To all our readers,
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.
Orlando Florida Visitor Information.
Have a great vacation with helpful News and Information.
Links to our web sites containing Visitor Information for US and British Visitors.
Need help? Use our Q&A section section to ask a question. Routes,advice, etc...
Today is Veterans Day in the USA.
On Saturday November 14th 10am-12pm there will be a Parade in Downtown Orlando to commemorate this day. The parade and Gasparilla floats will feature members of active military and will start from Orange Ave. and Livingston Street. It is hosted by Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Mayors Veterans advisory council.
The Orlando Museum of Art will be holding its annual ‘Festival of Trees’.
From November 14th 2009-November 22nd 2009.
Sponsored by PNC Bank.
Why not get the feel for Christmas? Here you will find an amazing display of decorated trees, maybe even buy one and take it home! There will be shopping, choral singing, orchestras, dancing, ballet performances, luscious food, and refreshments.
General admission
$10 Adult
$6 Child
Here are a few events happening in Orlando for Halloween.
Starting with scary fun and frolics for older children and grown ups. Universal is holding it’s ‘Halloween Horror' nights for excitement, shock and horror. http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando/eventinfo.html
Or for a milder scare the Disney way, check out http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdwi/en_GB/parks/specialEvents?id=MickeysNotSoScaryHalloweenPartySpecialEventPage for spooky costumes, trick or treat, Mickey Mouse fun and fireworks.
SeaWorld also has seasonal events for all the family. http://www.seaworldspooktacular.com/swfspook.html
Green Meadows petting farm in Kissimmee has a special ‘fall’ theme, where children can pick their own pumpkin. http://www.greenmeadowsfarm.com/
The Interstate 4 Information Office offer safety tips found at……http://enews.global-5.com/T4Article.aspx?AID=12659
If you or a member of your family is planning a romantic wedding, have you considered a ‘Disney Wedding’?
On offer is the expertise, the style, the weather, the perfect location.
Couples could have the day of their dreams, with the whole family enjoying a vacation of ‘their’ dreams.
All the planning will be looked after and taken care of by the company that excels in making peoples dreams come true.
A new law has been passed called the ‘Move over Law’ to keep law enforcement officers and emergency responders safe on the highways of Florida
read more………..
In Germany Disney have made public the first part of the construction of one of the two new cruise ships scheduled to be ready to sail in 2011 and 2012.
More information and a video can be found at: http://www.clickorlando.com/news/20571110/detail.html
If you are choosing to go on a Disney Cruise ship for your holiday and have little ones, it seems that Disney yet again are trying to make your vacation that much more special by catering for your needs and giving you the ability to order baby supplies and equipment in advance, and deliver it to your room.
For more info go to…… http://www.disneycruisenews.com/ContentDrillDown.aspx?DisplayItem=c8cdfd61-7a9b-4f45-b07e-f9e667047be7
Sea World are offering family sleepovers on a few selected nights in the coming autumn season.
Pizza dinner and continental breakfast are included, the fun starts at 6pm until 9am the next day.
For information on prices and dates go to:-
http://www.swbg-adventurecamp.com/adventure-camps/swf/sleepover/index.htm
What: | Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot Location: Disney&39;s Epcot Theme Park 1200 Epcot Resort Blvd. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 Phone: 407-824-4321 More Information: Sounds Like Summer is an annual live concert series at Epcot Theme Park that brings togheher a talented collection of tribute bands to authentically recreate the classic hits of legendary musical icons. |
When: | Thursday, July 30, 2009 5:15 PM |
Where: | Disney's Epcot Theme Park 1200 Epcot Resort Boulevard Orlando, Florida 32830 United States |
If you want something more serene than the hustle and bustle of the theme parks on your vacation, why not go on a City of Orlando Bus Tour. You will see Downtown Orlando, Lake Eola, stop off at Winter Park for a boat ride, shop at Park avenue and experience the unique City of Celebration.
Operates on Sunday and has commentary giving you lots of details about the area.
Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 9:00pm
Listen to the new album and drink in the best bar downtown!
Host: Megaphone Type: Party - Night of Mayhem
Location: The Matador 56 E. Pine St. Orlando, FL
Email: theband@megaphonemusic.net
Thursday night at 9:00 pm come hang out with us and listen to the CD from start to finish at The Matador at 56 E Pine St. Downtown Orlando right next to the AKA Lounge. We'll have tickets to the CD release show with us so this is a great opportunity to pick up any last minute FREE tickets you need.
Remember, The Matador is a bar so only ages 21 and up are allowed in. Sorry kids!
Whether it’s about :
Magic Kingdom,
Epcot,
MGM Studios,
Disney's Animal Kingdom,
Universal Studios Florida,
Universal's Islands of Adventure,
SeaWorld,
Kennedy Space Centre,
Theme park tickets,
International Drive,
Flights,
Car Hire,
Hotels,
Apartments,
Accommodation,
Maps of the area,
What to do,
Events,
Golf,
Weddings,
Weather,
Etc.Etc.
We will endeavour to find out the answer for you as soon as possible.
Please click on our Q&A page and ask away. http://orlandoqna.blogspot.com/
If you were thinking about a trip to Discovery Cove to swim and interact with the dolphins, now would be a great time to visit and see the new baby calf's born recently.
Within the last month four babies have been born, what a wonderful experience to add to your holiday.
Yet again the weather leads to a scrubbing of launch attempt number 5.
Next try, the sixth launch attempt, Wednesday at 18:03:10. EDT
God’s Speed Endeavour again…
A new law has come into place in Florida for police to give tickets to a driver, if him or his passenger are not wearing a seat belt.
The law came into effect June 30th2009.
Any passengers under 18 years must also wear a seat belt anywhere in the vehicle. Children 4 to 5 years must be in a suitable seat with seat belt, 3 years and younger must be in an approved device.
Safe driving and ‘Buckle Up’.
Delayed again due to bad weather rolling in from Orlando. Not so much a problem for the launch but if Endeavour needed to return to KSC, that part was unacceptable.
Next launch opportunity is at 18:51:24 today with a 60 percent chance of acceptable weather today or tomorrow.
Endeavour must make the leap by Tuesday or the flight will be delayed to July 27. A high-priority Russian Progress resupply mission launches July 24. Gods Speed Endeavour…
Liftoff is targeted for 7:13:55p.m today after lightening prevented last evenings countdown from completing.
If at first you don’t succeed…
‘Currently’ all systems are go for the countdown for a launch attempt at 7:39:35 p.m. EST Saturday, with a possible 5 minute extension inside the launch window.
More info at the wonderful CBS news site -
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/current.html
‘The People’s Princess Charitable Foundation, inc.’ is holding
an exhibition on the life of Princess Diana.
Opening July 2009 at Downtown Disney.
For more information go to http://ow.ly/eEnP
Walt Disney World has re-opened the Hall of Presidents, having been closed for a short while to get ready to welcome ‘President Barack Obama’, this amazing robotic exhibition was launched on July 4th 2009.
It has a lifelike Audio-Animatronics figures of all U.S presidents.
*Happy July 4th*to all our American readers.
To our other readers visiting, have a great day and enjoy the fireworks!!
There will be many Celebrations in Orlando on July 4th to celebrate Independence Day.
Below are just a few.
The City of Kissimmee is holding a free party at Lakefront Park from 5.00 to 9.30pm.
More information can be found at http://www.kissimmee.org/ch_dept_parks.aspx?id=412
At the Theme Parks:-
Disney’s Magic Kingdom…A special “Concert in the Sky” at 9.oopm followed by the nightime parade “SpectroMagic” at 10.30pm.
Epcot….A special holiday inspired theme will be running through the day, and there will be added extras to the illuminations ‘Reflections of the Earth’.
Hollywood Studios….will have a special American feel to it during the day and at night there will be special fireworks at 9.00pm.
Downtown Disney....Fireworks at 10.30pm.
Universal. ...are hosting a 4th July special Cinesphere show starting at 10pm. The park has an extended opening until 11.00pm.
CityWalk…Has an American theme running through the day, with a barbecue at 5pm to 9pm. An all American Celebration.
A few music events that are happening in Orlando for the summer months.
Velvet Sessions Cocktail Party.
The Hard Rock Hotel on Universal Drive will be holding monthly ‘Rock n Roll’ Cocktail Party’s, on the last Thursdays of the month. June 25th July 30th, and August 27th 2009
http://www.velvetsessions.com/
Universal Summer Concert Series.
At the Music Plaza, artists such as Natasha Bedingfield, Jordin Sparks, LL Cool J, and more will be performing through the summer for the ‘Summer Concert Series 2009’.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is holding ‘Harbor Nights Wine Tasting and Jazz Event.’ At Universal Orlando.
Friday July 3rd 2009.
http://www.loewshotels.tix.com/Schedule.asp?organizationNumber=357
Sounds like summer.
Disney’s Epcot will also be holding summer concerts at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot’s showcase. From June 15th to August 9th 2009.
Tribute bands called
Stayin’ Alive [tribute to the Bee Gees] June 15thto June 21st
Hotel California [tribute to the Eagles] June 22nd to June28th
Slippery When Wet [tribute to Bon Jovi] June 29 - July 8
52nd Street [tribute to Billy Joel] July 9 - July 17
Sounds of the Supremes [tribute to The Supremes] July 18 - July 26
2U [tribute to U2] July 27 - August 2
Petty Theft [tribute to Tom Petty] August 3 - August 9
Dates could be subject to change.
There is an 80% chance of acceptable weather on all three possible launch days Saturday June 13th 2009, Sunday and Monday at 07:17 EST. Endeavour will carry a 7 person crew for a 16-day five-spacewalk mission servicing the International Space Station on ISS Assembly Flight 2J/A.
This image shows the Walt Disney World Signage - Road Traffic Sign displays that guide you around Walt Disney World.
The signs are uniform throughout the Disney
property. The land area of Walt Disney World is truly vast and routes from one location can take you on a long journey.
If you get lost trying to find your Hotel, not all are signposted at every sign. Best thing is to head for the nearest Hotel name that you see. Ask at the Security Checkpoint at it’s entrance and they will point you in the right direction. As a last resort, head for Downtown Disney. When you see the huge Car Parking Lot with Cirque du Soleil on the left or you get to the entrance to Typhoon Lagoon (on your right). Make a ‘U’ turn and all Walt Disney World area locations will be on the signs that you approach.
Only at SeaWorld Orlando.
A lot of people have been waiting for the new thrilling roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando.
It is now open!
Go and enjoy!
More information can be found at http://www.seaworld.com/orlando/
Theme Park Tickets available from our page - http://www.orlando-maps.info/tickets/orderform.htm
Endeavour will be moved from Launch Pad 39B to pad 39A on May 30.
Launch of STS-127 is currently planned for 13th June 2009 at 07:17am EDT.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2009/may/HQ_M09-092_STS-127_Roll_Around_TCDT.html
Disney’s Hollywood Studios, at Walt Disney World Resort, Florida are holding special Star Wars Weekends.
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays May 22-June 14, 2009.
‘Stars’ and celebrities will be appearing at some events for photo opportunities and autograph signing.
Many Star Wars activities will be taking place. including ‘Jedi training’
Look for further information on planning your activities at:- http://ow.ly/6Ubw
Orlando is holding an annual ‘Florida Music Festival’ , the 8th, on May 13th to 16th 2009.
Many artists will be performing from all around the country.
A music conference also runs in conjunction with the festival.
Held at downtown Orlando.
More info. Can be found at…http://www.floridamusicfestival.com/the-festival/
FDOT announce the future of I-4 intersections…
It’s comforting to know that in these hard times of recession, holidaymakers are still flocking to Walt Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld Florida.
Over the Easter period crowds of people are reported to have visited the parks. Normally this is the busiest time but under these economic circumstances one would have thought the numbers would be down!
When you’re in Orlando and you want to do something a little bit different, why not book to go on a hot air balloon ride?
There are trips 7days a week around the Disney area by an established company and experienced balloon pilot.
Could be quite an experience?
For more information:-http://www.thompsonaire.com/
If you are lucky enough to be in Orlando at the Spring break, here are a few Easter events that are taking place.
Flamingo Gardens is holding an orchid show and sale, Saturday April 11th and Sunday April 12th 2009 at the 60 acre botanical gardens. There are native wildlife exhibits with panthers, bobcats, otters, and alligators. An aviary, with birds of prey, golden and bald eagles. Don’t forget your camera because the Easter bunny will be there.
More info at http://www.flamingogardens.org/events.htm
At Disney’s Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival they are holding many events and activities including, discovering how you can create an easy environmentally friendly garden. ‘Green Garden’ found adjacent to the Morocco Pavilion.
March 18, 2009-May31, 2009
More information at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/special-events/epcot-international-flower-and-garden-festival/
And http://allears.net/tp/ep/flogar.htm
Some of the Disney hotels offer egg hunts, etc to their guests. If you are staying at a Disney hotel, enquire at the front desk when you arrive.
Religious services are held on Easter Sunday in the Fantasia Ballroom at the Contemporary Resort. Catholic Mass is held at 8:00 am and 10:15 am. A Protestant service is held at 9:00 am.
You are not allowed to park at the Contemporary for these services.
You need to either take a monorail or a boat to the Contemporary Resort.
Some Hotels will be laying on special Easter egg events, check with your Hotel for information.
The Nickelodeon Family Suites is holding an EGGstravaganza in the Mall with
Nickelodeon Characters giving out candy and toy-filled Easter Eggs. It’s free and open to the public, happening on April 12, 2009.
More info at http://www.nickhotel.com/nick_hotel_events/index.cfm
If you want to spend time at the beach, just a short drive away is the wonderful Cocoa beach where ‘Ron Jon Surf Shop’ has an annual Easter tradition where some of the world’s best surfers compete at the Cocoa Beach Pier. This year’s festival features prizes from all ages and genders, including a $5,000 Men’s Longboard Pro/Am, Women’s $1,000 Longboard Pro/Am and a $500 Amateur Shortboard Competition for both boys and girls.
More info at http://www.eastersurffest.com/
Look out for Easter bunnies in shopping malls although the Malls may be closed Easter Sunday.
Check out the latest Orlando Weather Information Post on our Orlando Weather Blog…
Why not look into a vacation on a cruise ship. Disney do various trips, from three nights starting at Port Canaveral with stops at Nassau, Castaway Cay. To seven nights starting in Walt Disney World Resort with stops in Port Canaveral, Nassau. For more information got to: http://disneycruise.disney.go.com
The Barnes Team are here to help walk you through the home buying process.
Thinking about selling? There is a lot of information about the housing market. Allow us to provide you a local perspective of the housing market in your area.
Whether buying or selling, we look forward to making your dreams a reality!
Vanessa and Jaime Barnes, Realtors
Keller Williams Realty
Info@DestinationCentralFlorida.com
407-973-2414
A date is set for Discovery to set sail as STS-119 to the International Space Station.
More here at our Orlando Space Blog - http://orlandospace.blogspot.com/
The second Sunday in March 2009 has happened so, in the US, clocks have sprung forward by 1 Earth hour. More info over on the British Visitor Blog - http://orlandobritishvisitor.blogspot.com/
Space Shuttle STS-119 Flow Control Valves woes.
If you want to see the valves that all this kerfuffle is about… Check out this page - http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html Second item.
Here are a some of the music events happening around the Orlando area…
VENUE: House of Blues Lake Buena Vista, Orlando
EVENT: Willie Nelson with Jamey Johnson
DATE: 13th March 2009
INFORMATION: http://www.hob.com/tickets/
VENUE: Orange County Convention Centre
EVENT: National Philharmonic of Russia
DATE: 4th April 2009
INFORMATION: http://www.festivaloforchestras.org/season/
VENUE: The Hard Rock Café Universal Drive
EVENT: Cheech and Chong
DATE: 5TH APRIL 2009
INFORMATION: http://www.hardrock.com/live2/live.asp
VENUE: Tiedtke Concert Hall
EVENT: Carnival of the Animals /Fred Rogers Family Series
DATE: 25th April 2009
INFORMATION: http://www.bachfestivalflorida.org/
VENUE: Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre
EVENT: Orlando Ballet presents Romeo & Juliet / With Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
DATE: Friday, May 1st to Sunday, May 3rd 2009
INFORMATION: http://orlandoballet.org
A half marathon will be taking place at Disney’s World of Sports on March 6-8 2009.
It’s called the Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend and presented by Lady Foot Locker. Women of all ages can take part. Fun for the rest of the family all weekend.
More info:- http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/events/eventDetail/detail?name=PrincessHalfMarathonDetailPage
STS –119 is delayed again over concerns about Flow Control Valves (FCVs).
When a date (maybe March 14th) is confirmed I will post the date.
The space shuttle Discovery is due to launch on Feb.27th, at Kennedy Space Centre on it’s mission to The International Space Station.
It has been delayed, but hopefully this launch will take place.
More info:-http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/events.
From Orlando Sentinel
STS-119 has been delayed again with fuel valve problems.
More from the Orlando Sentinel here…
From February 27th to March1st 2009. Walt Disney’s Hollywood Studios is hosting an event called ESPN The Weekend, Sports stars will be attending and mixing with the crowd, and to add to the fun there will be an interactive sports zone and of course your favourite Disney Characters.
For more information go to -http://espn.go.com/espntheweekend/
Universal Orlando Resort presents a Celebrity Golfing event at Orlando's Mystic Dunes Golf Club on Monday March 16th.
A total of 32 teams will compete in the tournament.
Former MLB, NFL players will take part in the event.
Celebrities Derrick Brooks, Phil Niekro, Bill "Maz" Mazeroski, Jim McMahon and others will be participating.
On Sunday, March 15th from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. there will be a welcome reception and pairing party held at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando.
The event will raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, cancer research centre.
Information found at :- http://orlando.golfersguide.com/orlando-golf/golf-news/former-mlb-nfl-players-to-participate-in-inaugural-celebrity-shootout-at-mystic-dunes-golf-club.html
If you require sport event information in Orlando, here is a taste of what’s on offer in February:-
Wednesday Feb. 11th 2009
Sport: Basketball. Magic vs. Denver
Place: Amway Arena
Time: 1 day
More Info: www.orlandomagic.com
Friday Feb. 13th 2009
Sport: Baseball. USSSA Presidents Day Challenge III
Place: Sleepy Hollow Sports Complex
Time: 3 days
More Info: www.orlandosports.org
Friday Feb. 13th 2009
Sport: Auto Racing. NextEra Energy Resources 250 Camping World Truck race
Place:Daytona International Speedway
Time: for 1 day
More info: www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com
Saturday Feb. 14th.2009
Sport: Baseball. USSSA 1st Annual President's Day Games
Place:Seminole County Softball Complex
Time: 2 days
More info: www.orlandosports.org
Sunday Feb. 15th 2009
Sport: Triathlon. Florida's Great Escape Triathlon
Place: Lake Louisa State Park
Time:1 day
More info: www.orlandosports.org
Saturday Feb. 14th 2009
Sport:Soccer.Disney's President's Day Soccer Festival
Place: Disney’s Wide World of Sports
Time:2 days
More info: http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com
If you want more information on specific events, click on Question and Answers http://orlandoqna.blogspot.com/
Here are a few music events that are happening around the Orlando area
VENUE: Performing Arts Centre Livingston St.Orlando,
EVENT: The Festival of Orchestras: The Boston Pops, Conductor Keith Lockhart
Date: March 8th 2009
Information: http://www.festivaloforchestras.org/season/
VENUE: House of Blues, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando
EVENT: Orlando Rocks: Javier Productions Presents, Puerto Rican Power Con Invitado Especial, Ismael, Miranda and Tony Tun Tun.
Date: February 13th 2009
Information: http://www.hob.com/tickets/
VENUE: The Hard Rock Café Universal Drive
EVENT: Gypsy Kings
Date: 11th February 2009
EVENT: Morrisey
Date: 1st March 2009
Information: http://www.hardrock.com/live2/live.asp
VENUE: Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida
EVENT: Rossini Weekend. The Bach Festival Society and Orlando Opera are performing.
Date: 21st February
Information: http://www.bachfestivalflorida.org/
VENUE: Amway Arena Florida
EVENT: An evening with Fleetwood Mac [More info: http://www.fleetwoodmac.com/ ]
Date: 20th April 2009
Information: http://orlandovenues.net/
More archive and weather information can be found on our web-site:-
http://www.kissimmee-us192.com/orlando_weather.htm
If you require sport event information in Orlando, here is a taste of what’s on offer for January:-
Thursday Jan. 22nd, 2009
Sport: Basketball Orlando Magic v.s Boston Celtics
Place: Amway Arena.
Time: 8.00 PM
More info: : www.orlandomagic.com
Friday Jan. 23rd 2009
Sport: Fishing Crappie Masters Tournament
Place: Hickory Point
Time: for 2 days
More info: www.orlandosports.org
Friday Jan. 23rd 2009
Sport: Baseball
Place: Sleepy Hollow Sports Complex
Time: for 3 days
More info: www.orlandosports.org
Friday 30th Jan. 2009
Sport: Lacrosse
Place: Disney’s Wide World of Sports
Time: January 30th – February 1st
More info: www.uslacrosse.org/events
January 30th
Sport:: Dance National Dance Team Championships
Place: Disney’s Wide World of Sports
Time: January 30th-February 1st
More info: www.uda.varsity.com
If you want more information on specific events, click on Question and Answers http://orlandoqna.blogspot.com/
If you are planning a trip to the US for pleasure or temporary business you will now require an ESTA before boarding a plane, this ruling was implemented Jan. 12th 2009.
For more information go to
http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1212498415724.shtm
To apply, fill in an application on-line at : https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
If you are planning a trip in the near future to one of the Disney Parks and certain rides are a must for you, check for operational updates on http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/calendar/refurbishmentslisting/index?
sometimes they refurbish the ride that you want to go on, so save disappointment and plan ahead.
At Orlando International airport they have produced a very informative ‘Wayfinder’ map to help you find your way around.
Check it out at: http://www.orlandoairports.net/ops/term.htm
VENUE: Performing Arts Centre Livingston St.Orlando,
EVENT: The Festival of Orchestras: Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra
Date: 10th January 2009
Information: http://www.festivaloforchestras.org/season/
VENUE: House of Blues, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando
EVENT: Orlando Rocks: with Gargamel, Black in the Mind, Mr. Bella, After Glow Radio and 7 Blue Skies
Date: 17th January 2009
Information: http://www.hob.com/tickets/eventdetail.asp?eventid=55747
VENUE: The Hard Rock Café Universal Drive
EVENT: Hard Rock Live K92 FM All Star Acoustic Jam
Date; 18th January 2009
Information: http://www.hardrock.com/live2/live.asp
VENUE: Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida
EVENT: Soprano Monica Yunus performs at Tiedtke Concert Hall
Date: 23rd January 2009
Information: http://www.bachfestivalflorida.org/
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