A SCULPTURE FIT FOR A KING: Disney Imagineer Joni Van Buren sculpts a model of King Triton from Disney's animated classic "The Little Mermaid." King Triton, in his final form, will be 35-feet-tall and tower over guests at Disney Parks newest resort hotel, "Disney's Art of Animation Resort." The new resort at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. will feature themed building exteriors and room interiors that bring to life famous Disney and Disney-Pixar animated feature films like "The Lion King," "Cars," "Finding Nemo" and "The Little Mermaid." Disney's Art of Animation Resort is expected to open by the end of 2012.
Fantasyland Expansion (groundbreaking 2010) – This three-year construction project will result in the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. For the first time, guests will be able to step into their favorite Disney fairy tales to have more magical and immersive encounters with Disney princesses. Each princess will have her own themed village within Fantasyland Forest. At Dreams Come True with Cinderella, guests can meet Cinderella face to face in her country chateau, share a dance or train to be one of her Royal Knights. At A Birthday Surprise for Sleeping Beauty, it is party time inside the Briar Rose Cottage, nestled in a lush, forest setting. The three good fairies give Aurora the Sweet 16 party she never received, and everyone’s invited to join in the surprise celebration. And an enchanted mirror will transport guests from Belle’s father’s cottage to Beast’s castle for an enchanting storytelling performance during Enchanted Tales with Belle.
The new district will invite parkgoers to the Be Our Guest Restaurant, one of three enchanted dining rooms inside Beast’s castle. And just outside the castle in Belle’s Village will be Gaston’s Tavern, another themed eatery. Meanwhile, in the new Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction, Ariel and all her friends will entertain in a ride-through adventure featuring favorite songs from the popular animated feature.
The big top comes to Dumbo’s Flying Circus with a magical flight high above brand-new circus grounds, twice the size of the classic attraction. Inside a stylized tent, guests enjoy midway games and other fun-filled experiences.
The project, scheduled for completion in 2013, will be the largest expansion in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom history.
Daniel Radcliffe on the Flight of the Hippogriff at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
ORLANDO, Fla. - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort celebrated its grand opening with help from Harry Potter film actors Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, James and Oliver Phelps, Matthew Lewis, Bonnie Wright, Michael Gambon, Warwick Davis and thousands of excited fans - officially becoming the only place in the world where the adventures of Harry Potter come to life.
More than five years in the making, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has become the most highly anticipated entertainment experience of 2010. The Harry Potter books and films have captured the hearts and minds of millions - and now, guests can experience the adventure first-hand at Universal Orlando Resort. The spectacularly themed area, inspired by J.K. Rowling's compelling stories and characters, features multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant - all faithful to the books and films.
Visitors to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be swept into the adventures of Harry Potter. They will tour Hogwarts castle, shop in Hogsmeade and dine in the Three Broomsticks. Other adventures will allow them to fly with Harry, ride on a dragon, sample Butterbeer, eat exploding sweets - and experience all the magic and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films.
The heart of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is Hogwarts castle - visible from everywhere within Islands of Adventure. And within the castle is what may be the most exhilarating theme park attraction ever created: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This all-new adventure combines a powerful storyline with spectacular new technology so effectively guests will be completely immersed in the experience. The ride will take guests on a journey where they will travel by Floo Network, soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.
Make your plans today to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - the only place in the world where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films comes to life.
Legoland to Open at site of Cypress Gardens
Merlin Entertainments has announced the purchase of historical Cypress Gardens to open its newest theme park in late 2011, LEGOLAND® Florida.
Cypress Gardens has long been a popular location for millions of visitors. Merlin believes its central Florida location, approx 30 minutes from Orlando and also close to Tampa, is the perfect site for a leisure brand as powerful and compelling as LEGOLAND®.
LEGOLAND® Florida will be the biggest LEGOLAND® Park ever opened and will offer a unique mix of more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, including spectacular LEGO® models and other interactive elements for the whole family to enjoy together.
Nick Varney, Chief Executive of Merlin Entertainments, said:
"LEGOLAND® Florida will be one of the most exciting and important projects Merlin has ever developed. It is a unique opportunity for us; Florida is the biggest family tourist centre in the world. We have been looking for the right site there for some time and in Winter Haven we plan to create one of the best and certainly most beautiful, theme parks in the world. LEGOLAND® California has already proven how much US families love the unique LEGOLAND® concept. Now we are bringing that fun and experience to a much wider audience - the millions of US and international visitors who come to Florida every year."
Florida residents can save big on the Monday through Friday Annual Pass!
•Available only to Florida residents, this special ticket provides admission Monday through Friday throughout the year. Select blackout dates do apply.
• Florida residents can now put some more magic in their week with the newest ticket introduced at Walt Disney World Resort - the Disney Weekday Select Pass. The new pass offers Florida residents more than 180 weekdays of fun at all four Walt Disney World theme parks, along with extras like special Passholder discounts, Passholder-only events and exclusive Passholder newsletters. All for less than a dollar a day!
• Prices are $169 plus tax for guests ages 10 and above; $149 plus tax for guests ages 3-9. Block-out days apply (Saturdays and Sundays, plus Dec. 19, 2009-Jan. 1, 2010; March 27-April 7, 2010; June 12-Aug. 19, 2010; Dec. 18, 2010-Jan. 1, 2011) and proof of Florida residency is required. Passes are non-transferable and valid for one year from date of issuance. Guests can receive more information and purchase passes online at Weekday Resident Pass
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