Walt Disney World Turns the Big 40

Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla - 40 square miles of fantastic entertainment- is turning 40 years old this fall.  Sunny, warm weather all year long made central Florida a natural choice for this Disney attraction, which opened October 1, 1971.  Today, the resort includes four theme parks, two water adventure parks, 32 hotels, five golf courses, two full-service spas, a wedding pavilion, the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex and an entertainment-shopping-dinning complex called Downtown Disney.

Disney recently introduced a number of exciting new features at Walt Disney World, making this 40th anniversary year a perfect time to visit for first-timer's and repeat visitors alike.

Most recently, the Star Tours attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios re-opened after a complete refurbishment.  It's now one of the most popular rides at Disney World, and for good reason.  With assistance from 3D glasses, you'll rocket through famous scenes from both Star Wars movie trilogies, encountering characters such as Princess Leia, R2D2, Yoda and the feared Darth Vader.  Star Tours features more than 50 possible combinations of scenes and characters, making each ride unique.

Disney's Hollywood Studios also have a new parade, "Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun," featuring favorite characters from Pixar movies such as A Bug's Life, Monsters, Inc. and Toy Story.  The parade is led by Mr. and Mrs. incredible and their crime-fighting friend, Frozone, from the Incredibles.

At Disney's Magic Kingdom, lovely Rapunzel and roguish Flynn Rider from the animated feature Tangled greet guests in new, interactive experience at the Fairytale Garden.  They join plenty of "old favorite" attractions, such as Space Mountain and It's a Small World.

Epcot Center's World Showcase has new options for a memorable lunch or leisurely dinner.  Via Napoli offers authentic Neapolitan pizza and other southern Italian specialties.  The popular San Angel Inn has expanded and can now serve traditional Mexican cuisine to more guests in open-air seating with a great view of the nightly fireworks.

To experience everything that Disney World has to offer during it's 40th anniversary year, talk with your travel professional.  With a wide variety of accommodations and discounted admission for multiple-day tickets that allow you to experience each park, your travel professional will help you plan a Disney World vacation that works with your schedule and budget.

Happy Travels!

Four Great Places to Celebrate the Fourth

As one of America's most beloved holidays, the Fourth of July is a reverential commemoration of the ratification of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, during the Revolutionary War.  Today, the colonial cities that figured prominently in the war are fabulous places to celebrate the Fourth.

The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, where today's commemoration party starts early - on June 24, with the opening of the annual Taste of Philadelphia.  In the days leading up to the Fourth, you can attend "Go 4th and Learn About History," featuring historical story time, face panting, crafts and games; a block party in Philadelphia's Chinatown; and the Super Scooper Ice Cream Festival.  On the Fourth, patriotic ceremonies at Independence Hall - where Thomas Jefferson's declaration was signed - and a parade down Market Street are followed by concerts and fireworks, a tradition the Founding Fathers envisioned, into the night.

The National Mall in Washington, D.C., lined with iconic monuments and buildings, is a perfect setting for a Fourth of July celebration.  The Fourth begins with a parade along Constitution Avenue and ends with a display of fireworks that lights the sky over the Washington Monument.  In between, take in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, special family programming at the National Archives where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution are on display, or a tour of the White House Visitor Center.

Boston, site of the famous Tea Party that preceded the Revolutionary War, hosts Harborfest, a six-day celebration of the city's history.  Harborfest includes more than 200 events, such as reenactments, concerts, walking tours, sunset harbor cruises, sailboat races and musical performances.  There's also the 30th annual Chowderfest, where you can vote for the best New England-style clam chowder.

Many residents of New York City hit the beach on the Fourth or attend the annual hot dog eating contest on Coney Island.  You could also take a tour of Lower Manhattan locations related to the Revolutionary War, such as Fraunces Tavern, the grave of Alexander Hamilton and Federal Hall, site of George Washington 's first inauguration.  In the evening, fireworks burst over the Hudson River - you can find a spot to watch on land or hop on one of many riverboat dinner cruises, many of which sail beneath the stunning Statue of Liberty.

Just some quick and easy get-a-ways to help you celebrate a safe and fun Fourth of July.