Let your pet enjoy a Orlando vacation

Sight and Sole Doggie Stroll
March 26th - Lighthouse Central Florida ~ 9 am to 1 pm
Make your dog paws-itively happy! Come take a stroll to benefit Lighthouse Central Florida. There will be opportunities to enter to win prizes, contests, face painting, and demonstrations. Registration begins at 9 am with the walk starting off at 10:15 am. For more information on this event, please visit www.lighthousecentralflorida.org
Cranes Roost Park - 407-571-8863

Disney’s Hollywood Studios ESPN Weekend

ESPN The Weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Marquee stars from the NFL, MLB, NBA and NCAA, plus well-known ESPN on-air personalities are headed back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios March 4-6 for the eighth annual Dick's Sporting Goods presents ESPN The Weekend. Unique sports experiences during the weekend include a 5K run, live on-stage broadcasts and stage shows, celebrity motorcades and an interactive sports zone. All the fun is included with regular admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Click here for ESPN Weekend at Disney

Pat O'Brien's Fat Tuesday Celebration

Celebrate "Good Times!" at Orlando's biggest Fat Tuesday party!

• Live party band
• Food & drink specials all night
• Stilt-walkers, bead girls and more!


FREE‡ ADMISSION until 7:00pm
General admission is $8 +tax, per person. (Must be 21+ after 7pm)
Upgrade to VIP for $20+tax, per person and enjoy private balcony access, light appetizers, priority entrance and FREE admission to select CityWalk® clubs‡‡.

More things to do in Universal City Walk

Downtown Disney: Raglan Road and Cooke’s of Dublin

With Pleasure Island in the midst of an extensive “reimagining” project at the Downtown Disney dining, shopping, and entertainment district, it is easy to miss the two Irish restaurants that stand at the gateway between Pleasure Island and Disney’s Marketplace. Raglan Road and Cooke’s of Dublin serve traditional Irish fare both indoors and outdoors, with an atmosphere that will make visitors want to stay around a wee bit longer and have a pint of Guinness.

Of the two adjoining locations, Raglan Road is the more formal sit-down restaurant. Raglan Road has a wait staff, a bar, and a stage for nightly entertainment—and don’t forget the gift shop with items imported from Ireland. Raglan Road’s main dishes include the Fada Burger, Keen Eye for the Shepherd’s Pie, Lobster Club, and the signature One & One beer battered fish and chips with fresh tartar sauce.

The One & One is also on the menu at Cooke’s of Dublin, which has a smaller menu, fast food service and guests must order their food at the front counter. The main courses include battered chicken, beef & lamb pie, chicken and field mushroom pie and smoked haddock pie. Like all Disney restaurants the portions are hearty and a single One & One dish can easily feed two people, or at least one adult and one child (and British patrons will be pleased to know that there is plenty of malt vinegar to go around).

When the sun goes down, both Irish restaurants come alive with music and laughter. The Hole in the Wall is the outdoor section that joins the two restaurants together, where customers can enjoy a drink or two while watching the throngs of tourist crowds traverse the length of Downtown Disney.

Find more Orlando restaurants - Orlandoescape has put together the most popular restaurants in the area. Click here to view a list of Top 20 Orlando restaurants

Acoustic Sessions with CARL DIXON at Hard Rock Hotel Orlando

Acoustic Sessions with CARL DIXON formerly of The Guess Who

Thursday, March 3, at 7:00 pm
Join us for a special unplugged-style Acoustic Sessions with Carl Dixon, formerly of The Guess Who, performing hits "American Woman," "The Point Of This Life," "Undun," No Sugar Tonight," "Long Lost Friend," "Faithful" and more.

SHOW ENTRY IS COMPLIMENTARY
Cash bars and cocktails service, plus free self parking or $5 valet parking

Magic Kingdom: Main Street Confectionery

While it is easy to find sweet treats throughout Walt Disney World, nobody does it sweeter than the Main Street Confectionery in Magic Kingdom. Here you will find hundreds of colorful treats, including lollipops, fudge, candy coated crisped rice treats (in the shape of Mickey Mouse and other fun shapes), Mickey marshmallows, cookies, chocolate and caramel apples, Disney character PEZ dispensers, and much more.

The Main Street Confectionery also sells Disney-themed utensils for the home cook who would like a little help in the kitchen from Mickey and Minnie. And those items are just a sampling of the kitchenware that can be found in other shops around Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney.

Just about any confection in the shape of Mickey’s head can be found at the Main Street Confectionery, with one main exception that can be found nearby: the very popular Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar, which is always just a few steps away at vendor stands located throughout the Disney World theme parks.

More info about Magic Kingdom:

• Walt Disney World
• Behind the scenes of Disney's Magic Kingdom
• Epcot Center Park Information
• Walt Disney World - Magic Kingdom Information
• Discount Walt Disney Tickets
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
• Disney's Expedition Everest
• Fast Pass

REO Speedwagon takes the stage at SeaWorld Orlando

One of the most iconic and hardest-working bands in rock ‘n’ roll – REO Speedwagon takes the stage this Saturday, February 26 at SeaWorld Orlando’s Bands, Brew & BBQ, Central Florida’s can’t-miss BBQ festival and concert series.

Bands, Brew & BBQ is back and bigger than ever with more BBQ, more brews and the best in classic rock and country. Country music’s up-and-comer, Josh Turner, performs on Saturday, March 5 in the final concert of the series.
Bands, Brew & BBQ is included with SeaWorld admission. Concerts begin at 4:30 p.m.
NEW – More BBQ! Local chefs now add an even richer variety of BBQ and great grilled food. BBQ biggies -- 4Rivers, Texas Cattle Co. and Smokey Bones – are cooking on-site and SeaWorld’s own team of chefs round out the menus with home-style beef jerky, kettle chips, buffalo chili and much more. VIP tickets are available and include BBQ and reserved seating for the day’s concert.

NEW – More brew! Wash down that tasty BBQ with an ice-cold brew at the all-new Beer Garden featuring nearly 60 craft beers from 21 different domestic and international breweries. Ale, stouts, porters, lagers – can’t decide on one? Try a 12-variety brew sampler.

The Fun Card is the way to go for unlimited admission! The best way to take in Bands, Brew & BBQ, all the concerts and all of the one-of-a-kind thrill rides and up-close animal adventures is with a SeaWorld Fun Card. The fun is all year long, too. Paying just a day’s admission means coming back again and again to enjoy every one of SeaWorld’s events, including Summer Nights, Halloween Spooktacular and the park’s Christmas Celebration. This spring, there’s even more when Shamu takes center stage in an all-new, must-see killer whale spectacular.

Fun Cards are valid for unlimited admission through Dec. 31, 2011 and available at SeaWorld’s front gate.Click here to get all the details on Bands Brew & BBQ

Fantasyland makeover gets a makeover

The largest expansion ever at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is getting a readjustment from the original project scope—Disney’s princesses will still be an important part of the new Fantasyland but there will be more emphasis on attractions that both boys and girls would enjoy. The Fantasyland expansion will double the area’s size and is slated for completion by 2013.

The Disney Princesses will still be well represented with attractions featuring Disney princesses Ariel and Belle, and there will also be a Princess Fairytale Hall for Disney movie heroines Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Cinderella, Tiana (Princess and the Frog) and Rapunzel (Tangled). The Fairytale Hall will replace Snow White’s Scary Adventure, one of Magic Kingdom’s original attractions.

Other Fantasyland attractions include an additional carousel featuring Dumbo and a new roller coaster called the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train that will swing passengers back and forth along a twisting track. To make way for the new rides and character meet-and-greet areas, this will be the final month for Mickey’s Toon Town Fair.

Get ready for Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

Spring arrives early at Walt Disney World Resort when the 18th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival opens March 2 with new Disney character topiaries, sweeping beds of floral color, am expanded Bambi's Butterfly House and weekend Flower Power concerts performed by pop hit makers. The festival, which also features seminars by celebrity and Disney gardeners, continues through May 15.

You must visit Pinkberry before you leave Orlando

Pinkberry, the number one tart frozen yogurt brand, will bring fashion and good taste together when it opens its third Orlando location at The Mall at Millenia. "Fashion lovers have great taste, so Pinkberry and The Mall at Millenia are a natural fit," said Bill Harmening II, Pinkberry area developer for Orlando. "Whether greeting shoppers with the cool taste of tart frozen yogurt or refreshing them as they leave the mall, Pinkberry is proud to offer our international sensation to visitors and locals alike."

Frozen yogurt for "caviar tastes and Cavalli waistlines," Pinkberry is made with real nonfat yogurt and nonfat milk that is rBST hormone free. The Mall at Millenia store will offer Pinkberry's six distinctive flavors and thirty premium toppings, including daily fresh cut seasonal fruits, organic fruity bears and shaved Belgian milk chocolate, as well as Pinkberry Smoothies, Fresh Fruit Bowls and Parfaits and Take Home packs. Pinkberry will now have three stores in Orlando, including its original location at The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips, 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd. at the corner of Dr. Phillips Blvd. and Sandlake Rd. The original store opened Aug. 20, 2010.

Orlando entertainment: Blue Man Group

As seen on TV--and only a handful of cities across the nation--Blue Man Group continues to have an open-ended engagement at Universal Studios Orlando CityWalk. Tickets are available through the Universal Orlando website. No extra theme park admission is required to attend Blue Man Group performances although parking ranges from $15 - $20.

A combination of multimedia and inventive percussive instrumentation, the three-man cast of Blue Man Group remain silent and in character as long as they are in their blue makeup. The Blueman.com website describes these Avant-garde performances as, “a creative organization dedicated to creating exciting and innovative work in a wide variety of media. Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment.” And be forewarned that sitting in certain sections of the audience might be messier than other seating arrangements.

Currently Orlando is one of only five US cities to host an open-ended engagement of a Blue Man Group show; the other cities are New York, Boston, Chicago and Las Vegas.

Find more Orlando more Orlando nightlife events - Orlandoescape has put together the most popular events,concerts,festivals,kids events,sports events. Click here to view a list of Orlando Nightlife, Bars and Entertainment

Spa Deals at Gaylord Palms Hotel

Don’t miss out on Orlando’s premier spa event. It’s back, and you’re invited to Spa Days at Relâche – offering you the opportunity to experience select spa treatments at an exclusive $65* Spa Days rate. Join us and experience some of our most popular services for just $65*.
Dates: May 2-6
Price: $65
Time: 9 am to 8 pm
Phone number: 407-586-4772
For more information click here

More Gaylord Palms Orlando Resort Events and Specials

Special Olympics Rocks - Feb. 19

Gaylord Palms Thank You Thursdays! - Get 40%* savings on Thursdays at Gaylord Hotels’ prized properties

The Unforgettable Anniversary Weekend - Free Night! - Now through April 2011

Gaylord Hotels' Birthday Getaway - Free Night! - Now Though April 30, 2011

Remember Romace Packages at Gaylord Palms - Select dates through July 31, 2011

The Suite Life at Gaylord Palms Resort

Sunday Brunch at Villa de Flora savour outstanding Mediterranean dishes while enjoying the magnificent view of the St. Augustine Atrium. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Sora Sushi Bar

Meetings and Conventions at Gaylord Palms Hotel & Convention Center

Wingate Inn at Orlando Airport

In the business world, FREE is a good thing, which is why business travelers who come to Orlando love to take advantage of the many free amenities that the Wingate Inn at Orlando International Airport has to offer. This Orlando airport hotel is “Built for Business,” and conveniently located just one traffic light away from the Orlando International Airport and in close proximity to I-4, East/West Expressway, 528 Bee Line (Beach Line) and Florida Turnpike. Just within minutes of the Orlando Convention Center, Disney Theme Parks, Universal Studios, Sea World, and the Kennedy Space Flight Center.

For one all-inclusive price, guests of the Wingate Inn at Orlando Airport can get FREE high speed wireless and wired Internet access in all guest rooms and all main public areas, A FREE 24 hour Business Center, including FREE use of computer with high speed internet access, and FREE faxes, copies and printing. The hotel also offers FREE local phone calls and long distance access, a FREE Full "Hot" American Breakfast Buffet, FREE fitness room and whirlpool, FREE USA Today delivered to all occupied rooms, Express check out, plus a FREE Airport Shuttle.
Additional packages and promotions are also available; for more information visit the Wingate Inn at Orlando International Airport website.

Fantasy of Flight Boy Scout Aviation Camporee

Scouts of all ages will gather at Central Florida's premier aviation attraction, Fantasy of Flight, for the attraction's Third Annual Boy Scout Aviation Camporee, Friday, March 18 through Sunday, March 20, 2011.

Troops will earn their aviation merit badges with the help of skilled aviation experts and interactive activities and experiences with some of the attraction's more than 40 rare and vintage aircraft. Fantasy of Flight has hosted more than 400 boy scouts in total during the two previous annual camporees, where troops have come on a mission to earn their merit badges and have enjoyed the added benefit of bonding over their fascination with aviation with their fellow boy scouts.

"The Fantasy of Flight Boy Scout Aviation Camporee is always a favorite with our troop," says Tom Rogers, assistant scoutmaster for Eau Gallie, Fla.-based Troop 300. "Our younger scouts have the opportunity to earn their Aviation Merit badges in one weekend, learning from knowledgeable and experienced staff, while our older Scouts continue to learn about the history of military aviation, the men involved and the craftsmanship of restoring various aircraft. It's a great campout that's different from the standard Scoutcraft agenda."

Scouts can practice their primitive camping skills while participating in a variety of educational and immersive aviation-themed activities. Not only will Camporee-goers tour Fantasy of Flight and visit real working aircraft maintenance and restoration areas, but they also will have the chance to talk with aviation mechanics, restoration specialists and pilots as they participate in a variety of special merit badge stations. This year, Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park will present a special hang-gliding demonstration as part of the weekend festivities.

As a former Boy Scout, Fantasy of Flight creator and founder Kermit Weeks is proud to provide a unique educational venue for scouts to immerse themselves in the captivating world of aviation. "Fantasy of Flight's hands-on, interactive learning experience will inspire and fascinate scouts of all ages," said Weeks, who began a successful construction of an aircraft at the young age of seventeen. "I am so excited to welcome back our intrepid and inquisitive scouts for another successful Camporee!"

Cost of the Camporee three-day, two-night weekend is $30 per person plus tax. The $30 rate includes unlimited admission to Fantasy of Flight, specially tailored tours and Scout merit badge stations, activities, campsite and lunch on Saturday. Reservations are required and admission is limited. To book, call Stephanie Conner, 863-984-3500, ext. 220 or e-mail sconner@fantasyofflight.com.

For more information, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.

Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld nternational Center

Celebrate Mardi Gras at Universal Studios when you stay at the Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld/International Center. The Orlando, FL hotel is located minutes from the festival that celebrates Fat Tuesday just like the Big Easy.

This year Mardi Gras will take place from February 12 through April 23 with parades and concerts displaying this year’s theme of “Let the Music Move You.”

The concert line-up includes music legends and pop icons including:

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons – Saturday, February 12

The B-52s – Saturday, February 19

KC & The Sunshine Band – Sunday, February 20

Pitbull – Saturday, February 26

Lynyrd Skynyrd – Saturday, March 5

Foreigner – Saturday, March 12

Neon Trees – Friday, March 18

The Roots – Saturday, March 19

OneRepublic – Friday, March 25

Blake Shelton – Saturday, March 26

Sean Kingston – Friday, April 1

Ne-Yo – Saturday, April 2

Lifehouse – Saturday, April 9

The Beach Boys – Saturday, April 16 Thirty Seconds to Mars – Saturday, April 23

Book your Orlando family suite now, and celebrate Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida®.

Delight in an award-winning Orlando hotel near SeaWorld® featuring newly renovated accommodations, including new artwork, modern furnishings and carpeting throughout the property. The Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld Hotel neighbors family attractions, such as Universal Studios, SeaWorld®, Discovery Cove, Walt Disney World® and Orlando Premium Outlets, where guest can enjoy shopping at over 120 stores. Offering complimentary theme park transportation, this Orlando, Florida hotel near SeaWorld boasts rooms with high-speed Internet access at no cost and 50 percent more space than typical hotel rooms. One and two bedroom Orlando, FL hotel suites are also available, which are perfect for family vacations. Begin each morning with a complimentary hot breakfast buffet or use your fully equipped in-room kitchen. Enjoy your Orlando family vacation with amenities such as a heated outdoor swimming pool, game room and sports court at the Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld/International Center, your home away from home.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 800-889-9728, or visit www.marriott.com/mcosw.

Orlando Home & Garden Show Feb. 18-20

The Orlando Home and Garden Show returns to the Orange County Convention Center on International Drive Thursday, February 18 – Sunday February 20, 2011. The Orlando Home and Garden Show will be held in the North Building, Hall NB and the event is open to the public. In previous years as many as 20,000 people have attended this convention, which features local vendors who will be on hand to inspire homeowners on the best way to prepare their residences for a new look in the New Year.

If the February Home and Garden Show does not fit your schedule, the Orange County Convention Center will also be hosting a Central Florida Home and Garden Show April 15 – 17, 2011. This event will also be open to the public. For more information about events at the Orange County Convention Center, visit their home page at www.occc.net.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village

Receive a $25 food and beverage credit when you stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village. The Orlando area hotel is offering guests an exclusive credit every time they stay from now until April 30, 2011.

The Orlando hotel discount includes:

$25 food and beverage credit per stay (two-night minimum required)

Complimentary high-speed Internet and parking

Complimentary breakfast

Rates from $89 - $179

Guests can use the food and beverage credit at either of the hotel’s eateries including Village Food Court and Courtyard Café. Village Food Court is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serves ice cream, frozen yogurt, pizza, deli items and Starbucks coffee. Courtyard Café is open for breakfast and serves a breakfast buffet and cooked-to-order items.

Be sure promotional code ZX0 appears in the Corporate/Promotional code box when making your online Lake Buena Vista Disney hotel reservation, or call 1-800-228-9290 in the U.S. and ask for promotional code ZX0.

Awarded with the 2009 Trip Advisor's Travelers' Choice Award as a Top 10 Family Hotel in the United States, this Orlando area family hotel is playful and accommodating. As an Official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel, the Fairfield Inn boasts charming hospitality at a great value. Situated by top attractions, this Orlando family hotel is near Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Studios, SeaWorld®, and Orlando Premium Outlets offering upscale shopping. Start your day with complimentary continental breakfast, then purchase your attraction tickets in the lobby and take advantage of the convenient hotel shuttle to transport you to the destination of your choice. Featuring an array of dining options, the Food Court at this Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel includes pizza, deli sandwiches, ice cream and Starbucks Coffee. Refreshing swimming pools and a children's splash zone create the perfect family environment at this extraordinary Orlando area hotel, the Fairfield Inn Lake Buena Vista Hotel.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 877-682-8552, or visit www.marriott.com/mcolz.

Basketball themed restaurant in Orlando

NBA City
All sports, all the time!
Happy Hour daily ~ 4pm – 7pm

- Showing all college and NFL football games
- Beer specials and buy one appetizer, get second appetizer 50 percent off
- WDBO broadcasts live every Orlando Magic away game

This basketball-themed restaurant is in a league of its own. The world’s first-ever NBA City takes you courtside to enjoy exceptional American cuisine and the excitement of one of the world's fastest sports.

6068 Universal Boulevard Orlando, FL 32819 - (407) 363-5919
Open Weekdays 11am-10pm; Weekends 11am-12pm

Disney’s new princess: Rapunzel

With the holiday season release of “Tangled,” there’s a new princess at Walt Disney World—although her name should be familiar to many guests. This fall Rapunzel made her debut at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, making appearances for character greetings in the Fairytale Garden located between Tomorrowland and Fantasyland.

Also appearing with Rapunzel is her love interest from the film, Flynn Rider. Instead of being the handsome prince featured in the original Grimm’s fairy tale, Flynn is more of a roguish—although equally handsome—character who wins Rapunzel’s freedom as well as her heart. As can be expected with all Disney princesses, there is plenty of merchandise associated with the new movie, and Tangled items can be found in Walt Disney World gift shops and toy retailers everywhere.

Happy Birthday Emeril's Orlando

Emeril’s Orlando is Turning 12!
Wednesday, February 16th – Sunday, February 20th
To Celebrate we are hosting a “throw back” Dining Event, Complete with classic lunch and dinner menu items from years past, music and more.

Dine with Shamu to return to SeaWorld Orlando this spring

The popular Dine with Shamu show, which was cancelled after the death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau last year, will resume at SeaWorld Orlando and the other SeaWorld locations this spring. WESH-2 News in Orlando reports that there will be changes to the show and the guest viewing/dining area, but the orca responsible for Brancheau’s death right after a Dine with Shamu performance in February 2010—a killer whale named Tilikum—will not be part of the show.

Dine with Shamu will return to the San Antonio SeaWorld park before being reinstated at the Orlando and San Diego locations. Currently the orcas at SeaWorld Orlando perform in Believe, while dolphins, circus acrobats and other flying creatures are featured in Blue Horizons. Other live shows at SeaWorld Orlando include the sea lion antics of Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island, Pets Ahoy (featuring dogs, cats and other furry friends) and A’Lure the Call of the Ocean.

Valentines at Walt Disney World Resort

Beloved Disney character couples are "feelin' the love" at Walt Disney World Resort during Valentine's month. Against the fairytale backdrop of Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom are Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Aladdin and Jasmine, Belle and Beast, Price Eric and Ariel, Cinderella and Prince Charming and Donald and Daisy Duck. View Orlandoescape.com♥ Valentine's Packages

Buena Vista Suites Orlando Hotel Deal

Low season or high season, great deals are always in style. Enjoy an Orlando vacation for 4 days/3 nights at the Buena Vista Suites Orlando for only $149 for two people. This all suites hotel makes a great “base camp” for your next Disney vacation, with beautifully decorated, luxurious two room suites that can accommodate up to 6 people in each suite (4 adults and 2 kids maximum).

Enjoy the following perks at the Buena Vista Suites Hotel Orlando during your stay:

• FREE Scheduled Transportation to Walt Disney World® Resort.
• FREE Evening transportation to Downtown Disney® Area.
• 24 hour room service.
• Heated swimming pool, whirlpool, exercise room, one lighted tennis court, and basketball court.
• Coffee maker, Tea maker, refrigerator, microwave oven and more!
• 4 day packages from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando or SeaWorld

These packages are exclusively available through Sheraton Vistana Villages and Orlandoescape.com and reservations must be made by phone by calling toll free at 1-800-396-1883 or placing an international call to 407-239-3553. All cancellations are 100% refundable if cancelled 72 hours prior to arrival (with the exception of the Discovery Cove package). Don’t miss out on a chance to enjoy more of Orlando for less—get more details about this special offer at Orlandoescape.com.

Best of Orlando

• Orlando entertainment: La Nouba
• New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys in Orlando
• Sweetheart deals in February at Orlando Marriott Hotels
• SeaWorld Sizzlin’ Good Time
• Walt Disney World antenna toppers
• Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Disney Expansion
• Harbor Nights Romantico at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
• Fantasy of Flight Dare to Fly
• Sugar Ray live at Hard Rock Hotel

SeaWorld new killer whale show

SeaWorld parks across the United States will debut an all-new killer whale show this spring and summer, connecting guests to the sea with a new level of energy, excitement and vibrancy as it educates and inspires them to make a difference in this world.

Orlando entertainment: La Nouba

One of the few cities in the US with its own permanent Cirque du Soleil company, Orlando has an open ended engagement for performances of the unique circus-like experience known as La Nouba. Performances of La Nouba are regularly scheduled at Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney, and tickets are available through the Cirque du Soleil website. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.

La Nouba is one of several shows created by the Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil. According to the Cirque du Soleil website, “The show name La Nouba originates from the French phrase “faire la nouba,” which means to party, to live it up. It is a world where dreams and reality intertwine as the urban and circus worlds meet on stage.” The show blends acrobatics, dazzling choreography, whimsical characters and live music, all of which are quite fitting at the Happiest Place on Earth.

New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys in Orlando

New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys closed 2010 with a show stealing smash performance on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2011" proving why their joint NKOTBSB tour is this summer's hottest and most anticipated tour. NKOTBSB keep the surprises and excitement coming for 2011 with their newly announced tour dates.

People Magazine raved, "The Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block ended 2010 on a high note with a rollicking New Year's Eve mash up of their greatest hits in Times Square."

And Entertainment Weekly gave a nod to the groups saying, "ABC's live broadcast of Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve boasted a classic boy-band bash, with the well-preserved Backstreet Boys and the New Kids on the Block collaborating for a medley of their greatest hits."

Don't miss this historic tour when it stops at Orlando's Amway Center Fri, July 22!

Find more Orlando events - Orlandoescape has put together the most popular events,concerts,festivals,kids events,sports events. Click here to view a list of Orlando Events

Sweetheart deals in February at Orlando Marriott Hotels

Get in the mood for love this month at Orlando Marriott Hotels. Stay just minutes away from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld/Discovery Cove/Aquatica, and International Drive—and enjoy a little “we” time along the way. Book now and take advantage of special last minute weekend deals at the following Orlando Marriott hotels during the month of February:

• SpringHill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista Marriott Village: This A Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel has suites that offer 25% more space than regular Orlando hotel rooms. Last minute weekend deals include February 4 - February 6 at $109 per night.
• Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Florida - Lake Buena Vista Marriott Village: Just a mile away to the Walt Disney World Resort, this hotel offers complimentary Internet access in all hotel rooms, suites and on-site parking. Last minute weekend deals include February 4 – February 5 at $109 per night and February 5 – February 6 at $129 per night.
• Fairfield Inn and Suites Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village: Offering complimentary Continental breakfast, wireless Internet access and on-site parking, this hotel was awarded the 2009 Trip Advisor's Travelers' Choice Award as a Top 10 Family Hotel in the United States. Last minute weekend deals include February 4 - February 6 at $89 per night.
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orlando at Sea World: Soak up some sun in this hotel unique Shamu outdoor pool and splash zone. It is located near Sea World, Discovery Cove, Universal Studios, Orange County Convention Center and adjacent to Aquatica. Last minute weekend deals include February 4 - February 6 at $99 per night.
• Residence Inn by Marriott - Sea World Orlando: Awarded as the Best for Families Hotel Award in the U.S. by TripAdvisor® in its 2008 Travelers Choice awards, this hotel has newly renovated suites with new carpeting, artwork, furnishings, and much more. Last minute weekend deals include February 4 - February 6 at $99 per night.
 Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott - Sea World Orlando (pictured): These suites offer 50% more space than regular Orlando hotel rooms, plus Complimentary Continental breakfast, theme park transportation, high speed Internet access, and on-site parking. Last minute weekend deals include February 4 - February 6 at $89 per night.
• Orlando Airport Marriott Hotel - Orlando International Airport: With exclusive Concierge Rooms boast modern luxuries such as flat panel TVs and connectivity panels, this hotel's sophisticated banquet rooms present the ideal Orlando wedding or meeting location. Last minute weekend deals include February 4 - February 6 at $129 per night.

Stay tuned for more great deals at Orlando Marriott hotels, and best rates are guaranteed. New offers are available every month. If a trip to Orlando is in your future, visit this website for more information about amenities and special offers at Orlando Marriott hotels.

SeaWorld Sizzlin’ Good Time

Central Florida’s can’t-miss BBQ festival and concert series kicks off its four-weekend run on Saturday, February 12 at SeaWorld Orlando. The park’s Bands, Brew & BBQ is back and bigger than ever with more BBQ variety, more brews and the best in country and classic rock.

Bands, Brew & BBQ is included with park admission. The hot event also takes place at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Sundays with even more country and classic rock stars.

NEW -- SeaWorld partners with Central Florida’s favorite BBQ restaurants to bring an even richer variety of great food. Local BBQ biggies -- Four Rivers Smokehouse (Orlando Sentinel reader’s top choice for best BBQ in Orlando), Texas Cattle Co. and Smokey Bones -- will be cooking on-site and SeaWorld’s own team of chefs round out the menus with home-style beef jerky, kettle chips, buffalo chili and much more. VIP tickets are available and include BBQ and reserved seating for the day’s concert.

NEW -- Wash down that tasty BBQ with an ice-cold brew at the all-new Beer Garden featuring nearly 60 craft beers from 21 different domestic and international breweries. Ale, stouts, porters, lagers – can’t decide on one? Try a 12-variety brew sampler.

SeaWorld Orlando’s “Bands, Brew & BBQ” is a Sizzlin’ Good Time and Bigger Than Ever

Bands, Brew & BBQ also has top headliners in classic rock and country in afternoon concerts at Bayside Stadium. This year’s lineup includes:

February 12 Huey Lewis & The News
February 19 Willie Nelson
February 26 REO Speedwagon
March 5 Josh Turner

The Fun Card is the way to go for unlimited admission! The best way to take in Bands, Brew & BBQ, all the concerts and all of the one-of-a-kind thrill rides and up-close animal adventures is with a SeaWorld Fun Card. The fun is all year long, too. Paying just a day’s admission means coming back again and again to enjoy every one of SeaWorld’s events, including Summer Nights, Halloween Spooktacular and the park’s Christmas Celebration. This spring, there’s even more when Shamu takes center stage in an all-new, must-see killer whale spectacular.

Fun Cards are valid for unlimited admission through Dec. 31, 2011 and available at SeaWorld’s front gate, online at SeaWorldOrlando.com or by calling 888.800.5447.
To get all the details on Bands Brew & BBQ and more, go to SeaWorldOrlando.com and BuschGardensTampaBay.com.