Posted on Wed, Jul 29, 2009 @ 06:41 AM
Chef Irvine and the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot Center
Chef Robert Irvine from Food Network's "Dinner Impossible," gets tips from Chef Mickey for his Oct. 25 appearance at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Chef Irvine is back on the Food Network's "Dinner Impossible" show after sitting out one season after the controversy of his somewhat inflated food service claims. However, no one doubts the ability of his to prepare and cook excellent gastronomic delights. I look forward to his session.
Disney World Epcot Center kitchens turn up the heat for a global tasting experience worthy of every palate Sept. 25-Nov. 8 at the 14th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort. During the six-week, entertainment-packed event, park guests can taste fine cuisine and wines from the top "foodie" cities of the world.
Some 250 chefs including Disney chefs and guest chefs from across the country conducting culinary demonstrations and hosting elegant dinners and tasting events. Guest chefs who have graced the festival include Irvine, Tory McPhail of Commander's Palace, Rock Harper of "Hell's Kitchen," plus Jeff Henderson, Todd English, Warren Brown, Mary Meyers, Jamie Deen, Iron Chef Cat Cora and many other culinary stars.
Still haven't got tickets yet to Epcot for the Food & Wine Festival? Check out our website for all your Disney World Vacation Packages at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
Posted on Tue, Jul 28, 2009 @ 08:07 AM
Watch The New Disney World Trailer "Alice in Wonderland" By Tim Burton
Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland is not exactly a tough sell. Besides the director's brand name, we have
Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, an enormous budget along with Walt Disney banner, which all but guarantee this thing is going to be huge.
That said, the first trailer, which debuted on IGN and was promptly ordered down by Walt Disney World, makes an obvious bid to quell concerns that the movie will be a creepfest a la Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. There is a heavy emphasis on computer-generated whimsy, some of which looks majestic, and some of which, frankly, needs a little more work.
Oddly, the trailer also seeks to establish the Alice origin story we all know rather than offer specific insight into Burton's vision. There's plenty of time for that (the movie doesn't open until March 5, 2010), so for now, we'll take what we can get. Below is the trailer for Alice in Wonderland...Watch with joy and leave a comment on what you think...
Posted on Mon, Jul 27, 2009 @ 08:31 AM
Vote For Your Favorite Scene at Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios
After watching Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince movie this past week, many people are looking forward to the next installment in the Harry Potter universe: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure.
Here's what we know about the main attraction in the new land, which will open early in 2010: It will take place inside Hogwarts Castle. You will board after queueing through the Great Hall. The ride vehicles will be four-person seats on Kuka robot arms, mounted from an overhead track. And there will be about 10 scenes in the ride.
But what do you want those 10 scenes to be? Let's vote!
Several potential scenes from the first three Harry Potter books have been selected. They are all scenes from inside Hogwarts Castle and do not include the Great Hall or the entry, which will be part of the queue. Nor do they include the common rooms, well, 'cause you're not supposed to be in common rooms outside your house. ;-) And they do not include any scenes that take place outside the castle, since that's where the ride will be set.
Pick the one you most want to see, from these options, then discuss in the comments.
Posted on Mon, Jul 27, 2009 @ 07:40 AM
Fantasyland Construction May Add Truth to Disney World Refurbishment Plans
For the past week, Walt Disney World fans across the Internet have been excited by the possibility of a major Fantasyland makeover coming to Disney's Magic Kingdom soon. It all started when an image reportedly depicting plans for the refurbishment surfaced online
Photo & article courtesy of Orlando Attraction Magazine
The plans call for the addition of several new areas to Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom including sections devoted to Disney's princesses Belle, Cinderella, Aurora, and Ariel. In addition, according to the plans, Dumbo would be moved and enhanced with two spinning sections instead of one and Tinker Bell and her fairy friends would take over the current entrance of Toontown, replacing it with Pixie Hollow.
But you've probably read all about that already. Whether these plans were really leaked or just something out of a Disney fan's imagination is still unknown. However, signs are beginning to point to their legitimacy.
Here's the new information...
Some Disney cast members who have backstage access to Fantasyland and Toontown are now reporting that some construction has begun in these areas - and the assumption is that it is part of the major overhaul. We've also been told that areas normally open for use by cast members are being blocked off and even some buses are being rerouted. Moreover, there are sources who claim to have spoken to Disney Imagineers who said that these plans are indeed final and in-progress.
This wouldn't be the first time Disney World has given one of their Fantasylands an overhaul. However, the last major Fantasyland upgrade was not at Walt Disney World but rather in California at Disneyland, back in the early 1980s, when its carnival-type atmosphere was replaced with the look of a more detailed European-style village.
Since Disney World has not officially announced any plans to renovate Fantasyland in Orlando yet, we're still skeptical of the plans - but keeping our eyes and ears open. It seems to become more truthful by the day.
Still haven't got your Disney World Vacation Package yet? Check out our website for all your Orlando Vacation Package needs to Disney World at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
Posted on Thu, Jul 23, 2009 @ 07:38 AM
ESPN Rise Games kick off at Disney World Wide World of Sports
This whole week Disney's Wide World of Sports is given over to the inaugural ESPN Rise Games. ESPN Rise is the sports channel's attempt to unify all their coverage of competitive and elite amateur sports under one brand. The ESPN Rise Games is the real first step at attempting some synergy between Wide World of Sports and the brand that will eventually take over "naming rights" of the facility.
Big things should be under way at the newly renamed ESPN Wide World of Sports, so this ESPN Rise Games will also be the last to be held at Disney's Wide World of Sports, all future games will happen completely under the ESPN banner.
This will also help build on things like ESPN Weekend. When the final 
plans for ESPN Wide World of Sports are completed, Walt Disney World might truly have its own fifth gate worthy of at least half a days visit.
Opening Ceremonies:
ESPN on-air personality Michael Smith played host for the opening ceremonies. Unfortunately the weather was a bit damp which delayed things a bit. But that didn't dampen the spirits of the hundreds of event participants gathered to kick things off.
And of course, it wouldn't be Disney World without a fireworks spectacular. The delay even played into that with it being just dark enough to enjoy the show.
ESPN will provide extensive coverage from the ESPN Rise Games beginning Saturday July 25 through Wednesday July 29. Televised events will include the 2009 Under Armour All-America Softball Game, Champion Gridiron Kings, and a 30-minute recap show. You'll also see highlights of the opening and closing ceremonies.
Still haven't got your tickets yet to Disney World or Wide World of Sports? Then check out our website for all your Disney Vacations at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
Posted on Tue, Jul 21, 2009 @ 07:46 AM
Rumors Floating Around Disney World
I've been hearing some very interesting rumors about projects at Walt Disney World. Though I can't vouch for their 100% accuracy, but I thought I'd share none-the-less. At least one of these will forever change the way you experience the parks and resorts.
There's the recently posted Fantasyland expansion for the Magic Kingdom. Sources tell me this project will be built pretty much like we see it. Or at least 80% of the project has been approved.
Magic Kingdom isn't the only park entering Fantasyland. Disney's Animal Kingdom will soon be adding its own realm of fantasy. It's a huge project that will bring over Journey To The Center of the Earth in a format that's just slightly different than what they have now in Tokyo. It's not fair to call this ‘Beastly Kingdom' as that idea is truly dead. But fantasy animals will be involved. This project is just out of the blue-sky phase and awaiting further consideration by those who control the purse strings.
Disney's Wide World of Sports should complete it's transition to ESPN Wide World of Sports by May of 2010. Well, at least the signage and everything should be changed. The full impact of the shift will occur over time. Look for EWWOS to truly start to become a legitimate part of your WDW Vacation experience.
You have have heard about the family suites coming to Pop Century's long forgotten Legendary Years. With ESPN WWOS concentrating on bringing in more amateur sports, those teams are going to need some place to stay. My source tells me that half the proposed remake of the Legendary years will be ESPN themed. That makes sense to me since its right across the street from WWOS.
Not into sports? Well then how about a visit to the newly expanded and rethemed Downtown Disney. The old Pleasure Island section has reportedly signed a few new tenants and will under go a theme change to something more family casual and less party oriented. There is also talk of upgrading a few of the theaters in the AMC 24 to include service at your chair and potentially a new IMAX theater.
A few months ago Jim McPhee was removed from his position as Vice President of EPCOT Center. At the time we were told that McPhee was being moved onto a bigger resort wide project, but there was no indication of what that was. Now we're hearing that the next phase Pal Mickey project is based on RFID technology. This would do away with the doll and just place an RFID tag somewhere on the person (likely the admission media). Now anytime this RFID would come in proximity of a scanner Disney would be able to make some personalized magic happen. Word is that McPhee has been tasked with implementing this project resort wide.
In its most basic form it would be Winnie the Pooh saying your name in the attraction. But the technology allows Disney World to do some really amazing things too. Fast Pass? A thing of the past. Via RFID Disney now knows exactly when you entered the queue, how many people are in the queue, and how fast the attraction is loading. Care to register your preferences? Disney can know if enough people who prefer a certain type of entertainment are in an area and dispatch that band to play. This just scratches the surface too.
Privacy activists will no doubt be up in arms, but I'm pretty excited about the possibilities RFID technology brings to Disney's theme parks.
So with the economy beginning to come out of its doldrums, this might be the moment for Disney World to focus on some urban renewal in its own backyard.
Still haven't got your tickets to Disney World yet? Then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Disney World Vacations.
Posted on Sun, Jul 19, 2009 @ 06:59 AM
Walter Cronkite "And That's The Way It Is"
If you look up news anchor in the dictionary and there's sure to be a photo of Walter Cronkite. He died yesterday at the age of 92. Known as the most trusted man in America, Walter Cronkite guided the country through many difficult times. But he also had a lighter side that he showed in his friendship with Walt Disney and later as narrator in a few Disney attractions at Walt Disney World.
He was the narrator of Spaceship Earth from 1986 to 1994. He also appeared and narrated "Back To Neverland" a film about animation featuring the talents of Robin Williams and Disney's Animators that was shown in Disney-MGM Studios (Now Hollywood Studios) at Walt Disney World.
As a tribute to Uncle Walter here's a quick clip from that film.
Posted on Sat, Jul 18, 2009 @ 07:46 AM
Photo Shoots at SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando is offering an new exclusive opportunity to come face-to-face with the stars of SeaWorld Orlando's most popular shows. During the four and a half to five hour "Animal Shows and Photo Tour", guests will sit in priority reserved seats for the "Believe" Shamu Show, Blue Horizons whale and dolphin show, and Clyde & Seamore Take Pirate Island sea lion and otter show.
Article & Photo's courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine
Immediately following each show, the guests will pose with Shamu, a dolphin and a sea lion or walrus at the respected stadiums. Plus, guests will get up close and personal with a penguin and a clydesdale. Each participant will receive a photo CD filled with their memorable SeaWorld experience.
The cost is $125 for adults and $100 for kids. Children under three are free. This cost is in addition to theme park entrance.
Still haven't got your tickets to visit SeaWorld Orlando or any other theme parks in Orlando like Disney World or Universal Studios yet? Then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Orlando vacation Packages.
Posted on Wed, Jul 15, 2009 @ 06:34 AM
Baby Dolphins at SeaWorld's Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove at SeaWorld is booming with baby Dolphins - just this month, four Atlantic bottlenose Dolphins were born. Above, twelve year-old Clipper, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin at Discovery Cove, swims together with her newborn male calf. The calf will get a name shortly, usually about a month after birth.
Discovery Cove is a family adventure where guests enjoy a one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel with rays and tropical fish, hand-feed exotic birds and relax on pristine beaches.
Below is a short video of the mom and her calf at SeaWorld Discovery Cove:
Still haven't got tickets yet to SeaWorld Orlando or Discovery Cove? Then check out website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Orlando Vacation Package needs.
Posted on Tue, Jul 14, 2009 @ 06:58 AM
White Rhino Born in Uganda with Disney World Roots
Do you remember those two white rhinos sent to Uganda from Disney World's Animal Kingdom. Well now the first white rhino born in 27 years has come from one of those animals. Congratulations to Disney's Animal Program and the whole team for this success.
First-time mother Nande, a 10-year-old female white rhino born at Disney's Animal Kingdom, gave birth June 24 to a healthy male calf at the Ziwa Sanctuary in Uganda after a 16-month gestation period.
"We are thrilled to contribute to the sustainment of this critical species in Uganda," said Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., Vice President of Animal Programs and Environmental Initiatives with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "We are joining with the Government of Uganda and Rhino Fund Uganda in celebrating this milestone birth, which represents a significant accomplishment for wildlife conservation."
Nande is one of two white rhinos transferred in 2006 as part of the first-ever reintroduction of white rhinos from the United States to Africa. She was joined by Hasani, also born at Disney World's Animal Kingdom, to help re-establish a white rhino population that has been extinct in Uganda since 1982 as a casualty of civil unrest in the region. There are an estimated 11,000 white rhinos remaining worldwide, with 190 in North American zoos.
Walt Disney World's commitment to conservation and rhinos goes beyond this first-ever rhino transfer. The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has supported more than $250,000 in rhino protection and research projects in partnership with non-profit organizations throughout the world. For more information on the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund visit www.disney.com/conservation
Still haven't got your tickets to Animal Kingdom? Then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Orlando Vacation needs to Disney World.
Posted on Mon, Jul 13, 2009 @ 07:46 PM
Disney World's Epcot Center International Food & Wine Festival
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is an autumn special event that runs from September 25, 2009 - November 8, 2009 and transforms Disney's Epcot Center theme park into a food and wine lover's paradise with specialty food items, culinary events, sophisticated parties and live musical entertainment.
Epcot Center theme park always features a remarkable collection of international dining opportunities and tempting spirits, but during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival there is even more to sample, sip and love.
Try delicious cuisine from around the world at special food booths set up along Epcot's World Showcase Promenade. Explore specialty marketplaces featuring regional foods, wines and beers. Learn from renowned chefs and winemakers at special programs and demonstrations, and sample the finest cuisine from around the globe at spectacular culinary events.
Plus, there is more to do than just enjoying great food and beverage. Enjoy the Eat to the Beat concert series every night during the Festival and unwind with a stellar lineup of celebrated musical acts. Three shows nightly at 5:15 pm, 6:30pm, and 7:45 pm.
Eat to the Beat Concert Series
- 9/25-9/27 - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
- 9/28-9/29 - Richard Marx (NEW!)
- 9/30-10/3 - Starship starring Mickey Thomas
- 10/4-10/6 - En Vogue
- 10/7-10/8 - Better Than Ezra (NEW!)
- 10/9-10/11 - Sister Hazel
- 10/12-10/13 - Kool & The Gang
- 10/14-10/16 - Spyro Gyra
- 10/17-10/18 - Jon Secada
- 10/19-10/20 - Sister Sledge
- 10/21-10/22 - Vanessa Carlton (NEW!)
- 10/23-10/25 - Taylor Dayne
- 10/26-10/28 - Boyz II Men
- 10/29-10/31 - John Waite (NEW!)
- 11/1-11/2 - TBD
- 11/3-11/5 - Billy Ocean (NEW!)
- 11/6-11/8 - Los Lobos
When you arrive at Disney Epcot Center theme park, visit the Festival Welcome Center to plan your day. You'll also find the Festival Wine Shop and the Wonders Bar-where you can purchase champagne and wine or attend official book signings with celebrity chefs and authors. The Stockpot shop offers marvelous merchandise, including the collectable marketplace cookbook.
Epcot theme park admission is required. Some Epcot International Food & Wine Festival events require ticket fees in addition to admission to Epcot theme park. Availability is limited for some events. Events may be rescheduled or cancelled at any time.
Still haven't got your tickets yet to visit Disney World and Epcot Center to see the Eat to the Beat Concert Series or The Food & Wine Festival?
The Check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Disney World Vacation needs.
Posted on Fri, Jul 10, 2009 @ 06:46 AM
Kids Eat Free Card A Good Investment While On Vacation In Orlando
Orlando Discount Tickets USA is proud to offer the Kids Eat Free Card with all Orlando Vacation Packages starting at just $15 per child ages 11 & under.
The Kids Eat Free Card allows kids 11 & under to eat free (with each paying adult) at over 100+ participating restaurants in the Orlando, Disney World, Universal Studios area.
The Following Restrictions Apply:
- Kids Eat Free Card cannot be used with any other discounts or offers.
- Each Kids Eat Free Card is valid for 1 child (under 11 years of age or younger) with full price paying adult entree'.(Example: 2 children with 2 Kids Eat Free Cards, with 2 full price paying adult entrées.)
- Kids Eat Free Card child's menu items may vary from standard restaurant's child menu choices in some cases.(unless otherwise stated)
- Kids Eat Free Meals may not apply to taxes, gratuities, bar drinks or take away food.
- Card is Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable.
- The Orlando Card expires 90 days from date of first use. The Greater Orlando Local Card expires 180 days after date of first use.
- Particular participating restaurants may be removed from accepting card offer without prior notice.
- No Cash Value and No Residual Value.
Still haven't got your Disney World Vacation yet? Then check out our website for all your Orlando Vacation Packages and don't forget to add the Kids Eat Free Card at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
Posted on Fri, Jul 10, 2009 @ 06:02 AM
American Idol Auditions & American Idol Experience Winners
Below is a very interesting article with photo's from American Idol auditions that are being held at Amway Arena courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine & Theme Park Mom.
American Idol producers say that nearly 10,000 people turned out for the Season 9 auditions of American Idol at Orlando's Amway Arena today, and several of them even had a coveted American Idol Experience Dream Ticket.
The Dream Ticket is the prize awarded to the finale show winner at the American Idol Experience each day at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Caitlin MacAllister (pictured right), 21 of Elkton, Maryland, won her American Idol Experience Dream Ticket on June 17th, singing Martina McBride's "Independence Day".
Caitlin was vacationing in Orlando with her family on the day they visited the Disney World.
"I had heard about it," she said. "But I wasn't planning to audition. We walked by and there wasn't any line, so I decided to try."
The senior in speech pathology at Towson State University in Maryland says she sings and performs in a community theater in her hometown. She flew back down to Orlando on Wednesday to attend the American Idol auditions today.
The main advantage that the
American Idol Experience Dream Ticket seems to give those
that hold it is experiencing no waiting in the registration lines.
People began lining up to register for a wristband that allows you
to audition at 1 a.m. on Tuesday, but American Idol Experience Dream Ticket holders did
not have to arrive until this morning.
Luke Davids (pictured left), 20, won his Dream Ticket just a few days ago on July 3. Luke is originally from London, England, but lives in Orlando now.
The session musician and songwriter said he decided to try the American Idol Experience because the Dream Ticket "registers you right away."
Syesha Mercado, who made it to the top 3 contestants in Season 7, had a similar "front-of-the-line" pass for the Miami auditions. At the American Idol Experience opening in February, Syesha told me the pass (which she won through Miami's local Fox affiliate) was convenient, but she didn't consider it an advantage in making it to Hollywood.
Caitlin, Luke and the thousands of others who turned out in Orlando today for their shot at American Idol stardom don't know yet if they will make it to the shows Hollywood round.
The shows producers say about 150 to 200 singers will be called back to audition in front of Simon, Randy, Paula and Kara in a few weeks.
Still haven't gotten your tickets yet to Hollywood Studios at Disney World to visit the American Idol Experience yet? Then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Orlando Vacation needs to Disney World.
Posted on Wed, Jul 08, 2009 @ 09:43 AM
Orlando Discount Tickets USA & Orlando Balloon Rides
Orlando Discount Tickets USA is proud to announce the newest addition to our website "Orlando Balloon Rides"
Orlando Balloon Rides has been in business since 1983 and is considered to be one of the best established balloon companies in the United States. They have been making amazing memories and dreams come true for 25 years!
Flight Program:
- Sunrise flights are scheduled seven days a week, 365 days a year, weather permitting. They meet one hour prior to sunrise and then travel to one of the many launch sites. Inflation takes about 20 minutes and then airborne!
- The flight is approximately one hour and will ascend anywhere from tree tops to several thousand feet. Once you're airborne your pilot will point out the spectacular sites of this area, from the theme parks to the Orange groves and forests, to swamps absolutely untouched for thousands of years. The flying area has many wonderful things to see.
- Once you have landed and the balloons are stored away they prepare the Traditional Champagne Toast. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available. After the toast you then head over to the Ramada Orlando Celebration for a All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet, and then you will also recieve A Flight of Ascension certificate by their pilot.
Still haven't got your
Disney Vacation Package yet? Check out our website at
www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Orlando Vacation needs.
Posted on Tue, Jul 07, 2009 @ 07:15 AM
Princess Diana at Downtown Disney Now on Display Till Nov.30th
Well after the Virgin Megastore at Downtown Disney closed it's doors, many people wondered what was going to replace it...Well after months of preperation and hard work, the Princess Diana Exhibit has replaced it and is now on exhibit till Nov.30th.
Hundreds of royal artifacts are on view in "DIANA - The People's Princess," a limited-time experience showcasing the life and story of Diana, Princess of Wales.
The exhibition, includes royal dresses Diana chose to auction for charity, photos and personal effects. "DIANA - The People's Princess" will be on display through Nov. 30, 2009. Tickets may be purchased at the exhibit - $14.50 for ages 10 and older, $5 for ages 3-9.
Below is a video courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine which shows the exhibit and some of what to expect while visiting.
Still haven't got your tickets yet to Disney World? Then check out our website for all your Disney Vacation Package needs at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
Posted on Sun, Jul 05, 2009 @ 09:16 AM
Harry Potter & The Wizarding World Looking Good for 2010 Opening
With each of Orlando Florida's theme-park resorts promoting new attractions this year, but it's something that won't open until next year (2010) that really has people talking.
"The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," the $200 million-plus "theme park within a theme park" that is scheduled to open by next summer in Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure, has sparked a near-constant stream of speculation about just how the resort will bring the Harry Potter universe to life.
"The industry scuttlebutt is that it will be fabulous," said Bob Rogers, founder of BRC Imagination Arts, a Burbank, Calif.-based attractions-design company. "I see the gleam in the eyes of the people who are working on it. They think they've got a real winner here."
Universal Studios has kept the project - based on the wildly lucrative, seven-book series by British author J.K. Rowling and the movies it inspired - largely shrouded in secrecy. Contractors working on the project have been required to sign confidentiality agreements, and the resort has offered few clues beyond a handful of artist renderings. Universal Studios has also fueled the hype with a series of Harry Potter-themed Internet polls asking fans questions such as what dragon they would like to ride (a Chinese Fireball beat out a Hungarian Horntail) and what they would like to drink (butterbeer bested pumpkin juice).
Shops, Eatery & More:
But interviews with people in and around the project, and a review of public records, offer some details about what to expect.
Plans for the 20-acre Wizarding World of Harry Potter show more than a dozen buildings, including at least three shops, a restaurant and multiple forced-perspective decorative buildings. The centerpiece will be the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the iconic castle and keep from the Harry Potter books and movies.
Universal's Hogwarts, records show, will be 150 feet, or 15 stories, high.
The castle will also house what is expected to be the Wizarding World's signature attraction. Several people familiar with the project, including one person directly involved, said the ride will be what's known as a "robocoaster" - a ride system in which guests sit in seats suspended from a robotic arm that can swivel and swoop in multiple directions while it advances along a track.
Plans show the track snaking through more than a dozen scenes, though what those scenes will be remains a mystery. The attraction, according to the people familiar with it, will also feature an elaborate pre-show queue with special effects such as floating candles and snow falling indoors.
Before they arrive at Hogwarts, guests entering the Wizarding World will pass through Hogsmeade Village, an old-Europe-style town from the Harry Potter novels. Universal's plans for Hogsmeade include The Three Broomsticks restaurant, shops and stylized locker and stroller-parking areas. The few clues Universal Studios has provided indicate the stores will include Dervish & Banges, which sells and repairs magical equipment, and Honeydukes, a sweet shop whose treats include chocolate-covered frogs.
In between Hogsmeade and Hogwarts, Universal Studios is building Hagrid's Hut, home of the friendly half-giant. It has also said it plans to re-create the Forbidden Forest, an ominous setting from the books that's home to creatures such as centaurs, unicorns and spiderlike "acromantulas."
Re-themed coasters?
There is little yet to indicate what rides will be included in the Harry Potter Wizarding World beyond the Hogwarts "dark" ride. Part of the Wizarding World is being built in the Lost Continent section of Islands of Adventure, and documents indicate that two existing attractions there - Dueling Dragons, where riders choose between two intertwined roller coasters, and the Flying Unicorn, a children's coaster closed last year as part of the Potter construction - will be incorporated into Harry Potter's world.
Both rides are expected to be re-themed with Harry Potter story lines. Records show, for instance, that Universal Studios plans to add a large tent at the entrance of Dueling Dragons, which fans have speculated will ultimately be converted into a re-creation of a wizarding tournament from one of the books in which one of the events involves stealing eggs from dragons.
Of course, the rides are almost secondary for fans when it comes to the Wizarding World, said Robert Niles, publisher of the Web site www.themeparkinsider.com.
"People are expecting to immerse themselves in the whole Harry Potter universe," Niles said. "Really, a lot more than other attractions, people are going to be paying a lot of attention to the theming, the attention to detail and the atmosphere of the place, more so than the rides."
Universal Studios would not elaborate on any of its plans last week.
"We will be excited to talk about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - when we are ready to do so," spokesman Tom Schroder said.
The off-the-charts anticipation surrounding the Wizarding World of Harry Potter comes with some risk for Universal, said Rogers, of BRC Imagination Arts. "If you're dealing with one of the great intellectual properties like, for example, Star Trek or Harry Potter, you have to work very hard to make sure that you don't disappoint the fan base," he said.
Whatever is ultimately included when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens next year, newer additions will soon follow. Universal's licensing contract with Warner Bros. requires the resort to add elements from the final movies in the series - the last of which isn't scheduled to arrive in theaters until 2011.
The contract even states that the later movies must be represented "in generally similar per-movie proportion" as the first five films.
Posted on Sat, Jul 04, 2009 @ 07:16 PM
American Idol Holding Season 9 Auditions at Amway Arena
Well with all that is going on in Orlando this week like the US Citizenship Ceremony at Disney World, and the 4th of July Fireworks display at Magic Kingdom, then what a better way to keep up the summertime fun then with American Idol Auditions.
American Idol Season 9 auditions are being held at Amway Arena this week. Registration takes place on July 7 and 8 with auditions being held starting at 5 a.m. on July 9.
Here are the address and telephone number for the Amway Arena:
600 West Amelia St.
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 849-2558
And if your a really big fan of the American Idol, then don't miss a chance to sing at The American Idol Experience only at Disney's Hollywood Studios. If you win a day's singing competitions there, you'll receive a skip-the-line pass for any regional American Idol television show audition, including the one in Orlando this week.
Still haven't gotten your tickets yet to Hollywood Studios? Then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Disney World Vacations.
Posted on Sat, Jul 04, 2009 @ 06:48 AM
Over 1,000 Immigrants Become US Citizens at Disney World Magic Kingdom
On July 3rd, over 1,000 immigrants gathered on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disney World Magic Kingdom early that morning to become American citizens.
The following courtesy of Disney World press release & photo's courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine
From more than 100 countries and ranging in age from 18 to 82, the immigrants took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States during a morning ceremony jointly hosted by Disney Parks and Resorts and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Here is a video summary of the event, including the Oath, clips from Garcia's speech, and Mickey Mouse showing up for a unique photo opportunity in front of Cinderella Castle before leading the new citizens to the recently updated Hall of Presidents attraction:
USCIS's highest-ranking official, Acting Deputy Director Michael Aytes, presided over the ceremony on the forecourt of Cinderella Castle. The event featured a welcoming address by Walt Disney World Resort President Meg Crofton, the presentation of the colors, the national anthem, the Oath of Allegiance and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Actor Andy Garcia - a naturalized citizen himself - delivered a keynote address during the ceremony. Garcia, originally from Cuba, is an acclaimed actor known for roles in films as diverse as The Untouchables, The Godfather: Part III and Ocean's Eleven. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Tampa-based Senior Airman Brenda Langdon of the U.S. Air Force, an immigrant from Columbia who became a United States citizen during the ceremony.
Still haven't got a chance to visit Disney World and all of the Disney Theme Parks? Check out our Orlando Vacation Packages at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for your next Disney World Vacation.