Seaworld Orlando Boasts One-of-a-kind Thrill Rides
Posted by in Travel Tips, seaworld on April 23rd, 2009
SeaWorld Orlando is not only home to Kraken – billed as Orlando’s “tallest, fastest, longest and only floorless roller coaster” – but also features Journey to Atlantis, a unique “watercoaster,” and Wild Arctic, a simulated jet helicopter ride that takes you on an amazing adventure to a “multilevel ecosystem.” Seeking incredible thrill rides, as well as fascinating live shows and interactive animal habits? Look no farther than SeaWorld Orlando.
Named after a mythological sea monster, Kraken opened at SeaWorld Orlando in 2000. The ride takes about 3 ½ minutes and reaches speeds up to 65 miles per hour and a height of 151 feet as it loops its way high over Serpent’s Lagoon. Kraken, which features two loops, a corkscrew, zero-G roll and three tunnels, was designed by renowned Swiss roller coaster architects Bolliger and Mabillard. Nestled in the Northeast area of SeaWorld Orlando, Kraken is located behind the Pacific Point Preserve. Note: Kraken has a height restriction of 54 inches. In addition, be sure to read all of the health restrictions posted at the entrance to Kraken.
A one-of-a-kind “watercoaster,” Journey to Atlantis takes you on a water flume adventure aboard an eight-passenger boat that features a re-creation of the mythical city of Atlantis and a 60-foot-drop into a splash pool (prepare to get soaked!). Journey to Atlantis is a unique variation on other water-based rides such as Splash Mountain at Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Opened at SeaWorld Orlando in 1998, Journey to Atlantis lies adjacent to Pacific Point Preserve. Note: You must be at least 42 inches tall to ride Journey to Atlantis and health restrictions are also posted at the entrance to the ride.
Wild Arctic features a simulated jet helicopter ride to “Base Station Wild Arctic,” a walk-through animal habitat that features polar bears, walruses, beluga whales and harbor seals. Note: Wild Arctic has a height restriction of 42 inches. However, you have the option of bypassing the simulated ride and walking straight to the animal habitat.
Other attractions at SeaWorld Orlando include Shark Encounter, Dolphin Cove, Stingray Lagoon, Pacific Point Preserve, Clyde & Seamore Take Pirate Island, Shamu’s Happy Harbor, Odyssea, Penguin Encounter, Pets Ahoy!, Manatees: The Last Generation?, Sky Tower Ride, Tropical Reef, Key West Dolphin Fest, Clydesdale Hamlet and Turtle Point, among others.
“With world-class thrill rides, live shows, animal habitats and much more, SeaWorld Orlando definitely has something for everyone in the whole family to enjoy,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com. “And by planning ahead and purchasing your SeaWorld Orlando tickets before you arrive in Orlando, you and your family will enjoy significant savings on your vacation getaway.”
The Essential Guide to Seaworld Orlando’s Aquatica
Posted by in Destinations, attractions, seaworld on April 22nd, 2009
An amazing, state-of-the-art water park is taking shape in Orlando – SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquatica – which will boast a unique blend of thrilling water rides, interactive animal encounters and white-sand beaches when it opens in the spring of 2008. Guests who visit SeaWorld’s 59-acre Aquatica water park will discover a lush, South Seas Island-style landscape, complete with refreshing waterfalls and fountains, sparkling blue rivers, hidden grottos, intricate rock formations and colorful flowers.
Highlights of SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquatica will include 36 thrilling waterslides, side-by-side wave pools (that operate independently or together), raft rides, more than 80,000 square feet of sandy beaches, and six rivers and lagoons. Aquatica’s signature attraction will be a 300-foot-long waterslide, which will feature a clear tube that will plunge riders down a 42-foot drop and through a crystal-clear lagoon full of black-and-white Commerson’s Dolphins (variously described as “baby Shamus”).
Two rivers will wind their way through Aquatica – one that will provide a relaxing, lazy river ride past waterfalls, exotic birds and an undersea grotto full of colorful tropical fish and the other that will feature whitewater rapids full of sharp twists and turns. Aquatica also will offer eight-lane, slalom-style racing slides, which will provide guests with the perfect opportunity to race their family and friends.
In addition, Aquatica will boast one of the world’s largest interactive water play areas, which will include a 60-foot-tall “rain fortress” and 15,000-square-foot pool, as well as several smaller slides and water cannons. Private cabanas and beachside waiter service also will be available for those guests who would simply like to relax on the white-sand beach.
Construction is already under way for SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquatica, which will cost more than $50 million and open along International Drive – just South of Sea Harbor Drive and across the street from its sister theme parks, SeaWorld Orlando (the world’s most popular marine adventure park) and Discovery Cove (an interactive water park). In fact, Aquatica will be the first theme park to open in Orlando since Discovery Cove in 2000.
“Aquatica will join Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Wet ‘n Wild Water Park on International Drive as one of Central Florida’s premier water parks,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com.
Fear Factor Live at Universal Studios Florida
Posted by in Destinations, Universal Studios Florida, attractions on April 21st, 2009
Have you any time dreamed of being on a reality show? Here is your chance! Universal Studios Tours now has Fear Factor Live, {F.F.L.} which is a stunt show that uses ‘ qualified ‘ volunteers. With up to five shows each day, the likelihood of getting on the show are pretty good!
Are you ready to confront your fears? There are some important things to know about F.F.L. at Universal Studios Tours prior to signing up. First, this is genuine. This is not a cheesy attempt to replicate F. Factor and please the studio audience. The stunts are absolutely genuine, and they are performed by qualifying audience members just like you. There is no coddling here!
If you still intend to participate, just call the casting company, which is located near the Terminator ride in the theme park. You must come up to specific physical requirements to ensure that you can handle what is about to be asked of you. You must also complete, and fill in a liability form, absolving Universal Studios and F. Factor of responsibility for any injuries or damages you may incur.
Before the show begins, various audience members who were not selected to participate are invited on-stage to face easier challenges, such as eating assorted types of insect. The winner of this competition wins fantastic prizes, like a yearly pass to the park. This is followed by an audience warm up with the hosts of the show.
The show consists of half a dozen contestants that were chosen right out of the casting office! If your very lucky, you may be one of these! They are clothed just as the contestants on the original F. Factor clothed in tight uniforms. A sequence of challenges, much like the challenges on F. Factor are presented to the contestants. Falling from high towers or ropes, skill tests, and of course, the now-famous gross-the-audience-out challenge. During the show, a surprised member of the audience is picked for yet more challenges such as sticking their head in a tank full of scorpions.
If you’ve ever watched F. Factor, and told all of your friends that you could handle what that was thrown at those contestants, be careful. Here is your big chance to validate yourself, or your companions’ opportunity to prove you wrong! If you win, or if you lose, F. Factor Live at Universal Studios could be the pinnacle of your tour!
If you want to take part in the show, visit the casting office the instant you get to the park to make absolutely sure you meet the necessary physical requirements, and if you don’t meet the requirements, ask about being in the audience.
Universal Studios: Get Into The Action Of Your Favorite Movies
Posted by in attractions on April 20th, 2009
The whole world is captivated by the movies coming out of the major American film studios, but it is one thing to see the movies and another thing to get behind the scenes, find out how they were made and go on rides that put you right into the midst of the most popular movies of our time. You can do all of this at the Universal Studios theme park in Orlando, Florida.
Let’s take a look at some of the attractions currently on offer at the Universal Studios park in Orlando.
First of all, if you want to “get under the hood” and see how films are made then your first stop should be Production Central, Production Central area of Universal Studios. Located just beyond front gates of Universal Studios, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a real working film and television production studio.
And while you are in Production Central you can treat yourself and your family to a spectacular Shrek adventure. Shrek 4D features an original 3D film which the studio says is produced with Ogrevision. Here you can join Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona on a wild adventure. According the Universal Studios website, “You see, hear and actually FEEL the action right from your seat! If you love motion simulator rides, you’ll love Shrek 4-D.”
Were you thrilled by the movie “Revenge of the Mummy?” And do you like roller coasters? If you answered yes to either of these questions then you will enjoy the Revenge of the Mummy ride. Here is how Universal describes it, “Plunge into total darkness as you face fireballs, scarab beetles, and an army of warrior mummies on a psychological thrill ride totally unlike anything that’s come along in the past 3,000 years!” That, sounds like something that will delight any family of film lovers.
Would you like to protect the earth from an alien attack? Then you should hop onboard the Men in Black Alien Attack ride. Universal has created 120 alien species for this attraction. Each six passenger vehicle is equipped with laser guns and “As an agent trainee, you’ll zap aliens as you chase them through the streets of New York in this high-tech ride based on the hit movie.”
The Terminator series of films was an imaginative look at the future, and the Terminator attraction at Universal Studios lives up to the legacy of that popular trilogy. The attraction is called, “Terminator 2: 3-D Battle Across Time,” and it is said to be one of the more elaborate and technologically advanced theme park experiences ever created. All Terminator fans will get a kick out of this ride.
Are you ready to withstand the all out attack of Jaws? Then get on board the Jaws ride at Universal but be careful because you’re gonna need a bigger boat! Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, a giant fin slices through the waves and you’re suddenly face to face with three tons of Great White fury.
In addition to high tech thrill rides, Universal offers plenty of outdoor entertainment. There is a Blues Brothers show, a tribute to comedy queen Lucille Ball and a monster themed Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue, complete with screamin’ demons and wailing guitars.
Universal has produced rich load of imaginative films and characters and the Studio draws on them to the maximum to create a theme park that will live up to and exceed your expectations.
25 Great Ways to Save Money at Disney World
Posted by in Disney Attractions, Disney Theme Park, Travel Tips on April 19th, 2009
Believe it or not, you can live it up at Walt Disney World Resort – whether you plan on visiting Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios or Disney’s Animal Kingdom – without making a huge dent in your wallet. By planning ahead, seeking out the best online deals and following the money-saving tips listed below, you can enjoy significant savings on your Disney World vacation getaway – without sacrificing any of your family’s comfort or enjoyment.
1. Seek out discount Disney World tickets, budget accommodations convenient to Disney attractions and individually tailored Disney vacation packages before you arrive in Orlando.
2. If possible, plan your Disney World trip during the off-season and you will usually discover significantly lower airfares and hotel/resort rates.
3. If you are staying at a Disney resort, take advantage of complimentary transportation to all Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks and Downtown Disney.
4. Some of the area factory outlet stores such as Orlando Premium Outlets sell Disney merchandise at significantly lower prices than you will find at stores within the Disney World theme parks.
5. Check out some of the free things to do at Disney World such as strolling around Disney’s Boardwalk and Downtown Disney, or hiking through the Disney Wilderness Preserve.
6. Take the family to one of the all-you-can-eat buffets that lie just outside Disney World property such as Bill Wong’s Famous Buffet, Sweet Tomatoes, Boston Lobster Feast, Golden Corral, Ponderosa, Sizzler, Captain Nemo’s Seafood Feast or Angel’s Lobster, Crab & Prime Rib Buffet.
7. If you don’t mind staying off Disney property, you will discover numerous budget motels and hotels (many of which provide complimentary transportation to Disney World theme parks) along Highway 192 in Kissimmee just East of the main entrance to Walt Disney World Resort.
8. Look for free publications such as I Love Orlando magazine, which contain a multitude of discount coupons to Disney area attractions, restaurants and specialty shops.
9. Before you book a hotel or motel, check if they offer guests a complimentary continental or full breakfast each morning.
10. Check out comprehensive online guides to Disney World such as Orlando, Florida Guide for in-depth information on Disney World discount tickets, accommodations and vacation packages.
11. For larger families, reunions or any other get-together at Disney World, it may make better financial sense to look into renting a vacation home, many of which offer enclosed garages, private backyard pools and washer/dryers.
12. If you are visiting one of the Disney World theme parks with young children, don’t forget to bring along a backpack with some snacks or juice boxes.
13. You don’t have to shell out big bucks to stay on Disney World property at one of Disney’s budget all-star resorts – Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All Star Music Resort and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort (all of which offer complimentary transportation to Disney theme parks and feature onsite food courts).
14. Instead of spending a fortune at a Disney character breakfast, take your kids to Town Square at Main Street, U.S.A. for autograph and photo opportunities with Disney characters.
15. Choose the appropriate Disney World ticket deal based on your family’s length of stay in Orlando and remember not to overdo things – you will want to schedule time for rest and relaxation during your trip.
16. If you choose to eat at the Disney World theme parks, try to make lunch your big meal of the day when prices are considerably lower than for dinner (especially at Epcot’s World Showcase).
17. Whenever you leave one of Disney World’s theme parks, make sure to get your hand stamped. Then after you rest awhile and enjoy a cheaper dinner off site, you can head back to the park after the crowds have thinned out.
18. You may want to schedule your Walt Disney World vacation around one of Disney’s highly acclaimed annual events and festivals, many of which are included with the price of admission such as the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Star Wars Weekends, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Festival of the Seasons, ABC Super Soap Weekend, Festival of the Masters and Holidays Around the World.
19. Carry your own water bottle into the Disney theme park and you can fill it up at any of the abundant water fountains throughout the day.
20. Establish a budget for Disney World souvenirs and stick to your budget (no matter how many cool gifts you see as you stroll through Epcot’s World Showcase!).
21. If you are an AAA or AARP member, take advantage of any special rates or discounts that are available during your Disney World vacation.
22. Many off-site hotels and motels with onsite restaurants offer “Kids Eat Free” deals (one child eats free per paying adult).
23. Purchase such necessities as film and sunscreen before you arrive at Disney World, since prices at the theme parks are more expensive for such items.
24. If you are staying at one of the Disney resorts, take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express, which provides complimentary shuttle service to and from the Orlando International Airport (reservations are required for Disney’s Magical Express).
25. If possible, try to avoid Disney World during holiday weekends and Spring Break when prices are higher and the theme parks are most crowded.
50 Things you Didn’t Know About Disney World
Posted by in Disney Attractions on April 18th, 2009
by Ryan Wiseman
Think you know everything about Walt Disney World Resort and its four world-class theme parks – Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Think again! Even the biggest Disney fanatic will be amused, intrigued or surprised by some of the 50 fascinating Disney World facts listed below . . .
1. Walt Disney World encompasses 30,500 acres, making it approximately the same size as San Francisco.
2. When Disney’s Magic Kingdom first opened its doors on October 1, 1971, adult admission cost $3.50.
3. The opening day crowd at Disney’s Magic Kingdom was approximately 10,000 guests.
4. The eight “E ticket” attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom were Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Country Bear Jamboree, Hall of Presidents, Jungle Cruise, It’s a Small World and 20,000 Leagues under the Sea.
5. The estimated annual attendance at Disney’s Magic Kingdom is 16.2 million, followed by Epcot with 9.9 million, Disney-MGM Studios with 8.6 million and Disney’s Animal Kingdom with 8.2 million.
6. Cinderella Castle is Disney’s tallest structure at 189 feet, followed by Space Mountain at 183 feet.
7. Both the Carousel of Progress and It’s A Small World made their debut at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair.
8. The 180-foot-tall Spaceship Earth at the entrance to Epcot weighs approximately 16 million pounds.
9. The Haunted Mansion uses state-of-the-art Omnimover vehicles called “Doom Buggies.”
10. The jolly headhunter who shows up near the end of the Jungle Cruise is known as “Trader Sam.”
11. In conjunction with the 2006 release of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men’s Chest, the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disney’s Magic Kingdom was renovated to add several characters from the movie such as Jack Sparrow and Hector Barbossa.
12. The icon of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Tree of Life, stands 14 stories, features more than 300 animal carvings and is 50 feet wide.
13. Built in 1917, Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel in Fantasyland was once located at Olympic Park in Maplewood, New Jersey.
14. The Great Movie Ride at Disney-MGM Studios is housed in a replica of Mann’s Chinese Theater.
15. Astro Orbiter first opened in Tomorrowland in 1974 as Star Jets.
16. The Hall of Presidents had its origins as an audio-animatronic exhibition called “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” which premiered at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair.
17. Originally known as the “Tropical Serenade,” the Tiki Room in Adventureland was once sponsored by Florida Citrus Growers.
18. The 60-foot-tall Swiss Family Treehouse in Adventureland weighs approximately 200 tons and is made of concrete and thousands of polyethylene leaves.
19. Cinderella Castle, the centerpiece of Disney’s Magic Kingdom, features 18 towers and 13 gargoyles.
20. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh at Fantasyland is located on the site of the former Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.
21. The “Spirits of America” statues in The American Adventure at Epcot represent Adventure, Compassion, Discovery, Freedom, Heritage, Independence, Individualism, Innovation, Knowledge, Pioneering, Self-Reliance and Tomorrow.
22. Towering four stories over DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dino-Sue is an exact replica of the largest Tyrannosaurus Rex ever discovered.
23. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland features six trains: I.B. Hearty, I.M. Brave, I.M. Fearless, U.B. Bold, U.R. Daring and U.R. Courageous.
24. The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – Starring Aerosmith at Disney-MGM Studios launches you at a speed of 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds.
25. A swinging suspension bridge leads from Tom Sawyer Island to Fort Langhorne, which was named after Samuel Langhorne Clemens (better known as Mark Twain).
26. The replica of the Liberty Bell that can be found in the center of Liberty Square was built from the same authentic cast as the original in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
27. The exit to Haunted Mansion features crypts with humorous names inscribed such as I.M. Ready, Rustin Peese, Pearl E. Gates, Manny Festation, Dustin T. Dust and Asher T. Ashes.
28. The Walt Disney World Railroad, which serves approximately 1.5-million passengers annually, is an authentic 1928 steam-powered train.
29. The Mission: SPACE thrill ride at Epcot is so authentic that motion sickness bags are available just in case of emergency.
30. Mickey’s Toontown Fair was once known as both Mickey’s Birthdayland and Mickey’s Starland.
31. Sonny Eclipse, an “intergalactic lounge singer,” performs daily at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Tomorrowland.
32. In order to rank as a “Galactic Hero” at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, you must score 900,000 to 999,999 points.
33. The audio-animatronic dog in the Carousel of Progress is named “Rover.”
34. Astronauts Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper and Jim Irwin were present at the grand opening of Space Mountain in 1975.
35. Stitch’s Great Escape in Tomorrowland lies at the former site of ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, which closed in 2003.
36. One of the original attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland Indy Speedway was once known as Grand Prix Raceway.
37. Recently renamed The Seas with Nemo & Friends, The Living Seas pavilion opened at Epcot in 1986 and was originally sponsored by United Technologies.
38. “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience,” a 3-D film at Epcot, is located in Future World at the former site of “Captain EO,” another 3-D adventure that was directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starred Michael Jackson and Anjelica Huston.
39. Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus was the first champion at the Walt Disney World Open Invitational, which made its debut in 1971.
40. The Tomorrowland Transit Authority was originally called the WEDway People Mover (WED standing for Walter Elias Disney).
41. Disney’s Magic Kingdom, which encompasses approximately 107 acres, is itself larger than Disneyland, which only covers 80 acres in Anaheim, California.
42. The design of Main Street U.S.A. was loosely based on Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri.
43. The Swiss Family Treehouse is of the species Disneyodendron eximus or “Out-of-the-Ordinary Disney Tree.”
44. The 189-foot-tall water tower icon at Disney-MGM Studios is known as the “Earffel Tower.”
45. Jungle Cruise riverboats include Amazon Annie, Bomokandi Bertha, Congo Connie, Ganges Gertie, Irrawaddy Irma, Kwango Kate, Mongala Millie, Nile Nelly, Orinoco Ida, Rutshuru Ruby, Sankuru Sadie, Senegel Sal, Ucvali Lolly, Volta Val, Wamba Wanda and Zambesi Zelda.
46. Splash Mountain in Adventureland features a five-story, free-fall plunge at a 45-degree angle into a splash pool at a speed of 40 miles per hour.
47. The 8,500-acre Disney Wilderness Preserve, which lies 15 miles South of Disney World, features a Conservation Learning Center and hiking trails.
48. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is located at the former site of If You Had Wings in Tomorrowland.
49. The three “talking heads” who introduce the Country Bears Jamboree are named Buff, Max and Melvin.
50. Approximately 46 million people visit Walt Disney World – including Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney – annually.
Orlando, Florida Guide, the best guide to Orlando, offers discount Disney World tickets, discount Universal Orlando tickets and discount SeaWorld Orlando tickets, as well as discount Orlando hotels and individually tailored Orlando vacation packages.
A Quick Guide to Disney Resort Guest Benefits
Posted by in Disney Resorts, Travel Tips on April 17th, 2009
The majority of visitors to Disney World are families with children. Most parents are aware of how difficult it can be to travel with kids. Imagine driving long distances each day from a hotel outside the park areas with excited children. Over the course of several days, that pattern could become extremely tiresome. Staying at a Disney resort right on the property can cut transportation time, gas and stress a great deal. If you consider the time spent driving from an Orlando hotel and the time spent in the parking lot, and also the time getting out of the park each day and back to your room, it can really add up. Now, compare that scenario to hopping onto a free monorail, boat or shuttle bus outside the Disney resort. Even if the difference is only 45 minutes, that equates to an hour and a half every day, for every family member. So, for the average family of 4 who visit for 5 days, that’s 30 hours of time that the family can be enjoying attractions instead of commuting back and forth to their hotel.
Staying at a Disney Resort is beneficial in many ways. Everyone knows that having fun can be exhausting at times. It’s good to be able to take a short break in the middle of the afternoon to relax in a quiet space for a short nap or rest. Not only does it refresh the body for a full evening of celebrations, it’s a good time to don clean clothes, change shoes, or obtain any forgotten items. Returning to the hotel room for this needed break is virtually impossible unless a guest is staying right on the property. Traveling beyond Disney properties and back would be extremely inconvenient. Disney Resort guests can get back to their room easily and relatively quickly. Plus, the best time to take advantage of any Disney Resort’s fantastic, landscaped pool area is during the heat of a typical Florida afternoon!
Although the advantages of staying at a Disney resort are considerable, it’s not just the logistics of the Disney Resort locations and the availability of free ground transportation that makes it worthwhile to stay within the park. There are numerous other advantages that make it clear why staying at a Disney resort hotel can maximize a family’s enjoyment while on vacation.
Extra Magic Hours- Disney Resort Guests can enjoy Theme Parks more than other guests. One park daily opens an hour early and closes up to 3 hours later just for Disney Resort Guests to enjoy at their leisure, offering shorter lines and cooler temperatures. (The water parks of Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon open one hour early for Disney Resort Guests every day.)
Disney Magic Express- Disney Resort Guests can attach specialized baggage tags before checking in at participating hometown airports. Upon arrival in Orlando, guests board a deluxe motor coach, bypassing the baggage claim, and have their luggage delivered directly to their room. Upon checkout, Guests can obtain airline boarding passes and check their bags right at the Disney Resort, eliminating airport check-in.
Disney Dining Plan- Resort Guests can select from 100 restaurants throughout the Disney properties for 2 meals per day plus a nighttime snack. This includes fine dining and Disney Character Experiences.
Disney Priority Seating- Resort Guests can make reservations at selected Disney restaurants up to 120 days in advance.
Complimentary Parking - Resort Guests who drive to Disney Theme Parks can park for free.
Services for Disabled Visitors and Children-Disney Resort Guests with handicaps can receive special accommodations. Disney also offers in-room child care, learning programs, dinner clubs and activities. (Additional fees may apply.)
Charging and Delivery- Disney Resort Guests can charge meals, tickets and purchases to their rooms with their Resort ID, and then have any items delivered right to their hotel door.
Guest Recreation- Without even having to leave their hotel premises, Disney Resort Guests can enjoy championship golf courses, health spas, tennis courts, parasailing, horseback riding, fishing, and waterskiing. Disney Resort Guests also have unlimited use of unique pools, which offer some of most fabulous settings in the world for water enjoyment!
Concierge and Cast Member Service- Disney Resort Guests can obtain round-the-clock service from its many outstanding employees, whose only goal is to ensure visitor satisfaction. With personalized attention at the front desk, refreshments throughout the day and helping Guests find answers, reservations, tickets and transportation, visitors to a Disney Hotel will always find assistance when needed!
The Walt Disney World Resort can create magic and make dreams come true. The extra benefits afforded to a Disney Resort Guest are considerable. With 16 Resorts from which to choose, Disneyworld Guests will find a favorite that offers them all that and more!
What’s New at Disney World for 2009
Posted by in Disney Resorts, Travel Tips on April 16th, 2009
- A new Dining Plan called “Quick Service” that will save you 20% on dining after Janurary 11, 2009. It will include two quick service meals and a refillable drink mug for non alcoholic drinks at the guest’s resort hotel.
- Caribbean Beach now features 384 “Pirate” themed rooms.
- Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival - March 18 to May 31, 2009.
- Star Wars Weekends at Hollywood Studios - May 22-24, May 29-31, June 5-7, and June 12-14.
- A tethered balloon ride that will take you 300 feet above Downtown Disney
- A new restaraunt called T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, which will have all kinds of animated dinosaurs
- A design your own T-Shirt store
- E-Brands Rrestaurants will have a restaurant featuring South American cusine
Blizzard Beach
Posted by in Water Park on April 15th, 2009
Blizzard Beach was the third Disney water park after River Country and Typhoon Lagoon, and was opened in 1995. The Disney legend goes that their was a freak snowstorm, which lead to the construction of a ski resort to take advantage of the snow. Of course it didn’t last, and the resort was set to be abandoned when an alligator was seen using one of the old ski jumps as a flume. Thus, the park was rebuilt as a water park, and adopted the alligator, named “Ice Gator” as the park’s mascot.
All the parks have a central icon, and on Blizzard Beach that icon is Mount Gushmore, a man made mountain with an elevation of 90 feet, making it fifth highest point in the state. It has three colored slopes - Green, Red, and Purple. Except for the Ice Cave at Cross County Creek, all the water at the park is heated.
GREEN SLOPE
Summit Plummet was, at the time of the park’s opening, the largest free fall water slide in the world. It is 120 feet tall, and riders can hit up to 68 miles per hour.
Teamboat Springs claims to be the world’s longest family white water raft ride, although one has to wonder how many of those actually exist in the world. Each raft is a large rubber raft with handles, and can accommodate up to six riders.
Slush Gusher is a 90 foot tall body slide, and with its two almost flat sections, one can actually get some air. Maximum speeds are about 35 mph.
PURPLE SLOPE
Snow Stormers is a mat slide, with riders laying on a toboggan like mat while sliding down a 350 foot track.
Toboggan Racers shares the mats with Snow Stormers, but features an 8 lane 250 foot water slide.
Downhill Double Dipper is one of the world’s only racing water slides. It has two inner tubes that run 50 feet down and 230 feet long. The course acts like a slalom, complete with starting gates, switchbacks, and flags.
RED SLOPE
Runoff Rapids is the only attraction on the Red Slope, which features a triple tube slide. It is not a racing slide like some of the others in the park given the differences in the slides, but the run is huge and goes for 600 feet.
Blizzard Beach also has a number of other attractions that are not on the mountain. These include:
- The Cross Country Creek - a 3,000 foot slow moving water attraction more commonly called a “lazy river”
- The Leisure Pool - simple pool with Icebergs in it
- Fahrenheit Drops - A T bar swing
- Freezin’ Pipe Springs - a short body slide
- Cool Runners - a wide inner tube slide
- Tike’s Peak - A scaled down version of Mount Gushmore for kids
- The Chairlift - a quick and easy way to get to the top of Mount Gushmore
Food is also covered…options include:
- Avalunch - Light snacks
- Frostbite Freddie’s - a Bar
- Lottawatta Lodge - the main counter service eatery
- Polar Pub - Bar by the wave pool
- I.C. Expeditions - Ice Cream and other refreshments
- The Cooling Hut - Light Snacks
- The Warming Hut - Snacks, Lunch and Dinner.
Also, keep in mind that coolers (easily managable ones) are allowed in the park, so you can bring your own lunch if so inclined. The only restrictions are on glass and alcohol.
Orlando International Airport
Posted by in Transportation on April 14th, 2009
All about Orlando International Airport. Something to note…the airport’s three letter code is MCO, because it used to be McCoy Air Force Base. Most locals will call it OIA even though that’s not the three letter code. Don’t get misled!
The airport itself has a website with a map…make sure to get familiar with it.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind. The airport has four external buildings referred to as Airsides. Each of these buildings houses gates, and various shops and restaurants. They also have key amenities such as phones and bathrooms. The main building in the middle is referred to as the Landside. It has all the normal check in and transportation facilities, as well as a hotel. In order to get between the Airside and the Landside, you’ll have to pass through a security checkpoint and then ride a monorail out to the Airside building. Free wireless Internet is available throughout the airport, and there are places to recharge your laptops or cell phones.
The Landside building has two halves, which are called side A and side B. Often they are called Terminal A or Terminal B, but they are just halves of the same building.
First Floor is ground transportation, with six major car rental agencies represented on both the A and B side of the building. Disney’s Magical Express bus service only operates out of the B side, however. This is the area where most folk get confused, simply because of the size of the place. They become convinced that they’re in the wrong place because they’ve been walking forever and don’t see their destination. Just keep going…the worst you can do is overshoot. The first floor is just one long corridor, anyway.
Second Floor is dedicated entirely to baggage claim. Whichever side of the building your Airside is connected to, will be the same side your luggage will be delivered. There are numerous signs directing you to the correct belt to claim your luggage.
Third Floor has security checkpoints and monorail access to the various Airside buildings. The central part of the level has many shops and a food court. The hotel lobby for the Hyatt Regency Orlando can be found on the east side of the building.