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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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Movie Review: Luca - Pixar is Back!

6/21/2021

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Image from IMDB.com
Below is my review of Disney and Pixar’s Luca. 
There may be some small spoilers, so please be aware before reading.

Disney and Pixar’s Luca was released on Disney+ on June 16th so of course we had to watch it this weekend.  To be very honest with you, I did not remember the trailer or what the movie was about, but if it’s Pixar and/or Disney, I’m all about it, so I figured who cares!

When the movie first started, I got some pretty strong Little Mermaid vibes.  I know Pixar likes to put a lot of easter eggs of past Pixar and Disney movies, so this wasn’t too surprising, but there were a few minutes where I almost wondered if we were getting a reimagined version of one my favorites, and I wasn’t 100% going to be ok with that - but don’t worry - that is not what happened! At the end, I also felt some Harry Potter vibes going on, so I’m thinking maybe a millennial helped make this movie and threw in some of their favorite things growing up, and not going to lie, I was fine with it all!

This movie takes place in Italy which was pretty fun and beautiful, as all Pixar movies are, and the characters were truly lovable. The last few Pixar movies haven’t been as good as Pixar movies usually are.  I don’t know if it is because Lasseter is gone, but I am guessing that is a big part of it.  However, this movie redeems Pixar and brings back all the feels that Pixar generally gives. There were definitely a few tears shed at the end - something that hasn’t happened with the last few Pixar movies.

I loved the dynamic of the main characters in this film.  I laughed so many times, it was really so cute. I’m also pretty sure the creators took fans' love of the short film, Luna, in creating some of the storyline and characters in Luca, and I was all for that.
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Diversity
I know Pixar is trying hard to be more inclusive of female voices in their movies now (aiming for 50/50), but I still felt there was a bit of a lack in female voices. However, I do feel like there was a real lack of diversity in the character’s races. Often with Pixar movies, the characters aren’t human, so they cannot portray race as much, but this was their chance, and I don’t feel like they did the best job with it. Although, I felt the message at the end was sort of about race, but maybe that was just what I got from it.  

Rating/Conclusion
All in all, I would rate this movie a 9/10 - really great job.  I think it is definitely for kids and adults. Super cute, funny, a great story, beautiful, and has a good message.  I think Pixar is finally starting to get back to what they were before the exodus of Lasseter and I hope they keep on this path.  

Disney Parks
What I wonder now is if they will do some theming or a future ride in the Italy Pavilion of EPCOT if this movie gets really popular.  I guess we will see!  

Did you see the movie? What were your thoughts? Did you love it - hate it? Let me know in the comments!
All reviews and opinions are my own - no one paid me to write my review.
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SUPPORT LOCAL - Right Angle Photography and Right Angle Boudoir

6/9/2021

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Photo by Danny at Right Angle Photography
The next business to be featured as part of my support local series of the blog is a local photography business!  If you are looking for a local photographer that is going to make you laugh, make you smile, capture those happy moments, and make you shine through a photo, you'll want to continue reading!  I've known the owner of this business for a few years now, as he used to be a regular photographer for many of the networking events I used to host.  Please let me introduce, Danny of Right Angle Photography and Right Angle Boudoir!
*Please note before scrolling that this post contains boudoir images*

What is the name of your business?
Right Angle Photography and Right Angle Boudoir
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What type of business is it - what do you offer?
Wedding, Dance, Family and Boudoir portrait services
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Photo by Danny at Right Angle Photography
What made you get into this?
Photography is just one of those things that I can use to show people something different. We have a hard time seeing ourselves the way that others see us, simply because we aren't anyone else.
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I love being the person to show you... YOU
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Photo by Danny at Right Angle Boudoir
How has your business changed from when you first started it? Where would you like to see your business be in the next 5, 10, or 20 years from now?
Oh man, so we are talking 6 years of evolution here. I think the biggest change is confidence. With that confidence, I was able to really choose the types of photography to pursue. I'm hoping to jump into this full time some time in the next 15 years and to maintain the fun through the next 20!

What is your favorite part about being a photographer?
Making people say "WOW." Cameras haven't been around since creation, so it's really easy to feel unnatural in front of it. When those feelings get in our heads, we think it's something that we can't do... being the person to toss off that out of the window and bring comfort is the most gratifying experience. People invite me along on this journey of theirs and ask me to tell their story... It's an honor to say the least. A lot of times people just need help seeing a part of them that they feel they have lost, or want to see the person they have become. I get to present that to you and the world. There is no other feeling like it!
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Photo by Danny at Right Angle Photography
What else would you like to share with us?
Photography is therapy. You should see a photographer just as much as you see a psychologist. You even get to play dress up! I have been on this adventure for about 6 years now and I have never been happier.
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Photo by Danny at Right Angle Boudoir
Where can we find out more, see your work, book an appointment?
Whether you are looking for family portraits or a one of a kind boudoir experience, I'm never too hard to find!
My websites are
www.rightanglefoto.com. www.rightangleboudoir.com and I can be reached at Danny@rightanglefoto.com!
Personal message from The Orlando Millennial: Michelle here!  Thank you for reading this installment of Support Local section!  I am very happy to be letting the community know about Danny and Right Angle Photography as well as Right Angle Boudoir.  Danny is seriously such a personable human being and I have seen him come up with some beautiful and creative photoshoots with his clients - I just know you will enjoy working with him!  
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NEW! Starting Friday, Fireworks EVERY NIGHT at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

6/8/2021

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Enjoy NEW “Spark! A Nighttime Spectacular”, now launching EVERY NIGHT from Friday, June 11 through Sunday, August 8!
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Summer Nights just got brighter at Busch Gardens! Due to popular demand, the park’s NEW nighttime spectacular, “Spark!” can now be enjoyed every night starting Friday, June 11 through Sunday, August 8.

​As the biggest and brightest show ever to light the park’s sky, “Spark!” features an explosive array of fireworks and exciting effects from dazzling lasers to graceful water elements and dramatic pyrotechnics. From the electrifying pre-party to the epic grand finale, the dazzling experience of “Spark!” can be enjoyed with any park ticket, Fun Card or Annual Pass. After August 8, “Spark!” will continue to light the night sky at Busch Gardens with presentations each Friday, Saturday and Sunday night through September 6, including Labor Day.

​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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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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Movie Review: Cruella - The Movie We Didn't Know We Needed?

6/4/2021

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Ok, now that Cruella has been out with Premier access on Disney+ (and theaters for those of you venturing into the theater world again) for a week, I feel it is safe to put my review out there.  I feel like a majority of people that I know have seen it too, so I think this is safe. 

Cruella - I honestly did NOT have high hopes.  When I saw the trailers I was a bit confused.  It felt like it was going the route of the Joker movies, which don't get me wrong, I love, but it just didn't feel very kid-friendly or "Disney."  Plus, I LOVE the 101 Dalmatians movies, they were staple movies of my childhood, so I was sort of like - WHY do we need this movie?  Are they going to ruin things for me? Well... here are my thoughts (as much as possible without a lot of spoilers).

Since I am on summer break, I decided what the heck, let's just get the movie on Disney+ (and for you nay-sayers about paying for the movies on Disney+, I often spent more at the theater, so now I get to stay home and see the movie over and over before others so, I'm cool with it!).  We ordered in some movie theater treats - including popcorn - man I've missed movie theater popcorn! If you are going to watch these movies at home, I highly suggest doing this, it just makes the experience so much better!
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Food from Cinapolis Hamlin in Winter Garden
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Cruella - currently on Disney+ with Premier Access $30
REVIEW
Ok, enough about food... time for my review. So as I originally was saying, I didn't really have high hopes, or really know what to expect with this movie.  The few previews I did see for this movie, I was expecting VERY dark, very adult. This movie is not that.  Disney, I LOVE you, but you did a terrible job advertising this movie!  The majority of the movie was not dark, I don't have children, but I would suspect this would be fine for them actually.  Maybe not super little kids, but for the most part, I think it would be fine.  

They did make Cruella pretty young in age, which I am not really sure why they made her so young because I feel she is definitely supposed to be older.  I think they helped give some background into her and why she is the way she is, which is always pretty cool.  I do feel like the movie showed a little psychology into her as well.  There are some little things in the movie that connect the dots for you like - oh, that's why she drives like a lunatic!  There were a few things I didn't like, such as adding Dalmatians into this movie.  I think they did that to appease viewers, but for someone like myself that loves 101 Dalmatians, I feel like they actually are messing with the storyline.  I liked learning about her dynamic with her two sidekicks and her love of fashion - which get ready - there's SO much fashion!   Plus, the music is amazing! 

(SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD)
They are definitely setting up this movie to go straight into another movie (keep watching after the credits and you'll see what I mean), which is exciting, but I think due to some liberties they made in this movie, it will change up things in the next one, which I imagine will be an updated 101 Dalmatians. 

In this version, Cruella does not smoke - which I heard Emma Stone had a lot of trouble with when it came to getting into character.  I can see why Disney made this decision, considering kids will probably watch this movie, but regardless I think Emma Stone did a fabulous job with this character.  Again, I do think they should have gone with someone a bit older, maybe even using Emma Thompson as Cruella instead of the Baroness, because she does give those Cruella vibes. 

Lastly, if you are expecting another Maleficent movie, this is not it. I feel like the Maleficent movies made her into a not-so-villain.  I'd say they did the very Disney thing in this movie that they pretty much do in all Disney movies. I'll leave it at that. 

RATING
I would give this movie an 8 or 9 out of 10.  It was VERY enjoyable.  The music was wonderful, the clothes were great, the acting was really fantastic, and it was the story we didn't know we needed.  I'm not big on watching movies again, but I'm pretty sure I'll be watching it again soon to see what little clues I didn't catch the first time. 
All reviews and opinions are my own - no one paid me to write my review.
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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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It's JUNE! Rosen Plaza in Orlando Celebrates Father’s Day Throughout the Month with Special Offers at Jack’s Place and ‘39 Poolside Bar & Grill

6/1/2021

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Rosen Plaza Hotel is declaring June National Heroes Month, in honor of all of the Dads and father figures that we treasure as the special heroes in our lives. 
Jack's Place Restaurant
To celebrate, on Father’s Day or any Sunday in June, treat your favorite leading man to the hotel’s popular Jack's Place restaurant where he can relish an award-winning multi-course meal and, as an added treat, “meet up” with some of his own favorite heroes, too. ​
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First, reward Dad’s amazing feats of patience and support with a free succulent Jack’s Place entree (free with entree purchase of equal or greater value). Hearty selections include the 20 ounce Bone-In Rib Eye, Grilled Rack of Lamb, Pan Seared Pork Tenderloin and a 6 ounce Filet Mignon. 

​For the fresh seafood lover, seasonal favorites include Pan-Seared Sea Bass, 
Broiled Lobster Tail, Carmelized Chimichurri Scallops and Sesame Crusted Tuna. Entrees are accompanied by Chef’s fresh market vegetables and Jack’s Place Au Gratin Potatoes. Plenty of additional menu options include inventive sides like Lobster Mac ‘N Cheese and sweet endings like Junior’s “Most Famous” Cheesecake. A children’s menu is available.
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Jack's Place caricature of WW II Five Star General Douglas MacArthur.
While dining, Dad can revel in the hotel’s unrivaled gallery collection of autographed celebrity caricatures penned by owner Harris Rosen’s father Jack while working at the Waldorf Astoria during the hotel’s tony heyday in 1930s-50s. Gracing the walls are home run kings Hammerin’ Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth, astronaut and moon walker Neil Armstrong, heavyweight boxing champ Muhammed Ali, first flighter Charles Lindberg, WW II hero General Douglas MacArthur and stoic Western actor John Wayne -- just a few of the hundreds of historic icons mesmerizing guests. 

For your own hero's portrait, an in-house artist will pen complimentary caricatures of the man of the hour and your party as cherished keepsakes. Just make sure to get Dad’s autograph before framing.

To make your reservation and for more details, please call 407-996-1787. Or book on OpenTable.com using the code Heroes21. For more information, the menu and a list of caricatures, please visit JacksPlaceRestaurant.com. Parking is complimentary for dining guests.
'39 Poolside Bar & Grill
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Poolside brunching never tasted so good at '39 Poolside Bar & Grill at Rosen Plaza.
For the father who enjoys his day in the sun, Rosen Plaza’s ’39 Poolside Bar & Grill is ideal for a scenic outdoor celebratory brunch for the entire family. 

Reserve a comfy shaded table next to the hotel’s glistening tropical pool. 


​Then sip chilled Mimosas or a 
cold Rosen’s own Alligator Drool Beer while perusing an extensive menu of breakfast and lunch delights where Dad enjoys a free entree (free with entree purchase of equal or greater value).  ​
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Choose from guest favorites like ‘39 Shrimp & Grits, Chicken & Waffles, French Toast Stack and ‘39 Crab Benny. 

​Or enjoy more traditional fare like 
Sixty South Grilled Salmon Salad, Poolside Brunch Burger with fried egg, smokehouse bacon and cheddar cheese, Poolside Chicken Fajita or Shrimp Tacos and more. Plenty of special brunch accompaniments include Chicken Apple Sausage, Crispy Onion Rings and Made-Fresh-to-Order Poolside Guacamole.
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The free entree offer is available throughout the month of June during the Poolside Brunch, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at ‘39 Poolside Bar & Grill at Rosen Plaza.
 
To book this dining opportunity, please visit OpenTable.com and use the code Heroes21 or call 407-996-3899 to book or for more details. 

For more information and for the brunch menu, please visit RosenPlaza.com and click on the dining tab for ‘39 Poolside Bar & Grill. Parking is complimentary for dining guests.
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Dine, then stay for awhile or overnight to enjoy Rosen Plaza's world-class amenities.
For guest safety and security and that of our associates, Rosen Plaza implements Rosen’s Total Commitment. For more information, please visit RosenHotels.com/RosensTotalCommitment.

​Rosen Plaza Hotel is located at 9700 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819. For more information, please visit 
RosenPlaza.com. 

​I'm a Rosen Hotels 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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Coffee and Coasters? Sign Me Up!

6/1/2021

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Hang on tight and let your taste buds soar at this coaster-inspired café serving coffee, pastries, and more
Now Open and Brimming with Thrills, SeaWorld Orlando is unveiling the brand NEW  Bakery and Café—the Coaster Coffee Company.
Guests can start their day at SeaWorld Orlando with some extra jolt before they bolt to the thrills of world-class coasters at the brand-new Coaster Coffee Co.  Serving Starbucks® crafted hot and iced favorites and new items such as Mango Dragonfruit & Kiwi Starfruit Refreshers® the new space is the perfect place to start your day or recharge before an afternoon of rollercoaster riding. This new space includes amazing working scale roller-coaster models and historical depictions of SeaWorld coaster history. With café-style seating and a great location near Manta and the park entrance, this new hot spot is brimming with thrills. 
 
In addition to amazing food and beverage offerings, Coaster Coffee Company is also the only place to get exclusive Coaster Coffee Company merchandise like Coaster Coffee Company branded souvenir mugs, cups and t-shirts. The café will also offer exclusive items from your favorite SeaWorld Orlando coasters. 

With the addition of Coaster Coffee Company, SeaWorld is raising the bar of the park’s food and beverage offerings, opening five new culinary locations in the past year.

The cafe is open DAILY!
​Check out the FULL menu here: https://seaworld.com/orlando/dining/coaster-coffee-company/

​​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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SUPPORT SMALL - Michelle Holly Recommends

4/18/2021

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I'm back with another spotlight on a small (and local!) business.  This small business is a bit different than you might expect, as Michelle Holly Recommends doesn't just sell things - she is actually an educator turned blogger turned mother turned children's book author! I mean, aren't most mothers a whole bunch of things rolled into one?  I thought it would be really cool to highlight what Michelle Holly has been doing, as I felt it was unique and might be something some of you out there might be interested in learning about. So, before I give anything else away, here is her story:

Before we get started, can you introduce yourself and tell everyone a bit about your background?

Thanks for this opportunity to share my passion for writing. I’m Michelle Holly, a Mommy Blogger, applying 18 years of professional education expertise to raising my own one-year-old daughter! I’ve been an elementary and middle school teacher, a dean, testing coordinator, instructional coach and am currently on a leave of absence to stay home with my daughter. I started blogging about two years ago. My latest blog is called Michelle Holly Recommends and it’s based on activities, games and books I use with my daughter. With my background, I naturally include learning into what we are doing. I started this with my sister’s daughters seven years ago. She would always be in awe of the questions I would ask or things I would do and told me I should share this knowledge with others, so that’s the inspiration for sharing what I know on my latest blog, Michelle Holly Recommends. I know moms are busy, so I keep my blogs to the point, with some ideas to share, in the hopes that at least one idea can be applied to help our kids be the smartest on the block!
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Your family life changed not that long ago, can you tell us a bit about this exciting change?
Yes, such an exciting change! My husband and I adopted our daughter about a year and a half ago. During our journey to parenthood, I started my first blog to share our story. I just had two miscarriages, three unsuccessful IUIs, and we were at a place of discouragement. There’s a very talented spoken word artist named Hosanna Wong who came to speak at our church, First Orlando. In her message, “I have a new name” I felt led to be a “messenger” and share my story and our journey to parenthood, whether it was going to be biological or through adoption. Once I did, I had about twenty women who privately shared their stories with me, of either miscarriage, infertility issues, or were also considering adoption. While I was experiencing heartache, my heart was also sparked because I was able to offer encouragement to others in my situation. I had an undeniable hope in God that He had the best plans for me and I sincerely wanted to share with others where my hope came from and that they too, could have the same hope. I started a Mommy Monday Prayer Wall, where I prayed for other women who wanted to be a mommy, and mommyhood came to fruition for about ten of us! ​
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So now you have published TWO children’s books.  Is your daughter the reason for this or was there another reason? Can you tell us about these books?
When my husband and I flew out to the city where our daughter was born, one of the first things we did was buy Jimmy Fallon’s Mama and Dada books. We read them to our daughter each day we were in the hospital together and she has had at least one book read to her every day since. I didn’t find too many picture books about adoption that were simple enough to read to my baby and that would express how much I love her. 
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​So I wrote, “The Moment I Met You” which is a book about the reminders I have all day long of how much I have loved my daughter ever since that first moment I saw her in the little baby carrier in the hospital. It is a moment that floods me with so many happy emotions and memories. I wanted to capture it in a book that I could read to my daughter at any time, but also for other adoptive parents to have as well. My younger sister, Melanie, illustrated the pictures in such a way that represents the diversity of adoptive families. 

​The Moment I Met You can be found on Amazon!
Click the Amazon "shop now" button to be easily taken to the book, to learn more, and to share with others!
My second book, “Counting Time with an Easter Rhyme” was inspired by my mom’s crocheted creations she makes for her three granddaughters. My other sister, Melissa, photographed the crocheted Easter eggs and bunny. I love reading rhyming books to my daughter because they are easy to sing and my daughter loves music. Being an educator at heart, I love adding a learning aspect to what we do, so this book can be used for counting 1-12, identifying colors, and I touch upon the meaning of Easter in a simple way for children. I even include five tips to help parents engage with their children as they read. Put this all together, and my second book came to life! It’s going to look perfect in my daughter’s Easter basket! (Blogger note - this interview was before Easter)
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​Counting Time with an Easter Rhyme
 can be found on Amazon!
Click the Amazon "shop now" button to be easily taken to the book, to learn more, and to share with others!
Do you have any plans for writing any more books?
Yes, I would love to get a book contract with a book publisher! I also hope to continue reaching others through my blog so that I can share what I know to help others. I noticed that you shared on Instagram that I was a “Local Author” and that really meant a lot to me. Until recently, I wouldn’t have really claimed that title! I was able to be part of a Bible study group focused on writing at my church and it was led by a (for real!) Local Author, Stacey Thacker. We all met weekly to talk about our writing, and she had us say out loud, “I am a writer!” She was extremely encouraging and through her leading, I felt that this is a path God has led me on and it was good to be reminded of that.
Do you have anything else to share with us?
About twenty years ago, I wanted to be a children’s book writer. I put the dream on the back burner for a while, or so I thought. What I didn’t realize was this whole time I was writing in various ways. When I think someone needs encouragement, I listen for what God might tell me that they need to hear and I write notes and thank you cards to others that make them cry happy tears. My social media posts and comments hopefully spread positivity. As an educator, I write emails, tutorials and presentations for students, teachers and parents. I started a professional Twitter account and blog because I truly enjoy sharing what I learn with others. I felt most impactful when I was able to share my journey to parenthood and see how it helped and encouraged others. I hope I can always use the writing talent God gave me to inspire hope in others and to help families engage together.
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Where can we find your books for purchase?
Both books, The Moment I Met You and Counting Time with an Easter Rhyme are available on Amazon in paperback and kindle form.
The Moment I Met You: https://amzn.to/3mXliyo
Counting time with an Easter Rhyme: https://amzn.to/3aguKYD
If we want to follow you to see more that you have to offer in the future or things that you recommend, where can we do that?
Thanks for asking! I have been able to expand upon my adventures with my daughter and two nieces in my blog, www.MichelleHollyRecommends.blogspot.com.

In this blog, I share my recommendations for toys and books. I talk about various developmental stages of children’s learning and how to incorporate learning into the toys we play with and books we read. Recently, I started blogging about places we are visiting with ideas of things to do before, during and after your visit. My goal is to share with parents how we can spark learning and engagement in everyday things we do.
 
Follow me on Instagram @Michelle_Holly_Recommends
And I’d love for you to like my Facebook Page
@MichelleHollyRecommends
YouTube: More Time to Gather 
Personal message from The Orlando Millennial: Michelle here!  Michelle Holly has been someone I have known on a personal level for 4 years now.  She is someone I call a mentor, a friend, a neighbor, and just one of the most amazing women I am honestly blessed to have met in my life. I was so elated when I learned she was going to be adopting her daughter and I've been so happy to see all that has happened since.  In a world where many are learning that not everyone fits into cookie cutter norms, I felt that her book telling an adopted child how much they are loved was something special that many others might want to learn about.  I love that she shares her story about her pregnancy struggles pre-adoption, but also lifts up those that are going through similar struggles. I highly recommend following Michelle Holly Recommends, whether you have a child or not, because she is sure to show you some great new things to teach a child or some awesome places to visit around Central Florida!  I hope that this story brought a smile to your face and that you will share with someone that you know. Thanks for reading!
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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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