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Illuminated Orlando: Lighted Holiday Displays Not in the Theme Parks
If you love lighted displays as much as we do, this video is for you. Orlando pulls out all the stops when it comes to the holidays, with lights almost everywhere. First up is Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando for Downtown for the Holidays. Although this event has multiple offerings with it, the lighted displays around Lake Eola make for a fun holiday treat. This is a free offering held daily through December. Next up is Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens. This offering takes place along the walkways of this beautiful historic estate. With each garden taking on a different theme at night, just like during the day, the gardens come to life in a whole new light. Finally, and one of our favorite offerings this year, is the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Garden’s Asian Lantern Festival. The lanterns are beautiful and bring to life the walkways and boardwalks of the zoo with fun animals, lanterns, and projection. As a mention, ICON Park on International Drive also has great decorations.
Hilariously Surviving “OH, THE HORROR!” - A Fun Horror Game Created by Theme Park Horror Writers
Horror movies come to life in Orlando each year with events like Halloween Horror Nights, Howl-O-Scream, and other local events abound and fill our weekends with tons of spooky fun. These great events are produced by some of the most incredible people, some of which got together to put together a game using their unique writing talents. Oh, The Horror! regards itself as being “A Horribly Hilarious Horror Card Game,” and slays this identifier with each new flip of a card. We’ve played the game with some of our groups of friends, with it especially being a huge hit around the spooky times of the year. For horror movie fans, you’ll discover tons of allusions to horror movie tropes, themes, and classic types of characters. There isn’t a voiceover to this video, but does showcase one of our experiences playing the game before Halloween. It’s close, but the game can be played all year. There are expansion packs available that add new characters and situations to an already dynamic game.
Representing Love with Pride – Experiencing Orlando’s Come Out with Pride 2022 Event
Orlando, Florida’s annual Come Out with Pride festival was held on Saturday, October 15th, in support of Orlando’s vibrant and growing LGBTQIA+ community. All around Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando, the event celebrates Pride with live entertainment, food, and vendors showcasing their support of creating a community that is accepting to all people, from all walks of life. Filling the streets and city with a colorful showcase of community support, the event offers everything from business and food vendors to live entertainment, including a parade. We enjoyed this year’s festival and had an incredible time experiencing all the stages and offerings. The organizers did a great job working to create a safe and welcoming festival and the event injects a ton of positive energy into the Orlando area. In this video, we showcase the event from the perspective of a married gay couple.
Laughter and a Corn Maze – Experiencing Southern Hill Farms’ Fall Festival
We enjoy Autumn quite a bit as the temperatures in Central Florida drop to somewhat bearable levels. It’s during this time of year that we get out to enjoy some of the local outdoor favorites that are traditions this time of year. In this video, we get away to the country to explore and enjoy rural Florida outside of Orlando at Southern Hill Farms. Their Fall Festival is in full swing and includes a Corn Maze, U-Pick Sunflowers and other flowers, Wagon Rides, Food Trucks, Pumpkins, and more. This year-round farm really comes to life during this festival which is a local favorite. We have been waiting to go to Southern Hill Farms as a couple for some time and had the opportunity recently while collecting footage for one of our Visit Orlando video projects. We’re happy we got to visit and will be back when the Peaches are back in season.
Screams from the Screen at Halloween Horror Nights – Experiencing Universal Orlando’s Fright Event
Scare events are more common than they once were and one of the first and most notable ones is Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. The event has the most houses, the most scares, and the most intellectual properties (celebrity tie-ins, movie based, etc.) of any fright event that we know of. It’s also the busiest in Orlando. In this video, we experience this event over 4 separate nights to showcase what it’s like to enjoy this event. We were able to experience 9 of their 10 houses, their Ghoulish! A Halloween Tale lagoon show (which is currently not operating), and all their scare zones. We always enjoy Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights. Their houses/mazes are some of the most detailed and artistically driven that you’ll find anywhere but are also some of the busiest. It’s hard to fully enjoy the easter eggs and allusions to the movies or Intellectual Properties that are being showcased within the mazes. The event has a ton of things to see and do which makes it a favorite.
Experiencing Screams Beneath the Sea at SeaWorld Orlando's Howl-O-Scream
It’s autumn in Orlando and the scares are easy to find with local events popping up all over town. One notable event, now in its second year, is Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando. SeaWorld has had their Spooktacular event for years, which is more family and kid friendly than this newer horror event, but elevated their Halloween offerings last year with the introduction of Howl O Scream. In this video, we experience this event to showcase and review what it’s like to spend a night below the spooky waves of this event. We were able to experience all 5 of their houses, as well as their headlining shows, and scare zones in one night, which was easy to do due to lighter crowds than what you might find at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. Overall, we enjoyed this year’s event and are eager to see it continue to grow over the next several years. Have you been to Howl-O-Scream? If so, what did you enjoy about the event?
Back to the Farm with Chip ‘n’ Dale – Character Dining at Garden Grill at Epcot
A visit to Disney isn’t complete without a visit with your favorite Disney Characters. Disney’s animated characters within their theme parks hold a special place in both of our hearts as we have personal connections with the parks. One of our favorite places to meet with Mickey and his friends is at the Garden Grill Restaurant inside Epcot’s Land Pavilion. Regarding Character Dining, this is by far the best restaurant for it, in our opinion. Themed around Chip ‘n’ Dale, and including Mickey Mouse and Pluto, this country farm themed dining experience serves up its delicious fare family style, which means you can eat as much as you’d like. The restaurant sits atop the Living with the Land ride within the pavilion and rotates above many of the scenes showcased in the ride. It’s a unique experience that you can’t find anywhere else on Walt Disney World property. We love the menu, food, and the more relaxed feel of this dining experience over many of the others found at Disney.
We Love Flowers at Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, Florida
Central Florida is full of amazing places to visit, all outside of the theme parks. Historical and cultural sites abound, if you’re willing to get off the beaten tourist paths to explore the more local attractions. Harry P. Leu Gardens is one of those places. This extensive estate and gardens were deeded to the City of Orlando by the Leu’s in 1961 and showcases some incredibly curated gardens. Located just north of Downtown Orlando, this beautiful gem has winding pathways through themed gardens that showcase plants from all around the globe. We both love nature trails and exploring botanical gardens. There’s something soothing about being close to nature and enjoying beautiful flowers and plants. For married couples, Leu Gardens offers a great day date idea as well. If you have some extra time while you’re in the Orlando area, this floral paradise is for you. #leugardens #orlandoflorida #orlando #centralflorida #botanicalgarden #LGBTQIA
Epcot's Rat Race - A Step into Remy's Ratatouille Adventure at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida
Amazing experiences can be found anywhere, but this one can be found in the France Pavilion at Walt Disney’s World’s Epcot. Join us as we step inside Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, one of the new rides for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. We love this new attraction tucked in the back corner of the World Showcase. Ramy’s Ratatouille Adventure opened with the start of the anniversary celebration on October 1, 2021. This attraction brings another great ride to a part of the park where one didn’t exist before and helps to add more incredible offerings to an already incredible park. The ride uses trackless ride technology to transport riders through Remy’s adventure as a chef. Shrinking down to mouse size, the ride’s video and practical effects help to tell this cute and charming story in an immersive way. When enjoying the ride, be sure to look at the new area around the ride’s entrance. Be sure to follow us for more Florida adventures.
Being Mad at The Alice – A Review of The Alice: An Immersive Cocktail Experience in Orlando, Florida
We never have a dull date night. There are just so many incredible things to see and do as a married couple that we never seem to run out of unique things to do. Also, Orlando has a ton of things for us to explore when we hit the town. When we got the chance to experience The Alice: An Immersive Cocktail Experience at The Oliv Bar in Downtown Orlando (open for limited engagement through September 29, 2022), we had to take it. We were welcomed to the event in high fantastical fashion by dropping down the rabbit hole into a mad tea party of wonderland proportions. It’s one thing to go to a craft cocktail bar and another to step into an experience that is one of a kind, every time. This adventure was one of the latter. Through the course of the seating, we experienced interactive entertainment featuring local talent, fun-inducing puzzles, crazy themed craft cocktails, and lots of laughter. We’d love to interact with you. What do you love about unique cocktail experiences?
Space Junk and Astronauts at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex near Orlando, Florida
What can you do for a day trip in CENTRAL FLORIDA? discover new things! We love science and the study of outer space is one that fascinates both of us. We can’t get enough. Luckily, Kennedy Space Center’s Visitor Complex, located near Cape Canaveral, about an hour drive from Orlando, Florida, is huge! They have a lot to experience while you’re there, especially if you love space exploration. As a married couple, it’s also a great place to connect and have a day date. In this video, we step inside the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex, which has so much to see and do. If you will only have a limited time at the Space Center, we’ve got some ideas of what you may want to add to your itinerary to allow for you to get the most from your visit. In this video, we showcase some of the smaller attractions at the complex that, coupled with the larger ones, makes for a great day. Even still, we made it into the Apollo Pavilion. We really love the stories told inside that one. Enjoy!
Fast Blast to the Past on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Disney World’s Epcot in Orlando
Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida is home to some incredibly innovative rides and attractions that draw in visitors from all over the world. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, now open at Epcot, is one of these new attractions. Dubbed as the world’s largest indoor coaster, this new ride features incredible technology to launch space travelers across the galaxy and time. In this video, we journey to Epcot to experience this new thrill machine story-centered around some of the most popular characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The ride doesn’t disappoint either. Although many of the main elements of the ride have been featured in other attractions, the combination and scale of the project make those elements feel new and epic. Overall, the ride is a win and a great addition to Epcot. Married life never was so good.
For the Love of Art at the Orlando Museum of Art in Orlando, Florida - A Review
Cultural and fine art institutions are a gateway into the human spirt. Orlando is no stranger to a beautifully curated artistic experience and is home to some incredible art museums. In this video, we head to Loch Haven Park, north of Downtown Orlando, to explore and review the Orlando Museum of Art. Established in 1924, the museum contains an impressive collection of diverse pieces from different periods, art movements, and art pieces created in a diverse range of mediums. We also explore the Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibit which is temporarily on display into the month of June. The museum circulates new exhibits into their galleries on a regular basis creating a new art experience with each visit. We recommend the Orlando Museum of Art as it has an impressive collection with rotating exhibits. We love looking at amazing pieces created by talented individuals – what could be a better way to enjoy the human experience as a married couple?
Cheers from the Top at Dahlia Lounge at Walt Disney World's Coronado Springs Resort near Orlando
Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida is full of world-class entertainment, theme parks, resorts, and more. The other thing they also have that elevates the Disney experience is their incredible selection of cocktail lounges and drink spots that each offer unique drinks, atmosphere, and flair. In this video, we venture to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort at Disney World to check out and review Dahlia Lounge for its signature cocktails, the connection of Walt Disney to Salvador Dalí, and the mind-blowing views of Disney World. The lounge is beautifully designed in a classy Spanish and Dali style. What sets this location apart from any other is its views of Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We visited at sunset for an unparalleled romantic experience. This would also be a great lounge to enjoy drinks at during Epcot’s Harmonious fireworks show. This is on our list of must-visit bars at Walt Disney World Resort. Cheers.
¡Salud! at Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort at Disney World in Orlando
Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida is full of world-class entertainment, theme parks, resorts, and more. The other thing they also have that we think elevates the Disney experience is their incredible selection of cocktail lounges and drink spots that each offer their own unique drinks, atmosphere, and flair. In this video, we venture to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort at Disney World to check out the Three Bridges Bar & Grill, with its breezy lake top dining room, to review the experience. At Three Bridges Bar & Grill, we enjoyed their Sangria School which is a sangria flight that will tantalize your pallet. We also enjoyed another cocktail and some starters. This location provides beautiful views of the Coronado Springs Resort, including the Grand Destino Tower. The Sangria School flight was tasty, for sure. You can experience this restaurant even if you aren’t staying at the resort. Cheers!
Discovering Dinos - A Review of Jurassic Park at Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando
Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida is rated as being one of the best Theme Parks in the world. It’s varied themed lands immerse guests into the stories with Jurassic Park being one of the original themed lands included on opening day at the park. In this video, we step inside the Jurassic Park themed land at Islands of Adventure to review their notable attractions. Today, the land features world class attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. It’s also home to the park’s newest coaster, the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. The classic attraction for the land is Jurassic Park River Adventure. This signature boat ride showcases animatronic dinosaurs that bring to life the tour element of the movie’s fictional dino park. Universal Orlando Resort’s newest coaster, the Jurassic World VelociCoaster opened in 2021. This great new rollercoaster is a fantastic addition to the parks already incredible, lineup of attractions.
All The Pretty Flowers at Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival at Disney World - A Review
Springtime is an amazing time in The City Beautiful with festivals and other offerings celebrating the season throughout the area. One of the most notable festivals is at Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival, held annual at Walt Disney World Resort. We love a good garden, and the entire park becomes an intricate one for this festival. We love exploring the topiaries, the flowers, and the butterfly garden. In this video, join us as we explore and review some of the offerings that this event offers. The event runs each spring and will continue this year through most of June. Across the park, fantastic topiaries of your favorite Disney Characters, and other whimsical creatures, and more. You’ll find Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Donald along with other characters like Kermit the Frog, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, Anna and Elsa from Frozen and more. There are also additional food and beverage offerings specifically themed toward the event.
Boards, Bunnies, and The City Beautiful - A Review of Epic Paddle Adventures in Orlando, Florida
Central Florida and the surrounding areas are full of outdoor recreational offerings that will make any nature lover swoon. Epic Paddle Adventures, out of Orlando, Florida, offers paddle board and kayak tours all over the area that take adventures onto some of the most beautiful waterways in Florida. In this video, we join Epic Paddle Adventures on two of their tours in Downtown Orlando, their Paddle Board with Bunny & Pups in Paradise tour as well as their Sunset Paddle Board in Paradise tour to review the experience. Although we’ve never been on paddle boards before, we hopped right into the adventure and prepared ourselves for some fun in the Florida sun. Epic Paddle Adventures has a whole range of different tours to check out all over Central Florida. We loved the guides we had for the two tours we experienced.
Italian Night Out in Orlando - A Review of Harbor Nights at Portofino Bay Hotel
Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at the Universal Orlando Resort is dubbed as being “an Authentic Italian Eventing,” with food, wine, music, and fun. In this video, we showcase and review this event that is held several times per year. Festivities take place several times per year around the Italian inspired Harbor Piazza of the Portofino Bay Hotel. The event features small plate food items from the hotel’s restaurants as well as wine tastings of wines from Italian vintners. After savoring fine flavors and aromas, we were treated with live entertainment throughout the evening. In true Italian style, live opera performances serenaded the guest while a live band brought to life the party side of the event providing an opportunity for guests to dance the night away. We enjoyed this fun filled evening of food and friends. Harbor Nights is also a great option for couples looking for a unique night out, complete with dancing and a little romance. We can't wait until the next event.
Believe in the Odd at Ripley's Believe It or Not! on International Drive in Orlando, Florida
International Drive in Orlando, Florida is at the core of the city’s world-famous attractions. Known as I-Drive, there are countless things to do along this dining, shopping, and entertainment district. We venture to I-Drive to discover Ripley’s Believe It or Not! In this video we step inside to review and showcase the experience. Inside the Orlando museum, visitors will see all sorts of exhibits displaying the weird, strange, and odd products of the human experience and natural wonders that are the foundation of legends. The museum has recently been renovated and updated as it’s celebrating its 30th anniversary. The updates made for an impressive experience as we explored the new interactive features that help to bring the stories showcased inside the Odditorium to life. We spent a few hours exploring all this location has to offer. Florida has a lot of strange places and we're happy to say this is one of them.
Welcome to Sam José!
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Follow Us for Florida Living, Travel, and Fun! When looking for things to do in Florida, Orlando, or the Central Florida area, look no further. We’ve done it or are doing it all! We cover all things from Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld in the heart of themed entertainment as well as the surrounding areas and beyond. Come along with us as we discover museums, creative spaces, craft beverage makers, unique places, tourist attractions, and a whole lot more. The world needs more love, humanity and understanding. The human experience is one that we all share as humans on this planet. Our goal with Welcome to Sam José! is to showcase the best of the human experience within the Central Florida area. Additionally, we’re out to show the world what a happily married gay couple can look like in an ever-changing and dynamic world.
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