Monday, November 30, 2009
Europe's Theme Parks
Source: articleage.com
War - especially coupled with a globally sluggish economy, disney acting auditions, - has a contradictory effect on the consumption of entertainment. Disposable incomes plummet curtailing the sales of medium to big ticket items such as cruises and resort vacations. But people - besieged by anxiety and bad news - also wish to be diverted. As the conflict rages, they stay indoors and tune in. Home entertainment booms. But once physical insecurity abates, consumers go out in full force mobbing movie theatres and theme parks, making up for lost time and frayed nerves.
A Solomon Smith Barney report, published in December 2002, concluded that large cap entertainment stocks plunged by 32 percent during the previous skirmish in the Gulf. Stocks of destination travel sites and cruise lines took an even harsher beating, plummeting by 52 percent - this despite the counterintuitive resilience of amusement parks to military and political unrest.
In anticipation of the next round of fighting, these stocks are trading at valuations below even the traumatic tail of 2001. Though quicker than other types of equity to recover postbellum, this holds true only for short and decisive conflicts.
Analysts often monitor the performance of theme and amusement parks to divine trends in the industry as a whole. This would prove impossible in Europe where the culture of theme and entertainment grounds is still in its infancy.
Denmark has Legoland and Tivoli. France boasts the recently recovering Disneyland, Vulcania and Futuroscope. Germany has Phantasialand. Italy sports Gardaland. Spain joins the continent's minimal offerings with Port Aventura and Terra Mitica. The Dutch De Efteling spent the last decade "Americanizing" its facilities.
Only the United Kingdom has more than a smattering "pleasure beaches" and "worlds of adventure". A recently mooted Dracula theme park in Romania was shot down by irate citizens, disney acting auditions, and an overweening bureaucracy. "New Europe" is no better than "Old Europe" when it comes to entrepreneurship.
In both market penetration and spending per visitor, Europe is at least a decade behind the USA. Indeed, the eerie paucity of theme parks is symptomatic of the generally moribund, rigid and hyper-regulated economies of the European Union. The continent has less than half America's number of parks per 10 million denizens and one third its visits per head, disney acting auditions, per year, disney acting auditions, .
Only 20 major European attractions garner more than 1 million in annual attendance. Another 50 or so attract less than 1 million patrons. With revenues of c. $2 billion, Europe's parks combined amount to one, disney acting auditions, third the sector in the USA and underperform many parks in Asia as well.
European firms are still woefully primitive when it comes to marketing and educating their public. According to the Economic Research Associates, a consultancy, venture capital is rare and usually squandered by developers on wages and other "soft", non-productive costs. Management is inexperienced and peripatetic.
In Asia, theme parks are considered the magic pill. Japan has Disney World and the Tokyo DisneySea Park. Disney is slated to open a giant franchise in Hong Kong in 2005. Mainland China is eyeing, disney acting auditions, the experiment favorably. Universal Studios countered by inaugurating a themed playground in Osaka in 2001 and by embarking on three feasibility studies in China.
From Jakarta, Indonesia (the Taman Ria amusement, disney acting auditions, park) to Vietnam - everyone is climbing on the bandwagon. There seems to be a dearth of American interest in Europe despite its far higher purchasing power and the existence of a single business address - the European Commission.
Theme parks are multifarious businesses. They provide work to thousand of small suppliers in a virtuous ripple effect. Hosting and gaming experts, marketers, managers, on-site employees, suppliers of logistics, food retailers and caterers, entertainers - all benefit mightily from the presence of such grounds. The park's brand is often parlayed into trinkets, toys, clothes and souvenirs sold by locals to tourists, both domestic and foreign.
Destination travel is a growth sector.
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, a trade group, reported that worldwide park attendance was up one quarter between 1991-2001 to 319 million people. During this decade, revenues perked up by 50 percent to almost $10 billion annually. This was largely due to a rise in per capita spending within the grounds from $23 to $30. Returns on - usually massive - investments are impressive even in saturated markets such as, disney acting auditions, the United States.
The profitability of theme parks frequently balances losses spawned by more glamorous bits of entertainment groups. Amusement grounds - themed or not - are astoundingly immune to geopolitical upheavals. Attendance in Disney's US parks declined by only c. 5 percent during the 1991 Gulf War. Even September 11 failed to dent it measurably.
EuroDisney is partly to blame for the scarcity of themed parks in Europe. For many years it was perceived, quite correctly, as an insatiable white elephant gulping rivers of red ink. Reality moved on but impressions - fostered by smug pundits - lasted. Wary investors and governments throughout the Old Continent confined themselves to the mostly family-operated "garden parks" and "carnival grounds" built during the 1960s and 1970s.
The truth is that Disney's Parisian adventure is flourishing. The entertainment behemoth is planning to invest c. $540 million in Walt Disney Studios, an annex of the French outfit. This is projected to add 5 million visitors to the current 12.
Another satisfied investor is Six Flags. The operator recently expanded to Mexico, disney acting auditions, and Europe where it runs the six sites of the former Walibi Parks and Movie world, an erstwhile Warner Bros. property in Germany. It soon added a Spanish Movie World to its portfolio. Non-US operations, disney acting auditions, already account for 15 percent of its sales.
But these are the exceptions that prove the rule. Europe is staid and serious. It prefers indigenous high-brow culture to American low-brow imports. Or so the French would have us all believe.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Making Disney World Affordable - 10 Money Saving Strategies to Jump Start Your Dream Vacation
Source: ezinearticles.com
Making Disney, disney acting auditions, Apple affordable the key to authoritative your dream vacation happen. Disney apple is a arresting abode area abounding humans anniversary go to see. It has so abounding things to action such as affair parks, baptize parks, fishing, miniature golf, shows and abounding, disney acting auditions, added things that are agitative and fun. However, some humans can't accomplish their dream a absoluteness because of amount considerations. If you get into what it amount to get into the park, eat while your there, pay for parking, and get your busline to and from it can calmly breach the bank. This commodity will appearance you 10 simple accomplish to extenuative money at Disney World.
1. This is a big aboriginal footfall and actual important. If you accept acclaim cards that you use circadian that you acquirement things like gas, food, and added things you charge to get a Disney rewards visa. What this will acquiesce you to do, is to yield money that you already absorb on a circadian base and put a accolade against Disney Apple aback on it. Accolade items that appear with the agenda are, discounts on dining, affair parks, biking blow insurance, auberge discounts, and tickets to the park.
2. Off aiguille is the best time: acceptable money save if talking about traveling to Disney is allotment the best season. If you are searching for the cheapest avenue accept the off-season if there are beneath humans and lower prices.
3. Assurance up for an anniversary pass: If you are anyone who visits the esplanade consistently and are a Florida citizen you should assurance up for and anniversary canyon and get the year, disney acting auditions, continued discount.
4. Go on someone's birthday: If you are in the money attention approach and you are searching to go to the park, you should try traveling if it is someone's birthday. Disney Apple offers chargeless acceptance to a affair esplanade of your best on your altogether and bargain, disney acting auditions, prices to advancement it to added parks.
5. Yield advantage of citizen discounts: Footfall 5 is authoritative abiding that you yield advantage of the Florida citizen abatement that Disney Apple offers. Disney will accomplish visiting their esplanade a bit added affordable for association of Florida, by acid the baptize esplanade prices in half, and giving appropriate admission prices to the park.
6. Blockage at the park: A lot of humans who appear the esplanade, disney acting auditions, see that blockage on Disney's acreage is added big-ticket again traveling alfresco of Orlando and active in. While in a money extenuative mode, this will assume like the best money careful way to plan your cruise but if you agency in the auberge amount alloyed with gas and drive time it's in fact cheaper to break at the park.
7. Forget affluence accommodations: Disney apple provides some, disney acting auditions, of the nicest resorts out there today. However, if talking about the resorts that they accommodate these apple acclaimed resorts are aswell some of the a lot of, disney acting auditions, big-ticket as well. Taking this into application if you are aggravating to save money isn't the best way to go. Disney does action lower account apartment that can advice you save money as able-bodied for not abundant added again a auberge allowance alfresco of the park.
8. Buy your own food: Ok this is an important step, because lets be astute here. The a lot of big-ticket affair if you go on vacation alfresco, disney acting auditions, of busline and apartment is food. And traveling to Disney isn't any altered as it is actual big-ticket to eat there. Buy your own aliment afore duke so that you save a lot of money.
9. Shop and plan online: A lot of times if anyone goes to plan cruise to Disney apple they tend to go to a lot of websites that may not action any discounts. If accepting on Disney worlds official website, you can plan out your itinerary, accept the appropriate division for you and will acquiesce you to calmly account and plan your trip.
10. Use any memberships you may have: Disney apple is just like any added action park; they will acquiesce you a abatement to get in the esplanade by getting a affiliate of assertive organizations or auto club.
For more tips on making Disney World affordable visit http://www.mouse-world-vacation-fun.com as well as ride reviews, age recommendations, video footage, and fun facts.
© Copyright 2009. Feel free to reprint this article on your site as long as the article is not modified in any way and the resource information (about the author) is listed as above.
Friday, November 27, 2009
A Look At Disney's Latest Online Advertising Effectiveness Studies
Source: articlemarketer.com
In many ways, the Internet already supplies fabulous tools for marketing. For example, you know which online ads are working because you can count the number of clicks. By contrast, you really can not determine what brings a customer into a bricks and mortar store unless you stop and ask each one.
You can also determine which online ads lead to conversion by tracking clicks to sales. You can track how visitors came to your site by tracking source, disney acting auditions, . You would have to ask each bricks and mortar customer detailed questions to obtain the same information.
Even though the Internet has some big advantages in terms of monitoring and analyzing data, the science of marketing has also advanced dramatically in more traditional channels because marketing researchers have had more opportunity to study customers in a face-to-face way.
Now that Internet advertising has become a seriously large business, $25 billion spent in 2009 and an expected $37 billion expected to be spent by 2013, market research scientists are beginning to bring together the research models from both environments to learn more about the Internet consumer.
Disney Media Works is one of those,, disney acting auditions, disney acting auditions, companies that has jumped into Internet marketing research with both feet. Their approach is to look beyond the data generated by users who actually click on ads and visit sites and study the users who do not click on ads in order to find out what they are doing and what might attract their, disney acting auditions, attention.
In the Disney Labs, experimental subjects wear eye movement tracking goggles and sit in booths that are designed to monitor facial movements, heart rate and skin temperature as well. They are provided, disney acting auditions, web content to read with the general instruction to enjoy content that would be interesting to them in any case.
However, the researchers are, disney acting auditions, not actually interested in the subjects reaction to the reading content; they are watching the readers unconscious reaction to advertisements that are presented along with the content they are viewing. The tracking equipment can determine if the subjects eye has been caught by an ad type, whether or not the user visually lingers on the ad, which ads attract more attention and so on.
The Disney researchers are evaluating question such as whether live footage or animations are more captivating on mobile devices, if banner ads work better when paired with pre-roll (eg video clips) and whether watermarks are an effective advertising strategy.
The ultimate goal is to have rules to apply to Internet marketing, rules that have been quantitatively developed, such as 'bottom screen news tickers do not detract from advertising and maintains viewer attention.'
Disney researchers also believe that negative rules are extremely useful, noting that it is helpful to have the data to demonstrate that a particular strategy is just not worth pursuing, something that they are beginning to believe about watermark advertising, an etched glass effect behind other website content.
eSources is the Internet's largest wholesale directory of verified wholesalers, dropshippers, manufacturers, importers and trade distributors. Start your online retail business today at http://www.esources.co.uk
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Disney Princess Backpacks
Source: ezinearticles.com
Disney has created or caused the animated characters that have become extremely lovable over the years. These characters range from animals such as Mickey Mouse, mythical creatures such as the beast from Beauty and the Beast or the Disney Princesses. This article will look, disney acting auditions, at the product the Princess Backpacks. We will look at the different styles that are available as well as some other information related to these extremely popular school backpacks for kids.
The main Disney princesses that can be found on these backpacks are Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine and Snow White. These princesses have all starred in their own movie and they have become popular figures in the world of fairytales. Many little girls are drawn to these cartoon characters due to the life they lead in the cartoons. Little girls often want to be like the princesses that they see on television and they will purchase whatever merchandise has their likeness on it. It is for that reason that the Disney Princess Backpacks are so popular among little girls.
The Princess Backpacks are available in various different designs, but they are all designed with little girls in mind. Generally pink is the main color of these backpacks. Other colors are available, but they are not as popular. These bags will feature the Disney princesses either together or separate. There are various combinations with some together like Ariel, Jasmine and Cinderella or all of the others. The grouped Princesses are much more popular than the single ones.
The Disney Princess Backpacks are available in different styles. The most common are the backpacks that have shoulder straps which allow it to be carried on the back. They are simple and often have different pockets to carry the accessories that are needed for school. Another popular, disney acting, disney acting auditions, auditions, design style is the Princess Rolling Backpack. These rolling bags come with a handle and wheels which allow it to be pulled quite easily. Some of these rolling, disney acting auditions, backpacks also come with accessories such as lunch bags and water bottles. Most parents like these types of bags for their kids as they are much easier to carry around. Because the bags are slightly bigger than regular backpacks, the design is much more prominent. The Princess Rolling Luggage is also another popular option. This is for the kid who is on the go and travelling. They have a much bigger space and still contain the Princess design that they love.
These backpacks are extremely durable as they are designed with children in mind. The price for these bags are usually between $20-$30 and it is often a good deal for parents who are looking for an inexpensive, yet nicely designed bag for their child.
The Disney Princess Backpack is a great for little girls who love Belle, Ariel, Snow White, Jasmine and Cinderella. They get their favorite fairytale characters together on their school bag. These backpacks are available in many different styles ranging from the regular, rolling and, disney acting auditions, rolling luggage. If you, disney acting auditions, are looking for a great school bag for a little girl, then you should highly consider the Disney Princess Backpacks.
Rebecca Dalton has a website dedicated to Disney Princess Rolling Backpacks, for more information on these backpacks please visit the website. Here you can get great deals and much more.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tips for aving Money on Food At Walt Disney World. Orlando
Source: articleage.com
Food at Walt Disney World can be outrageously expensive and, in
some cases, of poor quality. It can make a very large dent in
your vacation budget if you don't plan ahead.
Picnics are not really the solution. You are not allowed to
bring your own food into the theme parks.(the exception being
the two water parks where you can and should take a picnic with
you) People do seem take food into the parks, and I have never
seen anyone challenged. I guess the watchword here is "be
discrete"If you arrive at the gates with a large cooler and
picnic hamper you are inviting the Disney people to take action.
1. Get a good breakfast "Off -World"
Fantastic, disney acting auditions, breakfast deals abound on Hwy 192. Deny's and
International house of Pancakes have a number of locations
serving really good breakfasts. Some smaller restaurants and big
chains like Sizzlers serve a breakfast buffet where you can
really stuff yourself for a few dollars. My personal favorite is
Cracker Barrel who dish up traditional Southern cooking. A good
breakfast will set you up for a hard day at the parks and
prevent mid morning hunger pangs. (However it might not be a
good idea to ride "Tower of Terror" or "Mission Space" with a
full stomach!)
2. Avoid Killer Snacks
Snacks at Disney World can make a big hole in your wallet. You
could buy a full meal "off world" for the price of a Disney
coffee and cake. Try to carry a drink. The parks sell a nifty
shoulder strap to hold a small bottle. After your first
expensive purchase you can replace the bottle with cheaper sodas
from a supermarket.In really hot weather you will appreciate a
drink at regular intervals. Water is probably best. Try to, disney acting auditions, find
some kind of waist strap to hold a bottle which you can
replenish at the water fountains as you come across them, disney acting auditions, . (Totes
do a good one)
3. Avoid fast food.
The best way to avoid expensive, inferior fast food is to
arrange in advance where and when you will, disney acting auditions, eat Trouble comes
when you are too tired or thirsty to care, - the result will be
a very inferior hot dog or slice of pizza at top dollar prices.
A proper sit down restaurant, carefully chosen, will represent
much better value for money and you will have a nice rest in the
process.
4. Eat Your Main Meal at Lunchtime, disney acting auditions, .
Many restaurants have similar dinner and lunch menus but the
lunch time one will be quite a lot cheaper. My family enjoyed a
new meal called Linner. As brunch is to breakfast and lunch,
linner is to Lunch and Dinner. Basically we ate from the lunch
menu as late as possible. We missed the, disney acting auditions, lunch time crowds but
ate before the more expensive dinner menu kicked in (usually
around 3pm) If you have a really good breakfast it will be easy
enough to, disney acting auditions, hold out until 3.00pm We would often buy something to
munch as we sat and waited for Parades, Fantasmic etc.
5. Use the Monorail
Use the monorail to go to a resort hotel at lunch or dinner
time. They are often much less crowded and cheaper than the
theme park restaurants. Get a hand stamp and you can return to
the theme park later.
6 Treat Yourself to a full Service restaurants at EPCOT
Many people consider the restaurants in The World Showcase to be
an important part of the EPCOT experience and you will
definitely want to try one of them. The trick here is to choose
carefully because they can be expensive, make sure it is the
right choice for your family. (Not much point in shelling out
for Japanese if junior will only ear burgers)
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Disney Movie High School Musical 2 Debuts This Friday
Source: articledashboard.com
I am an adult; admittedly not a "teenager" or "tweener". Still it is hard to avoid all of the hype concerning the debut of the new Disney movie "High, disney acting auditions, School Musical 2" this Friday on the Disney channel. When the original High School Musical came out early last year, it became a hit movie within the industry. Not many people, beforehand, could have predicted the influence that this movie had all across the United States. Unlike most movies which when re-aired on television have their Neilson ratings diminish over time, it was not the case with "High School Musical." The ratings actually grew with each airing on the Disney channel. Indeed, just like the "Titanic" movie phenomenon in the late 1990's when teen aged kids, (girls especially) flocked to the theater to see Leonardo DiCaprio repeatedly, many kids have watched "High School Musical" again and again. Disney even began airing the movie with the song lyrics appearing on the screen so viewers could sing along to the music. It also allowed the two lead actors of the movie, (Zac, disney acting auditions, Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, pictured above) to become idols to adolescent fans all over America. Indeed Efron, appeared in another hit musical this summer "Hairspray", and I am sure that many 14-18 year old girls went to the movie just to see Mr. Efron. Another actress in the movie, Ashley Tisdale, (who is known for her appearance in the Disney television show "The Suite Life of Zach and Cody") released her debut solo album. The "High School Musical" CD grossed the most sales of any album released all of last year in this country. Disney broke the bank with sales of clothing merchandise, videos, toys, and dolls bought by "tweener" fans of the movie. High School music programs all across the United States produced theatrical performances of this movie. Who would have "thunk it", as the saying goes?
Actually with the power, clout, and influence that the Disney network has, especially with kids under 14; perhaps it is not so surprising that the "High School Musical" phenomenon spread like a virus across this country. Disney is known for producing movies that are suitable for kids. Parents do not, disney acting auditions, have to worry about their children watching anything on the network that would prove to be embarrassing; graphic language, even the hint of sex, racy dialogue, violence, etc., are strictly off limits, naturally by the network. The original "High School Musical" theme, which merged the influences of music, sports, dancing, and a g-rated love story between two high school kids, had a very important message which everyone can relate to. This message was that if you have a dream in life, do not allow anything to prevent you from striving to achieve those dreams. Zac Efron's character was a star basketball player for his school's team. His father was the team coach and demanding of his son in his athletic pursuits. But Efron's character also yearned to sing, and to be in the high school's annual musical production. The young man was even willing to place his position as a character in the musical, disney acting auditions, production ahead of his role on the basketball team; much to the chagrin of his, disney acting auditions, father/coach. I believe the message was that a, disney acting auditions, person, (a 16 year old high school student in this case) has to have as much believe in himself, (or herself) and be willing to follow his, (or her) dreams); without being swayed or influenced selfishly by others.
As I stated above, it was interesting to note how the original "High School Musical" movie had such an influence, even amongst high school students in this country. In an era in which many high school kids throughout this decade have been known to be fans of rap and, disney acting auditions, hip-hop music, (along with, disney acting auditions, their profane lyrics and degradation of females), the USA Today newspaper several weeks ago ran a front page story about the Disney musical/movie. This article discussed the positive influence that the movie had generated in America, and how the original CD released last year had dwarfed the sales of all other rap and similar music of that genre. Indeed rap albums released during the year 2006 had dropped substantially as many, disney acting auditions, high school aged kids chose to invest their money in an album from a Disney movie. I hope that I am not naive in believing that perhaps teen aged kids are sending a message to the "50-Cent's" of the world. The message is that many 12-17 year old adolescents are suddenly being turned off by X-rated rap, foul-mouthed lyrics, and words to music that portray women as sexual objects; and for these women to be used and abused by men.
For that I say: Go "High School Musical"!! Even as an adult, I will probably have my television tuned to the Disney Channel this Friday at 8 pm. - when the "High School Musical 2" movie debuts. I'd watch that anytime over a rap concert in which the featured artist spews every swear word known to mankind when performing his/her songs!
Copies, disney acting auditions, of this article and others may be found on my blog. Visit the link at: http://love--music.blogspot.com
High School Musical 2
music downloads
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Disney Vacation Home Rentals Versus Hotels - The Truth About Convenience
Source: ezinearticles.com
When it comes to convenience, do Disney home rentals really compare favourably to the more traditional option of staying in a hotel? Many people have used hotel accommodation, disney acting auditions, for many years, and claim that as far as convenience is concerned, having someone serve up your food and make the beds each day is preferable to self-catering in a private home. However, most people who make these claims are unlikely to have investigated the idea of renting a private home near Disney World for their vacation,, disney acting auditions, because in terms of convenience, there's really no argument.
Let's be clear - hotels, disney acting auditions, offer a great service if you're by yourself or just with a partner, but when you throw children into the equation, the whole thing becomes a different ball game. The, disney acting auditions, overwhelming majority of people who visit Disney World in Orlando, travel with their children, and for this reason taking time to consider the benefits of renting one of the many private Disney home rentals available within 15 minutes of the theme park could make a great deal of difference.
But surely renting an Orlando vacation home for your family means doing all the cooking and tidying yourself? Isn't that less convenient? It's easy to think so, yet let's take a look at the typical day during a family's vacation at Disney World. In a hotel you all need to be up in, disney acting auditions, good time to catch breakfast, which means organizing your family in an almost military fashion to ensure everyone is ready and decent. Like most people you'll probably also want to spend a few minutes tidying up the room, making sure personal items are packed away before the cleaning staff come to make the beds and clean the bathroom.
After breakfast, which is anything you like as long as it's already on the menu, it's off for the day. Of course, there's no option to stay in your room, and little to entice you to do so anyway. Towards the end of your day, the, disney acting auditions, children will have wound themselves up into a frenzy of excitement, already planning for what they want to do tomorrow, but all you can think about is hurrying everyone along to make sure you don't miss dinner at the hotel - after all, you've paid a fortune for it.
After dinner you get the chance to squeeze into your hotel room and make a whole cup of tea with the complimentary tea bag you've been given, while your children turn the whole room into a tornado of toys, clothes, gifts and any item not nailed to the floor, jumping up and down and making your blood pressure rival the heights of the hotel bill. Eventually you manage to cajole your children into bed, giving you the chance to sit in silence for a couple of hours with the lights off, making sure you don't disturb them as you enjoy all the things you can do in silence with the lights off and your children a few feet away.
Convenient? Not necessarily. Perhaps if this sounds all too horribly familiar it's time to consider the alternative, and discover what, disney acting auditions, Disney home rentals have to offer. The one overall luxury which private vacation properties have is that they are private. This in itself offers a great deal in convenience. Imagine being able to wake up and get up when you feel like it. Breakfast can be whatever you choose, and eaten wherever you like - no need to get dressed and made, disney acting auditions, up first. If your house looks a bit of a state, disney acting auditions, - who cares? It's only yourselves, disney acting auditions, who'll see it, so why not just relax, enjoy yourselves and head off out for the day.
Whilst at Disney World you won't need to be in a hurry to leave. If you want to stay late to watch the fireworks and evening parades, you can do so. If you book in at a hotel, you'll miss these extra treats. But Disney home rentals mean that you can take full advantage of what you've really come for - the activities, fun and adventures. When you've had enough, you have the luxury of being able to relax at home in a way that's simply not possible at a hotel.
With your children wound up like springs, bursting with the excitement of the day, why not let them run around in the garden or have fun in the pool? Which is more convenient? Crammed up together in a single hotel room, or relaxing by your own pool with your children happily wearing themselves out and dinner whenever you feel like it? If you choose to eat out, you can, otherwise, you can eat what you like, when you like.
After the children have worn themselves out and settled down in their own bedrooms, you're free to enjoy widescreen TV, games consoles, your own pool and spa, or simply relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. If you have older children then they may want a turn on the games console, DVD player or TV, but there'll still be the pool, spa, patio - or bedroom with their own TV and DVD player.
So if you're thinking of heading to Disney World, Orlando, and aren't sure whether hotels or Disney home rentals offer the best in convenience, remember that a single room and a timetable can't possibly offer more convenience than a private home and flexibility.
Mark Whichard is an Orlando tourism expert and writes frequently about attractions in and around Orlando. He is the proprietor of Quality Villa Rentals and you can get great deals on Orlando Vacation Homes and villa rentals at this website http://www.qualityvillarentals.com
Thursday, November 19, 2009
You Don't Cruise, You Lose!
Source: articlesfactory.com
Cruises to Mexico aren't what they used to be they're much, much more. Whether you're single or married,, disney acting auditions, gay or lesbian, with or without children, on a low-carb diet or abandoning it, blind, a nudist, or just a die-hard Disney fan, Mexico has the cruise for you. As an added bonus, those who travel to Mexico via a cruise wont need a passport to do so until 2008!
While millions of tourists flock to Mexico every year by land and air, the country has also become the world's top cruise destination, with cruises becoming more popular and lifestyle specific every year.
According to recent statistics released by Mexico's Tourism Secretariat (Sectur), some 6.5 million passengers arrived to Mexico's ports in 2005. The most popular port is by far on the island of Cozumel, located just south of Cancun in the Mexican Caribbean. According to Mexico's Communications and Transportation, disney acting auditions, Secretariat, 754 ships arrived to Cozumel in the first ten months of 2006, carrying some 1.5 million passengers. The second most popular port is Costa Maya on the Mexican Caribbean, which received 263 ships, carrying more than 500,000 in the first ten months of 2006.
Mexico boasts two dozen port cities. Apart from Cozumel and Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan are the most popular ports along the Pacific coast, while Costa Maya in Quintana Roo State and Puerto Progreso in, disney acting auditions, Yucatan State are the most popular on the Caribbean side. In addition to being bustling metropolises in their own right, offering the best in shopping, cultural activities and cuisine to the traveler, most ports are also located just a stone's throw from the country's leading archaeological treasures and other attractions. Part of the popularity of cruises can also be attributed to the traveling public's desire to experience more destinations in one vacation, with most cruises offering stops in at least three, disney acting auditions, or four different destinations.
According to Sectur, in the past two decades the number of cruise ships stopping in Mexican ports has increased dramatically, with most major cruise lines now serving the Gulf, Central Pacific and Caribbean, having incorporated these popular, disney acting auditions, destinations into their itineraries. In 2005, the Mexican government invested more than US $7 million in the development of the Port of Chiapas, Mexico's newest cruise destination. The port welcomed its first passenger vessel in February 2006.
As the number of cruise passengers increases, the demand for a variety of services and themes have also increased, what the cruise industry often refers to as lifestyle cruises.
Below are just some samples of new cruise offerings:
Sun salutations
The Radisson Seven Seas hosts several lifestyle cruises, among them a yoga cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, to Cozumel, featuring Michael Lechonczak and Robin Whitney Levine, a New York City-based husband and wife yoga team, who will bring the art and science of yoga to guests of the luxurious 700-guest Seven Seas Mariner. Their daily onboard program will offer a variety of options for men and women, yoga beginners and experts of all ages. Classes on meditation and aromatherapy will round out the mix.
Food & wine
The Radisson Seven Seas also offers a special Food & Wine spotlight cruise on the Mariner in March. The cruise, which sails from Los Angeles and stops in Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco and Huatulco in Oaxaca, features, disney acting auditions, a Cordon Bleu cooking school and Sonoma Valley wines. Max McCalman, chef formageur from New York's Picholine Restaurant will provide expert tips, instruction and 24/7 wine tasting.
Mickey on board
Disney Cruise Line is also increasing its presence to Mexico, offering a variety of cruises to Mexico including calls to Cozumel on the Caribbean side, as well as calls to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific side. Disney offers special programs for children, teens and as well as adults, offering something for the entire family. The Disney Magic ship to Mexico's western ports has been enhanced by a 24-by14 foot jumbo LED screen for poolside movies and an expanded, disney acting auditions, fitness and spa center for adults.
Low carbs and smart kids
Carnival's Fun Ships will make, disney acting auditions, more than 1,100 calls to Mexican ports in 2005, with Mexico being by far the most popular destination for Carnival. Carnival has also diversified its offerings by adding low carb meals to its menus and expanding its kids programs to focus on art, music, science, reading and physical fitness.
Gay travel
Atlantis (www.atlantisevents.com) is one of the largest gay travel tour operators offering cruise packages to Mexico. The Mexican Riviera cruise is one of the most popular, offering, disney acting auditions, five Mexican destinations in eight days on the new Radiance of the Seas ship. Rated by Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice as one of the best ships in the world, Radiance of the Seas offers among its many amenities a rock-climbing wall, two pools and an African-themed solarium complete with 17-foot high stone elephants and waterfalls. In Mexico, the ship will visit Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo, disney acting auditions, San
Lucas.
Clothing optional
For au naturel travelers, Bare Necessities offers a variety of clothing-optional cruises. And nudetravel.com also offers clothing optional packages including information on nudist resorts in Mexico.
Blind cruises
Damar Travel at 800-999-6101 offers cruises for, disney acting auditions, the blind to Mexico.
Below are some of the many cruise lines that dock in Mexican ports as part of their regular routes:
Carnival Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, P&O Cruises
About the Mexico Tourism Board
The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico's tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico's tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.
Erick Laseca
Mexico Tourism Board
312-228-0517
Erick.laseca@bm.com
http://www.visiitmexicopress.com
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
RIP Nick
Source: ezinearticles.com
Since I recently moved into my uncle's house near my old hometown of Philly, I've been reminiscing about the good old days of Nickelodeon television. My uncle's 8-year-old daughter has introduced me to what the kids are watching on Nick these days. On TeenNick you have the annoyingly dramatic show Degrassi, the mildly funny Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide, and What I Like about You featuring the former All That star (a show from my time) Amanda Bines.
As far as Nicktoons go, we've got shows like Avitar, El Tigre, My Life as a Teenage Robot and the only one that I'm semi impressed by, Fairly Odd Parents. Now, I'm not sure if it's because I'm older, but I just can't appreciate any of these shows. It seems like the quality of Nickelodeon story lines, jokes and even animation has significantly dwindled since about 1992ish.
Are they getting lazy over at Nickelodeon studios? Robotically, disney acting auditions, spewing out these thoughtless, rushed, half-baked, passionless abominations that they call television programs?
And let's not forget about the removal of Nickelodeon Studios from Universal Studios, disney acting auditions, down in Orlando (where they used to produce Double Dare). No more Slime geyser! Sacrilege!
And the Rugrats grew up? I'm not sure if that one is true -- maybe it was just an appalling nightmare, disney acting auditions, I had once.
Since I've been mourning for the good old days of Nick, I decided to assemble a Top 5 list of my favorite, classic Nick shows. A small commemoration, and a reminder to myself (and fans like me) that once upon a time Nickelodeon was the shit.
5. Are, disney acting auditions, You Afraid of the Dark?
"Submitted for the approval of the Midnight Society, I call this story..."
Boom! A handful of potassium nitrate into the fire nestled in the Canadian woods, and the show began. The pilot episode, "The Tale of the Twisted Claw," aired in 1991 and episodes ran until 1996 on SNICK. It was a scary show, but not too scary for family TV. Many of the tales told by the teenagers were adaptations of short stories, fairytales and urban legends, lending to the show's awesomeness. I'm pretty sure there aren't any episodes of Degrassi that are W.W. Jacobs adaptations. Burn.
4. All That
Debuting on December 24, 1994 on SNICK, this sketch comedy show ran for 10 seasons before it was cancelled. All, disney acting auditions, That included musical performances,, disney acting auditions, celebrity guest appearances and was really, really funny-like the SNL for kids.
3. Rugrats
Chuckie, Phil and Lil, Angelica and of course Tommy Pickles made up our favorite Rugrat gang. Truly a classic (airing for 14 years!), Rugrats was the longest running Nickelodeon cartoon.
2. Salute Your Shorts
"Camp Anawanna, we hold you in our hearts. And when we think about you..." it makes me wanna cry. It only aired from 1991-1992 but there were reruns until 1998. Salute was based on the 1986 book: Salute Your Shorts: Life at Summer Camp by Steve Slavkin. I'll never forget this amazing show. Remember the "Zeke the Plumber" episode? Ug Lee! Ug Lee!Camp Anawanna [out].
1. Doug
"Doo doo doo do do do doo doo do do do!" Thank you Jim Jinkins for creating this classic 90's cartoon. I'm not talking about Disney's Doug either. I'm talking about the original, 1991, Nickelodeon Doug, when he's just moving into Bluffington in the first episode. Once the show went over to Disney the animation got all...weird. Doug was a staple after, disney acting auditions, school cartoon. The concept for the show, disney acting auditions, came from the book Doug Got a New Pair of Shoes (never published, who knew?) written by Joe Aaron.
The Beets (yay):
It pained me to exclude shows like Rocko's Modern Life (1993), The Adventures of Pete and Pete(1993), Roundhouse, Ren and Stimpy (1996), KaBlam (1996), Hey Dude (1989) and of course game shows like Double Dare,Global Guts, Legends of the Hidden Temple, What Would You Do? etc. etc.
They're all amazing shows in their own way, but Nickelodeon game shows, disney acting auditions, alone deserve their own "Top 5" list (and they'll get one). And Paul Brandenburg (fellow "old school nick shows" fan) and I decided that these were the 5 that we couldn't live without. (Thank you Paul, even though I know your personal list would be a Top 6 with Legends of the Hidden Temple as #1, and Kirk Fogg would win for hottest game show host...).
It is true! Nickelodeon shows and Nicktoons didn't always make me want to gouge my eyes out! In fact... they were enjoyable and there will never be anything quite like them.
helen
http://helensblogstuff.blogspot.com/
Monday, November 16, 2009
Walt Disney World For Teens
Source: articleage.com
teens really have, disney acting auditions, fun at a place like Walt Disney World? Absolutely! Actually, be prepared to have the time of your life. It's a safe place to assert some independence from your parents,, disney acting auditions, a place you'll never forget. Here are some of the best experiences for teens at "The Most Magical Place on Earth":
Have a Splashing Good Time at Disney's Water Parks
For a blast of a time, head to one of Disney's two water parks. Blizzard Beach has a melting alpine resort theme where chairlifts carry swimmers instead of skiers. It's a place for daredevils to challenge wild, rushing water and death-defying slides including the Summit Plummet, a 120-foot slide reaching speeds of 60 miles per hour. Those a bit less adventuresome will love Typhoon Lagoon, a tropical fantasyland offering a wave pool with the tallest simulated waves in the world as well as a chance to snorkel among tropical fish, leopard and nurse sharks, and picturesque coral at Shark Reef.
Live it Up at Downtown Disney
After the parks close hop a bus from your Disney resort for a night on the town at Downtown Disney. Highlights include Disney Quest with five floors of interactive games, a 24-screen AMC Theater, a Cirque du Soleil show, and over 60 shops and restaurants. Favorite dining choices for the younger crowd are Planet Hollywood and Rainforest Caf้. And definitely consider House of Blues where teens are allowed to attend some of the almost daily concerts in their live music venue next-door.
Cool Off at One of Disney's Resort Pools
When your parents are wondering which resort to book for your Disney vacation, be sure and put your two cents in and steer them toward one with a great pool. Disney's very best uniquely themed pools include the Yacht and Beach Club's Stormalong Bay, a 3-acre mini-water park, the Swan and Dolphin's lush, grotto-style lagoon pool, the boulder-strewn wonderland at the Wilderness Lodge with its very own erupting geyser, and the Volcano Pool at the Polynesian Resort with its luxuriant waterfall,, disney acting auditions, smoking peak, and perfect views of Cinderella's Castle.
Plan Some Watersport Fun
Disney's Contemporary Resort is the place for water-ski, parasail, wakeboard, kneeboard, and jet-ski action under the guidance of a professional, disney acting auditions, instructor. There's nothing better than a bird's-eye-view of the Magic Kingdom as you parasail high above the Seven Seas Lagoon. And the action down below on Bay Lake is a blast! For reservations call 407-WDW-PLAY up to 90 days in advance, and be sure to bring a parent along to sign a waiver to participate if you're under age 18.
Pilot Your Own Boat
What could be more fun than renting, disney acting auditions, a Sea Raycer, a 2-seater mini-power boat perfect for zipping around Disney's, disney acting auditions, waterways and lakes. It's, disney acting auditions, a great pastime for teens with a valid driver's license (those under 18 must bring along a parent to sign a waiver). You'll get the most bang for your buck at one of the resorts near the Magic Kingdom (the Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, or Wilderness Lodge) where you'll find miles of recreation on the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.
Scuba and Snorkel, disney acting auditions, at Epcot's Living Seas
Scuba dive or snorkel in The Living Seas 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium amid a variety of sharks, rays, fish, and turtles. Epcot's DiveQuest Program along with the Seas Aqua Tour using a Scuba Assisted Snorkel unit (snorkelers swim on the surface with a built-in flotation device while breathing compressed, disney acting auditions, air from a regulator attached to a small tank) are two of the most exciting behind-the-scenes tours offered in all of Walt Disney World. Dives include all equipment, but be sure to bring a bathing suit. DiveQuest is open to certified divers, but those ages 14 and under need to dive along with a parent or guardian. The Seas Aqua Tour is open to participants under age 18 as long as they are accompanied by a participating adult. Call 407-WDW-TOUR for reservations.
Surf's Up at Typhoon Lagoon
"Hang 10" before park opening hours in the 2.75-million-gallon wave pool (some waves as high as 6 feet tall!) under the guidance of professional instructors with surfboards provided. Guests must furnish their own transportation to the park since Disney buses are not up and running that early in the morning, and those under age 18 must have a signed waiver from their parents to participate. Call 407-WDW-PLAY for reservations up to 90 days in advance.
White-Knuckle Riding at Richard Petty Driving Experience
Lying next to the Magic Kingdom is this speedway where white-knuckle rides in a NASCAR Winston Cup-style race car are, disney acting auditions, offered. If you are at least 16 you can participate in the Ride-Along Program where you'll ride shotgun at speeds of up to 145 mph for three laps around the track with an experienced instructor, disney acting auditions, (riders 16 or 17 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). Even more exciting, those ages 18 and older can drive the car themselves after an introductory class. If you just want to observe you can do so for no, disney acting auditions, charge. Call 800-BE-PETTY for advance reservations.
Head for a Theme Parks
Last but certainly not least are the theme parks. If you're staying on Disney property it's a cinch to board a monorail or a Disney bus and head out to the parks on your own.
At the Magic Kingdom you'll find all the old nostalgic favorites like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. And don't forget to head straight to Splash Mountain,, disney acting auditions, an unforgettable ride that ends in a plunge over a 5-story waterfall! Epcot's main attractions for fun-loving teens are Mission Space, a hair-raising rocket into space, and Test Track where you'll speed through hairpin turns and then barrel outside onto a high-speed banking loop at over 60 mph. At Disney-MGM Studios you'll be floored by Rock 'N' Roller Coaster and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, both a thrill a minute. Then there's the Animal Kingdom where a trip around the African savanna at Kilimanjaro Safaris and back in time 65 million years at Dinosaur are quite the adventure.
Super thrill seekers should plan a day at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure where attractions like the Incredible Hulk Coaster, Dueling Dragons, and The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman will leave your heart pounding.
So do you still think Disney is just for kids? I bet you can't wait to pack your bags. And don't forget to thank your parents on your return home for taking you to one of the most exciting places on the planet.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
It's All In The Systems
Source: articleage.com
Have you ever noticed french fries taste the same at every McDonald's? The same can be said for Subway and its Italian BMT, disney acting auditions, . How do these fast food icons replicate themselves at nearly 40,000 locations when some eateries struggle to get it right in a single restaurant? The answer is simple: it's all in the systems.
Picture yourself waiting in line inside McDonald's. Look across the counter and you notice the shiny french fry machine. Standing in front of it is a high school student. What is she doing?
Chances are she's executing a procedure someone trained her on the first day. A system that goes something like this: "Take the bag out of the freezer. Empty french fries into the wire basket until full. Lower the basket into the hot oil. Push the green button. Return the bag to the freezer. When the buzzer rings, push the red button. Take the basket out of the oil and empty fries onto the holding area. Sprinkle the salt shaker four times over the fries. Take a white bag and fill it with fries using the silver utensil. Place the bag under the heat lamps. Repeat with different size bags until the basket is empty and all fries are ready to serve."
I spent six years in the franchising industry as head of marketing for an international franchisor. Today, as a professional business coach, I help small business leaders develop and implement systems to make, disney acting auditions, their companies work like McDonald's and Subway.
Franchising is a major part of the U.S. economy, accounting for 14 percent of private-sector employment and more than $1.5 trillion of annual economic output (International Franchise Association). The fastest-growing franchising, disney acting auditions, companies - names like Curves and Quizno's - understand the impact of having detailed systems for every aspect of their operations.
A common approach taught to new franchisees - originating in Michael Gerber's book "The E-Myth" - is to work ON your business and not IN your business. This means taking time to step back and plan where you want your business to go, then setting about working your plan.
Think about your employees. Do all understand their specific role in making, disney acting auditions, your business successful? Or do you occasionally have thoughts of, "Why can't they just get it?" If you find things falling through the cracks, then treating your business like a franchise would mean creating a job description for each position.
These one-page summaries identify every responsibility, with specific details such as which positions take out the trash, answer the phone and batch credit card charges each day. Taking the time to create these will transform every position into a meaningful role, ensuring you have all of the bases covered. It will allow you to hire for specific positions, enabling you to focus on finding the right people, which will help you achieve greater productivity.
I previously co-founded a sports travel company. One of our biggest clients was Disney's Wide World of, disney acting auditions, Sports Complex, where we often took more than 1,000 people to events. I also received executive training at the Disney Institute. From these frequent interactions with Walt Disney World Resort, I learned important lessons that I continue to share with clients. The most valuable of these are the "4 P's of Disney":
Planning - It's almost a clich้, but it is truly important to know where you want to go or you may wind up somewhere else. Take time to organize your thoughts, consider options and make educated decisions before setting out in a direction.
Processes - Make sure you, disney acting auditions, have systems for every aspect of your business, from unlocking the front door in the morning, to handling upset customers, to turning off the lights at night. The more organized your procedures, the better likelihood your employees will be able to execute them.
Partnering - If you have ever been to Walt Disney World, think about all the kiosks and shops that sell merchandise. Now think about designing, manufacturing, ordering, taking delivery and disseminating products throughout the four theme parks each day. It requires orchestrated coordination between multiple, disney acting auditions, departments. Whatever the size of your company, be sure your, disney acting auditions, employees understand the importance of partnering together.
Performance - Disney believes if you can do it, you can measure it. Take time to measure your performance. Then adjust your plan, re-measure and adjust again always moving forward in a continuous improvement cycle.
Treating your small business like a franchise by developing systems that work may not make you the next Blockbuster, but it may enable you to better serve your customers and increase sales.
Copyright ฉ 2005 by Success Handler, LLC. All rights reserved.
The Coach, David Handler, is the founder of Success, disney acting auditions, Handler, (http://www.successhandler.com), and specializes in helping small business leaders find clarity and take action. He understands the challenges of running a business, because he's been there - as a small business owner, franchisee, franchisor, corporate leader and trainer. Much like sports coaches, his coaching will show you how to compete on a level playing field in your industry.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Cruises raise funds for breast cancer research and awareness
Source: free-articles
Fighting cancer is now as easy as booking a Disney cruise thanks to a new program from CI Travel called Pink Ribbon Cruises. CI Travel has partnered with breast cancer survivors and cruise lines to create a program through which a generous portion of the company's commissions on any cruise booking will be donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.
While the program is valid for virtually any cruise booked, disney acting auditions, through the program, one of the most popular cruise ships is the Disney Magicยฎ, so CI Travel has created a special seven-night cruise aboard the ship in September 2003. In addition to helping the fight against breast cancer, Pink Ribbon cruisers will get invitations to special gatherings, have opportunities to meet special guests, and receive a number of gifts and amenities.
Joining the cruise will be leading independent Disney expert (and breast cancer survivor) Deb Wills, the creator of AllEarsNet and the highly rated Disney resource site www.wdwig.com. Deb Wills' site has been acclaimed globally as one of the leading independent Disney resources on, disney acting auditions, the worldwide web, and she is an unabashed, disney acting auditions, fan of the magic that Disney creates. Also joining the cruise as a special guest will be Chuck Wagner (www.ChuckWagner.com), a well-known Broadway musical actor who starred in over 1,200 performances of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Chuck will be performing for those on board and will participate in the group's private gatherings. Chuck will be joined by his wife, Susan, also a breast cancer survivor.
According to CI Travel's Elizabeth Foss, the goal of the program is to โoffer a great vacation, a very competitive price, and outstanding customer service, while also supporting the fight against breast cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women.โ
โCI Travel is to be commended, disney acting auditions, for creating Pink Ribbon Cruises,โ says www.wdwig.com's Deb, disney acting auditions, Wills. โNot only are they giving back to the community, but they're making it easy to do good โ" while having a good time. Unfortunately, one in every eight women will be diagnosed with this disease, now the leading cause of death in women ages 35 to 54.โ
CI Travel is a $160 million company with more than 50 locations and is an affiliate of TRAVELSAVERS, INC., one of the leading international marketing organizations. TRAVELSAVERS now represents more than 2,500 independently owned travel agencies generating more than $13.5 billion dollars in annual sales. CI Travel is recognized as one of the top 50 travel companies in the country according to Travel Weekly.
Pink Ribbon Cruises may only be booked through the program's website, PinkRibbonCruises.com. Only new bookings are eligible for Pink Ribbon Cruises benefits.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
A Holiday Villa in Orlando For a Fabulous Disney Vacation
Source: ezinearticles.com
If you are looking for a fabulous Disney vacation, booking a holiday villa in Orlando would seem to be the first step to take. One of the most important aspects of a vacation after choosing the destination is your choice of accommodation, and there are generally two types of people with little in between.
Either you like to rough it, in which case you will go for a tent, trailer or log cabin, or you like luxury in which case you will normally opt for a hotel. Of those that like to rough it, most will eventually admit that it is the price that attracts them, and that if they could afford something better they would go for it. Sure, there are those that genuinely prefer a tent, and there's a lot to be said for a camping holiday. However, if that's, disney acting auditions, not you, then nothing is going to persuade you other than cost.
Of those that prefer the hotel room, most when pressed for an answer why, disney acting auditions, will say that there are no alternatives. A hotel is the only way to rest comfortably when on vacation, disney acting auditions, in Orlando, and they have, disney acting auditions, enough hassle during the rest of the year to want any on their Disney vacation. They want some luxury: a comfortable bed, a pool and spa and just to be able to chill out.
Of these two extremes, neither will likely have given any consideration to a holiday villa in Orlando. There is a wide range of Orlando vacation villas, from condos to six bedroom villas set in luxury resorts where, disney acting auditions, every form of entertainment is laid on for them. However, if you mention that to them they will prevaricate and mention the price. "It must be dreadfully expensive" they will say, as if that were an excuse. How much are these hotel rooms costing them? Particularly if they have a large family with them, which many have. The happy campers can be forgiven believing that, but it's not much of an excuse for the hotel lovers.
Actually they are wrong. Let's take the hotel lovers first. Ignore what they are paying for their hotel, but look at their family. Let's say they are a couple with four children. What would that involve accommodation-wise? Three rooms? Certainly more than two, and three at a minimum. Perhaps even four if the kids are of a certain age, but let's give them the benefit of the doubt and settle for three.
Now let's look at the price of a three bedroom holiday villa in Orlando. In fact let's look first at a 3 bedroom town house in Windsor Palms resort: that is $135 a night - for the whole family of six people. That's high season in mid-summer for under $44 a room. What kind of hotel will offer you rooms at that price? I don't know, but I sure don't want to spend a night there! That's fabulous luxury accommodation with a pool, high speed internet and everything the resort has to offer for a measly 44 bucks a room.
If they wanted to up that to a 4 bedroom holiday villa in Orlando it would be $180: $45 a night per room to include a PlayStation, games room with pool and air hockey, private pool and lots more beside. Even at that they are getting more than their hotel could offer. What if they were hungry, disney acting auditions, at night? Room service prices? No, rustle yourself up a burger or a sandwich in your, disney acting auditions, own kitchen. Bye-bye hotel - you suddenly just got outvoted on price, luxury and privacy.
Now, how about the Disney vacation being enjoyed by the happy campers - those that prefer to live under canvas? Nothing wrong with a tent or trailer, but they are only doing this because they can't afford better - they said so. However, they can afford a luxury holiday villa in Orlando, especially if they go for a condo at $125 a night for three bedrooms. Six people at less than $21 each. There's no arguing with value like that.
Keep in mind that we are talking only 2 miles from Disney here! Plus shuttle transport to all the attractions. Not only that, but this is in, disney acting auditions, the Windsor Hills Resort with its fitness room, volleyball,, disney acting auditions, tennis, basketball, movie cinema and games arcade. Plus a pool, hot tub...
There is too much to mention. With your own laundry and cooking facilities you are going to save money here, and that means you have more to spend on enjoying yourself. There is no reason at all why anybody, whether they are in a tent or a hotel room, should not be able to afford a luxury holiday villa in Orlando and not only save money, but also have the best and most fabulous Disney vacation that they have ever had.
Mark Whichard is an Orlando tourism expert and writes frequently about attractions in and around Orlando. He is the proprietor of Quality Villa Rentals and you can get great deals on Orlando Vacation Homes at this website.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tokyo Disneyland
Source: isnare.com
Afamily vacation in a Disney theme park or Disneyland, disney acting auditions, is always a dream holiday for millions of people around the world. The Disney brand is such a resounding success worldwide that it is inconceivable that any child in any developed country do not know what is Disneyland.
If you are living in Asia and if Orlando or Paris is too far away to take your family for a Disney vacation, then you can settle for either of the 2 Disneylands in Asia located in Tokyo and Hong Kong.
Disneyland, wherever they are located usually have more or less the same theme. Afterall, those are Disney's well entrenched trademarks aren't they?
For, disney acting auditions, example, in Disneyland Tokyo will find the following theme parks which can be found on other Disneylands albeit sometimes in different presentations.
World Bazaar - Sprawling smack at the entrance of Tokyo Disneyland is the World Bazaar. This Bazaar is a reminiscent of turn of the old American town with the feeling that you may come face to face with an Sioux Red Indian or an outlaw bandit wanted by the local county sheriff.
Here you will find restaurants, shops, outlets selling souvenirs and stuff that are appealing to tourists who wants something to remember their vacation there.
Tomorrow land - A space age futuristic theme park. A delightful combination of science and innovative imagination. In Tomorrowland, you can enjoy rides that rockets you to outer space or if you are a science geek, get invited to the "Inventor of the year, disney acting auditions, award ceremony."
One of, disney acting auditions, the favorite rides in Tomorrow Land is to help Buzz Light Year pulverize the Evil Emperor Zurg. Whatever that is.
Toon Town - Bring your kids to Toon town and they will love you happily ever after. Toon Town is where Disney colorful characters work and play. Toon town is designed to cater exclusively for the kids and is bursting, disney acting auditions, with colors with plenty of kiddy rides.
Fantasy land - How can one be in magical Disneyland without entering the world of fairy tales and cartoons? Meet Disney's mighty icons such as Mickey Mouse, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Donald Duck, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Captain Hook and a host of Disney cartoon characters.
Critter Country - This is the land of the, well, what else, you've guessed it, Critters. The critters are small animals from the Disney movie "Song of the South".
Enjoy watching the critters burrowing little, disney acting auditions, homes along the banks of the Rivers of America and on the slopes of Splash Mountain.
Western land - A visit to the Wild Wild West brings you back in time to the earliest settlers of the American West. Perhaps the most important chapter of the American history. Enjoy dinning in restaurants from the wild west era.
Adventure land - This is the where you visit the African, South American and Asian rainforest. You can even take a cruise in a "crocodile infested" river. Tropical jungles in downtown Tokyo? Well, this is what Disney magic is all about isn't it?
Monday, November 9, 2009
Walt Disney's Horror Movie
Source: free-articles
In 1934, when Walt Disney called for a meeting among his artists, a rumor had spread that he was going to shut the studio down and they would all be left unemployed during the great depression. Instead, disney acting auditions, he personally told them in his own spellbinding way the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which he intended to make into his first feature length film. It was a risk, disney acting auditions, unlike any other he had taken before. The film would cost a million and a half dollars at a time Disney was spending anywhere from ten to thirty thousand on his short cartoons. Doubts came from his, disney acting auditions, wife Lillian and his brother and business partner Roy, who were sure they would be in debt for most of the rest of the lives. Also nervous, disney acting auditions, was Walt's backer Bank of America, who at one point interrupted the production by cutting off his credit. Then there were the heads, disney acting, disney acting auditions, auditions, of the other studios like MGM, Universal and Warner Brothers. They would gather for their weekly poker games at the Hillcrest Country Club and speculate that Walt, who they called "the Mickey Mouse Man", would never succeed, no one would sit still for an hour and a half to watch a cartoon. And the press referred to Snow White as "Disney's Folly".
Despite the doubters and his own health problems (he suffered from a thyroid condition), Walt pressed forward relentlessly for three years. The key to the film, as far as Disney was concerned was the evil queen/peddler woman. Snow White was sympathetic, the dwarfs were humorous, but the villain had to be horrifying to keep the audience interested. The vocals were performed by a renowned stage actress named Lucille Laverne. Her haughty voice was a great fit as the queen, but her playing of the character after she transformed into the old crone had some at the studio worried. "Wait, I have an idea", she said. She left the recording room for a few minutes then returned. "I'm ready". She delivered her lines in a way that chilled and thrilled the Disney staff. After she finished there was applause and she was asked what she did when she left. She smiled and said," I took my teeth out!"
Walt's calculations were correct, Snow White and Seven Dwarfs was a hit throughout the entire world in 1938 and for many years beyond, keeping audiences riveted. The only down side for Walt was that maybe the peddler woman was a little too horrifying, he was disturbed by reports from Radio City Music Hall in New York where the film was setting box office records. It turned out that every few days the theater management had to replace seats. . . due to excessive wetness.
Stephen Schochet is the author and narrator of the audiobooks "Fascinating Walt Disney" and "Tales Of Hollywood". The Saint Louis Post Dispatch says," these two elaborate productions are exceptionally entertaining." Hear realaudio samples of these great, unique gifts at www.hollywoodstories.com.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
A Guide To Taking Your Dream Disney Cruise!
Source: isnare.com
Experiencing the magic of Disney at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort Paris is something that is rarely forgotten as a child or as an adult. With a Disney cruise, you can now recapture that magic on board one of Disney's elite cruise ships. There are several exotic Caribbean cruise routes to choose from, and with a spread of onboard entertainment for all the family it is a cruise that will live long in the memory of the young and the young at heart.
All Disney cruises depart from Port Canaveral in Florida through Disney Cruise Lines, and take guests out on a voyage of the Caribbean. Short 3-night cruises are catered for as well as 7 night cruises that encompass a larger number of ports around the Western Caribbean and Eastern Caribbean.
A typical three or four night Disney cruise takes guests out into the Bahamas, and includes a visit to the sun-drenched beaches of Nassau. Shore excursions include a magical, disney acting auditions, tour to the Discover Atlantis attraction, which is home to more than 120,000 fish.
A 7-night Western Caribbean Disney cruise adds Key West, Grand Cayman and the island of Cozumel near Mexico to the, disney acting auditions, list of port stops. At each location a huge variety of shore excursions are offered for both adults and kids.
On a 7-night Eastern Caribbean Disney cruise, the Bahamas, and the islands of St Maarten and St Thomas are incorporated into the itinerary. Again, just as with the Western Caribbean Disney cruise you will have a choice of many excellent excursion options too. But, no matter which cruise route you choose there is one common port of call - Castaway Island.
Castaway Island is Disney's own private island. It is located near the island of Abacco at the northern end of the Bahamas, and is a true Never Land. Here you can explore, disney acting auditions, paradise - secluded white sandy beaches, warm shallow, disney acting auditions, waters and coconut-laden palm tree groves await, along with a whole host of exciting activities. You can try your hand at snorkeling while on the island, or go on a kayak nature adventure. The glass-bottomed boat tour is sure worth an hour and a half of your time on the island too.
Of course, as you would expect from a corporation like Disney, sumptuous catering is on offer on the island and on board the cruise vessel at all times. Days, disney acting auditions, at sea are a pleasure too with so many activities to keep adults and kids entertained for weeks!
And, when you're done watching one of Disney's original stage shows, taking your kids to meet Snow White or enjoying a spot of wine tasting (adults only!), you can kick back in the luxurious surroundings of your cabin or relax on the pool deck and soak up some glorious Caribbean sunshine..
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Source: articleage.com
Jog along on a hilarious, reckless ride through Old London." 1975 Complete Guide to Walt Disney World
"Mr. Who?" asks the wide-eyed child about to enter The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction, dragging his exhausted parents on for the third time today. Sorry, my friend, he isn't the "lost" Power Ranger, he's not, disney acting auditions, "Experiement 213" from Lilo & Stitch, nor will you likely see him in the "House of Mouse" or "That's So Raven" on the Disney Channel. No, Mr. Toad was born in 1908, a little but before your time, in a popular tale called the "Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame. In 1949, he and his oddly-named friends like Moley, Mac Badger, Ratty and Winky were adapted by the folks at Disney into the feature film, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad.
The film was actually two movies in one - it was comprised of two ฝ hour tales (although both films were later re-released individually). The first, the "Wind in the Willows" was narrated by Basil Rathbone, while the second was the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. (The movies were linked solely because their main characters were prone to disaster). The Wind in the Willows centered on the wacky adventures of one J. Thaddeus Toad, Esq. Mr. Toad (as we will get to know him as), is quite well-to-do, and has an unquenchable thirst for adventure, and a bad habit of financial mismanagement. Recently, his attention has turned to the automobile, which further leads to Toad's peril. He eventually is caught stealing a car, jailed, escapes with the help of his friend, Cyril Proudbottom. You'll have to buy the DVD to find out what happens to our little friend.
OK, enough of the background how does this little amphibian end up with some prime real estate in Fantasyland, and where is he now?
Well, this unique fable first made its way into Disneyland in 1955, just a few years after the film's release. Its success at the box office made it a perfect candidate to draw in adults and children alike to Walt's new family destination. In fact, it had everything Imagineers could ask for - adventure, wackiness, and low cost of production. A dark ride through Mr. Toad's adventures, disney acting auditions, in London was a perfect fit. Oddly enough, though, although the attraction was (and continues to be) a hit in Disneyland, characters from the film and attraction do not appear elsewhere in the park, whether it be character, disney acting auditions, meet and greets, or even cameos in other attractions or shows.
When Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom opened on, disney acting auditions, October 1, 1971, Mr. Toad had secured himself a place among other Disney greats in Fantasyland. Surrounded by such classic characters as Snow White, Peter Pan, and Pinocchio, Toad was clearly among Disney royalty.
In fact, Toad not only earned himself a full-blown attraction in Walt's second, grander theme park, but he had a unique distinction. He may not have appeared in the Mickey Mouse Revue with other classic Disney characters, but one thing that Toad DID have, though, was, disney acting auditions, two attractions in one. Well . sort of. Like other attractions such as Space Mountain, The Haunted Mansion (with its two stretching rooms), and others, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride has two different lines (or queues). However, unlike the aforementioned rides, each line for Toad gives you a different adventure altogether. While one side took you through a Trophy Room, Kitchen, Gypsy Camp, Pub, Keg Room (who said there was no alcohol in the Magic Kingdom?) and "Rain Room", the other (Track B) flung you along in your car through a Library, Barnyard and Barn, Town Square, Jail, Prison and Shireland. So much for heading "Nowhere in Particular" as the attraction's theme song (also known as "The Merrily Song") proclaimed! Both tracks led Toad to a similar fate, though. While, disney acting auditions, he was able to narrowly escape the police, gypsies, and Judge, he couldn't avoid the oncoming train in the blackened tunnel.
This is where things got weird. Really weird considering you were in Walt Disney World. Not just WDW, but the Magic Kingdom. And Fantasyland, for goodness sake! So where were you after kissing, disney acting auditions, the front of a train at incredible speeds? Why, Hell, of course. Yes, in clearly what can be called a radical departure from the cute and cuddly Disney holds so dear, you and your car-mates ended up surrounded by Satan and his demonic minions in the bowels of a "Disney-fied" Hell (which some have described as it's a small world for the 5 th time in a row. Yes, pitchforks and all, these long-nosed devils and their leader (complete with requisite horns and pointy moustache) showed you what happens to bad toads that get hit by trains. Of course, in typical Toad fashion, he (and you) found a way to escape this three minute attraction which brought you face-to-face with Hades himself to the peaceful sights and sounds of the nearest gift shop.
In the October 22, 1997 edition of the Orlando Sentinel, Walt Disney World sources revealed plans to close Toad in favor of a rumored Pooh and friends attraction. On October 23, 1997, the fan-based "Toad-Ins" began. Lead by John Lefante through a grass-roots internet website (savetoad.com), more than 1150 letters, disney acting auditions, were sent to Disney, and green-shirted "toad-ins" began to appear in front of the attraction. With shirts that read things like: "Ask me why Mickey is killing Mr. Toad", the fan outrage was demonstrated with actual protests. Even today, fans voting on an "If You Could Bring Back One Attraction" poll favor Toad as their selection. (http://www.disneyworldtrivia, disney acting auditions, .com/forums/showthread.php?t=158)
Sadly, and much to the dismay of Toad fans, the former "C-Ticket" (remember the old A-E ticket books?) attraction closed on Labor Day, September 7, 1998, with no more than a week's notice to "Toadies" - many of whom never got to take their last, ceremonial ride. Fans complained that Disney "lied" by not disclosing when the attraction would actually close and their plans to actually close the ride. Although the attractions still (surprisingly?) remains in Disneyland, the unique Walt Disney World version is no more, as it has since been replaced by "The Many Adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh", which opened June 5, 1999.
So, why was this ride closed in Walt Disney World at all? Well, if you were to ask me (and I guess you are), I have to say that it boiled down to the dollar. What I mean is that Disney knew they could sell a heck of a lot more Pooh merchandise than they ever could of our little green friend. (No, not Kermit, disney acting auditions, -Toad! Pay attention, please!). And I guess one might wonder how the whole "Hell" scene sat with a company that became so aware of "political correctness" that they changed the classic Pirates of the Caribbean ride to, disney acting auditions, stop pirates from chasing women. Of course, the flat, two-dimensional figures, disney acting auditions, and scenes, disney acting auditions, in the attraction were clearly not very "high-tech", or even 3D as in other dark rides like Peter Pan and Snow White's Scary Adventures. Just add that as another strike against poor Toad.
So Mr. Toad, Toady,, disney acting auditions, Ratty, Moley, Mac Badger, Cyril, Winky and Weasel (the names of the ride cars) were just snuffed out of existence, you say? Not quite. I believe that the fans weren't the only ones who were sad to see Toad go. In fact, there is more than one "hidden" tribute to him in the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ride! In addition to the oft-cited mural showing Pooh handing over the "deed" to the building to Owl (near the beginning of the ride, look at the left wall of the scene, disney acting auditions, in Owl's house), there is also a picture of Mole tipping his hat to Pooh later on in the attraction. In fact, one of the Cast Member break, disney acting auditions, rooms in the Magic Kingdom was christened the "J. Thaddeus Toad Memorial Room."
If you still want to see Mr. Toad, be sure to head on over to Disneyland, as one never knows when he may follow his Orlando counterpart. Take me along, too, if you can I really would like to see the little green guy again.
Louis Mongello has been fascinated by Walt Disney World throughout his more than 40 visits, and in the process learned everything he could about the history, secrets and inner workings of the resort. He is also the author of the Walt Disney World Trivia Book: Secrets, History and Fun Facts Behind the Magic
A Brief History Of Disney
Source: isnare.com
Although it is now one of the better corporations in the world, the Walt Disney Aggregation started as a baby action flat in the barn of Walt and Roy Disney's grandfather. This tiny adventure was founded on October 16, 1923 - and in 2006, Walt Disney's aggregation had developed to revenues of $34.3 billion.
The aboriginal activity the Disney brothers formed on was a alternation advantaged Alice's Wonderland, and in 1925, Walt Disney assertive his brother to rename the flat to Walt Disney Studios. After several abate successes and failures, the aboriginal Mickey Mouse cartoons Plane Crazy and Steamboat Willie were appear to audiences in 1928. As it was the aboriginal action with complete to accomplish popularity, Walt Disney was able to aggrandize his ventures a year after into three added companies: Walt Disney Enterprises, Disney Blur Recording Company, and Liled Realty and Investment Company.
Over the next several years, what would become some of Disney's a lot of admired characters were introduced: Pluto in 1930, Goofy in 1932, and Donald Duck in 1934. It was in 1937 that the studio's aboriginal feature-length action blur was released, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and it fabricated history books by, disney acting auditions, getting the aboriginal activated affection blur anytime produced. The next year, Walt Disney alloyed all of his companies beneath one title, Walt Disney Productions, and in 1940 the assembly abode appear both Pinocchio and Fantasia.
As the flat began to grow, the United States' attack into Apple War II acquired a arrest in blur assembly as, disney acting auditions, Disney was instead apprenticed to actualize morale-boosting government propaganda. The next 10 years were almost apathetic for Disney, and films created were alone low account or took years to aftermath - Bambi was in assembly for 6 years afore its affected release. In 1950, the aggregation was active with the absolution of Cinderella, and 1952 saw Walt Disney activate to plan the Walt Disney Productions affair park.
It wasn't until 1967 that plan in fact began on the affair park, admitting it had absolutely helped that the aggregation went accessible ten years prior. The Walt, disney acting, disney acting auditions, auditions, Disney Apple Resort opened, disney acting auditions, in Orlando, Florida in 1971, and Disney began to accomplish its attack into live-action films. Although there were abounding ups and downs in the years afterward Walt's death, the aggregation connected to accomplish a name for itself and coin advanced to new grounds. While there accept been affluence of roadblocks in the new millennium - such as the altercation over CEO Michael Eisner's behavior and several adverse bid takeover attempts - the aggregation has managed to advance through to abide captivation its abode as one of the better and a lot of affecting companies on the planet.