It can mean the worst case scenario for vacationers getting ready to take off for Orlando.  A tropical storm has developed into a stronger storm, is growing as it moves through the warm waters of the Carribean, and there's nothing to do but fret and keep watching the latest storm trajectories.  Will it intensify?  Will it hit Orlando?  Will our flights be able to make it in, or will our flights even make it from Orlando and be able to pick us up?  These are all questions that many would be Disney World visitors have been asking themselves these last couple of weeks. 

So, the good news... it looks like most of those questions will be returned with positive answers.  Hurricane Michael is cursing through the Gulf of Mexico, and will completely miss Florida's main coast.  However, it will be slamming into the panhandle, and our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in that area.  Orlando will experience rain and clouds, and some pretty good waves on the Gulf side, but overall Mickey (we mean Michael) has avoided the theme parks.

It's pretty unbelievable, but EPCOT's International Food and Wine Festival has already returned.  For those unfamiliar, this is the holy grail of food and wine festivals.  Visitors are able to bounce around EPCOT's World Showcase, which features a number of Countries (see below)...

•  United States of America
•  Japan
•  Morocco
•  France
•  United Kingdom
•  Canada
•  Mexico
•  Norway
•  China
•  Germany
•  Italy

Discounts on 2-Day and 3-Day Disney World Tickets

We started the DW Savers program back in 2007.  It's amazing when we type it out loud, but IT's BEEN 11 YEARS.  During that time we've had tens of thousands of subscribers, thousands of posts and newsletters, and we've also offered some pretty great discounts on Orlando attraction tickets. 

The one thing we've never been able to do though, is to include any Disney World tickets below a 4-Day option.  Well, records were made to be broken, right?!

We are now offering ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS on 2-Day and 3-Day tickets as part of our DW Savers club promotion.

A full list of all included tickets can be found here - DW Savers.

And, to join DW Savers and receive our discount ticket code, please join here.

Universal is a top destination in Orlando, Florida.  But, it's not the top destination.  Disney World, with its four major theme parks, and multitude of smaller attractions, is not only Orlando's top theme park destination, but the World's.  So, how can Universal start closing the gap?  Well, just as Ray Kinsella heard this in the great film classic "Field of Dreams"... "if you build it, they will come".

We recently heard about Universal Orlando's great plan to build "Nintendo Land", which will bring all the fun and much loved characters of the Nintendo Universe to life, and transporting fans into their favorite lands from their favorite video games.  However, Universal has been busier than that, and it appears they are looking to add several other parks, or "gates".  Universal currently has three awesome gates;  Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay Water Park.  That puts them in a position to be a terrific destination for a 2-3 day period.  If they could add a couple of more successful gates, then they would become a week-long destination, and in rare company alongside the Walt Disney World Resort.

They've been acquiring hundreds of acres of land recently, and their latest patent filing has fans inquiring about "Fantastic Land".  What's super intriguing about this patent filing, is the category in which it was filed; "entertainment services in the nature of amusement park or theme park services".   While the details have yet to come out, we do know that they are preparing for a rush.  The new Aventura Hotel is opening on August 16th, which will now bring their total number of guest rooms to over 6,000.  For those keeping score, that's more than 2.5 times the amount they were able to offer just 5 years ago.

Good luck Universal.. We're rooting for you!!!

There are so many things to love at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.  However, the long lines and big crowds generally aren't two of them.  For vacationers looking to avoid these two obstacles, there is one solution, but only if they can make it on select days, and don't mind attending the park at night.

Disney After Hours takes place on select nights at the Magic Kingdom, and allows visitor access for a 3 hour period.  During this period, guests will have access to over 25 rides and attractions with little to no wait time.  We've been following up with guests, who have been positing pictures of the wait times they've been experiencing.  None of them have been over 10 minutes!

The price for an admission ticket is $119, for both Adults and Children, and must be purchased directly from Disney (link).

Universal Orlando has just announced long-awaited details on an upcoming attraction.  For years many Universal fans have been familiar with "Cinematic Spectacular".  After it closed last year, everyone has been curious with what might take it place.  Well, today we know what we're getting, and "Cinematic Celebration" is set to open this Summer at Universal Studios Florida.

JUST ANNOUNCED: All-new Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration show to light up the nights at Universal Studios Florida.

Full details at https://t.co/eXKkVU0vAN. pic.twitter.com/bknZTmzQ9S

— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) June 14, 2018

Located in the center of the Lagoon (between Hollywood and KidZone), the best place for viewing will be in a new area called "Central Park", however visitors should be able to grab a good seat all around it.  Some of Tinseltown's greatest movies, including Jurassic Park, Despicable Me, Harry Potter, and Fast & Furious, will all be featured and projected onto full panoramic water screens that include 120 fountains with projection mapping.

An exact launch date for this Summer has not yet been released, but it looks like the fountains are up and running...

We have fountains!!
w/ @JasonMcManus #testingphase pic.twitter.com/tbWpp0VOgN

— Michael Aiello (@Michael_Aiello) June 14, 2018

Disney is officially calling it "glamping", rather than camping, which I'm told is a blend word for "glamorous camping".  So, how do you go glamping in Pandora?  You win your ticket, you choose which of your friends you bring along with you, and you begin by entering the contest here.


2009's mega blockbuster Avatar is one of James Cameron's masterpieces, and it grossed nearly $2.8B in theaters.  I say "one of" because he also put together a couple of other fairly popular movies, such as Titanic, Alien, and Terminator.  Disney wanted in on the action, as did Disney fans, so everyone collaborated and build "Pandora - The World of Avatar" at Disney's Animal Kingdom.  To do so, they had to spend over $500M.

Pandora has been one of Disney's most popular and most visited attractions since the day it opened.  And, now, Disney is running a contest that will grant one lucky fan (plus a guest of their choosing) the opportunity to camp under the stars for a night in The World of Avatar.


To participate, fans must submit a video of themselves, and only themselves, explaining why they should be chosen for this incredible adventure.  The prize package includes:

• Overnight Stay in Pandora - The World of Avatar
• Two 4-Day Disney World Park Hopper Tickets
• Free Airfare
• Free Accommodations
• Private Rides on Na'vi River and Avatar Flight of Passage
• $250 Disney Gift Card

Good luck to everyone entering the contest...

Halloween Horror Nights has earned its reputation as Orlando's most thrilling and scary attraction.  It is definitely the Country's largest Halloween "scary" attraction, and might also be the most intense.  Universal Orlando might be a a family resort, and one of the most popular family destinations, but there's a reason that all of their brochures state..

WARNING: Event may be too intense for young children and is not recommended for children under the age of 13. No costumes or masks allowed.

This year, it's 28th year (wow, where does the time go?), will be its most ambitious year yet.  For the first time ever, the even will feature 10 haunted mazes, and 5 scare zones.  So far, they've only unveiled the theme and settings for several of these attractions, but fans are already excited.  One of them will be based on Netflix's sci-fi monster hit "Stranger Things".

If you're going to be in Orlando while HHN28 is running, which will be September 14th through November 3rd, then we strongly suggest you check it out.

Disney has certainly been utilizing as much of the Star Wars brand as they possibly are able to every since they purchased the franchise.  They have been pumping out blockbuster after blockbuster in theaters across the world, and WOW have they been entertaining.  For years their Star Wars Weekend has always been one of the most anticipated, attended, and wildest weeks of the year, as thousands of park visitors show up in the favorite character's cosplay.  However fans have long hears rumors, and have been waiting, for the soon to be unveiled Stars Wars Land and Star Wars Hotel.

The new Star Wars Land, which will be called Star Wars : Galaxy's Edge, is currently under construction, and should open a little before the hotel.  We already know that it will be 14-acres of Star Wars mania, and will be located in Disney's Hollywood Studios.  For those unfamiliar, the Walt Disney World Resort has 4 major theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Magic Kingdom.

There's been a ton of building and expansion happening at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and we've just learned that the wild Star Wars Hotel will be located next to the newly expanded parking lot.  We are also told that there will be some levels of inter-connectivity between the hotel and Galaxy's Edge.  Currently, there are more than 25 Disney Resort hotel locations at the Walt Disney World Resort, and there are promises that this hotel will be something unique and special.  For example, guest rooms WILL NOT have windows to the outside world.  At least not to the outside world of Florida.  Rather, guests will have visions and views of deep space and the outer Star Wars Galaxy.

Fast & Furious cast - Universal Orlando Supercharged Attraction

The Fast & Furious movie franchise, which has grossed billions of dollars worldwide at box offices, is responsible for Orlando's hottest new attraction.  The stars of the franchise were in town over the weekend, and helped participate in the unveiling of Universal Orlando's newest ride to be proud of, Fast & Furious - Supercharged.

Fast & Furious - Supercharged

The movie franchise has created mega stars out of its actors, including Vin Diesel (Dom), Chris "Ludacris" Bridges (Tej), Tyrese Gibson (Roman), and Jordana Brewster (Mia).  Over the weekend, fans who attended the attraction's unveiling saw an incredible pyrotechnics diplay and car stunts, as the stars counted down to the official opening.  Inside, fans got to experience all the attraction had to offer as they were immersed into the world of Fast & Furious.  Such inclusions were an authentic recreation of the crew's warehouse, tons of actual props that were featured in the movies, and, of course, a boat load of the actual cars from the films. 

If you're a fanatic of the movie franchise, or just a fan of fast cool cars, then Fast & Furious - Supercharged is a must do during your next trip to Orlando.

For many of us, a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort is a trip that we save up for.  Sometimes for years!  However, there are a few lucky people that spend more days in the parks than not.  They are fortunate enough to call Disney World their place of employment.

Well, if you're not happy with your current job.  And, if you're envious of these few fortunate souls, then perhaps these next three words will change your life...

The Summer season is by far the busiest for the World's most popular theme park destination.  However, this hiring campaign includes full-time, part-time, as well as seasonal opportunities.  There is somewhere in the neighborhood of 3,500 positions available!  And, one of the coolest parts, is the perks!  Many of these jobs come with medical and dental benefits, plus a signing bonus.  These additional perks depend on the position being offered, of course.

Disney World has a terrific reputation as a place to work.  In fact, Glassdoor recently ranked it in its list of the 100 BEST places to land a job.  There are all sorts of positions available, from transportation, to housekeeping, to life guarding, to food & beverage, and more.  If you think this may be for you, then go for it, and we wish you the best of luck!

Theme Park Insider just completed their annual single elimination tournament to determine the "World's Best Theme Park". The event coincides with the NCAA's Men's Basketball Tournament, with each crowning a champion at the end. There was some tough competition, as many peoples favorite parks didn't make it into the finals. Such runner ups include Europa Park, Cedar Point, Islands of Adventure, Tokyo DisneySea, and Disneyland Paris. The finals pitted the World's most visited park, Disney World's Magic Kingdom, against last year's winner Efteling. And, to much surprise across the US, Efteling defended its crown.


Many people in the US, already spoiled with the plethora of amusement parks found across the Country, were quite surprised to see the all might Mouse taken down by a European theme park, and one that had many readers ask "What is Efteling?"


Efteling is located in Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands, which is about an hours drive outside of Amsterdam.  It is a fantasy-themed amusement park, with a colorful cast of characters created from "elements from ancient myths and legends, fairy tales, fables, and folklore.  It's first opened way back in 1952, when the Efteling Nature Park Foundation opened their first attraction "Fairy Tale Forest".  One interesting rumor that has been floating around for years is that Walt Disney traveled to Europe, and drew inspiration from Efteling.  We can't confirm whether or not that is true, but we can confirm that Walt opened his first theme park, Disneyland in California, just three years later.

Hmmmmm...

If any of our readers have been to Efteling, please share your experience with us in the comments section.

Traveling to Disney World in Orlando is the best part of the year for many people.  For some, it's a trip they're only able to experience every few years, or even once in a lifetime.  If only Orlando was just around the corner for everyone, and didn't cost any money to travel to, or to gain admission into the parks.

Well, thank you Google, because now anyone can go walking down Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom, or walk up to Spaceship Earth in EPCOT.  Well, in a different type of reality, but one that you're able to do well wearing your pajamas and sitting on your own couch.

By now, we are all familiar with Google Street Views, and most of us have seen the Google Street Car driving around with the green camera atop its room.  Those cars have literally mapped and photographed every street in America.  And, now, they have mapped and photographed all the streets of the Walt Disney World Resort.

Now we can all go right to Cinderella Castle, walk around, and explore the park just as all those lucky vacationers were doing on that beautiful sunny day...




Or, how about visiting EPCOT...




This is such a cool thing for many reasons.  For one, this makes the parks immediately accessible to anyone and everyone.  But, for those of us who are planning an upcoming trip to Disney World, this gives people a resource to help familiarize themselves with the layout of the parks before they actually arrive.

So, a big thank you to the Google Street View Trekkers (like the one pictured below).  Although, who wouldn't have wanted to do that job?  Sign me up!

Ninety years ago this year, Mickey Mouse was introduced to the World.  On November 18th, 1928, Disney premiered their Steamboat Willie cartoon, and, in a starring role, the great Mickey Mouse.  Now, hardly to be forgotten, many people forgot that this was also Mickey's girlfriend's, Minnie, coming out party.

• This fall, ABC will air a star-studded celebration of Mickey in honor of his birthday, with special guests, musical performances and more.
• Disney Channel will debut season five of the Mickey Mouse animated shorts, taking the series total to more than 90 shorts, including a special seven-minute extended-length birthday episode that will air later this year.
• Walt Disney Parks and Resorts around the world will celebrate Mickey’s 90th on November 18, marking the day with commemorative merchandise, photo locations and more.
• Beginning in late 2018 and into 2019 the World’s Biggest Mouse Party, saluting Mickey and Minnie, will take place at Disney Parks worldwide.
• Disney On Ice will salute Mickey as the “True Original” host of Disney On Ice since its inception in 1981 by creating Mickey’s 90th pre-shows for productions touring the United States, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America.
• Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Special Celebration, a new production showcasing Mickey Mouse’s memories throughout the years, will launch in Japan in July 2018 and continue touring throughout the Asia-Pacific region until August 2019.
• In France, 38 design and art schools will take part in “Mickey Is Art,” a unique contest in which students will craft works of Mickey, inspired by their favorite artistic movement. The winning designs will be displayed this summer in 12 major train stations in France and for sale this September at Galerie Glénat in Paris.
• Disney store will continue to celebrate milestone moments for Mickey Mouse with the Mickey Mouse Memories Collection (launched Jan. 2018), a monthly, limited-release series of 12 collectible plush, mugs and cloisonné pins inspired by Mickey’s most memorable movie roles.
• Disney Publishing Worldwide will introduce more than 30 titles globally as part of Mickey’s 90th, including books, arts & crafts and comics.

Happy Birthday Mickey!  and Minnie...

If you're planning on visiting the Orlando area soon, and you've been monitoring the local forecasts, then you've probably been stunned at some of the reports.  For example, early morning temperatures have hit freezing temperatures.  When considering the wind chill factor, those temperatures are much lower.  Now, I don't know about everyone else, but I certainly wouldn't travel to Orlando for a vacation and expect to have a lovely January morning in New England.  So, just how low and how long will these conditions last, and when can we expect "normal" Florida weather to return?  The good news is... very soon!

Candace Campos, of News 6 WKMG Orlando, reported the following brutally cold morning temperatures recorded in central Orlando...

Feels like temperatures dipping below freezing across all of Central FL. Warming into the 50s today. #news6 pic.twitter.com/RyQZajbLZw

— Candace Campos (@CandaceNews6) January 5, 2018

How are these temperatures affecting people?  Well, just look at what they're doing to the poor iguanas... they are freezing into immobility and falling from the trees!

The scene at my backyard swimming pool this 40-degree South Florida morning: A frozen iguana. pic.twitter.com/SufdQI0QBx

— Frank Cerabino (@FranklyFlorida) January 4, 2018

Fortunately, Frank did later tweet that this iguana was warmed in the glorious Florida sun, and walked himself to cover later in the day.

Candace has good news for us though.  Orlando temperatures are expected to climb into the mid 60's by Sunday, and back into the 70's by Monday.

Where's the warmth? The return of the 60s and 70s are right around the corner! #news6 pic.twitter.com/yJX2mkOeSB

— Candace Campos (@CandaceNews6) January 5, 2018

Thanks goodness!  Hope to see you all in sunny Florida soon!

Happy New Year from all of us in Orlando.  We wish all our friends and readers a safe, happy, and prosperous 2018.

For all of you battling the storm up in the Northeast, please stay safe and warm.

The rumors have been swirling, and now it's become a reality.  Disney has acquired a treasure trove of assets from Fox, primarily from their Movie and Television Studio.  This may not seem like such a big deal when the regular person hears about it, but, if they're a fan of anything Disney or Fox related, then there are huge implications here.  Like what, you ask?

How about Deadpool and Iron Man now being able to be in the same film. 

Or, how about the rights to Star Wars episodes I, II, III, IV, V, and VI all being under the same ownership, and the long-awaiting full box set finally being released.  If you don't know why that's never happened, it's because a rights deal was made with episode IV, keeping it separate from the other films.

In 2019 Disney plans to launch its own streaming service, and, around the same time, will be pulling all of their films and shows off of Netflix.  So, what additional content will this Fox deal now enable Disney to add to this service?  Let's take a look:
Movie Franchises - Avatar, Star Wars, Deadpool, X-Men, etc.
T.V. Shows - The Simpsons, Family Guy, Modern Family, X-Files, American Horror Story, Fargo, It's Always Sunny, etc.

Disney already owns ESPN, and in a short while they will be launching a sports streaming service.  Could the Fox deal add any content here?  It sure can, with Fox's 22 channel Regional Sports Network. 

One final interesting piece of this deal involves Hulu.  Disney ownes a 30% stake, while Fox also owned a 30% stake.  Now, however, Disney owns a commanding 60%.  We'll have to wait and see how this affects the service.

It will be interesting to watch how Disney utilizes everything they're now acquiring.  All we can hope is that it enriches our access to our favorite films, shows, and entertainment.  No matter what you're into, you've got a stake in this game!

There was an excellent article that was just published, by Travel + Leisure, which discussed the better times of year to visit the Walt Disney World Resort, as well as the not so great times.  When considering the criteria for making their judgements, they evaluated travel expenses, pricing at both on-site and off-site Disney World properties, the volume of visitors in the parks, and, of course, the price of park tickets.

Disney recently held their D23 Expo, and they announced some amazing new rides and attractions that will be hitting the parks within the next couple of years.  Many of these announcements were rumored and speculated about for quite some time, but some of them were complete surprises as well.  Most of the amazing new attractions will be coming to Disney World parks, and we want to know which of these YOU are the most excited to see and experience.

If you aren't familiar with everything that was announced at Disney's D23, here is a great write up by USA Today that gives a brief description of them - D23 Announcements.