Another Disney favorite is returning.

Disney’s Summer Nightastic! celebration included the return of Disney’s popular Electrical Parade at Magic Kingdom. Now get ready for another blast from the past at Epcot.

On July 2, Disney re-opens the musical 3-D sci-fi movie, Captain EO, starring the late Michael Jackson.

The 17-minute film which originally ran at Epcot from 1986 to 1994, will take over the Imagination Pavilion’s 570-seat theatre that had housed, “Honey I Shrunk the Audience.”

The 3-D movie was among the first films to incorporate 4-D effects like wind, water and lighting. In its return, the movie will have only minor tweaks from its original version. Even the show’s original marquee sign is being utilized. 

Epcot will open its gates early at 8:30 am on July 2 for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. Captain EO co-stars Anjelica Huston and features two Jackson songs and plenty of high energy dancing. For more information regarding Epcot and Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, visit http://www.orlandothemeparkvacations.com/.

This is it… your last chance. This weekend marks the end of the 2010 version of Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL.

It’s your last opportunity to see the dramatic topiaries such as the American Gothic Mickey and Minnie near the entrance to World Showcase. It’s your last chance to see the Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden and Butterfly House with Tinker Bell and her fairy friends. And it’s your final chance to see the green wall, a large wall featuring a fountain and a variety of greenery.

The weekend festivities also conclude this year’s Flower Power Concert Series. The final musical guest artist is Chubby Checker who performs Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 pm in the American Gardens outdoor theatre.

For more highlights of Epcot and Walt Disney World Resort, please visit http://www.orlandothemeparkvacations.com/. Or go to http://www.westgatereservations.com/ for details on discount Orlando vacation packages and resort lodging at Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa.

There are always plenty of monkeys to be seen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but one former Monkee will be on hand at Disney’s Epcot this weekend.Davy Jones, former teen heartthrob and lead singer of the Monkees, is this weekend’s musical guest for the Flower Power concert series at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Show times are 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 pm.

The concert is just part of the fun at the Flower & Garden Festival which also features a colorful array of flowers, gardens, topiaries and educational events.

Enjoy millions of blooming flowers and a vibrant collection of Disney-themed topiaries, and get up close with hundreds of colorful butterflies inside Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden.

During the weekends throughout the festival, guests can also meet with top horticulturists, learn helpful gardening tips and attend public demonstrations of advanced gardening techniques from around the world.

Davy Jones will perform each evening this weekend at the America Gardens Theatre next to the American Adventure Pavilion. The concert and festival is included with regular Epcot admission.

 Disney’s Sounds Like Summer Concert Series

The Sounds Like Summer Concert Series remains a popular annual event at Disney’s Epcot theme park throughout June and July. It’s a unique opportunity to enjoy all the fun of Epcot and hear some of your all-time favorite hits from a talented collection of tribute bands. The bands recreate the chart-topping hits of a variety of musical icons.

This summer’s concert events feature tribute bands for U2, the Rolling Stones, Bon Jobi, the Eagles, Chicago and the Bee Gees. These Epcot concerts will take place next to the lagoon at the America Gardens Theatre, an open air theatre adjacent to the American Adventure Pavilion.

Each tribute band performs three times per night, at 5:45 pm, 7 pm and 8:25 pm. For the latest information and updated show times, check the theme park’s Entertainment Guide, available at the Epcot gates.

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series

2010 Performers

June 12 - June 19:    Stayin’ Alive - A Tribute to The Bee Gees

June 20 - June 26:    Hotel California - A Salute to the Eagles

June 27 - July 3:      TBD

July 4 - July 10:       Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones Tribute Band

July 11 - July 17:      Slippery When Wet - The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute

July 18 - July 24:      2U - A Tribute to U2

July 25 - July 31:      Beginnings - CHICAGO Tribute Band

For more information on events at Walt Disney World Resort and discount Orlando vacation packages, visit http://www.disney.go.com/.

Ricky Nelson Remembered.

It’s been 25 years since the passing of singer-songwriter Ricky Nelson, one of teh nation’s original teen idols. Today, Nelson’s identical twin sons, Matthew and Gunnar, help honor his memory with a concert featuring their father’s greatest hits.

The duo hits the stage for the eighth consecutive year at Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival this weekend, performing as part of the Flower Power Concert series.  The show features Rick Nelson favorites such as ”Travelin Man,” “Hello Mary Lou” and “Garden Party.”

The brothers also had their own hit called “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection” under the band name of Nelson.  They will perform Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Epcot.

Walt Disney World in Orlando is one of the most visited destinations in the country. It has a lot of fun activities for the entire family. Disney World in Orlando offers a variety of theme park options, including Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Epcot. Each of these theme parks offer a different experience and each is big enough that you can spend a full day or more to cover it completely. So, it makes sense to buy your Disney vacation packages which covers multiple park options. You can get packages online to save a lot time that you would otherwise spend waiting in the long lines at the ticket counter.

Orlando vacation packages are typically built around visits to the area’s most popular theme parks – Disney World, Universal and SeaWorld. Yet an Orlando vacation offers access to a plethora of other attractions and venues ideal for the entire family.

Dinner shows and themed restaurants provide added entertainment value after a long day at the parks, or simply as a fun-filled alternative for a day away from the hustle and bustle of the parks.

If you’re looking for some Orlando fun, try out Pirates Dinner Adventure, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show, the Outta Control Dinner Show or one of the many other themed restaurants ranging from Emeril’s and Jimmy Buffet’s to the T-Rex and Rainforest Café!

Pirates Dinner Adventure puts you smack in the middle of a pirate’s world and all of the swashbuckling action that comes with it. An interactive show, you’ll be entertained with an astonishing display of special effects wizardry, aerial artistry, swordplay, dynamic duels and daring. A classic story of good vs. evil, the Pirate Dinner Adventure offers a perfect blend of action, adventure, comedy and romance the entire family can enjoy. And, of course, you’ll receive a hearty meal fit for a king…or a hungry pirate.

At Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show, you’ll be asked to bring both your investigative skills and your appetite. But be prepared to laugh your way through the evening.

You’ll be on the edge of your seat as you experience one of 13 original comedy/mystery shows, all while enjoying a delicious meal with unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks. Just be ready to mingle with a variety of outrageous characters. You might even be chosen for a cameo role in the show!

All shows are 2-1/2 hours of scripted mystery, improvisation and audience participation. Watch for anything suspicious, interrogate the suspects and help solve the crime!

Dinner shows are just one aspect of a great Orlando vacation package. For more information on discount Orlando vacations, Disney vacation packages, Orlando tickets, Orlando hotels, theme park tickets and more, please visit www.orlandovacationsonline.com.

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