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Tampa's Favorite Christmas Town is Here!

11/17/2021

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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.  
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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.
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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!
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Totchos: Sweet Potato Tater Tots, Smoked Brisket, Bacon Onion Jam, Beer Cheese, Green Onions
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Bison Chili Mac: Gemelli Pasta, Sam Adams Beer Cheese, Parmesan Crumbs
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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!
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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.
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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?
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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. ​
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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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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Christmas Town Returns EARLY with MILLIONS of Holiday Lights, Spectacular Fireworks, & a NEW Santa Experience!

11/2/2021

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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: 
  • New! Holiday in the Sky Fireworks Show: Enjoy classic holiday tunes and watch festive bursts of Christmas colors as they cover the sky in a dazzling fireworks display. Holiday in the Sky is offered on the Festival Field every Saturday and select event nights, beginning November 13
  • New! Storytime with Mrs. Claus: Located in the Coke Canopy near the Christmas Town Village, Mrs. Claus will share traditional holiday tales and a joyful song. 
  • New! Santa’s North Pole Experience, presented by Coca-Cola: Jolly elves guide guests to see Santa in his workshop as he prepares for the holiday season.
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Other fan favorite holiday entertainment returning to this year’s Florida-style winter wonderland includes:
  • “Christmas on Ice”: Busch Gardens’ longest running holiday show returns to the Moroccan Palace Theater. This inspiring skating production transforms the stage with incredible feats of skating athleticism for a truly unmissable show set to holiday classic songs. ​
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  • Elmo’s Christmas Wish: Join Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover, and Zoe as they help Elmo find his Christmas wish! Families are sure to be singing and dancing along while watching this fun holiday show.
  • Three Kings Journey: The musical tale of the famed journey to Bethlehem is celebrated in the round at the Stanleyville Theater.​
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  • Holly Jolly Express: All aboard for Christmas Cheer! This locomotive is on track to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the favorite songs of the season as guests venture through the park.
  • Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Journey to Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland to find the most famous reindeer of all.
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.
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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.
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Craft Beer Festival Returns to SeaWorld Orlando this Fall with Fresh Pours, Gourmet Bites, and a Few New Craft Beer Dinner Series Starting August 13th!

8/7/2021

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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:
  • Saturday, August 14                       Funky Buddha, Oakland Park, FL
  • Sunday, August 15                          Big Storm Brewing Co., Orlando, FL
  • Friday, August 20                            Crooked Can Brewing Co., Winter Garden, FL
  • Saturday, August 21                       Orange Blossom Brewing, Orlando, FL
  • Sunday, August 22                          Wicked Weed Brewing, Asheville, NC
  • Friday, August 27                            Sam Adams, Boston, MA
  • Saturday, August 28                       Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co., Orlando, FL
  • Sunday, August 29                          South Beach Brewing Co., Miami, FL
  • Friday, September 3                       JDub's Brewing Co., Orlando, FL
  • Saturday, September 4                 Persimmon Hollow Brewing, Orlando, FL
  • Sunday, September 5                    Alcatraz Brewing, Lakeland, FL
  • Friday, September 10                    Sierra Nevada Brewing, Chico, CA
  • Saturday, September 11               Elysian Brewing, Seattle, WA
  • Sunday, September 12                  Signature Series: Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Versailles, KY
 
Bonus Dates:
  • Friday, September 17             Cigar City Brewing, Tampa, FL
  • Saturday, September 18 Signature Series: Yuengling featuring Sheryl  Yuengling, Pottsville, PA
  • Sunday, September 19          Signature Series: Jack Daniel's Family, Lynchburg, TN
 
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
  • NEW! Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
  • NEW! Stout Glazed Tuna Lollipop with Daikon & Wakami Slaw & Wasabi Aioli
  • NEW! Smoked Brisket Kraft Heinz™ Creamy White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese
  • NEW! Beer & Cheese Stuffed Beef Sliders with Pickled Mayo and Ale BBQ Sauce

​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.
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4th Annual Bier Fest Starts Friday, August 13th at Busch Gardens, Tampa!

8/7/2021

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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:
  • Brews & Chews with Funky Buddha Brewing®: Pair a “Hop Gun IPA” with NEW Drunken Shrimp Papaya Salad, featuring beer-battered and golden fried shrimp topped with Tajin and Thai chili Buddha dressing.
  • Pub Grub featuring Alcatraz Brewing®: Indulge in a “2 X IPA” with pepper smoked chopped brisket poutine, including beer-battered French fries smothered in blue cheese, caramelized onions, and chipotle BBQ sauce.
  • Garden Gate featuring Anheuser-Busch®: A nod to the park’s roots include the return of fan-favorite Mojo roasted heritage pork pub chip nachos topped with pepper jack mornay cheese and a savory avocado crema.
  • Kraft-Heinz Kitchen featuring Sierra Nevada® Brewing: Enjoy a mountain of flavor packed into the NEW High Altitude Smoked Elk Jalapeño Sausage Chili topped with a drizzle of Kraft-Heinz cilantro sour cream.
Plus, more brew-dedicated locations throughout the park feature favorite breweries from Tampa’s backyard, including fan favorites like Big Storm®, 3 Daughters®, Motorworks®, Cigar City®, Coppertail®, Yuengling® and more!

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.
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Electric Ocean Heats Up as the Park Begins Fireworks Every Night at Seaworld Orlando

6/21/2021

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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.
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​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
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BIG NEWS!  For the First Time EVER, Howl-O-Scream to Terrify SeaWorld Orlando

6/5/2021

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FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, HOWL-O-SCREAM TO TERRIFY SEAWORLD ORLANDO, AS THE NIGHTTIME HALLOWEEN EVENT FOR FRIGHT SEEKERS AND HORROR FIENDS ARRIVES THIS FALL
SeaWorld’s first separate-ticketed, nighttime Halloween event, Howl-O-Scream, premieres this fall joining the daytime Halloween Spooktacular to offer spooky fun by day and terrifying frights by night!
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A visit to SeaWorld Orlando will turn frightful on select evenings this fall when the park unleashes the ALL-NEW Howl-O-Scream.  Guests will evade roaming haunts rampaging through scare zones and seek shelter indoors, only to find they have entered a house of horrors. Adventuresome guests can deepen the thrills with terrifying coaster rides in the dark, quench their thirst for fear at a fiendishly interactive bar and feel the monstrous electricity of a live show. 

The separate-ticketed event is already on sale including exclusive discounts for Annual Pass Members, with the lowest prices of the year for what promises to be an immediate fan-favorite terrifying Halloween event taking place with 27 fright-filled nights of haunted houses, scare zones, and terrifying shows on select nights Friday, September 10 through Sunday, October 31 from 7 p.m. to as late as 2 a.m.
 
Howl-O-Scream joins the park’s already impressive fall line-up of events including the return of family-friendly Halloween Spooktacular which boasts daytime trick or treating for kids of all ages.  Spooky fun for the entire family with Spooktacular during the day and terrifying thrills by night with the launch of Howl-O-Scream make SeaWorld Orlando the place to be this Halloween season.
 
“SeaWorld Orlando fans love our extensive event line-up which includes a special event taking place every weekend of the year.  Adding Howl-O-Scream to the calendar provides the missing element of a fright-filled Halloween event that we know our guests will welcome.  With this addition, we become the only theme park in Orlando to offer both a daytime family-friendly Halloween and a nighttime horror Halloween for thrill seekers,” says SeaWorld Orlando Park President Kyle Miller. “We are very excited to announce Howl-O-Scream today and look forward to sharing all of the amazing details of the event over the next few months.”  
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​Howl-O-Scream Elements: 
  • Haunted Houses: Hear every bloodcurdling shriek. Feel every spine-tingling terror. Get ready for the haunted houses of SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream. There’s no turning back as guests brave dark passageways and round dimly lit corners, hoping they can avoid what’s lurking in the depths. The legends are true, the fear is real, and the only way out is through the fear.
  • Scare Zones and Roaming Haunts: There are no safe zones. There are no places to hide. The scares are everywhere, and the roaming haunts never weaken. Get ready for immersive terror at every turn during SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream. Guests should stay alert and be prepared for anything, because you never know what’s waiting up ahead (or creeping up behind you).
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  • Frightful Shows: Even amid so much mayhem, the show must go on. Duck inside and be mesmerized by a raucous, high-energy musical dance show. Or discover who’s behind all the terror washing over the park at an outdoor show complete with special effects. Guests will also find DJs and party zones that are perfect for a dance break between frights.
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  • ​Monster Coasters in the Dark and Haunting Experiences: It wouldn’t be a SeaWorld visit without a ride or two, but it wouldn’t be Howl-O-Scream without a dose of nighttime terror. Guests up to the challenge are invited to ride their favorite attractions in the dark.  Meanwhile, sinister interactive surprises await at their favorite bar haunts. Keep watching to see how this once-peaceful park transforms with fear after nightfall.       
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​Fans of fear can sign-up at www.HowlOScream.com/Orlando to be the first to receive more dark details on new houses, experiences and more coming to Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando as additional gruesome details are announced.
Fans can feed their appetite for fear by following Howl-O-Scream on Facebook, Instagram at Twitter at the links below:
  • Twitter: @howloscreamorl
  • Instagram:  @howloscreamorlando 
  • Facebook: @howloscreamorlando 
Howl-O-Scream is intended for a mature audience. This event contains intense adult content such as violence, gore, and blood. Howl-O-Scream 2021 is a separately-ticketed night event. No costumes are allowed.
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​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.
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Terrifying Haunted Houses are BACK with a Vengeance for More Fright-Filled Nights Than EVER Before at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Howl-O-Scream 2021!

6/4/2021

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Tampa’s premier Halloween event returns earlier than ever for 28 killer nights with scare zones and haunted houses, including two ALL-NEW houses.
Fear returns to its most immersive form as guests are invited back inside iconic haunted houses, including two ALL-NEW horror-filled houses at Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream, Tampa Bay’s BIGGEST haunt event. Park guests will find nowhere to hide as zombies, deranged clowns, werewolves and more stalk their prey throughout eight scare zones while unpredictable roaming hordes lurk in the darkness. Beyond the haunts, killer entertainment can be found on stage with “Fiends!” returning to the Festival Field and last year’s best-kept-secret “The Rolling Bones” performing electrifying rock covers at Dragon Fire Grill.

Howl-O-Scream 
tickets are on sale starting now, at the lowest prices of the year! The separately ticketed nighttime event runs on select dates from Friday, Sept. 10, through Sunday, Oct. 31.

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Creeping closer each day, Howl-O-Scream returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with a hair-raising, skin-crawling celebration of ghoulish delights, including:
  • Two ALL-NEW Haunted Houses: Dark minds have been brewing new ways to terrify those brave enough to enter two all new original experiences.
  • Three Returning Houses with Reimagined Nightmares: Three fan-favorite frights will come back from the dead to consume guests with fear in new ways. 
  • Eight Scare Zones, plus three unpredictable hordes: The scares are everywhere including an unmarked zone and new terrors lurking in every corner of the park.
  • Fan-Favorite “Fiends!” returns to the Festival Field Stage: The raunchy monster dance party will return to its spacious outdoor venue for more devilish antics from Dr. Freakenstein and his gang of ghouls. 
  • “The Rolling Bones” light up the stage at Dragon Fire Grill: As guests fuel up on a pre-fear feast, the live performance of this skeleton band lights up Dragon Fire Grill with epic covers of classic rock anthems.
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​Tickets
Tickets to Howl-O-Scream are available NOW, including exclusive discounts for Fun Card and Annual Pass Members at the LOWEST PRICES OF THE YEAR. Fans of fear can sign up for emails at HowlOScream.com to be the first to receive news of more dark details on new houses, experiences and more coming to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Fans can feed their appetite for fear by following Howl-O-Scream on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
 

Howl-O-Scream is intended for a mature audience. This event contains intense adult content such as violence, gore, and blood. Howl-O-Scream 2021 is a separately ticketed nighttime event. No costumes are allowed.

​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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Starting May 28th Indoor Shows will Safely Go On At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: AWARD-WINNING “Turn It Up” Ice Skating Show and NEW "Cirque Electric"

4/18/2021

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Turn It Up!
As Busch Gardens continues to prioritize the health and safety of its guests, ambassadors and animals in its care, soon guests will be able to enjoy indoor world-class entertainment beginning Friday, May 28. From “Turn It Up!”, the park’s award-winning ice-skating production to an all-NEW acrobatic show, “Cirque Electric,” modified operations in the park’s theaters will make it possible for guests to once again enjoy incredible shows as they explore Busch Gardens’ 300 acres of exhilarating rollercoasters and fascinating animal habitats.
 
In addition to the park’s already strict health and safety measures, which include enhanced cleaning and sanitization, temperature checks, and face covering requirements, many modifications will be in place at Busch Gardens’ theaters upon reopening, including:
  • Significantly limited capacity inside the parks’ expansive theaters to accommodate plenty of space between parties.
  • Staggered entering and exiting procedures to keep guests physically distant.
  • Protective Face Coverings required by all guests, ambassadors and performers at all times, covering the nose and mouth.
  • No eating or drinking permitted inside the theaters.
  • Hand sanitizing stations available at the entrance and exit points of the theater.
  • Extensive sanitation of all seats conducted between shows.
 
“Bringing more live entertainment safely back to the park is another huge step in returning to world class entertainment at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay,” said Neal Thurman, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Park President. “Since our reopening in June, our park teams have been incredibly innovative and adaptable with bringing our productions to life in new ways and we’re thrilled to expand our offering to include new programs in addition to fan-favorite shows.”
 
Just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, guests will be able to enjoy the following productions on select days beginning Friday, May 28:
 
Turn It Up!
Thursday – Monday, multiple shows per day
The Moroccan Palace Theater will once again be home to Busch Gardens’ spectacular, year-round ice-skating shows, including “Turn It Up!” With contemporary performances, dazzling aerial moments and eclectic pop music, it’s no wonder this production has earned a spot on “USA TODAY’S 10Best” Readers’ Choice Awards.
 
ALL NEW: Cirque Electric
Friday – Monday, multiple shows per day
For awe-inspiring feats that spark the imagination, the dynamic performance of “Cirque Electric,” an all-new acrobatic stunt show exclusively produced for Busch Gardens, will soon thrill guests at the Stanleyville Theater. From the daring airborne aerialist to stunning displays of balance and strength and a fascinating act on wheels that cannot be missed, guests will be dazzled by world-class performers.
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ALL NEW: Cirque Electric (please note this image does not show the masks that will be worn by performers)
Best Way to Play – Busch Gardens Fun Card and Annual Passes
Enjoy each show 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 you can visit again and again, and experience great events like the Food & Wine Festival, Summer Nights, 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 up to 50-percent savings on merchandise, Quick Queue, and more!
 
Guests can visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com for more information, reservations and tickets. Fans can stay up to date with park events, attractions and more by following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
 
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.
 
For detailed information about the measures that guests can expect when visiting the park, including key operational changes, visitbuschgardens.com/tampa/safety

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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Busch Gardens Tampa Food & Wine Festival - Cheers to the Yummiest Event of the Season!

3/6/2021

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The Orlando Millennial was invited to attend Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Food & Wine Festival this year and it sure did not disappoint.  Just like the past few festivals, this one required a park reservation, social distancing, and masks.

Y’all, the food at each festival just keeps getting better.  I have been to Food & Wine at Busch Gardens before, but hands down, this one was THE BEST.  I thought Mardi Gras had the best food and drink- NOPE - this one did! Never have we at The Orlando Millennial eaten or drank so much while at one of the events - but we used THREE sampler cards.  Two 5 stamps, and one 12 stamp.  Yes… it’s true.  The drinks were wonderful and honestly, the festival area was empty as everyone was on the rides, which made it even better.
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FAVORITE DRINKS: Hungry Elephant [Frozen] (Giraffe Bar), The Posh Puffin (Giraffe Bar), Chandon Sparkling Brut (Napa Nook), Main & Vine Blood Orange Mango (Vino, Vidi, Vici), Bud Light Seltzer Lemon Lime (#CorksandCoasters Draft House), and the grape Jell-O Shots (XCursions​) .
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You MUST stop at the Giraffe Bar!
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Every festival there are different flavor Jell-O shots. This event: Grape & Titos- So YUM!
FAVORITE FOODS: Fried Chicken & Biscuit Slider (Southern Kitchen), Lobster, White Cheddar KRAFT Mac ‘N’ Cheese (All American Eats by KraftHeinz), Drunken Shrimp Tostada *This is listed as beer battered but it is actually not fried* (West Coast Catch), Baileys Bliss Cupcake (XCursions), Hand Carved Espresso-Rubbed Tenderloin (Yuengling Butchery)
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Hand Carved Espresso-Rubbed Tenderloin (Yuengling Butchery)
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Lobster, White Cheddar KRAFT Mac ‘N’ Cheese (All American Eats by KraftHeinz)
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Drunken Shrimp Tostada (West Coast Catch)
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Fried Chicken & Biscuit Slider (Southern Kitchen)
As always, I highly recommend getting the sampler card.  This is a GREAT way to save some money.  The drinks will be smaller, but if you want to try a bunch, it's also a great way to do that while saving room in your belly and saving a penny - plus once you know what you love, you can then go back and grab a big one!  The food portions stay the same size, which is great.
There was tons of seating and tables for eating for this festival. My absolute favorite spot for sure though, was the #CorksandCoasters Draft House area.  It is a little hidden gem.  We sat there for about an hour or more.  Very peaceful in that area and close to drinks if needed.  Starting this weekend bands will be playing, so I’m sure it will change, but in the evening a live musician was playing, which also made it nice.
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Busch Garden’s Food & Wine Festival will be taking place on weekends until April 25th.  It is included with park admission, but food and drinks are sold separately.  Park reservations are required, as are masks and social distancing.
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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Busch Gardens' Food & Wine Festival is BACK!

2/21/2021

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ampa Bay’s largest food festival returns this spring with limited capacity, enhanced health and safety measures, live music and 22 NEW dishes.
This spring, flavors are in bloom at Busch Gardens with the return of the park’s fan-favorite Food & Wine Festival. 

Guests are invited to take their taste buds on an adventure as they sample more than 110 tasty treats, including 22 NEW dishes. Serving guests every weekend from February 20 to April 25 with limited capacity, this year’s menu features festival favorites and fresh twists on classic cuisines from around the country that pair perfectly with more than 80 wines, brews, and cocktails.
 
In addition to the park’s already strict health and safety measures, which include increased cleaning and sanitation, temperature checks, and face covering requirements, capacity will also be significantly limited to create more open space for guests to maintain physical distancing in a safe environment and enjoy their experience. 
 
Here are a few of the more than 110 tasty reasons to come back week after week:
  • Fresh finds with seasonal flavors: From the NEW five-spice duck lettuce wraps with Asian pear coleslaw and plum sauce drizzle to meatless options like the Impossible® slider topped with caramelized balsamic onions and crispy jalapeños, there’s something for everyone.
  • Savory bites of BBQ, Tex-Mex and more: Try sharable dishes like slowly smoked beef brisket pub chips and tasty handhelds. All American Eats by Kraft-Heinz offers a new take on American favorites featuring bison sliders with bacon onion jam, vintage cheddar, and Heinz® MAYOCHUP™, and lobster white cheddar KRAFT® Mac N Cheese.
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  • Sinfully sweet eats: From NEW Woodford Reserve® bourbon bread pudding, señorita sangria cupcakes, maple bacon cinnamon rolls and more, there’s something to satisfy any sweet tooth.
  • More than 50 wines, beers and seltzers for all tastes: Take a tasting tour of vineyards and breweries from around the state, country and globe without leaving Tampa Bay. Enjoy a curated selection from Benziger Family Vineyards® and Proud Pour Vineyards®; signature brews on tap from Tampa Bay Brewing Company®, Yuengling®, Florida Avenue Brewing Co. ® and Coppertail Brewing Co. ®; hard seltzers from Funky Buddah® and Maine & Vine®.
  • More than 20 refreshing cocktails: It’s easy to find the perfect pairing to complement this year’s festival menu with new hand-crafted mixologist recipes like the Tito’s® Handmade Vodka Smoked Bloody Mary and Falcons Fury Lemon Drop with Milagro® tequila, and Flor De Caña® Rum Hurricanes. Chill out with NEW Cutwater® frozen margarita popsicles or frozen watermelon margaritas.
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BRAND-NEW Giraffe Bar! Featuring 2 NEW Cocktails and 2 NEW Wines!
Return to Live Music with Physically-Distant Concerts—Coming Soon to the Festival Field
From nationally recognized bands to local favorites, safely eat to the beat with plenty of open space across the expansive Festival Field. All concerts are included with theme park admission and will take place on select dates in March and April. Concert acts will be announced soon, including upgrade opportunities for premium seating.
 
For the first course of the Food & Wine Festival, guests can enjoy a taste of local acts at the Coke Canopy stage starting February 20 and running throughout the duration of the festival. Physically distant seating will be available in the open-air pavilion.
 
Best Way to Play – Busch Gardens Fun Card and Annual Passes
With a Busch Gardens Fun Card, you pay for a day and play all year!* For a limited time, guests who purchase the Busch Gardens Fun Card for $113.99 will receive an Adventure Island Fun Card, plus a bonus single-day ticket to Adventure Island so you can bring a guest for FREE! For the price of a single-day ticket to Busch Gardens, the Fun Card allows access throughout the year, so you can visit again and again, and access great events like the Food & Wine Festival, Summer Nights, Christmas Town and more! Offer ends February 14, 2021.
 
For more park 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 up to 50-percent savings on merchandise, Quick Queue, and more!
 
Enjoy the Best of the Food & Wine Festival with a Sampler Lanyard
The best way for guests to savor and save on their favorite dishes and drinks at this year’s Food & Wine Festival is with a sampler lanyard. Guests can purchase a 5, 10 or 12-item sampler lanyard to use at each festival cabin to explore sample-sized dishes and drink offerings with ease, starting at just $34.99 for a 5-punch lanyard. Pass Members can purchase an exclusive 15-item sampler for the same price as a 12-item sampler to enjoy three FREE samples! Visit buschgardens.com/tampa/events/food-and-wine-festival/ to view the full festival menu.
 
Guests can visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com for more information and reservations—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.
 
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.
 
For detailed information about the measures that guests can expect when visiting the park, including key operational changes, visit buschgardens.com/tampa/safety
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​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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    Hey Ya'll!

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    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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