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.

Are You Ready for Grad Nite?

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

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

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

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!

Disney’s Twinned Town

You might be wondering what a Twinned Town is. No, it’s not a new Orlando theme park; it’s a great new initiative by the Walt Disney Company to bring different cultures, countries and people closer together. The Walt Disney World Resort is looking for a twin town, a sister city, in the United Kingdom. Much like US states have sister relations with foreign cities (Orlando has nine international sister cities, by the way) the Walt Disney World Resort is looking for one of their own.

If you’re a reader living in the United Kingdom you definitely want to listen up. The Twinned Town won’t be selected by Disney suits or any of the cities, but by the citizens of the UK themselves. This contest is openly accepting photographic, written and video submissions from people in the UK looking for a dose of Disney magic in their own town. Anyone from any town or city can submit their vote via the Twinned Town website. There are a few things that the folks at Disney are looking for in these submissions. Along with telling them why your town is great, Disney wants to know about your hopes and dreams. Who is the most inspirational person in your town? How is your town looking toward the future? What does your town do to celebrate its traditions? If you recognize these values, it’s because Disney considers many of them while expanding their own brand name. "We believe it is time to recognize the great values that make UK towns and villages special,” said Disney Destination International's Hugh Wood, “and with so many guests visiting Walt Disney World every year from the UK, we felt there was no better way to find that special town or village than by allowing the British public to nominate the places they are proud of."

The winners of the Twinned Town contest will have a special Disney party in January where the magic of the Walt Disney World resort will be brought to the winning town. The person that submits the winning entry will receive a special trip for four to the Walt Disney World Resort where they will attend the “twinning” ceremony at Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom. The contest runs until November 22nd, 2009, so if you’re reading this in the UK—get started! You might be coming to see us very soon.

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.

Buzz Lightyear Returns from Space

You all know Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear. But did you know the space ranger actually took a trip into outer space? Last year, NASA took a 12-inch action figure of Buzz Lightyear on an STS-124 rocket to live on the International Space Station (ISS) with astronauts from around the world. For 15 months, from May 31, 2008 to September 11, 2009, Buzz was aboard the ISS as astronauts performed various experiments from biological to chemical. Nations like Japan, Russia, Sweden, Germany, Canada and others all have representatives aboard this massive station that serves as a symbol of international unity and harmony.

You might have heard that Cirque du Soleil creator Guy Laliberté just blasted off into space for his Poetic Social Mission—it seems everyone is getting in on the space craze! Once the Buzz Lightyear figure returned he was brought back to the Magic Kingdom where both toy Buzz and the REAL Buzz were honored with a ticker tape parade. Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, lead the parade in a 1969 Camaro convertible along with Mike Fincke, former commander of the space station. Kids and adults lined the streets cheering the men on as the parade made its way through Tomorrowland.

In this great quote from the Orlando Sentinel we got a look into Aldrin’s humor regarding his space ranger competitor. “Aldrin said he briefed Buzz Lightyear before the doll was launched into space in May 2008 aboard space shuttle Discovery. ‘I said, now look, don't you forget, I'm the real Buzz,’ Aldrin said, looking serious.”

Disney plans to continue bringing awareness to its company through space education and promotion of Buzz Lightyear. They are working with NASA in a competition that will have children design a new patch for astronauts. The winner of this competition gets a trip to the Kennedy Space Center and Walt Disney World. Disney is also working with NASA on an educational space-themed video game. Disney is apparently working with the Smithsonian Institute to get a permanent exhibit over at the National Air and Space Museum. Buzz Lightyear is here to stay.

Happy Anniversary to the Walt Disney World Resort and Epcot!

This is a big week for the Walt Disney World Resort! The Magic Kingdom is celebrating its 38th year and Epcot is celebrating its 27th year in operation. Both of the parks opened October 1st in 1971 and 1982, respectively. The Walt Disney World resort, which included the Magic Kingdom, only featured two hotels when it opened back in 1971. The Polynesian and the Contemporary were the first two resorts built back when the WDWR only consisted of the Magic Kingdom and the two hotels. Incredible how much it has grown since then! While Walt Disney was heavily involved in the planning of the resort, he died of lung cancer in 1966, a year before construction began.

While Walt didn’t get to see his dream realized, those he left in charge of the Disney company did it for him. Not only did they build the Magic Kingdom by using Disneyland as a guide, they made it bigger (and some would say better) than the original Anaheim destination. In 2008 17 billion people visited the Magic Kingdom, making it the most visited theme park in the world.

Epcot originally had a different purpose. We all know Walt Disney was an innovator in every sense of the word, but did you know he wanted to build an entire futuristic city? When it first opened, Epcot was written EPCOT, as it was an acronym for “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.” While we now know the park for attractions like Test Track, Soarin’ and the World Showcase, Walt Disney originally had other plans.

He was quoted as saying, "It will be a planned, controlled community, a showcase for American industry and research, schools, cultural and educational opportunities. In EPCOT, there will be no slum areas because we won't let them develop. There will be no landowners and therefore no voting control. People will rent houses instead of buying them, and at modest rentals. There will be no retirees; everyone must be employed."

But now Epcot is considered a vacation destination instead of a living environment. It’s always interesting to learn about the inner-workings and initial ideas of what Imagineers go through in building and conceptualizing these great Orlando theme parks. We can’t wait to see what Walt Disney World comes up with next!

More from D23: Pirates of the Caribbean Returns!

Fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise will be excited to hear what Walt Disney Studios chairman Dick Cook revealed about 2011. Cook stood before a crowd of about 5,000 Disney fanatics and announced he had a special treat for them. In 2011 Disney will release the next installment of Pirates of the Caribbean, the popular franchise that stars Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley in a series of swashbuckling adventures with Depp’s character Captain Jack Sparrow.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides will be the title of the new movie. At D23, however, it wasn’t only Cook that announced the awesome news, but Captain Jack Sparrow himself! As smoke filled the stage and the familiar theme song from the Pirates movie played, a pirate ship glided onto the stage commandeered by none other than Johnny Depp dressed in full Captain Jack regalia. The crowd went crazy for Depp who remained in character the entire time while he was on stage. We’re sure for many of the kids in the audience it was just like seeing their hero right before their eyes.

Up until now the Pirates films have been directed by Gore Verbinski, but he recently left the franchise to pursue other projects. While the newest film now has a title and Johnny Depp will be back as Captain Jack, the rumor mill is still buzzing about who will be the next director. Jerry Bruckheimer supposedly has his eye on Rob Marshal, director of movies like Chicago, Nine and Memoirs of a Geisha, to direct the new pirate flick, but we’ll just have to wait and see until further details come out. If you can’t wait for the new movie why not have a watch party marathon and check out Pirates of the Caribbean, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.

The best way to get in the pirates mood is head down to Walt Disney World Resort and check out the attraction that inspired the movies over at the Magic Kingdom: Pirates of the Caribbean. While you’re there check out the Pirate’s League where you get to dress up like your favorite Pirates of the Caribbean character as well!

Fun for “Non-Riders” The Disney Edition

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

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

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

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

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

Disney Buys Marvel for $4 Billion

Could we be seeing Iron Man in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom or Spiderman on top of Spaceship Earth at EPCOT? Considering Disney just bought Marvel for $4 billion dollars, fans of both companies are already reeling with ideas and theories as to what will happen next. With this important purchase, Disney will acquire the rights to over 5,000 Marvel characters with the main focus being on: Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, The Fantastic Four, Captain America and the X-Men.

Disney has stated they believe this merger will work successfully much like the Disney/Pixar merger has been working for the last few years noting the box-office hits the 3D animation company has been producing. While Marvel has a number of films currently in production, including the sequel to Iron Man, Disney has stated it has no intentions of interfering with the current projects but will eventually move towards becoming the sole distributor of Marvel films in the future.

As for the parks themselves, expect to see plenty of new merchandising on its way. Disney hopes this new partnership will help cater to the younger male audiences which may have felt left behind with the princess boom Disney has experienced over the last few years. Despite having characters like Buzz Lightyear and Jack Sparrow as favorites with boys, Spider-Man and Iron Man are just as, if not more popular with the audience Disney is trying to target.

While many fans of the respective companies are concerned as to what this merger could mean, both Marvel and Disney leaders are trying to reassure the public this will be a mutual partnership and not some sort of takeover. Many details have yet to be revealed as the merger will be finalized later today if not sometime this week, but Marvel is excited to welcome Disney aboard.

"Disney is the perfect home for Marvel`s fantastic library of characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses," said Ike Perlmutter, Marvel`s Chief Executive Officer. "This is an unparalleled opportunity for Marvel to build upon its vibrant brand and character properties by accessing Disney`s tremendous global organization and infrastructure around the world."

New Character Meet and Greets at EPCOT

A fun memory for any visitor to the Disney theme parks is getting to meet your favorite characters. While some may be harder to find than others (the White Rabbit is notoriously difficult to find at the parks), permanent greeting locations make getting your autograph book filled up a lot easier. The Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom is really great on character greetings. Alice and the Mad Hatter are usually by the Tea Cups with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, and you can always find Cinderella and Snow White by the Cinderella Castle. But in a park where attractions are a bit more spread out, like at EPCOT, finding your favorite characters could be a bit harder. So let DWTickets.com give you the best info on where to find your favorite Disney characters throughout the EPCOT theme park.

If you’re a fan of the British-influenced Disney movies, then look no further than the UK Pavillion at EPCOT’s World Showcase for meetings with Alice, Marry Poppins and Winnie the Pooh and friends. If you want to see Aladdin, Jasmine and the Genie, head over to Morocco where they often hang out by the fountain. For a princess extravaganza, head over to the Norway Pavilion. Their Akershus restaurant features the Princess Storybook Meals where every princess from Sleeping Beauty to Belle shows up to dine with guests and take autographs and pictures.

Three beloved characters will soon be getting their own meet and greet areas in EPCOT, two of them classic and one of them a bit of an “underground” favorite. First off we have Disney’s first princess, Snow White. Disney construction recently finished on an adorable replica of Snow White’s cottage in the Germany Pavilion of the World Showcase. It will be much easier for you to find the fair princess and have your picture taken. If you’re a fan of Donald Duck, you are in luck! Over at the Mexico Pavilion, Disney is building the cranky duck his very own meet and greet area. The boat ride inside the pavilion already features Donald as part of The Three Caballeros, so this is a great spot to hang out with Disney’s classic character.

Finally, a beloved kitten is getting her time to shine over at the France Pavillion. Marie from The Aristocats, who already has plenty of merchandise featuring her adorable face all over the parks, will now be greeting her fans daily starting this October. Don’t forget, EPCOT also has a character greeting section in the Future World area. This is a great spot to meet everyone at once so get there early to avoid a long line and enjoy meeting your favorite Disney characters.

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.

Satisfy Your Junk Food Fix in the Parks

Working up an appetite in Orlando theme parks is easy. After hours of waiting in line and walking from one end of the park to another, you’ll surely want a nice meal and a break. If you’re in the parks during the hot Florida summers, then you’ll most definitely want to sit down in the air-conditioning—believe me, it gets really hot here! There is rarely time for a fancy sit-down dinner, and after all that activity you need a little bit more fuel than a salad. So here is a small list of our favorite places to grab some junk food at the parks.

A lot of times you’ll see visitors to the parks munching on turkey legs as they walk from one attraction to the other, but we would rather take advantage of the amount of detail put into the décor of some of the restaurants the parks have to offer. At Universal Studios, check out Mel’s Drive-In, located in the Hollywood section of Universal Studios. This 50’s style diner will send many down memory lane and give 50’s enthusiasts a great place to rest their feet and fill their stomachs. Mel’s offers, you guessed it, diner food. Milkshakes, burgers and chili-cheese fries are all available along with the classic root beer float.

If you’re looking for a more fulfilling restaurant experience, we love heading to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, located in Universal’s CityWalk. The menu here is more extensive compared to the restaurants inside the park, and therefore healthier options are available for those watching their waistlines. But if you aren’t, then feel free to indulge in the Cheeseburger in Paradise. Named after Buffet’s famous song, this has to be my favorite burger in the Orlando area. Feel free to sing along to the music playing in the background as your Heinz 57 on your burger.

As for dining in the House of Mouse, there are two locations we always have to go when in the Walt Disney World Resort. Our “old faithful” location in the Magic Kingdom has to be Casey’s Corner on Main Street. This Main Street classic is a baseball-themed restaurant that highlights the glory days of America’s past time. It’s great to check out the classic baseball-themed cartoons on the bleachers with younger members of the group as well. No matter what we do when visiting Disney World with our families, we have to stop at Casey’s. If we don’t make it for lunch, then it’s the last thing we do before getting back to the hotel. There is nothing fancy about their hot dogs, but who needs fancy when they’re so good?

Hopefully you’ve worked up a craving for these classic eats after reading the blog. Make sure you keep them in mind when you’re heading out to the parks with your discount Disney tickets and your Universal Studios tickets.

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!

Cinderella Castle Lights Up in Magic Blue & White

There are only a handful of occasions worthy enough to cause Cinderella Castle to be lit up in colors different from its usual color scheme. But when the Orlando Magic are playing in the NBA Finals, we’d say that’s certainly one of those worthy occasions. In support of its local team, Walt Disney World has lit up the iconic symbol of Magic Kingdom, Cinderella’s Castle, in Magic blue and white.

The lights were first switched on Thursday, June 4, the date of the Magic’s first game in the 2009 NBA Finals. In California, Disneyland also illuminated its Sleeping Beauty Castle in Los Angeles Lakers colors, purple and gold.

Incidentally, the two parks even made a wager over who would win what’s become known as the Disney World vs. Disneyland Finals. Just as the mayors of their respective city’s teams traditionally make a bet on the outcome of a championship, Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton and Disneyland President Ed Grier are betting on their local teams with some very interesting terms.

If the Magic win, Grier will have to walk down Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland wearing a pair of special Mickey Mouse ears in Magic blue and white. If the Lakers win, Crofton will don a pair of Laker’s purple and gold mouse ears and walk down Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom.

“The Lakers are going to make your team very Grumpy this week,” bantered Grier to Crofton.

“But we have ‘Magic’ on our side,” countered Crofton. “And isn’t that what Disney is all about?”

The two presidents went through their respective parks last week looking for supporters and posing with fans. In front of Cinderella Castle, Crofton was accompanied by Minnie, Goofy, Chip, and Dale as she passed out Orlando Magic hats, t-shirts, balloons, and basketballs to park guests.

If the Magic win, not only would it be their first Championship win in history, but fans would be able to expect a wild celebration at Disney World. Magic Kingdom, as it usually does with the Super Bowl and other game championships, would likely hold a spectacular parade featuring players from the team. After all, when all major sports players and American Idols celebrate a major victory, they go to Walt Disney World – just ask Kris Allen.

While everyone awaits for a winner to emerge from the Finals, fans at Walt Disney World can support their team with newly released Disney/Magic t-shirts. Available at Walt Disney World and Amway Arena, the shirts are available in three blue and white designs, with Mickey dressed in Magic gear on the front of two designs and a Magic basketball with Mickey ears on the third.

And of course, you can always bide the time with fun at Walt Disney World! Check out Walt Disney World tickets on DWTickets.com to enjoy the parks or preemptively get your passes for the Orlando Magic victory celebrations. Not that we’re biased, of course…

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.

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.

Space Mountain Will Get Makeover

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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!

The Perfect Walt Disney World Vacation

The perfect Walt Disney World vacation it is desired by many but can be illusive here at DWTickets.com, it is our pleasure to help you make the most of your precious Orlando vacation time. The first way we do it is with discount Disney tickets. Next we give you great Disney vacation advice and insider tips.

We already gave you a land-by-land guide to visiting Disney’s Magic Kingdom, but there are some unique opportunities that needed their own space. For a truly unforgettable experience, try some of these:

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Cinderella Castle
  Get a magical makeover for your little darling with her choice of three diva-licious Disney princess hairstyles. (Princesses must be at least 3 years old.)
• Harmony Barber Shop
  Get a memorable first hair cut for your little Prince at this authentic barber shop located next to the Car Barn on Main Street, U.S.A.
• Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular
  Watch in awe as the darkened sky above the Magic Kingdom explodes with twinkly shards of exquisite light.
• Disney Dreams Come True Parade
  Rediscover your favorite Disney friends through music and larger-than-life floats that will leave you clapping and singing your way through the rest of your Disney day.

Gather your family and friends and explore the Magic Kingdom via one of these specialty tours:

• Steam Trains Tour ($40 per person)
  Climb aboard for an early morning outing where you join the Walt Disney World Railroad engineers as they prepare the authentic Magic Kingdom steam trains for a day of riding the rails around the Magic Kingdom.
• Disney’s Family Magic Tour ($27 per person)
  A family scavenger hunt, Disney style. This 2½ hour outdoor experience is sure to test your Disney trivia skills.
• Disney Keys to the Kingdom Tour ($60 per person)
  Get a glimpse “backstage” on this 5-hour journey filled with history and insider goods. You must be at least 16 years old and have a photo ID for this tour. Lunch is included.
• Mickey’s Magical Milestones Tour ($25 per person)
  Take a Disney time trip on this 2-hour venture through the birth and life of Mickey Mouse. Available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9 a.m.

Magic Kingdom admission is required for these exclusive events, so get your Disney tickets today and get set for your own unique adventure!

Orlandos Top Ten To Start 2008

2008 is already proving to be a great year to finally take that Orlando vacation. Your friends at DWTickets.com – the best source for cheap theme park tickets in town - have put together the top ten reasons to plan your trip in the next couple of months.

1. DWTickets.com! We are the number one reason to get on down to Orlando because we offer the best discounts on all the theme park tickets you need to make your Orlando vacation spectacular.


2. Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Because you know you want to be one of the first people to celebrate “all things Hollywood” in Orlando now that this park has a new name.


3. Mardi Gras at the Universal Orlando Resort. “America’s biggest street party this side of New Orleans” takes place every Saturday night from February 2 – April 19.


4. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Celebrating its 15th year, the theme is “Fun in the Sun,” and the event will run from March 19 – June 1.


5. Bud & BBQ at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa. This exciting concert series takes place on Fridays at SeaWorld and Saturdays at Busch Gardens from February 16 – March 9.


6. The Pirate and Princess Party at the Magic Kingdom. This special ticket, after-hours party runs on select dates only from 7 p.m. til midnight and features the “Enchanted Adventures Parade” and the “Magic, Music, and Mayhem” fireworks show.


7. Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride…Starring You! at Universal Studios Orlando. Be one of the first guests to help film “Motha Nature” at the newly opened Disaster Studios.


8. Spaceship Earth relaunch. The most recognizable icon at Epcot is reopening its doors this February after a nine-month renovation project. The changes and updates include narration by Dame Judi Dench, brand new scenes and a refurbished time travel machine to transport guests through the giant sphere.


9. Spring Training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. The Atlanta Braves return on February 14 to start their 11th year of practicing and playing spring games at Disney’s 220-acre sports complex.


10. The extension of the “Year of a Million Dreams” at the Walt Disney World Resort.
    
    And that’s just the beginning! There are many, many more reasons to visit Orlando this year. But remember, the best reason of all is the cheap tickets right here at DWTickets.com!

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!

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.

Cinderella's Castle

Cinderella's 189 feet high castle has been a Disney World icon since its completion in 1971. Still, many guests are unaware of just how magical it really is?!? On the inside walls of the castle, Cinderella's story is told on five large mosaic murals. The mosaics are made up of 500 colors and a million pieces of glass. The picture book walls of the castle are a regal setting for the events that take place inside every day. In the mornings, Disney characters gather upstairs for a breakfast feast. Kids who dine with the characters are referred to by the royal names of "prince" and "princess". At night, Cinderella plays the humble host at dinner and greets guests waiting to be seated.

Cinderella's castle is also a magical way to end your day at the park. Gaze your eyes as Tinkerbelle descends from the top of the castle, which starts off the nightly fireworks display! Cinderella's Castle is a must see and make sure to plan a visit to her majesty's royal castle. Click here to purchase your tickets now!

Magic Kingdom Attractions - Fantasyland

Well - as we're roaring into May, Disney World is heating up and getting ready for Summer break. Since all the kids will be out of school sooner than later, I thought I'd talk about some of the most popular attractions for children - which all can be found at The Magic Kingdom in Fantasyland. Dumbo The Flying Elephant is one of the most popular rides among kids. Centered in the heart of Fantasyland at Disney's Magic Kingdom, Dumbo will take your kids soaring through the sky and spin around the carousel. The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is also a popular ride with everyone's favorite honey-obsessed bear - Pooh. Riders sit down in a giant honeypot and go on an adventure from cartoon-land. Peter Pan's Flight takes you into the clouds and on a journey to Neverland. Beware of Captain Hook's pirate ship or you might be held captive!

Snow White's Scary Adventures takes you through the world of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, where the wicked witch is waiting to cast her evil spell. Each of the different cars are named after the Seven Dwarfs, so make sure you don't climb in with Dopey. "Its a Small World" puts you on a boat where you travel to lands of different cultures and continents, all while singing "It's A Small World, After all." Fact is, it really isn't such as small world as there are so many more rides and attractions, you'll just have to take your kids to Disney World and see for yourself.

Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World

The Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort is continuing it's stride in excellence as special amazing additions are taking place. The Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Magic Kingdom has been completely revamped, keeping up with the popularity of the motion picture "Pirates of the Caribbean" and installing Jack Sparrow into the ride. Dreamflight was turned into " Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin" and it very popular among children. Also at Magic Kingdom park, the Alien Encounter was done over, and is now Stitch's Great Escape, which is playing off the popularity of the Lilo & Stitch hit.
The Hall of Presidents in the Liberty Square District of Magic Kingdom Park was recently updated to include George W. Bush. Bill Clinton and George W. Bush are the only actual U.S. Presidents who give a speech to the audience inside the attraction other than Abraham Lincoln. In Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom, Carousel of Progress was updated to include the 21st century in the scenes and stage design for the last act.
There are so many great things going on at Walt Disney World, you must come down and check it out today! To see some of the best discounts for Walt Disney World Tickets, CLICK HERE! Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort is a place where dreams actually do come true, fantasies are more like reality and you can take part in the happiest celebration on Earth.

The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World

The Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort has forever been known as "The Happiest Place on Earth". Another big weekend is among us in America's # 1 attraction destination - Orlando, FL. We are heading into April, and the mercury is climbing on the thermomater as Spring has finally arrived. Walt Disney World is as popular as ever, with 4 amazing parks headed by Magic Kingdom and Epcot, as well as 2 refreshing water parks in Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Everything down here is peaking, and thousands of people are coming to Florida everyday to experience the magic of Walt Disney World. Today I wanted to write about my favorite park - Disney's Magic Kingdom. The Magic Kingdom is the original theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort, and after 30 years - still going strong. There is nothing like getting off the monorail, walking through Magic Kingdom's main gates, and seeing Cinderella's Castle from afar.

As you walk down Mainstreet USA at Magic Kingdom, you can smell the popcorn and freshly-baked cookies from the MainStreet Bakery, and cotton candy and soda from the charming sidewalk shoppes. Once you pass through the main corridor, you walk under Cinderella's Castle and on to Fantasyland. My favorite rides are Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and Space Mountain. The Haunted Mansion has always remained a timeless classic, as has the Hall of Presidents, which just added Ronald Regan and Bill Clinton to the mix. From the daily mid-afternoon parades to the firework shows at night, Disney's Magic Kingdom is simply amazing from your first step off the train. Seeing the look on kids faces when Mickey Mouse, Winnie The Pooh, and Snow White pose with them for pictures is priceless. No wonder Disney World is the happiest place on earth - you never want to leave. Have a good weekend everyone, and I hope to see you out there at the parks.

Windermere Country Club - Championship Golf !

Good Wednesday - This is the DW Ticket Blog Man here, and I have some exciting, almost unbelievable news. There is a great golf course in Orlando, very close to Universal Studios called the Windermere Country Club. We have put together a package for DWTickets customers and created a 1-day pass for only $94 per day.

To purchase tickets to the Windermere Country Club, Click Here !

Disney's Year of A Million Dreams - UPDATE !

This is the Official DW Tickets Blog Man - reporting live from Orlando, FL. Spring time is among us, and the Walt Disney World resort is booming with visitors from all over the world. With Spring Break around the corner and the kids taking a break from school, what better time to take your family down to Disney World than now ?? If you were thinking about going somewhere other than Disney World for your Spring Break - think again ! This year - during Disney's Year of A Million Dreams, you can win amazing prizes such as a 1 night stay in a suite inside Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom. During the Year of A Million Dreams - there are thousands of prizes given away everyday, from free popcorn and soda, to gift certificates for Disney merchandise, to weeklong cruises. In 2007 - the Year of A Million Dreams at Walt Disney World is here to make your dreams come true.. so take advantage of this amazing opportunity, and buy your tickets at DWtickets.com.

Water Park Fun .... AND MORE !

It looks like Florida's one month season known as "Winter" is wrapping up, and the temperatures are climbing back to the 70's and 80's. Spring Break is around the corner, the skies are blue and sunny, and there is a buzz in the air all over Central Florida! Sweaters and jackets are being swapped for tank tops and board shorts, and the water parks around town are cranking up into high gear.

For the next 6 months, your visit to Walt Disney World cannot just be about theme parks - it's time to take advantage of this beautiful weather and cool off in the H2O. There is nothing that gets me more excited than knowing I have the option to leave my Walt Disney Resort theme park in the afternoon, cruise over to Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, or my hotel pool - and get in the water ! Obviously the hotel pool is a nice place to kick back and relax, but this is Walt Disney World, and I want some action. The Disney Water Park Fun & More ticket is truly a stoke of genius. Water Park Fun & More passes allow me to start my day at any one of my favorite Disney theme parks such as : Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios, or Animal Kingdom.... and then go to Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, DisneyQuest, Pleasure Island (at night) or the Wide World of Sports Complex. I can add more attractions, days, and value to my ticket for just a tiny increase in price. The flexibility makes me feel like I own the place, and I can see pretty much everything I want.
To buy Water Park Fun & More tickets, click here!

Last night, after coming back from dinner at Epcot, I used my Water Park Fun & More ticket to get into Pleasure Island, and the nightclub scene was pretty intense. I felt like I was in South Beach or L.A. and the variety of music inside the clubs was fantastic. I'm going to save some energy though, because next weekend I'll be at Disney's ESPN : The Weekend at MGM Studios, and if you read my last blog -you'll know just how amazing of a time it will be. Until next time, this is the Official DW Tickets Blog man signing off. Have a great weekend!