Luxury Florida Vacation Home in Orlando near Disney

Joy In The Sun - Highgate Park Orlando

Brand new Disney villa providing luxury, max comfort and relaxation, easy/fast access to Disney attractions and golf courses.

We believe that when you are on a vacation, you want to be away from your ordinary daily stress and the noises from surrounding areas. We believe that you want to feel comfort, relaxed, safe, joyful and ultimately fun! We believe that you want to enjoy the time together with your families and friends and leave a lasting memory for everyone. We believe you want to be in a place it’s convenient and close to major attractions, shops and restaurants; and after a joyful, yet tiring long day in theme parks, you can soak in the pool and spa to relax and recharge.

If you share our belief, “Joy In the Sun” Villa is for you!

The villa (built in 2005, totally renovated in July 2011) locates in a “5 stars” gated Orlando Disney Vacation community – Highgate Park. The villa is newly renovated inside out with brand new carpet, paint, linens, furniture, and appliances. The villa is close to all of the major attractions including Disney, Sea World, Universal Studios, Wet ‘n ‘Wild and Cypress Gardens are within 15-25 minutes drive. The Gulf and Atlantic Ocean Coasts and Kennedy Space Center are only an hour and a half away. There is a 24-hour Walmart store and Publix super market 2-3 miles away for groceries and household goods.

The villa features with the following,

• 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms with 1 King master bedroom suite, 2 Queen bedrooms, 2 twin bedrooms, and 1 sofa sleeper.
• 1 crib, 1 highchair, 1 large sitting room
• 1 game room with air hockey/ping-pong and pool/billiards tables
• A fully equipped kitchen with brand new appliances
• A large private SOUTH facing (keeps pool water warm all day long) heated pool with spa, installed with full child safety fence. Poolside toilet/shower, and BBQ Gas Grill provided. The whole pool area is covered by lanai with extended patio equipped with loungers, table and chairs.
• Laundry room with washing machine, dryer, iron and ironing board
• Hardwood floor through the whole downstairs with open floor plan
• 5 large cable LCD TVs.
• free high speed FiOS wireless Internet connection
• free local and USA/Canada phone services.

We have a Coded Door lock so no need to collect keys from anywhere on arrival and a reliable, friendly local Management Company who is a short drive from the villa, available for any assistance you may need during your stay.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Enquire About Availability & Prices

Luxury Florida Vacation Home in Orlando near Disney

Hibiscus Haven Highgate Park Orlando

Luxury 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom premium home located in the prestigious, gated community of Highgate Park, Legacy Park. This beautifully decorated, fully air-conditioned home offers a private screened pool with spa as well as a games room. With easy access to the I-4 and major roadways, this vacation villa is close to Disney, other theme parks and attractions, world class golf courses, various shopping venues and restaurants.

Hibiscus Haven offers everything you need for the perfect holiday.

The open concept living space has vaulted ceilings and looks out to the private pool and deck. This area includes a living room, formal dining area, breakfast area and kitchen. The modern kitchen is fully equipped with all conveniences including a large fridge with freezer, dishwasher, large oven and microwave. All cutlery and crockery is provided. Laundry facilities, which include full size washer and dryer, are conveniently located in the villa. The villa is furnished to the highest standard and includes cable television, DVD, wireless internet, and unlimited free calls in the US, Canada and US Territories.

This villa hosts a master king suite, queen suite plus 2 twin bedrooms. All bedrooms have accommodating furnishings, lighting and televisions. The master king suite has a huge king-sized bed, en-suite washroom with soaker tub and separate shower, “his & hers” walk-in closets, and patio doors leading to the pool area. The queen suite has a queen-sized bed, private en-suite washroom and walk-in closet. Both twin bedrooms have two single beds with ample closet storage. In addition to the bedrooms, the living room has a queen-sized sleeper-sofa.

The private pool and spa area is great place to relax during your vacation. This area is fully screened with protective mesh to provide a pest-free environment. Comfortable sun loungers and chairs are located poolside as well as a separate table and chairs under the cooling lanai with ceiling fan – a great place for alfresco dining. For those wishing to grill poolside, a BBQ is available for use at no extra charge. The pool is serviced and cleaned weekly, and arrangements can be made to have the pool heated during the cooler months.

When you are not relaxing by the pool, you can enjoy the air-conditioned games room which has a pool table, dart board and cable television.

For guests traveling with small children, the villa has a highchair, pack’n’play and stroller which are available for use at no extra charge. For additional security, a removable child-safety fence surrounds the pool.

Our professional management company ensures that the home is thoroughly cleaned and equipped with fresh linens and towels before your arrival. And, our property manager is just a phone call away if you have any questions during your stay.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Enquire About Prices and Availability

Luxury Florida Vacation Home in Orlando near Disney

Highgate Park - Cape Clear Villa

‘Cape Clear’ is a luxurious Villa, is built on a large corner site,. It is situated within High Gate Park, a gated community, at Legacy Park. A Conservation area lies to the south of the community.

Disney is a 15 minute drive away. Numerous shopping malls, restaurants, golf courses, including the world renowned David Ledbetter Golf Academy are within easy reach.

‘Cape Clear’ is fully air conditioned and can sleep up to 10 persons. There are 2 master bedrooms with en-suites, one of which opens directly through patio doors onto the extended screened pool area. This en-suite contains a corner bath, shower and separate WC. Both twin bedrooms have access to the third bathroom.

The living room opens onto the pool area complete with Spa and extended deck. Ceiling fan and pool furnishings are provided. For additional safety there is a pool safety screen.

The living area is comfortably furnished and the kitchen is well equipped. For your convenience there is also a washing machine and dryer.

High Gate Park is ideally located close to all the attractions Orlando has to offer.

Amenities

This property is located on HW 27, close to the I-4 and HW 192.
The bedding in this home is as follows and sleeps a maximum of 10 persons:
Bedroom #1 One King
Bedroom #2 One Queen
Bedroom #3 Two Twins
Bedroom #4 Two Twins

Living Room – Queen Sofa Sleeper

Also included is:

* Private Pool & Spa (Heating Optional)
* All Kitchen Appliances
*Central Air & Heat
* Full Size Washer & Dryer
* 5 TVS
* DVD and CD Player

The following are to be found nearby:

*Grocery Stores (Publix and Wal-Mart’s)
* Drug Stores
* Hair and Nail Salons
* Dry Cleaner
* UPS Store
* Movie and Game Rental Store
* Numerous Restaurants

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Enquire About Availability and Prices

Luxury Florida Vacation Home in Orlando near Disney

Luxury 4 Bed / 3 Bath Florida Vacation Home in Orlando near Disney

Royal Palms - Highgate Park Orlando

If you are considering a vacation in the Disney/Orlando area with your family and/or friends, this home is the perfect alternative to staying in a cramped hotel room. This fully furnished vacation rental property is located in the exclusive gated community of Highgate Park, which is a part of Legacy Park in the Davenport area of Florida.

You get a spacious house in a well-kept, secure gated community with your own private pool and with all the comfort of your own home at a fraction of the cost of staying in a hotel.

This home is located just off Highway 27 and is conveniently located near local shopping (Publix, Super Wal-Mart, etc.), restaurants, golf courses and the main Central Florida interstate. It is located just 7 miles (15 minute drive) from Disney and is close to all the major theme parks.

The home has a spacious king master bedroom, a queen and 2 twin bedrooms, living/dining room that opens up to the screened pool/spa area and large kitchen with breakfast nook. The pool comes with free solar pool heating.
The house comes with all the appliances including a super-size laundry pair as well as a fully furnished kitchen (toaster, coffee-maker, cooking and baking utensils, etc.).

Our professional management company ensures that the home is professionally cleaned and equipped with fresh linens and towels before your arrival; our property manager is just a phone call away.

This home comes with the following amenities:

• 42” HDTV in the living room with 180+ channels including 50+ HD channels (carried over a fiber optic network). Includes ESPN, Discovery, TNT, USA, MTV, CNN and many more.
• DVD Player
• TV with basic cable in all bedrooms.
• Free high speed internet (Wi-Fi)
• Free unlimited local & long distance calling across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico on a fiber optic line (not VoIP).
• A games room with a large pool table, foosball and air hockey.

Good deals are available for longer term stays of 2 weeks or more.

Please note that no smoking or pets are allowed.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Enquire About Prices & Availability

Luxury Florida Vacation Home in Orlando near Disney

Luxury Florida Vacation Home in Orlando near Disney

Villa Monaco - Highgate Park Orlando

Our Luxury 4 Bedroom Villa with South facing pool is privately owned . Renovated in July 2011, this villa keeps in mind the magic of Disney. Your stay will be a continuous fantasy. Also within close proximity are the numerous attractions that have made Orlando, Florida the vacation capital of the world. World-class entertainment, dining and shopping are all within minutes from your doorstep, yet our villa is situated in a quiet and secure neighborhood.

Extra info : Villa Monaco

• Your children will enjoy either the Mickey Mouse bedroom (sleeps 3) or for the little princesses in your life in their own princess carriage bed.
• For the adults, a very fashion Damask bedroom with a king size bed (memory foam mattress) or let you self go in the Giraffe bedroom with it’s Safari feel.
• You can all unwind as a family in our very well equipped air conditioned Game room.
• Board games, play station, pool table, big air hockey table, popcorn machine, Jukebox (bring your IPOD or MP3), basketball hoops, darts board, etc.
• Brand new front load metallic red washer and dryer will accommodate you.
• Keep in shape while you are on vacation in our private gym inside the villa.
• A high chair and play pen also in the villa along with 2 strollers (one Mickey Mouse and one Princess) that you can use during your stay.

Accommodation and Amenities for Villa Monaco

• Floor Area: 2050 sq. ft.
• General: Gym, towels provided, hair dryer, air-conditioning, central heating, cold water dispenser, alarm clock, telephone.
• Kitchen: refrigerator, microwave, blender, oven, coffee maker, ice maker, toaster, utensils, dishes, pots and pans, dish washer, 4 ring stove.
• Laundry: Washing machine, clothes dryer and iron and board.
• Dining: dining room, child’s highchair, seating for 8 people plus 4 stools at lunch counter.
• Bathrooms: 2 Bathrooms, PALM TREE BATHROOM – Toilet, Tub, Shower, MICKEY MOUSE BATHROOM – Toilet, Combination Tub/Shower , POOL – Outdoor Shower.
• Bedrooms: 4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10, GIRAFFE – 1 King, DAMASK – 1 King, PRINCESS – 2 Child Bed, MICKEY MOUSE – 3 Twin/Double, ZEBRA RELAXATION ROOM – 2 Sleeper Sofa (red).
• Game Room: Video game console and games. TV, pool table, air hockey table, basketball hoops, dartboard, Jukebox, popcorn machine and popcorn.
• Internet Access: wireless broadband, Internet access.
• Outside: Outdoor grill gas, screened porch/lanai, 6 garden chairs, 4 beach chairs.
• Swimming Pool: South Facing Swimming Pool & Spa (with safety fence for the safety of your children), shower & Optional pool heat 25$ per day.
• Suitability: non smoking only, long term renters welcome, pets not allowed.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Luxury Florida Vacation Home in Orlando near Disney

Alba - Highgate Park Orlando

Luxury Florida Vacation Home in Orlando near Disney

ALBA (sleeps 8/10)
“Alba” is a large 4 bedroomed property with private pool,Jacuzzi,games room and free Wi-Fi internet.

There are 4 bedrooms. The master has a king sized bed with a lovely en-suite bathroom. The second bedroom has a king sized bed and bedrooms 3 & 4 have 2 twins in each. There is a further queen-sized sleeper settee in the lounge,if required.

There are two lounge areas to relax in after a busy day at “the parks”,One is equipped with a 52″screen tv and a dvd player. There are further tvs in bedrooms 1,2 and 3.
There is ample space for dining. As well as a formal dining room there is further dining in the “nook” and of-course pool -side.

The pool and jacuzzi has a large patio area with ample chairs and loungers for everybody to soak up that Florida sunshine in.

There is a fully equipped kitchen should you decide to prepare a meal and utility room with clothes washer and dryer to help keep the laundry under control.

The games room consists of pool ( 7feet table),air hockey,basket ball and darts.

The villa has recently been completely re-decorated and re-equipped so everything should be just so should you decide to visit.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Enquire About Prices & Availability

Luxury Florida Vacation Home in Orlando near Disney

Sunset Villa Highgate Park Orlando

Luxury Florida Vacation Home in Orlando near Disney

Bedrooms: 5 Baths: 4.5 Occupancy: 10
Amenities: 2 Masters, 2-Storey, Conservation view, Covered Lanai/Patio, Games Room, Gated Resort Community, Heatable Electric Pool, Free Internet, Outdoor Jacuzzi, South West-Facing Pool

Property Description:
Completed in March 2007 our executive 5 bedroom fully air conditioned villa is furnished to a very high standard, the furnishings having been individually chosen to make it a real home from home. Set on south/west facing lot the villa enjoys an open aspect onto a conservation area, benefiting from privacy, all day sun and superb sunsets. The villa has Free Wireless Internet an extended deck (including bathroom), offering plenty of space for those wishing to relax by the pool. The pool is 30ft x 15ft with a Jacuzzi spa.

The pool is screened for your comfort and a child safety net is erected for your children’s safety. There are table and chairs, and loungers for your use around the pool. The pool area also has a cabana shower, whilst the large lanai offers shade together with light, fan and an outside pool bathroom for your convenience. The pool is serviced and cleaned weekly.

The villa has 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, sleeping 10 people, all bedrooms having Cable TV/DVD units and ceiling fans. Downstairs the villa has an open plan Kitchen, Breakfast Room and Family Room. The Kitchen has a breakfast bar and comes fully equipped with all modern conveniences, oven, fridge-freezer with an ice-maker, dishwasher, waste disposal, microwave oven and plenty of cutlery, crockery and glasses. The breakfast area overlooks the pool and conservation area. Access to the pool and deck area is through patio doors leading from the Breakfast Room. The Family Room is light and airy with a high ceiling and galleried landing upstairs, offering ample room to relax together with a 42’’ inch Widescreen TV/DVD and Cinema surround sound system. There is also a Formal lounge and dining area for quieter seating away from the family room.

The villa has 2 bedrooms downstairs, 1 Queen Room and 1 Twin room. Both downstairs bedrooms have large closets TV/DVD and each has their own ensuite with shower over bath, vanity unit, toilet and hairdryer. The Queen room has the lovely aspect of having patio doors opening onto the pool area.

Upstairs there are 3 further bedrooms, Master Suite, Queen Room and 1 Twin room. The Master suite has a King size bed, TV/DVD, large closet, ensuite with large bath, large walk in shower, twin vanity units, separate toilet and hairdryer. The Master suite has the added bonus of patio doors leading out onto a balcony (12’x 9’) where you can sit and relax at the end of a busy day to watch the sunset. The Queen room and the Twin bedroom both have plenty of closet space, their own TV/DVD and share an adjacent bathroom with shower over bath, vanity unit, toilet and hairdryer. Finally upstairs there is a loft area where young and not so young can sit and enjoy a game on the playstation 2 with a selection of games.

The garage has been converted into a Games Room housing a pool table, air hockey, foosball, 20’’ Cable TV and bar table with stools. The Games Room is also air conditioned. The garage incorporates the Utility room which has a full size washing machine, tumble drier, iron, ironing board and vacuum cleaner.

All bed linen, towels and pool towels are provided. Maid service is available at a reasonable fee. The pool is serviced and cleaned weekly and can be heated during cooler months at an extra cost.

WE HAVE GONE TO GREAT LENGTHS TO MAKE SURE YOUR STAY IS AN ENJOYABLE ONE. OUR EXCELLENT MANAGEMENT TEAM ARE FRIENDLY, AND ARE THERE FOR YOU.

ENJOY YOUR STAY.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Enquire About Prices & Availability

Luxury Florida Vacation Home in Orlando near Disney

House Of JoLiMo Highgate Park

Luxury Florida Vacation Home in Orlando near Disney

Our executive luxury fully air-conditioned spacious 5 bedroom 3.5 bathroom Villa with private pool, is situated on the impressive gated community of Highgate Park at Legacy Park on Hwy 27, Davenport.

House of JoLiMo is considered by many to be one of the best 5 star luxury vacation homes in Orlando in it’s class. The community provides a tennis court and children’s play area.

Our luxury Villa is ideally situated for your vacation, just over 10 minutes to Disney world and in easy reach of all major Hwy’s leading to other theme
parks, attractions, shopping malls, restaurants and Golf courses.

Within a few minutes drive there is the convenient small shopping mall of Berry Town comprising of a Publix supermarket, Applebee’s restaurant, Chinese takeaway, fish & chips takeaway, Indian takeaway, liquor store, pizza store, sports bar, and two Banks. At Cagens Crossing less than 5 minutes drive from the villa on US27 you will find a Wall-Mart (open 24 hours) Chilli’s restaurant.
House of JoLiMo has over 2,637 square feet of luxury living space.

Two comfortable living  areas: the formal lounge area for quiet moments and the family room which has cable television, DVD-players and patiodoors leading onto the pool deck.
4 dining areas; the breakfast nook seats 4 around the table with patio doors leading onto the pool deck, adjacent to the kitchen the breakfast bar seats 4, dining room seats 6 and of course the best of all; outside under the lanai for breakfast on the sun deck overlooking the pool.

The 5 bedrooms
3 of the bedrooms are located on the first floor. Two twin rooms sharing one bathroom and the Master bedroom with a King bed, cable television, walk in shower, tub, twin sinks, and
toilet. On the ground floor are the other two bedrooms; one twin room and a Queen room with patio doors leading onto the pool deck. Both have cable television. Ground floor bedrooms share a third full bathroom with a bath over head shower, sink and toilet.
All bedrooms have remote controlled cable TV and clocks.
There is also a downstairs cloak room with toilet and sink.

Pool Deck
The extended sunny deck houses your very own huge 30 x 15 ft private,
stunning, blue sparkling swimming pool. There are comfortable
luxury loungers for those who wish to relax around the pool and
soak up the sun. For those who wish some shade there is a large lanai patio
table and chairs with electric fan. There are 3 sets of patio doors leading to
the pool area. For security of children there is a child safety fence around
the pool which is removable if children are not present. For those wishing
to cool off without using the pool there is also a cabana shower. For great
outdoor dining we have also provided a BBQ.

The villa is ideal for more than one family with enough space to sleep 12.
There is a full size large washer and dryer for all your laundry needs and an extra fridge for your convenience. The villa also has an upstairs loft area overlooking the family room with cable television with DVD.
There is also highspeed wireless Internet enabling you to bring your own laptop if you prefer. For infants we provide travel crib and highchair.
The modern fully equipped kitchen includes a fridge/freezer with ice maker,
range/cooker, dishwasher, kettle, toaster, juicer, sandwich maker, and
coffee peculator and all crockery and cutlery.

Our wonderful home away from home in the sunshine state is perfect for
your family vacation.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Enquire About Prices & Availability

Luxury Florida Vacation Home in Orlando near Disney

Woodland View Highgate Park

Luxury Florida Vacation Home in Orlando near Disney

Executive class with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 10.

Backing onto a conservation area this fantastic holiday villa provides the perfect place to relax & unwind, to us the owners, the main feature is the larger than average pool facing dead south onto a woodland backdrop, just in case you’re not sure about the “dead south” bit, it simply means the sun shines on the pool all day. Located only 9 miles drive from Disney. Upgraded furniture throughout the villa includes a games room with pool, foosball (table football), darts & internet access. There are TV’s in bedrooms, & PlayStation 2 in one.

The extra large swimming pool includes a spa and extended lanai. Sit back poolside or in the spa & watch the beautiful sunsets & wildlife. Open outlook provides a private & peaceful setting.

Highgate Park is an exclusive, sought after gated community situated on Highway 27 just under 2 miles west of the junction with the US192, taking you directly to Disney. A variety of excellent golf courses are close by. 15 minutes along Highway 27 is Lake Louisa State Park, activities include canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, horse & nature trails. Wal-mart & Publix are nearby.

The Villa

The kitchen is fully equipped with double sink with waste disposal, oversized fridge & freezer, dishwasher, oven & hob and microwave. The washer & dryer are located in a separate utility cupboard.

MAIN LIVING ROOM

Furniture includes two large sofas one of which coverts into a double bed for extra guests and matching armchair. There is large dining table with 6 chairs, and smaller one with 4, cable TV, telephone and internet access.

MASTER BEDROOM SUITE

King sized bed. TV with cable, access to the pool through patio doors as well as large walk in wardrobe and a luxury bathroom that includes garden tub, huge separate shower and his & her vanity basins, with theatre style lighting.

BEDROOM FOUR

Equipped with a Queen Size bed, this stylish suite has en-suite bath and shower.

BEDROOMS 2 & 3

Both share on an en-suite that has access to both bedrooms via an inner hallway, but separate lockable bath, shower and toilet facilities. Both twin bedded rooms are furnished with kids in mind. Bedroom 1 has a Toy Story theme bedroom 2 a mixed theme with Disney pictures and “night owl pillows”

The entire villa is fully AIR CONDITIONED/HEATED and in addition there are ceiling fans in the main room, master bedroom and on the covered lanai.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Enquire About Prices & Availabilty

Luxury Florida Vacation Home in Orlando near Disney

The Zip Orlando course is located adjacent to Green Meadow Farm, but participants must first check in at 4509 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Kissimmee, and then be transported the 2 miles to the eight zips and three suspension bridges. The longest stretch is 950 feet, where zippers are said to reach speed of 30 mph. The highest point of the course is 65 feet, said Laura Ureta, manager of Zip Orlando.

The new course is owned by Experience Based Learning Inc., an Illinois company that designed and constructed the Zipline Safari at FloridaEcoSafaris at Forever Florida near St. Cloud two years ago.

The Zip Orlando experience takes 2.5-3 hours and runs through forest land, where zippers may spot deer, turkey, alligators, cattle and other animals.

The tour costs $95, but a Florida-resident discount brings that down to $75. Zippers must weigh between 70 pounds and 270 pounds, but there are no age restrictions. Reservations are recommended, and they can be made at the website (www.ziporlando.com) or at 407-080-4947.

Meanwhile, Gatorland will open its Screamin’ Gator Zip Line to the public on June 16. Its course includes flights over many of their reptile residents, including jumping Cuban crocodiles.  One link begins seven stories in the air and goes over the alligator breeding marsh. It’s called “The Widow Maker.”

Resrevations are required at www.Gatorland.com or 800-393-5297. Cost is $69.99, which includes admission to Gatorland, which is at 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando.

On Saturday and Sunday, divers will use scuba gear authentic to the times of the TV show in the springs. Visitors in the park’s famed glass-bottom boats will have optimum view of the divers reenatcting knife scenes from the series, which starred Lloyd Bridges as a former frogman.

“Sea Hunt” expert Alex Peirce will display his collection of TV items and memorabilia from the show.

For more information, go to www.silversprings.com.

(Busch Gardens Tampa Bay)

While Busch Gardens has their hands full with new roller coasters this week, the folks at the Busch Gardens blog posted about some new baby lemurs at the Jambo Junction attraction. It’s a cute alert post, and who doesn’t love those.

The newborns (2 of them) are red ruffed lemurs, the offspring of a couple of 4-year-old residents, Maditra & Bozeny, who also have a couple of 1-year-olds.

The lemurs are native to Madagascar, a big island larger than the state of California off the southeast coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean.

Read more about the lemurs and see more photos here.

The night, reserved for ages 21 and up, will also include competitions for NCAA Football 11 (winner gets a $50 Wall Street drink voucher), Pong Toss Pro (highest scorer of the evening gets a $25 Wall Street drink voucher) and Cornhole Toss (also a $25 Wall Street drink voucher).

Admission is $5, but if you wear a school logo, it’s $3. (Free for history center members). There will be a cash bar, plus treats from Jeremiah’s Italian Ice and food from Sauced for purchase. Admission includes a wristband for admission to  Wall Street after the event.

For more information, call 407-836-7010 or go to www.thehistorycenter.org.

 Meanwhile, the history center will be offering free admission to all active-duty military personnel and their families from May 30 (Memorial  Day) through September 5 (Labor Day). The offer is part of Blue Star Museums, a partnership of the National Endownment for the Arts, Blue Star Families and 1,300 museums in the United States.

To find other participating museums, go to www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

Bridgewater Haven - Highgate Park

Luxury Florida Vacation Home in Orlando near Disney

EXECUTIVE PLUS BRIDGEWATER HAVEN
Sleeps 8. 4 bedroom, 3 bath, Executive Plus Villa with extended pool spa deck.Gated community with tennis court / children’s play area. Just 15 mins to the gates of Disney and conveniently located for all the other major theme parks and close to numerous golf courses.

The villa has FREE unlimited international calls, PC/ internet & WI-FI also 47″HDTV with over 300 channels.

Accommodation

Bedrooms:
Bedroom 1: king bed, cable HD LCD TV, walk in closet, patio doors to pool.
Bedroom 2: queen bed, cable HD LCD TV, walk in closet.
Bedroom 3: with twin beds,cable HD LCD TV, walk in closet.
Bedroom 4: with twin beds, cable HD LCD TV, walk in closet.

Bathrooms:
Very large en-suite bathroom to master bedroom. Large walk-in shower and separate bath, his/hers sinks, separate wc.
Front bedroom and bedroom 3 share a Jack and Jill bathroom with shower, bath, sink and wc. Bathroom 2 with bath and shower, sink and wc.

Kitchen:
Our open-plan kitchen provides a spacious and relaxed atmosphere for even the busiest of mealtimes!
Our kitchen and dining area are well equipped with the latest appliances allowing full self-catering facilities, overlooking pool area and lanai.

Utility Room:
Washer and dryer along side each other. Ironing board, iron, washing basket, hoover, brush, dustpan.

Living Rooms:
Beautiful great family room, with 47′ LCD HD TV with over 250 channels/100 HD, DVD Player, large comfy leather sofa suite with coffee table and side tables. Patio doors lead out to the swimming pool area.

Other:
Computer area with stereo sound system and CD’s with comfy chair.

Amenities/Facilities provided

• hob/stove,
• oven,
• fridge/freezer,
• microwave,
• dishwasher,
• washing machine,
• tumble dryer,
• iron/ironing board,
• cable tv,
• tv,
• telephone,
• internet access,
• air conditioning,
• room fans,
• cot,
• high chair,
• private pool (for sole use of guests),
• pool heating

Accessibility
Double Doors to enter the home and door ways are wide enough for wheelchairs and the villa is open plan in the living area.

Outside
Our luxuries pool/spa deck overlooks a grass area with 3 sun loungers and has a large patio table with 4 chairs and 2 foot stools. The pool/spa area has a large lanai with a hedge either side for privacy. The extended pool/spa deck area enjoys full sun. The large patio and table area has a light and ceiling fan, this area is nicely shade. A removable fence is fitted around the pool for the safety of small children. The pool deck is accessible from the lounge and master bedroom.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Check Availability and Prices

Luxury Florida Vacation Home in Orlando near Disney

Color is at the center of the sixth video in our series “Beneath the Surface”.
Reflecting the palate of nature, the colorful “One Ocean” set visually transforms Shamu Stadiumwith the vibrant colors of sea and sky.These colors brilliantly adorn the center-stage set, which is shaped as an 80-foot-wide killer whale fluke.

The window for its debut previously had been narrowed to “sometime in October,” but a specific date has now been given to aid in vacation planning.

“I’d estimate 80 percent of the inquiries we’ve received have been about our opening date,” Legoland Florida sales manager Todd Andrus said in a news release. “Guests are all but begging to know the date, so they can book their flights and accommodations, and purchase admission tickets.”

Admission tickets can be purchased at www.florida.legoland.com.

Legoland is being built on the site of the former Cypress Gardens park. It will cater to the 2- to 12-year-old crowd and their families with rides, shows and attractions across 150 acres.

Construction | Large Map | Video | Complete coverage

We're getting very close to opening The Grand Reef at Discovery Cove in Orlando.  Take a look at this video showing the construction progress.  Vice President Stewart Clark walks through some cool facts about the sand and water being used to create this beautiful new area at

After Universal Orlando’s announcement that it will open a Despicable Me ride at Universal Studios next year, four of animated film’s overalled, goggled, yellow minions led a group of Universal team members in a flashmob-esque dance to “Boogie Fever” Thursday morning. Nearly every ride was represented by dozens of employees in their official costumes.

The walkaround minion characters are fun — and the end of the ride will feature an interactive dance party, so it all makes sense in a theme-park sort of way.

Film producer Chris Meledandri is a fan.

“It has been an extraordinary experience to travel around the world for the last two years around the opening of the movie, with these minion characters,” he said. “I’m generally not someone who loves walkaround characters. But there is something about [them] , whether I’m in China or Mexico City or Detroit, there is something about these minions.

“There is a chemical reaction, whether you’re 5 years old or 55 years old. I’ve never seen anything like it. They’re simple characters, but they have a very specific spirit and it’s very infectious.”

 Read details about Universal’s plans for a Despicable Me ride and a digital upgrade to the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man attraction at Islands of Adventure here.

McGuinn will not be in concert during the June 10 preview event. He will share tales of his 50-plus years in the music business, including his work as a songwriter in the famed Brill Building, his credit on “Ballad of Easy Rider” (courtesy of Bob Dylan) and his invention of the HD-7, a guitar with a second G-string.

The new exhibition, which debuts to the public on June 11, works its way through the history of the guitar with artifacts, video screens, interactive displays and kiosks. Displays will include international precursors to and relatives of the guitar, including the lute (Europe), tanbur (Persia), oud (mesopotamia), Luo nyatiti (Africa), pipa (China) and sitar (India).  Modern guitars also will be on hand, including mainstays such as the Fender, Gibson and Rickenbacker plus loaners from musicians Steve Vai, Johnny Winter, Andrian Belew and Joe Bonamassa.

Scientific and educational aspects will show how vibrating strings create sound, the electromagnetic properties associated with an electric guitar and the environmental issues tied to how wood used in guitars in disappearing with the rain forests.

The world’s largest guitar — 43.5 feet long, 16 feet wide and certified by Guiness World Records — is included in the exhibit, which was curated by The National Guitar Museum.

The event with McGuinn begins at 7 p.m. on June 10 with a cocktail reception followed by his appearance. Guests will have a preview of the exhibit before it opens to the public. Tickets for the McGuinn preview are $50, and proceeds support the science center’s mission to “inspire science learning for life.”

Seating is limited. To purchase tickets, contact Janie Black at 407-514-2272 or email jblack@osc.org.

“Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked the World” will open to the public June 11-Sept. 11  and be included in general admission to the Orlando Science Center, which is $17 general, $12 ages 3-11. For more information, go to www.osc.org or call 407-514-2000.

Dr. Oz is nationally syndicated. Check local listings for air times, or visit: DoctorOz.com

Scheduled performers for Friday, Sept. 9, include  Switchfoot, Dave Crowder Band, Anberlin, Grits, Family Force 5, Rhema Soul and Hyland.

Performers for Saturday, Sept. 10, include Casting Crowns, Third Day, Relient K, Red, Tenth Ave North, Brandon Heath and Live Fish.

Universal also lists a new Fan Zone this year that will include live music from Jason Castro, Dara Maclean and For King and Country.

Advance tickets, available via  www.UniversalOrlando.com, are $46.99 for a one-night ticket and $71.99 for a two-night ticket. Universal also offers a “Rock Your Weekend” option that covers both nights plus three days of park-to-park access at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for $95.99 and a Rock the Universe Express pass that grants front-of-line access to select attractions on an event night for $15.99.

Prices are for advance purchase and good for a limited time.

The events will run late in the day, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., using telescopes during daylight for solar viewing and starry night observation. Astronomers will answer participants’ questions about stars and planets.

A live planetarium show called “Orlando by Night” will be held at the science cneter’s Dr. Phillips CineDome at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The day’s “SunWatch” will be noon to 4 p.m., followed by “SkyWatch” from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting.

A telescope will be given away during the activities. The recipient must be present to win.

The astronomy event is included in regular admission to the science center: $17 general, $12 for ages 3-11. Admission includes access to its exhibits, demonstrations and big-screen films.

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

Note: The Orlando Science Center is in Loch Haven Park, site of the Orlando International Fringe Festival, which will be in full swing this weekend. Build in time for parking and traffic congestion.

The sixth video in our series “Beneath the Surface” focuses on the whales and their trainers. The presentation of these extraordinary animals connects guests to the sea with a new level of energy and excitement, all while educating and inspiring guests to make a difference in this world.

Big Time Rush, a band straight out of the Nickelodeon TV show “Big Time Rush” visited Universal Studios Saturday, where they also had a concert on Saturday. The group includes James Maslow (from left), Carlos Pena, Logan Henderson  and Kendall Schmidt , who play friends shoointg for stardom. The quartet also visited the Studios’ sister park, Islands of Adventure. (Photo by Kevin Kolczynski, Universal Orlando).

Enter Oktoberfest and as you pass by Das Festhaus you see it rising into the sky – the massive spire known as Mach Tower. Craning your neck to see the top, you notice a group of revelers being lifted, spiraling into the stratosphere. Suddenly, in a rush of wind and screams, they drop. So does your jaw.

As the holiday season approaches, the biggest question I get is, "What do you do for the holidays?"  All of the animal staff are at the park 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  There isn't one of us who hasn't shared a Thanksgiving or Christmas with the animals we care for.  Whenever Thanksgiving comes along there is also that inevitable question, “What are you thankful for?”

With The Grand Reef opening soon at Discovery Cove, and all of the incredible things you can do -- swimming with dolphins, hand-feeding birds and snorkeling, we can't let you forget about the amazing food available too (yes, included with your admission!). Laguna Grill's coconut curry chicken is a Caribbean delight with a sweet flavor fused with a dash of spice. This chicken recipe is a perfect dish to liven up your summer. Try it out, and tell us what you think!

+ It’s the final weekend of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. This weekend’s HGTV guest is designer popular Vern Yip, who will speak at noon and 3 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Festival Center. The Flower Power performers will be Herman’s Hermits at 6:15, 7:30 and 8:45 daily. For more information, go to www.disneyworld.com/flower.

+ Epcot will also be the scene of the Pixar 25th Anniversary Weekend celebration. On hand will be loads of meet-and-greet areas for Pixar characters from “Toy Story 3,” “Cars,” “Up,” “Ratatouille,” “A Bug’s Life” and more. Pixar creative types Jay Ward, Jonas Rivera and Michael Giacchino will be giving talks at  World Showplace, the building wedged between the U.K. and Canada pavilions. For more details, go to www.pixarweekend.com.

+ There’s even more Pixar activity over at Downtown Disney in the form of Car Master Weekend. There will be large radio-controlled versions of Lightning McQueen and Mater alongside a classic car show. That runs today through Sunday.

+ Big Time Rush, the musical group featured in the Nickelodeon series “Big Time Rush,” will perform live at Universal Studios at 7  p.m. Saturday. Earlier in the day, there will be opportunities to see a not-yet-seen episode of the show that will be screened at the park’s Animal Actors Theater. Show times are 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. The concert is included in regular theme-park admission.

+ A new big-screen feature debuts Saturday at Orlando Science Center. “Animalopolis” is a fanciful, kid-friendly look at wildlife, including cheetahs, bears, sea lions and the ilk. Show time is 2 p.m. Returning to OSC after  a successful showing last year is “Ultimate Wave: Tahiti” at noon. Films are included in regular science-center admission. Go to www.osc.org for more information and future show times.

+ At Ripley’s Odditorium on International Drive, Orlando’s own seven-time lottery winner Richard Lustig will be doing a book signing and appearing with Ripley’s cartoonist John Graziano, who included Lustig in a Believe It or Not panel. It’s an eclectic piece, of course, with Lustig sharing space with the eggs of a chambered nautilus and Iran flying jets built in the United States.  The event, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m, and open to the public, but if you want to tour the museum, regular admission applies. For more information, go to www.orlando.ripleys.com.

+ Road trip time? Tampa’s Busch Gardens hosts Glory in the Gardens on Saturday, featuring Christian singers Michael W. Smith and Sidewalk Prophets. Showtime is 5 p.m. at Gwazi Field. It’s included in regular theme-park admission.

Kasi made his national late night TV debut.

Jay got up-close and personal with a few owls. Although one had his eye on something in the rafters!

If you didn’t know about the croc monitors markings before the show aired, you do now.

The segment wrapped up with a pair of ‘vocal’ Asian small clawed otters who sure had an appetite.

What animal was your favorite guest on Tuesday’s show? Tell us in the comments.
 

This morning in San Antonio, SeaWorld and Southwest Airlines rolled out the red carpet for a lemur, a wallaby, and Pete a Magellanic penguin (you may remember Pete from his debut at 30,000 feet).

The courses will be located below the first level of CityWalk, next to the AMC Cineplex, and visible from the walkway that connects CityWalk and the Universal Orlando parking garage.

The look of the courses will be inspired by 1950s horror and science-fiction movies. Universal says it has planned elaborate theming for its courses, which will be called “The Haunting of Ghostly Green” and “Invaders from Planet Putt,” which will take players through a flying saucer, into a graveyard, near a giant spider and into the basement of a haunted house.  It will be open day and night, Universal says.

“We created Hollywood Drive-In to be fun and different and something everyone can enjoy,” said Ric Florell, senior vice president and general manager of resort revenue operations. “We used creative theming and state-of-the-art technology to take the experience to the next level.”

SeaWorld Orlando jumped into action on Friday, May 6 when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) requested assistance caring for pilot whales that had beached themselves in a 12-mile radius near Cudjoe Key, Fla. 20 miles north of Key West.

Animal trainer/educator Julie Scardina will explain why the two animals are living together and their impending move to Cheetah Run, Busch Gardens’ animal habitat that is scheduled to open alongside the Cheetah Hunt roller coaster on May 27.

Also scheduled to appear are two Asian small clawed otters from SeaWorld San Diego and some unusual lizards.

“The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” airs locally on WESH-Channel 2 at 11:35 p.m.

American Express Lounge is set to open Tuesday at Universal Studios.

The American Express Lounge is scheduled to open within the Universal Studios theme park on Tuesday, May 10.  The area will be open to guests who purchase a multi-park ticket or annual pass with an American Express Card at the front gate of the park or at UniversalOrlando.com.

The  lounge, located on the street that runs between Shrek 4-D and Monsters Cafe, will give air-conditioned comfort along with complimentary beverages and light refreshments. It will also have a charging station for cameras and cell phones.

The lounge, which will be staffed with a concierge for dining reservations and other services, will be open seven days a week.

Lounge access begins with purchases made Tuesday. To access the lounge, guests need to show their receipt (or confirmation page if purchased online) along with their AmEx card and ticket.

The event will be at Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza, 8031 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando, on Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Near Whole Foods).

See further details (a.k.a drink specials) are at www.orlandosentinel.com/meetup. I plan to be there, so say hello (@themeparks).

However, the “DNA Day” event at the science center will continue as planned on Saturday.  From 10 a .m. to 4 p.m.,  there will be activities, speakers, tours and presentations that explore DNA in the aspects of health, research, everyday life and careers.  It’s included in regular science-center admission. For more information, go to www.osc.org.

Didn't get enough of Cinco de Mayo? Give this weekend’s dinner some sizzle with these not-too-spicy chicken fajitas. This flavor-packed recipe feeds about five people and also makes for great leftovers!   

“Turtle: the Incredible Journey” follows the life and migration of a loggerhead turtle from hatching to maturity and a return to its original Florida nesting grounds. The loggerhead turtle, a threatened species, has one of the longest and most difficult migratory patterns of any marine animal: Sea turtles newly hatched on the East Coast of the United States (usually in Florida) make their way from the sand into the ocean, and then begin a voyage that can span the entire Atlantic Ocean, only to return decades later to that same beach.

The film is directed by National Geographic Explorer’s Nick Stringer and narrated by Academy Award nominee Miranda Richardson. Stringer’s documentary team follows the loggerhead turtle on an adventure of more than 9,000 miles guided only by instinct. The crew spent two years following loggerhead turtles on their trips across the ocean, and have captured on film the remarkable life cycle of a beautiful creature that struggles to survive in an increasingly unforgiving environment.

The film does what our parks have been doing for more than five decades: inspire, enrich and entertain. Helping bring this film and its powerful message of the fragility and beauty of our oceans to the public is what SeaWorld is and what we have always been about.

SeaWorld is a global leader in the care and conservation of endangered and threatened sea turtles. The Rescue Team has rescued more than 1,500 injured or ill sea turtles over the past three decades. The team recently released its 1,000th rescued sea turtle back to nature, and the parks provide a permanent home to those animals whose injuries are too debilitating to survive in the wild.

The film will be released to theaters in both standard theatrical formats as well as 3D in selected locations starting June 24. This is the the same week as the opening of SeaWorld San Diego’s Turtle Reef, a new attraction that showcases this extraordinary species in a 300,000-gallon aquarium with a massive underwater viewing gallery.

The fifth video in our series “Beneath the Surface” takes you to the creative world of set design for the “One Ocean” show.

Cypress SkyCycle is scheduled to open above Osceola County's Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida in July.

An upcoming addition to Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida will have guests pedaling their way up in the treetops. The Cypress SkyCycle attraction will be a ride — picture a reclining bicycle — suspended from high-tension steel cables over forested wetlands and over a pond that’s home to a 13-foot alligator named George.

Cypress  SkyCycle is set to be completed in July. It will then be the first of its kind in the United States and only the second in the world. The ride technology, developed by ECO-Adventure Technolgies, has been used at Hidden Worlds Adventure Park in Mexico for four years. Florida EcoSafari’s version will be a companion for its zipline canopy tour known as the Zipline Safari. It opened in 2009.

“Our goal is to provide our guests with outrageously fun adventures first and foremost but at the same time get them an up-close and person view of this vitally important area that we’re helping to conserve,” Ken Wilshire, general manager of Florida EcoSafaris, said in a new release.

The attraction is still under construction, but the height is expected to be about 22 feet above the ground. The atmosphere should be more mellow than the zipline, meandering through foliage. The experience should take about an hour.

Ticket for the Cypress SkyCycle will be $45. Participants must be at least 10 years old and weigh less than 275 pounds. A combo ticket that includes SkyCycle and the Zipline Safari will go for $120, a $10 savings.

Advance reservations will be required at 407-957-9794, ext. 1.

A portion of the safaris’ revenue goes to support the Allen Broussard Conservancy, a nonprofit group trying to preserve and the ecosystems of Florida’s native wilderness. Forever Florida is in Osceola County, east of St. Cloud, about an hour’s drive from Orlando. For more information, go to www.FloridaEcoSafaris.com.

YouTube sensation Greyson Chance, 13, grabs a butterbeer while visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure on Monday. Chance gained popularity from a video of him singing an acoustic version of Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” at his sixth-grade music festival. (Photo by Universal Orlando)

Australian teen singer Cody Simpson posed with Homer Bart Simpson (no relation) at Universal Studios theme park in Orlando on Tuesday. Cody has recored a single with hip-hop artist Flo Rida (Photo by Dan LeClair, Universal Orlando).

The Friday before Easter, a group of dedicated SeaWorld Orlando team members hosted an Easter party for the children at Arnold Palmer Hospital in downtown Orlando. Kids were able to take a break from their treatments and enjoy a special Easter celebration just for them, featuring some famous SeaWorld characters.

Classic girl group Go-Gos will lead off the event at Music Plaza on June 11, followed by Nelly on June 18 and Third Eye Blind on June 25.

In July, theme-park guests can see Trey Songz on July 2, Boys Like Girls on July 9 and Drake on July 16.

Show times are at 9 p.m. each night. The concerts are included in regular theme-park admission.

November 15 marks the annual America Recycles Day, which brings awareness to importance of reducing our nation’s waste. According to the Houston Chronicle, America Recycles Day got its start thanks to Texas Recycles Day back in 1994.

Chef Robert Irvine, host of “Dinner: Impossible” on the Food Network, prepares fruits and vegetables with his daughter, Talia, while visiting Busch Gardens in Tampa.  They later fed the park’s Asian elephants with the finished products. As part of Talia’s 10th birthday celebration, they also tackled the theme park’s roller coasters with Irvine’s daughter, Annalise, and his girlfriend Gail Kim, who is a WWE wrestler. (Photos by Matt Marriott, Busch Gardens).

The crested caracara is the national bird of Mexico, and with Cinco de Mayo occurring this week, it seemed like a perfect time to spotlight this festive bird.

Kowalczyk released his first solo album, “Alive,”  last year  in the wake of the band’s 2009 breakup. Live catapulted to fame with back-to-back No. 1 albums, “Throwing Copper” in 1994 and “Secret Samadhi” in 1997. Their best-known single may be “Lightning Crashes,” which was released in 1995.

Kowalczyk will perform May 26 at the hotel. Velvet Sessions is a combination cocktail party and lobby concert. Admission is $29 in advance, $35 at the door. That includes specialty cocktails and finger foods from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., when the music (and the cash bar) kick in.

For more information, go to www.velvetsessions.com.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Design & Engineering Project Manager Iulia Lopez Siemen sat down with us to talk about what her role is with The Grand Reef project at Discovery Cove in Orlando.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Design & Engineering Project Manager Iulia Lopez Siemen sat down with us to talk about what her role is with The Grand Reef project at Discovery Cove in Orlando.

The Jazz Lounge will open in the Treasure Tavern space at 11 p.m. tonight and Saturday and will feature Latin jazz percussionist Orlando Sanchez and tropical jazz band Akanagana on stage until 2 a.m. Akanagana was the house band for TV’s “Emeril Live” and can been heard on the Nickelodeon show “Taina.”

A cover charge of $15 includes two well drinks. Hospitality workers with ID or check stub receive a $5 discount on the cover charge.

The address is 6400 Carrier Drive, Orlando, with guest parking on Canada Ave.

  The results of the 25th annual NAPHA Amusement Park and Attractions Survey have been released by the National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA). We are honored to announce we have been voted the World’s Most Beautiful Amusement Park for 21 years in a row. Our commitment to creating memorable guest experiences with each visit to our park cannot be executed without the dedication of our landscaping team.

The film features cheetahs, lions, bears, otters, hippos, sea lions and more, including “scary crabs that hold a town hostage and even attempt to cuddle with children,” according to the science center press release.

That last part might sound a bit unnerving, but “Animalopolis” is aimed at a wide audience, all the way down to 3-year-old moviegoers, who may or may not have an aversion to cuddling with scary crabs. The film’s tone is designed to be light-hearted, told in a rhyming, humorous tone.

Returning on May 14 is “Ultimate Wave Tahiti,” which ran at the science center last year. Exiting is “Forces of Nature.”

All films are included in regular admission to the Orlando Science Center: $17 general, $12 for ages 3-11. For more info, go to www.osc.org.

It’s part of the Polk County attraction’s observance of National Military Appreciation Month.

The offer includes admission to a symposium called “D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy,” featuring World War II veterans, on May 13-14. The event includes an open-forum/question-and-answer session, followed by meet-and-greet/autograph signing session.

Guests must present a current military ID to qualify for the free ticket. The offer is not valid with any other offers or discounts.

For more details, go to www.fantasyofflight.com.

The fourth video in our series “Beneath the Surface” delves into some of the new whale behaviors in the “One Ocean” show.

While caring for both a rescued adult sandhill and an orphaned chick, SeaWorld’s Aviculture team put their problem-solving skills to work to create a successful surrogacy.

+ The Smithereens perform Thursday night as part of the Velvet Sessions concert series at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando. The event begins at 6:30 p.m., with showtime at 8:30. For more info, go to www.velvetsessions.com.

+ HGTV’s John Gidding is the guest speaker at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. He’ll give a presentation at the Festival Center at noon and 3 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Musical guest is Paul Revere and the Raiders, who will perform three shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Show times are 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. For more info, go to www.disneyworld.com/flower.

+ Famed animal expert Jack Hanna will give talks at SeaWorld Orlando on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Catch him at Nautilus Theater at 1:15 and 3:15 p.m. those days. For more info, go to www.seaworldorlando.com.

+ The U.S. FLOW Tour, an indoor-surfing competition, stops at Fantasy Surf in Kissimmee on Saturday. Among the local competitors will be world champions Amanda McCormick and Sean Silveira. Admission is free.  Read more about the U.S. FLOW Tour coming to Fantasy Surf. For more info, go to www.ultimateindoorwave.com.

+ Christian-music group Jars of Clay will perform at Silver Springs in a 5 p.m. concert on Saturday. Prior to Jars, look for performances by Audrey Assad, Derek Webb and Matt Maher. For more info, go to www.silversprings.com.

+ Finally, a heads-up on a last chance offer: Saturday is the last day to buy annual passes to Legoland for $99. In fact, you get more than a year as the tickets will be good for unlimited use between the time the Winter Haven theme park opens this October and the end of 2012 — about 15 months’ worth. Tickets must be purchased online at www.florida.legoland.com.

On Saturday, May 7, author Marianne Berkes will have a reading and book signing from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Berkes, who lives in Hobe Sound in South Florida, will read from her books “Over in the Ocean,” “Going Around the Sun,” “Some Planetary Fun” and others.

Nature is a driving force in her books — the first one, “Marsh Music,” was inspired by the frogs she could hear after moving to Florida. She also emphasizes the importance of research.

Berkes’ appearances are included in regular science center admission.

On May 14, the tone gets more mature with “The Science of Wine,” which will be part fund-raiser, part tasting, part wine workshop. More than 130 wine from around the world will be available, along with food offerings from local restaurants from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Among the wines featured will be Rodney Strong, Gloria Ferrer, Ferrari Carano and Stags Leap Winery.

Interactive workshops will cover topics such as “Appellations, Can You Taste the Difference?” and “The Super Palette — Simple Sensory Evaluation of Wine.”

Tickets are $65 per person. Sponsorships are available from $1,500. Proceeds will benefit the science center’s educational programs for youth.

For more information, visit www.osc.org.

And since this is Legoland Florida, there’s what looks to be a slew of Lego oranges in the works.

The video release coincides with the final days in the park’s initial annual pass plus offer. If you order an annual pass now, it’s good for the park’s 2011 months and all of 2012. The offer is $99 until May 1, when it goes up to $129. You can purchase the passes at Legoland.com.

The exhibit now will close May 30 — that’s Memorial Day — rather than the previously announced May 29.  Here’s a preview I wrote last month for “The Working White House.”

The White House displays are included in regular admission to the history center: $12 general, $7 for ages 3-11. History center hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

Also currently at the history center is “Florida in the Civil War,” which is set to stay at the downtown Orlando museum through June 12.

Performing on May 7 will be Mary Mary, a three-time Grammy-winning duo, and Lecrae, a hip-hop solo artist.

Artists for May 14 will be Michael W. Smith, who has won 44 Dove Awards, and Sidewalk Prophets, a group that won the Dove Award for “new artist of the year” in 2010.

The concerts will be at Gwazi Park, beginning at 5 p.m. both days. They are included in regular park admission, but a V.I.P. ticket that reserves a seat and includes a meal sells for $27.95. The V.I.P. deal is available at www.buschgardens.com and at the Adventure Outpost store.

By 12:45 p.m. Friday, the 1:30 “One Ocean” show had filled Shamu Stadium to capacity. That’s not unheard of at SeaWorld during peak times — the park takes pains to warn guests to arrive at shows early. But what was unusual: There were already close to 100 guests in line for the 3:30 “One Ocean.”

Parking gave a clue at how busy the park would be: I was parked in some grass near the Renaissance Resort. I’d never been back that far, to what’s called the Arthur C. Turtle Lot. Employees directed drivers out of the main parking lot, across the street, past a sign marked “Employee Overflow Parking,” through another lot and then to the grass. A tram took us to the entrance.

“One Ocean,” which replaced the long-running “Believe” show, plays several times throughout the day. On Friday, the showtimes posted inside the park did not match what’s on the SeaWorld website. Your best bet: Get to the park early, and prepare to wait.

"Our parks celebrate Earth Day every day. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens care for more than 60,000 animals, including 200 endangered and threatened species. At the heart of our commitment to these animals is a passion for celebrating and strengthening the human/animal connection. You will see this passion in the stories below, from a new Shamu show that inspires conservation to kids creating eco-projects. This Earth Day I hope you find your own passion and make a difference in preserving the world we share."

SeaWorld Orlando Celebrates Earth Day with New Shamu Show

“One Ocean,” an all-new Shamu show, debuts today at SeaWorld Orlando. The show connects guests to the sea and killer whales with a new level of energy and excitement while it educates and inspires. The message of caring and respect for the world we share is woven throughout the show – encouraging guests to make a difference through their own everyday actions. ”One Ocean” will debut at SeaWorld San Diego in May and SeaWorld San Antonio in June. Read more.

Enviro-students Come to the Earth's Aid

From creating fundraisers to help endangered turtles to designing a “green” river barge, kids across the U.S. are coming up with creative ways to conserve. April 28-29 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is honoring eight groups with a SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Environmental Excellence Award. Each winning group receives $10,000 to fund their efforts. Since 1993 the company has awarded $1.8 million to nearly 160 schools. Read more.

For more stories like this, sign up for SEAmail by clicking here. 

Young visitors to the Orlando Science Center can meet critters in the "Natureworks" exhibit. (Photo from Orlando Science Center)

The Walmart Foundation and the Orlando Science Center will host “Walmart $5 Day” at the Orlando Science Center this Saturday, April 23. All guests to the Science Center on that day will enjoy exhibits, films and live programs for the significantly discounted price of $5. (General admission fees are usually $17 for adults and $12 for children ages 3-11).

“Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are dedicated to make an impact in communities where our employees and customers live and work,” said Rick Tomb, Walmart market manager for Central Florida. “We are very proud of programs like Walmart $5 Day because we immediately see the result on the faces of the visitors to the Orlando Science Center.”

This event will feature Earth Day adventures for the entire family.  Little ones can enjoy eco-activities in the KidsTown preschool area and adults can experience behind-the-scenes green-building tours, including the facility’s new 144 panel solar array and cutting edge new HVAC system.

On level four, guests can indulge in delicious s’mores that they create using solar ovens or check out water-conservation experiments in Dr. Dare’s Lab. Guest artist Dale Wayne will work with visitors of all ages to create artwork out of recycled plastic containers.

In addition, encounter live swamp critters in NatureWorks or test your meteorology skills in the severe weather center within the earth and space science exhibit, “Our Planet, Our Universe.” In between exhibits, watch movies on the eight-story screen within the Dr. Phillips CineDome.

“Jane Goodall’s Wild Chimpanzees” invites viewers to be among the few humans to venture into the jungle to see these creatures at close range.  Chronicling Dr. Jane Goodall’s more-than 40 years of legendary work among the chimps at Gombe Park in Africa, this film immerses you in the world of the chimpanzee.

Little ones can spend time with another curious creature by venturing into the exhibit “Curious George: Let’s Get Curious.” Based on the familiar characters in H.A. and Margret Rey’s classic stories published by Houghton Mifflin, the exhibit inspires children’s natural curiosity as they explore early science, math and engineering through hands-on interactive play. Young visitors will also be able to enjoy exhibits such as the echo tube in “Science Park,” dinosaur fossils in “DinoDigs,” and the live reptiles in “NatureWorks.”

“Walmart $5 Days make a huge impact on the families of our community and we so appreciate Walmart’s support with this event,” said JoAnn Newman, president and CEO of the Science Center. “Families have a wonderful day of fun and discovery.”

For more information on Walmart $5 Day on April 23,  call 407-514-2000 or go to  www.osc.org.

In July of 1989, a young orphaned manatee was rescued near Daytona Beach, FL and brought to SeaWorld’s Manatee Rehabilitation Facility. Weighing only 42 pounds, this tiny calf was named Lil Joe. After hands-on care, Lil Joe would grow to become a special, not-so-little manatee.
 

Florida
On Friday, April 22, and Saturday, April 23, SeaWorld Orlando educators will engage guests with interactive educational experiences throughout the park. Guests can pick up an Earth Day passport at the first participating exhibit they visit and receive animal cutouts at each successive location. Each area has exciting opportunities to learn about animals, ecosystems, conservation and more.

On Saturday April 23, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa volunteers will help Tampa Bay Watch restore oyster reefs on Weedon Preserve in St. Petersburg, Fla.

California
SeaWorld will show San Diegans what the park’s Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program is all about during the 21st annual EarthFair in Balboa Park, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 17. Some of the park’s animal care specialists will be on hand to talk about how SeaWorld rescues an average of 200 stranded sea lions, seals, pelicans and other marine species each year, giving a second chance to animals that would otherwise not survive. The interactive booth will include a game that illustrates how ocean animals get injured by items such as fishing hooks and plastic trash bags and kids will also get to see SeaWorld’s rescue truck. San Diego’s EarthFair in Balboa Park is the largest free annual environmental fair in the world. For more information, visit www.earthdayweb.org.

SeaWorld will join volunteers from all over the county for this year’s I Love a Clean San Diego’s Creek to Bay Cleanup, 9 a.m. to noon, April 30. As one of the site captains of the event, SeaWorld will oversee the cleaning of the Mission Bay-South Shores Boat Launch. Since its inception in 2003, the Creek to Bay Cleanup has drawn more than 17,000 volunteers, who have removed close to one million pounds of trash and recyclables, covering 679 miles of San Diego’s inland areas and coastal shorelines. SeaWorld’s participation is part of the park’s Green Week 2011 activities. For more information, or to register for the Creek to Bay Cleanup, visit www.creektobay.org.

Virginia
On April 22 Busch Gardens and Water Country USA will participate in the annual Earth Day Fair in Yorktown. Participants will learn how to live green and what green initiatives are in place at local businesses like the parks. The fair also features free on-site document shredding and electronic equipment recycling.
 

The baby cheetah and its Lab puppy friend get names (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay)

The facebook poll is closed and the baby cheetah at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and its Labrador puppy friend now have names.

The cheetah is named Kasi, Swahili for “one with speed” and the puppy is named Mtani, Swahili for “close friend.”

The 8 1/2-week old cheetah was born at the Jacksonville Zoo, but its mother was not able to care for it, so it was sent to Busch Gardens for nurturing, and it will eventually move near the new Cheetah Run attraction slated to open with the Cheetah Hunt roller coaster later this year.

Kasi nabbed 44 percent of the 1,103 votes while Mtani received 512 percent of 1,360 votes in the online polls.

Fans also offered their own suggestions such as Sugar and Spice or Will and Kate.

The public was able to view the baby cheetah and puppy for the first time this past weekend during supervised visits in their new playroom at Jambo Junction. The two will live there for the next several months before moving to a large outdoor area near the Cheetah Run habitat and make regular sidewalk appearances as part of the park’s education team.

Cheetahs are included on both the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list of vulnerable species as well as on the US Endangered Species Act list of threatened species. Only approximately 12,400 cheetahs remain in the wild.

Check out Cheetah Run and Cheetah Hunt photos in this gallery.

SeaWorld's "Believe" show wraps up Thursday. (photo by Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)

There are just a few performances left of SeaWorld’s signature “Believe,” the Shamu-starring show that helped raise the bar for the park’s entertainment offerings when it debuted in the spring of 2006.

“Believe” had lofty ambitions to be much more than an animal-tricks show. It had a theme — it was about dreaming and empowerment just as much as getting soaked by Shamu. It had a stirring musical score by Christopher Ward, recorded by the Czech Film Orchestra, and dynamic songs by John Stothers, sung by Nancy Coletti.

Detractors said the touchy-feeling aspects of the show took the focus off the killer whales and put it on the trainers, but I disagreed. I always felt “Believe” highlighted SeaWorld’s pro-nature message of “We’re all part of one big family.”

After the tragic death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau, killed while interacting with the killer whale Tillikum, SeaWorld pulled all trainers out of the water during shows and reworked “Believe” on the fly.

But without the human-whale interaction that “Believe” celebrated, the show’s concept seemed awkward, and it was just a matter of time until a new show was created.

“One Ocean,” the replacement show debuts Friday. But I’m grateful to SeaWorld that it preserved the original show on DVD — and the show’s inspiring soundtrack on CD. Both are still available in the park, and are being sold for only $5.

“Believe” plays at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 and 6:30 p.m. through Thursday, April 21, according to the SeaWorld website.

Participants brought child-friendly, non-perishable food items to help “pack the pickups” that will transport the food contributions to the Home. After the race, acknowledging Dawn’s passion for children and learning, SeaWorld Orlando’s education and pavilion area was named the “Dawn Brancheau Educational Complex.”

For the second video in our series “Beneath the Surface”, we invite you to follow the musical journey of “One Ocean’s” original score.
Music has the ability to bring people together in friendship and celebration and SeaWorld’s new killer whale show soars with a contemporary symphonic score.

So that means the concert by the Beach Boys will be at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, and the preceding parade will begin moving through the streets of the theme park at 8:30 p.m.

The same will be true the following weekend for the 30 Seconds to Mars concert, which will be the last event of this year’s Mardi Gras at Universal.

The events are included in regular theme-park admission. For more information, go to www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

+ At Epcot, the  Flower Power concert series continues with Juice Newton (trivia: her given name is Judith). She perform hits at 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. at the America Gardens Theater on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Meanwhile, this week’s HGTV guest as part of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will be Patti Moreno of “Garden Girl.” She’ll speak at the Festival Center at noon and 3 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, go to www.disneyworld.com/flower

+ Look for Easter-egg activity early at Orlando Science Center, which will have a preschooler-oriented “Eggtastic Easter Workshop” from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday. We wrote a bit about this earlier this week, but reservations are required. More information, go to www.osc.org.

Cats and dogs living together! That’s what Busch Gardens has with its little 8-week old cheetah and a 16-week old yellow Labrador. The cheetah came to the Tampa theme park after its mother could not care for it at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Last weekend, this duo was introduced and eventually they will live and travel together as part of Busch Gardens’ education team.

As of this Saturday, they will be visible to guests at select times at Jambo Junction in the Nairobi section of the theme park.

The park is asking the public to help name both animals through a poll on its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/buschgardenstampabay. I just clicked on the polls and got error messages, but the choices for the cheetah appear to be Kasi (“one with speed”), Matuko (“grace”), Ravanta (“breaker of speed”) and Umeme (“lightning”). Dog choices appear to be Njano (“yellow”), Tiifu (“loyal”), Thabo (“joy”) and Mtani (“close friend”). The polls close at noon on Monday, and the names, which are Swahili, will be announced that afternoon.

This is the park’s first cub-puppy combo, but it says that the arrangement is not uncommon in zoo circles.

“Male cheetahs are social and often live together in coalitions,” said Tim Smith, an animal curator at Busch Gardens. “This social bond will be a very similar relationship, and they will be together for life.”

SeaWorld takes pride in the fact that each and every day our team members come to work, they make a difference -- Jennifer Hite is no exception. Working for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment for more than six years has inspired Jennifer to dedicate her career and personal time to animals.

Its “Eggtastic Easter Workshop,” set for Saturday, April 16, includes hands-on activities, treats and educational moments for little ones.  Kids will learn about eggs and what happens when the Easter bunny isn’t feeling well and just can’t hop to it. 

Partipants will bring home a certificate and a handicraft project.

Workshop hours are 10 a.m. to noon, at which time guests can explore the rest of the science center.

Cost is $25 per parent and child ($5 for additional parent). This is in addition to regular science-center admission.  

Reservations are required and space is limited. For more information, go to www.osc.org or call 407-514-2112.

Tomorrow, April 12 SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove will be featured on the site. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens single-day admission tickets will be available for sale for only $39 each. Discovery Cove’s all-inclusive dolphin experience packages will be on sale for only $175 each. What a deal!

All proceeds go directly to the USTA to promote travel within the United States.

For terms & conditions please visit the links below and click on the 'Terms & Conditions' tab

SeaWorld

Busch Gardens

Discovery Cove 

NASA officials and astronauts will spotlight the accomplishments of the shuttle fleet and Kennedy Space Center workers during a  public presentation at 4:30 p.m.

Also making an appearance: a shuttle-themed cake presented by Buddy Valastro, a baker featured on “Cake Boss.”  Other activities will be musical entertainment by the Space Connection band, face painting, educational activities and recognition of 30-year space shuttle workers. Guests can enter to win a pair of V.I.P. tickets for the launch of STS-135 space shuttle Atlantis.

Tuesday celebration is include with admission to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. For more information, go to www.KennedySpaceCenter.com or call 877-313-2610.

Your vote will help them secure the “Top 50 Shelter” spot needed to be a national finalist. Imagine the good they could do for homeless pets in our communities with this prestigious grant.

Tell everyone you know to vote every day now through April 14 for Orange County Animal Services (located in Orlando, Fla.) or Animal Care Services (located in San Antonio, Texas) at www.votetosavelives.org.

“SeaWorld’s Happy Tails” provides two free tickets to SeaWorld to animal lovers who adopt a dog or cat from a participating shelter. So far more than 1,000 animals have been adopted since the program’s launch! Visit www.seaworldcares.com for more information.

Thank you so much for your support.

SeaWorld parks across the United States are counting down the days to the debut of the all-new killer whale show "One Ocean."  The show connects guests to the sea with a new level of energy, excitement and vibrancy as it educates and inspires them to make a difference in this world.  "One Ocean" opens at SeaWorld Orlando on Earth Day, Friday, April 22; at SeaWorld San Diego on Memorial Day weekend and SeaWorld San Antonio in June.

If you are interested in signing up to receive SEAmail, click here and check out a sneak peek below. 

Letter from Jim Atchison:

Every day in our parks, team members' passion and ingenuity create extraordinary results -- from saving a newborn dolphin calf that would die in the wild to helping scientists better understand the biology of elephants. One of these innovations occurs this month at Sesame Place. They are making a difference for children with autism, making sensory and dietary accommodations so that these children can enjoy the park with their families. We hope to make a difference.  One child. One guest. One animal at a time.

Baby Beluga Saved by SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Website "Sounds" Great

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Unlocking Animal Mysteries

Animal experts at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are working on research projects that will provide valuable information for the zoological community. One project uses infrared technology to determine how the park’s Asian elephants regulate body heat. By documenting how these elephants shed excess heat into the environment at night and how they cool down during the day, park experts are gaining valuable insight into this important aspect of animal biology. Read more.

SeaWorld Orlando Returns 1000th Sea Turtle to the Wild

SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team returned its 1,000th sea turtle to the wild.The team's success rate in caring for threatened or endangered sea turtles is remarkably high. Sixty-eight percent of the turtles brought to SeaWorld in the past 30 years have been returned to the wild after hands-on care and TLC by turtle experts and veterinarians. Each sea turtle was rescued by the staff or brought to the park due to cold stress, injuries from nets, fishing line and hooks, ingestion of trash such as plastic bags, boat strikes, natural causes and, most recently, oil contamination. Read more.

SeaWorld San Antonio Provides Permanent "Roost" For Pair of Resuced Pelicans

SeaWorld’s goal for all rescued animals is to successfully rehabilitate them for return to the wild. A small percentage of rescued animals have injuries too debilitating to permit release. Such was the case for Holly and Flo, two brown pelicans at SeaWorld San Antonio. Both birds suffered from broken wings – Holly’s wing had to be amputated – making their return to the wild impossible. They are now animal ambassadors for their species, helping guests appreciate the beauty and fragility of the natural world.

Conservation Takes Flight at One of America's Historic Settlements

Every year Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s animal ambassadors and their handlers visit dozens of schools, community centers and festivals to educate the public about wildlife conservation. Recently at Historic Jamestowne the park’s feathered friends, including a bald eagle, helped teach more than 200 visitors the importance of habitat protection. Read more. 

SeaWorld San Antonio Provides Permanent "Roost" For Pair of Resuced Pelicans

Approximately one in 150 children in the U.S. has autism or a related disorder. In April Sesame Place is opening its doors to children diagnosed with autism for an exclusive fun-filled day at the park. Accommodations are being made to adjust to the children’s sensory and dietary needs such as altering the park’s shows and offering gluten- and casein-free foods. Read more.

9205 South Park Center Loop, Suite 400 | Orlando, FL 32819
Privacy Policy | © 2010 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

April 2011 Edition

SeaWorld parks across the U.S. will soon debut an all-new Shamu show this spring and summer, connecting you and your family to the sea with a new level of energy, excitement and vibrancy as it educates and inspires you to make a difference in this world.
SeaWorld Orlando launches One Ocean on April 22. 

+ But the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival rolls on. The musical guest for the Flower Power concert series is Marilyn McCoo, who will perform Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre. This week’s HGTV-oriented speaker is Ahmed Hassan of “Yard Crashers,” whose topic will be “Life, Love and Landscaping” at noon and 3 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. McCoo and Hassan appearances are included in regular park admission. For more information, go to www.disneyworld.com/flower

+ Lifehouse, the rock band behind “Hanging by a Moment” and “You and Me,” will perform the Mardi Gras concert at Universal Studios on Saturday. Show time is 8:30, and it’s preceded by the usual parade through the streets of the theme park. All that’s included in regular park admission. For more information, go to www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

+ On Sunday, the Orange County Regional History Center will present Civil War re-enactors who will interact with guests. It’s in conjuction with the “Florida in the Civil War” exhibit, and it’s designed to show the lives of a variety of 1860s people. Plus, there will be desserts of the era. Hours are 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m. on Sunday at the current admission prices of $12 general, $7 ages 3-12, which includes access to all history center exhibits. For more information, go to www.thehistorycenter.org.

The devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Northern Japan on March 11 greatly impacted several zoos and aquariums in the area. The facilities have been dealing with a wide range of issues including flooding, structural damage, power outages, and gas and fuel shortages. Food and drinking water for both staff members and animals have also come into short supply. One zoo, The Aquamarine Fukushima, suffered damage that required the transport of their animals to another aquarium.

Which Orlando park can you find this thrilling ride? 

Meet Project Manager Iulia Lopez Siemen as she takes you through a construction update in this video focusing on the installation of the acrylic panels at The Grand Reef at Discovery Cove in Orlando. 

Who’s the most expensive marine mammal to feed at SeaWorld San Diego? A young, rescued California sea otter (weighing in at 20 pounds) is trying to take that top honor, eating a whopping 6 to7 pounds of shrimp, crab and clams every day. Wow, that’s about 32 percent of her body weight!

Three of the original members of the Smithereens are still with the group: Pat DiNizio, Jim Babjak and Dennis Diken. They are joined by Severo “The Thrilla” Jornacion.

Admission at the door is $35; buying online costs $29. There’s a VIP option available for $50.

Concert time is 8:30 p.m., but starting at 6:30 p.m., there are free finger foods along with some specialty drinks. When band starts, so does the cash bar.

Parking is included with admission.

For more information, go to www.velvetsessions.com.

A video on the SeaWorld blog (www.insideseaworld.com) touts the show’s colorful backdrop (which can be already be seen as a work in progress at the stadium), new orchestral music and new trainer wetsuit/uniforms  that are a medium blue with a printed area that includes details of a whale tale and a line pattern.

SeaWorld has said it is moving forward with plans to have trainers back in the water with the whales, but it has not announced a time frame. Last week, Tilikum, the whale involved with the death of trainer Dawn Brancheau last year, returned to the “Believe” show after an absence of more than a year.

Grammy winner Ne-Yo poses with two  ”Men in Black” characters while at Universal Studios on Satuday. The singer/songwriter was the musical guest at the theme park’s Mardi Gras celebration this weekend. (Photo by Kevin Kolczynski/Universal Orlando)

Ellen DeGeneres taped episodes of her daytime talk show at Universal Orlando again on Sunday. It’s the fifth time in six years that “The Ellen DeGeneres Sh0w” has been produced at Universal CityWalk and other Universal locations.

 The company certainly got some love during the two episodes: All three Universal hotels got prominent mention during pretaped bits as did many attractions at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, including Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (though the name was fumbled repeatedly), Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure and  Dr. Doom’s Fear Fall. there was talk of Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but not nearly the footage seen during DeGeneres’ visit last year before WizWoHaPo had even opened.

Shoot, they even went inside the rarely opened triceratops attraction for DeGeneres and a young dinosaur fan. (“I’m not sure I needed to see a dinosaur peeing,” DeGeneres noted. Me either.)

OK, so we won’t give away too much here, but if you’re severely allergic to spoilers, turn away … now!

Can’t be sure what all will get cut in editing — both tapings exceeded the hour mark. We did hear Duran Duran do three songs for Tuesday’s show and Kelly Clarkson did a medley of her hits for Wednesday. Actually, she did it twice, I think, for technical reasons. Both times the CityWalk crowd automatically jumped and pumped to “Since U Been Gone.” It may be genetic.

For both shows, an Ellen-type game was constructed in the lagoon called “CityWalk the Plank.” Don’t answer the question right? Into the water you go. I was surprised, pleasantly, that both LL Cool J and Eric Stonestreet (“Modern Family”) were game to play the game — and, of course, had to jump in.

In a prerecorded bit for the Tuesday show, the “Dance Assassin” assumed several camoflague costumed (rock, vines, trash bag) and startled theme-park guests (and allowed for more footage in the parks). It’s mean and funny — and worth a haunted-house treatment at a future Halloween Horror Nights, if you ask me.

Spotted in the crowd, down front: Portia De Rossi, DeGeneres’ wife.

“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” airs locally on WESH-Channel 2 at 3 p.m. weekdays.

As always, DeGeneres interacted with the crowd. And there was a lot of dancing.

DJ Tony (far right) had a station above stage level along the edge of the amphitheater, a bit farther from the action than usual.

This is Duran Duran on stage with the Riff Raff-ers before them. Trust me.

Finally, Kelly Clarkson waits to go on — and belt out that medley.

Actress Cheryl Hines feeds a giraffe with her daughter Catherine at Busch  Gardens in Tampa this week.  She’s best known for being in HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and she’s also an alum of the University of Central Florida.

Participants are encouraged to bring child-friendly, non-perishable food items to help “pack the pickups” that will transport the food contributions to the Home that afternoon. After the delivery, Foundation members and volunteers will stay to complete several major projects on the Home’s property.

After the race, acknowledging Dawn’s passion for children and learning, SeaWorld Orlando’s education and pavilion area will be named the “Dawn Brancheau Educational Complex.”

Also on April 16 the Foundation will participate in the “Adopt-A-Villa” program at Give Kids the World. Foundation members and volunteers will spring clean the Foundation’s special villa and assist with the completion of other projects on the property.

Volunteers interested in helping at one or both events can sign up by e-mailing the Foundation at DawnsFoundation@gmail.com.

Dawn Brancheau’s passion for life and true love of others inspired the formation of The Dawn Brancheau Foundation. The Foundation inspires others to follow the principles Dawn held dear: follow your dreams, be active in community service and show compassion to others.

Schedule of Events for Saturday, April 16

Dream Big 5K and 1-Mile Family Fun Walk at SeaWorld Orlando
6 a.m. – Registration.
7:15 a.m. – Race start time

Community service at Give Kids the World and The Central Florida Children’s Home
11 a.m.

The event will include the full show of “A Tale of Two Genies,” a special presentation of the horses and a  brunchy menu with choices including chicken cordon bleu with asparagus and mashed potatoes; quiche Florentine with mixed fruit and blueberry muffin; or chicken tenders with macaroni and cheese for children.

All mothers at the matinee will receive a pink carnation. (I was all set to be snarky and say “but does she get a fork?” … But one of the FAQ on the Arabian Nights site is “Do I have to eat with my hands.” The answer is no — Arabian Nights provides utensils. Who knew?)

Ticket prices are $40 for adults, $25 for children, including gratuity.

Reservations are required. Call 800-553-6116 or 407-239-9223.

For more info, go to www.arabian-nights.com.

Poaching is a serious and growing concern all across the African continent that affects the survival of not only individual animals but entire populations. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for elephants, endangered black rhinos, Grevy’s zebra and multitudes of other species.

 + But if you want to brave the elements and start early, tonight is the Velvet Sessions concert at Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel with Taylor Dayne. Showtime is 8:30, but it’s preceded by two hours of free finger foods and specialty drinks. For more information, go to www.velvetsessions.com.

+ It’s another set of back-to-back Mardi Gras nights at Universal Studios. Along with the usual bead-crazy parade, look for concerts by rapper Sean Kingston (“Beautiful Girls,” “Fire Burning”) on Friday and Ne-Yo (“So Sick,” “Miss Independent”) on Saturday. Show times are 8:30 p.m.; the parade runs just before that. Mardi Gras activities are included in regular park admission. For more information, go to www.universalorlando.com.

+ The weekend’s Flower Power concert features Starship starring Mickey Thomas. Show times are 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. at Epcot’s America Gardens Theatre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It’s part of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. The HGTV personality making appearances at the Festival Center will be Taniya Nayak from “Designed to Sell.” Her topic will be “Adding Value to Your Home Without Breaking the Bank,” and she’ll speak at noon and 3 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The concert and speeches are included in regular park admission. For more information, go to www.disneyworld.com/flower.

+ Puerto Rican singer Ednita Nazario puts the exclamation point on SeaWorld Orlando’s Viva La Musica on Saturday. It’s the last day of the Latin cuisine and culture event, which begins at noon. Narazio goes on stage at Bayside Stadium at 3 p.m. Viva La Musica is included in regular park admission. For more info, go to www.seaworldorlando.com.

+ Ellen DeGeneres returns to Universal CityWalk to tape two episodes of her talk show, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” on Sunday. All tickets for seating have been distributed already, but the public can still participate in the Riff Raff Street Party up on the plaza level. (That view is usually pretty good for the musical artists, which have typically performed on a stage up near the CityWalk clubs.) The noon taping will feature LL Cool J, a performance by Duran Duran and an appearance by the Dance Assassin (a.k.a. Robert Hoffman). The 3 p.m. taping will include a performance by Kelly Clarkson and an appearance by Eric Stonestreet of “Modern Family.” Hanging with the Riff Raff is free, but be prepared to pay for parking in Universal’s mega-garage. I’ll be Tweeting from the “Ellen” tapings. Follow me at www.twitter.com/themeparks.