Coach Ditka to Make Guest Appearance on Entourage

Big Mike Ditka Fan? Can’t get enough of the ever popular show Entourage? Well then you’re in luck because Coach Mike Ditka recently announced that he will be making a cameo appearance in the eighth, and final, season of Entourage which begins this July!

Coach Ditka took to the set with another name in sports as well, Barry Alvarez, who is Wisconsin’s athletic director. Ditka hasn’t yet announced what his or Coach Alvarez’s roles will be on the show, or what their lines are, but we can’t wait to watch!

Jeremy Piven, who plays agent Ari Gold in the show, even tweeted a picture of himself and Ditka on the set!

Stay tuned for updates on when the show is set to air!

Enjoy Some Free Fun in Kissimmee During Your Vacation at Mike Ditka Resorts!

Below are some great activities you and your family will enjoy during your visit to Mike Ditka Resorts…and most importantly, they’re free!

-Check out the Old Town Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment Complex where your whole family is sure to find fun every day of the week. However, be sure to visit on Saturday nights where you’ll enjoy the largest weekly car cruise in the United States, the ‘Saturday Nite Cruise’, which features a great array of over 300 classic cars. Plus, the weekend also includes live entertainment!

-Stop by the historic Kissimmee area and check out the old Courthouse located here, that just happens to be the oldest courthouse that’s still in use in the State of Florida! Then travel to the downtown area to see the Kissimmee Sculpture Experience, where each year different artists submit their work and a dozen pieces are selected to line the streets. Next, head to Lakefront Park and be sure to check out the Monument of States along the way.

-Head to St. Cloud, also named “The Friendly Soldier City" for the thousands of Civil War veterans who relocated here in the early 1900s, where you can spend the day strolling the streets, shopping, dining, and “people watching” in the many different antique stores, shops, waterfront parks, and restaurants.

-If you love nature, be sure to check out Osceola County which has the largest population of nesting Bald Eagles in the continental U.S. It’s also one of the country's few re-introduction sites for the endangered Whooping Crane. The best place to spot these birds is at Lake Lizzie Nature Preserve, the Osceola County Environmental Center, and in the Wildlife Management Areas of Bull Creek, Prairie Lakes, Three Lakes, and Triple N Ranch.

-Like to fish? Be sure to spend some time fishing the lakes of Kissimmee, which are famous for their views and abundant amount of bass. Lake Tohopekaliga, located in downtown Kissimmee, is known to fishermen around the world and is a great place for boating, birding, and picnicking along the water's edge. Also, be sure to head over to East Lake Toho in St. Cloud for a full day worth of free fun, where your family will be sure to enjoy relaxing on the beach, playing on the playground, and fishing from several lakefront fishing spots including a fishing pier.

Upcoming Events this Spring near Mike Ditka Resorts

With the official start of spring only a few days away, we decided to put together a list of a few fun, family friendly events taking place this Spring for your family to enjoy during your stay at Mike Ditka Resorts.

Viva La Musica - March 19 - April 02

SeaWorld Orlando hosts a vibrant Latino celebration during Viva La Musica with sensational music, concerts, dance, food sampling and crafts featuring the sights, sounds and tastes of the Hispanic culture.

March 19 - Manny Manuel
March 26 - Jerry Rivera
April 2 - Ednita Nazaris

For more information, visit www.SeaWorld.com.

Arnold Palmer Invitational Golf Tournament - March 21 – March 27

The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of the premiere-events on the PGA Tour. Enjoy some of the biggest names in golf challenge one another, as well as Bay Hill’s demanding layout.

For more information, visit http://www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com/.

37th Annual Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-in and Expo - March 29 - April 03

There will be educational forums, seminars and "hands-on" workshops; plus commercial exhibitors who offer aviation products and services for everyone. Enjoy a daily air show that showcases both new and old airplanes. The daily airshow will begin at 2pm, except on Tuesday and Wednesday, which will be at 3pm. There will be an additional night air show on Friday at dusk.

For more information, visit http://www.sun-n-fun.org/.

Easter Jam - April 17

Don’t forget to bring your Easter basket! Your kids can enjoy an Easter egg hunt, bounce house, entertainment, games, food and more. Plus, be sure to visit with Peter Cottontail himself!

For more information, visit http://www.kissimmee.org/.

Kissimmee Rodeo - April 30

Enjoy a modern day rodeo in Kissimmee! Catch team roping, barrel racing, bull riding, calf scramble for kids, and much more.

For more information, visit http://www.kissimmeerodeo.com/.


For a list of all events happening around Kissimmee and Mike Ditka Resorts, visit www.VisitKiss.com.

To book your stay at Mike Ditka Resorts-Runaway Beach Club or Mike Ditka Resorts-Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa and take part in one of many fun spring activities taking place around the area, visit www.MikeDitkaResorts.com.

What’s Happening at Mike Ditka Resorts?

Spend Valentine’s Day with Your Special Someone at Mike Ditka Resorts!

If you are in the Florida area this Valentine’s Day weekend, be sure to book a room at Mike Ditka Resorts, in Kissimmee, Florida, for that special someone in your life. Mike Ditka Resorts offers the perfect package for romance, with Coach Ditka’s Sweetheart Package. The perfect example of how a football player can win a lady's heart!

The package includes a box of assorted chocolates and a dozen roses placed in your room before your arrival, and the winning play here is a chilled bottle of the Coach’s very own Mike Ditka brand wine. This is the ultimate play for any football player's playbook!

To make your reservations, call (888) 512-2200 or visit www.MikeDitkaResorts.com.

Holiday Story Contest Winner

We had recently asked you to submit your funny, embarrassing, dreadful, or outrageous story from this holiday season for your chance to win a two night stay at Mike Ditka Resorts! The top three stories have since been voted on and the following story is the winner of our contest:

We were traveling overseas for the holidays and during our travels I stored our passports in the seat pocket in front of me. After about 10 minutes of departing from the plane I realized that I had forgotten the passports in the seat pocket! I sprinted all the way back to our departing gate and was told that I was not allowed back on the plane…after about 5 minutes of arguing with the man at the counter, a flight attended was exiting the plan and over heard what we were talking about and had told me that they had found our passports! So thankfully, we were able to retrieve our passports and enter back into the states after we celebrated the holidays… needless to say…I was not in charge of the passports on the way home!

Thank you all for your entries and congratulations to our winner!

Choose the Right Mike Ditka Resorts Property for You

Looking for the perfect Orlando, Florida Resort? Look no further than Mike Ditka Resorts! With two beautiful, but uniquely different properties in the area, you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for at Mike Ditka Resorts. Below is a list of amenities featured at each of Mike Ditka Resorts.

Mike Ditka Resorts – Runaway Beach Club

Services & Amenities - Villas

• Full Sized Refrigerator
• Glass Top Range and Oven
• Recessed Cabinet Microwave
• Full Sized Dishwasher
• Full Sized Washer/Dryer
• Full Gourmet Kitchen & Cookware
• 36" Flat View TV in every room
• DVD Player in Family Room
• Gourmet Coffee Maker & Starbucks® Brand Coffee
• Queen Sleeper Sofa in Family Rooms

Services & Amenities - Property

• On-Site Check In and Reception
• 24 Hour Front Desk & Guest Services
• Free Disney World Theme Park Shuttle
• Basketball Court
• Whirlpool Spa
• Professional Fitness Center
• South Beach Themed Heated Tanning Pool
• 100% Smoke-Free Rooms
• Sundeck Overlooking Tropical Lagoon
• Poolside Activities Staff - Seasonal
• Free Wireless High Speed Broadband Internet Access Property Wide
• Zero Depth Entry Heated Family Pool with Kid Friendly Water Features
• Movie Showings Poolside in the Evening - Seasonal
• Security Gate for Parking and Access to Property
• 24 Hour Business Center with Print, Fax and Computer Usage available

Mike Ditka Resorts – Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa

Services & Amenities - Suites

• Two-, three-, or four bedroom luxury suite
• Spacious floor plans
• Ceiling Fans in All Rooms
• Xbox 360 entertainment system in guest bedrooms
• 42" HD Plasma and 32" HD LCD
• DVD Player
• Full-size/fully-equipped gourmet kitchens
• Spacious, private lanais
• Jetted Garden Tubs
• Utility Room with Washer & Dryer

Services & Amenities - Property

• First Class European Spa
• Free Wireless High Speed Broadband Internet Access Property Wide
• Freeform Zero Depth Entry Pool
• State of the Art Fitness Center
• Business Center
• Beacon's Deli and Sundries Shop
• Portside Pub with Poolside Service
• Gourmet Kitchens & Cookware
• Room Service
• Free Disney World Theme Park Shuttle
• Movie theater

For more information about Mike Ditka Resorts and its two properties Runaway Beach Club and Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa, please visit www.MikeDitkaResorts.com.

Spend New Year’s Eve around Mike Ditka Resorts!

Busch Gardens

Ring in the New Year at Busch Garden’s Wildest Celebration! You and your family will enjoy the live entertainment by ‘The Guess Who’ in Gwazi Park, as well as a spectacular fireworks display at midnight on December 31st!
Plus, those who purchase an annual pass on New Year’s Day will get three months free!

Universal CityWalk

Kick of 2011 at Universal CityWalk! The event will begin at 8pm until 2am in CityWalk and will provide entertainment by ‘Bret Michaels’ live in concert! But that’s not all; the event will also feature an all-you-can-eat gourmet feast including filet mignon, jumbo shrimp, decadent desserts and so much more! Plus, enjoy a champagne toast and confetti burst at midnight!

Admission to CityWalk will also provide you with admission to seven unique clubs featuring live entertainment in the area.

Seaworld
Bring your family out to Seaworld this New Year’s Eve and enjoy exciting shows and delicious food! The night will also feature live entertainment by a 14-piece band, jazz musicians, and a DJ who will keep the party going all the way through midnight.

Plus, don’t miss Seaworld’s Fountains and Fireworks Spectacular! It will be one of the best shows in the area to welcome in the New Year!

Old Town

At Old Town, it’s hot cars and great music that make it the place to be for New Year’s Eve! Join them as they Rock out 2010 and Roll in 2011 this New Year’s Eve to one of Orlando’s best cover bands ‘Reunion’, taking the stage at 7:30pm.

But that’s not all! Everyone will also be able to enjoy The Pepsi Cola Friday Nite Cruise!

Atlantic Dance Hall

Traveling with an older group?

Then the party to be at is at this New Year’s Eve is the Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk area for those 21 and up! Get into the groove at this hoppin' nightclub, whose New Year’s Eve band ‘The Big Ide’ will be playing the hottest songs from the '80s, '90s and today! And don’t forget about the grand champagne toast at midnight! Atlantic Dance Hall is definitely the place to be for those who want to dance the night away!

Happy Holidays from Mike Ditka Resorts!

Mike Ditka Resorts would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays this season!

Enjoy Christmas Day Dinner at Forever Florida

Looking to enjoy a delicious meal on Christmas Day in the Kissimmee area? Check out Forever Florida’s Cypress Restaurant, to enjoy a feast among neighbors, new and old, from near and far.

Their Christmas Day menu is as follows: Choice of either a Mug of Crab Bisque or Holiday House Salad, Choice of Prime Rib served with Creamy Horseradish Sauce and Au Jus or Herb Rubbed Oven Roasted Game Hens with a light Honey Dijon Sauce, served with Garlic Smashed Potatoes and Sautéed Seasonal Veggies. And for dessert, Cheese Cake with Raspberry Drizzle. This meal includes a non-alcoholic beverage and after dinner coffee service.

Seasonal, micro-brew, and domestic beers are available, as well as nicely paired white and red table wines by the glass or bottle.

Last minute shopper?

Visit Festival of the Seasons in the downtown Disney area. Here you will find a spectacular holiday shopping experience as the stores are decorated for the holidays and live entertainment is performed nightly to make your shopping experience more enjoyable.

You’ll find something for everyone on your list as you browse the exclusive and novelty shops from Once Upon a Toy to World of Disney. You’ll be sure to find that perfect gift for everyone.

To top off this shopping experience, you can enjoy wonderful dining and delectable sweets shops during your trip. And don’t forget to take a family photo around the beautifully decorated holiday tree during your visit, or make a stop to visit with Santa Claus!

Shops are open until 9:30pm every night until Christmas Day!

Holiday Events Happening Around Mike Ditka Resorts

Arabian Nights Holiday Show
Staying at Mike Ditka Resorts this weekend and looking for something to do in the Kissimmee, FL area that your whole family will enjoy? Check out the Arabian Nights Holiday Show! This show will have your whole family excited as 60 Arabian Night horses and 40 talented performers take part in this spectacular show that encompasses spectacular pyrotechnics, snow, and special sets, as well as 4 incredible 25ft Christmas trees!

The story line goes like this: Princess Scheherazade’s husband, Prince Khalid, is called away shortly before Christmas arrives. But the always-faithful genie, Hocus Pocus, invites a new friend, Santa Claus, to come distract Princess Scheherazade with gifts and good cheer until her husband returns.

This holiday show features unique choreography and music during the entire show that will have your family delighted as Hocus Pocus and Santa Claus bring to life everything from Toy Soldiers and Gingerbread Men to Acrobatic Elves and Sugarplum Fairies.

Capone’s Holiday Show
Visiting the Kissimmee/Orlando area with friends or a family with older kids? Then the show you won’t want to miss this holiday season is Capone’s Holiday Show! After knocking three times and saying the secret password to be admitted, you’ll travel back in time to Chicago in the 1930’s, Capone style, as it takes on a holiday theme. The show combines Christmas music, costumes, and, decorations to its already hilarious show that will keep your whole group laughing through double-entendre one-liners. And no one will leave hungry with the Italian dinner buffet that’s offered to all guests!

Wonderland of Lights
If you are looking for something just a little different to do this year in Kissimmee, be sure to check out Central Florida’s newest holiday additions…Wonderland of Lights. This drive-thru event will have your family glued to the windows of the car as you drive through a mile of lighted displays, as tall as three stories high, and encompassing thousands of dazzling lights.

Plus, after your done, your family can spend the remainder of the evening walking through Santa’s Village, ice skating, having their pictures taken with Santa, watching holiday movies, and so much more!

This event will be open nightly until January 9th from dusk to 10pm.

Big Changes For Mike Ditka Resorts

Mike Ditka December Quote of the Month:

“Here’s what I tell anybody, and this is what I believe…….The greatest gift we have is the gift of life.” – Mike Ditka

Mike Ditka Resorts Announces Their New Website!

The new website includes both Mike Ditka Resorts properties, Mike Ditka Resorts – Runaway Beach Club and Mike Ditka Resorts – Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa. The website features a great new look, including a clean and simple design, and will improve functionality through reorganization of content on the site and improved navigation to help with usability.

The site has made use of current website technology to display different types of information including rotating banners of current happenings and specials at the Resort, as well as rotating images of the Resort and its amenities.

Overall, the newly redesigned website’s navigational tools, updated graphics and layouts, new fonts, and use of current technology will help user’s access information about each Resort more quickly and effortlessly, which will in turn continue to improve customer satisfaction.

And don’t forget to check back periodically for new and additional features, including an online store in the next month or so, which will feature all things Mike Ditka!

Mike Ditka Resorts New Blog Site

Along with Mike Ditka Resorts new website, is a new blog site! The site features interactive communication tools which will help with communication between guests and the company, including a section used to post blogs, an area for posting press releases, and links to our social media sites on Facebook and Twitter.

The blog page will be a one stop shop for current and future guests to check out what’s going on at the Resort and around the area. It will also provide up-to-date pictures of things around the Resort and information about current and upcoming promotions that will be taking place.

Mike Ditka Resorts Offers Guest’s Great Deals

Disney World Ticket Prices on the Rise!
Don’t let the rising Disney World ticket prices ruin your Orlando vacation. Book your stay today at beautiful Mike Ditka Resorts – Runaway Beach Club and enjoy our new lower prices!

Rising tickets prices are the last thing I’m sure you want to hear in these uncertain economic times, but as the ticket prices rise at Disney World, the prices are being lowered at Mike Ditka Resorts – Runaway Beach Club! We will be lowering prices 10% across the board on our luxury villas to ensure that your family can still enjoy the Disney World vacation they deserve in sunny Orlando, Florida.

By booking your stay at Mike Ditka Resorts – Runaway Beach Club, you’ll be less than 2 miles from Disney, while still being able to enjoy all the comforts of home in one of our large condo-type luxury villas. Each villa features full-size, fully equipped kitchens, spacious bedrooms, separate dining rooms & living rooms, even flat screen TV’s & free wireless internet! There is even a free shuttle to the Disney Parks to save you more money and time! While at the resort you will also enjoy such amenities as; two heated swimming pools with water features for the kids, a relaxing outdoor hot tub, large sun-deck, full service Tiki Bar, state-of-the-art fitness center and an indoor basketball court!

So, don't let the rising Disney prices ruin your plans. You and your family deserve a relaxing, fun-filled vacation. Let Mike Ditka Resorts help make your dream vacation a reality!

Guest Survey
During your visit to Mike Ditka Resorts – Runaway Beach Club, please take a few minutes and fill out our Guest Survey. The survey can be found in your villa and asks such questions such as “What was your favorite part about your stay?” and “Do you have any suggestions that would make your stay with us next time more enjoyable?”.

Our goal at Mike Ditka Resorts is to make your stay as fun and pleasurable as possible, so we would love to hear your feedback! Plus, if you turn your survey in to the front desk, you’ll receive a special gift!

Mike Ditka Resorts - Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa SUMMER SPECIAL
Enjoy a great ‘End of Summer Deal’ at Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa! By booking your stay, you’ll enjoy a first class European spa, freeform zero depth entry pool, state of the art fitness center, business center, Beacon’s Deli and Sundries Shop, and Portside Pub with poolside service.

All villas at Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa feature 42” HD plasma and 32” HD LCD TV’s, DVD player, living room, ceiling fans in all rooms, spacious lanai, jetted garden tubs, utility room with washer and dryer, gourmet kitchen and cookware, and free wireless internet!

Book your stay at Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa today and save!

Tips for Your Next Disney Vacation

Looking for a few tips to make your next Disney vacation go a little smoother?

1. Stay at a hotel that offers a free shuttle service
To avoid the hassles of driving around the Disney Parks and having to find parking, stay at a hotel that offers a free shuttle. It will make the start and end of your day go smoother. Plus, you won’t have to pay expensive parking fees!

2. Bring Your own staples
Plan ahead by bringing the regular staples that cost a lot more at the park, especially your own sunscreen, hats, film and batteries! Be sure that you don't forget those extra camera batteries. Also, wear comfortable shoes and bring a change of clothes (at least a t-shirt) for everyone.

3. Begin at the back of the park
It's a known fact that people will stop at the first attraction they reach so start at the back and work forward. Leave the shows and indoor attractions for the hottest part of the day when you'll appreciate the cool air conditioning.

4. Take a break
A full day at a Disney Park can take a great deal of energy. You'll find that the day will be more enjoyable if you leave the park at midday to recharge your batteries with a short nap or dip in the hotel pool. Re-enter the park late afternoon when others are leaving or having dinner. You'll find the lines will be shorter!

5. Purchase multiple day passes
Disney admission passes never expire and it's always cheaper to purchase multiple day park passes. Use what you need on this visit and save the card for future trips. Florida residents have the opportunity to save on tickets in the off-seasons. Visit www.disney.com for complete pricing on admissions and vacation packages.

6. Buy your Disney t-shirts prior to arriving at the park
Visit your local Wal-Mart, Target or K-Mart prior to your visit to the Disney Parks. You are certain to find a t-shirt of your child's favorite character on a sale rack. Surprise your kids with a new shirt while unpacking. They'll feel like they've received a souvenir and you'll be pleased that you saved money on not having to buy it at the park.