Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival 2015

The Festival will run from March 4, 2015 until May 17, 2015

The Festival will run from March 4, 2015 until May 17, 2015

Refresh your sense of spring at the 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival—with fresh seasonal dishes, enchanting Disney character topiaries, complimentary presentations and more!

Discover dazzling gardens, seasonal cooking and high-energy entertainment at this spectacular springtime event. Sprouting once again in March, the 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will be budding with fresh experiences for every age and interest.

A few highlights coming into bloom include:

  • Locally grown topiaries featuring Disney characters
  • Outdoor Kitchens with spring-inspired dishes
  • A variety of vibrant entertainment offerings
  • Freshly picked music at the Garden Rocks™ Concert Series
  • Opportunities to learn how to bring spring at Epcot home

Plus, with so much to see and do, you can return again and again, and find something new every time… ‘cause in 2015, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is so much more than flower and gardens! Continue reading

A Look Back at the 2014 Theme Park Highlights

Looking Back in Retrospect

Looking Back in Retrospect

For Orlando Theme Park fans, the Year 2014 is unique in many exciting ways. I think the world-famous Parks here had taken some impressive leaps in making our dream vacations even more special and memorable. 2014 is the Year when for the first time muggles at Universal Orlando were able to experience the iconic multi-park ride-adventure onboard the famous Hoghwart Express. And this is also the Year when visitors at WDW (Walt Disney World) had the opportunity to use the most magical wristbands offered by the Company as part of the billion dollar NextGen Theme Park Experience and Ride Reservation System.

Moreover, among the many great events and attractions that had joined the Parks in 2014, I think first it was the advent of The Disney Festival of Fantassy Parade that had changed the way we look at Disney Parades. The new Parade came as a replacement of the old Celebrate a Dream Come True Procession in Magic Kingdom and becomes the most sought-after attraction in no time, celebrating the stories and characters of New Fantasyland with the all new floats, costumes, music and much more. The family coaster-train Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is another unique New Fantasyland attraction that had unleashed an entirely new kind of ride experience for fans and families.

The phase-wise launched of MyMagic+ and FastPass+ Program is perhaps the biggest experience that WDW fans had come across in 2014. The new initiative is aimed at enhancing vacation experiences like never before. One of the most important components of the Program is the MagicBand which serves as your ticket, room keys, credit cards and more.

Another 2014 highlight is the Frozen attraction that had gripped almost all of WDW. Started just as a meet and greet prelude to the release of Disney’s blockbuster animation, Frozen breaks all records in no time. And the excitement and popularity of Anna & Elsa is such that their presence becomes a craze everywhere across the Parks, be it at the Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom or at the Epcot for that matter.

Again at Universal Orlando Resort it was like the whole world is waiting for the birth of another most incredible theme park experience ever. And when Diagon Alley opens in the summer of 2014, fans’ excitements touch a new height. And the record crowd as sighted around the new attraction since the launch tells it all.

Whether it’s the grand opening of the most anticipated Diagon Alley with attractions such as The Harry Potter and Escape from Gringotts Ride or the completion of WDW’s epic expansion of New Fantassyland with first of its kind dark-rides such as the legendary Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Ride as the last of the expansion activities or more, 2014 is a year full of great anticipations and surprises that brings to life a new era of theme park experience.

Orlando theme park tickets play a major role in influencing your vacation expenses. But there are many options available to help you stay on budget. If you are looking for discounts on your Disney Tickets and passes to exclusive Orlando attractions and events, including discount SeaWorld tickets, Universal Studios tickets or other special park packages, you can also consult WDW recommended Kissimmee based ticket Re-Seller ~ The Official Ticket Center

Is Now The Right Time For You To Travel To Orlando?

Get the Vacation Ball Rolling

Get the Vacation Ball Rolling

Now that all of the holiday crowds have gone back to their homes and all of the children are back in school, is now the best time to plan that vacation to Orlando that you have been putting off? Well, lets take a look at what might make you think about booking that trip. First the parks are getting back to a normal flow of travelers from around the world and ride time are down to minutes, not hours like in the holiday months. The temperature is in the cool 60’s and 70’s during the days and theme parks are running specials on the tickets enticing travelers to come fill their parks. During this season, travel is at a all time low and flights through booking sites can be quite cheap if planned accordingly. Hotels and vacation rental homes are always running deals during this time so take the time to compare prices. Don’t be afraid to ask if they can meet or beat prices! You would be amazed! Car rentals are at a all time low here in Orlando with the average daily price running you $25 a day. If you want to skip the car, ask the place where you are staying if they provide transportation to the parks. Theme park tickets are the big items here, but can be bought through a discount theme park ticket vendor like The Official Ticket Center when you are in town or prior online. Selling everything from Disney Tickets to Universal Studios tickets, discount are sure to save you time and money. Ask about ticket specials and bogo offers they are offering. With all of these savings and no lines at the parks, now is a great time to book that vacation you have been thinking about!

Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat Gone But Not Forgotten

Today, Disney fans from around the world said goodbye to a iconic landmark in Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. Construction crews began tearing down Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat after the park closed last night and what is to replace it is still a mystery. This 122 foot tall structure was added back in 2001 and was the center piece to guests entering the park. It served as a beacon to guests entering the park as well as a stage at time to host performances of all types. The hat was designed to showcase Mickey’s magical sorcerer’s hat for the cult classic Disney movie, “Fantasia.” To this day Disney has not said how long it will take to fully remove the hat and there has not been any word on if the hat will be moved to any other part of the Walt Disney World Resort. This removal of such a iconic symbol is just one of many that Disney Hollywood Studios has encountered over the past year like the American Idol Experience, the Legend of Jack Sparrow and most recently the Studio Backlot Tour.

Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Tree Tavern Closure Due Summer 2015

If you are a big fan of Americana Cuisine and just happen to be visiting the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom park, then you have probably already heard of the Liberty Tree Tavern located in Liberty Square. This colonial style inn has been serving New England inspired fare for many years and has built up quit a fan base among Disney travelers. Starting this July 2015 until November 20th this time capsule of the days of Colonial Willamsburg, will be closed for refurbishment. There have been rumored reports that this is for typical face lift issues that are needed from time to time due to the traffic that this restaurant receives or it could be upgrades for more easier access for the disabled (ADA). If you recall, Disney did the same thing back in 2014 at Memento Mori when it was still the Yankee Trader. For whatever reason, I’m sure that it will look fantastic when it is done! If you are planning a visit to the Magic Kingdom this year and before it closes for the year, advance reservations are strongly recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit.

Is Reservation the Answer to Theme Parks’ Fight Against Long Wait Lines?

No More Waiting in Lines

No More Waiting in Lines

Orlando’s theme parks are the world’s most celebrated destinations of fun and fascinations that exceed all imaginations.. But the long and unexpected queues or wait lines often found in front of the favorite rides and attractions here invariably act as a barrier to the unique experience that every family or a vacationer dreams of. The unavoidable long lines in fact are the biggest challenges for the theme park administrations as well. It’s really interesting to know that the entire industry is taking the war against wait lines seriously. And being a ride enthusiast myself, I think the concept of wait lines will soon be a forgotten past.

Moreover, the advent of ride reservation systems like the WDW’s (Walt Disney World) Fastpass+ Reservation program has shown a better way to deal with the waiting menace. In fact the unique Program is seen as a potential savior, enabling fans to enjoy their favorite rides without worrying about the lines. Though implemented, the program is yet in the testing stage and often becomes the most popular topic of discussions for theme park fans and groups.

If speculations are to be believed then the future rides will be totally reserved. This however makes it mandatory for visitors to choose and book their rides well in advance. There is no doubt that the new and advanced reservation systems are meant to improve the flow of guests during park hours. But then they have their own downsides too. For example visitors who fail to snatch up their share of fastpass- reservations before they run out will have no other alternatives to enjoy their favorite rides for the day. Also there are some who think that theme parks are at risk of earning the visitors ire. According to them by making popular attractions available only through advance booking and forcing guests to plot out plans weeks and months ahead the parks are killing the spontaneity.

Whether you love it or hate it, but the shift towards Ride Reservations has already taken place. With WDW being the biggest investor in this regard, I think there is little to be done with the Lines in future theme park rides for sure. The FastPass+ Reservation System is definitely a unique effort on part of the Disney Orlando Resort. It provides you with a so-called time window when to arrive and hop on in a jiffy. After all theme park guests are happier when they aren’t waiting in lines for hours. This also helps them to buy more quality times for other attractions during the visit.

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’s Extra Magic Hours – A Unique Advantage One Should Not Miss

Disney World Tickets

This special perk is offered to Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

Often considered as one of the biggest advantages of staying at a Disney Resort hotel, the special EMH (Extra Magic Hours) option brings along a unique opportunity to enjoy the favorite WDW (Walt Disney World) parks in Orlando, Florida. Whether it’s the Magic Kingdom or Epcot, the Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom, the excitement of exploring the parks during those special hours of the morning or late in the evening is a different experience altogether. For guests staying at any of the WDW Resort hotel and those staying at the Swan, Dolphin, Shades of Green, and Downtown Disney Hilton, EMH offers the advantage of avoiding crowds, ride queues and wait times like never before. Truly, the prospect of enjoying a specific park one hour prior to the usual opening time or being able to stay late into the evening and have fun for another couple of hours even after the park is officially closed for the day is just awesome.

Given the special opportunities it is no surprise that the EMH option is a unique gift in the offing. But to get the best out of this popular vacation option is a bit tricky for many. It often requires a good understanding and careful planning to make the EMH really beneficial for you and your family during the trip. One should be aware that there are two types of EMH in offer – Morning EMH and the Evening EMH. The Morning EMH allows you to enter the participating Park one hour before it opens for regular visitors, the Evening EMH allows you to stay back late and enjoy amidst a much lesser crowd as others (those staying outside the Resort) left the Park already.

Again to make the EMH work in your favor, it is very important to consider you family first. Such as if your family is more comfortable getting up earlier during the trip then the Morning EMH may best suites your vacation plans or if you are among those who don’t want to miss their early morning sleeps while in vacation, and love to enjoy staying up late night in the parks, perhaps the Evening EMH make a great option.

Moreover, it is also important to note that sometimes EMH may make no real difference to you. Since the number of active attractions in the park during the special hours is limited to a selected few, there is often the fear of facing huge gatherings during busier seasons on selected parks. But whether there is a gathering or not, the special hours will always enjoy a comparatively much quieter ambience than during those regular park hours. If you are a Resort hotel guest I think it is one of the most unique advantage you should not miss.

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 consult authorized ticket Re-Seller – The Official Ticket Center

Nightlife Takes a New Leap at Animal Kingdom with Harambe Nights

Rivers of Light Harambe Nights Event Animal Kingdom

Rivers of Light Harambe Nights Event Animal Kingdom

The most anticipated Harambe Nights Event at WDW (Walt Disney World) resort this summer is no doubt a fans favorite, but the special celebration is also seen as something that takes our Animal Kingdom experiences beyond the animals and the rides. Truly, the high spirited night-time event adds a new element that’s been missing from the Park since inception. It is really exciting to know that the day-only park is also becoming an after hour entertainment hub like never before. And I think the time is not far when Animal Kingdom will enjoy the same popularity as the other highly visited WDW parks.

Despite being the biggest of all the four parks, Animal Kingdom is mostly considered as a half-day attraction and it often tends to skip the itineraries of guests, especially on a short vacation. Also beside the amazing animals, world class rides and the impressively crafted ambience the Park is comparatively less popular. And fans often choose to spend more hours at the other WDW parks as they have more attractions and activities in store. However, with the much anticipated Harambe Nights Event and the experiences it offers, there seems to evolve a new beginning in the history of Animal Kingdom. And I think the prospect of enjoying the incredible ambiences of the Park in the darkest hours of the night without the wilds and the rides is an experience unlike any other.

It is true that the nights at the Animal Kingdom Park have never been spiced up with such extravagant delight. What the special after-hours ticketed event offers is just amazing. Held in honor of the Disney blockbuster film- The Lion King, the special celebration includes an amazing reception, a lively, post-show street party with musicians and buffet of great culinary creations and an hour of unparallel theatrical extravaganza (The Lion King Concert in the Wild) packed with celebrity narrator, live orchestra, choir and much more.

For guests at the special occasion it’s like enjoying a true nightlife in the middle of the world’s most incredibly crafted wildlife habitat. In fact the experience it offers is quite unlike what the place used to have prior to the launch of this unique event. For the first time guests have the chance to enjoy the amazing ambience of Animal Kingdom in such casual and uniquely entertaining way.

And moreover, with events like this and the other upcoming shows and attractions such as the Rivers of Light lagoon show, and the much talked about Avatar Land, I think the Park is definitely on the verge of gaining new space in popularity among Disney World fans.

For discounts on Disney World admissions and passes to exclusive Orlando attractions and events, including discounts on Walt Disney World PassesUniversal Studios tickets and other special Orlando ticket packages, you can consult authorized ticket Re-Seller – The Official Ticket Center

Disney World’s Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Brings the Most Amazing Family Ride Experience Ever

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Mixes Disney Charm, Technology & Thrills

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Mixes Disney Charm, Technology & Thrills

Enjoying the favorite coaster ride is one of the most anticipated fun activities among theme park lovers worldwide. But when it comes to family friendly ride experience, perhaps the WDW (Walt Disney World) resort is the best place to look for in Orlando. And the coming of the very last attraction that completes the new Fantasyland expansion program of Magic Kingdom is definitely the most unique and inspiring gift WDW has to offer in this regard. It is neither the tallest nor the speediest of all, but it definitely boasts a whole new ride experience for sure. Truly, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train keeps its promise of taking family friendly ride to the next level. Continue reading

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