The post Face Your Fears With Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights! appeared first on .
]]>On select evenings from now through November 4th, Universal Orlando transforms into your worst nightmare. The streets fill with hordes of terrifying creatures, monsters and maniacs while you try to survive the night. Come face to face with some of horror’s scariest icons as you’re put right into some of the most pulse-pounding moments in horror history. This year, nine new bone-chilling and immersive haunted houses come alive to deliver a most sinister night of events. In addition, five creatively themed scare zones, two fearfully entertaining shows, and access to some of the most exhilarating rides make this an event you won’t want to miss.
Backstory: The visually intense psychological thriller is now the most terrifying haunted experience imaginable.
Our take: This beautifully detailed house will be sure to impress even the most horrified guests with the high tech effects to represent some of the most iconic scenes from the 1980 thriller. The twins, the tricycle, and yes, even the “here’s Johnny” scene all make it’s way in this house. Aesthetic aside, however, we’re giving this house a C for screams, opting for more lackluster, effortless scares than anything.
Backstory: The traps are set. All that’s missing is you. The Jigsaw killer has returned to torment you with his twisted take on poetic justice.
Our take: In an attempt to market the new Jigsaw film, out later this year, guests can enter the mind of the puppet master himself as you go back to see the top games from the franchise. Sticking extremely close to the films, this house runs more as a movie replay than a haunted house. In short: it’s gory, just not scary.
Backstory: Experience three horrifying stories in one disturbing house as a deranged cast of characters seek not only your life, but your soul.
Our take: The critically acclaimed television series comes back to Halloween Horror Nights for a second chapter, featuring select characters and scenes from the Asylum, Coven, and Roanoke seasons. In arguably one of the most detailed houses this year, American Horror Story: Volume II takes the cake in perfect storytelling. Don’t worry though, you’ll do more aweing than screaming. That is, as long as you don’t see Papa Legba…
Backstory: From the deranged filmmakers behind Insidious, Sinister and The Purge comes the Horrors of Blumhouse. They’ve all come back to haunt you.
Our take: One word — CREEPY. Though what are you to expect from Insidious demons and Bughuul himself. Admittedly, the house falls short from any kind of real storytelling, and instead focuses on your fear of these monsters. So while it’s scary, it only lasts a couple of minutes at most.
Backstory: The STARZ original series, Ash vs Evil Dead, expertly blurs the line between horror and comedy in this horrifically hilarious addition to Halloween Horror Nights.
Our take: Fans, rejoice! Everything you love about the show and movies is in the house. Ash is back and he’s making you wonder one thing: how gore and horror can be so comical? While there are in fact scares in the house, we have to wonder how many people will consider this scary? After all, Ash has a chainsaw for a hand.
Backstory: Enter a pestilent swamp that oozes evil, the hellish realm of the Voodoo Queen. If you fail to escape, you’re in for a gut-wrenching sacrifice.
Our take: Hands down the most creative design this year. Incredible theming, fantastic storytelling, and more importantly — great scares. One of our favorites of the night, this house was designed to transport you to a new world and scare you. But beware… while you should focus on making the Voodoo Queen doesn’t catch you, we recommend you also make sure you watch your feet and be careful where you stand!
Backstory: You’re about to be caught in the crossfire of the eternal war of light versus dark and no one will be saved.
Our take: Overall, an extremely well down house, but we just weren’t impressed with the storyline — or rather, lack of storyline is what was disappointing. The detail of the house and performers were great, but it’s unsure where the war between light and dark was. Though, maybe that’s because we had our eyes covered…
Backstory: At a long-abandoned Depression-era farm, vengeance takes root, and the only harvest that will be reaped is you.
Our take: We have a name change suggestion: “Total Darkness.” Or perhaps “Blind” seems more fitting. The house is crazy packed with things hanging from the ceiling. So much in fact, we had a hard time navigating throughout the course. And as far as scares go, we think Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Scarecrow in the Dark Knight Trilogy was far more menacing and terrifying. You’ll leave the house with one thing in mind: NEXT.
Backstory: The crumbling house on 19 Hemingway Lane harbors a nest of bloodthirsty vampires. If you awaken them, you will face a savage, bestial hunger.
Our take: The Hive wins the most disappointing house this year. We think Universal Creative got vampires and zombies mixed up. What can only be described as the creatures from the 2007 I Am Legend film, these “vampires” are more sad than they are scary. Thankfully, the house isn’t too long and you won’t waste much time. One visit is all you need, if that.
Backstory: The Purge has returned to Halloween Horror Nights and overrun New York. No one is safe. Be a part of a proud American tradition. United we purge.
Our take: The Purge as a haunted house? Yawn. The Purge as a scare zone? Yesss. The streets of New York puts you in survival mode as the citizens take on the annual purge. We can’t quite put our finger on it but there’s something about Uncle Sam and a giant teddy bear with knives in their hands chasing you to get the adrenaline going.
Backstory: Break the rules. Pay the price. That’s the murderous moral of the five twisted stories in Trick ‘r Treat, a darkly hilarious tribute to Halloween.
Our take: WOW! This scare zone will leave you breathless — the scares are great, but the aesthetic is so beautiful. Sam and his friends come to live to make sure you follow all the traditions of All Hallow’s Eve! Simply put: best scare zone this year.
Backstory: The dead are throwing a hell of a Hollywood party and you’re invited. Your spirit will fuel the frenzy of this ghoulish gathering.
Our take: It’s your standard scare zone: good theming, good performers, good scares.
Backstory: The year is 1955, and a UFO has crashed onto the wharf. Their goal: to conduct experiments upon you to prepare to invade Earth.
Our take: We think Universal Creative might have missed the memo. Aliens aren’t “in” this year, and if they were trying to scare us, the only thing truly frightening was the quality of the costumes. Put E.T. in it, and maybe then it’ll be scarier.
Backstory: Enter the nexus of evil, where all the most fearsome characters and nefarious creatures from each of the Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses lie in wait.
Our take: Serving more of a preview of the night as opposed to a proper scare zone, it was neat to see all the horror icons come together in one place. And because it’s the first scare zone guests typically walk through, it sets the mood for the rest of the night —
just don’t expect too many screams.
If you think the event may be too intense for you, have no fear. Halloween Horror Nights offers alternatives: select rides (e.g., Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Revenge of the Mummy, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and others) are operational throughout the evening. And don’t forget the live entertainment– Academy of Villains: Afterlife, a performance troupe brings all new mind-bending dance routines and special acts; Bill & Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure, the farewell tour where Bill and Ted have one last chance to make fun of the past year’s pop culture and entertain the masses. Get tickets here.
You won’t want to miss all this excitement this fall! Book now to save up to 20% off your next vacation. Check out our specials page for more information.
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]]>The post What to do in Orlando, FL for 4th of July! appeared first on .
]]>Summer is in the air — feel the Florida sunrays on your skin, smell the chlorine from long pool days (or the salt water from beach days), and taste the delicious flavors of a juicy, freshly grilled cheeseburger or hot dog. Fourth of July in Orlando is a great way to celebrate America’s Independence with family and friends!
What Orlando, FL activities can you do for the 4th of July? The answer is simple: lots.
With so many fun and exciting activities in the area, the question isn’t what’s there to do in Orlando for Fourth of July? It’s actually what should I do first?
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]]>During this fun and horrifying holiday weekend, Orlando will experience mild temperatures of highs in the low-to-mid 80s and lows in the mid-to-high 60s, with only a few clouds to add some spookiness to the otherwise pleasant atmosphere. While you’re enjoying the weather, you can check out these local events and celebrate Halloween the Orlando way!
Halloween at the Theme Parks
Having won awards for their terrifying displays, Universal Orlando continues the tradition of Halloween Horror Nights, where the park becomes flooded with hordes of monsters, mutants, and more. There are haunted houses, scare zones, and live shows to complement the extreme thrills of the rides here.
Meanwhile Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the ultimate trick-or-treating destination, with the entire World Magic Kingdom Park transforming into the best neighborhood ever! Guests can dress up in their Halloween costumes and go trick-or-treating, in addition to meeting Disney characters (who are also in their Halloween costumes, of course) and watching the Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade and the HallowWishes fireworks display.
SeaWorld and LEGOLAND also have wonderful Halloween celebrations to offer. SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular allows guests to trick-or-treat in the park and find hidden and spooky sea treasures throughout, while LEGOLAND Florida’s Brick or Treat has a fun scavenger hunt, trick-or-treating, costume contests, and the largest LEGO Jack-O-Lantern in the world.
The outdoor trails of scares, live music, and more known as A Petrified Forest immerses guests in the dark world of twisted fairytales, with its final day on Saturday, October 29th.
On Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th, there will also be dozens of nightclub dance parties and pub crawls, such as Eden Bar’s Halloween Party on Saturday, making it easy to leave off on planning and just roll with the moment when you head to downtown Orlando!
The Haunted Sanford Historical Ghost Walk brings the mysterious history of downtown Sanford to life on the 28th in a tour that’s fun for the whole family, while Make-A-Wish is hosting the family-friendly GUTS Pumpkin Carving Competition on the 29th where there will be ample activities, trick-or-treating, live music, a raffle, a silent auction, and live pumpkin carving in the Milk District.
Our vast selection of high-quality vacation homes will fit your every vacation need. Private, spacious, and immaculately maintained, our vacation rental homes are the epitome of luxury and comfort. We also pride ourselves on standing out from our competition by offering not only gorgeous homes for your use, but a dedication to customer service. Our friendly reservation specialists are more than happy to answer your questions regarding the homes we have available, how our vacation rental process works, general information on the Orlando area, or anything else that might come to mind.
Contact Tropical Escape Vacation Homes today to reserve your very own private oasis in the beauty and excitement of Orlando!
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]]>This is a special time of the year for the food enthusiasts out there. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it is time to gather for timeless celebrations of food! On September 17th, 2016, a fleet of the area’s most popular food trucks will flood into The Orlando Festival Park. You will be able to find delicious dishes in every style from American cuisine to German and seafood. Apart from all of the delicious food, you can also find craft beers, specialty drinks, and even unlimited mimosas, wine, and sangria from 11 am to 2 pm for only $20! Throughout the day, you can also enjoy live music, karaoke, a kids’ zone, and much more. Perhaps the best part of this event is that it is free to enter for everyone!
While Halloween is still a month away, it is never too early to take advantage of the season with some spooky fun at the famous Busch Gardens. You can enjoy the fun of the Howl-O-Scream events, beginning Thursday, September 29th from 7:30 pm to 1:00 am. Throughout this time, you can take advantage of haunted houses, shows, and of course, rides. These rides include the all new Cobra’s Curse, Falcon’s Fury, and Cheetah Hunt.
The Step in the Name of Love 3K and/or 5K is a great way to get out and enjoy the beautiful September weather that comes to Orlando over every year. On September 17th, 2016 at 7 am, Barnett Park will be taken over with this loving event in support of the Multi-Cultural Addictions Network. This is a special event because you will be helping those in need, all while you enjoy a lovely day of light exercise, food, and entertainment. There are numerous there walks and runs supporting different causes and celebrating different things. This makes September a great time for the lovers of fitness and leisure alike!
If you are looking for fun filled events this September, then you cannot go wrong with a visit to Orlando, Florida!
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]]>Next week at 5:00pm daily, NBC Sports Grill & Brew will be holding live broadcasts of the 2016 Olympics in Rio on a huge one-hundred foot HD outdoor stadium screen at Universal CityWalk. Enjoy a selection of classic American food from the restaurant’s menu while you watch the Olympics unfold before your eyes, with stilt-walkers performing during the Opening Ceremony.
SeaWorld just got a new rollercoaster, and its name is Mako! The tallest, longest, and fastest roller coaster in Orlando, Mako stands two hundred feet high and travels seventy-three miles per hour on a track that is nearly one mile in length. The coaster is inspired by the shark species named Mako—one of the fastest sharks in the ocean. As an added bonus to this coaster, this is the last day for special events like the Shark Touch Pool, the Mako Challenge scavenger hunt, and limited-time in-park specials.
These legendary reggaeton kings face off against one another at the Amway Center, continuing the battle that began in Puerto Rico during December 2015 and made music history in Las Vegas as the MGM Grand’s first reggae concert. Tickets are available online.
Here, we listed two options as one, since they both take place on the same day, with overlapping times.
Tapa Toro’s event allows foodies to get up close and personal with the restaurant’s top chefs, indulging in a decadent five-course menu and tasting the finest imported Spanish wine at $49 per person before tax and tips.
If that price is a little more than what you’re looking for, you can always take advantage of Artegon Marketplace’s Beer and Wine Stroll, during which you can sample Florida’s best craft brews and wines for free and discounted prices on food.
Musical phenomenon Motion City Soundtrack will be performing their last tour ever, stopping at the House of Blues in Orlando. With a career spanning almost twenty years, this pop punk band has brought joy to music listeners all over the U.S. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to see them in concert while you still can! Tickets can be purchased online.
We pride ourselves on providing quality vacation homes for all of your needs. We also make customer service a priority, which helps us stand out from our local competition. Contact the reservation specialists at Tropical Escape Vacation Homes today to learn more about booking your very own home away from home in Orlando!
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]]>The post A Vibrant City with an Eclectic Music Scene appeared first on .
]]>The Best Venues for Local Talent
While many people have heard of the Hard Rock Café and the House of Blues, there are several hidden gems in Orlando where music lovers can go to escape the crowds and bask in a more private, unique setting.
Will’s Pub
This low-key bar and listening room has been a staple in the Orlando music scene for over fifteen years. Garnering a reputation for supporting local and regional up-and-coming artists of multiple genres (even after they make it big), Will’s Pub has a loyal crowd of music aficionados that come to see Orlando’s best and brightest. Here, an extensive selection of draft microbrews flows freely while listeners play pool and enjoy featured indie rock ‘n’ roll acts, open-mic and hip-hop nights, and expressive poetry slams. When you come to Will’s Pub, you’ll discover something new—and if you’re into the indie music scene, you might even see an old favorite, such as Iron & Wine or The Mountain Goats! Will’s Pub is open daily from 4:00pm until 2:00am, with show tickets available for purchase online.
Tanqueray’s
Descend the stairs into the smoky, underground atmosphere at Tanqueray’s and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a big city film-noir dive bar. The setting is intimate, unpretentious, and no-frills, with free shows usually starting around 10:30pm. Tanqueray’s is known for its undying love for local musical talent, leading to the metropolitan joint’s devoted following. Jazz, funk, and blues are the genres on which Tanqueray’s has built its reputation; the friendly staff, inexpensive drinks, and free music seal the deal. Tanqueray’s is open from 4:00pm until 2:00am daily, and parking is available at the nearby parking garage.
The Social
Nestled in downtown Orlando, The Social is a haven for local artists. Consistently ranked among the top live-music venues by locals and critics alike, the venue features a laid-back atmosphere with great service and an eclectic crowd of listeners. The Social also has genre-driven nights, covering blues, folk, rock, metal, reggae, and more. When you visit, you have the chance to see nationally- and internationally-touring acts—up-close and personal. You’d be remiss to skip out on this pillar of the Orlando music community!
Show tickets are available for purchase online, as well as at the box office on performance days. The Social is open from 8:00pm until 2:00am on Monday and Tuesday, from 3:00pm until 2:00am on Wednesday through Friday, from 1:00pm until 2:00am on Saturday, and from 7:00pm until 2:00am on Sunday.
Want to Find Out More About Orlando?
Contact the specialists at Tropical Escape Vacation Homes to learn about all that Orlando has to offer—from music to amusement parks and beyond!
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]]>Located in Altamonte Springs at Crane’s Roost Park, Red Hot & Boom is an impressive fireworks event held annually that typically draws in more than 100,000 people. It takes place on July 3rd and features a lineup of musicians who perform at the amphitheater prior to the fireworks show at 9:30PM. This year’s bands and artists include R. City, Ben Rector, Ruth B, and Daya.
Of course, for those who wish to spend their holiday inside the Disney World theme parks, The Magic Kingdom is always a top choice. It offers dazzling fireworks shows on both July 3rd and 4th starting at 9PM. The display goes off above Cinderella’s castle while accompanied by carefully selected songs.
Downtown Orlando is another popular spot to gather and celebrate the Fourth in remarkable fashion. Known as the Fireworks at the Fountain, this show lights up the night sky over Lake Eola preceded by a patriotic fountain light show in Lake Eola Park beginning at 9:10PM. Live music starts the evening off at the park’s Walt Disney Amphitheater at 5PM. Large are expected every year, so it’s recommended to get there early and secure a spot with blankets or chairs.
The Epcot theme park also offers a sensational fireworks show at 10PM on the 4th of July. The annual display is referred to as IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, which can be viewed from anywhere in the park that has a clear view of the World Showcase Lagoon. Once the fireworks have fizzled out, an additional four minutes of pyrotechnics are presented with historic phrases ringing out into the night at the same time.
No matter where you decide to commemorate the 4th of July while in Orlando, you’re sure to have a one-of-a-kind experience. Let Tropical Escape Vacation Homes make sure you have the ultimate holiday getaway by helping you reserve a private luxury vacation rental.
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]]>Music lovers and fans of all that’s cabaret will want to make sure to experience this fun festival held at Mad Cow Theatre in downtown Orlando. Their fabulous Mother’s Day Cabaret Brunch is back and better than ever. Mom can enjoy a three-course meal and then head over to the special Mother’s Day performance of Side by Side: A Steve & Eydie Tribute.
For more musical fun and excitement with just a little bit of travel involved (Mount Dora is about 40 minutes away from Orlando proper) come enjoy the Blues-N-Groove Weekend, an outdoor music festival featuring top blues musicians at Elizabeth Evans Park. This year’s special guest is the unbelievably talented David Julia; he’s only 14 years old and is already becoming an acclaimed singer and songwriter!
You’ve heard of ComicCon, perhaps even heard of PopCon, but have you heard about MegaCon in Orlando? This 4-day extravaganza features the best of nerddom favorite cult films, anime, comics, and video games and promises to be even better than previous years! This year’s featured guests are Stan Lee, William Shatner, and John Cusack; your teenager will never forgive you if you try to skip this mega event in Orlando!
You’re on vacation, and you have to eat, so if you’re planning your Orlando trip over the Memorial Day weekend, this barbecue blowout is the place to visit! Admission is free and there will be live music and a kid-que competition as well! This barbecue competition has been considered the Super Bowl of Barbecue; the meat will be smoking in Oviedo at the Oviedo Mall, just 18 miles outside of Orlando. Our mouths are already watering and we still have a few weeks to wait!
Finally, we can’t forget to mention the Orlando Carnival Downtown. For over 20 years this Mardi Gras-like celebration has signified the “official” start to summer with a parade, costumes, and Caribbean-style food and music. The Miss Orlando Carnival Cultural Pageant offers beautiful women a chance to shine and the Kiddies’ Carnival activities ensure no one is left out of the party!
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]]>The post Beer Events in Orlando appeared first on .
]]>The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is hosting the “Brews Around the Zoo 2016” for its 9th year in a row. Presented by Wayne Densch Inc., guests can spend the evening strolling through the zoo while also sampling many of the specialty craft beers fresh from the tap. Select wines are also available, as are plenty of tasty food options, live music, and of course, the animals.
Celebrating its 4th year, the award-winning Downtown Brew is coming once again to Orlando with its much anticipated best Craft Beer Festival. Enjoy unlimited samples of over 40 different kinds of craft beers. Your admission ticket includes samplings, live music, access to food vendors, and fun.
From 6-10 pm, join hundreds of others at the TPepin’s Hospitality Centre for the ultimate annual craft beer festival for its 6th year. There will be plenty of live entertainment, a variety of hand-rolled cigars, over 100 craft beers and ciders to choose from, lots of food trucks, and more. All attendees must be at least 21 years of age.
Celebrating American Craft Beer brewed both locally and nationally, this party is unlike the rest. Hosted in Central Park in the Avenue Shopping Center, complete with live music and over 100 different brews to sample from, the fun is for those 21 years of age and over.
The World Beer UCF will be celebrating its very first annual Home Brew Festival and highlighting some of the very best local home brewers in all of Central Florida. One winner will be chosen among the many hobbyist brewers and be given the chance to brew with Red Cypress Brewing. About 15-20 local home brewers will be represented, and attendees can sample their brews while learning more about the brewing process and the ingredients used. Votes will be cast among the top 3 contestants.
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]]>Some people will say that winter is their favorite time of year, others might say fall or summer, but we have always felt that spring is the most magical time of year in Orlando.
The scent of newly blooming flowers float through the soft summer air, the sun is bright and cheerful, but not too hot, and the gentle spring rainfall cleans and refreshes the entire town, leaving it looking shiny and new. The weather is perfect this time of year, making everyone want to spend as much time as possible outdoors and away from the cares and troubles of real life! Fortunately for all of us, Orlando has plenty of activities and events to keep us all happy and entertained during this most magical time of year! Here’s a sampling of some of Orlando’s best activities.
On all these and so many more spring oriented activities in our beautiful Central Florida city. Spring has sprung and good times await; all you need to do is go to www.tropicalescapesvacationhomes.com and book your Orlando vacation rental today for your sensational Orlando spring vacation tomorrow!
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