Each year Orlando welcomes millions of visitors from all over the world Â? each arriving with high expectations for their vacations. To ensure that their expectations are met, Orlando's various offerings are constantly competing, improving, evolving, and reinventing themselves.
Lufthansa Airlines (www.lufthansa.com) announced plans to begin nonstop service from Frankfurt, Germany to Orlando International Airport this October.
Where to Stay
The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress (tel. 407/239-4700; www.grandcypress.com) recently began a $600,000 renovation to its clubhouse. Improvements include an upgraded pro shop, refurbished Club Restaurant and an all-new yet to be named restaurant that will replace the existing Black Swan restaurant.
The Orlando World Center Marriott Resort (tel. 407/239-4200; www.marriottworldcenter.com) has recently announced an all new Walt Disney World Resort package featuring one-night accommodations at the hotel and one-day, one-park tickets to a Walt Disney World theme park starting at $253 per room, per night.
After completing major renovations, what was once the Sleep Inn & Suites on Major Boulevard has now opened as a Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites (tel. 407/363-1333; www.hiexpress.com). The revamped property now features an all new retro-Hollywood theme including a marquis-style front desk and a ticket booth-style guest services area.
At the Walt Disney World Resorts, kids ages 4-10 will find several new high seas grand adventures to choose from: The Pirate Adventure (departing from Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa) takes kids on a treasure hunt around Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon in search of a pirate booty and buried treasure. The Caribbean Pirate Adventure (departing from Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort) takes kids on a different kind of treasure hunt as the ship sets sail upon the Caribbean seas, the captain regaling tales of treasure along the voyage. The Albatross Treasure Cruise (departing from Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts) offers kids the opportunity to search for clues along Crescent Lake and Epcot's World Showcase lagoon leading to a hidden treasure. The Sassagoula River Adventure Cruise (departing from Disney's Port Orleans Resort-Riverside), with a Mardi Gras-theme, jesters and all, takes kids cruising down the river as the captain tells stories to the pint sized crew. The new pirate-themed adventures cost $28.17 per child and includes lunch and a themed goodie bag. For additional information go to www.disneyworld.com or call tel. 407/824-4321.
Where to Dine
A slew of new restaurants are coming to Pointe Orlando, including the Redrock Canyon Grill (tel. 407/363-3933; www.rrcanyongrill.com), which specializes in Southwestern and American cuisine, such as wood-fired rotisserie chicken, grilled and smoked fish and St. Louis ribs. Taverna Opa (tel. 407/879-2481; www.opaorlando.com) made its debut in August and features traditional Greek cuisine and festive entertainment including belly dancing and traditional Greek music. Specialties include tzatziki, spanakopita, kebabs and lamb. Also making its debut is The Oceanaire Seafood Room (tel. 407/363-4801; www.theoceanaire.com). The atmosphere is reminiscent of the great seafood supper clubs of the '30s and '40s.
Tony n' Tina's Wedding, the hit Off-Broadway musical and dinner show, has relocated to the Glo Lounge Orlando on International Drive with dinner being provided by Maggiano's Little Italy (www.maggianos.com).
Disney's testing out an all new automated ordering system in order to help alleviate the often lengthy lines found throughout the parks counter service eateries. Currently available at Pecos Bill (in the Magic Kingdom) guests will find several ordering screens located just to the left of the regular lines. They can simply plug in their order, pay (by credit card, Disney gift card, or Room Charge, or Disney Dining Plan only Â? no cash), and pick up their order at the counter. While the machines are currently incapable of accepting special orders (and only a limited menu is available) it wouldn't surprise me to see the automated systems make their way into more counter service eateries in the very near future.
In Disney's Epcot Center, Japan, China and Mexico have also updated (or are in the process of updating) their various dining experiences. Japan's Tempura Kiku and Matsunoma Lounge will be replaced in the fall with Tokyo Dining, a restaurant that features traditional Japanese cuisine, including sushi, served in a particularly innovative and creative style. China's Lotus Blossom Café has been renovated and now features an updated menu. New items include Beijing barbecue chicken, sesame chicken salad and rou jia mo (sliced beef served in a toasted wheat flatbread). The Nine Dragons is slated to close in the spring of 2008 for renovations as well. In Mexico, a new tequila bar has been added to the indoor courtyard while the ever popular Cantina de San Angel has expanded and now includes additional seating.
In Walt Disney World, Tutto Italia will be replacing L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante, located in Epcot's Italy pavilion. Tutto, however, is only a temporary replacement. A permanent restaurant, yet to be named, is slated to debut in the fall of 2008. Both establishments will be run by the Patina Restaurant Group.
Il Mulino recently opened at the Walt Disney World Swan. This chic Italian eatery (the original a favorite New York City hot spot for over 25 years), features an extensive and tasty menu filled with fresh pastas, meats, and seafood. Pricier than most of Disney's eateries, this is one restaurant best saved for an evening out on the town (without the kids).
At Disney's Animal Kingdom, the Tusker House Restaurant will reopen as a buffet in November. In addition to the new look, a character breakfast - Donald's Safari Breakfast will be offered in the morning (from 8 am -10:30 am). Yak & Yeti, the Animal Kingdom's newest restaurant is slated to open in early October. Word has it that the restaurant will feature indoor sit down dining and outdoor counter service dining, both featuring a menu of Asian fusion offerings and an atmosphere themed to blend in with the surrounding Himalayan village and nearby Expedition Everest.
As of November 11, 2007, the cost of dining with Cinderella (and the Fairy Godmother) at Cinderella's Royal Table is going up. Meals cost $33 to $41 for adults, (depending on the meal) and $23 to $26 for children. During the winter holidays, prices at Cinderella's Royal Table will run slightly higher.
Looking for the latest in trendy drinks? Disney's restaurants and lounges are now serving tea-infused cocktails with exotic combinations that include concoctions like the Zen-tini with Skyy citrus vodka and green tea liqueur; the Lemon Verbena Martini with Ketel One Citroen and lemon verbena tea, and the Iced Chai Tea Latte with Malibu coconut rum, chai tea and half & half. Hot after-dinner drinks are available as well and include the Cassis Infusion with cassis tea and Chambord, and the Vanilla Rooibos Soother with Navan vanilla cognac and vanilla rooibos tea.
What's New at Walt Disney World
Theme Park Prices are on the Rise at Disney! After holding steady for almost a year, Disney's announced that prices on park tickets are going up. Here's the lowdown: A 1-day 1-park ticket costs $71 for an adult (ages 10 and up), $60 for a child (age 3-9). Adding on the Park Hopper option costs $45 (no matter your age), and adding on the Water Park Fun & More option costs $50 (no matter your age). Annual Passes Cost $448 for an adult (ages 10 and up), $395 for a child (ages 3-9), and Premium Annual Passes Cost $579 for an adult (ages 10 and up), $510 for a child (ages 3-9). A 1-Day 1-Park Ticket to the Walt Disney World Water Parks (either Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach) costs $39 for an adult and $33 for a child. A 1-Day Ticket to DisneyQuest costs $37 for an adult and $31 for a child. Tickets to Disney's Wide World of Sports costs $10.51 for an adult and $7.94 for a child.
Florida resident tickets can choose from three money saving options that include either 10% off of a 1-day 1-park ticket ($63.90 for an adult, $54 for a child); 3 and 4 day tickets at a savings of between $44 and $78 (depending on which ticket); or Magic Your Way Options (Water Parks Fun & More $22.50 and Park Hopping $25) at a 50% savings. Florida Resident Annual Passes cost $350 for an adult and $308 for a child. Florida Resident Premium Annual Passes cost $459 for an adult and $404 for a child. Florida Resident Seasonal Passes cost $230 for an adult and $203 for a child.
One of Disney-MGM's most popular and interactive shows, previously offered only during Star Wars Weekends, is slated to become a permanent part of the parks lineup of shows starting in fall 2007. Future Jedi (kids chosen from the surrounding crowd) can take part in the Star Wars Jedi Training Academy several times a day, training alongside Jedi masters learning how to handle their light sabers, hone in on their Jedi skills, and have tons of far-out fun.
Epcot's Spaceship Earth will soon sport a new (or should I say old) look Â? sans the giant wand and arm that once sat high atop the parks giant silver sphere. Timed to coincide with the attraction's interior renovations, the icon's exterior is reverting back to its original state.
Guests waiting in line to soar over the skies of California at Epcot's Soarin' will now find a slew of unique interactive video games to keep them entertained while waiting in the often lengthy lines.
Fuego, by Sosa Cigars, is the latest addition to Downtown Disney's Pleasure Island. This trendy upscale cigar bar, with its intimate lounge setting, is the perfect spot for cigar connoisseurs to smoke and enjoy their Sosa cigars. Wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffees and an array of additional beverages are served as well. Fuego is open from 11am to 2 am.
Exploring Beyond Disney
The Witchcraft and Wizardry of Harry Potter will soon cast its spell on Universal Orlando (tel. 407/363-8000; www.universalorlando.com). Slated to debut late in 2009 (or early 2010) at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure is the "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," a theme park within a theme park based on the various Harry Potter books written by J.K. Rowling. Slated to encompass over 20 acres, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be recreated through an array of innovative rides and interactive attractions (including, among others, Hogwarts Castle, the village of Hogsmeade, and the Forbidden Forrest), shops (think Diagon Alley), restaurants and entertainment.
Gatorland (tel. 407/855-5496; www.gatorland.com) has increased admission prices for the first time in several years; admission to the park now costs $22.95 for adults and $14.95 for children, which includes admission to the park's new million dollar water play area, the Gator Gully Splash Park.
Fun Spot USA (tel. 407/397-2509; www.fun-spotusa.com) has recently opened on US 192 in Kissimmee, near Old Town. Kids can go go-karting along Multi-level tracks, play indoor mini-golf, play lazer tag, ride the bumper cars, experience the world's tallest SkyCoaster and race in the NASCAR simulators.
The Kennedy Space Center (tel. 321/449-4444; www.KennedySpaceCenter.com) recently opened its Shuttle Launce Experience, a $60 million shuttle launch simulator that takes visitors on a thrilling and realistic journey into space. To enter, you'll walk along the gantry, once inside the pre-launch briefing begins as Veteran Shuttle Commander Charlie Bolden takes you (the crew) step-by-step through the launch sequence. Soon the doors open and you are seated in the shuttle's cargo bay; that's when the countdown begins. 5Â?4Â?3Â?2Â?1Â?blast off! Traveling at speeds of up to 17,500 mphÂ? faster than the speed of soundÂ?you'll find yourself experiencing the sensations of space flight, including a spectacular view of the Earth below. Even after you exit the shuttle, the walk down the open spiral ramp is spectacular; the stars twinkle high above while the earth can be seen far below.
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