To all our readers,
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.
Orlando Visitor News
Today is Veterans Day in the USA.
On Saturday November 14th 10am-12pm there will be a Parade in Downtown Orlando to commemorate this day. The parade and Gasparilla floats will feature members of active military and will start from Orange Ave. and Livingston Street. It is hosted by Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Mayors Veterans advisory council.
The Orlando Museum of Art will be holding its annual ‘Festival of Trees’.
From November 14th 2009-November 22nd 2009.
Sponsored by PNC Bank.
Why not get the feel for Christmas? Here you will find an amazing display of decorated trees, maybe even buy one and take it home! There will be shopping, choral singing, orchestras, dancing, ballet performances, luscious food, and refreshments.
General admission
$10 Adult
$6 Child
A meeting to learn about the plans to improve traffic flow on the Interstate 4. on Tuesday Sept.15th 2009.
Information sourced at the I-4 public Information Office.
A new law has been passed called the ‘Move over Law’ to keep law enforcement officers and emergency responders safe on the highways of Florida
read more………..
Monday 3rd August partly sunny/chance of thunderstorms later high in low 90F/low in mid 70F
Tuesday 4th August partly sunny/chance of thunderstorms high in low 90F/low in mid 70F
Wednesday 5th August partly sunny/chance of thunderstorms high in low 90F/low in mid 70F
Thursday 6th August partly cloudy/chance of thunderstorms high around 90F/low in mid 70F
Friday 7th August partly cloudy/chance of thunderstorms high in low 90F/low in mid 70F
Saturday 8th August partly cloudy/chance of thunderstorms high in low 90F/low in mid 70F
Sunday 9th August partly cloudy/chance of thunderstorms high in low 90F/low in mid 70F
Archive suggests:-
August
Average Expected High, low to mid 90F
Average Expected Low, low to mid 70F
September
Average Expected High, low to mid 90F
Average Expected Low, low to mid 70F
October
Average Expected High, mid to high 80F
Average Expected Low, mid to high 60F
More archive and weather information can be found on our web-site:- http://www.kissimmee-us192.com/orlando_weather.htm
What: | Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot Location: Disney&39;s Epcot Theme Park 1200 Epcot Resort Blvd. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 Phone: 407-824-4321 More Information: Sounds Like Summer is an annual live concert series at Epcot Theme Park that brings togheher a talented collection of tribute bands to authentically recreate the classic hits of legendary musical icons. |
When: | Thursday, July 30, 2009 5:15 PM |
Where: | Disney's Epcot Theme Park 1200 Epcot Resort Boulevard Orlando, Florida 32830 United States |
What: | Medieval Times Run The once a year run to see knights joust and battle. The Celebration is for my birthday and I will be dress for the event. So if you have a Knightly outfit OR if you prefer to wear a dress you wont be alone. Fact is they promote it and the staff love to see it so you wont feel out of place. We get together early and drink in the tavern there till show time. Then we hit the show and have a great feast while the knights battle for supremacy of the field. Our group always seat in the front row so we always upgrade with the royalty package. If you prefer you can get the basic seat but we show early so we are all at least on the same knight. Most the time we have enough going where we receive a group rate so RSVP as soon as possible so we can see what the best price we can get is. If you have never been to MT be prepared for a treat and is a lot of fun. If you havent been in a year or so they have changed the show again so this should be a new treat for even the veterans like me and my wife. If you choose not to dress up this is fine as well. Also I expect no presents and no cards. My present is you showing up and as for cards ...tell me in person. Me being an environmentalist (Not tofu eating hippie a real one) makes it so I dont like cards (Waste of resources). So just bring yourself and a smile and lets have a blast. Also since gameday is the next day you can crash here if you like and we will be ready to battle the next day. |
When: | Friday, July 31, 2009 6:00 PM |
Where: | Postal code 34744, United States Kissimmee, Florida 34744 United States |
If you want something more serene than the hustle and bustle of the theme parks on your vacation, why not go on a City of Orlando Bus Tour. You will see Downtown Orlando, Lake Eola, stop off at Winter Park for a boat ride, shop at Park avenue and experience the unique City of Celebration.
Operates on Sunday and has commentary giving you lots of details about the area.
Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 9:00pm
Listen to the new album and drink in the best bar downtown!
Host: Megaphone Type: Party - Night of Mayhem
Location: The Matador 56 E. Pine St. Orlando, FL
Email: theband@megaphonemusic.net
Thursday night at 9:00 pm come hang out with us and listen to the CD from start to finish at The Matador at 56 E Pine St. Downtown Orlando right next to the AKA Lounge. We'll have tickets to the CD release show with us so this is a great opportunity to pick up any last minute FREE tickets you need.
Remember, The Matador is a bar so only ages 21 and up are allowed in. Sorry kids!
Yet again the weather leads to a scrubbing of launch attempt number 5.
Next try, the sixth launch attempt, Wednesday at 18:03:10. EDT
God’s Speed Endeavour again…
A new law has come into place in Florida for police to give tickets to a driver, if him or his passenger are not wearing a seat belt.
The law came into effect June 30th2009.
Any passengers under 18 years must also wear a seat belt anywhere in the vehicle. Children 4 to 5 years must be in a suitable seat with seat belt, 3 years and younger must be in an approved device.
Safe driving and ‘Buckle Up’.
Delayed again due to bad weather rolling in from Orlando. Not so much a problem for the launch but if Endeavour needed to return to KSC, that part was unacceptable.
Next launch opportunity is at 18:51:24 today with a 60 percent chance of acceptable weather today or tomorrow.
Endeavour must make the leap by Tuesday or the flight will be delayed to July 27. A high-priority Russian Progress resupply mission launches July 24. Gods Speed Endeavour…
Liftoff is targeted for 7:13:55p.m today after lightening prevented last evenings countdown from completing.
If at first you don’t succeed…
‘Currently’ all systems are go for the countdown for a launch attempt at 7:39:35 p.m. EST Saturday, with a possible 5 minute extension inside the launch window.
More info at the wonderful CBS news site -
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/current.html
‘The People’s Princess Charitable Foundation, inc.’ is holding an exhibition on the life of Princess Diana.
Opening July 2009 at Downtown Disney.
For more information go to http://ow.ly/eEnP
Walt Disney World has re-opened the Hall of Presidents, having been closed for a short while to get ready to welcome ‘President Barack Obama’, this amazing robotic exhibition was launched on July 4th 2009.
It has a lifelike Audio-Animatronics figures of all U.S presidents.
*Happy July 4th*to all our American readers.
To our other readers visiting, have a great day and enjoy the fireworks!!
There will be many Celebrations in Orlando on July 4th to celebrate Independence Day.
Below are just a few.
The City of Kissimmee is holding a free party at Lakefront Park from 5.00 to 9.30pm.
More information can be found at http://www.kissimmee.org/ch_dept_parks.aspx?id=412
At the Theme Parks:-
Disney’s Magic Kingdom…A special “Concert in the Sky” at 9.oopm followed by the nightime parade “SpectroMagic” at 10.30pm.
Epcot….A special holiday inspired theme will be running through the day, and there will be added extras to the illuminations ‘Reflections of the Earth’.
Hollywood Studios….will have a special American feel to it during the day and at night there will be special fireworks at 9.00pm.
Downtown Disney....Fireworks at 10.30pm.
Universal. ...are hosting a 4th July special Cinesphere show starting at 10pm. The park has an extended opening until 11.00pm.
CityWalk…Has an American theme running through the day, with a barbecue at 5pm to 9pm. An all American Celebration.
The same gaseous hydrogen leak has resurfaced during fuelling of Endeavour. Launch scrubbed until at least 11th July 2009.
CBS News Space Place - Space Shuttle Status Report (STS-127)
NASA have re-jigged the launce schedules and moved the departure of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to June 18th.
Endeavour will now fly as STS-127 at 5:40 a.m. EDT Wednesday.
With sunrise on Wednesday at 06:28 am it should be a spectacular dawn launch.
More from CBS News here…
Gaseous Hydrogen leak causes delay to Wednesday maybe next Saturday. More when we know…
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/current.html
Cheap flights to Orlando are what we are all about. You have to get here to enjoy this place so why not get airline tickets at the best possible prices? Your flight is apart of your vacation experience so get the best deals and the best service from http://www.lowfares.com/
Search, Compare and Book from the leaders in the travel industry with the best Discounted Rates available. Not just cheap Airline Tickets but Hotel Accommodations, Car Rental and entire Vacation Packages.
Of course it’s not just Orlando – fly, stay, drive anywhere in the world with http://www.lowfares.com
There is an 80% chance of acceptable weather on all three possible launch days Saturday June 13th 2009, Sunday and Monday at 07:17 EST. Endeavour will carry a 7 person crew for a 16-day five-spacewalk mission servicing the International Space Station on ISS Assembly Flight 2J/A.
Endeavour will be moved from Launch Pad 39B to pad 39A on May 30.
Launch of STS-127 is currently planned for 13th June 2009 at 07:17am EDT.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2009/may/HQ_M09-092_STS-127_Roll_Around_TCDT.html
Visitors take care. Especially Brits.
During the current heavy rain (at at all other times) be careful when driving. Torrential downpours can be truly astounding.
Hard rain can be very tricky in a car you are not used to. Check you know how to switch your wipers on in your Orlando Rental Car. Usually the left stalk.
Take care and slow down enough to be safe...
May 25th 2009 is Memorial Day in the United States.
Memorial Day commemorates U.S. service men and women who died while in the military service throughout history.
If you witness a Flag Ceremony during Memorial Day (or at any time, such as daily Walt Disney World Flag Retreat Ceremony in Main Street USA, Magic Kingdom). You should stop, bring yourself to attention, gentleman remove hats and all place your hands by your side. Observe the ceremony in silence and appreciate the sacrifice that is and was given for our freedom.
Orlando is holding its 8th annual ‘Florida Music Festival’ on May 13th to 16th 2009.
Many artists will be performing from all around the country.
A music conference also runs in conjunction with the festival.
Held at downtown Orlando.
More info. Can be found at…http://www.floridamusicfestival.com/the-festival/
Looks like STS-125 is ‘good to go’ for later today. With the exiting image of Endeavour standing by on Launch Complex (Pad) 39b as STS-400.
Looks like UK TV is embracing this Hubble Repair Mission…
Coverage on Fox News (as normal), special programme on Discovery Chanel @ 6.30pm and coverage hinted on BBC News 24 at just before 7pm launch time.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/05/live-sts-125-launch-updates/
Are holding a two day conference at The Orange County Convention Center, Orlando Florida. On May 20th-21st 2009.
Offering courses, discussions, workshops, involvement with community and education, solutions showcase. Professional and social networking opportunities and more.
More information can be found at
Sadly i don’t live in Orlando but next week I will for a while.
So, if you are on a flight from Gatwick early next week to Orlando. I may be sitting next to you.
Can’t wait…
Need Running Shoes and let’s face it we all should need Running Shoes? Zappos.com has a selection that is jaw droppingly impressive.
Shoes for every day running right up to professional shoes for what looks like all the world’s leading suppliers. At http://www.zappos.com/running-shoes check out the Free Shipping and 365 day returns. Truly impressive.
The detail of information on each shoe clearly shows an extremely professional business and a real understanding of the Running Shoe and all combination possibilities. Get your Running Shoes at Zappos.com.
It’s comforting to know that in these hard times of recession, holidaymakers are still flocking to Walt Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld Florida.
Over the Easter period crowds of people are reported to have visited the parks. Normally this is the busiest time but under these economic circumstances one would have thought the numbers would be down!
This article found at Examiner.com highlights the harm that can come to wildlife when fed food intended for human consumption. We know it‘s cute but please do not feed the animals at Walt Disney World.
Walt Disney World Travel Examiner: Please, do not feed wildlife at Walt Disney World
Add a little touch of Hawaii to your Orlando vacation at Universal Orlando Resorts Lowes Royal Pacific. Found at Universal Orlando News Releases
Found at Doing Florida Forums. Fantasmic gets an extra show over Easter 2009
March 29 – Disney increases Fantasmic performances - DoingFlorida
Travel Alaska with Denali Tours an Alaskan company run by Alaskan people. They undoubtedly know Alaska through and through and specialise in tours of The Denali National Park.
Travel the Alaskan Wilderness by car, rail or motor coach on guided tours that will show you the heart stopping scenery of this majestic natural wonderland.
Their Back Country Adventure, the Lodge and Cabins are a treat for all visitors.
Tours and Cruises to all of Alaska's National Parks are also offered.
Come to Alaska with Denali Tours.
If you are lucky enough to be in Orlando at the Spring break and Easter, here are a few Orlando Area Easter Events that are taking place.
Flamingo Gardens is holding an orchid show and sale, Saturday April 11th and Sunday April 12th 2009 at the 60 acre botanical gardens. There are native wildlife exhibits with panthers, bobcats, otters, and alligators. An aviary, with birds of prey, golden and bald eagles. Don’t forget your camera because the Easter bunny will be there.
More info at http://www.flamingogardens.org/events.htm
At Disney’s Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival they are holding many events and activities including, discovering how you can create an easy environmentally friendly garden. ‘Green Garden’ found adjacent to the Morocco Pavilion.
March 18, 2009-May31, 2009
More information at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/special-events/epcot-international-flower-and-garden-festival/
And http://allears.net/tp/ep/flogar.htm
Some of the Disney hotels offer egg hunts, etc to their guests. If you are staying at a Disney hotel, enquire at the front desk when you arrive.
Religious services are held on Easter Sunday in the Fantasia Ballroom at the Contemporary Resort. Catholic Mass is held at 8:00 am and 10:15 am. A Protestant service is held at 9:00 am.
You are not allowed to park at the Contemporary for these services.
You need to either take a monorail or a boat to the Contemporary Resort.
Some Hotels will be laying on special Easter egg events, check with your Hotel for information.
The Nickelodeon Family Suites is holding an EGGstravaganza in the Mall with Nickelodeon Characters giving out candy and toy-filled Easter Eggs. It is free and open to the public.
Happening on April 12, 2009.
More info at http://www.nickhotel.com/nick_hotel_events/index.cfm
If you want to spend time at the beach, just a short drive away is the wonderful Cocoa beach where ‘Ron Jon Surf Shop’ has an annual Easter tradition where some of the world’s best surfers compete at the Cocoa Beach Pier. This year’s festival features prizes from all ages and genders, including a $5,000 Men’s Longboard Pro/Am, Women’s $1,000 Longboard Pro/Am and a $500 Amateur Shortboard Competition for both boys and girls.
More info at http://www.eastersurffest.com/
Look out for Easter Bunnies in Shopping Malls although the Malls may be closed Easter Sunday.
Check out the latest Orlando Weather Information Post on our Orlando Weather Blog…
If Orlando is not right for you now – think Australia! Sun, Surf, Cities, Outback. Australia has it all…
The new LastMinute.com Australia Web Site has everything you need to plan your perfect trip. Right when the feeling takes you there. Flights, Hotels, Car Rental, entire Trips and not forgetting Themed Experiences. It’s all in an easy to use layout from the leaders in on-line destination planning with the best prices when you have to just get away, now.
So, whether it’s the Melbourne Grand Prix, Bondi Surfing, The Perth Regatta, or your own Walk About - LastMinute.com Australia is the place to start planning.
A date is set for Discovery to set sail as STS-119 to the International Space Station.
More here at our Orlando Space Blog - http://orlandospace.blogspot.com/
The Barnes Team are here to help walk you through the home buying process.
Thinking about selling? There is a lot of information about the housing market. Allow us to provide you a local perspective of the housing market in your area.
Whether buying or selling, we look forward to making your dreams a reality!
Vanessa and Jaime Barnes, Realtors
Keller Williams Realty
Info@DestinationCentralFlorida.com
407-973-2414
The second Sunday in March 2009 has happened so, in the US, clocks have sprung forward by 1 Earth hour. More info over on the British Visitor Blog - http://orlandobritishvisitor.blogspot.com/
Space Shuttle STS-119 Flow Control Valves woes.
If you want to see the valves that all this kerfuffle is about… Check out this page - http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html Second item.
MUSIC
Here are a few music events that are happening around the Orlando area
VENUE: House of Blues Lake Buena Vista, Orlando
EVENT: Willie Nelson with Jamey Johnson
DATE: 13th March 2009
INFORMATION: http://www.hob.com/tickets/
VENUE: Orange County Convention Centre
EVENT: National Philharmonic of Russia
DATE: 4th April 2009
INFORMATION: http://www.festivaloforchestras.org/season/
VENUE: The Hard Rock Café Universal Drive
EVENT: Cheech and Chong
DATE: 5TH APRIL 2009
INFORMATION: http://www.hardrock.com/live2/live.asp
VENUE: Tiedtke Concert Hall
EVENT: Carnival of the Animals /Fred Rogers Family Series
DATE: 25th April 2009
INFORMATION: http://www.bachfestivalflorida.org/
VENUE: Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre
EVENT: Orlando Ballet presents Romeo & Juliet / With Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
DATE: Friday, May 1st to Sunday, May 3rd 2009
INFORMATION: http://orlandoballet.org
STS –119 is delayed again over concerns about Flow Control Valves (FCVs).
When a date (maybe March 14th) is confirmed I will post the date.
‘Ecocentric Solutions’ sounds a good way of moving forward to make gardening and landscaping eco-friendly. Their web-site is under construction at the moment but information can be found at:- http://www.ecocentricsolutions.com/
Disney’s Hollywood Studios hosts the Grand Opening of The American Idol Experience.
Found at WESH.com here…
From Orlando Sentinel
STS-119 has been delayed again with fuel valve problems.
More from the Orlando Sentinel here…
From February 27th to March1st 2009. Walt Disney’s Hollywood Studios is hosting an event called ESPN The Weekend, Sports stars will be attending and mixing with the crowd, and to add to the fun there will be an interactive sports zone and of course your favourite Disney Characters.
For more information go to -http://espn.go.com/espntheweekend/
Universal Orlando Resort presents a Celebrity Golfing event at Orlando's Mystic Dunes Golf Club on Monday March 16th.
A total of 32 teams will compete in the tournament.
Former MLB, NFL players will take part in the event.
Celebrities Derrick Brooks, Phil Niekro, Bill "Maz" Mazeroski, Jim McMahon and others will be participating.
On Sunday March 15th from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. there will be a welcome reception and pairing party held at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando.
The event will raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, cancer research centre.
Information found at :- http://orlando.golfersguide.com/orlando-golf/golf-news/former-mlb-nfl-players-to-participate-in-inaugural-celebrity-shootout-at-mystic-dunes-golf-club.html
If you require sport event information in Orlando, here is a taste of what’s on offer in February:-
Wednesday Feb. 11th 2009
Sport: Basketball . Magic vs. Denver
Place: Amway Arena
Time: 1 day
More Info: www.orlandomagic.com
Friday Feb. 13th 2009
Sport: Baseball. USSSA Presidents Day Challenge III
Place: Sleepy Hollow Sports Complex
Time: 3 days
More Info: www.orlandosports.org
Friday Feb. 13th 2009
Sport: Auto Racing. NextEra Energy Resources 250 Camping World Truck race
Place:Daytona International Speedway
Time: for 1 day
More info: www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com
Saturday Feb. 14th.2009
Sport: Baseball. USSSA 1st Annual President's Day Games
Place:Seminole County Softball Complex
Time: 2 days
More info: www.orlandosports.org
Sunday Feb. 15th 2009
Sport: Triathlon. Florida's Great Escape Triathlon
Place: Lake Louisa State Park
Time:1 day
More info: www.orlandosports.org
Saturday Feb. 14th 2009
Sport:Soccer.Disney's President's Day Soccer Festival
Place: Disney’s Wide World of Sports
Time:2 days
More info: http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com
If you want more information on specific events, click on Question and Answers http://orlandoqna.blogspot.com/
Here are a few music events that are happening around the Orlando area
VENUE: Performing Arts Centre Livingston St.Orlando,
EVENT: The Festival of Orchestras: The Boston Pops, Conductor Keith Lockhart
Date: March 8th 2009
Information: http://www.festivaloforchestras.org/season/
VENUE: House of Blues, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando
EVENT: Orlando Rocks: Javier Productions Presents, Puerto Rican Power Con Invitado Especial, Ismael, Miranda and Tony Tun Tun.
Date: February 13th 2009
Information: http://www.hob.com/tickets/
VENUE: The Hard Rock Café Universal Drive
EVENT: Gypsy Kings
Date: 11th February 2009
EVENT: Morrisey
Date: 1st March 2009
Information: http://www.hardrock.com/live2/live.asp
VENUE: Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida
EVENT: Rossini Weekend. The Bach Festival Society and Orlando Opera are performing.
Date: 21st February
Information: http://www.bachfestivalflorida.org/
VENUE: Amway Arena Florida
EVENT: An evening with Fleetwood Mac [More info: http://www.fleetwoodmac.com/ ]
Date: 20th April 2009
Information: http://orlandovenues.net/
More archive and weather information can be found on our web-site:-
http://www.kissimmee-us192.com/orlando_weather.htm
A Contestant on the B.B.C. National Lottery show ‘In It to Win It’ called Toni Cox, had Britain glued to the TV on Saturday night. He answered all the correct answers and won ‘one hundred thousand pounds’.
Before his last question, he stated that his ten grandchildren would be sitting in front of their TV’s at home willing him to win so they could all go to Orlando for a holiday.
More dreams fulfilled.!!
Just wanted to say Good Morning to America on this special day.
It is a new chapter in Americas Book and a new hope for us all.
If you require sport event information in Orlando, here is a taste of what’s on offer for January:-
Thursday Jan. 22nd, 2009
Sport: Basketball Orlando Magic v.s Boston Celtics
Place: Amway Arena.
Time: 8.00 PM
More info: : www.orlandomagic.com
Friday Jan. 23rd 2009
Sport: Fishing Crappie Masters Tournament
Place: Hickory Point
Time: for 2 days
More info: www.orlandosports.org
Friday Jan. 23rd 2009
Sport: Baseball
Place: Sleepy Hollow Sports Complex
Time: for 3 days
More info: www.orlandosports.org
Friday 30th Jan. 2009
Sport: Lacrosse
Place: Disney’s Wide World of Sports
Time: January 30th – February 1st
More info: www.uslacrosse.org/events
January 30th
Sport:: Dance National Dance Team Championships
Place: Disney’s Wide World of Sports
Time: January 30th-February 1st
More info: www.uda.varsity.com
If you want more information on specific events, click on Question and Answers http://orlandoqna.blogspot.com/
If you are planning a trip to the US for pleasure or temporary business you will now require an ESTA before boarding a plane, this ruling was implemented Jan. 12th 2009.
For more information go to
http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1212498415724.shtm
To apply, fill in an application on-line at : https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
If you are planning a trip in the near future to one of the Disney Parks and certain rides are a must for you, check for operational updates on http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/calendar/refurbishmentslisting/index?
sometimes they refurbish the ride that you want to go on, so save disappointment and plan ahead.
At Orlando International airport they have produced a very informative ‘Wayfinder’ map to help you find your way around.
Check it out at: http://www.orlandoairports.net/ops/term.htm
At the Orange County Regional History Centre Orlando, there is a photograph exhibition of a 70-year-old community of trailer homes on public land in Winter Garden, Florida
It Finishes on 18th January 2009.
More info. At http://www.thehistorycenter.org
Blog: |
Orlando Visitor |
Topics: |
Orlando, Florida, Vacation |