Posts Tagged ‘ Disney ’

How to Save Up to $1,000 on Your Next Disney World Vacation

September 8, 2010
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Costly accommodations, exorbitant theme park ticket prices, overpriced meals and loads of unnecessary souvenirs have the potential to turn a dream family vacation at Disney World into a true nightmare for your wallet! Fortunately, by following the tried-and-true tips below, you can save up to $1,000 on your next Disney World getaway:

Plan Ahead
Don’t just wing it! Research the destination thoroughly before you arrive and sketch out your Disney World itinerary. Don’t make it too rigid (you’ll want to leave some room for spontaneity). Check out comprehensive online vacation guides to Orlando and Disney World such as Orlando-Florida.net, which provides detailed information on Walt Disney World Resort such as theme park attractions, live entertainment, restaurants, resorts and specialty shops, as well as great deals on discount theme park tickets, hotels and vacation packages.

Travel During the Off-Season
Avoid the crowds! Walt Disney World theme parks are most crowded during Spring Break, from mid-June to mid-August, Easter weekend, Thanksgiving week, the week before Christmas through New Year’s Day and on three-day holiday weekends such as Memorial Day and Labor Day. Value season typically runs from after Labor Day weekend through the end of September, the week after Thanksgiving until a week before Christmas and after New Year’s Day until just before Presidents’ week in February. For an added bonus, schedule your vacation around one of Disney’s immensely popular annual events and festivals, many of which are included with the price of admission such as the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, ABC Super Soap Weekend, Holidays Around the World, Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and Star Wars Weekends.

Seek Out Budget Accommodations
Believe it or not, you can still stay on Disney property without spending a fortune by booking a reservation at one of Disney’s budget all-star resorts – Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort – all of which provide complimentary scheduled transportation to Disney World theme parks, as well as Downtown Disney. However, you will enjoy even more savings if you opt to stay off Disney property at one of the numerous budget motels and hotels that lie near the main entrance to Disney World along Highway 192 in Kissimmee or along world-famous International Drive. Before you book your reservation, check to see if the motel or hotel offers a complimentary continental or full breakfast each morning for guests. If you have a large family or are planning a family reunion, look into renting a vacation home – many of which offer private backyard pools, enclosed garages and washer/dryers.

Take Advantage of Complimentary Transportation
All Disney World resorts provide complimentary scheduled transportation to Disney theme parks and many area hotels, motels and resorts also offer free scheduled shutttle service to Disney World, as well as Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando. If you are staying at a Disney resort, enjoy free shuttle service to and from the Orlando International Airport aboard Disney’s Magical Express (reservations are required).

Purchase Multi-Day Tickets
Believe it or not, a one-day, one-park ticket to Disney World is currently $71 plus tax! Fortunately, there are more Disney World multi-day ticket options than ever before. Look into Disney “Park Hopper” tickets, which allow you to come and go as you please throughout any of the four Disney World theme parks: Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Choose the appropriate Disney ticket deal based on your family’s length of stay in Orlando and remember not to overdo it – you should definitely schedule time for rest and relaxation during your Disney vacation. Most importantly, do not purchase your Disney World tickets at the gate – seek out the best online deals before you arrive to the theme park.

Eat Out Wisely
If you plan to eat at one of the Disney World theme parks, make lunch your big meal of the day when prices are significantly lower than for dinner (especially at Epcot’s World Showcase). Also, don’t forget to bring along some water bottles and small snacks for the kids. In addition, you don’t have to spend a fortune at one of the Disney Character Breakfasts for autographs and photo opportunities – just take your kids to one of the free character meet and greet areas throughout all of the Disney World theme parks such as Town Square at Disney’s Magic Kingdom or Camp Minnie-Mickey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. If you have a large family, check out one of the many budget, all-you-can-eat buffets that lie just outside Disney property on Highway 192 and along International Drive. Also, pick up a copy of free publications such as I Love Orlando magazine, which contain discount coupons for Orlando restaurants. Finally, many motels and hotels with onsite restaurants offer “Kids Eat Free” deals (one child eats per paying adult).

Set a Budget for Souvenirs
Establish a budget for Disney souvenirs and, most importantly, stick to your budget! Check out some of the area factory outlet stores such as Orlando Premium Outlets for Disney merchandise at substantially lower prices. In addition, purchase such necessities as film and sunscreen before you arrive at the theme parks, since prices at Disney are more expensive for those items.

Take a Break from the Theme Parks
Plan some time to take occasional breaks from the Disney theme parks and you can unwind and save money in the process. Check out some of the free things to do at Disney World such as strolling around Disney’s Boardwalk and Downtown Disney, both of which offer theme restaurants and specialty shops. If you really want to get away far from the madding crowd, consider a hike through the scenic, 12,000-acre Disney Wilderness Preserve, which is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. The entrance fee is just $3 for adults and $2 for ages 6-17.

Enjoy Membership Discounts
If you are an AAA or AARP member, make sure to take advantage of any special rates or discounts that are available during your Disney World vacation at hotels, restaurants and Orlando area attractions. Also, if you are a Florida resident, check with Disney World about any available discounts.

Book Your Disney Vacation Online
The best way to enjoy significant savings on your next Disney World vacation is to seek out the best online deals for discount Disney World tickets, budget accommodations on or off Disney property and individually tailored Disney vacation packages. Several leading online vacation providers such as HotelsCorp.com serve as comprehensive “one-stop” resources for incredible deals on Disney tickets, hotels and vacation packages.

“A variety of online vacation providers are available but HotelsCorp.com prides itself on offering the best online prices for Disney World vacations,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing at HotelsCorp.com.

Top Tips To Have The Best Disney World Vacation

September 8, 2010
By

A vacation in Disney World surely spells a lot of fun. With the amazing attractions like Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, you and your family are in for lots of treats. You can’t be any happier because you know you owe this vacation not only to your little kids but also to yourself. To ensure that you have nothing short of the perfect vacation, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.

Arrive Early

Getting to the theme parks early is always a smart move. As you probably know, Disney World is always packed with people. But most crowds don’t arrive until noontime or after lunch. To make the most out of your vacation, be sure to arrive early. Wake up early and leave the hotel immediately. If you’re staying at one of Disney Hotels, you’ll need less travel time to arrive at the park. Arriving early will not only save you from the crowds and the long lines, you’ll also have more time to enjoy the rides and attractions.

Use the Disney World Guidebook

The Disney World Passporter is a comprehensive guidebook, complete with fold-out maps and tips for tours and attraction that you can use to plan out your trip to this place in advance. It would be wise to do the planning early on. Don’t wait until you’re at the park before you think about the rides that you would like to go to because this will waste so much time.

Take Regular Breaks

It’s tempting to go through all the rides because you wouldn’t want to waste a second of your time while you’re in this magical place. But taking regular breaks is a must. This is to ensure that you don’t end up getting too exhausted to enjoy the other rides you haven’t tried yet. It’s best to take a rest from noontime to around the afternoon when the sun’s rays are strongest.

Take Advantage of the Fast Pass

The Fast Pass can save you from standing in long lines for the popular rides. You can avail them from Disney’s official website or from the branches of its offices. Make sure you use your Fast Pass strategically. Use them only for rides that have very long lines.

Pack Some Snacks and Drinks

Surely enough, the exhilarating rides and attractions at this park will keep your stomach grumbling and your throat dried up for most of the day. Having some snacks and drinks readily available in your backpack not only satiates your hunger and thirst but also saves you money (Disney food is expensive!) and time (the lines in the snack bars are long).

Ride the Disney Shuttle

While it’s nice to walk around the theme park, you can also make use of the free shuttle service, boats, and monorail that get people from one park to another. This way, you don’t get too tired and you’ll still have some energy left to experience the exciting attractions in this theme park.

It’s very easy to have the time of your life in the home of Mickey Mouse. Be sure to check out the Disney World Packages available online so you won’t have too much difficulty booking your trip.

Disney Dining In Florida

June 18, 2010
By

All Walt Disney World Resorts® are fabulous places to visit, but they are also amazing places to dine. Whether it be a quick snack or a full gourmet dinner, you will not be disappointed by the choice and quality of fare that Disney has to offer.

Each theme park, water park and resort area has a vast selection of eateries for you to sample and enjoy, and as you would expect, depending upon your budget, you can eat for just a few bucks, or really push the boat out and savour the delights of five star cuisine.

Many of Disney’s restaurants are “themed”, and these are incredibly popular with the kids. Likewise, character dining experiences (aimed at younger members of your party, but enjoyed by all) are often the highlight of a child’s day. Well what could be better when eating your meal than to be served by Mickey, Donald, Pluto, or maybe even a real life Disney princess ? Of course character dining also allows you to capture some magical photographic memories too.

All to often, people get the impression that theme park food is going to be unhealthy food. Admittedly, there is fast food available in the form of burgers, hot dogs and fries, but you will also be pleasantly surprised to discover that the alternatives are indeed exceedingly healthy, and downright tasty too.

Our vegetarian friends are also well catered for, along with guests who have special dietary requirements, or those who cannot eat certain foods because of religious beliefs. Full details of the contents of all meals served on Disney property can be found by simply asking the cast member who takes your order.

And whilst a lot of food served throughout Disney parks is essentially “American” cuisine, a visit to Epcot World Showcase for example, will give you the opportunity to experience a vast selection of foods from around the world, ranging from Chinese, to French and even little known Norwegian delicacies, to name but a few.

Each Disney park that you visit has it’s own map so that you can find your way around. Clearly marked on these maps, and divided into categories are the dining experiences offered to tempt your taste buds.

So whether it be a full service restaurant, character dining, a quick takeaway or a healthy fresh green salad, you will find it all at Disney. The service is, as with all things Disney, friendly and polite, and it’s great to know that when those hunger pangs strike, that you will be well catered for, in every sense of the word.

Chris Neilson is a professional writer and private Villa Owner who has an extensive knowledge of the Florida Travel Industry. He is also the senior copywriter for the well known Florida Vacation Rentals web site Orlando Villas – http://www.orlandovillas.com and Park Tickets site – http://www.park-tickets.com Copyright Chris Neilson 2005 All Rights Reserved

25 Great Ways to Save Money at Disney World

May 21, 2010
By

Believe it or not, you can live it up at Walt Disney World Resort – whether you plan on visiting Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios or Disney’s Animal Kingdom – without making a huge dent in your wallet. By planning ahead, seeking out the best online deals and following the money-saving tips listed below, you can enjoy significant savings on your Disney World vacation getaway – without sacrificing any of your family’s comfort or enjoyment.

1. Seek out discount Disney World tickets, budget accommodations convenient to Disney attractions and individually tailored Disney vacation packages before you arrive in Orlando.
2. If possible, plan your Disney World trip during the off-season and you will usually discover significantly lower airfares and hotel/resort rates.
3. If you are staying at a Disney resort, take advantage of complimentary transportation to all Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks and Downtown Disney.
4. Some of the area factory outlet stores such as Orlando Premium Outlets sell Disney merchandise at significantly lower prices than you will find at stores within the Disney World theme parks.
5. Check out some of the free things to do at Disney World such as strolling around Disney’s Boardwalk and Downtown Disney, or hiking through the Disney Wilderness Preserve.
6. Take the family to one of the all-you-can-eat buffets that lie just outside Disney World property such as Bill Wong’s Famous Buffet, Sweet Tomatoes, Boston Lobster Feast, Golden Corral, Ponderosa, Sizzler, Captain Nemo’s Seafood Feast or Angel’s Lobster, Crab & Prime Rib Buffet.
7. If you don’t mind staying off Disney property, you will discover numerous budget motels and hotels (many of which provide complimentary transportation to Disney World theme parks) along Highway 192 in Kissimmee just East of the main entrance to Walt Disney World Resort.
8. Look for free publications such as I Love Orlando magazine, which contain a multitude of discount coupons to Disney area attractions, restaurants and specialty shops.
9. Before you book a hotel or motel, check if they offer guests a complimentary continental or full breakfast each morning.
10. Check out comprehensive online guides to Disney World such as Orlando, Florida Guide for in-depth information on Disney World discount tickets, accommodations and vacation packages.
11. For larger families, reunions or any other get-together at Disney World, it may make better financial sense to look into renting a vacation home, many of which offer enclosed garages, private backyard pools and washer/dryers.
12. If you are visiting one of the Disney World theme parks with young children, don’t forget to bring along a backpack with some snacks or juice boxes.
13. You don’t have to shell out big bucks to stay on Disney World property at one of Disney’s budget all-star resorts – Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All Star Music Resort and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort (all of which offer complimentary transportation to Disney theme parks and feature onsite food courts).
14. Instead of spending a fortune at a Disney character breakfast, take your kids to Town Square at Main Street, U.S.A. for autograph and photo opportunities with Disney characters.
15. Choose the appropriate Disney World ticket deal based on your family’s length of stay in Orlando and remember not to overdo things – you will want to schedule time for rest and relaxation during your trip.
16. If you choose to eat at the Disney World theme parks, try to make lunch your big meal of the day when prices are considerably lower than for dinner (especially at Epcot’s World Showcase).
17. Whenever you leave one of Disney World’s theme parks, make sure to get your hand stamped. Then after you rest awhile and enjoy a cheaper dinner off site, you can head back to the park after the crowds have thinned out.
18. You may want to schedule your Walt Disney World vacation around one of Disney’s highly acclaimed annual events and festivals, many of which are included with the price of admission such as the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Star Wars Weekends, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Festival of the Seasons, ABC Super Soap Weekend, Festival of the Masters and Holidays Around the World.
19. Carry your own water bottle into the Disney theme park and you can fill it up at any of the abundant water fountains throughout the day.
20. Establish a budget for Disney World souvenirs and stick to your budget (no matter how many cool gifts you see as you stroll through Epcot’s World Showcase!).
21. If you are an AAA or AARP member, take advantage of any special rates or discounts that are available during your Disney World vacation.
22. Many off-site hotels and motels with onsite restaurants offer “Kids Eat Free” deals (one child eats free per paying adult).
23. Purchase such necessities as film and sunscreen before you arrive at Disney World, since prices at the theme parks are more expensive for such items.
24. If you are staying at one of the Disney resorts, take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express, which provides complimentary shuttle service to and from the Orlando International Airport (reservations are required for Disney’s Magical Express).
25. If possible, try to avoid Disney World during holiday weekends and Spring Break when prices are higher and the theme parks are most crowded.

Disney Calls a Halt to Mcdonald’s Toy Story

May 6, 2010
By

Disney has decided not to renew its 10-year agreement with McDonald’s for the fast-food chain to include a promotional plastic toy in its Happy Meal range of food for youngsters, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The decision was taken because of concerns about child obesity. From this summer, there will be no more of the figures, such as Winnie the Pooh, Pocahontas or Snow White, nestling among the fries and burgers and designed to promote Disney films and videos.

The two companies will continue to collaborate on promotions aimed at adult audiences.

Disney World Not Just for Kids Anymore

January 22, 2010
By

Once upon a time, Disney World was synonymous with family vacations centered on the entertainment needs of the very young. Today, however, it’s commonly known that not only the young but also the young at heart can find the vacation they are searching for in the Magic Kingdom.

Disney World has truly become an all ages destination, with many activities available that cater to adults. Of course, spending quality time with the family is still the most popular option, but for singles, couples without children or those who wish to keep the kids entertained while they get some much needed rest and relaxation, all the amenities of an adult getaway are available and ready to be enjoyed. From golfing and spa treatments to nightlife and shopping, few travel destinations offer the sheer number of activities that Disney World can. Additionally, there are many activities available for those who want to explore their inner child, at least for an afternoon.

Within reach of the Magic Kingdom, there are no less than 5 championship caliber golf courses, each of which can be enjoyed while staying close to Disney World. From the challenging play at Eagle Pines to the natural beauty of Osprey Ridge, golf lovers can get their fix of 18 holes in a morning or afternoon with easy booking and without extensive travel.

Disney offers several world-class spas to choose from, some of which are located near the Magic Kingdom. From massage therapy to customized workouts, facials to aromatherapies and everything in between, you can be looking and feeling your best without having to go to an exclusive spa resort.

For those who love to shop, Disney offers an incredible array of well known chain stores as well as specialty shops loaded with unique and exciting merchandise. Whether it’s clothing, accessories, beauty products, sports equipment, jewelry or anything else under the sun you seek, you can find it within the Magic Kingdom.

For food lovers (and let’s face it, that includes all of us), Disney has every dining possibility covered. From mouth-watering steak and seafood to regional cuisine from around the globe, you can enjoy five-star dining or a quick meal on the go while tantalizing your taste buds.

Disney also offers several fun-filled exploration activities for couples and singles, including a wildlife safari, the Haunted Mansion and the France Pavilion, to name a few. Of course, you can also take advantage of the many nightlife experiences to get your pulse pounding on the dance floor.

No matter what you enjoy, you can experience a vacation you’ll never forget at Disney World.

Get the Best Disney World deals on the Internet!* The most comprehensive online guide to Walt Disney World and Orlando, the Orlando Florida Guide http://www.orlando-florida.net/ also features discount Disney World tickets, http://www.orlando-florida.net/disney/discount-disney-world-tickets.htm incredible deals on Orlando hotels http://www.orlando-florida.net/hotels/ and individually tailored Orlando vacation packages.

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