A Tomorrowland Christmas

The holidays are almost here! There is no doubt you have probably heard some holiday songs in the stores and started to see the various holiday commercials appearing on the television. Hopefully, you’ve purchased your discount Disney tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and you’re ready to go, because this is going to be a beautiful event Disney and holiday fans of all ages will enjoy! The holiday decorations are already up at the Magic Kingdom. Wreathes and beautiful nutcracker statues decorate the trees and line the streets of the Magic Kingdom. You will find special statues spiced up for the holidays and see snow-themed Mickey balloons, tons of Christmas decorations, and great Christmas-themed Mickey and Minnie Ears. If you like the holidays and you’re a Disney fanatic, this is heaven on Earth!

Tomorrowland will have a brand new look and a brand new show once you get to Walt Disney World. The Tomorrowland Transit Authority was fully refurbished and just re-opened. They even fixed up the bathrooms near Space Mountain for a brand new look. Oh! About Space Mountain, the official re-opening date is November 22nd 2009, but Disney is expected to have a “soft opening,” meaning Disney will let cast members and a few guests test out the ride, as early as this week!

Along with Space Mountain and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, the Magic Kingdom will have a brand new Christmas show that is sure to rock the house and get the little ones into the holiday spirit! A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas will be the newest stage show in the holiday event and it will replace Mickey’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. With a modern take on the holidays featuring Radio Disney hits, holiday songs and your favorite Tomorrowland characters like Buzz Lightyear, Stitch, Mike Wazowski and other holiday favorites, everyone will enjoy this show!

If you’re planning to come to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party, which we hope you are, you will enjoy all of the special features of the holiday invent including the parade, unique fireworks, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas and, of course, a brand new Space Mountain. The holidays at the Magic Kingdom are going to be fantastic.

Tinkerbells Latest Adventure

Tinkerbell is one of the most popular Disney characters of all time. You can find tons of adorable merchandise in the Disney theme parks from pens to t-shirts and high-quality figurines. The sassy sprite first appeared in 1953’s Peter Pan, where she joined Wendy Darling and Peter Pan on an adventure to Neverland to fight off the evil Captain Hook. It wasn’t until later that the Tinkerbell craze caught on, but it’s hard not to love the blonde pixie with her adorable outfit and her funny crush on Peter Pan. She appeared once more in the 2008 movie Return to Neverland as the Tinkerbell merchandise mania continued to grow.

Finally, Tinkerbell got her own animated movie where she was the star of the show in a 3D animated feature that told Tinkerbell’s origin. We got to learn that all of the fairies live in Pixie Hollow and they are born whenever a child in the world laughs. Once the fairy is born he or she gets to choose her profession. Will she be a fairy of the elements or a tinker fairy? Tinker fairies create the little items used in Pixie Hollow every day. We’re sure you can figure out what kind of fairy Tinkerbell is after that explanation. So, based off of the success of her first solo feature, Disney is releasing a sequel called Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure.

New fairies were introduced into the Tinkerbell world and in this sequel they will be voiced by famous celebrities. Silvermist will be voiced by Lucy Liu, Iridessa by Raven Symone, Fawn by America Ferrera, Rosetta by Kristen Chenoweth and Mae Whitman voices Tinkerbell. Along with her fairy friends Disney gave Tinkerbell a male companion in Terrence, who is voiced by Jesse McCartney. Disney is hoping Terrence will help draw some boys into Tinkerbell’s world, which is important considering the Magic Kingdom will be getting its own Pixie Hollow as part of the huge Fantasyland expansion.

Although Fantasyland’s Pixie Hollow won’t be open until 2013, you can still find Peter Pan, Wendy, Tinkerbell, Terrence and the rest of the Pixie Hollow crew at the Magic Kingdom. It’s a great time to be a Tinkerbell fan!

Tiana Madness!

You’re either sick of hearing about it or totally loving it, but the news about The Princess and the Frog just keeps on coming out of the Disney camp. Promotions are happening left and right. Whether it be special featurettes included on Disney’s latest Blu-ray releases or special events at the Disney theme parks, there is no stopping the excitement people have over Disney’s first Black princess and the first Disney princess in a very long time! It’s been quite awhile since we’ve seen a great princess story in the beautiful hand-drawn animation style that made Walt Disney famous. The wait will finally be over this December when the movie is released nationwide just in time for the holiday season.

If you find yourself in one of the Disney stores you might run into a great deal of Tiana merchandise. Just in time for Halloween, Disney has released a gorgeous Tiana costume for your own beautiful little princess. The dress is a shining, delicate green with beautiful flowers on a petal-shaped skirt. Add in the adorable pale green shoes and the tiara and your little girl will be princess perfect. Since Christmas is right around the corner, you will also find The Princess and the Frog Christmas ornaments to hang on your tree. For the kids the Tiana dolls have been out for awhile but we’re just starting to see her prince, Prince Naveen, appear in toy form as well.

You might have read our article about Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee! This jazz-infused, Mardi Gras style parade will wind its way down to the riverboats at both Disney parks where fans will be able to meet up with Tiana and Prince Naveen as the parade cast performs songs from the upcoming movie. Well that parade is almost ready to debut. Speaking of debuts, Walt Disney World surprised guests by having Princess Tiana debut and come out to meet guests early. Anyone visiting the Magic Kingdom will now have a chance to meet Princess Tiana and get a picture (and her autograph) with the brand new princess. Disney is really pushing for this movie to be great, and based on what we’ve seen from it—we know it will be another classic!

Let Verizon Wireless Guide You Through the Parks

Remember PAL Mickey? The cute little plush toy gave owners tips and tidbits about the Disney theme parks as you walked around certain spots in places like the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom? Well now in an Orlando theme park first, Disney is teaming up with Verizon Wireless to bring you a unique wireless experience.

This new tech trek will work like PAL Mickey but through your Verizon Wireless cellphone. Disney is already using this technology in Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an interactive adventure both kids and adults love. At the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, fans can use their Verizon Wireless cellphones as their “Kimmunicators” to receive clues from Kim Possible herself. Help Kim find and defeat evildoers throughout the Epcot World Showcase with other Kim Possible fans.

But that’s not all Verizon customers will be able to do. At both Walt Disney World and Disneyland you will be able to receive ride information. If a ride is shut down or the wait times are long, you can get that information on your phone. Want to know where Mickey is? Or are you in search of Alice and The Mad Hatter? Disney updates will be sent to your phone to let you know where all of your favorite characters are. Dining locations and showtime info will also be available. This is great for when you’re on one side of the park and wondering if you can make it to your favorite show on the other side without being late!

To further your wireless mobile experience, Disneylink, a desktop application, will let you share any Disney info and pictures saved on your phone with other Verizon Disney fans at home. This is all part of Disney’s efforts to bring their fans together and keep things modern and moving at the 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,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “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 Magic Kingdom.”

Little kids are sure to love receiving a “call” from Mickey Mouse and Buzz Lightyear. If you’re a Verizon Wireless customer, this new innovation is sure to make your time at the Walt Disney World Resort even more fun!

A True Princess at Downtown Disney

Orlando theme parks often get the most attention when thinking about the famous Florida city. But there are many Orlando destinations worth checking out and Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort is a crowd favorite. Downtown Disney is a complex of dining, shopping and entertainment options keeping the family-friendly Disney theme in mind. Downtown Disney is always adding new restaurants and entertainment options for its visitors, the latest being “DIANA- The People’s Princess," located in the building that formerly housed the Virgin Megastore, right near Disney Quest.

“DIANA-The People’s Princess" is an exhibit highlighting the life and achievements of Princess Diana of Wales. Inside the building’s 17,500 square foot setting, visitors can get a first-hand look at many Diana artifacts including hand written notes and the dresses Diana became famous for wearing. This exhibit, put on by the People’s Princess Charitable Foundation, Inc. (PPCF), will run until late November and is open to the public and all money collected from admission costs and gift shop purchases will be donated to the PPCF.

Adults and children over the age of 10 are welcome at the exhibit. Fans of the late Princess Diana will be delighted to view some of the artifacts the travelling exhibit will feature in Downtown Disney. Handwritten notes are some of the more popular artifacts the exhibit has to offer. Visitors can read notes Diana sent to people from all walks of life, including royalty and some of her celebrity friends.

Diana became a fashion icon during her time as princess. Celebrity designers clamored to design for the princess, who became an icon with her extravagant wedding dress during her 1981 wedding to Prince Charles. Amongst the 800-900 artifacts available for public viewing are a number of the dresses Diana donated to charity, five of which have been rarely seen by the public. The Princess was well known for her humanitarian efforts, especially with campaigns against landmines and campaigns highlighting the suffering of AIDS and leprosy victims.

Royal items from Diana’s engagement and historical wedding are also on display inside the complex as is the commemorative doll the Great American Doll Company created in her honor in 1998. The Downtown Disney stop marks the first time many Americans will be able to see the princess’ belongings. “DIANA-The People’s Princess” was previously only available for viewing in England.

Obama - The New President in “The Hall”

This July 4th weekend, Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom celebrated the re-opening of the Hall of Presidents with the “inauguration” of our 44th president, Barack Obama, into the attraction. The concept of change, popular during our president’s campaign, was not one ignored by Disney Imagineers. After closing last October to begin renovations and the add President Obama to the historical lineup, guests of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom will now be treated to a brand new technologically-advanced experience.

Working with brand new audio-visual and “Audio-Animatronic” technology, the Imagineers revamped the 23 minute long attraction to represent a new era in American history. The Hall of Presidents, which educates visitors about the good and bad times of our country’s past through an educational video and narrations by animatronic figures of past presidents, features a new video presentation narrated by actor Morgan Freeman. Along with the figure of the first black president, Barack Obama, The Hall of Presidents now includes a speech by our nation’s first president, George Washington.

President Obama was actively involved in his participation with the Hall of Presidents team. Videos of Obama recording his voice-over work from the White House can be found on various internet sites and the president’s thoughts on the American dream, as well as the audio of his presidential oath, will be featured in the updated presentation.

The realism of the Obama figure is thanks to the director of sculpting at Disney Imagineering, Valerie Edwards. The 21 year veteran is the apprentice of Disney legend Blaine Gibson, the man responsible for sculpting most of the figures in the Hall of Presidents. Edwards studied hundreds of photos and hours of video in order to capture ever physical attribute and nuance of our president’s look and personality.

If you would like to see the “re-Imagineered” Hall of Presidents, you’re going to need tickets to the Magic Kindgom, and what better place to purchase them than with DWTickets.com? Discount Disney tickets and tickets to other Orlando theme parks can be purchased directly online or by calling us at our toll-free number!

“Star”board Sailing with Disney Cruise Lines!

Are you a Disney Channel fanatic? Have you watched High School Musical one too many times? Would you’re dream be to meet the stars of the Disney Channel? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then we have the experience of a lifetime for you! This summer, Disney Cruise Lines will be launching their first-ever Disney Channel Summer at Sea Cruises, where you can cruise and party along with your favorite Disney Channel superstars!

That’s right! The Disney Channel Summer at Sea Cruises will give fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and mingle with their favorite celebrities, while basking in the beautiful Caribbean sun. Cruising on select dates from July 9th to August 2nd, the Disney Channel Summer at Seas Cruises will feature 3-night and 4-night Bahamas Cruises. Each cruise will be different, with new celebrities among the traveling passengers on the ship. Celebrities from numerous Disney Channel shows and films including Sonny With a Chance, Hannah Montana, JONAS, High School Musical, Wizards of Waverly Place, The Suite Life on Deck, Hatching Pete, and Camp Rock will all be in attendance on-board!

While on-board these special cruises, guests can take part in numerous types of meet-and-greets and activities with the celebrities. Attend star autograph and photo sessions, where you will have the opportunity to get your picture taken with top Disney Channel shows and movies. Take part in star question and answer sessions and special Disney Channel sneak peeks, for what is in-store for your favorite and up-and-coming shows. Rock late into the night with an onboard party with the stars, where your favorite cruise stars will come out for a rockin’ party of high-energy shows and special music performances.

Aside from the celebrity appearances, meet-and-greets, and more, you will get to take advantage of the beautiful Disney Wonder cruise ship. Enjoy a full-sail adventure to stunning Nassau and the fun-loving Disney secluded island of Castaway Cay. Along the way, onboard the ship you can enjoy uniquely themed restaurants, top-of-the-line entertainment, and the utmost in Disney service. Along with these ports, you will stop and sail out of Port Canaveral, where you can venture to nearby Walt Disney World for a day at the Disney theme parks!

Some of the stars who have their bags packed and are ready to cruise with you include Corbin Bleu, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (Camp Rock), Jason Earles (Hannah Montana), Chelsea Staub (JONAS), and much, much more! So, pack your bags and get ready to set-sail on the ride of a life time, where sailing will always be on the “star”board side!

Disney Secrets, Now Just an iTouch Away

With the recent phenomenon of Apps, created by Apple for the iPhone and iPod Touch, there is now something for everyone. Disney lovers and theme park gurus have jumped on the App bandwagon to create Apps to help enjoy their favorite pastime…a day in a Disney theme park!

With a 4 out of 5 Mice rating by Macworld and being rated in the Top 25 paid Travel Apps, the “Walt Disney World Secrets” iPhone App has become one of the most popular new accessories on phones and travelers alike while in the Walt Disney World Theme Parks. The App features advice on where, when, and how to experience all of the hidden gems of the Disney parks. With just a couple of touches, owners of the App can find magical surprises around every corner of Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

This innovative guidebook is the perfect application for anyone with an iPhone visiting the Disney Theme Parks! There are over 180 fun and magical secrets about the Walt Disney World Resort on the App, and there is also an additional section that gives Hidden Mickey tours! Discover over 80 Hidden Mickey’s that you may have never seen with the naked eye. Plus, get over 200 fun-filled facts about the “Happiest Place on Earth!”

“To our knowledge, this is the first Walt Disney World App reviewed and rated by Macworld, so we are very pleased,” says Mike Westby of TimeStream Software, creator of the App. “It’s a notable reflection on the quality of content within the App, as well as the hard work put into its development.”

If you can’t get enough of the Disney fun with this App, there are also Apps available for purchase for your iPhone, iPod touch, iPod Classic, and iPod nano, including “Walt Disney World Guide,” “Disney’s Animal Kingdom Hidden Mickey’s,” and MORE! Apps can be purchased for as low as 99 cents on Notescasts.com! And, to keep with the low prices of Disney fun, you can get into the Disney theme parks with discount Disney tickets on DWTickets.com. With a full-out guided tour of the parks, via your iPhone or iPod, and discount Disney tickets, you can have a fun, and educated, experience at Walt Disney World!

Disney World Lovers Will Love the New Disney Netpal Laptop

Perfectly in time for the upcoming holiday season, Disney has teamed up with computer company Asus to create a compact laptop just for kids – the Disney Netpal. Perfect for Walt Disney World lovers and those looking for a unique spin on the traditional children’s laptop, the Disney Netpal will provide an all-Disney interface which children and parents will both love!

Disney characters and parental control galore, these laptops will be a hit for young children to tweens. The all-Disney interface will feature the Windows XP Home addition with added Disney features. For example, Tinkerbell will swoop down to let you know you have e-mail, Mickey and Minnie will speak any error or computer system reminders, and a 2D “gadget tray” that will display all of the applications for the computer as the young Little Mermaid Ariel displays her gismos and gadgets in the classic movie (think, a Little Mermaid-esque Windows Start menu). On top of that, the computer will have plenty of Disney-developed applications, including a Disney Mix where you can listen to music and Disney Pix where you can store and upload photos. Disney Pix will not only allow you to do simple photo tasks, such as re-coloring and resizing, but there will be a cool feature where users can insert their faces onto bobbleheads that can dance, move, and more! Plus, not to mention, the streaming real-time music of Disney Radio that will be available for kids to listen to, play games with, and even request songs to be played!

Parents will love these laptops that have been created for mainly the age 6-12 demographic. The laptops come in two colors, Princess Pink and Magic Blue. The desktops of the laptops can be customized to feature your children’s favorite Disney stars, characters, singers, and more. But, parents will go crazy for the control and safety features available on the laptops. Parents have full control with over 40 content regulation options, including safe web-browsing and email correspondence features. The laptops have also been designed with liquid-proof keyboards and a ShockShield, for any falling and dropping accidents that are likely to occur with children.

The Disney Netpal MK90 will be sold exclusively at Toys “R” US and the Disney Netpal MK90H will be released through other computer selling portals. With 1GB of memory, an Intel ATOM N270 processor, built in Wi-Fi, and three USB terminals…I think we know what some lucky 6-12 year olds will be getting for the holidays this winter! Maybe if parents are lucky, their children will let them use these cool laptops to search the web for their annual trip to Walt Disney World with discount Disney tickets from DWTickets.com.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: Eat to the Beat 2009

It may seem too soon to be talking about the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which is held September 25 – November 8 of this year. But, how can you not talk about it when there is SO much fun to look forward to at this year’s celebration, especially this year’s music line up for the Eat to the Beat concert series!

Showcasing the flavors of the world is just the beginning of this wonderful annual festival. Held at Epcot every fall, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival features marketplaces of food, wine, beer, and other beverages in every country of Epcot’s World Showcase. At the festival you can also take part in classes and demonstrations by world renowned chefs and wine makers.

Though the food and beverages may take the cake (no pun intended) at this event, the music of the Eat to the Beat concert series is the icing on top of that cake! The list of performers was recently released earlier this month. The concert series will be featuring 17 different acts from all over the music scene, so there is sure to be something for everyone in your party. This year, there are several Grammy-winning bands and five newcomers to the festival, as well. Performing nightly at 5:15 pm, 6:30 pm, and 7:45 pm daily:

September 25-27: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
September 28-29: Richard Marx
September 30-October 3: Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
October 4-6: En Vogue
October 7-8: Better Than Ezra
October 9-11: Sister Hazel
October 12-13: Kool & The Gang
October 14-16: Spyro Gyra
October 17-18: Jon Secada
October 19-20: Sister Sledge
October 21-22: Vanessa Carlton
October 23-25: Taylor Dayne
October 26-28: Boyz II Men
October 29-31: John Waite
November 1-2: Night Ranger
November 3-5: Billy Ocean
November 6-8: Los Lobos

You will not want to miss any of these all-star performances at this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival! The International Food and Wine Festival is included with your admission to Epcot. So, to secure your spot for one of these great concerts, make sure you purchase your Disney tickets ahead of time with DWTickets.com.

Disney World for the Sports Lover

With the NBA Finals currently playing out at Orlando’s own Amway Arena, we can’t think of a better time to address all the sports lovers thinking about an Orlando getaway. If you’ve been hankering for a great vacation, few places are better than Orlando, which has something for the sports fanatic every step of the way. Whether there’s a major championship in town or not, you can have a blast at Walt Disney World with sports-themed hotels, restaurants, and attractions, including Disney’s very own sports complex, Disney's Wide World of Sports.

First, if you love sports and love the idea of surrounding yourself with them, the place to stay is Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort. A 1,920-room Disney Value hotel, it features five pairs of 3-story buildings whimsically themed after a different sport; there’s the Home Run Hotel, Hoops Hotel, Touchdown!, Surfs Up!, and Center Court. And with two swimming pools, a 1.5 mile walking/jogging trail, arcade, playground, and shopping, there’s plenty to keep the active sports-fiend busy. Rates start at $82 a night.

When it comes time to chow down, sports fans can satiate their hunger and catch a game at the ESPN Club, located on Disney’s BoardWalk on the edge of Crescent Lake. You won’t miss a second of the action at this sports hub, filled with 100 video monitors hooked up to satellite feeds. There are even TVs in the bathrooms! The atmosphere is especially fun on a big game day, when fans pack the seats from wall to wall. And the food is great, too – the restaurant serves American fast food, hamburgers, and deli sandwiches with big pitchers of beer and specialty drinks.

Once your belly’s full and you’re ready for some outdoor fun, check out the events at Disney’s Wide World of Sports (WWoS) complex. A 220-acre sports facility inside Walt Disney World, the WWoS hosts nearly 200 amateur and professional sporting events in a year. It can accommodate more than 50 sports, from aerobics to wrestling, in nine venues and is even the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves. With so much space dedicated to pure sports, chances are there’ll be something fun going on there during your trip. Just check out the schedule online, then head on over.

And of course, no trip to Orlando is complete without catching an Orlando Magic game. The team is in the finals now and tickets are hard to come by, of course, but when the regular season starts up again, you can expect to score tickets right here at DWTickets.com.

So let it never be said that Walt Disney World is just for kids – it’s just as much for sports lovers and other fun-seekers, too. Start planning your sports-tastic vacation by taking a look at the discount Disney tickets here at DWTickets.com.

Music Fills Summer Nights at Epcot

If you need something to jolt you into a summertime state of mind, follow the sound of your favorite hits to Walt Disney World, where a rockin’ and rollin’ concert series will be sure to set you straight. You’ll be swept back to youthful memories of beach trips, backyard cookouts, and long carefree days when the Sounds Like Summer concert series features summertime songs by legendary musical icons at Epcot.

From June 15 through August 9, the Sounds Like Summer concert series will host multiple performances nightly under the stars. An annual event, the series is returning to the America Gardens Theatre this year with a great lineup of popular tribute bands. Seven bands in total will recreate the sounds of legendary artists like the Bee Gees, Eagles, U2, and more, providing a great end to a day at Epcot.

The lineup is subject to change, but so far, the performers for the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series include Stayin’ Alive, a tribute to the Bee Gees performing from June 15 through 21; Hotel California, a tribute to the Eagles performing from June 22 through 28; Slippery When Wet, a tribute to Bon Jovi performing from June 29 through July 8; 52nd Street, a tribute to Billy Joel performing from July 9 through 17; Sounds of The Supremes, a tribute to The Supremes performing from July 18 through 26; and 2U, a tribute to U2 performing from July 27 through August 2. Finally, Petty Theft, a tribute to Tom Petty, closes out the concert series from August 3 through August 9.

Throughout Sounds Like Summer, multiple nightly performances will take place at 5:45 pm, 7 pm, and 8:15 pm except on July 4. On Independence Day, park guests can rock out at 5:15 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:45 pm, and 9 pm before enjoying a great fireworks extravaganza in the sky.

Though other summer concert series and nighttime entertainment are being offered at Busch Gardens and Universal Studios, the Sounds Like Summer concert series at Epcot is the only one offering performances every night. Best yet, the series is also free with regular admission to the park, so all you need to rock out is a Walt Disney World ticket.

And of course, there’s only one place where you can get Walt Disney World tickets and save – DWTickets.com. Check out Magic Your Way passes today and begin planning your trip down a memory lane of summertime fun at Epcot.

American Idol Comes to Disney World This Week

Kris Allen just won season 8 of American Idol, and what is he going to do next? Why, visit Walt Disney World, of course!

Just jmoments after he won, the adorable and sweet-voiced Allen promised he'd be visiting the Mouse House in celebration as part of the iconic Disney commerical that aired just a few hours later. And he's wasting no time in keeping that promise; Allen will be making a visit to Disney's Hollywood Studios this Friday, May 29. Sources say he'll be starring in the 10 am motorcade, and he'll most likely follow that with a visit to the American Idol Experience. While he's there, he'll probably shoot some film spots for the attraction, which features cameos by several past American Idols and finalists, in addition to the current American Idol.

Allen is just the second singer in history to participate in the "I'm Going to Disney World" campaign, joining David Cook and a league of football heroes, Olympic superstars, and other athletes and celebrities. The very first star to utter the famous phrase, "I'm going to Disney World!" was New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms in 1987, right after Super Bowl XXI.

In the latest Disney commercial, Allen sings the classic song "When You Wish Upon a Star" in the background while scenes from his childhood and his first American Idol audition flash across the screen. The commercial concludes with Allen saying that famous line and enthusiastically following it with a "WOO!"

Disney camera crews captured the celebratory declaration on the Nokia Theatre stage a short while after American Idol host Ryan Seacrest announced Allen's win to the millions of viewers watching worldwide. Within hours, the iconic commercial was already on air.

Allen's role in the commercial is inteded to draw attention to Hollywood Studios' American Idol Experience, which opened this past February. The best way to experience American Idol short of actually witnessing a show in Los Angeles, the Experience gives park guests the chance to show their singing chops on stage in front of a live audience of fellow park guests. Complete with a trio of quirky judges and some surprise guests, the Experience awards on talented guest each day with a Dream Ticket - a pass to a front-of-the-line audition at an actual American Idol regional audition.

"The American Idol Experience really will blow your mind. If you've never been to the show, you pretty much have been to the show after you've been there," said Jason Castro, season 7 finalist, on the red carpet of the American Idol finale.

"Go in there, give it your all," added season 2 winner Ruben Studdard, "because you may be where I am right now."

If you want to see Kris Allen in person and try your hand at the American Idol Experience, check out Walt Disney World tickets on DWTickets.com and visit the park this Friday! You just might be able to get some singing tips from Allen and take your first step to becoming the next American Idol.

Save the Piggy Banks at Epcot

At Epcot, the Innoventions Plaza is where guests of Walt Disney World can step into the future with incredicle exhibits displaying the latest in scientific and technological innovations. But that's not to say that visitors to Innoventions won't discover a few things there that they can use today. At a new exhibit, for example, guests will learn a lesson we can all benefit from these days - the importance of saving and managing money responsibly.

This new interactive exhibit, sponsored by the global investment management organization T. Rowe Price, is called The Great Piggy Bank Adventure, and it will put families to the test when it comes to basic savings and investing with a series of fun and educational games.

"At INNOVENTIONS, our focus is on encouraging guests to imagine, incent, inquire, and inspire while exploring amazing innovations that make our lives better. The Great Piggy Bank Adventure will give our visitors a better insight into what it means to save and invest in an innovative and enagaging manner," said Dan Cockerell, Vice President of Epcot.

"Empowering parents to initiate discussion of the topics of saving and investing with their children is more important than ever before," added Edward C. Bernard, vice chairman of T. Rowe Price Group. "Financial awareness and decision-making is heavily influenced by one's early experiences, making vibrant family discussion a powerful and lifelong educational influence that can help children develop sound financial values and habits. In watching families during play-testing of the exhibit, it has been rewarding to see how The Great Piggy Bank Adventure engages families in a unique way and really does get the conversation started."

In The Great Piggy Bank Adventure, guests will play interactive games where they'll guide large plastic piggy banks through a series of video challenges designed to teach financial lessons. They'll be assisted by a talking piggy bank as they address four key financial themes, which include setting goals, saving and spending smartly, staying ahead of inflation, and diversifying your investments.

When guests head home, they'll even be able to continue the lesson with an online game from T. Rowe that's designed to be paired with the Innoventions exhibit. Planning on the exhibit actually began over three years ago between Epcot Business Development and Walt Disney Imagineers.

We bet you never thought that talking about saving and investing could be fun, but at the Great Piggy Bank Adventure, families will join together to save the piggy bank in a captivating and entertaining way. If you haven't stopped by Innoventions in a while, brush up on the latest developments and be sure to pay a visit to the Great Piggy Bank Adventure. Before you've even begun your financial education at the exhibit, you can already start spending smart by checking out the discount 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!

Around the World's Gardens at Epcot

Before you know it, the end of May will be here, and with it, the end of the International Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot. If you haven’t seen this colorful compilation of flower fun at Walt Disney World, you definitely should – there’s plenty to see and hear, from the whimsical character topiaries and beautiful gardens to the sounds of the Flower Power concerts. We’ve been covering highlights of the festival throughout its duration, and as its last few weeks approach, we bring you one more – the gardens of the World Showcase.

At the Flower & Garden Festival, one of the most fun activities is spotting your favorite characters and Disney films represented through displays like the Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden and the “Cinderellabration” topiary. But Disney has also taken special care to pay tribute to different landscapes around the world, and guests can see this when they visit the 11 pavilions of the World Showcase. There, gardens tell each country’s story in blooms and provide continuity and transition from one nation to the next.

At the Mexico pavilion, for example, landscaping represents the country’s two regions, the jungle and desert. Facing the Mayan temple, guests will see tropical plants and flowers commonly found in the jungle, such as the floss silk tree, often endowed with springtime blossoms and oddly-shaped fruit. Epcot gardeners have been careful to make this garden look “unmaintained” to make it appear more like a genuine jungle.

“We wanted to steer clear of creating a ‘perfect’ landscape and use irregular spots of colorful flowers to give it a more exotic look,” says Eric Darden, Walt Disney World horticulturist.

A similarly natural look has been created in the China pavilion, where the grass isn’t mowed and plants are more haphazardly placed than in Western landscapes, in accordance with Chinese gardening. Water is an essential element in every Chinese garden, and at Epcot, ponds lie still with water lilies blooming atop. Older looking trees, like a weeping mulberry, have also been added to give the garden a mature look, which the Chinese appreciate.

By contrast, the garden at The American Adventure pavilion is much more organized and formal, designed in the style of old colonial architecture and landscapes. A predominant color scheme of red, white, and blue flowers abounds, accompanied by sycamore trees whose branches interlace overhead.

“This pavilion is by far the most formal, with its soldier-like rows of magnolias, boxed hedges and precisely planted annuals,” Darden said.

Meanwhile, at the France pavilion, guests will enjoy light and airy gardens reminiscent of Parisian park. An allee (avenue or pathway) of trees has been created with Natchez crape myrtle, similar to the linden trees they’re originally composed of in France. And in Le Notre Garden, 985 shrubs have been crafted into the shape of a French symbol, the fleur-de-lis.

The international gardens of the World Showcase are maintained by a horticulture staff of more than 50 gardeners and experts. And if you want to see all of them while learning about the process behind their assembly, check out the “Gardens of the World” tour. A three-hour walking tour through the World Showcase for guests 16 and older, it provides an in-depth look at the styles of landscaping in each pavilion.

Be sure to check out the International Flower & Garden Festival soon before it ends on May 31. The festival is open to all guests with regular Epcot admission, so get your Walt Disney World tickets here on DWTickets.com to begin exploring the world’s gardens at Epcot.

All Ears is the Fashion at Walt Disney World

If you love Walt Disney World, chances are you have a pair of Mickey Mouse ears stashed away in a closet in your home somewhere. The ultimate souvenir of any Disney vacation, Mouse ears have been a way to show camaraderie with Mickey since their creation in the 1950s. Originally, the ears were rather simple, made of black felt covering large plastic ears. But today, Disney lovers can show their personality through Mickey ears in a wide range of styles. There’s a pair for everyone, and it’s even easier to find them now at a new boutique at Downtown Disney.

Guests can find the perfect set of ears at a new Create Your Own Ears Hat boutique, located inside Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories at Downtown Disney Marketplace. There, Mickey fans can design their own ear keepsakes to reflect their particular style and personality using a wide variety of hat bases and ear adornments.

“For the first time, guests can take our traditional, iconic Mickey Mouse Ears – made famous in the 1950s with the Mickey Mouse Club - and customize them,” said Dara Trujillo, merchandise manager at Walt Disney World Resort. “Not only is this a unique product offering, but every set will be different, just like our guests.”

Hat bases come in 19 colors, including purple satin, blue velvet, and glow-in-the-dark green (perfect for standing out during dark Disney attractions). Guests can also choose from 19 additional varieties of snap-on ears, adorned with everything from metallic accents to rhinestones to fur. Hats can even have two completely different-looking kinds of ears for a really unique look. Finally, ear designers can add the finishing touch with character patches, letters, stickers, and embroidery, perhaps representing a favorite Disney character, Disney princess, or Disney Channel show.

Interestingly, Mouse ears were first created by Roy Williams, an adult Mouseketeer on the original Mickey Mouse Club. He was inspired by the 1929 short The Karnival Kid, which features a scene where Mickey tips his ears to Minnie. Today, Mouse ears come in all shapes and sizes and can even be tailored for special occasions - such as bride and groom Mouse ears! With so many base, ear, and decoration combinations possible, everyone can find a pair perfectly suited to their own personal style.

The new Create Your Own Ears boutique joins its sister shop that opened last summer at Magic Kingdom. Prices vary based on the add-ons, but a basic hat (consisting of a base, two ears, and a chin strip) starts at $7.50. Hats are one-size-fits-all but can be adjusted to fit smaller guests using the chin strap.

To get your own special set of Mouse ears, be sure to visit the new boutique at Downtown Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories. And don’t forget to rock them the next time you visit Walt Disney World for a stylish day at the parks. Get your Walt Disney World tickets from DWTickets.com to begin your Mickey ear-adorned adventure.

End the Day with Your Favorite Characters at Animal Kingdom

With so many birds and beasts at Animal Kingdom, from the cotton top tamarins to the Komodo dragons, it can be easy to forgo one little mouse - even though he’s the mouse that started it all - in favor of exciting attractions and rides like Everest. Keeping that in mind, Disney has now created a way for guests to get their dose of character fun right before they leave the park for the day, so they won’t have to miss out on a bit of playtime with their two favorite mice.

“When guests come out of the park, they are absolutely determined to see our characters,” said Chris Ambrose, general manager of entertainment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. That led Disney to launch Adventurers’ Celebration Gathering, a new interactive experience near Animal Kingdom’s entrance each night during park closing.

The Gathering features Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy wearing their khaki best and sending off guests in a music-filled celebration. Cast members shake their pom poms and urge guests to join in a street-party atmosphere by dancing to the music and forming a conga line, while Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy shake a tail feather atop their safari vehicle.

“We’ve created a way for our guests to experience our characters…and it’s a way for us to have a fun, exciting way to end the day at Animal Kingdom,” Ambrose said.

The Adventurers’ Celebration Gathering happens at park close (which varies from day to day but is usually 6, 7, or 8 pm) and lasts about fifteen minutes.

If you want to leave the park before closing, though, the Adventurers’ Celebration Gathering is only one of several character experiences throughout the day at Animal Kingdom. One of the best times to see all your Disney friends is during Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade, which takes place mid-day and features popular characters paying tribute to their animal friends. This fifteen-minute long procession loops through the various areas of Animal Kingdom and is led by Rafiki of The Lion King, who rides a brightly painted Adventure Rover in front of Minnie, Donald Duck, and Goofy, who each ride in customized Jeeps.

Guests can also generally find Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Timon, and other friends along the Camp Minnie-Mickey Greeting Trails, which has a trail for each Disney character. Character greetings also take place at random spots throughout the park – you never know who you’ll find waiting to meet you at Animal Kingdom!

So next time you visit this fun and wild Disney theme park, make sure you stay late for the best part - a little fun with the Disney characters you grew up with. They’re waiting to party with you now, so check out Walt Disney World tickets on DWTickets.com to hang out with the creatures – of all kinds – at Animal Kingdom.

Get Eco-Friendly with Disney's EARTH

Usually, making an effort to help the environment requires getting out in a park and picking up trash, chaining yourself to a tree, or some other kind of active endeavor. But now, Disney is offering those who want to be environmentally friendlier a fun and easy way to make a difference. For every person who sees the new EARTH film during its opening week, Disney will plant a tree in their honor. EARTH premieres nationally on April 22 and is the first film by Disneynature, the first new film label to be introduced by Disney in 60 years.

“EARTH is a spectacular film from the world’s most acclaimed nature filmmakers, and we couldn’t think of a better way to launch the new Disneynature banner, and to celebrate the spirit of the film and Earth Day at the same time,” said Dick Cook, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. “The film gives moviegoers an entertaining and unprecedented view of our planet, with some of the most astonishing imagery and exciting natural drama ever presented on the big screen.”

Many may not realize that one of Walt Disney’s dreams was to create nature documentaries. From 1948 to 1960, his True Life Adventure series won eight Academy Awards by chronicling the antics of real animals.

EARTH now seeks to revitalize Disney’s dream by telling the remarkable story of three animal families (polar bears, elephants in the tropics, and humpback whales) and their amazing journeys across the planet. Narrated by James Earl Jones, the film features rare action, unimaginable scale, and impossible locations to combine Disney storytelling with nature documentary.

People can learn more about EARTH at Epcot, where the International Flower & Garden Festival features a display about the movie inside Garden Town. Outside, there’s also an impressive sand sculpture dedicated to the film.

Once the movie has completed its opening week, Disney will tally up the number of moviegoers and plant one tree for every one of them in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, which is considered the most endangered rain forest in the world. A hot spot of biodiversity, the Atlantic Forest is struggling for survival with only seven percent of it remaining.

So if you’d like to make an easy contribution to the environment and see a great film at the same time, be sure to check out EARTH when it opens on Earth Day, April 22. The film will be playing at Downtown Disney, of course, at the AMC 24 Theatres Complex on Pleasure Island. We especially recommend enjoying the film there in the luxury of loveseat-style stadium seating with the awesome quality of THX Surround Sound and Sony Dynamic Digital Sound.

And if you haven’t already, be sure to visit Epcot, where you can learn new ways to be ‘green’ in your garden at home and see cool photographs of Disneynature’s EARTH before the movie comes out. As always, save on your Disney adventures with Walt Disney World tickets from DWTickets.com.

Up, Up, and Away with Disney's Characters in Flight

Imagine being able to see all of Walt Disney World and beyond from high up in the sky, and you don’t even have to climb to the top of Cinderella’s Castle. That’s the experience now being offered with Characters in Flight at Downtown Disney, a new attraction that gives guests a bird’s eye view of Disney by taking them up in a giant tethered balloon. Guests will soar to new heights on this flight, which began taking riders up on Wednesday, April 1.

The giant yellow balloon, which is operated by Aerophile, reaches heights of 300 feet every ten minutes, depending on the weather. Decorated with airborne Disney characters such as Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and company, Dumbo, and Aladdin, it offers sweeping, 360-degree 10-mile panoramas of Lake Buena Vista and the surrounding environments, and it can even be seen from as far away as SeaWorld’s Sky Tower.

The balloon begins its ascent from the Downtown Disney West Side waterfront, carrying up to 30 guests at a time. Flights last six minutes long and can take place by day or night. At nighttime, the balloon lights up internally, a bright glowing orb as it hovers over Downtown Disney.

Adults can take the flight for $16, while kids ages 3 to 9 pay only $10, tax included. Tickets can be purchased at the new Characters in Flight Booth, formerly an Information Booth located near DisneyQuest.

Here are a few fun facts about the balloon – developed by Aerophile, the world leader in captive balloons, the Character in Flight orb is the newest and largest of the company’s models. It boasts a volume of 210,000 cubic feet, a 72-foot diameter, a circumference of 240 feet, and a height of 105 feet, and it lands on a platform designed especially for Downtown Disney.

A unique opportunity to experience some thrills and ascend to the skies over Walt Disney World, Characters in Flight is great fun for the whole family and a new way to make a day at Downtown Disney special. And while you’re there, don’t forget to check out the other new additions to the area, including TrenD, Disney Design-a-Tee, and T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure. And since it’s an excellent way to cap off an evening after visiting the other Disney parks, be sure to stop by Downtown Disney after enjoying Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You’ll have more money to spend on fun at Downtown Disney, too, when you save on Walt Disney World tickets from DWTickets.com.

Epcot Festival Has Flowery Fun for Kids

It’s well known that at Walt Disney World, Magic Kingdom is the ideal park for little ones, while parks like Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom appeal to all ages and the educational Epcot generally suits the older crowd best. But you might want to cast this philosophy aside this spring, at least momentarily, as the 16th annual International Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot has plenty of fun for the little gardener in your home. With so many beautiful and colorful blooms, mysterious gardens to discover, and hands-on activities for kids, the festival will fire up the imagination of any child.

From now through May 31, Epcot has been transformed from a land of futuristic wonder and discovery to an earthy land of gardens and playgrounds, adorned with 30 million blooms in sweeping floral beds and exhibits.

One of the highlights of the festival is seeing all the wonderful topiaries that have been expertly handcrafted into loveable Disney characters. Kids will love spotting flowery figures from their favorite movies, such as The Lion King, Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure, Cinderella, Aladdin, Lady and the Tramp, Sleeping Beauty, and more. And families can even make a game out of it with the Character Topiary Scavenger Hunt behind Spaceship Earth, a challenge to locate certain Disney character topiaries throughout the park.

But the festival is far from being a museum for vegetation – kids can have a blast climbing and exploring in the Let’s Get Moving area, a special garden-themed playground featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, and Goofy. Little ones can also romp with other miniature pirates in a themed adventure area featuring Peter Pan and Captain Hook or play with Tinkerbell in a Pixie Hollow-themed area. There’s even a Fairy & Princess Processional every day at the Pixie Hollow garden at 2 pm where kids can come dressed up and show off their costumes or get their face painted with their favorite flower, fairy, or insect.

Kids will also be fascinated by Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden, filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies, and the Green Garden exhibit, where guests can learn how to create their own environmentally safe garden. And be sure to bring young ones by the Earth Station, adjacent to the butterfly garden, where kids can discover fun activities and how they can positively impact Earth.

There’s no extra cost to experience the International Flower & Garden Festival, just regular admission to the park is needed. So if your kids are feeling restless this spring, take them down to Epcot, where there are plenty of sights to see and lots of fun to be had. Get your Walt Disney World tickets at DWTickets.com now to begin your family’s flowery adventure.

Downtown Disney Gets Tren-D

Downtown Disney, one of Orlando’s best places for shopping and entertainment, has just gotten a bit more fun – the complex has unveiled a new addition this week where shoppers can get edgy and up-to-date Disney fashions and accessories, including exclusive merchandise from cutting edge designers. Tren-D recently opened on March 19, and the 2,500-square-foot shop near Pin Traders and Once Upon A Toy is already attracting a crowd with its fun designs and unique style.

An eclectic new women’s boutique, Tren-D features a mix of vintage and hip designs with whimsical Disney characters thrown in, all in a trendy fashion salon setting that’s fun to browse through even if you don’t plan on buying a thing. Located in Downtown Disney Marketplace, the boutique showcases the artistry of favorite designers like Tarina Tarantino, Roxy, and Kidada Jones. And much of it, which is blended with Disney-inspired creations, won’t be available anywhere else in Downtown Disney.

“This unique environment, filled with textured fabrics, new silhouettes, and whimsical art and design allows us the opportunity to push the creative envelope as it relates to fashion and our characters,” said Mark Perrotta, Disney’s director of Product Development and Design. “Our guests continue to respond to trend merchandise and novel products that they can’t purchase at home. Tren-D speaks to what is happening today with a blend of vintage and hip with stylized Disney influences.”

Some of the store’s offerings include organic loungewear, embroidered handbags, jeweled sunglasses, and other trendy accessories. And when you go inside, be sure to take a good look around – the store is intricately designed with a lot of fun details, from the many pastel-colored and jeweled chandeliers hanging from the ceiling to the modernly-attired Minnie’s painted on the interior columns. There’s also lots of fun Disney portraits and art on the walls.

“With its exclusive product lines and new environment, we think Tren-D will complement the existing merchandise offerings at Downtown Disney,” said Perrotta.

So next time you’re visiting Walt Disney World, be sure to stop by the urban and hip Tren-D for a fun and different kind of Disney merchandise. And keep an eye out for other upcoming changes to Downtown Disney – for example, the Virgin Megastore will sadly close this summer, so you’ll definitely want to pay a visit before its last day, May 31. Word has it that Disney is looking to fill that space with an ESPN Zone.

And in the Pleasure Island area, a new E-Brands restaurant will be opening in the coming months called Paradiso 37. The menu will represent the 37 countries of North, Central, and South America, and you can look for that to debut sometime this spring.

As always, stay tuned to our blog for news about your favorite Disney parks, and remember to save on your Walt Disney World tickets with DWTickets.com.

Star Gardeners at the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

In addition to a beautiful assembly of fantastic foliage and whimsical topiaries, fun activities for big green thumbs and little ones, the International Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World will feature appearances from an array of gardening professionals. From March 20 to May 31, guests visiting Epcot can take in the sights and scents of spring and learn how they can foster them in their own backyard from the experts themselves as part of the Great American Gardeners series.

Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the 16th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, some of the most respected gardeners and nature experts will reveal tips and share entertaining stories at noon and 3 pm. The presentations are open to all and will kick off from March 20 to March 22 with author Jon Carloftis, who’ll share insightful tips on how to integrate plants and nature in every aspect of life, from interior spaces to urban scapes.

Shirley Bovshow will then take over from March 27 to March 29; the garden designer and TV host will present gorgeous edible gardens that provide food as well as style and function in the garden. Susan Belsinger will then appear from April 3 through April 5, informing about the magic of herbs from garden to kitchen, and renowned horticulturist, NPR host, and author Felder Rushing will share practical tips for maintaining a garden’s beauty all year long using tough shrubs, flowers, herbs, and even “designer” veggies.

Then from April 17 through April 19, author, gardening expert, and famed TV host of PBS’s GardenSMART Joe Lamp’l (otherwise known as Joe Gardener) will talk about some of the best gardening tools and accessories available today. Following Lamp’l will be America’s longest running garden columnist Jeff Lowenfels from April 24 through April 26, who’ll explain organic gardening and some of its practical applications, and TV host Joe Washington from May 1 through May 3, who’ll talk about landscaping and water-smart designs. From May 8 through May 10, guests will be able to hear Florida garden writer Tom MacCubbin discuss growing edible foods and perfume expert Raymond Western speak on the history of fragrance and its relationship with plants.

The Gardener series will wrap up in May with TV host and gardening expert Melinda Myers, who’ll share simple money and energy saving ideas for a beautiful landscape from May 15 through May 17; author and Harry P. Leu Gardens director Robert Bowden, who’ll discuss unusual plants for landscaping from May 22 through May 24; and speaker and plant collector Rita Randolph, who’ll demonstrate eye-opening plant combinations from May 29 through May 31.

The eleven experts will be making their presentations at Garden Town in Future World East next to Universe of Energy. There’s no extra cost to hear these all-stars of gardening speak; regular admission to Epcot is all you need. So nab your Walt Disney World tickets at DWTickets.com today and ensure that your garden will be the most beautiful one on the block this season.

Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Disney

If you’re secretly convinced that you’re a princess – and it’s simply that no one knows it yet – then Walt Disney World is the place for you. In addition to being known for making dreams come true, Disney is an unofficial meeting hub for princesses, and one such princess meeting is taking place this weekend at the Orlando theme parks. From Friday, March 6, to Sunday, March 8, the Inaugural 2009 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend will bring all women/princesses together to participate in a magical event designed to prove just how much princesses kick butt.

Disney princesses are the inspiration for the weekend’s events, which will focus on the attributes every princess possesses: commitment, courage, determination, fantasy, perseverance, and strength. And we can’t imagine a better or more fun way to test those attributes (especially determination and strength) than the 13.1-mile Disney’s Princess Half Marathon.

A challenge not for the weak-hearted damsel in distress, the marathon begins at Spaceship Earth at Epcot, heads west to World Drive and Floridian Way toward Magic Kingdom, through Cinderella’s Castle, and past Disney’s Contemporary Resort, then back down past Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge to Epcot again. The course will include plenty of water stops, on-course Disney entertainment, and post-race refreshments, as well as a family reunion area with live entertainment and characters. All finishers will receive a Princess Tiara medal.

The weekend also includes the Royal Family 5K, which takes runners on a course around the World Showcase and ending at Spaceship Earth at Epcot, and the Princess Kids’ Races, which gives kids ages 1 to 11 the opportunity to race at Epcot’s Imagine Lot. Even crawling little ones under the age of 1 will be able to participate in a unique ‘Diaper Dash.’

And in an effort to encourage princess health, the weekend will also feature the Fit for a Princess Expo, a two-day celebration of women, health, and fitness. The Expo will be located at the brand new Jostens Center at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex. There’ll be appearances by characters and celebrity runners, as well as seminars on training, racing, and nutrition with the opportunity to experience the latest in running and fitness equipment.

More than 10,000 runners are expected to participate in the Princess Half Marathon, making it one of the country’s largest road races geared toward women. Spectators will be able to catch the action from special areas along the route detailed in the Princess Handbook, which can be picked up at the Expo.

So if you’re a princess, meet up with some other royals like yourself at this unique Disney event. Or, if you’re a non-active princess, drop by the parks to watch the fun or visit your castle (you wish). You’re always a princess at Disney, and with Walt Disney World tickets from DWTickets.com, feeling like one is just a mouse click (or magic wand?) away.

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.

Muppet History at the Orange County History Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love is in the Air at Walt Disney World

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Celebrate Chinese New Year at Epcot's China

Even though the New Year is well underway here in America, for our Chinese friends, it hasn’t even yet begun. Soon, however, China’s most important traditional holiday will take place on January 26: the Chinese New Year. A festive holiday filled with lots of color, food, entertainment, and fun, the 2009 Chinese New Year celebrates the Year of the Ox, which according to the Chinese zodiac, symbolizes prosperity, self-assurance, inspiration, and leadership. And we can’t think of a better way to commemorate this major Chinese holiday than by paying a visit to Walt Disney World’s Epcot, where the China pavilion offers a little bit of the Asian country right here in Orlando, Florida.

A cultural area within Epcot where guests can experience the art, architecture, and traditions of China, the China Pavilion is the next best thing to hopping on a plane and flying to the country itself. This dedication one of the world’s oldest civilizations features the Temple of Heaven, serene gardens with tranquil reflecting ponds, and authentic tomb sculptures from Ancient China that date back 2,000 years. There’s even a miniature recreation of the tomb of China’s first emperor. A great way to take in a cultural summary of this Asian country, be sure to kick off your Chinese New Year’s celebrations by simply touring all of the pavilion’s wonders.

No Chinese New Year celebration is complete, however, without catching some traditional Chinese entertainment. Check out the Dragon Legend Acrobats, a 14-minute live show occurring several times throughout the day that features young Chinese acrobats performing gravity-defying feats. From the Pu Yang Academy of Acrobats in China, these young athletes fly through the air, leap through hoops, spin carpets on their feet, and contort their bodies into different shapes and sizes to the sounds of traditional Chinese music.

Next, be transported back to ancient Chinese times when you witness the Si Xian show, filled with harp-like music played on the Chinese zheng, a 2,000-year-old instrument. You’ll hear a gifted zheng musician weave an auditory journey as they evoke soothing natural sounds on this 25-stringed instrument. Si Xian is performed several times throughout the day; the schedule can be found on the Epcot Times Guide.

Also, don’t miss the artistic stylings of Miyuki, the first and only woman to receive training as a candy artist in Japan. Miyuki sculpts candy into elaborate animal shapes, a Japanese art form that goes back hundreds of years. For twenty minutes at various times throughout the day, you can catch her bring pieces of rice dough to life – you can even request an ox candy to keep as a lucky souvenir for the New Year.

Finally, round off your Chinese New Year celebrations by sampling authentic Chinese cuisine at the Nine Dragons Restaurant. Offering inventive Chinese dishes from five provinces, Nine Dragons offers specialties like Moo Goo Gai Pan, Sweet and Sour Pork, and of course, several varieties of Dim Sum. Or, for faster Chinese dining, grab a bite at the Lotus Blossom Café, which serves classic Chinese take-out favorites like egg rolls, fried rice, orange chicken, and beef noodle soup.

Since all the pavilions usually celebrate the major holidays of their country, you might also find a few surprises at the Chinese pavilion on January 26, including special activities for the kids. Ultimately, you’re sure to ring in the Chinese New Year in a forgettable way at Disney’s Epcot. Be sure to visit DWTickets.com for Walt Disney World tickets to start planning your celebration.

Join the Pin Craze at Walt Disney World

There have been quite a few toy crazes in the last decade. Remember those talking Elmos? Or those you-had-to-have-them electronic pets? Now, crazes are usually more restricted to the latest cell phone or iPhone, but at Walt Disney World, people still go crazy to collect a very simple, low-tech item – pins. However, this isn’t your average toy craze that kids jump on like a bandwagon. A well-respected hobby at Walt Disney World since 1999, everyone from young children to senior citizens loves to acquire and trade new Disney pins in the hopes of developing a good collection.

A tradition at Disney World that’s going on ten years old, pin trading provides guests and Disney lovers a whole new way to enjoy the parks and have fun. Disney has launched thousands of pins over the years, each with their own unique design and story, and pin traders go crazy when there’s any opportunity to collect a special new pin. However, pin trading can merely be a fun addition to your usual theme park experience, and you can always simply trade for pins that you like or that are aesthetically pleasing, as opposed to trying to track down rare or valuable pins like more serious collectors.

Pins generally start at $7 and are available at several shops throughout Walt Disney World, especially at Disney’s Pin Traders in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. This expansive pin-trading spot hosts the biggest assortment of pins in Walt Disney World. Starter sets are also available to get you going, featuring a uniquely theme pin trading lanyard and four Disney pins.

Once you’ve amassed a collection, however, you can also acquire new pins by trading with any Disney cast members that are wearing a pin trading lanyard. Each member has their own collection of pins along with new or special edition pins that are distributed to them randomly each night. A guest can trade with each cast member for up to two pins each day.

And in addition to trading with cast members and other guests, pin trading events are another great way to add new pins to your collection. Disney’s Contemporary Resort hosts Pin Trading nights every so often, with one coming up on January 23rd from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Resort’s Convention Center in the Ballroom of the Americas. The next Pin Trading Night after that will be on February 20th.

Here are a few guidelines to make pin trading more fun. First, it’s a big etiquette no-no to touch another person’s pins; simply ask to have a closer look. Also, a Disney pin must be made out of metal and have a Disney copyright on its back. You can’t trade pins for money, though you can, of course, purchase them at a Disney store. And finally, kids ages 3 through 12 can enjoy some special pin trading by seeking out a cast member with a green lanyard. These cast members are only allowed to trade with kids and have unique pins to offer.

So if you think you’ve tried everything Walt Disney World has to offer, dive into the world of the pin collectors for a new level of Disney fun. A great way to connect with cast members and other guests, pin collecting and trading is definitely one craze that enhances your Disney World experience. If you want to begin your own collection and start trading, there’s nothing like hitting the parks; check out discount Disney tickets at DWTickets.com in order to take the first step into pin mania. But beware – you might get hooked.

Atlanta Braves Will Return to Disney for Spring Training

One thing that is always eagerly anticipated here in Florida is the change in seasons – the moment when winter winds down and the air begins to get a little warmer here in Orlando. And though warmer weather means more beach time and fun outdoors, for sports fans, springtime means the return of the Atlanta Braves. This Major League Baseball team comes to Walt Disney World every year for spring training, and this year, they’ll make their 12th return to Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in March 2009.

After two weeks of workouts, the Braves will prepare for the regular season at Champion Stadium within the Wide World of Sports Complex, one of the leading venues for amateur and professional sports in the country. They’ll play an 18-game home schedule that includes a number of great opportunities for fans to see incredible games, such as the World Baseball Classic Exhibition featuring Panama and Venezuela.

The Braves’ 2009 schedule is also expected to feature the most appealing slate of opponents since the Braves’ first training season in 1997. They’ll go up against the New York Yankees, the New York Mets, the World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies, and the Boston Red Sox, who’ll be making their second ever trip to the Wide World of Sports. Other teams facing off against the Braves include the Florida Marlins, Washington Nationals, Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, and Pittsburgh Pirates. This spring training season marks the highest number of single spring home contests for the Braves since 1997.

Guests will also be able to enjoy all-new entertainment and experiences, including an all-new On-Field Spectator Experience, which provides fans the opportunity to view pre-game batting practice from field level. There’ll also be appearances by Disney characters, live music, and more fun for the whole family; kids will even be able to run the bases after every game.

Last spring, the braves finished 10-5-1 at Champion Stadium. The Georgia team drew 138,111 fans during 16 games, a total that ranked second only to the Yankees in Grapefruit League attendance. The players will begin arriving in Orlando during the second week of February for individual and full team workouts.

Though the spring training season is still a few months away, sports fans will be able to plan for the games now, as individual and group game tickets for the Braves’ home spring training season go on sale January 10th. The games would be an especially fun addition to any Walt Disney vacation in the spring, and they’re an activity the whole family can enjoy. Start planning your Disney vacation now with discount Disney tickets at DWTickets.com, and get ready to take your family or friends out to the ball game.

Unleash Your Inner Secret Agent at Epcot

In the Emmy-Award winning animated series Kim Possible, Kim is your average teenage girl…unless you count the fact that when she’s not going to school and dealing with typical adolescent problems, Kim is a vigilante/crime fighter battling the evil villains of the world. Along with her sidekick Ron Stoppable and her genius equipment provider Wade, Kim fights evildoers with an array of gadgets and high style butt kicking. And soon, Disney guests will be able to join Kim on adventures at Walt Disney World with the opening of the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure at Disney's Epcot later this January.

Inspired by the Kim Possible series, this new interactive attraction will put Disney guests in the driver’s seat of their own wild crime-fighting adventure throughout seven of the World Showcase pavilions. Guests will become secret agents and team up with members of Team Possible as they save the world from various comical villains and their crazy inventions.

Using the latest Verizon technology, the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure employs official “Kimmunicators,” which are provided to guests at kiosks throughout Epcot. This interactive, handheld device is designed to help secret agents through their mission, allowing them to connect with a variety of Kim Possible characters. Using the devices, guests will be able to uncover clues and control top-secret equipment hidden inside the World Showcase pavilions.

Each pavilion (which includes Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, France, and United Kingdom) will feature a different mission featuring a unique event for secret agents to take part in. Epcot crime fighters will also encounter a different super villain from the series at each pavilion, such as the evil Doctor Drakkan, the comical kung fu megalomaniac Monkey Fist, and the Scottish kilt-wearing golf player, Duff Killigan.

“Disney’s Kim Possible Showcase is an exciting new experience that offers fun and excitement for the entire family,” said Jim MacPhee, Vice President of Epcot. “We are constantly exploring new ways to provide immersive experiences to Epcot guests, and this new offering will add to our dynamic portfolio.”

The Kim Possible Showcase Adventure is unique among Disney attractions in that it’s spread out over Epcot and not located in one place, allowing secret agents to take their time and enjoy saving the “world” as a group; this distinctive design is sure to bring a new level of fun and excitement to a day at Epcot. Make sure you don’t miss out on all the crime fighting action when the Kim Possible Showcase Adventure opens on January 28th. And like any savvy secret agent, get your discount Disney tickets here at DWTickets.com. Just think of us as the Wade to your Kim Possible!

Stay Fit with Seminars at Walt Disney World Marathon

Even though the Walt Disney World Marathon is already booked to capacity, meaning there’s no more room for participants, that doesn’t mean that guests of Walt Disney World can’t learn a thing or two about fitness during the jam-packed Marathon weekend. From January 8th through 10th, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex will play host to the Health and Fitness Expo, which will feature celebrity runner appearances, plenty of running and fitness equipment, and most significantly, the Walt Disney World Marathon Seminar Series. It’s a great opportunity to get the skinny (no pun intended) from experts in fitness and nutrition.

More than two dozen topical sessions, ranging from 30 to 45 minutes long, will be offered during the three-day Health and Fitness Expo, which begins on Thursday at 12:30 pm. One of the day’s highlights includes a presentation at 2:45 by former 10,000 and 20,000-meter world record holder and Mexican Olympian Arturo Barrios. Thursday will also feature great fitness information for kids, with Cigna’s Healthy Kids Challenge Chef presentation at 3:45 and a Making It Fun For the Kids presentation from world-class coach Kevin Hanson and his 10-year-old daughter Samantha at 4:45 pm. Thursday’s presentations will conclude around 6 pm with an hour long session from Disney Marathon Race Director Jon Hughes, who’ll wrap up the day by covering tips and information about this 2009’s running events.

Friday’s seminars will kick off at 11 am with a discussion of ChiRunning and ChiWalking, revolutionary forms of running and walking blended with T’ai Chi, presented by creator Danny Dreyer. Hughes will again wrap up the schedule with a session beginning at 4:45.

The series will end on Saturday after another riveting day of presentations beginning at 11 am with 1972 Olympian Jeff Galloway. Galloway will give key tips on how to run a personal best. Hughes and Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray will close the series with a session at 3:15 pm.

Each day of the Expo will feature roughly 8 to 12 sessions, and each session will feature a Q& A session, giving audience members a chance to pick the brains of these fitness and nutrition stars. Best yet, there’s no additional charge to hear the seminar series; to attend, guests need only pay the admission charge of the Wide World of Sports Complex, which is $12.75 for adults and $10 for children ages 9 and under. The seminar series will take place in the Milk House Upper Court, and TV and radio race commentator Creigh Kelley will host.

The Walt Disney World Marathon Seminar Series is one-of-a-kind opportunity to hear writers, coaches, record-holders, and Olympians talk about their experiences and give unique advice and information. So while you’re heading to the Disney theme parks to see your favorite spectators, do take some time to hear fitness wisdom from the experts. With their help, you might just find yourself a little more ready and willing to run the Marathon next year!

"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.

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!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is Actually Quite Fun

This Halloween, the party of the season is definitely Mickeys Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World. Held in Magic Kingdom, the party is the perfect way to celebrate the year’s spookiest holiday in an event filled with fun, candy, costumes, and your favorite Disney characters.

Some of the highlights of the event are the Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade and the Happy HalloWishes fireworks spectacular, where Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky, as well as some special live shows and dance parties. And no matter how old you are, you’re never too old for some trick-or-treating, which you can do throughout the park with candy stations posted at numerous locations. In addition, many of the restaurants and rides are open during the event, so you can enjoy some of your favorite attractions sans lines, since Disney caps attendance for each day at a reasonable number.

And one of the best parts of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party is the costumes! Nearly everyone comes to the park decked out in the most creative, unique, and spooky Halloween costumes, and half the fun is simply looking at what everyone is wearing. Even some of your favorite Disney characters are in disguise too – so make sure you’re not left out when you join the party and come in your full Halloween gear. There are some costume guidelines to remember though; costumes that are too scary or gruesome are not allowed, as well as costumes that feature a mask.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party is a great alternative to more horror-filled events such as Busch Gardens Howl-o-Scream and Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights. These events, while very fun, can be too frightening and inappropriate for children – which is where Mickey comes in. The Disney party is more silly and fun than scary, so kids will definitely have fun and parents can be worry-free. But that doesn’t mean that it’s only for kids – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party is fun for all ages, even teenagers and adults.

In order to have the most fun at Mickey’s party, be sure to wear comfortable shoes with your costume – you’ll be walking all over the park! Also be on the lookout for Halloween Trick or Treat bags as you come into the park – these run out pretty early. And finally, take advantage of the special Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Photo, a 5x7 picture which is taken for free.

You can catch the party on October 10, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, & 30, from 7 pm to midnight. The party on October 31st, Halloween, is unfortunately sold out, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate Halloween all month long with Mickey! You won’t want to miss out on this fun Disney event, so don’t wait until the last minute to get your discount Magic Kingdom tickets right here at DWTickets.com.

Eat to the Beat at Epcot Food & Wine Festival

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

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

Here’s what the lineup looks like:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Chefs Will Open 13th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Fest

The top “foodie” cities of the world will be highlighted at this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and the top chefs will be starting Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival with an international cuisine competition that is making its debut at the Disney theme park in September.

Some of the world’s best chefs will be cooking against each other in the Bocuse d’Or USA, a prestigious cooking competition during the opening weekend of the Epcot Food & Wine Festival on Sept. 26 and 27. The culinary stars that are participating include the likes of Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller and Jerome Bocuse, the man in charge at the Chefs de France restaurant located in Epcot’s France Pavilion.

Each chef will have one assistant, and is tasked with preparing sophisticated fish and meat dishes that will be judged by a panel of their peers. Each platter will be evaluated based upon the following specific criteria: creativity, presentation, taste and technical precision. This elaborate cooking contest will take place before a live audience of Epcot guests, and attendance is included with a Disney ticket. The winning chef moves on to compete in the international Bocuse d’Or cuisine contest in Lyon, France in January.

A few other highlights of the 13th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival are:

The Festival Welcome Center, which is the hub of all the Epcot Food & Wine Fest action. Here you will find a Champagne and Wine Bar along with a host of free wine seminars, book signings with your favorite chefs and festival merchandise like pins and the official cookbook.

Celebrity chefs and Disney chefs will be on hand for cooking demonstrations, hosting tasty tasting events and much more. So far, this year’s celeb chef list is shaping up nicely with the following already scheduled to appear:

• Tory McPhail of Commander’s Palace
• Rock Harper of Hell’s Kitchen
• Tre Wilcox from Top Chef Season 3
• Cat Cora
• Jamie Deen
• Allen Suuer
• Jeff Henderson
• Gale Grand
• Robert Irvine
• Todd English
• Warren Brown

And of course there is the ever-popular Eat to the Beat! concert series, with live music to enhance the delicious treats that await Epcot guests throughout the Food & Wine Festival. All you need to treat your taste buds is a Disney ticket, so get yours today!

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.

How to Take a Cheap Disney Vacation This Year

Hearing the words cheap Disney in the same sentence is like music to the ears. Learning how to take a cheap Disney vacation is like an entire symphony. It is possible. Honest. Even in this slow economy, you can treat your family to a Disney vacation. Here’s how:

Cheap Disney Vacation Deal #1 – Discount Disney Tickets
OrlandoFunTickets.com has the best discount Disney tickets in town, including package deals that can get you into all of your favorite Disney theme parks. Our discount Disney ticket bargains will help make your Disney dream vacation a reality without breaking the bank. With Disney park hopper tickets, Disney water park tickets and everything in between, you can afford as many Disney days as you want for your Disney vacation.

Cheap Disney Vacation Deal #2 – Cheap Disney Water Park Tickets
A day at a Disney water park is a wonderful way to beat the summer Orlando heat, especially if you get your cheap Disney water park tickets at OrlandoFunTickets.com. Our cheap Disney ticket deals include add-on Disney tickets that let you enjoy your choice of Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon along with all of the other Disney theme parks.

Cheap Disney Vacation Deal #3 – Affordable Disney Resort Hotels
You may be surprised to know that staying right on the Walt Disney World property is affordable for anyone. The Walt Disney World Resort value hotels offer prices that can’t be beat, starting at just $82 per night. Even the slightly higher priced moderate Disney resort hotels are extremely affordable, starting at only $149 per night.

The best thing about staying at a Walt Disney Resort hotel is that Disney provides free transportation all over the Walt Disney World Resort. Add to that a free Disney ride from the airport and you can probably eliminate the cost of a rental car.

Cheap Disney Vacation Deal #4 – A Few Free Disney Attractions
Besides all that, there are still a few free Disney destinations to be enjoyed as part of your cheap Disney vacation. Disney’s Boardwalk is great place for an evening stroll, and it’s just a boat ride away from Epcot and the Disney Hollywood Studios. Downtown Disney is yet another free Disney destination that features dining, shopping and Disney entertainment venues to enjoy any time of day or night.

So you see, a cheap Disney vacation is possible after all!

Hot Summer Sounds for Your Orlando Summer Vacation

Orlando is famous for theme parks, water parks and the best attractions on the planet. What you might not know is that an Orlando vacation can also mean great live music at some of the most unique concert venues in town. If you’re taking an Orlando vacation this summer, why not add a live music show to your Orlando vacation itinerary.

Epcot presents the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series
Over at Walt Disney World, they have gathered some of the best tribute bands around for a concert series under the summer skies at Epcot. The Sounds Like Summer concert series runs through Aug. 10, and features nightly shows at Epcot’s America Gardens Theatre. Here is the upcoming lineup:

• June 30-July 10: Bjorn Again, ABBA tribute
• July 11-20: Slippery When Wet, Bon Jovi tribute
• July 21-27: 52nd Street, Billy Joel tribute
• July 28-Aug. 3: Captain Fantastic, Elton John tribute
• Aug. 4-10: The Sounds of The Supremes, a Supremes tribute

A Disney ticket is required to see all shows during the Sounds Like Summer concert series at Epcot. All of the Epcot concerts are included with your Disney ticket.

Hard Rock Live at Universal CityWalk Is Jammin’ in July
The Universal Orlando Resort is one of the hottest entertainment spots to hit on your Orlando vacation, and some of this summer’s best shows are at Hard Rock Live in Universal CityWalk. Here is this month’s smashing concert lineup:

• Michael Bolton, July 13 at 7 p.m.
• Lisa Lampanelli, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.
• Zappa Plays Zappa, July 23 at 8 p.m.
• Frank Caliendo, July 25 at 8 p.m.
• Boy George Greatest Hits Tour, July 26 at 8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live is a local favorite when it comes to live concerts in Orlando. It is conveniently located at Universal CityWalk between Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. You don’t need a Universal ticket for live music events at Hard Rock Live, but a separate concert ticket is usually required. Tickets prices vary, depending on the event.

Universal CityWalk Is Hot All Summer Long
The streets at Universal CityWalk are smokin’ hot this summer, and filled with revelers enjoying their Orlando vacation. Whether you want to dance, drink or dine, you will find a place to do it at Universal CityWalk. No Universal ticket is needed to get into Universal CityWalk, however, some of the venues do require admission.

Segway Through Walt Disney World

There are many different ways to see and experience the Walt Disney World Resort. But, no matter how you plan to see the theme parks at Disney, you can see them for less when you buy your tickets here at DWTickets.com. Here at DW Tickets, we offer unbelievable deals on tickets to the Walt Disney World theme parks and other area attractions. Before you head out to the parks, head over to check out these unbeatable prices for yourself!

One of the most unique ways to experience the Walt Disney World Resort is through a personal tour. Through these countless tours, you can see behind the scenes of the parks and even learn all of the top-notch secrets behind your favorite attractions. But one of the many tours that you are probably not aware are the different segway tours that Walt Disney World offers. And in case you are not sure of what a segway is, this is a futuristic motorized vehicle that you stand on that takes you from place to place (much like a motorized scooter that you stand on, only this is an upright vehicle). The Walt Disney World Resort has been using segways for years with their management team, and now these tours are offered to let guests have some fun as well!

Segway tours are now offered at the Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds and at Epcot. The Fort Wilderness tour is a new one, and it allows guests to experience the wilderness along the trails of the Fort Wilderness Resort. These tours take place several times throughout the day and begin at 8:30 a.m. It is important to note however that several bus changes may be required if you are a guest at a Disney hotel, so be sure to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to make your tour (if you are late, you will be unable to attend). Also of note for all of these segway tours – helmets are mandatory for everyone (they are provided) and there is also a 250 lb. weight limit for each segway.

The segway tour at Epcot is a popular one and allows guests to experience this theme park in a whole new way. On this tour, you will visit all of the countries in the World Showcase before this section of the park opens to the public and see other parts of this futuristic theme park. Or, if you simply want to learn how to operate one of these machines, Epcot also offers one-hour instructional classroom experiences for those not yet ready to brave the outdoors in these vehicles.

Whether you are riding through the parks on a segway or seeing them like everyone else, be sure to get your tickets to all of the Walt Disney World theme parks right here at DWTickets.com!

Best Orlando Souvenirs

When you vacation in Central Florida at one of the many theme parks in the area, you are surely going to want to take in all of the best attractions during your time in the parks. Likewise, when you leave the parks, you will likely want to take a little piece of your stay home with you to keep the memories alive, whether that be in the form of photos that you will turn into a scrapbook or memorabilia from the parks that you and your family can cherish for a lifetime. We at DWTickets.com have scoured the three major theme park destinations in Central Florida to help you decide what the best souvenirs are in Orlando and the best way to attain them – to find what they are, and how to get them, all you have to do is keep reading below!

While DWTickets.com is one of the top places on the Internet to find inside information about all of the theme parks in Central Florida, we are also famous for helping you out in another way – by providing discounted tickets to all of the top Central Florida tourist destinations! In fact, DWTickets.com is the largest ticket store in all of Orlando, providing you with deep discounts to the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, Sea World, Discovery Cove and Sea World’s new water park, Aquatica, along with other attractions and even local dinner shows! An entire vacation’s worth of fun – and discounts – are all within your reach by simply clicking here to get started now!

At the Walt Disney World Resort, the top selling and most coveted souvenir at the parks is undoubtedly Mickey Mouse ears! While you can pick these up at multiple stores in all of the parks, the best place to purchase your own set of mouse ears (along with any other Disney hat you can think of) is at The Chapeau on Main Street U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom Park. The Chapeau is the only place on Disney property where you can get your name engraved for free on the back of your hat, although we do highly suggest making this purchase early in the day, as this service understandably gets backed up throughout the day and you will have to wait several hours to get yours back (and perhaps not be able to do it at all if you wait until later in the day). Alao at the Magic Kingdom Park, The Emporium located on Main Street is also another great souvenir store with loads of classic Disney merchandise such as stuffed animals, clothes and T-shirts, princess dresses, hats and more.

If you are not at the Magic Kingdom Park but would still like to get your name engraved on your Mickey ears, just bring them with you on your trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Edith & Adrian’s Head to Toe shop on Hollywood Boulevard has an array of merchandise available for personalization, and they will also engrave your Mickey ears here as well for a small fee. Once you have hit up all of the gift shops in the theme parks, you have one more spot to visit for any and everything you missed in the theme parks – the World of Disney at the Downtown Disney Marketplace. This store is one of the largest in the world, with room after room full of Disney merchandise, scrapbook materials and souvenirs. Chances are, if you can’t find it here, or at one of the other shops at the Marketplace, you won’t be able to find it anywhere at Disney!

If you are looking to take home more photos than souvenirs, you may want to think about a couple things. First, look for the Kodak picture spots at all of the theme parks, as those are the places that Disney most recommends for picture taking with your personal camera. And, you might also want to think about taking your photograph with one of the professional photographers that are littered throughout the parks. You no longer have to purchase your pictures right there at the theme parks (although each park has a store with that option), because this service now allows you to take a card with you that each photographer who takes a picture of you will scan. Then, once you get home from your vacation, you can go to the web site on the back of the card to look at your pictures and order them directly online! These are perfect additions to the Disney photo album or Disney scrapbook from your vacation.

The Walt Disney World Resort isn’t the only place to grab your vacation souvenirs, however. The Universal Orlando Resort is known for having specialty merchandise shops, meaning that each shop has its own theme rather than generic Universal apparel and gifts. But, your best bet for finding the best souvenirs from Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are in the Universal Studios Store and Islands of Adventure Trading Store, respectively, as both of these offer the best merchandise from all over the parks.

Sea World also has a plethora of shops to choose from as well, beginning with The Waterfront, a five acre dining and shopping area with stores featuring souvenirs from all over the world. But, if you are after a classic Sea World souvenir, there is only one place for you to visit – Shamu’s Emporium. One of the largest in the entire park, this store is devoted to Sea World’s biggest attraction, Shamu, with a wide range of merchandise available, including T-shirts to toys and even plush Shamus to take home with you!

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!

Learn all about the Disney Princesses

If you have a young daughter and are planning a trip to the Walt Disney World resort, chances are you will be trying to track down a few Disney princesses during your time in Central Florida. Luckily for you, there are many chances for meet-and-greets, opportunities to dine with the princesses and even two places on property for you to give your very own little princess the royal treatment with princess makeovers. To experience any of these, however, you and your family will need theme park tickets in order for you to have access to all of the Disney princesses and other characters and attractions inside the four parks. To get these tickets at a discounted price, don’t go anywhere – here at DWTickets.com, we offer discounted theme park tickets to all of the top attractions in Orlando, from Disney to Universal, Sea World and many more. For more details on these discounted theme park tickets, click here now!

Once you arrive in Central Florida, you have many options to get your Disney princess fill. One of the most popular ways to interact with these princesses is through character dining. At Cinderella’s Royal Table at the Magic Kingdom Park, you will dine right in Cinderella Castle’s private dining hall amongst the Disney Royal Family at either the Once Upon a Time Breakfast or the Fairytale Lunch, while this restaurant also hosts a dinner each evening that includes a welcome fit for royalty and a special appearance by the Fairy Godmother. Another option for Disney princess dining is in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion. At the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Disney Princesses join you in a Norwegian castle for a breakfast that is full of smiles and good, family-style American food. This may not be nearly as popular as Cinderella’s Royal Table, but with appearances from many princesses, this is a great way to start off any family’s day.

Once you have hit up a meal with the princesses, you can also find them in the parks as well. The Magic Kingdom Park is the best for princess spotting, as you will find them in the daily parades and frequently around the park for meet-and-greets (try Story Time with Belle and Mickey’s Toontown Fair Hall of Fame). Also at the Magic Kingdom Park, on select days until June 4, 2008, guests will have the opportunity to attend Mickey’s Pirate and Princess Party. This five-hour, special-ticket party, which runs from 7 p.m. until midnight, includes a whole host of new activities designed to bring out your inner princess or pirate! The princess festivities at this party include Disney princess meet-and-greets, where Cinderella, Jasmine, Aurora, Ariel, Snow White, Belle and more gather around the park to meet all of the future princesses in attendance, Sebastian’s Under the Sea Dance Party at Ariel’s Court in Fantasyland and the Dream Along with Mickey show in front of Cinderella Castle, where scores of Disney characters try to stop Sleeping Beauty’s Maleficent from turning dreams into nightmares!

No matter what park you are going to or what characters you are in search of, you can always use certain resource inside the parks each day to help you locate exactly who you are looking for. First of all, the Times Guide or Character Location Guide located at the parks’ main entrances are your best one-stop information outlet for finding scheduled Disney princess appearances and show times. Another invaluable resource in the parks each day is the Guest Relations center. Here, a Guest Relations host/hostess can answer specific questions you have on where specific characters will be at all times of the day. While these meet-and-greets are always subject to change (and remember, characters only come out for a certain period of time before they have to go back in), they can give you the most “inside scoop” of when and where to spot your favorite character that day.

Finally, once you have met all of your favorite Disney princesses, your child may be in the spirit to turn into one of them. There are tons of merchandise shops throughout the parks that offer dress-up merchandise, but we would like to suggest that you skip that and head straight for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. This new shop has two locations at Walt Disney World, one at the Downtown Disney Marketplace and a second at the Magic Kingdom Theme Park in Cinderella Castle, and functions as a “salon” where young princesses and princes can get the royal treatment and get transformed into look-alikes of their favorite Disney characters. Packages include everything from a princess hairstyle, makeup and sash to a princess costume complete with accessories and a photo package. If you are considering a trip to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, however, reservations are highly suggested for both locations and can be made by calling (407) WDW-STYLE.

And remember, no matter how you are trying to find your favorite Disney princesses, DWTickets.com can help you begin your adventure for less! For the best deals on discounted Disney tickets, DWTickets.com is like a fairytale come true! Click here to purchase your discounted theme park tickets and get one step closer to seeing the Disney princesses firsthand!

Where to Get the Most Out of Your Orlando Vacation

Gas prices are up, food prices are up, airfare is soaring. It seems we are paying more for everything, and now you are left wondering how you can afford an Orlando vacation this summer. Well, we have good news for you!

DWTickets.com offers the best discounts on Orlando theme park tickets, and we also dish up great advice on how to spend your time – and money – once your Orlando vacation begins. If you want to visit Disney, we have the Disney tickets you need. If SeaWorld is your goal, we have the Sea World tickets you need. And if you can’t wait to check out the new Simpsons Ride at the Universal Orlando Resort, we have Universal tickets for you too!

Save Time and Money on Your Orlando Vacation
There’s no better way to save time when planning your Orlando vacation than to buy all of your Orlando theme park tickets in one place. DWTickets.com has all of the Disney tickets, SeaWorld tickets and Universal tickets you need for a great Orlando vacation.

Where to Stay and Save During Your Orlando Vacation
There are literally thousands of hotels to choose from when planning an Orlando vacation. Since money may be tight this year, you might be looking for a good deal on your hotel accommodations. Surprisingly, you may just find that deal right at the Walt Disney World Resort.

During Disney’s “Value Season,” staying at a Walt Disney World Value Resort can cost as little as $82 during the value season, and a night at a Disney Moderate Resort starts at $149. Value Season dates are August 30-October 1 and November 30-December 18.
During the upcoming “Summer Season” – May 22-August 2 – Disney Value Resorts start at $109 per night and Disney Moderate Resorts go for $179 per night.

Another way to save money on Orlando vacation accommodations is to stay in a villa or suite hotel. There are some villa resorts in Lake Buena Vista where you can sleep 8-10 people for around $150 a night. There are also many time-share resorts that offer great rates and plenty of space, not to mention a kitchen so you save money on dining out.

No matter where you stay on your Orlando vacation, you will always save money if you get all of your Orlando theme park tickets at DWTickets.com!

Disney Cruise Lines in Port Canaveral

A short hour drive from the Walt Disney World Resort, Port Canaveral, Fla., is home to many cruise lines that can take you to exotic destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico and beyond. Among those is the Disney Cruise Line, whose two ships, the Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic, make their home base in this port and bring that same Disney magic to guests out on the Atlantic Ocean as they do at the theme parks in Central Florida.

If you are making a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, you now have the option to book a land and sea package thanks to the Disney Cruise Line. The DCL has both three and four-night cruise itineraries that take guests to Nassau, Bahamas and Disney’s very own private island, Castaway Cay, that can be combined with a three or four-night stay at any Disney hotel to make for an unforgettable week-long vacation. If you book this package, you can also add on additional transportation to and from the port, meaning that you won’t have to worry about transportation at all, since Disney also picks up guests staying at a Disney resort for free from the Orlando International Airport.

New to cruising and don’t know what to expect? As we mentioned above, Disney has worked hard to ensure that guests aboard either the Magic or the Wonder have the same experience that they do on Disney property, so you can expect to see those Disney characters that you know and love from the moment you step on board until you depart the ship. The sailaway celebration starts off every cruise with a bang, with Disney characters and a cast getting everyone on board ready for the days of fun to come. Your first day on every cruise will be at sea, giving you plenty of opportunities to check out the three pools on the top deck (one just for kids, one for families and another for adults only), the many lounges and activity areas or the Broadway-style productions that take place twice every night. Each evening you will also have a seating at one of the three on-board restaurants, which are all Disney themed, or you can choose to forego one evening in favor of the ship’s reservations-only restaurant, Palo. This five-star restaurant carries only a minimal additional charge, but you have to reserve your spot as early as possible to experience the delicacies at this dining establishment.

Both the three and four-night cruises dock first in Nassau, Bahamas, where guests can either book one of the many land excursions that are pre-arranged (you can reserve your spot online when you book or cruise on at guests services on the ship) or you can choose to explore the port for yourself. Nassau is home to many historic sites, quaint shops and beautiful beaches, especially at Paradise Island, which is just a short cab ride or water taxi away from Nassau.

Your second day on the DCL will be no doubt your best, as you will experience Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. This small island has separate beaches for families and adults, so the over-21 crowd has a stretch of white sand beach and crystal-clear water with a bar all to themselves. The island also has shore excursions you can book, an activity/sports area, merchandise shops and even several picnic areas for lunch, which is served free of charge on the island and includes soft drinks, fresh fruit, grilled meats and seafood and ice cream and cookies. Castaway Cay also has a great area for snorkeling, where Disney has several surprises hidden underwater, and be sure to keep a lookout for Captain Jack Sparrow wondering around the island and the Flying Dutchmen from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies which is parked just outside the ship on the island’s port.

From Castaway Cay, three-night cruisers will head back to Florida, while four-night cruisers will enjoy either a second day at Castaway or a whole day at sea before returning. If you would like to do an entire vacation just at sea, Disney also has seven-night cruises (and a few special cruises that are longer) that go to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, and each summer, Disney also sends one of its ships on special itineraries to different parts of the world. In the summer of 2007, DCL guests enjoyed sailing around Europe, while this summer, the cruises will depart from California with a Mexican Riviera itinerary on tap!

Whether you save your Disney cruise for the end of your vacation or start it off with a few days at sea, you won’t want to forget about your plans once you do make it over to the Walt Disney World Resort. Most importantly, you can save yourself both time and money if you purchase your discounted Disney tickets prior to your vacation with DWTickets.com! We are your No. 1 online source for discounted tickets to not only Disney, but also to Universal, Sea World and many other area attractions. To see these unbelievable discounted theme park ticket deals for yourself, click here now!

Final Flower Fest Weekends at Epcot

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is coming to a close June 1, and the final two themed weekends promise to end this year’s Flower & Garden Festival with a bang. In true Disney style, this year’s Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot has blown Epcot guests away with its gorgeous gardens, fragrant flowers and terrific towering topiaries. Best of all, every Flower & Garden Festival treat is included with your Epcot ticket!

The closing weeks of the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival are great times to visit Epcot because the gardens are in full bloom and the weather is warming up but its still not too hot. Here’s what your Epcot ticket will get you during the last two weekends of the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival:

May 23-25 – Celebrate “Outdoor Living” at Epcot

• The theme of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Fest for 2008 is ‘Fun in the Sun,’ and the “Outdoor Living” weekend means relay races, beanbag tosses and showing the kids what it means to play outside.
• Gary Puckett (May 23, 24) and The Cowsills (May 25) are the featured Flower Power Concert bands performing at Epcot’s America Gardens Theatre. This year marks the first time The Cowsills have joined Epcot’s Flower Power series.
• The Great American Gardener series features TV gardening personality Melinda Myers sharing tips for creating a super small garden in a tiny space or a warm, friendly garden in a larger area.

All of the Flower Power concerts and the Great American Gardener presentations are included with your Epcot ticket.

May 31-June 1 – Festival Farewell

• Surprise crafting activities will be sprouting up all around the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival during its final weekend.
• Author Jon Carloftis will be chatting with Epcot guests about mixing nature with everyday life at Garden Town as part of the Great American Gardener series. Carloftis has written two popular gardening books: First a Garden and Beyond the Windowsill.
• Tony Orlando will be “tying a yellow ribbon” around the Epcot Flower Power Concerts with nightly shows at the America Gardens Theatre.

Epcot Flower Power Concert Series Continues in May

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival opened on March 19 for its longest run ever 75 days every one of those days features a live Flower Power Concert that will bring you back to the good old days of rock ‘n’ roll. All you need to enjoy your favorite pop music acts from the 60s, 70s and 80s, is an Epcot ticket.

And you can get all of your Epcot tickets, along with whatever other Disney tickets you need, right here at DWTickets.com, your one-stop Disney ticket shop.

May is the final month of the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival, so this is your last chance to catch a Flower Power Concert. Check out the upcoming schedule, then hurry to get your Epcot tickets and go enjoy the show!

May 1-3: Arlo Guthrie takes the stage at Epcot’s America Gardens Theatre.

May 4-5: The Searchers make their debut appearance at the Epcot Flower Fest.

May 6-10: The Tokens flutter in with their popular hit “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”

May 11-15: Davy Jones stops by just in time to spend Mother’s Day at Epcot.

May 16-17: Jose Feliciano joins Epcot’s Flower Power party.

May 18-20: Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals croon their tune “Good Lovin’” to the Epcot crowd.

May 21-24: Gary Puckett sings another era into the Epcot Concert Series.

May 25-27: The Cowsills hit the Epcot stage for their Flower Power debut.

May 28-June 1: Tony Orlando ties a yellow ribbon on the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival for 2008.

The Flower Power Concert show times are 5:45, 7 and 8:15 pm daily until the last day of the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival on June 1. Best of all, these nostalgic musical journeys are included with your Epcot ticket.

And great live oldies aren’t the only thing you will love about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. The luscious landscaping on display at Epcot during the annual Flower & Garden Festival is like nothing else in the world – Disney World or otherwise. Disney horticulturists work for months growing and putting together themed gardens, fragrant flower displays and amazing Disney character topiaries that are more than worth the price of a Disney ticket. So get your Epcot ticket today and experience the music and the beauty for yourself.

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!

Epcot Flower & Garden Has More Power Than Ever

The 16th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is well under way. In fact you only have one month left to get in on this spring time ritual for Orlando vacationers. All you need to start enjoying this fabulous flower fest is an Epcot ticket. Luckily, you can get your Epcot tickets and all of the Disney tickets you need – Epcot tickets, Magic Kingdom tickets, Disney’s Hollywood Studios tickets -- right here and now.

Once you have your Epcot ticket in hand, check out the Great American Gardener series, a favorite of many Epcot guests during the Flower & Garden Festival because it brings in the experts to share their gardening tips and tales with you.

So, during the last month of the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival, your Epcot ticket gets you these superstar gardeners:

May 2-4 – Tom MacCubbin
Tom MacCubbin hosts the “Better Lawns & Gardens” radio show and is the gardening columnist for The Orlando Sentinel. Tom’s presentation, Whole Garden Foods, will show you how to grow a garden you can actually eat.

May 9-11 – Raymond Western
Raymond Western is a perfume expert for Guerlain. In Plants and Perfume, Western will talk about the connection between garden plants and the perfumes we love.

May 16-18 – Robert Bowden
Robert Bowden is the director of the lush and lovely Harry P. Leu Gardens and author of the “Florida Top 10 Garden Guide.” In Bowden’s presentation Maximizing Weekend Gardening he shares curious facts about home landscaping, including how plant texture, color and behavior play a part in your own garden.

May 23-25 – Melinda Myers
Also known as “The Plant Doctor,” Melinda Myers is a nationally recognized garden expert and TV host. Myers will be on hand at the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival to share her awesome ideas for making the most of your small garden space or creating a cozy garden within a giant space.

May 31-June 1 – Jon Carloftis
As author of First A Garden and Beyond the Windowsill, Jon Carloftis is a super source for advice on how to merge the elements of nature with your everyday life.

The Great American Gardener series is included with your Epcot ticket and you can see these gardening experts every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the end of the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival.

SeaWorld Announces Major Expansion

SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Discovery Cove and even Aquatica are in for a major expansion, according to officials from Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of all four parks. Where are they traveling to next? Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, that’s where. Luckily, you can visit those same parks right here in Central Florida, and you can get all of the SeaWorld tickets you need at DWTickets.com! We also have the best discounts on Busch Gardens tickets, Discovery Cove tickets and Aquatica tickets!

Much ado is being made of late about the City of Dubai, which rests along the coast of the Persian Gulf. It is being touted as the new Orlando with one big difference…you have to travel halfway across the world to get there. Oh, and you need a passport too.

The only thing you need to visit the “World of Discovery” parks in Florida is admission, and here at DWTickets we have your Sea World tickets, Busch Gardens tickets. Discovery Cove tickets and Aquatica tickets with the best discounts in town!

All Anheuser-Busch theme parks offer unique animal interactions and they each have their own area of expertise:

SeaWorld Orlando has a great combination of marine mammals, exotic and interesting birds, superb live shows, and awesome rides. Most widely know as home to Shamu, the killer whale, SeaWorld also has one of the world’s craziest roller coasters, Kraken.

Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa Bay also combines animal interaction with amazing ride and show experiences. Here you can explore an African savannah, ride the rapids, and challenge five different roller coasters – a few of them rides you won’t experience anyplace else. And don’t forget Jungala will be opening soon!

Discovery Cove offers animal interactions that are rarely available anywhere in the world. If dolphins are on your favorite mammals list, this is an absolute must for your Orlando vacation. Reservations are required, but you can get your Discovery Cove tickets right here!

Aquatica is the newest addition to the Orlando theme park horizon, and it is an animal park and water park all rolled into one. They just opened on March 1, so get your Aquatica tickets now and be one of the first to start enjoying the splashing good fun!

It’s great that Anheuser-Busch is expanding their entertainment empire to distant shores. What’s better is that all of those parks are already right here in Florida!

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.

The Top 10 Reasons to Visit Disney

There are literally hundreds of reasons to visit the Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida, from the gorgeous year-round weather and the location to all of the endless fun you will have on vacation, no matter if you spend a weekend, an entire week or longer experiencing everything Disney has to offer. But with all of the limitless options you have, we at DWTickets.com have narrowed down the list to the top 10 reasons for why you and your family should visit the Walt Disney World Resort this year!

10. The Year of a Million Dreams – This special year-long celebration celebrates your dreams coming true and the Disney Cast Members that make magic for their Disney guests every day. Along with the new attractions and shows that have been brought in throughout the parks, including The Seas with Nemo and Friends at Epcot, the High School Musical Pep Rally at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Magic Kingdom Park’s Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, over a million dreams will also be granted through various giveaways, from an overnight stay in Cinderella Castle to a dream FASTPASS badge or even a trip for one lucky family to visit each and every Disney theme park around the globe. Guests are picked at random, and you never know when you or someone in your family may get the surprise of a lifetime on your next visit to Walt Disney World!

9. Recreation – While the four theme parks and two water parks may be the main attractions at Disney, there also countless recreation activities that can give you a much-needed break from the parks for a few hours or an entire day. Among those activities are golf at one of the five Disney championship golf courses or two miniature golf courses, the Richard Petty Driving Experience, the various watercraft rentals on the many waterways throughout the property, fishing excursions and many sporting activities such as bike rentals, jogging trails, tennis and volleyball.

8. Special Events – There are many special events that happen throughout Disney all year long. At the Magic Kingdom Park, there are special after-hours parties that bring even more magic to Disney guests, from Disney’s Pirate and Princess Party, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. At Epcot, guests get a different kind of celebration with their two major events, Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival in the Spring of Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival in the fall. Disney’s Hollywood Studios also gets into the act with Star Wars Weekends in the summer, ABC Super Soap Weekend and ESPN The Weekend.

7. Disney Spas – Who says Disney is only for kids? For a full-service spa experience, guests can head to one of eight Disney resorts that are equipped with full-service spas, including Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney's BoardWalk Inn, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort and Disney's Yacht Club Resort. These world-class spas specialize in rejuvenating treatments for the face, body and mind, including an array of message therapies, facials, aromatherapies, signature services and fitness facilities that will either work you into shape or keep you in peak physical condition while you are vacationing.

6. Disney Resorts – If you are traveling to Walt Disney World, you have many hundreds of options on where to stay in Central Florida. But, if you choose to stay on property at Disney you will receive many benefits that are reserved for resorts guests only, including free transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport and to all of the parks and Downtown Disney, Extra Magic Hours at the parks, free package delivery and the ability to charge purchases in the parks back to your hotel room charge. But that is not the only reason to stay on property – the resorts themselves are beautiful with tons of amenities, including hours of fun for kids in each resort’s pools, and there is a resort with a theme for everyone and a price for every budget!

5. Dining – Theme park dining may not have a good reputation, but there are many restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resort that are critically acclaimed, like the California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and many more that offer good food and good wholesome family fun, such as the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. But there are also good options inside the parks, both full and casual service, and many character dining opportunities inside the parks and at the Disney resorts as well to give your family a plethora of dining options for your vacation. And with the Disney Dining Plan, which includes one casual service meal, one snack and one full service meal for everyone in your party at one low price, your family can also eat where you play and not break the bank!

4. Disney Water Parks – Disney has two world-class water parks that are open year-round (each take a few months off for rehab in the winter months, but one is open at all times), and each have a distinct theme and attractions that will appease everyone in the family. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park has exciting slides, including the world’s largest body slide in Summit Plummet, among piles of “snow” and even a real, working ski lift. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, however, has one of the largest wave pools in the nation to go along with their attractions, which are all in the tropical setting of an island that has been hit by a wild typhoon. Both of these parks are rated as two of the top water parks in the world, and with their array of unique attractions and activities (including the chance to snorkel with sharks at Typhoon Lagoon), we can see why!

3. New Attractions and Shows – In the past few years, Disney has made a conscious effort to keep guests coming back, adding new attractions and shows that are more relevant to the new movies that have been produced in recent years. Off of the success of “Finding Nemo,” Disney has dedicated an entire pavilion at Epcot and a musical at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park to the hit movie, while the High School Musical Pep Rally based off the hit Disney Channel movies is now entertaining guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Soarin’ was also brought to Epcot from Disney’s California Adventure Park and has quickly become one of the park’s most popular attractions, as has the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you haven’t visited Disney World in awhile, you will be surprised at everything that has changed in and around the parks in the recent years, giving you yet another reason to come back for more!

2. Theme Parks – The theme parks may be the top reason why guests fall in love with the Walt Disney World Resort. From the young at heart nature of the Magic Kingdom, the lure of tomorrow at Epcot, the bright lights of Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to celebrating Walt Disney’s love of animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, there truly is something for everyone at these four very unique and distinguishable theme parks. From the young to the old, the magic of Disney captures the heart of all, making dreams come true each and every step of the way.

1. Discounted tickets! – You could make a case that every one of the reasons above is the No. 1 reason to visit the Walt Disney World Resort, but we at DWTickets.com believe the top reason you should make a trip to Central Florida is all of the money you can save by purchasing discounted theme park tickets! That’s right – here at DWTickets.com, you and your family can purchase discounted tickets to Walt Disney World, along with all of the other top attractions in Central Florida, and even have them delivered right to your home before you leave for vacation! With all of the money you will save with us, along with all of the reasons listed above, why wouldn’t you want to take a vacation to Disney? Click here to get started now!

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!

Declaring Your Love the Disney Way

Walt Disney World is often thought of as a place for kids but more and more frequently adults are choosing this vacation kingdom for their time together. In fact, travel industry experts say that the Walt Disney World Resort is one of the top destinations for honeymooners worldwide. So since Valentine’s Day is around the corner, how about trying a little romance Disney style?

And if you don’t want to break the bank while you celebrate your love, DWTickets.com is the place to get all of your tickets. We say Happy Valentine’s Day all year round with the best discounts on Walt Disney World tickets. You can get all of your cheap theme park tickets here and then join Mickey and Minnie as they celebrate this season for lovers.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is tops on our list of great places to spend a romantic day or night with the one you love. The “Couple’s Room” at the Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club offers customized massages for two in their romantic, candlelit surroundings. As the folks at Disney say, “the couple that spas together, stays together.”

The hopeless romantics at the Grand Floridian also have their own version of the Love Boat. The Grand I is a 52’ yacht that sails the Seven Seas Lagoon with couples or groups of up to 18 people (if you really want to spread the love). Options like gourmet meals and private butler service are available while cruising Disney’s magical waterways, not to mention a breathtaking view of the “Wishes” fireworks show at Disney’s Magic Kingdom park.

Not to be outdone, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Marina has their own romantic seafarer. The Breathless II, a 26’ mahogany runabout circa 1930, escorts up to six passengers across Crescent Lake to Epcot for a uniquely spectacular viewing of “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.”

If you prefer to stay on dry land, then Disney’s Ft. Wilderness Resort and Campground has a little something to light your Valentine’s campfire. Disney wranglers lead guests on horseback through backwoods trails during 45-minute tours that decamp throughout the day from the Trail Blaze Corral. Want to be alone in the woods? Private horse-drawn carriage rides ramble through the wilderness each evening from their starting point at Pioneer Hall.

Bet you never realized a trip to Walt Disney World could be so romantic!

Disney Theme Parks are the World’s Best

Disney theme parks filled 4 of the top 10 spots on a “World’s Best” list published March 14 by TEA/ERA, an independent entertainment research group. That means Disney tickets are in demand around the planet.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park came in first overall, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom saw the biggest jump in attendance. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, get your discount Disney tickets today and judge for yourself.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Sees Highest Attendance Boost in 2007
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park was this year’s most improved when it came to turnout, with an increase of over 6% above last year’s crowds as reported by TEA/ERA.

The attendance spike at Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s is probably because of 2 recent additions to the Animal Kingdom’s list of wild rides and splashy shows:

• Expedition Everest opened in 2006 and is still bringing in guests with gusto.
• “Finding Nemo–The Musical” is only 1 year old and already an Animal Kingdom favorite.

Expedition Everest Sends Animal Kingdom Attendance Soaring
Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom invokes awe before you even board the train. Beholding the behemoth rising on the horizon of Disney’s Animal Kingdom takes your breath away long before you take your place in line.

And Expedition Everest is a roller coaster you have to experience to believe. Without giving too much away, we’ll say this: beware of broken tracks and abrupt stops in the dark.

“Finding Nemo-The Musical” Makes Animal Kingdom a Star
“Finding Nemo-The Musical” is a unique new show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that turned the popular Disney-Pixar film “Finding Nemo” into a live stage event. This entertainment extravaganza marks the first time a Disney theme park took a non-musical film and turned it into a musical performance.

Yak & Yeti Restaurant Dishes it Up at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The sparkling new Yak & Yeti Restaurant adds an Asian-fusion flare to the dining options at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This hungry Himalayan oasis dishes up table-service and a full bar inside and quick counter-service and beer garden offerings outside. You’ll also find an alluring assortment of asian gifts.

Before you can experience these crowd-drawing new adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for yourself, you need a Disney ticket. And you can get your Disney tickets today from the number 1 discount Disney ticket source, OrlandoFunTickets.com!

April Showers Bring Epcot Flowers

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is in full bloom and this Walt Disney World theme park has scheduled 11 different themed weekends to help you enjoy the garden gala even more. The only thing you need is an Epcot ticket. Then choose your weekend and bask in the beauty that surrounds you.

Art in the Garden – April 4-6
This weekend, your Epcot ticket will get you in to see over 25 plein air artists painting at various locales around the World Showcase at Epcot. Plein air is a French term used to describe painters who paint outside. It was made famous by well-known Impressionist painters Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Younger artists will take special delight in “Kids Paint Out” where they can break out their own inn artist and step up to an easel of their own in the Sculpture Garden at Future World East. Paint, brushes and inspiration are all included with your Epcot ticket.

Flower Power Concert Performers:

• Jay Black – “This Magic Moment” (April 4, 5)
• Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone (April 6)

Wellness Weekend – April 11-13
Wellness weekend at Epcot is designed with you in mind. A field day of fun activities are scheduled that will boost your overall well-being, and Jeffrey Restuccio, author of Get Fit Through Gardening, will be on hand guiding you toward gardening for health and long life. Help yourself, get your discount Epcot tickets now and enjoy!

Flower Power Concert Performer:

• The Grass Roots featuring Rob Grill

Green Weekend – April 8-20
The Department of Agriculture will be at Epcot this weekend teaching guests how easy it is to be “green.” You can conserve time and energy now by getting your Epcot ticket today. Then start saving the world.

Flower Power Concert Performers:

• Peter & Gordon – “A World Without Love” (April 18)
• Starship starring Mickey Thomas – “We Built This City” (April 19,20)

I Dig Bugs – April 25-27
Meet beekeepers and taste a bit o’ honey during this buggy weekend at Epcot. Spider specialists from Disney’s Animal Kingdom will show and tell how bugs benefit a healthy garden. Don’t waste time buzzing around. Get your cheap Epcot tickets today and find out ways to use these perfect pests in your yard.

Flower Power Concert Performers:

• The Ventures – “Hawaii Five-O” (April 25, 26)
• B.J. Thomas (April 27)

Orlando Attraction Coasting for Kids

Roller coasters for the little ones and the cheap Orlando attraction tickets to ride them

We recently told you about all the great roller coasters at your favorite Orlando attractions. Some are pretty wild and definitely not appropriate for the young ones. So here is the scoop on where you can take the kids for some wild rides of their own.

As always, the first stop on your journey has to be at DWTickets.com, where you can get all of your cheap Orlando attraction tickets in one place. Then we’re off on a kiddie coaster cruise:

SeaWorld Orlando

• The Shamu Express in Shamu’s Happy Harbor is a fantastic first coaster experience!
  Must be at least 38” to ride.

Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa Bay

• Cheetah Chase can be hunted down in the heart of Timbuktu. Features 5 stories of family coaster coolness. Riders must be 46” or taller and at least 6 years old.

Big and little kids are crazy for these mini-coasters, and big kids are crazy for the cheap Sea World tickets and bargain Busch Gardens tickets at DWTickets.com!

Disney’s Magic Kingdom

• The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm is in Mickey’s Toontown® Fair.
  Tiny crop-dusters have to be at least 35” tall.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• The Primeval Whirl® in Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama spins into prehistory.
  Little tikes over 48” tall will think this swirling spinner is swell.
  
  The only thing you need to enjoy these terrific tiny thrillers is a ticket, and you will get a giant thrill over the cheap Disney tickets you will find right here at DWTickets.com!

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

• The illusive Flying Unicorn can be found in The Lost Continent.
  Little ones must be at least 36” tall to ride, and anyone under 48” needs to bring along a grown up.

Universal Studios Orlando

• Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster takes a wild ride through Woody’s very own nut factory in Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone®.

You and your kids will go nuts over these two kid-errific coasters at the Universal Orlando Resort. You will also be nuts about the discount Universal tickets at DWTickets.com. Get yours today and start those kids on some coaster craziness!

Orlando Becomes a Music Mecca This March

People from all over the world come to Orlando for its theme parks. Smart people visit DWTickets.com first to get discount tickets to all of the major Orlando attractions. Besides offering the widest assortment of cheap theme park tickets, DWTickets.com keeps you up-to-date on the latest events in and around Orlando.

Opportunities for catching great live concerts are abundant throughout all of Orlando’s theme parks. So, check the dates, pick a band and then buy all of the cheap theme park tickets you need right here to enjoy live shows in way cool places.

The Mardi Gras celebration is continuing at Universal Studios every Saturday through April 19. You need a ticket to enjoy this annual extravaganza, so get your discount Universal tickets today and treat yourself to one of these live acts:

• Sara Evans on Feb. 16
• Third Eye Blind on Feb. 23
• Gretchen Wilson on March 1
• Smokey Robinson on March 8
• Franki Valli & the Four Seasons on March 15

Walt Disney World is setting the stage for a major annual music event. The Epcot Flower & Garden Festival – and its Flower Power Concert Series - starts on March 15. Epcot admission is required to catch these fab functions, and you are already where you need to be to get your cheap Disney tickets: DWTickets.com! So jump back to these groovy groups of the 60s and 70s

• The Guess Who on March 19-22
• Petula Clark on March 23-24
• Paul Revere and the Raiders on March 25-29
• The 5th Dimension on March 30-31

The Bud & BBQ weekends at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are bringing some great bands to town too. And, of course, you can get your cheap Sea World tickets right here and discount Busch Gardens tickets too! Party with these acts in the next few weeks at either park:

Sea World Orlando Shows

• Trisha Yearwood on Feb. 16
• Credence Clearwater Revisited on Feb. 23
• Craig Morgan & Pat Green on March 1
• Joe Nichols & Jason Michael Carroll on March 8

Busch Gardens Shows

• Sara Evans on Feb. 17
• Styx on Feb. 24
• Clay Walker on March 2
• Gary Allan on March 9

So, no matter what kind of music you’re into, you can find it live at an Orlando theme park. And you will find the best discount tickets to get there right now 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!

Valentines Day at Walt Disney World

Valentines Day is a day set aside for fun, for romance and for spending quality time with loved ones but it can also be a stressful time for those trying to think of ways to incorporate all three while being original and creative at the same time. If that rings a bell with you, or if you are having trouble thinking of somewhere to take your loved one this holiday, we have one suggestion that will include lots of fun and even more romance – the Walt Disney World Resort. Upon first glance, Disney may seem like a place only for families and small children, but further inspection reveals that the Walt Disney World theme parks are just as much – if not more – for adults than for kids. And if you decide to spend Valentine’s Day at any of these world-class theme parks, we are sure that by the end of the day you will agree with us!

First things first, however – to make your day at Disney possible, you are going to need tickets to get into the four Walt Disney World theme parks. If you are planning a vacation or a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway to Central Florida, DWTickets.com is the place to purchase your discounted Disney tickets to make this happen! DWTickets.com is your No. 1 online source for discounted tickets to Walt Disney World, the Universal Orlando Resort, Sea World Orlando and tons of other top attractions in and around the Orlando area. Click here now to purchase your tickets now to get started planning your Valentine’s Day activities!

Now that you have your tickets in order, it is important to plan ahead on what activities you may want to do and what parks you would like to hit on the big day. On February 14, 2008, the Magic Kingdom Park will be open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., with Disney’s Pirate and Princess Party being conducted that night from 7 p.m. until midnight (this party is a separate ticketed event). If you plan on a trip to this park, you can even get your Valentine’s Day started an extra hour early if you are staying at one of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels, as the Magic Kingdom Park will open at 8 a.m. for those guests only for Extra Magic Hours. This park is a beacon for romance, as you can pose for a picture in front of Cinderella Castle – or even eat inside at Cinderella’s Royal Table! This restaurant also offers a separate character dining experience for breakfast or lunch with members of the Disney royal family, and you can also dine with your favorite characters at the Crystal Palace (breakfast, lunch and dinner with Winnie the Pooh and friends) or have dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern with Minnie and her pals. If you are looking to keep your Valentine’s Day at a budget, then you may want to stop by the Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A. for some special Valentine’s Day merchandise that is only sold once a year!

Epcot is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Valentine’s Day 2008, with IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth lighting up the World Showcase that evening at 9 p.m. sharp. Epcot may be the ideal place to spend this romantic holiday, as it is the most adult-oriented park at Walt Disney World. This park also gives you tons of options for your perfect Valentine’s Day meal, as you can pick any of the 11 countries around the World Showcase to dine in, meaning you could be eating authentic French cuisine in the France pavilion or dining amongst the stars at the San Angel Inn in the Mexico pavilion. But wherever you do decide to eat that evening, make sure you are finished in time to catch the amazing fireworks/light show that is IllumiNations.

If you are planning a trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Valentine’s Day, you can enjoy all of the action of Hollywood from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on this day, with the can’t-miss Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade passing through the streets at 3 p.m. and their nightly showing of Fantasmic! taking place at 7 p.m. If you are planning on having a nice dinner before the show (The Hollywood Brown Derby is their signature restaurant), you may also want to look in to the Fantasmic! dinner package, which gets you priority seating at both a restaurant in the park and special guaranteed reserved seating at the show that evening.

Celebrating Your Love in Orlando

Ok so its likely that thoughts of Mickey Mouse and Shamu swarm your mind when you ponder an Orlando vacation but Central Florida has its share of romantic escapes too. If you’re looking for a way to rekindle that old flame this Valentine’s Day, DWTickets.com has what you need: discount tickets to whichever theme park may be your heart’s desire.

A day spent at Discovery Cove is just the thing to spark the romance in any relationship. The bottlenose dolphins at this hidden oasis are excellent at helping you propose marriage, and with three Valentine’s Day packages available through February 29, they will delightfully swim over to drop off your notes of adoration and special gifts too.

The Valentine Honey Package includes a personalized love message on a keepsake buoy, a souvenir photo with frame and decadent chocolate treats. The Valentine Sweetheart Package adds in a personal beach cabana fronting Dolphin Lagoon and a champagne toast for two.

The Valentine Romance Package pulls out all the stops. It combines the Honey and Sweetheart Packages and enhances them with a dozen red roses and a keepsake DVD to look back on your amazing day! All special occasion package costs are in addition to Discovery Cove admission, which you can find discounted right here at your one-stop ticket shop, DWTickets.com!

If the beach isn’t your thing, Cypress Gardens invites you to express your love at the Bows and Arrows Valentine Festival the weekend of February 14-17. Couples celebrating here can renew their wedding vows in a special ceremony while shrouded in the beauty of the park’s Topiary Gardens. A special package includes the renewal ceremony, a commemorative certificate and a souvenir photograph to remind you of your love and this extraordinary day. After you retake that plunge, enjoy a magical ride around the park on a horse-drawn carriage or a dreamy stroll through the exquisite botanical gardens with nothing on your mind but each other. Later, enjoy an amorous dinner and champagne toast on the patio at Aunt Julie’s.

Kids need love too, so on the less romantic side, the young ones can stop by the Valentine Headquarters and create a unique – if not so lovey-dovey – one-of-a-kind Cypress Gardens Valentine.

It doesn’t matter what theme park you choose for your heartfelt celebration, you will love the cheap theme park tickets available at DWTickets.com.

Disney Follows Our Lead

Disney Parks recently announced that they have launched the “first-ever Walt Disney World Moms Panel” to help Orlando-bound folks like you plan your Walt Disney World vacation. Here at DWTickets.com, we have been doing just that for years!

And we don’t just do Disney.

We are your one-stop shop for ALL of your Orlando vacation needs. So, by all means, put a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort on your vacation list and be sure to get your discount Disney tickets right here at DWTickets.com.

Then spread your traveler’s wings a little further: add SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Discovery Cove, Cypress Gardens, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure to your itinerary too. DWTickets.com is the best source for cheap theme park tickets to ALL of Orlando’s attractions. We have the discount tickets and vacation guides you need no matter what you want to do when you get into town.

Disney’s new panel consists of 11 moms and one dad featured in an online forum where they answer questions from and give guidance to curious future vacationers. There’s nothing wrong with good trip advice – the best vacations come from using it wisely. The downside with Disney’s group is that they only speak Disney. At DWTickets.com, we speak whatever language your Orlando vacation requires.

Our vacation specialists are always ready, willing and able to answer your questions and provide your with the best prices on whatever tickets you need for your trip to Orlando. We also keep you up-to-date on all of the latest theme park news with our DWTickets.com blog. The best part, though, is that when you get your tickets with us, you can get the discount tickets you need for all of the Orlando theme parks – not just Walt Disney World - and you can get them all in one place and at the best prices in town!

We can keep you vacationing after you leave the parks too, with amazingly cheap tickets for all of Orlando’s dinner shows like Arabian Nights, Medieval Times, the Pirates Dinner Theater and Tony N Tina’s Wedding. If space is your thing, DWTickets.com will hook you up with discount tickets to Kennedy Space Center. If it’s fast-moving fun you want, we’ll get you into the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

Whatever you want to experience during your Orlando vacation, let DWTickets.com be your guide!

2008 at Walt Disney World

Its a brand new year, and there is a lot going on at the Walt Disney World Resort. The entire property seems to be bustling with change, and the folks at DWTickets.com want to make sure you are in on every update and new opening around The World. Always check our blog to find out the latest news, and always let us be your one-stop ticket shop for all of your Orlando vacation needs. We are the best discount ticket store you will find anywhere, and we offer cheap theme park tickets for Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal and all of the best Orlando area attractions.

In 2008, the Walt Disney World Resort will do some growing with the Jostens Center at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex. This latest expansion – scheduled to open this summer - will add 220 acres to the Sports Complex, which is touted as the “leading multi-sports venue for amateur and professional sports in the nation.” The brand new facility adds 45,000 square feet of competition space and will enable Disney to double the number of indoor sporting events they can host.

Landry’s Restaurants recently opened the Yak & Yeti Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Downtown Disney will see their newest addition later on this year with the opening of “T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover.” This new dining, shopping and learning extravaganza is scheduled to open this fall.

At Epcot, the Tutto Italia Ristorante (Everything Italy) opened their temporary location a couple months ago in the Italy Pavilion. In the coming year, this dining establishment – which replaces L'Originale Alfred di Roma Ristorante will go through an expansion and plans a grand opening in the fall.

China’s Nine Dragons restaurant will be closing in the near future and reopening this fall with a new and innovative dining experience. The new sit-down dining room will include five cooking stations where guests can interact and communicate with the chefs from China.

All over the Walt Disney World Resort, updates and innovations are under way – both in the theme parks and at the other attractions across the property. To enjoy the latest and greatest entertainment opportunities at the Walt Disney World theme parks, you can always find your cheap Disney tickets right here at DWTickets.com! Once you get your tickets, let the DWTickets.com blog guide you to an amazing vacation.

Disney Does the Holidays – By the Numbers

Each year as the Christmas Season approaches, Santa's elves spread out across the Walt Disney World Resort. From late summer, they are busy dressing up the theme parks, hotels and shopping areas to be ready to entertain and dazzle the millions of guests that will join them for their holiday celebrations. You won't believe the numbers the Walt Disney World Resort adds up while they prepare for this joyous time of year. All four theme parks are decorated to the hilt for the holiday season. The Disney hotels, water parks and other attractions don't disappoint either as they dress to impress all of the special holiday guests that will pass through this month. During this great time of preparation, they rack up some impressive numbers. Imagine this:

There are a total of 1,500 trees decorated in various ways across the Walt Disney World Resort property. This includes one tree at Disney's Contemporary Resort that has a 26' wide base and a 45' tall tree at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort that displays 60,000 miniature LED lights.

And speaking of lights, there are 8 million of them glistening throughout the resort's theme parks, hotels and attractions. Six miles of them are at the Disney-MGM Studios as part of The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Along with the tremendous mileage of lights, the Walt Disney World Resort strings 15 miles of garland to boost the holiday spirit. On the trees decorated around the resort, you will find over 300,000 yards of ribbon and bows. Add to that more than 800 entertainers including singers, dancers, storytellers, musicians and characters, and you have a Walt Disney World Christmas.

When it comes to numbers, DWTickets.com wants to be number one on your holiday celebration list, so we are here to give you the best discounts on Walt Disney World tickets. Visit DWTickets.com for all of your Christmas ticket needs, and you can be sure you are getting the cheapest theme park tickets and best deals to be found anywhere.

Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party

It’s Christmas time at the Walt Disney World Resort, and if the decorations don’t convince you, this special nightly party at the Magic Kingdom will. Every holiday season, the magical Disney elves descend upon the Magic Kingdom park transforming it into an old-time winter wonderland. We have some elves of our own here at DWTickets.com, and they have been hard at work getting you the best discounts on all of your theme park tickets! If your holidays call for a trip to any of the Orlando attractions, look no further. DWTickets.com has the cheap tickets you want for Christmas this year.

For the past 25 years, the Magic Kingdom has donned its decorations and opened its nighttime doors for special guests at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This is an all-out holiday celebration that spans the Magic Kingdom park on select nights throughout the season. The party mood envelops park guests the minute they come through the gate and see the gigantic Christmas tree in the Town Square at the start of Main Street USA. As visitors continue down Main Street, they will be immersed into the holidays even further as the snow falls from the beautiful night sky above this magical park.

Throughout the evening, there are special Christmas shows that can only be seen during the holiday season. Mickey, Minnie, the Fairy Godmother and other friends join in “Cinderella’s Holiday Wish” each evening in front of the castle and the result is a dazzling display of over 200,000 shimmering lights covering Cinderella’s Magic Kingdom home. The “Celebrate the Season” show moves onto the castle stage later in the evening and should not be missed.

“Mickey’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’” takes the stage in Tomorrowland five times each night to tell the classic Dickens tale with a Disney touch. And every little princess will want to see “Belle’s Enchanted Christmas Story,” which is shown four times throughout the night. Along with the shows, you can’t miss “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” and, of course, the Holiday Wishes fireworks fantasy takes a new seasonal shape with “Celebrate the Spirit of the Season.”

There are so many reasons to celebrate the holidays at Walt Disney World, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is certainly at the top of many a Christmas list. Check your list twice and be sure to get your cheap tickets right here at DWTickets.com!

Holidays Around the World at Epcot

Epcot has never been your average amusement park. It combines the fun and excitement of all the great Orlando theme parks with world geography, culture and fine dining. And during the Christmas season, the Holidays Around the World celebration takes the term World Showcase to a whole new level. DWTickets.com takes discount theme park tickets to another level too. We are your best source for cheap park tickets during the holiday season and through the rest of the year! So get your Epcot park admission tickets here and then head over to enjoy the holidays from a global perspective.

The holiday season is brought to life all over Epcot with beautiful decorations and spectacular seasonal shows. Kids will love to visit the traditional Santa Claus who makes daily appearances at the American Adventure Pavilion. But in the spirit of Epcot’s global environment, holiday icons from around the world share their own special stories and customs throughout the park. France’s Père Noël tells tales of his French history, and La Befana, as he is know in Italy, describes that country’s holiday folklore to the delight and enlightenment of both children and adults. Each country around the World Showcase has something unique and interesting to contribute to this seasonal celebration, and presentations of Hanukah and Kwanzaa can also be enjoyed around the World.

Each night, guests can watch and participate in “Mickey’s Tree Lighting Treat” in the World Showcase Plaza for even more great storytelling, holiday singing and, of course, the lighting of the fabulously worldly Christmas tree. “The Lights of Winter” enliven the World Showcase breezeway bridge and guests are amazed as they wander under this glittering canopy of dancing lights and music. The ever-popular Candlelight Processional has shows nightly with celebrity narrators, a mass choir and a full orchestra revealing the traditional Christmas nativity story to guests at the America Gardens Theater. To complete each holiday night at Epcot, visitors are treated to a super special holiday finale of “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.”

The holiday happenings are going on at Epcot and all across the Walt Disney World Resort through the end of December, and some even into the new year. Also available this holiday are the best prices on theme park tickets for the holidays and all year at DWTickets.com! We are always your first and best choice for cheap theme park tickets, so get them now and start your holiday celebration today!

Florida Governor Makes Gambling Deal

For most people, a trip to Orlando means a visit to Mickey Mouse, splashing with Shamu and riding the movies at Universal Orlando Resort. But a new agreement by Florida Governor Charlie Crist may change that view, or at least broaden it some. When planning your Orlando vacation, DWTickets.com is the first place you should visit for all of your theme park tickets. We always offer the biggest discounts and greatest deals to your favorite Orlando area attractions. When you get your cheap theme park tickets from DWTickets.com, there is no chance involved at all. It’s a sure bet that you will be a winner because you can get all of your cheap Orlando theme park tickets in one place and at the best prices in town!

With all the money you save on tickets, you may want to play some games of chance and take a day trip over to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino just outside of Tampa. The casino has just undergone a $120 million expansion, possibly to make room for new games that will be allowed under a recent agreement made between the Seminole Tribe of Florida that runs the casino and the State of Florida. The new deal will allow the casino to offer even more games of chance to patrons of the hotel and casino. Currently, the casino’s offerings are restricted to low-stakes poker and bingo-style slots, which already provide plenty of bling for your gambling buck. But this new agreement would allow the casino to expand its gaming choices to include Vegas-style slots, blackjack and baccarat, for a fee…$100 million in royalties to the State of Florida.

Some Orlando tourism leaders are not pleased with the new deal, in fact the State House of Representatives is working to have it invalidated. This effort doesn’t look too terribly dangerous, however, because the federal government has already said they will step in to help the state make this work we can’t do it on our own. The casino is about an hour’s drive from Orlando, and it could offer a fun alternative to a vacation filled with theme park rides and character appearances. But for most, Orlando seems to have all they want in a vacation destination. Another thing all vacationers want is cheap theme park tickets, and you can get those at DWTickets.com. And that’s a winning bet!

“Year of A Million Dreams” Extended at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World has always been considered a place where dreams come true, but starting in 2006 and continuing through this year that became more of a reality with the Year of a Million Dreams. Well, Disney Parks recently announced that the first million-dream year has been extended. While the folks at Disney are busy making theme park dreams come true, we here at DWTickets.com are working to grant you your deepest desires when it comes to cheap tickets. If you want to get in on the next year’s worth of Disney dream giveaways, click quick and get your discount Orlando theme park tickets at DWTickets.com now!

Walt Disney World gave away over one million dream prizes during the past year, and they are committed to broaden the dream granting all over their Orlando resort. The “Year of a Million Dreams” has officially been expanded into the “2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway,” and this year park officials boast that they will make even more than a million spectacular guest dreams come true. Disney asked guests what they wanted out of this encore of dreams and overwhelmingly, guests said they wanted “dreams that money can’t buy.” And they will get their wish in 2008 with even bigger, better dreams “that only Disney can make come true.”

At the Magic Kingdom, Disney created a spectacular new family suite that allows chosen guests to spend the night in Cinderella’s Castle smack in the middle of the Magic Kingdom. Now what little girl hasn’t dreamed of that? What about staying on your own private Disney island? In the 2008 Dreams Giveaway, some lucky winner will be Disney’s special guest on Castaway Cay, the private Bahamian island of the Disney Cruise Line. The winner and five guests will spend one day living in the true lap of luxury with sleeping accommodations on a private yacht. Now that is definitely a dream only Disney can make come true.

Other special dreamers will be treated to special VIP viewings of the fireworks in all of the World Disney World theme parks, and there are special resort stays and dining giveaways that will absolutely make vacation dreams come true for many families visiting Walt Disney World next year. DWTickets.com can make your vacation planning dreams come true too. We have the best discounts on them park tickets and you can get them all in one place – and that’s not a dream!

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Is Made Modern Again

Orlando is undoubtedly the theme park capital of the world, and DWTickets.com is the king of the theme park ticket world. We consistently offer the best discounts on Orlando theme park tickets and give you great tips and pointers to make your Florida vacation one-of-a-kind. Once you get your cheap park tickets at DWTickets.com, it's time to research and decide on accommodations, and Walt Disney World is home to several resorts that could qualify as attractions on their own! Here at your DWTickets.com blog, we always give you the most up-to-date information about all of the Orlando theme parks and the best hotels in the area are part of that package.

All of the Walt Disney World resorts are unique and distinctive in their own way, but one of the most spectacular and recognizable icons is Disney's Contemporary Resort. It is gigantic - the tallest thing visible for miles - and its slate gray exterior stacks up to form an enormous A-frame that had its point lopped off by the axe of some fairy tale giant. Even more extraordinary to the newcomer's eye is the fact that the monorail seems to be swallowed up by the hotel as it makes its way from the parking lot to the Magic Kingdom.

When it first opened, the Contemporary Resort stood high and proud as a modern marvel of guest service excellence. It still is quite extraordinary, but like any 30-plus year old facility needed a bit of a face lift. The resort recently embarked on a rehabilitation project that includes the demolition of guest rooms not located in the tower. (This is rumored to be making room for the addition of some Disney Vacation Club Villas.) Some areas are being knocked down and others are being built up. Dining options have expanded, the game room climbed three floors, new shops on the horizon and all of the guest rooms have been redesigned with the latest electronics and up-to-the-minute decorating details. Exclusive to the renovated Contemporary Resort, is Disney's Online Concierge, a feature that puts all of your guest service needs at your virtual fingertips on the computer that graces each guest room in the hotel.

Walt Disney World is a model of guest service, and continues to update their parks and hotels to live up to the vision that Walt Disney himself put forth. Here at DWTickets.com, we also strive to provide all of our customers with the best deals they can find on discount Disney tickets and the latest in Orlando vacation news.

Spaceship Earth Updates on the Way

The icon of Epcot is getting a makeover just in time for the park's 25-year anniversary. A few weeks ago, we told you that this futuristic theme park at Walt Disney World was turning 25. And no matter how old you are, DWTickets.com is your best source for cheap tickets to come on down and celebrate this quarter-century milestone.

Spaceship Earth has always been the focal point for the second Walt Disney World Theme Park and is a huge favorite for many of the park's guests. What Epcot visitor doesn't have a vacation photo in front of the big golf ball? One complaint of late, however, was that the ride had become outdated, perhaps even boring. Not wanting to be left behind - it is supposed to be a futuristic journey after all - Disney recently announced that their imagineers will soon present EPCOT guests with a "re-imagined" Spaceship Earth.

The premise of the ride has always been an historical travel through time. It takes you on a visual journey through the history of the world, from the beginning of time to the farthest edges of the future. The rehab will enhance each guest's trip with new scenes, light effects, refreshed costumes and sets, and brand new narrative and music. The "time machines" that transport guests throughout their adventure will be equipped with touch screens that allow riders to join in and create their own vision for the future.

The new Spaceship Earth has been made possible by a partnership between Disney and Siemens, a 150-year-old company specializing in electronics and electrical engineering. Both companies say the partnership is a great match because they are "committed to innovation." And that is what Epcot is all about! The Siemens' presence will also be displayed at the exit of Spaceship Earth with "Project Tomorrow: Inventing the World of Tomorrow." an exhibit where guests can play and learn even more after they disembark from their journey through the past and future.

For those of you planning your vacation now, the new and improved Spaceship Earth Pavilion is expected to be fully open at EPCOT in Spring of 2008, but the new ride should be up and running in the next few weeks. DWTickets.com has the best deals on discount Walt Disney World admission packages, so order up now and be ready to experience the newest EPCOT attraction with it reopens next year!

Disney Beach Club

When people go on vacation, they naturally try to squeeze in all the fun they can. In Florida, the main attractions are the many theme parks and beautiful beaches. Is there somewhere you can stay that combines the magical world of Disney and that great sand and sun the state is famous for? There sure is and it's the Disney Beach Club resort.
Set to the architectural theme of 19th century New England, the beach club resort offers several opportunities for fun and relaxation.

For starters, there's the massive Stormalong Bay. It's the largest pool offered by the Disney resorts. With sand bottom pools, a lazy river and its very own waterslide The Flying Jib, it's hard to know where to start. Don't feel like leaving when you start getting hungry and thirsty from all that fun? You can order something from the convenient poolside counter service restaurant and bar. For the little ones there's a playground right next to Stormalong bay and for the littlest ones, a kiddie pool. There's something for everyone looking to have fun in the sun.

If you'd rather go for a more relaxed approach, The Beach Club has you covered. With two quiet pools and its very own white sand beach, there are plenty of places just to lay out and work on that tan. You can also catch a casual game of volleyball or tennis in their respective courts, work out in the Ship Shape Health Club, or rent a water craft and enjoy a nice cruise around the lake. You can even set up a fishing trip, catch and release only, right at the resort.

The Beach Club also offers several dining opportunities. From the diner style Beach's & Cream Soda shop, complete with Jukebox (which sits next to the Lafferty Arcade!) to the Cape May Cafe, which offers breakfast with some of your favorite Disney characters. Reservations are strongly recommended for breakfast with the characters. For kids 4-12, The Beach Club has a special treat for them, and their parents! The Sandcastle Club provides supervised childcare with games, Disney movies, snacks and other fun activities.

On top of everything mentioned above The Beach Club is located within walking distance, a mere half mile, of Disney's Boardwalk (which offers midway games, a variety of shops and restaurants and a fantastic view of those famous Disney fireworks) and one of the cornerstone theme parks of Orlando, Epcot. It also provides complimentary transportation to all of Disney's Theme Parks. It's the perfect combination of Florida's main attractions.

If you choose to at The Beach Club, make sure you get your Disney tickets first at DW Tickets! The best prices for all Orlando Attractions!!!

Disney Cruises!!!

Have you ever wanted to take a cruise, but you're not a fan of the high seas? If that is the case, or if you just want a nice, relaxing way to end your day at the Walt Disney World Resort, then Walt Disney World's specialty cruises just may be for you.

Every night at the Walt Disney World Resort, guests set sail on fantasy excursions on one of Walt Disney World's many lakes and lagoons. There are two kinds of specialty cruises you can choose from - the Grand1 Specialty Cruise and the Celebration Cruise. The Grand1 Specialty Cruise is the ultimate party aboard one of the grandest yachts anywhere in Central Florida. You and your party will hop on board this luxurious 45-foot liner at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and take to the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake in style. Or, if you prefer a smaller, more intimate gathering, try the Celebration Cruise. You can invite up to eight or 10 people, depending upon the size of the boat, to join you onboard. Both the Grand1 Specialty Cruise and the Celebration Cruise will take you out on the water to see the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks lit up in the distance. You can choose from a variety of festivities while on board, including having your cruise catered, and you will cap off your evening as you drop anchor for prime viewing of one of the Walt Disney World Resort's world-famous fireworks displays. You can also choose which location you would like to end up at - either in front of the Magic Kingdom Park or at Epcot. Either way, these specialty cruises are a magical way to cap of any Walt Disney World Resort vacation experience.

All specialty cruises must be reserved prior to launch. For the Grand1 Specialty Cruise, call 407-824-2682 for reservations, and for the Celebration Cruise, call 407-939-2329.

While this may just be one stop on your Walt Disney World Resort vacation, we know the theme parks will probably be next on your to-do list. And, as always, you can get your discounted Disney tickets right here at DW Tickets, the best deals in town!

Halloween at Disney Already?!?!

It may be early August, but it's never too early to get a head start on your plans for the upcoming holidays. The Walt Disney World Resort is no different, as the annual Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is returning in a little over a month to get everyone in the trick-or-treat spirit once again.

Beginning select nights on September 14, 2007 and running until November 2, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party will invade the Magic Kingdom after regular park hours. This special ticket event will begin at 7 p.m. and run until midnight, giving families and children the opportunity to trick-or-treat around the park with their favorite Disney characters, who also just so happen to be all dressed up as well! This party also has special entertainment, including Mickey's "Boo-To-You" Halloween Parade (be on the lookout for the Headless Horseman prior to the parade) and a Happy Hallowishes fireworks spectacular, where your favorite Disney villains go trick-or-treating in the sky. Some of the most popular attractions at the Magic Kingdom remain open for this five-hour extravaganza, and as mentioned above, you can get candy and goodies all throughout the park at numerous trick-or-treating locations.

Admission to this event is $38.95 for adults and $32.95 for kids ages 3-9. Regular park tickets to the Walt Disney World parks do not include admission to this event. Tickets are only valid for the event the day that you purchase them for. While this can't-miss party does require some extra money, you can be sure to save money on your regular theme park tickets when you buy them exclusively at DW Tickets! Click here to check out our unbelievable ticket prices that are no trick- just a treat!

Pirates and Princess Party

This August marks the kick off of the Pirates and Princess Party at Disney's Magic Kingdom. This is an after hours event that young kids and pirate and princess aficionados alike are sure to love! Upon entering the park, families are handed an adventure map and treasure pouch. The map points to locations around the park where adventurers can find booty like candy, beads, and chocolate coins! Every night features especially themed entertainment like a parade, extra meet and greets, and character themed dance parties. Costumes are encouraged for a complete experience.

This special event only happens on eight nights out of the year, so it's a good idea to plan your Orlando trip early. This years Pirates and Princess Parties fall on Aug. 11, 15, 18, 21, 24, 28, 31 and Sept. 3 from 7:00 p.m.-midnight. Make a day out of it and buy an all day park admission from DWTickets.com!

Christian Celebrations at Disney and Universal

Every year Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Islands of Adventure host two Christian celebrations full of inspiring speakers and rockin' good music. Unfortunately, they are both on the same days! So which one do you pick? Well here's a brief breakdown of what 2007's events have to offer.

Friday and Saturday, September 7 and 8, Night of Joy at Walt Disney World will feature performances by Third Day, Salvador, RED, Steven Curtis Chapman, newsboys, Chris Tomlin, Jaci Valesquez, BarlowGirl, Brian Littrell, David Crowder, and more. The park opens for Night of joy ticket holders at 7:30 and the festivities last until 12am.

Rock the Universe at Universal Studios will host performances by Casting Crows, MercyMe, Jars of Clay, Grits, Reliant K, Skillet, Jeremy Camp, and more. The park will also have special appearances by Bethany Hamilton and Daren Streblow. As if that weren't enough entertainment for one day, Universal is bringing in speakers. David Nasse, Dr. Jay Strack, and Brent Crowe will share their stories with park guests. Rock the Universe starts at 4pm and ends at 1am the following day.

Regardless of which event is best for you, it's a good idea to plan early. Event tickets will not get you into the park any earlier than the time the actual event starts. What do we recommend? Buy park tickets from DWTickets.com so that you can afford to come for a whole weekend of good times, not just one evening of fun.

Coming to Epcot!!

September 28th marks the kick off of the 12th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. This year's line up of countries includes Morocco, South Africa, Greece, France, New Zealand, Scandinavia, and lots more. The Food and Wine Festival is a great opportunity to sample foods and beverages from places that you may never get the chance to venture to. Admission to the festival is included in your park admission. Food and wine tastings range from $1.00-$7.00.

For those of you looking for a more private affair, you can always opt for a specialty dining event. If the 2007 events are any bit as fun as they were last year, you are in for a treat! For an added cost guests can attend prestigious wine schools and tastings, multi-course dinners, chef school and more fun events. Disney will start accepting reservations at 7 a.m. on August 6th. These events are POPULAR so be sure to save your spot. Many events also require park admission. Buy your tickets at DWTickets.com and save now!

Animal Kingdom Adding New Character Breakfast!

Hello everyone, this is the DW Blog Man hoping everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day Weekend! Orlando is extremely beautiful this time of year, and the weather could not have been any more perfect. The Disney Water Parks : Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon were rockin' and the Magic Kingdom had an amazing fireworks display every night. Now that it's Tuesday and we're starting to get back to reality, I too did some research and wanted to let you in on a little secret. Disney's Animal Kingdom is creating a brand new Character Breakfast buffet inside the theme park and it should be nothing short of spectacular!

Right now there is a place at Animal Kingdom called Tusker House, and it will soon be converted into a buffet style restaurant where a daily Disney Character breakfast will take place in the mornings. If there is one thing Walt Disney World schools the competition in, it is the Character Breakfast Buffets! From omelet stations to Mickey Mouse waffles to fresh fruit, there is no better way to start your day at the theme park than chowing down with your family while Disney characters pose for pictures at your table and sign autographs for the kids. This new restaurant is slated to open in November of 2007, right around Thanksgiving time. Only 4 1/2 months away, there will be a new reason to Start your Day at Disney's Animal Kingdom for a delicious and fun-filled Disney Character Breakfast. Hope everyone had a healthy, happy, and safe Memorial Day, and stay tuned for more news later this week. This is the DW Tickets Blog Man telling you to enjoy the Summer and come down to Orlando for the most magical experience on Earth!

Star Wars Weekends at Disney MGM Studios

Buckle up and slide into your Star Speeder vehicles while Jedi knights and droids will join forces as Star Wars Weekends come back to Disney MGM Studios in June. Star Wars Weekends will begin this year on June 1, 2007 and run every weekend until June 24. Guests can come to MGM Studios theme park and take part in this special celebration every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Star Tours attraction at MGM will have special events taking place outside, with Mickey Mouse dressed up as a Jedi Knight outside the queue. Disney-MGM Studios admission is required to attend the event, and discount tickets can be purchased by CLICKING HERE!

Lucky children at the park will be randomly selected to participate in a Jedi Training Academy and learn the skillful art of lightsaber techniques. Besides many collectibles on display, there will also be autograph sessions, Star Wars trivia, and lots more. Star Wars Weekends is at Disney's MGM Studios every weekend during the month of June, so come down to the park and attend this amazing event with your family.

Mission Space at EPCOT

I recently went to EPCOT for something other than eating and drinking - rides! Usually EPCOT has so much going on with the Food and Wine Festival, Flower and Garden Month, and everything else under the sun. So last weekend I actually went there to go on some rides (although the Flower and Garden Festival is still going on through June). Besides the usual SpaceShip Earth, Test Track, and Soarin', I went on a ride that has been much talked about over recent months : Mission Space.

Mission Space launches you into outer space in a simulated shuttle vehicle as you feel the thrust of blasting off into orbit as well as actual weightlessness once into space. The intensity of this ride cannot be descibed in words, other than "WOW!" You will feel like an astronaut and know what it is like to be in a rocket. The video screens feel like you're actually looking out a window into outer space as you see Planet Earth become smaller and the sky changes from blue to black. Mission Space is one of the coolest rides I've been on anywhere, and I just wanted to give kudos to EPCOT for creating such an awesome ride and experience. To buy discount tickets to Disney World, CLICK HERE! See you at Epcot and don't forget to buckle up and blast off at Mission Space!

Summertime at Wet N Wild Waterpark

The skies are clear and blue without a cloud in sight, and Wet N Wild water park is ready to cool everyone in Florida off. Wet N Wild is the best way to relax and chill out while in Orlando, and is also a great escape from the long lines at the parks. There is truly nothing more refreshing than splashing down an ice-cold water slide after spending days walking around on tired feet at Disney World. Wet N Wild, located off International Drive in Orlando and 10 miles away from most Orlando attractions, is the most popular water park in the country. Buy your discount Wet N Wild tickets now by CLICKING HERE!

This summer is going to be an amazing one here in Orlando, Florida and you should take advantage by visiting Wet N Wild. There is a brand new ride called Brain Wash that actually has a 53 foot drop at the end. You will sit in a tube and freak out at the technology as this ride is the first of its kind anywhere. See you at Wet N Wild and don't forget to wear your sunscreen as it is going to be a HOT summer here in beautiful, sunny Florida!

Dining at Disney World

Coming down to Disney World for the rides and attractions is one thing, but you have to know where to eat. Dining at Disney World is a top priority, not only for the guests, but for the Walt Disney World resort as well. If you are looking for someplace cheap to eat like fast-food, Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe inside the Magic Kingdom park is a pretty cool place. There is always lots of seating available, tasty sandwiches and salads as well as hamburgers and chicken are available, and it won't be that expensive. Tusker House at Disney's Animal Kingdom has healthy and nutritious meals for the foodie, and is right in the middle of it all. At Epcot, Sunshine Seasons is a restaurant with different cuisines at every counter, so you have a grand variety of meals to choose from.

If you are looking for something a little more quiet for you and your spouse at night, try California Grill on the top floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort. Not only is the food amazing, with a sushi bar and panoramic views, but you can even see the Magic Kingdom fireworks show at night. Victoria and Albert's is as elegant as it gets over at Disney World, stationed at the posh Grand Floridian Hotel. Jiko is a fancy South African restaurant with an extensive wine list and a very intriguing atmosphere.

OK - so you have the cheap fast-food options, and the elegant romantic restaurants to take your significant others to. Disney World is a lot more than rides and lines - there are also world-class dining options available, and now you know exactly where to go. Enjoy your trip to Disney World and check out these amazing restaurants, all within the beautiful Walt Disney World resort.

Dancing With the Stars Comes to Orlando

ABC's hit show : "Dancing With the Stars" will be making it's long anticipated arrival in Orlando, at the Amway Arena, home of the Orlando Magic. The show will be coming to town on June 25, and will be featuring most of the popular show's most famous dance stars, including Joey Lawernce, Cheryl Burke, Drew Lachey, Joey Fatone, formerly of N'SYNC, and Edyta Sliwinska. This is a very exciting time for the city of Orlando and there will be many more events coming into town this summer. With NFL Hall of Famers such as Jerry Rice, Emmit Smith, and NBA Hall of Famer Clyde "The Glide" Drexler participating in past contests, Dancing With The Stars has become a must-see event, and the City of Orlando is very proud to be hosting one of their tour stops on June 25th, 2007.

The Blue Man Group will be arriving next month at Universal starting on June 7th, and Tony N Tina's Wedding is already in full force over in Kissimmee. School will be out in a few weeks, so this is the time to get your kids, load up the mini-van, and come on down to Orlando, Florida - where you can take the happiest vacation on the planet. Buy discount Disney World tickets by CLICKING HERE and take advantage of big savings for the entire family. See you in Orlando, and don't forget to bring your bathing suit.

Shopping at MGM Studios

When going to Disney's MGM Studios, there are so many different places to see if you are looking to shop for some Disney-related merchandise. Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards in MGM Studios are two places that have some very interesting memorabilia. You have to check out the stores outside Aerosmith's Rock N Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror. They are right next door to each other, and have some really sweet looking t-shirts and jackets. I was even able to find a book of original music from Aerosmith to play guitar to. Click Here to get your MGM tickets at a discount and pass the savings along to your kids by getting them some cool merchandise at the Disney stores.

Other great shops at Disney's MGM Studios are Villains in Vogue where you can get Disney World villain apparel and gifts, as well as cool trinkets for your home. The Writer's Stop is a very unique book store at MGM, and Tatooine Traders has all the Star Wars collectibles and merchandise. When coming to Disney World, and especially MGM Studios, don't just go on the rides and buy food, but check out the retail stores too. I promise you there is something in there for everyone, and it is always interesting to browse around and see what they have going on.