When you first enter the park, or before you even get there actually, you are greeted by what some call the giant golf ball. This is Spaceship Earth. Inside this attraction you will be taken on a journey through over 40,000 years of history. You’ll see prehistoric man, ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire as well as how we might be living and communicating in the not so distant future. It’s a great way to kick off the day. I have a list of things that you “must” do in this park just like I have for the others. Since the rides at Epcot are limited, there are usually long lines. Taking advantage of the Fast Pass feature is a must if you’re going to get on the rides on my list. We’ll start with Soarin’ which is located in The Land. Soarin’ takes you on a hang-glider flight over California. You’ll fly over the Golden Gate Bridge, Malibu, LA and more. Not only do you get to “see” these wonderful sites you will also smell orange groves and the ocean! Oh, and be sure and look for the Hidden Mickey on the golf ball as you fly over a popular golf course. Since you’re going to be in the area, hop on over to The Seas to check out the 5.7 million gallon aquarium filled with every fish and mammal you can imagine! If you have kids, The Seas with Nemo and Friends as well as Turtle Talk with Crush are a must here as well. Keep in mind, these are just my favorites. There are so many more things to do in The Land and The Sea areas of Epcot. Be sure and check your map for additional attractions.

Let’s cruise over to the other side of the park to Future World. The big two attractions here are Test Track and Mission Space. Again, use the Fast Passes for these rides. Test Track takes you on a trip through the world of automotive testing where you see how a car goes through the safety and quality tests that General Motors performs on every prototype it manufactures. At the end you’ll be sent on a high-speed run around the track to make sure your car is performing correctly so hold on to your hats! To keep the adrenaline flowing, go over to Mission Space next. Mission Space has two options, the full force version where you feel all the G-Forces of space travel or the more calm version that takes you on the same journey only without the G-Forces. If you have ever wanted to feel what it’s like to be an astronaut then this is the ride for you! My advice to you is to choose wisely when deciding which version of the ride to experience. The G-Forces are pretty intense so if you have any health issues or just aren’t sure, take the calmer version. After these two rides you’ll be ready for some relaxation for sure! There are a number of shops to stroll through in the middle of the park as well as some relaxing rides such as Ellen’s Energy Adventure, Journey Into Imagination with Figment, and Living With The Land. All of these will allow you to sit and be slowly transported through and educational and entertaining experience.

Your final stop will be the World Showcase. Here you will be immersed in the cultures of the world! You will visit Canada, Mexico, China, Germany, France, Japan, Italy and more. You will be able to taste the foods, the people and the cultures of the countries without having to deal with jet lag! Just this area alone will take more than a day to full enjoy so if you have more time during your stay at the Walt Disney World Resort, plan on coming back to Epcot so you don’t miss anything. At the end of the day, stay in the World Showcase area to enjoy IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. This is the perfect way to end your day at Epcot. It’s an amazing show filled with pyrotechnics, lasers, fire and fountains on World Showcase Lagoon. There are some choice spots to watch the show. If you can get a table at the Rose and Crown Pub in England outside, this will provide you with a great seat. You might want to make reservations. If you can’t get in there, go over to Italy and find a seat on the water. Either place will give you a great view.

You’ll do a lot of walking in Epcot so be sure and make time for breaks. Tasting the wonderful foods in the different coutries is a great way to relax and take a break. I could keep going with more exciting things to do in Epcot but we’d be here all day if I did! This is just a quick overview of the many wonderful things you will see in this park. As I mentioned earlier, be sure and check your map for more attractions. I hope you have enjoyed our little trip as much as I have. We’ll take another walk through a Disney World park real soon. If you have any questions or would like to book your family trip to the Walt Disney World Resort please give us a call. Remember, we don’t charge any fees, our services are totally free! We’ll talk to you soon!

When you enter the park you will be in the Oasis of the Animal Kingdom. This is where you will begin your journey. You will most likely see anteaters, exotic boars, macaws, and a few other amazing animals. Cast members are also in this area holding small cages containing things like big hairy spiders!

From here you can go to your left or the right and enter Discovery Island. The first thing you will see is the amazingly huge Tree of Life. Under the Tree of Life you can see the hilarious 3-D show, It’s Tough to be a Bug. Kids and adult alike really enjoy this. Lots of surprises in this show so stay on your toes! Surrounding the Tree of Life there is an entire landscape of beautiful things to see. Galapagos tortoises, lemurs, cotton-top tamarins and a host of exotic plants and flowers.

Our next stop is always Africa. The big attraction here is the Kilimanjaro Safari. This is an open-air safari vehicle ride that takes you on an expedition through the African savannah. Get your camera ready because you’re about to get a close-up look at giraffe, gazelles, elephants, rhinos, lions, and more that are roaming freely in their natural habitat. It’s truly an amazing experience. You might want to get a Fast Pass when you come off the ride so you can do it again later. The best times to do this are in the morning and in the evening when the animals are being fed. In the middle of the day they are likely to be napping and not so active. After this, head over to the Pangani Forest and Exploration Trail to see all kinds of birds, fish, gorillas and an underwater hippo viewing area.

One thing that a lot of people miss, and we forget about at times, is Rafiki’s Planet Watch. You’ll hop on a train for this one and be taken to see where the animals are cared for when they need medical attention or just to get a check-up. It’s really amazing! There is even a petting station here so the kids can pet some rare animals.

And last but certainly not least, we head into Asia. One of the most amazing things for me to do here is to ride Expedition Everest. This is a roller coaster ride you will never forget! But there is so much more here. Flights of Wonder is a normal stop for us. This is a bird show in an outdoor setting that you will really enjoy! There is also the Maharajah Jungle Trek. The highlight of this area are the tigers! You can get pretty close to them and they love posing for pictures….when they are not sleeping that is. If you have cats you know their favorite thing to do is sleep. So you have to catch them at just the right time when they are awake and playing. If you’re really hot you might want to hop on the Kali River Rapids. I have to warn you though, you WILL get SOAKED on this ride. Not just a little damp, SOAKED!

There are also a variety of wonderful shows to see in the Animal Kingdom like Finding Nemo – The Musical, and of course there are parades as well. Oh! And if the little ones get bored with all the animals, there is a special place just for them called Dino Land. It’s got lots of great rides for the kids and for adults as well so be sure and check that out while you’re there.

Whew! I don’t know about you but I’m tired! That’s just a quick trip through the Animal Kingdom. There are many more things to do and see there as well as plenty of places to shop and grab some lunch or dinner. I hope you have enjoyed the trip and we’ll take another walk through a Disney World park real soon. If you have any questions or would like to book your family trip to the Walt Disney World Resort please give us a call. Remember, we don’t charge any fees, our services are totally free! We’ll talk to you soon!

Once I get through the ticket turn-style I like to grab a show listing to see what times we can see Indian Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and the Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Shows. There are of course several others you may want to consider; Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, Fantasmic, and the American Idol Experience. Once I get a look at the show times my first stop is going to be the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith to get my adrenalin pumping ride for the morning. If the line is already a little long I will grab a FastPass and come back later. On my way out, if I get to ride right away, I’ll grab a FastPass so I can ride again later. And since it’s right next door, I’ll cruise over to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and get a good scare to start the day.

Once my blood is pumping from those rides I like to calm things down a bit and go to the Great Movie Ride. This is a nice slow ride through your favorite Hollywood movies from the past along with a few surprises. Once we get done with that we head down the street to grab a FastPass for Toy Story Mania. This is a really cool game type ride. The line is ALWAYS at least 50 to 90 minutes long so the FastPass is the only way to go. If you want to skip the adrenaline rush for a second, go here first and get your FastPass to ensure you’ll get to try it out. Next stop is the Studio Backlot Tour, always a lot of fun and this too has some surprises you will enjoy. Here’s a hint, when you get on the tram for this tour sit on the left side of the tram-car. You’ll see why once you do it.

Getting a little hungry at this point? There are 3 places I highly recommend for food stops. Number one on the list would have to be Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. Get the flat-bread pizza! You won’t be disappointed. If you want to have some fun while you eat, check out the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. And last but not least, the 50′s Prime Time Cafe is a lot of fun and has great food as well. Don’t put your elbows on the table though, Mom is nearby and will teach you some manners! All of these places will require reservations so be sure and do that before you head to the parks. Just call (407) 939-3463 and check availability.

The last two places on my list of “must do” attractions are Muppet Vision 3-D and Star Tours. If you’re a Muppets or Star Wars fan, these two will not be a disappointment.

As I mentioned, this is just a walk around the park hitting the attractions and shows I think should be on your top list of things to do. There is so much more to do at Disney’s Hollywood Studios but if you get this list of things out-of-the-way, you will have plenty of time to roam around and hit the other attractions. If you have any questions please feel free to shoot me an email or give us a call! If you would like information on booking a Disney vacation or Cruise we’d be happy to help you book your trip. We do not charge any fees for booking or quotes. We’re here to help you make your Disney experience the best it can be. We’ll talk to you soon!

We are in the business of providing a valuable service to you, our clients.  We also have a wealth of information that you don’t have or can’t easily obtain that enhances your travel experience. If you just wants to book a flight, you can do on your own. In fact, I highly recommened to all of my clients that they do just that. It saves them money in the long run. But if you wants to know which Disney resort or Cruise is best for you or which one can best deal with your special needs, this is where my expertise comes in handy and will help you get exactly what you’re looking for.

I had a client call me the other day inquiring about a Disney World vacation they wanted to take for the holidays. Before she even began to ask me questions she said, “this isn’t going to obligate me to anything is it?” My answer of course was no but I wanted to know why she asked. She informed me that other travel consultants she had spoken to informed her that to answer questions and to get a quote would cost her at least $100. I was pleased to let her know that Magical Resorts Travel does NOT charge a fee for our services. We are paid a commission directly from Disney. The cost we give you is the same cost you will find on their website but, we give you that personalized service and will be there for you throughout your entire vacation should you have questions or need help with anything.

We will sit down with you and go over all of your travel documents and explain all of the features that come with your Disney vacation package. We also provide you with a personalized package that contains tips and tricks about the Disney parks and resorts, maps, event calendars and much more. AND, as a special thank you for booking with us, we will give you a Disney Gift Card worth up to $50 that you can use to buy souveniers while you’re there. You won’t get that from a “big box” travel website. So before you try planning your Disney vacation on your own, give us a call and let us show you what it’s like to let someone else do the work so all you have to do is show up at the resort and start having fun. I promise you won’t be disappointed. I look forward to talking to you soon!

Wild Africa Trek – Join the ultimate animal adventure! Journey deep into Pangani Forest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on a thrilling, privately guided expedition featuring close encounters with exotic wildlife species. Get closer than you ever dreamed possible to Nile crocodiles and massive hippos. Venture on to a VIP safari across an open savanna teeming with native African creatures!

Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage – Sail the Seven Seas Lagoon on a voyage that comes alive with boisterous song, swashbuckling tales of adventure, fearsome Never Land pirates and dazzling fireworks off the starboard bow!

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – a beauty salon where little girls are magically transformed into little princesses at 2 locations: World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney Area and Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom theme park.

Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour - this Disney extra highlights the fascinating history of Walt Disney World Resort and provides backstage access to secret areas of Magic Kingdom theme park.

The Around the World at Epcot tour – allows Guests the unique opportunity to see the wonders of World Showcase while riding aboard a technologically advanced gyroscopically stabilized 2-wheel Segway Personal Transporter. Beginners are welcome—the outdoor tour includes training and safety equipment.

If you want to see the full list of behind the scenes tours and more, click here. And when you’re ready to book your Disney vacation be sure and call us. Remember, our services are free plus we offer Disney gift cards worth up to $50 for booking with us. We’ll talk to you soon!

The attraction/ride is called “The Sum of all Thrills” and it is located in Innoventions right next to the Electric Umbrella, across from Spaceship Earth. This area contains 4 robotic arms that take you on a thrill ride that you create. After a very short wait in line you will enter a room with 6 other people where you will learn how to create your own ride experience. After your training movie, you enter the main area where you use a touch screen tablet to create your ride. You can program a roller coaster ride, a bobsled ride or a jet fighter ride. We chose the jet fighter ride. All I can say is, WOW! This was truly an amazing experience that you really need to try.

The entire attraction is sponsored by Raytheon, a well known engineering firm. They have done a marvelous job working with Disney to create this attraction. I highly recommend giving it a try. There are height restrictions naturally and other warnings for folks with health issues but it’s a very smooth ride that makes you feel like you’re really in a jet fighter. Minus the “G” forces of course. The entire ride lasts about 2 minutes or so according to what you program so it’s short but worth every second. My daughter has tried the roller coaster program and says the jet fighter is much more intense and fun. It appears that the bobsled program would be the more tame experience. Regardless, this is one attraction that you have to add to your “must do” list at Epcot.

When you’re ready to begin planning your Disney trip, be it in California, Orlando, a Disney Cruise, or any of the other Disney Resorts around the world, give us a call and take advantage of our free booking services. We are also offering Disney Gift Cards worth up to $50 for booking with us. Call us and we’ll help you plan that magical vacation you have been dreaming of. Talk to you soon!

If you don’t stay on property at the Walt Disney World Resort you will have to have a car to go from park to park. And the cost to park at each of the theme parks is $14.00. Now, if you stay on property you have transportation built in FREE! There are many options when it comes to getting around from park to park. Depending on which theme park you are at you have the choice of using a Disney bus, the monorail, boats, or you can walk between some of the parks. Not only will you save money using Disney transportation but you’ll save yourself a lot of aggravation. You don’t have to worry about directions to get from park to park, and that alone will save you time and money. You’re on vacation, let Disney do the driving for you and enjoy your time at the Happiest Place on Earth! The other way you will save money by staying on property is with tickets and meals. Buying your tickets in a package is much cheaper than buying them on your own. Not to mention the fact it’s a lot easier. Plus, staying on property gives you the option to purchase a dining plan so you won’t have to worry about paying for meals!

So when you’re ready to start planning your Disney vacation, give me a call and let me show you how staying on property will save you time and money allowing you to enjoy your vacation without having to worry about other things. Have a magical day and I’ll talk to you soon!

One of the most exciting additions this year will be new marketplaces including Hawaii, the Caribbean islands and Portugal. Craisins will present a new Cranberry Bog display detailing the history of the cranberry. The Odyssey Lounge will open for guests, giving them a place to use computers for games or the Internet, as well as charging stations for electronic devices. Cocktails, beer and wine will also be available here.

And below, as you can see, there will be no shortage of amazing musical talent. And there will be plenty of celebrity chefs to enjoy. Just some of the chefs that will be there this year include Jeff Henderson, Cat Cora, Jamie Deen, and Rock Harper.

Popular events the First Bites Opening Reception, Kitchen Memories, the Mixology Seminar, 3D Disney Dessert Discovery and the Party for the Senses will also return.

The festival will be from September 30 – November 13, 2011

Musical Entertainment

Taylor Dayne “Tell It to My Heart” – Sept. 30 – Oct. 2

38 Special “Hold on Loosely” – Oct. 3 – Oct. 5

Jon Secada “Just Another Day” – Oct. 6 – Oct. 7

Roger Hodgson formerly of Supertramp “Give A Little Bit” – Oct. 8 – Oct. 9

Billy Ocean “Caribbean Queen” – Oct. 10 – Oct. 12

Starship starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City” – Oct. 13 – Oct. 16

Sugar Ray “Fly” – Oct. 17 – Oct. 19

New! The Orchestra “Don’t Bring Me Down” – Oct. 20 – Oct. 21

Howard Jones “No One Is To Blame” – Oct. 22 – Oct. 23

Boyz II Men “End of the Road” – Oct. 24 – Oct. 26

New! Gin Blossoms “Hey Jealousy” – Oct. 27 – Oct. 28

Sister Hazel “All For You” – Oct. 29 – Oct. 30

Hanson “MMMBop” – Oct. 31 – Nov. 1

New! Pointer Sisters “He’s So Shy” – Nov. 2 – Nov. 3

Night Ranger “Sister Christian” – Nov. 4 – Nov. 6

Air Supply “Lost in Love” – Nov. 7 – Nov. 8

New! Richard Marx “Right Here Waiting” – Nov. 9 – Nov. 10

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy “Go Daddy-O” – Nov. 11 – Nov. 13

Walt Disney World
Memories Vacation Package Plus Free Dine

This offer is available if you book your vacation now through August 27th, 2011. When you have us book the Memories Vacation Package for 5 nights and 6 days at select Disney Moderate, Disney Deluxe or Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts at the Walt Disney World® Resort and arrive most dates from August 28 – September 24 you will get the Disney Dining Plan FREE!

This package includes: Accommodations, Magic Your Way Base Ticket for each member of the traveling party and a one 20-page Disney’s PhotoPass® Photo Book. There are also great airfare prices available on AirTran Airways when you include air in this Memories Vacation Package Plus Free Dine for travel on select dates. To take advantage of this offer you must book your trip between now and August 27, 2011 and your stay at Walt Disney World must be between August 28 and September 24, 2011.

Disneyland
Disney’s FASTPASS Summer Offer

When you check in at one of the three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort from June 3 to September 5, 2011, you will receive two Disney’s FASTPASS® tickets for each person in your party per stay.

Combined with valid theme park admission, it’s a great way to experience Disney Soundsational Summer, whether you go under the sea to experience the all-new “The Little Mermaid~Ariel’s Undersea Adventure” at Disney California Adventure™ Park, or find out where the Force will take them – in 3-D for the first time – onboard “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” at Disneyland Park.

Disney Cruise Lines
U.S. Military & Florida Residents Sail and Save

U.S. Military Personnel and Florida Residents can experience a magical Disney cruise vacation for less. Embark on an unforgettable cruise to the Bahamas and Caribbean on select dates and take advantage of special savings – available for a limited time only.

Military Rates – Special military rates are offered for Active and Retired members of the US Armed Forces Personnel in the following branches. Activated members of the U.S. National Guard or the U.S. Army Reserve must also show active duty orders. Active duty papers must be dated as of January 1st of the previous year to qualify. Here is who qualifies for this special deal:

Air Force, Marines, Army (including Army National Guard), Navy, Coast Guard, Reservists (for all branches listed above), 100% Permanently Disabled Veterans, Department of Defense, which includes: FBI, CIA, National Security Agency (this does not include Homeland Security), Secret Service, Family members classified as ‘active deceased’, NASA Kennedy Space Center, NASA Johnson Space Center, Department of Health and Human Services. The active or retired military personnel must travel in order to receive this offer.

And those are the current specials available to you and your family. These change from time to time so when you call, be sure to ask us if there are any new specials available. We look forward to helping you book and plan your Disney vacation! Remember, we do not charge any fees for our services. We’ll talk to you soon!