iPlay America Announces New Admission Prices, Promotion Specials and Holiday Hours

iPlay America, an innovative indoor theme park located in Freehold, N.J., announced its new pricing structure for guests to enjoy the upscale facility for an economy-friendly price. In addition, iPlay America will offer weekly specials on Sundays through Thursdays.

iPlay America now offers an iPass, which grants entrance to the facility for $4.95 and includes a $5.00 iPA card that can be used throughout the park towards food, games, rides, or attractions. For those guests who are ready to play, a Danny’s Pass is available for $20 which includes complimentary admission fee, a $5 bonus play card and a $20 iPA card that can be used for any and all of the park’s features and activities, including Cosmic Battle laser tag, 4-D theatre, games, rides, iPA Speedway go karts and restaurants. There is also a smaller scaled pass called the iPass which includes complimentary admission and a $5 iPA game card.

In addition to Danny’s Pass and the iPass, iPlay America is offering other larger scaled pass deals:

• · The iRide deal includes complimentary admission and unlimited rides on: Kite Flyer, SkyScraper, Spin Zone, Happy Swing, Jump Around, Dizzy Dragons, Just iKidz and the 4D Theater. This is available for $17.95 Monday through Thursday and $26.95 Friday through Sunday.
• · The iRide Plus, a step up from the iRide deal, includes all elements in the iRide deal in addition to complimentary admission, one Cosmic Battle play and one ride on the iPA Speedway. On Monday through Thursday this deal is available for $25.95 and on Friday through Sunday it’s available for $36.95.
• · The Power Play Pass includes all elements of the iRide Plus deal in addition to a Danny Pass and complimentary admission. This pass is available for $39.95 on Monday through Thursday and $54.95 on Friday through Sunday.
• · The Laser Tag deal includes unlimited Cosmic Battle play and complimentary admission. This is available only Monday through Thursday for $21.95.
• · The Go Karts deal includes unlimited iPA Speedway rides and complimentary admission. This is only available on Monday through Thursday as well as on Sunday from 6 p.m. to close for $14.95.

All monetary value is kept on the iPA cards that are easily swiped for use so that guests do not have to worry about carrying cash around the park.

“We encourage guests to come to iPlay America not only on the weekends but on all days of the week. The daily weekday promotions will inspire people to break up their week by enjoying a fun-filled afternoon or evening at iPlay America,” said Marcy Edwards, Director of Marketing and Promotions.

iPlay America also debuted new food and fun deals for guests:

• · At City Square Grill on Monday through Thursday you can get your choice of a 10” cheese pizza or an order of wings, a large fountain beverage, $4 Mixx voucher, $15 bonus play card and complimentary admission for $19.95.
• · At Sonny’s you can get a hot dog, regular order of fries, a large fountain beverage, $4 Mixx voucher, $15 bonus play card and complimentary admission for $19.95.

Any of these above food and fun deals can be combined with the iRide deal for $34.95 and the iRide Plus deal for $41.95 from Monday to Thursday.

Additionally, during this holiday season, iPlay America will have extended hours:

• · Friday, December 23^rd the park will be open from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• · Saturday, December 24^th the park will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• · Sunday, December 25^th the park will be closed.
• · From Monday, December 26^th to Thursday, December 29^th the park will be open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• · Friday, December 30^th the park will be open from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• · Saturday, December 31^st the park will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will reopen at 8 p.m. for the New Year’s Eve Celebration until 1 a.m.
• · Sunday, January 1^st and Monday, January 2^nd the park will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

After January 2, 2012 iPlay America will operate at its normal winter hours.

No matter what day of the week you choose to experience iPlay America, there will be great deals and plenty of fun to be had. This one-of-a-kind indoor theme park will exceed your expectations and will have you and your family wanting to come back every day of the week. A detailed list of hours and admission packages can be viewed at www.iPlayAmerica.com.

About iPlay America and Encore Event Center:

iPlay America and Encore Event Center is an entirely new entertainment and event concept opening in Freehold, N.J. iPlay America and Encore is among the most ambitious, exciting and upscale family entertainment and event centers anywhere. Constructed with theme park inspired detail and boardwalk styling, iPlay America offers an incredible variety of rides and entertainment, games and attractions geared to all ages.

Encore Event Center offers guests a unique venue for life’s milestone events including weddings, birthday parties, and bar mitzvahs as well as corporate meetings, team building events and celebrations. The venue’s centerpiece is a 12,000-square-foot multi-purpose event facility that can accommodate up to 1200 guests or meeting attendees, and smaller gatherings are served through luxury VIP suites and two expansive banquet rooms. Encore creates a distinct experience for any special occasion or celebration.

For more information about iPlay America and Encore, visit www.iPlayAmerica.com, or call 732-577-8200.

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Vacation Packages on Sale Sunday, July 31 for ‘Celebration of Harry Potter Films’ at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort just announced that special vacation packages will go on sale Sunday, July 31st that will give guests the opportunity to attend “A Celebration of the Harry Potter Films.” © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

Special Event Hosted by Warner Bros. to Feature Three Days of
Cast Member and Filmmaker Appearances, Autograph Signings, Q&A Sessions and Film Screenings

Universal Orlando Resort just announced that special vacation packages will go on sale Sunday, July 31^st that will give guests the opportunity to attend “A Celebration of the Harry Potter Films.” This special event will be hosted by Warner Bros. and will celebrate a decade of movie history by allowing fans to share their love for the Harry Potter films. The event will take place from Friday, November 11, to Sunday, November 13, at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

During this special event, guests can celebrate their favorite memories and stories of Harry Potter with filmmakers, cast members and fellow fans. While all theme park guests will be able to enjoy The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during their visit, only a limited number of guests and those who buy special event packages will have access to exclusive benefits such as:

• A spectacular evening gala in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

• Autograph signings with stars from the Harry Potter films
• Q&A sessions with Harry Potter filmmakers and cast members, along with the creators of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Screenings of all eight Harry Potter films – including “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” – at the AMC Universal Cineplex 20 in Universal CityWalk. Access to the screenings can be added to the vacation packages for an additional fee.

Throughout the three-day celebration, guests will also be able to explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter films come to life. They will enjoy experiences such as soaring above Hogwarts on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, sipping Butterbeer in Hogsmeade and being inside Ollivanders and seeing a wand choose its wizard.

The primary way to participate in celebration events is by purchasing one of Universal Orlando’s special vacation packages. Packages are extremely limited and go on sale at noon EDT on Sunday, July 31. Guests can choose from two vacation package options: the Celebration Vacation Package and the Premier Vacation Package. There will be additional ways for a limited number of people to participate in celebration events. Stay tuned for more details.

For more information about the event and vacation packages, visit www.universalorlando.com/celebration.

See also:

Inside Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter and slideshow

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Lets You Live Universal’s Theme Park Fantasy and slideshow

For more travel features, visit

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

 

Marking 1st Anniversary of ‘Wizarding World,’ Universal Orlando Lets Guests Share their Memory and Have Chance to Win a Trip

On Saturday, June 18, Universal Orlando celebrated the one-year anniversary of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. To cap off the celebration, Universal launched a “Share Your Story” tab on its official Facebook page where guests can share their favorite memories – or the memories they hope to make – of the most spectacularly themed environment ever created © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

On Saturday, June 18, Universal Orlando Resort celebrated the one-year anniversary of the most spectacularly themed entertainment environment – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where the wonder, excitement and adventures of the Harry Potter books and films come to life.

Universal Orlando commemorated the anniversary at 9:23 a.m. – the exact time The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened on June 18, 2010.  After taking part in a countdown led by the Hogwarts Express conductor, guests and team members celebrated in the streets of Hogsmeade while “snow” confetti and gold streamers fell from the sky.  Guests also enjoyed complimentary Butterbeer, cauldron cakes and Chocolate Frogs.

“We’re so excited to celebrate this milestone with our guests,” said Bill Davis, president of Universal Orlando Resort.  “It’s been an incredible year for us and our guests, and we look forward to creating more exciting memories with them in the years to come.”

Universal Orlando also created a virtual celebration by launching a new “Share Your Story” tab on its official Facebook page.  The all-new tab gives fans the opportunity to interact with one another and share favorite memories and photos from their visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – whether it’s tasting Butterbeer for the first time, watching their daughter as she’s selected by the perfect wand or soaring above Hogwarts with their family.

Every U.S. resident who shares their story will automatically be entered to win a VIP trip to Universal Orlando Resort this fall. Now through July 15, Universal will give away two VIP trips each week – one to a guest who has experienced The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and one to someone that has never been.

If fans have not been able to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, they can share why they aspire to on the “Share Your Story” tab as well.  U.S. residents who share their stories on the tab will be automatically entered into a contest where they can win a trip to Universal Orlando Resort this fall.  To take part in the virtual celebration, share their stories or read other fans’ stories, guests should visit www.Facebook.com/UniversalOrlandoResort.

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter features multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant – all faithful to the films.

For more information about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.

See also:

Inside Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter and slideshow

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Lets You Live Universal’s Theme Park Fantasy and slideshow

Castle Hotel in Orlando offers “Wizarding Wonders’ in time for new Harry Potter film

The Castle Hotel times its "Wizarding Wonders" package for the release of the new Harry Potter film this summer. The package includes transportation to Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter themepark © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Castle Hotel– an enchanting and magical experience within the heart of Orlando – invites guests to enjoy luxurious accommodations while amazing their imagination with Wizarding Wonders at The Castle Hotel.

From June 1 – July 31, 2011, starting at $144 per night, guests of The Castle enhance their wizard experience with two-night accommodations, theme park transportation to a mysterious world, Castle Creature stuffed toy, magical potion beverages, “dive-in” large screen movie marathon beside the pool and movie tickets for the entire family to enjoy the eighth and final movie installment released July 15, starring Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson.

Perfect timing for the huge final release of the on-screen version of J.K. Rowling’s enchanting saga, The Castle Hotel brings the magical experience from the parks and activities right back to the comfortable hotel room. Located in the heart of Orlando, on the famed International Drive, the royal experience awaits guests as The Castle combines artistic flare and playful luxury within its medieval-inspired walls. From the rare doll collection and castle creatures to the medieval architecture and authentic Austrian castle detailing, The Castle creates an atmosphere both parents and children are sure to love.

The Castle Hotel has a prime location in the theme park capital of the world, providing hotel guests with plenty of options for family fun, quality time with friends or a romantic escape. International Drive and Mall at Millenia offer a multitude of shopping, dining and nightlife opportunities, while Orlando’s famed theme parks are only a few miles away on the hotel shuttle service.

For more information or to book the Wizarding Wonders package at the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando – The Castle, please visit www.thecastleorlando.com  or call 407-345-1511 or toll-free 877.317.5753.

See also:

Inside Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter and slideshow

Families get luxury treatment with Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort, Orlando, new ‘Red Carpet Family Package’

'Red Carpet' treatment at the Villas of Grand Cypress means you are whisked to the themepark of your choice by limousine with new family package © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort is giving families the opportunity to experience Orlando – one of the world’s most popular family destinations – with a distinctly “red carpet” feel. From stretch limousine transportation to a private hot air balloon tour, the property’s exclusive, three-night “Red Carpet Package” promises to leave families with a lifetime of memories.

The dream package, available May 1 through Sept. 30, starts at $3,600 plus tax and resort fee for a family of four (two adults, two children) and includes three nights accommodations in a spacious, luxurious two-bedroom villa, transportation in a luxurious stretch limousine from and to the Orlando International airport, and roundtrip limousine transportation to the themepark of your choice, for a full day of activity for a family at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando or SeaWorld Orlando; a hot-air balloon tour of Orlando with sunrise picnic breakfast and limousine; a few hours of ‘decompression’ time will find Dad getting to play a round of golf, Mom enjoying a massage, and the kids heading off to half-day at the property’s Kids Camp. And just for Mom and Dad, a romantic evening just for the parents, featuring a specially prepared four-course meal at Nine18 restaurant, with a bottle of wine included, while the the kids are whisked away to a fun evening at Kids Camp, with their own dinner included.

The resort offers private villas along the fairways and waterways of the golf course. Each villa is furnished with a family-friendly living room, dining room and fully equipped kitchen, along with patios and verandas.

The Club, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (and evolves into a sports bar in the evening) and Nine 18, open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays, are the primary dining venues, with a poolside snack bar to accent the offerings.

Villas of Grand Cypress – one of the “75 Best Golf Resorts in North America” as named by Golf Digest – features 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature designed golf comprised of 27 holes plus the Nicklaus-designed New Course.

Up to two additional children can be added to the package for $350 each. The package is subject to availability and children must be between the ages of 4 and 16. Alternative arrangements or baby sitting may be arranged for those younger or older than the specified ages.

To reserve the “Red Carpet Family Package” and for additional information about Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort, visit www.grandcypress.com, or call 877-330-7376.

See also:

Walt Disney World Orlando is Still the Place for Magic and slideshow

Inside Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter and slideshow

Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista has deals during Braves, Astros spring training

The Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista offers easy access to Universal Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

ORLANDO (February 18, 2011) –

Braves and Astros fans can get a homerun deal on Orlando vacations from the AAA Three Diamond Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista (LBV) during spring training.

Baseball fans can book and stay at the hotel now through March 31, 2011 and pay just $49.99 per night, plus tax.   The hotel is located only three miles from Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros spring training in Orlando, so baseball fans are just minutes from all of the action.

For just $10 more, guests can enjoy a special game day-lunch for two that includes two fountain sodas, two hot dogs and two small chips from the hotel’s Lite Bite restaurant.  As an added bonus for baseball-loving parents, children always stay free and children under 9 eat for free (one child per each paying adult).  A commemorative souvenir will be given to the first 50 bookings at check-in.

The family-friendly Clarion Inn LBV is easily accessible to Walt Disney World Resort^® theme parks, Universal Orlando ^®, SeaWorld Orlando^® and Aquatica^®, with complimentary daily scheduled shuttle service.  There are also scheduled pick-ups for Orlando Premium Outlet shopping at Vineland Avenue.  A 24-hour video game room is open for kids of all ages.  Outdoors, guests can enjoy the hotel’s lush landscaped grounds and a children’s playground, as well as two seasonally heated outdoor pools, one of which features the new Ozzie’s Splash Zone for kids.  Guests can choose from a wide variety of onsite dining options to fuel up before the game or they can grab a post-game bite at the Boardwalk Buffet, Lite Bite Mini-Market/Deli or Comfort Zone Bar and Grille.

Extensive multi-million dollar renovations were recently completed at the hotel, which led to the new AAA 3-Diamond rating.  Every guest room received new American-made furnishings of a contemporary design including new ergonomic desks, as well as new carpet, window treatments, upgraded art work, luxurious Simmons Beautyrest pillow-top mattresses and stylish, yet comfortable bedding treatments.  Private bathrooms now feature granite-finish vanity and modern decorative lighting.  Each guest room offers a mini refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, electronic safe and cable television with in-room movies.  Guests also enjoy complimentary WIFI in guest rooms and public areas and free onsite parking.

To book online or for more details and the 2011 Spring Training schedules for the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros in Orlando, visit www.clarionLBV.com/springtraining, or call 800-999-7300 and ask for the Spring Training rate.

The Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista – a Rosen Hotels & Resorts property – is located at 8442 Palm Parkway, Orlando, FL 32819 and features 640 newly renovated guest rooms in four high-rise buildings,  a playground and two swimming pools, one of which features the new “Ozzie the Otter Splash Zone.” The free scheduled shuttle provides transportation to Walt Disney World Resort^® theme parks and Downtown Disney as well as Universal Orlando, ^® SeaWorld Orlando^® and Aquatica^®. The hotel is located just off I-4, approximately 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport.  For more information, visit www.clarionLBV.com or call 800-999-7300.

See also:

Inside Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter and slideshow

and

Walt Disney World Orlando is Still the Place for Magic and slideshow

For more features, visit www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate and

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

Morey’s Piers in The Wildwoods NJ to get new ‘it’ thrill ride

The Wildwoods, NJ – February 14, 2011 –

Morey’s Piers has finally announced “it,” a brand-new attraction coming to the Wildwoods, New Jersey, all the way from the Netherlands for 2011.

The new attraction will emerge on Morey’s Surfside Pier, located at 26^th Street in North Wildwood, during May 2011. “it” will swing, spin, and fly to heights of over 65 feet – secured by a first of “it”s kind lap bar system. 

Jack Morey, Executive Vice President of Morey’s Piers, adds, “We are proud to announce ‘it’ to our ride roster and know our guests will surely love “it”.  “it” is just the beginning of our plans for the continued re-development of Surfside Pier.”

“it” is a thrilling new attraction that combines a swinging motion up to 120° and a rotating center where gondolas, seating a total of 24 passengers, are facing each other.

Morey’s “it” will also feature a new type of harness specially designed by the ride’s engineers and Morey’s Piers’ team. For the first time, classic shoulder restraints will be replaced by lap-bars – allowing passengers the chance to enjoy the ride with more thrills and greater freedom of movement.

For more information about “it” and what’s new at Morey’s Piers in 2011, visit www.MoreysPiers.com.

About Morey’s Piers

Morey’s Piers, located on the boardwalk in the Wildwoods, New Jersey is a classic seaside amusement park, family owned and operated since 1969. Voted the third best seaside amusement park in the world by Amusement Today, Morey’s Piers has over 100 rides and attractions spanning over eighteen acres along six beach blocks and includes three amusement piers and two beachfront waterparks. Convenient to the major population centers of the Northeast, yet a world apart, Morey’s Piers along with Morey Resorts combines the pure joy of an amusement park, the sights and sounds of a classic boardwalk, outstanding accommodations, together with the rhythm of beach life. Visit them at Surfside Pier, featuring the Ocean Oasis Waterpark and Beach Club at 25th Avenue, Mariner’s Landing Pier, featuring Raging Waters Waterpark at Schellenger Avenue, and Adventure Pier at Spencer Avenue. For more information, visit http://www.moreyspiers.com or phone (609) 522-3900.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Celebrates 1,000,000th Butterbeer Sale

In celebration of selling its millionth Butterbeer inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando Resort shared 1,000 complimentary Butterbeers with guests on the streets of Hogsmeade © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

In celebration of selling its millionth Butterbeer inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando Resort shared 1,000 complimentary Butterbeers with guests on the streets of  Hogsmeade.

Butterbeer appears as a favorite drink inside the Harry Potter books and films and is only available inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  It is a nonalcoholic, frothy drink reminiscent of shortbread and butterscotch and is served cold or frozen.

Much has been written about Butterbeer since it made its debut on June 18, 2010, making it one of the most talked about beverages of 2010.  There has been much speculation about its secret ingredients – but Universal Orlando will not share the closely guarded recipe. Universal has implemented special security procedures to protect the details.

Butterbeer quickly became a guest favorite.   To help meet the strong demand, Universal Orlando added a fourth Butterbeer location within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

“You can see the excitement on our guests’ faces as they wait in line – and then the smile that comes with their first sip,” said Ric Florell, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Resort Revenue Operations for Universal Orlando.  “Butterbeer is not just a beverage. It’s an experience.”

 

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the most spectacularly themed environment ever created. It is the only place in the world where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films come to life.

 

See Inside Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter

and Wizarding World slideshow

Also Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Lets You Live Universal’s Theme Park Fantasy

 

 

Walt Disney World’s Summer Nightastic is Fantastic

Walt Disney World's Summer Nighttastic Fireworks Show at Magic Kingdom is spellbinding (© 2010 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com).

I admit it: I was as thrilled as any six-year old to see the bursts of fireworks over the magical Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom.

Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Show, on through August 14, is truly one of the phenomenal spectacles that only Disney Imagineers could pull off (when the bursts formed the pirate skulls, that was jaw-dropping amazing).

We very cleverly checked the schedule of activities in order to make the best use of our two days of Park Hopper tickets, spent our first day at Hollywood Studios (it was open until 8 p.m. that night, then we were too tired to go to another park); then spent our second, amazing day at Animal Kingdom knowing that Magic Kingdom was open until 11 pm., with the Electric Parade on at 9 and 11 pm. and the fireworks at 10 pm.

We took the ferry over from the parking lot (instead of the Monorail), for an exquisite view of Magic Kingdom, and arrived just as the Main Street Electrical Parade was getting underway, miraculously managing to get a spot right on Main Street.

Magic Kingdom's Main Street glitters at night, with Cinderella's Castle in the background (© 2010 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com)

And then to have Magic Kingdom almost to yourself at night, in the dark, to do the rides and attractions! We got to do the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (my favorite coaster), then dashed to Tomorrowland (it makes you smile to see a 1950s “vision” of the future) to Space Mountain coaster, getting in the last ride of the night. Coming back, the 11 p.m. Electrical Parade was underway and we got to see the end from a different perspective, right in front of Cinderella’s castle.

Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Electric Parade comes to Cinderella’s Castle making a spectacular sight (© 2010 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com).

At Epcot’s nighttime display, the skies explode with lasers, fireworks and music for the IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth that glitters and glows over the World Showcase Lagoon.

There’s no question, Disney’s got it.. The Magic. You can’t even put your finger on it. As an adult, you appreciate the artistry, the creativity, the imagination, and then simply get lost in a child’s delight. You are swept up in the enchantment, taken to other worlds, no matter how old you are or where you are in your life, or where you are from.

In fact, walking with the crowd as Animal Kingdom was closing for the night, you sense that there is no place on earth that has such a conglomeration of humanity. As it happens, it was around the Tree of Life, but we felt it again on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. For the time you are under Disney’s spell, it almost seems that there is nothing else beyond these magical worlds.

During our two-day visit using the Disney Park-Hopper ticket, we were able to enjoy three of the parks:

Some of the highlights of our visit:

Hollywood Studios (the Extreme Stunt show is not to be believed; the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is a music-charged zoomfest that takes you through loops, twists and turns inside; a new addition is the American Idol Experience); Animal Kingdom (Expedition Everest is an amazing coaster set in a realistic re-creation of Nepal; Harambe safari is stunningly realistic; we had an amazing trek of our own seeking the silverback gorillas on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trails, the daytime Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade is wildly creative, and the new “Finding Nemo” Broadway-style musical is Tony-Award caliber that will delight everyone; and “Tough to be a Bug” 3-D experience in the base of The Tree of Life is as marvelous as ever); and Magic Kingdom.

Planning tips: Wednesday is the least crowded day at the theme parks. Check the Walt Disney World website to get a schedule for the parks – which are open late, when the parades and the fireworks are scheduled, or special events.

I suggest, if possible and the schedule works out, save your favorite park for the second day in order to get the full enjoyment: you are tired after traveling and it takes a day to get oriented to the Disney way the parks operate.

Take advantage of Disney’s FastPass system – where you can get a time to return (it spans an hour) and you just breeze in, so you don’t have to wait on the standby line. You can only use the pass once an hour, though.

Get all the info you need and do your vacation planning at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/

See our full story at http://www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate.

–Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate