Walt Disney World’s Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival

Excitement is in bloom at Epcot from March 6 to May 19, 2013.
Excitement in Bloom
Discover dazzling gardens, high-energy entertainment, family fun and more at this spectacular springtime event. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV is brimming with special experiences for every age and interest.

Festival highlights include:
•Educational designer presentations with HGTV and DIY Network personalities
•Themed flower and garden displays – where you’ll learn new tips and techniques that you can try at home
•Interactive play areas for kids
•Topiary displays of Disney and Disney•Pixar characters
•The Flower Power Concert Series – featuring live performances from popular hitmakers of the 1960s and 1970s

With so much to see and do, you can return to the festival again and again… and discover something new each time.

Get Into the Groove
Musical entertainment pairs perfectly with brilliant botanicals during the nightly Flower Power Concert Series. Enjoy a diverse lineup of performers — popular musicians of the 1960s and 1970s — throughout the festival.
The 2013 performer schedule is not yet available. Be sure to bookmark this page and check back for updates.

Learn Tips, Techniques and More!
Fascinating designer presentations offer helpful information that you can use in your home or garden. Whether you wish to learn new gardening techniques or simply see a favorite television personality, you can look forward to an array of engaging seminars and demonstrations.
The 2013 designer presentation schedule is not yet available. Be sure to bookmark this page and check back for updates.

Beauty Abounds All Around
Special displays — like blossoming gardens and vibrant topiaries — add to the beauty of Epcot.
2013 display details are not yet available. Be sure to bookmark this page and check back for updates.

Know Before You Go
Epcot theme park admission is required. Most Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival events are included with admission to Epcot theme park. Availability is limited for some events. Events may be rescheduled or cancelled at any time.

Please click here for more information.

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Silver Spurs Rodeo – February 15th, 2013 – February 17, 2013

The largest sanctioned rodeo east of the Mississippi brings all of its bull riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, and barrel racing to the indoor Silver Spurs Arena, along with the crowd-pleasing rodeo clowns! Now in its 128th competition, this Kissimmee tradition goes back to the 1940s when the first was staged to sell war bonds.

Admission: $15 for adults, which includes admission to the Osceola County Fair. Children 10 and younger are free.

Rodeo begins at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Catch pulse-elevating events including bull and bronc riding, steer wrestling, and barrel racing.

Please click here for more information.

Silver Spurs Rodeo
321-697-3495

Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park
1875 Silver Spur Lane
Kissimmee, FL 34744

The 30th anniversary of Epcot kicks off October 1st!

Who doesn’t love a party?

Although the 30th anniversary of Epcot isn’t until tomorrow, October 1, fans have already begun celebrating the park’s milestone at D23’s Epcot 30th Anniversary Celebration at the park’s World Showplace.

So far today, D23 members have been treated to presentations by Disney Legends who helped bring Epcot to life, including Tom Nabbe, Bob Matheison, and Charlie Ridgway, as well as Walt Disney Imagineers. Cast members from the Disney Archives also presented some behind-the-scenes looks at the development of several Epcot attractions. Other activities on the list for the remainder of the day include a look at the park’s opening-day festivities, the music of Epcot, and more.

If you plan on celebrating the 30th anniversary of Epcot at the park tomorrow, be sure to check out the schedule of events – some presented by D23 – here.

Please click here for more information.

Wet ‘n Wild Orlando opens all-new, family friendly water playground – Blastaway Beach (TM)

All-New Sandcastle-Themed Water Playground Expected to Be
the Largest of Its Kind in Florida

On Saturday, June 2 Wet ‘n Wild Orlando celebrated the grand opening of its newest attraction, Blastaway Beach™ – a family-friendly, sandcastle-themed water playground. It’s expected to be the largest water playground of its kind in Florida and Wet ‘n Wild’s first new attraction in over four years.

Built around a sandcastle rising 60-feet high, Blastaway Beach™ spans an acre and features 15 slides and expands across two pools with 160 soakers, jets, waterfalls and water cannons. Designed especially for families, the new area has a single entrance and exit, creating a secluded environment that is safe and fun for all ages.

To mark the occasion, Wet ‘n Wild asked local elementary school students to submit artistic representations of Blastaway Beach™. Fifty winners were selected and invited to bring their families to enjoy the new area. Wet ‘n Wild also gave the first 35 families to enter the park free access to Wet ‘n Wild’s All-U-Can-Eat Barbeque for the day.

For more information about Blastaway Beach™, visit www.wetnwildorlando.com.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Special Event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights on the Streets of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park is a breathtaking seasonal display featuring millions of glittering lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music.

The lights are so extensive you may find it hard to comprehend their magnitude. Entire buildings are blanketed in sheets of multi-colored lights, and thousands more lights form twirling carousels, heavenly angels, and even Santa and his reindeer. Approximately every 10 minutes, the lights dim and then dramatically spring to life — dynamically choreographed to traditional holiday music. You have to see the effect to believe it!

Some nights, if you truly believe in holiday magic, the show is capped off with an enchanted flurry of snow.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights started modestly in Arkansas as a single home’s annual display. Every year, Jennings Osborne and his family set up an elaborate collection of holiday lights and over the years, the collection of lights grew, and grew… and grew! In 1995, the Osborne family decided to share their magic with the world, and Walt Disney World Resort happily offered to become the new permanent home for this exceptional exhibition of holiday cheer.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is included with standard admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Please click here for more information.

Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park
Nov 9, 2012 – Jan 6, 2013
Handicap Accessible

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Universal Orlando® Halloween Horror Nights 2012

Face your deepest fears in the flesh, or what’s left of it when Halloween Horror Nights® 22 invades Universal Orlando.

Can you survive a nightmarish horde of zombies from AMC’s The Walking Dead? How about the demented mind of Alice Cooper, a magic trick by Penn & Teller gone horrifically wrong, or the next dimension of terror in Silent Hill? There’s only one way to find out! Experience all-new haunted houses, scare zones, live shows and more!

Plan your escape, select nights September 21 – October 31.

Halloween Horror Nights 2012
Event Dates: Sept. 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30
Oct. 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 & 31

Please click here for more information.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Orlando Resort

Enter a World Where Magic is Real
From the classrooms and corridors of Hogwarts™ castle to the charming shops of Hogsmeade™, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped right into Harry Potter’s™ world!

RIDE WITH DRAGONS, HIPPOGRIFFS AND HARRY POTTER™!

Classic moments come to life on thrilling attractions like Dragon Challenge™, a high-speed coaster where you’ll ride one of two fire breathers; The Flight of the Hippogriff™, a family-friendly coaster designed for younger riders, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™, a state-of-the-art adventure where you’ll soar above the castle with Harry Potter™, coming face-to-face with magical creatures!
Find out more

STOCK UP ON WIZARDING SUPPLIES

Shop for Hogwarts™ school supplies from Dervish and Banges™; Chocolate Frogs™ and Cauldron Cakes from Honeydukes™; Extendable Ears and Sneakoscopes from Zonko’s Joke Shop; and a wand from Ollivanders™. Plus send letters from the Owl Post™ – with actual Hogsmeade™ postmarks!
Find out more

TASTE BUTTERBEER™ and PUMPKIN JUICE

Always wondered what Butterbeer™ tastes like? Find out at the Three Broomsticks™ where you can also sample fish and chips, the ‘Great Feast Platter,’ shepherd’s pie, strawberry peanut-butter ice-cream and more! Next door at the Hog’s Head, order a pint of pumpkin juice!
Please click here for more information.

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Holidays Around The World – Candlelight Processional Special Event at Epcot®

Dates: November 23 to December 30, 2012

During the holidays, Epcot theme park is transformed into an international celebration of Yuletide traditions filled with festive decorations and live entertainment. From Holidays Around The World to Candlelight Processional, delight in the sights and sounds of the season.

Candlelight Processional is a special holiday event held nightly at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot theme park as part of Holidays Around The World. The event retells the stirring story of Christmas with a special celebrity narrator † accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.

Candlelight Processional is a terrific way to get in the Christmas spirit and to share the magic of the season with your family and friends. The event has become an essential family tradition for many Guests — once you experience it, you will be inspired to share it every year with the ones you love.

This unforgettable spectacle is held on select nights during the holiday season and, due to its popularity, often fills up quickly. To ensure you have a seat, you may participate in one of our Candlelight Dinner Packages* that includes a delicious lunch or dinner, a guaranteed seating section for the Candlelight Processional, and pre-arranged fireworks viewing. Please click here for more information.

Schedule & Narrators†
American Gardens Theatre (5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 8:15 p.m.)
November 23 to November 25, 2012 — Isabella Rossellini
November 26 to November 29, 2012 — Neil Patrick Harris
November 30 to December 1, 2012 — Whoopi Goldberg
December 2 to December 4, 2012 — TBA
December 5 to December 7, 2012 — TBA
December 8 to December 10, 2012 — TBA
December 11 to December 13, 2012 — Jodi Benson
December 14 to December 16, 2012 — Olivia Newton John
December 17 to December 19, 2012 — TBA
December 20 to December 22, 2012 — Trace Adkins
December 23 to December 25, 2012 — Gary Sinise
December 26 to December 28, 2012 — TBA
December 29 to December 30, 2012 — Marlee Matlin / Jack Jason

* Candlelight Dinner Packages do not include Park admission.

†Narrators are subject to change without notice.

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic at DisneyWorld Resort – November 8 -11, 2012

From November 8 to 11, 2012, 128 world-class golfers will come together at the annual Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic for 4 magical days of heart-pounding competition. Experience the spirit and tradition of the PGA TOUR at the Walt Disney World Resort championship golf courses.

Wine & Dine Walk

Walt Disney World Resort hotel chefs and the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic are once again teaming up to produce a very unique event – the Wine & Dine Walk. Throughout the back nine of Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course, 5 specialty locations will offer Guests a progressive menu. Each station will be positioned on a key hole near great viewing locations. The Wine & Dine Walk is open to everyone. Cash or credit cards are accepted for purchases.

History

This 41st PGA TOUR event at Walt Disney World Resort returns to the award-winning Disney’s Magnolia and Disney’s Palm Golf Courses. Be a part of the longest running PGA TOUR event in Central Florida—a historic tournament that began with 3 consecutive wins by Jack Nicklaus in 1971, 1972 and 1973. The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic also continues to attract the best players in the world. In its history, it has crowned such champions as Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Payne Stewart and Davis Love III.

In 2010, Robert Garrigus hoisted the champion’s trophy and claimed the first prize of $846,000. The victory was his first on the PGA TOUR and helped him secure his tour card for the 2011 season. Watch the drama unfold as he defends his title.

Please click here for more information.

Additional Information
•Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals across North America. For more information on Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, please visit http://www.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org.
•For more information about Tickets, Pro-Am, or volunteer opportunities, please visit the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic website or call (407) 824-2250 . If you are under 18 years of age, you must have your parent’s or guardian’s permission to dial this number.
•Commitments are not final and are subject to change.
•For additional information on Walt Disney World Resort golf courses, please call our Master Starter at (407) WDW-GOLF (939-4653). If you are under 18 years of age, you must have your parent’s or guardian’s permission to dial this number.

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Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Open for Reservations

Now open and welcoming Guests, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World Resort invites you to become a part of your favorite animated films. At Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Guests are immersed in the artistry and enchantment of Walt Disney and Disney Pixar classics through imaginative design and themed rooms, including:

•Finding Nemo Family Suites—NOW OPEN—Book Now!
•Cars Family Suites—Opening June 18, 2012—Book Now!
•The Lion King Family Suites—Opening August 10, 2012—Book Now!
•The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms—Opening September 15, 2012—Book Now!

Room Types
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort features room types for almost every party size and preference—including standard rooms and family suites.

Spacious family suites are designed to comfortably accommodate up to 6 Guests and include:
•2 separate bathrooms
•A master bedroom
•3 separate sleeping areas within the living space, which includes a generously sized dining or work table that easily transforms into a comfortable bed.

Resort Features
With 1,120 suites designed after Finding Nemo, Cars and The Lion King, and 864 rooms inspired by The Little Mermaid, you’ll feel like you’re staying in the middle of a Disney story with all of your favorite characters. Family suites are scheduled to open in May 2012 and standard rooms are scheduled to open September 2012.

Just outside your colorful accommodations, you’ll find imaginative amenities, 3 sparkling swimming pools and 4 playful courtyards—one for each film—to complete your Resort experience.

Resort Services
For your convenience, Guests may take advantage of childcare, concierge services, valet dry cleaning and self-service laundry facilities.

Pools
Three swimming pools offer fun and refreshment. The largest is located in the Finding Nemo courtyard and features a pool bar. Two smaller pools, located in the Cars and The Little Mermaid courtyards, provide additional relaxation.

Recreation
Choose from a variety of amusements, including a video arcade, playgrounds and interactive water play areas that the little ones will love.

Dining
The animation-themed food court offers a variety of family favorites and Grab ‘n Go market selections.

Location
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is adjacent to Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Resort Guests can enjoy complimentary transportation to and from the theme and water parks.

Location and General Information
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is adjacent to Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Resort Guests can enjoy complimentary transportation to and from the theme and water parks. It is a smoke-free Resort; smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor smoking locations. Accessible rooms and features are offered for Guests with disabilities. See all amenities & services at this Resort.

Please click here for more information.

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