Christmas in Florida Theme Parks

by Adele Woodyard
Legoland Winter Haven, may be the newest entry in holiday themes among the biggies but its 30-foot tree made of bricks is no match to Tampa’s Busch Gardens Christmas Town. The brand-new tradition is a separate ticket event that runs from 6-11 p.m .Fri-Sun through Dec. 23, and its trees are built of bright red poinsettias. Kids have a Snow World play area made of snow where they can make a snowman, and take a slide down the white stuff. They can even throw snowballs at a target across the street. Of course there’s a Santa to visit in his house along Candy Cane Lane, and a dinner buffet by Mrs. Santa for the hungry. No kids? Adults will still enjoy the Carol of the Bells show at Crown Colony House restaurant, and ice skaters Angels of Peace; A Christmas Journey on Ice at the Moroccan Palace. Then there’s the African penguins or rides on Cheetah Hunt, SheiKra and Gwazi that will be open. Advance tickets online: $24.99 adult, $9.99 children; general admission $39.99 and $14.99. Discount tickets also at various venues. http://www.christmastown.com
Orlando:
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is another after hours celebration with Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, holiday characters and fireworks. 7 p.m. special days. $67.95-$53.95, Walt Disney World, 1515 N. Buena Vista Dr. Lake Buena Vista. 407-934-7639. However, the New Fantasyland opened Dec. 9. Although the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train steel coaster won’t be until 2014, here’s what’s new in the expanded Magic Kingdom update. Enchanted Tales with Belle combines audience participation with a chatty candelabra. There’s a magic mirror ro walk through and a talking Wardrobe that assigns roles to guests for the play-acting. A sea witch named Ursula menaces kids who ride through caves and under waterfalls in a giant clamshell before they can talk the Little Mermaid in Ariel’s Grotto. Storybook Circus , where Mickey’s Toontown used to be, has two Dumbo rides among its offerings. Prices start at $89 per day adult, $83 ages 3-9; discounts available advance purchase online 407-939-1289. http://www.disneyworld.disney.go.com
It’s the famous Macy’s Holiday Parade straight from the Big Apple to Universal Studios in Florida, until Jan. 1, 2013. After viewing the huge balloons of your favorite characters, colorful floats and bands, you can take in Dr. Seuss’s holiday tale and Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Hours, dates may vary. For info and ticket prices on Florida residents and non-Florida visitors contact 888-339-6277. http://www.universalorlando.com
It’s lighted trees choreographed to holiday music at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, with fountains and fireworks. Shows with such performers as otters, sea lions and a walrus; ice skaters, Shamu, Sesame Street and more round out the entertainment. $89 adult, $81 ages 3-9. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri. Sun., 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Sat 800-327-2424. http://www.seaworldorlando.com .

Happy Holidays

by Adele Woodyard

Ready for Christmas Day? Except for buying such essentials as food, my table will be set for the few members of my family still living in Florida. What about you? Are your kids home for the holidays? If you’re on vacation in Florida or just looking for a getaway day, here’s some special treats still around for family fun, at several area Theme Parks. (Gate prices shown do not include tax; tickets bought online and/or in Advance will give your wallet a break).

Orlando
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is an after-hours celebration with Mickey’s once Upon a Christmas Time Parade, fireworks, stage show and “snow” on Main Street. Select dates; 7 p.m. to midnight. $59.95 adult, $53.95 ages 3-9. 407-624-4321

Epcot celebrates Holidays Around the World with a nightly Candlelight Processional, massed choir and guest narrators retelling the Christmas story, until Dec. 30. Included with daily admission, $82 adult, $74 ages 3-9, Free 2 and under. 407-824-4321. http://www.disneyworld.com

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration features 74 lighted, massive trees set to holiday music, fireworks, comedy shows with marine animals, and more. 9 a.m.-11 p.m $79.99 adult, $69.99 ages 3-9 407-363-2259. http://www.SeaWorld.com

Universal Studios has a couple of celebrations going on , beginning with Macy’s famous Thanksgiving Day Parade. The huge balloons and festive floats are followed by Santa Claus lighting the Christmas tree.each day through New Year’s Day. Included in regular park admission: $82 adult, $74 ages 3-9.

Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure is based on the award-winning hit, “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. The whole Seussian-themed island is decorated for the season and there’s a live stage show. . You can meet the Grinch in his lair, maybe join him at breakfast (extra $’s, make reservation). Included in park admission; $82 adult, $74 ages 2-9. 407-363-8000. http://www.universalorlando.com

ICE! At Gaylord Palms Resort can be quite an experience for native Floridians more used to sun-warmed waters. This dose of winter is made from nearly 2 million pounds of ice. .Mon-Thurs. $21.99 adult, $17.99 (55+) $9.99 (ages 4-12), Fri.-Sun. $25.99, $22.99, $11.99. 407-586-2000. Advance tickets: 407-586-4423; http://www.gaylordhotels.com

Tampa
Lowry Park Zoo presents Little People Live Show, a 40-minute musical featuring Little People costumed characters in the Safari Lodge. Seating first-come, first served. 7-10 p.m. Dec. 28-29. Included with admission to Wild Wonderland; $13 adult; $11 ages 3-11. 813-935-8552. http://www.lowryparkzoo.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Next week’s blog: places to go for a Happy New Year

Ghosts and Goblins

by Adele Woodyard

According to Florida theme parks, Halloween is a month long affair. In fact Disney, Universal and Busch Gardens began their fright fests in September. This week’s blog will start October with statewide events where you can be spooked until you’re panic stricken.

For 20 years Universal Studios “scream team” has been scaring the be-jeezus out of the visitors. This anniversary celebration Horror Nights promises to turn your blood into water. As a result, it is NOT recommended for kids under the age of 13. It’ll cost you $74.99 to face your deepest fear on the following dates: Oct. 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 20-24, 27-31. Hours start at 6:30 p.m., whether ending at midnight, 1 or 2 a.m depends on date. No costumes or masks allowed. 407-363-8000 http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com

Kids too young for Universal will be able to shiver a little at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This is a trick-or-treat in costume throughout the Magic Kingdom affair complete with a parade and fireworks. Admission depends on date, starts at $59.95 for adults, $53.95 for ages 3-9. Call 407-824-4321 for the after park hours and prices on select dates now through Nov.1. http://www.disneyworld.com

It’s Howl-O-Scream on select nights at Busch Gardens. Hobgoblins in haunted houses, scare zones and shows with psychotic people-monsters, have you running in terror toward even scarier rides. Florida residents get a break with admission starting at $29.95 (in advance), website for Florida visitors and passport holders. Open Oct. 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-31. 888-800-5447;
http://www.buschgardens.com

Seaworld’s Halloween Spooktacular is another kid-friendly trick-or-treat night where younguns can dress up and play with the witches and sea fairies. Octopuses, mermaids, pumpkin fish and more also occupy the underwater “fantasea”. Open Oct. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 19-20, 23-24. $78.95 adult, $68.95 ages 3-9; Florida residents and passport holder check http://www.seaworld.com for advance ticket rates. 407-363-2259.

ZooBoo is family fright night at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo where you creep through ghostly Pharaoh’s Tomb of Revenge and little kids, the Beasties Bungalow. Then ride for FREE on the Roarin’ Roller-Ghoster and other thrillers. Admission $17 adults, $14 ages 3-11, Hours 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 7-10 p.m. selected Sundays through Thursdays. Oct. 1-2, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 28-31. Tickets available online http://www.lowryparkzoo.com
Friday, Oct. 29 you can watch the animals have their Halloween Party with a Pumpkin Toss at 11 a.m. Included in Zoo admission. 813-935-8552.

Brevard Zoo presents Boo at the Zoo where the little ones play at Ooz Draverb Carnival of Creepy Creatures and the older ones walk down the Trail of Horrors. A costume contest for all ages starts at 6:30 p.m. Hours 5:30-9:30 p.m., $8 person Oct. 15-17, $10 Oct. 22-24 and 29-30. http://www.brevardzoo.org

It’s the 23rd Annual Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens where fairies, wizards, pirates and more add to the trick-or-treat fun. The Tomb, Ghostly Gardens and Forest of No Return to scream in the scare zones. $9 person, 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 21-24, 28-31. http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org

Central Florida Zoo has their Zoo Boo Bash closer to Halloween. Kids can trick-or-treat in costume and everyone can take a haunted hayride, visit the pumpkin patch and the animals Oct. 23-24, 30-31. $11.95 adult, $9.95 age 60+, $7.95 ages 3-12, 2 and under Free. 407-323-4450. http://www.centralfloridazoo.org

Monster Splash time brings a couple of haunted houses, a Frightening Forest and a pirate skeleton walk to the Miami Seaquarium. Carnival rides, games and food help chase away the goosebumps. 5-11 p.m. Fri-Sun, Oct 29-31. 305-361-5705. Tickets online: http://www.miamiseaquarium.com

More ghosts and goblins will appear over the next three weeks. For non-spooky things to see and do this month, go to http://www.vacationfunflorida.com and click on Bargains.

Summer Day Camps for Kids

by Adele Woodyard

What to do with the kids in the summer? It can be a problem if mom and dad are new to the area, both working, and/or haven’t already entered them in a sleep-away camp. Depending on where you live, opportunities for kids to have fun for a day, a week, or even a month may be plentiful. Where available, phone numbers and/or websites are given to check for locations, dates, times, and fees.

State-wide:
Kinder Care Learning Centers around the state have weekly themed programs for pre-elementary and school age kids; e.g. beginning July 5, little kids will enjoy Animal Antics. 888-525-2780; http://kindercare.com/summercamp

YMCA’s allow registration throughout the summer, with discounts for more than one child. About 80 percent offer day camps with traditional programs, such as arts and crafts, swimming, field trips, and games. Check your phone book, or http://ymca.net for ones nearest you. Also check your phone book or town website for what’s available for kids in the local Parks and Recreation Departments.

Specialty Camps .
For kids interested in such subjects as sports, academics, aviation, art, religion, nature, and much more, click on http://kidscamps.com/camps/florida-day-camps.html
For example:
Camp Live Oak South cooperates with the Florida State Park System at two locations, N. Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale. 5 to 13 year olds may find space in Session 2: July 12-August 6. 954-491-2917. .
Pine Crest Summer Programs Day Camp, features sports, band, TV production, and more for ages 5-11. Boca Raton: 561-852-2823; Ft. Lauderdale: 954-492-4137..
Animals and conservation is the theme at Lion Country Safari, Loxahatchee for ages 6-13. June 14-August 13. 561-793-1084; http://www.lioncountrysafari.com/day-camp.html

Museums or centers may feature a specialty, such as Art. For instance, in Pinellas County the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art in Tarpon Springs offers two consecutive weeks in July for ages 6 to 9, and 10 to 13. 727-712-5762; http://www.spcollege.edu/museum
Summer art camp at the Morean Art Center, St. Petersburg is from June 14-August 20, for ages 5-15. 727-822-7872; register online at http://www.moreanartscenter.org

Busch Gardens, Tampa (866-468-6226) and SeaWorld, Orlando (866-479-2267) both have Adventure Day Camps for pre-kindergarten through Grade 8. Kids (and maybe a parent) spend a day to a week with the animals; e.g. Jr. Zookeeper (grades 7-8), Bio Buddies (grades 3-4). http://www.seaworld.org/adventure-camps/bgt/day/index.htm

Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa presents a weekly Zoo School June 14-August 16 for K-8th grade. 813-935-8552, ext. 268. Register online: (June 29 for a one day discount).
http://www.lowryparkzoo.com .

More Than Mickey

by Adele Woodyard

When you say “Orlando”, the simultaneous visuals from Walt Disney, Universal and SeaWorld theme parks make you think that Mickey and friends are what the city’s all about. So the Orlando press trip that featured culture several years ago, came as a pleasant surprise. Bach, Ballet, Opera, Shakespeare and plenty of Art, filled the immediate area to such an extent I realized here, culture was spelled with a capital C. Looking for something new for your Fine Arts fix? Culture now comes in packages, as well as in individual presentations. Save 20% and make it a true weekend getaway with participating hotels. http://www.visitorlandoarts.com

April 24-25: is a weekend getaway where 4 events and a 3-course lunch are wrapped up in a tidy package at $75 per person. You start with Just Above the Water: Florida Folk Art Exhibition at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center, 642 W. New England Ave. Winter Park. A docent led tour takes you through an exhibit on loan from Tallahassee’ss Museum of Florida History. Then it’s on to lunch at 30 Park South. (call 407-647-7277 for reservations).Tours run on the hour between 10 a.m. through 2 p.m.
Next three events are in Loch Haven Park:
Orlando Museum of Art , 2416 N. Mills Ave. Open weekends, noon-4 p.m. Over 100 paintings and the black & white photography of the West Everglades by Clyde Butcher show Changing Landscapes, Changing Visions.

Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 E. Princeton St. Open Sat. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. A comprehensive collection of early 20 century paintings and drawings are on display.

Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St. Open weekend 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Four floors of hands-on exhibits, a giant-screen film and a planetarium are under one roof.

May 1-2 weekend package is $85. Same as above except it begins Saturday, May 1 with a 3-course dinner at the Winter Garden Pizza Company (407-877-1930) followed by the musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St. Winter. Garden. Show starts 8 p.m. so give yourself plenty of time for dinner beforehand.
NOTE all packages: Your event and museum tickets, and meal certificate are held at will call at stated restaurant, for pick up

April 30-May 16: 8th Annual Cabaret Festival celebrating Mad Cow Theatre’s musical theatre. More than 40 evening and lunchtime performances in downtown Orlando. Tickets from $12-#28. 407-297-8788. http://www.orlandocabaret.com

May 1: 20th Annual Concert Under the Stars features the Imperial Symphony Orchestra at Bok Tower Gardens. $10 adult, $3 ages 5-12, under 5 Free.863-676-1408. http://www.boktowergardens.org