Holiday cash burning a hole in your pocket? Special occasion coming up? Here’s an idea: give the gift of a dino-mite experience! After all, experiences make the perfect gift because memories last a lifetime. And all dinosaur fans will enjoy seeing Jurassic World come to life in a live-action touring arena show. Return to Isla Nublar and save Jeanie, alongside Blue, the mighty T. rex and more when Jurassic World Live Tour roars into the Amway Center. The show for kids of all ages plays in Orlando January 13-16, 2023.
Here’s even more dino-rific news: use code MOM232 to save 20% on select seats at JurassicWorldLiveTour.com.
Jurassic World Live Tour, an exhilarating and unpredictable live, family entertainment experience that brings the wonder and thrills of Jurassic World to generations of fans returns to Amway Center from January 13 – 16. I’m honored to attend as a Feld Ambassador*. With unrivaled arena production quality, Jurassic World comes to life against a backdrop of captivating scenery where dinosaurs from the iconic franchise, including fan-favorite Velociraptor Blue and a Tyrannosaurus rex more than 40 feet in length, take center stage. The production features more than 24 film-accurate, life-sized dinosaurs, with scale, speed and ferocity, operated by animatronics and performers.
Though not a “real” Jurassic World animatronics dinosaur operator, I was allowed to play one, if only for a few minutes.
Jurassic World’s unmistakable score combined with projection and practical scenery transforms the arena into the dense jungles of Isla Nublar, where real Gyrospheres roll through the valley and scientists work to unravel a corrupt plan and save anew dinosaur from a terrible fate. With pulse-pounding stunts and an original, authentic storyline, this show is guaranteed to make memories that will last another 65 million years.
Friday, January 13 7:30pm Saturday, January 14 11:00am 3:00pm 7:00pm Sunday, January 15 1:00pm 5:00pm Monday, January 16 1:00pm WHERE: Amway Center, 400 W. Church Street, Orlando, FL 32801 TICKETS: Ticket prices start at $25* Visit jurassicworldlivetour.com for more information on Orlando dates, PLUS schedule for Tampa, Miami and Jacksonville!
All seats are reserved; tickets available through http://www.ticketmaster.com or the venue Box Office. *Ticket prices are subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply.
*Disclosure: I am a Feld Entertainment Blogger Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and other exclusive opportunities.
Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, nonprofit “storybook” resort in Central Florida. Here, children with critical illnesses and their families are treated to weeklong, cost-free vacations.
But what could the Wish Families’ favorite Florida destination do when a global pandemic shut its doors temporarily to a) safely celebrate the holidays despite Covid-19; b) raise awareness of their life-affirming mission to grant wishes to families facing medical uncertainty; and c) raise much-needed funds to ensure the doors re-open once it’s safe to do so?!
They imagined and made possible Night of a Million Lights! Click —>here to see the magical holiday display.
Thousands upon thousands of volunteer hours, over 3 million lights donated by Walt Disney World, and contributions provided by community sponsors made Night of a Million Lights become a reality.
For the first time ever, guests can experience the childlike wonder of a magical, whimsical Village during a walk-through, fully immersive holiday light spectacular. Stroll the Avenue of Angels, aglow with more than three million lights; savor delicious treats; and enjoy the accessible rides and storybook attractions that have brought happiness and hope to critically ill children and their families from around the world for 34 years.
Our family has volunteered at GKTW for a number of years. It’s truly been a joy working alongside some of our family members, blogging buddies and friends. We consider ourselves blessed that we “can” be at Give Kids The World Village with our child, but we don’t “have” to be there. We don’t take for granted the fact that we have a healthy child.
On one of our Night of a Million Lights volunteer days we met Mike Esmonde, Universal Studios AVLP team member, who shared the reasons why he is proud to volunteer (and has been for close to two decades!).
Click —>here to see the Dino Putt Holiday transformation & to hear Mike’s encouraging words.
Give Kids The World Village has created an experience unlike any I’ve seen. It’s a whole lot of holiday happiness that’s an unexpected positive wrap up of 2020.
Tickets are available through this link. Your purchase brings hopes to wishes.
Thank you, Sponsors. Your generosity brought the magic to “light.”
Advent Health
American Airlines
Barcana
Bob’s Space Racers
Boston Market
Boston Whaler
Buca di Beppo
Crayola Experience
Don CeSar
Dreams Unlimited Travel
Enterprise
Fun Spot
Hasbro
HNTB
Holiday Bright Lights
Holiday Inn Club Vacations
IAAPA
IHGOA
ITEC
Kennedy Space Center
LandCare
LEGOLAND
Lost Bros
LoTemp
Margaritaville
Mattress Firm
Mears
Mix 105.1
Orlando City Soccer
Pepsi
Perkins
PGA Tour
Planet Hollywood
Ripley’s
S4
SeaWorld
Servalli Foundation
Sunbelt Rentals
Synergy Equipment
Unilever
Wheaton
Winterland, Inc.
WonderWorks
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
An all-new seasonal attraction debuts this November in Orlando, offering affordable holiday fun for all ages. Located at Dezerland Park on International Drive, Christmas Nights in Lights is an immersive light show experience unlike any other presented during the holiday season in Central Florida. And, I have just the ticket for you to save $5 per vehicle to enjoy this festive experience with your friends and family!
Christmas Nights in Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light show fully synchronized to popular holiday classics tuned directly to each vehicle’s car stereo on a private radio frequency. The all-new seasonal attraction will take guests through a showcase of holiday displays and more than 1.5 million “dancing” lights. Guests never have to exit their cars; they can simply sit back, relax, and take in the spectacle of the synchronized light show before them.
“After a successful eight-year run in Mobile, Alabama, we are excited to bring our attraction to Central Florida residents and business and leisure visitors from around the globe,” said Ari Rosenbaum, president, MSEG, the presenting partner of Christmas Nights in Lights. “The advance-reservation option makes it convenient and easy for guests to fit this experience into their busy holiday schedules.”MSEG plans to establish Christmas Nights in Lights as a festive staple of the Central Florida themed attraction circuit. Added Rosenbaum, “Whenever we experience the magic of the holiday season, we all become kids again.”
The attraction is now open through Jan. 1, 2023, 6–11 p.m., rain or shine. Per vehicle admission starts at $45. Tickets to reserve a one-hour time window to experience Christmas Nights in Lights are on sale now at www.nightsinlights.com. Dezerland Park is located at 5250 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819; entry off West Oak Ridge Road into the parking lot is recommended. Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Receive $5 off per ticket / vehicle by using code GIFT5OFF when you hit this link. Hurry for the best time slots! Code expires December 15, 2022.
I hope to see you there! Happy Holidays!
Our family was invited to share in the festivities in exchange for consideration on my blog and an honest account of our visit.
It still amazes me how trucks that weigh 12 THOUSAND pounds can do the things they do. I’ve seen them do tricks my (mumbles number)-pound mom body can no longer attempt! Here’s great news moms and their adrenaline-loving families: Monster Jam is BACK at Camping World Stadium, October 29, 2022. Bonus: I have a coupon code good for 20% off select tix!
Monster Jam® is an action-packed motorsport with world-class athletes locked in intense competitions of speed and skill. Witness heated rivalries, high-flying stunts and fierce head-to-head battles for the Event Championship. Engineered to perfection, these 12,000-pound monster trucks, including the legendary Grave Digger®, Max-D TM, Megalodon® and more push all limits in Freestyle, Skills and Racing competitions. This is full-throttle family fun. The Official Monster Truck Series™ only at Monster Jam.
Driver/Truck Line-Up:
Grave Digger driven by Adam Anderson
Son-Uva Digger driven by Ryan Anderson
Monster Mutt Dalmatian driven by Linsey Read
Bakugan Dragonoid driven by Camden Murphy
El Toro Loco driven by Mark List
Zombie driven by Bari Musawwir
Overbored driven by Jamey Garner
Black Pearl driven by Cole Venard
Jester driven by Matt Pagliarulo
Kraken driven by Nick Pagliarulo
Bad Company driven by John Gordon
Wasted Nites driven by Brandon Budd. Competitors are subject to change.
See the legendary Grave Digger®, El Toro Loco® and more at Monster Jam on at Camping World Stadium October 29. Something BIG the whole family can enjoy!
Visit MonsterJam.com for COVID-19 Information and venue safety standards. Competitors are subject to change.
Pit Party: The fun begins at the Monster Jam® Pit Party where you can see the massive trucks up close, meet your favorite drivers and crews, get autographs, take pictures, and enjoy many other family-friendly activities. This unique experience is the only place where you can get up close access to the Monster Jam teams. Plus, get an insider’s look at how these trucks are built to stand up to the competition. This. Is. Monster Jam.®
Pit Party Early Access Pass (Saturday only): Enjoy an exclusive extra hour with the Pit Party Early Access Pass. Get in an hour earlier and beat the crowds so you have more time to see the trucks and meet the drivers. Pit Party Early Access Pass quantities are limited. Don’t miss out!
Special Discount Offer for MOM Bloggers and friends:
Save 20% off select seats when you use code MOM22 online at www.MonsterJam.com.
Offer valid on select price levels. No double discounts. Service charges, handling and facility fees may apply.
Tickets are subject to market supply and demand. Offer expires 10/28/22.
As a Feld Ambassador, my family will receive tickets to Monster Jam in consideration for posting about the event. Opinions and excitement are entirely my own.
The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds announces their ALL-NEW holiday light spectacular, opening on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25, and running through Sunday, December Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village will envelop guests in an enchanting winter wonderland from their entrance marked by a custom, signature light display on Route 60 to their exit through twinkling trees as they leave the Fairgrounds. One million lights will blanket the entire site.
This year’s event boasts a nearly two-mile drive-thru of continuous light features followed by a festive walking visit to Santa’s Village. Designed to appeal to all ages and backgrounds, the elaborate light displays themed to Florida and traditional winter holidays are complemented by individual presentations representing Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. From hilarious elves wrestling alligators to a giant gingerbread house with candy and cakes to a beautiful Feliz Navidad presentation, each area flows seamlessly along the driving route, ensuring continual guest amazement. Santa’s Village is filled with activities and treats that tempt the young and young-at-heart, such as Santa’s barnyard, holiday movies, visits with Santa and a plenty of social media-worthy photo opportunities.
For the first time, the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds Board of Directors named Fair Manager Suzanne Holcomb the Event Producer, ensuring that the Fairgrounds is wholly transformed into a spectacle of holiday cheer. Holcomb hired Brandano Displays Inc., nationally known for community holiday display events, as the lighting design firm to further elevate the event. Led by Pat Brandano, the team brings 45 years of design experience to the event.
“People who attend this year will feel as if they’ve been dipped in holiday magic while creating family memories. With enchantment in mind, we have added brighter lights, jaw-dropping displays, new activities and music that combine to create an unforgettable immersive experience,” said Holcomb. “We are focused on the guest journey from the time they enter the road leading to the gate to the moment they leave Santa’s Village.”
The immersion begins upon entrance, as vehicles travel through 80 themed display areas with more than 250 larger-than-life pieces. Convenient post-drive-thru parking allows guests to easily walk to Santa’s Village, which will be fully decked out in holiday décor and music, including more than 3000 feet of lights on buildings and 500 animated dripping lights on trees.
Planned Displays • Pirates of Tampa • Santa Driving an Airboat • Colorful Florida Reef with Coral, Fish, Sea Creatures • Candy Cane Lane • North Pole Ski Shop • Frosty’s Ice Cream Truck • Rudolph’s Bakery • Penguins Playing • Others to be announced.
Planned Activities • Santa’s Barnyard – a clean, interactive display of Santa’s favorite critters, including camel rides • Family fun games/activities, including face painting • Holiday movies and shorts • Holiday treats and delicacies • Visits with Santa and other social media-friendly photo ops • Additional activities to be announced.
Tickets for this year’s event are on sale now and cost $25/car, the same price as last year. For more information and tickets, please visit http://www.hillsboroughcountyfair.com.
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Media Contacts: Melinda Hartline, HARTLINE Communications melinda@hartlinecommunications.com 813-494-7768 (mobile) Lisa Taylor, Osprey Nest Enterprises Lisataylorcommunications@gmail.com 703-725-3465 (mobile)
Families in your community, in my community, need help. And kids can do a LOT toward meeting that need by asking for “Cans Over Candy” this Halloween to stock food pantries, like Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida or ones in your state.
My son Daniel, now 14, has never been a big candy eater. (Not even chocolate! Now THAT’s scary!) For most of his young life, Halloween was a time to get dressed up and hang out with his friends. He wasn’t all that excited about his “haul,” but in the experience of being together, and laughing, and just having a good time.
Having seen me participate in various charitable events at and in support of Second Harvest Food Bank, Daniel became interested in helping, too. At a family-friendly sorting event with y husband, he got his first look at what a food pantry does, and who it serves.
At the intersection of “what he enjoys” and “how he can help,” Daniel decided to start collecting Cans Over Candy.
In his first year, 2019, he handed out flyers a few days before Halloween to let everyone know what he was doing, so they could prepare. At “Trick or Treat” time, he went out with his friends (while wearing a Second Harvest Food Bank shirt) to collect for his food drive. (Click HERE to see his video.) Our generous neighbors came through with an overflowing cart of canned goods, boxed foods, and assorted bags of non-perishables that we delivered to Second Harvest Food Bank the following day: over 130 items (surpassing his goal of 120!).
Enter: Global Pandemic
Food Insecurity existed before Covid-19, but between lock downs, loss of jobs, families being directly impacted by loss of life, or illness, the need for communities to step up and reach out was increased. As Central Floridians, we saw a lot of hospitality industry friends directly impacted. The need was greater, so the goal was greater to collect items to help fill in the gap for people who might otherwise do without.
For 2020, Daniel upped his costume game and wore a Star Trek uniform and mask to collect what turned out to be DOUBLE what he collected previously. (Do we have amazing neighbors, or what?!)
Have you been MISSING Disney on Ice?! Feld’s frozen family fun fest (I’m feeling very alliterative today!) is back at the Amway Center September 3-5, 2021. The theme? Mickey’s Search Party.
Join Mickey Mouse and his friends at Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, an adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts! Look for clues in the search for Tinker Bell through immersive, fantastic worlds. Explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco, sail away with Moana as she bravely saves her island, see Belle in the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life, and sing-along with Elsa in the icy world of Frozen. Make memories during Aladdin, Toy Story and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out celebration!
See Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and stars from Moana, Coco, Frozen, Toy Story, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid.
Special Discount Offer
Save $5 on select seats when you use code DOI5FQ online at www.DisneyOnIce.com.
Offer valid on select price levels and performances. Offer valid only on the following performances: Friday, September 3 at 7:30pm; Saturday, September 4 at 7pm; Sunday, September 5 at 5pm. No double discounts. Service charges, handling and facility fees may apply. Tickets are subject to market supply and demand. Offer expires 8/29/21.
Event Location: Amway Center, 400 W.Church Street, Orlando, FL 32801
Dates and Times of Performances: Friday, September 3: 7:30pm
Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand. For more info about Disney On Ice, follow Disney On Ice social media channels: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
For over 100 nights, guests can stay late and safely enjoy world-class coasters, electrifying entertainment throughout the park and more during extended hours at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay beginning May 28. On weekends and select dates, guests can look to the sky for the NEW “Spark! A Nighttime Spectacular”featuring an explosive NEW firework and special effects production, the biggest, brightest show ever!
Sizzling NEW Event Experiences!
ALL NEW! Ignite the night with NEW “Spark! A Nighttime Spectacular”: For an epic finale to a coaster-filled day of adventure, guests will be drawn to the vibrant energy radiating from a unique new production on the Festival Field. As the most stunning show ever to light the park’s sky, “Spark!” will feature an explosive array of fireworks and exciting effects from dazzling lasers to graceful water elements and dramatic pyrotechnics. “Spark!” is offered every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at 9:15 P.M. from May 28 to September 6, including extra presentations on May 31 for Memorial Day, July 1-4 for Independence Day, and September 6 for Labor Day.
Long before the first burst of “Spark!” covers the night sky, guests can join in the evening excitement with NEW entertainment, music, food and drinks for the park’s biggest and brightest summer celebration:
NEW! Pre-Party on the Festival Pathway: Greeted by glowing lights strung among the trees, live music and more, the stunning visual journey on the Festival Pathway will spark the spirit of summer in everyone.
NEW! Seasonal Summer Menu: Senses will ignite with delicious bursts of flavor from a special menu inspired by backyard summer cookouts with a Busch Gardens twist. Guests will discover a walkable take on grilled classics, decadent sweet treats and more along the festival pathway and new locations throughout the park. Adults 21+ can indulge in NEW glow-in-the-dark summer cocktails or refreshing non-alcoholic drinks that are equally beautiful and satisfying for the perfect end to a summer night.
NEW! DJ Block Parties: As the sun goes down, electric summer vibes amp up on the Festival Field. It’s an open-air dance party with DJs, dancing, and endless energy to build the excitement before “Spark!” ignites the sky.
NEW! Giraffe Bar: Combining a perfect Serengeti sunset, delicious cocktails and savory snacks is the best way to fuel a night of summer fun at the NEW Giraffe Bar located on the second floor of Serengeti Overlook.
ALL NEW! “Cirque Electric” show opens: For awe-inspiring feats that spark the imagination, the dynamic performance of “Cirque Electric”, an ALL-NEW acrobatic stunt show exclusively produced for Busch Gardens, opening May 28 at the Stanleyville Theater. From the daring airborne aerialist to stunning displays of balance and strength and a fascinating act on wheels that cannot be missed, guests will be dazzled by world-class performers during select dates for Summer Nights.
MORE Fan-favorite summer experiences return this season!
Award-winning “Turn It Up!” ice skating show returns: Starting May 28, the Moroccan Palace Theater will once again be home to “Turn It Up!” the award-winning ice-skating show, including late shows on select dates for Summer Nights.
Back by popular demand! Open-air block parties throughout the park: Complete with seasonal eats and electric beats, guests will encounter sizzling summer entertainment throughout the spacious 300-acre park, including:
Cheetah Hunt Plaza: Between dashing through the night sky on Cheetah Hunt and Cobra’s Curse, guests can dance to DJ beats throughout the evening.
Stanleyville Plaza: After taking on the daring launches of Tigris, guests will find refreshing tunes and classic summer flavors with a twist in the shadow of SheiKra.
Party All Summer with a Busch Gardens Annual Pass or Fun Card!
Celebrate all summer long and visit again and again with a Busch Gardens Fun Card, where guests can pay for a day and play all year!* For the price of a single-day ticket to Busch Gardens, the Fun Card allows access throughout the year, so you can visit again and again, and experience great events like Summer Nights, Bier Fest, Christmas Town, and more! For the best value and benefits, guests can upgrade to a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Annual Pass to enjoy the perks they want most throughout 2021. Annual Pass Members* receive 12 months of visits with the best benefits ever, including FREE parking, up to 6 free guest tickets, and up to 50-percent savings on merchandise, Quick Queue, and more!
For a limited time, guests can take advantage of Busch Gardens’ Memorial Sale and save up to 50% on tickets, Fun Cards and Annual Passes. The deal ends May 31.
Guests can visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com for more information and reservations—and to purchase tickets, Fun Cards, or Annual Passes. Fans can stay up to date with park events, attractions and more by following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
SAFETY:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees, and the animals in our care. We have enhanced our already strict health, safety, and cleanliness standards to keep our guests safe. To learn more about our health and safety guidelines visit buschgardens.com/tampa/safety.
About Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch Gardens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, AZA accredited zoo with thousands of animals representing more than 200 species, and exciting seasonal events all year providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com. Busch Gardens is owned by SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.
Guests participating in the Flamingo Mingle will have the opportunity to feed flamingos.
Discovery Cove® has launched the “Flamingo Mingle”, an ALL-NEW exclusive animal experience with its resident group of flamingos (known as a flamboyance) as an additional private opportunity for guests to enjoy during their visit at the all-inclusive day park. The Flamingo Mingle will begin each day at 8 a.m. during normal park hours and give a group of no more than eight guests the unique experience to feed and learn about the flamingos, with strict physical distancing measures in place. Set amid a tropical oasis in the heart of Central Florida, Discovery Cove provides guests with the opportunity to relax in a beautiful, safe, outdoor environment with enhanced health and safety measures and limited capacity for an even more exclusive resort experience.
This exclusive, intimate encounter begins and ends with a private stroll that will make guests feel like they are part of the flamboyance, feeding the beautiful birds one-on-one from the sandy shore before wading together in the cool reef waters. A professional photographer will capture the experience as animal care specialists answer questions and share fun facts about these amazing creatures and how they are cared for. As space is limited, guests are encouraged to reserve their experience immediately at DiscoveryCove.com. Guests who already have their Discovery Cove reservations confirmed can call 407-513-4600 to add the new experience to their itinerary. The Flamingo Mingle starts at just $59* per person and may be added onto both Signature Dolphin Swim and select Day Resort packages. All participants must be at least six years of age (ages 6 to 12 must be accompanied by an adult).
After time well spent with the flamingos, guests can enjoy the stunning all-inclusive day resort where they can experience nature and animals like never before; swim with dolphins in the Dolphin Lagoon, snorkel among thousands of tropical fish and rays in The Grand Reef, hand-feed exotic birds in the Explorer’s Aviary, float along the soothing currents of Wind-Away River, bask on a sandy beach, and more. Visitors to Discovery Cove can also enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and all-you-can-eat snacks throughout the day, plus unlimited gourmet coffee, ice-cold beverages, and beer and wine (for guests 21+). Parking, lockers, wetsuits, and swim gear are also included.
During these unprecedented times, Discovery Cove understands that visitors are looking for flexibility in their vacation planning, which is why the resort offers the Book with CONFIDENCEpolicy, which allows guests to:
· Rebook without penalties or fees, shifting reservationsup to 48 hours prior to the reservation date, to any future date through all of 2021; and includes
· FREE cancellations and a 100% refund when visitors cancel more than 30 days prior to their reservation date.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Discovery Cove is excited to continue to provide guests with fun, inspiring and memorable experiences, while addressing important health and safety needs during this time. For detailed information about the measures guests can expect when visiting the resort, including key operational changes, go to Discoverycove.com/orlando/park-info/park-safety/.
Visit DiscoveryCove.com or call 407-513-4600 for details and to book a reservation.
Safety
Discovery Cove is committed to the health and safety or our guests, employees, and the animals in our care. The resort worked diligently with state and local health officials, outside consultants and attraction industry leaders to enhance our already strict health, safety and cleanliness standards. These protocols and guidelines will be modified based on evolving industry standards and methodologies, public health and governmental directives, and advancing scientific knowledge on the transmissibility of COVID-19.
About Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove® in Orlando is an all-inclusive day resort where guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel among thousands of tropical fish and rays, hand-feed exotic birds, and encounter playful otters. Relax and explore rocky lagoons surrounded by lush landscaping, tropical reefs, winding rivers, and white, sandy beaches. Freshly prepared meals, snacks and beverages throughout the day and swim gear are included. Guests will experience the most exciting animal encounters the world has to offer in a breathtaking tropical atmosphere. DiscoveryCove.com
Looking to attend a masks mandatory, socially distanced, music-filled, Santa-on-an-airboat, Florida fun Holly Jolly Christmas event? The Jolly Creek Holiday Festival and Marketplace at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures in Kissimmee hits all the right notes (figuratively & literally) and runs through select nights through January 2, 2021.
My family and I were invited to visit the Jolly Creek Holiday Festival*. The Music Festival was created and performed by furloughed entertainers of Disney and Universal, headlined by The Jolly Creek Society Orchestra.
The Jolly Creek Society Orchestra, comprised of former members of Disney’s Grand Floridian Society Orchestra, performs most nights. Jazzy arrangements of holiday favorites have fingers snapping and toes tapping. Lots more happy holiday music provided by The Vocalitas, a swingin’ trio and The Mistletones, by Caroling Co. Consult the event calendar for all the entertainment particulars.
Hungry? Bring your appetite for Florida favorites. On the menu: Feast Fries (think Thanksgiving meets French Fries), Florida Frosty (a vodka cranberry toast to the holidays), eggnog, hot chocolate and more. We tried the BBQ Beef Brisket sandwich, fried pickles, and Gator Bites, which I can confirm are some of the best, most tender, we’ve ever had!
For dessert, make some s’mores (I feel like I’m repeating myself!). For an additional fee, you can cozy up to the fire pit with marshmallow-on-a-stick in hand, and make the quintessential outdoor family treat. Additional craft kits are available, too.
Local goods can be found at the Merchant Village. We picked up some Elf Sweat (yes Elf Sweat, LOL) candles from Machado Farm Foundation and dog treats from Pet Wants Kissimmee for our neighborhood pups.
Since the event IS at Boggy Creek, you know you’ll see Florida’s past and present. In the Native American Village, you may see the Big Mountain Family members crafting or see a canoe that was hulled using primitive tools. Modern boats, airboats, are there including one piloted by none other than Santa, himself. An adventure package is offered, combining admission and a night-time airboat tour. We opted to arrive before the events, and scheduled a sunset airboat ride.
This gator was catching the last rays of sun before submerging.
What a sunset, on Lake Tohoopekaliga
Tickets start at $10 for kids (under 13), and $18.99 for adults, with a portion of proceeds supporting Second Harvest Food Bank. Dog tickets are available, too ($10), so fur babies can get their “paw-liday” picture taken, or just to stroll the holiday lights with their humans.
As a family, we’ve committed to attending only outdoor events this year, which has seriously limited our options. Jolly Creek Holiday Festival has been a welcome BRIGHT spot and festive find that provided a relaxed, Florida-forward evening to cherish.
make some s’mores (I feel like I’m repeating myself!). For an additional fee, you can cozy up to the fire pit with marshmallow-on-a-stick in hand, and make the quintessential outdoor family treat. Additional craft kits are available, too.
SeaWorld Mommy 