In a bold move that emulates the successful marketing idea of some car makers by offering a recession special one of Orlando’s major theme parks is offering a great deal… book your vacation of three or more nights at Universal Orlando and they’ll offer you… Read More »Lose your job, get your vacation refunded at Universal
With soft openings occurring regularly and the official grand opening just 10 days away, it’s time to get excited about Manta, the first flying coaster to hit Central Florida. If you aren’t yet one of the lucky ones to have experienced the attraction, here’s a… Read More »New Manta Video from SeaWorld
This year sees two major new coasters coming to Orlando. SeaWorld is first on the scene with its new Manta ‘Flying’ Roller Coaster. Guests will feel like they’re soaring over Orlando and aquatic life as they zoom around the park’s entrance area.
Thanks to @RealShamu and @Doterati I got the chance to experience the attraction three times tonight. It was a pretty intense experience, especially in the back row, so three times was just about enough. But I think I could have ridden it all night if I stayed in the middle rows (4 or 5).
Here’s a little video of the unique load and unload process that SeaWorld uses for Manta.
The Roller Coaster ‘Manta’ opens officially on May 22nd, but it’s unofficially open as of Noon on May 5th.
Click below the jump cut for some photos from the evening.
Shanghaist reports on “Touch of the Panda” a new Disney-produced movie that is opening in China. It follows the story of a Panda Cub separated from its mother. Even if the plots not original it might be worth it for the scenery. The film was shot in the Woolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve.
Continuing our overseas trip, we have a story on a book of stories and anecdotes about Tokyo Disneyland that may have been plagiarized. Lawyers are now involved.
Two updated posts to note: First I’ve added a couple photos to my post about the new Green Disneyland Bakery; Second it turns out the Sherman Brothers documentary will open on May 22nd. Right now it’s at four cities, which I’ve added to the original post.
So far Orlando has been lucky enough to avoid a confirmed case of Swine Flu. If the cases continue to grow, that won’t happen forever, but it’s good news for now.
One of the juiciest rumors in the week of rumors that were this week, was the tidbit that GE and Universal Studios is giving serious consideration to buying the Busch Entertainment Theme parks, including (or perhaps only) the SeaWorld properties.
Looking for a great night on the town that’s also affordable? You may want to make another trip back to Downtown Disney to check out some deals. Not sure how long these specials will last, so ask when making reservations. Look below the cut for details:
It’s Earth Day, time to recommit to saving the planet from pollution and other man-made poisons. From the Walt Disney Company’s early days, there has been a commitment to Environmentality, which encompasses the attitude and commitment to do what is right for the environment and right for responsible business. So I hope you won’t mind if we celebrate it a little today.
A ribbon awaits its severing for the grand opening.
Although the winds of fate prevented any actual guests from going up, up, and away, the new “Characters in Flight” balloon from Aerophile officially opened Tuesday morning in Downtown Disney, Orlando.
A single tether connects the balloon to the launch platform.
Many who have been on the ride during its soft opening days, claim it’s the best deal in Downtown Disney. Of course, the problem is that sometimes the ride isn’t open. Wind gusts can keep the balloon grounded. This has led to some issues with guests who get upset they can’t experience the ride. Disney has to put safety first even if the guest is leaving for the airport in 30 minutes. So plan accordingly and perhaps visit the balloon early in your trip.
Prices at the ticket booth.
Another problem is the unfortunate name of the attraction. The name “Characters in Flight” has led some guests to expect actual characters on the flight for a meet and greet. Alas, that’s just not the case. With all the other possibilities to name this attraction you have to wonder why they chose one that would be so misleading. Kind of like Disney marketing insisting on calling “Toy Story Midway Mania” Toy Story Mania, which makes it sound like a soft horror film instead of the fun midway games it actually is.
More info and photos below the cut:
Read More »Characters In Flight Balloon Officially Up, Up, and Away
How much would someone have to pay you to get in the same enclosure as a 13 foot Alligator? I don’t know how much this worker at Gatorland is getting an hour, but I’m sure it’s not enough. Crikey! Talk about a dangerous job. The… Read More »Gatorland Question
First, congratulations on NFFC on their new name. As indicated in the press release below, they are in the process of changing to ‘Disneyana Fan Club’ with the full approval of The Walt Disney Company. I think that says something about the way NFFC has been run the last few years and how it’s the best club out there for Disneyana collectors and fans.
The biggest recent news is that the usual fall Orlando convention has been downsized and moved from early October to December 12th, 2009. The event takes place on WDW Property at the Regal Sun Resort which features easy access via WDW Transportation.
With this move NFFC/Disneyana Fan Club moves into the time slot formerly held by the popular Mega Mouse Meet that was part of MouseFest. Mousefest is on hiatus during 2009, but this should give those who are coming to Florida anyway the chance to enjoy some of the same spirit.
Please see the full press release below the cut: