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.

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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.