Epcot

We went to EPCOT today! It was so fun, I mean I couldn’t help but enjoy the entire thing. Have you ever been overjoyed to learn something new? I mean 90% of the theme park is basically a Star Trek episode and all the things they teach you about are current technological advances, did I say that right? Epcot stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, which was supposed to be a community Walt Disney made himself. Of course with laws and legal rights he couldn’t make a full community, so he has a theme park dedicated to the advancements of man; and what an awesome way to spend your day!

When we first got there we went to Mission: SPACE, an amazing ride that all our friends said we have to try. It’s a space mission, literally, you get to sit with three of your friends and take on a space mission to Mars. You have to land the shuttle on the planet, and all your friends have to push the right buttons and pull the right levers to make it a successful mission. We must have ridden it three times; it was absolutely fun, we would totally do it again if it wasn’t for the long lines.

We then went to Test Track, where we spent a short tour learning about how cars get approved for safety regulations on the road. And then the video informed us that we would be able to participate in one of these daring crash tests, except that we would play the part of the dummies. So off we went with high expectations into the cart, and we were thrust down the track at 70 MPH! We narrowly dodged walls, weaved through cones and the rest I’ll leave as a surprise. Alls I can say was this was amazing! We enjoyed every moment of it and might even label it the best rides in all of Disney!

Next we went on the LAND ride, where you get in a boat and travel through a six acre greenhouse dome and see all the strange ways EPCOT is growing plants. They have Mickey Mouse shaped pumpkins, massive cucumbers, their learning to grow plants in sand so they can turn deserts into massive food resources. They have a full blown fish farm, and they even have hanging plants so they can learn to grow them in space! This ride was totally awesome, and when it’s over you can eat some of the food grown in the dome at a store outside.

Next we went on Soarin, which is right next door to the Land ride. You hang from a contraption face down, and you become elevated over a massive screen. Wind is blown in your face and you fly over national monuments. It really felt like you were flying! This experience was so cool, its probably the only time you can ever get this kind of feeling so it’s an absolute must if you go to EPCOT!

We spent the rest of the day exploring the World Showcase, a bunch of restaurants surrounding a lake. Each restaurant has its own national theme, we went to Mexico, Norway, Germany, China, Japan, Italy and more that I can’t even remember. Each one was a cultural experience, having its own restaurant and sometimes even a ride. We enjoyed Norway the most because there is a Viking ride in the back and it is so fun! We ate at the United Kingdom and the food was really, really good! The best part? The food was affordable, if you can get here for a meal while at Disney you should definitely do it.

After our dinner the fireworks started, in the center of the lake was a massive platform and fireworks poured out of it. It was such a fun time, and the fireworks were a perfect way to end it, if you wanna choose a theme park at Disney Land this is the one!

Gatorland Strives for new "Heights".

Alligators have always been an icon to people visiting Florida. Since there are very few places in the US your able to see them, tourists always thrive for a sight of these rare creatures. Its the closest thing to a Dinosaur they will see. Because of this natural curiosity, who wouldnt build a themed park dedicated to these critters? Gatorland is Florida's leading attraction when it come to Alligators. With shows and exhibits running all day everyday, there are always Gators and Florida wildlife everywhere you look.



One of their leading shows, The Gatorland Jumparoo, has recieved awards for originality. This show has handlers making Gators Jump out of the water for Chicken. Gators can get up to 10 feet out of the water using their tails to propel themselves skyward, towards the chicken. The story-line of this show has two rednecks (Bubba and Cooter) trying to get a job as a Gator Wrestler. In turn, they are each given chickens and are told to "give the crowd a show." The problem lately with this show, has been lazy gators. "They dont care if they have to work or not for their food or not." Says Gatorlands Director of Entertainment Mike Hileman, "They're simply getting lazy."



Because of this, Lead Executive Handler Mark McHugh has decided to remove some of the older gators and put in some more, young, agile, and athletic reptiles. "Jumping to grab their food is a natural behavior. They can catch birds out of the air," He says, "Jumping and grabbing a chicken barely requires any training." These gators weren't used to being around people, and will probably take a few days to get acclimated. "Its a cultural shock to them." Says McHugh.


McHugh and Hileman think that adding these new gators will give a fresh start to the show. Younger gators will be able to jump higher, and will be more willing to work since its a new scene to them. They hope that this will increase crowd participation, and leave less lull in the show.


A soft-opening is scheduled for friday the 20th, and the show is expected to be at full strength again by the first of December. The moving and processing of the gators will take just over three days, and they will have moved over 250 alligators. This process includes having three people sit on the back of one with a towel over its head. "This keeps them calm, but it can be unnerving for some, because it doesnt stop their hissing." Says McHugh. He also said that the first gator they moved was a 10 foot female, who as soon as she was released into the new preserve, stared down the handlers until they were out of sight.


Other Jumparoo modifications include a stage that extends out the center instead of the two sides to provided a 360 view for the audience. They also removed some structural situations that block or obscured guests views of the show. It also included all new characters and themes, with the backdrop of the story remaining the same. Hileman says "All the fans of [Bubba and Cooter] dont have to worry. They're still there." And the retired alligators have their own exhibits. So no need to worry about them either.

More snap in Gatorland's Jumparoo

After 25 years, Gatorland has decided to make some changes to it's world-class Jumparoo attraction.

Gatorland plans to re-cast it's Jumparoo performers in place of the previous generation. Underwater fences will be installed and 30 select gators of the next generation will be moved into the Jumparoo.

Some of the larger alligators were becoming lackadaisical and did not want to work for their food. The younger generation are more unpredictable, livelier, agile and create the type of performance guests are expecting.

Actually, Gatorland enhances the natural behavior of these animals by training them to jump for pieces of chicken surrounded by human beings. Acclimation to this new environment will require nearly a week.

Gatorland's new face-lift will include the logistics of moving nearly 250 alligators including a medical exam for the Jumparoo attraction. Alligators normally demonstrate their dislike of handling by a constant hissing sound.

As alligators continue to be introduced to their new habitat, they are learning to adjust to their trainers.

In an attempt to bring the action closure to guests, the all-new Jumparoo deck will extend out into the middle of the alligator infested dwelling. Instead of using poles, the trainers will feed the animals with their hands providing a whole new approach to entertainment.

'Shard back in action at Amway.

Finally, after 10 long games sitting out, the Orlando Magic's All-Star 3 point man made his first appearance of the season in uniform on the Amway arena floor Monday night against a new-look Charlotte Bobcats. As to be expected, 'Shard looked a little rusty out there. He didn't even score until the third quarter. But once he did score, he was able to spark a rally.

After Lewis made his first few points Ryan Anderson, White Chocolate, and D12 made some plays. VC came out with the biggest shot of the night too. Vince looks like he's filling Hedo's spot very well. The Magic retained the lead for good after 'Shard got going.

To be honest though, I didn't recognize these Bobcats at first. I saw Stephen Jackson in that uniform and I thought to myself "doesn't this guy play for the warriors"? Turns out that Jackson had been traded earlier in the day and flew out to Orlando immediately after he found out he was traded. He sure didn't waste any time. Also the Bobcats shot 60% from the field in the first half too, which is totally out of character for the league leader in fewest points scored per game. After the Magic got there defense together in the second half though, the Bobcats landed in familiar spot, the losing column.

But it seems the Magic just can't catch a break this year with the injuries. As soon they finally play a game with their projected starting 5, the news comes out that Jameer injured his knee and will require arthroscopic surgery. He will miss 4-6 weeks, which isn't as terrible as last year when he injured his shoulder but, these injuries are starting to get ridiculous. I'm glad these injuries are happening now at the beginning of the season, where the Magic can still recover. I'm hoping the Magic can be healthy by the All-Star break.

The Re-Opening of a Legend.

Magic Kingdom ride, Space Mountain, has been a key icon in the park for 34 years. This indoor roller coaster has been a defining point for roller coasters of the same genre. Disney's knack for making unique attractions has made it even more enjoyable for its guests. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is another one of Disney's indoor attractions. This is more intense than Space Mountain. And people noticed.

Disney didnt want to shut down Space Mountain for a period lasting any longer than 6 months. So they began construction on the ride before the summer. This was a strategy to have it opened back up before the winter rush. Since Disney Worlds attendence is mostly driven by out-of-state and Internation guests, Alex Wright, Disney's Show Director and head Supervisor of Space Mountains Rehab, didnt want to ruin the Tomorrowland experience for guests who only come once ever 5-7 years. Due to a few complications, the ride was shut down for just over 7 months. It is scheduled to open up completely on November 22nd. They held a Soft Opening this monday (16th) to make sure everything was in order, and Alex said that "Everything looks promising." Although, he also stated that there is going to be mutiple-minor tweeks until mid December.

Among the $12 million dollar project changes was 87 Virtual Reality game stations to occupy guests while they wait in line. These games include concepts like, destroying astroids before they hit a ship, sorting through lost space objects, and manuevering the shuttle through obstacles. These rides are aimed at expanding the story line of the ride. This story being that of a ship about to blast off from an inter-stellar airport. This enhances the whole experience, and the guests are litterally thrown into this out-of-this-world theme that only Disney is able to convey.

If anyone has been on this ride in the last 10 years, they will be able to vouche that it isnt the smoothest roller coaster out there. Disney Recalibrated the track to provide a smooth and easy ride. In order to not take away from the intensity... Disney removed lights from the ride. This means that guests cannot anticipate drops and turns. It actually brought up the scale of the roller coaster and made it ever more intense than it actually was.

Personally, my experience has always been amazing with Space Mountain. Its my favorite attraction inside of Magic Kingdom. Its the highlight of my trip. I remember the first time i went on it with my family, i was 12 years old, and i threw up all over my little brothers stroller. While he was in it. It was incredible. To this day we still joke about it. Im excited about its re-openning, and will be attending sometime next week to try out the newly renovated legend of Disney.

Space Mountains new make-over

Just after six weeks and a meager $12 million, Space Mountain will be ready to open Nov 22, just in time for the Thanksgiving weekend.

The much beloved 34 year-old icon roller coaster in Magic Kingdom was in desperate need of a make-over. Because of the type of international visitors that Disney World attracts, execs. did not want to leave the iconic attraction closed for a long period of time.

Many of the enhancements added to Space Mountain paralleled the Anaheim Calif. sister park. Unlike Disneyland, much of visitors that come to Disney World do not make multiple visits each year but every five years.

The Tomorrowland attraction is essentially in the dark transporting riders into space. Guests enter a long queue anxiously waiting for their intergalactic space vehicle, once aboard, the ship enters hyper-speed and blasts off into the dark.

Distinct features have been added to the attraction built in 1975, increasing the experience for hardcore fans. Albeit, this next generation ride was not equipped with on-board audio-system, designers have added to the story-line while waiting in the queue.

With nearly 90 video-game stations, guests will begin their experience voyaging from a interstellar airport while completing a series of tasks including moving cargo, helping lost travelers, clearing runways and designing an expanded airport.

An attraction similar to Space Mountain is on every ones todo list when coming to Orlando said show designers from Disney's Imagineering.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

From the windows of the Tram, Cinderella's castle suddenly illuminated in the distance shimmering with shades of purple, blue, red, guests knew that they where in for a wonderful treat.

As snow flakes fell on Main Street USA, the castle looming in the distance, merry guests hassled and bustled through brightly decorated shops. From Casey's corner to the Exposition Hall, Main Street Bookstore to The Emporium, shoppers made their final purchase before the Celebrate the Season Show.

With a cop of hot chocolate in hand, and a sugar coated cookie, people found the perfect spot on the ground before the forecourt stage. "Ladies and gentle", a friendly voice exclaimed in the speaker, "we present The Celebrate the Season Show" as the atmosphere suddenly was filled with Disney's magic.

Lively performers dressed in Christmas outfits danced on the stage, Mickey & Friends, ballerinas, toy soldiers marching, elfs bringing gifts, the show was beyond expectation.

Without a doubt, the best performance was the Holiday Wishes Celebrate the Reason for the Season. Disney spared no expense with their pyrotechnics show on that evening. As beloved Christmas Songs of the past filled the air, fireworks bursted with amazing accuracy benind the castle.

Disney Quest 09'

Whats the first thing that pops into mind when you hear the word Disney? Cinderella's Castle? Mickey? Goofy? Family Theme Parks? How about Video games? No? Interactive Media? Doesnt ring a bell? Disney has a branch of itself that is often looked over when thinking of the Franchise. Disneyquest. Five floors of interactive games and fun. This is a nice change of pace from the hussle and bussle of running around the parks. A family interested in the Realm of Virtual Reality could spend all day in here. Being 20 years old, i still love this place. My friend Wes and i recently took a trip there to kill a day of a weekend. He had never been there before, so this was a new adventure for him.

The first thing you will notice when you get in, is the elevator. This pretends to be a rocket that takes you to the Fun Zone. This is a central point for everything that is included in the building. This has stairs and elevators that takes you to the different floors.

Floor one. This is the Entrance, as well as the Adventure Zone. This safari theme style of interactivity, includes Rides like the Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Carribean, and Arcade safari shooters. The Jungle Cruise puts you in a boat on an airbag that rocks and dips according to the direction you steer on the screen in front of you. Using Paddles and sensors, this ride actually lets you steer your boat on a completely virtual river. Pirates of the Carribean allows a 3D experience like none other. Also using airbags, the "crew" has up to 6 people. A Driver, and 5 gunners. Comfortably, 3 people can do this. Your job is to sink and plunder as many ships as you can before the dread pirate comes and attempts to take YOUR gold. With pull-string cannons and 3D goggles, this is something that very few people have been able to accomplish in the Virtual Reality era.

Floor Two. This is the Creation Floor. This has rides and attractions that require imagination. Create-Your-Own-Roller Coaster is probably the lead attraction on this floor. This ride allows you to create a roller coaster with the most ridiculous twists and turns and moves that will give even the most experienced Roller Coaster fanatics a run for their money. Strapping into a pod that resembles a roller coaster cart, this ride allows you to ride your very own creation. With a surrounding screen, this gives the impression that you are really there in the coaster. This is a thrill for even the most intense thrill seekers. Also on this floor, is various "Creation Stations". Sids Create-a-Toy allows guests to create their own twisted characters using various parts from Toy Story. The Living Easel allows guests to use a touch screen to draw and color anything they want with a unique Disney Twist.

Floor Three. This is the Arcade Floor. This has all the classics. From Pac-Man to Joist to TRON. This is great for anyone of the older generation who remembers spending all their Quarters at the local arcade. This Floor Also includes the Buzz Lightyears Astro Blasters. This is a bumber cars type ride. Each cart has a gunner and a driver. The Gunner can shoot "Enemy" carts to make them spin wildly out of control. Competition is required to keep from wasting time spinning.

Floor Four and Five. The Comix Zone. This allows guests to ride through rides fighting various supervillians in an array of interactive rides. This also includes the kids zone and Sports Arena Arcade. The Comix Zone has various attractions that provide both a 3D and intense experience. Ride the Comix puts guests on star ship as it is being attacked by villians and their minions. This is what Disney Calls a FEG. Fully Emmersive Game. Guests put on a helmet and are literally surrounded by this Comic Book Style world. Guests can look around, jump, swing their sword, fly. There is little the guests are unable to do. Invasion! is another ride that puts guests in the middle of a virtual planet. Guests board a "Star SpideR-R" to fend off attacking aliens while picking up Humans that are being held captive. There is once again a Driver, and 4 shooters. While this ride isnt necessarily a FEG, it shakes and "jumps" which gives a pretty convincing experience.

All this being said, DisneyQuest is most certainly an attraction that you do NOT want to miss on your next vacation to the DisneyWorld. Inside DisneyQuest, there are Many Many more attractions that have not been listed here. This is simply a taste of some of their bigger more exciting packages. Even hardcore gamers will have something to do here. I hope this has been helpful, and i hope you add this attraction to your To-Do list next time you visit Central Florida.

Busch Entertainment sales fall

As the #2 theme-park in Florida, Busch Gardens Entertainment sales continue to fall into the third quarter.

Albeit, the decline eased, Parent company Anheuser-Busch InBev reported 3rd quarter revenues of $480 million generated by its eight theme-parks down nearly 3.8% the same time last year.

Revenues improved over the 18.3% declines in the 1st quarter of the year, when cash-strapped consumers cut spending due to the recession. Economic markers show that the economy is in the initial stages of recovery which is good news for Busch.

With respect to other competitors, Busch's president Jim Atchison was well please with the performance of BEC during the recession. Anchinso made comments that it was not such a "bad story" when you look at a company like Universal whose financial stats were a little bit grimmer dropping about 14% in the 3rd quarter.

Busch Gardens that boasts theme-parks in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Texas reported sales falling to 6.8% from $1.06 billion. Further attendance predictions by Moody's Investor Service indicated that attendance may fall as much as 7% in 2009 dropping to 23.6 million.

Busch Gardens hopes to achieve higher attendance figures thab was projected by the Investor Service targeting high-performance parks including its home rum with the Manta Aquarium at SeaWorld.

By comparison, high attendance was reported at Sesame Place and Busch Gardens in Williamsburg Virginia but SeaWorld San Diego experienced a rough market.

Lagging the market, Atchinson believes that the recovery will not be linear but a slow crawl.

Disney profits up 18% fourth quarter

The Synergy between ESPN Sports channel and it's TV syndicate appears to have boosted fourth quarter profits to 18% at the Walt Disney Co.

While the delayed global recovery appears to be easing, businesses globally are reporting a level fiscal fourth quarter in an environment that is extremely challenging.

Despite a bear market, Disney Burbank California reported revenues increased by 4% to $9.9 billion while earnings hit $895 million in the third quarter compared to $760million the same time last year.

Although profit margins decayed 17% down $344 million at parks and resorts, attendance remained propped up. Netting just $3.3 billion for the year, down 25%, while sales fell 4% to $36.1 billion, resulting from the bear-like market.

Since bookings continue to be closer to the date of travel, Disney struggles to predict a full recovery to its theme-parks.

Between the 3% decrease at Orlando offset by a 15% increase of attendance at Disneyland exceeded the predictions by analysts over a year ago.

Sustained discounts that propped up attendance but generated losses in merchandise, food, and hotel rooms has no real end in sight according to executives.

Disney expects to lag behind the recovery just has it lagged behind with resilience at the beginning of the downturn.

One of the weakest links in Disney's division was its movie studio which underperformed other divisions plunging 84% to $175 million. Likewise other under- performing DVD's included Shopaholic, Bedtime Stores, and G-Force.

Amidst the bad news, Disney has high expectations for its media networks including ESPN and the ABC family, provoking operating profits to increase marginally.

Movie Studio Distribution head change

During unusually restless times, falling revenues from $1.82 billion in the March quarter of 2008 to $1.26 billion in the second quarter, has provoked some of the changes that occurred this week.

In a major reshuffling, Disney has made several promotions and cuts to get it's movie studios back on track. In the aftermath, Dick Cook was ousted from Walt Disney Studios and replaced by Rich Ross. Disney was unhappy with the way that movies were being delivered to consumers.

Bob Chapek who was instrumental in designing plans that would give consumers access to movies across various platforms, was appointed as president of distribution. The position would make him responsible for digital, pay-TV, home, theatrical, movies and other formats.

Among the promotions, Disney elevated Grandeau to studios chief technology officer and replaced Mark Zoradi with a new marketing chief.

Deals were cut this year with Steven Spielsberg's Dreamworks Studios at the same time that Disney made cuts to its Miramax Films division.

With the new merger between ESPN and Disney Wide World of Sports, some gains to profits are being reported this week.

Holiday Season

With the holiday season coming around everything is getting so stressful! Of course the excitement is building up as theme parks around Central Florida are getting ready to have their celebrations. It is kinda hard not to be exited about them to, I mean wouldn’t you like to just take a day off and go relax in the hectic part of the season? Well the theme parks are here to help, because while we cant all fly to New York and see the Macy’s day parade, we can take a short trip over to Walt Disney World or Universal and get an experience that I think is even better.

Disney is hosting Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas, a huge celebration in the Magic Kingdom theme park, this thing is huge! They have decorated the entire theme park with Christmas lights and decorations, but the thing that stands out above all the other decorations is the Cinderella Castle, the icon of Magic Kingdom. It has been fully engulfed in Christmas lights, from top to bottom shining and glimmering. Just try to imagine an entire castle, towers and all, with shining and glowing lights all over it, it’s amazing! While I could go on and on about how amazing the castle looks, the party has far more to offer than just beautiful decorations. On Main Street U.S.A, the parks point of entrance the place is covered in snow, yes real snow. If you ask the staff at the park how they are making it snow in the theme park, there response will simply be; “Your in the land of magic.” Regardless as to how they are pumping out so much snow, the kids are enjoying every moment of this constant falling snow.

On the streets you’ll find all the Disney characters dressed in winter attire, hopping around and entertaining guests. The attractions are supposed to still be open until the finally, which I must say is amazing. With a massive parade, complete only by floats and dancing characters, marching soldiers and a special and momentous appearance by the big man in red, yes I will be there. Shortly after the parade the fireworks begin, filling the sky with holiday colors and Christmas cheer, ever witnessed a firework show parodying Christmas? Well now’s your chance to get in on all the fun and action, you have got to try it, it was so fun last year, and this year it will be just as great, if not better!

But don’t let your holiday cheer end there, Universal Studios is having their form of a Holiday Party also. Calling it the “Grinchmas;” Universal Studios Islands of Adventure is housing decorations from the hilarious movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” If your looking for a party then you have come to the right place, its going to be a fantastic party with the Macy’s Holiday Parade on the streets of the Islands of Adventure theme park. Need I say more? It’s the Macy’s Parade in Florida! But if you think that’s all uh uh, at the Universal Music Plaza you can find a Holiday Concert Series featuring big name artists such as, Mannheim Steamroller’s, Chris Isaak and Natalie Cole. Oh my gosh it is going to be so awesome!

That just about fills up my holiday season for fun and entertainment, I don’t know how anyone can pass up this opportunity. I am so exited about these upcoming events that I have already purchased tickets to each. The dates are on select days so you gotta call for reservations, but you can bet to see me there, it makes this holiday season something to look forward to!

Princess Tiana to score big at Disney

With bit-size magical kisses, graham crackers layered in chocolate, and a riverboat show, Disney's extensive Princess Tiana promotion blitz is creating a buzz at the Magic Kingdom.


Due to be released on December 11, 2009, Disney is adding a new princess to the harem of princesses to its arsenal. Tiana is causing an uproar these days during the meet-and-greet at the Magic Kingdom.

With a vast array of merchandise including Tiana dolls, makeovers, vouchers to view her movie, Disney has not had this kind of publicity for more than a decade.

To date, Disney's fairy-tale princess empire earns some estimated $4 billion in sales through it's franchise units.

Tiana's Showboat Jubilee is a sure tell-tale sign that Disney is holding no stops in promoting the Princess and the Frog. With a bigger-than-life lavish parade, musical revue, and a march through the Liberty Square, the spectacular culminates with a royal riverboat ride across the water.

Dancing, singing, and performance is all part of the magic that truly brings Tiana to life.

Get ready for both the princess Tiana to appear in Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party and giveaways through December. Even Disneyland's Anaheim Cal resort will be graced with Tiana's Showboat Jubilee.

The fact that her name is princess Tiana, is very titillating for guests who want to see how she dresses, and the depth of her beauty. This in-park blitz is probably as big as the release of the Lion King back in 1994.

The biggest push comes from Disney's CEO Bog Iger who wants to exploit the film across it's diverse platforms including video, theme-parks and television.