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

One Ocean is to replace Believe as SeaWorlds new Killer whale show at the end of April 2011. The aim behind the show is to educate guests and inspire them to make a difference in the world that we all make our home.

Aquatica

Aquatica has opened a new ride which is the first expansion since the park opened at the start of 2008. The ride named Omaka Rocka is loacated next to Whanau Way with which it shares a loading platform.
The ride consists of two slides with three funnels each which provide a near weighlessness sensation
due to the half-pipe effect of the funnels. Like many other rides in the park guests use
two-seaters as they ride through the semi-transparent tubes.

Discovery Cove

The Grand Reef Opening June 2011 is the new 2.5 acre tropical underwater reef which will combine colourful up-close sealife encounters with the innovative new SeaVenture experience. From paddling in shallow water to deep diving adventures. The reef will be home to over 10,000 animals of over 125 species of rays, sharks and fish. SeaVenture is an underwater walking tour involving dive helmets to allow guests the fullest range of movement whilst underwater. Sea Venture costs an extra $59 per person. SCUBA certification is not required. The program is about an hour long for groups of up to six people per excursion.

Magic Kingdom

The Magic, The Memories and You! Up to 500 pictures of guests taken that day by disney's photopass photographers as they "smile for the castle" When the sun goes down the ten-minute experience will begin with the castle being lit up and the photos being projected onto the colourful shimmering castle and will culminate in a mixture of animated and real fireworks. Part of disneys new theme "Let the Memories Begin".

Splash Mountain has been fitted with lap bars during its refurbishment due to guests trying to exit the logs early at the end of the ride.

The Ariel's grotto meet-and-greet has now closed with Ariel expected to begin appearing in her human form near the Adventureland Veranda around the 9th of May. She will be joined by Prince Eric in preperation for the permanent meet-and-greet planned in Fantasy Forest, as part of the Fantasyland expansion.

The Parade of Pirates is a new daily attraction in Adventure land which is a bonus part of the Pirates league makeover. New Pirates will be given the time and meeting location of the parade during their makeovers. The parade will be held daily for the new pirates, weather permitting usually around 2pm. Also wandering around in Adventureland somewhere near the Pirates of the Caribbean ride will be Pirate Goofy.

The Wishes Fireworks Dessert party held at the Tomorrowland Terrace has been returned due to popular demand. This includes a Dessert buffet and access to an exclusive viewing area for the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular Fireworks. Available most nights this costs around $25.99+tax for adults and $13.99+tax for children during peak times, and slightly less for off-peak nights. Reservations are not required but highly recommended due to its high popularity.

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.

Toon town closed on February 11th 2011, Tinkerbell has been relocated to Hollywood Studios, while Mickey, Minnie and the animated Princesses will be making appearances around the park, while their new home in Town Square Exposition hall on Mainstreet USA. Ask at City Hall's Guest Services for upto date times and locations of characters.

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', serving "great food fast" during the day and full table service by evening, nearby in Belle's village guests will find Gaston's tavern and Bonjour! Village gifts. Just outside the village guests will find Belle's cottage and Enchanted tales with Belle, guests enter into Maurice's workshop, guests are then magically transported to Beast's library to meet Belle and Lumiere.
Under the Sea a new musical ride featuring Disney’s Little Mermaid.
Storybook Circus will become home to a relocated twin carousel 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.
Goofy's Barnstormer ride will be re-themed as 'The Great Goofini' to fit in with the circus atmosphere surrounding Dumbo.
It has now been confirmed the area will include a Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - featuring animated figures from the film on this musical trip into the mine "where a million diamonds shine" The coaster will include a first-of-its-kind ride system with a train of ride vehicles that swing back and forth, responding to every twist and turn of the track.
The Princess Fairytale Hall will replace Snow whites scary adventures and will be home to Aurora, Cinderella, Rapunzel and lots of other disney princesses.

With Pooh's Playful Spot closing due to the planned Fantasyland expansion, Pooh and friends are still available for meet and greets but have been relocated to the Tour Garden, next to City Hall on Main Street. Whilst back in Fantasyland characters such as Mary Poppins and Bert, and Peter Pan and Wendy will be wandering around to sign autographs, as well as Snow White who will be appearing near the Wishing Well.

Chip, Dale and Stitch will be appearing in Tomorrowland, and rumour has it that Chip and Dale could be trying to hitch a ride on a spaceship. 

Enchanted tikki room closed for refurbishment until March 27th 2011.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage, has been revamed and is now called Disney Junior Live on Stage!

The new parade at Hollywood Studios Pixar Pals Parade started on the 16th January 2011 replacing Block Party Bash.

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 closed for a revamp at the end of 2010 and will reopen on 20th May 2011 just in time for the Star Wars Weekends (See events page for dates) 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 2010.

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.

Animal Kingdom

Primeval whirl is closed for refurbishment until 5th April 2011.

The Village Beatniks, a percussion ensemble that has been performing at Disney's Animal Kingdom since 1998, gave their final shows at the park on Saturday, September 25, 2010.

Epcot

Tinker bell's Fairy Friends Meet and Greet opens Spring 2011 at Epcot.

On the 22nd September 2010 Parfums Givenchy opened its new 400 sq. ft. shop in the France Pavilion. This store is the only retail location in the United States that offers a full-range of Givenchy Make up, Skin care and fragrances.

A new Neapolitan pizzeria Restaurant has opened in the Italy pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase called Via Napoli. The 300-seat restaurant has wood-burning ovens, and features pizzas inspired by the pizzerias of Naples and southern Italy. The menu also offers pastas, salads, sandwiches and Italian wines.

A new merchandise kiosk called Good Fortune Gifts recently opened in front of the China pavilion, and by September, Givenchy will open a new shop at the France pavilion, the only location in the United States to offer the full line of Givenchy make-up and skincare products, and a large selection of Givenchy fragrances. Until then a limited range of Givenchy perfumes will be available in The Plume Shop.

The Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room in the United Kingdom Pavillion, has a newly updated menu featuring Cottage Pies, Fish and Chips, Yorkshire Puddings, and Mushy Peas among other dishes.

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

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 have increased parking charges for cars to $12 and no longer offer 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 was officially opened on June 18th 2010. It features 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 is 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. In the centre of Hogsmeade is a Butterbeer Cart selling both chilled and frozen versions of the popular drink from the Three Broomsticks, along with Pumpkin juice and other refreshing drinks.
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.
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.

Busch Gardens

Cheetah Hunt - Opening Spring 2011 Busch gardens new coaster will launch guests around the track at speeds of up to 60 miles an hour on the new multiple launch coaster, Cheetah hunt. Set in an African inspired landscape the 3 1/2 minute sprint will allow guests to experience the speed, power and agility of the Cheetah. Riders have to be 1.2 meters tall to ride.

Cheetah Run will be located just next to the new coaster and will become home to the parks Cheetahs and guests will be able to witness these powerful animals taking part in daily sprints with their trainers, and then watch them in their new habitat from ellevated, glass-panneled viewing areas while learning about the cats using interactive touch screens.

Gwazi has seen the introduction of new ride cars which will give guests a smoother more comfortable ride.

Jungala - Set in the Congo area, the 4-acre attraction invites 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.

Sesame Street: Safari Of Fun & Sesame Street 4D - Busch Gardens Tampa has opened a new area "Sesame Street: Safari of Fun" which replaces the old Land of the Dragon’s. The new rethemed kiddie play land features 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

Blizzard Beach will be closed for seasonal rehab until the end of March 2011.

Blizzard Beaches Lottawatta Lodge's menu has been updated during the recent refurb to offer a better range of healthy meals, including a new chopped salad and a chicken wrap on the kid's menu. Also new will be a turkey, salami and ham sandwich on ciabatta bread available at both Lottawatta Lodge, and at the Warming Hut. There are also a couple of new barbecue items on the menu including a rib basket and a pulled pork basket.

Restaurant and Dining News

McDonald's in Disney's Downtown Disney Marketplace has now closed and will be replaced by a new restaurant from International Latin chicken company Pollo Campero and partner Levy Campero. It will feature Latin Chicken (Pollo Campero's signature dish) and a new range of fresh and healthy food.

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

Trails End Restaurant at Fort Wilderness is offering an a la carte menu instead of a buffet at lunchtime.

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.

La Hacienda de San Angel at the Mexico pavilion in Epcot, is now open to guests. La Cantina de san angel the outdoor counter service restaurant has also been reopened and serves chicken and beef tacos, nachos, a cheese empanada, guacamole and chips and churros.

The Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom has added three "designer hot dogs" to its menu. The taco hot dog is topped with ground beef, lettuce, salsa and sour cream. There are also two versions of the reuben hot dog: one with sliced beef, onions, peppers and melted cheese, the other has the more traditional corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing.

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.

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 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 been redesigned with a pirate theme and the pool complex is much larger since its renovation last year.

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

Other News

Disney launch new Cruise Liner
Disney Dream the newest cruise ship in the Disney fleet was launched on the 26th January 2011, the 4,000 passenger ship began its maiden voyage and joins Disney's existing ships Disney magic and Disney wonder. Disney are also building a fourth ship Disney fantasy which is due to join the fleet in 2012. Disney Dream will sail 3- 4- and 5 night trips to the Bahamas and Castaway Cay, Disneys own private island.

Plans have been revealed for the area on International Drive which used to be home to the Mercado Shopping Complex. The new project called 'I-Walk' owned by Merlin Entertainments will include a Madame Tussauds and a 425 foot high Obversavtion wheel similar to the London Eye. These will be part of a wider complex of shops, restauants, bars and entertainment venues.

Fastpass improvements in the pipeline - Disney are looking into a improving the fastpass system by allowing guests to book their ride time slot before arriving at a theme park. This more modern approach will utilise smart phones and internet technology.

Disney are no longer selling the Pal Mickey toy in any of their parks although all existing toys will still work in the park with Disney making no announcment on if or when they will stop working within the park.

Walt Disney World Summer Nightastic
Running from June 6th through August 14th Disney will be holding special summer parades and firework displays during their extended summertime park hours. Magic Kingdom will host the return of the Main Street Electircal Parade with new floats and the addition of Tinkerbell as leader of the parade.
Also at Magic Kingdom is the Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular created specially for the summer.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror will be made even more frightening and chilling with new special effects and the outside of the tower lit in a wonderfully eeire effect.

Gator land to get new attraction
From 75 feet in the air Screamin' Gator Zip Line at Gatorland will carry guests 1,200 feet in a number of sections over many types of crococodiles and the alligator breeding marsh, and through the bird rookery before coming to an end near the entrance of the park. The new attraction will open Summer 2011 and will be charged at an extra cost to the normal admission but tickets will include park admission.

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 this year at Disney's Epcot theme park. This is the first time that Disney has twinned its parks with anywhere in the real world.

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

Pleasure Island makeover- During the next couple of years, Disney will reopen the Pleasure Island area which closed a number of years ago with a broader mix of restaurants and shops to create a more family friendly venue. Work has begun on the area to turn it into a new vibrant waterfront district called Hyperion Wharf due to be completed in 2013. Featuring new shopping, dining and entertainment venues the area will be themed to look like an early 20th century port city and amusement pier with the area being lit up by thousands of lights at night fall. The Lego Imagination center will be expanded and will feature new models of scenes from classic disney movies outside. AMC Theaters will also get new digital technology, a Concession stand of the future and Florida's first Fork and Screen Theater, where guests are served drinks and food at their seats at the press of a button. Some of this area is now open including the 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 last year 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.

Downtown Disney last year saw the opening of two new stores, the first is a new urban inspired Disney shop called D-Street. D-Street offers mens and womens apparel, artwork, handbags, accessories, jewelry, Vinylmation figures and collectibles, as well as pop culture novelties and more. The store also doubles as a venue to showcase local artists Disney art.
The second store replaced Virgin Megastore in Disney's Westside and is a store that focuses on America's love of cars and the idea of customising your car made popular by american tv shows. RIDEMAKERZ gives kids aged 6 to 106 the ultimate car-customising experience. Guests or "Customizers" visit a range of stations including CHOOZA, SONICIZE, MOBILIZE, MOTORIZE, CUSTOMIZE, PERSONALISE and CRUIZE TM to build one-of-a-kind RIDEZ.

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

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:

Future Shuttle launches are scheduled for;
Endeavour - 19th April 2011
Atlantis- 28th June 2011

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