Remembering Jim Henson

September 24th, 2009 would have been Jim Henson’s 73rd birthday. His name is almost as recognizable as Walt Disney and his contribution to the world of film and even, in an indirect manner, to our Orlando theme parks has continued on since his tragic death on May 16th, 1990. He was only 53 years old when a strange case of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome, a bacterial infection, took over his body and caused his organs to fail. On that day the entire creative world and the millions of fans Jim Henson gained through his work with the Muppets and Sesame Street mourned the tragic loss of this creative genius.

There was a lot Jim Henson did that the general public might not realize. He’s usually immediately grouped with the Muppets and rightfully so. Who doesn’t love Oscar the Grouch or Kermit the Frog? But Jim Henson’s genius expanded throughout a number of movies and even to a galaxy far, far away. Henson designed Muppets which lead to movies like Muppets Take Manhattan, the show Fraggle Rock and the popular animated series Muppet Babies.

Henson was also responsible for creating one of the most beloved sci-fi puppets of all time: Yoda from the Star Wars series. Henson helped George Lucas’ team create Yoda and help with the puppeteering of the little green Jedi Master before he went CGI in the additional three prequels to the films. It was Jim Henson who suggested Frank Oz be Yoda’s puppeteer and voice. Thanks to Henson. Lucas selected Oz to voice one of the most memorable film characters of all time.

Singing was yet another thing Henson dabbled in. Though he wasn’t out playing rock concerts, the song “The Rainbow Connection,” which he performed using his Kermit the Frog voice, was #25 on the Billboard Top 100 and still considered a favorite children’s song today. Jim Henson’s Creature Shop continues on and his company is now run by his children, who loved going on set with their dad and learning the ropes of puppeteering when they were young and Henson still lead the way. His legacy lives on through the Muppets, Sesame Street, Star Wars and movies like The Dark Crystal and The Labyrinth. If you want your dose of Muppet madness, head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to checkout Muppetvision 3D.

Personal Favorites: Disney's Hollywood Studios

Who doesn’t love going to the movies? Better yet, who doesn’t love feeling like they are a part of the movies? This is what I love about Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There is a different kind of magic here at this Orlando theme park. While the Magic Kingdom gives you the fairytale feeling and Epcot takes you to foreign lands and the future, Disney’s Hollywood Studios gives you a variety of attractions that aren’t only a ton of fun, but they’re interactive as well.

Stunts are a huge part of movies, especially all the big action flicks. At the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Show Spectacular you get to see some of the best scenes from the legendary Indiana Jones movies recreated right before your eyes. Whether it’s fighting under a revolving plane with deadly propellers or escaping from a large rolling rock you’ll get to watch “Indy” perform the stunts from the edge of your seat.

If you’re a fan of the Muppets like I am, Muppetvision 3D is a Disney Hollywood Studio’s classic. You’ll get to see your favorite Muppets characters go on a comedic adventure as they search for a runaway Gonzo. Right between Muppetvision 3D and the classic Sci-Fi Diner is Star Tours. Now, as of October this ride is going to be closing for renovation. I’m sad to see it go, despite the complaints most people have about the ride being outdated. Sure, it is a bit outdated but there is also a huge element of nostalgia to it. I know Star Tours II will be incredible (opening in 2011) but I will miss the original ride.

Speaking of nostalgia, no trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is complete without a visit to The Great Movie Ride. It isn’t as thrilling as the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster or Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror, but seeing a glimpse of the old animatronics re-telling the stories of classic movies like Casablanca and Alien as you head to your final destination of the movie montage set to some of the greatest soundtracks of all time. It may sound cheesy, but that ride always makes me remember why I love movies so much. They can touch Star Tours, but I really hope The Great Movie Ride stays the same. Sometimes nostalgia is a good thing.

The Force is With Star Tours: Star Tours 2 Coming in 2011

The D23 Expo in Anaheim was a huge success. It marked the first time a convention of this magnitude was ever put on for the Disney community and fans were not disappointed. From movie previews to news about park expansions and everything in between, Disney’s top execs came out to Anaheim to speak to thousands of fans just dying to find out what’s next from the House of Mouse. Well one of the more memorable presentations came courtesy of a galaxy far, far away.

Jay Rasulo, the Chairman of the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, took to the stage to make a very special announcement to a crowd of loyal Star Wars fans. Rasulo began his presentation by shocking crowds saying that starting in October of 2010, Star Tours will be closing at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World here in Orlando. But the shocked crowd had no time to react as a legion of Stormtroopers arrived on stage to the sound of “The Imperial March.” Rasulo feigned confusion as “Darth Vader” appeared on the giant screen behind him. Rasulo announced Star Tours 2 would re-open in 2014 which Vader did not approve of. Fans laughed as Rasulo was pressured by the costumed impersonator to open the ride a bit earlier.

After the theatrics the crowd found out they will not have to wait until 2014, but instead 2011. This sent the crowd into another frenzy as Rasulo announced guests will be treated to a sneak peek at special footage of the upcoming Star Tours 2 ride. Audience members were all given 3D glasses as they entered the room and they finally got to find out why. Along with brand new technology for the motion simulator, all of the ride footage will now be in 3D. The interior of the ride is supposed to get a revamp as well but details on that are very hush hush--we will give you the scoop as soon as we find out. As for the footage, fans can expect to race through Tatooine in their own podracer like the scene featured in Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. Other popular Star Wars planets and scenes are expected to be featured in the new ride upgrade as well, but details have just started to emerge. Who knows what’s in store for Star Tours 2? But we know 2011 is going to be a great year for Star Wars fans in the Disney theme parks.

Fun for “Non-Riders” The Disney Edition

Orlando theme parks don’t have to be a drag if you’re the “non-rider” in your group. If you don’t like roller coasters, you might feel jipped when people in your group ask you to hold their bags or get them a drink while they wait in line for rides like the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Orlando or the Aerosmith Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Well, non-rider, there are plenty of attractions you can partake in at Walt Disney World that have nothing to do loops, crazy turns or being shot off into the darkness at 60 mph.

Over at the Magic Kingdom, get a dose of American history at the Hall of Presidents. Recently remodeled to feature President Barack Obama, this attraction got a facelift many people have been praising. Let animatronic forefathers of the US narrate the story of the country’s progress with classical music and a beautiful video presentation. Or head over to Fantasyland for a leisurely boat ride through the classic “It’s a Small World” ride. Enjoy the adorable animatronic characters from around the world as the memorable song is sung in a variety of languages. If you’re in the mood to be spooked, check out the Haunted Mansion and its incredibly detailed décor as you ride in your “coffin.” The most it will do is tilt backwards and it’s actually quite relaxing!

If you’re at Disney’s Hollywood Studios you can view the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! This show is a must for fans of the Indiana Jones films. Watch talented Disney cast members re-enact some of your favorite scenes. If you’re a movie fan in general, you have to go on The Great Movie Ride. This slow-moving tram will take you through the scenes of Hollywood classics like Singing in the Rain, Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, and, even, Alien. If you’re in the mood for comedy head over to Muppet Vision 3-D for a hilarious 3D adventure classic Muppets characters from the world of Jim Henson.

Over at Epcot, take a journey through space on Spaceship Earth. This ride got an update as well with a new narration by Dame Judi Dench and an interactive computer screen at every seat that lets you put yourself into a future world of your own. This 16 minute ride takes you through over 40,000 years of human history from the past, present and future. You can also check out The Living Seas for an educational experience full of beautiful sea life or travel the globe over at the World Showcase Pavilion.

So the next time your friends try to con you into holding their souvenir bags, backpacks or purses you can show them the way to the lockers! There are plenty of things for you to do in the Walt Disney World parks even if roller coasters aren’t your thing.

High School Musical Keeps Rocking

Two years ago today, Disney Channel Original Movies released the sequel to High School Musical. The TV movie’s first installment, which premiered January 20th of 2006 took off like never before. It became the most successful Disney TV movie ever. Ratings were through the roof and Ashley Tisdale, Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens became overnight sensations and household names. The merchandising behind the franchise has brought in millions of dollars and everyone from kids to adults has been enjoying the High School Musical franchise ever since. The musical was even parodied on the hit series South Park—and you know you’ve made it big when South Park makes fun of you.

High School Musical 2 was an instant hit back in 2007. The sequel’s premiere brought in a total of 17.3 million viewers in the United States and made it the highest-rated Disney Channel Movie to date! Even the soundtracks have sold millions. The sound track to High School Musical was the best selling album in 2006! The story of High School Musical has, in some ways, been told before. Troy (Zac Efron) is the captain of the varsity basketball team and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) is the quiet genius. Both want to try out for the East High School’s musical, an action that causes a rift between the two kids’ friends. Everyone sings out their frustrations as Troy and Gabriella begin to fall in love. It’s really a modern day high-school take on Romeo and Juliet.

High School Musical 3: Senior Year was released in theatres last October and grossed mega millions as the HSM franchise always does. While it marked the end of the franchise movie wise, Disney theme parks aren’t giving up on High School Musical anytime soon! On your next visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, East High School wannabes can enjoy High School Musical 3: Senior Year – Right Here! Right Now! “Wildcat Fever!” spreads over the Disney theme park as this 15-minute stage show kicks off right under the Sorcerer’s Hat! This full-on concert experience features concert lighting, crowd interaction and all of your favorite songs from the High School Musical movie soundtracks. Sing and dance right along as you enjoy the show. Don’t forget, with Halloween right around the corner you can also dress up as your favorite High School Musical star or a Wildcat cheerleader to support your favorite movie. If you’re looking to celebrate Halloween Disney style, don’t forget about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party! You’re sure to find fellow Wildcats and Troy/Gabriella wannabes all over the Magic Kingdom.

Disney’s Night of Joy

Who says Disney theme parks don’t know how to rock? This September, Disney will host the Night of Joy concert series at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This special event will welcome a 14-act lineup of Christian musicians for a two-night concert series sure to rock the house at the movie-themed park. Just like Mickey’s Christmas Party and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party, Night of Joy operates after hours from 7 pm to 12:30 pm with stages located all around the park.

Concert-goers will not only be able to see some of their favorite bands, they will be able to ride certain attractions that will remain open especially for them. If you come with a group, you can also attend the park during the day while still gaining access to the park at night and a special entrance into “The American Idol Experience.”

The American Idol Experience opened on Valentine’s Day of 2009 in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the Superstar Television Theatre. This attraction lets guests audition before an actual live audience and Disney “producers." Much like on the popular TV show, the best members advance to the next rounds for a chance to win the show. The winner at the end of the day receives a “Dream Ticket” which allows them, if they meet the age requirement, to go to the front of the line at the real American Idol auditions next season. It’s a very popular event for both idol hopefuls and music lovers.

The highlight of the Night of Joy series will be the performance by P.O.D. The band that brought us hits like “Boom” and “Alive” are back from their hiatus after being on tour in South America. Sonny Sandoval, the band’s lead singer, is excited to mark the band’s return to the stage at the Happiest Place on Earth. “In the past year we’ve been blessed to play all around the globe but performing at Disney World excites me most of all,” Sandoval said.

Other popular Christian acts like Jars of Clay and Flyleaf will be joining P.O.D on stage. The full lineup includes: MercyMe, newsboys, Skillet, Chris Tomlin, Kutless, Grits, Leeland, NEEDTOBREATHE, Superchick, Mandisa and Family Force 5. Eight of these acts are nominated for the 2009 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. Chris Tomlin leads the pack with seven nominations. This will be a great event at Walt Disney World for Christian music fans to attend so make sure you head to Orlando for the Night of Joy concert series!

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Disney and rock music aren’t usually two things you would group into one category. After all, rock music can be risqué and rebellious, and Disney is all about family fun. But 10 years ago this week, Disney merged with legendary rock stars Aerosmith to create the Rock ‘N’ Rollercoaster, a milestone ride for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This indoor rollercoaster, located next to the Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror, became an instant hit and FastPass option for Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The logistics of the ride contained many Disney firsts and amazing rollercoaster statistics. The ride shoots off from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds at the start. Only EPCOT’s Test Track is faster. The rider experiences G forces of 4.5, which is faster than astronauts experience during space launches! With three inversions, two rollover loops and one corkscrew, this coaster broke all previous coaster records in the Walt Disney parks family.

Music lovers will especially enjoy the Aerosmith elements present throughout the ride. As you first enter, you’re lead into a music studio where an interactive video with the rock legends plays for the audience. The story revolves around the band being late for a concert in LA and having to cut their special studio performance (of which you are the audience) short. The “backstage passes” you get as compensation are for a stretch limo ride straight to LA for the concert. That stretch limo is your coaster car which reaches maximum speeds of 60 mph. The best part of this ride is the music. Each of the cars have various “license plates” with names like “2FAST4U” and “UGOGIRL." Depending on the car you are in you will get a different set of Aerosmith songs on your ride. With five speakers per car and a 32,000 watt audio system, you will get to hear it all.

Back when the ride opened, Disney held a special contest for fans. The special guests were Aerosmith themselves and a few lucky fans were treated to a buffet meal and a chance to ride the coaster with one of the band members. To celebrate the ride’s one year anniversary, Disney brought in 80 Corvettes to form a parking-lot version of the signature red Fender Stratocaster that serves as the ride’s trademark. If you’re visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios, then take a ride through a rock and roll journey with Aerosmith on the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster—it’s a thrill-seeker must!

Pixar Mascot is Coming to Walt Disney World

If you’ve seen beloved Disney-Pixar films like Toy Story, Cars, and Monsters, Inc., then you probably know about a little lamp named Luxo Jr. Known as the mascot of Pixar Animation Studios and the main character in Pixar’s very first short firm in 1986, Luxo Jr. is a rambunctious little desk lamp who loves to play with colorful bouncing balls – no matter what size they are. And now, Luxo Jr. will be coming to Walt Disney World, where’ll he’ll interact with park guests, move around, and maybe even hop just like he does in the famous Pixar short.

Disney recently confirmed that a 6-foot-tall animatronic version of little Luxo will soon make its home in the Pixar Place area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He’ll appear on an elevated platform at the “Lighting” building located across from Toy Story Mania!

Rumors circulated for months about the possibility of Luxo Jr.’s arrival at the park and sprung into overdrive when construction walls were built around the Lighting building, yielding the view of what is probably the little aluminum lamp’s outline. As Disney’s newest animatronic creation to be featured at Walt Disney World, Luxo Jr. will be part of Disney’s Living Character Initiative, which has also produced the live Remy currently at Epcot’s France pavilion and past characters like Animal Kingdom’s Lucky the Dinosaur and Epcot’s Mobile Muppet Lab.

“He’s going to come out and do some little shows,” said Roger Gould, creative director for theme parks at Pixar, to the Orlando Sentinel. “He’ll be out there throughout the day and through the evening.”

Though Luxo Jr. will certainly become a famous figure when he awakens at the park, the spirited desk lamp has actually been featured in every Pixar film and short film since Toy Story during the film’s introduction and at the end of the credits. In the company’s production logo, Luxo hops in from the right, stops next to the ‘I’ in Pixar, and bounces on it until he’s completely squashed it. And if you keep your eyes peeled, Luxo’s colorful ball can also be seen in several Pixar films, including the latest, Up.

Luxo Jr. will make his debut at Hollywood Studios in late June/early July, and you can expect that he’ll be the hit of the Disney theme park. If you’ve never had the opportunity to interact with one of Disney’s incredibly lifelike and entertaining animatronic figures, then you’ll definitely want to plan a special visit to Hollywood Studios; it’s one of Disney’s most special and unique experiences. Start planning your meeting with Luxo by scoping out the Walt Disney World tickets on DWTickets.com.

Out of this World Fun at Disney's Star Wars Weekends

If you're an avid Star Wars fan, then follow the trail of the Force - to Walt Disney World this May and June! It's time once again for Star Wars Weekends, a sci-fi fan-fest like no other that pays tribute to one of the world's greatest film sagas. Galactic characters, unique events and attractions, and one-of-a-kind meet and greet session are just some of the highlights of these fun-filled weekends, which are a must for any Jedi or Wookiee at heart.

Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May 22 through June 14, Star Wars Weekends will fill Disney's Hollywood Studios with the power of the Force - and more Star Wars characters than you've ever seen in your life! Sith, droids, Jedi, Ewoks, bounty hunters, Rodians, and yes, even Wookies - they'll all flock to the park where guests will be able to pose and chat with them in meet and greet encounters throughout Hollywood Studios. There'll even be well-known figures from the saga, including Darth Vader, Yoda, and Princess Leia, and fans will be able to spot them all during "Legends of the Force," a Star Wars motorcade.

That's not all - guests will be able to participate in Star Wars trivia contests, ride the famed Star Tours attraction, purchase one-of-a-kind memorabilia, and more. There'll be autograph sessions and star conversations with famous Star Wars actors and creative geniuses every weekend, and special shows, presentations, and interactive experiences each day of each Star Wars Weekend.

This year, the Weekends will be hosted by Jay Laga'aia ("Captain Typho") with special guest Ashley Eckstein ("Ahsoka Tano"). During the weekend, Laga'aia will host "Stars of the Saga," a Star Wars talk show and Q&A, and Eckstein will host "Clone Wars: Behind the Force," a behind-the-scenes show that explores the TV series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Both stars, along with other big names in the saga, will also have autograph sessions with fans.

Another highlight of the Weekends will be the Jedi Training Academy, where each young Anakin who is chosen will be readied to face the dark side. Taking place throughout the day on the event's main stage, young guests will learn a lightsaber combination from a Jedi Master before testing their skills in a battle with Darth Vader.

Kids under 12 will also be able to test their wits befor the Jedi Council in a Padawan Mind Challenge. And of course, no Star Wars Weekend is complete without blasting your starspeeder through the galaxy on the Star Tours attraction or shopping a galaxy of Star Wars themed and limited edition merchandise in Wicket's Warehouse.

At the end of each Weekend day, Star Wars characters and guests will gather for the Hyperspace Hoopla! Show, an entertaining conclusion to the day where the saga favorites let loose with music, comedy, dancing, and more. The Star Wars Weekends dates are May 22-24, May 29-31, June 5-7, and June 12-14.

The Star Wars Weekends are free with regular admission to Hollywood Studios, so all you need are Walt Disney World tickets, which you cna get right here on DWTickets.com. Get yours and strap in for a wild space ride of a weekend with more Star Wars fun than you can handle!

UP Characters Land at Walt Disney World

On May 29, Disney-Pixar will release its 10th animated film, UP. A comedy adventure about 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredericksen, the film follows this grumpy old curmudgeon as he finally fulfills his lifelong dream of traveling to the wilds of South America. He does so by tying thousands of balloons to his home, which causes it to spring right off its foundations and soar fantastically into the sky. But soon enough, Fredericksen learns he's not alone - tagging along for the journey is Russell, an eager and enthusiastic 8-year-old wilderness explorer who'll show Fredericksen that you're never too old or young for an adventure.

If reading about UP has got you interested in learning more, you're in luck - before the film hits theaters, guests can actually meet its stars at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Starting May 14, the characters from the new Disney-Pixar comedy have been making visits to the park. They include the optimistic young Russell, the ill-tempered Carl, and Dug, the talking dog, who Russell and Carl meet along their journey.

Together, the characters will be making regular meet-and-greet appearances for guests inside Hollywood Studios' "Magic of Disney Animation" attraction. There, fans will be able to get their autographs and pose for pictures with them in front of Mickey's Sorcerer Hat. They might even be able to ask the stars about their wild adventures to South Africa!

UP debuts in US theaters nationwide on May 29, 2009 and has already gotten rave reviews - it's even earned itself a spot in history as the first animated film ever to open the Cannes Film Festival. Early reviews say the film is bittersweet but funny with a lot of hear and an unexpected friendship at the end.

Several stars have lent their voices to their film, such as Ed Asner, who voices Carl Fredericksen. Christopher Plummer voices the explorer and villian Charles Muntz, and John Ratzenberger, who has provided the voices for several other Disney films such as Finding Nemo and Ratatouille, also lends his vocal talents to UP.

When UP arrives in theaters, moviegoers can catch it in all its animated glory at Downtown Disney, where the AMC Pleasure Island 24 Theatres Complex, will have several showings of the film all day. We particularly like catching Disney flicks in this theater, which features loveseat-stle stadium seating. THX Suround Sound, and Sony Dynamic Digital Sound, which really makes all the great music and audio of Disney films crystal clear.

In the meantime, be sure to drop by Disney's Hollywood Studios to meet the characters of UP! Check out Walt Disney World tickets on DWTickets.com today to start planning your own adventure into the world of Disney movies.

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.

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.

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.

Get Ready for an Explosive New Year’s at Walt Disney World

As the holidays and the end of the year draws nearer, we’ve reached that time in December when everyone starts talking about what their plans are for New Year’s Eve. And we here at DWTickets.com would be remiss if we didn’t keep you informed about all your options for ringing in 2009 at Walt Disney World. This year’s celebrations are bound to be spectacular, with dazzling fireworks shows, live entertainment, and extended park hours throughout Walt Disney World on December 31st.

The parks are especially getting ready to launch an incredible show in the sky, with almost every one hosting its own special nighttime fireworks display. At Disney's Epcot, a special version of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth will be presented just in time for the New Year. This laser-light spectacular features dancing flames, cascading fountains, and incredible fireworks set to an original musical score. New Year’s revelers will be able to see the show at 11:40 pm, and those who want to turn in early can see the show at 7:40 pm. Epcot will be open late for the night’s festivities, from 8 am to 1 am.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the party is going on all day, starting with the Block Party Bash at 3 pm, an interactive parade featuring all your favorite Disney Pixar characters. Then, don’t miss the Fantasmic! Show, a lavish spectacular of water animation, lasers, and fireworks, taking place at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm. In the evening, the in-park band “Mulch, Sweat, and Shears” will be giving live performances, and a DJ will be keeping the park grooving at Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat. Then at 11:50 pm, the celebrations will be capped with a special Lights, Camera, Happy New Year fireworks show. Hollywood Studios will be open from 9 am until midnight.

And finally, at Disney's Magic Kingdom, partiers can enjoy parades and fireworks all day in celebration of the New Year. At noon and 3 pm, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade will light up the park streets with holiday cheer, followed by the SpectroMagic parade at 7 pm and 10:30 pm. Then the Holiday Wishes show will light up the sky at 8:30 with the biggest and brightest pyrotechnics display at Disney. And just when you thought Disney had outdone itself, the Fantasy in the Sky fireworks show will provide the grand finale to the evening at 11:50 pm. Magic Kingdom will be open on New Year’s Eve from 8 am to 2 am.

With so much going on at the Disney theme parks on New Year’s Eve, deciding which one to ring in the New Year at will be a tough decision. Hollywood Studios will certainly have a lot of music and fun going on throughout the whole day, but the New Year’s edition of IlluminNations: Reflections of Earth is sure to be breathtaking. Then again, there’s nothing like seeing fireworks light up the sky next to Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom. No matter where you choose to celebrate, New Year’s Eve is sure to be incredible at Walt Disney World. Be sure to arrive at your chosen park early that day, as the parks are a popular place to ring in the New Year and often reach capacity. So get with your friends, start making those plans now, and remember to get your discount Disney tickets at DWTickets.com.

"American Idol" is Coming to Disney World

Do you love watching American Idol every season? Do you avidly root for your favorite performers from start to finish? Or do you, perhaps, have a dream of one day appearing on the show yourself? With the new American Idol Experience coming to Walt Disney World in 2009, you can enjoy all these aspects of your favorite show and more!

At the American Idol Experience, a new attraction opening in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests will be able to get a taste of America’s most beloved reality competition. Following the model of the high-energy show, Disney guests will get to experience the change of auditioning and the rush of performing on stage in competition. For those who don’t fancy themselves to be stage-savvy enough, you can walk in the shoes of Simon Cowell or Paula Abdul and judge performances in a live interactive entertainment setting. Or, you can just sit back, watch, and enjoy the show.

The Experience will include an audition process, open to all, where guests perform “live” in front of a Hollywood Studios producer. If the producers choose you as their next star, you’ll be taken backstage to prepare for a live show later in front of an audience and panel of judges. You’ll even get to work with a vocal coach and get pampered by a make-up artist in preparation for your big stage finale.

The performers with the highest votes will compete in an end-of-day Grand Finale, where the winner will receive a special Dream ticket – a guaranteed reservation to sing in front of an American Idol representative at a future regional stadium audition. Best yet, winners of the Dream Ticket will get to bypass all those dreadfully long lines at the regional audition.

The Experience truly replicates every aspect of the TV show, from the nerve-wracking audition experience to the set. When guests perform on stage in front of a live audience, they’ll be doing so in the Experience’s main theater, which is designed to look just like the American Idol stage. Audience members also get to vote like they would at home, with electronic keypads at their seats. You’ll feel like Ryan Seacrest is about to pop out at any moment – and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, who knows? They might even have an animatronic version of him! (Wouldn’t that be creepy?) Even America’s most recent Idol, David Cook, will be making a special appearance in the new attraction, via video.

The American Idol Experience will offer several shows for guests daily and is expected to open in January/February. Only guests age 14 and older will be able to audition, although anyone will be able to watch and judge. The Experience will definitely provide a fun addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and it might even be better than watching the show at home – no commercials! Be sure to keep an eye out for this cool new attraction at the beginning of 2009, and don’t wait until the last minute to get your tickets. Score discount Hollywood Studios tickets now at DWTickets.com, and soon, you just might find yourself performing on the American Idol stage.

Disney and Verizon Team Up to Create Cool Cell Phone Park Services

Gone are the days of walking around Walt Disney World with a park map stretched out; gone are the days of anxiously waiting in line to ask a guest services person where the nearest bathroom is. And no more Googling online to find out what the newest attractions or on-goings are at Disney. Instead, guests will soon be able to consult something that’s already attached to their heads or hands for a good portion of the day – their cell phone.

Verizon and Disney have teamed up to make enjoying the parks easier and even more fun. As part of a multi-year deal, the partnership allows guests to access a personal tour guide right in their wireless phone. Beginning early 2009, guests will be able to use Verizon wireless technology to find a wide variety of real-time information about the park. They’ll be able to locate shows, restaurants, and Disney characters anywhere inside the parks; get availability information for attractions; access mobile games; receive messages from characters and more.

Verizon wireless phones will also be integrated into new services and attractions at the park, such as the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an ultra-interactive attraction coming to Epcot in early 2009. In this new attraction based on the Disney animated hit, guests will team up with members of Team Possible to save the world from evil villains and their crazy inventions; using an official Verizon Wireless “Kimmunicator” (provided at kiosks throughout the park), they’ll maneuver through the various World Showcase pavilions, go on unique missions, and save the day. And because of the Disney-Verizon partnership, Verizon users can also expect to enjoy a better, stronger network from within the Walt Disney World theme parks.

“With more than 90 percent of families bringing a mobile phone into our Parks, our objective was to enhance the magical Disney experience through innovative wireless technology. Imagine receiving up to the minute tips on special Park activities with just the touch of a button or receiving a call from Buzz Lightyear welcoming you to the Magic Kingdom,” said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

This latest Disney deal is part of a company initiative to enhance park guest’s experiences using the latest technologies. For example, Disney partnered with Google in June to create a 3-D tour of Walt Disney World resort complete with direct links to Disney’s online travel-planning tours. And last year, Disney launched an all-new interactive cable network, Disney Travel on Demand, in which viewers can press a button on their remote control and receive a phone call from a travel agent.

There’s no doubt that Disney keeps getting better and better, and though guests will have to wait until the New Year to start enjoying fun features on their Verizon phone, there’s no time like the present to book your Disney World Vacation! You can start by getting discount Disney tickets right here at DWTickets.com. Then be sure to pack your Verizon cell phone and get ready for some high-tech fun.

Bolt Launches into Theaters and Walt Disney World

Though Walt Disney World is undoubtedly awesome for its fun and amazing Orlando theme parks, there would never have been a single park at all if it weren’t for Disney animation. That said, we hope you’re as excited as we are about the debut of the latest Walt Disney Pictures production, Bolt, which hit theaters on November 17th. This computer-animated film about a frisky dog with a superhero complex is sure to delight Disney fans everywhere and bring a lot of future fun to the parks, as well.

Bolt is the story of a super-dog (voiced by John Travolta) who’s only super when the cameras are rolling. The star of a hit TV show, Bolt faces adventure, danger, and intrigue on a daily basis along with his screen partner Penny (voiced by Miley Cyrus). It’s all fun and games until Bolt is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, where the real adventure begins. Still operating under the delusion that his super-powers are real, Bolt embarks on a journey back home with two hilarious companions, a jaded, abandoned housecat named Mittens and a TV-obsessed hamster in a plastic ball named Rhino. Together, the three work as a team as they learn that you don’t have to have powers to be a hero.

Like many other films by executive producer John Lasseter (the mind behind Finding Nemo and The Incredibles), Bolt is wildly funny, smart, and filled with a lot of heart. It’s being called the first in-house Disney movie to compare to the gems of Pixar and Dreamworks. And since Bolt was animated in 3D, the film features crystal clear, super-sharp imagery. Unlike other films that use cheesy 3D in-your-face ploys, Bolt doesn’t fling things at its viewers so much as make them feel as though they’re within the movie’s environment. Though watching Bolt in 3D will generally cost a bit more, it’s absolutely worth it to see the high-quality animation craftsmanship that went into the film.

While you’re in Orlando, be sure to take a break from park-hopping to catch this latest Disney flick; we highly recommend the AMC Pleasure Island 24 Theatres Complex at Downtown Disney. With the complex’s bright Art Deco design, impeccable maintenance, loveseat-style stadium seating, and THX Surround Sound and Sony Dynamic Digital Sound, you’ll be able to enjoy Bolt in all its glory. The AMC Theaters are also playing Bolt as a regular feature and in Disney Digital 3D, so you have options as to how you’d like to immerse yourself in the super-doggie’s world.

And after you’ve seen Bolt, be sure to stop by Disney’s Hollywood Studios to meet and greet the characters from the film! You can see Bolt and Mittens (and Rhino the Hamster at special events) at The Magic of Disney Animation attraction.

We’ll be sure to catch Bolt in theaters this weekend, and we hope we’ll be seeing a lot more of the film’s furry threesome in the parks soon. Maybe a Bolt attraction is in the future? If and when it happens, expect DWTickets.com to give you the first sneak peek!

Disney Dishes Out Stars during Super Soap Weekend

Every year, soap opera fans everywhere tap their feet anxiously, get their autograph books and cameras ready, and count down the days until the biggest soap opera event of the year. Only one event causes this kind of stir year after year – the ABC SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend! Held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and presented by Colgate Total, the annual Super Soap Weekend is a one-of-a-kind chance to meet and chat up your favorite daytime television stars and get their autographs. On November 15th and 16th, head down to Walt Disney World for a great weekend full of stars, music, and daytime soap fun!

The Super Soap Weekend, which is now in its 13th year, draws more stars than any other Soap event. Every Super Soap features about thirty stars from All My Children, One Life to Live, and General Hospital, as well as countless opportunities to meet and get to know your favorite actors and actresses. This year, expect to find soap stars such as Thorsten Kaye, Aiden Turner, and Rebecca Budig from All My Children; Erika Slezak, Michael Easton, and Kristen Alderson from One Life to Live; and Kelly Monaco, Greg Vaughan, and Kimberly McCullough of General Hospital. Also attending is queen of daytime television, Susan Lucci, who is the only star to attend every Super Soap Weekend. Lucci is attending only on Saturday due to the confines of her busy Dancing with the Stars schedule, but you can expect to find plenty of surprises planned when she’s in town.

In addition to the usual autograph sessions and meet and greets, the weekend will be chock full of fun events such as parades, talk shows dedicated to specific series or actors, game shows, and “casting calls” where fans can audition opposite their favorite actor. Also, there’ll be a big concert each night, the Colgate Total Street Jam, featuring some of the musically talented stars at Super Soap. Hosting the Colgate Total Street jam will be Sherri Shephard of The View and Cameron Mathison, who plays Ryan on All My Children. The pair hosted the 2008 Daytime Emmys together with hilarious results, so you can expect this show to be blast.

In addition to all the usual fun and glamour of the Super Soap Weekend, there’s one extra big reason to attend this year: it’s the last one! In 2009, a new event titled the “Soap Nation Tour” will begin, which will feature a nationwide city tour of soap stars as opposed to one big blowout at Walt Disney World. In the meantime though, fans can expect the last Super Soap Weekend to go out in style with plenty of surprises, commemorative clips of the shows and prior Super Soap Weekends, and special events dedicated to the fans.

In order to really enjoy Super Soap Weekend, here are a few handy tips: first, be sure to grab an event schedule and guide at the Event Information Table near the entrance of Hollywood Studios. Secondly, in order to secure a place in line for an autograph session, you’ll have to get a Disney FastPass at the Main Entrance Gate, which will provide you with a time and location at which you can meet your favorite star. Finally, since lines for FastPasses form very early, you’ll want to get there as early as possible (the park opens at 8 am).

There’s no excuse not to catch all the fun this Super Soap Weekend, especially since there’ll never be another one like it. And all you have to do to get in on the action is get your discount Disney tickets at DWTickets.com. Then join the anxious toe-tapping and get ready for an incredible weekend where soap stars and fans unite!

Disney News and Updates – September 2008

There is always tons of stuff going on at the Walt Disney World Resort, and the month of September is just the beginning of the busiest time of year at Walt Disney World. As summer ends, all of the best Disney special events start up, and we will be here to keep you up-to-date about what’s open, what’s closed and everything in between.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the best kid-friendly Halloween party in Orlando, and it’s a great way to add a little Halloween fun to your Disney vacation. For 2008, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place on select nights from Sept. 5 through Oct. 31.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a separate Disney ticket event, and it is not included with your regular Disney ticket. Ticket prices are $42.95 for kids 3-9 and $48.95 for anyone over 10. Costumes are welcome!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Night of Joy
Disney’s annual Christian music event has moved from Disney’s Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year, and it features some of Christian music’s top artists. The dates for Night of Joy are Sept. 5 and 6.

Night of Joy is also a separate ticket event that is not included with regular Disney tickets. Night of Joy tickets are $44.95 for one night and $75.95 for two nights. (Day of tickets are $49.95.)

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
The 13th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival begins on Sept. 26, and it will be satisfying guests with tasty treats right up through Nov. 9. Most of the events of the Epcot Food & Wine Festival are included with your Disney ticket, even the spectacular Eat to the Beat concert series! Keep checking in for the latest on what’s coming up at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival each week.

Walt Disney World – Openings and Closings for September

• Disney’s Magic Kingdom:
  Country Bear Jamboree closed Sept. 28-30
  Liberty Square Riverboat closed Sept. 6-12
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
  Primeval Whirl closed Sept. 2-30
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
  Lights, Motor Action! Stunt Show closed Sept. 11-24
• Disney’s Blizzard Beach is closed for refurbishment Sept. 28-30.

Toy Story Mania! Breaks Out at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Buzz Lightyear recently blasted “to infinity and beyond” from the Kennedy Space Center on the Space Shuttle Discovery. Back here on earth, the long-awaited opening of Toy Story Mania! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is what everybody is buzzing about.

Just as Buzz launched into his outer space vacation, Woody and the rest of his “Toy Story” friends were welcoming the first official guests onto the newest addition to the attraction landscape at the Walt Disney World Resort, Toy Story Mania! Disney held the grand premiere of the latest interactive amusement to hit Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 31.

Toy Story Mania! transports Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests to the world of Andy’s latest birthday present, the “Midway Games Play Set.”

A life-sized, carnival barking Mr. Potato Head welcomes riders into Toy Story Mania! and beckons one and all to don their 3-D glasses and “step right up” to the immersive 4-D attraction. Through high-tech Audio-Animatronics, Mr. Potato Head can have two-way chats with adventurers preparing to board their carnival tram vehicles and rocket down the midway firing away with their innovative spring-action shooters.

Riders sitting side-by-side are faced with 3-D animated targets just waiting to be pummeled upon in midway style game booths:

• “Pie Throw Practice” gives you a chance to get used to your spring-action shooter by tossing a virtual pie at your targets.
• Next it’s virtual egg tossing with Hamm in the “Hamm & Eggs” game booth, where the 3-D targets are barnyard characters.
• In “Bo Peep’s Baaa-loon Pop” you aim your virtual dart shooter at a scenic setting of balloon sheep, trees and more. Warning: Beware the popped water balloon!
• In true midway style, the “Green Army Men Shoot Camp” game has you shooting virtual baseballs at animated plates.
• Enjoy a game of classic ring-toss at “Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Tossers,” where you fire on those Little Green Aliens.
• “Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Gallery” is the grand finale, and you will be fired up by the Wild West theme. But be prepared for “Woody’s Bonus Roundup.” The super finale calls for some super-fast spring-action shooting at one super target. And the shots will be totaled when its all over so you can see how you rate compared to other top scorers.

A Disney ticket is required for admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and a chance to be one of the first Disney guests to ride Toy Story Mania!, so get your Disney ticket today and join Woody on his friends for some carnival fun!

The Force is With Disney’s Hollywood Studios During Star Wars Weekends

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be swarming with Star Wars characters as they host their annual celebration of The Force this June. Star Wars Weekends are fan-packed, family-friendly gatherings that are so popular around Walt Disney World, even Jedi Mickey Mouse shows up. All you need to be accepted into the fold is a Disney ticket.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the home planet of Star Wars Weekends, and the Star Tours attraction is home base. This year your Disney ticket will get you in to see Star Wars favorites like Darth Vader, Darth Maul, Chewbacca, Queen Amidala, Anakin Skywalker, R2-D2 and more droids and villains than you can shake a lightsaber at.

If you call yourself a Star Wars fan, you better get online and get your Disney tickets today so you don’t miss any of the action at Disney’s Star Wars Weekends. Check out these special events happening only during Star Wars Weekends:

• “Behind the Force” gives you an inside peek at how the films were made.
• The “Padawan Mind Challenge” sends kids under 12 before the Jedi Council.
• “Legends of the Force” motorcade cruises with your favorite Star Wars VIPs.

Star Wars Weekends is a great time to check out the “Jedi Training Academy,” which is a regular feature at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The “Jedi Training Academy” teaches future Jedi’s the techniques required for lightsaber battles and then lets them see how much they learned by going up against the super evil Sith Darth Vader or Darth Maul.

Every weekend throughout the month of June, Star Wars Weekends features Star Wars celebrities. One you have your Disney ticket, you can pick a weekend and head out to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to meet & greet your favorites, get a photo or an autograph or participate in a Q&A session. Warwick Davis, aka “Wicket the Ewok” in Star Wars films, is the emcee and host of the entire event.

These Star Wars celebs will join him on the following dates:

June 6-8
Jeremy Bulloch (“Boba Fett”)
Daniel Logan (young “Boba Fett”)

June 13-15
Peter Mayhew (“Chewbacca”)
David Prowse (“Darth Vader”)

June 20-22
Amy Allen (“Aayla Secura”)
Matthew Wood (“General Grievous”)

June 27-29
Dave Filoni (director of the upcoming “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)

A Disney ticket is required for admission to Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney Dates – May 2008

The Walt Disney World Resort has so much going on, it really is difficult to keep up. We want to make your vacation planning easier, so along with giving you the best discount Disney tickets, we keep you updated on what’s happening all around the Walt Disney World Resort. Here’s what’s up in May:

Minnie Marathon Weekend is upon us
Disney’s Minnie Marathon Weekend is an endurance racing event that recognizes the strength of women. This year’s marathon has two different events, and both are this coming weekend. Sponsored by Lady Foot Locker, Disney’s Minnie Marathon Weekend “celebrates all things women’s fitness.”

Disney’s Go Red for Women 5K is on Saturday, May 3, and it will benefit the “Go Red for Women” movement of the American Heart Association. Disney’s Women Run the World 15K will take place on Sunday, May 4. It begins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, runs through Disney’s Wide World of Sports and Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resort, and finally comes to an end in Epcot. A Disney ticket is not required for participation.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival rocks into its last month
The Epcot Flower & Garden Festival continues through the month of May with special weekends, Flower Power concerts and more gorgeous gardens that you can shake a stem at.

May 11 is Mother’s Day, and the Epcot Flower Fest is getting in on the celebration with a special Mother’s Day Brunch. (Reservations and an Epcot ticket are required.) Davy Jones will be on hand for a Flower Power concert that will have Mom swooning.

The Epcot Flower & Garden Festival will sprout its final blossom with the Festival Farewell Weekend on May 31 and June 1. This will be your last chance to get your Epcot tickets and see what the fuss is all about.

Disney attraction openings and closing for May
Magic Kingdom

• Cinderella’s Golden Carousel is closed for rehab May 4-22
• Jungle Cruise is closed for rehab May 11-24
• Mickey’s Pirate and Princess Party sails in on May 2, 9, 16, 21, 26, 31

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• The American Film Institute Showcase is closed for rehab May 1

The month of May is a great time to visit Walt Disney World. The weather is still pleasant, and the crowds are not nearly as large as they will be come summer. So, go ahead and plan your Orlando vacation this May, and get all of your Disney tickets today!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Parties it up for Spring

Disney’s Hollywood Studios got a new name at the start of 2008, and that let loose a succession of new and exciting events that will last all year long. If you are planning an Orlando vacation, make sure to include Disney’s Hollywood Studios in your Disney ticket purchase so you can experience all the fresh fun for yourself.

Block Party Bash Now Dancing Down Hollywood Boulevard
Disney’s Hollywood Studios unveiled their most innovative and interactive parade ever to Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests last month amid rave reviews. You do not want to miss this moveable dance party, so get your Disney tickets today and join the par-tay down Hollywood Boulevard!

Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The new Disney’s Hollywood Studios means new character experiences, and your kids will love eating with their favorite friends from Playhouse Disney. You and your family can enjoy a magically musical breakfast buffet or luscious lunch with JoJo and Goliath from “JoJo’s Circus” and Disney’s “Little Einsteins,” Leo and June. Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood & Vine takes place inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so you need your Disney ticket to get in. Advance reservations are highly recommended.

Join the New Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage! At Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has new stuff for kids too. With the new Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage! show, little ones will step right into their roles at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In this new live stage performance, Mickey wants to surprise Minnie with a birthday bash to remember, and he needs help from your kids! Little ones of all ages will dance and sing with their Playhouse Disney pals from:

• “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse”
• “Handy Manny”
• “Little Einsteins”

The new Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage! show is 22 minutes of dancing, singing and Disney fun brought to you several times a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. All your kids need to be a part of this Disney show is a Disney ticket!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Has Your Ticket for Springtime Fun
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a new name and some amazing new shows and special events debuting this spring. And your Disney ticket is all you need to experience the glamour and excitement of Hollywood for all ages.

What’s New at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly known as Disney-MGM Studios) has more than just a new name in 2008. This park, which transports guests right into the movies with an array of attractions and shows, has a new daily afternoon parade and a few new attractions that are either already entertaining guests or will be in the coming months! To experience all of them for yourself, however, you have to have tickets to get into the theme park, and we have just the way for you to do it! DWTickets.com is your one-stop shop for discounted tickets to the Walt Disney World Resort and all of the other top attractions in Central Florida, from local dinner shows to Universal Orlando and all of the Sea World parks, including Sea World’s brand new water park, Aquatica! For tickets to everything above, simply click here to get started by perusing our discounted theme park tickets to Walt Disney World!

As we mentioned earlier, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a brand new afternoon parade that has already debuted at the park, and this performance is more of a mobile stage show than a traditional parade that guests may be used to. The Block Party Bash originated in 2005 in Disney’s California Adventure Park, but moved over to Walt Disney World in mid-March, replacing the former Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade. This new daily spectacle combines almost 30 Disney Pixar characters, incredible floats, trampoline units, aerial acrobatics and upbeat music for a parade experience like no other! Disney’s Block Party Bash also doubles as an interactive street party, with choreographed performance stops along the route where dancers, acrobats, jumping stilts, electric scooters and your favorite Disney Pixar characters from films like “Toy Story,” “The Incredibles” and “Monsters, Inc.” mesmerize the crowd. If your vacation plans include a stop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, don’t miss this mid-afternoon parade that is sure to knock your socks off!

In addition to the Block Party Bash, Disney’s Hollywood Studios also has a few attractions that have recently been added and a couple more that are on the way! The High School Musical Pep Rally, a stage show that takes place in front of Mickey’s sorcerer hat, transports guests into the halls and onto the basketball court of East Side High School. In addition to performances from all of your favorite songs from the popular Disney Channel movies, you can learn new dance moves and cheer along with your favorite characters at this one-of-a-kind pep rally! Another new show at the Studios is Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! This live musical has recently changed casts and now features a 20-minute performance with characters from the Disney Channel shows “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Handy Manny” and “Little Einsteins.”

Even more fun is on the way to Disney’s Hollwood Studios in 2008! Projected to open in May 2008, Toy Story Mania will be similar to the Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at the Magic Kingdom Park, except more high-tech. Billed as a “4-D” ride, guests will put on 3-D glasses that will instantly shrink you to toy size, and then you will wind your way through a midway to play games and see characters from the “Toy Story” films! Each guest will be armed with a toy cannon to play all of these games, and each target that you hit will be worth a certain amount of points, while some special targets will bring you even more fun surprises!

Finally, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has partnered with Simon Fuller’s 19 Entertainment and FreMantleMedia for the opening of an “American Idol” attraction that is slated to open in late 2008. Guests who enter the park and register will be able to audition in front of a producer. From there, the best performers will then perform in front of a panel of judges and a live audience of park guests, with the winners (whoever receives the most amount of votes) from each show advancing on to that evening’s Grand Finale performance. The winner of this daily event is then given a pass to use at a future American Idol audition to bypass the lines and sing immediately in front of producers of the show at one of these regional competitions. While this does not ensure that the winners will then advance to sing in front of the show’s actual judges, it does eliminate the waiting process! Since “American Idol” is only open to participants from 16-28 years old, daily winners who are not in that age group can transfer their pass to a friend of family member, or in the case of someone under the age of 16, they can save their pass for a future competition.

To experience all of these shows, parades and attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, be sure to go ahead and purchase your advance, discounted theme park tickets right here at DWTickets.com!

American Idol is Joining the Show at Disneys Hollywood Studios

Forget about Hollywood California American Idol is going to Hollywood via Orlando where YOU can be the star of the show all you need is a Disney Ticket and a dream.

Eligible participants start out by performing live in front of a show producer from Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney “American Idol” hopefuls audition throughout the day, and those found to have that special star power are sent backstage for vocal coaching. Then to help them look the part, contestants spend some time in hair and makeup.

The lucky few Disney Idols who make it through the first screening will then hit the stage for a live performance. And these Idols better leave any stage fright at home, because this show is in front of a real audience and those daunting “American Idol” judges (we’re pretty sure it won’t be Simon, though, so relax).

Singers that get the most votes in these live Disney Idol shows throughout the day will come together each night for a Grand Finale show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Whoever wins the Grand Finale each night at Disney will get a chance to audition for the real “American Idol” at a future regional competition.

If performing live on stage isn’t your thing, enjoy the show by being part of the studio audience. Better yet, be a judge! Either way, you need a ticket to get in. Luckily enough you can get cheap Disney tickets right here at DWTickets.com!

Disney officials said joining up with “American Idol” is a natural for the newly renamed Disney’s Hollywood Studios. “Idol” status as a pop icon fits right in with the “new Hollywood” theme the recently changed name represents.

Combining two of the most famous names in the world – Disney and “American Idol” – seems like a natural too. “Millions of people have imagined themselves standing on the “American Idol” stage,” said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts, “We’re excited that we will be bringing this dream to life every day at Walt Disney World.”

You know you want to be the next American Idol.
Now you just need a Disney ticket and a dream.So get your cheap Disney tickets right now at DWTickets.com and get on with the show!

The Latest: Openings, Closings and Other Theme Park News

Orlando has become a virtual behemoth in theme park entertainment over the past several years, and there is so much going on here it is hard to keep up at times. That is precisely why we here at DWTickets.com are so committed to serving up the latest in attraction information while we provide you with the best deals on cheap theme park tickets you can find anywhere. We are truly your one stop shop for buying all of the tickets you will need on your Orlando vacation, and your best source for what is going on where and when.

There seems to be a steady stream of new restaurants coming into the Orlando area, and it was just announced that a new themed dining option will be making its debut next year at the Downtown Disney Marketplace. The T-Rex Restaurant & Store is scheduled to open in the fall of 2008 and will bring with it life-size dinosaurs, a huge dining room, a cocktail bar, 3500 square feet of shopping area and “enough educational and entertainment décor to qualify as an attractions,” according to creator Steven Schussler, who also brought us the Rainforest Café.


Around the corner from Downtown Disney on Hotel Plaza Boulevard, the Regal Sun Resort at Walt Disney World has just completed a $25 million renovation. Formerly the Grosvenor Resort, the Regal Sun boasts 625 brand new guest rooms, complete with amenities like complimentary wifi, a state-of-the-art fitness center, Disney character breakfasts three times per week, world-class dining and easy to all of Walt Disney World’s theme parks, golf courses and entertainment areas.

Also making news around O-town is the name renovation at the Disney-MGM Studios. Starting in January, the Disney-MGM Studios will officially be known as Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The park will remain the same; only the name will change. And the logo, which was unveiled just last week revealing a clap-board wielding Mickey Mouse, apparently showing that it’s still all about The Mouse.

And in Orlando news, that is usually the case. But not always, and that is why your best source for all theme park tickets and Orlando vacation information is DWTickets.com. We can combine your tickets for all of the Orlando are attractions, not just the Disney parks. So give us a call and let us help you plan your spectacular and diverse Orlando vacation now!