Here in the Orlando theme parks area we’re lucky to have a variety of great attractions to check out. Whether you want to spend time in the House of Mouse, check out Busch Gardens Tampa bay or go to Universal Studios Resort, the Central Florida area has plenty of options. Some places aren’t so lucky, and many visitors to the theme parks have to travel long distances to get there. Internationally, Disney has some parks in Europe and Asia. There’s Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disney. These beautiful theme parks bring the Disney brand to fans across the globe and let anyone and everyone experience the Disney magic in their region.

Now, after 20 years of long talks and plenty of paperwork, Disney is finally able to announce there will be a new park in Shanghai, China! This is great news for both countries as they continue to bridge political gaps and come closer together. As the Disney Company continues to expand across the globe we get to learn great details about new attractions and park development. It’s always interesting to see how the different countries incorporate their own cultures and different styles into the designs of their parks, and now we’ll get to see what with Shanghai Disney.

The resort will consist of shops, hotels and a “Magic Kingdom” style park that will take up 1,000 acres of the Pudong district. The actual theme park will be a little bit bigger than Disneyland in Anaheim, California but will still feature all of the great aspects guests expect of the Disney theme parks every year. The announcement of this awesome project will be official right around the same time President Obama arrives for his historic visit.

Since President Obama is going to visit China to talk diplomacy and trade, officials of the Shanghai Disney project figured it couldn’t be a better time to announce the Disney partnership than with the arrival of the president of the United States, where Disney was born. While there isn’t any word on an official ceremony featuring President Obama, or even a statement from him regarding the matter, his visit is timed perfectly with the announcement of Shanghai Disney. We can’t wait to see what the Shanghai Imagineers come up with!

Fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise will be excited to hear what Walt Disney Studios chairman Dick Cook revealed about 2011. Cook stood before a crowd of about 5,000 Disney fanatics and announced he had a special treat for them. In 2011 Disney will release the next installment of Pirates of the Caribbean, the popular franchise that stars Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley in a series of swashbuckling adventures with Depp’s character Captain Jack Sparrow.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides will be the title of the new movie. At D23, however, it wasn’t only Cook that announced the awesome news, but Captain Jack Sparrow himself! As smoke filled the stage and the familiar theme song from the Pirates movie played, a pirate ship glided onto the stage commandeered by none other than Johnny Depp dressed in full Captain Jack regalia. The crowd went crazy for Depp who remained in character the entire time while he was on stage. We’re sure for many of the kids in the audience it was just like seeing their hero right before their eyes.

Up until now the Pirates films have been directed by Gore Verbinski, but he recently left the franchise to pursue other projects. While the newest film now has a title and Johnny Depp will be back as Captain Jack, the rumor mill is still buzzing about who will be the next director. Jerry Bruckheimer supposedly has his eye on Rob Marshal, director of movies like Chicago, Nine and Memoirs of a Geisha, to direct the new pirate flick, but we’ll just have to wait and see until further details come out. If you can’t wait for the new movie why not have a watch party marathon and check out Pirates of the Caribbean, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.

The best way to get in the pirates mood is head down to Walt Disney World Resort and check out the attraction that inspired the movies over at the Magic Kingdom: Pirates of the Caribbean. While you’re there check out the Pirate’s League where you get to dress up like your favorite Pirates of the Caribbean character as well!

The D23 Expo in Anaheim was a huge success. It marked the first time a convention of this magnitude was ever put on for the Disney community and fans were not disappointed. From movie previews to news about park expansions and everything in between, Disney’s top execs came out to Anaheim to speak to thousands of fans just dying to find out what’s next from the House of Mouse. Well one of the more memorable presentations came courtesy of a galaxy far, far away.

Jay Rasulo, the Chairman of the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, took to the stage to make a very special announcement to a crowd of loyal Star Wars fans. Rasulo began his presentation by shocking crowds saying that starting in October of 2010, Star Tours will be closing at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World here in Orlando. But the shocked crowd had no time to react as a legion of Stormtroopers arrived on stage to the sound of “The Imperial March.” Rasulo feigned confusion as “Darth Vader” appeared on the giant screen behind him. Rasulo announced Star Tours 2 would re-open in 2014 which Vader did not approve of. Fans laughed as Rasulo was pressured by the costumed impersonator to open the ride a bit earlier.

After the theatrics the crowd found out they will not have to wait until 2014, but instead 2011. This sent the crowd into another frenzy as Rasulo announced guests will be treated to a sneak peek at special footage of the upcoming Star Tours 2 ride. Audience members were all given 3D glasses as they entered the room and they finally got to find out why. Along with brand new technology for the motion simulator, all of the ride footage will now be in 3D. The interior of the ride is supposed to get a revamp as well but details on that are very hush hush–we will give you the scoop as soon as we find out. As for the footage, fans can expect to race through Tatooine in their own podracer like the scene featured in Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. Other popular Star Wars planets and scenes are expected to be featured in the new ride upgrade as well, but details have just started to emerge. Who knows what’s in store for Star Tours 2? But we know 2011 is going to be a great year for Star Wars fans in the Disney theme parks.

Love it or hate it, wrestling has one of the biggest and most loyal fanbase in the history of sports - or more appropriately, sports entertainment. Whether you grew up watching WCW or WWF (now called WWE) there are plenty of kids that grew up liking wrestling who continued to like it through adulthood. If you’ve ever been to the Orlando theme parks you’re sure to have seen people wearing Stone Cold Steve Austin or John Cena t-shirts. Well did you know that you can actually see wrestling live in Orlando?

TNA, or Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, films its shows and Pay-Per-Views (PPV) live at Universal Studios Orlando. TNA features a six-sided ring, the high-flying X Division (where you can see crazy stunts and flips) and the TNA Knockouts, their women’s division. Plenty of wrestling stars that have come from WCW and WWE are now part of TNA and you can see them all live at Soundstage 21 August through December. Kurt Angle, Sting, Mick Foley, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Christie Hemme and Awesome Kong are all part of the superstar lineup TNA brings to you throughout the year.

The best part is that getting into the show, even Pay-Per-View, is completely free! All you have to do is purchase a ticket to Universal Studios Orlando and you are game to get a seat for all of the TNA action, so why not get a discount Universal ticket and save some cash while you’re at it? Tapings go on through the year but October is the busiest month with fve shows. November features TNA’s PPV “Turning Point” on the 15th. While you don’t need a ticket, seating is first come first serve so make sure you get there on time. Because of the subject matter you might see at a TNA show, you have to be 14 years of age and older to get in. We recommend showing up about an hour early just so you can grab a prime seat. Doors open at 6 for the regular 6:30 tapings and at 6:45 for their PPV shows. PPV’s also have pre-show tapings at 7:30 until the show goes live from 8:00-11:00 pm. If you love wrestling, Universal Studios Orlando is the place for you!

You all know Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear. But did you know the space ranger actually took a trip into outer space? Last year, NASA took a 12-inch action figure of Buzz Lightyear on an STS-124 rocket to live on the International Space Station (ISS) with astronauts from around the world. For 15 months, from May 31, 2008 to September 11, 2009, Buzz was aboard the ISS as astronauts performed various experiments from biological to chemical. Nations like Japan, Russia, Sweden, Germany, Canada and others all have representatives aboard this massive station that serves as a symbol of international unity and harmony.

You might have heard that Cirque du Soleil creator Guy Laliberté just blasted off into space for his Poetic Social Mission—it seems everyone is getting in on the space craze! Once the Buzz Lightyear figure returned he was brought back to the Magic Kingdom where both toy Buzz and the REAL Buzz were honored with a ticker tape parade. Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, lead the parade in a 1969 Camaro convertible along with Mike Fincke, former commander of the space station. Kids and adults lined the streets cheering the men on as the parade made its way through Tomorrowland.

In this great quote from the Orlando Sentinel we got a look into Aldrin’s humor regarding his space ranger competitor. “Aldrin said he briefed Buzz Lightyear before the doll was launched into space in May 2008 aboard space shuttle Discovery. ‘I said, now look, don’t you forget, I’m the real Buzz,’ Aldrin said, looking serious.”

Disney plans to continue bringing awareness to its company through space education and promotion of Buzz Lightyear. They are working with NASA in a competition that will have children design a new patch for astronauts. The winner of this competition gets a trip to the Kennedy Space Center and Walt Disney World. Disney is also working with NASA on an educational space-themed video game. Disney is apparently working with the Smithsonian Institute to get a permanent exhibit over at the National Air and Space Museum. Buzz Lightyear is here to stay.

Sports fans, there is a place for you at the Walt Disney World Resort. We know you often feel overwhelmed by pirates and princesses despite heading to the parks with your football jerseys and baseball caps to proclaim your sports team allegiance. But there are plenty of sports-themed sights to see within the resort world—there’s even a sports resort to stay in.

On your visit to the Orlando theme parks area, sports fans can stay at the Walt Disney World All-Star Sports Resort. This is one of Disney’s value hotels and a great destination for sports fans. Its 1,920 rooms, their cafes and stores all carry baseball, basketball, football, surfing, tennis and even hockey themes. The merchandise at their gift shops features adorable Disney figurines in their own sports getup. You can find a baseball-playing Mickey Mouse or a hockey-playing Goofy, among other cute figures.

Disney also has a 220 acre sports complex known as the Wide World of Sports Complex. This massive facility hosts 200 amateur and professional events every year. It is also the home to the spring training camp of the Major League Baseball Team the Atlanta Braves. The facility just recently added the Jostens Center which is a 75,000 square foot complex that will host a number of indoor sports events. The Jostens Center has 12 volleyball courts, 6 basketball courts and 2 hockey rinks. You can also quench your thirst and grab a bite to eat at the Wide World of Sports Café where you are surrounded by great sports memorabilia.

No trip is complete without a little souvenir shopping. The ultimate mix of Disney and sports souvenirs can be found at Downtown Disney at the Team Mickey Athletic Club. This shop, found within the great entertainment, dining and shopping complex that is Downtown Disney, features a great selection of sports merchandise. Not only will you find Disney related items, but the Team Mickey Athletic Club also features jerseys from the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA and other national sports leagues. While we may no longer have the ESPN Sports Zone at the Disney Boardwalk, there is still plenty to do for sports fans in Disney.

The holidays are almost here! There is no doubt you have probably heard some holiday songs in the stores and started to see the various holiday commercials appearing on the television. Hopefully, you’ve purchased your discount Disney tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and you’re ready to go, because this is going to be a beautiful event Disney and holiday fans of all ages will enjoy! The holiday decorations are already up at the Magic Kingdom. Wreathes and beautiful nutcracker statues decorate the trees and line the streets of the Magic Kingdom. You will find special statues spiced up for the holidays and see snow-themed Mickey balloons, tons of Christmas decorations, and great Christmas-themed Mickey and Minnie Ears. If you like the holidays and you’re a Disney fanatic, this is heaven on Earth!

Tomorrowland will have a brand new look and a brand new show once you get to Walt Disney World. The Tomorrowland Transit Authority was fully refurbished and just re-opened. They even fixed up the bathrooms near Space Mountain for a brand new look. Oh! About Space Mountain, the official re-opening date is November 22nd 2009, but Disney is expected to have a “soft opening,” meaning Disney will let cast members and a few guests test out the ride, as early as this week!

Along with Space Mountain and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, the Magic Kingdom will have a brand new Christmas show that is sure to rock the house and get the little ones into the holiday spirit! A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas will be the newest stage show in the holiday event and it will replace Mickey’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. With a modern take on the holidays featuring Radio Disney hits, holiday songs and your favorite Tomorrowland characters like Buzz Lightyear, Stitch, Mike Wazowski and other holiday favorites, everyone will enjoy this show!

If you’re planning to come to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party, which we hope you are, you will enjoy all of the special features of the holiday invent including the parade, unique fireworks, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas and, of course, a brand new Space Mountain. The holidays at the Magic Kingdom are going to be fantastic.

Starting November 21st Busch Gardens will be unveiling its new look for the holiday season. The park is in its 50th year of operation, bringing a large variety of entertainment options to its guests. Whether you love to ride roller coasters or check out beautiful animals and greenery, there is something for you at Busch Gardens. Unlike the Orlando theme parks, Busch Gardens is located just a short car trip away in Tampa Bay. It’s the #1 destination spot for the bay area and receives a record number of visitors every year, mostly thanks to its amazing roller coasters like Montu, SheiKra, Scorpion and Kumba. For thrill-ride enthusiasts this is definitely the place to be and, usually, Busch Gardens is considered a more adult-friendly theme park. That doesn’t mean it’s not a good place for the kiddies, it’s a great place for everyone—especially during the holidays!

Over at the Stanleyville Theatre, guests will be treated to the show Christmas on Ice. It’s only a limited engagement show, so you’ll have to make sure you get your discount theme park tickets and plan your trip accordingly. Professional ice skaters will delight you with routines choreographed to your favorite holiday songs. Over at the Marrakesh Theater, Christmas from the Heart will feature an amazing gospel choir that will lift your spirits as they perform an incredible medley of holiday and spiritual favorites.

If you like to have a big breakfast experience, reserve a spot at the Santa breakfast at the Desert Grill. At this special breakfast, Santa and his Elves will join diners for a commemorative photo op and then a private performance featuring seasonal songs and tap dancing. Along with all of these great shows, you will also find merry carolers singing throughout the park, beautiful decorations and endless, bright poinsettias. This is just the beginning for the holidays at Busch Gardens, since New Year’s Eve is right around the corner! Special fireworks for the New Year’s celebrations begin December 26th through the 30th and they culminate with a big bash on the 31st.

If you’ve never been to the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay theme park for the holidays, this is a great year to start! You will enjoy the beautiful holiday shows as well as the classic Busch Gardens traditions!

Ebooks have become the next big thing. With devices like Amazon.com’s Kindle, Apple’s iPhones and iPods as well as an upcoming book reading device by Sony, some people are readily making the transition from paperback to paperless. While there are plenty of arguments both for and against Ebooks, you can’t deny their popularity and Disney is taking full advantage of it. The company recently announced Disney Digital Books. Don’t worry, you won’t have to purchase a Kindle or reading device, Disney is making it easy for everyone. All you need is a computer with Internet access.

Disney Digital Publishing will make 500 new and classic Disney books available for kids to read. Every character from Winnie the Pooh to Hannah Montana is included in that list of 500 reads. While you don’t have to purchase a device to read these books, you will have to pay either a monthly or annual fee. To test out the new project Disney is offering free trials at the moment where you can access 7 regular books, 1 Look and Listen book and 1 Story Builder Activity.

Not only will this program help out the clutter factor of buying tons of children’s books, but the Look and Listen book will help kids learn to read. Readers of the Disney Digital books will be able to click on the words as they read them and hear how they are pronounced. The interactive Ebook not only provides convenience but helps children recognize words they don’t understand instead of glazing over them. With the Story Builder Activity books children can mix and match different scenes to create their own story adventure.

This is a great way to encourage the kids to read and in a way, save money. One fee a year will provide access to 500 books—if you bought 500 books you would be paying way more than whatever fees Disney will be charging. Kids of all ages and adults will enjoy the interactive story options while they learn to improve their reading skills. Check out the new service today, it’s a great thing for Disney fans of all ages!

CityWalk has been a hit at Universal Studios Orlando since it first opened back in 1999. This giant entertainment complex features themed restaurants like Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, NASCAR Sports Grille, and the Hard Rock Café, along with amazing nightclubs like the groove and a 20 screen movie theatre. There are always amazing events going on at CityWalk from Happy Hour specials to concerts featuring great bands from every musical genre. During special events like Halloween Horror Nights, Universal CityWalk serves as the perfect gateway to start the party early. You can grab dinner or some drinks before heading into big events at either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure.

This week anyone that’s ever dreamed of being a bartender will be thrilled to find out that Universal CityWalk is hosting the Quest World Flair Bartending Grand Finals. Flair bartending involves more than just mixing some vodka and cranberry juice into a glass; it involves intricate tricks like juggling and pouring drinks over your head or behind your back. Flair bartending takes the art of mixing cocktails to a whole other level! If you’re in the CityWalk area this week you’ll be able to see the action starting tomorrow at Pat O’Brien’s. The Irish establishment will be holding a practice session for the 100 flair bartenders that have come to compete in Orlando from over 15 countries.

Stop by Pat O’Brien’s on Tuesday November 17th at 4:00 pm to watch the bartenders practice as you enjoy traditional Irish food, live entertainment, and .95 Hurricanes. The fun continues on Wednesday November 18th for the Quest World Flair Bartending Grand Finals at the groove! Doors open at 6:30 pm and there will be Three Olives drink specials throughout the night. You have to be 21 and over, of course, so make sure you bring your ID to this awesome event!

Your best bet would be to search for some discount Universal tickets and check out the amazing rides at Universal Studios like Revenge of the Mummy or the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Or you can go to Islands of Adventure and ride The Hulk and try to get a sneak peek at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The choice is up to you, but make sure you check out the Quest World Flair Bartending Grand Finals!