Individual Florida Vacation Advice

Here you can find up todate information about what's new in Orlando and the rest of Florida, including links to news organisations around the world.

Theme Park News

Seaworld - Orlando

Manta, a new attraction which opened spring 2009 combines elements of a white-knuckle ride and an animal attraction. Various parts of the new attraction will keep visitors entertained as they are queuing for the ride, during the ride itself and after the ride has finished.

Aquatica

Aquatica has announced that a new ride will be introduced to the water park by March 2010,
this will be the first expansion since the park opened at the start of 2008.The ride named
Omaka Rocka will be loacated next to Whanau Way with which it will share a loading platform.
The ride will consist of two slides with three funnels each which will provide a near weighlessness sensation
due to the half-pipe effect of the funnels. Like many other rides in the park guests will use
two-seater floats as they ride through the semi-transparent tubes.

Magic Kingdom

Splash Mountain will be closed for refurbishment until 27th February 2010.

Cinderella's castle currently has scaffolding on the front of the castle but will remain open to guests.
Cinderella's castle moat will be drained between 4th and 18th January whilst staff clean and inspect the area
this will mean Shrunken Ned's Junior Jungle Boats will be closed, there will also be no water near the
Swiss family treehouse.

Take the family to meet Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen from Walt Disney Pictures' latest movie, The Princess and the Frog! Bring the kids to get an autograph and have their photos taken with the beautiful prince and princess, who will be appearing in Liberty Square. Check the Times Guide for the daily schedule once you enter the Magic Kingdom park.

Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom is due to under go a major refurbishment and expansion (into the area where Toontown currently sits) before re-opening in 2012/13 with a new focus on the Disney Princesses with each princess having their own area. This will include a new restaurant in Beast’s castle called ‘Be Our Guest', and a new musical ride featuring Disney’s Little Mermaid, as well as a relocated twin Dumbo ride (Twice the size of the original) with a new unique interactive waiting area which will be themed like the big top of a circus with entertainment for the kids and bleachers where adults can sit while waiting for their feather to be called. It is believed that whilst the toon town houses will be removed Mickey and Minnie will be rehoused at a location near the entrance of the park, and Goofy's Barnstormer ride will be re-themed to fit in with the circus atmosphere surrounding Dumbo.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

A new attraction is now open based Disney's Toy Story Films. Toy Story Mania is a Ride featuring Midway-Style Games for all the family.

Dont forget to visit the newest show to the park based on the popular US TV series "American Idol" where theme park guests audition, then perform before a live studio audience inside the Hollywood Studios' theater space formerly occupied by the "Doug Live!" and "Superstar Television" attractions.

For those of you with children who would like the oppertunity to be young "Padawans" at the Jedi Training Academy in Disney's Hollywood Studios the selection process has now changed. There is now a standby line in which children can wait to be selected for the session on a first-come/first-served basis, instead of being randomly picked from the audience.

Star Tours - This attraction will close for a revamp at the end of 2010 (approx october) and reopen in 2011 sometime before the Star Wars Weekends with new footage and 3-D features.

The meet and greets with Prince Caspian that have been held outside the Narnia attraction ended January 10th.

Muppet Vision 3-D - This attraction will soon be updated to Digital 3D Technology to improve the viewing experience, a new pre-show will also be added to complete the revamp.

A possible new queueless system is currently being tested on some guests at Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, where you are given a numbered ticket and can then wait in a special area where children can play, a DJ plays music, and there are a selection of video games available to help you pass the time. This is similar to the system planned for the updated Dumbo ride when the Fantasy land expansion at Magic Kingdom takes place.

Sounds Dangerous - Starring Drew Carey - Closed until further notice (Only operates during peak times).
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular will be closed January 11th - 15th for refurbishment.
Honey I Shrunk The Kids Movie Set Adventure - Closed for revamp February 15th - March 27th.
Studio Backlot Tour will not be operating between February 15th - March 27th while maintenance is carried out.

Epcot

Test Track will be closed for refurbishment between January 11th and January 17th.
Living with the land will be closed for updates from January 18th to February 5th.

MouseGear in Epcot began offering personalized Mouse Ears as of November 1. You can have your name embroidered in dark pink, black or gold. Basic stitching costs $3, premium stitching $7.

Disney Pin Celebration 2010 - Trade City, U.S.A. will be held August 27th-29th 2010, at the World Showplace in Epcot. This is a ticketed Disney Pin Event where guests will enjoy fun trading activities, the opportunity to purchase specially designed pins, and meet Disney pin traders from around the world.

The Sum of all Thrills debuted in October at Innoventions at Epcot. This is a unique experience that lets you custom-design your own thrill ride using mathematical tools, a touch-screen table and a robotic simulator.

Universal Studios

Universal Orlando Resort's Brand-New Roller Coaster Rip, Ride, Rockit is Now Open at Universal Studios.
Guests get to choose their own song to enjoy on their ride before experiencing this high speed coaster with never seen before features.

The artificial grass area outside of Rip Ride Rockit is used periodically to host concerts in the park, as well as
allowing a bigger queuing area for RRR at peak times. Its also a great place to chill out in the afternoon when things get a bit hot.

Universal studios increase in parking charges for cars to $12 and no longer offers free evening parking between 6-10pm, evenings now cost $3

Islands of Adventure

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The new Harry Potter themed land is scheduled to open in Spring 2010. It will feature Hogsmeade village and Hogwarts castle. As guests arrive into Hogsmeade they will hear the iconic whistle signalling the arrival of the Hogwarts express along with a billow of smoke. Once in Hogsmeade guests are spoilt for choice on where to visit first. There is Zonko’s the wizard joke shop where you can purchase boxing telescopes, extendable ears and sneakoscopes. Next door will be Honeydukes full of tasty treats from the books like Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, and Chocolate Frogs.
You can send a letter by owl post from The Owlery complete with wizard stamps and a certified Hogsmeade postmark.
There is also Dervish and Banges the wizarding equipment and instrument shop, as well as Ollivanders wand shop where the wand chooses you in this interactive experience.
Hogsmeade is completed by the Three Broomsticks and the adjacent Hogs Head where you can buy traditional British food and drinks, along with Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice.
Leaving Hogsmeade you will encounter Dragon Challenge (Formally Duelling Dragons) with features from the Tri-Wizard tournament.
There is also Flight of the Hippogriff (Formally The Flying Unicorn) a family rollercoaster that simulates a Hippogriff training flight over the grounds of Hogwarts.
Finally after passing Hagrids hut along the way you will arrive at Hogwarts and on entry you will find a new state-of-the-art attraction Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey which brings the magic, characters, and stories of Happy Potter to life. Finally don’t forget to call at Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated goods, which sells a wide range of magical goods including magical creatures and Ministry of Magic merchandise.

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom are currently testing a Centeralized Fast Pass System which allows guests to pick up Fastpasses for the major attractions in the park at a central location near to the Tree of Life. This may not be fully operational at all times, and is subject to removal at any point. Hopefully this system will be a success and be brought into the other parks at a later date.

Busch Gardens

Jungala - Set in the Congo area, the 4-acre attraction will invite guests to discover exotic creatures, explore a village hidden deep in the jungle and connect with the inhabitants of the lush landscape through up-close animal interactions, multi-story family play areas, rides, dining and live entertainment. Now open!

Sesame Street: Safari Of Fun & Sesame Street 4D - Busch Gardens Tampa has confirmed plans to open Sesame Street: Safari of Fun which will replace the Land of the Dragon’s in Spring 2010. The new rethemed kiddie play land will feature an all new roller coaster called Air Grover, and will see the 4D theater used previously for Pirates 4D rethemed for a new show 'Sesame Street presents Lights, Camera, Imagination!'. Visit Busch Gardens website here to see the full ride list.

Waterparks News

Typhoon Lagoon is closed for refurbishment until 10th January 2010

Blizzard Beach will be closed for refurbishment from 10th January to March 20th 2010

Adventure Island next to Busch Gardens - Closed for the winter until the 20th March 2010 (except for the weekend of the 13th-14th March when it will also be open). See Website for opening hours.

Restaurant and Dining News

The Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom will be closed for refurbishment starting on January 3, 2010, and will reopen on February 15, 2010. Beginning January 3, 2010, Liberty Tree Tavern will host character dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with all meals served in an all-you-care-to-enjoy, family-style setting. On February 15, 2010, Liberty Tree Tavern will resume its normal operation of serving lunch and dinner as a non-character location. Reservations for Liberty Tree Tavern character meals are available now.

The Studio Catering Co. will be closed for refurbishment between February 15th and March 27th.

Beach Club's Cape May Cafe - Donald duck to join Minnie and Goofy at Goofy's character breakfast buffet.

La cava del tequila is new to the Mexico Pavilion in World Showcase. La Cava del Tequila invites guests to choose from their range of more than 70 types of authentic tequila ranging in price from $8 to $50, they also serve a selection of exotic margaritas and tasty tapas style snacks.

Cantina de San Angel at the Mexico pavilion in Epcot, has closed for a major refurbishment and expansion until Autumn 2010. This will become a 400-seat waterside restaurant and quick service food location.

LaDoble - Located on the waterfront of the resort’s Downtown Disney area, the high-energy, casual eatery will feature authentic Central and South American cuisine, specialty tequilas, premium wines, and live music. Now Open.

Tables in Wonderland formerly called Disney Dining Experience, offers annual passholders 20% discount on food and drink purchases at participating restaurants.
Note: This is a membership program with annual fees, card available to purchase at any guest services location. Restrictions apply.

Golden Coral - This chain of "all you can eat" restaurants no longer accepts any Travellers Cheques.

Cricketers Arms English Pub & Eatery - Festival Bay is the new location for this old favourite for both locals and visitors.
The restaurant is now open and is located near the outside water lagoon, in between Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant and Fuddruckers in a 5,900 square foot space.
Guests can enjoy live European sports, the most popular live Orlando area bands, authentic English menu including a "Chip Butty" plus a wide assortment of beers, lagers and ales! Cricketers Arms English Pub & Eatery is the place for everyone to enjoy!
For more details Click Here

Anandapur Yak and Yeti Restaurant - This is a new full service restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and advanced dining reservations are now being accepted. Located in the Asia section of the park, adjacent to the Kali River Rapids. The indoor area of the restaurant seats 250 guests on two floors and also offers an outdoor counter service area as well. A lift provides access to the upper floor, so is fully accessible for all guests.
Note: The restaurant does not currently accept Tables in Wonderland (formerly called Disney Dining Experience), but does accept the Disney Dining Plan.
Tip: The daily Animal Kingdom Parade can be seen from the window seats upstairs, but these seats will be in big demand especially during the very warm summer months.

Nine Dragons Restaurant in Epcot's China pavillion now reopened

One of the newest restaurants in Downtown Disney, is the new jurassic themed dining experience T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, a place to eat, shop, explore and discover. The restaurant is home to life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, a dig site and much more. The table service restaurant features waterfalls and geysers plus a a Build-A-Dino Workshop by Build-A-Bear.

Resort News

Disney's New DVC Resorts
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas and Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort are the newest additions to the Disney Vacation Club scheme.

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
The main pool at Caribbean Beach resort in Walt Disney World has now reopened. The pool was totally redesigned, now has a pirate theme and the pool complex is much larger.

Disneys Animal Kingdom Lodge - Uzima Pool and Spa is closed 4th January - 29th January.

Disneys Boardwalk Resort - Luna Pool will be closed from the 18th January - 5th February.

Disneys Coronado Springs Resort - The Dig site pool complex will be closed from the 11th - 31st January.

The Fort Wilderness Cabins are now part of the Disney Moderate Resort choices.

Other News

Swindon, a town in the Wiltshire area of England, was chosen over 24 others as the new "twin town" for Walt Disney World. A special Swindon exhibition will run next year at Disney's Epcot theme park. This is the first time that Disney has twinned its parks with anywhere in the real world.

Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba cast will be taking a weeklong break with no performances taking place January 17-25, 2010.

Disney World celebrates its 40th year in 2011 so expect big celebrations throughout the resort!

Pleasure Island nightclubs are now closed - During the next couple of years, Disney will reopen the Pleasure Island venues with a broader mix of restaurants and shops to create a more family friendly venue. Some of this is now open including the new Disney in Flight tethered Hot air balloon.

Disney Tickets -Water Park Fun and More Add-On Option now includes a round of golf at Disney's nine hole Oak Trail Golf Course
Note: Tee times are required, to book call (001)- 407-939-4653

A new shop, LittleMissMatched, opened November 9 in Disney's Downtown Disney West Side the spot that formerly housed Starabilia's. The shop sells colorful mismatched socks, gloves, pajamas, other clothing, bedding, and more. For more about the store, visit LittleMissMatched.com.

Big Dogs Stores in Orlando have now closed, as has the Hard Rock Cafe Outlet at Lake Buena Vista Outlets and Steve and Barrys University apparel store at Festival Bay.

Hannah Montana Package - exclusive to the Downtown Disney's Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique - Costs $109.05: Package includes a wig, T-shirt, makeup, headset, backstage pass makeup kit, guitar purse, and commemorative photo

The inaugural Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend is set for October 1-2, 2010, culminating with a 13.1-mile nighttime race and after-hours party inside the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Participants will run a never-before-trekked course through multiple Disney theme parks. For more information on the race, visit disneywinedinerun.com.

Walt Disney World has built a new monorail train using the undamaged remains of two trains that collided in a deadly accident over the summer. The new train is expected to go into service later this fall. It will be painted with a teal stripe to distinguish it from the resort's other trains, each of which have a unique color. Disney said the colors pink and purple -- the colors of the two trains involved in the collision -- will be retired out of respect for employees following the first fatal accident in the Disney World monorail's 38-year history.

Nasa:
Space Shuttle Endeavour launch is targeted for 7th February at 4:39 a.m. EST.

Future Shuttle launches are schedualed for;

Discovery - 18th March 2010
Atlantis - 14th May 2010
Endeavour - 29th July 2010
Discovery - 16th September 2010

These dates can change, Click Here for more up to date details.

Orlando Sentinel - Orlando's online newspaper site, catch up on all the latest news Click Here