Rehabilitated Mother & Calf Manatees Returned to Florida Waters

Earlier this morning, a rehabilitated mother manatee and her dependent calf rescued from Ormond Beach, Fla. this past May were returned back to the Halifax River by the SeaWorld Animal Rescue Team after a nearly two month rehabilitation at SeaWorld Orlando.

The manatee pair was returned near Tomoka State Park in Volusia County. The animals were originally rescued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and quickly transported to SeaWorld Orlando on May 9, 2016.

Upon examination, it was determined that the 1255lbs 10-foot-2-inch-long manatee mother was suffering from a pneumothorax (air trapped inside body cavity) which caused severe buoyancy issues, which could negatively impact her health, eating patterns and the nursing of her calf.

SeaWorld’s expert veterinary team outfitted her with a “manatee wetsuit” the park designed for such rescue cases. The wetsuit helps assist the manatee with floating and allows the team draw out trapped air and fluids. The healthy adult manatee now weighs in at 1270 Pounds.

The mother’s young calf came in weighing approximately 97 pounds, measuring 4 feet and 5 inches, and still nursing from its mother. Although he was unharmed by the water craft, he is still nursing and dependent on his mother making it critical that the pair remain together as the calf continues to grow and learn from its mother. The calf has not left its mother’s side throughout the rehabilitation process.

SeaWorld Orlando works closely with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to determine when a manatee is ready to be returned as well as the proper time and location for the return to take place.

Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership

As part of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), SeaWorld Orlando is an acute care rehabilitation facility that provides life-saving medical care to rescued manatees.

The MRP is a cooperative group of non-profit, private, state, and federal entities who work together to monitor the health and survival of rehabilitated and released manatees.  Information about manatees currently being tracked is available at www.wildtracks.org. The Florida manatee is at risk from both natural and man-made causes of injury and mortality. Exposure to red tide, cold stress, and disease are all natural problems that can affect manatees. Human-caused threats include boat strikes, crushing by flood gates or locks, and entanglement in or ingestion of fishing gear.

All manatee rescue footage is produced by SeaWorld under the FWS Permit Number MA7701911.

Frozen Ever After has opened at EPCOT and will take you to the land of Arendelle to see Anne and Elsa. But before you go to Arendelle you can get your princess makeover at the new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Disney Springs.

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.

First-Ever Details Revealed for Universal’s Volcano Bay

Inspired by locations including Bali, the Middle East, Europe and all across the United States, Universal’s Volcano Bay will be a water park like no other!

One of the first goals is to eliminate hassles for guests so they got rid of long lines. Guests don’t have to carry their tube. Amenities like dining are spread out through the park. At a vast 28 acres, Volcano Bay will transport you to a lush, tropical oasis inspired by the Pacific isles.

Volcano Bay is made up of four incredibly themed areas with Polynesian influences ranging from Easter Island, Hawaii, New Zealand and more. Here’s what you’ll find in each area.

Krakatau:
At the heart of the park, you’ll see the 200-foot-tall volcano called Krakatau. By day, you’ll see its majestic waterfalls. And by night, the volcano will illuminate with blazing lava.

• Three distinctive body slides are found at the rear of the volcano, and each starts off with surprise doors that drop out from beneath you:
  • Ko’okiri Body Plunge: A racing, 70-degree drop that will plummet 125-feet through the center of Krakatau. It will be the world’s first slide to travel through a pool filled with guests.
  • Kala and Ta Nui Serpentine Body Slides: Two intertwining slides where you’ll fall freely along 124 twisting feet.
• Punga Racers: A high-speed race through four different enclosed slides featuring manta-shaped mats.
• Secret Attraction: I can’t talk about this one yet, but it’ll be like nothing else in the park.

Wave Village:
Located at the base of Krakatau, Wave Village is a perfect place to soak in the sun and relax on the sandy shores. It includes:

• Waturi Beach: A sparkling, multi-directional wave pool where you can swim, relax on the sand or indulge in private, one- or two-story cabanas.
• The Reef: An adjacent leisure pool with calmer waters and exciting views of riders speeding through the Ko’okiri Body Plunge.

River Village:
River Village offers several family-friendly attractions and experiences and features:

• Kopiko Wai Winding River: A gentle, winding river that passes through the volcano’s hidden caves, featuring spontaneous water effects and a journey through the cave of starlight.
• Tot Tiki Reef: A whimsical toddler play area with spraying Maori fountains, slides and a kid-size volcano.
• Runamukka Reef: A three-story water playground inspired by the coral reef overflowing with twisting slides, sprinklers and more.
• Honu: An adventurous, multi-passenger raft ride that will soar across a dual wall.
• Ika Moana: A twisting, multi-passenger raft ride that will glide across bubbling geysers.

Rainforest Village:
Rainforest Village features an incredible assortment of attractions for thrill-seekers, including:

• Maku: North America’s first “saucer ride”, sending multi-passenger rafts speeding around three saucer-shaped curves.
• Puihi: A breath-taking multi-passenger raft ride that will plunge you into darkness before bursting into a funnel and launching into a zero-gravity drop.
• Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides: Two twisting, adrenaline-pumping slides that launch you four- or six-feet above the water at the end.
• TeAwa The Fearless River: An action-packed, racing torrent river where you’ll have to hang tight in your inner tube amidst roaring, whitewater rapids.
• Taniwha Tubes: Four unique Easter Island-inspired slides with rafts for single or double riders.
• Puka Uli Lagoon: A tranquil pool where you can swim and relax.

 

You’d be hard-pressed to find something as legendary as the Hogwarts Express to invoke a little wizard envy in the Muggle world. This iconic red and black engine, which is known for transporting young wizards and witches across the English countryside to Hogwarts, and which is featured so prominently in the Harry Potter stories, is a magical piece of wizarding history.

Catch the train from King’s Cross Station (entering at platform 9 3/4, of course) to Hogsmeade. Or, take a ride the opposite way, from Hogsmeade to King’s Cross. In fact, you’ll probably want to try out both options—it is a different ride experience depending on which way you’re headed.

Come along on the ride from Hogsmeade to King’s Cross:

Come along on the ride from King’s Cross to Hogsmeade:

On your relaxing ride, you’ll certainly experience some magical happenings. Characters from the movies might pass by your windows outside. And you’ll see the shadows of other passengers passing by your cabin. Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione might just come by looking for an open seat or chasing after escaped chocolate frogs. Muggles and wizards alike will appreciate the attention to detail.

This is a can’t-miss attraction for fans visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And because it travels between two stations (and between two parks Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Islands of Adventure), you’ll need the park-to-park feature on your tickets to experience it. So, wands ready? All aboard!

Written by Laura Schindler:  Are you ready to experience the Hogwarts Express for yourself? Laura can help get you there! Laura 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 with Laura at Laura@DestinationsInFlorida.com

ATX®, the Astronaut Training Experience

Becoming an astronaut sounds glamorous, but what is it really like? If you’ve always dreamed about exploring space, ATX®, the Astronaut Training Experience, can give you a taste of just what astronauts go through to become a member of NASA’s elite astronaut corps. Call 866.737.5235 to book your reservation now for ATX, the Astronaut Training Experience!

This exciting, fast-paced half-day experience gives you a true example of what it’s like to train as a member of NASA’s prestigious astronaut corps. This program was developed with the guidance of veteran space travelers.

Your adventure begins with a mission briefing and question-and-answer session with a veteran NASA astronaut – one of the few men and women who have explored beyond our Earth – then continues under the guidance of educators and space flight experts.

Next, it’s your turn to take the helm as you practice the skills you’ll need to complete your mission. You’ll learn how to execute a high-Earth orbit to rendezvous, dock with and perform critical repair work on the International Space Station then land the space shuttle at Kennedy Space Center.

To prepare your body for space flight, you’ll need to test your strength and stamina to be successful on simulators like the Micro-Gravity Wall, Multi-Axis Trainer and 1/6th Gravity Chair. At the Micro-Gravity Wall, you’ll be outfitted with harnesses and customized weights which allow you to climb and descend the wall in an almost effortless state. In the 1/6th Gravity Chair, a system of springs and pulleys help to create the feeling that you’re walking on the moon. The bravest of recruits will take on the MAT, or Multi-Axis Trainer, a device that randomly spins and twirls its occupant in multiple directions and through 360º revolutions.

Once you and your fellow crew members are sufficiently trained, it’s time to put your new skills to the test. You’ll perform a simulated space shuttle mission in which you’ll work individually and as a team. Each crew member is assigned a specific role (mission commander, co-pilot, mission specialist, mission control officer, etc.) and, based on the assignment, proceeds to a full-scale mock-up of the space shuttle orbiter, or takes the helm in a realistically outfitted mission control room. Cue scripts will prompt you and each member of the crew to recite specific lines during the space shuttle mission simulation, contributing to the realistic feel and overall success of your mission.

Finally, you’ll celebrate your certain success with a graduation “ceremony,” where you’ll be acknowledged for your hard work and be briefed about the future of the U.S. SpaceProgram. Congratulations, trainee!
See if you’ve got what it takes to join the brave men and women who have ventured beyond Earth’s gravity to achieve their dreams of traveling in space. Call 866.737.5235 to book your reservation now for ATX, the Astronaut Training Experience!

Come sail away with Mickey Mouse on such a magical cruise it will feel like a Dream. Experience Disney in a way you never have before by sailing on the Disney Dream. Dine in the finest of restaurants and be pampered by Disney’s renowned service. You’ll be delighted to find many things for each member of the family as well as the family as a whole. Let the fun begin as you embark on a 3 or 4 night sailing to Nassau, Bahamas and my favorite destination, Disney’s Castaway Cay.

Seek adventure as you zoom down the AquaDuck, the Dream’s water roller coaster slide. Thrill-seekers can catch amazing views as you slide through an almost all clear tube on their single or double raft…the slide even takes a turn off the side of the ship. There’s never a dull moment from the Broadway-style shows to the fireworks at sea at the “Pirates in the Caribbean” celebration. Kids of all ages are sure to never want to leave one of the amazing youth clubs. The Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are the perfect spots to entertain your 3-12-year-olds.

New to the Disney Dream is the addition of the Star Wars: Millennium Falcon and the Disney Infinity Game Room. Tweens and Teens have places to call their own too; the Edge (11-14) and the Vibe (ages 14-17). Little ones under 3 are able to visit the It’s a Small World Nursery. Adults aren’t left out of the fun either with their own pool, fine dining restaurants, and nightclub district.

The highlight of your cruise is sure to be Disney’s private Island, Castaway Cay. Your family can do everything from watersports to crab racing to meeting special characters. The island features a kids club, a teen and tween hideaway and an adult’s only beach. Did I mention the unlimited ice cream?

Written by Michelle Guthrie: Michelle is a wife and mother to 3 young children. She was born and raised in Florida and a long time Disney World annual pass holder. When her family isn’t vacationing at Disney or Universal, they’re taking road trips to see the USA. Michelle is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She loves helping plan magical vacations that create memories to last a lifetime…all at no cost to you. Contact Michelle to book your next vacation at Michelle@destinationsinflorida.com or 813-928-9432. You can also follow her on Facebook here.

I know that if you have seen a Star Wars party, then you have seen these pool noodle light sabers. They are easy and extremely inexpensive to make, so that’s why everyone is using them.

I saw several different types of light sabers, but never saw a tutorial on how to make them.

One of the problems I kept seeing with most of the light sabers was that the bottoms were kind of bubbly. The tape wasn’t smooth. I knew how to remedy that, and I wanted to share with you how to do it as well.

You will want to measure your pool noodles and cut them in half using your knife. Then you can begin taping.  The pictures, I hope, are self explanatory…so I’ll let them do most of the talking.

 Smooth bottom of pool noodle.

You can’t deny the fact that Walt Disney World has something for everyone in your family. However, today, let’s focus on the what the Magic Kingdom has to offer for our Teen travelers!

#5 Space Mountain

Blast off at high speeds through the darkest reaches of outer space! It’s fast, has drops and turns… They’ll love it!

#4 Splash Mountain

Take off in a log fume ride with characters from the Disney classic movie Song of the South. Fun music, characters and story line… and, in the end, you may get wet!

#3 Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Outdoor roller coaster where you race through a gold mining town. It’s definitely the ‘wildest ride in the wilderness’! (FYI this ride will be closed for refurbishment in the beginning of August to mid-November, 2016)

#2 Astro Orbiter

You get to pilot your very own rocket, high above Tomorrowland. You get to decide how high you fly by pushing/pulling the lever in your rocket. Want to give the ride a little extra ‘fright factor’? Ride at night!!

#1 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Race through the diamond mine from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs! Rock around like never before while you sway from side to side. Make sure to check out the interactive queue too!

Honorable Mentions:

Pirates of the Caribbean, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Mad Tea Party and Haunted Mansion

You know what? It’s probably best to check them all out!!

Written by Veronica Mazarelli:  Veronica has planned her family vacations for years.  Now she gets to do it for others, and it’s like a dream come true.  She creates lasting memories to the destination of your choice by planning customized vacations.  She focuses on family and family reunion travel to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Disney Cruise Line and Sandals & Beaches Resorts.  As well as Southern United States; like Nashville, Chattanooga, Memphis, Savannah, and Atlanta.  She’ll help you find the BEST accommodations with the BEST value, and she will fill in all the blanks… all at no cost to you! She can’t wait to pass that magic on to your family.  If you are ready to save on your next vacation, contact Veronica at Veronica@DestinationsInFlorida.com.

A day at sea on a Royal Caribbean Cruise is a great way to get a little peace and quiet by sitting on your balcony or by going to the adult only decks to relax. While you’re lounging watching the waves go by you may even see dolphins swimming by the ship. While sitting in your lounge chair and listening to the waves, the waves may even lull you to sleep.

Some of the lower decks have lounge chairs where you can just relax, or you can play a game of shuffleboard. If sitting is not your style, why not go and explore the ship. Ask any crew member about hidden decks where you can just watch the sea go by.

On some of Royal Caribbean ships, you can go to the upper deck and look down at the bridge while the crew is sailing the ship. Some cruise lines also offer their guests private cabanas where you can buy a day pass and just relax away from all the hustle and bustle on the main pool deck.

Written by Barbara Roach:  Barbara is your Personal Travel & Cruise Concierge. She has been organizing travel for years. She knows where to find the best deals, what really constitutes “value” and how you can make your vacation dollar stretch, especially when it comes to planning travel with kids!  Regardless of your destination, her goal is to exceed your every expectation and deliver you to a most enchanting vacation. Call Barbara at 401-323-1294 or email at barbararoach@destinationsinflorida.com to book your trip today.