Disney World Accommodations: On-Site Vs Off-Site

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

Disney World Without the Rides Is Still a Magical Delight

Sit Back and Relax and Just Enjoy

Sit Back, Relax and Just Enjoy the Magic!

Ever since it’d greeted the first guest back in the seventies, WDW (Walt Disney World) Resort never looks back. Truly, the magical Orlando Resort is the most visited and beloved theme park destination in the world today. Packed with an incredible, ever-evolving array of fun and entertainment choices it brings to life the dreams of millions since inception. Its importance as a great fantasy destination needs no explanation. With wide range of attractions that inspires visitors of all ages, WDW is the ultimate place for a dream family vacation. There is no place on earth that boasts such a great list of fun opportunities that the resort has to offer. Whether it’s the Magic Kingdom or EpcotHollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom there is one thing that makes them all stand out- Magic!

Moreover, with so much to see and do at this famous Florida Resort that every visit to the place is like a new experience in itself. Whether you are visiting the park for the first time or planning a return trip with family it’s always the world’s most magical experience in the offing. Once inside guests are exposed to a whole new world of adventure and fantasies like never before. Whether it’s in the form of your most favorite dream ride or parades, special shows or events, there is no end to the amount of fun and entertainments one can have.

However, while it seems enjoying the dream rides, shows and fun activities is a must for a magical Disney vacation, there are others who also think that a trip to Disney World is equally memorable and special without the attractions. With so many other fun things and activities to see and do here that the world famous resort is not just restricted to the attractions only. One can discover the magic just by enjoying things that were sadly missed out often by many visitors. For reference while walking down the Main Street USA you can have a great time stopping by the windows and reading the various inscriptions instead. Or just walk and enjoy the sights of every incredibly-themed objects and activities happening around the parks.

I think skipping the rides and opting for a rather laid back vacation alternative at the parks is by no means a less magical experience. In fact by twisting the usual vacation itinerary with a rather unconventional one is just another exciting way to enjoy the magic in the middle of this happiest place on earth.

For discounts on Disney World admissions and passes to exclusive Orlando attractions and events, including discount Sea World Orlando tickets, Universal Studios tickets and other special Orlando packages you can contact us by calling toll free at 1-877-406-4836 or by visiting us on the web at www.officialticketcenter.com

Tips on Bringing Your Own Food into the Walt Disney World Theme Parks

To pack or not to pack... that is the question.

To pack or not to pack... that is the question.

The Official Ticket Center ~ Having worked in the theme park guest service industry for over 2 decades, I would have to say that one of the most common questions that I have been asked is, “Can I take food into the parks?”

Well the answer is a big, “YES”.

There are many reasons that a person or family may need to bring their own food or drinks into the theme parks and here are a few. The biggest reason is budgetary as it is very expensive to eat in the parks, religious reasons or someone might have a medical issue which requires special dietary needs. Whatever the reason, Disney theme parks do not turn away guests with food or drinks. Here are a few questions that I and my staff have been asked over the years and here are our responses. Continue reading

‘Celebrate the Magic’ – Magic Kingdom’s Most Stunning and Immersive Storytelling Show

Celebrate the Magic at Magic Kingdom

Celebrate the Magic at Magic Kingdom

The Official Ticket Center ~ Being an avid admirer of the enchanting Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom Park, I can only say that the sight of this world famous -one of a kind fairytale attraction overlooking the Main Street USA is just awesome. Moreover, for me visiting the iconic palace is always an inspiring experience – a great way to enjoy the fairytale – magic that Disney is best known to have. And what makes it more interesting is the incredible role played by the Castle itself at night. If you are visiting the area in the evening, you find the beauty of the Castle blossoms further with the popular castle projection show-Celebrate the Magic. The amazing nighttime spectacular transforms the entire Palace structure into one incredible paper canvas, showcasing the iconic Disney stories and characters like never before.

It’s really magical to watch the Castle comes to life with the most stunning and immersive storytelling projection show the Park has to offer. Imagine the journey with an enchanted paintbrush right on the Castle building where you encounter highly-themed 3D visuals – such as Tinker Bell flying over the Castle Turrets and sprinkling pixie dust on its way, followed by Walt Disney himself up in action – busy sketching his iconic character Mickey Mouse and much more. Truly the Celebrate the Magic attraction is a sheer technological brilliance. The show combines the best of what Disney Imaginers can offer, be it the awesome musical score, pixel accurate projection mappings, pyrotechnics and lighting.

Ever since its inception the Cinderella Castle is regarded as the signature attraction of the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando Florida. Crowning the busiest and most popular of all the Disney Parks (Magic Kingdom), the magnificent Castle has always been the source of inspiration both for Disney Imaginers and the Park’s ever-increasing Fan base as well. In fact Cinderella Castle symbolizes the very core of the Disney magic, specially the fairy-tale concept that the theme park Resort preaches and instills in the hearts and minds of its fans and visitors for generations.

Today unlike its contemporaries, the Castle only gets better and more attractive with time. It becomes more beautiful at night and the inclusion of such exclusive storytelling shows enables us to catch the fancies right on the Structure of the Castle itself. With amazing seasonal themes the Palace is destined to change shapes and colors to the greatest delight of its admirers. Whether it’s special Christmas themes during Christmas or scenes from the Disney blockbusters during Summer, or the display of Disney Villains to celebrate the Halloween season, thanks to great castle projection shows like the Celebrate the Magic.

For discounts on Walt Disney World tickets and passes, and other Orlando theme park tickets, including Universal Studios tickets and Sea World tickets please call The Official Ticket Center toll free at 1-877-406-4836.




UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT REVEALS MAJOR ATTRACTION NEWS

Orlando, Fla. (May 19, 2011) – Universal Orlando Resort today announced that its newest attraction will be based on Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s blockbuster 3-D-CGI feature “Despicable Me,” bringing minions, mayhem and a whole new level of 3-D family fun to its guests. The “Despicable Me” experience will replace the Jimmy Neutron attraction at Universal Studios Florida. Continue reading

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex 10 Year Master Plan

NASA officials announced on 4/12/11 that Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has been selected to permanently display space shuttle Atlantis upon retirement of the Space Shuttle Program. Atlantis, one of three orbiters in the space shuttle fleet, will fly the last scheduled space shuttle mission before being retired in 2011. 

 

The $100 million exhibit for Atlantis will be the marquee element of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s 10-year master plan. Initial design concepts for the 65,000 square-foot home for the space-flown orbiter include viewing the space shuttle “in flight,” showing how the spacecraft worked in space and providing a unique vantage point for guests to look at the complex vehicle up close. Complementing the orbiter display will be interactive features reflecting major accomplishments of the Space Shuttle Program, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station.

 

Officials with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex plan to break ground on Atlantis’ new home in 2012 with a grand opening planned for 2013. The orbiter home will be located in the Shuttle Plaza at the main Visitor Complex; incorporating the Shuttle Launch Experience attraction. To purchase your Kennedy Space Center Tickets, please call our office toll free at 1-877-406-4836 TODAY.

Magic Kingdom Tickets For The Holiday Travelers

Holiday Time Is Here and The Magic Kingdom Is Ready To Celebrate

Holiday Time Is Here and The Magic Kingdom Is Ready To Celebrate

 

Magic Kingdom ~ Every year during the fall holiday season at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, the most attended theme park in the whole world, transforms into a winter wonderland for all ages. During the beginning of fall, during Thanksgiving, the Magic Kingdom sheds its summer garb for a more northern look and feel. This is just the first of many transformations that the Magic Kingdom will make until it’s most famous of all celebrations takes place in December for Christmas. Throughout the year the Magic Kingdom theme park goes thru many faces, but it’s the ones at the end of the year that really bring guests back year after year. The Christmas celebration at the Magic Kingdom is second to none. With your Magic Kingdom tickets, you will be part of the most celebrated event that the Orlando theme parks put on during this season. During the evening at the Magic Kingdom, the Walt Disney theme park takes on a whole different look and feel. You will notice the smell of cinnamon cookies in the air and the cool Florida winds blowing, making you think that life doesn’t get any better, but it does. During select nights at the Magic Kingdom, the Walt Disney World theme park puts on a party that young and old are sure to cherish. The party that I am speaking of is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and is a party that you and your family will remember forever. This party is not included with your daily Magic Kingdom tickets and you will need to purchase the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas tickets in advance as this party sells out quickly. Discount tickets to this event can be purchased thru our office, so call us when you are ready. This party has a very special parade and fireworks show that is completely different from the Magic Kingdom’s daily parades. The coolest time of all is that for the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, free hot coco and cookies are provided all night at select areas. Not only that, but it snow every night on Main Street U.S.A. and during the special parade, Santa make a very special appearance. This party is on our family calendar every year and at our ticket center, we see return guests year after year, come just for this event. Please check back with us to see when this event ticket goes on sale. If you need Magic Kingdom tickets for your upcoming trip to Orlando, please call our office toll free at 1-877-406-4836 or just click here to view the cost for our Magic Kingdom tickets http://www.officialticketcenter.com/magic-kingdom-tickets.aspx

Walt Disney World Sets The Pace For Orlando Theme Parks

 

I Think Walt Disney Would Be Happy

I Think Walt Disney Would Be Happy

 

Walt Disney World in Orlando has been here longer than any other theme park with the exception of the world famous Gatorland which was built back in 1949 by Mr. Owen Godwin. Disney World started with the Magic Kingdom, followed by Epcot , then Hollywood Studios and the last being Animal Kingdom theme park. Without Walt’s vision, many of the other Orlando theme parks would not exist. Continue reading

Walt Disney World ~ Disney’s Animal Kingdom Brings Thrills of Faraway Adventure

 

Bookings Begin Oct. 15 for Experience Launching in Early 2011

Wild Africa Trek ~ Bookings Begin Oct. 15 for Experience Launching in Early 2011

 

A ravine of menacing-looking crocs, pools of hippos, bushwalks along untracked terrain and other thrills await guests on Wild Africa Trek, a unique wildlife experience scheduled to launch in early 2011 into the deepest, most-remote reaches of Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom.

Reservations can be booked beginning Oct. 15, 2010, for the three-hour, expert-led adventure that will immerse guests in the realms and wildlife thrills of far-off Africa – without leaving the Walt Disney World Resort. In small groups, guests on the Wild Africa Trek will enjoy an “up-close-and-personal” experience with African wildlife species that make their home in Pangani Forest as well as other areas of the park’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve.

As part of the adventure, guests will clip onto a lifeline as they step to the very edge of a cliff to get amazingly close to the hippos and crocs waiting just below. Talk about cliff-hangers!

Adventure-minded guests will have the experience of a lifetime as they get immersed in an authentic African safari experience that only Walt Disney World can deliver,” said Michael Colglazier, vice president of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. “We are thrilled to be offering this unique outdoor adventure aimed at active vacationers, taking interactions with the incredible animals that inhabit the Harambe Reserve to the next level and literally blazing new trails in our park.”

Highlights of what’s in store for guests on this add-on adventure:

Walt Disney World ~ Navigating a rickety footbridge over a river chasm can be dicey enough for explorers. In an all-new Walt Disney adventure, what lurks below that bridge may quicken their step to get to the other side: Crocodiles! Continue reading