Since June 3, seven baby Caribbean flamingos have hatched at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. You can see them in the Bird Gardens area at Busch Gardens, along with about 125 adult flamingos. Bird Gardens is just around the corner from the new Sesame Street Safari of Fun children’s area, too.

The Busch Gardens folks say these babies prove that newly hatched chicks are not pink, but in fact have gray or white down feathers. Their pink coloring comes from the carotenoid pigments they consume as part of their diet. They won’t lose all of their darker feathers for a few years.

This ticket deal is available now through Labor Day, Sept. 6, 2010.

This ticket could save your family money and a sunburn if you choose to check out SeaWorld in the evening instead of during the heat of the day.

SeaWorld AfterDark showcases the park in a whole new light, with a nighttime rock n’ roll extravaganza, a high-energy Shamu show, a hilarious sea lion show, coasters under the stars and a mystifying fireworks finale.

SeaWorld AfterDark continues through August 15.

A couple of things to note about this new Twilight Ticket for SeaWorld Orlando:

• The $39.99 price is for both adults and children.
• You must buy this ticket online – it’s not available at the turnstiles.
• You can buy online in advance and use the ticket any day between now and Sept. 6 – so you can print it at home before you leave on your vacation.
• The printed tickets allow you to go straight to the turnstiles at the park – no need to wait in line at the ticket window.

There’s a special Island Nights menu, with coconut shrimp, conch fritters and shrimp simmered in a sauce of beer and garlic.

There are animal encounters with some of the residents of Busch Gardens, which is right across the street.

A DJ sets up on the beach to spin hit songs (all family-friendly).

And there’s a special Island Nights show with a fire twirler and hula dancers. It happens at the beach a couple of times each evening, and it’s definitely worth watching.

Island Nights is happening every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through August 14th. Evening is a great time to visit Adventure Island — the sun is setting, which means less heat (a little less Florida heat) and less sunscreen applications.

If you haven’t visited Adventure Island water park, it’s worth a visit if you’re in the Tampa area. It is one of the most well-maintained and cleanest water parks I have visited, and there’s something for everyone.

There are splash play areas for the little ones, and water slides for every age. I’m partial to just floating along on the park’s lazy river.

And my school-age kids love the pool area with tube slides and a “cliff” to jump off.

Island Nights is included with any Adventure Island admission. You will save money by buying your tickets online in advance, and there are some great package deals that will get you a day at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, too.

Disclosure Notice: Adventure Island sponsored my trip to the park to check out Island Nights.

Many Harry Potter fans have been waiting with great anticipation to see it. But what if you were more than just a fan? What if you were in the Harry Potter movies?

Some of the Harry Potter series actors are in Orlando today touring the Wizarding World.

That’s Robbie Coltrane, Matthew Lewis, Emma Watson, and Oliver and James Phelps starting their sneak-peek tour of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter today at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, in this photo tweeted by Universal Orlando. I wonder what they think of the butterbeer?

I actually got to taste butterbeer on Monday night, when I attended a private party in the Wizarding World. I loved it, especially the frozen variety. We weren’t allowed to take pictures during the party, but I wrote about many of my observations at Gadling.com:

Inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. No, really. I got inside.

The Wizarding World has three thrill rides. Thrill rides. Which makes it not the best for little kids. Here’s my take on the target audience for the new theme park land over at Traveling Mamas:

Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not for the little ones (and that’s just fine)

The Wizarding World opens on June 18. As Dewayne Bevil notes on the Theme Park Rangers blog, there are several theories on when (and if) a soft opening will happen. Cast members are previewing the attractions this week.

Today is the 15th birthday of my favorite Walt Disney World restaurant, Disney’s California Grill.

The California Grill is on the top floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and it has a spectacular view of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon.

For me, the restaurant is the ultimate Disney date night. Great food, great wine and a great view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

The restaurant features California wines, and the wine list changes daily. I am always amazed at how well my server knows the wine list, and I have never gotten a bad recommendation.

The menu at California Grill changes regularly, but there are some mainstays that are my favorites. I love the grilled pork tenderloin with goat-cheese polenta, and the filet. The cheese board is also one of my favorite cheese courses at Walt Disney World.

Disney has created a special cocktail to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Disney’s California Grill. It’s called the Golden Gate Cocktail, and I can’t wait to try it. Here’s the recipe:

• 1 1/4 ounces Remy Martin VSOP Cognac
• 3/4 ounce Amaretto Disaronno
• 1/2 ounce cranberry juice
• Orange slice, for garnish
• Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass.
• Squeeze the slice or orange into the drink.

If you’ve never tried the California Grill, it’s a great splurge for your next Walt Disney World trip. You will need a reservation. You can make one online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE.

When Laura LeClair’s family planned a visit to Walt Disney World last year, her teenage daughter Victoria decided to give the American Idol attraction a try, and she made it into a show.

Here’s what Laura told me about their day behind the scenes:

“When we entered Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the pre-screening auditions were set up just inside the entrance on the left side of Hollywood Blvd.  That audition is a 90-second song of your own choosing (acapella).  Victoria sang “Fairytale” by Sara Bareilles.

“The cast members asked Victoria her age (15), and made sure she had an adult with her.  Once they determined that she would be moving to an actual audition, there was a form to sign and Victoria was given a sheet with many different songs and asked to select two.

“This was just preliminary to get an idea of what kinds of songs appealed to Victoria.  She selected “Black Horse and a Cherry Tree” and “Part of Your World.” Because Victoria was a teenager, she had to have an adult stay with her during the process.

“Cast members then brought us to the backstage area. We were escorted into the “red room” where the contestants were given iPods and told to listen to their songs and let the staff know when they have selected the two they want to sing.  Another performer chose one of the songs Victoria had thought about singing, so she had to change her second song to “Colors of the Wind.”  Once a song is selected for an audition, it’s taken off the table for the rest of the day.

“There was a flurry of activity backstage (many different rooms – some with doors; some open areas), with several hopefuls auditioning at any given time.

“When it was Victoria’s turn, we were escorted into the room where Kendal, a Disney Producer, listened to my daughter sing “Black Horse and A Cherry Tree.” He sat at a desk, she stood in front of him, I sat behind her.  She sang and he didn’t look at her, instead he was watching her on a screen to his right.  When she finished the song, he gave her some very constructive feedback and then asked her to sing a little of the second song.

“He gave her more feedback, then turned the monitor on behind him where Ryan Seacrest started talking.  In typical Ryan style, it almost sounded like he was going to say “nice try” but then he said something like “You’re going through to the show!!!”  Neither Victoria nor I can remember exactly what his words were — we were both stunned!

“They gave Victoria a card stating her performance time and a “Vote For Me” lanyard (which is now her souvenir!) and escorted us out of the room where the cast members started cheering for her and really making her feel special!  Then they told her she would be in the 11 a.m. show and that they wanted to make a little video.

“Then it was on to the Hair and Make-Up room where Megan got Victoria ready for the show.  Next, into the Vocals room where Daniel coaches the performers.  He listened to her sing, then made a suggestion and they worked on one line near the end of the song.

“Eventually, the contestants (and me!) were escorted into the green room where they were told they would have a rehearsal onstage in the empty theater.  There was some downtime in the green room where the contestants tried to relax and listened to their music on iPods; then it was rehearsal time.

“The holding area is just behind the stage, to the left (opposite from the judges’ side). There’s a sofa that the contestants sit on, and there’s a monitor to watch the show.

“Victoria, Frankie & Shawn really bonded and were very supportive of each other.  And I was pleasantly surprised at how relaxed Victoria was.  I think that was a combination of the wonderful cast members and also the fact that she had decided she was going to have fun and enjoy the experience!”

Victoria did not win her preliminary round, but Laura says it was a great experience all around. In fact, Laura says it was one of the most exciting days in her family’s life.

She offers this advice to other moms: Discuss your child’s expectations before the trip.

“About a month before our trip, Victoria and I discussed how she felt about auditioning and what she hoped to gain from the experience. She and I both felt it would be a good opportunity to get feedback on her singing from people who work in the business, and don’t have any ulterior motives.

“She auditioned with the expectation of simply being critiqued.  I think that made a difference in how she approached the whole experience, and allowed her to enjoy it more.”

One of the reasons that I love visiting new theme parks is to get to take a look at the theming inside. I am a fan of theme parks mainly because of the creative genius that goes into building such immersive environments.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Sesame Workshop have done a tremendous job with the theming on their new collaboration, Sesame Street Safari of Fun.

This children’s play area offers a junior coaster, children’s rides, splash play areas, character dining and playgrounds that not only stick with the Sesame Street theme, but also fit beautifully within Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s African theming.

Take a look at that building above. Yes, it’s the restroom. But the brightly colored, African inspired mural makes it a beautiful addition to the area, something much more than just utilitarian.

Now for the Sesame Street style, take a closer look:

The eyes have it, right? We see those familiar bulging eyes on many of the monsters on Sesame Street.

Peter van Roden, vice president of themed entertainment for Sesame Workshop, told me the mural below is his favorite thing about the whole Sesame Street Safari of Fun:

Finally, here’s a look at Bert and Ernie, safari-style:

You ride a tube through flumes and land in funnels, where you “rocka” back and forth. Check out the video below to get a better idea. It looks very fun!

The height requirement for Omaka Rocka is 48 inches. There’s also a maximum weight on this one of 250 pounds.

Aquatica also has a new pass that allows you unlimited admission to the Orlando water park after 2 p.m.  for the rest of 2010. The pass costs $49.95 for kids and adults, and there are no black-out dates. That’s just a couple dollars more than the price of a 1-day ticket to the park. So if you plan to go more than once, it’s probably a great deal.

Here’s a look at Omaka Rocka in action:

One of the most exciting additions within the Safari of Fun is Air Grover, a new junior roller coaster. The “story” behind Air Grover is that you are flying in a biplane with Grover over the Sahara.

The ride lasts about 30 seconds. It is gentle enough to be any preschooler’s first roller coaster ride. I recently got to take a ride on Air Grover with my 4-year-old niece, Miss C, and the folks at Busch Gardens filmed it for us:

Miss C is a daredevil. In fact, she kept pointing to Sheikra and asking the Busch Gardens marketing folks if they could pull some strings and get her onboard.

Of course, Miss C is still too short for Sheikra’s 54-inch height requirement, but she had no trouble with the measuring stick outside Air Grover. The new roller coaster has a height requirement of 42 inches when riding alone or 38 inches when riding with an adult.

Did you know that you can have breakfast or lunch with Sesame Street characters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay? I recommend reserving this dining experience in advance – it’s a great way to get pictures and autographs to remember your day.

A new children’s play area, Sesame Street Safari of Fun, has opened at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. While I expected it to be a great place to spend the day with children, I didn’t realize it would be such a great place to shop for them. I have never seen so much Sesame Street merchandise in one place.

If you have an Elmo or Abby Cadabby fan at your house, you may want to budget some extra money to buy gifts to put away for birthdays or Christmas.

There is lots of Sesame Street plush, of course, and it is available in several different sizes. Some of the plush is dressed in specially designed safari outfits, and those stuffed animals are exclusive to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This Zoe below is an example of the exclusive merchandise:

There are cute visors, ID bracelets and other apparel:

And I fell in love with this Super Grover T-shirt for Dad:

There are many splash play areas at the Sesame Street Safari of Fun, so there’s also lots of swimming gear available nearby. It is always smart to pack swimsuits for the kids when you go to a theme park so that you don’t have to buy this stuff. But these suits are cute!

And finally, I loved the eyes on these Sesame Street shoes:

Sesame Street Safari of Fun is free with admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. It offers playgrounds, splash play areas, kiddie rides and a junior roller coaster, Air Grover. Florida children ages 5 and under can get in free through the end of 2010 with a preschool pass.