The calander may say “October”, but artisans and sculptors are already hard at work crafting the intricate decor for the Gaylord Palm’s annual ICE! festival. The theme for this year’s Christmas event is “Shrek the Halls”, but you’ll see plenty of other Dreamworks characters on hand, including the penguins of Madagascar and characters from Kung Fu Panda.
Visit theGaylord Palms this holiday season for the annual ICE! fest.
Sculptors are hard at work converting over two million pounds of ice to a frozen wonderland of Dreamworks themed fun. The icy playground will take about a month to complete, and features clear, white and colorful sculptures, attractions and slides, all protected from the Orlando sun.
ICE! is an annual holiday event with a different theme each year. This year’s “Shrek the Halls/Dreamworks” focus promises to be family friendly and a fun addition to any Orlando vacation. In addition to ice sculptures and slides, the Christmas at the Gaylord Palms includes Santa visits, a Kung Fu Panda snow playground, live entertainment and character greetings, and a gingerbread decorating area hosted by “Gingy” from the Shrek films.
You do not have to stay at the Gaylord Palms to enjoy ICE! or the Christmas events. The events are scheduled to run from November 16,2011- January 2,2012, and tickets are required.
“Shrek the Halls” and ICE! are well worth a visit, particularly if you are in town for the holidays, and want to visit with some rarely seen Dreamworks characters.
Disney World announced the May 2012 opening of the first phase of the newest onsite resort, the Art of Animation. Designed to appeal to families, the resort will have four phases, each themed on a different Disney or Pixar classic.
The Art of Animation Resort at Disney World is considered an Disney World Hotel Value Resort, and joins the existing value priced properties, the All-Star Movies, Music and Sports resorts and Pop Century. The Art of Animation builds on the popularity of the family suite rooms at the current resorts. Family suites are designed to be spacious and offer room for larger families; regular value resort rooms are restricted to only four guests.
The new resort will feature themed swimming areas and room decor, along with a larger assortment of dining options than previous value priced properties. The first phase of the Art of Animation draws inspiration from the Disney/Pixar film Finding Nemo; with room, pool and exterior decor featuring the film’s settings and characters. The remaining three phases will follow the Finding Nemo section, and feature characters from the Little Mermaid, Cars and the Lion King.
While the resort doesn’t open until the end of May, you can book your room well in advance and be one of the first to check out Disney’s newest property. Guests staying at the Art of Animation will receive all of the benefits of staying on Disney property, including free parking, package delivery, bus transportation and daily Extra Magic Hours in the theme parks.
Do you have a favorite on site Disney World resort? We’d love to hear which property you like best!
If your idea of the ideal Orlando vacation includes a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios, you won’t want to miss the special events scheduled for mid-November 2011. Timed to coincide with the 11-11-11 DVD release of the final chapter of the saga, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows pt 2, the event spans three days and features plenty of special perks for Potter fans.
This event, titled “A Celebration of the Harry Potter Films at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter” promises visitors some exclusive perks and an inside look at the films and filming. Cast interviews, behind the scenes looks at the films and the building of the Harry Potter theme park and a set of blue-ray movies await those who sign up for this exclusive package.
There are a limited number of Universal Studios Orlando packages available for the event, which runs from November 11-13 and features perks like early admission to the Wizarding World and commemorative pins. The premier packages have already sold out, but some spots remain for the “Celebration” package. Celebration event packages include a 4 night stay at a Universal Partner Hotel, Orlando, a 3 day park ticket and plenty of Harry Potter themed extras.
The AMC theater at Universal will be screening all eight Harry Potter films during this event, so if you missed out on one when it was in the theater, you’ll have another chance to catch it on the big screen.
Even if you don’t make it to the official celebration, you can make a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter a part of any Orlando vacation. The village of Hogsmeade, Hogwarts school and a host of Harry Potter themed rides and attractions await visitors to the Islands of Adventure theme park each day of the year, making this a don’t miss part of your Orlando vacation.
Sea World announced today that they are going raise their ticket prices by $2. This is not a real shock as many of the theme parks in Orlando typically raise their prices during the Fall Season as this is usually when their fiscal year begins, and it is also considered low travel season. The adult price for 1 day admission to Sea World is now $81.99, the last time Sea World raised their ticket prices was November 2010 when they went from $78.99 to $79.99.
As a token of our appreciation to our guests we are offering Sea World tickets at $20 off the gate price if you purchase the tickets between now and December 31, 2011. In order to get this special discount you must stay at one of our participating hotels. Please check our our Sea World Orlando packages.
Sea World Orlando is an amazing value
Please note, in order to receive these tickets you DO NOT have to attend a time share presentation. We are able to offer these savings by taking some of the commission we make from selling the hotel room to offset the cost of the ticket.
Imagine if you could enjoy the perks and amenities of a fine resort at the price of a discount hotel chain. At the Royal Plaza Resort in Orlando, you can reserve a night for only $60 during the low season and $67 during the high season. For the price you’d pay for one night at a Walt Disney World Resort, you can enjoy several nights at Royal Plaza in Orlando, without sacrificing the quality of your room, amenities or guest services. If Disney World is the main destination of your vacation, you can save on travel cost, because the Royal Plaza provides free shuttle service to Disney, with buses in 30 minute intervals throughout the day.
When you’re not buzzing through the busy streets and theme parks of Orlando and you need a day to unwind, you can head to the spa and massage services at Royal Plaza. At the Royal Plaza’s spa, you can treat yourself to a variety of tension-relief services, including aromatherapy, classic swedish massage, craniosacral, deep tissue, ear candling, hot stone, maternity, reflexology, shiatsu, sport, thai and Tui-Na.
Royal Plaza has two on site restaurants, the Giraffe Cafe, which offers a casual setting to meet for business or just a meal with family and friends.One of the biggest advantages of staying at Royal resort is the cash you’ll save by eating on site, where kids under 10 eat free at Giraffe Cafe. There’s also a poolside snack bar, a Disney gift shop, and ice cream and soda bars to keep satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.Royal Plaza has a 24-hour business room, a kids game room,
In addition to the world-class service and first-class facilities at Royal Plaza, you’ll also enjoy the extra space to relax in your room. All of the double rooms at Royal Plaza feature two queen sized beds and a love seat which pulls out into a bed as well, which is often the perfect solution for two children who don’t want to share a bed.
Perhaps you’ve grown tired of dragging your wife and kids around EPCOT or the Magic Kingdom, and you just want to take in a relaxing game at the local ballpark. There’s only one problem, you may not know where to find the nearest stadium. Thankfully, Disney’s Wide World of Sports is just around the corner from all of the major Disney theme parks, including the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. The massive, 2000 acre campus hosts a myriad of professional and amateur events throughout the calendar year, ranging from college basketball tournaments to the Pop Warner Super Bowl and Atlanta Braves Major League Spring Training. Facilities at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex include six NBA sized Basketball Courts at the T.G. Lee Milk Center, two Little League Baseball Fields, four lighted Softball Fields, 12 tennis courts, a 300 meter track and field complex and six beach volleyball courts.
From February through May, both national and local teams utilize the faculties for spring training, including high school lacrosse teams and high school volleyball teams. Events from May to June at the Wide World of Sports Complex include: Amateur Athletic Union Boys basketball tournaments, AAU Girls basketball tournaments, the Cheer leading and Dance World Championships, Disney’s slow pitch Softball championships, including teams from the U.S. Slow pitch Softball Association, the Danskin Triathlon Series,(the longest running woman’s triathlon series in the U.S). Orlando’s most dedicated young athletes gather for Ironkids Orlando, held on May 15. Iron kids is national event series geared to youth ages six to 15, who are committed to an active and physical lifestyle. At Iron kids Orlando, kids will participate in a variety of activities , including a triathlon.
The month of May ends with a Memorial Day Soccer Shootout, a Florida Youth Soccer Association sanctioned event, which features 500 soccer matches in three days, from May 29 – 31, 2010.
Keep in mind we offer quite a few Orlando hotels near the Disney Wide World of Sports complex. Call today to make a reservation.
For of a night movie watching under the stars with family, friends or your loved one, check this list of movies, times and locations at various Disney World hotels.
Disney Fort Wildernes: Outdoor movies and times
April 26 – Princess Diaries 2
April 27 – G-Force
April 28 – The Sword and the Stone
April 29 – The Love Bug
April 30 – Old Dogs
Poolside movies at Disney’s All Star Resorts poolside Movies start around 9 p.m.
Sundays: Meet the Robinsons
Mondays: Bolt
Tuesdays: Vote for Enchancted, 101 Dalmations or Bedtime Stories
Wednesdays: Vote for Ratatouiile, Finding Nemo or Wall-E
Thursdays: Vote for Robin Hood, The Sword & The Stone or Rescuers
Fridays:UP
Saturdays: The Princess and the frog
Disney’s Beach Club Resorts: (Yacht Club, Disney’s Boardwalk, Disney’s Swan & Dolphin)
Beach movie schedule
Sunday: Alice in Wonderland
Monday: Toy Story
Tuesday: Toy Story 2
Wednesday: U
Thursday: The Great Mouse Detective
Friday:Old Dogs
Saturday:Princess and the Frog
and outdoor movie schedule
The Grand Floridian Resort’s campfire and dance party starts at 7pm and the movie starts at 9:00pm.
Currently, the Grand Floridian’s movie schedule is:
UP on Sundays, Bolt on Monday nights, G-Force on Thursday nights, Old Dogs on Friday Nights and on Saturdays, they show The Princess and the Frog.
At Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, the movie schedule is High School Musical on April 26, High School Musical 2 on April 27, High School Musical 3 on April 28, National Treasure 2 on April 29 and UP on April 30.
At Disney’s Contemporary resort, you can checkout a nightly movie on large portable screen near the feature pool. Movies for the remainder of April include:
April 26 Camp Rock , April 27 Enchanted, April 28
For the tourists who want to add more to their Disney dining experience, there’s a new table made just for them at Disney’s Flying Fish Cafe. Park visitors can get an up-close view of their food preparation and interact with a world-class chef at “Chef’s counter”, Sunday through Thursday, seating is offered at 5:45 pm and 8:15 pm.
Chef Tim Keating is often asked to create a personalized meal for his patrons, and with his past experience in-mind, Keating created this interactive experience available to everyone. The Chef’s Tasting Wine Dinner allows up to six guests to sit at the granite counter overlooking the on-stage kitchen where they will be able to see their meals being created. This experience includes five courses, paired with wine by sommelier Keith Gimbel. Keating says there will be a “new spin on menu items.” Guests will also have the opportunity to interact with the restaurant’s chefs.
Before you make plans to eat with chef Keating, be sure to check your budget. A seat at the Chef’s Counter will cost you $135, $85 without wine pairings. Reservations are recommended.
If you have room in your wallet and your stomach after your meal at Fish Factory, head over to the Tomorrowland Terrace Wishes Dessert Party has returned to Walt Disney Word. Guests are encouraged to book advance reservations for the Dessert party, which includes top of the line treats and prime seats to enjoy during the nightly fireworks spectacular show. a prime viewing location for the popular “Wishes” fireworks spectacular.
Don’t forget to make your Orlando hotel reservations today if you are planning on visiting this year. We have great deals on quite few properties.
Thanks to the power to of the internet, finding travel discounts for Disney resorts is much easier than in years past.
Disney’s moderately priced resorts include the Pop Century Resort, Disney’s All Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort and Disney’s All Star Sports Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Port Orleans French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside. Lodging at all the aforementioned resorts ranges anywhere from $150 to $225.
Disney’s ultimate value resorts are priced as low as $82. You may be curious if you’ll be sacrificing quality for such a low price, but the value resorts sleep up to four guests with two double beds, a pair of chairs with a small table, a TV, a bathroom with a separate sink and on-site laundry facilities.
Cribs, hair dryers and mini fridges are available for an additional fee. Each of the bargain-priced resorts feature a central shopping location for dining and eating. The buildings are three stories, decorated with Disney themes. Family suites are available for groups of six, and they include a kitchenette. Disney’s Pop Century Resort is priced from $84 to $141 and is situated on a lakeside view. Popular rooms include the rooms on hall B, which overlook the lake. Pop century resort is located near Epcot and decorated with pop culture art and themes from the 1910s to 1990s. A walking path around the lake is popular with joggers.
Disney’s All Star sports resort , located in the Animal Kingdom area, is known for its stunning decorations and low price, with rooms starting at $82 per night and up to $141 per night. Rooms at the All-Star Sports resort has a food court, a playground and an arcade with video games and pinball machines. There’s also an onsite 242,471-gallon beach-themed Surfboard Bay pool and a smaller 119,590-gallon Grand Slam Pool shaped like a baseball diamond.
Disney’s All-Star music resort has family suites available for $179-$285, and rooms as cheap as $82 for smaller packages. Smaller rooms feature two double beds, while the family suites include a double bed,two chairs that fold out to single beds and one couch that folds out into a queen-size sleeper sofa. A food court is available on site but no room service is available. The atmosphere is based on musical themes, with buildings designed with themes based on jazz,rock, country, Broadway and calypso.
Here at Orlandovacation.com we specialize in offering great deals on Disney World hotels. The only difference with our hotels which we offer is that they are not actually owned by Disney World corporation, but they are located on Disney World property. These hotels are typically 25% less per night, but they still offer the same great amenities.
If you are looking to visit the Orlando area then here are a couple of hotels which offer great deals: The Celebration Hotel and the Wonderland Inn. At Celebration hotel, students get a 30% discount at Celebration Hotel, which is only minutes from Disney’s best parks. The hotel is located on 700 Bloom street, and it is part of the Kessler collection properties. Celebration Hotel offers a traditional, intimate setting similar to a bed and breakfast. Celebration hotel features 115 rooms and suites, a bronze life sized alligator sculpture in the lobby and it’s only a few steps from Celebrations village center, with shops and restaurants. There’s also a heated pool that overlooks walking trails.
Wonderland Inn, located on 3601 South Orange Blossom trail is a former roadside motel from the 1950s which has been fully renovated and remodeled. As soon as you walk through the front doors, you’ll feel like you stepped through a time portal back to America’s golden days. The cozy, intimate setting features hand-painted garden murals and special personal touches, such as refrigerators that are restocked with orange juice and a staff that is always eager to accommodate your needs. Outside, you can walk through the lush landscape, which showcases over 30 different types of flowers and flowering trees. The reasonably priced fares run from $80-$160
The Lake Buena Vista Best Western Resort Hotel is actually located on Disney World property. A family of four can book a room for less than $80. The amenities include a heated pool, two queen size beds, a private, furnished balcony, Kid’s Pool, Sun Deck, Exercise Facility, Game Room, Room Service, Bell Service, an in-room safe large enough to fit most laptops, hairdryer, iron and ironing board come standard in all guest rooms.
We have quite a few great deals on Orlando hotels which are located near Disney World. Remember, here at Orlandovacation.com we have a 100% satisfaction and lowest price guarantee.
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