Entertainment
SpaceX Launches South Korean Satellite on Moon Landing Anniversary
Published
6 years agoon
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – SpaceX launched the ANASIS-II from Kennedy Space Center today on the 51st anniversary of the moon landing.
July 20th, 1969, Neil Armstrong famously declared, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”as he stepped onto the surface of the moon. 51 years to date, private space exploration company SpaceX sends ANASIS-II into orbit aboard Falcon-9.
ANASIS-II is South Korea’s first dedicated military communications satellite. It will be held in geostationary orbit above the Korean Peninsula (which means the satellite will move at the same speed as the Earth, appearing to be fixed in the sky). South Korea is a U.S. ally, and its satellite information will help the U.S. monitor the region in a time of constant threat from North Korea.
After a brief weather delay, the rocket was launched at 5:30 EST, and has successfully arrived in its orbit.
The rocket carrying the satellite Falcon-9, used a first-stage booster to help get past Earth’s gravitational pull. This booster is the same used two months ago on the SpaceX mission that sent American astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken to the International Space Station.
Falcon-9’s reusable rocket component design was groundbreaking, but is only the first step for Elon Musk, founder and inventor of SpaceX and Tesla. His team is currently working on the “Starship” rocket, which will be completely reusable and capable of taking up to 100 passengers to the Moon and Mars.
As Elon Musk and SpaceX have shocked the world with its ingenious designs and daring missions, visitors have flocked to Kennedy Space Center to watch.
In May, SpaceX’s first human flight attracted tens of thousands of visitors to Florida, with more than 10 million people watching online. Buzz Aldrin, who accompanied Neil Armstrong on the Apollo 13 mission, was watching from home, tweeting, “This brings back good memories.”
Today, the beaches and parks were again crowded with eager onlookers. People barbecued and swam as they counted down to the event.
Attending rocket launches is a local tradition for Florida residents, and a favorite vacation trip for those around the country. The alluring nature of Florida’s coast, the fun experiences the Space Visitor Complex has to offer, and the sheer thrill of seeing rockets launch inspire generation after generation to return.
Since the 1960’s, Kennedy Space Center has been allowing visitors to witness the awe-inspiring launches from large viewing stands that directly face the launch sites. Their website describes it as a “jaw dropping, bucket-list experience.”
But the entertainment complex has much more to offer. Huge rockets grace the entrance, and visitors peer into the sky as they stand in line for tickets. Stepping through the gates is like stepping back in time to the 1960’s. The architecture, colors, uniforms, and food are all period, and help immerse visitors. There are a slew of rides, simulators, exhibits, tours, and galleries to explore. The Center hosts astronaut meet and greets for families, astronaut training for adults, and space exploration camps for kids.
In “The World’s Largest Space Shop”, guests can buy actual meteorite fragments, dehydrated ice cream, and historical mission patches. The park welcomes over 1.5 million visitors every year, and is constantly adding and updating its amenities.
In 2019, the center celebrated the 50-year anniversary of the moon landings with special exhibits and celebrations. A year later, it celebrates with the ANASIS-II satellite launch.
This latest launch only proves that space exploration is thriving. SpaceX is developing new technologies and leading the mission to Mars. NASA is continuing its research into off-planet life sustainability, and Kennedy Space Center is keeping the public interested, engaged, and donating.
Any visitors to Florida should schedule their trip around a launch, because while Orlando is the theme park capital, an entirely unique experience is only an hour-and-a-half away.
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Marcos Barrios is a Florida National News contributing writer. The avid writer and musician is passionate about politics and entertainment in Florida and abroad.
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Entertainment
‘SPAMALOT’ Joins Dr. Phillips Center’s 2026-27 Broadway in Orlando Season
Published
1 week agoon
August 10, 2026
Tony Award-winning musical will play Walt Disney Theater Nov. 3-5, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is expanding its 2026-27 Broadway in Orlando season with the addition of SPAMALOT, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, scheduled for Nov. 3-5, 2026, at Walt Disney Theater.
Inspired by the classic comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT brings Monty Python’s distinctly British humor to the stage through a comedic adventure following King Arthur and his quest for the Holy Grail.
The production comes to Orlando following a celebrated 2023 Broadway revival at the St. James Theatre, directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes.
Monty Python Comedy Comes to Orlando
Described as “lovingly ripped” from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the musical features British royalty, flying cows, dancing girls, shrubbery and the Lady of the Lake.
The 14-time Tony Award-nominated musical features well-known numbers including “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “The Song That Goes Like This” and “Find Your Grail.”
SPAMALOT features a book and lyrics by Eric Idle, with music by John Du Prez and Idle.
Cast Announced for Orlando Production
The cast features Major Attaway, whose credits include Aladdin, as King Arthur; Sean Bell (Harmony) as Sir Robin; Chris Collins-Pisano (Forbidden Broadway) as Sir Lancelot; Ellis C. Dawson III (Hamilton) as Sir Bedevere; Leo Roberts (Les Misérables) as Sir Galahad; Amanda Robles as the Lady of the Lake; Blake Segal (Mary Poppins) as Patsy; and Steven Telsey (The Book of Mormon) as the Historian and Prince Herbert.
The company also includes Lindsay Lee Alhady, Delaney Benson, Jack Brewer, Connor Coughlin, L’ogan J’ones, Graham Keen, Claire Kennard, Ben Lanham, Nathaniel Mahone, Maddie Mossner, Emilie Renier, Mark Tran Russ and Meridien Terrell.
Creative Team
The production’s creative team includes scenic and projection designer Paul Tate dePoo III, costume designer Jen Caprio, lighting designer Cory Pattak, sound designers Kai Harada and Haley Parcher, and wig designer Tom Watson.
John Bell serves as music supervisor, with Jonathan Gorst as musical director and conductor.
Derek Kolluri is associate director, Michael Fatica is associate choreographer and casting is by Geoff Josselson, CSA. RCI Theatricals serves as general manager, and Jeffrey Finn is the producer.
Tickets on Sale Now
Single tickets for SPAMALOT are on sale now through Dr. Phillips Center.
Performances: Nov. 3-5, 2026
Venue: Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Location: Orlando, Florida
Tickets and additional information are available through the Dr. Phillips Center website.
Central Florida News
Dr. Phillips Center Generates $227.6 Million Annual Economic Impact, Supports Nearly 2,500 Central Florida Jobs
Published
3 weeks agoon
July 30, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts generated $227.6 million in annual economic impact, supporting 2,483 jobs and producing $13.2 million in state and local tax revenue, according to a newly released independent study by Tourism Economics.
The analysis, conducted by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company specializing in economic impact and tourism research, measured the direct, indirect and induced economic activity generated by the arts center’s operations, performances, visitors and related spending throughout Central Florida.
The findings underscore the Dr. Phillips Center’s role as both a premier performing arts destination and a major contributor to the region’s economy.
“For more than a decade, we’ve seen firsthand how the arts inspire people, bring communities together and create lasting value,” said Kathy Ramsberger, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. “This study confirms that our impact reaches far beyond our stages—supporting thousands of jobs, driving business growth, attracting visitors from around the world and helping position Central Florida as a more vibrant, competitive and connected region.”
Economic Impact by the Numbers
According to the Tourism Economics report, the Dr. Phillips Center generated:
- $227.6 million in annual economic output
- 2,483 jobs supported across Central Florida
- $70.8 million in total labor income in Orange County
- $13.2 million in state and local tax revenue
- $73.1 million in off-site spending by event attendees, performers and production crews
- 61,600 hotel room nights generated annually
The study highlights the ripple effect created by visitors attending performances, benefiting nearby hotels, restaurants, retailers and other local businesses.
A Global Destination for Arts and Entertainment
Now in its 11th year, the Dr. Phillips Center welcomes more than 910,000 guests annually, attracting visitors from all 50 states and more than 80 countries.
Since opening in 2014, the venue has hosted:
- More than 6.2 million guests
- More than 6,200 performances and events
- Programming presented 99% of the year
- Venue occupancy rates ranging from 82% to 97%
The center has become one of the world’s busiest performing arts destinations while helping position downtown Orlando as a leading hub for arts, culture and entertainment.
Community Investment Beyond the Stage
In addition to its economic impact, the Dr. Phillips Center continues investing in arts education, community outreach and cultural programming throughout Central Florida.
According to the organization, it has:
- Served 935,920 students and community participants
- Supported and hosted 202 regional arts organizations
- Received support from 24,085 donors
- Benefited from $256 million in philanthropic contributions since its inception
Through partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, community groups and touring productions, the center continues to expand access to the performing arts while strengthening the region’s cultural and economic vitality.
Looking Ahead
Eleven years after opening, the Dr. Phillips Center continues to demonstrate that investment in arts and culture produces measurable returns through tourism, employment, education and community engagement.
As Central Florida continues to grow, the independent analysis reinforces the performing arts center’s importance as both a cultural landmark and an economic engine for the region.
Additional information about the economic impact study is available through the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Entertainment
Blue Man Group Orlando Launches $25 Kids Ticket Offer at ICON Park Through Dec. 31
Published
1 month agoon
July 6, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Families can enjoy Blue Man Group Orlando for less this summer and fall thanks to a new ticket promotion that allows children to attend performances for $25 with the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket.
The limited-time offer is available for online purchases through Dec. 31, 2026, making one of Orlando’s newest live entertainment attractions more affordable for families.
Special Kids Ticket Offer
Under the promotion, guests who purchase a full-priced adult ticket may purchase a children’s ticket for $25.
The offer is valid for performances:
- Monday through Thursday
- Fridays at 5 p.m.
The promotion is not valid for:
- Saturday performances
- Sunday performances
- Fridays at 8 p.m.
New Orlando Production at ICON Park
Blue Man Group opened its new resident production at ICON Park in May inside a custom-built theater located along Orlando’s International Drive entertainment district.
The production blends music, comedy, technology and audience participation, while featuring many of the signature moments fans expect from Blue Man Group alongside new material created exclusively for the Orlando production.
Global Entertainment Phenomenon
Since debuting in 1991 at New York’s Astor Place Theatre, Blue Man Group has entertained more than 50 million people worldwide through resident productions and international tours.
The show continues to expand with performances in Orlando, Las Vegas, touring productions across North America and an upcoming tour in Japan.
Blue Man Group is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.
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