Cypress Gardens due to reduce hours

Cypress Gardens known for it's Southern Belle and enchanted botanical gardens was originally owned by Dick & Julie Pope in 1936. Unfortunately, park attendance began to fall off in 2003 leading to a bankruptcy causing the park to close. It was then sold to Land South Holding LLC. for $16.9 million dollars.

In order to combat the changing economy, Steven Baker of Leisure Baker Group have decided to scale back the hours of operation. Most parks begin to slow down around September and change their hours to remain profitable. With only 200 people in the park at any one time, does not provide the atmospher with the excitement and thrills park goers are looking for.

Because of the rising cost of gasoline and other factors, Baker has decided to limit the park opening to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until further notice. One of the biggest problems is that the airlines at Orlando International Airport scaled back their seats by 6,900 seats and there is a drastic reduction in international tourism. Cypress Gardens also will open for big group events during the limited hours of opereation.

Scaling back park hours is probably in line with other attractions including Weeki Wachee Springs, and Silver Springs who will also reduce park hours to three days. Cypress Gardens employs about 200 people to operate it's park and the low attendance does not justify keeping it open for 7 days a week.

Feel the breeze during Summer Nights Busch Gardens

Get the Quick Queue pass that allows front of the line access to nine incredible rides: including Tidal Wave, Flume Ride, Congo River, Rhino Rally, Gwazi Tiger, Gwazi Lion, Kumba, Sheikra and Montu.

Purchase your passes before their sold out in front of Desert Grill Information booth or the front gate.

cost
Regular $24.95
Passport member $19.95
exludes Fun Cards

Hours of operation
Aug 1-2 9am-10pm
Aug 3-16 9am-9pm
Aug 17, 24 9am-7pm
Aug 16-22 25-29 9:30am-6pm
Aug 23, 30-31 9am-7:30pm

Join Elmo and his Friends at SeaWorld

Immerse yourself in a world of Elmo and his friends for a delightful character breakfast at SeaWorld. Eat a delicious buffet with some of the hottest characters in Sesame Street.

cost
Adult Tickets $16.95
Child tickets $14.95


Join in for a fun musical show with Elmo and Abby Cadabby. Embark on a treasure hunt with Elmo and friends including Grover, Rosita, Cookie Monster, and Abby. Show length will be about 20 minutes.

operating hours
Aug 1-17, 23-24, 30-31 9am-10pm
Aug 18/22, 25-29 9am-9pm

Tourism is slowing down by end of 2008

Orlando is accustom to seeing growth each year said Central Florida Tourism spokesman, at least that is the norm. Large companies reported 1st quarter growth at the beginning of the year but that trend seems to be falling off in the the 3rd quarter.

There are many contributing factors including higher gas prices, reduced flights to Orlando, and unemployment fears. Tourists that were accustomed to booking their vacation months in advance are now making last minute plans. Most hotels filled more rooms this year but those numbers are dropping including the convention center that will present fewer shows this year.

But the Convention Visitor Bureau is still convince that they can finish the year with a profit. Some companies like Busch Entertainment believe that Orlando still has value. Theme parks like Disney World believe that central Florida provides the best value for the dollar.

Currently Disney World is closing it's pleasure island park to make room for a bigger vision. Orange Lake Resort executive officers want their timeshares to appeal to larger groups including grandparents, parents and children. Since travelling is such a hassle these days, they are thinking of certain amenities that they can provide at the resort so that passengers don't have to bring them.

The Airlines had a different perspective indicating that the competion is not in Orlando but Dubai, China, and Argentina. Struggling with higher ful prices, the Orlando International Airport will plan to reduce seats by 6,900. Ticket prises will probably continue to rise because Orlando is not drawing enough international travel.

Hotel occupancy down in Orlando

Orlando Florida's lodging metro market recorded the biggest fall in occupency in one year. Hotel's in Orlando were down 5% from June averaging 70% occupancy. Though hotel statistics were release by Smith Travel research last week they did not include Disney Hotel Resorts.

Many of the obvious suspects for 1.7% rooom increase include sluggish economy, war in Iraq, gas prices, high unemployment and school schedules. Many schools did not release students until the first week of June rather than before Memorial Day.

On the average, hotels in florida fell an average of 0.8% during june, the best month to date. Upscale hotels were forced to raise their room rate to offset the 7.3% decline in occupency. Kissimmee's submarkets near Disney suffered the worst damage where east Kissimmee submark fared better with a 2.2% gain.

Guard fired by Disney

Edwin Sotomayor filed a lawsuit Friday, seeking to get his job back after he was fired for carrying a weapon to work. Sotomayor refused to cooperate with investigators when they asked him if brought a gun to work last Friday. Sotomayor who is a unarmed uniformed security guard, believed that he had a right to carry a concealed weapon.

A new Florida law allows employees to keep their guns locked in their car in the parking lot when at work. Federal permit for use of fireworks may make Disney exempt from such a law and the burden of proof will be on Disney.

The current lawsuit seek an injunction that will allow a Disney employee to lock a gun in the trunk while at work.

Zoraya Suarez spokewomen for Disney acted as if she had no idea what the lawsuit was about and said that she would not compromise the exemption which protects cast members and guests.

Google sports Disney Parks

Can you imagine the thrill of being able to take a virtual tour of Disney theme parks? Now you can with Googles new internet product Google Earth. With Google Earth, you can see a re-creation of Disney Worlds 4 theme parks.

Now you can take an amazing journey from space and zoom in on Disneys most coveted theme parks. Fly around the Magin Kingdom, visit Cinderellas Castle, see close up images of your favorite attractions and them fly to the next theme park.

If the virtual visitor is compelled by what they see ,they can then book their magical vacation right on the spot. With this internet based program, a virtual visitor has access to an animated tour of four theme parks and 22 hotel resorts at Disney World.

Once a e-traveler sees a particular item of interest, they can then click on icons for more detailed information and images. All of these increases business for Disney World while the visitor is immersed in the magic of Disney

By offering this 3-d graphic browser to clients, Google hopes that other tourist destinations will post to Google to make there sites available also.

Contruction continues on Harry Potter Attraction

Due to contruction on the new attraction Harry Potter, Universal has been forced to close a children's roller coaster, a restaurant, a gift shop, a bar, and a footpath adjacent to Islands of Adventure.

Harry Potter attraction due to open in 2010 will require a refurbishing to the general area of the new theme. The new park licensed by J.K. Rowling will require the construction of a 20-acre theme area including rides, shops, restaurants and theme-park versions of Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade Village.

Some things are taking shape though e.g. The Enchanted Oak building which appears to look like a magical place for Harry Potter, is now being rebuilt, probably to resemble the Hogsmeade establishment for The Three Broomsticks. A seven-story structure of steel girders rising behind a Jurassic Park fence appears to be framework for the castle.

Since it's still too soon to determine Universal officials won't comment.

InBev's takeover of Anheuser Busch

It's hard to say what the end shall be for Enheuser Busch Entertainment's 5 parks. At the close of business on Sunday, Chief Executive Officer Carlos Brito had purchased Enheuser Busch for $70 a share worth over 51 billion dollars.

The new conglomerate called Anheuser-Busch InBev will be the largest beer company in the world consisting of Bud Light, Bud, and Michelob brews and surpasses SAB Miller. Of course InBev's 12 member board will have to expand to include Enheuser's Busch 2 directors.

Still nobody including analysts, investors or directors can elaborate on what will happen to Busch Entertainment. The Anheuser-Busch subsidiary which owns Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, and 6 other theme parks, generated $1.3 billion in sales and $163 million in profit for Anheuser-Busch in 2007.

World Domino Championship Disney Style

Home of the world-famous Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and the gang will be hosting a World Domino Champion ship in Kissimmee, Florida this week.

Imagine, players from 18 countries will descend on Disney World the most magical place on earth for the 6th Domino World Championship.

The domino hopefuls of the largest gathering in history, play with prospects of winning recognition by the Guinness World Records Book. This three-day tournament, will kicks off on Wednesday.

More than 500 players will be competing at any given time.

We provide hotel accomodations, car rentals, and discounted attraction tickets for all of your vacation needs during this one-of-a-kind world event.

Aquatica, where the air and sea are one

Get ready to make a big splash at Aquatica open each night seven days a week until 10:00 p.m. When you purchase tickets in advance, you will be granted early access starting at 8 a.m. or come late and play late.

Enjoy cooler weather and faster ride access when you visit after 4 p.m.

For current updates on park capacity please call our hotline at 1-866-787-4307.

Satiate your tasted buds at the upscale restaurant Mango Market. At Mango, you don't have to
slow down your fun experience in order to stop your stomach from grumbling?

At Mango's just grab-and-go market has just the thing to satisfy your appetite in a hurry. We can even pack your meal up in a picnic basket for you to take back and spread out on your favorite spot on the beach.


Aquatica Operating Hours
July 1-31 9:00am-10:00pm

Discover Summer Nights at Busch Gardens

Americas world-famous theme park transforms each day after 5 p.m from June 6 through Aug. 17, 2008. Now the sounds that move you will be featured by DJs throughout the park each day.

Be dazzled as stiltwalkers parade around Jungala in pintoresque costumes. Be amazed by a plethora of entertainment including jugglers, a contortionist, hula hoop performers, bungee act, aerial stunts and more! Special guest featured on “America’s Got Talent,” master ventriloquist Kevin Johnson, will perform in Desert Grill six nights a week.

Complimentary Shuttle Service for Busch Gardens Summer Nights is available for ticket holders.
For the 2008 Summer Nights, Busch Gardens will offer 3 additional departure times from Orlando on Mondays and Fridays ONLY for those guests who would like to stay until park close.

Check out these stops and pick up times below:

Gooding’s Shopping Plaza: 11:30 am
SeaWorld Orlando: 11:45 am
Premium Outlets: 12:00 pm


Busch Gardens Operating Hours
July 1-3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, 27-31 9am-9pm
July 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 9am-10pm

Experience SeaWorld after Dark

Now from May 24-September 1 you can be mistified by a brand new experience at SeaWorld after dark. SeaWorld features all Day Dining Deal which provides a one day pass to eat and drink all day long at SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica. How much could this cost? exactly $25.95 tax included per adult and $11.95 tax inclusive per child per day.

On these unique days where the air merges with the deep blue sea, each guests will receive a wrist band that allows them to get an entrée, one side OR dessert, and one soft beverage OR 20 oz. Aquafina each time they go through the line.

Each purchase is for one day only, so while it is good at multiple parks, the band must be used within one day. Be inspired by the majesty of the sea, “Mistify” soars through the nighttime sky as it saturates the stars with larger-than-life marine creatures, 100-foot fountains, flames on water and dazzling fireworks. Stay until park close to experience this amazing show!


SeaWorld Operating Hours
July 1-3, 21-21 9am-10pm
July 4-20 9am-11pm

Seminole Casino deal collapses

State Supreme Court ruled that Gov. Charley Crist had no authority to allow blackjack and other table games to operate at Seminole Casino. Many of the lawyers involved were left spellbound by this landmark decision.

With a defiant tone, the Seminoles decried the decision indicating that the games will go on and only the federal government can force them to stop the blackjack tables.

According to Florida’s Constitution, only the state has the authority to allow game tables said Marco Rubio leading the court fight against Crist. New rounds of lawsuits can be expected from the latest Supreme Court decision.

However in January, the Us Department of the Interior gave the Seminole’s the right to install games into their 7 casinos in exchange for $100 million in payments.

The Court thinks that Crist overstepped his authority allowing the Seminoles to install black jack tables which are otherwise illegal according to the state’s Constitution. In the mean time Crist issued a statement that his office is reviewing the ruling.

Brenden Frazer star in "The Mummy"

Get ready fans for Brendan Fraser live on stage at Universal Studios Orlando Florida!
On Friday, July 11 at 2pm, catch a peek of some of the hottest movie, see Revenge of The Mummy®, and participate in a Q&A Session.

Be center stage with the star Brendan Fraser in "The Mummy" – Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Don't miss this your chance to come face to face with Hollywood’s larger than life star!

Don't forget to enter onsite to win Grand Prize. Just imagine, a trip for 2 to the Hollywood Premiere of "The Mummy"!

Your trip will include hotel accommodations, roundtrip air, and tickets to Universal Studios HollywoodSM.

Price increase Wet 'n Wild

America's favorite Water Park has changes it's admission prices effective Friday July 4th.
Wet ‘n Wild will be increasing admissions $2 Adult and Child tickets.


New Pricing as of Friday July 4th, 2008

Client	Rates	Rentals
General Admission (10+)	$41.95	Tubes $4.00 Deposit $2.00
Children (3-9)	$35.95	Towel $2.00 Deposit $2.00
Children (under 3)	FREE	Lockers $5.00 Deposit $2.00
Senior itizen	$35.95	Combo $9.00 Deposit $4.00
Weekday Annual Pass	$49.99	(Tube, Towel and Locker)
Annual Pass	$89.95	Life Vest FREE

Parking $9.00 (Parking price subject to change without notice)

Admission rates do not include sales tax. All deposits are refundable.

Walt Disney Downtown Disney area changes for 2008

Disney has projected some new plans for Downtown and Disney® Pleasure Island starting Sept. 28, 2008. Disney trying to keep with the changing times wants to give the old Downtown a new image. Starting Sept. 28, 08 all of the nightclubs on Pleasure Island will be close in preparation for some new one-of-a-kind thrills.

Clients will no longer be able to get admission to Pleasure Island nightclubs with the Water Park Fun & More options. Clients will still be given admission to Disney Water Parks, Disney's Wide World of Sports® Complex, and Disney Quest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park.

Disney World has many new choices available for Guests. Use a visit to play a round of golf at Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course, a relaxed, nine-hole walking course. Of course, your Guests can still choose to use a visit for admission to Disney Water Parks, DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park or Disney's Wide World of Sports® Complex.

Disney's bold new vision includes new iconic attraction, extraordinary new shopping, re-imaged Pleasure Island, 120-acre-entertainment shopping & dinning complex.

In the fall of 2008, your clients can immerse themselves in a bold new Downtown Disney. Visitors will be able to ascend in a tethered balloon 300 ft above the Walt Disney World Resorts, enter a world of prehistoric family adventure serving pizzas, pastas, seafood and more. Kids can keep busy designing their own tee-shirts while adults check out new E-brand restaurants, casual authentic Central and South American cuisines with live music.

Busch increases price of base ticket

Since SeaWorld's last price increase November 2007, Busch Entertainment is raising prices again $2 on it's basic ticket rate. Likewise, Busch is boasting deep discounts on it's flex ticket for Florida residents including SeaWorld, Acuatica, and Busch Gardens in Tampa.

Prices at the gate has increased including SeaWorld to $69.95, Aquatica to $41.95, Busch Gardens to $67.95 and Adventure Island to $37.95.

Busch has rolled prices for it's combo tickets two-park, two-day for SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens and Adventure Island to $79.95 a 20% decrease. Similarily, the three-park, three day tickets Adventure Island, Aquatica, Sea Word and Bush Gardens decreased to $119.95 a 11% rollback.

Chief marketing officer Joe Couciero believes that the marginal increases will not be an issue since business is doing quite well during this economic uncertainty.