Disney World Continues to Evolve

Disney World Continues to Evolve
By Scott Ames

Walt Disney said of Disneyland "It's something that will never be finished. Something that I can keep developing...and adding to” That philosophy continues in all of the Disney theme parks including and especially Walt Disney World.

Attractions are constantly updated, refurbished, or replaced. It keeps the experience fresh and exciting no matter how many times you’ve been to a Disney theme park.

Disney doesn’t skimp on attractions anymore. For a period of time during Eisner’s rein as CEO it was obvious that corners were being cut in some places. This lead to failures in such attractions as the “Rocket Rods” in Disneyland. For that attraction they simply reused the People Mover track and slapped some high speed sleds on the track and called it good. The problem was it never did work right. The ride was fine. I loved it. But it was always down for maintenance and finally closed.

There is no bigger canvas for the theme park Imagineers to paint on than Walt Disney World. With over 27,000 acres of space there is plenty of room to add new theme parks let alone new attractions. Already the resort has four theme parks, two water parks, and a shopping area.

Each theme park in the Walt Disney World resort has its own schedule of updating, retiring, and adding attractions. The Disney World of yesterday is no longer the Disney World of today.

Some of the past attractions that are now only part of history are: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Skyway to Tomorrow land, Alien Encounter, If You Had Wings and Dreamflight,
Flight to the Moon, and World of Motion.

Fairly recent attractions include Expedition Everest in the Animal Kingdom which is a roller coaster ride like no other and Mission Space in EPCOT. Disney keeps testing and improving in order to bring new things to its guests. Sometimes they spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a concept that is not proven. Mission Space is one of those “best guess” efforts that produced a very expensive but mediocre ride.

They don’t always get it right, but when they do, it’s magic. The new Soarin in EPCOT is a winner. It’s a ride first found as “Soarin over California” in Disney’s California Adventure theme park next to Disneyland. The guests sit suspended in front of an IMAX type screen while soaring over various scenes and landscapes of California. The feeling is so real that you’d swear your going to get your feet wet as you skim over the water.

What can you look forward to in the future? Who knows. There are rumors that Spaceship Earth in EPCOT will be redone by Siemans. More rumors hint that DisneyQuest, a large gaming area for kids and adults, will close. Perhaps in the future Disney will choose to copy the Indian Jones ride from Disneyland and bring it to Florida.

Whenever you travel to Disney World, be assured there will be something new for you to enjoy and perhaps some old things for you to reminisce about.

Scott Ames owns a vacation home near Walt Disney World and has been going to Disney Theme parks since 1971. His vacation home is for rent by the week and more information can be found at: http://www.orlandogatherings.com

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How to Plan a Great Walt Disney Vacation

How to Plan a Great Walt Disney Vacation
By Miriam Boh

A Walt Disney vacation can be absolutely wonderful, but hard on your wallet if you do not do some research and planning early. In this article, I would like to share a little insight on how you can save hundreds of dollars on your next trip and at the same time have a great Walt Disney World vacation.

First, book your trip in advance. You will no doubt have to pay more if all holiday preparations are made at the last minute. If you are planning to go during peak season such as between Christmas and New Year, booking one year in advance is never a problem. Otherwise, six to nine months will not deprive you of getting the best rooms that you desire at the best rates. If you are flexible on your vacation dates, you choose to go at a time when Disney offers Value Rates. These are the least expensive. Food can be very costly at Disney theme park. Do not overspend on meals. If you like table-service meals, try lunch since the menus tend to be less expensive than dinner. Whenever possible, eat outside the park for dinner.

Staying at Disney World Resort can help to save you some time while on vacation and let you and your family enjoy more of the park. This is because you do not have to spend so much time traveling back and forth to your hotel which results in shortened park enjoyment time as most families with younger children especially have trouble getting everyone rounded up early in the morning. As a Disney resort guest, you can take advantage of the extra time to visit the attractions that are way too crowded during normal park hours. Planning your day inside the park is a strategic effort. The easiest way to plan your Walt Disney vacation is to select the appropriate days you plan to visit parks and shows. Study the theme park map before you get to it. Nothing wastes time like wandering around not sure where you are or where you want to go next. Of course, you do not want the whole family to rush around during the whole day just to get to all the rides either. Thus, plan with some buffer time in-between so movement from one attraction to another is not a stressful experience.

Staying at Disney resorts not only helps to save you money and time, but your sanity as well. As a resort guest, you do not have to worry about the transportation which brings you to and back from parks. You need not feel stress that you have missed the shuttle and have to wait a half hour for the next. You will feel more relaxed and have more freedom to choose the time you want to leave. Pick appropriate days to visit the attractions in the parks. It will be a bonus if you have extra time.

With some advanced planning and predetermined Disney park visitation strategies, you and your family can experience a great Walt Disney vacation with excellent deals, less stress and fatigue.

Miriam Boh is the owner of DiscountFamilyVacation4u.com. Want to know how to plan a memorable Walt Disney vacation with strategies that can literally save you hundreds? Get practical, Disney vacation money-saving tips and strategies at http://www.discountfamilyvacation4u.com.

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Walt Disney World's Top Tables

Walt Disney World's Top Tables
By Cara Goldsbury

With so many choices, it’s difficult to decide where to spend your dining dollars at Walt Disney World. Hopefully this list will narrow the field a bit for you.

Best For Families

Coral Reef Restaurant – Kid’s feel like the Little Mermaid at this one-of-a-kind dining room where just a trident’s throw away is Epcot’s Living Seas’ 6-million-gallon aquarium rife with coral reefs and sea life. And adults feel like Poseidon after just one bite of the restaurant’s stellar seafood and the oh-so-delicious pepper jack cheese grits.

50’s Prime Time Café – What kid doesn’t want to experience life way back when. They’ll get a fun dose of it at this Disney-MGM Studios’ restaurant. Dine on savory renditions of good old American comfort food watching Leave it to Beaver and Topper on black and white TVs sitting on the counter between the toaster and the blender. “Mom” herself is your server, making sure everyone in the “family” observes good manners.

Whispering Canyon Café – Honest-to-goodness, rib-stickin’ barbecued vittles served piping hot in an iron skillet is right up a wannabe cowboy’s alley at this fun-loving restaurant at the Wilderness Lodge. Come prepared for plenty of hootin’ and hollerin’ and please, whatever you do, don’t ask for the ketchup unless, that is, you like a lot of attention.

Best to Book Ahead For

California Grill - This sensational restaurant at the Contemporary Resort should be at the top of every visitors list. From exemplary sushi to the exceptional New American cuisine to sensational desserts and the outstanding California wine list each available by the glass, this place has it all. From its lofty heights diners can see the Magic Kingdom, the sparkling Seven Seas Lagoon, and, best of all, a picture-perfect view of the Wishes fireworks. Just try to time your meal around the fireworks and head outside to the super observation platform for a bird’s-eye view of the extravaganza.

Cinderella’s Royal Table – If there was ever a place to plan ahead for, this is it. Exactly 180 days prior to the anticipated day, countless parents rise at the crack of dawn to be one of the first to call for dining reservations. All just to insure that their darling little ones will be among the lucky few to be seated high atop Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom. If you don’t snag a reservation your children will never forgive you.

Victoria and Albert’s – Demand is high for this fantastic dining spot at the Grand Floridian Resort. Once you’ve secured your spot, just sit back and prepare to be wowed by tables set in Wedgewood china, Christofle silver, Frette linens, and Riedel crystal, and cuisine that will knock your socks off.

Best For Vegetarians

Victoria and Albert’s– Here is one place that vegetarians won’t feel short changed. A seven-course vegetarian menu, expertly overseen by the illustrious Chef de Cuisine Scott Hunnell, is offered nightly. It can’t get much better than that.

Boma - The essence of Africa is potent beneath Boma’s circular, thatched roof where hearty foods prepared with an African flair (and a dash of American cuisine for the picky eater) are the fare. An entire section (or pod) of meatless dishes with such items like vegetable lentil kofta, braised greens, vegetable skewers, and several kinds of exotic salads are par for the course.

Best Character Dining

Crystal Palace - Winnie the Pooh, and his friends, Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger are your hosts in a sunlight-drenched, conservatory-style restaurant found at the castle end of Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. Here you’ll find a surprisingly good and bountiful buffet, definitely one of the better spreads in the park.

1900 Park Fare – At this popular spot at the Grand Floridian Resort is Mary Poppins, Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Alice in Wonderland, and the Mad Hatter for breakfast; in the evening hours the characters from Cinderella are in attendance. And the food is perhaps Disney’s best buffet.

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall - Those who love the idea of ethnic dining should try this atypical one housed at Epcot in a replica of Oslo’s Akershus Castle. Disney Princesses are in attendance at all meals and may include Belle, Ariel, Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Mary Poppins.

Best Wine List

Citricos – This Mediterranean influenced restaurant at the Grand Floridian Resort is rightly proud of its global wine list, a Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winner. On the menu you’ll find a suggested wine to accompany each course.

Jiko – At the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s signature dining room you can order from the most extensive list of South African wines this side of Johannesburg. Also a Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winner, more than 65 of South Africa's boutique wineries showcase their vintages here.

California Grill – As if the spectacular food and the mind-boggling view isn’t enough, the outstanding California wine list is also exceptional with 100 wines offered by the glass.

Victoria and Albert’s – Yet again this, Disney’s most acclaimed restaurant, makes the cut, and has the distinction of being Disney’s only restaurant to receive the coveted Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence”, with 700 selections on the menu and 4,200 bottles in its cellar.

Best Hip Scene

Todd English’s Bluezoo - There’s plenty of buzz surrounding this dreamy outpost at the Walt Disney World Dolphin where it’s worth the cost of dinner just to check out the stunning, underwater-like fantasyland dining room adorned with air bubble light fixtures, shimmery silver-blue organza curtains, and carpeting mimicking an expanding drop of water. But if dinner isn’t in your plans, the lounge here is just as cool where martinis and a raw bar are on order.

Raglan Road - It’s easy to imagine you’re in the heart of Dublin at Raglan Road, Downtown Disney’s newest restaurant and pub. Come in for a drink, a snack, or for a meal… whatever, just don’t miss this fantastic spot. Irish musicians provide authentic entertainment accompanied by delicious, contemporary Irish cuisine.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World Resort. For more information visit her online at http://www.luxurydisneyguide.com

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Why a Disney Vacation is a Perfect Fit with Your Travel Plans

Why a Disney Vacation is a Perfect Fit with Your Travel Plans
By Chris Robertson

If it's been years since you've been to the Magic Kingdom, a Disney vacation could be just what you need. Being transported into a realm where there's so much anticipation, variety, and adventure allows you to leave your worries behind and immerse yourself in the world of Disney. Even if you don't have children, you'll thoroughly enjoy making travel plans to Disney.



Theme Parks



Disney, of course, is known for its theme parks. Disneyland, in Anaheim, Calif., features the Disneyland theme park and Disney's California Adventure. Your airline ticket can take you to John Wayne International Airport in Orange County, less than a thirty-minute taxi ride to Disneyland. As for your hotel, there are dozens from which to choose in every price range.



Although Disneyland itself is wonderful, Disney's California Adventure is completely captivating in its ability to convey the essence of the Golden State within the boundaries of a theme park. From its Hollywood back lot to its Boardwalk to its recreation of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains, California Adventure makes you feel like you've toured the entire state.



On the other coast, in Orlando, Fla., Walt Disney World features four theme parks: The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, the Animal Kingdom Park, and Disney-MGM Studios. In addition, there are two water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. As is that wasn't enough, you can also experience Downtown Disney and the Boardwalk, as well as the Wide World of Sports, championship golf courses, luxury spas, and so much more.



Cruises



If you've never been on a Disney cruise, you don't know what you're missing. Even if you don't have children, a Disney cruise is a dream cruise. In fact, the way the ship is organized, you can take a Disney cruise and hardly ever see the kids. But if you do have children, they will be thrilled about going on a cruise with Disney.



Disney has two ships, the "Disney Magic" and the "Disney Wonder." The "Disney Magic" sails to the Mediterranean, to the Caribbean, and to the Mexican Riviera, while the "Disney Wonder" travels to the Bahamas. In addition to live shows, character experiences, and a movie theater, there are activities for children and adults of all ages. There are special clubs for children 3-12, and teens have their own space where they can hang out. There are even three pools: one for families, one for children only, and one for adults only.



Booking the Right Disney Travel Adventure



Many people think that booking a Disney vacation requires taking out a second mortgage or dipping into savings. But do a search online, and you'll find travel packages that are absolutely affordable. The more flexible your travel dates are, the better deal you'll be able to find. You should be able to find a package that includes airline fare, hotel accommodations, and cruise bookings within your price range. So, the next time you make travel plans, remember that the Magic Kingdom awaits!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
Learn more about Disney Vacation Travel or Majon's Travel directory.

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Theme Parks - The History of Disneyland

Theme Parks - The History of Disneyland
By Michael Russell

Disneyland is one of the world's most popular attractions, often compared to the likes of the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore and other popular American attractions. The Disneyland park is located in Anaheim, CA and opened on July 17, 1955. Since it opened in 1955 the park has attracted over 500 million visitors.

Walter Disney and his younger brother Roy, were already heads of one of the most successful Hollywood studios, before they created Disneyland. The original concept came from Walt Disney, because he realized the lack of parks that would be appealing to both parents and children. So he thought of the idea of a family fun park similar to a carnival except unlike a carnival, his park would never leave town. The idea of a themed park, that would feature many of the famous Disney characters came after many Disney fans wrote letters to Walt asking him to allow them to meet some of their favorite Disney characters at the studio lot. Walt was going to initially open a small park near his Burbank studios called "Mickey Mouse Park" to accommodate the people that wanted to see and take pictures of Disney Characters.

His theme park idea snowballed from a small idea into a huge idea that would eventually become Disneyland. The idea for the park was also inspired by other notable theme parks of the time, such as the Children's Fairlyland in Oakland, CA, Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, MI.

After Walt came up with the idea for a full fledged theme park, he came to the realization that he needed funds to make his dream a reality. So he decided to get the idea of Disneyland into American homes by creating a show called Disneyland which was broadcast on ABC, in return ABC decided to help finance the new Disneyland park. Walt Disney purchased 160 acres land in Anaheim, CA to build Disneyland on. Construction for the park began on July 18, 1954 and it cost an estimated $17 million to build. The I-5 freeway was under construction at the same time as Disneyland to get ready for the traffic expected from the Disneyland park.

Besides being funded by ABC, Disney also had other investors like Western publishing company, which was already a longtime licensee of Disney. As the opening of Disneyland grew closer, special events were held such as a "International Press Preview" which was opened only to the media and invitees. The event which was thought to run smoothly turned into a huge disaster when thousand of people counterfeited tickets. The opening day of Disneyland was also a disaster, with all major roads nearby being congested, a plumber's strike which left the water fountains in the park not working in 110 degree weather and wet asphalt , which was just laid the day before, it caused many women's heels to sink into the asphalt. A gas leak at Fantasyland, caused other sections of the park to be closed and food vendors ran out of food.

Despite a disastrous opening day, Disneyland quickly bounced back and became a thriving American landmark, which is still visited by millions of people today. The popularity of Disneyland also caused other parks to be constructed such as Disneyworld in Orlando, FL and Disneyland in Japan, China and France.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Theme Parks

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Disney on Ice (SM) Presents DISNEY/PIXAR'S Finding Nemo Takes Audiences Deep into the Ocean

Lakeland, FL August 4, 2004 -- The Academy Award®-winning Disney/Pixar's Finding Nemo is coming to hometowns across the country like never before in a brand-new, imaginative Disney On IceSM production, premiering September 3, 2004 in Lakeland, Florida.

Beginning this September, Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo will reel audiences down under into the breathtaking aquatic world to join the curious, "lucky"-finned clownfish Nemo, his overprotective father Marlin and their absent-minded yet lovable pal Dory in a comical journey of friendship and ocean-sized fun.

As they are visually immersed under the water, audiences will encounter the "super-dude" turtles Crush and Squirt; the hilarious trio of vegetarian sharks Bruce, Chum and Anchor; and the eclectic Tank Gang from the dentist's aquarium who each play their own part in Nemo and Marlin's adventurous quest to reunite.

Colorful scenic elements and creative lighting effects will enhance the audiences' feeling of submersion by giving the illusion of depth as well as the perspective of a vibrant and expansive ocean. With the complement of colorful costumes, and numbers ranging from a classical jellyfish ballet to a precision skating school of moonfish, Disney On Ice translates the revolutionary CG blockbuster hit into an equally stunning three-dimensional production.

"Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar's Finding Nemo is our most innovative show ever," says Producer Kenneth Feld. "Audiences will be amazed by our depiction of the underwater world, as we bring all of the humor and adventure underneath the Great Barrier Reef to life in a visual masterpiece that will 'wow' everyone in the entire family."

To develop this production, Feld assembled the talents of an elite creative team, overseen by Creative Director Jerry Bilik, consisting of:

Director Patty Vincent, who herself skated for Disney On Ice for nine years, and serves as production performance director for all touring Disney On Ice productions;

Costume Designer Scott Lane, whose credits include Disney On Ice celebrates Walt Disney’s 100 Years of Magic, Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Monsters, Inc., and seven years with the Tournament of Roses Parade;

Scenic Designer John Arnone who brings with him extensive Broadway experience, as well as a 1993 Tony® Award for Best Scenic Design on the musical The Who’s Tommy;

Choreographer Cindy Stuart, who has choreographed for Olympic Silver Medalist Rosalyn Sumners, two-time National Pairs Champions Todd Sand and Jenni Meno, World Champion Chen Lu, and several Disney On Ice productions — including Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey; and Lighting Designer Peter Morse who has worked with such talent as Madonna, Prince, Shania Twain, Destiny’s Child and the Backstreet Boys, and who won an Emmy® Award for his work on Bette Midler’s HBO Special, Diva, Las Vegas.

Feld Entertainment, Inc., is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 25 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in 50 countries and on six continents to date and include Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®.

For more information about Disney On Ice, please visit www.disneyonice.com. Members of the media are encouraged to visit our Press Room at www.feldentertainment.com.

The Academy Award® is a registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Tony Award® is a registered trademark of the American Theatre Wing. The Emmy® Award is a registered trademark of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS) and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS).

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Disney World - The Online Guide Unveils New Attractions Section

Manchester, UK - May 25, 2001 - Picture the scene. Mr and Mrs Average have been saving for years to take their two young children on a holiday of a lifetime to Walt Disney World in Florida. But wait. How do they know which rides are not to be missed, when the best time to visit certain attractions is, or how to get the most out of their trip? They could waste a lot of precious time on their vacation simply because they haven't done any planning or research.

Each year, millions of people, just like Mr & Mrs Average visit Walt Disney World for a dream vacation, yet many don't spend any time properly planning their trip. This is where Disney World - The Online Guide steps in. Disney World - The Online Guide has unveiled a brand new attractions section, which features detailed information on every ride and show at Walt Disney World. Information includes a description of each ride, along with photos, sounds, and reviews. Tips on when to visit the attraction, where the best seats are, and how to get the most out of it are also featured. If Mr and Mrs Average visit Disney World - The Online Guide, they won't be wasting their valuable time and money once they reach the Disney World theme parks.

Along with attraction information, Disney World - The Online Guide features over 1500 pages bursting with information to help plan your trip to the world's #1 vacation spot. Comprehensive information on every Disney Resort hotel, and every Disney World restaurant can be found at the site, along with tips and reviews, hundreds of photos, and maps of every Resort and theme park.

"Why spend money on a guidebook, when you can get much more comprehensive information for free at Disney World - The Online Guide?" asks site owner Joanne Forshaw.

Disney World - The Online Guide is the ultimate, unofficial guide to Walt Disney World in Florida. Visitors to the site can find all the information they need to help plan their trip of a lifetime. Information includes Disney Resorts, parks, dining, tips, reviews, maps, photos, menus, where to meet characters, and Disney news updated daily. The site also features message boards, where visitors can ask questions, and talk to other Disney fans and experts. Visit Disney World - The Online Guide http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk.

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