Hard Rock Hotel Tampa Pinktober

1. Pinktober. This year marks the 12th year of Hard Rock International¹s support for breast cancer research and awareness and the fourth year for SHRHC¹s efforts. Hard Rock will donate proceeds from the sale of special limited-edition PINKTOBER merchandise to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation ®, the Caron Keating Foundation and select local charities worldwide. SHRHC will donate 25 percent of the proceeds from its ³Get into Bed² PINKTOBER ³Pink Sheets² guest room bookings to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Guests can request to stay in the limited availability ³Pink Sheets² rooms at no additional cost. In addition to having 25 percent of their room rate donated to BCRF, guests will also receive a complimentary commemorative Hard Rock pin. The select guestrooms will also be supplied with special collectible PINKTOBER bathrobes that can be purchased in the Body Rock Spa and Seminole Hard Rock Retail Store, with a portion of the proceeds donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

SHRHC will be donating 75 percent of the retail purchase price of its limited edition collectible PINKTOBER Hard Rock pins ($12) and 15 percent of the retail purchase price of its charm bracelets ($20); ladies pink t-shirts ($24); pink-hued guitar-embossed ³Sleep Like A Rock² bedding sheet sets (queen $100, king $120); black leather vests ($150); sleepwear (nightshirts $30, shorts $29.99, pants $39.99, robes $80); travel mugs ($24.99); and bandanas ($12) to the cause.

2. Nissan 370Z Trick or Treat Giveaway. Every Tuesday in October. Win a Nissan 370Z or up to $25,000 cash. Hourly drawings 1pm ­ 9pm for $1,000.
Grand prize drawings at 9:30pm. Earn Entries September 28 through October 25.

3. The Angelus Guitar Auction. Thursday October 6th, 7-10pm. Bid on specially decorated and autographed guitars, featuring one of a kind guitars decorated and signed by local and national celebrities including Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton and more! Proceeds to benefit The Angelus, a home for the severely handicapped.

4. $10,000 Spooktacular Giveaway. Wednesdays in October. Win up to $10,000 cash. Hourly Drawings 10am ­ 4pm. Earn Entries September 29 ­ October 26.

5. Doug MacCraw. Eat & Laugh at the Café with comedian/hypnotist Doug MacCraw, as seen on Comedy Central. Sunday October 16. 9pm. Free Admission.

6. Come out for a special night featuring singer Mike Posner! Enjoy his live performance, followed by an after party hosted by Mike himself. Plus, hang out with the ³Cooler Than Me² star in our specially-designed private VIP area! Shows Friday 10/14. Performance 1am, doors at midnight. $15 advance tickets. $20 at the door.

7. PLAY, EARN & REDEEM BONUS POKER MONDAYS. October 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2011. To qualify, the player must accumulate a minimum of 4 hours per Monday of live action play during the qualifying promotional time period12:01am through 11:59pm, Monday, October 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2011. Players are only eligible to redeem one $25 reward voucher per Monday during the promotional period. Maximum amount of vouchers a participant is eligible to receive over the promotional period is five. Hours may not be combined to receive multiple prizes.
Check out their website for more details seminolehardrocktampa.com

Halloween Favorites at Fantasy of Flight

Those accustomed to dealing with concrete, easy-to-prove concepts, such as the mechanics of an aircraft, the physics of flight or the value of a rare vintage plane are invited to fine tune their sixth sense this October as Fantasy of Flight explores the unexplained, unidentified and unexpected aspects of its world-renowned collection of rare and vintage aircraft and reveals some of aviation's most puzzling mysteries.

Two unique events, the family-friendly Haunted Hangar Walking Tour and nightFlight: Phase Three of the Paranormal Investigation, a spine-tingling late night experience, offer guests a chance to celebrate Halloween like never before.

The "ghoulie"-guided, half-hour Haunted Hangar Walking Tour engages guests of all ages with little known-aviation tales and unsolved mysteries - from the famous Lost Squadron to Lindbergh's spectral companions - all guaranteed to cast a supernatural sheen over the "World's Greatest Aircraft Collection"™. The Haunted Hangar Walking Tour will be offered daily Oct. 1 - 31 and is included free with the price of general admission and is free for annual pass holders. Tour schedule is subject to change.

Back by popular demand, Fantasy of Flight invites guests to nightFlight: Phase Three of the Paranormal Investigation. Introduced in 2010 to sold-out audiences, the limited-attendance nighttime tours are guided by Florida's Apollo Paranormal Investigations (API), a non-profit team of paranormal investigators (sometimes referred to as "ghost hunters") who have rated Fantasy of Flight an "11" on a paranormal activity scale of 1 to 10. During their four-hour experience, visitors will learn of the aircraft collection's haunted history, explore the unexplained occurrences throughout the halls and hangars of Fantasy of Flight, visit locations where encounters have been recorded and engage in the hands-on use of the tools of the ghost hunting trade. The October 2011 investigations will further examine data collected by nightFlight participants during the initial programs in early 2011 and inspect unexplored areas and aspects of Fantasy of Flight operations including the mysterious female spirit "M" in the Officers' Club, the new approach in the Carrier Deck with the cluster of Naval carrier-based aircraft and the Restoration shop.

Any visitor who brings a donation of canned goods or non-perishable food items will receive $5 off the price of a single, regular admission from Oct. 1 through Nov. 10.All items collected will benefit The Mission of Winter Haven. Rice, pasta, canned fruits and vegetables are especially needed. The food drive discount is not valid with other offers or discounts.

Fantasy of Flight also hosts a number of other special events throughout the year. Remaining events include Roar n' Soar, which takes place Sat., Nov. 12 and Sun., Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (gates open at 9 a.m.) at the attraction's spacious lakefront grounds and airfield in Polk City, Fla., midway between Orlando and Tampa. For more information or to purchase Roar n' Soar tickets, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.

SeaWorld Orlando released Caleb the manatee

Animal care experts from SeaWorld Orlando released Caleb the manatee at Blue Springs today (September 29, 2011).Caleb was a 460-pound manatee suffering from cold stress at Blue Springs State Park in Orange City, Fla. when he was brought to SeaWorld Orlando by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) on January 21, 2011. While being cared for, Caleb gained 230 lbs and weighed a total of 690 lbs upon his release.

SeaWorld’s animal rescue team is on call 24/7 to save and care for injured, orphaned or ill animals including manatees like Caleb.

Swim With The Dolphins 2 Day Getaway

Imagine swimming alongside a dolphin as part of your Orlando vacation! Come and take a two-day side trip from Orlando to enjoy the unique culture and natural beauty of South Florida during the Swim with the Dolphins Getaway.

Your swim session is in a natural ocean water lagoon that is approximately 15 feet deep. A flotation vest is provided and it is mandatory for all dolphin swimmers to wear. The entire program lasts approximately 2 hours. It involves an educational briefing, where you will learn about dolphins in general, as well as the individual dolphins you will be swimming with.

Two people enter the water with two trained dolphins at a time. Whilst in the water you can expect foot pushes, dorsal tows, water fights, kisses and handshakes as well as a number of other behaviors.

Day two begins with your Everglades adventure and the wildest airboat ride in the State – hold on to your hats and keep your hands inside the boat as you come face to face with some real Florida locals – the Alligators! 180 and 360 degree spins are the norm as you see the Everglades in a way only possible on an airboat. You then get to see an alligator and snake handling show including a great photo opportunity with your chance to hold an alligator and some snakes!! View more Orlando tours

Days Inn Universal North Hotel Reviews

The Days Inn Universal North is located at the intersection of Interstate 4 and John Young Boulevard, Exit 79, just minutes from all major attractions and downtown Orlando. The Day Inn Universal North is centrally located within minutes of Universal Studios, SeaWorld Adventure Park, Walt Disney World, Epcot, the Holy Land Experience and all other major attractions. The Days Inn Universal North offers a great shopping experience at the most elite, Mall at Millennia along with an excellent dining experience at one of the many famed restaurants located within minutes of the hotel, including those at the Festival Bay at International Drive. We are Close to the TDWaterhouse Convention Center and the Orange County Convention Center.

The services include an on-premise restaurant and sports bar, an IHOP adjacent to the hotel, free-wireless Internet connectivity, free breakfast for children, game room, swimming pool, free HBO, free ample-parking for all-types vehicles along with alternate (for a small service charge) transportation to all tourist and shopping attractions.The Days Inn Orlando is an Orlando pet friendly hotel ($10.00 USD Per day fee)

A summary of 195 guest reviews from verified websites only

• 15 guests mentioned the bathrooms in a review, six said it they were in good condition, nine felt otherwise
• We found 16 reviews that said the rooms were very clean and 12 that said they were not
• Out of 24 reviews of the hotel's location, 19 said it's in a convenient spot
• 19 guests mentioned the staff in a review, 15 found them helpful and polite
• 11 guests mentioned the bed comfort in a review, eight felt the beds were comfortable
• Nine mentioned the cost of their booking in a review, eight thought it was a fair price

Based on reviews from the following websites

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Waldorf Astoria Orlando Food and Wine Weekends

Culinary fans, wine enthusiasts, and foodies will find a delicious “home base” at Waldorf Astoria Orlando, as the new luxury resort hotel hosts Orlando Food & Wine
Weekends, Sept. 30 – Oct. 30, 2011.

For five weekends, the resort will feature special programming and events aimed to complement and “fill the gaps” around the wildly popular Epcot International Food & Wine Festival,
held at the nearby Disney theme park.

“For the past 15 years, Disney has done an amazing job of building their Food & Wine Festival at Epcot,” said Peter Kacheris, managing director of Waldorf Astoria Orlando. “As
the festival has grown, so has the public’s appetite for additional culinary-focused experiences. We’ve created our Orlando Food & Wine Weekends to highlight our own culinary
team while we complement the Epcot festival.”

Orlando Food & Wine Weekends events will be held at Waldorf Astoria Orlando, which is conveniently located less than one mile from Epcot, and accessible inside the gates of the Walt
Disney World Resort.

Event highlights include:

• “Grand Pairings” Wine Dinners – These exclusive events are scheduled Friday evenings at Bull & Bear restaurant. Diners will enjoy an extravagant prix-fixe meal
paired with wines from select wineries. Wine representatives will be on hand to discuss these special pairings. 7pm, $200 per person (tax and gratuity included) Reservations:
407-597-5409.
o Friday Sept. 30 - featuring Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars .
Presenter will be Lori Barranon from St. Michelle Wine Estates.
o Friday Oct. 7 - featuring Robert Mondavi Winery.
Presenter will be Teresa Romi from Constellation Winery.
o Friday Oct. 14 - featuring Ferrari Carano Winery.
Presenter will be Jim Boswell of Ferrari Carano Winery.

• Bull & Bear Prix-Fixe Chef’s Tasting Menu – Join us at Bull & Bear as Chef David Sears offers an extraordinary prix-fixe menu featuring superb food and wine pairings.
Reservations: 407-597-5409.
o Saturday Oct. 1 - featuring Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
o Saturday Oct. 8 - featuring Robert Mondavi Winery
o Saturday Oct. 15 - featuring Ferrari Carano Winery
o Saturday Oct. 22 - featuring Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
o Friday Oct. 28 - winery TBA
o Saturday Oct. 29 - winery TBA

• Trick or Treating for Adults – An event destined for your Facebook photo gallery! Purchase a passport to enjoy a featured drink during your stay at each of six lounge venues:
Bull & Bear lounge, Aquamarine pool bar, Peacock Alley lounge, Sir Harry’s lounge, La Luce lounge, and Sena lounge. Talk about a treat – and no costume is required!
($50 per couple)

• Ashton Cigars “Grand Pairings” Wine & Cigar Dinner – Featuring Ashton Cigars, Stag’s Leap Cellars wine, and The Glenlivet Scotch. The third course will include bull and
bear – a “briquette” of aged striploin with truffle ashes, and “pressed” black bear braised in Syrah Jus. Lori Barranon will present on behalf of Stag’s Leap Cellars, and Liz
Hannah from The Glenlivet Scotch. Reservations: 407-597-5409.

o Friday Oct. 21 6:30pm, $150 per person (tax and gratuity included)
• Up Late at Sir Harry’s – A Food & Wine Culinary After-Glow -- Why go to bed early? We’re creating a fun experience for foodies to hang out AFTER the Epcot Food & Wine Festival is over for the evening, and we’re inviting the entire culinary community to join us! Sir Harry’s Lounge becomes the “place to be” for culinary fans and foodies, as you sit back, relax and enjoy the live music and camaraderie. Also, guests can participate in sampling, and enjoy an assortment of gourmet small bites that showcase our culinary team. (Friday and Saturday nights – 10pm until 1am)

• Steak and Eggs Breakfast at Bull & Bear – In the summer of 2010, we invited a group of food bloggers to indulge in a one-of-a-kind experience: a fine-dining “Steak and Eggs Breakfast” at Bull & Bear. The participants raved over this memorable meal as they tweeted mouth-watering photos to their fans. Almost immediately, our guests began to ask when we would be offering this opportunity again! So, for one month only, we bring back the spectacle that is known as “Steak and Eggs Breakfast at Bull & Bear,” featuring Certified Angus Beef Prime. (Sunday mornings in October, from 10:30am until 1pm. Prix-fixe price is $49 per person, and includes a drink from the Bloody Mary Station.) Reservations: 407-597-5409.

• Waldorf Astoria Chocolate Shop – Meet Waldorf Astoria’s pastry chefs in this special venue created especially for Food & Wine Weekends, as they share tricks and tidbits during sugar-sweetened demos. Friday and Saturday evenings (5-7pm).

• Friday Night Flights Wine Tasting Experience, scheduled Friday evenings at Sir Harry’s (6-10pm, $25 per person)
o Friday Sept. 30 - featuring Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
o Friday Oct. 7 - featuring Robert Mondavi Winery
o Friday Oct. 14 - featuring Ferrari Carano Winery
o Friday Oct. 21 - featuring Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
o Friday Oct. 28 - winery TBA

• Live Entertainment. After dinner on Friday and Saturday, enjoy the Jazz-infused Joseph Jevanni, appearing live at Peacock Alley, 8:30 – 11:30pm. Also, the modern
lounge vibes of HarvesTown are featured live 10pm-1am in Sir Harry's Lounge.

• Astoria After Dark – nightly children’s dining program at WA Kids Club, giving parents the opportunity to dine at our restaurants or attend our events.

A companion Orlando Food & Wine Weekends package includes:

• Deluxe guest room

• $25 gift card to use at the “sampling” booths in World Showcase, home to the Epcot
International Food & Wine Festival (one per package and per family)

• Complimentary scheduled transportation to Epcot® (and other Disney® theme parks)

• 2pm late check-out on Sunday afternoon

• 10 percent discount for the “Grand Pairings” Wine Dinners at Bull & Bear, excluding
Ashton Cigar Dinner.

• In addition, an opportunity to participate in special events and experiences**

For more information or reservations on this Waldorf Astoria Orlando weekend package, please visit www.waldorfastoriafoodwineweekends.com, or call 888-353-2009

LEGOLAND Florida edition Explorer

A unique Ford Explorer rolling off the line today at Chicago Assembly Plant will feature the model’s trademark eye-catching craftsmanship with one notable distinction. This Ford Explorer is created from more than 380,000 LEGO bricks and marks the beginning of a long-term alliance between Ford and LEGOLAND® Florida theme park.

The bright red LEGOLAND Florida edition Explorer, created by 22 designers, weighs 2,654 pounds and is supported by a 768-pound interior aluminum base.

The completely reinvented Ford Explorer is a head-turner on its own, of course, blending style, capability and technology with class-leading fuel efficiency. It delivers an EPA-certified 28 mpg on the highway with an all-new EcoBoost® engine.

After its debut at the historic Chicago plant, which produces the Explorer, the vehicle will be loaded onto a trailer with transparent sides so motorists can see the LEGO Explorer as it makes its way to the new 150-acre LEGOLAND Florida theme park just outside Orlando.

There it will be featured in front of one of the park’s attractions, the Ford Driving School for children.

“Ford is excited to support the alliance between LEGOLAND Florida and the Southeast Ford dealers. The LEGOLAND Florida Explorer and the Ford Driving School attraction are great opportunities to showcase our products and safety messages to families and visitors in a unique way,” said Tracy Magee, Ford Experiential Marketing manager.

LEGOLAND Florida, which opens Oct. 15, will cater to kids ages 2 to 12 with more than 50 family-focused rides, shows and attractions and a historical botanical garden.

The park, which features exhibits using more than 50 million LEGO bricks, is divided into 10 themed entertainment zones for kids. It allows them to experience different adventures, including the empowering thrill of getting behind the wheel and learning to drive their own vehicle.

“We’re less than a month from opening and the anticipation level is incredibly high,” said LEGOLAND Florida General Manager Adrian Jones. “This is the only park of its kind in the world built exclusively for kids ages 2 to 12, and it will be a total departure from anything families with young children have seen before. It’s a completely immersive experience, engaging kids’ imaginations and their sense of adventure through interactive play.”