The 19th Annual River Ranch Rod Run is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 26 at Westgate River Ranch. 

Located just a short drive from Orlando, this special event features more than 300 Hot Rod vehicles on display.  It’s a great opportunity to check out one of Florida’s most popular vacation dude ranches while seeing some beautiful cars, as well.  And be sure to stick around for the River Ranch Championship Rodeo held every Saturday night at 7:30 pm.

At Westgate River Ranch, horseplay is not only allowed, it is encouraged!  From horseback riding, a petting zoo and a real rodeo to fishing, golfing and boating, River Ranch offers a wealth of outdoor recreation and an opportunity to experience an authentic dude ranch.  Saddle up and join the fun at the 19th Annual River Ranch Rod Run.

Thanks to its many theme parks and attractions, Orlando remains one of the world’s favorite family vacation destinations.  Yet this popular Central Florida destinations is also just a short drive from several cruise ports including Port Canaveral and Port of Tampa.

With such proximity, why not take advantage of both types of vacations?  My Cruise Getaways is currently offering land and sea vacation packages designed to provide the fun and excitement of Orlando’s theme parks along with the luxury and relaxation associated with a fabulous cruise.

This unique vacation opportunity allows you the flexibility of choosing from a wide range of cruise options from many of the top cruise lines in the industry such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Carnival Cruise Lines.  And by adding a land stay in fun-filled Orlando, you’ll also have an opportunity to enjoy substantial discounts on the price of your all-encompassing vacation package.

For more information on how you can add Orlando as a “port of call” on your next luxury cruise vacation, simply visit www.mycruisegetaway.com.

The calendar may still say winter, but spring is just around the corner in sunny Florida and that means baseball is on its way back to the Orlando area.

The Atlanta Braves begin their eight month journey through the 2008 Major League Baseball season at Disney’s Wide World of Sports®, continuing a tradition that began 11 years ago.  From February 27 through March 27, 2008, the Braves will play 16 home games against some of the best teams in major league baseball like the St. Louis Cardinals, Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians and New York Mets.  Tickets for the Spring Training games scheduled at Champion Stadium are currently on sale.

The Houston Astros spring training complex is located in nearby Kissimmee while a number of other major league teams also can be visited by taking a short drive from Orlando, FL.

On select nights between January 21 — March 14, you can be part of a special event at Disney’s Magic Kingdom… Disney’s Pirate and Princess Parties.  Come and meet Captain Jack Sparrow, attend a pirate tutorial and enjoy parades and fireworks!

This is a unique chance to become a pirate or a princess in the place where dreams come true! Grab your adventure map and treasure pouch and embark on a quest through the Magic Kingdom® Park for chocolate doubloons and royal beads.   You’ll also immerse yourself in pirate coves and princess courts, be dazzled by the new Disney’s Enchanted Adventures Parade and experience the Magic, Music and Mayhem fireworks spectacular.

If you wish, you can even come to the party dressed in your favorite pirate or princess costume! You’ll even have an opportunity to use of some of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions during a night of adventure that the kids will remember and “treasure” forever.  Please  note that admission to this evening event requires a separate ticket and tickets are valid only during specific dates and hours.   Event Highlights:

·          Pirate coves and princess courts ·          Beads and chocolate treasure giveaways ·          Interactive activities including Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial and Aladdin’s Royal Guard Recruitment ·          Character meet and greets and adventurous atmospheres ·          Disney’s Enchanted Adventures Parade ·          Magic, Music and Mayhem fireworks spectacular ·          Dream Along With Mickey castle stage show ·          Some of the most popular Magic Kingdom® attractions    Dates:
January 21, 26 and 29
February 2, 5, 9, 14, 22 and 26
March 1, 6, 11 and 14
Times: 7:00 pm-12:00 am

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Orlando location abruptly closed it’s doors for good today in an unexpected move.  The highly popular dinner show offered up a family friendly theme featuring 32 horses, dozens of cast members, live buffalo, ostrich races, magic and seating for 1,000 around a dazzling 35,000 square-foot arena. 

Dixie Stampede originally opened in Orlando in June 2003.  Local news reports are stating that Dixie Stampede is closing because the valuable 13-acre property in a key tourist corridor was sold to a developer and the deal was simply too good for Dolly Parton and her business partners to pass up.  As of today, there are no reports as to what will happen to the existing facilities or what the property may be used for in the future.  Owners for the attraction are also saying they would like to re-open in a new Orlando location in the future. 

 If you are holding tickets for future dates at the now defunct Orlando Dixie Stampede, you will be contacted by phone with instructions on how to obtain your refund.  Dixie Stampede will continue to run shows at additional locations in Branson, MO; Pigeon Forge, TN and Myrtle Beach, SC.

If you’re planning a trip to Orlando, you can now order customized Disney park maps for free via the Disney web site (www.disney.go.com).    To customize a map, simply select your favorite theme park activities using a fun and easy-to-use interactive map online.  Your selections will be automatically saved so you can return and make changes at any time.  Once you have personalized your maps, you can place your order online and five full color, keepsake quality customized maps will be delivered to you within 2-4 weeks.  These large format 14” x 20” maps include most park highlights plus your own family favorites.  And you’ll receive a set of golden stickers to mark your new favorites.  Maps include:  Walt Disney World Resort overview, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.  If you do not have time to wait for maps to be mailed, you also have the option of printing your customized maps directly from the web site.

SeaWorld Orlando is a place where up-close encounters connect you to the energy, excitement, and mystery of the sea and sea life.  And now you can enjoy that excitement and energy for a second day – at no additional cost.  When you purchase a one-day ticket to SeaWorld or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, you now get a second visit to the same park – at no extra charge – during regularly scheduled park hours for up to 7 consecutive days from the date of your first visit.  When you visit is up to you!  You can visit the park one day and come back to enjoy the night shows another evening.  Or come back for another full day.  It’s up to you.  Don’t miss your opportunity to double your fun and adventure - with a second day at SeaWorld!  Parking is not included.

Turn your Saturday night into the biggest party east of the bayou with the annual Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Studios in Orlando!

Enjoy a day of fun and excitement at one of Orlando’s favorite theme parks. Then, get ready for a night of electrifying entertainment as the streets come alive with beads, live music, street entertainers and a rocking parade — but that’s just the start.

Mardi Gras takes over Universal Studios every Saturday night from February 2 thru April 19.  Each week, legendary bands take the stage to turn your night into a party of historic proportions.  And no Mardi Gras celebration would be complete without all the cuisine and music that’s made The Big Easy famous.

Look for periodic updates as the list of Mardi Gras entertainers is announced.  This is one party you won’t want to miss!

Happy New Year!  2008 looks to be another fun-filled year at Orlando’s fabulous theme parks.  While the fun continues, one thing is changing at Walt Disney World Resort where Disney-MGM Studios has changed its name to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The new name is more reflective of a park that celebrates the Golden Age of Tinseltown while also keeping up with all that is part of today’s Hollywood – from music and movies to theatre and television.

In February, one of the theme parks favorite shows, “Playhouse Disney–Live on Stage!” will debut a new cast of characters and whole new storyline. The popular children’s show will be based on stars from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Little Einsteins,” “Handy Manny” and more.

Another change at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2008 will be a whole new parade experience; “Block Party Bash.”  The parade will make its Florida premier this spring followed by a highly anticipated new attraction, Toy Story Mania! that will debut in summer ’08.