Orlando Travel Blog

Orlando, Florida, is known as both the “Theme Park Capital of the World” and the “Vacation Capital of the World.” Orlando boasts an average annual temperature of 72.4° Fahrenheit and is easily accessible via the Orlando International Airport. There are approximately 112,000 hotel rooms in Orlando, as well as 4,500 restaurants and 150 golf courses within 45 minutes of downtown Orlando. Orlando area theme parks include Walt Disney World Resort (Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom), Universal Orlando (Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure) and SeaWorld Orlando. Water parks include Discovery Cove, Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Wet ‘n’ Wild Water Park and Aquatica. Many other attractions can be found in the Orlando area such as Gatorland, Holy Land Experience, Orlando Science Center, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! and WonderWorks, among others. Popular day trips from Orlando include Busch Gardens Africa, Central Florida Zoo, Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and Silver Springs. Seeking nightlife? Check out such entertainment complexes as Downtown Disney Pleasure Island and Universal CityWalk.

Below is the 2008 Eat to the Beat! Concert Schedule. Eat to the Beat! is part of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which will take place at Epcot from September 26 through November 9, 2008. All concerts take place at the America Gardens Theatre stage at 6:30 PM and 7:45 PM nightly. Note: Concert schedule is subject to change without notice.

September 26-27, 2008 - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
September 28-30, 2008 - Sheena Easton
October 1-4, 2008 - Starship Starring Mickey Thomas
October 5-7, 2008 - En Vogue
October 8-9, 2008 - Jonny Lang
October 10-12, 2008 - Peabo Bryson
October 13-14, 2008 - Sister Hazel
October 15-16, 2008 - David Sanborn
October 17-18, 2008 - Jon Secada
October 19-21, 2008 - Spyro Gyra
October 22-23, 2008 - Otis Day & the Knights
October 24-26, 2008 - Exposé
October 27-28, 2008 - Kool & The Gang
October 29-30, 2008 - Boyz II Men
October 31 - November 2, 2008 - Atlanta Rhythm Section
November 3-5, 2008 - David Cassidy
November 6-7, 2008 - Night Ranger
November 8-9, 2008 - Los Lobos

The HotelsCorp.com Travel Events Blog features detailed information about upcoming events for Orlando, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Miami, Florida; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Park City, Utah; Williamsburg, Virginia; Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Branson, Missouri; and Cancun, Mexico. Visit the HotelsCorp.com Travel Events Blog today!  

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will return for their seventh NFL training camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, from July 26 to August 14, 2008.

The team’s daily practices are free and open to the public, with the schedule often incorporating two-a-day sessions in the morning and afternoon.

Featuring one of the league’s most animated head coaches, the Jon Gruden-led Bucs seek to build on their winning ways from 2007 with a collection of established stars such as quarterback Jeff Garcia, linebacker Derrick Brooks and cornerback Ronde Barber.

The 2008 season will also see the return of Warrick Dunn back into the Buccaneer fold. The diminutive, big-play tailback spent his first five seasons with Tampa Bay, totaling more than 6,500 yards of offense and 26 touchdowns.

A fertile breeding ground for success, the Buccaneers have produced three division titles and one Super Bowl championship since first arriving at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in 2002. Fans once again will be allowed the unique access to witness the daily workouts and drills that NFL players undertake in preparation for the rigorous regular season, along with routine autograph opportunities following practice.

A popular July 4th tradition at Walt Disney World Resort will continue this year as star-spangled salutes to America’s independence are presented all across the Florida Vacation Kingdom.

Here’s some of the fireworks fun scheduled for July 4 this year:

Disney’s Magic Kingdom
A Fourth of July “Concert in the Sky” will light up the night at Magic Kingdom in honor of Independence Day. Featuring a magnificent display of aerial fireworks, dazzling pyrotechnic effects and dynamic music, the show, entitled “Disney’s Celebrate America!-A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” is a grand tribute to the United States, its people and traditions. The special show is scheduled for 9 p.m. Magic Kingdom also will feature two performances of the “SpectroMagic” nighttime parade, first at 10:30 p.m. and then again at 12:30 a.m. that same night.

Epcot
A holiday-inspired finale will be added to Epcot’s nightly fireworks extravaganza, “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.” The park’s American Adventure pavilion also will feature enhanced entertainment throughout the day, with visits from historic characters who will share their stories. American Adventure also will feature additional performances of its signature musical group, Voices of Liberty, performing patriotic classics.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will present a special July 4th fireworks show at 9 p.m., with skyrockets and patriotic music filling the air at the showbiz-themed park. The park’s popular “Fantasmic!” show, featuring fireworks, animation, dancing waters and Disney characters, will be presented on July 4 at 10:30 p.m.

Downtown Disney 
Downtown Disney will present July 4th fireworks at 10:30 p.m. for the revelers, shoppers and diners enjoying the nighttime entertainment district.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is harnessing the power of Google Earth™ to build an interactive, three-dimensional tour of Walt Disney World Resort that brings you one step closer to a true park experience. With direct links to Disney’s online travel-planning tools, Walt Disney World Resort in 3D will re-invent how people plan and book vacations.

Disney guests can use Google Earth, a program which offers a 3D digital model of the world, to virtually tour Walt Disney World’s four theme parks, as well as its 22 hotels and resorts. An overview of Walt Disney World Resort in 3D, along with instructions on how to get started, can be found at www.disneyworld.com/3dparks. Existing Google Earth 4.3 users can see Walt Disney World Resort in 3D by enabling the “Gallery” folder within Google Earth, or by selecting any of the 3D buildings within the resort.

Disney’s digital mapping project, Walt Disney World Resort in 3D, will become the ultimate online travel guide for Walt Disney World Resort, integrating the Google Earth 3D experience with the planning features of Disney.com. Whether guests book through the Disney reservation center, a travel agent or online, nearly nine out of ten Walt Disney World guests use the internet to plan their vacations and Walt Disney World Resort in 3D provides the latest technology available to enhance that experience. From Google Earth, guests and travel planners can click on images of their favorite attractions and hotels to purchase tickets, make reservations, and map out the vacation that is right for their families – in 3D and with the click of a mouse. Disneyworld.com visitors can view videos and other information about viewing Walt Disney World in 3D at www.disneyworld.com/3dparks.

The depth and vivid detail of Walt Disney World Resort in 3D project makes this a unique, truly immersive experience within Google Earth. Visitors begin their virtual tour of Disney World with a stratospheric view of the globe, a starting point familiar to anyone who has ever used Google Earth. A skydive takes visitors past the flatlands of Florida to a view of the Seven Seas Lagoon in the Magic Kingdom. Guests can then fly through the streets and explore in and around the hotels and resorts, down Main Street to Cinderella Castle, from the heights of The Tower of Terror to base of the Tree of Life.

To enter the virtual park:

Download Google Earth 4.3 by visiting www.disneyworld.com/3dparks.
Launch Google Earth and search for ‘Disney World’.
Click the Mickey Ears to open an info window.
In the info window, click “Show Disney World in 3D.”
Now explore!

During the project’s first phase, eight photographers worked for 10 days to shoot all the visible surfaces of Walt Disney World, including every building façade. A total 100,000 photos were taken in all; these became the start for some 1,500 3D models that populate the virtual tour. Walt Disney World Resort in 3D creates a new level of usability for vacation planners and makes detailed information about one of the world’s foremost destinations available to Google Earth’s 350 million users, furthering the Google Earth team’s goal of recreating the world as it really is.

The 2008 Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot will feature a great lineup of rock bands covering timeless tunes from such groups as U2, Bee Gees, Eagles and ABBA.

June 2008 Sounds Like Summer Schedule

2U - A Tribute to U2 - June 9-15, 2008

Stayin’ Alive - A Tribute to the Bee Gees - June 16-22, 2008

Hotel California - Eagles Tribute Band - June 23-29, 2008

Bjorn Again - ABBA Tribute Band - June 30-July 10, 2008

Concerts are subject to change without notice. All concerts will take place at the America Gardens Theatre at 5:45 PM, 7 PM and 8 PM, and are included with regular Epcot admission.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival - Epcot, Through June 1, 2008

Mickey’s Pirate & Princess Party - Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, Select Dates through June 4, 2008

Toy Story Mania! - Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Opens Late May 2008

Star Wars Weekends - Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, June 6-29, 2008

Sounds Like Summer - Epcot, June 9 - August 10, 2008

Journey into Narnia - Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Summer 2008

Night of Joy - Disney’s Hollywood Studios, September 5-6, 2008

Source: www.orlando-florida.net

Star Wars celebrities will be at each weekend of 2008 Star Wars Weekends for photos, Q&A, autograph sessions and Hollywood-style motorcades. All four weekends, Star Wars actor Warwick Davis (who portrayed “Wicket the Ewok”) will serve as celebrity emcee and host of the event. Here’s the list of celebrities scheduled to attend (subject to change without notice):

June 6-8, 2008: Jeremy Bulloch (”Boba Fett”) and Daniel Logan (young “Boba Fett”)
June 13-15, 2008: Peter Mayhew (”Chewbacca”) and David Prowse (”Darth Vader”)
June 20-22, 2008: Amy Allen (”Aayla Secura”) and Matthew Wood (”General Grievous”)
June 27-29: Dave Filoni (director of the upcoming “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)

The Star Wars Weekends fun is included with regular admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests can access more information by visiting disneyworld.com/starwars or www.starwars.

The Tampa Bay Rays will face the Toronto Blue Jays April 22-24, 2008, at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex. Disney Limited Edition Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Mini Bobbleheads will be distributed to the first 2,500 children ages 14 and under: Donald Duck Bobblehead (April 22), Goofy Bobblehead (April 23) and Micky Mouse Bobblehead (April 24).

• Toy Story Mania!, a one-of-a-kind interactive ride, is scheduled to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in May 2008.
• The Wave, an upscale restaurant that will offer “bold American cooking with flavors from all over the world,” will make its debut at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in the summer of 2008.
• The all-new Jostens Center at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex will open in the summer of 2008 with 45,000 square feet of competition space for basketball, volleyball, wrestling, martial arts, gymnastics, cheerleading and dance, team handball, roller hockey and more.
• The 15th-annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will continue daily through June 1, 2008, with Flower Power music filling evenings at the end of days that feature horticultural exhibits, seminars and demonstrations.
• The Magic Kingdom’s newest after-hours special event, Mickey’s Pirate and Princess Party, will offer fun-filled adventure on seven evenings in May and early June 2008.
• Star Wars Weekends will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from June 6-June 29, 2008.
• Epcot’s “Sounds Like Summer” concert series, which will take place nightly from June 9 through August 10 at America Gardens Theatre, will feature an excellent lineup of tribute bands covering tunes from the likes of Elton John, The Eagles, The Supremes, Bon Jovi, U2, the Bee Gees and more.
• The NBA Pre-Draft, which will boast many of the top pro basketball prospects, takes place May 27-30, 2008, inside The Milk House at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
• The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will return for their seventh training camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex from late July to mid-August 2008. The Bucs’ daily practices are free and open to the public.

Source: www.deconstructingdisneyworld.blogspot.com

Fine cuisine and some of the best “foodie” cities in the world will take a bow at the 13th-annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival September 26 through November 9, 2008.

Epcot guests can explore “Cities in Wonderland” - from trendy Cork, Ireland, to the melting pot of Cape Town, South Africa - around the World Showcase promenade while also discovering blissful bites at international and regional marketplaces brimming with exotic flavors and comfort foods.

The six-week festival will showcase tastes from countries on six continents. More than 25 international marketplaces will serve tapas-sized portions of regional specialties at $2-to-$5 each, and recommended wines and beers make perfect pairings at each kiosk. New festival flavors explore the culinary wonders of Lyon, France; Marrakesh, Morocco; Shanghai, China; Bologna, Italy; Tokyo, Japan; and Mexico City, Mexico. Daily complimentary wine and beer tastings serve up sips from around the world, and culinary demonstrations dish up featured taste treats. A series of special culinary programs features a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participating in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.

Musical entertainment pairs perfectly with culinary fun during the nightly Eat to the Beat! concert series featuring a varied lineup of classic rock, soul, R&B, oldies, jazz and funk hitmakers. Concerts are performed three times each evening at America Gardens Theatre along the World Showcase lagoon. New acts to appear include Kool & The Gang, Spyro Gyra, En Vogue and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. David Sanborn, Jon Secada and Otis Day and the Knights are among returning crowd-pleasing acts.

Other festival highlights include: The Festival Welcome Center, complete with a Champagne and Wine Bar, complimentary wine seminars and book signings; some 250 Disney chefs and guest chefs conducing culinary demonstrations and hosting elegant dinners and tasting events; a weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting event featuring tempting tastes from eminent chefs, more than 70 wines and beers, and live entertainment.

Wine and beer seminars, cooking demonstrations, special book signings at the Festival Center, Eat to the Beat! concerts, culinary and cultural exhibits, and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting, Food and Wine Pairings at select Epcot restaurants, Regional Feasts, Epcot Wine Schools, Cheese Tastings, Sweet Sundays, and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate admission.

Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-337 for information and to make reservations for special events and programs.

1. Disney’s Magic Kingdom - 17.06 million visitors

2. Disneyland - 14.87 million visitors

3. Epcot - 10.93 million visitors

4. Disney-MGM Studios (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) - 9.51 million visitors

5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom - 9.49 million visitors

6. Universal Studios - 6.2 million visitors

7. SeaWorld Orlando - 5.8 million visitors

8. Disney’s California Adventure - 5.68 million visitors

9. Universal’s Islands of Adventure - 5.43 million visitors

10. Universal Studios Hollywood - 4.7 million visitors

11. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - 4.4 millon visitors

12. SeaWorld San Diego - 4.25 million visitors

13. Knott’s Berry Farm - 3.63 million visitors

14. Busch Gardens Williamsburg - 3.16 million visitors

15. Cedar Point - 3.12 million visitors

Sources: Park World, InPark, TEA Inc., Economics Research Associates

5. Cinderella Castle at Disney’s Magic Kingdom contains a secret apartment that was originally built for Walt Disney and his family. (Walt Disney died in 1966 - long before construction began on Cinderella Castle. The “Cinderella Castle Suite” used for Disney’s Year of a Million Dreams celebration was recently constructed out of an unused space in the castle.)

4. In case of a hurricane, the Cinderella Castle’s 10 spires can be easily removed to prevent them from damage. (Although the castle was built to withstand hurricane force winds, no part of it can be disassembled in the event of a hurricane.)

3. The plane from the Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios OR from the Jungle Cruise at Disney’s Magic Kingdom is the same one that was used in the famous final scene of the classic 1942 film, Casablanca. (Actually, the plane from Casablanca was just a movie prop.)

2. A Disney World guest was decapitated after standing up while riding Space Mountain. (According to some reports, it was a “test dummy” that had its head severed during testing by Disney Imagineers before Space Mountain was opened to the public.)

1. Walt Disney’s body lies cryogenically frozen in a secret chamber buried deep beneath Disney’s Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. (Disney was actually cremated and buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.)

Source: www.orlando-florida.net

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

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”

“We are not trying to entertain the critics. I’ll take my chances with the public.”

“Tomorrow will be better as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life.”

“I can never stand still. I must explore and experiment. I am never satisfied with my work. I resent the limitations of my own imagination.”

“Of all the things I’ve done, the most vital is coordinating the talents of those who work for us and pointing them toward a certain goal.”

“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles have strengthened me.”

“Get a good idea, and stay with it. Dog it, and work at it until it’s done, and done right.”

“People often ask me if I know the secret of success and if I could tell others how to make their dreams come true. My answer is, you do it by working.”

“If you can dream it, you can do it.”

In addition to world-class theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando, the Orlando area offers a variety of festivals, events and fairs in 2008 that are sure to please visitors and residents alike. On most weekends throughout 2008, but especially during spring, you’ll discover lively festivals and events going on somewhere in Orlando.

Many of Orlando’s most popular spring festivals and events are hosted by area theme parks and the 2008 lineup includes Mardi Gras at Universal Studios, the largest Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans, from February 2 through April 19, 2008; and the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which features world-class flower and horticultural displays, from March 19 through June 1, 2008.

“In most cases, these special events at Disney World and Universal Orlando during 2008 are included in the cost of the base ticket, providing an added benefit to your theme park excursion,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com. “And spring is a great time to visit Orlando since the weather is perfect and you can get a jump on the summer crowds.”

Outside of the theme parks, major spring festivals and events in the Orlando area include the Arnold Palmer Invitational (formerly known as the Bay Hill Invitational), which draws top professional golfers on the PGA Tour such as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, from March 13-16, 2008; the 11-day Central Florida Fair, which features carnival rides, live music, regional arts and crafts, food, livestock shows and amazing interactive exhibits from April 17-27, 2008; and the Central Florida Home & Garden Show, the region’s largest consumer home and garden showcase, from March 7-9, 2008.

Art and culture lovers will enjoy such Orlando festivals as the internationally acclaimed Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival, which runs from February 6 through March 9, 2008; the 15th-annual Florida Film Festival, which was voted as the 8th-best film festival in the United States by the Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide to Film Festivals, from March 28 through April 6, 2008; Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, one of the country’s most prestigious outdoor art festivals, from March 14-16, 2008; Spring Fiesta in the Park, which displays the talents of more than 200 artists and craftspeople from all over the country during the first weekend in April 2008; and JazzFest Kissimmee, which features regional entertainers and high school musicians, in late April 2008.

Other not-to-be-missed Central Florida events and festivals include the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City from February 28-March 9, 2008; Kissimmee Kiwanis Bluegrass Festival at Osceola Heritage Park from February 22-24, 2008; and the; Leesburg Fine Art Festival from March 1-2, 2008.

Good sources for more information on upcoming Orlando festivals and events include the “Orlando Seasonal Events” section of the Orlando, Florida Guide, as well as the Friday entertainment sections of the Orlando Sentinel and the Orlando Weekly, a weekly arts and entertainment publication. In addition, check out Orlando’s online calendar at orlandoinfo.com, the official website of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Arnold Palmer Invitational Video

Although the ride seems extremely dated and the race cars travel at speeds of a whopping 7.5 miles per hour, Tomorrowland Indy Speedway holds a certain charm - especially when you realize that it was one of the original attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom when it opened in 1971. Originally known as Grand Prix Raceway, Tomorrowland Indy Speedway lies adjacent to Mickey’s Toontown Fair. Believe it or not, Tomorrowland Indy Speedway still draws long lines but you can view some cool Indy race car photos and memorabilia during your wait. The ride itself takes approximately 5 minutes as you cruise along a 4/10-mile winding track toward the finish line. Spectators can watch all the action from the observation bridge. After you enjoy your race, check out all the racing memorabilia at the Racing Specialties Cart, which is located outside the entrance to Tomorrowland Indy Speedway. 

Height Restrictions: You must be 52 inches tall to drive one of the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway cars alone. However, kids of all ages can be passengers in the cars. Some other restrictions apply for this attraction, so be sure to read the warning sign at the entrance.

Since it opened on May 1, 1989 as the third major theme park at Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney-MGM Studios has celebrated the golden age of Hollywood with such attractions as The Great Movie Ride, Magic of Disney Animation and the fascinating Backlot Tour. However, starting in January 2008, Disney plans to change the theme park’s name to “Disney’s Hollywood Studios,” which reflects “how the park has grown . . . to a celebration of the new entertainment that today’s Hollywood has to offer - in music, television, movies and theater,” according to Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton in a August 9, 2007, press release.

Along with the name change to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the 135-acre theme park will launch a slew of new attractions, live shows and special events to complement such classics as Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Major attractions and live entertainment venues to be added for 2008 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios include the following:

Block Party Bash
An all-new Disney•Pixar-inspired parade, Block Party Bash, will enable guests to sing and dance along with their favorite characters from such hit Disney animated films as A Bug’s Life, Cars, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Monsters, Inc., Ratatouille and Toy Story. The Block Party Bash also features high-flying acrobatics and is a must-see for guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting in the spring of 2008 (replacing the Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade). .

High School Musical 2: School’s Out!
The interactive High School Musical 2: School’s Out show makes it debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a lively cast that dances and sings to hit songs from the wildly successful Disney Channel original film, “High School Musical 2: School’s Out!” Catch “Wildcat fever” at the High School Musical 2: School’s Out show, which will be presented multiple times daily at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Jedi Training Academy
Based on the incredibly popular Star Wars films, the Jedi Training Academy at Star Tours features an intergalactic entertainment experience that allows young Jedi students the opportunity to learn the “ways of the force” in order to battle and defeat the evil Darth Vader. The Jedi Training Academy will take place multiple times daily at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Play House Disney-Live on Stage!
A whole new Play House Disney show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will include a host of new Disney Channel characters from such programs as “Handy Manny,” “Little Einsteins” and “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.” Designed for preschoolers, the live Play House Disney show will last approximately 20 minutes and take place multiple times daily at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Playhouse Disney is located on Soundstage 5 in the Animation Courtyard, directly across from The Magic of Disney Animation.

Toy Story Mania!
Toy Story Mania! takes the interactive ride-game experience to infinity . . . and beyond! Inspired by the classic Disney•Pixar animated movie, Toy Story, Toy Story Mania! will make its debut in the summer of 2008 as the newest attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With state-of-the-art, 3-D technology, this thrilling interactive ride will take guests through a video game where they use spring-action shooters to toss rings at aliens, throw eggs at barnyard targets and launch darts at balloons (scoring points in the process just like at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin). Toy Story Mania! will feature all your favorite Toy Story characters such as Woody, Hamm, Rex and much more.

In addition, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be an integral part of Disney’s Year of a Million Dreams celebration, which has been extended throughout 2008. Disney’s Year of a Million Dreams celebration will feature the Disney Dreams Giveaway, which boasts “more dreams that only Disney can make true” such as a night’s stay inside Cinderella Castle Suite at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, a star-studded trip to the “High School Musical 3″ film premiere, a flight in a a hot air balloon high above a Disney World theme park or a private day at Disney’s tropical island paradise, Castaway Cay.

Special events such as ABC Super Soap Weekend (November), the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (November-January), ESPN the Weekend (late February) and Star Wars Weekends (June) will continue to take place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2008. In addition, Night of Joy at Walt Disney World will be held for the first time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Held in early September (September 5 and 6 for 2008), Night of Joy features some of the most talented singers in contemporary Christian music for a magical celebration full of joy and inspiration. Four popular acts have already confirmed for the 2008 Night of Joy: MercyMe, tobyMac, Chris Tomlin and Rush of Fools.

four sensational acts confirmed: Multiple-Dove-Award and Grammy-Nominated Contemporary Christian artists MercyMe, tobyMac, Chris Tomlin and chart-topping newcomers Rush of Fools.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will also continue to feature opportunities for kids of all ages to meet and greet their favorite characters such as the Power Rangers, JoJo and Goliath and Little Einsteins as well as Lightning McQueen and Mater from Disney-Pixar’s animated movies, Cars.

“Make plans to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2008 and experience all of the new entertainment options that this dynamic theme park has to offer,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing at HotelsCorp.com. “And by booking your Disney World vacation online today, you can enjoy unbeatable savings on discount Disney tickets, hotels near Disney and Disney World vacation packages.”

Costly accommodations, exorbitant theme park ticket prices, overpriced meals and loads of unnecessary souvenirs have the potential to turn a dream family vacation at Disney World into a true nightmare for your wallet! Fortunately, by following the tried-and-true tips below, you can save up to $1,000 on your next Disney World getaway:

Plan Ahead
Don’t just wing it! Research the destination thoroughly before you arrive and sketch out your Disney World itinerary. Don’t make it too rigid (you’ll want to leave some room for spontaneity). Check out comprehensive online vacation guides to Orlando and Disney World such as Orlando-Florida.net, which provides detailed information on Walt Disney World Resort such as theme park attractions, live entertainment, restaurants, resorts and specialty shops, as well as great deals on discount theme park tickets, hotels and vacation packages.

Travel During the Off-Season
Avoid the crowds! Walt Disney World theme parks are most crowded during Spring Break, from mid-June to mid-August, Easter weekend, Thanksgiving week, the week before Christmas through New Year’s Day and on three-day holiday weekends such as Memorial Day and Labor Day. Value season typically runs from after Labor Day weekend through the end of September, the week after Thanksgiving until a week before Christmas and after New Year’s Day until just before Presidents’ week in February. For an added bonus, schedule your vacation around one of Disney’s immensely popular annual events and festivals, many of which are included with the price of admission such as the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, ABC Super Soap Weekend, Holidays Around the World, Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and Star Wars Weekends.

Seek Out Budget Accommodations
Believe it or not, you can still stay on Disney property without spending a fortune by booking a reservation at one of Disney’s budget all-star resorts - Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort - all of which provide complimentary scheduled transportation to Disney World theme parks, as well as Downtown Disney. However, you will enjoy even more savings if you opt to stay off Disney property at one of the numerous budget motels and hotels that lie near the main entrance to Disney World along Highway 192 in Kissimmee or along world-famous International Drive. Before you book your reservation, check to see if the motel or hotel offers a complimentary continental or full breakfast each morning for guests. If you have a large family or are planning a family reunion, look into renting a vacation home - many of which offer private backyard pools, enclosed garages and washer/dryers.

Take Advantage of Complimentary Transportation
All Disney World resorts provide complimentary scheduled transportation to Disney theme parks and many area hotels, motels and resorts also offer free scheduled shutttle service to Disney World, as well as Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando. If you are staying at a Disney resort, enjoy free shuttle service to and from the Orlando International Airport aboard Disney’s Magical Express (reservations are required).

Purchase Multi-Day Tickets
Believe it or not, a one-day, one-park ticket to Disney World is currently $71 plus tax! Fortunately, there are more Disney World multi-day ticket options than ever before. Look into Disney “Park Hopper” tickets, which allow you to come and go as you please throughout any of the four Disney World theme parks: Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Choose the appropriate Disney ticket deal based on your family’s length of stay in Orlando and remember not to overdo it - you should definitely schedule time for rest and relaxation during your Disney vacation. Most importantly, do not purchase your Disney World tickets at the gate - seek out the best online deals before you arrive to the theme park.

Eat Out Wisely
If you plan to eat at one of the Disney World theme parks, make lunch your big meal of the day when prices are significantly lower than for dinner (especially at Epcot’s World Showcase). Also, don’t forget to bring along some water bottles and small snacks for the kids. In addition, you don’t have to spend a fortune at one of the Disney Character Breakfasts for autographs and photo opportunities - just take your kids to one of the free character meet and greet areas throughout all of the Disney World theme parks such as Town Square at Disney’s Magic Kingdom or Camp Minnie-Mickey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. If you have a large family, check out one of the many budget, all-you-can-eat buffets that lie just outside Disney property on Highway 192 and along International Drive. Also, pick up a copy of free publications such as I Love Orlando magazine, which contain discount coupons for Orlando restaurants. Finally, many motels and hotels with onsite restaurants offer “Kids Eat Free” deals (one child eats per paying adult).

Set a Budget for Souvenirs
Establish a budget for Disney souvenirs and, most importantly, stick to your budget! Check out some of the area factory outlet stores such as Orlando Premium Outlets for Disney merchandise at substantially lower prices. In addition, purchase such necessities as film and sunscreen before you arrive at the theme parks, since prices at Disney are more expensive for those items.

Take a Break from the Theme Parks
Plan some time to take occasional breaks from the Disney theme parks and you can unwind and save money in the process. Check out some of the free things to do at Disney World such as strolling around Disney’s Boardwalk and Downtown Disney, both of which offer theme restaurants and specialty shops. If you really want to get away far from the madding crowd, consider a hike through the scenic, 12,000-acre Disney Wilderness Preserve, which is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. The entrance fee is just $3 for adults and $2 for ages 6-17.

Enjoy Membership Discounts
If you are an AAA or AARP member, make sure to take advantage of any special rates or discounts that are available during your Disney World vacation at hotels, restaurants and Orlando area attractions. Also, if you are a Florida resident, check with Disney World about any available discounts.

Book Your Disney Vacation Online
The best way to enjoy significant savings on your next Disney World vacation is to seek out the best online deals for discount Disney World tickets, budget accommodations on or off Disney property and individually tailored Disney vacation packages. Several leading online vacation providers such as HotelsCorp.com serve as comprehensive “one-stop” resources for incredible deals on Disney tickets, hotels and vacation packages.

“A variety of online vacation providers are available but HotelsCorp.com prides itself on offering the best online prices for Disney World vacations,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing at HotelsCorp.com.

1. The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm - Disney’s Magic Kingdom 
A “mild but wild,” kid-friendly roller coaster, The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm involves a 1920’s-era, crop-dusting biplane that takes off from Goofy’s barn and winds its way erratically around a zany course.

2. Cinderella’s Golden Carousel - Disney’s Magic Kingdom
The fully restored carousel features intricate hand-carved designs, 90 brightly decorated horses, more than 2,300 lights and hand-painted murals based on the Cinderella story.

3. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - Disney’s Magic KingdomVisit Pooh and all of his friends – including Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Kanga, Rabbit, Baby Roo and Owl – and join them on a fun-filled adventure through the Hundred-Acre Wood.

4. Magic Carpets of Aladdin - Disney’s Magic Kingdom
Take a “whimsical spin” aboard a magic carpet high above the mythical city of Agrabah.

5. Flying Unicorn - Universal’s Islands of Adventure
The Flying Unicorn is a kiddie roller coaster that takes you on a magical coaster adventure through an enchanted forest – with plenty of surprises along the way!

6. Pteranodon Flyers - Universal’s Islands of Adventure
A “suspended” or “hanging” roller coaster located in Jurassic Park, Pteranodon Flyers allows you to soar over the Camp Jurassic play area and get a bird’s-eye view of Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

7. Shamu Express - SeaWorld Orlando
Shamu’s Happy Harbor is home to the Shamu Express, a fun-filled kiddie roller coaster.

8. The Cat in the Hat - Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Take a fun-filled journey through the pages of this classic childhood storybook aboard a spinning couch as The Cat in the Hat and his two mischievous friends – Thing One and Thing Two – try to bring down the house!

9. Caro-Seuss-El - Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Not your typical carousel, the colorful Caro-Seuss-El features all of your favorite animals (54 in all!) from such classic Dr. Seuss stories.

10. Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster - Universal Studios
Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster takes you on a family-friendly, one-minute adventure aboard the eight-car Knothead Express.