If you think that Orlando Disneyland is a magical wonderland for family vacations, this article will jolt you to reality.

This is because gays and lesbian couples can exchange marriage vows in Orlando Disneyland Cinderella’s Castle for sometime now. Is there anything wrong with that? Well, is there anything wrong with that?

The Walt Disney Company used to limit its Fairy Tale Wedding programs to couples with legitimate marriage licenses before, but is now making wedding ceremonies at its parks available to gay and lesbian couples as well. Why would they want to do that and earn the ire of the conservatives in the society is anyone’s guess. Is the pull of the pink dollar too attractive to ignore?

It is a fact that since 1991, gays and lesbians would gather in Disney World Orlando in the first week of June in what is now known as “Disney Gay Week” in the gay and lesbian community. It was estimated that last year, about 135,000 gay revelers traveled to the Orlando Disney theme the park for gay parties and for a taste of Disney magic.

Disney’s controversial decision to host gay and lesbian weddings have of course drawn loud and shrill protests from family oriented groups, Christian conservative groups and other interest groups. There were even occassionally some scattered violence when homophobes confront pockets of gays.

”I want to point out that this event is not called Gay Days in Orlando, but is called Gay Days at Walt Disney World, and as such, we believe Disney is responsible for all the activities that take place under the umbrella of this event, whether it takes place on Disney property or off Disney property. As you can see, there is plenty of offensive homosexual activities taking place within the Disney theme parks that would shock most parents and their young children.” Christian Action Network President Martin Mawyer reportedly said.

In 2005, a Southern Baptists movement ended an eight-year boycott of the Walt Disney Company for violating “moral righteousness and traditional family values.”

However, Disney Parks and Resorts spokesman Donn Walker defended the Disney policy by saying “We believe this change is consistent with Disney’s long-standing policy of welcoming every guest in an inclusive environment. We want everyone who comes to celebrate a special occasion at Disney to feel welcomed and respected.”

Disney World said it finally allowed gay and lesbian marriages to be solemnized in its ground after being contacted by a gay couple who wanted to use Disney’s wedding services, which offers wedding ceremonies at Disneyland in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida Orlando and on Disney’s vacation cruise ships.

The wedding services and celebrations offered by Disney include flowers, dining, music, singers and many optional Disney magical touches such as ceremonies in front of the park’s iconic attractions and to having Mickey and Minnie Mouse appearing as invited as wedding guests. The wedding celebration and solemnization packages start at a cool $8,000 and can cost as much as $50,000.

Do you think it is the right thing to do for Disney to allow gay and lesbian weddings in its theme parks?

Disney vacation is one of the most fun vacations to plan.Knowing what a Disney Vacation has to offer,will help you get in on some of the best packages available.You can have a travel agent do the bulk of it for you, or do it yourself.

I would like to give some tips to others on how to go about planning a vacation to the Happiest Place on Earth. First, before deciding anything else, you must decide which date you would like to be at the Disneyland Resort.The date is important, depending on what you would like to do while there.

The busiest times at a Disney park are Spring Break, summer, and the week between Christmas and New Years. While busy time periods cause longer lines, they also have fewer attractions down for rehabilitation, and more parades and shows will be scheduled. For the less busy times of year, the queues will be shorter, but entertainment may just be held on weekends, and more attractions will be down for rehab in the slow season.

All of this must be taken into account when you decide on your travel dates. If you want to see all of the entertainment, and ride every ride, then summer, Spring Break, or Christmas week would probably be your better choice.

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas the parks are less busy, but it is a great time to go because most entertainment and attractions will be up and running in preparation of the busiest week of the year. If your goal for a Disney Vacation is to simply be there, see and do as much as you possibly can in a short period of time, you may want to choose a less busy time of year.

Once again, a great time would be between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Disney is a totally different place in the Christmas Season, with all of the wonderful decorations. Spending a magical time like Christmas, at a magical place like Disneyland Resort is an incredible vacation.

By the first week of January the decorations come down, and the crowds stay light, but Haunted Mansion and It’s A Small World are usually scheduled to be refurbished, to removed the holiday overlay. If rides and shows are not important to you, this is the perfect time to go on a Disney Vacation.The dream of a Disney Vacation is one which is in the minds of children and adults alike.

If you go without a plan, although you’ll still have a relatively good time, you’ll find that you spent much more time, effort, and money, than you would have if you had planned for that dreamed of Discount Disney Vacation. The plan doesn’t have to be elaborate, but you should do your “homework” and “know before you go.”

Walt Disney World, Orlando, caters for kids large and small, mom, dad and everyone else you can think of. Booking a vacation at a Disney resort is very definitely fun for all the family.And give you memories that will last a lifetime. Apart from the usual rides, shows and well-loved Disney characters, there are plenty of attractions designed to entertain adults. Disney is pretty good at arranging activities so that mom or dad – or both – can get time off to have a look around, so why not spend some time in the France pavilion. Disney’s designers have lovingly recreated the streets of Paris for you to enjoy a real romantic break.

You can shop in chic boutiques, offering very nearly all the designer goods you would find on the Champs Elyses. And when you’re exhausted after a busy morning hitting the cash registers, you can chill out at a variety of authentic Parisian cafes and restaurants. Those of an adventurous turn of mind could explore the possibilities for excitement presented by one of Disney’s Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Disney’s very own small-scale safari park is populated by genuine animals for the African savannas – take a guided drive to see the giraffes and hippos, and you’ll be transported in an instant to the endless grasslands of the Masai Mara. Both these activities, of course, offer possibilities for the whole family.

If you’re an independent and outdoors type, you might like to consider the Fort Wilderness campground.You can take your own tent or RV, or stay in one of the campground’s self-catering cabins. The campground is a miniature vacation destination all to itself – there are activities for kids, trails to hike, and fun sing-along campfire evenings, for you to get to know your fellow campers.

If you want to stay in more solid accommodation the first level is one of Disney World’s ‘Value Resorts.’ The All-Star Music Resort, for example, is a great hotel and entertainment center.Like all of Disney’s resorts of all levels; it is themed – the theme in question being, of course, music.

The Disney Corporation takes its theming very seriously The All-Star Music Resort allows you to enjoy music of all styles from country to jazz, and even has a pool shaped like a grand piano Like all the Disney World resorts, Value Resorts are within easy striking distance of all the central Disney World attractions, and transport there and back is completely taken care of.

The next level up are the Disney Moderate Resorts.Rooms are a little more spacious than those at the Value Resorts, and the range of facilities on offer is a little wider. The Caribbean Beach Resort, to take an example, has some room service – there’s none in Value Resorts – and a variety of other small perks and features not available to Value guests.

If you want to sample the very best Disney has to offer, you should book a place at a Disney World Deluxe Resort. Deluxe guests get the best rooms, world-class restaurants, concierge and bell service and access to spas, health clubs and even a business center and wi-fi internet access for those who just can’t bear to be away from their desk.

Making the decision to take a vacation at Walt Disney World may be easy; however deciding where to stay can be more of a challenge. With over 30 hotels, timeshares and resorts on the Disney World property, there are options available to suit every budget and style. You can stay in a perfectly adequate room for less than $100 or pay several thousand dollars for a luxurious suite. On average, a family of four will pay around $500 a day to vacation at Disney.

There are many options available to the vacationer at Walt Disney World. While staying at a hotel in one of the parks generally costs more than staying at a hotel in the surrounding area, there are advantages to being close to the action. Spending the night in the actual park makes visiting the park a bit easier. Not only can you be standing in line when the doors open in the morning, you can easily return to your hotel room during the day for a much needed break.

In addition to these benefits, vacationers who stay at a Disney hotel have access to “Extra Magic Hours” which allows guests of the hotel to experience one of the four theme parks an hour before the normal opening time, or two hours after normal closing time. It’s a great way to make the kids happy and to avoid some of the crowds.

If you are going to stay at a Disney hotel, the next decision is which one to choose. Price will most likely be a deciding factor and Disney resorts typically fall into one of four categories, based on the room price and the general amenities. Regardless of your choice, booking the room as far ahead of time as possible, especially during summer, at Christmas and during school vacations is the best way to get your first choice.

The eight Disney deluxe resorts offer larger rooms ranging from 340 to 410 square feet, as well as balconies on most rooms. They also offer such extras as stylish dining options, concierge service and spectacular locations. Rooms at the deluxe resorts range from around $230 to $700 although larger suites can cost a lot more – you can pay up to around $2700 for some suites.

The moderate resorts offer rooms at prices ranging from around $150 per night to $250. These hotels also offer more stylish dining options than less expensive hotels and the rooms contain coffee makers and refrigerators. Pools at the moderate resorts offer such extras as hot tubs and poolside bars.

The least expensive category is the value resorts, with room rates ranging from around $90 to $140. Rooms are around 260 square feet and can comfortably sleep a family of four. Value resorts don’t tend to have stylish dining options, rather a choice of fast food type options in a food court setting.

Disney also offers several resorts that they call Home Away from Home Resorts, which are basically condo rentals, and part of Disney’s timeshare program. Rates range from around $280 to around $2100, which are based on the season and the size of the unit. Apart from the extra space, the condos offer such extras as full service restaurants, landscaped and attractive grounds and activity programs.

Walt Disney World is an extremely large resort; and, next to price, the location of your hotel is the next factor to consider when on deciding which hotel to choose. The three best hotels, location wise, are generally considered to be the Grand Floridian, the Polynesian and Disney’s Contemporary resort. All three are conveniently located on the Disney monorail line. If you stay at any Disney hotel, free transportation throughout the parks is included in the room cost.

Depending on your preference, you may want to choose a Disney hotel with a particular theme. Hotels have themes based on such diverse things as rock music, the American wilderness, old New Orleans, and of course, Hollywood and the movie industry.

The themes are skillfully and subtly incorporated into every element of the hotel; the architecture, room design, and restaurants all reflect the particular theme. The resorts offer entertainment as well, everything from live jazz to nightclubs and stand up comedy. If you are visiting Disney without children, you may want to consider one of the more adult-oriented resorts.

If you happen to be traveling with children to Disney World, as many people are, kids tend to enjoy staying at the themed hotels. Also, children under 18 stay for free in Disney hotels on what is known as the family plan. Check in time is 3pm at most Disney hotels and check out time is usually at 11am.

If you are traveling with your family and you need a break from the kids, Disney makes that easy as well. All the Disney resorts, as well as many other hotels in the Orlando area, offer baby sitting services. The more expensive Disney resorts have child care facilities with activity programs throughout the day. So, give some thought when choosing your Disney hotel, it can make all the difference when it comes to having a magical and memorable vacation.

Whether you are a first-time cruiser or a seasoned cruise vacation veteran, the Disney cruise is one vacation experience like no other. The Disney cruise line provides an amazing time for kids, but the adults will have just as much fun. While the kids are off enjoying all the Disney cruise ship has to offer, adults can enjoy a nice range of on-board activities, amenities, and areas reserved exclusively for them. The ship is not just a kids romper room, a Disney Cruise is a good option that offers first-rate facilities and activities for every age group.

What about the cost of a Disney cruise?

The Disney cruise allows you to keep your wallet inside your trousers, most things included in its all inclusive Disney cruise package. Cruising can be an affordable travel alternative; a Disney cruise is a fun way for your and your family to either separate or congregate. A Disney cruise package can be far less then some cruises and they will go out of their way to take care of anyone’s needs.

What kinds of activities are available on a Disney cruise vacation?

Suffice it to say, you’re going to experience some incredible onboard activities. As you’d expect from Disney, families will find special facilities and activities with the Disney Cruise Line, all beautifully executed and played out in precision. One of the best highlights of any Disney Cruise is the exciting day spent on Disney’s own private island paradise, Castaway Cay. Get out and stretch your legs and go for a swim on this beautiful mini island paradise. You can choose from a variety of activities for all ages at Castaway Cay to add to your Disney Cruise Line vacation fun. Having their own private island puts Disney a step ahead of Carnival cruise line.

What about all that disney vacation cruise food?

One thing that brings many folks to a cruise is the quality and quantity of the food. It’s hard to keep your waistline after sampling all the cruise line has to offer from their kitchens. The food is plentiful and diverse and staff is friendly. With food and drinks abundant and overflowing, along with being available 24/7, you can have a glutenous experience.

The Disney cruise is an amazing cruise to experience, and even an amazing all around vacation. The cruise vacation is great for all members of your family and worth looking into. The Disney Cruise is, by far, a vacation experience for young and old to enjoy and have a boat load of fun.

There are numerous choices in lodging when you go for your Disney vacation. If you choose to stay in a Disney World resort hotel, you have a number of choices in Disney vacation packages to decide from in order to find out which is the best option for you.

Here are five types of Disney vacation packages for you to evaluate:

- You may choose to plan your own Disney vacation. You book a Disney hotel. You arrange and pay for your Disney World tickets, meals and recreation separately. You need to plan your budget and know the most that you can spend for the vacation. This is the option that needs a lot of work but it may be the least expensive if you carefully research and compare with other Disney vacation packages.

- ‘Disney’s Magic Your Way’ is the least expensive Disney vacation package available. It includes the costs of your accommodation and a Disney World Base ticket for each member of your party. You can choose the number of days for the tickets or even add on the Disney Park Hopper and Non Expiration option.

- The ‘Disney’s Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining’ vacation package includes all the above-mentioned in the basic package, plus the Disney dining option. Many people think this option is a good value. It allows you and everyone in your party to have one table service dining, one quick service dining, and one snack for each night of the package.

- The ‘Disney’s Magic Your Way Premium Package’ is a very convenient Disney vacation package. It has almost everything that you need. The Premium Package includes Magic Your Way Water Park and More Park Hopper with Non Expiration for the number of days you choose. The dining option includes breakfast, lunch and dinner per person per night with a wide choice of Disney dining locations serving a wide variety of food. More benefits include theme park tours and recreation options. This Disney premium package allows you to budget.

- ‘Disney’s Magic Your Way Platinum Package’ is truly the finest most comprehensive package for those looking for the ultimate in luxury. The Platinum package includes all the elements in the Premium package with additional services in your personal Disney vacation planner which will help to make your stay a truly magical experience. If money is no object and you wish to have an incredible magical experience, then Disney’s Magic Your Way Platinum Package is for you.

Whichever one of the Disney vacation packages that you choose even if it is to go with the a-la carte way, make sure is in your budget and you can make the most out of your investment.

Disney World is a much sought-after destination for family vacationing. However, with all of the activities and sights to see at the Magic Kingdom, the bills could pile up as high as Space Mountain. Even with the tightest wallet, a family of four could spend thousands to see Cinderella’s Castle. If you and your family are planning a trip to Disney World, saving every penny will allow you to see more parks and spend more time in the Kingdom. A budget-friendly Disney vacation can be yours – and these five tips can help make that a reality!

Tip #1: Go for the package deal.

Millions of people visit Disney World each year. So, of course, Disney has a number of package deals available to help make your stay more convenient. Many people opt to instead stay in other non-Disney hotels, plan budget meals, and so forth, but the truth is that you can save a lot of money by simply making your trip centered on Disney. The packaged deals they offer really do help you save money.

Tip #2: Compare your travel options.

Some families choose to drive instead fly when going on vacation. However, with gas prices through the roof, this may not be the best option. It depends on a number of factors including the efficiency of your car, the distance to Orlando, the size of your family, the ages of your children, and the time of year during which you plan to travel. If you have a small family, want to travel during the off-season, and live far from Florida, heading to the airport may be your best choice.

Taking a train or bus to get to Disney World is another option many families choose. A bus or train is a great choice if your children are older and you live within a reasonable distance from Orlando. The key to finding the best price is to research and compare options. If possible, also work with a travel agent to find the best prices in a package deal or group discount. If you want to make the most budget -friendly choice for your Disney World vacation, be sure to explore every travel option before packing your bags.

Tip #3: Check into Disney Club prices for accommodations.

Some families visit Disney World more than just once, and, if your family qualifies, being a member of the Disney Vacation Club can save you money. This club is not equivalent to owning a timeshare with Disney, but you get “points” for your membership, which can then be redeemed at any one of their many club resorts, which are only available to club members. It is important to note that this is not a real estate investment. It is simply a way to save money and make the most of a Disney World vacation if you live nearby and plan to travel to the Magic Kingdom more than once..

However, even if you don’t have the resources to do that, the Disney Club may be able to help you. Points expire after a certain period of time, so if a member cannot make it to Disney, it is possible to sell the points. Once you purchase these points, Disney accommodations become available for a reduced rate! Do your research, and, if the points can help you save, buy some for your family vacation.

Tip #4: Buy a meal plan and eat off-site for the meals not covered.

Food is expensive in the Magic Kingdom, and, you are not permitted to take your own food into the park. If you plan to spend the entire day exploring Disney World’s parks, you will most likely dine at them as well. While time may fly when you’re having fun, hunger does not, so consider one of Disney’s meal plans, which is part of the vacation packages they offer. With the meal plans, you pay one set price for a certain number of dinners and snacks per day. That means you can get more for your money! Another option is getting your hand stamped and leaving the park for lunch. Orlando does have some great family options that are less expensive than food in the park itself. So, perhaps this would be the best option for your family.

Tip #5: Buy Disney Dollars online.

Disney Dollars are exchangeable at a 1:1 rate, but only in Disney itself. You can use them for most souvenirs and food in the parks, as well as in some non-park stores. Many people like to buy Disney Dollars to give their children a “Disney allowance” for items at the park, which is a great idea. However, if you buy them online ahead of time, it is possible to save some money. Because Disney Dollars cannot be used anywhere else or exchanged back to regular dollars, people who have them left over usually sell them for less than a 1:1 rate.

Disney World can fill your imagination but it does not have to empty your wallet in the process. There are many affordable options you and your family can take advantage of in order to place this vacation in your price range. Do your homework, do some research, and you should be able to find a Disney World option that works for best you. Above all else, have a great time, and enjoy your stay in the Magic Kingdom!

Disney World is a complete package fun park for all age group of people. Disney world is famous for its theme parks, water parks and adventurous rides. And all these attractions make it worldâ??s most prominent tourist attraction in entire world. The wonderful Disney world was founded by Walter Elias Disney and Roy O. Disney in October, 1, 1971. The Disney World created some of the most prominent and memorable cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Tom & Jerry and many others. And the Disney world tickets are the passes which give you chance to encounter with all these wonders of Disneyland.

Disney world is famous for its theme parks, which promises the wonderful attractions and rides to their guests. Disneyland has total four theme parks Disney MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT and Magic Kingdom. To enjoy these parks you just need to purchase Disney theme park tickets. The main attractions of these parks are, respectively:

Disney Magic Kingdom- it is the first theme park at the Walt Disney world, opened on 1, October, 1971. The park is divided in seven lands. These lands are namely Main Street USA, Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Mickeyâ??s Toontown Fair.

EPCOT- It is the second theme park at the Walt Disney World. The park is basically dedicated to the technological innovation and international culture, opened on 1, October, 1982. it is a sixth most visited amusement park in the world.

Disney MGM Studios- It is the third theme park built at Walt Disney World. The theme park is spread in 135 acres of land and shows business, drawing inspiration from the heyday of Hollywood in the 1930â??s and 1940â??s. It is seven most visited amusement park in the world. The major attractions of the Disney MGM Studios are Hollywood Boulevard, Echo Lake, Streets of America, Mickey Avenue, Animation Courtyard and Sunset Boulevard.

Animal Kingdom- it is forth and biggest theme park in Walt Disney World. The park is divided into seven theme lands and these are: Oasis, Discovery Island, Camp Minnie-Mickey, Africa, Asia, Rafikiâ??s Planet Watch and DinoLand USA.

To enjoy all these mind blowing theme parks Disney theme parks are available at the admission of the theme parks.

Disney Water Parks are wonderful places to enjoy and fun with entire family or group of friends. Disneyland has two wonderful water parks (Water Parks are Disneyâ??s Blizzard Beach and Disneyâ??s Typhoon Lagoon), those attract the visitors from around the world. These water parks promises extreme fun and excitement and to catch al these fun you just need to buy Disney water park tickets. The Disney world tickets (Disney theme park tickets and Disney water park tickets) are easily available at our website, just need to visit it once.

Think you know everything about Walt Disney World Resort and its four world-class theme parks – Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Think again! Even the biggest Disney fanatic will be amused, intrigued or surprised by some of the 50 fascinating Disney World facts listed below . . .

1. Walt Disney World encompasses 30,500 acres, making it approximately the same size as San Francisco.

2. When Disney’s Magic Kingdom first opened its doors on October 1, 1971, adult admission cost $3.50.

3. The opening day crowd at Disney’s Magic Kingdom was approximately 10,000 guests.

4. The eight “E ticket” attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom were Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Country Bear Jamboree, Hall of Presidents, Jungle Cruise, It’s a Small World and 20,000 Leagues under the Sea.

5. The estimated annual attendance at Disney’s Magic Kingdom is 16.2 million, followed by Epcot with 9.9 million, Disney-MGM Studios with 8.6 million and Disney’s Animal Kingdom with 8.2 million.

6. Cinderella Castle is Disney’s tallest structure at 189 feet, followed by Space Mountain at 183 feet.

7. Both the Carousel of Progress and It’s A Small World made their debut at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair.

8. The 180-foot-tall Spaceship Earth at the entrance to Epcot weighs approximately 16 million pounds.

9. The Haunted Mansion uses state-of-the-art Omnimover vehicles called “Doom Buggies.”

10. The jolly headhunter who shows up near the end of the Jungle Cruise is known as “Trader Sam.”

11. In conjunction with the 2006 release of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men’s Chest, the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disney’s Magic Kingdom was renovated to add several characters from the movie such as Jack Sparrow and Hector Barbossa.

12. The icon of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Tree of Life, stands 14 stories, features more than 300 animal carvings and is 50 feet wide.

13. Built in 1917, Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel in Fantasyland was once located at Olympic Park in Maplewood, New Jersey.

14. The Great Movie Ride at Disney-MGM Studios is housed in a replica of Mann’s Chinese Theater.

15. Astro Orbiter first opened in Tomorrowland in 1974 as Star Jets.

16. The Hall of Presidents had its origins as an audio-animatronic exhibition called “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” which premiered at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair.

17. Originally known as the “Tropical Serenade,” the Tiki Room in Adventureland was once sponsored by Florida Citrus Growers.

18. The 60-foot-tall Swiss Family Treehouse in Adventureland weighs approximately 200 tons and is made of concrete and thousands of polyethylene leaves.

19. Cinderella Castle, the centerpiece of Disney’s Magic Kingdom, features 18 towers and 13 gargoyles.

20. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh at Fantasyland is located on the site of the former Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

21. The “Spirits of America” statues in The American Adventure at Epcot represent Adventure, Compassion, Discovery, Freedom, Heritage, Independence, Individualism, Innovation, Knowledge, Pioneering, Self-Reliance and Tomorrow.

22. Towering four stories over DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dino-Sue is an exact replica of the largest Tyrannosaurus Rex ever discovered.

23. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland features six trains: I.B. Hearty, I.M. Brave, I.M. Fearless, U.B. Bold, U.R. Daring and U.R. Courageous.

24. The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – Starring Aerosmith at Disney-MGM Studios launches you at a speed of 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds.

25. A swinging suspension bridge leads from Tom Sawyer Island to Fort Langhorne, which was named after Samuel Langhorne Clemens (better known as Mark Twain).

26. The replica of the Liberty Bell that can be found in the center of Liberty Square was built from the same authentic cast as the original in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

27. The exit to Haunted Mansion features crypts with humorous names inscribed such as I.M. Ready, Rustin Peese, Pearl E. Gates, Manny Festation, Dustin T. Dust and Asher T. Ashes.

28. The Walt Disney World Railroad, which serves approximately 1.5-million passengers annually, is an authentic 1928 steam-powered train.

29. The Mission: SPACE thrill ride at Epcot is so authentic that motion sickness bags are available just in case of emergency.

30. Mickey’s Toontown Fair was once known as both Mickey’s Birthdayland and Mickey’s Starland.

31. Sonny Eclipse, an “intergalactic lounge singer,” performs daily at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Tomorrowland.

32. In order to rank as a “Galactic Hero” at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, you must score 900,000 to 999,999 points.

33. The audio-animatronic dog in the Carousel of Progress is named “Rover.”

34. Astronauts Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper and Jim Irwin were present at the grand opening of Space Mountain in 1975.

35. Stitch’s Great Escape in Tomorrowland lies at the former site of ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, which closed in 2003.

36. One of the original attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland Indy Speedway was once known as Grand Prix Raceway.

37. Recently renamed The Seas with Nemo & Friends, The Living Seas pavilion opened at Epcot in 1986 and was originally sponsored by United Technologies.

38. “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience,” a 3-D film at Epcot, is located in Future World at the former site of “Captain EO,” another 3-D adventure that was directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starred Michael Jackson and Anjelica Huston.

39. Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus was the first champion at the Walt Disney World Open Invitational, which made its debut in 1971.

40. The Tomorrowland Transit Authority was originally called the WEDway People Mover (WED standing for Walter Elias Disney).

41. Disney’s Magic Kingdom, which encompasses approximately 107 acres, is itself larger than Disneyland, which only covers 80 acres in Anaheim, California.

42. The design of Main Street U.S.A. was loosely based on Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri.

43. The Swiss Family Treehouse is of the species Disneyodendron eximus or “Out-of-the-Ordinary Disney Tree.”

44. The 189-foot-tall water tower icon at Disney-MGM Studios is known as the “Earffel Tower.”

45. Jungle Cruise riverboats include Amazon Annie, Bomokandi Bertha, Congo Connie, Ganges Gertie, Irrawaddy Irma, Kwango Kate, Mongala Millie, Nile Nelly, Orinoco Ida, Rutshuru Ruby, Sankuru Sadie, Senegel Sal, Ucvali Lolly, Volta Val, Wamba Wanda and Zambesi Zelda.

46. Splash Mountain in Adventureland features a five-story, free-fall plunge at a 45-degree angle into a splash pool at a speed of 40 miles per hour.

47. The 8,500-acre Disney Wilderness Preserve, which lies 15 miles South of Disney World, features a Conservation Learning Center and hiking trails.

48. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is located at the former site of If You Had Wings in Tomorrowland.

49. The three “talking heads” who introduce the Country Bears Jamboree are named Buff, Max and Melvin.

50. Approximately 46 million people visit Walt Disney World – including Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney – annually.

Each year, many people who travel to the Orlando Florida area usually spend a few days visiting Walt Disney World. It would be difficult not to, Walt Disney World is one of the greatest theme parks on the planet. Considering the myriad of attractions available to visitors of the Magic Kingdom, planning a vacation that allows you and your family to see as much of the parks as possible can be a daunting task. A great way to ensure that you and your family will get the most out of your vacation time is to stay at a Disney resort instead of another hotel outside of the park area. Disney Resorts offers guests a multitude of extras that can make a Walt Disney World vacation unforgettable for you and your family.

The majority of visitors to Disney World are families with children. Most parents are aware of how difficult it can be to travel with kids. Imagine driving long distances each day from a hotel outside the park areas with excited children. Over the course of several days, that pattern could become extremely tiresome. Staying at a Disney resort right on the property can cut transportation time, gas and stress a great deal. If you consider the time spent driving from an Orlando hotel and the time spent in the parking lot, and also the time getting out of the park each day and back to your room, it can really add up. Now, compare that scenario to hopping onto a free monorail, boat or shuttle bus outside the Disney resort. Even if the difference is only 45 minutes, that equates to an hour and a half every day, for every family member. So, for the average family of 4 who visit for 5 days, that’s 30 hours of time that the family can be enjoying attractions instead of commuting back and forth to their hotel.

Staying at a Disney Resort is beneficial in many ways. Everyone knows that having fun can be exhausting at times. It’s good to be able to take a short break in the middle of the afternoon to relax in a quiet space for a short nap or rest. Not only does it refresh the body for a full evening of celebrations, it’s a good time to don clean clothes, change shoes, or obtain any forgotten items. Returning to the hotel room for this needed break is virtually impossible unless a guest is staying right on the property. Traveling beyond Disney properties and back would be extremely inconvenient. Disney Resort guests can get back to their room easily and relatively quickly. Plus, the best time to take advantage of any Disney Resort’s fantastic, landscaped pool area is during the heat of a typical Florida afternoon!

Although the advantages of staying at a Disney resort are considerable, it’s not just the logistics of the Disney Resort locations and the availability of free ground transportation that makes it worthwhile to stay within the park. There are numerous other advantages that make it clear why staying at a Disney resort hotel can maximize a family’s enjoyment while on vacation.

Extra Magic Hours- Disney Resort Guests can enjoy Theme Parks more than other guests. One park daily opens an hour early and closes up to 3 hours later just for Disney Resort Guests to enjoy at their leisure, offering shorter lines and cooler temperatures. (The water parks of Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon open one hour early for Disney Resort Guests every day.)

Disney Magic Express- Disney Resort Guests can attach specialized baggage tags before checking in at participating hometown airports. Upon arrival in Orlando, guests board a deluxe motor coach, bypassing the baggage claim, and have their luggage delivered directly to their room. Upon checkout, Guests can obtain airline boarding passes and check their bags right at the Disney Resort, eliminating airport check-in.

Disney Dining Plan- Resort Guests can select from 100 restaurants throughout the Disney properties for 2 meals per day plus a nighttime snack. This includes fine dining and Disney Character Experiences.

Disney Priority Seating- Resort Guests can make reservations at selected Disney restaurants up to 120 days in advance.

Complimentary Parking - Resort Guests who drive to Disney Theme Parks can park for free.

Services for Disabled Visitors and Children-Disney Resort Guests with handicaps can receive special accommodations. Disney also offers in-room child care, learning programs, dinner clubs and activities. (Additional fees may apply.)

Charging and Delivery- Disney Resort Guests can charge meals, tickets and purchases to their rooms with their Resort ID, and then have any items delivered right to their hotel door.

Guest Recreation- Without even having to leave their hotel premises, Disney Resort Guests can enjoy championship golf courses, health spas, tennis courts, parasailing, horseback riding, fishing, and waterskiing. Disney Resort Guests also have unlimited use of unique pools, which offer some of most fabulous settings in the world for water enjoyment!

Concierge and Cast Member Service- Disney Resort Guests can obtain round-the-clock service from its many outstanding employees, whose only goal is to ensure visitor satisfaction. With personalized attention at the front desk, refreshments throughout the day and helping Guests find answers, reservations, tickets and transportation, visitors to a Disney Hotel will always find assistance when needed!

The Walt Disney World Resort can create magic and make dreams come true. The extra benefits afforded to a Disney Resort Guest are considerable. With 16 Resorts from which to choose, Disneyworld Guests will find a favorite that offers them all that and more!