DreamMaker Destinations
Disney World
Birthday Blowout for Magical Memories
Disney World is 25? Just a minute, please. Minnie has not aged at all while I keep finding more gray hairs. Obviously some of us age better than others, but no matter what the age, our friends in Florida are going to make sure this is a birthday and anniversary to remember...For one thing, this may be the longest party ever. From October 1, 1996 until December 31, 1997 the array of new exhibits, new restaurants, new resorts and spas, and new shopping, including the world's largest Disney store, is dizzying. Since no party is complete without fireworks, Disney provides the show every night for the entire 15 months.
So what, you say? Aren't they always building? Not like this. First a refurbished Toontown Fair opened Oct. 1. Now there are a lot more opportunities to meet the gang, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse. And while in the Magic Kingdom don't forget guest of honor registration at the Anniversary Welcome Center or the "Ears to You" celebration or the "Remember the Magic" parade.
Another "must see" is the incredible Cinderella Castle Cake. Even the Disney staff are running out of words on this one. If castles are not appealing, how about a new Tomorrow Land featuring a very real Alien Encounter? After a big screen preview, I may skip this one and catch one of the new live MGM Studio productions instead.
Enjoying all this takes energy, and you can refuel at the new Disney Village Marketplace 550-seat cafe, or in restaurants like the Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Gloria Estefan's Cafe Bongo, the Rainforest, or the House of Blues. By then it might be time to relax at luxury spas like the Grand Floridian Beach Resort or the Disney Institute. Or else keep going at the non-stop Boardwalk Resort where something is always going on. Even old favorites like the Polynesian Resort are undergoing renovations to not be left out.
To find those roaming teenagers, check out the almost-as-good-as-the-real-thing General Motors test drive just added at Epcot. It is designed to keep some of us confirmed train travelers. Or maybe they have discovered the immense 200-acre, 30-plus facility Wild World of Sports, including a 7500-seat ballpark, a 5,000-seat field house and an 11-court tennis center. Even the Harlem Globetrotters and the Atlanta Braves are going to call this place home.
So stay tuned. Because when the last fireworks of the Celebration are over, we can start looking forward to 1998 and two exciting developments. The Animal Kingdom, a fourth theme park and the largest of its kind in the world will open with an African Safari, a Conservation Station, Dino Land, and more. And Disney will introduce its own cruise line sailing to, where else?, their own private island.
Sites to check out:
Limited Time Offer:
Three nights at Walt Disney World Swan or Walt Disney World Dolphin from $798 per person double occupancy. Valid for travel though 12/14/97 (new bookings only).Includes:
- Roundtrip air from Akron-Canton via US Airways
- 3 nights hotel accommodations; additional nights available
- Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers
- Unlimited Magic Passport with Flex Feature
- Unlimited use of bicyicles, canoes, sailboats and pedal boats at select Disney Resorts
- Unlimited use of the Walt Disney World resort Transportation System
Other Departure Cities in Ohio:
- Dayton, same price as Akron-Canton
- Subtract $10 for Columbus
- Add $46 for Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo or Youngstown
Contact Donna for all your travel destinations:
e-mail Donna Zabel, dz@ald.net
or call or fax (330) 686-0401
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Copyright © 1997, Donna J. Zabel. All rights reserved. Last modified: 3 Sep, 1997
