Disney’s contemporary Christian music event, “Night of Joy,” will celebrate its 28th year by presenting an unprecedented lineup of Christian music artists. After two years at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the event will again be held at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
Performances will take place at several stage locations between 7:00 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. each evening following the regular closing of Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Popular attractions will also be available for guests to enjoy during Night of Joy hours. The 2010 lineup features a host of inspirational bands, including these headlining artists:
Friday, September 10
Chris Tomlin
David Crowder Band
Casting Crowns
Saturday, September 11
MercyMe
Third Day
Family Force
Information & Tickets
Night of Joy special ticket provides admission to the Magic Kingdom from 4:00 p.m. until until 1:00 a.m.. The park is regularly open until 6:00 p.m., but Night of Joy ticket holders will be issued a special wrist band allowing them access to the extended hours and concerts.
Prices for the special one-night advance tickets purchased online are $49.95, plus tax ($57.95, plus tax if available on night of event). Tickets for both nights — September 10 & 11 — are $89.95, plus tax. For more information or to purchase tickets for Night of Joy, call 407-W-DISNEY or go online and check out www.disneyworld.com/nightofjoy
Halloween Horror Nights is the premiere Halloween event annually held at the Universal Orlando theme park. Hundreds of thousands of horror fans from all over the globe look forward to this event every year and it is the largest event of its kind on the planet. The event features haunted houses, “scarezones” and live entertainment, many of which utilize Universal’s classic monsters (Wolf Man, Frankenstein), exclusive characters (Jack, The Director), and other licensed properties (Saw, Freddy, Jason).
Initially the event featured just one haunted house but as the event has grown; up to eight haunted houses have been used in conjunction with the ever popular “scarezones” which feature costumed characters, including the World famous Chainsaw Drill Team, and superb themes, costumes and makeup effects to scare people who walk from one area of the park to the next.
Halloween Horror Nights officially launched in Florida in 1991 under the name “Fright Nights.” It was renamed “Halloween Horror Nights” in 1992 and initially began as a three night event but is now a 24 night “horrible” extravaganza that has grown bigger and bigger every year.
The event was held at Universal Studios Florida from 1991 to 2001, but then moved to Universal’s Islands of Adventure in 2002. In 2004, Universal experimented with a dual-park format, which connected and utilized parts of both parks but in 2006, the event made its return to Universal Studios.
The first unofficial icon was Crypt Keeper, from the TV series Tales from the Crypt and since then some of the other icons have been Jack the Clown, The Caretaker, The Director, The Storyteller, Bloody Mary, The Usher and Fear.
2010 marks the 20th installment of the event at the Orlando park, titled “Twenty Years of Fear”, and features the embodiment of Fear itself as the event’s icon.
It’s a lot of fun so why not take yourself along for a day at Universal Studios Florida® theme park this September / October and watch as the park is transformed by day into Halloween Horror Nights at night and see why this is event is always crowned “The Best Haunted Attraction.” There are many ways to enjoy the event, with Frequent Fear Passes for non-peak nights and also VIP Unmasking the Horror tours as well. Our concierge department will be only too happy to help you decide how to enjoy the maximum amount of fear.
September is a busy month in Central Florida with lots of events happening. Here’s the highlights:
First off is Orlando Magical Dining month that runs from 1st to 30th September. I covered this event in a blog last week here. Over at the theme parks “Halloween” seems to be the thing on everyone’s mind even though the day itself isn’t until 31st October.
September 10 – 11, 2010: One of the top contemporary Christian music events in the country, the Night of Joy now at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will feature some of the best Gospel Music singers.
September 14 – November 1, 2010: Disney characters are decked out in their Halloween finest, and guests are invited to do the same on 23 evenings when Magic Kingdom hosts this popular after-hours event. September 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30, October 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31, November 1, 2010.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Rock the Universe
September 10-11, 2010: Chart-topping Christian music stars from across the nation highlight the annual concert.
Halloween Horror Nights
September 24, 25, 30, October 1-3, 7-10,1 4-17, 20-24, 27-31, 2010: Possibly the world’s most elaborate Halloween celebration with specially designed haunted houses, inescapable scare zones and hundreds of street performers.
Elsewhere, there’s a lot to choose from:
September 02, 2010 1st Thursday’s
Themed happy hour on the first Thursday of each month at the Orlando Museum of Art from 6pm – 9pm.
For more info: 407-896-4231
Admission charge.
September 03, 2010 Date Night at Leu Gardens
Bring a picnic basket and a blanket to enjoy a movie under the stars at beautiful Leu Gardens.
More info: 407-246-2620
Admission charge: $7 for adults, $2 for children
September 03, 2010 Friday Night Live
Friday nights at Uptown Altamonte, from 7 – 9 pm enjoy outdoor entertainment in a beautiful setting. Local artists perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music weekly.
More info: 407-571-8180
Free admission
September 04, 2010 Jazzed in Sanford
Monthly Jazz Concert series held the first Saturday of the month in Magnolia Square, downtown Sanford from 4 – 7pm.
More info: 407-688-5004
Free admission
September 06, 2010 Storytelling at Leu Gardens
Stories at 3 times for different aged children on the first Monday of the month.
More info: 407-246-2620
Free admission
September 09, 2010 Popcorn Flicks in the Park
Each month the Enzian Theater features free movies on the second Thursday of the month at Central Park.
More info: 407-629-1088
Free admission
September 09, 2010 Alive After Five
The second Thursday of each month, enjoy themed entertainment and activities.
For more info: 407-302-2586.
Admission charge
September 10, 2010 Movie in the Park
On the second Friday of the month, the city of Mount Dora presents a free outdoor movie at Donnelly Park on the corner of Donnelly Street & 5th Avenue.
More info: 352-735-7183
Free admission
September 10, 2010 Friday Night Live
Friday nights at Uptown Altamonte, from 7 – 9 pm enjoy outdoor entertainment in a beautiful setting. Local artists perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music weekly.
More info: 407-571-8180
Free admission
September 10 – 11, 2010 Night of Joy
Listen to some of today’s most powerful voices in Contemporary Christian music at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Admission charge
September 10 – 11, 2010 Rock the Universe
Excitement and inspiration for music fans as Universal Studios showcases the best Christian rock performers.
Admission charge
September 11, 2010 Cranes Roost Sunset Cinema
Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy a family friendly movie on the lawn in front of the tower. Bring the entire family for a fun, free evening together under the stars. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Sorry, no pets are allowed in the Plaza area.
More info: 407-571-8180
Free admission
September 17, 2010 Friday Night Live
Friday nights at Uptown Altamonte, from 7 – 9 pm enjoy outdoor entertainment in a beautiful setting. Local artists perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music weekly.
More info: 407-571-8180
Free admission
September 18, 2010 Children’s Expo
Orlando’s annual expo for parents and kids sponsored by Winn-Dixie with FREE ADMISSION! Featuring exhibits, entertainment, parent seminars, children’s safety information, face painting, games, child safety ID cards, car seat check stations, bicycle helmet fitting, character visits, book readings, bounce house, special offers and free product samples! Attendees can save 50% on parking by pre-registering.
More info: 407-889-8902
Free admission, parking charge
September 18, 2010 Jazz Jams Uptown
The City of Altamonte Springs and WLOQ Smooth Jazz 103.1 present a jazz concert series at the Eddie Rose Amphitheater from 7pm – to 10pm at Uptown Altamonte.
More info: 407-571-8180
Free admission
September 18, 2010 Cinema in the Park
Family movies on the third Friday of each month at 9th Street and Park Avenue in Sanford. Bring the family and a blanket or chairs for the 7:00pm showing of this month’s movie.
More info: 407-688-5004
Free admission
September 18, 2010 Celebration Art and Wine Stroll
The streets of Downtown Celebration will transform into 60+ art galleries on one special night between 6:30 and 10pm.
More info: 407-566-4007
Free admission
September 18 – 19, 2010 Jazz at the Winery
Lakeridge Winery has live jazz, food and of course wine at this annual event.
More info: 1-800-768-WINE.
Admission charge of $2.00.
September 21 – 26, 2010 Global Peace Film Festival
Celebrate the art of film and its power to promote new understanding. Held in conjunction with the UN’s International Day of Peace, the festival promotes the art of motion picture to further the goal of peace on earth, beyond anti-war, ideology and activism. Events will take place at Gallery at Avalon Island, Rollins College, Winter Park Public Library and the Orlando Science Center and will include film programs, panels, parties and a special concert.
More info: 407-224-6625.
Admission charge
September 24 – 26, 2010 New Smyrna Beach JAZZ Festival
Music fills the air along the seaside streets during this annual Jazz Festival. Various performance venues along Flagler Avenue.
More info: 386-423-9760
Free admission
September 24, 2010 Friday Night Live
Friday nights at Uptown Altamonte, from 7 – 9 pm enjoy outdoor entertainment in a beautiful setting. Local artists perform Jazz, Pop, Big Band and Contemporary music weekly.
More info: 407-571-8180
Free admission
September 25 – October 3, 2010 Fashion Week at The Mall at Millenia
Preview spring 2011’s hottest fashion trends with a week-long series of in-store events, such as trunk shows and in store specials.
More info: 407-363-3555
Free admission
Most visitors to Central Florida only think one thing “Walt Disney World, Orlando”. What most don’t know is that there is another area that makes up the Walt Disney World area and that is the area known as Kissimmee.
More likely than not, most visitors will stay in properties in the Kissimmee area if they don’t stay directly on Walt Disney World property. So with that in mind, here’s the top 7 things you can do while staying in the area that is closest to Disney:
1. Old Town
Old Town is a great place to visit for all members of the family and is a favorite attraction for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Kissimmee as it features specialty shops, restaurants, and great amusement park rides.
There are over 40 shops featuring an amazing variety of merchandise, around a dozen places to eat and drink and some great rides to blow you away. Rides such as Windstorm Roller Coaster…1,437 feet of steel tracks which twist and turn over 80-degree banks! There’s the colorful & exciting Wave Swinger and you can see Orlando from sixty feet in the air on the Century Ferris Wheel. If that’s not enough adventure for you then spin your wheels around the Happy Days Family Go-Kart Track or try out Super Shot where you’ll feel like you can touch the stars as you slowly inch up to 150 feet and then get dropped suddenly!
On the lighter side, you can take the little ones on the uniquely painted horses of the Merry-Go-Round, spin on the Tea Cups, leap into fun on the Frog Hopper, and ride the Wacky Worm Kiddie Coaster.
Old Town is also the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights as its “Cruise Night”. The Friday Night Cruise is a car show that features 1975–1987 cars and trucks while The Saturday Night Cruise will bring back memories of your first car, your first date and your first kiss as the “pride and joys” from 1974 and earlier bring back ‘lots of memories’ as an average of 300 classic cars, hot rods, street rods and antiques parade down the brick streets of Old Town. Completing the bill is some fabulous live entertainment as some great bands come to Old Town – Kissimmee to play some great tunes.
2. Horse World
Blue sky, hundreds of acres to explore and a good horse beneath you are just some of the delights that will greet you when you visit Horse World. If you love horse riding or enjoying the peaceful Florida countryside then a visit to this trail riding adventure will invigorate your soul. A chance to experience what it was like when life was simple!
3. Lake Lizzie Nature Preserve
This 950-acre nature preserve is one of Florida’s best sites for hiking, horseback riding and nature viewing. The preserve offers marked trails through a variety of habitats leading to the shores of Lake Lizzie and Trout Lake.
4. Boggy Creek Airboat Ride
An airboat ride offers you the chance to glide through the beautiful Florida wetlands and get up close and personal with exotic birds, turtles and of course, the Florida alligator in their own natural environment. You’ll also get the chance to fly like the wind into the swamps experiencing the awesome feel of an airboat ride traveling up to 45 miles per hour.
5. Green Meadows Petting Farm
“Everyone milks a cow” at Green Meadows Petting Farm, where you can interact with more than 300 animals during a two-hour guided tour throughout the farm. Everyone is encouraged to have a “hands on” experience during the tour by petting a variety of pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, donkeys, and more as tour leaders teach kids about the farm and its animals. Kids can also take a pony ride and experience a tractor-drawn hayride.
6. Forever Florida
This 4700-acre eco-ranch and wildlife conservation area offers approximately 10 miles of hiking trails and a chance to step into Florida’s past. The Florida National Scenic Trail runs through this property and you’ll experience natural streams, forests, pastures, wetlands and learn about the wide array of Forever Florida’s wildlife including alligators, black bears, white-tail deer and the endangered Florida panther.
You can visit the Crescent J, a picturesque Florida ranch featuring a living museum of Spanish Colonial Cattle and Florida’s unique Cracker Horses and enjoy three fully guided adventures that are offered through Florida EcoSafaris: Coach Safari, Horseback Safari and, Florida’s first and only Zipline Safari. The Zipline Safari will take you on a two and a half hour adventure like no other, reaching heights of 55 feet and speeds up to 25 mph as you sail above it all on this breathtaking aerial nature tour.
7. Take in a Dinner Show
Kissimmee is home to three of the best Dinner Show’s you’ll ever see. Capone’s Dinner Show is a cheerful mishmash of Broadway Show, nightclub cabaret, sketch comedy revue and an all you can eat Italian buffet set during the prohibition era while Medieval Times Dinner Show is a dinner show set in the times of lords and ladies. Sit down and enjoy a royal four course meal as you watch six brave knights compete and battle for your favor. With daring exhibits of valor, metal to metal sword fighting, and high speed jousting, you will be on the edge of your seat. Over at Arabian Nights Dinner Show you’ll experience a “Storybook Tale of Romance and Adventure” as the Broadway-style production featuring over 60 of the world’s most beautiful horses pulls off amazing stunts, state-of-the-art special effects and a delicious prime rib feast.
International Drive, otherwise known as I-Drive, is the main tourist strip in the Orlando area. It is located southwest of Downtown Orlando and stretches approximately 15 miles over two counties, Orange and Osceola. It is home to many tourist attractions, restaurants and shopping areas.
If you have your own transport then you’ll find it easy to navigate your way from one venue to another but if you’re on foot you’ll want to utilize the I-Ride trolley that runs along I-Drive at regular intervals.
The north end of I-Drive is where the action starts or finishes, depending which direction you are going and its the home of Prime Outlets Orlando. Just south of there are other outlet malls as well as the increasingly popular Festival Bay Mall. As you journey south you’ll come across such attractions as Fun Spot, Titanic – the Experience, Wet and Wild, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, WonderWorks, Congo River Golf, Train Land International, as well as over 485 designer, brand name and outlet stores.
Food wise you’re absolutely spoilt for choice as there are over 150 fabulous restaurants as well as two dinner shows at Pirates and Sleuths to enjoy.
There’s so much to see and do, I thought I’d just make a list of the Top 25 for you to pick from:
25. Visit Monkey Joe’s where kids can let loose and bounce around like a Monkey.
24. Beat the heat in the Iceberg Room while discovering treasures of a sunken ship at Titanic – the Experience.
23. Enjoy a cold, swirly, Twistee Treat with sprinkles on top on a hot summer day or night.
22. Sit back, relax and experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the Caribbean while watching the Junkanoo dancers and musicians perform at Kafe Kalik.
21. Have your picture taken in front of a 1934 replica Ford Woody at Ron Jon’s Surf Parkat Festival Bay Mall.
11. Escape the ordinary at Ripley’s Believe it or Not with its Orlando Odditorium filled with the unusual.
10. Let your imagination run wild at WonderWorks, Orlando’s only upside-down building! Land the space shuttle. Design a roller coaster. Fly a fighter jet.
9. Been bowling lately? Check out the 32-lane bowling alley right in the heart of the I-Drive area, the World Bowling Center. The wacky decor features murals of astronauts bowling, among other whimsical touches.
Over the years Orlando has evolved into a true culinary hot spot. The city has numerous award-winning restaurants and celebrity chefs serving exciting fare from all across the globe. The good news is that as September arrives you get the chance to indulge in Orlando’s haute cuisine at an even hotter price!
The 5th Annual Orlando Magical Dining Month is a culinary celebration presented by the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau. From September 1-30, participating restaurants will feature three-course, prix fixe dinners at an exceptional value of just $30. It’s your chance to savor Orlando’s best cuisine at an unbeatable price, and also contribute to a great cause as this year, $1 of every Magical Dining Month dinner served will benefit the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Central Florida.
More than 60 Orlando area restaurants are participating this year and your $30 three course dinner includes the choice of: an appetizer, entrée and dessert from the restaurant’s specially-prepared Magical Dining menu. Tax and gratuity is not included.
This is a special offer and no other discounts or offers can be used in combination with the Orlando Magical Dining dinner promotion and you don’t get to split your meal with another person. The price is $30 per person for the three course meal!
Orlando has more than 4,000 places you can go to eat and despite rumors to the contrary, they aren’t all chains or fast food establishments. There are a good number of fine independently owned restaurants and many of them within easy reach of your vacation rental home.
Just round the corner from International Drive is what the locals call ‘Restaurant Row’. It is effectively the stretch of Sand Lake Road west of Interstate 4 heading towards the famous Bay Hill area. It’s here you’ll find some excellent restaurants that will cater for every taste and flavor you can imagine.
If I may, I’ll start with my favorite(s) and then move down
Chatham’s Place — 7575 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando; 407-345-2992
Chatham’s Place is small and upscale with a menu to match. The cuisine has touches of southern charm, and the pecan-crusted grouper is a local legend. You’ll enjoy the ambiance and top notch service if you go…and you’ll be sure to want a quick return.
Seasons 52 — 7700 Sand Lake Rd., Orlando; 407-354-5212
OK, I confess that technically this is really a chain with eight locations, but this is Darden’s latest concept and it’s a winner. I’ve eaten here on several occasions and I’ve never been disappointed. The original concept of the restaurant was that something, somewhere comes into season every week of the year, thus 52 seasons. Pretty much everything on the menu is superb but save a little room for the mini desserts as you’ll want more than one.
Vines Grille & Wine Bar — 7533 W. Sand Lake Rd., Orlando; 407-351-1227
If you love live jazz then this is the place for you. You can sit at the bar and enjoy a beer, a glass of wine or a cocktail and let the world drift by. If you prefer, enjoy dinner at one of the comfortable tables in the classy and upscale dining room.
Roy’s – 7760 W. Sand Lake Rd., Orlando; 407-352-4844
In Hawaii, there are two things of equal importance…food and the “aloha” spirit. The blending of these two dynamic principles is how Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion® Cuisine was born. European techniques and Asian cuisine meet Hawaiian hospitality to create a fine dining experience unlike any other. Where the “aloha” style of service comes straight from the heart, and where any occasion becomes an unforgettable evening.
Christini’s Ristorante Italiano – 7600 Dr. Phillip’s Blvd., Orlando;407-345-8770
This award winning upscale Italian restaurant is a favorite among the locals. The food is simply fabulous and the service unsurpassed.
Moonfish — 7525 W. Sand Lake Rd., Orlando; 407-363-7762. If seafood is more to your taste then Moon Fish has you covered. Daily fresh fish selections as well as Prime and Choice mid-western aged steaks cooked over a natural wood-burning pit and an intriguing sushi menu.
Those are just some of my favorite selections on “Restaurant Row” but don’t worry if they don’t appeal to you as there is so much more choice if you take a trip to the area. If you decide to make a trip there from your vacation home then allow around 20 to 25 minutes as you’ll pass the “Crossroads” area which is where you’ll find much of the tourist traffic around the Walt Disney World Lake Buena Vista entrance.
It’s important to remember that “Restaurant Row” is split into three distinct areas; Dr. Phillips Marketplace, The Fountains at Bay Hill, and Plaza Venezia.
The more established and long standing restaurants are located in The Dr. Phillips Marketplace since it was the only center in the area until about a decade ago and this is where some of the more long standing favorites can be found. Places like Morton’s Steakhouse, Carreiras, and Christini’s. But do lookout for some of the newer establishments that have come onto the scene such as Press 101, Pups, Einstein’s Bagel, Five Guys, and of course Starbucks.
The Fountains include Vines Grille & Wine Bar, Antonio’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, The Melting Pot, Ruth Chris Steakhouse, and Moonfish. Over the road at Plaza Venezia you’ll find Timpano, Samba Room, Amura, Roy’s, Bonefish, and Season’s 52. Timpano is an Italian Chophouse and the best place to listen to Frank Sinatra impersonators. Samba Room has great Cuban cuisine and on Fridays, as poetically coined by Gloria Estafan, a great place to shake your body to the rhythm of the conga until you can’t shake it any longa. If sushi and sake are to your taste then try out Amura.
Another area starting to make a name for itself on “Restaurant Row” is Dellagio and it’s here you can experience the style and magic of Tuscany in this premiere mixed use town center development that literally takes you to Italy with its intricate designs and authentic sophisticated architecture. Dellagio features a signature water fountain that was inspired by the famous Place de la Concorde and it is the focal point of the piazza, overlooking the tranquil lake.
Dellagio has some interesting restaurants such as Flemings Steak House, Cantina Laredo – a gourmet Mexican restaurant, Bravo Cucina Italiana, Big Fin Seafood Kitchen, Kilwins and Dragonfly Sushi.
Earlier in the blog I mentioned the “Crossroads” area and perhaps I should cover that in a little more detail as it is certainly a popular area with folks who are vacationing in Orlando.It is situated near the entrance to Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney Marketplace on Apopka Vineland Road. It offers about 25 specialty shops and restaurants, including stores such as Beyond Electronics, Whites Books and Gifts, Disney Character Connection, Foot Locker and Sunglass Hut, along with Gooding’s, a 24-hour grocery store that offers a big deli and variety of prepared food.
Restaurants include Chilli’s,TGI’s, Fuddruckers, Flipper’s Pizzeria, Johnnie’s Hideaway, Tacho bell, Red Lobster, Sweet Tomatoes, and an Indian restaurant. Once you’ve dined, you might even fancy a game of crazy golf at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf located toward the rear of the property.
Overall, I’m sure you’ll agree that Orlando has some great places to eat… enjoy this short video tour and see for yourself:
Star Wars Celebration V is underway at the Orange County Convention Center. It started yesterday and as expected, the lines were long before the doors first opened. Long lines then continued inside at many of the booths offering exclusive and free merchandise such as Lego, Hasbro and Disney. Don’t worry if you’re still planning on attending, most booths are only offering a limited amount each day so that they don’t run out too fast.
Also, there are many photo opportunities that are free, some cool free giveaways and lots of neat things to see. Besides the show floor, there are panel discussions going on all day as well as movies, games and costumes to check out.
The Star Wars convention runs through Sunday so if you’re a fan, hurry there….we don’t know if the event will ever come back to Orlando.
The 5th Star Wars Celebration starts tomorrow at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL and is the official Lucasfilm event celebrating all things Star Wars, produced by fans for fans. This is where you will find the largest Star Wars parties, featuring cast and crew celebrities, fans, costumes, music, live entertainment, autographs, collectibles, and panels — but mainly friends who gather to have fun and celebrate their love for the saga.
From fans who first experienced A New Hope in theaters to kids just discovering Star Wars through Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Celebration touches on anything and everything connected with that galaxy far, far away.
The first event took place back in 1999 and it doesn’t have a permanent home. Instead, it travels around the world to avoid Imperial detection — and to bring Star Wars to as many fans as possible. The event runs from August 12 – 15, 2010, and commemorates the 30th Anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back, celebrates the continuing televised adventures of the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and looks forward to exciting new Star Wars projects to come.
Opening times are:
Thursday, August 12, 2010
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday, August 13, 2010
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, August 14, 2010
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday, August 15, 2010
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Some of the stars who will appear are Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill while George Lucas will be interviewed by Jon Stewart onstage Saturday morning. The field of folks signing autographs includes Anthony Daniels, Ray Park, Warwick Davis, Peter Mayhew, Daniel Logan, Julian Glover and Temuera Morrison.
Single-day admission is $48 for adults, $27 for children; four-day passes are $128 adults, $54 for children.
July was one of the warmest months on record in the Central Florida area but it seems the weather has now done a complete turn around. Cooler temperatures and overcast days seem to be in our upcoming forecast this week and it seems we are going to get a lot of rain in the next few days. With that in mind, I thought I’d put together a list of some of the things you can do during the wet weather.
1. Visit A Museum
Museums are educational as well as fun! The Orlando Science Center and the Orange County History Center have lots of activities to occupy all the family for the day. On the cultural side you can visit the Orlando Museum of Art which has a nice selection of American Portraits and Landscapes.
2. Go to the Movies!
Your vacation home is a great place to while away the rainy hours with it’s games room, large screen TV, internet access and other fantastic amenities but sometimes you just want to get out and about. A visit to a local movie theater to catch the latest flick is a great way to spend some time. Downtown Disney, The Loop and the I-Max theaterat Point Orlando are all great places to enjoy a movie and have some fun.
3. Wander the Malls.
When its raining is a great time to visit the Malls. Mall of Millennia, Florida Mall, Orlando Premium Outlets and many of the other malls are always an enjoyable place to visit and get that shopping bug out of the system. Orlando has some great shopping and dining places..go out and explore them!
4. Visit the ‘Distraction Attractions’
Sounds odd but the ‘distraction attractions’ are a great place to visit when the bad weather arrives and when wandering the main parks is no longer any fun. Places like the Titanic Exhibition, Orlando Science Museum and Wonder Works all have interactive exhibits that will amuse you for hours.
5. Visit the Library
The Hart Memorial Library at 211 Dakin Avenue, Kissimmee or the West Osceola Library at 6070 W Irlo Bronson Highway, Kissimmee are two great places to visit to find some great reading material. You can surf the web, browse through magazines and newspapers or simply hang around and enjoy a great book.
6. Disney Quest
DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive theme park is a one-of-a-kind gaming experience in the Downtown Disney area. Discover 5 floors of cutting-edge technology, virtual reality and 3D encounters fueled by Disney innovation and imagination.
Don’t miss Pirates of the Caribbean, Virtual Jungle Cruise, CyberSpace Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Astroblasters, Animation Academy and much more!
7. Visit the Theme Parks
Lots of folks take a look at the weather and decide to visit the theme parks on another day. However, visiting the theme parks when it’s raining can be fun and it almost always means the lines will be shorter. Remember, most attractions and shows are indoors or in covered pavilions…it’s only getting to them that may cause you to get a little wet. So break out the poncho or the umbrella and go for it!
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