Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

The New Year is just around the corner, and that means another year of fun-filled Walt Disney World vacations. And while you’re planning your big 2008 vacation, plan to take advantage of the cheap Walt Disney World tickets at DWTickets.com. We are your one-stop shop for your next Orlando vacation, and we are the number one place to go for cheap theme park tickets all year long.

While the New Year means new Orlando vacation plans to many, for runners everywhere it means the annual Walt Disney World Marathon. If you are visiting Walt Disney World during the weekend of January 11-13, you will probably see people running alongside the resort roads and in certain areas of the theme parks. This year, racers will celebrate the 15th anniversary of the popular marathon, and all finishers will receive a special commemorative medal if the complete the race.

The Marathon Weekend incorporates several different events including a half marathon on January 12 and the full marathon on January 13. Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge is for true runners only, requiring participation in both the half and full marathon. The weekend also includes Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo, a three-day “celebration of health and fitness” that takes place at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex throughout the event.

For families of runners, on January 11, there is Disney’s 5K Family Safari, a fun family run of about three miles that takes young marathoners on a route through Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. The Family Fun Run Kids’ Races has racing events on January 11 and 12, and is also at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

The Marathon takes runners from the starting line at Epcot, through Tomorrowland and Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom, past Expedition EVEREST at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and through the Wide World of Sports Complex. Then its on to Disney Hollywood Studios for a pass through New York Street and Hollywood Boulevard. From here runners trek through Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort and wind down into the big finish back at Epcot. All in a time limit set at seven hours! Whew!

We know your vacation will likely not include visiting the entire Walt Disney World resort in one day. But you still want to get the best discounts on your Walt Disney World tickets, and we at DWTickets.com are the best source to do just that!

New Years Eve Around Town

The year is rapidly coming to a close, and the time has come to make that final decision: what are you doing for New Years? DWTickets.com is here to help! First, we will give you all of the latest details on what is going on this December 31. Once you decide which event you want to attend, DWTickets.com steps up with the best discounts on cheap theme park tickets around.

Virtually all of the Orlando theme parks are open late during the holidays, and that means past midnight on New Year’s Eve. That also means some special celebrations for those year-end park guests.

New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld will feature pop, Latin and swing music throughout the park along with dancing tunes provided by Michael Andrews and his 18-piece Atomic Big Band. All of the park’s rides and attractions are staying open until midnight, when a fabulous fireworks show will escort in the new year.

Shamu’s cousins over at Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa will be hosting the “Ultimate New Year’s Eve Celebration” and keeping the rides open until 1 a.m. There will also be music and dancing featuring Rhythm Nation on the Gwazi Park stage. Over in the Desert Grill, guests can see Theatricks, with special guest Sideswipe (previously seen on America’s Got Talent!). To close out the old year and bring in the new, Busch Gardens will fill the sky with fireworks from December 26-30.

Back in Orlando, the excitement at Islands of Adventure continues late into the night. Park guests will be able to bring in the new year at midnight and then hang out and ride until 1 a.m. Universal Studios is also staying open until 1 a.m., and they are playing host to the special VIP Capital One Bowl Pre-Game party. Some lucky Universal Studios guests may even be treated to a sneak peak at the new Disasters! Ride that is due to open this month. Disasters! is replacing the Earthquake ride.

Also at the Universal Orlando Resort, the Blue Man Group will have special New Year’s Eve performances that include a champagne toast and “Auld Lang Syne” in the unique Blue-Man-Group style.

So if you don’t want to hit a bar or a gigantic crowd this New Year’s Eve, consider SeaWorld or Universal for your year-end celebration. Whatever you decide, DWTickets.com has the theme park tickets you need at the best prices in town.

Post-Christmas Partying at Sea World Orlando

The holiday hustle and bustle is in full bloom all over Orlando, and the big day is barely a week away. If you will be in Orlando for the holidays, you will see first hand that the week of Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year at the theme parks. The crowds are some of the biggest, but so are the exciting events. In fact, some of the parks have special post-holiday happenings that can only be experienced during this last week of the year. One thing you can experience all year round, though, is the great prices on theme park tickets you will find right here at DWTickets.com.com! SeaWorld Adventure Park Orlando has more than one special post-holiday planned this year, and they are sure to delight all of the park guests.

Sea World has some great holiday events including Shamu Christmas…Miracles and the Polar Express Experience that have been in action all month. But the day after Christmas brings a new nighttime finale to SeaWorld’s center lagoon. Mystify is like no other show. It presents the audience with the amazing vision of marine creatures swimming across 60-foot mist screens over the lake, fire dancing on the water and a fabulous fireworks display to end the night. The spectacular new show will be closing the park nightly from December 26-30.

Also appearing for a short time is Breakfast with Elmo and Friends. Park guests can start the day with a delightful breakfast buffet and enjoy spending time with Elmo, Big Bird, Grover, Zoe, Ernie and the Cookie Monster. Park admission and reservations are both required for the breakfast, which has two seatings each morning at 8:30 and 10:30 from December 26-31.

Also still open to guests through January 1 is the Makahiki Christmas Luau, where guests can enjoy the “ancient holiday traditions of the Pacific Islands.” This event also requires reservations, but park admission is not necessary.
When park admission is needed, DWTickets.com.com is the place to go for cheap theme park tickets whether you are visiting SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or any of the Orlando area attractions. At Christmas and in the coming New Year, DWTickets.com.com is your number one source for discount SeaWorld tickets. We are also your best resource for Orlando theme park news and information, so visit us often for all of your Orlando vacation needs

Merry Grinchmas! Now Eat Your Breakfast

There is so much going on in Orlando during the holiday season, it is next to impossible to keep track of everything. Luckily, at DWTickets.com we keep track of it for you, and that means giving you the best deals on cheap theme park tickets. Whether it’s Disney, Sea World or the Universal Orlando Resort, we are always your number one source for the best discounts in town. We also keep you up to date on the latest goings on in the theme parks and beyond with our own weekly parade of blogs. We are dedicated to providing you with the cheapest tickets and latest scoop every day.

Some of the more obvious holiday happenings around town have taken the spotlight in earlier weeks. At the Universal Orlando Resort, though, there are some other great yuletide events that deserve some attention too.

The biggie at Universal’s Islands of Adventure is the return of Grinchmas, but you can take that Green Christmas one step further and enjoy “Breakfast With The Grinch” at the Confisco Grill. This all-inclusive buffet features breakfast favorites along with visits from the Grinch, the Whos and other characters. This special holiday dining option is only available from December 13-16 and again from December 20-30, and reservations are recommended.

Guests can enjoy “Christmas in the City” as they stroll among the popular shops and restaurants at Universal’s CityWalk from December 14-28. Each day features a live band on the plaza stage, and visitors will be treated to appearances by Santa’s elves and reindeer, and the entertaining and unique powerskip performers.

The hotels at the Universal Orlando Resort are getting into the holiday fun too. The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is celebrating “Festa Musica Della Notte” (Holiday Music of the Night) through Christmas Eve. This Italian festivity features the “Grand Illumination” of the Christmas tree at 6:30 each night with opera singers setting the holiday mood once it’s lit.

The Loews Royal Pacific Hotel is having a “North Pole Celebration” with strolling carolers and a gingerbread Christmas tree display. They will also have eggnog, apple cider and cookies to help ring in the spirit of the season, along with special demonstrations by the hotel’s executive pastry chef.

So, this holiday season, get your cheap theme park tickets right here at DWTickets.com. Share in some Grinchmas cheer and then enjoy some less well known, but still spectacular holiday events throughout the Universal Orlando Resort!

Cypress Gardens Celebrates it Old Style

The holiday season is in full bloom all over Orlando, and for many – even vacationers – that means rushing, stressing, traffic, stressing, shopping, stressing, and well…just stressing. If you need a break from the seasonal stress, DWTickets.com is the place for you. We have the best deals on tickets to all of your favorite Orlando theme parks all in one place, and you can get them with an easy click or phone call. We love making your holidays easier by doing all the work for you. One stop here and your theme park ticket shopping is done!

The folks over at Cypress Gardens want to de-stress your Christmas too, so this year they invite you to an “Old Fashioned Christmas.” From now through December 30, Cypress Gardens guests can leave that “holiday hustle” behind and “hearken back” to the days of yesteryear. The park is dressed to the nines and is set to bring back the good old days with an 80’ Christmas tree. The decorations include millions of lights twinkling throughout the park as well as some of the original displays used way back in 1936 when Cypress Gardens became Florida’s original theme park.

The peaceful garden holiday atmosphere is enhanced by strolling carolers and musicians that serve guests a heaping helping of Christmas cheer. And when the entertainment isn’t meandering through the winding paths, you can enjoy the festivities at a number of seasonal shows. “Jingle Fest” combines Christmas characters, caroling, dancing and food. You know that is definitely a must see.

A featured show at Cypress Gardens, “The Living Nativity” presents a wondrous, live musical account of the miracle of Christmas. If you want a romantic seasonal story, then the warmth of “A Holiday Homecoming” should be on your to do list. Bringing the Garden’s ice rink to life, “An Old Fashioned Christmas On Ice” features spectacular twists, turns and amazing grace…all on the ice set to a remarkable holiday soundtrack.

Jubilee Junction is home to many holiday treats and also features Dr. Christmas, the resident storyteller. The “Kringles” display takes guests young and old on the journey of “Santa Through History.” Then to top it all off, visit the jolly old elf himself, Santa Claus.

So celebrate Christmas this year “as it SHOULD be” at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park. While you’re at it, get your tickets at the prices you should pay only at DWTickets.com!

Arabian Nights Goes Christmas Again in 2007

When you’re in Orlando, it’s pretty much a given that you will be spending some time at the three theme park biggies: Walt Disney World, Sea World and the Universal Orlando Resort. What you may not realize, though, is that there are many additional Orlando attractions to be taken in, and this is especially true during the holiday season. DWTickets.com is your best source for cheap Orlando theme park tickets, but we are also number one at providing great discounts to excellent dinner shows like Arabian Nights, the Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, Medieval Times and Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding.

This year’s holiday show at Arabian Nights envelops dinner guests in mystery, suspense and Santa too! With the great discount tickets you get at DWTickets.com, you can invite family and friends to come together and watch as Prince Khalid searches the world over for the perfect holiday gift for Princess Scheherazade. Always the faithful friend, the genie Hocus Pocus, invites his old pal Santa Clause to help entertain the Princess as she awaits the return of her handsome prince. And the Princess’ special friends don’t disappoint.

The genie and his red-suited friend come together in magical form to present a most enchanting live holiday display including a mystical unicorn, Santa’s reindeer and elves, gingerbread men, sugarplum fairies and a winter wonderland snow globe. The really fantastic thing about this show, however is that it all takes place on horseback!

The Arabian Nights dinner show boasts more than 60 beautiful horses and over 40 talented cast members. Besides the usual entertainment guests find at the Arabian Nights dinner show, the holiday extravaganza adds special pyrotechnics, unique new sets, a delightful winter snow flurry, out-of-this-world costumes and four 25 foot Christmas trees. The show set “truly becomes a Winter Wonderland,” according to Arabian Nights CEO and owner Mark Miller.

This entire holiday fairytale is set to the seasonal tunes of Andy Williams, Hillary Duff, Jimmy Buffett, Lone Star, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra and many more. It is really a wondrous experience, just like the great discount tickets you will find for all of your Orlando vacation entertainment right here at DWTickets.com, your number one source for cheap Orlando dinner show tickets. We are your one-stop-shop for the best discount tickets to dinner shows, theme parks and all of the best attractions in Orlando!

Celebrate Christmas with Shamu

For weeks now, the Orlando area has been awash in holiday theme park cheer, and the blog at DWTickets.com is no exception. And whether it’s Christmas time, spring time, summer or fall, no matter the season or holiday, DWTickets.com is your best source for cheap theme park tickets. We’re also the number one place to find out the hottest happenings, large and small at Sea World and all of the Orlando area attractions.

Most of the Orlando theme parks are having big holiday blow out celebrations, and at SeaWorld Orlando the festivities and their participants are bigger than ever. We already told you about their fantastic new Polar Express attraction that brings guests straight up to the arctic North Pole. Shamu is helping park guests celebrate this Christmas, though, with the brand new killer whale show that features great interactions and live music: “Shamu Christmas … Miracles.” The spirit of this live animal and human celebration is hope, peace and miracles, and it’s perfect for this time of year.

The Christmastide fountain show brings the holidays to life with a spectacular water and lights display that dances and dazzles to your favorite Christmas tunes. And once you’re in the holiday mood, the snow flurries will warm your heart (and since it’s Florida, they won’t freeze your toes!).

The Makahiki Luau is a regular show during the year, but for Christmas, your host Kahuna brings you a wonderful production that celebrates the season South Pacific style. Every night the Seafire Inn turns into a Polynesian Paradise featuring an amazing family-style dinner straight out of the South Seas Islands. Once you settle in and your fantastic feast is underway, you will be entertained with ancient customs and holiday traditions from the Islands. Every show participant is adorned in authentic Island dress and the show is so true to its heritage it features fabulous fire artists and heavenly hula dancers. From start to finish, this special holiday luau will leave you feeling like you traveled halfway around the world for dinner.

SeaWorld has so much to share at Christmastime and throughout the year. It would be worth it even if it was just an animal park, but there are some great shows – especially around this time of year – that make Sea World a must visit during your Orlando vacation. Thankfully you can get your cheap tickets right here at DWTickets.com any time of year!

Pirates Dinner Adventure Plunders Into The Holidays

The holiday season is a time for getting together with family and friends and possibly doing things you don’t normally do – like meeting up at a dinner show and pretending like you’re on vacation. Or you can really go on vacation, and there’s no place like Orlando at Christmas time. And there’s no place like DWTickets.com for the best cheap tickets to all of Orlando’s theme parks and attractions. One idea for a special holiday celebration is to attend a dinner show, and the live performances in Orlando are winterized and ready for the holidays.

Thanks to the popularity of Disney’s Captain Jack Sparrow, pirates are a hot commodity this year. If you and your family would like to participate in a pirate adventure of your own this holiday season, the Pirate’s Dinner Adventure is the place to do it. Holiday music, a seasonal story line, amazing new sets, and a “shipload of yuletide surprises” make up this year’s special holiday show at Orlando’s “Most Interactive Dinner Show.”

For a limited time, pirate adventurers can join in this special swashbuckling holiday celebration starting with turkey and roasted chestnuts in the pre-show area, where the Christmas story starts. The evil Magistrate interrupts the holiday revelers, captures the princess, and Magee the Elf has to step in to save the show. The excitement continues into the main theatre which features an authentic replica of an 18th century Spanish galleon decked out in all of its winter glory. Surrounded by icebergs and covered in icicles and snow, the icy decore sweeps audience members into the frosty scene as it is bathed in a chilling white light.

As the show continues, Magee the Elf gets his wish, transforming into a pirate and heroically rescuing the princess and Christmas. All the while, more than 150 guests don costumes and join in the pirate action. Even the kids can join in the March of the Toy Soldiers to help Magee in his holiday heroics. The after party is happening too, with a DJ, disco, and special effects to help guests plunder and pillage the night away. (And this is included with your dinner admission.)

The holiday season calls for special celebrations, and the Pirate’s Dinner Adventure is a great place to do just that. Whether it’s the family, or a holiday group gathering, you can get the best discount tickets at DWTickets.com at Christmas and always!

Disney Does the Holidays – By the Numbers

Each year as the Christmas Season approaches, Santa's elves spread out across the Walt Disney World Resort. From late summer, they are busy dressing up the theme parks, hotels and shopping areas to be ready to entertain and dazzle the millions of guests that will join them for their holiday celebrations. You won't believe the numbers the Walt Disney World Resort adds up while they prepare for this joyous time of year. All four theme parks are decorated to the hilt for the holiday season. The Disney hotels, water parks and other attractions don't disappoint either as they dress to impress all of the special holiday guests that will pass through this month. During this great time of preparation, they rack up some impressive numbers. Imagine this:

There are a total of 1,500 trees decorated in various ways across the Walt Disney World Resort property. This includes one tree at Disney's Contemporary Resort that has a 26' wide base and a 45' tall tree at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort that displays 60,000 miniature LED lights.

And speaking of lights, there are 8 million of them glistening throughout the resort's theme parks, hotels and attractions. Six miles of them are at the Disney-MGM Studios as part of The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Along with the tremendous mileage of lights, the Walt Disney World Resort strings 15 miles of garland to boost the holiday spirit. On the trees decorated around the resort, you will find over 300,000 yards of ribbon and bows. Add to that more than 800 entertainers including singers, dancers, storytellers, musicians and characters, and you have a Walt Disney World Christmas.

When it comes to numbers, DWTickets.com wants to be number one on your holiday celebration list, so we are here to give you the best discounts on Walt Disney World tickets. Visit DWTickets.com for all of your Christmas ticket needs, and you can be sure you are getting the cheapest theme park tickets and best deals to be found anywhere.

Take in a Dinner Show for a Special Holiday Treat

Christmas seems to get more demanding each year, and it can be really difficult to find that something special to do for the holidays; something to rival the year before and leave a big enough impression to start a new family tradition. Well, your quest for the ultimate Yuletide celebration ends right here at DWTickets.com!

Of course Orlando offers decorated theme parks, character Christmas parties and gigantic holiday parades, and you can get discount tickets for all of the major Orlando attractions at DWTickets.com. As you click around our Web site, though, make sure you check out all of the dinner shows that are available through DWTickets.com…at the cheap prices we are famous for! A dinner show is a super fun and uniquely entertaining way to get the family or a big group of friends together to celebrate the season. And with the discount prices here at DWTickets.com, everyone can afford it!

At Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, they have invited everyone to join in their celebration of “Christmas at Dixie.” This is a great dinner show any time of year, with live animals, great stunts and surprisingly yummy food. At holiday time, the Stampede takes on the atmosphere of a real down home Christmas. The entire place is decked out in grand southern country style, and the show brings out the true meaning and feeling of Christmas with a live enactment of the Story of the Nativity. For any Christmas lover, this is truly a touching and heart-warmingly entertaining way to look at the elements of the traditional Christmas story. If you have ever seen one, you will surely agree that nothing in the world says Christmas like a live nativity show, and the size and scope of “Christmas at Dixie” definitely does not disappoint. And that’s just one of the many options for seasonally spectacular dinner shows.

DWTickets.com gives you the best deals on all of Orlando’s top dinner theaters. At Medieval Times, they are getting ready to unveil their new live production that has been over two years in the making. It opens in mid-December, and you can get your cheap tickets right here at DWTickets.com! During the holidays and all year round, we are your number one source for cheap tickets and great leisure time ideas! Click on DWTickets.com often and get your friends and family out for some entertaining eats!

Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party

It’s Christmas time at the Walt Disney World Resort, and if the decorations don’t convince you, this special nightly party at the Magic Kingdom will. Every holiday season, the magical Disney elves descend upon the Magic Kingdom park transforming it into an old-time winter wonderland. We have some elves of our own here at DWTickets.com, and they have been hard at work getting you the best discounts on all of your theme park tickets! If your holidays call for a trip to any of the Orlando attractions, look no further. DWTickets.com has the cheap tickets you want for Christmas this year.

For the past 25 years, the Magic Kingdom has donned its decorations and opened its nighttime doors for special guests at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This is an all-out holiday celebration that spans the Magic Kingdom park on select nights throughout the season. The party mood envelops park guests the minute they come through the gate and see the gigantic Christmas tree in the Town Square at the start of Main Street USA. As visitors continue down Main Street, they will be immersed into the holidays even further as the snow falls from the beautiful night sky above this magical park.

Throughout the evening, there are special Christmas shows that can only be seen during the holiday season. Mickey, Minnie, the Fairy Godmother and other friends join in “Cinderella’s Holiday Wish” each evening in front of the castle and the result is a dazzling display of over 200,000 shimmering lights covering Cinderella’s Magic Kingdom home. The “Celebrate the Season” show moves onto the castle stage later in the evening and should not be missed.

“Mickey’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’” takes the stage in Tomorrowland five times each night to tell the classic Dickens tale with a Disney touch. And every little princess will want to see “Belle’s Enchanted Christmas Story,” which is shown four times throughout the night. Along with the shows, you can’t miss “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” and, of course, the Holiday Wishes fireworks fantasy takes a new seasonal shape with “Celebrate the Spirit of the Season.”

There are so many reasons to celebrate the holidays at Walt Disney World, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is certainly at the top of many a Christmas list. Check your list twice and be sure to get your cheap tickets right here at DWTickets.com!