Posted on Mon, Nov 16, 2009 @ 07:36 AM
Disney World, Universal Studios & SeaWorld Orlando Holiday Season Events
We've recovered from the Halloween sugar rush just in time for the visions of sugar plums to kick in at our theme parks. Some events are under way already, some favorites are coming up, and there are even new offerings out there this year. There's plenty of time to pace yourself. No need to OD on pixie dust and poinsettias right away.
Walt Disney World
Some of the Disney yuletide events already are in place. At Magic Kingdom, guests can see Cinderella Castle undergo a nightly transformation into Castle Dreamlights! (now with exclamation point) mode, a white-light immersion. At Disney's Hollywood Studios, the Osbourne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is back with its annual full-on assault of choreographed twinkling.
Also underway is the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party series of after-hours, separate ticket events at Magic Kingdom. New to the party this year is A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas! (again with the exclamation point!) featuring Stitch, Buzz Lightyear and Mike Wazowski. Very Merry includes a special holiday parade (toy soldier alert), themed fireworks, free hot cocoa and other shows. Remaining dates are today, Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Nov. 20 and 29, Dec. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 18.
Disney's Animal Kingdom shifts its afternoon parade to a holiday version on Nov. 27 when Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade kicks off. It appears daily through Jan. 3.
Epcot goes into holiday mode Nov. 27 with its Holidays Around the World presentation at World Showcase, which sports an international flair plus a special ending to the IllumiNations display. Candlelight Processional, a mass choir and orchestra backing a narration of the Christmas story, begins that night as well. The first celebrity speaker is scheduled to be Isabella Rossellini.
All Disney holiday events - with the exception of Very Merry - are included in regular park admission.
Universal Orlando
The bulk of Universal's holiday celebration takes place at Universal Studios theme park. New to the lineup this year is a three-weekend concert series at Music Plaza, which will kick off with a performance by holiday megagroup Mannheim Steamroller on Dec. 5. Other artists will be Chris Isaak (Wicked Game) on Dec. 12 and Natalie Cole ("Unforgettable") on Dec. 19.
Isaak and Cole will mix holiday songs into their usual playlist. Show times are 7 p.m.
Each concert is preceded by the Macy's Holiday Parade, a collection of balloons and floats imported from the famed Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. There should be a Santa Claus sighting as well. The parades are daily from Dec. 5 to Jan. 1.
Three Universal shows get a holiday overlay: Blues Brothers Christmas Show (with snow on Delaney Street), Kidzone Holiday Show and Barney's Christmas Show. The Universal Cinesphere 360 show returns for a six-day stint beginning Dec. 26.
Next door at Islands of Adventure is the park's musical version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, which is performed several times a day, beginning Dec. 5. All of these Universal offerings are included in regular park admission.
SeaWorld Orlando
The Polar Express Experience, a pine-scented overlay of the park's Wild Arctic simulator, returns today for its third holiday season, and " Shamu Christmas ... Miracles," starring a killer whale and gospel music, comes back Nov. 27.
But SeaWorld also has three new holiday productions that will debut Nov. 27.
An ice rink will be built at Bayside Stadium, the location for Winter Wonderland on Ice, an ice-skating show. A Muppet-driven show called A Sesame Street Christmas, featuring Elmo and Big Bird, will be at Seaport Theater, and sea lions will continue their comedy antics in Clyde and Seamore's Countdown to Christmas. That duo has performed a holiday show before but this will be an all-new production, SeaWorld says.
These attractions are included in regular SeaWorld admission.
Still haven't got your tickets or Holiday Vacation Packages yet to Disney World, Universal Studios or SeaWorld Orlando? Then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Orlando Vacation Packages needs!!!
Posted on Sat, Nov 07, 2009 @ 07:03 AM
Weekend of Fun at Fantasy of Flight
The Following article courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine
Roar n' Soar, Fantasy of Flight's signature two-day extravaganza of the world's finest classic land, sea and air racing machines ever built, will return this weekend. Now in its third year, the event promises an even bigger combination air show, classic car show and slalom competition, boat show and regatta and extreme sports showcase held Fantasy of Flight in Polk City, Fla., midway between Orlando and Tampa.
Roar n' Soar takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 and Sunday, Nov. 8 (gates open at 9 a.m.) at the attraction's spacious lakefront grounds and airfield. Throughout the two-day festival, the best of the best in aviation perform precision aerial maneuvers in Fantasy of Flight owner and founder Kermit Weeks' "World's Greatest Aircraft Collection" including the Grumman Duck, P51-C and Fokker DR-1. Pilots will be on hand between maneuvers to greet guests. Challenging their full-size counterparts, giant-scale model aircraft will strut their stuff in their own demonstration of formation flying, precision aerobatics and aerial combat maneuvers.
A team of powered paragliders will also create a colorful canopy in the sky as they demonstrate the world's smallest, most personal aircraft in which they wear their motors on their backs. Not to be outdone, Neal Goss, the Guinness World Records oldest living hang glider at 89 years old, will be on-hand to demonstrate his record-breaking techniques.
Meanwhile, classic car lovers will enjoy seeing the Rare, Antique, Classic & Exotic Car Show, marveling at classic and one-of-a-kind luxury automobiles including Jaguar, Austin-Healy, Ferrari, BMW and Porsche. These stunning cars aren't just for show - many of them feature the horsepower and torque to kick up some dust in the sanctioned Jaguar Slalom competition, in which drivers of all types of classic cars will test their mettle by maneuvering through a cone-lined course on the hangar tarmac.
Vintage race boats are just as plentiful at Roar n' Soar, where the Classic Race Boat Association is hosting as many as 50 of the most elegant and powerful race boats ever built in exhibition fly-bys on the mile-and-a-half-course along Lake Agnes. Boats and their drivers will be available between runs to meet with guests and take photos. Orlando Culvert Dodgers will be running gasoline and nitro methane powered radio-control model boats in a race-like, oval course on Lake Agnes.
Special "Kid's Crew" children's activities are offered as part of the event where kids can try their hand at flying their own hot air balloon and hang gliding simulators in Fantasy of Flight's "Fun with Flight," with prizes awarded for precision landings.
Fantasy of Flight is partnering with Homefront Hugs USA to pack holiday gift packages to ship to U.S. Troops overseas. Guests pre-purchasing tickets or buying them at the gate who
also bring a donated item from a list of the soldiers' most desirable items will receive $5 off one event ticket for one donated item.
Items include:
• $20 AT&T Prepaid phone card
• Bulk package of beef jerky
• Multi-packs of chewing gum
• Packages of note cards
• Packages of protein bars
One-day tickets are available for adults for $23 per person with one child ages 6 to 15 free ($12 value) with a paying adult. Two-day tickets are available for adults for $38 per person with one child ages 6to 15 free ($19 value) with a paying adult. Children 5 and younger are free. Active military and veterans may purchase a weekend event pass for $15 per person and receive a free weekend pass for a child. Valid Military ID required at time of purchase. Discounted rate is not valid for additional guests.
For more information or to purchase Roar n' Soar tickets, call 863-984-3500 or visit fantasyofflight.com.
Also check out all the Orlando Vacation Packages at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com that we offer to Disney World & other Orlando area theme parks.
Posted on Sun, Nov 01, 2009 @ 10:43 AM
Disney World's Annual Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Event Dates & Info
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a special event that is held each winter on select nights at Disney's Magic Kingdom that requires a seperate ticket to attend...This event is filled with a Holly Jolly Holiday Parade, Fireworks & Live Entertainment.
The event will be held from 7pm - 12am on the following dates in 2009:
November 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29
December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18
View all of our Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Vacation Packages and have a chance to see Magic Kingdom theme park all decked out for Christmas as you celebrate the yuletide magic with the ones you love, and join in a festive special event that is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party features:
- The enchanted Castle Dream Lights at Cinderella's Castle
- Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, complete with a special appearance by Santa Claus himself.
- An exclusive holiday fireworks extravaganza - Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season
- Live entertainment featuring Disney Characters
- Meet and greet opportunities throughout Magic Kingdom theme park with some of your favorite Disney Characters
- Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa
- A magical snow fall on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Many of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions
Tickets may be purchased in advance and the event can sell out. Standard Magic Kingdom theme park admission tickets will not allow Guests to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
Click here for a couple of video's from last years Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade that we hope you enjoy!
Posted on Tue, Oct 27, 2009 @ 06:56 AM
Princess Tiana makes her official Magic Kingdom debut at Disney World with a special welcome and Showboat Jubilee
The following article & video's ar courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine
A host of Disney characters welcomed Princess Tiana this morning following her horse-drawn carriage ride to Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. Tiana is featured in the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated film "The Princess and the Frog" which marks Disney's return to traditional 2-D hand-drawn animation.
Today's special welcome was a one-time event in honor of Disney's newest princess making her way to Walt Disney World's most magical theme park. Here's a video of the welcome ceremony:
Shortly thereafter, the official premiere performance of Tiana's Showboat Jubilee took place. Following a jazz-filled procession through Frontierland and Liberty Square, Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Dr. Facilier, and Louis the alligator performed with dancers, musicians, and even park guests in a live musical production that takes place on board the Magic Kingdom's Liberty Belle riverboat.
Here's video of a complete show of Tiana's Showboat Jubilee, including the processional beforehand:
The processional leads characters onto the Liberty Belle which then paddlewheels her way from the dock in Liberty Square toward Frontierland, stopping by the bridge in front of Splash Mountain where a song-filled performance is delivered to watching guests. Nearly two dozen Disney dancers join 30 randomly-chosen park guests to be part of each show. Guests are not necessarily chosen near the riverboat but throughout the park.
Still haven't got tickets yet for Magic Kingdom or haven't got your Disney Vacation Package? Then check out our website for all your Disney Vacations needs at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
Posted on Sat, Oct 24, 2009 @ 06:43 AM
Sign up to attend the 2009 Disney World Christmas Day Parade
Following article courtesy of
Orlando Attractions MagazineIt's a well-known "secret" that Disney's annual Christmas Day Parade is actually taped a few weeks before Christmas Day. This year, it's being taped at the Magic Kingdom on Dec. 3, 4, and 5 (Thursday - Saturday).
Registration is now open for anyone who wants to sign up to be part of the crowd and watch the taping. You can register by following this link.
On Dec. 3 and 4, guest star performances will be shot on Cinderella's Castle Stage and Main Street USA for the show. On Dec. 5, the parade itself will be shot featuring Disney Characters and guest star performances along Main Street USA. In the past, stars performing have included the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Jessica Simpson, Katherine McPhee, the cast of "Dancing with the Stars," and many more. The whole event has been hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, though they are generally only present while shooting the parade down Main Street USA.
Here are a few more details about the taping:
Cost: Registration is free.
Online Registration Ends: December 2, 2009 12:00 AM Pacific Time
There is no age restriction on who can attend the taping. Up to 8 people are allowed to attend per family.Children 2 and under will not need a ticket and do not need to be included in the count.
The shoot will start as early as 7:30 a.m. but generally lasts throughout most of the day. Space is available on a first-come basis. If you arrive late on the day of the taping, you will not be guaranteed admission into the park. Word of warning: It can get very cramped in the reserved spaces.
If you decide to visit the Magic Kingdom that day without signing up for the taping, it is still possible to watch the show, but you will not be allowed into the special reserved areas and will be required to keep moving along the sidewalks.
Here's a brief video we shot during the 2007 Christmas Day parade taping:
Still haven't got tickets yet to visit
Disney World or haven't got your
Disney Vacation Package for
Magic Kingdom? Then check out our website at
www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your
Disney Vacations needs.
Posted on Thu, Oct 15, 2009 @ 06:50 AM
New Attraction & Ride Opened Yesterday at Disney's Epcot "The Sum of all Thrills"
The following article courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine.
The Sum of all Thrills, a new attraction and ride sponsored by Raytheon, opened today at Disney World's Innoventions East at Epcot.
The Sum of all Thrills lets guests create their own ride experience by choosing a ride theme: a roller coaster, bobsled or jet plane. Using multi-touch object recognition tables, guests use math and engineering-based tools to design and customize their ride by adding corkscrews, inversions or steep hills. In the process, guests can learn a little bit about mathematical and engineering principles to determine how much energy is needed for a jet to take off or for a roller coaster or bobsled to make it up its first climb.
When the design of the ride is complete, it is saved on a personal card with a unique bar code. The card is then used to allow each guest to experience his or her custom ride from beginning to end on the robotic KUKA RoboSim 4-D simulator.
Disney previously utilized KUKA robotic arms in their "Rockin' Robots" exhibit also within Innoventions. This particular KUKA RoboSim arm is currently in use in one other United States theme park, this is the first installation combining the robot arm technology with the video simulator and hood. It has also been widely-rumored that Universal Orlando will be using a KUKA robotic arm in its upcoming Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction, though KUKA representatives would not comment on that today.
Inside the simulator, guests experience their ride on high definition video with stereo sound and a fan to simulate wind.
Before reading thoughts on the Sum of All Thrills experience, learn more about the new attraction and the KUKA RoboSim ride system in the following video featuring show producer for Walt Disney Imagineering Eric Goodman, concept designer for Walt Disney Imagineering Brent Strong, director of new market development for KUKA Robotics Michael Beaupre, and vice president of corporate communications for Raytheon Pam Wickham:
There are eight design tables and four robotic arms which each hold two people. Up to three people can experience the same designed ride (utilizing two arms simultaneously). If you're happy with your design, you can keep your card and return to reride the same ride for up to six months.
The ride experience and viewing screen graphics are similar to CyberSpace Mountain at DisneyQuest. Don't expect photo-realism here. Instead, the graphics are more cartoon-like, as shown in the image above.
We rode the Sum of All Thrills five times this morning with varying thrill levels. At the end of each ride, you are literally presented with a "sum of all thrills" in numerical form, rating the various elements you rode. If you don't select any inversions and pick the most basic track elements, your "sum" will likely be in the 200s and your ride will be rather tame, though still somewhat entertaining. The maximum "sum" we received was in the 1,200s for a jet plane ride that included six inversions and a number of thrilling maneuvers. A ride in the 200s feels less thrilling than Big Thunder Mountain, so almost anyone meeting the height and safety requirements should be able to enjoy this experience.Guests must be 48 inches or taller to ride, 54 inches or taller if the designed ride includes inversions. The seats don't fit all body types. Outside of the attraction are two sample seats for guests to try. The hood and screen must come down to a certain point before guests will be able to ride so larger guests may not be able to experience The Sum of All Thrills.
Since the ride system's visually separates riders from the world around them, the feeling of being moved around on the end of a giant robot arm is minimal. Instead, you feel like you're safely seated in a chair that's rolling, pitching, and flipping you upside down. The ride looks more intense from the outside than it feels once you're experiencing it. But that's not to say that six inversions won't make the blood rush to your head.
Overall, The Sum of All Thrills is better than most (if not all) Innoventions exhibits but not quite up there with Epcot's best rides and attractions. The screen inside the hood is smaller than we would have liked. It seems to only be somewhere around a 15-20″ screen, which isn't large enough for a totally immersive experience. But as Innoventions' first ride, it serves its purpose of being entertaining, exciting, and even teaches guests a little something about math. And given the popularity of DisneyQuest's CyberSpace Mountain, The Sum of All Thrills will likely prove to be a winner, especially with the teenage crowd.
In addition to the attraction at Epcot, Raytheon also unveiled a virtual Sum of all Thrills experience online at MathMovesU.com. The Sum of all Thrills world, aimed at middle school students, combines the three ride elements of the theme park experience into one multidimensional ride. Students answer math-related questions to unlock elements that enable them to build their own ride online.
"Sum of all Thrills is an example of how Raytheon is using innovation to encourage students to develop and sustain an interest in math and science," said William H. Swanson, chairman and CEO of Raytheon Company. "By experiencing the ‘thrill' of math in this environment, students have the opportunity first hand to feel the excitement and possibilities of careers that are possible with math and science. We hope young people and adults alike will enjoy this innovative experience."
Still haven't got tickets or a Disney Vacation Package to Epcot yet? Then check out our website for all your Disney World needs at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
Posted on Tue, Sep 29, 2009 @ 10:32 AM
Disney World 2010 Promotion Offers Volunteers a Free Day
The following article courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine
Today Disney announced a new program that celebrates the spirit of volunteer service with a simple proposition: "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day."
Disney World hopes to inspire families to volunteer in their communities during 2010 through this first-of-its-kind program. One million people who perform volunteer service for a participating organization will receive a free one-day admission ticket to a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park.
While the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" program kicks off Jan. 1, 2010, you can learn more about the program and how to get your free one-day admission to a Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme park by visiting www.DisneyParks.com or www.DisneyParks.ca (Canada).
This year, guests were given one free allowed into Disney World for free on their birthday as part of the "What Will You Celebrate?" campaign.
"In 2010, we want to recognize and add one more reason for celebration: the contributions people make to their communities every day," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "We want to inspire one million volunteers - people who will invest time and energy to make their own communities and neighborhoods a better place."
To enable people to sign up for an eligible volunteer project, Disney is working with HandsOn Network, the nation's largest volunteer network. Part of Points of Light Institute, HandsOn Network has 250 on-the-ground volunteer action centers across the country and connects volunteers to more than 70,000 nonprofit agencies that need their help.
Starting Jan. 1, 2010, guests can go visit the Disney Parks Web site to search for volunteer opportunities available in their area through HandsOn Network and sign up for a day of volunteer service. Many of the opportunities will be for projects that entire families can participate in together.
If annual passholders would like to participate, they'll be offered one of three choices instead of the free ticket:
• Special Fastpass cards for certain attractions for up to six people.
• A collectible Ear Hat figurine with exclusive trading pins.
• Donate the free ticket to a non-profit organization designated by Disney.
The free tickets will not be valid at Walt Disney World between March 29 and April 8 or on July 4, 2010.
Ticket quantities are limited. The program begins January 1, 2010 and continues until all tickets are distributed or Dec. 15, 2010, whichever occurs first.
Still haven't got your Disney Vacation Package yet? Then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Disney Vacations needs.
Posted on Sun, Sep 20, 2009 @ 06:48 AM
Choosing The Right Hotel For Your Orlando Vacation In The Orlando/Kissimmee Area
If you are traveling to the Orlando are for your Disney Vacation, be sure to look for Kissimmee Hotels rather than a hotel in the downtown Orlando area or around the Orlando airport. The reason that you want to focus your attention away from Orlando, Florida and towards Kissimmee is that Disney World is actually in Kissimmee, Florida and not in Orlando. Orlando just happens to be the largest city in the area.
In fact, if you chose to say in downtown Orlando, you would be a good thirty to sixty minutes away from the Disney World resort. Of course this all depends all the local traffic. If you stay in a Kissimmee Hotel, you will be anywhere from five to twenty minutes from the Disney World Resort.
If you like having a shorter drive to Disney, then try booking a hotel like the Radisson Worldgate, Ramada Orlando Celebration or Celebration Suites at Old Town. These Kissimmee Hotel are not owned by Disney but still sit near the Walt Disney World entrance.
If you like, check out our web site for all your Disney Vacations, Discount Hotels, and all other Orlando Vacation Package needs at Orlando Discount Tickets USA.
Posted on Thu, Sep 17, 2009 @ 06:11 AM
Fantasyland Expansion at Disney World Now Confirmed for Completion by 2013
*Following article/photos courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine
The long-rumored Fantasyland expansion / addition has been confirmed at the D23 Expo during the Disney Parks & Resorts presentation. Imagineers did not want to comment specifically on the leaked blueprint but it appears that, more or less, all of what was rumored is coming true.
The Fantasyland expansion will begin construction in early 2010 and all except Pixie Hollow will complete in 2012 with Pixie Hollow to follow in 2013.
Included in the new additions are The Little Mermaid dark ride Ariel's Adventure, a Beauty and the Beast restaurant, elaborate princess meet and greets, and a double Dumbo that will have an interactive covered area rather than a queue for those waiting to ride.
Mickey's Toontown Fair will be completely replaced as part of the Fantasyland addition, replaced by the new Dumbo ride/area and Pixie Hollow. The meet-and-greets for Mickey Mouse and his friends will be moved elsewhere in the park, though Imagineers declined to comment on the plans just yet.
The current west side of Fantasyland that includes Peter Pan's Flight and It's a Small World among other rides will remain the same as it is now and will not be receiving a makeover.
Imagineers say that while there are a lot of new princess elements being added to Fantasyland, they will be incredibly interactive and immersive and should appeal to boys as well as girls.
The new area of Fantasyland will be filled with trees and appear much more lush and shady than the current area.
The new construction will not affect the existing Fantasyland and there will be no major closures. Pooh's Playful Spot may be disappearing as part of the project. The Little Mermaid ride will be taking the spot formerly occupied by the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction.
Here is the concept art for the Fantasyland addition that was displayed to the packed audience...
Princess meet-and-greets will be elaborately themed and will serve as much more than just acting as a place to take a picture. Interactive elements and small shows will entertain guests:
Beauty and the Beast's castle will serve as a meet-and-greet, interactive walkthrough exhibit, and turn into a full-service nighttime restaurant. Scenes to be included will be similar to those found in the Animation area of Disney's California Adventure, with the Beast's library and wilting rose among others, but will be enhanced:
The interior ride portion of Ariel's Adventure will be nearly identical to the attraction being built at Disney's California Adventure. However, the exterior will be themed very differently to fit in with the Fantasyland environment rather than DCA's Boardwalk area:
The Dumbo area of the Fantasyland addition will be huge, encompassing much of the existing Toontown. It will include two Dumbo carousels and a circus-themed interactive waiting area to ride. There will no longer be a long, hot queue:
Pixie Hollow, coming in 2013, will allow guests to greet the Disney Fairies in their own elaborate environment:
Still haven't got tickets for Disney World or booked your Disney Vacations yet? Then check out our website for all your Disney World needs at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
Posted on Wed, Sep 09, 2009 @ 06:41 AM
Vacation Packages for Halloween Horror Nights-Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party-SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular
Well the time is almost here in Orland, Florida where all the Theme Parks get geared up for their annual Halloween Events...
Disney World has Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party & SeaWorld Orlando gives you Halloween Spooktacular. Both of these Theme Park attractions are geared for the little ones with costume dress up, trick-or-treating, shows, parades...There is just so much for kids to do that you can't go wrong picking one..
But if you are the fear, gory, want to get the jeepers scared out of you, then Universal Studios annual event Halloween Horror Nights is the mega of all Halloween Spectacles..
Thats why Orlando Discount Tickets USA has put together a few Orlando Vacation Packages for you to choose from when you want to come to Orlando during Halloween...We have some that are just one day and some that are combo and multi-day for the real thrill seekers...
So whether you are coming to Orlando just for Halloween or wanting to visit Disney World, Universal Studios or SeaWorld, make sure that you check out all our Orlando Vacation Packages..We are sure that we have the right Vacation Package for you and your family.