13
reviews HORRIBLE
What’s on your
iPod?
Brad Kuperman, Band Director “And the Battle Begun” by Rx Bandits
“It has a pulse that makes me move.” “Groovin’ Hard” by Don Menza “The Receiving End of it All” by Streetlight Manifesto “Walking the Dog” by Fun. Amanda Wise, 11 “The Gambler” by Fun.
“It’s a fairly emotional song. When I saw Fun. perform it live, the whole venue went quiet to hear Nate sing the moving lyrics.” “Call it Off” by Tegan and Sara “Just Keep Breathing” by We the Kings “Pompeii” by Bastille
“Madhouse” by Little Mix
“Madhouse is different from everything out there that I’ve heard.” “What’s Your Name” by Boston “Just One Yesterday” by Fall Out Boy “Electric Blue” by Icehouse
OUTSTANDING
Gaylord Palms ICE! provides chilly entertainment
Ellie Bonck
F
Staff Reporter
or 30 years the Gaylord Palms hotel has hosted ICE!, a dazzling ice sculpture display indoors. Each year, they fly in 40 Artisans from Harbin, China who create the themed ice sculptures for the event. This year, 30 days were spent carving two million pounds of ice in 8 degree temperatures, into the shapes of Karen, Professor Hinkle, Hocus Pocus and Frosty the Snowman. The hard work of these artisans was evident this year, and the sculptures and ice slides were worth the wait. Tickets are reasonably priced for Florida residents, adults pay $30 and kids are $16, with even lower prices if you buy them online ahead of time. Even though the weight is around 20 minutes, the creators of ICE! came up with a creative Christmas trivia to keep guests entertained. While the trivia is on a loop, you never see the same question twice while you are waiting to go in, which is a great improvement from years past, where it was easy to get frustrated waiting to go in with nothing to do.
One thing that needs improvement is advertising for guests to dress appropriately, even though parkas are provided. Several guests wear do not wear appropriate clothing for the exhibit, not realizing that the only piece of warm clothing they get in ICE! is a parka. Either gloves, hats or other winter clothing items should be provided, or guests should be forewarned of what they should wear. The ice slides were a guest favorite. There are four different ice slides, and the tallest one stands as tall as a two story building. The employees do a nice job of keeping the lines moving quickly, and even though the ice slides are the same every year, never get tired out Another new feature this year was the Artisans in Action or the “Frostbite Factory.” It was interesting to see the Artisans actually carving and coloring the ice, and being able to interact with them, rather than just seeing it sped up on a video at the entrance of ICE! Overall, ICE! has improved heavily this year, and continues to impress guests; even allowing them to overlook that the air inside is a nippy eight degrees.
ICE!
Mad Hatter’s mad pizza
Jeannie Williams
Sarah Parker, 11
GOOD
D
Staff Reporter
owntown Oviedo fans are familiar with the cozy restaurant, Mad Hatter’s Pizzeria. Located at 10 S. Central Avenue, this unique eatery offers a personal atmosphere and an opportunity for a satisfyingly good meal. Mad Hatter’s advertises their carry-out, delivery and catering, but the best way to get the Mad Hatter’s experience is to dine in. A quaint, small-town feel is complemented with an inclusive menu that has something for every member of a group. Upon arrival, my party was seated almost immediately at a table with a charming view of Oviedo chickens passing outside. We waited no more than 20 minutes for our made-to-order food to arrive.
Their advertised, “Uncommon pizza, pasta, salads and sandwiches,” went unprotested. Mad Hatter’s uses their “Mad Seasoning” to complement their California style crust pizza, topped with Parmesan and Romano cheese. The spaghetti was tender and had the perfect proportions of sauce, while the club and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches offered toasted goodness. The menu ventures beyond the realm of pizza and subs, however. Also offered are chicken wings, wraps, calzones and strombolis. Two showstoppers for the desserts are the rich cheesecake and the light tiramisu. Mad Hatter’s brings new meaning to the word pizzeria. Instead of being completely focused on Italian cuisine, they branched out and made sure something was available for even the pickiest eater. It makes for a very enjoyable and memorable meal.
Mad Hatter’s
Photo by Ellie Bonck
Frozen for fun. Visitors walk through towering ice sculptures of their favorite winter characters. There was also an opportunity to see the artists carving the
UCF lights up winter Jessica Jeffers
I
Opinions Editor
mmediately greeted by students and bright lights, it is hard not to follow a decorated street to the CFE Arena, where Light Up UCF is located. The ice rink is the main attraction, bringing many students to the area being the only ice rink locally. Once you purchase a skating pass – an unlimited pass costs $12, you go to the skate stand where you get to use complementary skates with the ticket purchase. But socks are not offered or sold by the stand so students must bring their own socks or deal with the soggy, feet-smelling skates. One of the carnival rides is The Blizzard, a common ride where you get into a seat pod of three and it raises you above the ground and spins you. There is also a kid train ride,
although offered to all ages, which provides a family feel. But for the romantic, date like experience, go on the CFE Ferris Wheel, where the seats bring you above the event, giving a beautiful view of the campus and even some of Oviedo. But for people who are afraid of heights, avoid it. The ride is rickety and makes sounds which may freak out more cautious riders. Despite the family and romantic atmosphere, the prices may make you reconsider, it costs $19.75 for an unlimited ride and skating pass and $4.50 to ride once on anything, but the famous light show is free. Overall it is a fun night, if you do not consider the money a problem, and the perfect place for a date night, but if you’re expecting to have a nice sit-down dinner with family or a date, you had better keep looking.
Light Up UCF