A Playful World of LEGO Adventures
It has been the talk of the playgrounds and parks in the area since its opening.
To the delight of elementary school architects everywhere, LEGOLAND Park opened this past October on the land that Cypress Gardens once filled. If you have not yet made the trek out to visit the park, here’s what you’re missing.
LEGOLAND’s creators have done a fabulous job of building a theme park that is really targeted at preschool- and elementary school-aged kids. Many of the rides are pint-sized versions of rides and attractions found at other theme parks. There are so many different rides and attractions at the park (about 50 of them) that you could definitely spend the entire day there and still not try everything.
The most impressive part of the park, however, is not the rides, but the MINILAND LEGO City. This is an entire section of the park that is dedicated to LEGO creations. Entire landscapes of iconic cities like New York, San Francisco and Las Vegas spread out before you. You can spend hours walking around the different displays with the children just as mesmerized as the adults. In fact it’s like a real-life I SPY book; the closer you look, the more you find.
LEGOLAND Florida also features some attractions that pay homage to the history of the park. They have maintained the botanical gardens, which used to be the namesake of the former Cypress Gardens Park. They have also transformed Cypress Gardens’ water ski show into a pirate-themed water show.
The most underwhelming aspects of the new park are the prices and the distance from, well, anything else. It’s about an hour from Tampa, about 30 minutes off of Interstate 4. We might be a little spoiled by other Florida theme parks that are quite accessible from major highways, so be prepared.
Another criticism of the park has been the price. At around $70 for adults and $60 for kids, it is priced very comparably to theme parks like Busch Gardens and Disneyworld. You also have to pay for parking. Given that the park is really only aimed at families with preschool and elementary school kids, they may be unable to justify the prices in the long run. There are deals to be had though. A good Web site to check whenever you are looking at any Florida theme park or attraction is Mousesavers.
If you have young children, one positive is that the park is not going to be crowded with high school and college kids or any adults without children. It is even more family friendly than other Florida theme parks. Frankly, while the price may be high, if your child loves LEGOs as much as mine did when he was little, the price wouldn’t have mattered!
LEGOLAND
http://www.legoland.com
Mousesavers
http://www.mousesavers.com
Traveler Reviews
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34746-d2322446-Reviews-LEGOLAND_Florida-Winter_Haven_Florida.html
By Marilyn Gyselinck
Gyselinck, a resident of The Shires, can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com. Aerial photo courtesy of LEGOLAND and Chip LitherlandPhotography.
Ahoy Mateys!
Every year Tampa Bay takes part in a tradition like no other.
Long ago, legend holds, Tampa was invaded by pirates. Tampa Bay now celebrates this part of our history with the Gasparilla Pirate Fest, which includes activities and parades for all ages. But really it just provides us all with a chance to talk like pirates and stock up on plastic beads!
One of most cherished parts of the Gasparilla experience is the Children’s Gasparilla Parade, which celebrates the return of the Gasparilla season. This year the parade will take place on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 3-7:30 p.m. The Children’s Gasparilla Parade, which runs down Bayshore Boulevard, has been going on since 1947.
At 3 p.m. the children’s parade kicks off with the Air Invasion, a precision parachute jump from the United States Special Operations Command Jump Team. Although the historical invasion was only by sea, the air show certainly adds to the event’s excitement.
When the invasion is complete, the Children’s Parade starts. There are usually hundreds of floats from various schools, community groups, krewes and private businesses that participate to celebrate Tampa Bay children. There are plenty of beads, but it’s all good clean fun. Don’t mistake this for the other Parade of Pirates (the adult parade). The Children’s Gasparilla Parade is just for families and the debauchery is kept to a minimum.
After the parade, stick around a little bit longer for the Piratechnic Extravaganza. This fireworks show is one of the largest in the country and is supposed to represent a sea battle between the City of Tampa and the Pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Tampa. Your kids will be mesmerized by the lights in the sky.
Make it a family tradition to share a bit of Tampa Bay’s history and fun. For complete details about all of the Gasparilla events, check their Web sites.
Gasparilla 2012
www.gasparillapiratefest.com
Official Gasparilla Facebook Page
www.facebook.com/OfficialGasparilla
By Marilyn Gyselinck
Gyselinck, a resident of The Shires, can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com.
Mega-Plex, Schmega-Plex
Less than two dozen U.S. places made it onto LIFE Magazine’s list of America’s 21 Wonders.
Tampa’s own Tampa Theatre, however, made the cut in the final issue of the LIFE Magazine back in 2007 – alongside places like Coney Island Fair and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. If you have not discovered the Tampa Theatre yet, there is no better and more magical time to do so than during the holiday season.
Each year the theater hosts the Holiday Movie Series, featuring a collection of holiday favorites. These holiday films have become a delightful holiday tradition for many families. There is nothing quite as special as grandparents sitting alongside their grandchildren to enjoy the timeless film It’s A Wonderful Life or to watch Bing Crosby sing White Christmas for the very first time.
While classic and distinctive, the movies are not what make a trip to the theater such an enchanting experience. As you walk through its entry, you are transported to a lavish, romantic, Mediterranean courtyard – complete with beautifully decorative tiles, greenery, gargoyles and Tiffany lighting. Possibly the most breathtaking part of the theater is the twinkling stars and floating clouds of the nighttime sky overhead. The theater is an escape back in time. When it was built in 1926, it was considered one of America's most elaborate movie palaces. Today it’s an historical treasure.
The Tampa Theatre has fought fiercely over the years to survive in the face of progress. As urban sprawl drew people away from the cities and modern movieplexes offered luxury, high-backed chairs and super-sized screens, the Tampa Theatre has still managed to survive. It escaped destruction and stands today because of the intensely loyal and generous supporters that rallied back in the 1970’s to preserve the building. It still wouldn’t be able to operate today, however, without the generous support of the Tampa community.
The theater presents and hosts over 600 events a year, including films, concerts, special events, corporate events and tours. In fact, it is one of the most heavily utilized venues of its kind in the nation.
Admission to the Holiday Movie Series is $11 for everyone. The theater opens one hour prior to the start of the show. To ensure the best seats you’ll want to make sure you are there with plenty of time to spare. While you are not required to buy tickets ahead of time, it’s suggested. Not only do the holiday movies sell out sometimes, but you can avoid spending part of your evening in line.
While you wait inside the theater, you can enjoy the pre-show holiday sing-a-long, a wonderful theater tradition.
This holiday, however, don’t take for granted the thousands of people through the decades who have worked to make sure that this theater still stands today. Let their sincere, tireless dedication be an inspiration to the priorities in your life. After all, It’s A Wonderful Life!
Now go enjoy it.
Tampa Theatre
www.tampatheatre.org
By Marilyn Gyselinck; Photo by George Cott/Chroma Inc.
Gyselinck, a resident of The Shires, can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com.
Opening the Door to Tampa Bay History
What do you know about local history?
If you’re like most Floridians, your historical knowledge of Tampa Bay may be as shaky as your awareness of The Tampa Bay History Center. I only heard about it after one of my own children went there on a school field trip. Later, when we had a history-loving grandparent visit, we decided it would be the perfect activity to keep everyone happy.
Our expectations were not that high. We simply figured our visit would keep us from sitting around on the couch all day. My family, however, ended up learning so much that day. The Tampa Bay History Center is far more than a museum full of historical artifacts. It’s really a portal to Florida’s history. It allows you to walk through centuries past, from the early explorers to the entrepreneurs who made Tampa what it is today.
Upon entering the museum visitors are immersed in the stories and artifacts of the first Native American inhabitants as well as the Spanish Conquistadors, who were convinced there were treasures to be found along our waters. Their stories are told through hands-on exhibits, artifacts and engaging movies. The information is honest and factual and really makes you think about the lives that were affected by the events that shaped the Bay area.
Visitors then move on to the stories of the pioneers, sports legends and cigar barons who shaped Tampa’s character. The museum even offers the opportunity to stroll through a 1920’s era cigar store and see authentic machines used in the cigar warehouses back in the day.
Did you know Florida is the second largest cattle producer in the U.S.? Visitors can learn more about cattle ranching by riding along a virtual cattle drive. They can explore state landmarks, featured in historic photographs and an interactive map. Visitors can even step into a pioneer cottage and row a boat down the Hillsborough River. The museum pays homage to all of the pieces of Florida’s history that helped to create the character of the community where we live and work.
The Tampa Bay History Center is a 60,000-square-foot building in the picturesque Channelside District. Located on the waterfront, the center features a beautiful atrium and its signature Columbia Cafe.
As the old saying goes: those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it. Don’t be satisfied with repeats. Be sure to catch the original show soon.
The Tampa Bay History Center
www.tampabayhistorycenter.org
801 Old Water Street (formerly St. Pete Times Forum Drive)
Tampa, FL 33602
228-0097
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas
By Marilyn Gyselinck
Gyselinck, a resident of The Shires, can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com.
MOSI SkyTrail Ropes in the Curious
The closest thing to a mountain in Florida opened just down the road this past summer.
If you have ever visited Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), you have already explored the largest science center in the Southeastern United States. Featuring over 450 hands-on activities, MOSI’s exhibits are designed to encourage visitors young and old to explore everything related to science, industry and technology.
At the end of this past summer a completely new attraction opened at MOSI. MOSI’s Sky Trail Ropes Course is an exhilarating climbing course unlike any other in the Tampa area. Once you are harnessed into MOSI’s 36-foot high, multi-level structure, you can explore the different trails and obstacles on your own. There are stairs to climb, planks to walk and tightropes to skitter across like a circus acrobat. You can go up, down and back around until you’ve had your fill.
The course is meant for all ages and safety is a top priority. Before entering the course, climbers are put into a harness that attaches to the course structure. Because you are actually attached to the course the whole time, you can push your limits and explore your climbing abilities in ways that you otherwise would not feel comfortable doing. If you lose your balance or miss a step, the rope is there to catch you.
The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They are there to ensure you have a wonderful experience. The course welcomes single explorers as well as groups and you can purchase tickets to just the Sky Trail or add it to your MOSI admission. Closed, secured or athletic footwear is required. No wheelies, flip-flops or open-heel shoes are allowed.
Check out www.mosi.org for all the details.
MOSI’s Sky Trail® Ropes Course
Hours: Mon-Fri: Noon-5 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Visitors must be a minimum of 48 inches tall if climbing alone, Children who are
42-47 inches in height may still climb if accompanied by a responsible adult 18-years-old. Individuals shorter than 42 inches may not use the course.
By Marilyn Gyselinck
Gyselinck, a resident of The Shires, can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com.
A Tail with a Tale
A trapped baby dolphin, caught in a crab trap near Cape Canaveral six years ago, may just have you sitting in a movie theater in a few weeks.
In December of 2005, a Mosquito Lagoon fisherman discovered an entangled, 3-month-old bottlenose dolphin. The fisherman waited with the wounded animal until a rescue team arrived from Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
The team was immediately troubled by the baby dolphin’s condition. They found deep wounds on her tail flipper, her mouth and both pectoral fins and did not expect the dolphin, whom they named Winter 24/7, to survive.
The dolphin, however, refused to give up and her determination defied everyone’s expectations. Winter’s peduncle (tail flippers) actually fell off within a few days of arriving at the aquarium. When a prosthetic company heard about Winter’s story, they accepted the challenge of building Winter a prosthetic tail. Because of the generosity of her rescuers, Winter has grown into a healthy dolphin who is now changing the lives of others.
One day a little girl with a prosthetic leg happened to be at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium while vacationing with her family. After the staff decided to introduce her to Winter, the chance encounter changed the little girl’s life. Winter, they discovered, has a way of connecting to people with disabilities and truly letting them know that they are not alone.
People now travel from across the country to meet Winter. They say the dolphin makes them feel like they can face life’s great challenges. Winter, whose life was saved six years ago, has found a way to give back that no one would have ever expected.
Last year Warner Bros. filmed a feature film based on Winter’s story. Called Dolphin Tale, it will be released in theaters on Sept. 23 and has an all-star cast, including Harry Connick, Jr., Ashley Judd, Kris Kristofferson and Morgan Freeman. Because of the attention that the movie has created, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium has seen a dramatic increase in visitors. They now hope to expand the facility, something they never would have dreamed was possible.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a non-profit organization that strives to educate, rescue and rehabilitate injured marine life. Its expansion will allow them to accomplish their mission on a larger scale.
The aquarium is open to visitors seven days a week, so you can actually see Winter yourself! Check their Web site, http://www.seewinter.com for t,heir various rates and hours. Be a part of sharing Winter’s story and take with you the lesson that no matter how unattainable a goal may seem, it can be reached with resilience, compassion and friendship.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
http://www.seewinter.com
Dolphin Tale Movie Trailer
http://dolphintalemovie.warnerbros.com/index.html
By Marilyn Gyselinck
Gyselinck, a resident of The Shires, can be reached at mari.gys@gmail.com.