NBC Sports Grill & Brew now open at Universal Hollywood

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July 14, 2021

NBC Sports Grill & Brew now open at Universal Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood scores with an all new dining experience! NBC Sports Grill & Brew, leveled up the concept of sports-themed dining with state-of-the-art HDTV screens at the iconic destination.

Atmosphere

A sleekly designed addition to Universal CityWalk, NBC Sports Grill & Brew is reflective of NBC Sports’ award-winning coverage and unparalleled collection of media partnerships that include the International Olympic Committee and United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the NFL, NASCAR, INDYCAR, PGA TOUR, The R&A, PGA of America, USGA, Churchill Downs, Premier League, Tour de France, Roland Garros, and many more.

With an array of HDTV screens broadcasting continuous, in-depth sports coverage, NBC Sports Grill & Brew is prepared to offer guests the MVP treatment. Visitors can enjoy dining upon converted shuffleboard and foosball tables amid sports-inspired décor, including specially commissioned art pieces and a custom neon NBC peacock logo.

Universal CityWalk spectators and al fresco diners alike will also be awed by the giant media wall located at the restaurant’s front exterior. Measuring a whopping 23 feet by 13 feet, the HDTV monitor will put guests at the front row of the latest sports action.

A look at the restaurant’s expansive menu, curated by Universal Studios Hollywood’s Executive Chef Marie Grimm, NBC Sports Grill & Brew covers all the bases by providing a fresh take on traditional pub fare, including tasty appetizers, flavorful sandwiches and burgers, fresh salads, hearty grain bowls and indulgent desserts.

The inspired menu includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options as well as traditional fare with an array of cleverly themed courses.

These include: The Starting Lineup features mouthwatering appetizers from Wings and Fish Tacos to Loaded Nachos and an Artisan Pretzel. Home Run Handheld takes burgers to new heights with such tempting fare as Roadside Chili Burger, Gruyere Burger, Beyond Burger, Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich and the Brat Pretzel Press. The Chili Bowl and The Grain Bowl add tasty twists to The Bowl Games menu section.

In the mood for a crunchy salad, On The Greenpleases with Classic Chicken Caesar Salad, Grilled Steak Wedge and Nashville Hot Chopped Chicken Salad. Game Time is serious with Smoked BBQ Pork Ribs, Farmhouse Fried Chicken, Broccoli & Cheddar Mac ‘n’ Cheese, NY Strip Steak and Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon.

Final Play rounds out the meal for the home stretch, including Warm Apple Strudel, Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie with Stout Ice Cream and a variety of Floats. A la carte Side Lines add even more options to the extensive menu with extras including Tater Tots, Crinkle Cut Fries, Grilled Vegetables, Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Cornbread.

A refreshing complement to the menu, the restaurant also features a full bar and an extensive selection of over 40 beers, including the 862 as an IPA or seasonal draft custom-made to the Universal CityWalk Hollywood location.

Looking to customize their beverages, diners can create their own beer flight, build their own mule cocktail or select from a list of craft cocktails and wines.

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Guests can also enjoy the NBC Sports Grill & Brew at Universal Orlando Resort’s CityWalk destination.

We always love new dining experiences! Make sure to check this out the next time you visit Universal Studios Hollywood

New Orange Bird Funko POP Pin Has Fluttered In

By

Danielle

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July 14, 2021

One of our favorite feathered friends is now available as a jumbo POP! pin! The latest POP! pin is the Orange Bird Funko POP Pin! Funko began these Funko POP! pins a while back, and they are actually scaled to their matching Funko POPs! This little cutie can be found throughout Walt Disney World now.

New Orange Bird Funko POP Pin Has Fluttered In

Funko POP! jumbo pins come in sturdy collector boxes. However, each pin is also outfitted with a kickstand on the back. This means you can display them standing on their own outside of the box! You can grab our favorite citrus mascot in pin form for $24.99.

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What do you think of the cute new Orange Bird Funko POP Pin?

Special thanks to Wright Touch of Magic for the photos.

Loki renewed for Season 2

By

Chip

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July 14, 2021

Marvel Studios Series “Loki” has been picked up for a seconds season for Disney+! Details were revealed in the Season 1 series finale today!

In the end credits scene, we see a close-up of some of the show’s TVA paperwork, which is stamped with the words “Loki will return for season 2.”

No other details have been released at this time!

New Wedding Venue coming to Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Hotel

By

Chip

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July 14, 2021

New Wedding Venue coming to Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Hotel

Couples looking to get married have a new wedding venue to choose from at the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Hotel!

When it opens couples will have a new option to consider in 2021 with the opening of the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, located in the heart Walt Disney World Resort.

Did you know Orlando is ranked as the best place in the U.S. to get married according to Wallethub.

The new 14-story, 349-room hotel, opening later this summer as part of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin complex, will offer indoor and outdoor event space including a one-of-a-kind, top-floor event space – perfect for an unforgettable wedding overlooking Walt Disney World Resort. The resort’s Vue ballroom is a nearly 4,000-square-foot space seating up to 160 guests, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a 1,000-square-foot outdoor terrace offering breathtaking views of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin as well as EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Vue will also offer spectacular views of several Walt Disney World fireworks shows.

For couples looking for a one-stop shop wedding ceremony and reception venue, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin can also host ceremonies at a variety of locations throughout the resort including several scenic outdoor spaces such as the resort’s private white-sand beach, lakefront terrace or wedding courtyard.

To ensure a smooth wedding day, the resort recently hired Certified Wedding Planner Jennifer Sharpe to oversee the wedding experience. Sharpe has extensive wedding and event-planning experience including roles with Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons and The Ritz-Carlton.

“The Vue event space is unlike any other I’ve offered in my career,” said Sharpe. “This unique ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and gorgeous views of Disney will create a reception that will be picture perfect in every way. Combined with the resort’s overall convenient, walkable location and the award-winning food and beverage offerings, this option is second to none for those looking for a truly magical wedding experience.”

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin and Walt Disney World Swan Reserve make for an ideal destination wedding setting with more than 2,600 hotel rooms, a location within walking distance to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and surrounded by entertainment and dining options galore. Within a short walk, guests can enjoy 6 pools, more than 40 restaurants, numerous recreational activities, Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf, and Disney’s BoardWalk. Hotel guests also receive complimentary transportation throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

The resort also features numerous suites, perfect for out-of-town families, as well as two luxuriously appointed Presidential suites, which can create an unforgettable stay for the newlywed couple.

As a hotel on Disney property, couples who want to enhance the magic of their special day have special access to add guest appearances from Disney characters to their reception.

The Vue at the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is now taking wedding reservations for late summer 2021. For more information or to make an inquiry, visit www.swandolphin.com/weddings or call 407-934-1883.

More Disney World Theme Park Reservations added for Summer

By

Sara

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July 14, 2021

More Disney World Theme Park Reservations added for Summer

More Walt Disney World theme park reservations have opened up for the summer months! Park reservations have opened for all ticket types.

All parks are now available for all ticket types for the rest of July.

All parks are now available for all types of tickets every day in August.

Now, all days in September are open for all ticket types as well!

October 1, being the 50th anniversary of Magic Kingdom is not available for all ticket types and parks. But if you are looking for a park reservation for the summer, all parks are available!

If you’re wanting to plan your summer vacation to Walt Disney World, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Amazing Magical Adventures, a Disney Earmarked agency. I will help you plan a magical vacation at no extra cost to you!

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage reopening in Disneyland

By

Sara

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July 14, 2021

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage reopening in Disneyland

The Disneyland Resort continues to reopen in phases. Both theme parks are open but not all attractions are available to guests. One of those attractions is Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. This attraction has been closed since early last year but we finally have confirmation that it will be reopening!

The submarines are a classic attraction at Disneyland and have been around for decades! In recent years they were re-imagined and re-themed to the Disney Pixar film Finding Nemo.

Instagram user Wonders of Magic shared a photo of construction walls near Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage with a sign announcing when the attraction will reopen. While it doesn’t give a specific date, it does say the ride will reopen in winter of 2021.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRPBWipo0sB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Many have speculated that the ride remains closed to guests due to it not being social distancing friendly. Now that California has lifted many of its COVID restrictions, including social distancing, more attractions can reopen!

Do you like riding the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage?

Minnie’s Halloween Dine returning next month to Hollywood & Vine

By

Sara

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July 14, 2021

Halloween time is returning to Walt Disney World this fall. That means some of our favorite eats and treats will be available once again! One of our favorite dining options will be returning as well. Minnie’s Halloween Dine is coming to Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting August 10, 2021.

Minnie's Halloween Dine returning next month to Hollywood & Vine

Minnie’s seasonal dining is for lunch and dinner only. Those two meals offer shared starters along with a choice of individual plated entrees and desserts.

For the special Halloween Dine, Minnie and friends are dressed in their favorite costumes to celebrate the spooktacular season! The restaurant will also feature frightfully fun decorations. Characters are still greeting guests from a safe distance at character meals.

Reservations are highly recommended and are available now! Keep in mind, dining reservations at Walt Disney World are now made 60 days in advance.

Fireworks Cruises have returned to Walt Disney World

By

Sara

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July 14, 2021

Fireworks Cruises have returned to Walt Disney World

Specialty cruises have returned to Walt Disney World and that means fireworks cruises! Fireworks cruises allow guests to experience the fireworks at Magic Kingdom or Epcot from a boat outside of the parks.

Guests wishing to experience the Epcot Forever nighttime spectacular can depart from Disney’s Beach or Yacht Club Resorts. The group will then set sail for International Gateway near World Showcase Lagoon to watch the skies light up over Epcot.

Guests who want to see Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After fireworks will sail from the following marinas:

Contemporary Marina
Polynesian Marina
Grand Floridian Marina
Fort Wilderness Marina
Wilderness Lodge Marina

Then guests will embark on the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake to Magic Kingdom park. The cruise boats have synchronized audio onboard to fully immerse you in the moment.

The cruise boats are 25-feet and can seat up to 10 guests. Included with the cruise are assorted snacks and soft drinks. Festive banners and balloons are also included in the cost—and can be requested at the time of booking. Cruises start at $399 and can be booked by calling (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529.

Have you ever been on a fireworks cruise at Walt Disney World?

Brick or Treat and HOLIDAYS at LEGOLAND Returning to LEGOLAND Orlando in 2021

By

Allison Luna

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July 13, 2021

Brick or Treat characters at LEGOLAND Florida

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort has just announced two major holiday events taking place this year! Get ready for spooky and family-friendly fun at their Halloween celebration: Brick or Treat! Then have a merry old time with Holidays at LEGOLAND in November and December. Get in on the fun without paying extra, as these events are included with theme park admission and select annual passes. That’s a unique deal you won’t find at other theme parks!

Brick or Treat and HOLIDAYS at LEGOLAND Returning to LEGOLAND Orlando in 2021

Brick or Treat is one of my favorite events in the Orlando area. It’s undeniably kid-friendly, which is great for those of us who have little ones to entertain during the scariest time of the year! Celebrations take place Saturdays and Sundays in October, starting the 2nd and going all the way through the 31st. Activities include trick or treating around the park, huge LEGO® building opportunities, and meet-and-greet with spooky LEGO characters who come out on event dates only. Live shows, special decorations, and Halloween-themed snacks will also be available to delight adults and children alike!

Another can’t-miss event is Holidays at LEGOLAND, taking place on select dates in November and December. The event will feature seasonal shows, yummy holiday foods, and sparkling Christmas lights. You can enjoy several interactive experiences, take in the sight of the 30-foot-tall LEGO tree with lights and music, tell LEGO Santa which LEGO models you want for Christmas, and build holiday-themed LEGO sets. Dates for these events are November 26-28, December 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, and 24-31.

Don’t miss out on special events coming to LEGOLAND starting in October! As always, they bring family fun for all ages, and these events are included in the price of admission! To learn more, head to LEGOLAND.com/florida

Photos courtesy of LEGOLAND

SeaWorld Orlando Announces First Details of 2021 Nighttime Howl-O-Scream

By

Greg Gately

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July 13, 2021

SeaWorld Orlando announces first details of 2021 Nighttime Howl-O-Scream and launches Sinister Sale with up to 70% off on tickets for a limited time. We were on hand for the official announcement of Howl-O-Scream and can honestly tell you, SeaWorld is trying to do this right. We are excited to go when it opens this year.

Howl-O-Scream joins the park’s already impressive fall line-up of events including the return of family-friendly Halloween Spooktacular, included with park admission, which boasts daytime trick or treating for kids of all ages. Spooky fun for the entire family with Spooktacular during the day and terrifying thrills by night with the launch of Howl-O-Scream make SeaWorld Orlando the place to be this Halloween season

Howl-O-Scream takes place select nights Friday, September 10 through Sunday, October 31 from 7 p.m. to as late as 2 a.m

HAUNTEDED HOUSE: DEAD VINES

Something is stirring among the trees. A shiver runs down your spine as you creep forward, one timid step at a time. Is this jungle alive…or undead? There’s an ominous force at work here, a merciless mistress of ivy and evil. She’s poisoned these woods with an all-consuming appetite for visitors like you. Keep moving and find a way out before it’s too late. You don’t want to end up dead on the vine.

SCAREZONES AND ROAMING HAUNTS: WITCHCRAFT BAYOU

The cult is growing, and the lure is powerful. It’s hazardous to pass through this backwater bayou, but there’s no way around. Voodoo and witchcraft aren’t real, right? Tell that to the zealous worshippers trying to shackle you with their spells. They won’t rest until your soul belongs to her too. Stay alert, or the dark magic will drag you down.

THEMED BAR EXPERIENCE: POISON GROTTO

What’s your poison? Unwind with a refreshing concoction and explore the enticing atmosphere of this unearthly lounge. It’s a fleeting escape from the deadly vines and savage servants nearby. Just be sure to keep your eyes open and pay proper respect to the one who invited you in. You’re her guest here, and she’s always watching.

Howl-O-Scream is a separate ticketed event. Guests who hurry and act now can save up to 70% off on tickets to Howl-O-Scream Orlando. Right now, tickets start at only $29.99 during the Sinister Sale but prices will go up after July 25!

The park’s daytime Halloween Spooktacular is included with park admission.

Fans of fear can sign-up at www.HowlOScream.com/Orlando to be the first to receive more dark details on new houses, experiences and more surfacing soon for Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando.

Twitter: @howloscreamorl – Link: https://twitter.com/howloscreamorl
Instagram: @howloscreamorlando – Link: https://www.instagram.com/howloscreamorlando/
Facebook: @howloscreamorlando—Link: https://www.facebook.com/howloscreamorlando

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Orange County Mayor recommending masks to be worn indoors once again

By

Sara

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July 13, 2021

Orange County Mayor recommending masks to be worn indoors once again

Restrictions at Walt Disney World have mostly been lifted. This includes requiring masks indoors for guests who are vaccinated. Masks are required for guests who are not fully vaccinated while indoors. Now, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demmings is recommending everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks while indoors.

BREAKING: @OCFLMayor is recommending all vaccinated and unvaccinated wear a mask while indoors because @OrangeCoFL is back in the "high risk" category, per the @CDCgov. @WFTV
— Lauren Brennecke (Seabrook) (@LaurenSeabrook_) July 12, 2021

Orange County has moved back into the “high risk” COVID-19 category due to more cases and ER visits. Mayor Demmings held a press briefing today where he recommended returning to wearing masks while indoors. The press briefing also shared that 100% of the new cases yesterday are from unvaccinated individuals.

Orange County Coronavirus press briefing about to begin. Stay with this thread for updates. @MyNews13 pic.twitter.com/E4Pt6isFBd
— Emily Braun (@EmilyBraunTV) July 12, 2021

Walt Disney World has not announced any changes to the mask policy at the resort. As for now, vaccinated individuals can still go mask-free while indoors most places.

You can watch the press briefing below:

Former Epcot Pub Singer Pam Brody has passed away

By

Sara

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July 13, 2021

Former Epcot pub singer, Pam Brody, has passed away. Pam was a vivacious singer and was the star act for over 20 years at the Rose & Crown restaurant in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

Pam Brody was in the show business for more than 50 years and in 1992 became the star act at the ‘Rose and Crown’ Restaurant. Known by many names like ‘The Hat Lady’, ‘The Button Lady’, the ‘Pearly Queen of the Rose and Crown’, Pam retired in 2014.

Carol Stein shared the following post on Facebook:

“It is with great sorrow that I write of the passing of the one and only vivacious “Pam Brody!” … the Pearly Queen of The Rose and Crown. And ambassador of love and music! ????
For over nine decades Pam graced this earth with her passion and smiles and talent. Generations have enjoyed being entertained all over the world by this beloved woman and dear friend.
She touched so many lives with her music.
She will be missed by so many… And now she can join her beloved Danny.
I will inform everyone of a Celebration of Life when I find our more info.”

Pam Brody was loved by many and will be missed! May she rest in peace.

Atmosphere

Menu

HAUNTEDED HOUSE: DEAD VINES

SCAREZONES AND ROAMING HAUNTS: WITCHCRAFT BAYOU

THEMED BAR EXPERIENCE: POISON GROTTO