The Orlando Vacation Tips Blog

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Expansion Details with Diagon Alley and Hogwarts Express

2013-05-08T09:53:00.001-07:00

Universal Studios Orlando and Warner Bros. Entertainment have just announced their plans to expand The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It will be called The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley, and will come with new rides, a restaurant, and shops based on the Harry Potter series. Read the full article for more details.

Scheduled to open in 2014, the expansion will extend beyond the Islands of Adventure park and will be built on the old Jaws site.

There has only been one piece of concept art released so far, but there is sure to be more to follow as the opening date gets closer.

In the picture you can quite clearly see The Knight Bus, Gringots Bank, and a train station. This reconstruction of platform 9 and 3/4 will house a fully functioning Hogwarts Express train ride, connecting the new expansion to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter site in Islands of Adventure.

The expansion will also feature a rollercoaster style Gringots Bank ride, with a dragon placed on top as the centrepiece of the expansion.

"We are continuing the journey and adding an entirely new level of adventure," said Tom Williams, Chairman of Universal Parks and Resorts. "And we are brining the same drive, commitment, enthusiasm and innovation to this project as we did to the first."

"Our vision is to create two amazing theme park experiences that combine into one, complete, magical journey," said Alice Norsworthy, executive Vice President of marketing and sales for Universal Orlando Resort.

Don't forget that you can get updates on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion on Facebook.

Be sure to check out the ultimate Disney World Savings Guide written by an ex-Disney Employee and a Best Selling Travel Writer by clicking here.

Disney World Restaurant Guide

2013-05-06T12:36:00.004-07:00

The following is a guest post from Georgina Brisk at Top Villas. Search over 2,500 villas online at www.thetopvillas.com.

Disney World Restaurant Guide

Disney World is home to so many restaurants you’re sure to be spoilt for choice. A wide array of dining options are available from character dining to dinner shows, signature dining and more so it’s hard to pick where to go! Here’s a handy guide to help you on your way.

Where the Characters Dine

Disney World’s collection of character themed restaurants is far from ordinary. Dine with Mickey Mouse and more in a selection of fun-filled settings surrounded by everyone’s favourite story book friends.

The Crystal Palace Restaurant located in Magic Kingdom Park is a buffet style eatery serving delicious American style cuisine. Find Winnie the Pooh and friends waiting to welcome you on arrival!
If you fancy dining with the Chip n Dales then The Garden Grill Restaurant is the place to go. This rotating restaurant is located in The Land Pavilion at Epcot serving sumptuous American food. Enjoy a great view of the harvest-style attraction below the restaurant, and be sure to try the ‘Living with the Land’ Farmers Salad or Char-Grilled Fillet of beef with red wine sauce.
Enjoy a feast fit for a king at Cinderella’s Royal Table located in the heart of Fantasyland. American cuisine is served in a fairy-tale castle setting with Disney princesses meeting and greeting as they go.

Buffets Are Never Boring

Disney World boasts a whole host of buffet style restaurants and dining options for all the family.

Options include:

Relax with Goofey and friends at beach-style buffet restaurant Cape May Café. Enjoy all you can eat for breakfast and dinner at Cape May, located in Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is home to storybook style diner 1900 Park Fare. Hob-nob with Disney royalty including Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland and Cinderella and friends.
Biergarten Restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat buffet and frequent live entertainment in an Octoberfest style setting. Set in the Bavarian Village in the Germany Pavilion at Epcot this restaurant serves German cuisine such as sausages, sauerkraut, schnitzel and more.

Casual Fare is Fun

ESPN Club is every sports enthusiast’s dream. Located on Disney’s Boardwalk there’s plenty of live sports action on T.V plus delicious burgers, beers and sandwiches.

Big River Grille & Brewing Works is a restaurant and brewery located on Disney’s Boardwalk. It serves salads, sandwiches and freshly brewed beer.
Cap n Jack Restaurant offers American seafood cuisine and great cocktails, located on the waterfront in Downtown Disney’s Marketplace. Try the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes or Citrus Shrimp Salad.

Dinner Shows & Events

Disney’s may dinner shows and dining events ensure guests are entertained while they eat!
Try Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show where you will see hula dancers, fire-knife performers and more at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Guests sit at tables around the stage and are entertained throughout their meal. The Polynesian food includes salad, coconut bread, roast chicken and Polynesian style rice and vegetables.
Mickey’s Backyard BBQ serves an all-you-can-eat platter of American bbq style food with Mickey Mouse and friends. Located in Disnney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.

Book a luxury villa in Orlando today and find all this and more!

For more information visit www.thetopvillas.com

Want to write for The Orlando Vacation Tips Blog? Email us at ovtips@gmail.com for more information.

Transformer Crashes into Building in Downtown Orlando

2013-05-01T12:26:00.000-07:00

A Transformer has 'crashed through' the Fairwinds building in downtown Orlando, promoting the new Transformers ride coming to Universal this summer. You can see it near exit 83 on I-4. (Click "read more" to see pictures and video clip below).

Transformers: The Ride-3D is set to open June 20. 2013.

Watch a video report here:

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Tip of the Week: When You Bring Your Own Stroller to Orlando

2013-05-01T11:12:00.002-07:00

It's time for another "Tip of the Week" from The Orlando Vacation Tips Blog.

Each week we'll have a brand new travel "Tip of the Week," so keep checking back on the main blog for more updates.

This week we share a tip that will help those travelling with strollers to the Orlando theme parks.

Join in the conversations happening right now over on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/TheOrlandoVacationTipsBlog.
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AquaDunk water slide CONFIRMED for the Disney Magic cruise ship enhancement on Disney Cruise Line

2013-04-26T10:43:00.002-07:00

Disney have recently confirmed that the Disney Magic cruise ship will get a new enhanced version of the AquaDuck.

Although there are rumors of more enhancements to come to the Disney Magic, nothing has been confirmed yet. We do know some of what is coming, but we cannot go into detail until it is officially confirmed by Disney. To make sure you hear it first, follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TheOrlandoVacationTipsBlog.

Here is an official animation video from Disney featuring the new AquaDunk water slide.

Tip of the Week: How to Save Money at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

2013-04-25T08:32:00.004-07:00

Welcome back to our weekly instalment on The Orlando Vacation Tips Blog.

Each week we'll have a brand new travel "Tip of the Week," so keep checking back on the main blog for more updates.

Does your child want to get dressed up at Magic Kingdom? Find out how you can save money in the video below.

Flashback Friday: Building Walt's Dream

2013-04-19T13:15:00.003-07:00

We're taking a leap here on The Orlando Vacation Tips Blog and bringing you another new weekly instalment. Every Friday we'll be bringing you a piece of Disney history and calling it, "Flashback Friday." Keep checking back each week, or alternatively you could give us a 'like' on Facebook here to keep up with all of our postings.

We're calling our first instalment, "Building Walt's Dream." While overseeing the building of Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, Walt was faced with many difficulties. He put the entire family savings into building it and what did his staff and critics say?

“It won’t work!”
“You’re wasting money on something that won’t generate revenue!”
“And the idea of fancy landscaping is ridiculous!”
“Tell Walt he’s nuts!”

Walt’s reply? “Great. If they had liked it I would have been worried...”

It was in the late 1940’s that Walt Disney sat on a bench at Griffith Park, a children’s park located in Los Angeles, California. As he watched his two daughters, Diane (who would have been around 14 years old) and Sharon (adopted daughter who would have been around 11), he noticed how ragged and filthy the small amusement park was. He also noticed how the parents would sit and watch the children with nothing to do. They would all be anxious to get back to their homes, while the children were wanting to stay and have fun. And so an idea was born. An idea of a place “where parents and children could have fun together,” as he put it.

On an early Saturday morning in 1954, Walt called a young Herb Ryman, a renowned Disney artist, to his office. Walt said, “Herby, I’m going to do an amusement park. Roy (Disney) has to talk to the bankers and we’ve got to show them what we are going to do.” Herb was excited and said, “Well I’d like to see it too.” Walt smiled back saying, “You’re going to do it.” Shocked Herb said, “No I’m not. You’ve known about this for several weeks, now why do you wait until Saturday morning before the Monday and expect anybody to do a good job?” Walt walked over to the corner of the room looking out the window, and then turning back to him said, “Will you do it if I stay here with you?” And as Herb Ryman described the event in a later interview he finished with “And so Walt, as you know, is a very persuasive person.”

Walt and Herb then went to work on what was to be the first concept art drawing of Disneyland, as pictured below.

This was only the beginning of Walt’s dream. He called in artists, animators and engineers from within and outside the company. He travelled around the United States, visiting places such as Thomas Edison’s workshop and The Wright Brothers Bicycle Shop. During his travels he would formulate his plans of a “Mickey Mouse Park” that would include a western village, a Main Street, and more. These ideas would be built over the following years until eventually on July 17th, 1955, Walt could be found in his apartment above main street watching the crowds pour in on opening day.

Sharon Baird, a Mouseketeer from The Mickey Mouse Club television show, described the event:

“I was standing next to him at the window, watching the guests come through the gates. When I looked up at him, he had his hands behind his back, a grin from ear to ear, and I could see a lump in his throat and a tear streaming down his cheek. He had realized his dream.”

Be sure to 'like' us over at facebook.com/TheOrlandoVacationTipsBlog for more Orlando vacation tips and tricks to avoid long lines, save on merchandise and really make the most of your trip!

Tip of the Week: A Different Approach to Parades

2013-04-16T12:14:00.004-07:00

It's time for another "Tip of the Week" from The Orlando Vacation Tips Blog.

Every Tuesday we'll have a brand new travel "Tip of the Week," so keep checking back on the main blog for more updates.

This week we share a different approach to parades. This tip will really help you save time, if you've already seen the parades or aren't too bothered about missing them.

Tip of the Week: Lost Autograph Books

2013-04-12T07:11:00.002-07:00

Welcome back to our new weekly instalment on The Orlando Vacation Tips Blog.

Each week we'll have a brand new travel "Tip of the Week," so keep checking back on the main blog for more updates.

How can you make sure you get your lost autograph books back? Find out in the video below.

Tip of the Week: Package Pickup at Walt Disney World

2013-04-01T05:46:00.001-07:00

Welcome back to our new weekly instalment on The Orlando Vacation Tips Blog.

Each Orlando travel "Tip of the Week" will be released on Tuesdays, so keep checking back on the main blog for more updates.

What happens when you visit Walt Disney World, and end up buying too much stuff to carry? Watch our "Tip of the Week" to find out.

To get more Orlando travel tips, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel by visiting us at http://www.youtube.com/user/OrlandoTipsBlog

World of Chima to be Built at Legoland Florida

2013-03-27T14:34:00.002-07:00

Legoland Florida will be expanding again this summer, with the edition of "World of Chima," based on a Lego product with tribes of mystical animal warriors. Read the full article for more details.

The new section of the park will feature an interactive water ride called "The Quest for Chi" and a fast-paced Speedorz Arena where players can compete and assemble Lego sculptures.

There will also be a new 4D movie called "Lego Chima 4D Movie Xperience."

During the Quest for Chi water ride, Guests will join the Lion Tribe known from the product line, which is working to recover stolen chi orbs, a source of energy. They will board a watercraft and use water cannons to assist Laval the Lion Prince defeat Cragger the Crocodile King.

To be sure that you don't miss any updates and get the news in real time as it happens, "like" us at The Orlando Vacation Tips Blog on Facebook by clicking here.

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Tip of the Week: Advice on visiting Fantasyland in Walt Disney World

2013-03-26T13:09:00.002-07:00

Welcome to our new weekly instalment on The Orlando Vacation Tips Blog.

Each Orlando travel "Tip of the Week" will be released on Tuesdays, so keep checking back on the main blog for more updates.

This weeks tip will be helpful for those travelling with younger children who want to experience those classic Fantasyland attractions. View it by clicking play below.

To get more Orlando travel tips, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel by visiting us at http://www.youtube.com/user/OrlandoTipsBlog

Disney World Adds A Fourth Race To Marathon Weekend

2013-03-26T09:05:00.001-07:00

Run Disney have just announced that a fourth race is to be added to Marathon weekend at The Walt Disney World Resort in January 2014. Runners who complete every race during the event will have complete the Dopey Challenge. Read the full article for more details...

The new race will be a 10K, so there are now four races in four days: 5K on Thursday, 10K on Friday, half-marathon on saturday and a marathon on Sunday.

The popular Goofy Challenge will still be in place, which runners who complete the half-marathon and full marathons are awarded.

There are 6 medals up for grabs in total, one for each race, along with both challenges.

Registration for the weekend will open April 9. and the events will take place Jan. 9-12. 2014.

Free Things to Do in Orlando

An Interview With The Man Who Build Walt Disney World

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Storm Quickly Builds Up At Universal Studios Orlando

2013-03-24T12:41:00.000-07:00

This afternoon a storm quickly built up at Universal Studios Orlando. Orlando Informer posted the follow image:

Reports have stated that the storm developed quickly and WESH 2 News have announced Tornado warnings in effect for Lake, Orange, Seminole and Sumter counties.

To be sure that you don't miss any updates and get the news in real time as it happens, "like" us at The Orlando Vacation Tips Blog on Facebook by clicking here.

If you enjoyed this post, you may also be interested in:

Free Things to Do in Orlando

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A New Iron Man Monorail Spotted at Walt Disney World

2013-03-23T06:05:00.000-07:00

A new Iron Man monorail has been spotted at The Walt Disney World Resort. Twitter user @wdwmickeyhunter posted the follow images this morning.

Iron Man 3 is set to be released Man 3. 2013 in the US, and will see the return of Robert Downy Jr. as Tony Stark.

To be sure that you don't miss any updates and get the news in real time as it happens, "like" us at The Orlando Vacation Tips Blog on Facebook by clicking here.

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Countdown to Fun Parade at Disney's Hollywood Studios to End

2013-03-16T08:52:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I received an anonymous tip from a Cast Member at Disney's Hollywood Studios regarding the closings of the 'Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun' parade and it's 'Disney Channel Rocks!' show. Read the full article for more details...

The tip came in yesterday saying that Disney had announced to it's Cast Members that both of the entertainment shows would end on April 6th, 2013, with no plans yet for a replacement.

Although there is no news yet on a replacement, I highly doubt that Disney will leave this space empty in their daily operations at the park. Before the "Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun" parade ran, Disney had the "Block Party Bash Parade" (ending Jan, 1st. 2011) and the loveable "Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade" before that (running from October, 1st. 2001 to March, 8th. 2008).

Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun Parade from undercovertourist.com

What is/ was your favorite parade at the Disney parks? Let us know in the comments below!

To be sure that you don't miss any updates and get the news in real time as it happens, "like" us at The Orlando Vacation Tips Blog on Facebook by clicking here.

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Who Is Appearing At Star Wars Weekends 2013?

2013-03-15T06:49:00.001-07:00

Details have just been announced from Disney on Star Wars Weekends in 2013. Disney to pay tribute to 30th anniversary of "Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi" in this years poster artwork.

Gary Buchanan from the Disney Parks blog says of the artwork, "This year, his (Mickey) imagination takes him to the Forest Moon of Endor, where he is seen zipping away from scout troopers with Chip and Dale."

Ray Park has also been confirmed to appear at the first two Star Wars weekends in 2013. Park is the actor who portrayed Sith warrior Darth Maul on the silver screen.

Actor Warwick Davis, known for playing Ewok, Wicket W. Warrick, will also be a celebrity guest appearing at weekends 2 and 3.

More details are to be confirmed soon. To be sure that you don't miss any updates and get the news in real time as it happens, "like" us at The Orlando Vacation Tips Blog on Facebook by clicking here.

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Downtown Disney to Become Disney Springs with Expansion Plans

2013-03-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

Walt Disney World Resort has recently announced the multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs, a unique destination that will treat guests to significantly more shopping, dining and entertainment amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm.

"Disney Springs will be a timeless, vibrant place where Walt Disney World guests and local residents can relax, shop, dine and be entertained in an imaginative setting where they'll instantly feel at home," said Tom Staggs, chairmen of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "Featuring distinctive brands, world-class restaurants and unforgettable entertainment, Disney Springs will be brought to life with the same focus on storytelling and attention to detail that goes into our theme parks, resorts and cruise ships, resulting in a welcoming space that only Disney could create."

The expansion will feature:

"The Town Center," which will offer a sophisticated mix of shopping and dining along with a promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect.
A colorful and thriving commercial district called "The Landing" with inspired dining and beautiful waterfront views.
The family-friendly "Marketplace" that will continue to delight guests of all ages by combining new experiences, such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including an expanded World of Disney store (just incase the biggest store on property was too small).
A "West Side" that provides an exuberant atmosphere with lively entertainment, along with a series of new elevated spaces that provide both share and an overlook to the activity below.

So as you can probably tell from the names of the new sections of the expansion, some of Downtown Disney will be staying fairly the same (West Side and Marketplace).

Construction is set to begin next month (April 2013) with new areas opening in phases.

Disney Springs is expected to be complete in 2016.

For more updates from The Walt Disney World Resort, and other great Orlando Vacation Tips, join us at The Orlando Vacation Tips Blog on Facebook.

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Delicious Delights from Disney's Hollywood Studios

2013-03-13T09:49:00.000-07:00

The disney parks blog announced earlier today that the creative pastry chefs at Disney's Hollywood Studios have come up with some adorable, delicious confections for the upcoming holidays.

From March 8th to March 17th you can grab yourself a St. Patrick's Day chocolate cupcake, iced with green-tinted peppermint buttercream and topped with a white or green chocolate hat. The cupcake will be finished with two round Vanilla wafers dipped in dark chocolate to resemble 'Mickey ears' (pictured above).

From March 18th to March 31st you will be delighted to find the pineapple-coconut cupcake for Easter. The cupcake consists up yellow cake with white buttercream, coconut shavings and colorful confetti, accompanied with a pair of adorable white chocolate funny ears and a pink polka-dot bow tie.

The holiday cupcakes are priced at $4.99 and are available at ABC Commissary, Pizza Planet, Backlot Express, Studio Catering Co., Starring Roles, Rosie's and Fairfax Fare. They will also be available as a "snack" on the Disney Dining Plan.

Free Things to Do in Orlando

An Interview With The Man Who Build Walt Disney World

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Mickey Mouse Set For A Cartoon Comeback!

2013-03-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

Mickey is now the 'talk of the toon' as Disney announces his comeback in a series of 19 cartoons, being screened on the Disney Channel starting in June.

Mickey’s new cartoons have been hand-drawn in 2D in homage to Walt and his animators from the 1920s.

The world’s most famous mouse, who made his debut 85 years ago in animated film Steamboat Willie, will appear in modern-day settings in the new episodes and will team up with old favourites including Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck.

Bob Iger, CEO of the Disney Company, said the cartoons will feature Mickey’s “impish and innocent” qualities.

You can now watch the first short titled "Croissant de Triomphe" by clicking here (North America) and here (outside North America).

So what do you think of Mickey's new cartoons? Let us know in the comments below.

For more updates on The Walt Disney Company, and other great Orlando Vacation Tips, visit us at www.orlandovacationtipsblog.com

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Merchandise for the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival in 2013

2013-03-06T08:33:00.001-08:00

Steven Miller recently posted over on the Disney Parks Blog revealing information on what Merchandise you can get your hands on at this years International Flower & Garden Festival at EPCOT. Read more for full details.

The merchandise location this year will resemble a garden oasis, with gentle water and chirping bird sounds.

The festival will feature special merchandise such as a new topiary-inspired headband, a strawberry ear hat, and Duffy the Disney Bear in overalls.

Photos from the Disney Parks Blog.

What are you most looking forward to at this years Flower & Garden Festival? Let us know in the comments below.

For more updates on the 2013 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, and other great Orlando Vacation Tips, visit us at www.orlandovacationtipsblog.com

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A Quick Update on Main Street Bakery Starbucks Concept Art

2013-02-23T11:53:00.003-08:00

The Main Street Bakery is set to re-open in May 2013, but what will it look like inside? Read more to find out...

Below you will find the first piece of concept art for the new Main Street Bakery at Walt Disney World. The Bakery is set to open in May 2013 and will feature some tasty delights from Starbucks.

Concept Art for The Main Street Bakery.

We want to know what you think. Do you think it will look better or worse than the previous design? Leave a comment below with your thoughts.

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Join in the conversations happening right now at The Orlando Vacation Tips Blog on Facebook.

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A Guide to Bands, Brew, & BBQ at SeaWorld Orlando

2013-02-22T08:08:00.000-08:00

Bands, Brew, & BBQ is an awesome summer event at SeaWorld Orlando. Featuring sizzling BBQ delights from favorite local restaurants, accompanied with some great beer, you can kick back and soak up the sun with musical artists such as The Beach Boys, Josh Turner, Third Eye Blind, and Sheryl Crow. Read on for your guide to the event...

Event Start Time: 11:30 a.m. - Barbecue Stations open. 04:00 p.m. - Concerts begin.

Place: Concerts are at Bayside Stadium, and the featured BBQ and beers are available on the pathway leading to the stadium.

Price: You can buy a Craft Brew Sampler package for $21 (for 10 drinks), featuring 25 different beers. But don't worry if you can't drink all of them in one day, as you can bring your ticket back another day to get the rest.

The BBQ starts from $7. We suggest the signature pulled pork. Yum!

Band Line Up

Saturday, February 9 Chris Young with Jerrod Niemann
Sunday, February 10 Merle Haggard
Saturday, February 16 The Beach Boys
Sunday, February 17 Styx
Saturday, February 23 Big & Rich
Sunday, February 24 Third Eye Blind
Saturday, March 2 Daryl Hall & John Oates
Sunday, March 3 Darius Rucker
Saturday, March 9 Michael McDonald
Sunday, March 10 Josh Turner
Saturday, March 16 Rodney Atkins with Uncle Kracker
Sunday, March 17 Sheryl Crow

The Orlando Vacation Tips Blog's top tip: As the event is sponsored by Harley Davidson, you can get free parking when you ride your Harley to SeaWorld!

Remember, you can get more tips and tricks for visiting the Orlando Theme Parks at The Orlando Vacation Tips Blog.

If you enjoyed this post, you may also be interested in:

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Where is the best place to see Illuminations at EPCOT?

2013-02-16T08:44:00.004-08:00

After my article about the best place to watch wishes, another reader asked me the question, "Where is the best place to see IllumiNations at EPCOT?" So in this post, I will be counting down the top 10 places to see the firework show at EPCOT.

10. Italy

On the raised part right in front of the lagoon there is a great spot to view the show. I’ve often seen it used for private dining parties, but you can still stand nearby.

9. Mexico

Another great spot lies on the bridge connecting future world to the Mexico pavilion. It tends to get quite busy so if you want to be right by the railing facing the lagoon, I'd advise to get there early.

8. Outdoor terrace at Tokyo Dining

It's always a pleasant experience to step outside of the Tokyo Dining restaurant to view the firework show. Most Guests tend to flock to the front of world showcase so on times it's often very quiet here.

7. The Rose and Crown Dining Room

If you manage to get a table booked at the Rose and Crown, your server will kindly allow you to stand outside to watch the fireworks. If you have a young child with you, they may be selected for a "magical moment" where they can be the one to set off the first firework. Please note that this is limited to one child (or family of children) per night.

6. La Cantina de San Angel

Grab a seat by the lagoon and watch the show while snacking on some nachos. Remember that the noise level in this restaurant can get quite loud before the show starts, but pretty soon you'll be cheering "arriba, arriba" as you watch the fireworks above.

5. World Showcase Plaza

Many people gather at the front of the lagoon in World Showcase Plaza, so this spot tends to get very crowded. If you want to get close to the front I would suggest getting there early. It might take a while to get out of this spot too, as the crowds will normally form a funnel to get to the main gate.

4. Between Norway and Mexico

Another great spot is between the Norway and Mexico pavilions. It's very open here, so there will be lots of space available.

3. IllumiNations Cruise

If it's in your budget, an IllumiNations Cruise can be one of the best firework experiences at Walt Disney World. Cruises run at $325 plus tax for up to 10 Guests. Guests may order private dining to be delivered to the cruise.

2. The Bridge connecting the UK and France Pavilions

As this spot is pretty close to EPCOT's second gate it will get pretty busy. If you get there early you can grab a great spot right near the lagoon, but there is sometimes a privet dining event on the lower deck so be prepared with another spot.

1. Canadian Pavilion

The all time greatest spot to watch IllumiNations is right in front of the Canadian pavilion. This spot is very open and doesn't attract a very big crowd at all. There is a slight slant to the ground here so I would suggest standing away from the water front in order to see more. Right after the fireworks have ended if you head to the main gate, you will find a path that is usually quite quiet.

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J.J. Abrams to direct Star Wars: Episode VII

2013-01-24T15:50:00.001-08:00

Star Trek Into Darkness helmer J.J. Abrams is going to direct Star Wars: Episode VII for Walt Disney Pictures and Lucasfilm, reports TheWrap. The website claims that Ben Affleck was also in contention.

In November, Abrams commented on the possibility of him directing and it seemed like it wasn't happening:

"Look, Star Wars is one of my favorite movies of all time. I frankly feel that – I almost feel that, in a weird way, the opportunity for whomever it is to direct that movie, it comes with the burden of being that kind of iconic movie and series. I was never a big Star Trek fan growing up, so for me, working on Star Trek didn’t have any of that, you know, almost fatal sacrilege, and so, I am looking forward more then anyone to the next iterations of Star Wars, but I believe I will be going as a paying moviegoer!"

TheWrap adds that Lucasfilm's Kathleen Kennedy is courting Abrams for the director's chair for a short time.

Star Wars: Episode VII is scheduled to hit theaters in 2015. Michael Arndt is writing the script. Disney and Lucasfilm are creating a whole new trilogy with a brand new movie coming out every other year.

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