What kind of view will the Orlando Eye deliver when it's built?
The giant observation wheel planned for International Drive is supposed to rival the world-famous London Eye. But will the view from an Orlando Eye rival the well-known panorama provided by its English counterpart?
Turns out you can see almost everything in Central Florida from 425 feet up in the air above I-Drive — from a tiny version of Spaceship Earth in Epcot to the downtown skyline to the OUC power plant partway to the Space Coast.
But you can't see any of it particularly well.
The iconic images that visitors associate with Orlando — Walt Disney World's Cinderella Castle, for example, or Universal's roller coasters — are mere points on a flat horizon when viewed from high above the site chosen for the Orlando Eye, a vacant lot that once held the Mercado shopping-and-dining complex.
An Orlando Sentinel reporter and photographer took a helicopter flight recently to gauge the view from above the Mercado property on a blue-sky day.
The trip revealed pleasant views of nearby lakes and a surprising amount of greenery. From the sky, the highways and main roads clogged with tourists day and night look a bit more picturesque. And there's a postcard-perfect view of the Orange County Convention Center's newer, North-South Building — the more striking north end that most tourists miss from International Drive.
But there are also lots of big, flat, dull rooftops and parking lots, such as the sprawling Lockheed Martin Corp. complex that predates the arrival of Disney and the development of a tourist corridor.
The Orlando Eye is part of a proposed retail-and-entertainment development, to be called "I-Walk Orlando," that is supposed to rise from the Mercado's ashes about a mile north of the convention center.
It's not the first giant wheel proposed for the I-Drive area.
In 2008, a company called Great Wheel Corp. announced plans for a similar attraction just south of the county-run center, near the intersection of Interstate 4 and the BeachLine Expressway. But that project never got off the ground.
This time, the planned wheel has a powerful partner: the world's second-largest attractions operator, Merlin Entertainments Group. Merlin already operates the London Eye, which, perched on the banks of the River Thames in the heart of England's famed capital city, provides those who ride its giant cars a bird's eye view of such landmarks as Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster.
"They're the rising star in our industry right now," said John Gerner, managing director of Leisure Business Advisors, an attractions-consulting company in Richmond, Va. "That's a plus in the situation."
When it comes to observation platforms, location is key, Gerner said. Generally speaking, he said, a successful attraction offers views of a natural wonder such as Niagara Falls, which can be viewed from several different towers, or a human achievement such as New York City, best viewed from the Empire State Building in midtown Manhattan. Some attractions offer visitors both, such Seattle's Space Needle, which has sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Mount Rainier as well as the city's striking downtown and waterfront.
Those climbing aboard an observation wheel in Orlando, Gerner said, are "going to be looking for the manmade attractions that they're familiar with, starting with Disney and Universal."
"In addition to that, you have some nice scenic beauty," he said.
But seeing Orlando's key attractions from 425 feet above the heart of International Drive is a bit deflating, at least without the use of binoculars. The Epcot dome is recognizable but unimpressive at such a distance, and with just a slight haze on the horizon, the Magic Kingdom's castle is all but indistinguishable.
Merlin said it is in the early stages of planning the attraction and still has "a lot of work to do" on the final experience, including mapping the view. But the company said it expects the I-Walk location to be a great one for an Orlando Eye.
"At 425 feet high, it will be almost as high as the London Eye and will give magnificent views of the area surrounding Orlando — we will be detailing this nearer the time of opening," Sally Ann Wilkinson, a Merlin spokeswoman, said via e-mail. "As well as the view itself, the attraction will, for example, almost certainly include interactive capsules that will bring the viewing experience alive through film/facts and images for the millions of guests we expect to welcome each year."
In addition to Disney and Universal, famous landmarks will include Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, one of the largest buildings in the world, said Chuck Whittall, president of Unicorp National Developments, one of three companies involved in the observation-wheel venture.
Gerner said that judging such views, and balancing them against the price of admission, is a subjective experience.
"It's in the eye of the beholder as far as the 'wow' factor," he said after looking at aerial photographs taken by the Sentinel during its helicopter flight. "At least you can see Disney in some way, and that's a definite plus."
Article compliments of the Orlando Sentinel.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Universal Orlando ~ Up for Sale?
ORLANDO, Fla. -- One of Central Florida's biggest attractions may be sold.
The Blackstone Group, which owns 50 percent of the park, is offering up its stake. Blackstone first offered its share to NBC Universal, which owns the other half of the park.
If NBC Universal does not accept the offer, Blackstone could market the theme park to other companies. NBC Universal has until mid-June to decide whether or not to buy out Blackstone.
If the parks were to come under ownership other than by NBC Universal, it could bring some of the theme parks' licensing agreements into question.
Financial documents reveal that Universal Orlando has taken steps to ensure that licensing for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter would continue even if the park is no longer owned in part by NBC. However, if a new owner were not to follow specific rules, the license could be terminated by Warner Bros., which owns the Harry Potter franchise.
Universal Orlando also said this week that park attendance skyrocketed again in the final quarter of last year, increasing by 46 percent. Year-to-year, the parks said attendance was up more than 50 percent.
Robert Niles, editor of Theme Park Insider, said Universal Orlando is as valuable as its ever been.
"Blackstone kind of has Universal in a barrel here," Niles said. "Harry Potter's really boosted the attendance and the profit and the visibility of the Orlando resort."
Niles said it isn't likely that NBC Universal would let Blackstone start shopping with park to third parties.
"Universal Orlando has become too valuable to NBC Universal to have any risk of losing control of the property. They've really to to step up to the plate here and find way to accommodate Blackstone."
Niles said it is likely that NBC Universal will either try to buy out Blackstone completely, or provide them with a better incentive to stay.
"This is an opportunity for Universal to claim complete control of the resort…something they've not had up until this point," Niles said.
With the increased attendance from 2010 also came a big raise for the CEO of Universal City Development Partners, the name for the corporation that operates the parks.
In 2009, John Sprouls made $282,000, SEC documents show. But in 2010, Sprouls received $1,258,355. The increase was largely to more than $1 million in incentive pay, based on the parks' long-term growth plan.
Article Compliments of WESH.com
The Blackstone Group, which owns 50 percent of the park, is offering up its stake. Blackstone first offered its share to NBC Universal, which owns the other half of the park.
If NBC Universal does not accept the offer, Blackstone could market the theme park to other companies. NBC Universal has until mid-June to decide whether or not to buy out Blackstone.
If the parks were to come under ownership other than by NBC Universal, it could bring some of the theme parks' licensing agreements into question.
Financial documents reveal that Universal Orlando has taken steps to ensure that licensing for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter would continue even if the park is no longer owned in part by NBC. However, if a new owner were not to follow specific rules, the license could be terminated by Warner Bros., which owns the Harry Potter franchise.
Universal Orlando also said this week that park attendance skyrocketed again in the final quarter of last year, increasing by 46 percent. Year-to-year, the parks said attendance was up more than 50 percent.
Robert Niles, editor of Theme Park Insider, said Universal Orlando is as valuable as its ever been.
"Blackstone kind of has Universal in a barrel here," Niles said. "Harry Potter's really boosted the attendance and the profit and the visibility of the Orlando resort."
Niles said it isn't likely that NBC Universal would let Blackstone start shopping with park to third parties.
"Universal Orlando has become too valuable to NBC Universal to have any risk of losing control of the property. They've really to to step up to the plate here and find way to accommodate Blackstone."
Niles said it is likely that NBC Universal will either try to buy out Blackstone completely, or provide them with a better incentive to stay.
"This is an opportunity for Universal to claim complete control of the resort…something they've not had up until this point," Niles said.
With the increased attendance from 2010 also came a big raise for the CEO of Universal City Development Partners, the name for the corporation that operates the parks.
In 2009, John Sprouls made $282,000, SEC documents show. But in 2010, Sprouls received $1,258,355. The increase was largely to more than $1 million in incentive pay, based on the parks' long-term growth plan.
Article Compliments of WESH.com
Monday, February 28, 2011
Flower Power Concert Series 2011
A night out on the town takes a rockin' turn during Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. On Fridays, Saturday, and Sundays during this event, finish off a day of fun enjoying the Flower Power Concert Series. Join us in the American Gardens Theater where you can listen to some of your favorite bands from the 1960's and 1970's. Best of all, these performances are included with Epcot theme park admission!
March 4-6 ~ Jose Feliciano ~ Light My Fire
March 11 - 13 ~ The Guess Who ~ "American Woman"
March 18 - 20 ~ Chubby Checker and the Wildcats ~ "The Twist"
March 25 - 27 ~ Melissa Manchester ~ "Don't Cry Out Loud"
April 1-3 ~ Starship starring Mickey Thomas ~ "We Built This City"
April 8-10 ~ Marilyn McCoo & Billy davis Jr. ~ "You Don't Have to be a Star"
April 15 - 17 ~ Juice Newton ~ "Queen of Hearts"
April 22 - 24 ~ Ricky Nelson Remember ~ "Poor Little Fool"
April 29th - May 1 ~ Paul Revere & The Raiders ~ "Good Thing"
May 6 - 8 ~ Davy Jones ~ "I'm a Believer"
May 13 - 15 ~ Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone ~ "I'm Henry VIII, I Am"
2011 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
See some of your Disney Character favorites now as topiaries, including Disney·Pixar's Buzz, Woody and Lotso from Toy Story 3. Plus, don't miss Lightning McQueen and Mater from Cars 2.
Let the nation's top designers help you plan everything to enhance your home's curb appeal. With opinions from HGTV stars like Vern Yip and Genevieve Gorder-plus Epcot's own gardening experts-you'll have new ideas blooming around your home in no time!
And don't miss music from the '60s and '70s during the Flower Power Concert Series. It's where you'll find a different artist (like Melissa Manchester, Davy Jones and Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone) every weekend during the Festival at America Gardens Theatre.
Epcot theme park admission is required. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival events are included with admission to Epcot theme park. Availability is limited for some events. Events may be cancelled at any time.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Atlanta Braves Spring Training 2011
Individual Tickets
Ticket Prices:
Lower Level Reserved - $30-$42
Upper Level Reserved - $24-$34
Bleacher Reserved - $24-$34
General Admission Lawn - $10-$20
Tickets are an additional $3 each when purchased the day of the game.
Visit ticketmaster.com or ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Box Office to purchase individual game tickets.
Schedule Subject to Change
Sunday, February 27 - New York Mets 1:05 p.m.
Monday, February 28- Houston Astros 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 3 - Detroit Tigers 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 4 - Toronto Blue Jays 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 5 - New York Mets 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 8 - New York Yankees 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 9 - St. Louis Cardinals 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 10 - St. Louis Cardinals 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 12 - New York Mets 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 13 - Houston Astros 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 16 - Boston Red Sox 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 17 - Washington Nationals 6:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 19 - New York Mets 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 20 - Houston Astros 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 23 - Florida Marlins 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 25 - Detroit Tigers 6:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 27 - Philadelphia Phillies 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 28 - Washington Nationals 6:05 p.m.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The National 9/11 Flag Stitching
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| Date: Friday, February 18, 2011 Stitching: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Flag Raising: 4:00 p.m. |
Destroyed in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001 and stitched back together seven years later by tornado survivors in Greensburg, Kansas, The National 9/11 Flag is a living testament to the resilience and compassion of the American people. It is the modern day version of The Star Spangled Banner. The New York Says Thank You Foundation is currently taking The National 9/11 Flag on a journey across America where local service heroes in all 50 states will be given the historic privilege of stitching the flag back to its original 13-stripe format using pieces of fabric from American flags destined for retirement in each state.
Once the flag is restored and made whole again by the 10th Year Anniversary of 9/11, The National 9/11 Flag will become a part of the permanent collection of the National September 11 Memorial Museum being built at the World Trade Cente
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Universal Orlando Announces Mardi Gras Concert Line-up!
It is the biggest, best, party in the country – and Universal Orlando Resort brings it straight from New Orleans to you this February 12 through April 23.
Nationally renowned musical acts combine with an authentic Mardi Gras parade, dozens of colorfully costumed performers, authentic Cajun cooking, and hand-picked New Orleans bands to capture the look, feel and fun of New Orleans – all inside Universal Studios Florida.
Universal Orlando has been creating its special Mardi Gras celebration for more than 15 years – bringing the perfect combination of the Big Easy and spectacular theme park entertainment to its guests all for the price of regular admission.
“If you can’t be in New Orleans or if you can’t get enough of Mardi Gras, then Universal Orlando is the place to be,” said Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment for Universal Orlando Resort. “We bring all of what makes Mardi Gras great together with national-level musical artists to create a family-friendly celebration that fills the entire theme park.”
This year’s special Mardi Gras concert line-up features some of the biggest names in Rock, Country, Pop and R&B. Together, the headliners have had more than 100 songs on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart and more than 20 Grammy nominations. Performers include Pitbull, also known as “Mr. 305,” who will perform songs from his hit album, “Rebelution,” Neon Trees, who will perform their hit “Animal,” One Republic and country-super-star Blake Shelton. Also performing will be Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Beach Boys and Ne-Yo. For a complete list of this year’s performers and dates, see below.
Along with top-name talent comes the world-famous parade - straight from the streets of New Orleans. One-dozen elaborate, hand-crafted floats designed and built by Blaine Kern Artists – the same company that creates floats for New Orleans Mardi Gras – will make their way through the streets of Universal Studios along with dozens of colorfully costumed performers and hundreds of float riders – all of whom throw beads to eager guests. The parade, with its Fire, Air, Water, Earth theme, also features music and a nightly King and Queen of Mardi Gras.
Nearby, in the Universal Studios “French Quarter Courtyard,” the celebration continues. This area will feature New Orleans-inspired food creations by Universal’s chefs – including jambalaya, Po Boy sandwiches and more. And nearly one-dozen hand-picked, authentic New Orleans bands will perform the best of The Big Easy’s Blues, Jazz and Zydeco.
To Pucrchase tickets to Universal Orlando theme park tickets, please click here!
*Mardi Gras is included as part of regular admission to Universal Studios.
Nationally renowned musical acts combine with an authentic Mardi Gras parade, dozens of colorfully costumed performers, authentic Cajun cooking, and hand-picked New Orleans bands to capture the look, feel and fun of New Orleans – all inside Universal Studios Florida.
Universal Orlando has been creating its special Mardi Gras celebration for more than 15 years – bringing the perfect combination of the Big Easy and spectacular theme park entertainment to its guests all for the price of regular admission.
“If you can’t be in New Orleans or if you can’t get enough of Mardi Gras, then Universal Orlando is the place to be,” said Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment for Universal Orlando Resort. “We bring all of what makes Mardi Gras great together with national-level musical artists to create a family-friendly celebration that fills the entire theme park.”
This year’s special Mardi Gras concert line-up features some of the biggest names in Rock, Country, Pop and R&B. Together, the headliners have had more than 100 songs on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart and more than 20 Grammy nominations. Performers include Pitbull, also known as “Mr. 305,” who will perform songs from his hit album, “Rebelution,” Neon Trees, who will perform their hit “Animal,” One Republic and country-super-star Blake Shelton. Also performing will be Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Beach Boys and Ne-Yo. For a complete list of this year’s performers and dates, see below.
Along with top-name talent comes the world-famous parade - straight from the streets of New Orleans. One-dozen elaborate, hand-crafted floats designed and built by Blaine Kern Artists – the same company that creates floats for New Orleans Mardi Gras – will make their way through the streets of Universal Studios along with dozens of colorfully costumed performers and hundreds of float riders – all of whom throw beads to eager guests. The parade, with its Fire, Air, Water, Earth theme, also features music and a nightly King and Queen of Mardi Gras.
Nearby, in the Universal Studios “French Quarter Courtyard,” the celebration continues. This area will feature New Orleans-inspired food creations by Universal’s chefs – including jambalaya, Po Boy sandwiches and more. And nearly one-dozen hand-picked, authentic New Orleans bands will perform the best of The Big Easy’s Blues, Jazz and Zydeco.
To Pucrchase tickets to Universal Orlando theme park tickets, please click here!
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS’ MARDI GRAS CONCERT SERIES
2011 MARDI GRAS TALENT LINE-UP
Headliners (performing in the Music Plaza)
Saturday, February 12 Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
Saturday, February 19 The B-52s
Sunday, February 20 KC & The Sunshine Band
Saturday, February 26 Pitbull
Saturday, March 5 Lynyrd Skynyrd
Saturday, March 12 Foreigner
Friday, March 18 Neon Trees
Saturday, March 19 Thirty Seconds To Mars
Friday, March 25 OneRepublic
Saturday, March 26 Blake Shelton
Friday, April 1 Sean Kingston
Saturday, April 2 Ne-Yo
Saturday, April 9 Lifehouse
Saturday, April 16 The Beach Boys
Saturday, April 23 To Be Announced
*Mardi Gras is included as part of regular admission to Universal Studios.
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