​ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando, Theme Park Capital of the World®, will have even more character in 2019 with the launch of new theme park thrills, adventures beyond the theme parks, and all-new places to stay, play and dine. Visitors can get continuous updates on new attractions and planning tips at VisitOrlando.com, the official visitor information source for the destination.

​NEW THEME PARK THRILLS 
Orlando theme parks have experienced unprecedented growth within the past five years, with ground-breaking expansions including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, Pandora - The World of AVATAR and brand-new waterpark Volcano Bay. The thrills continue in 2019 with brand-new immersive lands, rides and experiences to excite both first-time and return visitors.
New Immersive Land

1. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a new land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, opens late-fall 2019. Set on the remote planet Batuu, the area will feature two signature attractions, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, putting guests in the cockpit of the famous space ship, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, where an escape from The First Order turns into all-out battle.

2. A new Sesame Street-themed land at SeaWorld Orlando isscheduled to open in spring 2019. Guests can explore the iconic neighborhood, including the famous 123 stoop, exciting rides, the park’s first-ever parade, beloved characters and interactive experiences.

3. The Lego Movie World debuts at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in spring 2019, with three new attractions based on the 2014 film: Unikitty's Disco Drop, Battle of Bricksburg and The Lego Movie Masters of Flight, a unique 180-degree rotating theater attraction with additional 4D elements such as smells and water sprays. Thrill Rides and Family-friendly Attractions

4. An all-new roller coaster thrill ride is coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Replacing what was once the “Dragon Challenge” double coaster, it is expected to be one of the most highly-themed coaster experiences that Universal Orlando has ever created.

5. New family thrill ride, KareKare Curl at SeaWorld’s Aquatica offers riders a high-adrenaline, weightless adventure as they “climb” a vertical wave wall.

6. The first-ever Mickey-themed ride-through attraction, “Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway,” will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests will enter the world of “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts using new technologies to bring the flat cartoon world to life.

7. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy,a live show opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in early 2019, will feature beloved characters from the Cars movie series.

8. Dezerland Action Park, Orlando's largest indoor entertainment, events museum complex, will offer 800,000 square feet of family entertainment. In 2019, the Orlando Auto Museum, one of the largest privately-owned collection of automobilia in the world, will open as part of phase one. The 250,000-square-foot experience will boast over 100 TV and Movie Cars, including dynamic displays of Hollywood Cars, 007 James Bond, Batmobiles, Vespa Scooters, Military and Micro Cars.

9. Wild Florida is expanding by more than six times its size to add a zipline and drive-through safari, bringing visitors nose-to-snout with giraffes, wild boars and other exotic animals.

​10. Epic Axe Throwing is the first-of-its-kind in Orlando, a rustic “sport” open to anyone over the age of 13. Guests will have coaches on hand to teach them the art in a safe environment, for a unique new attraction with a competitive “edge.” It opened in late-2018.

NEW RESORTS AND HOTELS 
With record-setting visitation numbers and newly-added attractions, Orlando accommodations continue to experience significant growth. By the end of 2019, Orlando is expected to add approximately 6,000 new rooms.
11. Disney Riviera Resort, the 15th Disney Vacation Club property, is expected to open fall 2019 complete with a rooftop restaurant with views of both Epcot’s and Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ nighttime spectaculars. The resort will be part of the new Disney Skyliner gondola line, connecting the hotel along with three other properties to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

12. Surfside Inn and Suites at Universal Orlando Resort will open in summer 2019, the first of two new value hotels that will make up Universal’s Endless Summer Resort. The hotels, with rates starting at $100 per night, offer guests a more affordable on-site experience while keeping the perks of Early Park Admission and resort-wide transportation.

13. Margaritaville Resort Orlando is expected to open early 2019. The waterfront destination resort will feature 175 rooms, 1,000 Margaritaville-themed vacation homes and 300 timeshare units. The resort will also include a dining and entertainment district, a 12-acre water park, wellness center, miles of fitness trails and a destination water taxi system.

NEW ENTERTAINING EATERIES 
From international celebrity chefs to local culinary superstars, Orlando’s food scene continues to reinvent itself, pleasing both distinguished palates and cash-conscious families. It’s why Orlando is among the top 10 Best Foodie Cities in America, according to Wallethub.com.
Tourism District
14. Disney Springs welcomes The NBA Experience, a state-of-the-art restaurant, complete with interactive games, and City Works Eatery and Pour House, which will serve 80 beers on tap, shareable American favorites and live sporting events broadcasts on high-definition TVs.

15. Pointe Orlando, an outdoor dining and entertainment complex on International Drive, welcomes The Hampton Social, themed after the New York coastal resort region, and Lotus Asia House, serving Pan-Asian cuisine inspired by street food vendors.

16. The Orlando Forum's ROCK Dinner Show is a one-of-a-kind, dining and entertainment experience that brings audiences of all ages through a high-energy musical journey of the Kings of Rock and Pop – from Prince to Elvis to Katy Perry. It opened in late-2018.

​Downtown Orlando and Winter Park
17. From the owners of local favorite and nationally-recognized bakery Se7en Bites, comes Sette, a rustic Italian kitchen offering pastas made from scratch.

18. The operators of one of Orlando’s most popular vegetarian restaurants, Sanctum Café, are bringing this new concept to Winter Park, Proper & Wild, serving plant-based dishes that focus on modern food trends.

19. The District GastroBar, a new upscale restaurant and bar, inspired by Orlando's mid-twentieth century African-American music scene, will feature an open-air patio, beer garden, and a menu with Caribbean flare.
​
About Visit Orlando 

​Visit Orlando is the official tourism association for the most visited destination in the United States and, together with its 1,200 member organizations, represents the area's leading industry. Visit Orlando is responsible for branding, selling and marketing the Orlando destination worldwide, and serves as the official visitor information source.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
 
NOW - JAN. 6  
​CHRISTMAS TOWN >
 

JAN. 5 & 6  
THREE KINGS CELEBRATION >
 
 
JAN. 7 - MAR. 16
MON. - SAT.   
REAL MUSIC REAL MASTERS >

Busch Gardens Christmas Town:
Read all about Busch Gardens Christmas Town and see pictures from our recent visit here:  https://www.floridafamilyfuntravel.com/our-blog-exciting-theme-park-news--contests/busch-gardens-christmas-town

Real Music Real Masters:
LIVE MUSIC & ALL NEW ENTERTAINMENT

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's longest running concert series returns. Watch and listen to incredible music spanning from the 1950s to today, plus all-new entertainment like “Ballroom with a Twist”! Grab a seat in the climate-controlled Stanleyville and see these memorable acts live at Busch Gardens. Purchase Priority Seating to get a great seat without waiting in line.

CIRQUE VERTIGO FEATURING THE WALLENDA DUO
JANUARY 7 - 12
The eccentric Cirque Vertigo production creates an experience unlike any other. From effortless aerial feats to adrenaline-pumping balancing acts, this award-winning group combines strength, balance, humor, skill and grace into a display for all ages.


ARRIVAL FROM SWEDEN: THE MUSIC OF ABBA
JANUARY 14 - 19
From iconic hits to show stopping outfits, ARRIVAL from Sweden is more than a cover band. Founded by Vicky Zetterberg in the heart of Sweden in 1995, ARRIVAL from Sweden has quickly become one of the world’s most popular ABBA show band. Since 1995, the band has toured in over 55 countries, has appeared on TV and radio shows internationally, and has played with more than 60 symphony orchestras across the globe. Relive the ABBA spirit by singing along to such classics as Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Take A Chance and many more! Don’t miss out on celebrating the best ABBA show here at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

THOMAS MCCLARY: THE COMMODORES EXPERIENCE
JANUARY 21 - 26
As a freshman student at Tuskegee University, McClary met Lionel Richie in the registration line. The two became friends and in 1968 they began to put together a band which they called The Mystics. The group played local gigs then added more members and changed their name to the Commodores. McClary spent 15 years as the lead guitarist, songwriter, co-producer and co-arranger (along with James Carmichael) for the Commodores.

HERMAN'S HERMITS STARRING PETER NOONE
JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 2
Straight from across the pond, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone is an English beat rock band that has been changing the face of music since 1964. The British Invasion band has sold 52 million records and recorded 24 gold hits. Dance along to classic hits such as I’m Henry VIII, I Am and Dandy in a show that will send you back to the 1960s.

THE DIAMONDS
FEBRUARY 4 - 9
Relive the exemplary sound of the 1950s with the kings of doo wop at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! Canadian vocal quartet The Diamonds took America by storm in the 50s and 60s. With chart-topping hits such as Little Darlin and Why Do Fools Fall In Love, The Diamonds combine jazz, rock, and pop and create a timeless performance.

BALLROOM WITH A TWIST
FEBRUARY 11 - 16
America's favorite touring dance show is back in 2018 with all of your favorite, classic numbers! Plus dazzling new choreography from Dancing with the Stars’ Anna Trebunskaya and finalist from So You Think You Can Dance and American Idol.

THE 5TH DIMENSION
FEBRUARY 18 - 23
In 1967, a little known vocal group called The 5th Dimension recorded a song called "Up, Up and Away" which turned out to be one of the biggest smash hits in musical history. The single won several Grammy Awards, the group catapulted to stardom, and their story has been one of success ever since. The 5th Dimension has released over a dozen hit albums and received 14 gold records, 6 platinum records and 6 Grammy Awards.

EAGLEMANIA: THE WORLD'S GREATEST EAGLES TRIBUTE BAND
FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 2
Eaglemania has evolved into a nationally touring tribute to The Eagles, performing to sold out audiences everywhere they go. Eaglemania performs all of the hits of the Eagles, as well as Don Henley, Glen Frey, and Joe Walsh's solo albums. Their attention to detail and their ability to reproduce the Eagles exactly leaves their fans with an experience that they do not soon forget.

LORRIE MORGAN
MARCH 4 - 9
Selling millions of records worldwide, Lorrie Morgan has been an icon of the country music scene with a career that spans four decades. She was the first woman in her genre to begin her career with three consecutive platinum albums with hits like Five Minutes, What Part of No, and I Didn't Know My Own Strength.

CIRQUE VERTIGO FEATURING THE WALLENDA DUO
MARCH 11 - 16
​The eccentric Cirque Vertigo production creates an experience unlike any other. From effortless aerial feats to adrenaline-pumping balancing acts, this award-winning group combines strength, balance, humor, skill and grace into a display for all ages.


*Included with park admission. Event dates and details subject to change and/or cancellation without prior notice

​First-time-ever access features some of the least seen and most interesting portions of the park weekends January 12-27 with special guests Guy Harvey, Chris Fischer and Jack Hanna

​ORLANDO, Fla. (December 18, 2018) –
At SeaWorld Orlando’s Inside Look, hear and see, firsthand, what goes into providing world-class animal care from the people who do it every day.  Guests that visit on January weekends 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27 can go behind-the-scenes for an “inside look” at what it takes to maintain a premier zoological institution like SeaWorld Orlando.  This truly first-time-ever access features six of the least seen and most interesting portions of the park.  Guests are invited to visit all six locations, collecting stamps to earn an exclusive Expert Explorer’s Pin.  Inside Look tours are available at each location at various times throughout the day.
 
Special Guest appearance on the weekends will feature Guy Harvey (January 12-13), OCEARCH founder Chris Fischer (January 19-20) and Jack Hanna (January 26-27). 

• SeaWorld Rescue Center -  Visit the home base of the SeaWorld Rescue Team to meet and hear from the dedicated team of filtration experts, animal care personnel, lab technicians and veterinarians who work around the clock to deliver life-saving care to animals in need.  While behind-the-scenes, visitors will get to see some of the many facilities that help SeaWorld provide top-quality care to the animals that call SeaWorld home, as well as the hundreds of rescued animals that receive care at SeaWorld annually.

 

• Fish House - Step behind-the-scenes into an area rarely seen by park guests to meet the dedicated team of ambassadors who start their day before sunrise in order to provide the best of diets for every fish, sea turtle, sea lion, penguin, dolphin, or killer whale in the park.

 

• Sea Lion & Otter Primary Housing - For the first time ever, visit the home of the talented group of California sea lions, Pacific walrus and Asian small-clawed otters from Clyde & Seamore’s Sea Lion High. Hear stories and gain insight from the team of trainers who perform with these animals on a daily basis and learn what goes into making a live performance look seamless.

 

• Animal Ambassador Hamlet - This historic facility has a rich history of providing a loving home to a variety of animals at SeaWorld Orlando, including our Animal Ambassador team. Comprised of an eclectic collection of small mammals, exotic birds and a handful of well-trained reptiles, the Animal Ambassadors make surprise visits out in the park, appear at local community events, news stations and travel far and wide making appearances on network television programs and events.

 

• Beluga & Seal Primary Housing - Step into the maze of back hallways that provide service access to the residents of Wild Arctic starting with the food prep area for the beluga whales, seals and walruses. Proceeding further in, guests will get to see a variety of beluga toys followed by a chance to step outside and see the back beluga pool and scales on which the whales are weighed.  Finally, guests will see the harbor seal holding pools where the seals spend time relaxing when they are not on exhibit.

 

• Manta Aquarium - Go above the surface and discover what it looks like towering over the depths of Manta’s main aquarium.  In a location few have ever seen, uncover what goes into caring for the wide array of fish, rays, sea dragons, live corals and giant Pacific octopus that call Manta home. Meet the team of divers and aquarists who maintain the habitat and feed the wide range of fish within. 

​Only a Few Weeks Left in 2018 to Enjoy and Experience:
 
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
SeaWorld Orlando is where holiday memories are made, transforming into a holiday wonderland with over 3 million twinkling lights and festive holiday shows. The season meets the sea daily through December 31, 2018 and is included with park admission.
 
New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld Orlando
Celebrate our connection to the sea, sea life and the world we share as we ring in the New Year, SeaWorld style. A spectacular musical celebration and bold fireworks display will send a wave of welcome to the New Year ahead.
 
Three Kings Celebration
In honor of the cherished tradition of Latin cultures, families are invited to help us commemorate the arrival of the Three Wise Men as only SeaWorld can. SeaWorld’s Three Kings Celebration is included with park admission and begins at 11 a.m. daily, Jan. 1 – 6, continuing through park close.
 
 
Best Way to Play
 
The best way for guests to experience all of the events at SeaWorld Orlando is with an Annual Pass, starting at $10.99 a month for Florida residents. Special members-only benefits such as discounts on dining and shopping make the Annual Pass especially valuable to enjoy SeaWorld’s events throughout the year.
 
For additional behind the scenes experiences, visit SeaWorld during any Inside Look day to buy one tour and get one free. Offer is only available at SeaWorld in the SeaWorld Rescue Store, the Information and Reservation Counter, or Guest Services.
 
For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorld.com/Orlando. To keep up to date on park hours and events, follow SeaWorld’s social channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

When I made these North Pole Tickets for our family to use, I had no idea that I would receive such an overwhelmingly positive response from other families all over the country who want to use our North Pole Tickets with their kids too!


These little tickets from the North Pole started as an inside joke between my husband and I. One day when he accidentally knocked our Elf on the Shelf over, our oldest son gasped and said, "Oh no Dad, you can't touch Elf! Now you're gonna get a ticket!"


So, being the creative and silly mom that I am, I promptly created some North Pole tickets while our kids were asleep and yes, my husband was issued the first one (haha!)


Ever since then, these little tickets have been a simple reminder to our kids to be on their best behavior and to follow Santa's rules so they can stay on the "Nice List." If our child breaks a rule between December 1st - 24th, they will find a North Pole Ticket in their Magic Mailbox the following morning. (We've never had to go past the Warning ticket, but if you know me you know that I'm detail-oriented so I made all 3 tickets just in case we ever needed to use them.)


I've gotten so many messages and emails requesting a copy of our templates and I'm happy to share our templates with everyone but it's not easy finding the time to send out tons of individual emails. So, to make things convenient & easy for everyone, I went ahead and prepared our tickets for sharing right here on our very own Florida Family Fun Travel blog!


If you'd like to download our North Pole Tickets to use in your own home, scroll down and click the "download file" links below! You can also LIKE and SHARE this page with your friends on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest!


Enjoy!


Steffany


Santa photo credit: https://pngtree.com/free-vectors free vectors from pngtree.com