Tomorrowland Revamps Almost Done!

In order for your favorite Disney theme park rides to keep operating safely and looking fantastic, they sometimes have to close. It’s always a sad part of the Orlando theme parks experience, waiting to catch your favorite ride only to find it has been closed for refurbishment. But hey, it’s a necessary evil and a good thing, because when the ride re-opens it will probably be even better than the last time you went on it.

As all Disney fans probably know, Space Mountain has been closed for refurbishment for awhile now. It’s supposed to get a brand new look with amazing sound and graphics while keeping most of the elements that made the ride a classic part of the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom’s futuristic Tomorrowland. Space Mountain is expected to re-open in November just in time for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. It will be great to check out the refurbished roller coaster during this awesome holiday event.

Another attraction that had closed down in Tomorrowland was the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA). This relaxing ride takes you on an elevated tour of Tomorrowland as a narration explains all of the ins and outs of the futuristic side of the Magic Kingdom. The tram you sit in, commonly referred to as the Peoplemover, got a brand new paint job and oiled up tracks. It’s great to sit on the TTA and rest your feet as you enjoy the breeze you get from riding through Tomorrowland in the open air. Along with a new narration, you will also be getting some special soundbytes from some of your favorite Disney characters and Tomorrowland mascots. Buzz Lightyear, Stitch, Mickey Mouse, and Roz from Monsters Inc. all interrupt your relaxing TTA ride to give a bit of their own narration as you ride past their respective Tomorrowland areas.

Once Space Mountain opens up again Tomorrowland will be buzzing with guests and plenty of lines for the new ride. Try to grab a FastPass and check out Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, the TTA or the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway before heading back to Space Mountain for some futuristic fun.

Ride Spotlight: Test Track at Walt Disney World’s Epcot

Did you know that Epcot is an acronym for “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow?” Aside from the World Showcase Pavilion, Epcot focuses on science and technology, as Walt Disney originally intended the park to be an actual prototype community for futuristic cities back in the earliest days of Epcot’s design. While some Disney fans aren’t keen on Epcot’s educationally focused attractions, they might not even notice how much they’re learning while waiting in line for the popular Test Track attraction.

Sponsored by GM, Test Track is the fourth fastest ride in the Walt Disney family, reaching speeds of up to 64.8 mph. As you wind your way through the queue you learn about vehicle safety and watch robotic demonstrations of crash dummies experiencing various accident situations from being crushed in a vehicle to slamming into a wall. You can also see the inner components of various vehicle parts, which is a must for any car fan. Once you get into the waiting area, you and your fellow guests will get to view a video that shows what your vehicle will experience on the Test Track ride. You, the guest, are the driver of GM’s latest vehicle and will ride it as it goes through tests of heat, cold and corrosive material, swerving and bump tracks before finally launching outdoors for a drive around the track.

This is where you get to experience that 64.8 mph we mentioned earlier as you speed around bank curves of 50 degrees and zoom over hills and turns. Despite not having any inversions or loops, Test Track is surprisingly fast and will give you a great view of the surrounding area once you finish the “initial testing” and your vehicle launches toward the outside track. This ride has the FastPass option available and we recommend you use it. Being near the front of the park and also one of the most popular rides in Epcot, the lines for Test Track can be extremely long. If you’re one of those that loves the Single Riders option on these popular rides, Test Track also has that choice available to you. This is a great ride for both young (as long as they meet the height requirement) and older crowds that want a bit of thrill without feeling terrified. Test Track at Walt Disney World is fun for all.

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

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

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

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

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!

Have a Date at Downtown Disney

Walt Disney World can be a really romantic place. Sure, you wouldn’t always think of romance when it comes to Orlando theme parks but certain places can be a great place to have a date. Downtown Disney is especially couples friendly with its variety of entertainment options that make for a lovely date in the Orlando area. There are about 70 entertainment establishments at Downtown Disney. This complex surrounds the shores of the Village Lake and is divided into three sections: Downtown Disney West Side, Downtown Disney Marketplace and Pleasure Island. While the clubs of Pleasure Island have closed, there is still plenty of do in that area as construction continues on the new shops and restaurants. At the moment Raglan Road, Fuego by Sosa Cigars, Curl by Sammy Duval and Orlando Harley-Davidson are still open for you to check out. Downtown Disney is always changing and improving, adding new restaurants and stores for you to shop.

Start off your date night at one of Downtown Disney’s great restaurants. You have plenty of choices, from places to grab a quick bite to nice sit-down restaurants that will make you forget all about theme parks and Mickey Mouse. If you’re a seafood lover, you and your date will love the Fulton’s Crab House. Go there at night to dine on a riverboat replica featuring fresh seafood that is flown in daily. You’ll love the twinkling lights of the riverboat as you splurge on crab and lobster. If you would rather dance the night away, check out Bongo’s Cuban Café. This restaurant, owned by Gloria Estefan, brings the best of Cuban music and food to Downtown Disney. For a more relaxed, yet still fun dining experience, head over to Raglan Road for a taste of Ireland in Orlando. The food is great and the live music is even better!

You might want to hold off on dessert at your restaurant, because Downtown Disney has a Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop. Everything from milkshakes and coffee drinks to incredible ice cream sundaes and hot chocolate are available at this sweets paradise. For a quick stop there is also a Wetzels Pretzels/ Haagen Dazs stand for sweets on the run. Downtown Disney also features an AMC Theatre for you to catch the latest movies on the big screen. This 24 screen theatre features comfortable seats and amazing sound. Check out what’s playing during your date night.

For the ultimate way to impress your date, why not check out Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba? This permanent show is the only house show on the East Coast of the United States. Experience the amazing performances by the Cirque cast as they dance and fly about the stage with amazing acrobatics and live music. No matter what you decide to do at Downtown Disney, it’s a great place to have a date night!

The 58th Anniversary of Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland turns 58 this week. Not Alice herself, nor the original Lewis Carroll story, but the Disney movie which was initially poorly received and later gained somewhat of a “cult” like following amongst Disney fans. The story is said to have been one of Walt Disney’s favorites growing up. Despite not receiving the accolades movies like Beauty and the Beast and Snow White received, Alice in Wonderland’s popularity remains in current pop culture. And while Alice isn’t usually considered a princess, nor are her friends, they are still some of the most recognized characters in the Disney parks. those who love the movie and the world of Wonderland have a variety of options for having their own “unbirthday” fun at the Walt Disney World Resort.

The Mad Tea Party is the most well-known Alice attraction at the Magic Kingdom. Located in Fantasyland ,“the teacups” as the ride is usually referred to, is a series of 18 painted teacup cars that spin around as fast as you want them too while “The Unbirthday Song” plays in the background. This dizzying ride is a favorite and definitely not recommended on a full stomach! Alice and friends show up around this ride throughout the day for photo ops and silly fun. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum are known for playing tricks on guests as Alice has had to chase after quite a few swiped Mickey ears.

For your own little curious child, the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa offers their Wonderland Tea Party. Kids ages 4-12 can join the Wonderland characters for a tea party with chicken nuggets, turkey sandwiches and heart-shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Let Alice and her friends tell your child a story during this hour-long event as they sip some tea (apple juice) and decorate their own cupcakes.

For the older Alice in Wonderland fans, check out the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at the Grand Floridian’s Victorian-themed 1900 Park Fare restaurant. This is your best chance to see all of the Alice in Wonderland (and Mary Poppins) characters you might miss at the park. The characters all stop by the individual tables for pictures and autographs. The food at the 1900 Park Fare is American cuisine with menus that constantly change, but we’re the tea is always available. Don’t forget the Mickey waffles, they’re popular for a reason!

While we doubt there will be any other official Alice adventures out of Walt Disney, fans can still buy merchandise at the theme parks and online. Not to mention, next year we’ll have Tim Burton’s interpretation of the Lewis Carroll classic and the Mad Tea Party will remain in the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland. It seems Alice fans will have many unbirthdays and tea parties to come.

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!

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.

A First Look at Animatronic Obama

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration Blasts off in Tomorrowland

Only one Disney character can bring musical madness, wacky wizardry, and futuristic fun to Walt Disney World, and that’s a fuzzy alien named Experiment 626. Also known as the “Guru of Gross-Out,” “the Maker of Mischief,” or just plain “Stitch,” this fuzzy extraterrestrial is now starring in his own live show at Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland. A new, high-energy, retro-futuristic music video dance party, this galactic spectacle debuted on May 6 with dazzling dance moves and comedic quips. And Stitch is inviting everyone to come party and celebrate along.

At the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland, guests will join in an interactive experience where the outdoor stage comes alive with music, dancing, and real-time animation. The 25-minute show begins when a live broadcast of the Tomorrowland News Network, with your host Tip Trendo and the Galactic Girls, is interrupted by a mysterious video transmission. To everyone’s surprise, the cut up from Lilo & Stitch appears on screen via a giant LED screen and kicks off a Galaxy Day celebration of fun and surprises.

Audiences will laugh along as Tip and the Galactic Girls get to know Stitch, who’s “borrowed” a space cruiser. But this show isn’t a passive experience for the audience – they’ll talk and interact with Stitch too, who appears live on screen using the same real-time technology that appears in “Turtle Talk with Crush” and the “Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.” Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration will offer a different show every time as Stitch picks out members of the audiences, snaps their photograph, and leads the crowd in a playful dialogue.

Whether Stitch is commenting on the clothes audience members are wearing or asking them questions, guests will feel like part of the show during Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration. And while Stitch cracks up the crowd, Tip and the girls will entertain with some space-age dance moves to original songs and classic grooves. They’ll even have some company on stage in the form of two malfunctioning, breakdancing robots, sent courtesy of one Mr. Stitch.

“Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration’ immerses Tomorrowland guests into Stitch’s whimsical world using real-time animation technology,” said Kristine Bunnell, show producer for Walt Disney World Entertainment. “And during this year’s ‘What Will You Celebrate?’ our show gives guests another reason to party."

Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration will take place six times daily at Magic Kingdom. And if you’re hankering for more Stitch-flavored fun, be sure to check out the Stitch’s Great Escape attraction at Magic Kingdom, where the mischievous blue alien attempts to escape from the outer space authorities.

Start your celebration with Stitch by getting 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.

Monkey Business at Disney's Animal Kingdom

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

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

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

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

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

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

Behind the Scenes at Walt Disney World

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

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

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

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

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

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

Muppet History at the Orange County History Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beat the Winter with Indoor Shows

Winters are pretty interesting here in Orlando – one week, temperatures run a pleasant 70 degrees, and the next week, it’s time to break out the turtlenecks and parkas! But until the season starts heating up more regularly in the coming months, Orlando theme parks have plenty of attractions to keep you warm, with indoor shows that are both an entertaining and comfortable way to spend an afternoon.

First up on the list of our favorites is definitely A’Lure, The Call of the Ocean, the newest show at SeaWorld Orlando. Performing daily at the Nautilus Theater, this theatrical production combines mesmerizing under-the-sea visuals with Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatics and athleticism.

Set to a musical score recorded by the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, A’Lure’s dynamic 30-minute production takes guests on a journey through the ocean’s depths and mysteries. With a dozen Chinese acrobats and vibrant animated images, it tells the mythical story of the Sea Sirens, who have lured entranced fishermen into the water for centuries. The show takes place on a massive stage with an oversized projection screen serving as an ever-changing backdrop while gravity-defying aerial tumblers, scaling pole climbers, lyrical dancers, and unicycle champions dazzle on stage.

Over at the Hollywood area of Universal Studios Orlando, another great indoor show is a tried and true classic, Terminator 2: 3D Battle Across Time. Throw on your 3D glasses and settle into a comfortable theater seat while you watch Sarah and John Connor travel into the future to destroy SkyNet. But it won’t be easy – the T-1000 is back to kill John, though luckily, the T-800 (Arnold) is there to help stop him too. With on-screen special effects, 3D cinematography that seems to hover right before your face, and live-action stunts, the Terminator 2: 3D is a beloved Universal Studios favorite.

And at Walt Disney World, there’s no shortage of indoor shows among the five parks. However, one recent addition that’s particularly fun is Finding Nemo – The Musical at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Adapted from the popular and funny Disney-Pixar film into a 30-minute Broadway-style musical, Finding Nemo is fun for all ages. Inside the Theater in the Wild at the DinoLand USA area, the musical features Marlin, his curious son Nemo, and their friend Dory performing new musical numbers inspired by lines from the movie, including “Just Keep Swimming.” Even if you’re not big into musicals, this one is a sight to see with innovative lighting, special effects, and theatrical puppets, some as big as cars.

So next time the temperatures drop, grab a sweater and head on over to one of these Orlando theme parks. You’ll be snuggly and warm while you enjoy a show, and when the fun’s over, you can skip right on to another fun indoor attraction. Look to DWTickets.com for your discount Orlando theme park tickets, and before you know it, you’ll be escaping the winter cold in style.

Space Mountain Will Get Makeover

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Disney Resorts Offer Pirate Ship and Treehouse Getaways

Only at Walt Disney World Resort can you meet faeries, laugh along with Monsters, train like an astronaut, safari into the wild, and plunge from a hotel elevator. Disney theme parks offer an incredible variety of unbelievable experiences, and in keeping with that specialty, Disney resorts will soon offer more of the same. From rooms that are ripe for pirate escapades to villas that take you back to your childhood tree house, Disney’s latest resort creations will foster adventures that you’ll remember just as much as the ones you had at the parks.

First, families with young swashbucklers can ensure an unforgettable holiday when they book one of the new Pirate rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Designed in the spirit of the film Pirates of the Caribbean, these rooms in the Trinidad South Village area are decked out with pirate ship beds and buccaneer’s accessories for a complete pirate experience. Approximately 380 pirate rooms will be available for guests beginning in January 2009.

You’ll feel ready to hit the high seas on one of two double-sized beds, adorned with a wooden headboard complete with a mast. The swashbuckler décor also includes dressers that look like old crates, and curtains that look like tattered sails complete with a skull emblazoned on them. Rooms also include a table and chairs, a vanity area and bathroom with two sinks, and amenities like an in-room safe, mini-fridge, and coffee maker. The Pirate rooms are also available with a view of the courtyard and woodlands, or a view of the lake or pool.

If pirates aren’t your thing, never fear – you can still have some wild fun at the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. A cherished Disney tradition since 1975, these treehouse villas are currently being revived into brand-new vacation homes specially designed by Disney Imagineers. Taking special care to honor the treehouses’ original octagonal design, Imagineers worked to reconstruct the villas in a way that would lessen their environmental footprint while upgrading them in comfort and style.

Elevated ten feet off the ground and supported by concrete columns, the Treehouse Villas offer breathtaking views of the surrounding woods. And they’re definitely a step up from the rope ladder-accessible treehouse of your childhood; villas feature three bedrooms and two baths and will comfortably accommodate up to nine guests. Cathedral ceilings, granite countertops, and an open kitchen with an island sink and counter area add to the glamorous cabin environment, while flat screen TVs and a whirlpool tub offer opportunities for fun after a day at the parks.

The Treehouse Villas will be available in summer 2009 and will set a new standard for environmentally friendly resorts. Imagineers were able to reduce encroachment on the surrounding wetlands by 70% for each villa, and 65% of materials from demolition were recycled, including concrete and metals.

Next time you have to choose a resort for your Walt Disney World vacation, consider a room that continues the fun even after you return from the parks. With pirate rooms at the Caribbean Beach Resort and treehouse escapes at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, you can guarantee a vacation that your whole family will love. You might even find that these rooms have you plotting pirate adventures and sword fighting with your kids – that’s the magic of Disney.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"American Idol" is Coming to Disney World

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disney’s Pleasure Island Announces Its Last Call

Disney officials on June 27, announced the already rumored closing of Pleasure Island, the bar and nightclub complex that has been a partying part of the Walt Disney World Resort since 1999. We sorted through the details and here’s what we found out:

Disney’s Pleasure Island Closing – Here’s what’s happening:

All of the bars at Pleasure Island will give their last call on Sept. 27, 2008.

• This change comes after thousands of guests requested more family-friendly entertainment venues at the Walt Disney World Resort.
• The closing of Pleasure Island marks a “bold new vision” for the entire area that makes up Downtown Disney, including the Marketplace and Westside.
• The Pleasure Island section of Downtown Disney will shut down on Sept. 28, and remain closed for 18-24 months while more family fun outlets, mostly restaurants and shops are added to Downtown Disney.

You don’t need a Disney ticket to get in, but you do need a Pleasure Island ticket. And you can get yours at OrlandoFunTickets.com today to have a Disney drink at Pleasure Island before these famous and fabulous themed nightclubs close their doors forever.

Disney’s Pleasure Island Closing – Here’s what’s going:
All six of the bars at Pleasure Island will be permanently closed.

• BET Soundstage Club
• Mannequins Dance Palace
• 8-Trax
• Adventurers Club
• Motion
• The Comedy Warehouse

Some of the buildings will be demolished, others will be re-worked into new restaurants and shops. Pleasure Island has been the premier Disney drinking destination for almost 20 years, and now that rocking ride is coming to an end. Get in on the last few months of fun and buy a Pleasure Island ticket with your Disney tickets today.

Disney’s Pleasure Island Closing – Here’s what’s staying:
All of the shops and restaurants that make up Downtown Disney’s Marketplace and Westside will stay open, although some are getting a bit of sprucing up. A few Pleasure Island outlets will remain open:

• Curl by Sammy Duval, a surf shop
• Fuego by Sosa Cigars
• Orlando Harley-Davidson
• and some outdoor food and drink venues

Disney’s Pleasure Island Closing – Here’s what’s coming:
Quite frankly, we just don’t know yet. Disney hasn’t divulged the details about exactly what will take the place of Pleasure Island, except to say that it will expand the family-friendly atmosphere of Downtown Disney. They also said they are on a worldwide search for new restaurant and shopping ideas to fill up their newest space.

Disney Institute

In addition to inspiring millions of guests each year to reach for their dreams, the Walt Disney Co. and its business philosophy is also one that is admired and emulated around the world. With that premise in mind, the Disney Institute was born more than 20 years ago to share the philosophies of Walt Disney and how they can be beneficial to any business in any industry across the globe. Since its inception, millions of business executives and people from virtually every industry have developed programs and changed their business models to reflect the teachings of the Walt Disney Co. and the Disney Institute.

The Disney Institute was founded on the principles from which Walt Disney built his empire – the ability to take risks coupled with his innate customer service-oriented mindset. The Disney Institute lets business people of all kinds get a firsthand look at Disney’s best practices with behind-the-scenes experiences, experiential activities and facilitated discussions with Disney leaders. Through these, you will be able to learn, live and leave with the distinct vision of how Disney executes its core strengths of leadership, loyalty, management, service and creativity on a daily basis.

Among the programs that are offered at the Disney Institute include a 90-minute presentation, a three-hour workshop, a one-day seminar, a multi-day program and a customized a program that fits exactly into what your business needs. The Disney Institute offers a variety of additional programs, from offsite programs, continuing education programs that are accredited, keynote speakers that are available for conferences and individual and group experiences for at least 20 people. Classes are held at both the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and at the Disneyland Resort in California, and accommodations at either of these resorts can be included in your Disney Institute package.

The goal of the Disney Institute is for everyone who leaves the training to have a renewed sense of focus for your business. The Disney Institute facilitators will not only teach you about how Disney works, but how those philosophies can be tied into your business to increase both productivity and the bottom line for your company while also improving employee morale and inspiration for your company’s employees and products. Clients such as AAA, AMC Theatres, Saturn, United Airlines, Duke University, McDonald’s, General Motors, IBM, Kraft, Target and many more have used the Disney Institute, so as you can see, there is no company too small or too large to benefit from the Disney corporation or the philosophies of Walt Disney himself.

If you are planning on heading down to Central Florida to visit the Disney Institute, you have just one more thing to keep in mind: DWTickets.com. Once you learn all about Disney’s teachings, you can go experience the magic that they bring to life every day in their four theme parks. And, best of all, you can see it all at a discounted price! DWTickets.com is the largest ticket store in Orlando, offering you discounted tickets to Disney, Universal, Sea World and many more area attractions. So, whether you are visiting for the Disney Institute or are just down here for a family vacation, you can get all of your entertainment at a discounted price by simply clicking here!