Cirque du Soleil La Nouba is a breathtakingly amazing show which is staged in the Downtown Disney Westside area of Walt Disney World. It is difficult to describe a Cirque du Soleil show without using words like spectacular, stunning, amazing, unique. If you are looking for wonderful family entertainment then La Nouba is a great choice. Unfortunately the experience does not come cheap so if you are looking for discount tickets then we recommend:

La Nouba by Cirque Du Soleil – Tickets!

La Nouba literally translated means ‘to party’ or ‘to live it up in celebration. The spectacular Cirque performers who come from all over the world certainly know how to entertain. More than 70 circus performers with very unique talents entertain audiences in this 90 minute family show. Just when you think it can’t get any better a new act arrives on the stage to entertain you. From high wire to ariel ballet, the high wire to the Diabalos the thrills just keep on coming. The show has now staged more than 6,000 performances.

The theater itself was the first structure which was purpose built permanent theater to stage Cirque du Soleil. The theater in Downtown Disney seats up to 1,671 people. You can’t miss the huge circus tent like structure is the Westside section of Downtown Disney.

Some seats are better than others of course and there are 4 different types of seating category which in order of desirability are: Front and Center, Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3. There is a Category 4 and these seats are only available from the box office. Front and Center is of course the best. Some of the show is interactive so be aware that those on the front row may be asked to participate. All seats have a decent view of the stage. The general view is that the higher the category the better the seat, but many reviewers felt that Category 2 seats tie the best value.

There are 2 performances each day Tuesday through Saturday at 6pm and 9pm. The show is dark on Sunday and Monday.

Ticket prices range from around $60 to $140 depending upon seating category and date.

Disney does sometimes offer discounts on La Nouba tickets. Often these offers are for Annual Passholders and there has recently been an offer for Tables of Wonderland members. A Category 2 ticket is also included for each guest on a reservation as part of Platinum or Premier Disney World Vacation Package.

You can often pick up discount Cirque du Soleil La Nouba tickets by clicking on the link below or the picture below.

La Nouba by Cirque Du Soleil – Tickets!

If you buy tickets through this link we do receive compensation.

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Photo by wdwdorks

One of the most popular and highly rated of all the Walt Disney World tours is the Epcot Around the World Tour where guests can ride around World Showcase on a Segway.

The Epcot Segway tours are so popular they now run 4 times a day at 7.45, 8.30, 9.00 and 9.30 each morning. Guests check in at the Guest Relations location to the left of Spaceship Earth. If you are arriving before the park opens you will be able to join a special line which is shared with those guests going to the Disney Princess Storybook Breakfast so that you can get into the park early.

If you are joining the tour at 7.45am you do need to know that you will not be able to get into Epcot through the World Showcase entrance. This can be a problem for those guests staying in an Epcot resort as there is no transportation to the Future World entrance so you would need to arrange your own or have a car.

To join the Segway tour you have to be at least 16 years old and weigh at least 100 and not more than 250 pounds. Guests aged 16 and 17 will need to have a waiver signed by their parents.

The cost of the Epcot segway tour is $99 per person plus tax. Disney Annual Passholders and Disney Visa Credit Card holders may be entitled to a discount. To book you call 407 WDW TOUR or 407 939 8687.

The tour starts with all guests being instructed on how to ride the segway. They are surprisingly easy to control and definitely a lot of fun! The training part of the tour lasts around 45 minutes so you get plenty of time to gain confidence on your Segway. If you have ever ridden a Segway before this may be a rather frustrating delay for you as you will most likely be wanting to start your tour, but for most it is a necessary part of the experience!

After your training you will be taken on a guided tour of Epcot World Showcase by one of the excellent Segway guides. They will point out lots of interesting details about World Showcase along the way. This is a wonderful chance to see a very different side to Epcot World Showcase. It is not open to the public at this time so you can see lots of details that you may otherwise miss. It is a very different experience to be in a Walt Disney World park with very few other guests!

If you get a taste for riding around on a Segway you can also book the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure. This experience is also 2 hours and you get the chance to ride around Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort on an X2 Segway. This is a more ‘rugged’ design so that it can deal with the rougher terrain in the Fort Wilderness Resort and guests can have a very different off road experience. The cost for this tour is $90 per person and the requirements are the same as for the Around the World Tour.

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If you are visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios be sure not to miss the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. Even if you have never seen the Raiders of the Lost Ark movie upon which this show is based then you will enjoy this fast moving action packed show. Stunt performers, pyrotechnics and special effects all make the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular a must see show at Disney World.

Photo by rachelak

The idea behind the 35 minute show is that the audience can see how some of the amazing stunts for the Indiana Jones movies were created. The amphitheater holds 2,000 guests and it does get full at busy times. There is a Fast Pass available. To get the best seats you do have to arrive early. There are usually 3 or 4 shows each day so check your schedule as soon as you arrive in Disney’s Hollywood Studios so that you can plan which show to go to. The first show of the day is usually the one which is least crowded.

The doors open around 20 minutes before show time. The best seats are towards the front and center, but you will get a good view of the stage from almost everywhere in the auditorium.

The seating is on benches which are not the most comfortable, but the show is more than worth the wait! You may be in the amphitheater for almost an hour if you arrive early so factor this into your schedule when you are working out which show to go to during the day.

There is audience participation for a chosen few. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old and yes they really do need to sign a waiver! To increase your chances of getting picked scream like crazy when they ask for volunteers, jump up and down, just anything to get you noticed.

The stunt show has 3 scenes which are all based on famous scenes from Raiders of the Lost Ark. The first one showcases the stunt performer portraying Indiana Jones in the classic scene where Indy dodges spikes coming out of the floor, and numerous other traps so that he can get to the prized treasure. Then comes the famous scene where he is being chased by the giant bolder.

Indy is then joined my Marion in the streets of Cairo. Lots of non stop action here with acrobatics, explosions and a great fight scene. The volunteers get to participate in the crowd scene.

The final scene is also action packed with Indiana Jones and Marion trying to stop the Nazis escaping with the ark. Lots more fire, explosions, fight scenes and stunts.

Overall the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular is a great show for all of the family to enjoy. Even if you have never seen an Indiana Jones movie you will enjoy this show as it does not rely on any knowledge of the movies. It is great how they bring the movie stunts to the audience and you do get some insight into how some of the stunts are performed.

I have seen this show so many times I have lost count and I always seem to see something different in it. Just wish they would change the script slightly as I now know it by heart! But next time you visit Disney Hollywood Studios make sure that you go to the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular – you will be glad you did.

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If you are visiting Walt Disney World in August 2012 here is a guide to the events, closures and what you can expect from the weather and crowd levels.
Whenever you visit Disney World it is always a great idea to plan ahead so that you make the most of your vacation.

Photo by expressmonorail

Is August a Good Time To Visit Disney World?

The answer to this is both yes and no! Of course the first 2 weeks of August are usually school vacation for US children so you are going to find that Disney World is particularly busy on these weeks. If you are visiting from outside the US and children are still on vacation then the last 2 weeks should be less crowded than the first 2 weeks of August. Visitors from the UK where children are off school usually for all of August would perhaps be wise to pick the final 2 weeks of August if they have a choice.

Temperatures at Disney World in August are likely to be in the 90s and humidity will be high. Expect high temperatures and prepare! August is also a time of high rainfall but usually showers are over quickly and bring some relief from the soaring temperatures.

Even though the parks are crowded there are longer opening times and more scheduled parades and events during this time.

Walt Disney World Rides Closed for Refurbishment in August 2012

One of the advantages of visiting Disney World at a relatively busy time is that there will usually be very few refurbishments and closures to rides.

The one disappointment is that Epcot’s Test Track is not scheduled to reopen until September 2012. This is a major attraction in Epcot Future World and it’s closure means that Soarin’ is going to be busier than ever. If you are visiting Epcot and want to experience Soarin’ you need to arrive before opening time and get to the attraction as soon as possible, or pick up a Fast Pass as early in the morning as possible. Otherwise expect around a 120 minute wait!

Disney World Parades and Shows in August

The good news is that the parades and shows run regularly throughout August. Fantasmic! is scheduled for every day in August at 9pm.

In Magic Kingdom Disney Wishes, A Dream Come True Parade and Main Street Electrical Parade are scheduled for each day.

In Disney’s Animal Kingdom the Jammin’ Jungle Parade is scheduled for 3.45 each day.

So the trade off to the crowds is that the opening hours are longer, parades and shows are scheduled, and very few rides are closed for scheduled rehabs.

When you visit at a busy time planning really does become crucial. Make as much use of the Fast Pass system as possible and make sure you know which attractions your family wants to prioritize. Many families find that a good plan is to go out early in the morning so that you can get to the parks before opening time and so as many rides as possible early in the morning. Then return back to your hotel room for a rest mid day before heading back out to the parks when the weather is cooler and the crowds in the parks are lighter.

If you are visiting Disney World in August 2012 have a wonderful time!

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Disney’s PhotoPass is a great system which allows guests of any of the theme parks to view online andy buy photos of themselves taken by Disney’s professional photographers. The PhotoPass is very easy to use.

How Does PhotoPass Work?

You will see Disney photographers stationed at set locations all around the theme parks. You will easily recognize them by their costumes which are now the same in each of the parks.

Disney photographers get some great photos. Of course they are located in the very best photo spots around the park, such as in front of Cinderella Castle, and they know how to get the very best pictures for you.

When you have your first photo taken you will be given a small card, or PhotoPass as it is known. This has a 16 digit code which is the number that you will input online to view your photos.

Each time you have your photo taken hand the card to the photographer and they will scan it so that you have all your photos in one location.

It is a good idea to take a note of the number or to take a photo of it just in case you lose it – you will still be able to access your photos if you still have the number.

If you lose your card then you can get a replacement. You can also have more than one card on an account so you can have access to all your photos.

You can check your PhotoPass pictures online, or at any camera center in the parks. You can even have a Cast Member upload your own photos from your camera onto the PhotoPass site before you leave the park.

Disney World PhotoPass Locations

Cinderella Castle is one of the most photographed landmarks in the world

Magic Kingdom:

Main Entrance
Main StreetTrain Station
Town Square (this is very popular as it has Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the Disney Princesses)
Main Street
Cinderella’s Castle
Adventureland
Frontierland
Ariel’s Grotto
Tomorrowland

Disney Hollywood Studios:

Hollywood Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard Attractions
Sorcerer Mickey’s Hat
Al’s Toy Barn
Avenue of the Americas
Animation Courtyard

Epcot:

Main Entrance in front of Spaceship Earth
Character Connection
Various World Showcase Locations
Mission Space
Test Track

Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

Main Entrance to the Park
Tree of Life
Expedition Everest
Camp Minnie-Mickey
Character Boat Landing
Africa

You can also add your photos from select dining locations. If you dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table or Princess Storybook Dining in Epcot the price of your photo package is included in the dining.

There are also photographers in the following dining locations but in order to add these to your PhotoPass you do have to purchase the photos at the table side for an extra charge:

Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Mickey’s Backyard Barbecue and the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue Dinner show at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Tusker House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

There are also Disney PhotoPass photographers at Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. You will also find them at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiques in Downtown Disney and Magic Kingdom.

Disney PhotoPass Prices

5×7 Print $12.95
2 copies of the same 5×7 print $22.95
3 copies of the same 5×7 $29.95
2 copies of the same 4×6 print $14.95
8×10 Print $16.95
5 x 7 Print and one magnet $19.95
5 x 7 Print and one luggage tag $19.95
16 x 20 print $29.95

There are lots of other Disney PhotoPass products you can buy with your photos on them such as mugs, cards, mouse pads, ornaments and shirts.

Another great choice can be to purchase the Disney PhotoPass CD. If you purchase this option you will have a CD with all of the photos taken by Disney’s PhotoPass photographers for your entire stay (up to a limit of 14 days). If you have this option you have the copyright released on these photos so that you can print them at home with any service that you want. Depending upon the amount of photos that you actually need with this then it can be a great deal.

The price of the PhotoPass CD if you buy it in the parks it is $169.95 plus tax. You can save $50 if you pre order online before your vacation so the price is a reduced $119.95 plus tax. This is a great option if you think you will buy the CD because you do have up to 90 days after you have made the pre purchase to get a refund. See the terms and conditions on Disney’s site for more details at Disney PhotoPass Pre Visit Offer

A new feature is that for an additional fee you can now add your Disney dining print photos to a PhotoPass instead of buying them at the table side. This option costs $199.95.

The beautiful photos here were taken by expressmonorail

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How do you make Disney World Dining Reservations? If you are visiting Walt Disney World and plan to eat at one of the wonderful Disney restaurants then you really do need to plan ahead. It is becoming increasingly difficult to get a ‘walk in’ for a Disney restaurant these days so to avoid disappointment then you really should think about making reservations ahead of time.

Do I Really Need to Make Disney World Dining Reservations?

The simple answer is yes. I know that for some the thought of planning so far ahead is not a great prospect but with the popularity of the Disney Dining Plan for guests a lot of the restaurants book out 6 months ahead of time.

If you want to book a character meal or dinner show then it is particularly important to book ahead. The most popular restaurants are:

Cinderella’s Royal Table

To get a reservation here you have to be very quick and book as soon as the booking window opens. I do mean as soon as it opens because they have usually gone in minutes!

Other very popular restaurants are Epcot Le Cellier Steakhouse, the adult only dining at Victoria and Albert’s, the dinner who Hoop De Doo Review and California Grill.

How Do I Make A Disney World Dining Reservation?

You can call 407 WDW DINE or book online on the Disney World website.

Everyone can book up to 180 days ahead. If you are staying at a Disney World resort hotel then you can book up to 190 days ahead of time – you have to provide your booking reference when you book your dining. This does give Disney World resort guests a big advantage to booking those very popular restaurants such as Cinderella’s Royal Table.

What If You Do Not Have a Disney Dining Reservation?

Perseverance can sometimes pay off. Even if it looks like an impossible task to get a reservation at a particular restaurant keep trying. Guests do cancel reservations and so if you keep checking online or by phone you may get lucky. In my experience it is a lot easier to check what is available online. You can see what is available for your chosen time if your first choice is not available. The phone system is in my experience more time consuming than booking online.

You can always try a walk in and sometimes you will get lucky. When you arrive at a theme park try Guest Services first to see what reservations they have. I also use my iPhone a lot so that I can try to get reservations online the morning we arrive. I often do this whilst standing in line for the attractions so I can see what is available ( this only works at quieter times and if you are prepared to be flexible though).

You can always go to the restaurant directly and see if they have any walk ins available. This does some times work. I even once got a walk in for the very coveted Le Cellier Steakhouse for lunch.

Remember too that you can go to any restaurant podium to see which restaurants are available. So for instance you could go to Le Cellier and ask if there is anything available at Jiko as their system should show all Disney restaurants.

Let us know your experience with the Disney World Dining Reservations system by leaving us a Comment!

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The Disney Magic returns to Europe in 2013 and will be sailing out of Barcelona on some exciting Mediterranean itineraries. There is a great choice of itineraries for guests with 7 night cruises and two new 12 night itineraries which include some exciting new destinations for Disney Cruise Line.

There is a lot of choice of cruise lines for European sailings but if you are looking for a high quality family orientated cruise then you will find it hard to beat Disney cruise lines. Known for their exceptional service, great choice of staterooms and of course their legendary entertainment Disney is a great choice.

Disney Mediterranean Cruise for 7 Nights

Sailing dates are:

June 1st and June 8th. August 10th, August 17th and August 31st 2013

Saturday Barcelona, Spain
Sunday At Sea
Monday Villefranche (Nice), France
Tuesday La Spezia (Florence), Italy
Wednesday Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
Thursday Naples, Italy
Friday At Sea
Saturday Barcelona, Spain

This is a good 7 night itinerary which will give guests an introduction to some of the most famous cities in the Mediterranean. They will also enjoy 2 relaxing days at sea.

12 Night Mediterranean Cruise with Venice

Sailing dates are: 27th June and 25th July 2013.