The answer-- always-- is: a lot. For example, soon there'll be yet another attempt to turn central Orlando into a beach: the legendary Ron Jon's Surf Shop will add a facility for a surf school in 2005. Sea World has a new hands-on tour, and Disney World has a new "My Disney Girl's Perfectly Princess Tea Party." Also, to celebrate Disneyland's 50th anniversary, Disney World is importing top attractions from other parks. Two brand-new attractions are coming, too: the EVEREST thrill ride in Animal Kingdom, and "Stitch's Great Escape", in Tomorrowland.
New in Orlando: Surf's Up
Some days, you have to remind yourself that Orlando is actually an hour's drive from the coast. Many resorts now offer a "beach pool" with sandy shores. Discovery Cove -- Sea World's sister park-- replicates an entire Caribbean experience: complete with sandy beaches, snorkeling lagoon, dolphin lagoon. And Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon waterpark has a wave pool with big enough waves to run surfing classes.
So maybe it's no surprise that Ron Jon's Surf Shop -- a giant institution-- will open the Ron Jon Surfpark at Festival Bay on International Drive in early 2005. There'll be pools for all levels of surfers, from beginners to pro. Could be a great vacation idea for a teen; keep an eye on www.ronjons.com.
SeaWorld Orlando
A new 60-minute "Saving a Species" tour takes visitors behind the scenes to look at the park's animal rescue and rehab efforts. Guests can hand-feed birds in a free-flight aviary and see manatees and sea turtles get medical care. See www.seaworld.com.
Walt Disney World
If you have a daughter who'd fancy tea with Princess Aurora ("Sleeping Beauty"), she can get her wish now at Disney's classy Grand Floridian Resort. The My Disney Girl's Perfectly Princess Tea Party takes place Thursday through Monday mornings, for ages 3 to 11. Guests get tea for two, princess cakes, a "My Disney Girl" doll dressed in a Princess Aurora gown, a tiara, bracelet, and more.
Also at Disney: Disneyland is celebrating its 50's anniversary next year, and Walt Disney World is not about to be left out. Starting May 5 2005, WDW will feature attractions and shows imported from other Disney theme parks. "Cinderellabration," on the Magic Kingdom's castle stage, will continue the happily-ever-after story of Cinderella; this musical comes from Tokyo Disneyland Park. At Epcot, guests will get a taste of "Soarin", a popular attraction at Disney's California Adventure. Disney-MGM Studios has an import from Walt Disney Studios Paris: the "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show". In 2006, the Expedition EVEREST thrill ride will open in Animal Kingdom: a high-speed train adventure with the abominable snowman thrown in.
And let's not forget another upcoming attraction at Walt Disney World: based on the hit animated film "Lilo & Stitch", Stitch's Great Escape opens this fall in Tomorrowland.
New in Orlando: Surf's Up
Some days, you have to remind yourself that Orlando is actually an hour's drive from the coast. Many resorts now offer a "beach pool" with sandy shores. Discovery Cove -- Sea World's sister park-- replicates an entire Caribbean experience: complete with sandy beaches, snorkeling lagoon, dolphin lagoon. And Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon waterpark has a wave pool with big enough waves to run surfing classes.
So maybe it's no surprise that Ron Jon's Surf Shop -- a giant institution-- will open the Ron Jon Surfpark at Festival Bay on International Drive in early 2005. There'll be pools for all levels of surfers, from beginners to pro. Could be a great vacation idea for a teen; keep an eye on www.ronjons.com.
SeaWorld Orlando
A new 60-minute "Saving a Species" tour takes visitors behind the scenes to look at the park's animal rescue and rehab efforts. Guests can hand-feed birds in a free-flight aviary and see manatees and sea turtles get medical care. See www.seaworld.com.
Walt Disney World
If you have a daughter who'd fancy tea with Princess Aurora ("Sleeping Beauty"), she can get her wish now at Disney's classy Grand Floridian Resort. The My Disney Girl's Perfectly Princess Tea Party takes place Thursday through Monday mornings, for ages 3 to 11. Guests get tea for two, princess cakes, a "My Disney Girl" doll dressed in a Princess Aurora gown, a tiara, bracelet, and more.
Also at Disney: Disneyland is celebrating its 50's anniversary next year, and Walt Disney World is not about to be left out. Starting May 5 2005, WDW will feature attractions and shows imported from other Disney theme parks. "Cinderellabration," on the Magic Kingdom's castle stage, will continue the happily-ever-after story of Cinderella; this musical comes from Tokyo Disneyland Park. At Epcot, guests will get a taste of "Soarin", a popular attraction at Disney's California Adventure. Disney-MGM Studios has an import from Walt Disney Studios Paris: the "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show". In 2006, the Expedition EVEREST thrill ride will open in Animal Kingdom: a high-speed train adventure with the abominable snowman thrown in.
And let's not forget another upcoming attraction at Walt Disney World: based on the hit animated film "Lilo & Stitch", Stitch's Great Escape opens this fall in Tomorrowland.
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