The Walt Disney Company has always been one to participate in charities and help those that are less fortunate. When you’re visiting the Orlando theme parks you see the smiling faces of cast members and realize Walt Disney World really is the happiest place on Earth. There are a lot of fortunate people that get to go to the Disney theme parks throughout the year, but there are people that never get to travel, let alone have a safe place they can call their own.

Homelessness is affecting the United States like never before, especially with the economic recession that we have been undergoing. People have lost their jobs and even their homes because of layoffs and other reasons—but the Walt Disney Company would never ignore the less fortunate. Over Thanksgiving, chefs from various Disney resorts came together with the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida to prepare meals for over 600 people. These people, which includes families, women, children and men, were all fed a traditional Thanksgiving dinner prepared by Disney chefs. Chef Tony Marotta oversaw the entire project.

Monthly, the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida prepares about 750 meals for the homeless in the area, but for the special Thanksgiving day feast, the chefs had to start two days in advance. It was a lot of hard work, but important work, as Disney firmly believes in the idea of VoluntEars and helping the community.

“When you see homelessness in the media, you are moved to humility and compassion, but when you see homelessness in person, you are moved to action,” said Trevor Larsen, WDW vice president of engineering services and manufacturing, who serves on the Coalition board. “There are plenty of ways people can help. Come meet these adults and children in need and get involved.”

If you want to get into the giving spirit, you can always volunteer at a homeless shelter or other charity foundation yourself. Don’t forget Disney is doing the Give a Day Get a Day program! If you volunteer and sign up on the website, all you need is proof of your day of service to get a free admission into the Magic Kingdom or any other Disney theme park!

Supermodel Tyra Banks has never been one to keep quiet about issues she feels passionate about, especially when it comes to her heritage. So for Tyra, like many other African-American celebrities, the arrival of Disney’s newest princess is a milestone both in Disney history and in their own life. Anika Noni Rose, the beautiful voice of Princess Tiana, was brought to tears at the sight of the first Princess Tiana doll, proclaiming that now little girls all over the world had an African-American princess to represent them. It was an emotional moment and a great moment for the newest Disney star, and we’re sure we’re going to here plenty of great stories about Princess Tiana’s impact once The Princess and the Frog is released on December 11th, 2009!

In honor of the new movie, Tyra filmed her trip to the Orlando theme parks area where she took three little girls to the Walt Disney World Resort. On this special trip, the three girls, mom, and Tyra all got to attend a very special tea party in their honor at the Magic Kingdom, where they met none other than Princess Tiana. The special visit will be the highlight of an upcoming episode of The Tyra Show during sweeps week. We’re glad Tyra decided to spotlight our very own Walt Disney World Resort when she chose to bring these three lucky families to visit Tiana and the Magic Kingdom, since there are so many great things going on right now!

Tomorrowland’s Transit Authority and Space Mountain finally opened with brand new additions and technology. In order to promote The Princess and the Frog you can catch Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee over in Frontierland and for a special time only, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is bringing holiday joy to Disney guests from around the world. Get your discount Disney tickets for the party and make sure you stop by to see the Magic Kingdom converted into a holiday wonderland.

We’re sure Tyra and the girls had a great time with Princess Tiana, and we’re sure The Princess and the Frog will do great in theaters. Make sure you go see it and take your friends!

The holidays are fast approaching and that only means summer is that much closer. If you’re a high school senior at the moment, you’re probably fretting over college applications and worrying about what to do after you graduate. But don’t forgot one very important thing—Grad Nite! This special event at the Disney theme parks is a tradition for high school kids across the nation. Every year, the Walt Disney Company brings Grad Nite to both Disneyland and the Walt Disney World Resort right here in Orlando, FL. Grad Nite is a special event where high school seniors can get together and have fun as a class for the last time before their graduation as they go on all of the great Disney rides, attend special events and see special groups in concert.

2010’s Grad Nite will not disappoint! The event will run April 23, 24, 30 and May 1st from 10pm until 4am. That means you and all of your friends will be able to go on the best rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, The Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean with students from Central Florida and the rest of the United States. Along with having access to the great rides, there will be a number of dance parties and a pre-party. While Disney is still mum on the pre-party details, we know there will be dance parties in Tomorrowland and Frontierland. You and your friends can dance the night away to your favorite songs surrounded by amazing video walls.

If you’re going to attend Grad Nite in 2010, or DGN10 for short, you can expect to see some amazing acts performing. If you’re a fan of America’s Best Dance Crew both Quest Crew and Beat Freaks will be showing off their moves to crowds of high school seniors. Music fans will flip over the biggest Grad Nite guest announced so far: Paramore! This rock band fronted by the orange-haired Hayley Williams has had huge success with songs like “crushcrushcrush,” “Misery Business,” and “Decode.” Singers like Keri Hilson, Mario and bands like Boys Like Girls will also be performing at DGN10. It’s an event no high school student can miss!

Do you remember when there were $1 coins in the US? Canada has its loonies ($1 CAD) and twonies ($2 CAD) but here in the US we’ve been relying on paper dollars for quite some time now. However, the growing trend of “going green” and changing our habits to be more environmentally friendly has even trickled down to the way we use and make our money. You might be thinking what this has to do with the Orlando theme parks or Walt Disney World Resort we’re always writing about? Well, everything! It’s no secret that the Walt Disney World Resort is keen on conservation efforts. Both Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Epcot are legitimate animal organizations that participate in breeding and rescue efforts. Now the Walt Disney World Resort’s Epcot and Magic Kingdom will be teaming up with the US Mint to distribute dollar coins throughout the parks in certain locations.

Dollar bills aren’t as environmentally friendly as coins. These dollar coins are gold in color and feature the image of Sacagwea both on the front and back of the gold-toned (not real gold) coin. On one side she is carrying a child in a papoose with the regular United States logos and on the other side she is harvesting corn, beans and squash in a field. The agricultural theme matches perfectly with the environmental goals that this collaboration with the US Mint is striving toward.

Many people are talking about these coins becoming a collectible, and we all know Disney fans love to collect! From pin trading to special figurines, we love taking advantage of special opportunities. Over at Epcot you can find the special coins in certain locations at the American Adventure in the United States pavilion at the World Showcase. Over in the Magic Kingdom you can find the coins in certain areas of Liberty Square and near the Haunted Mansion. The special coin usage will only be going on until December, so make sure you check out our discount Disney tickets and get to the parks soon!

Who doesn’t love going to the movies? Better yet, who doesn’t love feeling like they are a part of the movies? This is what I love about Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There is a different kind of magic here at this Orlando theme park. While the Magic Kingdom gives you the fairytale feeling and Epcot takes you to foreign lands and the future, Disney’s Hollywood Studios gives you a variety of attractions that aren’t only a ton of fun, but they’re interactive as well.

Stunts are a huge part of movies, especially all the big action flicks. At the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Show Spectacular you get to see some of the best scenes from the legendary Indiana Jones movies recreated right before your eyes. Whether it’s fighting under a revolving plane with deadly propellers or escaping from a large rolling rock you’ll get to watch “Indy” perform the stunts from the edge of your seat.

If you’re a fan of the Muppets like I am, Muppetvision 3D is a Disney Hollywood Studio’s classic. You’ll get to see your favorite Muppets characters go on a comedic adventure as they search for a runaway Gonzo. Right between Muppetvision 3D and the classic Sci-Fi Diner is Star Tours. Now, as of October this ride is going to be closing for renovation. I’m sad to see it go, despite the complaints most people have about the ride being outdated. Sure, it is a bit outdated but there is also a huge element of nostalgia to it. I know Star Tours II will be incredible (opening in 2011) but I will miss the original ride.

Speaking of nostalgia, no trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is complete without a visit to The Great Movie Ride. It isn’t as thrilling as the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster or Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror, but seeing a glimpse of the old animatronics re-telling the stories of classic movies like Casablanca and Alien as you head to your final destination of the movie montage set to some of the greatest soundtracks of all time. It may sound cheesy, but that ride always makes me remember why I love movies so much. They can touch Star Tours, but I really hope The Great Movie Ride stays the same. Sometimes nostalgia is a good thing.

When you think of Walt Disney films animation usually comes to mind; but what about documentaries? Come to think of it, when you’re enjoying Orlando theme parks like the Walt Disney World Resort do you ever stop and think about the inner workings of all of the magic? The latest film to come out of the Disney group is Walt & El Grupo. If you’ve ever been on the Grand Fiesta Tour attraction at the Mexican Pavillion at Epcot, you might have seen a trio of comical characters featuring Donald Duck, a rooster by the name of Panchito and a parrot by the name of Jose Carioca. This comical trio is better known as The Three Caballeros and they were a direct result from a trip to South America Walt Disney took with a company of animators in 1941.

Those were trying times for Walt Disney. There was an animators strike, the world was at war and the fate of Disney appeared dismal. The US government recruited Walt and a group of his hand-picked animators to go to South America on a mission of goodwill. Walt and his group visited Argentina, Brazil and Chile to meet with famous Latin American artists and musicians and collaborate on a project. The result of this trip was two movies: The Three Caballeros and Saludos Amigos.

Walt Disney was only 39 on this trip and Disneyland hadn’t even opened yet! But it was an imperative mission to the world of Walt Disney and one that produced some animation firsts. The Three Caballeros featured a combination of live-action cinema and animation. It also featured some prominent Latin stars from the era including Aurora, the sister of Carmen Miranda, Dora Luz and Carmen Molina. The title song of The Three Caballeros was composed by legendary Mexican composer Manuel Esperon.

Walt & El Grupo is expected to be a great inside look into the world of Walt Disney, a man surrounded by many legends. Fans of the animation genius will get a rare glimpse at what life was like during the early stages of the Disney empire and see how the trip influenced Disney’s multicultural aspects as shown by attractions like It’s A Small World and the World Showcase Pavillion. If you’re a Disney fan, Walt & El Grupo is a must see.

Board games have always been a part of growing up. Whichever game happens to be your favorite, soon enough you will be finding Walt Disney versions popping up in toy stores everywhere! One of the first games to jump on the Disney bandwagon was Monopoly. You can purchase these games at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland and other locations where Disney items are sold. Castles and cottages replace hotels and houses as classic Disney movies replace the property locations. Alice, Snow White, Lady and the Tramp, Cinderella and Dumbo replace the regular shoe, iron and car pieces of the original games. Disney continued to expand its Monopoly game fun with a Disney Villains version and even a Monopoly Junior version with the Disney Princesses.

The latest board game to join the Disney board game family is the Haunted Mansion version of the game of LIFE. With the clever subtitle of “Welcome to the After-Life” your family travels in little coffin-like vehicles down the road that leads to the Haunted Mansion. This game features Haunted Mansions from all of the Disney parks around the world and even some non-Disney famous haunted locations. One of the coolest features of the game is the famous spinning wheel. The creators of the game were inspired by Madame Leota (the floating head on the mansion ride) and her séance, so the wheel features a globe and Madame Leota’s famous raven. The stories surrounding this version of the game revolve around the famous paintings in the lobby of the Haunted Mansion attraction…you know, the ones that stretch up to reveal the dismal fates of the painting’s subjects? There are also Hidden Mickeys inside the game and various characters from the ballroom ghosts to the opera singer in the graveyard are featured in the playing cards. It’s the perfect board game for some not-so-scary spooky fun—great for Halloween or any time year round.

If you’re more of a video game person there are plenty of Disney options for you. There are a number of DVD games for children involving the Disney Princesses or your Pixar favorites. If you’re a fan of the Scene It? games there are three Disney versions to choose from, each of them fun for all ages and groups. Try out the Disney version if you love Pixar Disney and more recent films like Lilo & Stitch. The Disney 2nd Edition features more classic characters for the classic Disney fans and if you’re a Jonas-lover or Hannah Montana fan you will love the Disney Channel Scene It? version. Whichever option you choose there are plenty of ways to have some Disney fun at home!

Walt Disney World has always been a gay and merry place, but this early June, the theme parks will receive a boost of a different kind of gay. The first week of June through Sunday, June 7, marks the annual Orlando event known as Gay Days, which unites members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and supportive community in enjoyment of a day at the Disney parks. Since 1991, GLBT visitors and supporters have worn red and gathered at Magic Kingdom. Today, the event is bigger than ever, bringing an estimated 75,000 visitors to Orlando and encompassing all four parks and several Orlando resorts with meet-ups and special events.

This year, the Gay Days calendar is packed with expos, concerts, comedy shows, and parties all over Orlando. At the parks, however, the event rotates to a different Disney park each day. On Thursday, Gay Days is at Animal Kingdom; on Friday, the event moves to Disney’s Hollywood Studios; on Saturday, the traditional (and biggest of all) Gay Days takes place at Magic Kingdom; and on Sunday, Gay Days winds down at Epcot.

What this means to those unfamiliar with Gay Days is that a large amount of GLBT visitors will be visiting the designated Disney park on that specific day, where they’ll ride the rides and have fun like everyone else. The daily parade usually serves as a gathering point, especially on Saturday when Gay Days guests will “meet at Cindy’s place” (Cinderella’s Castle) for the Celebrate a Dream Come True parade at 3 pm.

While for GLBT visitors to the park, Gay Days is a chance to don their rainbow-colored Mickey ears, the event has stirred up some controversy in the past. Some Gay Days guests have been known to engage in public displays of affection, which sometimes make other guests and families with children uncomfortable.

For those who feel like Gay Days might taint their Walt Disney World experience, we advise steering clear of the specific meet-up park on the day you want to visit. For example, you may want to visit any other Disney park besides Magic Kingdom on Saturday. Visiting the parks early is also a good idea, as the crowds will be particularly thick in the afternoon.

It’s important to note that Gay Days is not sanctioned by or affiliated with Walt Disney World. Still, as Gay Days participants and GLBT Disney lovers know, the parks do an excellent job of treating every guest the same. Mickey loves you no matter what your sexuality is.

Ultimately, for those participating in the event, Gay Days is a fun and festive opportunity for the GLBT community and its supporters to get together, show their pride, and have some good, old-fashioned Disney fun. And if the event doesn’t bother or affect you, feel free to go and enjoy the parks among its red-wearing visitors like you would on any other day.

As always, you can save on Walt Disney World tickets -- for Gay Days or a regular magic-filled visit to your favorite park – right here on DWTickets.com.

On July 4, the historic Hall of Presidents exhibit at Magic Kingdom will reopen after the biggest makeover in its 38-year history. But in meantime, the New York Times got to have the first look at the exhibit's latest addition: an animatronic President Barack Obama, or as the folks at Disney like to call it, Robobama.

The 44th President of the United States has been recreated in animatronic form for his induction into The Hall of Presidents at Walt Disney World, which pays tribute to each of the presidents in an entertaining and educational show. Lincoln, Carter, Bush - they're all present in robotic form in the attraction, and former presidents Bush and Clinton even provided their voices for the presidential 'roll call.' But as the Times learned, Obama not only provided his voice, but even his measurements for his figure, which DIsney says is the most lifelike president they've created yet.

Supposedly, when President Obama saw renderings of the figure, he said Disney Imaginaeers made the figure "better-looking than he was."

Similar to presidents before him, Robobama will have a speaking role in the attractions. He'll recite his oath of office in addition to a newly drafted speech written by Disney writers and tweaked by Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau. President Obama recorded the speed in March inside the White House Map Room, which was apparently the best room for recording in Disney high-definition sound.

Joining Robobama in speaking to the crowd will be Abraham Lincoln, who has always had a speaking role in the Hall of Presidents. However, after the July 4 unveiling of the attraction, Lincoln will be delivering the Gettysburg Address in its entirety. Also, George Washington will have a speaking role for the first time ever.

These are just a few of the new additions to the attraction, which will also feature a new film narrated by Morgan Freeman. The hall itself will also get an upgrade, including new digital-video projection systems and new, longer spotlights for each president with modernized controls.

And of course, former president George W. Bush will be added to the attraction in the form of a less sophisticated animatronic figure. Robobama is actually the same figure as the old Robobush, simply recycled, reprogrammed, and given some significant plastic surgery.

However, one would never guess that Robobama was once another president, as the Times reports that Disney has gone to great lengths to accurately convey not only the President's expression, but his mannerisms as well.

"Thus the audio-animatronic Obama purses its lips to pronounce its b's and p's in a way frighteningly evocative of the real one, and raises its hands, open-palmed, while shruggiong its shoulders, in a way that can only be described as Obamaesque. Even the president's wedding ring, with its braided design, has been recreated," wrote Jacques Steinberg.

One of Disney's oldest attractions, the Hall of Presidents was first conceived by Walt Disney himself when he produced a "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln" attraction for the 1964 World's Fair in New York. The Hall has been featured in Magic Kingdom since the park opened in 1971 and features all 43 presidents of the United States in a celebration of American history.

The Hall of Presidents officially reopens on July 4, a very appropriate day for the reintroduction of the most patriotic attraction at Disney. In addition to all the other Independence Day festivities at Disney, you won't want to miss seeing the latest Presidential figures in action. Check out Walt Disney World tickets on DWTickets.com now to come face to face with President Obama - Robobama, that is.

On May 29, Disney-Pixar will release its 10th animated film, UP. A comedy adventure about 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredericksen, the film follows this grumpy old curmudgeon as he finally fulfills his lifelong dream of traveling to the wilds of South America. He does so by tying thousands of balloons to his home, which causes it to spring right off its foundations and soar fantastically into the sky. But soon enough, Fredericksen learns he's not alone - tagging along for the journey is Russell, an eager and enthusiastic 8-year-old wilderness explorer who'll show Fredericksen that you're never too old or young for an adventure.

If reading about UP has got you interested in learning more, you're in luck - before the film hits theaters, guests can actually meet its stars at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Starting May 14, the characters from the new Disney-Pixar comedy have been making visits to the park. They include the optimistic young Russell, the ill-tempered Carl, and Dug, the talking dog, who Russell and Carl meet along their journey.

Together, the characters will be making regular meet-and-greet appearances for guests inside Hollywood Studios' "Magic of Disney Animation" attraction. There, fans will be able to get their autographs and pose for pictures with them in front of Mickey's Sorcerer Hat. They might even be able to ask the stars about their wild adventures to South Africa!

UP debuts in US theaters nationwide on May 29, 2009 and has already gotten rave reviews - it's even earned itself a spot in history as the first animated film ever to open the Cannes Film Festival. Early reviews say the film is bittersweet but funny with a lot of hear and an unexpected friendship at the end.

Several stars have lent their voices to their film, such as Ed Asner, who voices Carl Fredericksen. Christopher Plummer voices the explorer and villian Charles Muntz, and John Ratzenberger, who has provided the voices for several other Disney films such as Finding Nemo and Ratatouille, also lends his vocal talents to UP.

When UP arrives in theaters, moviegoers can catch it in all its animated glory at Downtown Disney, where the AMC Pleasure Island 24 Theatres Complex, will have several showings of the film all day. We particularly like catching Disney flicks in this theater, which features loveseat-stle stadium seating. THX Suround Sound, and Sony Dynamic Digital Sound, which really makes all the great music and audio of Disney films crystal clear.

In the meantime, be sure to drop by Disney's Hollywood Studios to meet the characters of UP! Check out Walt Disney World tickets on DWTickets.com today to start planning your own adventure into the world of Disney movies.

If primates are your favorite animals in the whole world, you might have a new reason to visit Walt Disney World this season. Disney’s Animal Kingdom recently welcomed a black and white colobus monkey – the first of its species born at the park – among its animal ranks. This cute little fella was born February 17 after a six-month gestation and can be now seen along the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail with a group of five other colobus monkeys.
Though the weight, size, and gender of the monkey are still unknown, the baby monkey is being well-cared-for by first-time mother Kabibi.

“The baby was born looking healthy and vigorous,” said Rebecca Phillips, a primate manager at Animal Kingdom. “We’re encouraged that the mother and baby seem to be adapting well.”

As we’ve mentioned before, in addition to being a great Orlando theme park, Animal Kingdom is dedicated to animal conservation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The baby colobus monkey’s mother came to Animal Kingdom in 2008 as part of the AZA Species Survival Plan, which manages genetic diversity among species through detailed records of individual animals. Disney’s Animal Kingdom also participates in AZA Species Survival Plans for several other animals, including elephants, cotton-top tamarins, and okapi.

Here are some more fun colobus monkey facts: at birth, the monkeys are covered in white fur that’s gradually replaced with black hair as they grow older. The monkeys are distinguished by their black body and white shoulders, backs, and beards, and they stand 18 to 27 inches tall, weighing between 12 to 32 pounds. Unlike most primates, the colobus monkey doesn’t have thumbs, but they do have long tails that help them navigate the forest quickly. Currently, about 65 colobus monkeys exist in AZA-accredited facilities around the US.

In addition to the colobus monkeys, the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail is also home to a group of Lowland gorillas, whose DNA is 98% identical to that of humans. There’s also a majestic silverback gorilla and his family, in addition to other animals like hippos, okapi, naked mole rats, meerkats, and many species of exotic birds. And if you didn’t get enough primate sightings there, the Habitat Habit! Trail in Rafiki’s Planet Watch area features some of the most endangered primates in the world, the cotton-top tamarins. Native to South America, these small animals are named for their long, flowing white hair.

With so many animal encounters that you’d have to travel the world to experience otherwise, Animal Kingdom is a must-see theme park in Orlando. So go pay a visit to the adorable baby colobus monkey and check out all the wonders of the animal world; no passport is needed, just a Walt Disney World ticket from DWTickets.com.

Walt Disney World is without a doubt one of the most mysterious and magical places in the world. The four parks manage to create so many dream experiences and fun adventures that fans have often sought to uncover the science behind the magic. And though all the secrets can’t be revealed, there is a way that Disney fans can learn a bit more about how their favorite parks operate – through special Disney-offered tours.

For example, guests can opt to go on a Backstage Magic tour, a 7-hour adventure across Disney World that provides a detailed look at the workings of Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom. This fascinating tour provides an in-depth look at the parks’ creative and technical operations that bring to life your favorite special effects and attractions. You’ll get to see Disney’s massive Florist facilities (all those flowers didn’t just pop out of nowhere, you know) along with the incredibly designed North Service area. By the end of the tour, guests will have a better idea of just how much magic it takes to make the parks work.

And if you love Animal Kingdom, there’s a tour for you too – the Backstage Safari, which provides a 3-hour look at the ways that Disney Cast Members care for the park’s 1,700+ animal residents. On this behind-the-scenes walking tour, guest will get up close to a variety of incredible animals in their backstage habitats and talk to the folks that keep them happy and healthy in the Animal Nutrition Center. They’ll also visit Animal Kingdom’s state-of-the-art veterinary hospital and other facilities and learn interesting facts, like how three tons of food is prepared, distributed, and fed to the critters of Animal Kingdom every day.

Another naturally fabulous tour is Behind the Seeds at Epcot, which takes guests backstage on a one-hour indoor walking tour of the greenhouses seen at the Living with the Land pavilion. An actual working greenhouse, The Land grows delicious produce indoors, and guests will be able to learn all about the advanced and sometimes-experimental techniques it uses. Described as an extended version of the Living with the Land ride, the tour gives guests the chance to go alligator gazing, release ladybugs, and see the future of agriculture.

Around the World at Epcot is another great tour if you love the futuristic park and want to see all it has to offer without all the walking. This fun tour takes guests around the World Showcase while riding board a 2-wheel Segway Personal Transporter. For those who have never ridden one before, the first hour of the 2-hour tour consists of a fun training session so that you don’t fall flat on your face. Once you’re ready, you and your group will head out to the World (Showcase, that is), and visit each of the 11 international pavilions it consists of. Meanwhile, your guide will point out interesting details and facts about the design of each pavilion.

All of the tours can be booked through Disney, and all of them, with the exception of the Backstage Magic Tour, still require separate Disney admission. So if you’re burning to know some of the mystery behind the magic at your favorite Disney theme park, get your Walt Disney World tickets at DWTickets.com and then give Disney a call to schedule a fascinating and one-of-a-kind tour.

Walt Disney World has no shortage of incredible souvenirs. From Mickey ears that you can customize with your own signature color and decorations to an extensive variety of pins that you could spend your whole life collecting, the parks have been known for developing some of the coolest collectibles that make park-going even more fun. And in continuation of a tradition that’s endured at the parks for more than twenty years, Disney is debuting its 2009 series of Disney Dollars, the “official currency” of Walt Disney World Resort.

These colorful bills are released every year with a new design, and the 2009 series, which has just been issued, is perfectly matched to go with one of Walt Disney World’s newest promotions, "What Will You Celebrate?" "What Will You Celebrate?" encourages people to head to the parks to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, graduations, and other life triumphs.

The bills, which come in $1, $5, and $10 denominations, all call attention to celebrating with their new designs. On the $1, Mickey Mouse and Pluto are seen celebrating with a cake, while Daisy Duck and Minnie Mouse grace the $5 in party hats. And on the $10, Goofy is joined by Donald Duck and Mickey as he blows out the candles on a cake, causing all its frosting to land on Mickey’s face. The reverse of each bill features Cinderella Castle in the clouds with the phrase, “There’s so Much in Life Worth Celebrating.”

Disney Dollars debuted in 1987 as a fun souvenir especially created for Disney-loving collectors. A man named Harry Brice, a silhouette cutter on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland, had the idea for the bills after going to a Disneyana show and seeing how much people loved Disney collectibles. Two series were created at first, one for Disneyland, and one for Walt Disney World, but additional series were added over the years for special celebrations, Disney stores, and other themes like Pirates of the Caribbean. Since their creation, new dollars have been produced every year except in 1992 and 2004.

Money can be exchanged for Disney Dollars at Guest Relations in any of the four parks, as well as at resort front desks. They can also be found at the Guest Relations at Downtown Disney Marketplace and at the information desk at the World of Disney shop. A fun way to teach kids the value of money while at the parks, Disney Dollars never expire and can be used for purchases throughout Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot, as well as on Disney’s Cruise Line, at the Disney stores, and more. However, whatever bills you don’t use can be kept as a unique collectible; like a real dollar, each bill is individually numbered.

Next time you hit the parks and are searching for a unique memento to remember your visit by, check out Disney Dollars. Better than a gift card, you’ll have fun spending or holding on to these little Disney treasures. And be sure to get your Walt Disney World tickets at DWTickets.com, so you’ll have more money left over to convert into Disney Dollars.

We have all felt our wallets getting a little skimpier over the past year or so; it is not a pleasant thought to admit, but many of us have found ourselves cutting back on the things we normally take pleasure in. And often, a vacation would be the first on that list of cutbacks, but at Walt Disney World, you can still have a dream vacation that won’t make your wallet go into extinction. Just follow a few handy tips, and you’ll be able to preserve the most magical part of your year.

First, there’s no question that one of the highest costs of a vacation can be food and beverages. Keeping your group fueled and quenched is no cheap feat. However, you can get the most bang for your buck at any one of Disney’s expansive buffets. For example, you can get a satisfying breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom. Not only does the Crystal Palace serve a wide variety of American favorites, but you can also dine with your favorite characters too. Watching the chefs prepare your meal in the live on-stage kitchen also provides easy and free entertainment.

At many of the Walt Disney World resort restaurants, it’s also possible to have an inexpensive meal for $10 or less. Mara at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Spoodles Pizza Window at the Boardwalk Inn, Food and Fun Center at the Contemporary, and Hurricane Hanna’s at the Beach and Yacht Club are just a few of the places offering fun themes and low cost eats.

And instead of purchasing a drink everywhere you go, consider purchasing a bottomless mug instead. Available at the food courts of nearly all the resorts, these refillable mugs can be bought for $12.49 and used repeatedly for the length of your vacation. This is especially money-saving for coffee lovers, soda junkies, or anyone enjoying a lengthy vacation.

Another area where it helps to save money is souvenirs. Let’s face it – every year we go to Walt Disney World, we come back with more and more stuff. And shopping for a unique memento is definitely one of the most enjoyable parts of a Disney vacation. So how can you enjoy adding a souvenir to your stash without losing too much cash? Simply look for creative souvenirs. For example, at the Walt Disney World website, you can order a customized park map and have it mailed to your house – for free! The maps come with stickers so you can mark your favorite spots, and when you’re finished with them, they serve as a special reminder of your visit.

You can also score a great souvenir by pinching pennies – literally! For a fee of fifty cents (plus one penny), you can get a special Disney-imprinted penny for a fun and affordable keepsake. Kids love watching the pennies being squashed, and these souvenirs are available all over the four parks and at many of the resorts. You can also usually find a unique design in each area featuring a Disney character or icon, so they make a great collectible, too.

Finally, make sure to take advantage of all the extras Disney has to offer. Squeeze the most fun and value out of your Disney vacation by using FASTPASS and Extra Magic Hours. Avoid the high costs of a rental car by using Disney’s Transportation System. And last but not least, save big by ordering your Walt Disney World tickets at DWTickets.com. You’ll score the same Disney experiences for less, and you won’t even have to cut back on a single attraction. Now that’s a value vacation.