Highly-Anticipated Details Revealed About Innovative Enhancements To The Incredible Hulk Coaster

Look to Universal’s Islands of Adventure in late summer for an updated The Incredible Hulk Coaster, set to return with thrilling enhancements that will make one of the world’s best roller coasters even better.  Once the coaster reopens, it will feature a totally new ride vehicle with a sleek, modern design and powerful audio system that blares an exclusive, original ride score by Patrick Stump, front man for internationally-renowned rock band, Fall Out Boy. It will also include a new, original storyline, a completely redesigned queue experience and an immense new attraction entrance featuring The Hulk himself.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster is roaring back to life in late summer with thrilling enhancements that will make one of the world’s best roller coasters even better. For the first time ever, we’re revealing details about what guests will experience, including:

• A totally new ride vehicle that features a sleek, modern design and powerful audio system that blares an exclusive, original ride score by Patrick Stump, front man for internationally-renowned rock band, Fall Out Boy
• A new, original storyline and completely redesigned queue experience that places guests inside a perilous scientific experiment led by the nefarious villain, General Thaddeus Ross
• An immense new attraction entrance featuring The Hulk himself

 

Abracadabar has opened at Disney’s Boardwalk and Rizzo the Rat will soon be selling pizza at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

All these and so much more in this week’s episode of the Around the Mouse. You can watch the video by clicking on this link and even downloading a copy for your computer or phone.

Get Soaked at the New Summer Soak Party at SeaWorld Orlando!

Beginning July 22, beat the heat like never before at SeaWorld Orlando’s all new Summer Soak Party. Families can take a break from the sun and splash and dance the day away under playful sprinklers and rain curtains.  DJ’s and dancers keep things cool while ice-cold culinary surprises delight guests at this summertime celebration Party Zone.

The Summer Soak Party takes place daily through August 14 at SeaWorld’s Bayside Stadium from 12 to 6 p.m. and weekends August 15 through Labor Day.

Exclusive Party Zone Offers

• $1 Cotton Candy
• $1 Popcorn
• $2 Bottled Water
• $3 Bottled Beer
• $3 Shamu® Ice Cream Bars
• $10 Shamu® Bubble Blower
• $10 Shamu® Misting Fan

Summer Deals

• Free Beer Daily for Pass Members- SeaWorld Orlando Pass Members can now receive a free 12 oz. draft pour of Mako Red Ale daily through August 31. Guests can show their Pass at Terrace Bar, Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen or Spice Mill to receive this daily offer.

• Christmas in July- Christmas time might still be a few months away, but July is the perfect time to save big on SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration running select nights in November and December. Starting July 21 through July 25, guests can book reservations to Santa’s Fireside Feast – a holiday dinner with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their helpful elves – at a 30% discount. Guests can also purchase discounted Holiday PhotoKey Packages and tickets to SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration for only $69 at SeaWorldOrlando.com.

• For the best way to beat the heat and get all the summer deals and competitive ticket offers, visit www.SeaWorldOrlando.com

Summer of Mako at SeaWorld Orlando 

Through August 7, SeaWorld will feature Summer of Mako, an all-new event that encourages families to explore, be inspired and take action to protect our one ocean. Whether you want to meet animal experts, dive deeper into an ocean of interactive games or experience Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest coaster, Mako,Summer of Mako has something for everyone.

Island Nights at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark 

Beat the Central Florida heat this summer at Aquatica®, SeaWorld’s Waterpark®. Now through August 6, Aquatica will offer another way to cool off with Island Nights presented by Coca-Cola®.  Taking place every Friday and Saturday night, guests can enjoy an evening celebration of summer with a special Island Nights soundtrack, extended park hours, a daily happy hour from 5 p.m. to park close, an evening menu sizzlin’ with flavor at Waterstone Grill and an evening kick-off party with a DJ and dancers. Event included with park admission to Aquatica.

 

Yes, that is the super delicious, refreshing, ‘ever-impressive, often-imitated, but never duplicated’… Dole Whip! Let me pass you a napkin… you’ve got a bit of drool coming down your face.

How do you enjoy your Dole Whip? When selecting your delectable treat, does the Dole Whip soft-serve of pineapple, vanilla or orange, catch your eye first? Or do you prefer a swirl? How about the Pineapple Float? With your choice of soft serve with pineapple juice. Or are you rebel… and go with Coke or Root Beer and vanilla soft serve?

Which sweet treat is your favorite?

Written by Veronica Mazarelli: Veronica creates lasting memories by planning customized vacations all over the world. Not only does she find you the BEST accommodations with the BEST value, but she will fill in all the blanks for you, all at no cost to you. Traveling is her passion! Passing that magic on to your family is what fuels that passion! If you are ready to save on your next vacation book your next vacation with Veronica at veronica@destinationsinflorida.com.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

For the first time in its 18-year history, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut new day-into-nighttime experiences that celebrate the magic of nature.

• The park’s iconic Tree of Life awakens each night amid a lively celebration of Discovery Island music and dance. Through stunning visuals, animal spirits appear and enchanted fireflies reveal stories of wonder as the tree morphs to showcase the magic of nature.

• Kilimanjaro Safaris transitions to a new nighttime adventure in the extended orange glow of a setting sun. For the first time, hyenas and African wild dogs join the safari trail creature feature.

• Discovery River becomes the stage for music and pageantry in a limited-engagement show inspired by Disney’s hit live-action film The Jungle Book. The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic is a live show filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs, now infused with an Indian influence.

• Hungry adventurers can have lunch or dinner at the new Tiffins signature restaurant on Discovery Island. Guests seated in the restaurant’s travel-themed dining rooms or on the waterfront patio can sip libations and savor dishes featuring African, Asian and South American flavors.

• Across the park, guests can experience wondrous new nighttime experiences and entertainment celebrating marvels in nature and enjoy long-time favorites such as Expedition Everest, DINOSAUR, Kali River Rapids and more – in a whole new light.

Sapphire Falls and Skull Island: Reign of Kong has opened at Universal Orlando Resort. Sapphire Falls checked in their first guest last week. This

Sapphire Falls checked in their first guest last week. This Caribbean inspired resort is waiting for you. Also, Kong has returned to Universal Orlando in the all new attraction Skull Island: Reign of Kong.

Learn more in this weeks’ video  by clicking here. 

 

If you have kids between the ages of 2 and 10, you may want to consider adding a day at Legoland Florida during your next Florida vacation!

Legoland Florida Resort is located where Cypress Gardens once sat in Winter Haven, Florida, approximately 45 minutes away from Orlando. Legoland Florida Resort features both a theme park and a water park with more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions. In addition to your regular park admission, you can even add Legoland’s character breakfast with some of your favorite LEGO characters for $30 per person! From thrill rides to attractions made with little ones in mind, there is something for every member of your family to enjoy.

One of my favorite things about Legoland Florida is that they have lego tables inside the queue of each attraction to help your kids pass the time before they get to the enjoy the attraction. There are signs above each table encouraging the kids to come and play while mom and dad save their spot in line.

Be sure to check for special events happening during your visit such as Legoland Night Lights this summer, Brick or Treat in October, Christmas Bricktacular in December, or Kid’s New Year’s Eve on December 31. Many of these events are included at no additional charge with your regular park admission.

Tip: If possible, don’t bring a bag to the park with you. Legoland Florida does not allow bags of any kind, hats, or sunglasses on most of their attractions so you’ll either have to leave it with a non-rider or at the exit of the ride (where Legoland is not responsible for lost or stolen items).

Written by Siera Duiser: Siera Duiser is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and 2010, 2011, & 2012 Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year. She loves helping plan magical and memorable vacations at no cost to you. Contact Siera to book your next vacation at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or 734-771-1290. You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Disney Springs and Disney’s Water Parks Make a Splash

Inspired by Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty, Disney Springs is a charming district filled with unique retailers and restaurants from award-winning chefs. Throughout the summer, new stores and restaurants will open as Disney Springs more than doubles the number of retail, dining and other venues for guests.

• As Disney Springs continues to expand and diversify its dining, shopping and entertainment, more exciting high-profile tenants are coming onboard, including Anthropologie, Under Armour, kate spade new york, Sephora and Lucky Brand, among others. Other new shops opening in 2016 include Zara, Tommy Bahama and UNIQLO.

• More than 30 new tenants will be coming to Disney Springs this summer, including retail shops and dining venues.

• Home to world-class dining, Disney Springs is shaping up to be a culinary dream. With many unique flavors, there is something for all different tastes with exquisite selections such as STK, Frontera Cocina and Morimoto Asia.

• More new eateries are gearing up to open in the coming year, including Homecoming – Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar by Chef Art Smith; Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, a modern-day “pizza joint” with artisanal pies; and the reimagined, Planet Hollywood Observatory with new outdoor terrace and live entertainment.

• Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless (Frontera Cocina) and Chef Art Smith (Homecoming) join master Chef Masaharu Morimoto in a growing collection of James Beard Award winning chefs at Disney Springs.

• At Cirque du Soleil’s “La Nouba,” the new B-Boys hip-hop, breakdancing threesome showcases a rare mix of rhythm, strength and “how-did-they-do-that?” moves. As part of the show’s ongoing evolution, the masterful Aerial Bamboo act joins recent additions of madcap clowns and a breathtaking rolla bolla juggling act.

Meanwhile, Disney’s Water Parks ramp up with playful spirits and summer fun faster than Olaf can beg for warm hugs.

• At Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Olaf from Disney’s animated hit “Frozen,” will be living his “In Summer” dream as he and Kristoff host the “Frozen Games” of friendly, fun competitions that run through Aug. 21.

• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park castaways can splash down on a sandy summer beach with a cold ale and savory snack after a wild slide on Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster.

Disney guests will have a magical summer experience wherever they play, dine, relax or celebrate at Walt Disney World theme parks, entertainment venues and resort hotels. For more information about Walt Disney World Resort, visit www.disneyworld.com and www.disneyparksblog.com.

Disney Springs Offers World Class Dining, Unique Shopping and Nightly Entertainment

This summer Disney Springs is the place to be by day and by night! With a Grand Opening Summer Celebration taking place all season long, Disney Springs features an array of hard-to-pass-up deals and a variety of delectable new dining options at the newest neighborhood–Town Center, plus free nightly entertainment featuring more than 20 different acts performing across all four neighborhoods – The Marketplace, Westside, The Landing, and Town Center.

 

To kick off the grand opening season, on July 15, the best of summer and Central Florida came together to celebrate Disney Springs-style – in Town Center, with an outdoor party under the stars where guests strolled into all sorts of discoveries designed to delight the senses — renowned chefs serving up scrumptious samples from their restaurants, performances by nationally recognized entertainers, and proprietors showcasing their products and store designs that make shopping at Disney Springs simply special.

Wrapped in Florida-inspired, made-for-strolling promenades, arcing footbridges, flowing streams and waterfront charm, Disney Springs treats Walt Disney World Resort guests to an exciting blend of shopping, dining and entertainment with a Disney touch. By day or night guests can expect a vibrant scene at Disney Springs, whether they are shopping world-class brands, enjoying high-quality entertainment, having that special dining experience, pleasure boating on Village Lake or hopping a balloon skyward for spectacular views of Walt Disney World and beyond.

Now and every day, guests can enjoy the benefits of a dramatically transformed exciting new waterfront district for world-class shopping, unique dining, and high-quality entertainment featuring more than 150 establishments across its four neighborhoods.

Discover Disney Springs like never before! Here are just a few of the highlights:

Town Center – Spectacular Shopping and Award-winning chefs

• Some of the most unique and recognizable names in retail such as UNIQLO, Vince Camuto, Anthropologie, Zara, Lilly Pulitzer, Columbia Sportswear, LACOSTE, Under Armour, kate spade new york, Sephora and Oakley all call Town Center home.
• Among new dining choices awaiting Town Center guests are restaurants developed by James Beard award-winning chefs. Frontera Cocina serves up gourmet Mexican cuisine and creative cocktails from the menu envisioned by celebrity chef Rick Bayless, a six-time James Beard Foundation winner. Chef Art Smith, two-time winner of the James Beard Award brings a unique taste of gourmet southern cuisine and Florida agriculture to the heart of Disney Springs with Homecoming Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine.

The Landing – Inspired dining, breathtaking waterfront views, and unique boutiques

• High-quality retailers including Erwin Pearl for fashion jewelry and Havaianas for sandals are found along lantern-lined byways.
• Dine off a shipshape menu at The BOATHOUSE or enjoy, at Morimoto Asia, Pan-Asian cuisine from celebrity chef Matsaharu Morimoto, of Iron Chef fame. STK Orlando offers guests a fine dining experience set in chic, contemporary surroundings. Finish off the evening with a relaxing stroll to grab a signature gelato at Vivoli Gelateria or a crafted cocktail at Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar.

The Marketplace — Family-friendly delights for guests of all ages

• Beautiful waterside shopping that combines new experiences such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including an expanded new Bibbity Bobbity Boutique inside the newly re-designed World of Disney store.
• Nearby, the new Lime garage makes getting to the Marketplace a breeze

The West Side – Exuberant entertainment retail and dining options

From new acts at Cirque du Soleil to iconic restaurants to colorful food trucks to bowling with a stylized twist at Splitsville, West Side offers something for everyone. There is even the opportunity to lift off in a tethered balloon. Characters in Flight rises from the banks of Village Lake for eye-popping, 360-degree views (on a clear day you can see Florida’s east coast).

Two new slot-smart parking decks where green lights indicate available spaces make parking convenient to the entire Disney Springs scene – and it’s free. Valet parking also is available. Disney Springs is easily accessed from I-4, Central Florida’s major interstate, and connected to the rest of Walt Disney World Resort by motor coach and watercraft.

Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming has opened at Disney Springs. Offering classic Florida and Southern food, this restaurant is a must go to. Also, you can now enjoy a Star Wars themed dessert park at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

All these and so much more in this week’s episode of the Around the Mouse. You can watch the video by clicking on this link and even downloading a copy for your computer or phone.