http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog Orlando area attractions and theme park information and news Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:12:19 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/12/29/baby-giraffe-born-at-busch-gardens/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/12/29/baby-giraffe-born-at-busch-gardens/#comments Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:56:54 +0000 Darcie Vance http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=11193 A baby female reticulated giraffe was born on Dec. 27 at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay. The baby weighed approximately 127 pounds and was 5 foot, 7 inches at birth. The mother, Tesa, has given birth to four other calves at Busch Gardens. There are now 18 reticulated giraffes at Busch Gardens. The term “reticulated” [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/12/29/baby-giraffe-born-at-busch-gardens/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/12/22/new-disney-fantasy-cruise-ship-to-feature-interactive-muppet-game/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/12/22/new-disney-fantasy-cruise-ship-to-feature-interactive-muppet-game/#comments Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:41:36 +0000 Darcie Vance http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=10770 The newest Disney ship, which will set sail in March of 2012, will include a Muppet interactive game. The Disney Fantasy will invite guests to take part in an interactive adventure around the ship with “The Case of the Stolen Show” game. The adventure begins with Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo, Animal and a cast [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/12/22/new-disney-fantasy-cruise-ship-to-feature-interactive-muppet-game/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/12/19/orange-county-convention-center-played-host-to-national-championship-dog-show/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/12/19/orange-county-convention-center-played-host-to-national-championship-dog-show/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:31:39 +0000 Don Gworek http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=11007 The Orange County Convention Center and area hotels were hosts this weekend to an invitational dog show. The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship was organized by the American Kennel Club. Cold air inflatables decorated the lawn of the convention center’s west concourse. Eukunaba is a food brand, and the title sponsor of the show. Many dog breeds were [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/12/19/orange-county-convention-center-played-host-to-national-championship-dog-show/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/09/15/the-show-episode-41/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/09/15/the-show-episode-41/#comments Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:41:12 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=9930 Join Bob and Lulu for another week of theme park and attractions news. www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdxPOeRe9Ls This week: - Busch Gardens announces their new show - News In The Queue - New baby elephant at Animal Kingdom - Tip of the Week - Nerf prize winner announced - Disney pin trading event - Hidden Mickey of the [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/09/15/the-show-episode-41/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/07/23/seaworld-caring-for-dependent-pilot-whale-calf-in-its-new-rehabilitation-facility/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/07/23/seaworld-caring-for-dependent-pilot-whale-calf-in-its-new-rehabilitation-facility/#comments Sat, 23 Jul 2011 19:20:00 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=9555 Early this morning, SeaWorld’s animal experts and rescue team transported a young pilot whale to the park’s new Cetacean Rehabilitation Facility. The 9-foot, nearly 600-pound whale was being cared for in Key Largo, Fla., by SeaWorld staff and other volunteers after it and 20 other pilot whales beached themselves in the lower Florida Keys in [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/07/23/seaworld-caring-for-dependent-pilot-whale-calf-in-its-new-rehabilitation-facility/feed/ 2 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/05/27/review-and-on-ride-video-of-cheetah-hunt-roller-coaster-at-busch-gardens/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/05/27/review-and-on-ride-video-of-cheetah-hunt-roller-coaster-at-busch-gardens/#comments Fri, 27 May 2011 17:53:07 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=9142 Cheetah Hunt, Busch Gardens’ newest roller coaster and animal exhibit, officially opened today. It’s an amazing ride that you have to experience in person to truly appreciate. What makes Cheetah Hunt such a great ride is the air time … no it’s the three launches … no it’s the zig-zag motion through the trench. I [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/05/27/review-and-on-ride-video-of-cheetah-hunt-roller-coaster-at-busch-gardens/feed/ 5 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/04/22/seaworlds-whale-show-one-ocean-debut/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/04/22/seaworlds-whale-show-one-ocean-debut/#comments Fri, 22 Apr 2011 20:29:37 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8917 SeaWorld’s new Shamu show made its world premier today in Orlando with special appearances and a fireworks finale. Earth Day makes a fitting day for the show that promises to present an inspiring and educational message that both humans and animals are part of one world, one ocean. Let’s take a look at some of [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/04/22/seaworlds-whale-show-one-ocean-debut/feed/ 7 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/04/14/busch-gardens-baby-cheetah-gets-a-puppy-pal-and-you-can-help-name-them/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/04/14/busch-gardens-baby-cheetah-gets-a-puppy-pal-and-you-can-help-name-them/#comments Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:22:21 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8810 What’s cuter than a baby cheetah? A baby cheetah and a puppy. Even cuter is when they’re playing together like pals. But what to call them? You can help Busch Gardens pick a name. Just a month after Busch Gardens took in a cheetah cub whose mother wasn’t caring for it, the park’s animal care [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/04/14/busch-gardens-baby-cheetah-gets-a-puppy-pal-and-you-can-help-name-them/feed/ 15 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/03/27/cheetah-hunt-update-vehicle-walk-through-testing-in-progress/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/03/27/cheetah-hunt-update-vehicle-walk-through-testing-in-progress/#comments Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:53:17 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8579 By Don Gworek With the track complete, Cheetah Hunt is now going through walk-through tests, where trains are steadily moved through the full circuit. This is done so it’s assured the trains can move safely through the track and there are no obstructions in reach of riders.]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/03/27/cheetah-hunt-update-vehicle-walk-through-testing-in-progress/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/03/22/cute-alert-baby-cheetah-joins-busch-gardens-family-cub-to-eventually-join-new-cheetah-run-attraction/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/03/22/cute-alert-baby-cheetah-joins-busch-gardens-family-cub-to-eventually-join-new-cheetah-run-attraction/#comments Wed, 23 Mar 2011 01:31:57 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8567 Even dog lovers will adore this four-week-old baby cheetah that recently moved to Busch Gardens in Tampa. But for now, this cheetah is only on the hunt for milk and playtime. Here’s a video of the cub with Busch Gardens animal experts: www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_aeqxzeU8E The new cub was born at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/03/22/cute-alert-baby-cheetah-joins-busch-gardens-family-cub-to-eventually-join-new-cheetah-run-attraction/feed/ 2 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/14/highlights-of-busch-gardens-elephant-keeper-experience/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/14/highlights-of-busch-gardens-elephant-keeper-experience/#comments Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:05:15 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8273 By Don Gworek One of the “Up Close Tours” offered by Busch Gardens is the Elephant Keeper Experience. It’s a 90-minute visit with the five Asian elephants that live there. The tour begins with a walk backstage to the Pachyderm Palace. It’s a building where the elephants can find shelter from inclement weather and also [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/14/highlights-of-busch-gardens-elephant-keeper-experience/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/02/cheetahs-arrive-at-busch-gardens-in-anticipation-of-new-attraction/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/02/cheetahs-arrive-at-busch-gardens-in-anticipation-of-new-attraction/#comments Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:05:37 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8189 Busch Gardens recently announced an upcoming addition to their Endangered Species Safari – a chance for guests to have an intimate experience with five new arrivals to the park … cheetahs! In accordance with the international Cheetah Species Survival Plan, Busch Gardens Tampa recently welcomed Steelman (12-year-old male), Ngoma (10-year-old female), and littermates Jagati, Iraja, [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/02/cheetahs-arrive-at-busch-gardens-in-anticipation-of-new-attraction/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/11/18/photo-update-a-relaxing-day-at-discovery-cove/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/11/18/photo-update-a-relaxing-day-at-discovery-cove/#comments Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:02:07 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=7625 We were recently invited to spend a day at Discovery Cove and readily took them up on the offer. I’d been to the park once before to cover it for our Spring 2010 issue, but I’d never been there as a guest. It was a great day of swimming, relaxing, eating and animal interactions. A [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/11/18/photo-update-a-relaxing-day-at-discovery-cove/feed/ 3 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/11/12/serengeti-night-safari-offers-a-fun-unique-busch-gardens-tour/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/11/12/serengeti-night-safari-offers-a-fun-unique-busch-gardens-tour/#comments Fri, 12 Nov 2010 21:15:46 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=7596 For a unique night of fun and facts, check out the Serengeti Night Safari at Busch Gardens. The tour isn’t offered year-round, so make plans soon if you’d like to experience it. One of the things that makes this tour is unique is that it’s for adults only. Because of the included Anheuser-Busch beverages, and [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/11/12/serengeti-night-safari-offers-a-fun-unique-busch-gardens-tour/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/07/26/reality-tv-winners-heroes-and-villains-visit-discovery-cove-photos-and-video/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/07/26/reality-tv-winners-heroes-and-villains-visit-discovery-cove-photos-and-video/#comments Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:20:26 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=6953 Dozens of winners, heroes and villains from TV’s Survivor, Big Brother and The Amazing Race got together at Discovery Cove this past Saturday for a day of outwitting, outplaying, outlasting and outrelaxing. The players swam with dolphins and rays and got up-close to the park's exotic animals.]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/07/26/reality-tv-winners-heroes-and-villains-visit-discovery-cove-photos-and-video/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/02/27/video-seaworlds-believe-killer-whale-show-returns-with-a-tribute/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/02/27/video-seaworlds-believe-killer-whale-show-returns-with-a-tribute/#comments Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:15:03 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=5405 After a couple of days of canceled shows because of the tragedy with SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau, SeaWorld’s Believe shows returned this morning with the trainers not performing in the water. On the way in, some flowers and balloons could be seen across from SeaWorld’s entrance. No protestors were in sight. Shamu Stadium was about [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/02/27/video-seaworlds-believe-killer-whale-show-returns-with-a-tribute/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/02/16/new-busch-gardens-attraction-lets-you-pretend-to-be-a-tv-animal-expert/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/02/16/new-busch-gardens-attraction-lets-you-pretend-to-be-a-tv-animal-expert/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:29:29 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=5283 Have you ever wondered how much concentration it takes for someone like Jack Hanna or Julie Scardina to do a television interview while holding a cute but squirmy animal? How do you focus on what you’re saying when you’ve got an owl monkey nuzzling your neck or a bush baby climbing on your head? The [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/02/16/new-busch-gardens-attraction-lets-you-pretend-to-be-a-tv-animal-expert/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/14/seaworld-helping-to-warm-up-cold-stunned-sea-turtles/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/14/seaworld-helping-to-warm-up-cold-stunned-sea-turtles/#comments Thu, 14 Jan 2010 23:13:19 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=4961 www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnrC4HODeIY The Arctic blast that has most of the country in a frigid vice grip is also taking its toll on endangered sea turtles. Since Jan. 6, nearly 100 “cold-stunned” sea turtles from Florida to North Carolina have taken shelter at SeaWorld Orlando’s Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. Cold stun is a condition that causes sea [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/14/seaworld-helping-to-warm-up-cold-stunned-sea-turtles/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/11/09/shows-and-more-with-jack-hanna-at-busch-gardens-and-seaworld/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/11/09/shows-and-more-with-jack-hanna-at-busch-gardens-and-seaworld/#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:37:40 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=4316 Celebrity animal expert Jack Hanna will be appearing at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, each for a weekend on the wild side. Jungle Jack will be appearing at Busch Gardens this weekend, Nov. 14 and 15 and at SeaWorld on Nov. 21 and 22. He’ll will be putting on two shows per day featuring animals from [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/11/09/shows-and-more-with-jack-hanna-at-busch-gardens-and-seaworld/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/28/new-wing-opening-at-disneys-kidani-village/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/28/new-wing-opening-at-disneys-kidani-village/#comments Sat, 29 Aug 2009 01:23:35 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=3095 The new Kidani Village expansion wing is scheduled to open Sept. 1. It will feature 160 two-bedroom equivalent vacation villas. The additional rooms complete the build-out of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas for a total of 449 two-bedroom equivalent vacation villas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The new six-acre Pembe Savanna, adjacent to the expansion, will [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/28/new-wing-opening-at-disneys-kidani-village/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/18/long-necks-stick-together-at-busch-gardens/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/18/long-necks-stick-together-at-busch-gardens/#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:13:35 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=2954 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s 65-acre Serengeti Plain is home to herds of giraffe, zebra, rhino, African antelope and many species of birds. Just as they do on Africa’s plains, the animals usually hang out with their own species. But recently, zoo keepers noticed an unlikely pair. Bea, a three-year-old giraffe, and Wilma, an ostrich, just [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/18/long-necks-stick-together-at-busch-gardens/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/07/have-a-sleepover-with-manta-at-seaworld/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/07/have-a-sleepover-with-manta-at-seaworld/#comments Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:00:24 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=2835 SeaWorld has always offered a way to drift off to sleep while snuggling up near penguins, snoozing by sharks and dreaming with dolphins as part of an overnight experience. But now guests can discover the sea like never before during sleepovers at Manta, a flying roller coaster and animal habitat all in one. Families and [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/07/have-a-sleepover-with-manta-at-seaworld/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/05/16/meet-hoover-and-sawyer-tawny-frogmouth-chicks-from-seaworld/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/05/16/meet-hoover-and-sawyer-tawny-frogmouth-chicks-from-seaworld/#comments Sat, 16 May 2009 12:46:04 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=2095 Already showing the large, frog-like mouths that give the species its name, Hoover (left) and Sawyer are tawny frogmouth chicks that were hatched at SeaWorld in January, 2009. Until recently, the population of tawny frogmouths in North American zoos was facing extinction and breeding programs were largely unsuccessful. SeaWorld worked with the Association of Zoos [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/05/16/meet-hoover-and-sawyer-tawny-frogmouth-chicks-from-seaworld/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/05/10/a-look-at-animal-kingdoms-resident-mothers/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/05/10/a-look-at-animal-kingdoms-resident-mothers/#comments Sun, 10 May 2009 14:20:30 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=1998 The animal care team at Disney World has been busy since last Mother’s Day, assisting with the births of more than 440 animals and more importantly, helping to ensure that the relationship between mother and child remains uncompromised. For example, animal care experts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom were recently monitoring two baby vultures hatched from [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/05/10/a-look-at-animal-kingdoms-resident-mothers/feed/ 1