To some, Leap Day is just a bonus day on the calendar. For me, Haley Coomes, it means a little bit more.
That’s because Feb. 29, 2024, marked my first wedding anniversary. It’s not uncommon for one to forget their own anniversary, but what I find amusing is all the well messages I received yesterday from friends and family who remembered. They’ve waited a long time to say “Happy Anniversary.”
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I chose Leap Day because of its uniqueness thinking that every four years my husband and I had reason to go big on celebrating. I’m all for a good theme too, which is another reason why I chose the date.
Space had a heavy presence as I found ways to tie in the Apollo 11 moon landing. In fact, our wedding hashtag was #OneGiantLeapForHaleyandJamie. We even took photos at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex to incorporate into our wedding. I really meant it when I said I have long appreciated Central Florida attractions.
So after taking a trip down memory lane, I felt the need to write up an article on ways to celebrate Leap Day at our theme parks. Most of the things mentioned weren’t dated, like the KSC. A trip to the Apollo/Saturn V Center where you can walk beneath the rocket giants is worthwhile and can easily make anyone a space fan.
Now that we’ve taken a leap, it’s time to keep you in the loop on theme park news.
Walt Disney World
🌳🎧🎶 Flower, garden, and Groot
EPCOT’s lush springtime tradition is back in bloom and there’s plenty of plants, food, entertainment and merchandise to check out at the International Flower & Garden Festival. This year, the Disney Horticulture team outdid themselves, as they’ve created what I think is the most appropriate topiary yet. Located near the “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind” attraction, you’ll find Groot. He’s hoisting a cassette tape labeled “Green-House Mix: Vol. 1,″ and yes, it plays music.
Click here to see a time-lapse video of Disney crews assembling the flora colossus.
Universal Orlando
Skadoosh! There’s a new land opening soon
When we first met Shrek, he didn’t want anyone in his swamp, but starting this summer it’s going to be one big party.
Right now, Universal Orlando Resort is building its new DreamWorks Land located at the site of the former Fievel’s Playland, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, Curious George Goes to Town, DreamWorks Destination and the recently-moved Shrek and Donkey’s Meet and Greet.
Universal released renderings showing what will be included from the “Shrek,” “Trolls” and “Kung Fu Panda” franchises.
Gatorland
🐊You can’t spell Gatorland without (most of) Orlando
This week, News 6 Anchor Ginger Gadsden appeared on the “Drew Barrymore Show” as part of her “Wish You Were Here” segment spotlighting Orlando. Tagging along on the trip to New York was Gatorland Global Ambassador, Savannah Boan. She represents Orlando’s oldest theme park quite well, and last year, she told us how she got her cool gator gig.
Spring is right around the corner. Do you have plans to visit the parks or venture to Central Florida? If you need advice or ideas, drop me a line in my email or reach out to me on my Twitter or Instagram.
See you next week.