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
International West, a planned series of tourist districts in Garden Grove, has finally had its first tenant approved. A new 600 room hotel and 6 acre water park has just been approved by the city council. Of course, with this economy, don’t believe anything until… Read More »Garden Grove’s International West finally gets first site
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.
Over on /film, Word has leaked that filming for the long rumored Star Tours 2.0 has finally begun. We already know that some voice tracks have been laid (confirmed by the Anthony Daniels, the voice of C-3PO at Star Wars Celebration IV) and that some… Read More »Star Tours 2.0 filming at last?
Here’s your first look at an on-ride video from the front row point of view of the new Manta roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando. Alas, it’s not the whole experience, but it’s exciting. If you can’t wait til May 22nd for the official first day… Read More »Manta at Seaworld Orlando, First Onride Video
Students who traveled to Walt Disney World with a school group have returned sick to Greenville, South Carolina with flu like symptoms. They are being tested to see if they have swine flu. Meanwhile their school is closed as a precaution. Update: I think it’s… Read More »Walt Disney World Visitors Being Testing for Swine Flu
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:
Zagat’s, a name with years of respect in the fine dining field, has released its first “Insider’s Guide to the Disneyland Resort.” More than just dining, the guide covers attractions, shops, food, and hotels.
Part of the Zagat’s Survey system will reveal guest preferences and rankings. For instance, Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain Rank as park favorites, Tower of Terror provides a perfect thrill,
Blue Bayou and Napa Rose wweep the restaurant competition, and
Disneyana and World of Disney set the shopping pace.
It is available now at the Disneyana store in Disneyland, Compass Books in Downtown Disney, and Amazon.
The full press release and some of the rankings are below the cut: