Magic Kingdom Attractions - Fantasyland

Well - as we're roaring into May, Disney World is heating up and getting ready for Summer break. Since all the kids will be out of school sooner than later, I thought I'd talk about some of the most popular attractions for children - which all can be found at The Magic Kingdom in Fantasyland. Dumbo The Flying Elephant is one of the most popular rides among kids. Centered in the heart of Fantasyland at Disney's Magic Kingdom, Dumbo will take your kids soaring through the sky and spin around the carousel. The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is also a popular ride with everyone's favorite honey-obsessed bear - Pooh. Riders sit down in a giant honeypot and go on an adventure from cartoon-land. Peter Pan's Flight takes you into the clouds and on a journey to Neverland. Beware of Captain Hook's pirate ship or you might be held captive!

Snow White's Scary Adventures takes you through the world of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, where the wicked witch is waiting to cast her evil spell. Each of the different cars are named after the Seven Dwarfs, so make sure you don't climb in with Dopey. "Its a Small World" puts you on a boat where you travel to lands of different cultures and continents, all while singing "It's A Small World, After all." Fact is, it really isn't such as small world as there are so many more rides and attractions, you'll just have to take your kids to Disney World and see for yourself.

Makahiki Luau at SeaWorld

SeaWorld Orlando has a great dinner show that is fun for the whole family. The Makahiki Luau Dinner Show at SeaWorld features delicious food, dancing, audience participation, and many other spectacular events that make this outing one to remember. From fire dancing by the "Big Kahuna" to sensational grilled mahi mahi and BBQ ribs, this dinner attraction is definitely worth checking out while in Orlando. Makahiki Luau has some very talented hula dancers and entertainment and this attraction is something you can take anyone to. It is a great place to take a date, excellent entertainment for a large group or family, and most importantly the atmosphere is extremely festive and has a lot to offer.

Orlando has many different dinner shows all with something special and unique to offer, but Makahiki Luau at SeaWorld is one event which will leave a memorable and lasting impression for everyone to remember. The food is top-notch, the show is exciting, and the tropical atmosphere is truly delightful. This is one of the most entertaining, electrifying and fulfilling shows in Orlando, and I urge you to check it out. Have a great weekend, and see you in Orlando.

The World Showcase at EPCOT CENTER

The World Showcase at EPCOT has over 20 pavilions with countries from all over the world. Some of the country pavilions have rides, like Norway or Mexico. Other country pavilions have amazing restaurants like at Italy, Japan, and Mexico. The World Showcase at Epcot is a beautiful circle of attractions with inspirational buildings and colorful scenery. People describe the World Showcase at EPCOT as breathtaking and fascinating.

EPCOT's World Showcase is a melting pot of different countries, cultures, and cuisines - and will teach you a little bit about the origins of these far away lands. There is also great shopping at the different country pavilions where you can buy some really interesting and unique apparel. EPCOT is a theme park that usually takes a day or two to complete, so a Park Hopper ticket is usually a good idea. To buy discount Park Hopper passes, CLICK HERE!

Richard Petty Driving Experience

If you have ever dreamed of getting behind the wheel in a NASCAR racing car, now is your chance. The Richard Petty Driving Experience has come to the Walt Disney World Resort, stationed at the Walt Disney Speedway. You can get in an official stock car or race with a pro in the passanger seat. This is an experience of a lifetime as not many people get to feel the adrenaline rush of going 200+ MPH around a NASCAR track. The Richard Petty Driving Experience is for the speed demon in everyone, and has permanently found a home in the heart of Walt Disney World. Now you can come down to Orlando and feel like you're in Talladega Nights with Ricky Bobby. This is definitely an experience like no other, almost like an extreme sport without the risks. You can look into the program more, and buy discount tickets to The Richard Petty Driving Experience when you CLICK HERE ! See you on the track, and remember to keep hydrated, it's hot in that racecar!

Events Going on In and Around Orlando

TGIF - this is your official DW Blog Man wishing everyone a very happy Friday and a great weekend. Just wanted to share some new and exciting events that are happening around Orlando. First of all, Congratulations are in order for the Orlando Magic, who have made the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2003. The Orlando Magic will be playing the Detroit Pistons in the 1st Round of the 2007 NBA Playoffs, and will be hosting two games in Orlando on Thursday, April 26, and Saturday April 28 at Amway Arena. GO MAGIC !

New in town is the Tommy Bahama Cafe on International Drive. The Tommy Bahama store has been around a while in Pointe Orlando, right in the heart of the tourist district, but now a delicious cafe has opened. The drink specials are great, the food is hearty, and the atmosphere is relaxed. The Flower and Garden Festival is still going strong at EPCOT in Disney World, and will be running until the beginning of June. There is a rumor that SOARIN' at EPCOT will be turned into "SOARIN' over America" by 2008. Currently, the ride is all about the state of California, but the new edition is in the works. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and see you down here in Orlando, Florida !

Disney MGM Studios

MGM Studios is a great way to spend the day saluting Hollywood's Golden Age of movie-making. MGM Studios is Walt Disney World's third theme park, dedicated to the history of films, movie adventures, and classic Hollywood designs. From Star-Tours virtual reality experience where you feel like Luke Skywalker flying in outer-space, to Aerosmith's Rockin' Rollercoaster taking you upside-down in the dark.. Disney's MGM Studios is a great place to visit. You can go on a back-lot tour and see new set designs for future movies coming out, as well as famous soundstages from the past.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror gets scarier every year, and is one of my favorite rides of all time. When that scary music starts playing and you start the 13-story free fall in that haunted elevator shaft, it really gets your blood pumping. The restaurants at MGM Studios are great too - all 1950's themed and wonderful service. Come take a visit to Disney's MGM Studios and ride the movies as well as celebrating Hollywood's famous traditions all in one park.

Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World

The Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort is continuing it's stride in excellence as special amazing additions are taking place. The Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Magic Kingdom has been completely revamped, keeping up with the popularity of the motion picture "Pirates of the Caribbean" and installing Jack Sparrow into the ride. Dreamflight was turned into " Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin" and it very popular among children. Also at Magic Kingdom park, the Alien Encounter was done over, and is now Stitch's Great Escape, which is playing off the popularity of the Lilo & Stitch hit.
The Hall of Presidents in the Liberty Square District of Magic Kingdom Park was recently updated to include George W. Bush. Bill Clinton and George W. Bush are the only actual U.S. Presidents who give a speech to the audience inside the attraction other than Abraham Lincoln. In Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom, Carousel of Progress was updated to include the 21st century in the scenes and stage design for the last act.
There are so many great things going on at Walt Disney World, you must come down and check it out today! To see some of the best discounts for Walt Disney World Tickets, CLICK HERE! Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort is a place where dreams actually do come true, fantasies are more like reality and you can take part in the happiest celebration on Earth.

Sea World is building a Water Park - "AQUATICA" !

Sea World is finally building a water park to rival Orlando's "Big Three" of Wet N Wild, Blizzard Beach, and Typhoon Lagoon. Sea World will be making their move in the form of AQUATICA - a tremendous, 59 acre water theme park that will combine up-close marine animal experiences with thrilling water slides and an enormous 80,000 square foot man-made beach. Sea World Aquatica will have 36 water slides, six sparkling pools and lagoons, and exotic marine animals and tropical flora from all over the world. Aquatica is slated to open its doors one year from now, in March of 2008. Sea World Aquatica will be highlighted by a first-of-its-kind 300-foot water slide, featuring a 42-foot drop, that will take riders in clear tubes underwater through an actual dolphin habitat. You have to take a look at the artwork and pictures to see what I'm talking about - Aquatica looks unreal! I was told that private cabanas and waiters will be available on the beach, and due to the large amount of rides, the lines will be very short. It seems to me that the people at Sea World know what they're doing, and are trying to make Aquatica stand out from all the rest. As far as I'm concerned, it always does, and I cannot wait until 2008!

Orlando Events

Every couple of weeks, Orlando has something special come to town. Since Orlando is the vacation capital of the world, there are always exciting comings and goings that I like to write about from time to time. The Hard Rock Live at Universal Orlando Citywalk has concerts and bands coming from time to time. Kenny Loggins is here tomorrow night, and Diana Ross will be in town toward the end of the month. The Walt Disney World Resort is currently running their Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot through June. There were a bunch of Easter-related events going on in the theme parks over the past weekend, with celebrity guest speakers and great food. There will be a new themed weekend for Cinco de Mayo (May 4-6, 2007) where you can salute in the holiday with some cool bands and great Latin-inspired food. Disney World will have a Mother's Day celebration May 11-13 of this year, which has been a time-honored tradition. Shaquille O'Neal and the World Champion Miami Heat will come into town to take on the Orlando Magic next week, and anytime "SHAQ" comes to town, you know that is going to be a blast. Sea World has a new family member as baby Shamu was born last month. That is the 9th Killer Whale born at Sea World -Orlando over the past 15 years. As your official DW Blog Man, I just wanted to give everyone the run-down on upcoming events, so get down to Orlando, Florida and experience the magic with your friends and family today!

International Drive - Orlando

When coming down to Orlando, Florida on your vacation, there is one place that literally has something for everyone - International Drive. International Drive, or "I-Drive" is the home to over 100 restaurants, attractions, discount shops, and the location of Sea World and Wet N Wild water park. A stroll down International Drive can land you at Ripley's Believe It or Not, Wonder Works, Pirates Dinner Adventure, an Indoor Skydiving pavilion, a multitude of mini-golf courses, helicopter tours, and much more. I-Drive is the place to go if you are visiting this beautiful city and want to see a lot of attractions on foot. All you have to do is get out of the hotel room and start walking on International Drive, and you are sure to stumble upon something worthwhile. From bowling alleys to skate parks to hundreds of designer outlet stores, International Drive is a must-see tourist destination in Orlando. A handful of dinner shows are there such as Pirates Dinner Adventure, the Makahiki Luau show, Sleuth's Mystery Theater and much more. If you are a fan of miniature golf, there is Pirate's Cove Mini-Golf, Congo River Golf, and Hawaiian Rumble Mini Golf. You should see the waterfalls and great putting surfaces at these places - all very exotic and fun for your entire family! Next time you come to Orlando, make sure to take a trip along I-Drive and see everything that is Orlando, Florida. Have a great weekend, and Happy Easter!

Busch Gardens - Tampa

Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida is one of America's most exciting roller-coaster theme parks. Every ride at Busch Gardens is a hair-raising, spine-tingling rush of adrenaline-pumping excitement that keeps you coming back for more. I have not been to Busch Gardens in a few years, but after doing some research of what is going on over there in the next couple of months, I cannot wait to get over to Tampa and hit those coasters! Busch Gardens has an African theme with ridiculously thrilling and chilling roller-coasters such as the Kumba, Montu, Skeikra, Congo River Rapids, and many more. A recently new show, Pirates 4-D is a hilariously entertaining 4-D comedy adventure for the entire family - taking place in the new Timbuktu Theater.

Busch Gardens also has a Serengeti Railroad where you can explore the Serengeti Plain with large herds of beautiful African animals. Animals such as free-roaming giraffes, zebras, ostrich, and antelopes can be viewed in a very natural habitat. When touring on the Serengeti Express inside Busch Gardens, you feel like you are on an African safari. Busch Gardens also has a brand new musical review called the Mirage Canteen where you can travel back in time to the 1940's and hear music and see costumes from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Busch Gardens is only an hour drive from Orlando and the Disney theme parks, and is well worth the trip. If you are really into some intense roller-coaster action, head over to Busch Gardens - Tampa for the time of your life.

What's New at Universal

Universal Studios has announced that they are closing one of their classic, and most famous rides, Back to the Future: The Ride. I, the DW Tickets Blog Man truly loved this ride, and will be sad to see it go. This attraction was my all-time favorite ride, and one of the first of its kind in terms of virtual reality simulators. There was nothing more exciting than hopping into Michael J. Fox's 1980's De Lorean and going for a virtual reality quantum leap back in time. It appears times are changing and the younger crowds that visit Universal Studios aren't too familiar with the Back to the Future era. Universal Studios has not announced what will take it's place, but a new exciting attraction should be occupying that building by the Fall of 2007.

Universal Orlando has also been focusing their efforts on creating and bringing in new entertainment to their theme parks. Starting in the summertime, Universal will be opening the famous Blue Man Group show, hosting an act that has been a long-running hit in New York City, Vegas and other great cities around the country. The show, which is a mix of high-energy choreography, amazing music, and special effects, is going into a brand new state-of-the-art theater that was once used as a sound stage for Universal movie and music projects. Universal has been remodeling it for the past year, and the final outcome is going to turn out brilliant. There are lots of new things going on at Universal Orlando, and I am very excited to see what is in store for this summer and beyond. Have a great week, and try to catch Back to the Future : The Ride at Universal Studios before the time-travelling De Lorean takes its final flight.