Filed in
Disney news, Event Update, Orlando News |
28 December, 2008
WHAT: Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will invite guests to celebrate their lives’ special moments – large and small – with family and friends at the place where dreams come true. New research shows that families are planning trips around life’s special moments, memories and milestones to celebrate with loved ones. It’s a newly identified, national trend dubbed by experts as “celebration vacations.”
BIRTHDAY FUN FOR FREE: Crowning the celebration is a Disney Parks first: Guests can receive free admission to one of the Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks on their birthday in 2009. All it takes is a valid ID including proof of birth date. (Guests who already hold a multi-day ticket or an annual pass that they will use on their birthday can choose an alternate birthday treat instead, but will not be entitled to a cash refund or credit.) Guests can get more details and start the process by registering their birthdays at www.disneyparks.com.
HOW DO I CELEBRATE? MAGICAL EXPERIENCES APLENTY: At Walt Disney World Resort, guests can add on to the fun, choosing from more than 200 experiences ranging from breathtaking (fireworks cruises, sunrise safaris, diving the depths among sea life) to mirth-making (Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, character dining, kids’ pirate adventures).
PLANNING NOW EASIER THAN EVER: New Web planning tools will make it easier than ever for guests to create celebrations large and small, with opportunities to customize and personalize their experiences.
PUTTING ‘SPECIAL’ IN SPECIAL OCCASION: Disney advance planners can custom-order cakes, flowers, balloons and more. The fun even extends to table-service restaurants where celebrants can make special dining arrangements.
IT’S A PARTY IN THE PARK!: A celebration street party invites guests of all ages into the heart of the castle parks to join Disney characters and dozens of performers in a celebratory song and dance party at the Magic Kingdom.
Filed in
Disney news, Event Update, New Year's Eve, Orlando News, Universal Studios |
28 December, 2008
There is nothing like "ringing in the New Year" at an Orlando theme park. Dazzling fireworks, special stage entertainment and extended park hours make Orlando's famous theme parks a popular spot to join in the fun.
- At Epcot, a special version of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” the laser-light spectacular featuring dancing flames and cascading fountains orchestrated to an original musical score, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. and 11:40 p.m. The park’s Dec. 31 operating hours are 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios will host “Fantasmic!,” the lavish spectacular of water animation, lasers and fireworks, at 6:30 p.m. and 8 and 10 p.m. Revelers can “rock on” with live performances by in-park band “Mulch, Sweat and Shears,” plus a DJ spinning tunes at Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat. A special “Lights, Camera, Happy New Year” fireworks show brings in the new year at 11:50 p.m. The park is open from 8 a.m. until midnight on Dec. 31.
- Late-nighters can party at Magic Kingdom until the wee hours with parades and fireworks galore. The park is aglow with “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” at 12 noon and 3:30 p.m., followed by the wondrous “SpectroMagic” parade at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. “Holiday Wishes” fireworks, the boldest and brightest pyrotechnics show at Disney, takes place at 8:30 p.m. capped with the grand finale “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks at 11:50 p.m. On Dec. 31, the park is open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 31. Guests can enjoy one of the final presentations of the romping character cavalcade “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade” at 3:45 p.m.
- At SeaWorld Orlando, enjoy a musical celebration and vibrant fireworks. For those who would rather end the year with a splash, the park's attractions and thrill rides will remain open until midnight. Special entertainment from 9pm to 12:30am., featuring Michael Andrew and his 18-piece Atomic Big Band at the Bayside Stadium.
- Universal CityWalk, the Universal Studios 30-acre entertainment complex, hosts one of Orlando's hottest New Year's Eve parties. Bid farewell to 2008 with music by The Doobie Brothers. The evening event includes live entertainment in every nightlife venue and all-you-can-eat buffet with filet mignon, jumbo shrimp, desserts and more; along with a midnight champagne toast. Hats and noisemakers are included with admission. The event is from 8pm to 2am. Advance tickets are $119.99 (plus tax) and $124.99 (plus tax) after Dec. 21. Save an additional $5 on each ticket and receive express line access when purchased with an American Express card.
- At Universal Orlando, stay up late at Universal Studios, open until 1am. Please note: Islands of Adventure closes at 10pm.
For more information about Disney celebrations, visit Disneyworld.com or contact 407/824-4321. For more information about SeaWorld, call 407/363-2259 or visit SeaWorld.com. For the scoop on Universal Studios, visit UniversalOrlando.com.
Filed in
Christmas, Disney news, Orlando News |
17 December, 2008
Orlando Sentinel's Theme Park Rangers point us to a "sneak peek" of Disney's televised Christmas Parade, here and here. And Universal Studios' MACY'S holiday parade balloons here.
WHAT: Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will invite guests to celebrate their lives’ special moments – large and small – with family and friends at the place where dreams come true. New research shows that families are planning trips around life’s special moments, memories and milestones to celebrate with loved ones. It’s a newly identified, national trend dubbed by experts as “celebration vacations.”