It pays to purchase tickets in advance — you save as much as 33%! Advance tickets are also available at the Fairgrounds Box Office (use Orient Road entrance) or online at www.floridastatefair.net. Advance tickets are available online through January 25 and through February 3 at Sweetbay Supermarkets and the Fairgrounds Box Office.

^{Photo of Florida State Fair Midway © Dawn Henthorn}

Florida State Fair Tickets On Sale originally appeared on About.com Florida Travel on Thursday, January 14th, 2010 at 19:16:46.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

View full post on About.com Florida Travel

During 2010, if you volunteer a day, Disney will give you a day in one of their theme parks… for FREE! On January 1, Disney launched a first-of-its-kind program — “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day.” Teaming with the Points of Light Institute, Disney is hoping to inspire one million volunteers to give a day of their time during 2010. >Details

^{Photo of Donald and Daisy Duck helping Miami residents paint a mural on September 29, 2009 during a “HandsOn Miami” volunteer effort.}

Get a FREE Theme Park Ticket originally appeared on About.com Florida Travel on Friday, January 15th, 2010 at 10:32:08.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

View full post on About.com Florida Travel

The saga of Cypress Gardens continues. The rumors that swirled shortly after the historic park closed in September last year have turned out to be true. Merlin Entertainments Group, which happens to own Legoland in California, is the new owner of of Cypress Gardens. Is there a Legoland in Florida’s future? The Winter Haven NewsChief.com reported today that a press conference next Thursday will announce all the details of the sale and plans for the park will be revealed at that time.

Research shows that Merlin Entertainments Group is the largest operator of amusement parks and other attractions in Europe, globally only second to U.S.-based Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Merlin is owned by the private-equity firm Blackstone Group. Blackstone’s presence in Florida is on the rise. In October of last year they purchased Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando from the Busch Entertainment Corp.

Read more about historic Cypress Gardens.

^{Photo © Cypress Gardens}

Cypress Gardens SOLD! originally appeared on About.com Florida Travel on Friday, January 15th, 2010 at 21:26:03.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

View full post on About.com Florida Travel

Note: It is hard to believe, but thanks to the support of readers like you, About.com’s Florida Travel (formerly Florida for Visitors) has now been around almost a decade too — it went live on America’s Flag Day, June 14, 2000. I feel privileged to be able to continue bringing to you the latest travel news, views and information on Florida’s attractions, beaches and destinations. Happy New Year! And, may all your travel dreams come true! ~Dawn

A Decade of Florida Travel originally appeared on About.com Florida Travel on Thursday, December 31st, 2009 at 17:37:26.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

View full post on About.com Florida Travel

Although no official statement was made, the promoters of the popular Bud & BBQ event held weekends in February quietly changed the name from Bud & BBQ to an even catchier name… Bands, Brew & BBQ. While I really like the new name, it should be noted that the name change was probably out of necessity. When Anheuser Busch owned both SeaWorld and Busch Gardens the use of their popular beer brand, “Bud” made sense, but since the $52-billion takeover in the middle of 2008 by Belgium-based InBev… well, maybe not so much. Anheuser-Busch InBev (as it is now called) has made no secret that it would prefer to get out of the theme park business. So, it makes sense to no longer “brand” the popular event that is held weekends in February at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

The name change aside, the lineup for Bands, Brew & BBQ has been announced and guests can look forward to four sizzling weekends of live performances from award-winning country and classic rock artists. Add to that the smokin’ hot flabor of blazing barbecue, ice-cold beer and all of SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay thrilling attractions, rides and shows and you’ve got the recipe for a great family getaway!

• What: Bands, Brew & BBQ
• When: February 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 20 & 21 and 27 & 28
• Where: Saturdays at SeaWorld Orlando and Sundays at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

^{Photo of SeaWorld’s “Groove Chefs” © SeaWorld Orlando}

Bands, Brew & BBQ at SeaWorld & Busch Gardens originally appeared on About.com Florida Travel on Thursday, January 7th, 2010 at 17:32:30.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

View full post on About.com Florida Travel

Guests will be shouting “throw me some beads” when Universal’s Mardi Gras kicks off its 15 years of beads, bands and good times, Saturday, February 6, with retro parade floats and KC and the Sunshine Band in concert! Also performing during Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras will be Kool & the Gang, Aretha Franklin, 3 Doors Down, The Beach Boys, Sheryl Crow, Chicago and others. The popular event continues every Saturday through April 17, with additional dates on Sunday, February 14 and Friday, April 9, 2010.

Universal’s Mardi Gras is more than just a parade and concerts. It is said to be the biggest and most authentic Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans. Guests enjoy the aromas and taste of authentic Cajun cuisine, hundreds of costumed characters and stilt walkers dancing in the streets; and, of course, party-goers will also enjoy Universal Studios’ most popular attractions, including the all-new Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.

Plan your trip to Universal Orlando:

• Universal Orlando
• Universal Orlando Hotels

  ^{Photo © Universal Orlando}

  Dates Announced for Universal’s Mardi Gras originally appeared on About.com Florida Travel on Monday, January 11th, 2010 at 13:39:40.

  Permalink | Comment | Email this

  View full post on About.com Florida Travel

  ]]> http://www.global-trekker.net/2008/01/dates-announced-for-universals-mardi-gras/feed/ 0