Celebrating the 40th anniversary of mankind’s first steps on the moon.

On July 16, 2009, astronauts Buzz Aldrin (Apollo 11) Charlie Duke (Apollo 16) Al Worden (Apollo 15) Edgar Mitchell (Apollo 14) and Walt Cunningham (Apollo 7) will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and mark the opening of a new exhibit at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

Rarely seen publicly before, the Apollo artifacts in the new exhibit include a rare collection of space suits and other gear used by the Apollo moonwalkers to explore the lunar surface during space walks, featuring Apollo 14 Commander Alan Shepard’s space suit.

You can also see See the 363-foot long rocket that took astronauts on this historic journey and relive the stories of this great achievement at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

To purchase Kennedy Space Center tickets or other Central Florida attraction tickets click here!

Slip Slidin' Away to Blizzard Beach

Disney legend has it that after a freak winter storm blanketed the area with snow, a team of astute real estate developers decided they had the opportunity to open Florida's first (and only)ski resort. When temperatures returned to normal, the powdery snow turned to slippery slush. Not to be deterred, the developers (spying an alligator sliding down the slopes) turned lemons into lemonade and transformed their ski resort into Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park, the coolest water park anywhere! Slalom courses, bobsled and toboggan runs became downhill waterslides. The chairlift carried swimmers instead of skiers. The ski jump became the tallest, fastest water slide in the nation.

KEY ATTRACTIONS:

• Head to the top of Mount Gushmore to ride Summit Plummet — the 120-foot tall freefall slide and reach speeds up to 60 mph.
• Eight racers go side-by-side on Toboggan Racers
• Blizzard Beach has not one but 2 kids’ areas— Tike’s Peak, where little dippers will find a kid-size version of the park; and Ski Patrol Training Camp, an area designed specifically for preteens.

Disney water parks are a great way to cool off all year long, but especially during the summer months. And, Blizzard Beach has also been ranked as the one of the top extreme water parks in the country by the Travel Channel.

SeaWorld After Dark

Evenings this summer, join SeaWorld’s shining stars in a rock 'n' roll extravaganza. Shamu Rocks is driven by a beat that’s larger than life and stunning visual effects. A nighttime action-packed ski show jams on the lake and in the sky. DJs mix music for a rock show experience. There’s shopping, dining and all new just-at-night shows. It’s SeaWorld AfterDark - the best reason to stay up late in Orlando! SeaWorld After Dark runs from May 23 - September 7.

To purchase your SeaWorld and other attraction tickets, Click Here! Enter e-coupon code BLOG123 to save an addtional 4% off of your total price.

Escape to Typhoon Lagoon!

Disney legend says many years ago a furious typhoon hit a tiny resort, hurling surfboards into trees, blowing small boats through roofs and impaling the Miss Tilly, a shrimp boat originally from Safen Sound, FL, on the peak of the great volcanic mountain, Mount Mayday. The storm—plus an ensuing earthquake and volcanic eruption—left the village in ruins. Instead of bemoaning their bad luck, the townspeople turned their home into a world-class water park! Left in the typhoon’s wake are nine exciting waterslides and streams, roaring rapids, wonderful waterways and relaxing rivers—the perfect place for a day of escapism.

KEY ATTRACTIONS:

• Catch six-foot waves in the Surf Pool or snorkel at Shark Reef with real sharks!
• Little ones, under 48 inches tall, can go to Ketchakiddee Creek for fun water features and kidsized slides.
• Grab an inner tube and float around the park at Castaway Creek—a mild, relaxing ride.
• Thrilling big kids, teens and adults, Crush ‘n’ Gusher is a gravity-defying, multi-rider, coaster-like raft ride with gushing jets of water.

To purchase Typhoon Lagoon tickets or any other Attraction Tickets visit KGStickets.com. Use E-Coupon Code "blog123" to save an additional 4% off your total purchase.

Meet Sparky

Facts:

• Sparky, a nine-month-old red kangaroo, recently debuted in Critter Castaways at Busch Gardens.
• Sparky’s diet consists of grass, grain and vegetation.
• His favorite treat is romaine lettuce.
• Sparky weights about 9 ½ lbs and will be bottle-fed until his first birthday.
• The red kangaroo is the world’s largest marsupial.
• Adult males can reach up to 6 feet and weigh 200 lbs.
• The species is only found in Australia.
• Critter Castaways shows run daily at the Bird Gardens Theater in Busch Gardens. Check park maps for show times.

To purchase Busch Gardens and other Orlando Theme Park Tickets, visit Kgstickets.com

Let the Music Move you at Glory At The Gardens

Busch Gardens always features top musical groups for our Concert Series, and this year we’re adding an event that puts the spotlight on the best contemporary Christian music, including Dove Award winners and nominees. Glory At The Gardens presents two uplifting shows; the May 9 event features Relient K, NEEDTOBREATHE, This Beautiful Republic, Worth Dying For and Sanctus Real. And on May 16, come let the spirit move you when Steven Curtis Chapman, Matthew West, Brandon Heath, Sara Groves and Joel Augé take the stage. It’s just another way Busch Gardens lets your spirit soar!

To purchase Busch Gardens and other Orlando Theme Park tickets visit KGStickets.com.

MANTA SOARS ON FIRST TEST FLIGHTS

Manta, SeaWorld Orlando's all-new flying coaster, soared recently on a round of test flights. The ride is set to open May 22.

An all-new breed of thrill ride + up-close animal encounters, Manta combines the best of the sea and sky, immersing you in the beautiful and mysterious world of rays and then taking you for the ride of your life aboard a manta-inspired flying roller coaster. You’ll fly, glide and soar headfirst like a ray aboard this unparalleled experienced that only SeaWorld could create.

Share the test flight with family and friends! See the video below for a glimpse of one of Orlando’s must-see attractions.



Purchase Discount SeaWorld and other Central Florida Attractions at KGStickets.com.