Monday, July 30, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Walt Disney Maingate Hotels / Kissimmee Area Hotels
Walt Disney Maingate Hotels / Kissimmee Area Hotels
Seralago Hotel -Save 15% every day!-Rates from $50. Lowest price guaranteed!
Mike Ditka Resorts: Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa – Luxury villas from $169
Mike Ditka Resorts:Runaway Beach 1 to 3 bedroom family condos near Disney
Knights Inn - Cheap rates in Orlando hotels! FREE breakfast and transfers to...
Orlando Sun Resort - Hotel near Disney World. Completely renovated.
Radisson Worldgate Resort - Luxury Orlando Resort at affordable rates!
Radisson Resort - Best hotel in Orlando! Rates from $79.00. Kids Eat FREE
Meridian Orlando Hotel - Discount hotel rates from $69.00 * Renovated rooms
Suites at Old Town - 1 and 2 bedroom suites * FREE Disney shuttle
Meridian Palms Boutique Hotel - FREE breakfast and shuttle to Magic Kingdom
Disney Universal Area Vacation Homes - Homes & Condos from $79.00.
Seralago Hotel -Save 15% every day!-Rates from $50. Lowest price guaranteed!
Mike Ditka Resorts: Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa – Luxury villas from $169
Mike Ditka Resorts:Runaway Beach 1 to 3 bedroom family condos near Disney
Knights Inn - Cheap rates in Orlando hotels! FREE breakfast and transfers to...
Orlando Sun Resort - Hotel near Disney World. Completely renovated.
Radisson Worldgate Resort - Luxury Orlando Resort at affordable rates!
Radisson Resort - Best hotel in Orlando! Rates from $79.00. Kids Eat FREE
Meridian Orlando Hotel - Discount hotel rates from $69.00 * Renovated rooms
Suites at Old Town - 1 and 2 bedroom suites * FREE Disney shuttle
Meridian Palms Boutique Hotel - FREE breakfast and shuttle to Magic Kingdom
Disney Universal Area Vacation Homes - Homes & Condos from $79.00.
Halloween at Disney's Magic Kingdom
The Most Miserly Mom wants all you families who plan to visit Orlando, Disney World and especially Disney's Magic Kingdom to know about the special events at Halloween.
Walt Disney World offers so much fun for everyone at Halloween. The littlest kid to the oldest kid at heart will enjoy Halloween at Disney. No one will be scared, in fact everyone will be delighted with parades, fireworks, cookies, hot chocolate – all with Minnie, Mickey, and the Gang of Disney characters. Disney calls this special event, “Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.” We love this event, and we recommend it to kiddies in strollers, pre-school children, and pre-teens. We adults love it for the warmth and the fun and the smiles with real tricks and treats!
When you arrive at the Magic Kingdom for this event, you and your children should actually be in costume! All of the Disney Characters are in costume too! You will each be given a trick-or-treat bag that will be filled by Disney cast members around the park. Normally there are pumpkin ear balloons floating to show guests where the trick-or-treat stations are. Sometimes the cast members in the parades offer candy to trick-or-treaters as well.
Halloween Parade
Speaking of parades, Disney offers a unique Halloween parade at 8:00pm and 10:00pm. Everyone is in costume, and there are floats and characters like you have never seen before. In fact, the “headless horseman” starts the parade!
Mom’s Miserly Tip: Get to the parade route at least 15 minutes in advance!
Head to Liberty Square to see the headless horseman begin this not-so-scary parade down Main Street.
Halloween Fireworks
The fireworks are different on these Halloween Party nights as well. Usually tinker bell starts the fireworks, but Disney does a good switch here, and puts a “witch” on a broomstick to start the fireworks. They are awesome! They begin at 9:15pm.
Mom’s Miserly Tip: Head to the least crowded place to view the fireworks!
The best place to view the fireworks for us has been at the entrance to the Rose Garden path. The crowds are thinner, and your view is excellent.
This “party” only happens on certain dates, and you must purchase your tickets to the Halloween festivities in advance. This is in addition to your regular admission fee. The cost varies from $38 and up for adults and $32 and up for children ages 3-9. Children under 3 are free. The reason the prices vary is because Disney wants you to purchase these tickets in advance. You actually make reservations for this event, and the park is only open to those who have reservations and tickets. (Sometimes you can purchase the tickets the day of Halloween Party, but you risk the tickets becoming sold out and you pay more for them).
Mom’s Miserly Tip: You must reserve these tickets early!
The tickets sell out fast, so make sure you call 1-407-W-DISNEY as soon as you decide you want to celebrate Halloween with Mickey.
Mom’s Miserly Tip: Don’t Forget Your Complimentary Family Photo!
This is one of those rare times that Disney includes a complimentary family photo. It is a 4 x 6 photo, and a great family souvenir to take back with you (along with your memories of course!)
The dates of “Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party for Fall/2007 are as follows:
Dates:
When you arrive at the Magic Kingdom for this event, you and your children should actually be in costume! All of the Disney Characters are in costume too! You will each be given a trick-or-treat bag that will be filled by Disney cast members around the park. Normally there are pumpkin ear balloons floating to show guests where the trick-or-treat stations are. Sometimes the cast members in the parades offer candy to trick-or-treaters as well.
Halloween Parade
Speaking of parades, Disney offers a unique Halloween parade at 8:00pm and 10:00pm. Everyone is in costume, and there are floats and characters like you have never seen before. In fact, the “headless horseman” starts the parade!
Mom’s Miserly Tip: Get to the parade route at least 15 minutes in advance!
Head to Liberty Square to see the headless horseman begin this not-so-scary parade down Main Street.
Halloween Fireworks
The fireworks are different on these Halloween Party nights as well. Usually tinker bell starts the fireworks, but Disney does a good switch here, and puts a “witch” on a broomstick to start the fireworks. They are awesome! They begin at 9:15pm.
Mom’s Miserly Tip: Head to the least crowded place to view the fireworks!
The best place to view the fireworks for us has been at the entrance to the Rose Garden path. The crowds are thinner, and your view is excellent.
This “party” only happens on certain dates, and you must purchase your tickets to the Halloween festivities in advance. This is in addition to your regular admission fee. The cost varies from $38 and up for adults and $32 and up for children ages 3-9. Children under 3 are free. The reason the prices vary is because Disney wants you to purchase these tickets in advance. You actually make reservations for this event, and the park is only open to those who have reservations and tickets. (Sometimes you can purchase the tickets the day of Halloween Party, but you risk the tickets becoming sold out and you pay more for them).
Mom’s Miserly Tip: You must reserve these tickets early!
The tickets sell out fast, so make sure you call 1-407-W-DISNEY as soon as you decide you want to celebrate Halloween with Mickey.
Mom’s Miserly Tip: Don’t Forget Your Complimentary Family Photo!
This is one of those rare times that Disney includes a complimentary family photo. It is a 4 x 6 photo, and a great family souvenir to take back with you (along with your memories of course!)
The dates of “Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party for Fall/2007 are as follows:
Dates:
September 14, 2007, 7:00PM - 12:00AM
September 21, 2007, 7:00PM - 12:00AM
September 28, 2007, 7:00PM - 12:00AM
September 30, 2007, 7:00PM - 12:00AM
October 4, 2007 - October 5, 2007, 7:00PM - 12:00AM
October 8, 2007, 7:00PM - 12:00AM
October 11, 2007 - October 12, 2007, 7:00PM - 12:00AM
October 14, 2007, 7:00PM - 12:00AM
October 16, 2007, 7:00PM - 12:00AM
October 18, 2007, 7:00PM - 12:00AM
October 21, 2007, 7:00PM - 12:00AM
October 23, 2007, 7:00PM - 12:00AM
October 25, 2007 - October 26, 2007, 7:00PM - 12:00AM
October 28, 2007, 7:00PM - 12:00AM
October 30, 2007 - October 31, 2007, 7:00PM - 12:00AM
November 2, 2007, 7:00PM - 12:00AM
For reservations you can call 1.407.W.DISNEY.
You can also read more about the event on Disney’s Web site:
For reservations you can call 1.407.W.DISNEY.
You can also read more about the event on Disney’s Web site:
A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day!
Buy anything online at http://www.9thx.com/ today!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Florida Caladium Showcase at Gaylord Palms Resort Now through September 15
A salute to Florida's caladium crop, this showcase is the world's largest indoor display of this popular Florida-grown plant, featuring 23,000 caladium plants in nearly two-dozen varieties. Escape the summer heat, come for the day or take advantage of our Florida Resident Rate and enjoy these special activities:
Summer Gnome Hunt (Now -- Sept. 15 ): An encore to the Gaylord's Hidden Holiday Gnome Hunt, presented by Travelocity. Search through the atrium for cleverly hidden gnomes. One player will win a weekend getaway to Gaylord Palms Best of Florida Christmas celebration in November and December.
Self-guided Tours (Now -- Sept. 15 ): Take a trip through the Gaylord Palms atrium to enjoy this year's hot caladium varieties.
THIS SATURDAY - Caladium Showcase Saturday (July 28)
"Ask the Gardener" Session & Caladium Tour (2 p.m.; St. George 108): Attend an afternoon caladium information session, followed by an "ask the expert" opportunity with a Gaylord gardener. Seminar is free
"Relaxation in your Garden" Session (3 p.m.; St. George 108): The experts at Canyon Ranch SpaClub share secrets about spa treatments that use ingredients from your garden. Seminar is free.
Caladium Showcase Lunch (Noon - 2:30 p.m.; Villa de Flora ): Enjoy lunch at Villa de Flora before your garden seminars. Every diner will receive a caladium to take home
For hotel reservations
Summer Gnome Hunt (Now -- Sept. 15 ): An encore to the Gaylord's Hidden Holiday Gnome Hunt, presented by Travelocity. Search through the atrium for cleverly hidden gnomes. One player will win a weekend getaway to Gaylord Palms Best of Florida Christmas celebration in November and December.
Self-guided Tours (Now -- Sept. 15 ): Take a trip through the Gaylord Palms atrium to enjoy this year's hot caladium varieties.
THIS SATURDAY - Caladium Showcase Saturday (July 28)
"Ask the Gardener" Session & Caladium Tour (2 p.m.; St. George 108): Attend an afternoon caladium information session, followed by an "ask the expert" opportunity with a Gaylord gardener. Seminar is free
"Relaxation in your Garden" Session (3 p.m.; St. George 108): The experts at Canyon Ranch SpaClub share secrets about spa treatments that use ingredients from your garden. Seminar is free.
Caladium Showcase Lunch (Noon - 2:30 p.m.; Villa de Flora ): Enjoy lunch at Villa de Flora before your garden seminars. Every diner will receive a caladium to take home
For hotel reservations
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Everglades Vine & Dine at Rosen Centre
Savor the Flavors of the Pacific Northwest
Welcome with a glass of ³Covey Run Riesling²
Emerald Cove Oysters on the Half Shell
Topped with leeks, bacon and essence of mushroom King Estate Pinot Gris
Fruit Minestrone
An assortment of seasonal fruits and herbs, served with rice noodles King Estate Pinot Gris
Green Tea Sorbet
Pan Seared Halibut
Served with Jasmine Rice grilled baby Japanese Eggplant garnished with a Wakame Salad accompanied with Papaya Sweet and Sour Sauce King Estate Pinot Noir
Bacon Wrapped Venison
Served with Bourbon Pecan Sauce and Fennel Sweet Potato Gratin NXNW
Apple Pithivier
Served with cinnamon ice cream
King Estate Vin Glace
August 24th starting @ 7:00 pm
For reservations please call: (407) 996-9840 ext. 3602
$65.00++ per person
(price not inclusive of tax & gratuity)
Click for more Orlando Restaurants
Welcome with a glass of ³Covey Run Riesling²
Emerald Cove Oysters on the Half Shell
Topped with leeks, bacon and essence of mushroom King Estate Pinot Gris
Fruit Minestrone
An assortment of seasonal fruits and herbs, served with rice noodles King Estate Pinot Gris
Green Tea Sorbet
Pan Seared Halibut
Served with Jasmine Rice grilled baby Japanese Eggplant garnished with a Wakame Salad accompanied with Papaya Sweet and Sour Sauce King Estate Pinot Noir
Bacon Wrapped Venison
Served with Bourbon Pecan Sauce and Fennel Sweet Potato Gratin NXNW
Apple Pithivier
Served with cinnamon ice cream
King Estate Vin Glace
August 24th starting @ 7:00 pm
For reservations please call: (407) 996-9840 ext. 3602
$65.00++ per person
(price not inclusive of tax & gratuity)
Click for more Orlando Restaurants
Universal Studios Cheap Annual Passes!
The Most Miserly Mom wants any of you who are visiting Disney World, Universal Studios, and Orlando before August 31, 2007 to know that you can qualify for a great deal at Universal Studios.
If you purchase their annual pass on line before August 31, 2007 you actually get a 2nd year free! So just think -- You can use these passes on as many vacations to Orlando and Universal Studios as you want for two whole years!
This is the promotion:
Buy a year, get a 2nd year FREE! Get 2 years of park-to-park access to both Universal Studios® and Universal’s Islands of Adventure® for the price of 1, $189.95.
2 Year of unlimited park-to-park access*
NO blackout dates
Free self-parking^
Food and merchandise discounts
Savings at Universal CityWalk® and on-site hotels
And Much More! Passes must be purchased by August 31, 2007 and activated by September 30, 2007.
For more information go to this web site:
A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day!
Buy anything online at http://www.9thx.com/ today!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
The Simpsons at Universal Studios!
The Most Miserly Mom wants to let all you folks heading to Disney, Orlando, Universal Studios, and this glorious Sunshine State know that the Simpsons are arriving at Universal Studios.
If you are a Simpsons fan, then this weekend is the weekend for you. Universal Studios has a Simpsons Movie and Breakfast Bash this coming weekend - July 28 & 29th. This deal lets you chow down with the Simpsons characters at breakfast and then attend the big screen debut of the Simpsons movie. There are three times for you to choose from on each day: 7:00am, 7:30am, and 8:15am. The passholder rate is $19.95 + tax per person and the guest rate is $24.95 per person plus tax.
For more information call 1.866.pass.4.fun.
A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day!
Buy anything on line at http://www.9thx.com/ today!
Friday, July 20, 2007
Early Admission to Universal STudios!
The Most Miserly Mom wants you to be able to budget your money and your time wisely when you visit Disney World, Universal STudios, Sea World, and the Orlando area - so you should know this fact:
If you are an annual passholder with Universal Studios you can actually enter the parks - both Univeral Studios and Islands of Adventure at 8:00am! This way you can get a huge advance on your favorite rides.
The Most Miserly Mom did this and it really worked! We were able to get through the Hulk Coaster and Duelling Dragons with virtually no lines at all - It was awesome!
And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/
Check out my book:
A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day!
Buy anything online at http://www.9thx.com/ today!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Universal Studios for $19.95!
The Most Miserly Mom always wants to report the best rates at Disney World, Universal Studios, & Sea World, and right now Universal Studios has an awesome deal!
After 5pm Guest admission is only $19.95 per person plus tax from now until August 18th. The trick is that you have to be with a passholder - so if you are visiting family or friends in the Orlando area, and they have Universal Studios annual passes - then you are golden!
Universal is open until 10:00pm, and there is so much fun going on at night. Not only can you ride the Hulk Coaster, Duelling Dragons, and see Shrek, but you can do all of this during the cooler nighttime hours for a great deal.
A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Parents magazine names Seaworld one of the Top 10 Aquariums for kids in the US.
Parents magazine has named SeaWorld Orlando -- along with its sister parks in San Antonio, TX and San Diego, CA – among the top aquariums for kids in the United States. As the only marine park to make the exclusive list, SeaWorld’s blend of amazing animal shows, interactive and educational experiences, and thrilling rides and attractions propelled it into the top ten.
The article, “The 10 Best Aquariums for Kids“, appears in the August issue of Parents magazine, available on newsstands beginning Tuesday, July 17.
For this special feature, Parents conducted a survey that evaluated aquariums nationwide on the number, creativity and educational aspect of their interactive features and received recommendations from their expert panel. The magazine also graded aquariums on the quality and kid-friendliness of their exhibits, services (such as changing stations), staff and educator, special programs for groups and families, and conservation efforts.
Parents – the oldest parenting magazine in the United States – circulates more than 2 million copies and reaches 15 million readers a month. The magazine focuses on the daily needs and concerns of contemporary mothers of young children in its print edition, a website (www.parents.com), through regular podcasts and the Goodyblog (http://www.goodyblog.com). SeaWorld is the world’s premier marine adventure park with 200 acres of world-class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters. Millions of visitors have explored the mysteries of the sea with up-close animal interactions and exhilarating experiences. State-of-the-art rides give guests unprecedented thrills, while amazing animal encounters include killer whales, dolphins, sea lions, sharks and more.
Sea World Orlando
The article, “The 10 Best Aquariums for Kids“, appears in the August issue of Parents magazine, available on newsstands beginning Tuesday, July 17.
For this special feature, Parents conducted a survey that evaluated aquariums nationwide on the number, creativity and educational aspect of their interactive features and received recommendations from their expert panel. The magazine also graded aquariums on the quality and kid-friendliness of their exhibits, services (such as changing stations), staff and educator, special programs for groups and families, and conservation efforts.
Parents – the oldest parenting magazine in the United States – circulates more than 2 million copies and reaches 15 million readers a month. The magazine focuses on the daily needs and concerns of contemporary mothers of young children in its print edition, a website (www.parents.com), through regular podcasts and the Goodyblog (http://www.goodyblog.com). SeaWorld is the world’s premier marine adventure park with 200 acres of world-class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters. Millions of visitors have explored the mysteries of the sea with up-close animal interactions and exhilarating experiences. State-of-the-art rides give guests unprecedented thrills, while amazing animal encounters include killer whales, dolphins, sea lions, sharks and more.
Sea World Orlando
Monday, July 16, 2007
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
If you've ever wanted to be a country-music star, here's your chance! Join the whooping and hollering troupe of singers and dancers at Pioneer Hall. As guests enjoy barbecued ribs, fried chicken and strawberry shortcake, the enthusiastic performers sing, dance and joke up a storm. If you're caught misbehavin', you may find yourself onstage with them. Orlando Hotels
Friday, July 13, 2007
Main Street Family Fun Day Parade at Magic Kingdom Main Street, U.S.A.
For the very first time, guests are able to parade down Main Street, U.S.A. alongside favorite Disney characters. For guests it's a pennant-waving, drum-beating rush as they join characters as they march alongside parade floats, a marching band and an old-timey fire truck. To accommodate little paraders and their parents there's even a stroller drill team. When the parade hits Town Square, guests join the performers gathering around the center of Town Square for a flag-waving patriotic finale. Visit Orlando Hotels
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Disney Guests Can Take a Cooling Plunge at Two of America’s Most Popular Water Parks
It's summer in Florida. Daytime temperatures are regularly pushing into the 90s. What's a vacationer to do to cool off?
At Walt Disney World Resort, guests can choose between a mountain ski retreat and a tropical getaway to take the proverbial plunge into water fun at two of the most popular water parks in North America:
Like a surfside playground left behind by a "great storm" for modern-day Swiss Family Robinsons, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon features breaking waves, saltwater snorkeling pool and gushing water surges; and
Disney's Blizzard Beach offers all the spine-chilling thrills of a northern ski resort, whether it's bobsledding down the "snowy" slopes of Mt. Gushmore or plunging straight down Summit Plummet at up to 55 mph.
During the spring, summer and fall vacation periods, both parks are open daily, offering a cool break from theme park fun. Admission tickets can be purchased at each park or folded into Disney's Magic Your Way ticket with the Water Park Fun & More add-on option.
Located near Downtown Disney West Side, the 61-acre Typhoon Lagoon includes several major features, including Crush 'n' Gusher, the first-ever water coaster thrill ride attraction in Central Florida; a man-made watershed mountain with eight twisting-and-turning water slides and roaring streams; a two-and-one-half-acre wave-making lagoon with surfing-size waves, and a 362,000-gallon saltwater pool, Shark Reef, where snorkelers swim fin-to-fin with exotic marine life including butterfly fish, French angels, tangs, groupers and even nurse sharks.
The park also features a water playground for children, sunny beaches and lazy streams surrounding a 95-foot mountain, a shop that provides necessary underwater equipment for Shark Reef (including wet suits, masks and snorkels), changing areas, lockers, showers, a picnic area and two restaurants which serve up everything from specialty sandwiches and salads to cookies and ice cream in waffle cones.
Meantime, while the 66-acre Blizzard Beach has all the look of a northern ski resort, it is in fact strictly tropical -- and the ice is limited to the soft drinks. The most eye-catching attractions can be found on the slopes of Mt. Gushmore, the 90-foot snow-capped mountain that is home to Downhill Double Dipper, the only side-by-side racing water slides that stand 50 feet high and 200 feet long. Guests will travel up to 25 mph, twisting and turning before shooting out through a curtain of water.
Mt. Gushmore also features slalom courses, toboggan and water sled runs and the awesome, 120-foot-high Summit Plummet -- the nation's tallest, fastest free-fall speed slide, visible from almost anywhere in the park. From Summit Plummet's "ski jump" tower, it's a breathtaking high-speed 55 mph plunge straight down to a splash landing at the base of the mountain.
Next to Summit Plummet is the tall but less steep Slush Gusher, a speed slide that drops guests through a snow-banked mountain gully. Mt. Gushmore's other attractions include Teamboat Springs, the world's longest family white-water raft ride takes six-passenger rafts down a twisting 1,200-foot series of rushing water falls; Toboggan Racer, an 8-lane water slide that sends guests racing over exhilarating dips as they descend the "snowy" slope, and more.
The sandy beach below Mt. Gushmore offers a large wave pool, a lazy river, two snack bars, a polar pub lodge, and a pre-teen and children's play area.
The Village at the Blizzard Beach entrance houses guest services such as a tube pick-up area, towel rentals, lockers, first aid, merchandise and a restaurant.
For more information about Disney's Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water parks, guests may call 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com. Also visit Orlando Water Parks
At Walt Disney World Resort, guests can choose between a mountain ski retreat and a tropical getaway to take the proverbial plunge into water fun at two of the most popular water parks in North America:
Like a surfside playground left behind by a "great storm" for modern-day Swiss Family Robinsons, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon features breaking waves, saltwater snorkeling pool and gushing water surges; and
Disney's Blizzard Beach offers all the spine-chilling thrills of a northern ski resort, whether it's bobsledding down the "snowy" slopes of Mt. Gushmore or plunging straight down Summit Plummet at up to 55 mph.
During the spring, summer and fall vacation periods, both parks are open daily, offering a cool break from theme park fun. Admission tickets can be purchased at each park or folded into Disney's Magic Your Way ticket with the Water Park Fun & More add-on option.
Located near Downtown Disney West Side, the 61-acre Typhoon Lagoon includes several major features, including Crush 'n' Gusher, the first-ever water coaster thrill ride attraction in Central Florida; a man-made watershed mountain with eight twisting-and-turning water slides and roaring streams; a two-and-one-half-acre wave-making lagoon with surfing-size waves, and a 362,000-gallon saltwater pool, Shark Reef, where snorkelers swim fin-to-fin with exotic marine life including butterfly fish, French angels, tangs, groupers and even nurse sharks.
The park also features a water playground for children, sunny beaches and lazy streams surrounding a 95-foot mountain, a shop that provides necessary underwater equipment for Shark Reef (including wet suits, masks and snorkels), changing areas, lockers, showers, a picnic area and two restaurants which serve up everything from specialty sandwiches and salads to cookies and ice cream in waffle cones.
Meantime, while the 66-acre Blizzard Beach has all the look of a northern ski resort, it is in fact strictly tropical -- and the ice is limited to the soft drinks. The most eye-catching attractions can be found on the slopes of Mt. Gushmore, the 90-foot snow-capped mountain that is home to Downhill Double Dipper, the only side-by-side racing water slides that stand 50 feet high and 200 feet long. Guests will travel up to 25 mph, twisting and turning before shooting out through a curtain of water.
Mt. Gushmore also features slalom courses, toboggan and water sled runs and the awesome, 120-foot-high Summit Plummet -- the nation's tallest, fastest free-fall speed slide, visible from almost anywhere in the park. From Summit Plummet's "ski jump" tower, it's a breathtaking high-speed 55 mph plunge straight down to a splash landing at the base of the mountain.
Next to Summit Plummet is the tall but less steep Slush Gusher, a speed slide that drops guests through a snow-banked mountain gully. Mt. Gushmore's other attractions include Teamboat Springs, the world's longest family white-water raft ride takes six-passenger rafts down a twisting 1,200-foot series of rushing water falls; Toboggan Racer, an 8-lane water slide that sends guests racing over exhilarating dips as they descend the "snowy" slope, and more.
The sandy beach below Mt. Gushmore offers a large wave pool, a lazy river, two snack bars, a polar pub lodge, and a pre-teen and children's play area.
The Village at the Blizzard Beach entrance houses guest services such as a tube pick-up area, towel rentals, lockers, first aid, merchandise and a restaurant.
For more information about Disney's Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water parks, guests may call 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com. Also visit Orlando Water Parks
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Rumor Rundown credits
My listing of the "credits" for the Rumor Rundown on MiceAge this week didn't survive the editorial process, which is fine, but I still wanted to provide those links here:
Some of these reports come from well-known authors (especially Lou Mongello at his peerless site www.disneyworldtrivia.com), bloggers (http://blueskydisney.blogspot.com and www.screamscape.com come to mind) and folks who post on MiceChat who are either insiders themselves or well-connected, such as “WDW1974” or “Bill”. Information also comes at times from www.thedisneyblog.com, www.laughingplace.com, www.intercot.com, and www.jimhillmedia.com, as well as other sites.
Also, the Rumor Rundown is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of rehabs and special events; Mark Goldhaber at www.mouseplanet.com does that pretty darn well already.
Some of these reports come from well-known authors (especially Lou Mongello at his peerless site www.disneyworldtrivia.com), bloggers (http://blueskydisney.blogspot.com and www.screamscape.com come to mind) and folks who post on MiceChat who are either insiders themselves or well-connected, such as “WDW1974” or “Bill”. Information also comes at times from www.thedisneyblog.com, www.laughingplace.com, www.intercot.com, and www.jimhillmedia.com, as well as other sites.
Also, the Rumor Rundown is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of rehabs and special events; Mark Goldhaber at www.mouseplanet.com does that pretty darn well already.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Universal Halloween Horror Nights Fall/2007
The Most Miserly Mom wants you to know that you can start planning your fall vacations to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the Orlando area.
Universal's well-known "Halloween Horror Night" dates have already been set:
September 28 & 29, October 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 24-28, 31, November 1-3
For those of you who don't know about this event, Universal Studios puts on a real, horror-like experience - with fog and music and ghouls and ghosts and goblins, not to mention chainsaw maniacs and serial killers.
Clearly this event is for those of you with teens and not small children. For those of you with small children you will want to visit Disney's event: Mickey's Not-so-Scarey-Halloween Party. I will write more about this event soon.
For more information on Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights visit this web site:
A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day!
Buy anything on line at http://www.9thx.com/ today!
Monday, July 9, 2007
Signs that you photograph Disney parks too much
Here's a sign I spend too much time at Disney World, chronicling its changes for the masses: whenever I pass by the replacement flyovers and loops at the 408/I-4 interchange, I keep having to fight the urge to whip out the camera and record this week's progress. Is it just me?
Thank you, Jim MacPhee
New Epcot honcho Jim MacPhee spoke to the Orlando Sentinel last week about plans to change the show inside Spaceship Earth and to remove the wand.
This is Jim's first public move, and I think he is to be congratulated for doing something that is fan-friendly: he gave a heads-up. It wouldn't have been unusual for Disney to just close it down one day without warning.
But with this warning, fans poured out to SSE this weekend (you could see them taking lots of pictures). I for one want to say thank you for that.
This is Jim's first public move, and I think he is to be congratulated for doing something that is fan-friendly: he gave a heads-up. It wouldn't have been unusual for Disney to just close it down one day without warning.
But with this warning, fans poured out to SSE this weekend (you could see them taking lots of pictures). I for one want to say thank you for that.
Self-order kiosks at Pecos Bill
Two weekends ago, I got to try the new kiosks at Pecos Bill that let you order your own food, and bypass the lines for a human. It worked fast and well, with one exception: I'm no stranger to this kind of system, and I got stuck anyway.
After you click PAY NOW, the screen didn't seem to change. I kept punching PAY NOW and didn't notice anything change. Only by cancelling my order and starting over could I figure out what happened. When you first click that Pay now button, a new panel pops up on the left side of the screen, and it wants you to click the method (ie, credit card). Once that panel is there, clicking the Pay Now button over and over again does nothing.
To reduce this confusion, they need to program that PAY NOW button to disappear after you click it once.
But otherwise: two big thumbs up.
After you click PAY NOW, the screen didn't seem to change. I kept punching PAY NOW and didn't notice anything change. Only by cancelling my order and starting over could I figure out what happened. When you first click that Pay now button, a new panel pops up on the left side of the screen, and it wants you to click the method (ie, credit card). Once that panel is there, clicking the Pay Now button over and over again does nothing.
To reduce this confusion, they need to program that PAY NOW button to disappear after you click it once.
But otherwise: two big thumbs up.
Stitch leftover
Remember when Stitch was new at the MK and they had a big promotion to pretend he's taking over the park? It included his voiceover on the monorail ("welcome to Stitch kingdom..."
Well, over in the bathrooms between Adventureland and Liberty Square (quick aside here: the CMs who work in those two lands call the department "Ad-Lib," which I find hilarious) there is a remnant of Stitch Kingdom. The background music is infused w/ Stitch muttering every so often, which is really confusing if you don't know about the by-now-old campaign for the attraction.
Well, over in the bathrooms between Adventureland and Liberty Square (quick aside here: the CMs who work in those two lands call the department "Ad-Lib," which I find hilarious) there is a remnant of Stitch Kingdom. The background music is infused w/ Stitch muttering every so often, which is really confusing if you don't know about the by-now-old campaign for the attraction.
Treehouse: real moss?
Here's something that doesn't happen often: I'm confused if a particular item is fake Disney magic, or a real something! On the (fake) treehouse in Adventureland, there are fake leaves. But then there is a lot of Spanish moss around, and here's the thing: Spanish moss looks fake even on real trees; it's waxy and plastic looking. And the more I think about it, the more I think real moss could grow on a fake tree.
And then there are other parasite looking vines up here with bright red flowers. They are way too vibrant to be fake, even though they are intertwined with the fake leaves. Right? Right???
And then there are other parasite looking vines up here with bright red flowers. They are way too vibrant to be fake, even though they are intertwined with the fake leaves. Right? Right???
Cinderella Royal Table price increase
Effective November 11, the prices will increase. Breakfast now costs $32.99 (adult) or $22.99 (child). Lunch costs $35.99 (adult) or $23.99 (child), and Dinner costs $40.99 (adult) or $25.99 (child).
Well, that's certainly expensive. My first thought was that this is increasingly a rip-off. Disney has a history of maximizing profits, after all (a point on dramatic display if they take away the "inclusion of tips" in the 2008 Disney Dining Plan).
But pause. These character meals do include a printed photo (rather than a hard sell for an extra $15 for one, like at Norway). That's not bad. And let's not forget the role of supply and demand. This place sells out a full 179 (if not 180) days in advance. People are willing to pay that much, apparently.
I'll say this for sure: it's not locals-friendly. But little is, these days.
Well, that's certainly expensive. My first thought was that this is increasingly a rip-off. Disney has a history of maximizing profits, after all (a point on dramatic display if they take away the "inclusion of tips" in the 2008 Disney Dining Plan).
But pause. These character meals do include a printed photo (rather than a hard sell for an extra $15 for one, like at Norway). That's not bad. And let's not forget the role of supply and demand. This place sells out a full 179 (if not 180) days in advance. People are willing to pay that much, apparently.
I'll say this for sure: it's not locals-friendly. But little is, these days.
FastPass problem number 4,532
For those keeping count, here's another reason FastPass creates problems: it requires a heavier staff than an attraction that doesn't run FastPass. Results include things like not having a greeter at the very front of the attraction, or the greeter having to pay more attention to return times than greeting.
Or, heaven forfend, the stuff they are supposed to control. Such as, oh I don't know, the hand-cranked sign saying how long the standby wait is? We walked past Pan two weeks ago and saw the line completely filling the outside queues and wrapping around in Fantasyland and generally making a mess. The standby sign said "20 minutes", when in fact it must have been 90, given that length. I conclude a guest must have moved that sign, and no one in the Cast noticed. Guests, thinking the line was short or fast moving, jumped in and the line got out of control. I wonder if there was a lot of rage as that supposedly short line stretched past the first hour?
Or, heaven forfend, the stuff they are supposed to control. Such as, oh I don't know, the hand-cranked sign saying how long the standby wait is? We walked past Pan two weeks ago and saw the line completely filling the outside queues and wrapping around in Fantasyland and generally making a mess. The standby sign said "20 minutes", when in fact it must have been 90, given that length. I conclude a guest must have moved that sign, and no one in the Cast noticed. Guests, thinking the line was short or fast moving, jumped in and the line got out of control. I wonder if there was a lot of rage as that supposedly short line stretched past the first hour?
DVC hard sell on Main Street
I've long known that DVC has kiosks in the theme parks. Their very presence is a problem in some ways; it's not the pure Disney park with those things in there. But at least they don't intrude and turn into carnival barkers - that would be worse.
I've also long known that the Main St. exhibition hall in Orlando (where Lincoln is at Disneyland) is used an hour per day for a DVC presentation. This week I learned that they give out water, small snacks, and DVDs when you attend. I'm slightly more uncomfortable with that. It's not the hard sell you see about timeshares out there on 192, but it's still more than I think Disney should be doing. Do the gifts and water increase guest 'guilt' and make them more likely to buy? If that's even very slightly true, then the whole thing stinks.
If the product is strong enough to sell on its own without any external force (ie, the free bottled water), then fine. But Disney is on slippery ground here.
I've also long known that the Main St. exhibition hall in Orlando (where Lincoln is at Disneyland) is used an hour per day for a DVC presentation. This week I learned that they give out water, small snacks, and DVDs when you attend. I'm slightly more uncomfortable with that. It's not the hard sell you see about timeshares out there on 192, but it's still more than I think Disney should be doing. Do the gifts and water increase guest 'guilt' and make them more likely to buy? If that's even very slightly true, then the whole thing stinks.
If the product is strong enough to sell on its own without any external force (ie, the free bottled water), then fine. But Disney is on slippery ground here.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Dream Along with Mickey" --Several times daily, Mickey and friends treat Magic Kingdom...
Dream Along with Mickey" Several times daily, Mickey and friends treat Magic Kingdom guests to a dreams-inspired party on the forecourt stage of Cinderella Castle at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Favorite Disney characters and classic Disney villains join the party as dreams of happily-ever-after and tales of adventure come alive on stage amid music and dancing. A grand finale brings the 20-minute live stage show to a close. Orlando Attractions
Thursday, July 5, 2007
U.S. Air Force jets soaring over the Magic Kingdom highlight a dream-come-true day for 1,000 new U.S. citizens
Fighter jets from the U.S. Air Force streak through the central Florida skies Wednesday as Independence Day streamers rain and pyrotechnics explode at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The celebration at the Magic Kingdom was part of a gala Fourth of July ceremony in which United States citizenship became a dream-come-true for 1,000 immigrants. Highlighting the swearing-in ceremony: performances by Grammy Award-winner Gloria Estefan, Country Music Association award-winner Lee Greenwood; a keynote address by U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) and the Oath of Allegiance presided over by Emilio Gonzalez, Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The event was a first for the Magic Kingdom, with thousands of park guests joining in the star-spangled celebration.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
For the First Time Ever: Three Of The Most Frightening Characters In Horror Film History Join Forces With The Nation’s Most Intense Halloween Event
Orlando, FL and Universal City, CA (June 28, 2007) – Universal’s U.S. theme parks and New Line Cinema have agreed to bring the legendary horror film series, “Friday the 13th,” “Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights events in Orlando and Hollywood.
Universal’s legendary Halloween events have been horrifying guests for 17 years. Jason, Freddy Krueger and Leatherface have haunted horror fans and phobes alike for more than 25 years. This year – for the first time ever -- they come together to create the most extreme Halloween Horror Nights event in history.
Halloween Horror Nights is the country’s largest and most elaborate Halloween event. Universal’s “scream team” of designers create a month-long fright-fest where guests are confronted with their most terrifying nightmares. Specially designed haunted houses, thrilling shows, inescapable scare zones, and hundreds of street performers invade Universal’s theme parks on select nights throughout the months of October and November.
“Each year we take this incredible event to new levels,” said Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment for Universal Parks & Resorts. “Our partnership with New Line gives us the opportunity to truly immerse our guests in the Halloween experience and put them face-to-face with characters they aren’t used to seeing off the movie screen.”
New Line’s films and characters will be integrated into all aspects of Halloween Horror Night’s creative content giving guests a chance to meet – or run from – Jason, Freddy and Leatherface in person.
Added David Imhoff, Senior Executive Vice President, Worldwide Licensing and Merchandising, New Line Cinema, “ The ‘A Nightare On Elm Street,’ ‘Friday The 13th,’ and ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ series are arguably the most frightening and frighteningly popular in movie history. We’re excited to be able to allow fans to step in to the horrifying worlds of Freddy, Jason and Leatherface via Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.”
Universal Studios FloridaHalloween Horror Nights will return to Universal Studios Florida for 23 select nights running from Sept. 28-29 through Oct. 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 24-28, and Oct.31-Nov. 3. Advance tickets and vacation packages are on sale now.
Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights will return to Universal Studios Hollywood for 10 select nights running from Oct. 5-6 through Oct. 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, 28 and 31.
For more information, discounts, and travel packages, or to purchase tickets, guests may visit the event’s website www.halloweenhorrornights.com. Because of the event’s popularity, tickets are expected to sell out and should be purchased far in advance. Orlando Universal Studios
Universal’s legendary Halloween events have been horrifying guests for 17 years. Jason, Freddy Krueger and Leatherface have haunted horror fans and phobes alike for more than 25 years. This year – for the first time ever -- they come together to create the most extreme Halloween Horror Nights event in history.
Halloween Horror Nights is the country’s largest and most elaborate Halloween event. Universal’s “scream team” of designers create a month-long fright-fest where guests are confronted with their most terrifying nightmares. Specially designed haunted houses, thrilling shows, inescapable scare zones, and hundreds of street performers invade Universal’s theme parks on select nights throughout the months of October and November.
“Each year we take this incredible event to new levels,” said Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment for Universal Parks & Resorts. “Our partnership with New Line gives us the opportunity to truly immerse our guests in the Halloween experience and put them face-to-face with characters they aren’t used to seeing off the movie screen.”
New Line’s films and characters will be integrated into all aspects of Halloween Horror Night’s creative content giving guests a chance to meet – or run from – Jason, Freddy and Leatherface in person.
Added David Imhoff, Senior Executive Vice President, Worldwide Licensing and Merchandising, New Line Cinema, “ The ‘A Nightare On Elm Street,’ ‘Friday The 13th,’ and ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ series are arguably the most frightening and frighteningly popular in movie history. We’re excited to be able to allow fans to step in to the horrifying worlds of Freddy, Jason and Leatherface via Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.”
Universal Studios FloridaHalloween Horror Nights will return to Universal Studios Florida for 23 select nights running from Sept. 28-29 through Oct. 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 24-28, and Oct.31-Nov. 3. Advance tickets and vacation packages are on sale now.
Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights will return to Universal Studios Hollywood for 10 select nights running from Oct. 5-6 through Oct. 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, 28 and 31.
For more information, discounts, and travel packages, or to purchase tickets, guests may visit the event’s website www.halloweenhorrornights.com. Because of the event’s popularity, tickets are expected to sell out and should be purchased far in advance. Orlando Universal Studios
Travel Tips to Disney and Orlando for July 4th!
The Most Miserly Mom wants everyone traveling to Orlando and Disney World to be aware of the extra security levels the airports are executing - so make sure you plan your time accordingly.
Here are some tips for travel:
1 Airport police are pulling over randomly selected vehicles as they enter the airport to check their contents, including those inside the trunks of cars.
2 Because more leisure travelers will be flying, delays could be longer than usual, although procedures won't be different. Airport officials suggest that you arrive up to two hours before your flight departs.
3 The airport's cell phone lot allows free parking to await a call from an arriving passenger who is ready for pickup. The lot is at the South exit of the airport.
4 The Transportation Security Administration's Web site, tsa.gov, lists permitted and prohibited carry-on and checked baggage items.
5 Fireworks are not permitted either in checked baggage or as carry-on items.
Have a Happy Fourth of July at Disney!
And for Miserly Money Saving Tips visit my web site: http://www.cheaporlando.net/
Check out my book:
A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal, & Disney on $25 a Day!
Buy anything online at http://www.9thx.com/ today!
Monday, July 2, 2007
Quik-E-Marts
CNN has the story that Orlando is one of eleven cities nationwide to receive a makeover for a 7-11 store, into a Quik-E-Mart theme: http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Movies/07/02/7.eleven.kwik.e.mart.ap/index.html
Just how is this theme-park-Orlando related? Easy. Simpsons are coming to Universal, and this move builds excitement for the Simpsons movie. I've got to find this 7-11 and visit it pronto. I'll post pictures.
Edit: here it is, on 535 right near Downtown Disney:
12298 Apopka-Vineland Road
Just how is this theme-park-Orlando related? Easy. Simpsons are coming to Universal, and this move builds excitement for the Simpsons movie. I've got to find this 7-11 and visit it pronto. I'll post pictures.
Edit: here it is, on 535 right near Downtown Disney:
12298 Apopka-Vineland Road