Guests celebrating the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort will have a choice of fireworks shows as Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios present special pyrotechnics and Epcot adds a patriotric “tag” to its famous “IllumiNations” Reflections of Earth” spectacular.

• Magic Kingdom – “Celebrate America Fireworks” will fill the sky at 9 PM on July 4 (guests who would like to begin the celebratory weekend a day early can enjoy the special fireworks on July 3 at 9 PM. After the fireworks, guests can enjoy a performance of Disney’s “SpectroMagic” parade of lights, music and magic at 10:30 PM on July 3-4. Park hours are 9 AM – 11 PM on July 3-4.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Special fireworks will be presented at 10 PM on July 4, providing guests with a bonus nighttime entertainment extravaganza to complement “Fantasmic!” (which will be at 9 PM and 10:45 PM). Park hours on July 4 are 9 AM – 10 PM.
• Epcot – “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which features dazzling special effects, colorful lasers, brilliant fireworks and fiery torches all choreographed to a musical score, becomes even more dynamic on July 4 as the normal show is supplemented with a patriotic finale. The performance begins at 10 PM. Park hours on July 4 are 9 AM – 10 PM.

For the first time ever, guests at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights will live a mega-horror movie before it even hits the big screen. They will also experience two modern day blockbuster horror franchises as Universal Orlando devotes its entire Halloween Horror Nights event to bringing horror films to life.

Universal Orlando is partnering with Universal Pictures to bring one of the year’s most highly anticipated films, The Wolfman, to life so guests can experience it firsthand before it hits theaters on November 6, 2009. It is also partnering with Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures to bring the most profitable horror franchise, SAW, to Halloween Horror Nights 19: Ripped from the Silver Screen. Universal Orlando is also using its partnership with Universal Pictures to bring the popular “Chucky” film series to life at the event as well.

Lionsgate is expected to release the sixth installment of the powerhouse franchise in theaters nationwide on October 23, 2009, in its traditional opening weekend slot leading into Halloween. The “Chucky” films have become a favorite among horror film and pop culture enthusiasts.

Never before has Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights featured such a catalog of horror. Everyone knows these films. And now everyone will get to live them in person. Guests will experience the physical and psychological horror that Jigsaw, Chucky and The Wolfman have inflicted on the silver screen. They will become victim to the mental games of “Saw’s” maniacal killer, Jigsaw. They will come face to face with “Chucky’s” wrath. And they will be there as “The Wolfman’s” alter-ego, Lawrence Talbot, discovers a primal side of himself he didn’t know existed.

From house and character designs to costuming and prosthetics, work is already underway on this year’s event. Additional details will be revealed leading up to opening night of Halloween Horror Nights 19. A “Saw” attraction will also be included in the Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood.

For 23 select nights this fall, modern horror films are “Ripped from the Silver Screen” to frighten guests at what promises to be the most feared Halloween Horror Nights ever. Other horror films and characters from the movies, including completely reimagined Frankenstein and Dracula concepts, will also be integrated into this year’s event.

Halloween Horror Nights 19 will features all-new horrifying haunted houses, inescapable and chilling scare zones, live shows and hundreds of frightening “scare-actors.” Event dates are September 25-26, October 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 21-25 and 28-31. Regular admission to any night of the event is $69.99 plus tax. Because of the event’s popularity, tickets for weekend nights are expected to sell out and should be purchased well in advance.

Once upon a time, Disney World was synonymous with family vacations centered on the entertainment needs of the very young. Today, however, it’s commonly known that not only the young but also the young at heart can find the vacation they are searching for in the Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney World Resort has truly become an all ages destination, with many activities available that cater to adults.

Of course, spending quality time with the family is still the most popular option, but for singles, couples without children or those who wish to keep the kids entertained while they get some much needed rest and relaxation, all the amenities of an adult getaway are available and ready to be enjoyed. From golfing and spa treatments to nightlife and shopping, few travel destinations offer the sheer number of activities that Disney World can.

Additionally, there are many activities available for those who want to explore their inner child, at least for an afternoon. Within reach of the Magic Kingdom, there are no less than five championship caliber golf courses, each of which can be enjoyed while staying close to Disney World. From the challenging play at Eagle Pines to the natural beauty of Osprey Ridge, golf lovers can get their fix of 18 holes in a morning or afternoon with easy booking and without extensive travel.

Disney offers several world-class spas to choose from, some of which are located near the Magic Kingdom. From massage therapy to customized workouts, facials to aromatherapies and everything in between, you can be looking and feeling your best without having to go to an exclusive spa resort.

For those who love to shop, Disney offers an incredible array of well known chain stores as well as specialty shops loaded with unique and exciting merchandise. Whether it’s clothing, accessories, beauty products, sports equipment, jewelry or anything else under the sun you seek, you can find it within the Magic Kingdom.

For food lovers (and let’s face it, that includes all of us), Disney has every dining possibility covered. From mouth-watering steak and seafood to regional cuisine from around the globe, you can enjoy five-star dining or a quick meal on the go while tantalizing your taste buds.

Disney also offers several fun-filled exploration activities for couples and singles, including a wildlife safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Haunted Mansion at Disney’s Magic Kingdom and the France Pavilion at Epcot, to name a few.

Of course, you can also take advantage of the many nightlife experiences to get your pulse pounding on the dance floor. No matter what you enjoy, you can experience a vacation you’ll never forget at Disney World.

Believe it or not, you can stay near Disney World without spending a fortune. For instance, Westgate Resorts offers great deals on spacious rentals that provide easy access to the four world-class theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort: Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. For more information about villa rentals at Westgate Resorts, call (800) 864-1645 or visit www.westgatedestinations.com.

Cornell Fine Arts Museum presents “Andy Warhol Personalities” June 5, 2009 – January 3, 2010. The exhibit includes photos taken by Andy Warhol during the 1980s. In addition, every Wednesday from June 10 – July 8, 2009, the museum will feature “Warhol Wednesdays,” which provide guests the opportunity to experience what it was like at Warhol’s legendary factory gatherings. Admission is $10 for Warhol Wednesdays.

Wet ‘n Wild Orlando will host the 10th-annual Fiesta San Juan on June 20, 2009, from 9:30 AM until midnight with live music, great food, dancing and contests that celebrate Latin culture. The water park, which lies on world-famous International Drive, will remain open until midnight so guests can honor the tradition of “The Night of San Juan” by taking a splash in the water at midnight for good luck. Admission is $44.95 for adults, $38.95 for ages 3-9 and free for ages 2 and under.