Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates for 2010

July 10, 2010 · Posted in Attraction Tickets, Magic Kingdom, Special Events · Comment 
Photo: Kay Robinson

Photo: Kay Robinson

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is special event held on select dates in the Magic Kingdom theme park.  This Halloween themed event requires a separate ticket to attend (regular park tickets do not allow entry to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

The event will be held on certain dates from 7pm-12am September- November, 2010.

During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. This is the only time adults are allowed to dress up in costume at the Magic Kingdom! Guests trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom collecting candy and other treats as you go.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has special themed entertainment including:

* Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade—including Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman.
* Happy HalloWishes—a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky.
* Many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villains in special Halloween costumes.
* Special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows.

The tone of the event is, well, “Not-So-Scary”, and is appropriate for children of all ages.

Dates:

* Tuesday, September 14, 2010
* Saturday, September 18, 2010
* Tuesday, September 21, 2010
* Thursday, September 23, 2010
* Saturday, September 25, 2010
* Tuesday, September 28, 2010
* Thursday, September 30, 2010
* Friday, October 1, 2010
* Sunday, October 3, 2010
* Thursday, October 7, 2010
* Friday, October 8, 2010
* Monday, October 11, 2010
* Tuesday, October 12, 2010
* Thursday, October 14, 2010
* Sunday, October 17, 2010
* Tuesday, October 19, 2010
* Thursday, October 21, 2010
* Friday, October 22, 2010
* Sunday, October 24, 2010
* Tuesday, October 26, 2010
* Thursday, October 28, 2010
* Friday, October 29, 2010
* Sunday, October 31, 2010
* Monday, November 1, 2010

*Advance Purchase Price not available on 10/8, 10/22, 10/28, 10/29, 10/31. All other select nights, when purchased prior to the day of the event: $53.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $47.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9); Day-Of Event Prices: $59.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $53.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9); Premium Pricing (10/29, 10/31 ): $64.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $58.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9)

–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com

Star Wars Celebration V : August 12-15, 2010

July 9, 2010 · Posted in Special Events · Comment 

Norwalk, CT, December 3, 2009: Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and the ongoing, weekly adventures of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Lucasfilm Ltd. and Reed Exhibitions’ PopGroup will partner to produce what’s expected to be
one of the largest official Star Wars fan events ever – featuring cast and crew celebrities, fanrun events, costumes, music, live entertainment, screenings, autographs, collectibles, panels and sneak peaks into the future of Star Wars.

Star Wars Celebration V will take place August 12-15, 2010, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. A website, www.starwarscelebration.com, is dedicated exclusively to
the event, and tickets to Star Wars Celebration V will be available for purchase online starting Thursday, Dec. 10. As always, Celebration will bring together the best of the Star Wars universe in one exciting, dynamic event.

Lucasfilm Ltd launched Star Wars Celebrations in 1999. Since then, the official Star Wars “parties” have become mega events, attracting tens of thousands of loyal and devoted fans and families. To date, there have been four Star Wars Celebrations in America, as well as a Star Wars Celebration Europe (2007) and Star Wars Celebration Japan (2008). Star Wars Celebration V will be the first Star Wars Celebration produced jointly with Reed PopGroup, which is responsible for the successful New York Comic Con, the new Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) and more.

“We’re going to have a blast commemorating the 30th anniversary of fan-favorite The Empire Strikes Back as we welcome an entire new generation of fans watching our animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” said Steve Sansweet, Lucasfilm’s head of Fan Relations. “There’s no doubt that Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando will be the ‘must attend’ event for Star Wars fans of all ages and from all parts of the galaxy,” he added. “We’re also very excited to launch our partnership with Reed PopGroup, which has shown great expertise in running large, fun-filled events that satisfy fans, show participants, and exhibitors. We’re expecting the biggest and best Celebration to date.”

“This is an enormously exciting undertaking and a natural partnership,” said Lance Fensterman, Vice President of Reed PopGroup. “Star Wars is arguably the strongest brand in the pop culture world, while Reed PopGroup has established itself as a leader in creating amazing experiences for fans and customers. Additionally, Reed Exhibitions has a strong international presence and is able to create world-class events globally,” he added “We look forward to providing first-rate organizational and programming expertise for a fan-based event that is well established and already attracts an enormous audience. In tandem with Lucasfilm, I’m certain that Star Wars Celebration V will be bigger and better than ever. We look forward to many years of working with Lucasfilm.”

Star Wars Celebration is the official Lucasfilm convention celebrating all things Star Wars. The Celebrations are the biggest Star Wars events held, allowing friends and families to gather to have fun and celebrate their love of the Saga. From fans who first experienced A New Hope in theaters to kids just discovering Star Wars through Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Celebration touches on anything and everything connected with that galaxy far, far away.

The producers promise more interactive events than ever at Celebration V. Celebrity guests will sign in the Star Wars Celebration Autograph area as well as make presentations. The annual Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge prizes will be awarded and there will be a chance for budding filmmakers to get tips from more experienced ones. Star Wars Celebration V will feature scores of crowd-pleasing events that can be found only at an official Star Wars convention.

Tickets are available via www.starwarscelebration.com.

For the latest news on show exclusives and special announcements on featured guests and events, subscribe to the Star Wars Celebration Newsletter at www.starwarscelebration.com. Also follow the news about Celebration V at the Official Star Wars site, www.starwars.com.

Epcot Food & Wine Festival Special Event Reservations Open July 20

June 25, 2010 · Posted in Dining, EPCOT, Special Events · Comment 
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Don’t want to miss the celebrated Party for the Senses grand-food-and-wine-tasting event? Can’t wait to attend the debut of the First Bites Opening Reception? Ladies and gentlemen, set your alarms for 7 a.m. July 20! That’s when the phone lines open to call Disney reservation specialists and book these and other events scheduled for the 15th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which presents Delicious Discoveries Oct. 1-Nov. 14 at Walt Disney World Resort.
Fans of the festival’s special programs and events can choose from among one dozen categories of special wine and culinary events scheduled during the festival’s six weeks. New programming this year includes the Sept. 30 First Bites Opening Reception festival preview, 3-D Disney’s Dessert Discovery and the Taste, Shake and Indulge Like the French Grand Marnier tasting experience. Returning events include favorites like Celebrating Family and Friends in the Kitchen, Epcot Wine Schools, Mexico Tequila Tastings and Food and Wine Pairings.
Throughout the festival, the park will present more than 25 international marketplaces where food, wine, beer and spirits lovers can sample cuisine, culture and entertainment from six continents. The new Belgium marketplace will serve Steamed Mussels with Roasted Garlic Cream, and the new South Korea marketplace packs plenty of taste into its BBQ Short Ribs with Steamed Rice and Cucumber Kimchi.
At least 250 Disney and celebrity chefs will conduct culinary demonstrations and host tasting events. In addition, the Festival Welcome Center will feature Authentic Taste Seminars and Authors without Borders weekend conversations that are included with Epcot admission.

Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information and to make reservations for special events and programs. Festival details will be available at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine before reservations open July 20.

Eat to the Beat! Concert Series Welcomes Seven New Acts During 15th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

June 25, 2010 · Posted in Dining, EPCOT, Special Events · Comment 
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – They span four decades of popularity. Collectively, they’ve thrilled music lovers with everything from Pop, Techno and Adult Contemporary to Southern Rock, Progressive Rock and Pop Rock. But they have one thing in common: They are seven acts playing the Eat to the Beat! concert series for the first time during the 15th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Oct. 1-Nov. 14 at Walt Disney World Resort.
Appearing for the first time on the Eat to the Beat! stage are:
  • Sugar Ray (Oct. 6-8) “Fly”
  • Air Supply (Oct. 11-12) “Lost in Love”
  • Howard Jones (Oct. 16-17) “No One Is to Blame”
  • 38 Special (Oct. 20-21) “Hold on Loosely”
  • Roger Hodgson formerly of Supertramp (Nov. 4-5) “Give a Little Bit”
  • Hanson (Nov. 8-9) “Thinking ‘Bout Somethin’”
  • Rick Springfield (Nov. 10-11) “Jessie’s Girl”
They are part of an 18-performer concert series that will bring music to Epcot each evening of the Food & Wine Festival. Concerts are included with Epcot admission.

Additional information about the Eat to the Beat! concert series will be available at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

Walt Disney World Fireworks on July 4

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Guests celebrating the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort will have a choice of fireworks shows as Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios present special pyrotechnics, and Epcot adds a patriotic “tag” to its famous “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” spectacular. Here’s what’s in store (entertainment and park hours are subject to change without notice):
Magic Kingdom – “Celebrate America Fireworks” will fill the sky at 9 p.m. July 4 (guests who’d like to begin the celebratory weekend a day early can enjoy the special fireworks on July 3 at 9 p.m.). After the fireworks, guests can enjoy Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” of lights, music and magic at 10 p.m. and midnight on July 4 (on July 3, the parade will be at 10:30 p.m.). Park hours on July 4 are 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Special fireworks set to a rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack will be presented at 9:50 p.m. on July 4, providing guests with a bonus nighttime entertainment extravaganza to complement “Fantasmic!” (which will be at 9 and 10:30 p.m.). Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Epcot – “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which features dazzling special effects, colorful lasers, brilliant fireworks, and fiery torches all choreographed to a musical score, becomes even more dynamic on July 4 as the normal show is supplemented with a patriotic finale. The performance begins at 10 p.m. Earlier in the day, guests will be treated to the Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert – featuring an expanded cast of singers plus the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps and Disney characters – at 12:30, 1:45 and 3 p.m. on the America Gardens Theatre stage. Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Guests can enjoy all the regular attractions and shows on July 4 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Flower Power Concert Series at EPCOT

February 17, 2010 · Posted in EPCOT, Music, Special Events · Comment 

As part of the 2010 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World, the Flower Power Concerts are popular with visitors. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m artists play at the America Gardens Theatre. These shows are free with admission to the park.

This is the current lineup (Entertainment is subject to change without notice):
March 5-7 – Jose Feliciano
March 12-14 – Paul Revere & The Raiders
March 19-21 – David Cassidy
March 26-28 – Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
April 2-4 – Tony Orlando
April 9-11 – Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone
April 16-18 – Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring the Nelsons
April 23-25 – Atlanta Rhythm Section
April 30-May 2 –Fran Cosmo (Former lead singer of Boston)
May 7-9 –Davy Jones
May 14 – 16 – Chubby Checker & The Wildcats

Something for everyone!

–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com

Star Wars Weekends

Avalon, your vacation rental home for Star Wars Weekends

Avalon, your vacation rental home for Star Wars Weekends

The 2010 Dates for the annual Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios have been announced.

The 2010 dates are:
May 21 - 23
May 28 - 30
June 4 - 6
June 11 - 13

This special event is held annually at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park and celebrates the Star Wars Saga and the new animated television series The Clone Wars.

As part of the weekend festivities, Disney’s Hollywood Studios puts on special shows, parades & presentations, as well as offering unique merchandise, celebrity autograph opportunities and memorabilia. Join other Star Wars fans and Star Wars celebrities for this limited time engagement.

More information can be found at the Star Wars Weekends page here.

–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com

Bands, Brews and BBQ

February 1, 2010 · Posted in Music, Performances, Seaworld, Special Events · Comment 
Visit Seaworld during your stay at Avalon, Windsor Palms Vacation Rental

Visit Seaworld during your stay at Avalon, Windsor Palms Vacation Rental

Happy February everyone.

Whether you are on vacation in a vacation rental or local to the area, you may be interested in Seaworld’s Seasonal Bands, Brews and BBQ happening Saturdays at Seaworld. Every Saturday at 4pm, Seaworld Orlando host concerts by several artists. Here is the line up for this year;

February 6th - Leann Rimes
February 13th - Montgomery Gentry
February 20th - John Rich of Big and Rich
February 27th - Yes

Regular admission to Seaworld includes access to the concert, however VIP tickets are available. This VIP ticket offers reserved seating up close on the floor stage at Bayside Stadium during the (featured artist) concert, All You can eat BBQ Buffet at the Sea Harbor Pavilions and Quick Queue front-of-the-line privileges. Prices are from $49.95 and tickets can be found here.

Full details on Bands, Brews & BBQ can be found on Seaworld’s Website

–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com

Give a Day, Get a Disney Day

January 11, 2010 · Posted in Charity, Special Events · Comment 

You’ve been looking for low cost Disney tickets, but how would you like to get a free ticket into Walt Disney World? We all do, right, saving money is a great thing. You are already saving money by staying off-site in the vacation rental, Avalon, located on the Windsor Palms Resort. Here is how you can save even more…

That’s right, spend a day volunteering and get a free admission ticket to Walt Disney World in 2010. Now you can’t just go downtown and volunteer just anywhere to redeem this offer. Guests should sign up on the Give a Day, Get a Disney Day website, once signed up you can choose your volunteer activity from those that are available. After completion of your service, the service will be verified before a voucher is mailed to you. Family volunteer activities are available, but the minimum age to volunteer is 6. Full details are available on the Give a Day, Get a Disney Day website.

Happy volunteering!

New Year’s Eve at The Magic Kingdom

December 26, 2009 · Posted in Dining, Special Events · Comment 

Guests staying at thee Windsor Palms Resort in Kissimmee over New Year may be interested in two offerings at The Magic Kingdom.

New Years Eve at Walt Disney World is traditionally a busy time.  This year, The Magic Kingdom is offering two options for guests to take a break from the crowds and enjoy an exclusive event.

The first is a special New Years Eve package which includes a 2 hour all you care to enjoy dinner.  The dinner is from 6.30 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. on December 31st at the Tommorrowland Terrace Noodle Station. Dinner includes dessert and non-alcolohic sparkling beverages. After dinner, you and your family will settle down in exclusive, reserved seating for the holiday Wishes! fireworks show.

The menu includes fresh fruits, assorted cheeses, sushi, salads, seared tuna, artisan breads, beef short-ribs, and carved pork. Kid friendly foods such as macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets will also be available.

The Magic Kingdom’s New Year’s Eve Wishes! dining experience costs $139.99 for guests age 10 and up and $69.99 for guests ages 3 to 9. Children under 3 can dine for free.

The second offering is the Fantasy in the Sky Dessert Party which starts at 9.50pm.  This event features a self service buffet offering a variety of deserts and non-alcoholic beverages.  The dessert party costs $35.99 for guests age 10 and up and $19.99 for guests ages 3 to 9.

Theme park admission is required for both events.

For reservations call: (407) WDW-DINE