Category Archives: Disney World

Disney to put the Kibosh on Pet Friendly Families

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It would seem that the policy that allowed families to bring their furry little family member to the Happiest Place on Earth is coming to an end. The rule I guess had been just a pilot program and was not in place as a permanent thing. Many families have a hard time leaving their pets at home or at a boarding shelter while traveling to Disney or anywhere else for that matter while on vacation.

Not only can it be scary for the pet but can be quite expensive for mom and dad. Sources say that come October 2018 that pet friendly program is coming to a screeching halt! When asked if the program would be extended the official answer was that they did not see that happening. Maybe if enough people call and voice their concern, they might change their minds, but that is probably not going to happen.

Disney is in the process of getting as much money as they can and if I’m a betting man this latest hatchet job is to make the owners put their animals up at their on property kennel Best Friends Pet Care. I have personally put my dogs up there and it was great. Downside is that it is very expensive as you would expect from Disney. However knowing that my family members are close and taken care of is a piece of mind situation that I was willing to pay at that time.

Disney has said though that if you check-in before October 15, 2018 you can still bring your pets and they can stay for the whole duration while visiting at the Walt Disney World Resort. This is going to be a huge issue and people have the right to be a little peeved. But hay, when Disney sees a way to make more money…look out! If you are in the market for minimizing you overall cost of your Disney vacation and need discount Disney tickets, check out a local ticket broker like “The Official Ticket Center” in Kissimmee.

Below is a screenshot of their new policy:

 

 

 

Guardians of the Galaxy Lookin Good at Epcot

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Have you drove by Epcot in the past few weeks and noticed a big o’le building to the left of Spaceship Earth? Well that big thing everyone is looking at and talking about is the all NEW Guardians of the Galaxy ride and I can’t wait to experience it! Epcot was kind of in a rut for awhile and many visitors were asking if Epcot had just become a Festival theme park. Seems they were only rolling out the carpet a few times a years for their Wine & Food Festival as well as their Flower & Garden Festival. To be honest it was getting kind of stale and really did not offer anything new until now.

The area where the new ride will be is over where Ellen was next to Mission Space. That area was like a place where if you wanted to go take a nap and not be bothered by anyone, this was the place to do it. Now it has become something very busy and looks to be just more than a ride, maybe even a small little land into itself. I know Walt would be pleased with this space aged addition as he dreamed of this whole park being like that and not what it has become.

Guardians of the Galaxy is nothing new but it is so hot right now as Mugatu would say so hopefully nothing knocks it too far back to where visitors will be like what the heck is a Groot? I’m pretty positive that this will not be the case and this little corner of Epcot will be everyone’s newest favorite piece of the park. I am really hoping for some new eateries keeping in line with the whole space theme and maybe a sit down restaurant.

All in all this is going to be a much needed addition to Epcot that is for sure! If you have been over there within the past decade, you will agree that nothing has been added to the theme park and if you have been reading any Disney related blog, people have been demanding that something be added to Walt’s treasured park for quite some time. I’m glad to see it finally happening. If you are planning to visit anytime soon be sure to check out “The Official Tickets Center” for all of you Disney tickets and discounts.

 

Countdown to Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios

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If you have been paying attention lately, you would notice a great disturbance in Walt Disney World’s Force. If one would look for a minute over at Hollywood Studios, you would see a major Pixie Dusting taking place in the form of a huge expansion of Toy Story Land. For the past few years Hollywood Studios has been going to the extreme of updating this once not so popular theme park. Guests have been waiting patiently for this and Disney is guaranteeing a home run with this newest addition!

Over the past few weeks guests have been privy to a soft open of this new land. You won’t hear about it but you can sure read about it as Disney has been slowly and quietly bringing in media and bloggers to start building the excitement for what it hopes to be a big winner for their park. I have seen pictures and videos of the rides and food stands, but I have yet to go myself. Next week will be their official media event and yours truly will be there reporting on everything.

I am a huge Disney fan and I hope to be able to see all of my favourite characters as well as shrink down to what is the end idea of being one of Andy’s toys. The whole gist of their new land is to be one of Andy’s toys and for the guest to be able to enjoy a day in Andy’s backyard. I have seen the a few of the rides like Slink Dogs rollercoaster as well as a few walk up eateries and I can’t wait. It has been long overdue and I hope that Disney hits a homerun with this much needed addition!

Disney has great visions for all of their theme parks but Hollywood Studios I have a feeling will be a new diamond on Mickey’s crown especially after they add the much anticipated Star Wars Land. Once they have these two new additions they will be a Force to reckon with no pun intended…lol The only thing that I would have added if I were Disney is possibly a Toy Story Resort. Could you imagine how cool that would be for the kids? Hopefully they read this and make it happen. Stay tuned for after party reports and if you should every need discount Disney tickets to any of the parks, please visit The Official Ticket Center for all of your ticketing needs.

 

Orlando Vacation - Save Money on Tickets

How to Save Money on an Orlando Theme Park Vacation in 2018

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Airfare, Hotel, Car-Rental, foods, Tickets and more, prices just pile up to a shocking reality when it comes to the planning of a trip to the world famous Walt Disney World or the Universal parks in Orlando, Florida. In fact for many it’s the Park admission or entrance cost itself comes to you at a much higher price than expected. Given the $100 plus price slab for just a one-day ticket to either Disney World or Universal Orlando, the Orlando parks are definitely expensive options for guests and families on a tight vacation budget. But it’s also true that there are ways and options available to get rid of vacation expenses as well. There are ways and options that enable you to experience the dream vacation at a price much less than the inevitable $100 per person, per day.

For returning visitors this is not new and probably many of them know how to deal with a bulky budget. However, there are others, including first timers who are still in the look-out for better and more reasonable and reliable money saving tips and tricks. And if you are one of them then I suppose reading this article would definitely assists you in your quests for saving more on you theme park tickets.

There exists many deals and discounts on tickets online. But don’t just get lost in the myriad. One of the most recommend and sought-after money saving tips is to go for advance booking online. Visit the official websites of respective theme parks and compare the prices on dates you are planning to visit. The parks offer different prices on different dates and they give away discounts on advance booking of tickets from their websites. But wait, don’t booked them yet. Marked the official discounted price and compare it with other discount ticket sources, such as the authorized re-sellers, including OfficialTicketCenter.com that offers you real discounted disney tickets, passes, universal studios tickets and tickets to other Orlando area attractions.

Authorized Reseller - The Official Ticket Center

Authorized Reseller – The Official Ticket Center


As the name suggest the authorized re-sellers are authorized to offer legitimate park tickets. Also along with the official websites and re-sellers, you may also want to follow the parks on social media, such as Twitter and Facebook. Who knows you may stumble upon an even better deal there. At times Disney and Universal may surprise you with event deals and vacation packages that you won’t be able to resist. However, it’s to be noted that you should stay away from getting cheated with all those fake or invalid tickets on sale online by various un-authorized sources at a price that seems too good to be true.

The Annual Pass is another great money saving tool. If you are interested in spending more days, week or more on each visit then better go for one instead. You will enjoy the best of benefits at the lowest possible costs on theme park admission per person, per day. Annual passes also come with in-park benefits such as free parking, dinning offers and souvenirs, including multiple park access. One of to pay extra to include multi-park access with a single day or multi-day ticket. However, it’s to be noted that annual passes are subject to block-out dates. Either you need to match your vacation timings with dates with the passes are valid, or go for an expensive or premium annual pass instead.

Disney's Animal Kingdom 20 th Anniversary Celebration

Visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the Most Magical Celebration of Nature – From April 22 to May 5, 2018

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On Earth Day – April 22, 2018, Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrates its 20 th anniversary in a grand style. The milestone celebration continues through May 5, 2018, featuring special entertainments and family-friendly activities, including animal encounters, specialty desserts and much more. The entire 500 acres park comes alive with a wild party called Party for the Planet.

The special Party for the Planet celebration will connect you with the most magical world of the wild that Disney’s Animal Kingdom has to offer. Guests discover a host of celebration offerings, including the welcome program, the exclusive 20 th anniversary PhotoPass opportunities, special limited-time Wilderness Explorers Badge Locations for guests, special backstage experiences, including special limited-time 20 th anniversary lunch menu, commemorative merchandise and more.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch - Disney's Animal Kingdom

Rafiki’s Planet Watch – Disney’s Animal Kingdom


Among the main celebration highlights, include the Rafiki’s Planet Watch. The favorite wildlife attraction offers an awe-inspiring backstage experience, where you will meet the animal experts, see and discover the world of the wilds like never before. Guest will also learn about animal nutrition, visit the state of the art veterinary hospital, and learn about the various initiatives taken by Disney to protect the animal and the wild.

There is also brand-new show – UP! A Great Bird Adventure that Debuts on the April 22, 2018. The new show offers the opportunity to meet senior Wilderness Explorer Russel and his Squirrel friend Dug from the Disney Pixar film. Russel and Dug presents a new adventure that includes encounters with many exotic and colorful birds from around the world.
Another celebration highlight is the special 20 th anniversary PhotoPass Opportunities. Just step in to an exclusive anniversary photo opportunity and immortalized your special Animal Kingdom memories. Along with the oversized picture frames celebrating the Park’s 20 th anniversary, you can also have other Disney PhotoPass frames that supports the “Reverse the Decline” campaign in support of animals by the Disney Conservation Fund. For Annual Passholders Disney offers free Photopass downloads on select passes as well.

The Celebration also include special limited-time Wilderness Explorers Badge Locations. By joining the Wilderness Explorer program guests will be able to get more close with nature and the wild. To earn the coveted badges, first you should take the Wilderness Explorer pledge and have a field guide issued from the respective headquarters in the Park. The Wilderness Explorer Program offers a great opportunity to explore and experience Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.

The special 20 th anniversary celebration also offers an intimate dining experience. Also don’t forget to try the special-edition lunch menu at Tiffins. You can also go shopping for special 20 th anniversary merchandise as well.

You may want to visit our discount Disney tickets page for some real savings on your next Walt Disney World trip.

Toy Story at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Set to Amaze Guests in 2018

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Here in the U.S., Toy Story Land is set to open to guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on June 30, 2018. This land will bring with it all the fun, imagination and beloved characters from the “Toy Story” films.

Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios

When it opens, guests visiting the land will “shrink” to the size of a toy and join in on the fun Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and Andy’s other favorite pals are having in Andy’s backyard. Here, guests can take a ride on Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit and topped off with Rex and Jessie, while Slinky serves as the coaster vehicle. (See photo above for a new look at the track).

Families will also be able to take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, a galactic play set that Andy won from Pizza Planet. Here, adorable little green aliens swirl about in their flying saucers with guests in tow in their rocket ship toys, while “The Claw” hangs overhead.

Guests can also walk through a new carnival game box to experience Toy Story Mania!, which has been a guest-favorite attraction at the park since it opened in 2008. Now expanded with a third track, the popular attraction will put even more guests in the action taking aim at 3D objects – using everything from baseballs to cream pies – in a variety of whimsical, fast-paced games.

Woody’s Lunch Box will serve up tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats from a walk-up window setting. The entire land will serve as a visual celebration of toys, with Crayons, Cooties, Green Army Men, Rubik’s Cubes, Tinkertoys, and other familiar toys and game pieces incorporated into the land’s design.

Bob also shared this amazing behind-the-scenes video that shows the progress that’s being made on Toy Story Lands at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Shanghai Disneyland. (Toy Story Land at Shanghai Disneyland will include three attractions – Rex’s Racer, Slinky Dog Spin and Woody’s Round-Up – and is on track to open on April 26, 2018). Take a peek at both in the video above.

Gallery

Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Slinky Dog Dash
Slinky Dog Dash
Imagineers put finishing touches on Toy Story Land model
Toy Story Land Model at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Land Model at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Alien Swirling Saucers

view all

Which attraction are you most looking forward to experiencing when Toy Story Land opens this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – or will you make the trip to Shanghai Disneyland? Tell us in the “Comments” section below! To purchase your discount Disney tickets, please call our office at 1-877-406-4836.

Epcot Back in Blooms: The 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Returns

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Walt Disney World Resort

Mickey, Minnie and Pluto at Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Some say Florida doesn’t have an official “Spring” season, but I beg to differ.

Spring most definitely begins in Florida when the more-than-30-million blooms come alive at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

This year is the Festival’s 25th year, and the park again is overflowing with the brightest plants, flowers, trees and topiaries adorning both Future World and World Showcase.

Here are some of the top things you shouldn’t miss at the Festival:

  • Gardens, Gardens and More Gardens: In addition to all the natural flora throughout the park, the Walt Disney World horticulture squad has curated some truly breathtaking gardens for our guests this year. New garden destinations this year include “The How-To Garden” and “The Imagination Play Garden” which are perfect for adults and kids to enjoy together. Returning favorites include “The Goodness Garden Butterfly House” and “The Water Wise Garden,” which showcase environmental responsibility as well as just being fun!
  • Outdoor Kitchens: What would an Epcot Festival be without fun food and drinks? 15 Outdoor Kitchens this year grace World Showcase, with the newest being “The Honey Bee-Stro,” which features Roasted Cauliflower with Buckwheat Honey Carrot Purée; Honey Tandoori Chicken Flatbread with White Cheddar Cheese; and Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream garnished with Fennel Pollen Meringue Kisses. These dishes were created to showcase multiple honey varietals in creative and exciting ways. Returning Outdoor Kitchen favorites include “The Berry Basket” (featuring a lamb chop with quinoa salad and blackberry gastrique) and “THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brew” (featuring a pulled-pork slider and warm chocolate cake with Bourbon-salted caramel sauce and spiced pecans). YUM!
  • Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration: One of the beloved characters from Disney animated short cartoons, Spike the honeybee, has been “pollen-nating” throughout the Festival. In this springtime scavenger hunt, gardeners of all ages can follow Spike on his pollination trail around World Showcase, where he will “bee” busy collecting nectar and pollinating gardens at Epcot. To get started, purchase your map and stickers at Port of Entry. Available while supplies last.
  • Garden Rocks Concert Series: Each Friday through Monday of the Festival (what we like to call a “Disney Weekend”), favorite artists from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s will rock out at the America Gardens Theatre. Night Ranger kicks off the series March 2-5, and Rick Springfield, Survivor and Lonestar are just some of the popular rock and rollers in the lineup. Each night, there will be three performances – 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. – and guests can pair a wonderful meal at several of our Epcot restaurants with reserved concert seating in a nice package. Click here for Garden Rocks dining package availability or call 407-WDW-DINE.
  • Character Topiaries: Locations throughout the park feature some of the most beloved Disney and Disney•Pixar characters including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Lady and The Tramp and Buzz Lightyear.
  • Merchandise: Guests will find a wealth of hats, T-shirts, mugs and other fun Festival merchandise throughout Future World and World Showcase. I can’t resist anything with Figment on it; so you KNOW I’ll be buying some.
  • Tours: One of the great ways to get the “inside track” on the Festival or the latest in gardening techniques is to take one of the tours offered during the Festival. There are tours of The Land pavilion greenhouses and the “Gardens of the World – Spring Edition.” There is also the daily Royal Tea Garden Tour at the United Kingdom pavilion that includes a tea tasting. Guests can find out more about the tours here or call 407-WDW-TOUR.

If you’re coming out to this year’s festival, plan on more than one day to see, smell, hear, touch and taste everything. You surely can’t do it all in one!

For more information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, call us at 1-877-406-4836 or for discount Disney tickets to this event.

 

Happy gardening!

Fast & Furious – Supercharged ride - universal orlando

Upcoming Orlando Theme Park Attractions 2018

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For Orlando theme park guests it’s a whole new list of anticipations in 2018. At SeaWorld Orlando the upcoming Infinity Falls promises to take guests on a never before river ride adventure. Come spring, guests at Universal Studios Florida Park will be hijacked for a high-octane experience with the likes of Dom, Letty, Hobbs and the rest of Fast & Furious crew. Again Legoland Florida is offering the first V-R coaster for kids, featuring the wildest Lego race ever imagined. Last but not the least Disney World is all set to shrink guests to the size of a toy with its blockbuster 2018 project – Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios park.

The new Fast & Furious – Supercharged ride attraction is opening at the Universal Studios Florida section of the popular Resort. The ride will take you on a pulse pounding action where you will meet up with the Fast & Furious gang. During the adventure you have to stay with the unbreakable team that will help you escape dangers during the wild chase. The new standalone attraction promises a longer and more furious and immersive ride experience, featuring vehicles with 120 mph ride speed, and high definition 3-D projections.

The Infinity Falls river raft ride at SeaWorld Orlando promises a thrilling journey of discovery. Amidst soaking fountains and waterfalls, roaring rapids and tallest drop, the newest ride will put you through the wildest wet experiences ever. Guests will board a round shape, eight-seater blue and green ride vehicle as they navigate through turbulent waters of Infinity Falls that ends with a pulse pounding 40 foot drop. At LEGOLAND Florida it’s another wildest Lego race waiting to take your kid’s V-R coaster experience to next level. The Great Lego Race is seen as the first V-R roller coaster initiative with the kids in mind. The wild virtual race pits guests against Lego speedsters.

When it comes to Walt Disney World – the Toy Story Land is one of the most anticipated 2018 attractions to look for at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A great opportunity for fans to experience the world of toys. The new land will shrink guests down to the size of a toy and put you in Andy’s backyard. The new attraction features the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster and the spinning ride – Alien Swirling Saucers ride. Toy Story Land also include a quick-food restaurant and the popular Toy Story Mania 4-D shooting ride.

You can book your discount Sea world, Disney World or universal studios tickets from Officialticketcenter.com in advance and save more on upcoming trips to your favorite theme parks in Orlando, Florida.

Star Wars - Secrets of the Empire

Star Wars Fans Have a New Reason to Visit Disney Springs Now

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Virtual Reality – VR is the wave of the future. It offers the best of theme park experiences ever. At Disney Springs things get even more tempting with the debut of an advanced VR attraction now. The all-new Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire invites you to experience the adventures of a galaxy far away. Where you will find yourself in the midst of an amazing multi-sensory virtual playground. Where there is no rope or belt to strap with, you will be able to walk free and untethered with your friends and family. Guests will experience the life of an undercover Stormtrooper, who is on the mission to capture Imperial Intelligence for the budding rebellions.

Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire is an amazing VR experience with characters from Rogue One present. It’s a must see attraction. The technology and experience has something for all regardless of whether you are a Star Wars fan or not. You will end up having a better and more advance VR experience after all. Unlike other VR attractions, the head gears and vest you find here are far more comfortable, all worked together for an experience that you will remember forever.

Star Wars - Secrets of the Empire VR attraction

Star Wars – Secrets of the Empire VR attraction


Equipped with VR gears, you set on a mission in groups of four. Inside you feel like you are actually living a Star Wars life. And the amazing set-up will only take you further into the space fantasy. Also don’t forget to pick up those blasters and shoot Stormtroopers. In case you are not interested in shooting, you will find that the gun recoil and do other fun things as well. Whether it’s the droids in the room, the items you see on the walls, or the presence of real characters from Rogue One, or others it’s all about seeing and living your very own Star Wars adventures.

Right from check-in to exit, it’s about a 30 minutes experience. You have to be 10 years or older with a minimum height of 48 inches to participate in this one-of-a-kind space fantasy. No photography, videography, and recording of any sort is allowed on site. Also you will be sent in groups of four. In case you have more than four in your party, the extra members will be paired with other guests to make it four. Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire is located in the Marketplace section of Disney Springs. The attraction is presented by ILMxLAB and The VOID. Tickets are priced at about $30, available online at the official VOID website.

For special discounts on Disney world tickets, you can also visit Officialticketcenter.com

Epccot Candlelight Processional

Experience The Christmas Story At Epcot’s Candlelight Processional 2017

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Every winter Disney World celebrates the holiday tradition in its most impressive and entertaining fashion. This is also the time when the four magical parks transform into winter wonderlands with festive decors and events. Guests are greeted with an amazing array of seasonal shows, festivities and specialty food offerings. One of the most visited holiday trends the Resort offers during Christmas is the spectacular Candlelight Processional at Epcot. The guest – favorite show is a true Christmas delight. No other offering of its kind presents the traditional story of Christmas in such exciting and spectacular form.

Candlelight Processional 2017

Candlelight Processional 2017


The Candlelight Processional is a wonderful Disney tradition, started by Walt Disney himself and the same continues – running for its 47 th year now, featuring celebrity narrators, including a full 50 piece orchestra and a mass choir. The 2017 version of the presentation has Laurie Hernandez, Matt Bomer, Pat Sajak, Kurt Russel, Warwick Davis, and CCH Pounder as new comers in the list of narrators while Ana Gasteyer, Whoopi Goldberg, Jodi Benson, Trace Adkins, Neil Patrick Harris, Jaci valasquez and Chandra Wilson are the returning favorites.

Epcot’s Candlelight Processional 2017 begins November 24 and runs through December 30. Every evening it presents three shows of about 40 minutes with show-times 5, 6:45 and 8:15 pm. The show is held outdoor in the America Gardens Theater in World Showcase. No extra fee required for the show. It’s included with the regular admission. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis for the shows. One can make the show extra special by adding a dining package with reserved seats, which is available for purchase.

The dining package for the 2017 show comes with lunch or dinner at a select Epcot restaurant and guaranteed seating at the show. Among the various participating restaurants include Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Chefs de France, The Garden Grill, Biergarten Restaurant, Coral Reef Restaurant, Spice Road Table. Restaurant Marrakesh, San Angel Inn Restaurante and others. Prices for each special package starts at $44 + taxes per adult and $15.50 + taxes per child. To book dining packages call (407) WDW-Dine (939-3463) or you can have it online by logging on to the official Disney site. In case you need to save more on your tickets, you can check the Official Ticket Center website for offers on your discount Disney tickets.