Unique Experiences at Epcot's Food and Wine Festival

One of the most popular annual events autumn brings to Orlando each year is the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, and this year is no exception. The merriment starts this week, and if you get your discount Disney tickets now at DWTickets.com, you can enjoy all the fun in all the parks and save money too. With all the money you save, you will have some left over to attend one of the "Special Wine & Culinary Programs" being held in The Chef's Showplace at the Odyssey in Epcot.

If you're planning on going to the Festival on a Friday, you may have the chance to see one of several cookbook authors being featured in the program "The Cook, The Book and The Bottle." This unique experience give guests the opportunity to observe and learn live and in person as a selected chef prepares a three-course lunch. Throughout the presentation, participants are treated to some delicious wines, selected specially for these events. And once the marvelous meal is complete, everyone partakes in the feast - with yet another delicious wine to accompany the lunch.

The theme to kick off the festival this weekend is Champagne, and the "acclaimed" cookbook author/chef is Mireille Guiliano, author of the cookbook "French Women for All Seasons." Now who doesn't want to get in on some of those French secrets? Upcoming presentations will include a Global/Thai theme put on by Nirmala Narine, author of "In Nirmala's Kitchen: Everyday World Cuisine" and a German themed lunch prepared by Chef Walter Staib from the city Tavern in Philadelphia and author of "Black Forest Cuisine." Other themes to be featured during the Festival are Hawaiian, Napa Valley,and Indian, and they all sound delicious!

Besides being treated to a wonderful cooking presentation and an exquisite lunch, all participants will go home with an autographed cookbook and a commemorative bottle of wine to remember this grand experience. Now, it only takes place on Fridays during the Food and Wine Festival, and special reservations are recommended. These special events are not included with your park admission, so you will want to get your cheap tickets right here and now through the best place for discount theme park tickets DWTickets.com. Special ticket occasions are much more affordable when you save money by getting your cheap tickets here!

Behind the Seeds Tour at Epcot!

Fall is a busy time of year at all of the Orlando theme parks with so many Halloween parties going on. But one of the most popular annual events autumn brings is the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. This year is no exception, and if you get your discount Disney tickets now at DWTickets.com, you can enjoy all the fun in all the parks and save money too.

For those interested in going to Epcot for the Food and Wine Festival but wanting to do something besides drink and eat, the "Behind the Seeds" tour at The Land Pavilion is a great option, even for those of you with kids. This inside look at how Disney does gardening is a relatively short hour-long treat that will no doubt make for some very merry memories for you and your family.

During the tour, guests get the opportunity to walk through the greenhouses and lab areas back stage at The Land Pavilion, a rare pleasure in itself. Your tour guide, a member of Epcot's Science Team, will walk you through the gardens, showing and describing over 60 different crops from various countries around the world, including Disney's very own Mickey-shaped pumpkins. There is also an exceptionally informational section about the use of "beneficial" insects to help eradicate the not-so-beneficial ones without the use of chemical pesticides. At one point in the tour, the kids get to release some of the beneficial lady bugs into the plant area, which is a pretty cool treat for just about any age kid.

Tour trekkers also get the opportunity to learn about the variety of growing techniques used throughout The Land, including hydroponics and different types of soil, sand or even air. There are some areas where you can't touch, but there are also places where you get the chance to touch the plants, feed fish and even taste some of the delicious produce that is grown in The Land. A great topper to the tour is to have lunch or dinner at The Garden Grill Restaurant in The Land Pavilion, where you can eat some of the great vegetables that you saw growing on your tour. Another bonus, you're actually allowed to take pictures!

The "Behind the Seeds" Tour is a great way to sneak in a little education during your vacation, and it is fun and exciting too. It isn't elaborate or expensive, so if money is an issue, this is one way to do something different without paying a fortune. Another way not to pay a fortune is to buy all of your Orlando attraction tickets at DWTickets.com, where we offer the best tickets at the cheapest prices.

Disney's High School Musical 2

Teenagers, pre-teens, even some of the little ones are in on it, and "High School Musical" has become thee latest pop culture rage swarming the country. The music and dancing are definitely contagious, and after you get your cheap Disney park tickets from DWTickets.com, you can experience even more of the fun this delightfully innocent musical is spreading.

"Wildcat Fever" hits Disney-MGM Studios this October with the introduction of the brand new live performance of "High School Musical 2: School's Out!" There is now doubt that this new show will get your toes tapping and your body rocking as the cast members perform all of your favorite songs from the hit Disney Channel movie sequel, including "What Time Is It?' - "Work This Out" - "I Don't Dance" - "All for One" and more!

You'll be moving and shaking in no time at this irresistible sing-along event that will be fun for the whole family. And don't be embarrassed. Dance, sing, have a blast! You're on vacation. You know you want to get in on the fun. No one here knows you anyway, and your kids will love it!

And when it's time to leave the Disney-MGM Studios for other Disney jaunts, head over to the Magic Kingdom to enjoy even more "High School Musical" hi-jinks. Now that you got in the groove with the live stage show, you can join the East High cheerleaders and basketball team stars for the "High School Musical Pep Rally" in Tomorrowland. In this show, the live cast will get you moving and grooving to the hits from the first "High School Musical" movie. By the end of this performance, everyone within earshot is literally a part of the show. And don't forget, no one here knows you anyway! Get with your kids and boogie down for awhile. It will be good for all of you!

So, if you're in on this "High School Musical" craze, get your cheap Disney tickets right here at DWTickets.com, your best source for discount tickets on all of Orlando's entertainment destinations. Then tune into our blog to find out what to do next. We'll always give you the latest information on what's going on at your favorite Orlando attraction and guide you to the best deals on cheap disney theme park tickets from DWTickets.com!

Catch a Savings Wave at Cypress Gardens!

One of the best treats you can get from your Orlando vacation is not spending so much money. At DWTickets, you will find cheap tickets for all of the best Orlando attractions, so don't go any further - get your discount Cypress Gardens tickets here and now!

Besides saving you loads of cash, we at DWTickets.com like to provide you with valuable information about Orlando's theme parks and upcoming events, this way you don't miss out on anything. Right now, while the Florida weather is still hot, hot, hot, it is the perfect time to visit Cypress Gardens and as a special treat, their water park, Splash Island.

Splash Island is located within the Cypress Gardens park, and there you and your family will find all the water-filled fun your heart could ever desire. "Kowabunga Bay" is the 20,000 square-foot wave pool that will give you tons of splashing fun and adventure. With fun like this, your vacation will surely be stress free.

And speaking of stress, you will actually feel it floating away as you coast down the "Paradise River." Florida's fall weather is perfect for a carefree cruise down the gentle curves of this lazy river. A tube will be provided. Leave your problems at the entrance.

Once you are all relaxed, you might want to get a little crazy, and Splash Island has all the required ups and downs for that. The four-story "Polynesian Adventure" takes you on a number of platforms, slides and through blast buckets and water cannons. Then if you still want more, visit the twin slides on "Tonga Tubes" or really take your life in your hands of one of the speedy slides at "Voodoo Plunge." If you haven't relaxed your stress away, these lightning-fast drops will surely leave any worries in the dust.

If you have little ones, don't despair. The "Tikki Garden" provides your tiny tots with some gentler fun of their own. Just because they're small, doesn't mean they don't want to take on water adventures of their own, right?

Splash Island is part of Cypress Gardens and admission is included with your park ticket, which, of course, you will be getting at DWTickets.com because we offer the best discount tickets in town!

Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort

"It's your life," according to Bon Jovi. So live it like a rock star and stay at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando on your next visit to Orlando.

As if a 12,000 square foot pool, 260 foot slide and real sandy beach weren't enough to make your stay perfect, the Hard Rock Hotel pool features an underwater sound system. This is an experience worthy of a trip in itself. And if that doesn't rock your socks off, how about lounging in one of the themed cabanas like the "Yellow Submarine" and enjoying a drink in the shade.

All rooms at the Hard Rock Hotel are equipped with a 32" flat panel television to catch up on your favorite TV shows or the latest music videos and movies. To keep you up-to-date with the current music trends, each room also has a CD player, and select rooms are furnished with an MP3 docking station plus I-Home clock radios. Talk about the lap of luxury!

For those who have "made it" shall we say, there are 95 Club Level rooms and suites housed on the oh-so exclusive 7th floor of the hotel, featuring the tres chic "Club 7." These guests are treated to special perks, of course, like access to a rockin' library and CD collection, free health club use and happy hour with beer and wine from 5-7 p.m. daily.

Even if you don't stay at the hotel, stop by and have a look around - it's almost like visiting the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. Plan your visit for the last Thursday of the month, and you can join your fellow music maniacs for Velvet Sessions. Partiers enjoy free drinks and hors d'oeuvres while listening to a warm-up act from 6:30-8:30 pm. Then the featured entertainment starts; September's guest is Colin Hay, from the band Men at Work.

At the Universal Orlando Resort, all on-site hotel guests are given the "superstar treatment." Which means you don't have to wait in line with the "other" guests. Hotel patrons can jump to the head of the line just by showing their room key at the attraction's express entrance. Wow!

Ok, so you say you haven't yet "made it." Well, rockin' hotels like this are made more affordable when you purchase your discount Universal park tickets at DWTickets.com.

Epcot's 25th Birthday

Amid the hullabaloo for Epcot's upcoming Food and Wine Festival (September 28-November 11), another great reason for getting your cheap Disney tickets and visiting the park soon may have been overlooked. Epcot will be celebrating its 25th Birthday on October 1.

Twenty-five years ago, the other dream that Walt Disney never got to see came to fruition when Epcot opened its doors. Trivia tidbit: What does Epcot stand for?

Give up?

Ok. We'll tell you. It's the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. And it really is a prototype; there's nothing like it any place else in the world.

Epcot combines themed areas, far-out futuristic rides, delicious fine dining, unique entertainment and fabulous shopping with real life exposure to cultures from all over the world. The dining experiences are exquisite and authentic, with World Showcase full service restaurants located in Mexico, China, Norway, France, Italy, Germany, Japan, Morocco, the United Kingdom and Canada. On the Future World side, you can lunch or dine under the sea at the Coral Reef Restaurant in The Seas With Nemo and Friends Pavilion or among the varied growing landscapes at The Garden Grill in The Land Pavilion. Some locations even include Disney characters with your meal!

This birthday celebration is the perfect opportunity to visit the attractions that have been a part of Epcot since opening day. Spaceship Earth, the icon and heart of Epcot, is still up and running the same as on Day One. Other rides that have stayed true with age are the Living with the Land boat ride, Universe of Energy cruise through dinosaur days, and of course, the touching and amazingly realistic walk through our country's history in The American Adventure.

Even though it's great to reminisce about the old times, some of the more outstanding reasons for getting your discount tickets and visiting Epcot now are the newer and most exciting attractions. Mission: SPACE takes you on an incredibly realistic journey just like NASA's finest. The newest addition to Epcot, Soarin', is in The Land Pavilion and takes you up, up and away - literally. If it's speed you want, then the Test Track won't disappoint, as you're taken through the road tests in a vehicle of your own.

While things have changed over the past 25 years, Epcot is still one of the best and most exciting adventures at Walt Disney World. Don't miss this opportunity to join the celebration. Get your discount Disney tickets at DWTickets.com today!

New at Walt Disney World!!

Now even more little princesses from around the world can get the princess look of their choice at Disney's newest Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boutique located in Cinderella's Castle at The Magic Kingdom. The original location is in the World of Disney at Downtown Disney, and both are owned and operated by none other than the Fairy Godmother herself. Every little girls' dreams will be made real by their own personal Fairy-Godmother-in-training tending to their heart's desire. Since this new location is in The Magic Kingdom, all guests need a ticket, which you can get a great deal on at DWTickets.com.

This special salon offers every budding princess three choices for a new hair style: Fairytale Princess, Disney Diva, or Pop Princess. Your Princess-to-be can choose from many accessories like hair extensions for those long, beautiful tresses and tiaras to top it all off. There are also options for nail polish and a professional princess makeup job.

If you really want to go all out, there are three packages and photos ops too. The Coach Package gives each princess the hairstyle of her choice and shimmering makeup to round out the look. The Crown Package offers hairstyle, shimmering makeup and nail polish for a more complete look. Last but not least, The Castle Package is the whole shebang: hairstyle, shimmering makeup, nail polish and choice of a complete costume including accessories! That's for the most serious and dedicated princess - and, that really does apply to every little girl.

Don't forget the little princes either. For them, the Bibbiddi Bobbidi Boutique offers the Cool Dude package. The boys can get in character too with new hairstyles, colored hair gel and cool Mickey stencils. They'll be sure to feel special and not left out amidst the princesses of the day!

Boutique guests must be at least three years old and there is no maximum age, so any prospective princess can join in the fun! Reservations are strongly recommended. What a special treat this will be, especially if you're celebrating a special occasion or want to reward a child for being so terrific! And you can afford it, too, with the money you'll have left over after you get your discount Disney tickets at DWTickets.com today.

New Parking Prices at Disney

Walt Disney World announced earlier this week that they are raising the cost for parking at their four theme parks effective September 1, 2007. The cost for parking was boosted $1 for each vehicle category to match the cost of one-day parking at Universal Orlando.

Each of Disney's four theme parks - Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney MGM Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom - provides their own parking area. Once you pay and park, a tram brings you from the parking lot to the gates of the park. The new rates are $11 for cars, taxis, shuttles, limousines and motorcycles; $12 for campers and trailers; and $14 for buses and tractor trailers.

One way to avoid paying these ever-rising parking fees is to stay right on Disney property at one of their many themed hotels. Parking is included with any Disney hotel stay, and they provide free transportation to all of the Disney parks. If you stay at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Polynesian or Grand Floridian, your hotel is directly on the Monorail track, so the Magic Kingdom and Epcot are both just a speedy monorail ride away. If Epcot is your park of choice, park and stay at Disney's Beach Club, Disney's Yacht Club, or Disney's Boardwalk and you will be in walking distance to the back gate. The Dolphin or The Swan are also just a short walk or boat ride away. Any of the Disney hotels that are not adjacent to one of the theme parks provide free bus service to all Disney attractions, including Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island.

Universal Orlando also has hotels adjacent to their theme parks. The Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and the Portofino Bay Hotel all provide walking paths, boat or shuttle transportation to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

If you decide to stay within the Disney or Universal borders, don't forget you can still order your discount disney tickets right here and right now at DWtickets.com.

Even if you are not staying on theme park property, many local hotels offer shuttle bus service to the parks. It's definitely worth looking into this option; the money you save could buy you lunch! And there's always cabs and van services as well. If you have a large group and split the fare, this could wind up being a pretty valuable savings for everyone.

So, plan ahead and be prepared. And since you may be paying more to park, make sure you get your cheap park tickets now from DW Tickets.

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa

The theme for this year's "Howl-O-Scream" celebration at Busch Gardens Tampa is "A New Spin on Horror." Sounds intriguing, no? Even if you're not a true Halloween lover, the folks at Busch Gardens vow this year's party will be the scariest and best yet; the "horror" so intense, the evening comes with a warning -parental discretion advised.

So what will this new "spin" look like? Think crowds moving to the beat, strobe lights piercing the night sky, and zombie DJs spinning an eerie death beat.

There will be six haunted houses located throughout the park for your voyeuristic visiting pleasure. In "After Hours: Club Muse" the evil artists get their inspiration from you, once you make it past the velvet ropes and the screaming begins. Watch out for The Messengers at "Catch Your Breath 13" House. They've already taken 12 victims and want nothing more than to suffocate your lights out and make you number 13. Don't breath in the air around "Radiation Alert 3-D" - it's radioactive, and so are its residents. And speaking of residents, be sure to stop by and say hi to the family at "Trapped in the Walls" and their demon friends. The night is darkest in the "Taste of Blood" house here vampires are on the hunt. And don't miss the burnt out remnants of that peaceful cabin in the woods. Just try not to become one of "The Hunted."

On your way to these horrific houses, you'll have to weave your way through five scare zones. Wander through the "Wicked Woods," where the trees are alive and waiting to grab anything -and anyone within reach. Watch a battle to the death in the "Masters & Monsters" fighting pit. If you like blood and gore, this is definitely your place. "Pharaoh's Revenge" takes you to the step of death's door, and maybe beyond with the other mummies. And the peaceful, friendly Corncob Junction turns into "Zombie Junction"...well, just picture any zombie movie where you're the one surrounded. And beware of "Eternal Midnight" a stopover to hell where trapped residents like to use passers-by for rides out of purgatory.

And if you have time and are still among the living, you might want to catch a live show or two. "Sweet Dreams" features some great music, dancing and special effects that are sure to evoke a scream or two. Head over to the "Fiends" show for more dancing and general fun and freakiness. Or check out the real contemporary freaks in the "Freak Show."

And if all these Halloween special-effects aren't enough to get your blood boiling, you can scream your lungs out on one of the wild rides. Click now to get your discount Busch Gardens tickets from DW Tickets, and start celebrating!