Get the Most Out of Your FastPass

Long lines and restless guests in favourite queues are a thing of the past at Walt Disney World. At least it is for those who select to take advantage of Disney’s free service: FastPass.

So what is it?

FastPass debuted in 1999 and was embraced as a brilliant innovation in theme park engineering. This computerized system grants visitors to refrain standing in line for the most favourite attractions throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Many guests did not comprehend the system at the time and some still do not. As a matter of fact, during the three and a half years I was a cast member at the Disney-MGM Studios, I would often overhear guests remark: “Hey, that’s not fair! Those people pay extra and get to cut ahead of use in line!”

How does it work?

The FastPass attraction reservation system is very easy to use and ideal of all—it’s free. Go to a participating show or ride, locate the FastPass organisation and insert an admission ticket for apiece mortal in your celebration who wishes to enter the attraction. The FastPass organisation reserves a return appointment for your celebration and prints a pass for apiece ticket with a one-hour window (for example, 10:20-11:20 a.m.). From here, you can feel free to explore the less crowded attractions in your selected park. During that one hour time frame, you can usually squeeze in two (maybe three) smaller attractions instead of inactivity in that bloated line. Give yourself at least 15 minutes to be healthy to make it back in time for your designated FastPass time. When you arrive at the attraction, simply hand the cast member standing in front of the FastPass entrance your passes and you’re in!

Wow, that’s so cool! I think I’ll get one for each ride!

Not so fast. In order for Disney’s FastPass system to work properly, they had to implement restrictions on the amount of FastPasses a guest can hold during a given period of time. Each guest might hold one FastPass for one attraction each two hours or after the one hour window expires; whichever comes first. Why? If everyone were healthy to come in to the parks and get a FastPass for each attraction at once it wouldn’t be very fast, would it?

Great, I’m ready to go!

The most important bourgeois in getting what you want out of your Disney World visit is time management. Now that you know the FastPass system inside and out, you’ll be healthy to get out there and experience more of what the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer—faster, of course!

Disney World Events in November

The year-ending holiday season is the ideal time to pay a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort. There are more season-specific events during this time than any other. This is great news for you if you happen to be traveling to Orlando in the upcoming month, but the number of events can be a bit overwhelming and daunting to keep up with so we have outlined the latest happenings at the Walt Disney World Resort for your convenience.

First up in November is the Festival of the Masters at the Downtown Disney Marketplace. Here you will find one of the most eclectic and critically acclaimed open air art festivals in the United States. Young kids might not be too excited to pay a visit here but don’t worry, just a few steps away is the World of Disney store. The largest Disney store in the country will keep the young ones entertained while teenagers and adults enjoy the art festival. The festival runs from November 11-13, 2005.

During the weekend of November 12, the biggest soap opera stars gather at the Disney-MGM Studios for ABC Super Soap Weekend. Fans of various ABC daytime dramas will be healthy to meet and greet dozens of favourite stars in person, including Susan Lucci.

Also showing at the Disney-MGM Studios, beginning on Monday November 14, is The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. This brilliant display of Christmas lights and decorations is not to be missed. Come out and marvel at the sight of over 5 million lights adorning the New York Street district of the Disney-MGM Studios. Insider fact: This event requires the use of 32 miles of extension cables and 66 snow machines!

For more holiday fun, head back to the Downtown Disney Marketplace for the Festival of the Seasons. The festive region during this event is very infectious and beams of holiday cheer. Stroll through and visit the various shops and enjoy the Disney-themed nighttime entertainment. This month-long festival runs from November 19 to December 24.

The EPCOT Center also joins in the holiday cheer with Holidays Around The World. Circle the vast World Showcase lagune and celebrate the holiday season as you indulge in music, characters, and food from around the world. This is certainly something the entire family can enjoy. Holidays Around The World can be experienced from November 25 to December 30.

At last, towards the end of November, you will find Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. This is Disney World’s cornerstone holiday celebration, so if you are visiting the resort during November 27 to December 20, you will surely not want to miss this event. The party is complete with a special parade, a new fireworks spectacular, and cheerful stage shows.

At Walt Disney World, the holiday season is truly “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”.

Discover the Value of an Orlando Dinner Show

If you are staying in Orlando for an extended period of time, you are most likely planning on taking a day off from the theme parks. You can easily wind up travel five miles a day at most of the parks! Some families like to take a day off to experience resort amenities, do some shopping in and around Orlando, and enjoy a nice family dinner. Luckily, Orlando offers three major dinner shows that establish to be tremendous values for families interested in a lively feast.

What can I expect?

Dinner shows in Orlando are quite unique. Though they were not invented here, they sure seem to have been perfected in Orlando. Unlike the majority of dinner shows around the country, these shows are permanent and don’t change depending on the season. Audience participation is encouraged; do not be afraid to get vocal!

Where to go…

Depending on the makeup of your party, you will want to take apiece venue’s theme into consideration in making your decision.

Arabian Nights
This family-oriented dinner show features a cast of over fifty beautiful horses in an indoor 25-act equestrian show. Voted #1 dinner show time and time again, Arabian Nights has created its own niche as a truly one-of-a-kind venue. Some past awards include: 2001 Ideal Romantic Restaurant, 1999 Golden Palm Award, 1999 Florida Living Magazine, 1995 Odyssey Award, Ideal Dinner Show, and more. Reservations are required.

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament
This dinner show transports guests back to the medieval era. While guests enjoy a multi-course feast, ingested without utensils, a cast of 100 knights on horseback participate in an interactive show that children and teens in particular will enjoy. The show includes a lighthearted storyline complete with trusty jousting matches, and hand-to-hand combat. Reservations are required.

Pirates Dinner Adventure
This Broadway-quality show is presented on an enormous, fully-rigged pirate’s ship. The elaborate set provides the backdrop for action, romance, and comedy; all of this while you dine on trusty Caribbean cuisine. Relive the time of swashbuckling pirates on the rough seas!

A better value

If you have the time, it is highly suggested you experience at least one of these shows. You would spend an average of $15-$20 per mortal at a decent restaurant anyway, for a comparable amount; why not immerse yourself in a total nighttime entertainment experience?

Camp Out at Fort Wilderness

The Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground continues its tradition of being one of Disney World’s ideal kept secrets. The only campground at the Walt Disney World Resort offers a tranquil getaway for families and couples alike. Rest within the confines of the lush Florida landscape lined with rustic woods teaming with friendly, local wildlife.

Where can I stay?

For the well-traveled visitor, Disney provides top-notch hook ups for mobile RVs. The adventurous crowd is encouraged to pitch a tent and unwind in secluded campsites after a long day at the parks. If your celebration values the pleasures of comfort and convenience, make yourself at home in the spacious Fort Wilderness log cabins. Each fully air-conditioned cabin comes equipped with telegram TV, VCR, kitchen, regular housekeeping, and a charcoal grill for cookouts. All guests are invited to take advantage of strategically put ‘Comfort Stations’ which include private showers and laundry services.

There always something to see and do!

Guests are welcome to kick back and rest at Fort Wilderness’ private white-sand beach, Bay Lake Beach. Other activities near the water include boat rentals, two full-size swimming pools, and fishing for the entire family (catch-and-release only). If you like to stay active even while on vacation, there are several tennis courts on site (equipment rental not available) and cycle rentals along the three-quarter mile path to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge which also serves as a jogging trail. Young children will surely enjoy Chip ‘n Dale’s Campfire Sing-a-long, where they will sing songs and roast marshmallows all while watching a Disney feature film under the stars. Hit the trail with the children and enjoy the petting farm, pony rides, horseback riding, and carriage rides. Be sure to visit the cornerstone entertainment experience at Fort Wilderness, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue for a musical comedy the entire family can enjoy.

All that fun’s made me hungry!

No sweat. Fort Wilderness also offers various dining options on-site. For a swift bite in a casual atmosphere, visit Crockett’s Tavern and enjoy a menu that includes: pizza, smoothies, appetizers, and a full service bar. If you’re craving a larger meal head to Trail’s End Restaurant for a family buffet in a quaint, rustic setting. Now, if you don’t feel like you want to sit still while you eat, treat yourself to a great feast at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue dinner show. You might also want to pay a visit to Mickey and his friends at Mickey’s Backyard BBQ for an all-you-can-eat character picnic.

A great substitute to standard accommodations

Now going 24 years strong, the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground continues to cater to the adventurous Orlando traveler. If you’d like more information on this resort, feel free to contact them directly at: (407)-824-2900 and you’ll be one step closer to enjoying the great outdoors!

Orlando Investment Properties – Lighthouse Key Resort

Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa is offers a great location for your Orlando investment property. Not only are there a multitude of amenities on-site but also Lighthouse Key is also just minutes away from many of Central Florida’s most favourite attractions.

Lighthouse Key Resort is only five minutes from Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios Florida and Sea World are less than twenty-five minutes away. Also close by are some of the most wonderful championship golf courses, all within fifteen minutes away. Some of the finest shopping, dining, and entertainment is also very close.

Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa is a private, gated community that sits on a beautiful lakefront. The amenities on-site are acquirable to ensure that all residents of this beautiful condominium have everything they need right at their doorstep. The beautiful Clubhouse is twenty-six thousand square feet and includes a European Spa and Fitness Centre, two swimming pools – one for adults and one for families that has beach access, a motion picture theatre right on the grounds and a game room. Add to this a beautiful, white sand beach and who could ask for more?

The residences at the Lighthouse Key resort and spa are just as beautiful as the rest of the community. The units range from 1,100 square feet to 2,200 square feet and many sit along the beautiful lakefront where fireworks from Disney World can sometimes be seen. Now is the time to take advantage of this wonderful Orlando investment opportunity. Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa is now open and has special Grand Opening pricing. At Lighthouse Key resort, fractional ownership is also an option so one can decide on owning the property for any length of time they choose.

Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa is sure to meet all the needs that one could ever want from their Orlando pass home and investment property.

Orlando Investment Properties – Lighthouse Key Resort

Visit Orlando, Miami, Daytona, Naples, or Key West on your Florida Vacation

So you have saved enough money for a Florida vacation. You are very excited. You want to go to the beach but still have access to other amenities. But you don’t where to go.

Well there’s no superior place to go than to Florida. If your purpose is to have fun and relax, Florida is the perfect place to be.

Florida is known as the Sunshine Say because of its long stretches of sandy beaches, larger-than-life theme parks and near perfect climate all year round. It is because of these attractions, Florida is one of the most favourite holiday destinations in the world. Florida is composed of 1,200 miles of sugary white beaches and surrounded by clear blue seas. Florida offers a one-of-a-kind blend of tropical sunshine, modern Miami culture and warm Southern hospitality. The ideal thing you will love about Florida is the weather. Florida’s average temperature is in the mid 80′s in the summer, and the mid 70′s in the winter.

To experience Florida as its best, it is highly advisable that you rent a pass rental home or a beach front condo that would wage you with the perfect sand and sea holiday.

Aside from swimming and basking under the Florida sun, you can do other fun activities in the sunny state. You can enjoy a round of golf in the cosmopolitan city of Naples; you can do some canoeing through the waterways of Sarasota; you can fish at Fort Myers Beach or feast on the delicious seafood in Tarpon Springs. A Florida pass would ensure you have a good time both indoors and outdoors.

Another fun activity to do in Florida, is shopping. Miami, in particular, is a very fashionable city. Miami is literally a melting pot of cultures.

To complete your Florida pass you must visit Orlando, the homeland of Mickey. Orlando is a vibrant city brimming with extravagant theme parks, shopping malls, late-night bars, restaurants and family catered entertainment. This is the reason why Orlando attained the distinction of being America’s theme capital.

Exploring Florida will take time because Florida is a very long state. Be aware that you will spend a lot of time on the road. if you want to visit both the Florida Panhandle and also Key West. So it would be necessary to spend at least two weeks in Florida to see all the sights. One week is simply not enough to catch all the fun Florida can offer.

If you are planning to work while you’re on pass and will tote along your laptop, it will not be a problem as most hotels offer wireless World wide web service. But it is advisable to call ahead to the hotel and verify the connection you can expect.

If you don’t like running into crowds, then plan your Florida pass for the cooler seasons. You tend to get a bit superior service and often a break on hotel prices. February and October are the two ideal months, due to the really nice weather. Also take note of local Florida events, like the lobster mini-season in the Florida Keys, the seafood festival in Cedar Key and the Daytona 500 NASCAR Race at Daytona Beach. Whatever your preferred activiites, take lots of sun screen!

Visit Orlando, Miami, Daytona, Naples, or Key West on your Florida Vacation

Find More Florida Vacations Articles

SeaWorld Orlando Vacation Guide: Traveling with Kids

If you are going to make a popularity survey of the theme parks in the world, SeaWorld Orlando would surely make it as one of the top contenders. This marine theme park, which attracts over 80 million visitors each year since it opened its doors to the public in 1978, is comprised of fantastic rides, astonishing shows, and astounding sea creatures.

It is truly one of the ideal places to go to for a family vacation. If you are planning to go here with the kids, here are some tips to make your pass even more worthwhile.

1.         Plan it right

Going on a pass with children can't mean spontaneous road trips with no specific itinerary in mind. If you are going with kids, you know that you need to exert time and effort in planning it right. For one, you need to plan the place to stay. You need to select a hotel accommodation that is kid-friendly and if possible, near to SeaWorld so you don’t have to travel far to get to the theme park.

Another thing to plan for is the essentials to bring. Be sure to make a list of all the items that your children need so you don’t miss anything important. Bring all the medications and first aid kit they need in case of an emergency. If you are traveling with an infant or toddler, it would be ideal to bring high absorbent diapers to save much on the luggage space and so you don’t have to change diapers each hour.

Furthermore, you need to plan the attractions that you will see during the trip so you get to select those that you think your children would enjoy the most. Don’t forget the transportation arrangement. By air, you can get here through the Orlando International Airport. If you’re traveling by train, you would arrive at the Orlando Amtrak Station. By car, your route would be I-4 from Orlando or Tampa.

2.         Bring survival kit

Kids can get uncontrollable and impatient most of the time so you need to bring all the essential gadgets you need to keep them busy and occupied during inactivity and travel times. Examples of these are toys and coloring books.

3.         Avail a pass package

Traveling with children can be a huge challenge for some parents but it would help a lot if you avail Sea World pass packages. Orlando pass packages are also acquirable if you plan to visit other places too like Disney world and Universal Studios. See to it that you pick kid-friendly Sea World pass packages. Orlando has many things to offer and starting with SeaWorld you can surely have the time of your life.

4.         Educate your children about animals and nature

The trip should not be just about the fun and enjoyment. It should also be a good learning experience for your kids. Make sure that during the trip, you educate them about the different animals that they see and you instruct them the great importance of nature conservation.

Bringing the children to SeaWorld would be tons of fun, but it would also be a huge challenge especially if you have many children or if they are handful to handle. Be sure to follow the tips mentioned above so you can all have a great time.

SeaWorld Orlando Vacation Guide: Traveling with Kids

Enjoy your holiday! Wendie Baker gives practical tips on choosing the right Sea World pass packages Orlando and Sea World pass packages Orlando.

Find More Travel With Children Articles

Disney Fanatic? Test your Knowledge of Disney World & Orlando

1. What year did Disney’s Magic Kingdom open its doors?

A) 1955

B) 1971

C) 1975

2. What Orlando attraction is known as “The Alligator Capital of the World”?

A) Gatorland

B) Jungle Adventures

C) Holy Land Experience

3. Which Major League Baseball team plays its home games at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex during Spring Training?

A) Houston Astros

B) Atlanta Braves

C) Milwaukee Beers

4. What is the tallest structure at Disney’s Magic Kingdom?

A) Space Mountain

B) Swiss Family Treehouse

C) Cinderella Castle

5. Scenes from which 1998 Adam Sandler motion picture were filmed at the Citrus Bowl?

A) The Waterboy

B) Happy Gilmore

C) Deuce Bigalo: European Gigolo

6. What is the study of the new water park scheduled to open crossways the street from SeaWorld Orlando in the spring of 2008?

A) Seatopia

B) Aquatica

C) The Life Aquatic

7. Which PGA Tour golf tournament takes place at Bay Hill Golf Club apiece March?

A) Arnold Palmer Invitational

B) Arnold politician Invitational

C) Arnold Ziffel Invitational

8. What is the study of Disney World’s major promotional party that runs throughout 2007?

A) Year of a Million Dreams

B) Year of a Thousand Dreams

C) Year of 10 Dreams

9. What is Orlando’s “tallest, fastest, longest and only floorless roller coaster”?

A) Astounding Hulk Coaster

B) Kraken

C) Shamu Express

10. Which performing arts troupe will find a permanent home at Universal Orlando during the summer of 2007?

A) Cirque du Soleil

B) Milli Vanilli

C) Blue Man Group

11. What year did the Orlando Predators win the Arena Bowl championship?

A) 1965

B) 1998

C) 2000

12. What Orlando attraction is billed as the “world’s most interactive dinner show”?

A) Pirate’s Dinner Adventure

B) King Henry’s Feast

C) Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede

13. What is the tallest artificial mountain at Disney World?

A) Expedition Everest

B) Splash Mountain

C) Space Mountain

14. Which annual Orlando festival is billed as “10 Days of Theatre, Art, Music and Madness”?

A) Orlando International Fringe Festival

B) Epcot International Wine & Cheese Festival

C) Ocoee International Sailing Regatta

15. What is the fastest ride at Disney World?

A) Space Mountain

B) Test Track

C) WEDway PeopleMover

16. Which Cirque du Soleil show takes place at Downtown Disney?

A) Mystere

B) La Nouba

C) La Strada

17. Encompassing more than 500 acres, which is Disney World’s largest theme park?

A) Epcot

B) Boardwalk and Baseball

C) Disney’s Animal Kingdom

18. What is the study of the indoor interactive theme park at Downtown Disney?

A) DisneyQuest

B) DisneyInterQuest

C) Cirque du Quest

19. Name the “living, biblical history museum” that lies just off Interstate 4 in Orlando.

A) Holy Land Experience

B) Bible-o-Rama

C) Holy World

20. What is the study of the free reservation system Disney World uses for its most favourite rides and attractions?

A) QUICKPASS

B) FASTPASS

C) SUNPASS

21. Which Major League Baseball team plays its home games at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee during Spring Training?

A) Houston Astros

B) Atlanta Braves

C) Durham Bulls

22. What year did Disney-MGM Studios open its doors?

A) 1982

B) 1989

C) 1998

23. Who is the head coach of the Orlando Magic?

A) Allow Hill

B) Brian Hill

C) Benny Hill

24. Which Orlando attraction is home to the Dr. Phillips Cinedome?

A) Orlando Museum of Art

B) Xanadu: Home of the Future

C) Orlando Science Center

25. Which is one of the seven enchanted lands that make up Disney’s Magic Kingdom?

A) Seussland

B) Copland

C) Adventureland

26. Which of the following countries is represented at Epcot’s World Showcase?

A) Bangladesh

B) Morocco

C) Algeria

27. Who was the first champion at the inaugural Walt Disney World Open Golf Invitational in 1971?

A)Jack Nicklaus

B) Tiger Woods

C) Arnold Palmer

28. What is the former study of the Astro Orbiter attraction in Tomorrowland?

A) Skyrockets in Flight

B) Star Jets

C) Mon Calamari Star Cruisers

29. Which astronaut took the first ride during the grand opening of Space Mountain in 1975?

A) Major Anthony “Tony” Nelson

B) Commander Neil Armstrong

C) Colonel Gordon Cooper

30. What is the study of Disney World’s first water park, which opened at Fort Wilderness Campground in 1976.

A) River Country

B) Splash Country

C) Wilderness Country

31. What did EPCOT originally stand for?

A) Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow

B) Experimental Polyester Clothes of Tomorrow

C) Each Pocketbook Comes Out Trashed

32. Which thrill ride can be found in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot?

A) Troll Trauma

B) Maelstrom

C) El Rio Del Norway

33. Singer Gloria Estefan owns which Downtown Disney restaurant?

A) Raglan Road Irish Pub

B) Bongos Cuban Cafe

C) Latin Quarter

34. Which is one of Disney World’s two miniature golf courses?

A) Disney’s Winter Summerland

B) Disney’s Summer Winterland

C) Disney’s Fall Springland

35. What International Drive landmark is known as “ Orlando’s only upside-down attraction”?

A) Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

B) Skull Kingdom

C) WonderWorks

36. Which PGA golf tournament takes place at Disney World apiece October?

A) FUNAI Golf Classic

B) Arnold Palmer Golf Classic

C) Bushwood Golf Classic

37. Summit Plummet, the world’s fastest and tallest free-fall waterslide, can be found at which water park?

A) Disney’s Blizzard Beach

B) Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

C) DisneyQuest

38. Which legendary rock band is associated with a thrill ride at Disney-MGM Studios?

A) Guns N’ Roses

B) Aerosmith

C) Insane Clown Posse

39. Which annual event takes place at Disney-MGM Studios?

A) Fear Factor Live Weekend

B) K-Fed Rapper Wannabe Weekend

C) ABC Super Soap Weekend

40. What is the airfield code for the Orlando International Airport?

A) MCO

B) MCKY

C) ORL

41. How much does it cost to ride the I-Ride Trolley?

A) 25 cents

B) 75 cents

C) 99 cents

42. Which Kissimmee dinner show bills itself as a “Storybook Tale of Romance and Adventure”?

A) Medieval Times

B) Arabian Nights

C) Battlebots: Metal Munching Maniacs

43. What Orlando attraction gives you the opportunity to swim with bottlenose dolphins?

A) Discovery Cove

B) Wet ‘n Wild Water Park

C) Splendid China

44. Which shopping, dinning and entertainment complex in Kissimmee is home to the SkyCoaster thrill ride?

A) Celebration

B) Pointe*Kissimmee

C) Old Town

45. Who did the Orlando Magic choose as its No. 1 draft pick in 2004?

A) Dwight Howard

B) Juwan Howard

C) Clint Howard

46. Which NASCAR legend offers a stock automobile “Driving Experience” attraction at Walt Disney World Speedway?

A) Dale Earnhardt Jr.

B) Richard Petty

C) Ricky Bobby

47. Which of the following attractions is still open on International Drive?

« Prev