A new exotic driving experience is set to open at the Walt Disney World Speedway this week. Beginning January 16, guests have the opportunity to take a high speed whirl in some of the world’s most exotic and expensive vehicles.
From the $300,000 Ferrari (0 to 60 in 3 seconds) to the $100,000 Porsche 997S, you can choose a luxury vehicle and take a 6 lap trip around the famed raceway. You can choose your car in advance, and view the different vehicles online. Each vehicle has a different package cost–the Ferrari will set you back $389, while the Audi R8 or the Porsche are priced out at $199.
You’ll have some training before you get behind the wheel, and a professional driver will accompany you and offer advice from the passenger seat. The standard drive package is one mile, or six laps of the track, but additional lap packages are available.
Drivers need to be 18 years or older to participate; the track also offers a ride along package, with a starting age of 14. If you want to participate, you’ll need to book your ride in advance, and show up at the Walt Disney World Speedway on the day of your package. A helmet will be provided, and you’ll need to wear long pants and close-toed shoes (sneakers are fine). You should bring your driver’s license and any corrective lenses or glasses you need to drive.
Expect to spend a few hours at the track, with time spent before and after your ride. There are stands and viewing areas for the other members of your party, and photography packages are available on site as well.
The new exotic driving experience is a companion to the existing Richard Petty racing experience, and should be on the wish list for both racing fans and car enthusiasts.
In April, 2012, Disney World will close its longest and fastest ride for refurbishment. Epcot’s popular Test Track ride will be closed all summer as it undergoes an upgrade and refurbishment.
Test Tracks refurbishment is expected to last several months, so if you are heading to Disney World this summer, this popular ride will not be available. The reopening date has not been specified; Disney has just indicated that the ride will reopen in “early fall”. While no exact date has been announced, visitors may see the ride reopen in time for Epcot’s International Food and Wine festival this fall. This popular event draws plenty of visitors to the park, and Disney will likely want one of the park’s best attractions to be up and running again by then.
The closing and upgrade of Test Track has been triggered by the renewed alliance between ride sponsor General Motors and Disney. Changes to the ride include the chance to create your own virtual vehicle and to test out said vehicle on a track. No word yet if this experience will include a simulator or other “Disney Quest” type experiences.
What does this mean to you?
If you are heading to Orlando this summer, expect Test Track to be closed. Since this ride is typically the second fastest to fill up (and run out of Fastpasses each day), you may find longer waiting times at Epcot’s other headlining attraction, Soarin’.
The right-hand side of Future World will likely be more congested, since only Mission Space will be open to draw visitors to the left. If you are looking for a quick snack or coffee, turn left when you arrive in Epcot, kiosks and quick service dining will likely have shorter waits in this area, since fewer guests will be wandering around this part of the park.
Each year, Disney adjusts the wildly popular Disney Dining Plan to include different food options and restaurants, and 2012 is no exception. Even if you are familiar with the plan and have used it before, you should review the current offerings to be sure your favorite locations are included.
The Disney Dining Plan allows you to save money on one of the most expensive aspects of your vacation–your meals. By purchasing the plan, you can pay for your meals in advance, and most people ind they save money by paying up front. The plan is also occasionally offered for free, usually as part of the fall vacation season.
Changes for 2012 include:
New restaurants have been added to the plan. For the first time, the Rainforest Cafe, TRex, the House of Blues and Bistro de Paris have been included. Dining locations at the newest Disney resort, the Art of Animation, have also been included.
The Quick Service Dining Plan has been altered–the plan originally included two snacks per person per day, for 2012, the allotment is one snack per person per day.
The Wine and Dine Plan has been discontinued this year.
The regular, or Plus Dining Plan now includes a free Disney resort mug per person; the mug entitles you to free beverage refills at your resort during your stay. Beverages include coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soft drinks, milk and juice.
The Deluxe Dining Plan now has different prices, depending on the time of year, so expect to save money during the value season–and to pay more on holidays and during the busy season.
Tips are no longer included, so when you dine at a table service location, expect to tip your server out of pocket. This is a 2011 change, but many guests were not aware of it; it is better to know you need to tip in advance than to find out once you get your dining check!
Disney World released a new 2012 promotion this week–”One More Disney Day”. 2012 is a leap year, meaning we’ll get an extra day of work or play this year. What will you do with the extra time?
On New Year’s Eve, Disney announced a group of promotions and special events geared to help you figure out how to spend your “extra day” this year. If you are headed to Orlando at the end of February (or thinking of visiting during this time), you can take advantage of some special leap year events and promotions:
The Magic Kingdom will stay open a full 24 hours on February 29, 2012, beginning at 6am. If you’ve ever wanted to see the sun rise (and set) inside the park, this will be the day to do it. Disney has traditionally offered some kind of premium–a pin, special map or poster to commemorate this type of event; stay tuned for more details. This will be the first time either park has ever been open for a full 24 hours of fun.
60 lucky families will win a trip for four to either Disney World or Disneyland; the company is giving away a free trip per day until February 29, 2012. Official rules and entry information can be found on the Disney Website.
Disney is offering various ticketing promotions for this event as well–most add an extra day to your vacation at no additional charge, making this a fun way to stay and play in Orlando without spending a lot of extra cash. Contact Orlando Vacations for more details on how to save on your extra Disney day.
If a trip to a Disney World restaurant is on your list of things to do on your Orlando vacation, you’ll need to make note of the new reservations policy announced this week. Changes to the cancellation policy could end up costing you extra money on your next Orlando vacation if you don’t follow the new guidelines.
As of October 26, 2011, you’ll need to provide Disney with a credit card number when you book your reservation at select dining locations. Your card won’t be charged until you dine, unless you don’t show up or cancel in time.
You’ll be charged a $10 no-show fee for each member of your party if you skip out on your reservation, unless you cancel it in advance. According to the Disney Dining reservations specialists, you’ll need to contact Disney and cancel your dining reservation at least 24 hours in advance; so show up on time or pay a hefty fine.
Not all Disney restaurants are affected by this change, but most of the popular dining locations are. Disney World restaurants covered by the new rules include character dining spots like Hollywood & Vine and Chef Mickey’s, resort headliners like Artist Point and the California Grill and Epcot’s popular Le Cellier.
Some signature Disney dining locations, including Cinderella’s Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom and the Hoop de Doo Revue already charge the entire dining fee for no shows. These locations will continue to do so and are not affected by the current changes.
So what do you do if you change your mind? Instead of simply not showing up, you’ll need to cancel your dining reservation. You can cancel by calling the dining reservation line, visiting your resort concierge, stopping by theme park guest services or going to the check in podium of any table service dining location. Cancel your reservation 24 hours in advance to avoid the new dining fees.
The lush scenery and awe-inspiring landscapes of James Cameron’s 2009 blockbuster Avatar will make a mark on Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2015. According to a recent announcement by the Disney Company, an entire land themed on the film is coming to the theme park, joining Asia, Africa and DinoLand U.S.A. Disney expects to break ground on the new land in 2013, and it will take about two years to complete.
The timing of the new Disney World land lines up with the planned releases of two Avatar sequels, currently in planning or production. “With two new Avatar films currently in development, we’ll have even more locations, characters and stories to explore,” filmmaker James Cameron explained during the press briefing.
Disney fans may recall the original Animal Kingdom concept art included a land based on fantasy creatures, the Beastly Kingdom. Few signs remain of the Beastly Kingdom concept — sharp-eyed visitors will note that one parking lot is labeled “Unicorn” and a beast-themed boat landing can be found near the Winnie the Pooh greeting area.
The arrival of Avatar land may signal an embrace of the fantasy elements that gave the original Beastly Kingdom so much fan appeal. Guests can expect Avatar land to resemble Pandora, the lush landscape highlighted in the film; the Animal Kingdom’s strong conservation message goes well with Avatar’s eco-consious stance as well.
While there is no news yet on the actual rides or attractions planned for Avatar in Disney World, the success of the recently revamped Star Tours shows Disney’s expertise in combining movies and ride technology. Expect to hear more about Avatar and Disney World as plans progress; curious park visitors can start looking for signs of construction in early 2013.
Just because you’re on a Disney World vacation doesn’t mean you have eat unhealthy. Regardless of which resort or theme park you visit, there are healthy foods available at a variety of restaurants. For example, Animal Kingdom has a kiosk that serves fresh fruit, organic tea and other snacks with high nutritional value. Animal Kingdom’s best restaurants for healthy eating include: Harambe Fruit Marketwhich serves fresh fruits & juices, the Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakeryhas a fruit cup w/ yogurt, McDonald’s , Restaurantosaurus serves amandarin chicken salad and veggie burgers, you can get a chicken caesar salad at Pizzafari, and diabetics can get a fruit smoothie with no added sugar at Tamu Tamu Refreshments. Of all of Disney’s parks, EPCOT is the easiest place to find healthy alternatives to the typical restaurant menu items at most theme parks.
With its wide variety of internationally-themed restaurants, EPCOT’s highly trained chefs will adjust meals for tourists on a gluten-free or dairy-free diet, as long as you tell the waitress of your dietary requirements when you place your order. If you’re traveling to Disney’s Magic Kingdom your best bet is to find a kiosk that sells fresh fruit or stop by Auntie Gravities in Tomorrow land, where you can order fruit smoothies. Another healthy stop in Tommorowland is the Noodle Station, which serves a vegetable noodle bowl with tofu, Teriyaki chicken and caesar salad.
Other healthy alternatives at Disney World include the Hummus Sandwich with tomato & broccoli slaw, Garden Galley Salad, Clam Chowder, and Vegetarian Chili, all served at Columbia Harbor House in Liberty Square. Should you venture to one of Disney’s waterparks, Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, you can find healthy snacks at several concession stands. At Blizzard Beach, look for Lottawatta lounge, the Warming Hut or Avalunch, which serve chicken wraps and turkey wraps.
At Typhoon Lagoon, head to Leaning Palms for a Chicken Wrap, Mediterranean Tuna Salad, Caesar Salad, Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, fruit cup & Fruit Yogurt.
For those of us who like to sing in the shower without ashamedness, now is our big chance to strike it big with Walt Disney’s World’s “The American Idol Experience” at the Disney Hollywood Studios. You will get to feel like you are the smash hit ABC TV show, American Idol. You will take the role of a real contestant as you prepare to sing for your chance to your very own very own audition.
This is could be your big chance to perform in front of a live crowd that will applaud its favorite performers. At Walt Disney World’s “American Idol Experience”, you will truly be able to experience what it’s like to be on the popular show. Not only could you get to audition, but you will also get to your hair and make up done, and work with a vocal coach before your big performance.
The set that has been created for Walt Disney World’s “American Idol Experience” has been closely designed after the American Idol stage that is seen on television.
After an initial audition phase, some participants will have a chance to sing in front of a real live audience that gets to vote for their favorite singers. If you are the winner then you will receive a “Dream Ticket.” A “Dream Ticket” is your ticket to regional auditions of the American Idol TV show.
So, the next time you go to Disney be sure to bring you “A” game because this very well may be your chance at a ticket to the big time!
An interactive gift shop called Ridemakerz opened in Downtown Disney last week, replacing the long-time tenant, Virgin Megastore. Ridemakerz is the latest addition in a series of new attractions that were added as part of an ongoing effort to make Downtown Disney more family friendly compared to its earlier days, when Pleasure Island was the main attraction.
Ridemakerz gives car enthusiasts of every age a chance to customize a diecast medal car.Builders can choose classic hot rod muscle cars, such as There’s also $25 option to add a remote control. Popular models include: retro hot rods, fire engines, race cars, cab-over tow and dump trucks Ford Mustangs,Dodge Vipers, Dodge Challenger, Chevy Corvette and popular foreign models, like the Mini Cooper. Most models in the store cost from $10 to $32, depending on the body paint and body style.
Other new attractions at Walt Disney World this spring include the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which is free with regular admission to Epcot, from now until May 16. Highlights of the Flower & Garden festival include an extensive collection of topiary, a butterfly garden, live music and educational events that appeal to visitors of all ages.
Epcot visitors can spend their day browsing through millions of blooming flowers and get up close with hundreds of colorful butterflies inside Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden. If you visit the International Flower and Garden festival during the weekend, you can learn from the top horticulturists and botanists stationed around Garden Town Programs. The horticulturists share helpful gardening tips through live demos and public presentations of advanced gardening techniques from around the world. You’ll learn tips and tricks for new gardening tools and products to help you grow and maintain the perfect garden.
After a long walk through the gardens, you can kick back your legs and relax to the music at Gardens Theater, located next to the American Adventure Pavilion. Bands play live music from the 1960s and 1970s during the Flower Power Concert Series.
With Universal Studios Orlando focusing on the teenage thrill rider market and Walt Disney World focusing on the toddlers and elementary school aged children, you would think the Disney’s Magic Kingdom would be no place for a teenager. However don’t think that Disney has thrown in the towel when it comes to teenagers.
If you are going to the Disney Magic Kingdom for your family vacation and you are concerned about your teenager being bored at the Magic Kingdom, don’t worry about it. Disney has everything under control.
Here is a short list of rides descriptions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom that most teens enjoy:
• The Haunted Mansion – This is not necessarily a thrill coaster. In fact, there are no gut wrenching drops nor is there any high speed motion, but there are plenty of scary moments and scenes that keep most teens entertained.
• Thunder Mountain – Hold on to your hat on this one. This out door crazy train will leave you wanting more.
• Space Mountain – Ever been on an indoor roller coaster that is all in the dark? This space coaster makes you feel like your racing through space. This is one of Disney’s most popular rides. Make sure that you get your Speed Pass for this ride as line can be quite lengthy.
• Splash Mountain – I would not exactly call this one a roller coaster, but it sure has quite a drop. In fact, Disney takes pictures of you, as you go down the main hill of this log coaster. If you don’t like getting wet, then I would not set in the front seat. This ride is great for Florida’s Hot Summer days. As the ride proclaims, everyone has a laughing place.
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