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Disney theme parks have now reopened following lockdown, but with some new procedures and rules in place.  We talk you through what you need to do now to enjoy some Disney magic.

 

The main difference you’ll notice at the Disney parks is the lack of the usual crowds.  Disney has put in place some strict social distancing measures that limit the number of guests.

 

Regulations affect:

 

Following the lockdown, attendance figures were right down, but they are now starting to pick up again.

 

How is Disney managing attendance at its parks?

 

Disney World has introduced a new scheme to help it manage the attendance at the different Disney parks.  From now until January 14, 2022 you will need to use the new system if you wish to visit a Disney park.

 

Essentially, Disney has introduced a new park reservation system in order to manage park attendance.  This requires you to not only have park tickets but also make a reservation for the day on which you wish to visit the park as well.

 

The new regime affects everyone.  Whether you have Disney Resort Hotel reservations, whether you are an annual passholder or whether you have purchased theme park tickets, you will need to make a reservation using the new system.

 

 

How does the new Disney park reservation system work?

 

It’s really simple to use the new system.  You simply purchase your park tickets, then when you have your valid admission details use the new Disney Park Pass System to reserve your spot on the day of your choosing.

 

There are a few other things you need to know:

 

 

What do I need to do if I want to visit a Disney park?

 

If you wish to attend a Disney park, these are the steps you’ll need to follow:

 

We recommend that you reserve your Park Passes as soon as you get your tickets, so you have the widest possible selection of dates available to you.  You don’t want to leave it so late that the parks have reached capacity for the days you wish to visit.

 

Before you visit the Disney park, review the new park safety rules so you can be COVID-19 secure and help to protect yourself, your friends, your family and the other theme park guests.  The rules focus on physical distancing, enhanced cleaning and reduced contact.  All guests over the age of two will be expected to wear a mask and park staff will be wearing masks too.  Read the new rules in full here.

 

Ready to book?

 

View our selection of Orlando vacation homes ideally located to visit Disney World:

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Want more Disney tips?  Read our top ten Disney hacks here:

Orlando Hacks

 

As always, there’s plenty of Halloween-themed fun to be enjoyed in Orlando’s theme parks this year.  But there are several real-life spooky stories associated with the area too!

 

The Ellis Exclusive Villas team has been looking into some of the real-life, local ghost stories about the haunted locations around Orlando’s theme parks and the wider Orlando and Central Florida area.

So, if you’re interested in going beyond the theme parks to find out about Orlando’s ghoulish and unnerving goings-on, check out the locations on this spooky list.

 

#1. Walt Disney’s apartment ghost story

While Disney World, Orlando is our favourite Walt Disney theme park, it seems that the man himself might have stuck around in the California park!  In July 1954, Walt Disney moved into a small apartment on the Disneyland site so he could oversee the theme park’s construction ahead of its grand opening in July 1955.  According to local legend, it’s possible the legendary cartoonist never left!

One evening, a cast member turned off the lights and locked up only for the light in the apartment’s front window to come back on again.  She went in, turned off the lights again and, when she again tried to leave, the light was on again.

It’s now a tradition to leave the light on in an apartment above the Firehouse on Main Street at Disneyland every night as a tribute to Walt… spooky!

 

#2. Disney World’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride

Meanwhile… back in Orlando… Like the rest of the attractions at Disney World, Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride is no stranger to screams of enjoyment.  But legend has it that, if you don’t tread carefully, some decidedly more frightened screams could result.

No one’s certain whether the story of a local welder called George who was killed during the construction of the attraction is really true, but believing in him might be a good precaution if you’re going to ride this attraction!

 

It’s said that the cast members who work on the ride in the day or close it up at night like to bid George good morning and good night.  It’s said that failing to keep him appeased in this way has resulted in some very strange occurrences… and, whatever you do, don’t say that you don’t believe in George while you’re on the ride… it’s said George will stop the ride if you do!

 

#3. Greenwood Cemetery, Orlando

If you’re looking for ghosts, it’s almost common sense to head to the local cemetery… and Greenwood Cemetery certainly adheres to that notion.

As well as being home to the tombs and mausoleums of some of Orlando’s most prominent families, the cemetery has several spooky stories attached to it.  Local legend has it that in certain areas of the cemetery, you can hear the disembodied sounds of children’s laughter.

Meanwhile, just outside the mausoleum of Fred Weeks, you may spot the cemetery’s most famous long-dead resident.  There have been several sightings of Fred lurking just outside his final resting place.

 

#4. Ceviche restaurant, downtown Orlando

If wandering around cemeteries isn’t your particular idea of fun, dining out at Orlando’s popular Ceviche restaurant used to be a much more appealing way to get your ghost story fix.

Ever since the tapas bar opened for business, tales of spooky goings-on have been reported – mostly linked to the building’s former roles as city hotel and, before that, a local church.  Most of the sightings centre on a woman wearing nineteenth-century clothing who is said to linger by the bar.  But some report unseen hands that pull at clothing.  And some mention a ghostly priest!

However, in June we heard the sad news that Ceviche Orlando is closing its doors permanently, as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

You’ll now need to head over to St Pete to enjoy Ceviche’s delicious tapas – and while the food should be as tasty, you can’t expect the ghostly sightings!

 

#5. Motel ghost, International Drive

Staying in your own vacation home with a private pool (and, at the moment, the easy social distancing) is always better than staying in a hotel in our humble opinion (although we might be slightly biased!)… but nowhere is this more true than in room 206 of the Super 8 motel on International Drive, Orlando.

Room 206 is said to be impossible to heat and the room feels cold in the heat of day – even with the air conditioning turned off!  Guests have also claimed to see an imprint of a human body appear on the sheets, even when nobody has been there!  And some guests have been woken by the feeling of someone else in bed beside them or by the bed suddenly shaking violently in the night!

We definitely prefer the good night’s sleep of our own vacation homes!

 

#6. Princeton Hospital, Orlando

Ok, so it’s an unlikely vacation destination (we hope!) but this hospital is definitely part of Orlando’s spooky folklore!  The psychiatric hospital is said to be haunted by the spirits of patients by the doctors, nurses and other staff who work there.

The second and third floors, in particular, are said to be host to strange paranormal goings-on, with lights flickering on and off, unexplained knocking sounds, freewheeling wheelchairs drifting along corridors and disembodied moans and voices.

 

#7. Cassadaga, Florida

Cassadaga is famous for its paranormal activity.  The town is home to a local spiritualist camp.  Located just off the I4 on the way to Daytona, Cassadaga is the place to go to meet healers and spiritualists, but it also has its fair share of spooky stories.

In the centre of town, the Cassadaga Hotel is supposedly haunted, as is the eerily named Devil’s Chair in the Lake Helen Cassadaga cemetery.  It seems only natural that the place named locally as “the psychic capital of the world” should be particularly attractive for visitors from beyond the grave…

 

#8. St Augustine, Florida

There are many compelling reasons to make a day trip to St Augustine from one of our vacation homes in Orlando: the food, the seasonal events, the history, the beaches… The town was once the state capital of Florida and its historic sites are well worth exploring.

The iconic St Augustine lighthouse is said to be haunted by the ghosts of the Pettee girls.  Their father was working on the lighthouse construction when they drowned in the sea a short distance away.  Today, visitors to the lighthouse report hearing sounds of the children’s laughter and footsteps on the lighthouse’s many stairs.

 

Meanwhile the sprawling site of St Augustine’s seventeenth-century Castillo de San Marcos fortress has a number of ghost stories attached to it.  Visitors report seeing a lovesick woman in white.  While others report seeing the ghost of a Seminole man who leaps from the fortress walls.

 

#9. Tampa Theatre, Tampa, Florida

Beautiful old buildings seem to attract tales of hauntings and the Tampa movie theatre is no exception.  This gorgeous theatre building was built in 1926.  It is said to be haunted by one of the projectionists who worked there from 1930 until 1965, when he died of a heart attack in the projection room.

Since then, employees have reported many spooky and paranormal events that have happened, especially when they are alone in the theatre!

Although the theatre isn’t open at the moment, you can do your bit to support this local non-profit institution by streaming movies from its website.  In honour of the season, there’s a whole range of ghostly, ghoulish and downright scary movies to enjoy.

This year, brave souls can also sign up to SpiritsFest – an exclusive online Halloween event.  Sign up to receive a code to access an exclusive evening of LIVE-streaming entertainment, starting at 7:00pm Saturday night.  And you can also purchase SpiritsFest sampling-to-go boxes for $95 featuring four spirited seasonal cocktails.

 

#10. Complex 34, Kennedy Space Centre, Florida

Now that SpaceX has revitalised the local space industry, heading over to the east coast to see a rocket launch is a must-do while in Orlando: you’re guaranteed a really amazing day trip from one of our Orlando vacation homes if you time your trip right.

It’s around a 50-minute drive to get to the East Coast beaches and, while you’re there, a trip around the Kennedy Space Centre is an absolute must!

 

However, the location isn’t without its share of spooky stories either.  The terrible tragedy of the three astronauts who died in a cabin fire on the launch pad of Complex 34 is well known.  The launch pad was immediately closed down and now Launch Complex 34 is maintained as the memorial site for the crew of Apollo 1.

In normal times, you can visit the site on official tours.  Visitors who do have reported a variety of paranormal activity taking place there, including a mysterious screaming.  Many who have visited the site report a feeling a sudden and overwhelming sense of dread.

 

Want to live the Orlando adventure for yourself?  Book your visit!

 

Spooky stories abound – as you can see!  If this has whet your appetite for some spooky Halloween fun, read our guide to the Halloween fun that’s happening at Florida’s theme parks this fall season.

Halloween 2020

 

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Fall is one of the most fun times in Orlando’s theme parks.

This year, Orlando’s theme parks are working hard to get the right balance between ensuring guest safety and spooktacular Halloween fun in Orlando.

Even with the new rules being enforced to protect guests from COVID-19, there is still plenty of fall fun to enjoy!

Here’s our round up.

Scary Good Times at Universal Orlando

Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights are one of our favourite events.  Like many people we were sad to hear they won’t be running this year.

Universal have introduced plenty of “scary good” fun to occupy us though!

There are two heart-pounding haunted houses in Universal Studios:

Virtual lines are in place for both attractions to enable social distancing. Both haunted houses are included with normal admission to Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

You can take your kids (age 12 or younger) trick-or-treating in Islands of Adventure. Grab a free trick-or-treat bag, then look out for pumpkin stickers marking participating retail stores.

There’s also a fun Scarecrow Stalk. Find all 13 custom-crafted scarecrows and skeletons on this all-new scavenger hunt to receive a candy sampler bag, while supplies last.

Costumes aren’t essential, but they are encouraged.  Dressing up is a good way to have Halloween fun in Orlando.

Even better for Florida residents, if you buy a day you can visit every day through to December 24th for free!

 

Halloween fun at DisneyWorld Orlando

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party isn’t happening this year either.  However there are still plenty of special treats to enjoy.

The Boo-To-You parade, fireworks, stage shows and character meet-and-greets cannot take place this year because of social distancing rules.

Nevertheless, Disney has ensured that your little ones can still see their favourite Disney characters and enjoy the magic of the season. Magic Kingdom has introduced mini cavalcades that happen at various times throughout the day.  It’s actually really nice to enjoy a more laid-back park experience without the crowds.

There are plenty of special autumnal food treats to enjoy too. How about the Pumpkin Spiced Waffle Sundaes at Sleepy Hollow? Or the Pumpkin Spice Milkshake at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies?

Disney is inviting all guests to embrace the spirit of the season by wearing Halloween costumes when visiting between September 15 and October 31, 2020.  While costume masks aren’t allowed for anyone over the age of 14, all guests are required to wear approved face coverings during their visit.

Taste of Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

This year is the 25th anniversary of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.  We’re pleased to say it’s still going ahead, albeit in a scaled back way.

Disney is inviting guests to sip, savour and stroll around the park.  There will be twenty participating marketplaces at this year’s Taste of Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

Kids can follow Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak Scavenger Hunt. You will need to purchase a map and then explore the World Showcase to help Remy collect ingredients for his signature dish.  Along the way pick up  stickers from select Festival merchandise locations.  At the end of the hunt claim your prize at Disney Traders.

The event is included in your Epcot admission.  Remember to use the Disney Park Pass reservation system in order to enter the park.

What Halloween fun is happening at SeaWorld?

You can read more about what’s happening elsewhere in Central Florida on our blog: read about this year’s Spooktacular at SeaWorld here.

Ready to book your own Halloween fun in Orlando’s theme parks?

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10 Disney Easter Eggs – Hidden Disney Character Cameos you never knew were in Disney Movies

With Easter approaching what a great way to spend some time in doing an Easter Egg Hunt – the Disney way.

How many Disney movies have you watched and thought “hey that’s Scar from Lion King, what’s he doing in Hercules?” Over many years the Disney animators have made it their mission to insert hidden characters and Mickey symbols throughout their movies to add some magical Disney mystery and intrigue in their fun loving movies.

There are many Disney hidden Easter Eggs out there, but we have highlighted 10 movies scenes to wet your appetite and perhaps get you to watch a Disney/Pixar movie in the future with a detective mind.

#1:  Flounder from Little Mermaid in Moana

Flounder from The Little Mermaid can be found in Moana when Maui is singing ‘You’re Welcome’

# 2:  Belle from Beauty and the Beast in Hunchback of Notre Dame

Belle from Beauty and the Beast can be seen walking the village streets during The Hunchback of Notre Dame – Quasimodo’s song ‘Out There’

# 3:  Scar from Lion King in Hercules

Scar can be found in Hercules as a throw.  This is referenced from the Lion King when Zazu states that Scar “would make a very handsome throw rug”

# 4:  Mrs Pots and Chip from Beauty and the Beast in Tarzan

Enjoying their cameo in Tarzan are Mrs Pots, Chip and the tea set from Beauty and the Beast

# 5: Sebastian from Little Mermaid in Aladdin

Looking through his ‘Royal Recipes’ book, the Genie from Aladdin finds none other than Sebastian from Little Mermaid hanging on his finger as we hear ‘Under The Sea’ play for a couple of seconds.

# 6:  Dumbo in Lilo and Stitch

Found among Lilo’s toys is a small Dumbo teddy

# 7: Rapunzel from Tangled in Frozen

Rapunzel from Tangled walks through the gates and past Anna as Anna sings ‘For the First Time in Forever’

# 8: Sleeping Beauty’s spinning wheel in Tangled

Making a feature from Sleeping Beauty 1959 is the spinning wheel that Sleeping Beauty pricked her finger on and fell into a deep sleep.  Glad Rapunzel didn’t succumb to the same fate…

# 9: Aladdin’s Magic Carpet in Princess and the Frog

Aladdin’s Magic Carpet seen in the village scene from Princess and the Frog.

# 10:  Mickey, Goofy and Donald Duck in The Little Mermaid

What a great place to hide Mickey, Goofy and Donald Duck than in the crowd in The Little Mermaid

Hope you’ve enjoyed finding out all the great hidden Easter Eggs in the Disney/Pixar movies.  Why not let us know in the Comments section what characters in which scenes you’ve spotted.  We’d love to hear from you.

Looking to visit Disney World Florida – Check availability and Book a Villa by clicking:  Ellis Exclusive Villas

There can be few places better to spend the Christmas and New Year than Orlando.

Here’s the Ellis Exclusive Villas run down of the very best ways to celebrate the holiday season.

 

#1. Disney’s Magic Kingdom: Micky’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a warm-hearted family celebration featuring all your favourite Disney characters.

It is a specially ticketed event running over select nights between Nov 8 and Dec 22.

This year’s event features a Frozen-themed Disney castle and a special Christmas Parade and lightshow.

 

#2. Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has seen a slew of new openings in recent years, including the new Star Wars world and Toy Story world.

Its Christmas celebrations this year include the Jingle Bel, Jingle BAM firework spectacular and a special show on Sunset Boulevard which includes falling snow.

 

#3. Epcot: International Festival of the Holidays

Discover Christmas traditions from all over the world at Epcot’s Christmas celebrations.

The highlight is the Candlelight Processional with a 50-piece orchestra, which takes three times each night. Plus, enjoy delicious festive treats at the food stalls and a festive cookie stroll.

 

#4. Universal: Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

This festive season, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley have both had a holiday makeover.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan and you haven’t been this year, do make a trip to the Universal parks a part of your holiday season schedule because Universal has also had a fantastic new opening in its Harry Potter world this year: a new rollercoaster called Hagrid’s magical creatures motorbike adventure.  Plus, there’s a new lightshow featuring Dementors, Death Eaters and the Dark Lord Voldemort at Hogwarts Castle at Islands of Adventure.

Elsewhere in the Universal parks, you can enjoy a Macy’s Holiday Parade and a Who-liday Spectacular featuring Dr Seuss’s Grinch.

 

#5. Snow falling in Celebration

We’re big fans of the town of Celebration, just outside the Disney Parks. It’s well worth a visit anytime of year, but Christmas time is particularly special.

As well as horse-drawn carriage rides around the town as it is all dressed up for Christmas, carol singers on the streets, and a really buzzy Christmas feel in the shops and restaurants, the town also boasts a temporary ice rink and even has its own snowfall every evening!

 

 #6. Legoland Florida Resort

If you have young children in your party, don’t miss a trip to Legoland this festive season.  Your little ones will love the special Christmas activities at the theme park.

As well as special fireworks shows on select nights leading up to Christmas, there’s also a child-friendly new year’s party this holiday season.

 

#7. Festival of Trees at OMART

If you aren’t travelling with little ones, the Festival Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art is perhaps a more age-appropriate way to celebrate the holiday season.  This highly regarded event is a bit of an Orlando Christmas institution. It’s a great way to stock up on truly unique gifts made by local designers and artists, while supporting the museum’s programmes for lifelong learning.

Loch Haven Park, where the Orlando Museum of Art is sited, is about 10 minutes from downtown Orlando.  So, while you’re visiting downtown Orlando, combine a trip to the Festival of Trees with tickets to enjoy another Orlando cultural Christmas tradition: Orlando Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker at the Dr Philips Centre for the Performing Arts.

This year’s performances run from Friday, December 13 through to a matinee performance on Monday, December 23, 2019.

 

#8. ICE! At Gaylord Palms

 

If you don’t want to make the trip downtown, then you might want to try another local favourite a bit closer to home. This year, the popular ice sculpture show at the Gaylord Palms hotel and resort features a Polar Express theme.

The walking tour around the ice sculptures is a real holiday treat and your kids will love the ice slides at the end!  Running: November 25, 2019 – January 5, 2020 at the resort at 6000 West Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee.

 

Remember! If you need help purchasing tickets for any of these wonderful holiday celebrations, please speak with our ticketing partner, Kissimmee Guests Services.

With Christmas inspiration, now book your visit!

 

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Last Minute Deals for Stays in October and November 2019 are sure to excite you!

Book your Florida Vacation Home and SAVE 20%!!

Use Promo Code:  LastMinute20off

With Ellis Exclusive Villas, you can find the perfect home for your last minute vacation.

View our homes below and book now to take advantage of this great 20% off promotion using Promo Code:  LastMinute20off

 

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We look forward to having you stay!

For any queries please email us at:  reservations@ellisexclusivevillas.com

Call:  UK: 0333 332 1411 / US: +1 321 710 8779

Terms and Conditions apply to this promotion.  20% discount applies to the room rate only.  This discount can not be used in conjunction with any other discounts or specials.  The discount applies for stays in October 2019 and November 2019.  Minimum stay of 5 nights or more.  Vacation homes are subject to availability at time of booking.  No refunds for cancellations apply.  Date amendments which fall outside of the discount promotional period will be allowed, but the 20% promotion discount will not be carried forward.  

As Hurricane Dorian makes its way closer to Florida’s coastline, you may be feeling somewhat nervous.  This is especially the case should you be coming from a country that doesn’t experience hurricanes or tropical storms.

Your first concern will be the airline.  Confirm if your flight has been cancelled, delayed or scheduled to be diverted to another airport.  Airlines will hold off providing any information until the last minute. Keep on top of your airline to ensure that you are made aware of any changes to your flight plans.  This will enable you to prepare before you set off.

If you are staying in a hotel, the staff are well trained and will be prepared for what’s to come. Thereby keeping you informed and ensuring that all their guests staying in the hotel are well looked after and safe.

If you are staying in a vacation home you may be feeling slightly out of your depths. Don’t worry.  Your Vacation Home Property Management team are at hand to ensure that the home is made secure and that all guests staying in the homes are well informed on the precautions they need to take.

Here are some points to highlight should you be staying in a Vacation Home:

Stay Informed – Follows instructions issued by the local authorities, including evacuation orders should it come to it.

Prepare before the Storm – Stock up on the following items: Water (usually 1 gallon per person).  Non-perishable foods.  Medicine and first aid kit (kept dry in a zip-lock bag).  Batteries and flashlights.  Cash (US currency – as post storm some stores may only be able to accept cash due to disruption in power).  Emergency bag (packed with pillows, blankets, change of clothes, cash, passports and toiletries).  Games and puzzles to keep the family occupied during the storm (try not to use mobile phones or tablets as you will want to keep the batteries to these devices fully charged in case of an emergency).  Fill your car up with gas/petrol.

Prepare the home – With regards to the home itself, the Property Management team will be out preparing the home for the storm. They will remove all outdoor furniture, BBQ’s, plant pots etc and place them inside the home or garage. Please remember that they are doing this for everyone’s protection as all these items can become flying debris. Do not start to unpack the items. The Property Management team will be back once it is safe to do so and replace all items to their original positions.

Take Shelter – Your safest place during the storm is in your vacation home. Find a safe room in the centre-most part of the building on the ground floor with as may walls between you and the storm as possible.  Approximately 2 hours before the storm is due to hit your area, start making your way to your designated safe space in the Vacation Home along with pillows, blankets, food, water, first aid kits, emergency bags along with games and puzzles.

During the Storm – Don’t be tempted to go outside during the storm in order to get “the most epic hurricane video of your life”.  This is only putting yourself in danger and can result in very serious consequences.

Now, the most important thing of all is once everything has calmed down and you think that the storm is over, DO NOT venture outside. As you are aware the eye of the storm can bring calm conditions and can trick everyone into thinking that the storm has past over. This is not the case, the worse is yet to come as the next part of the storm moves in with winds now circulating in the opposite direction usually causing more damage then the initial part.  Stay indoors until you have been given the “all clear” by the local authorities.

After the Storm – There is a possibility that electricity and water supplies will be disrupted. Flooding may occur due to the storm surge and heavy rainfall. Asses the home and notify the Property Manager of any damage you may notice. Be aware of debris and fallen trees in the roads causing road closures. Should you need to get out and about listen to the local traffic advice.

Stay and keep informed on every aspect of the storm and ensure you are prepared. Keep safe!

Spend the most magical time of year in the most magical place on earth.  Disney World isn’t the only attraction in Central Florida that puts on a show at Christmas.  Here’s our pick of the best attractions this Christmas in Orlando.

 

You can celebrate the holidays in all four of the Disney World Parks.

There are also plenty of special events at Universal’s two Orlando Parks.

Read on for more details.

 

Magic Kingdom: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Orlando Christmas highlights at the Magic Kingdom include:

Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

A Frozen Holiday Wish: Queen Elsa transforms Disney’s Cinderella Castle into a sparkling, icy centrepiece for the celebration.

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration: a special Christmas show

Find out more.

 

Epcot: International Festival of the Holidays

Orlando Christmas highlights at Epcot include:

Candlelight Processional: Hear the stirring story of Christmas as told by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and massed choir.

An International Yuletide Extravaganza: enjoy the sights, sounds and flavours of the season with stirring live musical production and international seasonal food and beverage specialties.

JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season: uplifting Gospel, R&B and holidays songs at the Future World Fountain Stage.

Find out more.

 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Flurry of Fun

Orlando Christmas highlights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios include:

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! A light show spectacular of holiday music, fireworks, special effects and dazzling state-of-the-art projections.

Enhanced Holiday Décor Around Echo Lake, including a giant Christmas tree on the water.

Santa Greetings: visit with Santa Claus from November 9 to December 24, then with Santa Goofy until December 31.

Find out more.

 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you can see a special show that tells the story of Diwali, the Indian festival of lights.

Find out more.

 

Universal Orlando

Orlando Christmas highlights at the Universal Parks include:

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Visit both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley which will be transformed with festive décor and special entertainment.

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s: Merry and Mayhem combine as the Minions join Santa Claus in this Holiday favourite that features characters from Madagascar and Shrek.

 

 

Seuss Landing™ is home to the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday tale starring The Grinch™.

Mannheim Steamroller: the best-selling holiday artist returns for live performances on select nights.

Find out more.

 

Celebration

 

The Ellis team love wandering round the boutiques at Celebration. The Christmas décor around this picturesque town will get you in the holiday mood!

Now Snowing: a winter wonderland spectacular featuring strolling Charles Dickens Carollers, photos with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, train rides and nightly snowfall at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m.

Skate under the stars on Celebration’s seasonal ice-skating rink

 

Find out more.

 

Come early for some Christmas shopping!

Disney Springs is transformed with holiday décor and Christmas cheer. Enjoying the shops, restaurants and bars at Disney Springs is the perfect prelude to Christmas.

Orlando’s malls are renowned for good reason – whether you are looking for high-end labels or great discounts, there’s something for everyone here. Read our guide to Orlando’s shopping.

Find out more. 

 

 

If you would like to join us for Christmas in Orlando 2019, book your visit now!

 

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Talk to our ticket partner for the best deal on tickets – guaranteed!

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Mickey Mouse has been a prominent feature in the Walt Disney company’s Orlando theme parks since they first opened in the 1970s.  Here are some of our favourite Mouse facts.

Walt Disney famously commented, “I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a mouse.”

Today, Walt Disney World is the most visited vacation resort in the world, with average annual attendance of more than 52 million.

There are now 4 parks at the Lake Buena Vista site: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

A Star is Born

Mickey Mouse made his first appearance in the cartoon “Steamboat Willie”.  This short film debuted on November 18th 1928.

Fifty years later, on November 18th 1978, Mickey became the first cartoon character to be given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  The star was awarded to celebrate Mickey’s 50th birthday.

You can see Mickey’s star at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard.

Steamboat Willie

Although Steamboat Willie was the first Mickey Mouse film to receive a cinema release, it was actually the third Mickey Mouse film to be created.

It was preceded by “Plane Crazy” and “The Gallopin’ Gaucho”.

These two earlier films initially failed to find distributors.  Later, they were picked up and released.

Mickey’s first feature film was released in 1940.  In “Fantasia” Mickey starred as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

It Could Have Been So Different…

Walt Disney created Mickey Mouse after he lost the rights to an earlier character he had created, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

Walt Disney originally planned to call his mouse “Mortimer Mouse”.

Walt changed the name to Mickey when his wife Lillian suggested the name of Mortimer sounded too pompous.

Lillian suggested Mickey because she felt the name better evoked the characteristics of fun and humility.

The Talkies

The first film in which Mickey spoke was his ninth release.  “The Karnival Kid” was released in July 1929 and Mickey’s first words were “Hot dog!”

Walt Disney wasn’t happy with the first few actors chosen to provide a voice for Mickey – so he did the job himself.

Walt Disney continued to be the voice of Mickey Mouse until 1947.

The two people who then became the voices of Mickey and Minnie were married in real life.

Mickey’s most famous phrases include: “Oh boy!”, “That sure is swell!” and “See ya soon!”.

Now you know the Mouse facts, book your visit!

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What’s new in Orlando?

There always seems to be something exciting happening in Orlando.  And this season is no different.

The Ellis Exclusive Villas team brings you news of all the new rides and excitement coming to Orlando soon.

We bring you news of:

Infinity Falls, a new raft ride at SeaWorld

Ray Rush, an award-wining new ride at Aquatica water park

Oga’s Cantina, exciting first news from Galaxy’s Edge

Tigris, soon to be Florida’s tallest launch coaster

Family fun from Disney

What are the most exciting new rides and attractions opening soon in Orlando?

 

Infinity Falls

Well, it doesn’t get much more exciting that the new ride opening at SeaWorld this week.  That’s right ladies and gentlemen: this week.

>Infinity Falls opens at SeaWorld on 4th October and we just can’t wait!

This new SeaWorld ride is set to be the most thrilling river rapids ride of your life!  It features the world’s longest drop on a river raft ride and the only vertical lift on a river rafts ride.  Jump on one of Infinity Falls 14 rafts and you’ll be whisked away on a watery adventure.  If holding on tight through churning white water is your thing, then this is the ride for you.

Infinity Falls Fun Facts

Ray Rush

The grand opening of Infinity Falls comes hot on the heels of another SeaWorld new attraction: the Ray Rush ride at Aquatica Orlando, which opened this May and has already scooped Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Award for Best New Water Park Ride.

This awesome ride is another fun family raft ride.  Hop on a raft and water jets will launch your raft so you whoosh down the Ray Rush’s exhilarating slides and tubes before popping out in the pool below – splashtastic!

www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=30&v=InZy_kO6ruU

Ray Rush Fun Facts

Oga’s Cantina

Disney has opened Toy Story World this year and Star Wars fans are eagerly awaiting the opening of Disney’s Star Wars World, Galaxy’s Edge.  If you are a Star Wars nut, then Disney has something special for you to make the wait more bearable.

Oga’s Cantina is a new restaurant which Disney has announced will open next year – serving Star Wars themed food and drinks to the sounds of its resident DJ.  Visitors can expect to meet a few Star Wars themed characters in Oga’s Cantina.  Besides RX-24, the former StarSpeeder 3000 pilot droid, who is the Cantina’s resident DJ, it’s a safe bet a few Storm Troopers will be making an entrance.

Oga’s Cantina Fun Facts

Galaxy’s Edge is set to open Fall 2019 in Disney World Orlando.

Tigris

Meanwhile, Busch Gardens has been announcing some exciting plans of its own – especially for coaster fans.

Tigris is set to be a new record-breaking rollercoaster.  Busch Gardens has scheduled its opening date for Spring 2019, so you don’t have long to wait to experience what will be Florida’s tallest launch coaster.  The movement of the coaster has been designed to imitate the agility of a tiger and it sounds like it will have just as much power too!

Tigris Fun Facts

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Finally, Disney is also planning one for the littlies with Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.  This fun, family attraction is set to open in 2019 and will throw guests into the wacky and unpredictable world of Mickey Mouse.  It will be Disney World’s first Mickey-themed ride-through attraction and its crazy capers will feature a new no-glasses ride experience that Disney is calling 2½D.

We’ll bring you more news when we hear it!

Orlando’s unique magic

If you’d like to experience any of these rides and attractions – whether this year or next – now is the time to book your Orlando vacation home.  Booking early ensures you get your pick of the crop: you can browse our homes here.

Orlando is the centre of the theme park universe, with good reason.  And its managed to retain that status for decades thanks to the continual innovation and ground-breaking designs of the theme parks’ imagineers.  These are the people that bring the rides off the drawing board and to life and, if this season’s launches are anything to go by, they just keep getting better and better!

We’re so excited to see what’s coming next.  And of course, we will share all the news with you right here on our blog.

Now you know the news, book your visit!

Check out our vacation homes in Orlando:

Browse our homes

Talk to our ticket partner for the best deal on tickets – guaranteed!

Buy tickets

Find out more about Disney’s Star Wars launch.

What we know now