http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog Orlando area attractions and theme park information and news Fri, 25 May 2012 00:51:42 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/04/14/a-look-at-the-first-ever-5k-at-legoland-florida-winter-haven-hospital-foundation-citrus-classic/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/04/14/a-look-at-the-first-ever-5k-at-legoland-florida-winter-haven-hospital-foundation-citrus-classic/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2012 22:15:56 +0000 Don Gworek http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=12382 The Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Citrus Classic 5k was this morning at Legoland Florida. It was the very first running race held at the new theme park. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjBjaZoglVM This video shows what it’s like to run through Legoland. Below are additional views from the race and descriptions of some of the scenes in the view. Runners [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/04/14/a-look-at-the-first-ever-5k-at-legoland-florida-winter-haven-hospital-foundation-citrus-classic/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/04/04/a-fresh-look-at-splitsville-restaurantbowling-alley-coming-to-downtown-disney/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/04/04/a-fresh-look-at-splitsville-restaurantbowling-alley-coming-to-downtown-disney/#comments Wed, 04 Apr 2012 19:27:31 +0000 Anthony Armenia http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=12311 New artwork has been released showing off an updated exterior for Splitsville, currently under construction in Downtown Disney Westside. Splitsville will feature bowling, billiards, dining and more when it opens this fall.  Splitsville will be a 45,000 square-foot facility with two floors of 30 lanes of bowling. It will also feature patio dining, live music, billiards [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/04/04/a-fresh-look-at-splitsville-restaurantbowling-alley-coming-to-downtown-disney/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/03/16/hollywood-drive-in-golf-now-open-at-universal-citywalk/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/03/16/hollywood-drive-in-golf-now-open-at-universal-citywalk/#comments Fri, 16 Mar 2012 21:15:52 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=12135 Universal Orlando Resort has officially opened Central Florida’s newest miniature golf courses. Hollywood Drive-In Golf features two 18-hole courses based on classic drive-in era horror and sci-fi movies. To celebrate the grand opening, some of Universal Orlando’s iconic characters “hit the links.” Universal’s classic monsters – including Dracula, Wolfman, Frankenstein’s Monster and the Bride of [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/03/16/hollywood-drive-in-golf-now-open-at-universal-citywalk/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/02/26/disneys-princess-half-marathon-2012/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/02/26/disneys-princess-half-marathon-2012/#comments Sun, 26 Feb 2012 20:04:11 +0000 Don Gworek http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=11839 More than 19,000 women raced in this morning’s Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World, making it the world’s largest women’s sporting event. This was the fourth year of the race, and it has grown tremendously. The inaugural run had 8,000 participants. This view of the staging area gives an idea of how large the [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/02/26/disneys-princess-half-marathon-2012/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/02/06/super-bowl-mvp-eli-manning-visits-disney-worlds-magic-kingdom-photosvideo/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/02/06/super-bowl-mvp-eli-manning-visits-disney-worlds-magic-kingdom-photosvideo/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:03:17 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=11650 After leading his team to a come-from-behind 21-17 victory over the New England Patriots at Super Bowl XLVI, what did New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning do next? He went to Disney World of course. MVP Manning shouted five words that have become ingrained in Super Bowl victory celebrations: “I’m going to Disney World!” And [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/02/06/super-bowl-mvp-eli-manning-visits-disney-worlds-magic-kingdom-photosvideo/feed/ 2 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/01/06/pre-dawn-family-fiesta-5k-started-disneys-marathon-weekend/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/01/06/pre-dawn-family-fiesta-5k-started-disneys-marathon-weekend/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:31:47 +0000 Don Gworek http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=11347 This morning’s Disney Family Fiesta 5K race may have been the largest Disney fun run ever, with 8,100 people registered. Here’s a look at how the race went:  The weather was different this year with rolling heavy fog at Epcot. On stage are some of the hosts of the weekend. They always have good banter. [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/01/06/pre-dawn-family-fiesta-5k-started-disneys-marathon-weekend/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/08/25/the-show-episode-38/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/08/25/the-show-episode-38/#comments Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:49:23 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=9751 Join hosts Sam Sanders and Bob Buchanan as they bring you all the latest attractions news from around Central Florida. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e34Huu13mU In this week’s episode: - See the new, interactive Disney Store at The Florida Mall - Get backstage at the Nerf Dart World Championships - Learn how to beat a heat-induced bad mood - [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/08/25/the-show-episode-38/feed/ 8 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/07/22/the-last-espn-the-weekend-has-been-held-disney-has-discontinued-the-springtime-event/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/07/22/the-last-espn-the-weekend-has-been-held-disney-has-discontinued-the-springtime-event/#comments Sat, 23 Jul 2011 03:35:32 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=9553 ESPN The Weekend has been held at Walt Disney World since 2004. The yearly event, mostly held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, had its last run this past March. The yearly springtime event featured ESPN shows filmed live at the theme park, sports celebrity motorcades, live talk and game shows and an area for guests to [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/07/22/the-last-espn-the-weekend-has-been-held-disney-has-discontinued-the-springtime-event/feed/ 2 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/27/2011-princess-half-marathon/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/27/2011-princess-half-marathon/#comments Sun, 27 Feb 2011 19:49:51 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8384 By Don Gworek This was the third running of Disney’s Princess Half Marathon, and its popularity continues to grow. It’s probably the most Disney of all of the runDisney events, with what seems to be more characters, entertainment and music per mile than the January half marathon. The highlight of the race is surely when [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/27/2011-princess-half-marathon/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/22/espn-the-weekend-returning-to-disneys-hollywood-studios-march-4-to-6/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/22/espn-the-weekend-returning-to-disneys-hollywood-studios-march-4-to-6/#comments Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:30:08 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8318 It’s almost time once again for the sports fans to take over Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Sports stars from the NFL, MLB, NBA and NCAA, plus TV sports hosts, are headed back to Walt Disney World for the eighth annual ESPN The Weekend March 4 to 6, 2011. This year’s lineup features more than 35 athletes [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/22/espn-the-weekend-returning-to-disneys-hollywood-studios-march-4-to-6/feed/ 3 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/08/super-bowl-mvp-aaron-rodgers-makes-good-on-his-promise-to-go-to-disney-world-photosvideo/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/08/super-bowl-mvp-aaron-rodgers-makes-good-on-his-promise-to-go-to-disney-world-photosvideo/#comments Tue, 08 Feb 2011 13:39:19 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8209 Super Bowl XLV’s Most Valuable Player, Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, made good on the promise he made just minutes after his win. He arrived at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on Monday afternoon, Feb. 7, 2011, and rode through the park with Mickey Mouse. This article could have been titled “The Big Cheese Gives [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/08/super-bowl-mvp-aaron-rodgers-makes-good-on-his-promise-to-go-to-disney-world-photosvideo/feed/ 5 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/29/stars-in-the-parks-motocross-champion-carey-hart/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/29/stars-in-the-parks-motocross-champion-carey-hart/#comments Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:12:51 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=7527 Motocross champion and co-owner of Hart & Huntington tattoo Carey Hart found himself held captive by the Queen of Hearts at Halloween Horror Nights XX at Universal Studios on Oct. 28, 2010. Hart was hosted at Halloween Horror Nights while he was in Orlando to celebrate the launch of the new website for Hart & [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/29/stars-in-the-parks-motocross-champion-carey-hart/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/26/meet-nascar-driver-tony-stewart-at-citywalk-on-thursday/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/26/meet-nascar-driver-tony-stewart-at-citywalk-on-thursday/#comments Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:09:06 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=7499 It’s appropriate that you’ll have to be quick to get the free tickets to meet NASCAR driver Tony Stewart at CityWalk this Thursday. You can get Tony’s autograph at NASCAR Sports Grille from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 28, 2010 at Universal CityWalk. Meeting Tony is free but it’s limited to 525 tickets, which [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/26/meet-nascar-driver-tony-stewart-at-citywalk-on-thursday/feed/ 2 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/05/a-look-at-two-new-disney-races-mickeys-halloween-5k-and-wine-dine-half-marathon/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/05/a-look-at-two-new-disney-races-mickeys-halloween-5k-and-wine-dine-half-marathon/#comments Tue, 05 Oct 2010 21:26:31 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=7386 Article, photos and video by Don Gworek Disney introduced a new Halloween 5K race as part of the opening weekend events of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. This is the first time the Magic Kingdom has been the site of a 5K race. The race started in the twilight of 7 a.m. Saturday at [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/05/a-look-at-two-new-disney-races-mickeys-halloween-5k-and-wine-dine-half-marathon/feed/ 6 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/04/new-amway-center-a-state-of-the-art-attraction-for-downtown-orlando/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/04/new-amway-center-a-state-of-the-art-attraction-for-downtown-orlando/#comments Mon, 04 Oct 2010 22:04:37 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=7376 Article by Susan and Simon Veness “3-2-1-OPEN!” And, with that short countdown, Orlando’s newest “attraction” was declared open to the public. And a pretty amazing prospect it is, too. Because the new, state-of-the-art $380 million Amway Center is not just a sporting and entertainment venue, it is a sparkling beacon at the heart of downtown [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/04/new-amway-center-a-state-of-the-art-attraction-for-downtown-orlando/feed/ 5 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/07/30/new-disney-area-sports-bar-says-bigger-is-better/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/07/30/new-disney-area-sports-bar-says-bigger-is-better/#comments Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:32:25 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=6977 A new Buffalo Wild Wings sports bar/restaurant opened today just off U.S. 192, near Walt Disney World. The new location is the largest in Central Florida, with a 7,500-square-foot building and a 3,000-square-foot outdoor patio/bar overlooking a lake. Tourist sports fans will be able to enjoy the facility’s approximately 50 video monitors (including 3D), 10 [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/07/30/new-disney-area-sports-bar-says-bigger-is-better/feed/ 2 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/07/11/stars-in-the-parks-miami-heat-guard-talks-lebron-james-chris-bosh-and-disney-world/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/07/11/stars-in-the-parks-miami-heat-guard-talks-lebron-james-chris-bosh-and-disney-world/#comments Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:55:02 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=6884 After the Miami Heat gained two megastar free-agents (LeBron James and Chris Bosh), guard Dwyane Wade celebrated with a vacation to Disney World where he stopped by ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to play a fun 3-on-3 game with Mickey Mouse and AAU girls basketball players from South Florida and Louisiana. The youth teams [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/07/11/stars-in-the-parks-miami-heat-guard-talks-lebron-james-chris-bosh-and-disney-world/feed/ 4 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/06/10/buffalo-wild-wings-to-offer-3d-viewing-of-the-world-cup-and-more/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/06/10/buffalo-wild-wings-to-offer-3d-viewing-of-the-world-cup-and-more/#comments Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:36:26 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=6513 Five Buffalo Wild Wings sports restaurants/bars in Central Florida have entered into a partnership with California-based Be Media to offer 3D viewing for its customers. The new program will start with at least 25 live World Cup games beginning with the opening match between South Africa and Mexico, June 11. The 3D viewing is a [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/06/10/buffalo-wild-wings-to-offer-3d-viewing-of-the-world-cup-and-more/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/03/15/video-run-along-in-disneys-princess-marathons/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/03/15/video-run-along-in-disneys-princess-marathons/#comments Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:51:59 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=5529 Disney held two princess related marathons on March 6 and 7, 2010, and Orlando Attractions Magazine subscriber Don Gworek ran along to bring you these two videos. While the races were designed for women, more than 400 men participated on behalf of the princesses in their lives. The Princess and the Frog Royal Family 5K [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/03/15/video-run-along-in-disneys-princess-marathons/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/03/03/midget-wrestling-tv-taping-at-universal-studios-one-night-only/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/03/03/midget-wrestling-tv-taping-at-universal-studios-one-night-only/#comments Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:26:23 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=5450 Here’s an interesting e-mail that recently came across my inbox. Tomorrow night, March 4, Micro Championship Wrestling will invade Universal Studios for an “unbelievable night of absolutely insane action. From the world’s smallest wrestler, Demo, to the world’s largest midget, Meatball, the baddest little men and women on the planet will be in action.” Pro [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/03/03/midget-wrestling-tv-taping-at-universal-studios-one-night-only/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/02/28/photosvideos-sports-stars-help-relaunch-the-espn-wide-world-of-sports-complex/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/02/28/photosvideos-sports-stars-help-relaunch-the-espn-wide-world-of-sports-complex/#comments Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:09:59 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=5412 The sports facility formerly known as Disney’s Wide World of Sports was officially re-launched as ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex last Thursday, Feb. 25, in an elaborate Hollywood-style “turf carpet” event that featured celebrities, Florida’s governor, ESPN on-air commentators and sports stars from the NFL, MLB, LPGA, Olympics and more. Shawn Johnson (Olympic gold [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/02/28/photosvideos-sports-stars-help-relaunch-the-espn-wide-world-of-sports-complex/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/02/20/espn-the-weekend-to-be-held-at-hollywood-studios-and-newly-renamed-sports-complex/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/02/20/espn-the-weekend-to-be-held-at-hollywood-studios-and-newly-renamed-sports-complex/#comments Sat, 20 Feb 2010 15:27:00 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=5345 ESPN and Walt Disney World are again offering fans the opportunity to see and hear many ESPN personalities during ESPN The Weekend Feb. 25 to 28. This year’s event will be held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the newly re-imagined ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. ESPN personalities scheduled to appear are John Anderson, Tedy [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/02/20/espn-the-weekend-to-be-held-at-hollywood-studios-and-newly-renamed-sports-complex/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/02/09/photosvideo-super-bowl-mvp-drew-brees-goes-to-disney-world/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/02/09/photosvideo-super-bowl-mvp-drew-brees-goes-to-disney-world/#comments Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:10:45 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=5216 Photos by Marcus D’Amelio Video by Jimmy Strater The Magic Kingdom Philharmonic Band came marching down Main Street, U.S.A., this morning behind New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. He was riding in a pewter convertible with Mickey Mouse, waving to cheering fans. But he’d earned the ride – and the adulation – Sunday night by [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/02/09/photosvideo-super-bowl-mvp-drew-brees-goes-to-disney-world/feed/ 2 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/28/disneys-sports-complex-rebranded-by-espn-will-reopen-feb-25/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/28/disneys-sports-complex-rebranded-by-espn-will-reopen-feb-25/#comments Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:02:24 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=5116 The 220-acre sports complex at Walt Disney World formerly known as Disney’s Wide World of Sports has been rebranded by ESPN, and will officially relaunch Feb. 25 as “ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.” The “E” of the ESPN logo was lowered into place on the complex’s entrance today. Disney’s multi-sport venue hosts more than [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/28/disneys-sports-complex-rebranded-by-espn-will-reopen-feb-25/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/12/05/one-more-thing-to-do-for-the-holidays-tna-pro-wrestling-at-universal-studios/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/12/05/one-more-thing-to-do-for-the-holidays-tna-pro-wrestling-at-universal-studios/#comments Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:28:55 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=4592 If there’s just not enough violence for you in all the holiday happenings around Orlando, TNA Wrestling has you covered. TNA iMPACT! television tapings and pay-per-view shows are held regularly at Universal Studios. But they’re giving away a free gift for their Dec. 7, 8 and 21 TV tapings. Every person who is in attendance [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/12/05/one-more-thing-to-do-for-the-holidays-tna-pro-wrestling-at-universal-studios/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/10/06/video-mickey-mouse-shows-off-his-hip-hop-dancing-skills/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/10/06/video-mickey-mouse-shows-off-his-hip-hop-dancing-skills/#comments Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:37:42 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=3740 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/10/06/video-mickey-mouse-shows-off-his-hip-hop-dancing-skills/feed/ 2 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/03/meet-the-element-skate-team-today-at-citywalk/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/03/meet-the-element-skate-team-today-at-citywalk/#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:51:21 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=2814 The members of the Element Skate Team will be meeting fans, signing free posters and giving away prizes from 5 to 7 p.m. today, Aug. 3, 2009, at the Element store in Universal CityWalk. As part of the Make It Count East Coast Tour, fans will be able to meet Bam Margera, Chad Muska, Mike [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/03/meet-the-element-skate-team-today-at-citywalk/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/06/11/orlando-magic-fans-take-a-ride-on-the-blue-coaster-manta/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/06/11/orlando-magic-fans-take-a-ride-on-the-blue-coaster-manta/#comments Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:51:51 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=2386 Orlando Magic fans donned game-day gear to ride head-first, face-down on SeaWorld’s new roller coaster Manta. Fans painted their faces, arms, legs (and even hair) and sported Magic-inspired shirts and shorts to root on their hometown team as they cheered aboard Manta.]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/06/11/orlando-magic-fans-take-a-ride-on-the-blue-coaster-manta/feed/ 0