On Friday and Saturday will be the annual dueling Christian music festivals, Rock the Universe at Universal Studios and Night of Joy at Magic Kingdom. Click here to read about Orlando-based Group 1 Crew, which will be performing Friday at Disney World. 

Click here to read about Fireflight, a group with Eustis roots, which will be performing Saturday at Rock the Universe at Universal Studios.

Details about the concerts are at www.rocktheuniverse.com and www.nightofjoy.com.

Saturday is last call for the Storytime With Belle attraction at Magic Kingdom. The gathering/meet-and-greet near Cinderella Castle eventually be replaced by characters from the upcoming Disney film “Tangled.”

And Sunday is the final day of exhibition for “Orlando Landmarks: Photo Transfers by Barbara Ery” at the Orange County Regional History Center. Details at www.thehistorycenter.org.

Is Rex as nervous about ice skating as he is about everything else?

Here’s a fun picture of Rex the plastic dinosaur from Disney-Pixar’s “Toy Story” franchise. the touring Disney on Ice show based on the movies — mostly the most recent one, of course — stops at Orlando’s Amway Arena this weekend. Click here for more photos and the scoop on the show: Disney on Ice: Toy Story 3.

Here’s what $13 admission will get you: stilt-walking balloon artist Corey Alexander, magician/mentalist Joshua Stenkamp, fat-free cotton candy, art by painter Veronika Tuskowski, the two-man improv known as Droll Academy and music from DJ Nigel John. … not to mention all the exhibits and the observatory at the science center. Guests also will be able to see screenings of “Forces of Nature” at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. 

C&C runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., with happy hour drink specials and light hors d’ouevres from 6 to 7.  A full-service cash bar operates all evening.

Click here for more information about Cocktails & Comos at the Orlando Science Center.

Trainers had noticed that Sumar was acting lethargic yesterday (Sept. 6, 2010) afternoon. Park veterinarians began a regimen of antibiotics to help try to stabilize his condition while they attempted to determine the cause of his illness. His condition worsened today and a decision was made to cancel the early afternoon Shamu Show so that trainers and veterinarians could continue to devote their full attention to Sumar. Despite their best efforts, Sumar did not respond to aggressive medical treatment.

We do not know at this time what caused Sumar’s death. The results of necropsy could take several weeks.

I ran out to IOA this afternoon and proved myself right. Sorta. It’s certainly less crowded, but there are still a few lines to contend with. Upon entering the park, the board of wait times up front said it was 60 minutes for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, 20 minutes for Flight of the Hippogriff, 10 minutes for Dragon  Challenge. By the time I hoofed it back to WizWoHaPo, they had subtracted 10 minutes from both FJ and Hippogriff.

More surprising: at 1:30 p.m., there were nine people waiting in line at the butterbeer cart. It was still being served at Hog’s Head and the satellite outlet near Hogwarts.

 There was a longer line outside Ollivanders wand shop but not nearly the summertime throng. If you’ve been there, you know the line snakes from outside the front door (beneath that sign), between buildings for a loop or two, then up the hill. The man in white shirt and jeans in this picture was the end of the line this afternoon. … I’d estimate it was a 30 minute wait. (Sidenote: Remember that fire hydrant in the construction phase of Wizarding World? It was in the temporary queue for the entrance of Dueling Dragons. Seems like ages ago.)

A quicker, though less magical, is the wand cart between Hogwarts and the Hippogriff coaster. At this point, there was no waiting. There also were wands available again at the Trading Company store at the front of the park.

Dervish & Banges had a small out-the-door line, and Filch’s was crowded even though the Forbidden Journey ride was on a hold. No line at Zonko’s. And the line did not go out the door for lunch today at Three Broomsticks, although when I stuck my head in, most tables were full. (Sidenote: The posted occupancy for Three Broomsticks was once a fanciful 123 — it’s now posted as 463. Makes sense.)

So, the lines are shorter, the weather will get more agreeable (C’mon, October!) … It could be time for the locals to descend.

Country superstar Trace Adkins kicks off Labor Day weekend, feeds giraffes at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

On a visit today to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, country hit-maker Trace Adkins fed giraffes on a Serengeti Safari experience. Adkins and his family were at the park to enjoy a fun day together before he performed in Tampa. The Adkins family topped off the day by feeding kangaroos at the park's new Walkabout Way area.

To book your Serengeti Safari, visit here.

Actors John Travolta and Kelly Preston check out a wand at Ollivanders within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter over Labor Day Weekend. (Photo by Matt Stroshane/Universal Orlando)

“A bulldozer and men are dwarfed by huge supports for floors for what will be a new parking garage for Universal Studios Florida along Kirkman Drive near the theme park entrance. Pilings were pushed into the sand to support the uprights, and workers are beginning to put in the crosspieces.” (Publication date: Feb. 7, 1996).

“Universal City Florida surrounds Universal Studios Florida. Construction of one of two parking garages will rank among the largest in the world.” (Publication date: July 26, 1996)

“The 5-level parking garage’s atrium is flanked by construction on left and Universal Studios theme park on right.” (Publication date: Dec. 16, 1996).

“Workers add finishing touches to the glass roof of the center atrium at the Universal Studios parking garage.” (Publication date: Dec. 16, 1996)

Country singer Trace Adkins gets upclose and personal with a giraffe during a Serengeti Safari experience at Busch Gardens in Tampa on Friday. He and his family also fed kangaroos at the theme park’s new Walkabout Way area. Adkins was set to be in concert at Tampa’s Ford Amphitheatre on Friday evening.

Participants — up to age 12 — can gussy up one of two pieces of art (they’re of owls, not alligators) on the Gatorland website and mail them to the attraction for consideration. The deadline is Oct. 1, 2010. Only one entry per child will be allowed.

Some entries will be displayed at the longtime Orange Blossom Trail attraction, and sixty winners will be chosen to receive annual passes.

Click here for more information about Gatorland and the forms for the coloring contest.

On Tuesday, SeaWorld Orlando's animal rescue team returned 15 endangered Kemp's Ridley sea turtles to the waters off Marco Island, FL. 

The turtles were rescued from the gulf oil spill and were receiving care at the Orlando park.

Since late June, 77 sea turtles affected by the oil spill have come to SeaWorld for intensive and hands-on care.  The park's sea turtle experts have returned 36 of the turtles to the wild.

SeaWorld's rescue teams -- global leaders in animal rescue, rehabilitation and release -- are on call 24/7 to care for injured, ill or orphaned animals.

  The parks have rescued over 18,000 animals since the care programs began.  There are rescue programs at each SeaWorld park -- in San Diego, San Antonio and Orlando.

Want to learn more about the parks' rescue and conservation efforts?  When visiting SeaWorld Orlando, check out the behind-the-scenes tours.  Go here  for more information and to book your tour.

None of those were available when 2010 dawned.

But as we reach the symbolic end of summer with Labor Day, some attractions are on their way out. Here’s our last-call roundup for the next few days.

+ The last day for Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Tuesday. The “Star Wars”-inspired attraction will undergo renovation and reopen with further adventures (in 3-D, among other new features) at an unannounced date in 2011. (Looking slightly ahead and elsewhere at Walt Disney World, the last day for “Storytime with Belle” at Magic Kingdom is Saturday, Sept. 11. It will be replaced later with characters from the upcoming animated Disney film “Tangled.”) Click here for more details about Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

+ The last day for “KaTonga,” an Africa-inspired live stage show at Busch Gardens, is Monday. It will be replaced by “Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy” this winter, Busch officials say. Click here for more details about KaTonga at Busch Gardens.

+ Monday is also the last day for three exhibits at Orlando Science Center: “Frogs,” “Diabetes: A Deeper Look” and “If a Starfish Can Grow a New Arm, Why Can’t I?” Click here for Orlando Science Center details.

On Sept. 2 SeaWorld San Antonio’s Animal Rescue Team rescued a baby Atlantic bottlenose dolphin calf outside of Rockport, Texas. The 4-to-6-month-old female calf, which had sustained wounds to its tail fluke and dorsal fin and was entangled in loose fishing line, was treated locally by SeaWorld veterinarians and immediately released to rejoin its nearby mother.

The successful rescue and release operation was a collaborative effort between SeaWorld San Antonio, Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network and its volunteers, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.

SeaWorld San Antonio has a long-standing partnership with the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Last year, the park received Donley, a male Atlantic bottlenose dolphin stranded on Mustang Island in Port Aransas, Texas and in 1996, received Mattie, an orphaned Atlantic bottlenose dolphin from Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network in Galveston.

To date, SeaWorld has rescued more than 18,000 sick, injured or orphaned animals.

Spooktacular features low-key trick-or-treating woven among 35 costumed sea creatures (some on wheels). There’s also a chance to meet Sesame Street resident Abby Cadabby at the end of her waterfront maze. These are included in regular SeaWorld admission.

These events begin at noon on Oct. 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 and 29-31.

Add-ons include Count Von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast, a buffet with photo opportunities with Sesame Street Characters, and SeaWorld’s Spooky Spectacular Sleepover, an overnight stay in the aquarium for the Manta roller coaster (it includes a pizza dinner and breakfast).

Click here for more details about SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular.

But let’s hit a point in the fine print first. All of the prices below are in addition to admission for HHN, which is an after-hours, extra-ticket event that runs 24 select evenings through Oct. 31.

+ Non-private V.I.P. tours. The skinny: Guided tour for one night of HHN, priority access to haunted houses, reserved seating for “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure.” The non-private part is that you’ll probably be placed with strangers, 12 to a group.   These tours last about four hours. After the tour, you receive Universal Express access to the regular Universal Studios attractions that are open. The cost: $150 or $175 per person, depending on the night.

+ Private R.I.P. tours. The skinny: These are less structured and built on your group’s needs, but you get access to houses and attractions.  Groups max out at 12 people. The cost: $1,500 or $1,800 per group, depending on the night.

+ Unmasking the Horror Tour. The skinny: Behind the scenes, daylight tour on event days. Reveals the inner workings of HHN and includes a “lights-on” tour of three of the haunted houses. It lasts for two hours. The cost: $50 per person.

+Unmasking the Horror: Twenty Years of Fear Tour. The skinny: Inner workings, daylight tours of three houses, but only on five key dates. Lasts three hours. Includes Q&A session with one of the creative minds behind Halloween Horror Nights. The cost: $75 per person.

OK, there’s tons of small type with these offers, including details such as start times and mandatory breaks, so click here for more details about Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights tours.

To make reservations, call 407-363-8295 or email viptours@universalorlando.com.

Here are some tips we’ve compiled that were answers to frequently asked questions from our Fans. We hope these are a helpful resource for you as you plan your “Perfect Day”:

Try to pick up your photos early in the day in order to be amongst the first to have them. This will help you avoid the time around park close, when most families are going to purchase photos. Between 10a.m. and 4p.m. is ideal time to do so.

Every household visiting Discovery Cove gets a complimentary souvenir photo (This is the group photo taken as you walk down the nature trail and into the park).  You get one photo per household, so make sure you let your photographer know how many “households” make up your group, so the correct number can be printed for you in advance.

When picking up your photos, let your sales associate know if you had photos taken in areas other than your dolphin swim, such as Explorer’s Aviary.

What is the best value going? The Ultimate Photo package.

This includes:

• 6x8 photos (7)
• 4x6 photos (1)
• Key chain photos (2)
• Wallet-size photos (2)
• Photo CD of all images (1)
• DVD of your entire dolphin swim  (1)
• 16x 24 Poster  (1)
• Discovery Cove hardback photo album (1)

Be sure to ask about this after your dolphin interaction – this way, we can ensure that your photos are taken in the other areas of the park in order to make the most complete package for you. The price for this package is $219 plus tax, which saves $176 from individual pricing. Of course, if your budget doesn’t allow for this, there are several other wonderful packages to choose from in every price range.

It is your best bet to go with your photographer to view your photos immediately after your dolphin swim.  At this time, you will be reviewing all images taken and ordering your package so it is produced for pick up by the time you are ready to leave the park.

This will save you precious time later in the day so you can take an extra lap around the lazy river or soak up the late afternoon sun on the beach.

Our Adventure Photo Team is happy to serve you. They love their jobs and they know that what they do every day is creating special memories for families to look back on for years to come. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions or for their opinions – they are here to help.

We hope you enjoy your day at the park – and the many days after you’ll spend smiling every time you look at your photos.

After a six-year run of more than 10,000 shows, the curtain is closing on KaTonga: Musical Tales from the Jungle at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Moroccan Palace Theater.

KaTonga’s last performance will be September 6. Now is your last chance to take the Katonga Insiders Tour. On the tour you get an insider’s look at how Busch Gardens creates the magic of KaTonga.

With KaTonga, Busch Gardens brought Broadway performances to theme parks. The elegant and inspiring show delivered inspiring songs and a rich tapestry of color and sound.

It took guests on a journey to the heart of Africa in a musical celebration of animal folklore. Masterful costume design, energetic original music and spectacular African-inspired dance combined to create a performance that always left guests cheering for more.

More is coming this winter -- the groundbreaking Broadway hit created and directed by Neil Goldberg -- Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy. 

Experience this exotic encounter inspired by nature’s unpredictable creations and brought to life by an international cast of soaring aerialists, spine-bending contortionists, acrobats, musicians and spectacular costumes beyond your wildest imagination.  

Nominated for “Best Costume Design” by the American Theatre Wing, this inventive theatrical journey is action-packed with astounding feats that will leave audiences spellbound.   

Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy has been hailed “the grandest circus spectacle east of Vegas” by New York Magazine, and proclaimed  “a colorful, imaginative and expertly performed fantasy worth indulging” by the New York Daily News.

Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy will usher in more of what fans have come to love and expect from Busch Gardens -- incredible stage shows, the likes of which cannot be found at any other theme park in the nation.

“KaTonga” will be replaced “this winter,” a Busch Gardens news release said, by “Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy,” a Broadway hit created by Neil Goldberg. The release says it features aerialists, contortionists, acrobats and musicians. It was nominted for “best costume design” by the American Theatre Wing.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is not only a destination for fun, but a place to learn about conservation, animals and the natural world. Passionate, certified educators lead these engaging programs, like Cara Treadway, Busch Gardens’ School Programs Supervisor.

With a background in secondary science education, Treadway and her staff lead Zoo School field trips, in which animals and education combine for awesome adventures in learning. Treadway shares her experiences and the rewards of her unique job.

Q: Why did you move from a traditional education setting to a zoo?

Treadway: I have always had two strong passions that set me on my career path —working with children and working with animals. Being able to combine the two things that I love together in my career is something that I know is unique. We teach and promote conservation, and to see the students that come through our camps and school programs apply the knowledge that they learned is the constant reminder that my decision to teach at a zoo was a sound one.

Q: What programs are offered during the school year?

Treadway: At Busch Gardens we offer a variety of programs for school groups, from on-site programs to sleepovers to outreach. The program that I am most proud of is our Zoo School program. This 4-hour structured day immerses students in the “wild side” of Busch Gardens. We offer different topics for different grade levels, and gear all of our programs to meet Sunshine State Standards.

Q: What are some of the lessons kids learn in educational programs at Busch Gardens?

Treadway: It is most important to us that every child leaves our programs with a new learned conservation behavior, one that has real-life applications that they can do wherever they are, whoever they are. We want our students to feel as if they are positively changing the environment, no matter how small an action they take. From turning off the lights when they leave the room to separating their food for at-home composting, we want to teach them that every action counts.

Q: Who can take part in these programs?

Treadway: Everyone! We have programs for all grade levels in public, private and home school. And there are so many topics to choose from that you are bound to find a program to fit into any curriculum.

Q: What are some of the things that happen for you each day that make you have to pinch yourself. After all, you teach and get to play with animals and roller coasters every day!

Treadway: My job is so dynamic. As I am writing this, I am listening to my co-workers in the classroom next to me yelling “Good Job!!” to the ground hornbill, Tufts, who is learning to fetch a ball and bring it back to his trainers. Earlier today, I facilitated a photo opportunity for a camper with a bearded dragon, who could NOT contain his giggling excitement as he touched a lizard for the very first time. Last week I was in a meeting where another attendee had an orphaned wallaby joey in a makeshift pouch on her lap throughout the duration of the meeting, because it was bottle-feeding time. I never know what to expect, so I pinch myself several times a day.

Q: What is the most rewarding thing about your job?

Treadway: Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to bring a group of teachers behind-the-scenes of our gorilla habitat. The program’s topic was conserving the African rainforest and its inhabitants. Standing there, 5 feet from this huge, majestic animal, a teacher began to cry. I asked her if everything was OK, and she replied, “I just didn’t realize how amazing it would feel when I looked into his eyes.” She was overcome with emotion, and pledged that she would make sure that every student that passed through her classroom would learn how to do just one thing that would help protect these animals. It’s that connection that we, as zoological educators, facilitate that remind me of what an amazing job this is.

Learning is usually associated with reading, writing and arithmetic. At SeaWorld, park Educators teach their own version of the ABCs----aquatic animals, birds and conservation.

Geni Wright has educated thousands of students, guests, and campers on these topics and more at the park's animal attractions and on behind-the-scenes tours. She sat down with us to share some of her experiences.

What goal drives your team?

We want every child and teacher who visits SeaWorld to experience something new. Whether we teach them something they didn’t know or show them something they have never seen before, we want each child to be able to take something amazing away from their time at SeaWorld.

What is the most unusual experience you have had as an educator?

I recently went on a manatee release with students from one of our partner schools. It was a great opportunity for us to see what happens after months or even years of working with rescued animals. Now, we can share our experience and teach others how to help protect animals.

What is the most rewarding thing about your job?

Listening to the kids blurt out to their parents and teachers what they saw and learned when they're picked up from one of our education programs. It really shows the impact of what we do.

What is your favorite memory from a school field trip?

Hearing the kids get so involved and excited in ‘voting’ for their favorite animal during our educational ‘Animal Auditions ’ show. The anticipation of what animal will come out next, and the screams for their favorite animal, make me smile every time.

What resources are available for teachers?

SeaWorld.org is a great resource with everything from animal facts, classroom activities and information on field trips, sleepovers and camps.

The farm’s year-round “Corn-fusion” maze (made of ligustrum trees) will be transformed into a scavenger hunt with a prize of Zellwood sweet corn. (There’s a $2 upcharge for the Corn-fusion activity.) Also new is a zipline for kids and tetherball.

Returning, of course, is the 7-acre corn maze (with stalks up to 12 feet talk) plus a mini-maze, mist maze and a 60-foot slide.

The corn maze is available to the public on Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 28 plus Nov. 24 and 26, the days before and after Thanksgiving. The maze adventure is available to private parties Tuesdays through Fridays.

Admission is $10 general, $8 for ages 3-16.  There are combo tickets available that add on the Corn-fusion maze, hayrides and fishing area. For more information about the Long & Scott Farms corn maze, click here.

The farm’s year-round “Corn-fusion” maze (made of ligustrum trees) will be transformed into a scavenger hunt with a prize of Zellwood sweet corn. (There’s a $2 upcharge for the Corn-fusion activity.) Also new is a zipline for kids and tetherball.

Returning, of course, is the 7-acre corn maze (with stalks up to 12 feet talk) plus a mini-maze, mist maze and a 60-foot slide.

The corn maze is available to the public on Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 28 plus Nov. 24 and 26, the days before and after Thanksgiving. The maze adventure is available to private parties Tuesdays through Fridays.

Admission is $10 general, $8 for ages 3-16.  There are combo tickets available that add on the Corn-fusion maze, hayrides and fishing area. For more information about the Long & Scott Farms corn maze, click here.

Rather than revive one of the HHN icons of the past two decades, Universal went with a fresh creation, but one that, theoretically, has been present each year.

“Fear has always been here. Fear is what we create every year, and fear has been an element in whatever character environment we create,” says show director Mike Aiello. “So for us, fear became, basically, our character that is going to come to life this year.”

We will be seeing more of Fear — not just the mouth — bit by bit, Universal says, and Fear will be something seen in the theme park during the event, which kicks off Sept. 24.

Also different this year is the lack of “outside” intellectual properties, such as Chucky or the “Saw” series.

“We decided that Halloween Horror Nights itself is a strong enough tradition that we didn’t need to go outside this year,” says T.J. Mannarino, director of art and design. “We wanted everything to be in-house.”

Other tidbits:

+ One of the haunted houses will have an element of humor. ”There is one house that has more of a comedic tone to it,” Aiello says. “But it’s not the house you’re thinking of. I’m not going to say which one.”

+ A storyline within “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure” will be that Bill and Ted are being replaced (in the story, not in the HHN scheme of things).

+ Although Rocky Horror is not part of the 2010 event, it could be revived in the future.  “This year we felt being all-new, Rocky Horror was going to be something we felt might come back in a few years.” Mannarino says. “It might not. It really depends on what we feel is best for our audience and for our mix of content.”

+ Characters of the past will be integrated into a haunted house and a scare zone. Which characters? Yep, they wouldn’t say – wouldn’t even eliminate any from the list of possibilities. Stay tuned.

On Thursday, August 26, SeaWorld Orlando Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation Team released a second manatee to the waters of KARS Park near the Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Fla.

The 8½-foot-long, 680-pound female sea cow was rescued on May 17, 2010 from a canal in Satellite Beach, Fla. after wildlife officials observed her floating high in the water -- usually an indication of a collision with a boat. 

On Tuesday, August 24, the team also released an 8-foot-long, 630-pound female that was rescued June 23, 2010 along the National Canaveral Seashore near New Smyrna Beach, Fla.  This sea cow also was rescued because of a possible watercraft injury.

When an animal has difficulty submerging underwater, like these two animals, it is very likely they have sustained internal damage to the chest or a punctured lung from a boat strike. 

At SeaWorld Orlando, both animals received antibiotics, fluids and round-the-clock care.  Their recovery was quick, making their stay at the park short and their return to their natural habitat speedy.

Boat strikes are one of the most common manatee injuries.  You can help these gentle creatures by following boating regulations in waterways where manatees are found.  Observe “no wake zones” and be manatee-friendly!

2010 Manatee Rescues and Releases

Rescues:24

Releases:13

Each year, hundreds of dolphins are slaughtered by Japanese fishermen in a brutal hunt known as the "drive fishery". Stewart Clark, head of SeaWorld's Discovery Cove, discusses the company's position on this practice. SeaWorld, like every accredited zoo and aquarium in America, stands against the drive fishery and remains committed to seeing it stopped. Learn more at http://www.actfordolphins.org

Originally published on 04-22-2010 11:30:39 -0400

*** UPDATE, August 26, 2010 ***

Dolphin Show = Dolphin Kill? Investigation of The Cove Part 1

Dolphin Show = Dolphin Kill? An Investigation of The Cove Part 2

“This year’s Halloween Horror Nights is not about the past. It’s about the future,” says Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment for Universal Orlando.  

A news release doesn’t directly reference past icons of the event, such as the Director, Bloody Mary or Jack the clown. It emphasizes the notion of Fear (with a capital F)  as if he were a character. “He is the Master of everything Halloween Horror Nights has ever been and will become. His weapons: Chaos, Death, Sacrifice, Mythos, Vengeance,” the release reads.  

Descriptions of the new houses include some familiar themes, such as zombies, viral outbreaks, children in peril, elite soldiers and the criminally insane.  

Two shows are in the HHN lineup, including the traditional “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure,” a popular parody of pop culture, and the return of extreme magician Brian Brushwood, who last appeared in his own Horror Nights show in 2008.   

Here’s a quick look at Universal’s haunted house lineup, paring down from the news release, which gives clues to the contents:   

Horror Nights: The Hallow’d Past – “Now, you have the opportunity to travel into a realm where Horror Nights isn’t just an event, but a reality.” 

The Orfanage: Ashes to Ashes – ”Misunderstood by all around her, she has had enough of her playthings at the Good Harvest Orphanage – now is the time for vengeance” 

Hades: The Gates of Ruin – “Hades bids you welcome.” 

Psychoscarepy: Echoes of Shadybrook – ”Although Shadybrook’s doors have indeed been closed for the last 15 years, the place is still very much alive with all of the criminally insane souls that have ever walked its halls.” 

Havoc: Dogs of War – “Through an inhalant that includes a compound of testosterone, adrenaline, and other anesthetics, Shadow Creek’s latest run of volunteer test subjects are ready for inspection.” 

Catacombs: Black Death Rising – “During a plague of Paris and Marseilles in 1534, thousands died due to an undisclosed viral outbreak. A group of doctors took it upon themselves to quarantine the most infected citizens of the city. They had no way of knowing that the townspeople would betray them, sealing them into their doom.” 

Zombiegeddon – ”The United States government has re-taken the continental United States, and is actively engaged in clearing the remaining infested pockets of Canada. The government also licenses and sanctions private companies to capture ‘un-live’ subjects and use them as practical targets during these training sessions.” 

Legendary Truth: The Wyandot Estate – “The Spirit Seekers have come up with a machine that actually gathers spirits toward it. The group has decided to do a live broadcast from inside one of the most reportedly “haunted” sites in the entire United States, The Wyandot Estate, built in the 1920s in Carey, Ohio, by the entrepreneur Malcolm Wyandot and his wife, Lydia. The house has been rumored to be haunted since Malcolm brutally killed 13 dinner guests and his wife Lydia before committing suicide on October 30, 1929.” 

The scare zones — “dead” spots between houses and attractions — sound like they have some distinctive Universal Orlando flair. 

HHN: 20 Years of Fear – ”Encounter the most frightening characters of Halloween Horror Nights past.”

Fear Revealed – “The souls of Chaos, Death, Sacrifice, Mythos and Vengeance — He created them and gave them terror. … What has been 19 cycles for some have been eons for him. He’s waited patiently for the final piece, and now on the 20th cycle… HE IS REVEALED.”

Zombie Gras – ”This Mardi Gras parade has gone severely off course.”

Esqueleto Muerte – ”Revel in the seductive taunts of Death as you wind through a glowing skeletal nightmare.”

Saws ‘n Steam – ”Steam power is essential to the inhabitants of New Yorkshire, but diminishing oceans have put the city in jeopardy, forcing the citizens to evil lengths. Beware upon entering the city, as the water in your body is now a coveted resource. And the citizens will stop at nothing to get it.”

The Coven – ”The Cult of the Raven has unsettled spirits, and its Sirens are screaming throughout the witches’ realm.”

Universal’s website was scheduled to have more updates in the wee hours of Thursday. We expect to know more late Thursday afternoon. Click here to go to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights website.

+ The wooden roller coaster known as The Starliner is disassembled at the site of the future Legoland Florida/former Cypress Gardens. We knew that was going to happen as Legoland says it doesn’t fit its 2- to 12-year-old demo. Also interesting in the Lakeland Ledger report is that Fun Spot considered buying it for its Kissimmee location but there were hang-ups such as the cost of moving it from storage and safety regulations. (Fun Spot did nab the Galaxy Spin and will install later this year.) For more on the Starliner and Legoland, click here.

+ SpongeBob Squarepants has a date with Silver Springs: Sept. 4. He’ll be making, um, “LIVE” appearances at 11 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2 p.m.  and 4:15 p.m. For more about Silver Springs and SpongeBob Squarepants, click here.

+ There are plans for a new water park near Miami Gardens’ Sun Life Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins and Florida Marlins (for now). The project is unnamed but would open in 2012. According to the Miami Herald, there’s are dearth of water attractions in South Florida. Read more about the Sun Life Stadium water park project here.

Today, SeaWorld released the first of two manatees scheduled to go home this week into the waters of KARS Park near the Kennedy Space Center.

SeaWorld's Rescue Team releases the 8-foot-long, 630-pound manatee into the water. Then she takes a peek to at her new home. 

Before the release, SeaWorld's rescue team  takes final meaurements. 

The 8-foot-long, 630-pound female was rescued June 23, 2010 along the National Canaveral Seashore near New Smyrna Beach, Fla.

On Thursday, the second manatee, an 8½-foot-long, 680-pound female, will also be released at KARS Park. She was rescued May 17, 2010 from a canal in Satellite Beach, Fla.

Both animals were rescued by the SeaWorld Animal Rescue Team because they were observed floating high in the water with the inability to submerge. This can be caused by internal damage to the chest or punctured lungs from a boat strike. Upon examination by SeaWorld veterinarians, no internal injuries were found, allowing a short stay at SeaWorld’s rehabilitation facility and a quick return to their natural habitat.

SeaWorld is a global leader in the rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals. The park’s Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation Team is on call 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. To date, SeaWorld has rescued more than 18,000 sick, injured or orphaned animals.   

2010 Manatee Rescues and Releases

Rescues:23

Releases:12

The tower itself. It’s 205 feet tall and houses a 60-bell carillon. I’d seen photos before but never noticed all the striking details (Hey, there’s Adam, Eve and Serpent up top). It’s made of pink marble and coquina, sports a sundial on one side, animal carvings, impressive wrought-iron displays and a big brass door at the base.

The backstory: Noted journalist/publisher/author/philanthropist Edward Bok established the gardens and tour as a gift to America. It was dedicated in 1929 with President Calvin Coolidge in attendance — that could  not have been an easy trip in ‘29. It’s very serene, although if you’re coming from Orlando, it involves navigating Interstate 4 and U.S. 27, which is a stop-and-go affair all the way into Lake Wales (Polk County). At one point on 27, I shocked my companions that we still were not halfway to the site of Legoland Florida (opening late next year), but that’s another story.

At the base of the tower is a brass door, one folks are not allowed to go near on a regular basis. On Bok’s website, there’s a section headed with “So what’s behind the Great Brass Door?” Answer: Bok’s study, a research center and library, a keyboard room, maintenance area and about one-third of the tower houses the bells. Alas, it’s not made for visitors to climb around in, but Bok has a membership level that allows tours about four times a year.

There are carillon concerts at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily. We heard a range of tunes from “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Bach to “Over There” (George Cohan). But beware, the music is currently a digital recording. Live carillon season, the man at the information booth told us, is December through April. Thank the snowbirds.

The view from the tower area is picturesque and includes a snapshot of Florida agriculture.

A nice feature along one of the trails is the Window by the Pond. There’s a small structure with seating and screens on two sides (for ventilation), with a big window (for clear view) looking out onto nature. The sign says “You may see a gallinule, alligator, green heron, water snake, wood duck or just a peaceful scene. This is Nature’s Show, not ours. No scheduled performances.”

There’s also a couple of nice rain shelters if you’re trapped by the inevitable afternoon shower.

There also was relaxed wildlife. We were happy that the snakes weren’t as people-friendly as the squirrels.

Meanwhile, back down at the vistors center, there was quite a bit to explore, including this carillon keyboard (you press the levers with your fists and feet), which allows you to play one bell. There are also displays about the construction of the tower (called America’s Taj Mahal at one point) and details about Bok’s life.

Oh, and the starbuns? They were sported by Bok’s grandmother, who was gave him this advice, which is posted above the gardens’ entry: “Make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.”

Listen to your grandma, kids.

For more information about Bok Tower Gardens, click here. Or call 863-676-1408. It’s open 365 days a year, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $10 general, $3 ages 5-12. Florida residents get $2 off through Sept. 30, but I may make a return trip in December for some live carillonneur action.

The usual admission price is $17 for adults, $12 for ages 3-11.

It could be a good time to catch a few exhibits that are about to move on. “Frogs” — which features 80 live frogs — and “Diabetes: A Deeper Look” will be ending their runs at OSC on Sept. 6.

It also could be a busy day.

“Our daily attendance usually triples during these events,” said JoAnn Newman, president and CEO of the Science Center.

For more information, go to www.osc.org or call 407-514-2000.

The tragic accident on February 24, 2010 inspired an internal review of our whale program that has been unprecedented in scope. The findings of that review have been presented to an independent committee made up of some of the world’s most respected marine mammal experts. Their conclusions, drawn from decades of experience caring for marine mammals, are in stark contrast to OSHA’s. The safety of SeaWorld’s killer whale program was already a model for marine zoological facilities around the world and the changes we are now undertaking in personal safety, facility design and communication will make the display of killer whales at SeaWorld parks safer still.

OSHA's allegations in this citation are unsupported by any evidence or precedent and reflect a fundamental lack of understanding of the safety requirements associated with marine mammal care. Killer whales at SeaWorld are displayed under valid federal permits and under the supervision of two government agencies with directly applicable expertise: The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the U.S. Department of Commerce National Marine Fisheries Service. SeaWorld is a member in good standing of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Both associations make employee safety a central feature of rigorous accreditation processes.

It also is important to note that while maintaining a safe environment for our trainers, the demands of humane care require our zoological team to work in close physical proximity to these animals. Our trainers are among the most skilled, trained and committed zoological professionals in the world today. The fact that there have been so few incidents over more than 2 million separate interactions with killer whales is evidence not just of SeaWorld’s commitment to safety, but to the success of that training and the skill and professionalism of our staff.

Since February 24, SeaWorld trainers have been caring for these animals out of the water. They will remain out of the water while we finalize and implement the measures that have progressed from the review conducted by our internal team of marine mammal experts and endorsed by an outside panel.

We look forward to challenging OSHA’s unfounded allegations and are confident that we will prevail.

Friday, Sept. 10:

Music Plaza Stage — Chuck Tocco, 6 p. m., Decyfer Down, 7 p.m., Jars of Clay, 8:30 p.m.; Skillet, 10:15 p.m.

Hollywood Stage — Kutless, 6:30 p.m.; Hawk Nelson, 8 p.m., Newsboys, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 11:

Music Plaza Stage — Jeff Chandler, 6 p.m.; Needtobreathe, 7 p.m.; tobyMac, 8:30 p.m.; Relient K, 10:15 p.m. plus candle lighting at 11:15 p.m.

Hollywood Stage —  Grits, 6 p.m., Fireflight, 7:30 p.m., Jeremy Camp, 9:15 p.m.

For more info about Rock the Universe, go to www.rocktheuniverse.com.

SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO’S 2010 RESCUE SEASON MARKED BY GROUNDBREAKING WORK AND HEADLINE-GRABBING STORIES

From a 3,000-mile airplane transport of a rescued pilot whale from the Caribbean to a two-hour long disentanglement of gray whale caught in fishing gear, the 2010 rescue season for SeaWorld San Diego has been full of excitement. While each of these stories garnered front page headlines in The San Diego Union-Tribune, they were just a few among hundreds of amazing rescue efforts by the SeaWorld San Diego Rescue Team, who give ill or injured animals a second chance at life every day. As this year’s rescue season winds to a close, here’s a look back at just some of the incredible animal rescue stories:

California sea lions: 134 rescued; including the famous “Cop Car,” an ill juvenile sea lion that was rescued from under a police officer’s car in a local beach community. “Cop Car” was successfully rehabilitated and returned to the wild with much media fanfare and the help of San Diego police officer Mark Lopez.

Harbor seals/Elephant seals: 38 rescued; including a harbor seal born on the beach Jan. 26 and abandoned by its mother soon after. SeaWorld rescued the pup within 24 hours, successfully rehabilitated her and returned her to the ocean five months later.

Guadalupe fur seals: One of two rescued was returned to the sea on June 10 with an attached satellite-linked radio transmitter. Researchers with Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute followed “Diablo” for seven weeks, reporting that she thrived and traveled more than 1,000 miles during that time. The project may help improve techniques for future rescue, rehabilitation and release of this threatened species.

Pilot Whale: Sully — a pilot whale found beached and near death on Caribbean island of Curacao in July of 2009 — was transported to SeaWorld San Diego in January 2010 for long-term care. Sully continues to grow and is in good health, and has even been introduced to some of the park’s bottlenose dolphins. He was named after retired US Airways pilot Chesley Sullenberger, aka “Sully,” because both overcame extreme odds to survive. Researchers with Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute are conducting audio studies on Sully and preliminary indications show he appears to have a hearing deficit. Confirmation of the findings may explain why he stranded and may also be useful in helping other stranded whales and dolphins in the future.

Gray whale: In May, SeaWorld’s help disentangle a young California gray whale that had been in distress and unable to swim freely for several days in a marina north of San Diego. The disentanglement operation was a success and drew cheers from thousands onlookers as the whale swam into open waters. Unfortunately, the sickly juvenile whale died just days later, but the disentanglement effort was a valuable exercise for the SeaWorld rescue team. Along with marine mammals, SeaWorld San Diego also cared for rescued birds and turtles this year:

Pelicans: SeaWorld San Diego took in more than 150 brown pelicans suffering from dehydration and malnourishment, most likely as a result of harsh winter storms. At the park’s Oiled Wildlife Care Center, the pelicans received medical attention, including fluids, fish, vitamins and antibiotics when necessary.

Turtles: Two sea turtles, an Olive ridley and a Pacific green, were transferred to SeaWorld San Diego on Jan. 28 for rehabilitation and eventual return to the wild. The endangered turtles had been cared by for the Oregon Coast Aquarium since they were founded beached and hypothermic in November 2009.

More characters -- including Goofy and Donald, relocated from the finale float, kick off the parade. (photo by Matt Palm)

I snapped some photos of the changes that have been made at the Magic Kingdom’s “Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade” recently. You can check them out and see if you think they work over at TheDailyDisney.com. Click here.

Florida’s Top-rated Halloween Event Shares Details at MyXRocks.com

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay officially kicked off its 11th season of gut-wrenching scares today by announcing MORE haunted houses than ever before, ALL-NEW scare zones and live concerts each night of the event by the rock stars of horror – Sylvie and her killer band, My X.

Besides the houses, zones and shows, the updated www.MyXRocks.com website details ticket options, VIP experiences, vacation packages, and also features a music video of My X's self-titled hit and the new Howl-O-Scream 2010 television commercial.

Also new this year, according to the site, will be a haunted house concept called Alone, which is being billed as "A personal experience in horror." It tells the story of the deranged Master Alexander Daedalus, whose odd collections and obsessive hoarding behavior are expanding to include people… most notably, anyone who dares enter his storage warehouse. The catch? Guests are encouraged to experience the haunted house by themselves, or - for the faintest of heart - in a group of no more than four people. There is a small charge for the experience, but those who brave it alone will receive a T-shirt… if they survive.

Howl-O-Scream is a separate ticketed event, and general admission is $74.95. Savings are available on advance ticket purchases at participating Publix Supermarkets and at MyXRocks.com for Passport Members and Florida Residents. Discounts are also available with promotional codes from select Pepsi, Domino’s Pizza, Applebee’s, Smoothie King and Muvico theaters purchases statewide.

The event runs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night beginning Sept. 30. Dates include: Sept. 30–Oct. 2, Oct. 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30 and Oct. 31. Freaky Preview puts guests in the front row a week early on Sept. 24-25 for discounted rates as low as $29.95 for general admission and $24.95 for Passport members. Operating hours are 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. during Freaky Preview and on Thursday nights and Halloween night. Friday and Saturday hours are 7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

For details, visit www.MyXRocks.com

Sept. 17 will be “Z-Day” at the combat-simulation attraction, which has featured zombies in the past but had taken a break from the undead set.

“It’s by far our single most-requested event,” says Hard Knocks co-owner Joe Wheeler. He has sandwiched the event on the Friday between the premiere of “Resident Evil: Afterlife” (Sept. 10) and the beginning of Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights (Sept. 24).

During some of regular Hard Knocks missions, the play will be human vs. zombies, but in others is will be humans vs. humans with zombies thrown in as a further complication.  Combatants are armed with infrared weapson, aiming for sensors on the zombies, who are unarmed but can “kill” the participants by yanking a flag from their vest (think flag football).

“Every one of the these missions will interact with zombies,” Wheeler says.  Not to mention to zombies in the lobby, zombie movies on the big screen and zombie games in the gaming lounge.

Z-Day will be held in two sessions: The all-ages group from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. ($40) and the 18-and-up group from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. ($45).

For more information, go to www.hardknocksorlando.com or call 407-359-9091.

On August 18, about five miles off the coast of Cedar Key, Fla., SeaWorld Orlando animal rescue and rehabilitation experts returned to the wild 12 endangered Kemp's Ridley sea turtles that had been saved from the oil spill. The park's experts worked closely with The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The sea turtles were the first oiled turtles to be returned to the wild.

Adm. Thad Allen, Incident Commander, along with officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), observed the release.

The sea turtles came to SeaWorld several weeks ago from Gulf World in Panama City, Fla where they had been treated for oil contamination.  After much hands-on care, a dozen of the turtles were ready to be released.  Each animal was tagged so their progress could be monitored by sea turtle researchers.

Always on call, the SeaWorld parks are leaders in the rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals including sea turtles such as the ones returned near Cedar Key.

OK, back to reality. All of those details are was true – but it’s taking place in the “Artists & Authors” series at the Orange County Regional History Center. In “True Lies From Two Spies”, former CIA operatives Jonna and Tony Mendez will talk about their decades of adventures in intellegence on Aug. 26 at a 6 p.m. reception, followed by dinner and the program.

Both of the Mendezes have written books (“Spy Dust” by both of them, “Master of Disguise” by him) that will be available for purchase in the museum store. They’ll be signing copies. He won the CIA’s Intelligence Star of Valor and the Trailblazer Award. He’ll share (well, what he can) about covert operations, and she will talk about the role of women in the agency.

The cost is $50 for history center members, $65 for non-members. For reservations, call 407-836-7010. For more information, go to www.thehistorycenter.org.

Share your passion for the environment in 300 words or less and you and a guest could Travel with Julie Scardina on a Snow Island Hill Safari to see Emperor Penguins in Antarctica!

Join Julie on one of the final sailings of the legendary icebreaker, Kapitan Khlebnikov. Tell the world why you should Adventure with Julie and encourage people to vote for you. On August 31, 2010, if your entry has received the most votes, you could win! This October 2010 voyage is already sold out, so winning is the only way you can get onboard.

So far, 150 contestants have entered. And, the top entry has over 1,600 votes.

Again, the contest closes at end of August, so there is still time to enter. Or, if you know someone who entered, make sure you vote for your favorite contestant!

Visit www.adventurewithjulie.com

On Wednesday, August 18, SeaWorld is releasing 12 oil-impacted, endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles back into waters near Cedar Key, Fla. Follow the release tomorrow on Twitter @seaworld for up-to-the-minute updates.

The animals came from a marine facility in Panama City Beach, Fla. where they were cleaned and de-oiled. For more than two months, park veterinarians and aquarists have provided extensive treatment for more than 60 endangered sea turtles impacted by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. SeaWorld is one of the few organizations with the expertise to tend to the special needs of multiple sea turtle species.

SeaWorld aquarist Kate Grimaldi applies an ID tag to a Kemp's Ridley sea turtle that is being prepared for release.

The release area was chosen because it is an important foraging area for the species, the water was never oiled, and the habitat has all elements necessary for their survival. The animals were given identification tags so that their progress can be monitored.

SeaWorld is a global leader in the rescue and rehabilitation of sea turtles. The park’s Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation Team is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Boy, can we all agree that Universal Orlando is going to get a lot of mileage out of the butterbeer mustache? It’s pretty irresistible. Here’s actor Brendan Fraser, who visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure earlier this month. I think this is the final celeb shot hiding in my post-vacation mailbox, but I expect to see more foam in the future, unless the Got Milk? people slap a stop and desist order. (Photo by Kevin Kolcyznski/Universal Orlando)

A female beluga whale calf born June 23 at SeaWorld San Diego’s Wild Arctic exhibit is thriving and has bonded with her ”surrogate” mom.

Following the birth, the mother, Ruby, did not bond or show interest in the calf. In the wild, a calf in this scenario would not survive. Because she was born at SeaWorld, the park’s experienced trainers stepped in and are hand-raising the young cetacean. The calf, who has not yet been named, is being tube fed a special baby whale milk formula developed by her trainers and is steadily gaining weight. Allua, another female beluga at the Wild Arctic who has previously exhibited maternal behavior, was recently introduced to the calf. The two quickly bonded, and the 26-year-old Allua is providing important companionship, and is aiding in the calf’s progress and development. The calf has gained more than 50 pounds since birth. Eventually the she will be on exhibit at Wild Arctic with the park’s other beluga whales.

The element — also known as “the vortex” — within the Lost Continent show has been the missing link between two of the attraction’s chambers for many, many months. Its absence has widely been  considered a financial decision.

Hmmmm. Maybe the bottom line at Universal has improved lately? Not hard to believe that the Harry Potter effect has drifted beyond the walls of Wizarding World.

Whatever the reason, it’s good to have it back in operation. It’s always been my favorite part of Fury.  Sure, the subsequent segment is loud and impressive, but the vortex is a special effect you can actually walk through and touch.

Poseidon’s Fury, which has striking architecture and is fronted by a gigantic trident,  opened with IOA in 1999.

With the last month of summer upon us, many people take to the waterways for boating and fishing. And in Florida, no matter what time of year it is boaters are out as long as the weather is nice. Always remember to obey "no wake" zones and always discard your fishing line properly. There are bins that are located on boat ramps, fishing piers, bridges and beach access areas throughout Florida.

Monofilament fishing line is ideal for fishing because it's clear and very strong, but it's also very hazardous for sea turtles, birds, dolphins and manatees. DO NOT throw the line in the water after you cut it.

SeaWorld vets and animal care staff have rescued too many manatees and sea turtles who have ingested the line or become entangled and lost flippers. And boat hits are too common and caused by boaters not slowing down in shallow water. Also, animals are attracted to trash in the water such as plastic bags so remember to clean up after yourselves and don't let them go overboard.

How can you help?

• Pick up trash at beaches and rivers so animals don't ingest anything.
• Recycle discarded fishing line in the provided bins or take it with you and throw it away properly.
• Observe "no wake" zones zones in shallow water so boats can avoid hitting and injuring manatees.

On July 13th, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay welcomed a baby white rhinoceros. The female baby is the fifth white rhino born at Busch Gardens since 2004.

For more, visit:http://cuteoverload.com/2010/08/12/that-is-one-big-baby/

It’s the fastest that any Universal Orlando attraction has made it to the million-rider level, Universal officials say. The previous champion was its Simpsons Ride, which opened in 2008 at Universal Studios park.

 Gotta love this happy family/butterbeer shot from Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure.  It’s Holly Robinson Peete (“Celebrity Apprentice,” “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper,” “21 Jump Street”) and husband, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete and their children Rodney (left to right), Robinson, Ryan and Roman.

Over at Universal  Studios theme park, actor Seth Green met up with Scooby-Doo and Shaggy. Green had a role in the film “Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed,” but has also voiced animated projects including “Family Guy” and the stop-motion animation “Robot Chicken.” (Photos by Kevin Kolczynski/Universal Orlando)

Thrillseekers, today is just for you.  It’s National Roller Coaster Day, celebrating when the roller coaster was officially patented in 1898.  (Feel free to debate.)

A little history … the first “official” roller coaster opened in 1884 at Coney Island.  LaMarcus Thompson’s Switchback Railway was incredibly popular -- you could almost say it was the SheiKra of its time.  Although slower.  And not as high.  And maybe less thrilling, but it was 1884.

In 1885, the first “lift hill” was created allowing coasters to go higher and higher, faster and faster, something that continues today.  All gravity coasters, including Manta at SeaWorld Orlando, can thank Phillip Hinkle for creating the mechanism that pulled coasters up an incline.

The oldest operating roller coaster?  That’d be the “Leap the Dips” at Lakemont Park in PA.  It’s been around since 1902.  (More debate, we’re sure.)

If you’re looking for more coaster facts and trivia, head over to our friends at UltimateRollerCoaster.com.

The question of the ages:  What’s your favorite roller coaster at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg or Tampa Bay, SeaWorld in Orlando or San Antonio?  Let’s not forget SeaWorld San Diego’s watercoaster, Journey to Atlantis.  What gets you shaking?  SheiKra or Griffon?  Loch Ness Monster or Alpengeist?  Steel Eel or Manta? 

Let us know!

Now, get out of your chair and go ride a roller coaster.  Today’s the day.

Learn more about the one-of-a-kind attraction Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is creating for next year.  Go to BuschGardens2011.com.

Orlando Villa Near Disney

Our privately-owned high-specification luxury villa is located on a premium corner plot and is furnished to a superior standard. It is provides the ideal location and facilities for a fantastic family or group holiday.
With 4 bedrooms and three bathrooms, the spacious villa accommodates 8 guests with privacy (up to 10 guests can be accommodated by providing optional fold-away beds)

The villa has been furnished to a superior standard – when selecting our furniture package we opted for quality rather than economy.

All equipment has been provided for a fully self-catered family holiday, to ensure your stay is enjoyable and to take away much of the worry about planning your vacation.

The highlight of the villa is undoubtedly our SOUTH-FACING private pool/spa on an extended pool deck.
What better way to end the hectic days at the theme parks than relaxing around the pool, or taking a dip in the spa and enjoying the sometimes spectacular sunsets over the conservation area!
The pool deck area is surrounded by an insect screen and includes a removable safety fence to prevent toddlers straying into the pool area.
We have also taken measures to improve guest’s privacy around the pool area – the corner location and rear buffer zone provides improved privacy over other similar properties, and this has been enhanced by the planted hedgerow around the pool deck area. [PLEASE NOTE - the hedge has rapidly matured since the photos were taken!]
The SOUTH-FACING aspect is of particular importance to our winter guests, as north-facing pools sometimes suffer from being almost permanently in shade during the winter months!

To keep everyone entertained during the occasional rainy days, we have provided a PlayStation games console, converted the double garage to a games room and provided high-speed wireless internet access (guests to provide their own PC/laptop)

Included in the costs of your holiday are the services of our professional management company to promptly and efficiently deal with any problems you might encounter with the villa or its contents. We have employed a small family-owned company to manage and maintain our villa since we purchased it, and we have received very favourable comments from guests that have had reason to request their assistance.

The following paragraphs provide more details on various areas of the villa

LIVING AREA:
The open-plan villa is light and airy, with vaulted ceilings. Being single-storey, the villa is ideally suited for the elderly or guests with restricted mobility

Furnished to a very high standard, the family area is fully-carpeted and includes:
- 2 X 3-seater leather settees,
- large-screen Cable TV with VHS and DVD players,
- multi-CD player/radio,
- overhead ceiling fan to improve air circulation
- casual tables, lamps, pictures, ornaments etc to make the villa a real “home from home”

Patio doors lead out to the pool deck area, and all other areas of the villa are directly accessible to the living area

KITCHEN AREA:
The tiled fitted kitchen is fully-equipped, and includes the following equipment:
- full-size range (oven) and hob,
- microwave,
- large fridge/freezer with ice-maker,
- dishwasher,
- kitchen sink/drainer with waste disposal,
- coffee maker, kettle, toaster, food blender, food mixer, electric can opener, full range of crockery/cutlery and cooking utensils,
- all dinnerware and glassware for internal dining, and plastic ware for external dining,

The adjacent nook includes seating for 4 at the glass-topped breakfast table, with additional seating for 2 at the breakfast bar
A telephone is available with free local calls

DINING AREA:
The dining area adjoins the Family area, and provides seating for six at the quality glass-topped dining suite.
All place-settings and napkins/rings are provided for those who prefer a more formal dining experience

MASTER BEDROOM:
- an African-themed bedroom with large American KING-SIZE bed, drawer unit, bedside cabinets/lamps, overhead fan, large walk-in wardrobe, TV/DVD, hairdryer, telephone,
- patio doors provide access to the pool deck.
- large private en-suite bathroom with huge roman bath and walk-in shower, separate WC, double vanity units, mirrored walls with spotlights

GUEST BEDROOM:
- american queen-size bed, drawer unit, bedside cabinets/lamps, walk-in wardrobe, TV/DVD, hairdryer,
- access to adjacent bathroom with WC, bath, shower and washbasin

BEDROOM 3:
- 2 X twin beds, drawer unit, bedside cabinets/lamps, walk-in wardrobe, TV/DVD, hairdryer,
- access to shared en-suite bathroom with WC, bath, shower and washbasin

BEDROOM 4:
- 2 X twin beds, drawer unit, bedside cabinets/lamps, walk-in wardrobe, TV/DVD, hairdryer,
- access to shared en-suite bathroom with WC, bath, shower and washbasin
- a Playstation 2 Console is also available for guests use

UTILITY AREA:
- full size washer
- full size dryer
- ironing board, iron

GAMES ROOM:
- Pool table, table football, electronic darts.
- Tennis racquets and balls are provided for those energetic types who want to make use of the free tennis courts

POOL DECK AREA:
- SOUTH-FACING pool/spa with extended pool deck, outside shower and large covered lanai
- receives sunshine all day all year round!
- the whole area is fully enclosed by an insect screen and includes top quality pool and outdoor dining furniture
- the pool/spa is heatable (at extra cost) and includes a thermal cover to preserve the heat during the cooler months
- a removable safety screen is also provided to prevent toddlers from straying into the pool area.
- a hedgerow has been planted around the outside of the insect screen – this, together with the corner location, slightly raised elevation and rear buffer zone provides improved privacy over other similar properties.
- the pool area also benefits from views over the conservation area in the West, with the occasional spectacular sunset!

The community and location
The Community:

Highgate Park is a prestigious gated community in a prime location adjacent to conservation area. All construction work on the development has now been completed and the landscaping is well matured. It provides a safe, tranquil and pleasant environment for the villa guests and it is strictly maintained to a very high standard by the Home Owners Association.

The community is completely enclosed and self-contained, and is only accessible by automated pedestrian and vehicle gates, which require security codes to gain access.

Private tennis courts and a children’s playground are available in the community only a few minutes walk from our villa – these are free to use by all our villa guests.

The Location:

The community is in a tranquil location near the US27/US192 junction, so it is convenient for all local points of interest

The location provides easy access to all Orlando theme parks:
- Disney (10 – 15 mins),
- Sea World (20 mins),
- Universal Studios (30 mins),
- Busch Gardens (60 mins).

The closest public golf course is 3 minutes away, and Champions Gate complex is about 15 minutes. There is an extensive range of shops and dining establishments on US27/US192, and International drive is also only a short drive away, also with a vast array of entertainment and dining.

The villa is easily accessible via all local airports:
- Orlando (30 mins),
- Sanford (45 mins),
- Tampa (60 mins).

If you fancy a trip to the seaside, both the Gulf Coast (75 minutes) and the Atlantic Coast (60 minutes) are within easy reach.

SUMMARY OF AMENITIES
Newly built 2000 sq ft luxury single storey villa on recently completed gated community (no building works!):
4 bedrooms (sleeps 8 with privacy, 10 max)
3 bathrooms (all en-suite)
Tastefully furnished to a very high standard
Fully air-conditioning home
Ceiling fans in some rooms
Fully carpeted, except kitchen and bathrooms
Includes spare sets of bed-linen
Includes full set of towels for personal use and for the pool area (can be taken to the beach)
Fully-equipped kitchen with everything for those that want to self-cater
Cable TV/DVD in all bedrooms
Large -screen Cable TV/DVD/VHS in family area
Telephones with free local calls
Fire alarms
Emergency lighting
Alarm chimes on all windows and external doors
Playstation 2 Console
High-speed wireless internet (broadband 2MB/10MB)
Games Room
Free use of childrens play area and tennis court (racquets available)
Private screened pool and spa – SOUTH-FACING!
Pool heating available
Extended pool deck
Covered lanai with ceiling fan
Privacy features – external hedgerow, slightly raised elevation, premium cormer plot, rear buffer zone
Restricted views of conservation area
Fantastic location – close to everything
Peaceful community, located well away from main highways
Secure gated community
Diligent homeowners association (who insist on maintaining the community to a very high standard!)

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Villa Style Orlando

This beautifully maintained home is the perfect place to stay in Orlando.  Why confine yourself to a small hotel room paying hotel prices?  This home away from home is the first stop of your ultimate vacation experience.  With over 2600 square feet of living space, this vacation home is perfect for families vacationing together. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, sleeps a maximum of 12. 5 Star rating.

Villa Style Orlando is located in one of the newest gated communities near Walt Disney World.  Families choose this home for its comfort, space and location.

Villa Style Orlando is also a sought after vacation home because of the extras that it has to offer.

Some of these include:
•Gated community for security
•Grass area for kids to play
•Large deck and pool area
•No rear neighbors
•No roads behind the house
•Affordable
•Large family rooms and game rooms for rainy days

Villa Style Orlando has all of the comforts of your own home including:
•Unlimited long distance calls to US, Canada and Puerto Rico
•Large pool deck
•Grass area for children to play
•Walking distance from playground and tennis court
•Televisions in all bedrooms
•Laundry room
•Air conditioning
•15 minutes away from Walt Disney World
•Non smoking
•Professionally decorated fully furnished home
•Screened heated pool including a security fence
•Gated community for your peace of mind
•Five bedrooms (sleeps up to 12 people)
•Three and a half bathrooms
•Outdoor BBQ grill (free for any bookings of 7 days or more)
•High Speed Internet access
•Games room complete with a pool table, air hockey table and basketball game

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I was delighted to enjoy an adult beverage that was not made of hops and barley at SeaWorld the other night.

With the departure of Anheuser-Busch from the equation, apparently alcoholic choices don’t have to be limited anymore to beer, beer and beer.

For more, visit: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2010/08/seaworld-refreshes-with-tropical-drinks.html

Snails, octopuses and squid are all part of the mollusk family. However, the giant clam takes the prize for being the largest living animal without a backbone.

Here are three more facts about the mighty mollusk.

• They grow up to 4-feet in length and weigh more than 500 pounds.
• They are filter feeders which means they pull tiny bits of food from the water where they live.
• They are protected by international law because they were overhunted for food, souvenirs and the aquarium trade.

You can check out SeaWorld’s giant clams at Manta and Jewel of the Sea.

Giant clams aren’t found in the Gulf of Mexico but their smaller cousins, clams and oysters, are quite plentiful. The crude oil currently in the Gulf contaminates the water they filter for food. Question regarding how these animals will be affected and if they are safe for human consumption remain unanswered.

The replacement was a fajita sandwich: The seasoned meat on a bun with cooked onions and peppers. It was tasty, but it seemed a little strange to call it a “fajita” sandwich without any cheese or salsa. Could they not have some little cups of shredded cheese out to take as a condiment? Or little packs of hot sauce, maybe?

Just a thought.

With the departure of Anheuser-Busch from the equation, apparently alcoholic choices don’t have to be limited anymore to beer, beer and beer.

SeaWorld (and Busch Gardens) have experimented at times with non-beer alcoholic offerings, but in pretty limited form. So it was a treat to find right in front of the Sea Lion and Otter Stadium, a cart selling frozen tropical drinks: Strawberry daiquiris, margaritas and pina coladas. Perfect for a hot Florida night.

Prices were reasonable, too: $5.99 for a good-sized drink. (For a few bucks more, you can get a souvenir glass, if desired.)

Delicious.

Although I didn’t have time to check out other places that night — had to get to all the shows on time! — SeaWorld’s guide map indicated mixed drinks and other adult beverages would be available at Captain Pete’s (in the park’s Key West section), the Terrace Bar, the Sharks Bar and the Sand Bar (where I did see wine advertised on a signboard).

Cheers!

The endangered ducks’ mother abandoned the nest early on, most likely because of inexperience. That’s when Busch Gardens zookeepers intervened.

In another part of the park, a pair of Fulvous whistling ducks were sitting on a clutch of their own eggs. Fulvous whistling ducks are plentiful in zoos and in the wild. While white-winged wood ducks, however, are an endangered species. Found in the wild from northeast India to Southeast Asia, their numbers are declining mostly due to deforestation but also pollution and hunting.

Considering each species’ status, and that the foster ducks had successfully raised three clutches of ducklings, the zookeepers decided to switch out their eggs and have them rear the endangered ducks instead.

The mother Fulvous duck accepted them right away, and both adult fulvous ducks are taking care of the ducklings. All seven remain healthy, and keepers will continue to monitor the entire family very closely.

Their successful hatching brings the white-winged wood ducks population to 122 birds in North America, held in zoos and private institutions, according to their Species Survival management plan. The SSP manager will add these ducklings to the Master Plan to help increase genetic diversity as well as increase the population of this endangered species.

The ducks live in the Kookaburra’s Nest aviary in the park’s Bird Gardens area, where the foster ducks are slowly letting the ducklings have more independence, according to keepers. The ducklings have been exploring the aviary, including the sidewalks and getting close to visitors.

SAN ANTONIO, August 10, 2010 - San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan was recently joined by Spurs Season Ticket Holders Wil and Gloria Drash and guests for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim with beluga whales at SeaWorld San Antonio.

For more, visit:http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/swim_with_tim_100810.html

A three-lap ride-along at the Walt Disney Speedway, plus a commemorative photo, will cost only $58 — normally that would run you $116.50. The catch? You have to buy it today, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11.

But… you don’t have to redeem it until Feb. 12. (After the purchase, you will call the Driving Experience to schedule your ride).

I’ve done the ride-along, and it’s a rush. Plus there’s the bonus of feeling like a real driver when you clamber into the car through the window!

To take advantage of the discount and buy your ride-along, go to groupon.com/orlando. But remember: Act by midnight!

Key Lime Pie Recipe

If you can’t escape to Key West at SeaWorld for Labor Day, you can at least taste the tropics by baking your own island treat. Or, you can enjoy this sweet treat at Cypress Bakery

Pie Ingredients:

3 cups           sweetened condensed milk

3                  egg yolks

¾ cup           lime juice

Graham Cracker Crust:

¾ cup           melted butter

1¼ cups        graham cracker crumbs

Directions:

1. Mix the milk and egg until well blended.
2. Add lime juice to mixture.
3. In separate bowl, mix butter with graham cracker.
4. In a greased and papered 8” cake pan, firmly pack 2 cups of the graham cracker crumbs into the bottom. Make crust thicker around the edges of pan.
5. Pour batter into the pan.
6. Place cake pan in the oven in a water bath (cookie sheet holding water).
7. Bake at 280 degrees for 55 minutes.
8. Remove from pans while still warm but not hot. Chill then serve.

I was there last Tuesday, not the most popular of movie nights, and a friend and I decided to pop in for an 11 p.m. showing of Inception. (Yeah, I think I understood it … but it’s hard to be sure.)

I had a hankering for the AMC’s curly fries; I love the seasoning, and I think you get a generous portion — in terms of movie-theater concession prices, that is.

But I wasn’t sure if they would make them that late on a weekday. Only one concession stand was open and there were just a handful of people buying anything.

The woman in front of me, however, ordered chicken tenders and fries. And it was no problem. Impressive.

We also paid a visit to the movie-theater bar for mixed drinks. The special of the day, a tea-flavored vodka with sour mix was $7, similar to the price of a mixed drink in a downtown club.

And there is something about having hot food and an alcoholic drink that turns seeing a movie into more of an event.

National Lazy Day

Today is national Lazy Day and the sea lions and seals at SeaWorld sure know how to celebrate. Basking in the sun is one of the things they do best. But they don't rest all day long. These gregarious marine mammals love to interact with park guests and will jump up on the rocks and bark loudly for food. Guests have the opportunity to toss a variety of fish to them throughout the day, which makes them very happy. SeaWorld’s Pacific Point is also home to harbor seals, who do their fair share of basking as well.

Happy Lazy Day to all our pinniped pals (and humans too, of course)!

As a child Angela Bowman was an aspiring Shamu trainer but found her calling in SeaWorld Orlando’s marketing department. But, she never lost her passion for animals. While working an event at Discovery Cove she met Owlee, an eastern screech owl that acts as an Animal Ambassador for wild owls, and fell in love with owls. Not long after, she attended a fundraising event at The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey while at the event she learned about volunteer opportunities and signed up for the next volunteer orientation. We sat down with her and learned more about her experience as a volunteer at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey.

As a volunteer what do you help with?

When I first started I cleaned the aviaries and the facilities. Now that I have been there for a while I occasionally help with clinic work like weighing injured animals during an exam or assisting with x-rays. And recently, I was granted permission to start handling the smaller ambassador raptors (used in education programs) which involved the use of falconry tools.

What is the most rewarding thing about volunteering?

In June I participated in a red shoulder hawk release. It was beautiful to see a bird that was sick, strong and healthy enough to be returned to its natural environment. I felt I was giving back to a greater purpose.

Why is helping the Audubon Center important to you?

The Audubon helps educate people and rehabilitate birds. This is important because it help balance our environment.

What kind of experience do you need to volunteer at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey?

No experience required. All a volunteer needs is a good attitude and the willingness to learn. The Audubon Center needs all types of volunteers.

Who do people contact to volunteer?

Contact the Audubon Center at 407-644-0190 or visit the website at http://fl.audubon.org

'Shamu Rocks' ends Sunday, along with the other special shows that make up SeaWorld After Dark. (SeaWorld Orlando photo)

Sunday is last call for the special summer offerings at SeaWorld Orlando, collectively called “SeaWorld After Dark.”

A visit this weekend reminded me that Sea Lions Tonite still entertains.

The show parodies SeaWorld’s shows and attractions.

Best line? “Speaking of cheese, let’s go to the dolphin show, Blue Horizons!” (By the way, I love Blue Horizons — but can appreciate how it’s ripe for parody!)

But the best segment was the spoof of the rather odd A’lure acrobatics show.

The Shamu Rocks show features the orcas doing what they do best: splashing and jumping. It was my first orca show since trainer Dawn Brancheau was killed in a February accident, and unexpectedly I was a bit emotional. The fact the trainers don’t get in the water with the giant creature underscored the tragedy for me, though guests who don’t live in Central Florida probably didn’t even make the connection. They were too busy screaming at getting wet.

I couldn’t face the crowd headed for Bayside Stadium to watch the Reflections fireworks, so I turned toward Manta  and rode that while the fireworks were shot off — how cool to see them light up the sky while zipping along, wind in my face, upside down.

Shaquille O'Neal -- the newest member of the Boston Celtics -- got to feed a real live baby elephant during a trip to Busch Gardens this weekend -- but the crazy part ... THEY'RE THE SAME HEIGHT!

For more, visit:http://www.tmz.com/2010/08/09/shaquille-oneal-baby-elephant-busch-gardens-giraffe/

100-plus pound baby rhino born at Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay welcomed a new baby white rhinoceros on July 12, 2010.

Zohari, which in Swahili means one who is late, is the first calf for Kisiri, and the fifth for father Tambo.

Weighing about 100 pounds at birth, Zohari was born in the night quarters adjacent to the 26-acre white rhino habitat on Busch Gardens’ Serengeti Plain.

White rhinos are a threatened species. Threats to the species include hunting, poaching and loss of habitat.

Busch Gardens’ white rhinos are managed as part of the American Zoological and Aquarium Association’s (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). The plan was created to ensure genetic diversification among threatened and endangered animals in zoological facilities. Zohari’s birth brings the total white and black rhino population at the adventure park to 13.

Tambo and two female white rhino were airlifted from Kruger National Park in South Africa in 2001 through the efforts of the International Rhino Foundation (IRF), a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of rhinos. According to the IRF, just over 14,530 white rhinos remain in the wild, and fewer than 170 live in zoological facilities across North America.

The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund is actively working with groups in the wild to save endangered and threatened species, including white rhinos. The non-profit, private charitable foundation is committed to supporting wildlife and habitat conservation, research, education and animal rescue programs worldwide. Since its inception in 2003, the Fund has donated more than $7 million to more than 500 projects around the world.