For up-to-date, comprehensive information on Disney World, follow http://www.twitter.com/disneytips. What is Twitter? Founded in 2006, Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service: “Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co-workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?” Users send and read other users’ updates, which are known as “tweets” (text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length), from their computer or cell phone. Businesses use Twitter as both a promotional and communications tool: promote latest offers and specials, company news, answer questions, get feedback, etc. Twitter is currently the third most used social network (behind Facebook and MySpace). Twitter serves as a real-time search engine (http://search.twitter.com). Celebrities are taking over Twitter (Top 5: Ashton Kutcher, 2,543,771 followers; Ellen DeGeneres, 2,245,709 followers; Britney Spears, 2,172,198 followers; CNN Breaking News, 2,091,699 followers; and Oprah Winfrey, 1,649,835 followers).

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.

During six entertainment-packed weeks September 25 through November 8, 2009, Epcot guests can taste fine cuisine and wines from the top “foodie” cities in the world at the 2009 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Care for a taste of Camaroes com Palmito (shrimp with palms) from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil? Or how about a sip of the trendiest wine from Buenos Aires, Argentina? They are examples of the flavors of more than 25 international marketplaces from six continents that dot the World Showcase promenade during the festival.

Tapas-sized portions of regional specialties run $2 to $7 each, and recommended wines and beers make perfect pairings at each kiosk. Live regional entertainment is scheduled throughout each day along the promenade. Daily wine and beer tastings serve up sips from around the world, and culinary demonstrations dish up featured taste treats. A series fo special culinary programs features a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participating in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.

Live music kicks the festival up several notches each evening during Eat to the Beat! concert series featuring acts from many musical genres, including classic rock, jazz, R&B, funk and soul. Scheduled to appear to the first time on the Eat to the Beat! stage are Richard Marx, Better Than Ezra, Vanessa Carlton, John Waite and Billy Ocean. Returning acts are Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Starship, En Vogue, Sister Hazel, Kool & The Gang, Spyro Gyra, Jon Secada, Sister Sledge, Taylor Dayne, Boyz II Men, Night Ranger and Los Lobos.

The first-ever “Sizzling” Summer Concert Series at Universal Orlando Resort will feature some of today’s hottest musical talent live at the new outdoor Music Plaza. Beginning Saturday, June 13, 2009, and running Saturday nights through July 4, 2009, the Summer Concert Series features four of the biggest names in pop, hip-hop and R&B – all of whom are chart-topping, multi-platinum, Grammy Award nominees and winners.

First up is “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks (June 13, 2009), whose self-titled album has sold more than 1 million copies. Sparks will be followed by hip-hop icon LL Cool J (June 20, 2009), who has sold more than 15 million records and landed 20 singles on the Billboard charts. Then comes British songstress Natasha Bedingfield, who has sold more than 10 million albums, and last but not least, Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famers, The O’Jays.

The 2009 Summer Concert Series spotlights Universal Orlando’s new home for hit music – the Music Plaza, which is located in the heart of Universal Studios Florida theme park. The Music Plaza, which made its debut during Mardi Gras at Universal Studios, is a state-of-the-art outdoor music venue designed in the spirit of one of the most famous outdoor concert venues of all time, The Hollywood Bowl – home to landmark performances by everyone from The Beatles to Elton John and more. The Music Plaza features a 2,400-square-foot performance stage, 15,000-square-foot viewing lawn and two 20-foot-tall projection screens so that everyone can view the show.

The new Summer Concert Series is free with theme park admission. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com.

Seeking affordable accommodations convenient to Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk during your next Orlando vacation getaway? Look no farther than Westgate Resorts, which offers spacious villas, first-class amenities and convenient access to Orlando area attractions. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.

Approximately 25,000 people are expected to attend the 2009 Florida Music Festival (FMF), “The Biggest Music Club Crawl in America!”, which will take place May 14-16, 2009, in downtown Orlando. The Florida Music Festival will feature 250 bands on 11 stages, as well as the FMF Indie Film Jam. Headliners include Thomas Nicholas (Wednesday, May 13, 2009), Asher Roth (Thursday, May 14, 2009), Filter (Friday, May 15, 2009) and Yellowman (Saturday, May 16, 2009). The Florida Music Festival has grown by another day in 2009 to add the Florida Grammy Showcase & Locals Appreciation Night on Wednesday, May 13, 2009.

Spectacular fireworks displays, colorful parades, patriotic music, lively festivities and nonstop fun for the entire family make Orlando the place to be during the 2009 Fourth of July weekend. So gather the family together and celebrate America’s independence at the “Theme Park Capital of the World!”

2009 Walt Disney World Fourth of July Celebrations
A variety of special Fourth of July events have been scheduled for all four of Disney’s world-class theme parks – Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – such as patriotic parades, live music and spectacular fireworks displays. At Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, “Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” show will begin promptly at 9 PM. Disney’s Hollywood Studios will present a 9 PM performance of “Fantasmic!” And Epcot will feature a holiday-inspired “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth” at 10 PM. All of the Fourth of July celebrations at Disney World are included in the regular admission price.

2009 Fourth of July at Universal Orlando
Spend the Fourth of July weekend enjoying the thrilling rides and attractions at Universal Orlando’s two extraordinary theme parks – Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Then check out an amazing Fourth of July extravaganza that involves live music, games and the simultaneous launch of a glorious display of fireworks. Universal Studios park hours will be extended to 10 PM on the Fourth of July.

2009 SeaWorld Orlando Fourth of July Events
In addition to it exhilarating live animal shows such as “Blue Horizons” and “Believe,” SeaWorld Orlando will feature patriotic daytime shows, special performances of Mistify and an impressive fireworks display. SeaWorld Orlando park hours will be extended to 11 PM on Fourth of July.

2009 Downtown Orlando Fourth of July Festivities
Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon around beautiful Lake Eola in downtown Orlando at Fireworks at the Fountain, which features games, activities, live entertainment and delicious food, followed by a fabulous 30-minute fireworks display at night. More than 100,000 people are expected to attend Fireworks at the Fountain and admission is free. If you’re seeking some serious Fourth of July partying, head to downtown Orlando’s Wall Street Plaza for the Fourth of July Block Party, which includes an outdoor stage for quality live entertainment. It’s a great place to go before and after viewing area fireworks displays. Admission to the Fourth of July Block Party is free.

Book Your Fourth of July Vacation Getaway Today!
Looking for great deals on spacious villa rentals during your Fourth of July vacation getaway? Call 1-800-864-1645 or visit www.orlando-florida.net/hotels for information on Westgate Resorts properties, including Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas.

Note: Event schedules are subject to change without notice.

Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration is a new live show that takes place several times daily at Tomorrowland in Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park. An “interactive, retro-futuristic musical revue,” Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration features Stitch, host Tip Trendo, the Galactic Girls and a pair of hip-hop robots. Don’t miss it!

Set to open at Universal Orlando Resort in late spring/early summer 2009, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster promises to be “one of the most radically innovative roller coasters ever created”! The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster blends rock music, breathtaking maneuvers and state-of-the-art audio and video for an awesome thrill ride experience. It will be the tallest, largest and fastest X-CAR style roller coaster in the world!

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit riders pick their own soundtrack as the  roller coaster speeds through a series of “never-before-attempted maneuvers” at speeds up to 65 miles per hour. Choose songs from five music genres: rap/hip-hop, country, classic rock/metal, pop/disco and club/electronica. To top it off, each rider’s song will also be featured on a ride video they can purchase that uses a network of sophisticated cameras to mix music, moves and special effects.

The  X-CAR roller coaster vehicle is more maneuverable than other coaster vehicles and uses innovative restraints that are less restrictive, more open and more exhilarating. The coaster design also allows for more vehicles on the track at one time than with other coasters – creating nonstop movement and action. The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster boasts 3,800 feet of steel track, a 17-story vertical lift and six maneuvers – three of which have never been built before.

Vertical Lift: You strap in, select your soundtrack and race 11-feet-per-second at a 90-degree angle toward the sky. You conquer all 167 feet of the vertical lift, the tallest point of the coaster, in just 16.5 seconds. At the top, you will be at the highest point of any coaster in Orlando!

Double Take (First-Ever Maneuver): You drop from the vertical lift at 65 miles per hour and ascend into the Double Take, the world’s largest non-inverted loop. You zoom along the inside of the track until you reach the top, where you twist to the outside of the track and ride over the top of the loop. You then twist back inside the loop for your descent. The Double Take stands at 136 feet tall at its largest diameter.

Treble Clef  (First-Ever Maneuver): You rock out to music during your Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit journey, but when you reach the Treble Clef, you get to ride a music symbol. Universal Orlando engineers and designers worked to bend the steel of the track into the shape of a treble clef music symbol. Not only is it the first time this maneuver has ever been done, but the Treble Clef also bursts through a building facade, sending your roaring over the New York area of Universal Studios Florida.

Jump Cut (First-Ever Maneuver): Typically, a negative-gravity maneuver is straight up and down (often referred to as a camelback). Instead, the Jump Cut is a spiraling negative gravity move, making it a first-ever coaster maneuver. When you reach this point on the track, you feel like you are experiencing a corkscrew without actually going upside down.

Crowd Surfer: Soaring 33 feet above ground, you are turned at 95-degree angle as you fly over a crowd cheering you on from the load platform as they jam to in-queue music.

Drop Tuning: As you barrel past the Blue Man Group theatre toward Universal CityWalk, you’ll drop underground and emerge from a chasm near the entrance to Universal Studios.

Plot Twist: The final maneuver is an inclined loop – meaning it leans at an angle to the ground – and has a 150-degree banking turn as well. You also fly around in a complete 360-degree turn before heading back to the station.

For more information about Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, visit http://media.universalorlando.com/ripriderockit.

Last weekend the whole family (me, my wife and two kids ages 7 and 9) woke up early, packed up the car and headed to Westgate River Ranch, an incredible destination that took us about as far from the Orlando area theme parks like Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld as imaginable. An authentic dude ranch nestled on 1,700 beautiful acres, Westgate River Ranch gave us the unique opportunity to return to the days of “Old Florida” when the state was home to cowboys and cattle ranchers.

Just about an hour’s drive South of Orlando, Westgate River Ranch lies in Polk County, Florida, and is centrally located between the Atlantic and Gulf beaches. We sped South on State Road 429 (normally the back road we take to Disney World) to Interstate 4 West and then past a myriad of small towns along U.S. 27 – Haines City, Lake Hamilton, Dundee and Lake Wales (billed as “The Friendliest Small Town in Florida”) – before heading East on State Road 60. We noticed few signs of civilization for the next 25 miles and then we glimpsed an immense horse statue and sign welcoming us to Westgate River Ranch, “The World’s Largest Dude Ranch.” We had arrived!

As we drove past the main gate to Westgate River Ranch, we noticed a small airfield and golf pro shop on the left and a 9-hole golf course on the right. The excitement built as we continued down the road and viewed the horse stables, petting farm and rodeo arena, as well as some horses grazing in a pasture. We also noticed many guests riding around in golf carts (rentals are available), which we soon discovered would prove to be the easiest and most fun way to make our way around the ranch. We passed a beautiful white chapel and the River Ranch Saloon before parking at the impressive Lodge and Conference Center.

After we checked in around 10 AM, we dropped off our luggage in the Western-themed Inn room, which overlooked some tennis courts. We found the accommodations to be very comfortable with a variety of amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen, table and chairs, screen-in porch and cable TV. Perfect for us! The kids wanted to totally immerse themselves in the Western feel of the ranch, so we then stopped by the Western Store and picked them up some cowboy hats. The Western Store was stock full of hats, boots, shirts, jeans, belts and cowboy souvenirs.

We then explored the adjacent game room, Kid’s Corral Arcade, and played a quick game of air hockey, as well as some other classic games such as Boppin’ Bugs! Finally, we checked out the nearby General Store, which sold everything from groceries, beverages and gifts to sandwiches, pizza and salads. In addition to the Western Store, Kid’s Corral Arcade and General Store, the Town Square at Westgate River Ranch features an old-timey Post Office.

We were registered for an Airboat Ride at 11:10 AM so we then headed to Westgate River Ranch’s full-service Marina, which consisted of a dock, Bait and Tackle Shop, and Westgate Smokehouse Grill. In addition to airboat rides, a variety of rentals and excursions were also available at the Marina such as boat rentals, guided fishing trips and swamp buggy rides.

Just to the left of the Marina, we spotted a Catch & Release Pond and a herd of grazing Watusi cattle, which are known for their long, distinctive horns. The Airboat Ride itself took us on a thrilling adventure along the scenic Kissimmee River (which flows from Osceola County to Lake Okeechobee) where we viewed alligators, turtles, hawks, eagles and other rare birds.

After departing from the airboat we headed up the dock to the Westgate Smokehouse Grill, a charming waterfront eatery that features a family-style menu and large screen-in porch. We started off with gator bites as an appetizer, which was a real treat for the kids since they had never tasted alligator before and could now boast of it to their friends. My wife ordered the chicken salad sandwich and the kids chose salad and fries from the children’s menu, while I opted for the blackened grouper sandwich, a generous portion that was piled high with onions and peppers. Absolutely delicious!

After lunch we had some time to kill before the Swamp Buggy Ride so we decided to check out the complimentary Petting Farm. My kids agreed it was the best petting farm they’ve ever visited – full of ponies, horses, goats, pot-bellied pigs, llamas, emus and peacocks. The kids also enjoyed the Pony Ride. We also got a chance to visit the adjacent Horse Stables and view a group getting ready for a Horseback Riding adventure along the miles of bridle trails that wind through Westgate River Ranch.

We returned to the Marina at 2:15 PM for the Swamp Buggy Ride, which consisted of a thriling one-hour journey through Westgate River Ranch’s wooded trail. These swamp buggies have huge tires and can travel just about anywhere, allowing for an amazing (and bumpy!) journey through the brush. The kids got to sit next to the driver and they were thrilled by it all! After departing the Swamp Buggy Ride, we relaxed by taking a dip in the outdoor pool and hot tub.

At 4:45 PM, we met at the East Corral for the old-fashioned, tractor-pulled Hayride, which was to be followed by a Country Cookout. The Hayride actually took us outside the boundaries of Westgate River Ranch into the beautiful 7,000-acre KICCO Wildlife Management Area, which runs along the Kissimmee River. In addition to the incredible scenery, the hour-long Hayride featured the talents of a singing cowboy who entertained the crowd with such classics as Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” and Merle Haggard’s “Okie from Muskogee,” as well as providing us with interesting trivia about the KICCO Wildlife Management Area along the way.

We learned that KICCO stands for “Kissimmee Island Cattle Company,” which operated here from 1915 through the late 1920s and that a 13-mile portion of the 1,400-mile Florida Trail (officially known as the Florida National Scenic Trail) winds its way through the area. In addition, KICCO is home to abundant wildlife such as white-tailed deer, bald eagles, wild hogs, hawks, sandhill cranes, wading birds, alligators and wild turkeys. After departing the Hayride around 6 PM, we headed to the East Corral for the Country Cookout, which featured a delicious buffet that consisted of barbecue chicken, hotdogs, corn on the cob, baked potatoes, baked beans and iced tea.

By 7 PM, crowds of rodeo fans started to descend upon Westgate River Ranch for the immensely popular rodeo, which takes place every Saturday night at 7:30 PM. We grabbed a few cocktails at the River Ranch Saloon (where patrons can enjoy “live country-western foot-stompin’ entertainment and line dancing” Friday and Saturday nights!) and then strolled over to the 1,200-seat Rodeo Arena.

Officially known as the Americom Championship Rodeo, this amazing event boasted everything from bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping and trick riding to rodeo clown antics and a patriotic tribute to our armed forces that was accompanied by uplifting, classic country songs such as Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue” and Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” In addition, the kids especially enjoyed getting the opportunity to participate in a real “calf scramble.” Bottom line: The rodeo was simply incredible and all of us thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Don’t miss it!

We slept in a little on Sunday morning and then headed over to the Westgate Smokehouse Grill for the abundant breakfast buffet that consisted of eggs, biscuits and gravy, sausage, bacon, fruit, cereal and much more. We then decided to check out the Miniature Golf course, which was located behind the General Store. The challenging, 18-hole putt-putt course winded through shady trees.

As we drove out, we stopped by the charming River Ranch Chapel, which is a very popular site for weddings. We took a right turn past the chapel and viewed the Trap and Skeet Range, and Archery Range, as well as tent and RV campsites nestled in the woods. From a distance, we could also view several planes at the Westgate River Ranch Airfield, which features a lighted 5,000-foot private runway.

As we headed onto Highway 60 back toward “civilization,” all of us agreed how refreshing it was to have such a unique, fun-filled vacation getaway as Westgate River Ranch within an hour’s drive of bustling Orlando. We vowed to definitely escape to “nature’s sanctuary” again in the near future!

The Hall of Presidents at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park is scheduled to reopen in July 2009 and feature an audio-animatronics version of President Barack Obama, who will join representations of the previous 43 presidents of the United States. Disney Imagineers are also updating a broad array of show elements to the Hall of Presidents attraction, one of the original Magic Kingdom attractions.

Westgate River Ranch has launched exclusive Summer Getaway Specials on Western-themed resort accommodations at the “World’s Largest Dude Ranch!” Nestled on 1,700 acres just over an hour South of Orlando, Westgate River Ranch provides fun and adventure for the entire family. Return to the days of “Old Florida” when the state was home to cowboys and cattle ranchers at this authentic dude ranch. The myriad of activities at Westgate River Ranch include horseback riding, golfing, hiking, fishing, boating, trap and skeet shooting, swimming, airboat and swamp buggy rides, and a petting zoo. Westgate River Ranch also features hayrides, cookouts, an old-time country store, Smokehouse Grill restaurant and River Ranch Saloon.

Summer Getaway Specials at Westgate River Ranch include:

Memorial Day Weekend Package
Kick off the summer in style with a Westgate River Ranch Memorial Day Weekend getaway, May 22-25, 2009, for just $365 plus tax! Enjoy good old-fashioned family fun, including Potato Sack Races, Watermelon Seed Spitting Contests, Water Balloons, Egg Toss and Kid Crafts. The Memorial Day Weekend Package features three nights accommodation in a Western-themed Inn Room, two tickets to the Friday night Wildlife After Sundown Hayride, a picnic lunch for two and games at Tumbleweed Park on Saturday afternoon, Americom Championship Rodeo on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon Kids Rodeo. Note: A three-night stay is required. Package is based on availability. A credit card is required at booking to guarantee a reservation.

July 4th Weekend Package
Spend Fourth of July weekend (July 3-5, 2009) at Westgate River Ranch for just $338 plus tax! This two-night package includes Inn room accommodations, Breakfast with a Cowboy, Summer Fun at Tumbleweed Park, Picnic Lunch, Rodeo Round Up, Ice Cream Sundaes, Hayride, Cookout and tickets to the Americom Championship Rodeo. Note: A two-night stay is required. A credit card is required at time of booking to guarantee your reservation. Package is based on availability.

So leave all of you city worries behind and experience a “Western-style” change of pace at Westgate River Ranch! Weekend Getaway Specials at Westgate Resorts are based on availability, so call (888) 808-7410 today to book your weekend vacation getaway at Westgate River Ranch or visit www.wgriverranch.com.

1. Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park – 17 million visitors

2. Disneyland – 14.7 million visitors

3. Epcot – 10.9 million visitors

4. Disney’s Hollywood Studios – 9.6 million visitors

5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park - 9.5 million visitors

6. Universal Studios Florida – 6.2 million visitors

7. SeaWorld Orlando – 5.9 million visitors

8. Disney’s California Adventure – 5.5 million visitors

9. Universal’s Islands of Adventure – 5.3 million visitors

10. Universal Studios Hollywood – 4.6 million visitors

Sources: Themed Entertainment Association, Economics Research Associates

For more information about Characters in Flight at Downtown Disney Area, visit the Orlando, Florida Guide.

Shamu, the star killer whale at SeaWorld Orlando, has joined the Twitter community! You can find Shamu at www.twitter.com/RealShamu.

The 2009 Central Florida Fair will take place Thursday, April 16, through April 26, 2009. Highlights of the 97th-annual Central Florida Fair include the best in regional arts and crafts, live music and dance, food, livestock shows, thrilling carnival rides courtesy of The Wade Shows Midway, fascinating interactive exhibits and much more! The Central Florida Fair is located at 4603 West Colonial Drive in Orlando, Florida. Gates open at 4 PM most weekdays, 10 AM Saturdays and 11 AM Sundays. Cost is $8 for adults, $7 for students and $5 for ages 6-10. Ages 5 and under are admitted free.

Trace Adkins will perform Saturday night, April 11, 2009, at Universal Studios Mardi Gras celebration. For more information about 2009 Mardi Gras at Universal Studios, visit http://www.orlando-florida.net/events/february/mardi-gras-at-universal-studios.htm.

Universal Orlando’s April ‘Velvet Sessions’ on Thursday, April 30, 2009, at 6:30 PM at the Hard Rock Hotel will feature alternative rock band Gin Blossoms, which will perform such hits as ”Follow You Down,” Long Time Gone,” ”Learning the Hard Way” and more. Velvet Sessions is a special rock ‘n’ roll cocktail party and lobby concert held the last Thursday of the month. The $25 ticket includes free specialty drinks, finger foods and warm-up tunes from 6:30-8:30 PM. Cash bars and live band from 8:30 PM onward. The Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando is located at 5800 Universal Boulevard in Orlando, Florida. Parking is complimentary for those attending Velvet Sessions. For more information about Velvet Sessions, visit www.velvetsessions.com.

The Aerophile balloon attraction at Downtown Disney is set to open within the next week or so. Stay tuned for updates!

Christmas: Jungle Adventures

Clearwater: Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater Beach

Cocoa Beach: Ron Jon Surf Shop, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Daytona Beach: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona USA, Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, Museum of Art & Sciences, Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier

Jacksonville: Cummer Museum of Art, Jacksonville Zoo, Museum of Science & History, Jacksonville Zoological Gardens

Homosassa Springs: Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Lake Wales: Historic Bok Sanctuary

Melbourne: Brevard Zoo

Sanford: Central Florida Zoological Park

Sarasota: John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Mote Marine Aquarium, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Ringling Circus Museum, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Sarasota Classic Car Museum

Silver Springs: Silver Springs

St. Augustine: Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine Alligator Farm, St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum, World Golf Village, Lightner Museum, The Oldest House, San Sebastian Winery

St. Petersburg: Salvador Dali Museum, Florida International Museum, Florida Holocaust Museum, Sunken Gardens, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg Museum of History, The Pier, Great Explorations – The Children’s Museum

Tampa: Busch Gardens Africa, Adventure Island, Ybor City, Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, Big Cat Rescue, Tampa Museum of Art, Henry B. Plant Museum, Ybor City State Museum

Winter Haven: Cypress Gardens

For more information about Orlando day trips, visit www.orlando-florida.net/day-trips.

The Orange County Regional History Center has opened two new exhibits, which will be on display until May 10, 2009:

“Creative Minds: Puppetry in Central Florida” showcases puppets from the Orlando Puppetry Festival, Michelee Puppets and Heather Henson’s IBEX Puppetry.

“The Dark Crystal Redux: ‘Klakk smaithh Skwee Kreh” highlights Jim Henson’s groundbreaking film, The Dark Crystal, in 12 character portraits by photographer, John Lawrence Jones.

Admission to the Orange County Regional History Center is $12 for adults, $7 for ages 5-12 and free for ages 4 and under. For more information about the Orange County Regional History Center, visit www.thehistorycenter.org or call (407) 836-8500.

Westgate River Ranch has launched exclusive Weekend Getaway Specials on Western-themed resort accommodations at the “World’s Largest Dude Ranch!” Nestled on 1,700 acres just over an hour South of Orlando, Westgate River Ranch provides fun and adventure for the entire family. Return to the days of “Old Florida” when the state was home to cowboys and cattle ranchers at this authentic dude ranch.

The myriad of activities at Westgate River Ranch include horseback riding, golfing, hiking, fishing, boating, trap and skeet shooting, swimming, airboat and swamp buggy rides, and a petting zoo. Westgate River Ranch also features hayrides, cookouts, an old-time country store, Smokehouse Grill restaurant and River Ranch Saloon.

Weekend Getaway Specials at Westgate River Ranch include:

• Easter Weekend Package: Spend Easter Weekend at Westgate River Ranch April 10-12, 2009, for just $265 plus tax! A variety of amazing family activities have been scheduled during Easter Weekend at Westgate River Ranch. The Easter Weekend Package features two nights accommodation in a Western-themed Inn Room, Easter Sunrise Service at the marina, and coffee and Danish to follow. Kids will love the Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Petting Farm, Easter Egg Hunt, Ice Cream Sundae Hayride and much more! Note: A two-night stay is required. Package is based on availability. A credit card is required at the time of booking to guarantee a reservation.

• Memorial Day Weekend Package: Kick off the summer in style with a Westgate River Ranch Memorial Day Weekend getaway, May 22-25, 2009, for just $365 plus tax! Enjoy good old-fashioned family fun, including Potato Sack Races, Watermelon Seed Spitting Contests, Water Balloons, Egg Toss and Kid Crafts. The Memorial Day Weekend Package features three nights accommodation in a Western-themed Inn Room, two tickets to the Friday night Wildlife After Sundown Hayride, a picnic lunch for two and games at Tumbleweed Park on Saturday afternoon, Americom Championship Rodeo on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon Kids Rodeo. Note: A three-night stay is required. Package is based on availability. A credit card is required at booking to guarantee a reservation.

So leave all of you city worries behind and experience a “Western-style” change of pace at Westgate River Ranch! Weekend Getaway Specials at Westgate Resorts are based on availability, so call (888) 808-7410 today to book your weekend vacation getaway at Westgate River Ranch or visit www.wgriverranch.com.

Manta is scheduled to officially open at SeaWorld Orlando on Friday, May 22, 2009. For  more information about SeaWorld Orlando, visit http://www.orlando-florida.net/seaworld/sea-world-orlando.htm.

With world-class flower and horticultural displays, specially themed weekends and the Flower Power concert series, the 2009 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival promises to be bigger and better than ever! The 16th-annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival offers something for everyone and is included in Epcot’s regular admission price. And spring is a great time to visit Orlando since the weather is ideal and you don’t have to cope with the summer crowds.

Enjoy endless displays of colorful roses, wildflowers and topiary displays of your favorite Disney characters, as well as gardening seminars, workshops, demonstrations and more than 500 native butterflies in Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden at this immensely popular annual Walt Disney World® Resort festival, which runs 75 days this year - from March 18 through May, 2009.

Plenty of children’s activities will be available at the 2009 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival such as the all-new daily Fairy & Princess Procession, Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden (hands-on activities, play structure and colorful topiaries of Disney characters), Pirates Adventure Zone, Let’s Get Moving recreational garden, Green Garden playground area, Character Topiary Scavenger Hunt and Earth Station.

One of the highlights of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is the Great American Gardener Series that will take place at the new Garden Town Festival Center in Future World East (next to Universe of Energy). Presented in partnership with the American Horticultural Society, the 2009 Great American Gardner Series features some of the most respected gardeners and nature experts in the United States such as Jon Carloftis (March 20-22, 2009), Shirley Bovshow (March 27-29, 2009), Susan Belsinger (April 3-5, 2009), Felder Rushing (April 10-12, 2009), Joe Lamp’l (April 17-19, 2009), Jeff Lowenfels (April 24-26, 2009), Joe Washington (May 1-3, 2009), Tom MacCubbin (May 8-10, 2009), Raymond Western (May 8-10, 2009), Melinda Myers (May 15-17, 2009), Robert Bowden (May 22-24, 2009) and Rita Randolph (May 29-31, 2009). Seminars will take place at 12 PM and 3 PM during the days listed above (schedule subject to change without notice).

In addition, the 2009 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will feature a stellar lineup of live entertainment through the Flower Power Concert Series such as Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Davy Jones, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone and Jose Feliciano. All concerts will take place at the America Gardens Theatre at 5:15 PM, 6:30 PM and 7:45 PM during the dates specified below. Concerts are included with regular Epcot admission.

2009 Flower Power Concert Series
March 20-22, 2009 - Davy Jones (”Daydream Believer”)
March 27-29, 2009 - Paul Revere & The Raiders (”Good Thing”)
April 3-5, 2009 - The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie (”Happy Together”)
April 10-12, 2009 - Herman’s Hermit’s starring Peter Noone (”I’m Henry the VIII, I Am”)
April 17-19, 2009 - The Ventures (”Hawaii Five-O”)
April 24-26, 2009 - Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes (”If You Don’t Know Me By Now”)
May 1-3, 2009 - Chubby Checker & The Wildcats (”The Twist”)
May 8-10, 2009 - Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons (”Love and Affection”)
May 15-17, 2009 - Jose Feliciano (”Light My Fire”)
May 22-24, 2009 - The 5th Dimension (”Up, Up and Away”)
May 29-31, 2009 - Tony Orlando “(Tie a Yellow Ribbon”)
Note: Concerts and show times are subject to change without notice.

Seeking spacious and affordable accommodations during your stay in Orlando to attend the 2009 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival? Look no farther than Westgate Resorts, which offers spacious villas, first-class amenities and convenient access to Disney World theme parks and area attractions. Choose from Westgate Resorts properties such as Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.orlando-florida.net/hotels.

In addition to world-class theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando, the Orlando area offers a variety of festivals, events and fairs in 2009 that are sure to please visitors and residents alike. On most weekends throughout 2009, but especially during spring, you’ll discover lively festivals and events going on somewhere in Orlando.

Many of Orlando’s most popular spring festivals and events are hosted by area theme parks and the 2009 lineup includes Mardi Gras at Universal Studios, the largest Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans, runs every Saturday night through Saturday, April 18, 2009; and the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which features world-class flower and horticultural displays, from March 18 through May 31, 2009.

In most cases, these special events at Disney World and Universal Orlando during 2009 are included in the cost of the base ticket, providing an added benefit to your theme park excursion. And spring is a great time to visit Orlando since the weather is perfect and you can get a jump on the summer crowds.

Outside of the theme parks, major spring festivals and events in the Orlando area include the Arnold Palmer Invitational (formerly known as the Bay Hill Invitational), which draws top professional golfers on the PGA Tour such as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, from March 23-29, 2009; the 11-day Central Florida Fair, which features carnival rides, live music, regional arts and crafts, food, livestock shows and amazing interactive exhibits from April 16-26, 2009; and the Central Florida Home & Garden Show, the region’s largest consumer home and garden showcase, from March 13-15, 2008.

Art and culture lovers will enjoy such Orlando festivals as the 18th-annual Florida Film Festival, which has been voted as the 8th-best film festival in the United States by the Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide to Film Festivals, from March 27 - April 5, 2009; Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, one of the country’s most prestigious outdoor art festivals, from March 20-22, 2009; and Spring Fiesta in the Park, which displays the talents of more than 200 artists and craftspeople from all over the country, April 4-5, 2009.

Good sources for more information on upcoming Orlando festivals and events include the “Orlando Seasonal Events” section of the Orlando, Florida Guide, as well as the Friday entertainment sections of the Orlando Sentinel and the Orlando Weekly, a weekly arts and entertainment publication. In addition, check out Orlando’s online calendar at orlandoinfo.com, the official website of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Seeking spacious and affordable accommodations during your next Orlando vacation getaway? Look no farther than Westgate Resorts, which offers spacious villas, first-class amenities and convenient access to Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando theme parks, as well as other Orlando area attractions. Choose from Westgate Resorts properties such as Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.orlando-florida.net/hotels.

The 2009 Arnold Palmer Invitational will take place from Monday, March 23 through Sunday, March 29, 2009, at the 7,137-yard, par-70 course at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida. Presented by MasterCard, The Arnold Palmer Invitational draws the world’s top professional golfers on the PGA Tour.

The event traces its history back to 1966 when it began as the Florida Citrus Open Invitational. Over the years, it has also been known as the Florida Citrus Invitational, Florida Citrus Open, Bay Hill Citrus Classic, Bay Hill Classic, Hertz Bay Hill Classic, Nestle Invitational and Bay Hill Invitational. Palmer has owned Bay Hill Club & Lodge since 1976.

Tiger Woods captured the 2008 Arnold Palmer Invitational - his fifth win at the golf tournament since 2000! It was Woods’ 64th victory on the PGA Tour, tying him with Ben Hogan for third place on the career list behing Sam Snead (82 victories) and Jack Nicklaus (73 victories). Woods also became the first player in PGA Tour history to win four different tournaments at least five times each.

Other previous winners of the tournament include Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson, Lee Trevino, Arnold Palmer, Fred Couples, Payne Stewart, Ernie Els, Paul Azinger, Fuzzy Zoeller, Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw.

Admission is charged to the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Ticket options include the all-new King’s Club ($2,000), Bay Hill Badge ($300), Clubhouse Badge ($200), Palmer Pavilion Badge ($185), Grounds Badge ($95), Gold Patron Package ($3,500), Bay Hill Patron Package ($2,800), Practice/Pro Am Ticket ($35) and Any One Day Ticket ($45). In addition, daily parking is $20. For more information about the 2009 Arnold Palmer Invitational, visit www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com.

The third-annual Baldwin Park Arts Festival will take place this Saturday, March 14, 2009, from 10 AM to 5 PM. The event will feature local artist booths throughout the Village Center Courtyard and live entertainment provided on the fountain stage. Staged entertainment will include professional arts veteran producers such as Orlando Ballet and Orlando Opera Company.

In addition to staged performances, various groups such as Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, will perform “vignettes” throughout the day in strategically placed positions along New Broad Street in the popular and fast-growing Orlando community. At 4 PM, the fountain stage will turn up the heat with a fashion show exhibiting clothing from local merchants. The fashion will be showcased by local models. This year’s poster will be an original work designed by Lorraine Turner.

For more information about the Baldwin Park Arts Festival, visit www.baldwinparkartsfestival.com.

Thousands of women from around the world will compete at the inaugural Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Lady Foot Locker this weekend. This three-day celebration of women’s health and fitness includes a variety of exclusive opportunities for participants and their families such as Princess meet and greets, a character breakfast, a makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and a Princess-themed after party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with live entertainment and a special gift at the stroke of midnight. The weekend kicks off today with Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo at the Jostens Center at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex. The expo, open to everyone, will involve renowned fitness experts leading seminars on training, racing and nutrition, and the latest running and fitness equipment.

More than 11,000 runners are competing in various races throughout the weekend, making this event one of the largest endurance race weekends geared toward women. The signature event, Disney’s Princess Half Marathon, is Sunday, and takes runners on a 13.1 mile royal journey through Magic Kingdom and Epcot. On Saturday, there is the Royal Family 5K at Epcot and the Princess Kids’ Races. Every runner will receive a commemorative Champion Ladies Tech shirt and runners crossing the finish line will receive a special Princess tiara-shaped medal. While the event is geared toward women, men can run in support of the special women in the lives. For a complete schedule of events, visit disneyprincesshalfmarathon.com. Also, additional post-race party tickets can be purchased for family and friends at the Fit for a Princess Expo or at the party. Disney’s Princess Half Marathon will support the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will once again host Star Wars Weekends, an immensely popular sci-fi film festival, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 22 through June 14, 2009. Star Wars Weekends features all of your favorite Star Wars characters such as Wookiees, Sith, droids, Jedi, Ewoks, bounty hunters and Rodians in meet-and-greet sessions, as well as Jedi Training Academy interactive entertainment experience, Star Wars memorabilia, Star Wars trivia contests, special Star Wars parades and star conversations with famous Star Wars actors and creative geniuses. Events activities are included in theme park admission. For more information about Star Wars Weekends, visit www.disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends.