Both theme parks are hosting the annual “Bands, Brew and BBQ” event which takes place in February and March. Busch Gardens is also offering the “Real Music” concert series during this time as well. These performances are held at the park’s Stanleyville Theater three times a day – 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The performances for “Bands, Brew and BBQ” for Busch Gardens will take place at Gwazi Field. Event information for Busch Garden’s “Bands, Brew and BBQ” can be found here. Sea World’s “Bands, Brew and BBQ” concerts are held within the park with limited seating capacity on a first-come, first-served basis. SeaWorld’s beer garden will feature nearly 50 craft beers from around 20 different domestic and international breweries. Food and beverages at this special event cost extra, and VIP passes with meal vouchers and front-of-the-line benefits are available. Information for SeaWorld’s event can be found here.

Here is a schedule of the remaining live music performances:

Whatever music performance you choose, you are sure to have a great time. It’s a great time of the year to visit Orlando attractions. If you enjoy live music, you’re really in luck.

Fat Tuesday

It’s not the big fanfare you expect from the ‘big boys’ in the region, but a small-town parade is often what many vacationers would treasure should they happen to stumble upon it. NSB’s parade is all of about 7 blocks long down beach side’s Flagler Avenue. The parade which starts at 7:00 p.m. will consist of a string of residents on floats, golf carts, antique cars, Segways and on foot; throwing out candy, beads and showing off some crazy outfits. Since Mardi Gras also happens to fall during Race Week, the famous Budweiser Clydesdale Horses will be making an appearance in this years’ parade.

The fact that many don’t think of New Smyrna Beach to celebrate Mardi Gras is exactly why you’ll be glad you did. It’s not overly crowded, it’s fun, it’s real, it’s inexpensive, small-town America. People are friendly and downright neighborly. There many wonderful restaurants to dine at before the parade, plenty of bars to party at after the parade, and hotels and B&B’s to stay at overnight.  ORLANDO TOURIST TIP: Come early and expect to walk a few blocks due to the lack of parking. The shops are wonderful and easy to spend a few hours browsing while waiting on the parade. Do not miss Dolly’s Gift Shop at 405 Flagler Ave. I could spend an hour in that shop easily.

Spend this Tuesday in NSB and be sure to catch some beads and a piece of small town charm. Wednesday will be here soon enough and you can go back to the crowds, standing in line and fighting the traffic.

The new Exotic Driving Experience offers some of the world’s finest automobiles, including a Ferrari 458 Italia ($389), Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 ($339), Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 ($299), Audi R8 ($269) and the Porsche 997 S ($199). If you’d like to save a little money and have a professional do the driving, you can ride-along for $99. Some of these cars cost more than a house!

The new exotics course track is specifically designed for drivers to safely experience the cars’ powerful acceleration, speed and handling. The one-mile layout includes an interior road course-style section designed specifically for Exotic Driving Experience featuring a series of quick, challenging right and left-hand turns, known as “switch backs.” The course also covers  the tri-oval’s backstretch and turn two where you can really experience the speed and handling of your dream car. Guests are able to take six laps around the course.

Guests must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license to participate in the driving experience and they must be at least 14 years old to participate in the ride-along. There’s a $35 Driver Release Fee plus photos and videos of each guest’s experience available for purchase. Petty Holdings is the owner and operator of both the new Exotic Driving Experience and the Richard Petty Driving Experience, which is also available at the Speedway. However, the Exotic Driving Experience is only available at Walt Disney World. For more information, visit exoticdriving.com.

It was great to see that it was called “The Greek Corner”.  Being a Greek myself, I can tell you that it lives up to it name! I felt like going to a restaurant in Greece; its design was amazing, very similar to the Greek ‘taverna’. It even had live Greek music!

The food was excellent and the prices fair! We got saganaki as our appetizer, which was very good made and a Greek salad. All four of us got souvlaki and gyro sandwich and had beers, just like in any Greek tavern.  Apart from its Greek authenticity, the food tasted great! I recommend it to anyone who’d like to try the original Greek cuisine in Orlando. You won’t be disappointed!

The closest Central Florida National Park is Canaveral National Seashore. Situated on a barrier island along Florida’s east coast, the park includes a pristine, undeveloped beach, dunes and plenty of water offering sanctuary to an abundant blend of plants and animals. Year-round recreation includes fishing, boating, canoeing, surfing, sunbathing, swimming, hiking, camping, nature and historical trails.

When you get there be sure to check out the Eldora Statehouse. It has a lot of history of earlier life along Mosquito Lagoon. Just down the road is a historical interpretive park called Seminole Rest. Here you will learn about the Native Americans who lived here thousands of years before us.

Once you’ve had your fill of history, head over to the beach. Even in the cooler weather, this beach is a joy to experience. Bring your fishing rods along for some of the best surf fishing in Central Florida. ORLANDO TOURIST TIP: If you own a boat, put it in on the Mosquito Lagoon side. If you really love to fish, hire a guide for a day. This is a fantastic time of the year to fish the Reds, which Mosquito Lagoon is world famous for. 

Join millions of others who have discovered the natural beauty of a recreational paradise. Spend a day this weekend at one of Florida’s National Parks.  Enjoy!

• LazyTown – Saturday, Jan. 14
  
  Things are upside-down in LazyTown! Stephanie, Sportacus and others take kids on a fun journey while also promoting healthy lifestyles for children in a positive and catching way.
• Max & Ruby’s Musical Playdate – Saturday, Jan. 21
  
  Celebrate the universal nature of sibling relationships in Max & Ruby’s Musical Playdate. Max & Ruby never quite want the same thing and their plans always collide – with hilarious results.
• Doodlebops’ Musical Playdate – Saturday, Jan. 28
  
  Get movin’ and groovin’ with the Doodlebops. Rock stars DeeDee, Rooney and Moe sing their favorite songs, tell their wackiest jokes and show off their funkiest dance moves.
• Choo-Choo Soul with Genevieve – Saturday, Feb. 4
  
  Starring Genevieve Goings, Choo-Choo Soul allows parents to enjoy the same music their kids do. Featuring soulful and current renditions of the ABC’s, 1-2-3’s, and learning how to be polite, Choo-Choo Soul is a diverse and incredibly hip duo, teaching children through music on an animated train.

ORLANDO TOURIST TIP: If your family wants to attend the concert, we recommend going straight to the Nautilus Theater to get your tickets once you enter into the Orlando theme park. Guests must pick up concert tickets across from the theater on show days, beginning at 9 a.m., and tickets will be on first-come, first-served basis. Concerts will be held in the theater at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. each Saturday.

In addition to the concerts, there will be numerous special offers. On these designated Saturdays, guests can rent strollers at half-price, and for kids (with each paid adult) the all-day dining deal, sky tower ride, Penguins Up-close, Dolphins Up-close or Behind-the-Scenes tours are FREE! There will also be special events at Shamu’s Party Zone and a treasure hunt with Elmo and Abby at the SeaPort Theater. For an additional $29.99 (adults) and $24.99 (3-9) your family can eat breakfast with Elmo at the SeaFire Inn at The Waterfront. This breakfast also includes reserved seats at the concert of the day – attending the 8:30 a.m. breakfast includes reserved seats at the 11 a.m. concert, and the 10:30 a.m. breakfast includes reserved seats at the 2 p.m. concert.

SeaWorld is currently offering their basic Fun Card (one park, parking not included), where Florida residents pay for a day and can return all year through 2012, for $81.99 (adult 10+) and $73.99 (child). Plus, they just announced a FREE Preschool Pass. Children 5 and younger are admitted into SeaWorld and Busch Garden for free in 2012 – with no blackout dates! Fun Cards are available at the front gate, however, the kid’s free offer is available only online at SeaWorldOrlando.com.

SeaWorld is a great place for families to go. Now on Saturdays, it is an even better place to go! Enjoy the concerts on Saturdays and return throughout the year for other specials that SeaWorld is well-known for.

Universal Studios Florida will be permanently closing the “Jaws!” There are a few more weeks left to experience the ride at Universal Orlando Resort, and with the holidays upon us, it is a good time to visit this Orlando theme park. The ride and Amity area of Universal Studios Florida will be closing for good on Monday, January 2. The ride is one of the longest running attractions in Central Florida, opening in 1991, and will be missed by many park goers.

“Jaws” is one of the last standing original rides from when the theme park opened. Guests fill up tour boats which wind around the attraction, then are suddenly “attacked” by a robotic great white shark! The ride was based upon the 1975 movie directed by Steven Spielberg. Once it closes, “E.T. Adventure” will be the last original ride open in this Orlando area theme park.

While there is much speculation as to what will replace this attraction, I have no doubt it will be tied to the overwhelmingly popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter which has increased the Orlando theme park’s status immensely. There are a lot of possibilities, so we’ll have to wait for further announcements from Universal.

In the next few weeks, while you’re enjoying the “Jaws” ride one last time, you’ll also enjoy Universal’s holiday events. There is a lot going on at the theme park. You can get all of the details by visiting their web site, but make sure you check out these holiday happenings:

• Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure
• the Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal (every evening)
• Mannheim Steamroller Concerts (next weekend – Dec. 17 & 18)
• Holiday themed version of the Blues Brothers show

Say goodbye to “Jaws,” and enjoy one last bite!

Now through January 1 at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, you can learn what it’s like to celebrate the holidays aboard the ISS with astronauts and cosmonauts from other countries. The Space Center is hosting its first-ever “Holidays in Space” event. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to celebrate the holidays in outer space or in another country, now is your chance to find out without leaving the USA!

During this special celebration, visitors can learn about holiday traditions in countries that are partners of the Interenational Space Station, including Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and of course, the United States. A mural just outside the Rocket Garden is filled with information about the holiday customs of each partner country. Decorative wreaths and garland throughout the Visitor Complex add to the international holiday celebration.

A section of the Rock Garden is also set up with a 40-foot-by-40-foot Space Skating Rink with a synthetic, polymer surface. Guests can enjoy 20-minute skating sessions beginning on the hour and half-hour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., for $10 including skate rental ($8 for ages 3-11).  Here you will also find a 42-foot Christmas tree decorated with Space Station themed ornaments, lights and flags from the ISS partner countries.

If you’d like to watch the crew in space, you can see actual images prior to every IMAX film.  You can even send a holiday greeting e-mail  to the crew. Perhaps you have someone in your family that would rather send a letter to Santa this time of year, instead of the astronauts. They’re in luck, because guests can hand deliver their letters directly to Santa five times daily (10 – 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., 3 – 4 p.m., 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.) through December 24th. He’ll be in his Launch Control Center, located near the IMAX theater. If you’re lucky, you can catch Mrs. Claus reading a special space-themed story for kids of all ages. She’ll make appearances at 10:30 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. daily.

A team of international carolers wearing astronaut flight suits will perform traditional holiday songs throughout the day. Holidays in Space is part of the regular admission price which is $43/adult and $33/kids 3-11, with exception of the skating, the commemorative 2011 Holidays in Space ornament, and Santa’s special holiday cookies. They are available for a nominal fee and feature a different cookie daily from around the world.

If you’re wanting to experience the holidays from a different perspective, go to the Kennedy Space Center this season. You’ll learn how to celebrate the holidays in another country or while in outer space. Actually celebrating in another country or in outer space is another matter. Unless Santa has been very good to you, you’ll have to let your imagination launch you from there.

Here are some guidelines for Orlando shopping covering who is open and when. There are a lot of places to shop in Central Florida. You can check the store’s web site that you are interested in and it will most likely have their Black Friday hours and hottest deals.

Listed first are mall hours for Black Friday shopping in Orlando. Listed below that list are the outlet stores open ON Thanksgiving Day. When scheduling your shopping this holiday season, please consider shopping at smaller stores, local businesses and purchasing American made products. Enjoy shopping! At least you’ll be working off the turkey and stuffing while you shop Orlando. Hope you get some great deals!

THE MALLS (in alphabetical order) BLACK FRIDAY HOURS:

• Altamonte Mall, Altamonte Springs: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Macy’s, midnight to 10 p.m., Dillards, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; J.C. Penney, 3 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sears, 4 to 9 p.m.
• Festival Bay, Orlando: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Florida Mall, Orlando: midnight to 10 p.m.
• Lake Square Mall, Leesburg: 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• The Loop, Kissimmee/Orlando: Beall’s, midnight to 10 p.m.; J.C. Penney, 4 a.m. to midnight; Kohl’s, midnight to 11 p.m., hours at other stores vary.
• Mall at Millenia, Orlando: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Orlando Fashion Square, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Orlando Premium Outlets, Vineland, midnight to 11 p.m., some stores earlier.
• Orlando Premium Outlets, International Drive, midnight to 11 p.m.
• Oviedo Mall: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Seminole Towne Center, Sanford: 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Volusia Mall, Daytona Beach: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., some stores open at midnight.
• Waterford Lakes Town Center, Orlando: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• West Oaks Mall, Ocoee: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves: Beall’s, Best Buy and Old Navy, midnight to 10 p.m.; Super Target, midnight to midnight, hours at other stores vary.

PREMIUM OUTLET STORES OPEN ON THANKSGIVING DAY:

Vineland Ave.:
Stores remaining open Thursday straight through Friday:
A&W/Old Time Ice Cream, American Eagle, Ann Taylor, Bass, Calvin Klein Men’s, Calvin Klein Women’s, Carter’s, Chicken Now, China Max, Columbia Sportswear, DKNY, Ecco, Ecko Unltd, Fragrance Outlet, Gymboree, Izod, Jones New York, Levi’s, Loft Outlet, Lucky Brand, Maki of Japan, Marc Ecko Cut & Sew, Nautica, Nike, Nine West, OshKosh B’gosh, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Sunglass Hut, Taco Bell, Talbots, Tommy Hilfiger, Villa Italian Fresh Kitchen, Wilsons Leather, Zales
Opening Thursday, November 24, 8pm:
Guess, Guess Accessories
Opening Thursday, November 24, 9pm:
Charlotte Russe, Diesel, Robert Wayne Footwear
Opening Thursday, November 24, 10pm:
A|X Armani Exchange, Coach, Coach Men’s, Cole Haan, Crocs, Elizabeth Arden, Fossil, Hurley, Kipling, Lacoste, Maidenform, Oakley Vault, PacSun, Skechers, Starbucks Coffee, Timberland, Tory Burch, Tumi, Watch Station International
Opening Thursday, November 24, 11pm:
Beauty Express, Brooks Brothers, J.Crew, Michael Kors, Subway, TAG Heuer

International Drive:
Stores remaining open Thursday straight through Friday:
Aeropostale, Ann Taylor, As Seen On Tv, Bass, Big Apple NY Pretzel, Calvin Klein, The Children’s Place, Claire’s Accessories, Columbia Sportswear, Converse, Easy Spirit, Ecko Unltd., Ed Hardy, Izod, Jones New York, Kasper, Lacoste, Levi’s, Loft Outlet, New York & Company, Nike, Red Brick Pizza, Robert Wayne Footwear, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Samsonite, Solstice, Tommy Hilfiger Kids, Van Heusen, Victoria’s Secret, Zales
Opening Thursday, November 24, 8pm:
Nautica, NauticaKids, SAS Shoes, White House | Black Market
Opening Thursday, November 24, 9pm:
2b bebe, Bath & Body Works, Calphalon, Crabtree & Evelyn, Fragrance Outlet, Kenneth Cole, Surf Warehouse, True Religion
Opening Thu, Nov 24, 10pm: Brooks Brothers, Coach, Cole Haan, Elizabeth Arden, Forever 21, Fossil, Hurley, Kipling, L’Occitane, Lane Bryant, Michael Kors, New Balance, Oakley Vault, U.S. Polo Assn.
Opening Thursday, November 24, 11pm:
Eddie Bauer, Hartstrings, Kate Spade New York, Maidenform, Marc Ecko Cut & Sew, PacSun, Starbucks, Yankee Candle

LAKE BUENA VISTA FACTORY STORES:

Some stores open on Thanksgiving Day – located at 15657 South Apopka Vineland Road:
Tommy Hilfiger, Ecko Unlimited, Izod, VanHeusen, Old Navy Outlet

Halloween is right around the corner. The Fall and Halloween decorations are out and being picked through while employees make room for the Christmas decorations to take over. Billboards and commercials are enticing theme park guests to take in the spooky offerings of “Hall-O-Scream,” “Halloween Horror Nights,” “Halloween Spooktacular” and “Mickey’s Not So Scarey Halloween Party.” But what do you do if you flat out don’t care to get scared?

I have the answer. You go to Capone’s Dinner & Show. Instead of a sinking feeling in your stomach from the result of pure terror, your belly may jiggle from all of the laughter. It’s fun. Not frightful. I think there are a lot of folks out there like me, who’d rather skip the candy handouts and tricks being played upon them and instead, enjoy an evening out enjoying a nice dinner and a show. If you’d like to come in costume, you can. It is not mandatory, but if you do, you just might win a CASH prize. They are having a Halloween Costume Contest on Halloween night!

Prizes are:

1. 1st place $150.00
2. 2nd place $100.00
3. 3rd place $50.00
4. EVERYONE receives a free etched Capone’s 14 oz. heavy tapper glass (excluding infants) with their paid admission.

At Capone’s Dinner & Show, you can purchase your tickets in advance and receive 50% off. It is the best value of all the Orlando dinner shows. You may have to skip the sweets after you hit the all-you-can-eat dinner buffet; it is filling! Dessert is offered…if you have room for it and your belly can handle it on top of all the laughter. The drinks will keep coming all evening too. The wait staff work very hard to accommodate every guest, even if they do have that ‘made’ attitude. It’s all part of the act, so loosen up and enjoy!

Capone’s is a great alternative to Halloween activities in Orlando. Kids enjoy it too. So turn your porch lights off and come to Capone’s on Halloween night. They’ll have a treat waiting for you and promise not to scare you away!