order to create a self-sustaining elephant population among North American zoos and wildlife centers.

Baby Elephant Facts

* Depending on the calf, it could take several days for the calf to coordinate trunk movements. Initially, it may only be able to wave it in the air, suck on it or trip over it. Typically within a week the calf has gained enough control to begin picking up small objects and food.

* Suckling up to 12 liters a day, baby elephants may depend on mother’s milk for up to three years, although they can be weaned at two years of age.

* Calves learn how and what to eat by watching the older elephants.

Orlando City sits just two wins from glory and a USL PRO championship, but before the Lions can hoist the trophy they must defeat the Richmond Kickers in Saturday’s Semifinal.  Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm and there are still tickets available for what is sure to be an evening of high drama at Orlando’s Citrus Bowl.

The Kickers and Lions have faced each other twice this season, splitting the season series.  The home team won both games, and both games ended 2-0.  Those results have both squads fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead and there is no shortage of respect for what each club has accomplished this season.

“I’ve said all along that in order to win the title we’d have to go through Richmond again,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath.  “They’ve beaten two or three MLS clubs in the U.S. Open Cup.  This will be our toughest game yet.”

“I watched their Charleston playoff match and they were mesmerizing,” said Kickers Head Coach Leigh Cowlishaw of Orlando.  “Their movement, interchange of position and precise passing will be difficult to stop. We will need to defend very well, stay compact, disciplined and focused for the entire game.”

The first goal in any game is usually critical and so it has proved for Orlando this season. The Lions are 14-0-3 against USL PRO competition this season when scoring the first goal in a match.

“Scoring first allows us to play our game,” said player/coach Ian Fuller.  “We can dictate the pace, and take control of the match.  When we’re in control we’re tough to beat.”

Tickets for this playoff match are still available and start at just $12.  To order tickets, call 855-ORL-CITY (855-675-2489).  Tickets will also be available at the Citrus Bowl box office beginning at 4 pm on Saturday.  For more information, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com today.

Proposed Line-up (unofficial):

GK: Miguel Gallardo

DF: Erik Ustruck, Rob Valentino, Kieron Bernard, Jack Traynor

MF: Kevin Molino, Yordany Alvarez, Lawrence Olum, Lewis Neal

FW: Jamie Watson, Max Griffin

Subs:

Sean Kelley, Mechack Jerome, Wes Allen, Luke Boden, Charlie Campbell, Devorn Jorsling, Dennis Chin

Walt Disney World Resort and Arnold Palmer Golf Management have signed a 20-year strategic alliance to create even more magic for Disney golfers. Beginning Sept. 25, Arnold Palmer Golf Management will operate, manage, maintain and help promote all five Disney courses including Disney’s Palm and Magnolia, Lake Buena Vista, Osprey Ridge and Oak Trail golf courses.

As part of this long-term alliance agreement, golf legend Arnold Palmer and his golf course design team will be actively engaged in implementing strategic and innovative design features to several of the golf courses. Future enhancements include plans for a full renovation of Disney’s Palm under his direction to become an Arnold Palmer designed course.

“After 40 years as a golf course architect, I’m looking forward to this opportunity to contribute to Disney’s rich and storied golf legacy,” said Arnold Palmer. “I’ve enjoyed a lifetime of memories playing golf and it will be a great reward to pass that on to those who share a passion both for Disney and the game of golf.”

With an extensive following of serious golf enthusiasts, Arnold Palmer Golf Management is known for its excellent course conditions, pace of play, service standards and player development. In addition to course operation, the company also manages  “Palmer Advantage,” a reciprocal club and concierge service program, that provides members with unique travel benefits and access to more than 250 private clubs, resorts and golf courses around the world.

“Drawing on Arnold Palmer Golf Management’s expertise and experience enables us to build on our mutual strengths and extend our appeal both among leisure players and avid golfers,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Disney Sports Enterprises. “We’re excited about this new collaboration, which will benefit Disney guests and Palmer Advantage club members wanting a destination golf experience.”

The agreement gives Arnold Palmer Golf Management an opportunity to add a uniquely Disney, family-friendly golf destination to its portfolio of more than 70 private clubs and championship golf courses. Disney Golf will be promoted within the Palmer Advantage network of golf devotees, through a dedicated website and featured within the exclusive publication, “Kingdom Magazine,” which celebrates Mr. Palmer’s contributions to the game of golf and extensive philanthropic ambassadorship.

“With a reputation for service excellence and exceptional family entertainment, Walt Disney World is an ideal complement to our member offerings,” said Jim Hinckley, president of Arnold Palmer Golf Management. “This collaboration will give our members both a superior golf experience and a one-of-a-kind family golf vacation.”

Since Walt Disney World opened with two 18-hole courses in 1971, golf has been a key component of the resort. Over the past four decades, Disney World has hosted professional and amateur golf tournaments, including one of the longest-running events in PGA Tour history – the PGA Tour’s Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic. Disney has also hosted the LPGA Tour, NCAA golf championships and dozens of celebrity golf tournaments.

Good news for Give Kids The World (GKTW) yesterday as they were the recipient of more than $30,000 from The Golf Channel Am Tour (GCAT). More than 5,000 GCAT members from the 2011 season made donations that were collected from participants at the GCAT 25, two-day “Major Championships” from the 2011 season and from the 2010 GCAT National Championships at TPC Sawgrass.

GKTW is the official charitable organization for Golf Channel and the Golf Channel Am Tour provides golfers of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to compete in local, regional and national golf tournaments at top facilities and golf destinations nationwide. Golf Channel – part of NBC Sports Group – owns and operates the Am Tour, a professionally managed tour that features more than 800 local championships conducted annually nationwide.

Golf Channel on-air personalities Win McMurry and Charlie Rymer presented the $30,250 check to Give Kids The World President Pam Landwirth at today’s ceremony at Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee. Accepting the check with Landwirth were three “wish families” who are staying at the Give Kids The World Village this week. Each family has a child facing a life-threatening illness whose one wish is to visit the theme parks of Central Florida. GKTW helps fulfill the wishes of these children by providing families with weeklong, cost-free, fantasy vacations, complete with accommodations in whimsical villas, transportation, donated attractions tickets, meals and much more.

Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, as well as several learning disabilities, 16-year-old Megan Collins from Pittsburgh, Pa., wants to become a cartoonist and said it was her dream to visit Walt Disney World. Remarking on the trip, her mother Brenda Collins said, “This is the opportunity of a lifetime. I could never have afforded to take her here and seeing her now, with her imagination coming to life, is wonderful.” Dressed in a princess gown with pink sparkling earrings, 5-year-old wish child Carolina Floding is jubilant about today’s plans to feed the dolphins at SeaWorld. Visiting from San Diego, Calif., with her parents, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at age three and is now in remission. GKTW helped grant Carolina’s one wish to visit Central Florida’s most beloved theme parks. The Collins’ and The Flodings are just two of the 110,000 families that GKTW has welcomed over the last 25 years.

Serving families from all 50 states and more than 70 countries, the global non-profit organization relies on the generosity of countless volunteers, private donors and corporate sponsors to help run its 70-acre “Village.” “We want to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Golf Channel and to all of the players who participated in the Am Tour. Their donation to Give Kids The World will help to provide a week of magical, unforgettable memories for our families,” said Landwirth. “Golf Channel has been a longtime supporter of Give Kids the World, and we are excited and honored to extend that support from the more than 5,000 members of the Golf Channel Am Tour,” said Golf Channel Senior Director of Events Kenny Booth. Culminating the 2011 Golf Channel Am Tour season will be the national championships, taking place Sept. 18-27 at PGA West in La Quinta, Calif.

In one of the most exciting matches of the 2011 season, Orlando City defeated the Charleston Battery 3-1 in extra time in front of a raucous 7,609 fans at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Marking the first win for the club in the play offs, the Lions now advance to the American Division Championship against the Richmond Kickers which will be at the same venue next Saturday.

The game started with Orlando on the attack but it was Charleston who had the first real attempt on goal as Battery forward, Dane Kelly shot wide after finding himself in the clear with just City keeper Gallardo to beat. Orlando continued to pound away at the Charleston goal but Charleston’s defense, who finished 3^rd in the USL PRO in goals allowed (25), were resolute. Half time was looming and it looked like we’d be going into the break all even but in the 44th minute Orlando finally broke through.

Orlando City midfielder Lewis Neal found a neat pass on the 6 yard the box for City forward Max Griffin, who made no mistake in finding the left corner of the net. 1-0.  Griffin’s first in over six weeks.

“It was great to get all of the pressure off of my back,” said Griffin. “I think everything is starting to come together for the team. I’m just happy I scored.”

After halftime, Charleston Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser gave the team a spark by making three substitutions at the beginning of the start of the second half. It was one of those players, midfielder Stephen Armstrong, who was a key part in bringing the Battery level, as against the run of play his corner found Battery forward Nicki Paterson whose neat header found the net leaving City keeper Gallardo sprawling.

The Battery gained the momentum and the confidence to go forward and looked the most likely to take the lead. Orlando fought back realizing their season was just one goal away from ending and created a couple of half chances as we approached full time.

“I looked at my players after regulation and said it can’t end this way,” Orlando City Head Coach said after the match. “We were the better team. We just needed the extra time to show it.”

Emphatic words and ones that the Orlando players took to heart as Ian Fuller found Dennis Chin unmarked and his neat finish over the keeper in the 100th minute proved to be a decisive moment. 2-1.

Battery gave it their all and things went from bad to worse for them just moments after the goal. Dane Kelley can consider himself very unfortunate to have been sent off in 102^nd minute after receiving his second yellow for making a clumsy challenge on Orlando keeper Miguel Gallardo.  The City goalkeeper picked up the ball at the edge of the box and Kelley’s momentum meant a clash was inevitable. Gallardo was left laid out on the pitch and the red card was produced.

Orlando then took full advantage as they carved their opponents open. Battery had no choice but to attack and this left them vulnerable to the counter attack. Orlando wasted several chances to wrap up the game but finally all City supporters were able to breath as Jamie Watson found an unmarked Lewis Neal in the 118^th minute and he found a neat finish to the right hand side of the goal to ensure the victory. 3-1.

Orlando will now face the Richmond Kickers next week in the American Division Championship next Saturday, August 27. To secure your seat to the American Championship game, call the ticket office at 855-ORL-CITY (855-675-2489) or email tickets@orlandocitysoccer.com.  Tickets start at just $12.

Scoring Summary

44^th Minute – Orlando: Max Griffin (Lewis Neal)

64^th Minute – Charleston: Nicki Paterson (Stephen Armstong)

100^th Minute – Orlando: Dennis Chin (Ian Fuller)

118^th Minute – Orlando: Lewis Neal (Jamie Watson)

Orlando City Line-up

GK: Miguel Gallardo

D: Mechack Jerome, Kieron Bernard, Rob Valentino, Luke Boden

M: Kevin Molino (64’ – Ian Fuller), Yordany Alvarez, Lawrence Olum (105’ , Lewis Neal

F: Max Griffin (68’ – Dennis Chin), Jamie Watson (119’ – Jack Traynor)

Unused Subs

Sean Kelley, Devorn Jorsling, Wes Allen

Charleston Battery Line-up

GK: Andrew Dykstra

D: Mark Wiltse, Colin Falvey, Sean Flatley, Nigel Marples (105’ – Seedy Bah)

M: Mike Zaher (63’ – Brandon Massie), Cole Peverley, Kevin Jackson (57’ – Stephen Armstrong), Alex Caskey (63’ – Jon Gruenewald)

F: Nicki Paterson (105’ – Levi Coleman), Dane Kelley

Unused Subs

Keith Wiggans, Graham Dugoni

The Orlando City Lions already hold the USL PRO regular season title, but the season isn’t over yet. This evening, City clashes with Charleston in the opening round of the 2011 USL PRO Playoffs. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm at the Citrus Bowl and it promises to be an exciting game as the winner takes all and proceeds to the next round of the play offs. The loser goes home.

At this point, Orlando and Charleston should be quite familiar with each other. The two squads have squared off four times already this season – three regular season matches and one U.S. Open Cup match. Orlando holds the clear advantage in the series, winning three of the four, and outscoring the Battery by a combined 4-2 in the four games.

Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath (pictured above) isn’t expecting any surprises in tomorrow’s match. “For both teams, it will be a shock if anything happens that we aren’t both aware of,” said Heath. “I think we’ll have to play better than we have to beat them again.”

The Lions and Battery last met just two weeks ago in a two-game series in Orlando. City won both games, the second of which clinched the regular season championship for the Lions. Jamie Watson scored twice for Orlando, kick starting his run of five goals in nine days. Orlando will be relying on Watson to continue his torrid form up top to emerge victorious. Both teams come into the match riding high off a big win, but Charleston has a little more to prove. Their two losses to City two weeks ago nearly knocked them out of the playoffs entirely. The Battery needed a 4-3 victory over Charlotte in their final game to squeak in to the American Division’s fourth spot.

Make no mistake, the Battery will be coming to Orlando looking for revenge, as the Lions were also the team that handed Charleston their first ever loss to a non-MLS side in the U.S. Open Cup. The Lions know full well what is at stake, and have already looked past last week’s 4-0 victory in the regular season finale, except in terms of making improvements. “I think the most important thing we have to do is discount the score line,” said Heath. “I thought our first half performance was as bad as it’s been all season. I said to the players our season will be over if we play Saturday the way we did in the first half. That performance won’t be good enough.”

Do not expect the Lions to make many changes to their game plan. With a league-best 15 wins, City is confident in their ability to control the game and play their way. “I know what we do well and what we don’t do well,” said Heath. “I’m just going to concentrate making sure we play with the energy we need, that tactically we play the way we have all season, technically the way we control the ball. If we can do that, and put away the chances we have, we have enough to win the game.”

Tickets for this historic match are still available and start at just $12. To order tickets, call 855-ORL-CITY (855-675-2489). Tickets will also be available at the Citrus Bowl box office beginning at 4 pm on Saturday. For more information, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com today.

Proposed Line-up (unofficial):
GK: Miguel Gallardo
DF: Erik Ustruck, Rob Valentino, Kieron Bernard, Jack Traynor
MF: Kevin Molino, Yordany Alvarez, Lawrence Olum, Lewis Neal
FW: Jamie Watson, Max Griffin
Subs:
Sean Kelley, Mechack Jerome, Wes Allen, Luke Boden, Charlie Campbell, Devorn Jorsling, Dennis Chin

If you’re in Orlando over the next couple of days you have the chance to mix with President Obama, President Bush, President Clinton, Sarah Palin, Angelina Jolie, Jack Nicholson, Tiger Woods, Jack Sparrow, Hugh Hefner, Madonna, Rod Stewart, Diana Ross, Bret Michaels, Dolly Parton, Austin Powers, Snoop Dogg, KISS and a whole host of other celebrities and stars who are in the area.

OK,  it’s time to confess… trying to get all those folks in one place at the same time is next to impossible but it has been done at the Sunburst Convention of Celebrity Impersonators & Tribute Artists event that is currently in town. No, the real people aren’t really here but the the folks who impersonate them and who pay tribute to them are!

The convention is primarily set up so that these amazing people can meet event buyers who might wish to book them for a function and is billed as “A Place Where Buyers Meet Performers and Performers Meet Buyers.” The good news is that the public is invited to meet them both today and tomorrow. Showtime on both days is at 12.30pm as the STARZ IN CONCERT is a chance for them to show what they can do while fifteen minutes before that there is a meet and greet opportunity for the public.

The event is being held at The Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Place at 1850 Lake Buena Vista Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 just over the road from Downtown Disney and later today, around 9pm, you’ll get another opportunity to meet them all as they visit THE HOUSE OF BLUES at Downtown Disney. Have fun… more photos appear on our Facebook page… make sure you click “LIKE” at this link www.Facebook.com/FloridaLeisure

In recent weeks this blog seems to have been overtaken by some of the great things happening to the City of Orlando by their USL PRO League winners Orlando City Soccer Club. Today is no exception and while we love to report on some of the other things happening in Orlando, the soccer club is really the main story as the theme parks and attractions concentrate on their main business of entertaining guests instead of coming up with new things to tell us about.

Today is another exciting day for Orlando City as an official proclamation from the City of Orlando and the office of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will declare 18th August 2011 as  “Red City Day” in the City of Orlando.

“To receive an official recognition of this type from the City and Mayor Dyer is a tremendous privilege. The team is proud to represent the City of Orlando and we hope that we can bring home a Championship in our very first year” said Orlando City President, Phil Rawlins. He added “The City and all our fans have made us feel extremely welcome, the players, the coaches and the whole organization will give it all we have to secure that Championship.”

In celebration of today’s proclamation, Orlando City will be holding a special ticket promotion at City Hall Plaza in Downtown Orlando.  Fans will be able to win tickets to Saturday’s playoff game by answering trivia questions or showing off their soccer juggling skills.  The Orlando City players and USL PRO Regular Season Championship trophy will also be on hand for fans to get pictures and autographs.

The event will run from 12 pm to 1 pm at  City Hall Plaza which  is located at the corner of Orange Avenue and South Street in Downtown Orlando.  For more information, call 855-ORL-CITY (855-675-2489), extension 302.

And just as a reminder, the USL PRO Regular Season Champions will be in action against the Charleston Battery at 7.30pm on Saturday 20th August at the Orlando Citrus Bowl. Remember… Paint the City RED for the Playoffs! #RedCity