Tinkerbell has been flying for 25 years
Although Tinkerbell has been flying over Disneyland in California since the summer of 1961 as part of the park’s Fantasy in the Sky fireworks show, Tinkerbell only started flying at the Magic Kingdom in 1985. Her inaugural flight was on July 3rd, 1985 when more than 60,000 guest showed up to watch. The spectacle, originally planned as a seasonal show, was such a success that the flight was turned into a nightly event which continues to this day.
Tinkerbell’s current nightly appearance is at the end of the seasonal “Summer Nightastic” fireworks show. She flies from the top of Cinderella’s Castle 850ft into Tomorrowland. The whole flight takes under 30 seconds.
–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
SeaWorld Orlando Twilight Ticket After 3pm
One of the best strategies for visiting the theme parks is to work in some lighter days. Running around theme parks all day for several days in a row gets very tiring. Now you have another lighter day option.
You can get Twilight ticket for Seaworld. This reduced price ticket allows admission after 3pm until park closing. Price is $39.95 for both adults and children and you can order and print e-tickets online at the Seaworld Website.
This special offer is valid until September 6th, 2010
You could spend the morning sleeping in, relaxing at your vacation rental or in the private pool at Avalon on the Windsor Palms Resort or enjoying the Windsor Palms Resort pool and clubhouse. Then after lunch head over to Seaworld for an evening of fun. Added benefit, the weather should be cooler in the evening!
–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
EZ Rental Car Discount Offer June 29 - July 14 2010
EZ Car Rental have just announced a deal. Up to 11% discount on your car rental if you pick up between now and July 14th.
Florida Small Car Rentals Discounted 6% off used Code “F55CE”
Florida Large Car Rentals Discounted 11% off use Code “B59CC”
* These specials are valid for pickup only through June 29 - July 14 2010 (varies per location / offer - check on each offer for applicable dates) and is subject to availability.
* These specials are valid only at these participating locations:Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa.
This promotion is not valid with other discounts, coupons or other special promotions. All special promotions are subject to change at the discretion of the rental company. All renters must meet specified age policies. All renters must review the policies posted on this website. Renters must provide proof of full coverage from his/her personal insurance in order to decline E-Z’s coverage.
–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
Orlando Ale House being built close to Avalon at Windsor Palms
A new Orlando Ale House restaurant is being built in the area. This is great news for guests at our vacation rental home, Avalon located on the Windsor Palms Resort in Kissimmee/Orlando as it provides another local dining option. The Orlando Ale House will be located next to the Publix at Orange Lake (across the street from Rolling Oaks Commons where the SuperTarget and Olive Garden is located). I don’t know the date it is due to open yet, but as soon as I find out, I will share.
Click here to visit the Ale House 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
Epcot Food & Wine Festival Special Event Reservations Open July 20
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
- 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”
Additional information about the Eat to the Beat! concert series will be available at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.
Kids get into Seaworld for $5
Seaworld Conservation
100% of the proceeds of that $5 ticket will be donated by Seaworld to a wildlife conservation project. You can even select which project you would like to benefit.
More information can be found at http://www.seaworldcares.com/
–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
Fresh organic vegetables for your stay at Avalon at Windsor Palms.
If you are looking for fresh organic vegetables, there is a great option at Kiss-im-mee’s Green Place for Organic Vegetables. They are an organic, hydroponic vegetable farm and their goal is to provide a one stop shop for fresh, vine ripened organic vegetables in central Florida. They are not a pick your own farm, but you are welcome to stop and walk around the farm to see how their vegetables are grown and watch a farm operate on a daily basis. Look, don’t touch.
They are located close to East Lake Toho, about 9.7 miles (18 mins) South of Orlando International Airport and approx 28 miles (35mins) from the Emerald Island Resort. Well worth the trip if you want farm fresh organic vegetables for use at Avalon on the Windsor Palms Resort.
Kiss-im-mee’s Green Place for Organic Vegetables
4130 Cardinal Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34744
Opening Days/Times
Wed 9am - 6pm
Thu 9am - 6pm
Fri 9am - 6pm
Sat 9am - 6pm
Sun 9am - 5pm
Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
http://www.kissimmeesgreenplacefororganicvegetables.com/index.html
Windsor Palms Resort Shuttle
A shuttle is available from the Windsor Palms Resort to take you to the main theme parks and shopping. It is run by Maingate Transportation of Kissimmee and it can cater for all your taxi or shuttle needs.
Where do they go to?
Currently, Maingate Transportation operates the following shuttle stops:
- Universal Studios
- Islands of Adventure
- Wet n’ Wild
- Sea World
- Orlando Premium Outlets
- Disney’s Magic Kingdom
- Disney’s EPCOT
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom
When do they operate?
The regular shuttle service runs to a schedule which changes according to the season and anticipated demand for the service. Typically there is one shuttle run in the morning and one in the evening, however during the busy season, they may run additional times. The latest schedule can be obtained from the Windsor Palms Resort Clubhouse or from Maingate Transportation directly.
Where is the shuttle stop at Windsor Palms Resort?
At Windsor Palms, the shuttle stop is at the clubhouse.
How much does it cost?
At time of writing, the shuttle costs from $10 - $14 per person, return, depending on the destination. (The Disney parks are on the lower end of the scale with Universal/Wet N Wild being on the upper end). Obviously these rates can be subject to change anytime by Maingate Transportation and you can contact them directly for the latest rates. The latest rates are also available at the Windsor Palms Resort Clubhouse.
How do I book the shuttle?
Good question! If there are no guests booked on the shuttle, it may not turn up to the community so it is always better to book it at least the day before. This can be done at the Windsor Palms Resort Clubhouse or by calling Maingate Transportation directly.
Benefits of a resort shuttle service.
Smaller Groups
This is a great option for smaller groups of perhaps up to 4 people. It can work out cheaper on a daily basis than renting a car and paying for parking at the theme parks.
Larger Family Groups
For larger groups with teenagers who want (or demand) more independence from the rest of the group, the teenagers can go to a different park from the rest of the group.
Disadvantages
For larger groups, the cost for everyone to catch a shuttle can be expensive.
The pick up and drop off times work on a schedule and may not suit your plans.
The shuttle pick up point is the Windsor Palms Resort Clubhouse and getting everyone ready and up to the clubhouse on time can be a challenge.
If you have younger children, the flexibility to go back to your vacation home when the children could do with a break is not available.
Its not easy to go out for dinner (outside of the theme park that you are visiting) or purchase groceries.
Other options
Maingate Transportation operate a taxi service and can provide a personal shuttle service to you directly. For larger groups, there may be a good cost savings over the regular shuttle option. A private shuttle / taxi can come and go on your times and pick you up from your vacation home directly for more convenience.
Renting a car is my favorite choice when in Kissimmee. It gives maximum flexibility, we can purchase groceries when we need them, we can travel to the parks on our schedule and we can go out for dinner to local restaurants in the evening. We can also visit the other attractions in the Kissimmee / Orlando area that are not on the shuttle route. We have had good service and rates from LM Car Rental (also known as EZ Car Rental) who are located on airport at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Contacting Maingate Transportation
Website:
www.maingatetaxi.com
Office Address:
15 South Hoagland Blvd.
Kissimmee, FL 34741
USA
Phone Number:
407.870.5553
Fax:
407.870.1616
–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
Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade Returns to the Magic Kingdom
(Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)
Early June 2010 sees the return of Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade to the Magic Kingdom. Since 2001, this amazing parade has been seasonally wowing guests at Disneyland in Anaheim. Part of the 2010 ‘Summer Nightastic’, Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade is sure to be a big hit. Tinkerbell will lead the parade in a magical balloon float. Pinocchio and Snow White also join the parade this year in new floats.
If you have not seen this parade before, make the time to do so. It is well worth it, certainly a magical parade to watch.
–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
