Archives for January 2010

Walt Disney World cruises on Disney’s Magic cruise ship

January 31, 2010 by

Walt Disney World cruises on Disney's cruise ship Magic

One of the most fantastic things you can do is take a cruise on one of Walt Disney World’s cruise ships. Based in Port Canaveral just 40 minutes away from Walt Disney in Orlando, taking a Disney cruise is a once in a lifetime event. Let’s talk a bit about one of their cruise ships.

The Disney Magic—along with its sister ship, the Disney Wonder are the key to a unique cruise experience. The spirit of Walt Disney has come up with the perfect holiday for everyone. Catering particularly well to families with children, Disney Cruise Line has already become one of the most popular entertainment options available at Disney World.

Family travelers say that there are “continuous activities” for the kids. In fact, Disney Magic has something special for everyone. The place is set up with a family beach, a kid’s area and an adult beach. The children’s program is organized and run by dozens of caring youth counselors; Disney has done a wonderful job arranging a short, fun, activity paced family cruise.
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Universal Studios Mardi Gras Parade 2010

January 28, 2010 by

Universal Studios Mardi Gras 2010

Universal Studios Mardi Gras parade

Well it’s almost time for Universal Studios Mardi Gras! Each year Universal Studios in Orlando holds it’s own cool version of Mardi Gras from New Orleans. With parades, it’s own French Quarter area, New Orleans food, music and shows; Universal Studios Mardi Gras is always a big hit. The Mardi Gras parade floats are very colorful and just like the ones in New Orleans.

The dates for Universal Studios Mardi Gras events are Saturday Nights: February 6 – April 17, 2010 PLUS Sunday, February 14 and Friday, April 9. The Mardi Gras parade times are : February 6 – March 20, April 17: 8:00 pm March 27 – April 10: 9:00 pm

The French Quarter area at Universal features plenty of Authentic Cajun & Creole Cuisine from New Orleans. Dance to blues musicians and bands straight from New Orleans. Performance Times: February 6 – March 20, April 17 – 5:00 pm, 6:15 pm, 7:15 pm March 27 – April 10 – 5:00 pm, 6:15 pm, 8:00 pm.
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3D map of the new Disney’s fantasyland plans

January 25, 2010 by

Walt Disney World's 3D map of the new fantasyland

Click for a much bigger full size picture, may take several seconds to load.

A month or so ago I showed a map of the new fantasyland section that is being planned at Walt Disney World. Today I found a new, 3D map that is the latest and best one yet from Stitch Kingdom. Click the picture to see the much bigger version with lots of details. Now like all plans with Disney, the details shown on this map could change.

But this is the latest and most detailed version yet, so it must be pretty close to what they are planning on having there. For those who don’t know, Walt Disney World is planning on a big expansion at The Magic Kingdom theme park. In the back behind Cinderella’s castle they are going to build a whole new section, called fantasyland.

Toontown will be completely gone, and there will be a cool “Dueling Dumbos” ride for kids. There seems to be many Disney princesses meet and greet stations and rides. Also there seems to be a “pixie hollow” forest and fairy meet place. There are lots more rides and attractions shown also.
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Sea World’s Aquatica Omaka Rocka new water ride

January 23, 2010 by

Sea World's Aquatica Omaka Rocka new water ride

Sea World’s new water park, Aquatica, is getting a brand new and fun water slide for this spring. Called Omaka Rocka, it will be a two-seater tube ride you slide down inside a pipe. What makes it different than the rest is that you will hit walls that you slide high up on, like a skate boarder doing a half-pipe trick.

You’ll end up rocking back and forth on the walls, feeling almost weightless at each peak. Finally at the end you’ll come skimming out into a splashdown area. It’s the first new water slide Aquatica has added since it opened two years ago. It will share the Whanau Way tower already there.

I’ve seen it under construction, and they should have no problem getting it done to open on time, which is March. It looks like a lot of fun and I’ll be sure to ride it once it’s open. Aquatica is a very fun park and well worth it to spend a day there!

Aquatica water park tickets

Click here for Aquatica water park discount tickets!

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Walt Disney World’s Planet Hollywood Restaurant

January 19, 2010 by

Disney's planet hollywood restaurant

Disney’s Planet Hollywood Restaurant

Disney’s Planet Hollywood is a star-centric restaurant in Downtown Disney West Side. This place is so special because it is inspired by the famous portrayal of Hollywood, being the brainchild of Robert Earl, former president of Hard Rock Cafe. Planet Hollywood has over 30 restaurants in prime cities of the world including Orlando, Florida.

Some of the most famous Hollywood stars have promoted this restaurant over the years. Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone are just some of the celebrities who made this restaurant so popular.

Another reason why Planet Hollywood is preferred by both celebrities and ordinary people is its exterior which resembles a giant round globe. Besides this, it has three levels with incredible displays of authentic movie and television memorabilia.
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Universal Studios Portofino Bay Hotel

January 16, 2010 by

Universal Studios Portofino Bay hotel

Universal Studio’s Portofino Bay hotel

Most people know that Disney has lots of hotels of their own. But Universal Studios also have a few very nice hotels on their property too. One of the nicest ones is Universal Studio’s Portofino Bay hotel.

Universal’s Portofino Bay Hotel is inspired by the charm of the seaside village of Portofino, Italy. If you want to stay very close to Universal Studios, this is the place for you. The hotel offers exceptional services, first class amenities and 42,000 square feet of meeting and function space.

Nightly entertainment includes Italian singers from a balcony overlooking the main courtyard. You are transported to a realm of class, style, and atmosphere from the moment you step into the hotel. The restaurants are amazing and the location is wonderful. It makes every guest feel like a king because they always make sure that your room is clean and you get the best service possible.
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Fun Spot, Orlando vacation fun attraction

January 13, 2010 by

Orlando attraction, Fun Spot

Fun Spot of Orlando

Beside the big theme parks like Disney and Universal Studios, there are plenty of smaller attraction spots to go to also. When you don’t want to spend a lot of money and just want to enjoy a few hours of fun, one of the best places for kids is a place called Fun Spot.

Fun Spot Action Park is one of the most popular smaller attractions in Orlando, Florida. What makes this place so special is that it offers plenty of fun and thrills to people of all ages- toddlers, teenagers and parents. The multi-level layouts are awesome and fun for adults and kids alike. Go kart fans will love everything this park has to offer.

This amusement park is very near Universal Studios and provides a wonderful alternative to the large parks. There is plenty of seating for the parents while the kids run around from ride to ride having fun. All the employees are friendly and good to the kids, so you have nothing to worry about. Another great thing about this park is that you can buy and drink all day for free from a special drink container.
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KOA Campground camping in Orlando, Florida Disney area

January 10, 2010 by

Camping at a KOA campground in Orlando Disney area

Many people love to camp, be it in a RV, tent or cabins. There are several great campgrounds near the Walt Disney World Orlando area in Florida. KOA is a well known campground chain that many trust. Ft. Summit KOA campground is very close to Walt Disney World and other Orlando Florida attractions.

The Ft. Summit KOA campground is a great place to stay and have fun when traveling through the middle of Florida or visiting the Disney theme parks in this area. This resort is surrounded by all the spectacular worlds of family entertainment in Central Florida. You simply can’t get bored in here! There are plenty of things to do.

You can exercise on professional gym equipment, relax in the gentle breezes and shade of palms and oaks, play volleyball, swim, shop in the country store or visit the local attractions. This 30-acre-plus resort has many facilities, dining and recreation options. There is a free shuttle to Disney, SeaWorld, Universal, and Wet ‘n Wild.
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Renting an exotic car for your Orlando vacation

January 7, 2010 by

renting a sportscar or exotic car on your Orlando vacation

If you really want to go all out on your Orlando vacation and need to rent a car, why not rent an exotic car? It would be cool to drive a Ferrari, Hummer or Jaguar right? In fact this might be the only time you have the chance to drive that dream car you always wanted. There are several exotic car rental companies in the Orlando area.

Florida Exotic Car Rental is the best choice for those who want to rent the world’s most exotic luxury sports cars and SUV auto rentals. This company offers you the possibility to cruise the streets of Orlando in a Rolls Royce, a Range Rover, Ferrari, a Lamborghini or a Jaguar. They also provide shuttle service to and from Central Florida’s major attractions including Adventure Island, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and more.

If you wish to have your car delivered outside the Orlando coverage area, you should know that Florida Exotic Car Rental can deliver to a wide range of locations. Your credit card won’t be charged until you pick up the vehicle.
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Walt Disney World Beach Club Villas Resort

January 4, 2010 by

Disney's Beach Club Villas Resort in Orlando
Disney’s Beach Club Villas

If you want to stay right on Disney property on your Orlando vacation, Disney’s Beach Club Villas resort is one of the most beautiful places to stay. Disney’s Beach Club Villas is the fourth Disney Vacation Club Resort operating at Walt Disney World. This Cape May–style resort evokes the charm of seaside homes of yesteryear due to its soft hues of salmon and sea-blue and wooden porches.

Here you will be find a unique combination of nautical themes, homey comfort and resort facilities. This waterfront hotel is near Epcot theme park, Disney’s BoardWalk Area and Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. As you probably imagine, there are many things to do here.

The resort provides high speed Internet access, a Disney Deluxe Villa Resort, spa, meeting facilities, Pack ‘n Play play yards and a wide range of recreational activities. For this reason it is a perfect place to stay for everyone in the family – children, parents and grandparents.
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Crowds light at Disney, Universal Studios from now till Easter

January 3, 2010 by

Light crowds at the Orlando theme parks

Empty water ride boat at Universal Studios

Well it’s the new year, 2010! The holidays are gone, and it’s now the middle of the winter here in the USA. Of course down here in Florida it’s still toasty warm, maybe a bit cool. It’s also one of the most perfect times to take that Disney Orlando vacation you’ve been waiting for! A lot of people have the misconception that winter is when it’s crowded in Florida.

Everyone knows the snowbirds come down here for the winter. That’s true, but most of them are older folks who don’t really care for the theme parks. The kids are back in school, so most in USA don’t feel they should take an Orlando vacation in the winter. Same is true for our Canada neighbors.

Even the tourist from the UK, which makes up a lot of the theme park crowds, wait until summer to visit Disney. That leaves from now until Easter with the theme parks light on crowds. The weather is nice, around the 60’s or 70’s during the day. The bugs are gone, and it does not rain hardly at all during the winter months.

That means it’s a perfect time to see Disney, Universal Studios and Sea World here in Orlando. If your an older couple with no kids, single, childless couple or home school your kids you don’t have to worry about taking the kids out of school. Prices for everything are also lower than in the summer. It really is much lighter now than the summer tourist crowds.

So if you can, head down here to Orlando and enjoy the theme parks without having to fight the crowds, summer heat, rain, bugs and higher prices. Pay for your theme park tickets online and be all set when you get here!

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