Are You Ready for Grad Nite?

The holidays are fast approaching and that only means summer is that much closer. If you’re a high school senior at the moment, you’re probably fretting over college applications and worrying about what to do after you graduate. But don’t forgot one very important thing—Grad Nite! This special event at the Disney theme parks is a tradition for high school kids across the nation. Every year, the Walt Disney Company brings Grad Nite to both Disneyland and the Walt Disney World Resort right here in Orlando, FL. Grad Nite is a special event where high school seniors can get together and have fun as a class for the last time before their graduation as they go on all of the great Disney rides, attend special events and see special groups in concert.

2010’s Grad Nite will not disappoint! The event will run April 23, 24, 30 and May 1st from 10pm until 4am. That means you and all of your friends will be able to go on the best rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, The Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean with students from Central Florida and the rest of the United States. Along with having access to the great rides, there will be a number of dance parties and a pre-party. While Disney is still mum on the pre-party details, we know there will be dance parties in Tomorrowland and Frontierland. You and your friends can dance the night away to your favorite songs surrounded by amazing video walls.

If you’re going to attend Grad Nite in 2010, or DGN10 for short, you can expect to see some amazing acts performing. If you’re a fan of America’s Best Dance Crew both Quest Crew and Beat Freaks will be showing off their moves to crowds of high school seniors. Music fans will flip over the biggest Grad Nite guest announced so far: Paramore! This rock band fronted by the orange-haired Hayley Williams has had huge success with songs like “crushcrushcrush,” “Misery Business,” and “Decode.” Singers like Keri Hilson, Mario and bands like Boys Like Girls will also be performing at DGN10. It’s an event no high school student can miss!

Verizon Fans Finally Get Disney Mobile App

Verizon fans already enjoy a number of perks at the Walt Disney World Resort. They get to participate in the Kim Possible mission at EPCOT where you receive text message clues as you travel the World Showcase Pavillion helping Kim and her friends. Now Verizon users will be able to have a fully interactive guide to both Disney World and Disneyland on their mobile phones with great features that will make their theme park experience efficient and fun.

Disney Mobile Magic is fully loaded with important theme park information that is constantly updated. You will have full access to wait times, FASTPASS return times and extensive information on where and when your favorite Disney characters will be appearing next. The application is colorful, bright and easy to use. Because the Disney Mobile Magic app is GPS-enabled, that means you can follow your journey throughout the parks in real time. Your position will be marked by a white circle that shows you which attractions you are passing along with providing you information about them.

This is also great for those of you that want to experience Disney restaurants. The app not only provides pictures and information about the restaurant, but it gives you the phone number you need to call in order to make reservations through the Disney reservation system. This app is a great feature for customers of the Verizon Wireless network, who already experience great perks for being part of this cell phone service provider within both Walt Disney World and Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Like all apps Disney Mobile Magic will be updated with more information as time goes on. If you aren’t a member of the Verizon network you can still receive Walt Disney World info via text message. iPhone users can check out the iTunes store for a variety of apps related to the Disney parks and company.

With everything going digital in this day and age, it’s great to have the option of a wonderful Disney app like Disney Mobile Magic and other cell phone applications. We can only imagine what’s next in the world of Disney.

New Dollar Coins at Disney World

Do you remember when there were $1 coins in the US? Canada has its loonies ($1 CAD) and twonies ($2 CAD) but here in the US we’ve been relying on paper dollars for quite some time now. However, the growing trend of “going green” and changing our habits to be more environmentally friendly has even trickled down to the way we use and make our money. You might be thinking what this has to do with the Orlando theme parks or Walt Disney World Resort we’re always writing about? Well, everything! It’s no secret that the Walt Disney World Resort is keen on conservation efforts. Both Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Epcot are legitimate animal organizations that participate in breeding and rescue efforts. Now the Walt Disney World Resort’s Epcot and Magic Kingdom will be teaming up with the US Mint to distribute dollar coins throughout the parks in certain locations.

Dollar bills aren’t as environmentally friendly as coins. These dollar coins are gold in color and feature the image of Sacagwea both on the front and back of the gold-toned (not real gold) coin. On one side she is carrying a child in a papoose with the regular United States logos and on the other side she is harvesting corn, beans and squash in a field. The agricultural theme matches perfectly with the environmental goals that this collaboration with the US Mint is striving toward.

Many people are talking about these coins becoming a collectible, and we all know Disney fans love to collect! From pin trading to special figurines, we love taking advantage of special opportunities. Over at Epcot you can find the special coins in certain locations at the American Adventure in the United States pavilion at the World Showcase. Over in the Magic Kingdom you can find the coins in certain areas of Liberty Square and near the Haunted Mansion. The special coin usage will only be going on until December, so make sure you check out our discount Disney tickets and get to the parks soon!

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.

An Inside Look at Walt Disney in the 40’s with Walt & El Grupo

When you think of Walt Disney films animation usually comes to mind; but what about documentaries? Come to think of it, when you’re enjoying Orlando theme parks like the Walt Disney World Resort do you ever stop and think about the inner workings of all of the magic? The latest film to come out of the Disney group is Walt & El Grupo. If you’ve ever been on the Grand Fiesta Tour attraction at the Mexican Pavillion at Epcot, you might have seen a trio of comical characters featuring Donald Duck, a rooster by the name of Panchito and a parrot by the name of Jose Carioca. This comical trio is better known as The Three Caballeros and they were a direct result from a trip to South America Walt Disney took with a company of animators in 1941.

Those were trying times for Walt Disney. There was an animators strike, the world was at war and the fate of Disney appeared dismal. The US government recruited Walt and a group of his hand-picked animators to go to South America on a mission of goodwill. Walt and his group visited Argentina, Brazil and Chile to meet with famous Latin American artists and musicians and collaborate on a project. The result of this trip was two movies: The Three Caballeros and Saludos Amigos.

Walt Disney was only 39 on this trip and Disneyland hadn’t even opened yet! But it was an imperative mission to the world of Walt Disney and one that produced some animation firsts. The Three Caballeros featured a combination of live-action cinema and animation. It also featured some prominent Latin stars from the era including Aurora, the sister of Carmen Miranda, Dora Luz and Carmen Molina. The title song of The Three Caballeros was composed by legendary Mexican composer Manuel Esperon.

Walt & El Grupo is expected to be a great inside look into the world of Walt Disney, a man surrounded by many legends. Fans of the animation genius will get a rare glimpse at what life was like during the early stages of the Disney empire and see how the trip influenced Disney’s multicultural aspects as shown by attractions like It’s A Small World and the World Showcase Pavillion. If you’re a Disney fan, Walt & El Grupo is a must see.

Family Fun with Disney Board Games

Board games have always been a part of growing up. Whichever game happens to be your favorite, soon enough you will be finding Walt Disney versions popping up in toy stores everywhere! One of the first games to jump on the Disney bandwagon was Monopoly. You can purchase these games at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland and other locations where Disney items are sold. Castles and cottages replace hotels and houses as classic Disney movies replace the property locations. Alice, Snow White, Lady and the Tramp, Cinderella and Dumbo replace the regular shoe, iron and car pieces of the original games. Disney continued to expand its Monopoly game fun with a Disney Villains version and even a Monopoly Junior version with the Disney Princesses.

The latest board game to join the Disney board game family is the Haunted Mansion version of the game of LIFE. With the clever subtitle of “Welcome to the After-Life” your family travels in little coffin-like vehicles down the road that leads to the Haunted Mansion. This game features Haunted Mansions from all of the Disney parks around the world and even some non-Disney famous haunted locations. One of the coolest features of the game is the famous spinning wheel. The creators of the game were inspired by Madame Leota (the floating head on the mansion ride) and her séance, so the wheel features a globe and Madame Leota’s famous raven. The stories surrounding this version of the game revolve around the famous paintings in the lobby of the Haunted Mansion attraction…you know, the ones that stretch up to reveal the dismal fates of the painting’s subjects? There are also Hidden Mickeys inside the game and various characters from the ballroom ghosts to the opera singer in the graveyard are featured in the playing cards. It’s the perfect board game for some not-so-scary spooky fun—great for Halloween or any time year round.

If you’re more of a video game person there are plenty of Disney options for you. There are a number of DVD games for children involving the Disney Princesses or your Pixar favorites. If you’re a fan of the Scene It? games there are three Disney versions to choose from, each of them fun for all ages and groups. Try out the Disney version if you love Pixar Disney and more recent films like Lilo & Stitch. The Disney 2nd Edition features more classic characters for the classic Disney fans and if you’re a Jonas-lover or Hannah Montana fan you will love the Disney Channel Scene It? version. Whichever option you choose there are plenty of ways to have some Disney fun at home!

Gay Days at Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World has always been a gay and merry place, but this early June, the theme parks will receive a boost of a different kind of gay. The first week of June through Sunday, June 7, marks the annual Orlando event known as Gay Days, which unites members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and supportive community in enjoyment of a day at the Disney parks. Since 1991, GLBT visitors and supporters have worn red and gathered at Magic Kingdom. Today, the event is bigger than ever, bringing an estimated 75,000 visitors to Orlando and encompassing all four parks and several Orlando resorts with meet-ups and special events.

This year, the Gay Days calendar is packed with expos, concerts, comedy shows, and parties all over Orlando. At the parks, however, the event rotates to a different Disney park each day. On Thursday, Gay Days is at Animal Kingdom; on Friday, the event moves to Disney’s Hollywood Studios; on Saturday, the traditional (and biggest of all) Gay Days takes place at Magic Kingdom; and on Sunday, Gay Days winds down at Epcot.

What this means to those unfamiliar with Gay Days is that a large amount of GLBT visitors will be visiting the designated Disney park on that specific day, where they’ll ride the rides and have fun like everyone else. The daily parade usually serves as a gathering point, especially on Saturday when Gay Days guests will “meet at Cindy’s place” (Cinderella’s Castle) for the Celebrate a Dream Come True parade at 3 pm.

While for GLBT visitors to the park, Gay Days is a chance to don their rainbow-colored Mickey ears, the event has stirred up some controversy in the past. Some Gay Days guests have been known to engage in public displays of affection, which sometimes make other guests and families with children uncomfortable.

For those who feel like Gay Days might taint their Walt Disney World experience, we advise steering clear of the specific meet-up park on the day you want to visit. For example, you may want to visit any other Disney park besides Magic Kingdom on Saturday. Visiting the parks early is also a good idea, as the crowds will be particularly thick in the afternoon.

It’s important to note that Gay Days is not sanctioned by or affiliated with Walt Disney World. Still, as Gay Days participants and GLBT Disney lovers know, the parks do an excellent job of treating every guest the same. Mickey loves you no matter what your sexuality is.

Ultimately, for those participating in the event, Gay Days is a fun and festive opportunity for the GLBT community and its supporters to get together, show their pride, and have some good, old-fashioned Disney fun. And if the event doesn’t bother or affect you, feel free to go and enjoy the parks among its red-wearing visitors like you would on any other day.

As always, you can save on Walt Disney World tickets -- for Gay Days or a regular magic-filled visit to your favorite park – right here on DWTickets.com.

A First Look at Animatronic Obama

On July 4, the historic Hall of Presidents exhibit at Magic Kingdom will reopen after the biggest makeover in its 38-year history. But in meantime, the New York Times got to have the first look at the exhibit's latest addition: an animatronic President Barack Obama, or as the folks at Disney like to call it, Robobama.

The 44th President of the United States has been recreated in animatronic form for his induction into The Hall of Presidents at Walt Disney World, which pays tribute to each of the presidents in an entertaining and educational show. Lincoln, Carter, Bush - they're all present in robotic form in the attraction, and former presidents Bush and Clinton even provided their voices for the presidential 'roll call.' But as the Times learned, Obama not only provided his voice, but even his measurements for his figure, which DIsney says is the most lifelike president they've created yet.

Supposedly, when President Obama saw renderings of the figure, he said Disney Imaginaeers made the figure "better-looking than he was."

Similar to presidents before him, Robobama will have a speaking role in the attractions. He'll recite his oath of office in addition to a newly drafted speech written by Disney writers and tweaked by Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau. President Obama recorded the speed in March inside the White House Map Room, which was apparently the best room for recording in Disney high-definition sound.

Joining Robobama in speaking to the crowd will be Abraham Lincoln, who has always had a speaking role in the Hall of Presidents. However, after the July 4 unveiling of the attraction, Lincoln will be delivering the Gettysburg Address in its entirety. Also, George Washington will have a speaking role for the first time ever.

These are just a few of the new additions to the attraction, which will also feature a new film narrated by Morgan Freeman. The hall itself will also get an upgrade, including new digital-video projection systems and new, longer spotlights for each president with modernized controls.

And of course, former president George W. Bush will be added to the attraction in the form of a less sophisticated animatronic figure. Robobama is actually the same figure as the old Robobush, simply recycled, reprogrammed, and given some significant plastic surgery.

However, one would never guess that Robobama was once another president, as the Times reports that Disney has gone to great lengths to accurately convey not only the President's expression, but his mannerisms as well.

"Thus the audio-animatronic Obama purses its lips to pronounce its b's and p's in a way frighteningly evocative of the real one, and raises its hands, open-palmed, while shruggiong its shoulders, in a way that can only be described as Obamaesque. Even the president's wedding ring, with its braided design, has been recreated," wrote Jacques Steinberg.

One of Disney's oldest attractions, the Hall of Presidents was first conceived by Walt Disney himself when he produced a "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln" attraction for the 1964 World's Fair in New York. The Hall has been featured in Magic Kingdom since the park opened in 1971 and features all 43 presidents of the United States in a celebration of American history.

The Hall of Presidents officially reopens on July 4, a very appropriate day for the reintroduction of the most patriotic attraction at Disney. In addition to all the other Independence Day festivities at Disney, you won't want to miss seeing the latest Presidential figures in action. Check out Walt Disney World tickets on DWTickets.com now to come face to face with President Obama - Robobama, that is.

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.

Monkey Business at Disney's Animal Kingdom

If primates are your favorite animals in the whole world, you might have a new reason to visit Walt Disney World this season. Disney’s Animal Kingdom recently welcomed a black and white colobus monkey – the first of its species born at the park – among its animal ranks. This cute little fella was born February 17 after a six-month gestation and can be now seen along the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail with a group of five other colobus monkeys.
Though the weight, size, and gender of the monkey are still unknown, the baby monkey is being well-cared-for by first-time mother Kabibi.

“The baby was born looking healthy and vigorous,” said Rebecca Phillips, a primate manager at Animal Kingdom. “We’re encouraged that the mother and baby seem to be adapting well.”

As we’ve mentioned before, in addition to being a great Orlando theme park, Animal Kingdom is dedicated to animal conservation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The baby colobus monkey’s mother came to Animal Kingdom in 2008 as part of the AZA Species Survival Plan, which manages genetic diversity among species through detailed records of individual animals. Disney’s Animal Kingdom also participates in AZA Species Survival Plans for several other animals, including elephants, cotton-top tamarins, and okapi.

Here are some more fun colobus monkey facts: at birth, the monkeys are covered in white fur that’s gradually replaced with black hair as they grow older. The monkeys are distinguished by their black body and white shoulders, backs, and beards, and they stand 18 to 27 inches tall, weighing between 12 to 32 pounds. Unlike most primates, the colobus monkey doesn’t have thumbs, but they do have long tails that help them navigate the forest quickly. Currently, about 65 colobus monkeys exist in AZA-accredited facilities around the US.

In addition to the colobus monkeys, the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail is also home to a group of Lowland gorillas, whose DNA is 98% identical to that of humans. There’s also a majestic silverback gorilla and his family, in addition to other animals like hippos, okapi, naked mole rats, meerkats, and many species of exotic birds. And if you didn’t get enough primate sightings there, the Habitat Habit! Trail in Rafiki’s Planet Watch area features some of the most endangered primates in the world, the cotton-top tamarins. Native to South America, these small animals are named for their long, flowing white hair.

With so many animal encounters that you’d have to travel the world to experience otherwise, Animal Kingdom is a must-see theme park in Orlando. So go pay a visit to the adorable baby colobus monkey and check out all the wonders of the animal world; no passport is needed, just a Walt Disney World ticket from DWTickets.com.

Behind the Scenes at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is without a doubt one of the most mysterious and magical places in the world. The four parks manage to create so many dream experiences and fun adventures that fans have often sought to uncover the science behind the magic. And though all the secrets can’t be revealed, there is a way that Disney fans can learn a bit more about how their favorite parks operate – through special Disney-offered tours.

For example, guests can opt to go on a Backstage Magic tour, a 7-hour adventure across Disney World that provides a detailed look at the workings of Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom. This fascinating tour provides an in-depth look at the parks’ creative and technical operations that bring to life your favorite special effects and attractions. You’ll get to see Disney’s massive Florist facilities (all those flowers didn’t just pop out of nowhere, you know) along with the incredibly designed North Service area. By the end of the tour, guests will have a better idea of just how much magic it takes to make the parks work.

And if you love Animal Kingdom, there’s a tour for you too – the Backstage Safari, which provides a 3-hour look at the ways that Disney Cast Members care for the park’s 1,700+ animal residents. On this behind-the-scenes walking tour, guest will get up close to a variety of incredible animals in their backstage habitats and talk to the folks that keep them happy and healthy in the Animal Nutrition Center. They’ll also visit Animal Kingdom’s state-of-the-art veterinary hospital and other facilities and learn interesting facts, like how three tons of food is prepared, distributed, and fed to the critters of Animal Kingdom every day.

Another naturally fabulous tour is Behind the Seeds at Epcot, which takes guests backstage on a one-hour indoor walking tour of the greenhouses seen at the Living with the Land pavilion. An actual working greenhouse, The Land grows delicious produce indoors, and guests will be able to learn all about the advanced and sometimes-experimental techniques it uses. Described as an extended version of the Living with the Land ride, the tour gives guests the chance to go alligator gazing, release ladybugs, and see the future of agriculture.

Around the World at Epcot is another great tour if you love the futuristic park and want to see all it has to offer without all the walking. This fun tour takes guests around the World Showcase while riding board a 2-wheel Segway Personal Transporter. For those who have never ridden one before, the first hour of the 2-hour tour consists of a fun training session so that you don’t fall flat on your face. Once you’re ready, you and your group will head out to the World (Showcase, that is), and visit each of the 11 international pavilions it consists of. Meanwhile, your guide will point out interesting details and facts about the design of each pavilion.

All of the tours can be booked through Disney, and all of them, with the exception of the Backstage Magic Tour, still require separate Disney admission. So if you’re burning to know some of the mystery behind the magic at your favorite Disney theme park, get your Walt Disney World tickets at DWTickets.com and then give Disney a call to schedule a fascinating and one-of-a-kind tour.

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.

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.

Walt Disney World Hotels Roll Out the Red Carpet

Walt Disney World, in addition to having four of the best theme parks in Orlando, also has some of the most luxurious, creative, and comfortable resorts. However, in these penny-pinching times, many might wonder what the advantages are of staying in a Disney resort, especially if you’re looking to cut costs. After all, there are probably more inexpensive hotels that you could stay at in Orlando. However, only Walt Disney World resorts offer special amenities and features that make enjoying the parks easier and more fun.

One such benefit of staying at a Disney resort is Disney’s Magical Express, which provides free transportation for Disney hotel guests to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO). With this handy service, guests can even arrange for special luggage tags that allow them to check their bags at their hometown airport, bypassing the baggage claim at MCO. When they arrive at their hotel room, their bags will be magically waiting for them. And when it’s time to go back home, guests can check their baggage with the return flight at their Disney resort, saving time and the pain of dragging luggage at the airport.

Another transportation-related benefit is the Walt Disney World Transportation, which allows Disney guests to get around without a car. Your resort ID also doubles as a ticket for buses, monorails, and boat launches, providing you access to virtually all areas of Walt Disney World. Moreover, many of the resorts, including Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and Disney’s BoardWalk, are so close to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios that you can walk to the parks.

And for hotel guests who don’t want to deal with the hassle of figuring out where to eat while on vacation, there’s the Disney Dining Plan. Guests who combine their hotel accommodations and park tickets with a Magic Your Way package can also add dining plans for an all-inclusive vacation package. Three plan choices are available to satisfy different budgets and appetite, and all include at least two meals and a snack every day.

Finally, one of the best aspects of staying at a Disney resort is the Extra Magic Hours. Each day, Disney guests are offered exclusive time in a Walt Disney World theme park for one to three hours per day, either prior to the park opening or after it closes. In other words, Disney hotel guests get to enjoy parks like Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom all to themselves! The Extra Magic Hours and chosen park vary from day to day, but you can look them up on the Walt Disney World website. In order to take advantage of the extra time, guests must have their hotel ID and a Magic Your Way ticket.

In Orlando, 23 resorts ranging in theme and price allow guests to indulge in a worry-free vacation, and about one-third of them fall in the value category. At Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, for example, you can bring your own RV or even pitch a tent for a low cost and fun accommodation. So this year, don’t be afraid to enjoy the comfort and luxury of Disney resort. And remember that you can always save money by acquiring your discount Walt Disney World tickets at DWTickets.com.

Space Mountain Will Get Makeover

It’s the time of year when many Walt Disney World attractions get a little spring-cleaning. For example, the big Mickey Mouse hat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios got an extensive spit-shine recently, and the Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom is closed temporarily while President-elect Obama is added and some fine-tuning is made to the technology. And now added to the list of attractions receiving a freshener is Space Mountain; Disney announced recently that the beloved Disney icon will be shut down this Spring for a multiple-month refurbishment that is sure to make the 34-year-old ride better than ever.

Space Mountain has been a popular Magic Kingdom attraction ever since its opening on January 15, 1975, only about four years after the park itself opened. The roller coaster thrills riders by taking them through a series of sharp twists, turns, and drops in the dark. And on April 17th, the ride will be closed temporarily and reopened later in the year for a slight makeover. A specific reopening date hasn’t yet been set, but it’s safe to say the attraction will be closed through the summer and very likely through most of 2009.

Rumors have been buzzing among Disney fans for years that Space Mountain was going to get an upgrade, especially after Disneyland in Anaheim completed a two-year overhaul of the attraction. However, hardcore Space Mountain lovers will be happy to know that the changes being made to Orlando’s Space Mountain won’t be anything too drastic.

“We’re retaining many of the classic elements that made Space Mountain a rite of passage at the Magic Kingdom that’s been enjoyed by generations,” said Disney spokesperson Andrea Finger.

Most of the construction work will involve installing a new track inside the coaster. The actual track layout, however, will stay virtually the same, and the ride will retain its classic shape. Other upgrades include a new enclosure for the ride’s queue and a new interior ceiling. This will be the attraction’s first “refreshment,” as Disney calls it, since September 1999.

Space Mountain is certainly an iconic figure in Magic Kingdom; located at all five Disney parks around the world, each attraction features that famous white dome façade, though each ride is vastly different. Orlando’s Space Mountain is the original, giving it a special place in the heart of Disney fans. The roller coaster plunges riders into the darkness of space, providing unique thrills that result from not knowing where the ride will plunge you next.

Be sure to stop by Magic Kingdom before April 17th to get your fill of this classic ride before it closes for the summer! All you need are discount Disney tickets at DWTickets.com, and you’ll be set to blast, twist, and turn into outer space at Space Mountain.

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.

See the Future of NFL at Disney’s Pop Warner Super Bowl

There is only one event where you can see future stars of the NFL, along with the future cheerleaders and dancers who will be rooting them on – the Pop Warner Super Bowl and National Cheer & Dance Championship. From December 6th through December 13th, the nation’s top youth football players will compete at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex for the 52nd annual Pop Warner Super Bowl. The Bowl will be taking place alongside the cheer and dance competition, which brings thousands of cheerleaders from all over the country to Orlando.

This year, more than 60 youth football teams nationwide battled through local and regional tournaments in order to come to Walt Disney World for the Pop Warner Super Bowl. Teams will compete in four divisions based on weight and age: Jr. Pee Wee (ages 8-10), Pee Wee (ages 9-11), Jr. Midget (ages 10-12), and Midget (ages 11-14). In addition, there are two divisions, Division I and II, each fielding 32 teams. During the 7-day event, 72 games in total will take place.

Since 70% of current NFL players got their start in the Pop Warner Super Bowl, there’s a strong likelihood that many of this year’s players will go on to become NFL stars. Heisman Trophy winners Tim Tebow, Troy Smith, Matt Leinart, Carson Palmer, and Reggie Bush are all Pop Warner Super Bowl alumni.

All the Bowl games will take place on the Hess Sports Fields, the same fields used by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during training camp. This is the Pop Warner’s 14th consecutive year at Walt Disney World.

While the games are going on out on the fields, the National Cheer and Dance Championship will featuring competing cheerleading and dance teams from communities and schools throughout the nation. From December 8th through December 12th, the championship will pit over 350 squads against each other for the title of National Champion.

Squads will compete in four age classifications and vary in size and skill level. On the stage of the Wide World of Sport’s Milk House, each team will perform their best two minute and thirty second routine complete with music and cheering. It’s a heated competition that teams often prepare all year for.

The Wide World of Sports is host to several national youth and high school football events throughout the year, such as the NFL Flag Football National Championships. The sprawling complex features eight different venues for amateur and professional sports and entertainment events, including 11 tennis courts, and stadium court, and a track & field complex.

Anyone is welcome to come watch the Pop Warner Super Bowl or the National Cheer and Dance Championship. For anyone who’s not participating in event, admission to the Wide World of Sports Complex is $12.75 for those ages 10 and up and $10 for children ages 9 and under. You can also catch the Midget Championship Game on TV when it airs on ESPN and ESPN2 during the week of the NFL Super Bowl. Don’t miss all the fun when young football players and cheerleaders compete for glory and a national title!

Get Artsy at the Downtown Disney Festival of the Masters

One of the best things about Orlando, Florida, is the constant array of attractions and events. And speaking of constant, Walt Disney World, one of our favorite Orlando theme parks, is always brimming with fun things to check out. Just as the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is winding down, Disney is gearing up for the 33rd annual Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney, running from November 7 - 9. The festival brings some of the nation’s most talented and renowned artists to Disney for the hottest art ticket of the year. If you’re a fellow artist, an art collector, an art aficionado, or just looking for something interesting and different to do in Orlando, the Festival of the Masters is a hip and fun event with live music and entertainment, dining, shopping, and of course, plenty of amazing art.

Over 150 award-winning national and local artists come to the famed art festival every year. In order to participate in the festival, each artist must have won a primary award in a juried art festival within the last three years. Because of this rule, visitors can be assured that the festival will contain a wide selection of truly incredible, award-winning art. In addition to the outdoor gallery’s regular exhibits, the festival will also include the 10th annual House of Blues “Where Art Meets the Soul” Folk Art Festival, which features local and national folk artists, great music, and fun children’s activities.

The Central Florida Chalk Artists Association will also be returning to the Festival of the Masters this year; don’t miss the excitement when over 6,000 square feet of sidewalk at the Marketplace becomes a canvas for some of the country’s most talented chalk artists. Kids will also be able to join in on the fun with their own special chalk-drawing area.

The Festival of the Masters is definitely not too high-brow for the kids – plenty of areas throughout Downtown Disney will be set aside for kid-friendly fun. For example, little ones can learn how to draw their favorite Disney characters outside the DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park. They’ll also be able to dance and groove at a special DJ Dance party at the Dock Stage every afternoon. And be sure to head over to the Cirque du Soleil tent, where the family can meet performers from Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba and receive a little body art of their own with some face painting.

The festival is also going to be hopping with live performances all weekend long. Moreover, it’s a great opportunity to take advantage of all the great shopping Downtown Disney has to offer. Pin lovers especially will be uniting at Disney’s Pin Traders at the Marketplace during the festival, bringing with them a wide assortment of pins for viewing and trading.

Best yet, admission and parking for the Festival of the Masters is completely free. It’s not often that you can enjoy a mass collection of the nation’s finest art, live entertainment, and a wide variety of children’s activities without having to pull out your wallet. The festival runs each day from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, so be sure to enjoy a day of fun and culture Disney-style when the Festival of the Masters comes to town. And while you’re in the neighborhood, you might as well check out all of the Walt Disney World theme parks! You can catch an express ride into Disney when you get your discount Walt Disney World tickets at DWTickets.com.

2007 The Year of a Million Dreams

Walt Disney World has long been a magical place where dreams come true, and a new guest reward program implemented throughout the Walt Disney World Resort in 2007 already made that statement a reality for hundreds of thousands of people. The “Year of a Million Dreams” began in late 2006, and it’s still going strong with plans to continue through 2008. We have our own guest bonuses at DWTickets.com, and that includes cheap theme park tickets!

DWTickets.com helps makes your dreams come true with the best discounts on the tickets you need for your Orlando vacation. You can get all of your Walt Disney World tickets right here and get in on the “Disney Dreams Giveaway” like these lucky vacationers did last year:

One Florida family stepped off of Spaceship Earth at Epcot and was magically selected by a Disney Dream Squad member to receive a fabulous return trip to the Walt Disney World Resort valued at $5,200.

A 10-year-old boy from Colorado was transformed into an honorary “junior bellhop” at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He was presented with his very own Tower of Terror bellhop jacket and hat while still at the front gate, and then his family was escorted through the park to be the first guests of the day to take the terrifyingly thrilling plunge.

Just over a year ago, one lucky family from Michigan became the first guests to stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite at the Magic Kingdom Park. The family dined in Cinderella’s Royal Table restaurant before heading upstairs to spend an enchanted evening in a glorious suite of rooms fit for a princess at Cinderella’s Castle. These dream winners were selected randomly by the Disney Dreams Giveaway computer, and were riding the Star Tours attraction at the Studios when their seat number came up!

On Epcot’s Mission: SPACE, a rider from Maine was in the right spot at the right time, and he won an Adventures by Disney “Viva Italia” vacation package worth more than $25,000. His reward includes a nine-day, eight-night vacation of dreams through Rome and Venice, Italy.

The Disney Dreams Giveaway is continuing in 2008, and you don’t have to miss out. Get your Walt Disney World tickets today at DWTickets.com, and get in on the fun in the New Year!