PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Tuesday, November 1, 2022) — With several new lighting displays across its 160 acres, Dollywood theme park—the 14-time winner for Best Theme Park Christmas Event—now boasts more than 6 million shining, shimmering lights as part of the popular Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 5- Jan 1, 2023).  
 
The event, which easily can be described as one of America’s favorite Christmas traditions, shines brightly thanks to the warmth of gleaming holiday lights, award-winning stage productions, Christmas culinary masterpieces and the warm family traditions so many guests have enjoyed throughout the festival’s 30 plus years.
 
“I believe each season in the Smokies is a precious gift from above, but I also know there is no better time than Christmas to experience the magic of this special place,” Dolly Parton explained. “Christmas is a time for new memories to be created, cherished family traditions to be celebrated and the love of the holidays to warm us all.”
 
“It is my wish that our guests celebrate the light of the Christmas season while they are here with us at Dollywood. I also hope they pause long enough to savor the moments spent with one another. It’s those special moments that are sure to become the beautiful memories they will look upon so fondly for so many years.”
 
Dollywood truly sparkles this Christmas season with new lighting elements throughout the park providing an element of surprise to guests around every corner, even for those aboard the Dollywood Express. Visitors riding the guest-favorite attraction will enjoy a special light show draped across the field located inside the train’s upper turning loop. Another new lighted area is the Village Pass, which features a 130’ light curtain wall that includes programmed movement. This area leads guests from lower Craftsman’s Valley to The Village. Adventures in Imagination shines in pink, platinum and gold decorations—as well as 60 LED butterflies and a new 20’ ft. tall Christmas tree—in an area fittingly called Dolly’s Christmas.
 
Guests will find hundreds of additional lighted trees throughout the park this year, as well as more new décor elements and eight different light zones to provide each area of Dollywood its own unique look and feel. The new elements add 1 million lights to the park’s already-impressive total, meaning guests will enjoy 6 million lights during this season’s festival.
 
Returning this year on Friday and Saturday evenings is the “Merry & Bright!” fireworks display, which provides a sparkling ending to the day. “Merry & Bright!” lights the sky above Dollywood with a display set to the rhythm of upbeat contemporary holiday hits. After Christmas, the music changes to help guests ready to ring in the new year. Additionally, the New Year’s version of the show takes place nightly Dec. 26- Jan. 1.
 
In one of the most unique experiences during the Christmas season at Dollywood, Old Saint Nick allows visitors a sneak peek into his little cabin in the Smokies. Guests who visit Santa’s cabin can literally see inside as he reviews…the list! Kids discover whether their names are on the naughty or nice list, and they might even have their photo made as they peer through the window during this once-in-a-lifetime chance to catch Santa at work. Santa goes on a well-deserved vacation after Christmas Day, so families wanting to see him in action shouldn’t wait!
 
Glacier Ridge fills Dollywood’s Timber Canyon, Wildwood Grove, Wilderness Pass and Upper Craftsman’s Valley with an expansive arctic experience sure to inspire and delight guests. Wilderness Pass serves as one of the highlights of Glacier Ridge thanks to the Wonderful Christmas! Plaza Tree Show, which features a 50-ft. tall animated tree sparkling to life to present a fully-synchronized, dazzling light show throughout the evening. Each show is capped by an immersive snow finale!
 
Dollywood’s family favorite shows light up both indoor and outdoor stages. The festival’s headline show, “Christmas in the Smokies,” has been a must-see for families every Christmas season since it began in 1990. Many other Dollywood Christmas classics return including “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “O’ Holy Night,” “Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs,” “Heart of the Holidays,” “Candlelight Carolers,” “The Mistletones,” “Appalachian Christmas with the Smoky Mountain String Band,” “Holiday Wild Roots” and more.
 
And for those looking to celebrate the holidays with the perfect family meal, Dollywood’s team of chefs have a menu full of culinary surprises sure to delight. From herb-roasted turkey breast and citrus-glazed carved ham to chicken pot pie in a bread cone, there are a number of savory items to satisfy every appetite. A number of unique items abound including eggnog cupcakes, gingerbread-dusted funnel cake, holiday limeade and more.
 
As always, guests can experience Dollywood’s world-class rides amidst the hustle and bustle of the park during the holidays, as most rides are operational during the Christmas season. Nothing compares to racing quickly through the night sky with millions of lights twinkling below.

The new Capybara Encounter at Gatorland, the Alligator Capital of the World, is just part of the fun guests will experience this summer! Guests will be led by guides over to Flamingo Island where they will observe Ben and Jerry, the resident Capybaras, in their habitat.  Ben and Jerry love to swim, take it easy on the beach and enjoy the company of their waterfowl, turtle, and flamingo friends! Capybara are known for for their friendly and social nature and have become quite the social media stars, as is evident on Tik Tok and Instagram. "We just love Ben and Jerry," remarked Mark McHugh, President and CEO of Gatorland. "That's why we decided to offer something brand new to showcase these incredible animals, their habitat and the way they interact with our other animals. It's amazing!" Guests looking to embark on this adventure, weather permitting, should check times and availability at the Petting Zoo.  Cost for this experience is $10 per person.

The Gator Gully Splash Park, located within Gatorland, is the perfect place to cool off and take a break!  Kids of all ages will enjoy this awesome water play area, which is included with your park admission.

Gatorland is an incredible value for families.  A family of four can visit Gatorland for the price of one admission ticket to one of Orlando's area theme parks! And Florida Resident admission discount has been extended! Through July 31, 2022, Florida residents may purchase a one-day ticket for half off the regular admission price making an adult ticket just $16.50 +tax, children's ticket ages 3-12 $11.50 +tax and Florida Seniors, ages 60+, $15.99 +tax.  Proof of Florida residency is required for all adults and children 2 and under are free.

Guests may also upgrade to the Greater Gator Package for just $13.99 +tax.  This combo ticket features three of their most popular attractions - Meet-a-Gator, Gator Chow to feed the gators and a day pass on the Gatorland Express!

Gatorland is a 110-acre park combining the charm of old Florida with exciting experiences, exhibits and entertainment.  Orlando Weekly's Best of Orlando 2021 Reader's Poll named Gatorland the Best Attraction That's Not a Theme Park and Best Zip Line or Rope Course for Gatorland's Screamin' Gator Zip Line.​

Gatorland originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949 and is celebrating its 73rd anniversary. This iconic park provides affordably priced family fun with one-of-a-kind shows including Gator Jumparoo, Alligators-Legends of the Swamp and Up-Close Encounters. It also features thousands of alligators and crocodiles, breeding marsh with observation tower, free-flight aviary, nature walk, petting zoo, educational wildlife programs, Florida's best train ride, and Gator Gully Splash Park. Gatorland has an on-site restaurant and an award-winning gift shop. Popular adventure experiences, inside the park, include Screamin' Gator Zip Line and Stompin' Gator Off-Road Adventure. 

For more Gatorland information, visit www.gatorland.com and find them on Facebook.com/gatorland.

#gatorlandglobal #gatorland #capybara #wearealligators #alligatorparadise

Dollywood’s award-winning Flower & Food Festival is delighting guests with more than 1 million brilliant blooms. These blooms make up numerous displays created by Dollywood's tremendously-talented horticulturists. This event features fun and discovery around every corner, thanks to larger-than-life floral depictions including a butterfly umbrella, various animal scenes and even Dolly’s mother quilting the Coat of Many Colors. Guests entering the park are greeted by a stunning visual of hundreds of colorful umbrellas which are suspended above Showstreet creating a dazzling “Umbrella Sky.”
 
In addition to the beautiful flowers, culinary creations abound with a menu full of items inspired by spring in the Smokies. The Flower & Food Festival Tasting Pass, allows guests to partake in multiple items at a number of culinary locations during the event.
 
Entertainment also is a major component of this year’s festival thanks to a number of performances and shows. Dollywood has partnered with world-renowned entertainment technology company Moment Factory (based in Montreal, Canada) to bring an immersive walkthrough experience to guests in Dolly’s Butterfly Garden. This new, limited-time offering will be located in Chasing Rainbows Museum for a pop-up experience and will captivate guests throughout the duration of the Flower & Food Festival.
 
A past-favorite comes to life in a new way with the beloved Sway Poles – acrobatic performers situated atop bending poles nearly 12 feet high. The troupe comes from Australia to provide a captivating living floral display in Adventures in Imagination with the performers dressed as blossoming flowers. The show, called “Bloom!,” draws inspiration from dance, circus and theatre all in one.
The Dollywood Company
#Dollywood #pigeonforge #themeparks #afloridaadventure

Reposted from Disney Parks Blog
Connections Café & Eatery officially opens April 27 at EPCOT but some guests have already had a sneak peek. 

If you enjoy food inspired by delicious cuisines from around the world, you’re going to love this new quick-service restaurant. This fast-casual restaurant’s design features nods to Walt Disney’s original plans for EPCOT. The new location features two distinct experiences all under one roof – an eatery on one side serving lunch and dinner menus, and a café and pastry shop on the other open all day long.

This large new dining location is the next step in the ongoing transformation of EPCOT and a highlight of the newly named World Celebration neighborhood.

When you’re walking past Spaceship Earth on your way into the park, you’ll find Connections Café and Eatery on the left-hand side. Floor-to-ceiling windows give you a full view of the bright, open space featuring modern décor and inviting aromas of pastries baking, fresh coffee brewing and delicious burgers on the grill.

Since World Celebration is located in the center of the park, Connections Café & Eatery offers some incredible views. From a Xandarian Starblaster on one side to Spaceship Earth on the other, this is a great spot to sit back and enjoy quality time with friends and family around a tasty meal or drink. 

It’s almost time to experience Aquatica's brand-new water-slide adventure, Reef Plunge! Splash, twist, and turn through over 330 feet of translucent cutouts and zoom past a dynamic underwater habitat with Commerson’s dolphins, leopard sharks, and more!

Don't let the fun end, slide again and again with up to 20% OFF PASSES AND FUN CARDS!
Why spend one day when you can enjoy Reef Plunge and more all year? For a limited time, save up to 20% on Annual Passes and Fun Cards.

Become a Pass Member now for as low as $11.75/month and you could ride Reef Plunge as early as March 10. With an Annual Pass, you also get unbeatable benefits like free parking, free guest tickets, and in-park discounts!

Get ready to plunge into this all-new, one-of-a-kind adventure this spring!
This awesome new ride opens March 14 at Aquatica, the USA’s #1 Water Park.

​Check out all of the spring time fun at SeaWorld.com!

#seaworldorlando #aquatica #afloridaadventure #waterpark #floridathings

PIGEON FORGE, TN

As a thank you to frontline workers, first responders and public employees who work tirelessly every day to serve our country and communities, Dollywood's Everyday Heroes Appreciation Days returns August 8 - September 22, 2021.  This event provides qualifying guests the opportunity to buy a one-day Dollywood admission ticket online for just $45, plus tax.

The online-only offer may be purchased now for a limited time and is valid for use
Aug. 8-Sept.22, 2021.  Frontline employees need a special redemption code-available from their employer-to complete the transaction.  Eligible employees interested in the program should encourage their employer to fill out an online form-located at Dollywood.com/DWHeroSignUp-to request a redemption code for their company,

Everyday Heroes may purchase up to six $45 one-day admission tickets to Dollywood Theme Park, as part of the program.  Additionally, Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa is offering rates up to 30% off per night.  The resort discount is available Aug. 8 - Sept. 22, 2021 for stays any night Sunday - Thursday and is subject to availability.

Want to be an everyday hero? Everyone has the opportunity by donating blood to support the community through a new promotion with MEDIC Regional Blood Center.  Because of a need for blood throughout the region, Dollywood has partnered with MEDIC to provide a free theme park ticket (while supplies last) to anyone who makes a successful blood product donation August 16-20, 2021. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment at medicblood.org/donate or call 865-524-3074.

Any of the admission tickets that are part of the Everyday Heroes Appreciation Days may be upgraded to season passes to enjoy Dollywood's Harvest Festival as well as Smoky Mountain Christmas, both presented by Humana.

For more information about the Everyday Heroes Campaign, please visit Dollywood.com/DWHeroSignUP.  And to learn more about Dollywood's 2021 season, visit Dollywood.com.

#afloridaadventure #dollywood #pigeonforge #tennessee #sevierville #greatsmokymountains
@dollywood

Dollywood Parks and Resorts checks all the boxes for this theme park loving family.  Thrill rides, shows and awesome choices for a snack or meal make for a perfect visit! Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood showcases local flavors and traditional Southern dishes as part of the in-park culinary experience. 

Their dedication to providing guests with authentic foods of the region is a refreshing step away from typical theme park fare.  Visiting Dollywood gives you the opportunity to not only enjoy rides and shows but to fully immerse yourself in the flavors of the Smoky Mountains!


​The words Dollywood and best-theme-park-food-ever, I think, go hand-in-hand.  Apparently, I'm not the only one that believes this to be true. Dollywood has received numerous accolades and awards through the years for their amazing food. 

Multiple adventures at Dollywood have provided us the opportunity to experience different dining and snack options, with many becoming our favorites.  So much so, that the statement, "let's try something new" goes awry every time!

​Although not considered a Southern classic, shout-out to Dippin' Dots for the most creative use of an Airstream trailer! On a hot, summer day, you can't go wrong with these nuggets of ice cream deliciousness!   They are cool and convenient for a snack on the go! 

There are so many incredible food options to try when you are visiting Dollywood!  Those highlighted are just a few of my favorites. Maybe next time, just maybe, I will try something different-a girl can dream, right?

As someone who loves to capture moments in time through photography, I'm always looking for ways to improve my photography skill set and techniques!

When my DSLR was fresh out-of-the-box, I was just a wee bit intimidated by all the buttons and settings. Obviously, I could start taking photos using auto mode, but I knew I wanted to get out of auto mode, learn to shoot manual and master those settings and buttons!

That's where Danielle comes into the picture - umm, see what I did there? Danielle is the creative force behind Live Wonderful Photography. In addition to her amazing skills as a photographer, she has a passion for teaching.

I signed up for a Live Wonderful Photography class that was just what I needed to feel confident about my equipment. I gained insight on all those buttons and settings, which ones I should be focusing on and most importantly, grew in confidence to explore and use manual mode whenever I am out shooting.

Storytellers Journey, an online course, is her newest offering and I can't wait to dive in; working at my own pace, going back and reviewing, adding to my knowledge base and improving my techniques! There is so much flexibility with this course and the information will always be available to you to watch as much as you like.

Please visit www.LiveWonderful.com/Journey for all the details and registration information. There is a pre-sale going on now until July 4th. You can snag this awesome course for $197 if you register before 11:59 pm on July 4th! But wait, there's more! (I've always wanted to say that!) Use my special code Fladventure25 to receive an additional 25% off! After the cut off time, the pre-sale will end and the course price will be $497.

In addition to the Live Wonderful website, information may be found on FB @livewonderfulphotography and Instagram @livewonderful_.

When you sign up using my code, I will not be receiving any compensation. I am passing the commission on to you for additional savings. I will have the opportunity to audit the course in the near future.

Let me know if you sign up! I would love to hear what you think and how the course has
helped you get off auto mode!

Please like and comment!!
#liveWonderful @livewonderful_#orlandophotography #OrlandoisWonderful #livewonderfulphotography #learningphotography #photographyworkshops #DSLRphotography #Floridaphotographer #afloridaadventure @afloridaadventure
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It's hard to imagine a Florida without Walt Disney World, but, there was such a place, not so long ago.  Before WDW, the weekends were a time to load up the family in the station wagon, along with a picnic basket full of homemade goodness, a cooler full of beverages, lawn chairs, towels and first aid kit because you know, there's always that one kid!  Most adventures took place at the beach, a state park or one of the beautiful, natural springs. 

But, on  rare occasion, that weekend outing might have been a trip to Cypress Gardens, located in Winter Haven, Florida.  It wasn't an easy drive, especially with a backseat full of impatient little ones. As parents, you had to be all in; totally committed to the outing.  There were only two lane roads and at that time, Winter Haven was literally in the middle of nowhere! 

Cypress Gardens is considered Florida's first attraction opening its doors on January 2, 1936.  It didn't have a resounding first day; due to the rather cold weather. But soon, word spread and the gardens thrived. Gracious Southern Belles strolled the park, which added to the theming but the main attraction was the incredible water ski show.  The ski show was world famous and to this day, Winter Haven is known as the Water Ski Capital of the World.

The ski show was known for doing the pyramid formation, which thrilled and mesmerized the crowds! Perusing old family photos, I found these classic Cypress Garden pictures, well, actually slides.  These photos are from the 1950's. 

​Although jointly owned by Polk County and the State of Florida, Cypress Gardens is now under the care of Legoland Florida. It is also listed on the National Register of Historical places.  

Planning a trip to Legoland doesn't usually include enthusiasm for a hike through the botanical gardens, splendid with azaleas and home to one very, enormous banyan tree, which by the way, is really cool to see- Just sayin' - but worth the effort, if only for the historic nature of the attraction.  The botanical gardens are not as glorious now as they were in their heyday, but they still hold the charm of a by-gone era.  Have you heard about the pool in the shape of the state of Florida? No, you say? Well, you will just have to visit and Instagram it!  

#cypressgardens #legoland #floridaroadtrip #florida #winterhaven #attraction #thingstodo #floridatravel #ilivewhereyouvacation #roadtrip

Looking for a unique Valentine's Day/weekend adventure that finds you outside? Look no further, because, Gatorland has you covered! As if spending the day on a gator adventure with the ones you love isn't wonderful enough, Gatorland has extended their Florida Resident special through February 15, 2021. That means, you can experience Gatorland for $9.99- a single day admission.  Just show your Florida ID at the ticket window for this special pricing.

*Skunk Ape will make special appearances with photo opportunities throughout the park - all at a social distance, of course!
*Want an awesome off-road adventure? The Stompin' Gator is a must-do!
*Fly above the gators on the Screamin' Gator Zip Line to amp up the adrenaline! 
*Have you caught a glimpse of the Rare White Alligator? The White Gator Swamp is where you need to be!
*During Adventure Hour, you can feed giant alligators!
*All aboard The Gatorland Express for a ride around the park!
*Over in the Alligator Breeding Marsh, take time for a photo safari and capture gorgeous images of exotic wild birds and hundreds of alligators!
*In Jungle Crocs of the World, meet the newest member of Team Gatorland, Marshall the Kookaburra!
*The Petting Zoo is home to Ben and Jerry, two adorable Capybaras!
*And, have you even been to Gatorland if you didn't take your picture inside the historic, and Florida famous, Gatorland gator mouth entrance? I think not, so make sure you take a snap!

Gatorland is truly one of Florida's original attractions; standing the test of time since 1949!

For more information, visit Gatorland online at gatorland.com or call 800-393-JAWS.
#gatorlandglobal  #gatorlandisawesome  #wearealligators #gatorland #orlando
#afloridaadventure #visitfl #thingstodo #valentinesday #floridaattraction #floridatravel