Florida Attractions Info: June 2010

Ride the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Leave Your Stomach on the 13th Floor

Hollywood Studios Tower of Terror

Welcome to the Hollywood Studios Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. This is not only one of the most unusual theme park attractions anywhere, but one that takes advantage of very creative technology invented just for this purpose and found nowhere else.

It is actually known as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, in honor of Rod Serling's masterpiece of science fiction and personal horrors that form the basis of the attraction back story.

When you first ride the Tower of Terror it is likely you will be a little apprehensive. For some, motion sickness is a concern since high speed and fear of uncontrolled falling is not something we normally willingly choose. But as much as your stomach might remind you of the rapid ups and downs, what the heck... it will be fun and does end eventually. But do read the caution signs!

An memorable part of this attraction is the queue area which features an introduction from that 1960s Twilight Zone episode called "It's a Good Life," although a really good impersonator dubbed audio over the original. Remember, look closely at the room, you will be surprised what you find (especially Twilight Zone aficionados).

As with most everything about Disney parks, there are numerous web sites of unofficial resources gathered and presented by Disney's biggest fans. For example, a Tower of Terror fan tribute site is towerofterror.org. Included are audios that bring back all the memories of this attraction for those who have been there and done that. There are other comprehensive Disney affinity sites such as AllEars.Net that also provides excellent background for park planning. Then of course there is YouTube and multi-media sources online for recordings to view the actual ride experience.

Here are a few facts you might not have realized about the Tower of Terror. There are real props from episodes of the Twilight Zone TV series scattered in the Hollywood Tower Hotel. The attraction is one of the three tallest buildings at Walt Disney World, at 199 feet (one-half foot less than Everest and just short of having a required red light to protect air traffic). The attraction back story references a lightning strike on the hotel at 8:05 pm on October 31, 1939 during a party of the Tip Top Club. The result was a young couple, bellhop, child actress and her nanny suddenly disappearing, appearing only when YOU are taking your elevator ride... through the Twilight Zone.

The elevator does not really drop (sorry for the spoiler); it is actually pulled back and forth with a maximum speed of 39 mph. There are four Tower of Terror attractions in Disney parks including Orlando, Paris, Anaheim and Tokyo. The spirits you see are using a theatre trick called "Peppers Ghost". Yes, it is done with mirrors; sorry too for that spoiler, since there is no such thing as ghosts (except at the Magic Kingdom Haunted Mansion).

But most important, and what brings back riders multiple times, is that a computer now controls the "drops" and you never know how many or how long you will be trapped during each ride. There is an interesting video also on the Internet from the Modern Marvels television series which illustrates some of the technical aspects of the Tower of Terror attraction.

This is definitely a "fast pass" attraction, more so during the busy season. FASTPASS reduces the time you have to spend in line, particularly for the most popular attractions. Swipe your admission pass and get a receipt with a period of time that you come back to walk right into the ride; no waiting.

And, if you are really into Disney movies you might seek out the 1997 Tower of Terror movie starring Steve Guttenberg. The Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion are not the only times Disney promoted a theme park attraction with live action movies.

The Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios Tower of Terror is well worth the wait in line (we are all lemmings at the "World"). And it is OK to ride several times during your visit, since because of computers your experience is never the same. But when you exit your elevator car, listen carefully to hear...

"We trust your stay at the Hollywood Tower of Terror Hotel has been a pleasant one, and please do come back and see us again."

Recommended Reading:
"Disney On A Shoestring Travel Guide is a super handy vacation guide with lots of insider tips and info from Disney employees. It's an easy to use guide that shows you how to really save money and time at Disney World."
- Florida Attractions Info

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Recommended Reading: Disney On A Shoestring Travel Guide

Disney Discounts And Why They Are Important

Disney Discounts at Resorts and Theme Parks

When you visit Walt Disney World you forget about everything back home. You begin to realize that there is more to life than just work! Many Americans forget about family importance and the spending of quality time together, remembering that life does not last forever. At Walt Disney World you can forget about all that and live life like a child again!

When Walt Disney began the history of building a theme park in 1955 in Anaheim, California and then again on October 1,1971 in Orlando Florida little did we know that it would change the history of theme park experiences forever. Through his work he brought joy, happiness, universal means of communication, imagination, and optimism to all the American traditions.

Walter Elias Disney was born on December 5, 1901 in Chicago, Illinois and died December 16, 1966.Walt Disney invented the multiplane camera and brought better looking, richer animation and in 1937, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first full-length animated film to use the camera.

Walt Disney stated "If you can dream it, you can do it". - Walt Disney. This is a very true statement! Little did we know that these theme parks that Walt invented would change our lives... It did mine!

There are so many attractions and magical experiences that you can see while on your vacation at Walt Disney World that you can't even imagine seeing all of them in just in one visit. I believe that is why many families continue to return to the four theme parks Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studio's and Animal Kingdom.

With nearly 25 Walt Disney resorts to choose from to provide you with the most for your money, you will never run out of magic each time you return. All Walt Disney World resorts also known as your "home away from home" are just as much fun to visit as one of the theme parks!

Disney resorts are divided into price categories with levels to match each resort as well as the selection of the interior and exterior photos. Here is a list of the many resorts at Walt Disney World in categories by price:

Value Resorts
Disney's Pop Century Resort
Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
Disney's All-Star Music Resort
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort

Moderate Resorts
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

Deluxe Resorts
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney's Beach Club Resort
Disney's Boardwalk Inn
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Polynesian Resort
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
Disney Vacation Club Resorts
Disney's Beach Club Villas
Disney's Boardwalk Villas
Disney's Old Key West Resort
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resorts
The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Cabins and Campgrounds
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Planning your trip is the most important key to learning about the resorts, travel expense, theme parks and many more experiences. This is what will help you with your return trips to Disney World! There are many questions you will have such as When should I go, Where should I stay, Which tickets should I buy, How much will it cost, Airlines or vehicle, What about my pet, and What should I pack?

When should you go will be determined on whether you want to go at off seasons when your rates are the lowest, it also depends on what you would like to see and do while you are there? Also remember that the best time to go is when the crowds are low.

Where should you stay? Well the sky is the limit! Keep in mind that staying at the value resorts is your cheapest and there are many off site resorts. My favorite are the moderate resorts where the cost is affordable and the resorts are just a hop away from the monorails where it just takes minutes to arrive at the theme parks. At the Contemporary Resort you can walk to the Magic Kingdom. This makes life easier as far as not having to mess with the crowds.

Which tickets should we buy? There is one day/one park admission; Hopper passes/ allowing you to hop from park to park and premium annual passes. Pending on your length of stay will depend on which ticket value is the best for you.

How much will it cost, airlines or vehicle? Your most expensive cost will be the transportation (airlines have many discounts if your willing to keep an eye on the sales) tickets, Resort lodging (Keep an eye on the best value season and there are ways to check for codes for discounts if they apply to you) and food.

What about my pet? Walt Disney World has Kennels available for guests that are traveling with their family pet. Walt Disney World is a member of the "American Boarding Kennel Association".

What should I pack? Packing will depend on which season you decide to go in. There is lots of information on the Internet and ask family and friends regarding their trips for first hand information.

Previous Post: Walt Disney World Hotels - How to Choose?

Walt Disney World Hotels - How to Choose?

How to Choose a Disney Hotel

When choosing a hotel to stay in during your visit to Walt Disney World, the options are endless. You also need to decide if you want to stay in a hotel within the resort itself, or if you'd like to stay a little further away, possibly paying a bit less for accommodation. Many people think that the Walt Disney World Hotels are very expensive. They actually have accommodation to suit all budgets. I would recommend staying at a hotel within the resort for the simple fact that you get numerous benefits staying within the resort.

Firstly, guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels are offered longer theme park times. Once the parks are closed to visitors not staying within the resort, guests of select hotels may enjoy Extra Magic Hours. You will have to present proof of your theme park admission and resort I.D. to remain within the theme park.

Another perk of staying within the resort is that you will receive complimentary transportation, to and from Orlando International Airport. This includes free baggage delivery to the hotel you'll be staying at. Within the resort, guests of these select Walt Disney Resort hotels will also receive free transportation via bus, boat and even monorail.

When booking your stay at one of these select hotels, you also have the option of including dining in your package. This will enable you to save up to 30% on adult dining. All you need to do is to include the Disney Dining Plan to your Magic Your Way ticket. You will also have over 100 select restaurants within the resort to choose from. Remember however, you will still have to book the restaurants you'd like to eat at before you get to Walt Disney World. It's important to plan your trip properly in advance, otherwise you might get stuck and not have anywhere to eat because the resort's restaurants do get very busy.

Staying at a select Walt Disney World Resort hotel will also allow you to make use of your card that you receive when you check in. This card is the Key to the World card. This card is your room key and also your admission into the theme parks. It allows you make purchases of gifts and so on and charge them directly to your room. If you wish your gifts to be sent to your room so you can enjoy your fun time in the theme parks, your card will ensure that your purchases are sent directly to your hotel the same day of purchase. When enjoying the Extra Magic Hours you'll have to present this card to Disney officials. If you have included the Disney Dining Plan to your package, you'll use the same card to pay for your meals.

If you are looking for the ultimate in comfort away from home, then I'd suggest staying in one of the Deluxe Villas. The list includes the villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Disney's Beach Club Villas, Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House and Kidani House, Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Saratoga Resort and Spa, and Disney's BoardWalk Villas. Rate for these villas vary from $295 per night plus tax to $335 per night plus tax.

If you'd prefer a luxury room rather than a villa, you also have many options to choose from. The Deluxe rooms can be found in the following hotels, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Yacht Club Resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort, Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's BoardWalk Inn, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Disney's Wilderness Lodge. The rates for these resorts range between $240 per night plus tax and $399 per night plus tax.

For more moderate resorts you can choose from Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside and French Quarter, Disney's Conorado Springs Resort, the Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. Rates per night start at $149 plus tax up to $265 plus tax.

For cheaper accommodation you can choose from the value category. These resorts include Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, Disney's Pop Century Resort, Disney's All-Star Sports Resort and finally Disney's All-Star Music Resort. Rates per night start $82 plus tax.

If you would like to rather get out of the hustle and bustle of city life, you even have the option of staying at the Campgrounds Disney has to offer. There are 4 different camping options on offer as well. You can stay in a tent/pop-up campsite, full hook-up campsite, preferred hook-up campsite and premium campsite. The cheapest rates per night start at $43 plus tax depending on the season and availability.

Disney World Hotels has such a variety to choose from. From the above you can see that there is something for everyone, making Disney World accessible for everyone. You also have the different options of staying closer to certain theme parks and in specifically styled resorts. You can stay at a beach resort, a boardwalk resort, an all-star resort and so on. The choices are endless. You need only to decide what your budget is and what type of accommodation you are looking for. Don't waste any time, start planning your trip to Disney World now!

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