How to Have a Safe Disney Vacation During Hurricane Season

There are definitely advantages to taking your Disney vacation during hurricane season, which runs from June through November. This time of year is not prime time at the Walt Disney World Resort, so you can find great room rates and some smaller crowds in the Disney theme parks. The important thing to remember if your Disney vacation falls during hurricane season is to follow warnings and be on alert.

Sometimes, hurricane season blows through the Walt Disney World Resort without any major storms. In fact, big hurricanes are really quite rare. When a tropical storm or hurricane does hit the Disney area, though, rest assured that everyone at the Walt Disney Resort is prepared to handle whatever may come.

If you have never been through a hurricane, perhaps you don’t even know what it is. A hurricane is a type of tropical storm that is extremely large in size, sometimes covering the entire state as with Hurricane Ike that just hit the State of Texas. Hurricanes mean a lot of rain – we’re talking 5, 10, even up to 15 or 20 inches or more, depending on the size and strength of the storm.

And then there’s the wind. A mid-strength category 3 hurricane can have winds of up to 130 miles per hour. These are constant winds too, not just gusts. And they could last for several hours, which is what can make the prospect of hunkering down and weathering the storm during your Disney vacation a little daunting.

While the whipping winds and driving rains of a major hurricane can be dangerous, the structures at the Walt Disney World Resort are soundly built according to building codes set forth by the State of Florida. There is very little chance that any permanent structure on Disney property would be seriously dangerous during a storm, and this is especially true for the Disney resort hotels.

When a hurricane is in the forecast, attention is paid to the storm’s path, strength and timeline. If there is any chance that dangerous weather will be hitting the Walt Disney World Resort, the Disney theme parks are closed to protect Disney park guests. This has happened more than once in the past when severe hurricanes headed to Orlando.

Disney officials have strictly laid out emergency plans that will guide all Disney guests to safety during a hurricane, so taking a Disney vacation during hurricane season is really no problem at all.

How to Save Time on an Orlando Theme Park Vacation

Saving is on everyone’s mind these days, especially when it comes to the Orlando theme parks. Your Orlando vacation time is no time to waste time, so here are some great ways to make the absolute most of your Orlando vacation time.

Orlando Vacation Time Saver – Planning
Taking your Orlando vacation during a slower time of year can be a huge time saver. There are off-peak periods every year when all of the Orlando theme parks have reduced crowds, which means less waiting in lines and more time to fit everything in.

The best times to visit an Orlando theme park is just before or immediately following a very busy time. The beginning of November is a slow time, just before the Thanksgiving crowds show up, and the same is true for the beginning of December. These are also good times to visit because the Christmas celebrations and decorations are usually in full swing so you can still enjoy those special treats without the throngs of people.

Mid to late January is also a quieter time on the Orlando theme park front. The weather in January can get a bit chilly despite the Florida locale, but in many ways a cooler day can make your Orlando theme park experience even more exciting. Just bring a jacket, hat and gloves and hit your Orlando vacation running.

Orlando Vacation Time Saver – Where to Stay
If possible, try to stay on property at the Orlando theme park of your choosing. The Walt Disney World Resort has several Disney hotels adjacent to the Disney theme parks. The Universal Orlando Resort has a few hotels of their own, which put you right next door to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

There are many hotels in the vicinity of SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Aquatica by SeaWorld as well. Staying close by means less time traveling to and from your favorite Orlando theme parks.

Orlando Vacation Time Saver – Know What You Want To Do
To avoid wasting time once you get to the Orlando theme park of your choice, figure out what you want to do beforehand. Make a list of the must-sees, and organize your day around that. Nothing wastes more valuable Orlando theme park time than standing around trying to figure out where to go next. A little planning and decision making will go a very long way to saving your Orlando vacation time!

Never Too Early to Start Thinking About the Holiday Season

It is never too early to start thinking about the holiday season in Orlando, especially when it comes to Walt Disney World. Walt Disney World offers tons of options for families to celebrate the holiday season, starting as early as November! All of the main Disney parks, surrounding resorts, and shopping areas are getting into the holiday spirit and you are invited to join in on all of the fun.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, kicks off all of the fun on November 10th. Running until December 19th, on select nights only, you can join in by celebrating the joys of Christmas with all of your favorite Disney characters. Mickey and all of his friends will be throughout the park celebrating the holiday season in their most festive attire. There will be great stage shows, a Holiday Wishes firework display, special activities, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, and, don’t forget, all of the great Magic Kingdom attractions. Admission to this event requires a separate ticket from the Magic Kingdom admission.

At Epcot, celebrate the Holidays Around the World! Recognizing all of the fantastic cultures, customs, food, and traditions of countries around the world, you can expand your horizons and learn about all of the great celebrations of the holiday season. There is also a nightly candlelight processional at the American Gardens Theatre, where guests can listen to the retelling of the Christmas Story by a celebrity narrator, 50 piece orchestra, and mass choir. To top off the night walk through the Lights of Winter and watch a holiday themed rendition of IllumiNations: Reflection of Earth. Holidays Around the World will run from November 28th to December 30th.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrates the holiday spirit with the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Walk through the downtown area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and be amazed by all of the lights, color, and fun! Millions of twinkling lights synchronized to holiday music are sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Running from November 28th to January 4th, you will not want to miss it!

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, dance to the jungle and seasonal beat with Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade. Mixing the spirit of the season with the adventure of Animal Kingdom, you are sure to be entertained. Make sure to stop by Camp Minnie-Mickey and the Oasis to meet all of your favorite characters dressed up in their holiday best! Also, make sure to stop by Santa Goofy’s Wild Wonderland!

Not only in the parks can you find all of the excitement of the holidays, but at Downtown Disney and throughout the Disney Resorts as well! At Downtown Disney celebrate the Festival of the Season with great shopping, live entertainment, and even visits from Santa, himself! Make sure to get your picture taken with jolly old Santa for a keep-sake you will always remember! There are tons of great light and holiday displays throughout the entire Disney property, so make sure to check out all of the resorts, shopping areas, and more.

There really is SNOW better place to celebrate the holidays, than at Walt Disney World!

Make the Most of the Time Left with Pleasure Island

With the sad announcement of Disney’s Pleasure Island closing its doors for good on September 27th of this year, both locals and tourists alike are trying to figure out how they are going to spend their nights without this Walt Disney World Resort favorite. There is only one solution to all of this…enjoy the time you have left with this Disney adult oasis! With six great options to choose from, Pleasure Island is prefect for a night out with a date, a night out with all of your friends, or for reunions with those you haven’t seen in a long time.

There is something for everyone to “get their dance on” at Pleasure Island. 8 Trax is perfect for 70’s and 80’s music lovers. It is all about the throw-back hits of yesterday here! Dance to the retro groove and take a blast into the past! The BET Soundstage Club plays the best of yesterday and today’s hip-hop and R&B. Dance to the beat at this two story sound studio. With a live DJ and a huge dance floor, you can get right down to the task at hand…dancing until the early morning hours! Mannequins Dance Palace is an Orlando staple that will truly be missed. One of the more popular dance clubs on property, Mannequins plays pulse-pounding techno and trance music as you dance upon the rotating dance floor. A good time is always in store for you at Mannequins. If Top 40 hits are what you are looking for, and a large dance floor, then Motion is the destination for you. Dance to the best music of today as the synchronized music videos of the artists play on giant video screens throughout the building. Motion is a perfect spot for the music enthusiast or the pop-music lover alike!

Echoes of laughter are sure to be heard for years after the closing of the two major comedy clubs at Pleasure Island. Having provided tourists and locals alike with tons of laughs and good times the Adventurer’s Club and the Comedy Warehouse will both surely be missed. Both the Adventurer’s Club and the Comedy Warehouse encourage audience participation, so you get a different show each time. The Adventurer’s Club focuses more on set comedy acts, while the Comedy Warehouse develops improv routines based on audience participation.

So, get out those last few giggles and bust out those great dance moves one last time at Pleasure Island, before it closes on September 27th. Paid admission is required to get into the Pleasure Island nightclubs. You must be 21 years of age or older to get into the dance clubs, while you can be 18 years of age with an accompanied 21+ year old to get into the comedy clubs. Valid ID is required.

Brewmaster’s at SeaWorld

In a theme park town, it can sometimes be difficult to find something directly targeted at adults. But, SeaWorld Orlando has been able to corner the adult niche market with their Brewmaster’s attraction. Free with your SeaWorld Orlando ticket, guests 21 and over are invited to take Brewmaster’s, a unique learning experience where you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about the Anheuser-Busch products.

Having been the U.S. leader in American brewing since 1957, Anheuser-Busch has developed over 100 brands of beer and runs 12 American breweries. Famous for their acclaimed Budweiser, Michelob, and Specialty brand beers, you can now learn everything about these renowned brands. The Brewmaster’s experience requires booking in advance. Reservations can be made either at the Information Desk at the front of the park or at the host stand at the Hospitality Center. We recommend making reservations EARLY in the day because classes tend to fill up fast! Guests must be 21 years of age or older and must present an ID upon entering the Brewmaster’s Club.

Once at Brewmaster’s, you are set-up with a Brewmaster who will give you a 30 minute experience teaching you all about the Busch brand beers. Presented with a large menu, you will get to sample up to four different Anheuser-Busch signature products. Try any of their presented stouts, lagers, malts, and more. Along your tasting journey, your Brewmaster will recommend different foods to be paired with the beverages, based on their taste, color, consistency, and more. Who would have thought that chocolate, cheese, and fruit go with beer?! Your Brewmaster will also tell you all about the history of the drinks, how they are made, and how to enhance your overall drinking experience. It really is a great class and you will be amazed by how much information about beer that you can learn in a 30 minute time frame. Those under age 21 are welcome to wait in the assigned waiting area until their party finishes the class. Class times are subject to change.

To top off your Brewmaster experience, make sure to check out the animals that have made Budweiser beer famous, the Budweiser Clydesdales, at the Clydesdale Hamlet. At the Hamlet you will be able to pet the horses, have your picture taken with the horses, and learn all about their history with the Budweiser brand. Make sure to take advantage of all of these great experiences! They are all included with your SeaWorld Orlando ticket.

Show hopping at Walt Disney World

As the weather gets cooler here in Orlando, it might be time to think twice before you brave the waters of Splash Mountain. Luckily when you purchase a Disney World ticket from DW Tickets there is a lot of world class entertainment that is included with it!

At the Magic Kingdom, don’t let the chilly weather get you down, head over to Fantasyland and experience Mickey’s Philharmagic Orchestra where you will be taken on a magical 4-D journey with Donald Duck as he enters Academy Award winning Disney films as you have never seen them before while he searches for Mickey’s Magic Hat!

Then dash over to Tomorrowland where you can meet the family of the future in the Carousel of Progress which is the longest running stage show with music from the Sherman Brothers (famous for writing the music to Mary Poppins) and was created by Walt Disney himself. Once you experience this rotating theatre with memorable songs you will want to see it again so you can sing-along!

After the Magic Kingdom make your way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios where they take their showbiz seriously! There you can see some of the best shows at the Walt Disney World Resort! Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage – takes the only animated film ever nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards and brings to life your favorite musical numbers!

Then close by is the Voyage of the Little Mermaid a high tech musical employing actors, projections, puppets, lasers, water, bubbles and so much more as they retell the touching tale of Ariel the Little Mermaid and Prince Eric! If you have kids you will want to make sure that they are able to catch a showing of High School the Musical – LIVE! This high energy recreation of the surprise Disney Channel hit is sure to get the blood pumping, and keep the spirits high on one of Orlando’s cool autumn days! If you need a little bit of excitement make sure you see one of the two (or both) stun shows! Indian Jones EPIC Stunt Show Spectacular and Lights Actions Motors Stunt Show are high energy, high tech, white knuckle stunt shows that will keep you on the edge of your seat and warm with all of the amazing and breath taking stunts and pyro techniques.

Now it is time to slow down and experience the Broadway caliber shows at Walt Disney World and you will only find those at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! When Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened its gates in 1998 people were not ready for the Festival of the Lion King! It quickly became the best, and most popular stage show on Walt Disney World property (and it remains that way to this day)! Employing cirque like show effects and a unique theatre in the round setting Festival of the Lion King is a touchstone of any family vacation to Orlando! Seriously, you cannot visit Orlando without seeing this show! Giving Festival of the Lion King a run for its money is Finding Nemo the Musical located in Dino Land USA where Tarzan Rocks once was. This once open air theatre has been enclosed and upgraded with state of the art equipment and a Broadway written story and score, and is fast becoming as popular as Festival of the Lion King!

Even though it cools down in Orlando during the fall, there is no reason why you can’t have a family vacation that is full of action, adventure, nostalgia and laughs! All you need is a Magic Your Way Ticket to the Walt Disney World Resort!

Howl-O-Scream: Doubling Your Fun This Halloween!

Appearing for its 9th season, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa plans to double the screams and double the fun this time around. As the sun goes down, the evil spirits, ghosts, goblins, creatures, and more come out to play throughout the park. Busch Gardens changes from a happy go-lucky park to an amusement park of inescapable fear! For 17 select nights, Howl-O-Scream will run from October 2 – November 1, with two Freaky Preview nights on September 26 and 27. Loaded with six haunted houses, three scare zones, three shows, and the best roller coasters in Florida to keep you on your toes, you will not want to miss this event.

But, beware! There is a reason that Busch Gardens promises double the fun and scares this year…the Raven Twins! Born conjoined at the head, Laura and Lana Raven grew up as any other children would. As they grew up they started to develop unique personalities, but they still could agree on one thing and that was their love for the same boy. But, the young boy wanted nothing to do with the twins! He mocked and joked about them, just as the rest of the town did. This heart break LITERALLY tore the twins apart. The twins forcefully separated themselves, ruining their faces forever, looking for revenge to all of those who caused them cruelty and pain. Beware of these girls if they are to cross your path. They are dieing to meet you…

Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream tickets must be purchased separately from Busch Gardens Park Admission tickets. This event is intended for mature audiences and may prove to be too intense for young children. The event contains adult content of violence, gore, and blood.

Dates:

• Freaky Preview: September 26 – 27
  (7:30 pm – 1 am)


• October 2 – November 1
  (Thursdays 7:30 pm – 1 am; Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 pm – 2 am)

Shamu to Host a “Spooktacular” Event

No one celebrates Halloween like Shamu and SeaWorld! Join Shamu and all of his friends for one of the best, and most unique, Halloween parties in town! SeaWorld Orlando proudly presents “SeaWorld’s Spooktacular Underwater Fantasea.” The only event in the country where Halloween meets the sea, you will not want to miss it! Children are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes and trick-or-treat along their journey at SeaWorld! Trick-or-Treat along with friendly sea-witches, mermaids, pumpkin fish, and other underwater friends in a fantasy world your child will not soon forget!

The event is packed with tons of events and shows. Sesame Street presents “Countdown to Halloween LIVE!” Kids will love counting, singing, and playing along with Count Von Count, Elmo, and ALL of his friends! The Frozen Fun Zone is another great treat for the kids. As an interactive area, the Frozen Fun Zone presents a DJ, roller skating break dancers, and tons of interactive games and activities. And, don’t forget about all of the trick-or-treating stations and fun rides that SeaWorld has to offer! All of the great rides are available throughout the event! Try Kraken at nighttime for a bone-chilling thrill! And, make sure to stop by all of the fantastic shows! Halloween is one of Shamu’s favorite holidays, so who knows what kind of tricks will be up his sleeve! SeaWorld’s Spooktacular provides a safe, fun, and unique experience for children to celebrate Halloween! Plus, it is a GREAT alternative to the often terrifying, frightening, and gory Halloween options throughout town.

The event runs on October 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 24-26, & 31 starting at 11 am and IS INCLUDED in park admission! Make sure to get your SeaWorld tickets ahead of time, these days will tend to sell-out quickly! So, put on your favorite costume and head to SeaWorld for a spooktacular day!

Eat to the Beat at Epcot Food & Wine Festival

The 13th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is just around the corner, and this year’s celebrations of all things yummy to drink and eat promises some great beats to go along with the eats. The Eat to the Beat concert series is always a favorite with Epcot guests, and not just because the live shows are included with your Disney ticket.

Every year, the Eat to the Beat concert series at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival brings in something for every musical taste, and this year is no exception. Seven Grammy award winning artists are just a portion of the 18 popular acts that will hit the America Gardens Theatre stage during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which starts on Sept. 26, and runs through Nov. 9.

Here’s what the lineup looks like:

Epcot Food & Wine Festival Eat to the Beat concerts – September

• Sept. 26-27: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (new this year)
• Sept. 28-30: Sheena Easton

Epcot Food & Wine Festival Eat to the Beat concerts – October

• Oct. 1-4: Starship starring Mickey Thomas
• Oct. 5-7: En Vogue (new this year)
• Oct. 8-9: Jonny Lang (new this year)
• Oct. 10-12: The Smithereens (new this year)
• Oct. 13-14: Sister Hazel (new this year)
• Oct. 15-16: David Sanborn
• Oct. 17-18: Jon Secada
• Oct. 19-21: Spyro Gyra (new this year)
• Oct. 22-23: Otis Day & the Knights
• Oct. 24-26: Exposé
• Oct. 27-28: Kool & The Gang
• Oct. 29-30: Boyz II Men (new this year)
• Oct. 31-Nov. 2: Atlanta Rhythm Section (new this year)

Epcot Food & Wine Festival Eat to the Beat concerts – November

• Nov. 3-5: David Cassidy
• Nov. 6-7: Night Ranger (new this year)
• Nov. 8-9: Los Lobos (new this year)

The Eat to the Beat bands have shows every night as part of the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, and the shows are free as long as you have a Disney ticket for admission to Epcot. The Eat to the Beat concerts take place at the America Gardens Theatre in the America Pavilion at Epcot at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. daily.