We just wanted to bring to everyones atttention regarding the Disney Ticket scams which are taking place all along Highway 192 and International Drive. Our friend who works in Disney has just sent us an  E Mail to warn all of our guests of the latest events at Magic Kingdom.

”Hello Mary,  - I would just like to pass along the latest news regarding the resale of Disney tickets so that you may pass the information onto your guests.

Disney are finally wiseing up to the crooks that resell tickets and many tourists are quite angry that the have been taken by these less than scrupulous people.

Disney no longer does what is called level 3 entry so each and every person now must have a ticket that matches their finger and ID is benificial for at least the adults.

Orange County Sheriffs are on stand by to arrest the people selling the tickets, a lot of them come right into the park after they have sold them at kiosks on Hwy 192 & International Drive so they can then get the tickets back from the guests and sell them again.

Today we saw and caught one of these people and after watching her for awhile and seeing how many times she tried to get the family bunch of people in the officers arrested her and counted the tickets she had in her possession. She was then charged with 20 misdemeanors. She also got charged with tresspass and if she came back on Disney property she will be arreseted and taken to jail.

Now as for family coming to Florida - IF they happen to buy from these people there is likely nothing that can be done for them and they will never see their money again nor will they get into the Park. Something to think about before they purchase their bargain tickets”

This really points out the chance you are taking when buying these tickets. We have forwarded the E Mail to all of our coming guests. So our advice is to makes sure you get all of your Park Tickets from a Reputable source or Outlet. It seems to us that the packages for Park tickets here in the UK appear to be the best value in any case???

Hope this saves a family the cost, embarassment, anger and having to explain the the children that they can not get in when they visit Disney.

Regards,

Mary & Larry

As you will have seen by our past posts, the Gaylords Palms Hotel is our favourite Dining place. We recommend it to all of our guests for that ‘Special Occassion’ while they are on holiday in Orlando. They have just announced that they are teaming up in a partnership with DreamWorks Animation. They will be bringing some of the well known characters from the animated movies including, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Monsters vs. Aliens and Madagascar to the four Gaylord Palms Resort Hotels, including the Gaylord Palms Resort near Disney World in Kissimmee.

Called “The DreamWorks Experience, the new attraction opens in November 2011 in the run up to Christmas. Tickets are already on sale. Guests can expect character breakfasts, private birthday parties, meet-and-greet sessions, parades, shows and special themed Christmas events.

Gaylord Resorts have decided to go into direct competition with Disney, Universal and Nickelodeon who all already have themed dining experiences. Our visits during the Christmas Season to see the Ice Creations have been amazing, so this will make the whole visit even better as all of the original restaraunts are still there.

Following up on our last post, Legoland have finally announced their opening dates as SATURDAY 15TH. OCTOBER 2011. Idealy suited for the young ones aged 2-12

Happy Holidays

Mary & Larry

As we come to the end of our latest (last minute) visit to our villa in Florida, we have a few updates on what is going on at the Parks.

The Disney price increase has certainly not stopped the visitors as the Parks were busy, so it is still best to get to the Fast Track Stations in the Parks to make sure you have less waiting times on your favourite rides. For the other rides you want to make, try to plan them when the big Show Events are on, it makes a real difference with the queues.

Legoland at Cypress Gardens is ahead of scheudule and hope to open in October. It is about 45 minutes drive down the I4 from the Disney area, which makes it an easy choice to get to. Legoland  planners say 50 million of the iconic plastic building bricks will be incorporated into rides, statues and attractions geared toward children ages 2 to 12 and their families. The lineup will include four gentle roller coasters, but the park retains its famous botanical gardens and water ski show from Cypress Gardens, which was one of Florida’s first theme parks.

At Seaworld, the new environmentally themed Shamu show called One Ocean is now open, replacing the well-worn Believe show. The show features majestic killer whales as ambassadors of the sea, and the ocean as the center of the universe. The theme of the show is the message that both animals and humans are part of one world, with one ocean, and its future is in our hands to cherish and protect.

One of the Orcas back at the Park exhibiting his talents in the new show is Tilikum, the whale that sadly and tragically killed drowned 40-year-old trainer Dawn Brancheau last year. Tilikum spent more than a year away from the exhibits but has recently returned.

Trainers have not been in the pools with the whales since the accident in February 2010, but they are now upgrading facilities with safety equipment and readying the animals for trainers to get back into the water. A firm date for that has not been announced, but SeaWorld officials said the new show is planned to incorporate “water work” with the trainers when the time is appropriate.

Back in the car for a 60 minutes drive to Busch Gardens in Tampa where the new Cheetah Hunt roller coaster that uses the force of repelling magnets to launch riders from zero to 60 mph in a matter of seconds, three different times during the ride is due to open very soon. Opening this summer, (Summertime) here was officially 21st. June.

Cheetah Hunt will be the longest of the park’s coasters with 4,429 feet (1,350 meters) of track. It is the centerpiece of a new animal habitat area called Cheetah Run that will allow visitors to get up close to the lithe cats living there. You will be able to witness the world’s fastest land animal in action during daily sprints conducted by trainers. It is a must do for our next visit to Florida, hopefully with the Grandchildren

Hope you all get to try it before us, have a great holiday everyone.

Mary & Larry

The story lines are set between the third and fourth movies but the big differences from the old Star Tours ride are firstly it is in 3D and secondly there are multiple destinations.

When you board the Starspeeder 1000 spacecraft you will not know which of the six destinations you are bound for; Naboo, a Death Star, Tattooine, Coruscant, Kashyyyk or Hoth.

In total there are 54 different story combinations involving multiple planets so you can take the ride many times and experience a different story each time. It sounds awesome!!

The original pilot is an AC-38 droid called Ace but owning to a mishap, the Starspeeder is eventually piloted by C-3PO (aided by R2-D2), again voiced by Anthony Daniels who has appeared in every Star Wars film to date.

Along the way you may encounter both friends and foes including a galactic bounty hunter who is after you, Darth Vader, legions of Imperial Stormtroopers, Yoda, Admiral Ackbar, Princess Leia, Chewbacca and Boba Fett. Amongst the story lines you may join in a podrace on Tattooine, meet Wookiees in the forests of Kashyyyk, race through a partially completed Death Star, visit Coruscant the busiest planet in the Universe, battle blizzards and AT-ATs on snow covered Hoth or dive underwater on Naboo.

As part of the run up to the official opening, Disney have been promoting the new ride at various malls in Florida so you will be able to pick up full details while shopping. (to keep Mum Happy!!)

There is an extra plus factor as you can also print out a personalised Star Tours Galactic Passport to take with you and get stamped as you leave the ride, just visit startourspassport.com and choose from four different characters; a rebel pilot, a pod racer, a Jedi or a princess. Upload your own photo and print out your passport.

It all seems Out of this World so Beam yourselves along to Holllywood Studios & enjoy the ride.

Happy Trekking

Mary & Larry

Having just returned last week from Florida, some Good News. Epcot has started testing a new entry ticket scanning system. Unlike the current entry systems, the new systems does not have any turnstiles or require the ticket to actually be inserted into a machine which should make it easier for families with strollers and guests in wheelchairs.

The new system only works with tickets that have a barcode on the back, basically new multi-day tickets and annual passholder tickets. Instead of putting the ticket in a machine, you just scan the barcode. In addition, you still have to scan your finger in the hand scanner to check that you are the valid owner of the ticket.

Each scanning “station” has three scanners on each side, making six in total. The idea is that the new scanners will speed up entry to the park. Note however that guests still have to have their bags checked

We are constantly asked by our future guests, which site gives the best deal for Park Tickets. It can be such a mine field with all of the different packages available, length of pass, which Parks etc. The best answer we can give is, search around the reputable sites and do a comparrison package price for each Park, as their needs are different from others.

Our main advice is DO NOT buy your tickets at the booths along the 192 & International Drive, as  again there have been a lot of tourists ripped off in the recent months.

Several people have been arrested in the latest operation to crack down on the illegal sale of part-used multi-day theme park tickets. Some 860 tickets for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld, worth over $100,000, were seized from shops operating along Highway 192. & International Drive.

A few Tips, Be aware, Multi-day passes are non-transferable and their resale in Florida is illegal. If you buy a partially used theme park ticket you could well be refused admission and there is no way to tell how many days are still remaining on the ticket.

Be very suspicious if you are offered tickets for considerably less than their normal face value; remember when it comes to theme park tickets, heavily discounted prices are usually too good to be true.

Unless you specially pay for the non-expiry option on Walt Disney World multi-day tickets, they typically expire after 14 days from date of first use. Therefore there is a temptation for some holiday makers to sell part-used tickets to unscrupulous dealers.

It is not worth the risk of spoiling your holiday and hitting your pocket heavily. Always use a reputable site for your tickests.

Happy Holidays,

Mary & Larry

With the largest ever expansion to The Magic Kingdom, the all new Fantasyland, it is almost doubling in size, is well on it’s way and should begin it’s opening in the latter part of 2012.

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride will be the first of it’s kind system taking you through the million diamoindshine mine themed set with music, a little speed and new swing action, delivering you right to Snow White and all of The Dwarfs.

The Princess Fairytale Hall will be a smash hit for all of the girls. Aurora, Cinderella and all of the other Princess’s will be there to meet and greet their guests in their elegant new Royal Court home.

The Two Dumbo rides are alongside the all New Storybook Circus, with the Old Favourite, The Barnstormer, featuring Goofy as the Circus leader Goofini!!

The all new Major attraction, Under The Sea, The Little Mermaid will take the young guests on an exciting adventure both above and below the Sea with the music backdrop from the Movie.

A Castle of The Beast will stand on a hill just across from the old stone bridge from Ariel’s new home. A new restaurant will feature a lavish dining experience in the elegant Ballroom, Gallery and Mysterious Castle. It will be Fast food by day and full table service by evening. Just outside of The Village is Belle’s Cottage and The Enchanted Tales with Belle. An all new Magical Mirror is the doorway to a captivating new kind of Storytelling experience with interactive features. All great news for the Young Ones, it will be even harder for us parents to plan the day out at Magic Kingdom.

Happy Holidays,

Mary & Larry

The latest updates we have heard while we are here in Florida are for the “Lesser Known” attractions.

Fun Spot Action Park which is located on Del Verde Way just off the northern end of International Drive has just purchased an adjacent 10 acre plot potentially tripling the size of the 5 acre park. Possible new attractions include water rides and a SkyCoaster plus paint balling.

Admission and parking are free, just like OLD TOWN, you buy an armband which give you access to specific areas of the park such as the go-karts, adult rides or children’s rides and play spots. The go-kart rides include multi-level tracks and fast road courses.

The much more known Fun Spot is at Old Town on US 192 in Kissimmee, home to the world’s tallest SkyCoaster.

Developments there include a new Screamin Eagle ride and its first roller coaster, the Galaxy Spin purchased from the defunct Cypress Gardens. It is similar to Primeval Whirl at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and is due to open next month in March.

Legoland Construction is reported to be on schedule.

Work on converting the former Cypress Gardens into the new Legoland Florida theme park is on schedule. They are trying to keep much of the fauna and flora of the old Cypress Gardens and many large mature trees are being re-sited. Three of the original roller coasters, the Okeechobee Rampage children’s coaster, the wooden Triple Hurricane roller coaster and the Swamp Thing suspended roller coaster are being retained and will become the Dragon, Coastersaurus and Flying School respectively.

The drive down to the Park will come a little more expensive as the fuel prices have shot up in the last week with a record high of $3.35 a gallon been shown on a lot of the petrol stations. Not as much as the UK but the Americans are as furious about the price as we are back home.

Happy Holidays

Larry & Mary

Following directly after the Launching of their newest Cruise Ship, Disney have just annouced the latest news for their NEW expansion plans at The Magic Kingdom.

They are adding an indoor roller coaster ride in the Fantasyworld sector. The “Seven Dwarfs Mine Train” will have the first of it’s kind ride system where the vechiles swing back and forwards as you proceed along the twisting mine run. The music from Snow White will play in your cab as your enter on your journey. The new developement is going to open in stages late next year and will have several new themes.

Storeybook Circus, replacing Mickey’s Toontown Fair, will allow you to go interactive with the Circus acts. The old children’s  favourite coaster ride, the Barnstormer, is to be upgraded and renamed the Great Goofini. Also, Dumbos Flying Elephant ride gets a complete new revamp. 

The planned Pixie Hollow meeting area for Fairies is now scrapped and will now be inside Hollywood Studios. However. some of the old favourites will remain, Under The Sea and Journey of the Little Mermaid have survived with new motion systems to enhance the rides.

The best new feature for us will be the Holograms of guests being shown live on Cinderellas Castle, imagine your kiddies faces beaming across The Magic Kindom. You will need to go straight to the booking booth on your arrrival to make sure you are on there!!!!

Have Fun

Mary & Larry

From November 20th, 2010 to January 2nd, The Gaylord Palms Hotel will be the place to go for a real Christmas Treat. Orlando’s coolest holiday attraction is a wonder world of sculptures, hand carved from nearly TWO MILLION pounds of ice.

Inside the atrium, you can explore a whimsical winter wonderland of larger-than-life, three-dimensional hand-carved ice monuments and sculptures, including fantastic frozen creations, slippery ice slides, and memorable holiday scenes. The theme for 2010 is ‘T’was the Night Before Christmas’.

On our last visit we were amazed at the scenes but this year for the first time, A SNOW  show should make it even better. It’s advertised as a North Pole Extravaganza, fun for kids and adults! Experiencing a snow play area, complete with carnival-style games including “Frosty Ring Toss,” “Elf Bowling,” a snowball throw game and carnival themed food carts with snow cones, cotton candy and their very special “snowberrys.” There’s even a Kiddie Snow Tube Run!

In addition to ICE! and SNOW!, Gaylord Palms offers an entire choice of holiday revelry, including a majestic Christmas tree, live stage entertainment, holiday dining and 4.5 acres of holiday decorations.

The Dining choice is why this is our favourite place to eat. We have never been disappointed with either the food or the price, it is great value and certainly worth a visit for that special occasion. Do not forget to get your receipt for your meal, ”Endorsed” by the waiter, as this is needed for Free Parking.

Wishing you all a Very Special Christmas & Best Wishes for the 2011.

Mary & Larry

We all know how much support there is for Breast Cancer here in the UK. There is a great opportunity to give your support either by participating or just spectating while on your Florida holiday. It is a fantastic family event between February 25th. – 27th.

The Motto is Fairytales do come true – One Mile At a Time.

There comes a time in every woman’s life when she must blaze her own trail.  A time when she has to run, not from an evil stepmother, but to her moment of glory.  A day when the true princess inside of her shines through.  The time has come for you!.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend brings women of all ages together to participate in a magical event designed just for them. The Disney Princesses are the inspiration for the weekend’s events and will focus on the attributes every princess possesses: commitment, courage, determination, fantasy, perseverance, and strength.

The event will take place at Disney World between February 25-27th. 2011 So you may want to participate or just spectate but be very important part as all of the support helps and it is a fun and colourful family day out.

Before you run off on your training sessions there is also the Annual Disney Marathon weekend from January 6th – 9th. The runners receive Mickey, Donald & Goofy medals.

Larry & I have been to this event (Spectating I might add!!) and it is excellent, the costumes, the colours, the laughs and the fun generated is special. You will need to hurry to register if you want to Run in any of the events as they are booking up fast.

The Marathon is already 65% full, Half Marathon 77% full, Goofy’s Race & a Half 70% Full, The Family Fun Run is 65% full and the Kids Mickey Fest is 55% full so you need to register as soon as you decide you would like to be part of the fun.

If anyone does enter, do let us know and we will look out for you as we will be there this year, again SPECTATING!!

Best Wishes

Mary & Larry