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Anonymous — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 16:50:00 GMT

Blog Post: Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 19: Ripped From the Screen gets underway this evening

Jim Hill — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

There are all sorts of rituals associated with the opening of a brand-new show. Take – for example – how veteran performers will wish each other well on opening night. They never say “Good Luck” or “Have a good show.” They always say “Break a leg.”

Well, the Universal Orlando Resort has its own rituals, especially when it comes to Halloween Horror Nights. Which is why – yesterday morning – set decorator Karen Rigsby visited each of the eight haunted houses that will be featured at this year’s event. And as she dropped by each of these venues, Karen carried with her a bucket of fake blood as well as a plastic severed hand.

Karen Rigsby is ready to lend a hand as part of Universal Orlando’s “Blood Day” ritual.
Copyright 2009 Universal Orlando Resort. All Rights Reserved

“What’s with the gruesome props?,” you ask. Well, this is how the creative team at Universal Orlando puts the finishing touches on Halloween Horror Nights. With the yearly tradition of “Blood Day.” Where – with the flick of that plastic wrist – each of the haunted houses is then doused with fake blood. Which then makes it ready for the hundreds of thousands of people who will pour into Universal Studios Florida over the next few weeks. Ready to have the cr@p scared out of them at Halloween Horror Nights 19: Ripped From the Silver Screen.

As you can see by the photographs that accompany today’s Orlando Fun Tickets article, all is in readiness for tonight’s grand opening. Where -- for the first time ever -- Universal Orlando is devoting its entire Halloween Horror Nights event to bringing horror films to life. All eight of HHN’s haunted houses, all six of the park’s scare-zones, even this event’s two live shows (i.e. “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show: A Tribute”) will be directly inspired by some of today’s most popular horror films.

And the attention to detail that the creative team at Universal Orlando has brought to Halloween Horror Nights 19 really is kind of stunning. Take – for example – the “SAW” haunted house, which will pay tribute to one of the most profitable horror franchises in Hollywood history.

As Universal Studios Florida visitors move through this hyper-detailed environment, they’ll encounter startling replicas of some of the most iconic moments from the “SAW” movies. Only instead of being able to watch these horrific images from the safety of your seat in the movie theater … Guests are going to find themselves in Jigsaw’s lair, where their very actions can then set Billy’s gruesome traps in motion.

And it’s not just modern horror films that “Ripped From the Screen” is going to pay tribute to. The classic Universal Pictures movie monsters will be getting in on the fun as well, but in bold new ways.

Take – for example – “Dracula: Legacy of Blood.” This haunted house will celebrate the bloodsucker who first appeared in a Universal Pictures release ‘way back in 1931. Only this HHN venue will NOT be recreating Bela Lugosi’s now-almost-comical take on the Count (i.e. “I vant to drink your blood”). But – rather – a far edgier take on Bram Stoker’s classic character. As Vlad Dracul tries to persuade the many females who will make their way through this particular maze to come join him in everlasting life by becoming Dracula’s bride or risk an eternity of torment by rejecting his offer.

Yes, the stakes (Sorry. Unintentional vampire joke there) will be high at Halloween Horror Nights 19: Ripped From the Screen. Particularly at the Universal Palace Theater, where Julian Browning – the undead usher who serves as the central character at the “Silver Screams” haunted house – waits to tear your ticket (or your head off) after you enter this long empty, decaying movie palace.

Here at “Silver Screams,” the horrors really will be “Ripped From the Screen.” As characters from “Shaun of the Dead,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “My Bloody Valentine 3D,” and more come down off the screen and then begin to menace all those who dare to enter the Universal Palace.

One of the real highlights of Fall here in Central Florida, Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights gets underway this evening. And for 23 select nights between now and October, the scariest creatures to ever appear up on the silver screen will be wandering around Universal Studios Florida, ready to give people a frightfully good time.

Just so you know: Orlando Fun Tickets has discounted tickets available for selected nights at Halloween Horror Nights 19: Ripped From the Silver Screen. So if you’d like to save a little dough (Which you can then apply toward your therapist’s bill. Who will – it’s hoped – eventually help you recover from whatever horrors await inside of those 8 haunted house & 6 scare-zones).

For further information on discounted admission to Halloween Horror Nights, please click on this link.

Blog Post: Treat yourself to tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Jim Hill — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Throughout the country, people are looking forward to Labor Day. Trying to fit in the very last few moments of summer, including one last barbecue, one last dip in the pool, and those final few moments of joy, before the summer season disappears and the Fall grind of work and school arrive.

But over at the Walt Disney World Resort, they’ve clearly set their clocks ahead. WAY ahead. It’s no longer September at the Magic Kingdom. Judging by all that orange & black decorations, not to mention all those pumpkins that are peeping out the windows, it’s already October. October 31^st to be exact!

Given that Halloween has recently become the second biggest retail holiday (now surpassing Valentine’s Day, with only Christmas spurring bigger seasonal sales), it’s easy to see why the Mouse would want to jump right into Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This week marked the after-hours, cast-member-only, preview of the “Boo-to-You” Parade. The parade went off without a hitch and it appears that Disney is ready for this year’s first night of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary.

Of course, you must be asking – since it is still September (More importantly, not even officially Labor Day yet) – then why should you be springing for a ticket for a Halloween-themed party now?

Well, for starters, you could pick up a significantly discounted ticket for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party that a certain company is currently offering (More on that in a moment). But the main reason that you want make plans now to attend this special event is that Mickey's Not-So-Scary is basically a private party at the Magic Kingdom.With only a limited number of people allowed into the Park between 7 p.m. and 12 a.m., that means that many of the most popular rides, shows and attractions at the Kingdom will have little-to-no-wait.

Now add to this all of the special lighting, music & theming that you’ll encounter as you wander around the Magic Kingdom at night. As you bump into your favorite Disney characters dressed in their special Halloween costumes, you’ll discover that this entire theme park has been turned into the happy haunting ground.

Photo by Jeff Lange

Now factor in Happy HalloWishes, the fireworks spectacular that is only presented on those nights when Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is being staged inside of the Magic Kingdom. You and your friends are sure to enjoy this silly, yet sinister, show, which depicts the Disney Villains up to their usual mischief trick-or-treating in the sky over Cinderella Castle.

And let’s not forget about Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade, which starts off with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman and then features appearances by the characters from WDW’s Haunted Mansion attraction, Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, and MORE.

And now, toss in all of those bags full of free candy that you’ll be hauling home with you as you exit Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. You will then begin to see that this is one after-hours special event that really is special and well worth the additional expense when you factor in all of that extra theming & entertainment.

Oh, sure. Universal Orlando has its Halloween Horror Nights and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has its Howl-O-Scream, but both of those are truly scary events. And if you’ve got little ones, Disney makes of a point of making all aspects of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary … Well, not-so-scary. So this Halloween party is entirely appropriate for children of all ages.

This year, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be presented on special nights in September, October and November. To be specific:

September 4, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25 & 29
October 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29 & 31
November 1

Photo by Jeff Lange

More importantly, if you plan on attending this after-hours special event at the Magic Kingdom, you’re going to have to purchase a separate ticket. Your standard Walt Disney World tickets will not allow you to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

FYI: As you might expect, it’s the October 31^st edition of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party that always sells out first. So if you’d like to be inside the Magic Kingdom on the actual night of Halloween, it’s best to plan ahead.

And speaking of planning ahead … Again, I know that it’s not even officially Labor Day yet, which makes it difficult to even think about Halloween at this point. But, given that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is only being presented for 24 nights this year … If you miss out on getting a ticket, that means that you then won’t be able to trick-or-treat inside of the Magic Kingdom ‘til 2010.

So why not do a little Halloween-related laboring this Labor Day and snag you & your family some tickets to this year’s Not-So-Scary. OrlandoFunTickets.com is offering significantly discounted tickets for selected dates at this year’s event. To be specific:

Tonight (i.e. Friday, September 4^th)
Friday, September 11^th
Tuesday, September 15^th
Friday, September 18^th
Tuesday, September 22^nd
Friday, September 25^th
Tuesday, September 29th

It’s no trick, folks. So if you’d like to save a few bucks, make plans now to treat yourself to the 2009 edition of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Blog Post: Beat the heat this summer with a trip to one of Central Florida’s water parks

Jim Hill — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The Walt Disney Company has long been an innovator when it comes to its theme parks & resorts. But that being said, that doesn’t mean that the Mouse doesn’t still keep a close eye on the competition. And when one of the other Central Florida parks introduces a service that quickly proves to be popular with Guests … Well, Mickey see, Mickey do.

Case in point: When Aquatica opened back in April of last year, one of the more popular features at Sea-World Orlando‘s next generation water park was its 18 private cabanas. Where -- for a seasonally based price of $99.99 to $224.99 -- guests could then make this shaded, sheltered spot their base of operations for the entire day. At their cabana, they could also help themselves to the complimentary sunscreen & towels as well as the cold beverages that were stocked in the cabana’s refrigerator.

Here's what a typical cabana at Aquatica looks like

Given that Aquatica’s private cabanas are sometimes booked weeks ahead of time, it was really only a matter of time before the Walt Disney World Resort rolled out a similar service at its two own on-property water parks. Which is why – back in June -- Blizzard Beach opened four Polar Patios and Typhoon Lagoon made four Beachcomber Shacks available for rental.

Just like with Aquatica’s private cabanas, BB’s Polar Patios and TL’s Beachcomber Shacks offer a shady, secluded spot that the Guests can then have exclusive use of for the entire time that these water parks are open for that day. And, the amenities include lounge chairs & tables, complimentary towels, water and lockers, as well as all-day drink mugs.

It's a lo-o-o-ong way down from Summit Plummet.
Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Though the Polar Patios and Beachcomber Shacks are a bit pricier than Aquatica’s private cabanas (i.e. $250 per day plus tax), they have nonetheless proven to be an extremely popular addition at both Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon. So much so that – during the winter months (when these two WDW water parks traditionally close for maintenance) – the Imagineers will supposedly be scouting BB & TL for addition spots to drop Polar Patios and Beachcomber Shacks into.

Now you’d think that it might tick off Shamu to have Mickey “borrowing” the concept for one of Aquatica’s more popular & profitable amenities … But SeaWorld Orlando still has an ace up its sleeve: Discovery Cove. A theme park that’s so exclusive that only 1000 guests allowed in each day. Where you then have the opportunity to swim & play with dolphins.

Discovery Cove at SeaWorld Orlando.
Copyright Busch Entertainment Corporation. All Rights Reserved

Mind you, the Mouse reportedly has toyed with the idea of building a Discovery Cove-like facility (Check out this website’s stories about the “Disney’s Night Kingdom” and “Disney’s Jungle Trek” projects). But Mickey has yet to move forward with either of these ideas.

And in the meantime, thousands of Central Florida visitors eagerly sign up to spend the day at Discovery Cove. Where they can then swim through schools of 10,000 brightly colored fish or hand-feed 300 exotic birds in a free-flight aviary.

Look out for the lorikeets in Discovery Cove's aviary.
Copyright Busch Entertainment Corporation. All Rights Reserved

There honestly is nothing else out there like Discovery Cove. With its gleaming white beaches that are dotted with thatched huts, cabanas and hammocks. Where you can swim in a resort-style pool, which is complete with waterfalls and lush landscaping. Or snorkel through a series of intricate coral reefs where you can then explore undersea ruins. And did I mention that – along with your admission – you get free use of all wet suits, snorkel gear, towels and lockers? As well as enjoying Discovery Cove’s all-you-can-eat buffet which includes freshly prepared dishes like salmon teriyaki?

Yeah, Discovery Cove has proven to be a guest favorite ever since this intimate theme park first opened back in July of 2000. So-much-so that many tourists now automatically set aside a day for this immensely relaxing experience so that they can – in effect – get to take a vacation from their Central Florida vacation.

Swimming with dolphins will be a highpoint of your day at Discovery Cove.
Copyright Busch Entertainment Corporation. All Rights Reserved

Of course, there are those who have repeatedly put off making a trip to this oh-so-exclusive SeaWorld Orlando destination because of Discovery Cove’s pricey admission fee ($307.79 at the gate).But that may change once they learn about those discounted tickets that Orlando Fun Tickets is now offering.

So if you want to get into the swim of things this summer, you should definitely look into visiting Aquatica, Discovery Cove, Blizzard Beach and/or Typhoon Lagoon during your next trip to Central Florida.

Blog Post: When it comes to fun Fourth of July festivities, O-town is the “Oooh” & “Aaah” capital of the USA

Jim Hill — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

This year, there are lots of places around the country where you can go to see Fourth of July fireworks. The bank of the Charles River in Boston, South Street Seaport in NYC as well as the National Mall in my hometown of Washington DC.

But what if you’re one of those “too much ain’t enough” types and you’re just not willing to settle for a single fireworks display? You want the entire Fourth of July weekend to be one long “the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air” fest.

Well, if that’s really the case, then you need to “rocket” on down to Orlando ASAP. Because this coming weekend, virtually every theme park in town will be presenting its very own Fourth of July fireworks display.

If you want to get the most bang for your buck, you should probably start off your trip to Central Florida with a stop at the Magic Kingdom. Where – on Friday night, July 3^rd at 9 p.m. – this theme park will presenting the exact same display that it’ll be presenting on July 4^th, its “Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.”

That way, once you’ve got the Magic Kingdom’s display under your belt, you’re then free to explore some of the other fireworks shows that will be presented around town on the Fourth.

Of course, if you’re more of a patriotic music fan, then maybe you should think about spending Friday night over at SeaWorld Orlando. Where the U.S. Army’s 82^nd Airborne All-American Chorus will be present a concert which will then be followed by a special fireworks display.

Mind you, if you’d like to fold some funk in with your Fourth, then you should plan on spending Saturday at Universal Studios Florida. Where – as part of that theme park’s Summer Concert series – the O’Jays will be performing live. This concert will then be followed by a special extended version of the “Universal 360 – A Cinesphere Spectacular” lagoon show which will be capped off with fireworks.

SeaWorld Orlando will also be taking a cinematic approach to its in-park Fourth of July celebration. In addition to that theme park’s usual fireworks display, SeaWorld will also use a huge projection screen to illuminate some of the great moments in U.S. history. This 12-minute long patriotic program will be presented twice on the night of July 4^th at 9:15 & 10:45 p.m.

Back at Walt Disney World, the Magic Kingdom will be presenting its very last “Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” fireworks display for 2009 at 9 p.m. Then at 10 p.m., Epcot’s already spectacular “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” because even more spectacular thanks to its one-night-only patriotic finale.

What’s that you say? You want to enjoy even more fireworks on the Fourth of July? Okay then. This coming Saturday night, you’ll need to be up in a fairly tall building around Lake Buena Vista. Where – precisely at 10 p.m. – you’ll want to look off toward the west. Where – for one brief 10-minute long interlude – you’ll be able to simultaneously watch Downtown Disney’s fireworks, Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Fourth of July display as well as “IllumiNations.”

As you can see, nobody beats Orlando when it comes to the sheer number & variety of fireworks displays that will be presented in & around this town over the Fourth of July weekend. So if you’re looking to do a lot of “Ooohing” and “Aaahing” this Friday & Saturday, there’s no better place to be than O-town.

Blog Post: SeaWorld Orlando’s new “Manta” flying coaster is a must-sea … er … see

Jim Hill — Fri, 29 May 2009 04:05:00 GMT

I have to admit that I have a somewhat unique perspective on SeaWorld Orlando’s new coaster, Manta. Given that several weeks ago, I was lucky enough to get a hardhat tour of the then-still-under-construction attraction. And just last week, I was held upside down on the thing.

Now as for that hardhat tour, “Manta” was still a working construction site when I got my walk-thru a month or so back. All 3,350 feet of track for this brand-new flying coaster were already in place. But as for the rest of this SeaWorld Orlando addition, it was still bare bones with piles of dirt everywhere. And I remember thinking “How are they ever going to get this attraction open on time?”

Well, I clearly under-estimated Manta ‘s construction crew. For – as I made my way through the queue last week – I was dazzled by all the detail. Not to mention the lush foliage that SeaWorld Orlando’s horticultural staff has put into place to give this new flying coaster that it’s-always-been-here look & feel.

Now I know that you want to hear about how fast “Manta” is (Its top speed is 56 miles per hour) as well as what sort of drops this new thrill ride has (Its maximum drop is 113 feet), but – to be honest – one of the truly unique aspect of this SeaWorld Orlando addition are the 10 aquariums that you’ll encounter as you make your way through the queue, which will allow you to learn more about the species that this attraction pays tribute to.

And these are NOT small aquariums, folks. We’re talking 250,000 gallon tanks with “pop up” features (Which then allow smaller SeaWorld Orlando visitors to “pop up” right in the middle of an aquarium surrounded by hundreds of fish). And let’s not forget about that 220-square foot viewing panel that allows guests to look up at the hundreds of rays that are swimming over their heads.

Mind you, my favorite part of Manta’s queue area is that – in the tradition of the Imagineers deliberately adding Hidden Mickeys to all of Disney’s rides & shows – SeaWorld Orlando has begun stashing Hidden Shamus in its attractions. So as you make your way to the load area, keep a weather eye out for a certain killer whale.

Yeah, it’s hard not to appreciate all of the obvious thought & care that went into the design of Manta’s queue area. With all those great little touches (ex: The colorful stingray panels with adorning seashells that are used to designate your row number in the load area). But when you get right down to it, what people really want to know is does SeaWorld Orlando’s newest coast deliver? Is Manta a truly thrilling thrill ride?

Me personally? I’d have to say “Absolutely! Yes.” Manta is easily the coolest attraction that I’ve been on in quite some time. Once those seats rotate horizontally and you’re face-down toward the water and ground below, you really do get the sense that you’re flying.

As for ride specifics (for all your coaster enthusiasts out there), Manta has four different inversions; two in-line spins, one flat spin and one pretzel loop. But speaking as a hospitality industry professional who couldn’t tell a pretzel loop from a fruit loop, what impressed me most about SeaWorld Orlando’s new flying coaster was how smooth and how quiet it is.

Of course, it didn’t hurt that – while the posted wait time for this ride was 60 minutes – I found myself being loaded on Manta inside of 20 minutes, squealing with delight as we seemed to get far too close to that waterfall, and not to mention those water cannons that automatically go off as this flying coaster seemed to skim the surface of the ray pool.

Now as for the getting-held part of today’s story, it actually happened as our train was pulling back into the unload area. And I’ve been told by SeaWorld Orlando insiders that this getting-held-face-down thing was just a complete fluke (Get it? SeaWorld? A theme park with a killer whale as its icon? “Just a fluke”? … Gee, making marine life-based jokes is a lot harder than I thought).

Roller coaster enthusiasts can sympathize that things like this due tend to happen on roller coasters, even the best of the best. But the brains behind Manta seem to be one step ahead of the roller coaster curve. The load / unload area for Manta was deliberately designed so people will not wind up held in that face-down position for very long. The two loading tracks through the station allow trains to easily flow through the ride and then smoothly pull into the station with little-to-no hold up, revolutionary for roller coasters (which typically have the one loading track)! Plus, this allows for double the loading capacity at one time.

Long story short: I and my fellow SeaWorld Orlando visitors weren’t held in the face-down position for all that long. And I clearly wasn’t traumatized by this event, given that I’d rideManta again in a heart beat if I had the chance. I love it!

Speaking of which: I wonder if I can sneak out of work early today? Make that five minute drive from Orlando Fun Tickets’ office on Palm Parkway over to SeaWorld, with my discount SeaWorld tickets (of course!). And then maybe see if I can spot a few more Shamus while I make my way through Manta‘s queue.

Yeah…that’s not skipping out on work early…It’s research. Riiiggght?!

Orlando Fun Tickets is located less than 2 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort, 2 lights west of I-4 at 8472 Palm Parkway. Their office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For further information, please call 866-225-4712 and/or check out the official Orlando Fun Tickets website.

Blog Post: Sleuths Mystery Dinner Theatre serves up crime, comedy and killer cuisine

Jim Hill — Fri, 01 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

It's one of Orlando's real hidden gems. A dinner theatre show that's entertained literally hundreds of thousands of tourists since it first opened its doors back in 1980,

Which show am I talking about? Sleuths Mystery Dinner Theatre. Voted the "Best Dinner Show" of 2008 by the readers of the Orlando Sentinel, Sleuths is a 2 1/2 hour-long scripted comic mystery that features plenty of improvisation and audience participation.

“So what’s a typical evening at this dinner theatre like?,” you ask. Well, you see, that’s the thing. Sleuths features fourteen different shows in constant rotation. This means that it’s highly unlikely that you’ll ever catch the same show twice whenever you drop by 8267 International Boulevard.

But – that being said – an evening at Sleuths Mystery Dinner Theatre typically starts out in the gift shop that’s located next to the actual theater. Here, you check-in. And then – as you wander around, checking out all of the mystery-themed merchandise on display here – you can then help yourself to some hot & cold hors d’oeurves while interacting with a few of the colorful characters who will soon be onstage next door.

That’s the real charm of Sleuths. This is interactive dinner theater. Which means that it’s up to you, your friends & family to solve the crime that’s about to happen. And this murder will happen right in front of you. So keep your eyes open, because you’ll soon be asked to provide questions for the lead investigator. Not to mention sifting through clues before you then get to vote on “who'dun'it?”

But don’t go expecting that a Sleuths Mystery Dinner Theatre show will be all that easy to solve. You see, the show’s six member cast isn’t going to be all that helpful. They’re typically Disney & Universal veterans who – after spending years performing in front of hundreds of thousands of people at the theme parks – can think on their feet. These folks are quick with the quips and highly skilled at misdirection. More importantly, they never ever break character.

Which must be kind of daunting. Given the huge number of characters that these actors have to learn how to play. In “Lord Mansfield’s Fox Hunt Banquet,” they’re upper class Brits gathering for a festive meal when one of their number then runs afoul of the law. In “Kim & Scott Tie the Knot,” the cast plays this group of boisterous Italians whose wedding plans go astray when a microchip goes missing. In “The Premiere,” Hollywood comes to Orlando, but not in a good way. As these "B" movie actors will soon need your help in order to solve "A" murder mystery.

Mind you, while all this craziness is going on and you’re interrogating suspects, there’s also this great dinner being served.You can dine on prime rib, honey-glazed Cornish hen or cheese lasagna. Or – if you prefer your murder & mayhem to be meat-free – Sleuths serves a strictly-vegetarian dinner. And did I mention that unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks are included as part of your meal?

And then – as dessert is being delivered to your table – you vote for who you think committed the crime. The results are then tabulated and the real culprit is revealed. And everyone who guessed right then walks away from Sleuths with a little something to remember this show by.

All in all, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Theatre is a fun evening out in Orlando; especially if you’re traveling with family and/or a large group of friends who want an affordable alternative to doing dinner at the theme parks yet again.

Sleuths is located in the Goodings Plaza on International Boulevard, right next door to -- believe it or not -- Ripley’s Believe It or Not. And given that this dinner theatre will sometimes present two or more shows in the same evening, it's probably best to do a little advance planning.

And if you ever need help with doing that advance planning ... Well, why not drop by Orlando Fun Tickets? We're located less than 2 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort, 2 lights west of I-4 at 8472 Palm Parkway. Our office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

For further information, please call 866-225-4712 and/or check out the official Orlando Fun Tickets website.

Blog Post: Central Florida's tourism traditions continue with Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival

Jim Hill — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Here at Orlando Fun Tickets, we take great pride in Central Florida’s garden-based attractions. For over 80 years now (Bok Tower Gardens – this area’s first real tourist attraction – was formally dedicated by then-President Calvin Coolidge in February of 1929), tourists have been traveling to this part of the Sunshine State to experience our lush flora & the fauna. And with this Saturday’s re-opening of Cypress Gardens (which prides itself on being Florida’s first theme park), that tradition continues.

Of course, you don’t have to go all the way to Winter Haven and/or Lake Wales in order to experience some of Central Florida’s beautiful gardens. Right here in Orlando, there are currently 30 million blooms on display at the 16^th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Photo by Angela Ragno

Presented by Disneynature, this year’s Flower and Garden festival is truly a celebration of Spring. Indeed, virtually everywhere you look in this science & discovery park over the next 10 weeks , you’re going to find dozens of festive floral displays. Be it the “Cinderellabration” topiary in front of Spaceship Earth (which depicts Cinderella’s coronation day with fellow royals Prince Charming, Belle and Sleeping Beauty in attendance) or that “Simba’s Birthday Celebration” display (which recreates a memorable moment from The Lion King) at World Showcase Plaza.

All told, there are now more than 50 Disney character topiaries scattered around this theme park. You’ll find them tucked away in entirely appropriate places (EX: As an affectionate nod to Lady and the Tramp‘s “Bella Notte” sequence, topiary versions of these two Disney dogs are now on display in Epcot’s Italian pavilion) as well as some rather odd spots (EX: Lumiere, Cogsworth, Chip and Mrs. Potts are currently positioned right in front of Future World’s Fountain Stage. While Beauty & the Beast is admittedly a perfectly charming animated feature, it’s hardly what I’d call a futuristic film).

Photo by Angela Ragno

But – then again – some of this year’s Flower and Garden exhibits are in the exact right spots. Take – for example – the Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden. Themed around the characters & settings that will be seen in Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment’s upcoming video premiere, Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure, this whimsical garden features play structures as well as topiary versions of your favorite Disney Fairies. And every day at 2 p.m., children dressed as princesses & fairies are invited to take part in a pixie processional.

Mind you, there’s lots for the adults in the family to do this year’s Flower and Garden. You can attend a seminar at the Green Garden exhibit and learn how to create your own environmentally safe garden. (Disney’s hitting the whole save-the-planet angle very hard this year. In fact, April 24 – 26^th, they’re actually holding an Environmentality Celebration at Epcot. Where Guests can take part in classes that will talk about low-water use, native plants as well as reducing waste through recycling.)

Photo by Angela Ragno

On the other hand, if plants and saving-the-planet aren’t entirely your thing … The 16^th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival does have a really great entertainment component: Its Flower Power Concert series.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, hit-makers from the 1960s & 1970s hit the stage at the American Gardens Theatre and entertain the crowds there with their old favorites. This past weekend, Davy Jones was on hand to perform hits from the Monkees’ catalog like “Daydream Believer.” And starting tomorrow night, Paul Revere and the Raiders will be entertaining Epcot Guests.

Davy Jones works the crowd at Saturday's Flower Power Concert.
Photo by Angela Ragno

In the weeks ahead, numerous pop sensations will be performing at this WDW theme park. Among them:

The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie (April 3 – 5)
Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone (April 10 – 12)
The Ventures (April 17 – 19)
Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes (April 24 – 26)
Chubby Checker & The Wildcats (May 1 – 3)
Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons (May 8 – 10)
Jose Feliciano (May 15 – 17)
The 5^th Dimension (May 22 – 24)
Tony Orlando (May 29 -31)

Photo by Angela Ragno

As for the very best way to experience the 16^th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival … I’d recommend getting a Disney Magic Your Way Park Hopper. That way, you can roam the grounds early in the morning and get some great pictures of those 300,000 bedding plants or 100 floating mini-gardens. Then – as the temperature rises and the number of the people in the Park increases – you can catch the monorail over to the Magic Kingdom or take a friendship boat over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and take a little break.

And then – as the sun begins to set – you can head back over to Epcot and then get on line at the American Gardens Theatre for that night’s Flower Power Concert (which typically will get underway around 7:45 p.m.)

Photo by Angela Ragno

If you are looking to pick up a Disney Park Hopper, Orlando Fun Tickets can definitely help you out. Just drop by our office at 8472 Palm Parkway or click on over to the official OFT website and we’ll walk you through what’s available.

Just so you know, though: Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival only runs through May 31^st. So if you’re in need of some flower power after this year’s brutal winter, make plans to visit WDW ASAP.

Blog Post: Mardi Gras celebrations seriously adds to the fun at the Universal Orlando Resort

Jim Hill — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT

In these trying financial times, there’s one challenge that each of us faces. Which is stretching our entertainment dollar as far as it can possibly go.

That was my goal this past Saturday … to see how show I could really get for my dough. So armed with a one day two park ticket from Orlando Fun Tickets, I drove on over to the Universal Orlando Resort and tried to experience as many rides, shows and attractions as I possibly could in a single 12-hour period.

Mind you, I did my homework first. Before I headed to bed on Friday night, I checked around on the Web to gather some essential information.

Both Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure were opening at 9 a.m.
The Mardi Gras parade was scheduled to get underway at 8 p.m.
The Ne-Yo concert would kick off at around 8:45 p.m.

That’s the really great part about visiting the Universal Orlando Resort this time of year. Now through April 18^th, every Saturday night (and even some Friday & Sunday nights too!) is Mardi Gras over at Universal Studios Florida.

And we’re not talking about some rinky-tink miniature theme park version of Mardi Gras. This is the biggest celebration outside of New Orleans itself; which means that there is a full blown parade with elaborately themed floats, stilt walkers, and street performers that cruise down Hollywood Boulevard.

And , did I mention the authentic Cajun & Creole cuisine that Universal’s restaurants serve up during this 10 week-long celebration? Or the great live music acts that the Park brings in to perform as part of Mardi Gras?

And the best part is that all of this seasonal entertainment is included as part of your regular admission price to Universal Studios Florida. There is absolutely no up-charge for this theme park’s Mardi Gras celebration with your regular admission theme park ticket.

So, now that I knew that my day at Universal Orlando was going to end over at the Studios movin’ and groovin’ to Ne-Yo, I thought that the smartest thing to do would be to start my Saturday over at Islands of Adventure. Which – for my money – is the most ambitious theme park in all of Central Florida.

I mean, who needs a cup of coffee when you’ve got the Incredible Hulk Coaster (which goes from zero to 40 mph in two seconds flat) to jolt you awake. And forget about watching the CW4Kids’ new “The Spectacular Spider-Man” cartoon on Saturday morning. Here at IOA’s “The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man,” a 3D version of Spidey lands on the hood of your Scoop and then compliments you on your eyewear.

Mind you, it really helps to plan ahead with Islands of Adventure. To do things like take in all three of this theme park’s big water rides – Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, Dudley Do-Rights Ripsaw Falls and the Jurassic Park River Adventure – in one fell swoop very early in the day. That way, as the temperatures climb later in the day, your clothes will actually have a chance to dry off.

Of course, while you’re enjoying all that Islands of Adventure has to offer now, don’t forget to take a peek at that theme park’s future. I’m referring to all of the construction that’s going on in and around the Lost Continent. Where the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is rising up behind a seemingly endless series of construction walls.

But as morning gave way to afternoon, I thought that it was time to change theme parks. So after ducking out of IOA, I made a quick stroll through CityWalk (Which was surprisingly busy for a Saturday afternoon) and then made my way into Universal Studios Florida and … Holy Cow! Have you folks seen Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit?

That thing is huge! Some 17 stories tall, this new state-of-the-art coaster literally towers over the Park. Rip Ride Rocket’s 3800 feet of track wraps itself in and around Universal’s Production Central. At one point blowing straight through the façade of that theme park’s Twister … Ride It Out attraction. I can’t wait to ride this thing when it finally opens later this Spring.

But – for now – I thought that I’d start off my day at Universal Studios Florida by visiting with Marge, Homer and the kids. “The Simpsons Ride.” There’s a reason that the Themed Entertainment Association named this “Back to the Future: The Ride” redo as its Best Attraction for 2008. From the clever retheming of this USF show building to the hundreds of sight gags & in-jokes that have been crammed into its ride film, “The Simpsons Ride” is supremely entertaining. The sort of attraction that you’re going to want to ride twice in order to pick up on everything you missed the first time around.

Of course, the same thing can be said about “The Simpsons Ride” next door neighbor, “Men in Black –Alien Attack.” This interactive shooter attraction – with all of its hyper-detailed sets, not to mention its snarky sense of humor – just raises everything to the next level.

The Universal Orlando Resort likes to describe itself as the place “Where Blockbusters Come to Life.” Well, after being snapped at by “Jaws,” having my eyebrows singed by all the fire effects in “Revenge of the Mummy” as well as having donkey snot blown all over me in “Shrek 4-D,” I felt like I needed a break from blockbusters. So I wandered out onto Hollywood Boulevard and … Well, whaddaya know? The Mardi Gras parade was just getting underway.

Now when I say that this is no rinky-dink theme park version of a Mardi Gras parade, I really mean it. We’re talking 13 full-sized floats here. Six of which celebrated this year’s theme for the parade, which was “The Wonderful World of Literature.”

And this past Saturday, the energy of the crowd that lined Hollywood Boulevard as that Mardi Gras parade rolled on through was high. As people yelled at the top of their lungs “Throw me some beads!” And then dived to catch whatever the folks who were riding on those floats flung into the crowd.

After that was over, I made my way through USF’s French Quarter Courtyard to the Park’s newly completed concert venue. Where Ne-Yo then entertained the crowd with a selection of his greatest hits.

The concert wrapped up just after 9:30 p.m. And while I toyed with the idea of heading over one of the clubs or restaurants at Universal Citywalk for a quick nightcap … In the end, I knew that it was time to go home. Two theme parks PLUS a Mardi Gras parade & celebration AND a live music concert were a lot for any one human to handle in a single day.

Of course, what wasn’t a lot was the price. That one day two park admission to the Universal Orlando Resort that I got through Orlando Fun Tickets only cost me $81.69. And given the huge amount of show that I got for my dough this past Saturday … Well, I feel like I really did stretch my entertainment dollar just as far as it could go.

Mind you, I’m still recovering from my Universal marathon. So this coming Saturday, the only stretching that I’m planning on doing is seeing how far I can stretch out when I lie down on my couch.

Blog Post: Having your cake and eating it too at Walt Disney World in 2009

Jim Hill — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

You say it’s your birthday?
It’s my birthday too …

Are you like me? Are you still kind of blown away by Disney’s promotion for 2009 (Free admission to one of the Parks on your birthday? How cool is that?!) and are you still somewhat unsure about how to make the most of this “What Will You Celebrate” offer ?

Not to worry! Courtney is on the case. Because my own birthday is coming up on February 6th and I don’t miss out on any possible birthday fun, I have been calling friends who work at the WDW Resort, as well as quizzing my co-workers here at Orlando Fun Tickets. And I now want to share what I've learned. So that you too can have a hassle-free B-Day at D-world.

First and foremost, don't think that you have to wait 'til you get to the Parks in order to register for your free birthday admission. Truth be told, if you were to come -- oh, I don't know, to say, us (Because -- let's remember -- it's only the birthday boy or girl that gets free admission. The rest of the family is still going to need tickets to get into the Parks) -- Orlando Fun Tickets can then help set you up. Put some more icing on your birthday cake, get you & your family even more discounts.

Now upon entering the Theme Park of your choice, you’ll undoubtedly come across a cart that offers a free “I’m Celebrating My Birthday” (or “Wedding” or “Anniversary” or “Graduation”) button. Feel free to pick one of these up. Just don’t plan on receiving any extra special treatment in the Parks while you’re wearing that button.

I know, I know. That runs counter to the whole “Disney treats all of its Guests special” credo. But you have to understand that – in 2009, anyway – the Parks will be flooded with people who are also wearing these buttons. Which makes it really difficult for Cast Members to give every Guest who’s celebrating their birthday / marriage / retirement a free FASTPASS or a great viewing spot for the 3 o’clock parade. To be honest, the best you can probably hope for is to have a lot of WDW employees wave at you and say “Congratulations on your anniversary / graduation / promotion” as you walk through the Park.

Mind you, you can still get your free birthday cupcake. That is – of course – if you make sure that your server knows it’s your birthday when he or she is seating you at a WDW restaurant. But if you want something a little grander than just a cupcake … Well, Disney can help you out there too.

As part of 2009’s “What Will You Celebrate?” campaign, the Mouse has really beefed up the birthday options at all of its on-property buffet-type restaurants (i.e. The Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood & Dine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa). And if you give these folks enough advance notice, they can make sure that your table is festooned with streamers and glitter upon your arrival. They can even provide a castle-shaped table topper as well as goodie bags for the kids.

Of course, there’ll be an extra fee for additional birthday touches like these. Take – for example – that 6-inch cake that Disney offers in either a pirate’s treasure chest or a princess jewelry box. Sure, it’s a bit pricey at $21 a cake. But did I mention that this confection comes with either a pirate flag or a plastic hand mirror ?

Now if you don’t think that a 6-inch cake will be enough to serve you and all of your birthday Guests … Not to worry. Disney will be happy to provide you with a personalized, custom-made cake that’ll be big enough to serve everyone in your party. You just have to order it at least 48 hours in advance through WDW’s Cake Hotline (407-827-2253). Plus – of course – remind the people at the podium about these special arrangements as you check in for your lunch or dinner reservation.

Here’s another little known fact: Provided that you actually let the restaurant know well in advance that you plan on doing this, Disney will actually let you bring your own birthday cake into the Park. Mind you, you and your party will be expected to order and then eat a full meal before the servers will wheel that cake out to your table. But whatever it takes to make your birthday celebration seem just that little bit more special this year, Disney’s willing to do.

And when it comes to that special birthday meal … You really don’t want to wait ‘til the last minute to try & set that up either. You see, many of the most popular dining locations at Walt Disney World require advance reservations (Or – as the Mouse likes to call it these days – Priority Seating). So if you want to eat your birthday meal at someplace truly special like Cinderella’s Royal Table, you’ll need to make advance dining reservations. And you can do this up to 90 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

Of course, if this all still seems a bit too involved & convoluted for you, you can just drop by the Orlando Fun Tickets offices. Where one of our staffers will be happy to help you make the most of whatever event it is that you’re celebrating at Walt Disney World this year.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go find out if Disney will serve you a free cupcake at breakfast on your birthday. (Did I mention that I wanted to get my party started really early on the 6th ?)

Blog Post: 10 Ways to Improve Your New Year's Eve Experience at a Disney Theme Park

Jim Hill — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

So you're in Orlando right now and really have your heart set on having that once-in-a-lifetime experience. Of ringing in the New Year while standing shoulder-to-shoulder with 50,000 other people inside of a Disney theme park while fireworks explode overhead.

Well, know this: New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World is not for the faint-hearted. The crush of the crowds that you'll encounter tonight often gets to a lot of people and can ruin their enjoyment of this event. Which is why it's important -- before you head out to the parks today -- to do at least some advance preparations.

"What sort of advance preparations?," you ask. In the spirit of the season, here's my own New Year's Eve countdown. Which list the Top Ten things you can do to make sure that tonight's experience is far more enjoyable for you, your friends & your family.

10. BUY YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE -- No matter where you go today at Disney World, you're going to encounter lengthy lines. So why not eliminate at least one of those lines by purchasing your admission to the parks in advance? At...Oh, I don't know... some reputable local ticket broker like...say... Orlando Fun Tickets?

9. ARRIVE EARLY -- New Year's Eve at the Walt Disney World Resort is always an incredibly busy time. But if you can beat the rush, get to your theme-park-of-choice today before the bulk of the crowd arrives, you'll definitely be ahead of the game. So head out ASAP. But please be sure and...

8. BRING ALONG THE PROPER SUPPLIES -- Whatever the weather is like right in Orlando, chances are that -- by midnight tonight -- things will have cooled down considerably; which is why it would be wise to bring along a coat, hat, and gloves today. But also remember that -- in order to hold your spot for tonight's festivities -- you'll likely be standing in the sun for several hours today; so some sunscreen and bottled water will be needed as well. And given that there'll be long lines at all of the parks' restaurants and food service locations, bringing along a few snacks would probably be a smart idea too. Not to mention a book or an iPod, just in case you get bored while standing there. Plus a cell phone (in case of emergency and/or to stay in touch with family & friends) and a camera (to record the event). And don’t forget the extra batteries for your electronics, so that you don’t miss a beat of the event!

Though -- to be honest -- the very best thing that you can bring along today is...

7. A BUDDY -- Someone to hold your place while you slip off to use the bathroom or go to get food & a drink; someone to stay & protect your viewing spot for tonight's fireworks extravaganza. Notice how I keep saying things like "hold your place" & "stay in one spot?” Given the huge crowds that you'll encounter today & tonight, that's why it's important to...

6) HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS -- If you really want to stake out a primo viewing spot for tonight's fireworks, this is not a day that you should plan on experiencing too many rides, shows and attractions. There'll be so many people in the parks today that the lines are just going to be impossible. Even if you make use of FastPass, you're still looking at two and three hour waits.

And it's going to be like this at ALL of the WDW theme parks. So...

5) DON'T PARK HOP -- Pick the one Disney theme park that you really want visit today, the one fireworks extravaganza that you want to see tonight and then stick with that park. Sure, Disney World has a wonderful transportation system. But given the huge number of people who are on property today, it's quite likely that WDW will begin restricting access to its parks by late morning/early afternoon; literally turning people away. So unless you want to wind up on the outside looking in, once you get inside one of the theme parks, stay there.

Photo by Jeff Lange

And once you get inside that park, as soon as possible...

4) STAKE OUT YOUR SPOT -- Think about all of the other fireworks shows that you've seen inside of this particular theme park. What was the best possible location for viewing that show? If you don't know and/or have never been to that Disney theme park before, ask a Cast Member for directions and then head immediately to that location. Find yourself a bench to sit on and/or a fence to lean on and then park it. Yes, it'll be hours 'til the New Year's Eve entertainment is finally underway. But all this extra effort will be worth it in the end.
What's that you say? What if you get there late and then can't find a primo viewing spot for the fireworks. Not to worry. All you have to do is...
3) LET THE THEME PARK'S SCHEDULE WORK FOR YOU -- Here's something that most WDW visitors don't realize. On New Year's Eve, Walt Disney World typically presents two fireworks shows at each of its theme parks; so that those parents who've brought their young kids into the park can then go home happy, knowing that they've at least experienced some holiday entertainment. So keep in mind that a large number of people will be exiting the parks with their strollers around 10 p.m., which means that a lot of spots are suddenly going to open up in the heart of the park right about then. So if you plan your moves accordingly, you may soon find yourself a great spot for viewing tonight's fireworks.
But that being said, you should always...
2) BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS -- Let's remember that you're not the only one who's in the parks today trying to experience New Year's Eve. So please try & be respectful of the other folks around you, which means that you shouldn't continuously fire off your flash and blind everyone else in the crowd. And, please do not hoist your child up onto your shoulders at the very last moment and then block the view of everyone standing behind you. A little courtesy can go a long way in a hyper-crowded situation like this.

And speaking of crowds...
1) BE PATIENT WHILE EXITING THE PARK -- If you're in the Magic Kingdom and/or Epcot tonight, chances are that -- once the fireworks are over -- you'll be one of 50,000+ people who are then trying to get back to their hotel room or car. In a crowd that big, it's easy to get separated or maybe even hurt. Which is why -- if it's all possible -- once 2009 arrives, you should immediately find a bench and sit down for a half hour or so. Do some people-watching while the crowd recedes, grab one last Mickey ice cream bar, or reminisce with your friends and family about your favorite parts of your day at the park. Once the walkways in the Park are wide open again, then head for the exits. That way, your New Year will get off to a trouble-free start, rather than having to push & shove your way onto the Monorail.

What's that you say? This sounds too much like work? And you want to be able to enjoy your New Year's Eve? Well, if that's really the case, both SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Orlando are holding hard ticket events tonight. The SeaWorld New Year's Eve event starts with a reception at Shamu's Underwater Viewing area followed by a buffet dinner. Guests will then be treated to an exclusive interaction with the park's killer whales, then VIP seating to that night's Shamu Rocks show as well as Michael Andrews' 11:45 p.m. concert which will conclude with fireworks.

Meanwhile, over at Universal Orlando, Guests will enjoy an exclusive evening of entertainment at CityWalk. There'll be a live performance by the Doobie Brothers, not to mention all-you-can-eat gourmet fare like filet mignon & jumbo shrimp. Then -- at the stroke of midnight -- there'll be a free champagne toast.

Sounds great, right? Well, just keep in mind that you actually have to pay for all this VIP treatment. Tickets for SeaWorld Orlando's News Year's Eve at Dine with Shamu are $99 for adults and $69 for children (ages 3-9). Tickets for New Year's Eve at Universal CityWalk are $124.99 plus tax. Though American Express cardholders can save $5 on each ticket as well as get express line access into this Universal Orlando event.

Anyway... That's the skinny on spending New Year's Eve at the Orlando area's big three attractions. Wherever you wind up ringing in 2009, please be smart and party responsibly.

From all of us here at Orlando Fun Tickets, have a Happy New Year!

Blog Post: Short lines & seasonal fun to be found at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Jim Hill — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

"Tis the Season to be Jolly ... "

Well, normally it would be. But given what's been going on with the economy this year, for a lot of folks holiday time 2008 is shaping up to be "Tis the Season to be Stingy ..."

So with so many people cutting back on their holiday spending, why should you spring for "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party" tickets this year?

To be honest, until just this past Friday, I didn't have a good answer to that question. Mostly because I had never actually experienced MVMCP.

But having just spent a very cold night at the Magic Kingdom, I can now tell you why this holiday hard ticket event is something that you don't want to miss the very next time you're down at Walt Disney World in November or December.

So what makes "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party" so special? For starters, it's an after-hour private party at the Magic Kingdom, which gives a limited number of Guests access to the place, which means that there are virtually no lines for the most popular rides, shows and attractions at this theme park.

Photo by Courtney Mills

Which was how -- last Friday night -- I was able to rack up two back-to-back rides on Space Mountain with almost no wait, as well as all of the rest of the shows & attractions that I experienced at MVMCP. The longest line I encountered all night was over in Frontierland, where I waited a whole seven minutes before I finally got to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

So -- if you're looking to make the most of your time at the Magic Kingdom, while racking up as many rides as possible -- snagging a ticket to "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party" might be a very smart idea.

On the other hand, if you're just looking for a great evening of holiday entertainment the next time you're in Orlando, MVMCP definitely delivers the goods. As I wandered through the Magic Kingdom last Friday night, I saw all sorts of seasonal shows.

Photo by Courtney Mills

Take -- for example -- "Celebrate the Season," which is presented on the forecourt stage at Cinderella Castle. This outdoor entertainment features lots of energetic singers & dancers, as well as those great new winkin', blinkin' and talkin' versions of Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy.

Speaking of Cinderella Castle ... This Magic Kingdom icon was literally the centerpiece of the "Holiday Wishes" fireworks show, with the very walls of this Castle being used as projection screens for this seasonal extravaganza.

Then, factor in all of those rarely seen characters you encounter as you wander through this theme park on MVMCP. This past Friday night, the walk-around versions of Big Al & Wendell from "Country Bear Jamboree" were out and about in Frontierland. Decked out in colorful scarves & hats, these two were happy to pose for pictures with all passersby.

Of course, if you really want to see Disney characters, you've got to stack out a spot along Main Street U.S.A. to catch "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas Parade." Then you'll get the chance to see all of the Company's high profile cartoon characters while soapsuds "snow" drifts down from above.

That may be my own complaint about about MVMCP. That "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas Parade" may have been a little too long. Which means that you can get kind of frosty while standing out there in the cool Central Florida night air.

But being cold brought along the great bonus of the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket: Hot Cocoa & Cookies provided for all Guests attending MVMCP. You can duck in to any one of the four locations at the Magic Kingdom where they're offering these freebies and then warm up for a bit before heading back out into the party.

Photo by Courtney Mills

So let's review here: If you purchase a MVMCP ticket, you get:

* A Magic Kingdom with virtually no lines, which then allows you to experience super-popular attractions like "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "The Haunted Mansion" with almost no wait.
* To experience special seasonal shows like "Belle's Enchanted Christmas" and the Castle Dream Lights without battling with crowds.
* As much as Cookies and Hot Cocoa as you care to consume.

And, you can get all -- a full five-hour-long after-hours party at the Magic Kingdom – for nearly $40 less than what it costs to buy a single day ticket to that same theme park. All of that entertainment for nearly half the price! No wonder so many Central Florida families have made a trip to "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party" one of their holiday traditions. With some holiday-happy folks making a point of attending MVMCP two & three times each year.

This year may have been my first "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party." But I know that it won't be my last. Next year, I'll definitely be back. But next time, I'll be sure and wear a warmer coat.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is held at the Magic Kingdom theme park on select nights now through December 19th. Orlando Fun Tickets is currently offering specially discounted tickets to certain nights at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. If you'd like to learn more about this offer, please click on this link.

Blog: Courtney Mills

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:06:00 GMT

Blog Post: Behind-the-screams at Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights

Jim Hill — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

This may seem like kind of an odd question, but ...

Have you ever been to Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights ? If so, have you ever found yourself stumbling through one of their mazes? And as some performer jumps out of a darkened corner and scares the living cr*p out of you, have you ever thought: Who would take a job like this?

Well, meet Matt.

Matt works here at Orlando Fun Tickets. And for the last two years, he's been one of the scare-actors at this seasonal event. A job (that I might add) that Matt enjoys very much.

As to how he got this gig ...

"I went to the auditions that Universal Orlando holds annually for that resort's Halloween Horror Nights. These typically start in July and run through the end of September.

Copyright Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved

The process itself is pretty simple. They look at actors in groups of 5, making note of your size, shape and sex. At that time, you're quizzed about why you want to work at Halloween Horror Nights. They ask you what your favorite horror film is. More importantly, why that's your favorite horror film.

Which -- I know -- seems like kind of a weird question. But the reason that Universal does that is they're trying to get a sense of the type of performer you are. The role you might potentially fit.

You then might be asked to demonstrate a scare tactic. Or be asked to remove your shirt and show off your physique. Because -- after all -- this is an audition. And they want to know if you look right for the part that they're trying to cast."

Matt must have impressed the folks at Universal. For he found himself cast in one of the "starring roles" for Halloween Horror Nights 17. You see, Matt played Leatherface from the "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" movies.

"Actually, I was one of the scare-actors who played Leatherface. Leatherface 13, to be precise. Last year, there were 24 performers who played this chainsaw-wielding maniac in 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Flesh Wounds' maze.

Copyright Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved

Why so many? Well, you have to understand that there were multiple Leatherfaces in that maze. More to the point, that each of these performance positions in the maze was doubled. That way, you could perform a 45 minute set, then go take a break while another Leatherface stepped in and filled your position."

And when it comes to portraying a horror icon like Leatherface, Universal expected a lot of its scare-actors.

"We were actually asked to watch the 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' movies so that we could learn the character's mannerisms. There were also strict rules about how & where Leatherface could be seen in the park. Given that this character is one of the true stars of the horror realm, they never wanted to give the Guests the impression that there was ever more than one Leatherface. So while you were in costume and moving through the park, you had to wear these hooded robes. So that no one would know who you were until you were backstage and in position."

But it wasn't just the characters that Universal was protective of. During the 23 dates that Halloween Horror Nights is presented this year, the theme park also stresses safety both for its guests as well as this event's performers.

"They kept drilling into our heads to 'Scare but Be Aware.' To always be aware of our surroundings. And it's not just for the guests' sake. Sometimes when people get frightened, they'll react instinctively and lash out at you, actually try & hit you. And if you maintain a proper distance between you and the guests ... Well, it's safer for everybody."

Copyright Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved

Beyond that, if you can look past all of the horrific details -- the scary make-up, sound effects and smells -- working at Halloween Horror Nights is just like any acting job. Sort of.

"We have two nights of rehearsals before the event actually begins. The first night, we're just in costume and no make-up. And that night is actually kind of fun because the people who are going through your maze are performers from all of the other haunted houses in the park.

That's when you learn how to deal with all of the technical issues involved with the operation of your maze. How to quickly switch from A cast to B cast so that those change-outs every 45 minutes don't interrupt guest flow through your house."

Speaking of the guests ... Matt was always surprised at how people would react when confronted by a horror icon like Leatherface.

"When we closed up for the night, we'd often find shoes or pieces of clothing inside of our maze. Which meant that people were so frightened by what they saw that they'd literally jump out of their clothes. Or that they were moving so fast in an effort to get away that they'd leave things behind.

Copyright Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved

But then there were the guests who -- when they got frightened -- would just stop in their tracks and/or ball up in a corner and wouldn't leave. We'd sometimes have to get a member of our backstage crew to come in and help clear a guest who reacted like that out of a scene."

Mind you, it wasn't just the guests who'd freak out when they'd come face-to-face with Leatherface. Matt often got some interesting reactions from Universal cast members as he wandered around backstage in costume.

"I'd have the mask off. I'd actually be carrying it in my hand. But as I walked back to the break room to get a drink or a snack, I was still in costume. I was still wearing Leatherface's trademark apron. And the people who were working Food & Beverage who were walking back into the park would see me coming and then cross over to the other side of the street."

It was these sorts of stories that Matt and his fellow scare-actors would share after a long night of frightening tourists. They'd gather together at the Orlando Ale House and then decompress, compare notes on what the crowds had been like that night.

"Like on Halloween night. I thought for sure that that would be our busiest night ever. But it was actually pretty quiet. I guess only the true hardcore fans come out to Universal on Halloween night."

Speaking of which ... Where does Matt fall when it comes to being scared? Is he more of a hardcore fan or something of a wimp? By Matt's own admission ...

Copyright Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved

"Universal has this one scare zone at this year's Halloween Horror Nights -- The Skoolhouse -- that's so scary that I almost burst into tears walking through the thing. That one was really, really intense."

And when you can almost make Leatherface cry ... Well, that must be one very scary maze.

Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights will be presented 23 times this year, now through November 1st. For further information on this year's event, please follow this link.

And if you're looking to score some tickets to this year's Halloween Horror Nights, why don't you drop by Orlando Fun Tickets? Our offices are located less than 2 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort, 2 lights west of I-4 at 8472 Palm Parkway. Their office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For further information, please call 866-225-4712 and/or check out the official Orlando Fun Tickets website.

Blog Post: Do you ever wonder what became of Splendid China Florida?

Jim Hill — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

What with Pleasure Island closing this weekend, I've been getting nostalgic for some of the other attractions that Central Florida lost over the years. With perhaps the most bizarre being Splendid China.

I don't know how many of you ever got the chance to visit this 76-acre theme park during the 10 years that it was in operation. But Splendid China Florida truly was something worth seeing. This $100 million attraction featured 60 recreations of famous Chinese landmarks, among the Great Wall of China.

It took two years to build this theme park, with 120 artisans laboring to make sure that Splendid China Florida was authentic in every way. Which -- in the case of the park's quarter mile long replica of the Great Wall -- meant that 6.5 million miniature bricks that were used to build this Wall had to be laid by hand.

Splendid China Florida opened with great fanfare in December of 1993. And given how close their theme park was to World Drive (i.e. Walt Disney World's main entrance road), SCF investors thought that Orlando's newest attraction was sure to be a hit with both tourists & locals.

Alas it wasn't meant to be. Though the people who did visit Splendid China Florida marveled at the obvious care & craft that had gone into the creation of the place, they were also puzzled by this theme park's lack of traditional rides, shows and attraction. And once word got out that SCF was beautiful but boring ... That's pretty much all she wrote.

Splendid China Florida limped along for ten years before its owners finally threw in the towel in December of 2003. The contents of this theme park were auctioned off back in December of 2004. And since that time, the property has basically been abandoned.

But ever since then, I've heard stories from friends who have actually visited what's left of Splendid China Florida. And from what they told me, there was a surprising amount of stuff still standing within the walls of that park.

So one recent Saturday, I decided to go see for myself. I drove over to Splendid China Florida and -- at the entrance of this now-defunct theme park -- I encountered a very sympathetic security guard. Who -- after hearing my extended explanation about how I just wanted to experience Splendid China one more time, and how I promised not to disturb anything -- let me into the park. But only after saying "Okay. But I didn't see you and you didn't see me."

And once I got inside the gates ... I have to admit that I was stunned by what I saw. Nature is rapidly reclaiming the land that Splendid China Florida was built on. So there were weeds everywhere. But if you can look past all of this overgrowth, you can see that a lot of this theme park is still intact.

Oh, sure. A good portion of the park's miniature recreations of famous Chinese landmarks were sold off at auction. But the truly huge pieces -- the ones that were too heavy to carry -- are still here. The Stone Forest, for example ...

... was still intact. As was that not-so-miniature recreation of Potala Place.

But -- that said -- it was still rather depressing to see this theme park's elaborate recreations of famous Chinese landmarks (Like SCF's beautiful miniature version of the Forbidden City) ...

... reduced to rubble and strewn with trash.

But then again, nothing lasts forever. Even the real Great Wall of China is in need of repair these days. Which is why it (sort of) seemed okay to stroll the length of the miniature recreation of this Wonder of the World the day that I visited Splendid China.

Now remember, folks. This Central Florida theme park is no longer open to the public.

I only got to tour Splendid China Florida because I was in the right place at the right time.

Given the general conditions of the grounds ...

... I can understand why Security shoos most visitors away.

But given that so many JHM readers seem to be concerned about what's happening to Pleasure Island this week, I thought that it was important to remind you guys that WDW's nighttime entertainment district isn't only thing that we've lost over the past few years. That not that long ago, there was this neat little place in Kissimmee called Splendid China.

And speaking of neat little places in the Kissimmee area ... Orlando Fun Tickets is located less than 2 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort, 2 lights west of I-4 at 8472 Palm Parkway. Their office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For further information, please call 866-225-4712 and/or check out the official Orlando Fun Tickets website.

Blog Post: September's the very best time to sea ... er .. see SeaWorld Orlando

Jim Hill — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

You hear that? All over Orlando, the people who work at your favorite theme parks are now heaving a sign of relief. The summer season -- with all its heat, crush & crowds -- is finally over. Which gives us all a bit more breathing room down here.

And I mean that literally, folks. When you drop by the Magic Kingdom this time of year, you're no longer going to run into 60,000 tourists who are also eager to ride Space Mountain. No, during the first few weeks of September, you'll typically only going to encounter 22,000 - 25,000 other people whenever you visit the Kingdom. Which will make getting on your favorite ride, show or attraction there a relative breeze.

Me personally, while I do dearly love all of the Disney parks that we have down here in Central Florida, whenever the weather starts to get cool and the crowds begin to thin out, it's SeaWorld that I really want to see.

Never mind the fact that now would be a really great time to visit Aquatica (Ever since SeaWorld's waterpark opened back in March, that place has been doing turnaway business. With Aquatica actually having to restrict entry almost every day because the huge numbers of tourists that were turning out). During this quieter time of year, when it's a lot easier to get around this 200-acre marine park, you can really take in the bigger picture. See how truly innovative Sea World Adventure Park is.

I mean, sure. The Walt Disney Company gets all sorts of positive press when it announces that it'll be reinventing DCA. But where were the kudos when SeaWorld Orlando did this exact same thing? First in 1998 when Worlds of Discovery retooled this theme park's bland 1970s-era entrance plaza by adding a million-gallon lagoon with a scenic lighthouse as well as statues of sea lions & killer whales.

Then in 2003, Busch transformed the very heart of this theme park by creating the Waterfront at SeaWorld. The largest expansion in the park's 35-year history, this 5-acre project took a boring stretch of asphalt & shops and turn it into this dynamic nautical neighborhood. A fanciful recreation of some of the more exotic seaports found on the map which was loaded with exciting new shopping & dining opportunities.

Yeah, Disney gets all the press. Yet SeaWorld did it first.

The same pattern hold when it comes to simulator rides. Here the Mouse is getting all this great buzz lately about the work that's being done of "Star Tours 2.0" (They can't really be serious about having that ride film end with your Starspeeder conking Darth Vader on the helmet ... can they?). Truth be told, it was SeaWorld Orlando that was first to refresh / revitalize that park's simulator attraction by changing out its ride film. First by replacing the "Mission: Bermuda Triangle" movie with the "Wild Arctic" ride film back in 1995, then by adding "The Polar Express Experience" to SeaWorld's growing roster of holiday-themed shows.

Speaking of which ... Given how popular "The Polar Express Experience" was last year (To accommodate guest demand, SeaWorld actually had to extend the run of this "Wild Arctic" replacement into the second week of January), you can bet that this holiday-themed attraction will be back again this year. And from what they say in the Orlando Sentinel, "The Polar Express Experience" will be " ... the cornerstone of an even bigger holiday celebration" in 2009.

And let's not even talk about Disney's worst kept secret. Which is their Night Kingdom / Jungle Trek project. Which the Mouse is only pursuing because SeaWorld's niche park -- Discovery Cove -- proved to be so popular with theme park goers.

You see what I'm saying here? SeaWorld Orlando Adventure Park (to my way of thinking, anyway) never quite gets the credit that it deserves. The staff of this theme park works really hard to stay ahead of guests needs. Whether it be by regularly plussing the overall look & layout of this theme park and/or changing up its already great assortment of attractions (Wait 'til you get the chance to ride Manta next year). Or even those tours and interactive programs that SeaWorld Orlando offers its visitors, like the Polar Expedition Tour that takes tourists behind-the-scenes at the park's Penguin Encounter exhibit so that they can then personally interact with some of these flightless birds.

So, sure. While you're in Central Florida to commune with the Mouse, make sure that you also set aside a day or more for touring SeaWorld Orlando Adventure Park. For if you haven't been to this Worlds of Discovery park in the past few years, there's lot of new stuff here that you really need to sea .. er ... see.

Orlando Fun Tickets is located less than 2 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort, 2 lights west of I-4 at 8472 Palm Parkway. Their office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For further information, please call 866-225-4712 and/or check out the official Orlando Fun Tickets website.

Blog Post: How does Aquatica stack up against Central Florida's other waterparks ?

Jim Hill — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:00:00 GMT

You'll have to forgive any typos that you find in this month's OFT column. You see, I've been to Aquatica 2 1/2 times over the past month. And -- to be honest -- my fingers are still kind of pruney.

But after a month of soft openings, SeaWorld Orlando's waterpark has its official grand opening this past Friday. And -- to date -- the only real complaint that I've heard about Aquatica has to do with that park's capacity.

Now I know that this is going to sound kind of strange. Particularly given that Aquatica is a 59-acre waterpark with more than 80,000 square feet of beach. But this waterpark really can't handle more than 7,000 guests at any one time.

Aquatica's entrance sets the tone for the entire park.
Which entertains but doesn't overwhelm.
Photo courtesy of Denise Preskitt of MouseSteps.com

Mind you, that was a deliberate choice on the Busch Entertainment Group's part. They wanted Aquatica to be a much more intimate & luxurious experience for SeaWorld Orlando visitors. Which (they hoped) would help set their waterpark apart from all the others in the Orlando area.

The downside of this is that -- according to what SeaWorld insiders have told me -- Aquatica typically fills to capacity by 11:30 a.m. Which is why -- if you really want to experience Orlando's newest waterpark during your next Central Florida vacation -- you need to be entering Aquatica no later than 11 a.m.

The upside of arriving by 11 is that you'll be just in time for lunch. Which would be an excellent time to sample Aquatica's three restaurants: the Beach Coconut Cookout, Mango Market and the WaterStone Grill. These onsite eateries offer a much wider variety of foods & beverages then you'll typically find at a waterpark.

But that was the Busch Entertainment Group's goal all along. To create a different sort of waterpark. Which explains the bigger chair-to-guest ratio that you'll find at this new SeaWorld Orlando facility. Not to mention those 18 private cabanas that are available for rental inside the park. You can really live the lush life when you spend the day at Aquatica ... If you'd like.

Okay. This isn't to say that SeaWorld Orlando's new waterpark is completely flawless. Take -- for example -- Aquatica's highly touted Dolphin Plunge. Where you're supposed to get this great view of some Commerson's dolphins as you slide through a clear acrylic tube. Well, it took me three separate trips down Dolphin Plunge before I finally learned which angle I needed to keep my head at (More importantly, when to keep my eyes open) before I finally got to see those dolphins.

You see? There really are some Commerson's dolphins in that pool.
Photo courtesy of Denise Preskitt of MouseSteps.com

But that quibble aside, I have to admit that I've really enjoyed the days that I've spent at Aquatica so far. And after chatting with other friends who work in the hospitality industry down here, I'd have to say that SeaWorld Orlando's latest addition is quickly becoming the preferred waterpark of young professionals in the Orlando area.

"But where does that put Central Florida's other waterparks?," you ask. Well, Wet 'n' Wild ... I'd have to say that that's the waterpark in town that has true teen appeal. This International Drive mainstay -- with its assortment of speed tubes as well as its cable-operated knee-boarding & wake-boarding WakeZone area -- goes over big with the high school crowd.

Whereas Blizzard Beach over at Walt Disney World ... That's the waterpark that (I think, anyway) appeals most to tweens. I don't know if it's BB's silly backstory (i.e. The place is supposed to be Central Florida's first ski resort) or the park's goofy mascot (i.e. Ice Gator) or just the fact that there's a miniature golf course right next door (i.e. Disney's Winter Summerland). But 9 to 14 year-olds just can't seem to get enough of Blizzard Beach.

As for Typhoon Lagoon ... I think that this WDW favorite (Which celebrates its 20th anniversary next June) is the area's best waterpark for families. With that huge wave pool at the very heart of the park (Which -- FYI -- is still the largest one in the U.S.) as well as its elaborate theming, Typhoon Lagoon is still a great place for you, the wife and kids to go cool off. Particularly since that they've added those Crush 'n' Gusher water coasters to TL's Hideaway Bay section.

But if you're looking for a more intimate & upscale waterpark experience while you're vacationing in Orlando ... I'm thinking that Aquatica is the way you ought to goo ... gop ... go ...

(Sorry about that. Dang pruney fingers.)

Orlando Fun Tickets is located less than 2 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort, 2 lights west of I-4 at 8472 Palm Parkway. Their office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For further information, please call 866-225-4712 and/or check out the official Orlando Fun Tickets website.

And if you've like to see even more great shots of Aquatica (like the one below), go check out Denise Preskitt's photos of SeaWorld Orlando's new waterpark at MouseSteps.com

(L to R) Heather, Eric and Aaron doing their "High School Musical" poster impression.
Photo courtesy of Denise Preskitt of MouseSteps.com

Blog Post: Will Aquatica finally turn Orlando into a three resort town ?

Jim Hill — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 02:00:00 GMT

A while back, I found myself watching "Jaws 3D" (Alright. I know. It's a really awful movie. As Statler said to Waldorf in "The Muppet Movie," "I've seen detergents that leave a better film than this").

Mind you, I wasn't watching this Joe Alves film because I'm a "Shark Week" enthusiast. But -- rather -- because "Jaws 3D" was shot on location at SeaWorld Orlando back in 1983. Which makes this movie a fascinating look back at what this marine-based theme park used to be like.

If you look past Dennis Quaid and those water skiers in the above image capture, you'll see some South Seas-themed structures. Conversely, if you look past the bumper boats in the picture below, you'll see some pseudo-modern-looking blue-roofed exhibition halls in the background.

That -- in a nutshell -- pretty much captures what SeaWorld was like back in the late 1970s / early 1980s. Back when this theme park was owned & operated by a company that printed textbooks. The accent back then wasn't so much on theming and entertainment. But -- rather -- on education.

But all that began to change when Anheuser-Busch acquired the SeaWorld chain of theme parks back in October of 1989. Immediately recognizing that its Central Florida property would seriously have to step up its game if it wanted to compete with the Walt Disney World and the Universal Orlando resorts, Busch Entertainment aggressively began reinventing this theme park. Doing things like ripping out SeaWorld's old 1970s-era mall-style entrance ...

... and then replacing that bland looking area with a beautifully themed million gallon lagoon that featured statues of sealife as well as an iconic lighthouse.

"Why did Busch Entertainment do that?," you ask. Because they wanted to raise people's expectations. Give guests some sense of the fun & excitement that could be found just beyond those turnstiles.

And for the past 10 years, SeaWorld Orlando has worked hard to meet those raised expectations. Continually adding exciting new thrill rides like Journey to Atlantis and Kraken as well as world class shows like "Blue Horizons," "Mistify!" and "Believe." Not to mention that theme park's new Waterfront area with its highly themed collection of restaurants & shops.

But the Busch Entertainment Group really put Disney & Universal on notice when it opened Discovery Cove, Orlando's first boutique theme park. This hugely popular SeaWorld spin-off is only open to a thousand guests each day. There they can dive down and explore a coral reef, drift along in a tropical river or swim with dolphins.

It was the July 2000 opening of Discovery Cove that really began to change the way that Central Florida tourists viewed SeaWorld Orlando. No longer was this the theme park that you only saw if you had an extra day on your vacation. Now people actually began building their Orlando trips around Discovery Cove reservations. And then to make the most of all the new rides, shows and attractions to be found at SeaWorld Orlando, these folks began spending two or more days exploring that theme park as well.

But now comes the real game-changer: Aquatica. Opening on March 1st, this state-of-the-art water park will feature 36 slides -- including two enclosed tubes that will send you flying through a lagoon filled with Commerson's dolphins. Built on an 59-acre parcel that's located right next door to SeaWorld Orlando directly across International Drive, Aquatica will have 80,000 square feet of beach, private cabanas, a wave pool, exotic animal encounters ... Everything that you could possible want to experience during a day at the water park.

Then when you factor in the news that Grove Street Partners (i.e. That Atlanta-based real estate firm) will be building two brand-new 200-room Marriott hotels directly adjacent to Aquatica ... More importantly, that Busch Entertainment is reportedly partnering with Marriott to create new SeaWorld-themed vacation packages that will allow that hotel chain's guests to have special access to SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove and Aquatica ... One has to wonder: Is Orlando about to become a three resort town? Where SeaWorld can position itself as the more relaxing alternative to staying on property at Disney and/or Universal?

The folks at Busch Entertainment Corporation certainly seem to think that something big is about to go down in O-town. Otherwise would they be moving their corporate headquarters from St. Louis to Orlando? Clearly the officers of this division of Anheuser-Busch believe that they need to have their feet on the ground here in town if SeaWorld Orlando is finally really going to become truly competitive with Disney and Universal.

That's why it's going to be really interesting to see what happens over the next 25 years. Given everything that's happened to SeaWorld Orlando since 1983 (Where -- according to "Jaws 3D" -- all they had to worry about was the occasional Great White Shark slipping into the lagoon and eating members of that theme park's water skiing team) ... I can't wait to see what the future holds for this place.

Mind you, if you can't really wait to see what the future holds for SeaWorld Orlando, you may want to check out Orlando Fun Ticket's latest offer. Which gets you a second day free at this theme park.

Orlando Fun Tickets is located less than 2 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort, 2 lights west of I-4 at 8472 Palm Parkway. Their office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For further information, please call 866-225-4712 and/or check out the official Orlando Fun Tickets website.

Blog Post: Patience and maintaining a proper attitude are the real keys to enjoying New Year's Eve at a Disney theme park

Jim Hill — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Thinking about spending New Year's Eve at a Disney theme park? Then stop thinking and start moving.

Trust me, folks. December 31st is not a day to dawdle, particularly if you plan on spending New Year's Eve inside of a Disney theme park. The key to having a fun time at this guaranteed-to-be-crowded event is arrive early. So get in the car NOW!

And whatever you do, don't plan on park-hopping today. Should you suddenly decide to change locations (Like -- say -- moving from EPCOT over to the Magic Kingdom), you may step off the monorail and then -- due to a capacity-related closure -- find yourself unable to gain entrance to that new theme park.

It's better to be safe than sorry. So decide in advance which fireworks extravaganza you want to see tonight. Then head straight for that park and stay put.

Photo by Jeff Lange

But before you head out the door, be sure and toss a few bottles of water & some nibblies into a bag. Given the huge numbers of people that you'll encounter in the park today, you can plan on there being lines at virtually every food service location. So if you pack a few snacks ... Well, that's one less line that you have to stand in.

Okay. I know. So far, this article has only touched on the more negative aspects of spending New Year's Eve at a Disney theme park. The crowds, the lines, etc. But truth be told, this can be an incredibly fun event. Provided -- of course -- that you go into the park with the proper attitude.

First and foremost, you have to plan on being patient today. And please be aware that you're not going to be able to get on all that many rides.

But that said, you're never ever to forget what it was like to be an individual amid that huge sea of people. To be one of the 80,000-plus people who are expected to be standing around World Showcase Lagoon tonight as "Illuminations" brings 2008 in with a bang.

Photo by Jeff Lange

Speaking of EPCOT ... If you want to see a particularly spectacular fireworks display tonight, stake out a spot along the World Showcase Lagoon that gives you a clear view of Morocco. That way ... Well, you'll not only able to see the Holiday version of "Illuminations" but you'll also be able to see the fireworks display over at Disney-MGM.

Mind you, once the show is over, it's going to take quite a while for those 80,000 people to clear out of the park. So rather than rushing back to your car, why not grab a bench and do some people-watching? After all, no matter what you do, it's still mostly likely going to be 2 a.m. before you're finally on the road headed for home.

Which -- I know -- sounds negative. I really don't mean it to be. Please keep in mind that -- for most people -- attending a New Year's Eve celebration at a Disney theme park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So if you wind up getting home late late late tomorrow night and/or early early early tomorrow morning, big deal. You'll still have a great story to tell your friends & family about how you braved the crowds and rang in the New Year with Mickey.

One final tip: Resist the urge to dress up. Given all the walking that you're going to be doing tonight, the most important part of your wardrobe will be your shoes. So be sure and put on a sturdy, comfortable pair before you leave the house today.

Photo by Jeff Lange

Speaking of which ... Time's a-wasting. So if you really want to do New Year's, Disney style, get in the car NOW and head out for the parks. You can thank me later.

Mind you, if one of your New Year's resolutions is to be wiser about the way you spend your money ... Well, you may want to check out Orlando Fun Ticket's latest offer. Which gets you a 4 Day "Magic Your Way" ticket with a 5th day for free.

Orlando Fun Tickets is located less than 2 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort, 2 lights west of I-4 at 8472 Palm Parkway. Their office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For further information, please call 866-225-4712 and/or check out the official Orlando Fun Tickets website.

Blog Post: Get a (turkey) leg up on the competition by visiting WDW on Thanksgiving Day

Jim Hill — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Okay. It's time to talk turkey. As in: Is it really a smart idea to try & spend Thanksgiving Day at a Disney theme park?

Well, if we were talking about Disneyland … Then I'd have to say "No." I was actually at the Happiest Place on Earth last year on Turkey Day. And the tens of thousands of people who were crammed into that theme park on that autumn afternoon did not seem happy. At least not to me.

Photo by Jeff Lange

More importantly, if you hadn't made advance reservations, there wasn't a table to be had at any of the Disneyland Resort's on-property restaurants. We even went so far as to wave a $100 bill in front of the hostess at the Blue Bayou, with the hopes that she might then be able to hook us up with some holiday fare. But no such luck.

Which is why - last year - my Thanksgiving dinner consisted of a turkey leg that I ate standing up in Frontierland. So much for having things to be thankful for …

But if we're talking about spending Thanksgiving at Walt Disney World … That's a whole 'nother story, kids. You see, unlike their Southern Californian cousins, Central Florida's annual passholders tend to stay home on Thanksgiving Thursday. They seem to prefer spending time with their friends & family, rather than standing in line with perfect strangers for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Photo by Jeff Lange

The end result is … Thanksgiving usually winds up being a very pleasant day to spend at the parks. Where it's relatively easy to get your fill of your favorite rides, shows and attractions.

And when it comes to getting your fill, food-wise … Thanksgiving at WDW gives you plenty of options. Take - for example - if you're pining for the sort of turkey & trimmings that you used to get down at Grandma's place in Georgia. Well, Boatwright's Dining Hall at Disney's Port Orleans Resort will be offering a traditional southern holiday feast tomorrow. Where adults can then pull on the feedbag for $29.99 per person, while the kids can tuck in for just $9.99 per person.

What's that you say? You deliberately came to Disney World this year because you wanted to avoid the whole clichéd Thanksgiving experience? Not to worry. Over at Disney's Boardwalk, Spoodles is offering a decidedly different holiday meal. Here you'll find a buffet that simply loaded with Mediterranean fare. Where there won't be a single cranberry in sight.

Photo by Jeff Lange

Okay. So what if you're the sort of person who actually likes Thanksgiving traditions? Like - say - sacking out on the couch after eating that big meal and then watching a movie with your family. Well, Disney's All-Star Music Resort has found an interesting way to put a fun new twist on that holiday tradition.

You see, they're first going to set up this huge inflatable movie screen at the edge of Piano Pool. And then they're inviting all of the families who are staying at the All-Star to come on by after Thanksgiving dinner to catch a screening of "Toy Story 2." (Hmmn … I wonder if that old don't-go-in-the-water-for-at-least-an-hour-after-you-eat rule actually applies in this particular situation? )

Speaking of food … I'm told that the food courts at all three of Disney's All-Stars will be offering a traditional turkey dinner as a dining option tomorrow afternoon. Of course, if you'd prefer to eat your Thanksgiving dinner off of fine china, rather than a plastic tray … May I suggest heading over to the Grand Flo? Where I'm told that both Narcoossee's & Citricos will be serving hoity-toity holiday meals.

Mickey meets May and Flower, the two turkeys that President George W. Bush
officially yesterday at the White House. Look for these gobblers to roll through
the Magic Kingdom tomorrow aboard a parade float as part of that theme park's
Thanksgiving Day festivities. Copyright 2007 Disney. Photo by Diana Zalucky

But what if you're too busy taking advantage of those smallish-sized crowds at the theme parks to take time out for Thanksgiving dinner? Does that mean that you actually have to miss out on that wonderful holiday meal?

Heck, no. Let's remember that the Liberty Square Tavern - what with its home-style American dining - actually serves Thanksgiving dinner 365 days a year. So if you need a turkey-and-stuffing fix come Friday, just head on over at the Magic Kingdom.

Of course, if you'd like to see some real turkeys (And - no - I'm not talking about those tourists who aren't smart enough to do any prep work before they go off on their Disney World vacation), be sure and catch the parade tomorrow afternoon at the Kingdom. That's when you'll be able to see May & Flower, those two oversized gobblers who were originally supposed to be on the bill of fare at the White House on Thanksgiving Day. Luckily, they were eventually able to hang onto their giblets. Thanks to George W. Bush's last minute presidential pardon.

Youngsters with Camp Fire USA and other guests join President George W. Bush
around May, the 2007 National Thanksgiving turkey, during Rose Garden
festivities surrounding its official pardoning ceremony yesterday.
Official White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian

As you can see, there's a lot to be thankful for if you were smart enough to plan on spending Thanksgiving Day at Walt Disney World. So give this some thought if you're looking for something different to do next holiday season.

And while you're planning ahead … Why not plan on dropping by Orlando Fun Tickets the very next time you're in our neck of the woods? Our experienced staff (Which is made up of many WDW veterans) will be happy to share our insights about how you can make the most of your next Disney World vacation. More to the point, we can give some great price breaks on admission to the parks thanks to some of the exclusive ticket packages that we now offer.

Anyway … Have a great Turkey Day, folks. And be sure and save a drumstick for me!

Orlando Fun Tickets is located less than 2 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort, 2 lights west of I-4 at 8472 Palm Parkway. Their office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For further information, please call 866-225-4712 and/or check out the official Orlando Fun Tickets website.