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DISNEY'S AMERICAN IDOL EXPERIENCE OPENING 02/09 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : On the stage of the new American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios on February 12, 2009, all previous American Idol winners appeared together for the first time ever. The amazing appearance of Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, and David Cook dazzled the crowd, who were also treated to appearances by Ryan Seacrest Paula Abdul, and the producer of the whole Idol franchise, Simon Fuller. A motorcade parade down the main street of Disney's Hollywood Studios earlier in the day also featured other Idol runners' up like Brooke White, David Archuletta, Sanjaya, Jason Castro and many more. The new attraction is a mirror copy of the TV show, complete with 3 judges, one of which is suspiciously like Simon Cowell. Anyone 14 and over can try out for the American Idol Experience, however, you must be between 16 and 28 to actually move on to the real American Idol TV show tryout. The top daily winner of the attraction gets a "Dream Ticket" (like a "fastpass") to perform before the TV show producers. If the top daily winner is too young or too old, they can give their Dream Ticket to anyone. The special opening night show found the winner (Mark Ellis) too old, so he passed his ticket to the 2nd runner up (Alayna Rivera). Along with the surprise appearance of all 7 Idols were the unexpected performances by Carrie Underwood and David Cook, who also did a duet together of "You Can Go Your Own Way". A great event, and a wonderful new attraction for Disney World that is sure to become a smash hit.

DISNEY'S AMERICAN IDOL EXPERIENCE OPENING 02/09 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

On the stage of the new American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood ...

Updated: Feb 15, 2009 6:50pm PST

DISNEY WORLD - CINDERELLA SUITE 01/07 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom introduced it's new Cinderella Suite in the Magic Kingdom's Cinderella Castle. The suite is exclusively for the use of a lucky family chosen at random daily from any park in Walt Disney World. Winners are escorted down Main Street, serve as Grand Marshals in the parade, have dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table, meet Cinderella herself, have private access to the park after it closes to the public, and spend the night in the suite. The first family to win, on January 25, 2007, was the Fouch family from Michigan, who happened to be in row 2, seat 8 in the StarTours attraction at MGM Studios at 10:00 AM, when the computer randomly chose them. Suite deal! For more information on travel, events, or the Tampa Bay area happenings, visit www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

DISNEY WORLD - CINDERELLA SUITE 01/07 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom introduced it's new Cinderella Suite ...

Updated: Mar 26, 2008 7:26am PST

EPCOT FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL 03/09 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : The 2009 EPCOT FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL is underway through May 31st. Every year new additions are introduced to the park, and some old favorites remain. This year they are presenting even more topiaries than in the past, and they are more finely tuned, showing more personality with the use of color. Cinderella's Coronation greets you at the entrance to the park, and sure to delight the kids is the Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden featuring Tinkerbell and her fairie friends near the Test Track ride. Also, the Pirates Adventure near the Germany pavilion is interactive for exploring and playing. The Japan pavilion features bonzai trees — some of which are 85 years old. A favorite with everyone is Minnie's Butterfly Garden, where the butterflies fly free around you, and you can learn about their lifecycles and habitats. You may be lucky enough to watch a new one emerge out of it's chrysalis. The Guerlain section of the French pavilion has a fascinating fragrance tour, exhibiting the flowers used to make the different scents. The festival is full of learning experiences — anything and everything to do with gardening. Of particular interest to we Floridians may be learning xeriscaping during this drought we are experiencing. Beyond looking and learning at the Festival is the wonderful entertainment with the Flower Power Concert Series. We enjoyed a concert by Davy Jones of the Monkees, who played his old hits as well as a few standards. Epcot is always beautifully landscaped, but make your way over to the park before May 31st to be amazed at the magic of their landscapers! We hope you enjoy our photos of Festival. For a lot more information on the Festival and different events taking place, visit http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/special-events/epcot-international-flower-and-garden-festival/

EPCOT FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL 03/09 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

The 2009 EPCOT FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL is underway through May 31st. ...

Updated: Mar 24, 2009 12:42pm PST

EPCOT FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL; BOCUSE d'OR 10/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : The 13th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is in full swing at the Walt Disney World Resort, through Nov. 9, 2008. Although the exciting Bocuse d'Or competition is history (held Sept. 27), perhaps you can get a "taste" of it with these photos. The competition pitted 8 of the USA's finest chefs against each other for a prized spot in the Bocuse d'Or world finals in France. The chefs' dishes were judged by a number of criteria, and the winner was Timothy Hollingsworth, sous chef from the renowned California restaurant, The French Laundry. Al Roker from the Today Show hosted the event along with Celebrity Chef John Besh. But still to be enjoyed by lovers of food & wine (and all things Disney) are many wonderful taste treats, seminars and the "Eat To The Beat" concert series. Pictured here are a few photos from the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy concert. Enjoy!

EPCOT FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL; BOCUSE d'OR 10/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

The 13th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is in full sw ...

Updated: Oct 16, 2008 8:29am PST

DISNEY WORLD - THE FLYING FISH RESTAURANT at Disney's Boardwalk Resort : The Flying Fish at Walt Disney World's Boardwalk Resort offers up one fine dining experience. The American cuisine dishes are as tasty and unique as they are attractive. For reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE.

DISNEY WORLD - THE FLYING FISH RESTAURANT at Disney's Boardwalk Resort

The Flying Fish at Walt Disney World's Boardwalk Resort offers up one ...

Updated: May 06, 2008 8:14pm PST

DISNEY WORLD - KOUZZINA RESTAURANT at Disney's Boardwalk Resort 09/09 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : Walt Disney World added another gem to it’s roster, Kouzzina, by celebrity chef Cat Cora. The Greek-themed Kouzzina has moved into the space previously occupied by Spoodles, at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort. Kat, along with Kouzzina Chef Dee Foundoukis, has created a Mediterranean/Greek-fusion menu that should appeal to everyone. Cat Cora is the first woman Iron Chef on the Food Network, and Kouzzina is her first table-service restaurant. Although Cat is a Mississippi native, she grew up immersed in her Greek heritage, and is a lover of big families which the restaurant caters to. It’s a big room with an open kitchen, and large windows emitting loads of light. The tables can easily be configured for small or large groups. Kouzzina’s menu is chock full of new and interesting tastes. Don’t like Brussels sprouts? You’ll like Cat’s — she sautes them and prepares them with capers and lemon. Guests at our table who were previously not fond of the vegetable came back for seconds on these. Same with her gigante beans (large kidney-shaped white beans). She oven-bakes those with tomato sauce and olive oil. One of Kouzzina’s signature dishes is Cinnamon-Stewed Chicken, prepared with tomatoes, herbed orzo and Mizithra cheese. A must have Greek standard prepared Zouzzina-style is Pastitisio with bucatini pasta, cinnamon-stewed meat sauce, and bechamel sauce. And the Fisherman’s Stew with scallops, fish, shellfish, and fennel is another guest favorite. Don’t be afraid of a Greek menu appealing to children (who are famously picky-eaters), Kouzzina has a children’s menu with all their favorite chicken, pizza, and other healthy choices too. Please enjoy perusing these photos taken at the Grand Opening of Kouzzina. “Opa!” Kouzzina is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For reservations and more information, call 407-WDW-DINE, or visit on line, disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining.

DISNEY WORLD - KOUZZINA RESTAURANT at Disney's Boardwalk Resort 09/09 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Walt Disney World added another gem to it’s roster, Kouzzina, by cel ...

Updated: Nov 04, 2009 8:39pm PST

DISNEY WORLD - RIX LOUNGE at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort : Walt Disney World's Coronado Springs Resort is undergoing some changes, and recently opened a new upscale lounge called RIX. With specialty drinks, tapas and rotating entertainment, RIX Lounge brings a new level of contemporary, sophisticated entertainment to the resort. www.disneyworld.disney.go.com. For more information on Accent On Tampa Bay Magazine, visit www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

DISNEY WORLD - RIX LOUNGE at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Walt Disney World's Coronado Springs Resort is undergoing some changes ...

Updated: Feb 24, 2008 6:52pm PST

DISNEY WORLD - TOY STORY MANIA! GRAND OPENING at Disney's HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS 05/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : Disney-PIXAR's new TOY STORY MANIA! previewed on May 14 with great fanfare at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The Grand Opening will be on May 31. Expect an enthusiastic crowd for this amazingly clever and fun ride. Also traveling down Hollywood Studio's main street is the BLOCK PARTY BASH, an interactive parade with lovable characters from TOY STORY, MONSTERS, INC., and THE INCREDIBLES, along with dancers and acrobats. At TOY STORY MANIA!, guests are welcomed by Mr. Potato Head (voiced by Don Rickles), a state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronic character, capable of engaging guests in two-way conversation. Guests put on their 3-D glasses, and ride vehicles which angle to face game booths, and guests aim for 3-D animated targets using their own on-board spring-action shooters. Players pair up and sit side-by-side for a friendly competition that delivers an ever-changing variety of targets. You will find yourself jumping right back in line for this ride to try to score higher than your previous attempt, and laugh all the way.

DISNEY WORLD - TOY STORY MANIA! GRAND OPENING at Disney's HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS 05/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Disney-PIXAR's new TOY STORY MANIA! previewed on May 14 with great fan ...

Updated: May 19, 2008 4:31pm PST

DISNEYWORLD - TOY STORY, THE MUSICAL on the DISNEY WONDER CRUISE SHIP photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : A brand new show, TOY STORY THE MUSICAL can be seen ONLY on the Disney cruise ship, THE WONDER. This blockbuster show could easily play on Broadway to sell-out crowds, but as of now, you must take a cruise to enjoy it (which is not a bad thing!) The Disney cruise ship shows are far superior to anything you will see on any other cruise ships, and the ships themselves are magnificent, so BOOK A CRUISE SOON!

DISNEYWORLD - TOY STORY, THE MUSICAL on the DISNEY WONDER CRUISE SHIP photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

A brand new show, TOY STORY THE MUSICAL can be seen ONLY on the Disney ...

Updated: May 06, 2008 2:45pm PST

GAYLORD PALMS RESORT photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : The Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando offers the best of all worlds, with fun family getaways, romantic getaways, Bridal Boot-Camp, Girlfriends "Truth or Dare" Getaways, fabulous restaurants, the incomparable Canyon Ranch Spa and much more — all housed under one climate controlled roof. The resort is themed to Florida, with sections emulating St. Augustine, Key West, and the Everglades. Currently, the resort is featuring the SUMMER TREASURE HUNT CHALLENGE through August 28, where families or individuals can compete to solve the mystery of a pirate's hidden treasure from clues throughout the resort. And if that isn't fun enough, there is a grand prize of $10,000 for the lucky team that solves the puzzle! For more information on the resort and their events, visit http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-palms/index.html

GAYLORD PALMS RESORT photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

The Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando offers the best of all worlds, wit ...

Updated: May 05, 2008 7:17pm PST

MALL AT MILLENIA 03/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : The Mall at Millenia offers the finest collection of luxury brands in Orlando. The superb collection includes such retailers as: LOUIS VUITTON, CHANEL, GUCCI, BURBERRY, DIOR, JIMMY CHOO, ST. JOHN, TIFFANY & CO., CARTIER, DAVID YURMAN, SALVATORE FERRAGAMO, plus anchor stores NEIMAN MARCUS, BLOOMINGDALE'S and MACY'S. www.mallatmillenia.com. For more information on travel, events, or the Tampa Bay area happenings, visit www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

MALL AT MILLENIA 03/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

The Mall at Millenia offers the finest collection of luxury brands in ...

Updated: Mar 20, 2008 7:52pm PST

MEDIEVAL TIMES 02/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : Medieval Times is a window in time where the glory, chivalry, valor and honor of old burst to life in thrilling authentic tournament action.  Start your adventure by feasting on a medieval banquet served in true medieval (no silverware!) fashion by serfs and wenches.  Then witness pageantry and equestrian drills performed by beautiful Andalusian Stallions. Cheer for brave knights on horseback competing in medieval tournament games. For more information on travel, events, or the Tampa Bay area happenings, visit www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

MEDIEVAL TIMES 02/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Medieval Times is a window in time where the glory, chivalry, valor an ...

Updated: Mar 19, 2008 1:32pm PST

SEAWORLD'S AQUATICA GRAND OPENING 04/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : Seaworld's newest water park, AQUATICA (located across the street), had it's GRAND OPENING April 4, 2008, with great success! The park offers everything you would expect from a water park, and much much more: Close up encounters with animals, great water slides geared for both children and adults, wave pools, lazy river rides, and white sandy beaches. One innovative ride takes you down a slide through a tube in the water that is populated with Commerson's dolphins (they look like little Shamus!) Restaurants with tasty food also populate the park. Private cabanas are available as well as waiter service at the beach.

SEAWORLD'S AQUATICA GRAND OPENING 04/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Seaworld's newest water park, AQUATICA (located across the street), ha ...

Updated: May 07, 2008 1:00pm PST

HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS 18 Universal Orlando 10/08 video by Melissa Wolcott Martino : Bloody Mary, the urban legend of childhood nightmares is the theme of this year’s Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 18. There are eight all-new haunted houses, and the street program is larger and more elaborate than ever before; scarezones are everywhere, and, there are more originally developed characters roaming nightly by the hundreds. Some of the themes for Halloween Horror Nights 18 include: Scary Tales – Once Upon a Nightmare; Dead Exposure; American Gothic; Asylum in Wonderland; Interstellar Terror; and The Path of the Wicked. And three live shows: Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure; The Rocky Horror Picture Show: A Tribute; and Brian Brushwood, who appeared in last year’s Freak Show. Halloween Horror Nights 18 runs from September 26-27 through October 2-5, 9-12, 16-19, 22-26 and October 29-November 1. www.halloweenhorrornights.com. Visit AccentOnTampaBay.com for arts, entertainment & travel.

HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS 18 Universal Orlando 10/08 video by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Bloody Mary, the urban legend of childhood nightmares is the theme of ...

Updated: Oct 12, 2008 9:09pm PST

UNIVERSAL - THE SIMPSON'S RIDE GRAND OPENING 05/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : The long awaited SIMPSON'S RIDE finally opened at Universal Orlando with lots of confetti and Marge Simpson hairdos. The wait was well worth it — this ride is super! It is a state-of-the-art motion sensor ride that totally engulfs the rider, as they go on the adventure of their life through "Krustyland". We also enjoyed a day at the park experiencing some new (to us) rides, and some old favorites. Enjoy our day with us through these photos!

UNIVERSAL - THE SIMPSON'S RIDE GRAND OPENING 05/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

The long awaited SIMPSON'S RIDE finally opened at Universal Orlando wi ...

Updated: May 19, 2008 6:43pm PST

VINITO RISTAURANTE, Prime Outlets International Mall, photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino :

VINITO RISTAURANTE, Prime Outlets International Mall, photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Updated: Oct 19, 2009 6:23pm PST


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