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Peter Kenny asked:


Are you planning a holiday to Walt Disney World in Florida but don’t want it to break your budget? There are plenty of money saving tips that will make this holiday of a life time that bit more affordable.

The biggest tip that everyone knows is to book a motel or hotel off site of the Disney World Resort complex, or at least stay in one of Disney’s value resorts if you must stay on site. By doing this you can reduce your expenses by a significant amount.

There are also a few common sense ways to save money, which may be difficult to avoid if you have small children as they don’t realize the cost of things. This is to try not to buy as many gifts, souvenirs and snacks as you may want. Not only is it hard to keep your young children from wanting a gift to bring home to remind them of one of the best vacations in their life, it’s tempting to buy a souvenir or two for yourself so that you can treasure the memory of visiting Disney World Florida.

Also, dining out every night can bump up the bill as eating out can be expensive if you go to a higher end restaurant or diner. Having a few nights snacking at the local McDonalds or ordering fast food carry out can help stretch your money a bit farther.

A common question that is asked by people is, “Is it cheaper to go at off peak times?” Well the answer here is yes and no. During high seasons you can usually get exactly the same discounts as if you went in low season, but less people can benefit from these discounts as more people want to go during high season. So by booking early you will increase your chances of receiving a discount rather than booking a last minute deal.

When booking your vacation, don’t let the travel agents push you into the top package that gives you all the benefits. It usually works out better financially if you buy the room separately rather than purchasing a package deal. And usually there are far less consequences if you should need to cancel or change your travel plans.

Have you already decided to stay at the Disney Resort? Which resort hotel should you pick? The “All Stars” is the least expensive so far and has the most practical shuttle bus service during those busy hours as well as the quieter hours due to the bigger population of people stopping there. The next in the line is “Port Orleans” which is also known to have a great shuttle bus service but is slightly more expensive then the “All Stars” resort. However,it is a bit more luxurious.



BENJAMIN

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Pierre Smith asked:


e considering to visit Disney World in Orlando, Florida, you should have the right ticket combinations to get access to the several great attractions of Walt Disney World Park. There are just so many choices and adding combinations could be utterly disconcerting to inexperienced people. Therefore, it is best for visitors, newbies particularly, to advise with a travel agency who normally suggests having Disney World Passes.

Disney World passes will allow entry to all the four theme parks, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios for one day. Pass holders are also entitled to get free usage of the Disney World transport system so that they can comfortably move around from park to park.

The initial destination for pass holders would in all probability be the Magic Kingdom. This first Walt Disney theme park opened on October 1, 1971 and is best described by the word magic. After entering, guests are greeted by Disney characters that are always on the ready to amaze everyone to a marvelous world of fun and phantasy.

Blessed with these Hopper Passes, a family can relish the daily parade called “Share a Dream Come True” where participants include larger-than-life Disney characters and live performing artists marching from Frontierland to Main Street, USA. Some Other classical attractions to enjoy in the Magic Kingdom are firework displays at night, It’s a Small World, Cinderallabration and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Epcot could be your next stop which actually stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, and is found exclusively in the Florida Disney resort. Inaugurated on October 1, 1982, Epcot provides two discoveries: World Showcase and Future World. At World Showcase, the different art works and cultural heritage that could be found across the world are shown for you to value the variety of peoples and nations. Featured in Future World are futuristic showcases in energy, motion, technology, communication, and imaginations for both lands and seas.

Disney Hopper Passes would also open up the excitement and shine of show business as holders of these passes could visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios. At the Hollywood Boulevard there, you are immediately dazzled by the chromed art deco and flashing neon lights reminding of the Tinseltown of the 1930s. Inhabitants of that epoch, taximen, starlets, employees and detectives, dander the street to make the ambiance up a by-gone epoch. This is just one of the magnets of Hollywood Studios. Film buffs certainly would get all the time they want shlepping all over Sunset Boulevard, Chinese Theater, Hollywood Tower Hotel, The Twilight Zone of Terror and the centerpiece Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat.

The Animal Kingdom would be a proper finish for people relishing their Disney World Hopper Passes. This particular Disney Park is unlike a zoo. At its drive called The Oasis, you can move into a lush landscape with rumbling waterfalls and flowering glades, to eventually trace verdant ways showing various animal habitats from tree kangaroos to miniature deer. Then, there’s Discovery Island associated to a host of fantastic natural attractions of plant life and zoology which should unforgettably crown a whole Disney World experience.

BRADFORD

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Anne Marie Hayes asked:


Epcot is one of the best parks at Disney World. It’s got it all - thrilling rides like “Soarin’” & “Space Ship Earth”, fabulous attractions like “Ellen’s Great Energy Adventure,” unbelievable shows like “Turtle Talk with Crush” and even an opportunity to circle the globe in the World Showcase. But the big secret is - it’s also chock full of great Disney freebies!

Here’s a list of 5 activities, crafts, and snacks you can get for free - with directions on where to find them.

1. A Lanyard Full of Charms that Kids can Decorate Themselves.

Sharpie sponsors the 6 Kidcot stations in Future World. You can pick up a lanyard (necklace) at any of them. Visit them all to collect the different charms with fun themes like Kim Possible. Color them to make them unique.

Locations: All stations are located in Future World:

1. Innoventions East - near the entrance

2. Innoventions West - near the entrance

3. The Seas with Nemo and Friends - lower level

4. The Land - on the top level near “The Circle of Life”

5. Test Track - in the gift shop after you exit the ride

6. Imagination! - after the ride

2. Personalized Plastic Robot

This is very cool! First you build your own virtual robot and race it against other guests’ robots using the properties of plastic to give you an edge.

Then you choose the parts and colors you like and create your own real plastic robot to take home with you. This robot stands about 7 inches tall - with moveable limbs!

Location: In Future World’s “Innoventions East” at “Fantastic Plastic Works”

3. Chef’s Hat & Toll House Cookie

Nestle sponsors the Junior Chef Program where kids learn to follow a recipe and bake real Nestle Toll House chocolate chip cookies. When they’re fully baked, they get to sample the cookies they made. And - if that’s not enough - they also get to keep their chef’s hat!

Note: This program is available for children aged 3-10.

They must sign-up for this in advance and book a time. The groups are very small so get there early.

Location: In Future World’s “The Land” on the lower level near “Living with the Land.”

4. Need a Drink to Go with that Free Cookie? How about free soda?

This chill zone called “Club Cool” is sponsored by Coca Cola and features samples of beverages they sell around the world. It’s self-served and you can drink as much as you like. Some are yummy and refreshing. Others are … well - find out for yourself!

Location: In Future World past the Epcot Character Spot.

5. A Mask with Charms to Attach and Decorate

Pick up a mask at any country in the World Showcase, and then add a different charm at each additional country you visit. Spend some time and personalize the mask and charms with the Sharpie markers that are provided.

At the China pavilion, you can learn your birth sign (according to the Chinese calendar) and how to write your name in Chinese.

Tip: If you collect all 11 charms, you get a special bonus!

Location: In the World Showcase.

Enjoy!



NORMAN

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John Murray asked:


The wondrous world of Disney began when an 18 year old artist, Walter Elias Disney, had a fantasy. At the time, Disney was working in Kansas City as a professional artist at the Pesmin-Rubin Commercial Art Studio. In 1923, this amazing artist produced a series of Alice Comedies for J.M. Wrinkler and this creation led to the creation of Disney Studio. In fact, by 1923, Walter created Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie in 1927 and this character has not stopped entertaining children and adults alike. Eventually, Steamboat Willie became fully synchronized with sound.

For his first color cartoon in 1932, “Flowers and Trees”, Walt received the first ever Oscar awarded to an animated film. In 1932, another character as famous as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck made his appearance.

The Mind behind the Magic

Today the concept behind Walter’s creation is the most popular holiday destination in the United States. Walt Disney wanted to create a park where families with kids could have fun together. Initial plans of Disneyland were to use 8 acres of land only, but with the expansion of dreams, 8 acres were not enough. Today, Disneyland, California is spread over 180 acres. Construction of Disneyland began on July 21, 1954. The design was something never done before. The plan included five different lands - the Magic Kingdom.

- Main Street, U.S.A. was where people relive the typical turn of the century city Main Street.

- Adventureland was an “exotic tropical place” in the remote jungles of Asia and Africa.

- Frontierland was where people try to relive the pioneer days of the American frontier.

- Fantasyland was created where classic stories of everyone’s youth became realities for youngsters of all ages to participate in.

- Tomorrowland looked at the marvels of the future.

This $17,000,000 magical park, Disneyland, was opened on for public on July 17, 1955.

With the success of Disneyland, Walt Disney had a vision of an amusement park on a much bigger scale. He decided to have his new Disneyland in the East. With a good year-round weather, Orlando, Florida was selected to be the place. Initially, 27,000 acres of swampland was purchased in 1964-65, in Florida. Walt Disney called this new park Disneyworld, which was later, after his death, changed to Walt Disney World, by his brother Roy.

Like Disneyland, his plans for Disneyworld included the Magic Kingdom. His plans also included the city of the future - which he called an experimental prototype community of tomorrow (EPCOT). He wanted EPCOT to display all possible scientific advances. Walt Disney died on December 15, 1966, without seeing Disneyworld and EPCOT. His brother, Roy Disney, ensured that Walt’s dream was completed and Walt Disney World opened to the public on October 1, 1971.

Thanks to Walt Disney and his family, we have two great Disney Parks in the United States to enjoy. Walter Disney was the man behind the dream and his brother, Roy, continued manifesting the dream. Today, Disney World, the second of the dream series, is the most popular of all the theme parks in the world and covers an area of 30,500 acres or about 47 square miles and Disney Land, the first of the dream series, is also quite popular. The dream of Walt Disney continues to spin The Magic of Disney and will do so for many years.



ANDRES

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David H. Urmann asked:


Florida is a year round well-loved vacation destination in the US, Aside from its long stretch of beaches; Florida has theme parks nestled in its Orlando-Kissimmee region. Hence, there are a lot of hotels near Disney World you can choose from.

Kissimmee Florida is a well loved tourist destination in the US. It is not just popular because of Florida’s stretch of fascinating beaches; it also has a lot of theme parks and natural landscapes to boast of. Popular attractions in Florida include Disney World, EPCOT, Sea World and Universal Studios among others.

When planning on a trip to either Orlando or Kissimmee in Florida, it is best to prepare months in advance and to make the necessary arrangements in the hotel. This is because hotels get fully booked during holiday seasons. Here are some of the finest hotels in Kissimmee Florida that are near the famous Disney World Theme Park:

Vacation Village at Parkway

Known as Oprah favorite resort-hotel, Vacation Village at Parkway is located at 2949 Arabian Nights Boulevard Kissimmee, Florida. Aside from a Disney ticketing booth, this is just a few minutes away from Disney World. The hotel offers handicap facilities, free parking and a 24hr frond desk.

Each room at this hotel is equipped with AM/FM alarm clocks, coffee makers, sofa sleepers, air conditioners and kitchenettes among others. Some rooms even have Jacuzzi tubs along with very large TVs, and furnishings. The hotel also has a pool, shuttle services to the major theme parks, restaurants, business center and exercise facilities as well as Wi-Fi, in-room washer and dryers.

Other facilities and amenities include a full-sized fridge, large bathroom, cleaning services, free local calls, hair dryers and safe deposit boxes; plus Cable TVs and parking areas.

Wyndham Palms Resort and Country Club

This hotel is situated at 7900 Mystic Dunes Lane Kissimmee, Florida. It is located with more than 600 acres of amazing tropical Florida landscapes. The hotels features a game room, shuttle services to the airport and area attractions as well as bath amenities, banquet facilities, bike rentals, concierge services and Color TVs with VCRs. They also guarantee meeting facilities, parking areas, daily newspaper, express check-out and a fitness facility along with full kitchens, dining areas, whirlpools and game rooms among others.

Onsite restaurants include Clubhouse Bar & Grille, The Caddyshack Bar & Grille and Pizza Hut Express. This is the ideal place for social events, gatherings and wedding celebrations.

Best Western Lakeside

This hotel is situated at 7769 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway Kissimmee, Florida. It is just outside Walt Disney World, featuring Mediterranean-styled settings. Set up with 15 2-storey buildings along with 24 tropically landscaped areas, Best Western is really the ideal destination for those who want a taste of the real action in Kissimmee, Florida.

This very spacious landscaped hotel assures its guests with a relaxing stay. Aside from Walt Disney World, it is also near various other well-loved theme parks like Universal Studios and Sea World. For those who want to experience the beach, it is just 20-30 minutes away.

Amenities and facilities include free parking, a fitness center, babysitting services, 24hr front desk, lounge and bar as well as alarm clocks, coffee makers, a Business Center, express check out and free local calls. They also provide handicap accessible facilities, non-smoking rooms, onsite restaurants, safe deposit boxes and a pool. This is along with their banquet and meeting rooms, modems, hair dryers and very helpful staff.

Kissimmee is truly the heart of everything Florida can offer. It is not just a haven for kids but for couples as well. From its many theme parks to luxurious hotel accommodations, Kissimmee can promote lasting memories for the whole family.



NORRIS

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Mark Whichard asked:


te Walt Disney took pride in imagination and innovation, and his successors are trying to live up to that legacy. That’s why you can expect to find something new at Disney World each year. If you are planning a visit to Orlando, Central Florida and Disney World this summer, then read on and find out about some new additions to the famed the theme park.

The first thing that might catch your eye this summer is the reopening of the Hall of the Presidents. There will be a new addition, President Barrack Obama whose Audio-Animatronics replica will join those of the previous 43 presidents. This high-tech trip through American history has been part of Disney World since its opening in 1971 and the Disney “imagineers” are hard at work adding new elements (besides President Obama) to the current show.

Are you ready to join the Pirates League? Well, beginning in late June you will be able to get your chance in Adventureland where a “recruiting office” for the Pirates League will be set up. Recruits will get a pirate name, beard, eye patch, scarves, earrings, and even gold teeth. Once you take the pirate oath you will be sent out on an adventure in Adventureland. Pirates League packages start at $49.95 plus tax.

Speaking of pirates, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort now offers pirate-themed accommodations. More than 300 rooms now have ship-themed beds and pirate décor.

This year (2009) there is also a new dining option at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It is Picnic in the Park al fresco dining. The “take-out” meal includes sandwiches or chicken and includes side dishes, dessert and bottled water for each guest. A meal for three costs $24.99. The picnic meals can be ordered near the park entrance and picked up (within two hours at the Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery located within the park).

At the close of the day’s activities you can also take park in a party. Cast members, such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy, gather near the entrance of Disney’s Kindom each evening as the park closes. It’s called the Adventurers’ Celebration Gathering and it is a street party where guest join in conga line dancing as the Disney characters drum out the beat from their safari vehicle.

Another new sight in the skies over Disney World is Characters in Flight. This is a tethered hot air balloon that is decorated with images of Disney characters such as Tinkerbell, Dumbo and Peter Pan. The red and yellow balloon reaches heights of 400 feet above Downtown Disney providing guests with a panoramic view. Tickets for the balloon ride are $16 for age 10 and up, and $10 for children between 3 and 9. The balloon’s gondola holds 30 people at a time and the duration of the trip is six minutes. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

When you touch down from your balloon ride you might also want to check out a new restaurant in Downtown Disney. Located on Pleasure Island, Paradiso 37 features the cuisine of 37 different countries of North, Central and South America. The new restaurant is open from 11:00 AM till the late night and also features nightly entertainment.

When you visit Disney World take a look at the new features and make your visit a bit different from the last time.



ALPHONSO

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Rebecca Kern asked:


So… You’re looking for a Walt Disney World Map?

Follow along and I will give you my top 5 Disney Map Tips

1. Get a customized Walt Disney world map - Did you know that you can get a free customized map? Choose up to ten attractions at any or all of the Walt Disney World theme parks and a customized map will be created. This map shows the locations of favorite attractions and the distance from each other to help plan your visit to the parks.

2. You can also view for free a interactive map of Walt Disney and all of the other properties as well.. including Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood studious and all of the surrounding water parks. Thiis is a great bonus.

3. Did you know that there is software programs that can map out and plan your entire Disney vacation? For a small fee this can make planning a Disney World trip a breeze. You can customize your entire trip. Very handy tool.

4. The parks and resort hotels offer all of the Disney maps for free. You can request as many as you need and they are available at the entrance of each park with updated show times and activities for the day. This is a time saver.

5. You can order a Disney map online and have it delivered to your door. You need to do this 2 weeks before you go on your trip to ensure you get the map on time.

And There you have it! Not hard to do at all.



GREGG

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Brooks Spence asked:


A place where the magic happens, a theme park known not only for its name but also for the fun and relaxation it provides, Disney World may seem to never loose its crowd. From rides to shops, and from restaurants to public restrooms, people seem to flock everywhere. During holiday seasons this crowd tends to grow larger and to some of us this large crowd is unbearable. This may cause disappointment and irritability. If you are one of most people who are tired of large crowds, then you came to the right place. With some of these tips, you could avoid the large crowd and enjoy your Disney world vacation deal to the fullest.

Disney World vacation deals are available all year round, so avoid booking in during peak seasons such as holiday and summer vacations. During this time, the crowd would be at its largest and the prices would rise at its peak. Instead opt for off- season months like when the classes for school are just starting. At this time, those who go to school are already leaving Disney World while you start your own vacation. At the same time, the prices would start to decrease until its lowest. This would provide you with a cheap Disney World vacation.. Also be sure to check out if there are any available special offers that you could add in your Disney World vacation deals.

If you don’t have a flexible schedule and could only go during Holiday vacations, you could still avoid the crowd by booking in early to reserve a slot in the resort hotels. Acquire adequate information about the theme park you wish to go. It is important for you to know when they open and close. I also advice you to start your day early to avoid the crowd because people tend to crowd in the middle part if the day. These are just some things to do and avoid. The important thing is to have fun.



NORMAND

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A Nutt asked:


Most people think of Disney World as a place to take the kids, but more and more newlywed couples are discovering that the Happiest Place on Earth is also a wonderful place to celebrate your honeymoon.

Affording a Disney World Honeymoon

It isn`t always cheap to stay at Disney World, but even so, it`s lower cost than going on a cruise or heading somewhere like Fiji. If you can`t afford the vacation on your own, why not set up a honeymoon registry where guests can donate to a honeymoon fund or even specify where they want money to go (toward a hotel room, park tickets, meals, etc.). Even if you don`t raise the full amount, this can be a great way to lower the cost of such a delightful vacation.

Where to Stay

There`s really nothing as luxurious or romantic as staying in a major Disney resort. While many of the hotels located on Disney property are aimed at children, you`ll find that the Animal Kingdom Lodge is the perfect place for a happy couple. Book a room overlooking the savannahs where you can see giraffes wandering outside your window in the morning for a truly romantic getaway.

What to Do

Disney World isn`t short on activities for adults. For a great honeymoon, look at doing more than just jumping on your favorite roller coasters!

An afternoon at the spa could be just the thing to relax and prepare for a romantic evening after a day in the parks. Enjoy a massage, ****** or even a pedicure for women. This offers couples a little alone time . . . something that is necessary, even in newlywed bliss.

Disney often features special shows by Cirque du Soleil and other famous acts that make the perfect evening activity. Book ahead, though, since these tickets tend to go quickly. You can find out ahead of time which shows will be on while you are there. Within the parks, there are often evening parades and light shows, as well, that can be fun to catch and the perfect opportunity for a little cuddling in the chill of the evening.

Most visitors to the parks assume that you need to visit the parks every day, but this certainly isn`t required. It can be lovely to take a day to rent bikes and cycle around the enormous property or play a round of golf, if you are into it. Another option is to go swimming in the resort`s pool, or just relax in the hot tub together.

There are plenty of grown up attractions at the parks to enjoy together. From the safari in the African section of the Animal Kingdom to visiting countries around the Pavilion, you`ll find more than enough non-kiddy rides and attractions to keep any couple busy.

At night, if you are in the mood to party, you can hit one of the two nightclubs on the Disney property and dine in one of dozens of amazing restaurants in Downtown Disney or Disney`s Boardwalk. The fine dining options are many and ensure that you`ll have a great experience while celebrating your honeymoon.

Be sure to take things slowly, chances are you won`t want to be involved in a whirlwind of activities throughout your entire honeymoon. It`s good to schedule in some relaxation time, as well, where you can be together, just the two of you and enjoy the fact that you are now a married couple.

It`s something that many people forget in their rush to enjoy a Disney World honeymoon but you`ll enjoy it far more if you leave some down time in the schedule.



EDDIE

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Megha Poddar asked:


Disneyland is famous for its theme parks and their attractions. EPCOT and New Orleans Square are two such wonderful theme lands of the Disney.

The Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow commonly called EPCOT. It is Disneyland’s second largest theme park after Animal Kingdom and was established in year 1982. It was conceived by Walt Disney to “take it cue from the new ideas and new technologies that are now emerging from the creative centers of American industry.” To enter in the theme park, you need to buy Epcot Tickets. EPCOT is divided into two theme areas, one is Future World and another is World Showcase. Most of the Future World attractions are focus on energy, health, communication, the ocean, imagination, transportation, space exploration and land and our environment. Some popular attractions of the EPCOT are Spaceship Earth, Universe of Earth, The Land, Seas with Nemo and Friends, imagination, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, Mission Space, wonder of Life and many others.

The New Orleans Square is conveniently located between Adventureland and Critter Country. In actual New Orleans Square incorporates many of the distinctive architectural wonders of the French Quarter. Narrow side streets with small shops, fountains in quiet courtyards, and rows of colorful townhouses with their lacy wrought iron railings etc portrait the old world charm of France. Hanging flower baskets or Mardi Gras beads decorate many of the railings in this picturesque area.

Some popular attractions of the New Orleans Square are Disneyland Railroad, New Orleans Square Station, Disney Gallery, Haunted Mission, Pirates of the Caribbean and street performances (like mimes, jazz bands, and other musical groups provide live entertainment shows). One can get all the excitement, he or she just need to purchase New Orleans Square Tickets.

The Walt Disney World Tickets can easily get from the online service of Disneyland and you can directly purchase these EPCOT Tickets or New Orleans Square Tickets from the ticket counters in the Disneyland.



FREDDIE

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