Archive for » 2010 «

Music lineup for Bands, Brew & BBQ

30 Dec 2010 -

The musical acts for the Bands, Brew & BBQ concerts at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens in Tampa have been announced!  The concerts take place on Saturdays in Orlando and Sundays in Tampa, beginning Feb. 12.  The best part is the concerts are included with your regular theme park admission!   So, plan now to come and enjoy great BBQ, International beers AND see your favorite performers:

SeaWorld, Orlando:

  • Huey Lewis & the News, Feb. 12th
  • Willie Nelson, Feb. 19th
  • REO Speedwagon, Feb. 26th
  • Josh Turner, March 5th

Busch Gardens, Tampa:

  • Blondie, Feb. 13th
  • Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Feb. 20th
  • The Commodores and the Pointer Sisters, Feb. 27th
  • Travis Tritt and the Charlie Daniels Band, March 6th

Busch Gardens also released the lineup for its Real Music Concert Series at Stanleyville Theater.  This includes Big Bands concerts, as well as swing, blues disco, jazz, and rock from some of music’s most memorable eras.  Reservations are required to guarantee a seat, but there is no additional cost; The Real Music Concert Series is included with regular park admission or any valid Passport membership.  Show times are 11:30am, 1pm, and 3:30pm, with the theater opening a half-hour prior to the show.  (Concert series dates and artists are subject to change.) For more information, call 1-888-800-5447 or check their website.

Jan. 19-22: The Terry Myers Orchestra with the Swing Sisters
Jan. 26-29: The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
Feb. 2-5: Debbie Reynolds
Feb. 9-12: Paul Revere and the Raiders
Feb. 16-19: The Ventures
Feb. 23-26: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
March 2-5: The 5th Dimension
March 9-12: The Osmond Brothers
March 16-19: Tony Orlando
March 23-26: Charo

Category: Coming Attractions, Featured Events, Theme Park News, Tourism News  Tags: , , ,  Comments off

Name the Baby

29 Dec 2010 -


Back in October, we posted an article about the newest addition to SeaWorld Orlando, Katina’s baby.  This was no ordinary baby, but a 7 foot long, 350 pound killer whale!  This calf, born October 9th, is almost 3 months old now and needs a name.  SeaWorld is asking for input via a poll on Facebook.
Here are the three choices that you can vote on:

  • Makaio, which is Hawaiian for “a gift of God”
  • Nico, a variation of the Greek name Nikos, which means “victory of the people”
  • Haruki, which is Japanese and combines ‘sunlight’, ‘life’, and ‘radiance/shine’ to mean “shining brightly”

You can click here to vote.

Category: Theme Park News, Tourism News  Tags: , , ,  Comments off

Travel Tips: OIA

27 Dec 2010 -

Read all about traveling in and out of Orlando International Airport in our newly published OIA Tips. This valuable page will help inform you of what you need to know and what to expect when flying MCO.

Category: Tips  Tags: , , ,  Comments off

Spotlight: The Funky Monkey & Wine Bar

24 Dec 2010 - 
The Funky Monkey and Wine Bar, $$$, dressy casual,
cuisine sushi and Asian infusion, reservations suggested,
full bar and dinner is served nightly.

Funky Monkey Wine Bar

Try one of Orlando’s hottest dining spots the Funky Monkey. They have two locations – one at Pointe Orlando (International Drive area) and another location in downtown Orlando. I have dined numerous times at the downtown location, and I have not been disappointed on any of my visits.

The International Drive location features a show with your dinner on a regular basis. If female impersonators are appealing to you this is probably one of the best places in Orlando to catch a show and enjoy some delightful cuisine (call for show times and reservations).

Their downtown location has an elegant and yet very comfortable décor that is dimly lit. If you sometimes have issues with reading menus, you will want to be sure and bring your glasses, because on all my visits, I have had to borrow friend’s reading glasses to see the menu. Speaking of the menu, while sushi is a top draw, they also offer some delicious meat and potatoe entrees. If they did not, I would not be a regular, as I am not a fan of sushi. Many of my friends are, and they love their sushi. I, myself, steer more towards tasty comfort food with a unique flair. On my last visit I enjoyed a delicious pork dish with mashed potatoes and veggies.

The service has always been attentive, and the food’s delicious, so if you’re in the mood for something a little different try one of their two locations.

Funky Monkey downtown location is at 912 N. Mills Ave. Orlando, Fl. 32803 call 407-418-9463 and the International Drive locations is at 9101 International Drive Orlando, Fl. 32819 call 407-418-9463 or visit them on the web at www.funkymonkeywine.com

If you’d like to share your experience at the Funky Monkey, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Category: Dining Information, Dinner Shows, Featured Attraction  Tags: , , ,  Comments off

Ring in the New Year, Orlando-Style

24 Dec 2010 -

From shows, concerts, great food, dancing, and elaborate pyrotechnic displays, take your pick of all the ways you’ll ring in the New Year in O-town.  There are so many holiday celebrations going on and the area theme parks really know how to throw a New Years Eve party!

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resorts: Kick off 2011 with one of the prime New Year’s celebrations in Orlando! This party features live entertainment by rock star Bret Michaels, from the band Poison.  You’ll also get admission to seven unique clubs, each with live entertainment, and awesome food including jumbo shrimp and filet mignon.  Did I mention that was all-you-can-eat??  Party throughout CityWalk until 2am!  (Even without all that other great stuff, I’d go just to see Bret Michaels!)

Walt Disney World: Although the New Year’s Eve party at the Magic Kingdom is sold out, there are plenty of party hot spots at Walt Disney World Resort.  And, you still can get an up-close view of the dazzling Magic Kingdom fireworks at Tomorrowland Terrace. Another awesome place to catch Magic Kingdom pyrotechnics is the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort at California Grill.  An open bar, food, DJ, dancing, even a casino-style game room!  Several of the Pavilions at Epcot are hosting New Years Eve Galas as well, AND a primo view of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.  You can also dance your way into 2011 at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, where there will be party favors, lots of dancing, and a midnight champagne toast (VIP tickets available).  Check websites for additional costs.
Note: Magic Kingdom fireworks are at 8:30 p.m. and 11:50 p.m.

New Years Eve at SeaWorld:  SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, Where The Season Meets the Sea is still going on with lots of family fun.  The Polar Express Experience is where this holiday classic comes to life as you board the legendary train.  Don’t miss the special holiday shows such as Shamu Christmas-Miracles, A Sesame Street Christmas, and Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas, and the dazzling ice skating extravaganza, Winter Wonderland on Ice.  Then, the countdown at midnight to the Fireworks and Fountains Finale.  (Special Tours available.)  Check the website for show times and additional information.  Celebration runs now thru 1/2/2011.

Some of our other area attractions have special events going on for the holidays including Busch Gardens, with The Guess Who in concert and midnight fireworks show.  Also, Capone’s Dinner and Show is presenting a special New Years Eve Gala show, which includes their scrumptious dinner buffet and unlimited beverages.  The gala will include a DJ, dancing after the show, and champagne toast at midnight, along with plenty of party favors and snack bar.

Note:  Be sure to check the individual websites for additional information including cost and show times.

Category: Featured Events, Night Life, Theme Park News, Tourism News  Tags: , , ,  Comments off
« Previous Entries