Bad news for coaster enthusiasts — Universal Studio’s Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit closed indefinitely.

Dec 13, 2010 Author: admin | Filed under: Disney

The website says “closed for annual maintenance,” but most sources are reporting that the coaster is closed indefinitely. Universal is being mum about why, claiming that it’s simply a maintenance closure, routine but “intense and thorough…something [the park doesn't] rush.”

The ride has been closed for over a month now, despite having been a high-profile opener back in August 2009. Rumors are flying about safety issues, thanks to a parts recall from the German manufacturer of some of the coaster’s components — including some of of the components that hold the cars together and keep riders inside the cars! The company is planning to redesign the parts and replace them; the process is likely to take several months.

Many resort guests are angry about the closure, since the coaster was supposed to be one of the park’s big attractions. But to me, I’d rather it was closed and stayed closed for as long as it takes to guarantee my safety as a rider. What say you, readers? Is one ride closure enough to ruin your vacation or are you willing to go with the flow and enjoy all the other attractions parks have to offer?

(source)

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Legoland News: you can buy your 2011 passes now!

Dec 6, 2010 Author: admin | Filed under: Disney

Ticket prices are competitive, even reasonable. One day tickets are for adults and for children from 3 to12 years of age and adults over the age of 60. Annual passes are available in two price points — for a standard annual pass (unlimited park admission) and 9 for annual plus (unlimited park admission, parking, and food and merchandise discounts). Both annual passes also include members-only events and specials, and a subscription to the park newsletter.

Legoland Florida is a planned 150-acre family theme park located outside of Orlando proper — 45 minutes outside, in fact, in Winter Haven, Florida. The park will have rides, interactive attractions, shows, and plenty of food and shopping. It is primarily focused on families with children 12 or younger, though nostalgic teens might find a lot to love.

(source)

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Breathe a little easier at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

Dec 1, 2010 Author: admin | Filed under: Disney

If you are anything like me, you are plagued by colds, sniffles and sometimes even full-blown viruses whenever you go on vacation. I have notoriously sensitive sinuses, and my husband has seasonal allergies, so sometimes our trips turn into tissue-filled Benandryl® fests. Sure, loading up on vitamin C and drinking tons of water (always a good thing to do on Orlando vacation) can help, but now there’s another way to get the most from vacation while literally breathing easier — the Respire rooms by Hyatt, now available at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress.

With help from PURESolutions NA, Respire rooms are hypo-allergenic in design and execution, perfect “for all travelers but especially suited to guests with asthma, allergies and other respiratory sensitivities…[designed to] eliminate up to 98 percent of airborne viruses and bacteria, as well as pollen and other irritants commonly found in indoor environments.” That’s the official word, from the Hyatt press release. Here’s more, from both Hyatt and Pure:

“The well-being of our guests is a top priority, and with the new Respire by Hyatt rooms, we are able to offer travelers another way to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day,” said Tom Smith, vice president of rooms, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. “Respire by Hyatt is a simple,but empowering initiative that we are pleased to provide to our guests.”

“The decision by Hyatt to offer hypo-allergenic rooms across several of its brands sets a new standard for service that we are proud to stand behind,” said Brian Brault, CEO, PURESolutions NA. “We are delighted to be a part of this impressive effort that allows us to create aunique clean air environment for guests without sacrificing the comfort of the hotel room.”

The rooms are beautifully decorated, too, with lots of leather, dark wood and modern touches that befit a luxury property like the Grand Cypress. So what do you think, readers? Would you go out of your way to stay in a Respire room or are you willing to take your chances in a more standard, and probably less expensive, regular room? With good looks and possible health benefits — plus everything else this particular resort has to offer — I have to say I am very tempted. Share your thoughts in the comments below.

(source)

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Start the day off right — Great Orlando Breakfast options

Nov 28, 2010 Author: admin | Filed under: Disney

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially if that day is going to be spent running non-stop at theme parks in the Florida heat. Gearing up for a good day means filling up with a good meal before you even get started. Most hotels have gerat options for breakfast and there’s always the fast food option, if you’re in a hurry. Some travelers also swear by stocking their rooms with non-perishable breakfast on the go, such as granola bars, bottled water, fresh and dried fruits, even cereal (grab a pint of milk from the convenience store and use your travel mug as a bowl).

But just like anywhere else in the world, people do have their favorites. I’m a big fan of The Village Inn, just down the street from Sea World on International Drive and Westwood Boulevard — come for the breakfast, stay for the pie. In fact, treat yourself to pie for breakfast! It’s vacation, after all.

Another fantastic breakfast place is East Lake Fish Camp. This is off the beaten track yet still close to the major attractions — “minutes from area attractions, yet worlds apart,” on beautiful on East Lake Tohopekaliga in Kissimmee. The restaurant here is a hidden gem, especially for the budget-conscious. After breakfast, you can also go on an airboat ride with Boggy Creek Airboat Rides or try your hand at the local bass fishing with Jay’s Bass Bustin’.

Blog reader Bob M., from New Jersey, has his favorites, too. Bob, a frequent Walt Disney World visitor, is a big fan of Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Boma’s breakfast buffet is extensive and it’s truly a fan fave — nearly everyone I spoke to recommended it. Frankly, so do I — even at per person, it’s aboslutely worth it. Bob loves the extra Disney magic that often comes with breakfast at Boma:

“I had a great experience at Boma. I had my heart set on mango, but there was none set out at the fruit station that morning. I commented in passing to the CMs behind the counter that I was looking forward to mango, but alas, ’twas not to be, so I sucked it up & went back to my table, prepared to do without. A few minutes later, a lady from the kitchen staff approached my table & asked “Are you the guest who was asking about mango?” I said “Yes” and from behind her back she produced a huge mango & placed it in front of me. Even my waitress looked surprised, just before offering to take it in back & slice it up for me. The extra mile!”

In park, Bob recommends Main Street Bakery in the Magic Kingdom — though he warns that long lines can be expected, thanks to the delicious scents of fresh-baked pastries that waft from the shop’s open doors — and The Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland. The Lunchig Pad is a great place to grab coffee and a muffin and “sit in relative peace (aside from a few avian beggars, perhaps) at one of their outdoor tables as the hordes pass by en route to Space Mountain.”

Next up is Amy W., also from New Jersey. Amy and her family go to Orlando every year. They have three particular breakfast favorites, including one unusual choice — Chan’s Chinese for authentic Chinese dim sum. “If you are willing to wait a little later for brunch instead of breakfast,” she says, “there is Chan’s Chinese Restaurant on Colonial Drive (SR 50) that serves dim sum. The dim sum there is as good as the food you get in NYC.”

If you’re up for a little more adventure in search of breakfast, Amy’s family also loves The Old Spanish Sugar Mill restaurant, located in DeLeon Springs State Park, about 45 minutes north of Orlando. “You make pancakes on a griddle in the middle of your table!” Amy says — her kids love it and the pancakes taste good enough to make the drive worthwhile.

In park, Amy and family head to EPCOT’s World Showcase and The Princess Storybook Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway Pavilion.

“We love getting into the park early. The interaction with the Princesses is great, it is only 1 table service credit if you are on the disney dining plan. The hot food includes eggs, bacon, and a potato casserole that my husband literally dreams about. The hot food is served family style and you can get as much of it as you want. There is also a cold buffet with fruits, cheeses and pastries.”

(source)

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Legendary filmmaker George Lucas meets "Star Wars"-inspired Disney characters at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Nov 22, 2010 Author: admin | Filed under: Disney

A SHOW OF ‘FORCE’: Taking on the stern and determined look of a Jedi Knight, “Star Wars” creator George Lucas with Jedi Mickey Mouse, Princess Leia Minnie, Darth Goofy — and the lovable Disney droid, R2-MK — at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. The legendary filmmaker attended “The Last Tour to Endor,” a special event at the theme park in honor of the “Star Wars”-themed thrill attraction, Star Tours. (Todd Anderson, photographer)

THE DAILY MAGIC: “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. with “Star Wars”-inspired Disney characters Stormtrooper Donald Duck and Princess Leia Minnie Mouse. Stewart was in Orlando as a special host of “Star Wars Celebration V,” the official Lucasfilm fan event held at the Orange County Convention Center. At the convention center earlier in the day , Stewart took the stage with “Star Wars” creator George Lucas and interviewed him live in front of thousands of fans. (Todd Anderson, photographer)

(source)

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It’s a "Deathly" good time to be a Universal Orlando annual passholder

Nov 20, 2010 Author: admin | Filed under: Disney

Just in time for the massive November 19, 2010 premiere of the long-awaited Harry Potter and the Deahtly Hallows, Part 1, Universal Studios Orlando Islands of Adventure is holding a special event just for annual passholders. That night, a limited number of passholders (Premier and Preferred only) will have exclusive access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure. All of the rides will be open and operating for the event, which will run from 8pm to 10pm only on November 20, 2010. Other perks include access to all the shops in Hogsmeade Village, including Ollivanders and Zonko’s; meals and snacks at the Hogshead Inn (a place of enormous importance in the final book) and The Three Broomsticks; a free commemorative poster; and exclusive one-night-only merchandise offers. I’m betting other surprises will be in store, too.

Registration is active now via the Universal Studios Orlando website and entrance to the event will be limited, based on a first-registered, first-served basis. Once registered, guests will need to check in on-site at 6pm to be guaranteed entrance.