Down by the BoardWalk at Disney

Tourists visiting Orlando, Florida, who are looking for great dining, entertainment, and shopping generally don’t have to think very hard about where to go. Universal CityWalk offers all that in spades, of course, as does Downtown Disney. However, one place that doesn’t get as much attention for all it offers is Walt Disney World’s BoardWalk area. Offering more than 9,000 square feet of retail, food, and fun, Disney’s Boardwalk is a great place to stroll and hang out when your day at the theme parks is over. And while Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island is getting a makeover, it’s definitely worth paying a visit to this scenic lakeside area full of sights, sounds, and even tantalizing smells.

One of the prettiest and most photogenic spots in Walt Disney World, the BoardWalk surrounds Disney’s Crescent Lake and resembles a little village on the water. You’ll love walking along it and taking in the sherbet-colored building facades, striped awnings, pristine waters, and strung lights of the BoardWalk, which is modeled after the Boardwalks of New England coastal cities like Coney Island and Atlantic City.

Craving some shopping or looking to browse? You’ll find a collection of unusual and unique shops at the BoardWalk, from the ESPN Club Store to the Screen Door General Store. Wyland Galleries features a selection of marine life art from internationally renowned artist Wyland and others. And Disney’s Character Carnival and Thimbles and Threads offer apparel and Disney merchandise and accessories for all ages.

Hungry? BoardWalk has no shortage of tasty treats, including fresh seafood at the Flying Fish Café and sugary delights at Seashore Sweets. Big River Grille & Brewing Works is definitely a must-stop, the only working microbrewery in Disney and a purveyor of sandwiches, salads, and of course, award-winning beer. Spoodles is also a great family place, with delicious flatbreads and Mediterranean dinners that are perfect for sharing with loved ones. And for dessert, be sure to stop by the BoardWalk Bakery for one of their fantastic cupcakes.

The nightlife department, however, is where the BoardWalk really shines, especially now with the closure of Pleasure Island’s nightclubs. Guests can have fun shaking it at Atlantic Dance Hall, where hot DJs and cool bands make it a great place to while away the evening hours. And Jellyrolls is a sheer blast, a quirky piano bar with dueling pianos and audience sing-alongs. We dare you to find a song the pianists don’t know!

Around sunset is definitely our favorite time to go to the BoardWalk; in the evening, the area comes to life with street performers, food vendors, midway games, and lots of live entertainment. And since the BoardWalk is within walking distance of Epcot, going there after a rousing day at the parks is easy and convenient.

If you haven’t paid a visit to the BoardWalk, check it out – you’ll have fun exploring this miniature shopping, dining, and nightlife district at Walt Disney World. Make it a stop on your Disney vacation, which you can start planning after you get your Walt Disney World tickets at DWTickets.com.

ESPN The Weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios

March Madness. Football Fever. Hockey Hullabaloo. Whatever you want to call it, sports tend to get people riled up and excited. And only one event captures the excitement of all those sports in one fan-infested weekend. Only at Walt Disney World can sports fanatics unite in one weekend that brings the hottest lineup of athletes, ESPN personalities, and sports fun and activities. That’s right – ESPN the Weekend is upon us, and Disney is ready to create a one-of-a-kind experience for sports fans of all ages at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from February 27 to March 1.

Every year, ESPN the Weekend gets bigger and better, and this year will be one of the best with a veritable “who’s who” of athletic elite. The sixth edition of ESPN the Weekend will feature some of the biggest names in sports, including Super Bowl heroes like Kurt Warner, Hines Ward, Adam Vinatieri, and Brandon Jacobs. There’ll be Major League Baseball stars too, like Rickey Henderson, Jim Palmer, Curt Schilling, and Job Chamberland. Even US Olympic gold medalists will be on hand, such as Shawn Johnson, Misty May-Treanor, and many others. Fans will be able to see them all in daily motorcades through Hollywood Boulevard and at the base of Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat for special dialogues and Q&A sessions.

Fans will also get to meet their favorite ESPN personalities, including John Anderson, Colin Cowherd, Jay Crawford, Dana Jacobson, Chris McKendry, Peter Gammons, Stuart Scott, Karl Ravech, and Trey Wingo. This year’s event will also feature live daily telecasts, including First Take, Baseball Tonight, and NFL Live, filmed from a set in front of Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat. There’ll also be live broadcasts of the “Mike and Mike” radio show, starring Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg, and The Herd with Colin Cowherd, broadcast live from the ESPN Club at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort.

And it’s not all about the athletes and celebrities – Disney guests will be able to become a sports star themselves with the ESPN Sports Zone. In this interactive area, people of all ages will be able to test their skill in a wide variety of sports, including baseball, basketball, football, and even biking on an X games dirt course. The ESPN Sports Zone will also include an ESPN Play Your Way playground, a fitness initiative designed to let kids use their imagination and create their own physically active games.

Moreover, Disney guests will even be able to try their hand at being a sports personality through a special audition experience. Select contestants will go through a series of “on-air” tasks and the audience will select the best “sportscaster” during each show. ESPN pros and athletes will help mentor contestants as part of the experience.

And a new addition to ESPN The Weekend will be a 5K race through Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Saturday, February 28. The 5K Road Race and Fun Run will challenge runners along the course with ESPN and sports trivia, and more ESPN personalities and athletes will be present for the fun. The race will benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research and will include a Fun Run for kids as well.

Best yet, all the fun and activities of ESPN The Weekend come free with admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so all you need to do to attend is get your Walt Disney World Tickets from DWTickets.com. So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now, so you can be part of the ESPN madness and hullabaloo.

Two Big Coasters Get Ready to Rock Orlando

This spring will hold more than just warm weather in its forecast for Orlando, Florida. Two major theme parks, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Studios, will be unveiling two eagerly anticipated roller coasters that are sure to transform the Orlando skyline, bring new visitors to the parks, and thrill roller coaster lovers and adrenaline rush seekers of all ages. The time is slowly approaching when Orlando residents and vacationers will be able to experience Manta and the Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit roller coasters!

Debuting first will be Manta, which SeaWorld recently revealed will open on May 22. We can’t wait for this particularly sweet attraction, which will be unique among Orlando roller coasters for several reasons. First, as opposed to normal upright seated roller coasters (yawn) or roller coasters where your feet dangle (been there, done that), Manta will position the rider practically face down. The idea is that you’ll feel like you’re soaring through the air, much like a Manta ray soars through the water.

In addition, once it’s completed, Manta will be the one of the longest, tallest, and fastest roller coasters in the world, with four inversions and a speed of at least 56 mph. The inversions will include a pretzel loop, an in-line twist, and two corkscrews. Moreover, the roller coaster cars will be designed to resemble manta rays, with wingspans of 12 feet. Reportedly, during one portion of the ride, the Manta car will pass extremely close to the water below, and its wings will skim the surface, creating a big splash for the riders.

Manta will also have an incredible queue area for guests to take in while they wait for their wild ride. The queue will pass through art-adorned underground caves with enormous Plexiglas tanks featuring over 300 rays, as well as thousands of fish and other mysterious marine creatures.

And while Manta is poised to become the most graceful flying roller coaster in the world, the Hollywood Rip, Ride, and Rockit (RRR) coaster at Universal Studios is set on being the most technologically advanced one. Set to open sometime this spring (mid-to-late June would be the latest), the RRR will feature fast-paced, high-flying excitement, all set to the tune of a customizable song you pick out before strapping in. Moreover, every second of your whirlwind ride will be on video, allowing guests to edit it and send it to their friends when it’s all over.

The RRR will reach a maximum of 65 mph and will soar up to 17 stories over Universal Studios, making it the tallest in the Orlando area and the largest ride of its kind in the world. Six near-miss moments will have riders’ hearts lurching into their throats, and a non-inverting loop nicknamed the “double take” will break records around the world. And the ride, which features colorful LED lights, will even blast through a building façade, making it a visually stunning aerial landmark weaving up and down, in and out of the park.

If you couldn’t think of a reason to visit SeaWorld or Universal Orlando before, now you have it – the two new roller coasters getting ready to whirl through our favorite Orlando theme parks this spring. Start planning your roller coaster adventure now with discount theme park tickets from DWTickets.com, and you’ll be ready for two wild rides.

Disney Dollars Are Worth Celebrating

Walt Disney World has no shortage of incredible souvenirs. From Mickey ears that you can customize with your own signature color and decorations to an extensive variety of pins that you could spend your whole life collecting, the parks have been known for developing some of the coolest collectibles that make park-going even more fun. And in continuation of a tradition that’s endured at the parks for more than twenty years, Disney is debuting its 2009 series of Disney Dollars, the “official currency” of Walt Disney World Resort.

These colorful bills are released every year with a new design, and the 2009 series, which has just been issued, is perfectly matched to go with one of Walt Disney World’s newest promotions, "What Will You Celebrate?" "What Will You Celebrate?" encourages people to head to the parks to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, graduations, and other life triumphs.

The bills, which come in $1, $5, and $10 denominations, all call attention to celebrating with their new designs. On the $1, Mickey Mouse and Pluto are seen celebrating with a cake, while Daisy Duck and Minnie Mouse grace the $5 in party hats. And on the $10, Goofy is joined by Donald Duck and Mickey as he blows out the candles on a cake, causing all its frosting to land on Mickey’s face. The reverse of each bill features Cinderella Castle in the clouds with the phrase, “There’s so Much in Life Worth Celebrating.”

Disney Dollars debuted in 1987 as a fun souvenir especially created for Disney-loving collectors. A man named Harry Brice, a silhouette cutter on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland, had the idea for the bills after going to a Disneyana show and seeing how much people loved Disney collectibles. Two series were created at first, one for Disneyland, and one for Walt Disney World, but additional series were added over the years for special celebrations, Disney stores, and other themes like Pirates of the Caribbean. Since their creation, new dollars have been produced every year except in 1992 and 2004.

Money can be exchanged for Disney Dollars at Guest Relations in any of the four parks, as well as at resort front desks. They can also be found at the Guest Relations at Downtown Disney Marketplace and at the information desk at the World of Disney shop. A fun way to teach kids the value of money while at the parks, Disney Dollars never expire and can be used for purchases throughout Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot, as well as on Disney’s Cruise Line, at the Disney stores, and more. However, whatever bills you don’t use can be kept as a unique collectible; like a real dollar, each bill is individually numbered.

Next time you hit the parks and are searching for a unique memento to remember your visit by, check out Disney Dollars. Better than a gift card, you’ll have fun spending or holding on to these little Disney treasures. And be sure to get your Walt Disney World tickets at DWTickets.com, so you’ll have more money left over to convert into Disney Dollars.

Ways to Save at Universal Studios

It seems as though everyone is locking up their wallets tight these days and being a little more careful about where they spend their dimes. And though you might consider a trip to Universal Studios a frivolous expense that will take away all your dimes, a trip to this Orlando theme park doesn’t necessarily have to be a costly good time. Just follow the following tips and you’ll see that a trip to Universal Studios can be fun and inexpensive too.

One of the biggest expenditures during an Orlando vacation is food. Three meals a day can add up to a lot over the span of a trip, and if you happen to get hungry at the parks, you’ll often find that the fare is pricier than you’d like. Many people save by bringing their own snacks and drinks in a backpack – then you can camp outside your favorite attraction and nosh away.

However, Universal Orlando also offers a Universal Meal Deal ticket, which allows you to enjoy an unlimited amount of lunch and dinner at either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure for one low price. Good for one or two days, the meal deal is a bargain if you plan on spending the entire day at the parks, and it’s good at places like Mel’s Drive In, the Comic Strip Café, and Louie’s Italian Restaurant. Best yet, you can go through the lines as many times as you want really gorge. We advise skipping on the Meal Deal Souvenir Cup, though. Unless you plan to drink a lot of soda (not a good idea when you’re about to go on a roller coaster), it’s simply not worth it.

Another big expense during theme park trips is souvenirs, especially if you’re traveling with kids. One money-saving tip is to allow each child only one souvenir that they can pick during the beginning or end of their vacation. Help them choose their souvenir carefully so that they pick something that will be useful throughout the trip or for their next one, like an autograph book or a hat. Also, you can eliminate opportunities for spending money by coming prepared with your own camera; that way, you won’t have to pay for shots with Spiderman.

You can also save on the costs of a rental by staying at one of Universal Studios’ three resorts. Guests of the Royal Pacific Resort, the Hard Rock Hotel, or the Portofino Bay Hotel all benefit from complimentary on-site transportation. You can take the convenient water taxis along picturesque waterways or ride the shuttle bus directly to Universal Studios or CityWalk. You can also ride free to SeaWorld, Wet ‘n Wild, and even Walt Disney World.

Universal Studios resort guests are also privy to Universal Express Ride Access, which entitles them to special shorter lines at popular park attractions. Your room key doubles as your Access Pass, and by saving time at the park, you’ll likely save money. This neat benefit certainly makes staying at the resorts worth it.

And for those who can’t get enough of CityWalk, you may want to hold off your visits to this entertainment-filled park until after 6 pm. Unfortunately, Universal began charging for parking at CityWalk at the beginning of the year, but the fee is $12 during the day and only $3 at night.

Finally, the best way to save on a Universal Studios excursion is by getting discount Universal Studios tickets at DWTickets.com. So go ahead and treat yourself to a Universal Studios adventure – with all the ways that you can save, you won’t even feel guilty about it.

Muppet History at the Orange County History Center

Do you love Jim Henson’s Muppet Vision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? We do – the goofy 3-D attraction featuring Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the gang was always one of our favorite attractions. It never ceases to amaze one how Jim Henson was able to create so many wonderful and funny characters. Don’t forget – Henson was also the mind behind Sesame Street icons like Bert and Ernie. If you’re a fan of these and other similar fun and wacky Henson characters, you may want to check out a new exhibit exploring the mind behind the Muppets at the Orange County Regional History Center in downtown Orlando.

A great attraction to explore during a break from Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, the History Center debuted a new exhibit early this month, Jim Henson’s Fantastic World. Until May 3, visitors can relish in the creative genius of the multitalented creator of The Muppet Show and Fraggle Rock, and the leading force behind Sesame Street.

Henson, who was born in 1936, was a celebrated artist, puppeteer, film director, and producer who created entire worlds with unique characters, objects, environments, and even languages and cultures. Visitors to the exhibit will get to peek inside those worlds by viewing more than 100 works of art, photographs, documents, movie props, and yes, puppets, as well as original video productions and excerpts from Henson’s early career.

Particularly fascinating are the Fantastic World’s sketches, which Henson’s daughter Heather Henson (a resident of Orlando) refers to as the “blueprint” of many characters and productions. And seeing so many Muppets on display is heartwarming to anyone who grew up watching Jim Henson productions on TV; there’s even those memorable “Mah Na Mah Na” guys in a case.

Many people may not know that Henson, who is now survived by his three daughters, Lisa, Cheryl, and Heather, and son Brian, purchased a house in Orange County, Florida, in the 1980s.

“He loved what was going on in the [theme] parks and Walt Disney World,” Heather Henson told reporters. “He wanted to find a home to have his Muppet characters to continue to grow and flourish. He wanted his family of characters to go into the Walt Disney Co.”

Unfortunately, before those plans could be finalized, Henson died of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome in 1990, not long after developing Muppet Vision 3D at Hollywood Studios. In 2004, however, Henson’s wish was finally realized as his sons and daughters sold the Muppets to Disney, along with the Big Bear in the Blue House properties. The Henson family still possesses all Jim’s other creations, including the world famous Jim Henson Creature Shop, which continues to supply Hollywood with creative and technologically advanced film creatures.

Jim Henson’s Fantastic World will make tour stops across the country. And on Saturdays and Sundays from March 7 through April 5, the exhibit will also host screenings of Henson’s rare and popular films, TV footage, and experimental work, along with documentaries and guest speakers like Heather Henson.

For a truly fascinating look into the mind behind some of TV and films most beloved creatures and characters, don’t miss Jim Henson’s Fantastic World exhibit at the Orange County Regional History Center. It’ll give you a whole new appreciation for Henson’s legacy, not to mention one of the most entertaining attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Love is in the Air at Walt Disney World

If you’re panicking because you haven’t yet made plans made for Valentine’s Day – which, by the way, is this Saturday – don’t fret. Simply take your significant other to the magical place on earth, which can easily become the most romantic place on earth come February 14. At Walt Disney World, not only can you treat your significant other to a day of carefree fun, but the two of you can also share in unique and romantic experiences that only Disney can provide.

Whether you’ve only been dating for a short while or have been married for years, any couple can enjoy a relaxing and unforgettable morning at one of Disney’s resort spas. The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, for example, features a couple’s room where guests can enjoy specialized spa treatments with their significant other. From a Grand Romantic Couple’s Massage to a Detoxifying Body Wrap, this tandem spa experience is the perfect way to get in the mindset for a day of enjoyment and romance at Disney.

Then, it’s off to the parks for some fun with your loved one. Magic Kingdom is a particular favorite among couples; you can snuggle close to your honey during attractions like the Haunted Mansion, and feel like a kid again together as you enjoy the thrills of Splash Mountain. Then at night, the Wishes fireworks spectacular caps a day of romance – and provides the perfect backdrop for a special question, should you choose to ask it.

Epcot is also popular for twosomes, as it has many attractions that appeal to the older crowd. You’ll enjoy holding hands as you walk around and see the sights of different pavilions like Japan and Norway. Be sure to stay close to each other during dark rides like Spaceship Earth and The Seas with Nemo & Friends. And at night, grab a dessert at the Boulangerie Patisserie in France and settle down to watch IllumiNations for a lovely Valentine’s Day finale.

When the parks close down, there’s still plenty of romance to be had at Disney resorts. Enjoy a moonlit horse-drawn carriage ride together at the Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, or, if it’s still early enough, an adventurous tandem parasail over Bay Lake at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. You can even go for a simple walk together on the beach or through winding forest trails.

And no Valentine’s Day is complete without a romantic and glamorous dinner. At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the California Grill serves the best of California Fusion cuisine along with a panoramic view overlooking Magic Kingdom, perfect for watching the sunset over Cinderella’s Castle or the Wishes spectacular. Or, make a reservation for Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, where soft harp music, personalized menus, elegant china and silver, and stellar service sets the tone for a truly sophisticated and romantic dinner. Plus, every lady receives a long-stemmed red rose.

And for a meal that will really blow your date away, make arrangements to board the Grand Floridian’s Grand 1, an elegant 45-foot yacht, which provides a stunning view of Wishes along with gourmet meals and private butler service. Guests can also arrange for a private dinner on the resort’s beach.

Regardless of how you choose to spend your Valentine’s Day at Walt Disney World, you’re sure to have a magical holiday that neither you nor your partner will forget for a long time. Start planning your day of romance by booking your Walt Disney World tickets at DWTickets.com, and get ready to sweep your loved one off their feet.

Be an American Idol or See One at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Fans of the hit reality show American Idol will have a new reason to make a special trip over to Walt Disney World this week. Not only is the American Idol Experience opening to Disney guests on February 14 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but more than twenty American Idol stars will be attending a special premiere of the new attraction, which holds its own search for the best singers in the country right inside the park’s ABC Theater.

The invitation-only premiere on Thursday, February 12, will feature American Idol host Ryan Seacrest, current winner David Cook, and former winners Jordin Sparks, Taylor Hicks, and Carrie Underwood. Past contestants David Archuleta, Bo Bice, and Justin Guarini, and other American Idol favorites will also be on hand for the festivities. The lineup may change and expand to include more guests as the premiere draws closer.

Earlier that day, before the park even opens, Cook will be doing a live segment for ABC’s Good Morning America in front of the Experience theater near Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat. It’s a closed set, so fans will unfortunately have to catch it on the small screen. However, theme park guests should still make plans to visit the park that day, as they’ll get to see the Idol family during a special motorcade at 4:30 pm. It will be the largest-ever gathering of prior Idol winners and finalists before they all head off to a press event that evening.

And while you’re waiting to see your favorite American Idol crooners and contestants, be sure to check a sneak peek of the American Idol Experience, which is in a soft opening phase until its debut on Saturday. The attraction features Disney guests competing on stage for the coveted Dream Ticket, which takes them straight to the front of the line at an actual American Idol regional audition.

Guests can either audition for the American Idol Experience or be in the audience during one of seven preliminary shows throughout the day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Each show features three contestants displaying their singing chops, along with three judges and a host. There’s also plenty of fun American Idol footage featuring David Cook, Jordin Sparks, and others. The winner of each preliminary show goes on to compete in a talent-filled final show every day at 7 pm.

If you plan to try your hand at the American Idol Experience, head to Studio 2B, as it’s called, at the American Idol Experience theater early in the morning. There, you’ll sing a 30-90 second snippet a capella for a Disney casting director, who’ll decide whether you have the star potential to get a second audition. If you do, you’ll be sent to the “red room,” where guests can practice for their second audition with a Disney iPod featuring 100 different songs and lyrics.

After some prep time, guests go through a second audition, this time with music, in front of the American Idol Experience producer. This room has a TV screen with lyrics, so performers never have to worry about memorizing the words. If the producer likes your tune, you’ll then receive star treatment with a hair and makeup session and a training session with a voice coach before heading off to the Experience stage for a preliminary show.

So whether you want to walk in the footsteps of an American Idol or catch a glimpse of one, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the place to be this week. Don’t wait to get your Walt Disney World tickets from DWTickets.com so you can cash in on all the American Idol excitement.

Mardi Gras Prepares to Kick Off at Universal

The days are winding down to one of the best parties of the year at Universal Studios Orlando. If the state of affairs in the world is getting you down, then we can think of no better solution than to relax, let loose, and have fun with Mardi Gras: Let the Music Move You. On Saturdays and select nights from February 7 through April 18, park guests will be able to party in the Universal streets New Orleans-style. Enjoy music, food, and outrageous performers in a colorful celebration that’s sure to lift your spirits.

What’s garnering the most excitement in this year’s upcoming Mardi Gras is the concert line-up, which even Universal Orlando admits is the best and most diverse in the event’s history. With a combined total of more than 300 million records sold and a dozen Grammy Awards between them, this year’s Mardi Gras lineup features thirteen of the most popular names in pop, rock, R&B, country, hip-hop, and more.

Party-goers will be able to hear the sounds of KC & the Sunshine Band, Frankie Vallie & the Four Seasons, the Village People, Ne-Yo, and Pat Benatar (featuring Neil Giraldo on guitar) in February; Barenaked Ladies, Montgomery Gentry, Collective Soul, Boys Like Girls, and Kelly Clarkson in March; and MC Hammer, Trade Adkins, and Nelly in April. All these performances will take place in a brand new permanent live concert venue within the park called the Hollywood Bowl Stage, which will make its debut during Mardi Gras.

In addition, New Orleans bands will showcase their authentic bayou music in the “French Quarter,” a replica of the famous district in New Orleans. Guests will be able to groove to the tunes of Big Red and the Zydeco Playmakers, Lil Malcolm and the House Rockers, the Daddy Mac Blues Band, The Honey Islands Swamp Band, and Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone.

And that’s not all – one of the highlights of Mardi Gras is the fantastic parade, which features hundreds of costumed characters, tons of souvenir beads, and amazing street performers. This year’s parade theme is “the Wonderful World of Literature,” giving guests a glimpse into the world of beloved books. Themed floats featuring memorable characters and settings from popular novels and children’s stories will cruise the streets of Universal Studios throughout each Mardi Gras night at 8 or 9 pm. The floats are designed by Blaine Kern Artists, Inc., who also designs floats for the New Orleans parade.

In the middle of all the dazzling floats and pumping music, guests will also be able to enjoy the spicy flavor of Cajun and Creole snacks, entrees, and desserts straight from the Big Easy. Jambalaya, Shrimp Gumbo, Andouille Sausage, Red Beans and Rice, Cheese Steaks, and Beignets are just a few of the tasty offerings that will be available.

And after all the fun at Universal Studios, be sure to head to Universal's CityWalk for the official Mardi Gras after party, where your Mardi Gras ticket provides you with free admission to select CityWalk clubs.

So when the weather starts to heat up this spring in Orlando, you can bet that Mardi Gras: Let the Music Move You is the source. Get in on the Bayou excitement and fun now by getting your discount Universal Studios tickets at DWTickets.com.

Beat the Rainy Day Blues with Indoor Dinner Shows

Occasionally, Florida’s green and sunshine-lit landscape does turn murky, and those bright skies turn a bleak gray. Sometimes, as it happens every so often in Florida, you might even find that it rains while the sun is high in the sky. Regardless, when the weather isn’t ideal for romping around Orlando theme parks, that doesn’t mean the fun has to end. Rainy days are perfect for catching a different kind of popular attraction, the dinner show. And with three incredible Orlando shows to choose from in particular, you’ll discover that there’s no such thing as melancholy weather in this city.

First up is the Pirate Dinner Adventure, which will take you out of the rain outside and into a watery adventure on the high seas. From the moment they enter the lagoon and climb on a pirate ship, guests are literally part of the show as they interact with the crew in pirate games, songs, and challenges. One of the most unique dinner shows in Orlando, Pirate Dinner Adventure dazzles nightly with swordplay, aerial artists, and acrobatics, as well as a colorful swashbuckling tale. And after partying with the pirates, you’ll wine and dine on a hearty meal served by the Pirate’s accommodating wait staff.

Or for something more traditional, experience a tried and true classic with the Medieval Times dinner show. Celebrating its 25th year in the US, Medieval brings the past to life every night with a merry show of medieval revelry, tradition, and competitions. Audience members will feel like royalty as they watch jousts on horseback from the comfort of stadium seating. You’ll be caught up in the excitement as you root for your favorite knight while he attempts to win the heart of the princess. And as you take in all the pageantry, you’ll enjoy a feast fit for kings including roast chicken, spare ribs, and more.

Finally, you can’t go wrong with Orlando’s #1 dinner show, Arabian Nights, which delights audiences with a one-of-a-kind show filled with fantasy, romance, and adventure, not to mention some of the most magnificent horses you’ll ever see. Taking place in a 140,000 square-foot equestrian arena – climate controlled, we might add – you’ll be amazed as expert riders perform incredible feats and tell a story of epic proportions.

Arabian Nights tells the story of Princess Scheherazade, who is celebrating her birthday. However, the plot thickens when an unexpected party guest arrives. Love will battle to overcome evil in this classic tale featuring plenty of magic, stunning sets and costumes, and the mysterious Black Stallion. While all the action is happening on the arena floor, you’ll also dine on an excellent three-course feast.

So when the weather outside gets frightful, don’t hole up in your hotel room; instead, enjoy the indoor delights of one of the Orlando dinner shows. They’ll far surpass anything you would have watched on TV. And remember to save on your Arabian, pirate, or medieval merriments with discount dinner show tickets at DWTickets.com.

Pinching Pennies at Walt Disney World

We have all felt our wallets getting a little skimpier over the past year or so; it is not a pleasant thought to admit, but many of us have found ourselves cutting back on the things we normally take pleasure in. And often, a vacation would be the first on that list of cutbacks, but at Walt Disney World, you can still have a dream vacation that won’t make your wallet go into extinction. Just follow a few handy tips, and you’ll be able to preserve the most magical part of your year.

First, there’s no question that one of the highest costs of a vacation can be food and beverages. Keeping your group fueled and quenched is no cheap feat. However, you can get the most bang for your buck at any one of Disney’s expansive buffets. For example, you can get a satisfying breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom. Not only does the Crystal Palace serve a wide variety of American favorites, but you can also dine with your favorite characters too. Watching the chefs prepare your meal in the live on-stage kitchen also provides easy and free entertainment.

At many of the Walt Disney World resort restaurants, it’s also possible to have an inexpensive meal for $10 or less. Mara at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Spoodles Pizza Window at the Boardwalk Inn, Food and Fun Center at the Contemporary, and Hurricane Hanna’s at the Beach and Yacht Club are just a few of the places offering fun themes and low cost eats.

And instead of purchasing a drink everywhere you go, consider purchasing a bottomless mug instead. Available at the food courts of nearly all the resorts, these refillable mugs can be bought for $12.49 and used repeatedly for the length of your vacation. This is especially money-saving for coffee lovers, soda junkies, or anyone enjoying a lengthy vacation.

Another area where it helps to save money is souvenirs. Let’s face it – every year we go to Walt Disney World, we come back with more and more stuff. And shopping for a unique memento is definitely one of the most enjoyable parts of a Disney vacation. So how can you enjoy adding a souvenir to your stash without losing too much cash? Simply look for creative souvenirs. For example, at the Walt Disney World website, you can order a customized park map and have it mailed to your house – for free! The maps come with stickers so you can mark your favorite spots, and when you’re finished with them, they serve as a special reminder of your visit.

You can also score a great souvenir by pinching pennies – literally! For a fee of fifty cents (plus one penny), you can get a special Disney-imprinted penny for a fun and affordable keepsake. Kids love watching the pennies being squashed, and these souvenirs are available all over the four parks and at many of the resorts. You can also usually find a unique design in each area featuring a Disney character or icon, so they make a great collectible, too.

Finally, make sure to take advantage of all the extras Disney has to offer. Squeeze the most fun and value out of your Disney vacation by using FASTPASS and Extra Magic Hours. Avoid the high costs of a rental car by using Disney’s Transportation System. And last but not least, save big by ordering your Walt Disney World tickets at DWTickets.com. You’ll score the same Disney experiences for less, and you won’t even have to cut back on a single attraction. Now that’s a value vacation.