AOL Travel Ideas

The Long Haul: Taming Orlando's Theme Parks

MapQuest Discover — 2013-03-14T11:27:00+00:00

If Anaheim, California's Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth, then Orlando, Florida must be the happiest place in the universe. With more than 100 attractions in total (including not one, but six Disney parks), Orlando provides plenty of opportunities for non-stop family fun.Planning the perfect trip to Orlando can be an overwhelming first time visitor, so follow this guide to sort out the best theme parks and the must-do rides to make the most of a memorable family vacation.

HOW TO: ORLANDO'S DISNEY WORLD

Since it opened in 1971, Walt Disney World has changed the entire landscape of amusement parks. Instead of taking a trip for a single destination, visitors can choose from Disney World's four theme parks and two water parks, along with a handful of owned and operated resort hotels.

Read the rest of the The Long Haul: Taming Orlando's Theme Parks at AOL's MapQuest Discover.

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Celebrities At Disneyland: Who Likes To Celebrate At The Happiest Place On Earth?

AOL Travel Staff — 2011-11-03T11:42:00+00:00

Filed under: Family, Celebrity, Disney

Getty

Celebrities are just like us - they dine out, they go on vacation, they have run-ins with airlines and they love Disney.Superstars like Michael Jackson and TV faves like the Cosby Kids have even appeared in ads supporting Walt's parks.

Of course, a trip to Disneyland is totally convenient for Hollywood types. Located just about 30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, in Anaheim, Disney's California outpost is a convenient way for stars and starlets to blow off some steam.

Perhaps one of the biggest celebrity spectacles was back in 2008 when Miley Cyrus closed Disneyland for her 16th birthday party.

Didn't get invited? That's OK, try scoring a date with Ryan Gosling who apparently likes to take his lady friends on Disneyland dates. Back in September,Eva Mendes was reportedly one such lucky lady when the two were spotted...gasp...holding hands at the park.

Speaking of getting romantical, Chord Overstreet and Emma Roberts also chose Disneyland as the location of a date in August.

Of course, Disneyland is totally about the kids. So, it's no surprise that Jennie Garth, Salma Hayek and Christina Aguilera took theirs to play at the parks.

But, it's not just Disneyland that draws celebs. Walt Disney World in Orlando gets many a nod from celebrities too.

Taking a cue from the "happiest place on earth" moniker, Courtney Cox and David Arquette chose Disney World as the site of a post-separation family reunion with their daughter.

In February, Jon Stewart took his kiddos on a Disney World vacay.

Across the pond, Paris Hilton was just in Disneyland Paris for the resort's Halloween celebrations.

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Disney World Welcomes Fall At The Magic Kingdom (VIDEO)

AOL Travel Staff — 2011-09-20T13:58:00+00:00

Filed under: Family, Disney, Holidays

Florida might be known as the land of palm trees and sunshine, but at Walt Disney World fall foliage is in season.

Over the course of three days, a small army put up revamped decorations giving the impression of a hometown fall along Main Street. There are the fall leaves, of course, and candy corn-esque banners draped from the early 20th century inspired buildings. Not to be left out, Mickey appears on lamp posts, with his trademark ears giving pumpkins a unique shape.

To see how it all came together, watch the video below.

And, for more Disney fun, check out our guide to Florida's amusement parks.

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The Down and Dirty Disney Resorts Guide

The Daily Meal — 2011-08-15T11:15:00+00:00

Filed under: Family, News, Disney

Evan Wohrman/Flickr

The magic of Disney has been translated into everything from personalized parasols to classic films and from enormous resorts to theme parks so big you can't see them all in just one day.The magic of Disney has been translated into everything from personalized parasols to classic films and from enormous resorts to theme parks so big they can't be seen in just one day. And while that magic touches the hearts of many, it's not on the top of every adult's holiday wish list. But when the kids are old enough to have a say in where to spend Christmas, it's time to throw them a bone and take them on a Disney-centric vacation.

Heading for a far-flung Disney resort is a great place to start - book a trip to Disney Tokyo. Same goes for the resorts in Hong Kong, Paris, and, soon, Shanghai.

Related: A Disney Dining Guide

Opening later this month, the Aulani Resort and Spa in Hawaii is a family-friendly resort with a host of activities, dining options, a full service spa, and excursions that have as little to do with Disney as you want them to. Instead, they're focused on all things Hawaii, like Hawaiian cooking courses, kayaking, visiting a museum, or surf lessons.

Disney's Animal Kingdom villas lets guests experience the thrill of having animals all around, along with the magic of Disney - and at a fraction of the cost of a real safari. It may be located within the Animal Kingdom area at Walt Disney World, but they sprung for décor and food that makes visitors think they're in Africa.

The good people at The Daily Meal rounded up the best Disney resorts (there are many) for parents in the market for a kid-perfect vacation without a flock of princesses checking them in.

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Russia Has Its Eyes on the Next House of Mouse

AOL Travel Staff — 2011-08-05T09:15:00+00:00

Filed under: News, Disney

-Chupacabras-/Flickr

Is Mickey Mouse scoping out Russian territory in his quest to achieve total global domination? A Disneyland park might be in the cards for the Kaliningrad Region, Russia's westernmost region, reports The Voice of Russia.

Building a Disneyland in the Kaliningrad Region will be a priority project, Inna Moreva, the press-secretary of the regional administration, told the paper.

"We think that tourism should grow fast in the Kaliningrad Region. What can we offer tourists? We need new modern interesting facilities, one of which may be an amusement park in the style of Disneyland, or Hansaland in Germany, or Legoland in Denmark, or Port Aventura in Spain," she said.

But, don't bust out the Mouse Ears just yet. Sure the potential project already has the support of President Dmitry Medvedev, but Disney doesn't seem to be quite on board yet.

According to The Orange County Register, Kaliningrad's regional governor Nikolai Tsukanov stressed that he proposed the idea of a Disneyland-style project only as an example of a large amusement park.

Perhaps a Hello Kitty park would suffice if they can't get Mickey's approval?

If a Disneyland were to be built in Russia, it would be the second on the continent. Disneyland Paris, formerly Euro Disney, opened outside the French capital in 1992.

Disney recently announced that work would begin on Shanghai Disney Resort, which will join Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disney in Asia.

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Disney Alaska Cruise: Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Flannel

AOL Travel Staff — 2011-07-25T17:20:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise, Family, Disney

Disney Cruise Line

The third and final stop on this Alaskan adventure is Ketchikan, where passengers will get a taste of Alaska's native history and a dose of local celebrity.

At Potlach Park, a re-created native settlement, visitors can learn the ancient art of totem carving. Master Carver Brita Alander, demonstrates how these massive poles served as a form of communication. Here, kids have a chance to get in on the act and work on a real totem. Each can personalize a scale or feather that will become part of Alander's sea monster pole, made just for DCL guests.

Next, wrap yourself up in flannel and head to The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show to get a little rowdy. The hour-long show harks back to the turn of the 20th century when Ketchikan was a hub for the timber trade. Lumberjacks demonstrate competitions of skill and brawn like chopping, sawing, log-rolling and speed climbing. A few lucky Disney guests will even get a chance to blow off some steam by participating in the events.

Before heading back to the ship, take a spin on a crabbing boat - a celebrity one at that. The Aleutian Ballad was featured on TLC's "Deadliest Catch," but also takes Disney guests on a not-so-dangerous cruise during which guests can get up close and personal with local sea life.

Check out our Ketchikan video below - don't everyone rush to book their cruises all at once!

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Disney Alaska Cruise: Juneau, Alaska's Rough and Ready Adventure Hub

AOL Travel Staff — 2011-07-21T14:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise, Family, Disney

Disney Cruise Line

Next up on our cruise itinerary: Juneau, the capitol of Alaska. It sits at the base of Mt. Juneau, which rises 4,000 feet above the city. This is the stop to indulge in activities that might be considered typically Alaskan, like whale watching, glacier climbing and, of course, dog mushing.

Hop off the boat in Juneau and onto another for some of the world's best whale watching. Summer - aka cruise season - is a great time to see the humpback whales that come to Alaskan waters to feed. There are orcas, or killer whales, as well.

Going from sea level to summit level, adventurous parties can explore Mendenhall Glacier National Park. A helicopter ride to the top of the glacier takes visitors to prime hiking territory. From the top of the glacier down, hikers can see steep ice walls, deep crevasses and towering mountain peaks. For those with little ones in tow, parts of the park are stroller friendly, so everyone can get a chance to explore.

The real rush of an offshore jaunt in Juneau, though, has to be the chance to participate in the official state sport: dog mushing. The practice originated as a mode of transportation in snowy Alaska, used to move around one's freshly hunted meat or strike it rich gold. Now these sleds, clocking in at mach speeds of 35 to 45 mph, are an exciting way to enjoy the outdoors. And, there are cute puppies, what else could we ask for?

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Disney Alaska Cruise: There's Gold in Them There Hills (VIDEO)

AOL Travel Staff — 2011-07-18T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise, Family, Video, Seasonal, Disney

Disney Cruise Line

The Disney Wonder's first Alaskan port of call is the gold rush town of Skagway, where prospectors flocked by the boatload in 1896 after the glittering ore was discovered.

While the gold supply is pretty much tapped out and Disney's boats are a little more luxe, modern-day prospectors can still get a feel for what prospecting life was like. At Liarsville, a restored gold rush trail camp, guests can take a step back in time and try their hands at panning for gold - joined by a rough and tumble group of unshaved Disney characters.

When panning begins to get tiring, visitors hop aboard the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad and take a three-hour ride up mountains and through forests. There are breathtaking views from the coaches and even the opportunity for adult-only time during the second half of the ride, when the kids are taken to an activities car and entertained.

Cruisers interested in roughing it can take in nature at canopy level on a zip-line course through the thick pine forest.

Check out the video below to learn about all there is to do in Skagway.

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Disney Alaska Cruise: Embark On A Week Aboard The Disney Wonder (VIDEO)

AOL Travel Staff — 2011-07-15T14:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Disney

Disney Cruise Line

The rugged, natural beauty of Alaska is alluring to many, though roughing it through the wilderness is not. A great way to take in all that Alaska has to offer - without taking in dirt and bugs - is to embark on a cruise up the state's coast.

One particularly family-friendly option is the Disney Cruise Line, which had its inaugural Alaska cruise in May 2011.

Before the Alaska cruise season ends in September, the Disney Wonder will offer 18 seven-night cruises setting sail from Vancouver, with stops in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska.

Onboard, activities abound for all ages. Kids can check out Disney's Oceaneer Club - possibly the world's coolest playroom - while tweens and teens have their own hang out clubs as well.

And, while they're being looked after by Disney's dedicated staff, adults can relax at the spa, get their sweat on at the gym or just enjoy the amazing Alaska scenery from the deck. Alaska does have some of the best whale watching in the world.

After a long day of everybody contently doing what they want, families can reconvene - if they so choose - at the Studio Sea family lounge and nightclub. Plus, there's also the Broadway-style live shows, character meet-and-greets, movies, the list goes on. Disney has pulled out all the stops.

Prices start at $1,769 per person for the 2011 season and $917 for 2012. And, getting there is easy enough - hop a flight to Vancouver and add transportation from Vancouver International Airport or a local hotel to a cruise package.

Join AOL Travel and Natali Morris for a week aboard the Disney Wonder without even leaving the computer.

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Disney Cruise To Alaska Time Lapse (VIDEO)

AOL Travel Staff — 2011-06-26T09:15:00+00:00

Filed under: News, Disney

It's time for our favorite thing: A time lapse. And on this Sunday morning, it's a time lapse involving a Disney cruise to Alaska.

Walt Disney World Photographer Matt Stroshane sailed on the Disney Wonder's inaugural cruise to Alaska, taking a sweet time lapse of the journey along the way.

As anyone who reads AOL Travel frequently knows, we love us some time lapses. From Hong Kong to Sydney to Boston's Logan Airport, time lapse videos kind of make our day.

Happy sailing!

WATCH below:

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Best Disney World Restaurants: Yetis, Lederhosen and Motherly Waitresses Unite!

Rebecca Dolan — 2011-06-09T07:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Best Of, Food + Drink, Disney

The Walt Disney Company

There are countless restaurants across the property varying widely in price, cuisine and ambiance. Options run the gamut from quick-service carts slinging popcorn and jumbo turkey legs to a AAA Five Diamond award winning dining room.

The parks might be at the heart of a Walt Disney World vacation, but a trip to the Florida resort can be as much about the dining experience as the rides. There are countless restaurants across the property varying widely in price, cuisine and ambiance. Options run the gamut from quick-service carts slinging popcorn and jumbo turkey legs to a AAA Five Diamond award winning dining room. But, how to choose the best Disney World restaurants?

But, to make planning a bit easier, here are a few personal favorites based on more than a decade's worth of multi-annual Disney trips - mostly centered around eating.

Reservations can be made by calling (407) WDW DINE (be sure to tell them if someone is celebrating a birthday/graduation/anniversary etc.) Also, make the restaurant aware of any dietary restrictions. Disney's full service restaurants are extremely accommodating - typically chefs will discuss any food needs and craft a special meal, or walk guests through a buffet line so nobody in the party is left out. Kosher meals can be requested in advance, or are available at some counter locations.

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Darth Vader Does Disneyland (VIDEO)

Rebecca Dolan — 2011-06-07T09:15:00+00:00

Filed under: Video, Disney

Screenshot, DisneyParks, YouTube

Apparently everyone does love Disneyland, even intergalactic supervillians. In this hilarious video, the man in black himself, Darth Vader, visited the happiest place on earth. Of course, he had two storm troopers at his side for protection. But, the deadbeat dad did didn't even bother to bring his kids, Luke and Leia.

In this video, commemorating the opening of the revamped Star Tours, the "Imperial March" takes on a more lighthearted tone as Vader and his goons hit the park's highlights.

The Star Tours ride was closed last year at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland for a refurb, or "reimagining" in Disney speak. The new ride, presented in digital 3-D, takes riders to even more destinations than its previous incarnation.

Meanwhile, back at the park, it almost seems like Vader's having fun on Dumbo, watching the parade go by, or tapping his feet along with the melodies of the enchanted tiki birds. Or maybe that's a look of nausea from too many turns in the teacups? Either way, the storm troopers sure seem to have gotten in the mood by rocking those Mickey Mouse ear hats.

As for Luke and Leia, Obi Wan will probably take them to Disneyland whenever they want.

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Orlando vs. New York: Which City is the Tourism King? (POLL)

Paul Brady — 2011-05-25T16:03:00+00:00

Filed under: Family, News, Disney

Tia Elaine/Flickr

Orlando has dethroned New York city as the most-visited destination in the U.S. Nearly 51.5 million people visited Orlando in 2010, the city's tourism board has just announced, beating a preliminary February total of 49.8 million.

With the news, the home of Walt Disney World has knocked New York City, with 48.7 million visitors in 2010, out of the top spot and makes it the first place to host 50 million tourists-ahead of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's promise that his city would be first to reach the milestone.

But the newly released figures have New York's tourism czar George Fertitta gently questioning the numbers at a press conference, reports The New York Times: "They're saying that they grew by 10 percent, which seems extraordinary. If it's accurate, God bless them."

Fertitta also added that Walt Disney World, Orlando's biggest draw, is 25 miles south of the city proper. "That's almost like us counting pilgrims to Woodstock in New York City's total," the Telegraph quoted Fertitta saying.

Would Orlando have nearly the number of tourists it draws without the mouse power? Universal Orlando Resort, including the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and SeaWorld are two major draws that aren't operated by Disney, but would they have opened had Walt not paved the way?

New York City meanwhile is on track to break the 50 million mark this year, Fertitta insists, downplaying any major rivalry with Orlando. Still the question persists...

Which is the best city for tourism in the U.S.?
Orlando: The parks, the weather and the affordability make it the winner.	278 (47.0%)
New York City: Skyscrapers, Broadway and the Statue of Liberty will take back the title this year.	313 (53.0%)

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Vintage Disney World Commercials: Featuring Michael Jackson and the Cosby Kids

Rebecca Dolan — 2011-05-21T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Video, Disney

screenshot, 2RadicalDudez

Walt Disney World might not have been around as long as Disneyland, but it still has an awesome legacy of TV advertising. For who else but Mickey would Michael Jackson, Kermit the Frog, the Cosby Kids and Indiana Jones make an appearance?

For a quick flashback, here are five great old-school Disney World commercials.

Disney World and Eastern Airlines, 1971
In this somewhat creepy ad, a little girl wanders the forest trying to figure out how to get to Walt Disney World. Problem solved by Eastern Airlines, which proves that you can fly - on a round trip flight with Eastern.

Epcot, 1988
Epcot Center - now known by the cooler, single name of Epcot - is seen here as an around-the- world and into-the-future adventure. Michael Jackson even makes an appearance as the famous Captain EO in the much loved 3-D action musical.

The Cosby Kids, 1980s
Boy those Cosby kids were everywhere, weren't they? Judging by this ad, the TV family sure likes Disney World. Though, we wonder if their dad was too busy pushing pudding pops to make an appearance.

MGM Studios Opening, 1989
Not too long ago, Disney's Hollywood Studios was known as MGM Studios. This ad from MGM's opening shows how, at this park, the movies come alive.

20th Anniversary Countdown, 1991
In this countdown to Disney World's 20th anniversary, a round up of old-school characters makes an appearance - Roger Rabbit, the Dinosaurs, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - as well as once rockin' Pleasure Island (RIP.)

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Pirates of the Caribbean: 5 Places to Vacation like Captain Jack Sparrow

Rebecca Dolan — 2011-05-19T07:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Adventure Travel, Disney, Historic Sites

Associated Press

The fourth installment of Disney's Pirates franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, will hit theaters May 20. Although Captain Jack Sparrow and company draw their roots to a theme park ride, real pirates of yore did haunt the Caribbean and beyond. But, it wasn't all adventure and plank walking on the high seas.

These ocean outlaws needed somewhere on land to which they could retreat.

So what if Jack Sparrow, Barbossa and the rest really existed? Where would swashbuckling travel writer Jack Sparrow send his cohorts?

Filled with pirate essentials such as treasure chests, bottles of rum and wenches aplenty, these historic pirate playgrounds cater to the inner Sparrow (or Blackbeard) in us all.

some_images!, flickr

Port Royal, Jamaica
Captain Jack certainly knew of Port Royal--his pal Elizabeth Swann's father was the governor of the fictionalized version of this real life Jamaican city. This late 17th century shipping hub proved attractive to pirates as they could easily access and hunt main shipping routes.

Pirates weren't turned away from Port Royal by the island's English lords as they were enlisted as a defense against French or Spanish takeover attempts. In return, pirate celebs like Blackbeard and Henry Morgan could be spotted in this so-called "wickedest city in the world," where there was one pub for every 10 residents. A pirate never needed to ask "where's all the rum gone?"

Though much of the town was destroyed by an earthquake, modern visitors can get a glimpse of the glory days at historic Fort Charles and its museum. Lodging options are abundant in nearby Kingston, or visitors can rent a room or dock their vessels in Port Royal proper at the Morgan's Harbour Hotel and Marina.

Nick Hobgood, flickr

Tortuga, Haiti
The real Tortuga might have been just like Captain Jack found it in Pirates. Located off the northern coast of what is now Haiti, Tortuga had been a pirate stronghold since the early 17th century. Pirates based out of the island took to calling themselves "Brethren of the Coast" and initiated a pirate code of conduct. Meanwhile, Jean Le Vasseur, one time governor of the island, sought to make Tortuga the pirating capital of the Caribbean.

Nevertheless, the French, English and Spanish tried to stamp out pirate activity. One curious tactic involved bringing more than 1,000 prostitutes to the island to encourage the unruly men to settle down. Not sure how that wouldn't actually attract more, but whatever floats your boat.

Most visitors today will have to approach the island just like their pirate predecessors: by boat. But with lack of government presence and infrastructure, this might be a trip for only the most stalwart adventurers.

bryce_edwards, flickr

New Providence, Bahamas
Being located in the path of many shipping routes, the Bahamas were a popular hangout for buccaneers when not out pillaging on the high seas. In the late 1600s and early 1700s, the island of New Providence was especially teeming with pirates. Jack Sparrow could have rubbed elbows with the likes of Blackbeard, Henry Morgan, Calico Jack Rackham, Anne Bonny and Mary Read, all of whom called it their playground.

The geography of the Bahamas made an excellent hunting ground for pirates. First, there were plenty of natural resources to support the crews. Additionally, the numerous islands, shallow waters, reefs and complex narrow channels made perfect grounds to snare prey.

These also provide the perfect environment for modern day pirates to sunbathe, snorkel, or set sail on one of those newfangled cruise ships. Or, after forking over a bit more booty, visitors can stay at the famous Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island just over the bridge from New Providence.

dougtone, flickr

Newport, Rhode Island
It's not often that pirates are envisioned frolicking about the New England coast, but Newport was a regular pirate playground in the late 17th and early 18th century for the likes of William Kidd, Henry Every and Thomas Tew. With the colonies' foreign trade restricted, pirates and their goods were welcomed as a way of boosting the local economy.

But, all good things must come to an end, and the tides of public opinion turned against the pirates. The colony saw an influx of honest merchant vessels in the early 1700s, and piracy was thought to hurt more than it helped.

To follow in the footsteps of pirates, visitors to Newport can take a Pirates and Scoundrels Walking Tour. For even more history, check out famous mansions like Rosecliff where scenes from The Great Gatsby were filmed. Follow that with a stay at the turn of the century Hotel Viking.

DanMcLean, flickr

Bath Town, North Carolina
The coast of North Carolina was once a pirate hotspot, with ports like Ocracoke, Beaufort and Bath being popular hangouts. Bath was a particular favorite of Edward Teach, or Blackbeard, who once made his home there.

Jack Sparrow and company might have enjoyed the fratty atmosphere at one of the many wild parties Blackbeard threw. But, this is also solemn ground, as Blackbeard was murdered off the coast. So, visitors should be sure to pour out a shot of rum for their departed brethren.

Visitors to the area can make a stop at Plum Point where the foundation ruins of a historic house are rumored to have belonged to Blackbeard. And, they can see real artifacts from his shipwreck at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort. The ruins of his ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, lie just off the coast of Fort Macon in 20 feet of water. Lodging can be found in historic quarters at Beaufort's B&Bs like the Langdon House, which dates back to the 1730s.

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Vintage Disneyland Commercials: 5 TV Ads Are a Blast From the Past (VIDEO)

Rebecca Dolan — 2011-05-17T14:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Video, Disney

Screenshot, AdamConlea

It's impossible to imagine how much money Disney pumps into advertising every year -- the company's ads are everywhere. With that investment, though, comes a commercial legacy by which we can catch glimpses into Mickey's past. For a look back, we've rounded up five Disneyland commercials that once attracted visitors to the Mouse's California playground.

Pepsi Commercial, 1960s
Ok, so this might technically be a commercial for Pepsi, but the footage of Disneyland in the 60s - including the lost flying saucers ride - is pretty awesome.

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Space Mountain, 1977
This Space Mountain commercial - and its awesome special effects - was used to advertise the Tomorrowland roller coaster in its opening year of 1977.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, 1979
1979 was the opening year for the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad coaster, the year when this ad promises that big thunder will strike daily - "only at Disneyland."

Splash Mountain, 1980s
If this ad is like the others, it's probably from Splash Mountain's opening year of 1989, and definitely makes all those cute little critters look a tad dramatic. But, as is pointed out, it's a long way down after all.

"California Sun" commercial, 1980s
This ad calls upon Disneyland's fabulous sunny SoCal location as a selling point, while the accompanying jam will have anyone dancing in their seats.

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Walt Disney World: 3 Awesome Days Outside the Parks

Rebecca Dolan — 2011-05-03T16:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Tips & Tricks, Disney

The Walt Disney Company

It's no surprise that when planning a Walt Disney World vacation, most visitors focus on how they are going to attack the parks - or pay for the tickets. But, don't forget that the Walt Disney World Resort is just that, a resort, and it offers a total vacation package.

Throughout the Disney World complex, there are a multitude of things for guests of all ages to do whether they're staying on or off property. For a few ideas, here are three fun-filled days worth of activities that don't require setting foot in a park.

By the Seashore in Central Florida

For beachgoers, Disney has a number of waterside-themed hotels inspired by places as broad as 19th century Martha's Vineyard to a 1920s Boardwalk. Of that group, the best places to start a seaside day are the Polynesian Resort or the Beach Club Resort where breakfast comes with a character greeting.

The Walt Disney Company

At Disney hotels, popular characters make appearances during meals at select restaurants to take pictures, sign autographs and give hugs. At the Polynesian's 'Ohana restaurant it's Lilo and Stitch, and at the Beach Club's Cape May Café, classic characters like Minnie and Goofy make the rounds. (Both $15-$35.99 per person)

From there, it's time to work off breakfast. Starting out at the Beach Club, Yacht Club or Boardwalk? Rent an old fashioned Surrey bike from the rental station behind the BoardWalk Inn and make a few laps around the path connecting the three. ($21.30 per adult for a two seater; $23.43 for a four seater; 30 minute ride.) Along the wooden boardwalk, vendors hawking arcade games, salt water taffy, corn dogs and funnel cakes help evoke the feeling of the old shore. Afterward, check out the nearby Fantasia Gardens mini golf ($10-$12 for 18 holes) before grabbing lunch - and maybe some pool time - and heading to the Polynesian Resort.

For a bit of an adrenaline rush, rent a couple of Sea Raycers at the Mikala Canoe Club Marina (from $34.08.) These personal speed boats are surprisingly fast, and riders can zip around both the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. After docking, round out the day with Disney's Spirit of Aloha Show featuring a South Seas-style dinner and entertainment inspired by traditions of New Zealand, Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga and Tahiti. ($28.99-$65.99 per person)

A Taste of the Old West on the East Coast

The Walt Disney Company

At Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, there are enough activities to do or mossy oak trees under which to relax that the parks seem miles away. Starting at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch, hop into the saddle for a 45-minute guided woodland trail horse ride ($46.) Those less inclined can opt for an old fashioned carriage ride ($45), or a newfangled Segway tour (from $101). Back at the Ranch, kids can get up close and personal with Cinderella's Ponies, who call the barn home. Other ponies at the Ranch are available for rides by children ages 2 and older.

For those who are a bit hungry after a long ride on the trails, a quick bite can be had at Crockett's Tavern, at the poolside snack bar or from either "trading post" store. After refueling, take it easy on the water with a chartered, catch-and-release fishing trip around Bay Lake.

The two- or four-hour trips include a captain and all bait and tackle ($270 for two hours; $455 for four.) For lighter burden on the wallet, the many canals that run through the resort may be fished. And, there's no charge for taking a nap in a lounge chair or hammock on the beach.

For dinner, choose between two down-home experiences. The Hoop De Doo musical review ($26.99-$61.99) features a dinner of all-you-can eat American classics - the fried chicken and strawberry shortcake are killer - accompanied by a vaudeville-style show with singing, dancing and comedy. Available seasonally, Mickey's Backyard Barbeque ($26.99-44.99) is the place to go to meet characters. Under an open-air pavilion, Mickey, Minnie and pals throw a buffet-style picnic complete with a country-western band and line dancing.

An Adult Day While the Kids Play

There are plenty of experiences tailored for a more mature crowd at Disney World. To get in the mood for a laid back day, start at one of Disney's three full service spas, located at the Grand Floridian, Saratoga Springs and the Walt Disney World Dolphin, and each offer a wide variety of services.

The Walt Disney Company

Or start the day golfing at one of Disney's five courses (18 holes from $139). Didn't pack a set of clubs? No worries. Titleist and Cobra clubs for men and women are available for rental ($55) as are Foot Joy shoes ($10). Disney also maintains a staff of PGA golf instructors offering group and private lessons for any skill level. ($75 for private lesson.)

Be sure to book golf games and spa treatments early, so afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian's Garden View Tea Room won't be missed. A relaxing and sophisticated way to break of the day, the tea room carries on the British tradition of afternoon tea with a selection of services from which to choose.

Spend the afternoon strolling Downtown Disney - a sprawling shopping, dining and entertainment complex. The Downtown Disney Marketplace is the place to pick up Disney merchandise, especially from the massive World of Disney store. On the West Side find a movie theater, DisneyQuest, the House of Blues concert hall and Cirque du Soleil for more entertainment options.

Head back to 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian to dine buffet-style with Cinderella and friends. (The restaurant also has Alice in Wonderland characters at breakfast.) Or, make for the Walt Disney World Swan where characters also show up for buffet dinners at Garden Grove. (Both $15-$35.99)

There's one more stop for grown-ups at Disney's BoardWalk. Dance the night away at the Atlantic Dance Hall, or witness the dueling pianos at Jellyrolls piano bar. 21 and up only, please.

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Disneyland Paris Accident Injures Five

Rebecca Dolan — 2011-04-25T16:00:00+00:00

Filed under: News, Disney

wrayckage, flickr

Five people were injured Monday on Disneyland Paris' Big Thunder Mountain ride, prompting the park to close the coaster.

The accident occurred after a piece of scenery fell onto one of the ride's carriages. Of the five passengers, one was injured seriously, Reuters reports.

Thierry Bonnet, deputy prefect for the Seine-et-Marne region (Disneyland Paris' location), told Reuters that "a piece of scenery made from fiberglass and wood broke off and fell onto one of the carriages. There were 25 people on board."

The ride was closed, but the rest of the park remained open.

In February, a 77-year old woman, albeit with a pre-existing condition, died after sustaining injuries on Walt Disney World's Prince Charming Regal Carousel.

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Take a 'Mini' Vacation With Disney Tilt-Shift Videos

Rebecca Dolan — 2011-04-08T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Disney

Screenshot, DisneyParks

Appearances can be deceiving, especially when it comes to tilt shift photos. Subjects appear to be in miniature, when it's really just a clever photographic manipulation tricking the eye. Using a few fancy camera lens and Photoshop tricks, photographers can make a life size scene look like a model of itself. Here are five cool examples of tilt shift by Disney Parks using none other than the house of the mouse.

A Model Day at Magic Kingdom
An entire day's worth of fun at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, downsized.

WDW Christmas Day Parade
Disney's Christmas parade winds through a "mini" Magic Kingdom.

A Model Day at Epcot
Around the world, under the sea and into the future at a fraction of their size.

A Model Vacation on Disney Cruise Line
A look at a high-seas voyage on the Disney Cruise Line and a ship that looks like it could fit in a bottle.

Tilt-Shift Trip to Disneyland Paris
Catch a "small" glimpse of Disney's European outpost, Disneyland Paris.

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Disney to Break Ground on New Shanghai Park

Rebecca Dolan — 2011-04-04T11:30:00+00:00

Filed under: News, Disney

Associated Press

Walt Disney Company will break ground Friday on a long awaited Shanghai theme park, the "Los Angeles Times" reported.

The start of the $3.6 billion project signals the end of 16 years of speculation as to when Disney would venture into mainland China. Discussions of the China project began in 1995.

1,700 acres in northeast Shanghai have been set aside for the complex. Anticipated amenities include a theme park, two hotels, retail and dining complex, and a lake.

According to Chinese state media, the first phase of construction should be completed by 2014. But the entire project could take up to five years reports the "Wall Street Journal."

The park, which will be Disney's fourth international outpost, is expected to receive 7.3 million visitors its first year.

In addition to parks in Anaheim, California and Orlando, Florida, Disney operates Disneyland Resort Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort.

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