Fantasmic! within Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World during Winter in High Definition (HD) & Point of View of Fantasmic!

Source: YouTube

The Contemporary Resort has the Monorail going right through the lobby. The Grand Floridian is posh and stylish. The Wilderness Lodge is rustic and outdoors like. If you like the South Seas the Polynesian has the best of Hawaii and Polynesia. For that feeling of being in Africa, the Animal Kingdom Lodge can’t be beat.

Each of these resorts is a multi-million dollar themed experience to die for. The trouble with most of these resorts is that they cost a fortune to stay at, if you can even get a room. Prices can range from $250 to $600 a night for a standard room. Granted these are the best resorts Disney has. One of the problems with these resorts, or any hotel for that matter, is the lack of space you find in your room. It’s a hotel after all. Typical hotel rooms have no more than 500 to 800 sq ft. and two beds. If you have more than 3 children it becomes a challenge. You either must book another room or an expensive suite.

Here’s the little secret. Private owners have second vacation homes close by Disney World only a short distance from the entrance. These homes are just like a normal home and have bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, garage, and everything a typical home would have. You can rent these home just like you rent a hotel room and, they are a lot cheaper than the Disney World resort hotels. Homes generally rent from $100 to $300 a night and many have a private pool.

Still want to stay at a favorite Disney Resort? Here’s a trick. Book just 1 or 2 days at your favorite resort and experience the resort to its fullest. Book a vacation home for the rest of your vacation and save money. I’m willing to bet that you’ll love the Disney Resort, but feel more at home in the vacation home.

If you have a group larger than four people, you’ll really enjoy the space a vacation home gives you. Usually you’ll have 3 or 4 bedrooms. Children can play outside near the pool or watch TV in the living room. You can cook your own food and not only eat healthier, but also save money on meals.

The biggest disadvantage that vacation homes have is something that Disney has a monopoly on. That is the luxury of having the monorail come right to your hotel. With a vacation home you must rent a car and drive a bit, but the savings and the extra space are worth it.

Next time you go to Walt Disney World try a vacation home. I think you’ll enjoy the experience.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hotels-articles/beating-disney-world-hotels-the-secret-savvy-travelers-know-14135.html

About the Author

Scott Ames owns a vacation home near Walt Disney World and has been going to Disney Theme parks since 1971. His vacation home is for rent by the week and more information can be found at:
http://www.orlandogatherings.com

What about the cost of a Disney cruise?

The Disney cruise allows you to keep your wallet inside your trousers, most things included in its all inclusive Disney cruise package. Cruising can be an affordable travel alternative; a Disney cruise is a fun way for your and your family to either separate or congregate. A Disney cruise package can be far less then some cruises and they will go out of their way to take care of anyone’s needs.

What kinds of activities are available on a Disney cruise vacation?

Suffice it to say, you’re going to experience some incredible onboard activities. As you’d expect from Disney, families will find special facilities and activities with the Disney Cruise Line, all beautifully executed and played out in precision. One of the best highlights of any Disney Cruise is the exciting day spent on Disney’s own private island paradise, Castaway Cay. Get out and stretch your legs and go for a swim on this beautiful mini island paradise. You can choose from a variety of activities for all ages at Castaway Cay to add to your Disney Cruise Line vacation fun. Having their own private island puts Disney a step ahead of Carnival cruise line.

What about all that disney vacation cruise food?

One thing that brings many folks to a cruise is the quality and quantity of the food. It’s hard to keep your waistline after sampling all the cruise line has to offer from their kitchens. The food is plentiful and diverse and staff is friendly. With food and drinks abundant and overflowing, along with being available 24/7, you can have a glutenous experience.

The Disney cruise is an amazing cruise to experience, and even an amazing all around vacation. The cruise vacation is great for all members of your family and worth looking into. The Disney Cruise is, by far, a vacation experience for young and old to enjoy and have a boat load of fun.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/the-disney-cruise-vacation-the-inside-information-on-all-the-fun-127436.html

About the Author

Womanly Advice provides information and articles for women. Topics ranging from cruise vacations to bathroom remodeling, to even online dating are covered. Stop by and enjoy what WomanlyAdvice.com has to offer for the community of women on the Internet.

Envisioning EPCOT

EPCOT, which is an acronym that stands for, “Experimental Prototype Community (or sometimes City) Of Tomorrow”, was originally conceived by Walt Disney during the 1960′s while he was developing plans for Walt Disney World in Florida. The EPCOT idea existed even before the plans for the Florida location were set in stone, and was based upon the amount of experience that Disney’s “Imagineers” had acquired in building construction and advanced concept designs. Disney imagined EPCOT to be a thriving community with up to 20,000 residents, where shopping, schools, civil services, and all of the residents’ needs would be more or less self-contained within the community itself.

The EPCOT city was to be designed as a radial community, with shopping and commerce being centrally located. Beyond that, the schools and civil services that the residents would need would make up the second ring (and would thus be closer to the residents themselves.) The outermost ring would be made up of the residential sector, and those living there would have the advantage of being the same distance from everything that they would need (as opposed to the sprawl that is encountered in modern cities.) Disney envisioned EPCOT as a city that would never be completed, as new technology and innovation would keep improving the designs and the lives of all who lived there.

A Change of Plans

The board of directors however did not like the idea of Disney opening a city with no central attractions, and though Walt Disney was opposed to the idea of making a “sequel” theme park to Disneyland he eventually relented and allowed the construction of the Magic Kingdom to be planned for the Florida property. He still expected to make EPCOT a reality, though he passed away before the city of his dreams could be built.

Not wanting to be responsible for a full-fledged city, the board of directors refused to continue with the plans for EPCOT (though they did allow Walt Disney’s brother, Roy, to complete the Magic Kingdom.) Several of the ideas which had been created for EPCOT were included in the final design of Walt Disney World, including some of the unique solutions that the park employed for transportation and its water and electrical supplies.

EPCOT Center Opens

E. Cardon Walker, the CEO of Disney at the time, decided in the late 1970′s that he wanted to revisit the EPCOT theme. The board of directors still did not like the idea, and Walker himself agreed with them that the idea wouldn’t work the way that Walt Disney had originally designed it. A compromise was eventually reached which would enable some of the concepts of the original plan to survive without the need for a full-fledged city to be built. The new design would come to be known as the EPCOT Center, and would showcase the innovative ideas that Disney had prized before his death in a manner similar to the presentations at a World’s Fair.

EPCOT Center opened in late 1982, with a short speech by Walker paying tribute to both Walt Disney’s innovative ideal for EPCOT and the wonder that Disney had hoped that EPCOT would present to the world. Keeping with the radial design of Disney’s original plan, the centerpiece of EPCOT Center was a giant sphere known as Spaceship Earth.

Epcot Today

Though the name of Epcot has changed a few times over the years (first to “Epcot ’94″, then “Epcot ‘95″, and finally just “Epcot”), it still stands as a representation of the best that humanity can strive for. The entire park is dedicated to themes of diversity and peace in a futuristic setting, and contains amazing displays and technological innovations which can leave audiences full of wonder. The park is divided into several sections, including Future World and the World Showcase. Future World is the location of Spaceship Earth, Mission: SPACE, and other innovation and exploration themed attractions. In addition to Future World, the World Showcase features pavilions that represent 11 different countries and the 13-minute fireworks show at closing time known as IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Epcot also features international events annually, including food, flower, and holiday showcases.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/a-brief-history-of-disney-worlds-epcot-center-297373.html

About the Author

Craig Elliott is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to vacations and the travel industry such as Walt Disney World | Disney Vacation

There are various travel agencies who offer affordable vacation packages that are worthy of your attention. Some of these packages include accommodations, meals, and round-trip plane tickets. Picking an appropriate package that offers a good deal within your budget, and you will be one step closer to experiencing some magic moments at Disney over and over again with cheap Disney World vacations.

While it may seem like it, you will be surprised that not everything at Disney World costs money. For instance, Disney’s Boardwalk is built around a lake and is beautifully themed to represent 1940s Coney Island. You can enjoy walking around with your family as it is totally free to take a leisurely stroll at the lake. There are also entertaining street performers such as jugglers and comedians appearing on the Broadwalk. In addition, you will find that there are plenty of vendors along the way selling inexpensive treats which the children will enjoy during the walk.

For just a token amount, why not take a trip together with your children to the Disney Carnival? Kids can play lots of games and take in all the sites.

For a relaxing night, you can sit and enjoy the evening with your family while watching the friendship boats come and go. For a more lively night, the Jellyroll offers evening sing-along or karaoke of your favorite pop tunes. Adults can enjoy the Atlantic Dance Hall since it offers sports and live bands with no cover charge.

In Downtown Disney, there is a vibrant shopping mall for those seeking a budget travel experience. It is an exciting place for you and your family whether you are out to spend money or simply window shopping. Some of the best free entertainment at Disney World is here as well including the interactive fountains where you may get wet. Be sure not to miss the Lego imagination center as the kids will love it.

Feeling hungry after the long day of touring? There are many places you can check out. Wolfgang Puck Express, Planet Hollywood, and House of Blues all offer inexpensive dining for the budget conscious. A sundae and shake at the Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop is a nice way to end the evening on a high note with the family.

A Disney World vacation does not have to be expensive. You simply need to do some homework beforehand in order to find out about Disney World vacation so that you know where to get cheap food and free entertainment. This way, you will be able to enjoy cheap Disney World vacations over and over again.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/ways-to-get-cheap-disney-world-vacations-312020.html

About the Author

Miriam Boh owns DiscountFamilyVacation4U.com. To learn how you can achieve ultimate savings on your next trip Disney World so you can enjoy unbelievably cheap Disney World vacations, visit http://www.discountfamilyvacation4u.com for more information.

Here are some actionable tips that will help you to analyze prices for Disney World vacations so that you can save on extra dollars:

- Airfare
The most expensive part of your Disney vacation is probably the airfare. When planning your budget, you should know that airfares to Orlando are the cheapest from mid-January until February and September through October. You may also search online for the cheapest possible amount on airfares.

The Disney resorts offer free roundtrip transportation from the airport. This is something you can take advantage of for your budget travel. In addition, guests on budget travel can make use of Disney buses, ferries and the monorail system when visit theme and water parks, and Downtown Disney.

-Accommodation
There are numerous choices when come to lodging. Choose an accommodation that is suitable for your budget travel. There are available resort and campground facilities that can go as low as $41 a night. For your budget travel, you can also take pleasure to travel during the seasons when Disney has what it calls the Value Rates. These offer rooms for rates as cheap as $82 a night. Meanwhile, rooms at moderate resorts start at $145. If you are able to get stay at Disney premises and being treated to extra hours with Disney wonders, you are indeed making the most out of you budget travel.

If you are on budget travel, you may also want to consider the various Disney vacation packages. Pick a good deal that meet your budget.

- Downtown Disney

If you are a parent on budget travel, you can consider bringing your kids to Disney Marketplace in Downtown Disney for authentic Disney visual cuisine without incurring too high a cost. The shopping mall offers shopping, entertainment and hands-on activities for kids in one place at reasonable rates. Your budget travel will take a more interesting turn as you stroll through Downtown Disney where you watch resort boats, shop, look at sculptures and animation cells on display

Budget travel does not have to mean lower class. A well-planned budget Disney vacation can be just as enjoyable for families and friends. It is always wise to analyze the prices of Disney World vacations so that you will not rack up a huge debt after your trip.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/prices-for-disney-world-vacations-economical-budget-travel-to-disney-312065.html

About the Author

Miriam Boh owns DiscountFamilyVacation4U.com. Want to learn more tips, tricks and secrets of analyzing the prices of Disney World vacations in order to fit a memorable Disney World vacation into your budget? Be sure to check out http://www.discountfamilyvacation4u.com for more information.

The four seasons are:

• Value Season

• Regular Season

• Peak Season

• Holiday Season

Timing is the key to a truly enjoyable Disney vacation. Attending during the peak seasons means you will spend an inordinate amount of time in the long lines and will pay top dollar for everything. Consider each season and then plan accordingly.

Value Season

The value season can be broken into three blocks of time:

• January 1 through mid-February

• All of September through the first week in October

• Thanksgiving Sunday through mid-December

The very best of the three is after the Thanksgiving weekend up to the week before Christmas.

Attendance is the lowest during the Value Season because of school schedules and winter weather. Hotel rates will be lower and better deals are available from Disney than at any other time of the year. Also keep in mind that with smaller crowds, you will spend less time in lines, and have more quality time to enjoy the parks.

Winter in Central Florida can be warm or freezing – sometimes within only a few hours of each other. Come prepared.

Regular Season

What is known as the regular season is broken into two blocks:

• Mid-April through August

• October through Thanksgiving Saturday

Summer is often the only time a family can plan a Disney World vacation. If that’s true in your case, the first two weeks of June and last two weeks of August will be the best choice.

Summer means not only larger crowds, but extremely hot days, and those pesky afternoon showers that seem to arrive like clockwork. A word of caution: if you have preschoolers or babies, avoid summer if at all possible.

Peak Season

Spring Break dictates the time of Disney’s Peak Season and it occupies one block of time:

• Mid-February through mid-April

Even though Spring Break draws incredible crowds (as does spring events of President’s Day week, Mardi Gras, and Easter) the weeks in early April usually have light attendance. March is the typical month for Spring Break. Factor these events into your pre-planning.

Holiday Season

This season means Christmas Magic at the Magic Kingdom with special decorations, shows, and activities. It takes in only one block of time:

• Mid-December through December 31

Many families have made Christmas morning at Disney World a family tradition. This, however, takes much pre-planning since most hotels fill up fast – both those on-site and off-site, and there will be few, if any, bargains. If the Christmas magic is what you’re looking for, visit during the post-Thanksgiving Value Season. The breathtaking decorations are all in place, but the crowds and prices will be much lower.

Trade Offs

As with anything there are trade-offs in choosing the off-seasons. The first is shorter hours. In the fall the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and MGM may close as early as 5 PM. The evening parade in the Magic Kingdom may only be scheduled on the weekends.

Refurbishing of many of the attractions takes place during the off-seasons and they may be closed. Again, it’s a trade-off. Check ahead and see if those closings will upset your plans. You will still be shaving about one-third off the time spent waiting in lines which means you’ll have more time to visit more attractions. If a few are closed, so what?

Weekends

Contrary to popular belief, weekends are often the slowest days because many people travel to and from Disney World on weekends. That means Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays are the busiest days. (The exception to this rule includes Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach and River Country, since they are popular with the locals who frequent them on the weekends.)

Hours

Operating hours can be tricky to keep up with as Disney World bases their opening and closing times on the crowds. If heavy crowds are expected, they open early and close late. If the crowds are lighter, the opposite is true.

A general rule of thumb is during summer and during holidays the theme parks stay open late – sometimes as late as 11PM or midnight. In the winter, the park closes around 6 or 7 PM.

On certain days, Disney will open the Magic Kingdom early to those staying at a Disney resort. If they expect larger than usual crowds, they may open the parks to everyone 30 to 60 minutes before the scheduled time. The key is: always arrive early.

Of course, that’s a rule that everyone knows – but the truth is, most don’t do it. An early arrival truly will maximize your time, as you may be standing at the end of Main Street while the other tens of thousands are still creeping along I-4 highway.

Keeping in mind the “seasons of Disney” as you plan, will ensure that your Disney World vacation will be a dream vacation. Not a nightmare.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/the-seasons-of-disney-planning-tips-311905.html

About the Author

Did you know most families don’t take a vacation to Disney World because they don’t think they can afford it? If you need money-saving ideas for your dream vacation, check out incredible savings tips from one who knows best – a former Disney World Cast Member. Use these rare insider secrets to save hundreds at Disney World. Find out more by visiting: http://www.thedisneysave.com

Vacation homes comfortably sleep between eight and fourteen people.  This can save money on renting multiple rooms, and allow you to spend more time on all the activities in the Orlando area.   Vacation with extended family or with a group of friends is the perfect way to use a vacation rental to accommodate a large group with reduced cost.

Staying in hotels with four or more people in one room leads to waiting lines to use the bathroom.  Avoid this hassle by simply renting a house near some of the attractions you plan on visiting.  In some cases, vacation homes have multiple bathroom accommodations, which can prevent a waiting line for showers.  

One of the best parts about renting a home is the complete kitchen.  A full ready to use kitchen complete with cooking utensils allows families to grocery shop and cook meals while at Disney World.  One of the most expensive parts of any vacation is dining out for every meal.  Those checks add up quick and an ability to curb this expense is sometimes necessary depending on your budget.  Cooking in, even seven times during a seven-day stay can save a significant amount of money per family.  Having a dining area provides families an opportunity to feel like they are sitting around their won kitchen table.  Dining in a hotel room often requires eating in bed, eating on fold out tables, or with poor dining conditions.  

Avoid that by renting a vacation home and have the ability to feel at home while on vacation.

Having a washer and dryer to wash clothes is a value that cannot be understated, for several reasons.  First, planning to pack for two weeks with no washer and dryer is different.  The tendency is to pack a little more when staying in a hotel room with no free washer and dryer usage.  This means extra weight while loading, unloading and carrying luggage.  Perhaps the best reason is cost.  Doing laundry in a hotel laundry rooms often gets costly.  Saving money on laundry adds to the savings of renting an Orlando home verses renting a hotel room.  Leaving with all clean clothes is a great advantage also.

Rental homes can cost less than hotels to rent, providing you the opportunity to save money on food, save time on transportation, mitigate the constant limited bathroom use, and save money on laundry.  The choice is easy.  Rent an Orlando home for your next Disney vacation.  

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hotels-articles/rent-an-orlando-vacation-rental-for-your-next-disney-vacation-3606572.html

About the Author

For more information about disneyworldareavacationhomes please visit condos disney world and vacation home rentals fl

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Become a Magic Kingdom Facebook fan at: www.facebook.com or download this HD video (for free) to your iPad or Apple TV at: bit.ly The Disney Christmas Parade at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World called "Mickey’s Once Upon Christmastime Parade". I recorded this family video at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World using my Canon HV30. All references to Disney characters are property of Walt Disney Co.

Source: YouTube

Become a Magic Kingdom Facebook fan at: www.facebook.com or download this HD video (for free) to your iPad or Apple TV at: bit.ly The 2010 Disney Chrismas show is called the "Celebrate the Season". I recorded this family video in 2010 at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World using my Canon HV30. All references to Disney characters are property of Walt Disney Co.

Source: YouTube