The Iceploration Busch Gardens Tampa goers will primarily witness a 30-minute skating show. It’s like everyone will be exploring the four corners of the earth only within the four corners of Busch’s Gardens’ Moroccan Palace Theater. This winter wonderland show is a skating exhibition that will unleash the adventure of a digital savvy teenager and his grandfather, both wonderfully dressed in Broadway-styles. They, together with the audience will be exploring the African Serengeti, Great Barrier Reef, Arctic, and the Amazon!

Overview of the Iceploration at Busch Gardens Tampa Show

The adventure of this boy and his grandfather opens up when they arrive in the African Serengeti, where larger than life puppets and spectacular set designs bring  wonderful animals on center-stage. There will be solo and chorus skating performances telling the story of a cheetah stalking elegant meerkats and gazelles.

Afterwards, Austin and his grandpa leap into the Great Barrier Reef to see and explore the harmonious creatures living on the ocean floor. Here, awesome black light transitions and the first seen helium-filled puppets will submerge the audience to the wonderful world of the sea with lionfish, sea urchins, parrotfish, turtles, and moray eels.

The next adventure is going to the Arctic. Splendid skaters become striking snow flurries as winter storm threatens the travelers. Austin and his grandpa will see breathtaking scenery as they meet Aurora Borealis phenomenon presented with astounding lighting and projections. Siberian lynx and sled of Siberian huskies will share the stage with them as they all traverse the tundra.

Austin and Grandpa’s last adventure is in the tropical Amazon rainforest. They will be mingling with lots of squirrel monkeys, sun conures, colorful macaws, playful frogs, and dragonflies. All these wonderful creatures will skate their way into the stage for the grand finale. This thirty-minute show will absolutely amaze spectators and will leave unforgettable memories for visiting families.

There will also be puppetry and live showcase of animals to be watched. Planning your schedule for the Iceploration at Busch Gardens Tampa will be matched with amazing and affordable vacation rental homes within reach of Busch Gardens, Florida. Call DVRO now!

Want to experience this spectacular feast? You don’t have to go to New Orleans, France, or Mexico. Go straight to Universal Studios, the “Entertainment Capital of Orlando.” The Mardi Gras Universal Studios Orlando offers free admission and is included in the park admission ticket. Be there on February 11 to April 14, 2012, and feel the fun!

What it Feels like at Mardi Gras Universal Studios Orlando

The celebration of Mardi Gras here is a family friendly event, so people of all ages are allowed to take part. Nonetheless, the fun will still remain as good as any other Fat Tuesday celebration. Expect a dashing crowd of skillful street performers, stilt walkers, and decorations in purple, gold, and green.

French Quarter Courtyard

Indulge yourselves with the feel of good music and foods that are patterned to the celebration. Be sure to try their authentic New Orleans cuisine that will boost your vigor in commemorating at Mardi Gras Festival. Don’t miss this place since it serves as the main core of Fat Tuesday.

Krewe of Dionysus

It is bizarrely huge and splendid! This is what you will anticipate as you witness the parade. At this event in Universal Studios Orlando, you can see big floats that will reel during 8:00 pm until 9:00 pm. You can gaze at the majestic title float, Riverboat, King Gator, the Jester, the King and Queen Float, the Boeuf Gras, and the Universal float.

Mardi Gras Memorabilia

Do you want to buy yourselves a souvenir of this fun-filled experience? Or do you want to give out presents to your loved ones? You can purchase a wide selection of shirts, glasses, and a lot of event collectibles.

Concerts

French Quarter Bands will croon every reveler as they join in in this celebration. They are local bands from New Orleans and they will bring their own music in Orlando. Watch out for these bands at 5:00 pm.

Merrymakers will form huge crowds and will sing their hearts out as the nightly concerts of your favorite bands and performers happen. A lot of world-acclaimed artist will rock your night. Catch the live acts of One Republic, Ne-Yo, Lifehouse, Pitbull, The Beach Boys, and so on! Seize this musical moment and make sure that your “Fat Tuesday” will end up painting a smile on your face!

Looking for Orlando homes near Universal Studios for your Mardi Gras celebration? Discount Vacation Rentals Online offers a wide array of lovely and comfortable vacation rental homes at discounted prices. For lodging options, click here.

There will be 3 SeaWorld Orlando future attractions that will drastically change the vacationers’ reception or opinion to the water park. Included in the three are huge sea turtle exhibit plus a domed 3D auditorium, a close encounter with penguins, and a very ambitious expansion of a section-full of various shops and rides.

TurtleTrek: An Exploration of Sea Turtles

TurtleTrek is a huge aquarium of sea turtles and manatees that will captivate visitors, and will put forth an imagination that every tourist is underwater with these friendly animals. Eventually, visitors will take a gaze and be educated on a movie about the odyssey of a sea turtle, and its struggle to cope with the conflicts that it will encounter.

The movie “SeaWorld: The Incredible Journey” will be shown in a 3-D format and in 360 degrees. The film hopes to be successful in their advocacy to save not only a sea turtle, but every creature that are endangered. TurtleTrek is anticipated in spring of 2012.

A Swimming Experience at Freshwater Oasis

Next to Turtletrek is an equally anticipated SeaWorld Orlando future attraction: Freshwater Oasis. Living upon its name, this is an astonishing area for relaxation and winding up in the middle of a sunny day.

The Freshwater Oasis is inspired by what you can see in a typical rainforest; it has treetops and other creatures such as otters and marmosets. And it is not your ordinary swimming pool. It offers a wild encounter with the said rare animals. And as you get to this planned attraction, you seem to be swimming in the tropical ambience of Africa or Asia.

Likewise, the Freshwater Oasis will be expected in spring of 2012.

The Spectacular Project: Antarctica—Empire of the Penguin

SeaWorld Orlando will again break a record for the largest single project ever undertaken at the Orlando Park. The Orlando theme park will open Antarctica—Empire of the Penguin this coming spring of 2013.

As the name of the park suggests, the visitors will be “brought” to Antarctica, a cold continent where nobody dared to take a trip for it is the coldest place on earth. The guests will be able to gaze at a penguin’s life, and most especially, to value the excellent beauty of Antarctica. Besides, they will attempt to integrate animal elements to the interactive and innovative rides at the center of the attraction. Around the additions will be several shops and restaurants to choose from.

For your Orlando trip, you will need leading Florida holiday villas that come with reasonable rental rates. You can choose from our various selections of single family homes, town homes, and condo units with their designated amenities to offer. And remember, if you desire a SeaWorld Orlando trip, you can choose an Orlando rental community closeby.

Have a great and memorable Orlando experience!

-Fridays to Sundays on November 25—December 11, 2011: 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm

-Every night on December 16—December 31, 2011: 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm.

The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration Shows to Watch Out

Listen to the story of Christmas and fall in love with it as if you are young again. Bring your kids to the show “O Wondrous Night” and let them experience the majestic tale of Jesus’ birth. This 30-minute show is accompanied with live animals, which are involved in the nativity (camels, goats, sheep, alpaca, and white doves). Besides, the spirit of Christmas will smother the whole park with yuletide hymns and cherubic angels.

Have you ever seen a Christmas tree on water? SeaWorld becomes a sea of 100 Christmas trees. This unbelievable event called Sea of Trees is the only holiday celebration that trees on water boast lights dancing into the beat of Holiday music.

Killer whales shall disprove their frightening appellation as they show their natural and lovable skills on soaring high. The SeaWorld Christmas celebration called “Shamu Christmas—Miracles” will make everyone astonished and get thrilled with the brilliance of killer whales as they synchronically swim with Christmas music.

Your kids will be delighted in witnessing A Sesame Street Christmas. Laugh with the gang of puppets and watch how Sesame Seed friends teach Abby Cadabby about the Holiday season. Definitely, this show is filled with grooves, jokes, and chants that you and your family would love.

The famous sea lion duo is going to entertain you, as well, this Christmas season! The amusing Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas is a time for this two sea lions to show off their tricks that enthrall every human being. Moreover, they are accompanied by the equally smart creatures, such as otters and the walruses.

On Winter Wonderland on Ice, behold a perfect performance of ice skaters who shall show their gracefulness and skills inside the rink. Aside from that, you are free to shout and be elated by the spectacular fountains of water dancing on the lake.

The SeaWorld Christmas celebration will end magnificently on the show “Holiday Reflections: Fireworks and Fountain Finale.” The incredible and colorful fireworks display is matched with a catchy holiday tune. This is also paralleled with soaring and extravagant fountains that you will never see in other theme parks.

The holiday commemoration at SeaWorld must be paired with a great holiday vacation rental accommodation. With this, Discount Vacation Rentals Online will grant your dream to reality through the wide selection of Orlando homes.

Happy holidays!!

Just 6 weeks after LEGOLAND Florida officially launched its very own theme park site, an official announcement by the General Manager (Adrian Jones) was made that LEGOLAND will then soon open a new water park attraction in Winter Haven, Fl in the summer of 2012.

Property Origin

This planned new water park is the former Splash Island Water Park, which is part of the Cypress Gardens property that Merlin Entertainments (LEGOLAND developer) has bought. The first of the series of developments of the Merlin Entertainments about this deal is transforming the old Cypress Gardens into the newly built LEGOLAND theme park. As for further renovations, the old Splash Island Water Park, which is part of Cypress Gardens is now about to transform to a newly remodeled water park.

Attractions and Services

Dominant features of this new water park will be quite similar to what the Splash Island already had except that a more LEGOLAND theme design and interventions are applied. There will be a wave pool, lazy river, water slides, play area for toddlers, and more of Lego-inspired features.

As further announced, here are the specific LEGOLAND water park attractions to check out:

The Splash Out. This is one heck of an adventure ride ascending from the tallest point of the water park and enjoy the thrill of a 60 foot drop until you splash out into the water below. You can choose from 3 different slides at similar height, but with different features, depending on the amount of thrill you want to have.

The Twin Chasers. This is a less adventurous ride but perfect for friends and lovers to plunge into the water. These are two 375-feet enclosed water slides leading you and your friend and love ones to the refreshing waters below.

The Build-A-Raft River. This shall be the perfect ride for the whole family traversing a 1000 foot long lazy river. You and your family will be boarding a specially made LEGO vessel to set voyage afloat around a long and beautiful lazy river with palm trees around and beautiful vegetated gardens.

The LEGO Wave Pool. This is a perfect water venue where all the members of the family can spend refreshing time together. Enjoy the relaxing touch of the pool’s gentle waves caressing your body that is just enough for all ages.

The DUPLO® Splash Safari. This is where toddlers and kids at heart rule. This part of the water park is filled with short slides, interactive play area, and larger than life DUPLO creatures.

The Joker Soaker. This is where everyone gets played. Here, you’ll basically find several types and heights of slides good for every member of the family and don’t be surprised if you get soaked by the torrential sills from a 300 gallon bucket of the area.

Admissions and Accommodations

There are many ways of getting admission passes to this wonderful water park but most people will prefer getting a LEGOLAND premium pass where you’ll get access to every attraction of LEGOLAND for the whole 12 months.

For your accommodations in Orlando, you can opt to stay at a vacation house near LEGOLAND, where you’ll have better choices and comfort for the whole family. Click here

CityWalk’s Hottest Places and Events to Enjoy

Emeril’s Restaurant Orlando

This awesome dining option takes pride in its Creole-inspired cooking masterpieces. It is also branded as the new “New Orleans” for its regional cuisine with a distinctive and authentic taste. It serves lunch (11:30 am- 3:00 pm) and dinner (Sunday-Thursday at 5:00 pm-10:00 pm and Friday and Saturday at 5:00 pm-10:30 pm).

Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville

Are you ready to taste unique cuisine while getting engrossed with beautiful music? Move towards Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, a restaurant which offers sumptuous foods fusing the cuisine of the Sunshine State and the Caribbean. It features a live music in the main restaurant and a live guitarist on the outdoor Porch of Indecision every night. Buy yourself beach apparels and the like in the restaurant as a remembrance for a fine dining. It opens 11:30 am-2:00 pm.

Bob Marley—A Tribute to Freedom

The King of Reggae Bob Marley, who moved millions of music lovers through his moral and pro-human music, is celebrated forever in CityWalk at Universal Studios. At this dining venue or entertainment center called Bob Marley—A Tribute to Freedom, the place is a replica of Marley’s home. It also showcases a wide collection of Bob Marley artifacts, photos, and video clips for his loyal fans, alongside with live reggae bans performing nightly. Besides, you will get addicted to Jamaican cuisine for their cooks are pro! The opening hours on Sunday to Thursday are at 4:00 pm-10:00 pm, while 4:00 pm-11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday.

This holiday season, bring your friends at Bob Marley—A Tribute of Freedom, and celebrate the spirit of Christmas in a Rhasta way. Bob Marley’s Island Christmas Celebration will be held on December 10 at 4:00pm featuring the country’s best reggae bands.

Pastamore Ristorante and Market

They often say that Italian dishes are the best. And Pastamore Ristoranti will prove that what you heard was right. Taking you to Mediterranean culture through their cuisine, they serve pizzas, steaks, and pasta for your hungry stomach. Be there on 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm, and taste what they call “The Italian.”

NBA City

You will be welcomed by a 33-foot tall statue of NBA’s Logoman. Be delighted by the classic American cuisine while watching the best NBA and WNBA tournaments in the 15-foot video screen. For NBA fans and local food lovers, the restaurant is open on Sunday to Thursday at 11:00 am-10:30 pm and on Friday and Saturday 11:00 am-10:30 pm. And don’t forget to buy authentic NBA jerseys there!

NASCAR Sports Grill

From an NBA inspired place, let us race our tracks to NASCAR Sports Grill. Racing fans and enthusiasts will really love these displayed memorabilia around the place while munching the all-time favorite Texas Speedway Taquitos. Watch sports action footages inside, or purchase NASCAR racing gears inside. It is open daily at 5:00 pm-10:00 pm.

Latin Quarter

Inspired by Aztec, Incan, and Mayan architecture, the place offers South American dishes like Paella. At Thursday to Saturday nights, dance to the tune of Latin and Reggaeton beats while every night, a guitarist plays Spanish guitar at the patio. It is open at 5:00 pm-10:00 pm.

Hard Rock Café Orlando

The biggest Hard Rock Café is found in CityWalk, serving hot classic American foods. The restaurant features memorabilia from the rock legends such as Elvis and The Beatles. The café sells authentic Hard Rock shirts and collectible pins. It opens 11:00 am-12:00 midnight.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant and Market

Taken from a critically-acclaimed film Forrest Gump, get in and experience the best Southern hospitality. Try their Cajun Shrimp; it is one-of-a-kind. It is open at 11:00 am- 12:00 midnight.

Pat O’ Brien’s

Do you want to witness a piano duel with the delightful Cajun-style appetizers? Find it in Pat O’ Brien, where you can sing along with 2 piano players. The bar’s open at 4:00 pm-2:00 am.

Red Coconut Club

The premier nightclub is edified to accommodate the lively crowd. And to bring out the dancer in the party people, the club plays upbeat tunes. The Thursday night is Ladies’ Night where they avail free-admission. The opening hours are on Sunday -Thursday at 8 pm to 2 am and Friday and Saturday at 6 pm to 2 am.

Rising Star

The microphone and center stage is yours in this moment! Sing your favorite songs in front of a large crowd. This is not your usual karaoke because your performance is a concert accompanied with live band and back-up singers. Grab the chance on its opening hours nightly at 8:00 pm-2:00 am.

The Groove

Are you fond of the 70’s and 80’s music? With a live band and dashing psychedelic lights, this is a perfect place for you. Go retro on 9:00 pm-2:00 am.

Fat Tuesday

Chill down and enjoy the “punch” of creamy piña coladas, margaritas, and daquiris. The bar is inspired by the Bourbon Street at New Orleans. It is open daily on 4:00 pm-1:45 am.

Hard Rock Live

Showing off the most reputable names in music and comedy, this place is the avenue of entertainment. It has the capacity to hold up to 3,000 tourists. It is also the home of several award ceremonies, beauty pageants, musical acts, and dance competitions.

Finding Orlando vacation homes for your CityWalk escapade has always been easy with Discount Vacation Rentals Online. We offer homes that are comfortable and cozy near Universal Studios. Click here to see the homes and availability.

This park is centered on recollecting the history of the place and the evidences that the past has left behind. These include interesting artifacts of the Second Seminole Indian War in 1835 and audio visual presentations of the era. This historical park is a great place for a family educational and amusement bonding, telling off stories and taints of the past.

The property has successfully restored these famous historical homes to reflect pioneer life from the early 1870’s up to the 1930’s. The park has 3 picnic pavilions. Two of which can accommodate up to 100 people and the other one is good for 50 seats. Each of the pavilions has its own large barbecue grill, electrical outlets and water hose. The property also have a basketball court, tennis court, small baseball field, children’s playground with swings, slide, and a fort looking jungle gym. You can enter into this Orlando museum with no entrance fee, but for large groups of excursionists, there are required charges.

For souvenirs you can visit the Park’s gift shop from Tuesday to Saturday only within 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Park hours are 8:00 am -8:00 pm during summer season, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm during winter, and are closed during December 24 and 25. The park has wheel chair access so you can bring the elderly and persons with disability.

Annual Events in Fort Christmas Park

Fort Christmas Historical Park has series of events all year round. You can choose which time of the year you prefer visiting the place. Here are annual events that the Fort Christmas Historical Park hosts:

-Every last Saturday of January, the descendants of the East Orange pioneers and friends celebrate their heritage through the Cowboy and Pioneer Reunion,

-Militia Encampments on the weekend before Easter and the weekend before Thanksgiving,

-Blue Grass and Craft Festival on the third weekend of March

-Old Timer’s Day on the second Saturday in May, and

-Cracker Christmas on the first weekend of December. These events may be subject for changes depending on the development of the property.

For further information and updates regarding the events and bookings of Fort Christmas Historical Park in Florida you can visit this Community Guide.

For lodging accommodations near this park, click here.

This new Orlando attraction in 2012 will replace the recently closed Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast and Hanna-Barbera’s “The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera” placed from June 1990 to October 2002. In association of film producer Chris Meledandri of Despicable Me and Illumination Entertainment, it was announced that the recreation of this animated film being designed by Universal Creative Company is on-going.

The Excitements to Count On

The target opening of Despicable Me attraction is on summer of 2012. This new Orlando attraction in 2012 will feature the super villain Gru with his small army of minions kept under his secret fort to plan an evil deed to the world. He will be with his three adopted daughters, Margo, Edith and Agnes. In the upcoming attraction, Gru will need the help of the guests (transforming them into minions and train them). The guests will enjoy the fun as they go on board with Gru’s hi-tech Digital adventure in 3-D along with the most loved characters, the 3 adopted daughters and the not-so-smart minions. The secret lab will be brought into life where guests can descend into it. The participants will then experience the minion-inspired dance which will be shown to the crowd.

The announcement of the attraction was celebrated by showing off a “flash mob” dance in Universal Studios Theme Park. “Despicable Me” producer worked very closely with all the details in the movie making certainties so that Universal Resort Orlando will come up to an exciting movie-like scenes and characters. It aims to give delight to visitors for many years bringing to life an extraordinary experience.

So along with other Universal Orlando Resort’s other best theme parks and studios, Despicable Me Attraction is on the mainstream to give total entertainment and become a big success. This will be the first of Universal Studios themed attraction stepping out from the original animation. With the different thrill rides planned for this, expect a truly enjoyable minute and crave for more!

To match up your excitement for this upcoming attraction in Orlando, stay in one of DVRO’s pool homes, town homes, or condos near Despicable Me. Click here for lodging options close to Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Disney World and the convention center. Or you may call Discount Vacation Rentals Online if you need further assistance. Simply click the “Push 2 Talk” image at the left side of this page.

Once upon a time in Denmark, 1932, Ole Kirk Christiansen was fond of making wooden toys in his little workshop. A couple of years after, Ole opted to name his workshop– LEGO®, a contraction of the Danish words ‘leg godt,’ meaning ‘play well.’ Also, it was unexpectedly learned later that Lego in Latin means “I assemble.”

This has become an all-time favorite toy for all ages. It does amuse the players, and at the same time, it promotes creativity among them. From a simple rectangular building, the pieces will arrive into masterpieces that can create even intricate gardens, landscapes, and vehicles. This gave the stockholders an idea of a 9-acre LEGOLAND built in June 1968. It attracted attention, and on the first year alone, the 625, 000 happy guests visited the site!

Now, with all things LEGO, Legoland Florida opening will amuse guests starting this month! This one of a kind theme park is a 250-acre interactive site which primarily aims to entertain kids and adults, alike. It is anticipated that this family-friendly theme park will give families the quality bonding moments. With its 50 rides inside the park, there are more to excite guests. There will also be various wonderful shows to entertain you, and other attractions that would guarantee an absolute fun.

This amazing theme park comprises many parks that are edified wonderfully, and with creative skills. Persons of different interests will get astounded to the park areas, such as: Fun Town, Miniland USA, DUPLO Village, LEGO Kingdom, LEGO TECHNIC, Imagination Cove, Pirates’ Cove, Land of Adventure and the LEGO City.

Aside from these, exciting things await visitors inside the park. Feel the thrill and be a fireman to combat against the flame at the City Rescue Academy. Go back into the times of knights, castles, and princesses by conquering the Dragon coaster. And would you want to see a small model of America with all its detailed cities and attractions? Then take a stroll through Miniland USA, a small version of the nation made up of small LEGO bricks. Also, at Ford Driving School, acquire a driver’s license and try your skills on wheels with different themed cars by using the solid pieces!

For further questions about this theme park and admissions, please visit the website here.

For families visiting this park, as well as Disney World, ask Discount Vacation Rentals Online for a rental home in between both attractions. Or visit our Orlando vacations homepage to start your search for lodging accommodations in the area.

Communities close to this new attraction park would include: Southern Dunes Golf Community, Tower Lake by Calabay Parc, or visit our Orlando map of rental communities to find vacation homes furthest South of I-4 to stay as close as possible to LegoLand in Florida.

You will basically find everything you need here if you are looking for a great wildlife adventure ride, drink, explore and dine. The complex bids several amenities and activities which you and your family can enjoy fully. The place offers thrilling airboat rides in Lake Jesup, a natural and amusing alligator and wildlife exhibit, drink and unwind in the Lazy Gator Bar, and digest your excitement by dining in the sumptuous Black Hammock Restaurant.

Photo Courtesy of Black Hammock Adventures

Airboat rides in this complex is not like any other normal travel adventures. You can have a unique exciting airboat ride and have a gator hunt while traversing the Lake Jesup. Here you will have a firsthand encounter with live alligator in the lake and don’t worry about your security because airboats are known to be a very stable craft especially made to roam around lakes and wet lands and you will be under the guidance of an expert travel guide. So rest assured your safety is ensured and all you have to bather is to enjoy each second of the ride.
Check out the Black Alligator’s wildlife exhibit. Here you can see and interact with live alligators and snakes that is if you feel touching them. Florida has the highest population of alligators you can almost find one in every body of water in this place so expect several alligators to watch. You will also meet the 35 year old male gator named Hammy which is now 12 feet long and weighs around 680 pounds.

You then relax and have a mug of beer in the Black Alligator’s Lazy Gator Bar that is open every day. The bar has a patio and bar overlooking the Lake Jesup. Every weekend the bar has a live band performance– rain or shine! You can also eat your hearts out with the list of lavish menu that the Black Hammock Restaurant is putting forward to your table. The restaurant is open 11:00 am – 9:30 pm during Sunday to Thursday and it serves 11:00 am – 10:30 pm during Friday and Saturday.

Check for updates, listings, and calendar of events with us. You can also book reservations here to assure you a convenient spot in your Orlando vacation and adventure plans.