Spend New Year’s Eve at Disney World

New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest fireworks evenings of the year at Walt Disney World Resort, a place where fireworks are both spectacular and an every-night occurrence. Fireworks and nighttime shows will light up the skies and create a mood of celebration at three theme parks on Dec. 31, 2011, while revelry of other sorts takes place elsewhere throughout the Vacation Kingdom.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store:

• Magic Kingdom presents a double helping of pyrotechnics: “Wishes” nighttime spectacular with a holiday overlay at 8:30 p.m. and “Fantasy in the Sky” at 11:51 p.m.

• Epcot‘s “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” delights revelers with a salute to the new year at 7 p.m. and 11:42 p.m.

• At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the 25-minute spectacular “Fantasmic!” that combines water, fire, lights, lasers, fireworks and music will be presented at 6:30 and 8 p.m., with the popular “Lights! Camera! Happy New Year!” fireworks display at midnight.

• At DisneyQuest, located at Downtown Disney,  there is a family-friendly cyber celebration from 8 p.m. -1 a.m. Kids are entertained with a  DJ and dance party, plus unlimited access to all the games and DisneyQuest attractions including Buzz Lightyear’s Astroblasters, Virtual Jungle Cruise and CyberSpace Mountain.  There’s a confetti drop and festive party favors as the clock strikes midnight. Partygoers also get a coupon for a pizza, hot dog, chicken casesar wrap or hamburger, plus chips and soda.  Price is $45 advance purchase –  or $55 day of, including tax. Call 407-934-7639 to reserve tickets.

• At Cirque du Soleil, located at Downtown Disney, all guests attending the Dec. 31 performances will receive a limited-edition Walt Disney World/Cirque trading pin. Shows are at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. For pricing contact 407/WDW/SEAT

• Registered guests at select Disney resort hotels will be treated to music and entertainment. At Narcoosee’s restaurant (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa), for instance, there will be a four-course dining experience for $149, plus DJ, balloon artist and special fireworks viewing at 8:30 and 11:51.

• Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort offers a special-ticket New Year’s Eve party from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. with video DJ Tony Zapulla.

For specific information about other holiday dining offerings at Disney resort hotels on Dec. 31, call 407/WDW/DINE.

2011 Orlando Halloween Events

2011 Halloween Horror Nights
Select Nights Between September 23 & October 31, 2011
Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida
Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights is the largest Halloween event in the United States and spread out over both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Events at the month-long fright fest include specialty designed haunted houses and mazes, inescapable scare zones, a Halloween parade, thrilling shows and live music, as well as an assortment of wandering ghouls, zombies, demons, werewolves, ghosts, goblins and vampires.

2011 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Select Nights September through November 2011
Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
This after-hours extravaganza at Disney’s Magic Kingdom allows guests to dress up in Halloween costumes and also features the “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade and the “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular. There’s trick-or-treating as well and also the opportunity to enjoy rides and attractions from 7 PM to midnight.

2011 SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular
TBA, 2011
SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Florida
Halloween meets the sea at SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular, carving an underwater “fantasea” where children can dance with an ice DJ, learn from a school of fish and play with a sea fairy. SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular uniquely brings children’s “fantaseas” to life with enchanted pathways and charming sea creatures, providing the utmost in family-friendly trick-or-treating.

Planning a summer getaway to Orlando? Westgate Leisure Resort lies within a 10- to 15-minute drive of Walt Disney World Resort and offers spacious two-bedroom suites and two heated outdoor pools. For more information about Westgate Leisure Resort, visit www.wgleisureresort.com.

Disney World Events for Fall 2011

Disney’s Night of Joy
September 9-10, 2011
www.nightofjoy.com

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Select Evenings Between September 13 & November 1, 2011
www.disneyworld.com/halloween

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
September 30 – November 13, 2011
www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine

Children’s Miracle Network Classic
October 20-23, 2011
www.childrensmiraclenetworkclassic.com

Festival of the Masters
November 11-13, 2011
www.disneyworld.com/artfestival

Old Spice Classic
November 24, 25 & 27, 2011
www.oldspiceclassic.com

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Select Evenings Between November 8 & December 18, 2011
www.disneyworld.com/holidays

Seeking great deals on accommodations the provide convenient access to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando? Look no farther than Westgate Resorts! For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.

Summer Getaway to Westgate Leisure Resort!

Ideally located within a 10- to 15-minute drive of Walt Disney World Resort (Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park), Universal Orlando (Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure) and SeaWorld Orlando, Westgate Leisure Resort boasts a serene environment in the heart of Orlando and spacious two-bedroom suites, each of which feature a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living area, separate master bedroom and cable TV. Onsite amenities at the beautifully landscaped Westgate Leisure Resort include two heated outdoor pools, a hot tub, exercise room, volleyball court, barbecue grills, game room, playground, horseshoes, laundry facilities and small convenience store. For more information about Westgate Leisure Resort, visit www.wgleisureresort.com.

Orlando Day Trips

Adventure Island
10001 North McKinley Drive, Tampa, Florida
1-888-800-5447
www.adventureisland.com

Brevard Zoo
8225 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, Florida
321-254-9453
www.brevardzoo.org

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
10165 North McKinley Drive, Tampa, Florida
1-888-800-5447
www.buschgardens.com/bgt

Canaveral National Seashore
212 South Washington Avenue, Titusville, Florida
321-267-1110
www.nps.gov/cana

Castillo de San Marcos
1 South Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, Florida
904-829-6506
www.nps.gov/casa

Central Florida Zoological Park
3755 N.W. Hwy. 17-92, Sanford, Florida
407-323-4450
www.centralfloridazoo.org

Dinosaur World
5145 Harvey Tew Road, Plant City, Florida
813-717-9865
www.dinosaurworld.com

Fantasy of Flight
1400 Broadway Boulevard S.E., Polk City, Florida
863-984-3500
www.fantasyofflight.com

Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Florida
813-273-4000
www.flaaquarium.org

Florida Holocaust Museum
55 5th Street South, St. Petersburg, Florida
727-820-0100
www.flholocaustmuseum.org

Florida International Museum
244 Second Avenue North, St. Petersburg, Florida
727-341-7900
www.floridamuseum.org

Historic Bok Sanctuary
1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, Florida
863-734-1201
www.boktowergardens.org

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4150 South Suncoast Boulevard, Homosassa, Florida
352-628-5343
www.floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings

Jungle Adventures
26205 East Colonial Drive, Christmas, Florida
407-568-1354
www.jungleadventures.com

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
State Road 405, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
1-866-737-5235
www.kennedyspacecenter.com

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
19239 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont, Florida
352-394-8627
www.lakeridgewinery.com

Lowry Park Zoo
1101 West Sligh Avenue, Tampa, Florida
813-935-8552
www.lowryparkzoo.com

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
18700 South County Road 325, Cross Creek, Florida
352-466-3672
www.floridastateparks.org/marjoriekinnanrawlings

Museum of Art & Sciences (MOAS)
352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach, Florida
386-255-0285
www.moas.org

Museum of Fine Arts of St. Petersburg
255 Beach Drive Northeast, St. Petersburg, Florida
727-896-2667
www.fine-arts.org

Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
4801 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida
813-987-6000
www.mosi.org

Rivership Romance
433 North Palmetto Avenue, Sanford, Florida
407-321-5091
www.rivershipromance.com

Salvador Dali Museum
1 Dali Boulevard, St. Petersburg, Florida
727-823-3767
www.thedali.org

Seminole Hard Rock Casino
5223 North Orient Road, Tampa, Florida
1-866-502-PLAY (7529)
www.seminolehardrock.com

Silver Springs
5657 East Silver Springs Boulevard, Silver Springs, Florida
352-236-2121
www.silversprings.com

Water Ski Hall of Fame & Museum
1251 Holy Cow Road, Polk City, Florida
863-324-2472
www.waterskihalloffame.com

Wild Waters Water Park
5656 East Silver Springs Boulevard, Silver Springs, Florida
352-236-2121
www.wildwaterspark.com

World Golf Village & Hall of Fame
One World Golf Place, St. Augustine, Florida
904-940-4123
www.worldgolfhalloffame.org

Planning a summer getaway to Orlando? Westgate Leisure Resort lies within a 10- to 15-minute drive of Walt Disney World Resort and offers spacious two-bedroom suites and two heated outdoor pools. For more information about Westgate Leisure Resort, visit www.wgleisure.com.

Orlando Spring Festival Guide for 2011

In addition to world-class theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando, the Orlando area offers a variety of festivals, events and fairs in 2011 that are sure to please visitors and residents alike. On most weekends throughout 2011, but especially during spring, you’ll discover lively festivals and events going on somewhere in Orlando.

Many of Orlando’s most popular spring festivals and events are hosted by area theme parks and the 2010 lineup includes Mardi Gras at Universal Studios, the largest Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans, runs Saturdays and select nights between February 12 and April 23, 2011; and the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which features world-class flower and horticultural displays, from March 2 through May 15, 2011.

In most cases, these special events at Disney World and Universal Orlando during 2011 are included in the cost of the base ticket, providing an added benefit to your theme park excursion. And spring is a great time to visit Orlando since the weather is perfect and you can get a jump on the summer crowds.

Outside of the theme parks, major spring festivals and events in the Orlando area include the Arnold Palmer Invitational (formerly known as the Bay Hill Invitational), which draws top professional golfers on the PGA Tour, from March 21-27, 2011; the 11-day Central Florida Fair, which features carnival rides, live music, regional arts and crafts, food, livestock shows and amazing interactive exhibits from February 24 – March 6, 2011; and the Central Florida Home & Garden Show, the region’s largest consumer home and garden showcase, from April 15-17, 2011.

Art and culture lovers will enjoy such Orlando festivals as the 20th-annual Florida Film Festival, April 8-17, 2011; Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, one of the country’s most prestigious outdoor art festivals, from March 18-20, 2011; and Spring Fiesta in the Park, which displays the talents of more than 200 artists and craftspeople from all over the country, in early April 2010.

Good sources for more information on upcoming Orlando festivals and events include the “Orlando Seasonal Events” section of the Orlando, Florida Guide, as well as the Friday entertainment sections of the Orlando Sentinel and the Orlando Weekly, a weekly arts and entertainment publication. In addition, check out Orlando’s online calendar at www.orlandoinfo.com, the official website of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Seeking spacious and affordable accommodations during your next Orlando vacation getaway? Look no farther than Westgate Resorts, which offers comfortable suites, first-class amenities and convenient access to Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando theme parks, as well as other Orlando area attractions. Choose from Westgate Resorts properties such as Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas. For more information about Westgate Resort properties, visit www.westgatedestinations.com

Universal to Host Mardi Gras Celebration!

Let the good times roll at Mardi Gras 2011! Universal Studios Florida boasts the largest Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans – complete with a live concert series that features a diversity of musical stars, colorful parades full of floats (plenty of beads will also be thrown around!), elaborately costumed characters and delectable “Big Easy” cuisine such as jambalaya and shrimp gumbo. Mardi Gras 2011 at Universal Studios will begin on Saturday, February 12, 2011, and run through Saturday, April 23, 2011

The centerpiece of Mardi Gras 2011 will be the parade featuring more than a dozen colorful floats that wind around the “French Quarter Courtyard” – a replica of New Orleans’ legendary French Quarter – the heart of Mardi Gras. The Mardi Gras 2011 celebration would not be complete without the taste of traditional Cajun and Creole cuisine such as jambalaya, gumbo and beignets, which are sure to tempt the palate of Mardi Gras revelers. Along with delicious New Orleans-style cuisine, guests can enjoy flavorful drinks made famous in New Orleans.

Mardi Gras is included in park admission to Universal Studios Florida. So mark your calendar for Mardi Gras 2011 at Universal Studios, which provides a wonderful addition to the dynamic rides and shows at Universal Studios Florida such as the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, The Simpsons Ride, Shrek 4-D and Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride. Both locals and visitors alike will enjoy the nationally recognized musical acts that headline the Mardi Gras events.

MARDI GRAS AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS 2011 CONCERT SCHEDULE

FEBRUARY

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons – Saturday, February 12, 2011
The B-52s – Saturday, February 19, 2011
KC & The Sunshine Band – Sunday, February 20, 2011
Pitbull – Saturday, February 26, 2011

MARCH

Lynyrd Skynyrd – Saturday, March 5, 2011
Foreigner – Saturday, March 12, 2011
Neon Trees – Friday, March 18, 2011
Thirty Seconds to Mars – Saturday, March 19, 2011
OneRepublic – Friday, March 25, 2011
Blake Shelton – Saturday, March 26, 2011

APRIL

Sean Kingston – Friday, April 1, 2011
Ne-Yo – Saturday, April 2, 2011
Lifehouse – Saturday, April 9, 2011
The Beach Boys – Saturday, April 16, 2011
<to be announced> – Saturday, April 23, 2011

Concert Times:
February 12 – April 9, 2011 – 8:30 PM
April 16 & 23, 2011 – 9:30 PM

Note: Times, dates and entertainment are subject to change without notice.

Looking for great deals on spacious accommodations that provide convenient access to Universal Orlando Resort? Visit www.westgatedestinations.com for information on Westgate Resorts properties, including Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas

Westgate Leisure Resort . . .

• Serene locale in the heart of  Orlando
• 10 minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort
• Two heated outdoor pools
• Jacuzzi
• Exercise room
• Volleyball court
• Game room
• Playground
• Horseshoes
• Barbecue grills
• Small convenience store
• 24-hour security

For more information about Westgate Leisure Resort, visit www.wgleisureresort.com.

Small World Holidays

Visiting Central Florida for the holidays? Check out the great deals at Westgate Leisure Resort! Visit www.wgleisureresort.com for more information.

Westgate Leisure Resort Profile

Ideally located within a 10- to 15-minute drive of Walt Disney World Resort (Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park), Universal Orlando (Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure) and SeaWorld Orlando, Westgate Leisure Resort boasts a serene environment in the heart of Orlando and spacious two-bedroom suites, each of which feature a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living area, separate master bedroom and cable TV. Onsite amenities at the beautifully landscaped Westgate Leisure Resort include two heated outdoor pools, a hot tub, exercise room, volleyball court, barbecue grills, game room, playground, horseshoes, laundry facilities and small convenience store. For more information about Westgate Leisure Resort, visit www.wgleisureresort.com.