‘Thanksgiving Day’ November 26th 2009

 

To all our readers,

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.

Veterans Day

Today is Veterans Day in the USA.

On Saturday November 14^th 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.

Festival of Trees

The Orlando Museum of Art will be holding its annual ‘Festival of Trees’.

From November 14^th 2009-November 22^nd 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

Halloween Celebrations in Orlando

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/

Guide lines on safe driving

The Interstate 4 Information Office offer safety tips found at……http://enews.global-5.com/T4Article.aspx?AID=12659

Plans for New Osceola Park I-4 Interchange

A meeting to learn about the plans to improve traffic flow on the Interstate 4. on Tuesday Sept.15th 2009.

Information sourced at the I-4 public Information Office.

http://enews.global-5.com/T4Article.aspx?AID=12655

A New Highway Law

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………..

http://enews.global-5.com/T4Article.aspx?AID=12653

Wearing seat belts law

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 30^th2009.

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’.

Princess Diana Exhibition

 

‘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

 

The Re-opening of the Hall of Presidents

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 4^th 2009.

It has a lifelike Audio-Animatronics figures of all U.S presidents.

Independence Day.

*Happy July 4^th*to all our American readers.

To our other readers visiting, have a great day and enjoy the fireworks!!

July 4th Celebrations

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.

Gatorland are giving discount tickets to locals.

Attention all Florida residents who need a fun day out,

Gatorland are offering a huge discount to local people in June and July 2009.

For more information go to: http://gatorland.com/blogs/specials/

Manta.

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

Florida’s Music Festival 2009

Orlando is holding its 8^th annual ‘Florida Music Festival’ on May 13^th to 16^th 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/

Conference at Orange County Convention Center

Green Cities™ Florida 2009

Are holding a two day conference at The Orange County Convention Center, Orlando Florida. On May 20^th-21^st 2009.

Offering courses, discussions, workshops, involvement with community and education, solutions showcase. Professional and social networking opportunities and more.

More information can be found at

http://greencities.com/usa/florida/orlando/2009

New I-4 intersection designs previewed

FDOT-The Florida Department of Transportation have unveiled plans for new single point urban interchanges [SPUI] on Interstate 4.

See here at Trans4Mation for the story - Increasing Efficiency at I-4 Interchanges

Florida’s Parks Are Still Popular For Vacationers

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!

Easter in Orlando

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 11^th and Sunday April 12^th 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.

Music

MUSIC

Here are a few music events that are 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

Organic Solutions To Make Gardening and Landscaping Eco-Friendly

‘Ecocentric Solutions’ sounds a good way of moving forward to make gardening and landscaping eco-friendly. Their web-site is under construction at the moment but information can be found at:- http://www.ecocentricsolutions.com/

Expected Launch Of Space Shuttle

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.

American Idol Experience: Along The 'Blue Carpet'

Disney’s Hollywood Studios hosts the Grand Opening of The American Idol Experience.

Found at WESH.com here…

ESPN The Weekend

From February 27^th 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/

Golfing Event being held for St. Jude Children's Hospital, Cancer Research Centre.

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

Music Events

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/

Sport Events

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/

Orlando is the place to make dreams happen.

A Contestant on the B.B.C. National Lottery show ‘In It to Win It’ called Toni Cox, had Britain glued to the TV on Saturday night. He answered all the correct answers and won ‘one hundred thousand pounds’.

Before his last question,  he stated that his ten grandchildren would be sitting in front of their TV’s at home willing him to win so they could all go to Orlando for a holiday.

More dreams fulfilled.!!

Sports

If you require sport event information in Orlando, here is a taste of what’s on offer for January:-

Thursday Jan. 22^nd, 2009
Sport: Basketball Orlando Magic v.s Boston Celtics
Place: Amway Arena.
Time: 8.00 PM
More info: : www.orlandomagic.com

Friday Jan. 23^rd 2009
Sport: Fishing Crappie Masters Tournament
Place: Hickory Point
Time: for 2 days
More info: www.orlandosports.org

Friday Jan. 23^rd 2009
Sport: Baseball
Place: Sleepy Hollow Sports Complex
Time: for 3 days
More info: www.orlandosports.org

Friday 30^th Jan. 2009
Sport: Lacrosse
Place: Disney’s Wide World of Sports
Time: January 30^th – February 1^st
More info: www.uslacrosse.org/events

January 30^th
Sport:: Dance  National Dance Team Championships
Place: Disney’s Wide World of Sports
Time: January 30^th-February 1^st
More info: www.uda.varsity.com

If you want more information on specific events, click on Question and Answers http://orlandoqna.blogspot.com/

Find your Way At MCO

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

Visual Art Exhibition

At the Orange County Regional History Centre Orlando, there is a photograph exhibition of a 70-year-old community of trailer homes on public land in Winter Garden, Florida

It Finishes on 18th January 2009.

More info. At http://www.thehistorycenter.org