New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest fireworks evenings of the year at Walt Disney World Resort, a place where fireworks are both spectacular and an every-night occurrence. Fireworks and nighttime shows will light up the skies and create a mood of celebration at three theme parks on Dec. 31, 2011, while revelry of other sorts takes place elsewhere throughout the Vacation Kingdom.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store:
• Magic Kingdom presents a double helping of pyrotechnics: “Wishes” nighttime spectacular with a holiday overlay at 8:30 p.m. and “Fantasy in the Sky” at 11:51 p.m.
• Epcot‘s “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” delights revelers with a salute to the new year at 7 p.m. and 11:42 p.m.
• At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the 25-minute spectacular “Fantasmic!” that combines water, fire, lights, lasers, fireworks and music will be presented at 6:30 and 8 p.m., with the popular “Lights! Camera! Happy New Year!” fireworks display at midnight.
• At DisneyQuest, located at Downtown Disney, there is a family-friendly cyber celebration from 8 p.m. -1 a.m. Kids are entertained with a DJ and dance party, plus unlimited access to all the games and DisneyQuest attractions including Buzz Lightyear’s Astroblasters, Virtual Jungle Cruise and CyberSpace Mountain. There’s a confetti drop and festive party favors as the clock strikes midnight. Partygoers also get a coupon for a pizza, hot dog, chicken casesar wrap or hamburger, plus chips and soda. Price is $45 advance purchase – or $55 day of, including tax. Call 407-934-7639 to reserve tickets.
• At Cirque du Soleil, located at Downtown Disney, all guests attending the Dec. 31 performances will receive a limited-edition Walt Disney World/Cirque trading pin. Shows are at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. For pricing contact 407/WDW/SEAT
• Registered guests at select Disney resort hotels will be treated to music and entertainment. At Narcoosee’s restaurant (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa), for instance, there will be a four-course dining experience for $149, plus DJ, balloon artist and special fireworks viewing at 8:30 and 11:51.
• Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort offers a special-ticket New Year’s Eve party from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. with video DJ Tony Zapulla.
For specific information about other holiday dining offerings at Disney resort hotels on Dec. 31, call 407/WDW/DINE.
The 2011 version of Disney’s Night of Joy, a contemporary Christian music event, will take place September 9-10, 2011, at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Scheduled headliners include TobyMac, MercyMe, newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Jars of Clay and Skillet. Note: Night of Joy is an after-hours event that requires a special ticket. Event hours are 7:30 PM to 1 AM each night. For more information, visit www.nightofjoy.com.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Known as the “Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains,” Gatlinburg comes alive during the Christmas season as the city transforms into a winter wonderland of colorful holiday lights, amazing holiday-themed live shows and seasonal festivities – all surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the majestic Smokies! Highlights include Smoky Mountain Winterfest, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas festival and the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, as well as abundant holiday shopping opportunities and skiing at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort.
Branson, Missouri
Spend an Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson, the “Live Music Show Capital of the World,” and view spectacular holiday light displays, world-class live entertainment and a variety of special events such as the Christmas on the Trail Show, Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills, Branson Area Festival of Lights and An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City. A holiday shopper’s paradise, Branson features the Branson Landing shopping, dining and entertainment complex, as well as three outlet malls boasting more than 300 unique stores.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The Myrtle Beach Christmas holiday season is one of the most spectacular times to visit the Grand Strand! Enjoy wonderful live shows that include The Carolina Opry Christmas Show, The South’s Grandest Christmas Show at The Alabama Theatre and Christmas at Dixie Stampede, as well as unique shopping venues such as Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing, more than 100 championship golf courses, and a myriad of fun-filled holiday parades and festivals.
Miami, Florida
Escape to warmer climates in beautiful Miami this holiday season and enjoy white-sand beaches, endless recreational opportunities, championship golf, world-class shopping, trendy dining spots and nonstop nightlife. Don’t miss the chance to visit such eclectic attractions as Miami Seaquarium, Monkey Jungle, Miami Children’s Museum, Jungle Island and Everglades National Park.
Tunica, Mississippi
Light up the holidays in Tunica, “The South’s Casino Capital,” one of the fastest-growing casino resorts in the United States and the third-largest gambling destination in the country behind only Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Enjoy a festive atmosphere, complete with nonstop gaming action, outlet shopping, championship golf and live entertainment at Tunica’s multimillion dollar showrooms.
Orlando, Florida
The perfect destination for a winter vacation getaway, Orlando provides something for everyone such as beautiful weather, world-class theme parks and an abundance of family-friendly festive celebrations such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Holidays Around the World at Epcot, The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. Ring in the New Year and enjoy spectacular fireworks at the theme parks, as well as lively parties at nightclubs throughout Orlando.
Park City, Utah
With 9,000 acres of white-powder ski slopes, a historic downtown with more than 100 restaurants and bars, eclectic shops and art galleries, and an abundance of holiday-related events and concerts, there is no better time to be in Park City than during the Christmas holidays! Don’t miss such seasonal festivities as Santa on the Slopes and New Year’s Eve Rockin’ Rail Jam, both at The Canyons Resort, as well as Park City Winterfest and the world-renowned Sundance Film Festival.
Planning a last-minute holiday escape? Check out the latest deals at Westgate Resorts! Visit www.westgatedestinations.com for more information.
The perfect destination for a winter vacation getaway, Orlando provides something for everyone such as beautiful weather, world-class theme parks and an abundance of family-friendly festive celebrations such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Holidays Around the World at Epcot, The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. Ring in the New Year and enjoy spectacular fireworks at the theme parks, as well as lively parties at nightclubs throughout Orlando. Traveling to Orlando for the holidays? Check out the great deals at Westgate Resorts! Visit www.westgatedestinations.com for details.
The 2010 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park will take place on 19 select evenings between November 8 and December 19, 2010. Highlights of this after-hours party, which requires a separate admission ticket, include Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade, Holiday Wishes, Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks spectacular and Cinderella Castle decorated with 200,000 sparkling white lights. In addition, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will feature complimentary hot cocoa, cookies and apple slices; meet and greets with Disney characters; and unlimited admission to favorite attractions.
The party runs from 7 PM until midnight on the following nights: November 8, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 28, 30 and December 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17 and 19, 2010. Day-of-party ticket pricing is $59.95 ($53.95 for ages 3-9). Advance tickets are available with $6 savings for most dates. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.disneyworld.com/christmasparty.
Seeking great deals on accommodations that provide convenient access to Walt Disney World Resort? Check out the latest specials at Westgate Resorts! Visit www.westgatedestinations.com for more information.
With the holidays rapidly approaching, you still have time to make preparations for a dream Disney World vacation for your entire family – while enjoying significant savings in the process. The secret to successful last-minute bookings in Orlando is to seek out and take advantage of the best online hotel deals and discount vacation packages. Numerous holiday savings opportunities are available throughout Orlando for bargain hunters who know what to look for.
Even though the holiday season in Orlando is extremely busy, a majority of the best resorts near Disney have rooms available. You simply need to know how to negotiate through the myriad of online Orlando hotel offers and find the best deal for your family. First, browse online for an individually tailored Orlando vacation package that can be customized to meet the needs of your family. Next, call the vacation provider directly and negotiate the hotel price, free nights or an upgrade during this last-minute booking season. Ask about add-ons such as discount theme park tickets to Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando® Resort or SeaWorld® Orlando.
By booking your Orlando vacation getaway now, you and your family also can enjoy all of the special festivities scheduled for the 2009-2010 Disney holiday season such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney’s Magic Kingdom (November 10 – December 18, 2009), Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney (November 13-15, 2009), Holidays Around the World at Epcot (November 27 – December 30, 2009), The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (November 10, 2009 – January 4, 2010), Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (November 27, 2009 – January 3, 2010) and Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney (November 17 – December 24, 2009). And nothing quite beats bringing in the New Year at Walt Disney World Resort!
When it comes to celebrating the holidays at Walt Disney World® Resort with your family, many choices are available. As a result, advanced preparation is a great idea to save time and enjoy to the fullest the holiday season at Disney World. And if you are seeking great deals on comfortable accommodations during your next Disney World vacation getaway, look no farther than Westgate Resorts. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.
Walt Disney World Resort will host a fantastic lineup of fun-filled activities to help bring in the New Year 2010! Mark your calendar for the following Disney World events:
Bay Lake & Seven Seas Lagoon The Electrical Water Pagaent (9 PM; plays to Magic Kingdom entrance area at 10:25 PM)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade (3:45 PM)
Park hours on New Year’s Eve (9 AM-7 PM)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Fantasmic! nighttime musical special effects extravaganza (6:30 PM)
Live performances by in-park band “Mulch, Sweat and Shears,” back-to-back with a DJ at Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat (Mulch, Sweat and Shears sets are 8, 9, 10 and 11 PM; DJ starts at 63;) PM)
A special “Lights, Camera, Happy New Year” fireworks show starring Mulch, Sweat and Shears (11:55 PM)
Park hours on New Year’s Eve: 9 AM-midnight
Disney’s Magic Kingdom “Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It!” parade and street party (11 AM, 12:30 PM and 5:40 PM)
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade (12 PM and 3:30 PM)
SpectroMagic parade of lights and music (7 PM and 10:30 PM)
Holiday Wishes fireworks (8:30 PM)
Fantasy in the Sky fireworks (11:50 PM)
Park hours on New Year’s Eve: 9 AM-1 AM
Epcot Special version of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” (7:30 PM and 11:40 PM)
Park hours on New Year’s Eve (9 AM-1 AM)
Enjoy great deals on comfortable accommodations that provide convenient access to Walt Disney World Resort theme parks at Westgate Resorts. For more information, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.
Spectacular fireworks displays, colorful parades, patriotic music, lively festivities and nonstop fun for the entire family make Orlando the place to be during the 2009 Fourth of July weekend. So gather the family together and celebrate America’s independence at the “Theme Park Capital of the World!”
2009 Walt Disney World Fourth of July Celebrations A variety of special Fourth of July events have been scheduled for all four of Disney’s world-class theme parks – Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – such as patriotic parades, live music and spectacular fireworks displays. At Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, “Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” show will begin promptly at 9 PM. Disney’s Hollywood Studios will present a 9 PM performance of “Fantasmic!” And Epcot will feature a holiday-inspired “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth” at 10 PM. All of the Fourth of July celebrations at Disney World are included in the regular admission price.
2009 Fourth of July at Universal Orlando
Spend the Fourth of July weekend enjoying the thrilling rides and attractions at Universal Orlando’s two extraordinary theme parks – Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Then check out an amazing Fourth of July extravaganza that involves live music, games and the simultaneous launch of a glorious display of fireworks. Universal Studios park hours will be extended to 10 PM on the Fourth of July.
2009 SeaWorld Orlando Fourth of July Events In addition to it exhilarating live animal shows such as “Blue Horizons” and “Believe,” SeaWorld Orlando will feature patriotic daytime shows, special performances of Mistify and an impressive fireworks display. SeaWorld Orlando park hours will be extended to 11 PM on Fourth of July.
2009 Downtown Orlando Fourth of July Festivities Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon around beautiful Lake Eola in downtown Orlando at Fireworks at the Fountain, which features games, activities, live entertainment and delicious food, followed by a fabulous 30-minute fireworks display at night. More than 100,000 people are expected to attend Fireworks at the Fountain and admission is free. If you’re seeking some serious Fourth of July partying, head to downtown Orlando’s Wall Street Plaza for the Fourth of July Block Party, which includes an outdoor stage for quality live entertainment. It’s a great place to go before and after viewing area fireworks displays. Admission to the Fourth of July Block Party is free.
Looking for great deals on spacious villa rentals during your Fourth of July vacation getaway? Visit www.westgatedestinations.com for information on Westgate Resorts properties, including Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas.
Note: Event schedules are subject to change without notice.
1. Splash Mountain: Take a flume ride adventure aboard a hollowed-out log through swamps and bayous within an 87-foot-high mountain as you enjoy the crazy antics of Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox and Brer Bear from Disney’s 1946 classic movie Song of the South. Along the way, prepare to get soaked as you plunge five free-falling stories at a 45-degree angle into a watery oasis at 40 miles per hour!
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: Cruise through secret caves, witness exciting sea battles and view a bustling Caribbean island town that has become overrun with a host of unruly audio-animatronic pirates.
3. Haunted Mansion: Take an approximately eight-minute-long ride in a “Doom Buggy” through the Haunted Mansion courtesy of a state-of-the-art Omnimover ride system, along with some great special effects and amazing audio-animatronics.
4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: One of Frontierland’s most popular attractions, this thrilling roller coaster (in the form of a runaway train) twists and turns its way through an Old West mining town with loads of surprises along the way.
5. Space Mountain: Blast off into the darkness of outer space as you twist and turn, shooting past stars and satellites during the classic Space Mountain indoor roller coaster ride!
6. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: Join Buzz Lightyear as a “Junior Space Ranger” and help pilot your Star Cruiser through the galaxy – zapping aliens along the way.
7. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: Visit Pooh and all of his friends – including Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Kanga, Rabbit, Baby Roo and Owl – and join them on a fun-filled adventure through the Hundred-Acre Wood
8. Jungle Cruise: The approximately 10-minute cruise features a hilarious narrated river tour through various jungle scenarios in three continents: the Nile in Africa, the Mekong in Asia and the Amazon in South America.
9. It’s A Small World: Take a leisurely boat ride that magically transports you through the countries of the world as hundreds of international dolls sing and dance to the favorite childhood song.
10. Hall of Presidents: The attraction begins with a short patriotic film that traces the history of the United States Constitution and early presidential milestones, and ends with a stage full of life-size, audio-animatronic figures of each of the 42 U.S. presidents.
Looking for great deals on spacious villa rentals during your next Walt Disney World Resort vacation getaway? Visit www.orlando-florida.net/hotels for information on Westgate Resorts properties, including Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas.
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.
Walt Disney World Resort 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 five 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 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Haunted Mansion at Disney’s Magic Kingdom and the France Pavilion at Epcot, 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.
Believe it or not, you can stay near Disney World without spending a fortune. For instance, Westgate Resorts offers great deals on spacious villa rentals that provide easy access to the four world-class theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort: Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. For more information about villa rentals at Westgate Resorts, call (800) 864-1645 or visit www.orlando-florida.net/hotels.
Westgate Resorts 