If you’re looking for something fun and exciting to do outside of Orlando, check out Crystal River. Less than 2 hours away, Crystal River is a Wildlife Sanctuary where you are almost guaranteed to see Manatees. The natural springs in the river keep the water at a constant 72 degrees, which in the winter months brings in hundreds of Manatees. In the summer months, there are only a few “regulars” who remain in Crystal River and Crystal Bay. Most manatees will migrate to warmer waters. We went last weekend, and while we spotted only a handful of manatees, we had a great time cruising around the bay and still had the opportunity to get up close with them in the water. We have already made our plans to go back in the winter! Local tour companies offer guided snorkel excursions, as well as kayak rentals. We used RiverVentures who I highly recommend. Be sure that the company you choose provides all equipment needed, including a wetsuit!

Until August 14th Disney’s Magic Kingdom Wishes Fireworks display has been replaced with the Summer Nightastic. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend you do so. For those who have been to a Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party or the Very Merry Christmas party, you would definitely remember the spectacular perimeter fireworks. Now you don’t have to wait for a special occasion. The Summer Nightastic show lights up the sky with perimeter fireworks everynight!

Discovery Cove is planning an exciting expansion, set to launch in 2011. It’s reported that the new attraction will be an 875,000 gallon salt-water reef where guests can snorkel with sharks, rays, and tropical fish. The park, most famous for its Dolphin Encounters, also plans to add a nature trail for those who want to experience the reef without getting wet. Although the expansion has not been officially announced yet, SeaWorld spokesman Nick Gollattscheck has confirmed that there are plans in the works. The official announcement with attraction details is expected to occur sometime this fall.

This October, Walt Disney World will combine my two favorite past times: running and eating. October 2nd marks the inauguration of Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon. This is the first and only half marathon held by Disney that takes place after hours. Starting at 10pm, runners will make their way from the Wide World of Sports, through Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and finish at Epcot. Not up to 13.1 miles? This is also the first and only race that is offered as a relay event. The first runner will cover 4.8 miles, while the second finishes up the 8.3 remaining. The best part: the after hours party. From the moment you cross the finish line until 3am you will have exclusive access to Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival. Visit the Official Disney Sports website for more information!

Starting July 2nd, Michael Jackson will return to Disney in his popular 3D role of Captain EO. The musical 3D film, produced by George Lucas and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, originally opened on September 12th, 1986. The show ran at Disney’s Epcot theme park for 8 years before being replaced by Honey I shrunk the Audience in 1994. With the recent passing of the beloved Michael Jackson, fans petitioned the Disney Company to bring back the Captain EO show. Now renamed Captain EO Tribute, the show has reopened in Disneyland and Disneyland Paris and is scheduled to reopen here in Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland in early July.