Disney Blog - Orlando Vacation Information

SeaWorld's business woes

2010-03-08T08:18:00.006-05:00

Synonymous with the SeaWorld is Shamu, it is at the very core of SeaWorld.

In the aftermath of Dawn Brancheau's death, managers are frantic to maintain the delicate balance between handling of orca's and the safety of their employees.

Animal activists believe that keeping a intelligent animal like an orca in a small tank may be unethical. Shamu is the main reason that guests are attracted to SeaWorld.

Images of the aquatic animal can be found on consumer products, tee shirts, costumed characters, and even on jets in the air. With mixed emotions, hundreds of people flock into Shaum stadium as little voices fill the air saying "I want to see Shamu."

Just one week after the tragedy, Shamu stadium is packed to capacity with only sparse few seats in the soak zone. Each show opens with a small tribute to Dawn Brancheau doing what she loved the best, working with orca's.

SeaWorld has restricted trainers from entering the water with the orca's until they can piece together the events that lead up to the trainers death. Guests have noticed the difference now that the trainers are not allowed in the water.

Some guess feel that the show was better when it was more dangerous. Some advaocates believe that SeaWorld should release all the orcas to wild immediately.

Most likely, the tragic death of one of SeaWorlds most beloved trainers is at best a wake-up call to management.

Citrus boom after 25 years

2010-03-05T09:16:00.006-05:00

Days gone by, during the height of the citrus boom, Florida was once known around the world for it's succulent citrus fruits. Albeit, changing times slowly exchanged citrus groves for real estate development over the last 25 years.

During these unusual times of recession, an unusual phenomenon has occurred, instead of selling citrus trees, one of the oldest families is now buying trees. For the last two decades, groves were more valuable for development than for harvesting fruit.

In a climate were analysts encourage residents to rent instead of buy real estate, it's a sign of just how low real estate values have fallen.

Today, buying land in centrally located areas is real bargain as evidenced by the recent purchase of 2,342 acres of prime land by the Heller Bros. Packing Corp.

Some citrus growers are increasing their land up to 50% putting them squarely back on par with their growing potentials 25 years ago.

Since the state will experienced negative growth for several years, citrus growers are capitalizing on the moment.

Likewise, tree diseases has long dogged orange gove owners but now that new technological advance offer way to combat disease gives owners an optimistic outlook for the near future.

Some of these growers are hoping that changing times will help them climb back to being a top industry in the years to come.

At any rate, it certainly puts the Orange County citrus institution back into the game.

Disney's newest dream ship

2010-03-04T09:01:00.008-05:00

Departing form Port Canaveral, Disney's newest ship will be the first ever to feature virtual portholes from inside staterooms.

As the largest vessel of its kind, Disney Dream weighs in at 128,000 tons, boasts a length of 1,115 ft./125 ft, offers total of 1,250 staterooms and can accommodate 4,000 passengers.

Disney Dream inaugural data to set sail will be January 26, 2011, and is currently being built in the Papenburg, Germany shipyard.

Guests can explore a new theme park including first-ever water coaster at sea, AquaDuck, atrium lobby featuring still artwork that comes-to-life, and virtual portholes in all staterooms.

Staterooms now offer a breathtaking real time panoramic outside view of the ship from high-definition cameras.

Teens can now meet at the Disney's Oceaneer Club and Disney's Oceaneer Lab. featuring living characters that appear on a 103-inch plasma screen. While teens are in their own element, that will experience a one-of-a-kind interaction with Disney characters that joke, talk, and play with guests.

Adults now can take a quiet getaway for some intimate moments at Quiet Cove Pool, Cove Bar, spa & salon, while kids are entertained at Nemo's Reef water-play area, and Goofy's Sports Deck.

Dream offers an extensive list of unique experiences including Pixie Hollow area for kids, extensive children's and teen activities, family pools and multiple restaurants. including three and much more.

Now families can set sail for the high seas in one of Dream's Concierge family ocean view stateroom with verandah including the deluxe family oceanview stateroom with verandah, deluxe ocean view stateroom verandah, deluxe family ocean view stateroom, deluxe oceanview stateroom, deluxe inside stateroom, standard inside stateroom, concierge 1-bedroom suite with verandah.

Animal KIngdom's new additions

2010-03-03T07:49:00.005-05:00

Renown as one of the largest animal parks in the world, among four major theme parks, Disney's Animal Kingdom boasting more than 1,700 animals of some 290 species sprawling over some 250 acres of lush landscape.

Dedicated to animal conservation, Animal Kingdom is proud to announce the arrival of some new residents in recent days.

Amidst the Pangani forest, another newbie arrived in Feb of 2010 as one of the smallest gorillas that Animal Kingdom has ever seen. As part of the zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan, this is the 3rd baby gorilla born at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Officials from Disney have had a hard time identifying the gender of the baby because the new-born continues to cling to the mother Kashata. Guests can perhaps find baby and her mother while taking a peaceful guided tour on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail

The second proud mother is Kendi who gave birth to a 3rd new-born this year. When Kendi gave birth some 11 years ago, it was quite a delight since White Rhinos were almost extinct. Currently on the endangered list, mother & child will return to the herd after a period of bonding.

Can you imagine the new born arrived in Jan and weighed in at some 178 lbs? White Rhinos are given their name for the shape of their mouths not the color of their hide.

SeaWorld's orca policy regarding ponytails

2010-03-02T07:44:00.006-05:00

The unfortunate accident last week involving Dawn Brancheau's death has prompted new loose hair policies while trainers water-work in the orca's tank.

After the oraca Tilikum killed the trainer last week, witnesses spelled out with dramatic detail the events leading up to the tragedy. The report released by the Orange County Sheriff's Office indicated that Titikan first grabbed Brancheau by her pony tail.

Although dangling or free-flowing hair is strictly forbidden by SeaWorld's policies, trainers were still allowed to maintain hair in a ponytails. In a controversial report release in 2006.

This was confirmed by California investigators report regarding SeaWorld's free-flowing hair language after the incident surrounding Kenneth Peters who was dragged by the the foot repeatedly and towed underwater by an orca in 2006.

The 6-ton killer whale Tilikum that apparently grabbed the trainer by the ponytail, did not have experience working with trainers in the water. Typically orca's are trained not to grab hair as a rule but Tilikum did not have this training. The new policy will undoubtedly include that ponytails must be maintained in a bun in order to avoid any distractions to the orca.

Until SeaWorld re-evaluates all of the safety policies, trainers will not be allowed to enter the water with these animals. Initial reports that angering SeaWorld warned that swimming with orcas can be dangerous according to Cal. Osha.

Activists jumped on the band-wagon indicating that these reports strengthen their views that killer whales, or rightfully known as "whale killers", are too dangerous in captivity.

But the sad account from witnesses was detailed again Monday that Brancheau was face-to-vace with Tilikum when in a moments time grabbed her ponytail. Witnesses view the drama from both the Shamu Dinner Show and below in the lower-level viewing room.

Unaccustom to that type of bonding, the whale then pulled her down in the tank while she struggled to free herself. Not being able to catch her breath, she drowned as the whale circled the tank with the trainer in his mouth.

After what may have seemed like 10 minutes, workers finally hauled the orca out of the water using nets ending the ordeal, but unfortunatley it was too late.

GE's merger with Comcast may affect Universal

2010-03-01T08:28:00.005-05:00

Comcast Corp. could soon take control of NBC Universal if the GE-Comcast deal is approved by federal antitrust regulators.

The purchase by the Philadelphia Cable-TV giant could cause Universal to cut ties with General Electric. The joint venture between GE/NBC Universal with Comcast Cable-TV could take as much as six months.

Because of the symbiotic relationship between NBC Universal and General Electric, it may not be as easy as one might think. While GE maintains a presence at Universals theme-parks, GE provides discounts and/or benefits for insurance, leases, machinery, credit card agreements, loans and much more.

Universal is quite dependent on the Fairfield CT based cable-TV company for liability insurance for both millions of visitors, thousands of workers and the operation of heavy machinery.

Universal also enjoys the lending arm of GE-Money providing many financial products to Universal employees. In exchange under a 7-year contract, GE's logo is splash on marquee attractions including Twister Ride it Out, and Jurassic Park River Adventure Ride.

Unwinding the ties between GE and NBC Universal representing both intellectual power and buying power is to be expected but initially, GE will retain 49% of NBC Universal shares.

The show will go on 2010

2010-02-27T16:09:00.001-05:00

Aside from the turn of events that took place last week at Sea World, the park officials have said that the show will continue to play. Little do people know, the whale business is a large business and one of Sea World’s largest streams of income. The main reason these whales are worth so much is because they are one of the rarest animals in existence. It is estimated that there are 50,000-10,000 killer whales in the wild and it is illegal to capture one and sell it. “Tilly”, the whale that was involved in the incident at Sea World has proved himself to be a reliable stud who has fathered 13 calfs during his stay at Sea World. These baby whales are then sold to other parks or used for show as well.

It may not surprise many that the show will go on, the Shamu series of attractions has grown to be a favorite at Sea World and has come to be a world known whale. Though Tilly was not the original Shamu he did a great job performing as him every other day. They will not use Tilly again in a show for a very long time until they can diagnose the problem.

If you are planning to go to Sea World any time in the near future rest assured that you will be able to see the “superstar” show. The legend of Shamu will continue and there is very little that can stop Sea World’s #1 money maker.

To this day there is only 42 whales in captivity, of that Sea World owns 25 of them so even though Tilly may have to sit it out for a little Sea World has him covered with plenty of replacements.

Overhaul to begin at Magic Kingdom

2010-02-26T07:44:00.003-05:00

The place where people can step into a world of fantasy and timeless fun boasting 7 unique kingdoms, is ready for the biggest overhaul in years.

The new make-over at Fantasyland will include new restaurants, shops, an expanded Dumbo ride, major new Littler Mermaid ride, and an area dedicated to Disney's princesses.

Albeit, the largest construction of a theme-park, Universal plans on opening Wizarding World of Harry Potter in just a matter of weeks. But the first phase of Disney's new construction of princess & Little Mermaid attractions, will not debut before 2012.

Considered the biggest expansion to date, Disney has selected construction firms to overhaul Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland with offices located in Orlando.

General contractors Barton Co. and Hoar Construction LCC will supervise the work under Buena Vista Construction Co.

Trainer killed at Dine with Shamu Show SeaWorld

2010-02-25T07:27:00.015-05:00

It was just an ordinary day at Dine with Shamu as trainers prompted a killer whale to splash the guests, but something went terribly wrong.

Killer whale Tilikum 20 feet in length was agitated that day according to witnesses who saw the whale disobeying instructions, playing and fighting with other orca's in the tank during the 12:30pm show.

Unfortunately, one of SeaWorld's most experienced trainer did not heed the warning signs from the whales odd behavior prior to being drowned by the playful animal.

Witnesses allege that during the following show while trainer Dawn Brancheau was petting the 20-foot 12,000 lb whale, Tilikum suddenly grabbed her by the ponytail or the upper arm, and then began tossing her like a doll in his mouth.

While visiting Shamu stadium at SeaWorld some 30 years ago, Brancheau decided that she wanted to train killer whales said her sister. During her illustrious career at SeaWorld, she began working at the Sea Lion & Otter Stadium then slowly developed a leadership role at Shamu Stadium during a 10-year tenure.

She knew quite well that one can not immerse themselves into a tank unless there is a trust between killer whale and trainer. Before beginning Shamu Stadium, employees are well informed regarding the hazardous nature of the job.

Just as recently as 2006, the trainer Kenneth Peters from SeaWorld's San Diego park was both bitten and held underwater for several minutes resulting in a broken foot by a 17-foot dominant female orca that became agitated.

Moments after Tilikum plunged into the water with Brancheau in his mouth, the scene from the underwater-viewing area was horrible according to some Brazailian tourists who reported that the orca was both circling and turning Brancheau over and over underwater.

Tilikum which in a Chinook vernacular means "friend", "welcome", or "greeting" was everything but that on this particular day.

Family members that were stunned regarding Brancheau's untimely death, will require prayer to be able to heal and sort things out.

Spokesman from PETA have decried the practices of SeaWorld surrounding killing whales siting that these wild animals are being confined to small tanks adding to the component for this kind of behavior. Many including animal-rights activists believe that keeping animals in this kind of environment can make them dangerous.

At the end of the trauma, Tilikim resurfaced on the opposite side of the tank leaping up with the woman. On a previous occasion, apparently a man fell into the frigid waters during the evening, and later they discovered the man draped over the orcas back.

The mere weight of 12,000 lbs made it difficult for Brancheau to resist perhaps the attempt of the killer whale to interact with her. Sometimes whales grab trainers in attempt to communicate with them due to some frustration the animals experiences at that moment.

Killer Whale Attacks and Kills Trainer 2010

2010-02-24T16:38:00.001-05:00

Year after year people have been going to Sea World and watching the skilled trainers work their wonders with the world famous Shamu. Unfortunately Shamu decided today was not the day to work with his trainers. It’s almost impossible to miss this large white and black figure swimming around in a tank doing flips and tricks. At the beginning of a show today the whale reportedly attacked the female trainer by first grabbing her and pulling her into the water and then “thrashing her around” pretty good.

Though many people may think that this large animal is always the same performer in all of the shows it’s not true. Most of the whales are different; this whale’s name was “Tilly” and was sold to Sea World in 1992. Before the sale the whale was blamed for drowning a trainer just a year before.

Another accident involving the whale is when Sea World officials found a body of a dead homeless man on the back of the creature. It is said that the homeless man snuck into the park after hours and it appears that he went for a swim with this killer whale. He was said to have died of hypothermia as a result of swimming in the 55 degree water. The whale was not blamed for the death in that case.

In 2005 another incident occurred but was very minor to what had happened today or in the past. Sea World officials claim that the whale was over excited and accidently bumped into a trainer. The injuries were minor.

Storybook hotel rooms at Disney

2010-02-24T07:34:00.004-05:00

During the final months of 2009, occupancy for Disney's illustrious 24 resorts declined to 81% down 4% from the previous year. Compared with 50-60% bookings in county-wide hotels, Disney was still significantly better.

Several years past, the idea of a storybook themed hotel resort was first implemented at Disneyland Anaheim, Cal. in 2006. Since Caribbean Beach Resort opened, some villages at the resort have experienced a declining occupancy.

In order to prop-up the reservations at Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney decided to give the Trinidad South Village a brand new makeover. Construction crews began to tear out the conventional furniture and replace it with a storybook Pirates of the Caribbean theme.

After 8 months of an overhaul, the old Trinidad South boasting 384 rooms is the most sought after village in the resort. Rooms now sport pirates ships, stacks of crates, treasure chests, wooden deck and the fictional portrait of Capt Jack Sparrow.

New storybook hotel rooms will feature more distinctive themes that are linked to Disney stories and characters. Since the new designs dubbed storybook rooms was so popular, three more proposals in in the works for a brand new concept of hotels.

There is one risk factor however with storybook themes, if the story becomes unpopular as appose to a standard charming suite, the occupancy could drop immediately.

Theme parks seeking parenial waiver

2010-02-23T07:32:00.006-05:00

During an intense turf war between the theme-parks and state, the tourism industry is lobbying Florida's lawmakers to reinstate the parental waiver.

In the past, some dangerous commercial activities have caused injury to minors provoking law-suits from parents. Theme-parks are seeking to remove those protections by virtue of a parental waiver assuring that no law suit can be filed as the result of an minor injury.

Albeit, threats have been declared to drop children from certain activities, but to date, very few changes have rippled through since last year.

When Fantasy of Flight eliminated certain activities for children, business declined forcing them to reinstate their programs. Most of these theme-parks fear higher insurance premiums in the eventuality of an injury to a child.

While Walt Disney publicly decried the ruling fourteen months ago, Richard Petty Driving experience lowered the age limit for teens that want to get behind the controls of a stock car exceeding speeds of 165 mph.

Yet some theme-parks are still determined to convince the Florida legislature to reinstate parental waivers for dangerous thrill-rides.

Housing prices in Florida fall 14%

2010-02-22T07:31:00.006-05:00

Just when Realtors thought that the market was stabilizing, new records reveal that existing home sales have fallen 14% in Florida.

While president Obama prepares to funnel some $1.3 billion of relief to five states, some home owners are contemplating either a short sale, loan modification or foreclosure. But by in large, governmental foreclosure-prevention programs have done little to stem the rate of foreclosures in Florida.

Housing medians that were around $264,000 in July 2007 have plunged to an amazing $103,000 in the first quarter of 2010. For some, this is a year of new beginnings for the good.

Albeit, sales have not stabilized, government foreclosure-relief has boosted the median of sales. Many homes that are in good condition, have lost their value due to the distortion median price drops across the board.

Unsure of the amount of funds allotted by the Obama administration's housing plan, the funds will be allocated by state and local agencies. Homeowners distribution amounts will be scaled according to several factors including home-price declines, unemployment, and loan status.

Some homeowners have decided to simply stop making payments on a home theoretically valued at $159,000 but sold for $200,000 three years ago. Unlike former years, more people are tempted to default their loans because perceived values of their house have dropped diminshing the incentive to pay.

Epcot's 17th Flower & Garden Festival

2010-02-20T13:21:00.001-05:00

Epcot has been doing its annual Flower and Garden festival for a 16 years, 17 counting 2010. This year it has significantly changed the dates to a time that will shock Flower enthusiast’s world wide! The 17th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival begins on March 3rd this which is a lot earlier than the previous years, but don’t worry this one of a kind festival will continue to go on for another 75 days all the way through May 16, 2010. Starting about 2 weeks earlier than last year Walt Disney World gives its guests a head start on the gardening season so they can make the most out of their own personal gardens at home. They explore exhibits and activities geared toward discovery and outdoor enthusiasm. There is also a number of activities for children of all ages to get hands on and learn even more about mother nature.

At the front entrance you can already tell what time of year it is, Donald Duck’s huge topiary shows itself, the vivid colors display figures of Donald and all of his friends that you are sure to love. In detail, this well planned topiary has a one of a kind North American theme which features a live waterfall and a variety of ponds. You will be able to see Goofy performing the task of fly-fishing and by his name alone you already know that what he’s doing wont be pretty! Daisy Duck will be roasting marshmallows over a campfire (a little weird to have a campfire during the day) and Pluto will be just relaxing in his signature “pup tent.” As soon as you pass through the turnstiles you won’t know where to begin, all of the bright colors will capture your attention and get you moving in any direction. Choose between the 100 expertly crafted topiaries which is a significant amount compared to last year. This year’s featured topiary is going to be a gothic themed house for Mickey and Minnie.

Other than the gothic styled house, Epcot will also be featuring many other topiaries that have been well crafted for your enjoyment. So stop by today and see everything that Epcot has crafted up for you, you have an extra two weeks so there’s no excuse to miss this one of a kind event!

Wizarding World of Harry Potter to open May

2010-02-19T07:22:00.006-05:00

Harry Potter fanatics are anticipating an early debut of the theme park in May.

While the Wizarding World of Potter is under construction, park perks include new vacation packages that are in the works for highly anticipated attraction. Universal hopes that some people will be travelling as early as May 28 to Orlando.

Some park perks allow guests exclusive access to cut lines, Wizarding ticket and enjoy a complementary breakfast at the Broomsticks restaurant.

Although May 28 seems to be marked in the sand, it is not the grand-opening date but when Universal can deliver all the goods.

Many Potter fans like Rhonda Poelma’s 11-year-old daughter Savanna, desire to get a sneak preview of the $200 million expansion of Islands of Adventure in early June.

Rhonda took a leap of faith and called Universal only to discover that she could book tickets for late spring, post-Memorial Day weekend. They desire to "get it in this season while it was still new."

Perks include four nights at select hotels near Universal just under $300. Hotel room, Potter specific extras high-end packages start at $650 per adult.

The park is so big that it's going to create a vacuum in the area upsetting some of Universals rivals. Universal is expected to build a marketing campaign surrounding Potter sporting the new park on the front page of it's brochures.

Live longer in Seminole County

2010-02-18T08:02:00.006-05:00

After looking at several factors comparing other states and countries, Seminole County ranked the healthiest in Florida.

Rankings consider various factors including smoking, sexual behavior, food, exercise, mental health, premature death, alcohol abuse and air quality. According to statistics compiled by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the lowest ranking was Orange County.

Rankings are based on data compiled from various sources including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Census, birth & death files, medicare claims, and rates of transmitted diseases.

Many factors are interrelated affecting each other including education, health care, socio-economic status, income, benefits, and employment. Surprisingly, Florida counties to the North received the poorest ranking while southern counties ranked higher.

Helping the uninsured, increased exercise, reduction of smoking, nutritional foods, all play a role in scoring a physical environment. Fast-food restaurants is one of the components that helped lower the ranking in Orange County.

Rankings help the public-health sector understand where the problems are so that intervention can begin to improve public health.

But by far, the economic component caused by recession, has affect every facet of society attributing to a decline in the quality of life.

Tourism in Florida has dropped considerably

2010-02-17T07:21:00.006-05:00

According to the states advertising agency Visit Florida, tourism in the Sunshine state has dropped in 2009.

Although visitation has been somewhat sustainable, visitors as a whole are spending less on their tours. Among the vacation hot-spots in the world, Florida was in the top 5 for most visited last year.

In order to make a profit today, Florida businesses generally need to develop a new business plan in a state that is growth based. From theme parks to hotels, tours to restaurants, business in general has been very challenging.

Although national and local tourism industry has been battered, Disney World continued to prop up business during the downturn of 2008 - 2009. In part this was accomplished by adding gift cards and free nights to purchase of a vacation package.

Some 20 million visited Florida in the 3rd quarter while 18 million converged on the Sunshine state during the 4th quarter 2009.

Some 80 million people visited Florida according to Visit Florida's estimates representing a decline compared with previous years.

Disney's tour business sells cheaper trips

2010-02-16T07:41:00.005-05:00

During this economic downturn, Disney has been selling cheaper versions of it's gateway collection of tours to places including Costa Rica, London, Paris, China and Italy.

Although many of the features of the gateway collection are identical, the tour cruise portfolio has been particularly susceptible to the higher prices compared with time share, and theme parks.

Among the cuts, the popular Adventures by Disney tours has been slashed substantially, introducing less trips up front then adding according to demand.

The downside of the lower prices for the Gateway Collection tours have some important differences. Now some rail trips may be second class while other performances may be cut. Instead of a smaller group of 40 people, now group sizes have increased to 50.

Gateway tours package prices that were between $3,500 - $4,500 now can be purchased under $3,000 for the same version tour.

By making the products more appealing during economic difficulty, Disney gets a chance to expose it's brand to a broader group of people.

Enchanted 2

2010-02-15T18:00:00.002-05:00

So as you all know we are obsessed with anything and everything Disney. We read all the information and news on websites and occasionally ask a few friends who work there what’s coming up or plans that Disney is making. So when we visited one of our favorite websites lately we were reading about a new movie sequel that made me so exited.

The movie “Enchanted” is a personal favorite of mine and the kids and now their making a sequel. Anyone who has watched the movie knows that it’s fantastic; a young girl comes through a well from a fantasy world and shows up in our world. Then through a funny and weird slew of scenarios she falls in love and defeats a dragon. Sounds weird? It all makes sense in the movie. Oh, and it’s also a musical, there are awesome songs every ten minutes are so.

Anyway Disney is trying to get all the original actors back together to make a sequel to this “Real life fairy tale.” At the moment it appears as if it will be simply called “Enchanted 2,” however it isn’t in the filming process so there are a lot of things that could be changed. I will be really exited if Amy Adams comes back to play Giselle and even more exited if Patrick Dempsey comes back to play the character of Robert. Oh, and there was the prince in the movie also. I guess I could just go on and on but to tell you the truth, I can’t wait till this movie is out, were going to go see it opening night in theaters!

What is Jetblue's future?

2010-02-12T07:59:00.008-05:00

Currently, JetBlue operates it's business from New York but questions have risen as to whether corporate will move portions of it's operations to Orlando.

Of course during one of the worst economic downturns in the last 50 years, lawmakers would like to see JetBlue move some of it's jobs to Orlando. But splitting corporate composed of 800 positions is not very likely according to Jet Blue's CEO, Dave Barger.

When it comes to doing business, most corporations avoid being scattered but enjoy a more centralized atmosphere for employees to conduct business.

With the prospects of low cost business in Orlando, an IT gruup operating out of Orlando International Airport, all this lends credence that JetBlue may expand it's information technology jobs in the state.

Now that the courtship between Orlando and JebBlue are over, the giant carrier will make a final decision over very attractive incentives from New York and Orlando. JetBlues headquarters will face a strategic decision regarding a new perch once it's lease expires in Forest Hills, New York.

The fact that congress has encouraged Charlie Christ to offset costs for JetBlue to be headquartered in Orlando, all affirms that the JetBlue brand is very strong.

Chief of Staff May Richard Crotty feels that it is a win-win situation for Orlando that even if the airliner does not move, it could cause other airlines to make an inventory of their own brand to see how they might be more competitive with JetBlue.

Magical backdrop for Samantha Brown

2010-02-11T07:46:00.002-05:00

After more than a decade of programming with the Travel Channel, the famed Samantha Brown showed clips of the best shows back-dropped by Disney world.

Brown began her visit to the World Showcase at Epcot traversing Mexico and then France. While in Mexico she dined with a local family taking photo shots with Donald Duck where expressed her love of traveling. Stopping at Chefs de France, fans recalled one of her laugh-til-you-cry-moment when she fell out of her hammock

During one of Brown's best dressed moments, kids transformed into Ariel, Belled and Jasmine, were fascinated when Brown donned a beautiful dress at the Bibbidi, Bobbidi, Boutique.

Perhaps one of her most thrilling moments for fans was when she screamed on the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at the Hollywood Studios while recounting her story of jumping into a container of giant crabs in Chile.

Many viewers were disappointed that a greater focus was not given to the actual theme-parks.

Brown wrapped up her tour with a visit to the Animal Kingdom's Kilimanjaro Safaris exclusively offered to lodge guests. Wanyama Safari ended up being the runner up with voters where guests can enjoy a typical African meal while immersed in the sights and sounds of Africa.

Orlando's top 10 attractions

2010-02-10T07:46:00.007-05:00

Number. 10
Penguin Encounter at SeaWorld Orlando
View the creatures in a tuxedo starring at you and puffins

Number 9
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger at the Magic Kingdom
Get a 30-degree access to targets then point and shoot

Number. 8
Men in Black at Universal Studios
Amidst rapid turns and twists, riders need to shoot at the alien

Number 7
Move it, Shake it, Celebrate it at the Magic Kingdom
Enjoy stilt walkers, dancers, streamers as the street party pull out all the stops

Number. 6
Shamu at Seaworld
Whale shows give Shamu a real personality

Number. 5
Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios
Go on an adventure with Mickey featuring a giant dragon and Sorcerer Mickey

Number. 4
Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot
Interaction at it's beste with Turtle Talk and Nemo

Number. 3
It's a small World at Magic Kingdom
Travel the amazing cultures of the world in just minutes

Number. 2
Cat in the Hat at Islands of Adventure
Joint the crazy Cat in the Hat on a wild journey

Number. 1
Wild Arctic at SeaWorld
Get upclose and personal with man's most feared animals

High-speed trains slated for Florida

2010-02-09T08:00:00.004-05:00

Two new trains will be slated to come online by 2014, though many think that they will be filled with empty seats.

Operating over 60 miles of tracts, SunRail, a $1.2 billion system will run from Volusia County to Deland, from Winter Park to downtown Orlando, then to Poinciana. By Later 2014, a second of two trains will traverse from International Airport through Lakeland with it's final arrival at Tampa.

According to some critics, the Amtrak high-speed Acela train that is sitting outside the Barre, Vt., factory, can run between Boston and Washington at speeds of up to 150mph.

But some critics say that most people want the convenience of a car when heading out to urban destinations. Some people object to the fact that Tampa gets their own station but Osceola has to drive to the airport.

But trains like Tri-Rail have been successful when pitted against I-95 that passes through densely populated areas of Miami. People waiting in traffic during rush hour see the trains rolling by at top speeds get convinced that there is a quicker way to travel to their destinations.

Perhaps if gas prices rise to $4 a gallon, ridership on mass transit will increase exponentially. But for now, as Obama puts it, people hate high gas prices but they love their cars.

Commuters may save some time on a trip from Tampa to OIA on these high speed trains, but its doubtful that they will save money with the cost of a boarding pass at $29 for a one way trip. Accessibility & availability will be the determinant factors of the success of high-speed rail.

Shuttle Endeavor's last night flight

2010-02-08T07:44:00.008-05:00

Amidst shock & awe, it was a bitter-sweet moment for many contractors and space-agency employees.

At about 4:14 a.m., with a picture-perfect textbook launch, Endeavour punched a hole in the dark sky over cape Canaveral. Roaring cheers were heard from residents that lined the streets from Cocoa beach to Titusville.

Low cloud cover almost scrubbed the first of five launches scheduled this year. Six crew members will be part of a mission to add a new addition called tranquillity to the space station.

Mean while, back at the white house, a blue ribbon panel determined that the projected Ares rockets Constellation program was too expensive. Instead, Barak Obama release a budget of $19 billion that would extend the space station's life until 2020

The Constellation program boosted by the Ares rockets was suppose to return man back to the moon. But what was the cost? According to a blog written by Jeff Hanley, the program manager for the Constellation, “The development cost for achieving the first crewed flight today is roughly $30 billion, far short of estimates which have been recently bandied about”.

While cuts were made to the Constellation program that may cost Floridians some 7,000 jobs, some say that the real figures for the national stimulus package was more like $850 billion which was suppose to hold unemployment at 8% but the national statistics indicate that the level is more like 10%.

But for now, Launch director mike Leinback first concerned was not the budget, but that this morning's launch would be stellar. Crew members aboard the space station have been anticipating the repair of the station's water recycling system.

The space agency is hoping that this new module called the Cupola, will change the quality of life for astronauts providing breathtaking views of their new world. The new tranquility wing will also provide astronauts with additional facilities including a toilet, exercise gear, and life support equipment.

Disney's Aulani Resort 10'

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Disney has currently been making a lot of progress in its new project. The location of this project is bound to surprise a majority of people. Disney said “aloha” to its California Hotels and Orlando Hotels and made a huge jump down to O’ahu, Hawaii. This hotel is mainly focused on the rich and exotic history of the island, rather than the rich history of the Disney Company. The location of the hotel sits on the western side of the island where more the historic and memorable acts have taken place. Sitting on a 21 acre ocean front property there is great room for everything Disney could ever have to offer.

The hotel is planned to have 260 hotel rooms and 481 Disney Vacation Club villas, that are usually 2-bedrooms. The best part of this hotel is that they specifically designed nearly everything to be completely family oriented for every member of the family which makes everyone’s vacation. Among all of the rooms available for the people, there are many pools, hot tubs and more. For the thrill seekers there is a snorkeling lagoon and a river that tubers will have a great time floating a long. For the children, there are a variety of children play rooms and child activities that will keep them occupied throughout the entire vacation.

One feature that hotels have that is not always family oriented is the spa. Disney switched it up a little with an 18,000 square foot spa that was designed to bring the entire family. The best part of a family vacation is always the dining, eating is one of the best social things that families do and Disney makes sure it will be a magical experience with the two restaurants on the location. For the business minded professional there was a 12,545 sq. ft. conference room and for the play minded there is nearly 50,000 sq ft of outdoor activities.

Though the resort is not fully completed, Disney has launched its website with exclusive pictures and more information.