celebrating your vacation lifestyle - orange lake€¦ · just in time for halloween, a scary urban...

C E L E B R A T I N G Y O U R V A C A T I O N L I F E S T Y L E

lifetimesfal l 2014

T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O FO R A N G E L A K E R E S O R T

eOrlando brings out Halloween spirits and more!

©Disney

4 | summer 2011

There’s a certain charm to many small towns and cities you visit that comes from local “institutions.” However, these are not the attractions we expect to see, like famous monuments and well-known visitor stops. It’s those colorful, much-loved places that give a destination its unique character.

I occasionally run across long-term owners who mention fond memories of first visiting our resort when we were known as Orange Lake Country Club. They mention enjoying great nights of family fun together at smaller, local attractions like Old Town. Today, I imagine their kids now grown with families of their own, creating new memories in some of those same places.

Although time marches on, sometimes it’s those things that stay close to their roots that bring the biggest smiles. We take a look at a few of the new things coming to Old Town, but still with the fun, classic flavor families love. These include haunted attractions sure to be a lot of fun for kids and the young at heart.

Halloween attractions continue to expand year-after-year here. While Universal Orlando caters to older teen and adult markets, Disney, SeaWorld, Legoland and smaller attractions offer plenty of lighthearted Halloween fun for the younger set. Be sure to check out the many great offerings coming to theme parks this fall.

We also drop in on the hometown of our Galveston Beach Resort in Texas. There, residents have a unique tradition that’s become part of the charm of this wonderful destination.

With fall here, there will be fantastic golf weather and smaller crowds around town. So drop by, relax and enjoy your Orlando home. It will be great to see you again.

Sincerely,

Don HarrillCEO, Orange Lake Resorts

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13 So Fun It’s Scary

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What’s NEW at Old Town? Located on Highway 192 in Kissimmee, Old Town is a perfect stop, day or night, for fun together with the whole family! Home to the largest weekly classic car cruise in America, the attraction offers over 70 unique shops, amusement rides, dining, live entertainment, nightlife and FREE events and entertainment. The main stage features live music on cruise nights and a rockin’ collection of classic hits plays all week. And Halloween is creeping around the corner, literally, on the streets of Old Town!


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Just in time for Halloween, a scary urban legend has taken up residence on Main Street in Old Town. Legends’ A Haunting at Old Town, Ghosts of Old Town: A Legend’s Haunted History Tour and The Stuff of Legends Gift Shop offer a trio of frights sure to scare the living daylights out of you.

Legends’ A Haunting at Old Town is an all-new, year round haunted attraction conveniently located in the heart of Old Town, Kissimmee. State-of-the- art lighting, sound, special effects and a cast of highly trained, professional haunt performers come together to create frightful fun that’s simply to die for!

Guests make their way through the dark and decaying halls of Ashdown and Son’s Undertakers. Each set is themed as rooms you might find in a wicked mortuary, such as an embalming room, undertaker’s office and a few darkened halls that hide terrifying secrets.

A combination of highly trained actors, animatronics and other special effects are in place to terrify guests at every turn. Excellent sound and lighting systems help to bring these horrors to life… or death, depending on the room. Due to the

intense nature of this show, it is not recommended for young children. Parental discretion is advised.

The attraction was designed and built by Legends Dark Amusements LLC. co-owned by Jim Shackelford, Jay Westerman and Dan Carro. Together they lead a talented team of artists and performers, each boasting years of experience in the Orlando attraction industry.

“The larger parks offer some incredible, must see Halloween events that should not be missed,” says Jim Shackelford, “But one of the major differences between them and our show is that our haunt is open year-round.”

“Since we don’t attract the same crowds that larger shows do, we can craft a more intimate show for our guests. Once we get them though those doors we can really take our time with them.”

Spooky Times at Old Town

Where: Old TownW. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy Kissimmee FL, 34746

When: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Dark on Monday nights, except for select times of year. Open year-round.

Admission for Legends’ A Haunting at Old Town: $15 at the box office

Admission for Ghosts of Old Town: $20 at the box office

Combo Ticket Price: $30 at the box office

Discounts are available at Legendsoldtown.com


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A Ghostly Legends TourGhosts of Old Town: A Legends Haunted History Tour will be offered after the haunt closes on select nights. This hour-plus walking tour will take guests through the streets of Old Town where the darker parts of Central Florida History will be brought to life by seasoned tour guides. The journey ends with an after-hours tour of the haunt, where strange Victorian funeral customs, local legends and the paranormal will be discussed.

“This is not a typical Ghost Tour” explains Dan Carro. “It’s really an examination of how certain beliefs, customs and superstitions from generations past have become a part of our modern culture. We will also shine light on some of the darker history and stories from Central Florida and even Old Town itself.”

The tour is created by Michael Gavin and Dan Carro, and although neither can guarantee that guests will see an actual ghost on this tour, they do promise that guests will certainly learn about them. And since the tour takes guests into a reportedly haunted venue, one never knows what might happen.

Information

Most ghostly inhabitants prefer to remain steadfastly cloaked in mystery. We took a stab at getting some answers about Old Town’s haunted attractions from Legend’s caretaker at the graveyard gates.

Q: Is Legends’ A Haunting at Old Town really haunted?A: Legends’ staff and guests have reported many eerily unexplainable experiences in the building.

Q: Will I see a ghost on the ghost tour?A: Maybe. You’ll surely hear tales about a few spirited happenings that have occurred at Old Town and other local attractions.

Q: Do I need a reservation for the ghost tour?A: Ghost tour ticket sales are first-come, first-served. Although walk-ups are accepted, reservations are highly recommended.

Q: Does Legends have an age restriction?A: Legends’ A Haunting at Old Town is a PG-13 show due to gory content, and only recommended for adults and teens with brave hearts.


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Ghoulish Goods The Stuff of Legends Gift Shop will feature Halloween specialty items, high-end masks and specialty Halloween candies, as well as other macabre gift items. However, these items won’t just disappear after All Hallow’s Eve since this Halloween store will be open year-round. “For some people, Halloween isn’t just a holiday. It’s a way of life,” explains Jay Westerman. “And now there’s a place where people can get their Halloween fix any time of year.”


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Galveston Beach Resort is a charming coastal island getaway just off the Texas coast. The quiet, beachfront resort is set away from the bustle of downtown Galveston, making it a perfect location to relax. Still, you’ll inevitably be drawn to the historic downtown art galleries, coffee houses, museums, restaurants and businesses that embrace the city’s unique heritage.

A major feature of the island is its 19th century architecture in the Historic Downtown District, the largest and most well-preserved concentration of Victorian commercial architecture in the country. While Galveston is famous for its history, charm and hospitality, you probably wouldn’t imagine discovering brilliantly vibrant trees there in fall. But Galveston offers amazing displays of gorgeous oaks reimagined as exquisite works of art you can enjoy all year.

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Turn over a new leaf in Galveston


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In 2008, Hurricane Ike struck the Island with a tidal surge of contaminated salt water that killed many trees. This forced Galveston to say goodbye to much of its beautiful tree canopy. That’s when island resident and self-described “crazy tree lady,” Donna Leibbet, planted a seed of hope that sprouted into the city’s top tourist attractions.

When the storm destroyed a beloved century-old live oak in her front yard, Donna was devastated. She and every inhabitant of Galveston suffered the loss of nearly 40,000 trees of every kind on the island. Donna’s tree represented shade, life and beauty. To the island, however, the trees were a living testament to the region’s historic heritage.

Trees Transform Tragedy


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The oaks destroyed in 2008 had been planted to reforest Galveston by the Woman’s Temperance League after the Great Storm of 1900. The trees grew into a huge part of the appeal of the entire East End Historic District. No one put their arms around a tree and hugged it and cried more than Donna and she refused to say farewell.

An Idea Takes Shape As summer 2009 approached, Donna had no doubt her tree was dead but she also knew it had another story to tell. She wanted something carved. She went out on a limb and approached Galveston’s city council with her idea and asked if she could have something carved in the remaining trunk. They were full of all kinds of excuses why she couldn’t do it, but her persistence paid off and she was given the go-ahead to proceed.


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Donna knew her plan wasn’t so farfetched. The city of Biloxi, Mississippi had success creating imaginative works of art from trees that were victims of the saltwater storm surge of 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. So she called Biloxi and talked to the arborist who led the charge there and found out how he did it. More determined than ever, Donna put out a general call to anyone with experience carving.

Three sculptors took up the challenge to come to Galveston and revive what Mother Nature destroyed. Jim Phillips, Earl Jones and Dayle Lewis came to the island and began transforming the damaged oak trees into breathtaking tree statuaries. These are now the focus of the Galveston Tree Sculptures Tour.

In total, the artists created 55 or more sculptures. Most are still rooted in the ground and some have actually developed green branches again. On the Galveston Tree Sculptures Tour, you’ll visit 30-plus sculptures tucked into gardens and nestled in side yards throughout the island’s East End Historic District. These include the first two carved at City Hall and the gorgeous Geisha standing stoically in Donna’s front yard where her beloved oak once towered.

Whether you take the guided tour, jump on a bike or opt to drive, just be sure have a camera handy. The Galveston Tree Sculptures Tour is free for the public to enjoy. And, if you’re lucky, while strolling the scenic side streets of Broadway Boulevard in Galveston, you might notice one of the sculptors working on the city’s next amazing tree monument.

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Magical Dining MonthVisit in September to satisfy your craving for haute cuisine during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month, a culinary celebration sure to please any palate and wallet. Select Central Florida restaurants will offer three-course, prix fixe dinners for $33. Indulge your inner gourmet with an appetizer, entree and dessert at a variety of trendy bistros and upscale dining destinations. One dollar from each meal will be donated to this year’s charity, the Foundation for Foster Children.


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Enchanting Culinary ChoicesOrlando is a magical place for different reasons and at different times. Today, it’s fast becoming a fantasyland for foodies far and wide. With its unique mix of cultures and culinary arts, there’s something sweet and savory to satisfy just about any taste. When you visit Orlando this autumn, come prepared to experience forkfuls of fantastic fare at some of the city’s fun annual events, where food takes center stage.

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©Universal Orlando Resort


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Epcot® International Food & Wine FestivalEach fall, as the seasons transform, so does Epcot—where dozens of unique flavors and fun experiences unfold across the park. Visitors come back to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival every year to experience nearly 30 food and beverage marketplaces offering signature dining experiences from world-renowned chefs. Exciting culinary demonstrations are paired with beverage seminars and the evening closes with The Eat to the Beat concert featuring popular hit-makers.

TIPIf you know when you’ll be visiting, be sure to plan ahead. Look up a list of the International Marketplaces, concerts, workshop, and tasting in advance so you can budget for your day at the festival.

©Disney

©Disney


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Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween PartySeptember 11 – October 31 The Walt Disney World® annual Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is appropriate for all ages. Events include a “Boo-to-You Halloween Parade” featuring Disney characters, a fireworks show and more. Trick-or-treat around the park as special lighting, music and themed effects transform the Magic Kingdom into happy haunted hollows.

Universal Orlando® Halloween Horror NightsSeptember 19 – November 1 On select nights, the streets of Universal Studios Florida® come alive with a horde of horrifying mutants, monsters and maniacs. At Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights, you can explore eight terrifying haunted houses, make your way through multiple street experiences where creatures lurk around every turn, enjoy outrageous live shows, and experience many of the park’s most exciting rides and attractions.

Scaring up a Good Time in OrlandoMake your fall visit frightfully fun at area theme parksAlong with the usual trick-or-treat activities for kids, Halloween in Orlando offers ghoulishly good times for creatures of all ages. From September through October, thrill-seeking visitors come to experience the unique fusion of fun and fear found at area theme parks and attractions.

From family-friendly celebrations that make you giggle your guts out to horrifying haunts not at all for the faint-hearted, it’s easy to get into the Halloween spirit in Orlando.

TIPHalloween Horror Nights: For the ultimate experience, purchase the VIP Experience including; valet parking, a dinner buffet, unlimited front of the line access and more. A limited number are sold nightly and they sell out fast.

©Universal Orlando Resort

©Disney

Brick-or-Treat presented by Wells Fargo at LEGOLAND® FloridaOctober 4 – 26 Ghouls, ghosts and goblins descend on Miniland USA transforming it into a haunted adventure. Go on a scavenger hunt for scary creatures who’ve invaded the famous cities of LEGOLAND. Children can trick-or-treat on the Brick-or-Treat Trail in the Enchanted Walk gathering goodies, delicious treats and other surprises. The largest LEGO Jack-O-Lantern in the world will inspire kids of all ages to build something amazing at LEGO model activities. Make sure you stick around and enjoy the entertainment and costume contests with brick-tastic prizes, too!


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SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular®October 4 – October 26Come to SeaWorld® Orlando every weekend in October for silly, spooky fun at SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular®. During this daytime event, children and adults are immersed in an underwater “fantasea” filled with trick-or-treating, plus dancing with sea fairies and pumpkin fish. Plus, kids can create sea-themed arts and crafts. Enjoy this Halloween fun from 12–8 p.m. weekends in October, and it is included with park admission.

©Chip Litherland/LEGOLAND Florida Resort

©SeaWorld

Lake Geneva

Whatever interests you, there’s something to fall in love with this autumn in every direction. Up north, you can enjoy unique autumn experiences at Lake Geneva Resort in Wisconsin. From hauntingly wholesome Dan Patch Stables’ Annual Sleepy Hollow Haunted Hayride to a perfectly paired fireside Night on the Vine wine tasting and dinner, this resort has it all for fall. There’s even a down and dirty Gladiator Assault Challenge through muddy mazes!

Way up north, Ascutney Mountain Resort in Vermont offers outdoor enthusiasts a variety of different seasonal delights. Nearby Wellwood Orchards Petting Zoo is sure to become a fall family tradition.

Florida offers coast-to-coast fun in the southern sun. Cape Canaveral Beach Resort gets you closer to the waterfront excitement of the Space Coast. Don’t miss the daring maneuvers of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as they flyby in formation at the Melbourne Air & Space Show.

Or, escape to the tranquil beaches of the Gulf Coast where only 14 miles separate you from the amazing accommodations and amenities of Panama City Beach Resort and Bay Point Resort.

Each autumn, bikers, vendors and exhibitors descend on Panama City for Thunder Beach Autumn Rally. Afterward, cruise on down to Sunset Cove Resort on Marco Island for the 5th Anniversary Stonecrab Festival in nearby Naples.

Eastern excitement abounds, from mountain tops to sandy shores. Find fun of historical proportions for the entire family.

The natural wonders and breathtaking foliage surrounding Smoky Mountain Resort at Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an unforgettable autumn, must-see experience. There are also two local golf courses, so bring your clubs and head off to Gatlinburg Golf Course or Bent Creek.

And if you’re near South Beach Resort in Myrtle Beach this fall, get revved up for the Myrtle Beach Bike Week® Fall Rally.

Williamsburg is a place you’ll remember forever. Williamsburg Resort is in the center of a city alive with colonial traditions. Plan to make history together during Arts Month featuring the Tucker-Arnold Storytelling Concert, Gallery Crawl and an art escape at Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center.

Western adventures await, as well. Desert Club Resort is only a block away from the Vegas Strip, where countless restaurants and entertainment venues offer endless diversions. During the fall, it’s also easy to scare up family-friendly thrills for boys and ghouls at Haunted Harvest.

Wherever your travels take you, we’re looking forward to seeing you back soon! We want every season you share with us to be filled with memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

A Trip Around Our Resorts


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celebrating your vacation lifestyle - orange lake€¦ · just in time for halloween, a scary urban...

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