How Disneyland Got Started

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In the early 1940's, children began asking to see where Mickey Mouse and Snow White lived. Walt Disney thought of building a character display beside the studio since he figured that watching people making cartoons was boring. He came up with a vision of a place where children and their parents could have fun together; a "magical park"

To help him in designing the park. Walt Disney looked to his movie studio staff for the answers. They decided there would be five different lands; Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. Walt Disney planned out every detail of all these lands.

Disney wanted to recreate the typical turn of the century city in "Main Street USA". It was planned to bring back happy memories or turn back time to the days when our grandfathers were young. It was also intended to be something to beckon visitors to "walk this way" to get to the rest of the park.

Adventureland was planned as an "exotic tropical place" in a "far-off region of the world". It was supposed to be experienced as "far from civilization, in the remote jungles of Asia and Africa."

Frontierland was designed to help visitors relive the pioneer days of the American frontier. Walt Disney envisioned adventures that "give you the feeling of having lived, even for a short while, during our country's pioneer days"

Fantasyland was pictured as a way for classic stories like Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland to become realities for children of all ages to participate in. There would be a large Sleeping Beauty Castle and a Fantasy Village.

Tomorrowland was pictured as a look at the "marvels of the future". It was designed to give visitors "an opportunity to participate in adventures that are a living blueprint of our future". Walt Disney had trouble working on Tomorrowland, and pointed out that "right when we do Tomorrowland, it will be out dated."

Walt Disney once said "I could never convince the financiers that Disneyland was feasible, because dreams offer too little collateral." He borrowed against his life insurance and sold his second house just to develop his idea adequately. ABC-TV helped with financing by guaranteeing a $6 million loan in exchange for part ownership and Disney's commitment to produce a weekly television show called "Walt Disney's Disneyland" that would offer a glimpse of the future Disneyland; thus bringing the idea into reality for it's viewers.

He needed a place to put Disneyland, as the City of Burbank denied a request to build a site near his studio. In 1953, he recruited the Stanford Research Institute to survey a 100 acre site that was affordable, near Los Angeles, and accessible by freeway. He finally chose a 160 acre site in Anaheim, and the construction of Disneyland was started in 1954.

He looked to his movie studio staff for answers to the inevitable questions like "How do you make believable wild animals that aren't real?"; but if Walt Disney didn't like what his studio designers came up with, he'd do it himself. He stayed close to every detail of the construction and visited the site several times a week. There were several obstacles, such as a river that refused to hold water in the sandy soil and required a bed of native clay, and the staff worked around the clock to get ready for opening day.

Opening day was a disaster, in that the temperatures were 110 degrees, and due to a plumber's strike, no drinking fountains were available. There was a gas leak in Fantasyland. More than 28,000 ticket holders arrived, most of them with counterfeit tickets; where only 6,000 had been expected. There was a 7 mile freeway backup and attractions broke down under the enormous number of guests. Most reviewers decided the park was over-priced and poorly managed, and didn't expect it to last long.

Walt Disney subsequently decided to limit attendance to 20,000 quests per day to avoid overcrowding. Within seven weeks, there were one million visitors, and within 10 years, there had been 50 million visitors to Disneyland. He decided to charge $1.00 admission ($6.70 in 2005 dollars) to get through the gate and see three free attractions in four themed lands. Individual tickets for the 18 rides cost 10 to 35 cents each.

Walt Disney once said that "Disneyland will never be completed as long as there is imagination left in the world" and within a year attractions are opening, closing and changing, as they are still doing today.

Disneyland was, and continues to be, an enormous success, and the inspiration for all theme parks that followed it. It took a tremendous vision, unstoppable determination, and careful attention to every detail to create such an unprecedented and exceptional theme park. It is unfortunate that Disney didn't live long enough to see just how successful it was; a fitting legacy for a man whose name is legendary in entertainment.

2008 Disney Dining Plan Details Revealed!

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Details of the 2008 Disney Dining Plan for Walt Disney World have recently been released. The Dining Plan will cost $37.99/day for those aged 10 and above and $9.99/day for children ages 3-9 (which is a dollar less per day than the 2007 plan.) The DELUXE Dining Plan will cost $69.99 for those aged 10 and above and $19.99 for children ages 3-9.

For the regular Dining Plan in 2008 you'll receive the following:

2 Meals Per Day: For the regular Dining Plan you'll receive one table service meal and one quick service meal each day of your stay.


1 Snack Per Day: In addition to the 2 meals you'll also receive 1 snack every day. A snack includes one of the following: frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle, fruit bar, popcorn scoop (single serving box), single serving grab bag of chips, single piece of whole fruit, 20-oz. bottle of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite or Dasani water, medium fountain soft drink or juice, 12-oz. coffee, hot chocolate or hot tea.

Here are some of the key differences between the 2007 and 2008 REGULAR Dining Plans:

Gratuity No Longer Included: Beginning in 2008, the Disney Dining Plan will no longer include gratuity (tips.) This means you'll need to bring some cash along with you to leave a tip for your table service meals. For parties of 6 or more people an 18% gratuity will be added to your check automatically.


Appetizers No Longer Included with Table Service Meals: In 2008 the table service meal will only include an entree, non-alcoholic beverage and dessert (or full buffet meal if applicable.) This is different from 2007 where you received an appetizer with your meal as well.


Wine and Dine Option: For an extra $39.99/day you can add a daily bottle of wine to your package.

Disney has also added a new dining plan for 2007 called the DELUXE Dining Plan. This is a more flexible (and more expensive) option for diners where you'll receive the following:

3 Meals: On the new Deluxe Dining Plan in 2008 you'll receive 3 meals each day of your stay. The 3 meals can be any combination of sit down or counter service so you have the choice of eating at any Disney restaurant on the list. If you choose a table service meal that will include one appetizer, one entree, one dessert (lunch and dinner only) and one non-alcoholic beverage OR one Full Buffet. If you choose a counter service meal that will include one entree (or complete combo meal), one dessert (lunch or dinner only), one juice (breakfast only) and one non-alcoholic beverage.


2 Snacks: In addition to the 3 meals you'll also receive 2 snacks every day. A snack includes one of the following: frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle, fruit bar, popcorn scoop (single serving box), single serving grab bag of chips, single piece of whole fruit, 20-oz. bottle of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite or Dasani water, medium fountain soft drink or juice, 12-oz. coffee, hot chocolate or hot tea.


Wine and Dine Option: For an extra $39.99/day you can add a daily bottle of wine to your package.

For the DELUXE Dining Plan the same rules will apply as the regular plan when it comes to gratuity. It's not included.

On the surface my initial reaction is that I'm not really happy with the changes in the regular Dining Plan. With the loss of the appetizer on the table service meal and the added expense of paying for gratuity out of my pocket it starts to make more sense to pay-as-you-go. And when it comes to the DELUXE Dining Plan it just seems like a lot of money on a daily basis unless you plan on eating at a lot of table service restaurants. That option could be the better option however I'll have to play with the numbers a bit more to see what is the best way to go so look for future articles regarding this subject. No matter what you're still in for a thrill the next time you dine in Disney so have fun!

London's Famous Portobello Road Market

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The famous Portobello Road Market, with its antiques and flea market treasures, takes place through out the week with stalls open Monday through Friday. However, Saturday is its most famous day when the market is at its best creating the excitement that attracts tourists and Londoners alike.

With all the usual shops and stalls open and the countless weekend dealers added to the fray, even street performers, all help create the brilliant atmosphere for which the Market is most famous. Located in the heart of Notting Hill, the Portobello Road Market stretches, depending on what is included, for around one and a half kilometres (about a mile).

Originally, it was a farm area named in memory of Admiral Vernon after the Caribbean town of Puerto Bello, which he captured in 1739. Beginning as a fresh-food market in the 1800s, antiques dealers in the 1950s arrived and the Portobello Road Market became, and remains, world famous for its antiques.

Since then the area has been built up with houses, shop fronts, and the growing street market. Now the Market is perhaps equally famous for its stalls offering everything imaginable. There is bric-a-brac, fruit, bread, posters, second hand clothes, ceramics, and music. However, visitors still come from around the world to find the most extensive selection of antiques in Britain.

Multicolored buildings, storefronts, restaurants, pubs and the variety of communities inhabiting the street and the district contribute to the energetic atmosphere. On Saturday, Portobello Road Market's shops and over 2000 stalls offer an extraordinary variety of goods. For the hardy and patient, there are some fantastic bargains. Prices range from a few pounds for second hand clothing to several thousands for an authenticated antique.

You will join thousands of people just milling around, browsing the stalls and shops, or buying those irresistible bargains. Add the street performers to the mix and on a crowded Saturday afternoon walking from end to end will take the morning and beyond. Fortunately, with the hot food stalls, restaurants, and pubs the Portobello Road Market truly provides a place to shop, eat, and shop some more.

Things You Must See, Do and Taste in Disneyland

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The bags are packed, your airline tickets are in hand and your children are bouncing off of the walls. That can only mean one thing...it must be time to go to Disneyland! Planning a Disney vacation can be thrilling, exciting and exhausting if you do not plan well in advanced. Being well prepared for your days at the Happiest Place on Earth is the key to making sure that you and your family has the very best vacation to Disneyland.

If you have small children, consider having your accommodations as close to the park as possible. Spending the entire day in Disneyland is sure to be exhausting for young children and add a long trek back to your hotel room after a tiring day can be overwhelming to some children and parents. Many hotels offer shuttle services to and from the park, but they work on a first come, first served basis, so if you will be waiting for a very long time if you stay until the park closes. There are many hotels within a short walking distance that you can consider. The Portofino Inn and Suites, The Park Place Inn and the Annabella Hotel are three accommodations that are close to the park. If your hotel is a bit farther out requiring a shuttle for transportation, leave the park a bit before it closes to avoid the end of the day crowd trying to rush onto the shuttles.

The Disney dining experience is a fun one to have. Each area in the park tries to have restaurants that accompany the flavor or theme of the certain "land" that it is in. Critter Country hosts the delicious Hungry Bear restaurant, complete with huge roast turkey legs, roasted corn and juicy hamburgers. Adventure Land has a tasty jungle hut that sells teriyaki chicken kabobs and pineapple on a stick. Save your appetite one night, however, for a dinner at the Blue Bayou Restaurant in the New Orleans Square section of the park. This restaurant is truly an experience. Set right inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, you truly feel as though you are dining in another time and dimension of old New Orleans. The menu features Creole delicacies like Jambalaya and Gumbo (as well as kid friendly meals). The food is quite tasty, but the experience is even better. Be sure to make reservations well in advance for this restaurant.

Pacing yourself during your visit is the way to planning your Disney vacation right. Take your time walking through Disneyland and enjoying the sites all around you. Get some great photos of your family with some Disney characters or in front of the infamous Sleeping Beauty's Castle. If you get tired, take a few hours to go back to your hotel room for a swim, a nap or just a little time to relax in the peace and quiet of your room. Your Disneyland vacation will be perfectly lovely and perfectly exhausting in the best possible way!

Disneyland Vacations - Have a Family Reunion at Disneyland

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Simply put, everyone loved Disneyland. Imagine having your next reunion in the Magic Kingdom. Well you can have your cake and eat it too by having your reunion at the wonderful world of Disney. And arranging it is easy to boot.

You can begin your family reunion planning by contacting the helpful staff at the Disney Vacation Planning department. They will take care of arranging entrance tickets and reserving rooms at Disney properties. Family reunion members can often get discounted tickets as it is considered a bulk purchase.

The Happiest Place on Earth Picnic is a necessary service so you may take care of all your family reunion participants. It includes Disneyland entry for your entire family and is offered throughout the year. You also are offered several options for a fully catered meal during your family get together. For mid sized reunions, up to 300 people, Disney's Big Thunder Ranch is recommended. For larger groups, up to 1000, your family reunion will most likely be held at Disney's Festival Arena.

For smaller reunions, up to 100 people, you will not qualify for Disney's special catering program. However, this policy is regulated on a case by case basis. You should consult a Disney representative about your particular situation. Keep in mind that if Disney's catering program is not applicable to your situation, there are plenty of great themed restaurants where you can arrange dining for your event.

By booking a block of rooms and planning your event during the off season, you may be able to obtain a significant discount on rooms for your reunion members. This same discount may apply to airline tickets to Disneyland, if purchased well in advance.

It is recommended that you use Disney's Planning Services as much as possible for arranging details pertaining to Disneyland. However, your travel agent may be of great assistance in organizing the particulars that are not Disney related.

Family reunions take much effort and work in the planning stages, however, the results will leave lasting memories forever. contact the Disney Planning Department and discover what options are available to make your reunion a truly unforgettable experience.

Luxury Breaks and Luxury Treats to Be Had on the Isle of Wight

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If you're planning on going to the Isle of Wight, there are great choices for things to do on your holiday there. The natural beauty of the area cannot be ignored. The miles and miles of unspoiled views and the coastline are some of the best out there, and people love to just come and have a look at everything that nature has done on the Isle of Wight.

There are other things, though, that you can do while you're there if you don't feel that being with nature is enough pampering. Spa treatments are a good choice for many people to help them relax on their holiday and feel rejuvenated by the time they have to go home again. You can get these spa treatments at many fine hotels, although they generally cost extra. Most people think that they are well worth the cost because they are so enjoyable and relaxing. They are a great way to feel pampered while you're enjoying your time away from work and the stresses of everyday life. Many people also play tennis, card games, squash, or use the gym. Indoor pools are popular for pampering, too. The possibilities are almost endless, and they come down to what you enjoy most on your Isle of Wight holiday.

You can also visit a steam room or sauna, enjoy gourmet meals, and stay in a luxury hotel. Shanklin has much to offer in that respect, and you'll always feel like you're being pampered there.

Luxury is important to a lot of people, and that's true whether they are interested in a five-star hotel or a self-catering cottage. They still want their accommodations to be nice and to reflect high quality at a good price. These are the kinds of things that you can get on the Isle of Wight year-round.

However, if you're really looking to pamper yourself as much as possible for the lowest price, you might want to book well in advance and go during the off season. There will be fewer people, and those who provide the services you'll be looking for will often be offering discounts because they are low on clients during that time. You can get better rates on lodging and stay in finer hotels than you would otherwise be able to, so it's worth looking into going at a time of year when not everyone else will be taking their holidays.

If you are like many other people are looking for a piece of luxury in one of the best Shanklin Hotels then do your research before you book to avoid disappointment.

Find the Cheapest Hotel Rates Near Disneyland

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Vacation trips do not necessarily be expensive. Accommodations also do not have to be costly to enjoy luxurious and comfortable place to stay. Price concerns should not be a hindrance to visit and take pleasure in Disneyland. There are a lot of packages where one can enjoy in group. Travelling around in pack can surely make you save money than going solo or in two. Some hotels are now into tour packages that offer big discounts and provide itinerary plan and tour guides.

On the other hand, should you want to be spontaneous with your trips, it is easy to plot and organize your own trip. The whole planning could be a lot of fun for your whole family or group of friends.

Two major concerns are transportation and accommodation. Arranging your transportation is easy. You just need to book and buy your tickets. Nest is your accommodation. You can surely find the cheapest hotels rates near Disneyland. Cheap hotels do not mean the hotel services are incompetent and the facilities are poor. There are hotels around Disneyland that offer deluxe services at affordable prices.

How do you find these hotels? You can explore this information in the internet. You can use the cheapest hotels rates near Disneyland as keywords in the search box. In 0.25 seconds or less than a minute you get information about cheapest hotels rates. You leaf through the results and skim info that you need. You can find also sponsored links on the sites related to the keywords that you were looking for. Some of the links give you ideas of hotels that offer big discounts like saving 75%. Make sure that you read carefully the ad or you will end paying more rather than saving more.

Buy Cheap Disneyland Tickets After You Read This

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If you want to go to Disneyland then you will want to read this article because you'll know exactly what awaits you and I also have a surprise that you are really looking for. Ill give you a hint....cheap Disneyland tickets.

To start let's take a look at all of the characters you and your family will run into after you grab some cheap Disneyland tickets.

Princess Fantasy Faire
Goofy, Pluto and Pals
Mickey's House and Mickey & Minnie Mouse
Tinker Bell & Her Fairy Friends
Winnie the Pooh & Friends

These are the rides that your child or children will definitely want to drag you on, remember....it's just a ride!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Indiana Jones(TM) Adventure
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Star Tours

These are the more...casual amusements, if that even counts!

Autopia, presented by Chevron
Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes
Frontierland Shootin' Exposition
Mad Tea Party
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
Starcade
Tarzan's Treehouse(TM)

After finishing up your tea party maybe you'll want to take the family to some of the family events and amusements they have.

Astro Orbitor
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Enchanted Tiki Room, presented by Dole®
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Gadget's Go Coaster, presented by Sparkle®
Haunted Mansion
"Honey, I Shrunk the Audience,"
Jungle Cruise
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Pirates of the Caribbean
Snow White's Scary Adventures

Ladies and gentleman if you're looking for a fun time with some theatre & acting with live stunts. Those are definitely the places to be. Personally I always liked the Western's but I also didn't have the advantage of growing up with Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow! I will recommend these 100% for the best time possible!

GET CHEAP DISNEYLAND TICKETS [http://www.healthy-life-reports.com]

All of this would usually cost you an arm and a leg, luckily I found a deal that will make your tickets, cheap Disneyland tickets!

Los Angeles

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LOS ANGELES a metropolis, which spans across a thousand square miles of the great desert basin, mixed together with congested freeways that run between the ocean and the mountains.

LA is still considered a young city. In the mid-nineteenth century, it was a community of white American immigrants, poor Chinese laborers, and wealthy Mexican ranchers, with a population of less than fifty thousand. Definitely, a difference from what it is now. LA is known for it shopping malls, palm trees, and swimming pools. The celluloid self-image of Los Angeles is known all over the world.

The first-time visitor to Los Angeles may well find it to be thrilling and threatening in equal proportions. It is a very fast-paced city and it will pick you up and sweep you along whether you want it to or not. While Los Angeles has many fine-art museums, California cuisine and a few old-fashioned urban plazas, what people really come here for is to experience the city that has come to epitomize the American Dream. This is where teens come to try to become actors and stars.

Recommendation for first time visitors is to visit places such as Universal Studios, Mann's Chinese Theatre, Venice Beach Boardwalk, Watt's Towers, Melrose Avenue, Rodeo Drive, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and let us not forget about the amusement parks such as Knott's Berry Farm, Magic Mountain, and Disneyland.

With all the entertainment available in Los Angeles, you are sure to see a Celebrity or two while you are out and about. There are many things to do in LA, how about just hanging out at the beach and relaxing or surfing in the Pacific Ocean. Many things are within driving distance from LA as well.

Check with your local travel agency for excellent packages to the Los Angeles area.

Christmas in Cornwall - Where to Go and What to See

Despite Cornwall's reputation as a summertime destination, year on year the county has become a prime destination for those eager to get away on a short break this Christmas. In terms of accommodation visitors are spoiled for choice as the region is well known for its self-catering cottages and the diversity of Cornwall hotels. Of course, when the festive season does roll around, there are also a great number of events seek out too.

Penzance

Almost as far west as you can get, Penzance benefits from a uniquely provincial location, but in Cornish terms is quite highly populated. Consequently, the town pays host to a popular and well established Christmas event: The Montol Festival. 'Montol' simply means 'winter solstice' and takes place between the 14th and the 22nd of December. The festival sees street parades such as the River of Fire, carol singing, a masked carnival, and the tradition of lighting the 'Mock'.

Truro

Cornwall's capital also sees its fair share of parades and traditional events at Christmas. One of the most significant is the City of Lights Procession, a parade of hundreds of paper lanterns through the city. Upholding its reputation as a shopping destination, the city boasts a number of late night shopping nights, as well as Christmas food and gift markets featuring the best ni local produce and craft throughout the season.

Eden

In order to maintain visitor numbers throughout the winter months, over the last few years The Eden Project has erected a wintry and wondrous ice rink throughout the festive season. As well as still being able to visit the biomes and the sights, visitors can ride the rink, and enjoy a mulled wine in between. The Eden Project is located near St. Blazey and the larger town of St. Austell.

Mousehole

Perhaps the jewel in the crown of Cornish Christmas events occurs in the picturesque village of Mousehole in south Cornwall. The village is famed for its Illuminations that light up the harbour, and December 19th sees these turned off in honour of the Penlee Lifeboat Disaster of 1981 in which eight people died. December 23rd sees the celebration of Tom Bawcock's Eve which sees the consumption of Star Gazy Pie, a party and a lantern procession.

An Absence of Leadership

Recent news features in print and electronic media have noted the record piles of cash being held by non-financial companies. $837 billion, yes billion with a "b," to be exact. The money isn't being spent, invested in research and development or to hire more people.

Two sub-headings in a USA Today article summarized the current business model: "Scared to spend" and "Waiting for the right opportunity." Each one highlights a lack of leadership.

In a recent discussion, one person defended corporate leaders by imploring, "We're going through very challenging times." Yes we are. However, if you're doing what everyone else is doing that's not leadership; that's following the crowd. It's under pressure when people's real values, skills and abilities become apparent.

The Vision Thing

Ask most people what qualities leaders should have, and even people who've never given it a lot of thought, will tell you the "vision thing." That is the ability to pick a destination for the future and lead everyone successfully towards it. Do nothing does not qualify.

Not Scared to Spend

Being involved in business includes risks. Perhaps, no one exemplifies the willingness to spend successfully or ignore waiting for the right opportunity more than Walt Disney.

Disney took a big risk when he created Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. No one, including Disney's wife, thought people would pay to see a long cartoon. It was referred to by doubters as "Disney's Folly."

Developed from 1934 to 1937 during the Depression, Disney ran out of money in the middle of 1937. The film was near enough to completion for the bank to finance its completion. The film went on to become the most successful film of all time (1938) and Disney received a special, honorary Oscar (with seven miniature Oscars) for his innovations.

Disney was willing to invest in his ideas that had the potential to work. He would later once again risk everything when he created Disneyland.

It's Not Easy

Effective leadership is not easy. One corporate client of mine has continued to work on new opportunities. It's very hard work, especially in this economic environment. However, they are convinced they will have the advantage by being already in the marketplace or ready to go to market when the economy gets better.

GE (General Electric), HP (Hewlett-Packard) and Microsoft were all started during recessions. Their founders didn't wait for the "right conditions."

Somewhere right now a new company is being started that will be a household name ten years from now. And somewhere right now is an existing company creating a new product or service that will explode its growth. Is it your company?

Disney's Magic Kingdom Orlando - Seven Secrets You Never Knew

Walt Disney had a dream to create the perfect Disney World. Disney had already built Disneyland in California but wanted to learn from his experiences and create the perfect environment. A true World of Disney. Sadly, Walt Disney never saw his vision come true. Construction began in 1967 the year after Walt died.

The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is the most visited theme park in the world with over 16 million guests in 2006. It is now just a part of the huge area of Disney theme parks, water parks, shopping, Disney resorts and entertainment which we know as Walt Disney World. Here are some fun Magic Kingdom secrets!

1.Magic Kingdom park opened on October 1st 1971. It was the first park to open in Walt Disney World.

2.It borrows the concept of it's design from Disneyland California. Visitors enter the park on Main Street. Cinderella's Castle dominates the view. When you walk down Main Street you have no idea that the buildings are not full size. Disney uses a technique of forced perception to create the illusion. Guests are unaware that the second and third stories of the buildings on Main Street are not full size. The 189 feet tall Cinderella's Castle looks much taller because of the design of the buildings on Main Street and also the design of the castle itself.

3. Disney actually wanted to have reduced crowds on opening day in 1971. Having learned from the difficulties of the opening day of Disneyland, they wanted to be able to correct any operating difficulties and last minute problems before the mass of guests started arriving. This is why they chose a date in October to open Magic Kingdom. Even the official Magic Kingdom opening ceremony and media events were delayed until later in October so that everything could be as perfect as possible.

4. Under the Magic Kingdom there is a massive network of underground tunnels and corridors known as Utilidors. The story goes that Walt Disney was upset when he saw a Frontierland Cowboy walking through Tomorrowland at Disneyland. He wanted the perfect Disney World park without guests ever knowing how the park operated. So the Utilidors were incorporated into the design of the Magic Kingdom to allow all the behind the scenes functions to continue without the Disney theme park guests ever knowing how it was done.

5. When the Magic Kingdom park opened, two Disney resort hotels also had their debut. They were Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Polynesian Resort. Guests were amazed that the Disney World monorail actually runs through the Contemporary Resort lobby.

6. The Magic Kingdom ticket price on opening day was $4.95. The price of a one day Magic Kingdom ticket today is $67.

7. It is almost impossible to get a table at Cinderella's Royal table which is the restaurant located in Cinerella's Castle. Advance Dining Reservations open up 180 days ahead and sell out within minutes.

Disney's Magic Kingdom contain many secrets both past and present - enjoy exploring the most magical place on earth.

Cheap Disneyland Tickets - Where to Find These

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Itching to get your hands on the secrets and learn where to find cheap Disneyland tickets? Everybody else is. Everyone wants to have a dream vacation to Disneyland for their kids, when they won't have o worry about expenses or accommodations. We also appreciate a good deal when we see it. So if you're looking for one, check these online deals to get your cheap Disneyland tickets today.

First off, there's the official site of Disneyland and its affiliates. Did you know that just by buying the partner products can already earn you coupon codes that can get you the cheap tickets? A lot of people take this fact for granted, but you really shouldn't, especially because you can use the participating products as well. The official sites also give updates on where to look for coupons so you can reserve online for a cheaper price, and give a heads up on partner hotels where you can also get a good deal from.

However, if you already have accommodations and all you need are the cheap tickets to Disneyland, here's a tip that not a lot of people believe in. The third party sites that the other people keeps telling you about? They work. That's the secret. If you look long enough and browse patiently through the pool of sites floating about in cyberspace, you're bound to find a treasure that will give you the discounts that you need. So if you have a few minutes to spare in a day, go spend in looking for the Disneyland coupons so you can get your tickets for a much affordable price. You know you owe it to your kids to have this trip for them, and all it takes is a few minutes in a day to find sources for the cheap tickets.

The Prague Tourist Info You Need Before Visiting the Golden City

The city of Prague is relying more than ever on tourist dollars to run its government. That's because a greater number of tourists are discovering the wonders of the Czech Republic's capital city. But before you join the crowds heading to the Golden City, make sure you know the basic Prague tourist info that will make your trip a success.

First, it's important to understand the ever-changing weather of Prague. In fact, knowing what temperatures to expect when you arrive in the city might be the most important Prague tourist info you'll need. Prague is never particularly warm, but the city becomes rather frigid in the depths of winter.

For instance, in January, the average temperature stands at a brisk 30 degrees Fahrenheit. In June and July, though, the temperatures remain at a fairly comfortable 63 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit.

Of course, you may prefer traveling to the city during the winter months anyway. Prague often boasts truly majestic snowfalls. And the theater and opera seasons are packed with shows during this time of year.

If you're traveling to Prague from the United States, UK, Germany, Spain or the Netherlands, you'll need a valid passport or national identity card. Another important piece of Prague tourist info: The Czech Republic requires visitors to display health documentation.

In fact, all visitors to the Czech Republic must carry health insurance.

Getting to Prague is relatively simple if you're traveling by air: Tourists fly into Ruzyne Airport. Czech Airlines runs direct flights to the city from Britain, North America and the mainland of Europe. Several other international carriers, including KLM and Lufthansa fly into Prague, too.

Getting from the airport to the city can be pricey. A good alternative is for tourists to look for a Cedaz minibus. These run every half hour between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 9:30 pm. These buses are extremely affordable.

Driving may be a bit different depending on from where you live. The speed limit on motorways is 130 kilometers-per-hour, or 80 miles-an-hour. That limit drops to 50 kilometers-per-hour or 31 miles-per-hour when you're driving on country roads.

Here's an important piece of Prague tourist info: Never drink any alcohol and then attempt to drive. The legal blood-alcohol level in Prague is zero. Penalties for violating this are quite severe.

In fact, it's best to drive as little as possible while in Prague. The roads here are regularly being repaired, so traffic jams and delays are common. It's better instead to rely on foot power or public transportation.

Finally, if you're looking for detailed Prague tourist info, you can check with the always helpful Prague Information Service. The staffers here can help you with questions regarding everything from Czech culture to festival schedules to where to go for medical emergencies.

The Three Most Visited Cities in America

The whole of America is widely occupied with many tourists all throughout the year. Yet there are notable three cities garnering the highest rates of visitors. And these cities have all the good reasons to be in the top three positions. They are Las Vegas in Nevada, Los Angeles in California, and Orlando in Florida.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Have a taste of the city's legendary neon nights, fantastic color of sunsets and sunrises in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the beautiful Alan Bible Botanical Garden, the historical Hoover Dam and the natural beauty of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Of course, the most famous is the Strip in Las Vegas.

You can reserve a room in one of the cheapest hotels here called Palace Station Hotel and Casino. This way, you can save some extra penny for your casino deals. The rooms are sprawled in their 21-storey tower. Each air conditioned room is equipped with cable or satellite TV, a hair dryer, desk, iron with board, pay movies, climate control, Internet and blackout drapes They also have a refrigerator (upon request) and an alarm clock.

The hotel also offers pools, tubs, a sundeck, fitness room, bars, and casinos. There are recreational areas available for rental near the hotel as well. Outdoor activities include golf, tennis, horse riding, biking, hiking, and helicopter sightseeing.

Los Angeles, California

Feel like a star and visit the movie capital of the world, Los Angeles, California. The city offers not only the famous "Hollywood" escapade but also a number of fun and recreational places. These include scenic drives, skate parks, dog parks and salons as well as urban adventures and extreme sports areas. They also have beaches, "picture perfect" views, great hiking trails and they offer outdoor sports activities like ocean kayaking, golfing, sailing, horseback riding and many more.

The city offers a number of arts and culture venues as well as a lot of museums showcasing Science, Maritime, History, Hollywood stars and even fossil excavations. Aside from this, Los Angeles is also known for its night life activities ranging from parties, comedy shows, music, and dinner cruises.

Stay overnight in one of the cheapest hotels in the city, the Clarion Hotel. Although a night stay in this hotel is quite low, starting from $66, the hotel has a 3 star rating. This means that you still get a good deal, comfort and cost combined.

This hotel is located in West Olympic Blvd. It features an outdoor pool, sundeck, business center, pool, handicap facilities and a banquet hall. Each guest room has an air conditioning unit, a refrigerator, coffee maker and hair dryer along with iron with boards, spacious work places and a personal electronic safe (additional fees apply) .

The hotel is located near downtown L.A. It is very near the city's finest attractions. These include the Los Angeles Zoo, Hollywood, Disneyland and Dodger stadium as well as the Paul Getty Museum, China Town and Little Tokyo.

Orlando, Florida

Kids and grown ups alike will love this place. This city is known to house some of the world's greatest attractions and theme parks including Walt Disney World Resort, Sea World, Universal Orlando Resort and Orange County Convention Center. They also have the Philips Orlando Performing Arts Center, the Orlando Museum of Arts, Orlando Fashion Square and the Florida Mall.

You can get the best deal in one of the city's affordable hotels, the Extended Stay America. This is located at 5620 Major Blvd in Orlando. The hotel features 123 guest rooms, each equipped with refrigerators, stovetops, microwave ovens, and Internet access. It also provides business services, laundry facilities, parking and kitchenette facilities.

The hotel has an easy access to the famous Universal Studios, Wet 'n Wild, Kennedy Space Center and SeaWorld. It is also near Holy Land Experience, Walt Disney World Resort, Mall at Millenia and Prime Outlets Orlando.

How to Get Discount Tickets For Disneyland

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Are you looking for discounted tickets for Disneyland? Aside from hotel fees, airfare, and food, Disneyland tickets will put a large dent on your budget if you don't know where to get cheap tickets.  Many people say that it is very hard to find discounts for Disneyland but that's just because they don't know where to look.  If you know where to look, it will not take you more than a few minutes to purchase tickets for a very cheap price.  The accumulated savings can even pay for another ticket if you know the right places to visit.

Are you student of a university in Southern California?  Are you going out with more than 10 of your classmates?  You may not know it but Disneyland gives discount to students who go to the park in groups.  The park also gives cheap admission tickets to students who are studying in any university near the park.  Check out the youth group sales department of the park to get your cheap tickets.

Do you work in the military or in large corporation in California?  If you are a military, you are entitled to military discounts.  Just present your military identification when you are purchasing your tickets and make sure that you are getting discounted tickets for that.  If you work for a big company in California, talk to your HRM department because you might also be entitled for a big discount.

Planning your trip in advance and purchasing tickets from the web site of Disneyland are also excellent way to save on tickets.  Also, don't pay for the ticket at the ticket book of the park on the day of your trip.  For big discount, log on to the web site of the park and purchase your tickets online.  You can save up to $10 by just doing this simple thing.

Disneyland - 4 Ways to Cut Your Time in Line at Disneyland

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Ever feel like you've spent half your life standing in line? Do you really want to have that feeling when you're on vacation? After all, we often have so little vacation time to begin with.

And if you're going to an amusement park like Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in southern California, what with the cost of admission, every minute you spend in line is money draining out of your pocket.

Here are four time-saving tips for you to avoid those long lines at Disneyland.

Arrive at the park early.

The lines are shorter when the park first opens.

Head over to the most popular rides first.

These will probably be the rides you'll want to ride the most. Don't just wait on the first line you see.

Consider buying the FastPass service.

With it you check in and FastPass saves your place in line while you enjoy the rest of the park. Even with the FastPass service you'll want to arrive early to make sure you get to go on the rides that you can use with the pass earlier in the day.

Ride the popular rides later in the evening.

While most people are enjoying the evening entertainment you could be hopping on the most popular rides. The lines are shorter.

However, you'll miss the entertainment, so if you can use one of the other 3 suggestions you'll probably want to do that instead.

So there you go. You'll ride more and wait less at Disneyland southern California and Disney World in Florida by using these suggestions. Now, if there was only a cheap way to get there...

Disney Vacation Tips to Help You Plan and Enjoy Your Walt Disney World Vacation

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Walt Disney World is indeed a great place not only for kids but also for people of all ages who want to have fun and experience a magical life once in a while. If you are planning to spend a few days to Walk Disney World with your family or with some friends, it is important to keep in mind some Disney vacation tips to help you get the most out of this huge magical place.

With four big theme parks and a lot of places, shows, attractions and entertainment to witness and enjoy, going to Disney without a plan in mind may not be a great idea. You might end up wanting to visit everything with your limited time and you may end up tired and exhausted in a suppose-to-be fun and exciting experience.

Here are some Disney vacation tips that you might find useful in planning your vacation to such a place where you can enjoy and celebrate the child in you.

Plan the best time to visit the place. If you want to go to Disney World on a time with fewer crowds or at a time with milder weather, it is best to schedule your vacation way ahead. You may want to avoid peak season and choose those times with lower rates if you want to save money as well.

Most often, the peak periods are in mid February to April and from June to August, as these are the months that kids are off for a vacation from school. If you have kids to bring along, you would most like go at these times but make sure to do your bookings and reservations and be prepared to wait for longer hours in getting rides.

It is also advisable to make reservations ahead of time, especially if you have a place in mind that you want to spend dinner to avoid having to wait for long.

If you are bringing kids with you, make sure to find out in advance which rides are suitable and allowed for his age and his height. This will help you save time and energy and will avoid disappointments from your kids. It is also wise to research which rides are worth the wait, especially if you are going on a peak season. For sure, you don't want to waste your time waiting hours for the ride and end up getting just a two to three-minute ride.

One of the important Disney vacation tips to keep in mind too is to schedule your visit on a time where there are parades or fireworks. Planning is crucial because the park is huge and going to and fro the theme parks may not be that easy. So make sure you plan where you want to be at a particular hour especially if you want to see those live entertainment or special parades.

To make the most out of your visit, you may want to go there early as well. This will help you avoid long lines and so you get to rest at midday when the sun is at its hottest. You can spend the midday hours swimming or resting to protect yourself and your kids from the sweltering sun especially during summer.

Indeed, careful planning is a key to enjoying your Disney World vacation. One wise thing you can do is to do your research, learn from those who have been there and find some Disney vacation tips and tricks to make your vacation organized, fun and exciting.

Disneyland Anaheim California Tickets - Buy Online

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If one asks for the best tourist destination which provides fun and entertainment in equal preposition; the answer will be Disneyland California indeed. This is a vacation point which promises fun, excitement and entertainment altogether. Every year Disneyland California attracts millions of guests from entire world. This park is operated by the Walt Disney Company.

The Disneyland Park in California is most certainly a land of joy where children and adults make their vacation unforgettable together. Here you will get a chance to enjoy all aspects of past, future and present. Smaller like Orlando's Walt Disney World, Disneyland California holds a special place in the Disney pantheon as the home of the original "Magic Kingdom" classic theme park (with Adventureland, Tomorrowland, and Mickey's Toontown etc). The Disneyland Park California offers all these attractions, appears at Disney World in Orlando, and at other Disney lands around the world. Initially the Disneyland Park of California was only half of the current Disneyland; in year 2001, the park renovated and add 55 acre of land and added additional attractions.

Currently Disneyland boasts 57 attractions in total and thses are largest number of attractions for any Disney theme park. The main theme parks of the Disneyland are Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Main Street USA, Critter Country, and Mickey's Toontown. All these Disneyland theme parks offer many exciting attractions and shows complete family fun or enjoyment.

Main Street USA attractions are: Disneyland Railroad, Main Street Cinema (this attraction shows Walt Disney's first 6 Mickey Mouse cartoons), Fire Engine, Horse-Drawn Streetcars, Horseless Carriage, Omnibus, and Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years.

Tomorrowland Attractions are: Astro Orbitor, Autopia, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Disneyland Monorail, Disneyland Railroad, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience", Innoventions, Space Mountain, Starcade, and Star Tours.

Fantasyland Attractions are: Alice in Wonderland, Casey Jr. Circus Train, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Mad Tea Party, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Peter Pan's Flight, Pinocchio's Daring Journey, Disney Princess Fantasy Faire, It's a Small World, King Arthur Carrousel, Snow White's Scary Adventures, Storybook Land and Canal Boats.

To enjoy all these attractions of Disneyland California you just need to have Walt Disney World Tickets. These Disney World Tickets are easily available at the admission of any theme park at Disneyland California. So go with family and enjoy the vacation.