Orlando 2012: Florida's theme parks prepare to keep us under their spell
The entertainment starts with a spectacular ice show, continues with some amazing animals and then breaks out into pure fantasy.
And there will be lots of Disney's special effects, too. Yes, it is another year in the magical world of Orlando, that Florida wonderland of theme parks and other attractions, and 2012 is shaping up as a big-time thrill, especially for anyone planning a trip next summer.
The great thing about this area and we should know, as we live here is that there is always something new.
Sea the future: How Walt Disney's Fantasyland will look next year, with some of their favourite characters from films including Finding Nemo
Walt Disney World started it all, way back in 1971, but Sea-World, Busch Gardens and others have all joined in with innovations and updates of their own. And it is Busch Gardens, the big Africa-themed park in Tampa, that will kick off 12 months of adventure-mania on January 16.
That is the opening date for its Animal Care Centre, a zoo that allows guests to see the work that goes into maintaining the health and welfare of many of its 2,500 animals.
The state-of-the-art building will provide an extensive view of the hospital facilities with a special spot for the Animal Nursery and a close-up of some of its cuddliest customers.
Having gone for high thrills in 2011 with its stunning Cheetah Hunt coaster, Busch slows things down next February with a contrasting experience. Iceploration will be an ice-show with some ela! borate s pecial effects.
Trunk full of fun: A family take a spin on Disney's Dumbo attraction
This is the long-awaited return for the 335-acre park's biggest indoor arena, the Moroccan Palace Theatre, which last staged an ice-skating extravaganza in 2004.
Various Broadway-style stage shows have been tried at the theatre since then but Busch Gardens fans still yearned for the more old-fashioned charm of double axels and triple salchows, so the park's entertainment division has pulled out all the stops to offer exactly that and much more besides.
Iceploration will be a full-scale production that packs a lot into a 30-minute show-time, telling the story of a young boy's journey around the world to discover tales of adventure and imagination.
As well as a world-class cast of ice-skaters and some ingenious staging notably for an under- the-sea segment and a visit to the high Arctic the show will feature floating helium-filled animal puppets that mimic moray eels, macaws that fly over the audience, a pair of husky dogs and a 30lb Siberian lynx, plus an array of eye-catching costumes from designer Gregg Barnes and effects that mimic the Northern Lights, among other things.
But that's just the 'appetiser' for 2012. When the focus switches to Walt Disney World and SeaWorld in the summer, things start to get very exciting. Disney will offer the next landmark event with the opening in May of its Art Of Animation Resort, a vivid four-part journey into classic stories The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo and Cars.
And, while the style will be first-class, with guests being immersed in the make-believe worlds with features such as themed swimming pools, interactive play areas and an animation-themed food court, the real benefit will be the extra value it offers for families especially those with more than two children.
Of the rooms on site at! Walt Di sney World, 1,120 of the 1,984 available will be suites that sleep up to six, meaning that mum and dad can have a bedroom to themselves while the children enjoy their own space and sleeping arrangements, which include the fun 'Inovabed', a dining table that converts easily into a bed.
Each family suite also has two bathrooms, a microwave, fridge and coffee-maker. Room rates start at $249 (155) a night in low season and Complete Orlando (0800 294 8844, www.completeorlando.co.uk) can offer a week in the Art Of Animation Resort next June for 1,428.
Whirl of adventure: A Busch Gardens rollercoaster puts thrill-seekers through their paces
At the same time, Disney will unveil the first phase (of four) of its eagerly anticipated Fantasyland expansion in the Magic Kingdom park. The Storybook Circus will offer two great children's rides and a water-play feature.
The highlight will be a second Dumbo ride a standard fairground whirligig that's been given the full high-flying Disney treatment.
Many parents will already know about the long, arduous queuing for the existing Dumbo ride but now there will be two identical rides to speed up the process.
There will also be an air-conditioned waiting area (essential at most times of the year in hot, sunny Florida) that provides hands-on fun and games to keep children happy while they queue.
The Great Goofini is a junior-sized coaster driven by barnstorming pilot Goofy that is sure to appeal to the four-to-ten age group in particular, while the stationary Casey Junior train has a series of fountains, pop-jets and other water-fun elements that will ensure huge entertainment for young ones, so you had better remember to bring swimming costumes or a change of clothes.
It' s got wings: A dragonfly fromIceploration, an ice-show with some elaborate special effects
In June, the spotlight switches to SeaWorld, where the killer whale and dolphin park will debut a new show, Turtle: The Incredible Journey. Based on the recent film narrated by Miranda Richardson, it follows the amazing voyage of a loggerhead turtle from Florida to Africa and back.
In keeping with SeaWorld's eco-friendly approach, the conservation message is firmly to the fore but all the family will enjoy this imaginative and colourful presentation.
Right next door, exclusive swim-with-dolphins sister park Discovery Cove will unveil its newest attraction, Jungle Habitat, a walk and swim-through fresh-water area that features separate animal elements for otters and monkeys. More details will be available soon, so check at www.discoverycove.com.
Universal Studios Florida joins in the fun with its latest attraction, the 3-D simulator ride Despicable Me, with guests 'transformed' into the mischievous minions from the film and embarking on a wild journey in the company of super-villain Gru.
At the same time, mini-golf fans can enjoy two new courses at Hollywood Drive-In Golf, at Universal's neighbouring CityWalk entertainment complex.
In late October, it will be back to Walt Disney World for phase two of the Fantasyland expansion. By far the biggest enlargement of the park will see two new 'castles', an undersea ride, a themed dining experience, a magical character meet 'n' greet, and a village area, all set in a grand forest straight out of the pages of a classic fairytale.
There will be two scale versions of the Beast's Castle from Beauty And The Beast and the rocky pinnacle of Prince Eric's castle from The Little Mermaid.
Underneath Prince Eric's castle will be the main ride, Journey Of The Little Mermaid, a gentle undersea trundle into the realm of Ariel and her friends in 'clam-shell' vehicles that immerse riders in the story of the Little Merma! id, incl uding the sea dragon lair of the evil Ursula, and Ariel's underwater garden, full of animatronics.
Attraction: Beauty and the Beast will be one of the subjects of the second phase of Fantasyland
Children can meet the star of the show in Ariel's Grotto and play an interactive game in Scuttle's Scavenger Hunt. Next door, the full-scale Belle's Village will play out the enchanting tale of the girl who gave her heart to the hulking Beast.
The village includes Maurice's Cottage, where children will be transported via a 'magical mirror' to the Beast's library for an interactive re-telling of the story.
And, for dinner, look for the Be Our Guest restaurant, set inside the Beast's Castle with a welcome from various characters such as Mrs Potts and Chip, and an interactive Lumiere doing the rounds of the elegant ballroom, art gallery and forbidding west wing.
More...
There is also Gaston's Tavern for those after a quick counter-service meal. And then, of course, there's even more in store in 2013, with two more phases to complete the Fantasyland expansion. But perhaps we should save that for another day.
And there's more...
Disney is adding more value for families looking to visit during the school h! olidays (with the exception of Easter) in 2012 by providing its Disney Dining Plan free with all bookings for its Moderate and Deluxe resorts.
This meal plan gives access to dining options in Disney World in the parks, hotels and the Downtown area for any stay, with one quick-service meal, one full-service meal and one snack per day.
It removes the need to budget for meals and gives a saving of about 550 a week for a family of four. More details at www.disneyworld.co.uk, or call 0870 24 24 900.
Attraction Tickets Direct has two great offers this month a 14-day Disney ticket for the seven-day price, and a Kids Eat Free card (valid at more than 130 Orlando restaurants) for anyone spending 450 or more. Visit www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk or call 0800 223 0324.
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