Disney World’s Tron Lighcycle / Run

by Elsa Soto | Apr 6, 2023 | Blog, Local Events, Theme Parks and Attractions, Things to Do in Orlando

Disney World’s Tron Lighcycle / Run

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DisneyWorld’s Tron Lighcycle / Run

We’ve entered another phase of the long journey to Tron Lightcycle / Run, the new roller coaster coming to Walt Disney World. Welcome to the “soft opening,” a period before the Magic Kingdom ride’s official debut April 4.

Walt Disney World president Jeff Vahle welcomes guests at the new Tron Lightcycle / Run roller coaster during a preview at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Tuesday, March 14, 2023. The semi-enclosed ride, based on the Tron movie franchise, is Disneys fastest with speeds of nearly 60 mph. The ride officially opens on April 4.© Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/TNS

The attraction will use its virtual queue system to assign loading groups, and the paid Lightning Lane also will be available through the My Disney Experience app. There will be no standby line during the soft opening or after its official opening next month.

Scenes of the scale and colors of the new Tron Lightcycle / Run roller coaster during a preview for invited guests at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Tuesday, March 14, 2023. The semi-enclosed coaster, based on the Tron movie franchise, is Disneys fastest with speeds of nearly 60 mph. The ride officially opens on April 4.© Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/TNS

Using information gleaned from weeks of cast member previews, annual passholder previews and the most recent media event, here are fresh thoughts and suggestions before heading into Tomorrowland.

Night shift

The exterior of Tron Lightcycle / Run is dominated by a sloping canopy, and it presents distinctive looks for day (a bright white) and night (pulsating shades of blue and occasional bursts of orange). The buzz is that it’s a different, more amazing experience in the evenings.

But after dark’s going to be a tough ticket to land intentionally, at least initially, since Disney’s virtual queues tend to fill up quickly and you take the loading group you can get, early or late. (Lightning Lane sellouts may happen quickly too.) Waiting for the second virtual queue window at 1 p.m. will be iffy.

Scenes of the scale and colors of the new Tron Lightcycle / Run roller coaster during a preview for invited guests at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Tuesday, March 14, 2023. The semi-enclosed coaster, based on the Tron movie franchise, is Disneys fastest with speeds of nearly 60 mph. The ride officially opens on April 4.

Silver lining: the outdoor stretch of Tron ride is only about 12 seconds.

The dark side

Lockers are built into the ride queue and are activated by your park pass or MagicBand. It’s also cool how the lockers are double-sided (a la Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure) and that lit-up numbers show which slots are in use.

Mickey and Minnie welcome visitors at the new Tron Lightcycle / Run roller coaster during a preview at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Tuesday, March 14, 2023. The semi-enclosed ride, based on the Tron movie franchise, is Disneys fastest with speeds of nearly 60 mph. The ride officially opens on April 4.© Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/TNS

It’s also dark in there. So feel around when fetching those belongings. Maybe even turn the flashlight function of the phone on. I’ve been told darkness is part of the theming, but, wow, that’s one very dark theme.

I pick a locker between waist and eye level for easy (and more visual) exiting.

Point of purchase

The souvenir stop for the Tron ride is named Tomorrowland Launch Depot, and it’s the same space as what was once called Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. aka the gift shop at the Space Mountain exit. There will be the usual assortment of gear to buy — T-shirts, tumblers, mugs, hats, keychains — plus Tron-specific goodies, some retro, some ultramodern with the “Tron” disc (with Bluetooth) built into a backpack. (“Everything’s better with Bluetooth,” — Sheldon Cooper, “The Big Bang Theory.”)

It Bytes

Walt Disney World recently announced Energy Bytes, a new food kiosk in Tomorrowland. It didn’t say where it would be, but there it is, at the bottom of the Tron ramp, near the entrance to Launch Depot.

Menus posted on the building during the media preview indicated items such as buffalo chicken digital dumplings (with “dehydrated blue cheese” and cayenne pepper broth) for $8.49 and strawberry iceoform for $5.29.

Listed under “sip protocol” is a pink drink called watermelon refresher. It features yuzu citrus, ginger and popping candies. It will sell for $5.99.

Rain game

Word on the Imagineering street is that the rain gutters for the giant canopy are hidden away in its “ribbon,” the curved, lower edge of the structure, which leads to drains in the poles. There’s one visible spout, one Imagineer told me.

Imagineers also say Tron Lightcycle / Run should operate in the rain, thanks to the canopy. But journalists note that most Imagineers are an optimistic sort. Let’s check back during one of the daily summer storms.

Going, going … Tron

Finally, if you spied versions of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy in “Tron”-styled outfits during coverage from the media preview, there’s some bummer news. Disney confirms that those versions of the characters were for the event only and won’t be available for meet-and-greets with park guests.

Guests ride the new Tron Lightcycle / Run roller coaster during a preview at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Tuesday, March 14, 2023. The semi-enclosed coaster, based on the Tron movie franchise, is Disneys fastest with speeds of nearly 60 mph. The ride officially opens on April 4.© Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/TNS

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ORLANDO PET EXPO 2023

by Elsa Soto | Mar 16, 2023 | Blog, Local Events, Things to Do in Orlando

ORLANDO PET EXPO 2023

Global Pet Expo brings together the who’s who of the pet retail industry.

If you work for an established business with a history of purchasing pet products in quantity from a manufacturer or distributor for resale to consumers, register to attend and meet with 1000+ exhibitors.

COST TO ATTEND

Qualified buyers are eligible to attend FREE OF CHARGE. Registration includes:

Three days of discovery on the expo floor
Global Pet Expo’s 40+ session Global Learning Series with the most important insights to stay in the know on best practices and industry trends

Global Pet Expo’s definition of a qualified buyer: A company that is purchasing pet products wholesale and in quantity from a variety of branded product manufacturers or from a distributor that is then resold to the consumer. Buyers may be single-unit retailers, multi-unit retailers, distributors, or a website selling branded products purchased from a variety of manufacturers.

EXPERIENCE 1,000 EXHIBITORS AND UNLIMITED INNOVATION

At Global Pet Expo, you’ll find just the right products to meet the needs of your customers. The show floor is organized into specialty areas so you can easily navigate to and interact with the most compelling products: natural pet products, boutique accessories, and new-to-the-market innovations, to name a few. Join us in Orlando to uncover what our exhibitors have to offer to help you maximize your merchandising and grow your profits.

NEW PRODUCTS SHOWCASE
Make time to take in the New Products Showcase and see hundreds of debut products and designs to keep customers returning for more. While exploring the New Products Showcase, cast your vote for the Best in Show Awards categories.

WHAT’S NEW!
What’s New! is a section on the show floor highlighting companies who are new to Global Pet Expo — so you can be the first to carry these products in your stores.

THE NATURAL PET
The fastest-growing category in the industry, The Natural Pet offers natural supplements, healthy treats, new innovative diets and recipes, and other holistic or organic products.

EVERYTHING AQUATIC
View the latest freshwater and saltwater innovations in aquariums and décor, filtration equipment, and more, for professionals and aquatic hobbyists. Shop Everything Aquatic to expand and diversify your product selection.

THE BOUTIQUE
Everything from high-end apparel and fashion-forward leashes and collars to gourmet and unique treats.

THE MAIN EXHIBIT HALL
Looking for products outside of the Specialty Sections? We’ve got you covered! The Main Exhibit Hall showcases a broad array of the year’s hottest products!

GLOBAL PET EXPO IS AN ELEVATED EXPERIENCE

91% of buyers recommend Global Pet Expo and 90% of buyers plan to return to Global Pet Expo 2023.
Global Pet Expo’s 40-session Global Learning Series provides the most important insights to stay in the know on best practices and industry trends. Further, this exceptional programming is 100% FREE to all attendees.
From new product showcase launches, to show specials, and more…check out the Buyer Experience Brochure to learn more about what you will experience at Global Pet Expo.

Click HERE to learn more and register!

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Alice in Vonderland

by Elsa Soto | Mar 9, 2023 | Blog, Local Events, Things to Do in Orlando

Alice in Vonderland

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Alice in Vonderland

Curiouser and Curiouser!

Krush Brau Park’s newest experience welcomes guests inside the Vunderland of Alice with a one-of-a-kind fully immersive drink and dining experience at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. As well as a unique opportunity to drink and be merry in Vunderland during our Stube in Vunderland hour. Or, bring your family to the Kids in Vunderland Experience. There is something here for everyone to experience!

Mad Hatter Tea Party

“It’s always tea time, and they have no time to wash the dishes between time for tea.”

The Mad Hatter invites you to his tea party! Enjoy an assortment of tea sandwiches and a full dessert platter while the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts entertain you with a little story in this 90 minute experience.

What’s included:

General Admission: $10, includes Chip Trio & Unlimited NA Beverage Tea Station Access. You will also receive a 10% discount on any gift shop purchases at day of event.
Immersive Experience: $20, includes Chip Trio, Tea Sandwiches, & Unlimited NA Beverage Tea Station Access. You will also receive a 10% discount on any gift shop purchases at day of event.
Adult (21+) – Immersive Experience w/Cocktails: $35, includes Chip Trio, Tea Sandwiches, Unlimited NA Beverage Tea Station Access, & 2 Handcrafted Signature Cocktails; The White Rabbit and Mad Hatter. You will also receive a 15% discount on any gift shop purchases at day of event.
Kids Tea Pot Box Experience: $10, includes an adorable gable box stuffed with a PB&J uncrustable, animal crackers, fruit snacks, juice box, and toy, as well as unlimited NA Beverage Tea Station access

**Be sure to arrive 15 minutes prior to show time to get the most out of your experience! The show begins promptly at your listed ticket time.

**A la carte drinks and food also available at additional charge.

Full Menu: click here

Kids in Vunderland

We understand the value of a fun affordable space where families can bring their young ones to experience joy in a unique environment while still offering the grown ups an experience they too can enjoy.

So bring the family to our Kids in Vunderland hours Saturday and Sunday from 2pm-4pm for great activities and family appropriate entertainment with games.

$10 Tea Pot Boxes “Kids Happy Meal” available: includes an adorable gable box stuffed with a PB&J uncrustable, animal crackers, fruit snacks, juice box, and toy

The Salty Pretzel food truck will be set up outside. And our bar is also stocked and ready at all times!

*No admission fee required!

Stube in Vunderland

What is Stube in Vunderland? Well, imagine taking a pub and opening it up right in the heart of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party!

That is what you get with us at the Portal Immersion Center during Stube hours.

We have exciting Happy Hour offers from 5pm-7pm each day, as well as live entertainment till 8pm.

The Salty Pretzel food truck with be dishing out great eats till 8pm right out front! While the bar cranks out all the beer and cocktails you can responsibly handle!

A late night menu of select eats will be available from 8pm on, from the bar inside.

Indoor and outdoor seating available. Pets welcome outside as well.

A wide variety of patio and indoor games available to use at your leisure.

So come drink and eat in the heart of Vunderland!

*No admission fee required!

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Pugsgiving 2023

by Elsa Soto | Mar 2, 2023 | Blog, Local Events, Things to Do in Orlando

Pugsgiving 2023

Pug Rescue of Florida & Georgia will celebrate it’s 20th anniversary in 2023 and we are going to kick off the fun with Pugsgiving on March 11, 2023!!

LOCATION – Pugsgiving will again be held at the Ramada Gateway in Kissimmee, FL.

You can reserve your hotel room now by contacting the hotel directly.

EVENT TICKETS – Event tickets are on sale now on our Events Page! Event tickets MUST be purchased in advance, NO tickets will be available at the door/the day of the event. There are a limited number of tickets so please purchase your tickets early. You will check-in at the event Welcome Area and receive a wristband to gain entry to the event. Tickets are required for all attendees age 10 and older. Children under age 10 are free with a paying adult. People and pugs are invited per the policies below.

ALL EVENT ATTENDEES MUST agree to and follow these Pugsgiving Policies:

1) Pugs and pug mixes are invited and welcome to attend. They must be under your control at all times and you agree to follow any rules the hotel requires.

There will be a designated Pug Relief area behind the building that must be used for potty breaks. If an accident does happen in the event venue you must clean it up immediately.

All dogs MUST be on a fixed length leash at all times. NO FLEXI LEASHES are allowed! Dog strollers are allowed.

All dogs must be up-to-date on their vaccines. No aggressive dogs allowed.

2) No selling or advertising dogs is allowed at this event. Violators will be removed immediately.

3) Attendees release Pug Rescue of Florida & Georgia and its Board of Directors and volunteers from any liability related to the event, incidents, or injuries.

Click here to learn more!

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Icon Park Community Event

by Elsa Soto | Feb 23, 2023 | Blog, Local Events, Things to Do in Orlando

Icon Park Community Event

ICON PARK Community Event

ICON Park is always looking for new ways to get involve and support its neighbors.

On Saturday, Feb. 25, the entertainment destination will host a community celebration to honor new U.S. Army recruits and bring awareness to local organizations. Charities will set up booths on The Lawn and guests can learn more about their missions and how to get involve.

U.S. Army enlistment ceremony

Each quarter, ICON Park partners with the U.S. Army to host an enlistment ceremony for future soldiers. The ceremonies are an opportunity for the future soldiers of the U.S. Army and their families to have a memorable moment before embarking on their journey to basic combat training. It takes a great amount of courage to do what our soldiers do, and many of these great men and women have to leave their families behind as they go to defend our country.

At 2 p.m. during the community celebration, the newest group of recruits will be officially swearing in for service in the U.S. Army while being surround by their friends and family.

Give Kids The World Village

Rated Four Stars by Charity Navigator, Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort in Kissimmee, Florida, that provides week-long, cost-free wish vacations to critically ill children and their families from around the world who want to visit Central Florida. A stay at the Village is much more than a vacation. During one incredible week, wish families laugh, play, and create priceless memories together away from hospital visits and medical procedures. It’s a magical week of “YES” where wish kids can experience the simple joys of childhood, and where families can recapture some of the precious moments that may have been missed due to illness.

Since 1986, Give Kids The World Village has welcomed more than 177,000 families from all 50 states and 76 countries. The Village is made possible by the support of generous donors and community partners, as well as thousands of passionate volunteers – who donate their time and talent making wishes come true.

Hometown Heroes Alliance

The immediate needs of first responders, including those in hurricane-stricken areas of Florida and Texas, as well as other less-publicized incidents that caused significant injury to thousands of dedicated public servants, require our gifts and compassion. Some of the men and women who worked tirelessly to support entire states impacted by recent weather events lost their homes, or returned to houses with significant damage, only after helping others. Others have been injured and disabled while fighting fires, tending to accident victims, responding to criminal activities and other heroic activities. As long as there are heroes making service to communities a priority, there will be a need to help.

IF YOU Foundation

The IF YOU Foundation identifies social challenges for children and creates new opportunities and initiatives to help solve them.

One of the services IF YOU offers is IF YOU Baby Care, a community center for moms and babies in need. It offers a lecture with great professionals for mothers to take all their doubts out of this very special moment. At the end, they’re presented with a box containing diapers, wipes, pads, formulas, bibs, food, clothes and more.

ICON Park will be hosting a private IF YOU Baby Care event in the Skylounge during the community celebration day.

Weekday School

Weekday School, a downtown Orlando preschool, is hosting its annual fundraiser on Feb. 25 on its campus. The fundraiser is a preschool-style birthday party that includes a silent auction. The Birthday Bash is Weekday School’s main opportunity to raise money for scholarships, school equipment, supplies and furnishings. ICON Park is proud to sponsor items for the auction.

Where and When:

ICON Park is at the center of the Orlando Entertainment District. With free parking and conveniently located near I-4, Universal Boulevard and the Beachline, this premiere entertainment complex is easy to access for any Central Florida resident or Orlando tourist.

Cost:

free

Click here to learn more!

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Chili Cookoff

by Elsa Soto | Feb 16, 2023 | Blog, Local Events, Things to Do in Orlando

Chili Cookoff

Ocoee Lakeshore Center | February 18, 2023

Event Details

Join us for the second annual Central Florida Chili Cookoff, a fundraiser to support our local students and teachers while sampling 60+ chilis provided by local restaurants and chefs of all varieties. Enjoy a bite from our food trucks and dessert vendors while enjoying live music, adult and family-friendly refreshments as well as our Kids Zone play area! We will also be having a blind draw doubles cornhole tournament!

Family and friends telling you that your chili is the best they’ve ever had? Customer’s can’t get enough of your chili?

Come out and show it off! Competitive categories will be: CASI (no filler chili), Open (Anything Goes), Restaurant, Vegetarian (no meat), Showmanship and People’s Choice. Registration to open in October 2022. Click here to provide your contact info so we can notify you once registration opens! Email questions to info@centralfloridachilicookoff.com.

Click here to REGISTER

CASI Sanctioned Event

What is CASI?

Each year, CASI sanctions nearly 400 domestic and international chili cookoffs as qualifying events for the CASI Terlingua International Chili Championship©, known as TICC. CASI was the original organizer of the first chili championship in Terlingua in 1967. These sanctioned events raise approximately $1,000,000 annually for the local and national charities that work with the cookoff organizers. This ultimate chili championship is held the first Saturday of November annually at Rancho CASI de los Chisos near Terlingua, Texas. The CASI Championship event is a fundraiser for local Terlingua charities and organizations and funds CASI’s scholarship programs.

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