A Behind the Scenes and Almost Underground Tour of Disney World By a Former Disney Cast Member

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OK, OK, so you've been to Disney World about 87 times.

But how would you like an exclusive, private tour to see Walt Disney World as few ever will? As a former Disney World Cast Member I have volunteered to be your tour guide through the behind-the-scenes world of what makes Disney World so magical.

You'll have fun learning about a variety of backstage locations. We'll also take a peek under the Magic Kingdom Park and see Cast Member costuming, wardrobe, the so-called tunnel system, Disney's nursery and tree farm, waste treatment facilities and other service areas.

Let's start at the end, with sludge. Sludge from the water treatment facility is everybody's business dried out and then used on the grounds for fertilizer. Reclaimed tinkle water is used for watering grass and plants. The water valves are labeled "Reclaimed Water - Do No Drink" Thanks for the heads up, Mickey!

Now we'll visit the plant nursery. Remember all those cool and cute topiary designs around the park? Well, this is where Disney Cast Members grow and shape the topiary critters. All this coolness takes time; about seven to eight years to grow a single topiary character. One of my personal favorites is a smiling Mickey Mouse holding a Disney Vacation Club [http://www.edisneytimeshare.com] sign near the entrance to the Wilderness Lodge Hotel.

Then there is the parade storage area behind Splash Mountain. The back of Splash Mountain has many doors labeled, for example, "Access to Scene 31". Here you'll see Mickey Mania, Spectromagic, and the Electric Water Parade paraphernalia. You can walk around and look at the parade pieces all you want. But no photos please. The Spectromagic floats are made of mesh, so the driver can see out, and are covered with small Christmas-type lights controlled by computers. There is also a small fan to cool down the driver. If you or the kids have always wanted to look inside the Sea Witch float from The Little Mermaid, this is your big chance.

When I was a Disney cast member I strolled the tunnels on my breaks and dined in the underground cafeterias. Very romantic. Actually, the tunnels are fake. Since the water table is very high in Florida it would be costly to keep real tunnels dry. Disney thus built a neat system of utility corridors at ground level and then covered them with dirt. This made a new ground level one floor higher. The Magic Kingdom was built on top of this. Therefore, Main Street USA is actually on the second floor.

The "Utilidors" make a circle around the park connecting all of the Lands and rides. There is also a utility corridor under Main Street USA connecting the entrance to Cinderella's Castle. All of the Magic Kingdom utilities are nestled within the Utilidors. There is water, electricity, fiber optic cable, and the ultra-cool Vacuum Trash System.

The Disney World Vacuum Trash System has become a model for several other very large buildings, and even parts of cities and municipalities. The system uses pipes about two feet in diameter to suck all the trash to a central collection point.

Another unusual device in the Utilidors supplies the various odors to different parts of the park. There is one under the bakery that releases chocolate cookie smell into Main Street. Mickey wanted to use real cookie smell, as I recall. But, alas, there was no way to produce non-stop chocolate chip morsels. So, these odor producer machines are used for cookies and that just-right smell in many other places; smoke, orange groves, and so forth

The Utilidor also has various Cast Member services like a Credit Union, a 2-Hour Film Developer, cafeterias, and lockers. Costuming and wardrobe is also located down here. When I worked there I was always amused to see my favorite characters wandering around half dressed or carrying their heads. The walls of the Utilidors are color coded. There are also many maps and directional signs to help lost Cast Members (like me).

So when you visit Disney World for your 88th trip, keep an eye peeled for a sudden and magical character appearance. Mickey or Minnie may just pop out of a hidden door leading from the Utilidor below. And you'll know their secret!

Top Five Theme Parks

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5. Thorpe Park

Our top five theme parks start with Thorpe Park situated right here in the UK. The Nemesis is the star attraction here; you will have probably seen the television adverts of the decent into the dark volcano. Experience the rollercoaster's intense, extreme ride that will have you pumping full of adrenaline, huge drops and fast turns will leave you disorientated and exhilarated at the same time. This is the main attraction but there is plenty to cater for the younger people too.

This park is best for thrill seekers.

4. Chessington

At number four we have Chessington which is a great place for the younger kids and teenagers. They have many new attractions including Beanoland and the Bubbleworks ride which is a water ride for the family filled with foam. Then there is Dragon's Fury, a rollercoaster all the family will enjoy and Vampire which is one not too miss, great fun but not too fast.

Chessington theme park is for families with younger kids or teenagers.

3. Disneyland Resort California

California is the home of two Disney theme parks, the Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. There are also three resort hotels plus a shopping district to keep you entertained.

There you can find new attractions and themed experiences that coincide with new Disney films. In these resorts you can meet all the Disney cast members which the kids will surely love. The resorts will keep the whole family entertained in this magical place.

These parks are best for kids as well as adults of any age.

2. Disneyland Paris

In at number 2 is the world of Disney in Paris. There is Disney Village which is full of entertainment day and night. There are seven Disney hotels, seven! Stay there to have the full Disney world experience. No one does theme parks as well as Walt Disney and Paris is no exception. There are fun filled rides for the whole family, opportunities to meet the kids favourites characters, parades, shows all finished off the amazing Disney service.

Disneyland Resort Paris is for the whole family.

1. Walt Disney World Florida

The best theme park in the world is Walt Disney World in Florida. This is the daddy of all the Disney resorts with four theme parks to discover. There are water parks here as well as other entertainment such as dining and shopping districts, health spas and golf resorts.

Disney World has to be experienced at least once in your lifetime. You can find all the normal experiences that Disney World has to offer and more. Go check out flights to Florida now!

History of Disney World - How Walt Disney World Came About

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Although Walt Disney never saw the fruition of Disney World while he was still alive, it was really his concept to make it. That's why relating the history of Disney World would naturally begin with him. His concept lived on even after he died through his brother, Roy Disney.

Walt Disney's Idea

Walt Disney didn't just want another Disneyland. He dreamed of something much more than Disneyland and yet similar to it. He still wanted to bring entertainment in his theme parks. But he wanted to have a place where he could constantly add or develop something new to his original park and structures. Not only that, he wanted to test his concepts of urban planning through this project. True enough, what now emerged as the EPCOT or the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow was actually sprung out of his ideas.

From Opening Up to Now

Walt Disney World opened in October 1, 1971, five years later after the death of Walt Disney. It opened up with Disney's Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Resort and Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.

In the following year, Disney's Village Resort with the tree house and the vacation villas was added. Then Disney's Golf Resort and Discovery Island were next opened in the next two years. In 1975, the Fairway Villas and the Walt Disney Village Marketplace were built up.

Come June 1976, Disney's River Country Water Park was added. In 1980, the Walt Disney World Conference Center and another village resort, the Club Lake villas, were put up. Then in 1982, EPCOT came about.

In 1988, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Caribbean Beach Resort became available. And then 1989, more parks were added. The MGM Studios, the Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Pleasure Island were opened.

In the years 1990 to 1992, more resorts were made for the guests. These were Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resort, Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin Resort, Port Orleans Resort, Old Key West Resort and Disney's Dixie Landings Resort. Disney Vacation Club and Bonnet Creek Golf Club were also added to the growing Walt Disney World.

In 1994, Disney's All-Star Sports Resort and Disney's Wilderness Lodge were made available. Then in 1995, Disney's All-Star Music Resort, Blizzard Beach Water Park and Fairytale Wedding Pavilion were installed.

The following year, the Disney Institute and Disney's Boardwalk Resort became ready. The Coronado Springs Resort followed in 1997. Disney's Wide World of Sports and Downtown Disney West Side came that same year too; while Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney Quest just came in 1998. In 1999, it was Disney's All-Star Movies Resort that was added. In 2001 and 2003, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Pop Century Resort were added respectively. Finally, Disney's Saratoga's Springs Resort and Spa came about in 2004.

This completes the list of facilities made available through the years. The history of Disney World has really come a long way and it still continues each day as it touches the lives of many of its guests.

Planning Your Disneyland Wedding

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A wedding day is considered by many the happiest day of their life. It can be even happier I it is held at the happiest place on Earth. That place is Disneyland. Disneyland has made weddings possible with Disneyland Weddings.

Women dream of their weddings from a young age. They visualize a story type wedding that is very unique and, romantic. With the story factor in it, it becomes very enchanting. Now that you're all grown up and at the point of marriage, you can have your wedding at Disneyland! Disneyland makes it possible to have a magical time and a very creative ceremony. It will certainly be the happiest place on Earth.

The best thing is that you don't have to stress over the details. Disneyland really makes it a Cinderella story by taking care of the details in providing a fairy God Planner.

You should know that Disneyland weddings should not be left for the last minute. Your planning should start one year in advanced. You must schedule a meeting with the Disney wedding planner, take a site tour and pick out the locations for the wedding. You must sign the letter of agreement eleven months prior the big day. Ten months prior the wedding the announcements are mailed out to your guests.

The panning becomes more intense eight months before the wedding date. Planning occurs over the phone and in person with the wedding planner. The ceremony and receptions are prepared as well. Like a jigsaw puzzle,all the pieces come together and into place for the big picture. Payments for the event are due 30 days before the wedding date and the guest count must be complete at least 4 days before the wedding date.

Disneyland plans everything out with your input and all the details are handled without any additional stress put on you. After all, you must be very stressed with your wedding date coming fast. Flowers, catering, music, invitations and other details are all included. After the wedding ceremony occurs, you will have a lifelong impression left in your heart. You are your husband or wife will have and enjoy the reception you always have dreamed of.

The staff will wear white gloves and will be complete with table settings from the resort. There will be a head table The floors will be lined with floor length linens and the tables will have place cards. Your imagination will run wild by seeing your life long dreams coming to life.

After the wedding, be sure to checkout the honeymoon packages available from the Disney Resort. Disneyland makes it possible to have the wedding of your dreams and the honey moon of your dreams.

Cheap Disney World Packages

You can find so many cheap Disney World packages available that it will be hard to narrow it down to the perfect package for your trip to Walt Disney World.

Walt Disney World always seems to offer various packages and discounts. Often, you can find them on the front page. There is a page hidden away in the website that lists all of the packages offered by Disney itself, and if you can find that page, it could save you a lot of money. It's not very accessible, though, so you'll have to dig to find it.

You can save a lot of money on a Disney World vacation in other ways, as well.. If you take advantage of value season prices, the Disney Dining Plan, using the free parking pass if staying on property, using the free provided transportation, or by sharing some of the large meals, you can save even more money. You can even save money on souvenirs by shopping at one of the outlet malls before visiting the parks.

Groups such as AAA offer discounts on Disney owned hotels as well as many other hotels nearby. You can book directly through AAA, or directly through the Walt Disney World travel company by mentioning that you're a AAA member and want the discount.

Disney travel is no exception to the ability of travel agencies to save you money on vacation. There are several travel agencies that only work with Disney World vacation packages, as well as regular travel agencies, and travel agencies that specialize in Walt Disney World vacations. Some agencies will even cancel and rebook your vacation with a newly offered discount so that you don't over pay or have to deal with the hassle of doing it yourself. Plus, travel agencies can save you money on your plane tickets or with car rentals, saving you even more money on vacation.

There are even some guide books that offer discounts or coupons, and there are several ebooks that are written by former cast members with an eye towards saving the casual traveler money. If you take the time to research a little, you can get access to many cheap Disney World packages.

What You Need to Know About Disney World Tickets

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Disney World and Disneyland theme parks are probably the most popular theme parks in the world. Attractions, rides, characters, the works, lots of fun for the children, as well as the parents. The big dream of most young children is to go to Disneyland or Disney World. While you can let the spontaneity guide your Disney vacation, this vacation though can cost you an arm and a leg.

The Disney World tickets to get in the theme parks are one of the major contributors to it. For an example, the tickets can cost you around $250 for 4 people age 10+ for one day or little over $100 for two children ages 3-9. In fact, if you plan your vacation, you can save tremendously on tickets as opposed to going there unprepared.

To compare the savings, if you plan on staying there 5 days, you don't want to buy Disney World theme park tickets each and every day. That will cost you around $315 per person for ages 10+ or $260 for ages 3-9. But if you buy a 5-day ticket, you will only pay around $200 per person for ages 10+ ($115 of savings) or $162 per person for ages 3-9 (around $100 in savings). Also, buying tickets in advance instead of waiting to get them at the gate will offer you even more savings.

It would be in your financial benefit to spend some time developing an itinerary before you buy your Disney World tickets. It all depends on how you plan to spend your days. There are lots of legitimate ways to get discounted tickets. Unfortunately, there are also lots of places where you can get ripped off. So, be very careful.

Do not buy Disney World theme park tickets from a booth on the side of the road and outside of Disney. You would have no idea if your tickets are valid or not. The only way you would know that you're purchasing valid park tickets is directly from Disney or from an authorized reseller on the Internet.

The Florida Sun-Sentinel released an article about the scam artists selling discount Disney World theme park tickets. The article was talking about some scam artists selling tickets that were not being full tickets but partially used tickets that legally aren't suppose to be sold. Also, some tickets at deep discounts were linked to timeshare pitches (explanation toward the end of this article). And even some scam artists were selling fake tickets.

There are several legitimate online resellers that sell Disney World tickets other than Disney themselves (floridaorlandotickets.com, mapleleaftickets.com, ticketmania.com). At these online stores make sure you check their shipping charges (if any). Sometimes you will find an excellent price, but once you add the shipping to it, it is cheaper to go elsewhere.

Also companies, such as Travelocity and Expedia, have longstanding relationship with the world's most popular vacation destinations including Disney World and Disneyland. They could afford to give you discounted theme park tickets if you book your vacation through them.

The discounted Disney World theme park tickets are a part of the whole vacation package. They may lose money on the tickets by giving them to you at a cheaper price while they buy them at the regular price, but they'll make up the difference from the vacation package that you're booking through them. So, the discounted tickets could be just a lure to get you to book your Disney vacation with them. If it fits your budget and your vacation plan, get the benefit of cheaper tickets.

Disney World tickets linked to timeshare pitches. You'll eventually bump into websites that will offer you a deep, deep discount on Disney World tickets. You might save anywhere around $250 for a 2 or 3 day ticket and up to $350 on a single 5-day Disney World theme park ticket. These are valid tickets but under a condition. You have to attend a "no obligation, interesting and entertaining" 90-minute or-so presentation.

If you have "time to burn" on your Disney World vacation and you're resistant to sales pitches, you could take advantage of this offer and actually benefit. The 90-minute presentation actually lasts a whole lot longer. They need to "massage" you before they "grill" you. You're also invited to a complementary breakfast before the presentation begins. And the presentation is loaded with sales pitches. They will make the money (that they will lose by selling you the Disney World tickets at deep discounts while they buy them at the regular price) by selling you something at this "no obligation, interesting and entertaining" presentation.

So, if you're easy on pulling your credit card at every sales pitch that hits you, this may not be for you as those are the kind of people that they're looking for. They will make a lot more money on the back end from the "easy-to-sell-people" than the money that they will lose by selling you the Disney World tickets at deep discounts.

When you think about it, the "easy-to-sell-people" are the only ones that will actually fall for this so-called "presentation." But, eventually some hard-headed "smart" and "sales-pitch-resistant" people will take advantage of this deep discount since they will benefit from this offer. The companies that offer these discounted Disney World and Disneyland theme park tickets attached to timeshare pitches know that the odds are in their favor. A higher number of "easy-to-sell-people" fall for this offer than "hard-headed" and "sales-pitch-resistant" people. So the money that they will make from these "easy-to-sell-people" at these "presentations" will compensate for the loss from the deep discount on Disney World tickets and a whole lot more. They will make a lot of profit. Otherwise, they wouldn't offer it if they don't make a significant profit from it.

(Note: this information also applies to Disneyland tickets).

Disney World Coupons For Off-Site Establishments

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Disney World discounts are an added plus to virtually any form of Florida vacation...and besides, who in their right mind wouldn't want a price break? However, discounts are not usually just handed out. More often than not, discounts are earned and worked for. If you aren't willing to work and dig for some of the discounts, then you'll likely get as little as those that are casually provided by different WDW institutions. There are several ways of acquiring discounts, including Disney World coupons, packages and memberships to affiliated clubs.

As of 2006, WDW has recreated the system for giving out special deals, discounts and Disney World coupons that are normally applied on resort hotels, restaurants, and theme park transactions.

Only recently, Disney World Management had been sending emails and post cards on a random basis. However, how random their system works in the selection of participants has yet to be determined by outside sources. These normally offer deep discounts inside Walt Disney World. If you want to get your hands on one of these promotions, you may sign-up on one of the many WDW websites (this seems to be the best option since there is no other way at this time for you to be able to get these deals).

Online, there are quite a number of printable coupons that may help you save money on off-site restaurants. The following is a list of a few suggested off-site restaurants that accept and give away Disney World Coupons.

There are periodic Disney World coupons that the Ghirardelli Soda fountain sends through emails. The key here is to sign up to their email list and identify that you're living in the 50 miles area of the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain. Saying no would only allow you coupons for their store online.

Another restaurant offering coupon transactions is the Planet Hollywood located at Downtown Disney. They have printable Disney World coupons available for taking $5 off of a $20 or more purchase.

There are a few good deals to be found in Coupons Alacarte, which include Jungle Jim's.

Ponderosa Steakhouse has six branches in the Orlando area. They offer two types of coupons, one for kids and the other for adults. Kids age 5 years or younger may eat free in any of their branches, while adult guests can take 10% off a lunch or dinner.

Boston Lobster Feast, on the other hand, grants printable coupons, which saves you the cost of drinks with every purchase of a feast (that are normally good for up to four people).

Orlando Area McDonald's restaurants are also giving away free coupons for free child meals for every 1 purchased adult meal. However, the participating branches exclude the two McDonald's restaurants that are closest to WDW, as well as the one that is nearest to the All-Star resorts.

Ride Trolley is giving away a bounty of printable coupons that may be used in the restaurants surrounding the International Drive Route area.

On a constant basis, Orlando Sentinel grants free coupons, which are split into two categories- dining and restaurants.

These are only examples of institutions that are providing their customers with free printable coupons outside Walt Disney World. There are many of these inside WDW and you may have to do some research to find those. Many websites (unofficial and official) may provide you with additional links and information for acquiring Disney World coupons.

Disneyland Paris Tickets and Attractions Advice

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Opened in 1992, Disneyland Paris is a holiday resort in Marne-la-Vallee, a town just outside Paris. As only the second Disney resort to open outside of the United States, 15 million Disneyland Paris tickets are sold to fans each year and it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

The complex consists of multiple attractions including Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios Park and Mickey's Magical Party.

Perhaps the most famous attraction is Space Mountain, which opened in 1992 at a cost of US$100 million, and was modelled on the original space mountain at Disney World Florida. Soon after, Disneyland Paris saw it's tickets sales rise year on year.

Apart from the world famous attractions, a Disneyland Paris ticket gives you access to the Disney Village where you can grab something to eat before seeing a show or find a lively bar to go dancing. For those looking for a more relaxed evening, the 15 screen IMAX cinema shows the latest movies in 3d and high definition.

Families looking for the full Disneyland experience, hotels within the grounds offer an excellent chance to get your head down early(or late!) and wake up right on the door of your favourite attractions. The hotel includes family rooms suitable for those with young children, 24-hour room service, a spa and swimming pool for the little ones.

Over the years the wide range of attractions have appealed to both young and old alike and whether you're a family with toddlers or looking for more a thrill, tickets to Disneyland Paris are flexible enough for you to craft the perfect experience.

Finding Trusted Ticket Retailers

When looking for a trusted retailer for your Disneyland Paris tickets, be sure to look for the comments and opinions of other customers and perhaps even give the company a ring to discuss which tickets would be most suitable for you and your family.

UK retailers showing the official British Travel Awards mark have been investigated and found to be both reliable and responsible when dealing with the holiday's of its customers. For full information on the British Travel Awards please see the official website.

Disneyland Paris

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To make a break at one of the many Paris hostels truly magical, visitors could head out to Marne-la-Vale where Disneyland Paris is located. Situated 20 miles from the centre of the city and an easy train journey from most Paris hostels, the resort features two theme parks and an entertainment district.

Whether it's meeting Mickey and his friends or taking a ride on one of the white-knuckle rollercoasters, there is something on the 4,800 acre site for everyone.

For the kids

The best bit of a Disney trip is getting up close and personal with famous faces from Disney cartoons. Visitors are advised to pack a pen to get their favourite characters signatures and a camera to record their special meeting. Different characters can be found at designated areas in both the Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studios Park.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse can be found on Toon Street in Walt Disney Studios, as can Sulley from Monsters Inc. Over at Disneyland Park, guests can meet Winnie the Pooh at Fantasyland and Woody and Jessie from Toy Story in Frontierland. The resort also offers Eat 'n' Greet opportunities where visitors can sit down to enjoy a meal with much-loved figures including Cinderella, Pluto, Pinocchio and Robin Hood.

For the big kids

There is also plenty for adults to do at the resort. Sports fans will no doubt make a beeline from Paris hostels to Golf Disneyland. Taking a round doesn't mean missing out on the cartoon fun, as the course carries a Disney theme. With a full 27-hole course, Golf Disneyland is open seven days a week all year round and is open to players of all standards.

The 27-holes are made up of three themed nine-hole courses that can be combined in several different ways to make one complete 18-hole round. All three courses start and end in front of the impressive Club House. Alternative outdoor events include the Treetop Adventure Trail and the ice skating rink which opens each winter.

The resort also includes a cinema and several bars and restaurants, not to mention the adrenaline-pumping Space Mountain and the Aerosmith-themed Rock'n'Roller Coaster.

Disneyland Vacation Package Deals

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When you want to plan a family vacation, you might want to consider some of the Disneyland vacation package deals. There are many options to consider for where to book your vacation. Consider these Disneyland Vacation Package Deals.

There are so many avenues you can pursue such as Travelocity, Expedia, and more. Rovia is the absolute best travel search engine that was actually created by the same person who created Expedia. It allows you to book your airfare ans well as search the complete Rovia Database for the best vacation package deals online. Rovia travel search engine beat Travelocity and Expedia nine times out of ten for fining the best prices online for both airfare and vacation packages. Not only that, most of them are five star, all inclusive packages.

In this article, I am focusing on the Disneyland Vacation Package Deals. It's all about giving you options-to help you plan the perfect Disneyland Resort vacation with the legendary Disney guest service. Disneyland Resort is a perfect 3-Day family vacation. Extend your stay to 5 or 6 days to experience all the sun-drenched beaches, breath-taking shore lines, star-studded Hollywood and all the shopping and dining Southern California has to offer.

Rovia offers all-inclusive hotel and ticket Disneyland vacation package deals. Start by picking 2-night or longer hotel accommodations and 3-day or longer theme park tickets for you and your family. Then, add on round-trip airfare, ground transfers, transportation, dining options, other Southern California attractions and travel insurance. Choose what you want to include, or let us suggest ways to create a personalized experience you and your family will never forget.

Here are some of the features of one of the Disneyland Vacation Package Deals...

(Downtown Disney District Fun Card) Have even more fun in the sun with discounts and special values for dining, shopping, and entertainment at participating locations in the Downtown Disney District.

(Mickey's Towntown Morning Madness) Enjoy some fun and games with Mickey and his friends before Toontown opens to the rest of their Guests. Includes one Scavenger Hunt map per person. Mickey's Toontown normally opens one hour AFTER Disneyland® Park opens - THIS benefit allows you to visit one hour prior to Mickey's Toontown general opening.

(Preferred seating)** Enjoy preferred seating at selected attractions in Disney's California Adventure (R) Park (one per person with Admission):

Disney's Aladdin-A Musical Spectacular
Muppet Vision 3D
It's Tough to be a Bug!
Animation Academy

(Magic Morning Admission)
*** Receive one Magic Morning admission into selected attractions at a designated Disneyland (R) Resort Theme Park one hour before park opening. Valid for Guests with a 3-Day or greater Disneyland (R) Resort Park Hopper (R) souvenir ticket.

(Collectibles) EXCLUSIVE! Walt Disney Travel Company collectible pin, lanyard, and luggage tag.

What to Expect When Going For a Disney World Vacation

Walt Disney World is a vacationer's dream destination, particularly if you have kids. Where else can you explore a pirate's lair, frolic with your favorite cartoon characters, eat lunch under the shadow of a castle, or transport yourself into a 1950s movie? If you have never been to Walt Disney World before, you are probably a little bit overwhelmed with the planning. Here are some things you can expect when you visit the parks for the first time.

People, People Everywhere

Walt Disney World is crowded, especially during peak travel times like the summer, spring break, and Christmas. You are going to be bumping into complete strangers while you are visiting the parks. The good news is that Disney has taken a lot of steps to control crowds. The Fast Pass system allows park guests to avoid long lines on some of the parks' most popular attractions. If you want to ride Thunder Mountain, for instance, but do not want to wait two hours to do so, you can get a Fast Pass ticket, explore another part of the park, and then come back in two hours to get right on the roller coaster. You did wait two hours, but you had fun while you were waiting instead of standing in the cue.

What You Will Find in the Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World is made of four main parks. The one most people think of when they think of the resort area is the Magic Kingdom. The Magic Kingdom is the park with the iconic castle as the central point. It is divided into eight themed lands: Adventureland, Liberty Square, Main Street USA, Mickey's Toontown Fair, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. Each one has attractions, which are rides and shows, that fall in that theme, and most of the attractions are based on Disney movies. This park is one of the most kid-friendly, and it is filled with Disney characters that kids can interact with. Even though the kids love it, adults will find plenty to enjoy in the Magic Kingdom.

What You Will Find in Epcot

Epcot is the second park most people think of when visiting Disney World. It is divided into two worlds, Future World and World Showcase. Future World has several buildings where you can interact with attractions, rides, and displays that relate to science. World Showcase allows you to walk among replicas of landmarks from 11 different countries. The people that work in World Showcase are actually from the countries they represent.

What You Will Find in MGM Studios

The Disney MGM Studios is the movie-themed park. Here you can walk around movie sets, see shows that capture stunts from some of the greatest films, and see how Disney cartoons are made. It has many live stunt and special effects shows that are thrilling for people of all ages.

What You Will Find in Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is the Disney park that combines a zoo and amusement park into one destination. You will find many live animals at this park, along with the typical rides and attractions. One ride, Kilimanjaro Safaris, actually takes you through an African habitat with live animals at every turn.

Surrounded by Themes

No matter where you go in Disney World, you will find yourself surrounded by imaginative themes. The water parks each tell a story. Every hotel has a theme that is carried out from the lobby to the pool to the room itself. Even the cue lines tell a story while you are waiting in line. As you explore the parks, be sure to look for "Hidden Mickeys." Just about every attraction has some of these. Hidden Mickeys are silhouettes of Mickey Mouse that show up in an unexpected location. For instance, on the Winnie the Pooh ride in the Magic Kingdom, there is a Hidden Mickey made by the drops of honey from Pooh's pot. You can make quite a trip out of trying to spot these Hidden Mickeys, so have fun!

Los Angeles Tourist Attractions - What's Where

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Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown L.A. has spectacular modern architecture in the swapping Walt Disney Concert Hall and the stark Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. The music Center and the Museum of Contemporary Art make downtown the closest thing L.A. has to an arts hub. Business people flood downtown's cluster of skyscrapers and offices. Adventurous young people, artist, immigrants, and a concentrated homeless population lives in L.A. It's well worth getting out of car to explore, even if you don't think so at first sight.

Hollywood

Glitzy and tarnished, good and bad, fun and sad - Hollywood is just like the entertainment business itself. But they don't make many movies here anymore. The neighborhood have been slowly improving over the past decade. This brand of urban renewal mixes new with vintage: restorations of old movie palaces plus slushy new developments such as the Hollywood & Highland entertainment complex. And you can enjoy the reminders of the area's romantic past, like the Walk of Fame, Grauman's Chinese Theater, and the Hollywood Bowl.

West Hollywood

An area for urban indulgences - shopping, restaurants, night spots - rather than sightseeing. Its main arteries are the Sunset Strip (Sunset Boulevard), shorthand for longstanding clubs and cruising past boffo billboards, and Melrose Avenue, lined with shops punk, precious, and post modern.

Beverly Hills, Century City & The Westside

Go for the glamor, the restaurants, and the scene. This is the L.A. that gives East Coasters material for snarly jokes: plastic surgery, scads of sushi spots, and a parade of custom cars inching down the congested Westwood corridor along legendary streets like Sunset, Wilshire, and Santa Monica Boulevard. Beverly Hills is particularly goo for a look at wretched or ravishing excess; Rodeo Drive is the best known of its terrific outdoor shopping areas. But don't over look the Westside's cultural attractions - especially the dazzling Getty Center.

Santa Monica, Venice & Malibu

Santa Monica is not Los Angeles and it plays by a different set of rules. The vibe here sets this city apart from L.A. proper. Stereotypical beach scenes play out almost every day, with skateboarders riding the rails, kids shrieking on the pier, and bikini babes on the sand. The Community is quite liberal and support a large homeless population. Venice, just south of Santa Monica along the coast, is more raffish mix of artist, beach freaks and yuppies, most of whom you'll see on the Venice Boardwalk. If you're not into shopping or 'the scene', take a leisurely drive up Pacific Coast Highway with the Eagles blaring on the stereo. Life is good in Malibu where the beach is king. The rich and famous hide away in their residential 'Colony ', but the rocky coves and amazing surf are open to all. And you can get a look at an extravagant residence of a different kind at the Getty Villa Malibu.

San Fernando Valley

Referred to simply as 'The Valley', the San Fernando Valley is the undisputed center of TV and film production. It's also got a hard-to-beat rep for tackiness and soulless urban sprawl. Entertainment types don't want to admit that they live here, but they do. The main sightseeing draws are tied into the Industry: Universal Studios Hollywood, studio tours at Warner Bros., and television taps at NBC

Pasadena Area

Like Santa Monica, Pasadena feels like it's part of L.A. but its a separate city. It's a quiet, genteel area to visit, with outstanding Arts and Crafts homes and a pair of exceptional museums: the Norton Simon and the Huntington estate in San Marino.

Long Beach, San Pedeo & Palos Verdes

You'll likely to come here only if you're interested in specific sights, like the aquariums or the art deco Queen Mary Ship.

Orange County & Cataline Island

For decades, Orange County was equated with Disneyland - that is, if visitors didn't assume Disneyland was in L.A. But these days, the beach communities are getting just as much attention, even if they aren't' quite as opulent as seen on TV. Coastal spots such as Huntington Beach, Newport Harbor and the Balboa Peninsula are perfect for chilling out in a beach front hotel.Laguna Beach is wonderfully well-rounded, with an arts festivals and nature preserves as well as its beach. A short beat ride away is Cataline Island, with its pocket-size town and large nature preserve.

For more information and pictures, visit BLOG Below!

My Memorable Time With Disneyland

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Although some time ago now, I can still remember my visit to Disneyland Florida when I was a child. It was indeed memorable. Unless you live right near Disneyland then when you organize your holiday, you know that it means you are going to have to take into account how to get there. I have had the privilege that my parents did all the arranging as I was a kid then.

There is so much to see at Disneyland and so much going on that is impossible to get bored that to end the day you should not miss out on the fireworks display. It was my birthday present, a very special day in a year that my folks gave to me. I highly suggest that those of you who are young at heart and want to have the most memorable Birthday of your life then Disneyland is the place to be.

Of all the fun things one can do there, you can be choosy for the entertainments you want to fill your day with at Disneyland. Visit web sites and ask your friends for their disneyland vacation [http://www.beachvacationsholiday.com/disneyland-vacation.php] pictures and ask them to tell you about their travels. I'm pretty sure they will be more than willing to give you half their day just telling you about it.

Prefer to be pampered, you can take advantage of the luxurious spa at the Grand Floridian where you can relax and be rejuvenated through a variety of facials, manicures and massages. Once you make up your mind to holiday at any of the Disney theme parks, the entire information about it can be collected through the internet or traveling agencies. Today, at Disney World, Epcot, and rival theme parks such as Sea World and Universal Studios, it is possible to swim with sharks, battle pirates, be chased by a T-Rex, fight villains with Spiderman, journey to the moon, and even watch the filming of a major motion picture.

If you are wanting to stay close to the theme parks during your stay at Walt Disney World, you have many Disney Resort hotels to choose from. Walt Disney World's Contemporary Resort offers the ultimate convenience if you are wanting to stay as close to the theme parks as possible. Make sure you plan for plenty of naps and rest times, bring a stroller, choose hotels close to the parks or stay on site so you can get back and forth easily, bring snacks and juice along, go at your child's pace.

Bring snacks and drinks with you from your villa, to the Disney Parks, especially on hot and humid days when your kids need to drink lots of liquids all day long. If you are someone in your thirties or older, and perhaps western, then you, like me, may have read enough adventure stories or seen enough Walt Disney to have been heartened by the stories of ugly guys, like the beast in Beauty and the Beast, winning the beauty, Belle. Yale Gracey was responsible for many of the special effects seen in the Haunted Mansion , including the stretching portraits and the séance room, as well as for a number of attractions throughout Walt Disney World.

So you see, Disney World is more than just theme parks, it is an all encompassing vacation destination that lets you do, whatever it is, you desire to do. I wish I was a kid again to enjoy those entertainment like a kid.

Walt Disney World Vacation

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When I read this question, I knew that I was in trouble. I just returned from Walt Disney World and I could only spend one day there, boy was it expensive! I don't feel like I was trapped by expensive-ness because it was my first time at Walt Disney World and it was my daughter's first time too. Walt Disney World was a childhood dream cut short by a stolen wallet.

So my first trip was a success, but I love cheap and free stuff and having a daughter who is interested in Walt Disney Cinderella, Winnie Pooh and Friends, Handy Mandy, Disney's Little Einsteins, and Belle, Beauty and the Beast to name a few. I know that we'll be going back to Walt Disney World; however, staying at an onsite Walt Disney World Hotel and Resort on the next trip was out of sight according to my research for the first trip. I didn't have $3,200 plus to stay 7 days, and I still don't.

When I read that Walt Disney World's 5-Star resort retail cost $3,110 for 10 days, but Beth's cost is $1,130 during PEAK Season!

I was hooked! I had to have the book! My husband is making plans to return in the Spring of 2007! This time I think we'll visit Walt Disney MGM Studios! Now planning a grand vacation takes time, saving money takes even more time.

Trust me, I've planned a London, Edinburgh, and Far East vacations and I always get value for my dollar. However, my first trip to Walt Disney World we had a magical time, but having to watch the pennies was not quite as magical for me as saving money would have been.

Thus the purchase of "The Ultimate Disney World Saving's Guide, 2006/2007.". The Ultimate Disney World Saving's Guide is written by a woman who used to be an employee of Walt Disney World and is now a travel writer. Now who better to know the tricks of the trade? Or know how to save money at Walt Disney World?

I was thrilled with my purchase. I turned on my computer and began reading. I learned how to save up to $500 just on Walt Disney World Ticket costs Alone! Wow, those tickets are not cheap. I also learned how to get exclusive discounts on 5 and 7 day park hopper tickets! These are not a good ideas except if you are going to be at Walt Disney World for more then seven days.

I love shopping for souvenirs and not necessarily souvenirs either! I love shopping for anything and saving big by shopping downtown and I could have paid anywhere from 10 to 75 percent less than the theme park prices. Now that's saving! I wish I had known that before spending $300+ on my onsite Disney souvenirs.

I learned when exactly are the high and low price seasons and how to shop around for the best buys-online! I also learned what airlines are the most stable and won't cancel my flight, making my non-refundable tickets to Orlando, Florida invalid. Do you know that Walt Disney World offers a free "magical express" shuttle and baggage service? I didn't, not that I was staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. So if you are staying at an onsite hotel, there will be no more waiting for your bags at the airport your luggage is delivered directly to your hotel room! Wow!

We were in Orlando, Florida for ten days, it rained every afternoon at, without fail every day at 3:00 p.m., and now I know what I could have done on those rainy days! And I now know which one park I should visit last! (This didn't apply to me this time around, but I know for next time!)

Hungry? Find out what's okay to bring inside the Parks with you and what you should leave at the hotel. However, if you're lucky enough for Character Dining at the Crystal Palace-it's the Best Buffet in Walt Disney World OR Orlando, Florida at least in my opinion!

There can be lines at Walt Disney World and now I know how to beat those long lines and which one moves faster! And my favorite, the hidden entrances and there are several of these "shortcuts" to theme parks and attractions bypassing most of the crowds.

Walt Disney! The Kingdom, and the Magic!

Minnie and Mickey Mouse, Disney's Goofy, Space Ship Earth, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Disney's Tinkerbelle, Toontown, and Fantasyland, what bliss, what fun, if Mom and Dad can afford the price!

So, why not plan a cheap Disney vacation? Because I will and you'll see me on the Barnstormer, in Fantasyland, and Downtown Disney, Orlando, cause, I'll follow the steps, and save thousand of dollars and laugh until the last firework bursts in the air!

Much, Much More Walt Disney Treasures!

The Disney Wide World of Sports Complex is for your husband if you have been there many times so that you can take your kiddies to Disney's new Wilderness Preserve, I've seen this on the Travel Channel, and boy is it nice!

Can we say Playhouse Disney and Disney MGM Studios? This is where your kids can meet the cast of Playhouse Disney and the Clubhouse run by Disney's Mickey Mouse. Oh my, I cannot wait to see my daughter's face when we go there because it will look the same as when she saw Cinderella's Castle.

My husband raves about the different countries of Epcot Center and I am looking forward to seeing it with him. And then there is Disney's Animal Kingdom and last, but not least is the little known Toll Free Number for Walt Disney World! I'm going to be burning up the telephone wires using this telephone number!

My first trip to Walt Disney World may have only been for one day, with this ebook, the next one we will be for at stay for at least 10 days at a Walt Disney World Hotel and Resort! Hope your next Walt Disney World Vacation is as successful as mine plans to be!

Simply the Best - Disneyland Vacations

Of all the adventures available to us whether we are 3 or 30 the adventure that most people want is a Disneyland vacation. Most of the movies we have seen from Aladdin to the Jungle Book come alive at the Disneyland Parks.

There are two Disneyland theme parks that you can visit. They are Disneyland Park and Disneyland California Adventure. In Disneyland Park you can meet Mickey at his house and get a tour to see how he lives. You can go back in time to 1935 with Indiana Jones and see what he sees in the jungles of India's lost Delta. At night you will "Remember, Dreams Come True" in a beautiful fireworks display. The Sylvania Parade of Dreams will top off your evening here. A great way to start off your Disneyland vacations.

If you are interested in seeing shows, seeing stories about California or experiencing events from Hollywood, then you want to go to the Disneyland California Adventure. This theme park is a little different because it gives you an opportunity to check out all things Disney that was in movies or cartoons. One great fun experience is Toy Story Mania. You get to put on 3-D glasses and ride through the area playing all kinds of games as you go.

For those Twilight Zone fans you might try the ghoulish ride in the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. It will take you to the Tower of the hotel that was struck by lightening and tell you what happened. Next, you will plunge into the story and see ghosts and different atmospheres that were once a part of The Twilight Zone.

Generally speaking it is a good idea to choose a package when your Disneyland vacations because your accommodations and tickets to the Park will be in the same package and it will save you money. As an example, you can get a Dream Vacation package and it will include your accommodations, tickets to the park, Disney character calls from Minnie, Mickey or Goofy and other items that are exclusive to this package.

When you go from June through Labor Day, Christmastime through Labor Day or during Spring Break you will go during peak tourist times. If you go any other time you will go during the off season.

If your intention is to ride every ride, stand in long lines and higher hotel prices then you will want to go during the on season. However if you want lower hotel prices and shorter lines you will risk some of the rides being closed during the off season.

The good news is that whenever you go, you will have fun.

When you go to Disneyland vacations plan ahead. Check the best deals through travel agents and online travel stores to see where you can get the best deal and the best package. May through September will be the best times to go because the lines will be shorter and you can still ride all the rides. However, you can expect the weather to be a bit balmy. The best way to see the park is to take a week or two and experience ass much as you can.

Cheap Hotels Near Disneyland - Who Said Disneyland Couldnt Be Cheap

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Will you be visiting the Disneyland soon but still worried about your budget? A Disneyland trip is no cheap vacation, especially with the current state of the economy in different parts of the globe. However, you can go to Disneyland and still stick within your budget. For one, you don't have to spend the night at the expensive Disney hotels. There are actually some nice and cheap hotels near Disneyland.

Carousel Inns and Suites are within walking distance from Disneyland, it's just right across the street. It is also family friendly and offers free breakfast and free parking for the entirety of your stay.

Howard Johnson Plaza is a clean and simple hotel, still within walking distance from Disneyland. It offers free parking and free internet access, too.

Why not try the Candy Cane Inn? It's quite close to Disneyland. It offers breakfast in bed, hot tub, free parking, and many more.

Alpine Inn makes you feel like you're in a ski resort, despite the very sunny Los Angeles. It is about a minute walk to Disneyland. What's more, it also offers high-speed wireless internet at a small rate, so make sure to bring your laptop.

Fairfield Inn Anaheim has a fitness center, pool and hot tub, and is half a mile away from Disneyland. It is a little more expensive than the other hotels, though it provides more amenities and privileges.

All the hotels mentioned above are family-friendly, and budget-friendly. Accommodations range between $85 to $130 a night, depending on the season.

Hotels With Discounts Around Disneyland

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Visiting Walt Disney World in California will definitely be very eventful. People will surely feel the magic and enchantment once they get in to this place. This is also a place for family and friends to build good and lasting memories.

When people pass through the gate for the first time of the magic Kingdom, they may go into a world of adventure and imagination. There are picturesque stores lined up in the Main Street with full of toys and candy. Moreover, the sky is also surrounded with helium balloons in the figures of wondrous characters.

At the same time, all people are scattered around the streets experiencing everything they may try. Once everybody saw Cinderella's castle, they would suddenly feel like elated into the storybook world.

There are also appealing stores, yummy restaurants, and enjoyable rides suited for young and old ones as well. Disney characters were also there which makes the place an unforgettable experience. Moreover, there were also many entertaining rides and wonderful parades that provides up close look at furry friends. However, foods at restaurants will surely satisfy the visitors.

Unfortunately, the entrance ticket to Disneyland is quite expensive. Those who are on a low budget though may opt for cheaper lodging. There are three affordable Disney hotels nearby as good options for you. These are Paradise Pier, the original Disneyland Hotel, and The Grand Californian hotel. They offer big discounts that will entice you to visit Disneyland now.

Paradise Pier Hotel

The Paradise Pier Hotel is one of the best choices for budgeted tourists. The hotel gives a warm, personal assistance with facilities such as rooms with Disney flair, third floor rooftop pool, a roller coaster attractive waterslide, wonderful dining experience in their restaurant, and overview scenes of the Disneyland Resort.

Their Paradise Theater is the ideal place for the younger visitors to sit on the beach and take pleasure in a Disney show. There are also other facilities such as refrigerators, coffee makers, USA Today, hairdryer, iron or ironing board, and concierge facilities.

There is also a Team Mickey Workout Too center for visitors who want to exercise during their vacation. This is found on the site. The place of the hotel is really perfect because it is only walking distance for both theme parks and the Downtown Disney District.

The Disney's Grand Californian Hotel

The Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa found in Anaheim, California provides first class accommodation choices and a wealthy dining experience. Millions of guests involving eminent personalities, presidents, royalties, and prominent stars visit the city.

The area of the Disneyland Grand hotel is only walking distance from both theme parks and the Downtown Disney District. This hotel also has 745 well-prepared rooms and a touchable array of facilities and perfect service. There are also numerous recreational services such as pools, Mandara Spa and more.

Original Disneyland Hotel

The original Disneyland hotel more known as the Anaheim Marriott is another option. This is found across from the parks nearby the Anaheim Convention Center. It offers discounts and special privileges at Disneyland during value season. Discounts were also given during the regular and peak season when there is low attendance. They hold day activities for children such as Kids Free Park Hopper Tickets, 4th Night Free, Adults play for the price of kids and a lot more.

Hong Kong Disneyland Park

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Hong Kong Disneyland is a world-class theme park and resort which is a must visit place on any journey to Hong Kong. This wonder Disney Land is located on scenic Lantau Island and is a 30-minute MTR (Mass Transit Railway) ride from Central Hong Kong. It is located in a setting that could only be offered by the Hong Kong's Disneyland.

This amazing place offers magical experiences ranging from Broadway style shows, Festival of the Lion King and The Golden Mickey's, hilarious 3D movie and music adventure at Mickey's Philharmagic, signature Disney attractions, photo taking with your favourite Disney friends, spectacular fire works and parades for the entire family.

There are four themed lands in the Hong Kong Disneyland, which you will come across when you visit the place. They are the Main Street USA, the Fantasyland, the Adventure land and the Tomorrow land. Each themed land has specialty stores from where you can get memorabilia and souvenirs. They also have various restaurants, which offer a wide variety of food to choose from. All in all Hong Kong Disneyland gives you an unforgettable experience. The transport between the hotels and the park is also included in the tour.

As one of the newest Disneylands in the world, Hong Kong Disneyland is a must-see place because of its special attractions and the inimitable sense of Chinese culture. While walking into Hong Kong Disneyland, you will feel you are in a wonderland. Accompanied by Mickey Mouse and other Disney friends, you will start a fantastic and magical journey. With unique scenic spots and Disney Theme Hotels, you can escape from the real world, and make your dreams come true. The availability of delicious Chinese and Asian food is also an attraction for many visitors and Disney fans.

The first theme park you will come across is Main Street USA. After entering Main Street, you will be amazed by the delicate buildings, dim gas lamp and Paddy Wagon passing by. Antique taxicabs, Disneyland Railroad and the City Hall transports will take you back to America of the early 20th century. There are Chinese elements too in the land.

After the excitement of Main Street USA you will enter the Adventure land. Guided by a brave captain, Jungle River Cruise will take you into the heart of hidden regions. Hippos, cobras, elephants, orangutans and startling jungle events are waiting for you. As an attraction originally conceived by Walt Disney fifty years ago, it has been given an entirely new appearance with exciting 21st century Disney magic especially for Hong Kong Disneyland Park.

Then you will come across the fantasies of the Fantasyland. Cinderella Carrousel, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Sword in the Stone, Mad Hatter Tea Cups, Sleeping Beauty Castle, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Snow White Grotto to make all your storybook dreams come true. You can also join Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and many other friends at a dizzying 3-D attraction in Mickey's Philharmagic.

Leaving the fantasies you will join the Tomorrow land. Screaming in Space Mountain, you will have no time to appreciate the sparkling stars because of the exciting roller coaster. In Buzz Light year Astro Blasters, you can fly in your space capsule and fight against the aliens with your space gun.

After this exciting tour you have a choice of Disney Theme Hotels all with matchless accommodations. Experience the excitement that Disney has been offering for decades. We invite you to come and see Hong Kong's Disneyland park for entertainment and leisure for the whole family.

Walt Disney World - Facts, Resorts and Disneyland Tickets

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Walt Disney World Resort is the most visited resort in the world. The Walt Disney World Resort has four theme parks. The Magic Kingdom is the largest and houses the famous Cinderella Castle. The Epcot theme park houses the Spaceship Earth, the Disney Hollywood Studios has the Sorcerer's Hat while the Disney Animal Kingdom theme park is where the Tree of Life is found. Included in the four theme parks are two water parks namely Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Other attractions include The Downtown Disney, Disney Board Walk, Disney Wedding Pavilion, and Walt Disney World Speedway.

To access these theme parks, you will need separate Disney World tickets. However, there are combo Disney tickets that give you access to the four theme parks. These Disney tickets are much cheaper than buying the separate Disney World tickets. You can also save on costs by booking as a group or by paying in advance.

Golf Courses

Within the property of the Walt Disney World are four 18 hole golf courses namely the Palm, the Magnolia, Lake Buena Vista and Osprey Ridge. The courses are all four star in ranking. There is also another 9 hole course called Oak Trail and it is mainly for the armatures.

Visitor Numbers

In total, all theme parks sold a total of about 50 million Disney World tickets in 2007. Magic Kingdom, the largest theme park in the resort received over 17 million visitors. This was more than any other resort in the world. Epcot Theme Park sold about 10.9 million Disney tickets and was ranked the sixth most visited resort in the world, Disney Hollywood Studios received 9.51 million visitors and was ranked the seventh while Disney Animal Kingdom sold about 9.49 million Disney tickets and was ranked the eighth most visited resort for 2007.

Resort Size

The resort is located on the world's largest resort space. The resort land space is 30,080 acres or 121.7 km2. This area is about two times the size of Manhattan city. It is located 21 miles southwest of the center of Orlando, Florida. The resort has two in-built towns namely the Lake Buena Vista town and Bay Lake town.

Services and Employees

The resort employs over 5000 engineers, painters, landscape technicians and other maintenance crew who oversee the servicing, maintenance and upgrading of the resort. The resort spends over $100 million in this service exercise every year. Besides maintenance, the resort employs a further 66,000 employees in all other departments. The annual employment budget for the resort is about $1.2 billion.

Hotels and Restaurants

There are 33 accommodation hotels situated within the premises of the resort, 24 of which are owned by Disneyland Company. These hotels include Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney Beach Club Resort, Disney Board Walk Inn, Disney Contemporary Resort, Disney Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and the Disney Yacht Club Resort. The resort also has a wide array of other recreation services and shops. There are all types of food restaurants that serve cuisines from all over the world.

Transport

There is a free courtesy bus that provides transport to the resort from Orlando Airport. The transport service is called Disney Magical Express. You can also purchase Disneyland tickets from the bus.

Besides the courtesy bus, you can also access the resort by taxi boats or through the Walt Disney World Monorail System.

A Disneyland Tour Completes Your Vacation to the Magic Kingdom

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A Disneyland vacation can be a truly magical experience for all members of your family but many people seem to forget one part of a visit to the Magic Kingdom that will make their visit all the more special: A Disneyland Tour.

There are four different tours you can choose from but you do have to have a valid Disneyland ticket if you wish to go on one. It is also important to make a reservation for the tour you want to attend because they are popular and fill up fast.

The most popular of the tours is Disneyland's Discover the Magic Tour. This tour is the most interactive for all family members as it gives all of you a chance to participate in a treasure hunt by finding clues with Disney characters. Not only do you get to spend time with your favorite characters but you have to outwit some of Disney's bad guys and find the treasure before they do. It can be a truly memorable experience that includes lunch and a gift that is exclusive to those who take this tour.

There is a two ticket minimum for the Discover the Magic Tour which lasts around three hours. The first two tickets will cost $49 with additional tickets costing $39. This tour is suitable for kids 5 years old and up along with their parents.

Disney also offers a VIP tour which is designed with adults in mind. This is more of a tour for those who are interested in the history of the Disneyland theme parks, which many children would probably find rather boring. This tour must be reserved well in advance of your visit to the park and costs $75 per hour for groups of ten people or less.

If you are making your first trip to the Magic Kingdom then you should consider The Welcome to Disneyland Tour. This tour will teach you everything you need to know to get the most out of your Disney experience. You will get priority seating at one of the many stage shows, a condensed history of the park, and reserved seats at one of the parks many restaurants, two bonus FastPass tickets along with instructions on how to use them, and a lot of other goodies that will make your first Disney vacation one to remember. This is the least expensive tour at $25 per person and will last around two and a half hours.

The last tour to consider is called A Walk in Walt's Footsteps which brings to life the vision that Walt Disney had for his theme parks. This tour is more suited to older children and adults who are interested in not only Walt's legacy but also the history and trivia surrounding the park. It is also a chance to get a look at the exclusive Club 33. With a cost of $49 per participant and lasting more then 3 hours it is a truly unique look at Disneyland.

A Disneyland tour can add so much to your vacation memories. It is well worth the effort to ask about taking one of these tours when making your vacation plans because you never know what you may see or learn behind the scenes in the Magic Kingdom.

How to Save Money When Going to Disneyland

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In 1955, Disneyland opened to the public, a theme park that is now a traditional vacation spot. Children of all ages have grown up with Disneyland as a fond memory and are eager to share their experiences with their children and grandchildren. Take these simple suggestions to help make your vacation more pleasant and cheaper as well.

Avoid the front gates - Although naturally, these would be the places parents turn to for purchasing tickets, it is possibly the least cost effective. The regular amount is multiplied depending on the number of people you are with. With the Disneyland Resort, there are multiple theme parks, at least two located in California alone. For each of the Disneyland resorts, a separate admission fee is required unless a Park Hopper Pass is purchased.

Park Hopper Pass - This pass allows the user to visit both Disneyland parks in California. These passes are valid between one to five days. Similar to the idea of annual passes, the prices becoming cheaper as the longer days are purchased. Try purchasing these on ebay to save money.

Buy online - You can get tickets online before you go to the park. These can be directly printed or sent through mail.

Annual Pass - Amusement parks usually offer these passes to encourage visitors to come more often. For residents living near Disneyland, this is the most cost effective if utilized more than five times during the entire year.

Package Deals - Sometimes you can get discounted tickets from the hotel you will be staying with. Disneyland has three seasons: Value Season, Regular and the Peak Season. If you plan your trip during the value or off peak seasons you can get more discounts.

Special Adults Price - For some years during the months of January up until early spring, adults can get some of the same admission prices in Disney as kids do.

Discount Passes for Residents in California - Disney offers special discounts specifically for residents in South California, teachers who are members from various state unions, university students, some employees, retired individuals as well some car organizations in the state.

Birthday Passes Started in 2009 - Disneyland has offered a special discount for birthday celebrants. To get this discount claim it at the front gate and be sure to bring a valid ID. Unfortunately, this pass is only given to the celebrant and valid only for that day. Military Passes For soldiers in the military, whether in active duty, National Guard, Reserve, DOD or retired, Disneyland also offers special discounts depending on the time of the year. This requires presenting their military ID at the gate.

Travel Agency Discount - ARES, a travel agency of good reputation offers discounted tickets on its website which can be purchased and used for admission into Disneyland. Do research and inquire about other local travel agencies on whether they offer discounts on other amusement parks or tourist spots.

Foreigner discount - Residents from the United Kingdom can avail of discounts from Theme Park Direct. UK residents intending to purchase must take caution and compare conversion rates before buying.

Being aware of these options will hopefully make planning the trip to Disneyland a less stressful and burdensome task.

Copyright (c) 2009 Sherry Tingley

Norway at Walt Disney World is History, an Authentic Menu to Enjoy and Simply a Very Nice Visit

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Welcome to Norway, some say the home of the real discoverer's of the Americas, by the Viking son of Eric the Red, Leif Ericsson, nearly a half a millennium before Christopher Columbus. The Norway at Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida that is, found in the World Showcase at Epcot.

Just traverse the bridge between Future World and World Showcase, take a left and just up the road between Mexico and China and discover Norway. [And remember kids, when you're in geography class don't refer to a Disney map for your test answers.] Take a pathway into Den pittoreske landsbyen og bytorget i Norge. [Hopefully these translations are correct from Google Translate).

The culture, history and art the Scandinavian people is very evident here. There are much art and particularly sculpture not to mention the authentic architectural building design. There is music and food and gifts and a lot of trolls of all sizes and shapes. And although Norway is a more recent addition to the Epcot World Showcase in 1988, it hasn't changed much at all; but a beautiful location to spend time in.

So what do we have here to see and do? The most action is in the Maelstrom, a dark ride something akin to Pirates of the Caribbean in its design; but actually a little more exciting because you move backwards for a while and drop just a bit. But this is anything but a thrill ride so the entire family can participate. Some say that little kids might be a fearful of the trolls that populate the darker areas of this boat ride, but maybe not; and this is not one of these rides your teens will seek out, but many enjoy it.

Accompanying Maelstrom at its conclusion is the Spirit of Norway film. Both the ride and the film are under 10 minutes, so it is not a long experience. And if you've seen the film once since the attraction opened, it hasn't changed. You can bypass it, but why not watch it again; maybe you missed something.

The buffet here is very popular, so Advanced Dining Reservations are essential. The Akershus Royal Banquet Hall hot and cold (koldtbord) buffet is the home of Princess Storybook Dining. Akershus is a replicated castle building from Oslo, and has American food for breakfast and authentic Norwegian cuisine for lunch and dinner. The banquet hall is very decorative and intended to be regal since this is where the Disney Princesses will make their rounds from table to table for autographs, pictures and hugs. Among the characters that may be found here are Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Mary Poppins and Ariel. Please make reservations in advance, even 180 days prior to your vacation, by calling (407) WDW-DINE.

You should download the menus from several Disney fan sites, to read about rotating lunch entrees such as Akershus Salmon Burger, Traditional Kjottkake (Ground Beef and Pork Dumplings served with Mashed Potatoes, seasonal Vegetables, and Lingonberry Sauce) and Grilled Venison Sausage Sandwich. Then rotating dinner items include Mustard-glazed Seared Salmon, Citrus-marinated Mahi Mahi plus many lunch items repeated.

The native wines are also very attractive, but for many it's the desserts. You can have Sweet and Savory Chocolate Mousse, Traditional Rice Cream topped with Strawberry Sauce, Flaky Puff Pastry filled with Mascarpone Mousse topped with fresh Berries; or take a walk over to the Norway bakery, Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe. Children's menu choices include pizza, pasta, hot dogs and grilled chicken. There is a mix of family style, buffet but also a la cart items.

Then there is the Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, a wonderful bakery for fresh baked native pastries. And for souvenir shopping, there is The Puffin's Roost with Norwegian books, fragrances, candy, hand-knit woolens, trolls, glass, porcelain, pewter, toys and more.

The Stave Church is with the Norway pavilion, with statues, paintings and artifacts is styled after Gol Church of Hallingdal, built around 1250 A.D. Yes, you can go in. But some people stand outside just looking at this wonderful structure, and then move on instead of going in. Here you will find the "Vikings: Conquerors of the Seas," a collection of authentic Norse weapons and artifacts.

Nyt opplevelsen av et besøk til Norge (check that Google translate).

Disneyland Tickets For Free - Strategies to Help You Get Them

It seems that every family has a vow to visit Disneyland at least once in their lifetime, not only because of its reputation, but also because the kids want to. Every kid wants to experience magic, and Disneyland is one of the best places to let them experience that. The only problem for some people is the expenses that go with visiting a theme park. But what if you can get Disneyland tickets for free? Here are some little-known ways that you can try to get them.

1. Celebrate your birthday at Disneyland - Anyone who wishes to visit Disneyland on their birthday can get in for free. All you have to do is bring a valid ID showing your birth date and they will let you in quickly. One less admission ticket to worry about is a pretty good deal already, and it would be awesome if you share the same birthday with friends. You can really get a kick out of the Disneyland tickets for free.

2. Participate in programs - Once or a few times a year, Disneyland offers some kind of deal which you can take and let you in the theme park for free. One example of this deal is the Give a Day, Get a Disney Day volunteer program. Basically, all you have to do is be a volunteer for a day and get a free day to visit Disneyland or five other theme parks. There are various agencies that you can volunteer for, but first you have to register online to join this program.

3. Befriend someone who works at Disneyland - If you know a friend or relative who works in Disneyland, you might have a chance to get free tickets because of them. They usually get complimentary tickets every year that they can let other people use, so if your brother is working at Disneyland, maybe it's time to be extra nicer to him to get Disneyland tickets for free.

If you really want to get Disneyland tickets for free, these three ways are the most effective. Free tickets are actually very scarce, otherwise everybody would be getting in for free and Disneyland would go bankrupt within a few years, so when you find something that could potentially work for you, make sure it really does.

Book Your Disneyland Hotels And Reconnect With Your Childhood Again

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Disney is a huge part of people's lives, so there is nothing better than reliving some of your youth from time to time. So don't settle for the bare necessities and book a trip to Disneyland Paris today. This is part of the reason why it has remained so popular with every generation that comes. There is nothing more magical for a child than a visit to Disneyland Paris, but grown ups can enjoy it just as much too. Book a stay in Disneyland hotels and see for yourself!

Make this a magic Christmas for your loved one with a stay at Disneyland. There are facilities and events all designed for adults, and they aren't difficult to find. Here is a guide of our favourite things to do and places to stay for adults in the Magic Kingdom:

You will think it's a whole new world when you get there. If you only arrive in time for the evening, enjoy a magical evening out at the Manhattan Cocktail Bar and dinner for two at the Blue Lagoon restaurant. You can then take a blissful boat or hydrobike ride on the Disney Lake. You will even be able to choose from a pedal boat or an electric one.

Book a stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel, where you can enjoy a secluded haven from the park and still just be minutes away. It is one of the most luxurious Paris hotels around, set in a complex just minutes away from one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe. It is the perfect place to relax before setting off to the Disneyland park. A stay at this hotel also means you are just minutes away from the Paris City Centre via a direct train from the airport to the Disneyland Paris train station. Then form the station to the Hotel, there is a free Radisson Shuttle which will take you right into the heart of the city.

You wont know which part of Disneyland to start in when you get there. There is the main Disneyland Park, the Disneyland hotels and the newest addition, Walt Disney Studios Park.

Discover the Cinémagique behind the most famous Disney and Pixar movies as you step through the silver screen into a dreamland. What could be more romantic than to be plunged into 100 years of film-making.  For lovers, it's the perfect get away from it all.

It's not all rides and shops though, as there are theatre productions of some of Disney's most famous stories taking place throughout the day. Book tickets to The Legend of The Lion King, a roaring experience to experience together of one of Disney's greatest stories. After the show, you can relive your youth with the nightly parade and meet n' greet with all of your favourite Disney characters.

End your holiday with a trip to the fantastic Disney-themed shopping precinct. Experience a fairytale shopping at Main Street U.S.A. or Disney Village, were you can pick up some souvenirs of this magical trip into the land of fantasy and wonder.

Walt Disney's Influence Can Still Be Seen in the Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney was one of the most talented men to ever walk this earth. He devoted his life to entertaining whole families. His last project was Walt Disney World and specifically the Magic Kingdom. He died before his last and best project was completed, but his hand can be clearly seen all over the park today.

Uncle Walt started planning for Disney World in the late 50's and 60's. He used the 1964 World's Fair as a testing ground for several new rides and to see if East Coast audiences would respond to his type of entertainment. Needless to say the fair was a huge success, especially for Uncle Walt. He immediately went to work on the "Florida Project" but died before it opened.

Uncle Walt's stamp still looms large over the Magic Kingdom, the original part of the "Florida Project". To see just how big an influence Uncle Walt still is, here's a list of the current rides that Uncle Walt had a hand in.

On Main Street USA -

The Monorail - Part of Uncle Walt's infatuation with transportation. Uncle Walt thought it would be the future of mass transit.
Walt Disney World Railroad - Uncle Walt loved trains. He had a steam engine and a half mile track in his back yard.
All the buildings on Main Street - these are modeled after Walt's hometown of Marceline Missouri.

Cinderella Castle - This was one of Walt's greatest inspirations. Walt wanted a central gathering place easily accessible from any area of the park. The Magic Kingdom is still the easiest theme park to navigate because of the paths leading to Cinderella Castle.

In Fantasyland -

Cinderella's Golden Carousel - This was part of the park when it opened. Uncle Walt's dream was to build a clean place where families could enjoy time together.
Dumbo - What genius. Take a hokey state fair ride and give it a little character (or a big character in this case) and you have one of the most loved rides anywhere.
The Mad Tea Party - Another amusement park ride that Uncle Walt made special.
It's a Small World - This ride was built for the World's Fair. It was the first ride to transport people by boat through a ride.

In Liberty Square -

The Hall of Presidents was one of the last projects Uncle Walt worked on. At the World's Fair Mr. Lincoln was the first audio-animatronic figure to ever be displayed.
Tom Sawyer Island is another of Walt's ideas. Give kids a place to just romp and play. What a concept in the middle of a theme park.
Haunted Mansion - A Walt Disney original. It was way ahead of it's time. The attraction opened in 1971 with a head in glass, dancing ghosts, and a million other spooks.

In Frontierland -

Country Bear Jamboree - Another of the audio-animatronics wonders that Uncle Walt created. It still wows audiences today.
Frontier Shootin' Gallery - Another cheap carnival side show that Uncle Walt dressed up into a not to be missed attraction.

In Adventureland -

Jungle Cruise - A copy of the Disneyland ride with a few extras.
Pirates of the Caribbean - This opened a couple of years later, but it was one of Walt's projects.
Swiss Family Treehouse - Take the set of the movie and let people walk through it. What a novel idea.
Enchanted Tiki Room or "Tropical Serenade" - This is still the same basic show that Uncle Walt designed, although some new touches have been added.

In Tomorrowland -

Space Mountain - Take a fairly tame roller coaster, put a building around it and turn off the lights. What do you have? One of the best rides ever invented.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority or WEDway People Mover - Uncle Walt thought this and the monorail would be the transportation of the future. We're just now testing his ideas in high-speed trains. He was just slightly ahead of his time.
Tomorrowland Speedway - These little cars were part of the original design. They still putt-putt around today.
Carousel of Progress - It debuted at the Worlds Fair to long lines and adoring fans. The past, the present and the future all in one place. It's getting a little old, but it's still a classic.

Uncle Walt died almost 40 years ago, but his hand still guides the Magic Kingdom. What an incredible man.

Reliving The Dream At Disneyland

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I'm a 34 year old father of one who grew up in Southern California. When I was a child, it wasn't uncommon for me and my family to visit Disneyland at least three times a year. When I became a teenager, Disneyland no longer interested me because the things that seemed so large in my imagination appeared a lot smaller in actual appearance. You could say that, for me, the magic of the Magic Kingdom had gone. Now, through the eyes of my daughter, a recent trip to Disneyland has rekindled many of the fond feelings I once had as a child about the Happiest Place on Earth.

Several things have changed about Disneyland over the years. However, the one thing that remains constant is the look of wonder in a child's face when they walk through the entrance and into Main Street for the very first time. The biggest change is what was once just known as Disneyland, is now known as the Disneyland Resort featuring four hotels, the Downtown Disney District, Disney's California Adventure, and Disneyland Park. Our day was spent in Disneyland Park after a half-hour parking excursion that was a bit of a challenge and the only blemish on our visit.

The best way to navigate Disneyland Park and to avoid the crowds is to hit the E-Ticket rides (and old Disneyland term) like Space Mountain, Star Tours, the Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Big Thunder Mountain, first. Then, work your way around the park and see some of the other biggies like the Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, and Splash Mountain. Later on in the day, when all the other kiddies are tired, make your way into Fantasyland and ride the childhood favorites like Dumbo, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Peter Pan's Flight, and the Mad Tea Party (the Teacups). This tactic works just as well today as it has in years past and contributes to an even better time to be had. Another option is to take advantage of the Fast-Pass which is available on some of the rides. The Fast-Pass is basically a ticket that allows you to visit the attraction at a later, specified time, and skip to the front of the line.

My daughter loved every minute of our visit, but was especially thrilled by two particular rides. Her first favorite was Space Mountain, now known as Rockin' Space Mountain. The added features of this ride are the speakers inside the train that pump out rock music in-sync with your high speed journey though outer space. My daughter's other favorite was The Pirates of the Caribbean. The most fascinating thing about the Pirates is that it has become a ride based on a movie, based on the ride. The addition of Captain Jack Sparrow adds a fun, where's Waldo element without detracting from ride's original charm. I hate to admit this, but I had the most fun on the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. This interactive ride allows you to compete with your friends and family in a laser shootout through a dazzling light show of creepy aliens and the Evil Emperor Zurg. My final score was enough to beat my daughter handily. She is, however, only five years old.

Disneyland has always excelled at creating a fun, family atmosphere despite the large crowds that come through their gates 365 days a year. You'll never find a piece of trash on the ground and the employees have mastered the art of keeping the lines moving so everyone can enjoy their rides. The availability of all of the favorite Disney characters allows for photo opportunities that you can't get anywhere else. This magical day was one that my daughter and I won't soon forget because we intend on starting our own family tradition of visiting Disneyland Park at least once a year.

Disneyland Wonders - Disney Quest and Disney Base Tickets

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Disney Quest impeccably defines the definition of indoor them park. This arcade of five story building of Orlando, Florida is the well known high- tech video game zone for all ages. People find very interesting with this 3D experience which includes all the creations of Video Game industry. The creators of Disney are responsible for such entertainments.

Including different zones of entertainment, Disney Quest has also dinning venues. You will find such innovations in Disney Quest which are ahead of their time. Buy Disney Quest Tickets to experience its rides like Pirates of the Caribbean which shows the fighting of Skeletons of pirates in quest of treasure. Have the virtual reality experience of sea quest with the pirates.

Other than that Animation Academy is there where you can learn how to draw the Disney Characters like Mickey Mouse and others. Buzz Lightyear's Astroblaster and Cyber Space Mountain is also there.

Food Quest is the perfect place for those who love pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, pastas, salads, wraps and hotdogs. However, the Wonderland Cafe is also nice place to have desserts and coffee which is supplied by the Cheesecake Factory.

Disney Base Tickets bring your way the collection of four theme parks tickets of Walt Disney World Resort. First of all select the number of days you are going to see the parks then buy the base tickets accordingly. The Base tickets have some limitations like its validity is over after 14 days of first use. And one has to visit per day at one of the four theme parks. Simply you can say is a whole day in a single park and there is no park hopping process in Base tickets.

Disney World Tickets are available online and it can be availed at discounted rates. Do have your vacation at Orlando Florida to explore the greatness of Disneyland. The wonders of Disneyland are worthwhile for all ages of people and it can be visited at any time of the year.

Disneyland, CA: How to Reduce Stress and Save Time and Money Before Your Arrive

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When planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort in California, there are things that you can do to save time and money before you ever set foot in either theme park. The following tips will allow you to have a more relaxed trip while at the same time, saving you money and minimizing your travel time to the theme parks.

One of the first steps is to book a hotel that is within a short walking distance from the Disneyland Resort. During your visit to Disneyland this will save you both time and money. It will save you money because you won't have to pay Disney's parking fees to park your car. Also, you will be able to easily walk back to your hotel to take a break and to eat lunch or dinner outside of the theme parks. Food and drinks at the theme parks can be very expensive. (Plus, taking a break midday will allow everyone to rest and recharge for a return visit to the theme parks later in the day). It will save you time because you will not have to wait for a shuttle bus either at the beginning of your day or at the end of your day. Shuttle buses and transportation from some of the area hotels can be extremely slow and crowded. Staying closer to the Disneyland Resort will allow you to sleep in longer. If you stay until park closing, you will probably be back at your hotel and in bed before some people have even boarded their shuttle! It can be confusing when trying to decipher which hotels are truly within a short walking distance from Disneyland. Some of the hotels that are within a 5 to 10 minute walk from the theme parks include: Best Western Park Place Inn, Howard Johnson Hotel, Tropicana Inn, Ramada Inn Maingate, Fairfield Inn Anaheim, Best Western Anaheim Inn, Candy Cane Inn, Carousel Inn and Suites, Anaheim Quality Inn and Suites, Anaheim Camelot Inn and Suites, Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier Hotel and the Grand Californian Hotel.

The next step to consider is what airport to fly in to. The two closest airports to the Disneyland Resort are John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA) and Long Beach Airport (LGB). SNA is approximately 20 minutes and a distance of 13 miles from the resort. LGB is about a 30 minute drive and 18 miles to Disneyland. Compare this to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) which is about 35 miles away and around an hours' drive from the Anaheim theme parks. In addition, the John Wayne and Long Beach airports are much smaller and easier to get around. If you check both airports far enough in advance, you may find some airline ticket prices that are as cheap as flying into LAX, without all of the hassle.

If you are only visiting the Disneyland Resort while in the Anaheim area, consider taking a taxi or some form of private transportation (I.e. a town car or van service where the driver meets you at the baggage carousel holding a sign with your name), instead of renting a car. This will definitely save you time, as you will not have to go through all of the measures to rent a car before leaving the airport. You will have to make a reservation for the private transportation service in advance, but if you want to take a taxi, you will find many taxis available right outside the doors of the airport. Taking one of these two forms of ground transportation will save you money, as the round trip cost is not as expensive as renting a car. It will also save you the cost of parking a car at the hotel and at the Disneyland theme parks. Plus, you can relax while someone else handles your luggage, does the driving for you and delivers you right to the hotel entrance.

With a little advance planning, you can arrive at the Disneyland Resort with less stress and more time to enjoy the theme parks as well as with more money in your pocket!

Secrets of Disney World Planning

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There are so many people who go on a holiday, instead of being rejuvenated, they end up totally spent physically, as well as financially, after a vacation. To avoid such an ironic situation, experienced travel advisors suggest that those going on vacation trip should have a well-laid out plan, particularly if it is a Walt Disney World vacation to Orlando, Florida, where there are so many attractions that could muddle up an unplanned itinerary. There are travel experts who can help out tourists in their Disney World planning, but it is also useful to have some basic knowledge on what a travel plan to this famous Orlando destination would involve in order to come out with the perfect vacation.

A prerequisite to a well-thought Disney World trip planning is deciding on when is the best time for the visitors to go. The ideal time is when the weather in Orlando is moderate and when visitors at this place are expected to be low. These particular times are usually during January and early February. Timing your stay at Disney World Resort with special events organized at the Walt Disney Company would also appeal to some visitors. In April and May, for instance, Epcot has its Flower and Garden Festival, while a Food and Wine Festival is also held there in October and December. Holidays Around the World is likewise an attraction at Disney Park for December.

For tourists' preparing their tour to there is likewise first necessary to decide on the accommodations to take for the duration of the visit. Visitors have the choice from the 25 resort hotels at the park, with rates that are suited to varying tourist budgets. Staying in any of these onsite hotels would be of some advantage like free transport to the park. A visitor can opt for less expensive accommodations outside the park but has to spend for transportation to the theme park.

Another important decision to make in their planning by vacationing tourists is the type of passes to purchase in order to gain entry to the park attractions. A travel agent experienced in Walt Disney tours would be most helpful in making an educated choice. There are so many Disney passports and combinations to chose from which should be tailor-fit to a tourist's itinerary. There are one-day, one-park tickets. Also available is a premium annual pass that will enable access to Pleasure Island and all the theme parks and water parks. This particular pass is most suitable to those who want to repeat their visit in a year. Discounts on accommodations are also sometimes offered to holders of annual Disney passes.

Transportation arrangements are another important component to a well-conceived trip planning guide for a memorable vacation. A good travel agent can be consulted for the bargain air fares for those who intend to fly to Orlando. Tourists who would rely on ground transportation to the park should decide whether renting a car would be better than bringing in an owner-driven vehicle.

With all these major Disney World planning from trip timing to accommodations, tickets to transportation, all ironed out with the advice of a competent travel agent, your trip to there should be a most memorable and relaxing one.