What's New

In keeping with its culture of "anything you can do, I can do better," Orlando's theme parks try their darnedest to best each other, adding new attractions both big and small, and tweaking old ones to make them new and exciting again. Restaurants come and go in what seems like the blink of an eye, though fierce competition ensures a constant infusion of chic and trendy entries -- the best of which remain year after year. And resorts continue to spring up at every turn, each bigger and better than the last. After the nightmare hurricane season of 2004, Orlando is once again growing rapidly, and 2007 was no exception.

You'd be hard pressed to find any visual reminders remaining of Charley, Ivan, and Jeanne, three of the most unwelcome visitors ever to land in the Orlando area, not to mention the most devastating hurricanes to make their way through Central Florida in decades. While face-lifts and renovations at the resorts (and other area businesses) still continue, it is no longer an effort to repair the damage caused by the storms, but simply to enhance their offerings and entice potential visitors. New rides, redesigned attractions, and accommodations in almost every category are being added to bring travelers back for more -- often at a pace that's faster than I can write.

Here's a summary of just some of the things that have changed in the year since this Frommer's guide was last revised:

Planning Your Trip -- Disney World's recently revamped website (www.disneyworld.com) now features "My Disney Vacation," a helpful online tool that enables you to plan every aspect of your Disney vacation -- from beginning to end -- based entirely on your own individual interests. You can even create your own set of customized park maps that mirror your theme park itinerary (the process however, can take up to 4 weeks, so be sure to allow sufficient time if you have them mailed to your home). These maps make a great (and free) souvenir!

To have the latest Disney news delivered right to your desktop, "Disney Link" will link and customize your computer to periodically receive WDW updates, including news, events, special offers, planning tips, even the WDW weather forecast.

Where to Stay -- The Reunion Resort & Club (tel. 321/939-2921) recently opened what is now the centerpiece of this sizeable property -- The Reunion Grande, an 11-story all-suite luxury hotel loaded with upscale dining options. Recreational offerings at the resort include a full-service colonial-style spa, three championship golf courses, Annika's Academy of Golf & Fitness, a kids' club, and an inviting lazy river water park.

Veteran Orlando properties aren't resting on their laurels. At press time renovations transforming the fifth and sixth floors of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (tel. 407/939-6244) into Vacation Club Villas were underway. The new villas are anticipated to open late in 2007; additional villas will be completed by 2009, and are being built adjacent to the Lodge in an entirely separate structure (similar to Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Villas). Disney's All-Star Music Resort (tel. 407/939-6244) has unveiled two-room family suites; these feature upgraded amenities, minikitchens, a separate master bedroom, and flatscreen TVs. The new suites make it a little easier for larger families with smaller budgets to stay with the mouse.

Over at Universal Orlando, the Hard Rock Hotel (tel. 407/503-2000) completed a multimillion-dollar makeover of its own. Guest rooms now feature flatscreen TVs, chic yet comfy new bedding, new carpeting, stereo hook-ups for MP3 players, docking stations for iPods, minibars, and other indulgent amenities.

Looking ahead, a 500-room Waldorf Astoria (only the second to be built in the U.S.) and a 1,000-room Hilton are scheduled to open near Disney in 2009. And Disney itself just partnered with the Four Seasons Hotels to build a new luxury hotel on the border of WDW; it's slated to open in 2010.

Where to Dine -- Recent additions to Orlando's lengthy list of dining options include the upscale Tommy Bahama's Tropical Café & Emporium (tel. 321/281-5888), where such island-inspired dishes as macadamia nut-encrusted pink snapper and a scrumptious piña colada cake are only a sampling of what you'll find on the menu. The Mediterranean-style interior features tropical-flavored accents, while an inviting outdoor patio allows diners to enjoy the warm Florida weather. Those dining at Maggiano's Little Italy (tel. 407/241-8650) will appreciate the home-style Italian fare. This casual eatery exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere thanks in part to the red-checkered tablecloths, mahogany furnishings, and the family portraits that line the walls. The Capital Grille (tel. 407/370-4392) is an elegant and sophisticated establishment, featuring a menu filled with dry aged steaks, chops, and seafood. Oenophiles will surely appreciate the extensive list of over 400 wines. All three of these restaurants are located in Pointe Orlando (on International Drive).

The NASCAR Sports Grille, Universal Orlando's CityWalk (tel. 407/224-3663), is the reincarnation of the old NASCAR Café. Its redesign included several upgrades; a large open-flame grill, a more sophisticated menu, and an interactive video system at each table are just some of the more noticeable differences.

On a more general dining note, in an effort to promote healthy eating habits, the major theme parks are making revisions to their menus and meals. Kids' meals at WDW now come with milk, juice, veggies, and fruits rather than the standard fries and soda pop (though fries and soda are still available upon request). And all WDW restaurants are transitioning to become completely trans-fat free. Universal Orlando is following suit by offering healthier menu items and snack options throughout their theme parks. SeaWorld has also stepped up to the plate, revamping the menu at Mama's Kitchen, which is now dedicated entirely to healthy dining options.

Exploring Walt Disney World -- WDW will keep its convenient Disney's Magical Express program, which provides complimentary shuttle service and baggage delivery between Orlando International Airport and any Disney-owned resort, running through 2011.

In the pricing department, Disney raised its prices not once, but twice in 2006 -- and to budget-busting levels. Stay only a day at a single park and you'll pay a whopping $67 (not including tax!) for an adult and $56 for kids ages 3 to 9. Thankfully in 2007, the Mouse saw fit to leave well enough alone -- well, almost. Base ticket prices remain the same, but add-ons and options (such as park hopping) will cost you a few dollars more than in previous years. However, Disney's Magic Your Way park ticket system does still reward vacationers who stay and play at the House of Mouse a bit longer than they may have before. Stay 4 days or longer and your price per day can drop significantly under the normal single-day ticket price, even if you tack on an extra option, such as park-hopping privileges.

At Disney's theme parks (tel. 407/824-4321; www.disneyworld.com), Nemo's making quite a splash. At Epcot, The Living Seas pavilion has been renamed The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Replacing the old preshow edu-flick and hokey hydrolators is a new family-friendly ride: The Seas with Nemo & Friends (sound familiar?). Gigantic "clamobiles" take riders past undersea scenery that makes it seem as if the animated characters are swimming right along side the aquarium's live inhabitants. Additional renovations include the enlargement of Crush's theater; home to the very popular Turtle Talk with Crush. At Disney's Animal Kingdom, Nemo takes center stage in Finding Nemo - The Musical, Disney's most impressive theatrical theme park production to date. It combines one of Disney's most popular storylines with incredibly creative costumes, a very talented cast, and a moving musical score -- it's no wonder that this one's a hit.

At Magic Kingdom, an array of live interactive entertainment has been added to the already impressive lineup. Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial (Adventureland) encourages pint-sized pirates-to-be to engage in swordplay (wooden, of course) and other swashbuckling silliness with none other than the great Captain himself (and believe me -- you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference!). At the Let's Have a Ball! The Happily Ever After Party (Fantasyland), a dance party of royal proportion, guests get the party started when they join in on the Lord and Ladies Limbo, Lucinda's Freeze Dance, Simon Says, and more. Prefer to parade around town? Guests march right alongside Disney characters, marching bands, and floats in the Main Street Family Fun Day Parade.

Disney's Pirate & Princess Party debuted in 2007 and, joining the likes of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, has become an annual after-hours event. Pirate coves and princess courts, quests for treasure, spectacular fireworks, and the Enchanted Adventures Parade are all part of the package.

Wildcat fever has hit Disney-MGM Studios. Join in on the fun, sing along, dance along, and cheer 'em on at Disney's new live High School Musical Pep Rally. Go Wildcats!

In addition to a lineup of exciting new destinations (with ports of call that include stops in Spain, Italy, and France, among others), Disney Cruise Line (tel. 888/DCL-2500; www.disneycruise.com) has announced the addition of two entirely new cruise ships to its fleet. The new ships are scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012.

Exploring Universal Orlando & Seaworld -- In keeping with the one-upping culture that pervades Orlando, SeaWorld has announced the addition of an innovative eco-themed water park, Aquatica, which is due to open in spring 2008. The park will feature an array of unique interactive experiences that combine the ecological themes of SeaWorld, the naturalistic setting of Discovery Cove, and the fun (and thrill attractions) of a water park.

Universal Orlando recently added I-Village Live (tel. 800/837-2273 or 407/363-8000) to its lineup of park productions. The interactive talk show is simultaneously broadcast online, on the air, and right in the park (in front of a live audience).

The comedy, music, and multimedia theatrics of Blue Man Group now have a permanent home at Universal Orlando. This dynamic and unique group performs at Universal Studios Florida in a newly renovated theater (previously Nickelodeon Studios) accessible from both Universal Studios and CityWalk. The big downside: This attraction is not included in park ticket prices, so you'll have to pony up more money to see it.

At Islands of Adventure, the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride (Seuss Landing) is finally clonking and zonking along its track after years of sitting still. This kid-friendly ride, its track suspended high above Seuss Landing, takes you past several Seussian scenes and a slew of colorful characters before coming to a stop.

And just as this book went to press Universal announced it would be adding a Harry Potter-themed section to Islands of Adventure. It's set to open sometime in 2009.

Other news out of Universal Orlando includes higher single-day ticket prices ($67 adult, $56 kids ages 3-9), but the company is currently running online promotions that will net you substantial savings. For example, at press time Universal is offering a two-park unlimited admission ticket (good for 7 consecutive days at both USF and IOA) for a measly $85. You can play at both parks all week long for a mere $17 more than a single-day admission would cost.

Elsewhere in Orlando -- The highly anticipated Ron Jon Surf Park (www.ronjon.com), running slightly behind schedule, is set to open in late 2007 at the Festival Bay shopping center. Surfers of all ability levels, from beginners to experienced wave riders, are welcome. Three distinctive wave pools allow for three unique experiences, whether you're body boarding or surfing. It's the sort of one-of-a-kind experience for which Orlando is so well known.