Not one but two fan favorite coasters have re-opened at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay after winter maintenance. First up is SheiKra, the parks dive coaster, which has re-opened after extensive track work and replacement. On SheiKra you climb 200 feet to the edge of a 90-degree drop that inches you over the edge, and stops. Then you dive straight down into a 70 mph roller coaster whirlwind with an Immelmann loop, a second dive into an underground tunnel and a splashdown finale. Also back at Busch Gardens is Montu, an inverted coaster which has re-opened after receiving a new coat of paint, and we must say Montu is looking fabulous with blue track, and yellow supports. This classic favorites known for its speeds and inversions. You climb high into the air and hold on for a twisting drop, a 60-foot vertical loop, an Immelmann loop and a weightless roll and that's only the beginning on this inverted roller coaster. Montu has seven inversions, an unique Batwing inversion and was the first coaster in the world to incorporate an Immelmann loop (a simultaneous loop and roll), named for a German fighter pilot.

It’s the moment we've been waiting for, SeaWorld Orlando’s long awaited roller-coaster Ice Breaker has finally broke the ice, and is open to guests visiting the park. Ice Breaker was first announced on Sept. 12, 2019, and was supposed to open in the spring of 2020. But thanks to the pandemic, it was forced into hibernation, until now that is! Named after the icy Arctic summits, Ice Breaker features four launches, both backwards and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond-vertical drop in Florida, a 93 feet tall spike with 100-degree angle. The thrills continue as riders fly over a near vertical top hat maneuver into a series of twists, turns, and airtime hills. Ice Breaker is SeaWorld Orlando’s first launch coaster. “It’s a thrilling ride and it packs a punch that will exceed your expectations,” Vice President of Operations at SeaWorld Orlando, Rob McNicholas said during Friday’s event. “This could be a first coaster for a young child. It’s a family coaster. It’s smooth, repeatable and it’s a whole lot of fun!” The brand-new coaster is the centerpiece of the theme park’s revamped Wild Arctic area and complimented by the Glacier Bar, and Altitude Burger. The coaster opening was commemorated with a special ceremony featuring the breaking of an ice ribbon, in keeping with the ride’s Arctic theme. The brand-new coaster will also highlight its conservation partner, Alaska SeaLife Center, with its dedicated research, rescue, rehabilitation and education facility. “When I first heard about the concept about this - I was a little skeptical. Ice? Florida? Alaska partnership? How much could SeaWorld Orlando and the Alaska SeaLife Center have in common,” explained Alaska SeaLife Center President, Tara Riemer. “But, what we have in common is the commitment to what really matters. The commitment to the oceans, the commitment to the animals who live in those oceans. And so, that’s a common mission of both SeaWorld and the Alaska SeaLife Center, and one that we consider very, very important.” Facts about the ride: Maximum height Rear spike: 93 feet Top hat: 80 feet Length of track Track length: 1,900 feet Track traveled: 2,750 feet Maximum speed: 52 mph Ride duration: 80-90 seconds Number of trains: Two Number of coaches: Three per train, with three rows per coach

Good news for space enthusiasts! You can now get up close and personal with the space program thanks to the addition of two new tours at Florida's Kennedy Space Center. The new tours offer visitors the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at NASA's Mercury and Gemini launches as well as access to restricted areas of the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station previously closed to the public. "We are excited to expand our specialty tour offerings and bring guests even closer to history," Therrin Protze, the chief operating officer of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, told T+L. "These tours are perfect for space history enthusiasts looking to learn more about America's early space program." The first tour, the Cape Canaveral Early Space tour, takes travelers from the Air Force Space & Missile Museum to the site of the Mercury and Gemini launches as well as to the memorial site for the Apollo 1 crew. The tour costs $25 for adults and $19 for children 3 to 11. The second tour, the Cape Canaveral Rise to Space tour, is led by a space expert and brings visitors to historic launch sites as well as Hangar C, the first permanent and oldest surviving structure at the complex. On the tour, visitors will be able to see artifacts like America's first intercontinental ballistic missile and Gemini and Apollo "boiler plates," used during simulations for training. The tour is open to people at least 14 years old and costs $75. It does not include admission to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Both tours will transport visitors by bus. Guests of these tours must pre-register and provide their passport or government-issued ID and then bring the identification with them.

Daytona Lagoon’s Waterpark has re-opened for the 2022 season under new management. BWL Acquisition LLC, who acquired Daytona Lagoon late in 2021, have been focusing on freshening and cleaning up the park for the 2022 season. Castaway, the large interactive children’s play area, Blackbeard’s Revenge, Pelican’s Drift Lazy Rive, and Poseidon’s Pass have all been refreshed during the offseason, including new paint. The pool deck around the Wave Pool has been resurfaced, plus guests will notice new ticket windows to speed up entry in the park, and construction teams are prepping for remodeled bathrooms in April. Goonie Cove full-service bar has been renovated to provide faster and more efficient service, plus Daytona Lagoon is now partnered with Daytona's Stroud’s BBQ, with the company taking over kitchen operations with an enhanced menu and improved service. Food service improvements for the cabanas have also been made, plus for the first time at Daytona Lagoon, mobile ordering will be available for cabanas patrons. Digital signage has been added both inside and outside to help communicate the in-park offerings, ticket pricing and daily special events. Guests who are lounging in the lazy river or enjoying the waves in Treasure Lagoon will experience three new murals painted by local artist, Natasha Azari from Save the Art and AzariArt. The Mega Arcade and fun center are getting an update with new games and rooms for birthday parties and events. This includes a new “Selfie Room” for birthday parties in addition to the repertoire of popular Glow, Princess and Camo rooms. “We are so excited about what the 2022 season will bring,” explained Tyler Currie, General Manager for Daytona Lagoon. “We can’t wait to bring in some fun and exciting changes along the way.”

SeaWorld’s Aquatica will open its all-new body slide, Reef Plunge, to guests on March 13. As guests slide through translucent cutouts and rings and twist and turn through over 330 feet of fiberglass, they will spot a vibrant array of marine life in the new habitat. Animals include Commerson’s dolphins, leopard sharks, sardines and a variety of other cold-water fish which will call the new attraction home. Reef Plunge will be an update to the former Dolphin Plunge attraction at the park! SeaWorld say guests will splash, twist, and turn through over 330 feet of eye-catching translucent cutouts and rings. The highlight will be zooming past a dynamic new underwater habitat that’s home to a vibrant array of marine life, including Commerson’s dolphins, leopard sharks, sardines, and other cold-water fish in this all-new, one-of-a-kind adventure. "2022 is going to be an exciting year for Aquatica Orlando. Aquatica was voted the No. 1 waterpark in the USA because guests love our year-round operations, one-of-a-kind attractions and laid-back beach vibe,” said Kyle Miller, park president. In addition to opening this brand new attraction, SeaWorld have said multiple enhancements are happening throughout Aquatica, including the addition of more that 1.000 loungers and beach chairs with increased shade, a new quick-serve pizza place, a new beach bar, plus upgrades to the popular Banana Beach Cookout. Multiple attractions will also receive upgrades, including enhancements to several water slides.

SeaWorld Orlando's 2022 Seven Seas Festival continues Friday, Saturday and Sunday until May 8th 2022. Since splashing onto the scene five years ago, SeaWorld Orlando have firmly established the Seven Seas Food Festival as a must visit, with amazing food, drinks, concerts and more. This year's festival features more than 200 flavors from around the world, with more than 50 global cuisines, 75+ wine and cocktail selections, plus 75+ craft beers. Oh, and don't forget to enjoy the live music, with something for everyones musical tastes, from local bands and big name artists in the Bayside Stadium. Trust us your gonna not want to miss this! The best way to experience the Seven Seas Festival is to purchase a Seven Seas Sampling Lanyard at any booth throughout the park, then you can sip and sample treats from around the globe, choose from over 200 distinct and delicious items from around the world. Save up to 40% with a 10 sample lanyard, or for the best value, save up to 50% with a 15 sample lanyard! With so much choice, we've listed all the amazing eats and treats to enjoy at this years festival, use our guide to plan your visit to SeaWorld Orlando's 2022 Seven Sea's Food Festival! 1. FLAMECRAFT BAR Located next to Seafire Grill CRAFT BREWS Featuring 13 Rotating Draught Beers SPECIALTY COCKTAILS Flamecraft Breeze Bacardi Superior Rum, Vodka, Blue Curacao, Triple Sec, Grenadine, Orange & Pineapple Vodka Blue Lemonade Tito’s Vodka, Blueberry Liquor, Triple Sec, Lemonade Frozen Miami Vice Blend of Piña Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri Mojito Flor de Caña Rum, Bar Draught Craft Mojito with Fresh Mint & Lime Margarita Milagro Tequila, Orange Liqueur, Lime Blackberry Bramble Gin, Blackberry Liqueur, Blackberry, Lemon 2. SUNSHINE HOPS Located across from Seafire Grill CRAFT BREWS Tropical Hazy Sour Ale Anderson Valley Brewing Company, Boonville, CA Blood Orange Sunset IPA South Beach Brewing WINE Line 39 Sauvignon Blanc Lake County, CA SPECIALTY COCKTAIL Frozen Watermelon Frosé Watermelon, Rosé Wine, Lime 3. JACK DANIEL’S TASTING Located next to Seafire Grill Gentleman Jack Tennessee Fire Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Apple 4. CAFÉ DE MAR Located at the Shoppes at Waterfront Rainbow Cheesecake Waffle Cone Banana Fosters Cheesecake Waffle Cone White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Waffle Cone CRAFT BREW 420 Extra Pale Ale Sweet Water Brewing Company, Atlanta, GA SPECIALTY COCKTAILS Frozen Mudslide Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Kahlua, Milk & Chocolate Frozen Mojito Flor de Caña Rum, Mint & Lime Frozen Milagro Margarita Milagro Tequila, Triple Sec & Lemon Lime Frozen Lynchburg Lemonade Jack Daniel’s, Lemonade, Triple Sec & Sprite 5. CARIBBEAN MARKET Located across from the Shoppes at Waterfront Montego Bay Spicy Shrimp Skewer Fried Sweet Plantains, Lime Aioli Jerk Chicken Hot Slider Reimagined! Brown Sugar, Pineapple Salsa Caribbean Spicy Rum Cake Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum Glaze, Brown Sugar CRAFT BREW Red Stripe Bold Pale Lager Desnoes & Geddes, Jamaica SPECIALTY COCKTAILS Caribbean Rum Runner Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum (US Virgin Islands), Malibu Coconut Rum (Barbados), Blackberry Brandy, Banana Liqueur, Orange & Pineapple Juices Caribbean Sunset (Non-alcoholic) Fresh Lemonade, Orange Juice, Grenadine, Sprite 6. ALL-AMERICAN MARKET Located next to Voyagers Smokehouse Brisket Totchos Slowly Smoked Brisket, Crispy Potato Tots, Kraft Heinz MAYOCHUP™ Lobster, White Cheddar KRAFT® Mac N Cheese Kraft Heinz’s White Cheddar Mac N Cheese combined with Lobster Bisque & Lobster Chunks Funnel Cake Glazed Strawberries Chocolate Nutella® CRAFT BREWS Orange Crush Pale Wheat Ale Hidden Spring Brewery, Tampa, FL Yuengling Lager D.G. Yuengling and Son Brewery, Pottsville, PA SPECIALTY COCKTAIL Passion Fruit Mimosa Champagne, Passion Fruit Puree, St-Germain Elderflower 7. POLYNESIAN MARKET Located next to Voyagers Smokehouse Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl Reimagined! Maui Sweet Onion, Crunchy Hawaiian Nuts, Chili Aioli Lu’au BBQ Lamb Ribs Pineapple BBQ Sauce, Daikon Slaw SPECIALTY COCKTAIL Aloha Lemonade Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Fresh Lemonade topped with POM Pomegranate Juice 8. NORTH ATLANTIC MARKET Located across from Lakeside Grill New England Lobster & Shrimp Roll Buttered Bun, Cider and Lime Aioli, House Kettle Chips Newport Clam & Corn Chowder Roasted Corn, Clams, Bacon Bits, Croutons Pan Seared Scallop Reimagined! Tapioca Risotto, Grilled Vegetables, Cabot Cheddar, Pesto CRAFT BREWS Imperial Hazy IPA Lone Pine Brewing, Portland, ME Narragansett Lager Narragansett, Providence, RI WINES Riesling, Hogue Cellars Prosser, WA Meade Bunratty Mead and Liqueur Co. Ltd. Clare, Ireland 9. COASTER COCKTAILS Located across from Lakeside Grill SPECIALTY COCKTAILS Ice Breaker Reyka Vodka, Watermelon Juice, Monin Lavender Syrup, Lime Kraken Monkey Shoulder Whiskey, Almond, Orange Juice, Angostura Bitters Manta Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Passion Fruit Puree, Hibiscus, Lemonade Mako Milagro Tequila, Monin Blueberry, Pineapple Juice, Citrus Sour 10. TASTE OF SICILY Located at Lakeside Patio RED WINES Stemmari Hedonis Riserva Stemmari Winery, Sicily, Italy Planeta Nerello Mascalese Eruzi Planeta Winery, Sicily, Italy WHITE WINES Planeta Etna Bianco Carricante Planeta Winery, Sicily, Italy Stemmari Dalila Bianco Riserva Stemmari Winery, Sicily, Italy ROSÉ WINE Planeta Rosé, Planeta Winery, Sicily, Italy SPECIALTY COCKTAILS Amaro Shot Italian Herbal Liqueur, Bitter-Sweet Flavor Limoncello Shot Italian Lemon Liqueur Gra’it Verra Grappa Italiana Shot Italian Brandy, Blend of the Finest Italian Grape Pomace including Barolo, Moscato D’Asti, Amarone, Prosecco, Brunello, Aglianico and Nero D’Avola 11. ITALIAN MARKET Located at Lakeside Patio Palermo Fontina Cheese Meatballs Fontina Cheese, Fresh Herbs, Pomodoro Sauce Hot Mozzarella with Cherry Tomato Bruschetta Melting Mozzarella, Cherry Tomato Salad, Crostino Bread Tiramisu Reimagined! Ladyfingers Soaked in Espresso and Rum, Laced with Creamy Mascarpone CRAFT BREW Nastro Azzuro, Pale Lager Peroni Brewery, Vigevano, Italy SPECIALTY COCKTAIL Grappa di Brunello, Castello Banfi, Italy Uniquely made of Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Grape 12. WINE TASTING Located at Lakeside Patio Southern Red True Balance of Aromas with Refreshing Aftertaste Southern White Finishes Slightly Sweet Cabernet Sauvignon Full Bodied Finish with Rich, Deep Color Sunblush Light, Crisp and Refreshing CUTWATER CANNED COCKTAILS Tequila Margarita Vodka Mule Rum Mint Mojito Tiki Rum Mai Tai SPECIALTY COCKTAIL Frozen Rum Mai Tai Cutwater Bali Hai Tiki Gold Rum, Triple Sec, Orgeat, Lime 14. MEDITERRANEAN MARKET Located in front of Nautilus Theater Hummus with Parmesan Kettle Chips Homemade Hummus with Chili Oil Grilled Lamb Chop Oregano Feta Vinaigrette Berry Panna Cotta Cream Custard, Mix Berry Coulis CRAFT BREW Blood Orange Wheat Ale Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co., DeLand, FL WINE Méditerranée Rosé Studio Miraval Mèditerranèe, France SPECIALTY COCKTAIL Sparkling St. Tropez Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka, St~Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Prosecco & Lemon 15. BRAZILIAN MARKET Located next to Infinity Falls Pao de Queijo – Brazilian Cheese Bread Brazilian Picanha Steak Topped with Chimichurri Maracuja Mojito Mousse Passion Fruit, Mint CRAFT BREW Brazil Loves New England IPA Ellipsis Brewing Orlando, FL WINE Passoã Sangria Passoã Liquor, Rosse Wine, Fresh Oranges & Berries SPECIALTY COCKTAIL Frozen Basil & Mint Caipirinha Leblon Cachaça, Fresh Basil, Mint & Lime 16. WATERWAY BAR Located behind Infinity Falls SeaWorld® Fin Pretzel Beer Cheese Dip CRAFT BREWS Featuring 12 Rotating Draught Brews SPECIALTY COCKTAILS Frozen Watermelon Margarita Milagro Tequila, Watermelon, Lime Piña Colada Flor de Caña Rum, Cream of Coconut, and Pineapple Juice Strawberry Daiquiri Flor de Caña Rum, Strawberries, Lemon and Lime Juice 17. ASIAN MARKET Located next to Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen Giant Panko Prawns Reimagined! Sea Urchin Aioli, Fresh Lime Crispy Pork Belly Bites Sweet Soy & Ginger Glaze Bingsu Salted Vanilla Ice Cream Topped with Caramel Popcorn CRAFT BREW Kirin Ichiban Lager, Kirin Brewery, Japan SAKE Honjozo Tokubetsu, Akashi-Tai, Japan SPECIALTY DRINK Passion Fruit Iced Tea (Non-alcoholic) 18. IRELAND MARKET Located next to Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen Crispy Ruben Egg Roll Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut, Thousand Island Dressing Classic Mini Shepherd’s Pie Braised Beef, Cheddar Mash, Vegetable Medley Glazed Corned Beef Irish Whiskey Glaze, Marble Potato, Cabbage, Cornbread CRAFT BREW Guinness Irish Stout, Dublin, Ireland SPECIALTY COCKTAIL Irish Cold Brew Bailey’s Irish Cream, Jack Daniel’s Honey, Cold Brew 19. MAMA’S PRETZEL KITCHEN Located next to Sesame Street Land CRAFT BREWS Featuring 8 Rotating Draught Beers 20. GERMAN MARKET Located next to Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen Heritage Pork Schnitzel Slider Beer Sauerkraut, German Mustard Pretzel Bratwurst Chocolate Dipped Foot Long Pretzel CRAFT BREWS Hofbräu Hefe Weizen, Munich, Germany König Pilsener Pilsner König-Brauerei Brewery, Duisburg, Germany SPECIALTY COCKTAIL Frozen Kaffee Colada Jägermeister Cold Brew, Pina Colada, Pineapple Frozen Jäger Bomb Jägermeister, Monster Energy Drink, Cherry 21. BEER GARDEN Located next to Sesame Street Land CRAFT BREWS High Stepper PA Crooked Can Brewing Company, Winter Garden, FL Jai Alai India Pale Ale Cigar City Brewing, Tampa, FL Free Dive IPA Coppertail Brewing, Tampa, FL I-4 IPA Orlando Brewing Company, Orlando FL Big Nose IPA Swamp Head Brewery, Gainesville, FL Hop Gun IPA Funky Buddha Brewery, Oakland Park, FL 22. GULF COAST MARKET Located next to Wild Arctic Gulf Gumbo New Orleans Classic, Shrimp, Sausage, Cajun Broth Bourbon BBQ Smoked Pork Po’ Boy Crisp Lettuce & Pickles Beignets Traditional Beignet with Powdered Sugar Rum Glazed Bananas Foster Beignet CRAFT BREWS Turbodog Brown Ale Abita Brewing Co., Covington, LA Mango Wit Wheat Proof Brewing Co., Tallahassee, FL SPECIALTY COCKTAIL Frozen Hurricane Flor de Caña Rum, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Passion Fruit & Orange 23. MEXICAN MARKET Located next to Wild Arctic Mini Churro Bites Dulce de Leche, Cinnamon Sugar Drunken Shrimp Tostada Tomato Aguachile, Cilantro & Avocado Crema Beef Barbacoa Taco Slowly Cooked, Guajillo Chili Flavored Beef served with a Flour Tortilla * VEGAN option also available* CRAFT BREWS Modelo Especial Grupo Modelo Brewery, Mexico City, MX Corona Premier Grupo Modelo Brewery, Mexico City, MX SPECIALTY COCKTAIL Frozen Watermelon Margarita Milagro Tequila, Watermelon, Lime 24. GLACIER BAR Located next to Wild Arctic CRAFT BREWS Featuring 6 Rotating Draught Beers SPECIALTY COCKTAILS Frozen Piña Colada Flor de Caña Rum, Cream of Coconut, and Pineapple Juice Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri Flor de Caña Rum, Strawberries, Lemon and Lime Juice Frozen Orlando Vice Flor de Caña Rum, Cream of Coconut, Pineapple Juice, Strawberries, Lemon and Lime Frozen Jack and Coke Traditional Jack Daniel’s Whiskey & Frozen Coco-Cola® ICEE Frozen Fire & Ice Jack Daniel’s Fire Cinnamon Whiskey & Frozen Vanilla Coca-Cola® ICEE Frozen Tennessee Honey Jack Daniel’s Honey Whiskey & Frozen Cherry Coca-Cola® ICEE CRAFT COCKTAILS ON TAP Sparkling Mojito Flor de Caña Rum, Bar Draught Craft Mojito with Fresh Mint & Lime Spicy Pineapple Margarita Milagro Silver Tequila, Bar Draught Craft Spicy Margarita with Fresh Lime

Adventure Island, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's water park has re-opened for the 2022 season with two new attractions coming soon, just in time for spring break! Making a splash this year is Rapids Racer, a brand new attraction where guests can race down an all-new dueling water slide featuring the world's first dueling saucers! Wahoo Remix, formerly Wahoo Run, will also re-surface as a new experience, with exciting first-of-its-kind ride elements for Tampa’s Island Paradise! NEW! RAPIDS RACER Three, two, one go! Feel the rush of competition on the ALL-NEW Rapids Racer! Riders grab a two-person raft before racing through nearly 600 feet of slide, complete with low walls to encounter your opponents throughout this side-by-side experience. The thrill of the chase is amplified as guests swirl through the world’s first dueling saucers in this exhilarating journey full of high-speed tunnels, turns, and more! Who will conquer this high-speed slide first? Find out at the finish line NEW! WAHOO REMIX Riders will enjoy waves of water and sound as they splash to the beat of a remixed favorite attraction. Formerly Wahoo Run, Wahoo Remix will be Adventure Island’s first waterslide to feature synchronized light and sound elements, delivering an all-new, high energy, family raft ride experience with ultimate party vibes. Enclosed tunnels that were once dark will now glow and groove as riders zoom through over 600 feet of fun. NEW! HANG TEN TIKI BAR As the water park’s first full-service bar, the laid-back vibes of Hang Ten Tiki Bar will offer an all-new wave of refreshment to guests. With hand-crafted signature cocktails, fan-favorite local brews, and a regional and international rum selection, Hang Ten Tiki Bar will offer guests a perfect island oasis to fuel up for all-day fun. As the water park’s first full-service bar, the laid-back vibes of Hang Ten Tiki Bar will offer an all-new wave of refreshment to guests. With hand-crafted signature cocktails, fan-favorite local brews, and a regional and international rum selection, Hang Ten Tiki Bar will offer guests a perfect island oasis to fuel up for all-day fun. These unique offerings will include: Sparkling cocktails on draft including the refreshing Beach Bum Mojito and The Hang Ten classic daquiri with an island twist Frozen cocktails like the Island Lava Flow or Caribbean Corkscrew, or even get a non-alcoholic version the whole family can enjoy. More than 20 international and local Florida-distilled Rums. Surf-themed rum or beer flight: The “Shortboard Flight” features a unique selection of international or local Florida rums, or beer lovers can try the “Longboard Flight” with local craft brews. New Island light bites will include a Tiki Man soft pretzel, empanadas and local gulf smoked fish dip with a pineapple relish.

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival has begun, and as part of the celebrations, guests can take advantage of some fabulous Magic Shots especially for the occasion. We love the special effects and characters that Disney PhotoPass can add to guest photos, and the Flower and Garden Festival is no different! This year guests can enjoy special photos with Orange Bird and Spike the Bee, or grow their own fairy wings! If you would like to have some Magic Shots added to your photos, just ask your Disney PhotoPass photographers! You can also enjoy a visit from Tinker Bell, Iridessa, Rosalina, and more with the amazing new Disney PhotoPass lenses!

Spaceship Earth has lit up as a ”beacon of magic” since the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary celebration began last October. Now, the Epcot icon will be lighting up with a new sequence throughout the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival! This new sequence will be set to the song ”Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas. The song was chosen for its message of intrinsic value and respect for beauty and nature and living things. Walt Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley shared more about this new sequence on Instagram. “Since October and the launch of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration, Spaceship Earth has come alive as a “beacon of magic” each evening with new lighting, music and emotion that is unique to this park. As new festivals open, Imagineers have had fun creating new limited time sequences that tie to the spirit of each festival and the spirit of EPCOT in stunning and poetic moments never before possible on this grand icon.I am excited to announce that tonight we are premiering another of these new sequences to kick off the launch of EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival! Our Imagineering team set this stunning new sequence to the Academy-Award winning song “Colors of the Wind” from the 1995 Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Pocahontas”. The orchestral variation of this song was chosen for its message of intrinsic value and respect for beauty of nature and living things – with new visual flourishes that evoke the musical scene from the film with techniques entirely original for Spaceship Earth. Keep a look out for a few homages for fans who know the film and the song well. We also have – for the first time – Spaceship Earth will glimmer in vibrant greens, earth tones and pastels to celebrate the rejuvenation of spring. Thank you to our Imagineering team and partners across @waltdisneyworld who are helping make this most beautiful and vibrant season at EPCOT bloom.”

You gotta go to I-Drive! The world’s tallest Slingshot and Drop Tower are now open in Orlando’s ICON Park. We love all the attractions at ICON Park including The Wheel and the world's tallest Starflyer! Now the “Land of Giants” at ICON Park have added two more of the world’s largest attractions to its already impressive lineup... The tallest Slingshot and THE TALLEST Drop Tower!! The SlingShot Group has created the ‘Land of the Giants’,” said Ritchie Armstrong, the owner of the company. “We now have three world-record-setting attractions at ICON Park – The Orlando StarFlyer, SlingShot, and FreeFall. We’re excited to welcome guests from all over the world and give them the thrill of a lifetime!” The Orlando FreeFall at ICON Park stands at 430 feet, making it the world’s tallest free-standing drop tower. Thirty riders at a time can embrace the beautiful sites of ICON Park and I-Drive as the ride vehicle rotates around the gigantic tower and rises high into the skyline. Once the ride vehicle reaches the top, it’ll tilt forward 30 degrees and face the ground for a brief moment before free-falling nearly 400 feet at speeds reaching over 75 mph. The Orlando SlingShot at ICON Park stands at 300 feet, making it the world’s tallest slingshot. The two-tower attraction launches two riders out of an “exploding volcano” approximately 450 feet straight up into the sky, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph. Tickets for all three of The SlingShot Group’s attractions at ICON Park can be purchased onsite. The Orlando FreeFall and StarFlyer tickets are $12 each, while Orlando Slingshot is $30. Combo packages are available for the attractions ranging from $20 to $50. All prices include sales tax.

For food lovers who crave a little bit of everything Tuesday nights just got a whole lot better! International Drive's ICON Park is partnering with Original Orlando Tours to host its very own foodie walking tour every Tuesday night. Flavors of ICON Park Foodie Walking Tour will feature eight different restaurants and include a ride on The Wheel, the area’s ICONIC attraction! With dozens of unique food concepts, ICON Park has always been a mecca for foodies. Now you can take advantage of all the best eats in one night! ICON Park has partnered with Original Orlando Tours to launch the Flavors of ICON Park Foodie Walking Tour. Guests of the tour will make eight stops for food and beverage samples, and ride on The Wheel, ICON Park’s signature attraction that provides views of Orlando from 400 feet in the air. They’ll also receive a minimum 10 percent discount at the eateries when returning the night of the tour. At each stop, restaurateurs will share information about their concept and the samples offered. Between the stops, the tour guides will tell guests about the history of ICON Park. “ICON Park has always been dedicated to providing unique and memorable experiences for our guests. We’re proud to be the home of the first and only food hall in the Orlando Entertainment District,” said Chris Jaskiewicz, president and CEO of ICON Park. “The Flavors of ICON Park Foodie Walking Tour will add another exciting layer of entertainment for our guests.” As part of the tour, guests will visit eight concepts, including: Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips This fast-casual concept by award-winning chef and television star Gordon Ramsay serves the perfect English meal while transporting guests to a seaside fish and chips shop on the British coast. Along with fried favorites, the restaurant serves the best British deserts such as Gordon’s signature Sticky Toffee Pudding and Biscoff shakes. Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Inspired from Blake Shelton’s famous song “Ol’ Red,” this place is for music-lovers, food-lovers, drink-lovers and a helluva-lot-of-fun-lovers. Guests can enjoy 100-proof live music, scratch-made dishes and signature drinks… all inspired by the boss man himself. Sloppy Joe’s This fun-centered casual dining restaurant is the perfect place for families! With a wide array of great bites, delicious drinks for mom and dad, and classic Florida key lime pie for the kiddos, there’s something for everyone at Sloppy Joe’s. Guests can kick back and relax while enjoying nightly entertainment, including a live feed back to the original Key West location. Tin & Taco From Chorizo to mac and cheese, you could say Tin & Taco is a casual tacos destination with a creative spin on all its offerings. A unique and delicious experience to your taste buds is waiting for you as its team uses the best-quality ingredients with you in mind. Brick & Fire Pizza This concept is a locally-owned pizza and pasta parlor. Its dough is made by hand fresh every day using high quality cheeses, premium extra virgin olive oil and other higher-grade ingredients in all its dishes before firing each pie right on the brick oven. You will absolutely taste the difference! Sandwich Station and Chicken On Fire Nashville Hot Chicken served with the freshest ingredients including, fresh-never-frozen chicken breasts, no-frills menu consisting of fried chicken tenders, fries and a deli sandwich station sure to satisfy your cravings. Let’s Jess Bake Delight with every bite! Master Baker Jessica makes delicious handcrafted gourmet cupcakes, cookies, pastries and cakes. With a unique creative touch, the offerings range from custom cakes to catering possibilities on site. Grab a coffee and indulge in a sweet today! iCafe Dé Paris Experience a taste of the City of Lights in the Orlando Entertainment District! This modern-rustic coffee shop with a stylish patio is in the center of all the action at ICON Park. Enjoy its delicious crepes, desserts, specialty drinks and other light fare. What makes the Flavors of ICON Park Foodie Walking Tour so unique is the eateries’ ability to offer different selections each tour. The samples might change with the week’s specials or seasonal options, so you never know what surprises are in store which means you gotta keep going back to experience it all! See y'all there!!

Springtime is definitely here, as our all time favorite theme park festival, EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is now blooming at Walt Disney World. This event is the perfect celebration of nature, discovery, international flair … and of curse, lot's of Disney magic! The 2022 festival showcases a bounty of fun experiences, lush gardens, fragrant blossoms, seasonally inspired flavors and the exciting return of the Garden Rocks Concert Series. Many new offerings have sprouted up alongside returning festival favorites to offer a bloomin’ great time for the entire family to grow fresh memories together. Nearly 100 topiaries, breathtaking garden spaces, exciting exhibits and more are waiting to be explored through the park. Among the Disney Character topiaries is a new main entrance display featuring Goofy with a special birthday cake celebrating the Disney World 50th Anniversary. Near the Germany pavilion, Snow White and new topiaries featuring the Seven Dwarfs will have you whistling “heigh-ho, heigh-ho” all the way around World Showcase. Returning favorites include Lumiere and Cogsworth topiaries in the France pavilion; Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Tick Tock Croc between United Kingdom and Canada pavilions; the Troll in the Norway pavilion; and Pumbaa and Timon near Imagination! Also new this year, follow your nose to the Blossoms of Fragrance Presented by Scentsy. Surrounded by vibrant butterfly topiaries, six scent stations – floral, fruity, citrus, spice, woods and fresh – will help you form lasting memories with the help of unforgettable aromas. In the newly expanded France pavilion in World Showcase, you can explore the France Bouquet Garden to admire blooms perfect for a bouquet of cut flowers, beside a topiary of Chef Remy! And another can’t-miss experience, Bambi’s Butterfly House, lets you view a kaleidoscope of butterflies up close to learn about their life cycles and observe their extraordinary colors and beauty. For all live music lovers, the Garden Rocks Concert Series has returned this year! You won’t want to miss this guest-favorite – featuring internationally recognized artists performing on the America Gardens Theatre stage Friday through Monday and local bands rocking the house Tuesday through Thursday. Acts newly added to the already stellar lineup include “American Pie” singer Don McLean, contemporary Christian band MercyMe, genre-crossing WAR, Latin hitmakers Melina Leon and Claudia Leitte, and rock powerhouse Daughtry. Visit FreshEPCOT.com to make a Garden Rocks Dining Package reservation for Friday through Monday concerts. Whether it’s on the plate or in the glass, nearly 20 Outdoor Kitchens showcase the finest of spring’s bounty, offering a variety of tasty dishes, desserts and specialty sips. This year you’ll have the chance to savor more than 50 brand-new offerings. For example, EPCOT Farmers Feastpresents an abundance of flavor with a rotating seasonal menu that will change three times throughout the festival. Also bursting with intriguing new flavors and herbal-inspired delights will be The Citrus Blossom, La Isla Fresca, Magnolia Terrace, Cider House and Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina. If you like to shop, then you’ll be buzzing with delight to discover five new merchandise collections found at Festival Markets throughout EPCOT: Orange Bird Collection, Mickey Mouse Home Garden Collection, Spike The Bee Collection, Figment’s Garden Collection and the whimsical Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Collection. Merchandise can be found at festival retail locations across EPCOT, with additional pieces debuting throughout the festival. Other ways to explore include the Garden Graze, a food stroll highlighting five sweet and savory offerings in the Festival Passport; complete the graze to receive a special prize. And Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration is a scavenger hunt for kids of all ages; purchase a map and stickers at select merchandise locations and complete it to receive a special prize. New experiences introduced as part of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration offer even more ways to cultivate fresh memories. Enjoy Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and join Chef Remy on a daring and epic culinary journey as you zip, dash and scurry through Gusteau’s bustling Paris restaurant. And watch “Harmonious,” one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park. To experience the 2022 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, you will need both a valid park admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date. Happy spring! See y'all at Epcot!!