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?

When it comes to children’s holidays, entertainment parks often provide the best locations. Busy entertainment parks allow children to run amok amidst the crowds, while enjoying the structured fun allowed by park rides and attractions. And if you’re looking for an all-American theme park destination to which you can take your kids, what better holiday location is there than Disney World, Florida? Even if you live closer to Disneyland, California, you’ll find that the wealth of attractions available in Disney World will make the trip to Florida all the more worthwhile.

The Disney World resort is divided into four separate theme parks: The Magic Kingdom (which includes the iconic Cinderella Castle), Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The Magic Kingdom is by far the most popular of the four, receiving 16.2 million visitors in 2005 – making it the most visited theme park in the world.

Some of the Magic Kingdom’s most popular rides are based on classic Disney films, such as Peter Pan’s Flight, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – based on the famous character from Toy Story. However, the influence of the rides at Disney World is further reinforced by the fact that films have been made about them: most famously, the Pirates of the Caribbean, a Disney World ride that has its origins in the theme park since the 1950s, but has been made into two successful films in the last few years.

When you feel like a change from the magical attraction of the Magic Kingdom, visit Epcot – the resort’s second most popular theme park. Epcot provides a fun centre dedicated to the celebration of international culture and technical innovation; famous attractions include Spaceship Earth (one of the most recognisable attractions in the resort), The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Honey I Shrunk the Audience and a variety of pavilions in the World Showcase.

If you and your family love movies, then you’ll also love The Great Movie Ride in Disney MGM Studios, which takes visitors through scenes from famous films. Other popular rides in the MGM Studios include Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and The Twighlight Zone Tower of Terror. And if you love the great outdoors then Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which opened in 1998, is sure to appeal to you. The largest Disney theme park in the world; it covers more than 500 acres and includes attractions such as Kilimanjaro Safaris, Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo – The Musical.

If you have a large family, don’t let cost put you off taking your kids to Disney World, Florida. Many hotel chains offer hotel reward schemes which allow you to redeem points or collect rewards at the Walt Disney Resorts. This is a great way to maximise fun on your family vacation, so you can make the most of your time with your children in Disney World.

Disney movies have been the cornerstone to family enjoyment and have kept childrenâ??s imagination flowing for several decades now. Because of classics with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, Walt Disney Pictures has been able to continue writing and creating masterpieces today. Currently there is an array of Disney movies coming to theaters soon and a couple sparking peopleâ??s interests in theaters today.

Tim Allen will be returning with co-star Martin Short in The Santa Clause 3, which will be coming to DVD in November 2007. Jack Frost, played by Martin Short, attempts to take over Christmas in this trilogy. Santa Clause, played by Tim Allan, must deal with his critical in-laws while attempting to save Christmas from Jack Frost in this fun family movie.

Just recently released to theaters is the huge Disney movie hit Bridge to Terabithia. This piece of literature brought to the big-screen tells the story of a schoolboy, played by Josh Hutcherson, who befriends the class outsider. Together the two 11-year-olds then create Terabithia, an imaginary kingdom filled with giants and other magical beings. This fantasy film is guaranteed to keep the kidsâ?? imagination flowing with tons of interest and entertainment.

One of the biggest trilogies in ages is returning to theaters on May 25, 2007 as Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worldâ??s End will be released. The full cast with Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley return for another action-packed thriller produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.

Underdog, most well-known for the NBC cartoon that ran from 1964 to 1973, will be making its movie debut on August 3, 2007. Much like the cartoon, it begins as a diminutive hound dog named Shoeshine acquires superpowers. When a 12-year-old boy adopts Shoeshine, the two join forces and Shoeshine must work to fight off his nemesis, Simon Barsinister.

In far off production, one of the most well-known Disney movie animations Toy Story will be returning in 2010. As Walt Disney Pictures purchased Pixar in 2006, the project for Toy Story 3 was put back in the hands of the people who created the masterpieces of Toy Story in 1995 and Toy Story 2 in 1999. The cast has been rumored to be almost completely the same, including Tom Hanks reprising his role as Cowboy Woody.

With Walt Disney Pictures continuing to produce enchanting movies like Bridge to Terabithia and action packed movies like Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worldâ??s End, there is no question the Disney movies continue to have an impact on the movie industry. As more and more movies continue to be made and released with success, Walt Disney Pictures has been perhaps the most successful family film company in history.

When we plan a holiday to a mountain resort or to a ski place, we look for holiday packages that will give us the flexibility to go when we feel like it. We don’t want to be worrying about availability of rooms or hotels. This adds to the headaches in planning a holiday and making the trip happen at a time when it is suitable for us.

It is for this purpose that Walt Disney World has come up wit the discount Disney Vacation Club. This is basically a time share holiday system wherein a person makes a one time payment on the club and whenever they wish to use, it is available to them. This membership is based on the vacation points earned by you during the year and you get to choose the duration, time and what kind of place you are looking for. You can enjoy premium benefits by being a Disney Vacation Club member and get discounts on park tickets, restaurant bills and at times for your children free entry too. This makes your holiday perfect and takes away any worries.

You also have the option of choosing one of the many private villas and resorts available to stay in. These are rented out by the owners if they are available for the duration you have zeroed in on. Based on your budget and size of your group, you can choose a place that fits your bill and enjoy the lap of luxury.

The Orlando vacation will be fun and not too heavy on your wallet as well. Since all villas are close to the Walt Disney Park, you can spend your free time away from crowds and make sure to get the best deals in any of the four theme parks, shopping arcades and even the spas and golf clubs in Orlando area.

If you are fond of animated movies made by Walt Disney, you will find a place filled with characters and goodies from that movie. You can even get good discounts if you are smart, and reach a counter ahead of time or during the special hours. Since everything from lockers to first aid help is available within the Disney World, your discount Disney Vacation Club offer will leave you smiling.

Don’t worry about how your old mother will travel within the park, she can ride on a wheelchair and enjoy every single thing you are visiting. And in case you have spent all your money and need to draw more, there are plenty of ATM’s located strategically for easy access by all visitors to the park. For a person with a pet, which they couldn’t leave with a friend, there is a kennel for your dog to spend his day in while you explore the park. He will be taken care of, fed and pampered while you indulge yourself in the rides and shops available. It’s almost like they have thought of everything when creating the Walt Disney World in Florida.

Itâ??s summer and the heat is on in Walt Disney World. Here are some tips to make your vacation a bit cooler.

** Take a break from the theme parks and spend a day by one of Disneyâ??s fantastic resort pools. What better way to cool off in the summer heat.

** Shop till you drop in the air conditioned shops and restaurants at Downtown Disney. Pick up all your souvenirs at the newly remodeled World of Disney, the largest Disney store anywhere.

** Splish splash the day away at one of Disneyâ??s unique water parks. Typhoon Lagoon is a beauty with a pool boasting some of the tallest simulated waves in the world. Or if youâ??re a daredevil at heart head to Blizzard Beach with its wild, rushing water and death-defying slides.

** Snag a bass on a fishing excursion. Pontoon boats with experienced guides depart from the resort marinas to fish the waters of Bay Lake, the Seven Seas Lagoon, Lake Buena Vista, and the Sassagoula River. No fishing license is required and itâ??s strictly catch and release.

** Hit the water at the Contemporary Resort where Sammy Duval Water Sports offers parasailing, water-ski, tubing, and personal watercraft action. Itâ??s the kick of a lifetime!

** Catch a wave at Typhoon Lagoon with Cocoa Beach Surfing School. Learn to surf in the super wave pool before park opening hours on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

** Take a spin on one of Disneyâ??s waterways. With 850 acres of lakes, 130 feet of shoreline, 66 miles of canals, and over 500 watercraft, boating is a major pastime at Walt Disney World. Most resorts as well as Downtown Disney have their own marina with a variety of boats available for hire including Boston Whaler Montauks, pontoon boats, sailboats, Sea Raycers, even a luxury yacht.

** Cool off in the mountains of the Himalayans. Expedition Everest, the Animal Kingdomâ??s newest attraction, involves out-of-control railcars that race forward and backward, sending Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests swooping into the unknown to brave twists, turns and drops inside and outside a mighty mountain. It all leads to an unforgettable encounter with the yeti.