On Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 1:30 p.m., the Great Wheel Corporation, an international company headquartered in Singapore, Richard Crotty, Orange County Mayor, and Gary Sain, president & CEO, Orlando Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, will be announcing what will become an international icon that will reshape the skyline and tourism in Central Florida.

Orlando is the North American site for this new landmark, joining the ranks of gateway cities around the globe, including Beijing, Singapore, Berlin and Dubai.Project renderings will be made available at that time. The official site for the Orlando Great Wheel is located at http://www.greatwheel.com/orlando.htm, where renderings of similar giant wheels from around the world can be seen.

The Great Wheel is essentially a giant Ferris wheel, holding around 40 passengers per car and with a height over over 200 meters. No word as to the exact specifications of the Orlando Great Wheel just yet.

UPDATE: Orlando Attractions Magazine reader Ron Meissner sent us this link to the Orange County Property Appraiser’s web site showing the location of where the Great Wheel will be built, just northwest of SeaWorld, east of I-4, south of the Beachline Expressway (528), and west of International Drive. From that location, passengers aboard the Great Wheel will get a fantastic view of some of Orlando’s most fun attractions.

Related Posts:

None Found

Wet ‘n Wild will host its 9th Annual Fiesta San Juan this Saturday. The party starts at noon with activities for the entire family and continues until midnight when guests can honor the tradition of “The Night of San Juan” by taking a big splash in the water at midnight. There will be food, live music and dancing with Telemundo, Mega 98.1 and El Nuevo Dia.

There will be live performances by Catherine, Grupo Kompas, Kalcomania & Cuco Reyes y su Orquesta Vibración.

A limited number of advance, discounted admission tickets are available for $32. Advance tickets can be purchased online. Florida resident, afternoon discount and other discount ticket offers will not be valid for admission on this special event day. Comp tickets are not valid for admission on June 21, except for Fiesta San Juan specific comps.

Related Posts:

None Found

Celebration, Fla.’s “A Flashback 4th of July” will be an All-American Celebration set to a Big Band Era theme. Celebration was modeled to resemble a small southeastern town with pre-1940’s architecture; the perfect setting for a Big Band Era inspired event.

Join Michael Andrew & The Atomic Big Band, along with the Swing Knights, a collegiate swing club, for a good time for the whole family to enjoy, including a themed fireworks spectacular.

Parking and Admission are free.

Schedule:
9 a.m. – July 4th Parade

5 p.m. – Free Park and Ride Shuttle Service Begins; Event Opens/Tami DJ opens

7 to 9 p.m. – Michael Andrew & The Atomic Big Band Perform; Swing Knight Dance Teams Perform

9 p.m. – Fireworks Spectacular

9:30 to 11 p.m. – Michael Andrew & The Atomic Big Band Perform

7 to 11 p.m. – Swing Knight Dance Teams Perform

Related Posts:

None Found

Universal Orlando is offering guests three ways to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.

Universal 360:
Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular, is a high-tech lagoon show at Universal Studios featuring famous scenes from more than 100 Universal Pictures films. The show uses four-story-tall, 360-degree projection “cinespheres,” original music, outdoor speakers, lasers and pyrotechnic effects to place guests in the center of their favorite films. The Fourth of July Cinesphere show will also feature a special, high-tech, patriotic finale, complete with a dazzling fireworks display. The show begins at 10 p.m.
Fireworks will no longer be visible from CityWalk or Universal’s Islands of Adventure because of the development of new attractions underway across areas of the resort previously used to support fireworks displays.

Islands of Adventure:
Islands of Adventure will remain open extra hours on July 4. The park will be open until 11 p.m.

CityWalk:
A live band and street performers will perform at an All-American Barbecue Celebration at CityWalk from 5 to 9 p.m.

Related Posts:

None Found

A popular July 4th tradition at Walt Disney World Resort will continue this year as star-spangled salutes to America’s independence are presented all across the World.

Magic Kingdom:
A Fourth of July “Concert in the Sky” will light up the night at Magic Kingdom in honor of Independence Day. Featuring a display of aerial fireworks, pyrotechnic effects and music, the show, entitled “Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” is a tribute to the United States, its people and traditions. The special show is scheduled for 9 p.m.

Epcot:
A holiday-inspired finale will be added to Epcot’s nightly fireworks, “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.” The park’s American Adventure pavilion also will feature enhanced entertainment throughout the day, with visits from historic characters who will share their stories. American Adventure also will feature additional performances of its signature musical group, Voices of Liberty, performing patriotic classics.

Hollywood Studios:
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will present a special July 4th fireworks show at 9 p.m., with skyrockets and patriotic music filling the air.

Downtown Disney:
Downtown Disney will present July 4th fireworks at 10:30 p.m.

Related Posts:

None Found

Toy Story Midway Mania officially opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 15, 2008. The press event included an abridged Block Party Bash parade performance and an introduction to the attraction by Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton. It’s a ride that’s a game and a game that’s a ride… or so Mr. Potato Head tells us. Visit Toy Story Midway Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with our look at the press event, queue and attraction, complete with interviews with some of Disney’s Imagineers.

Toy Story Midway Mania Press Event:
DOWNLOAD VIDEO – HIGHEST-QUALITY, 960×540 High-Definition, 233mb
DOWNLOAD VIDEO – MEDIUM-QUALITY, 640×360 iPod & iPhone Compatible MP4, 136mb
WATCH NOW – LOWER-QUALITY via YouTube

Toy Story Midway Mania Queue, Attraction/Ride, and Interviews:
DOWNLOAD VIDEO – HIGHEST-QUALITY, 960×540 High-Definition, 61mb
DOWNLOAD VIDEO – MEDIUM-QUALITY, 640×360 iPod & iPhone Compatible MP4, 36mb
WATCH NOW – LOWER-QUALITY via YouTube

Read Issue 4 of Orlando Attractions Magazine for more in-depth information about Toy Story Midway Mania!

Check out more videos from around Orlando and beyond on our Videos page.

Related Posts:

None Found

The Simpsons Ride officially opened at Universal Studios Orlando on May 15, 2008. This video features the entire opening ceremony, a view of the exterior and queue, a clip from the ride, and an interview with Executive Producer at Universal’s Creative Studio Mike West.

The Simpsons Ride Queue, Attraction, and Interview with Executive Producer Mike West:
DOWNLOAD VIDEO – HIGH-QUALITY, 960×540 High-Definition, 217mb
DOWNLOAD VIDEO – MEDIUM-QUALITY, 640×360 iPod & iPhone Compatible MP4, 147mb
WATCH NOW – LOWER-QUALITY via YouTube

Don’t miss Issue 2 and Issue 4 of Orlando Attractions Magazine for more in-depth information about The Simpsons Ride!

Check out more videos from around Orlando and beyond on our Videos page.

Related Posts:

None Found

The 7th annual Face and Body Art International Convention was held from May 21-25, 2008 at the Doubletree hotel in Orlando, FL.

Face and Body Art International Convention 2008:
DOWNLOAD VIDEO – HIGH-QUALITY, 960×540 High-Definition MP4, 18mb
DOWNLOAD VIDEO – MEDIUM-QUALITY, 640×360 iPod & iPhone Compatible MP4, 12mb
WATCH NOW – LOWER-QUALITY via YouTube

For high-resolution photos from the event, visit our Photo Gallery.

Related Posts:

None Found

Next Tuesday, June 24, the Nick Hotel will hold the grand opening of a brand new 4-D theater. In partnership with SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment, the 4-D Experience will offer a variety of shows for all ages, and will allow viewers to experience wind, water, bubbles, scents and much more while journeying along with the likes of SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Starfish in their new state-of-the-art theater.

Hotel guests will delight in swimming along with SpongeBob as he searches for a runaway pickle in his desperate quest to make the perfect Krabby Patty. For more adventurous spirits, an extreme log ride in 4-D is just the ticket followed by a trek through a 4-D Funhouse with surprises around every corner. Even the ‘tweens may enjoy nightly shows that include a 4-D Dinosaur spectacular or a trip to the Deep Sea in 4-D. Pricing begins at $9.95 for one experience, $12.95 for two experiences and $14.95 for three experiences.

No Nickelodeon experience would be complete without slime, and the new theater delivers. Guests will experience a virtual sliming during each main film.

“This new 4-D Experience will make a wonderful addition to the Nickelodeon Family Suites in Orlando.” Fidel Hinojosa, vice president of operations explained. “SpongeBob SquarePants and the 4-D Experience are a natural fit for our world-class family hotel. We know this magical attraction will keep families entertained and laughing for years to come.”

Nick Hotel was featured as the Resort Report in issue one of Orlando Attractions Magazine.

For pictures from the resort, visit our photo gallery.

Visit the Nick Hotel 4-D Experience Web page for a video preview.

For reservations at the Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn, visit www.nickhotel.com or call 1-877-NICK-KID.Check our blog for photos and more from the grand opening Orange Carpet event on the 24th.

UPDATE: We’ve posted more information and a video from the grand opening celebration of the 4-D Experience here.

Related Posts:

None Found

Here’s a quick photo update of the T-Rex restaurant being built at Downtown Disney:

The building is starting to take on its full exterior shape, complete with snowy mountains. The restaurant is due to open later this year.

Related Posts:

None Found

The Sesame Street characters have returned to SeaWorld for the summer with “Breakfast with Elmo and Friends” and an all-new “Elmo and Abby’s Treasure Hunt” musical production. Throughout the day, guests will also enjoy special character connection opportunities to meet their favorite Sesame Street friends for photographs.

Breakfast with Elmo and Friends is offered daily at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The breakfast features a buffet served-up with Elmo, Big Bird, Grover, Zoe, Ernie and Cookie Monster. Prices are $16.95 plus tax for adults and $14.95 for children (ages 3-9). Children under 3 are free. Reservations are required.

Sesame Street’s newest neighbor, Abby Cadabby, is the star of a new musical show featuring Elmo, Cookie Monster, Rosita and Grover. Running through Sept. 1, Abby and her Sesame pals will embark on a treasure hunt adventure as they search for clues to open a talking treasure trunk. Along the way, they’ll encounter a singing tree, a rhyming rock, a shouting toucan and more. As they find the clues to unlock the trunk, they explore their treasures and open their minds to a world of imagination.

The characters and show are part of a long-term relationship between Sesame Workshop and the Worlds of Discovery parks operated by Busch Entertainment Corporation, the family entertainment division of Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.

Related Posts:

None Found

Get the family together and groove along with classic rock tunes during the Sounds Like Summer concert series at Epcot. Featuring a lineup of rockin’ bands covering timeless tunes like “Dancing Queen” by ABBA and “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, the Sounds Like Summer concerts take place daily through July 10.

All concerts are at the America Gardens Theatre, at 5:45, 7 and 8 p.m., and are included with regular Epcot admission. The lineup for June (subject to change):

June 9-15 – 2U – A Tribute to U2
June 16-22 – Stayin’ Alive – A Tribute to the Bee Gees
June 23-29 – Hotel California – Eagles Tribute Band
June 30-July 10 – Bjorn Again – ABBA Tribute Band

For more information about the Sounds Like Summer concert series, call 407-W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com.

Related Posts:

None Found

Due the success of the History Center’s first Retro Game Night on March 14, the museum is bringing the event back from 7 to 11 p.m. tomorrow night. Retro Game Night is being held in conjunction with the Kid Stuff: Great Toys from Our Childhood exhibit.
Editor’s Note: The exhibit is gone, but Retro Night lives on. (See pictures of the exhibit in our Photo Gallery and a video here.)

Retro Game Night features an array of classic board and video games set up throughout the museum. Retro attire is encouraged — players can dress up in the hottest look from their favorite decade, bring friends and make new ones, and get down with an old-fashioned game.

Board games include (subject to change): Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Connect Four, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Mystery Date, Scrabble, Twister, Uno, Yahtzee, and more. Video games include (subject to change): Donkey Kong, Centipede and Space Invaders.

Sunny 105.9 FM will set the mood with the “greatest hits” of past decades. The “totally awesome” evening also includes free nostalgic treats and a beer and wine cash bar.

Admission to Retro Game Night is $5 cash at the door and free for members. The Orange County Regional History Center is located at 65 East Central Blvd., at the corner of Magnolia Avenue in downtown Orlando. Call (407) 836-8580 or visit www.thehistorycenter.org for more information.

Related Posts:

None Found

The baby wallaby at Cypress Gardens is growing up and getting stronger. In the future people will be able to visit her at Nature’s Way at the park. However, one important part of her is missing – her name! Cypress Gardens is running a “Name the Baby Wallaby” contest through June 30. The person who provides the winning name will receive a family four pack of tickets to Cypress Gardens.

For unknown reasons the young joey emerged from two-year-old Bela’s pouch, her mother who is also an albino wallaby, on April 19, much sooner than expected. Instead of the seven to eight months a joey would normally stay in the mothers pouch, the new young wallaby was only in the pouch four months. The baby wallaby was hand fed every three hours and closely watched by Cypress Gardens’ Animal Care Supervisor, Jessica Bond and her staff. She weighed less than a pound when she was born.

You can enter the naming contest by emailing your full name, phone number and suggested baby girl name to contest@cypressgardens.com or mail the required information to Attn: Haley Kish 6000 Cypress Gardens Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33884. All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on June 30. The winner will be contacted by phone.

Cypress Gardens is located in Winter Haven, Fla. four miles west of SR 27 on Cypress Gardens Boulevard. For more details visit www.cypressgardens.com or call 863-324-2111.

Related Posts:

None Found

The annual Star Wars Weekends event kicked off on June 6, 2008 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Just before noon, characters from the Star Wars universe paraded through the streets of the theme park along with Star Wars film stars Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett), Daniel Logan (young Boba Fett) and Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok).

Following the parade, the stars and characters gathered on a stage outside the Star Tours attraction for a photo opportunity.

Here’s a complete video of today’s parade and photo gathering: [Read more...]

Click here to continue reading Star Wars Weekends 2008 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios…

Related Posts:

None Found

A virtual version of Walt Disney World has launched today on Google Earth, featuring 3D buildings of most of the major points on Walt Disney World property, including attractions and resorts.

To enjoy the virtual Walt Disney World, download Google Earth here and navigate to nearly any area throughout the resort.

Not only can you see what different areas of the parks and resorts look like, but you can also click on them to find out more information, watch a video, and even book a trip.

Here’s a look at what the virtual version of The Haunted Mansion looks like:

[Read more...]

Click here to continue reading Virtual Walt Disney World Launches on Google Earth…

Related Posts:

None Found

Editor’s Note: Deborah Brauser did an excellent job on her cover story (Toy Story Midway Mania) for the current issue of Orlando Attractions Magazine. Below are her first-hand thoughts of the ride that we didn’t have room for in the magazine.

From entering “Andy’s bedroom” all the way through playing the carnival games, the new Toy Story Midway Mania attraction really is the immersive experience Disney hoped for. The main queue looks amazing as I wander through bright and shiny toys from my childhood. The two young boys with me (ages 6 and 10) don’t recognize some of the toys, but can’t stop smiling the entire time they wait in line.

The most enjoyable part of the room, however, is Mr. Potato Head. His booming voice can be heard before you even see him and you quickly realize that he’s not just spouting random lines, but seems to be actually interacting with guests. As I’m looking around the many room details and half-listening to him finish up a song, he suddenly turns his big eyes my way and tells me to pay attention when I don’t move up in line. Later, he calls some children behind me, “Small Fries.” We are charmed – and even want to hang around a little longer with the big guy, especially after he takes off his own ear, tells a goofy groaner of a joke, and puts it back on. But it’s time to move on to the real star of the attraction – the ride.

In the loading area, I first ride with the 6-year-old and am delighted to see that the spring-action shooters are very easy for both of us. I had heard that the ride moves fast and even spins, and I’m a little nervous at first. Soon I realize, though, that it’s just a quick half-circle spin that turns the cars towards each screen wall of game play. No motion sickness with this ride at all.

As for the carnival games, I instantly see that they’re not mere video games that we go through, and we don’t just shoot at plain, flat targets. Instead, we virtually break moving plates, throw darts at balloon animals, and even toss rings at and over aliens. I also get hit with a small burst of air after throwing a ring over a high-scoring rocket ship, causing it to blast off. It’s all loud and very fast-paced.

With each game’s hosts (my personal favorite was Jessie the Cowgirl) cheering and shouting words of encouragement, hitting many, many targets feels very simple. That’s why I’m surprised at how low my score is – until I realize that the games are filled with easy to shoot small-scoring targets, as well as more difficult but higher scorers. I fall squarely in the “just trying to hit any old thing” category, which is an awful lot of fun but doesn’t score that big. This is probably the reason why the 6-year-old almost beat me the first time around and both boys beat my score embarrassingly bad the second time. Or maybe I’m just not that good at it. But that’s the beauty of the games; they’re incredibly entertaining for any skill level, and very addictive.

Both kids pronounce it the best ride of the day. And I’m ready to go again …

Related Posts:

None Found

Photo by Scott Miller

Woody, the sheriff from the “Toy Story” films, waved goodbye to Buzz Lightyear aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery as it launched yesterday from Kennedy Space Center.

Aboard Discovery is a 12-inch tall action figure of Woody’s pal from “Toy Story,” Buzz Lightyear. Woody joined thousands of launch-watchers to view the launch in Veterans’ Memorial Park in Titusville, Fla. Disney worked with NASA to include the Buzz Lightyear toy on mission STS-124 to celebrate the opening of the new “Toy Story Midway Mania” attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The toy on the spacecraft will be transferred to the International Space Station where it will spend several months, before being sent back to Florida later this year on a future Space Shuttle mission. A series of educational programs for school children has been planned for the toy’s time in space.

More information and videos.

Related Posts:

None Found

Buzz Lightyear in space teaser:

More Information
As seven, well-trained astronauts begin an important mission to the International Space Station on Saturday, May 31, one toy astronaut, Buzz Lightyear, will begin a journey to help educate children across the country.

The liftoff of space shuttle Discovery kicks off a new education initiative between NASA and Disney Parks. A 12-inch-tall Buzz Lightyear action figure will be carried aboard the shuttle as part of the partnership to encourage students to pursue studies in science, technology and mathematics, one of NASA’s main educational goals.Disney’s Youth Educational Series and NASA have developed an online program known as the Space Ranger Education Series. It includes fun educational games for students, as well as materials for educators to download and integrate into their classroom curriculum.

“NASA is excited to help students understand the science and engineering currently underway on the International Space Station,” said Joyce Winterton, NASA assistant administrator for Education. “The educational games and resources from this partnership will allow students to explore the science and math behind space exploration with a beloved character.”

Beginning Saturday, May 31, the online games featuring Buzz Lightyear will be available by visiting NASA’s homepage and clicking on the box for the NASA Kids’ Club at: http://www.nasa.gov

The five educational games are:
“Mission Match Up: Create a Game” — Match the International Space Station partner countries to space facts
“Connect it! Flight Path” — Attach the Kibo laboratory to the International Space Station using a sequence of commands
“Load the Shuttle” — Fill the shuttle with cargo to a certain mass
“I Spy: Reflections from Space” — Find everyday objects on the International Space Station that were built on NASA technology
“Toys in Space” — Navigate Buzz Lightyear to different toys to see a movie on how they behave in space

Since 1985, NASA’s Toys in Space project has used toys flown aboard the shuttle and the International Space Station to help children learn science and mathematics. Scientific and mathematical principles make these toys work. For example, wind-up toys convert stored potential energy in their springs into kinetic energy as the springs unwind. Gravity often plays an important role in the actions of toys, but how would the same toys function in an environment where the effects of gravity are not felt? Only NASA can provide the settings, so students can discover the answer to questions like these.

“We are thrilled that Buzz’s lifelong dream of space travel finally will come true thanks to NASA,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “This launch fulfills his dream, and we hope it will inspire countless children to stay interested in science and believe in their own dreams.

“The beginning of Buzz’s space mission coincides with the opening of “Toy Story Mania!,” a new 4-D interactive attraction, on May 31 at Walt Disney World, Fla., and on June 17 at Disneyland Resort, Calif.

Update: Here’s a new video featuring astronaut Buzz Aldrin giving Buzz Lightyear a few pointers:

Related Posts:

None Found

Issue number four, the June/July issue of Orlando Attractions Magazine has arrived from the printers and is being mailed out to subscribers this week. But please be patient, as the mail may take up to four weeks for delivery. Most subscribers should receive it much sooner than that, but if the end of June comes and you still haven’t received your issue, please let us know and we’ll get a replacement copy sent out to you.

This issue features Mr. Potato Head from the new Toy Story Midway Mania ride on the cover. Inside you’ll find stories and photos about: Toy Story Midway Mania; Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrating 10 years; Busch Gardens newest area, Jungala; watching a space shuttle launch; The Simpsons Ride opening; dining at Taverna Opa and staying at Hard Rock Hotel; our regular features and much more.

Click Here for a page-by-page preview

Related Posts:

None Found