Celebration at Christmas

One of my favourite places in Central Florida is Celebration. I like the peaceful atmosphere. The houses look like they came from the early 19th or 20th Century, with their verandas and pillars. One can imagine the families with their rocking chairs sitting outside. I often spend a few hours just dr...

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Celebration

If you need a break from the ‘full on’ activity of the Theme Parks, consider visiting the tranquil little town of Celebration, situated to the south of US192, around the I4 area.

Celebration was originally developed by Walt Disney but is not connected now. It is full of quaint houses...

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Grabbing a Disney snack

As you walk around any of the Disney theme parks, you can smell the aroma of delicious popcorn and the offerings from the various and varied restaurants. Here are a few suggestions for meals and snacks that you may enjoy on your days in the parks.

If you enjoy Asian food, the Yak &am...

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Disney Springs

Wonder what Disney Springs is? Can’t find Downtown Disney anymore? Well, Disney Springs is the renamed Downtown Disney from September 2015! The whole area from West Side, Pleasure Island to the Marketplace has been revamped, costing millions of dollars into Disney Springs and is now organised in fou...

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Disney Springs Orlando

Having visited the new Disney Springs in July 2016 mid afternoon, I was put off by the oppressive heat and humidity , it was no fun walking about in temps in the high 90s.

However in late Nov 16 and early Jan 2017 I revisited but this time in early evening and found Disney Springs a ...

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Meeting Characters at Walt Disney World - Part1

One of the highlights of visiting Walt Disney world is meeting with Disney characters face to face, having your photograph taken and filling your autograph book. If this interests you then there are several different ways to experience this.

Within the theme parks themselves, there a...

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Meeting Characters in Walt Disney World - Part 2

Continued from part 1

Character meet and greets at Disney' s Hollywood Studios are mostly scheduled appearances for which you will need to consult your park schedule. Be prepared to stand in line to meet Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and characters exclusive to the park such as Princess Sofi...

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Arriving at a Disney Park by car - Part 1

The roads within Walt Disney World are often several lanes wide and they can get very busy, but on the plus side they are well surfaced and clearly sign posted. Speeding is most definitely frowned upon and it is not unusual see police with speed cameras enforcing the speed limit. Combine all of the ...

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Arriving at a Disney Park by car - Part 2

Continued from part 1.

On leaving your vehicle, walk to the end of your row and wait behind the posts for the tram that will take you to the park entrance. Disney cast members will be on hand to ensure that you do not cross into the tram zone whilst waiting, and that you and your par...

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How far to Disney?

One of the most frequent questions potential guests often ask villa owners is, ' How far is it to Disney? ' Some first time guests have even been known to ask if a property is within walking distance of Disney! This is a huge generalization and a difficult question to answer accurately.

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A Day on Disney Castaway Cay

A day on Disney’s private island is part of most of their Caribbean cruises. The first cruise we went on was in February and we were unable to visit the island as the sea was too rough for the ship to dock, so when we had a second chance in October we were really excited. It was a beautiful day, cal...

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Ghirardeli's Disney Springs

If on a hot sunny afternoon in Florida you just want to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks but you still want to be immersed in the Disney Magic then take a visit to Disney Springs ( Downtown Disney). There are plenty of shops for you to look around and some wonderf...

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Disney Springs

Over the course of the last thirty years I have seen Walt Disney World change from a very large theme park, into a MASSIVE theme park covering over 25 square miles.

My first trip to Downtown Disney in 1979 was just something to do on a free wind down day, a rest from all the walking ...

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Disney’s Wilderness Lodge -- part 4

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge -- part 4


The final part of this article will deal with the grounds and accommodation options at the Wilderness Lodge resort. As you may have gathered by now if you have read the previous three articles this is one of my favourite hotels.

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Disney's Wilderness Lodge -- part 1

Disney's Wilderness Lodge -- part 1

We have stayed here a few times and I can truly say that the really magical time is the Christmas season. The hotel is one of Disney’s better with regard to the architecture from my point of view. However when you walk in through the vast main doors...

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Disney's Wilderness Lodge -- part 2

Disney's Wilderness Lodge -- part 2

In the first part of this article I had been describing the lobby so I will continue in that area. The next thing you will see at the back of the lobby area are the large windows that almost bring the outside wilderness area in to the hotel. Being D...

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Disney’s Wilderness Lodge -- part 3

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge -- part 3

I have left the best till last and that is Artist Point. Disney calls this a signature restaurant because it is one of their best. It is not cheap but if you want a special night out then you will not go wrong here. The menu changes seasonally so it...

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Our First Disney Cruise

In January 2015 we took our first ever cruise. It was a five day cruise aboard the Disney Wonder to Grand Cayman and Disney’s private island in the Caribbean, Castaway Cay, sailing from Miami.

I had always said that I would never cruise. We like our personal space too much and the th...

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Disney's Windows - part 12

RICHARD IRVINE

A set designer with a degree in architecture, Richard “Dick” Irvine joined the studio iin 1942 and was chosen by Walt in 1953 to act as a liaison with the outside architectural firms hired to design Disney land Park. He recruited ...

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Disney's Windows - part 13

JACK LINDQUIST

Jack Lindquist was working for a Los Angeles advertising firm when Disneyland Park officials contacted him to ask if he could recommend an advertising firm when Disneyland Park officials contacted him to ask if he could recommend ...

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Disney's Windows - part 14

WATHEL ROGERS

Wathel Rogers was a founding member of WED’s model shop in 1954, having started with the company in 1939 as an animator. His two-week WED assignment to build architectural models for Disney Land Park turned into a career that saw h...

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Disney's Windows - Part 10

DISNEYS WINDOWS part 10

ELIAS DISNEY

Elias Disney, Walt and Roy’s father, became a contractor in Chicago in 1895. Starting out as a carpenter, he later built houses that were designed by his wife, Flora. He eventually built a house for his own family at 1249 Trip Avenue...

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Disney's Windows - Part 11

DISNEYS WINDOWS part11

BLAINE GIBSON

The winner of a soap-sculpting contest as a child, Blaine Gibson was actually an animator at the Studio when Walt recruited him in 1954 to sculpt for Disneyland Park after taking note of the sculptures in Blaine’s office. During his ...

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Disney's Windows - Part 1

DISNEY’S WINDOWS part 1

If ever you find yourself at one of the Main Streets in Disneyland or the Magic Kingdom look up at the windows and you will notice each one has an inscription of the name of a fictional vendor who owns the business housed in the building. These can be anything ...

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Disney's Windows - Part 2

DISNEYS WINDOWS part2

CHUCK BOYAJIAN

Although his Disneyland Park window states, ‘’We keep your Castle Shining’’ Chuck Boyajian was known for keeping entire Disney parks sparkling clean. He was hired by Walt in 1955 as the first manager of Custodial Operations in Disney...

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Disney's Windows - Part 3

DISNEYS WINDOWS part 3

RON DOMINGUEZ

Ron Dominguez family home once stood in the Anaheim orange groves that Walt purchased for his park. (It was situated what are now the sites of pirates of the Caribbean Attraction and Cafe Orleans. ) A ticket taker n Opening Day f Dis...

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Disney's Windows - Part 4

DISNEYS WINDOWS part 4

Here are but a few to read about , Windows of Walt Disney World:

BUDDY BAKER

Buddy Baker began his Disney career in 1954, when his former student at Los Angeles City College, Composer George Bruns, needed help arranging music for th...

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Disney's Windows - Part 5

DISNEYS WINDOWS part5

ROY O. DISNEY (Walt Disney brothers)

In 1923, Roy O. Disney started the Walt Disney Studio with his younger brother, Walt. Roy contributed $250, Walt had $40, and they borrowed $500 from an uncle. With Walt as the creative force of the company, Roy...

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Disney's Windows - Part 6

DISNEYS WINDOWS part6

ROB MATHEISON

A former Walt Disney World Resort executive vice president, Parks, Bob Matheison started at Disneyland Park in 1960 as a sound coordinator, teaching Jungle Cruise guides to talk into microphones and ticket takers to talk to the Guests...

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Disney's Windows - Part 7

DISNEYS WINDOWS part7

JOE POTTER

General William E. “Joe” Potter was executive vice president of the 1964-5 New York World’s Fair when he was hired by Walt in 1965 to work on his secret Florida project. While Admiral Joe Fowler was responsible for Magic Kingdom Park in ...

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Disney's Windows - Part 8

DISNEY S WINDOWS part 8

CARD WALKER

E. Cardon Walker started in the Studio mailroom in 1938 and later held positions in marketing, operations, and advertising, and he was also involved In the Florida land acquisition for the Walt Disney World Resort. After Walt Disney d...

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Disney's Windows - Part 9

Disneys windows part 9

CLAUDE COATS

An animation background painter at the Studio since 1935, Claude Coats went to work for WED in 1955. His first assignment was to create the model for Mr. Toads wild ride. He later painted the fluorescent floor-to-ceiling backgrounds i...

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AMC Theatre Downtown Disney

Well a trip to the movies can prove a very popular activity with young and old, couples and families.

In fact what to do on a day when the weather is very wet, rarely does it rain all day in Florida, but when its not great outside you need to find alternative activities which the wea...

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A glimpse at Downtown Disney Marketplace

A glimpse at Downtown Disney Marketplace

Downtown Disney Marketplace is one of Disney’s most interesting collection of shops, including a Mega-LEGO outlet store , a mother of all Disney stores and another outlet of the unusual Rainforest cafe chain. Of course there are lots of shops s...

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Enjoying Celebration Part 2

To the left on the lake in Celebration you will find the town’s impressive hotel. It is another great place to people watch with the arrival of guests in their upmarket cars or being chauffeured in by the hotel’s cars. We have never been into the hotel but the rooms are supposed to be beautiful some...

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Enjoying Celebration Part 1

Although our villa is only a few miles from Celebration it was several years before we went there as there always seemed to be so much more Disney and other Park visits to do. This we realised in hindsight was a mistake as Celebration town is a great place to go as it has so much to offer. It is a D...

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Disney Shopping

Everybody wants to buy souvenirs for either themselves or for friends and family back home. Ideally they want to buy from the park they are visiting. One thing to bear in mind is that all the parks owned by Disney World, sell the same souvenirs including the shopping at Downtown Disney.

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Waterskiing and Tubing at Disney

We’ve been going to Florida for years and wanted to try something a little different to normal during our stay. Our boys have never had the opportunity to water-ski so we looked on the internet and found that Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre, based in Disney’s Contemporary Resort marina on Bay Lake...

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Downtown Disney.

One place that is a must for anyone visiting Orlando Florida is Diwntown Disney. This is located within the Disney ground and is a large Disney themed village full of shops, restaurants, clubs and much more.

The highlight of Downtown Disney for me is by far the Disney Store. This mas...

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The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Whilst it may be cliched and not quite true to say that every little girl dreams of being coming to Disney princess for many it really is a thrill.

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique provides this unique opportunity to become just such a princess, and if that doesn' t suit your little one'...

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Our Bibbidi Bobbidi Experience Pt 1

The location for our Bibbidi Bobbidi experience was within the Magic Kingdom. We had been asked to arrive 15 minutes before our appointment time and to bring our own hair brush (in the event this was not required as we were given a comb). It was requested that our ' princess' had clean fingernails a...

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Our Bibbidi Bobbidi Experience Pt 2

On completion of the makeover Leah was given both of the make up palettes, both of the nail varnish' s, the face jewels that had not been used and a pink princess comb, everything was wrapped carefully in tissue and put into a Disney carrier bag. However, when we went to the cash register Leah was g...

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Disney Quest

Having never been to Disney Quest before, I was keen to take my 7 year old one evening. Located at Downtown Disney it is not as well known as the main Disney parks or waterparks, but can be used as part of your Disney tickets. If you have a pass with a lot of days, or have free days thrown in as par...

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Blizzard Beach

Having not been to Blizzard Beach in over 10 years I was looking forward to taking my family there for our stay in 2014. Due to needing to go on a weekend we thought it best to try a Disney Water Park, in between the hustle and bustle of Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. As part of our Disney Par...

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Walt Disney Worlds Railroad

At the entrance to the Magic Kingdom you will see Main Street Station. An old fashioned steam train which is a fully working replica of an original steam train, which runs right around the perimeter of the park. Here you will board the train and you can be transported to two different stations or ju...

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What is the Disney Dream Like?

If you have children, and time to fit in a Disney cruise during your Orlando stay in a wonderful villa, then the Disney Dream could be just up your street. Disney already has two ships sailing out of Port Canaveral on the Atlantic coast, about an hour from the Orlando area, but this ship is really i...

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Deck the Halls at Celebration Part 1

DECK THE HALLS AT CELEBRATION part 1

On the first day of our visit to our villa in late November we all headed off to Celebration Town for my Father to visit his bank. We all rather suspect that he only has his account at Celebration so that he can visit it every holiday!

If y...

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Deck the Halls at Celebration - part 2

The young skaters have to observe the rules that are printed on the side of the chalet and these are strictly enforced. Skates are provided to fit each child and they must be returned to the chalet at the end of the skating session.

Alongside the chalet is a shop that always seems very b...

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Bike rental at Disney

Fancy doing something a little bit different? Something that will let you explore a little bit more of the Disney area? Something fun? Something relaxing? Something that is not going to break the bank? Something which is actually good for you? Why not have a go at renting a bike around Disney even i...

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Boardwalk - Part 1

Boardwalk is a Disney Resort complex which is also open to the general public. Except for the hotels and pools, Boardwalk can be enjoyed by everyone.

Boardwalk is designed to be like the 1920s and has a definite 1920s feel to it. It is built in a circle around a man made lake which has l...

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Boardwalk - Part 2

Part of Boardwalk features a wedding arch where wedding ceremonies and pre-reception drinks are conducted before the main receptions which are held in one of the hotels. It is a beautifully romantic setting for a marriage ceremony. When not being used for weddings, in the evening they have tables la...

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Changes at Disney World

In the light of Universal Studios Harry Potter experience it seems that the Disney Corporation have decided it is time for a make over of their parks. I have to admit that I felt this was needed some years ago so it is very good to see what has already been done.

At Downtown Disney Marke...

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Disney Fun Run.

Are you in Florida on the 9th and 10th of november 2012?

Are you a keen runner?

Do you like running at night?

Are you a Disney fan?

If the answer to all of these questions is yes
then I have some news for you that will make your autumn break even ...

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Walt Disney World Monorail

When you visit Walt Disney World in Florida you are sure to see many amazing sights and wonders and Walt Disney World can boast some world leading statistics. One such claim is that the monorail system is the most heavily used monorail system in the world!

Originally opened in 1971, the ...

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My favourite Disney experience.

Someone asked me the other day what my favourite Disney experience was?

Well that was a poser and I spent the best part of an evening flip flopping between all my many favourites.

It was while I was mentally checking through the rides that I realised how many awesome rides th...

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Easter At Disneyworld

People often ask me, “What is the best time to go to Disney”? My answer is always the same – Easter. The trouble is, everybody agrees with me. The weather is perfect, the flights are not at the premium summer holiday rate and it hardly ever rains at that time of the year.

So how do you e...

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Disney Character Meet and Greet - part 2

Disney Character Meet and Greet – part 2

…………. continuing on from my first article about Disney Character Meet and Greets:

If your child wants to specifically meet one of the characters, you can call in at Guest Relations in any of the parks or City Hall at Magic ...

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Disney Character Meet and Greet - part 3

Disney Character Meet and Greet – part 3

……. . continuing on from my first and second articles regarding Disney Character Meet and Greets:

If you would like an item of clothing signed, please make sure that it is not being worn at the time. They will not sign it otherwise.

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Disney PhotoPass

Are you fed up of being the only one who takes the family holiday snaps or having to carry a camera around with you all day? Everyone else gets in the picture but not you because you are always the one taking it! Well, help is at hand from a great little invention from Disney called the PhotoPass. ...

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Disney Character Meet and Greet - part 1

Disney Character Meet and Greet – part 1

When our girls were little one of the main attractions of visiting the Disney theme parks involved meeting the Disney characters. They just loved to hug them, have their photographs taken with them and have their autograph books signed. The number ...

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The Disney Widerness Preserve.

The Disney Wilderness Preserve started life as recently as the 1990s. This was Disney' s way of paying back a little for the Disney resort damage.

The Disney corporation bought 8. 500 acres to donate to conservation and in addition they made a generous amount of money avaiable for the re...

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Walt; his life and times!

We love Disneyworld; oh yes we certainly do; but I wonder how much you know about its founder?

Walt Disney was an American who was born in Chicago in 1901. His father came from Irish stock and his mother from German.

He is best known for creating Mickey Mouse but in fact he w...

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Down Town Disney

Disney Village market place is a great place to spend some time. Its good if it’s raining as the shops all more or less run into each other so you can easily roam through each shop without getting wet.

There are many different themed shops that have all the usual goods that Disney sells....

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What’s new in Disneyworld for 2012? Part 1

Walt Disney World is in the middle of a huge re-development program and most of it will be done by summer 2012.

Downtown Disney, a free area for people to wander around to shop and dine, will not be finished for a while longer though. They are building a new “beach” area leading down to ...

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What’s new at Disney World Part 2

What’s new at Disney World Part 2

An all new Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs ride will replace the existing original ride, which I feel was a bit too scary for the little ones it was intended for as it takes place in the dark nearly all of the time.

On this new ride you will b...

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West Side Downtown Disney

Heading over the bridge from pleasure Island, you will arrive in West Side, the final part of Downtown Disney. This will be changing a great deal during 2012 and already you can see shops being re-developed. But for now there is still so much to see.

There are four good restaurants for y...

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Splitsville

This is a heads up on an exciting new venue at Walt Disney World.

This is called Splitsville and will be yet another one of a succesful chain of bowling alleys.

However, forget all about your vision of a downmarket scruffy bowling alley complete with a chips with everything r...

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Disneyworld......a history.

They call Disneyworld the happiest place on earth and they are not far wrong. It should perhaps more properly be called Walt Disney World Resort, but hey, we all know it as Disneyworld, don' t we?

The inspiration for a theme park dates right back to when Walts children were still y...

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Bibbidi Bobbidy Boutique

Bibbidi Bobbidy Boutique

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a kind of Beauty Salon where girls of all ages can enjoy some pampering and be transformed into a Disney Princess. There are two locations for these special experiences. One is at Downtown Disney and the other is at Cinderella’s Cas...

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Gingerbread and Chocolate!

Gingerbread and Chocolate! !

Now that I' ve got your attention, I' d like to share with you yet another of the wonders of Disney. With their usual, absolutely incredible attention to detail the master bakers of the Disney hotels each year create spectacular masterpieces to delight an...

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A free day at Disney?

No it is not a catch. There really is a part of Disney World that you can go to completely free of charge. It is called Downtown Disney.

It is split into three areas at the moment, Market Place, West Side and Pleasure Island. At the moment Disney are in the process of completely changing...

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Easter at Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida

Easter is probably the most popular time to visit Orlando, as the weather is warming up and there is low humidity, making it ideal weather for long days at the parks. Of course, Disney has lots of activities planned for the weeks surrounding Easter, and whilst these may be different each year, here ...

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Stepping back into your childhood

What is a holiday in Orlando, Florida, really like. Well, it is like stepping back into your childhood. Do not try and fight it and tell yourself you are too sophisticated for Walt Disney World, nobody is. Going back to your carefree childhood, is like a tonic and takes all the stresses of life away...

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Whats the Disney Effect?

What makes Disney so different?

There are so many reasons why Disney World is different to every other organisation, but to my mind it is their attention to detail that makes the difference. In all their films just look at the detail in every aspect, even in the cartoons they always have a...

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Best Things to Do at Disney

There are so many things that I enjoy at Disney but I thought I would try to list some of my favourites.

Go to Lion King at Animal Kingdom. When you get to the Park your guide map should give you the show times but be sure to get there at least thirty minutes before it starts as it can g...

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World Of Disney - Downtown Disney

No visit to Downtown Disney is complete without a visit to Disney’s famous World of Disney Store. However be prepared you may well be at least a couple of hours in here!

This really is the ultimate Disney Character store and here you will find themed sections in different rooms within it...

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Disneys Boardwalk

Disney Boardwalk has been created to look like the boardwalks that were popular at the turn of the 20th century in such coastal cities as Coney Island in New York and Atlantic City. It is a quarter of a mile long situated around Crescent Lake and has shops, restaurants, nightclubs and several Disney...

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A Guide to Downtown Disney

Whenever we visit Orlando we always like to pay a visit to Downtown Disney, not only for the shopping, but also to enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants there. Downtown Disney itself is divided into three parts Downtown Disney West Side, Downtown Disney Marketplace and Pleasure Island, but whi...

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Often Missed Attractions

Some of the often missed attractions at the magic Kingdom in Disney world can be the most entertaining. So often people arrive full of anticipation and head excitedly straight up Main Street, USA and completely miss the Walt Disney World Rail Road.

This twenty minute scenic tour of the Magic...

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The Magic of Disney

The Magic of Disney

When people ask me what is so special about Walt Disney World, the answer is very simple. It’s the magic.

When you park your car, for example, in the car park at Disney World, you don’t park in “Car Park A”, row 31, you park In Mickey, row 31 or Pluto, row 31. It i...

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The Magic of Disney through a Childs Eyes

The Magic of Disney through a Child' s Eyes

My first memory of The Magic Kingdom is taking my three year old daughter. The excitement was mesmeric. “Are we there yet? ”

We had just parked our car and were heading to the tram to take us to the ticket office. “Are we there yet? ”

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Downtown Disney - West Side

Downtown Disney is set into three sections and is a free area which gives you a taste of what is to come when you hit the parks. The three sections are, Market Place, Pleasure Island (about to be refurbished) and West Side.

WEST SIDE

West side is the third section of Downtown Disney w...

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Downtown Disney - Market Place

Downtown Disney is set into three sections and is a free area which gives you a taste of what is to come when you hit the parks. We always spend our first day in Orlando there, just acclimatising ourselves and getting in the Disney Spirit. A bit like Christmas time in early December really. It is al...

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Disney Christmas Celebrations

Why not visit Disney’s Epcot anytime after Thanksgiving and get to watch the Candlelight Processional. This is a massed choir, a 50 piece orchestra and an A list celebrity narrator. Some of the narrators this year(2010) include names such as Whoopi Goldberg, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jodi Benson, Susan...

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La Nouba - New Act

We recently heard that La Nouba added a new act in February 2010. This is the world-renowned juggler Anthony Gatto and he will be a permanent addition to the ninety minute show. Apparently in the nine-minute act, Gatto juggles balls, hoops and clubs at amazing speed with fantastic accuracy. Apparent...

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Entertainment at the Boardwalk

As our girls have become teenagers we find we spend more and more time at the Boardwalk whether it be in the day or evening.

Entertainment here can differ from day to day. At holiday times you will find midway games, jugglers, entertainers, hand wax molds, food vendors as well as magic shows...

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How Green is Disney?

Millions of holidaymakers will have enjoyed their annual vacation to Orlando in Florida and especially their visits to the theme parks at Walt Disney World. But only a handful of guests will be aware of the work that goes on behind the scenes. The Walt Disney Company take environmental issues very s...

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Lat 2010 In Downtown Disney and Epcot

I love going to Downtown Disney at anytime of the year but especially in November when the annual Festival of the Masters takes place. This artisan Festival which takes place over a weekend (between 9. 30 and 5. 30pm and admission and parking are free) has been happening for over thirty years. It is...

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Segway Tour at Disney’s Fort Wilderness – Part I

Having twice been on Walt Disney World’s Segway tour called “Around the World at Epcot” and thoroughly enjoyed them both times, we were overjoyed when we discovered that Disney had started a new Segway tour at their Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.

For those of you who are not familiar...

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Segway Tour at Disney’s Fort Wilderness – Part II

This is the continuation of our Segway Tour at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

Before your tour begins you will be shown a short video and then given some training. Even though we had been on a Segway twice before we still had to take part in the training. I must admit that I en...

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Facts about Walt Disney World - Landscaping

If you have ever visited Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida you will, I am sure, have been impressed by the wonderful landscaping which you see everywhere. Our favourite park has to be Epcot which has some wonderful floral displays, particularly during its annual Flower festival. In fact, ...

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Pleasure Island - the story

For the time being, Pleasure Island is a shadow of its former self. It was in June of 2008 that Walt Disney World Resort announced that Pleasure Island would change dramatically, with the closing down of all its night clubs and comedy clubs in September of that year. Since then there have been major...

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Disney’s Fort Wilderness

If you thought that the attractions at Disney’s Fort Wilderness were just for the guests staying on site you couldn’t be further from the truth - anyone can enjoy the benefits. From horse riding to biking trails, from fishing to just sitting on the beach or how about an old-fashioned wagon or carria...

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Celebration at Christmas

One of our favourite places to visit, apart from the numerous theme parks in and around Orlando, is called Celebration. Celebration is a little town just south of the US 192 adjacent to Interstate 4. One of the best ways of finding it, if you have never visited Celebration before, is to follow the d...

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Raglan Road Downtown Disney - Irish Themed Pub

Like many visitors to Orlando we always want to try new restaurants as well as return to some family favourites. The latest one for us to try is Disney’s Ragland Road Irish pub and restaurant at Downtown Disney.

This restaurant, which is owned and operated by an Irish company, is located in ...

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An Evening at Downtown Disney

Having had recommendations from guests who had stayed at our villa we decided to spend a few hours at Downtown Disney to go on the new Characters of Flight balloon ride and then have a meal.

It has been variously advertised as a bird’s eye view of the Downtown Disney area, with 10-mile panor...

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Fireworks Dessert Party

Disney introduced this new attraction in the summer of 2009 originally for it to run through the summer school holidays but it must have been successful because they have now extended it until the end of the December 2009. Guests at our villa during the summer had said how much they enjoyed it so we...

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Typoon Lagoon 2009

Typhoon Lagoon has undergone a refurbishment and reopened in time for Easter.

If you have not been to Typhoon Lagoon you will find it based around Mount Mayday, which at its base boasts a 2. 75 million gallon wave pool. On top of its peak, is its landmark ship, ' Miss Tilly' .

Locker...

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Interesting Disney Facts

Here are some interesting Disney facts that we have found out over the years that we have been visiting Orlando.

MAGIC KINGDOM

When you walk through the Magic Kingdom you are actually walking on the 2nd floor, the first floor is hidden beneath you. Utility corridors, called Uti...

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Getting the Most Out Of Your Fastpass

Fastpasses are great if you use them well but you really do need to put some thought into when and where you will use them before you get to the Parks.

Disney first introduced FastPass in 1999 and it was welcomed as a brilliant innovation to get some priority scheme working to help its guest...

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Muppet 3D vision

This is without doubt one of my favourite attractions my wife thinks I am potty but I think it' s a little bit like Monty Python you either love it or hate it! there no in between and I simply love it, now that' s not to say that it' s not suitable for kids its very very suitable for children and ad...

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Christmas in Early December

If you want to experience the magic of Christmas in Orlando at your leisure and without the crowds early December is a great time to go. At this time of year the weather is usually lovely and the air fares are at their cheapest. Once about 18th December arrives the Christmas crowds start coming and ...

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Epcot Food and Wine 2009

EPCOT FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL 2009

My parents absolutely love this event and if ever they are over at the villa when it takes place they always visit it at least once.

This seven week Festival has fabulous food from countries on 6 continents. You can enjoy the food when you visit the ...

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Bibbidi Bobbiddi Boutique at Disney, Orlando

I bet even the oldest of us ladies has, at some time, had a sneaking desire to be a princess. Well, if you now have little girls whose only wish is to be Cinderella, or Snow White then you can make her dream come true at the Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boutique at either Downtown Disney, Orlando, or at Cinder...

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Blizzard Beach

Disney’s imaginers have done it again! In the tropical state of Florida the last thing you would expect to come across is a ski resort, but this is exactly what has been created at Blizzard Beach. Legend has it that during a freak winter storm, snow fell over the west side of Walt Disney World and s...

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Voyage of the Little Mermaid

This seventeen minute, elaborate stage show is sure to delight both adults and children alike. The Voyage of the Little Mermaid premiered on January 7, 1992 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and runs continually throughout the day. Amazing puppetry, water effects, singing and dancing are just some of t...

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Tips when visiting Downtown Disney

The car parks at Downtown Disney are vast so do make sure you can remember where you parked your car! After several hours shopping and maybe even having a meal it is easy to forget – a good tip is to put your location in your mobile phone.

Some people visit Downtown Disney if it is a rainy ...

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Disney Souvenirs

There are so many things you can collect to remind you of the magic when you are on holiday at Disney and I will try and list some of them here.

Firstly most holiday makers send postcards home. Rather than buy individual ones you can buy a pack of 10 for about $4 at the Disney parks. I belie...

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Richard Petty Driving Experience

Richard Petty is a seven times NASCAR champion and his ‘Driving Experience’ has evolved to what it is today from very humble beginnings back in 1994. At that time he had just a handful of cars in Charlotte, North Carolina and offered the ultimate stock car experience of driving around the Charlotte ...

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Typhoon Lagoon

Typhoon Lagoon is part of the Walt Disney World theme parks and can be included on your 5, 7 or 10 day theme park tickets. We visited Typhoon lagoon back In 2007 and must say we were very impressed with the general overall feel of the place. Normally waterparks can be a bit of a let down after visit...

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Romantic Disney

The Disney theme parks, and the Orlando area, are not just for children or families – it can also be a romantic vacation destination for couples, with some even choosing to have their honeymoon there: you can see them walking round the parks with the bride wearing a mouse ears veil and the groom in ...

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Characters in Flight

Next time you visit Disney in Orlando, Florida, look up in the sky – you may well see the latest attraction based at Downtown Disney Waterside – a giant helium balloon which will take you soaring above the park to a height of 400 ft, in absolute silence. Unlike traditional hot air balloons, which re...

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What to do at Disney when the weather gets chilly or wet

One of the things we love most about coming to Florida is the sunshine and the warm weather, but if you visit during the winter period it is possible that you may occassionally experience a few colder days, and in the summer there are likely to be tropical rainstorms in the afternoons. But thankfull...

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New Balloon Flight at Downtown Disney Waterside

From April 2009 you can enjoy a new and exciting new thrill at Downtown Disney Waterside – not a roller coaster or simulator but the chance to fly high above the park to get a breathtaking view of Disney and the surrounding area.

Called ‘Characters in Flight, ’ this is a large tethered heliu...

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New Baby Ruppell’s Griffon Vultures at Animal Kingdom Lodge

In January 2009, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge was delighted to welcome two new baby Ruppell’s Griffon Vultures. Of course the birth of any new baby animal is greeted with pleasure, but these little chicks are particularly special, as they are the first of this threatened species to hatch out at Wal...

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Disneys Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue

Disney’s Hoop -de-do- musical revue is a comedy musical dinner show which is situated at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.

We booked the show when we were at down town Disney at the information office near the Ghirardelli’s ice cream shop as we had been told the show is very popular and can b...

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Disney’s Boardwalk

We were playing miniature golf at Disney’s Fantasia when we first learned about Disney’s Boardwalk. Whilst waiting for our ‘tee off’ time we were talking to some fellow ‘miniature golfers’ who had just come from The Boardwalk, a 10 minute walk away. Since our conversation we’ve always included The B...

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Walt Disney World’s Yuletide Christmas Tour

Walt Disney World’s “Yuletide Christmas Tour” takes place on specific dates during the holiday season – I would suggest that you check on Disney’s website for the correct dates as they change each year.

As we had taken “The Keys to the Kingdom” tour at Magic Kingdom and Epcot’s “Undiscovered...

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Our Favourite Evening Out

After a lazy day by the pool we often look forward to what we consider to be our favourite evening out.

In late October at around four in the afternoon the heat of the sun is just beginning to dissipate and this is our signal to vacate the sun loungers, have a shower and head on out.

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WALTER ELIAS DISNEY – PART 2

CARTOONS, DREAMS AND MICKEY MOUSE

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. ”

Walt Disney arrived in Hollywood at the age of 22. He had a vision and a dream and he was determined to pursue them. With an injection of money from his brother, Roy O. Disney, and...

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Disney Wilderness Preserve

Only a few miles away from the hustle of the parks lies the perfect place for a nature walk. This hidden place carries the Disney name -yet is one if its best kept secrets. It is a nature conservancy project called “The Disney Wilderness Preserve” at Scrub Jay Trail, Kissimmee FL 34759. It is in the...

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Design - A - Disney Tee Shirt

If it is a rainy day, a day when we want a rest from the parks or just an evening when we fancy a leisurely stroll we often head for Downtown Disney.

Previously we have visited the “Create Your Own Ear Hat” shop. In here you get to select from a number of basic caps, then you add the ears of...

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Disney Speciality Cruises

You can go on a specialty cruise at various locations around Disney. These may be booked up to 90 days in advance. There is a 24-hour cancellation policy and a credit card is required to book them. The boats can usually accommodate up to 12 guests (10 adults and 2 children) or 10 adults. The resorts...

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Celebrate with Disney in 2009

My Mother is really excited as everyone who visits a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park on their birthday in 2009 can get a free ticket to a Park of their choice. She and my Father are going in 2009 and will be there for her birthday. Her current dilemma is which Park to choose...

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Afternoon Tea at the Garden Lounge

My Mother and I have now made two visits to have Afternoon Tea in the Garden View Lounge in the Grand Floridian Hotel.

The first time we went Granddad had taken the girls for the day to Typhoon Lagoon. On the spur of the moment we decided to go for Afternoon Tea. We had not made a reservatio...

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WALT DISNEY, PART 1 The Early Years

'You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality. '

I wonder if you can guess who said that? Well, it was Walt Disney, of course, the man who created Mickey Mouse, and whose vision and imagination made Orland...

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FASCINATING DISNEY FACTS

What would Orlando be without Disney? For most people it is the Disney magic that brings them to Florida in the first place, and ensures they return time after time. The parks themselves are absolutely amazing, but even more amazing are some of the facts which make Disney what it is.

Did you...

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Princess makeover

This is the ultimate treat for all little girls with dreams of being a princess even if it is only for a day.

We took our granddaughters aged 6 and 8 years old . the age limit is aged 3 and over I understand.

We did pre book but I do think it is possible to walk in and wait in turn....

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Christmas Events at Disney

Disney is always so magical but never more so than at Christmas. Each of the main theme parks have their own way of decorating and celebrating. Most of their events start mid November and go on for about six weeks.

EPCOT

Be sure not to miss The Lights of Winter, a daily Tree Li...

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The Story of Mr Walt Disney

Walter Elias Disney enjoyed a Hollywood career the spanned 43 years. He was at the heart of the development of the motion picture medium and firmly established himself as a genuine part of American film history.

From his humble beginnings as an artist for a Kansas art studio, Walt Disney is ...

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Downtown Disney Fun

Downtown Disney is the Disney version of a town centre with shops, restaurant and leisure activities. It is quite simply the best place to shop eat and be entertained Disney Style. Downtown in fun and friendly and well worth a visit.

Downtown Disney is completely free to visit. You don’t nee...

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Celebration Town

Celebration is a lovely place to visit when you want a change of pace from the theme parks and more noisy and hectic activities. Head for Market Street which is set around a beautiful lake – a delightful area of shops and restaurants in the centre of Celebration.

A good time to visit is dur...

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Disney’s Secret Utilidors

Walt Disney thought of everything when planning the future of his theme park empire. He didn’ t want to ruin the illusions of his magical fantasy by having cowboys from Frontier Land wandering through the futuristic Tomorrowland to reach their final destination. With guest experience always at...

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Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom

A special Christmas treat for all the family! On selected nights from November 19th to December 19th Magic Kingdom hosts a special Christmas celebration after the usual opening hours.

Even if you have been to Magic Kingdom numerous times this is one not to be missed. After dark, all the day ...

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Celebration

When Celebration was first built we thought it was a bit “Stepford Wives”, it all seemed so perfect, rocking chairs on the porch, lovely white picket fences, grass always beautifully cut and so green and even flowers that appeared to stand upright. Like a lot of people, we were curious about the qui...

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Facts About Beauty and the Beast

‘Beauty and the Beast, Live on Stage’ at MGM Studios, Orlando, Florida, is one of my favourite shows. It is very colourful, with stunning costumes and wonderful music.

Based on an original fairy tale, it tells the story of the beautiful ‘Belle’ who offers herself as a prisoner of the ‘Beast’...

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Downtown Disney Shops - A to D

Do you enjoy shopping? If the answer is yes, then you will love Downtown Disney, an eclectic range of wonderful shops with plenty of free parking. The best time to visit is during the day when most people are at the parks. When night falls Downtown Disney does become a lot busier, especially at week...

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Downtown Disney Shops - D to H

Anyone for shopping? If the answer is yes, then you will adore Downtown Disney, an eclectic range of fantastic shops with masses of free parking. This is the continuation of my short introduction to the stores on offer.

Disney’s Days of Christmas

This is one of my favourite sho...

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Downtown Disney Shops – H to M

Do you fancy a spot of shopping? If you answered yes, then you will absolutely love Downtown Disney, an eclectic range of brilliant shops with ample free parking. This is the continuation of my brief introduction to the shops on offer.

Hoypoloi

Hoypoloi is a gallery full of cer...

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Downtown Disney Shops – M to R

Want to spend some time and money shopping? If the answer is yes, then you will love Downtown Disney, an exiting range of wonderful shops with lots of free parking. This is the continuation of my brief introduction to the stores available.

Mickey’s Mart – “Everything Ten Dollars and Under...

To add to the excitement of your families Disney vacation why not have your children’s spending money delivered to your vacation villa (please ask permission from the villa owner first) in Disney Dollars?

Disney introduced in March of 2008 a new image to the Disney Dollars commemorating...

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Watch the fireworks at Magic Kingdom from Polynesian resort!

If you are visiting Orlando for the first time and trying to pack in as much as possible, it is very easy to end up doing very long days. This is not only tiring for the adults – but also for the younger members of the family who are so excited by a day with Mickey Mouse that it all becomes too much...

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Downtown Disney (11)

A little bit of Disney Magic that anyone can access!

Downtown Disney is an eating/shopping/entertainment area within Walt Disney World that offers a huge range of different attractions to while away some time. It is built around a lake and there are two distinct areas to Downtown Disney, Mar...

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Backstage Magic

This is a great backstage tour for Disney fans. It lasts for seven hours and I believe every tour is slightly different. On ours we traveled to Epcot, Hollywood Studios costume shop, general costume shop, floral department, baskets department, MK parade garage, lunch at the Wilderness Lodge and ende...

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Tips for enjoying your Disney Holiday

Try to have a tentative plan of where you want to go and what to see each day. Schedule pool/rest time during the day. Be sure to include a late-start morning after a late night out. You may even want to stay at your villa on alternate days. The children love the freedom of a villa holiday and often...

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Disney’s Blizzard Beach

I have to admit to being rather nervous around water and for this reason it was quite a few years before I decided to venture to a water park with my family. I had absolutely no need to be afraid of anything. My visit to Disney’s Blizzard beach was truly special and I took away very treasured memori...

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Buying Disney Souvenirs

If you have children and even if you don’t, no visit to Disney is complete without a few souvenirs of a truly magical experience. From cuddly character toys to kitchen ware and the latest movie memorabilia, Disney has it all. The imagination of Disney merchandising seemingly knows no limits. The ins...

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Downtown Disney Marketplace

Orlando is a mecca for shopping and dining but there is one place that has it all –sprinkled with some Disney magic pixie dust. That place is Downtown Disney.

Downtown simply means the centre of the town or city and Downtown Disney is a fun area, full of shops, restaurants, bars and clubs. I...

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FISHING EXCURSIONS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD

We are not really a fishing family but were fascinated when a family friend told us what was on offer at Walt Disney World.

Although the Fishing Excursions appear quite expensive my friend assures me that if there is a family interest in fishing they are most enjoyable, in fact his family ha...

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Disney Pirate and Princess Party

Most trips to Orlando will include a visit to Disney’s Magic Kingdom. It is the theme park where dreams are made and the most famous of all Disney parks. As seasoned travellers to Florida we have visited Magic Kingdom many times and although it is always fabulous, we felt that we wanted to try a dif...

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Disney's Photopass

When we first started going to Disney in the 1990s Disney photographers were easy to spot and eager to take your photo as you entered the theme park. Sometimes they were so eager it was irritating. At that time once they took your photograph, you were given a paper card with a number on it. You were...

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Tips When You Go To Character Meals

When we first started going to Disney there were just a few Character Meals to choose from. Now you have lots of choices and can see the characters at Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner.

However to avoid disappointing the children it is always better to book in advance. If the meal that you want to ...

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Advance Reservations at Walt Disney World

Advance reservations are a system that Walt Disney World use to manage their seating flow. This does not give you a specific table but a time to book in at. Once you have booked in you will then receive the next available table. We tend to always arrive about 15 minutes before our reservation. There...

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Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney is one of our favourite places to go especially in the evening. Beside a lake that connects with Disney resorts it is divided into three linked areas, West Side, Pleasure Island and Marketplace. Plus a Wedding Pavillion for that lakeside fairytale wedding! Car parking is free and cov...

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Disney's Boardwalk

Unless you’re staying in one of the Disney resorts you may not realise there is more to Disney than the parks and maybe Downtown Disney. Disney’s Boardwalk is part of the Boardwalk Resort on Crescent Lake, a short walking distance or boat ride from Disney Hollywood Studios and Epcot. If arriving by ...

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Viisting Blizzard Beach with a Young Family

We spent a fantastic two days at Blizzard Beach on our last holiday and can’t wait to go back. As our family are still relatively young we didn’t go for the slides which are too big, I thought I’d give you an insight to visiting this “ski resort” with young children rather than daring teens.

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Best Places to Watch the Fireworks at MK

Over the years we have found many great places to watch the Fireworks from in Magic Kingdom and I would like to share them with you.

Main Street

One of our favourite places is up in the train station overlooking Main Street. The view of the lights as you look down Main Street i...

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Disney Princess Quiz

The Disney Princesses can be found in many places at Walt Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida. Children love these characters, who all made their debuts in the animated full length feature films so loved by all. From Cinderella to Belle, from Snow White to Ariel, from Aurora to Mulan, from Jasmine to Po...

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DISNEY PRINCESS QUIZ ANSWERS

Disneyworld, Orlando, Florida would not be the same without the many famous fairytale princesses which can be found in both the stage shows, parades and attractions in Magic Kingdom and the other parks. No visit to Disneyworld would be complete without seeing the magical Cinderella’s Castle which do...

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Facts About Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

For many children, particularly little girls, the highlight of any trip to Disneyworld, Orlando, Florida is the chance to see all the Disney princesses in magical surroundings. It is enchanting to see children living their dream as they explore Magic Kingdom in their princess outfits. ‘Snow White’s ...

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Cinderella - Some Interesting Facts

Cinderella just has to be the ultimate Disney princess, and the one most loved by everyone. Generations have been held spellbound by the charming story of poor Cinderella, whose dreams of romance eventually come true, despite the cruelty of her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. It is no wonder that...

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Shrek Quiz Answers

If you, like me, enjoy the Shrek movies as well as Shrek 4-D at Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida then you may well know the answers to the Shrek Quiz which can be found in the Florida Guide. There are now 3 movies in the series and each one has its own magic. No trip to Universal in Orlando, Flor...

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What is a Disney Fastpass and how does it work?

A Disney Fastpass is available for the most popular attractions and rides at all four Disney parks. They do not cost anything and are included in your park admission ticket. As you collect your park map make sure you look for the rides with the Fastpass symbol next to them.

A Fastpass gives ...

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Pay a visit to Disney West Side.

Located next door to Disney Marketplace, West Side offers a great mix of shopping, places to eat and entertainment.

At one end of this area of Downtown Disney is the fabulous Cirque du Soleil big top. It is the permanent home to La Nouba, a breathtaking, flamboyant show that the whole family...

Viewed 6566 times

Best Time to Go to Disney

Many visitors to Florida can only go in the school holidays and when this happens it is best to plan well ahead.

Flights from Europe are often cheaper when booked long in advance and some villas offer discounted rentals for early bookings. If you have plans to dine at a Disney restaurant it ...

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Daytime Entertainment on the Boardwalk

For several years we used to pass the Boardwalk always saying next visit we would make time to go there. We really did not realise just how much there was to do whether you visited at day or night.

There are lots of activities whether you go during the day or at night. Here you can find midw...

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Albatross Treasure Cruise

We first noticed this cruise advertised one evening when we went for a walk around the Boardwalk. It is for children four to ten years old. I was very apprehensive about letting the girls go on it but I need not have been as they were in very safe hands. In fact they enjoyed it so much they have now...

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Mickey's Magical Milestones

I had originally taken my daughter on this tour and as a birthday treat for my niece I had promised to take her on this is two-hour tour at Magic Kingdom when she reached her 10th birthday. I had enjoyed it the first time and I wondered if it would just be a repetition of my first tour but I was ver...

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Fantasia Mini Golf

You may well have seen these courses as you travel home from the parks. Although we always put them on our “must do” list for our next visit it was several visits after our initial sighting that we actually visited them.

Walt Disney World opened Fantasia Miniature Golf, that consists of Fan...

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The Osbourne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, At Disneys Hollywood Studios.

Disney, as always, have done an amazing job of decorating the park for the Christmas season. It's a fabulous show and just takes your breath away. There is no extra charge and is included in your day pass.

There is so much to see and do at the studios that that our day passed really quickly ...

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Downtown Disney (3)

If you want to experience the magic of Disney, even without visiting any of the parks, then Downtown Disney is the place for you. Visit day or night and you will find something that takes your fancy.

For great entertainment, take in a show at Cirque du Soleil who have a permanent resident sh...

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Blizzard Beach

I’ve been visiting Orlando for longer than I care to remember and honestly believed I’d find nothing much to do at a water park. When I finally visited my first one last year I learned how wrong I could be! The whole family, who I must admit enjoy swimming, laughed and had so much fun together that ...

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Disney Boardwalk

I am not a fan of hotels myself, as the space and freedom a villa gives you wins every time for me. However, this Disney hotel needs a special mention for the facilities it offers non residents.

It is one of our favourite Disney places that does not cost you a cent to visit. Simply pull into...

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Walt Disney's 'Year of a Million Dreams' Extended for 2008

If, like me, you visited Disney World this year, you will undoubtedly have seen promotions for the ‘Year of a Million Dreams. ’ This wonderful celebration followed on from the Millenia 2000 celebrations, Walt Disney’s ‘100 years of Magic’ birthday celebration , and of course, Mickey Mouse’s 75th ann...

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Mickey's not very scary Halloween party

This was our first time in Disney 's Magic Kingdom for two years. we haven't been for quite some time as we have been waiting for our little grandson to be a little bit more aware and now at the grand age of almost three we felt the time was ready-and we were so excited.

I'm not sure about T...

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Christmas Holiday Season at Disney - Orlando

If you are looking for an exciting place to spend the Holiday Season look no further than the exciting area of Orlando! It is a great time to have fun and party, and where better than the Sunshine State and the magical Orlando and Disney! An exciting place all year it celebrates Christmas with even ...

Viewed 9614 times

Downtown Disney - Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil’s permanent show, La Nouba, at Downtown Disney is wonderful – in fact it is better than wonderful, it is fantastic! I have seen them before, doing other shows in other venues, but this one totally surpasses all the ones I have already seen.

La Nouba, in Downtown Disney, is h...

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WaltDisneyWorld Railroad

Apparently Walt Disney developed a love of trains at an early age. When he was a young adult, he built a half-mile scale model railway in his backyard that he called the "Carolwood Pacific Railroad. " When he began designing Disneyland, a railroad was one of the first attractions he planned. Later, ...

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Rainy Days at Downtown Disney

Although it is unusual there can be rainy days at Disney but they need not spoil your enjoyment. If rain is forecast we tend to plan ahead and initially enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the villa rather than the usual dash to get to the Parks as early as possible.

We have friends with teenage ...

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Mickey's ToonTown Fair

This has got to be the most magical place for children n Magic Kingdom. When the girls were little this was always the first place they wanted to visit, and sometimes the last as well!

We usually get there on the Walt Disney World Railroad which is an old-fashioned steam train which has a fo...

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Another View of Town of Celebration

We have always loved visiting the town of Celebration as we find it extremely charming and almost a world away from normal life. It’s always seemed to us a most surreal sort of place with the piped music along the main shopping streets, the deck chairs at the lakeside and the electric golf carts use...

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Disney Market Place and Downtown

A place I particularly like to visit whenever I go to America is Downtown Disney and Market Place. No holiday to America would be complete without going to “Disney-fied” place. Downtown Disney offers a whole range of activities to people of all ages. For the older people there is Boardwalk, which si...

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Downtown Disney Marketplace

Whenever we spend some time at Downtown Disney we tend to do it in two halves. The first half the West Side and Pleasure Island and then later on in the trip we will park over by the Marketplace and browse around there.

It’s a long push if you are in a chair (and in the heat) to go from one ...

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Downtown Disney West Side and Pleasure Island

I’m sure no-one visits Disneyworld without paying a visit to Downtown Disney’s -a plethora of shops, entertainment and dining all situated around the prettily named Lake Buena Vista.

The problem when you get there is where to go first-there is just so much to see and do and explore and it’s ...

Viewed 5845 times

Blizzard Beach Water Park

Blizzard Beach is one of the Disney water park themed around a ski resort, yes really a ski resort! The water park is opened from 10 till 5 generally and longer operating hours in the summer months and local holidays such as Labour Day and the likes. If you have a park hopper ticket entrance is incl...

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Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil is situated in Downtown Disney, you cannot miss the huge white top as you drive down to it. Parking is ample and if you have a blue disabled UK parking badge please bring it as it recognised there and might save you a long walk from the car park as Downtown Disney gets very busy esp...

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Hotel Boardwalk

This little gem is tucked around Crescent Lake between Hollywood Studios and Epcot theme parks. It echoes the Atlantic New England Resorts from the bygone era of the 40’s with it’s charming clapperboard style buildings and pretty ice cream colours and it is one of my favourite places to chill out. <...

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Hidden Mickey's

How did it all Start?

Rumour has it that Hidden Mickey’s started out when the building of Epcot commenced, at this point Disney Management wanted to keep all the Mickey’s and Minnie’s confined to the Magic Kingdom. (However as we all know, mice are shrewd creatures and can get everywhere, no...

Viewed 7608 times

Disney Solo

Given my folks owning a lovely property near the Disney site, I have enjoyed Disney with my family numerous times. I have also had friends over on a couple of occasions to enjoy the parks together. However it has been my fate on many an occasion to spend days in theme parks alone. This may provok...

Viewed 5919 times

Disney Water Parks – Blizzard Beach

We are frequent visitors to Florida but this was our first visit in February and we were not sure what the weather would be like. The first two days there were very cold, but the temperatures soon picked up and we started to look forward to our planned trip to Blizzard Beach with our two boys.
<...

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Tips on enjoying Blizzard Beach to the full

1. Always remember to take your sunscreen with you – even when it is cloudy you can get burned! Apply sunscreen often, especially as you will be in and out of the water.
2. Parking is free at both water parks!
3. Buy an insulated drinks mug on entry to enjoy free cold drinks...

   Viewed 6645 times

Celebration

Disney is renown worldwide for their fantasy, the trade mark castle, the fantasia fireworks and laser shows and this is continued in the Disney town of Celebration, it’s easy to get to off the 192 where the water tower stands on the junction, and well worth a visit or two.

As you drive down ...

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Celebration

We first discovered Celebration 8 years ago purely by accident as we drove along the 192 one day. I had seen an article in a British newspaper about it being the model that Walt Disney had really had for Epcot (he died before Epcot got out off the ground). It is believed he had wanted to provide hou...

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Essential Reading

Hidden Mickeys – a field guide to Walt Disneyworld’s best kept secrets.

Hidden Mickeys started out as a little bit of fun among the Disney Imagineers and artists. They decided to put a hidden Mickey on the latest rides and attractions and would challenge people (within the Disney Corporation...

Viewed 5680 times

Typhoon Lagoon (12)

If you want a day at the parks but also need to chill out, why not try Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, it has everything that you need for a superb, but relaxing, or not, day out. Try to get there early to set up a central area with loungers on one of the many “beaches”, from there, the kids can go off and...

Viewed 3548 times

Cirque de Soleil (La Nouba)

Right I’ll start by trying not to give too much away.

If you haven’t been to the Cirque de Soliel show “La Nouba” at Downtown Disney then you are really missing out. This show is in the Big Top looking building near Disney Quest. Parking is free and there really are plenty of spaces. We got ...

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More Disney Fun?

It would be easy to expect yet another theme park from Disney when arriving at Downtown Disney, it certainly appears like that at first glance, but on this occasion you would be wrong. In my opinion Downtown Disney is absolutely worth some of your vacation time. Set round a lake, it consists of 3 ar...

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The Adventurers Club

Disney’s Pleasure Island, in addition to its collection of dance clubs, houses one of its oddest endeavours – The Adventurers Club. Housed on the West Side of Pleasure Island opposite the Comedy Warehouse, the club looks rather inauspicious save for the aeroplane that appears to have crashed into th...

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Disney's Greatest Restrooms

Lots of Human traffic is always going to result in lots of people needing to use the restroom. While Disney is outstanding at maintaining its facilities on site, there is no doubt that some restrooms are busier than others and sometimes the busiest are something you may want to avoid at peak times. ...

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Does Downtown Disney constitute a Family Day Out?

The Downtown Disney complex, consisting of the Marketplace, Pleasure Island and West Side, is treated by many tourists as an afternoon or night out; however the variety and richness of the area mean that it represents a day out in and of itself. It has all the ingredients: activities, distractions,...

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THE BOARDWALK

We recently visited the Disney Boardwalk for the first time, having heard about it we had not quite managed to fit it in to our holiday schedule before this trip. So a couple of days after the New Year we decided to take a trip down with some friends who had recommended it. The weather was lovely, a...

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'Must do's' at Blizzard Beach

First for those that have never visited Blizzard Beach let me give you a little background knowledge…

According to Disney sources – a few years ago there was a freak winter storm that blanketed a little piece of Disney property in Florida with several inches of snow and Florida’s first ski re...

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"Must Do's" at Typhoon Lagoon

First for those that have never visited Typhoon Lagoon let me give you a little background knowledge…

According to Disney sources a few years ago there was a furious storm out at sea that was so violent that surfboards were blown into trees, small boats were blown through roofs and a shrimp f...

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Disney's Year of a Million Dreams

Last year saw the magical 50th Anniversary celebrations, which included the Cinderellabration Show at Magic Kingdom. Well, Disney never let the grass grow under their feet, do they? Not only has this year brought some great new additions to the Disney parks, it has also seen the start of their big 1...

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Downtown Disney – Market Place

Downtown Disney is a great place to visit when on your holiday in Orlando.

It’s a place you can visit to pass a few hours if you arrive before your house is available for check in, during your holiday if you want to get more ‘Disney’ without going to a theme park for the day, or to while awa...

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Walt Disney World - A potted history

All of the kids in our family, and I include us parents in that description, adore the Disney theme parks. They are pure fun and total escapism from the stresses and strains of daily routine.

However, as we walked around the colourful streets and amazingly well constructed sections of each pa...

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Where Dreams Really do Come True

Walt Disney World is celebrating a “Year of a Million Dreams”. The main objective of this celebration named “Where Dreams Come True” is to surprise unsuspecting guests with wonderful experiences to make their Disney dreams come true.

I would like to tell you about my families experience duri...

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Pin Badge Trading

One very popular hobby in the Parks is Pin Badge Trading.

Badges are available for purchase from all the shops in the parks and also on carts around the Parks. There is a badge for every ride, every character and every park so you can buy a badge showing your favourite character on your favo...

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Disney Quest - Great Fun

It’s raining in the Sunshine State and you ask yourself what you’re going to do with the family all day. The answer is, go to Disney Quest in Downtown Disney!

We visited Disney Quest for the first time this year. I had no idea what to expect and just like everything in Disney World, ...

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Addicted to Disney Pin Trading

During our third trip to Walt Disney World the girls each bought two souvenir pins, one from Magic Kingdom and one from Epcot, as reminders of our holiday. They were inexpensive and easy to pack to bring home. I also, unbeknown to them, bought them one each as a Christmas stocking filler. This start...

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Disney’s Boardwalk

Feel like a change from the theme parks? Well why not spend a little time down at Disney’s Boardwalk. Parking is free at the Boardwalk, although you will need to present some form of photo ID to the security guard at the entrance barrier. Alternatively, follow the signs for Fantasia Gardens Miniatur...

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Cirque de Soleil - La Nouba

If you are only going to see one show while you are in Florida this is the one to see. It appeals to all ages offers more sights and experiences than can be take in at one go and is simply and breathtaking.

The show is housed in what appears to be a modern day circus but the theatre boasts wh...

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Disney Do's and Don'ts

Do visit Disney during your vacation

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that Disney is all there is to Orlando.

Do visit the Disney Resorts, they are well worth visiting

Don’t actually stay there because a villa offers you so much more.

Do make good use of the Disney tran...

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Review of Cirque du Soleil – Downtown Disney

Upon entering the “theatre” we were surprised to find it smaller than we had expected. The seats were arranged down the sides of the black, nearly oval shaped stage. We were sat six rows from the stage, this made the show seem very personal and in our opinion, there is not a “bad seat” in the house....

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Disney's Blizzard Beach

When the weather is hot there is nothing more appealing than a day in a water park, and of the two Disney water parks , we have found the best for families to be Blizzard Beach as it does seem to have more that children can enjoy and is a little less crowded than Typhoon Lagoon.

On first arri...

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Disney Pirate and Princess Party

Tickets are now on sale for this new Disney Party, which will take place on 13 nights from January 22nd to March 8, 2007. Friends of ours have just booked as their daughter has her 6th birthday on one of the dates.

This sounds great fun being after-hours event at Magic Kingdom. Dreams of beco...

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Hoop Dee Doo Show

We have never been to this show but friends of ours took their 11 year old daughter for her birthday and say they would highly recommend it both for the food and a great evenings entertainment.

Apparently this Review is one of the longest running shows running shows at Walt Disney World. Ther...

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Lunch with a Disney Imagineer

Last December my Father treated my Mother to a surprise lunch with a Disney Imagineer. Apparently you can make reservations for this lunch 60 days in advance and it takes place on Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays at 11.30am. Adults pay approx $65 and children approx $40 although there were no children...

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Rainy Days at Disney

Many people have found out that one of the best ways to deal with rain at Disney is to try to ignore it. Just put on your poncho and go, that is of course you have a poncho with you! Large stores like Wal-Mart always have these in stock at very reasonable prices; we always keep ours in the boot/trun...

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Typhoon Lagoon's Surf School

Surf Schools are now available at Typhoon Lagoon for guests aged 8 or over. They do stipulate that you must be a strong swimmer and you do have to sign a waiver but don’t let that put you off.

The cost is $135 per person (and this does not include admission to Typhoon Lagoon afterwards) but y...

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Typhoon Lagoon

Typhoon Lagoon has to be one of the best water parks anywhere. From the Big Wave right down to the Lazy River, the enjoyment factor at this park would be very difficult to beat.

The park opens around 9.30am in the summer time and 10am in the winter time, closing around 6pm. To get there on ti...

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Blizzard Beach (11)

Florida sun meets Alpine Snow in the coolest water park around. Hang on to your swimwear as you take the slide of a lifetime down Summit Plummet. Yes Blizzard Beach the most recently built Disney water park in Orlando is themed on an Alpine Sky Resort.

Waves in the Melt-Away Bay pool area, w...

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A Guide to Character Meals

If you have children while you are at Walt Disney World you must try fit in a character meal. We had not experienced these until a few years ago and now we ensure we book one of them on each visit. It is a fantastic way to meet the characters, they are particularly attentive to the children and o...

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Disney Boardwalk and Downtown Disney

The Disney Boardwalk is a little known and little publicised place to visit and is an ideal way to while away a few hours in the evening.

You can park free of charge in the car park adjacent to the Boardwalk - but do ensure that the driver has some picutre ID on them (either passport or drivi...

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Disney’s Year of a Million Dreams

Starting on 1st October 2006 Walt Disney World will be celebrating a “Year of a Million Dreams”. The aim of this celebration named “Where Dreams Come True” is to surprise guests with unique experiences. Cast members are empowered to deliver these surprises to unsuspecting visitors in the parks, Disn...

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Epcot Flower &amp; Garden Festival

This is an annual event (no pun intended) that has taken place at Epcot for the last 13 years. Having visited each time we are in Orlando, this year was no exception.

As Epcot is already one of our favourite parks it just adds to the pleasure when there is a special event on. The festival run...

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Walt Disney World – A blooming success

One of the reasons Walt Disney World always looks so good is the immaculately tended plants, shrubs, tree’s and flowers. Being a keen gardener myself I was interested to find out a bit more about the logistics of planning and maintaining such a vast place.

The facts and figures are jaw droppi...

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Disney Fun facts – Part 1

Here are some not so well known facts and figures about Walt Disney World.

The “talking, walking” Palm tree at the entrance to Animal Kingdom actually rolls, he is hysterical and makes funny comments to people going in and out of the park. If you look around you can usually see the cast membe...

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Disney Fun facts – Part 2

Here are some more of the less well known facts and figures about Walt Disney World.

So what do you do if there's no snow in Florida? Each Christmas season Walt Disney World Resort is decked with more than 11 miles of garland, 3,000 wreaths and 1,500 Christmas trees. The tallest is a 70-foot ...

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Disney Fun facts – Part 3

Here are some more of the less well known facts and figures about Walt Disney World.

The DNA Tower at the entrance to Epcot Wonders of Life pavilion is 5.5 billion times actual size - perfect for a human 6 million miles tall!!

The fountain at Epcot Innoventions Plaza can shoot water 15...

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Disney Fun facts – Part 4

Here are some not so well known facts and figures about Walt Disney World.

The "Liberty Oak," the focal point of the Liberty Square area in the Magic Kingdom, is the proud parent of more than 500 young trees. They all started out as acorns harvested from the majestic oak.

From the air,...

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Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

One of our favourite Water Parks in Orlando is Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon which is situated in the Downtown Disney area of Walt Disney World.

The Park usually opens at 9am. but our advice would be to get there earlier as queues do form before opening time.

You are able to rent lockers at ...

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Boats at Walt Disney World

When guests think of Walt Disney World, almost certainly one of the attractions they are unlikely to immediately consider is the many boats that operate on the lagoons, lakes, canals and World Showcase.

One of the benefits of a vacation at Walt Disney World is the ease with which it is possib...

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It's snowing at Celebration!

If you are staying in the Orlando area between Thanksgiving (end of November) and Christmas why not get into the spirit of Christmas with a visit to Celebration.

Celebration is a small village like community just off the Highway 192, quite close to Disney. The homes area all built in traditio...

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Bibbity Bobbity Boutique

A dream come true for little princesses everywhere, well princesses aged three and over.

Our morning started off with a 9.30am appointment for my two princesses. They were each given an invitation to a ball, inside the invitation was a choice of three hairstyles to choose from, Pop Princess, ...

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Did you know................

The following are just a few little known facts about Walt Diney World and the way it works.

Did you know…………………..

All garden and plant displays within WDW are done in pots, even the trees!! This means that if, when a shrub or plant grows, it is the wrong height, or the flowers are the...

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Disney's Boardwalk - Orlando

Disney’s BoardWalk has a fantastic ambiance and is an excellent place just to spend a gentle afternoon or evening, away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, or spend a lively night on the dance floor and in the bars. It is possible to spend a whole day there as there is so much to do, and ...

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Hidden Mickeys – Disney Resort Areas - “A To M”

A “Hidden Mickey” can be found anywhere on Walt Disney World property, in the theme parks, the resort hotels and golf courses. Here is a list of the Hidden Mickeys that we know of in the Disney Resort Areas but I am certain that there are many more just waiting to be found!

Celebration

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Hidden Mickeys – Disney Resort Areas - “N To Z”

Can you find the following “Hidden Mickeys”?

A “Hidden Mickey” can be found anywhere on Walt Disney World property, in the theme parks, the resort hotels and golf courses. Here is a list of the Hidden Mickeys that we know of in the Disney Resort Areas but I am certain that there are many more...

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Blizzard Beach

Blizzard Beach Water Park is one of two water parks at Disney. This parks extravagant settings are what sets it apart from the rest. With its snow effect scenery the whole park is arranged as if it were in the Rocky Mountains. The slides are disguised to look like skiing pistes and toboggan runs. He...

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Perkins Restaurant Chain - Don’t Drive past this one!!

Though we have always chosen the restaurants (diners) that looked popular when visiting Orlando, I guess it would only be honest to admit that budget has often been a huge part of that choice too. Perkins has always been one of those places that we have seen all over as we visited the various mal...

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Three of my personal "favs" from a Disney Kingdom

Kilimanjaro Safaris

This safari trek covers around 100 lush acres of Savannah, small rivers, and rocky roads, and of course, all is fully inhabited with free roaming animals.
You‘ll board a trackless safari vehicle, where a Bush Pilot and a Wildlife Researcher hel...

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A Day at Blizzard Beach

Blizzard Beach is one of the one of Orlando’s water parks, and has an amazing collection of water slides suitable for children and adults of all ages. Disney legend says that there was a freak storm one winter and the area was blanketed with snow and ice. To make the best of the situation Florida’s ...

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Disney Wilderness Preserve

If you think you’ve been everywhere and done everything in central Florida, then think again! Most Florida visitors have never even heard of Disney Wilderness Preserve, let alone been there. But don’t be disappointed as a theme park this isn’t!

It's called the Disney Wilderness Preser...

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Go Visit Mickey and Goofy

One park that seems to be in the shadow of the much better known Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom is Hollywood Studios. Although this park is smaller in comparison it really does pack a lot in.

As you arrive the first thing you see is a giant figure of Mickey Mouse from the Fantasmic show....

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EPCOT - DINING IN NORWAY

When my parents holiday in Florida without the rest of the family they nearly always visit Epcot and dine at one of the world showcases.

Earlier this year they visited Norway and had a most enjoyable evening. Their visit was in early March so there were not many crowds and they took advantage...

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Disney's Vero Beach Resort

Just a couple of hours drive out to the east of Orlando brings you to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.

Having cornered the market in accommodation from luxury to budget around the Walt Disney World complex in Orlando, those clever marketing execs at Disney have expanded their horizons and created ...

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Typhoon Lagoon-13

We all love water parks and when you visit Orlando these park should be high up on your priority list of parks to visit.

Let’s start by talking about Typhoon Lagoon. This park is situated on the Disney World complex close to Magic Kingdom. This park is based on a huge Typhoon once hitting ...

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Disney's Boardwalk - Lots To See And Do

Disney's Boardwalk can be reached in two ways, the first is by passing through the International Gateway Plaza between France and the U. K in Epcot and the second is by road and the entrance is directly opposite the main exit from the Hollywood Studios. It is a hotel complex which has added an enter...

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ESPN Club

Walt Disney World Resort and ESPN have teamed up at the Boardwalk to present the ESPN Club. This is the place to go if you’re a sports fan as it provides a 13,000 square foot club which includes a multimedia entertainment centre, a television and radio studio which can do live broadcasts, an arca...

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Disney's Electrical Water Pageant

There are so many well documented events at the theme parks but this ‘little gem’ receives no publicity.

This spectacle of light and sound on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon only lasts for 10 minutes but it can round a splendid evening off in magical style if you incorporate it into an even...

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Cirque Du Soleil - a Magical Evening

Over time every adjective imaginable must have been used to describe a Cirque du Soleil show. Breathtaking, awesome, unbelievable and amazing being only a few.

If you would like a truly magical evening then make reservations to see this show. We have seen it four times in as many years at its...

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Downtown Disney

A great way to spend an evening (or even a day if you prefer), I just think it’s lovely at night all lit up, is Downtown Disney.

Inspired by traditional American downtowns with an infusion of Broadway and Hollywood. The 120 acre Downtown Disney area features Dining, Shopping, Nightlif...

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Downtown Disney The Market Place part 1

One of our favourite places for a day away from the hustle and bustle of the parks is Downtown Disney which is situated within Walt Disney World. There is an abundance of free parking which runs along the back of this entire area and there is also valet parking for a small fee.

Downtown Disne...

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Downtown Disney The Market Place part 2

There are so many shops in The Market Place and they are all irresistible!

A small but lovely shop to visit is Mickeys Pantry which is attached to “The Earl Of Sandwich”. This shop is full of Disney tableware, cooking implements and Disney inspired food! Imagine eating pasta which is shaped l...

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Cirque du Soleil - La Nouba

Cirque du Soleil’s permanent show at Downtown Disney is brilliant. The suspicion that you are in for something special begins as you arrive for the show…………

I should say now that I am a huge fan of Cirque du Soleil and I have been fortunate enough, over the last seven or eight years, to have...

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Blizzard Beach Part 1

Blizzard beach was the second Disney water park that we visited, our first was Typhoon lagoon and that was great and so we just had to check out Blizzard Beach and the famous summit plummet that we had all heard so much about

At entrance of Blizzard Beach you begin to notice the very distinc...

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Blizzard Beach Part 2

If you have younger children there is an area dedicated to them so they can have just as much fun as the grown ups. This area is called Ski Patrol Training Camp and I have to say I was jealous as I was too big to try out the features there, including the T Bar Slide where you drop of into the water ...

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Hungry for more?

October provides such a feast of events in Disney World and the International Food and Wine festival is just one of them! Based in Epcot’s World Showcase, the International Food and Wine festival is now larger than ever with around 30 “Market Places” featuring tasting portions from continents and...

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Fancy a bit of adventure?

When wandering around Pleasure Island during the day, which can be done for FREE by the way, some 7 years ago now I think it was? We realized that in fact there were few places we could enjoy as adults with our 6 year old in tow!! Whilst enjoying the walking around we took a peak inside a few pl...

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DISNEY FUN – WITH LITTLE EXPENSE

First time visitors to Orlando usually travel to the Sunshine State in the expectation that to enjoy a truly memorable vacation, they will be required to spend quite significant amounts of dollars on entertainment. Certainly it is true that to visit each and every theme park around central Florida c...

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Disney evening finale shows

The three main Disney parks all feature a spectacular evening show with stunning effects and stirring tales.

It is worth making time to see all three shows while you are in Orlando as each one has its own brand of magic.

Magic Kingdom has the new Wishes fireworks display, and this is b...

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Hidden Mickeys – Animal Kingdom

A “Hidden Mickey” can be found just about anywhere on Walt Disney World property, in the theme parks, the resort hotels and the golf courses. Below is a list of all the Hidden Mickeys that we know of in Disney’s Animal Kingdom but I am certain that there are many, many more just waiting to be found!...

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The Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurant

Dine with the stars at the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Based on the famed Hollywood restaurant of the same name, this is the place to dine like the Hollywood stars of the 30's, 40's and beyond. The Cobb salad was invented here and the Hollywood Studios rest...

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Typhoon Lagoon part 1

Typhoon Lagoon Part 1

Our first trip to a Disney water park was to Typhoon Lagoon many years ago, it was our very first trip to Florida to experience the whole Disney adventure

After a few days hurriedly experiencing the theme parks we decided to have a break and do something different...

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Typhoon Lagoon part 2

Typhoon Lagoon part 2


The lagoon itself is brilliant it is so big I haven’t seen anything like it in the UK, if you don’t like the deep water the lagoon opens out into a wide shallow bay which is great for the younger children or grown ups who aren't very confident swimmers etc

Ev...

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A Most Spectacular Show – La Nouba

The reputation of Cirque Du Soleil is world renown – and up until this summer I had yet to experience it. Having persuaded my husband and two daughters, who are both musical and gymnasts that they would enjoy it, I bought tickets for the evening show at the theatre which is situated in Downtown Disn...

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The Best Dates to Visit Disney World Florida &amp; Tips

Are some months better to visit Orlando Disney in Florida than others? The answer to that question is YES!

Most visitors tend to visit during the summer months of July and August, when children are out of school. That may be your best option, however,if you and your party can arrange al...

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What is a “Hidden Mickey”?

For those of you that have never heard of a “Hidden Mickey” here is a short explanation of what it means:

A Hidden Mickey is an image of Mickey Mouse which is hidden somewhere, whether it be a silhouette (the most common one being a large circle for Mickey’s head with two smaller ones for his...

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Walt Disney World Railroad………….All Aboard!

If like me you are an interested observer of steam trains, you may wish to learn more about the Walt Disney World Railroad at the Magic Kingdom.

On certain days of the week, the Magic Kingdom offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the Walt Disney World Railroad.

The tour takes guests to t...

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Disney Beach Villas Character Breakfast

Recently on our trip to Orlando, for my birthday my husband surprised me by taking me to the Disney Beach Villas for a Character Breakfast. It was actually a birthday present from my daughter and son-in-law, back in England. Normally without children, I wouldn’t have chosen this venue, but it was fa...

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The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Hollywood Studios

If you are visiting Orlando anytime between Thanksgiving and the New Year then you should definitely visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios to see one of the most amazing displays of Christmas Lights in the world.

The display itself is breathtaking but when you learn a little of the history of the ...

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Surfing Lessons at Typhoon Lagoon

If you’re looking for some thrills and excitement why not try surfing lessons at Typhoon Lagoon?

The lessons take place from 7.30am – 10am, this is before the park is open to the public, the cost of the lessons are $125 per person, guests must be over 8 years old, if you want to stay on in Ty...

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Disney for Those with Special Needs

Disney for those with Special Needs

Disney World is a magical place and need be no less so for those with special needs. If you have any concerns your first port of call should be to Guest Relations located at the entrance to all the parks. Here you can collect a ‘Guidebook for Guests with Di...

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Segway Tour at Epcot

We have visited the Disney Parks a few times before, and fancied doing something a little different. After a little research we found the little advertised Segway Tour and decided to give it a go.

There are two tours available every day, weather permitting. The first at 8:30 and the sec...

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Disney Photo Pass

This is a relatively new feature of Disney's but we found the service wonderful. It is a process of being able to view photos taken by professional Disney staff on-line when you get home.

Disney always has lots of Cast Members milling around to take photos at fantastic photo spots (ie. j...

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Senior Moments At Disney

We love going to Florida as much now as we did almost 20 years ago. In fact the anticipation is greater than ever as we look forward to our familiar favourites and eagerly await new adventures.

However, despite the rejuvenating effect of the weather, and pool with spa in our villa, we can’...

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Downtown Disney - An Overview

Our first visit to Downtown Disney was in January after 3 visits to Orlando can not believe it took us so long to visit here.

This is not a Theme Park but a mix of shops (the world’s biggest Disney shop), attractions (Disney Quest), along with some great restaurants. Set around the Buena ...

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Blizzard Beach Review

One of two Disney’s water parks, the other being Typhoon Lagoon. These water parks are unbelievable fun and I’m amazed that I can still spend all day in these parks.

The idea behind Blizzard Beach is to take a Ski Resort and place it in the middle of Orlando, with great effects like the so...

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All Things Disney!

We are ‘Disney fanatics’ in our family and love all things Disney. But did you know that there are lots of other Disney attractions apart from the theme parks? Of course, if this is your first visit you will probably want to spend most of your time at the parks with a bit of rest and relaxatio...

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Eating Out in Magic Kingdom, Florida

A lot is spoken about the price of eating out in the Disney parks but in Magic Kingdom there are a lot of options. We’ve not tried them all yet but we are getting there!!

Like all the Disney parks there are various stalls and cafes serving hot dogs, burgers & snacks. They are not too b...

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Christmas at Disney

My favourite time of the year to visit Walt Disney World is in December, preferable before Christmas week when it becomes far too busy. You can enjoy the same Christmas attractions but without the crowds by visiting during the first two weeks in December.

The Osborne Family Lights at Holl...

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Cirque du Soleil, Orlando. La Nouba

Staying at our villa last year, we wondered how to celebrate our Mum & Dad’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. There is quite a wide age range in the family so finding something special that would appeal to a 7-year-old and a 76-year-old was quite a challenge! The fact that our father is not particul...

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Things You Never Knew About Disney World

Think about it, the entire world can only afford ONE Disney World! Sure there are smaller versions of it outside of Orlando, but there is only one World. Amazing to the visitor, it is also a feat of organization and purpose. Consider these facts:

• WDW is almost twice the size of Man...

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Hollywood Studios Florida

We were halfway through our 2 weeks holiday when we decided we would spend a day at the Hollywood Studios.

As with all the Disney Parks arrive early and avoid the queues by buying your tickets in advance, we made sure we got there shortly after the park opened. Once inside the first thing ...

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Downtown Disney-12

Downtown Disney isn't a theme park but is well worth a visit. Set round a lake, it consists of 3 areas, Disney Marketplace, Disney West Side, and the adult playground of Pleasure Island.

You can't miss Downtown Disney as you approach it, you will see the huge globe that is Planet Hollywood...

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Mickey’s Halloween

As with most people when they holiday in Orlando one of the first things we did was visit The Magic Kingdom. As we finished the day there the park started to get ready for the evening event of Mickey’s Halloween, we tried to get tickets for that evening but unfortunately they had sold out. Howeve...

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Fantasmic

Who in their right mind would sit for a minimum of one hour in very humid temperatures on very hard bench seats, just to watch a 25 minute show with a mouse?

The answer? Anyone who has either experienced this show before, or who has had it recommended as a “must do” by friends they can tru...

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Inside The Other Disney

Disney is not only about Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and waterparks. There are Disney Resorts and Hotels.

Having sorted things out at our villa after hurricane Jeanne, Kath and I decided to do something different. We set off at midday to Disney. After paying the...

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Disney's Typhoon Lagoon

“Legend has it that a furious storm once roared across the sea, hurling surfboards into trees, blowing small boats through roofs & impaling a shrimp boat on a peak of a great volcanic mountain. Left in the typhoon’s wake are twisting tides, roaring rapids, wonderful waterways & relaxing r...

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Typhoon Lagoon - A Water Park Paradise

Having been to Florida for ten years running this amazingly was our first visit to a water park. We decided to go on a Monday as according to the theme park schedule we had this was a less busy day. So it proved, as the numbers were comfortable throughout the park and most importantly in the wate...

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Surviving The Theme Parks

The parks make for a brilliant day out & with a little fore-thought the experience can be made all the more enjoyable. We have been to the parks in Orlando many times & these are just some of the hints we have picked up as we have gone along:

1. If you are staying in a villa &a...

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Traveling to Disney with your Pet

Disney is generally thought of as the ultimate vacation for families and children. But what if you don’t want to leave your “other children” at home? Leave it to Disney to think of everything, including the best and most caring way to accommodate your dogs and cats!

Walt Disney World, a me...

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Disney's Typhoon Lagoon

This is Disney’s first and for me the best of Disney’s three Water Parks.

I have two favourite parts of the park the first being the Storm Slides, three body slides which have you twisting and turning through tunnels, caves and waterfalls. This is brilliant fun. With a little arrangement...

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Hidden Mickey's at Disney World Florida

The next time you're standing in line for a ride at The Magic Kingdom look at the walls. Check out the sculptures. Survey the landscaping and then look closer. You might just see three circles - two small, one large. Doesn’t that look a mouse head? Well it probably is, Hidden Mickey's, as they're...

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Disney Pin Trading

One of the things which has taken off in Disney is Pin Trading.

If you’ve visited Walt Disney World in the last few years, you’ve probably noticed people, including Cast Members wearing large numbers of pins. Did you know that trading these pins is an enormously popular hobby? Well, it is...

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Winter Summerland Miniature Golf – Blizzard Beach

Our family love mini-golf and have visited most of the “courses” in Orlando but our favourite is Winter Summerland. It is located next door to Blizzard Beach, so you can park for free! It is not too expensive at about $10 for adults and a little less for under 9s – as with all Disney, 3 and under...

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Epcot – World Showcase – Mexico

For priority seating in the San Angel Inn call 407 939 3463

There are 11 countries in the World Showcase, Mexico is the 1st if you are going clockwise around the lagoon.

As you enter Mexico you cannot fail to be impressed by the Giant Pyramid that sits high on the skyline. It is mod...

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Epcot – World Showcase – Norway

For priority seating call 407 939 3463

There are 11 countries in the World Showcase, Norway is the 2nd if you are going clockwise around the lagoon.

Entering Norway you walk into a beautiful picturesque town square carefully designed to represent the Norwegian towns and cities of Os...

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Epcot – World Showcase – China

For priority seating at The Nine Dragons phone 407 939 3463

There are 11 countries in the World Showcase, China is the 3rd if you are going clockwise around the lagoon.

Leaving Norway your next destination is China, where you’ll find it hard not to be impressed by the ornate Chinese...

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Epcot – World Showcase – Germany

For priority seating at The Biergarten call 407 939 3463

There are 11 countries in the World Showcase, Germany is the 4th if you are going clockwise around the lagoon.

As you enter Germany you find yourself in the centre of the town square with a statue of St. George and the dragon,...

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Epcot – World Showcase – Italy

For priority seating in L’Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante call 407 939 3463

There are 11 countries in the World Showcase, Italy is the 5th if you are going clockwise around the lagoon.

The inspiration for Italy at Epcot was Venice, with a miniature St Marks square and a reprodu...

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Epcot – World Showcase – USA

There are 11 countries in the World Showcase, the USA is the 6th if you are going clockwise around the lagoon.

As you would expect this is one of the largest pavilions in the World Showcase, and when viewed from across the Lagoon is completely central, it is built at a slightly higher elev...

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Epcot – World Showcase – Japan

For Priority seating in the Teppanyaki Dining Room call 407 939 3463

There are 11 countries in the World Showcase, Japan is the 7th if you are going clockwise around the lagoon.

Viewed from the lagoon, the bright red torii gate stands welcoming visitors to the Japanese pavilion but ...

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Epcot – World Showcase – Morocco

For Priority seating at the Restaurant Marrakesh call 407 939 3463

There are 11 countries in the World Showcase, Morocco is the 8th if you are going clockwise around the lagoon.

It is all too easy to walk into Morocco’s pavilion, think there is not much to see, and then walk straigh...

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Epcot – World Showcase – France

For priority seating at both Les Chefs de France and Bistro de Paris call 407 939 3463

There are 11 countries in the World Showcase, France is the 9th if you are going clockwise around the lagoon.

As you enter France’s pavilion, the first thing you’ll notice apart from the Eiffel To...

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Epcot – World Showcase – United Kingdom

For priority seating at the Rose and Crown call 407 939 3463

There are 11 countries in the World Showcase, the United Kingdom is the 10th if you are going clockwise around the lagoon.

Walking into the UK at Epcot is great, there are lots of examples of our great architectural histor...

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Epcot – World Showcase – Canada

For priority seating in Le Cellier call 407 939 3463

There are 11 countries in the World Showcase, Canada is the 11th and last, if you are going clockwise around the lagoon.

The Canadian pavilion represents a diverse range of cultures, Native Indian villages complete with totem pole...

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Animal Kingdom Dinoland: Chester and Hester's

There are gift shops everywhere you look at Walt Disney World and most families buy something each time they visit a park – Disney mania just takes over and you get carried away – just keep asking yourself “how can I get this huge cuddly toy home” – never quite sure how we manage sometimes! If yo...

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Disney Water Parks – Tips + A Few Fun Facts!

General

• Don't forget your sunscreen!
• Measure your child's height before you arrive at the Park so you know which attractions they will be able to ride.
• Many Disney Cast Members can speak more than one language. The flags on their name badges show which l...

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Disney's Boardwalk

If you fancy a day off from the Theme Parks, an evening stroll, or would like to dine somewhere different go to Disney's Boardwalk. This is located off Buena Vista Drive near Epcot and the Swan and Dolphin Hotels:

Disney's Boardwalk
2101 N. Epcot Resorts Blvd
Lake Buena Vista

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Downtown Disney Dining - West Side

There are some really great restaurants at West side, whether you’re looking for a light lunch, or blow-out belt busting dinner, you won’t be disappointed. All the restaurants are non-smoking.

Bongos Cuban Café

Open from 11am – 2 am – 7 days a week

Priority seating av...

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Downtown Disney Dining - Market Place

Cap’n Jacks Restaurant

Open from 11.30am – 10.30pm

Located right on the lagoon at Downtown, it is well worth requesting a window table.

The cuisine definitely favours fish lovers with clam chowder, garlic oysters, crab cakes and seafood pasta – there is of course steak...

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Disney Rides With Height And Age Restrictions

Although Disney has less of the “white knuckle” rides there are still some rides with height requirements – a few rides are kept exclusively for smaller guests, which helps even things up a little!

Magic Kingdom

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - guests must be over 4...

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Typhoon Lagoon

Typhoon Lagoon is one of the water parks in Walt Disney World.  So Disney’s ‘legend’ has it … a furious storm roared across the sea hurling boats and surfboards asunder.  When the storm subsided it left a lagoon of twisting tides, twisting rapids etc etc.

If you are...

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Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

Held annually in October & November this popular event is now expanding from 30 to 45 days, promising to be bigger and better than ever!

Normal park admission is all that’s needed to partake in this event. You can sample vintages from over 100 wineries and the culinary delights fr...

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Disney’s Miniature Golf Courses

Fantasia Gardens Golf Course

This course is located near to the Swan hotel in the EPCOT Resort area and is open from 10am – midnight daily. There is a small gift shop at the entrance and when we were last there at Easter you could book a Tee time rather than just waiting.

...

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Mission Space

Epcot’s newest attraction is, of course, Mission Space, an amazing simulator ride that really makes you feel as if you are taking off into space. I am not a ‘natural’ where scary rides are concerned, but this one is absolutely unmissable. You will experience some quite intense G-forces, and...

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Family Magic Tour – 2 hours of Heaven! (Magic Kingdom)

Not having too much knowledge about this tour at the Magic Kingdom we didn’t know what to expect but did know it was about 2 hours long and you met a character at the end, so we booked it about 7 days in advance.

We turned up about 10 minutes before start time and you are given a name bad...

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IllumiNations Cruise at Epcot

Have you ever stood in “France” watching the amazing pyrotechnics and lasers over the lagoon at Epcot and seen the privileged few enjoying a glass of champagne while watching the fireworks from their private launch and wondered how they managed to be so lucky?

I know I did!

Cirque Du Soliel ~ La Nouba ~ Down Town Disney

La Nouba, Cirque Du Soliel's astonishing show, housed in it's own purpose built, multi million dollar theatre at Down Town Disney, is quite simply an un-missable and totally exhilarating experience for all the family.

With a modern day combination of breath taking circus and acrobatic skil...

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Disney Quest ~ Down Town Disney West Side

From the moment you step into the “magical” elevator that whisks you to the heart of Disney Quest, you know you are in for something very special.

Always a popular choice with the kids and teenagers, Disney Quest at Down Town Disney is an indoor interactive adventure on five floors, f...

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Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Disney has three water parks, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach and River County. All these are included in the Hopper Plus pass or you can pay for individual day's entry. If you are frequent Florida visitor, the annual passes are approximately $100 which gives you unlimit...

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Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

Disney legend tells the tale of a freak winter storm that dropped snow all over the western side of the WDW resort! And as temperatures soared back the usual Orlando temps and the snow began to melt, great slides etc were made and so Blizzard Beach was created!...

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