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Friday, March 29, 2019

SeaWorld's Aquatica makes waves with new KAREKARE CURL


SeaWorld Aquatica announced the opening date for its new KAREKARE CURL.

For the second year, SeaWorld Aquatica launches a new attraction. After the hugely successful Ray Rush in 2018, this year's new attraction looks to be as exciting.

Set to open on April 12, the KAREKARE CURL is described as a "curve shaped wave." Riders will feel like they are climbing a vertical wave wall. Riders are said to experience weightless on this high-adrenaline adventure.

SeaWorld Aquatica offers 47 slides, rivers and lagoons and 84,000 square feet of sparkling white, sandy beaches. It has been voted America’s Best Water Park by USA Today 10 Best Readers Choice Poll in 2018.

Friday, August 11, 2017

Animal encounters: is it about the adrenaline rush


If given the chance, would you feed a lion, swim with a shark or hold an alligator? Are deadly animal encounters about overcoming fears or just an adrenaline rush?

Many people have phobias, fears and just dislikes. Conquering those fears can be difficult. At the same time, some people live for the adrenaline rush. Dangerous activities can appease that thirst for peril. Some zoos, entertainment park and private establishments are adding deadly animal encounters to their activities. But, why are these activities becoming popular?

Recently, SeaWorld announced a new swim with the shark opportunity for guests. Many people were surprised that this activity would be available. Aren’t sharks dangerous? Couldn’t someone get bit by these animals? Let’s be honest. If this activity was extremely, insanely dangerous, SeaWorld wouldn’t offer the activity.

Still, many people were instantly drawn to the activity. Putting aside people who are fans of sharks, this opportunity intrigues most people for two reasons, the adrenaline rush or overcoming their fears. The adrenaline rush is easy to understand. Doing something potentially dangerous can cause a surge in endorphins. That hormonal high can be quite a rush.

Others could be drawn to these animal encounters to overcome their fears. While I’m not a medical expert, I have been told that one of the best ways to overcome fear is to face the fear directly. In this SeaWorld example, swimming in a shark tank could be their way of facing galeophobia, the fear of sharks.

The SeaWorld swimming with the sharks encounter isn’t the only theme park with this type of activity. A quick drive around Orlando shows several places where you can encounter dangerous snakes, gators and other scary animals. Gatorland offers a trainer for the day option, where you take care of the gators, or Gator Night Shine. Gator Night Shine as guests walk above the breading marsh at night, hot dogs included for feeding.

For people who fear cats, big cats rather than the domestic ones, several zoos and rescues offer animal encounters. Dade City’s Wild Things offers big cat feedings. The Tiger Safari in Oklahoma has several exotic animal encounters including lion cubs, tiger cubs and a variety of snakes. Many zoos throughout the U.S. offer animal encounters and these encounters are becoming more popular.

Regardless of the reason why people choose to participate in these experiences, the animal encounters are increasing. These experiences are often met with disdain. The zoo, or other park, has to balance the educational factor with the entertaining experience factor.

As stated before, if the activity was extremely dangerous, the park wouldn’t allow it. No insurance carrier would cover the establishment. The “fear” comes from the perception of danger. Just like the fastest roller coasters, the activity looks scary, but it is predominately safe.

Also, the parks should not harm the animals. Zoos, and some parks, are intended to be educational. Causing harm to the animals they care for isn’t smart. While all the danger can’t ever be removed, people are interacting with wild animals, the experience is controlled.

Based on the people’s reactions, animal encounters, especially deadly animal encounters, will continue to be offered. No matter the reasoning for participating in these activities, either facing fears or the adrenaline rush, people are lining up to participate. But, would you?

Friday, June 2, 2017

Don't forget your donut today - #NationalDonutDay




The first Friday in June is a food holiday no one forgets, National Donut Day. From classic glazed to crazy concoctions, grab a donut June 2.


Enjoyed with morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, donuts are a popular treat. National donut day is celebrated the first Friday in June. Both national chains and local shops offers great reasons to enjoy a donut.


According to TheThings.com, a 2015 survey determined the 15 most popular donut flavors. The most popular flavor was glazed followed closely by chocolate cake.  Based on these findings, the majority of people enjoy the classics.


For those who enjoy the classic donuts, Krispy Kreme is a must stop on Donut Day. The company offer guests a free classic glaze donut this Friday. But, enjoying just one is difficult. The Krispy Kreme red light is a signal it is time to enjoy a warm, classic glaze donut.


But, Krispy Kreme isn't the only donut shop celebrating this Friday. Many local shops will be joining the donut extravaganza. From special flavors to discounts, there are even more reasons to enjoy a donut.

Over the years, donut shops have expanded donut flavors. From bacon to cereal, and even popcorn, creative flavors draw crowds. Glazed and Infused offers a myriad of flavors. From Matcha Yogurt to Banananuetella Bismarck, their flavors mimic popular food trends.

If a donut shop isn't close, making donuts at home isn't too difficult. Instead of frying, baked donuts are relativity simple. Many pans or even the Holstein donut maker easily bring donuts to the table. Use a mix or find a recipe and everyone can get into the donut day fun.


Don't let June 2 pass without enjoying a donut or two. Share a picture of your National Donut Day donut on social media, #NationalDonutDay

 

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Free Mini Tacos at Brando's & The Essaness Room

What can make a Cinco de Mayo celebration even better - free mini tacos!

Head over to Brando's & The Essaness Room for free mini tacos on Friday, May 5. 

Guests who visit Brando's and The Essaness Room on Cinco de Mayo will enjoy festive specials like $4 Palomas and FREE Mini Tacos. The tacos will be available on the bar and passed around tables all evening

Cantina Laredo Cinco de Mayo celebration




Are you ready for mucho margaritas?  Cantina Laredo is serving modern Mexican cuisine for the celebration.  Wash down all the delish bites with margarita madness. 

Here are a few of the special margaritas for the occasion.

Cinco de Mayo Margaritas
available for a limited time

Tajin Watermelon ‘Rita Sauza Cucumber Chili Tequila, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Monin Agave Syrup, triple sec, fresh lemon and lime, served with a Tajin-Himalayan sea salt rim and watermelon cubes $12 ($5 each on 5/5)
 
La Favorita Espolón Reposado Tequila, fresh orange juice and margarita mix, topped with a Grand Marnier lime boat float $12
 
Blood Orange ‘Rita 1800 Silver Tequila, Cointreau Orange Liqueur, Monin Blood Orange Syrup, margarita mix and cranberry juice, topped with a dehydrated blood orange slice $12

Wednesday, May 3, 2017