All of your favorite old theme parks are ready and waiting for you in Orlando in 2012. But as usual, you can look forward to discovering some exciting new options and attractions in those parks.

While Universal Studios’ opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter^TM dominated the Orlando theme park landscape the last two years, 2012 will be highlighted by new changes at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

Magic Kingdom is currently undertaking a massive $425 million expansion of its Fantasyland area. The initial phase of the project includes the spring 2012 debut of the revamped Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride. The ride for toddlers is being relocated and expanded to include a second Dumbo ride and an interactive queue area. The children’s roller coaster formerly known as Goofy’s Barnstormer is also being re-themed for the area and will be called the Great Goofini coaster.

Fantasyland changes will continue throughout the year and later in 2012, Disney will introduce another all-new attraction, Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid. The indoor ride is based on Disney’s animated film, The Little Mermaid.

Two other popular Disney movies will also be represented in the new Fantasyland.

Be Our Guest, will be a new Beauty and the Beast-themed restaurant set to open in 2012 and an indoor, family roller coaster based on the adventures of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves is scheduled to be completed in 2013.

For information on discount Disney and other Orlando area theme park tickets, or discount Orlando resort accommodations and family vacation packages, please go to http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

Walt Disney World® Resort is famous for its popular theme parks. But for those interested in a sunny golf getaway, Disney provides an equally magical experience. In fact, Disney offers up four challenging and very different championship courses designed to test the skills of golfers at any level.

Disney’s Palm and Magnolia courses just played host to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic, a popular annual PGA Tour event. Now you can walk the same beautifully manicured links as your favorite pro players.

Golfers will experience the natural beauty of Florida’s woodlands on Disney’s spectacular Palm course. This majestic layout is one of Florida’s toughest layouts, featuring crystal lakes, tropical sand and strategically placed palms. 

The Magnolia course is filled with an abundance of fragrant magnolias, while elevated tees, spacious greens and tranquil water hazards offer up the best in championship golf challenges.

Meanwhile, Disney’s Lake Buena Vista is a classic country club style course with a meandering layout. Enjoy the scenery as you wind your way through pastel villas, pine forests and sparkling lakes. Tee off adjacent to boats and canals and enjoy magnificent views of an enchanting lighthouse.

Yet another Disney championship course is the scenic Osprey Ridge, a serene and elegant wilderness course designed by Tom Fazio featuring dramatic fairways that cut through forests of scrub oak, pine, palmetto and cypress trees. 

Regardless of which Disney course you choose, golfers will enjoy the benefits of GPS technology. Each cart is fitted with a GPS that offers a full color monitor to provide detailed 3D views of each hole, precise yardage to the flagstick, professional tips and course strategy.

Novice golfers and families may also enjoy a more modest golf experience at Oak Trail. This 9-hole walking course offers undulating greens and holes ranging from 132 to 517 yards from the back tees.  It’s a perfect course for the young or developing golfer or even for those low handicappers looking to sneak in a quick nine.

For information on Disney attraction tickets and Disney vacation packages, please visit www.westgatereservations.com today.

Arrive early and come hungry! The 16th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival truly offers a feast of international flavors. The popular event kicks off on September 30 and runs through November 13, 2011.

This year’s theme is “Passport to a World of Flavors” and the event is slated to offer up more than two dozen international marketplaces featuring tapas-sized portions of regional foods paired up with beer, wine and cocktails.

While many of the standard favorites return for this year’s festival, Epcot is also welcoming a variety of new treats, including new marketplaces for Hawaii, Portugal and the Caribbean islands.

Guests can explore all Epcot has to offer while also enjoying special programs and demonstrations from renowned chefs and winemakers. You can sample food specialties from around the globe. And you can enjoy the Eat to the Beat Concert Series featuring an exceptional lineup of musical guests. It’s all included with regular Epcot admission.

You can visit www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.com for complete Festival details. Or go to www.Westgatereservations.com for the latest on discount theme park tickets and discount Orlando family vacation packages.

2011 Marketplaces and Menus

AUSTRALIA
Shrimp on the Barbie with Pepper Berry Citrus Glaze
Grilled Lamb Chop with Potato-Goat Cheese Salad and Shiraz Reduction
Lamington (Chocolate and Coconut covered Yellow Cake)
Penfolds “Koonunga Hill” Chardonnay
Greg Norman Estates Shiraz, Limestone coast
Lindeman’s “Bin 90″ Moscato
Penfolds “Thomas Hyland” Cabernet Sauvignon

BRAZIL
Brazil’s National Dish - Feijoada (a Black Bean and Pork Stew)
Seared Mahi Mahi with steamed Rice, Hearts of Palm and Coconut-Lime Sauce
LeBlon Frozen Cocktail
Frozen Caipirinha

ARGENTINA
Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée
Beef Empanada
Terrazas Reserva Chardonnay
Terrazas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
Terrazas Reserva Torrontes
Terrazas Reserva Malbec

CARIBBEAN  NEW!
Ropa Vieja (slowly braised beef) with White Rice
Jerk Spiced Chicken Drumstick with Mango Salsa
Frozen Rock Coconut Mojito
Frozen Dragon Berry Colada 

MEXICO
Rib Eye Tacos
Shrimp Tacos
Flan
Dos Equis Beer
Lime Strawberry Margarita on the Rocks
L.A. Cetto Chardonnay
L.A. Cetto Petite Sirah

SCANDINAVIA
Taste of Scandinavia - Shrimp Salad, Cured Salmon and Herring; Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberries
Rice Pudding with Driscoll’s® Only The Finest Berries^TM
Xante
Xante Sunshine

CHINA
Black Pepper Shrimp (4) with Sichuan Noodles
Pork Pot Stickers
Xinjiang Barbecue Chicken Stick (1)
Caramel-Ginger Ice Cream
Tsing Tao Beer
Dragon’s Hollow Chardonnay
Green Tea Plum Wine Cooler
Happy Lychee 

SOUTH KOREA
Lettuce Wraps with Roast Pork and Kimchi Slaw
Boolgogi BBQ Beef with steamed Rice and Kimchi
Myung Jak Bokbunjajoo (New Raspberry Wine)
Charm Soon Soju (New)
BEK SE JU (Herbal Rice Wine)

SOUTH AFRICA
Seared Filet of Beef with smashed Sweet Potatoes and Braai Sauce
Bunny Chow (Vegetable Curry served in a Bread Loaf)
La Capra Chardonnay
La Capra Sauvignon Blanc
La Capra Pinotage
La Capra Shiraz

CHEESE
Cheese Fondue with Sourdough Bread
Artisan Cheese Selection with Sweet Gras Dairy Thomasville Tomé, Delice de Bourgogne, PC Wyngaard Chevre Affineurs Goat Gouda

BREWER’S COLLECTION
Radeberger pilsner (German pilsner)
Altenmünster Oktoberfest
Altenmünster Dunkel
Hovel’s
Schöfferhofer Weizen
BraufactuM Indra
Rauchweizen Roog Smoked Wheat Bier
Sion Kölsch 

GERMANY
Goulash Suppe
Nuernberger Sausage in a Pretzel Roll
Apple Strudel Featuring Werther’s Original Karamel Sauce and Vanilla Sauce
Selbach-Oster Estate Spatlese
Selbach JH Riesling Kabinett
Selbach JH Riesling QBA
Selbach JH Riesling Classic
Radeberger pilsner (German pilsner)
Altenmünster Dunkel

POLAND
Kielbasa and Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream
Golabki (Pork Stuffed Cabbage)
Belvedere Strawberry Chiller 

ITALY
Ravioli Di Formaggio all’Emiliana(Baked Cheese Ravioli with Creamy Beef Bolognese Sauce, Parmesan Cheese, and Melted Mozzarella
Cappellini con Gamberi Piccanti (Cappellini Pasta with Spicy Shrimp)
Cannoli al Cioccolato(Chocolate Covered Cannoli Shell Filled with Sweet Ricotta Cheese, Chocolate, and Candied Fruit)
Primavera Smoothie
Fantinel Prosecco
Placido Chianti
Placido Pinot Grigio
Moretti

FIFE & DRUM
Featuring Frozen Red Stag Lemonade by Jim Beam®

HOPS AND BARLEY
Linda Bean’s Lobster Claw Cuddler® with drawn Butter
Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine Lobster Roll®
Pumpkin Mousse with Ocean Spray Craisins and Orange Sauce
Samuel Adams Boston Lager®
Samuel Adams® Octoberfest
Samuel Adams cherry Wheat®
16th Anniversary Festival Beer - Boston Ale
Samuel Adams Light®
Samuel Adams® Cream Stout
Latitude 48 IPA
Samuel Adams® Blackberry Witbier

SINGAPORE
Shrimp Cake on a Sugarcane Skewer with Singapore Noodles
Beef Rendang (a coconut braised beef) with Jasmine Rice
Singapore Sling
Tiger Beer

JAPAN
Spicy Tuna Roll
California Sushi Roll
Tuna and Salmon Sensation
Pork Kakuni
Kirin Draft Beer
Sake: Itami Onigoroshi
Sake: Junmai Ginjo Masumi
Tokyo Sunset

NEW ZEALAND
Seared Sea Scallop with Kumara-Red Curry Puree and Apple Radish Salad
Lamb Slider with Tomato Chutney
Mohua Sauvignon Blanc
Mohua Central Otago Riesling
Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc
Whitehaven Pinot Noir

MOROCCO
Kefta Pocket (Ground Seasoned Beef in a Pita Pocket)
Harissa Chicken Roll
Baklava
Casa Beer
Ksar White
Sangria
Royale Mimosa

PORTUGAL  (NEW)
Calamari Salad with Fennel, smoked Paprika and Olive Oil
Linguica Sausage with Onions, Peppers and Olives
Pastel de Nata
Confraria Leve Moscatel Portugal
Bridao classico Tinto
Caves Vale do Rodo
Douro
Xairel cartaxo Tinto
Caves Bonifacio Red 

PORTUGAL WINE BAR  (NEW)
Confraria Leve Moscatel Portugal
Caves Vale do Rodo Douro
Caves Bonifacio Red Wine
Plexus Frisante Branco
Bridao Classico Tinto
Xairel Cartaxo Tinto
Porto Reccua 10 year

BELGIUM
Steamed Mussels with Roasted Garlic Cream and a Baguette
Belgium Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream
Guylian Belgian Chocolate Seashell Truffles
Stella
Hoegaarten
Leffe
Godiva Chocolate Iced coffee

FRANCE
Escargots Persillade en Brioche (Garlic and Parsley Snails in Brioche)
“Coq au Vin sur gratin de macaroni” Red Wine braised Chicken, Mushrooms, Pearl Onions and Macaroni Gratin
Crème Brûlée au Chocolat au Lait (Chocolate Milk Crème Brûlée topped with Caramelized Sugar)
Bouchard Aîné & Fils Chardonnay
Chateau de Beauregard-Ducourt Merlot
Bordeaux Sparkling Pomegranate Kir
Parisian Cosmo Slush (ciroc Vodka, Grand Marnier, cranberry juice)

IRELAND
Lobster & Scallop Fisherman’s Pie
Kerrygold® Cheese Selection: (Aged-Irish Cheddar, Dubliner and Ivernia Cheese) with Apple Chutney and Brown Bread
Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Baileys Ganache
Guinness Draught
Bunratty Meade

CANADA
Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup
Maple and Moosehead Beer Glazed Salmon with Barley Salad
Chicken Chipotle Sausage with Sweet Corn Polenta
Moosehead Beer
Neige Sparkling
Neige - FB

GREECE
Greek Salad with Pita Bread
Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey
Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki
Dannon Greek Yogurt Parfait with Strawberries
Skouras St George
Boutari Greek (White) ”Moschofilero”
Boutari Kretikos White

DESSERT AND CHAMPAGNE
Lemon Chiffon
White Chocolate Macadamia Mousse with Dark Chocolate Pearls
Tres Leches Verrine
Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial
Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial
Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial
Moet & Chandon 
Imperial

HAWAI’I  (NEW)
Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole Pineapple 
Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise
Tuna Poke with Seaweed Salad and Lotus Root Chips
Seven Tiki Mai Tai
Kona Longboard
Kona Pipeline

CRAFT BEER COLLECTION (NEW)
Full Sail IPA
Sierra Nevada
Abita - Purple Haze
Red Hook Pilsner
Blue Moon
Leinenkugal
Key West Sunset Ale
Widmer Hefeweizen

The Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a new guest star - Lightning McQueen.

The hero of the movies Cars and Cars 2 now makes a special appearance in the middle of the Disney World theme park’s fast and fun auto stunt show. In the segment, a full size, real life version of Lightning McQueen joins a video version of his movie sidekick Mader in a search for a suspicious, evil car.

A host of other stunt cars, motorcycles, jet skis and stunt actors are also featured in this stunt show filled with high flying action, revving engines, squealing tires and lots of explosions and fire.

For more information on Disney World tickets and discount Orlando family vacation packages, visit www.westgatereservations.com.

The Independence Day weekend has arrived and Walt Disney World Resort is ready to light up the sky with fireworks to celebrate.

At Magic Kingdom, guests can get ready for a double dose of patriotic fun with a special nightly celebration on both July 3 and July 4. The fireworks extravaganza, “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” will be presented at 9 p.m. both nights.

The show will be just as spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 4 with the park’s “Rockin 4^th of July Celebration” beginning at 9:45 pm. The presentation includes fireworks, special effects and music. The park will also offer two productions of the popular special effects show, Fantasmic, at 9 and 10:30 pm.

Over at Epcot, Disney will present the Voices of Liberty in concert at 12:30, 1:45 and 3 pm on July 4 as well as a special holiday version of IllumiNations, the park’s fireworks, laser and water show at 10 pm. Epcot guests will also enjoy meet and greet sessions with Disney Characters in colonial clothing and other Independence Day heroes like Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross.

Visit www.westgatereservations.com for discount Disney tickets and discount Disney vacation packages.

Musical guests have been lined up for the annual “Eat to the Beat” Concert Series at the 2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

The concerts, which are included with regular Epcot admission, will be held at the theme park’s America Gardens Theatre stage beginning September 30. The schedule of performers is tentative and subject to change.

2011 Eat to the Beat Concert Series

Sept 30-Oct. 2      Taylor Dayne

Oct. 3-5                38 Special

Oct. 6-7                Jon Secada

Oct. 8-9                Roger Hodgson (formerly of Supertramp)

Oct. 10-12            Billy Ocean

Oct. 13-16            Starship starring Mickey Thomas

Oct. 17-19            Sugar Ray

Oct. 20-21            The Orchestra (starring former members of ELO)

Oct. 22-23            Howard Jones

Oct. 24-26            Boyz II Men

Oct. 27-28            Gin Blossoms

Oct. 29-30            Sister Hazel

Oct. 30-Nov. 1      Hanson

Nov. 2-3               The Pointer Sisters

Nov. 4-6               Night Ranger

Nov. 7-8               Air Supply

Nov. 9-10             Richard Marx

Nov. 11-13           Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

For information on discount Disney vacation packages and discount Orlando vacation packages, go to http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island will soon be getting a new look and a new name - Hyperion Wharf.

The former nightclub area adjacent to Disney’s popular Marketplace has been mostly closed since 2008. Now many of the old nightclubs will be demolished to make room from new family friendly restaurants along the waterfront area.

The wharf will look like a turn-of-the-century seaport and feature an amphitheater style park which is scheduled to be open by summer 2011. The entire makeover project is expected to be complete by early 2013.

While Pleasure Island was an adult-oriented nightspot, the new wharf aims to be a family destination any time of day. The name, Hyperion, stems from the street where Walt Disney built his first major animation studio. It is also the name of the Greek god of light.

For more information about Disney vacation packages and discount Orlando accommodations, go to www.WestgateReservations.com or www.OrlandoThemeParkVacations.com.

Here come the holidays!Two annual holiday favorites are returning to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, starting on Monday, Nov. 8, 2010.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights will again brighten Disney’s Hollywood Studios while Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party arrives to help transform the nearby Magic Kingdom into a festive winter wonderland.

The lights will shine brightly beginning at 6 p.m. each evening through Jan. 3. The Streets of America will be decorated with millions of lights covering the buildings, along with magical displays of reindeer, a twirling carousel, flying angels and more. Better yet, every 10 minutes, the lights will “dance” to the synchronized beats of songs by the Trans Siberian Orchestra and Jose Feliciano. And let’s not forget the “snow” flurries for that little extra Christmas effect!

Meanwhile, over at Magic Kingdom, Mickey Mouse and his pals will be warming hearts of all ages with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

The separate ticket event takes place from 7 p.m. to midnight Nov. 8, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 28, 30 and Dec. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17 and 19.

Special events during the “party” include the twice nightly, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade - complete with marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread men and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Clause. Another highlight is the Holiday Wishes - Celebrate the Season fireworks show set to holiday music.

Guests at Mickey’s party also enjoy complimentary cookies, apple slices and hot cocoa plus the Cinderella Castle Dream Lights, holiday stage shows, special Disney Character meet & greets, and “snow” on Main Street, USA.

For details on the event, visit www.Disneyworld.com/christmasparty. Or go to http://www.westgatereservations.com/ for more on discount Orlando attractions tickets and resort accommodations.

Major League Baseball is back and better than ever in Central Florida. Orlando might be the theme park capital of the world, but when it comes to Spring Training baseball, there’s no better place to catch all the Grapefruit League action.

A total of 14 different major league teams call Florida their home for spring training. As a result, baseball fans visiting Florida don’t have to look far for the next game throughout the month of March.

The Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros both feature training camps right in the greater Orlando area. The Braves play at Disney’s beautiful ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Lake Buena Vista while Astros’ fans can catch their team in nearby Kissimmee.

Just a short drive down I-4 from Orlando takes you to into Lakeland, spring training home of the Detroit Tigers. Meanwhile, there is a host of teams situated along the Gulf coast, including the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers, the New York Yankees in Tampa, the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, the Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota, the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin, the Tampa Bay Rays in Port Charlotte and the Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater.

Back on the Atlantic coast side of Florida’s peninsula, you’ll find the spring training homes of the Florida Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals in Jupiter as well as the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie.

There’s no better way to see and interact with your favorite MLB stars up close than at a highly affordable spring training game. You can get spring training schedules of your favorite team, or for any of the Grapefruit League teams, by visiting www.MLB.com.  

For details on discount theme park tickets and discount Orlando vacation package specials, please visit www.OrlandoThemeParkVacations.com. For discount resort or hotel packages, go to www.WestgateReservations.com/sweepstakes.cfm.

ESPN’s annual fan-fest continues this weekend (Feb. 26-27-28) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, FL.

 With 35 superstar athletes, two dozen sportscasters, live shows, special motorcades, interactive sports zone and more, it’s sure to be a fun-filled weekend for sports fans of all ages.

Don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal with stars from the NBA, NFL, major league baseball, golf and more. Plus look for all of your favorite ESPN personalities.

Of course, you’ll also enjoy a full day of fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park which offers a wide range of thrill rides, shows and other attractions.

For information on Disney’s Hollywood Studios, discount Orlando vacation packages and discount Orlando theme park tickets, visit www.OrlandoThemeParkVacations.com. Or for discount Orlando resort and hotel accommodations, go to www.WestgateReservations.com/sweepstakes.cfm.