2015 Busch Gardens Williamsburg Food & Wine Festival Preview and Menu Details!

Well, not too long after announcing the new countries for this year's Food & Wine Festival, Busch Gardens Williamsburg released the menus for this year's event that runs on weekends (Friday-Sunday) from May 22nd thru June 28th. However, we don't quite have everything, as East Asia and The French Quarter haven't been updated with their offerings as of this writing, so stay tuned for those.

As said before, pretty much the same line up is returning from last year, with the exception of Belgium, since that's been axed. From what I can gather, the menu really hasn't changed up that much from the returning countries either. Not that it's a bad thing, you can check out what we thought of things from last year, and if feeling frisky, our 2013 review. Now there are some differences and some things that look really interesting to try, but so far it's looking par for the course.

We've had nearly everything that they've offered since we've been attending the event since it's innagural year back in 2013. Some of the things surprised and some met our expectations perfectly. It's always an interesting experience no matter how you slice it. So, again, since not much has changed, we can give a little more insight to the offerings and hope that you find them helpful if you go before our official review is out later this year. 

So, that all said, let's get on with looking at what the park will be offering for the 2015 Food & Wine Festival. This year has a total of 14 countries, but two still a mystery, here's the 12 that we do know of! First up? The American Southwest.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg Announces Two New Countries for 2015 Food & Wine Festival

With only 94 days until the start of the third annual Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, the park has announced that two new countries will be joining the line up for 2015. Each new addition to the park's line up has been met with a good bit of enthusiasm so far but as always, this sadly means the departure of a one other locations for this year as well. The new additions, despite the subtraction, mean that there will be 14 countries included in this year's event.

So, just what are the newest additions and what got cut? Well, look no further as Eastern Asia and The French Quarter have been added to the roster.

There hasn't been a menu for either of the two new countries just yet, but it's bound to be just a matter of time before the park releases them to clue us in to just what we'll be offered at each. Have to say that we're all really looking forward to these two and seeing just what they cook and mix up for us this year!

However, as I said earlier, one country got the axe and that would unfortunately be Belgium While we'll miss the waffles and beers, maybe they'll show up somewhere else in the park like some of Austria's offerings in the past. Only time will tell on that one so, stay tuned as we'll have the full menu coming to you very soon from the other countries returning to this year's event!

For all the latest from Busch Gardens Williamsburg and this year's Food & Wine Festival be sure to watch the site and to follow us on Twitter, Google+, Tumblr and Facebook.

Busch Gardens Tampa Announces Menu for their Inaugural Food & Wine Festival

With just a little over a month to go, the folks at Busch Gardens Tampa have announced not only the menu for their first ever Food & Wine Festival, but also a few more details about the event as a whole.

Interestingly enough, from what I can tell anyway, this isn't like the event that takes place at their sister park in Virginia and is set up very differently. While I thought they would've gone with dishes from Africa, they've chosen to keep things relatively safe and made this more of a local affair it would seem.

The food cabins will not be spread out throughout the park either, instead located with Gwazi Park and feature 9 cabins, and over 50 wines and 50 craft brews.

In addition to the food, there will be the concerts, which we've already talked about and tons of other events going on too. Like what, you ask? Well, here's a little rundown of a few other things you can expect to see:

Wine Glass performers (music with wine glasses!), Wine and Beer experts on hand to help educate on the libations on hand, Professional Foodies to help talk about flavors of the food and other good stuff, Harp and Cellists providing music throughout the day, up close time with various animals in the park at the Conservation Cabin and of course some Festival games like wine cork tossing, corn-hole and others.

It's an interesting departure from things, that we're used to at least, and our whole crew is looking forward to experiencing just what they'll bring to the table. So, what can you expect in the way of food from this year's inaugural event? Look no further, we've got the full menu right here for you to look over and see what's what and where to find it.

First stop? The Gourmet Lodge.

Gourmet Lodge:

Deconstructed Duck Confit
with Crispy Fried Wontons, Orange Salsa & Microgreens

Smoked Beef Brisket
with Cheddar & Smoked Gouda Potato Au Gratin

Venison Chili
with Roasted Corn, Black Beans & Lime Sour Cream

Wine
Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley Zinfandel

Beer
Sierra Nevada Torpedo
Cigar City Cubano Style Espresso

Haunt Review- Dorney Park's Halloween Haunt

Haunt Review of Dorney Park's "Halloween Haunt".

When we got the invite to the Media Event for Halloween Haunt from Dorney Park, we really had no idea what to expect. We were unable to visit Dorney Park for a normal Park Review this year, so it's easily been a good ten years since we've visited. So we really had no clue what to expect, more so since so much has changed since our previous visit, which wasn't for Halloween Haunt.

With our invitation came an offer to participate in the "Mansion Meal" which is a four star dining experience inside one of the parks haunted houses, all while mingling with several actors from the haunted house. Naturally, we loved the idea in general and jumped at the chance to be guests of both Dorney Park and Chef Jan Giejda.

 They completely blew us away. Wow, People.
 Just Wow.

Haunt: Dorney Park
Event: Halloween Haunt
Date: 9/13/14
Review Team: Carrie and Kitsune (Special Guest- Filip)
Cost: $$31-$36 (Online)
Overall Opinion:  GREAT!
Opinion: Shut up. Stop Reading. GO!
Website: Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park 

!Disclaimer!

As stated above, we were invited for the Media Event for Halloween Haunt and for the Mansion Meal. This has in no way altered our opinions of the event, they never do! 

Six Flags Magic Mountain- Colossus Goodbye Party

Six Flags Magic Mountain- Colossus Goodbye Party

 Six Flags Magic Mountain and local radio station ALT 98.7 are hosting a 'Goodbye Party' for their famous and now doomed wooden roller coaster, Colossus.

 The wooden coaster made famous by being featured in several movies, most notably as the "Screaming Mimi" in 'National Lampoons Vacation'. The ride was built in 1978 and like many great wooden coasters from Six Flags Parks, has suffered a lack of maintenance in order to be made over by Rocky Mountain Coasters into something easier to maintain (we hope).

  Tickets are $36 per person and the event happens this Saturday, July 26th. The event will feature exclusive night rides from 11pm until 3am. No other details are available if anything else will be open during this time.

 You can purchase tickets though the Six Flags Magic Mountain Website (Click for link).

Fright Farm at Rich Farms to Host 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular!

Sure, Halloween is a long way off and many haunts out there are doing events all summer but Fright Farm at Rich Farms in Smithfield, PA is doing things a bit differently this weekend.

Instead of scares, they're going to light up the sky with fireworks on Friday, July 4th. That's not all though, they'll have live entertainment that starts at 8pm with The Aristotle Jones Experience performing on stage.

During that, up until the fireworks at 9:30pm, attendees can enjoy bounce houses, various activities for kids, and food and drinks from the concession stands. Seriously, who doesn't love a bounce house, right?

Best of all? It's all free, well not the food, but everything else is! So, if you're looking for something other than heading down to Pittsburgh or your local town's fireworks (of if they were on the 3rd like so many in the area) and want more, definitely check out what Fright Farm is putting on this year!

According to Dan Hower, Fright Farms director, "For fireworks, guests can park in the front lot or watch from picnic tables in the midway area for a great view! You may also bring your own chairs and snacks. Everything offered is FREE with the exception of food and drinks, which can be purchased at the midway."

For an idea of what to expect? Here's a video of last year's fireworks and holy crap, do they go all out with 'em!

Fright Farm Fireworks Spectacular 2013 from @DanHower on Vimeo.
For more information check out Fright Farm's official website or give them a call at 724.564.7644!

2014 Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival Review

Two weeks ago we were invited back to Busch Gardens Williamsburg for their second annual Food & Wine Festival. It really wasn't much of a decision since we enjoyed last year's so much and we were very curious to see how the new additions we'd heard about would go over for us this year as well.

This year's event runs until June 29th, Friday-Sunday, so there's still a couple of weekends left to get out there and try what they've got on the menu for this year.

Like last year, the event was packed with 14 food pavilions, 4 wine tasting pavilions, food carving demonstrations and live shows all centered around food and drink. There's so much to see and do that you should probably plan just a day to experience it all without rushing to get to rides and waiting in lines there as well.

Visit Date: 6/6/14
Day: Friday
Weather: Sunny and Warm
Overall Rating: Excellent
Food Rating: Very Good
Show Rating: Good
Sample Prices: Good
Recommendation: If you haven't gone, you need to!
Website:
Review Team: Myself, +Carrie H.C. and +Alexandra F

**Disclaimer: Despite being invited down by the park, we still bought our tickets for the event and we were not comped for any of the food. This is because we like to visit more than one day and the Fun Card option is too good to pass up!

As I said, we really enjoyed the first year of this event that took place in 2013 and we were eager to see just how they would corrupt our tastebuds this time around. Not only is the park beautiful, but the atmosphere and theme of Europe lends itself perfectly for an event of this type to take place. That said, not everything we tried went over that great with us. That's just how food is, but I'm getting a head of myself. Let's start at the beginning, shall we?

Universal Hollywood to Host Transformers Fan Event

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that it will be holding a Transformers Fan Experience on Friday, June 20th.

Interestingly enough, and not by coincidence, BotCon will also be going on in Pasadena over the weekend as well. So, for Transformers fans, it's definitely a full weekend of events to hit up!

Universal's event will run from 3pm until 11pm on the 20th and costs $75, which includes park admission for the full day. Not a bad deal since park tickets are normally $87 and up, but remember the tickets are only good for the 20th.

So, just what do they have planned for the event? According to the event's website, here's the breakdown:

Join fellow Transformers fans for a special evening to celebrate everything Transformers. Enjoy EXCLUSIVE AFTER HOURS access to experience park attractions including:

• TransformersTM: The Ride – 3D
• Meet & Greet with Optimus Prime, Bumble Bee and Megatron
• Props from the latest Transformers movie
• Panel discussions with Transformers experts
• Hasbro Artist performances
• Music performance by Stan Bush, featuring the song “The Touch,” from Transformers: The Movie
• Commemorative event lanyard
• 10% off select merchandise
• FREE, individually numbered, limited edition commemorative poster exclusive to this event
(while supplies last)

Not a bad rundown and definitely might be something that fans may want to check out, or avoid, depending on how much they liked the movies. Though, the up close look at props from the newest movie is a pretty cool deal regardless.

Tickets are available here and again are only $75. So, if you're in town for BotCon already and want a little something extra, could be worth the trip. Even if you're not a huge fan, could be a cool experience either way!

Busch Gardens Williamsburg Food & Wine Preview

Well, this is something that I do over on my own site, but I figured that this year's Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens Williamsburg was deserving of one as well! Not only does this year's event feature a couple of new areas of the world to sample food from, but the folks at Busch Gardens have decided to make it last a couple of weekends longer too. This year's event starts May 23rd and runs every Friday-Sunday through June 29th. That's a win for everyone right there.

The event features some amazing food and drinks from around the world, but also things like the Art of Food, Wine on the Rhine cruises and other special events throughout the run that make it truly something that nearly everyone that enjoys food can have fun with. If you can't, then there's probably something wrong with you. There's even insider tours that take you behind the scenes to show off how it's all put together and even more intimate wine tasting sessions as well.

Now, last year we attended the first annual Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens and have to say that we were extremely surprised and loved everything that we got a chance to try over the course of a weekend. Check out our review from last year if you want some suggestions for this year too, but the fact that they've added even more for this year is really great to see and definitely hoping this one sticks around for a long time.

So, without further ado, here's the list of everything that's new and everything that's coming for 2014. First up? Let's see what the new areas have in store for everyone.

Disney World- Hollywood Studios 25th Anniversary Celebration

 Disney Hollywood Studios 25th Anniversary Celebration.

 Did you know this is an Anniversary year at Disney World? Don't feel bad, most people don't. Hollywood Studios (Formerly Disney-MGM Studios) theme park is celebrating 25 years open in the 2014 season.

 However, you won't find much news coverage about the event. The park has never been what Disney World has hoped it would develop into, while it has some great events during the year, the lack of planning and Disney money in the park has kept it rather underdeveloped compared to others.

 Over it's 25 year life, not much has been added in the way of 'big attractions' to the park. Pretty much 2 'big ticket' rides and a lot of cuts has kept the park quietly in the background.  While it's always been one of my personal favorites, it makes me rather sad to see Disney NOT making a bigger deal of it's 25th Anniversary. There will be some limited 25th Anniversary merchandise available for purchase.

 This park needs love and attention, just as much as Epcot does. It needs a vital influx of money and ideas to make it sparkle, which it could do easily if someone at WDW just cared enough to stop building resorts and dumping all the cash into Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. 

On May 1st, 2014 Disney Hollywood Studios will celebrate it's 25th Anniversary with the following events-

10am- Re-Dedication Ceremony with Dan Cockerell and some of the 25 year employees.

7pm- "Stars of the Studios" Motercade, which will travel up Hollywood Boulevard featuring some big stars found in the park (Captain Jack Sparrow, Darth Vader. Wreck-it Ralph, Sophia the First plus Mickey and Minnie Mouse. No nod to past stars or other characters found in the park).

After the Motorcade-  A Dance Party will be held at the stage in front of the tacky 'Sorcerers hat' .

9:30pm- Fireworks Show to be set off around the same tacky 'Sorcerers' hat.

All Events are available to anyone with normal park admission.
-That's It-

2014 Star Wars Weekends- Guest List Announcement

2014 'Star Wars Weekends' Guest List Announcement 

 Today Disney Parks Blog finally reviled the entire guest list for the 2014 'Star Wars Weekends' event. To be honest, it's pretty damn impressive all around! We've got some new faces and some old favorites, plus one impressive addition for the 2014 event.

 The event runs weekends, starting on May 16th at Disney's Hollywood Studios Theme Park.

They've got characters from the various movies both classic and newer generations as well as some of the cartoon series.

 Weekend 1. May 16-18th. 
Ahmed Best- Jar Jar Binks
Peter Mayhew- Chewbacca
Vanessa Marshell- Hera Sundulla (New Cartoon)

Weekend 2.  May 23-25th.
Warwick Davis- Wicket
Jeremy Bulloch- Boba Fett
Tiya Sircar- Sabine Wren (New Cartoon)
  
Weekend 3. May 30-June 1st.
Ray Park- Darth Maul
John Ratzenberger- Major Bren Derlin
Taylor Gray- Ezra Bridge (New Cartoon)

Weekend 4. June 6-8th. 
Mark Hamill- Luke Skywalker
Ray Park- Darth Maul
Billy Dee Williams- Lando Calrissian
Taylor Gray- Ezra Bridge (New Cartoon)

Weekend 5. June 13-15th.
Dee Bradley Bake- Captain Rex, The Clone, Bossk and Others 
Cat Taber- Padme Amidala and Others
Tom Kone- Yoda (Cartoon) 
Matt Lanter- Anakin Skywalker and Others (Cartoon)
Steve Blum- Zeb Orrelios (New Cartoon)
 

Seaworld Orlando- Final Weekend of Bands, Brews and BBQ

Seaworld Orlando's Final Weekend of Bands, Brews and BBQ.


 Overall the event has been a huge sucess for Seaworld Orlando, having a much better line up then originally planned and this final weekend of the special event is no exception!

 Scheduled for Saturday, March 8th is Hank Williams Jr.
 Scheduled for Sunday, March 9th is Alabama.
Also scheduled for Sunday, March 9th is the great Florida musician, Patrick Gibson who stood up for Seaworld long before others did.

"Rock Your Disney Side" with Disney's 2014 24 Hour Event!

Last year Disney opened up the doors to their parks for a full 24 hours in February, giving guests the chance to party and enjoy the park for complete day. Given how successful it was, it's no surprise that they've decided to bring it back in 2014.

This coming Memorial Day Weekend, you'll be able to enjoy either Disneyland or Disney World's Magic Kingdom from 6am-6am, May 23rd-24th.

Best of all, is that like Mickey's not so Scary Halloween, you're invited to dress up to join the revelry. Yep, that's right, another one of those rare occurrences where adults can have some fun in costume at the parks!

The official site for the event has a list of all the rules and restrictions on costumes, but also a bit more information about the events that will be taking place. One really cool thing, the villains will be out and about in the parks, which is always awesome to see. They seriously don't get enough love in the parks these days.

Also, no clue on what "select rides and attractions" will be open just yet, but it's safe to say (and expected) that not everything will be running in the middle of the night. Just what will be? No earthly idea right now.

Given that this is on a holiday weekend, expect the place to be packed and completely insane. Personally, I don't get why they decided to do it Memorial Day, as a slower time of year might be a better fit (like last year). Either way, if you're going or planning to go, just be prepared for lines and big crowds!

For more information head on over to Disney's official event page!

Seaworld Orlando- Double Update!

 Double Dose of News from Seaworld Orlando

 Good news for vistiors to Seaworld Orlando, for the next 50 days the famous Orlando theme park will offer "$50 Weekday Tickets" as well as "Two Parks for $99" to guests.

 Allowing guests to visit for a discounted price during the week, the park is actively countering other theme parks higher prices. The $50 weekday ticket is open to US residents and is only available online but only until May 5th. The $99 two-park ticket allows guests to visit both Seaworld Orlando and Aquatica for one day each- this deal is only available until March 31st. 

 The second dose of news is for the special event- Bands, Brews and BBQ!

 Seaworld Orlando has fully announced this weekend's line-up of artists which are playing the weekend event. I've got to admit, we really should thank the "activist" types because this new line-up for Bands, Brews and BBQ is truly superior to the original list Seaworld had!

Saturday March 1st- Scotty McCreery
Sunday March 2nd- Steve Miller Band 

 Also on the news of "Bands, Brews and BBQ" we've found out some new and interesting details. Behind the Thrills ran a little press news piece from Bruce Hall of REO Speedwagon who recently visited Seaworld Orlando. Not only did he enjoy his day at the park but he clearly stated he didn't want to cancel the special event the band was scheduled to play.

 This well written piece goes into detail about how the bands who did play had done their research and flaunted the armchair activist types who can copy-paste a petition online. More proof that people do believe in the good acts Seaworld Parks do.

Seaworld Orlando- Bands, Brews and BBQ Concert Update

 Seaworld Orlando's "Bands, Brews and BBQ" Concert Update.

 Seaworld Orlando has announced this weekends artists for the "Bands, Brews and BBQ" event. Not to be stopped, even in in light of the media blitz that the "Bands, Brews and BBQ" event has created, Seaworld Orlando announced this weekends concert artists.


 Saturday, February 22nd- The Commodores
 Sunday, February 23rd- Justin Moore

Seaworld Orlando- Bands, Brews and BBQ's Artists Update

 Seaworld Orlando- Bands, Brews and BBQ Artists Update.

 Seaworld Orlando has announced this weekends artists for the "Bands, Brews and BBQ" event. Not to be stopped, even in in light of the media blitz that the "Bands, Brews and BBQ" event has created, Seaworld Orlando announced this weekends concert artists.

 Regardless of what "Blackfish" supporters may want, the traditional special event featuring food, concerts and craft beers is moving forward into it's opening weekend. The park is keeping the full artist list closed for now, announcing the week before who will be playing during the weekend.This weeks artists are no exception, proving again that even with the dropping out of the original bands- Seaworld has gotten far better acts for the 2014 event.

Seaworld Orlando- Bands, Brews and BBQ Concert Update

 Seaworld Orlando's "Bands, Brews and BBQ" Concert Artist Update

 Seaworld Orlando has again released the names of this weekends artists from their seasonal event- Bands, Brews and BBQ.  Both parks having this event are slowly announcing their artists by the week, avoiding additional problems from overzealous advocates.

 This week they've really gotten some BIG NAME artists.

 Saturday February 8th, 2014- Gretchen Williams
 Sunday February 9th, 2014- Bill Engvall

Busch Gardens Tampa- Bands, Brews and BBQ Event

 Busch Gardens Tampa's "Bands, Brews and BBQ" Event Line Up.

 Busch Gardens Tampa has posted up next weeks concert artists for their "Bands, Brews and BBQ" special event. Each week the parks are announcing their artists to the public and Busch Gardens has released early this week.




 Concerts for Busch Gardens Tampa:
February 8th, 2014- Jason Derulo
February 9th, 2014- Dickey Betts and The Great Southern
February 9th, 2014- The Marshell Tucker Band 

Seaworld Orlando's "Bands, Brews and BBQ" First Weekend Concerts

 Seaworld's Orlando's "Bands, Brews and BBQ" Event Goes Forward- First Weekend Artists Announced.

 Not to be stopped, even in in light of the media blitz that the "Bands, Brews and BBQ" event has created, Seaworld Orlando announced this weekends concert artists.

 Regardless of what "Blackfish" supported may want, the traditional special event featuring food, concerts and craft beers is moving forward into it's opening weekend. The park is keeping the full artist list closed for now, announcing the week before who will be playing during the weekend. This is likely to avoid the previous media and online harassment of both the artists AND the park.

 This weekend the event beings and we know just who is playing!

Saturday 1/1- Alan Jackson at 5pm
Sunday 1/2- Kid Rock at 4pm

For more information and speical packages for the weekend, Please visit- Seaworld "Bands, Brews and BBQ" Event Page

Seaworld Orlando's Bands, Brews and BBQs Concert Update- Performer stands with Seaworld.

Image from Patrick Gibson's Facebook Page

 Seaworld Orlando's Bands, Brews and BBQs Concert Update- Performer stands with Seaworld.

 One brave musician has stood up to the controversy and media hype of the "Bands, Brews and BBQ's" event happening at Seaworld Orlando.

 Patrick Gibson, a Florida native and country musician has stood up and made people take notice. While many washed-up stars have used their dropping out of Bands, Brews and BBQ's to gain media attention- Patrick is showing his support of Seaworld and making an even bigger name for himself at the same time. Rather than focusing on the negative, here is a native floridan who is showing his support in the most positive way while getting his name and music out to the world.

 Sir, I don't know who you are but I'd like to salute you and shake your hand for standing up. Don't give into the hate your undoubtedly receiving, many stand with you.

Patrick Gibson doesn't have much posted up on Youtube right now but you can see a sample of his music both on his Website- PGCountry.com and down below. 


Patrick Gibson will perform at Seaworld Orlando's "Bands, Brews and BBQ's" event on March 9th, 2014.