 Santa Claus is coming to town - oh wait, no, he's already here! That's right - if you saw my post from earlier in the month (see here), then you may already know that Busch Gardens Tampa's Christmas Town has arrived earlier this year! I was again lucky enough to be invited out to check out the grand opening weekend of their brightest holiday event and it did not disappoint! Different entertainment and special things are offered throughout the day, so I would check the schedule for the day you are interested in going to ensure you get to do everything you want to do.  My friends and I decided to go a bit later in the day so that we could enjoy the food and drink booths in the "Christmas Town Village" - always a favorite of mine, plus see all the beautiful lights, and the fireworks! We had perfect chilly weather, which really added to the feeling of the holiday season.  Let’s talk drinks. This year I really enjoyed the frozen eggnog, but I think my favorite was the apple brandy hot toddy. When it got cold enough outside I order one and it was just SO good! My significant other ordered the Jack Fire, which was too strong for me but he loved it - definitely high on the alcohol content, so if you are looking for bang for your buck - that is your drink! Between the four of us that night, we had 3, 8-punch sampler cards, which I highly recommend. The sampler cards are the BEST way to try out different drinks and if you love one, then buy it in the bigger size. Plus, you can use it on the food, which is normal size. Seriously, an AMAZING DEAL - I always recommend this!  Totchos: Sweet Potato Tater Tots, Smoked Brisket, Bacon Onion Jam, Beer Cheese, Green Onions  Bison Chili Mac: Gemelli Pasta, Sam Adams Beer Cheese, Parmesan Crumbs  Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie: Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Vanilla Whipped Cream For food, I was a little bit limited on what I could eat. Although many of the food options sounded good, many of them included some form of pork, which I do not eat. I was able to have them make me the totchos without the bacon onion jam and it was still very good - but my friend got it with so that is the picture that you see. The bison chili mac was outstanding - honestly, so good. My friends agreed it was one of their favorite things of the night. The maple bourbon pecan pie was very good too. There were a few other items I wanted to try but I waited too long and they sold out - so be sure to grab what you want when you can - you don’t want to miss out if something is popular!  As always, the lights around the park were beautiful. I love how they use such colorful lights, especially near the kids area, I feel like you never see these colors anywhere else and it is just so magical! One of my favorite places every year is the bridge that is full of lights that change to the song that is playing. I definitely spent a little time in there in awe as always.  We used this park visit to feel like kids again and we took a ride on the merry-go-round, which if you haven’t been on it, they have some pretty cool looking horses - even a camel! We also rode one coaster before deciding it was back to food and drinks before fireworks, because hey - who doesn’t like more holiday beverages and fireworks?   There is a special viewing area for the fireworks, but I recommend watching from the Christmas Town Village. You get a wonderful view while still being able to drink and/or eat if you want, and be around less crowds. The fireworks went off at 9pm, but the park did not close for another hour, which was nice, as we were able to continue enjoying the park a bit before heading out.  You can experience Christmas Town daily - which is included in park admission - until January 2nd! Fireworks are on select days. Looking forward to returning next year! As always, thank you for reading and if you go, let me know what your favorite food and drink were! I am a Busch Gardens blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. As always, all opinions are my own.
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 Save up to 60% on Tickets and Fun Cards during SeaWorld Orlando’s Black Friday sale taking place for a limited time November 15 through November 26 Just in time for the holiday season, SeaWorld is offering unbeatable deals and great low pricing during the 2021 Black Friday sale, beginning November 15th. Save on tickets, Passes, Fun Cards, upgrades and more! Guests can take advantage of these unbeatable offers during SeaWorld’s Black Friday sale November 15 through November 26!
Additional offers include:
I am a Seaworld blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. As always, all opinions are my own.
 BUSCH GARDENS® CHRISTMAS TOWN™ RETURNS EARLY WITH MILLIONS OF HOLIDAY LIGHTS, SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS AND A NEW SANTA EXPERIENCE Tampa’s biggest and brightest holiday event opens earlier this year with MILLIONS of twinkling holiday lights throughout the park’s 335 acres, spectacular fireworks, and a brand-new experience with Santa that will create merry memories for guests of all ages. Included in park admission, the award-winning holiday event features all-new activities for the whole family, including:
 Other fan favorite holiday entertainment returning to this year’s Florida-style winter wonderland includes:
As guests dash through the night between iconic rollercoasters, they can explore the Christmas Town Village: a delicious destination filled with drinks and dishes from an indulgent holiday menu. These unique, limited time options include NEW specialty cocktails like the “Mistletoe Margarita” and the “Apple Brandy Hot Toddy”. Complete the night with a signature Christmas Town Hot Chocolate featuring festive flavors like peppermint or gingerbread. Feel the spirit of the season in each bite with the new maple bourbon pecan pie or feast on holiday favorites like the smoked brisket “totchos.” The best way for guests to savor and save during the holidays is with a Christmas Town Sampler Lanyard, starting at ONLY $44.99 for an 8-punch lanyard. Give the Gift that Gives All Year: Busch Gardens Fun Card and Annual Passes! For a limited-time, guests who purchase a 2022 Busch Gardens Fun Card receive park admission to visit NOW through the end of 2022 for only $119.99. For even more value, guests can purchase an Annual Pass for unlimited visits and unbeatable benefits ranging from no blockout dates, up to six free guest tickets, and exclusive monthly rewards for 2022. The Annual Pass is organized in easy-to-use tiers, and includes one-park, two-park Busch Gardens and Adventure Island Passes, and the popular Florida four-park options, allowing guests to choose the pass, benefits and the parks that are the best fit. To be the first to know about event details and special offers, visit www.ChristmasTown.com and follow Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Guests are encouraged to check the park’s website before visiting to learn which event components are available each date. Christmas Town runs daily with park-wide festive fun from November 12 through January 2. Guests can get a head start on the holiday celebrations with a Preview Weekend November 6 & 7 and enjoy shows, holiday character meet-and-greets, and iconic holiday light displays. Annual Pass Members get exclusive access to the 2 p.m. Christmas on Ice performance during the Preview Weekend. I am a Busch Gardens blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. As always, all opinions are my own.  Each weekend, park guests can toast delicious brews while enjoying award-winning attractions and entertainment at SeaWorld’s open-air festival every Friday – Sunday beginning August 13. Just in time for International Beer Day, the park voted #1 amusement park in the USA by the USA Today 10Best Reader’s Poll, is serving up an incredible party for craft beer lovers! SeaWorld’s Craft Beer Festival features more than 100 crafts brews, wines, seltzers, and cocktails. Guests can sample an unbeatable mix of domestic and local Florida favorites, plus savor more than 20 food items expertly paired to match their preferred brew. And to top it all off, festive entertainment will keep the party going all day long. This is the one craft beer celebration guests won’t want to miss. The fun is brewing Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays, plus Labor Day, August 13 – September 12 only at SeaWorld. New This Year! Craft Beer Festival Dinner Series Guests can enhance their Craft Beer Festival experience and attend an exclusive craft beer dinner on select festival evenings. Featuring seventeen favorite Florida local and national breweries and distilleries, attendees will enjoy a welcome reception with specialty craft beverages and small bites, followed by a signature four-course dinner complemented with brewery-selected beers and spirits. Presenting breweries will host a “beer-talk” and interact with guests throughout the evening. Hosted in the private Reef Room at Sharks Underwater Grill, this exclusive ticketed event is the ultimate celebration of craft brews fit for both the “craft-beer connoisseur” and the “craft-brew curious” fan. 2021 Craft Beer Festival Dinner Series Dates:
Bonus Dates:
Theme Park Pub Grub for Every Palette! SeaWorld Orlando’s Craft Beer Festival features 20+ specialty dishes for guests to discover and pair with their new favorite craft brew, frozen cocktail, or non-alcoholic beverage. Guests can explore an array of flavors with brand-new festival fare, including: NEW! Beer Battered Popcorn Rock Shrimp paired with Kraft Heinz™ Four Pepper Ranch
To explore what’s “on tap” and “on the table”, explore our full event menu & guide: https://seaworld.com/orlando/events/craft-beer-festival/menus/ Savor and save with a Craft Beer Festival Tasting Lanyard! For the best value to taste a variety of food and drink offerings, guests can purchase a Craft Beer Fest Sampler Lanyard, starting at only $50.00. Pass Members get an exclusive offer: 15 items for the same price as a 12-item Sampler (that’s 3 bonus samples)! For all alcohol purchases, including sampler lanyard redemption for alcoholic items, guests must be 21 years of age or older to be served. Not into Beer? No fear! Enjoy festival cuisine, frozen cocktails & mocktails, live music and more! Beyond the brews, SeaWorld offers plenty of delicious options for everyone to enjoy at the Craft Beer Festival this year. From delectable bourbon tastings to chilling frozen cocktails and seltzers, satisfying refreshment is abundantly available in every corner of the park. Several festival locations feature non-alcoholic beverage options as well. Best Way to Play: Now through August 15, SeaWorld is offering a BOGO 50% Off Sale! Guests can buy one, get one 50% off on single- or multi-day tickets. And for guests looking for the best perks during Craft Beer Festival and all of SeaWorld’s special events throughout the year, get a SeaWorld Annual Pass with great benefit options including free parking, free guest tickets and more. Annual Passes start as low as $12 per month for a limited time. For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets and passes, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com. Events and times are subject to change. Follow SeaWorld Orlando on Facebook, Instagram and the SeaWorld Orlando Blog for the latest park updates and information. The safety of our guests, Ambassadors and animals in our care remains our top priority. Consistent with CDC guidance, we recommend that our guests wear face coverings while indoors. I am a Seaworld blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. As always, all opinions are my own.
 Each weekend, park guests can toast delicious brews and coast on epic thrill rides at Busch Gardens’ open air, beer-inspired food festival, now serving every Friday – Sunday through October 31. During the fourth year of Bier Fest at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, guests can sip seasonal beverage offerings and savor new recipes featuring fan-favorite breweries. Beer flows through the park on an all-new beer trail, weaving between iconic coasters, local live music and fascinating animal habitats while incorporating fan-favorite restaurants and outdoor culinary stations, including the new Giraffe Bar. This year, park guests can toast to new adventures each Friday through Sunday, from August 13 to October 31. Pair Epic Thrill Rides with NEW Hoppy Culinary Delights Brew fans will have dozens of beers to choose from at this year’s Bier Fest, featuring over 50 varieties of IPAs, wheat ales, stouts and more! This year’s event shines a spotlight on breweries that bring flavor to Florida and beyond, with iconic local, regional and national brews incorporated into new shareable samples at over a dozen culinary locations, including:
Not into Beer? No fear! Enjoy frozen cocktails, live music and more! Beyond the brews, Busch Gardens offers plenty of delicious options for everyone to enjoy at Bier Fest this year. From delectable bourbon tastings to chilling frozen cocktails and seltzers, satisfying refreshment is abundantly available in every corner of the park. Several festival locations feature non-alcoholic beverage options as well, including the new Giraffe Bar. Barrilitos® strawberry hibiscus or watermelon Agua Frescas offer cool relief on warm summer days and Serengeti views from panoramic windows or the open-air patio. After enjoying live local music at the Coke Canopy, a stop at Xcursions gift shop is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. The NEW sangria and mimosa bar pairs with the whiskey-inspired gourmet cupcake flight fresh from the park’s bakery for the perfect dessert combo. Savor and save with a Bier Fest lanyard! For the best value to taste a variety of food and drink offerings, guests can purchase a Bier Fest Sampler Lanyard, starting at only $49.99 for a 8-sample punch card. Pass Members get an exclusive offer: 15 items for the same price as a 12-item Sampler to enjoy three extra samples for FREE! For all alcohol purchases, including sampler lanyard redemption for alcoholic items, guests must be 21 years of age or older to be served. Enjoy fan-favorite events all year with a Busch Gardens Annual Pass or Fun Card! Visit again and again with a Busch Gardens Fun Card, where guests can pay for a day and play all year!* For the price of a single-day ticket to Busch Gardens, the Fun Card allows access throughout the year, so guests can visit again and again, and experience great events like Bier Fest, Christmas Town and more! For the best value and benefits, guests can upgrade to a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Annual Pass to enjoy the perks they want most throughout 2021. Annual Pass Members* receive 12 months of visits with the best benefits ever, including FREE parking, up to 6 free guest tickets, and exclusive savings on merchandise, Quick Queue, and more! Annual Pass Members and Fun Card holders get special discounts for the best deals on Howl-O-Scream, starting at $26.99 for a limited time. Guests can visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com for more information and to purchase tickets, Fun Cards, or Annual Passes. Fans can stay up to date with park events, attractions and more by following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The safety of our guests, Ambassadors and animals in our care remains our top priority. Consistent with CDC guidance, we recommend that our guests wear face coverings while indoors. *Some restrictions apply I am a Busch Gardens blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. As always, all opinions are my own.
 Happy end of July Orlando Millennial Readers! WOW! Time has flown this year! I hope that everyone has been enjoying their summer, perhaps relaxing, maybe trying out some of the local or small businesses that I have been sharing with you all, perhaps traveling. For me it has been a somewhat busy summer as I had shoulder surgery early June so it has been a lot of physical therapy. Plus, being a teacher, the summer time is my time to catch up on doctor's appointments and any other things that I can't do during the school year. But back to what you came here for - my next feature in the Support Local Businesses section! This business features fierce local entrepreneur, Samantha of Fierce Body Fitness, LLC! I'll let you learn more below: What is the name of your business? Fierce Body Fitness, LLC What type of business is it - what do you offer? I offer Personal Training for females - Strength Training and HIIT Training. I offer training at my clients home, where I bring my equipment and also I have my own facility right in Horizon West, Winter Garden. I only travel to Winter Garden and Windermere. When a client signs up I give them a business card which states on there if they have a friend who signs up for a package, then my client that is already established gets a free session. What made you get into this? What is your favorite part about what you do? Born and raised in NYC, I have always been into fitness! Whether it was going for walks or jogging in Central Park, going to the gym to workout, or just taking the bicycle out, I was always active. Not only is it about fitness for me, but its about my clients and to help them to become healthier and stronger. It's a lifestyle change, there's no going back! I'm all about changing lives! What else would you like to share with us? I offer free consultations where we discuss what their daily routines are, their goals, nutrition, pricing, schedules, a health questionnaire, and any questions that they might have. Where can we find out more? Website: www.fiercebody-fitness.com Instagram: fierce_body_fitness Phone# 407-561-3777 Google: Fierce Body Fitness, Winter Garden, FL Personal message from The Orlando Millennial: Michelle here! I have not personally had the chance to work with Samantha at Fierce Body Fitness, LLC - YET! Unfortunately, I'm currently recovering from shoulder surgery, but I am hoping to visit with her once that is squared away. I do recommend checking out her social media, contacting her, and helping support this local boss babe! If you do, be sure to let us know how much you loved working with Samantha in the comments for our other readers! Thanks for reading!
 Irish Cream Cruffin If you aren't hungry, you are about to be with my newest feature in the Support Local Businesses Section of The Orlando Millennial! If you've been following my Instagram over the past few months, then you've probably seen pictures of some of these delectable treats that are made right in the Horizon West area of Central Florida! Well, now it is time to learn more about the amazing cottage bakery that makes these amazing pastries - Atlas Bakehouse! What is the name of your business? Atlas Bakehouse What type of business is it - what do you offer? We are a home-based cottage bakery in Winter Garden, Florida, with a passion for small-batch, hand-crafted baked goods and pastries.  Blueberry Rose Scone How long has Atlas Bakehouse been around? We began working on our concept in August 2020 and began baking in October 2020, and it has been incredible to see how much our little cottage bakery has grown since then. What made you decide to create a business in your home? In 2016, we moved back home to Central Florida to begin our family, and when I left the workforce in June 2020 to stay home with our two children, I decided to take a chance on starting a home-based cottage bakery to put my baking passion and skills into practice. The bakery has been an incredible blessing to our family – allowing me to stay home with our two children while doing something that I absolutely love on a flexible schedule.  What has been your favorite part about starting this business? Seeing the joy that hand-made baked goods and pastries brings to our family, our friends, our neighbors, and our customers has truly been a silver lining of this difficult past year and makes the long bake nights worth it. We enjoy trying new spins on classic baked goods and incorporate seasonal fruits or flavors – one of the greatest compliments we have received from customers is how our pastries and croissants remind them of those in Paris.  Hazelnut Pain au Chocolat Do you think you will continue this business in your home or do you ever think about opening up a brick and mortar shop in the future? For the near future, we plan to remain a home-based bakery, but we hope to one day move into a commercial production kitchen and eventually a brick and mortar shop as our kids grow. We are operating much more efficiently and quickly than during those first few weeks, which has allowed us to bake more goods and meet ever-growing customer demand while still operating out of our home.  Everything Bagel Croissant Where can we find out more on how to order or what you are offering for the week? To keep in the loop on our bake day schedule and pre-order information, be sure to follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/atlasbakehouse), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/atlasbakehouse/), and bookmark our website (www.atlasbakehouse.com), where you can sign up for our monthly newsletters.  Brown Butter White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookie Personal message from The Orlando Millennial: Michelle here! Thank you for reading this installment of Support Local section! I am very happy to be letting the community know about Atlas Bakehouse! This little at-home cottage bakery is a gem in our community! Definitely be sure to check out their website and social media to learn about when you can place an order, since it is NOT a daily thing! They have started to offer mini-bakes too! You don't want to miss out on trying these delicious pastries! Be sure to tell us in the comments what your favorite treat from Atlas Bakehouse is once you try them! Know a local business that you think should be featured next? Or own one yourself? Please have them fill out this form HERE!  I'm so humbled and thankful to have been nominated as one of Orlando Voyager Magazine's "Inspiring" people! I was interviewed and it was published on June 29th.
You can read the full article HERE!  SeaWorld’s Fireworks Spectacular Ignite to take place nightly beginning at SeaWorld June 18, plus extra Fireworks on July 4 weekend! SeaWorld nightly fireworks began this past weekend on June 18th, and run through August 8, plus select nights through September 6. Additional July 4 fireworks shows taking place July 2-4. DETAILS: Ignite: Surf the wave to a whole new level with Ignite, a fireworks and fountains spectacular that brings the brilliant colors of the sea to the skies above the park. The fireworks can be seen from all around SeaWorld’s large central lake, including from Bayside Stadium, The Waterfront, and the Orca Encounter Pathway. Showtime is at 10 p.m. during Electric Ocean evenings. July 4 Fireworks: Enjoy three nights of fireworks this Fourth of July weekend! Bring your family and friends for festivities beginning at 10 p.m. on Friday, July 2, Saturday, July 3, and Sunday, July 4, weather permitting. All three nights will feature our fireworks spectacular "Ignite" at 10 p.m. followed by a patriotic fireworks finale at 11:30 p.m. Guests can also enjoy extended hours at Club Sea Glow until 11:30 p.m. Details and reserved seating options are available here: www.seaworldorlando.com/july4 Both fireworks performances can be viewed from all around SeaWorld's large central lake, including the Orca Encounter Pathway, The Waterfront, or Bayside Stadium.
I am a Seaworld blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. As always, all opinions are my own  Image from IMDB.com Below is my review of Disney and Pixar’s Luca. There may be some small spoilers, so please be aware before reading. Disney and Pixar’s Luca was released on Disney+ on June 16th so of course we had to watch it this weekend. To be very honest with you, I did not remember the trailer or what the movie was about, but if it’s Pixar and/or Disney, I’m all about it, so I figured who cares! When the movie first started, I got some pretty strong Little Mermaid vibes. I know Pixar likes to put a lot of easter eggs of past Pixar and Disney movies, so this wasn’t too surprising, but there were a few minutes where I almost wondered if we were getting a reimagined version of one my favorites, and I wasn’t 100% going to be ok with that - but don’t worry - that is not what happened! At the end, I also felt some Harry Potter vibes going on, so I’m thinking maybe a millennial helped make this movie and threw in some of their favorite things growing up, and not going to lie, I was fine with it all! This movie takes place in Italy which was pretty fun and beautiful, as all Pixar movies are, and the characters were truly lovable. The last few Pixar movies haven’t been as good as Pixar movies usually are. I don’t know if it is because Lasseter is gone, but I am guessing that is a big part of it. However, this movie redeems Pixar and brings back all the feels that Pixar generally gives. There were definitely a few tears shed at the end - something that hasn’t happened with the last few Pixar movies. I loved the dynamic of the main characters in this film. I laughed so many times, it was really so cute. I’m also pretty sure the creators took fans' love of the short film, Luna, in creating some of the storyline and characters in Luca, and I was all for that. Diversity I know Pixar is trying hard to be more inclusive of female voices in their movies now (aiming for 50/50), but I still felt there was a bit of a lack in female voices. However, I do feel like there was a real lack of diversity in the character’s races. Often with Pixar movies, the characters aren’t human, so they cannot portray race as much, but this was their chance, and I don’t feel like they did the best job with it. Although, I felt the message at the end was sort of about race, but maybe that was just what I got from it. Rating/Conclusion All in all, I would rate this movie a 9/10 - really great job. I think it is definitely for kids and adults. Super cute, funny, a great story, beautiful, and has a good message. I think Pixar is finally starting to get back to what they were before the exodus of Lasseter and I hope they keep on this path. Disney Parks What I wonder now is if they will do some theming or a future ride in the Italy Pavilion of EPCOT if this movie gets really popular. I guess we will see! Did you see the movie? What were your thoughts? Did you love it - hate it? Let me know in the comments! All reviews and opinions are my own - no one paid me to write my review.
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Hey Ya'll!
Hi all! I'm Michelle and I have been a lifestyle blogger since 2017. I used to host fun networking events around Orlando and now I've decided to take a step back and continue to focus on my favorite part - bringing you all the fun happenings around Central Florida, plus filling you in on my travels, life, and more! I'm a foodie, selfie-taking Millennial that loves spending time at the theme parks, traveling, and spending time with her dog, and trying new wine. I hope you enjoy reading my blog!
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