Medieval Times

Medieval Times is a Dinner-show like none other. There is an intensity to it that few manage to convey. They mix medieval sporting events (Jousting, Besting, Ring hunts, Combat) with a rivetting story of betrayal, adventure, and love.

Each guest is assigned to a section based on a color. The color is based on the knights. therefore, each section has an assigned knight that they cheer for. And each knight does the various trials to win flowers from the princess. These knights then give these away to various guests. The more flowers they recieve, the better chance of winning the Medieval Times banner. The guest cheering the loudest, for the winners' sections, recieve this prize.

The food was surprisingly amazing and plentiful. They serve you a feast including bread, soup, chicken, spare rib, potatoes, carrots, and a dessert thats hot and deliscious.

The acting was great, the adventure was exciting, and the games were perilous. This is a show that should not be missed. And with the cheap pricing, this show is arguabely the best in Central Florida.

Rip Ride & Rockit

I awaited this one with anticipation, checking the websites each day and watching its development. As soon as it was opened I was awaiting the day when I would get to visit this monster. And when I finally had my chance to visit the Rip Ride and Rocket, I nearly expressed my excitement through interpretive dance. When we got to Universal Studios in Orlando we got our tickets and entered the park. While my eye constantly remained on the roller-coaster I submitted to the needs of others and patiently awaited my chance to visit this attraction. After several other eventful rides I finally broke away and anxiously made my way towards this colossal net of tracks. When I got up close I realized entirely how large this beauty was. Towering high above me I got into line and prepared for this much anticipated event. While in line they demonstrated how to select the music you would listen to while riding the coaster. I didn’t realize that there was a large selection of music for you to choose from, and then listen to as you speed up and down this track. When it was my turn to ride the beast I got in the line that directed you to the front of the vehicle without hesitation. Once on I selected some heavy rock music and awaited the vehicles movement. It lurched forward and proceeded to travel straight up at a 90degree angle, and then steeply drop in the same fashion. The speed was relentless, I must have been traveling incredibly fast as I rounded the first turns, getting light headed from the G-forces. The loop was massive, and not only massive, it was unique, it never let you upside down, twisting and turning that high in the air was amazing. The ride ended just as quickly as it started, and we were back in station as the loading dock crew clapped for us. We got off and went down stairs only to find out you can buy a video of the entire thing, yea I bought a video of me riding the coaster. If you’re looking for a new unique rollercoaster this is the one, now doubt its amazingly entertaining.

Sea World 09'

I’ve been to Sea World many times in the past however I have not had as much fun until my most recent experience. The first thing I noticed was how cool and refreshing the water looked at the time we got there. It was a hot Florida day so I’m sure everyone in the park was thinking the same thing. We got into the park and enjoyed a fantastic lunch at the Dining with Shamu attraction, not only was the food amazing the fact that we got a personal show in a nice cool shade was the best part. I had the shrimp and pasta, as well as some ocean baked chicken and it completely changed my mind of “theme park food”. I was amazed at how well trained the whales were – even though they can barely hear humans talking they responded well with the trainers and did everything they were asked. After Dining with Shamu we went on to view another show, this show had all sorts of animals including dolphins, parrots, condors and more. During the show the trainers/actors danced around the stage performing stunts and dives that I could never imagine doing. When the dolphins came out the trainers were riding them in positions that didn’t even seen possible, one guy had both of his feet on the dolphin’s nose and was spinning around in spirals! About ¾ of the way through the show they release the parrots which fly around the audience dazzling every one of the viewers. At one point a bird flew directly over my head! After the shows we went to meet some of the actors, not the humans but the animals themselves. We went to pet and feed the stingrays which was a great experience; their stingers were cut off so it was a lot less dangerous than it sounds. We also got to meet the dolphins up close and personal. We were each handed a tray of small fish to feed the dolphins. We all had an amazing time and were shocked at just how well trained the dolphins were. Sea World is known for its amazing shows and that show did not fall short, but most of the locals know Sea World its new ride “Manta”. We made it priority to ride this ride and we were not disappointed at all. Manta was unlike any other coaster I’ve been on because you don’t sit up right you hang face down during the whole ride as you go up and down, through loops, around waterfalls, with a lot of close encounters, after Manta we went to meet the penguins which was the coolest part of the day (literally) we were in a very cold environment and watched these penguins waddle around and build their nests for mating. Overall Sea World was a great experience from the shows, the roller coasters and the behind the scene look at the animals I had a great time. If you have been to Sea World in the past and enjoyed it I highly recommend you go again because things are always changing and you never know what you might see.

Cypress Gardens closes its doors

World-renown for its botanical gardens, Cypress Gardens first opened its gates on Jan. 2nd, 1936. At that time, it boasted to be the biggest attraction in Florida before its rival Disney opened in 1971.

With over 50 water skiing records, Cypress Gardens became known as the "water ski capital of the world." Producers came from all over to make films at the park including the award-winning "This Cinerama."

For nearly 6 years, Anheuser Busch both bought and operated the park in 1989 until it was later purchased by the parks managers. With the terrorists attacks on the twin towers in September 11, 2001, the park experienced a brief closure with the layoff of over 529 employees.

After sustaining damages from hurricanes Jeanne, Francis and Charley, the park emerged from decline and experienced a renaissance with the added attractions including Triple Hurricane Roller Coaster and Splash Island Water Park in 2005.

But after a long hard struggle for survival, the storied theme park shut down again in the middle of Sept. 2009. Just after 7 months of operation, the current management Land South Holdings LLC announced that it had exhausted every effort to keep the park open.

Hoping to succeed with its one-of-a-kind botanical gardens and gorgeous southern bells, the Polk County investment firm that pulled the park out of bankruptcy failed to keep the traditional park on it's feet.

With the future of the park uncertain, the holding company has been entertaining potential buyers interested in the parks property. Owners still maintain a ray of hope that the historic park will be resurrected in the months to come.

Some say that the current owners did not seem to make a monumental effort with advertising campaigns that would have promoted the brand to a wider market.

Seaworld Adventure

Since 1964, Seaworld which opened primarily as an underwater ocean-themed restaurant by Bubbs, later became a Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation program in Orlando. Today, Seaworld that combines the best of the sea and sky, features ten rides, nine animal attractions, six live entertainment shows and Manta, the flying coaster.

With over 7 million gallons of salt water providing the habitat for hundreds of species, the logistics of Seaworld to operate the behind the scenes are just amazing.

To maintain Seaworlds star performers including Manta's aquarium requires feeding 3,000 fish including rays that consume nearly 300 lbs. of food a day, bottlenose between 25 - 36 pounds of fish, and adult killer whales consume 140 to 240 pounds of food per day.

First stop on our VIP tour included Seaworld's illustrious Dining with Shamu attraction. Here, Seaworld offers guests a behind-the-scenes view of the intensive training that it required to make their killer whales stars.

Enjoy a scrumptious pool-side buffet including Caesar Salad, Mixed Field Greens w/ Dressing, Seasonal Vegetable Du Jour, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sliced Turkey, Smoked Sausage, Chicken Jambalaya w/ Dirty, Rice, Honey-Hoisin BBQ Spare Ribs, BBQ Beer Can Chicken, Rice Pilaf, and Tortilla Soup.

Dining with Shamu gives guests a pool-side view of training Seaworld's biggest stars. Watching the trainer handle a 8,000 lb whale was amazing. The newest addition Malia was excited to be in the pool for the first time with her trainer. Each time the killer whale performs well, hand-fulls of fish are dropped into her mouth.

Take the adventure further by booking a Dining with Shamu adventure for the entire family. Dining with Shamu combines a titillating meal with a behind-the-scenes training of their biggest stars.

At Seaworld, guest can swim with beluga whales, take behind-the-scenes adventures with penguins, and feed the Dolphins. Many surprises laid ahead as we entered Dolphin Cove with not waiting.

As the host explained not to touch bottlenose dolphins on the head or tease them, small trays of fish were distributed for feeding. Guests were touching and playing with the dolphins that just love being rubbed under their noses.

Seaworld offers six different shows where guests can make a connection including Dolphin Cove, Manatee Rescue, Penguin Encounter, Wild Arctic and Pacific Point Preserve.

If you enjoy a incredible dolphin theatrical performance, Blue Horizons offers acrobatics, stunts, exotic flying birds, and soaking wet fun. It's quite amazing how Seaworld trains these powerfully wonderful creatures to walk, flip, spin and push performers on the surface of the water.

As the tour became increasingly entertaining, our conservation guide escorted us to the newest attraction, Manta.

Guests entering the Manta queue are immersed in a new underwater adventure featuring over 3,000 different species of marine life. Essentially, the queue is an aquarium providing a snapshot of the underwater habitat of tropical fish and rays. Guests viewed the underwater oasis of sea dragons and schools of fish. Several people had their moment in the limelight as they ventured into the pop-up aquarium. But the biggest ray of them all was waiting just outside the tranquility of the aquarium.

Gliding at over 60 mph, the Manta with it's 12 ft wings, swooped and glided through four inversions including 3,359 ft of track. As the first 360 deg inversion stressed our bodies beyond the limit, the coaster made effortless transition between sea and sky.

Hollywood Studios Orlando Florida

We visited Hollywood Studios on a whim and decided to hit up all the rides in the theme park, starting with the shows and working out way down the list untill we had done everything. Well that idea didnt work when we realized how big the park was and how much they offered. So we decided the best plan was to see as much as we possibly could.

We started the day by visiting the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, which, as the name suggest is spectacular. The show starts off with an incredible stunt scene where Indiana Jones, or the actor that Plays Indiana enters a temple and dodges a series of dangerous traps layed down by the tombs past builders to keep the coveted treasure safe. After this they pull the set apart and disect the scene and what it takes out of the crew, and stuntsman to bring it to the big screen!

Then we headed over to Star Tours where we were taken on a tour of the galaxy with a crazy little droid who was having his first real flight! As he drove the ship he made a series of mistakes resulting in wild adventure. We even got caught up with eh Rebel Alliance making their attack pattern on Death Star!

Next, we went to the Rock n' Rollercoaster, where we joined up with the famous rockstars (on-screen) and rollercoastered through lights and music. If your looking for a roller-coaster this is an incredibley unique one!

We came to rest on the Backlot Tour where we saw visual effects ranging from water explosions, gunfire, fire, sounds, and more! To rummaging through the prop rooms and seeing vehicle and models of some of Disney's hit movies! We took a ride through catastrophe canyon and experienced a flash flood, explosions, oil leaks and a creeky cliff side roadway, if you like visual effects dont miss this one!

We then went to the Tower of Terror and entered the Twilight Zone, where we plummeted straight down for what seemed like forever, and then we did again, and again, and again. If your a thrill seeker this is the ride for you. If your like me and want to vomit after the 3rd drop, this ride is a one time event.

Next, we went to the American Idol Experience and there is nothing else to say except that it feels just like watching the show. With comedic hosts and crazy judges you get the whole package with this Disney experience. Vote for your favorite singer and send them on their way to possibly being on the show!

Next, we went to Fantasia, and watched Mickey fight off the villians of the Disney world with pyrotechnic magic. Even making an apearance was a massive dragon and a whole slew of amazing fireworks. If you want to make your visit memorable then this is a way to end your night with a bang.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Of all the Disney parks, Disney's Hollywood Studios is my favorite. This movie themed park combines adult fan favorites such as Alien, Indiana Jones, and The Twilight
zone, with teenage favorites such as Pirates of the carribbean, right down to the childrens favorite Toy Story and Honey I Shrunk the Kids.
And the cool thing about this park, is the fact that they not only let you "ride out" the movies, they show you how they are made too. The Blacklot tour is the oldest running ride at Hollywood Studios, and takes you behind the scenes of some of Disney's most action packed movies. They will take you through Wardrobe, showing you how how the costumes were made. The Prop Graveyard, showing you their oversized props that have been used in movies such as "Pearl Harbor" and "Alien". Followed by a disaster sequence that you get to sit in on. They blow up / flood a canyon that is an old movie set used in an Indiana Jones movie.
This behind said, the Indiana Jones show puts you in the center of the filming of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Their are action and adventure sequences that were straight out of the movie. Along with the funny quips and giant thrills you'd expect from an Indiana Jones Movie.
The best (My favorite) part of the Hollywood Studios is the "Adult Corner". This has Rock'n'Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror. On Rock'n'Rollercoaster, you get to jam out with Aerosmith as you follow them in a limo heading to their show. This isnt an ordinary limo though, this limo reaches speeds of 60mph in under 6 seconds. It sends you through loops and twists and signs. Finally showing up at your destination, you get to see Aerosmith doing one of their most famous shows in history. Tower of Terror takes you to the "hollywood Hotel" on the daring night that it got struck by lightning sending the riders of a service elevator into an alternate reality. Taking you 23 stories in the air, it freefalls you up to 150 feet. Its a thrill like you will never feel anywhere else.
Other rides included in this park are Star tours, Toy Story Mania, and The American Idol Experience. These are all perfect for the younger crowd. toy Story Mania shows off Pixar's prowess for animation, star wars shows the creative mind of George Lucas and Lucas Arts, and The American Idol Experience puts you right in the center of America's Most watched television series!
The American Idol Experience is the perfect way to end your day at Disney's Hollywood Studios, it was our favorite part of our stay at Hollywood Studios.

Worst season for hospitality on record

During one of the worst depressions on record for hotel business, most hoteliers are hoping just to break even during the month of September. Where it's obvious that some hotels will ultimately close, smaller hotels have dropped their room rates to nearly $30 per night.

Though some analysts predict that the recession is over, the average occupancy over the last 3 months has been a mere 58 percent of available rooms. Orlando-hotels have been taking a real beating during June, July and August with room rates down double-digits.

Because of Orlando's tourism-dependency, the losses are creating some real opportunity for deal-seekers vacationing in Orlando. As resort taxes fall, so doesn't some of Orange County's public projects slated for this year.

Badly needed renovations to the Citrus Bowl as well as delays to the performing-arts center planned at $425 million are among those projects that have fallen victim to hard times.

Albeit local hotel occupancy fell some 9% over the last year, steep discounts in rates has maintained an adequate level of tourism to keep hotels operational. Most economists don't believe that hotels will see a turn-around for months to come, maybe until the end of 2010.

To make matters worst, statistics reveal a mass exodus from Florida in the order of tens of thousands of people, a reversal after 60 years of growth. Demographic markers show that hundreds of thousands of multiple generations are living in households without health insurance. These factors coupled with unemployment are sending families packing in search of jobs.

With a mere 4 percent growth in 2008, new births represented the highest growth factor among 18 million inhabitants. Albeit, the growth rate has slowed, a whopping 79% of the increase in Florida was fueled by the Hispanic population.

For hoteliers, if able people have jobs, tourism will begin to flow again. Historically, the hospitality sector may take some time to bounce-back again before some growth can be sustained.

Adventures by Disney feel the squeeze

In today's economy, even iconic brands like Disney are experiencing the impact on their lucrative business sectors. Adventures by Disney that once booked tours both to Czech Republic, Spain and Austria, have now cancelled these tours for the indefinite future.

At it's inception, Adventures by Disney that offered tours to Hawaii & Wyoming in 2005, began as fledgling brand that created a more diverse portfolio for the Anaheim California based Disney Co.

With parks in Japan, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and future China, Disney has a sprawling existential influence across the known world dominating the theme-park business.

Albeit the brand boasts a expansive global presence, Disney's top executives realize that only 6% of guests on vacation visit theme-parks while many more do not return. Adventures by Disney was created in light of this fact to diversify Disney's portfolio capturing non-theme-park related vacations.

With two large 4,000 passenger ships, tropical Hawaiian resort, and various vacation time shares, Walt Disney Parks continues diversifying its business.

In line with other tour businesses in the industry, Disney has begun to scale back it's premium tours including a South African safaris with prices in the order of $6000.

While maintaining a more bullish posture, Disney will continue to offer the more popular tours but with fewer dates. Historically, Disney has offered hundreds of tours to unique venues including the castle that inspired Sleeping Beauty, the Lost Incan City, and the animal reserves in China.

Down 40% from this year, Disney has scheduled a mere 272 trips for 2010 focused around more popular dates during the year. While introducing some new trips, other trips that become more mundane are offered less frequently until interest is revived.

By condensing more popular tours like the 19th century Bavarian castle, more guests can schedule their vacations without the inconvenience of cancellations.

By in large, Disney intends to provide the same brand of experience on tours that a guest might find at one of its popular theme-parks.

Surprise package under Disney bus

For nearly 3 hours, all of Disney World's transportation was shut down due to a mysterious box fastened to the bottom of a bus.

Around 3 pm Thursday, thousands of theme-park guests found themselves stranded at Disney World's resorts, hotels and theme-parks.

Shortly after the bomb squad arrived, Orange County Sheriff's department determined that the suspicious package under the bus carriage was not an explosive device. Disney removed hundreds of buses from service between 5:30 - 8:30pm.

The strange object was discovered during a routine maintenance of one of it's buses close to Animal Kingdom. No mention of a bomb scare was announced at the Animal Kingdom when the bomb squad and hazardous material teams arrived.

In order to avoid panic, Disney announced that it's transportation system was experience back-up problems and would extend Animal Kingdoms hours until 7:00pm. Meanwhile, a birds-eye view from a local helicopter revealed the bomb-squad's robot carrying an object to a remote location.

The mystery box comes on the heels of a series of events occurring at Disney World including the untimely death of a monorail pilot and a stuntman that died from a concussion at Hollywood Studios Indiana Jones attraction.

Questions had arisen whether Disney overreacted to the potential pandemonium but Disney countered by saying that bombs can be catastrophic in theme parks.

Most guests were happy though a little irritated that buses were safe as they were returned to service. In some cases, Disney foot-the-bill transporting a guest by cab to their destination.

After all, not everyone was disappointed about being stranded in a theme-park where people both dream, and experience their dream come true.

Disney Wonder to explore the beauty of Alaska

As Carnival pulls out, Disney Cruise lines will move in travelling the farthest distance north to date.

Loss of business appeal for Carnival and other cruise lines comes on the heels of the imposition of a $50 passenger tax and certain regulations that were approved by voters some three years ago.

Operating from Vancouver, B.C., Disney's 2,400 passenger ship, will commence seven-night round-trip voyages to Alaska.

Disney's Wonder will set-sail on the high seas for 7-nights round-trip voyage from Alaskan ports including skagway, ketchikan, and Juneau said Disney's cruise line president.

As an added feature, Disney will introduce the all-new 2,500 ft Outlook Cafe atop the Disney Wonder. The addition will server as an observation deck allowing passengers to be immersed in the panoramic view of the chilly waters bustling with wildlife.

According to customer surveys, clients have long anticipated exploring the breathtaking remote waters of Alaska. With Wonder's new itinerary, families can now enjoy the stunning beauty of Alaskan tundra.

With rates just under $1000 for an inside cabin, Disney is offering 18 chilly cruises starting on May 3 through Aug 30, 2011. As the area becomes increasingly more difficult for cruises, Norwegian, Carnival, Holland all have announced reductions in schedules.

With two new ships under construction, Disney officials may be taking the Wonder out of commission after 2011.

Paradise is Discovery Cove

My dolphin swim at Discovery Cove with my sister Karen was awesome. I mean absolutely awesome!!! We arrived at 8am checked in, received our Id badges and our dolphin swim was scheduled for 11: 30a.m. We walked the path where we received our swim vests, goggles, snorkel, and sunscreen. We got a locker and went to change into bathing suites. The facilities where you change in have showers (soap, shampoo and lotion) towels, hairdryers and plastic bags to put you wet bathing suit in when you leave. I knew right where to go because I did the non-swim before.

Ok... now we put our towels and gear on beach lounges and go to have breakfast. It is a continental breakfast with all different choice's. Croissants, fruit filled pastries, bananas oranges apples,cereals, coffee, tea, milk, juice, etc. We have 2 hours before swim so we go to the Tropical River with our snorkels and masks. We get a noodle and off down the river.

First there is a cavern with water falls, there is a photographer there we pose and on our way down the river. The river winds around and around with places to rest, lifeguards, and photographers. There are tropical plants and all kinds of neat stuff under water. It took about an hour. We were sooo ready for out dolphin swim asking life guards "what time is it?" many times.

Finally it was time to go to The Sand Dollar Cabana and DOLPHIN SWIM!! We are briefed on what we are going to experience and watch a brief video and split up in groups of 8. We follow our dolphin trained to the water and meet Rascal. He is a 12 year old dolphin that came from Sea world Ohio. He is sooo cool. We go over information about dolphins and their daily routine. We split up in 2's so Karen and I were together to go over hand signals, rub Rascal's belly and back. Kiss him!! Yes I kissed a dolphin! Then you go out to deeper water and wait for Rascal to come to you and the trainer explains how to hold him. Then hand signal and you are off with Rascal where he brings you to the shallow water. They are powerful!!!

Absolutely amazing experience!!!! Rascal shows off doing a few more tricks for us. Now I think it is over BUT the trainer said that Rascal has a buoy for someone and he went to get it. The trainer talks about Laurie getting the buoy from Rascal. He brought it to Laurie and it said Happy Birthday!!! Her boyfriend surprised her for her birthday!!! So sweet. She had no idea what he planned for her.

Dolphin swim over and we go to have some lunch. Their is about 5 choices of platters and 3 choices of salads, strawberries, desert, drinks. We did the bird aviary, fed all different kinds of birds. Food provided for different kinds of birds. Photographers there as well. We snorkel, feed the stingrays and do the tropical river a couple of times.

Discovery Cove is an all inclusive paradise in Central Florida, you have to experience for yourself. You will not regret it!! Promise;o)

~The Smoker

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal's Islands of Adventure is bringing the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to life.

Actor Malfoy in the recent Harry Potter film revealed on Tuesday that Universal Studios will be opening it's Harry Potter Wizarding World in the spring of 2010. With the excitement building up, Universal has been lifting the curtain just slightly to give various individuals a peek at the new renderings inside Islands of Adventure.

Although much of Universal's plans for Potter are still forbidden to the public, some tasty morsels have been given including the cost of nearly $200 million for planned expansions. Many details about the forbidden Journey thrill ride are still forthcoming over the next few months.

Both photo galleries, and videos have been released that reveal zonko's, Honeydukes, interior rendition of Three Broomsticks, interior rendition of the Owlery, The Owl Post, interior view of Ollivanders, Dervish Banges and many more.

Most of the recreated scenery will come from the R. J. Rowling books about a Boy Wizard.

Unversal has slipped it's release date from June 30, 2009 until spring of 2010. So far, Universal has not concern about building construction but there are uncertainties regarding the giant eagle-like roller coaster ride.

As an added touch only exclusive to Universal, many of the objects and gadgets in the films will be brought to life and sold at Islands of Adventure. An entire line of products specific to Harry Potter including wands, candy, and select foods will help add reality to the experience. Some of these food selections may be found in The Three Broomsticks including a unique recipe for a beverage called Butterbeer.

Universal has plans to convert several of it's current rides, and fashion them into coasters fro the new Wizarding World.

In the past, fans of Harry Potter desired to walk through the Hogwarts castle. Universal is thrilled to announce that Hogwarts will be an exact replica with iconic imagery that will really capture the attention of guests.

Some of the previous mentioned attractions including the forbidden forest will be part of upcoming plans in the months to come.

Culinary Adventures Celebration EPCOT

Sprawling over 300 acres is the world-renown Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow, EPCOT. One of four Major theme parks, EPCOT is home to one of the fastest rides at Disney World.

Spaceship Earth Pavilion, the gateway to EPCOT, is the iconic sphere that stirs up the thrill of discovery for people of all ages. This famous attraction transports guest through 40,000 years of history, from the dawn of man to the present.

Consisting of themed areas Future World and World Showcase, EPCOT is a place where two worlds collide combining both technologies of tomorrow with the beauty and grandeur of seven different countries.

World Showcase is home to a plethora of fun-filled activities including the new attraction Kim Possible Adventure. Put your team together to help Kim save the world from villains that weal sophisticated weapons. Kids too can enjoy the wonders of Epcot in the all-new Kidcot centers featuring arts, crafts, and creative interactive adventures.

There's never a boring moment at EPCOT featuring special events all year round including Flower & Garden Festival, Walt Disney World Marathon, and Epcot International Food & Wine Festival to mention a few.

This year, Epcot's International food & Wine Festival will showcase tastes from six different continents. Get ready to eat to the beat as EPCOT mixes fantastic food and drinks with sensational music.

With more than 25 internationally acclaimed marketplace kiosks, they're dishing up heaping portions of regional specialties that will excite your taste buds.

EPCOT combines the recommended wines and beers to form the perfect painting. Bold new festival flavors enhance the amazing tastes of Thailand, Brazil, Bangkok, and Rio de Janeiro.

From all over the globe, exhibits along the promenade will be showcasing entertainment and traditional crafts from select countries. Enjoy the perfect combination of tasty cuisine during nightly Eat-To-The-Beat concerts featuring soul, classic rock, funk hits, oldies jazz and R&B.

World Showcase at EPCOT America Gardens Theatre

• Show Times - Daily 5:15pm 6:30 pm and 7:45 pm
• September 25 - November 8 2009

Costumed Characters are not slam-dunk role

When children think about a trip to Orlando, what immediately comes to mind? Is it not the iconic characters that theme-parks like Disney World, Universal, Seaworld bring to life?

It's unimaginable the level of fantasy and excitement that these characters bring to the life of a child. Yet most of these characters will experience being harassed, kicked, punched - all in a days work. Most of the time, the people wearing the costumes overlook the indignities and injuries that occur on the job.

Even recently, in a case against a Pennsylvania man that inappropriately touched a costumed character, while prosecutors found him guilty, he stated that it was all in good fun.

There are many positive and negative aspects behind playing characters such as Chuck E. Cheese, Tigger, Betty Boop, Minnie Mouse and many others. While cast members are confined to a costume, they must exaggerate the antics of the character they are playing like a mime. Sometimes these roles attract individuals with unscrupulous behavior.

With nearly 2,000 costumed workers at Disney and hundreds more at Universal, these characters can be subject to any number of uncertainties during the day. Some of these talented individuals share their experience about the limitations associated with their costumes.

One such experience includes that of Chuck E. Cheese recounts one performer. Often, the cast members vision is impaired and it's hard to maintain balance under the custom.

Kids like to push or shove the character causing the actor to loose balance. In this particular instance, the performer lost her footing and tumbled down some stairs. During the perilous journey down the steps, the head of the costume unsnapped revealing the true gender of the performer.

That day, bystanders witnessed Chuck E. Cheese take a big fall and were shocked to see that the role was being performed by a female!

Most performers agree that the trouble that they've experienced was all in good fun. But whether a good or bad experience, the real payoff is when an ecstatic child comes running to give their favorite character a big hug..

DC comics to compete with Disney's Marvel

After four decades of ownership, Warner Bros. is tired of lagging behind rival Marvel Entertainment success of adapting comic book properties. With the Disney takeover of Marvel, DC Entertainment will be facing tougher competition on the big screen in years to come.

DC Comics founded in 1934, is the largest English publisher of comic books on the globe. Once known as National Allied Publication, was responsible for the first comic of all time, comic #1 of superman. Other iconic action figures followed including Flash, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, and Batman.

Today, DC Comics publishes over 1000 issues a year with more than 80 titles a month. But in a recent shakeup, parent company Warner Bros. Media giant has unveiled a blueprint to put tighter controls on the Harry Potter super hero unit.

Under the major restructuring, Warner Bros. has issued a mandate to adapt a greater number of comic-book properties for the big screen. Now that the company will face stronger competition from Disney-Marvel Entertainment, the company has named it's exec. manager Diane Nelson to oversee the new DC Entertainment company. Her leadership over the Harry Potter franchise has generated some $5 billion in video, media, DVD and box office sales.

After a long period of time, DC comics parent company has been impatiently waiting for the opportunity to restructure the company in order to exploit its other properties across television, interactive digital, and studio movies.

The appointment of Nelson who has been in charge of the lucrative Harry Potter Franchise is hoped to relieve the tensions between DC Comics and Time Warner. Time Warner has claimed that certain internal problems has been responsible for allowing Marvel to score higher on the big screen.

With Warner Bros. fresh start, the people that produce movies are now at the helm of DC Entertainment that produce characters such as The Flash, Justice League, and Wonder Woman. Today the DC units top development exec will report directly to Time Warner meaning Nelson will report to the motion Picture Group President Jeff Robinov.

Still under the old company, Warner has experienced a modicum of success with Batman Arkham Asylum, Smallville in its ninth season, Superman Returns and The Dark Knight.

Not only does Nelson intend to exploit high-profile characters but begin to introduce in movies some of the lesser know properties well known by comic book readers including Beast Boy, Captain Marvel, Green Lantern, The Joker, Metal Men, Wonder Woman and many more.

Warner's CEO Alan Horn is hoping for a greater cross-pollinization of assets that will be accessed for consumer products, games, TV, and the motion picture group.

Is Busch Gardens up for sale again?

Seaworld, Orlando's one-of-a-kind theme park where guests are immersed into a brand new world with under-water marine life may be for sale again. Rumor has it that Merlin Entertainment Group is preparing for a public statement regarding the orphan theme park.

Just recently, the holding company Merlin sent out online surveys to thousands of Floridians search of a second home for Legoland. Currently the holding company for Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and Legoland may be closing plans to initiate a public offering for Seaworld.

Although Merlin did not get a foot in Orlando with Legoland, it appears that it may start it's grass roots effort with Busch and then later add the Legoland brand.

Announced in the Independent of London, Blackstone Group owning 50% stake in Universal Studios, may be offering nearly $3 billion for the Busch Gardens Entertainment sister theme park.

Since InBev purchased Anheuser-Busch Co. some time last year, analysts have suspected that Seaworld would be for sale. Considered to be one of the most probable candidates, executives from the Blackstone group have recently toured the Busch Gardens theme park.

Packaging Busch Gardens with Merlin group would probably make the Initial Public Ofering quite attractive for investors. Anhuser-Busch's sticker price could be nearly $3 billion.

Anheuser Busch's portfolio of ten theme parks including Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, Sea World, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove would be nice compliment to Merlin Entertainment. Busch Gardens would help bring value to the Merlin brand here in the United States.

Holy Lands opens it's doors for church Oct 6

Be transported back to a bygone era filled with the sights and sounds of the world of the bible. This is an unparalleled experience that will immerse you into a living bible museum with artifacts that date back over 2000 years.

At the Holy land Experience, guests can experience a close encounter with God through interactive exhibits.

Touted as a biblical museum in its own rite, as you pass through the gates, experience the thrill of stepping into the city of ancient Jerusalem with it's massive walls, garden tomb, Qumran, great temple, and Jewish architecture.

Walk through a replica of the garden tomb, view the place where the Jesus was laid, experience the moment that he emerged victoriously, step under the massive archway, bedazzled with the Roman columns of the white plaza, and behold the highest place of reverence, the Great Temple.

Few are aware that the Holy Land Experience is first and foremost a church as well as a theme park. Each year, the park is required to post a free day to minister to the general public in order to maintain it's tax exempt status.

Everyone will be welcomed to the Holy Land Experience free day on Oct 6, 2009. Holy Land Experience will also advertise the free day through TBN's local television channel and hopes to avoid an "uncontrollable situation" at the park with over capacity crowds.

Universal's Marvel theme-park rights safe for now

Some analysts believe that Disney will not reacquire Universals Marvel theme park rights in the near future. Earlier this week, Disney announced that it would acquire Marvel Entertainment estimated at $4 billion.

Although Universal will have Disney looking over it's shoulder when shareholders give their nod, you can be sure that Disney executives have some plans to reacquire licensing at some point.

Since 1937, Disney released feature film including, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Bambi, Pinnoccio, Fantasia, Dumbo, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan and many more. Disney's latest film was Wall-E with a G rating.

For the last decade, Disney's image has been changing subtly by degrees to reflect a more narcissistic world view that appeals to a more boy-type audience. The shift from wholesome films like Lion King to The Incredible Hulk, Cinderella to Spider-Man reveals a different 21st century mindset.

Although Disney executives state that they will honour Universals contracts with Marvel, it's likely that there are plans to buy-out some contracts in the near future.

Currently, Universal has exclusive rights to Fantastic Four, X-Men, Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man at it's East-Coast theme parks and Japan. Additional contacts are held by Twentieth Century Fox and Sony.

But the biggest rival of all these to it's east-coast theme parks is Universal. It's speculated that Maravel's super heroes will be showing up very soon in Anaheim California's Disney theme-parks.

We'll keep you posted.

Orlando International Airport adding Hertz & Advantage

Years ago, Orlando's International Airport was home to all the major renal car brands. Today, the airport is home to industry leaders including National, Dollar, Budget, Avis, Alamo, E-Z, L&M and several others representing seventy percent of revenues for OIA.

Unfortunately, not all rental car companies can afford the large fee imposed by the airport to use the parking garages connected to terminals A & B.

By next spring, OIA plans to spend some $60 million of taxes that were levied by rental cars, to expand the present garages to accomodate other rental-car brands including Hertz and Advantage. Thrifty and Enterprise which conducted their operations off grounds have moved to the iconic location inside the parking garage on either side of the terminal.

Before, passengers exited from the terminal and had to take a taxi or bus to the rent-a-car agencies. Now tourists leave the terminal and a rental vehicle is waiting for them generating more than $55 million in airport fees.

For both rental-car agencies and the airport, this is a win-win situation in as much as passengers do not have to wait as long and the airport will collect guaranteed lease payments.

With the expanded parking garages, now companies like Hertz will have more space to accommodate queuing, washing, and fueling their vehicles. Most of these projects including the expansion of Terminal A are expected to be finished by the winter.

A sneek peak at Harry Potter's Wizarding World

Warner Bros. entertainment in conjunction with Universal Orlando are partnering to create the Wizarding World of Harry potter.

To be unveiled in 2010, is the Harry Potter theme park, a theme park within a theme park which will immerse guests into the amazing adventures of Harry Potter, world's most famous wizard,

Harry will be the world's first immersive theme environment based on J.K. Rowling and blockbuster feature films from Warner Bros.

A theme park within a theme park - inspired by J.K. Rowling compelling stories and characters, Harry Potter transports guests to a one-of-a-kind experience into the magical world of Potter & friends.

theme park will give guests opportunity to transition into some of the most iconic locations found in the Rowlings books. Rowling herself found the plans for Harry Potter's theme park under construction by Universals plans both intriguing and exciting.

Imagine, immersive rides, interactive themes, experimental shops and endless restaurants. This new state-of-the-art exhibit will bring the magical world of Harry Potter to life right before your eyes.

Award-winning production creative designer Stuart Craig will bring Harry Potter to life while insuring that the attraction will remain faithful & true to the films.

Potter's Wizarding world is hugely anticipated as Universal pulls the curtain back a bit. Recently, emailing invitations have been sent to reportrs for an exclusive premier glimpse at the $200 million operation.

A glimpse of the 20-acre theme park will reveal the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy. Inside the 15-story castle is housed the robocoaster ride suspending guests from an arm that advances down a track in multiple directions.

Many critics believe this ride represents Harry Potters "Forbidden Journey."

Typhoon Lagoon.

It’s hard to think of something that could top a relaxing day at the beach. What could be more enjoyable than paradise? Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon has a mix of everything. From a slide that weaves through a tropical Haven, or a beach that has 10+ foot waves. This place does the trick for anyone who is looking for a little bit more than a typical day at the beach.
The “Lore” behind the park is as follows: A hurricane-of-all-hurricanes came through Florida and trashed a fishing town in the middle of a 56 acre paradise. This store threw wood through rocks, surfboards in trees, and a fishing boat on top of a volcanic water Geyser. Miss Tilly (the shrimp boat) was just headed out of Safen Sound Harbor when he hurricane hit. The swells sent her 200 feet in the air and down on top of the mountain. Every half an hour or so, the geyser goes off in protest of the heavy boat on its head. This uproar sends water 50 feet in the air and onto unsuspecting guests.
The amount of things to do in this park are endless. There are over 10 slides, 4 or 5 tube rides, and multiple “chill” rides including a lazy river, nature hike, and overlook. This makes this park an all day affair for anyone interested in a little fun in the sun.
The thing that makes Typhoon Lagoon unique is the first ever, all new WaterCoaster. This is one of the biggest thrills Typhoon Lagoon has to offer. The water ride meets roller coaster combo has a different feel that Disney has been able to produce for their guests. It’s got the same dynamics as a roller coaster, but its also got the water ride qualities. Drops and twists and tunnels compose this new ride and it does not disappoint.
On other thrills, guests can plunge 300 feet on the storm slides or slip through caverns and waterfalls on Mayday Falls. Another unique prop that Typhoon Lagoon offers is a snorkel cove. This is unique in that the tank includes sharks and rays and they will provide you with the equipment to see.
This is an exclusively Disney park. That means that you are sure to have a great time. The heart of this park is the theme. A tropical paradise is everyone’s dream and Disney does not disappoint. Be sure to take at least one day of your vacation to enjoy this one.

Blizzard Beach

The great thing about being in Orlando on a hot day is the amount of parks dedicated to water rides. You have Wet'n'Wild, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, and Disney's Blizzard Beach. All have a unique taste and theme, but the most original is by far Blizzard Beach.
The story behind the park is as follows: A freak snowstorm nails Florida in the middle of the summer, and a Business tycoon takes advantage of the opportunity to build a Ski Resort on the top of the hill inside Disney. But, just as the weather came, it went. Florida got hot again, in turn, melting the snow into a giant pool at the base of the hill. What’s there to do with A bunch of melting snow? Make Toboggan races and Slalom slides. And if your a kid, make giant castles out of the snow complete with water guns, "ice hopping", and mini-slides. All this located around the center location and main icon of the park, the Ski Resort. Located almost 15 stories above you.
The first thing you will notice when you walk into this park is the shops. Built like an Alaskan / mountain ice town, the cabins and wood huts will give this park an authentic mountaineer feel. The mixture of lush Floridian scenery with the Snowy backdrop gives this park a confused and original feel. The pool in the center is huge and sandy (odd for the theme, but incredibly fun). If you’ve made it to the beach, the second thing you will notice is the resort. Located in the dead center of the park, this landmark reaches will over 500 above the park. Less than a hundred feet under it, is the largest flume slide in the country. Reaching 14 stores tall and over 380 feet long. This is a thrill like nothing else you’ve done. Even if you think you have, you haven’t. This is the main icon of Disney’s Blizzard beach. Magazines and travel shows all over have raved over the sheer size and length of this particular slide. While It isn’t the first flume slide, its certainly the biggest. This is one ride a Disney guest cannot miss (If they can handle it).
On a lighter note, if almost four hundred feet of intensity doesn’t float your boat, there are plenty of other milder rides including the Toboggan racers and the Cross Country Creek. Cross Country Creek would be compared to a lazy river with twists and surprises along the way that only Disney would be clever enough to pull off. I would not suggest falling asleep on this ride as the majority of those surprises involve water (go figure). The Toboggan racers will give you a think foam board that will allow you to race other guests in a downhill slope that can reach speeds of up to 35 mph.
As far as raft rides go, the Run-Off Rapids consist of three slides that are all different from each other and entangle and intertwine. While you may take a single or double tube down, you’ll be sure to run over or under a guest that is on an adjoining slide. This ride is fun for groups of more than 2 or 3 since the slides are of equal length and racing is always fun.
The Snow Stormers is a slide that uses nothing but the person. This ride also consisting of three slides of equal length provides a less intense ride than the other three listed, but is just as much fun. The rider can control how fast he/she is going by either leaning forward or leaning backwards.
If you are planning on coming to Orlando, this is a must see Water Park. Its worth adding the Water park option to your Disney ticket in order to enjoy this park. Certainly gets my approval and a 10 out of 10.

Castaway Cay is getting a touch of pixie dust

Disney's private island Castaway Cay is undergoing an upgrade that will enhance guests experience on future cruises. Touted as guests favorite port-of-call, this charming remote island that occupies only 55 acres will offer some brand new features.

Before becoming Disney's tropical paradise getaway, it was formerly known as Gorda Cay nestled between the Abaco Island Bahamas. Exiled by American forces, European settlers populated this remote island in the late seventeen hundreds.

Nearly 200 years later, Disney has developed a portion of the primitive untamed landscape for entertainment including one of it's feature films "Splash." After eighteen months of landscaping, Gorda Cay was transformed into the charming remote getaway Castaway Cay.

Offering Disney signature entertainment, world-class recreation, and warm tropical weather, Castaway Cay is one of the most sought-after tropical paradises in the world.

In 2010, Castaway will be better, with an extra dose of pixie dust, the private island will feature new private beach cabanas,a family beach, and a water park play area.

Now when clients are escaping to the private island for some adventure, relaxation and quality time, then will discover that the family beach is nearly 700 ft larger. This charming remote beach will offer sand-white pristine beach, where you can dip into the blue waters of the lagoon.

Beach-goers can get refreshed at the lunch-buffet location, offering a beach bar, beach rentals and merchandise. Guests will just love the new Spring-a-leak play area for the family in addition to Pelican Plunge featuring 2,400-sq-ft floating platform, just a short swim from the beach.

Completely outfitted for a premium-leisure experience, the the island ambiance evokes a "happily away from it all" mood. Satiate your whims with open-air BBQ dining, gift shops, gifts and souvenirs, Snorkeling Lagoon, Swimming Lagoon, sports and more at the all-ages Castaway Family Beach, kayaking, sports and don't forget the teens own private Teen Beach.

Disney Marvel deal very close

When looking at Disney's portfolio of characters, it's hard to imagine why Disney would acquire Marvel Entertainment which produces boy-like super heroes. By adding over 5,000 new characters to the Disney stable, it appears Disney may be emerging with a different image by marketing those characters west of the Mississippi line.

With it's recent negotiations to distribute Steven Spielberg's films and the $4 billion acquisition of Marvel Entertainment has been not only expensive but and interesting transition for Disney.

With more than a 4-fold return on Marvel's investment within the past 5 years, from a business perspective, this is a amazing adventure for an iconic company resurrected from filing bankruptcy twice in the 1990s.

On the other side of the camp, it appears that Universal Studios, Disney's rival, will have to begrudgingly write royalty checks to Disney.

Marvel who finished licensing it's characters to theme-parks like Universal Orlando is building a studio of it's own making it very attractive for Disney.

With a 5,000 character corral including Iron Man, Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk, X-Men, Marvel has gained Disney-like success through it's cinematic films.

With over 70 years of comic book creation, Marvel has become extremely buoyant in films, television, digital, and merchandising arms.

Disney to acquire Marvel Entertainment

In an unprecedented move that shocked the entertainment industry around the world, Disney has agreed to acquire Marvel Entertainment Inc., one of America's most beloved producer of super-hero comics.

In the days to come, proxy statements will be mailed out to investors giving them the opportunity to be informed of the current proposal.

Purchasing Marvel Entertainment which includes Marvel Studios, Marvel Animation, and Marvel Comics will help Disney leverage the most prominent character-based entertainment company with a proven library consisting of over five thousand characters.

Over the last 70 years, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. has built one of the world's largest entertainment venues featuring thousands of characters in a variety of medias. Before the wide range of medias that exist today, Marvel was best known for it's action comics that featured Spiderman, Thor, Fantastic Four, X-Men, and Iron Man.

This deal with Disney would increase Marvel's strategy to leverage it's franchises opportunities around the world. Marvel offers DVD's online, video games, action-toys, featured films a part of a growing array of products.

Both action characters and a growing story lines that appeal to teens compose part of the package that would be acquired in the deal worth $4 billion. The irony is that Disney's theme-park rival Universal Studios hosts the theme park Islands of Adventure that features Marvel's super hero's.

Universal which has perpetual licensing agreements with Marvel for it's two hugely popular attractions based on the Hulk & Spider-Man would be unaffected. What's not being spoken is whether Universal will be leveraged by Disney in the years to come.

This transaction combines Marvel’s strong global brand and world-renowned library of characters including Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America, Fantastic Four and Thor
The Marvel deal would add all of the prominent action characters including a world-renown library to Disney's already unparalleled portfolio of entertainment. Disney who has maximized it creative talent across various platforms is pleased to embrace the significant work of Perlmutter and his team.

Marvel's stock value will directly benefit with the Burbank, CA based merger as the quality of it's brands increase exponentially. An increase to $30 per share cash value in addition to 0.745 Disney share would be paid to Marvel shareholders but can not be less than 40% of the trading value on the day of the merger.

The acquisition price of $4 billion was equivalent to $50 per share of Marvel Entertainment when it was announced.

The question that is probably in everyone minds is, what will stop Disney from controlling Universal Studios in the future?