Category Archives: Walt Disney World

star wars lands new details

New Details on Upcoming Star Wars Lands Add to the Excitements

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Disney’s largest ever single themed land expansion projects – The Star Wars Lands in Anaheim, California and in Orlando, Florida have taken the theme park world by storm. There is no comparison to the uniquely – immersive experiences the Lands offer. And the latest revelations on this make things even more exciting for the fans.

The recent – 2017 Star Wars Celebration in Orlando shares surprising new details about a space experience like no other. In deed it’s all about choices and consequences. A land where your choices will follow you around, until you end up with your own unique Star Wars story. Truly, the individual decision you make will have a direct effect on the overall experience. For example, you will come across different aspects of the environment, including reactions, based on your pick (on whose side you wanted to be) during the epic space battle between First Order and the Resistance. Your individual choices can earn you the power to add a new twist to the story altogether, or maybe you wanted to trigger some environmental changes with the purchase of a special Star Wars item for that matter. The possibilities can be many, but no real details available yet.

Secondly, character experiences will play a big role. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios – the Star Wars Launch Bay is the only place to meet those favorite space characters till now. But the new Star Wars Lands will change that forever with the inclusion of walk-around characters and droids like never before. Also not to forget the interactive elements with characters as well. For example, in the interactive dark ride you choose to help The First Order, and take commends for your efforts with Kylo Ren. Or possibly you find yourself chatting with Poe Dameron, who implores you to support the Resistance instead.

Star Wars Lands Story

Star Wars Lands Story


On the story side, we only heard about a remote galactic outpost, unknown till know. However, the new details have thrown more light on this mysterious destination – located on the Outer Rim somewhere. Guests will visit a remote village, used to be a busy crossroads along the old sub-lightspeed trade routes. However, the rise of hyperspace travel had led to its downfall as a prominence outpost. Now it’s considered as a thriving port for all those who prefer less attention, including rogues, smugglers, and adventurers.

Star Wars Lands are slated to open sometime in 2019. With plenty of additional details to come and with about two years to go before the one of a kind experiences come alive we will certainly keep hearing more about the new Lands.You can book your Disney Tickets in advance at special discounts with The Official Ticket Center.

Disney Quest at Disney Springs

Disney Quest at Disney Springs Is Closing Permanently on July 3, 2017

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The one-of-a-kind indoor interactive fun and gaming attraction Disney Quest closes forever, making way for a brand new basketball experience, namely The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort. This is something that fans are aware of since 2015 when Disney had revealed its intent for the first time to stop running Disney Quest and use the venue to create a unique NBA entertainment complex instead. Now with the recent announcement it becomes clear that Disney Quest is available for us until it closes forever on July 3, 2017

Located at Disney Springs West Side Neighborhood, Disney Quest has been a great source of entertainment for all the guests. The 5 story attraction houses some of the most unique gaming experiences, featuring fantasy adventure games, virtual reality and classic arcade games across four distinct play zones (Explore Zone, Score Zone, Create Zone and Replay Zone). There is something special for everyone on each floor of the landmark building. Among the many great Disney Quest highlights include a life-size game, CyberSpace Mountain, Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam, design-your-own-roller-coaster motion-simulator ride and many other arcade video games.

Since inception Disney Quest is considered as a landmark attraction that Disney Springs (previously Downtown Disney) area has to offer. However, it started to appear dated with time, and for many the big-time attraction fell victim to the constantly changing technological needs of the hour. There are others who think Disney Quest had lost its “wow” factor with time as well. Moreover, given the multi-year Disney Springs transformation program, and with more and more fresh and new venues popping up one after the other, it becomes a tough choice for Disney to continue with many of the older attractions in the area. It’s true that Disney Quest may cease to exist on July 3, 2017, but then it’s leaving for good. There are many new and incredible experiences waiting to take their turn, and the NBA Experience is definitely the perfect substitute to start with.

The NBA Experience at Disney Springs

The NBA Experience at Disney Springs


The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort is a never-before basketball-themed attraction, featuring hands on activities, high-tech immersive experiences, including a restaurant and a retail store. The new attraction will put you right in the middle of your favorite NBA actions. Officialticketcenter.com will bring to you more on this as and when Disney make further revelations, including the announcement of its opening.

Early Arrival to the Orlando Theme Parks for No Lines

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I get the same questions every day from my guests traveling out to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld. The question is, “How can we avoid the line at the parks”? The answer is short and sweet, get there early. If you get to the theme parks early, you will have accomplished the biggest task of your day. Getting there early before everyone gets there not only ensures that you won’t have to wait in long lines for the most popular rides, but it will also save you time from the hot Florida sun that will zap your energy level quick!

Most travelers like to wake up kind of early, stroll down to the lobby of their hotel or resort, have a cup of coffee, then head back up to get the rest of the family for breakfast. This takes up at least two hours in the morning and this does not even take in consideration the time needed to travel to the parks. Combine all of this with the crowds rolling in late and security checkpoint lines and bam, you are now in the thick of late morning traffic that everyone hates.

Getting there one hour before the park opens for example at Disney’s Magic Kingdom will not only give you a smooth and stress free experience, but will also get you a very special early morning performance from of all of Disney’s characters before being allowed into their park for the day. After the performance, greeters welcome guests in to enjoy Mainstreet USA for a short period before their rope drop. Many early morning guests then travel back to the top rides with no wait at all. One could ride at least four rides before really encountering any kind of real lines.

When it comes to the saying, “The early bird gets the worm”, this is exactly right when it comes to getting the most while at the theme parks. This method really works best for travelers who can get to bed early the night before and really try to hydrate the evening and morning before arriving at the parks. Waking up early really works best for travelers from Europe due to the time difference. A traveler from England has the clock on their side as they are five hours ahead of us, so the can wake up at 6 am and feel like they slept in until noon! Unfortunately this is not the case for us in the USA.

Having a Great Time at Walt Disney World for Almost Nothing

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If you have ever come to Disney World and we were pretty strapped for cash, there are so many things to do for free that most people don’t even know about. The biggest and best one would have to be the Walt Disney World monorail. Guess can pay the parking fee of $20, then go to the ticket and transportation center and climb aboard the world-famous monorail. You can take it for a spin around the seven seas lagoon and even stop in and explore waltz resorts.

Next you can walk outback of those resorts and jump on a boat and go resort hopping. Doing this will get you some of the best and most beautiful views of Walt Disney world. One of my favorite stops has to be the wilderness Lodge. This resort is the closest thing to the Pacific Northwest without needing to jump on an airplane. Explore the great halls, sit by the fire or even walk out back and catch a Disney movie on an inflatable screen with the beautiful Bay Lake as your backdrop.

Next would have to be the boardwalk resort that is located behind Epcot. Here you can park in the parking lot of the resort and walk him through the hotel lobby and out onto the boardwalk. Here you will find a beautiful lake surrounded by a 30 foot wooden boardwalk peppered with restaurants and small stores. They even have a brick oven walk up pizza Rea that serves up some pretty delicious pizza slices. Walk a few more steps and you can catch a game inside the ES PN lounge while sipping on a cold brew.

If you are into Micro brewery, stop in to Disney’s own big River brewing Company for a pint of award winning Beer. When the daytime comes tonight walk over to the backside of Epcot and catch your free display of Epcot’s firework show.  I have spent many a evening with my children in tow watching illuminations reflections of earth while chowing down on a few slices of pizza.

If you want to catch another cool firework show, walk through the pathway from the boardwalk over by the Swan and dolphin hotel and continue on the path towards Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Sit along the walkway in the evening and catch the all new Star Wars firework show. So it’s a little more than a parking fee or not one can have a great time at the Walt Disney World resort while saving money!

Please Pardon the Walt Disney World Pixie Dust

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With Walt Disney World Resort in the biggest construction and demolition time in their life, one project stands out to me the most. What used to be called Downtown Disney has transformed into an entertainment and dining Mecca of Orlando. Its new name is now called Disney springs. It had gone to a few name changes but Disney Springs is the one that stuck to the wall. They have actually created what looks like a natural Floridian stream that is supplied by crystal blue and green water from somewhere I have yet to see yet.

One of the biggest transformations yet has to be the old Fulton’s crab House. I was just down there the other evening and the old sign in for sod has been removed and work has started in earnest.   The new name for the restaurant will now be called paddlefish. It is set to open in the fall of 2016 and will serve up fresh seafood, steaks and the catch of the day. Sticking with the seafood fair there will be such dishes like lobster corn dogs, Alaskan king and queen crab, local favorites like Florida stone crab and guacamole made right at your table with lobster, Chili’s, cilantro, lime and tortilla chips.

One of the coolest things is that you will be able to build your own boil and pick your own seasonings to your liking. Recently I was down and noticed a new fish and chips store located beside Raglan Road. Looking at what the people were eating as I walked by looked absolutely delicious. There is nothing like a good pint of Guinness Stout and some fish and chips. The Disney Springs area is probably the best new hangout for folks who like to pop in and have a drink and a small bite to eat. Disney really took care to make sure that guess enjoy their waterfront property that was solely neglected during the downtown Disney pleasure island years.

One of my favorites has to be Maury Moto’s. It’s a beautiful new restaurant that overlooks the new waterways that run through Disney springs. If you can be so lucky to sit outside on their upper deck, you will have some very beautiful scenery while you eat and drink. I think one of the coolest additions the Disney has made is to incorporate live entertainment peppered throughout the Disney Springs area. You can grab some gelato, or a cold beverage while sitting and listening to beautiful Spanish classical guitar players or sit back and be amazed by futuristic music that is being played on some of the weirdest instruments you have ever seen. This is a must stop for anybody who is visiting the Orlando area while on vacation

Epcot Set to Bring Three New Additions to Their World Showcase

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With all of the expansion of work going on at Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida, one of the most exciting ones come to mind. The one I am most excited about is at Epcot and will incorporate three new additions. The biggest debut will be Sorin’ Around the World. Is very popular attraction has been down for the past year while new footage was being recorded and IMAX. If you remember the old ride it took you to such places as California Florida and even Disney itself.

Located in the land pavilion guess we’ll still experience flying over beautiful scenery of land far away. I hope they still incorporate the smells like they did when he flew over the orange groves. I’m sure Disney will not disappoint. From what I have seen, they have spared no expense at bringing high definition video to it screams. The next will be over in the Norway pavilion and will have the all new frozen after ever after. This will be the actual very first attraction inspired by Disney’s movie frozen that was a blockbusters we’ll be able to walk the streets of Erin Dell as they take in the sites sounds and smell of this fairytale land.

Afterwards guess can stop by and visit with the two sisters at the Royal summerhouse. Recently you have been able to visit Anna and Elsa at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, but with lines reaching up to three hours long, Disney saw fit to expand this meeting greet to Epcot. Norway was due for a facelift and I’m glad that they are putting frozen ever after within its very popular pavilion. Many people disagree with me and feel that Epcot should not be turned into a Magic Kingdom or Hollywood studios.

But I welcome the new addition and can’t wait! I feel Norway is a perfect place for an addition like this. If you remember their ride, the Maelstrom, it was a little Gloomy to say the least. I love the ride but hope that Disney brightens up the experience and brings happy joy joy feelings to adults and kids alike.

Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios Set for Star Wars Greatness

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Lately things of gotten a little bit noisy at Walt Disney World Orlando’s – Hollywood Studios in Florida. Recently the theme park has launched a new nighttime spectacular called Star Wars eclectic spectacular fireworks show. Just like at the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood studios will have nightly shows that will showcase fireworks and pyrotechnics alongside videos of the Star Wars movies as well as synchronized to music that go along with the Star Wars music.

I was able to see this from the parking lot last week and the finale was one of the best ones I’ve ever seen. Mixed with the iconic colors of Star Wars red and blue, the fireworks towered over the theme park with spot beams that created would look like light sabers in the sky. Disney has been dropping some serious money into their newly acquired Star Wars theme is at the park. Rumor is a huge expansion is coming and that is the reason why the Lights Action Motor Car show was shut down about a month ago.

All of this comes after Disney purchased Star Wars from George Lucas a few years back. With the movie the force awakens setting box office hits records; Disney was quick to jump on the scene park in merchandise bandwagon. Anytime you go over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios you will see thousands of small children and even adults carrying their Jedi or Sith light sabers. There are a few new stores over there to purchase these items at like the new Star Wars launch bay and there is even one down at the new Disney Springs in the old downtown Disney area.

The other expansion that has been under the radar has been Toy Story. It is getting a big facelift as well and is reported to be growing in size to accommodate a whole land for itself. Not to long ago the Art of Animation studios were shut down in order for this Toy Story land to have space enough for the new land.

Disney has big pockets so I am sure that anything they bring moved to Hollywood studios is going to be absolutely amazing

Good Things Come to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Lately at Walt Disney World animal kingdom there have been signs of new life. Recently they have come out with a new water show over by their roller coaster Everest called rivers of light. About a month ago they had a media event where they had industry professionals come out and see firsthand what Disney has been up to. First and foremost I would like to say that I am absolutely thrilled that Walt Disney World animal kingdom is staying open late. It was always a shame to have to leave at around 5 o’clock in the evening when things were just starting to get good. Being at the theme parks at twilight is such a beautiful time.

Now that you can stay later, the animal kingdom’s tree of life puts on a new show where projectors project high definition colors and images onto the tree. I was able to see a small sample not too long ago and it was so beautiful that it almost brought me to tears. There are so many beautiful areas at Disney’s animal Kingdom, going to be absolutely amazing to stay well on into the night. They haven’t yet worked out all the kinks yet with the rivers of light show, but from what I have seen it is going to look absolutely amazing.

The park is also going to have a few new events called Harambe wildlife party and Discovery Island carnival   As well as bringing the new jungle book movie to life with the jungle book alive with magic water show which will bring to life the Jungle Book’s Baloo and Mowgli their new discovery river each evening. Probably the biggest addition to come will be the new avatar land that has been in construction for the past couple of years. You can see it from the parking lot as it sits right behind the rain forest café at the entrance to Disney’s animal Kingdom This project should be done in the next few years and is slated to be one of Disney’s biggest accomplishments to date.

I’m so glad to see is me putting their biggest efforts forward at this very unique and beautiful theme park.

Are the New Disney Special Events at the Magic Kingdom the Way to Go?

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Recently Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida has given its guess a special event for travelers wanting to beat the crowds and the heat. The new event is called Disney after hours and is at the Magic Kingdom. Guess are able to purchase a separate ticket and enter at 7 o’clock at night and stay until 2 AM. Almost all of the rides are open with little to no Q and free ice cream is served up throughout the event. There are no parades or fireworks but that is just a side note to having the whole park to yourself. I feel the biggest perk to this event is that they only allow up to 3000 gas and to a park that has been known to hold over 100,000 people.

The two evenings that I went there in the early beginning of the event, there were maybe only 1000 people at most. Now that the cat is out of the bag we are starting to see more people go to the event but still there is only up to 3000 people on any given night. There’s nothing like walking onto a ride that is normally two hours long and walking right up and on with little to no people in line in front or behind you. I was able to ride the seven dwarves mine train just by walking up and getting on to the ride. This is probably the most popular attraction at the Magic Kingdom. If you go first thing in the evening at 7 PM, you will be intermingled with the days guess until cast member start to a sure of them out at around 11 o’clock. You will be able to watch wishes fireworks and watch the Main Street electrical Parade.

After the parade is over you can drastically see the drop in attendees. Most people know that there is an ass special event that evening, so they start heading home or to their respective resort on Disney property. Having Cinderella’s Castle all to yourself is a very Special feeling into itself. There is nothing like the Magic Kingdom at night with no one in it as well as no cranky little kid screaming. So if you were looking to have a very special evening while visiting the Walt Disney World resort, I highly suggest taking a look at this once in a lifetime special event.

Disney World Accommodations: On-Site Vs Off-Site

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Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Disney's Art of Animation Resort

There are preferences and there are needs specific to individuals and families that determine whether a particular choice is better over the other. I think the same is true to the Disney World Lodging options as well. For some guests the decision of staying at an on-site property is more convenient, others think the off-site lodging alternatives make much better vacation deals. Either of the choice has its own advantages and disadvantages. So it’s recommended to plan out accordingly and choose the one that meets your specific vacation needs.

I’m a great fan of WDW (Walt Disney World) Resort, and it would be really special for me if I can enjoy the place in accordance with my specific vacation needs. I know that planning is essential, and along with tickets and transportation, accommodation plays an important role in deciding the fate of a Disney World Vacation. In deed it’s our choice of stay (On-Site or Off-Site, at a Disney owned property or at a hotel or villa outside the Resort) that determines the kind of vacation experience we are going to have.

Often the word convenient is associated with all the decisions taken in favor of on-site lodgings at Walt Disney World today. In fact guests staying at an on-site hotel have the advantage of extra perks, such as the Magical Express that takes care of your Airport to Disney World resort or hotel transportations, the Extra Magic Hours (that offers exclusive park hours for resort staying guests only), including Free Transportation facilities between the Parks and WDW hotels. Moreover, being a part of the Resort itself, the on-site (Disney owned and operated) lodging options seem to score an edge over their off-site counterparts when it comes to proximity, themes and the favorite dining plans as well.

On the other hand, the off-site accommodations – be it a luxurious hotel, villa or a vacation home for that matter can be very handy in many special ways. First they are mostly cheaper than a Disney owned hotel room or suite and as such help you save more on your vacation. Also staying at an off-site property is seen as a great opportunity, especially if it is not only the WDW that you are looking for. Unlike the on-site lodgings, the hotels and vacation homes outside the Resort offer much better access to other Orlando attractions as well. In fact the prospects of including Universal Studios or the SeaWorld Parks in the vacation will only doubles-up the excitement.

Whether it’s on-site or off-site, choosing the right vacation-stay is important. Families with special interest need to analyze certain factors prior to finalizing their choice of hotel. Specific vacation essentials such as the size of your budget, the total number of members and kids included in your family, hotel amenities you are looking for and more are to be considered when deciding the hotel or lodging facility.

Orlando vacations are always expensive. And tickets play a major role in influencing the same. But there are many other options available to help you stay on budget. And I suggest you to visit the authorized agents and brokers for some real savings. If you are looking for discounts on your Disney Tickets and passes to exclusive Orlando attractions and events, including discount Sea World and Universal Studios tickets and other special theme park packages you can also consult WDW recommended Kissimmee based ticket Re-Seller – The Official Ticket Center