Hooters Sarasota Christmas Tale of 2014

HOOTERS SARASOTA CHRISTMAS TALE OF 2014

Twas’ the night before Christmas, when all through the bar,

The excitement was excelling, for Christmas was not far.

The stockings were abound, with calendars inside,

It is the holidays at Hooters, will you join me for the ride?

The outside bar area, which has a cool crisp feel

The moon is brightly lit, making it all feel surreal.

The joyous personalities, of the regulars outside.

Makes the eve of Christmas, seem all well and alive

When what to our surprise, we heard the sound of some bells

And we looked all around, to see what our eyes would hail.

We look left, we look right, forward and back,

But it is up we should gaze, to see someones red sack.

A  sleigh that it was, flying up in the sky

Guided by nickering reindeer, flying on by.

The sleigh made a turn, and came straight on our way,

And landed so silently, as St Nick stopped to say.

Hi Maddie, hi Kaleigh, Emily, Samantha

Hi Rhiannon, and Karly, Nikki and Elisa.

I see you there Jade, with Kailee by your side,

I see all of you right now, for it is Christmas tonight.

I see all of you here, working hard I do see

And I will make the time, to each one of you I see

He talked to the regulars, bringing joy to the crowd

Often breaking in laughter, as his voiced boomed out loud

With a nod and a gander, he was quickly inside,

Gave a hug to Jasmar, as he joyfully walked by

He looked back behind the bar where the cooks all stood

He gave them a wave and they all got back to their food.

Mindy turned the corner, ran into him while in flight

He smiled while saying “I have gifts for your kids tonight.”

Oh how he smirked, examining the store door to door.

How it has changed, from the his visit nine years before.

Looking at the calendar, for five girls in it were graced,

There is Emily and Kendall, with Nicolle and Taylor to praise.

Oh how he was proud, of everyone he did see,

Making hooters the restaurant, the one true place to be

He grabs a hot chocolate, from the counter it appeared,

Took a long big drink, oh this place he held dear.

Knowing he is not needed, this year it does seem,

He heads to the door, to get back to his team

As he loads up and gathers, the reins for the sleigh,

Called for Rudolph to go red, his nose to light up the way.

As he flew onward bound, away into the dark night

Ali could hear his final words, as he vanished from sight

“Hooters in Sarasota, a favorite place for me to be,

Is always a treasure , every December I do see.

I leave you all now, as I veer to the right”

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO HOOTERS;

YOU ARE TRULY CHRISTMAS TONIGHT!!

Created and written by David "Thrills"  and avid regular at Sarasota Hooters

Follow David @TampaAmazeMe

Email TampaThrillme@gmail.com

Photo taken from the Sarasota Hooters Facebook page and all rights and privileges concerning that photo belong to them. IT IS SUCH A GREAT PHOTO!!!!!!!

Poem may be recirculated in any means others may find enjoyment out of it with proper credit given



Ringling Brothers Circus Extreme Starts in Tampa

What is more exciting than the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus coming home to the Sarasota/Bradenton? That would be Circus Extreme coming to Amalie Arena in Tampa  from January 1-4, 2015. This is your chance to bring your family to be astonished by the various Extreme acts that can only be presented the Ringling Brothers Circus way.

In this years edition, Ringmaster Andre McClain will capture the audiences attention and lead them through an adventure of Xtreme, X-Hilirating, X-Traordinary, thrills and X-Citement that can only be contained under the ring. join the Ringmaster and see Mongolian Strongmen and BMX riders. Other featured acts this year include Gemma Kirby, the worlds youngest female human cannonball, the high wire Danguir Troupe led by Mustafa, Tabayara Maluenda with have his family of tigers and X-Otic animals aplenty.  

Circus Extreme will have a 4 day engagement at Amalie Arena. Buy early and save EXTREME! Follow the link and use promo code MOM4 and get $4 off your tickets for the Friday Jan. 2 at 7:30pm, Saturday Jan. 3 at 11:00am, or Sunday Jan. 4 at either 11:00am or 7:00pm showings.

Circus Xtreme will also have an All Access Pre-Show an hour before showtime. This event, which is free with your ticket, is an opportunity to get up close with the performers, learn some tricks, try on some clothes, and get pictures. WOW!!! 3 hours of fun starting at only $16. Take advantage of the $4 savings with promo code MOM4 and it starts at $12.

SO now it is time to get Xtreme and take your family to the GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH. Tickets are available by calling 800-745-3000 or by going to Ringling.com  Group rates are also available by calling 866-248-8740.

The circus is back home and here to stay in Ellenton. Celebrate and go Xtreme to start the year off right.

More information about the Ringling Brothers Circus available at Ringling.com and you can also follow them on Twitter @RinglingBros and on Facebook.

WIN A FAMILY 4-PACK OF TICKETS TO OPENING NIGHT!!!!

 Feld Entertainment is nice enough to allow me to give away 4 tickets to the opening night performance on Jan 1 at 7:30pm. There are various ways to enter. Make a twitter post about the Circus and follow both @RinglingBros and @TampaAmazeMe and you are entered. Also retweeting one of my tweets about the circus and following both of us will get you entered. Random drawing of qualified entries will be 12:00pm December 26th. If I get no response by 2:00pm on Jan. 26th I will draw again and every 2 hours afterwards til I can contact a winner. Tickets will be at will call in winners name before the performance. It is best suited for a local person since transportation is not included. ID required to pick up winning tickets. Please be prepared to answer if entering


David "Thrills"
Twitter @TampaAmazeMe

A Busch Gardens Christmas Tale of 2014

A BUSCH GARDENS CHRISTMAS TALE OF 2014

 

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the park,

Not a creature was stirring, in the ongoing dark;

The lights were all twinkling, all hung from the trees,

As a momentous occasion, has come to be seen.

 

 

It is Christmastown this December, close to the day,

That Santa makes his visits, while to beds the kids go lay.

The rest of us are here, to enjoy the awesome sights,

Of a festive Busch Gardens, lit by many colored lights.

 

 

For those that are here, this chilly, cool night,

The sights that are present, keeping  spirits all bright.

Walking the lit trails, seeing tradition unfold,

Enjoy your Busch Gardens, as this story is told.

 

 

The moon is all clear, as we see Christmas on Ice,

And the statue of an angel, you must stop to say hi.

In Three Kings Oasis, is the journey you have known,

See the Carol of the Bells, enjoy the musical show.

 

 

On to the Celestial Crossings, known as Pantopia by day,

Go up high on Falcons Fury, and dive down for your prey.

In Pantopia Grill, where Mrs. Claus hosts her feast,

Is a Christmas Celebration, sang by the beauty of a tree.

 

 

Hark, do you hear? The Christmas Town Express,

The sound of the carolers, the train’s horn gives a blast.

At the station there are penguins, nearby to enjoy,

Swimming and playing, putting on a nice show.

 

 

And look what we have, the North Pole we do arrive,

But Santa’s own house, with the elves here by our side.

Visit Santa and his wife, be you an adult or a kid,

And enjoy a nice snack, as goodbye they all bid.

 

 

On to Christmas Town Terrace, that huge tree we do see

The 50 foot light show, when done “MORE” we do plead.

Listen closely at the end, for Rukayah you may hear,

Along with Cinta and Bundar, giving tiger holiday cheer.

 

 

Oh Madagascar, where King Julien does dwell,

Along with Alex and Gloria, and the four penguins as well.

Operation: Christmas Vacation, a story that is told,

Being stranded in Busch Gardens, will they see it as gold?

 

 

Oh no there is Elmo, in his home in the park.

Sesame Street and Christmas, the young love with their heart.

Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, singing to the young kids.

Telling the heartfelt tale, of Elmo’s Christmas Wish.

 

 

Over a million lights, we are seeing through the dark,

But this is Busch Gardens, Florida’s premiere thrill park.

There are rides, beer and food, to enjoy with your time,

And Twisted Tales Pretzels, their specialties unwind.

 

 

Dive on Shiekra from up high, as you scream in the night,

And the Sand Serpent you ride, oh those turns are so tight.

Montu and Kumba, classics not to be missed,

Cheetah Hunt you are thrust, the sights go by with a swish.

 

 

Finally Christmas Town Village, to sit and enjoy,

Hot Chocolate and waffles, or maybe a new toy.

When all of a sudden, something has us look high,

We see Santa on his sleigh, leaving into the night.

 

 

Bye Shtuko, and Simon, Kasi and Mtani,

Bye Luna, bye Simsim, and little young Jasiri.

Christmas is for you, as everyone does see,

May you wake to the memories, that Santa will bring.

 

 

Busch Gardens is Christmas, As you all now know,

Christmastown means family, ours and your own

 

 

MERRY CHISTMAS MY FRIENDS, THE FURRY ONES I DO MEAN

AND TO EVERYONE ELSE, ENJOY THE CHRISTMAS GLEE!!!

 

By David Thrills

@TampaAmazeMe

tampathrillme@gmail.com

Inaugural Run For Wildlife 5K A Success

 

The inaugural Run For Wildlife 5K proved to be a success for Busch Gardens Tampa. Over 1400 runners showed up early in the morning to brave this 3.1 mile course. It was a chilly morning, but the spirits of event organizers and runners alike were high and warm. The chip timed race is a first for Busch Gardens Tampa. The race provides participants to run through the winding pathways of the park while supporting animal conservation rights worldwide.



As the runners and family members awaited the race to start , the Christmastown elves made an appearance to both support the runners and advertise the upcoming family tradition called Christmastown. The elves were not the only surprises for the runners that morning either. Alex the lion and Gloria the hippo were outside of Madagascar in Stanleyville  greeting and cheering the runners on to the finish line. Skipper, Rico, Kowalski, and Private also were outside providing encouragement and being there for the few photo ops a runner or two wanted to have. The Christmastown elves were smiling at the finish line with cheerful glee as every runner finished their race.


Everyone had a personal best record for this race to improve upon the next year, but the individual winner for the men was Josh with a time of 16:08. The women's overall winner was Adrian with an overall time of 19:03.


After the race the runners were able to show off their medals, eat some snacks provided by Busch gardens, and pose with elves and family for their photos. The runners also got admission to the park that day to enjoy the wildlife that they were running for in a more personal, slowed down manner.

The Run For Wildlife 5k proved to be a great offering by Busch Gardens Tampa and I look forward to see it come back in years to come. The message that is sent forward from this race as well as the fun the runners get in seeing the park in a unique way provides a great educational benefit to the participants. The exposure also helps the Sea World & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.

The Sea World & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit fund organization founded in 2003. Since its creation, over $11 million in conservation grants has been provided to over 800 organizations. If you would like to help this wonderful fund you are able to donate directly through their website. If you are a passholder or fun card holder you can go to guest relations and ask to have a hard plastic card for an additional $5 and every penny goes toward the fund. That is a perfect way to donate and have something that is always with you when entering the parks.

Howl-O-Scream Tampa Was A Scream

As darkness comes about, you look at your watch and see it is 7:30. You start to hear some music in the background and follow it to its source. You come upon the entrance to Busch Gardens Tampa and the music draws you through the gate. DON'T LISTEN!!!!!!   For you will be CURSED!!!!

Cursed is the theme this year for Howl-O-Scream in Tampa. "Can you survive the Curse" is how it is titled for those whom dare enter the front gates. I myself visited HOS twice this year. Opening night and this past weekend. Knowing that sometimes things are changed up from opening night, and that it was raining, I wanted to do my review after a visit in which the attraction is established for the season. I am glad I did.

Earlier I wrote a preview on the haunted houses that were featured this year. Considering I visit HOS every year and that Busch Gardens repeats some houses with a new twist, I brought along a guest reviewer Jeff @Eachann to give a fresh perspective from never having been to HOS before. As before, I have a rating of 1-10 screams, 10 being scariest and 1 being not scary at all.
WARNNING: THIS SECTION CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS INVOLVING THE HAUNTED HOUSES!!! PLEASE SKIP PAST THIS SECTION IF YOU WANT TO VISIT AND BE SURPRISED!!!!!!!!

Dead Fall is a new house this year where certain elements were voted on by fans from facebook. It is a very Victorian feel to it and well designed. We found the set to be great and the scares were good. Jeff thought that some of the plant scares involved were forced and did not work as anticipated



DAVE THRILLS ------- 6 Screams
JEFF @Eachann -------- 6 Screams


Zombie Containment Unit 15 is a new concept introduced at HOS that gives you a feel of running through a zombie infested area armed with your Zombie Eradication Device (laser gun) to slow the zombie approach. This is a great concept. I really liked how they set you up to enter. Once inside though it really seemed too tight. After the initial encounter the whole feel seemed very repetitive. I really hope they keep this idea and expand upon it next year. Maybe not make it a haunted house, but an attraction where it is featured to escape from zombies in of itself. I feel that if I was not looking to be scared, but entering with a mission of destruction, my expectations would have been met and scored this higher.

DAVE THRILLS -------3 Screams (would be a 9 if rated on fun versus scares)
JEFF @Eachann  ------- 5 Screams


Death Water Bayou returned for a second year and the Voodoo Queen did not disappoint in the scares from her evil minions. Jeff especially liked how the scares were unexpected and came from directions he never would have anticipated. This was my highest rated house last year and paves its way to the top for two years in a row. I LOVE IT!!!!

DAVE THRILLS ------- 8 Screams
Jeff @Eachann     ------- 8 Screams


The Basement is another one that debuted last year that is in the area formerly known as the solo walk through house "Alone." Momma's meats is still a hit and the scares were there. I really thought there were a lot of areas under-utilized that could have added a scare actor to really improve my score. Jeff loved the set, but thought it was too dark to really appreciate it.

DAVE THRILLS ------- 6 Screams
Jeff @Eachann     ------- 7 Screams


Blood Asylum is the longest running house currently at HOS. The "Creature" escapes from its high-security cell and makes the hospital his own torture chamber. WE both love the props in this house, really makes the feel of what is trying to be presented. The execution of the concept was lacking though. Would have been nice to see this "creature" on the loose or identify it as such.

DAVE THRILLS ------- 4 Screams
JEFF @Eachann  ------- 5 Screams


The Circus of Superstition in 3D is another repeat house in a different location. I was never a fan of it in its first year, but now it is one of my favorite ones to visit. The concept of 3D is really what makes it. Lots of mannequins that really make you wonder what is real and what is fake. Scared of clowns? Plenty of clowns in here. Jeff really loved how well the scare actors blended into the scenery

DAVE THRILLS ------- 7 Screams
Jeff @Eachann     ------- 7 Screams


Zombie Mortuary returns for another year. This has been a must-see the past 3 years and still is this year. I do miss that HOS took away the photo op in this house capturing your fear. As always, the scares were great and the misdirection worked very well in here. Jeff thought it was too dark to really enjoy but thought the scares were the best.

DAVE THRILLS ------- 7 Screams
Jeff @Eachann     ------- 8 Screams


The Experiment is an interactive challenge to test your fears. Close to a "Fear Factor" style. If you are unable to finish a challenge, the experiment is over (cockroaches, snakes, spiders, blood?). I chose not to do this one this year but did it previously. It has an upcharge starting at $50. Worth going through if you want that solo challenge dedicated just for you.

The wandering mobs and scare zones were very good and diverse. I personally loved the vampire group led around by their masters. Whereas Jeff loved the skateboarders. I was really impressed with their enthusiasm in trying to keep the scares going through the night even thought it was obvious some individuals were getting tired (skateboards running and grinding on their knees). It shows the determination the scare actors at HOS has in making it work for you.


"Fiends" is a live entertainment show in the Pantopia Theater that is a staple of HOS. See this show once, you are addicted. This evening we had the pleasure of seeing @FrankDavisAndCo play the lead role of Dr. Freakenstein. Be sure to join the Dr. at Freakenstein University as his students and meet the deranged professors for a lot of fun and jokes. Be sure to stay afterwards and get a "selfie" with your favorite professor or the "Naughty Nurses" themselves.


I took advantage of Fright Feast this evening and if you are truly here to experience ALL that HOS has to offer, than this upcharge is a must. It includes a buffet dinner that loaded with a large selection of eats as well as a taco bar. Do not forget to get your pumpkin cheesecake before they run out thought. The best part is that you get an exclusive showing of the "Fiends" show while you eat and exclusive use of the haunted houses from 7:00-7:30 AND front of line access to haunted houses until 8:30. I was able to visit all but one haunted house in that period to avoid the longer lines and then enjoy everything else HOS had to offer.

HOS does offer a variety of photo opportunities throughout the evening. If you take advantage of the photokey you will find all of the photos taken by park photographers are included from HOS (roller coasters too). The one thing I will say I was disappointed about though. They did take away the area where you had the opportunity to take pictures with the Naughty Nurses. Maybe it did not do well in the past? If you want your pic taken with a nurse, be sure to stay after the Fiends show to do so.


Overall HOS is an experience that rivals other offerings out there in the state of Florida. Tickets start at $89. The best way to take advantage is order your tickets online in advance and save up to $39 for a single ticket. Also be sure to look at the other upgrades and VIP experiences that HOS has to offer and make it a Halloween event to remember.

I am David "Thrills" and I am an avid goer to Busch Gardens. I will be one to admit Halloween is like my Christmas and HOS is the event I look forward to every year. As always, if you have any questions I may be able to help you with, or just want to hear my updates and live in-park tweeting, follow me @TampaAmazeMe or email me at TampaThrillMe@gmail.com

Will Howl-O-Scream BE the Choice This Year?

THERE IS A SONG....... They say when you hear it, you will be Cursed. It is than up to you to escape the Curse, or spread the song and spread the Curse.

Halloween returns again this year and as we approach the end of August we see the parks doing their reveals for the ultimate scare-fest. Busch Gardens Tampa is no different and 2014 brings us Howl-O-Scream. The theme for this year is Cursed. Howl-O-Scream will once again present a large number of haunted houses, both old and new, and bring the scares to thousands of guests in the 18 night run this year.

The haunted houses are always a favorite of the guests. Which one will really scare us and what ones can we just pass on by. Scott Swenson, who has always been one of the creative leads for HOS, stated during Safari Sidewalk Nights that HOS will have something this year that no other park has ever done before. This article will talk about the houses coming to HOS this year. So we shall start with the new houses.

ZOMBIE CONTAINMENT UNIT 15
3 years after the zombie invasion, there is a containment failure in Z.C.U. 15. Armed with your Zombie Eradication Device, it is up to you to fight off the hordes of zombies as they seek your flesh. This is INCLUDED IN THE COST OF YOUR ADMISSION!!!!!!  I have a lot of faith and excitement about this house. If done correctly, this looks to be THE HOUSE the crowds will be coming to in the park.


DEADFALL
The ghosts of long lost memories reach into the present and will NOT be forgotten! These spirits form the past lurk in the Victorian Garden and greenhouse, longing to drag unsuspecting guests into their world. This house is one of the ones that you can vote on the elements to on Facebook. It is always great when the fans get to contribute to the making of a new house. A part of ownership, one might say, as they walk through it.

DEATH WATER BAYOU
The Voodoo Queen returns again and mystically transforms travelers into her minions of evil with Black Magic. This by far was my favorite house last year and I am very happy to see it returning. I anxiously await to see what twists the creative minds put to the house for the 2014 experience.

THE BASEMENT
Momma Meats returns with her award winning recipe that is only created in the basement. What is the secret ingredient? Do you dare go to find out. Will you find the secret and escape before the Butcher finds you? Another new one last year I really enjoyed. This was a long house that really was well done.

ZOMBIE MORTUARY
How did the epidemic start? No one knows. The zombies infest this funeral home and feed on the flesh and brains of mortuary mourners to satisfy their never-ending hunger. Do not find yourself six feet under. This house has been around a few years, but is always one of the ones you want to visit. Maybe Busch Gardens will bring back the photo op in this house again so you can get that scream frozen in time.

BLOOD ASYLUM
"The Creature" escapes from his holding cell in a high security high-security asylum for the criminally insane. Now he has turned the mental hospital into his own personal torture chamber. This is another house that has been around for a few years. It has always been very well designed with the scares in the right places. Never been disappointed in this one.

CIRCUS OF SUPERSTITION: THE SHOW MUST GO ON
All the years of avoiding black cats and sidewalk cracks have caught up to you. Now you must escape this whole new dimension of fear. This house is in 3D. I have mixed opinions on this one. One year I loved it, and another year it was like...oh. There is a new location for the circus this year which lends to its credo as a new dimension. I am looking forward to seeing the new twist in a new location.

THE EXPIREMENT: THE FINAL TEST
Researchers challenge your fear tolerance and mental endurance in this interactive experience. The human body is pushed to its limits by putting them face-to-face to their worst nightmares. This is the house that has an upcharge to it. I did go through this ALONE last year and I will admit there were moments I was like....NO WAY. Can I say cockroaches, snakes, and blood. The nice thing about this, though, there are many things a human is afraid of. Meaning.......I went last year, but I should not see the same experience this year. I look forward to this a lot. The charge is $50 plus an additional $10 per person going with you, to a total of 4. Reserve your time before you go into the park if wanting to do this.


Want to insure you see ALL of the houses in one evening?  Be sure you take a look at HOS's options from front of line passes to guided tours as extras. I myself attend Fright Feast a half-hour of early access and one hour of front of line access to the houses. With a showing of Fiends while you eat.







HOS is a separate ticketed event with various pricing I will explore in a future article. I will say....advance tickets is the way to go. Are you a passholder? You get the best prices as always. Be sure to check out the ticket options and see what works best for you. Want further information on the houses, you can also got to the HOS website and read more of the back story of each house.

I am David "Thrills" and I am an avid goer to Busch Gardens. I will be one to admit Halloween is like my Christmas and HOS is the event I look forward to every year. As always, if you have any questions I may be able to help you with, or just want to hear my updates and live in-park tweeting, follow me @TampaAmazeMe or email me at tampathrillme@gmail.com.

 

 

World Elephant Day Busch Gardens Style

Like any other international event involving animals, Busch Gardens will be celebrating World Elephant Day on Saturday, Aug 9th. World Elephant Day is an international annual event that is officially celebrated on Aug 12th and is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the world's elephants. It was officially founded, supported, launched, and currently directed by Patricia Sims and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation on August 12, 2012. In two years it is supported by over 65 wildlife organizations.


The Sea World and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has granted more than $10 million dollars to over 70 projects around the world, which includes 10 elephant conservation projects in Asia and Africa in 2013 and 2014. With the current estimated population of the African elephants around 400,000 and listed as "Vulnerable" and the Asian elephants around 40,000 and considered "endangered" by the IUCN Red List, such efforts by Busch Gardens and other wildlife organizations are vital to the preservation of the elephants.


On August 9, Busch Gardens Tampa will have activities and interactive displays in the Animal Care Center from 9:30am - 5:00pm. While there, you will be able to hear the trainers talk and will learn how the animal care team cares for their beloved elephants living in the park. You will even be able to help create enrichment activities for the elephants.

There is also an opportunity for 160 guests to take a behind the scene tour of the "Pachyderm Palace" starting at 10:00am. This is a 20 minute tour of the area where the elephants go during inclement weather or while the environment is getting cleaned. Meet team members at the front of the park at opening to get tickets or register at the Animal Care Center for any openings that may be left later in the day. I would show up early, the tickets will be going fast.

Lastly, and the most exciting is the 2 hour "Evening With the Elephants" at 7:00pm. Go behind the scenes to the elephant pool as trainers engage the elephants and share stories about the care of these amazing pachyderms. Included in this tour are appetizers, Coca-Cola products and a "Pink Elephant" specialty drink. This unique evening is $69. Yes, your passmember discounts do apply to this event. There is limited spaces for this evening and sure to be sold out soon, so be certain to purchase your tickets early to reserve your seating for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

World Elephant day is a special event and what better way to spend it than at Busch Gardens. Unable to make it? You can still donate to the Sea World and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund and help make a difference in the future of these pachyderms. In the park, go to guest services and have your passmember card or funpass upgraded to a hard plastic card for a small fee with all proceeds going to the conservation fund.


Keep up to date with happenings at Busch Gardens, live tweets in the park, and my first-hand review of Falcon's Fury when it launches. Be sure to follow me on twitter at @TampaAmazeMe or email me at tampathrillme@gmail.com for any questions about the park. I will do my best to answer or find an answer for you.

David "Thrills"

Note: The facts mentioned in this article were repeated with compliments to Wikipedia, Busch Gardens, and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation.