Posted on Mon, Apr 27, 2009 @ 08:25 AM
Star Wars Weekend at Hollywood Studios
Started back in 1997, Walt Disney World has sponsored a series of special Star Wars Weekends in the Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. Activities normally include celebrity appearances, as well as trivia contests and prize give-aways, Star Tours "ride-a-thons," and a Star Wars Cantina street party, complete with a live disc jockey.
During Star Wars Weekends, celebrities from all the Star Wars films are on hand for motorcades and star conversations, as well as autograph sessions.
Actors featured over the years include: Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Jake Lloyd (young Anakin Skywalker), David Prowse (Darth Vader), Kenny Baker (R2D2), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), and Anthony Daniels (C3PO) among others. Lots of costumed characters, from Luke Skywalker and Queen Amidala to Ewoks and Jawas, can also be found milling about the park, with plenty of opportunities for Star Wars fans to meet and greet them.
Star Wars Weekends activities are included with regular Disney's Hollywood Studios admission.
If you plan on attending any of the Star Wars Weekends, be sure to arrive at the park early. Although the official park opening time is 9 a.m., you will be allowed into the park around 8:30. You will not be able to get over to the Star Tours area until the official rope drop at 9, though.
Information Desk for the event is usually located at the entrance to the event area, across from Drew Carey: Sounds Dangerous.
This will be the place to have all your event questions answered and to sign up for different Trivia contests.
If you want a celebrity autograph, you'll need to get a Fastpass as soon as the park opens. The FP for autographs go VERY VERY fast! IF you have a FP you are guaranteed an autograph.
Two commemorative Star Wars Weekends pins (like the one at right) are issued each weekend, plus there is a special event pin.
Many children, and even some adults, dress in Star Wars costumes for the event -- this might be something to consider to add to the fun.
Haven't got your Hollywood Studios tickets yet? Check out our Orlando Vacation Packages which also include Disney Tickets to Hollywood Studios and all other Disney World Theme Parks!!!
Posted on Sun, Apr 26, 2009 @ 09:51 AM
Disney World & The Pirate League
Calling all scoundrels, rogues and ne'er-do-wells - Captain Jack and the crew
of the Black Pearl want YOU.
Starting in late June, the Black Pearl drops anchor in Adventureland at Disney's Magic
Kingdom for The Pirate League, recruiting and training Walt Disney World guests
of all ages in the scurrilous ways of buccaneers.
Each guest checking in at the plunder-filled pirate’s lair gets an official
pirate name. Then it’s off to Muster Station for applications of beards and eye
patches, scarves and scars, earrings and gold teeth – all done with the savvy
skill of a veteran pirate who shares his own tales of sea-sailing
adventures.
After the new buccaneers recite a sacred pirate oath, they are officially
part of Captain Jack Sparrow's motley crew, leaving their old identities behind. Past a
hidden portal and into the treasure room, the shipmates have their “pirate
portrait” taken before being turned loose on an unsuspecting Adventureland – and
no doubt feeling right at home at the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.
Guests can chose from three daily pirate packages:
First Mate Package: Includes bandana; choice of facial effects – scars,
tattoos, fake teeth, earring and eye patch; sword and sheath; pirate coin
necklace; one 5x7 inch photo and personalized pirate oath - $49.95 plus tax
Empress Package: Includes bandana; shimmering makeup – face gem, tattoos,
nail polish, earring and eye patch; sword and sheath; pirate coin necklace; one
5x7 inch photo and personalized pirate oath - $49.95 plus tax
Captains Package: Includes choice of costume/outfit from selection: choice of
facial effects - scars, tattoos, fake teeth, earring and eye patch; sword and
sheath; pirate coin necklace; three 5x7 inch photos and personalized pirate oath
- $124.95 plus tax.
Newly donned swashbucklers can test their pirate prowess on the streets of
Adventureland where they search for clues and discover treasures. And for mateys
who need a little more training, learn the secrets for survival by the Captain
himself during “Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial.”
Posted on Tue, Apr 21, 2009 @ 08:21 AM
Islands of Adventure Theme Park at Universal Studios Orlando
which is part of Universal Studios in Orlando Florida, consists of
five different themed lands. Here all your favorite children’s stories, legends,
myths, comic books, and cartoon heroes come to life in state-of-the-art rides
and attractions providing adventure-filled days for all ages. When you arrive at
the park, you are escorted to a main port of entry where guests depart to an
inland sea to visit the islands. Islands of Adventure opened in 1999 along with
CityWalk making Universal Studios Orlando the famous Universal Orlando
Resort.
Marvel Super Hero Island:
- The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman - if you love roller coasters this will
be the ultimate coaster adventure for you.
- Dr. Dooms Fear Fall – here you
will be taking fear to new heights as Doctor Doom prepares to submit you to his
evil experiments via a device that will extract all fear from your body by
rocketing you 200 feet into the air and then sending you back down faster than
gravity itself.
- Storm Force Accelatron – get ready for a whirling and
spinning ride and watch a battle between the world’s super heroes against
villains in a battle of good and evil.
- The HulkCoaster - This is one mean green machine, prepare to be amazed at this very face and fun ride.
Attractions at Toon Lagoon Island:
- Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges – watch as Popeye rescues Olive from
Bluto in this water ride and you can help too.
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls – an action packed side-splitting flume
ride that will get you soaked when you plummet down Ripsaw Falls.
Attractions at Jurassic Park:
- Jurassic Park River Adventure – take a river raft ride and see dinosaurs in
their natural habitats. Watch out when they brake loose and your only escape is
an 85-foot plunge in total darkness.
- Pteranodon Flyers – here you can soar
through the air and view the Camp Jurassic play area. It is a great journey you
will never forget.
Attractions at The Lost Continent Island:
- Dueling Dragons – ride the Fire Dragon or Ice Dragon coasters and soar 125
feet in the air while they are dueling across the sky. You will experience a
heart pounding adventure as you explore ancient myths and legends.
- The Eight
Voyage of Sindbad – this is a stunt show in an open air amphitheater of heroic
proportions.
- Poseidon’s Fury – tour the remains of the ancient temple of
Poseidon in this explosive under sea adventure and find yourself trapped beneath
the sea as huge fireballs, lasers and explosions erupt around you.
Attractions at Seuss Landing Island
- The Cat in the Hat – here you can ride the pages of famous children’s books
as Dr. Seuss’s whimsical children’s tales come to life.
- The High in the Sky
Seuss Trolley Train Ride – this ride will take you on a journey high above the
colorful rides and attractions below.
For young children:
Young children can have lots of fun at Islands of Adventure with
special attractions throughout the park. Some of the rides here include: If I
ran the Zoo, Caro-Seuss-el, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, Camp
Jurassic, Jurassic Park Discovery Center, Me Ship, The Olive, and King’s Row and
Comic Strip Lane.
All these children’s attractions are sure to make your family
vacation to Orlando Florida an unforgettable one.
Make sure to check out all our Orlando Vacation Packages to Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure!!!!
Posted on Mon, Apr 20, 2009 @ 07:53 AM
Universal Studios Theme Park Orlando Florida
If you are looking for an action-packed vacation, then travel to Universal Studios in Orlando Florida for the thrill of your life. Here you will not find those loveable Disney World characters from childhood story books but rather the excitement and action of the movies in the form of rides and attractions. The place is huge with two theme parks, three hotels and a CityWalk complex. Because there is so much to be said about this place, only Universal Studios production will be covered in this article. The other theme park and CityWalk will be discussed in another article that I will write soon. With that said, here are some of the attractions you will find on your next Orlando Florida Vacation to Universal Studios.
The minute you step through the gates at Universal Studios Orlando you will find yourself in the middle of a real working television and film production studio. You are the star at this movie and TV based theme park with its unique combination of thrilling rides, electrifying entertainment and the inside story of how your favorite movies are made. It is a real film and television studio where you will go behind the scenes and actually beyond the screen and into the action of all your favorite movies. You will feel the thrills of been in a real picture as you ride the movies.
Universal Studios Orlando is like no other place in the world for excitement all the time. For example, every few minutes you can experience the forces of nature at its worst moments as special effects recreate the explosive force of a tornado using full force air and a piercing sound system that is quite loud. Whether you are a fan of action filled movies, comedy shows or heart warming children’s tales, nobody puts you in pictures the way Universal Studios Orlando does and all major attractions are loud and full of action. All attractions are separated in sections and here are some that might interest you.
Production Central: this is the place where you will find yourself inside a real working television and film production studio and you can live the excitement of how movies are made. In this area you can enjoy movies such as Shrek 4-D and Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast.
New York: from a 1920’s alleyway to urban parks, even Manhattan residences, the studio’s New York street set recreates the background of big city productions. In this area you will find movies such as Revenge of the Mummy-the ride, Twister-Ride it Out, and The Blues Brothers with Jake and Elwood, the bad boys of blues.
World Expo: come in contact with the magic of Hollywood as the movie making capital of the world is recreated here. You will find star covered sidewalks and landmark buildings and attractions such as Terminator 2 (3-D), The Simpsons Ride, Men in Black-Alien Attack and even see a Universal Horror make up show.
San Francisco/Amity: here you can get transported to San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf and even the New England fishing village of Amity. You can also ride movies like Jaws and experience live shows like Fear of Factor live, Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Review and Disaster where you survive a shattering 8.3 on the Richter scale quake.
Woody Woodpecker Kids Zone: find some of the most popular stars in children’s entertainment here along with various rides, shows and attractions that will appeal to all ages. Included here are A Day in the Park with Barney, E.T. Adventure, Curious George goes to Town, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, Fievel’s Playground and even find animal actors on location.
As I stated before, there is so much to see and do at Universal Studios in Orlando Florida that it is nearly impossible to cover all of it here. But the information above should be enough to help you plan your next Orlando Vacation Package and keep Universal Studios in your plans.
Posted on Sun, Apr 19, 2009 @ 09:18 AM
Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay Florida
is owned and operated by the Busch
Entertainment Corporation a division of Anheuser-Busch. The original theme park
which opened its doors in 1959 is one of America’s largest zoological
institutions with more than 2,700 animals. Through the years, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
became a theme park with thrill rides like high speed roller coasters which are
considered to be some of the biggest in the world today. It also includes a wide
variety of attractions, shows, and live entertainment for children and adults of
all ages.
There is something for everyone at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay including different areas
with rides and entertainment for smaller children. It is such a unique theme
park that it is also a part of Worlds of Discovery providing you with
breathtaking adventures and a taste of African Safari. This 335-acre park
resembles various areas of Africa ranging from Morocco, Congo and even Egypt.
Guests are transported aboard an off-road adventure through the wilds of Africa
and you can have up close encounters with the animals.
Rides:
There are many exciting rides at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and lots of them are thrilling
roller coasters that will have your heart pounding for hours. Included here are
Gwazi which is the largest and fastest double wooden roller coaster in the
Southeast; Sheikra the nation’s first dive coaster that will take you 200 feet
up and then drop you 90 degrees straight down into an underground tunnel;
Cheetah Chase that will take you in an adventure in the heart of exotic
Timbuktu; Kumba coaster with an initial 135 foot drop and then a plunge from 110
feet into a diving loop; and Montu coaster which will test your courage at every
turn.
And, if you like water rides don’t miss Congo River Rapids which will put you
on a 12 person raft through swift flowing white waters and spin through a geyser
and then drop you through a huge waterfall; Stanley Falls will take you through
a splashing trip ending in a 40 foot drop that will get everyone soaked; and
Tanganike Tidal Wave which is a 20 passenger boat ride that ends with a sudden
plunge of about a 55 foot drop and creates a huge wave. Get ready to get soaked
again.
Animal Attractions:
Animal Attractions at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay include Clydesdale Hamlet featuring some of
the most powerful horses in the world; Bird Gardens with over 500 tropical birds
from all over the world; Edge of Africa which is an intense wildlife experience;
Lory Landing which is a domed exotic bird habitat; Rhino Rally that will
transport guests to adventure the wilds of Africa; Serengeti Plain which
features hundreds of exotic African animals; and Myonbe Reserve where you can
view chimpanzees and gorillas in their natural habitat.
Other Attractions:
Other attractions that you can visit at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
are Land of the Dragons which includes a three story tall tree house with an
enchanted forest, some slides, a gentle waterfall, great rides and friendly
dragons; King Tut’s Tomb where you can visit a realistic replication of King
Tut’s burial site; Serengeti Railway that will take you all around the Serengeti
Plain which is like the real thing in Africa with its large roaming herds of
African animals; and Skyride where you can view the spectacular scenery of the
park.
Shows:
If you like to be entertained, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers many live shows including
Burn the Floor which is a fast paced show with live dancers; Friends for Ever a
family friendly show that teaches kids of all ages that together, friends can
accomplish anything; Katonga-Tales from the Jungle is a 35 minute musical that
will take you on a journey to the heart of Africa; Music Sheiks of Morocco which
serve as ambassadors at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay since the 1970s and perform on the
sidewalk of the park daily; Pirates 4-D a swashbuckling 4-D comedy adventure for
the entire family; Critter Castaways is an animal show featuring exotic
creatures and includes dogs, cats, birds, kangaroos to mention a few but there
are almost 80 animals in all; and Rock a Doo Wop which features the greatest
hits of the 50’s and 60’s performed by talented singers and dancers.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is such a large theme park that it is almost impossible to
mention everything here but hopefully the information above will help you to
discover its beauty on your next Florida Travel Vacation.
If you are planning a trip to Florida, make sure that you check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all you Orlando Florida Vacation Packages
Posted on Sat, Apr 18, 2009 @ 07:47 AM
Florida Vacation & Travel Destinations
Thinking of traveling to Florida for a vacation? Did you know that Florida is one of the most affordable
vacation destinations available today? Yes, you can plan that Florida Family Vacation
and count on Orlando Discount Tickets USA for its value. While I can understand that most of us
should be concerned about the economic times that we are facing, I can assure
you that you can still afford that Florida vacation that you have been dreaming
of for some time. How do I know this? Well, it is precisely our economic
downturn that is forcing the airline industry, hotels and all theme park
attractions in Florida to reduce prices and create discounted vacation packages
for travelers.
The first step in planning your Florida vacation is to make a commitment to
take that vacation. Once your mind is made up, decide where you want to go and
remember that Florida is one of those places that has a little something for
everyone and every budget. Next, start looking for discounted vacation packages.
In future posts, I will provide you with several places that offer discounted
vacation packages to get you started.
Why Florida? First of all, I live in Florida and I am familiar with the
entire state and its beauty. I know that through the years, Florida has been a
favorite vacation place for many people. There is so much to do and see in
Florida that it would be impossible to mention it all here but millions of
people flock to Florida every year. Let’s face it, Florida is called the
“Sunshine State” and we do have lots of it here. With its exotic resorts and
gorgeous beaches, coupled with great weather, it is no wonder that more and more
people choose Florida for their vacation destination.
Consider this…
Florida is the home of the famous Walt Disney World theme park. It has been said that
Disney World with all its magic is Florida’s most popular vacation destination
and is the largest resort in the world with four theme parks and over 20 hotels.
Disney World is a place where you can experience those magical days of
princesses, castles and all your favorite Disney movie characters from your
childhood story books. It is a place where dreams come true for children and
adults alike. It is a place that every child alive wants to visit.
In addition to the wonderful world of Disney characters, Florida is also the
home of the famous SeaWorld Orlando, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Epcot Center, Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure, the
famous Busch Gardens Tampa, Daytona International Speedway, and NASA which is also
known as Kennedy Space Center. I live 1 Hour from Kennedy Space Center and
can honestly tell you that the shuttle launches are breathtaking!
Florida is also the place for fairy tale weddings and honeymoons. Couples just
come down to Florida to get married and they don’t need a fairy godmother to
find the perfect setting for their wedding. While there are many choices for
wedding locations in Florida, couples can really make their fairy tale dream
come true by planning their wedding with Cinderella’s coach and even her famous
glass slippers. Other couples choose a romantic sunset wedding by the beach and
we do have plenty of beaches and beautiful sunsets here. Tropical weather and
plenty of sunshine make Florida’s beaches some of the most romantic vacation
destinations for an unforgettable wedding!!!!
And, if a Cinderella style wedding or a sunset wedding is not your type, then
you can plan your wedding at the Lovers Key State Recreation Area which is
located in Southwest Florida. Here you will have over 700 acres of natural
habitat and almost 3 miles of beaches and a unique turn-of-the-century gazebo
that is available for weddings. The park’s secluded gulf front setting and its
stunning open air structure have made Lovers Key one of Florida’s most romantic
state park and a preferred location for weddings.
The places mentioned above are just a few of the many options you have when
planning your Florida Vacation.
So make sure that when planning your Florida Vacation that you check out http://www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Orlando Florida Vacation Packages!!!!!!
Posted on Thu, Apr 16, 2009 @ 08:04 AM
New Attraction at Downtown Disney
An iconic new attraction, Characters in Flight, presented
by Aerophile, debuts the week of April 13 (weather permitting) at Downtown
Disney. Already in the test and adjust phase, guests can see the
72-foot-diameter, tethered gas balloon hovering 400 feet in the air. When the
attraction opens, approximately 30 guests at a time will enjoy an eagle's-eye
view of the expansive Walt Disney World Resort. The attraction reinforces Walt
Disney World's commitment to provide guests with new, one-of-a-kind experiences
and reflects the vision for Downtown Disney announced last year.
Prices
are currently advertised at $10 per person (both adult and child).
Posted on Wed, Apr 15, 2009 @ 07:11 AM
Posted on Tue, Apr 14, 2009 @ 07:31 AM
Disney World's Hannah Montana is a hit at Box Office
Never underestimate the power of a teen star & teen spirit. Walt Disney's "Hannah Montana: The
Movie" opened this weekend earning $34 million; TWICE what Disney had
predicted.
Miley Cyrus was very excited about the news, and blogged about
it on her official Twitter feed: "omgomg! my fans rock! the movie is doing
great you guys! omg AND its all cause of you!!!! I LOVE U ALL! IF YOU HAVENT
SEEN IT YET CHECK IT!"
In the film, Cyrus struggles with living her
double life, just as on her TV show. She takes a trip to Tennessee to sort
through things, but it turns out that things only get more
complicated.
The Disney Company was also surprised by the success. Chuck
Viane, president of domestic theatrical distribution, said, "It caught us by
surprise. No doubt about it. "Outside of Wow! what can you
say?"
The film topped the opening weekend for Cyrus' previous film,
"Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour". That film earned
$31 million at its opening before going on to earn over $65 million total.
Posted on Mon, Apr 13, 2009 @ 04:08 PM
Animal Kingdom Picnic at Disney World
For those who love the outdoors, especially dining in the outdoors, there is a
new choice in dining options at Disney's Animal Kingdom. "Picnic in the Park"
will be offered to guests who would like to enjoy a nice family picnic, Disney World
style.
Guests will place their orders for the picnic at Animal Kingdom's
guest-relations office or at the Tusker House Restaurant and then pick up their
food at their chosen time. Pick up will be located at the Kusafiri Coffee Shop
& Bakery right next door to the Tusker House. After that, guests can take
their picnic to any one of the 14 designated picnic areas that are available.
Prices start at $24.99 for a meal that includes sandwiches for three
people and can go as high as $56.99 for a meal that includes a rotisserie meal
for a family of 6. All picnics come packaged in a reusable bag, complete with
plates and utensils. They also include a map marked with the picnic area
locations.
And if you haven't gotten your Disney World Animal Kingdom tickets or Disney World Vacation yet, then check out our website at http://www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com