By Andy Guinigundo Nashville, Tenn. – Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Company and Gaylord Entertainment have entered into what is referred to as a “memorandum of understanding”. This initial formal agreement discusses the intent of Dollywood and Gaylord to enter into a 50/50 partnership to develop a 105-acre family entertainment zone adjacent to the Gaylord Opryland Resort [...]

Join hosts Heather Leonardi and Ali Flores for this week’s Orlando-area theme park and attraction news. On this week’s Show: • Phineas & Ferb Facebook contest: • NASA groundbreaking for space shuttle display • News in the Queue: Beards allowed for cast at Disney; Entertainment Designer Forum; Braves spring training at Disney; Universal hiring; Legoland [...]

By Andy Guinigundo With a month of 2012 under our belts, I can’t help but be excited for the coming attractions season. There are several high profile, high-dollar attractions opening. Additionally, there are many new coasters being introduced this year including a new-to-North America coaster. Here are some of the attractions I am most anticipating [...]

By Andy Guinigundo Carlsbad, Calif. – Last year marked the eighth straight year of increased attendance at Legoland California and a double digit increase at that over 2010. On the strength of those numbers, Legoland California has decided to put a multi-million dollar investment into the park. Legoland California General Manager Pete Ronchetti attributes the [...]

Join hosts Heather Leonardi and Jeanette Cause for this week’s Orlando-area theme park and attraction news. On this week’s Show: • President Obama visits Disney World • News in the Queue: 2012 Disney Mom’s Panel; New Epcot books; Legoland’s 2012 events • SeaWorld’s TurtleTrek peek • Construction tour of Legoland’s upcoming water park • Universal [...]

A brand new parade and nighttime fountain show are just two of the new things guests will find at Universal Orlando this year as they celebrate 100 years of Universal movies. Also announced today are the opening times for their new Dispicable Me attraction and their upgraded Spider-Man ride, plus a new show for the [...]

New features and areas of expertise are now available to those seeking wisdom from the Walt Disney World Moms Panel. New in 2012, panel members will be able to receive and answer guests’ questions in Spanish as well as English. This year also marks the first-ever Disneyland Resort and runDisney Specialists on the site. Introduced [...]

By Anthony Armenia The Festival of Chocolate was held at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa this past weekend. It is the largest chocolate themed event in the southeast. The event will be in Orlando from April 27 through 29 at the UCF Arena. We were there yesterday to check it all [...]

The first buds of spring were spotted this weekend on some of the flowering trees in the parks. The Tabebuia trees, like seen above, are among the first to flower each year. Their yellow, pink and purple colors are spectacular! Here’s video and photos about where to look over the next several weeks for some [...]

This week’s theme park and Orlando attractions news brought to you by hosts A. Ali Flores and Heather Leonardi. This week on The Show: • Jaws’ last ride at Universal Studios • News in the Queue: Universal Passholder Appreciation Month; Disney marathon; Redesigned Test Track • Exclusive Ripley’s Believe It or Not warehouse tour • [...]

By Andy Guinigundo My “true love” in the world of attractions emanates from all things Central Florida. I love the sun and weather. I love Universal’s Islands of Adventure and the wizards and witches that reside there. I love Shamu, Clyde and Seymour. I love the “four parks, one world” of Disney. In a way, [...]

The House of Presidents in Clermont, Fla. (just outside Orlando) has a beautifully detailed model of the White House. The model is currently decorated for Christmas, and it may be something interesting to see during the holiday week. The model is often on loan. It returned to display in Clermont on July 2. It …

This week’s holiday theme park and attraction news is brought to you by hosts Mike Carr and Heather Leonardi. In this episode: • Epcot Candlelight Processional • News in the Queue: Bands, Brew & BBQ; Four Seasons at Disney World; Kids fest at SeaWorld; Universal construction updates • Now Snowing Nightly in Celebration • Travel [...]

One of the comments we hear most often is that you love our magazine, website, videos and show because they help bring you away from your daily lives and into the theme parks. With that in mind, we’re always looking at the latest technology that will help us immerse you even more. Below are links [...]

By Andy Guinigundo The days following Thanksgiving each year mark the time when the Christmas season begins full-force. The Monday following Thanksgiving, Legoland California had its annual first lighting ceremony for the largest Lego Christmas Tree in the world. While Legoland Florida celebrates its first Christmas, Legoland California wraps up 12 seasons with its 9th [...]

Orlando Balloons Rides added another balloon to its fleet today. But it’s not just another hot air balloon. This balloon is 11 stories high when fully inflated and carries up to 24 passengers. It’s the largest hot air balloon in the U.S. Contest winners and military combat veterans took the inaugural flight from the Reunion [...]

Not many details have been announced yet, but Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts have announced a ‘Significant expansion’ for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. The Universal Studios Hollywood park in California will also be getting its own Wizarding World of Harry Potter. “We are thrilled to be able [...]

This December the Lowry Park Zoo will transform into a Wild Wonderland. Guests will be able to enjoy festive holiday music, lights, unlimited Zoo rides and real reindeer. Special holiday hours will be from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 3, 9-11, 16-23, and 26-31. Holiday décor will light up the Zoo’s pathways. The castle [...]

Join hosts Banks Lee and Lulu Picart at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for this week’s theme park and attraction news. On this week’s episode: • A look at Busch Gardens Christmas decorations • News in the Queue: History Center’s Universal exhibit; Sum of All Thrills; Legoland and SeaWorld Christmas; Drip • Busch Gardens’ Christmas Celebration [...]

D23, the official Disney fan club, has announced events for 2012. Over the year, there will be many opportunities to celebrate Disney magic at various locations around the U.S. Orlando events are scheduled for October and December of 2012. “Sip & Scream” will replace D23’s “Sip & Stroll” event at Epcot’s International Food and Wine [...]