 Tampa's Premier Halloween event, Howl-O-Scream, is BACK at Busch Garden's Tampa Bay! Taking place on select nights, Thursday-Sunday from now until October 31st, Busch Gardens® Howl-O-Scream® returns in full force, taking over the entire park with haunted houses, scare zones, sinister shows and more. Yesterday I was invited to attend the opening night and after going the last few years, I have to say, I think this is my favorite year yet! Scare zones were throughout the park and more decorated. There were new houses as well as some old favorites, but they felt scarier. My favorite was The Forgotten, which was like a red room of pain vampire house - very well decorated. The Christmas house, The Residence: Home for the Holidays, was definitely a fun spin on halloween horror too. Although last night was not too busy, this event is guaranteed to get much, much busier so I highly recommend the front line fear pass which will get you to the front of the houses one time each - instead of waiting in long lines! You can also do the front line fear pass extreme, which will include the coasters that will be open. I had the equivalent to this pass and I have to say, it was AMAZING - totally worth it and allows you to do everything you'd want to do during your visit.  This year there were bumper cars with clowns and I was here for it. It was fun to feel like a kid again bumping into people and interacting with the spooks like this. The line was short too - so if you are looking for something different to do during your visit, be sure to visit the bumper cars.  This year for drinks there were some new cocktails, fun souvenir cups, my fav - the Jell-O shots, and soon there will be blood bag drinks. My drink of choice for the night was this vodka grape drink which I cannot remember the name of, but it tasted a lot like a vodka cranberry. It was yummy. They also had one with tequila. The Jell-O shot was made with peach schnapps and was delish! Definitely a fun way to start the evening. New this year were interactive necklaces. These were super cool! These skull necklaces light up different colors depending on the area of the park you are in and then, from what I was told, go into a fog mode while in the houses. They also sold "no boo" necklaces for those wanting to enjoy the evening but not be scared. As usual there was some great entertainment. Unfortunately, we were only able to catch the last 10 minutes of Fiends because we were off having too much fun - lol - but what we did see was funny and great as usual. We did catch the Rolling Bones which was really good. I loved how their instruments changed colors to the music and they played really well. Highly recommend catching them for a short performance. We did not see any of the other shows while we were there since we were off doing other things around the park. Howl-O-Scream is an extra ticketed event at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, so be sure to see which nights are available and find your tickets HERE. Here's wishing you a happy spooky season! Note from The Orlando Millennial:
I am a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay & Seaworld blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. I often share my adventures at the parks on Instagram, so be sure to follow along at @orlmillennial As always, all opinions are my own.
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 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.  Last weekend I was invited to visit Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for the third year in a row. This year was very different than the last few years due to COVID-19. I have to say, I think I enjoyed it even more! Just like in previous years, there was the Christmas Village which was full of food and beverage vendors with tons of holiday treats. Plus there was still meet and greets, Santa, the ice skating show, and more just in a more social distanced and masked-up way! Honestly, I love that the park requires reservations and is at limited capacity because it means a much more enjoyable experience (IMO). We felt like we had SO much room and we rarely waited in line for food or drinks. We felt very safe, especially since we mainly stay in our homes during this time, so this was a huge thing for us. We did not have a chance to catch the ice skating show, but I loved that they held it outdoors this year, because in the past going inside made me a little claustrophobic plus a little warm. The weather was beautiful, so it was perfect to have it outdoors so that people could enjoy the weather and have their holiday food and beverage. The show took place 3x that evening as well. There are things to do ALL day as part of the "Christmas Town" experience, but the food/drink vendors don't open until 4pm. Just like many of the other festivals, you will find this area by taking a LEFT once you start getting into the park. I LOVED that the first thing you saw this year was Frosty! Last year he was a bit hidden, but this year he was your first friendly holiday face to greet you!  After Frosty, once you get to the Christmas Village, this is where the yummy food and beverage vendors begin!  Let's talk holiday food and beverages - let's be real, this IMO is the best part of holiday fun at the parks other than - FIREWORKS, but we'll get to that.  There are SO many different foods and treats, but for sure an emphasis on TREATS. If you have a sweet tooth, you are going to LOVE this! I mean, look at those cookies and donuts! Is your mouth watering yet? Just wait...  Apple Cobbler Cake Cone from North Pole Bakery  Chicken & Waffles, Bison Beef Sliders, and Beer Cheese Soup from Winter Waffles & Bites Those were just a few, there's plenty more to be had, but let's talk about some of the drinks!  Frozen Hot Cocoa with Baileys added in from Jack Frosty Cocktails (not sampler lanyard size)  Frozen Kahlua Eggnog from Jack Frosty Cocktails (sampler lanyard size) Above: Cinnamon cranberry mimosa - all the holiday feels in a delish mimosa! Perfect for a holiday cheers! Below: Peppermint Hot Cocoa with Baileys added in a refillable mug - yum! Nothing says "it's the holidays!" like some hot cocoa! How did we eat and drink so much? Well, the best deal is to purchase the Christmas Town Sampler Lanyard. The 5-item lanyard is $34.99 and the 10-item is $49.99 (this makes everything $5!) Now, the drinks WILL be a smaller size, but that just means you get to try more! Honestly, I love the sampler lanyard because I never have to worry about how much I am spending nor do I have to worry about taking out my wallet - easy peasy! PLUS, if you love the hot cocoa, there is a souvenir refillable mug - super cute and highly recommend! To learn more about the other food and drink offered during Christmas Town, GO HERE.  During COVID, I do not go on rides or really go inside places, it still makes me pretty uncomfortable, so I love that Busch Gardens has tons of things to do outside while being socially distanced. There were a few meet and greets with some Princesses and also Santa (we did not meet Santa). We did decide to ride the Christmas Train as they were offering social distancing (skipping a row between parties) and it was only one way. This was a nice little break as you get to see different parts of the park while also hearing holiday music. I loved that they kept parties separated, so we felt very safe.  As previously stated, I did not visit with Santa, but I did see this GIANT Coke Santa that the had on display, which was pretty amazing:  Now, for the part that really made the evening SUPER special - FIREWORKS! This does not happen every night during Christmas Town, so be sure to check out their schedule online before booking your reservation if this is something you want to see - which I recommend! I live in Central Florida and I have been seriously missing fireworks, so this was something really special right now. I was so happy to see fireworks again! Most people watch them from the field where they had the ice skating show, but we watched from the Christmas Town Village - this was awesome because we were able to sit down and were almost all by ourselves. We could see and hear the music just fine.  Christmas Town was a wonderful this year, even with social distancing, masks, etc. If you are looking for a fun holiday experience, I recommend going. Christmas Town is included with daily admission, so you can start your day with rides and animals, and end your day with Holiday Cheer!  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.
 Millions of twinkling lights, NEW holiday fireworks, the first-ever outdoor production of ‘Christmas on Ice’ and much more merriment, complete with enhanced health and safety measures, are making spirits bright this year Wrap up the year with holiday cheer earlier than ever at Busch Gardens® Christmas Town™, the park’s award-winning holiday event. New this year, the event kicks off with a preview weekend with light displays and select entertainment elements on November 14 and 15. Christmas Town runs daily with park-wide festive fun from November 20, 2020 through January 3, 2021. To bring the merriment to life, Busch Gardens’ creative team has consulted with medical experts to offer a modified event with required reservations and limited capacity that celebrates the spirit of the season safely. This seasonal event features open-air entertainment and experiences as well as enhanced health, safety and sanitation measures, including temperature checks, face covering requirements and physical distancing. Included in park admission, park guests can enjoy holiday traditions with a twist, from millions of twinkling lights throughout the park’s 335 acres to physically distant holiday shows, breathtaking animal encounters and contact-free visits with Santa and Rudolph® the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  Heartwarming Holiday Entertainment A warm-weather winter wonderland awaits park guests with a variety of holiday programs offered throughout the event. Guests are encouraged to check the park’s website before visiting to learn which programs are available each date.
Holiday Eats & Unique Gifts 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 all-NEW chef and mixologist created holiday menu. Beyond a selection of fan-favorite seasonal beers and mulled wine, guests can also choose from a variety of NEW holiday inspired beverages rooted in classic Christmas traditions. These unique, limited time options include specialty cocktails like the “Winter Wonderland Hot Toddy” made with winter cider, honey whiskey and a chai infusion and the festive “Spiked Hot Cocoa” with gingerbread crumbles, caramel and whipped cream. The spirit of the season is in every bite of holiday dishes throughout the park such as sliced pork tenderloin, smoked turkey legs with pumpkin cider glaze, harvest turkey and prosciutto sliders and a variety of peppermint desserts. The best way for guests to savor and save during the holidays is with a Christmas Town Sampler Lanyard, starting at ONLY $34.99 for a 5-punch lanyard. Pass members can enjoy an extra special offer with an exclusive 12-punch lanyard for the price of a 10-punch lanyard to sip and savor throughout the event. After fueling up for festive fun, guests can check everyone off their holiday shopping list from dazzling ornaments to charming nutcrackers with Busch Gardens exclusive 2020 holiday merchandise which is only available during this special event.  Give the Gift that Gives All Year: Busch Gardens Fun Card and Annual Passes For a limited time, buy a 2021 Fun Card and get the rest of 2020 FREE or upgrade to an Annual Pass starting as low as $11.50 per month with no down payment. Annual Pass Members* receive 12 months of visits, now with the best benefits ever such as FREE parking, up to 6 free guest tickets, Pass Member VIP Ride Nights, an exclusive 2020 Pass Member Ornament, and up to 50% savings on merchandise, photo prints, Quick Queue, and more. The Fun Card gives park-goers unlimited access to the park to visit again and again for the remainder of 2020 calendar year and all of 20211 for one low price, but does not include the additional pass benefits! Visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com for more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, Fun Cards or Annual Passes.  Expanded Health and Safety Measures: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees, and the animals in our care. The park has worked diligently with state and local health experts, outside consultants and attraction industry leaders to enhance our already strict health, safety, and cleanliness standards. These protocols and guidelines will be modified based on evolving industry standards and methodologies, public health, and governmental directives, and advancing scientific knowledge on the transmissibility of COVID-19. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is excited to continue to provide our guests with fun, inspiring and memorable experiences, while addressing important health and safety needs during this time. For detailed information about the measures that guests can expect when visiting the park, including key operational changes, visit buschgardens.com/tampa/safety Be the first to know about event details and special offers by visiting www.ChristmasTown.com and following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 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.  I was invited by Busch Gardens to attend their Howl-O-Scream event this year. This was my first time attending this event in Florida. I used to go to this event when I was younger at their Virginia theme park. This year things are a little bit different due to the need for social distancing. There are no haunted houses but there are still plenty of scares! This year there are 10 scare zones instead of haunted houses. The scare zones vary in size and type. Some are more elaborate While others are more of a walk-through as you are going to other areas of the park. They are all well-themed and they do a great job. There is social distancing through most of the park and most of the scare zones as well. The employees do a good job not getting too close to you but still making you feel like they are. My favorite scare zones were Little Nightmares, Dia Los Muertos, the Shortcut, and the Junkyard. Dia Los Muertos was not very scary but super beautiful - so be sure to snap some pics! This year there is also a great show called “Fiends” which I HIGHLY recommend! This show is definitely not for children, so if they are with you don’t go. But if you are kid free be sure to check out this funny and a little bit raunchy show! It is not your typical Halloween show! I do recommend arriving about 30 minutes early to secure a spot as there is social distancing taking place in the seating areas. There are also some yummy eats and drinks not just for the Halloween event but if you get to Busch Gardens earlier in the day you can take advantage of the Bierfest. We almost missed it but did get to take advantage of a few drinks and bites! My favorite HOS “snack” were the Jell-O shots in the syringes.  You still have time to get your “scream” on at Busch Gardens this Halloween season! Head to their website to reserve your date and ticket as they are doing limited capacity due to COVID-19. Masks are required. update: I forgot to add that when you arrive they take your temperature using thermal cameras so you don’t even have to stop! You just walk on through, which I found very cool! Plus when you get your wristband for HOS they hand it to you to put it on yourself due to COVID-19 measures. I really liked this.  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.
 The start of a new year is full of promise, of resolutions for positive changes and of endless possibilities lying ahead. So, welcoming the year 2020 at Orlando's AAA Four Diamond Rosen Shingle Creek hotel is the perfect way to spend the evening, whether it's an intimate dinner for two or a small gathering of friends or family. The hotel's AAA Four Diamond restaurants, the A Land Remembered signature steakhouse, and Cala Bella, an authentic Italian restaurant infused with the flavors of Tuscany, will offer prix fixe menus to help ring in the New Year. Dinner reservations are available from 5:30 - 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at RosenShingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., in Orlando. The cost is $75 per person plus tax and gratuity, and includes unlimited champagne. A limited ala carte menu also is available at each restaurant. For reservations, call 407-996-3663. AAA Four Diamond A Land Remembered Style, elegance, exceptional cuisine and impeccable service are always on the menu at A Land Remembered, the hotel's AAA Four Diamond steakhouse, making it an ideal way to celebrate the arrival of 2020. Dinner here begins with a choice of crab topped scallop or orange gastrique duck breast, followed by a choice of radicchio stone fruit salad or lobster bisque, and entrée choices of an 8 oz. Harris Ranch filet mignon, a pork porterhouse or a mouthwatering 10 oz. cold water lobster tail. Dessert is a heavenly dark chocolate and champagne raspberry mousse.   Kick off the New Year with unforgettable performances at Real Music, Real Masters and come back in 2020 to enjoy Sesame Street Safari of Fun Kids’ Weekends, the return of the Food & Wine Festival and much more! As 2019 draws to a close, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is ready to celebrate an action-packed beginning to an all new decade. With ALL-NEW attractions, events for the whole family, and world-class entertainment, families will be coming back again and again in 2020! Park guests can enjoy the below outlined seasonal events included in park admission leading up to the highly anticipated spring opening ofIron Gwazi, North America’s tallest hybrid coaster and the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world.
New Year’s Celebrations December 31 In addition to the continuing festivities of Christmas Town every night through January 6, don’t miss your chance to take your New Year’s Eve to new heights on Florida’s best thrill rides! On December 31, park guests can enjoy of the sparkle of millions of lights at Christmas Town, dash through the night on amazing roller coasters, and then say hello to 2020 on the Festival Field with live DJ and band performances starting at 10:00 p.m., with a dazzling fireworks display that begins at midnight. Three Kings Day January 6 The festivities don’t stop once the ball drops – park guests can enjoy Christmas Town cheer through January 6, 2020 including the celebration of Three Kings Day. Visit the three wise men in person for song-filled storytelling and indulge in the park’s spin on delicious traditional dishes, from decadent tres leches cake to flavorful pulled pork hash. Real Music, Real Masters January 7-March 15 (weekly; Tuesday-Saturday) Busch Gardens’ longest running concert series is back with returning favorites and NEW acts! At the climate-controlled Stanleyville Theater, guests can enjoy incredible live performances spanning from the 1950s to today, including the following acts: Jan. 7- 12 Leonard, Coleman, and Blunt: Former Lead Singers of the Temptations, Platters and Drifters Jan. 14- 19 The Diamonds Jan. 21-26 NEW! BJ Thomas Jan. 28- Feb. 2 NEW! Piano Men: Sir Elton John and Billy Joel Tribute Feb. 4-9 NEW! Classic Stones Live: The World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Tribute Show Feb. 11-16 NEW! Simply Queen: The Most Incredible Live Tribute to Queen Feb. 18- 23 NEW! Let’s Hang On™: America’s No. 1 Frankie Valli Tribute Show Feb. 25- March 1 Eaglemania: The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band March 3-8 Cirque Vertigo Featuring the Wallenda Duo March 10-15 NEW! ONES: Beatles’ #1 Hits Sesame Street® Safari of Fun Kids’ Weekends February 1-16 (Saturday and Sunday) Join the Sesame Street krewe for a pirate filled paRrrr-ty! Families can enjoy special character interaction, themed story time, treasure scavenger hunts, and dance parties for pirate-inspired frivolity. NEW this year – on February 1 and 2, families can meet Aloysius Snuffleupagus, affectionately known as Snuffy, during the first ever Snuffy Weekend. The fun begins each Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. in the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area of the park. NEW! Mardi Gras Weekend February 22-23 (Saturday and Sunday) This year, guests can let the good times roll with limited-time food, cocktails, entertainment and live music – Mardi Gras style! Follow the fun to the Moroccan Palace Plaza. Food & Wine Festival February 29-April 26 (weekly; Saturday and Sunday) A world of taste awaits at the sixth annual Food & Wine Festival each weekend from February 29-April 26. The festival features new and exciting dishes, plus a large selection of wines, craft brews and cocktails. While enjoying delicious eats, fans can see some of the biggest names in music as they take the stage the Festival Field. All concerts are included with daily ticketed admission to the park. Best Way to Play – Busch Gardens Annual Pass or Fun Card From exciting events to amazing new attractions, don’t miss a moment with a Busch Gardens Annual Pass or Fun Card. Limited-time pricing is available now for all Annual Passes, starting as low as $11.25 per month for everyone on the nice list, with no down payment. Guests can choose an Annual Pass with unique benefits including FREE parking, FREE Serengeti Safari, merchandise and dining discounts in addition to special limited-time perks throughout the year. Or, guests can purchase a 2020 Fun Card for year-round admission for $109.99. In the New Year, parks-goers will enjoy exclusive ride time on Iron Gwazi, North America’s tallest hybrid coaster and the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world, and Solar Vortex, America’s first dual tailspin waterslide, when they open in spring 2020. Fans can learn more about new events, special deals and future announcements by following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 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. |
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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