Space Mountain

The most anticipated ride in Magic Kingdom next to the classic It's A Small World, is Space Mountain. This ride can be found in Tomorrowland amoungst other rides such as Buzz Lightyear's Spin, Stitches's Great Escape!, and Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor. This ride portrays rocketing through space at 28.7 miles per hour amoungst stars and other space ornaments. Although it is considered a 'roller coaster' , it is nothing to be feared. However, there is a height requirement of 44 inches tall. Reaching 180 feet, this ride will have you clutching the handles and screaming at the tips of your lungs.

Asia's Expedition Everest

If you looking for an adrenaline pumping experience, brace yourself for high-speed, fast-action, shock and awe rockin' rollin mountain ride.

At the base of Mount Everest, guests are having a casual chit-chat about the events of the day oblivious to what lies ahead.

Faint screams of horror are heard from inside mount everest without much regard, mom's are trying to keep their children from straying out of line.

Casual chats about whose dating back at home and what their going to eat for dinner after the ride.

"Choo choo" sounds the train as it makes it's stop to pick another group of unsuspecting tourist for a high-speed adventure. Luckily, Disney's Expedition Everest offers a singles line substatially that cuts down the wait time.

Men trying to convince their significant others that the journey up ahead is safe, but beware people!!

Nearing the front of the line, one feels the faint release of adrenaline in anticipation for whatever may present itself. "Hey you shouts the conductor, row 12." How hard can this be anyway? People ride these high-speed coasters every day. Suddenly, a kid jumps in beside me and looks into my eyes as if to say, is this safe?

"Choo choo" anounces the train ready to disengage from the junction station. "Lock that bar all the way down" shouts the conductor!! Ok, I'm ready, let's do this. Suddenly the phone rings, "are you on the ride yet..." yup.

Moments later were in the total pitch black darkness and the train is off the rails, turning, twisting, weaving, and winding. "I'm in for the ride of my life" I shouted on the phone. Suddenly, a light wheeww were done, so I thought.

What, the tracks are broken and pointing up in the air and nothing but air in front of the train. It stops dead, still, cold tracks, people screeming, the adraneline is on overdose at this moment.

No, not backwards, ahhhhhhhhh. I remember reading somewhere that this train can reach speeds in excess of 55 mps with 90' drop straight down. When we stopped going backwards in the dark which seemed to be an eternity, the train started forward again, man how much longer before this is over?

Suddenly the roar of the fierce yeti abominable beast waiting right on the track.... mommmmmmmyyyy!

Where Do The Turkeys Go?

Ah, the joys of Thanksgiving, you get to spend the day with your family, it kicks of the holiday season and you get to eat some of the most delicious foods in the world, like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli casserole, and the most importantly...turkey! We all know that turkey is the star for mostly every dinner table on Thanksgiving Day in America, but there is one turkey every year that misses cleaver. Each year a pardon is giving to this fortuitous foul by the President of the United States, which means he is sure not to end up on someone's holiday table packed with stuffing, but do you know what happens to these fortunate ones?

The pardoned turkeys are whisked away and treated like royalty. Before 2005, pardoned turkeys were taken to, ironically enough, to a place in Virginia called Frying Pan Park, were they would spend the rest of their days, well...alive. The pardoned birds of 2005, Marshmallow and Yam, were the first birds to arrive at their new retirement home, Disneyland. There is a little bit of a controversy over how the new location came to be. One account is that President Bush, recognizing the irony, said that the birds "were a little skeptical about going to a place called Frying Pan Park." The other account is that someone at a Disney staff meeting suggested "Doesn't that make him (the turkey) the happiest turkey on earth? We should bring him to the happiest place on earth."

The turkeys live a great life at the two Disney parks. Marshmallow and Yam are still at Disneyland, while last year's birds, May and Flower can be seen at Disney World. The birds do play an important role before they retire to Disney, though, as they are the grand marshals of the Thanksgiving Day parade.

Animal Kingdom

Opening in April of 1998, Disney's Animal Kingdom is the largest theme park in the world.
Primarily themed around the conservation of animals, the Animal Kingdom remains the most visited park in 2008.

Disney World has celebrated 50 years during The Year of a Million Dreams with it's Disneyland park in Anaheim California. Millions of tourists visit the park each year hoping to be the fortunate ones to be selected by a cast member to spend a night in Cinderella's Suite at the Magic Kingdom

We planned to visit Disney's Animal Kingdom the day before Thanksgiving hoping to find the park attendance lower. It was quite cool in the morning about 45 degrees as we boarded the Tram to the park. The air was brisk with the sun shinning as we noticed the parking lot was about 1/4 full.

We decided to start at the back of the park first with Kilimanjaro Safaris. We boarded the Safari taxi and off we went. We had wild encounters with animals in the natural habitat including gazeltes, elephatns, rhinos, giraffes and lions.

Next stop was Raffiki's Planet Watch aboard the tourist train. The animal conservation station contained interaction exhibits and plenty of facts. We learned that the rain forest are being diminished resulting in the extinction of many exotic animals.

We had the luxury of viewing the incoming of a new male Baboon. They actually conducted live examination for our viewing to assure that he was able to be introduced into his new environment. The doctors declared that they need to increase the population of this particular species because of diminished numbers.

Walking to Asia we decided to first stop at the Pizzafari for a bite to eat. Naturally we ate pizza, chicken salad, spaghetti & meatballs, grapes, chocolate chip cookie, and refreshments. Feeling freshed we shoved off to Asia.

Things had warmed up a bit as we explored the Maharajah Jungle Trek. We had close encounters with a Kamodo dragon, tapirs, birds, giant fruit bats, exotic animals and tigers. Although it was still quite cool, 3 big cats were lazily stretch out on the ground. One cat was laying up against the obervation window allowing us to see his huge size.

We could see Asia's Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, Expedition Everest. The peak of the mountain was visible from many different places in the park. I found a short-cut line for single passengers. I jumped aboard with another passenger and off we went. Everthing went well until the lights went out and suddenly we arrive at the end of a broken track suspended in the air inside the mountain. I just knew this train was going to go backwards in the dark. At that point I couldn't wait to get off.

The boneyard at Dinoland was an educational exhibit for kids that allowed them to handle actual replicas of dinosaur bones. My wife purchased the Cinderella dress in a blue gown character pin that she was missing for her collection. Finding Nemo, Disney Pixar animation musical was filled with live performances of puppets immersing us in this magical undersea world of Nemo.

We were fortunate to be at Discovery Island at 3:45pm when Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade came through. It was a tribute to Christmas with jolly cast-members dressed in brightly colorful costumes charged the atmospher with a spirit of festivity and fun. The Jungle parade blazed new trails with this amazing safari of Mickey's gang of characters. The parade feature floats galore, men on stilts, imaginary animal characters, dancing band, and much more.

We recommend a trip to the Magic Kingdom for your next trip to Florida.

Holiday Getaway With Universal

Are you looking for something fun and exciting to do this holiday season? Well, if your answer is yes, then check out Universal Studios Orlando for their awesome, new "Holiday Getaway". For just about $75 per person, you can stay at any of the twenty-four hotels that are taking part in this holiday funfest, plus tickets for two days at the three Universal Studios theme parks. If you would like to stay at one of the three Universal Orlando resorts, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, you can, for an additional charge.

Join Universal Orlando for the 2008 holiday seaon.

Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Studio

One of the great things about the holiday season is, of course, the music. Oh, and another thing, while I have it in my mind, is all the great holiday events that that the City Beautiful has to offer, like Universal Studio's holiday celebration. When you put these two things together, you get Mannheim Steamroller. Mannheim Steamroller is an impressive musical group that puts on quite the performance at Universal Studios during the holiday season. It is definitely a special treat because Mannheim Steamroller only makes one scheduled appearance during the holidays, and it is here in Orlando at Universal.

Mannheim Steamroller will be performing their specially arranged holiday tunes for the concertgoers. The music is from Universal's live stage show, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". Not only will you get to hear them at the show, but they are also putting on two shows at Universal Orlando Resort. If you can, do your ears a favor and get over to one of their shows for a great musical experience.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

On November 21, I went to Mickey's Very Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. I arrived there right about four and drove into the park. From there my family, sisters friends, and my friend Melissa took the trolley down to the park. It was really cold and windy when we were on the trolley. Next, we entered Magic Kingdom. It was about four thirty now, and we headed up to a fairy boat. The fairy boat could hold a lot of people it was two stories high. The fairy took us across the water so we could get to Magic Kingdom. Then, we were at the park. The workers checked in our bags making sure we didn't have any harmful items and we were on our way. Next, we put our tickets into the machine and nice greeters gave us each a green wrist band which meant, we could stay at the park till twelve. Everyone else there had to leave at four when the party started. Hot chocolate, cookies, and apple juice were given out with no charge in many shops around the park. Free pictures took place too. The Disney characters were everywhere around the park too. Disney workers that worked in either shops, or on rides were all dressed up for this event. They were wearing an outfit decorated in red and green strips with Christmas trees. The tradition of the parade happened too. Snow fell during the parade and all the little children cheered. Next, when it got dark the lights on the castle turned on, it gave the park a sparking glow. The rides even had no lines, ten minutes tops. I had a lot of fun at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and will be attending it in the future too.

Top Employers 2008

Orlando region has over 100 of the largest employers in central Florida. About 53 employers have fewer employees gainfully employed than one year ago, according to CFB.

Incredibly, 37 major companies reported having a larger workforce, while only 4 companies disclosed having the same number from last year.

A workforce of 370,320 is currently employed by these largest employers.

The nations leading single site employers is Disney World. Disney employees 17% of all workers in Florida. We've listed a few of these below for you convenience.

Company	2008 Total
Walt Disney World	62,000
Adventist Health	29,135
Publix Super Market	17,000
WalMart Stores	15,170
Orlando Health	14,000
General Electric	13,000
McDonal's Corp	8,550
Lockheed Martin Corp	7,931

New Disney Attraction

Have you ever had the desire to just get behind the wheel of your vehicle and do a few laps around the track, at pretty high speeds? Well, put you desire to rest and head over to Walt Disney World. Disney's latesest attraction places you behind the steeing wheel of an Indy class G-Force race car. For a mere $399, and a few signed waivers, you get to spend some time driving around the track, reaching speed in excess of 100 miles per hour. For all of you who like a great adrenaline rush, this is deinitely the attraction for you.

The Indy Racing Experience has four Indy class vehicles, and although you do not go quite as fast as the actual Indy cars, you will think that you are in the real deal. So, if speeding around a large track is you idea of fun, check out Diney's new Indy Racing Experience.

Coming soon new Titanic Attraction Orlando

New Titanic signature project is returning to port in Orlando at the Titanic Dock. Plans are being made for the exhibit to be hosted at the Orlando Science Center. The new Titanic experience has a vision to be ready for the 2012 Titanic Centenary. The new iconic boat design will be similar to the Odyssey at the Abercorn Basin.

Immerse yourself in one of the greatest maritime disasters of all time. All cast members wear costoms worn on the ill-fated trip to New York. As you walk from exhibit to exhibit, authentic narrations are told regarding actual events taken during and after the collision with the iceburg.

View lifesife replicas of the living quarters, luxurious sitting room, private bath, and flushing toilets for 700 hundred passengers. But the most spectacular view is the grand staircase that was seen the 1997 movie Titanic staring Leonardo Dicaprio.

The tour becomes dark and chilli as guests are led onto the deck. On April 4, 1912, it's a cold, starry night, water gently splashing along the sides of the ship. A crew member somberly tells her family's story about the horror of survival and the screams in the dark of the night.

Spotlight on authentic life jackets are seen, but they were of little use in the 28-degree waters. Humans can last 10 to 40 minutes in those frigid conditions.

A video recaps the sinking and salutes heroic measures of the evening. "Nearer My God to Thee" plays.

The new Titanic Experience can be located across from Chilis Resturant on Carrier Drive

Discount Titanic Tickets
7324 International Drive
Orlando Florida

Disney and Imax Partener Up

Starting in November of 2009, Imax will be hosting five Disney films on their gigantic screens. Disney and Imax have reached a deal that is sure to out a smile as big as an Imax screen to the faces of Disney film lovers. The first film that Imax will screen is Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol”, and it will be directed by legendary directory Robert Zemeckis, and it will star funnyman Jim Carrey.

Imax has had pretty good success with showing major blockbusters, such as “Superman Returns”, “The Dark Knight”, and “Spiderman”, just to name a few, that they are more than confident that the Disney films will be great hits.

Wildest ride at Disney World now open

The longtime Richard Petty Driving experience will step aside for a new amazing attraction that Disney is unveiling that an extreme adrenaline rush within 5 minutes. Jump aboard Juan Pablo's Montoya's 2000 racing machine for the wildest ride of your life.

To drive the Chip Ganassi Racing machine you must dawn fire-resistant uniform, gloves, full helmet, and shoes. Slide down into the ultratight compartment behind the wheel and find the clutch with your feet because you can't see them.

Now your ready to push the clutch, and fire up the Honda engine, but before you do, there is the matter of filling out nine pages of waivers including the next of kin.

Some think the $399 attraction is well worth the cost to cruise around the 1-mile oval track for 5 minutes at 100 mph. Several cars are available for a spin including the Felipe Giaffone $250,000 car driven in the 2002 Indianapolis 500 race at over 250 mph, 2-seater 1.8 liter six-cylinder Honda race car that hits speeds of 100 mph, and a two-seat Dallara Indy Car with a Chevrolete engine accompanied by a racing professional.

Most first-timers will ride in the two-seater first for $109 before they venture out onto the track by themselves in the more advanced and powerful race car.

Owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Tony George is determined to make the Indy Racing Experience as realistic as possiblle.

Makahiki Christmas Luau at Sea World

As holiday festivities are quickly drawing near, there are many things you can do at SeaWorld including the Makahiki Luau.

This year the Seafire Inn will be celebrating Christmas season Hawaiian style as the sun sets over the harbor.Listen to authentic Christmas music, colorful costumes, South Seas dance, at the Luau.

See the Laua's own rendition of O Holy Night. Get ready for non-stop festivities that joins both the eartha and sea.

The celebration starts at 6:00pm on the following dates:

December 6, 7, 13,20, 31

Looking forward to see you this Christmas Season at Makahiki Laua.

Less trips to Florida as Tourism hits bottom

The chief tourism agency reported a statistic that tourism fell 3.2% in the 3rd quarter of 2008. Only a 19.8 million tourist count between July and September reveals the fact that we have clearly been in a recession.

Again more proof that cash-strapped customers are holding back their spending in Florida. Attendence has been up this year in the first two quarters compared with the same time in 2007. Clearly the houseing market, Fannie May Freddie Mac debacle, elections, failing financial system have all played a negative effect in the 3rd and 4th quarter of 2008.

The face of tourism in Florida could change radically how we do business in the future especially with the new social policies being put into place by president elect Obama and his administration.

Gatorland celebrates it's 60th year

Yesterday, Mark Mchugh spoke at Skal's (International Association of Travel and Tourism) annual event at the Grand Bohemian Hotel which enables business owners in the Tourism industry to have and opportunity just to get together in a spirit of comaradarie.

Last night business managers were able to meet people from other sectors of the business who you may not normally meet and possibly do a little bit of business as well.

Mark Mchugh talked a little on the history of Gatorland and some of the upcoming attractions that will be unveiled in 2009. About 60 years ago, most people do not know that gatorland was a free attraction that received charitable contributions at the exit door.

Gatorland recently had a 60th year celebration offering a chance to win a portion of the 1,949 prizes to be awarded this year in exange for one-of-a-kind kodak pictures of family members at gatorland theme park, like a Polaroid of Granny & Grandpa sittin’ in the gators jaws.

Most people heard about the unfortunate fire that broke broke out at Gatorland on Nov. 6, 2006. "Despite the bravery and valiant effort of the firefighters, the 7,000 square-foot, award-winning Gift Shop and Executive Offices were lost. Tragically, one dwarf crocodile, two pythons and two hatchling alligators were also lost."

This year, Gatorland went country for one of the biggest events on this side of the Mississippi. People came for miles around to gather at the 1st Annual Roarin’ Rodeo, September 20th & 21st

The 1st Annual Roarin’ Rodeo at Gatorland certainly brought the cowboy out in everyone! It was a non-traditional rodeo featuing some real crowd cherring events, including the biggest belt buckle contest, Little Miss & Mr. Wrangler, gator races, West Virginia horseshoe throwin’ showdown contest and a pie eatin’ contest.

Happy Birthday, Mickey Mouse!

Today, November 18, 2008, is the birthday of one of the most iconic cartoon characters in the world, Mickey Mouse, and he turns 80 years old! On this day in 1928, Walt Disney debuted Mickey Mouse to the world in his cartoon, “Steamboat Willie.” Since that day 80 years ago, Mickey Mouse has been a household name; but do you know what his name was before he was Mickey Mouse? A little known fact is that Mickey original name was Mortimer Mouse. Walt’s wife, Lilly, didn’t think that the animated mouse looked like a Mortimer, and thanks to her suggestion Walt’s mouse was named Mickey. Can you imagine a Mortimer Mouse?

Today, Mickey Mouse and Disney are as big as ever and are world-renowned. From big beach towels to computer mouse pads, his face can be seen on anything you can purchase today. So, join me today in wishing our favorite animated mouse a big, Happy Birthday Mickey!

Disney Due To Release Bolt This Friday

Disney has high expectations for its new film, Bolt, which is due for release this weekend. With big stars like John Travolta and Miley Cyrus, Bolt is sure to pull in a major crowd at its opening and the potential to be a massive hit.

To add to that potential, Disney is offering the newly developed Disney Digital 3-D, in select theaters. This will provide the customer with a spectacular display of 3-D graphics that they will not soon forget. Disney is also offering a special opening night on the cruise ships for Bolt, that feature the same 3-D technology, a first in the cruise line industry.

Get out this Friday and check out Disney’s Bolt!

Disney Cruise Lines Go 3-D

Disney Cruise Lines has plans to unleash a cruise industry first on December 6, 2008. The technology is called Disney Digital 3-D, and it is designed to give the cruise goers a 3-D movie experience that they will not soon forget. Disney plans on installing two state of the art theaters on both of the ships, giving vacationers a third-dimensional perspective on Disney movies.

Disney, along with several other cruise lines, is not only implementing this technology for films. They also plan to use Disney Digital 3-D, with extravagant in-theater spectacles to give the view a awe-inspiring experience.

Malia and Sasha Obama On The Disney Channel?

There has been some speculation for the past few days, on whether or not the two Obama girls will make a cameo on Disney’s Hannah Montana. It has been reported that Billy Ray Cyrus, father of the star of the show Miley Cyrus, put an offer out to Malia and Sasha Obama, to be special guests the show. Although there has not been any word on whether or not the Obama girls will in fact make an appearance, The Disney Channel said that the girls are more than welcome to appear as guests or guests host of the popular show.

The girls are big Disney Channel fans and also big fans of the Hannah Montana Show. It will now depend on whether mom and dad would allow them to be guests on the show.

Lay off 800 Bahamas Island Resort

As the global economic crisis continues to increase, the Island Resort claims to have laid off 800 employees due to low occupancy. Many tourists appetites for exotic getaway destinations have been curbed by the declining economy.

For the countries largest employer, these cuts represent about 10% of their workforce. Reeling from sharp declines, hundreds of hotel workers have lost employment as the Atlantic archipelago economy is seeing a decline of visitors.

Covering about three quarters of the 800 acres near the capitol Nassau, Atlantis is know for its pink towers and marine habitat.

Last year, Atlantis spent about $1 million on expansion improvements.

Statistics indicate that the United States accounts for more than 80 percent of tourists to the Bahamas.

Universal taking a big hit

Nothing but bad news for the theme park business through 2008

Joining SeaWorld & Disney World, Universal is experiencing a reduction in park attendance and operating revenues resulting in a drop in profit. Universal's parent cited two reasons for the fourth quarter dip including one-time gain on sale of excess property, and the construction of the signature roller coaster Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Universal reported nearly a 1 percent reduction in operating revenues totaling $264 million, but the net income was down 18 percent to $49 million. This is a about a 2 percent drop between the combined theme parks.

In order to cover-up the reality of the parks performance, Bill Davis president and chief operating officer described his business as "strong and resilient."

Disney and Verizon Wireless Team Up

The world of Disney is yet again pushing the outside of the technological envelope with a new partnership with Verizon Wireless. It appears that the theme park and wireless service provider giants are teaming up to bring a unique experience to visitors. Starting some time next year, visitors with cell phones are going to be able to access a variety of features and applications that are aimed at providing an interactive atmosphere while at Disney parks.

Imagine receiving a call from anyone of the many Disney characters, just to say hello and welcome to the park that you are in. If you do not feel like following around a live tour guide, flip open your phone and have the new virtual guide right in the palm of your hand. You will also be able to receive up to the minute information about all of the park’s events, shows and restaurants, while also receiving the quality wireless service that Verizon provides. There is also talk about a new interactive attraction making its way over to Epcot, featuring Kim Possible from the Disney Channel.

It will be interesting to see what Disney and Verizon Wireless will be able to cook up with the new technology that is out there. Their goal is to make the visitor’s trip to the Magic Kingdom that much more magical.

Dsiney's Bookings Are Down

Most industries in America certainly have taken an economic hit since the bank crisis in mid-November 2008, and Walt Disney World is no exception. Disney’s chief executive, Bob Iger, said that in the deteriorating economy have Disney bookings the worst it has been in 30 years. Although theme park attendance is only down 1% from last year, there has been a significant drop in forward bookings, and with that a drop in hotel bookings, merchandise sales and broadcasting advertisements.

These drops are largely due to the fact that would be vacationers are not willing to travel during this economic lull, sending earnings further down the drain. Disney is offering major deals to visitors, as mentioned in a previous blog, to try and offset the damage that this economic time-out could usher in.

The parks and hotels are not the only parts that are taking the hits, Disney’s ABC and ESPN is also feeling the strain. For example, the hurting auto industry is not paying for as many ads as they were in the past, thus slowing media advertisements on these networks.

Even with the decline and a bleak outlook for 2009, Disney is confident that they can endure the pressure of this economic breakdown.

Disney Hotels To Offer Big Discount

As the economy hangs in limbo, Disney announced Thursday that they will be offering a big hotel discount to would be visitors. Disney purported a decrease in earnings, mostly due to sluggish theme park and movie returns, and largely in part to the $91 million dollar debt from the downfall of Wall Street mammoth Lehman Brothers. With fewer people willing to travel during this economic lull, Disney is prepared to do what it takes to get potential visitors into their hotels.

First introduced in 2003, Disney hotels are bringing back a deal that is sure to lure some vacationers back to the happiest place on earth. Starting in January of 2009, visitors can stay at a Disney World hotel for seven nights, but pay for four nights. This deal will only be for the first six months of 2009, and for those who book their stay in January, February or March will also receive a $200.00 food and souvenir voucher that can be used on Disney property. In order to receive this deal, vacationers will have to book their stay no later that December 20, 2008.

With this deal, Disney hopes to compensate for their slowing business by bringing offer a deal that possible vacationers can’t refuse. The goal: bring visitors to Disney hotels and that will possibly increase theme park attendance, as well as hike their merchandise and DVD sales.

It's Time For Some ICE!

It is that time of year again, and as the holiday season falls upon Orlando, so does the many wonderful holiday events that the city hosts. Once again, the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center will be holding its annual presentation of ICE! So, reserve you tickets and step out of the sunshine to witness this truly amazing display of frozen architecture.

Starting November 17, 2008, come and walk through a wintry wonderland of hand carved ice sculptures that weighs out to just around two million pound of ICE! This exhibit is one of the coolest things you can see in Central Florida for the holiday season. Load up the family and head down to the Gaylord Palms to see what the exhibit offers and even get some pictures with jolly old Santa Claus.

Even though you are in Florida, ICE! is a freezing 9 degrees Fahrenheit, so be sure to bundle up before you head in there. Your family will be in awe when they visit this unique attraction in the Orlando area.

Holidays With Universal Studios

The holiday season has hit Orlando and Universal Studios, and you know what that means, don’t you? Well, just in case you don’t, let me tell you that it is time for Grinchmas at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure.

Starting December 6th, come and join the Grinch and all of the Whoville players, as they sing, dance and bring the holiday spirit to you. A day in this wintry wonderland wouldn’t be complete with seeing the famous musical performance of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” You will have great time at this amazing performance.

You can also meet the Grinch and the citizens of Whoville and get an autograph and maybe even take a picture with your favorite character. If you make reservations and get there earlier, you can even share your morning meal at the “Breakfast with the Grinch and Friends.” Come be a part of the fun and festivities when you visit Islands of Adventure Grinchmas.

Islands of Adventure isn’t the only park taking part in the holiday festival, Universal Studios are also throwing shows of their own, like Macy’s Holiday Parade, KidZone Holiday Show, and Barney’s Christmas Show. No matter which park that you decide to visit, you will indeed have some holiday fun.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

November 10th to December 19th

Nightly from 7pm to midnight

Walt Disney World puts on a Christmas spectacular every year and this year is no different. This special hard ticket event runs all this month and most of December as you get to see Main Street USA and the Magic Kingdom transformed for into a wintery holiday wonderland. All your favorite rides are still available but alot of special events happen also.

• Celebrate the Spirit of the Season Fireworks show can be see 3 times a night from virtually anywhere in the park.
• "Mickey's Twas the Night Before Christmas." - watch the characters act out the classic tale of the Christmas season.
• Cinderella's Castle is coated in a blanket of ice and icicles. It's the castle like you've never experienced it before.
• Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade - A special holiday parade with Mickey, Minnie, Old Saint Nick himself and all your favorite Disney characters as well as holiday processions not normally in a disney parade.
• Free Cookies & Hot Cocoa at select locations in the park.
• Character signing areas are located all around the theme park
• Belle's Enchanted Christmas Storytelling - happening 4 times nightly in Tomorrowland
• and finally the Magic Kingdom Tree Lighting - be there as the gates open and night kicks off with a specatular light show on the grandest stage in the world.

Be sure to buy your Very Merry Christmas Party tickets and head over for the magic.

The Holiday Season Is Here!

That’s right, it’s Christmas time again in Orlando and this is the time of year that the theme parks begin their wonderful holiday celebrations. Starting as early as November 10, 2008, each park will begin their seasonal festivities. So, its time to break out the Santa hats and the jingle bells and bring the entire family to commemorate this great 2008 holiday season. Take a look at some of the great events that will be taking place this Christmas season.

Starting November 10, 2008, Disney kicks off one of many holiday events, Christmas at Disney. When you and your family visit Disney’s Magic Kingdom this holiday season, expect to witness some of the most extravagant holiday displays in town. You’ll see all of the Disney characters, dressed in their favorite holiday attire, as well as gingerbread men and many toy soldiers.

The Magic Kingdom also hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party during this time. This party features a variety of live entertainment, as well as the most popular parade, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade. Don’t forget the camera, because Disney’s cast of characters will be out and about ready to meet your whole family and spread some Christmas cheer.

Make some great holiday memories when you visit these events during this hoilday season.

Busch Entertainment Corp. Goes Green

Busch Entertainment Corp. announced that they would be trying various methods to make their parks green this year. The ambitious undertaking will include such steps as introducing biodegradable cutlery and dishware that is made up of vegetable starch and sugar cane, acquiring seafood from sustainable fisheries and the use of hydrogen fueled vehicles.

The initiative is expanding from the parks in Florida to Busch’s parks in Pennsylvania, Virginia, California and Texas. The Busch Entertainment Corp. President Jim Atchison said, “It’s not always the easy way or inexpensive way, but it is the right way.”