Orlando Florida

AirTran to begin jet service between Orlando and Key West December 17

2009-11-27T05:00:00.000-05:00

Beginning Thursday, Dec. 17, Florida residents and visitors can take advantage of AirTran Airways' nonstop jet service between Orlando and Key West. The AirTran flights, to be offered four times per week, will inaugurate the first scheduled service to Key West by a major low-cost carrier.

AirTran plans to use 137-passenger Boeing 737-700 aircraft for the Orlando-Key West route. In addition to nonstop Orlando flights, AirTran is to offer direct same-plane service from Atlanta and convenient connections in Orlando and Atlanta to destinations around the AirTran Airways network.

Flights are scheduled Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Departures from Orlando International Airport are set for 11:30 a.m. with arrivals at Key West International Airport at 12:40 p.m. Return flights to Orlando are scheduled to depart Key West at 1:30 p.m. and arrive in Orlando at 2:40 p.m.

One-way coach fares between Key West and Orlando are to begin at $119 per person plus taxes and fees. For more information and to book a flight, visit www.airtran.com.

Holiday Activities at SeaWorld Orlando

2009-11-26T04:18:00.002-05:00

The Polar Express Experience
A multi-sensory adventure to the North Pole. Based on the popular book and movie.
Now through January 3 (daily)

Winter Wonderland on Ice
An all-new ice-skating spectacular at Bayside Stadium.
November 27 through January 3 (select nights)

Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas
· All-new comedy featuring SeaWorld’s sea lion stars, Clyde and Seamore.
· November 27 through January 3 (select nights)

A Sesame Street Christmas
All-new show Sesame Street holiday show featuring Elmo, Big Bird and other Sesame Street friends
November 27 through January 3 (select days)

Shamu Christmas … Miracles
Spectacular killer whale show, just for the holidays
November 27 through January 3 (select nights)

New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld
· New Year’s Eve extravaganza featuring pop, Latin and swing music. Fireworks display at midnight.
· December 31

Makahiki Christmas Luau
All-new dinner show celebrates the holidays with an aloha style.
Now through January 3 (reservations suggested; park admission not required – call1.888.800.5447 for reservations)

Central Florida International Auto Show at Orange County Convention Center

2009-11-25T05:00:00.000-05:00

Celebrate Thanksgiving Day weekend at the Central Florida International Auto Show 2010 at the Orange County Convention Center on International Drive in Orlando. The show kicks off at noon on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26 and last through Sunday, November 29. Sunday is also Kids Day, where children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Show hours are Thursday, from noon to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission to the event is $9 for adults, $5 for military with ID, seniors, students with ID and $3 for children ages 7-12. During each day of the event, children ages six and younger are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Visitors will also get a free one-year subscription to Motor Trend Magazine with each online ticket order or box office purchase.

Disney Parks Announces New Program Give a Day, Get a Disney Day

2009-11-24T08:25:00.000-05:00

Donald and Daisy Duck help Miami residents paint a mural Sept. 29, 2009 during a "HandsOn Miami" volunteer effort at the Miami River in Miami's Little Havana area. More than 200 community residents volunteered to clean up the river's shoreline and revitalize the area. It was all part of the announcement to launch Disney Parks’ new program for 2010 called “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day.” To celebrate volunteerism, Disney Parks will give a free one-day admission to a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park to 1 million people in the U.S. and Canada who perform volunteer service with a participating organization starting Jan. 1, 2010

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

2009-11-24T03:17:00.001-05:00

Theatre Downtown rings in the holiday season with a traditional telling of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

Production dates are November 27 thru December 21.
Performances are Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 PM
Sunday Matinees are Nov. 29th, Dec. 6, 13 & 20
Pre Show caroling begins 1/2 hour prior to curtain.

Advanced tickets are $18.00/$15.00 for students/seniors
For reservations call 407-841-0083.
Theatre Downtown accepts Visa/MC
Theatre Downtown is located at 2113 N. Orange Avenue
(the corner of Orange & Princeton-exit 85 from I 4-then 2 blocks east)
website is: www.theatredowntown.net

Sleigh rides featured as a special holiday treat at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

2009-11-23T08:23:00.000-05:00

This year, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at Walt Disney World in Florida is offering sleigh rides through the secluded beauty of the 700-acre backwoods resort. From Nov. 29-Dec. 30, 2009, four adults – or two adults and three small children – can climb into a shiny, fire engine-red sleigh, decked out with garland and twinkling holiday lights, and take a relaxing, 25-minute sojourn into the lush forest. Cost is $60 per sleigh. For reservations and more information, guests can call 407/WDW-PLAY.

Liberty Tree Tavern

2009-11-23T05:00:00.000-05:00

A Magic Kingdom tradition, the Liberty Tree Tavern restaurant is located in the Liberty Square area just steps away from the famed Hall of Presidents. Patterned after an 18th century New England inn, guests are greeted by servers in period costumes and are invited to dine on traditional American fare.

Lunch entrees include the New England Pot Roast, a Pilgrims' Feast with roast turkey and herb bread dressing, and a generous portion of Colony Salad. Kids' meals are served on a Mickey ears plate (featuring slightly more modern pizza and burgers). For dinner, guests can order an "all you care care to enjoy" turkey dinner served family style.

With a large hearth in the entryway, visitors will feel welcome in the Liberty Tree Tavern. The front porch is also an ideal spot to view Disney character parades and the nearby riverboat attraction.

Aloha Friday at Royal Pacific

2009-11-22T16:33:00.000-05:00

Holiday lights sparkle on Cinderella Castle

2009-11-22T08:20:00.000-05:00

Shimmering lights illuminate Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom during the holidays at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The Magic Kingdom icon is bathed in more than 200,000 tiny white lights that add a special sparkle to the season

Thankgiving at Loews Hotels

2009-11-22T03:21:00.000-05:00

Trattoria del Porto

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Enjoy a Thanksgiving Day feast in Trattoria del Porto, featuring carving, pasta and dessert stations, champagne and more!

Entertainment includes face painter, balloonist, strolling musicians and Universal Characters.

Adults: $46.00
Children (age 3-12): $23.00
Champagne included in adult price
Children under 3 complimentary

Noon-8pm

Click here to view menu
For dining reservations and more information, call 407-503-DINE (3463)
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Islands Dining Room

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Savor a scrumptious Thanksgiving Day buffet featuring carving stations, sushi and stir fry stations, raw bar, champagne and a dessert extravaganza!

Entertainment includes Universal Characters, face painter, balloon twister and hula dancers.

Adults: $43.95
Children (age 3-12): $17.95
Champagne included in adult price
Children under 3 complimentary

Noon-9pm

Click here to view our menu

For dining reservations and more information, call 407-503-DINE (3463)____________________________________________________________________________________
The Kitchen

Hard Rock Hotel

Bring the family for a rockin' Thanksgiving Day in The Kitchen featuring carving stations, seafood bar and chef's pasta station, champagne and dessert.

Kids get to meet Universal Characters and the Magic Man! Other entertainment includes face painter and balloon artist.

Adults: $43.95
Children (age 3-12): $17.95
Children under 3 complimentary

Noon-9pm

Click here to view our menu
For dining reservations and more information, call 407-503-DINE (3463)

Celebrate Thanksgiving at Rosen Hotels

2009-11-22T03:00:00.002-05:00

Rosen Centre/Cafe Gauguin

9840 International Drive

Thanksgiving Day Champagne Brunch

Buffet Hours: 11:30 am - 6 pm

Price: Adults $39.95 plus tax and gratuity, children ages 4 - 12 $16.95 plus tax and gratuity
Reservations: (407) 996-9840 ext. 3593 recommended, but not required

Extensive Champagne Thanksgiving Day Buffet with unlimited champagne and mimosas featuring traditional favorites such as Tom Turkey, candied sweet yams and cornbread dressing to honey glazed ham and peppered beef to a pasta bar and stations featuring seafoods such as spiced shrimp and smoked salmon, hand-carved meats and breakfast favorites like omelets and waffles. Buffet is topped off with an array of sweet indulgences from pumpkin and mince meat pies to tarts and French pastries to a chocolate fountain. www.rosencentre.com
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Rosen Shingle Creek/Café Osceola

9939 Universal Blvd.

Thanksgiving Day Buffet

Buffet Hours: Adults $55.95 plus tax and gratuity, children ages 4 - 12 $24.95 plus tax and gratuity, 25% Florida resident’s discount

Price: 11:30am to 7:00 pm

Reservations: (407) 996-9770 recommended, but not required

Extensive Thanksgiving Day Buffet from traditional fare such as roasted turkey and pork tenderloin, truffle butter whipped potatoes, cranberry chutney and roasted pumpkin bisque to California Sushi roll and smoked salmon and bayside shrimp, grilled Caribbean shrimp skewers to a pasta station with spiced pumpkin ravioli and omelets and Belgium waffles. Finale includes an extravaganza of desserts including a chocolate fountain and pastries, muffins and breads from award-winning pasty chef David Ramirez and his team. www.rosenshinglecreek.com

Thanksgiving Holiday at Rosen Plaza Café Matisse

2009-11-21T03:57:00.001-05:00

Rosen Plaza/Café Matisse

9700 International Drive

Thanksgiving Day Buffet

Buffet Hours: 11:00 am - 8 pm

Price: Adults $31.95 plus tax and gratuity, children ages 4 - 12 $15.95 plus tax and gratuity;

Bring in this listing for $3 off each adult

Reservations: (407) 996-0256 recommended, but not required

Grand Thanksgiving Holiday Buffet featuring a traditional hot buffet of Mom’s favorites such as sliced roasted turkey with cranberry sauce, sausage cornbread dressing, sweet potato cakes, holiday pot roast with pan gravy, Virginia ham basted in brown sugar and serving stations with seafood selections, chilled salads and antipastos, soups, a fruit and granola bar and extensive dessert station with pumpkin pie and pumpkin pound cake, NY cheesecake and chocolate mousse cake. For parties of six or more, the restaurant offers their traditional turkey carved tableside. rosenplaza.com/specials/thanksgiving_2008.asp

Star Wars

2009-11-20T05:40:00.000-05:00

Light Up UCF November 20 – January 8

2009-11-20T05:00:00.002-05:00

Yes, there is ice skating in Central Florida—this Friday, November 20, Light Up UCF kicks off 50 nights of music, lights and ice. Orlando’s largest outdoor ice rink will be open to public skating and private parties.

Highlights of Light Up UCF include an ice skating with skate rental included with the purchase of a skating ticket. Visitors can also climb up to the top of Mt. Glide and slide down a 100 ft. ice luge. The University of Central Florida campus will be bathed in the warm glow of Christmas lights every night at 7:00 p.m. with 75,000 twinkling lights pulsing in time to everyone’s favorite holiday tunes.

Want to see your favorite Christmas movies outdoors? Light Up UCF includes a holiday film festival on a two-story screen. Some of the films include Home Alone, The Santa Clause, A Christmas Story, Elf, and many more. Other attractions include live performances by the UCF Knights marching band, the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes (tickets for the performance at the UCF Arena must be purchased separately) plus a ferris wheel and carousel ride sponsored by McDonald’s.

For a full schedule and ticket prices, visit Lightupucf.com.

Highland Manor Thanksgiving Day Brunch Buffet

2009-11-19T10:39:00.000-05:00

Highland Manor Thanksgiving Day Brunch Buffet

Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009

11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

604 East Main Street, Apopka, Fla 32703

Join friends and family for a savory, southern style Thanksgiving Day Brunch Buffet at Highland Manor. The menu features favorites from maple brined turkey and pineapple glazed ham to highland cornbread stuffing, roasted pumpkin and chestnut soup and mashed sweet potatoes topped with roasted apples. An assortment of sweet temptations are available for dessert such as sticky buns with pecans or pumpkin and sweet potato pies. Reservations recommended, but not required. www.highlandmanorapopka.com

Price: Adults $30, children ages 5-12 $15 and children under 5 are free. Add unlimited mimosas for $5 or Bloody Mary’s for $10.

Celebrating the 2009 Holiday Season

2009-11-18T02:47:00.002-05:00

Celebration Suites at Old Town wants to share one of Orlando’s secrets with you: Almost all of the holiday festivities in Orlando have already begun! Don’t wait until the last minute to book your holiday vacation. Stay earlier and beat the crowds! The Orlando weather provides the perfect holiday escape for your family, friends or group.

Gaylord Palms’ ICE! is already underway, and only one mile away from your spacious and affordable suite when you stay at Celebration Suites at Old Town. Less than two miles away, Walt Disney World Resort is already celebrating the holidays with The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom. With complimentary transportation provided from Celebration Suites to all of the major Orlando theme parks, why not get in on the fun a bit earlier this year?

Celebration Suites offers suites that sleep up to six people from just $42.95 per night that are conveniently located next door to the Old Town amusement complex. This hotel is home to two heated pools, a fitness studio, volleyball court, basketball court, game room, and playground. Room service is provided by Tex Mex Express and Flipper’s Pizza, and with the wide selection of shopping, dining, rides and nightlife next door, this hotel will quickly become your family’s favorite holiday destination! Celebration Suites Reservations

Orlando Museum of Art Festival of Trees

2009-11-17T05:00:00.001-05:00

The Festival of Trees 2009 at the Orlando Museum of Art, an annual holiday event since 1986, continues this week through Sunday, November 22. The Festival of Trees is orchestrated by the Council of 101 to benefit the Orlando Museum of Art. For nine days in November, the museum is transformed into a winter wonderland, with professionally decorated trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses (more like gingerbread communities, in some cases) which are available for purchase.

Annual highlights include the Gingerbread Village, Toyland Town and Christmas Village. Children can enjoy arts and crafts, shoppers can get a jump start on their Christmas shopping at the Holiday Boutique and Holiday Garden, and all visitors can enjoy live entertainment provided by local area choirs, schools, dance groups, orchestras, a caroling company, a ballet company and individual performers. The Festival Café will also be open for lunch or refreshments.

The Festival of Trees 2009 is presented by PNC Bank from Saturday, November 14 throught Sunday, November 22. The hours are 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with extended hours until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 19 and Saturday, November 21. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 3 – 11.

Soaring

2009-11-17T03:51:00.000-05:00

Festival of the Masters

2009-11-16T05:56:00.000-05:00

The 34th Annual Festival of the Masters is on the way celebrating fine arts,food and entertainment at Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort. We had an exciting day viewing an array of magnificent artwork and showcasing many talents. Put this on your list to see when you return to Orlando Florida come see and enjoy the art and atmosphere of Downtown Disney. Memories will last a lifetime. Visit Festival of the Masters

Celebrity chef charity event at Ritz Carlton Orlando on Dec. 3

2009-11-16T05:00:00.000-05:00

The late Jerome Girardot (1978 – 2009) is best remembered by his friends, family and fellow chocolatiers as saying, “Anything you can see or imagine I can create in chocolate.” To honor Girardot’s legacy to the culinary world, the Jerome Girardot Fund is hosting A Night of Extreme Taste, which will be held at the Ritz Carlton in Orlando, FL on Dec. 3, 2009.

Proceeds of the event will establish a fund for Jerome’s young children, ensuring their education as they grow. Tickets are available online and group table reservations and special room rates are available.

The nonprofit fund is hosting unique events in three exciting cities: Orlando, Chicago and Washington D.C. Each event will feature more than 24 celebrity chefs who will recreate some of their most famous dishes for guests to savor, complemented by fine wine and spirits. The grand dessert buffet will be prepared by some of the nation’s most talented pastry chefs. Every guest will receive a box of chocolate truffles, exclusively created by four of the industry’s most renowned chocolatiers, which includes Robert J. Ciborowski, executive chef for the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort; Norman Van Aken, who oversees “Norman’s” at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando; Sean Woods, Executive Chef of The Ritz-Carlton Orlando; Mark Beaupre, Director of Food & Beverage and Executive Chef at the JW Marriott Orlando and many more.

For additional information, please send an email to the Jerome Girardot Fund, or visit the organization’s Web site at http://www.jeromegirardotfund.com/.

Wine & Dine Walk featured at 2009 Children’s Miracle Network Classic

2009-11-15T10:27:00.000-05:00

Chef Mickey poses next to a table of culinary masterpieces – including a light and tasty avocado and citrus salad with a five spice chicken wrap -- that will be featured Nov. 13-15, 2009 at the Children’s Miracle Network Classic as part of the PGA TOUR event's "Wine & Dine Walk." Spectators to the final PGA TOUR event of 2009 can sip, sample and savor elaborate dishes, unique wines and select beers along the fairways of Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course. (Garth Vaughan, photographer)

Past & Present Styles of Fashion for the Holidays at Highland Manor Apopka

2009-11-15T04:02:00.000-05:00

Sun, Dec. 6, 2009

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Apopka ReStore presents its "Past & Present Styles of Fashion for the Holidays" held at Highland Manor Apopka.

Enjoy an afternoon of shopping, fashion and fun while helping raise funds for the ReStore. The show will feature three local boutiques, Em’z on 5th, The Secret Garden and Formally Yours. Shop the sponsors before the show from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fashion show runs from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Individual tickets are $35 per person and include lunch. Corporate tables seating 10 people are available for $500 which includes lunch and two glasses of wine per person. RSVP is required. For tickets and more information, call 407-880-8852 or 352-348-2404 or visit www.habitatapopkafl.org

Polk County Toys for Tots Drive at Fantasy of Flight

2009-11-14T03:00:00.002-05:00

Fantasy of Flight is pleased to participate in Polk County's Toys for Tots toy drive. The attraction is offering each guest who donates a new, unwrapped toy $8 off a full-priced admission ticket (adult $29.95 or child ages 6-15 $14.95) or an annual pass (adult $69.95 or child ages 6-15 $39.95 ) for each donation, Mon., Nov. 9 – Sun., Dec. 13, 2009.

The donated toys must be presented at the attraction’s admissions counter to qualify for the discount. Not valid with any other offers, discounts or promotions. The Toys for Tots Train will be on display at Fantasy of Flight from Sun., Nov. 22 – Wed., Dec. 2, 2009. (Display schedule subject to change.) For more details, visit www.fantasyofflight.com or call 863-984-3500.

The Princess and the Frog riverboat celebration

2009-11-13T05:00:00.001-05:00

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom theme park is putting on the finishing touches on the Liberty Square Riverboat, an authentic three-tiered paddlewheel steamship that circles the Magic Kingdom lagoon with a scenic half-mile tour of Frontierland, Liberty Square and Tom Sawyer island. In preparation for the upcoming animated film, The Princess and the Frog, the Liberty Square Riverboat is celebrating New Orleans style.

You don’t have to ride the riverboat to appreciate the colorful Mardi Gras inspired costumes and traditional Dixieland jazz that are a part of this musical celebration. With The Princess and the Frog premiering in theaters everywhere on December 11, there are sure to be more Princess Tiana sightings at the Magic Kingdom, as well as other areas of Walt Disney World.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

2009-11-13T03:06:00.000-05:00

A ‘PICTURE POSTCARD’ VIEW (circa 1988): When Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort opened in 1988, it created the backdrop for a “postcard” view of Walt Disney World as a golf resort – the palm-lined entrance and the red-shingled, white clapboard-sided elegance of the new resort in the background, with golfers on the 17th tee of the Magnolia golf course in the foreground.