Sea Dog Brewing Co.

A new pub has opened up near Downtown Disney. Here you'll find lots of Sea Dog's own beer, a full bar and a full lunch and dinner menu, along with 2 different Happy Hour times.

Location
8496 Palm Pkwy.
Phone:(321) 329-5306
This is in the same plaza as Kobe and Hooters, on Palm Pkwy, just off Hwy. 535 (Vineland). If you are coming from West I4, take the 535 exit and turn right at the first light (Palm Pkwy.) then the shopping plaza will be on your right. (Do not drive into the Crossroads Plaza, you cannot get here through there.)

Hours
11:30am - 2am

Happy Hours
Monday - Friday • 4pm-7pm
Late Night Everyday • 10pm-12am
2 for 1 Specials on select Beer, Wine & Well Drinks.
$.50 Oysters & Peel n' Eat Shrimp • Half-off Appetizers
 
 

Beer Menu
All Pints $4.50
Shipyard Blue Fin Stout
Sea Dog Hazelnut Porter
Old Gollywobler Brown Ale
Sea Dog Old East India Pale Ale
Sea Dog Pale Ale
Windjammer Blonde Ale
Sea Dog Bluepaw Wild Blueberry Ale
Shipyard Monkey Fist
Shipyard Summer Ale
Shipyard Light Ale

Seasonal Brews Also on Tap - ask for the day's selection
Ciders & Non-Alcoholic beer - ask for the day's selection

Pub Blends
Ask you bartender which beers they recommend to make a pub blend. 

Beer Sampler
Can't decide? They offer a 4 beer sampler for $5.50

Mug Club
Have your very own mug waiting for you each time you visit with multiple perks throughout the year. $50 membership fee. Click here to read more details. 
 

Review 4/28/13
We stopped by to enjoy a few brews over the weekend and really liked the new place. It's a very large space, concerte floors, with an urban style with a hint of steampunk in their bottle light fixtures. There's a huge square bar, tons of booth or high top seating and lots of light from the windows with a full view of I4 just outside. Plenty of tvs as well. They also have a patio out in the back.

We'll be back soon to do a full report of beer and food, but we wanted to get this info out now for you. We're most interested in the late night happy hour. C'mon $.50 oysters and cheap beer? Yeah, we'll be back.
 
 

Check out SeaDogBrewing.com for more information.

Halloween Horror Nights 2013 Dates Announced

April 23, 2013
Today Universal Orlando Resort announced this year's Halloween Horror Nights dates. We'll have our official page up and running closer to the event, but in the meantime you can start booking your trip now.

September
20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29

October
3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31

November
1, 2 

Meet Days of our Lives Stars at Universal Orlando

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Stars of NBC's daytime drama Days of our Lives will be at Universal Orlando on Saturday, Feb 23 for autograph signing and a Q&A session with fans.

Meet John Aniston, Camila Banus, Shawn Christian, Casey Deidrick, Galen Gering, Kate Mansi, Eric Martsolf, Peggy McCay, James Scott and Arianne Zucker.

There will be autograph-signing sessions from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m. at Universal CityWalk.

At 3:45 p.m., there will be an hourlong Q&A session with the cast inside Universal Studios theme park at the Animal Actors Theater. The actors will also appear in that night’s Mardi Gras parade in the park.
(Admission to the theme park required for these events. Actors & times subject to change.)

Source: OrlandoSentinel.com 

Annual Passholder Monthly Discounts at Universal Orlando Resort

Summer Premier & Preferred Passholder Offers
Premier & Preferred Passholders receive the following offers during the summer. Bookmark this page as we'll be updating it each month!

Universal CityWalk

• Buy 1 adult entree, get 1 50% off at the following locations:
  • Pastamore Ristorante & Market
  • Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom
  • Pat O'Brien's
    (Valid 5/1-5/31/13)
     
• Save 25% at Dippin' Dots (Cart only. Valid 5/1-6/30/13)
   
• Free admission* for you & one guest to Universal CityWalk. Must show valid Premier or Preferred Annual Pass at each venue. Excludes special events. (Valid 5/1-6/30/13)
  
   *Must be 21 or older for admission and to consume alcoholic beverages; valid photo ID required. Does not include admission to AMC Universal Cineplex 20 with IMAX or the Blue Man Group show. Restrictions may apply. All Hot Deal offers exclude alcohol (unless otherwise noted) and special events and are subject to change without notice. Must present your valid Premier or Preferred Annual Pass to receive discounts. Not valid with other discounts or promotions. Offers subject to change without notice. 

A Year in the Life: Backstage to Onstage at Universal Orlando Resort

©Universal/HistoryCenterJanuary 26, 2013 - January 5, 2014
at the Orange County Regional History Center

"In an unprecedented collaboration, Universal Orlando Resort and the Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando, Fla., present A Year in the Life: Backstage to Onstage at Universal Orlando Resort, an exhibition that gives visitors an exclusive look at the extensive process that goes into bringing the theme park's iconic annual events to life.

Opening January 26, 2013, and running through January 5, 2014, the exhibition will change with each Universal Orlando event season: Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights, and the holidays - focusing on The Macy's Holiday Parade and performances by Holiday Music Sensation Mannheim Steamroller.

It also showcases the creative process that brought to life two of Universal Orlando's newest entertainment experiences - the Universal Cinematic Spectacular - 100 Years of Movie Memories lagoon show and the Universal Superstar Parade.

Universal Orlando is the only Orlando destination where guests are not just entertained - they become part of the entertainment, soaring above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swinging above the streets with Spider-Man, transformed into a banana-loving minion in the hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, and helping Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D.

And this unique collaboration between the museum and Universal Orlando is the first time the public will be able to learn about each step in the story development process that brings the theme parks entertainment experiences and annual events to life."

For more information, visit thehistorycenter.org or call 407-836-8500

PTTP's Comments: This looks like an amazing opportunity to take a peak behind the scenes and learn about how Universal pulls off these events every year. We plan to make it out for a few of them, but if you go, let us know what you thought in the comments. 

Transformers: The Ride 3D at Universal Studios Orlando

Get Ready - It's Time to Prepare for Battle
Grand Opening June 20, 2013!

May 2, 2013
The downtown display was updated early this morning with "Prepare for Battle June 20" added at the top of the sign. Given how ready the ride looks at Universal we're a little surprised the opening date isn't sooner. However, it could start soft open testing at any time, so be sure to follow us on twitter for the latest updates.

May 1, 2013
Transformers have taken over downtown Orlando! They have attached a giant cling of Megatron on the side the Fairbanks building that faces I4 in downtown. There are also 2 cars that are smashed up at the base, along with some rubble and a few N.E.S.T. officers "examining" the scene.

It's quite impressive in person, the photos don't capture its massiveness. 

One of us here at PTTP works downtown, so we'll keep an eye on what's going on.






Opening Summer 2013 - Transformers: The Ride 3D
November 1, 2012
Tonight during the Cinematic Spectacular lagoon show, Universal Studios announced their newest addition to the park - Transformers: The Ride 3D. This immersive 3D ride will be opening Summer 2013.

Watch our lagoon view video of the announcement before Cinematic Spectacular:


View a close-up of Universal's video of the Transformers announcement:


Official Press Release from Universal:

Universal Orlando Resort announced that its next blockbuster attraction will be the widely-popular TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D. The groundbreaking ride – created under license from Hasbro, Inc. and based on its iconic TRANSFORMERS brand – will bring the intergalactic battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons to Universal Studios Florida in summer 2013.

Already a "must-see" at Universal Studios Singapore and Universal Studios Hollywood, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D is a mind-blowing, action-packed ride experience that you have to see to believe. You will come face to face with Megatron. You will dodge explosions and attacks by the Decepticons. You will fight to save mankind alongside Optimus Prime and the Autobots. It will be the greatest battle you'll ever ride.

Universal worked closely with Michael Bay, the award-wining director of the "TRANSFORMERS" film series and the ride's creative consultant, to create an authentic experience that brings the non-stop action of the films to life. The attraction combines the larger-than-life TRANSFORMERS characters and an exciting storyline with life-like HD CGI media, state-of-the-art 3-D technology and amazing special effects to place riders right in the middle of an epic battle between good and evil.

"We broke the mold and have taken this ride to a new technological level in terms of blending seamless 3-D," said Michael Bay, director of the "TRANSFORMERS" films.

"TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D is the perfect addition to Universal Orlando's thrilling theme park experiences," said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative. "The ride has already proven to be a hit at our Hollywood and Singapore parks, and we're excited that Universal Orlando guests will soon be able to join the Autobots in the fight to save the world."

TRANSFORMERS films, television shows and merchandise have captivated millions of people all over the world. To date, three blockbuster films have been released – "TRANSFORMERS" (2007), "TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN" (2009) and "TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON" (2011) – grossing more than $2 billion combined worldwide at the box office. The three films were directed by Michael Bay, executive produced by Steven Spielberg and released by Paramount Pictures.

TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D is slated to open in summer 2013 at Universal Orlando. The attraction will have one of the shortest build times in Universal history – making it one of Universal's most ambitious projects ever. For more information about TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D, visit www.prepareforbattle.com.

Universal's construction crew has been ferociously building this ride since June. We've never seen such fast movement in construction of an attraction. We'll be protecting the AllSpark from the Decepticons before we know it! We estimate that it may be ready as early as May for soft openings (not official, of course!).

What's the ride like? If you've ridden Spiderman over at Islands of Adventure, it's very similar in ride vehicle, and layout. Visit PrepareForBattle.com where you can watch videos about the making of the ride, behind the scenes information and more!

Bumblebee
For the weekend after the announcement, Universal brought out a large-scale model of Bumblebee out in front of the Universal arches. It's a shame it's only for the weekend, as it would be a great promotional item for the attraction.
 

Beer & Wine Available at Magic Kingdom!

9/13/12
Prohibition at the Magic Kingdom is over! It was announced today during a special preview of the new Be Our Guest Restaurant in the new Fantasyland expansion, that Beer & Wine will be available only during dinner. It will not be available for carry-out, so no wandering around the park with a brewski (at least not yet).

Beer & Wine Offerings
The Beverage Menu has already been posted to the Be Our Guest Dining page.

Beer
Kronenbourg, Hoegaarden Wit, Saison Dupont, Chimay Blue

Wine
An extensive list of French & Californian wines are available, along with one of John Lasseter's own vintages. Click on the photo below for the full menu.
Menu ©Disney

From the Disney Parks Blog:

“As part of the overall theming, we wanted to offer wine that enhances the guest experience and complements the French-inspired cuisine,” says Stuart McGuire, Beverage Director, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “The wines focus primarily on France’s famous wine-growing regions, including Champagne, Alsace, Loire, Rhone, Burgundy and Bordeaux.

“We’ll also offer the leading French beer, Kronenbourg 1664,” says McGuire. “And, staying in the general region, we’ll also offer Belgian beers.”

PTTP's Thoughts~
We are reading a lot of mixed reviews on this tradition-breaking decision. We see nothing wrong with having a nice glass of wine or beer with your dinner. We assume they will have a serving policy in place, such as maximum of 2 per person. We're sure Disney will be keeping a very close eye on this decision. They won't let it get out of control or be abused. After all, you can't just saunter in and order one to go, so there's no fear of drunk college students waiting in the Pirates queue with you.

Let's face it - this decision was all about the Benjamins. Yes, just think of the extra profit from selling over-priced wine & beer. Will we see beer & wine seep out into other restaurants in the park? Time and the success of this restaurant will be the deciding factor. And to those saying "this is a place for children"? Don't worry, the tourists who want to get sloshed will go over to the real bar - Epcot.

Think of this as WDW's own Club 33...and don't forget - Walt enjoyed cocktails and cigars.

What do you think? Voice your thoughts in the comments.

I-Spy Around Orlando...

A corner of the site for all those cool, funny, unique and downright strange things we come across while living in Orlando that we just have to share. Enjoy!

12-15-12
These guys must've done a great job - we didn't see a single zombie at Universal all night. (spotted in the Universal parking garage).


8-14-12
Spotted this semi traveling along I4 this morning. Headed to Universal? Anyone have any idea what it's for?

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Universal Studios Expansion

While nothing has been officially announced by Universal as of yet, it's the worst kept secret that the newly torn down Amity (which housed the Jaws ride) will be the next phase of the Wizarding World expansion. The strong rumors include a Hogwarts Express that you will actually be able to ride between the parks, with stops at both Wizarding World stations. A Gringotts bank dark ride/family coaster is also rumored to be in the works of the new Diagon Alley replica along with new shops, restaurant and more. Check out the leaked blueprints of the area over at ThemeParkInsider.com for more information.

Since we frequently visit Universal, we figured we might as well post a few construction photos on occasion. We won't be delving into park permits, rumors or gossip discussions, just the occasional photo or information that we hear - hey, you never know when we'll spy something very cool!

Be sure to bookmark this page and check back for updates.

8-11-12
Here's a couple pics from today's visit to Universal. We spotted some "finishing detail" cement work and a new section that has been filled with sand. As long as we're allowed, we'll try to always take a pano from this angle to see how it changes over time. (Click photo to enlarge & use arrow keys to scroll photo)
 

7-28-12
Here's a pano of lagoon construction. (Click photo to enlarge & use arrow keys to scroll photo)
 

Where to Watch Sporting Events on TV at the Theme Parks

Are you a big sports fan and are concerned you will miss the action of the games while on vacation? No worries! You can catch all the action at both Disney and Universal Theme Parks and Resorts.

Walt Disney World:
Below is a list of every bar on Disney property that has a TV. 

• Victoria Falls, Sanaa Lounge, Maji Pool Bar & Uzima Springs Pool Bar at Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Crew’s Cup Lounge, Yacht Club Resort
• Martha’s Vineyard, Beach Club Resort
• The Wave Lounge at the Contemporary Resort
• Mizner’s Lounge at Grand Floridian Resort
• ESPN Club at the Board Walk
• Muddy Rivers Pool Bar & River Roost Lounge at Port Orleans Riverside
• Scat Cat’s Lounge at Port Orleans French Quarter
• Gurgling Suitcase at Old Key West Resort
• On the Rocks Pool Bar & The Turf Club Lounge at Saratoga Springs Resort
• Crockett’s at Fort Wilderness Resort
• Territory Lounge at Wilderness Lodge
• The three pool bars at All-Star Sports Resorts
• Banana Cabana at Caribbean Beach Resort
• Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom
• Rix Lounge at Coronado Springs Resort - Special "Big Game" Football Party Feb. 3, 2013!
• Big River Grille at the Board Walk
• Fulton’s Crab House, Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Paradiso 37, House of Blues and Rainforest Cafe at Downtown Disney
• Tambu Lounge at Disney’s Polynesian Resort 
• Swan & Dolphin Resorts: Kimonos, BlueZoo, Cabana Bar & Grill & Shula's Lounge 

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Studios:
• Finnegan's Pub & Grill
• Chez Alcatraz

Islands of Adventure:
• Backwater Bar

CityWalk
• Cigarz
• Pat O'Brien's
• Nascar Cafe
• NBA City

Royal Pacific Resort:
• Jake's American Bar
• Bula Bar & Grill 

Portofino Resort:
• The Thirsty Fish

Hard Rock Hotel:
• Beachclub Pool Bar 

Italy Wine Seminar

©easywdw7/12/12
This sign was spotted today over in the Italy pavilion by Josh at easywdw.com. It looks like Italy will be doing some complimentary wine tastings! Yes - complimentary - as in free. If you make it in to one of the tastings, let us know how it went.

"Join us for a complimentary seminar showcasing the regional wines of Italy. These wines are selected for their distinct and local flavors, as well as their ability to portray the culture of their orgins." 

Located in the Italian Pavilion, from 3-4pm, Monday & Thursday only.

Space will be limited, No reservations please. 

Wines of the Day: Batasiolo Moscato, Piemonte & Batasiolo Barberesco, Piemonte

We're not sure how long they plan on holding these seminars for, so if you are in Italy on an upcoming Monday or Thursday be sure to stop by early to get a spot. 

Despicable Me Attraction

6/9/12
**VIDEO SPOILER**
Today the Despicable Me attraction soft opened to the public after a day & a half of team member previews. When we arrived around 7pm, the wait was posted at 90 minutes. We returned 2 hours later to see it at 75 minutes. We didn't experience the ride today, but got a peek at the dance party at the end of the attraction in the gift shop. If you want to be surprised, skip the video. Enjoy! 

5/8/12
"Super Silly Stuff", the gift shop for the upcoming Despicable Me attraction is now open! Great attention to detail, very similar to Hogsmeade stores. More details to the store are coming - such as a giant unicorn over the exit doors. We were told there is something very cool behind that black curtain that was being heavily guarded by an employee. That same employee by the curtain also told us they were hoping to soft open today, if that's true...

Update: Apparently the store was open for that night only as a sneek peak. It may be open again before the attraction opens, but there are no guarantees.  

We don't generally do updates like this, but we wanted to share these pictures and information with you. 

Universal Orlando Announces Grand Opening for Superstar Parade & Cinematic Spectacular

©UniversalOrlandoGrand Opening on May 8, 2012

Universal Orlando has announced that the grand opening date for the all-new Superstar Parade & Universal's Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories is May 8, 2012.

We've been watching the progress of the nighttime show over the last few months and are eagerly awaiting to see the show! These 2 new shows will really envigorate & energize the park this summer. Look for our full review and photos soon.

 
Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories will present some of the world’s best and most popular films in an innovative, high-tech symphony of imagery, light, sound and special effects.  The show highlights some of the most fun, dramatic, awe-inspiring moments from nearly 200 films – representing approximately 300 Academy Award nominations and 100 Academy Award winners.

Narrated by Academy Award-winning actor and Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille honoree Morgan Freeman, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular celebrates Universal Pictures’ most iconic films. Their most powerful moments will be shown in crystal-clear clarity on cutting-edge waterfall screens within the Universal Studios lagoon -- surrounded by colorful, dramatically synchronized fountains and pyrotechnics and all against a powerful musical score.  The experience will take guests on an emotional journey through epic cinematic moments filled with heroes, horror, laughter, good vs. evil and triumph. The new show will run year-round except during annual and special events.

Universal’s Superstar Parade will offer an entirely new form of interactive entertainment that will give guests and entire families the opportunity to join in the fun.  Some of today’s most beloved characters and stories will bring new adventure to the streets of Universal Studios during the parade, an all-new show experience that features larger-than-life floats, state-of-the-art technology and hundreds of energetic street performers. Guests will get to sing and dance along with their favorite characters including the minions from the blockbuster animated feature Despicable Me, E.B. from the hit comedy,Hop, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora & Diego. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy performances and character meet-and-greets prior to the parade at select locations throughout the day. 
Source: Universal Media 

 

(All photos are concept and are ©Universal)

What's New at La Cava del Tequila

Our favorite tequila bar in Epcot has some new items coming soon:

New Tequilas
Herradura Tequila
A custom reserve tequila and batch of 20 cases made specifically for La Cava. 

Happy Anniversary to La Cava
La Cava will be celebrating our 3 year anniversary this month. They'll be giving away a limited edition collector's bottle of KAH (display bottle only) to our anniversary contest winner. Stay tuned for contest details. Official anniversary date is Aug. 29.

New Margarita
Azunia Organic Skinny Margarita - $14

  

Margarita Mondays are Here to Stay! 

Simply mention this special and show the email on your mobile phone or that you're a twitter follower to get any margarita of your choice for just $10 all day long! Sign up for their newsletter to get the email with the special.

Legoland Florida

Legoland is now officially open in Winter Haven, FL. While we haven't visited yet ourselves, you found your way to our site to get the answer to this question - Do they serve beer or liquor at Legoland? Magic Kingdom is no longer the only dry theme park in town - you can add Legoland to that list. No liquor, no beer. 

Other Legolands around the world do serve beer, some even liquor. Will they change their minds when the intense Florida summer returns and allow an exhausted and tired Mom & Dad to enjoy a cold one? Time will tell. (Seriously, what's a ski show without a brewski in your hand? Am I right?) Strict control at this kind of park is important, but there's nothing wrong with having one or two.

Will PTTP still go visit the land o' legos? We'll probably stop by sometime. It looks like fun and we've never been to one before.

Thanks to @RoadTripsForBeer for confirming what we suspected.

Photo & logo ©Legoland 

Slow Food USA $5 Challenge at BlueZoo

Saturday, September 17, 2011
5-10pm in the lounge • Dolphin Resort

What is SlowFoodUSA.org?

"This September 17, you're invited to help take back the 'value meal' by getting together with family, friends and neighbors for a slow food meal that costs no more than $5 per person. Find an event happening near you, host a dinner, or have a potluck.

Why? Because slow food shouldn't have to cost more than fast food. If you know how to cook, then teach others. If you want to learn, this is your chance. Together, we're sending a message that too many people live in communities where it's harder to buy fruit than Froot Loops."

Take part by visiting Todd English's BlueZoo restaurant on Sept. 17 and get one of these tasty dishes for only $5! Served in the lounge area only, from 5-10pm.

Be sure to RSVP, there is a limited number of spaces available.

Choices listed below. Each item comes with a complimentary soft drink or locally sourced beer!:

Togarashi Hot Dog
With kimchi, pickled mustard seeds and spicy ketchup.

Fried Bologna Sandwich
With pickled haricot vert, dijon aioli and heirloom tomato.

Grilled Milkfed Chicken Wings
With a chipotle bbq glaze.

Be sure to follow Executive Chef Chris Windus at @bluechefs on twitter for random pics of what they're cooking & other interesting info.

~~~PTTP's comments~~~
This looks like a great, affordable way to try some of the dishes at the restaurant without sitting down for a full dinner. Heck, I just want to find out what a Togarashi Hot Dog is!

Hard Rock on Wheels: Music's Greatest Memorabilia Collection

©HardRockAugust 7-9, 2011 • Free
Hard Rock Hotel, Orlando
Times TBD, call Hotel at 407-503-7625

Can't get enough music memorabilia at the largest Hard Rock right here in Orlando? To celebrate their 40th Anniversary, 40-some pieces of the most popular and influential memorabilia of music history has been making a tour around the country on their giant 53' semi - and it's headed for a stop at the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando this weekend.

There's something for everyone here - get "Beiberfever" from his skateboard to Katy Perry's infamous cake dress to MJ's jacket from Beat It. Have you ever seen a braille Playboy? Thanks to Ray Charles, now you can say you have.

To read more information about the tour, click here.
Follow the tour on facebook and get the lastest information...and read a hilarious blog about the travels in the "notes" section.

Getting There: If you are visiting Universal this weekend, the Hotel is only about a 5min. walk from the entrance of Universal Studios. (When facing the Universal Studios arch from CityWalk, the path is off to the right). Or you can take one of the boats to the resort. If you choose to drive to the Hotel, there is a $20 fee, and can only be validated with a drink at Velvet Bar (opens at 5pm) or a meal at The Kitchen restaurant. (Better deal to park at Universal & walk/boat over)

Barbeque Weekends at Bonnet Creek Resort

©HiltonBonnetCreekAugust 5-7 & August 12-14, 2011
Parking $5 and up depending on length of stay.
For more details visit BonnetCreekBlog.com

Head over to the Bonnet Creek Resort on Disney property for some summer BBQ fun this weekend & next. Enjoy the "Smokin' Hot Barbeque Buffet", some special appearances by well-known chefs, chili tasting, beer sampling (!) and more! They've also got some sizzling summer cocktails planned that look mighty tasty! 

Information from Bonnet Creek: 

• ©HiltonBonnetCreekThe Smokin’ Hot Barbeque Buffet – A sizzlin’ barbeque buffet from our illustrious “Bonnet Creek Q Crew,” serving a heaping helpin’ of beef brisket, pulled pork, barbeque sides and delightful dessert from the Dutch oven!  Barbeque will be served Friday from 3-9pm, Saturday from noon – 9pm, and Sunday from Noon – 3pm.  BBQ plates will be sold for around $12-$14 (depending on selections).  Kids’ plate, for children 12 and under, will be $8.
   
• The “Beer-B-Q” Station – an opportunity to sample the latest ice-cold Florida brews from the Florida Beer Company, the largest craft brewer in the Sunshine State.  The Hilton lounges and pool bar will also up the ante, with an exceptional barbeque-themed cocktail menu.
  
  
• Live Entertainment on Saturday afternoon – nothing goes better with barbeque than rhythm and brews!
   
• Bonnet Creek Summer Show-down – an opportunity to vote on your favorite culinary creations of our talented team of chefs from Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando.  Featuring a Chili Cook-Off on Aug. 5-6, and Baked Beans Cook-Off on Aug. 12-13.  Complimentary Cook-Off tastings will be held 4-8pm on Friday and Noon-2pm on Saturday.
   
• Barbeque Demonstrations – Learn more about barbeque from our team of chefs, and well-know barbeque aficionados.  Scheduled demonstrations include Top Chef Finalist Howie “Bulldog” Kleinberg and Master of the Kitchen Michael Love.
   
• Barbecue Breakfast – To celebrate the weekend, Harvest Bistro will feature a Cowboy Benedict breakfast, as well as other BBQ specials during the day.
   
• Summer Activities – Special “BBQ themed” activities for kids will include a “Squeaky Pig Toss,” “Pigs in a Blanket Relay,” and other fun games.  In addition, guests can enjoy their favorite SummerBlast! activities and events, including a DUCKTONA 500, a zany rubber duck race in our lazy river; a Just Dance 3 dance-off; Dive-in Movies; and our SummerBlast! Saturday pool party (featuring Radio Disney), where one guest will win an iPod loaded with the latest hits.
   
• Just Dance 3 – Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is the first public venue where Just Dance enthusiasts can play the highly-anticipated third installment of Just Dance 3 video game prior to its U.S. release on all video game consoles on October 11, 2011. Just Dance 3 Preview Weekends will be held on August 6 and August 13.

"A Celebration of the Harry Potter Films" Event at Universal Orlando Resort

November 11-13, 2011
©UniversalOrlandoResort ©WarnerBrothers

Information from Universal Resort:
"VACATION PACKAGES ON SALE SUNDAY, JULY 31^st FOR 
A CELEBRATION OF THE HARRY POTTER FILMS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

Special Event Hosted by Warner Bros. to Feature Three Days of
Cast Member and Filmmaker Appearances, Autograph Signings, Q&A Sessions and Film Screenings

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 25, 2011) – Universal Orlando Resort announced today that special vacation packages will go on sale Sunday, July 31st that will give guests the opportunity to attend “A Celebration of the Harry Potter Films.” This special event will be hosted by Warner Bros. and will celebrate a decade of movie history by allowing fans to share their love for the Harry Potter films. The event will take place from Friday, November 11, to Sunday, November 13, at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

During this special event, guests can celebrate their favorite memories and stories of Harry Potter with filmmakers, cast members and fellow fans.  While all theme park guests will be able to enjoy The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during their visit, only a limited number of guests and those who buy special event packages will have access to exclusive benefits such as:

• A spectacular evening gala in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

• Autograph signings with stars from the Harry Potter films

• Q&A sessions with Harry Potter filmmakers and cast members, along with the creators of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

• Screenings of all eight Harry Potter films – including “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2” – at the AMC Universal Cineplex 20 in Universal CityWalk.  Access to the screenings can be added to the vacation packages for an additional fee. 

Throughout the three-day celebration, guests will also be able to explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter films come to life.  They will enjoy experiences such as soaring above Hogwarts on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, sipping Butterbeer in Hogsmeade and being inside Ollivanders and seeing a wand choose its wizard.   

The primary way to participate in celebration events is by purchasing one of Universal Orlando’s special vacation packages.  Packages are extremely limited and go on sale at noon EDT on Sunday, July 31. Guests can choose from two vacation package options:  the Celebration Vacation Package and the Premier Vacation Package. There will be additional ways for a limited number of people to participate in celebration events. Stay tuned for more details.

Vacation Packages for A Celebration of the Harry Potter Films

Celebration Vacation Package – Starts at $369 per person

• 4-night accommodations at a Universal Partner Hotel

• 3-day ticket to both of Universal Orlando’s theme parks

• More time to enjoy The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Early Park Admission starting at 6 a.m.

• Reservation to one in-park Harry Potter talent Q&A session (one per person)

• Commemorative pin (one per person)

• Harry Potter Blu-Ray set (one per package)

Premier Vacation Package – Starts at $699 per person
All of the above, PLUS:

• Reservation to one in-park Harry Potter cast member autograph session

• Admission to the exclusive nighttime gala event on Sunday, November 13

• Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks

For more information about the event and vacation packages, visit www.universalorlando.com/celebration"
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PTTP's Comments: Wow. This looks like a massive fan event. We're very happy to see Universal putting on such a unique, specialized event. Hopefully this is the first of many more "unique" extra experiences to come.

Cheetah Chiller Drinks at Crown Colony, Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens has come out with some new drinks themed to the brand-new Cheetah Hunt roller coaster! Looks like PTTP will have to get back out there ASAP to report back on these new beverages. 

©BuschGardens"We all love the Safari Freezes and Mix-It-Up icees as tasty ways to cool down, but now Busch Gardens is serving up an adult-only beverage for our guests age 21 and up to help you ‘chill out’. This icy delight, called the “Cheetah Chiller," is now being served at the Crown Colony Pub, right next to Cheetah Hunt.

The Cheetah Chiller features the flavors of Three Olives Rang Tang Vodka, lemonade, or peach schnapps, and are all topped off with sweet fizz.  These drinks are an excellent compliment to Crown Colony’s already delicious fried chicken and fish. Yum!

Cheetah Chillers are priced at $9.99 and served in a souvenir shaker. Plus refills are only $5.99! It’s a sweet deal for a sweet treat – and only at Busch Gardens Tampa!"

- Information from Busch Gardens' Blog