Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Dazzles at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Walt Disney World presents the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights on the Streets of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. The event begins November 10, 2009, and ends January 4, 2010. The event is a breathtaking seasonal display featuring millions of twinkling lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music.

The lighting displays are very impressive as they blanket entire buildings in sheets of multi-colored lights, and create scenes of twirling carousels, cherubic angels, and Santa and his reindeer. Approximately every 10 minutes the lights dim and then dramatically relight – dynamically choreographed to traditional holiday music. On select nights, the show is capped off with a flurry of snow for extra holiday magic.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights began as a display at Jennings Osborne’s family home in Arkansas. Each year, the family would set up elaborate holiday light displays. Over the years the collection and ideas grew so much they decided to share their magical displays with the world, through Walt Disney World Theme Parks.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is including with standard admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Join the Festive Fun at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney

Walt Disney World presents Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights at the Magic Kingdom this holiday season in Orlando. This festive celebration is filled with live entertainment, dazzling fireworks and a merry holiday parade.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special after-hours event that promises jolly fun for everyone. The event features Disney character stage shows like “Celebrate the Season” and Mickey’s “Twas the Night before Christmas Show” as well as an exclusive holiday fireworks extravaganza – Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season. Character greetings, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa and a magical snow fall on Main Street, U.S.A., are all part of the experience.

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is a highlight of the event, as it features a special appearance by Santa Claus himself. It also showcases the various festive moods of the holiday season, showcasing themes such as Friends & Family, Winter Wonderland, Fairy Tale Christmastime, Christmastime Sweets and Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Cinderella’s Castle enchants visitors as it is covered in thousands of twinkling lights, covering the castle in a dazzling “blanket of ice” for a wintry effect.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be held from 7pm to 12am on the following dates in 2009:

November 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29
December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18

Admission to this event requires a separate ticket from standard Magic Kingdom admission.

Festival of the Masters Canvases Downtown Disney

The Festival of the Masters is an open-air art festival featuring nearly 150 award-winning artists in Downtown Disney from November 13-15, 2009. The event, presented by Sharpie, is in its 34th year at the Walt Disney World Resort. It is a nationally recognized art show that is one of the most sought after shows among artists.

Highlights of the festival include an up-close look at the works of top-rated artists who provide a diverse mix of artistic forms. Live entertainment, children’s activities and culinary treats are also planned.

The House of Blues Folk Art Festival portion of the event presents “Where the Art meets the Soul” and features local and national folk artists great music and children’s activities. The Central Florida Chalk Artists Association will go to work on more than 6,000 square feet of sidewalk at the Downtown Disney Marketplace, transforming it into a giant canvas for chalk artists to showcase their works. A kid’s chalk area will also be available.

Family activities include learning the art of drawing from the masters, located outside of DisneyQuest. A special DJ Dance Party at the Dock stage is scheduled for every afternoon, plus families can meet the performers of Cirque du Soleil La Nouba and enjoy face painting and balloons.

While you enjoy the festival, take advantage of the great shops located at Downtown Disney as well. New stores include Design-A-Tee, where you can design and personalize your own tee shirt and Tren-D, a hip urban store with Disney merchandise.

Sum of All Thrills Premieres at Disney World

Walt Disney World in Orlando revealed a new attraction, Wednesday, October 14th, at Epcot. The new attraction is called “Sum of All Thrills,” and is a small but significant addition as it features first-of-its-kind simulators that allow guests to design – then ride – their own roller coasters, bobsleds and jet planes. The Disney attraction has robotic arms that loft riders to through the air. It robotic arms were developed by German robotics company KUKA Aktiengesellschaft.

The “Sum of All Thrills” was created to be an experience for kids, as they must use math and science principles to design the thrill rides they will experience. The goal of the attraction is to get more children interested in learning about math and science. The robotic arms can move in multiple directions at once because they rotate on six different axes, which create a smooth ride. It is located inside one of Epcot’s Innoventions pavilions.

The launch of this attraction is interesting as it offers a glimpse of the technology that will be used on the main ride at Universal’s highly anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Orlando Resort has kept most of the details of The Forbidden Journey of Harry Potter ride a secret. However, construction documents on file show they are working with a company that builds robotic arms based on KUKA arms. The Universal attraction will be a much more lavish experience than “Sum of All Thrills.” Universal’s ride is expected to be a type of “robocoaster” in which the robot arms advance along a track as they swivel riders in various directions. The bases of the robot arms at “Sum of All Thrills” are in a fixed place.

Conquer the Coasters in Orlando - ReserveDirect Style

Orlando is synonymous with theme park fun. From the magic of Walt Disney World to the action of Universal Studios to the safari adventures offered at Busch Gardens to the aquatic allure of SeaWorld, Orlando offers plenty of ways to experience thrilling rides and great live shows. Recently, members of the ReserveDirect team hit the pavement of Orlando’s theme parks to discover for ourselves the fun that could be had.

As roller coaster enthusiasts, we were set on experiencing as many as possible during our short stay in Orlando. First, we went to Universal Studios at Universal Orlando Resort with their new ride, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, on our radar. After a wait of almost an hour, during which we had plenty of time to review the song selections we’d be offered during our ride, we boarded the new coaster, selected our songs, and quickly ascended the coaster’s vertical track. The trip began with a 90-degree ascension to Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit’s tallest point – 167 feet straight up. After that, we were taken on a 65mph journey through six maneuvers, all packed with plenty of action. The ride went by quickly, was exceptionally smooth, and as promised, the music selected by other passengers could not be heard during the almost two minute ride. The video footage of our ride was high quality and provided a good laugh for our entire party. Riders can purchase their video for $29.95, which promises at least 14 images of the rider, all set to the song selected at the start of your ride.

For our next roller coaster adventure, we headed to SeaWorld to explore the new Manta ride that had quickly become a fan favorite since opening in May 2009. Due to looming thunder clouds the crowds were very light at SeaWorld during our visit, so we were able to board Manta without a wait, although it is certainly worth one. Manta is a unique coaster, and it sets itself apart from other rides right away. After we were securely fastened in our seats, in a horizontal position, the manta ray shaped apparatus inverted so we were positioned vertically, to simulate the flying-like capabilities of manta rays. From there, we were treated to 3,359 feet of track that did not disappoint. At first the ride felt like we were gliding, but it quickly got faster, and once the pretzel loop was reached, we dipped 98 feet down the track into a 360-degree in-line twist. A wind dip maneuver splashed the manta-shaped riding apparatus into a lagoon surrounding the coaster, lightly splashing us with water. The experience was so incredible the ReserveDirect team rode Manta three consecutive times. It most definitely receives the ReserveDirect seal of approval and is a can’t miss SeaWorld experience.

The African adventures of Busch Gardens were next on our itinerary, where wild coasters like the Sheikra awaited us. The Sheikra coaster promised big thrills, and it delivered on its promise. After a 200 foot climb, the coaster took us to the edge of a 90-foot drop and stopped. For four seconds, we hung precariously in the air staring at the plunge that awaited us. Then, we plummeted toward the ground at speeds of 70 mph before we encountered an Immelmann loop and a second vertical dive into an underground tunnel.

After the excitement of Sheikra, we eagerly made our way towards Montu, one of the longest and tallest coasters in the world. Montu holds the record for the number of inversions on a roller coaster at seven. These seven inversions - a 104 foot vertical loop, an Immelmann loop, a Zero G roll, a Batwing (two inversions), a 66 foot tall vertical loop, and a corkscrew - combined with the intense 3.85 Gs we felt as we blazed through the track, created an incredible ride that was a highlight of our time at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Next on the agenda was Kumba, which stands 143 feet tall and reaches speeds of 63 mph. Kumba also has seven inversions including a 114-foot tall vertical loop, a diving loop, Zero G Roll, cobra roll and two interlocking corkscrews. This ride lasted almost three minutes and was one of the best steel coaster experiences the ReserveDirect team has had. Kumba, which means roar in the African Kongo language, also mimics a roaring sounds as it races through the coaster’s track.

Gwazi, the park’s dueling wooden roller coaster, includes almost 7,000 feet of combined track and reaches speeds of 50 mph. Both tracks have similar but non-identical track layouts. Gwazi holds the record for most fly-bys on a dueling roller coaster with six. A fly-by is where the two roller coasters pass each other in opposite directions at high speeds, giving the psychological impression that the two will collide. It also holds the record as the fastest and largest double wooden roller coaster in the Southeastern United States. Wooden coasters are notorious for their rough rides, and although Gwazi was by far the least smooth of the roller coasters we experienced, its unique design made it worth the trip.

If you’re up to it, take the ReserveDirect Coaster Challenge. Experience the great roller coasters that took us for a ride, plus ones like The Hulk at Universal’s Islands of Adventure or virtual coaster encounters like Space Mountain at Disney, for an exciting theme park experience that’ll leave you dizzy with excitement.

The ReserveDirect team conquered Orlando’s roller coasters – now it’s your turn!

Disney Announces 2010 Special Promotions

During 2009, Disney World Theme Parks offered guests free admission on their birthdays. For 2010, they are replacing this popular promotion with “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day.” This Muppet-themed promotion allows United States, including Puerto Rico, and Canadian residents who volunteer in their communities to a FREE one day Disney ticket.

To get the free ticket, you’ll have to sign up for a designated volunteer activity through Disney’s website. Once you complete the activity, you’ll be given instruction on how to download your ticket voucher, which you will them redeem at the park’s ticket windows.

The volunteer opportunities are being managed by HandsOn Network.

The blackout days for these free tickets are:
At Walt Disney World: March 29 - April 8 and July 4, 2010

Also, Disney is limiting the number of tickets awarded in the program, which will end on Dec. 15, 2010.

You must be at least 18 years of age to sign up, and you may sign-up up to a maximum of 8 additional members of your same household. Children must be at least 6 years of age to volunteer under this program and receive a theme park ticket. Children ages 6-17 must be accompanied by an adult when volunteering. Other age restrictions may apply to certain eligible volunteer opportunities.

Guests who present a valid multi-day ticket or Annual Pass or Passport may choose from one of the following three options instead of receiving the free 1-day, 1-park ticket:

- Disney's Special FASTPASS cards for certain attractions for you and up to 5 additional members of your party.
- A collectible Ear Hat figurine with exclusive trading pins.
- Donate your free ticket to a non-profit organization designated by Disney Parks.

Eat to the Beat Concert Series at Epcot mixes Music & Food

The Eat to the Beat! Concert Series is featured during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Concerts are performed three times each evening at America Gardens Theatre along the World Showcase Lagoon. The daily show times are at 5:15pm, 6:30pm & 7:45pm.

The Eat to the Beat! Concert Series Line-Up:

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: September 25-27
Richard Marx: September 28-29
Starship starring Mickey Thomas: September 30-October 3
En Vogue: October 4-6
Better Than Ezra: October 7-8
Sister Hazel: October 9-11
Kool & The Gang: October 12-13
Spyro Gyra: October 14-16
Jon Secada: October 17-18
Sister Sledge: October 19-20
Vanessa Carlton: October 21-22
Taylor Dayne: October 23-25
Boyz II Men: October 26-28
John Waite: October 29-31
Taylor Hicks: November 1-2
Billy Ocean: November 3-5
Los Lobos: November 6-8

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Begins September 25, 2009

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is making its grand return this fall at Walt Disney World. Scheduled for September 25 – November 8, the festival embraces the international flavors of the world and presents the tastiest food and drinks from places like Greece and Spain to new additions like Rio de Janeiro and Bangkok. Plus, the Eat to the Beat! Concert Series is back and features performers like Vanessa Carlton, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Richard Marx, Sister Hazel and Better than Ezra.

The line-up of fun at the 2009 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is as follows:

Marketplace & Promenade: More than 25 international marketplace kiosks are serving up delicious delicacies, along with recommended wines and beers, showcasing the flavors of the world.

Eat to the Beat! Concert Series: Music pairs perfectly with tasty cuisine during nightly Eat to the Beat! Concerts featuring a varied lineup of classic rock, soul, R&B, oldies, jazz and funk hit–makers. Concerts are performed 3 times each evening at America Gardens Theatre along the World Showcase lagoon. Show Times are 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. daily.

Seminars & Demonstrations: From introductions to wine connoisseurship to demonstrations packed with cooking tips and sessions where you can sample regional beers and artisanal cheeses — a delicious journey of discovery begins at Epcot. Daily culinary demonstrations, wine seminars, a history of beer in America seminar and authentic taste seminars are planned.

Special Festival Experiences: Sensational food and wine pairings are artfully prepared and served as part of unforgettable meals at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Dining Experiences. Mexico Tequila Tastings, Food & Wine Pairings, Culinary Adventure Signature Dining and Party for the Senses are planned.

Purchase your Epcot Tickets today!

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Returns to Magic Kingdom

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party returns to the Walt Disney World Resort on select dates in September, October and November at the Magic Kingdom. This event does require a separate ticket, beyond park admission.

The event will be held from 7pm-12am on the following dates in 2009:

September 4, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29
October 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
November 1

During Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. Guests will get to trick-or-treat around the Magic Kingdom, collecting delicious candy while special lighting, music and theme effects transform area of the park into the happiest place to celebrate Halloween.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party also features special entertainment, including:

Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade which features Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction.

Happy HalloWishes, a spectacular fireworks show where Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky.

This event is appropriate for kids of all ages.

Magic Kingdom tickets are on sale now.

Disney Announces Major Expansion in Orlando

During the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California Walt Disney Resort Chairman Jay Rasulo announced a new project for the Orlando based Walt Disney World Theme Parks. The ambitious new project will nearly double the size of Fantasyland, part of the Magic Kingdom, as well as update the Star Tours attraction based on the original “Star Wars” trilogy. Plans are to add 3-D effects to the ride which is located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando. The park plans to add a pod-racing sequence from “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” to the attraction as well.

The major focus, however, was how Disney plans to change how visitors interact with three of its best known princesses – Cinderella, Aurora and Belle. Disney is planning to construct individual areas in which visitors will be able to experience a more extended and participatory moment with the princesses. An example of this new concept is having guests visit Cinderella’s country chateau where they would watch, along with a group, as she is transformed by the Fairy Godmother into a beautiful belle of the ball.

Other changes at the Orlando Disney World include redesigning Dumbo the Flying Elephant Ride. The redesign includes doubling the capacity of the ride as well as replacing the ride queue with a circus tent and bleachers and an interactive three ring circus. A new restaurant, named “Be Our Guest,” is also in the works and is based off of the successful Beauty and the Beast film.

Orlando Theme Parks Honored with Golden Ticket Awards

Amusement Today has announced the winners of the 12th Annual Golden Ticket Awards. Presented to the “Best of the Best” in the amusement industry, the Golden Ticket Awards are calculated from an international poll conducted by Amusement Today. Surveys were sent to a database of experienced and well-travelled amusement park fans, asking them to rate the “bests” in 25 categories.

Several ReserveDirect attractions were honored with Golden Ticket Awards, including:

SeaWorld Orlando for Best Marine Life Park

Silver Dollar City in Branson for Friendliest Staff

Universal Orlando Resort for Best Halloween Event

Dollywood in Pigeon Forge for Best Christmas Event and Best Shows

Disney World Theme Parks (Epcot – IllumiNations: Reflections of the Earth) for Best Outdoor Night Show Production

Universal Orlando Resort Islands of Adventure (Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls) for Best Water Ride

Universal Orlando Resort Islands of Adventure (Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man) for Best Dark Ride

Universal Orlando Resort Universal Studios (Revenge of the Mummy) for Best Indoor Roller Coaster

Congratulations to all for the well-deserved honor of receiving a highly-coveted Golden Ticket Award.

FREE Things to Do in Orlando Florida

As the summer season winds down, Orlando is offering some great deals on lodging and attraction tickets. Vacation homes are renting for lower than ever and activities are priced at affordable rates that make a vacation in Orlando budget-friendly. Plus, there are several FREE things to do in Orlando that are plenty of fun too!

1) It’s your birthday and you’re FREE if you want to be! Take advantage of the birthday promotions at area attractions like Disney World Theme Parks and Pirate’s Dinner Adventure. Both attractions let guests in FREE on their birthdays.

2) Universal Orlando Resort’s CityWalk is a great place to spend time with friends and family, and admission is absolutely FREE day or night. Fantastic shopping, dining and entertainment are always available.

3) Visit Downtown Disney, a unique area that is home to more than 70 shops, eateries and Disney-centric entertainment. Nestled along the shores of Village Lake, Downtown Disney offers some beautiful scenic views at its restaurants.

4) Tour the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts. The museum celebrates the Floridians contributions to the arts, as well as the material culture of people of African descent.

5) Stroll the streets of Celebration, Disney’s town that is as close to perfection as a town can get. Admire the old-fashioned properties and let the kids play in the interactive fountain. Experience the pleasant atmosphere and beauty of a town only Disney could create.

6) The Harry P. Leu Gardens features three miles of paved scenic walkways that take you through fifty acres of southern styled gardens. FREE admission is offered every Monday morning 9am-noon through September 30, 2009. From October on, FREE admission is offered from 9am-5pm on the first Monday of each month.

7) Window shop at some of Orlando’s fantastic shopping locations. Choose from Mall at Millenia, which features high-end stores like Gucci, Fendi, Tiffany and Mont Blanc or scour the stores of The Florida Mall, of which there are over 270.

8) Visit Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando. This 43 acre park offers spectacular views of the city as well as FREE events throughout the year.

9) Explore the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany items. Everything from lamps, to pottery, to stained glass windows to dining sets is displayed. Visitors are FREE on Fridays November – April from 4pm-8pm. Otherwise, admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children.

10) Take a walk in Big Tree Park, the home of “The Senator,” a 118 ft. tall, 3,500 year old Bald Cypress tree.

Disney's Hollywood Studios presents Night of Joy 2009

Disney World Theme Parks are hosting Night of Joy, a contemporary Christian music festival September 11-12, 2009 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida. Each night, from 4pm-1am, visitors will get to hear live performances from some of today’s top artists in Christian rock, pop and gospel, all while having access to Hollywood Studios’ fantastic attractions.

The Night of Joy artists will perform on several stages throughout Hollywood Studios theme park, which means there is always someone different to see, and something to appeal to every musical genre.

Artists scheduled for Friday, September 11:
Chris Tomlin
P.O.D.
NewsBoys
Kutless
NeedtoBreathe
Leeland
Superchick
Francesca Battistelli

Artists scheduled for Saturday, September 12:
MercyMe
Flyleaf
Skillet
Jars of Clay
Family Force 5
GRITS
Mandisa
Revive

Artists scheduled for BOTH September 11 & 12:
Abandon
Above the Golden State
Josh Wilson

While at the park, be sure to enjoy the cinematic thrills found only at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Spectacular attractions like The American Idol Experience, The Great Movie Ride, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania!, and Rock ‘n Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith are great ways to enjoy Disney at night.

The Night of Joy event is priced separately from daytime admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park.

Orlando Serves Up Delicious Ways to Dine with Food Festivals

Orlando Florida is serving up some delicious ways to explore the culinary arts in September.

The Downtown International Beer & Food Festival is scheduled for September 19, from 6:30pm-11pm, and will showcase the delectable creations of 11 restaurants and bars throughout Cape Coral. Participants can dine on appetizers like sushi and pierogis and taste beers from Germany, Jamaica, Holland, Italy, Belgium and other locales from around the world. Tickets are $10 and guests must be 21 years old and older.

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Disney World Orlando offers a global experience to guests as they dine on delicious items from over 25 international marketplaces. This years event, scheduled for September 25- November 8, will spotlight cities from Italy, Thailand, New Zealand, Morocco, China and America. Daily wine and beer tastings will also serve up drinks from around the world.

Culinary demonstrations by some 250 chefs including such guest chefs as Todd English and Cat Cora are also scheduled. During the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival the “Eat to the Beat!” concert series will present artists like Kool & The Gang, Jon Secada and Spyro Gyra, among others.

The festival is included in regular Epcot admission.

September is also the time for Orlando Magical Dining Month. Held from September 1-30, this festival highlights local dining establishments while offering great prices to guests. Participating restaurants, including Emeril's Tchoup Chop and BICE Ristorante, will offer three-course prix fixe dinner menus for $20 or $30 (excluding beverage, tax and gratuity).

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Underway at Epcot

Sounds Like Summer is an annual live concert series at Epcot theme park located at Walt Disney World Resort that brings together a talented collection of tribute bands to authentically recreate the classic hits of legendary musical icons.

The concerts are located near the lagoon side of the America Gardens Theatre—adjacent to the American Adventure Pavilion. Listen to the tunes that inspired everyone's favorite youthful memories as you celebrate the spirit of summer vacation, day trips to the beach, backyard cookouts and relaxing under a shady tree.

2009 Performers

· June 29 - July 8: Slippery When Wet, A Tribute to Bon Jovi
· July 9 - July 17: 52nd Street, A Tribute to Billy Joel
· July 18 - July 26: Sounds of The Supremes, A Tribute to The Supremes
· July 27 - August 2: 2U, A Tribute to U2
· August 3 - August 9: Petty Theft, A Tribute to Tom Petty

Showtimes are schedule for 5:45 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:15 p.m.—except on July 4. On July 4, showtimes are scheduled for 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Wine & Dine at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Disney World Orlando is scheduled for September 25-November 8. This year’s event features a lineup of popular music acts, including several Grammy-winning bands, all ready to rock the night away during this fall festival, which transforms the worldly Epcot into a food and wine lovers paradise. Specialty food items, culinary events, parties and music and more make this Disney event a great place to eat to the beat!

The Eat to the Beat! concert series will bring 17 acts – showcasing everything from rock to jazz, funk to pop – to the America Gardens Theatre stage during the 45-day festival. The lineup includes five performers playing the festival for the first time: Richard Marx, Better Than Ezra, Vanessa Carlton, John Waite and Billy Ocean.

Epcot theme park admission is required. Some Epcot International Food & Wine Festival events require ticket fees in addition to admission to Epcot theme park. Availability is limited for some events. Events may be rescheduled or cancelled at any time.

Concerts, which are included with Epcot admission, begin at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 pm daily.

The lineup (subject to change) includes:

September 25-27 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (“You & Me & The Bottle Makes 3”)
September 28-29 Richard Marx ("Hold On to the Nights")
September 30-October 3 Starship starring Mickey Thomas (“We Built This City”)
October 4-6 En Vogue (“Free Your Mind”)
October 7-8 Better Than Ezra ("Good")
October 9-11 Sister Hazel (“All for You”)
October 12-13 Kool & The Gang (“Celebration”)
October 14-16 Spyro Gyra (“Morning Dance”)
October 17-18 Jon Secada (“Just Another Day”)
October 19-20 Sister Sledge ("We Are Family")
October 21-22 Vanessa Carlton ("A Thousand Miles")
October 23-25 Taylor Dayne ("Tell It to My Heart")
October 26-28 Boyz II Men (“Motownphilly”)
October 29-31 John Waite ("Missing You")
November 1-2 Night Ranger (“Sister Christian”)
November 3-5 Billy Ocean ("Caribbean Queen")
November 6-8 Los Lobos (“La Bamba")

Guests nibbling and sipping their way around World Showcase can see performers from many countries weave music, dance, acrobatics, comedy and other acts into the festivities. A sampling of World Showcase entertainment includes:

High-energy Celtic music of Off Kilter (Canada)
The Arabic rhythms of Mo’Rockin (Morocco)
Perfect harmony of Voices of Liberty (American Adventure rotunda)
Infectious beat of internationally acclaimed Mariachi Cobre (Mexico)
Retro British hits by The British Invasion (United Kingdom)
Jaw-dropping stunts by Dragon Legend Acrobats (China)
Hilarious antics of World Showcase Players (Italy and United Kingdom)

“IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” lights up World Showcase with lasers, music and fireworks to provide spectacular ending to each festival evening.

Walt Disney World Resorts Celebrate July 4th

All four Walt Disney World theme parks present special shows to mark July 4. Most notable perhaps are the celebrations at the Magic Kingdom presenting SpectroMagic (lighted parade) and Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert In The Sky on July 4. Incidentally, the park's Audio-Animatronics figure of President Barack Obama is currently slated to be in place at the park's Hall of Presidents "in early July," according to Disney, so it could be that it is available to be viewed on the Fourth. For its part, Epcot presents a special holiday fireworks display along with its laser/music/fireworks spectacular, IllumiNations on July 4. The festivities are included in park admission.

Magic Kingdom: A Fourth of July "Concert in the Sky" will light up the night at Magic Kingdom in honor of Independence Day. Featuring a magnificent display of aerial fireworks, dazzling pyrotechnic effects and dynamic music, the show, entitled "Disney's Celebrate America!-A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky," is a grand tribute to the United States, its people and traditions. The special show is scheduled for 9 p.m. Magic Kingdom also will feature two performances of the "SpectroMagic" nighttime parade, first at 10:30 p.m. and then again at 12:30 a.m. that same night.

Epcot: A holiday-inspired finale will be added to Epcot's nightly fireworks extravaganza, "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth." The park's American Adventure pavilion also will feature enhanced entertainment throughout the day, with visits from historic characters who will share their stories. American Adventure also will feature additional performances of its signature musical group, Voices of Liberty, performing patriotic classics.

Disney's Hollywood Studios: Disney's Hollywood Studios will present a special July 4th fireworks show at 9 p.m., with skyrockets and patriotic music filling the air at the showbiz-themed park. The park's popular "Fantasmac!" show, featuring fireworks, animation, dancing waters and Disney characters, will be presented on July 4 at 10:30 pm.

Downtown Disney: Downtown Disney will present July 4th fireworks at 10:30 p.m. for the revelers, shoppers and diners enjoying the nighttime entertainment district.

Downtown Disney Opens Paradiso 37 Restaurant

Paradiso 37, a high-energy restaurant and bar featuring cuisine from North, South and Central America, will welcome guests in May at its location in Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney.

The lakeside eatery will offer a variety of menu offerings representing the 37 countries of the Americas, plus an international wine bar, 37 varieties of tequila and 10 signature frozen margaritas.

The new concept was developed by Orlando-based E-Brands Restaurant Group, a multi-concept restaurant group which currently owns and operates Timpano Chophouse, Samba Room, Taqueria Canonita, Aquaknox, David Burke, Salsa Orlando and Canonita Express in a number of locations across the United States.

The Downtown Disney restaurant will feature nightly entertainment and will be open daily from 11 a.m. until late night.

Star Wars Weekends Return to Disney World

Star Wars Weekends returns to Disney World’s Hollywood Studios for a special summer event celebrating the classic sci-fi series. The sci-fi fan-fest takes place every Friday, Saturday & Sunday from May 22 – June 14, and during this time Disney World Hollywood Studios is transformed into part of the Star Wars galaxy, complete with Ewoks, Wookies, Storm Troopers, Jawas and other Star Wars creatures. The specific Star Wars Weekend dates are May 22-24, May 29-31, June 5-7, and June 12-14.

Fans of the Star Wars universe will be able to face to face with many of their favorite characters during meet and greet sessions, where anyone from Anakin Skywalker to Darth Vader may appear. Youngsters can practice their lightsaber skills at the Jedi Training Academy which prepares them for a battle against Darth Vader himself.

Star Wars trivia contests will also give fans a chance to prove their mastery of the series, while a ride on the famed Star Tours attraction Starspeeder lets guests test their speed skills. One-of-a-kind Star Wars memorabilia will also be available for purchase. Plenty of the Star Wars characters will be on full display during the Star Wars parades as well. End your day with the Hyperspace Hoopa! Show, where Star Wars favorites cut loose and have fun with music, comedy & dancing.

For Orlando Hotel Reservations for Star Wars Weekends, please visit ReserveOrlando.

Disney's Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Ready to Bloom

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, presented by Disneynature, is a special spring event presented each year to highlight flowers, gardens, topiaries, live music and educational events. This year’s festival is scheduled for March 18, 2009 – May, 31 2009. Even if you’re not a gardener at heart, you’ll love this event because it showcases the beauty that is Mother Nature, all on the grounds of Disney World.

A few of the festival highlights include:

Poster Artist Heather French: Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday Heather French will be creating art at the Garden retreat, adjacent to the Canada Pavilion.

Garden Explorations: Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, from 9am – 12pm, guided tours of the award-winning gardens of Epcot are available. The three hour tours are guided by a Disney Horticulturist.

Garden Town Discoveries: Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday special events are held during the festival at Future World East. Tricks of the Trade is scheduled for 10am – 7pm and allows guests to get a behind the scenes look at how Disney’s horticulturalists create some of their most popular designs. Planting Pointers is held at 1pm & 4pm, and lets guests join gardening experts from IFAS at the University of Florida for great gardening ideas. Disney Gardening at Home is scheduled for 11am & 2pm. At this event guests can meet Disney gardening experts and also participate in a hands-on demonstrations. The Great American Gardeners show occurs at 12pm & 3pm, and will entertain with presentations from nationally recognized garden personalities.

Other events include Art in the Garden, a unique look at nature through the eyes of “Plein Air” artists, Environmentality, which shows visitors how to keep our planet green, the Florida Farmers Market, a bountiful market located in Garden Town, as well as continuous shows of “The Making of the Flower & Garden Festival.”

The 2009 Flower Power Concert Series at Epcot spotlights groovy tunes from the ‘60s and ‘70s and begins March 20. Flower Power concerts take place at the Americana Gardens Theatre at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 each Friday, Saturday & Sunday of the festival. Concerts are included with regular admission price.

The Flower Power Concert Series Line-Up:

March 20-22 – Davy Jones “Daydream Believer”
March 27-March 29 – Paul Revere & The Raiders “Good Thing”
April 3-April 5 – The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie “Happy Together”
April 10-April 12 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry the VIII, I Am”
April 17-April 19 – The Ventures “Hawaii Five-O”
April 24-April 26 – Harold Melvin's Blue Notes (NEW) "If You Don't Know Me By Now"
May 1-May 3 – Chubby Checker & The Wildcats “The Twist”
May 8-May 10 – Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons “Love and Affection”
May 15-May 17 – Jose Feliciano “Light My Fire”
May 22-May 24 – The 5th Dimension “Up, Up and Away”
May 29-May 31 – Tony Orlando “Tie a Yellow Ribbon”

Disney World Orlando the Perfect Place to be a Kid

Millions of people flock to Disney World in Orlando, Florida each year. The parks Walt Disney made famous are synonymous with family fun and the magical whimsy of childhood. I missed out on the Disney experience as a child, but was bound and determined to not let my inner-child miss out on Disney World. So, at the age of 25, I packed my bags, mouse ears included, and made my way to the sunny state of Florida to spend a few days with the main mouse, Mickey, and all of his cohorts.

I was as excited as any child, and was filled with awe over what to expect. The night before the big day, I had visions in my head of doing the robot with Buzz Lightyear, skipping through the park with Snow White and quacking along with Donald Duck himself. The whole event was already playing in my mind like a Disney Movie, and I already had a perfect ending: dinner at Disney’s California Grill, perfectly timed so I could watch the firework displays as I dined.
The next morning, as I drove towards the gates of Disney, I was ecstatic to see Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom signs flash before my eyes. I was on a mission at Disney, and was bound and determined to experience as much of Disney as I could in one day. Due to a time constraint, one day was all I was allotted at Disney, so one day had to fulfill my inner child’s wishes.

With Disney ticket in hand, I started at the Animal Kingdom, since they close the earliest (5pm.) I headed straight towards the Tree of Life to get an up close view of this iconic tree. The detail and design of the tree was incredible, and so was the It’s Hard to be a Bug attraction held inside, at the base of the tree. Starring “Flik,” from the Disney-Pixar Film “A Bug’s Life,” this 8 minute 3D film is fun for those of all ages. I thoroughly enjoyed the 3D look at a bug’s life, and the special effects made me feel like I could reach out and grab the butterflies, snakes and other creatures. I even felt mice running on the floor. I don’t want to give too much away; just be sure to make time for this during your visit to the Animal Kingdom. Another highlight from the Animal Kingdom was the Kilimanjaro Safari, where I sat in an open air safari bus for a one-of-a-kind look at some of the Sahara’s most beautiful animals. The landscape was right out of Africa, and the animals were very energetic and lively, something you don’t always witness at zoos. I was amazed at the variety of animals, and have to say the elephants and giraffes were my favorite safari finds.

After a delicious lunch at the Rainforest Café, my companion and I headed to Epcot for a quick trip around the world. First, though, we made a trip around Earth on the attraction Spaceship Earth and then shrank back down to size at the Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, a 3D show where scientific fun turns into mayhem for the audience. My favorite ride, though, was Soarin, an interactive attraction that simulates hang-gliding in coastal California. The line was long for this attraction, but it was worth the wait! The world showcase pavilions, where France, Germany, Italy, Norway, America, Canada, Japan, China, Mexico, Morocco and the United Kingdom are represented, are truly a sight to see. It was if I had packed my passport and had been flown around the world. The architecture, food, and ambiance of each pavilion made you treasure the unique aspects of each culture. By the time I had toured every country, I felt like my passport had a whole new set of stamps in it.

However, my world tour had to make an important pit stop at a special, far away land known as the Magic Kingdom. The Magic Kingdom is what first comes to mind for many when they think of Disney. Images of Cinderella’s Castle, Mickey Mouse and Splash Mountain are conjured in one’s mind as the epitome of the Disney Concept. I had these images floating through my head as I made my way, by tram, to the entrance of the Magic Kingdom. However, nothing prepared me for actually seeing Cinderella’s Castle in all her glory. It is a magnificent structure that harkens visitors, or at least me, to become giddy with joy. Even at the age of 25, I was compelled to run towards the castle, eager to see what it held. Be sure to make time for Castle tours they do periodically throughout the day, as there are some neat behind-the-scene discoveries.

My exploration of the Magic Kingdom found seven different lands to journey through, each with a theme like Tomorrowland, Frontierland or Main Street USA to distinguish it from the sprawling 107 acres consisting of the Magic Kingdom. I visited Adventureland first, where I climbed through the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse before I murkily made my way through the treacherous waters of the Pirates of the Caribbean. From there, I ventured to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland for a runaway train coaster ride. Fantasyland and Tomorrowland were up next, but before we made it there, we encountered the Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party that had me grooving along with Disney characters such as Genie, from Aladdin, & Sebastian, from The Little Mermaid. I found several character greetings at Fantasyland, and although the lines were too long for my time constrained trip, I will definitely make it a priority on my next trip. When else can you have your picture snapped with Goofy? Tomorrowland lived up to its name with Space Mountain, a rocket of a ride that visits our mysterious galaxy.

By the end of my ride on Space Mountain, it was time for dinner at Disney’s California Grill. It was a great way to end my special day. So special in fact, that the glittering night sky boasting colorful fireworks felt like it was just for me. It was truly magic, truly Disney and truly worth the 25 year wait.

Orlando Attractions Have Something Special Underway

A number of sharp-eyed fans have spotted the rooftop of a structure rising in Universal Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter that looks an awful lot like Hagrid's Hut, home of the half-giant character from the Potter novels and movies.

Looks like those fans nailed it.

Building permits pulled by Universal for the much-anticipated, highly secretive Potter project show that the resort is indeed constructing Hagrid's Hut. The setting, according to the permits, is being built for Universal by the Nassal Co. of Orlando, which specializes in themed construction projects.

While the permits offer few details, it appears Hagrid's Hut will be mostly for display purposes. The documents suggest the interior of the building will be used for prop storage.

"Hagrid's Hut is an unoccupied themed prop structure," according to one permit description.

A dream is a wish . . .

With Walt Disney World's latest attraction, the American Idol Experience, formally open in Disney's Hollywood Studios, the company is kicking its vaunted publicity machine into full gear.

Billboards have sprouted around Orlando featuring a slogan for the attraction that ties a quintessential Disney character to a production that's otherwise best known for airing on FOX.

The slogan: "Be part of the next Cinderella story."

Cypress Gardens changes

Cypress Gardens is getting ready to announce new management this week, according to the park's lawyer and spokesman, Rick Dantzler.

The small Winter Haven theme park, known for its botanical gardens, ski shows and Southern belles, closed in November after struggling with low attendance. The owners plan to reopen in late March with a new game plan that involves eliminating the park's amusement rides and focusing on the original gardens and a water park that is popular with locals.

The new management will replace Baker Leisure Group, an Orlando-based company that ended its management role at the park last summer.

Under its new structure, Cypress Gardens will likely have two admission prices: one for the gardens only, and another that includes the water park.

Information courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

Image property of Universal Orlando Resort

March Events in Orlando Florida

Special Events in Orlando during March 2009:

DISNEY'S EPCOT
International Flower & Garden Festival
March 18 - May 31, 2009: The annual brings entertainment, food, education and of course loads of beautiful flowers to Epcot during this festival.

SEAWORLD
Viva La Música
Join the fiesta every weekend, March 7, 2009 through the 29, when Grammy and Latin Grammy-award winning acts perform salsa, merengue, reggaeton and more for Viva La Música. The red-hot lineup includes El Gran Combo, India, Tito El Bambino and Fonseca Saturdays at SeaWorld, and R.K.M and Ken-Y, Guayacan, Grupo Mania and El Gran Combo at Busch Gardens Sundays. Live music, Hispanic food and the fiery flair of Latin heritage combine for this lively experience.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Mardi Gras
February 7 - April 18, 2009: On Saturday nights in February, March and April, Universal Studios Florida celebrates the spirit of New Orleans with the annual Mardi Gras celebration.

BOK TOWER
• Bok in Bloom!
January through March: Seasonal blooms throughout the historic Bok gardens.

MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
• Music in the Galleries
November through April, free admission into the museum on Friday evenings from 4:00 - 8:00pm. Live music in the galleries on Friday, March13, Beautiful Music Muse Duo (classical guitar and flute).
• A Brilliant Setting - American Cut and Pressed Glass Tableware 1876-1917
Through September 15, 2009: Includes more than five dozen examples of American-made glass tableware from the late-19th and early 20th centuries.

ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART
• Of Cloth & Culture: African Textiles
Through December 2009: Exhibit features textiles from various regions of the African continent, including Kente cloth from West Africa, beaded aprons fron the Kirdi of Cameroon, and beaded animal skins of the San people of South Africa.
• American Portraits & Landscapes
Through December 2009: Features works by Benjamin West, Thomas Moran, Rembrandt Peale, John Henry Twachtman, and Carl Wuermer representing art from the Colonial period through the early 20th century.
• 19th & Early 20th Century American Art
Through December 2009: Drawn from the museum's permanent collection, the exhibition features paintings by George Inness, John Singer Sargent, Georgia O'Keeffe, William Harnett, Alfred Bricher, William Merritt Chase, Frank Weston Benson, and the museum's recent acquisition, The Sun Vow, 1901, a sculpture by Hermon A. MacNeil.

OTHER
• Manatee at Blue Springs
November through March: Manatee fleeing the cold ocean waters flock to the warmer temperatures of Blue Springs during the months of November thru March.

SPECIALS FOR MARCH
Please call to verify specials and free admission as museums occasionally change their policy during special exhibits.

• Morse Museum of American Art
Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival open house. Enjoy free admission to the galleries on Friday, March 20, 21, 22, 2009. Call 407-645-5311 to confirm.

• Disney's "Armed Forces Salute"
Active and retired U.S. military personnel can receive a free five-day multi-pass to Walt Disney's Orlando Theme Parks. Special pricing for up to 5 friends and/or family members is also available. Call 1-407-939-6244 to confirm.

• Disney's Free Admission on Your Birthday
"What Will You Celebrate?" Throughout 2009, Walt Disney World is offering one day of free admission to any one of their theme parks for your birthday. Call 1-407-939-6244 to confirm.

• SeaWorld's Fun Card
Florida Residents can pay for a day and receive the rest of 2009 free!

• SeaWorld's "Here's to the Heroes"
Free admission to Worlds of Discovery Theme parks for Military members and direct dependents during 2009.

• Morse Museum of American Art
Free admission to the galleries every Friday evening from 4pm to 8pm from the beginning of November till the end of April. Music in the galleries on select nights. Call 407-645-5311 to confirm.

• Leu Gardens
Free admission to the gardens every Monday from 9am till noon. Be sure to arrive early as parking is at a premium on Monday mornings. Call 407-246-2620 to confirm.

• Orlando Museum of Art
Free admission to the museum on Thursday afternoons from 1pm to 4pm for residents of Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola Counties. Call 407-896-4231 to confirm.

Information courtesy of About.com

Orlando Walt Disney World Fastpass Details

Disney's FASTPASS is a revolutionary guest enhancement at Walt Disney World Resort enabling guests to have an alternative to waiting in lines for many of the most-popular attractions. There is no additional charge to use the FASTPASS service.

FASTPASS, Step-By-Step

1) Ticketed guest or annual passholder enters the park main entrance gate.

2) Guest visits any attraction offering the FASTPASS service. Here, guest has the option of waiting in the regular standby line or choosing FASTPASS.

3) If the FASTPASS option is chosen, a guest inserts his or her theme park ticket into the FASTPASS machine. Out comes the FASTPASS denoting when to return to the attraction. Holders of FASTPASS are given a one-hour window for their return -- for example, 10:05-11:05 a.m. That means the guest cannot enter the attraction using FASTPASS before 10:05 but is free to return at any time during the designated one-hour window.

4) Upon returning at the designated time, the guest heads straight for the FASTPASS entrance and proceeds directly to the attraction pre-show or boarding area with little or no wait.

Guests are able to get several FASTPASS tickets during a day in the Disney theme parks. However, they cannot immediately obtain multiple FASTPASS tickets.

How often can they get one? While the answer varies, it is printed on the guest's current FASTPASS ticket.

FASTPASS is offered on the following attractions:

Magic Kingdom: Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, The Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan's Flight, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Epcot: Test Track, "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience," Living with the Land, Maelstrom at the Norway Pavilion

Disney-MGM Studios: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Tower of Terror II, Star Tours, "Voyage of the Little Mermaid," "Jim Henson's Muppet*Vision 3-D," "Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!", "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It!"

Disney's Animal Kingdom: DINOSAUR, Kali River Rapids, Kilimanjaro Safaris, "It's Tough to be a Bug"

Information courtesy of About.com

Disney's American Idol Experience Opens Feb. 14

Disney World's specialty is fantasy, but a new attraction opening Feb. 14 will deal in real-life dreams.

The American Idol Experience, a near-exact replica of the theater the "American Idol" TV show uses, will give singers a chance to audition, perform and maybe even get a spot to try out for the real "Idol."

If the singing is as polished as the set, it should be another Mickey triumph.

If the singing is bad, no Disney magic will be able to fix it.

I got a look at the "Idol" set. It has a black, blue and silver stage, replete with hi-def cameras, judges' table and a 1,000-seat auditorium.

American Idol Experience is in Disney World's Hollywood Studios area (formerly MGM).

Here's how it will work: Up to about 400 people a day will be able to sign up for auditions online (at www.disneyworld.com/idol) or in person. Each singer will do a short a cappela song of his or her choice, in front of a casting director in a private room. That casting director will give the singer tips and determine whether he or she goes on to the next stage or, like most, gets the boot.

"The majority of people who watch the show know that only a small percent of singers will go on, but they will still have fun. So even if you experience what you would call rejection, they've still had a good experience," says Laura Offerdahl, Disney entertainment producer for the Idol Experience.

Those who make it through will go to a VIP room to choose songs from 113 choices, get vocal tips, then sing in front of a producer, using a microphone and taped music.

Every day, producers will choose 21 people from the VIP level to sing in front of the Disney audience -- three singers at each of seven performances.

That's no small thing. The huge audience will have armchair electronic voting pads to vote for their favorite performer -- and determine who wins. The final seven favorites (one from each performance) will sing in a finale at each day's end, and the ultimate winner gets a prize -- a "head-of-the-line" pass to audition for the real "Idol."

Restrictions? You must be 14 or older. You must be available to come back for shows later that day if selected. And hopefully, you must be able to sing.

The American Idol Experience is the biggest of the rather small number of new attractions at Disney this year. Recently opened is Toy Story Mania, a tame but fun ride where riders wear 4D glasses and shoot at targets, just like a high-tech carnival midway game. Opening on Jan. 28 is Kim Possible, a scavenger-hunt game for children; participants get a cell-phone type communicator at a stand, then play along by finding spots and clues at Epcot and working to solve a mystery.

In addition, there's a new rule this year that visitors get free admission to one Disney park on their birthdays -- a $63-$75 value. Already, that's a big hit.

"It's only the beginning of the year, but it's already been used by twins and triplets," says Disney spokesman Rick Sylvain.

But the Idol attraction should be the big draw this year. It will have an extra virtue for audience members.

"It's not a Disney thing, but it's even OK to boo the judges if you disagree with their comments," says Offerdahl.

No booing, however, in the happy-go-lucky rest of the park.

Information courtesy of Detroit Free Press

Go Behind the Scenes at Disney World Orlando

Disney World wants its guests to spend their time playing, not planning, so it offers private tour guide service at each of its four parks: Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. For $125 per hour, including tax, for a minimum of five hours, plus park admission, the private tour guide will create your ideal itinerary and reserve the best seats in the house for live shows, parades and nighttime spectaculars.
Disney also offers a variety of backstage and special interest tours:

Magic Kingdom Park
If you're fascinated by trains, check out The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains, a three-hour tour that gives you an insider's look at the Walt Disney Railroad. You'll enter the park before it opens to see how the train operators prepare the engines for another day of service. Guests must be at least 10 years of age. Cost is $40 per person, including tax, plus park admission.

Disney's Family Magic tour is a primer for families with small children (ages 3 and up) who are visiting the Magic Kingdom for the first time. This two-and-one-half-hour tour provides an overview of the park via a fun-filled scavenger hunt in which guests "save" the park from an evil Disney villain. Cost is $27 per person, including tax, plus park admission.

At Disney's Keys to the Kingdom tour, guests learn the history and philosophy behind Walt Disney's grand vision, and take a look backstage at several rides and attractions. Cost for this five-hour tour is $60, including tax, plus park admission. Guests must be at least 16 years of age.
Mickey's Magical Milestones tour traces the creation and career of Mickey Mouse. Cost for this two-hour tour is $25 per person, including tax, plus park admission. Guests must be at least 10 years of age. Tour is offered at 9 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Epcot
The Seas Aqua Tour provides guests an up-close experience with more than 65 species in Epcot's 6-million gallon (23-million liter) indoor aquarium. Guests use scuba-assisted snorkeling equipment during this two-and-one-half hour experience and do not need scuba certification. Cost is $100 per person, including tax. Guests must be at least 8 years of age and children ages 8-16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Theme park admission is not required.

Certified open-water scuba divers ages 10 and older can go even deeper into the The Living Seas aquarium on the DiveQuest tour. This three-hour experience provides 40 minutes of dive time with protected species of sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays and schools of colorful fish. Cost is $140 per person, including tax, all gear and a commemorative T-shirt. Children ages 10-14 must have Jr. SCUBA certifications and dive with a parent or legal guardian. Theme park admission is not required.

The three-hour Dolphins in Depth program allows guests to interact with its friendly and frisky dolphins and learn about their behaviors. This experience takes place in knee-deep water and you do not need to be able to swim. Guests must be at least 13 years of age and all minors must be accompanied by a paying adult. Cost is $150 per person, including tax. Theme park admission is not required.

Learn the secrets of Disney's green thumbs on the Behind the Seeds at Epcot tour. This one-hour tour takes you backstage at The Land pavilion to explore Disney's greenhouses and hydroponic growing areas. Cost is $14 per adult, $10 for children ages 3-9, including taxes, plus park admission.

Subtle details of art, architecture and costumes come alive within each country's pavilion at the Hidden Treasures of the World Showcase. At the Gardens of the World tour, you'll nurture your green thumb as Disney gardeners show you how they maintain the colorful gardens of the World Showcase. Each three-hour tour is offered to guests ages 16 and older for $59 including tax, plus park admission.

At Epcot's UnDISCOVERed Future World, learn how Walt Disney's desire to improve the world led to the creation of this park and get rare glimpses of backstage areas. This four-hour tour is available to guests ages 16 and older. Cost is $49, including tax, plus park admission.

Segue to the future on the Around the World at Epcot tour as you ride a Segway Human Transporter around the park on a two-hour tour. Cost is $85 per person including tax, plus park admission, and includes Segway riding lessons. Guests must be at least 16 years of age, weigh less than 250 pounds and be able to stand for the duration of the tour. Tours are offered daily at 7:45 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
On the three-hour Wild By Design tour, guests learn how art, architecture, artifacts and story-telling combine to transport guests to the faraway lands of real and imagined animals. Cost is $58 per person, including tax, plus park admission. Guests must be at least 14 years of age.

The Backstage Safari tour shows guests how Disney's animal specialists care for the many exotic creatures that call Animal Kingdom home. You'll tour the animal nutrition center, the veterinary hospital and other backstage areas. This walking safari lasts three hours and costs $65 per person, including tax, plus park admission. Guests must be at least 16 years of age.

Multi-Park Tours
On the Backstage Magic tour, guests will discover some of Disney's most magical secrets as they delve into the special effects and "imagineering" that go into the creation and operation of Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. This seven-hour tour is $199 per person, including lunch and tax. Theme park admission is not required. Guests must be at least 16 years of age.

If you want to experience this Orlando theme park in a way that others only dream about, or if you simply want to make the most of your limited time in Orlando, take advantage of these exciting behind-the-scenes experiences and VIP tours.

Information courtesy of Orlando CVB

More Ways to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Orlando

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay welcomes the New Year with entertainment and fireworks on Wednesday, and builds up to the celebration with parties tonight through Tuesday. The festivities are included in park admission: $67.95 for adults and $57.95 for children.

SeaWorld Orlando is throwing a big party on Wednesday complete with Michael Andrew & The Atomic Big Band performing at Bayside Stadium, followed by fireworks. Visitors may dance to the beat of a DJ as the countdown to 2009 begins at The Waterfront section of the park. At midnight, fireworks will light up the skies. The party is included in daily admission: $69.95 for adults; $59.95 for children.

Universal CityWalk: This 30-acre entertainment complex by Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure hosts a party with the Doobie Brothers, a buffet, champagne toast and live entertainment at its nightclubs. Advance tickets are $119.99; $124.99 after Tuesday.

Walt Disney World: The parks bid farewell to 2008 with a variety of events. Epcot features DJs and evening dance parties throughout World Showcase as well as a special presentation of the "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth" lights, lasers and fireworks display. Disney's Hollywood Studios offers multiple presentations of the show Fantasmic! and also a special "Lights! Camera! Happy New Year!" fireworks spectacle. The Magic Kingdom features special presentations of the "SpectroMagic" parade and multiple nighttime fireworks displays, including "Holiday Wishes" and "Fantasy in the Sky" at midnight. The events are included in regular park admission: $75 for adults, $63 for children.

Information courtesy of South Florida Sun-Sentinel

American Idol Attraction to open at Disney World Orlando

Starry-eyed singers who dream of being discovered -- like Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson or Clay Aiken -- will have a chance when a new "American Idol" attraction opens in February at Walt Disney World in Orlando.

Or, if singing on stage doesn't appeal, visitors to the theme park's new attraction can make like Simon Cowell or Paula Abdul by taking on the role of judge in the live, interactive competition.
The attraction, scheduled to open Feb. 12 at a time when attendance and revenues are down at the Orlando theme park, was announced December 18 in a joint statement by Disney Parks and Resorts and producers/creators of the phenomenally popular "American Idol" TV show, Fremantle Media Licensing and 19 Entertainment.

Like the TV show, Disney's "American Idol Experience" attraction will include a nerve-racking audition process in which eligible park-goers will perform in front of a Disney producer for a chance to be cast in a show at the theme park -- and a possible shot at eventually competing in the real TV show.

"One of the most remarkable elements about 'American Idol' is that for a brief moment each week, we can provide TV viewers the opportunity to imagine life as America's next superstar," said Simon Fuller, CEO of 19 Entertainment. "Disney's new attraction perfectly captures what we at 'American Idol' feel is the heart and soul of this brand, real people getting a shot to make their dream a reality."

The attraction will be located in the Hollywood Studios section of Disney World. Parkgoers who are deemed to have "star quality" during a screening process -- and after working with a vocal coach, hair stylist and make-up artist backstage -- will perform on Disney's "American Idol Experience" stage set before a live audience and a panel of judges.

Those with the highest votes will compete in an end-of-day grand finale show at Disney World; the winner of the grand finale show will receive a guaranteed reservation for a future regional stadium audition for the "American Idol" TV show.

"Millions of people have imagined themselves standing on the 'American Idol' stage," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts. "We're excited that we will be bringing this dream to life every day at Walt Disney World."

Information courtesy of The Detroit News

December in Orlando Offers Fun for Everyone

December in Orlando offers plenty of fun for everyone, including events at Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort & SeaWorld.

DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM

Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade
November 28, 2008 - January 04, 2009: Join Mickey and friends as they celebrate the holidays, safari style with decorations, live entertainment and photo opportunities.

DISNEY'S EPCOT

Holidays Around the World
November 28 - December 30, 2008: International holiday traditions unfold throughout World Showcase when storytellers portraying cultural icons of the season.

Candlelight Processional
November 28 - December 30, 2008: A heartfelt holiday tradition led by a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra showcases the reason for the season.

DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights
November 28, 2008 - January 4, 2009: Partake in the wondrous light show at MGM Studio's Streets of America backlot.

DISNEY'S MAGIC KINGDOM

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
November 10 - December 19, 2008: Experience the enchantment of "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade" and the excitement of a holiday-themed fireworks during a special after-hours party inside the Magic Kingdom theme park. Nov. 10, 11, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30; Dec. 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19.

DOWNTOWN DISNEY

Festival of the Seasons
November 28 - December 24, 2008: Downtown Disney rings in the magical shopping season with more than 50 unique stores and merchandise locations across the shopping, dining and entertainment district. The holiday celebration includes festive holiday décor, carolers, nightly tree lighting and photo opportunities with Santa.

SEAWORLD

Polar Express
November 14, 2008 - January 4, 2009: SeaWorld transforms the Wild Arctic into the fables Santa Town where guests are taken on a magical trip to the North Pole.

Wheel of Fortune
December 11, 12, 14, 15, 2008: Watch the taping of 4 episodes of Wheel of Fortune featuring host Pat Sajack and Vanna White.

SILVER SPRINGS

Annual Festival of Lights
December 05 - 06, 12 -23, 26 - 27, 2008: Featuring more than a million twinkle lights and dozens of neon displays each evening from dusk till 8:30om. Enjoy strolling carolers, alighted boat parade and Santa Clause. Included in the admission cost.

Traveling Vietnam Wall
December 05 - 07, 2008: AVTT travels the U.S.A. remembering and honoring those who have sacrificed their lives for our country's freedom. Included in the admission cost.

UNIVERSAL RESORT

Celebrate Grinchmas
December 7, 2008 - January 1, 2009: Celebrate the holidays at Universal Orlando as the resort's two theme parks, on-site hotels and CityWalk transform into a seasonal spectacular featuring special holiday-themed entertainment, decorations, food and more. Meet the Grinch at Islands of Adventure and join in on the excitement of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade transported from New York.

UNIVERSAL CITYWALK

New Year's Eve at Universal CityWalk
December 31, 2008: The evening features live performances by national acts, an expansive gourmet buffet, a champagne toast and live entertainment.

CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO

Breakfast with Santa
December 13,, 2008: Annual holiday breakfast at the zoo. Call 407-323-4450 for more info.

LEU GARDENS

Leu Holiday House
November 27, 2008 through January 1, 2009: The house is open each day from 10:00 - 10:30. The historic house is decorated with festive trees, ribbons and bows. Dioramas from Ron's Miniature Shop and Museum along with beautiful ornaments that garnish every room. Admission to the house is included with garden admission.

MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

The Quest of Beauty – Louis Comfort Tiffany's Life and Art
Through January 25, 2009: Louis Comfort Tiffany's lifelong "quest for beauty" is reflected in his work across various media.

A Brilliant Setting - American Cut and Pressed Glass Tableware 1876-1917
Through September 15, 2009: Includes more than five dozen examples of American-made glass tableware from the late-19th and early 20th centuries.

ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER

Beakman’s World Tour
Through January 2009: Based on the children’s hit television show Beakman’s World, this hands-on version will explore four very different worlds in exciting and innovative ways. Children and the young at heart can satisfy their curiosity for the worlds of the human body, space, dinosaurs, and rainforests.

Titanic - The Experience
Through December 2008: The world-famous exhibition, features full-scale recreations of the ship's most famous locales along with historians in period costume interacting with guests as you explore the history and science behind the "ship of dreams."

Information courtesy of About.com

16th Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Gets Even Greener

An elaborate “Cinderellabration” topiary and an environmentally friendly Green Garden will bring fresh springtime flair to the 16th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 18-May 31, 2009. Amid a colorful tableau of flowers, plants and topiaries, Walt Disney World guests of all ages can explore a variety of exhibits and activities geared toward gardening and outdoor fun. Weekend Flower Power concerts will pump up the volume and spread a groovy vibe at America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase.

Each year, Disney gardeners channel their creative energy into presenting an intricate topiary display against the backdrop of Spaceship Earth. This year, Cinderella and Prince Charming, Snow White and the seven dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty and Prince Phillip, and Belle and Beast from “Beauty and the Beast” will debut in all their “blooming finery” as the grand front-entrance topiary during the 75-day festival.

New gardens, events and children’s play areas offer more reasons to visit the 16th annual festival:

• Green Garden– Anyone can create an environmentally friendly garden; here’s where guests will learn about low-water-use gardens, incorporating native plants into their garden and recycling.

• Pixie Hollow – Colorful topiaries of Tinker Bell and her friends from Walt Disney Pictures’ “Tinker Bell” will sprinkle pixie dust over this playful garden designed just for kids.

• Pirates Adventure Zone – Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Croc topiaries will lure young swashbucklers to this interactive space designed for exploration and adventure.

• Special Environmentality Celebration (April 24-26) – This special event will showcase how to keep the planet green through solutions like reducing waste and using friendly bugs.

Throughout the festival, more than 70 topiaries will decorate the park landscape and showcase the extraordinary craftsmanship of Disney gardeners. Sweeping floral beds and exhibits will feature 30 million blooms. A Fragrance Garden at the France pavilion will tell the “love story” of plants and perfume, and the English Tea Garden at the United Kingdom pavilion will explore the art and history of blending tea plants. The art of bonsai will “wow” guests at the Japan showcase.
Popular bands will rock the open-air America Gardens Theatre every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 pm. The concert lineup is slated to include new acts like Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, plus pop favorites like Davy Jones, Chubby Checker & The Wildcats, Tony Orlando, Jose Feliciano, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone and other top acts.

Information courtesy of MouseSavers Newsletter

Atlanta Braves Spring Training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex

Major League Baseball’s Atlanta Braves return to Champion Stadium for their 12th edition of Spring Training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in March 2009. The Atlanta Braves will host several marquee opponents in 2009, including visits from the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets and World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies, during the Major League Baseball Spring Training season at Champion Stadium at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

After two weeks of workouts, the Braves play an 18-game home schedule that includes a number of premier opportunities for fans in 2009, such as World Baseball Classic Exhibition games featuring Panama (March 3) and Venezuela (March 5), and a pair of contests against the Yankees and Mets at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, the leading venue for amateur and professional sports in the country.

Each game has fun for the whole family, including entertainment in a way that only Disney can do, with appearances by Disney characters, live music, an all-new On-Field Spectator Experience and the opportunity for kids to run the bases after every game.

Last spring, the Braves finished 10-5-1 at Champion Stadium, with three of the top all-time home crowds at Disney, on the way to ranking second only to the New York Yankees in Grapefruit League attendance.

Multi-game ticket packages for the Braves’ home spring training season can be purchased now at http://www.ticketmaster.com/

Individual game tickets go on sale Saturday, January 10, at 10 am through http://www.ticketmaster.com/

Information courtesy of MouseSavers Newsletter

Disney Dazzles This Holiday Season in Orlando

Walt Disney World Resort blings in the holidays with sparkling, jewel-like crystals adorning the iconic Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom and a city streetscape alive with millions of multi-color lights glowing and dancing to music at Disney's Hollywood Studios and a breathtaking bridge of twinkling lights that welcome guests to World Showcase at Epcot.

And to go with all the sweet treats for the eyes: seasonal festivities that blanket the Vacation Kingdom by late November as first Magic Kingdom and then Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney take the wrappings off their own Santa sleighfuls of yuletide gaiety.

Guests began to get in the spirit the beginning of November by beholding the 200,000 twinkling lights of Disney's newest holiday tradition - Castle Dreamlights - in Magic Kingdom. Donning their holiday finest, Cinderella and friends take to the Cinderella Castle stage daily for a dream-come-true, light-the-night moment.

Also underway in during the Holiday Season: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on select evenings in Magic Kingdom. During this popular special ticket event, guests are treated to "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade," "Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season" fireworks spectacular plus special holiday-themed shows featuring Disney characters decked out in their seasonal finest, carolers, festive tree lightings and more.

The "Once Upon a Christmastime Parade" celebrates the festive moods of the season with dancing snowflakes, marching toy soldiers, horse-drawn sleighs, enchanting floats and spirited characters all proceeding through the streets of the theme park in a merry and melodic cavalcade.

During "Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season," the radiant castle beams brightly as the evening is magically capped with festive fireworks orchestrated to classic holiday tunes.

Favorite attractions are open throughout the evening, and while forecasters predict the first snowfall of the season will swirl a winter-like effect down Main Street, U.S.A., guests can take heart: there's hot cocoa and cookies to add a warm spirit for a not-to-miss outing for the whole family.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party dates in 2008: Nov. 10, 11, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30; Dec. 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, from 7 p.m.-midnight.
Walt Disney World Resort unwraps more wintertime wonderment throughout property beginning Nov. 28. Here's the lineup:

* Epcot Presents Holidays Around the World - International holiday traditions unfold throughout World Showcase Nov. 28-Dec. 30 when storytellers portraying cultural icons of the season - such as France's Pere Noel, Italy's LaBefana and America's Santa Claus - spread messages of goodwill. Nighttime sparkles with a luminous light bridge adorning the breezeway to World Showcase Plaza, where guests can see a magnificent holiday tree. And to cap off the day, Epcot's kaleidoscope of lasers, lights, fireworks and music - "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" - takes on a spirited holiday finale.

* Candlelight Processional at Epcot - A heartfelt holiday tradition led by a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra showcases the reason for the season Nov. 28-Dec. 30. Staged at America Gardens Theatre at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m., Candlelight Processional features a celebrity narrator who retells the joyous Christmas story. The narration is interspersed with memorable music. Performances are included with Epcot admission.

Scheduled celebrity narrators include (subject to change):

11/28-30

John O'Hurley

12/1-3

Neil Patrick Harris

12/4-6

Brian Stokes Mitchell

12/7-9

Virginia Madsen

12/10-12

Marlee Matlin

12/13-15

Monique Coleman

12/16-18

Chita Rivera

12/19-21

Abigail Breslin

12/22-24

Steven Curtis Chapman

12/25-27

Edward James Olmos

12/28-30

Angela Bassett & Courtney Vance

* The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios - Bathed in bulbs of brilliance, New York Street glows with millions of dancing lights and animated displays in a revered Disney holiday tradition Nov. 28 through Jan. 4, 2009. Amidst gently falling snow, guests will bask in the glow as twirling carousels, melodic angels, colorful wreaths, marching toy soldiers and Santa and his reindeer move to high-energy music and 3-D effects, creating a dazzling symphony for the senses. This enchanting spectacle results from a crew of 18 electricians working some 14 weeks using six miles of rope lights, 84 angels and 66 snow machines.

* Disney's Animal Kingdom - "Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade" gets a holiday makeover Nov. 28 through Jan. 4, 2009, when it is magically transformed into "Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade." This rompin' spectacle is a theatrical showcase of characters with whimsical floats and puppetry with a holiday world-beat twist. Guests also can meet Disney characters decked out in their holiday best at Camp Minnie-Mickey which also features live seasonal entertainment, holiday photo opportunities and decorative Christmas trees.

* Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney - There are enough toys to fill up Santa's sleigh at stores such as Once Upon a Toy, Team Mickey's Athletic Club, LEGO Imagination Center and the World of Disney store. Guests can finish their holiday shopping at this one-stop mecca featuring something for everyone on their list - Basin bath and body shop, Arribas Brothers, Disney's Days of Christmas holiday shop, Fuego by Sosa Cigars and more - and enjoy the dazzling light display and holiday décor that adorns the Downtown Disney streets Nov. 28-Dec. 24, 2008. Youngsters can bring their Christmas list and visit Santa Claus from noon-10 p.m. daily.

Information courtesy of Magical Mountain

Orlando Theme Parks Offer Something New for Everyone

If you think that Disney World and the other theme parks in the Orlando area just stay the same from year to year, then you are wrong. There is always a new ride, a new attraction and sometimes even a whole new theme park to make this year’s visit to the Orlando area much more exciting than your last visit. Let’s take a look at the latest offerings from the major entertainment centers in the greater Orlando area.

Starting with Universal Studios the big news is that they unveiled a new ride based on Fox’s blockbuster hit series, The Simpsons. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson — stars of TV’s longest running series — ride along with guests in the new attraction, which takes them on a hysterical, almost unimaginable adventure. If you or anyone in your family is a big Simpsons’ fan, then this ride is not to be missed.

Not to be outdone by Universal Studios, Disney World has a long list of new features and attractions. First of all, Disney-MGM Studios theme park has been renamed Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The new name, which reflects how the park has grown from representing the golden age of movies to a celebration of the new entertainment that today’s Hollywood has to offer, debuted in Jan., 2008. The park will unveil the following attractions in the coming months:

* Toy Story Mania! involves an interactive “Toy Story” competition inspired by the film. 3-D glasses put guests in the middle of the action as they board vehicles and zip into a world of exciting midway-style games hosted by their favorite characters. The ride opened in summer 2008.

* “Block Party Bash” encourages guests to play, party and dance at the new interactive Disney parade, which opened in March, 2008.

* “Playhouse Disney — Live on Stage!” introduces a whole new cast of friends engaging children in singing, clapping and dancing. The new show opened in Feb., 2008.

* At "The American Idol Experience," guests will experience the challenge of auditioning, the rush of performing and the thrill of judging performances live on an interactive set. Guest performers with the highest votes will win a guaranteed reservation for future "American Idol" auditions. The attraction is slated to open in Jan., 2009.

The third great entertainment player in the Orlando area, The Busch Entertainment Corporation family of adventure parks, is now known as Worlds of Discovery. Worlds of Discovery parks include Aquatica – SeaWorld’s Waterpark, Busch Gardens Africa, SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove, as well as the company’s other theme parks throughout the country.

Aquatica - SeaWorld's WaterparkAquatica — SeaWorld’s Waterpark opened in March 2008. The one-of-a-kind park includes up-close animal experiences, high-speed thrills and wide, sandy beaches. Aquatica is the first new water park to open in Orlando in 12 years. It features 36 water slides; six rivers and lagoons and more than 80,000 square feet (7,432 square meters) of beach area. Guests are immersed with live animals in the park, including Commerson’s dolphins, brilliant macaws and colorful fish.

Busch Gardens Africa unveiled an exotic jungle area in the theme park, called Jungala. The four-acre (1.6-hectare) attraction area is to be located in the existing Congo area and includes tiger, orangutan and gibbon habitats mixed with dense landscaping.

As you can see, there are plenty of new things to see at the Orlando theme parks, so now is the time to plan your next visit there. And if you have never been to Disney World and other Orlando venues, then what are you waiting for?

Information courtesy of Bharatbhasha.com

Disney World in Orlando is the Place to be for the Holidays

There’s No Place Like Walt Disney World for the Holidays!

It was once suggested that while there's no place like home for the holidays, the next best place on the planet may be Walt Disney World Resort. The good news is that guests don't have to choose: They can experience the sparkling decorations and joyous seasonal entertainment throughout the Vacation Kingdom and still be home for Christmas, because the festivities begin weeks before December 25. Here's a sampling of what's in store:

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights -- As "snow" falls overhead, the Streets of America backlot cityscape at Disney's Hollywood Studios comes alive November 28-January 4, 2009, with millions of holiday lights that dance to music, animating sparkling displays to create twirling carousels, marching toy soldiers and even Santa and his reindeer taking flight. The synchronized music and light show is presented in collaboration with famed Arkansas businessman Jennings Osborne, who developed the dazzling display for his daughter more than a decade ago at his Little Rock, Ark., home. The spectacle is included with Disney's Hollywood Studios admission.

Holidays Around the World / Candlelight Processional -- An Epcot tradition continues November 28-December 30 with holiday customs from around the globe, international storytellers, a nightly tree-lighting ceremony featuring Disney characters, a stunning display of snow-white and colored lights, and Candlelight Processional. A beloved Disney tradition that began long before Epcot, Candlelight Processional features celebrity guest narrators accompanied by a mass choir and 50-piece orchestra for a retelling of the Christmas story at America Gardens Theatre at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 pm. All of the Epcot holiday fun is included with regular theme park admission.

Castle Dreamlights -- A dazzling lighting spectacle transforms the iconic Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom into a glimmering, shimmering ice palace at holiday time. Bathed in more than 200,000 tiny white lights, the castle glows and glistens nightly beginning November 10. It's all a fulfillment of Cinderella's holiday wish, as guests learn during a special show that climaxes with the transformation of the famous Magic Kingdom icon.

Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade -- A Disney's Animal Kingdom tradition, the procession results from Mickey Mouse's invitation to a special group of friends to join him on a holiday adventure. The parade is filled with gaiety -- the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feelings of the season. Mickey and his friends are no exception. They've added holiday accessories to their safari costumes. Add in some special music and you have a combination that celebrates the holidays in a Disney's Animal Kingdom way November 28-January 4, 2009.

Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney – Guests can finish their holiday shopping at this one-stop mecca featuring something for everyone on their list and enjoy the dazzling light display and holiday décor that adorns the Downtown Disney streets November 28-December 24, 2008. Youngsters can bring their Christmas list and visit Santa Claus from noon-10 pm daily.

Information courtesy of Mousesavers Newsletter

New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Resort Rings in a Happy New Year 2009 With Parties, Extended Hours and Fireworks Galore.

Walt Disney World Resort offers many options for celebrating the official kickoff of 2009 - from ringing in the New Year at a special party at Downtown Disney to getting festive in the parks.

DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS

The Disney Studios are aglow with the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Millions of sparkling lights adorn the Streets of America backlot through Jan. 6, 2009. Special New Year's Eve park hours: 9 a.m.-1 a.m. Special entertainment includes a trio of "Fantasmic!" fireworks shows at 6:30, 8:30 and 10 p.m., plus a special showering of fireworks at midnight.

MAGIC KINGDOM

Donning hats and noisemakers, revelers can party on until 1 a.m. at Magic Kingdom with double the parades and fireworks. Guests can count down to the magical hour with the "SpectroMagic" parade at 7 and 10:30 p.m., plus "Holiday Wishes" fireworks at 8:30 p.m. and "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks at 11:50 p.m. The park is open from 8 a.m.-1 a.m.

EPCOT

A special version of "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" laser-light spectacular will be presented at 7:30 and 11:40 p.m. at Epcot. Latin crossover band Papo's Groove and the energetic DJ Indio Davila will entertain partiers at America Gardens Theatre, while the big band swing music of the Tom Butler Orchestra will fill World Showplace. Rockers can boogie down at Scooter's dance party at the Fountain Stage, plus techno rock at the China pavilion and classic rock 'n' roll at the Italy pavilion in World Showcase. The park is open from 8 a.m.-1 a.m.

DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM

"Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade," an outrageous street party starring favorite Disney friends, winds through Disney's Animal Kingdom at 3:45 p.m. Theme park hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

At Downtown Disney, Cirque du Soleil fans can celebrate the New Year La Nouba style with two presentations of the theatrical production, at 6 and 9 p.m. A champagne toast celebration, souvenir program, glow sticks and gift are included in the special ticket price. Tickets are from $67 to $139, plus tax, depending on category.

Information courtesy of About.com

Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights Dazzles at Disney

The Streets of America backlot again will sparkle brightly as millions of twinkling lights dancing to music illuminate the area starting in November and continuing into December and the first week of January, during the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Amid "Florida snow" flurries, the building facades, trees and streets of Disney's Hollywood Studios backlot dazzle with three-dimensional and motion-based displays - some originally created at the Osborne home in Arkansas by businessman Jennings Osborne as a holiday display for the delight of his daughter.

After the Arkansas home exhibit grew larger and brighter over the years, the million-light display was transported in 1995, where the spectacle continues to grow larger and brighter each year. Some of Osborne's original creations still sparkling brightly at the park today include dozens of flying angels and Santa Claus light designs.

Amidst gently falling snow, guests will bask in the glow as twirling carousels, melodic angels, colorful wreaths, marching toy soldiers and Santa and his reindeer move to high-energy music and 3-D effects, creating a dazzling symphony for the senses. This enchanting spectacle results from a crew of 18 electricians working some 14 weeks using six miles of rope lights, 84 angels and 66 snow machines.

It all began in the mid-1980s in Arkansas when a little girl asked her daddy if he would decorate their house with Christmas lights. Jennings Osborne, a Little Rock businessman obliged his daughter's wishes and started the first Osborne holiday tradition with a modest 1000 lights. Each year the number of lights grew, along with lighted floating angles, ornaments, wreaths holiday greetings and much more. Within seven years the once simple tradition was transformed into a massive display of over 4 million lights.

Though a joy for many who traveled to Little Rock just to view the Osborne lights, the neighbors and community found the lights to be excessive and disturbing. They cited the display as a nuisance and filed a law suit that was eventually heard by the Arkansas Supreme Court. Soon the display of lights was forever shut down at their Little Rock home. The media attention of the Osborne lights was spread nationwide, and in 1995 Walt Disney World representatives contacted Jennings Osborne about bringing his lights to Orlando Florida.

Now guests to Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park can stroll the backlot where they are surrounded by the multi-colored display. With special holographic glasses that are provided at the park, the millions of tiny twinkling lights appear as dancing angles. Keeping the creator's name, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights has become the park's third largest attraction.
The Osborne’s dream has not stopped growing. Thanks to a little Disney magic, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights now boasts five million lights and even enjoys its very own Florida “snowfall.”

Information courtesy of About.com

New Years Eve in Orlando Offers Family Celebrations

Ring in the New Year with your family this year in Orlando. Area events offer safe and family friendly celebrations across Orlando, including late hours at area Theme Parks.

Free New Year's Eve Celebrations

Celebration Town Center:
Featuring it’s first ever New Years Eve bash with live entertainment, fireworks and a whole lot more leading up to the midnight countdown.

Old Town:
Ring in the New Year at Old Town in Kissimmee. There will be something for everyone to do, food, kids' activities, music and more! Enjoy classic rock n’ roll performed by The Repeatles, rides and the fireworks show at midnight.

Theme Park New Year's Eve Celebrations

Walt Disney World Theme Parks
The Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney's MGM Studios are all open past midnight for a special night of family celebrations to ring in the New Year.

Universal Orlando Theme Parks
Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios are open until 1:00 am with special events for New Year's Eve.

SeaWorld Orlando
Enjoy a New Year’s Eve bash at SeaWorld Orlando. Dance to a 14-piece band, jazz musicians and a DJ keeping the party going all the way through midnight.

Cirque Du Soleil
At Downtown Disney, Cirque du Soleil fans can celebrate the New Year La Nouba style with two presentations of the theatrical production, at 6 and 9 p.m. A champagne toast celebration, souvenir program, glow sticks and gift are included in the special ticket price. Tickets are from $67 to $139, plus tax, depending on category.

Dinner Shows Open On New Year's Eve

Arabain Nights Dinner Theater
The show is presented with a new festive storyline with a winter theme.

Pirate's Dinner Adventure
The swashbuckling Pirate's Dinner Adventure celebrates the holidays with an array of yuletide surprises, from spectacular sets "decked" out in seasonal finery to a special holiday-themed show starring Magee the elf. Purchase tickets online for special savings.

Information courtesy of About.com

Orlando Theme Parks Celebrate Christmas with Festive Events

Florida's theme parks are magical throughout the year. By adding an overlay of holiday cheer, the parks supersize the magic and fun between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Of course, supersized fun can also mean supersized crowds. The week between Christmas and New Year's is among the busiest--if not THE busiest--of the whole year at Orlando's theme parks. But bustle is part of the holidays, right? Besides, the parks extend their hours, increase the capacity of attractions, and offer a bunch of special events. So, put on your Santa hat and your matching red shorts while we check out the holidays, Florida-theme-park style.

Walt Disney World
Santa meets Mickey: It's a perfect partnership based on warm nostalgia and unabashed corniness. Like some idealized Currier and Ives vision tucked away in our collective conscious, Walt Disney World delivers a holiday wonderland of epic proportions. Dozens of impossibly perfect Christmas trees (they used to be real, but Disney replaced them with artificial ones a few years ago), miles of garland, millions of twinkling lights, and other holiday signposts appear overnight and transform every corner of the resort.

Special holiday attractions and events, such as the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights abound throughout the parks and across the resort, but Disney's Christmas magic may best be appreciated in the unexpected discovery of some of its less-trumpeted features. For example, a fragrant and festive gingerbread house inside the lobby of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort bombards the senses. By itself, that may not be much of a revelation, but this is no ordinary house of cookies. At 16 feet high, and comprised of thousands of gingerbread pieces, guests can actually walk inside the Victorian house. No nibbling is allowed on the walls, however. The curiosity doubles as a mini bakery, and patrons can purchase edible gingerbread cookies and other goodies. There are other Christmas creations throughout the World, including a life-size carousel made from chocolate and gingerbread in the lobby of Disney's Beach Club Resort.

The holiday season may be a bit brighter this year at Walt Disney World, because the "Year of a Million Dreams" is still underway. Disney cast members will be showering lucky guests with holiday presents in the form of daily "dream" giveaways.

Magic Kingdom: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
2008 dates: Evenings, Nov. 10, 11, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30, Dec. 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 19.
Separate admission. Advance purchase price is $48.95 for 10 and older and $42.95 for ages 3-9. Day-of-event price is $55.95 for 10 and older and $49.95 ages 3-9. Discounts available for advance-purchased tickets on select dates.

The park presents a special Christmas parade, a Holiday Wishes fireworks show, special performances, Christmas cookies, and--get this--some honest-to-goodness snow falling on Main Street USA. Cinderella's Castle will be decked out in "Castle Dream Lights" for the holidays. The most popular Magic Kingdom attractions open for the events. The Magic Kingdom presents the holiday parade during the daytime on select dates in December as well.

Epcot: Candlelight Processional
2008 dates: Nov. 28 to Dec. 30, several performances nightly. Included with admission. The solemn retelling of the Christmas story includes a choir, symphony orchestra, and celebrity narrators such as Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie Howser or How I Met Your Mother's Barney, depending on your age and TV IQ), Abigail Breslin, and John O'Hurley.

Holidays Around the World
2008 dates: Nov. 28 to Dec. 30
Included with admissionIn the multiculti spirit of the park's World Showcase, Epcot's pavilions present holiday traditions from across the globe. The park also features a synchronized light show, a nightly tree-lighting ceremony, and storytellers.

Disney's Hollywood Studios: Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
2008 dates: Nov. 28 to Jan. 4
Included with admissionThe megawatt light display fills the Studios' backlot with 3-D and animated displays, giant Santa Claus displays, and--whoulda thunk?--a giant Mickey Mouse made out of a zillion or so twinkling lights.

Disney's Animal Kingdom: Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade
2008 dates: Nov. 28 to Jan. 4. Included with admission. Simba meets Santa when the colorful parade winds through the Animal Kingdom. Other holiday features include a decked-out Dinoland U.S.A. and carolers strolling through Camp Minnie-Mickey, renamed "Santa Goofy's Wild Wonderland" for the season.

Universal Orlando
You'll just have to take my word on this, but I used to go to Universal Studios Florida around the holidays, saw the few measly decorations, and thought that the park really should have done something more to get into the spirit of the season. Its New York backlot area was just screaming for some tinsel. "And there's a (faux) Macy's department store," I'd ponder. "What a perfect tie-in for...a Christmas parade!" Well, they must've read my mind. Universal has been going all out the past few seasons...and Macy's has figured prominently in the holiday hoopla.

Universal Studios Florida: Macy's Holiday Parade
2008 dates: December 6th through January 1st. Included with admission. It's Universal's version of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The theme park rendition includes some of Macy's signature giant balloons, including Uncle Sam and a toy soldier, plus floats, clowns, and guest marching bands. Santa Claus and his reindeer wrap up the parade with a big ho-ho-ho (and not just any Santa, but the actual, authentic, Macy's-certified one, straight from the Big Apple).

Islands of Adventure: Grinchmas - 2008 dates: December 6th through January 1st
Included with admission. A musical presentation of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" will be performed in the park's Seuss Landing. The furry green Grinch will also meet and greet guests.

SeaWorld Orlando: SeaWorld's Holiday Celebration
2008 dates: Nov. 14 to Jan. 4
Included with admission. SeaWorld adds some holiday cheer to its marine park in the form of festive decorations and live holiday music from classical musicians and carolers. The Wild Arctic motion simulator ride gets a holiday makeover into The Polar Express Experience. Scenes from the film are repurposed for the ridefilm attraction. SeaWorld Orlando also features special nightly presentations of the Shamu Christmas Miracles stadium show, a Christmastide Holiday Fountain Show, and a nightly snow shower over the park's waterfornt shopping area. Maybe you can request some fruitcake to go with your poi at the Makahiki Christmas Luau (extra fee).

Cypress Gardens Adventure Park
2008 Dates: November 28 - December 30. Included with Admission. Cypress Gardens features a “Home for the Holidays” theme this Christmas. The theme park will get into the holiday spirit with millions of lights, choreographed light show to music in the Plantation Gardens every evening. Santa Clause, carolers and other festive characters will appear throughout the park, creating a cozy Christmas celebration for all. Special holiday meals and holiday crafts will also be available.

Information courtesy of About.com

Holiday Events at Orlando Theme Parks

Theme parks in Orlando and Tampa are decked out with boughs of holly, plus 70-foot Christmas trees, miles of garland, and millions of lights. And the "weather forecast" calls for "snow flurries" at many of them .A bit of advice, though: This time of year — particularly over Christmas and New Year's — is not the best for an introductory trip to Florida's theme parks. They are generally crowded, so it will be harder to hit all the main attractions. Here's a park-by-park lineup of holiday attractions and festivities:

Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay: The Stanleyville Theater presents an ice show with professional skaters who bring a winter wonderland to life and the Marrakesh Theater features "Christmas from the Heart" with holiday gospel and spiritual songs performed by a live choir."Christmas Celebration" returns to the park's Desert Grill with seasonal songs, tap-dancing toy soldiers and a visit from Santa and his elves.Strolling carolers and Christmas characters provide entertainment, and poinsettias and festive decorations add holiday touches. Festivities are included in admission: $67.95 for adults and $57.95 for children.

Disney's Animal Kingdom: Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade showcases characters, floats and large puppets with a holiday twist, Nov. 28-Jan. 4. Meet Disney characters decked out in holiday finery at Camp Minnie-Mickey, with entertainment, photo opportunities and decorated Christmas trees. Events are included in admission: $75 for adults; $63 for children.

Disney's Hollywood Studios: The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, Nov. 28-Jan. 4, boasts millions of lights. The display features animated sparkling angels, Christmas trees and everything from Mickey Mouse to Santa Claus in lights. "Snowfalls" put the finishing touches to the winter wonderland.Included in admission: $75 for adults, $63 for children.

Epcot: Holidays Around the World at Epcot, presented Nov. 28-Dec. 30, features storytellers, a daily character tree-lighting ceremony, a display of snow-white lights and other decorations. The Candlelight Processional is featured three times each evening and includes a 50-piece orchestra, choir and a celebrity narrator telling the Christmas story. Included in admission: $75 for adults, $63 for children.

Islands of Adventure: Islands of Adventure celebrates Dr. Seuss' world with "Grinchmas," inspired on the story and movie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Seuss Landing is transformed into a bah-humbug haven, where visitors can meet the Grinch in his lair, outfitted with authentic movie props, and enjoy a musical stage show retelling the story. Festivities included in admission: $75 for adults, $63 for children.

Magic Kingdom: A 70-foot-tall Christmas tree decorated with Victorian-style ornaments is the centerpiece on Main Street. Miles of garlands, poinsettias and lights evoke the spirit of the season. Every evening Cinderella's Castle is illuminated with 200,000 white lights and entertainment includes musicals and carolers.Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is presented on select evenings, Nov. 10-Dec. 19.The party includes shows, fireworks, cookies and cocoa, and the Once Upon A Christmastime Parade with Disney characters, marching toy soldiers and dancing snowflakes. Oh, and there's a 100 percent chance of "snow flurries." Admission to this evening event is $55.95 for adults, $49.95 for children.

SeaWorld Orlando: Christmas at SeaWorld, Nov. 24-Jan. 1, offers decorations, "snowfalls" along The Waterfront, and carolers and classical musicians. Included in admission: $69.95 for adults, $59.95 for children.The Polar Express Experience runs Nov. 14-Jan. 4. The park's Wild Arctic area transforms into Santa Town, taking visitors on a trip to the North Pole. The attraction is based on the film, inspired by the children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. The experience includes classic scenes from the movie, lighting, sound, scent, motion effects and animal encounters with beluga whales, polar bears and walruses. The smell of Christmas cookies fill the air, bright lights glisten on a towering tree and families greet Santa.

Universal Studios: Macy's Holiday Parade comes to Universal Studios from Dec. 7 to Jan. 1 with some of the most popular balloons and floats of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Other festivities include a tree-lighting ceremony with Santa. Event included in regular admission: $75 for adults, $63 for children.

Information courtesy of South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney World

"Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade" and the excitement of a holiday-themed fireworks spectacular, "Holiday Wishes--Celebrate the Spirit of the Season," during a special after-hours party inside the Magic Kingdom theme park. The jingle-jolly event also features live Disney character stage shows, like "Celebrate the Season," Mickey's "Twas the Night Before Christmas" Show and Fantasyland Pavilion Cotillion, character greetings, cookies and cocoa, and even "snow" on Main Street, U.S.A. Plus, the most-popular Magic Kingdom attractions are open to party guests. For a quarter century Walt Disney World guests have been entertained and mesmerized by this time-honored tradition.

This season, Magic Kingdom there will be 18 evenings of holiday fun: November 10, 11, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30 and December 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 2008. Beginning at 7 p.m., guests with tickets to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party can enjoy the holiday splendor with lively stage shows and favorite holiday traditions.

Guests can enjoy festive surprises including an all-new Castle Light Show. Cinderella Castle is adorned with thousands of shimmering white lights, covering the turrets and towers like a glistening blanket of ice. The twinkling lights create an elegant wintry effect perfect for the seasonal celebration. Cinderella joins Mickey, Minnie and the gang for the nightly ceremony light show. Disney characters can also be found throughout the park in holiday garb for meet-and-greets. The dazzling "Holiday Wishes - Celebrate the Spirit of the Season," a memorable fireworks spectacle orchestrated to classic holiday melodies will be displayed nightly.

“Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” celebrates the many festive moods of the holiday season, showcasing a series of holiday themes including a Friends and Family Christmastime Party, a sleigh ride through a Winter Wonderland, a romantic Fairy Tale Christmastime, a scrumptious display of Christmastime sweets, and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus in a grand finale. And for longtime Disney Christmas parade fans: soldiers, snowflakes and dancing deer are all still in the parade. The parade features original music as well as both classic and current holiday tunes.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party comes with a winter-weather forecast guests can count on - a 100 percent chance of snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A every night. And just in case the sight causes a chill: complimentary hot cocoa and cookies are served. Many popular Magic Kingdom attractions are open to guests.

Admission to the party requires a separate ticket. Discounts are available for advance purchase of tickets. Be aware that many party nights sell out in advance.

Information courtesy of About.com

Top 6 Holiday Events at Disney World

The joy and happiness of the holidays fill Walt Disney World Resort with an assortment of festive entertainment and heartfelt celebrations. Holiday photos1 from Walt Disney World.

1. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
More nights of the merry celebration at the Magic Kingdom mean the biggest party ever. Highlights include parades, marching toy soldiers, snow flurries and Santa. This is an evening event that requires a seperate admission.

2. Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights
There are now 5 million "illuminating" reasons to visit the seventh annual Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights, the largest residential holiday light display in the world, at Disney-MGM Studios. The display is included in regular admission to Disney-MGM Studios.

3. Candlelight Processional at Epcot
A moving presentation of the traditional Christmas story told by celebrity narrators who are joined by a mass choir and 50-piece orchestra. Performances take place nightly at Epcot and is included in the regular admission to Epcot.

4. Holidays Around the World
Traditional celebrations from around the globe add a festive touch at WDW's Epcot. Special dining packages that include preferred seating for the show are also offered by calling 407/WDW-DINE. The fun also includes a nightly tree lighting ceremony with Mickey Mouse and a luminous light bridge that snuggles the breezeway to World Showcase Plaza. Kwanzaa and Hanukkah observances are also featured. Holidays Around the World, which also features storytellers in World Showcase and the dazzling display Lights of Winter.

5. Disney's Animal Kingdom
Carolers will greet guests with favorite melodies near a towering themed 65-foot Christmas tree situated at the park's entrance. The park welcomes the holiday season with "Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade." The parade blends the spirit of Disney's Animal Kingdom11 with the spirit of the holidays. Camp Minnie-Mickey celebrates the Yule with two dozen festively adorned trees, plus characters in holiday garb. The songs of the season resonate as carolers round out the scene at Camp Minnie-Mickey.

6. Festival of the Seasons
Downtown Disney rings in the magical shopping season with more than 50 unique stores and merchandise locations across the shopping, dining and entertainment district. The holiday celebration includes festive holiday décor, carolers, nightly tree lighting and photo opportunities with Santa.

Information courtesy of About.com

Epcot Food & Wine Fest Continues Through November 9th

Fine cuisine and wines from some of the best “foodie” cities in the world will take a bow at the 13th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival September 28th through November 9, 2008.

Throughout the six-week festival, Epcot guests can explore the culinary “Cities in Wonderland” – from trendy Cork, Ireland, to the melting pot of Cape Town, South Africa – around the World Showcase promenade while also discovering blissful bites at international and regional marketplaces brimming with exotic flavors and comfort foods. The six-week festival will showcase tastes from countries on six continents.

Unlike any other festival in the world, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is the ideal backdrop for international delicacies from around the world. More than 25 international marketplaces will serve tapas-sized portions of regional specialties at $2-to-$5 each, and recommended wines and beers make perfect pairings at each kiosk.

New festival flavors explore the culinary wonders of Lyon, France; Marrakesh, Morocco; Shanghai, China; Bologna, Italy; Tokyo and Mexico City. Exhibits along the promenade also will showcase entertainment and traditional crafts of several countries.

Also included are daily seminars which offer complimentary tastes of wine, beer and food from around the world. A series of special culinary programs features a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participating in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.

This Year's Festival highlights include:

Opening weekend Bocuse d’Or USA chef competition presented by culinary stars including Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller, and Jerome Bocuse, who runs the Chefs de France restaurant at Epcot. All park guests can attend the cook-off, where competitors will prepare elaborate fish and meat platters to be evaluated for excellence in taste, presentation, creativity and technical precision.

The Festival Welcome Center, with a Champagne and Wine Bar, complimentary wine seminars, celebrity chef book signings, and festival keepsakes including exclusive festival pins and an official festival cookbook.

New cultural experiences. At Louisiana, hosted by Louisiana Office of Tourism, guests can discover sights, sounds, flavors and crafts of the state’s seven regions. Music, dance, artistry, food and beer are featured, and complimentary culinary seminars are hosted daily. At Melbourne, Australia, hosted by Tourism Victoria, guests can glimpse Federation Square and scenes from Queen Victoria Market. A wine walkabout and tasting bar serve favorite sips. The marketplace kiosk offers tasty bites. And complimentary wine seminars occur daily.

Some 250 Disney chefs and guest chefs conducting culinary demonstrations and hosting elegant dinners and tasting events. Guest chefs now booked include Tory McPhail of Commander’s Palace, Rock Harper of Hell’s Kitchen, Tre Wilcox from Top Chef Season 3, plus Cat Cora, Jamie Deen, Allen Susser, Jeff Henderson, Gale Gand, Robert Irvine, Todd English, Warren Brown plus many other culinary stars.

New culinary programs to include French Regional Lunches at Bistro de Paris in France pavilion; City Tastes of global food and drink at World Showplace Pavilion; a Master Class Series with wines and champagnes at the Festival Center; and the Bocuse d’Or Grand Gala at World Showplace. Popular Epcot Wine Schools, Food and Wine Pairings, Kitchen Conversations and other events also are scheduled.

The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting event featuring tempting tastes from eminent chefs, more than 70 wines and beers and live entertainment.

Family fun at Pearville Fair, a slice of Americana where pears from the great Northwest take center stage, and Behind the Seeds Greenhouse Tour at The Land fish farm and greenhouses, where guests can sample a greenhouse vegetable and release lady bugs.

Information courtesy of About.com

Disney World, Universal Orlando & SeaWorld Announce New Attractions for 2009

Move over, Cinderella, Snow White and Ariel: The Disney Fairies are on their way.

Preparing for the Oct. 28 release of a straight-to-DVD animated children's movie about Tinker Bell, Walt Disney World is about to open a walk-through attraction in the Magic Kingdom based on, and featuring, that pixie and four other Disney Fairies characters.

The Disney Fairies are a new set of characters, developed for books, movies, Internet games and merchandise, that expand the role of the always-popular Tinker Bell. Four DVD movies are in the works. The theme park's Pixie Hollow attraction opens Oct. 24 in Mickey's Toontown Fair.

"This is a franchise that is soon to be like our princesses franchise," declared Francois Leroux, a vice president of character programs with Walt Disney World Entertainment, who introduced the characters to the media on Wednesday in downtown Orlando.

The theme-park fairies made their debut as Disney World officials briefed the news media on a broad range of plans and strategies, from minority-owned business contracting to the recently announced "celebrations" campaign in 2009 to a cross-promotion with the Disney-owned ESPN cable-TV network that will result in the renaming of Disney World's athletic complex as the ESPN Wide World of Sports.

While company officials had cautioned that they had no intention of using the forum to announce a major iconic attraction, the briefing had many close Disney observers wondering when or if the giant resort might unveil plans for new rides in 2009 or beyond. Disney has often used such briefings to announce big new rides, shows, restaurants and hotels.

Rivals Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando are both building new, signature roller coasters for next summer, and the following year Universal is opening the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, one of the most highly anticipated theme-park attractions in the world.

"This is the first time in our 15 years of covering the Walt Disney World scene that there isn't a single announced new attraction for any of the four parks," Simon Veness, co-author with his wife, Susan Veness, of the Brit Guide to Orlando & Walt Disney World, wrote in an e-mail.

In February, Disney announced a new game-show venue: a theme-park version of the hit Fox TV show American Idol. But that show initially was to open late this year; Disney now says it's likely to open early next. Disney has not announced any iconic attractions to follow that.

"It's also unusual given that Universal is coming out with both barrels blazing in the next couple of years," said Robert Niles editor of the blog Theme Park Insider.

In addition to Pixie Hollow and the American Idol Experience, upcoming attractions include new street parties; a new technology-based game tied to the Disney animated TV show Kim Possible; a big family restaurant in Downtown Disney called T-Rex; and other dining and entertainment expansions in Downtown Disney. This past summer, the company opened a major new ride called Toy Story Midway Mania, Disney World spokeswoman Jacquee Polak said.

"We continue to grow in traditional and nontraditional ways," Polak said. "We are going to continue to focus on delivering experiences that only Disney can provide."

John Frost, editor of The Disney Blog, a popular Internet source of news and commentary, considers 2009 "essentially a planned off year for Disney."

"With just American Idol opening next year, Walt Disney World is really relying a lot on this year's crop of new attractions. Toy Story Midway Mania is great, and they probably haven't gotten all the yardage they can out of that as far as attracting new guests," Frost said. "The Pixie Hollow Disney Fairies experience isn't an attendance driver, except for a very small target market."

John Gerner, a theme-park industry analyst with Leisure Business Advisers of Virginia, said Disney World is in a position where it does not have to add major rides all the time.

"As a strategy, one thing you don't necessarily try to do is expand the same year your competition does. It doesn't tend to serve either player," Gerner said. "The fact that Universal is putting in the big Potter area may have Disney saying, 'Let's pause and see what happens, and then we'll follow up.' "

To capitalize on both ESPN's popularity and the existing Disney's Wide World of Sports brand, Disney will rename its athletic complex ESPN Wide World of Sports.

"You really want to focus on your equities. One equity is ESPN. The other one is the fact that over the last 12 years we have built an enormous amount of equity behind the Wide World of Sports brand," said Ken Potrock, senior vice president for sports enterprises. "Not necessarily the ABC-Jim McKay brand, but the Wide World of Sports the Complex brand."

Information courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

DisneyQuest is an Attraction fit for all Ages

Orlando's interactive, 3D, virtual reality arcade attraction, Disney Quest, is located in Downtown Disney's West Side. Disney Quest offers 5 levels and over 100,000 square feet of air conditioned indoor adventures, games and activities for guests of all ages. The Disney Quest attraction is divided into the four zones that are listed below.

The Explore Zone is located on the first floor of Disney Quest. These adventures will take to to mythical and faraway lands, such as the new Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold. The entire family can participate in this adventure as well as The Virtual Jungle Cruise Expedition. Most of the rides/adventures in this zone are relatively tame and can be enjoyed by all family members.

Most of The Create Zone, which is located on the second floor, will be a favorite of the younger children. Here you can use your imagination as well as your creativity as you design your own song at the new Song Maker, or learn how to draw Pluto at The Animation Academy. The most popular attraction on this floor, and possibly for all of Disney Quest is Cyber Space Mountain. Here, guests are able to create their very own roller coaster, then experience their very own inversion-packed ride first-hand. This ride is not recommended for younger children or anyone that experiences motion sickness.

On Disney Quest's third, forth and fifth floors, you will find The Replay Zone. This zone contains many of your standard arcade games such as Skee Ball, Air Hockey and Space Invaders, along with some classic games with a new twist. At Buzz Lightyear's AstroBlaster, they have taken your typical bumper cars and added cannons with which you can 'blast' other cars. Here you can also find the interactive jet skis, motorcycles and cars, with surprisingly, not too long of a wait.

Located on the the forth and fifth floors, The Score Zone, contains futuristic, virtual reality game playing. Guests can participate in the life sized Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam, or slay super villains as they Ride the Comix. My favorite is Invasion! An Extra TERRORestrial Alien Encounter, where a group of four work together to rescue stranded colonists on an alien planet.

In case you haven't heard, Disney Quest has been busy making changes and improvements to their interactive, 3D, virtual reality arcade attraction, located in Downtown Disney's West Side.

For starters, Disney Quest has discontinued using 'Smart Cards', a system where you used points for rides/games/adventures. Now, all games are included in the admission price. (The Smart Card kind of reminded me of the olden days when the Magic Kingdom used coupon books for individual rides at the park. If you ran out of 'E' tickets you would have to purchase more, or forgo the really good rides and head on over to Cinderella's Carousel.)

Another Disney Quest improvement is the annual pass for Florida Residents. Now for roughly the same price as two admissions, you can visit the attraction as much as you like for one full year, with no blackout dates.

Two new adventures were added over the summer:

Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold, is an interactive adventure that requires one captain and from one to five crew members to man the cannons. The object is to work together during this five minute adventure to capture as much gold as you can from other pirates, while trying to secure your booty against Jolly Roger and his Ghost ship.

Song Maker utilizes touch-screen computers to allow guests to create their own musical creations by mixing and matching lyrics and music styles. There are over 1,000 vocal performances available to to help with with the song creation. The final copy of the song can be reproduced on a CD that is available for sale.

Information courtesy of About.com

The Magic Kingdom's "SpectroMagic" Parade a Delight for all Ages

Combining the energy of seven lightning bolts, the electrical power of a fleet of 2,000 highway trucks and a sprinkling of pixie-dust. When you combine all this and turn down the lights in Magic Kingdom, it's showtime for the Walt Disney World nighttime wonder "SpectroMagic."

A nighttime parade that showcases a techno-workshop full of lighting effects to re-create pixies and peacocks, sea horses and flying horses, flower gardens and fountains - all the whimsical creatures and environments of Disney's worlds of wonder and fantasy. "SpectroMagic" is Disney's replacement to the Main Street Electrical Parade which ended in March of 2001.

Some "SpectroMagic" highlights:

The Genie from Disney's "Aladdin" is the eccentric conductor of an orchestra producing a rainbow of music notes that flow into the air.

Practical Pig, poised before the magical world of Disney's characters (a parade segment more than 100 feet in length and featuring castle towers, a carousel, a bejeweled coach and other dreamlands), flicks a paint brush to change the colors of the characters' world into silvery white.

Chernabog, memorable for his role as the monstrous demon figure in "Fantasia," is portrayed in dark and eerie colors as he dramatically spreads his wings to a 38-foot span.

The Three Good Fairies in Sleeping Beauty's garden create the sparkle of day among the flowers and insects...and magically transform the scene to the mystery of night.

Mickey Mouse in glistening lights with "a confetti of light" sparkling in the air around him heralds the 20-minute production. Dressed in an amber and purple grand magician's cape, he plays the role of a light-controller capable of altering colors, brilliance and types of lighting effects. "SpectroMagic" is a marvel of the computer age. For lighting alone, approximately 30 mini-computers are utilized. Audio is stored digitally on state-of-the-art micro-chips. A sequence of electronic triggers activates the visual effects and audio effects, and electronic cross-references synchronize the show.

Information courtesy of About.com

Halloween Events in Orlando offer Spooktacular Fun

Each year, Central Florida's theme parks put their scariest foot forward for Halloween with everything from a headless horseman to haunted houses.

Two of the parks present family friendly parties. At two others -- call them "scream parks" -- it's never too soon to panic with nightmarish events fit only for the most fearless.

Here's what's on tap for 2008:

Horror Nights at Universal Orlando: Universal Orlando warns this event "may be too intense for young children" and rightly (and scarily) so. Now in its 18th year, visitors feel as if their worst nightmares are about to take shape during Horror Nights. No where is safe –in the houses, in the streets, ghastly, ghostly, ghoulish creatures make their presence felt and chilling haunted houses with bizarre themes dare the intrepid to go in.

Halloween Horror Nights are presented on Sept. 26-27; Oct. 2-5, 9-12, 16-19, 22-26, 29-31; and Nov. 1.

Visitors are not allowed to wear costumes or masks.

Single night admission is $69.99 (a variety of other tickets are offered including Frequent Fear Passes for more economical multiple visits; and Stay and Scream tickets, which are upgraded tickets that have Horror Nights added to regular daytime Universal Orlando parks' admission). Halloween Horror Nights Packages including one or more nights of lodging in Orlando, tickets and other features are priced from $209 for two adults.

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Blood-curdling and spine-tingling scares await the daring at this annual event that is a nightmare of inescapable fear with surprises that border on the psychotic. This year, Howl-O-Scream feat ures new haunted houses, scare zones and thrilling shows, as well as bone-chilling coasters in the dark to keep you screaming into the night.
Intended for adult audiences only, Howl-O-Scream is presented on 17 select nights Oct. 2-Nov. 1 (a Freaky Preview is featured on Sept. 26-27). General admission is $64.95. A variety of Unlimited Fear passes is offered including the Recurring Nightmare: 10 nights for the price of one, $64.95; Freaky Preview tickets are $44.95.

Mickey's Not-So Scary Halloween Party: One of the not-to-be-missed attractions of this annual event in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is Mickey's Boo-To-You Halloween Parade featuring a spooky headless horseman and the Disney characters parading around in their costumes –so you can bring your costume too.

The family friendly party also offers opportunities to go trick-or-treating at a variety of locations in the park, and the Magic Kingdom's most popular attractions are open for the evening. The Happy HalloWishes Fireworks display, where Disney villains go trick-or-treating in the sky, is one of the evening's highlights.

"My daughters want to go trick-or-treating so I bring them here. I's fun, it's safe, and I don't have to worry," said Rachel Myers of Lakeland, who visited last year.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is presented on select evenings from Sept. 5 to Oct. 31. Advance tickets (available some evenings) are $42.95 (ages 3-9) and $48.95 (ages 10 and up). Day of event tickets cost $49.95 (ages 3-9) and $55.95 (ages 10 and up).

Spooktacular at Sea World Orlando: Halloween meets the sea during this park's "Spooktacular," a "Fantasea" that offers fun for the whole family on Oct. 4-5- 11-12, 18-19, 24-26 and 31. This annual event features the opportunity for costumed children to go trick-or-treating among friendly sea witches, mermaids, octopuses and pumpkin fish.

Celebrating Sea World's new partnership with Sesame Street, The Count joins in the fun with his own character breakfast.

Shamu's Happy Harbor area is transformed into an autumn festival, adorned with scarecrows and pumpkins. Strolling entertainment includes 35 fanciful sea creatures and at a Frozen Fun Zone an ice witch and DJ entertain with interactive activities. The Halloween festivities begin at 11 a.m. on the selected days and are included in regular admission to the park: $69.95 for adults; $59.95 for children ages 3 to 9.

Sea World Orlando also offers Spooky Spectacular Family Sleepovers. Participants may dress up in their favorite costume, come face to face with stealthy stingrays and those terrors of the deep: sharks. Kids can trick-or-treat around the park's spooktacular exhibits. Your final resting place is at the Shark Encounter pavilion.

The sleepovers are designed for families with children in kindergarten through the fifth grade and run from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. the following day. Included are a snack and continental breakfast.

Cost is $78 per person or $113 to include park admission. Sleepover dates are Oct. 19, 20, 26 and 27.

Halloween at Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven: This year Cypress Gardens is celebrating Halloween with festivities that include trick-or-treating for the children on Oct. 31 and a concert on Nov. 1. The festivities are included in regular park admission.

Information courtesy of South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Pixie Hollow is Newest Tinkerbell Attraction at Disney World

Soon there will be something new and even more magical at the happiest place on earth.It's called "Pixie Hollow ", a meet and greet experience that your littlest one has never experienced before. Tinkerbell and her fairy friends, complete with pixie dust, will interact with guests at the Magic Kingdom's "Mickey's Toontown Fair."

"When you're in their world, you're able to understand what they speak, which is different, and you remember the movie Peter Pan ? well only peter pan could understand what they said, well when you're in pixie hollow, you're like peter pan, and you can understand when they talk," said Francois Leroux from Walt Disney World EntertainmentPixie Hollow opens October 24th and will become a permanent experience at Disney World . It also ties in with the release of Tinker Bell the movie on DVD October 28.

Information courtesy of My Fox Orlando

Disney Announces New Attraction, Sports Venue

Buoyed by surging attendance and other growth markers for its Central Florida theme parks, executives of Walt Disney World Co. outlined several new projects and initiatives Wednesday tailored to sustain momentum during tough economic times.

Not that everything's sunshine and buttercups - Disney's Pleasure Island nightclub venue, part of its Downtown Disney entertainment complex, is shutting down after Saturday night's performances.

Disney officials remain mum on what will replace the six nightclubs that debuted in 1989, but they insist the closing is more about a fresh change than the economic downturn.

"Guests tell us they're looking for a different experience," said Michael Griffin, vice president of communications for Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney World's attendance figures shot up 7 percent and per-guest spending was up a more modest 3 percent during its fiscal second quarter, which ended March 29, the Orlando Sentinel reported in May. The attendance figure was a year-over-year comparison.

Wednesday's mood was decidedly upbeat as officials enumerated plans for opening a new Magic Kingdom attraction to coincide with the Oct. 28 DVD release of "Tinker Bell." The attraction, set to open Oct. 24, will target young girls.

Coming sometime in 2010 is a 100-lane bowling alley to attract professional-level tournaments at the popular Disney's Wide World of Sports complex - soon to be rebranded ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

A recent addition to the complex, the 80,000-square-foot Jostens Center, features six full-size basketball courts.

Already the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves, the complex attracts 250,000 athletes a year, mostly youths, along with 1.2 million spectators, mostly relatives, said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Disney Sports Enterprises.

Beefing up its sports venues makes sense, Potrock said, given considerable growth in youth sports, "Eighty-five percent of the people that compete would not have come to Disney or Central Florida without this business," he said.

Information courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

October Events in Orlando Offer Exciting Options

OCTOBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR ORLANDO

• Through November 09, 2008
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Disney's premier fall event held at Epcot. Savor the flavors, sights and sounds from around the world. The daily "Eat to the Beat" concert series includes favorite performers from the 60's & 70's. Included with general admission.

• October 02, 2008
1st Thursday's
Themed happy hour on the first Thursday of each month at the Orlando Museum of Art from 6pm - 9pm. For more info: 407-896-4231 x 260. Admission charge.

• October 03, 2008
Date Night at Leu Gardens
Bring a picnic basket and a blanket to enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars at beautiful Leu Gardens. Admission charge.

• October 04 - 05, 2008
Town of Celebration Sidewalk Sale
The community of Celebration is having their annual Porch and Yard Sale. Free admission.

• October 04 - 05, 2008
Vintage Venture at Lakeridge Winery
Central Florida's popular winery features live 50's & 60's music along with food, wine and a vintage car show. For more info: 1-800-768-WINE. Admission charge of $2.00.

• October 04, 2008
1st Saturdays at OMA
Creative Programs for children held the first Saturday of every month from 10am till noon at the Orlando Museum of Art. For more info: 407- 896-4231 x 262. Admission charge.

• October 10, 2008
The Mount Dora Art Stroll
A festive evening of art, music and hors d'oeuvres designed to showcase regional art at several walkable venues through out Downtown Mount Dora. For more info: 352-383-2165. Free admission.

• October 10 - 11, 2008
Ocktoberfest
Celebrate Ocktoberfest with the community of Celebration. Free admission.

• October 10 - 12, 2008
Mount Dora Annual Bicycle Festival
Attracting 1,500 cyclists; this is Florida's oldest and largest bicycling event! With rides of varying lengths and skill levels, cyclists of all ages. For more info: 352-383-2165.

• October 10 - 13, 2008
New Smyrna Beach Food & Wine Festival
Details coming!

• October 11, 2008
Fall Festival
Enjoy fun activities, from dancers featuring music from each decade, food vendors, an old-timer athletic event and a classic car show at the St. Cloud Civic Center. For more info: 407-892-3671. Free admission.

• October 11, 2008
Viva Osceola
At Kissimmee's Lakefront Park, this Latin festival known for it's cultural musicians and artists also features a large selection of Spanish cuisine. For more info: 407-847-3174. Free admission.

• October 09 - 12, 2008
Southern Women's Show
Held at the Orange County Convention Center. Take a day off to recharge and refresh. Tips and ideas for cooking, healthy living, savvy shopping and current fashion. Admission charge.

• October 13, 2008
Taste of Altamonte
Annual event held at Cranes Roost Park in Uptown Altamonte. Samplings from some on Altamonte's best restaurants. One price includes food, music and entertainment. For more info: 407-262-2773. Admission charge.

• October 16 - 19, 2008
Biketoberfest
During Biketoberfest, thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts head to Daytona Beach for this international award-winning motorcycle festival. For more info: 386-255-0415.

• October 17, 2008
Ghost Stories at Leu Gardens
Bring a blanket or chair and hear some spooky stories under the start. Food and treats will be available for purchase. For more info: 407-246-2620. Admission charge.

• October 17, 2008
Cinema in the Park
Free family movies on the third Friday of each month at Centennial Park in Sanford. Bring the family and a blanket or chairs for the 7:30pm showing of this month’s movie. For more info: 407-302-5815. Free admission.

• October 17, 2008
Mount Dora At Nite
Celebrate the third Friday of each month with live entertainment, great food and shopping in Downtown Mount Dora. For more info: 352-383-5451. Free admission.

• October 17, 2008
Cocktails & the Cosmos
Enjoy a night of relaxation and entertainment as the Orlando Science Center celebrates the premiere of its newest addition to the Dr. Phillips Cinedome, Grand Canyon. Relax on the SunTrust terrace with specialty drinks, food, and charming company all within a casual and friendly atmosphere. For more info: 407-514-2000. Admission Charge.

• October 20, 2008
Storytelling at Leu Gardens
Stories at 3 times for different aged children on the third Monday of the month. For more info: 407-246-2620. Free admission.

• October 24, 2008
Harbor Nights Wine Tasting & Jazz
Universal Orlando's Portofino Bay Hotel is host to a wine tasting and jazz event that captures the spirit of the Mediterranean. The event includes select wines, food samples, live jazz and hand-rolled cigars at the hotel's Harbor Piazza. For more info: 407-503-1200. Admission charge.

• October 25 - 26, 2008
Mount Dora Annual Craft Fair
Nationally ranked juried event attracts over 250,000 visitors and over 350 of the best crafters in the county. For more info: 352-735-1191. Free admission.

• October 30, 2008
Velvet Sessions
Rock & Roll Happy Hour held the last Thursday of the month. Cover charge varies according to the month's theme.

• October 31, 2008
Halloween
Universal Orlando Resort is celebrating with Halloween Horror Nights, while Disney World gears activities towards family with Mickey’s Not- So Scary Halloween Party. SeaWorld is hosting Halloween Spooktacular, a family-friendly event combing Halloween and Sea Creatures.

Disney Theme Park's Announce "What Will You Celebrate?" Campaign

Next year everyone will be able to come to a Walt Disney World's theme parks on their birthdays and get in free.

That's the cornerstone of the 2009 national promotional campaign, "What will you celebrate?" announced today by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Anyone showing up with a valid ID including proof of birthdate will get a free ticket on that day in 2009 for one of the theme parks at Disney World or at Disneyland in California.

Disney officials announced the promotion as their effort to cash in on what they described as a growing trend called "celebration vacations" -- trips to vacation spots that people take to celebrate big birthdays, big anniversaries, honeymoons and other momentous personal occasions.

Disney World probably already gets a lions' share of such vacations, according to a Ypartnership marketing survey that Disney commissioned. But until now the company has never put together a unified marketing campaign to attract such celebrations on a large scale.

Even though a free ticket -- essentially $75 discount -- might seem almost insignificant in a family vacation budget that might run several thousand dollars, Disney's goal is to get more people at least considering bringing their birthdays to Disney World.

The promotion also will give Disney a new tool to help assure that its theme-park turnstiles keep moving in the next year even if the teetering national economy starts dragging down the tourism business.

While the promotion was announced in New York City, with the aim of attracting national and international visitors, Central Floridians may cash in most easily and most often.

"We not only open up the opportunity, we hope they'll take the opportunity, " said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "The flip side of that is, nobody celebrates their birthday by themselves. They bring their family, their friends and their kids with them."

Information courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Vacation Tips for a Stress-Free Disney Experience

Walt Disney World Resort, is the largest recreational resort in the world, and contains four theme parks. Owned and operated by the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, it is located in Lake Buena Vista and Bay Lake, Florida, outside the city limits of Orlando.

In addition to the four main theme parks, the resort contains two water parks, six golf courses, a sports complex, an auto race track and numerous shopping, dining, and entertainment offerings. It even has its own fire department and a massive public transit system of buses, boats, and monorails. The 30,000 acre (120 km˛) property is the largest theme park resort in the world.

Walt Disney World Resort features four theme parks, each represented by an iconic structure:

· The Magic Kingdom (Cinderella Castle)

· Epcot (Spaceship Earth, the geodesic sphere.)

· Disney's Hollywood Studios (The Sorcerer's Hat; formerly the Earful Tower)

· Disney's Animal Kingdom (The Tree of Life)

Other Attractions include:

· Typhoon Lagoon

· Blizzard Beach

· Disney Boardwalk

· Disney's Wide World of Sports

· Downtown Disney

· Disney Quest

As illustrated from the facts above, Disney World is the only one of its kind offering unparalleled experiences and pleasure to anyone. A vacation trip to this property is a once in a lifetime and a truly mesmerizing experience. In order to achieve this, it’s important to keep this vacation stress free. That may be achieved if the following guidelines are adhered to.

Plan Ahead. Nothing creates stress faster than when you are forced to run around like a headless chicken. Make sure you book Orlando reservations in advance for accommodations and activities, and have confirmation information on hand prior to leaving on your trip. That way you avoid getting yourself worked up trying to find a place to stay at the last minute.

Pack Lightly. Remember, the more items you take with you the more you stand to lose should your luggage not reach your destination. Also, the more you take on vacation, the more hassle it will be to carry it from place to place.

Don't Over-schedule. The goal is to create a stress-free environment. Avoid treating your time off as though you're still at your office scheduling every single second of your day. It's wonderful to take advantage of the local attractions and interesting activities offered at the vacation destination, but it's also a good idea to balance your day trips with downtime. You want your vacation to be fun, not exhausting.

Be Flexible. It is very rare when a vacation goes exactly as planned. Chances are something will go wrong at some point during your trip, so anticipate it and be flexible. It also doesn't hurt to pack some patience and your sense of humor---and plan to use both when you run into these roadblocks.

Universal Orlando, Disney World win Awards from Amusement Today

SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights and Epcot's "Illuminations" were the word's best marine life park, Halloween event and outdoor night show this past year, according to Amusement Today.

All three won at least one of the magazine and website's 25 Golden Ticket Awards, presented in an annual awards ceremony held Wednesday in Kissimmee. The awards were based on international surveys of the magazine's database of experienced and well-traveled amusement park fans, and the surveys were weighted to balance geographic regions.

Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, and Schlitterbahn Water Park in New Braunfels, Texas, both repeated as overall-champions, as Best Amusement Park and Best Water Park. SeaWorld Orlando also was a repeat winner overall-champ, as Best Marine Life Park.

That was the only award SeaWorld Orlando garnered in the 2008 Golden Tickets, the 11th annual. And the Best Outdoor Night Show Golden Ticket given to Epcot for "Illuminations: Reflections of the Earth" was the only Golden Ticket given Walt Disney World.

Universal Orlando, however, cleaned up among specific attractions. Besides the Golden Ticket for Halloween Horror Nights Universal also won for Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls at Islands of Adventure, named Best Water Ride; The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, also at Islands, named Best Dark Ride; and Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios, named Best Indoor Roller Coaster.

Information courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

2008 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Embark on an epicurean adventure at the 13th Annual Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World, which proudly showcases the flavors of the world. Explore marketplaces featuring regional foods, wines, and beers. Learn from renowned chefs and winemakers at special programs and demonstrations, and sample the finest cuisine from around the globe. Enjoy the Eat to the Beat concert series, presenting a steller line-up of popular musical acts. And sample the finest cuisine from around the globe!

For more information, visit the hub at the Festival Welcome Center, where you'll also find the Festival Wine Shop, the Wonders Bar for champagne and wine, and the official book-signing location for celebrity chefs and authors. Venture inside the Stockpot shop and check out its marvelous merchandise, including the marketplace cookbook and a special festival edition of the Disney Gift Cards, which provides a handy way to pay for so much fun at the Festival!

Dates: September 26, 2008 - November 9, 2008

International Marketplaces
Epcot® Park
Sample the authentic flavors of over 25 countries and regions as you take a tasty stroll through World Showcase.

Special Exhibits
Epcot® Park
Explore fascinating cultural exhibits that feature fabulous cuisine and wines. Meet chefs and artisans and see instructive culinary demonstrations from countries and regions throughout the world.

Eat to the Beat Concert Series
Epcot® Park
Chill to the sounds of your favorite musical acts live on stage at this nightly concert series.

Special Wine & Culinary Programs
Epcot® Park
Satisfy the gourmet within you at these exceptional dining experiences complete with delicious food, fine wine and great company.

Festival Dining Experiences
Epcot® Park and select Resorts
Indulge in these sumptuous premium dining events prepared by some of the finest chefs in the world.

Fun for Families
Epcot® Park
Bring epicureans of all ages to these activities and exhibits that offer fun for the entire family and the discovery of great flavors from around the world.

Information & Image courtesy of Walt Disney World

Night of Joy Rocks Disney's Hollywood Studios This September

For 25 years, the Magic Kingdom in the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida, has hosted the southeast's premier Christian music event - Night of Joy.

Over those years, more than one million attendees have experienced a weekend of uplifting music and heart-pounding thrill rides - including Mercy Me frontman Bart Milliard.

"Back in the '90's, I was a youth minister at a church in Lakeland (Florida)," says Milliard. "I'd bring the youth group out to Night of Joy. For us to be playing in front of the Castle is like a dream come true."

dcTalk was one of the acts Milliard and his youth group would watch perform. Now, Milliard and MercyMe share the line-up with dcTalk member tobyMac.

But Cinderella's Castle won't be the backdrop for this year's MercyMe performance. Night of Joy is moving to a new home at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

"The Studios", as it is nicknamed, claims the most concert and show venues in the Florida Disney World empire and is home to the popular thrill rides Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and The Twilight Zone(TM) Tower of Terror. The only major new ride to open this year at Walt Disney World, Toy Story Midway Mania, should also be in operation.

Concerts will take place at three stage locations - Lights, Motors, Action Theater, Premier Theater, and an event stage erected at the Sorcerer's Hat.

Here's the line-up:

Sept. 5 -- Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Rebecca St. James, BarlowGirl, Matthew West, Rush of Fools, Brandon Heath and Britt Nicole.

Sept. 6 -- Casting Crowns, tobyMac, Fred Hammond, Marcos Witt, Mandisa, Aaron Shust, RED and Pure NRG.

The 2008 acts represent a continuation of Night of Joy's historic blend of musical talents -- from Christian pop and rock to contemporary Gospel, Urban and hip-hop to Praise and Worship. They include the reigning Gospel Music Association's artist of the year (Tomlin), group of the year (Casting Crowns) and new artist of the year (Shust).

One-night tickets purchased in advance are $44.95 ($49.94 at the gate, if available). Advance two-night tickets are available for $75.95. Individual tickets can be purchased by calling 407/W-DISNEY or by visiting www.disneyworld.com/nightofjoy. Youth groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets by visiting www.nightofjoy.com/2008 or by calling 877/648-3569. Recent years have witnessed sell-outs so guests are encouraged to buy tickets early.

Information courtesy of Rock the Cross

Orlando Vacation Packages Offer Family Fun at a Discount

ReserveDirect provides some of the best ways to save money on your Orlando, Florida vacation. Their website, ReserveOrlando.com, is home to some of the best Orlando discounts out there and is a reliable, secure and convenient way to reserve your Orlando vacation. Orlando Vacation Packages are also available on ReserveOrlando.com, and are an easy way to outline your time in Orlando.

The Orlando Vacation Packages we offer are completely customizable and can be tailored to fit your dream Orlando adventure or to fit a vacationer on a budget. Our Disney World Resort packages, for example, allow guests to choose if they would like to visit the park for a few days or an extended period of up to ten days. Plus, you get the choice of Park Hopper, Waterpark Fun and More! and No Expiration options if you would like to upgrade. Tuscana Resort, WorldQuest and Mona Lisa Suite Hotel are the three main properties featured with our Disney World packages, but other preferred lodging options are available.

Universal Resort Orlando is also an Orlando visitor favorite, and is a wonderful way to spend your time in Central Florida. Tuscana Resort, WorldQuest and Mona Lisa are featured on these packages as well, and the same great options are available as well. With our Universal Resort Orlando packages you have your choice of ticket type including One Day, Two Day and Two Park Unlimited Tickets options. Then, select the number of nights that fits your vacation. It’s just that easy! Other hotel options are available.

Other Orlando vacation packages feature Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show, Gatorland from WorldQuest and Wet ‘n Wild from WorldQuest and Wet ‘n Wild from Mona Lisa Suite Hotel. You can also always create your own personalized vacation package by logging on to our website and choosing which shows, attractions and lodging your family find most desirable.

Downtown Disney & Pleasure Island Release More Information Regaring Upcoming Changes

Over the next year, the 120-acre entertainment-shopping-dining complex known as Pleasure Island will add a number of one-of-a-kind, immersive experiences for guests. Downtown Disney will even get its own iconic attraction, in the form of a giant, tethered balloon that will take guests 300 feet into the air to view the amazing vistas of Walt Disney World Resort. Other new experiences include:

In fall 2008, guests will enter a world of prehistoric creatures at T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure. The dinosaur-themed family eatery will serve up pizzas, pastas, seafood and more, and will feature life-size animated dinosaurs that dwell among bubbling geysers, waterfalls and a fossil dig site.

Also this fall, a design-your-own t-shirt store from Hanes will add to the growing collection of merchandise guests can personalize at Downtown Disney.

- E-brands Restaurants, an Orlando-based, multi-concept restaurant group, will premier its newest concept at Downtown Disney in spring 2009. The high-energy, casual eatery will feature authentic Central and South American cuisine, specialty drinks and live music along the waterfront.

- Guests also will enjoy a brand new mix of shopping and dining experiences at Pleasure Island as it is transformed over the next two years. To complement these new experiences, many popular Downtown Disney locations will undergo enhancements.

- Beginning this summer, Portobello Yacht Club will be transformed into a Tuscan Country Trattoria. The refreshed menu features authentic Italian dishes and signature favorites and a re-designed interior along with an outdoor dining space.

- This fall, Goofy's Candy Company will add a special new room that will enable families to host one-of-a-kind birthday parties at Downtown Disney.

- The Marketplace Stage will be completely replaced with a larger, covered stage this fall to welcome even more entertainment to Downtown Disney and serve as a new premier venue for Disney Magic Music Days.

- Fulton's Crab House will update its interior fixtures and furnishing and exterior in Spring 2009. The enhancements include a refreshed third floor deck dining area to offer additional Disney guests and larger private parties the traditional Fulton's experience.

- Next year, Wolfgang Puck Café will update its interior fixtures and furnishings and will feature an enclosed glass patio offering guests a year-round outdoor dining experience.

- These efforts come on the heels of recent enhancements at World of Disney, Wolfgang Puck Express, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, Earl of Sandwich and Cap'n Jack's Restaurant.

Information courtesy of DISBoards.com

Image courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

Splash into Summer Fun at these Orlando Hot Spots

Grueling-hot summertime visits to theme parks can be alleviated with turns on one of their water-thrill rides. Take a whirl through this Orlando guide to H2O zones and discover which ones are worth getting soaked to the bone.

Kali River Rapids
Asia area of Disney's Animal Kingdom

Water, water, everywhere: Its surrounding environment is incredibly green and gorgeous -- with the exception of the ruins left by illegal loggers, which are impressive in their own way. Ride is divided just enough from park for an immersive experience. Serious drawback: visit too brief.
Vessel: Round raft, seats 12, seat belts strap in two people apiece. (Height requirement: 38 inches)

Splashdown lowdown: Hills are straightaway fun, contrasting with the tranquil flat stretches.

Saturation point: A drenching, equivalent to a bucket of water poured over you.

Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls
Toon Lagoon, Islands of Adventure

Water, water everywhere: Ride runs through classic cartoon settings with sound effects and sight gags. Early drops don't get riders as wet as the following splash that comes over the sides and into laps.

Vessel: Log-flume style, seating five, single-file with lap bars -- which upsets fans who want more hang time. It's a snug fit, a challenge for the hippy and leggy. (Height requirement: 44 inches)

Splashdown lowdown: Dramatic drop looks just as steep from inside the log as it does from the sidelines. Brace yourself for a bounce at the end.

Saturation point: You'll probably get good and wet, but if you escape reasonably dry, beware of onlookers who will pay 25 cents to fire a water cannon at your smug, dry self.

Jurassic Park River Adventure
Jurassic Park, Islands of Adventure

Water, water everywhere: Comprehensive theme successfully places guests in the movie setting. The soundtrack helps at start and finish. Dinosaurs craftily distract from impending drop.

Vessel: Boat with five rows of five seats and pull-down bar. (Height requirement: 42 inches)

Splashdown lowdown: Ride ends with a bang and a giant splash. Depending on your seat and the weight distribution, you might not get soaked. Heavier cargo (yeah, I'm talking about you) equals bigger waves.

Saturation point: Ranges from damp to dunked, especially in the face. A better guarantee is the splash zone that runs alongside the finale.

Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges
Toon Lagoon, Islands of Adventure

Water, water everywhere: Surprisingly steep ride with churning, side-to-side action and several opportunities for overhead waterings. Nice velocity in flat stretches.

Vessel: 12-seat round raft. (Height requirement: 42 inches)

Splashdown lowdown: Long lift through Bluto's boat wash gives time to debate which rider will get wettest. It's a bit futile.

Saturation point: Expect a thorough soaking.

Splash Mountain
Frontierland, Magic Kingdom

Water, water everywhere: Lengthy trip follows high jinks of "Song of the South" characters plus glimpses of the park from on high.

Vessel: Log with four rows of two seats, no harness or lap belt. (Height requirement: 40 inches)

Splashdown lowdown: Good air going down the mountain, briefly exhilarating.

Saturation point: Hit and miss, depending on seating.

Journey to Atlantis
SeaWorld Orlando

Water, water everywhere: Trek through the temple mixes wet and dry thrills.

Vessel: Boats with four rows of two seats, single lap bar. (Height requirement: 42 inches)

Splashdown lowdown: Public plunge looks like climactic ending -- or is it?

Saturation point: Moderate dampness.

Maelstrom
Norway, Epcot

Water, water everywhere: Although signage indicates a "high-seas adventure," it's more like "it's a small world" with puffins, polar bears and trolls.

Vessel: Viking ship of four rows, no restraints, no height requirement.

Splashdown lowdown: Although the ship briefly peeks outside the ride before diving into scream-filled darkness, it's not nearly as harrowing as it sounds.

Saturation point: Relax. You're more likely to get wet from heartfelt tears in the five-minute film that follows.

Information & Image courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

Disney World Wins Theme Park Insider Awards

More than 75,000 votes have been cast and it is time to announce the winners in the 2008 Theme Park Insider Awards.

These awards are selected by you, ThemeParkInsider.com's readers, in year-long ratingsof the thousands of rides, shows, restaurants and hotels listed on the site. They represent the best of the best in the theme park industry, and stand among many close runners-up in providing outstanding value for a family theme park vacation.

Best Theme Park Hotel: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom Lodge reclaims this honor for the third time. "Every part of the hotel from the room, to the view, to the food, and the cast members made this resort one of a kind," one Theme Park Insider reader wrote.

All "on-property" hotels at theme park resorts worldwide are eligible for the Best Theme Park Hotel Award. In addition to the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Theme Park Insider readers highly rated two other hotels that stand among the Top Three Best Theme Park Hotels in the World:

Universal's Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.

Best Theme Park: Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif.

The park that started the worldwide theme park craze reclaims its crown, winning Theme Park Insider readers' top award for 2008. Disney's always had the most loyal fans in the theme park business, but even casual fans are falling back in love with this park, thanks to recent renovations and fresh attractions. With Pirates of the Caribbean and the Indiana Jones Adventure, Disneyland had two of the top four rides in the country in Theme Park Insider's recent "Best Ride in America" tournament, and qualified more attractions for that tournament than any other single theme park in the world.

In addition to Disneyland, Theme Park Insider readers honored two other parks as among Top Three Best Theme Parks in the World:

Universal's Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando

Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, Va.

Thank you to all Theme Park Insider readers for another great year and... we'll see you in the parks!

Information & Images courtesy of Theme Park Insider

Orlando's Universal Resort Winner of Best New Attraction, Best Restaurant

More than 75,000 votes have been cast and it is time to announce the winners in the 2008 Theme Park Insider Awards.

These awards are selected by you, ThemeParkInsider.com's readers, in year-long ratings of the thousands of rides, shows, restaurants and hotels listed on the site. They represent the best of the best in the theme park industry, and stand among many close runners-up in providing outstanding value for a family theme park vacation.

So let's get to it, starting with the one award that changes every year:

Best New Attraction: The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood.

These twin rides debuted on consecutive days in May and wowed fans with their mix of irreverent humor and physical thrills. Theme Park Insider readers said that The Simpsons Ride is "hilarious, thrilling, and visually astounding" and that even "the waiting is enjoyable."

Mark Woodbury, President, Universal Creative, Universal Parks & Resorts said of the honor, "The Simpsons Ride represents what Universal does best - which is to take pop culture's blockbuster entertainment concepts and bring them to life in wildly entertaining theme park experiences. We appreciate the recognition and share it with our partners at Fox Licensing and Gracie Films, who helped us create a truly authentic Simpsons experience."

Attractions that opened to the public in theme and amusement parks worldwide between June 1, 2007 and May 31, 2008 were eligible for the Best New Attraction award. In addition to The Simpsons Ride, Theme Park Insider readers highly two other rides that stand among the Top Three Best New Attractions of the Year:

Toy Story Midway Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Nights in White Satin at Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Best Theme Park Restaurant: Mythos at Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Fla.

For the sixth consecutive year, Mythos wins Theme Park Insider's honor as the world's best theme park restaurant. Readers lauded Mythos for "great prices, great food and great service" as well as "wonderful atmosphere."

Ric Florell, Senior Vice President/General Manager, Resort Revenue Operations at Universal Orlando said of the honor, "With Mythos, our team set out to create an entirely new level of theme park dining experience. It was to be an experience that blended extraordinary food with extraordinary atmosphere. The continued recognition Mythos receives shows we have been - and continue to be - successful. We're grateful for the recognition. More importantly, our team is grateful for the opportunity to continue to thrill our guests."

All table-service restaurants located within the gates of theme and amusement parks are eligible for the Best Theme Park Restaurant award. In addition to Mythos, Theme Park Insider readers highly rated two other restaurants that stand among the Top Three Best Theme Park Restaurants in the World:

Le Cellier Steakhouse at Walt Disney World's Epcot in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

The Hollywood Brown Derby at Walt Disney World's Disney's Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Information courtesy of Theme Park Insider

Disney Announces Changes for Downtown Disney, Pleasure Island

Walt Disney World is shutting down the six nightclubs at Pleasure Island to make its party district at Downtown Disney more family friendly.

BET SoundStage Club, Mannequins Dance Palace, 8Trax and three other clubs that have for years catered largely to young, single adults -- rather than to Disney's bread-and-butter family market -- will close after Sept. 27.

During the next couple of years, Disney will reopen the Pleasure Island venues with a broader mix of restaurants and shops.

Pleasure Island's change has been the subject of rumors for a while. Now 19 years old, it may have seemed an odd venture for Disney, but it appeared to thrive -- so much so that some in the industry have blamed it for accelerating the decline of the nightlife district in downtown Orlando during the 1990s.

In announcing what they called "a bold new vision" for all of Downtown Disney on Friday, Disney officials framed the Pleasure Island nightclub closures as a response to customers who say they want more broad-based dining and retail opportunities throughout the 120-acre district.

"Right now we believe we've got a shortage of dining capacity and shopping capacity, so we'll be adding to those areas, and we'll be looking at some specialized entertainment options also," said Downtown Disney Vice President Kevin Lansberry.

Pleasure Island opened in 1989, designed to look like a revitalized back-alley warehouse district. Today it is the middle section of Disney World's dining, shopping and entertainment district. Though the two flanking areas, Marketplace and the West Side, also have nightclubs, they operate as parts of restaurants, appealing to broader, family-friendly crowds. Until recently, Pleasure Island has been mostly about music, dancing, drinking and partying -- creating an awkward link between Marketplace and West Side.

"The rumor has been there that they would transform Pleasure Island into something else, but us regulars always thought at least Mannequins and 8Trax would stay alive," said Jorge Vazquez, 41, an accountant who said he goes to Pleasure Island two or three times a month.

Pleasure Island and its counterpart at Universal Orlando, CityWalk, which opened in 1999, both offer coordinated clusters of high-quality, highly themed nightclubs with lots of free parking and security. They offered two carefully conceived alternatives to downtown Orlando's once-vibrant counterpart, Church Street Station.

Orlando lawyer Mark NeJame, majority investor in the downtown nightclub Tabu as well as an investor in other nightclubs, said he is surprised at Disney's announcement but that it could be good news for downtown Orlando.

"It's a real opportunity for downtown to continue its revitalization," NeJame said. "When Pleasure Island first opened, it devastated a lot of the local entrepreneurs and operators."

Though the six nightclubs will close, the other businesses on Pleasure Island -- a couple of restaurants, a cigar bar and a couple of clothing shops -- will remain open. They already offer the broad appeal that Lansberry said Disney's patrons want. He did not offer specifics about what might replace the clubs but said Disney was looking worldwide for restaurant and shopping concepts.

"Some of the offerings might feel like a nightclub, but they won't feel like high-energy clubs like we have today in all likelihood," Lansberry said. "Truthfully, our guests have really gotten out of that in the last couple of years. They want things that are a lot more geared toward family entertainment."

Disney World also is sprucing up Downtown Disney's other two areas, adding restaurants, expanding and updating a band shell, refurbishing and updating other businesses, and bringing in a giant tethered-balloon attraction that visitors will be able to ride in, going up more than 300 feet above Village Lake.

Bob Snow, who developed Church Street Station in the 1970s and has re-entered the picture this year by reopening one of that district's centerpiece nightclubs, the Cheyenne Saloon, said he never blamed Pleasure Island for Church Street's decline. But he, too, said he hopes Pleasure Island's nightclub closures would create more opportunities in downtown Orlando.

Snow said he always was amazed that Disney got into the nightclub-district business in the first place.

"It really surprised me that they're just going to throw in the towel," he said. Then he added: "They got out of their knitting. They got out of their main line, what they do so well."

Information courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

July Events in Orlando

Storytelling at Leu Gardens
Date: July 1st – May 17th 2010
Location: Harry P. Leu Gardens
Storybook fun for your little one is held the third Monday of every month. Sponsored by the Orange County Library System.

The World of William Joyce
Date: July 1st-Aug. 31st
Location: Orlando Museum of Art
This exhibition features work from one of the most dynamic and talented picture book artists working today. Joyce works in a variety of media, including watercolor, pencils and computer graphics.

Independence Day at Walt Disney World Resort

Date: July 4th
Location: Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom: Traditionally, the 4th of July fireworks at the Magic Kingdom include an enhanced presentation featuring patriotic music themed to spectacular pyrotechnics that ring through the park. This year's schedule:
9:00PM: Holiday Fireworks
10:30pm - 12:30am: Spectromagic
Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
9:00PM: Holiday Fireworks
10:30PM: Fantasmic
Epcot: The America Pavilion will have extra performances of the "Voices of Liberty" choral group and visits by "Historic Figures" talking about their era.
10:00PM: Illuminations with special Fourth of July finale
Downtown Disney:
10:30PM: Holiday Fireworks

Fireworks Over The Fountain
Date: July 4th
Location: Lake Eola Park Orlando
Celebrate United States independence at the free fireworks display and laser show around Lake Eola. Pack a picnic basket, comfy blankets and the kids and head out to Lake Eola for an old-fashioned summertime picnic.

Edwin McCain
Date: July 5th
Location: House of Blues Orlando

Peter Murphy
Date: July 6th
Location: House of Blues Orlando

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo
Date: July 8th
Location: Hard Rock Live – Orlando
Come see Pat Benatar play all her classics and a few new favorites!

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series
Date: July 9-July 10
Location: Disney’s Epcot
Families can gather together for an unforgettable night of music and memories in the open-air America Gardens Theater at Epcot. Tribute bands will cover favorite songs from Elton John, ABBA, The Eagles, Billy Joel, Chicago, and more.

Alexis & Fido “The Concert”
Date: July 11th
Location: House of Blues Orlando

Arts & Crafts Show at Festival Bay Mall
Date: July 17-20
Location: Festival Bay Mall Orlando
Shoppers can come and shop some featured Arts and Crafts vendors such as camphor secret art boxes, handmade silver wire jewelry with semi-precious stones, hand crafted candles, unique photographic art, hand cut solid oak name key chains, handmade country & angel crafts, hand crafted alligator skin products and much more!

Alkaline Trio
Date: July 19th
Location: House of Blues Orlando

Zappa Plays Zappa
Date: July 23rd
Location: Hard Rock Live Orlando

Frank Caliendo
Date: July 25th
Location: Hard Rock Live Orlando

1st Annual Bass & Bellows Car Show
Date: July 26-27
Location: Gatorland
The ultimate car show and sound off at Orlando's only theme park with bite & attitude.

Cinderella
Date: July 27th
Location: Hard Rock Live Orlando

Information courtesy of Orlando CVB

8 Ways to Save on Your Orlando Vacation

Orlando, Florida is synonymous with family fun. Home to some of the best theme parks in the world, Orlando offers exciting thrills, close encounters with your favorite cartoon characters and amazing ways to spend your summer days with your family. This summer season money is tight for many families and some are struggling to ensure their families can still have an unforgettable, deserved vacation. Look no further than Orlando, Florida for the one-stop, do-it-all destination you and your family have been searching for. Even though budgets are tight and gas prices are high, Central Florida is a vacation destination offering discounts and cheap things to do in Orlando making it easy for any family to enjoy some summer fun.

Here are 8 ways to save on your Orlando Vacation:

1) Purchase a Go Orlando Card for discounts on over 50 Orlando attractions, including Cypress Gardens, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, Kennedy Space Center, Wonderworks and more. Do as much as you like each day for one low, affordable price. The Go Orlando Card is easy to use....simply present the card. Visit as many attractions as you want in a day! Admission to all listed attractions is included with the card. It comes in 1, 2, 3, 5 & 7 day increments and is activated the first time you use it. Days do not have to be used consecutively, and you can take up to 2 weeks to use it.

2) Discover our Orlando Direct Deals page on ReserveOrlando.com. There are great deals on Orlando tickets and discounts for Orlando attractions. A few of the discounted Orlando activities include Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show, Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Tours, Wet ‘n Wild and Arabian Nights Dinner Show to name a few.

3) Orlando vacation packages are another great way to save in Orlando. On ReserveOrlando.com there are packages available featuring Universal Studios, Disney World, Gatorland, Cypress Gardens and Wet ‘n Wild. They are a great way to save money and still have fun!

4) Your won’t find Cheap Disney Tickets anywhere, but you’ll certainly find the best Discount Disney Tickets and Park Hopper Passes on ReserveOrlando.com. There are special deals offering free days at Disney World or you can get a great low price ticket for a 1-3 day pass. The deals are available, are you?

5) Universal Studios Orlando discounts are also available on ReserveOrlando.com. We are proud to offer the some of the best discount Universal Studios tickets around, with deals the whole family will enjoy. Our prices are way lower than gate prices, and offerings include a 2 park unlimited admission pass and a CityWalk Party Pass ticket.

6) There are plenty of Free Things to do in Orlando. Spend some time at Lake Eola Park, visit a museum like the Cornell Fine Arts Museum or explore Old Town, where every Saturday night free rock-n-roll concert and a parade of 300 vintage cars. There are plenty of outdoor activities for families and historical sites to visit, so be sure to check out all of the Free activities in Orlando.

7) Get a Central Florida Play Pass. This 7-day pass features unlimited admission to seven unique and out of the ordinary attractions and museums, including Cypress Gardens, Fantasy of Flight and Bok Tower Gardens. The pass is flexible, you can come and go as much as you like at each location, plus it’s a great value for families!

8) Take a short trip to the beach. Orlando may be in central Florida, but a trip to the beach is just a short drive away. Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Orlando, with about an hour drive time on SR-528 to the east. Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach are about an hour and a half away, and are located east on I-4. A trip to the beach is cheap, fun and family friendly!

Disney World's Hollywood Studios Party Central

Disney's Hollywood Studios is becoming party central at Walt Disney World.

As it undergoes a change in theme during its 20th year, "The Studios," as the theme park is nicknamed, is adding performance venues and drawing events away from the resort's other three parks, becoming the site for most official Disney parties aimed at teens and young adults.

That party mission went largely unspoken last August, when Disney announced a slew of theme, attraction, entertainment and name changes for what had always been the giant resort's third-most-popular park, known until then as Disney-MGM Studios.

Yet Hollywood Studios -- which already possessed the most concert and show venues in Disney World, not to mention several attractions popular among youth, such as Tower of Terror -- now has a broader entertainment theme and is getting even more venues. It also is quietly grabbing a larger share of the after-hours party crowd.

Epcot appeals to older revelers with its shopping, dining, wines and flowers, and oldies acts such as Herman's Hermits. Magic Kingdom's parties offer visitors an array of princesses and pirates, as well as Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Hollywood Studios is ready for those who want to rock.

"Now, with the new venues coming on board . . . and with our major attractions, that kind of resonates with these age groups, with the teens coming in," said Rilous Carter, Disney World vice president for Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Already home to three major annual bashes -- including this month's Star Wars Weekends -- and a number of annual after-hours private parties, The Studios also is taking over Disney World's annual high school "grad nights" and its annual "Night of Joy" Christian music festivals. Both grad nights and Night of Joy had until now taken place in Magic Kingdom. Disney's eighth-grade grad nights made the move to The Studios this year from Animal Kingdom. Last year, The Studios grabbed the High School Musical Pep Rally from Magic Kingdom.

"We think this is probably a better fit for these age groups," Carter said. "Magic Kingdom is a great venue -- they've loved it over the years. But this gives it [a youth-oriented event] more concert venues to stage musical shows or dance floors.

For most of its history, The Studios has been a solid third in popularity behind Magic Kingdom and Epcot in terms of general-admission attendance. But last year it narrowly missed being overtaken by Disney's Animal Kingdom, the resort's newest theme park, where attendance has been growing at faster rates in recent years.

This year, The Studios is getting:

*The only major Disney World ride to open this year, Toy Story Midway Mania.

*The resort's only major new show, American Idol Experience.

*Two new parades, Block Party Bash and the revised High School Musical 2: School's Out rally.

"I think this is our year," said Carter, the park's chief executive.

In addition, a new indoor concert venue to be called the Premiere Theater is being fashioned from an unused open-air theater. The air-conditioned venue will soon be joined by the American Idol Experience theater and two other stadiums that can each hold thousands of people. Large temporary stages and dance floors are also easily erected in front of the park's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and its giant Sorcerer's Hat.

Ronald Logan, a former Disney park-entertainment executive who now is an associate professor at the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management, said Disney World designs its show venues to be available for alternative uses, provided those uses fit the surrounding park's overall theme. With the added venues and other changes, The Studios is now much more flexible in that regard, he said.

"There has been a broadening of the whole mission and theme, where you can address anything you want," Logan said.

Still, unlike Universal Studios' signature events -- Mardi Gras and Halloween Horror Nights -- after-hours events in Disney's Hollywood Studios might never feature such edgy entertainment as Kid Rock or the Bill & Ted shows. Not the official events, anyway. But like all theme parks, Hollywood Studios is available for rent, and under private control, the various show facilities could take on a different tone.

Information & Image courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

New Presentation for Disney's Fourth of July Celebration

WDWmagic.com reports that this year's July 4 fireworks in the Magic Kingdom will not be the "Fantasy in the Sky" show, as they have been for years. Instead, there will be a new presentation, "Disney's Celebrate America! -- A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky," designed by Brad Cicotti.

It will take the place of "Wishes" on July 3 and 4. Rehearsal nights are June 29 and July 1.

However, the official Disney Web site still lists a presentation of "Fantasy in the Sky" at 9 p.m. July 4.

Information courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

"New" is the Magic Word for Orlando Theme Parks

Central Florida theme parks' new attractions — unveiled each year to welcome summer visitors — are like a red carpet rolled out for fun. For 2008, highlights include a whole new water park, a new wildlife area at another park, and a prize giveaway and a new interactive attraction at yet another.

SeaWorld Orlando's new water park, Aquatica, is on International Drive, across the street from SeaWorld. The 59-acre playground is themed to the South Seas islands with crystal rivers, grottoes, waterfalls, rich greenery, flowers and exotic fauna, including macaws and kookaburras. Aquatica offers animal encounters, serene and extreme water experiences, high-speed thrills and a white sand beach. Water — 3.3 million gallons of it — flows freely in lagoons, rivers and racing rides.

Attractions include two wave pools lined by wide sandy beaches, Adventure River with rapids, Lazy River with a grotto filled with thousands of fish and an underwater view of the Commerson's dolphins' habitat, a double raft ride, and an eight-lane racer with a 300-foot slide and tunnels. The park's signature ride has 300 feet of clear tubes that send visitors speeding through a lagoon filled with black and white Commerson's dolphins. Other park amenities include a children's area, family play area, and personal cabanas.

Walt Disney World Resort has extended its Year of a Million Dreams through 2008, with new Disney Dreams Giveaway prizes awarded at random. These include New Year's Eve in the Cinderella Castle Suite; Disney's Bahamas private island for a day; a hot-air balloon ride over Epcot; a behind-the-scenes peek at Disney Imagineering; and the chance to serve as grand marshal leading the parks' parades in France, California, Hong Kong and Florida. Another prize is multiple yearly Disney vacations, including a Bahamian voyage on Disney Cruise Line, a tour to China or Australia or other destinations from Adventures By Disney, and trips to Disneyland and Disney World. The winner of this prize — he or she can take up to three guests — will take one trip a year through Sept. 30, 2012.

Also new at Disney World, Disney's Hollywood Studios, formerly Disney-MGM, has a whole set of attractions this year. Arguably the most exciting of these is the interactive competition of Toy Story Mania! opening May 31. Inspired by Disney-Pixar's Toy Story films, visitors to the attraction begin by donning 3-D glasses, boarding the ride and zipping into a series of midway-style games hosted by many Toy Story characters including Woody, Hamm and Rex. Inside Andy's Toy Box, visitors try to rack up the most points by using spring-action shooters to launch darts at balloons, eggs at barnyard targets and rings at aliens.

Other new attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios include Block Party Bash, an interactive parade debuting in spring with Disney-Pixar film characters including The Incredibles, Monsters, Inc., A Bug's Life and Toy Story 2. Playhouse Disney Live on Stage! reopened in February with a new cast of characters including favorite stars from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins and Handy Manny. High School Musical 2: School's Out! comes to life in the park's streets on a traveling stage, and the Meet and Greet character setting in the park's Animation Courtyard welcomes Handy Manny, in addition to regulars Jo Jo and Goliath, and the Little Einsteins.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has a new wildlife area: Jungala. The new observation area allows visitors multiple ways to see such animals as orangutans and white tigers in a jungle setting. Located in the park's Congo area, Jungala has waterways, a waterfall, and village and jungle environments. Jungala also includes a family fun section with rides and exploration areas, some of the latter being three stories high and overlooking the wildlife. In addition to close-up viewing of wildlife, Jungala offers interaction with animals and features street entertainment.

While theme park fans all over the country await the debut in 2009 of the Harry Potter environment within Universal's Islands of Adventure Park, Universal Studios unveils Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride… Starring You. This attraction, which replaces Earthquake, combines the drama of Earthquake with new celebrity talent, new ride elements, interactive components and a new storyline.

Also at Universal Orlando is a new simulator ride based on The Simpsons. It replaces the park's Back To The Future ride.

Cypress Gardens Adventure Park has announced a series of concerts and special events for spring and summer. Among the special family-friendly happenings is Kidzpalooza now through June 22, with dozens of interactive activities, shows, concerts and parties. Kids can get messy in the park's super-sloppy game show Gunk'd. Other special events include Celebrate America, June 27-Aug. 3, with daytime entertainment, exhibits and shows and evening live music, street performers and a nightly laser show. Wild Encounters (Aug. 8-10, 12-17, and 22-24) features close-up opportunities with animals and educational events such as keeper talks, animal experts and celebrities from Animal Planet, as well as backstage tours not regularly offered.

Information courtesy of South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Orlando Theme Parks Add New Elements for Repeat Fun

High above International Drive, Wet 'n Wild patrons prepare to slide down the water park's newly revamped Black Hole attraction. Along its 500-foot plummet, they might encounter strobes, lasers, a shimmering water wall and sudden changes in temperature before splashing down.


But even if those riders immediately return to the top, they're not likely to have the same experience. That's because the ride's special effects now occur in random sequences, one of the newest techniques used by theme parks and attractions to lure customers back for a second -- or third -- round.


"Theme parks have figured out that the real money is in the repeat visitors -- getting people to come back and do the ride again and again," said Robert Niles, editor of Theme Park Insider, a Web site devoted to theme parks. "The way to do that is either create something that's just so incredible and amazing that people can't ever get enough of it -- or change it around so that it's different next time," he said.


The forerunner of the ever-changing rides is the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Built in 1994, it entered multiple-personality mode five years ago when random sequencing was introduced to its 13-story plunges.Variable factors include ride time, drop length and air time. Since then, advances in technology have encouraged theme-park companies to create more attractions with user options and fluid features.


At the Wet 'n Wild ride -- now called The Black Hole: The Next Generation -- riders select one of two slides, each with different effects and sequences. Technology developed since Black Hole debuted 10 years ago can help keep it fresh, said David Wright, director of marketing for the park. "We have the ability to continually program the lights and the effects," he said. "We could change the sequencing [again]."


Toy Story Mania, a computerized shooting-gallery-style attraction now in previews at Disney's Hollywood Studios, was designed with repeat business in mind, said Imagineer Chrissie Allen, a producer for the ride.In the new 3-D ride, players launch virtual objects (darts, baseballs, cream pies) toward targets that appear on screens. It makes guests feel as though they've been shrunk to toy size to play five pint-sized arcade games.

The scoring system appears, but a video-game staple known as Easter eggs -- hidden or secret bonus targets -- can catapult a player's score. "You'll discover things each time you play," Allen said. "It gives you a higher level of challenge each time you come back and play. We have team members who haven't found all of them yet, and they've been riding hundreds of times," she said. "We think that's going to be a really big selling point for the ride."


"The way we amuse ourselves is in flux", said Niles of Theme Park Insider. "The consumer-entertainment model has changed over the past generation from passive entertainment such as movies and TV to more active entertainment like video games and the Web," he said. "So it makes sense that the theme-park industry would react to that and start introducing rides that incorporate a little bit more active technology."


Universal Studios will tap into the trend of personalized entertainment with a roller coaster set to open next spring. Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit will feature traditional hills and spills but also permit riders to pick their own soundtracks and create music videos of the experience. They'll be able to download those videos for use on their personal Web sites.


"It really came from the trend in youth culture of being able to customize their world -- whether it's music selections to what they watch on television to what they carry around with them for entertainment," said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative for Universal Parks & Resorts. "It's important, in our thinking, to be able to transform the ride experience to that next generation, really the YouTube generation," he said.


"Technology will improve. There's a reason why [video game] Grand Theft Auto IV looks, feels, acts and behaves much differently from Pong or Breakout or early-generation video games," Niles said. "You're going to see the same type of development within the theme-park industry," he said. "I don't know if it will happen quite as impressively, quite as quickly as it did with video games. But you're definitely going to see growth and change."


Information courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

10 Survival Tips for Taking Kids to Disneyworld

As the school year draws to a close, parents everywhere are gearing up for the family summer vacation. If your family is among the many visitors headed to Disneyworld this summer, even adults may need a few pointers from a class like "Kid Tourism 101" before tackling Kissimmee and Orlando, Florida, the areas best known as home to Walt Disney World.

1) Always have a small backpack for each day's adventure. Pack band-aids, sun block, bug spray, camera, wet wipes, and some light snacks. Always have some water bottles or juice. The hot summer sun in Kissimmee, Florida makes for thirsty tourists of all ages.

2) If traveling with children still in diapers, pack more diapers than a usual day's supply.

3)When entering the Orlando theme parks, make sure the children have a note tucked in a pocket with the child's name, adult's cell phone, Orlando lodging information, license plate with make and color of car, and any medical information. Lost children happen and this info will speed up unification!

4) Kids 3 to 5 years old might balk at the thought of riding in a stroller, but by 2:00 pm wherever you are in Kissimmee or Orlando, a stroller will be welcome!

5) If you have traveled from another time zone, remember a child takes longer to adjust to the time difference. Be patient. Also, remember the need for naps never takes a vacation. Allow down time for children each afternoon.

6) Theme parks are not all there is to do in Kissimmee and Orlando, Florida! Most non-Florida children would love to see an alligator or two. Take them to Scenic Eco Tours for an hour long boat tour of Lake Tohopekaliga. On the northern end of the lake is Mackinson Island which is great hiking territory. The island is only accessible by boat.

7) If your kids are orange juice lovers, let them see and taste the real thing by visiting Ivey Groves Fresh Citrus off Boggy Creek Road just off the Florida Turnpike. A tram ride through the groves is followed by samples of Florida's best known export: orange juice!

8) Kids of all ages love Downtown Disney. From seeing the Lego creations in the lake to getting misted at the Rainforest Cafe, the kids will enjoy the sights and sounds. There is no fee to walk around, but some of the restaurants have long wait times. Early dinners are advised. The parking is free.

9) Don't forget about spending time at the pool. Look for Orlando vacation homes and Kissimmee villas for rent with private pools or large resort pool areas.Sometimes two hours in the pool with mom or dad are really the vacation moments that children will remember long after they leave the land of theme parks.

10) If the resort community where you are staying is quite large, take the kids for a walking tour. The best Florida vacation memories are often closer than you think!

The perfect family vacation to Disneyworld starts with deciding whether to stay in Orlando or Kissimmee, Florida. For the best value, choose a Disneyworld condo rental or vacation villa in Kissimmee, FL, which is actually home to many vacation resort communities. Multiple rooms in one unit are more affordable than paying for multiple hotel rooms at the Disney World Resort, especially when traveling with Grandparents or another family.

After tiring of tired children, Mom and Dad will also thank themselves for the separate sleeping quarters, additional space to spread out, and also enjoy added savings by cooking family meals. As an added bonus, many Orlando Florida Resorts have a private pool and hot tub, or enjoy the shared recreation facilities at many of the Disney vacation resort communities.

Information courtesy of TransWorldNews

Orlando Arts and Culture Scene Thriving

Think ''Orlando,'' and what comes to mind?

The muscle of the mighty Mouse, a sprawling Disney presence that draws millions each year? The screams of kids on the roller coasters at the Universal Orlando Resort?

Since Walt Disney World opened almost 40 years ago, theme parks have transformed this area from a city surrounded by citrus groves and small communities to a booming tourist magnet.
But the prosperity has also brought a less widely publicized boom: a thriving arts and culture scene.

Among Orlando's cultural riches are a professional opera company, ballet and orchestra; a Shakespeare theater company that presents everything from classics to new work; the oldest, open-to-any-group fringe theater festival in the United States; art museums that house masterpieces, folk art, modern works and a dazzling collection of pieces by stained-glass master Louis Comfort Tiffany; small theaters whose eclectic productions draw adventurous audiences to works by Bertolt Brecht and Samuel Beckett.

And on the drawing board for the fall of 2012 is another key indicator of the arts community's growth: a $425-million, three-theater downtown performing arts center.

''The growth of the arts here has been meteoric over the past 40 years,'' says Jim Helsinger, artistic director of the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, which moved into its three-theater complex in the city's museum-and-arts-focused Loch Haven Park in 2001. "In just the past 13 years, we've seen a brand-new art museum, science museum and history center and a new home for the Orlando Repertory Theatre. The opera, ballet and philharmonic are all thriving and just waiting on the new performing arts center.

"The perception needs to catch up to the reality. We have excellent arts organizations to [serve] the people who live here.''

In 1989, the aggregate budgets of Orlando's arts and culture groups were just over $10 million; almost two decades later, the figure is about $40 million. Margot Knight, president of United Arts of Central Florida -- a kind of United Way for arts and culture groups -- says that funding is about half that of the similarly sized Charlotte, N.C., metropolitan area. But she argues that the Orlando area, with its relatively young arts-and-culture community, has ''the quality and breadth to match'' Charlotte's companies and museums.

That budget disparity means that Orlando's groups and institutions have to do more with less. Terry Olson, who has been involved in Orlando arts since he relocated from Minneapolis 26 years ago and serves as director of Orange County's Arts and Cultural Affairs office, says that burnout among the area's arts leaders is one of the biggest challenges.

''We're highly productive,'' Olson says. ``Many people work 70 hours a week and then some.''

One of those multi-tasking arts leaders is Alan Bruun. Bruun works as an associate creative director for Disney and is also artistic director of the downtown-based Mad Cow Theatre Company. His motto: ``I'll sleep when I'm dead.''

Bruun began freelancing for Disney in 1998, the year after he and three associates founded Mad Cow. He went full-time with Disney 4 ½ years ago and now spends his days on Disney work, his nights and weekends at Mad Cow, which has two performance spaces and a gallery. Bruun says that Disney, far from being concerned about his split work life and long hours, has been supportive.

"When I came to work here, I said, 'I run a theater.' And they said, 'Good,' '' Bruun recalls.

"They provide year-round employment for talented people, which is unique in a city our size. They allow actors, directors, stage managers and designers to make a living. Mad Cow becomes an outlet for those talented individuals in a much different setting. Disney could be the 800-pound gorilla if it wanted to be, but whenever possible, concessions will be made [for outside work], because Disney deems it valuable.''

Disney spokesperson Andrea Finger confirms the company's philosophy: "At the heart of our business, we are a creative-content company with deep roots in entertainment, brought to life by our talented, artistic cast members. We're proud to do our part -- together with great community partners -- to support Central Florida's vibrant arts community.''

Rather than twitching at the mention of the Orlando area's tourist-magnet theme parks, most arts leaders praise Disney and Universal for their flexibility in letting employees work with arts groups or serve on boards, as well as for their financial contributions to Orlando arts and culture.

Beth Marshall, producing artistic director of Orlando's popular theatrical Fringe Festival, acknowledges that with its internationally known theme parks, Orlando is often seen as ''a city ruled by a Mouse.'' But as the theme parks have expanded, so has the region's arts-and-culture scene.

''We could create it to be whatever the heck we wanted to be,'' Marshall says. "All of us are the cultural pioneers here.''

At many arts events, the audience skews younger than it typically does in South Florida. Patrick Flick, director of new play development at Orlando Shakespeare and the man in charge of the company's annual PlayFest new works festival, points out that the median age in Orlando is just under 33 (vs. 38.7 for Miami and Fort Lauderdale) and says that the area's colleges help account for the youthfulness of the audience.

Orlando's arts groups sometimes collaborate or simply help support each other's programming. Orlando Shakespeare and the family-oriented Orlando Repertory Theatre host the Fringe Festival, which this year will present 436 performances by 67 groups May 15-May 26 at the two theaters and outdoors in Loch Haven Park.

That 45-acre park, ringed by a trio of lakes, is Orlando's cultural haven. It is home to two theater companies, two art museums and the city's science center. Frank Holt, executive director of the Mennello Museum of American Art there, says that the park "gives us all a focus, instead of being scattered.''

''It's definitely a symbiotic relationship that we are fortunate to have,'' says Marena Grant Morrisey, executive director of the Orlando Museum of Art, which was founded in 1924 and currently houses an exhibition of Norman Rockwell paintings. "We do a lot of joint ticketing and cross-promotion.''

The Orlando Ballet, the Orlando Opera and the Orlando Philharmonic, which currently juggle their seasons (along with touring Broadway productions) at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre (a facility that United Arts' Knight calls "acoustically and experientially poor and too in-demand''), will necessarily grow when they become anchors for the new Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center.

With a 2,800-seat theater, a 1,800-seat multiform theater and a 300-seat theater, the facility designed by architect Barton Myers and theater designer Richard Pilbrow will boost art and audiences, the groups' leaders say.

Davis Gaines, whose many Broadway credits include the title role in The Phantom of the Opera, agrees. Gaines is an Orlando native who is giving back to his hometown by serving on the DPAC board; next season, he'll also sing the title role in a concert version of Sweeney Todd with the Orlando Philharmonic. He calls the Bob Carr, where he has performed many times, ''outdated and obsolete,'' and says the new performing arts center represents a "huge opportunity for children here to grow up with the arts, dance, music, ballet and theater.''

Orlando Opera president James Ireland says his company has been hampered in its choices and its ability to hire artists, directors and designers by the Carr's limitations. The performing arts center, he's certain, will make a critical difference.

''We load in on a Monday, and our first rehearsal is Monday night,'' Ireland says. "It's like instant mashed potatoes. We don't have enough time onstage to light it, rehearse with the actors. The [orchestra] pit isn't big enough. We can't do certain operas.''

David Schillhammer, executive director of the Orlando Philharmonic, calls the new performing arts center a ''decades-long dream'' that has already raised awareness of the orchestra and the fact that Orlando has ''a vibrant arts community'' -- at least, it upped awareness among Orlando-area residents.

Bruce Marks, once a star dancer with the American Ballet Theatre and formerly artistic director of Ballet West and the Boston Ballet, became the Orlando Ballet's artistic director after the death of Fernando Bujones. He knows that grand performing arts palaces bring, with their greater artistic possibilities, greater costs. But arts-enthused Orlando -- ''the only city in Florida with a professional symphony, ballet and opera,'' Marks says -- seems poised to keep the growth going.

Information courtesy of Miami Herald

Orlando Offers Tons of Fun for Adults

While a fun-filled holiday at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort or SeaWorld Orlando might top many a child’s wish list, a full slate of action-packed and entertaining rides, shows and experiences mean that grown-ups will have an unforgettable time in Orlando – with or without the kids.

At the Walt Disney World Resort, your choices are limitless. Brave the triple threat of the Disney mountain range at the Magic Kingdom – Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain. You’ll be glued to your seat at Disney-MGM Studios as cars come dangerously close to disaster in Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show. Take a high-speed thrill ride on Rock ‘n Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith or an ill-fated lift ride on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. For a peaceful experience in the outdoors, take in the Maharajah Jungle Trek or the Pangani Forest Expedition Trail at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. To add a little spice to your day, look for exotic animals on the Kilimanjaro Safaris, twist and turn on the Kali River Rapids, travel back in time to go face-to-face with a dinosaur or scale the heights of Expedition Everest to encounter the mythical yeti during a thrilling roller coaster ride. And, Disney film favorites come to life in stage presentations featuring the stars of “Finding Nemo” and “The Lion King.”


A day spent at Epcot is all about discovery. Discover the how, what and why of the world we live in through explorations of the oceans, space, earth and even the human mind in Future World. Out-of this world experiences include Soarin’ over the redwood forests of California on a hang glider or heading for Mars on Mission: Space. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes of the eleven nations represented in the World Showcase. Time your visit accordingly and you could be in for an extra treat. The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, held in May, and the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, held each autumn, are visitor favorites with plenty of fun for everyone.

Universal Orlando Resort offers two distinct theme park experiences, of particular appeal to adults. You are invited to live the movies at Universal Studios Florida where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into scenes from your favorite films and television shows. From Hollywood classics like “Jaws” and “I Love Lucy” to today’s blockbusters like “The Mummy” and “Shrek,” you couldn’t find a better place to be part of the action.

The Trainer-for-the-Day program at Gatorland allows visitors the opportunity to get as close as they want to huge alligators or crocodiles. This fun-for-the-whole-family (kids 12 years or older) and older) experience is not for the weak at heart. It will be your job to work along side the Gatorland staff as they feed, train and interact with rare and amazing gators and crocs. Plan on getting a little dirty, and by all means, make sure and bring your camera.

At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, you are invited to explore five themed islands – each one filled with unique thrills. Roam with the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, laugh along with the cartoon characters that inhabit Toon Lagoon or explore the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss, the creator of “The Cat in the Hat,” at Seuss Island. Thrill seekers will feel right at home as they battle evil villains alongside Spider-Man and spiral out of control on The Incredible Hulk Coaster on Marvel Super Hero Island. Before you can catch your breath, you will be engaged in a battle between two fierce dragons – Fire and Ice – as you twist, turn and come within inches of making contact with the other coaster on the Dueling Dragons roller coaster in The Lost Continent.

In recent years, SeaWorld Orlando has introduced two new shows that spark the imagination of guests of all ages. Introduced this spring, “Believe” showcases the park’s killer whales in a beautifully choreographed story of a child’s belief in his dreams that will have you revisiting your childhood hopes and aspirations. Not to be outdone, the park’s dolphins and false killer whales are the stars of “Blue Horizons." A breakthrough theatrical spectacular featuring aerialists and world-class divers, it tells the story of a young girl’s adventure in a place where the sea meets the sky. Get your adrenalin flowing with a water-coaster ride to the lost city of Atlantis or a heart-racing encounter with Kraken, the roller coaster named for a mythological sea monster.
As night falls, the excitement builds at Orlando’s theme parks with special nighttime shows, fireworks spectaculars and themed parades. It’s a show you won’t want to miss.

You may also want to treat yourself to some unique theme park experiences that hold special appeal for adult visitors. Take a break from quick-service meals and enjoy a fine dining experience inside the theme parks. Or learn how the parks make the magic that you experience every day as a guest on a special VIP or Behind-The-Scenes tour. And, an amazing animal encounter is sure to create holiday memories you will be talking about for years to come.


Information courtesy of Orlando Visitors Bureau

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival offers Array of Activities

The Fifteenth Annual Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival Blossoms to 75 Days! Once again, Disney World's Epcot blossoms into a beautiful and vast garden arrayed in color. The beauty of Mother Nature is displayed throughout the park, while guests are also treated with new experiences and added activities for extra fun.

Celebrating "Fun in the Sun," the Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival is packed with new experiences for the entire family. See millions of blooms and the largest collection of Disney Topiary anywhere! Interact with top horticulturists at Garden Town, a new festival addition, where you can get gardening tips, participate in demonstrations, plan your day, and more! Have a fun evening "under the stars" at the America Gardens Theatre and enjoy the music you grew up with during the Flower Power Concert Series. Celebrate a special mother's day with mom at our scrumptious "Mother's Day Brunch" on May 11th. Make your reservations early!

Dates: March 19, 2008 - June 1, 2008

Festival Highlights

Epcot®Experience the best of the fest by enjoying the Festival Highlights that are not to be missed!

Flower Power Concert SeriesEpcot®Relax under the stars and groove to your favorite music from the '60s and '70s.

Especially for KidsEpcot®Gardening isn't just for grown-ups. Stop by to participate in fun family activities sure to tickle your pixies.

Themed WeekendsEpcot®Enhance your trip to the Festival by joining us during our Themed Weekends - packed with guest speakers, amazing hands-on experiences and entertaining activities for kids.

Easter and Mother's Day BrunchEpcot®Feast among the flowers during our popular Easter and Mother's Day Brunch.

Garden Town ProgramsEpcot®Stop and smell the roses — and then give your other senses a workout with some fantastic Festival Center programs for the entire family.

Lodging near Disney World is available, with a wide selection found on our hotel page. To browse our selection, visit our website, ReserveOrlando.com, or click on the hotel tab above.

Disney's Toy Story Mania Ride Interactive Surprise

Disney Parks guests will don 3-D glasses and enter a wild and wooly 4-D world of Woody the Cowboy and Buzz Lightyear when Toy Story Mania! premieres this summer. The attraction will debut on both coasts: at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and along the Paradise Pier midway in Disney's California Adventure at Disneyland Resort in California.

Celebrating the Disney•Pixar classics "Toy Story" and "Toy Story II," Toy Story Mania! raises the bar for interactive ride-game attractions. It's a high energy, immersive adventure that makes guests a key part of the action as their game play triggers special effects that provide a fourth dimension of fun. "Toy Story Mania!" engages guests in a whole new way with the delightful characters of the films. Upon entering the attraction, guests will be welcomed by Mr. Potato Head, more than five feet tall and looking like he stepped right down from the movie screen. The state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics Mr. Potato Head makes a perfect carnival barker for the immersive Toy Story Mania! experience, since he is the first attraction-based Audio-Animatronics figure who can engage guests in a two-way conversation.

Everyone gets a front row seat when guests put on their 3-D glasses, "shrink" to the size of a toy, and board the Toy Story Mania! carnival tram ride vehicles, whose fast travel and spinning add a huge amount of fun to the interactive experience. The exciting and colorful route takes guests through "Andy's Bedroom" filled with oversized murals and toys. The vehicles spin to face Toy Story Mania! game booths - high-tech yet rooted in classic midway games of skill - and guests aim for 3-D animated targets using their own on-board "spring-action shooters." Players pair up and sit side-by-side for a friendly competition that delivers an ever-changing variety of targets and surprises.

As they play, guests can actually see the "virtual" objects they've launched leave their "spring-action shooters" and hit the targets (or not). And thanks to 4-D special effects technology, they may sense objects whirring past them as they pop out of the 3-D scenes.

The Toy Story Mania! games - five of them, plus an introductory practice round - are designed to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages and skills, from beginners to serious gamers.

Play is energized by the spirit of the "Toy Story" characters cast in games that best suit their very animated personalities. First comes the "Pie Throw Practice" round in which guests can try splattering targets with "virtual" pies. Next Hamm the pig hosts a "Hamm & Eggs" booth in which players launch "plastic virtual eggs" at various barnyard targets. "Bo Peep's Baaa-loon Pop" presents a landscape full of balloon sheep, trees and other objects at which guests can launch virtual darts. But players had better be careful! A popped virtual water balloon might add an additional 4-D wet dimension to the game.

From there it's on to "Green Army Men Shoot Camp" where the challenge is to break plates with baseballs. Next up is "Buzz Lightyear's Flying Tossers," a ring-toss game hosted by everyone's favorite space ranger, with Little Green Aliens as the targets. For the grand finale game, Toy Story Mania! players will ride through Wild West scenes launching virtual suction-cup darts at targets in "Woody's Rootin' Tootin' Shootin' Gallery." A final "Woody's Bonus Roundup" encourages guests to fire their "spring-action shooters" as rapidly as possible at one last super-target for extra points. When scores are tallied, players' skill levels are identified with the reward of an onscreen "virtual plush."

The game play of Toy Story Mania! is accompanied by ingenious musical variations of Randy Newman's "You've Got A Friend in Me," arranged by veteran music editor Bruno Coon, a frequent Newman collaborator, to compliment the games - for example, a military brass band version for "Green Army Man Shoot Camp." No matter how many times guests return to ride and play, they can be sure every ride-through will be different.

Information courtesy of Magical Mountain and Disney

Visit Orlando for Fun in the Sun

There are many reasons to visit Orlando, Florida. Home of the most famous mouse in the world, many people know of the fun that awaits them in Orlando. However, there are many things to do in Orlando that are unexpected gems. In fact, Orlando is a versatile array of activities and luxuries that comprise a vacation destination in which families, couples and friends can relax and enjoy everything about Florida.

When visitors come to Orlando, Disney World is generally a must see. Their exciting theme parks, uniquely designed to provide Disney experiences, bring out the kid in all of us. Universal Orlando Resort is also a must see, especially for those that love roller coasters and nightlife. There are many rides and activities within Universal, suitable for those of all ages. As the weather warms up, people flock to Wet ‘n Wild Orlando, where the waves and thrills are enough to whet anyone’s appetite. Cypress Gardens, a family favorite embracing traditional fun, is also a nice addition to any vacation.

While visiting the area, there are many entertaining Orlando dinner shows to see. Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show and Pirate’s Dinner Adventure are popular among guests, and are always a hit with kids. Other attractions in Orlando worth a visit include Wonderworks, Gatorland, Magical Midway and don’t forget to take a ride on Boggy Creek Airboat rides.

Orlando Lodging offers guests a multitude of options. SunLake Resort, Blue Tree Resort, Radisson Resort, Runaway Beach Resort, Mike Ditka Resort, Days Inn Maingate, Floridays Orlando, and the Galleria Palms hotel are just a few of the properties available.

Visit Orlando today! You’ll be glad you did!

March Events in Orlando

2008 Mardi Gras at Universal Studios
Universal Orlando
Through April 19, 2008
Let the good times roll at Mardi Gras 2008! Universal Studios boasts the largest Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans – complete with a live concert series that features a diversity of musical stars, colorful parades full of floats, plenty of beads to collect, elaborately costumed characters and delectable “Big Easy” cuisine such as jambalaya and shrimp gumbo. Mardi Gras 2008 at Universal Studios began on Saturday, February 2, 2008 and runs for 12 Saturday nights through April 19, 2008. Topping the entertainment list for Mardi Gras 2008 are such musical superstars as country singer Gretchen Wilson, rockers Third Eye Blind and Heart, rap artist L.L. Cool J and old-school crooners such as Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Smokey Robinson and Kool & The Gang.

2008 Bike Week
Various Sites, Daytona Beach, Florida
February 29 – March 9, 2008
The “World’s Largest Motorcycle Event” attracts more than 500,000 bike enthusiasts from all over the world for a raucous 10 days of motorcycle shows, exhibits, live concerts, races at the Daytona International Speedway and, last but certainly not least, hardcore partying on Main and Beach streets. Admission is charged to certain events.

2008 Arnold Palmer Invitational
Bay Hill Club & Lodge
9000 Bay Hill Boulevard, Orlando, Florida
March 1 – March 16, 200
The Arnold Palmer Invitational (formerly known as the Bay Hill Invitational) draws the world’s top professional golfers on the PGA Tour. The event traces its history back to 1966 when it began as the Florida Citrus Open Invitational. Tiger Woods, who lives in nearby Windermere, captured an unprecedented four consecutive Bay Hill championships from 2000 to 2003. Admission is charged. The 2008 Arnold Palmer Invitational takes place from March 12-18 at the 7,137-yard, par-70 course at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando with a purse of $5.8 million ($1,044,000 to the champion).

2008 Central Florida Home & Garden Show
Orange County Convention Center Center, Orlando, Florida
March 7-9, 2008
The Central Florida region’s largest consumer home and garden showcase features more than 475 exhibits that will help you through every step of your home improvement projects. Whether you are looking for decorating ideas, remodeling plans or landscaping tips, you’ll find expert advice here. Admission is charged.

2008 Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival
Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
March 19 – June 1, 2008
View colorful displays of roses, wildflowers, topiary displays of your favorite Disney characters and world-class horticultural displays at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which has expanded to 75 days for 2008. The floral festival – which includes a live Flower Power Concert Series, gardening seminars, workshops, demonstrations and children’s activities – is included with regular admission to Epcot.

2008 Florida Film Festival
Enzian Theater, 1300 South Orlando Avenue, Maitland, Florida
March 28 – April 6, 2008
Move aside, Sundance! For film buffs, the 10-day Florida Film Festival is the showcase for the best in American independent and foreign films, documentaries, narrative films, midnight movies, regional and family films, and animation. Sponsored by Enzian Theater, the Florida Film Festival has become one of the most respected regional film festivals in the United States. Festival events include Spotlight Films, International Showcase, Special Screenings, American Independent Competition, Midnight Movies, Student Works, Forums and Celebrations. Past attendees have included Oliver Stone, Gabriel Byrne, Christopher Walken, Dennis Hopper, Steve Buscemi and William H. Macy. Admission is charged.

2008 Central Florida Fair
Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, Florida
April 17-27, 2008
Since 1887, the 11-day Central Florida Fair has celebrated the best in regional arts and crafts, live music and dance, food, livestock shows, thrilling carnival rides, fascinating interactive exhibits and much more! The Wade Shows Midway boasts 100 rides and attractions. Admission is charged.

Everyone is Invited to Orlando's Spring Break

Spring Break may be a time-honored tradition for college students, but in Orlando, it’s becoming an event for the entire household. During Orlando’s Family Spring Break® in 2008, families can take a break from busy work and school schedules to reconnect and recharge without needing to venture a long way from home. New attractions near Kissimmee and in Orlando are opening just in time for Orlando’s 6th annual Family Spring Break.

Family Attractions

Aquatica – SeaWorld’s Waterpark, blending up close animal experiences with thrilling rides and whimsical underwater adventures.

A uniquely hilarious journey through Springfield with the Simpson family on Universal Studios Florida’s new ride, The Simpsons, based on FOX’s blockbuster series and the longest running sitcom on television.

“Block Party Bash,” an interactive parade featuring over 20 Disney•Pixar characters and the latest “Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage” show, featuring characters from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Little Einsteins,” “Handy Manny” and more at new to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios).

Jungala at Busch Gardens Africa, a four-acre attraction set in a lush landscape, featuring exciting signature rides, a family climbing area and exotic animal interactions.

The continuation of Disney’s Year of a Million Dreams campaign, where special dreams from free ice cream to a night in Cinderella’s Castle Suite are awarded to guests.

Family Events

Throughout the spring, Orlando is also packed with annual festivals, sports and special events that are perfect for families.

Visitors can take in a local community celebration where they can devour endless samples of pies April 19-20 at the Great American Pie Festival in Celebration.

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens presents “Hippity Hop Adventure” March 22-23, when kids receive a free bunny tail, win prizes, enjoy face painting and more as they discover clues along an adventure trail leading them to the Easter Bunny.

A classic children’s book comes to life when the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre presents “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” February 23 – March 16.

An interactive song and dance extravaganza connecting the clues with Steve, Blue, Goldilocks and many other favorite storybook characters in “Blue's Clues Live! The Most Spectacular Place” presented by the Orlando Repertory Theater happens March 7-30.

Baseball fans can enjoy a sneak preview of the upcoming Major League Baseball season at The Ballpark at Disney’s Wide World of Sports® Complex February 27 – March 29 during the Atlanta Braves spring training season.

As the NBA playoff battle heats up, spend an evening filled with fast-paced NBA hoopla as The Orlando Magic battle in 14 home games throughout the months of March and April at the Amway Arena.

Information courtesy of Orlando CVB

Orlando's Theme Parks Unveil New Attractions

Orlando, Florida's theme parks roll out new attractions each year just in time to welcome summer visitors. This year, the highlights include a new wildlife area, a prize give-away, and an interactive attraction at the area theme parks.

Here's a park-by-park line-up of the novelties visitors will find, beginning in spring:

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is opening a new wildlife area, Jungala, this spring. Jungala's observation area will allow visitors to get a bird's-eye view of animals, such as orangutans and white tigers. Located in the park's Congo area, Jungala also will have waterways, a waterfall and village.

Cypress Gardens Adventure Park will have a series of concerts and special events for spring and summer. Kidzpalooza will run from May 16 to June 22, with dozens of interactive activities, shows, concerts and parties. Kids can get messy in the park's super-sloppy game show, Gunk'd. Other music events at Cypress Gardens include Celebrate America, June 27 to Aug. 3, with daytime and night-time entertainment, exhibits and laser shows. Wild Encounters (Aug. 8-10, 12-17, and 22-24) will feature close animal encounters, backstage access and educational events with animal keepers, experts and Animal Planet celebrities.

SeaWorld Orlando's new water park, Aquatica, opens this spring, on International Drive, across the street from SeaWorld. This park is a 59-acre paradise for water lovers with crystal rivers, grottoes, waterfalls, rich greenery, flowers and exotic fauna including macaws and kookabooras under the South Seas theme. Aquatica offers up-close animal encounters, serene and extreme water experiences, high speed thrills and a white sand beach. There are also two wave pools lined by wide, sandy beaches, lagoons, rivers and 300 feet of clear tubes that send guest racing through a lagoon filled with black and white Commerson's dolphins. Other park amenities include a children's area, family play area, and personal cabanas.

Universal Orlando Resort will present Disaster! A Major Motion Picture ride, which will feature celebrity talent, new ride elements and a new storyline. This new ride, expected to open in late spring, relaces Earthquake. The Simpsons ride is expected to open in spring, replacing the Back to the Future ride.

Walt Disney World Resort has extended its Year of a Million Dreams, with new Disney Dreams Giveaway prizes awarded at random. Prizes include access that money can't buy, such as a pass to spend New Year's Eve in the Cinderella Castle Suite; a trip to Disney's private island in the Bahamas for a day; a hot-air balloon ride over Epcot; a behind-the-scenes peek at Disney Imagineering; and the opportunity to serve as grand marshall leading the parks' parades in France, California, Hong Kong and Florida.

Also new this year is Disney's Hollywood Studios, formerly Disney-MGM. The Studios will host an interactive competition of "Toy Story Mania!" opening this summer. Riders will don 3-D glasses, board vehicles and zip into a series of midway-style games hosted by Toy Story characters Woody, Hamm and Rex. Inside Andy's Toy Box, visitors can try to rack up points by using spring-action shooters to launch darts at balloons, eggs at barnyard targets and rings at aliens. Other new attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios include Block Party Bash, an interactive parade debuting in spring with Disney- Pixar film characters from The Incredibles, Monsters, Inc., A Bug's Life and Toy Story 2. "Playhouse Disney Live on Stage!" re-opened in February with a new cast of characters including favorite stars from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, the Little Einsteins and Handy Manny. There is also a traveling stage show for tweens: "High School Musical 2: School's Out!"

Information courtesy of South Florida Sun-Sentinel

15th Annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Blooming Soon

Celebrating "Fun in the Sun," the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is packed with new experiences for the entire family in Orlando, Florida. See millions of blooms and the largest collection of Disney Topiary anywhere! Interact with top horticulturists inside the Wonders of Life Pavilion at Garden Town, a new festival addition, where you can get gardening tips, participate in demonstrations, plan your day, and more! Have a fun evening "under the stars" at the America Gardens Theatre and enjoy the music that inspired generations during the Flower Power Concert Series. Try our new "Easter Brunch" on March 23rd. And mom will love our scrumptious "Mother's Day Brunch" on May 11th so make your reservations early! Space is limited. Call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations.

EVENT DATES:March 19 - June 1, 2008

EVENT TICKETS:Admission to Epcot required.

2008 ENTERTAINMENT: (All entertainment is subject to change without notice)


Festival Highlights
Fun in the Sun - Main Entrance - Goofy catches the perfect wave as we celebrate all the fun you can have in the sun!

Green Garden - Future World East -Discover how you can create an environmentally friendly, low-input garden of your own as you explore this unique garden.

Minnie's Magnificent Butterfly Garden - Test Track Walkway - Presented by Claritin®Experience hundreds of free-flying butterflies as you venture through lush foliage in this distinctive garden and butterfly house.

Peter Pan's Neverland Garden - Imagination Walkway - Presented by ValleyCrest Landscaping Solutions, Inc. & Cherry Lake Tree FarmSee some of your favorite characters from Peter Pan in topiary! Most appreciated by children 2-5.

Dynamite Vegetable Garden - Future World West - Presented by Dynamite Plant Food®Discover the fun and great taste of growing fabulous vegetables.

Florida's Wildflowers - Imagination Walkway - Presented by the Florida Department of AgricultureSee how Florida's wildflower growers are helping to make our state a more beautiful place. Children may participate in a fun wildflower activity.

Tricks of the Trade - Future World WestGet a "behind the scenes" look at how Disney's Horticulture makes some of its most popular elements.

Sculpture Garden - Future World WestWander among works of art on loan from some of Florida's most prestigious collections in a beautiful garden setting.

Water Garden Wonders - Presented by Aquascape, Inc.Gather cool concepts for water gardens that add a "splash" of creativity to your landscape.

Fragrance Garden - France Pavilion - Presented by Guerlain, Inc.Let your senses take over as you experience the pleasure of this captivating garden, featuring the radiant and sensual fragrances of Guerlain. Explore the "love story" between plants, fragrance and perfume. Experience a complimentary twenty-minute tour with a Guerlain Representative at 2, 4 & 6:00 pm daily. Sign up at the Guerlain Shop in La Signature.

Spices of Life - Morocco PavilionExplore the savory world of spices that add pizzazz to food from around the world.

Bonsai Collection - Japan PavilionDiscover the ancient art of bonsai showcased throughout the serene Japanese garden.

Amore nel Giardino (Love in the Garden) - Italy PavilionFeast your eyes on bouquets of blooms as they tumble down the side of classic Italian containers. Collect planting ideas on how to combine colorful flowers, textured foliage and beautiful pots for dramatic results. Find Lady and the Tramp among towering Italian Cypress.

Growing Future Gardeners - Germany Pavilion - Presented by FNGLAVisit a collection of gardens where families can garden and grow together. Be inspired to create your own special garden at home where together parents, and children, can share and explore the magic that lives outdoors. Enjoy a play area for kids too! Ladybug releases daily 1:00 & 3:00 pm

Penjing (Chinese Bonsai) - China PavilionThis unique art form of dwarf trees is an ancient technique that predates its Japanese counterpart by hundreds of years.

Topiary Chinese Zodiac - China PavilionIt's the year of the Pig! What's your sign? Discover the Chinese Zodiac and see it presented in topiary.

Norway Troll Trek - Norway PavilionForest and rock trolls are around every corner. Test your skill at finding them all as you explore the gardens of Norway.

The Tea Garden - United Kingdom - Presented by Twinings

Perennial Garden - The American Adventure

Epcot® Gardens of the World Tour (Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday)Guided tours designed especially for garden enthusiasts! A Disney Horticulturist will be your host on a three-hour tour of special displays and the award-winning international gardens of Epcot. Register at Guest Relations or for advance registration information, call 407-WDW-TOUR. Price: $59 USD including tax (Guest ages 16 and up only). Theme Park admission required.

Garden Town - Inside the Wonders of Life PavilionOpen Daily 10:00 am - 7:00 pmStart your day here! Festival information, new displays, demonstrations, shopping and more! Discover all this year's Festival has to offer and get tips on how to get the most out of your visit!

Flower Power Concert Series - The America Gardens Theatre - performances daily at 5:45, 7:00 & 8:15 pm

Relax under the stars and groove to your favorite music from the '60s and '70s.

Information courtesy of Walt Disney World

Orlando is the Perfect Escape for Couples

Imagine breakfasting together in flight at sunrise, with orange and red blanketing the sky. Then, lounge by the pool, soaking up the warm Orlando weather. Paddle your way to lunch at noon, surround yourselves with dolphins in the afternoon, and finish the night with warm fondue. And that’s just one day. For couples, the options are endless in Orlando.

Enjoy a seafood entrée soaked in light garlic sauce with a red velvet cake for dessert at Seasons 52. Celebrate an anniversary at The Melting Pot, and take turns dipping fresh strawberries in chocolate and French bread in a savory cheese. Orlando offers plenty of opportunities for a romantic dinner in a magical setting.

Bobs Balloon Flights, Magic Sunrise Ballooning and Orlando Balloon Rides located near the Walt Disney World Resort area, offer daily hot air balloon rides at sunrise which include champagne and breakfast. Lake Eola features a breathtaking view of downtown, with picnic settings and paddle boat rentals. Or head to Winter Park to stroll down the streets of Park Ave. Walk hand-in-hand while browsing through an array of local shops, and then relax at a café with a pastry and tea. Spend an evening at Downtown Disney having dinner in a romantic setting at the Portobello Yacht Club, and afterwards, enjoy a night of entertainment by Cirque de Soleil and their mesmerizing acrobatics and costumes.

Orlando’s theme parks offer plenty of fun for adults, too. From high-energy thrill rides to spectacular shows and parades, grown-ups will find adventures just from them.

Enjoy pampering treatments and massages at a number of resort spas located throughout the Orlando area. You’ll want to be a newlywed again at the Spa at Buena Vista Palace, which offers a special package for couples including a “Chocolate Blitz Scrub & Wrap,” followed by a couples’ massage in an outdoor private cabana. Then spend a few hours relaxing by a private pool and dining on a gourmet lunch. Other area spas include: The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club, Papillon the Spa at Westgate Lakes Resort, Mandara Spa at Portofino Bay Hotel and Mandara Spa at the Walt Disney World Dolphin.

Make plans to attend spectacular performances by the Orlando Ballet, performing shows like Die Fledermaus by Strauss, the Orlando Opera or the Orlando Philharmonic. Or, for edgier entertainment, explore the Orlando International Fringe Festival or the annual Florida Music Festival. Just be sure to leave time to explore the Unexpected Orlando.

Relax after a long day at The Blue Martini in The Mall at Millenia. Enjoy a night out at Glo Lounge Orlando which has 50-inch plasma screens, billiard tables, VIP couches and one of the best in town. From the streets of downtown Orlando to the entertainment complexes at area theme parks, Orlando offers plenty of places to party the night away.

With an impressive collection of dining experiences, luxurious resorts and spas, and remarkable entertainment options, couples can rekindle their relationship with an array of vacation options in Orlando.

Information courtesy of Orlando Travel & Visitors Bureau

Disney World turns into Playground of Love for Valentine's Day

The storybook setting and amorous ambiance of Walt Disney World Resort has lovebirds flocking to the Vacation Kingdom for a romantic getaway. Moonlit strolls, luxurious spas and intimate dining make it feel like Valentine's Day every day at the Vacation Kingdom.

Couples who've been bitten by the love bug don't need a fairy godmother to find romance at Walt Disney World Resort. This is, after all, home to some of the world's most famous romances: Cinderella and Prince Charming, Lady and the Tramp, Beauty and the Beast -- and don't forget America's sweethearts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

Throughout the 25,000-acre playground, love is in the air at the Vacation Kingdom. During a couples spa experience. In the middle of a romantic dinner. Or on one of the "love boats" that cruise Walt Disney World waterways.

Honeymooners thrive in the romantic allure of Walt Disney World Resort -- a top-rated honeymoon destination, according to industry experts.

And for couples who want to make their own fairy tale dream come true -- complete with Cinderella's coach and her famous glass slipper -- Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings can create an enchanting, unforgettable union.

The four Walt Disney World theme parks create a perfect setting for unscripted romance -- whether it's a stroll along the lush Maharajah Jungle Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom or a relaxing stop for espresso and pastries at a sidewalk table in the France pavilion at Epcot World Showcase. Beyond the parks, couples can embrace a collection of romantic experiences that seem designed just for them:

The Couple that 'Spas' Together, Stays Together -- What's more enjoyable than a luxurious spa treatment? Imagine sharing it with that special someone. The Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club, in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, features a "couples room" where guests can enjoy specialized spa treatments -- such as massages and facials -- with the one they love. For information about these spa treatments, call 407/824-2332.

Magical Resorts -- From the romance of an African lodge to the Victorian splendor of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the mood is set for an enchanting stay at a Walt Disney World resort. Disney's fantasy hotels transport couples to faraway places with lavish theming, picturesque views and superior service. For reservations, call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639).

The Love Boat -- The Grand Floridian's Grand 1, an elegant 52-foot yacht, can give couples, or parties up to 18, a stunning view of "Wishes" fireworks showering above Magic Kingdom during select evening cruises along Seven Seas Lagoon. Private butler service and gourmet meals also are available. Romantic evening cruises begin at $450/hour (plus tax), including captain and private deck hand. Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407/824-2682.


Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Marina -- A 1930s-style 26-foot mahogany runabout is available for private rental. Half-hour afternoon cruises are $95 (plus tax) for up to six people. For $275 (plus tax), up to six guests can take a Fireworks Cruise (45-50 minutes) for an exhilarating, one-of-a-kind view of "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth." The craft travels across Crescent Lake to Epcot for the nightly fireworks, sound and laser show. Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529). Oh, and the name of the boat is perfect for couples in love: Breathless II.

Disney Dining Serves Romance -- Couples find Disney dining infused with romance in settings ranging from the subdued to the spectacular.

California Grill atop Disney's Contemporary Resort offers a panoramic view overlooking the Magic Kingdom theme park. Here, stellar cuisine and the restaurant's award-winning selection of California wines set the stage. Lovebirds can catch a Florida sunset over Magic Kingdom.
One of the most romantic dinner spots at Walt Disney World Resort is a table for two at Victoria & Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The elegant restaurant has been honored with the Five-Diamond Award from AAA for its gourmet cuisine. Combining Royal Doulton china, Cristofle silver and personalized menus, Victoria & Albert's is the "crown jewel" of the Grand Floridian's dining destinations. Soft harp music fills the air as "maids" and "butlers" provide stellar service to each of the 18 tables in the intimate dining room. Ladies also receive a long-stemmed red rose.

For the ultimate romantic experience, an evening at the Chef's Table is unsurpassed. Couples are seated at a table in Victoria & Albert's kitchen and treated to a culinary feast custom tailored to their specific tastes by Chef Scott Hunnel.

Guests who prefer to dine in an even more intimate setting at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa need only to pick up the closest telephone. The Grand Floridian can arrange a private dinner for two, served against the elegant backdrop of the Grand Floridian beach -- or aboard the Grand 1 -- on a sunset excursion around Seven Seas Lagoon. Certain menu items can be specially prepared for the evening. Twenty-four hours notice is requested.

For all Walt Disney World dining information, call 407/WDW-DINE (939-3463).

Nature Lovers -- A horseback ride through one of the backwoods trails at Walt Disney World Resort is just the thing for couples who share a love of nature and each other. Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground offers wrangler-led tours (45 minutes) through the deep, pine-scented woods that make up part of the Vacation Kingdom's 25,000 acres. Tours leave several times daily from Trail Blaze Corral, and may be reserved by calling 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).


Romantic Evening -- Horse-drawn carriage rides through the wilderness of Walt Disney World Resort are a romantic treat for couples looking for a secluded nighttime outing. The antique carriages depart from Pioneer Hall at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and traverse throughout the scenic landscape of the 700-acre rustic resort. Or guests can choose a relaxing old-fashioned carriage ride through Disney's Port Orleans Resort-Riverside with pickup at Boatwright's Dining Hall. Each respective excursion is 25 minutes long for $35, available nightly from 5:30-9:30 p.m. For reservations, call 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).


Information courtesy of MagicalMountain.net

New Attractions in Orlando for 2008

New Attractions Announced for 2008

In 2008, Orlando will see a rise in new attractions and changes at Orlando's major theme parks. SeaWorld Orlando will unveil a brand new water park, Aquatica, in March. Universal Orlando Resort will showcase America's favorite television cartoon family, "The Simpsons," in a simulator ride this spring. And, fresh attractions and shows abound at newly renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney-MGM Studios). The park kicks off its celebration with Toy Story Mania!, a 3-D ride; "Block Party Bash," an interactive Disney parade; and "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!," introducing a whole new cast. More new Orlando attractions will be announced during the coming year.

Gatorland broke ground on a $4 million complex, which will add 19,000 square feet (1,765 square meters) of retail, meeting and office space to the attraction. The new area features an open-air admission pavilion that incorporates the historic gator-mouth entrance, a meeting facility and a shopping area. The complex is projected to open in summer 2008. The attraction is fully operational during construction.

The Holy Land Experience has eliminated its $5 parking fee in light of increased attendance numbers and the park's desire to bring in more visitors. Tickets for the attraction are $35 for adults and $23 for children ages 6-12.

Scenic Lake Tours has added a new nature tour to its offerings. The two-hour tour includes a short scenic boat tour and nature walk on Makinson's Island nature trail, where hikers can view eagle nests, owls, mountain goats, raccoons and wild pigs. Admission is $50 for adults and $30 for children.

Terror in Orlando opened on International Drive. The haunted attraction offers two unique horror experiences, Mayhem Manor and 3-D Funhouse, with plenty of scares for everyone. The manor showcases the bizarre experiments of Dr. Morphius Mayhem, while the funhouse features the sinister world of Kilmor the Clown. The attraction is open daily with seasonal hours. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 12 and under.

Titanic – The Experience, has relocated to the Orlando Science Center, and will be featured through the end of 2008. The attraction first opened in 1999, when it was located on International Drive. It showcases a variety of artifacts associated with the famous ship, as well as sets that include an exact replica of the ship's grand staircase. Admission to the exhibition is included in regular science center pricing, which is $14.95 for adults and $9.95 for children ages 3-11.

New in 2008 Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Studios Florida unveiled plans for a new ride, which will be based on FOX's blockbuster hit series, "The Simpsons." Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson–stars of TV's longest running series–will ride along with guests in the new attraction, which takes them on a hysterical, almost unimaginable adventure. The ride will open spring 2008.

Universal Orlando Resort replaced its Earthquake attraction with an all-new ride, Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride...Starring You, which opened in late 2007. The new ride offers guests an experience combining the best, most dramatic elements of Earthquake with a new story line, blockbuster celebrity talent, ride elements, digital technologies and interactive components.

New in 2008 Walt Disney World

Disney-MGM Studios theme park has been renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios. The new name, which reflects how the park has grown from representing the golden age of movies to a celebration of the new entertainment that today's Hollywood has to offer, debuted in January 2008. The park will unveil the following attractions in 2008:

Toy Story Mania! involves an interactive "Toy Story" competition inspired by the film. 3-D glasses put guests in the middle of the action as they board vehicles and zip into a world of exciting midway-style games hosted by their favorite characters. The ride is set to open in summer 2008.

"Block Party Bash" encourages guests to play, party and dance at the new interactive Disney parade, which opens in spring 2008.

"Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" introduces a whole new cast of friends engaging children in singing, clapping and dancing. The new show opens in February 2008.

Epcot opened a new gallery exhibition, "National Treasures." Three dozen artifacts from American history are on display in the American Heritage Gallery of the American Adventure pavilion, including items from Mark Twain, Benjamin Franklin and George Washington Carver. Most of the items are on loan from museums and private collections and will be rotated over time. The exhibition is not permanent, but there is currently no planned end date.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has announced that its theme parks will extend their popular "Year of a Million Dreams" promotion through the end of 2008. The program is highlighted by daily prize giveaways like FASTPASS tickets, free concessions or a stay in the Cinderella Castle suite. So far, more than 846,000 dreams have been awarded to guests at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

Information courtesy of Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Orlando's Dixie Stampede Closes Doors

The mystery buyer of Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede is little more than a stone's throw from the now-shuttered dinner attraction on Interstate 4 near Walt Disney World.

The parent company of the Orlando Premium Outlets shopping center confirmed Tuesday that it holds the contract to buy the property at 8251 Vineland Ave. The company, Chelsea Property Group, is a division of Simon Property Group, the nation's biggest shopping-mall owner and operator.

Chelsea officials wouldn't elaborate on their plans for the 13-acre site, which is across Vineland Avenue from Orlando Premium Outlets.

The outlet center, with 110 stores, is already undergoing an expansion that will add 30 more shops. The expansion is scheduled to be finished in November. The center also recently added a parking structure.

Dixie Stampede LLC abruptly closed the Dolly Parton dinner theater Monday, putting more than 160 employees out of work. The attraction, which had been open about 4 1/2 years, said it was looking for a new location, having received an offer for its property that was too good to turn down.

Dixie Stampede employees were notified that their jobs had been eliminated during what was to have been a weeklong break in operations. Rumors that the attraction might be sold circulated last week, though the company had denied as recently as Monday morning that a sale was pending. The company continues to operate Dolly Parton dinner attractions in Branson, Mo.; Pigeon Forge, Tenn.; and Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Orlando Premium Outlets, which opened in June 2000, contains many designer-brand stores and has become a popular tourist stop. With the addition of 30 stores and a parking garage, it appears that little developable land remains on its current site.

Chelsea Property Group bills itself as the world's largest developer, owner and operator of manufacturers' outlet centers. It was acquired by Simon Property Group in October 2004 and operates as a wholly owned subsidiary. In the Orlando area, Simon owns Seminole Towne Center, The Florida Mall, Waterford Lakes Town Center and a half-dozen other smaller shopping complexes. Orlando Premium Outlets was Chelsea's most lucrative outlet property last year, with sales nearly double the industry average.

Information courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

Universal Studios unveils new Disaster! Ride

A 150-year-old magician's trick has gone high-tech to help make Christopher Walken the star of Universal Studios' newest attraction.

Universal recently overhauled its former Earthquake! ride to create a newly themed version called Disaster! -- highlighted by the first large-scale, permanent use of an illusion called "musion."

The technique borrows a 19th-century magician's trick known in the trade as "Pepper's ghost," then adds 21st-century technology to deliver the virtual image of Walken, the Academy Award-winning actor of such movies as The Deer Hunter, Wedding Crashers and Hairspray.

As a result, at Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride . . . Starring You!, the audience watches a projection of Walken -- portraying a fictional movie director named Frank Kincaid -- run onto the stage, talk to them, walk in front of, and behind, real furniture on the stage, and interact with a live actor there.

Slated for a Jan. 17 grand opening, the attraction has been open sporadically for previews during the past couple of weeks, drawing consistent, widespread wonder from employees and visitors alike, said Universal's Jeff Smith, project manager for Disaster!

"When I see them in the room, and see Frank Kincaid walk onto the stage, they say, 'What am I seeing here?' " Smith said. "And there is a sense of amazement."

Pepper's ghost has been a favorite illusion among magicians since British illusionist John Pepper showcased it in the 1860s. The technique employs a large, disguised window set diagonally across a stage. Under "normal" lighting, the window is fully transparent showing only what is on the stage behind it. But when objects are lighted in a hidden room off to the side, the glass reflects those objects. To the audience, the actual stage objects and the reflections appear together.

With musion, the Pepper's-ghost images are projected onto the window using high-powered, high-definition, video projectors, explained James Rock, one of the directors of the British company Musion Systems Ltd., which sells the technology in Europe and the United States. Instead of being made of glass, today's musion window is made from a sheet of micro-thin, transparent foil developed by German engineer Uwe Maass, which allows for additional illusion tricks.

Until now, Musion Systems has sold the technology mainly for events such as trade shows and corporate meetings. Among notable public displays, Musion was used to put an Al Gore projection on stage at the 2007 Live Earth concert in Tokyo, and Madonna and the Gorillaz band characters on stage at the 2006 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.

The illusion often is mistaken by viewers and in media reports as a hologram. Yet, "technically, it's not accurate," Rock said. "What you're looking at is always a two-dimensional projection. . . . We call it a 'holographic effect.' "

Video projections are nothing new for the Pepper's ghost trick. They've been used for decades in theme park attractions such as the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney Imagineering also recently debuted its own 21st-century version, a technique similar to musion, for illusions in The Seas with Nemo & Friends ride at Epcot.

The musion set at Universal's Disaster! is the largest permanent installation in the world, and the first his company has put in a theme park, Rock said. Yet the musion portion of Universal's ride is used merely as the set-up for the rest of the 15-minute attraction, not part of the main event.

"It could become a whole ride," Rock said. "I think it probably won't be very long before there is a full musion . . . ride."

Under Disaster!'s story line, Walken's character, Kincaid, is a director of schlock disaster movies such as Apocageddon, and he is casting a few "extras" for his next movie, Mutha Nature, staring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Visitors enter under the pretext that they all are wannabe actors, there to try and get picked for a few bit roles. The musion effect allows Kincaid to explain his movie and needs to the audience.

Then the audience moves on to the next room, where some visitors participate in various film shoots involving special effects, while everyone else watches. Much of the rest of the attraction is little changed from the old Earthquake! experience, still featuring a subway ride into a California temblor, compete with collapsing structures, crashing vehicles, fire and flood.
Universal's Smith said he knew the musion segment would be a hit during development last summer, when some involved in the production sometimes forgot what they were watching.

"More than once I found myself talking to somebody who wasn't there, even having seen it over and over" Smith said. "I felt we had a winner."

Information courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

Another Dream Year in Store for Disney World in 2008

When the clock "strikes twelve" on Dec. 31, neither Cinderella nor Walt Disney World guests will need to worry about the party being over. The fun is not turning into a "pumpkin." Another "Year of a Million Dreams" is on the other side of midnight...

In 2008, the Vacation Kingdom will unwrap a technologically cutting-edge theme park attraction, the most engaging parade the resort has ever showcased, taste-tempting new restaurant adventures, and the opportunity for lucky guests to win some over-the-top money-can't-buy experiences in the Disney Dreams Giveaway. And that's just for starters. Here's a sneak preview of what's in store to make 2008 great at Walt Disney World Resort:

Disney's Hollywood Studios – It's "Happy New Year and hello Disney's Hollywood Studios." Renamed from Disney-MGM Studios, Disney's Hollywood Studios better reflects not only the Golden Age of Tinseltown but all that today's Hollywood has to offer – in movies, music, theater and television. The name change launches with the new year.

"Playhouse Disney–Live on Stage!" – A whole new cast of friends from Playhouse Disney fills the popular Playhouse Disney stage. Children will be on their feet singing, clapping and dancing to performing stars from "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "Little Einsteins," "Handy Manny" and more. The new "Playhouse Disney–Live on Stage!" show debuts at Disney's Hollywood Studios in February.

"Block Party Bash" – Guests will play, party and dance as the most interactive parade in Disney history arrives at Disney's Hollywood Studios in spring 2008. Guests will be invited to rock to retro tunes, be dazzled by high-flying acrobatics and join in the fun as more than 20 partying DisneyPixar Film Pals fill the theme park streets. This immersive rolling spectacle will feature favorite characters from "The Incredibles," "Toy Story 2," "Monsters, Inc." and "A Bug's Life." "Block Party Bash" will replace the "Disney Stars and Motor Cars" parade.

Toy Story Mania! – An innovative ride-game experience coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios summer 2008, Toy Story Mania! combines memorable film characters from DisneyPixar classics "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2" with games that match their motion picture personas. Donning 3-D glasses, guests seemingly shrink to the size of a toy and hop fanciful ride vehicles that follow a midway-themed route. At each game booth, they aim for animated targets using a special spring-action shooter. The challenges are designed to be fun for everyone from beginners to serious gamers – and, for Disney theme park guests on both coasts, as Toy Story Mania! also is coming to Disneyland Resort in 2008.

Jostens Center – represents the latest expansion project for Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex (220 acres), which is widely regarded as the leading sports venue for amateur and professional sports in the nation. The new multi-sport facility will include 45,000 square feet of competition space that will accommodate six basketball courts or 12 volleyball courts or two roller hockey rinks, as well as locker rooms and meeting rooms. The new facility, set to open in summer 2008, will allow Disney the ability to double the number of indoor sports events that it can accommodate.

Themed Restaurants – The introduction of innovative dining experiences continues with four restaurants opening during 2008. Landry's Restaurants, which just introduced a taste of Asia to Disney's Animal Kingdom with the opening of Yak & Yeti Restaurant, will treat Downtown Disney guests to a face-to-face encounter with a dinosaur at T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover, which combines table-service dining and retail in an interactive prehistoric environment built around water, fire and ice. At Epcot, China's Nine Dragons table-service restaurant will close in early 2008 to make way for an innovative dining room, scheduled to open in the fall, featuring five cooking stations where guests can interact with chefs from China. At Disney's Contemporary Resort, The Wave, opening in the spring, will serve up American cooking blended with world flavors. In the Italy pavilion at Epcot, Tutto Italia Ristorante ("Everything Italy") is the newest restaurant for California-based Patina Group, which has a portfolio of nearly 30 restaurants. The location will be expanded for a grand opening late in 2008.

Disney Dreams Giveaway – When it was time to decide what to do for an encore to the 2007 "Year of a Million Dreams," Disney Parks heard resoundingly from guests. They asked for more dreams. Even bigger dreams. More dreams money can't buy. More dreams that only Disney can make come true. So Disney's magic-makers went back to their dream drawing board and created over-the-top experiences for the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway that will be awarded to eligible lucky guests in the right place at the right time and mail-in participants, including: a chance for guests to stay inside Disneyland Park; a private day at Disney's tropical island paradise, Castaway Cay; a New Year's Eve night stay inside Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World Resort; a star-studded trip to the "High School Musical 3" film premiere; and a flight of fancy in a hot air balloon above a Disney theme park. But that's not all. In 2008, Disney also will award hundreds of thousands of dreams in all shapes and sizes, including Dream FASTPASS badges, gourmet dining packages, special viewing for parades, Disney shopping sprees, an additional hour – known as Dream Time – for chosen guests to enjoy a Disney park, or special Dream Mouse Ears or Pin and Lanyard sets. It all adds up to over one million more dreams that will be awarded in 2008.

Information courtesy of Walt Disney World Public Affairs

Seven More Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Orlando

Interested in heading south for the holidays? Here are some tips on celebrating Christmas and New Year's in and around Orlando, Florida.

• The joy of snow: Missing the cold, white North? Snow falls nightly in Orlando through New Year's Eve every hour from 6 to 9 on Market Street in Town Center in Celebration, a town built by Disney, a five-minute drive from the Magic Kingdom. Those who visit can have their photos taken with Santa, take horse-and-carriage rides and train rides, and listen to choirs, carolers and concerts. The town has a hotel, a 115-room Old Florida-style inn opened in 1999 that resembles a turn-of-the-previous-century lakeside hotel named Celebration Hotel.

• Snow — and fish: SeaWorld Orlando also features snowfalls. "Christmas at SeaWorld" includes festive decorations, snowfalls and live holiday music from classical musicians and carolers. The event is included in daily park admission, which is $64.95 for adults, $53.95 for children ages 3-9, and free for children 2 and under.

• A lantern-led tour in Amelia Island: In December each year the Museum of History presents Holiday Luminary tours of historic downtown Fernandina Beach. The tours are held Friday and Saturday by reservation only at 6 and 7 p.m. The tour begins at the train depot on Centre Street. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and military.

• Twinkling in St. Augustine: Holiday season in the country's oldest city began Nov. 17 when more than 2 million tiny white lights were lit along its streets during its annual Nights of Lights. The lights remain until Jan. 31.

• Holidays with the mouse: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney's Magic Kingdom features a series of fun nighttime events for the little ones including holiday shows, fireworks, and magic treats with Minnie and Mickey.

Holidays Around the World at Epcot features international holiday storytellers, a daily character tree lighting ceremony and a stunning display of snow-white lights.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights electrifies Disney Hollywood Studios with millions of sparkling lights. The event is included in daily park admission.

• Go wild in Tampa: Busch Gardens Africa hosts a "wild" celebration concluding with its New Year's Eve spectacular. Guests will enjoy four nights of special entertainment, which culminate with a night of fantastic thrills on Dec. 31. The adventure also includes a dazzling fireworks display and nonstop coaster rides until 1 a.m.

• Find comfort and joy in Winter Park: For the 29th year, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, known for its comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany jewelry, pottery and leaded-glass windows, lights up century-old Tiffany windows in downtown Winter Park, just north of downtown Orlando, on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. The lighting ceremony is complemented by a free outdoor concert featuring the 150-voice Bach Festival Society choir.

Information courtesy of Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Polar Express Experience at SeaWorld

The train crested the mountain, then tipped downward, rushing like a roller coaster. And, as if they were on a roller coaster, many of the children seated inside raised their arms, and some squealed.

Of course, they were all sitting in a room, inside a building at SeaWorld Orlando, rocking up and down, back and forth or side to side, yet going nowhere while watching a movie. They were experiencing SeaWorld's newest attraction, the Polar Express Experience, taking a wild but simulated train ride to Santa Town.

As recently as mid-November, riders in that same room were taking a much different ride, a simulated helicopter flight over the edge of a cliff somewhere in the Arctic. And a couple of weeks from now, the helicopter ride will be back.

SeaWorld has developed what many in the industry have been expecting to see in a major theme park for some time: a quick-change conversion package for a high-tech simulator ride.
All it took was acquiring the rights to a theme-park version of the movie The Polar Express, investing more than 100 hours in engineering and computer programming and building sets based on the film.

"I'm not going to say it's easy, but we have a phenomenal team, from the art direction to the programming of the ride to the visuals," said Michael Fletcher, SeaWorld's vice president for entertainment.

Other theme-park companies have swapped out simulator-ride films and changed themes before; Universal Studios is doing that now with its old Back to the Future: The Ride attraction, to create a new ride based on The Simpsons TV show. And there is always industry talk of new possibilities, such as whether Walt Disney World would replace at least part of its Star Tours simulated spaceship ride with a new Star Wars-based pod-racer experience.

But SeaWorld's changeover is different because it's temporary and was swiftly executed. In a matter of weeks, the park switched off its regular attraction and replaced it with what its new general manager, Dan Brown, calls a new holiday-season centerpiece.

"I'm intrigued by the idea," said Kevin Coons of Gary Goddard Entertainment, a California-based attractions-design firm that helped develop simulator rides such as The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure. "I think it's a smart way to go."

A new simulator ride would cost tens of millions of dollars to build. A new software package that creates a new experience -- converting an arctic helicopter flight into a polar train ride, for example -- costs a small fraction of that amount."If it is successful, you'll see an expansion of that sort of concept to other attractions," said Dennis Speigel, president of International Theme Park Services in Cincinnati.

The Polar Express Experience didn't start out as a ride. Working with Warner Bros. Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment, which produced The Polar Express movie, California-based attractions company Iwerks Entertainment had created a short version of the 2004 animated feature for possible use as Christmas-season entertainment in theme parks.

Meanwhile, Busch Entertainment Corp., which operates SeaWorld, was looking for a new holiday attraction. Mike Frueh, Iwerks' vice president and general manager, said he and others at Iwerks were not thinking of the film as the basis of a simulator ride until Busch suggested Wild Arctic as a platform.

"The Busch team, they're visionaries and they're quite creative," Frueh said. "We've had a long relationship with Busch in different roles, and had mentioned the film to them. It kind of evolved from there."

SeaWorld's Fletcher said the film was an obvious choice for the ride. Engineers took Iwerk's film and used hand controls similar to video-game joysticks to program new movements into the Wild Arctic simulators to accompany small sections of the film. Once the motions were synchronized with the film's movements, the package was fine-tuned on a computer to create a seamless ride.

"When you're working on a project like this, it's always a joy to work with an idea that is a perfect fit," Fletcher said.

Information & Image courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

New Festivals & Events set for Spring Break Orlando 2008

Orlando is blooming with New Adventures and Special Events For Family Spring Break 2008, with events such as Florida Strawberry Festival.

Spring Break may be a time-honored tradition for college students, but in Orlando it's becoming an event for the entire household. During Orlando's Family Spring Break® in 2008 families can enjoy the perfect atmosphere to take a break from busy work and school schedules to reconnect and recharge. From major new attractions and special events to family-friendly cultural activities, Orlando offers families varied experiences sure to please even the most opinionated family member.

New attractions opening just in time for Orlando's 6th annual Family Spring Break include: Aquatica, SeaWorld Orlando's Water Park, blending up close animal experiences with thrilling rides and whimsical underwater adventures, offering journeys from serene to extreme; a uniquely hilarious journey through Springfield with the Simpson family when Universal Studios Florida opens its new ride,