1. Manta Swooping over sea and sky, Manta inspires riders with incredible underwater animal habitats, then soars them face-down, in a horizontal position, aboard a manta-inspired flying coaster.
2. Kraken An exhilarating roller coaster, Kraken speeds up to 65 miles per hour and reaches a height of 151 as it loops its way high over Serpent’s Lagoon.
3. Believe
An amazing live show, Believe combines the talents of SeaWorld’s resident killer whales with spectacular music, choreography, multimedia and set pieces.
4. Journey to Atlantis A one-of-a-kind “watercoaster,” Journey to Atlantis akes you on a water flume adventure aboard an eight-passenger boat that features a re-creation of the mythical city of Atlantis and a 60-foot-drop into a splash pool (prepare to get soaked!).
5. A’Lure The Call of the Ocean
A one-of-a-kind show at Nautilus Theater, A’Lure is a mystical odyssey boasts lively music, acrobatics and comedy, along with state-of-the-art special effects.
6. Wild Arctic Experience a simulated jet helicopter ride to “Base Station Wild Arctic,” a walk-through animal habitat that features polar bears, walruses, beluga whales and harbor seals.
7. Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island Billed as a tale of “lost loot, pirate plunder and misadventure on the high seas,” Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island takes you on a hilarious swashbuckling adventure that stars a talented group of sea lions, otters and an immense walrus!
8. Blue Horizons
A theatrical spectacular, Blue Horizons showcases majestic animals such as dolphins and false killer whales, as well as talented divers, trapeze artists and exotic birds.
9. Dolphin Cove A 700,000-galloon lagoon, Dolphin Cover is home to a variety of playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Feeding sesions take place at designated times throughout the day.
10. Shark Encounter Travel along the world’s largest underwater acrylic tunnel at Shark Encounter and view an assortment of shark species, as well as barracuda, eels and venomous fish.
Seeking great deals on comfortable accommodations in Orlando that provide convenient access to SeaWorld Orlando? Look no farther than Westgate Resorts. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.
1. Soarin’ - A “high-flying adventure” located at The Land Pavilion, Soarin’ allows you to take a bird’s-eye view of California’s spectacular scenery, including Yosemite National Park, Redwood forest, Golden Gate Bridge, Napa Valley and Disneyland.
2. Test Track - Climb aboard a six-passenger Test Track vehicle for an amazing journey that races you up bumpy terrain, through hairpin turns, into freezing cold chambers and onto 50-degree banked curves at 65 miles per hour.
3. Mission: SPACE - An incredibly realistic thrill ride, Mission: SPACE gives you the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be an astronaut as you rocket through outer space on your way to Mars.
4. The American Adventure - Hosted by the audio-animatronic likenesses of Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain, the patriotic American Adventure theatrical show presents an entertaining, educational and sometimes humorous journey through American history.
5. The Seas with Nemo & Friends - Take a fun-filled trip under the sea with the lively characters from the hit animated film Finding Nemo such as Nemo, Dory, Pearl, Bruce, Anchor, Chum, Gill and Marlin.
6. Maelstrom - Climb aboard a Viking boat for a fascinating voyage forward and backward through a Norwegian forest and 10th-century village on your way to the treacherous North Sea. Beware of the trolls!
7. Ellen’s Energy Adventure - Travel back in time and witness the creation of the universe during Ellen’s Energy Adventure, which is hosted by talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and features a thrill ride complete with menacing dinosaurs.
8. Living with the Land - Take a fun-filled and educational boat ride that cruises through a tropical rain forest, African desert and the American plains as you learn all about the latest agricultural technologies, including aquaculture, desert farming and experimental greenhouses.
9. Honey, I Shrunk the Audience - Go beyond 3-D during this interactive and frequently hilarious adventure that features characters from the hit 1989 Disney movie, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.
10. Reflections of China - Hosted by ancient Chinese poet, Li Bai, this magnificent 360° presentation takes you on a whirlwind journeyacross China, including Beijing, Shanghai, the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Hunan province and more.
Looking for great deals on comfortable accommodations that provide convenient access to Epcot and other Disney World theme parks? Look no farther than Westgate Resorts. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.
1. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - Take a scary tour through a rundown, 199-foot-tall (haunted!) Hollywood hotel and enjoy a 13-story plummet aboard a faulty elevator into the abyss – not once or twice but three times!
2. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith - Blast off at a speed of 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds aboard a super-stretch, 24-passenger limo that transports you through a myriad of twists and turns on your way to a backstage party – all accompanied by classic tunes courtesy of legendary rock group, Aerosmith.
3. Toy Story Mania! - Inspired by the classic Disney•Pixar animated film, Toy Story, Toy Story Mania! features state-of-the-art, 3-D technology to create an interactive ride-through video game.
4. Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show - Take a behind-the-scenes look at how stunts are executed in big-budget movies during the amazing, action-filled Lights, Motor, Action! Extreme Stunt Show that features high-flying cars, motorcycles, watercraft and incredible pyrotechnics.
5. Fantasmic! - The nightly Fantasmic! show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios stars Sorcerer Mickey as he battles a host of notable Disney villains during a “spectacle of fire, water, music and light.”
6. The American Idol Experience - Select guests (ages 14 and over) get the opportunity to experience what it feels like to go through the process of trying to become an American Idol – from the audition process to the chance to perform live in front of an audience and panel of judges. Performers with the highest votes compete in the end-of-day Grand Finale show.
7. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular - An amazing, 35-minute production, the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular highlights thrilling motion-picture adventures from the hit movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark.
8. Star Tours - Hop aboard a state-of-the-art, intergalactic simulator for a wild ride through outer space on your way to the moon of Endor as a Jedi Knight out to destroy the evil Death Star.
9. Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage - A Broadway-style musical production that takes place in a 1,500-seat amphitheater, Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage features classic songs and wonderful characters from the hit Disney movie such as Belle, Lumiere, Maurice, Mrs. Potts, Cogsworth and Gaston.
10. The Great Movie Ride - Housed in a replica of Mann’s Chinese Theater, The Great Movie Ride takes you through such classic film scenes as The Public Enemy, The Wizard of Oz, Fantasia, Casablanca, Singin’ in the Rain, Alien, Raiders of the Lost Ark and more!
Seeking great deals on spacious, comfortable accommodations during your next visit to Walt Disney World Resort? Look no farther than Westgate Resorts, which features several Orlando area properties that provide convenient access to Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, as well as Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.
1.Expedition Everest: Expedition Everest is a high-speed train adventure that combines roller coaster-like thrills with a theme based on the folklore of the ferocious yeti or abominable snowman.
2. Kilimanjaro Safaris: An open-sided, 32-passenger safari jeep takes you on a fascinating adventure through the 100-acre “Harambe Reserve” in the remotest regions of Africa during Kilimanjaro Safaris, where you can view some of the earth’s most incredible creatures.
3. Festival of the Lion King: Based on the extremely popular animated movie, this production features songs from the film and a cast of familiar faces, including Simba, Timon and Pumbaa.
4. Pangani Forest Exploration Trail: The Pangani Forest Exploration Trail is a walk-through attraction that takes you through a beautiful tropical forest with many interesting animal habitats along with way.
5. Maharajah Jungle Trek: The Maharajah Jungle Trek is a walk-through attraction that winds through the ruins of an Indian temple and takes you through a variety of exotic animal habitats.
6. Kali River Rapids: Climb aboard a 12-passenger raft and prepare to get soaked as you experience the turbulent rapids of the Chakranadi River during the Kali River Rapids flume ride – an amazing whitewater adventure!
7. DINOSAUR: The DINOSAUR thrill ride allows you to travel back in time 65 million years and come face to face with a variety of menacing prehistoric creatures!
8. Primeval Whirl: A wacky roller coaster, Primeval Whirl allows you to take a spin through time and features plenty of sharp turns, curves and dips along the way!
9. It’s Tough to be a Bug!: This incredible 3-D adventure features characters such as Flik, Hopper and Princess Atta from Disney’s 1998 animated film, A Bug’s Life.
10. Tree of Life: The icon of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tree of Life is a 14-story, 50-foot-wide tree sculpted with animal carvings by more than a dozen skilled artisans.
1. Take advantage of Disney’s “Celebration Vacations” promotion and enjoy free entrance to Walt Disney World Resort on your birthday in 2009. To receive free admission to one of the theme parks at Disney World, just bring valid ID, including proof of birthdate.
2. If possible, plan your Walt Disney World Resort trip during the off-season and you will usually discover significantly lower airfares and hotel/resort rates.
3. If you are staying at a Disney World resort, take advantage of complimentary transportation to all Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks and Downtown Disney Area.
4. Shop at area factory outlet stores such as Orlando Premium Outlets, which sells Disney merchandise at significantly lower prices than you will find at stores within the Disney World theme parks.
5. If you don’t mind staying off Disney property, you will discover numerous accommodation choices within a five- to 10-minute drive of the main entrance to Walt Disney World Resort. For instance, you can find incredible deals on spacious villa rentals at Westgate Resorts properties that provide convenient access to Disney World theme parks such as Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.
6. Look for free publications such as I Love Orlando magazine, which contain a multitude of discount coupons to Disney area attractions, restaurants and specialty shops.
7. Check out comprehensive online guides to Disney World such as Orlando, Florida Guide for in-depth information on finding the best deals on Disney World tickets, accommodations and vacation packages.
8. If you are an active or retired member of the U.S. military, you may obtain one complimentary 5-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” ticket with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options. This ticket is valid for five days of admission into the four Walt Disney World theme parks, plus a total of five visits to a choice of Disney Water park, DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions. All tickets and options are nontransferable and must be used by December 23, 2009.
9. Instead of spending a fortune at a Disney character breakfast, take your kids to Town Square at Main Street, U.S.A. in Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park for autograph and photo opportunities with Disney characters.
10. Choose the appropriate Disney World ticket deal based on your family’s length of stay in Orlando and remember not to overdo things – you will want to schedule time for rest and relaxation during your trip.
1. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival 2. Mardi Gras at Universal Studios 3. Orlando International Fringe Festival 4. Viva La Musica 5. Arnold Palmer Invitational 6. Florida Film Festival 7. Central Florida Home & Garden Show 8. Central Florida Fair 9. Spring Fiesta in the Park 10. Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival
MSNBC has a great list of the top places in the world to have fun and get in shape such as Alsace, France; Dominica, Hawaii; Hua Hin, Thailand; and more. Check it out!
1. Established in 1934, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the largest national park East of the Rockies.
2. With more than 10 million visitors annually, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also the most visited national park in the United States.
3. Designated an International Biosphere Reserve, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to 4,000 plant species and 140 tree species, as well as approximately 1,800 black bears.
4. Cades Cove – a 4,000-acre scenic valley that features preserved pioneer homesteads, a campground and hiking trails – is the most visited area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
5. The Cherokees referred to the Smoky Mountains as the “Land of the Blue Mist.”
6. At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains, followed by Mount Guyot (6,621 feet) and Mount LeConte (6,593 feet).
7. Planned as a second entrance into Cades Cove during the 1940s, the so-called “Road to Nowhere” is today a 6-mile scenic drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that ends in the mouth of a tunnel.
8. The Rockefeller Memorial along Newfound Gap Road marks the spot where President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1940.
9. It takes a 5.5-mile hike to reach the rustic LeConte Lodge on Mount LeConte, which was built in 1924 and has no electricity or running water (reservations are usually made up to a year in advance).
10. The Great Smoky Mountains are known as the “Salamander Capital of the World” since approximately 30 species of salamander can be found here.
1. Busch Gardens Africa
Sure Busch Gardens in Tampa is another theme park but it draws fewer visitors than Disney World, Universal Orlando or SeaWorld Orlando. In addition, Busch Gardens features some eclectic thrill rides and attractions such as SheiKra, Florida’s first dive coaster, which boasts two 90º drops at 70 miles per hour.
2. Cypress Gardens Adventure Park Opened in 1936 as Florida’s first theme park, Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven still features its beautiful botanical gardens and spectacular water-ski shows, but has added thrill rides, live concerts and the Splash Island Water Park over the past few years.
3. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Just 45 minutes East of Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center gives you and your family the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the incredible history of American space flight and view rockets and exhibits, tour launch areas, watch a 3-D space movie at an IMAX theater and much more.
4. Silver Springs Billed as “ Florida’s Original Theme Park,” Silver Springs lies near Ocala and boasts colorful botanical gardens, animal habitats, live shows, rides, specialty shops and the world-famous glass bottom boat rides.
5. Florida Aquarium
Opened in 1995, the Florida Aquarium in Tampa is home to more than 10,000 aquatic animals and plants from all over the world such as alligators, tropical fish, sharks, stingrays and sea turtles, as well as interactive exhibits.
6. Lowry Park Zoo
Approximately 1,600 animals can be viewed in their natural habitats at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, which also features a Florida wildlife center, aviary, petting zoo, live shows and more.
7. Canaveral National Seashore One of just 10 National Seashores in the United States, Canaveral National Seashore is the longest stretch of undeveloped beach along Florida’s East Coast. Popular activities here include sunbathing, swimming, surf fishing, surfing and hiking.
8. Central Florida Zoological Park Just a short drive up Interstate 4 in Sanford lies the Central Florida Zoological Park, which is home to hundreds of animals, including alligators, cheetahs, leopards, elephants and monkeys.
9. Daytona USA
Adjacent to the Daytona International Speedway, Daytona USA features racing exhibits, motion simulator rides, the World Center of Racing Visitors Center and behind-the-scenes tours of the speedway.
10. Salvador Dali Museum Nestled in downtown St. Petersburg, the Salvador Dali Museum boasts the most comprehensive collection of permanent works by famous surrealist painter Salvador Dali.
