From a sparkling ice castle and symphony of dazzling lights … to legendary international customs and wondrous displays … to magical entertainment and musical delights, Walt Disney World Resort unwraps an enchanting celebration of the holiday season in 2010.

Electrifying fireworks, charming parades and all the sounds of the season help transform the 40-square-mile resort into a winter wonderland where holiday fun begins as early as Nov. 8.  Guests who believe “there’s no place like home for the holidays” can enjoy the merriment at Disney and still curl up in a cozy place at home for Christmas … while other guests can spend the holidays at Mickey’s place, since many seasonal happenings continue through Jan. 3, 2011.

Disney’s stocking full of cheer includes:

Magic Kingdom

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – On 19 magical nights between Nov. 8 and
Dec. 19, holiday revelers can sip cocoa, catch a “snowflake” on a fingertip and catch the spirit of the season through enchanting entertainment that includes live shows, fireworks, carolers and special character meet and greets.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which kicks off at 7 p.m. on select evenings (after regular Magic Kingdom closing), is pure, time-honored Disney magic:

Dancing gingerbread, marching soldiers and Santa’s sleigh parade down Main Street, U.S.A. to seasonal melodies during the twice-nightly “Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade” … Cinderella Castle is draped radiantly with 200,000 glistening white lights … and “Holiday Wishes, Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” fireworks lights the night sky during a pyrotechnics show orchestrated to holiday melodies.

The night wouldn’t be complete without the forecasted flurry of snowflakes along Main Street, U.S.A. and a warming cup of cocoa in hand.  Party-goers also enjoy complimentary cookies and apple slices and enjoy unlimited admission to favorite attractions.

This after-hours family-friendly outing takes place Nov. 8, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 28, 30 and Dec. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17 and 19.  The evening kicks off at 7 p.m. and continues until midnight.  Day-of-party ticket pricing is $59.95 ($53.95 for ages 3-9).  Advance tickets are available with $6 savings for most dates.  Guests can visit Disneyworld.com/christmasparty or call 407/W-DISNEY.

Castle Dream Lights – When daylight has passed during the holiday season, Magic Kingdom guests can behold a breathtaking transformation during the Castle Dream Lights ceremony.  Each evening Nov. 8, 2010, through Jan. 3, 2011, Cinderella and favorite characters decked out in holiday garb take to the stage and magically transform Cinderella Castle into an ice palace aglow with 200,000 white lights – a perfect centerpiece to a park all decked out with wreaths, bows, garland and towering Christmas trees.

Walt Disney World News

Planning that next magical Disney vacation?  The newly released Disney Vacation Connection desktop widget is a free application that can be downloaded to a PC or Mac computer to view news, videos, weather, park hours, events and vacation planning tips.  Also included is a Disney vacation countdown clock that will tell guests the days, hours and minutes until their next Disney vacation.

Content on the app includes Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, Disney Vacation Club, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii.

With the Disney Vacation Connection widget loaded on their desktop, Disney guests will be able to:

• Stay up-to-date on the latest news and special offers
• Plan their next magical Disney vacation
• Count down to the vacation with the countdown clock
• Check Disney theme park hours
• Learn about upcoming special events
• Find out the weather forecast for the Disney vacation destination

The widget is a free download.  Guests can learn more about the Disney Vacation Connection desktop widget, and download it, by visiting www.DisneyVacationConnection.com.

Walt Disney World News

“Disney Parks have long been at the forefront of providing accessibility for guests with disabilities,” said Greg Hale, chief safety officer and vice president of Worldwide Safety and Accessibility for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. “We are pleased to build on this legacy with new technology that enables us to do something that has never been done before – provide rich audio description in moving rides and outdoor environments.”

Via an interactive audio menu, the newly enhanced Assistive Technology Device lets guests choose the type of information they would like to receive about outdoor areas, from architectural elements to the location of the nearest restroom. The 7.2-ounce device, which utilizes wireless technology to pinpoint its location and take pre-programmed actions, also offers guests at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort:   ·

• Detailed audio description of key visual elements, including action and scenery, for more than 50 attractions;
• Amplified audio for most theater-type attractions for guests with mild to moderate hearing loss; ·
• Handheld captioning that enables guests to read captions while enjoying specific rides; and ·
• Activation of closed captioning in pre-show areas where television displays narrate the upcoming experience.

“I know of no other public space in this country – or anywhere else for that matter – that is as welcoming and accessible to people with disabilities as Disney’s theme parks,” said Larry Goldberg, director of media access at WGBH Boston, which is considered a pioneer in developing multimedia and new technologies that make media accessible for the disabled. “With their captioning systems for guests who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and now outdoor environmental description for guests who are blind or visually impaired, Walt Disney World is now more inclusive than ever. WGBH is proud of our role in helping make this happen.”

WGBH teamed up with Disney to deliver outdoor audio description, marking the latest collaboration between the two organizations, which began with the installation of WGBH’s Rear Window® Captioning system in Disney’s theater-based attractions in1996.

Disney has patented and licensed the assistive technology, which could serve a wide variety of retail, commercial and industrial applications. The technology is already being used at the World of Coca Cola Museum, The Hall at Patriot Place and the Dallas Cowboys Stadium and will receive the National Society of Professional Engineers 2010 “New Product Award” next month.

“We are particularly excited to make this technology available beyond Disney Parks and extend accessibility where it was previously impractical,” added Hale. Softeq Development Corporation is licensed to make the technology available beyond Disney Parks.

Other examples of Disney Parks’ services for guests with disabilities include:

• Accessible Experiences – From vehicles at Toy Story Midway Mania! that enable guests to remain in their wheelchair to experience the ride to American Sign Language interpretation at live shows, the focus is on providing accessible experiences. ·
• Recreation Devices – Specially designed vehicles – such as an adaptive golf cart and sand and aquatic wheelchairs – enable guests to experience leisure activities throughout the resort..            ·
• Guidemaps For Guests With Disabilities – Theme park-specific maps provide an overview of services and facilities available for guests with disabilities. Braille guidebooks are also available to assist guests during their visit. ·
• Resort Access – Resort hotels at Walt Disney World Resort offer special equipment and facilities for guests with disabilities such as phone text, visual indicator door knocks, sloped-entry pools and aquatic chairs.

The Handheld Assistive Device is offered at no cost with a refundable deposit at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort theme parks. Audio description of outdoor areas will be available at Disneyland Resort next year. For further information about services for guests with disabilities, guests should visit the Walt Disney World Web site at disneyworld.com or contact Walt Disney World Information at 407-824-4321 (voice) or 407-827-5141 (TTY).

Walt Disney World Public Affairs/Media Relations

Dates

• September 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
• October 1, 3, 7, 8*, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22*, 24, 26, 28*, 29, and 31
• November 1

Times

7:00 pm – 12:00 am

Pricing

*Advance Purchase Price not available on 10/8, 10/22, 10/28, 10/29, 10/31. All other select nights, when purchased prior to the day of the event: $53.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $47.95 + tax (Ages 3 – 9); Day-Of Event Prices: $59.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $53.95 + tax (Ages 3 – 9); Premium Pricing (10/29, 10/31 ): $64.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $58.95 + tax (Ages 3 – 9)

Standard Magic Kingdom theme park admission tickets will not allow Guests to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Dates

• November 8, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 28, and 30
• December 2, 3, 5, 7*, 9, 10*, 12*, 14, 16, 17*, and 19*

Times

7:00 pm – 12:00 am

Pricing

*Advance Purchase Price not available on 12/7, 12/10, 12/12, 12/17, 12/19. All other select nights, when purchased prior to the day of the event: $53.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $47.95 + tax (Ages 3 – 9); Day-Of Event Prices: $59.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $53.95 + tax (Ages 3 – 9)

Standard Magic Kingdom theme park admission tickets will not allow Guests to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

With nearly 3,000 Points of Interest covering all of the Walt Disney World and Disneyland parks, resorts, and venues, eTicket has the information you need to plan and enjoy your visit available right at your fingertips.

Whether a user’s destination is Walt Disney World or Disneyland, eTicket offers its users many different opportunities to improve their trips, starting with the planning stage and continuing all the way through their vacations.

Notable eTicket functions include:

- Create Your Own Itinerary: In preparation for a trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, users can input their travel dates and add restaurants, attractions, and custom items to their daily schedule before they even set foot in a theme park. eTicket owners can also view theme park hours up to 30 days in advance to assist in their planning. In addition, Disneyland passholders can view blackout dates to be certain their planned visit comes at an appropriate time.

- 2,700+ Points of Interest (POI): The map within eTicket is the most detailed of its kind. Every theme park, resort, and waterpark has been mapped. With smart GPS capability, eTicket owners will be located anywhere on Walt Disney World or Disneyland property and will be able to view full descriptions and user ratings of attractions, restaurants, and shows near their current location.

- Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Calculator: DVC owners can enter their point allotment, desired dates of visit, and resort of choice to receive a calculation displaying how many points the stay will cost and how many points are remaining.

- Mobile DISboards access: eTicket is the exclusive method of viewing and posting via the IPhone on DISBoards.com, the internet’s largest Disney fan community.

eTicket is available in the iTunes App Store and requires the free upgraded iPhone 3.1+ software, GPS, and 3G or WIFI. Once the application is downloaded, it will automatically update itself daily in order to contain the most accurate showtimes, park hours, and closures. For more information, visit http://www.eticketapp.com.

PRWeb

Disneland circa 1985

Southern Californians live in a very special place. Near-perfect weather allows most to spend a large majority of their time enjoying the outdoors and amenities of the region.

Within a short drive of Disneyland, Southern California offers many entertainment opportunities. The Los Angeles and San Diego regions both offer many exciting entertainment venues for the whole family. There are cultural treasures, architectural marvels and whole world of wonder waiting for you and your family in Southern California.

For the rest of the story visit Examiner.com

Christmas is alive on Main Street USA

Spending time with family at the special place Walt Disney created with families in mind can be a challenge during any peak season and especially challenging during the Christmas season. It was not long ago when the week before Christmas found Disneyland all decked out for Christmas and the streets pretty empty. Christmas Eve was a virtual “graveyard” in the late afternoon and Disneyland closed early. Well, that was then.

The reality of spending a day at Disneyland during the holidays season is much different now; high prices, long lines and the occasional rude guests are just some of the pitfalls ahead of you. With all this in mind lets take at look enjoying the Disneyland Resort knowing what lies ahead.

Arrive early, the earlier the better. Lets face it, many people are not early risers or may be at work. The evenings can get really crowded as the local Annual Passport holders start getting off work and heading to the Happiest Place on Earth. When you arrive at the tram and the crowds already look daunting, don’t panic. Many people find it much more relaxing to walk the short distance to the Disneyland Resort Entrance than to take the tram when it’s crowded. If you’re not sure where to go, ask one of the friendly Disney cast members. There are actually two routes from the Mickey and Friends parking structure. The first and most direct route parallels the route of the Disneyland tram and does require you cross a street at a light. The second route takes you through Downtown Disney and is a little longer. The Downtown Disney route also offers entrance to Disneyland via the monorail. You can enter Disney’s California Adventure (DCA) through the Grand Californian Hotel. Bag check is usually much shorter at this entrance.

The rest of the story can be found at Examiner.com

DCA's 2009 Christmas Tree

Disneyland's 2009 Christmas Tree

When I visited the Disneyland Resort on Thursday, November 12, 2009 I wasn’t to surprised to see Christmas decorations up around the resort. My daughter had visited the Resort on November 2 for her birthday and told me many decorations were up. She also told me the Christmas Tree could be seen backstage and would soon be moved on stage soon.

Why not start the Christmas season so soon, Home Depot has had Christmas decorations for sale in my neighborhood since mid October.

When I worked at Disneyland those many years ago the Park went under a transformation the night of Thanksgiving and the Christmas season started the next day. To me, thats traditional. It seems in the 21st Century we cannot wait to get to the seasons that keeps giving as soon as possible. Don’t get me wrong I love the Christmas season and I have always enjoyed the Disney parks at Christmas.

I am pleased I have also experienced Walt Disney World during the Holiday Season. It only took me about 31 years from my first visited to Walt Disney World to visit during Christmas 2006.

Disneyland has a wonderful tradition for the Holidays as does Walt Disney World and I encourage anyone who has not visited a Disney park during the Christmas Season to do so if they can. Please visit my Flickr for more Disneyland 2009 Christmas Season photos. I will be updating the site with more Holiday photos as the Season continues to capture my imagination.

Starting today, Verizon Wireless customers have exclusive access to Mobile Magic, the first Disney-developed mobile application that enables them to easily navigate Disney parks on both coasts, providing helpful and timely information.  With either a swipe of their fingers or the touch of a few keys, guests can access an array of park features on their Verizon Wireless phones, including:

• Updated attraction wait times and FASTPASS return times for the park they are in
• Locations of their favorite attractions, characters and restaurants, with GPS-enabled maps
• Restaurants for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks
• Tips on what’s happening in the parks
• Trivia games to play against other parks guests

New content will continue to be added to the Mobile Magic application as the attractions and opportunities at the Disney parks and resorts continue to evolve.

Exclusive to Verizon Wireless customers, Mobile Magic is available for download and purchase for $9.99 for a 180-day subscription*.  Verizon Wireless customers can also text MAGIC to 2777 to purchase the application on a wide variety of feature phones. Download and message charges may apply.  Airtime or megabyte data charges may apply when browsing, downloading and using certain applications.

Mobile Magic, marking a first in both the travel and mobile industries, is the outgrowth of a new multi-year relationship between Disney Parks and Verizon Wireless aimed at enhancing the park experience.  Verizon Wireless continues to invest in its nationwide wireless network, and the relationship with Disney means Verizon Wireless users will benefit from further enhancements to the Verizon Wireless network in the parks.

Guests are currently using Verizon Wireless’ technology with Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an ultra-interactive attraction at Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort.

Guests who are not Verizon Wireless customers can access select information, such as park hours, attraction information, entertainment schedules and dining information, through the new m.disneyworld.com and m.disneyland.com mobile Web sites with their browser-enabled phones.

*Message and data rates may apply.  Coverage not available everywhere.  Availability subject to handset limitations.  If you’re under 18, get your parent’s permission first.  Valid theme park admission required.

Walt Disney World Press Release

The lobby is shockingly small compared to most or the other resorts and from the perceived amount of the accommodations. But the cozy size of the lobby really creates the sense of the “Welcome Home” mentality. Great decor and a focus on savannah opposite the main entrance to the lobby. just a note there isn’t a quick/counter service dinning on premises the store just off the lobby is where you can use your refillable mug.

Before we go out the the Savannah we will go downstairs to the lower level where Sanaa is located.

Sanaa’s cuisine is a melting pot of tastes from the islands of the Indian Ocean that all are part of Africa – Zanzibar, the Seychelles, Comoro Islands, Mauritius and Madagascar. “These islands were on important trade routes with influences from French, Portuguese, Dutch, British, Arab and Chinese traders,” said Chef Bob Getchell. “The diverse spices and flavors give us an endless array of options for Sanaa.”

Overview of the Sanaa Restaurant

Sanaa Opening Menu

the warm and inviting atmosphere of the restaurant along with it’s off the beaten track feel will probably be one of those hidden gems at Walt Disney World for the next few years.

With great daytime views of the Savannah daylight dining will provide some great possibilities for viewing the animals out there.

Personally this is where this resort shines! the enclosed Savannah is already providing lots of opportunity to have great viewing of the animals. Along with the large windows and a few balconies to get a good view of the the Savannah ( even if you don’t have a Savannah view room there is as a viewing area that is protruding a good 60 yards from the Lobby area with a fire pit and some seating. This is a great spot to view the animals and also get to interact with the keepers of the animals. while we were there they were training the Giraffes and Ostrich to search for food in specific locations. ( near the guests of course ) .

[View with PicLens]

12►

The Water park area looks like it might be a economic option for the Full Water Theme Parks at WDW. All the Kids were enjoying all the amenities of the park.

All in all I look forward to getting back to the Kidani Village and giving Sanaa a try next time I am at WDW.

This year the menus locations and portion sizes have been modified. Most notable is the the Wharf doesn not seem to be the hub of all the Food action for the regular guest. In previous years the “Seasonal” Asian Kitchen was used to serve up small sample sized dishes. It appears that this location is not being used at all.

Instead the portions have increased in size to full meal sizes at various locations around the park (see below) and the Cove Bar located above Ariel’s Grotto has been given a full appetizer menu. These Changes are very interesting. I wonder if it is due to the amount of construction going on at DCA and they are trying to spread the extra crowds around the park or if this is an experiment due to feed back from the guests of the previous years?

I for one am looking forward to to the changes except I would have liked to keep the sample sized offerings. It was great to have them all in one locations but I would be quite satisfied to have them spead through out the park. All in all I think this is a great event for DCA and look forward to taking part in the event s during Westfest next weekend!

Cove Bar F&W Menu

Fried Calamari

served with Tangy Chipotle Sauce
$10.99

Buffalo Wings

a full pound of fiery Chicken Wings served with blue cheese Dipping sauce
$10.49

Artichoke Dip

a creamy blend of Artichoke hearts Spinach and Romano served with Tortilla chips
$8.99

Lobster Nachos

Tender Lobster pieces atop fresh Corn Tortilla Chips smothered in black beans, Tomatoes Roasted Poblano Peppers , Cilantro and Jack and Cheddar Cheeses
$10.99

Crab Cakes

Served with citrus-mayonnaise Dressing and Lime Wedges
$10.79

Barbecue Chicken Pizza

Thin Crust and Topped with Jack Cheese, Tender Chunks of Grilled Chicken and hearty Barbecue sauce
$9.99

Chilled Seafood Martini

Scallops Shrimp Dungeness Crab tossed with Fresh mangoes Red and Green Onions Serrano Chillies, Fresh Cilantro, Avocado, yuzu Juice and house made Tortilla chips
$10.99

Trio of Sliders

Featuring Lobster, Pulled Pork and Pepper Crusted Tenderloin
$14.00

Pacific Wharf Area

Cafe Bakery F&W Menu

White Cheddar Cheese Soup

Featuring Karl Strauss Pale Ale in a Sourdough Bread Bowl

Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill F&W Menu

Chicken Tamales

Two Chicken tamales topped with Green Chilli-tomatillo Sauce, Shredded cheese accompanied by Mexican rice and refried beans, Pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream

Deluce de Leche Empananada

with tropical Fruit

Farmers Market F&W Menu

Garlic and Red Bell Pepper Hummus with Tabbouleh Salad

with fresh vegetables and mini Boundin breadsticks

$7.49

Widmer Hefenweizen $6.75

Stella Artois $6.75

Award Wieners F&W Menu

Riviera Lobster Salad in Brioche Baguette with Chips

Prized as the King of Crustaceans! Divine mixture of lobster, Celery , onions, garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, herbs and seasonings served chilled in a Brioche Baguette

$8.99

Chalone Chardonnay $8.50

Canyon Road Merlot $7.75

Widmer Hefeweizen $6.75

Stella Artois $6.75

Taste Pilots Grill:

Tataki Salad ( Seared Ahi Tuna)

Ahi Tuna marinated and seared medium rare atop a blend of Napa Cabbage, Romaine, Thai Basil, Sugar Snap Peas and Red Peppers, garnished with Orange Segments, Cucumbers, Carrots, Green Onions, Toasted Almonds and wasabi Aioli Served with a our Citus Ponzu Vinaigrette.

$9.99

New Harbor Savignon Blanc $8.75

Morello Sagiovese $7.50

Widmer Hefeweizen $6.75

Stella Artois $6.75

Pizza Oom Mow Mow F&W Menu

Chicken Panzaratti

Ravioli filled with fresh chicken, lightly tossed in taleggio-parmigiano sauce and topped with sun dried tomatoes and basil

$8.99

Lasorda Pinot Grigio $7.75

Lasorda Chianti $7.50

Widmer Hefeweizen $6.50

Stella Artois $6.50

Big thanks to our buddy JohnDUB for the on the ground info this morning.

Find more info on the the rest of the events and happenings here

 

 

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Anaheim Chamber Of Commerce

201 E. Center Street Anaheim, CA 92805

 

Enjoy the Appetizing Blend of Great Food, Drink, and Music at the 14th Annual Taste of Anaheim

On Thursday evening, May 14th, The Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk will be the beautiful backdrop for the 14th Annual Taste of Anaheim.

Five thousand people are expected to attend this premier food, wine and music experience and will sample foods from over 50 fine restaurants in Anaheim and Orange County. Some of this year’s delectable tastes will come from Ruth Chris Steakhouse, California Pizza Kitchen, Bubba Gumps, McCormick & Schmick’s, Rain Forest Café, Naples Restaurant, Catal Restaurant, Tortilla Jo’s, Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, and Alcatraz Brewing Company just to name a few!

“The Taste of Anaheim is an excellent way for the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce to help promote the fine dining establishments that we have within the City of Anaheim,” said Anaheim Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Ament. “The people who attend always have a great time with the huge variety of restaurants to choose and taste from, and our participating restaurants are always pleased with the great attendance and response from the community.

What better place to host this year’s Taste of Anaheim than The Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk - OC’s New Hot Spot for Fashion, Food, & Fun! The unique surroundings of spectacular waterfalls, and elaborate gardens will bring this year’s Taste of Anaheim to a new level of excitement and ambience. With performances from America’s Got Talent Finalist Eli Mattson, Film at Eleven, and the Oreo Divas, the crowd will surely be dancing the night away.

 

2009 Participating Restaurants Include:

 

 

 

    * 195 Downtown Grill

    * Berkely’s Backyard BBQ

    * Casa 7 Mares

    * Dream Cakes

    * Mix Restaurant & Lounge Hilton Anaheim

    * Kelly’s Coffee & Fudge

    * K’ya Restaurant

    * Pepz Pizza & Eatery

    * Rubios Fresh Mexican Grill

    * Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

    * Storytellers Café

    * Naples Ristorante

    * Mama Cozza’s Italian Inn

    * Java Jean Bar

    * Ten Ten Seafood Restaurant

    * Dave & Busters

    * Mimi’s Café

    * Ruby’s Diner 

    * Rainforest Café

    * Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen

    * Café Orleans

    * Tortilla Jo’s

    * Bar Louie Tavern & Grill

    * Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

    * California Pizza Kitchen

    * McCormick & Schmicks Grille

    * Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

    * Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine

    * Alcatraz Brewing Co.

    * Lucky Strike Lanes

    * Mr. Stox Restaurant

    * La Brea Bakery

    * Mustache Mikes Gourmet Italian Ice

    * PF Changs

    * Pop the Cork

    * House of Blues

    * 300 Anaheim 

 

 

For information on sponsorships, tickets, or volunteer opportunities, go to www.tasteofanaheim.com or call the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce at (714) 758-0222.

A few weeks ago, the travelears alerted its subscribers to a new dining initiative called Picnic in the Park.  

(Original Story Link)

 

Since then, there has been an enormous amount of chatter within the Disney online community regarding Animal Kingdom’s new initiative and I thought that this would be an opportune time to share a Disney blog site link that I regularly read that recently provided a first hand review of this new dining opportunity. The writers of this blog are Orlando based, work within the Disney travel industry and can be relied upon for accurate, non biased reviews of what is happening within the parks.

The author of this blog post Kathy Werling who is a excellent Disney blogger and part of the crew of the Dis Unplugged Podcast. Her indepth review of Picnic in the Park can be found here and will clear up many of the confusing reports currently out there regarding this unique dining option:  Picnic in the Park at Animal Kingdom Blog

Enjoy the review and if you enjoy Kathy’s review please leave a comment on her post.

Aj

From today to June 7, 2009, a World Celebration comes to Disneyland Resort. This six-week festival showcases California’s rich fusion of flavors. Enjoy cooking demonstrations, seminars and recipes that reflect the Golden State’s regional and culinary diversity at the Fourth Annual Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival.

The line up this year in California looks to be better than ever, with larger food portions of all of our favourites including the delicious sliders, cheddar cheese soup and Lobster pops.

More than 600 complimentary experiences will be available at the fourth annual Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival, including culinary demonstrations, children’s programs and wine and spirits seminars. In addition, food and wine aficionados will get tips from Disneyland Resort chefs, mingle with noted winemakers and celebrate at the spectacular ticketed events, including the gala Festival finale “Taste Food-Wine-Life.”

Featured celebrity chefs, including Guy Fieri of the Food Network, along with nearly 100 Disneyland Resort chefs will conduct cooking demonstrations that showcase their talents and an international mix of delectable dishes. Guests will collect cooking tips while they watch the pros in action, discovering new twists on timeless classics and sampling the festival cuisine. Guests will also taste delicious festival-inspired dishes at the Wine Country Trattoria, Pacific Wharf Café, Farmer’s Market and other eateries inside Disney’s California Adventure park.

Guests will enjoy several new signature events this year.
• Behind the Scenes With… – Unique opportunities to share food, wine and conversation with cooking personalities from popular television programs and celebrity winemakers. The stars include Guy Fieri (“Guy’s Big Bite”), Keegan Geerhard (“Food Network Challenge), Tommy Lasorda (Lasorda Wines), and John and Nancy Lasseter (Lasseter Family Winery). The evenings begin with tasty appetizers and exquisite wines, followed by question-and-answer sessions hosted a special chef.

• Sweet Sundays – The sweetest of all events features a light buffet breakfast and sparkling wine at the Golden Vine Winery at Disney’s California Adventure. Guests will see demonstrations and taste three signature desserts created by acclaimed pastry chefs, including chefs from Sweet Cheeks Baking Co. in San Diego and Cake Monkey Bakery in Los Angeles.

• Festival Wine Walks ¬ Guests will explore wines of the world, or a single region, when they purchase a tasting passport and select up to four tastes of spectacular wines. A tasting tour that features craft brews will also be available. Delicious wine country tapas that complement the beer and wine will be available at The Lounge at the Golden Vine Winery.

• World Celebration Dinners – Disneyland Resort chefs will create an elegant menu that blends the food, wine and celebrations of regions around the world. France, Japan, Korea, Italy and Spain will be featured.

• Master Sommelier Michael Jordan, of the award-winning Napa Rose restaurant, will add a new class to his “Introduction to Wine Tasting.” The “Advanced Wine Class” includes three two-hour sessions that take guests to the next level in their knowledge of wine regions, varietals, growing and harvesting techniques. Both entertaining classes will offer training as well as a blind tasting to test the participants’ skills.

Events returning for 2009 feature Disneyland Resort chefs and premier winemakers.
• Winemaker Dinners – Disneyland Resort chefs will partner with premier California winemakers to prepare outstanding culinary delights at six exclusive “Winemaker Dinners,” on selected Friday nights. Each Festival meal will be paired with award-winning vintages and served at Steakhouse 55, inside the Disneyland Hotel.

• Napa Rose Cooking School – Disney Executive Chef Andrew Sutton will once again lead this hands-on course that sells out quickly. Each class will create and enjoy a themed meal paired with wines and each class member will go home with an official chef’s coat to commemorate the experience. This amazing opportunity takes place in the show kitchen of the renowned Napa Rose restaurant at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Guests must be at least 18 years of age.

• Festival Wine Receptions – Guests will have an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful sunset and weekend evening under the stars, on the patio of the Golden Vine Winery inside Disney’s California Adventure park. While sampling from a variety of selected wines and enjoying hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, guests will meet fellow wine enthusiasts, make new friends and discover new favorite wines.

If your intending to join us at Westfest, make sure that you check out the following locations:

Festival Welcome Center Presented by AARP

The Sunshine Plaza serves as the hub for all festival information including daily event schedules and same-day reservations – if available.

Festival-Inspired Dining

Enjoy festival inspirations at Wine Country Trattoria, Pizza Oom Mow Mow, Pacific Wharf Café, Farmer’s Market, Award Wieners and Taste Pilots’ Grill. Expertly paired wines and beer are also available.

Festival Wine Shop & Bistro

Shop for spectacular bottles of wines or enjoy a glass on the outdoor Lower Patio of the Golden Vine Winery. Open daily. For your convenience, bottles will be delivered to Package Pickup.

Festival Gift Shop

Shop for specially designed Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival merchandise to commemorate your visit.

The Lounge at the Golden Vine Winery

Relax on the Upper Terrace of the Golden Vine Winery and enjoy outstanding wines from California and international vineyards. Wine flights are offered by varietal, location or theme. Wine-country tapas are available for purchase.

NEW! Festival Wine Walks

Take a tasting tour of the finest wine regions and travel the globe without ever leaving the Festival. Each walk’s tasting-passport offers up to four tastings from around the world or a single region.

The following image is this years California Food and Wine Festival Map:

Festival events held in Disney’s California Adventure may require park admission, which is not included in the event price. Some events require an additional fee and pre-registration. For details and pricing information, visit www.disneyland.com/foodandwine.

Don’t forget that the travelears will be visiting this great event during its opening week, so stay tuned for our exclusive reviews.

We look forward to sharing a slider and a glass of Napa red with all of you during the festivities at Westfest ’09.

Enjoy,

Aj

 

Typoon Lagoon (Image Courtesy of the Walt Disney Company)

 

 

Hi guys, just read this great article by Kelly Shannon at the Examiner.com. This is an extract of part 1 of 3 of a full review of Disney’s pools.

Enjoy, AJ

 

Disney is synonymous with family fun, but did you know Florida’s Disney resorts and parks have some of the most innovative pools on Earth? One of my favorite places to go when I’m really stressed out (such as after April 15th!) is Typhoon Lagoon. While the rest of the family frolics all over the park, I’m content to spend the entire day reclining on an inner tube going ‘round and ‘round in Castaway Creek, a 2,100-foot river circling the park through gorgeous colorful flowers, misty rain forest and a hidden grotto. At least my family knows exactly where to find me…

 

Upon entering Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, a 53-acre themed water park, visitors find themselves in a tin-roofed village cluttered with marine wreckage and cargo left by a big storm. In Shark Reef, swimmers come face-to-face with colorful creatures when they snorkel through a 362,000-gallon saltwater pool filled with brightly-colored tropical fish. Other guests can watch the snorkelers through the underwater portholes of a wrecked ship in the center of the reef. Three water slides drop guests down a mountain at speeds up to 30 mph and three different rafting adventures provide even more water fun. A lagoon boasts one of the world’s largest artificially created waves for body surfing.  

 

Kelly’s full article can be found here: Disney’s cool pools – part 1 of a 3-part series

Image Courtesy of Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World has rolled out a first-of-its-kind service designed to let even blind guests “see” its famed attractions.

Called “audio description,” the service provides visually impaired vacationers with a narrative depiction of the scenes that unfold as they move through rides such as the Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion or Pirates of the Caribbean.

It is the latest feature added to a proprietary, wireless system that Disney World initially developed to help disabled guests. The system also includes features for deaf and hard-of-hearing guests, such as amplified sound and hand-held captions.

Through a three-year contract that was recently renewed, Disney licenses the technology to Houston-based Softeq Development Corp., which markets the system to everyone from other tourist attractions to timber companies.

The system relies on a series of remote, infrared sensors and a durable, hand-held device initially built to withstand drops to the ground, rain and other liquid intrusion, and all manner of other punishment dished out during a day in a theme park.

For the rest of Jason Garcia’s story…please go to the Orlando Sentinel

 

 

Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa

If you are a regular listener to the podcast, you will know that I like to occasionally venture out of the “Disney Bubble” to experience the other fine attractions that Florida has to offer. During a WDW trip in 2008, I had the opportunity to visit Busch Gardens at Tampa with my family and had a fantastic day.

 

The following guide has been prepared by the PR people at Busch, and it will give you a great insight into this amazing park. Give Busch Gardens a try during your next visit, you may be pleasantly surprised. 

 

Enjoy Aj

 

PS/ When you drive to Tampa make sure that you call into Mels Hot Dogs.

Dont be fooled by it less than auspicious exterior, this small hot dog joint offers some of the best fast food that you will experience in Florida. So call into Mels on the way back to WDW, order a famous Chicago Style Mighty Mel and tell them that Aj sent ya…..

 

 

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY GUIDE 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Overview: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure park offering an array

of fascinating attractions based on exotic encounters with the African continent.

A unique blend of thrilling rides, one of the country’s premier zoos featuring more

than 2,000 animals, live shows, restaurants, shops and games, Busch Gardens

Tampa Bay provides unrivaled excitement for guests of every age.

 

WHAT’S NEW

Jungala: Discover a colorful village, nestled among towering trees, flowing

waterways and elaborate stone structures. Explore a 3-story play land of climbing

nets, mazes and exploration tunnels, soar above the treetops on a zip line

adventure or launch into the sky from inside a 35-foot waterfall. Then, connect

up close with exotic jungle animals. Come face-to-face with orangutans and test

your strength in a tug of war with a Bengal tiger. It’s an unforgettable adventure

and an extraordinary mix of discovery and fun in the only jungle in the world that

plays with you.

 

Serengeti Night Safari: Start your nighttime safari in the Edge of Africa

witnessing feedings and the active nocturnal behaviors of hippos, lions and hyenas

lit only by moonlight and lanterns. Then, on the Serengeti Plain, use night-vision

monoculars and special filtered lighting to view free-roaming herds of giraffes,

zebra, rhinos and other intriguing African animals. The tour begins and ends in

the exclusive Safari Club, with savory appetizers and beverages and a night cap

complete with coffee and desserts. The Serengeti Night Safari begins after sunset

on select Friday and Saturday nights and costs $59.99 per person, plus tax. Guests

must be 21 years of age or older to participate.

 

LOGISTICS

Location: - Corner of Busch Boulevard and 40th Street

- Two miles east of Interstate 275 at the Busch Boulevard exit

- Two miles west of Interstate 75 at exit 54

- One hour from Orlando via Interstate 4 West

- Thirty minutes east of area beaches and Tampa International Airport

 

Park Hours: Normal park hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. within a 365-day operating schedule.

Hours are extended during select weekend, summer and holiday periods.

 

Admission: Adult admission is $69.95 plus tax. Children ages 3 to 9 are $59.95 plus tax.

Children 2 and younger are admitted for free. A variety of combination tickets

and Passport Memberships are available. Prices are subject to change without

notice. Discounts available for guests with disabilities, senior citizens, military

personnel and AAA members.

 

Parking: Spaces are available to cars for $11, motorcycles for $11 and trucks and campers

for $13. Tour buses are free. Preferred parking convenient to the front gate is

also available to day guests for $16 and annual passport members for $8. Valet

parking at the front gate is $20, or $18 for passport members. Annual passport

members park free in standard lots.

 

Information: For general park information, call 1-888-800-5447, or visit the interactive Web site

at www.buschgardens.com

For our Animal Information Database, visit www.buschgardens.org

 

Services: Strollers, wheelchairs, lockers and pet kennels are available for rental. Wheelchair

seating is available at all facilities, and assisted listening devices are offered at

several attractions. Diaper-changing and baby-nursing areas, first aid, automated

teller machine, and taxi and bus parking may be found on-site.

 

Tickets:

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers print-at-home tickets that allow guests to

directly enter the park without waiting in line. Go to www.buschgardens.com to

purchase tickets.

 

Terrific Tuesdays: On Tuesdays, AARP members receive an $8 discount off admission to Busch

Gardens Tampa Bay. Every other day of the week, AARP members receive $3 off

park admission with membership card.

 

Private Events: As one of the world’s largest and most popular adventure parks, Busch Gardens

offers the best in hospitality, as well as a unique environment for any event. We

have a wide variety of venues, entertainment options and appetizing catering

selections. Our professional staff will accommodate all your needs, whether it’s a

breakfast for 100 or a private night function for 10,000. We can also create

memorable wedding receptions, corporate retreats and upscale banquets.

 

DINING HIGHLIGHTS

Crown Colony House Restaurant: Relax in air-conditioned comfort and take in a panoramic view of the

Serengeti Plain while you enjoy courteous full table service, authentic African roadhouse ambiance and a

diverse menu that includes delicious upscale entrees, refreshing salads and hearty sandwiches all house-made

with the freshest ingredients by our culinary team.

 

Bengal Bistro: Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious lunch as your young adventurers explore Jungala. Bengal

Bistro—the newly remodeled Vivi Restaurant—is the perfect place to view Jungala’s village. At this cafeteriastyle

bistro, the Busch Gardens’ culinary staff prepares your lunch fresh, offering Catch of the Jungle fish, wraps

and sandwiches, salads and vegetarian options.

 

Orang Café: Watch endangered Bornean orangutans swing across their habitat from the patio of Orang Café.

Whether it is snack items or entrees, Orang Café’s menu is designed to be “kid-siderate.” Children will

appreciate the family-friendly menu items like “dirt sundaes,” chicken “stripes” and bug candy. The menu also

includes assorted fresh fruit, wraps and other entrees.

 

Zambia Smokehouse: Witness the power of SheiKra —America’s first dive coaster—as you dine on delicious

barbeque. The new 500-seat indoor/outdoor Zambia Smokehouse makes guests part of the action, as diners sit

directly beneath the wings of the new roller coaster. Entrees include chicken, beef brisket and the park’s

famous ribs, all slow-smoked for hours over real hickory and oak.

 

Desert Grill: Palatial architecture, exotic entertainment and air-conditioned comfort come together to make

your meal at the Desert Grill truly unforgettable. Watch a live performance while you dine on outstanding

entrees like Baby Back Ribs or Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo — all served fast and fresh. You’ll also find specialty

salads, hot and hearty sandwiches, delectable desserts and a complete kid’s menu.

 

Sultan’s Sweets: Start your day at Busch Gardens with a steaming cup of gourmet coffee and muffins,

cinnamon buns and pastries made fresh daily in the park. Stroll through the shop and feast your eyes on an

incredible array of sweet treats including hand-made candies, cakes and the deliciously decadent Wild

Indulgence Fudge.

 

RIDES

SheiKra: North America’s first dive coaster sends riders through a breathtaking three-minute journey 200

feet up, then 90 degrees straight down — and that’s just the beginning. “Floorless” cars give riders an

unobstructed view of the 70 mph rush, and SheiKra was the first dive coaster to incorporate an Immelmann

loop (a simultaneous loop and roll), a second, 138-foot vertical drop into an underground tunnel and a water

feature finale, all packed into a half-mile of steel track.

 

Kumba: After the blood-curdling thrill of an initial 135 foot drop, you will plunge from 110 feet into a diving

loop, feel a full 3 seconds of absolute weightlessness while spiraling 360 degrees, and tear through one of the

world’s largest vertical loops.

 

Montu: Feel the ultimate rush on one of the tallest and longest inverted roller coasters in the world! Experience

the thrill of an inverse diving loop and a 60-foot vertical loop while you endure speeds of more than 60 miles per

hour and a G-force of 3.85.

 

Gwazi: Challenge the dueling forces of Gwazi: two wooden tracks intertwined into the Southeast’s largest and

fastest double wooden roller coaster. Boasting more than 1.25 million board feet of lumber, Gwazi’s Lion and

Tiger tracks offer two distinct ride experiences.

 

Cheetah Chase: Families will love the curves, drops and corkscrews of Cheetah Chase, a five-story “wild mouse”

style coaster in Timbuktu. With its top speed of 22 mph and 46” height requirement, Cheetah Chase is the

perfect ride for a child’s first coaster experience.

 

Scorpion: Feel the “sting” of Scorpion’s terrifying 60-foot drop and 360-degree loop at incredible speeds.

The Wild Surge: Launch out of a 35-foot mountain crater up above a towering waterfall for a thrilling view of

Jungala’s village below.

 

Jungle Flyers: Young adventurers choose from three different flight patterns to soar 50 feet above Jungala’s

village.

 

Rhino Rally: This wild jeep tour transports guests aboard an off-road adventure through the wilds of Africa,

blending up-close animal encounters with an unpredictable safari competition.

 

Congo River Rapids: Encounter the swift-flowing white water of the Congo River Rapids. Spin through a geyser

and face an ominous waterfall and other thrilling obstacles in a 12-person raft.

 

Stanley Falls: Our Log Flume whisks your whole family through a splashing trip ending in a 40-foot drop that’s

sure to get you soaked!

 

Tanganyika Tidal Wave: Watch out when your seemingly tranquil jungle journey aboard a 20-passenger boat ends

with a sudden plunge down a 55-foot drop, creating a tidal wave that gets everyone sopping wet.

 

SHOWS

“KaTonga: Musical Tales From the Jungle” takes you on a journey to the heart of Africa in a 35-minute

musical celebration of animal folklore. The show follows a day in the lives of aspiring storytellers, called

Griots, as they strive to become masters of their craft. To accomplish this rite of passage, the performers

evoke traditional African stories that mesmerize and entertain! Masterful puppet design, magical folklore,

energetic original music and spectacular African-inspired dance combine to create the first theme park show

of Broadway-production caliber.

 

Rock A Doo Wop: This all-new show at the Marrakesh Theater features the greatest hits of the ’50s and ’60s,

performed by eight talented singers and dancers. Guests will enjoy favorite songs like “This Magic Moment”

and “Sherry” as they travel back in time to the doo-wop era.

 

Pirates 4-D: A swashbuckling 4-D comedy for the entire family, the Caribbean caper combines the latest 4-D

special-effects technology with multi-sensory theater effects to thrill guests of all ages. The 750-seat Timbuktu

Theater features four digital projectors that run simultaneously, and guests wear 3-D glasses to view the visual

effects that allow the film action to vault off the screen. Surround-sound speakers built into the seats and special

effects, including wind and sprays of water, further immerse the audience in this treasure-hunt adventure.

 

Mystic Sheiks of Morocco: Snap your fingers and move your feet to the music of this high-energy brass and

percussion marching band.

 

ANIMAL ATTRACTIONS

Serengeti Plain: This habitat features hundreds of exotic African animals that can be seen from the Serengeti

Express Railway, Skyride, Serengeti Safari and various walkways. The 65-acre environment includes expansive

berms, the largest of which is four acres; tiered and open landscapes covered with native and African

grasses, scrub trees and shrubs; rock outcroppings and bluffs replicating natural formations; and naturalistic

creek beds and mud banks.

 

Myombe Reserve: Enter the lush forest where gorillas and chimpanzees can be viewed in this naturalistic

rainforest habitat. Tour the Great Ape Domain amid waterfalls and through shrouds of mist and fog to get an

up-close look at these majestic primates.

 

Edge of Africa: This habitat offers an intense walking safari where guests can experience hippopotamus,

lions, lemurs, meerkats, crocodiles and lappet-faced vultures in natural habitats themed around an

abandoned African fishing village.

 

Jambo Junction: The former Busch Gardens’ Nairobi Field Station now allows greater interaction between

guests and the park’s animal ambassadors. The new area is called Jambo Junction, a name inspired by a

Swahili greeting. At Jambo Junction, you can participate in animal feedings, lessons in husbandry and

behavior training. Featured animals include Caribbean flamingos, lemurs, cuscuses, sloths and opossums.

 

Bird Gardens: Soar over to our Bird Gardens area to check out almost 500 tropical birds from around the

globe. You can enjoy the Wild Wings of Africa show, see our feather-filled aviary, and experience the

powerful presence of bald and golden eagles in Eagle Canyon. After the show you can talk to conservation

educators about how to attract birds to your own backyard.

 

Lory Landing: The domed habitat showcases a variety of brilliantly colored birds including several species of

parrots, including lorikeets, as well as hornbills and pheasants in both free flight and observational

environments.

 

Clydesdale Hamlet: Guests can pose for a picture with one of the World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales during

daily photo and petting sessions.

 

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

Tree Top Trails: With climbing nets, bridges, crawl tubes and a multi-level maze for bigger kids, plus a waterplay

area for younger children, this 3-story family play area allows visitors to explore the different levels of

jungle life.

 

Land of the Dragons: Includes our three-story-tall tree house, an enchanted forest, one-of-a-kind slides, a

gentle waterfall, wonderful rides and, of course, friendly dragons! The Land of the Dragons’ stage features a

family-friendly show staring Dumphrey the dragon and friends.

 

Serengeti Express Train: See the beauty of the Serengeti Plains as you make a round-trip journey from our

Nairobi train station on the Serengeti Express Train.

 

King Tut’s Tomb: Travel back in time to the mysteries of King Tut’s Tomb. You’ll get to visit a realistic

replication of King Tut’s burial site as it was being excavated in the 1920s. The park’s Egypt area also includes

an area for kids to do their own digging.

 

Skyride: View the spectacular scenery as you fly through the air in a cable car that runs between the Crown

Colony area and the Congo on the opposite side of the park.

 

EDUCATIONAL TOURS AND PROGRAMS

Serengeti Safari: For animal enthusiasts, we offer half hour Serengeti Safari tours daily. This open truck tour

offers guests a unique look at our Serengeti Plain habitat and the opportunity to feed giraffes, antelopes and

birds by hand! Encounter African wildlife up close with a Busch Gardens education specialist as your guide.

Cost of the tour is $33.99 per person plus tax in addition to park admission.

 

Heart of Jungala Tour: Go deep into the heart of Jungala with this 30-minute behind-the-scenes tour. With a

knowledgeable zoo educator as your tour guide, you will quickly become an animal expert as you go face-to

face with endangered Bengal tigers and Bornean orangutans. On this walking tour, you will also witness

behavior training and interactions led by the keepers. Cost of the tour is $33.99 per person, and a portion of

the proceeds will benefit the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.

 

Family-Friendly Safari: This half hour open truck tour is geared for families with small children. It offers

guests an opportunity to meet an animal ambassador, as well as a unique look at our Serengeti Plain habitat

hosted by a Busch Gardens’ tour guide. Encounter African wildlife up close and hand-feed giraffes! Cost of

the tour is $33.99 per person plus tax in addition to park admission.

 

Sundowner Safari: As the sun sets over the Serengeti Plain and the day’s adventure draws to a close, experience an

animal encounter unlike any Busch Gardens has ever offered. It begins in the Crown Colony’s Brew Master’s Club,

where guests can sample premium lagers. Then, the journey continues on the park’s 65-acre Serengeti Plain, where

participants will hand-feed giraffes and encounter other African wildlife while indulging in Anheuser-Busch’s worldclass

beers. This 45-minute tour is offered daily for $39.99 per person, plus tax, for ages 21 and older with proper

identification.

 

Animal Adventure Tours: Experience the ultimate adventure during our two-hour behind-the-scenes Animal

Adventure Tour, featuring some of the park’s most famous animals. The tour combines a walking safari with

an off-road truck tour, hosted by a Busch Gardens education specialist and animal care staff. Cost of the tour

is $119.99 per person plus tax in addition to park admission.

 

Saving a Species: During this 45-minute safari, guests can meet giraffes up close, observe some truly wild

behavior from our white rhinos, and then meet our famous black rhinos. Talk to zookeepers who are working

to save these endangered species, and learn about the different conservation efforts that Busch Gardens and

the World Wildlife Fund are making to protect wild places. Cost of the tour is $44.99 per person plus tax in

addition to park admission, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit World Wildlife Fund conservation

projects.

 

Keeper For A Day: Go behind-the-scenes and get a crash course in Zoo Keeping 101! This program gives you

the opportunity to experience one of the coolest careers in the world — be a zookeeper at Busch Gardens

Tampa Bay. Your adventure begins early in the morning by assisting zookeepers feed, train and care for the

animals that inhabit the Serengeti Plain; including birds, antelope and giraffes. Cost of the tour is $350.00

each, tax included in addition to park admission.

 

Busch Gardens Adventure Camps: Busch Gardens’ education department also offers many summer classes,

sleepover opportunities, residential programs and adventure camps for kids of all ages, as well as the whole

family. For information, call (877)-BGT-CAMP or e-mail education@buschgardens.org.

 

GUIDED TOURS

Animal Adventure: Are you up to the next challenge? Can you handle the extreme? This tour combines a walking

safari with an off-road truck tour right to the heart of Busch Gardens. Cost for both adults and children are

$119.99 each plus tax.

 

Guided Adventure: Love animals? Can’t get enough coasters? Trek through Busch Gardens with an expert guide.

The cost for adults is $149.95 each plus tax, and for children the cost is $119.95 plus tax.

 

Thrill-Seekers: Thrill-Seekers Tours are semi-private 3-hour guided tours that include front of the line access to

all major rides and attractions, including Gwazi, Montu, Kumba, SheiKra, Congo River Rapids and Tanganyika

Tidal Wave. The cost for adults is $99.95 plus tax, and for children the cost is $79.95 each plus tax.

 

Elite Adventure Tour: This unique, 8-hour private tour begins with you and your private tour guide creating your

day’s adventure. Then, you are off to experience it VIP style with front-of-the-line access to most major rides,

reserved seating to the world-class Katonga show, lunch at the upper-level Crown Colony Restaurant and a oneof-

a-kind experience hand-feeding a giraffe on our Serengeti Safari tour.

 

Tour components and prices are subject to change without notice. Tours must be canceled a minimum of 48

hours in advance or total payment is forfeited and a tour voucher will be issued. Park admission is required, but

not included. For reservations, call (813) 984-4043 or (813) 984-4073, or e-mail Bgt.viptours@buschgardens.com

 

Busch Entertainment Corporation (BEC) operates 10 Worlds of Discovery, including SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island in Tampa Bay and Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA in Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove and Aquatica in Orlando; and Sesame Place near Philadelphia. BEC, the  family entertainment division of Anheuser-Busch InBev, plays host to 25 million guests each year and employs 26,000 people nationwide. To learn more about the Worlds of Discovery, visit www.4adventure.com or call toll-free (800)4ADVENTURE. Additionally, the BEC created the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, a non-profit, private charitable foundation committed to supporting wildlife and habitat conservation, research, education and animal rescue programs worldwide.

I found this list created by Todd DeFeo (Atlanta Leisure Travel Examiner).  What do you think of it?  In your opinion, what are Walt  Disney World’s best attractions?

• Spaceship Earth: Not so much the ride itself as the fact it’s located in Epcot Center’s centerpiece.
• Walt Disney World Railroad and Main Street Vehicles: Arguably, if not for the railroad, Disneyland never would have been built. The Disneyland Railroad was a Walt Disney favorite, and the WDWRR would have been as well.
• Jungle Cruise: Filled with wry humor, this is a true Disney classic.
• Space Mountain: Since 1975, Space Mountain has whisked space travelers around Tomorrowland.
• Splash Mountain: One of the newer classics at the Magic Kingdom, join Br’er Rabbit and friends for a trip through the briar patch.
• Hollywood Tower of Terror: Based on the classic television show, the Tower of Terror features one of the best finishes ever.
• It’s a Small World: Since its introduction at the 1964 World’s Fair, It’s a Small World has been one of the most widely recognized attractions.
• Haunted Mansion: There are 999 happy haunts. There is room for 1,000.
• Pirates of the Caribbean: The last attraction that Walt Disney himself personally worked on, the attraction has spawned a successful movie franchise.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: “Hang on to your personal belongings, now – especially them hats and glasses, cause this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness.”

For Todd’s reasons for including the above in the list and his opinion…please check his article.

Image Courtey of Disney-Pixar

You saw the video here a few weeks ago…here’s Disney’s press release with the details…

Image Courtesy of Walt Disney World

The lunch and dinner menus have become available for Sanaa, the new Animal Kingdom restaurant -

Lunch Menu

Indian Style Bread Service
(Choice of 3 breads and 3 accompaniments)
Serves Two $8.99

Breads: Naan, Roti, Paratha, Paneer Paratha

Accompaniments: Mint and Onion Raita, Cucumber Raita, Coriander Chutney, Mango Chutney, Garlic-Ginger Pickle, Mango-Lime Pickle, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus, Tamarind Chutney

Appetizers

Sampler for Two – Potato and Pea Samosa, Lamb Kefta, Roasted Cauliflower $14.99

Paneer Cheese – with pickled eggplant and coriander chutney $6.99

Lamb Kefta – with tamarind and dried papaya sauce $8.99

Roasted Cauliflower – with tomato sauce $5.49

Potato and Pea Samosas – with choice of tamarind or mango chutney $7.99

Salad Sampler
Choice of Three Salads $6.99

Roasted Beets
Okra, Radish, and Tomato
Chickpeas with cucumber and tomato
Carrot, orange, and mint
Roasted potato, corn and spinach

Soups

Tomato and Paneer Cheese $5.49
Seasonal Soup $6.99

From the Tandoor Ovens

Tandoori Chicken – wrapped in Naan bread with minted greens, tomato, and cucumber yogurt raita $14.99

Tandoori Sustainable Fish – wrapped in Naan bread with minted greens, tomato, and cucumber yogurt raita $18.99

African Cooking with Indian Flavors

Dum Biryani – fresh vegetables and basmati rice wrapped in bread dough with pineapple raita $13.99

Grilled Port Chop – glazed with ginger and pickled lime sauce served with sauteed spinach $17.99

Today’s Sustainable Fish – served with seasonal vegetables in a light curry broth $18.99

Grilled Angus Chuck Burger – wrapped in Naan bread with minted greens, tomato, and cucumber yogurt raita $10.99

Club Sandwich – Fresh-sliced roast turkey breast, turkey bacon, vine-ripened tomato served on multi-grain bread with choice of salad or fresh fruit $11.49

Sides

Lentil Puree $3.29
Stir-fried Green Beans $3.99
Paneer Cheese and Spinach $3.99
Basmati Rice $2.99
Five-Grain Pilaf $3.99
Crushed Potatoes $3.49

Specialty Cocktails

Magical Star Cocktail – Light up your celebration with X-Fusion Organic Mango and Passion Fruit Liqueur, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Pineapple Juice, and a souvenier multicolored glow cube $9.75

African Starr Mojito – Starr African Rum, Van der Hum Tangerine Liqueur from South African, fresh mint, lime $9.25

Malawi Mango Margarita – frozen blend of Tequila, Van der Hum Tangerine Liqueur, Mago Puree and freshly squeexed Lime Juice $8.25

Kande Coconut Cooler – refreshing combination of Starr African Run, coconut, vanilla ice cream and orange juice $8.25

Painted Lemur – Amarula Fruit Cream Liqueur and Van der Hum Tangerine Liqueur combined in a Chocolate-striped glass inspired by the distinctive striped tail of the Madagascar lemur $8.25

Non-Alcoholic Specialties

Tinker Bell and Friends or Lightning McQueen Raceway Punch – Minute Maid Light Raspberry Lemonade served in a souvenier Faires or Cars Cup with a glowing Tinker Bell or Lightning McQueen clip-on light $6.49

Mega-Berry Smootie – Raspberry puree and nonfat yogurt blended with Odwalla Berries GoMega $4.29

Mango Lassi Smoothie – frozen blend of mango puree with nonfat yogurt $4.29

 

Sanaa Wine Story

Each food item on the menu is paired with a specific food friendly wine. In some cases there is more than one wine listed. The wine which is listed at the top is regarded as the most favored match. However, everyone’s palate is unique and therefore there are additional wines suggested which work equally well in the pairing. We have created some special wine flights for you to enjoy from an assortment around the world. These flights highlight unique components and style which best compliment the flavors contained within each dish.

Beer

Draft: Safari Amber $6.00; Bud Light $5.25; Blue Moon $6.00; Samuel Adams Seasonal $6.00

Bottled: Tusker Premium Lager (Kenya); Windhoek Lager (Namibia) $6.75; Kingfisher Premium Lager (India) $6.75

Other Beverages

Evian or Perrier 750ml (serves two) $6.50

Press Pot Coffee Kenya AA or Tea $5.95

Coca-cola, Coca Cola Zero, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Minute Maid Light Lemonade $2.29

 

Dinner Menu

Indian Style Bread Service
(Choice of 3 breads and 3 accompaniments)
Serves Two $8.99

Breads: Naan, Roti, Paratha, Paneer Paratha

Accompaniments: Mint and Onion Raita, Cucumber Raita, Coriander Chutney, Mango Chutney, Garlic-Ginger Pickle, Mango-Lime Pickle, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus, Tamarind Chutney

Appetizers

Sampler for Two – Potato and Pea Samosa, Lamb Kefta, Roasted Cauliflower $14.99

Mustard Seed Crusted Scallops – with a coconut cream sauce $8.99

Pulled Duck with Red Curry Sauce – served on pan-seared five grain rice cake $8.99

Roasted Cauliflower – with tomato sauce $5.49

Potato and Pea Samosas – with choice of tamarind or mango chutney $7.99

Salad Sampler
Choice of Three Salads $6.99

Roasted Beets
Okra, Radish, and Tomato
Chickpeas with cucumber and tomato
Carrot, orange, and mint
Roasted potato, corn and spinach

Soups

Tomato and Paneer Cheese $5.49
Seasonal Soup $6.99

From the Tandoor Ovens
Choice of Basmati Rice or Five-grain pilaf

Tandoori Chicken 17.99

Tandoori Shrimp $18.99

Tandoori Lamb Chops – $20.99

Slow Cooked in Gravy, Simple and Well Seasoned
Choice of Basmati Rice or Five-grain pilaf
$18.99

Chickeen with Red Curry Sauce
Shrimp with Green Curry Sauce
Paneer Cheese and Spinach
Beef Short Ribs

African Cooking with Indian Flavors

Spice-crusted Cornish Game Hen – with turnips and cherries $17.99

Banana Leaf wrapped Sustainable Fish – with ginger and pickled lime sauce served with basmati rice five-grain pilaf $21.99

New York Strip – with spinach and mushroom pancake served with Oven-dried tomato chutney $27.99

Dum Biryani - fresh vegetables and basmati rice wrapped in bread dough with pineapple raita $13.99

 

Sides

Lentil Puree $3.29
Stir-fried Green Beans $3.99
Paneer Cheese and Spinach $3.99
Basmati Rice $2.99
Five-Grain Pilaf $3.99
Crushed Potatoes $3.49

Sanaa Wine Story

Each food item on the menu is paired with a specific food friendly wine. In some cases there is more than one wine listed. The wine which is listed at the top is regarded as the most favored match. However, everyone’s palate is unique and therefore there are additional wines suggested which work equally well in the pairing. We have created some special wine flights for you to enjoy from an assortment around the world. These flights highlight unique components and style which best compliment the flavors contained within each dish.

Specialty Cocktails

Magical Star Cocktail – Light up your celebration with X-Fusion Organic Mango and Passion Fruit Liqueur, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Pineapple Juice, and a souvenier multicolored glow cube $9.75

African Starr Mojito – Starr African Rum, Van der Hum Tangerine Liqueur from South African, fresh mint, lime $9.25

Malawi Mango Margarita – frozen blend of Tequila, Van der Hum Tangerine Liqueur, Mago Puree and freshly squeexed Lime Juice $8.25

Kande Coconut Cooler – refreshing combination of Starr African Run, coconut, vanilla ice cream and orange juice $8.25

Painted Lemur – Amarula Fruit Cream Liqueur and Van der Hum Tangerine Liqueur combined in a Chocolate-striped glass inspired by the distinctive striped tail of the Madagascar lemur $8.25

Non-Alcoholic Specialties

Tinker Bell and Friends or Lightning McQueen Raceway Punch - Minute Maid Light Raspberry Lemonade served in a souvenier Faires or Cars Cup with a glowing Tinker Bell or Lightning McQueen clip-on light $6.49

Mega-Berry Smoothie – Raspberry puree and nonfat yogurt blended with Odwalla Berries GoMega $4.29

Mango Lassi Smoothie – frozen blend of mango puree with nonfat yogurt $4.29

Beer

Draft: Safari Amber $6.00; Bud Light $5.25; Blue Moon $6.00; Samuel Adams Seasonal $6.00

Bottled: Tusker Premium Lager (Kenya); Windhoek Lager (Namibia) $6.75; Kingfisher Premium Lager (India) $6.75

Other Beverages

Evian or Perrier 750ml (serves two) $6.50

Press Pot Coffee Kenya AA or Tea $5.95

Coca-cola, Coca Cola Zero, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Minute Maid Light Lemonade $2.29

Hi guys, Stephen here from Sydney, Australia.

 

Here is my review of Cruzin DCA on Segways. It is a early start for this tour and you need to meet a cast member at 7:30 am at guest relations. They told us to stand near the letter “C” and they would find us. You are then taken to a room at the back of guest relations to watch a video about the segways and how to ride. They also offer a light breakfast of coffee, tea and pastries.

 

Once the tour begins, youare taken by the cast member to in front of Monsters Inc where you get to have a go at driving the segways. These segways are so much fun to ride and easy to learn. Then you head off to tour the park and stop at many points where the cast member tells you about things in that area that you would not normally know. The tour allows you to see the park from a very different perspective including the large drop at Grizzly River with no water in it and it even allows you to go through redwood creek challenge on the segways. The tour takes in the whole park and some of the back stage areas.

 

At the end of the tour you get you picture taken near the Hyperion theater.You are given a nice souvenir photo and Pin. I think this tour is realy cool and would definitley recommendit to others.

 

This tour takes about 3 hours and costs $99 and is worth every cent. I have attached a photo of my wife and I enjoying the segway tour.

 

Stephen  

Image Courtesy of Walt Disney World

• 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.: Candy Scramble and Character meet and greet located on the lawn above the pool. Do not forget your Easter basket to fill with all the goodies you will find!
• 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Spring Crafts on the main pool deck.
• 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.: Spring Chalk Art on the main pool deck.

• 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Jammin’ Pool Party.
• 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.: So you think you know Disney? – test your Disney trivia in a game at the Sand Bar and Grill.
• 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.: Pool Volleyball.
• 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.: Campfire on the Beach – enjoy songs and stories around a campfire. Marshmallows and s’more kits are available for purchase.
• 8:00 p.m.: Movie Under the Stars – enjoy “Wall-E” on the shores of Bay Lake.
• 10:00 p.m.: Electrical Water Pageant – sit on the shores of Bay Lake and watch the magic pass by.

For more information, please go to Heather Leigh Carroll-Landon’s article in the Orlando Sentinel

G’day, fellow adult beverage lovers, I just received this email invitation from Universal Orlando and wanted to share it with you all.

Mai Tai anyone ?

 

 

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

 

Hey John, the work week is over and it’s time to kick back in our tropical paradise and celebrate the weekend! Put on your favorite Hawaiian shirt or dress and join the party!

 

YOUR ALOHA FRIDAY TICKET INCLUDES:

A taste of the islands from Loews Royal Pacific Resort & Emeril’s Tchoup Chop, Tropical Drinks, Beer & Wine, Gourmet Coffee & a Lei Greeting

 

Plus, enjoy a live performance by Volcano Joe and the Hot Lava Band singing songs by your favorite artists including: Jimmy Buffett, The Eagles, UB40 & much more!

Discover the joy and exhilaration of fall at the Walt Disney World® Resort. A gentle fall breeze rustles the leaves and brings cooler weather, lighter crowds, special dining events and a bit of not-so-scary Halloween fun!

Fall Wonderful Weeks:  October 1 – October 6, 2008;
October 21 – October 31, 2008; November 1-November 3, 2008;
November 11-November 17, 2008; December 9-December 22, 2008

Spirited Atmosphere and Events

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party:  Boo! Don’t be afraid. The screams you hear are squeals of delight, not fright. Disney fantasy and Halloween fun come together on selected nights in September and October for a one-of-a-kind celebration. Seize this rare opportunity to visit the Magic Kingdom® in costume*, ride some of the most popular attractions and enjoy some really sweet trick-or-treating with favorite Disney characters in their finest Halloween outfits. With special music, a parade and the spectacular Happy HalloWishes fireworks show, this is no trick — it’s a real treat.

For safety, costumes must not be obstructive or offensive.

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival**:  Take a culinary tour around the world as you celebrate the extrodinary Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival. Enjoy demonstrations, sample wines and shop for authentic merchandise at the Festival Center. And don’t miss a sizzling “Eat to the Beat” concert that ends every evening!
**Admission to this event is included with valid Theme Park admission.

However, there are some events which will be priced separately.

Walt Disney World Press Release

Giant topiaries don’t grow on trees — not even at Walt Disney World.

That sure would make things simpler than the current system, a months-long process that involves metal frames, specialized irrigation, meticulous trimming, thousands of hair pins and mounds of moss.

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which begins March 18, will gather more than 50 of the statues of greenery. They’re so plentiful, Disney established an official scavenger hunt for them.

Front and center of the festival will be the “Cinderellabration” area, featuring topiaries of Cinderella, Prince Charming, Belle, Beast, Snow White, seven dwarfs and, making their debut, Sleeping Beauty and Prince Phillip. They’ll be standing where the giant, surfing Goofy did last year.

For the rest of Dewayne Bevil’s article, please go to the Orlando Sentinel

Splash your way through the Disney Water Parks* and soak up the summer fun during the Wonderful Weeks of Disney! These weeks of summer provide good values, lighter crowds, expanded Theme Park hours and cool outdoor recreation at Walt Disney World® Resort.

Summer Wonderful Weeks:

August 12-August 31, 2008;
September 30, 2008

Run to the Sun and Fun:

Summer vacation is the perfect time to plunge down the waterslides at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park* or hang ten with surf lessons at the massive wave pool at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.*  Spend an afternoon exploring your Resort’s amazing swimming pools or rent a personal watercraft and let a brisk marine breeze blow through your hair.  Indulge in reduced rates at Walt Disney World® championship golf courses.

Ice cream never tastes better than at the end of a magical summer day at Walt Disney World® Resort!

*Water Parks are subject to seasonal and weather-related closures.

Walt Disney World Press Release

Breathe deeply and inhale the sweet smell of spring flowers during the Wonderful Weeks of Disney at the Walt Disney World® Resort. The Spring
weather stirs romance, excitement, lighter crowds and colorful special events.

Spring Wonderful Weeks:  May 27-June 02, 2008

Dazzling Colors and Events, Celebrate Spring at
Walt Disney World® Resort!

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival:  Romance blooms at the 13th Annual Epcot® Flower and Garden Festival. Spring into the planting
season at the biggest flower and garden party that ever bloomed. If it grows, it shows — from vibrant bedding plants to whimsical topiaries. And learn
the tricks of the trade from Disney’s own gardening crew. With the rockin’ “Flower Power” Concert series and ladybug releases, it’s a family event that’s
sure to grow on you.

Known by gardening aficionados for its celebrity guest speakers, hands-on seminars and planting demonstrations, this seven-week festival will showcase
thirty million blooms, intricately designed floral beds, artfully crafted bonsai trees, lush rose gardens and plenty of Disney character topiaries.

Event Tickets:  Admission to this event is included with valid Theme Park admission.  However, there are some events which will be priced separately.

Walt Disney World Press Release

Walt Disney World Press Release

• The Base Ticket provides admission to one Walt Disney World theme park on one day.  The parks a guest can choose among are: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

• The Base Ticket may be purchased for one to 10 days.

• The per-day cost of admission decreases in steps when multi-day tickets are purchased.  For instance, a four-day Magic Your Way Base Ticket costs less than 75% of the price of four one-day tickets purchased individually.  Per-day cost of a seven-day ticket is less than 45% of the price of seven one-day tickets. And with a 10-day ticket, per-day cost is less than 33% of an equivalent number of admissions using one-day tickets.

• The days the ticket is used for admission do not need to be consecutive.
• Magic Your Way tickets expire 14 days after initial use unless the No Expiration option has been added to the ticket.

• The No Expiration option is available on tickets for two days or more.  It simply means that unused admissions on a ticket have no expiration date.  The cost is based on the number of days on the original ticket – not on the number of unused days – and the cost increases in uneven steps to as much as $200 (on a 10-day ticket).

• The Park Hopper option allows the guest to visit more than one park a day.  The price of the feature is fixed (currently $50) whether Park Hopper is added to a one-day ticket or a 10-day ticket.

• Some potential benefits of Park Hopper: (1) taking advantage of the Extra Magic Hours program, which provides Disney resort hotel guests with exclusive time each day in a designated Disney park either before or after regular park operating hours; (2) doing a “sampling” of Disney park experiences during a short visit; or (3) revisiting favorites in several parks “for one more ride” later in a long vacation.

• The Water Park Fun & More option entitles a guest to visit a choice of gated Walt Disney World entertainment and recreation venues – currently Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, DisneyQuest indoor interactive “theme park,” Disney’s Oak Trail golf course, and Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

• The price of the Water Park Fun & More option is fixed (currently $50), but the number of admissions available to the guest is determined by the number of days on the Base Ticket.  Added to a two-day through 10-day ticket, the option provides a similar number of visits to the guest’s choice of Water Park Fun & More experiences.  On a one-day Magic Your Way ticket, the Water Park Fun & More option provides two admissions to the guest’s choice from among the experiences.

• A guest more than recoups the cost of the Water Park Fun & More option by using it for two adult admissions to any combination of Blizzard Beach (regular one-day ticket is $40), Typhoon Lagoon ($40), DisneyQuest ($40) and Oak Trail golf course ($38).

• Water Park Fun & More considerations: Guests decide which gated attraction(s) they will visit (e.g., if they have five admissions available and love DisneyQuest, they can visit DisneyQuest five times); and the period for use is 14 days from when the Magic Your Way ticket is first used (unless the No Expiration option has been purchased).

• Magic Your Way tickets are available online at www.DisneyWorld.com, by calling 407/934-7639 (407/W-DISNEY), by visiting a local travel agent, and at Walt Disney World ticket locations.

Further to this weeks podcast #36, we are pleased to provide the following WDW Resorts Online Check-in Information.

 

Walt Disney World hotels have started accepting online check-ins within ten days of your arrival date in WDW. The idea behind this is to reduce the amount of time you spend waiting in line to check in to your hotel. This is accomplished by having you enter your name, address and credit card information online before you leave home.   According to TouringPlans.com, a packet will be waiting for you when you arrive at the hotel, containing your welcome kit and room keys. You’ll still need to show photo ID to pick up this packet.  A separate counter should be available for those guests doing online check-in, but that hasn’t been confirmed.

Disney’s Online Check-in Service

For some visitors to the Disney World and Universal theme parks, parades and shows are a highlight of the trip. For others, they’re an annoyance, since they often mean blocked sidewalks and annoying clots of immobile people. If you’re not the parade or show type, you can use them to your advantage. While Universal only tends to have parades during special events like Mardi Gras or Grinchmas and only runs its 360 outdoor show during the peak season, Disney’s parades, like Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade pictured at right, and shows like Illuminations and Wishes run throughout the year. Here’s how they can benefit you:

Avoid lines by going on popular rides during parades and shows. This gives you a pretty long time window, as you’ll also have a quiet span while everyone else is lining up or trying to get a good spot out on the curb, Some of my best times at Epcot have been spent riding Soarin’ while everyone else is way over in World Showcase, gathering around for Illuminations. That brings me to the second tip:

Avoid crowds by positioning yourself properly. Shows and parades tend to draw the crowds to a particular area. When they happen right before park closing, you can get yourself in position to make a hasty exit. For example, in Epcot, if you’re staying at one of the nearby hotels such as Yacht & Beach Club, Swan, Dolphin, or Boardwalk and walked or used Disney transportation to get to the park, position yourself for a fast escape through the International Gateway. You’ll still see the show, and you can be first in line at the boat or first out the gate if you’re planning to walk. If you don’t care about Illuminations at all, finish up your day in Future World and be first in line for the bus or monorail or peel out of the parking lot. while everyone else is stil watching the fire spouting out of the globe.

Get a coveted dining reservation by eating at a time when everyone else is watching a parade or show. Certain advance dining reservations are virtually impossible to get, especially during Disney’s occasional free dining programs. You may be able to snag one if you’re able to eat at a time when the rest of the crowd is watching a show (for example, a ressie that overlaps with Wishes at the Magic Kingdom).

On the flipside, be aware that once the parade or show is over, if the park is still open the crowds will descend on whatever is close by. A good example can be seen at Star Tours in Disney Hollywood Studio. It tends to have a minor line, except for on the busiest days, but if you pass by and the wait time has suddenly skyrocketed, it’s probably because the Indiana Jones stunt show has just let out. The same holds true for Fantasmic, which dumps crowds out towards Tower of Terror and Rock ’N' Roller Coaster if it lets out before the park closes.

There are certain shows that draw crowds you’ll want to avoid at all costs. This is true when it’s a hard ticketed event or something that starts after park closing. For example, at Universal the crowds well during Mardi Gras as concert time nears or on the days of Halloween Horror Nights (guests who have a day ticket and a hard ticket can remain in the park until HHN begins). You can use this to your advantage by heading over to Islands of Adventure when the draw is at Universal Studios. At Disney, the draw may be Extra Magic Hours, with on-site guests coming early to take advantage of the extra time. If you’re not an onsite guest, head over to the park that has the latest hours for the general public.

Making the most of your park time is a delicate balance, but if you pay attention to the show and parade schedules it will give you one more weapon in your commando touring arsenal.

Story by Barbara Nefer Orlando Theme Parks Examiner

• Scream from the excitement of Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show. Watch as a film crew coordinates with the stunt team in a heart racing stunt show.
• Tap your toes as you watch other guests at the park sing their hearts out at the American Idol Experience. (Age limit to sing at this attraction is 14 years old.)
• Take a ride through movie history on the Great Movie Ride, where you can se classic favorites including Singin’ in the Rain, Marry Poppins, Wizard of Oz, Fantasia and many others.
• Grab Lunch at Pizza Planet and then play in the arcade before going to see Muppet*Vision 3D across the courtyard.
• Go on a tour to the moon of Endor on Star Tours.
• Leave your stomach at the top of the Twilight Zone’s Hollywood Hotel Tower of Terror. (There is a height requirement for this ride.)
• Jam to the beat of Aerosmith on Rock ‘n Roller Coaster. (There is a height requirement for this ride.)
• Rack up carnival wins on Toy Story Mania.

Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are nearly as long as the Eiffel Tower is tall. Each ship is 964 feet long, and the Eiffel Tower is 986 feet high.

If the Disney Magic or Disney Wonder were a land vehicle, it would need an eight lane highway (including median!) to handle its width.

The anchor alone is as heavy as two Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaurs or three elephants. Each ship weights 90 million pounds.

The ship is happy to let you reach out and touch someone with its 1,950 telephones. That’s enough phone cord to run a phone all the way up Pike’s Peak, and then some.

The horsepower of Disney Magic and Disney Wonder’s five engines is equivalent to the power of more than 100 NASCAR racing cars — running at full speed.

Each ship can make 1,200 tons of fresh water from sea water each day — that’s enough glasses of water for everyone in Chicago and Houston combined.

Disney Cruise Line will transport approximately 10,000 suitcases per operating day. If each bag weighs 15 pounds, the team will get a great daily workout: lifting 75 tons.

There are 1,367 miles of cable on the ship — enough to run an extension cord between Austin, Texas and Detroit, Michigan.

The 20,000 gallons of paint it took to paint the Disney Magic (or Disney Wonder) could paint 2,000 average American houses.
There are 5,390 pillows on board.

8,260 cups of coffee are served every day, on board.

Of the 50,000 eggs consumed every morning at breakfast, 1,956 will be scrambled, 552 will be served sunny-side up, 480 will be soft boiled, 984 will become omelets, and the other 976 will be used for various egg dishes.

Disney Cruise Line Press Release

Walt Disney World and Orlando International Airport completed a deal Wednesday to continue the resort’s free passenger-and-luggage shuttle until at least the end of 2016.  Under the terms of the deal, the airport agreed not to raise the 75-cent-a-passenger fee it charges the resort for Disney’s Magical Express. The previous contract would have allowed the airport to raise the fee to as much as $1.50 a passenger under certain circumstances.  Disney buses ferried just under 2.2 million travelers from OIA to either its resort hotels or cruise ships in 2008, according to airport figures. That works out to about $1.6 million a year in payments to the airport — compared with about $3.2 million were the per-passenger fee doubled.  The previous agreement had been set to expire at the end of 2011. The new pact also gives Disney the option to extend the agreement by another five years, until 2021. Airport leaders have been working to cut costs and raise money — including plans to cut an undisclosed number of jobs — as passenger traffic and revenue tumble amid the global recession. But Jeff Fuqua, chairman of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, said the agency decided it was better served by not raising Disney’s fee, in return for securing a longer commitment from the company to operate Magical Express.  Because Disney’s Magical Express luggage is processed in a remote hangar at the airport, the service diverts thousands of bags every day away from OIA’s main luggage-sorting systems and claim areas. That eases pressure on the airport to spend money expanding its baggage facilities, Fuqua said.

For more information and the original article.

Every fall at Walt Disney World Mickey hosts Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom.  This event is a hard ticketed event, which means that you need to purchase a separate ticket in order to enter the park for the event.  During the event, the Magic Kingdom is transformed into a fun and spooky atmosphere that’s perfect for trick or treaters of all ages.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

2009 Dates

October 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 2, 29, 31; and November 1, 2009.

As Walt Disney World enters the festive Holiday Season, the Magic Kingdom is turned into a Holiday Partyland with special holiday decorations.  Participants will see the “first snow fall” of the season on Main Street, special holiday entertainment and two performances of  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade.  Holiday stage shows include: Celebrate the Season in front of Cinderella Castle and Mickey’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas at Tomorrowland’s Galaxy Palace Theater.  Guests also will see a special holiday edition of the Wishes fireworks.  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is also a hard ticketed event.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

2009 Dates

November 10, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 29; December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 2009.

Tickets for both events go on sale May 1st

In the busy season, the unspoken rule for parade viewing is: if you want a good spot, stake it out early. That may sound simple, but two major etiquette issues come up. The first is, even if you’re there early, just how much space can you reasonably expect to take up? Often one or two people will grab a prime spot on Main Street at Disney World an hour beforehand, but try to hold room for their other six family members. Others come along later, see the prime real estate, and try to move in. Mayhem quickly ensues. Or maybe the other family members were there to start with, but needed a potty break or went off to get some ice cream. While they’re gone, someone else tries to move in and you’re got a confrontation on your hands.

read the rest of the story at examiner.com

Story from Barbara Nefer, Orlando Theme Parks Examiner