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.
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It’s the perfect season for a spooky movie under the stars at SeaWorld. Drive in for a safe, nostalgic experience that starts with enjoying locally sourced food trucks and ends with watching a classic Halloween feature (or two) from the comfort and safety of your car. Please Note: Per Orange County regulations, a face covering will be required if you are outside of your vehicle. WHEN: Reservations are available now for festivities taking place Saturdays Sept. 19 through Oct. 31 and Fridays Oct. 23 and 30. Family-friendly Halloween film: 7:45 p.m./ Fright-filled Halloween film: 10:30 p.m.
SeaWorld Orlando Annual Pass members receive a 20% discount on the event! Purchase tickets and check back each week for upcoming shows at: https://.seaworld.com/orlando/events/drive-in-movie/ SAFETY: SeaWorld Orlando 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 officials, 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. SeaWorld Orlando 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 resort, including key operational changes, visit Seaworld.com/orlando/safety. I am a SeaWorld Orlando blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. As always, all opinions are my own.
TEN TERRIFYING SCARE ZONES WITH LIMITED CAPACITY COVER BUSCH GARDENS IN FRIGHTS FOR HOWL-O-SCREAM 2020 This year’s modified Howl-O-Scream event will include ten terrifying scare zones throughout Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s expansive 335-acre park, including four all NEW zones. Designed to scare safely, the creative production team has consulted with medical experts to modify this year’s zone designs with a physical distancing focus, as well as enhanced health and safety measures, while staying true to the terrifying experience fans crave. With significantly limited capacity to create plenty of open space, guests will experience the heart-pounding fear of NEW horrors as they dash between thrilling rollercoasters and the fan-favorite Fiends show every Friday through Sunday from September 25-November 1, 2020. ALL-NEW 2020 Scare Zones with Limited Capacity
On Your Way to Fiends, Enjoy a Taste of Bier Fest During Howl-O-Scream: As guests roam between zones and coasters, they can enjoy select favorites from the Bier Fest menu available throughout the night. Delicious drinks and dishes from favorite culinary cabins are the perfect grab-and-go accompaniment as guests head to the Festival Field for the fan-favorite Fiends show starring Dr. Freakenstein and his frightful entourage, on its largest stage ever! Bench seating will be arranged in a physically distant manner to ensure there is plenty of space for a limited number of guests to enjoy each performance. Best Way to Play: Buy Early and Save! In addition to enhancing the park’s already strict health and safety measures, park capacity will be significantly limited for guests to enjoy Howl-O-Scream. Reservations are limited each night, so guests are encouraged to buy their tickets now at an advanced rate for a discounted gate price and make their reservations at www.HowlOScream.com. Additionally, Pass Members and Fun Card holders enjoy exclusive discounts for Howl-O-Scream. Additional Expanded Health and Safety Measures: For general admission and special events including Howl-O-Scream, 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 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. Learn More: Visit HowlOScream.com to make a reservation now and learn more about this year’s Howl-O-Scream. Stay tuned for more dreadful details 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 2020 is a separately-ticketed night event. Protective Face Coverings are required, but 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.
Ever been interested in visiting the hidden little tropical paradise in Central Florida named Discovery Cove? Now is your chance to do so at a great rate! I personally went a few years ago and it was like a private all-inclusive beach day! WHAT: Guests can save between 20% - 40% on both Discovery Cove’s Day Resort and Signature Dolphin Experience all-inclusive packages. In addition to enhanced health and safety measures, capacity at Discovery Cove will be further limited to create an even more exclusive experience and for guests to enjoy the all-inclusive resort with even more open space. WHEN: Reservations can be booked now through August 2 for visitation through December 24, 2020. Advanced Reservations are required and limited, guests are encouraged to reserve early. DETAILS: Guests who make their reservation before August 2 can save between 20% and 40% on reservations! Discounts range by day for available dates through December 24, 2020. Visit DiscoveryCove.com or call 407-513-4600 for details and to book a reservation today for an amazing getaway close to home. SAFETY: Discovery Cove is committed to the health and safety or our guests, employees, and the animals in our care. The resort worked diligently with state and local health officials, 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. Discovery Cove 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 resort, including key operational changes, visit Discoverycove.com/orlando/park-info/park-safety/ I am a SeaWorld Orlando/Discovery Cove blogger ambassador. In exchange for sharing upcoming information sometimes I receive complimentary admission to events. As always, all opinions are my own.
SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., one of the world’s leading theme park and entertainment companies, announced today a phased reopening (with capacity limitations) of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island on June 11, 2020. The reopening of the parks will include enhanced health and safety protocols for cleaning and sanitizing, physical distancing, face covering requirements, and temperature screening. A new online reservation system will also help manage capacity so that guests can enjoy a safe and fun experience while maintaining physical distancing. The phased reopening plan was approved by the State of Florida.
“We thank Governor DeSantis, Mayor Castor, and County Administrator Merrill for their support of tourism in Central Florida as we prepare to reopen our Tampa parks to the public on June 11,” said Marc Swanson, interim CEO of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. “Over the past two months, we have worked with state and local health officials, third party medical and epidemiology experts, and attraction industry leaders to enhance our strict health, safety, and cleanliness standards. We are committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees, and animals in our care, and will continue to follow the guidance from health officials as conditions evolve.” “We have been eagerly awaiting the day to announce the reopening of Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, and we’re so glad that day is here,” said Stewart Clark, president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. “The health and safety of our guests has always been our top priority and we’re looking forward to delivering memorable experiences at our parks while addressing the important health and safety needs of our guests during this time.” Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island have launched new safety websites with detailed information about the measures that guests can expect when the parks reopen, including key operational changes. Specific information by park can be found by visiting the following websites: To help manage capacity to maintain physical distancing within the parks, all parks will require advance online reservations. Guests will be asked to visit the reservation pages of park websites where reservations will be required to guarantee entry given anticipated demand. Reservations will be available starting at 10:00AM ET on June 8, 2020. Please visit buschgardens.com/tampa/reservation and adventureisland.com/reservation for more details. Guests can receive the latest information on hours of operation for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay by visiting, BuschGardensTampa.com or Facebook.com/BuschGardensTampaBay and for Adventure Island by visiting, Adventureisland.com orFacebook.com/AdventureIsland. This information was received from a press release. Popular Preschool Card returns for year-round fun in 2020 SeaWorld offers an ocean of experiences that are perfect for pint-sized guests. The 2020 Preschool Card is now available for registration exclusively for Florida Residents. SeaWorld and Aquatica Orlando will offer kids ages 5 and younger a FREE Preschool Card valid for unlimited visits to SeaWorld and Aquatica Orlando through December 31, 2020. Advance registration must be completed online for the Preschool Card by February 3, 2020 and guests must redeem their ticket by March 31, 2020. The 2020 Preschool Fun Card includes popular, family friendly SeaWorld events including Inside Look, Elmo’s Birthday Celebration, Sesame Street Kids’ Weekend, Seven Seas Food Festival, Electric Ocean and the kid-favorite Spooktacular. To learn more and to register for the Preschool Card, Florida Residents can visit: https://seaworld.com/orlando/tickets/preschool-free-admission/. For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.SeaWorldOrlando.com. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook and Instagram for the latest details and information. Disclaimer: I am a SeaWorld Blogger Ambassador and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending events and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, upcoming events, news, and more, Seaworld has provided me with exclusive opportunities. As always, my opinion is my own.
Looking for something unique and different to do in Orlando or at Disney World? Yesterday I took my sister for a tea time at The Garden View Tea Room at the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World as part of her birthday celebration. I had never done this before and had actually only heard about this a few months ago (I had thought they only offered the Princess Tea). The tea time is really an awesome experience and reservations can be hard to come by, so be sure to book in advance! How does it work? Well 3 options are offered. There is The Bedfordshire Tea ($35 per person), The Cheshire Tea ($50 per person), and The Berkshire ($150 for 2). We both opted for The Cheshire Tea. The difference between this and the Bedfordshire is that you also get a plate with cheese and fruit. Being cheese lovers, we were definitely down for a cheese plate! Each person gets to choose their own pot of tea. I chose the nutty chocolate which was yummy. My sister chose the fig & rose white tea, which is special to the Garden View. Also delish! (Another pot is only $7.50 should you want a refill). After the cheese plate we moved on to the little sandwiches, scone with jam/clotted cream/lemon curd, and dessert. The sandwiches were yummy! If there is one you know you won’t like, beforehand they will let you order extra of another or switch for something else like a PB&J. I went for all the normal sammies. Sandwiches included: Egg salad, chicken curry, cucumber boursin, poached pear & gorgonzola, fire roasted tomato w/ oregano-goat cheese, and onion tart. My favs were probably the chicken curry and onion tart. The scone with jam, clotted cream, and lemon curd was good. There was also a strawberry preserve tart. I loved the lemon curd and I recommend putting the lemon curd on the tard - yum! For dessert, there were 3 options, but we both went with the trifle. The trifle offered to us was a cranberry trifle, which was yummy but I was SO full, there was no way I could finish the whole thing. FINAL THOUGHTS Would I go back? YES! However, this is more of a special occasion venue I think. I wouldn’t just go any day of the week. I would want to keep this a special place. I already booked it again for my birthday in February! Can men go? YES! So many men were there! Would I choose the same option again? It was a lot of food, so next time I would maybe go with The Bedfordshire option depending how hungry I am. I would not choose The Berkshire as I’m not much of a caviar person. Of course once we were done we had to check out all the holiday decor before it magically disappears in a few days... 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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