Of all the creatures in the sea, dolphins, hands down, win the popularity contest.  We are inexplicably drawn to them, we personify them, we see ourselves in them!

They appear playful, curious; they show off, display a certain joie de vivre, and even look us right in the eye – all personality traits we claim as our own!   Like us, they’re mammals, and are therefore warm-blooded, have lungs that breathe air, give birth to their young and nurse them.  Add these facts - they have large brains, live in complex societies, help one another, learn from experience.  It’s no wonder we’re intrigued. Continue Reading »

Shamu…you complete me.

If you are looking for excellent Tours and Attractions, one of my favorite Theme Park Attractions in Orlando, Florida is SeaWorld. Put this one on your list. I like the size of the grounds for easy navigation, the variety of venues and shows and the relaxing pace.

Spent the day there on Sunday and really had a blast! The weather was perfect, the staff was friendly and the animals were in a playful mood.

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The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo in Orlando, Florida last week was wonderful!
This showcase brings so many different vendors under one roof that it makes your head spin. Special effects, inflatables, hot dog carts, rides, animatronics, scenery, vending, ticketing, maintainance, popcorn machines, software, 3-D theaters and even dinner in the sky.

The sights, sounds and smells were amazing!
 

One of my favorite displays was from Scarefactory. This animatronic headless horseman reared up on it’s hind legs while the horseman swung his sword…very cool.

The Expo can be overwhelming in it’s size and complexity. Preplanning helps but so many things grab your attention once inside. This is the place to find amusement and attraction vendors and see the latest in the industry. IAAPA will be returning next fall to Orlando and non-members are usually invited on the last day. I’ll see you there!

Shuttle Discovery launched from the Kennedy Space Center complex at 11:38 and was a sight to behold! Up, up, up into the burning blue. A beautiful white trail with a little fire at the end and she was out of sight.

Don’t forget that the Shuttle is soon to retire. Get it while it’s hot. I got an email from KSC last week saying they still had a few viewing spaces available for today’s launch, just a week out. That’s good news if you want to see one of these modern marvels of technology before it’s too late. Here’s the latest from NASA

One small step…

Here it is: Disney’s 2008 Dream Catalog. The new, extended Year of a Million Dreams includes “dreams money can’t buy.” These special events will be given away to lucky recipients visiting Disney Parks.

How about attending the premier of High School Musical 3 or being the guest of honor at the largest character breakfast…ever? Sounds fantastic.

I’ll be in Orlando, Florida soon for the International Food and Wine Festival but now I need to read my catalog and Dream…

Three cheers for Josh Hallett and his friends. Blogorlando was spectacular! Well, as spectacular as an “unconference” on blogging should be.

We gathered at Rollins College in Orlando, Florida to learn, share and participate with some of the sharpest minds available. Many don’t see the opportunity but every tourism related business would benefit from joining the conversation here.

Social media, networking and web presence were discussed and debated throughout the day. One highlight was Shel Israel, author of Naked Conversations who kicked off the events and added great insight. He was generous with his time and his knowledge. So were all of the speakers there, really. Great group of people.

You can learn more about Blogorlando here. Time to start talking with people who care.

Giddy up…

Theme Park Insider brings us the update from Orlando, Florida about the auction for Cypress Gardens and Wild Adventures Theme Parks I posted about earlier. I wish them well.

Space Shuttle Discovery has begun it’s journey for a scheduled October 23rd launch at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Check out the process at Spaceflightnow. (Great photos too!)

Just got reminded that the Kennedy Space Center Complex in Florida has only 14 more shuttles scheduled to launch before retiring in 2010. Better see one while you still can! The next one is scheduled for October 23rd.

Also got word about some very cool military aeriel demonstrations scheduled there in November. They are part of the 50 year celebration of space by the World Space Expo. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute teams will be there along with demo’s of other great aircaft.

The Disney Blog has a good story about the impending auction for two theme parks: Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Georgia and Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, Florida. I really thought they were great regional theme parks but cash flow can be cruel. Got $17.4 Million?