Imax Theater coming to Altamonte Mall in Orlando

The Orlando entertainment experience just got bigger. An Imax digital-projection screen will be installed in the AMC Altamonte Mall theater in Altamonte Springs as part of an agreement announced this morning between Imax Corp. and AMC Entertainment Inc. that will bring such big screens to 100 U.S. theaters.

The Imax screen at the Altamonte Mall will be installed sometime after next July, the companies said in a news release. It will join local Imax theaters already in place at the Regal Pointe Orlando Stadium on International Drive, Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex in Brevard County, and the Pepsi Imax Theatre in Daytona Beach.

Company officials said the new Imax theaters will use a digital-projection system that will nearly eliminate the need for film prints. Current IMAX theaters, such as those in Central Florida, use film projection systems.

Information courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

Attractions in Orlando offer year-long Fun

There are more attractions than you can count in Orlando, Florida. Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando Resort and Sea World are popular favorites but there are other great attractions that are must-sees. You can check out the best-of-the-best of Orlando's other attractions right here.

Busch Gardens It may be an hour or so away, but it's well worth it. Busch Gardens is one of the best spots for roller coaster enthusiasts in all of Florida and beyond. Sporting some of the biggest, fastest coasters around, Busch Gardens is a high-impact place for a day trip. Among the choices: Shiekra, the largest, fastest coaster in the Southeast U.S., Kumba, a 110 feet plunge into a diving loop making for a "roar" of a ride and Montu, an egyptian themed coaster with an inverse diving loop and a 60-foot vertical loop.

Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba Located at Downtown Disney, Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba performs just about every day for audiences from around the world. Cirque du Soleil's reputation is known worldwide, and this show certainly doesn't disappoint. A breathtaking combination of dance, music, gymnastics and art, La Nouba is a show you've got to see to believe.

Cypress Gardens Florida's first theme park was Cypress Gardens. Originally founded in 1936 and reopened in 2004, the park combines classic rides and attractions with a family-friendly atmosphere. Cypress Gardens also puts on a number of concerts every year featuring famous stars of yesteryear and some of today's best country music performers.

Daytona International Speedway Taking a day trip to Daytona Beach might be something you want to do on your Orlando visit. But in addition to the beaches in Daytona, there's a little place called the Daytona International Speedway. The Speedway, the historic home of stock car racing, offers daily tours. Also, you can visit Daytona USA, an interactive attraction with a NASCAR theme.

Gatorland The famous entrance to Gatorland is deeply entrenched in the minds of Central Floridians. As you walk into the alligator's mouth, you'll enter an amazing world where you can learn all about one of Florida's most amazing animals, the alligator. See alligator feedings or get up-close and personal at a number of exhibits that let you get closer than you might like to Florida's famous gators.

The Holy Land Experience Enter into a biblical world of wonder at the Holy Land Experience. See films and presentations that present the history of the biblical world and marvel at the painstakingly recreated architecture that gives Holy Land its signature look. You can also visit the Scriptorium, an vast archive of biblical books and materials.

Kennedy Space Center The home of America's space program, Kennedy Space Center is a truly amazing place to visit. From exhibits showcasing America's space-travel history to a bus ride past the launch pads that NASA uses today, you can see some very special things at the Space Center. You can also stock up on astronaut ice-cream, a souvenir favorite.

Orlando Science Center One of the largest space observatories in the state sits atop the Orlando Science Center. When there's something special in the night sky, this is the place to go to see it. Inside, you can check out a number of amazing exhibits that will enlighten and entertain. Learn about electricity, physics and biology, all in one awesome place.

Pleasure Island For adults only, Pleasure Island is a great spot for nightlife. Located adjacent to Downtown Disney, the island features a number of diverse nightclubs and elegant eateries to fill your night with excitement. You can also catch live music. On New Year's Eve, this is the place to be.

Ripley's Believe it or Not Weird wonders abound at Ripley's Believe it or Not. Ripley made his life's work the collection of the strangest, most obscure artifacts he could find, and now many are on display, including shrunken heads and Rolls Royce made completely out of match sticks. Believe it or not!

Information courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

Getaway for Labor Day in Orlando, FL

A getaway to Orlando, FL is a great way to celebrate the Labor Day Holiday. Orlando offers a great combination of exciting shows, attractions and unique adventures. There are also fantastic places to stay in Orlando, including luxury and family friendly resorts. The warm weather in Orlando creates several more options for visitors, including golf, zoos, parks and gardens

Attractions in Orlando range from the bigger than life attractions, such as Disney World Theme Park, to unique attractions, like Gatorland. There are numerous things to do in Orlando, and many of them have to do with embracing the kid we all have inside of us. At Disney World, visitors can visit four distinctly different theme parks, including the Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios. During the Labor Day Holiday, Disney will be celebrating with a Pirate and Princess Party as well as with theTom Joyner Family Reunion Special. Another great attraction is Cypress Gardens. This nostalgic theme park embraces the beauty of yesteryear along with the thrill rides of today. Their park will have Gretchen Wilson as a guest performer Sunday, September 2nd. Universal Orlando Resort is a great place for families. Universal Studios, Universal’s Island of Adventure and Universal CityWalk offer a myriad of activities for those of all ages.

There are several ways to see scenic Orlando. Take advantage of a Black Hammock Airboat Adventure, a cruise on the Rivership Romance, an airlifting experience on Thunderhawk Hot Air Balloon Adventures, or a stroll through Silver Springs Nature Park. All of these attractions provide a unique way to experience Orlando at its finest. Other unique things to do in Orlando include the Magical Midway, WonderWorks, Wet ‘n Wild Orlando and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Orlando Shows are exciting too, with several dinner shows and theatrical performances available to choose from. Some of the favorite shows include Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show, Don Giovanni by Mozart and Pirates Dinner Adventure. The always popular Dixie Stampede Dinner Show is performed daily in Orlando as well.

During your Labor Day Getaway, you’ll want a nice place to stay in Orlando. Luckily, the lodging options in Orlando include everything from motels to luxury resorts, with bargain rates available. A few of the choice lodging options include Floridays Resort, Regal Palms Resort, Radisson Resort Orlando, Best Western Lake Buena Vista, Blue Tree Resort, Clarion Hotel Maingate and Meridian Palms Hotel. Orlando Vacation Homes are also a popular option. Advantage Vacation Homes, Sunsplash Vacation Homes, The Florida Store Vacation Rentals and #1 Dream Homes allow guests to have a home away from home while they enjoy all Orlando has to offer.

A quick trip to Orlando, Florida can revive any weary worker. This Labor Day Holiday, treat yourself to the Orlando Experience. You’ll be glad you did!

Summer Fun in Orlando, Florida

Summer fun and Orlando go hand in hand. The family friendly atmosphere combined with all of the wonderful things to do in Orlando create the perfect vacation destination. Orlando is known for its great theme parks, like Walt Disney World, but there’s a whole world of fun to discover in Orlando, Florida.

Entertainment in Orlando begins with family attractions like Walt Disney World, Cypress Gardens, Fun Spot Action Park, Magical Midway and Wet ‘n Wild Orlando. Walt Disney World, Florida’s premier family fun park, invites guests into a magical world where everyone can be a kid again. A trip to the Animal Kingdom, an enchanted journey through the Magic Kingdom, exploring Disney-MGM studios and the wonders of Epcot is all a part of the magical world of Disney. The rides, the characters and the experience are something you and your family will treasure for years to come. Other theme parks in Orlando, like Cypress Gardens, allow families to experience roller coasters, family shows, and animals and botanical gardens that make this a unique compliment to Walt Dinsey World. Both can be a part of your families summer vacation! If water rides are your favorite summer activity, Wet ‘n Wild Orlando is a cool way to cool down and have some fun! There rides, like Brain Wash, will give guests the splash of fun they need.

Summertime in Orlando is also a great time to discover Outdoor Orlando. There are several thrilling ways to view scenic Orlando, including Thunderhawk Aviation Hot Air Balloon Rides and Boggy Creek Airboat Rides, where you’ll see a different side this vacation destination. Several other attractions in Orlando allow guests to enjoy the history, beauty and excitement of Orlando. The Miami Everglades Adventure Tour takes guest on a discovery tour through the Everglades, complete with a stop in famous South Beach. Kennedy Space Center is also a great place for families, where education fun and history combine for a unique experience. Gatorland is another one of Orlando’s attractions that top visitors’ to do lists. This alligator theme park presents gators, exciting shows, nature area and a water park that’s unique, fun and exciting.

Families can enjoy many activities in Orlando, including Orlando shows. A family favorite is the Dixie Stampede and Dinner Show, where you’ll feast on a delicious four-course feast while enjoying a theatrical production complete with comedy, music and animals.

A vacation to Orlando is an easy summer getaway that will create memories that are treasured for years.

Discover Orlando this Spring

Discover Orlando this Spring
Orlando, Florida is a vacation destination worth discovering! This sunny Florida city boasts seven incredible theme parks, three water parks, and more than 80 other attractions. Orlando offers a little bit of everything and something for everyone. From Orlando shopping to Orlando golf, there are plenty of Orlando activities for you and your family. The warm weather, exciting attractions and interesting nightlife provides visitors with the perfect combination of fun and relaxation. Sunny Orlando, Florida appeals to beach lovers and theme park fanatics due to its central location. This spring, your Orlando vacation can be as unique as you are, with one day spent at the beach and the next enjoying wonderful Disney World.

This spring, Disney World launched its Year of a Million Dreams along with Dream Along with Mickey at the Magic Kingdom; the Laugh Floor Comedy Club starring the cast of Monsters Inc.; Finding Nemo the Musical at the Animal Kingdom and three new rides, including Expedition Everest, The Seas with Nemo and Pirates of the Caribbean. There is so much to see and do, you'll want to give yourself enough time to explore it all. Cypress Gardens also has new additions this year. Starliner, a classic wooden coaster, will premiere as well as Bugsville, a children’s area comprised of rides, a special theater and eventually, a large interactive play structure.

There are plenty of other things to do in Orlando. Gatorland, an alligator theme park and wildlife preserve, introduces their “Trainer for a Day” program this spring. It gives guests a glimpse into what it takes to work with dangerous animals. Gatorland is also opening Gator Gully, a water play area where families can cool off after their adventure in the park. The Kennedy Space Center is launching an impressive new attraction this year with their Shuttle Launch Experience. This special effects ride gives the effect of a real space flight. Several other Orlando attractions let visitors experience the unexpected Orlando. This spring, go on a hot air balloon adventure with Thunderhawk Aviation, experience the Miami Everglades or go on a Florida Adventure Tour. All three are great ways to discover something unexpected!

Entertainment in Orlando can be found everywhere, including in great Orlando Shows. The Pirates Dinner Adventure, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show and The Outta Control Dinner Show are popular with families because of their fantastic combination of entertainment and delicious food. Opera and ballet can be found at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center with productions of Swan Lake, Spartacus and Madame Butterfly.

Deciding to visit Orlando is one of the easiest decisions you’ll ever have to make. The appeal of this vacation destination lies not only in its fabulous array of entertainment but also in the endless possibilities for recreation. Golfing in Orlando is a favorite pastime for visitors. Orlando Golf Courses combine the beautiful landscape of the area with championship layouts that are a golf lovers dream. There are also great spas in Orlando, interesting Orlando Museums to explore and numerous parks, zoos and gardens in Orlando.

This year, make the most of your spring by visiting beautiful Orlando. You’ll discover an experience that will create a lifetime of memories.