Sea World Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay celebrate July 4th

This July 4th, SeaWorld Orlando will celebrate the stars and stripes with patriotic daytime fountains shows, the impressive firework spectacular Let Freedom Ring, an array of exhilarating nighttime animal shows including the all-new Shamu Rocks. Guests will have two opportunities to view Let Freedom Ring at 9:15 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
SeaWorld’s celebration kicks off throughout the day with a patriotic fountain show – a moving musical tribute to our nation’s military servicemen featuring music from all five military branches.
As the sun sets, SeaWorld celebrates our country’s heritage with the Let Freedom Ring fireworks spectacular featuring three giant projection screens illuminating some of the America’s greatest historical moments and symbols, all timed to stirring music and a patriotic narration.
Not to be left out of the festivities, SeaWorld’s favorite animals star in special nighttime shows boasting an all-new high-energy Shamu Rocks concert and a hilarious happenings as Clyde and Seamore present – Sea Lions Tonight.
BUSCH GARDENS’ PRESENTS TWO NIGHTS OF MUSIC, FOOD AND FIREWORKS In celebration of America’s birthday, Busch Gardens Africa will present live concerts and dazzling fireworks in Gwazi Park on July 3 and 4. The Guess Who present popular hits like “American Woman" and "These Eyes" on July 3. Then, Grand Funk Railroad rocks Independence Day with "We're an American Band," "Loco-motion" and more. Both concerts begin at 8:15 p.m., and following the show, Busch Gardens lights up the night with a spectacular fireworks display.
Now through August 19, the adventure park also presents nightly special entertainment, festive food and drink, and the opportunity to challenge thrilling coasters in the dark.
As the sun sets, SheiKra takes riders 200 feet up into the night sky for a breathtaking view of the Tampa Bay skyline… right before diving into the dark at a pulse-pounding 70 mph. And now, America’s first dive coaster introduces a new point of view with completely floorless cars: Nothing above you but sky. Nothing below you but earth. And nothing like you've ever experienced.
Concerts are included with any paid daily admission or annual pass. For details on all of Summer Nights special entertainment, visit www.buschgardens.com or call 1-888-800-5447.

I scream you scream, Shamu screams for ice cream

SeaWorld and Cold Stone Creamery Deliver Cool Treats in Honor of Newfound Partnership

Summer gets a whole lot sweeter as SeaWorld teams up with Cold Stone Creamery for a statewide tour to serve everyone’s favorite summer treat – ice cream. While on the road, the SeaWorld representatives will be spreading the word about SeaWorld’s newest additions -- five new family-friendly rides and shows -- while dishing out kiddie-sized helpings of Cold Stone’s coolest new SeaWorld-themed flavor, Shamu Swirl. The partnership also features SeaWorld-themed ice cream flavors to be served at nearly 80 Cold Stone locations across the state of Florida during the months of June and July.

Launching this summer, the tour will help Florida residents cool down with a premiere taste of the original Shamu Swirl flavor comprised of Cold Stone’s signature Sweet Cream ice cream, Oreo cookies, white chocolate chips, and a swirl of fudge. In addition to Shamu Swirl, Cold Stone is also releasing a fresh new flavor to the kid’s menu, Shamu’s Happy Harbor Kool-Aid Punch Krunch. The funky new flavor is a combination of Cold Stone’s Cotton Candy ice cream mixed with all-new Kool-Aid candy pieces.

Bringing out the kid in everyone, the new alliance has joined forces to create the ultimate ice cream indulgence -- a SeaWorld-themed ice cream truck filled with Shamu’s new signature flavors. Exuding legendary ice cream jingles and measuring roughly 19-feet long, eight-feet wide and nine-feet tall, the zany truck is bound to excite ice cream lovers throughout the state. The traveling truck will begin its journey in Orlando, trekking across the state with stops in Jacksonville, Tampa, Ocala, Ft. Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. You can spot the truck at city hot spots including local beaches, community centers, recreation centers, hotels, camps, parks and more.

Not only can the entire family enjoy Shamu Swirl ice cream this summer, but families can also enjoy a line-up of new adventures at SeaWorld including three new family rides at Shamu's Happy Harbor, an all-new Sesame Street stage show, character breakfast and meet and greet opportunities as well as a new high-energy nighttime spectacular, Shamu Rocks. Orlando Sea World

Corbin Bleu, star of Disney Channel original movies "High School Musical," "Jump In!"

New Attraction Comes to Florida and California in 2008

New Attraction Comes to Florida and California in 2008
It's the wondrous world of Woody the Cowboy, Buzz Lightyear and Green Army Men. And coming in 2008, guests of Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts get to ride and play inside an energy-filled toybox of fun with the debut on both coasts of "Toy Story Mania."
Celebrating the Disney-Pixar classics "Toy Story" and "Toy Story II," "Toy Story Mania" will take the interactive ride-game experience to exciting new heights. High-tech yet rooted in classic midway games of skill, "Toy Story Mania" will match the delightful characters of the films with games that best suit their very animated personalities.
Fun for the whole family, "Toy Story Mania" will immerse guests of Disney-MGM Studios and Disney's California Adventure into the "Toy Story" world as never before. Donning 3-D glasses, guests shrink to the size of a toy, and hop into fanciful ride vehicles that travel and twist along a colorful midway-themed route. Upon arriving at each game booth, they will aim for animated targets using their own special on-board "toy cannon."
As guests score points, they will be cheered on by favorite "Toy Story" friends like Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Hamm, Bo Peep and the Little Green Men. Hidden targets garner players extra points and lead to different levels of play. The energy of the characters, the competition with other riders and the hilarious, unpredictable game action make this a unique experience that families will want to try again and again.
The attraction features games that audiences of all ages and skills -- from beginner to serious gamer -- can enjoy. No matter how many times guests return to ride and play, they can be sure every ride-through will be different. Players pair up and sit side-by-side for a friendly competition that delivers an ever-changing variety of targets and surprises.
Orando Attractions

An Anniversary Rate to Celebrate

In honor of our 5 year anniversary, Gaylord Palms Resort is celebrating in a big way, and there's no better time to celebrate than Independence Week!
LOWEST RATE OF THE SEASON
... and FREE GOLF
Celebrate with a Florida resident rate of $139* during "Independence Week" (June 28 through July 7)
Enjoy a complimentary length-of-stay pass for golf at the on-site Coquina Dunes executive putting course, during "Independence Week."

*Rate is per room, per night, double occupancy in a Florida-view room, and requires a minimum two-night stay. Valid June 28 -- July 7, 2008 only. Rate does not include applicable taxes, parking or daily $10 resort fee. Rate includes unlimited play on the Coquina Dunes Executive Putting Course at Gaylord Palms Resort. Subject to availability. Not applicable to groups, or to existing reservations. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Rate is available only to Florida residents -- proof of residency in the form of a valid ID will be required at check-in.

More Reasons To Celebrate ...

SUMMER SPA TREATMENTS! Step into summer at Canyon Ranch SpaClub with this all-new seasonal spa package:

Cucumber Mint Sugar Scrub: refines and revitalizes the skin, increases micro-circulation and supplies nutrition to the skin

Cucumber Mint Pedicure: increases elasticity and improves the texture of the skin, infuses the skin with antioxidants & nutrients

Organic Anti-Aging Facial: assists in skin's natural regeneration process, targeting the signs of aging by calming and soothing irritations


The Step Into Summer package is $356.00 (plus tax and 18% service charge). Package elements can be purchased separately. For reservations, call (407) 586-4SPA. For more information on Canyon Ranch SpaClub, click here.

WORLD-CLASS DINING! For a truly unique dining experience, you won't even have to leave the resort. Old Hickory Steakhouse features 1855 Premium Black Angus beef, an award-winning wine list, and the area's only artisinal cheese course -- all in an eclectic setting. For the freshest seafood and infused rums you'll delight in our Key West style Sunset Sam's Fish Camp. For more casual dining, Villa de Flora serves up Mediterranean fare in an open air atmosphere; and our H2 O Sports Bar & Grill is the perfect place to grab a burger and watch the game.

THEME PARK THRILLS! Enjoy complimentary shuttle service to area theme parks. Experience what's new, including "Believe" at SeaWorld Orlando, "Finding Nemo -- The Musical" at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and "Blue Man Group" at Universal Orlando. In addition, Orlando theme parks feature some of the brightest and most innovative holiday pyrotechnic displays in the nation! Orlando Reservations

Busch Gradens drops the floor on Sheikra

Two years ago, Busch Gardens Africa introduced the world to a one-of-a-kind experience: 200 feet up, 90 degrees straight down. And that was just the beginning.
On June 16, the adventure park will reintroduce SheiKra to the world with a new twist: “floorless” cars that allow riders an unobstructed view and a new level of adrenaline rush.
Mechanically, SheiKra’s track will remain unchanged, with its combination of drops, inversions and a water feature finale. Psychologically, though, the effect of the floorless cars will be intense: SheiKra’s cars will continue to seat eight passengers across, three rows deep, but riders will no longer be able to brace themselves for Florida’s No. 1 thrill ride against the floor of the car. With the front rail gone, passengers in the first row, especially, will be completely exposed as they come over the crest of SheiKra’s signature 200-foot, 90-degree plunge. Orlando Attractions

Bhutan, Land of enchanting beauty

Finished your tour to Sikkim? Don’t go back home, Bhutan is waiting for you. It is not too far from Sikkim and one of the places very few people has visited. But the unknown beauty of Bhutan in the roof of Himalaya is waiting for you. Whether you want to get the feel of trekking through the valleys or simply mingling with the people of Bhutan in the picturesque village with rich paddy field and mud houses, Bhutan has to offer something to everyone. So don’t wait any more and visit this small but natural beauty in between the tow most populous country India and China. For booking and other info visit Bhutan travel.

Summer sizzles for Sea World at night

All summer through Labor Day weekend, SeaWorld Orlando becomes a whole new park after dark with sizzling nighttime shows – a Shamu Rocks concert, Blue Horizons under the stars, and hilarious happenings as Clyde and Seamore present – Sea Lions Tonight.
Driven by an urban beat and colossal effects, Shamu Rocks is a rock n’ roll concert of unprecedented proportions combining improvisational movements of killer whales with music remixed by some of the hottest rock stars in the industry including Savage Garden, Cold Play, Jennifer Lopez, Rascal Flats and Shakira.
The sensational extravagance of Blue Horizons dazzles in the dark with an all-new theatrical lighting system while hilarious summer night hijinks ensue during Clyde and Seamore Present - Sea Lions Tonight.
The largest finale in the park's history -- Mistify -- immerses guests in a vivid underwater adventure that encompasses both sea and sky. Attractions in Orlando

Night comes alive at Discovery Cove with Twilight Discovery

Guests can experience Discovery Cove at night during Twilight Discovery - an all-inclusive evening package that brings Discovery Cove’s intimacy to an extraordinary level for 150 people a night. This exclusive package features sunset animal interactions, sumptuous island feasts and live Caribbean-style entertainment in a tropical setting. Twilight Discovery will be offered 3-9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday evenings May 29 through August 31, 2007. Twilight Discovery admission is $259 plus tax for dolphin wade and $159 plus tax for non-dolphin admission. Orlando Sea World Packages

Florida Castle gets a 7 million dollar renovation makeover.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Kissimmee announced, in January 2006, that it would be making major changes with a multi-million dollar renovation to the original castle in Kissimmee, Florida. The castle was first opened in December 1983 and was the first venue for Medieval Entertainment, Inc. which now operates nine castles across North America.

In early April 2006 the first phase of construction was completed. This phase included a new courtyard and a 38 foot video display sign at the entrance to the property. Late July saw the second phase completed which was in the main waiting area. The King’s Hall was opened which has expanded the waiting area by close to 4,000 square feet

Starting in December guests were welcomed into the castle through the new ticketing building complete with a new drawbridge and moat. To light the way, seven foot gas torches have been added to the front of the towers of the castle. The back of the house was not forgotten during all the renovations. A completely new “state of the art” kitchen started serving dinner in late November.

The last phase of the project completed in April 2007 and directs guests into the ceremonial arena for the dinner & show from the lower level. Orlando Attractions

Preschool Palooza’ Featuring Dan Zanes, Doodlebops, Johnny and the Sprites Returns During Little Ones Travel Time Aug. 26-Oct. 28

Beloved children's musician and Grammy Award winner Dan Zanes and Friends will be part of the lineup that gets kids bopping and singing when Playhouse Disney in Concert returns during Little Ones Travel Time beginning in late August -- after the busy summer vacation season -- at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Doodlebops and Johnny and the Sprites are also part of the concert series featuring a total of eight acts during Little Ones Travel Time Aug. 26-Oct. 28, 2007. The concerts will be presented each Thursday through Sunday during the expanded nine-week travel season.
Created for young families traveling to Disney with preschoolers and toddlers, Little Ones Travel Time also offers a resort package, targeted on-line planning tools and other services.
A special package for vacations between Aug. 26 and Sept. 22, 2007, offers a Free Disney Dining Plan. Packages include a five-day, four-night stay at select Disney value resorts, "Magic Your Way" theme park tickets and free Disney Dining plan (one table-service meal, one quick-service meal, one snack per day). Packages begin at $993 for two adults and one child aged 3-9. A second child aged 3-9 costs an additional $182. The package must be booked by June 24, 2007.
During Little Ones Travel Time, Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom opens an hour early on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays for Disney resort guests and their youngsters to explore softer attractions such as "it's a small world," Mad Tea Party, Peter Pan's Flight and Pooh's Playful Spot playground. During this bonus hour, wee ones can play ball with Goofy, enjoy "Peter Says" with Peter Pan, participate in other games and activities and even experience classic Fantasyland attractions with characters.
Some new Magic Kingdom fun is coming in September with the opening of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique inside Cinderella Castle. Little girls can step into their favorite fairytale and become a princess with fancy hairstyles, glittery makeup, sparkly nails and regal costume makeovers. Reservations for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique can be made by calling 407/WDW-STYLE.
Playhouse Disney in Concert will showcase zany performances with entertainment for the preschool set, presented by Huggies and Pull-Ups brands. Youngsters can dance and sing along with Disney Channel favorites The Doodlebops; Johnny and the Sprites, featuring Johnny Tartaglia; Imagination Movers; and Dan Zanes and friends -- all scheduled to appear during the nine-week travel time.
Performers scheduled to appear:Aug. 30-Sept. 2 - Imagination MoversSept. 6-9 - The DoodlebopsSept. 13-16 -Playhouse Disney Live on TourSept. 20-23 - Imagination MoversSept. 27-30 - Choo Choo SoulOct. 4-7 - Choo Choo SoulOct. 11-14 - TBDOct. 18-21 - Johnny and the Sprites Oct. 25-28 - Dan Zanes and friends
Performance times and venues will follow. For more information, contact 407/W-DISNEY.
Traveling with preschoolers takes patience and preparation. Disney's on-line planning tools, a new Magical Beginnings guide map highlighting age-appropriate attractions, hassle-reducing services and booking tips make navigating the parks easier than ever.
Guests traveling by air on domestic flights don't need to worry about lugging their luggage through the airport. With the innovative and complimentary Disney's Magical Express, guests check their bags at their hometown airport, bypass baggage claim at Orlando International Airport and are magically whisked to all the Disney fun while their bags are delivered to their Disney resort. The Disney magic even extends to the trip home for guests flying on many major airlines as guests can check their bags and get their boarding passes right at their Disney resort hotel.
The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Savings are based on the non-discounted price for the same package. Child rate applies only when occupying room with an adult. Tickets are for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply. This offer excludes alcoholic beverages. Children ages 3-9 must choose from a children's menu when available. Orlando Hotels Orlando Vacation Homes

Islands of Adventure

HYDRO-ACTION SKI SHOW
Throughout the day, June 15 – August 18 at Islands of Adventure
World-class athletes will amaze guests this summer as they turn the lagoon at Islands of Adventure into a water-filled playground. Wake boarders, water skiiers, high-speed boats and jet skis will rip through the water and fly through the air as they perform exhilarating stunts designed to thrill spectators. Show emcees will engage the crowd with high-energy music and commentary. The show will run continuously throughout the day and can be viewed from various locations around the lagoon. Islands of Adventure

Disney Parks ‘Year of a Million Dreams’ Celebration Fun Facts

During "The Year of a Million Dreams," more than one million very special dreams are being awarded to guests at Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida as part of the Disney Dreams Giveaway.
Since the Oct. 1, 2006, launch of "The Year of a Million Dreams," dreams have been awarded to theme park guests visiting from as far away as Glenrothes, Scotland, or as close as Mickey Mouse's "backyards" of Central Florida and Southern California. Dreams are awarded every day at Disney Parks and Downtown Disney locations in the U.S.
Presented in random, surprise fashion by Disney's Dream Squad, Disney Dreams have come in all shapes and sizes so far, including a night in the Cinderella Castle Suite, Dreams FASTPASS badges, admission to special sold-out Disney Parks events, 14-night sailings aboard Disney Cruise Line, $500 Disney Parks shopping sprees and more.
Following are a few fun facts (* refers to prizes valued at $25 or more):
Total number of Dreams given away: 618,915 and counting!
*Most-awarded prizes (valued at more than $25): Overnight stays in the Mickey Mouse Penthouse at Disneyland and Cinderella Castle Suite at Magic Kingdom
*Dreams winner from farthest away: Steven Brannican from Glenrothes, Scotland, won Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets at Magic Kingdom
*State with the most overall Dreams winners: California
*U.S. cities with the most overall Dreams winners: Las Vegas, NV; Mesa, AZ; Phoenix, AZ; San Jose, CA (tied at four each)
*Cities (outside the U.S.) with the most overall Dreams winners: Calgary, British Columbia; Coquitlam, British Columbia (tied at three each)
*Country (outside the U.S.) with the most overall Dreams winners: Canada
State with the most Cinderella Castle Suite winners: Florida
Country (outside the U.S.) with the most Cinderella Castle Suite winners: Canada
Total number of Cinderella Castle Suite overnight guests: 470
State with the most Mickey Mouse Penthouse winners: California
Country (outside the U.S.) with the most Mickey Mouse Penthouse winners: Canada
*Most common first name of winners: David
Biggest single group to win a Dreams giveaway: 100 (Dreams FASTPASSES; multiple giveaways)
Total number of Dreams mouse ears given away: 124,125
Total number of Dreams FASTPASS badges given away: 248,476
Total number of Dreams pin and lanyard sets given away: 208,576
Current number of Walt Disney World Dream Squad members: approximately 80
Total number of Walt Disney World Dream Squad members to date: approximately 120
And there's plenty more dreaming still left for eligible guests and mail-in participants selected through a random process as part of the unique Disney Dreams Giveaway. Whether it's a Dreams FASTPASS badge, Disney Vacation Club membership, magical journeys to Italy and Costa Rica courtesy of Adventures by Disney, or becoming grand marshal for parades at every Disney theme park around the globe (a 14-day, whirlwind dream journey valued at more than $45,000), hundreds of thousands of additional dreams will be awarded by the Disney Dream Squad throughout the year. Orlando Vacation Packages

Star Wars fans of all ages are invited to Star Wars Weekends every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June 1-24

JEDIS, EWOKS & DROIDS, OH MY!: Star Wars fans of all ages are invited to Star Wars Weekends every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June 1-24, 2007. Leon Rimondi, age 4, gets into the event spirit, dressed as a Clonetrooper. Star Wars Weekends activities are included with admission to the theme park. This summer marks the 30th anniversary of the very first Star Wars film. (Mark Ashman, photographer) Click here for Orlando Vacation Packages