Still trying to decide where to go on your vacation this year? Or perhaps you have an extra week off with nothing planned? If you are considering that great staple of American vacations, Walt Disney World Resort, here is some information particular to 2008 that you might find handy.
New Attractions
I remember the days when Disney World never seemed to change. Those days are long over, and this year, as usual, there are some new attractions to draw you in. In Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly known as MGM), there are a couple of new additions. Toy Story Mania is an arcade-like, 4D ride that draws off the popularity of the Buzz Lightyear ride in the Magic Kingdom. In the ride, you wear 3D glasses and take aim at the shooting gallery images projected on the screen. Special effects like gusts of wind give it that “4D” effect. Have good aim and a quick trigger finger because Disney is keeping score, pitting you against the other rider in your car.
Also in the Hollywood Studios park will be, later in the year, American Idol! This venue will allow you to compete in an American Idol like competition, complete with a live audience, judges (I wonder if they'll have a rude one given Disney's famous hospitability) and daily winners who will receive perks when trying out for the real American Idol.
Meanwhile at Epcot Park, Spaceship Earth has reopened after its makeover. Hosted within Epcot's iconic sphere, this ride has long been a park favorite. While some of the old scenes remain, a nod to all the fans of the original ride, a new, and yet familiar, theme takes over. The original ride told the story of how communication helped to pass on information and advance civilization. This new version of the ride concentrates on how one innovation leads to another.
Best Time to Go
For most of us, our vacation days have been selected long ago and, if we have children, correspond with school breaks. If you are wondering whether that odd week in October would be a good time to try out Disney, consider this: the last two weeks of October are some of the least expensive times to visit the resort this year. Attempting different reservation dates, you find that the least costly times to visit the resort in 2008 are the last two-thirds of August, most of September, the last two weeks of October and then the second week of both November and December. Visiting during these times will save you money and might even save you wait-time in the attraction lines.
These off-peak times of the year have other qualities going for them as well. For one thing, the Orlando weather tends to be less extreme beginning in October, but Disney also sweetens the pot by adding special events. For instance, September and October will feature Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Imagine staying late in the Magic Kingdom to ride the rides and trick-or-treat! Also, beginning in September and lasting the rest of the year is the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Then in November begins Disney's annual Christmas celebration with a variety of special events. From enormous light shows to Christmas musicals, it's almost an entirely different park during the holiday season.
Where to Stay
Within the Orlando area, nearly every type of accommodation imaginable is available, but you may be surprised to find the same situation within the park. From campgrounds and budget resorts to extravagant suites, Disney offers a bit of everything. The All-Star resorts are family friendly and offer great room-and-ticket packages that will fit just about everyone's budget, and getting around to the parks from the All-Star hotels is easy on Disney's extensive bus system. For the ultimate in convenience and comfort (at a price), stay in one of the older hotels like The Polynesian Resort or The Grand Floridian, both of which are serviced by the famous Disney monorail.
One thing is for certain, though. No matter when you go or where you stay, Walt Disney World Resort is a one-of-a-kind destination offering an unbelievable array of entertainment options for people of all ages. If you go, don't be surprised if you find yourself feeling like a kid again. After all, this is what “the happiest place on earth” is all about.
