New Year's Eve at Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Down Memory Lane – A Waldorf Astoria New Year Celebration. Join us at Bull and Bear Prime Steakhouse for Orlando’s exclusive New Year’s Eve experience at Waldorf Astoria. Gather with us as we look to our past, present and future for culinary inspiration… a journey that unfolds over 2 seatings, 8 courses, and a few extra surprises from the chef!

Find out why Bull and Bear was named “Best Fine Dining” in Orlando Home & Leisure’s Silver Spoon Dining Awards issue.

Seating one: “Prelude to a Kiss”, 5:30pm to 7:30pm
• $110 per person, 3-course pre-fixe menu pricing
• $45 for children ages 12 and under
• Wine pairing available, but not included in the pre-fixe price

Seating two: “Down Memory Lane”, 8:00pm to Close
• $185 per person, 5-course pre-fixe menu pricing
• $60 for children ages 12 and under
• Wine pairing available, but not included in the pre-fixe price
• Children are encouraged to attend the on-site WA Kids New Year’s Party,
available through WA Kids Club, from 7pm – 12:30am, for $100 per child

Dress code is Jacket and tie required; black-tie preferred and for reservations please call Manny Belete or Alexandria Herndon at 407-597-5414

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando is located at 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane Orlando, FL 32821 - (407) 597-5500. You may also visit their website for more information

ICE at Gaylord Palms through January 2

At long last Florida residents and vacationers have an excuse to put on a sweater, long pants and leave those flip flops at home, as the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center brings back ICE! now through January 2. ICE! Has become a cherished tradition in the Orlando area, where visitors can marvel at life-size ice sculptures in a 14,000 temperature controlled area set to a very frosty 9 degree. Bright blue oversized parkas are provided, but seriously, leave those shorts and flip flops at home.

Tickets can be purchased online, at Gaylord Palms, or in conjunction with one of the many special holiday packages that are available through the resort, including the Best of Florida Christmas Package, Christmas Memories at Gaylord Palms Package and Grandparents Getaway. This year's presentation involves an icy twist on the classic story, Twas the Night Before Christmas.

In addition to the dazzling display, there will be plenty of photo opportunities, Christmas gifts, and even a chance to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa in the Gaylord Palms' spacious atrium. There are even a couple of solid ice slides that children can enjoy--it's probably the only place in Florida where kids can go sledding. Buy tickets in advance to avoid long lines; for many visitors and locals ICE! is the highlight of Orlando's holiday season.

How to Handle Your Shopping And Shipping in Disney World

Merchandise purchases don’t have to be a burden to Walt Disney World theme park guests. There are alternatives to carrying the packages throughout the parks:

Package pickup is available at no charge. Merchandise is moved to package pickup, conveniently located near the front entrance of each park, for guests’ pickup when they are leaving the park.

Hotel delivery is available at no charge to guests of Walt Disney World resorts. Purchases made prior to 7 p.m. will be delivered to the guest’s hotel by noon the following day. Purchases made after 7 p.m. will be at the hotel on the second day after purchase.

Shipping is available for an additional charge at the time of purchase.

View other excellent shopping malls in Orlando and Orlandoescape's favorite shopping spots in Orlando offers high-end fashion shopping, over 100 of the hottest brands, the most unique shopping destination and specialty shops. Orlando is a shopper’s paradise

More Reasons To Visit Orlando This Holiday

• Discover Orlando’s Newest Travel Ideas
• Clarion Hotel Maingate at Mile Marker 5
• Magic Kingdom Holiday Wishes
• Discover Orlando This Holiday
• Wild Africa Trek’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade

No visit to Walt Disney World would be complete without watching a Disney parade, which is why the Main Street Electrical Parade created quite a bit of buzz in the Orlando attractions community when it was reintroduced earlier this year after a nearly decade-long absence.

The original Main Street Electrical Parade ran from 1977 to 2001 at Magic Kingdom, and when it returned in its original form in June 2010 it was only supposed to return for the summer season, but the parade's popularity has extended this event into am open ended engagement.

While Magic Kingdom has always had parades and fireworks as part of its nighttime entertainment, the 1970s era Main Street Electrical Parade has a more of an emphasis on the classic Disney movies that were released when company founder Walt Disney was still alive (Disney died in 1966, shortly after selecting Orlando as the site for Walt Disney World). That means less Disney princesses compared to previous nighttime parades--although Cinderella and Snow White figure prominently into the Main Street Electrical Parade, as they have in the past.

Other highlights of the Disney Main Street Electrical Parade include Tinkerbell, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Pinocchio, and of course, Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Orlando Holiday Hotel Guide

Orlando Vacations & Packages by Starwood - 4 days just $149.00

Walt Disney Maingate / Kissimmee

Walt Disney / Lake Buena Vista

Marriott Village at Lake Buena Vista

SeaWorld / Convention Center

International Drive Area

Downtown Orlando Hotels

Orlando Airport Hotels

Universal Orlando Area

Altamonte Springs Hotels

Bonnet Creek Lake Buena Vista

Lake Mary Hotels Area

Prime Outlets International Drive becomes Premium Outlets

For those visitors who are planning on doing a little holiday shopping at one of Orlando's expansive outlet malls, there are now two Premium Outlets to choose from, since Prime Outlets on the northernmost end of International Drive is now operating under the Premium Outlets name. Before the mall underwent a full renovation a couple of years ago, it was known as the Belz Outlet Mall.


As far as customers are concerned, the only thing that has changed for the Premium Outlet Mall on I-Drive is the name. Shoppers can still find impressive savings at Betsy Johnson, Coach, J.Crew, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Michael Kors, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Polo Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Victoria's Secret, Columbia, Bass Shoes, and many more.

Orlando Premium Outlets on Vineland Ave. is still in its original location just off if the southern end of International Drive. Orlando Premium Outlets offers many of the same stores as its "sister" shopping mall just up the road. No matter which Premium Outlet Mall you choose, be prepared that parking is at a premium, although the valet service can take some of the stress out of finding a coveted parking spot.

Happy Thanksgiving Wishes From Seralago Hotel

Discover this amazing hotel conveniently located in the Kissimmee area, the Seralago Hotel & Suites offers one of the best values in the area. Relax in one of our 614 rooms and suites; swim in our 2 heated, Olympic-style swimming pools or let the kids splash in our kiddie pool. We are proud to have been accepted to the Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel program since its inception.

Serelago hotel wishes all guest a Happy Thanksgiving

Disney turkey legs

There are turkey legs--and then there are Disney turkey legs. So why not celebrate the holidays with a traditional poultry dish that you can hold in one hand?

The oversized turkey legs sold at the Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks have been featured on television shows and are well known for their juicy dark meat--this definitely isn't the sort of dry ultra lean white meat that most people have had in the past.

Disney turkey legs are smoked to perfection with a taste that closely resembles ham. And since the portion sizes are so large, it's probably healthier to share a Disney turkey leg than attempt to eat one solo (even though this is a turkey leg, admittedly it is not a diet food).

Best of all a Disney turkey leg can be enjoyed on the go without any carving necessary. And as a Disney guest, you'll never have to spend several hours waiting for a turkey leg to come out of the oven.

Thanksgiving Day buffet in Islands Dining Room at the exotic Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando

Savor a scrumptious all-you-care-to-eat Thanksgiving Day buffet in Islands Dining Room at the exotic Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. Featuring all of your traditional Thanksgiving Day favorites, plus carving stations, sushi and stir fry stations, raw bar, champagne and a dessert extravaganza!

Entertainment includes musician and hula dancers, Universal Orlando characters, face painter and balloon twister.

Adults: $43.95, includes champagne
Children (age 3-12): $17.95
Children under 3 complimentary. Free self-parking; ask server for details.

For reservations & information, call 407-503-DINE (3463)

Thanksgiving Day At Mama Della's Ristorante at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando

Join Mama for a traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner served family-style in Mama Della's Ristorante at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. Feast on maple-roasted turkey, oyster cornbread, sage stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, pumpkin crème brulée and more!

You can also enjoy traditional Italian favorites from Mama's regular à la carte menu. Plus strolling musicians will serenade you tableside.

Adults: $28.00 (Thanksgiving menu)
Children (age 3-12): $14.95
Children under 3 complimentary. Free self-parking; ask server for details.

For reservations & information, call 407-503-DINE (3463)

Disney’s Fort Wilderness

Staying at a Disney resort can be rather expensive, but what if you had the option of staying in your own tent or RV? If you are willing to give up the creature comforts of a hotel room, a camping trip at Walt Disney World's Fort Wilderness can help reduce the cost of accommodations without skimping on all of the fun.

Whether you pitch your own tent or let the folks at Disney set up a tent and cots for you, you can enjoy the quiet relaxation of a family camping excursion, with the added bonus of a volleyball court, grills, picnic tables, firewood for sale plus clean bathrooms and hot showers (after all, this is Disney; there are no nasty pit toilets here).

All Fort Wilderness guests have access to the expansive swimming pool on site, and the kids will enjoy the nightly campfire jamborees and outdoor movies. Other available activities include bicycling and horseback riding on designated trails.

And for those guests who want the experience of a woodsy retreat without spending the night in a sleeping bag or roasting hot dogs over an open fire, Disney's Wilderness Resort also has a restaurant and a full service lodge with all of amenities one would expect in a traditional hotel. Like any Disney resort, there is regular shuttle service to the theme parks and water parks, and unlike most campgrounds, even the mosquitoes tend to stay away from this very Disney camping experience.

Thanksgiving Day buffet in Islands Dining Room at the exotic Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando

Savor a scrumptious all-you-care-to-eat Thanksgiving Day buffet in Islands Dining Room at the exotic Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. Featuring all of your traditional Thanksgiving Day favorites, plus carving stations, sushi and stir fry stations, raw bar, champagne and a dessert extravaganza!

Entertainment includes musician and hula dancers, Universal Orlando characters, face painter and balloon twister.

Adults: $43.95, includes champagne
Children (age 3-12): $17.95
Children under 3 complimentary. Free self-parking; ask server for details.

For reservations & information, call 407-503-DINE (3463)

Magic show and dinner at Del Frisco's Steakhouse

Kick off the holiday season with an evening of fine dining and magical entertainment. Del Frisco's Steakhouse is hosting a Magic Show and Dinner on select dates in November and December featuring world-renown magical entertainer and official magician of the Orlando Magic, Kostya Kimlat. This is an evening not to be missed!

The shows are scheduled for Monday, November 22, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. and November 27, December 3, 20, 21, 28, and 29 at the same time. The cost is $98 per person (which covers the performance, valet parking, four course meal and tip) and tickets can only be purchased at the official website. Don't miss out on the opportunity mystified and astounded while savoring a mouthwatering dinner at the legendary Del Frisco's Steakhouse.

The four course meal includes:
· Del Frisco's House Salad with freshly baked bread and butter
· Delicious Shrimp or Jumbo Golden Onion Rings.
· Your choice of Filet, 12oz Strip or 12oz Salmon and two delicious sides, like potatoes and asparagus.
· Tea, Coffee, and a fine Chocolate Mousse

Only 20 guests at a time will be able to witness this stunning close-up Magic Show in a private parlor environment, so purchase your tickets today.

Thanksgiving Day in The Kitchen restaurant at the exciting Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando

Bring the family for a rockin' Thanksgiving Day in The Kitchen restaurant at the exciting Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando! Enjoy a buffet fit for a rock star, featuring all of your favorites with a rock 'n' roll twist!

Kids get to meet Universal Orlando characters and the Magic Men! Other entertainment includes face painter and balloon artist.

Adults: $44.00
Children (age 3-12): $17.00
Children under 3 complimentary. Free self-parking; ask server for details.

For reservations & information, call 407-503-DINE (3463)

Speedy security clearance with CLEARcards at Orlando airport

With full body scanners newly installed at Orlando International Airport (OIA), frequent travelers have one more thing delaying them from where they need to go. Fortunately, the new CLEARcard is a convenient solution that will clear the way for experienced travelers who wish to bypass lengthy security lines.

CLEAR is the first and only biometric-based secure identification program for airport security. All members have to do is present their CLEARcard to a uniformed CLEAR attendant, verify their identity with fingerprints or an iris image, and proceed through to airport security. Orlando International Airport has already begun in-person enrollment.

To join CLEAR, prospective members can enroll online and then complete enrollment in person at a CLEAR enrollement center. Once completed, CLEARcards arrive promptly in the mail. Membership costs $179 per year for unlimited use. A family plan will be available soon covering a second household member for an additional $50. As an introduction for new members, CLEAR is giving a free month's membership with each new enrollment.

CLEAR is opening enrollment centers at select Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty locations in Orlando. The Downtown Orlando location is at Global Gallery, 121 South Orange Avenue. In Lake Mary, enrollments may be completed at 115 International Parkway, Heathrow. Hours of operation are 9 AM through 5 PM. For more information visit Clearme.com.

Thanksgiving Day feast in Trattoria del Porto at the luxurious Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando

Enjoy a Thanksgiving Day feast in Trattoria del Porto at the luxurious Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. Featuring carving, pasta and dessert stations, seafood displays, soups, salads, champagne and more!

Entertainment includes children's holiday craft table, Universal Orlando characters, strolling musicians, face painter and balloonist.

Adults: $46.00, includes champagne
Children (age 3-12): $23.00
Children under 3 complimentary. Free self-parking; ask server for details.

For reservations & information, call 407-503-DINE (3463)

The Holidays Shine Bright At Walt Disney World

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

November 8, 2010 – January 4, 2011

Immerse yourself in the joy of the season as millions of blinking, twinkling lights “dance”

Every 10 minutes to a high-energy holiday symphony in the most over-the top light display in the world!

Magic Kingdom Park

Castle Dream lights

November 8, 2010 – January 4, 2011

Experience the holiday magic of Main Street USA, as the sun sets and holiday lights begin to shine.

Watch as Cinderella Castle transformed into a breathtaking icy palace.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Select nights in November and December

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a magical night of special holiday entertainment including Castle Dream lights, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade, a fireworks spectacular, tasty treats and snow on Main Street USA.

A separately priced ticket is required for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Epcot

Candlelight Processional

Select night: November 26 – December 30, 2010

This beloved tradition is a joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and glorious mass choir.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade

November 26, 2010 – January 3, 2011

Ring in the season with Mickey and his friends as they lead a parade of favorite Disney Characters and fanciful larger-than-life animal puppets that dance and bring you into a holiday adventure for all ages!

Glass blowing at Magic Kingdom

Step inside the Crystal Arts gift shop at Magic Kingdom’s Main Street and you will be in for a special treat—not only are the store shelves filled with delicate hand blown glass objects, but visitors can also watch the artisans in action, as they painstakingly create beautiful works of glass and crystal art.

In the front of crystal arts there is a small workbench where an artist will use a small blowtorch to create intricate figurines with a personal touch. At the back of the store there are regularly scheduled Murano glass blowing demonstration, patterned after the artistic tradition of the Italian island of Murano near Venice that is world-renown for vases, wine glasses, and other forms of glass art.

The object available range from tiny Disney characters to large decorative pieces (which will obviously need to be shipped instead of packed in a suitcase). One thing is certain; this Walt Disney World gift shop is a world away from the ordinary, even if it is located right on Main Street.

Celebrate the Holidays in Central Florida!

Orlando, Florida is such a wonderful place to be during the holiday season! The theme parks are decked out with beautiful twinkling lights, buildings with colorful wreaths on their doors and Santa’s everywhere.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park-Celebrate the magic of the season at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a special event held each winter on select nights. The festivities are filled with live entertainment, spectacular fireworks and an h-so-jolly holiday parade.
Select dates, November 8-December 19. For additional information please call 407-W-DISNEY. Special ticket required.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios-The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights on the Streets of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park is a breathtaking seasonal display featuring millions of glittering lights perfectly synchronized to some holiday music. The lights are very extensive and you might find it hard to comprehend their magnitude. The buildings are blanketed in sheets of multi-color lights, and thousands more lights form twirling carousels, heavenly angels, and even Santa with his reindeer. The lights are displayed from November 8-January 3, 2011. Please note the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights will not be taking place on December 1, 2010. This is included with your regular entrance ticket.

Holiday Inn Main Gate East, located just 2.5 miles from the main entrance to the Walt Disney World® Theme parks, and across the street from Old Town. The 444-room, full service hotel features two high-rise towers with interior corridors, Italian tile throughout and most rooms with private furnished balconies. All rooms boost colorful and stylish triple-sheeted beds, granite countertops and high speed internet. Kids love the kid suites and all the extra amenities the hotel offers like the kid’s theater, kid’s playground, kid’s swimming pool, and a large interactive game room for the entire family to enjoy. Be sure to visit Chianti’s lobby lounge with indoor and poolside seating. The hotel offers complimentary scheduled transportation to the Walt Disney World Theme Parks and the Lake Buena Vista Factory Outlet stores. If you book now you can take advantage of the hotels pre-pay special. Book at least 3 nights, prepay and you receive an additional 20% discount. For reservations please visit our web site at www.HolidayInnMGE.com.

Hidden Mickeys

What is a hidden Mickey? For intrepid travelers visiting one of the Disney resorts, a hidden Mickey is a subtle reminder that you are in the House of Mouse, namely, it is an object or pattern in the shape of Mickey Mouse’s round head and two slightly smaller but equally round ears. A Mickey Mouse plush doll in a Walt Disney World gift shop does not qualify as a hidden Mickey, but a discreetly looped lasso rope in a gift shop, a Mickey icon on a manhole cover, or a triple coin configuration in the shape of Mickey’s head would count.

There are so many hidden Mickeys scattered throughout the Walt Disney World resort that most visitors might need a little help finding them. Disney cast members (especially those who are working in the gift shops) are more than happy to point out the hidden Mickeys in their immediate vicinity, and many Disney gift shops sell copies of the latest edition of Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World’s Best Kept Secrets. The fourth printing of this book includes more than 800 hidden Mickeys scattered throughout the theme parks, hotels and restaurants at Disney World.

From thrill rides to gift shops to the mouse-shaped confections in the candy stores, hidden Mickeys are everywhere. So much so that if one starts out on a quest for hidden Mickeys at the Walt Disney World resort, just about everything starts looking like a Mickey Mouse head.

Visit International Drive

There are so many reasons to take a break and head to Orlando’s International Drive Resort Area this winter! How about a vacation that offers lots of opportunities to save while enjoying special events, attractions and as much fun as your time allows?

Visit major new attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. Check out the 37th Annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival and many other special events in Central Florida.

In the heart of Orlando’s tourism district, International Drive is known for offering accommodations, dining, attractions and shopping for every budget. And with everyone watching their expenses, this has become more important than ever with choices to fit all price ranges.

Home to SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, Aquatica Sea World’s Park, Wet ‘n Wild, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, it is easy to see why the area is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. And don’t forget the area’s smaller family attractions, nonstop entertainment, great dining and world class shopping.

The kids are back in school. Lines are shorter at your favorite attractions. Temperatures are beginning to drop. Lots of special events are planned. Shop at your favorite outlets without the crowds and visit all of the new and recently-opened stores.

We, at the Ramada Convention Center I-Drive offer the best location on International Drive. Located right in the center of it all, you will have the best access to these attractions, restaurants and more. Hope to see you soon!

Top 12 Orlando’s Best Vacation Packages and Specials

There are endless combinations of activities and accommodations that you can enjoy during your next Orlando vacation, so why not let Orlandoescape.com help you choose the Top 12 Orlando's Best Vacation Packages and Specials? With fun activities and the best priced deals, you can get the most out of your next Orlando vacation. Choose from one of the following Orlando Vacation Packages:

1. Orlando Vacation Package
2. Disney Vacation Package
3. Universal Orlando "Ultimate" Vacation Package
4. Sea World and Aquatica Vacation Package
5. Discovery Cove Package
6. Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Package
7. Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando Special
8. Romantic Getaway Package
9. Orlando Florida Resident Package
10. Bed and Breakfast Package
11. Disney Magical Fun Package
12. Unlimited Golf Package

Don't take a piecemeal approach to your next Orlando vacation. Select one of the Top 12 Orlando's Best Vacation Packages and Deals where your family can create a lifetime of happy memories.

Orlando, Business Travel Central

Aside from being a top tourist destination, Orlando is also a major destination for business travelers and convention attendees. Orlando is home to the 2nd largest convention center in America; the Orange County Convention Center located on International Drive. This massive complex draws in millions in business and convention travelers annually. In addition, Orlando is also home to major companies including SIEMENS, Lockheed Martin, AAA, AirTran, and Darden Restaurants. It is also home to the new Burnham Institute for Medical Research.

Downtown Orlando is also booming with commerce and business activity. Orlando has seen a recent arrival of bio-tech industries that could bring a new era to Orlando's business stature.

Business travel finally is on the rebound and 2011 is shaping up to be a good year, industry specialists said Tuesday. Throughout the country, and especially in key travel markets such as Orlando, the business market is pulling out of a long slump, according to a new study by the Travel Industry Association of America. Domestic business travel was up more than 4 percent in 2010.

Whether you’re in town for a corporate retreat, a pressure-filled client presentation, or simply a casual business meeting, Ramada Suites Orlando Airport has all the tools to make business travel to Orlando a success. With flexible meeting spaces, up-to-date presentation technology, and an onsite staff of sales and marketing professionals, your meeting can go off without a hitch. And with several dining options near or onsite, Ramada Suites Orlando Airport makes it easy to continue your discussion over dinner or drinks.

SeaWorld Orlando Welcomes Rehabilitated Manatee, Holly, Home

The package picked up by SeaWorld’s animal care experts at Orlando International Airport on Tuesday, November 2, was indeed precious cargo. It was Holly, a rehabilitated manatee, who was rescued in 1995, and has been rehabilitating at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for the past five years.

Holly was rescued 15 years ago after she was found trapped at the Port St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant on Hutchinson Island. When she arrived at SeaWorld she received hands-on, critical care for cold stress at SeaWorld’s Manatee Rehabilitation Facility. After six months, she was moved to Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park and then later transferred to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to complete her rehabilitation.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) is the Federal agency that creates plans for each manatee that is rescued and cared for in Florida and the surrounding states. In order to create space at SeaWorld Orlando for more critically injured manatees, USFWS moved Holly to a long-term rehabilitation facility.

Holly is set to be returned to the wild in early 2011.
“Caring for Holly 15 years ago was extremely rewarding,” said Randy Runnells, SeaWorld Animal Care Assistant Curator. “It's great to know the initial care we provided has helped her reach this point in her life. We're looking forward to returning her back to the wild next year."

SeaWorld’s animal rescue team is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to save injured, abandoned and orphaned animals, including manatees, dolphins, whales, birds and turtles. To date this year, the park has rescued 24 and released 16 manatees.