Viva La Musica Festival Comes to SeaWorld & Busch Gardens

Sea World and Busch Gardens are spicing up the music scene in March with Viva La Musica, a Latin festival featuring hot Latin music and authentic Latin cuisine.

Every Sunday in March Busch Gardens is hosting Fiery Sundays, a day dedicated to Latin flavor and artists. The festival will start each Sunday at 11:30am and the concerts will begin at 4pm.

The line-up is as follows:

March 7: Luis Enrique
March 14: Zion & Lennox
March 21: India
March 28: Milly Quezada

Every Saturday in March Sea World in Orlando is hosting Festive Saturdays. The festival will start at 12pm & concerts begin at 4pm.

The line-up is as follows:

March 6: Victor Manuelle
March 13: Oscar D’Leon
March 20: Sergio Vargas
March 27: Grupomania

Fiery Sundays and Festive Saturdays are included with regular Sea World tickets and Busch Garden tickets.

Become a Star at Disney Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Disney World in Orlando is a 135-acre theme park spotlighting entertainment. It draws inspiration from the Hollywood Heydays from the 1930s and 1940s, which can be seen with the art deco design and modern architecture throughout the Disney Hollywood Studios theme park. Behind the scenes Hollywood-style action are presented through live shows, exciting attractions, backstage tours and special events that showcase the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. The parks iconic symbol is the giant Sorcerer Mickey’s Hat, a stylized version of the magical hat from Fantasia.

The park consists of six themed areas but it is not nearly as defined as other Walt Disney World parks. It is designed to resemble a real life motion picture studio, so it’s mass of streets and buildings blend together to create replication of a large, bustling movie set.

Hollywood Boulevard: This area serves as the park’s main entrance and blends reality and fantasy to create an old-time atmosphere complete with art deco architecture and modern design. Hollywood Boulevard is Disney’s Hollywood Studios version of the Magic Kingdom’s Mainstreet U.S.A. and it features yesteryear establishments like the Hollywood Brown derby and a replica of Mann’s Chinese Theater, where one of the park’s signature attractions is located – The Great Movie Ride. This slow-moving tram ride pays homage to some of the most memorable moments ever captured on the silver screen, including Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz and Raiders of the Lost Ark. High School Musical 3: Senior Year – Right Here! Right Now! is performed in the Hollywood Boulevard area, right outside the Sorcerer’s Hat, and is appropriate for those of all ages.

Echo Lake: Echo Lake is the park’s small oval-shaped lagoon and is surrounded by numerous attractions and some of the best eateries in the park. The design of this area takes a cue from the “California Crazy” form of architecture from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Two of the main restaurants here are Hollywood & Vine, home to buffet-style character breakfasts and lunches featuring Disney Playhouse characters as well as non-character dinners, and ‘50s Prime Time Café, a retro diner showcasing popular television shows from the ‘50s, meals just like mom used to make like meat loaf and fried chicken, plus the waiters treat you like family down to telling you to finish your vegetables and minding your manners. The American Idol Experience, where visitors can audition and sing for live audiences, is located at Echo Lake, as is the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, a live show reenacting various scenes from Raiders of the Lost Ark as well as showcasing death-defying movie stunts. Star Tours is a motion simulator Star Wars based attraction that takes visitors on a journey to the Moon of Endor, where they encounter a Star Destroyer & Death Star. The Drew Carey special effects show Sounds Dangerous is also at Echo Lake, as is The Star Wars: Jedi Training Academy, a 30-minute live stage show and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame Plaza.

Streets of America: This area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios combines features from cities like New York & San Francisco. It is home to the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, which gives a behind-the-scenes look at vehicle action sequences including motorcycles and jet skis. The Studio Backlot Tour is also located here and is a 35-minute, behind-the-scenes guided walk and tram ride showcasing the art of special effects in movies. The American Film Institute Showcase features a rotating exhibit of movie props and memorabilia and kids will want to spend some time at the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure, Muppet Vision 3D and Al’s Toy Barn, home to characters from Toy Story. The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater restaurant, where servers bring food to vintage '50s "convertible" tables as you watch '50s and '60s sci-fi and monster flicks on the big screen, is the place to eat at Streets of America.

Animation Courtyard: Animation Courtyard is home to a number of attractions based on beloved Disney characters of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Mickey Avenue is a sub-section of Animation Courtyard and is home to Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream, a walk-through exhibit spotlighting the life and legacy of Walt Disney. Journey into Narnia, a behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s Chronicles of Narnia, is also located on Mickey Avenue. The Magic of Disney Animation is an attraction that examines the creation of animated characters and includes interactive exhibits and meet and greet areas for Disney characters. Two live shows are presented here – Playhouse Disney Live on Stage & Voyage of the Little Mermaid.

Pixar Place: This is a themed area opened to introduce Disney Hollywood Studios newest attraction – Toy Story Mania!, an interactive 3D attraction inspired by classic carnival midway games and featuring the popular characters from Disney Pixar Toy Story Films.

Sunset Boulevard: This area of Disney Hollywood Studios is home to the some of the parks biggest thrill rides. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, located at the infamous Hollywood Tower Hotel, is a based on the popular television series and thrills guests with its unexpected movements. Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is an indoor coaster with three inversions, a high-speed launch and a one-of-a-kind soundtrack. Two live stage shows are performed at Sunset Boulevard – the enchanting Beauty & the Beast – Live on Stage musical show and Fantasmic! a nighttime show featuring fireworks, water, lasers and classic Disney characters. Sunset Ranch Market & Starring Rolls Café are some of the dining choices offered at Sunset Boulevard.

Disney Hollywood Studios opens daily at 9am and generally stays open until 8:30pm. The Block Party Bash parade, a 35-minute celebration starring Disney Pixar characters, is performed daily.

Disney tickets are on sale now.

Fantasy Expansion at Disney World Features Favorite Characters

The Fantasyland expansion at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando will more than double the size of Fantasyland. The idea behind the expansion at Fantasyland is to offer more immersive experiences to guests and provide a wider array of characters to interact with. Instead of simple meet & greets with characters, Fantasyland will offer two new mini-lands offering hands-on activities and a world colored by Disney’s classic films. Part of the plans for the expansion include Fantasyland replacing Mickey’s Toontown Fair. However, Goofy’s Barnstormer Coaster and the toontown houses of Mickey and Minnie will be saved and moved elsewhere.

Fantasyland at Disney World will include a new Little Mermaid ride named Under the Sea with Ariel. The ride will feature music and characters from the hit film and will be similar to the ride that is currently open at the Disneyland in California. The ride will be a marquee attraction at Fantasyland and will incorporate an Omnimover system and “clammobile” cars, which will be similar to the system found at The Seas with Nemo and Friends ride at Epcot.

A Beauty and the Beast area is also planned for Fantasyland. The Beauty and the Beast inspired land will feature Belle’s village, including her father’s cottage, the Beast’s castle and two restaurants – the Be Our Guest restaurant and Gaston’s Tavern.

A Cinderella inspired attraction is also planned. Visitors to the Magic Kingdom will be able to see Cinderella’s fairy godmother transform her peasant clothes to a beautiful ball gown fit for a princess. Guests will also be able to help Cinderella get ready for the royal ball.

Another Disney favorite – Sleeping Beauty – will have a section of Fantasyland that is all her own as well. The Sleeping Beauty inspired area will feature Sleeping Beauty’s cottage, and guests will be able to join in the celebration as fairies throw a Sweet 16 party for Aurora. The interactive experience is sure to be a hit with children.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride will be improved during the expansion. A second platform will be added to the ride, doubling the capacity of the attraction and a new queue is being built so that the line for the ride will wind through a big-top circus tent with interactive games to entertain guests while they wait.

Tinker Bell’s Pixie Hollow will shrink visitors to fairy-size and envelop them in a world where they can walk by giant blades of grass and flowers and meet Tinker Bell and her pixie friends. This area of Fantasyland will be similar to the version found at Disneyland, but is expected to be larger.

There are two main phases of Fantasyland, and the first is set to debut in 2012 and the second in 2013.

Experience the World at Epcot Orlando

Epcot, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, is a Walt Disney World Theme Park dedicated to international culture and technological innovation. Since opening in 1982, the 300 acre Epcot Theme Park has provided guests a way to experience the world and the future in one amazing place.

The park consists of two themed areas – Future World and World Showcase – laid out in an hourglass shape. The sections, especially the World Showcase, are patterned after the type of exhibits one would find at world expositions.

FutureWorld features attractions that focus on the land and our environment, space exploration, imagination, energy, communication and transportation. It consists of a variety of pavilions that explore applications of technology and the imagination of those behind new aspects of technology and the wonderment of what the future holds.

FutureWorld consists of:
· Spaceship Earth
· The Land
· The Seas with Nemo & Friends
· Imagination!
· Test Track
· Mission Space
· Innoventions
· Universe of Energy

The Spaceship Earth Pavilion is the iconic, 18-story geodesic sphere that is home to both the Spaceship Earth Attraction and the Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future post-show exhibit. Resembling a giant golf ball, the Spaceship Earth Pavilion is home to the landmark attraction Spaceship Earth – a 16-minute omnimover ride through time and space. Project Tomorrow is an interactive area featuring state-of-the-art games and informative displays focusing on future of medicine, transportation and energy management.

The Land Pavilion celebrates the land we live on and features Epcot’s most popular ride, “Soarin’.” This attraction is a multi-sensory experience that simulates a peaceful hang-gliding flight over the Golden State of California. The Land is also home to “Living with the Land,” a boat ride that explores agricultural advances in the rain forest, Africa and beyond, and “Circle of Life,” an environmental film hosted by Timon, Pumba and Simba. The Garden Grill Restaurant & Sunshine Season Food Fair is also found at the Land Pavilion.

The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion is an underwater-themed experience featuring a massive 5.7 million gallon aquarium – named the Caribbean Coral Reef – which is home to 6,000 inhabitants including sharks, sea turtles and dolphins. Characters from Disney’s hit movie Finding Nemo are featured throughout the pavilion and take center stage on “The Seas with Nemo & Friends Ride” where guests climb aboard a “clamobile” for an undersea adventure. The famous sea turtle Crush is featured in “Turtle Talk with Crush,” a state-of-the-art, 3D style show where kids of all ages can participate in a question and answer session with the most tubular turtle around. The Coral Reef Restaurant is also located at this pavilion and offers diners a spectacular floor-to-ceiling view of the central aquarium.

The Imagination! Pavilion at the Future World Showcase is a place for guests of all ages to set their imagination free. This area is home to the “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience” attraction, which is an exciting 3D film featuring the zany antics of Professor Wayne Szalinski and family, from the hit Disney movies Honey, I Shrunk the Kids & Honey, I Blew Up the Kid. This interactive adventure features incredible special effects, including motion and smoke, and 3D animal experiences. “Journey into Imagination with Figment” is a fun-filled look at the five senses featuring a feisty dragon by the name of Figment. It is regularly voted the best Epcot attraction for kids. Park goers will also want to check out ImageWorks – The Kodak “What If” Labs which are home to interactive stations dubbed “the creative playground of the future.”

The Test Track Pavilion is home to the popular Test Track attraction, a high-octane 5 minute thrill ride where cars can reach up to 60 mph on 50-degree banked curves. This is also a great place to learn about aerospace design and purchase exclusive merchandise.

The Mission:SPACE Pavilion is home to the space flight simulator ride, Mission:Space Attraction, the interactive play space known as Mission:SPACE Advanced Training Lab, and the gift shop, Mission: SPACE Cargo Bay in the Future World area at Epcot theme park in Disney World. The Mission:Space attraction simulates a realistic launch into space as you and your crew pilot towards Mars.

The Innoventions Pavilion is a 2-building pavilion featuring interactive play space for kids of all ages where guests can imagine, invent and explore. The Innoventions pavilion is divided into two locations – East & West . The East location is home to The Sum of All Thrills, The Great Piggy Bank Adventure, Storm Struck and others, while the West location spotlights Rockin’ Robots, Smarter Planet, Videogame Playground and several other hands-on activities.

The Universe of Energy Pavilion is dedicated to the exploration of energy and alternative energy sources and features Ellen’s Energy Adventure.

World Showcase contains pavilions that wrap around the World Showcase Lagoon representing eleven countries.

World Showcase consists of:
· Mexico
· Norway
· China
· Germany
· Italy
· United States/American Adventure
· Japan
· Morocco
· France
· United Kingdom
· Canada

The Mexico Pavilion features a towering pyramid modeled after an actual Aztec Temple of Quetzalcoatl at Teotohuacan, Mexico. Many guests like to take a boat ride on the Gran Fiesta Tour starring The Three Caballeros and there are delicious places to eat, like the San Angel Inn, La Cantina De San Angel and Taqueria Del Lago. La Cave del Tequila celebrates tequila making and guests 21 years of age or older can enjoy over 70 varieties of tequila. Art galleries and shops with authentic Mexican goods are also located at this pavilion.

The Norway Pavilion celebrates the age of the Vikings and is themed after a Scandinavian village with stone and wood elements of the Norwegian architectural style. Attractions include the Maelstrom Adventure Cruise and the exhibit “Vikings: Conquerors of the Seas.” Authentic Norwegian cuisine and shops are also located at this pavilion.

The China Pavilion features the art, architecture and tradition of China. Attractions include the Temple of Heaven, the “Reflections of China” CircleVision 360 film, the musical show “SI XIAN” and a replica of the famous excavation in Xi’an China featuring Tomb Warriors. Authentic Chinese cuisine can be found at Nine Dragons Restaurant & the Lotus Blossom Café, while there are several shops from where you can pick up genuine Chinese goods.

The Germany Pavilion is the place to experience the lively charm of a quaint German Village. The 16th-Century architecture and authentic German food at the Beirgarten Restaurant will transport you, as will the “Oktoberfest Musikanten Show,” a 6-person music group that performs traditional Bavarian music. Popular Disney characters Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs also make regular appearances at the Germany pavilion.

The Italy Pavilion is filled with the flavor of Italy and its architecture is an homage to the city of Venice. There are gondolas, an 83-foot version of the bell tower from Campanile of St. Mark’s Square and a replica of the Neptune fountain from the Plaza del Teatro. Delicious Italian cuisine can be savored at Tutto Italia Ristoranta and sweet tooth’s can be satisfied at Delizie Italiane & La Bottega Italiana. Entertainment options include musicians, clowns and dance troupes in the piazza as well as daily appearances by characters from the Disney movie Pinocchio.

The American Adventure Pavilion, dedicated to the United States, celebrates American history and tradition. It is created in colonial-style architecture and includes elements inspired by Independence Hall, Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello and Boston’s Old State House. The theatrical show “The American Adventure” is a favorite attraction, as are the “Voices of Liberty,” “ The Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps” and shopping at Heritage Manor Gifts. For tasty American fare, stop by the Liberty inn Restaurant.

At the Japan Pavilion, guests will find stunning Japanese landscape and a world filled with koi ponds, rock gardens and a blue-roofed pagoda. Entertainment options include “Visions of Beauty: World Heritage Sites of Japan,” and Japanese taiko drummers “Matsuriza.” Dine on delicious Japanese fare at Teppan Edo & Tokyo Dining.

At the Morocco Pavilion guests will find two interesting pavilions: the Ville Nouvelle (new city) and the Medina (old city). Entertainment at the Morocco pavilion includes belly dancers, the world music of “Mo’Rockin’” and the exhibit “Moroccan Style: The Art of Personal Adornment.” Plus, Aladdin, Princess Jasmine & the Genie make appearances daily. Typical Moroccan fare is served at Restaurant Marrakesh and authentic Moroccan goods can be found at the many shops available.

At the France Pavilion, visitors will be transported to the streets of Paris and the provinces of France themed from an era known as La Belle Epoque, or “the beautiful time.” A scaled down replica of the Eiffel Tower is a sight to see, as is the panoramic journey “Impressions de France” and “A Chair Act.” Food options include the Bistro de Paris and Les Chefs de France. Fine French goods are also available at the marketplace.

The United Kingdom Pavilion is filled with the charm of England. Cobble-stone streets, old-world British architecture and a classic British pub are located here, as is the Rose & Crown Pub and Dining room, which serves traditional British food. The British Invasion, a Beatles Tribute Band performs regularly at the pavilion and the World Showcase Players improv troupe are an amusing treat. There are several shops in this pavilion, all filled with a bevy of British goods.

At the Canada Pavilion the serene Canadian landscape takes center stage. A rushing waterfall, Canadian Rockies inspired canyon and carved totem poles are just a few of the elements guests will want to explore. The CircleVision 360 film “O Canada!” is a don’t miss visual journey as is the Celtic rock band “Off Kilter.” The Northwest Mercantile is the place to pick up Canadian goods and for authentic Canadian cuisine look no further than Le Cellier Steakhouse.

Epcot in Orlando is generally open from 9am-9pm. Each night they present the award-winning night time show IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, which features fireworks, lasers, fire and water fountains timed to a musical score over the World Showcase Lagoon.

Epcot tickets are currently on sale.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Returns to Disney

Disney World is hosting the always popular Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival this spring. Set for March 3-May 16, Epcot will spring to life with a colorful array of flowers, gardens, topiaries, live music and educational events. The event attracts gardening experts and everyday nature enthusiasts, and the best part is that it is included with regular Epcot admission.

This year’s Orlando event has some daily events that are designed especially for kids. “Let’s Get Moving” features Evos & Weevos play systems as kids interact with some of their favorite characters from Fantasia. “Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden” is a test track walkway featuring Tinker Bell. “The Princess and the Frog Wedding Bayou” is another test track walkway open to kids. Fawn’s Butterfly House will also be available as will special hands-on activities for children.

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival schedule includes the new Garden Town Breakfast on March 21, April 18 and May 16 from 10:30am – 12:30pm. This event is an extra $60 but includes breakfast and guests can learn garden and culinary techniques from professional horticulturists and chefs. Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday visitors can get a behind the scenes look at the Disney’s Horticulture group brings the festival to life. Planting pointers from IFAS at the University of Florida are also given every Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 1pm & 4pm. Information and entertaining presentations are given every Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 12pm & 3pm by the Great American Gardeners. A few of the personalities that will be on hand include Robert Bowden, Maureen Gilmer, Susan Belsinger & Matt Henderson. Disney Gardening at Home will also be presented every Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 11am & 2pm. During this event, visitors will learn tips and d secrets form master gardeners and they will also get to participate in hands-on activities. A few of the topics planned include “Easy to do Water Features,” “Butterfly House How-To,” Creating Backyard Garden Retreats” and “Fun Family Gardening Projects.”

Of course, the Flower Power Concert Series will also return. This year, some of the biggest names form the 60’s and 70’s will perform at the open-air American Gardens Theatre at Epcot Theme Park.

The Flower Power Concerts are every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. & 7:45 p.m.

March 5 - 7: Jose Feliciano
March 12 - 14: Paul Revere & The Raiders
March 19 - 21: David Cassidy
March 26 - 28: Starship
April 2 - 4: Tony Orlando
April 9 - 11: Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone
April 16 - 18: Ricky Nelson Remembered Featuring the Nelsons
April 23 - 25: Atlanta Rhythm Section
April 30, May 1 - 2: Fran Cosmo (Former lead singer of Boston)
May 7 - 9: Davy Jones
May 14 - 16: Chubby Checker & The Wildcats

Epcot Tickets are on sale now.

Old Town Orlando Events for February & March

Old Town has several exciting events planned for February & March in Orlando:

02/26 & 02/27: The National Nostalgic Novas Show will be here all day and stay for the cruise, sponsored by Bradham Brothers. The National Nostalgic Nova is a car club for people who love Chevy IIs, Novas and Acadians. Since their beginning in 1982, they have been dedicated to the preservation, restoration, rodding and history of the '62-'79 Chevy Nova. They provide their members valuable technical information, access to quality parts and a unique opportunity for fellowship with Nova lovers all over the world. Each year National Nostalgic Nova hosts a show here at Old Town. This show is open to all Novas. There is a $30.00 registration fee that includes a t-shirt and a dash plaque. At this show members display their Novas, give out awards and enjoy the swap meet.

02/27: The Wide Track Warriors Pontiac Club 7:30 am – 2:00 pm. This a Central Florida based Pontiac car club that has been around for over a decade. The club has always been about people getting together and having a good time. It doesn't matter if you drive a Lemans, Torrent, Grand Prix GTP, Fiero, Firebird, GTO, Tempest, Aztek, Grand Am, or a G6 (to name a few). Cars of all years are welcome in this club. This club loves to give back to the community of Orlando, every year they pick a local charity to donate a portion of the earnings too. This year is Pet Rescue By Judy. There are trophies, door prizes, and a swap meet with this show.

02/28: One of our favorite clubs is back! The Buick Grand National will have their meet behind the General Store from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. 45 cars will be on display. This show is open to any Buick Turbo powered vehicle and will benefit the New Hope For Kids charity.

03/06: The Florida Edsel Club will lead the cruise! There is judging and awards with this show. This club has been participating in the Saturday Nite Cruise for twenty years. The Edsel was a marquee of the Ford Motor Company during the 1958, 1959, and 1960 model years. The brand is known best as one of the biggest commercial failures in the history of American business. "E Day" was September 4, 1957. Ford announced the end of the Edsel program on Thursday, November 19, 1959. However, cars continued being produced until late in November, with the final tally at 2,846 1960 models. Total sales were approximately 84,000, less than half the company's projected break-even point. The company lost $350 million ($1.55 billion in 2009 values) on the venture. All totaled, 118,287 Edsels were built (including 7,440 produced in Ontario, Canada.) This figure may seem large, but by automotive standards, it was dismal, especially when spread across three model-years. Fifty years after its spectacular failure, Edsel has become a highly collectible item amongst vintage car hobbyists. Fewer than 6,000 Edsels survive and are considered collectors’ items. A mint 1958 Citation convertible sometimes sells for over $100,000, while rare models, like the 1960 convertible, may bring up to $200,000.

03/13: The Studebakers are back and will lead out the cruise. Come on out and see beautiful examples of this classic automobile starting at 12:00 pm. The first gasoline cars to be fully manufactured by Studebaker were marketed in August 1912 and over the next 50 years; the company established an enviable reputation for quality and reliability. The South Bend plant ceased production on December 20, 1963, and the last Studebaker car rolled off the Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, plant on March 16, 1966.

03/26 & 03/27: Mighty Titans TWO DAY Show. Awards, vendors, and a Dyno Machine. Show times are Friday 5:00 p.m. – Cruise and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Nissan Titan was introduced in 2004 and is manufactured in Canton, Mississippi. The Titan Truck is very popular in the South and sales there account for nearly 25% of Titans sales in the United States. The Titan was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2004.

Disney Adding Dining Options to Epcot World Showcase

The Epcot World Showcase is adding two exciting culinary experiences two its Italy pavilion and Mexico Pavilion.

The Italy Pavilion is welcoming an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria which will be operated by Patina Restaurant Group. Patina currently operates the Tutto Italia Ristorante at the Italy Pavilion. The new pizzeria is inspired by Naples 45, a Patina Restaurant Group pizzeria located on East 45th Street in New York City. The new Italy addition is expected to be open for Fall 2010, in time for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

The Mexico Pavilion is expanding the popular Cantina de San Angel restaurant. The expansion will feature 400 seats with al fresco seating for lunch and will also be a great place for viewing “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” the nightly Epcot fireworks show. Opening for the Cantina de San Angel restaurant is set for Fall 2010.

Disney Tickets are on sale now.

Disney World Presents Summer Nightastic! at Magic Kingdom

This summer, Disney World is presenting Summer Nightastic!, a resort-wide celebration featuring the “Main Street Electrical Parade.” This nighttime celebration has not appeared at Disney Orlando since 2001, and with its return comes all new elements combined with several other exciting additions.

The “Main Street Electrical Parade” is led by Tinker Bell, and characters like Pinocchio & Snow White will join her in the procession. A few of the parade highlights include a baroque synthesizer soundtrack, LED lighting effects and new floats. This summer-long event is set to premiere in early June at the Magic Kingdom.

In conjunction with return of the Main Street Electrical Parade, Disney is also adding a new drop sequence and new lighting effects to the Tower of Terror for Summer Nightastic! A special summer fireworks show is also planned, as are the Summer Concert Series at Epcot and extended evening hours at the Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Disney World tickets are on sale now.

Make a Dream Come True at Magic Kingdom Orlando

The Magic Kingdom at Disney World is dubbed “The Happiest Place on Earth,” and for good reason. Featuring seven themed lands across 107 acres, the Magic Kingdom captures the true essence of Walt Disney World with exciting entertainment, classic attractions, beloved Disney Characters and the charm of childhood.

Designed like a wheel with the hub in front of Cinderella Castle, the pathways spoke out across the Magic Kingdom theme park in Orlando and lead to seven exciting lands:

Main Street U.S.A.: Main Street U.S.A. is the main entrance to the Magic Kingdom. Guests will emerge from a tunnel for the Walt Disney World Railroad and are instantly transported to early 20th-Century America, complete with stylistic and architectural influences from around the country. Main Street is lined with shops selling merchandise, food and memories, all designed with a small town America feel, inspired partly by Walt Disney’s Childhood. A Town Hall, Barbershop, fire station, and a City Hall, which serves as the guest relations lobby, bring the Americana feel to life. Main Street U.S.A. is home to several great places to eat, including The Crystal Palace (American cuisine buffet-style), The Plaza Restaurant (victorian-america themed serving sandwiches, burgers, salads & ice cream), Tony’s Town Square (inspired by the restaurant in The Lady & the Tramp and serving pizza, pasta & Panini’s) and Casey’s Corner (located at the end of Main Street & serving American ballpark fare like hot dogs & fries. Shopping choices include The Emporium, a 17,000 sq. ft. store, the largest in the Magic Kingdom, and the Chapeau Hat Shoppe, among many others. Main Street U.S.A. is also the place to watch the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade, Dream-Along with Mickey Show, SpectroMagic Nighttime Parade, Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party and the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular, the biggest & brightest fireworks extravaganza in Disney history.

Adventureland: This Magic Kingdom land represents the adventure of exploring foreign lands and is themed with an exotic mix of jungles from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, South America and the South Pacific. Adventureland is home to attractions like Jungle Cruise, 1930s-style safari boat through the world's most exotic, untamed rivers; Pirates of the Caribbean, a classic Disney attraction featuring Captain Jack Sparrow; The Magic Carpets of Aladdin and Swiss Family Treehouse. Shopping options include the Agrabah Bazaar, Island Supply & Pirate’s Bazaar. The El Pirata Y El Perico Restaurant, serving Mexican fare, is the main restaurant in Adventureland. Refreshments and soft serve can be found at Aloha Isla & Sunshine Tree Terrace.

Frontierland: Featuring all of the adventure and excitement of the Wild West, Frontierland is where guests to experience cowboys, Indians and the thrill of exploration. Several classic attractions are located here, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Tom Sawyer Island, Splash Mountain and the Country Bear Jamboree Show. Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café, Golden Oak Outpost and The Diamond Horseshoe are the main eateries in Frontierland, and Big Al’s, Briar Patch, Frontier Trading Post & Prairie Outpost & Supply are the main shopping stores.

Liberty Square: Liberty Square is based on an American Revolutionary town and honors the colonial heritage of America. It is home to attractions like the Liberty Square Riverboat (a paddlewheel steamship), The Hall of Presidents Show and the ever-popular Haunted Mansion attraction, where guests board a doom buggy and explore the supernatural activity of the Haunted Mansion. Eating options at the Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom include Columbia Harbour Hose, Sleep Hollow and Liberty Tree Tavern, an 18th-century colonial restaurant serving New England style lunches. Shopping enthusiasts will want to make time for Heritage House, Yankee Trader Gourmet Shop and Ye Old Christmas Shoppe.

Fantasyland: This area of Magic Kingdom provides the quintessentially fairytale experience and is themed in a medieval-faire/carnival style. Dedicated to the young at heart, Fantasyland features attractions like It’s a Small World, Cinderella’s Golden Carousel, Dumbo The Flying Elephant, Mad Tea Party, Mickey’s PhilHarMagic, Peter Pan’s Flight, Pooh’s Playful Spot, Snow White’s Scary Adventures & The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Fantasyland is home to dining options like Cinderella’s Royal Table (advance reservations recommended), Enchanted Grove, Pinocchio Village Haus, Scuttles Landing & Friars Nook. Entertainment options include Storytime with Belle & Ariel’s Grotto. Fantasy Faire, Pooh’s Thotful Shop, Seven Dwarf’s Mine and Tinker Belle’s Treasures are a few of the shops located in this Magic Kingdom land.

Mickey’s Toontown Fair: This Magic Kingdom land is geared towards the littlest park-goers. It features attractions such as Donald’s Boat, Mickey’s Country House, Minnie’s Country House & The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm, which is a kid-sized coaster. Mickey’s Toontown Fair is the place to meet Mickey & friends. The best place for character greetings at Mickey’s Toontown Fair is in the Judge’s Tent. Cornelius Coot’s County Bounty, Mickey’s Toontown Fair Souvenirs & Toontown Farmer’s Market are a few of the shops available.

Tomorrowland: Tomorrowland takes guests into the future with attractions like the Astro Orbiter, Buzz Lightyear’s Ranger Spin, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Space Mountain, Stitch’s Great Escape, Tomorrowland Speedway & Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. Themed as an intergalactic convention of sorts, Tomorrowland features the Buzz Lightyear Shop, Merchant of Venus, Mickey’s Star Traders & Ursa’s Major Minor Mart as shopping options and Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café, The Lunching Pad & Tomorrowland Terrace Café & Noodles Station are dining options.

Park hours for the Magic Kingdom vary. Generally, the park is open at 9am and stays open until at least 8pm, if not later. Please check your vacation dates for exact times.

Disney World tickets are on sale now.

Mobile Magic Disney App is Great Vacation Tool

Walt Disney World has released an official Disney Theme Parks application that puts information about the Orlando, Florida and Anaheim, California based theme parks directly in the hands of its visitors. The new application is called Mobile Magic and is offered through Verizon Wireless. The fee is $9.99 for 180 days of service, and it seems to be a great way to find information on Disney parks quickly and conveniently.

The Mobile Magic app provides information like FASTPASS return times, attraction wait times for the park users are currently in, extensive information on character locations and event starting times notifications. The program uses GPS to determine the phone’s location within the park and displays information pertaining to that park’s rides, events, restaurants and characters. Phones with the app can be set to notify users 15 0r 30 minutes before an event begins, so shows, parades and parties are never missed.

The app does not provide walking directions from point to point within the park, as Disney wants visitors to experience the park and not spoil the experience by following a map on their phone. Instead, visitors will still use the provided guide maps for directions.

Mobile Magic covers all of the Disney Theme Parks in Orlando, including the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Downtown Disney, Wide World of Sports and all Disney resorts & restaurants.

Disney plans on creating apps for smart phones like the Blackberry & iPhone. However, until they are complete, users will be able to access mobile version of the Disney sites and http://m.disneyworld.com/ and http://m.disneyland.com/. The mobile sites will have generalized information and instead of displaying the number of minutes someone will have to wait in line for a ride, the mobile sites categorize the wait as “see now,” “moderate” or “high demand.”

Any Verizon user that wishes to download the new Mobile Magic app can do so by going to the Media Center “Browse & Download” section of Verizon Wireless’s website. The app is located in the “Travel & Navigation” folder. The app can also be found by texting “Magic” to2777.