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Orlando Solar Bears partners Jason Siegel, Joe Haleski and Bob Ohrablo joined Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to welcome the National Hockey League’s Minnesota Wild and the AHL Houston Aeros as affiliates for the Solar Bears as they begin their Out of Hibernation season in October 2012. The announcement was made this afternoon at RDV Ice Den, the official training and practice site of the Orlando Solar Bears.

Minnesota Sports and Entertainment hockey executive Jim Mill was on hand for the announcement.

 “Central Florida has welcomed the Orlando Solar Bears back with open arms and we couldn’t think of a better atmosphere for our players to develop their skills in,” Mill said. “We are excited to welcome Joe, Jason and Bob and the Solar Bears fans into the Wild family.”

Orlando Solar Bears Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner Bob Ohrablo pointed to several reasons that the Solar Bears selected the Wild.

 “We want to win,” exclaimed Ohrablo. “We strongly believe that affiliating with the Wild organization will provide us with a solid core of players from which we can build a competitive and exciting team for our fans.”

Mill took over the hockey operations at the Houston Aeros in 2009 and in 2010-11 the Aeros went to the AHL Calder Cup finals. The Aeros went 35-25-16 (2011-12) and were the only team that had advanced to the final four in 2010-11 to qualify for the playoffs this season.

“This is a major step in building a winning organization here in Orlando,” explained Ohrablo. “We will now focus on securing our general manager/coach and begin to sign players in consultation with our hockey partners in Minnesota/Houston.”

Minnesota had four players with ECHL experience skate in a NHL game this season.  Houston recalled a total of 19 players from the ECHL in 2011-12 and they combined to play in 400 games for the Aeros.

“Houston and Minnesota used to be competitors of the IHL Orlando Solar Bears. Now we have all joined together in an effort to bring a championship to our fans in all three markets,” added Mill.

The Orlando Solar Bears begin play in the ECHL at the Amway Center in October, 2012.  Ticket plan information is available at: www.orlandosolarbearshockey.com.  Full and partial season tickets plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season seat.

Orlando Solar Bears merchandise can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/

Universal Orlando is unveiling even more powerhouse performers that will take the stage at the 2012 Summer Concert Series. Every Saturday night beginning June 9 through July 14, Universal Studio Florida will host one of the hottest concert series around, featuring a star-studded lineup that will appeal to fans of every music genre.

This year, music lovers can expect live performances from classic rock to chart-topping country hits, from mainstream hip hop to soulful R&B. Newly announced performers include Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Famer Al Green, who’s recorded timeless hits like “Let’s Stay Together” and “I’m Still in Love with You;” country star Josh Turner, who has topped the U.S. country charts with singles like “All Over Me” and “Why Don’t We Just Dance;” and Grammy award-winning rapper Lupe Fiasco, who has collaborated with other hit-makers like Kanye West, Snoop Dogg and Jay-Z.

These new additions join previously announced musical acts, including the cast of Nickelodeon’s hit TV series, “Victorious,” on June 9, and rock bands ZZ Top and 3 Doors Down on June 16. The full Summer Concert Series lineup is below, and the final musical act will be announced at a later date.

Access to all Summer Concert Series performances is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida. For guests that specifically want to enjoy the concerts, Universal Orlando is offering an all-new ticket that provides one-time access to Universal Studios after 7 p.m. – exclusively for the Summer Concert Series. Available online, the “Summer Concert Ticket” is priced at $59.99 plus tax and will go on sale beginning May 15.

The Summer Concert Series gives guests the opportunity to top off their day of theme park thrills with a headlining concert. By day, guests can enjoy some of the most popular entertainment experiences in the world– including the all-new Universal’s Superstar Parade, a daily parade that features elaborately themed floats that tower above guests, hundreds of energetic street performers and spectacular music and dance performances. By night, park guests can rock out to a live performance by a multi-platinum artist at the Music Plaza, a venue illuminated by the colorful LED lights of Universal Studios’ most rockin’ coaster, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.

Last night, Universal Orlando Resort surprised guests with a first look at Universal’s Superstar Parade – one of the largest interactive experiences the theme park has ever created. The daily parade will feature elaborately themed floats that tower above guests, hundreds of energetic street performers and spectacular music and dance performances. The all-new parade will have a grand opening on May 8, along with Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – a new nighttime show that unfolds across Universal’s central lagoon, taking guests on a journey filled with powerful movie moments.

It’s a sad day for the Orlando community today as news has reached us that Visit Orlando CEO Gary Sain has died from a suspected heart attack after collapsing at a Boys and Girls Club event that he was speaking at.

Gary was the top executive at the Visit Orlando organization and we had several excellent meetings with him as we discussed ways to promote and sell the Orlando area as the top family leisure destination in the world. Gary was also instrumental in helping Orlando become one of the top meetings and convention destinations in America. He was a leading figure in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry and was frequently seen in the media touting the benefits of travel and the industry’s importance to the economy as a vehicle for economic development and prosperity.

Gary also served on several local boards including the Association of Travel Marketing Executives, IAEE, Visit Florida, Central Florida Boy Scouts of America, United Arts of Central Florida, Orlando SKAL International, Central Florida Hospitality Lodging Association and Florida Citrus Sports.

All of us at Florida Leisure Vacation Homes pass on our condolences to Gary’s family and friends.

Orlando City Soccer Club looks to extend their season-opening unbeaten streak to five games when the Pittsburgh Riverhounds visit the Florida Citrus Bowl on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

The Lions come into the match hoping to rebound from last week’s disappointing 0-0 draw with Richmond. Unhappy with the first half showing, Heath made an unprecedented four substitutions at the half. He also shifted the shape of the squad, transitioning to a 4-4-2 with Max Griffin and Dennis Chin partnering up top. While the Lions increased their scoring chances, the ball never found the back of the net.

“I’m looking for a reaction from my players,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I was really disappointed in our performance last week, probably the most disappointed since I’ve been here. “

The defense kept a clean sheet for the third time in four games this season, but it was the first time Orlando City failed to score this season. Heath has been focusing on the Lions’ play in the final third all week, and expects to see improvements this week.

“I don’t think we’ve had enough production from our front four or five players this year. I’m sure that Pittsburgh will come in here and make it as difficult as possible, but I’m looking at our team and hoping we’ll get the reaction we’re looking for because last weekend wasn’t good enough.”

The biggest question for Orlando City coming into this match is the status of Goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo (pictured above.) The 2011 USL PRO Goalkeeper of the Year was forced to leave last week’s match at halftime due to a concussion. Gallardo has recovered, and actually scored higher on his concussion tests after the incident than before. Should Gallardo experience any issues, Sean Kelley will be available off the bench.

Pittsburgh enters Saturday’s match looking for a turn of fate. After starting the season with a win in Antigua, the Riverhounds have dropped three of their last four matches. In that span, they have scored just three goals. No player on the Riverhounds roster has scored more than once this season. For the Riverhounds to contend with Orlando’s potentially potent offense, someone will have to step up. Previous meetings between the two clubs suggest that history is not on Pittsburgh’s side.

Orlando and Pittsburgh met twice last season, with the Lions taking the season series 1-0-1. In the May 14 clash at the Citrus Bowl, the Lions got a goal in the second minute, and that was all they needed for a 1-0 victory. In that match, City outshot the Riverhounds 17-5. The follow-up match in Pittsburgh was a defensive struggle ending in a scoreless draw.

Today was a big day at SeaWorld Orlando as the theme park continues it’s quest to become the finest theme park in the Central Florida area.  Not content with already being the place to go during the Christmas period, SeaWorld’s President Terry Prather (pictured above) opened the fabulous new TurtleTrek attraction. Turtle Trek is the only attraction of its kind in the world and this morning we got chance to attend the Grand Opening ceremony.

TurtleTrek, is a superb new addition to the fabulous park and it offers a unique blend of up-close encounters with manatees and sea turtles. It also features state-of-the art entertainment, which  makes for a real adventure and a first-of-its-kind 3D 360 degree dome theater film that completely surrounds guests and gives them a fully immersive experience.

Guests enter the attraction and visit the first of two massive naturalistic habitats, home to gentle manatees and gliding sea turtles, learning along the way what makes each species so precious. Families then enter a domed theater and what happens next has never before been seen and is a first at any theme park in the world.

Inside the dome, guests don special 3D glasses and are then surrounded by a hyper-realistic, 3D 360 degree film that takes them on the amazing life journey of a special sea turtle named Nyah. The experience is all around guests and even above them – not just in front of them or only on one screen. It’s this all-new and immersive way of showcasing a sea turtle’s epic adventure that is the heart of TurtleTrek. And for the first time, SeaWorld guests are given a turtle’s eye view of the ocean’s wonders.

TurtleTrek is as inspirational as it is astounding. There’s a call-to-action at the end of the experience as SeaWorld urges guests to join in with conserving the world we share. “Do a little, do a lot, but join us and do something to help the world and its animals,” said Brian Morrow, the attraction’s chief designer. “TurtleTrek is about the everyday heroes who can make a difference in nature.”

As guests leave the dome there’s even more for families to enjoy.  Families can compete in a fun and educational “Race for the Beach” video game that plays out on massive video screens outside the new attraction. Also,  TurtleTrek’s gift shop is unique in the way it continues the attraction’s inspiration and guests will see exactly how a portion of each dollar spent benefits in-the-field research to help save animals.

Further and starting at TurtleTrek, SeaWorld and all its parks are eliminating plastic gift bags within the next year. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment will be the largest theme park operator to make this commitment.  The eco-friendly move will save an estimated 4 million plastic bags per year from both entering landfills and impacting wildlife. SeaWorld routinely rescues marine wildlife such as endangered sea turtles that sometimes mistake plastic bags for a favorite food such as jellyfish.

 More photos at https://www.facebook.com/FloridaLeisure or FloridaLeisurePhotography.com

And check back soon as we’ll have some video from the opening day ceremony up!

Today Wet ‘n Wild Orlando announced the name of their new family water play area Blastaway Beach™ scheduled to open June 2012. Covering an acre and featuring a new sandcastle-themed water playground, Blastaway™ Beach is expected to be the largest of its kind in Florida. This will be Wet ‘n Wild’s first new attraction in over four years.

Built around a sandcastle rising 60-feet high, the new attraction will feature 17 slides, expand across two pools and have over 160 soakers, jets, waterfalls and water cannons. Designed especially for families Blastaway Beach™ will feature a single entrance/exit, creating a secluded environment that is family-friendly and family-safe.

Wet ‘n Wild Orlando, the world’s first waterpark as recognized by the World Waterpark Association, introduced the world to the waterpark concept in 1977. Today, over 15 themed rides and attractions comprise an arsenal of thrills that provide guests an exciting variety of ways to “share the rush” with family and friends. Have fun!

We made an early start today to watch as space shuttle Discovery, NASA’s fleet leader and the world’s most flown spacecraft, lifted off for the last time to be delivered to the Smithsonian for its permanent display.

Discovery took off riding piggyback on a NASA Shuttle Carrier aircraft, a modified Boeing 747, from Kennedy Space Center just after dawn at 6:58 a.m. ET.  She departed the runway and headed south along the Florida coastline and beach to give the public a last chance to see the shuttle in flight. It was a bittersweet moment as she came into view.

We were stationed at Patrick Air Force Base and it was the perfect location as Discovery flew by and then made a sweeping circle back over the Base before heading north for a 3.5 hour journey to Washington. The spacecraft will be displayed in Virginia at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, an annex of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum. Here’s some video:

Orlando City Soccer Club kicks off their first home game of the  2012 USL PRO Regular Season at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on Sunday with a match against Wilmington Hammerheads.  The kickoff  is set for 6:00 p.m and Orlando will be looking for a repeat of their opening day performance last weekend when they defeated Charlotte Eagles 2-0 in North Carolina.

Dennis Chin scored the first goal of the season as he gave the Lions an early third minute lead and Sean Kelley, playing in place of the suspended Miguel Gallardo, saved a penalty kick late in the first half to preserve the victory.  Kevin Molino, assisted by Matt Luzunaris, then added a second goal to seal the victory just before the final whistle.

The 2-0 victory puts City back in a familiar spot at the top of the USL PRO table after Week 1, based on goal differential.  Rival Charleston Battery is right behind Orlando on the strength of their 2-1 defeat of Richmond Kickers the same evening.

For tickets for the Wilmington Hammerheads game on Sunday, call 855-ORL-CITY (855-675-2489) or visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com.

This weekend sees the Celebration Exotic Car Festival come to Orlando again. The event runs April 12-15, 2012 and it will be the 9th annual Celebration Exotic Car Festival children’s charity event!

This four-day event showcases North America’s largest collection of exotic cars, race cars and iconic Hollywood movie cars, coming together to help children with life threatening medical conditions. Guests can experience two exhilarating track days at the world famous Daytona International Speedway, rock out at a waterside concert, enjoy the world class exotic car concourse set along the waterfront of Celebration, meet world famous chefs at the Food and Wine at Portofino event, participate in the acclaimed road rally, and hit the links with television, movie and sports celebrities during the Shooter McGavin Celebrity Golf Tournament!

The full list of events is as follows:

Thursday April 12th and Friday April 13th-Daytona, FL
Track Day at Daytona-8:00 am-4:30 pm

Drive your exotic on the most famous race track in the world! For two days, legendary Daytona International Speedway will be ours. We will have the full 24 hour road course, and all exotic cars are welcome! Instructors will be available throughout the event, and are required for novice drivers and all drivers new to the Daytona track.
Details: http://celebrationexoticcars.com/2012/event/track-day

Friday April 13th-Celebration, FL
Prime Time BBQ-Dinner-7:00 PM
Beautiful Lakeside Park at downtown Celebration will host our Friday night party. Enjoy an incredible steak, prime rib and BBQ dinner, overlooking the lake and downtown Celebration, then rock the night away with New York’s ultimate party band, Prime Time. Lakeside Park is a very short stroll along the boardwalk from the downtown Celebration area, right across the lake from the Celebration Hotel.

Concours car placement starts at 2pm on Friday, so you can situate your car for the weekend and just walk over and party! Security is provided nonstop from Friday afternoon until Sunday afternoon.
Details: http://celebrationexoticcars.com/2012/event/lakeside-dinner

Saturday April 14th-Celebration, FL
Concours of Exotic Cars-10:00 am-4:00 pm
(spectators welcome-FREE)

Get up close to 250 of the world’s most exotic cars, race cars and Hollywood movie cars, all lined up for concours judging along Celebration’s spectacular lakefront promenade in this premier concours event. Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Lotus, Aston Martin, Bugatti, Spyker, Saleen, McLaren, Pantera, DeLorean, and other ultra-exotic marquees will be displayed and judged, culminating with an awards presentation starting at 3pm, where the owners will drive their winning cars across the red carpet to receive their trophy!
Details: http://celebrationexoticcars.com/2012/event/concours

Food & Wine at Portofino
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel-Universal Orlando-7:00-11:00 pm
Details: http://celebrationexoticcars.com/2012/event/portofino-dinner

Sunday April 15th-Celebration, FL
Exotic Car Rally-10:00 am
(Spectators welcome-FREE)
Join us Sunday morning for a fun and competitive rally! Following a drivers meeting and Continental Breakfast, drive your exotic car as it was meant to be driven, with a Police escort to get us on our way. See the sights and enjoy the wide open roads of Central Florida! Wrapping up the event, enjoy a fantastic awards luncheon back at Cafe D’Antonio in Celebration.
Details: http://celebrationexoticcars.com/2012/event/rally

Accommodation

If you’re still looking for accommodation for the event, then we have some availability in our vacation rental homes, just a few minutes drive from Celebration. Just call 407-870-1600 / 1-800 – 760-1114 or visit www.FloridaLeisure.com