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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Disney World - The Online Guide Launches it's New Look Website

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Joanne Forshaw
Disney World - The Online Guide
joanne@wdisneyw.co.uk
http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk

Disney World - The Online Guide Launches it's New Look Website

Manchester, UK - February 25, 2001 – Disney World - The Online Guide launches it's new look website, , which features hundreds of pages of information to help visitors plan their trip to Walt Disney World. Visitors are able to find comprehensive information on Disney Resorts & Theme Parks. Maps & hundreds of photos are also featured. In addition, visitors can access the message boards where they'll find Disney experts on hand to answer their questions and share tips and advice.

Disney World - The Online Guide has won many awards, including The Golden Web Award. This honour means that the Guide is considered an outstanding website, incorporating high standards of design, originality and content. Disney World - The Online Guide is also featured in the award winning guidebook 'Passporter Walt Disney World'.

One visitor to the site, Mia, said "I just wanted to thank you for providing such an informative site. We've been to Disney on previous occasions, but your site pointed us in directions we never new existed."

Each year, millions of people visit Walt Disney World for a dream vacation, yet many don't spend enough time planning their trip. This is where Disney World - The Online Guide can help. The Guide can help people get the most out of their trip, providing tips, advice on activities, detailed dining information, and much more.

Visit Disney World - The Online Guide at for comprehensive information on Disney Resorts, Parks, Dining and more.

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The Magic of Disney® Fine Art Show Celebrating Nostalgia in Animation, July 24-August 29, 2004, at Hands of Time Art Gallery,

May 27, 2004 -- It’s “a natural” for an art gallery called “Hands of Time”: A show celebrating a parade of beloved characters from Disney classic films through the years. Original framed art and personally signed limited editions on canvas by legendary artists from Walt Disney Studios and others will “magically” appear at the Hands of Time Art Gallery in Historic Savage Mill for an exclusive exhibition and show July 24 through August 29, 2004.

In scenes from a multitude of Disney classic films and in pop art portraiture, among the stars of this show are: Mary Poppins, Bambi, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Snow White, Lady & the Tramp, and a cast of characters from animation features such as Jungle Book, Beauty & the Beast, and 101 Dalmatians.

According to Robert Capone, Gallery Director, "Interestingly, 'villains' have been the most popular character among our customers, so there was no question we would select renowned Disney villain artist Mike Kupka’s work and host him in the Gallery for our meet-the-artist reception to open the Disney Show." Kupka will be in the Gallery on July 24-25 for a meet-the-artist reception.

The art of illustration is multifaceted and requires extensive training as well as artistic ability. This is apparent in Kupka’s work, whose affinity for the darker characters in life has developed into quite a “scary portfolio” of Disney villains, including Captain Hook from Peter Pan, Cruella De Vil from 101 Dalmatians, and the Wicked Queen from Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs.

Kupka’s art reveals a great range of emotions in his dastardly subjects, achieved through his skill with shadow, mood, composition and color, whether it’s Captain Hook’s eyes boring into you sizing you up, or Cruella dreaming about the newest batch of puppies for her next fur coat. Kupka captures the very essence of Hook: A pirate with a grudge, with an arrogant smile and cold, dark lifeless eyes belying the true nature of his character. One thing is certain; you know the characters Kupka renders are so “glad to be bad.” Art Magazine names Kupka, 32, as one of the “25 Artists You Should Know.”

Other artists’ work featured in the Disney Show include Peter Ellenshaw and James Coleman. Among Ellenshaw’s first projects upon arrival at the Disney Studio in the 1950s was to create a conceptual rendering of something called “Disneyland”. His work depicting an aerial view of the proposed park was used by Walt Disney to help introduce television audiences and attract financial backers to the new project. Ellenshaw won an Academy Award in 1964 for his work in Mary Poppins.

A master of color, light and design in background painting, design and styling, James Coleman, 55, has become one of the most collected contemporary artists around the world. During his 22-year career with Walt Disney Studios, James styled and worked on 12 feature films and over 30 short subjects which included Winnie, the Pooh and Tigger, Too, The Little Mermaid, and Academy Award-winning Beauty and the Beast. Coleman works in oil, watercolor, gouache and pastel. His work is impressionistic and luminous. In November 2004, Hands of Time Gallery will also host a meet the artist reception with Coleman and a one-man show of his work.

Collectibles Art Also Featured
Along with fine art, the recent surge in interest in animation collectibles results from a wave of nostalgia for the memorable characters and stories which are part of our collective childhood memories of the animated cartoon. Animation characters are also expressed in three dimensional mediums, or “collectibles art”. Hands of Time Clocks & Collectibles, also in Savage Mill, has represented lines of Disney collectibles art, and many others, for most of our 18 years in the Mill, including figurines and sculpture in glass, crystal, and porcelain, along with framed original animation cels.

It’s easy to explain the fascination with these collectibles, particularly with Disney magic touching almost everyone’s life. There seems to be a universal urge to acquire and admire. And speaking to the fascination with villains and antagonists, earlier this year, Hands of Time hosted a “Leading Ladies Series” special event from Disney Classics. A show favorite was a limited edition figurine of vampy “Jessica” from the feature film Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Jessica’s signature is quite apropos -- “I’m not bad, I’m just drawn that way.”

The magic continues with events and shows through November, beginning with the Annual Collectors Fair at Hands of Time on August 28 featuring a Disney artist in attendance. Then, in September the Gallery reprises an exhibition and reception with Cuban-American artist "Orlando Raphael Quevedo”.

Known professionally as “Orlando,” he is a proponent of the "Magical Realism" style, expressed in original oil paintings and limited edition giclees. He creates a delicate yet vibrant combination of colorful architectural interiors gently mixed with illusion.

Orlando's canvasses are widely collected not only for their striking interior subjects but also for their remarkable and unusual depiction of memorable works of master artists. A typical Orlando painting may include three or more representations of works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Chagall, Monet, Miro, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt. His Cuban heritage and past are evident in his choices of colors and their intensities and combinations, and the vibrancy of his painting style. Orlando’s work often contains a theme of windows, doors or other portals which look out upon the sea, reflective of his nostalgia for his former island home.

2004 Events & Shows at Hands of Time

Disney Show -- Opening Weekend July 24-25 (Meet artist Mike Kupka Sat. 1-8 PM, Sun. 12-4 PM)
Show continues until August 29.

Annual Collectors Fair -- August 28

Art Exhibition & Meet-the-Artist Receptions
Orlando -- September 18-19
Max Hayslette -- October 9-10
James Coleman -- November 6-7

Hands of Time Art Gallery and Hands of Time Clocks & Collectibles are both located in Historic Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry Street, Savage, MD 20763. Robert Capone is the Gallery Director and owner of both, and has been in the business of art and collectibles for more than 25 years.

Collections from the art gallery have been featured on Maryland Public Television’s “ArtWorks This Week” program. For the calendar of events, online previews, and more information, visit www.handsoftimeart.com or call 1-800-773-8463. Robert Capone can be reached at handsoftimeart@aol.com.


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Lodging.com is a Disney-vacation expert, Families will find discounted Disney vacations with Lodging.com’s hotel guide

Families planning a trip to a Disney theme park this summer should first visit Lodging.com, the Disney vacation expert.

“Nearly 1 out of 5 of our customers are headed to either Anaheim or Orlando,” says Lodging.com Managing Editor Wendy Maxey. This demand prompted the online hotel discounter to develop a new guide for those vacationing in Anaheim, Calif., or Orlando, Fla.

Recently launched, www.lodging.com/disneydeals features discounts at more than 50 properties in the Orlando area, ranging from budget hotels such as the Best Western Kissimmee (about $38 nightly) to the four-star Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin (about $250 nightly). Anaheim has a similar selection of hotels, ranging in price from about $60 to $110 per night.

In addition to a list of monthly hot rates, the guide also features links to Lodging.com’s new Anaheim and Orlando city guides, which provide in-depth travel information, such as interesting nearby attractions, romantic getaways, best times to visit and more.

“This new page will be helpful to families, couples and even business people traveling to these areas,” adds Maxey. “It gives them the scoop in a nutshell, helps them find the best rates, and provides more extensive information to enhance their vacation.”

“The new guide found us a much cheaper rate at the hotel where we wanted to stay,” says full-time mother Jenna Goldthorpe of Cleveland, Ohio, who notes that Lodging.com saved her family of four about $450. “We used the money toward an extra day at the park, and decided to bring our nephew, Donny.”

Maxey’s top picks for Orlando include: Best Western Universal Inn, Howard Johnson Plaza Resort and Hawthorn Suites. Her Anaheim recommendations include: Park-Vue Inn, Quality Hotel Maingate and Howard Johnson’s Hotel by the Park.

Lodging.com processes more than 15,000 hotel reservations per month and offers discounted hotel rates in more than 250 cities in North, Central and South America. Media Metrix, PC Data Online and Top9.com rank Lodging.com among the top 25 most popular travel sites. For more information, visit www.lodging.com or call (888) LODGING.

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WorldofMaryBlair.com Offers Limited Editions By Mary Blair, Acclaimed Disney Cartoon and Animation Artist

Sunnyvale, CA December 3, 2003 -- Limited-editions of artwork by the late Mary Blair, the artist and illustrator world-renowned as Disney’s most-loved cartoon and animation artist and the subject of the best-selling new book “The Art & Flair of Mary Blair” (John Canemaker, Disney Press, 2003), are now available for sale exclusively on the Web at www.WorldofMaryBlair.com.

Gleaned from the personal collection of the family of Mary Blair, most of the artworks have never been publicly seen. The vibrant colors and stylized designs of Mary Blair have influenced modern animators who develop fare for The Cartoon Network and Disney Channel, and have received great acclaim from such noted animation art authorities as movie historian Leonard Maltin and Monsters Inc. director Pete Docter. As the subject of Canemaker’s recent book, her unique look and style have been praised in such diverse media outlets as Daily Variety and O, The Oprah Magazine.

Blair, who died in 1978, is noted for an abstract colorful style that pervades Disney animated films from 1943 to 1953 (such as THE THREE CABALLEROS, CINDERELLA, ALICE IN WONDERLAND and PETER PAN). A prolific artist, during the 1950s and 60s, she brought eye-appealing flair to children's books (I CAN FLY, which was considered a favorite book of Caroline Kennedy), advertisements, theatrical set designs, and large-scale theme park murals and attractions.

Blair was one of Walt Disney's favorite artists; he personally responded to her use of color, naïve graphics, and the storytelling aspect in her pictures, especially the underlying emotions palpable in much of her art. In respect for her unique work, she was handpicked to design the perennially-popular ‘It’s a Small World’ attraction, now featured at Disney amusement parks around the world.

“She saw the world in a fresh, new way and brought a special childlike beauty and gaiety to the worlds of print, theme parks and movies,” says John Canemaker, author of the recent book. “I feel great pleasure merely gazing at a work by Mary Blair. It's as delicious as feasting on rainbows.”

ARTWORKS ON SALE FOR FIRST TIME

Works for sale at WorldofMaryBlair.com range from a study based on the Sleeping Beauty film, which Blair had gifted to a favorite nephew, to the irreverent Poker Bears, where a group of teddy bears are discovered playing the card game.

Each print is one of a limited series of 275 (exception is Sleeping Beauty, which is produced in a limited series of 500). Prints are reproduced using the giclée printing process, which render deep saturated colors and maintain the beautiful painterly quality of the original art. In many cases, the giclée print may be indistinguishable from the original work. WorldofMaryBlair.com uses long-lasting fade resistant inks printed on fine art archival paper that underscore the richness and vivid colors of Mary Blair’s work.

Each work is certified by the Estate of Mary Blair as an original Mary Blair work of art or reproduction of an original work of art. Each item is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Mary’s son, Kevin Blair. Whenever possible, history or provenance of the artwork is provided.

For orders placed before December 25, 2003, each WorldofMaryBlair.com item will include a special half-size Mary Blair Christmas giclée print that has been specially-produced for the 2003 Christmas season.

For information on how to buy a Mary Blair giclée print, please visit www.WorldofMaryBlair.com or call +1-408-736-7117.

Mary Blair images are also available for licensing; if interested, please contact Maggie Rich at +1-626-379-7755.

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Visit Destination Orlando for the best in family vacations at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.

Families looking for a great place to spend a vacation this summer should visit Destination Orlando and plan a fun family trip to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando resorts.

This summer, visit http://www.DestinationOrlando.com/ and get ready for the vacation of a lifetime.

With hotels ranging from $39.99 a night to a luxurious stay at one of the best resorts, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, your vacation is a click away.

Great beaches, fabulous golf courses, eight funfilled theme parks with roller coasters and more fun and sun than you can dream of? Destination Orlando.

Visit http://www.destinationOrlando.com/ and leave your worries behind.


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Disney’s 10 Most Magical Experiences

An Epcot Illuminations Cruise — Each evening boatloads of visitors depart from the docks of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Disney’s Yacht Club headed for Epcot. Their destination is a prime position under the bridge between the United Kingdom and France for a view of the Illuminations fireworks spectacular. Cruises are offered nightly with your choice of either a pontoon boat seating 10 or a beautiful reproduction of a 1930s Chris Craft accommodating 6-7 people. Although reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance, they sometimes sell out on the first day. Call 407-WDW-PLAY.

Dinner at the California Grill — The California Grill on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a definite highlight for any connoisseur of cutting-edge cuisine. Through immense windows is an unbeatable panorama of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon and on many nights picture-perfect views of the Wishes fireworks. From pristinely fresh sushi to the exceptional New American Cuisine to sensational desserts and the outstanding California wine list, this place has it all.

Breakfast With Cinderella — High atop Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom is your chance to feast in a fairytale setting with Cinderella, Jasmine, Aladdin, and Belle. Kids love the grand dining room where through glittering leaded-glass windows is a birds-eye view of Fantasyland. The characters make their way around the dining room and give each child quality time signing autographs and posing for pictures.

Beachside Vista of the Magic Kingdom’s Fireworks — On evenings when fireworks are on the Magic Kingdom’s agenda, head to one of the Polynesian Resort’s idyllic white-sand beaches, grab a hammock, kick back, and view the festivities.

Your First Glimpse of Cinderella’s Castle — As you walk under the train station at the Magic Kingdom and into a world of make believe, the splendor of Main Street is spread out before you with that celebrated fairy tale castle sitting at the end.

The Sight of Exotic Animals Grazing Below Your Guestroom Balcony — A stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge comes with a view of its marvelous savanna filled with hundreds of roaming exotic animals. After dark the preserves are lit with a moon glow effect, perfect for a nighttime stroll or after dinner entertainment from your room balcony.

A Picturesque Ride on the Monorail — Hop on board Disney’s favorite form of transportation for a delightful journey around the Seven Seas Lagoon, through the interior of the Contemporary Resort, past the Magic Kingdom, and off through the pine trees on your way to Epcot.

Cocktails in the Grand Lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort — This resort’s favorite gathering spot is an exquisitely soaring, 5-story lobby of stained-glass cupolas and filigreed chandeliers. Find a seat on a cushy sofa and take pleasure in the lively big band orchestra while sipping a strawberry-topped glass of champagne.

Reliving the Drive-In of Your Youth At Disney-MGM Studios — At the Sci-fi Dine-In Theatre, guests are served in sleek 1950s-era convertibles while watching B-grade sci-fi and horror trailers on the big screen. Waiters on roller skates carhop the darkened, starlit theater, speaker boxes hang on the side of your car and, of course, popcorn and hot dogs dance on the screen during intermission. Though the food is just so-so, who cares when Godzilla is your entertainment.

A Float Through Splash Mountain — Who can resist the charms of Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, Brer Bear, and the rest of the gang, even if it culminates in one heck of a plunge? Drift round the briar patch in a hollowed-out log while toe-tapping music plays among the cabbages and carrots, jugs of moonshine, chirpin’ birds, and croakin’ frogs as you relax and bob your head to the beat. As you float through bayous, marshes, and caverns, all a delight to the eyes with loads of colorful detail and too-cute cavorting characters, the heartwarming theme song “Time To Be Moving Along” plays. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, www.luxurydisneyguide.com, Amazon.com, or your local bookstore.
Visit her at www.luxurydisneyguide.com
mailto:info@luxurydisneyguide.com

Cara Goldsbury is the author of "The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer". A former travel agent and agency owner, she has traveled extensively throughout the world.


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Planning Increases Pleasure, Decreases Pressure at Walt Disney World®

The size and scope of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida is enough to make the most seasoned traveler shiver. Disney has packed four major theme parks and twenty resort hotels into those fabled 47 Florida square miles. With all those choices, how can an everyday Mom and Pop hope to deliver a family vacation to remember? “Planning!” say Walt Disney World vacation veterans Jennifer Watson and Dave Marx. “The vast Walt Disney World complex is not designed for procrastinators or last-minute travelers. Without a plan, a Disney vacation is nowhere near as much fun, and can quickly sink a family’s finances. A plan and a budget will keep your vacation happily afloat.”

Watson and Marx put their advice where it could help others by writing “PassPorter™ Walt Disney World® — The unique travel guide, planner, organizer, journal, and keepsake!” (©1999, $19.95 pb, Spread the Word Press). Not content to write “just” another travel guide, the authors continue where every other guide leaves off. In one neat, spiral-bound package they’ve combined a 216-page travel guide with 11 custom organizer “PassPockets,” creating a proven planning system for the perfect vacation.

What do you do with a PassPocket? Write your vacation itinerary on the front of each pocket before you go, store maps, tickets, and receipts inside the pocket while you’re there, and record your memories and expenses on the back to review when you return home! If you've ever jammed loose papers, maps, tickets, and brochures between the pages of a groaning travel guide, you'll want to give PassPorter a look-see!

Printed front-and-back with fill-in-the-blank sections for itineraries, To-Do lists, notes, expenses, meals, photos taken, and cherished memories, PassPockets make organized travel a snap! One pocket is dedicated to travel plans, another pocket is for lodging, seven one-a-day pockets are dedicated to vacation fun, and a final pocket saves special memories.

Although the PassPockets put PassPorter™ Walt Disney World® in a league by itself, the travel guide section can easily stand on its own. The Disney-owned resort hotels get special attention. “Visitors can spend more on lodging than they do at the theme parks,” Watson notes, “so we dedicate four pages to every Disney resort. Choosing the right resort is a far more serious decision than picking which rides to enjoy. You can change your mind about a ride at the last minute. After all, hidden and unexpected discoveries are a big part of the magic at the Disney parks. Your lodging decision sticks with you for your entire visit.”

Which is not to say that the theme parks get short shrift. Each of the four major parks—Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom—get a six-page layout, complete with maps and a concise description of every ride and attraction. Disney’s three water parks, the Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island complex and Disney’s Wide World of Sports receive the full PassPorter treatment, too.

Meal times are fun times at Walt Disney World, and with over 250 dining options, the PassPorter team had its work cut out for them. Every full-service restaurant on Disney property is rated and briefly reviewed. “We’ve tried to give you a good taste of every restaurant and still keep it short, which is important in a book people carry with them all day” says Marx, who loves to eat and cook. “We also give a complete rundown on Disney’s Character Meals, where Mickey, Peter Pan, or Mary Poppins pay a visit to every table. Believe me, grown-ups love this just as much as the kids!”

Authors Watson and Marx are dyed-in-the-wool Disney fanatics. Their love for and knowledge of “The World” (as insiders call Walt Disney World) translates into a compact-but-comprehensive guide that starts with the basics and ends with those special hints that put the “m” in Disney magic. They’ve even made room for a mini autograph “book,” just in case you run into Minnie during your Disney travels.

So when the magic of Walt Disney World beckons, pick up a copy of PassPorter™ Walt Disney World® before you go. Not only will you discover Walt Disney World through the eyes of two seasoned fans, but you’ll also be more organized and better budgeted than you ever thought possible.

"...plenty of tips, where-tos, star ratings and maps."—Toni Stroud, Chicago Tribune

"..a travel guide, trip planner, organizer, journal, and souvenir, all in one."—Richard Carpenter, Boston Globe

"This is an absolute encyclopedia of information about Walt Disney World"—Robert Scott Milne, Travel Writer MarketLetter

“A great resource, particularly for families planning their first Disney adventure.”
—Kathleen Tucker, The Independent Traveler

Visit http://www.passporter.com/wdw/reviews.htm for many more reviews of PassPorter Walt Disney World!


PassPorter™ Walt Disney World®
The unique travel guide, planner, organizer, journal, and keepsake!

By Jennifer Watson and Dave Marx
Pages: 216
Size: 6 3/4" x 9"
Maps: 22
Worksheets: 5
Charts: 6
Pockets: 11
Index
Price: $19.95 US
Binding: Concealed spiral binding with protective plastic cover
ISBN: 0-9668994-0-7
Publication date: August 1999

For additional information or to request a review copy of the book, please contact:
Kate Bandos at KSB Promotions
Toll free: 1-800-304-3269
Fax: 1-616-676-0759
E-mail: ksbpromo@aol.com
Web site: http://www.passporter.com/wdw/

Toll-free orders 1-877-WAYFARER (1-877-929-3273). Also available at bookstores, on the Internet at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, borders.com, and passporter.com.

For information about Disneyland park hours, visit
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Walt Disney Is Coming To Town

1923, twenty-one-year-old Walt Disney arrived in Los Angeles fresh from the disappointment of his first cartoon studio going bankrupt in Kansas City. He went to see his twenty-nine-year-old brother Roy in the Veteran's Hospital were he was recovering from tuberculosis. Roy, a former bank teller and navy man was concerned about his brother's skinniness. "Hey kid, haven't you been eating? I'm supposed to be the sick one. So now that you're in L.A. what are you are going to do with yourself?" "I don't know. I've given up on animation. But I've got to get into show business somehow. I'll think I'll try and become a director."

Walt who had filmed some newsreel footage in Kansas City, printed a business card stating he was a member of the press, which he used to finagle his way onto studio lots. He had a meeting with a secretary at Metro. "Yes, I had my own studio in Kansas City, I made cartoons and live action films perhaps you heard of me?" "No I can't say that I have. And we really have a lot of people coming here looking for work and no jobs." Metro was in a state of chaos, Rudolph Valentino was demanding more money and they had frozen his salary. Because of the movie The Four Horseman Of The Apocalypse (1921) Valentino was now an international star who was surviving by hunting rabbits in the Santa Monica Mountains. Walt, who would later know great fame combined with money trouble could have identified, but he had his own problems.

Turned away at Metro Walt decided to go to Charlie Chaplin's studio in Hollywood and ask the great star for work personally. Chaplin had been Walt's hero, when Disney was thirteen he had won a two dollar prize imitating the tramp on stage, not an easy trick. One time Charlie Chaplin had entered a similar contest and lost.

Walt waited all day on the sidewalk for Chaplin to come out but he never did. Disney didn't know that Chaplin buried himself in his work, afraid to go home where his 16 year old pregnant wife Lita and her mother were filling his mansion with unwanted relatives, turning the Beverly Hills estate into the 1923 version of the Jerry Springer show. Or that the liberal Chaplin was infuriating his United Artist partner the conservative Mary Pickford by taking forever to finish his films, sometimes emerging from his editing room with a long beard looking like Robinson Crusoe. Walt had his own concerns.

Once again, Walt used his makeshift press pass to sneak into Universal Studios. This was exciting filmmaking! Men dressed like cowboys pretending to shoot at each other and falling over. And a castle. It reminded him of Paris where he had driven an ambulance for the Red Cross after World War I. Curious, he walked over to question some workmen about the structure. It turned out they were building the Court Of Miracles set for The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, starring Lon Chaney. Walt who remained star struck all his life, began looking around for the famous actor who was known for playing characters who were deformed, sometimes armless and legless with incredible body contortions. Back in the twenties there was a saying, "If you see something unusual on the floor, don't step on it might be Lon Chaney." Suddenly Walt felt a tap on his shoulder. Sitting on a horse behind him was the famous Austrian director Eric Von Stroheim, known as the man you love to hate. Completely bald with a monocle, riding crop and thick boots, which early film directors working in the Hollywood hills wore to protect from snakes, Von Stroheim made an imposing figure. "What are you doing here". Walt confessed he snuck in and asked if there was any work. But he was talking to a man who used to twist the arms of his leading ladies when he wanted them to cry in his films. "Get out now and never come back." Years later, when he had his own studio, Walt went out of his way to give young people a chance to show what they could do.

With no other prospects Walt decided to get back into animation but this time he would get some help. One night in 1923 he returned to the Veteran's Hospital where Roy was feeling better. Excitedly Walt told his brother about his plans awakening other patients in the ward," But I can't do it alone. I don't have your head for numbers." "I don't know kid, cartoons that's risky. I was thinking about getting a safe job at a bank, getting married. I mean I think your talented but. . ." "Ah come on Roy, forget about a job. We'll work for ourselves. This is better than a job, we can do this thing." "I don't know. . ." "Ah please." Walt would not take no for an answer. Roy finally agreed to the new venture when one of the soldiers in a nearby bed sat up and said, "Roy will you go with him already so we can get some sleep!"

Stephen Schochet is the author and narrator of the audiobooks "Fascinating Walt Disney" and "Tales Of Hollywood". The Saint Louis Post Dispatch says," these two elaborate productions are exceptionally entertaining." Hear realaudio samples of these great, unique gifts at www.hollywoodstories.com

For information about Disneyland Park Hopper tickets, visit
http://yourdisneythemeparkinfosite.com/disneylandparkhoppertickets

Mrs. Disney

Warren Beatty once observed," That if you get married in Hollywood, you should always do it before noon. That way if it doesn't work out, you don't kill your evening." But in 1925 Walt Disney, still getting his feet wet in Tinseltown was not interested in pampered starlets. His eye was on a employee of his named Lillian Bounds, originally from Lewiston, Idaho who worked for him as ink paint girl making fifteen dollars a week. She reminded him of the hard working girls he knew growing up in Missouri. For her part she found him charming, the way he grew a mustache to look older in business meetings, and how he refused to call on her until he could afford a new suit. Since he was more gentile around women than men, she was spared from the temperamental swearing that he did around his animators. Walt later joked," I didn't have enough money to pay her, so I married her instead."

Early in their marriage Lillian loved going to movies with him and would listen attentively as he criticized his competitor's cartoons and shared his own exciting ideas. But as time went by she became more challenging. Perhaps she understood he needed a sounding board, he was surrounded by yes men who were frightened of him. I don't like the name Mortimer, she told him in 1927. Why don't you call your mouse Mickey? She agreed with his business partner and brother Roy in 1934 that making the first feature length cartoon, Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs would ruin them. When it turned out to be a smash hit, Walt took great pleasure in hearing Lillian admit she was wrong. But then he scared her again. "Why would you want to build an amusement park?" She asked him. "Amusement parks are dirty. They don't make any money." His reply didn't make her feel better. "That's the whole point. I want a clean one that will." But she was at Disneyland the night before it opened with a broom, sweeping up the dust off the Mark Twain Steamer.

Walt was a good provider for Lillian and their two daughters even if he had to be in debt to do it. It pained her when he had to sell his Mercedes during the depression to meet the studio payroll, or when old friends would call on him for a loan and he was so tapped out he had turn them down. They were both content to spend evenings at home avoiding the publicity glare of Hollywood parties. When times were better she put up with Walt called his "one sin" owning six polo ponies, which he paid for dearly by taking a nasty spill. He became a life long scotch drinker to dull the reoccurring pain in his neck. His next hobby annoyed her more, a miniature railroad in the backyard that ran through her flowerbed. She gave in only because the it seemed to give him a release from studio pressures. Sometimes she thought maybe he was using the rides to hide out and avoid facing overwhelming problems. Later, Disneyland would provide him with a bigger train giving Lillian more peace at home.

Lillian didn't worry about Walt cheating on her with another woman but would sometimes get jealous of his work. Often he would come home late, choosing instead to spend the night at the studio prowling around his animator's desks, even going through their trash cans to pull out their best ideas. One time he arrived late for a date and drunk. Angrily she locked him out of the house. He made amends the next day by presenting her with a female puppy in a hat box. That event later became the basis for the Disney classic Lady And The Tramp (1955).

The Disney's were world travelers. Lillian was thrilled to get the call from Walt to pack up for their next surprise vacation and marvel how he would turn their experiences into Disneyland attractions. They fell in love with skiing in Switzerland and it lead to the Matterhorn Bobsled Ride. They enjoyed buying antiques in the French Quarter, inspiring the creation of New Orleans Square. They learned about hidden treasure on a island near Cuba sparking the construction of The Pirates Of The Caribbean, which Walt did not live to see completed.

Lillian fell short of her own dream. She did not share Walt's love of classical music, preferring to listen to Lawrence Welk. But she felt his pain when Fantasia (1940) failed at the box office. In 1987, 21 years after he passed on, she donated fifty million dollars to build the Walt Disney Concert Hall which would be the new home for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. What better legacy than to bring Beethoven and Mozart to the masses just like Walt wanted. But she became discouraged when her idea for a simple brick building became much more elaborate in the hands of architect Frank Gehry. Soon the fifty million was gone and she wanted it back fearing she had wasted her money on an incomplete boondoggle. Her daughter Diane convinced her that Gehry's design was wonderful but she died six years before the hall opened.

One great thing about Walt building Disneyland was that he and Lillian got to play tour guide to world leaders. But Mrs. Disney was very disappointed when the head of Russia Nikita S. Khrushchev and his wife failed to come to the park in 1960. The Anaheim police said they could not provide enough security. The Soviet Prime Minister grumpily settled for a star studded luncheon at Twentieth Century Fox instead. During the meal Frank Sinatra was informed of Mrs. Khrushchev's disappointment at missing out on The Magic Kingdom. Old Blue Eyes slammed his fist on the table. "Screw the cops. I'll take the old broad down there and watch her myself." He grabbed her by the hand and was near the door when he was stopped by the KGB. Back at Disneyland Walt made Lillian smile by telling her he was just as disappointed as she was. He was dying to show the Communist ruler his new submarine fleet.

Stephen Schochet is the author and narrator of the audiobooks Fascinating Walt Disney and Tales Of Hollywood. The Saint Louis Post Dispatch says," these two elaborate productions are exceptionally entertaining." Hear realaudio samples of these great, unique gifts at www.hollywoodstories.com.


For information about Disneyland Paris, visit
http://yourdisneythemeparkinfosite.com/disneylandparis/

Walt Disney Knew How To Get The Word Out

Walt Disney Knew How To Get The Word Out
By Stephen Schochet
orgofhlly@aol.com
COPYRIGHT: ©2004 by Hollywood Stories. All rights reserved

You need to get the word out about your products but your economic resources are limited. That was often the dilemma that faced Walt Disney. Often burdened with heavy debt, he found many creative ways to let the public in on what he was doing. His innovative marketing ideas could be used by businesses seeking publicity today.

1) Capitalize on current events: In 1930 Walt felt that Mickey Mouse who was constantly surrounded by barnyard animals should get a dog. He vividly described to his artists a funny mutt that his family kept on their farm when he grew up in Marceline Missouri, to the point of getting down on all fours, sniffing around and making barking noises. Animator Norman Ferguson transformed Walt's great acting performance into a cartoon canine named Rover . . . for five months. Then Disney read that an amateur astronomer named Clyde Tombaugh had discovered a ninth planet in our solar system called Pluto and Walt cashed in on the resulting publicity by giving Mickey's pet a new name.

2) Get your employees behind your product: Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs (1937) took three long years to complete and Walt suffered through many doubts about the film's marketing direction. He worried when the press called it "Disney's Folly" , then realized it was good to have people talk about it. He rejected a salesman's idea that he should eliminate the dwarfs from the advertising, pushing the love story between Snow White and the Prince instead. But throughout the stressful production his cartoonists stayed loyal and enthusiastic, often using their free time to run around Los Angeles to tack up advertising posters. Snow White was a world wide success but perhaps the artists got a little too excited. After the money rolled in Walt threw his animators a party in gratitude. He later regretted it when his some of the more bohemian members of his staff chose the occasion to let their hair down, and the family event turned into a wild orgy. Any rift that the outrageous behavior caused with the boss was forgotten by 1953 when many of his employees came to Walt's aid to financially back Disneyland.

3) Embrace new technology: In 1927 Walt made two Mickey Mouse cartoons that were rejected by distributors. Then sound was ushered into the movie business with Warner Bros. The Jazz Singer. Fearful silent film stars began consulting astrologists to predict the future, but most movie moguls shrugged off actors talking as a fad. Movies without dialogue sold throughout the world, who wanted to rock the boat? The unknown Walt Disney seized the opportunity, and with great difficulty added synchronized sound to the third Mickey Mouse cartoon, Steamboat Willie (1928) which resulted in the rodent becoming a national craze. Later history repeated itself in the early 50's when most of the moguls rejected the idea of television. Walt embraced the new medium as a way to keep the public informed about what his studio was doing.

4) Publicity is better than advertising: Today the Walt Disney Company is an aggressive marketing behemoth that spends up to fifty million advertising individual movies. Recent campaigns have included displaying the title of films on grocery divider sticks at supermarket checkout stands. But their founder had a different philosophy. As a young man Walt had left his job working for an advertising firm to start his own entertainment company and never wavered from his preference. When he entered television he always frowned on commercials, preferring instead to get publicity with fun, behind the scenes looks at new projects. He eventually left his first network ABC, accusing them of ruining the very popular Mickey Mouse Club (1955-1959) with too many interruptions.

5) What's In A Name?: Originally the studio started in 1923 was called the Disney Brothers. The younger, temperamental and risk-taking Walt was in charge of the creative direction, while the older and more cautious Roy, a former bank teller, kept the books. For forty-three years their partnership was a combination of love, ferocious arguments and give and take. In 1926 Walt convinced Roy that they should change the name of their enterprise to Walt Disney, it would make their products more identifiable. A bemused Roy went along with it, sensing his sibling's greater need for fame. The name Walt Disney remained associated with family entertainment even after both brothers passed on.

In 1994 Warner Bros. had high hopes for a feature cartoon called Thumbelina. But preview audiences found it boring, a reaction that bewildered disappointed studio executives. A week later they showed it again with a small change: The exact same film said Walt Disney Presents in the opening credits. The test scores went way up and several people in the audience inquired where they could buy Thumbelina merchandise.

Want to hear more stories? Stephen Schochet is the author and narrator of the audiobooks Fascinating Walt Disney and Tales Of Hollywood. The Saint Louis Post Dispatch says," These two elaborate productions are exceptionally entertaining." Hear RealAudio samples of these great, unique gifts at http://www.hollywoodstories.com.


For information about Disneyland history, visit
http://yourdisneythemeparkinfosite.com/disneylandhistory/

The Lessons Walt Disney Learned Still Apply Today

Contrary to popular belief, Walt Disney spent more time as a struggler than a success. Described at a various times as a visionary and a genius there were actually many occasions he could not foresee the results of his ideas, and they nearly brought him to financial ruin. Yet the lessons he learned through the years are useful and timeless.

1) Ownership is key: Early in his career, Walt created a character on behalf of Universal Studios named Oswald the Rabbit. When he tried to negotiate better payments for himself, Walt was informed that Universal had the copyright on the character and he was entitled to no compensation. From then on Walt owned everything he created.

2) Have passion for your product: Walt worked three long years on Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs which was originally budgeted at a $500,000 an extraordinary amount considering the average cartoon in the 1930s cost $10,000. His competitors, his wife and his brother all predicted Disney would be ruined. During the filming, Walt was plagued with both health and financial problems as Snow White ran way over budget. Needing an additional half million to complete the picture, he acted out the story in front of a tough-minded banker and got the loan he needed. The result was a classic that made $8,000,000 at a time when movie tickets cost 25 cents for adults and a dime for kids.

3) Make timeless products: Pinocchio, Fantasia and Bambi all failed in their first releases. World War II cut off international distribution. The national mood turned away from public sentiment. Disney plunged four million into debt and it looked like Bank Of America would cut off his line of credit. In a dramatic meeting, the founder of the bank, A.P. Giannini stood up and told the board members that Disney made great movies and that the war would not last forever. They voted unanimously to keep Disney afloat after the old man's speech. He was proven right years later when all three films became profitable classics.

4) Test market: Walt could not get distribution on his first nature film Seal Island. After several frustrating months watching it sit on the shelf, he found one movie theater in Pasadena willing to show it. Seal Island, achieved full distribution, won the academy award for best short subject and led to a series of highly popular nature films.

5) Sometimes you need to pull the plug: Walt was determined to have a circus at Disneyland despite his staff's advice not to. The idea failed. A pretty trapeze artist lost her top while performing in front of the kiddies helpless to prevent it. The camels kept spitting into the crowd. The llamas got loose and ran down Main Street scattering customers every which way. More than one performance of this poorly attended venture ended with Walt burying his face in his hands. He decided to kill it.

By learning lessons from each of his entrepreneurial attempts, Walt always moved forward, which is a timeless business model.

Stephen Schochet is the author and narrator of the audiobooks "Fascinating Walt Disney" and "Tales Of Hollywood". The Saint Louis Post Dispatch says," these two elaborate productions are exceptionally entertaining." Hear realaudio samples of these great, unique gifts at www.hollywoodstories.com.


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DISCOVER THE SOPHISTICATED SIDE OF MICKEY MOUSE

Is it possible for sophisticated travelers to really enjoy themselves in the land of Mickey Mouse? Absolutely! Walt Disney World has undergone a transformation much like that of Las Vegas, with an abundance of fantastic themed resorts and sumptuous dining choices.

Maybe your image of Disney is of lackluster, motel-style accommodations. Not so! All deluxe property choices are unique and offer that special Disney touch. You’ll find them to be adorned with impressive lobbies, painstakingly landscaped grounds, first-rate restaurants, elaborately themed pools, and gracious accommodations. All offer top-notch recreational facilities and services. In fact, each resort is so marvelous it can be difficult to choose which fantasy you wish to indulge.

Let me tell you about my favorites:
• Disney’s flagship resort, The Grand Floridian, with its red-gabled roofs and Victorian elegance, draws inspiration from the grand Florida seaside “palace hotels” of 19th-century America’s Gilded Age. Just a short monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom, it spreads along the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon with spectacular views of Cinderella’s Castle and the Wishes fireworks display. Aquatic enticements include a crescent white sand beach dotted with brightly striped, canopied lounge chairs, a large sophisticated pool in the central courtyard, a new beachside Florida springs-style pool, and a classy marina sporting a wide assortment of watercraft. A full service health club and spa, tennis courts, five restaurants, two lounges, and sophisticated shopping round out the list of exceptional offerings.

• A navy blue blazer should be in order for a stay at Disney’s Yacht Club where guests find the sophisticated ambience of a posh Eastern seaboard hotel of the 1880s. Fronting Crescent Lake and a sliver of beach that stretches over to the adjoining Beach Club Resort, it’s just a short stroll to Epcot’s International Gateway entrance and only a boat ride away to Disney-MGM Studios. Best of all is the Yacht Club’s 3-acre mini-water park complex, Stormalong Bay, offering sandy bottom pools, a giant “shipwreck” waterslide, a tidal whirlpool, bubbling hot tubs, a kiddie pool with its own slide next to the beach, and enough length to float lazily in inner tubes to your heart’s content.

• The Animal Kingdom Lodge is a stunning celebration of African wildlife, culture, cuisine, and art. Its authentic architecture and 33 acres of grasslands filled with hundreds of roaming, exotic animals is simply a stroke of genius. The six-story, horseshoe-shaped structure is surrounded by a landscape of golden boulders, tall bamboo, yellow flame trees, pampas grass, copperpod trees, and date palms. In it’s imposing, 5-story, thatched roof lobby are massive chandeliers formed by resplendent Masai shields, a large mud fireplace, and handsome safari-chic seating. From common lookouts as well as from 90% of the guestrooms are wonderful views of playful zebra, lanky giraffe, sprite gazelle, huge ankole cattle, herds of wildebeest, flocks of exotic birds, and more, with over 200 animals in all.

• Last but not least is The Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s dramatic depiction of an early 1900s national park resort. I challenge you to keep your jaw from dropping open on your first encounter with its awesome eight-story lobby of ponderosa pine logs, a massive 82-foot tall fireplace, and authentic 55-foot Pacific Northwest totem poles. Outside is a breathtaking scene of sparkling waterfalls, rushing creeks, and towering pines. The sound of crickets is heard beneath the bridges and along the meandering pathways lined with natural grasses, junipers, and wildflowers. And on the shores of Bay Lake is Wilderness Lodge’s very own erupting geyser surrounded by a steaming expanse of geothermal activity.

What about Disney’s dining choices? Once just a hot dog and hamburger haven, Disney’s reputation for dreadful theme park food is now a thing of the past. Think Pan Roasted Striped Bass with Aromatic Rock Shrimp Lemongrass Risotto, 6-Hour Braised Veal Shank with Orzo Pasta and Soy Glaze, or Cornbread Stuffed Quail with Foie Gras and Sauce Maltaise. Just a mere sampling of the incredible meals to be found at many of the over 270 dining spots on Disney property. In a radical culinary transformation Disney hired top-notch chefs to create exciting menus for some of the highest rated restaurants in the country and first-rate sommeliers to fashion outstanding wine lists.

Here are some of Disney’s best restaurants:
• The California Grill on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers an unbeatable panorama of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon along with picture-perfect views of the Wishes fireworks. From pristinely fresh sushi to exceptional New American Cuisine to sensational desserts and an outstanding California wine list, this place has it all. Don’t be discouraged if all the coveted window seats are taken; an adjoining observation platform offers a bird’s-eye view of the fireworks extravaganza.

• For top-notch and innovative seafood specialties, head to the Flying Fish at Disney’s Boardwalk where entrees such as Potato Wrapped Florida Red Snapper with a Creamy Leek Fondue are the norm. Contemporary and trendy, yet whimsical, this restaurant will absolutely delight the senses with its festive room of flying fish mobiles, sea blue sparkling mosaic floors, and golden fish scale pillars. Named a 2003 Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winner, it boasts an excellent international list. Don’t forget to save room for the unforgettable desserts, in particular the banana napoleon with warm caramel sauce.

• Fine dining in a sophisticated setting combined with virtually flawless service sets Victoria and Albert’s in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort apart. Here in this AAA Five-Diamond awarded restaurant you’re served a sumptuous seven-course meal on white linen set with Royal Doulton china and sparkling crystal. Those seeking a special evening should book the newly-remodeled, 6-person chef’s table found in a candle-lit alcove in the kitchen, a spot perfect for an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s top chef in action.

• Epcot’s Bistro de Paris is a charming Belle Époque dining room with an air of exclusivity. Filled with gilded mirrors and crimson banquettes, its billowy white drapes frame windows that overlook the World Showcase Lagoon. Servers with delicious French accents roll out sensational dishes prepared with only the freshest ingredients. After dinner enjoy a dessert of crepes prepared and flamed tableside while lingering over cordials and coffee in anticipation of the Illuminations spectacle.

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge’s premier dining room is the seductive Jiko where floor to ceiling windows look out on a boulder-strewn creek. Twin clay ovens draw the eye to the open kitchen where an eclectic blend of creations prepared with African flair are turned out in exotic presentations. Accompany your meal with a selection from the all South African wine list, the largest in North America. And don’t leave without ordering the incredible dark chocolate filled beggar's purses served with a honey dipping sauce, one of Disney’s best desserts.

So, for those who think that Walt Disney World is just for kids, think again! It’s a world of fantastic resorts and innovative dining just waiting to be explored. You may never even make it to the parks.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, www.luxurydisneyguide.com, Amazon.com, or your local bookstore.
Visit her at www.luxurydisneyguide.com.
mailto:info@luxurydisneyguide.com

Cara Goldsbury is the author of "The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer". A former travel agent and agency owner, she has traveled extensively throughout the world.


For information about Disneyland ghosts, visit
http://yourdisneythemeparkinfosite.com/disneylandghosts/

High-Heeled Visitors Get Stuck in Asphalt at Disneyland

High-Heeled Visitors get stuck in Asphalt at Disneyland

If you think today's entrepreneurs face challenges, consider the confidential scoop recently released on Walt Disney: On opening day at Disneyland, starlets and well-heeled filmmakers walked into the now legendary theme park Main Street only to get mired in tar, because Disney was so anxious to open his theme park that he didn't wait for the asphalt to dry!

The new master of behind-the-scenes tidbits in the entertainment industry, Stephen Schochet (Show-het), has produced a startling oral history of the Disney legacy, following 10 years of painstaking research, Stephen Schochet a skilled and amusing public speaker offers many of these
tidbits on talk shows and news interviews.

Schochet is more than passionate about Hollywood-- he is driven. While still in college he began researching the stories behind Hollywood. He can tell you the REAL story behind just about any facet of Hollywood life. His first project called "Tales Of Hollywood" reveals many entertaining and obscure secrets about Hollywood and filmmaking.

Schochet's second audio production, the lushly orchestrated double audiotape/CD called "Fascinating Walt Disney" fills everyone in on a treasure-trove of little-known tales on Disney and his entertainment empire. For example:

Disney couldn't stand the character of Pinocchio, finding the puppet so obnoxious he shut down the production after five months. He saved the film by resurrecting a minor character from the original Carlos Collodi story-- an unnamed cricket who tried to teach Pinocchio about morality until the nasty puppet killed him with a mallet.

Davy Crockett caused such a demand for raccoon skin caps in 1954 that there were housewives hiding behind trashcans with shotguns trying to turn the little critters in for bounties.

And Mickey Mouse kept behaving so badly on the screen that concerned parents wrote Walt letters demanding he be reformed. It lead to the mouse becoming an ineffectual straight man, and Donald Duck taking over the comedy.

"Fascinating Walt Disney" is available at www.hollywoodstories.com or by calling 1-800-431-1579 or can be ordered through bookstores. Two CDs ISBN 0-9638972-1-7 $24.95, Two cassettes 0-9638972-2-5 0-9638972-2-5 $17.95

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Tips For Disney World First-Timers

So you’ve finally decided to head to Walt Disney World. With so much to see and do, it’s important to come prepared. Here are some excellent tips to make your trip one that will be remembered for a lifetime.

• Plan ahead. - Decide ahead of time what your priorities are and make a plan of action.

• Get to the parks early. - It’s amazing, particularly in busy season, how many of the popular rides you can knock off before half the “World” gets out of bed.

• Take the time to rest in the middle of the day. - Stay at one of the Magic Kingdom or Epcot resorts, allowing a return in the middle of the day for a nap or dip in the pool.

• Call exactly 90 days prior at 7 AM Orlando time for priority seating if breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom is tops on your child’s list. - The only way you might get away with sleeping in and booking a bit later for this highly coveted character breakfast is if you are traveling in extremely slow season.

• Come prepared for an afternoon shower during the rainy summer months even if the sky looks perfectly clear in the morning. - Rent a locker to store your raingear and circle back if skies start to look threatening. However, if you’re caught unprepared, just about every store in the parks sells inexpensive rain ponchos.

• Use Fastpass, Disney’s free, nifty timesaving device. - It’s offered at all four theme parks and is a great way to save hours of waiting in line. Just insert your park pass in one of the machines located at each individual Fastpass attraction and receive a ticket printed with a designated one-hour window in which you may return and enter a special line with little or no waiting.

•Pre-arrange priority seating, Disney’s answer to dining reservations, by calling 407-WDW-DINE. - On arrival you’ll receive the next table available for your party size, thus saving hours of frustration and waiting.

• Allow plenty of time to reach the theme parks each morning. - It’s easy to miss your breakfast priority seating is you don’t allocate enough time.

• Be spontaneous. - If something catches your eye, even if it’s not on your daily list of things to do, stop and explore. If not, you could miss something wonderful.

• Realize the limitations of your children. - If they’re tired, take a break. If their feet hurt, get them a stroller (forget that they outgrew one years ago). If a ride scares them don’t force the issue. Such precautions will make your day and the day of other park visitors a lot less stressful.

• Bring pagers, 2-way radios, or cell phones. - If your party plans on splitting up, they are a perfect way to keep in touch.

• Wear broken-in, comfortable footwear. - Better yet, bring two pairs and rotate them. Nothing is worse than blisters on your first day and then nursing them for the remainder of your vacation.

• Most importantly, slow down and enjoy the magic. - Resist the urge to see everything at breakneck speed. You can’t possibly cover it all, so think of this as your first trip to Disney, not your last. There will be time to pick up all the things you missed on the next go-round.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, www.luxurydisneyguide.com, Amazon.com, or your local bookstore.
Visit her at www.luxurydisneyguide.com.
mailto:info@luxurydisneyguide.com

Cara Goldsbury is the author of "The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer". A former travel agent and agency owner, she has traveled extensively throughout the world.


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How To Save Money On Your Walt Disney World Vacation

Walt Disney World is the world’s premier vacation destination, yet can cost thousands of dollars to visit. Disney World – The Online Guide now features a new ‘Save Money at WDW’ section, helping visitors plan a more affordable vacation.

The Save Money section includes tips on how to budget for your trip to Disney World, and how to save money once you’re there. For instance, many people do not know that people with certain types of theme park passes can save up to 45% on Disney Resorts at certain times of the year. Money saving tips are included on dining, park passes and resorts, along with a list of free things to do at Disney World.

Many people save for years in order to have that ‘Once in a Lifetime’ vacation at Walt Disney World. Now, visitors to Disney World – The Online Guide can learn how to save hundreds, even thousands of dollars on their trip, which is no longer ‘Once in a Lifetime’, but now ‘Once a Year’!

Disney World – The Online Guide features over 1500 pages of comprehensive information to help people plan their trip to Walt Disney World, Orlando. Information includes Disney Resorts, theme parks, photos, maps, dining, tips, and news. The site is updated daily, and site visitors can also access the message boards, where Disney experts are on hand to answer questions and give advice. Visit Disney World – The Online Guide today at – www.wdisneyw.com.

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Travel Direct Corporation announces Advance Purchase Savings increases on Admission Tickets For Walt Disney Resort® Vacations. Guests save more than e

Orlando FL April 5, 2004 -- A recent increase in prices for theme park tickets purchased onsite at the Walt Disney World®Resort is resulting in even greater savings for Travel Direct Corporation-Cruise Direct Online clients who book their arrangements before leaving home.

Ticket pricing that is included in all Walt Disney Travel Company vacation packages has not increased, thereby making the Advance Purchase Savings an even greater value than before. Clients purchasing 5-Night Disney's DreamMaker packages with Advance Purchase Savings in a Walt Disney Travel Company-Florida package based on two adults and two children (ages 3-9) can save as much as $87.

Information and reservations for Walt Disney World® Resort Vacation packages can be found online at www.traveldirectonline.com

Buying tickets only in advance also offers guests more savings than ever before. A family of four can save $70 on admission tickets.

Guests purchasing tickets before leaving home can still enjoy Advance Purchase Savings. A recent increase in theme park ticket pricing offers non-package clients, who book their arrangements before leaving home, as much as $26 in savings per adult, per ticket on a 7-Day Park Hopper Plus Ticket with the Advance Purchase Savings program versus paying full-price for the same multi-day tickets at the gate.

And the savings add up. A family of four (party size based on two adults and two children ages 3-9) who buys Five-Day Park Hopper® tickets in advance can save as much as $70.

Savings Examples:
Park Hopper® and Park Hopper® Plus Prices:(prices do not include tax)
Gate = Front Gate Price
AP = Advanced Purchase

5-Day Park Hopper® Gate $249 AP $230 Savings $19
5-Day Park Hopper® (ages 3-9) Gate $200 AP $184 Savings $16
5-Day Park Hopper® Plus Gate $282 AP $259 Savings $23
5-Day Park Hopper® Plus (ages 3-9) Gate $226 AP $208 Savings $18
6-Day Park Hopper® Plus Gate $312 AP $288 Savings $24
6-Day Park Hopper® Plus (ages 3-9) Gate $250 AP $231 Savings $19
7-Day Park Hopper® Plus Gate $342 AP $316 Savings $26
7-Day Park Hopper® Plus (ages 3-9) Gate $274 AP $253 Savings $21

* We are not an agent of the Walt Disney Company or its affiliates. Travel Direct Corporation - Cruise Direct Online is independently owned and is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner offering products and services of the Walt Disney© Travel Company, Disney Cruise Line© and the Walt Disney World© Resort. Dream Maker™ is a trademark of the Walt Disney© Company.

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Orlando Vacation Rentals a Budget-Friendly Option for Disney-Bound Families

July 22, 2004 -- This year, millions of people will travel to Walt Disney World and pay more than they have to for accommodations, according to the publisher of an Orlando vacation rentals directory.

Tony Berkman wants to make those travelers aware of an alternative to hotels that could save them money and provide them with all the comforts of home... and then some.

"Disney vacation rentals offer so many advantages to travelers, especially families. You can rent luxurious Orlando vacation homes directly from the owner. And many of these homes are large enough to accommodate your entire family, including grandma and grandpa, for far less than what you'd pay to stay in a Disney hotel," says Berkman.

Cost Savings Example

Currently, Goin2Travel.com lists a brand new home only five minutes from Disney World Orlando. This palatial property sleeps 10, has a full kitchen and laundry, pool, hot tub, sun deck with lake view, and home theater. Rates start at $950 a week. That works out to only $13.60 per person per night (at maximum occupancy) to enjoy all the comforts of an Orlando vacation home right on Disney World's doorstep.

Compare that to at least $85 per night for a room at a mid-range Disney resort hotel (low season rate.) Then add in all the extra expenses, such as restaurant meals and tips.

Greater Convenience and Comfort

Cost isn't the only advantage with Disney vacation rentals. Most rental villas have private swimming pools, full kitchens with modern appliances, laundry facilities, home entertainment centers, and more.

For couples or smaller families, cottages and condo vacation rentals are also available.

"I just want people to know there is an alternative to expensive, impersonal hotels. They can save some money and have more privacy and freedom to enjoy their holiday to the fullest by staying in Orlando vacation homes."

For more information on Orlando vacation rentals at http://www.goin2travel.com/orlandorentals.htm or to interview Tony Berkman, please call 210 535 0952 or email Gvrrentals@aol.com

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Travel Direct Corporation adds major enhancements to its Walt Disney World® Resort, and Disney Cruise Line® Vacations web site.

March 11, 2004 -- Travel Direct Corporation announced today major enhancements of its popular Walt Disney World® Resort, and Disney Cruise Line® Vacations web site: www.traveldirectonline.com The company has introduced a variety of new features and innovations to create a "Disney Vacations" focused website that provides the right balance between technology and the human touch.

“Technology, in and of itself can never replace the personal care and contact the human touch provides, but a careful balance of both, provides vacationers with a great resource of comprehensive Disney Vacation information “ states Travel Direct Corporation’s President, Marty Trencher.

"Every staff member at Travel Direct Corporation is an experienced Disney Cruiser and Theme Park visitor. Our staff has years of experience working with the Disney Organization in a number of capacities. Our specialized and local knowledge of the Walt Disney World® Resort, and Disney Cruise Line® allows our professional travel advisors to create a once-in-a-lifetime Disney vacation for our guests.

Because we are right at home here in Orlando, we know the Theme Parks, Resorts, Recreational Activities, Cruise Line and a lot of out-of-the-ordinary ways for our guests to have a great vacation on land and sea. Guests can take advantage of our expertise and knowledge of these Disney destinations. We offer value-added extra's at no extra cost, a virtual encyclopedia of information online and personal one-to-one service.

In recognition of our expertise in providing the utmost in professional assistance and strong support in selling Disney Vacations, I am pleased to announce the Walt Disney Company has designated us as an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner*, offering family vacations to the Walt Disney World® Resort, and Disney Cruise Line® Trencher added."

New enhanced content and features include:
1. Walt Disney World® Resort- In 2004, the Walt Disney World® Resort is celebrating the special magic that happens when friends and family gather together. Travel Direct Corporation has added content pages full of useful information for those planning a family reunion or just a quick getaway with friends and neighbors.

More than ever before, Americans are reconnecting with loved ones, and many are using vacations as an opportunity to reunite. Multiple household travel is on the rise. A rapidly emerging travel trend shows that people are extending the traditional family vacation beyond the immediate family and traveling in larger groups. Based on a new study conducted by Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell, over 42 million U.S. households have taken at least one leisure trip in the past five years with their extended family, other families or with a group of friends. And more are planning to take similar trips in the very near future.

To better accommodate this growing market, Travel Direct Corporation now provides an enhanced level of guest services offering customized Walt Disney World® vacation itineraries for travel parties of all sizes including Grand Gatherings® experiences for party sizes of eight more.

Travel Direct Corporation's Travel Advisors can also book behind-the-scenes Walt Disney World® tours, spa and recreation activities, and golf tee times.

Visitors to their web site can also read "What's New" at the Walt Disney World® Resort or explore 360 Degree Virtual Tours of Disney Resort hotels. There is a "Tips" section on "How To get The Most Out Of Your Walt Disney World Resort Vacation" as well as a "Guidebook For Guests With Disabilities"

2. Disney Cruise Line®- For those guests who are experiencing the magic of a Disney Cruise Line® vacation for the first time, Travel Direct Corporation's web site offer content pages highlighting the best of everything, from adventure to relaxation. Visitors can discover an endless variety of things to do and special activities for families, kids, teens and adults.

Special Travel Direct cruise packages include almost everything in the price! Guest accommodations, shipboard entertainment, as are snacks on deck, to full breakfast, lunch and dinner meals. And, when a guest books a 7 day land and sea combination, their theme park tickets are also included!

The web site content pages highlight Disney's uniquely different dining experience every evening. Guests can read about imaginative children's programs and separate areas and activities created specifically for adults and families. They can view deck plans and photo's of Disney Cruise Line's well-appointed, oversized staterooms.

Online guests can take a virtual cruise tour of the ships, read ship reviews of the Disney Magic® and Disney Wonder®, Check out the "Ports-Of-Call", even order shore excursions in advance.

3. New Special Offers Featured On Web Site- Travel Direct Corporation offers special early booking discounts for Disney Cruise Line® and great offers at the Walt Disney World® Resort

3-Night Cruise starting at $359* per adult $199* per child.
4-Night Cruise starting at $399* per adult $299* per child.
7-Night Cruise starting at $799* per adult $399* per child.

Walt Disney World® Dream Maker™ Package
3-Nights at a Disney Value Resort starting at $359*per adult
The price includes accommodations, Theme Park tickets and more.

3. Disney Tickets Discounts- Visitors to Travel Direct Corporation's web site can save time and money by ordering their tickets in advance. They can save up to $22 per ticket with Advance Purchase Price orders. Guests can skip past the lines at any Walt Disney World® theme park and get on with the fun!

4. Special Kids Airfare Promotion- Offered in conjunction with the Disney Travel Company, Travel Direct Corporation is promoting a special reduced airfare to Orlando from select cities for kids (ages 2-11) on United Airlines with the purchase of a Walt Disney World® vacation package for five-nights or more.

Packages must be booked by April 16, 2004 with arrivals and departures most Mondays through Wednesdays between April 19 and June 30, 2004.

This special airfare to Orlando (MCO) is available from the following cities: (MCO) from: Billings (BIL), Bismarck (BIS), Boise (BOI), Cedar Rapids (CID), Chicago (O'Hare)(ORD), Colorado Springs (COS), Denver (DEN), Des Moines (DSM), Eugene (EUG), Fargo (FAR), Grand Rapids (GRR), Lincoln (LNK), Los Angeles (LAX), Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP), Oakland (OAK), Omaha (OMA), Portland (PDX), Sacramento (SMF), Saginaw (MBS), Salt Lake City (SLC), San Francisco (SFO), San Jose (SJC), Seattle (SEA), Sioux Falls (FSD), Spokane (GEG), Washington D.C. (Dulles) (IAD), Wausau (CWA).

*Not an agent of the Walt Disney Company or it's affiliates.

For further Information Contact:
Marty Trencher
Travel Direct Corporation
407.365.8891-or-800 365 8891

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WALT DISNEY WORLD IN JUST 3 DAYS

So your headed to Walt Disney World, but you only have time for a long weekend. Although it’s certainly not the ideal way to see “The Happiest Place on Earth”, it definitely can be done, especially if you’re willing to hit the parks early, stay late, and be content with only catching the highlights. Even though you’ll only be touring for 3 days, buy a 4-day Hopper Pass (unused days never expire) in order to visit two parks on the last day. Stay on Disney property for easy access and pre-arrange priority seating, Disney’s answer to dining reservations, weeks before your trip by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Most importantly, bring along a great pair of walking shoes and lots of energy. Hang on for a whirlwind of a tour.

Friday at The Magic Kingdom

1. Arrive one hour prior to opening which allows enough time to park, shuttle to the Ticket
and Transportation Center, and cruise over the Seven Seas Lagoon by monorail or ferry to the park’s entrance.
2. Grab a quick breakfast at the Main Street Bakery. They usually begin serving their mouthwatering pastries around thirty minutes before official park opening time.
3. Head straight to Splash Mountain in Frontierland, then take in Big Thunder Mountain next door.
4. Cut back through the hub to Tomorrowland, pick up a Fastpass (Disney’s nifty, free, timesaving device allowing you to return at a given time with little or no wait in line) for Space Mountain (if necessary). During your wait see ride Buzz Lightyear.
5. If anyone in your party is interested in the Fantasyland attractions (as I usually am) go there now. It will probably be necessary to pick up a Fastpass for either Peter Pan’s Flight or Winnie the Pooh, so check it out first. Ride Peter Pan’s Flight and The Many Adventure of Winnie the Pooh and be sure to see Mickey’s Philharmagic.
6. After Fantasyland have a fast food lunch at the Pecos Bill Cafe.
7. Pick up a Fastpass at The Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square before settling down for the afternoon Share a Dream Come True Parade at 3 PM.
8. After the parade, head to The Haunted Mansion and then to the Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland.
9. Make a priority seating reservation for Cinderella’s Royal Table or Tony’s Town Square Restaurant for dinner and enjoy the park until the evening’s festivities begin.
10. See the SpectroMagic parade and the don’t-you-dare-miss Wishes fireworks.

Saturday at Epcot

1. Have breakfast at your hotel and be at the park one half-hour before opening time.
2. Head to Mission Space and Test Track first and then move over to the west side of Future World to see Honey I Shrunk the Audience at the Imagination pavilion.
3. Hop next door to The Land where you’ll want to ride the Living With The Land attraction.
4. Ride Spaceship Earth.
5. Move on to the Universe of Energy.
6. Head to World Showcase and pick up a late lunch at one of the many international fast food spots.
7. Work your way around World Showcase for the remainder of the afternoon, making time between stops for shopping and a few highlights including Maelstrom in Norway, the Reflections of China film, The American Adventure show, and Impressions de France.
8. Make priority seating at one of the World Showcase restaurants for 7 PM. My favorites are Mexico’s San Angel Inn, France’s Bistro de Paris, and Morocco’s Restaurant Marrakesh. Search for a nice viewing spot around the lagoon for the 9PM Illuminations spectacular about thirty minutes prior to showtime.

Sunday at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney-MGM Studios

1. Have breakfast at your hotel, head to the Animal Kingdom, and be at the park gates one half-hour before opening. Use the time before rope drop to walk the paths of the Oasis.
2. At rope drop head straight to Kilimanjaro Safaris and then walk the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.
3. Backtrack to Discovery Island to take in It’s Tough to Be a Bug then head to Asia and walk the Maharaja Jungle Trek.
4. Work in the Festival of the Lion King at Camp Minnie-Mickey sometime during the day. If you have young children, stop for a visit at the Character Greeting Trails.
5. Pick up a fast food lunch. My favorite is the Tusker House in Africa.
6. Then it’s time for Dinoland. Pick up a Fastpass (if necessary) to Dinosaur. During the wait take in Primeval Whirl at Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama.

7. It will now be late mid-afternoon and time to head to Disney-MGM Studios. Thrill junkies should immediately head down Sunset Boulevard to the Tower of Terror and the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
8. If touring with young children or if thrill rides aren’t your cup of tea, skip the scary
rides and see the The Voyage of the Little Mermaid then the Great Movie Ride. Afterwards take The Magic of Disney Animation tour.
9. Ride Star Tours and if there is time see Muppetvision 3-D.
10. Make the latest priority seating possible for a late dinner at the Hollywood Brown Derby for dinner. Head back to your hotel and collapse.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, www.luxurydisneyguide.com, Amazon.com, or your local bookstore.
Visit her at www.luxurydisneyguide.com.
mailto:info@luxurydisneyguide.com

Cara Goldsbury is the author of "The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer". A former travel agent and agency owner, she has traveled extensively throughout the world.


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The Best of Walt Disney World

So you’re headed to Walt Disney World ... but where to start? Disney offers such a wealth of fantastic resorts, restaurants, and top-drawer entertainment experiences it can be difficult to choose which fantasy you wish to indulge. How best can you plan a visit in which each day comes with the finest Disney has to offer? Here are a few tips that can make the difference between a mediocre trip and a fantastic one:

Best Time of Year for a Disney Vacation
If at all possible plan a trip to Disney during the slower seasons of the year when you’ll find half-filled parks, little waiting in line, and lower hotel rates. If you can stand the guilt and your children are good students, take them out of school, whatever, to avoid the busiest times of the year. If not, the summer months or holidays are certainly better than nothing and, with a bit of planning and a lot of energy, can be more than enjoyable. These are the least busy times of the year: the second week of January through the first week of February (avoiding the Martin Luther King holiday weekend in January); the third week of August until the beginning of October; the month of November excluding Thanksgiving weekend; the week after Thanksgiving until the week of Christmas, a special time when the parks and resorts are festively decorated for the holidays.

Best Deluxe Resort
Disney’s flagship resort, The Grand Floridian, with its red-gabled roofs and Victorian elegance, draws inspiration from the grand Florida seaside “palace hotels” of 19th-century America’s Gilded Age. Just a short monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom, it spreads along the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon, offering spectacular views of Cinderella’s Castle and the Wishes fireworks display.

Best Home Away From Home Property
Disney’s Home Away From Home Resorts are a great choice for those who want a vacation with all the amenities including a full kitchen, living room, and a bath for each bedroom. For outstanding atmosphere choose the Villas at Wilderness Lodge with its Bay Lake location and national park character or the new Beach Club Villas conveniently located next-door to Epcot’s International Gateway.

Best Resort For Access to the Parks
Disney’s Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian Resorts offer monorail access to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and the Ticket & Transportation Center.

Best Resort For Nature Lovers
Wilderness Lodge is Disney’s dramatic depiction of an early 1900s national park resort. In its awesome eight-story lobby are walls of ponderosa pine logs, a massive 82-foot tall fireplace, and two authentic 55-foot Pacific Northwest totem poles. Outside is a breathtaking scene of sparkling waterfalls, rushing creeks, towering pines, and Disney’s very own geyser. And it’s all only a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom.

Best Resort Pool
Stormalong Bay, the eye-popping free form, mini-water park complex at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club, is simply divine. Three acres of winding, watery delight, it offers sandy bottom pools, a giant “shipwreck” water slide, a tidal whirlpool, bubbling hot tubs, a kiddie pool with its own slide next to the beach, and enough waterway to float lazily in inner tubes to your heart’s content.

Best Resort Lounge
California Grill Lounge on the 15th floor at Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers unrivaled views of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon along with cocktails, sushi, and a view of the Wishes fireworks display.

Best Disney Attractions For Thrill Seekers
For a shot of adrenaline head to Disney-MGM Studios, where thrill junkies
beeline it to the Tower of Terror for a 13-story bungee-style plummet. Next-door is the
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster that rockets from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds then loops
and corkscrews in the dark through a Hollywood night. It’s a scream come true!

Best Way to Spend an Evening Without the Kids
If you’re a registered guest of a Disney resort, drop off the kids at one of their child care centers for around $10 an hour per child where they are given dinner along with classic Disney movies, arts and crafts, and video games. If your child is under 4 or not potty trained, call Kid’s Nite Out at 407-827-5444 for in-room childcare. Then head to one of Disney’s world-class restaurants. For fine dining in a stunning setting combined with virtually flawless service choose Victoria and Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Here you’ll dine on white linen covered tables set with Royal Doulton china and crystal wine glasses to the strains of enchanting harp music.

Best Way to Spend an Evening Away From the Parks
The addition of the West Side and Pleasure Island to Disney Marketplace created what is now known as the wildly successful Downtown Disney, a combination of over 70 scene-setting restaurants, shops, and nightclubs. During the day it’s a perfect getaway from the parks, but at night after the parks close, Downtown Disney comes alive. At Disney Marketplace you’ll find A-plus shopping, the largest Disney Store in the world, and the volcano-smoking Rainforest Cafe. Pleasure Island is a nighttime mecca with 8 clubs and a nightly New Year’s Eve celebration. And then there’s the West Side, loaded with dining and entertainment venues including Wolfgang Puck Cafe, House of Blues, Gloria Estefan’s Bongos, Cirque du Soleil, and Disney Quest.

Best Restaurant For Kids
Dine among crashing waterfalls, lush tropical foliage, and dripping vines while being bombarded with thunderstorms and noisy Audio-Animatronic wildlife at the Rainforest Cafe. Or head to the Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for an all-you-care-to-eat blow-out of rib-stickin’ barbecue served piping hot in iron skillets accompanied by plenty of hootin’ and hollerin’. Kids love the crazy show put on by the hobby horse-racing waiters outfitted in western attire who can’t resist making a huge production out of serving food, birthday celebrations, and those unfortunate enough to leave for the restroom.

Best Disney Resort Restaurant
The California Grill on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a definite highlight for any connoisseur of cutting-edge cuisine. The immense windows present an unbeatable panorama of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon and on many nights picture-perfect views of the Wishes fireworks show. From pristinely fresh sushi to the exceptional New American Cuisine to sensational desserts and the outstanding California wine list, this place has it all.

Best Theme Park Restaurant
In Epcot’s France Pavilion is Bistro de Paris, a charming Belle Époque dining room with an air of exclusivity. Filled with gilded mirrors and crimson banquettes, its billowy white drapes frame windows that overlook the World Showcase Lagoon. Servers with delicious French accents roll out sensational dishes prepared with only the freshest ingredients. Afterward order a dessert of crepes prepared and flamed at your table while lingering over cordials and coffee in anticipation of the nightly Illuminations spectacle.

Best Way to View the Epcot Fireworks Presentation
Each evening boatloads of visitors depart from the docks of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Disney’s Yacht Club headed for Epcot where, from a prime position under the bridge between the United Kingdom and France, is a view of the Illuminations fireworks spectacular that can’t be beat. Cruises are offered nightly with your choice of either a pontoon boat seating 10 or a beautiful reproduction of a 1930s Chris Craft accommodating 6-7 people. Although reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance, they sometimes sell out on the first day. Call 407-WDW-PLAY.

Best Way to Spend a Lazy Afternoon
When your muscles are aching and your body is screaming for rest after days at the parks, sooth your jangled nerves at Disney’s Grand Floridian Spa. Immerse yourself in luxury with one or two feel-good treatments guaranteed to rejuvenate and swiftly get you back on your feet and ready for another long day of walking. For the ultimate in romance consider the Grand Romantic Evening where, in a candle-lit couple’s room, each person receives an aromatherapy massage.

Most importantly slow down and enjoy the magic. Resist the urge to see everything at breakneck speed. You can’t possibly cover it all, so think of this as your first trip to Disney, not your last. There will be time to pick up all the things you missed on the next go-round. Be spontaneous. If something catches your eye, even if it’s not on your daily list of things to do, stop and explore or else you may miss something wonderful.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, www.luxurydisneyguide.com, Amazon.com, or your local bookstore. Visit her at www.luxurydisneyguide.com.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of "The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer". A former travel agent and agency owner, she has traveled extensively throughout the world.


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