Theme Park Tickets

When planning a vacation in Orlando, Florida, any family is likely to go to at least one theme park. As the number one vacation destination in the U.S., Orlando hosts major league theme parks and the greatest amount. Visitors can spend time at one of four Disney theme parks and two water parks. They can also see Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Orlando is famous for Sea World and just west toward Tampa they can see Lego Land and Busch Gardens, Tampa.

These vacations can be very expensive if not planned carefully.  Consider what year and time of year you want to come. Are you going to fly or drive? Where do you plan to stay? There are a variety of options but do your homework.

1)  Buy multi-day, multi-park tickets.  This may concern some people but if you calculate the cost of 1-day park passes and value that against the combo packages there is a lot of money to be saved.

2)  Stay on the property.  Disney and Universal Studios  have many benefits and savings for "all inclusive reservations".  Sea World doesn't have a hotel on site but several hotels adjacent the park have excellent savings.

3)  When possible, fly - don't drive.  Transportation is world class from hotels or theme parks. They can be booked from reliable booking sites like Expedia or Orbitz.  In fact, booking sites can plan all your reservations including shuttle service to and from the airport.

The parks want you to stay with them. It seems like a more expensive option but you are on vacation.  Let others do the work. The more you bundling you do the more money you save and the more fun and relaxation you have.  That's why you're here!  Don't forget to review older posts by clicking the icon at the bottom.  Thank you.

Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater Restaurant at Disney Hollywood Studios

When you're at Hollywood Studios this summer and looking for a place to eat this is unique because the entertainment doesn't stop when you do.  A great way to spend part of your day with the kids this restaurant blends dining with entertainment like no other restaurant at the Disney world complex.

Set up like an old-fashioned drive-in, the whole family sits in their car and orders from a Happy Days style menu.  Appetizers range from buffalo chicken potato skins, wings, spinach & artichoke, to onion rings and BLT soup which is an uncommon creation.  Entrees feature the ever popular burger, chicken, Reuben's, and veggie for the vegan in your crowd.  I've had the double cheeseburger and can't finish it. Or you can go for a Rib Eye with garlic mashed potatoes in red wine sauce.

Dessert is sure not to disappoint with cakes, sundaes, ice cream and red velvet cheesecake.  There is also a mixed drink list, beer and wine.  Also, milk shakes and flavored sodas for the kids.

Lunch and Dinner ranges from $15-$35 per person. There is also a full kids menu.  This place is great for the kids but parents will love it.  I give it an "A+" for sheer enjoyment and entertainment.  The food is awesome too!

Enjoy dinner and a show. Go on line or call 1-407-WDW-DINE to make reservations and see what's playing that day.  Don't forget to mention your Disney Dining Plan if you participate.

Splash Mountain - Magic Kingdom - Walt Disney World

Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom is a great thrill ride that's good for all ages.  It's fashioned after the 1960's film "Song of the South" featuring the adventures of Brer Rabbit and Brer Bear.  The ride is a water experience so plan on getting wet.

 You'll climb to the top of the mountain and get into log boats where you ride through the mountain and into the world of the briar patch where you recognize all the characters from the iconic movie.  I believe there's a height requirement for this one and may not be best for kids under 5 but they can guide you when you arrive.  The ride lasts about 5 minutes and culminates at the top of the mountain where you plunge down the mountain at break neck speed.

I did my best to get good pictures but the boats move through limited lighting and it's hard to focus on any one thing so I did my best.  (I'm a writer - not a photographer).  We enjoy this ride because the animation and details are as exquisite on this attraction as on all the Disney rides and you'll love it.  Although most of the ride is a boat ride you are excited because you know what's coming at the end so it makes the whole thing interesting.

As you come down the mountain at the end you will get very wet so brace yourself!  It's an awesome feeling in the hot Florida summer and a cold shock in the winter months.  Your boat will be photographed on the way down which is fun because you get to see every body's unrehearsed reactions to the big fall.  It's usually hilarious and makes a great keep sake photo to take home with you. Have fun!

Splash Mountain -Walt Disney World

This is a favorite, especially in the summertime.  The nice thing about this ride other than the ride itself -- the line is almost exclusively in the shade of the mountain!  In August or September that's a blessing. This one is very popular and lines in peak season can go as long as 150 minutes so Fast Pass is a good one to save this for.

You get into boats and float through this one ending in the huge drop you see at the top.  The second and third photos are inside the Mountain and depict the characters and scenery from the Disney film "Song of the South".  You'll float through the entire mountain and come out on top where you take the big plunge.  It's awesome and the kids love it.  So get nice and wet but chase this one down as soon as you can as it's at the far end of the park across from Tom Sawyer's Island.

NOTE:  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, located right next to Splash Mountain, is closed for renovations.  It should reopen in a few months.