Tiana Madness!

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

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

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

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.

Manta Joins SeaWorld

The SeaWorld franchise has expanded well beyond Budweiser Clydesdales and the Shamu Adventure show. Gone are the days where the park was viewed solely as an educational experience and marine research institute with a beautiful killer whale mascot. Over the years, the park has expanded and changed into a thrill-ride champion and competitor to other Orlando theme parks like Universal Studios and Walt Disney World.

With the addition of Kraken, SeaWorld’s first large-scale roller coaster, the park was launched into the coaster enthusiast spotlight. At the time of its grand opening in 2000, Kraken was the largest roller coaster in South Florida and the first floorless roller coaster in the Southern United States. Even though Animal Kingdom’s Expedition Everest has now taken Kraken’s longest coaster crown, SeaWorld took the proverbial ball and ran into a whole new world of marine related adventure.

The latest thrill ride experience at SeaWorld is the award-winning Manta coaster. Awarded the “Best New Attraction” title by ThemeParkInsider.com, Manta is the tallest and fastest “flying” roller coaster in the world. The manta ray-shaped coaster gets its “flying” title thanks to the position of riders on the ride. When SeaWorld engineers created the ride, they intended to mimic the gliding movement of rays in the water for their riders. So, once riders board their specific car, they will be tilted face down before beginning the 140-ft ascension up the coaster’s first hill.

If the tail whips, pretzel-loops and corkscrews of Manta are too much for you, the ride’s queue features an elaborate exhibit of ocean creatures. The queue at Manta is open to those riding the coaster and for those who are only curious as to what the exhibit has in store. Built to resemble a sea village, the Manta queue features ten aquariums with over 60 species of animals and 300 variations of the ride’s mascot: the ray. If you are waiting in line or just passing through, the aquarium will give you the feeling of being underwater as rays and tropical fish glide overhead.

With rides like Manta and Kraken, sales of SeaWorld tickets have greatly improved, with many SeaWorld execs attributing the increase in attendance to their water-themed coasters. Your best bet in experiencing these great rides as well as the beautiful aquariums, fireworks and live entertainment is to check out the deals DWTickets.com has to offer. Manta awaits!

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.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Prepares to Rock Universal

Roller coasters enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Orlando, the newest attraction to be added to the park since The Simpsons Ride. And though they’ll have to wait a little while longer – the coaster’s opening has been delayed until this summer with the earliest opening likely in June – we’ve got a few extra juicy details on the Rip Ride Rockit to tide everyone over until then.

We’ve already mentioned on this blog that the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (HRRR) will be one of the most technologically advanced coasters in Orlando, with the ability to choose the ride’s soundtrack before boarding, watch your experience on video after riding, and even edit and send that video to friends. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this exciting new coaster, which will feature plenty of moves and maneuvers that are sure to get your heart pumping.

First, the HRRR, once completed, will be the tallest, largest, and fastest X-CAR style roller coaster in the world. Having an X-CAR vehicle – which is more maneuverable than other coaster vehicles and uses innovative, less restrictive restraints – makes the HRRR capable of moves other coasters aren’t. It also allows for more vehicles on the track, ensuring a whirl of non-stop movement.

Some of that movement takes place during six special maneuvers on the HRRR, three of which have never been built before. Those include the Double Take, the world’s first non-inverted loop; the Treble-Clef, where the track bends to form the shape of the musical symbol by the same name, and the Jump Cut, a spiraling negative-gravity move. Other fun maneuvers to look forward to on the Rockit include a 17-story high vertical lift, a drop into an underground chasm, and an inclined loop with a 150-degree banking turn. Riders will also get to soar 33 feet above the ground at a 95 degree angle over the crowd as they wait in the ride’s queue.

Here’s a fun fact – the HRRR features 3,800 feet of steel track, and believe it or not, work first began on it not in the US, but in Munich, Germany last summer. More than 60 sections of track and 200 columns were completed overseas, then packaged into 120 containers and loaded onto ships for transport to the US. They arrived in Savannah, Georgia and then made the trip by road to Orlando, where they were placed in a holding area so the build-out could begin.

Now, it’s just a matter of waiting while the track is completed, and almost all of it is in place. In the meantime, we suggest planning your Universal Studios vacation as a way to pass the time and get excited for the park’s newest and most exhilarating roller coaster yet. Start by looking at the discount Universal Studios tickets on DWTickets.com to begin preparing for your first ride on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.

End the Day with Your Favorite Characters at Animal Kingdom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Out of this World Experiences at Kennedy Space Center

It is the beginning of a New Year, and many of you are probably trying to either think of a good New Year’s resolution or keep the ones you’ve already made. One of the most common resolutions people make is to try new experiences – we all want to enjoy life more and try things we’ve never encountered or done before. And one great place where you can do both is Kennedy Space Center (KSC). There, anyone who’s ever dreamed of going into outer space but lacks the NASA training can experience the next best thing with the KSC’s Shuttle Launch Experience. You’ll experience the sights, sounds, and sensations of a real shuttle space launch on this heart-lurching ride, which will definitely satisfy any New Year’s resolution.

The KSC’s newest attraction, the Shuttle Launch Experience, simulates the space shuttle’s vibrant rush from takeout into Earth’s orbit. The experience begins as passengers enter the Shuttle Launch Simulation Facility, a giant six-story structure similar to the space shuttle facilities at the KSC. As they wait for their chance at launch and ascend the gantry, passengers – known as ‘crewmembers’ from thereon – will witness veteran astronauts sharing their stories, setting the mood for the wild ride to come.

Then, crewmembers will enter the heart of the Space Shuttle Simulation Facility for a pre-launch briefing, where they’ll be told what to expect by veteran Space Shuttle Commander Charlie Bolden. Step-by-step, Bolden goes through the shuttle launch sequence. Then, passengers will board a mock-up Space Shuttle and strap in before the shuttle launch begins. The suspense is palpable with every second of the countdown thanks to a few special effects – then it’s a powerful, knuckle-clenching liftoff as you soar into outer space. You’ll feel like you’re actually cutting through Earth’s atmosphere thanks to state-of-the-art audio, visual, and lighting effects, along with a unique motion simulator that replicates the G-forces and rattle of lift-off.

The fun continues even after the initial boom; the sensations of launch continue as the ‘shuttle’ approaches Max Q, the zone where enormous forces squeeze the Shuttle. Crewmembers will also experience Solid Rocket Booster separation, main engine cut-off, and the External Tank separation. Everything has been designed to exactly replicate an actual shuttle launch. After the Shuttle Launch Experience, guests at KSC will definitely have a whole new appreciation for astronauts.

“It's not a thrill ride,” said Dan LeBlanc, chief operating officer of the Visitor Complex. “You won't be dodging asteroids or battling any aliens. We have worked hard to ensure that it is as close as you can be to simulating the reality of a Space Shuttle launch within the confines of Earth's gravity.”

And though it’s not a thrill ride by your typical standards, the Shuttle Launch Experience delivers plenty of thrills that until now, only astronauts have experienced. It’s definitely a ‘new’ experience that will put a fresh, fun spin on a New Year. So don’t wait until next year to experience the most realistic space shuttle simulation on the planet – get discount Kennedy Space Center tickets at DWTickets.com, and you’ll have one less resolution to break this year.

SeaWorld Manta Update

One thing to look forward to in 2009 is definitely the opening of the new SeaWorld Orlando attraction, Manta. Said to be the biggest single investment in the history of any SeaWorld park, this mega-ride will give guests the unique sensation of being a Manta ray as it swoops over sea and sky on a manta-inspired flying roller coaster.

As the ride is coming along, construction-wise, we can tell you that Manta already looks super-cool. The loading station is beginning to take shape, an area that will eventually sit at the center of the park. The highest point of the coaster was added in late October, a bright two-toned sky blue and royal blue track that swirls up to a maximum height of 140 feet and drops to a maximum of 113 feet. According to SeaWorld, everything is on schedule for a Summer 2009 opening.

Following in the tradition of animal-ride combinations over at Aquatica, Manta will begin with an incredible 184,000 gallon underwater animal habitat. Guests will be able to see 3,000 animals in ten different aquariums, featuring rays, sea dragons, sea horses, and over 2,500 fish. The aquariums will offer floor-to-ceiling, 9 foot tall views, as well as an overhead viewing panels so that visitors can see schools of rays swimming above their heads.

After feeling inspired by the rays’ incredible underwater habits, guests will then transition into the Manta ride, which will take them on a wild ride underneath the belly of a coaster train shaped like a giant manta. Guests will fly face-down, in a horizontal position, as the manta glides, swoops, and dives up to nearly 60 mph. The ride will include four inversions on 3,359 feet of track and will swoop through the sky and over the sea, getting so close to the water that the Manta’s 12-foot wings barely skim the waves.

If you’re not a fan of rollercoaster’s and Manta sounds more like madness to you than a
good time, SeaWorld assures us that the aquarium and queue will be an attraction in itself. Upon entering Manta’s queue, visitors will feel as though they’re in a seaside village. As guests wind through the mythical village, they’ll enjoy artisan-created engravings and artwork that celebrate ray legend and lore. Anticipation to the ride will build as they continue winding through caverns adorned with ray-inspired hand-crafted art in marble, jewels, and mosaics.

Manta will be SeaWorld Orlando’s second major roller coaster – the other is Kraken. Manta is being constructed by Swiss design company Bolliger & Mabillard, who are also responsible for the creation of Kraken as well as the Incredible Hulk Coaster and Dueling Dragons rides at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The 7-acre Manta ride will be located inside the main entrance to SeaWorld and will tower over the park’s 200 acres.

We can’t wait until Manta is finished, and you can bet that when this unique, new ride opens next year, DWTickets.com will be there to give you all the awesome details. Until then, Orlando theme park-goers will have to satisfy themselves with the normal array of SeaWorld fun, which is none too shabby either. The park is even more fun when you score your discount SeaWorld tickets here at DWTickets.com. See you at SeaWorld!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s New at Universal Orlando

The theme parks in Central Florida are always trying to re-invent themselves for their guests, offering new attractions, shows, restaurants and yearly celebrations to encourage guests to come back year after year – and to give them something to look forward to! Universal Orlando is no different – over the past year, and in the upcoming year, Universal has several new experiences that have either already opened or are on the horizon for every guest at the Universal Orlando Resort.

Perhaps the most anticipated and newest attraction to open at Universal is The Simpsons RIDE. Having just opened at Universal Studios Florida, guests follow their beloved characters from the hit TV show as they visit Krustyland, a low-budget theme park made by none other than Krusty the Clown! Join Homer, Marge and the gang as you travel through Krustyland for the ride of a lifetime, crashing through Krustyland’s attractions, stunt shows and rides. All of this takes place in vehicles that are before a large IMAX theater screen, as each vehicle creates the simulation of motion, speed and flight for a ride experience like none other!

Another unique experience at Universal is just outside the theme parks’ gates at CityWalk. Here, you can see Blue Man Group, a worldwide phenomenon that opened at Universal Orlando in June of 2007. Thought it may be reaching its one-year anniversary, this show is still making waves in Central Florida, as it combines a unique blend of music, comedy and theatrics that has brought a brand new entertainment option to the entire Orlando area for locals and tourists alike. If you go, plan on seeing a one-hour, 45-minute live stage show that brings an eclectic mix of live music, percussion instruments and humor that amazes and engages its audience with new and unique creativity never seen before. Whether you are seeing it for the first time or are a repeat guest, Blue Man Group should definitely be on your Universal Orlando itinerary!

Speaking of CityWalk, Universal’s newest restaurant is now open right here in this entertainment district. The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market is fun for the entire family, with mouth-watering entrees of what else – shrimp – along with other menu selections like seafood, steaks, sandwiches and desserts. And before you can say “Run, Forrest, Run!,” be sure to check out all of the memorabilia throughout the restaurant from the famous Oscar-winning film, “Forrest Gump.”

If you are looking for another new dining adventure at Universal, be sure to also check out Islands of Adventure’s all-new character breakfast. Join a host of animated characters each Thursday through Sunday morning from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Confisco Grille for the most important – and fun – meal of the day! Reservations are required for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (call 407-224-4012), and meal prices are $15.95 for adults and $9.95 for children.

Finally, if you are a wrestling fan, you won’t want to miss Total Nonstop Action Wrestling live at Universal Studios. Universal Studios day guests can be a part of the Spike TV show’s tapings and Pay Per View events for free at Universal Studios’ Soundstage 21 at the park. Tapings are held on select dates (the current schedule goes through May 27, 2008), and all seats are first-come, first served. Even non-Universal guests can enjoy these tapings for free – simply proceed to the SHARP Aquos Theatre at CityWalk, head to the right and follow the signs for the taping. For the most up-to-date information on the show, call 407-224-6000.

If any of the above shows or attractions interest you, all you have to do is one thing – come visit the Universal Orlando Resort today! And for an inexpensive way to see everything at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, including Blue Man Group, you have come to the right place. DWtickets.com is your No. 1 online source for discounted theme park tickets, so be sure to click here to save your family precious money on your next vacation. And, while you are here, check out our discounted ticket options for the other top attractions in Central Florida, including Disney, Sea World and local dinner shows, among others. We hope to see you real soon!

The Top 10 Reasons to Visit Disney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

American Idol is Joining the Show at Disneys Hollywood Studios

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!