Segway Through Walt Disney World

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

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

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

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

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

Best Orlando Souvenirs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn all about the Disney Princesses

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Get the Most Out of Your Orlando Vacation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disney Cruise Lines in Port Canaveral

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Flower Fest Weekends at Epcot

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

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

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

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

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

May 31-June 1 – Festival Farewell

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

Epcot Flower Power Concert Series Continues in May

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disney Dates – May 2008

The Walt Disney World Resort has so much going on, it really is difficult to keep up. We want to make your vacation planning easier, so along with giving you the best discount Disney tickets, we keep you updated on what’s happening all around the Walt Disney World Resort. Here’s what’s up in May:

Minnie Marathon Weekend is upon us
Disney’s Minnie Marathon Weekend is an endurance racing event that recognizes the strength of women. This year’s marathon has two different events, and both are this coming weekend. Sponsored by Lady Foot Locker, Disney’s Minnie Marathon Weekend “celebrates all things women’s fitness.”

Disney’s Go Red for Women 5K is on Saturday, May 3, and it will benefit the “Go Red for Women” movement of the American Heart Association. Disney’s Women Run the World 15K will take place on Sunday, May 4. It begins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, runs through Disney’s Wide World of Sports and Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resort, and finally comes to an end in Epcot. A Disney ticket is not required for participation.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival rocks into its last month
The Epcot Flower & Garden Festival continues through the month of May with special weekends, Flower Power concerts and more gorgeous gardens that you can shake a stem at.

May 11 is Mother’s Day, and the Epcot Flower Fest is getting in on the celebration with a special Mother’s Day Brunch. (Reservations and an Epcot ticket are required.) Davy Jones will be on hand for a Flower Power concert that will have Mom swooning.

The Epcot Flower & Garden Festival will sprout its final blossom with the Festival Farewell Weekend on May 31 and June 1. This will be your last chance to get your Epcot tickets and see what the fuss is all about.

Disney attraction openings and closing for May
Magic Kingdom

• Cinderella’s Golden Carousel is closed for rehab May 4-22
• Jungle Cruise is closed for rehab May 11-24
• Mickey’s Pirate and Princess Party sails in on May 2, 9, 16, 21, 26, 31

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• The American Film Institute Showcase is closed for rehab May 1

The month of May is a great time to visit Walt Disney World. The weather is still pleasant, and the crowds are not nearly as large as they will be come summer. So, go ahead and plan your Orlando vacation this May, and get all of your Disney tickets today!

Epcot Flower & Garden Has More Power Than Ever

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SeaWorld Announces Major Expansion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Parties it up for Spring

Disney’s Hollywood Studios got a new name at the start of 2008, and that let loose a succession of new and exciting events that will last all year long. If you are planning an Orlando vacation, make sure to include Disney’s Hollywood Studios in your Disney ticket purchase so you can experience all the fresh fun for yourself.

Block Party Bash Now Dancing Down Hollywood Boulevard
Disney’s Hollywood Studios unveiled their most innovative and interactive parade ever to Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests last month amid rave reviews. You do not want to miss this moveable dance party, so get your Disney tickets today and join the par-tay down Hollywood Boulevard!

Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The new Disney’s Hollywood Studios means new character experiences, and your kids will love eating with their favorite friends from Playhouse Disney. You and your family can enjoy a magically musical breakfast buffet or luscious lunch with JoJo and Goliath from “JoJo’s Circus” and Disney’s “Little Einsteins,” Leo and June. Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood & Vine takes place inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so you need your Disney ticket to get in. Advance reservations are highly recommended.

Join the New Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage! At Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has new stuff for kids too. With the new Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage! show, little ones will step right into their roles at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In this new live stage performance, Mickey wants to surprise Minnie with a birthday bash to remember, and he needs help from your kids! Little ones of all ages will dance and sing with their Playhouse Disney pals from:

• “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse”
• “Handy Manny”
• “Little Einsteins”

The new Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage! show is 22 minutes of dancing, singing and Disney fun brought to you several times a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. All your kids need to be a part of this Disney show is a Disney ticket!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Has Your Ticket for Springtime Fun
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a new name and some amazing new shows and special events debuting this spring. And your Disney ticket is all you need to experience the glamour and excitement of Hollywood for all ages.

The Top 10 Reasons to Visit Disney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s New at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly known as Disney-MGM Studios) has more than just a new name in 2008. This park, which transports guests right into the movies with an array of attractions and shows, has a new daily afternoon parade and a few new attractions that are either already entertaining guests or will be in the coming months! To experience all of them for yourself, however, you have to have tickets to get into the theme park, and we have just the way for you to do it! DWTickets.com is your one-stop shop for discounted tickets to the Walt Disney World Resort and all of the other top attractions in Central Florida, from local dinner shows to Universal Orlando and all of the Sea World parks, including Sea World’s brand new water park, Aquatica! For tickets to everything above, simply click here to get started by perusing our discounted theme park tickets to Walt Disney World!

As we mentioned earlier, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a brand new afternoon parade that has already debuted at the park, and this performance is more of a mobile stage show than a traditional parade that guests may be used to. The Block Party Bash originated in 2005 in Disney’s California Adventure Park, but moved over to Walt Disney World in mid-March, replacing the former Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade. This new daily spectacle combines almost 30 Disney Pixar characters, incredible floats, trampoline units, aerial acrobatics and upbeat music for a parade experience like no other! Disney’s Block Party Bash also doubles as an interactive street party, with choreographed performance stops along the route where dancers, acrobats, jumping stilts, electric scooters and your favorite Disney Pixar characters from films like “Toy Story,” “The Incredibles” and “Monsters, Inc.” mesmerize the crowd. If your vacation plans include a stop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, don’t miss this mid-afternoon parade that is sure to knock your socks off!

In addition to the Block Party Bash, Disney’s Hollywood Studios also has a few attractions that have recently been added and a couple more that are on the way! The High School Musical Pep Rally, a stage show that takes place in front of Mickey’s sorcerer hat, transports guests into the halls and onto the basketball court of East Side High School. In addition to performances from all of your favorite songs from the popular Disney Channel movies, you can learn new dance moves and cheer along with your favorite characters at this one-of-a-kind pep rally! Another new show at the Studios is Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! This live musical has recently changed casts and now features a 20-minute performance with characters from the Disney Channel shows “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Handy Manny” and “Little Einsteins.”

Even more fun is on the way to Disney’s Hollwood Studios in 2008! Projected to open in May 2008, Toy Story Mania will be similar to the Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at the Magic Kingdom Park, except more high-tech. Billed as a “4-D” ride, guests will put on 3-D glasses that will instantly shrink you to toy size, and then you will wind your way through a midway to play games and see characters from the “Toy Story” films! Each guest will be armed with a toy cannon to play all of these games, and each target that you hit will be worth a certain amount of points, while some special targets will bring you even more fun surprises!

Finally, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has partnered with Simon Fuller’s 19 Entertainment and FreMantleMedia for the opening of an “American Idol” attraction that is slated to open in late 2008. Guests who enter the park and register will be able to audition in front of a producer. From there, the best performers will then perform in front of a panel of judges and a live audience of park guests, with the winners (whoever receives the most amount of votes) from each show advancing on to that evening’s Grand Finale performance. The winner of this daily event is then given a pass to use at a future American Idol audition to bypass the lines and sing immediately in front of producers of the show at one of these regional competitions. While this does not ensure that the winners will then advance to sing in front of the show’s actual judges, it does eliminate the waiting process! Since “American Idol” is only open to participants from 16-28 years old, daily winners who are not in that age group can transfer their pass to a friend of family member, or in the case of someone under the age of 16, they can save their pass for a future competition.

To experience all of these shows, parades and attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, be sure to go ahead and purchase your advance, discounted theme park tickets right here at DWTickets.com!

Declaring Your Love the Disney Way

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disney Theme Parks are the World’s Best

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April Showers Bring Epcot Flowers

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

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

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

Flower Power Concert Performers:

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

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

Flower Power Concert Performer:

• The Grass Roots featuring Rob Grill

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

Flower Power Concert Performers:

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

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

Flower Power Concert Performers:

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

Orlando Attraction Coasting for Kids

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

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

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

SeaWorld Orlando

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

Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa Bay

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

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

Disney’s Magic Kingdom

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

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

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

Universal Studios Orlando

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

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

Orlando Becomes a Music Mecca This March

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sea World Orlando Shows

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

Busch Gardens Shows

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

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

American Idol is Joining the Show at Disneys Hollywood Studios

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Valentines Day at Walt Disney World

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

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

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

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

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

Celebrating Your Love in Orlando

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disney Follows Our Lead

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

And we don’t just do Disney.

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

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

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

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

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

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

2008 at Walt Disney World

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disney Does the Holidays – By the Numbers

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

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

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

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

Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party

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

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

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

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

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

Holidays Around the World at Epcot

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

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

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

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

Florida Governor Makes Gambling Deal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Is Made Modern Again

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

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

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

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

Spaceship Earth Updates on the Way

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

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

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

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

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

Disney Beach Club

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disney Cruises!!!

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

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

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

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

Halloween at Disney Already?!?!

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

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

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

Pirates and Princess Party

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

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

Christian Celebrations at Disney and Universal

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

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

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

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

Coming to Epcot!!

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

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

Animal Kingdom Adding New Character Breakfast!

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

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

Star Wars Weekends at Disney MGM Studios

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

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

Mission Space at EPCOT

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

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

Summertime at Wet N Wild Waterpark

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

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

Dining at Disney World

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

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

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

Dancing With the Stars Comes to Orlando

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

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

Shopping at MGM Studios

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

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