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 Sat, Sep 26, 2009 @ 07:46 AM
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Kicked Off Last Night
The following article courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine
Yesterday was the first night of Halloween Horror Nights 19 at Universal Studios. Below is a quick rundown of the haunted houses, scare zones, and shows you can expect to see at the event. We'll be posting photos and video during our trips to Halloween Horror Nights.
Haunted Houses
SAW - For years you have come to celebrate Halloween and to witness the weakness of others. The only way to gain redemption for this voyeuristic obsession is to truly know what it means to bleed, to feel weak; to experience pain. Jigsaw will give you this experience. Happy Halloween. Let the games begin.
The Wolfman - Pure. Animalistic. Rage. Take a journey through England's countryside and come face to fangs with one of the most terrifying creatures to ever explode from the silver screen. Forget everything you thought you knew, and prepare yourself for the sights and sounds of the newest addition to Universal Pictures' legacy of horror.
Chucky: Friends to the End - Ever wonder what happens when good toys go bad? Chucky has been hard at work, tinkering with your favorite childhood playthings. Nothing is what it seems as you step inside and experience what its like to live in Chucky's world. This is no Child's Play.
Dracula: Legacy of Blood - Welcome to Castle Dracula on the night of "The Calling." Vlad Dracul bids you welcome - be you one of the chosen women who has been called or merely a mortal man. Those who have been chosen must decide whether to join the Dark Prince in everlasting life as his brides, or reject his offer and suffer for all eternity. The blood must be renewed. The fate of the legacy hangs in the balance - Dracula's legacy of blood.
Frankenstein: Creation of the Damned - It has been a fortnight since his creation caused the castle to be engulfed in flames. Doctor Frankenstein now continues his work to perfect the art of resurrection and regeneration, surrounded by his creations. The Creature has also returned, to make the Doctor pay for the pain and suffering he has had to endure. The Creature will destroy everything in his path to gain redemption, and you are now caught in the middle of this epic battle.
The Spawning - Something "different" has moved in among the sewers of Wyandot County, Ohio. The locals claim that these creatures, these "Sculders," are two feet tall, with the body of a snake. As a volunteer member of the local water district, it is your civic duty to venture into these pipes and restore the flow. But beware, the locals are wrong about the "Sculders" and the only thing that will be flowing is your blood as it leaves your lifeless body.
Leave it to Cleaver - Samuel Meetz works for the people of Carey, Ohio as a butcher, bringing them the freshest meat possible. With a steady livestock of transients and town lawbreakers with which to serve, and a staff of volunteers who will preserve their towns deadly secret by any means necessary, there is truly no end in sight for Samuel or his family business. As Sam always says: Meet Me at Meetz...The Z stands for cannibal.
Silver Screams - Julian Browning has been the usher in the Universal Palace since it opened in 1922, of course, he's been dead since 1940, but he still commands respect for his most beloved films from every patron. Buy a ticket to the Universal Palace, and let Julian usher you into a realm where the horror on the screen is ripped away to reveal a world that is truly terrifying. Features "Shaun of the Dead," "The Phantom of the Opera," "My Bloody Valentine 3D" and other popular horror films.
Scare Zones
Lights, Camera, Hacktion!!! - Hollywood Boulevard is being used as a location for the filming of the next big horror movie to be released in October 2010: The CHAINSAW DRILL TEAM MASSACRE in 3-D. Lights, Camera, Hacktion! Our director, Mas Imair, noted horror film aficionado, is bringing the massacre to life in blood-red terrorcolor. But the actors seem to be taking their direction literally and are "hacking" through the cast and crew. It's a close encounter of the worst kind as the backlot becomes a hacklot and the streets run red with blood. Are you ready for your close-up?
Cirque Du Freak - Inspired by Universal Pictures' upcoming film "Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant," which tells the fantasy-adventure tale of a boy who unknowingly breaks a 200-year-old truce between two warring factions of vampires. Pulled into a fantastic life of misunderstood sideshow freaks and grotesque creatures of the night, one teen will vanish from the safety of a boring existence and fulfill his destiny in a place drawn from nightmares. "Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant" will be in theaters on October 23.
Horrorwood Die-In - The Hollywood Drive-in has been closed for years, and some say the abandoned grounds are haunted, where late at night the dim flickering images of carnage and chaos, monsters and madmen leave the screen and enter the real world looking for fresh victims to star in their latest horrors.
Apocalypse: City of Cannibals - A whole civilization of war-like carnivorous humanoids emerges from the sewers and underground tunnels of New York, looking for fresh food. Half-humanoid, half-beast and ravenous, these tribal cannibals invade the streets of Manhattan. No one is safe!
Containment - When an experimental bio-nerve gas is accidentally released into the atmosphere, the streets are filled with a toxic green mist that turns anyone that comes in contact with it into an infected, melting glob of flesh and blood.
War of the Living Dead - On a remote island in the Pacific during the last days of World War II, German military attempted to create the unthinkable - a new breed of super-soldier made from the reanimated corpses of the dead. American forces quickly seized the island compound, but not before the reanimate agent was released. The island was quarantined and has remained a secret until now. Fifty years later, the two opposing dead forces are still locked in immortal combat with you caught in the cross hairs.
Live Shows
The Rocky Horror Picture Show: A Tribute - Mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Rocky Horror and other famous Rocky Horror Picture Show characters return, bringing the musical mayhem of the classic horror spoof to life on-screen and on-stage with live performers singing and dancing in outrageous costumes. The tribute will be interactive with audience participation and on-stage guest involvement.
Bill & Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure - Bill S. Preston Esq. and Ted Theodore Logan return with an all new, especially excellent Halloween adventure featuring a who's who of notorious celebrity guests stars.
Still haven't got tickets yet to Halloween Horror Nights? Then check out our Universal's Halloween Horror Nights Vacation Package at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
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 Sat, Sep 19, 2009 @ 06:59 AM
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando
With Halloween Horror Nights just under a week away, Universal has released a teaser video of Saw...One of the many themes for this years Halloween Horror Nights 2009.
If you are looking for tickets & Vacation Packages to Universal Studios & Halloween Horror Nights, then check out our web site at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Universal's Halloween Horror Nights 2009 needs.
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.
Posted on Thu, Sep 03, 2009 @ 06:27 AM
Book Your Labor Day Vacation Package Before it is to Late
With Labor Day just a few days away, Orlando Discount Tickets USA is proud to announce their Labor Day Vacation Package specials.
Even though all our Orlando Vacation Packages are discounted, we have put together some really great packages that are deeply discounted for you and your family in this rough economic times just in time for Labor Day.
Whether you want to come to Orlando, Florida to visit Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando or SeaWorld Orlando, we think that we have just the right Labor Day Getaway Package for you and your family.
And if our Labor Day Vacation Packages are not enough for you, then check out all our other Vacation Packages at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
Posted on Tue, Sep 01, 2009 @ 08:43 AM
Many are saying that the Disney World purchase of Marvel is very Unfair
The Law Offices of Howard G. Smith is investigating whether the Board of Directors of Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL) breached its fiduciary duty to its shareholders in agreeing to sell the Company to The Walt Disney Company for $30 per share in cash plus approximately 0.745 Disney shares, which translates to approximately $50.00 per share.
The Law Offices of Howard G. Smith believes that the deal is suspicious because it appears from a review of the Company's financial statements that the inherent value of the Company's stock is greater than $50.00 per share and also because it appears that Marvel did not conduct a fair bidding process to ensure that the Company sold for the best price possible.
Posted on Tue, Sep 01, 2009 @ 08:16 AM
Disney World Is Purchasing Marvel But What Does Universal Have to Say
*The Following Article Courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine*
The Walt Disney Company announced yesterday they're acquiring Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion in cash and stock. This means Disney will own rights to 5,000 Marvel characters such as Spider-Man, Hulk, Capt. America, The X-Men, Dr. Doom, Fantastic Four and more.
So what will this mean for the future of Universal Islands of Adventure and its Marvel Super Hero Island? This section of the park includes rides such as The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Dr. Doom's Fearfall, Storm Force Accelatron and The Incredible Hulk Coaster. In addition to the rides, there are many Marvel walk-around characters in the park.
Marvel shareholders will receive $30 per share in cash plus 0.745 Disney shares for every Marvel share they own. The boards of Disney and Marvel have both approved the transaction, but it requires an antitrust review and the approval of Marvel shareholders.
There's no word from Universal yet on the future of the land.
Update:
Disney's President Bob Iger appeared on CNBC earlier today and had this to say, "Marvel characters have already proven to be strong in terms of theme park attraction and we believe there are a lot of opportunities around the world, not in every one of our parks because there are some existing agreements that we obviously have to honor, but in a number of places for us to use the Marvel characters to basically help us grow our theme park business and better entertain people."
Universal Orlando spokesman Tom Schroder said Marvel characters will remain a staple at its parks. "Marvel Super Hero Island at Universal's Islands of Adventure and the Marvel characters are a beloved and important part of the Universal Orlando experience. They will remain so. Our guests are going to get to meet Spider-Man and all our other Marvel characters. We believe our agreement with Marvel stands and that the Disney/Marvel deal will have no impact on our guest experience."
The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that Marvel has various deals with Universal Orlando. But the agreements governing The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride and The Incredible Hulk roller coaster, appear to be virtually perpetual deals. According to Universal's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Universal Orlando retains American rights east of the Mississippi River for as long as its attractions are in operation. Universal and Marvel also have various deals for everything from merchandise sales to the theming of many other portions of Islands of Adventure.
Still haven't got tickets yet to Disney World or Universal Studios Orlando, or your looking for an Orlando Vacation Package to either theme park? Then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Vacation Package needs.