Diana Exhibit at Downtown Disney

Hundreds of royal artifacts are on view in "DIANA - The People's Princess," a limited-time experience showcasing the life and story of Diana, Princess of Wales -- open now at Downtown Disney in the Walt Disney World Resort. The exhibition includes royal dresses Diana chose to auction for charity, photos and personal effects. "DIANA - The People's Princess" will be on display through Nov. 30, 2009. Tickets may be purchased at the exhibit - $14.50 for ages 10 and older, $5 for ages 3-9.

Is Characters in Flight at Downtown Disney Loosing Steam?

The newest attraction at Downtown Disney West Side is called Characters in Flight. It is a tethered balloon ride that goes up about 400 feet above Downtown Disney. It is an incredible view, but many of us locals are wondering if it is worth it. Since the recent opening of this new attraction, our agents have tried many times to go ride this new attraction. Being locals, it is just a quick drive up the road. However, all of the times we have tried to ride this attraction we have never been able to do so. The reason...the ride will not operate due to wind or rain. This is Florida and it certainly does get windy and rainy around here, so that can be quite an issue for this new attraction.

We got lucky last Friday when some of our agents were visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios for the 20th Anniversary. We saw the balloon floating in the air and had to go ride it. We just left Disney's Hollywood Studios where Tower of Terror (one of the most popular rides at Disney) only had a 20 minute wait. We got to the Characters in Flight and got really excited. There were a few people on the dock waiting for their ride (maybe around 20 people) and then 10 people in line to purchase tickets. We actually thought we got there before the crowds for a quick ride. I know, I know, being locals we should have known better.

We spent 30 minutes waiting in line just to buy the tickets. I know you would think that 10 people in line should go a little bit faster, what happened? With this ride, they only allow a certain number of people on the dock or as they call it "on deck" to ride. Once they reach a certain number, they stop selling tickets. While we waited, they stopped selling tickets twice.

Once we got the opportunity to purchase the tickets, we headed down to the dock. We waited for two balloon rides and then it was out turn. The whole experience from getting in line to riding the Characters in Flight balloon took 1 hour and 15 minutes. It was quite funny to us, since it really looked like no line for this attraction. We talked with one of the Cast Members after the ride to get some more details on the wait. This is a balloon ride and the number of people riding vary depend on the weather conditions. Since it was a little windy, they only allowed 10 people at a time instead of the usual 20 people. This caused what seemed to be a "short line" into a very long wait.

If this looks like a ride that you want to try during your Disney World vacation, we have some tips to better your experience. First, call Disney Guest Services (from your resort phone) before heading to Downtown Disney to make sure the Characters in Flight is operational. Second, get to the ride at opening to avoid any lines at all.

Happy Flying!

Tren-D Grand Opening at Downtown Disney

Some of our agents headed off to Downtown Disney Marketplace a few weeks ago to attend the Grand Opening of the new Tren-D store. This new store features fun Disney merchandise in the latest styles including clothing, jewelry and accessories. The store is truly unique with 85 beautiful chandeliers hanging in the middle of the store. Catchy artwork and paintings were around the store. Plus, watch for hidden Mickeys - there are a bunch of them at this store. Here are some of the pictures from the new Tren-D store at Downtown Disney.

Do you see the hidden Mickey?

Up, Up and Away with the New Ride at Downtown Disney

Up, Up and Away with the new ride at Downtown Disney Westside called Characters in Flight. This new attraction will take up to 30 guest over 400 feet in the air above Downtown Disney. The ride is a tethered hot air balloon. The yellow balloon is incredible with black silouettes of Mary Poppins, Aladdin, Dumbo and more around the balloon.

The flight times and availability varies depending on the weather conditions. Wind and rain does affect the ride. The cost is $16 per adult and $10 per child (ages 3-9). For more information about the new ride called Characters in Flight, contact one of our Disney Specialists at Destinations in Florida Travel. Happy flights!

Pleasure Island Closing - What Happens to Disney Tickets

After Disney's announcement on Saturday that Downtown Disney's Pleasure Island complex would be closing in September, 2008, many had questions about what that means to Annual Passholders, Premium Annual Passholders, and ticket holders with the Water Parks, Fun, and More option. Disney's own answers to these questions are quoted, below.

Q. What do the changes on Pleasure Island mean to a Pleasure Island Annual Passholder?

A. The closing of the Pleasure Island nightclubs will impact the Passholder's ability to use their Pleasure Island Annual Pass. Passholders who would like to request a pro-rated refund can stop by any Guest Relations location or Vacation Planning booth at the Walt Disney World® Resort or, call (888)-294-2691†.

Q. What do the changes on Pleasure Island mean to a Walt Disney World® Premium Annual Passholder?

A. Beginning September 28, 2008, your Premium Annual Pass will no longer include admission to the Pleasure Island nightclubs.The good news is that beginning June 28, 2008, Guests with a Premium Annual Passes will be able to play a round of golf at Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course—a relaxed, nine-hole walking course designed for the entire family! Tee times are required and subject to availability. To make a tee time, call 407-WDW-GOLF (939-4653)† or visit disneyworldgolf.com.

Q.How do the changes on Pleasure Island affect my Water Park Fun & More ticket option at Walt Disney World® Resort?

A. As a Water Park Fun & More ticket option holder, you receive a certain number of visits to your choice of Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney's Blizzard Beach® Water Park, DisneyQuest ® Indoor Interactive Theme Park, Disney's Wide World of Sports® Complex or the Pleasure Island nightclubs.Beginning June 28, 2008, you can also choose to use a visit to play a round of golf at Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course, a relaxed, nine-hole walking course designed for the entire family. Tee times are required and subject to availability. For tee times, call (407) WDW-GOLF (407-939-4653)† or visit disneyworldgolf.com.