Celebrate the New Year at Disney World!

New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest fireworks evenings of the year at Walt Disney World Resort, a place where fireworks are both spectacular and an every-night occurrence. Fireworks and nighttime shows will light up the skies and create a mood of celebration at three theme parks on Dec. 31, 2011, while revelry of other sorts takes place elsewhere throughout the Vacation Kingdom.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store:

• Magic Kingdom presents a double helping of pyrotechnics: “Wishes” nighttime spectacular with a holiday overlay at 8:30 p.m. and “Fantasy in the Sky” at 11:51 p.m.

• Epcot‘s “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” delights revelers with a salute to the new year at 7 p.m. and 11:42 p.m.

• At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the 25-minute spectacular “Fantasmic!” that combines water, fire, lights, lasers, fireworks and music will be presented at 6:30 and 8 p.m., with the popular “Lights! Camera! Happy New Year!” fireworks display at midnight.

• At DisneyQuest, located at Downtown Disney,  there is a family-friendly cyber celebration from 8 p.m. -1 a.m. Kids are entertained with a  DJ and dance party, plus unlimited access to all the games and DisneyQuest attractions including Buzz Lightyear’s Astroblasters, Virtual Jungle Cruise and CyberSpace Mountain.  There’s a confetti drop and festive party favors as the clock strikes midnight. Partygoers also get a coupon for a pizza, hot dog, chicken casesar wrap or hamburger, plus chips and soda.  Price is $45 advance purchase –  or $55 day of, including tax. Call 407-934-7639 to reserve tickets.

• At Cirque du Soleil, located at Downtown Disney, all guests attending the Dec. 31 performances will receive a limited-edition Walt Disney World/Cirque trading pin. Shows are at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. For pricing contact 407/WDW/SEAT

• Registered guests at select Disney resort hotels will be treated to music and entertainment. At Narcoosee’s restaurant (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa), for instance, there will be a four-course dining experience for $149, plus DJ, balloon artist and special fireworks viewing at 8:30 and 11:51.

• Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort offers a special-ticket New Year’s Eve party from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. with video DJ Tony Zapulla.

For specific information about other holiday dining offerings at Disney resort hotels on Dec. 31, call 407/WDW/DINE.

Gatorland – “Alligator Capital of the World!”

Explore one of Central Florida’s classic attractions, Gatorland, a 110-acre wildlife preserve and theme park that first opened its doors as a roadside attraction in 1949 and has evolved into the “Alligator Capital of the World.”

Planning a fall getaway to Orlando? Check out the latest specials at Westgate Resorts! Visit www.westgatedestinations.com today for details.

Westgate Resorts Giving Away 1,000 Vacations to U.S. Military Personnel

Westgate Resorts proudly salutes the dedicated men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces who risk their lives every day so that we can enjoy our freedom. In honor of their service to our country, Westgate is giving away 1,000 three day, two night stays at one of its Orlando-area resorts for U.S. military personnel who served in the above mentioned operations.

Through this special, limited-time Military Appreciation Offer, U.S. soldiers (and their families) who have served in The War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom can book a complimentary weekday stay in a king studio villa at one of Westgate’s full-service resorts in Orlando, Florida. Minutes away from world-class area attractions including Walt Disney World® Resort & Universal Orlando®, Westgate offers convenient access to exciting entertainment options for a memorable Orlando family vacation. 

“Having served in the armed forces myself, I am extremely proud of the American tradition of service that endures even today,” said David A. Siegel, Westgate Resorts founder and CEO. “I consider it a privilege to provide 1,000 complimentary vacations to our most deserving American heroes.”

The first 1,000 military personnel to call in beginning at 9 a.m. EDT on October 11th will receive the complimentary Orlando resort stay. With over 6,000 villas in Orlando alone, the beautifully decorated king villa studios at Westgate Resorts feature kitchenettes with microwaves and mini refrigerators, queen sleeper sofas, 27-inch color TVs with DVD players, whirlpool tubs, and private balconies or patios. Onsite amenities at most Westgate Resort locations include outdoor pools, hot tubs, restaurants, delis/marketplaces, game rooms and daily children’s activities.

To take advantage of this exclusive Military Appreciation Offer from Westgate Resorts, simply call 1-800-887-9312 on October 11th at 9 a.m. EDT and enjoy an unforgettable vacation getaway courtesy of Westgate Resorts!

About Westgate Resorts
One of the largest resort developers in the United States, Westgate Resorts features luxury resorts in eleven premier travel destinations throughout the United States with over 12,000 units in locations like Orlando, Florida; Park City, Utah; Las Vegas, Nevada; Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Williamsburg, Virginia; Miami, Florida; Branson, Missouri; Mesa, Arizona; and Tunica, Mississippi. Founded in 1982 by David A. Siegel, Westgate Resorts boasts affordable luxury vacation accommodations. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.

*Terms & Conditions: Offer is for studio only and based on availability. Must stay between Sunday – Thursday only. A credit card is required only to hold the reservation. Offer only available by phone. Must travel by December 20th. Thanksgiving Week not available. Offer good for the first 1,000 active military personnel who served in the campaigns above. Proof of active or retired duty required at check-in.  Limit one per customer. Employees of Central Florida Investments/Westgate Resorts not eligible for this promotion. No resort preview required for the stay. Villa upgrades are also available at a nominal cost. Additional nights can be purchased at the Military Discount of 10% off of the Best Available Rate.

Upcoming Central Florida Film Festivals

Global Peace Film Festival
September 20-25, 2011
Various Locales
www.peacefilmfest.org

South Asian Film Festival
October 1-3, 2011
Enzian
www.enzian.org

Freak Show Horror Film Festival
October 7-9, 2011
Wyndham Orlando Resort
www.spookyempire.com

Orlando Film Festival
October 19-23, 2011
Cobb’s Plaza Cinema Cafe
www.orlandofilmfest.com

Central Florida Jewish Film Festival
November 6-7, 2011
Enzian
www.enzian.org

Daytona Beach Film Festival
November 11-13, 2011
Cinematique
www.dbff.org

Brouhaha Film and Video Showcase
November 19-20, 2011
Enzian
www.enzian.org

Love Your Shorts Film Festival
February 10-12, 2012
Wayne Densch Center for the Arts
www.yourshorts.com

Ola Fest
February 16-19, 2012
Various Locales
www.olafest.org

Florida Film Festival
April 13-22, 2012
www.floridafilmfestival.com

For more information about upcoming Central Florida events, visit www.orlando-florida.net.

Rock the Universe Returns to Universal

Billed as the “Biggest Christian Music Event in Florida,” 2011 Rock the Universe at Universal Orlando Resort September 9-10, 2011, will feature the most popular names in Christian rock such as Switchfoot, Casting Crowns, Relient K and more. Highlights will include performances by 17 hit artists, an all-new fan zone, nightly candlelight ceremonies, inspiring guest speakers, access to some of the “world’s best theme park experiences” and more.

Rock the Universe 2011 Lineup

Friday, September 9, 2011
Switchfoot
David Crowder Band
anberlin
Grits
Family Force 5
Rhema Soul
Hyland

Saturday, September 10, 2011
Casting Crowns
Third Day
Relient K
RED
Tenth Avenue North
Brandon Heath
Live Fish
 
For more information about Rock the Universe and to purchase tickets, visit www.RocktheUniverse.com.

Quality Orlando area accommodations are available for Rock the Universe weekend if you book as soon as possible. For great deals on comfortable accommodations that provide easy access to Universal Orlando Resort, consider Westgate Resorts. For more information about Westgate Reosrts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.

Westgate River Ranch Profile

Ideally located just an hour from Orlando, Westgate River Ranch is an authentic dude ranch that provides fun and adventure for the entire family! The perfect backdrop for your family vacation, Westgate River Ranch boasts Western-themed accommodations, family-oriented activities and unique opportunities for families to spend quality time with each other. The wide range of family activities at Westgate River Ranch includes horseback riding, nature hikes, fishing, swimming, boating, a petting farm, airboat and swamp buggy rides, trap and skeet shooting, hayrides, cookouts and more! Children will love the famous Saturday night rodeo complete with bull riding, barrel racing, trick riding and a patriotic tribute to our armed forces. In addition, kids get the opportunity to participate in a real “calf scramble.” For more information about Westgate River Ranch, visit www.wgriverranch.com.

Florida Trivia Quiz #3

Which Florida bar is billed as “The Oldest Lounge in the Oldest City”?

Which Florida city is known as “The Gem City of the St. Johns River”?

Which Florida community served as the filming location for the 1998 movie, “The Truman Show”?

Which is Florida’s largest urban park?

Which Florida historic site is known for its “Talking Walls”?

Established in 1946, which Florida attraction is the second oldest marine mammal facility in the world?

Which is the only Florida county named for an animal?

Which Florida museum is home to Snooty, the oldest living manatee in captivity?

With 1,043,336 visitors in 2010, which is the most visited state park in Florida?

Dedicated in 1943, the 40-foot-high Monument of States is located in which Florida city?

What was the name of the World War II U.S. Army training center at Carrabelle, Florida?

Which Florida city hosts an annual Frog Leg Festival?

Which Florida community boasts the smallest post office in the United States?

Which museum is billed as “Florida’s Only Presidential Museum”?

Which Florida city is known as the “Oyster Capital of the World”?

Which Florida city is known as the “City of Swans”?

Which Florida city was once known as Scratch Ankle and hosts a Scratch Ankle Festival each April?

“Creature from the Black Lagoon” (1954) was filmed at which Florida springs?

Which Florida city boasts a historical marker that proclaims “KUDZU DEVELOPED HERE”?

Opened in 1932, which is Florida’s oldest diner?

Which Florida city is known as “The City of Southern Charm”?

Opened in 1934, which was Key West’s first tourist attraction?

“Big Daddy” Don Garlits’ museum in Ocala chronicles the history of which sport?

Which legendary conservationist founded Florida Defenders of the Environment in 1969?

Which Pro Football Hall of Famer (nicknamed the “Secretary of Defense”) was born in Eatonville, Florida?

For answers to the Florida Trivia Quiz, visit http://www.orlando-florida.net/florida-vacations/florida-trivia.html

Top 10 Florida Roller Coasters

For more information about Florida travel, visit www.orlando-florida.net.

Guide to Long-Lost Florida Attractions

Africa U.S.A. – Boca Raton, Florida
Alligator Joe’s – West Palm Beach, Florida
Boardwalk and Baseball – Haines City, Florida
Bongoland – Port Orange, Florida
Cape Coral Gardens – Cape Coral, Florida
Circus World – Haines City, Florida
Cypress Gardens – Winter Haven, Florida
Cypress Knee Museum – Palmdale, Florida
Discovery Island – Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Dog Land – Chiefland, Florida
Fairyland – Tampa, Florida
Floridaland – Osprey, Florida
Hard Rock Vault – Orlando, Florida
Haunted Mansion – Kissimmee, Florida
King Henry’s Feast – Orlando, Florida
Lost Lake Caverns – Miami, Florida
Masterpiece Gardens – Lake Wales, Florida
Miracle Strip Amusement Park – Panama City Beach, Florida
Moonshine Still – St. Augustine, Florida
Mystery Fun House – Orlando, Florida
Mystery House – St. Augustine, Florida
Ocala Caverns – Ocala, Florida
Ocean World – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Pirates World – Dania, Florida
Six Gun Territory – Ocala, Florida
Skull Kingdom – Orlando, Florida
Splendid China – Kissimmee, Florida
Stars Hall of Fame – Orlando, Florida
Storyland – Pompano Beach, Florida
Texas Jim’s Sarasota Reptile Farm & Zoo – Sarasota, Florida
Tragedy in U.S. History Museum – St. Augustine, Florida
The Upside-Down House – Sunrise, Florida
Water Mania – Kissimmee, Florida
Xanadu: Home of the Future – Kissimmee, Florida

BONUS: Top 10 Defunct Disney World Attractions

In addition Florida’s Lost Tourist Attractions is a great resource for defunct attractions throughout the Sunshine State!

Top 25 Most-Visited Florida State Parks in 2010

Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection

1. Honeymoon Island - 1,043,336
2. Sebastian Inlet – 749,407
3. Lovers Key – 731,242
4. Gasparilla Island – 713,625
5. Bill Baggs Cape Florida – 710,282
6. St. Andrews – 683,201
7. John Pennekamp Coral Reef – 678,952
8. Anastasia – 610,057
9. Blue Spring – 559,369
10. Bahia Honda – 495,653
11. Stump Pass Beach – 465,147
12. John U. Lloyd Beach – 448,012
13. Crystal River Preserve – 394,253
14. Delnor-Wiggins Pass – 389,123
15. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic – 378,701
16. Myakka River – 340,330
17. Oleta River – 307,141
18. Fanning Springs – 304,337
19. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife – 292,829
20. De Leon Springs – 254,191
21. Caladesi Island – 252,640
22. Rainbow Springs – 251,842
23. Hugh Taylor Birch – 251,543
24. Wekiwa Springs – 248,890
25. Silver River – 229,729

For more information about Florida travel, visit www.orlando-florida.net