Spend New Year’s Eve at Disney World!

New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest fireworks evenings of the year at Walt Disney World Resort, a place where fireworks are both spectacular and an every-night occurrence. Fireworks and nighttime shows will light up the skies and create a mood of celebration at three theme parks on Dec. 31, 2011, while revelry of other sorts takes place elsewhere throughout the Vacation Kingdom.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store:

• Magic Kingdom presents a double helping of pyrotechnics: “Wishes” nighttime spectacular with a holiday overlay at 8:30 p.m. and “Fantasy in the Sky” at 11:51 p.m.

• Epcot‘s “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” delights revelers with a salute to the new year at 7 p.m. and 11:42 p.m.

• At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the 25-minute spectacular “Fantasmic!” that combines water, fire, lights, lasers, fireworks and music will be presented at 6:30 and 8 p.m., with the popular “Lights! Camera! Happy New Year!” fireworks display at midnight.

• At DisneyQuest, located at Downtown Disney,  there is a family-friendly cyber celebration from 8 p.m. -1 a.m. Kids are entertained with a  DJ and dance party, plus unlimited access to all the games and DisneyQuest attractions including Buzz Lightyear’s Astroblasters, Virtual Jungle Cruise and CyberSpace Mountain.  There’s a confetti drop and festive party favors as the clock strikes midnight. Partygoers also get a coupon for a pizza, hot dog, chicken casesar wrap or hamburger, plus chips and soda.  Price is $45 advance purchase –  or $55 day of, including tax. Call 407-934-7639 to reserve tickets.

• At Cirque du Soleil, located at Downtown Disney, all guests attending the Dec. 31 performances will receive a limited-edition Walt Disney World/Cirque trading pin. Shows are at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. For pricing contact 407/WDW/SEAT

• Registered guests at select Disney resort hotels will be treated to music and entertainment. At Narcoosee’s restaurant (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa), for instance, there will be a four-course dining experience for $149, plus DJ, balloon artist and special fireworks viewing at 8:30 and 11:51.

• Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort offers a special-ticket New Year’s Eve party from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. with video DJ Tony Zapulla.

For specific information about other holiday dining offerings at Disney resort hotels on Dec. 31, call 407/WDW/DINE.

Westgate Resorts Giving Away 1,000 Vacations to U.S. Military Personnel

Westgate Resorts proudly salutes the dedicated men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces who risk their lives every day so that we can enjoy our freedom. In honor of their service to our country, Westgate is giving away 1,000 three day, two night stays at one of its Orlando-area resorts for U.S. military personnel who served in the above mentioned operations.

Through this special, limited-time Military Appreciation Offer, U.S. soldiers (and their families) who have served in The War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom can book a complimentary weekday stay in a king studio villa at one of Westgate’s full-service resorts in Orlando, Florida. Minutes away from world-class area attractions including Walt Disney World® Resort & Universal Orlando®, Westgate offers convenient access to exciting entertainment options for a memorable Orlando family vacation. 

“Having served in the armed forces myself, I am extremely proud of the American tradition of service that endures even today,” said David A. Siegel, Westgate Resorts founder and CEO. “I consider it a privilege to provide 1,000 complimentary vacations to our most deserving American heroes.”

The first 1,000 military personnel to call in beginning at 9 a.m. EDT on October 11th will receive the complimentary Orlando resort stay. With over 6,000 villas in Orlando alone, the beautifully decorated king villa studios at Westgate Resorts feature kitchenettes with microwaves and mini refrigerators, queen sleeper sofas, 27-inch color TVs with DVD players, whirlpool tubs, and private balconies or patios. Onsite amenities at most Westgate Resort locations include outdoor pools, hot tubs, restaurants, delis/marketplaces, game rooms and daily children’s activities.

To take advantage of this exclusive Military Appreciation Offer from Westgate Resorts, simply call 1-800-887-9312 on October 11th at 9 a.m. EDT and enjoy an unforgettable vacation getaway courtesy of Westgate Resorts!

About Westgate Resorts
One of the largest resort developers in the United States, Westgate Resorts features luxury resorts in eleven premier travel destinations throughout the United States with over 12,000 units in locations like Orlando, Florida; Park City, Utah; Las Vegas, Nevada; Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Williamsburg, Virginia; Miami, Florida; Branson, Missouri; Mesa, Arizona; and Tunica, Mississippi. Founded in 1982 by David A. Siegel, Westgate Resorts boasts affordable luxury vacation accommodations. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com.

*Terms & Conditions: Offer is for studio only and based on availability. Must stay between Sunday – Thursday only. A credit card is required only to hold the reservation. Offer only available by phone. Must travel by December 20th. Thanksgiving Week not available. Offer good for the first 1,000 active military personnel who served in the campaigns above. Proof of active or retired duty required at check-in.  Limit one per customer. Employees of Central Florida Investments/Westgate Resorts not eligible for this promotion. No resort preview required for the stay. Villa upgrades are also available at a nominal cost. Additional nights can be purchased at the Military Discount of 10% off of the Best Available Rate.

Food & Wine Fest Returns to Epcot

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will take place September 30 through November 13, 2011. In addition to more than two dozen marketplaces featuring “six continents of food and beverage adventures,” the festival will include specialty dinners, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, Eat to the Beat! concert series and much more. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.com.

Seeking great deals on spacious accommodations for your Orlando vacation getaway this fall? Check out the latest specials at Westgate Blue Tree Resort! Visit www.wgbluetree.com for more information.

Disney to Host Halloween Party

The 2011 versionof Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is set for 23 select evenings between September 13 and November 1, 2011. A special-ticket event, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will feature trick-or-treating, “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade,” “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular and the opportunity to enjoy popular Magic Kingdom rides and attractions. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com/halloween.

Seeking great deals on spacious accommodations in Orlando this fall? Check out the latest specials at Westgate Blue Tree Resort! Visit www.wgbluetree.com for more information.

Universal to Host Halloween Horror Nights 21

Halloween Horror Nights 21 – “the country’s best Halloween event” – will begin on September 23, 2011, at Universal Studios Florida. Halloween Horror Nights dates are September 23-24 and 29-30, October 1-2, 6-9, 13-16, 19-23 and 26-31, 2011. Advance tickets for Halloween Horror Nights 21 are now on sale for $81.99 plus tax. Guests can purchase Halloween Horror Nights 21 tickets at www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com or by calling 1-888-467-7677 (HORROR-7).

Book Your Orlando Getaway at Westgate Blue Tree!

• Spacious suites with all the comforts of a fully furnished home
• Prime Orlando location near world-class theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort
• Four outdoor pools (two are heated)
• Tennis, basketball and volleyball courts

For more information about Westgate Blue Tree Resort, visit www.wgbluetree.com.

Plan a Summer Getaway to Orlando!

Situated on 23 tropically landscaped acres in the Lake Buena Vista area and just 5 miles from Walt Disney World Resort, Westgate Blue Tree Resort provides convenient access to Orlando attractions and offers all the comforts of home and a variety of onsite amenities, including four outdoor pools. For more information about Westgate Blue Tree Resort, visit www.wgbluetree.com.

Westgate Blue Tree Resort Video

For more information about the latest specials at Westgate Blue Tree Resort, visit www.wgbluetree.com.

Spring Festivals Abound in Orlando for 2011

In addition to world-class theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando, the Orlando area offers a variety of festivals, events and fairs in 2011 that are sure to please visitors and residents alike. On most weekends throughout 2011, but especially during spring, you’ll discover lively festivals and events going on somewhere in Orlando.

Many of Orlando’s most popular spring festivals and events are hosted by area theme parks and the 2010 lineup includes Mardi Gras at Universal Studios, the largest Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans, runs Saturdays and select nights between February 12 and April 23, 2011; and the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which features world-class flower and horticultural displays, from March 2 through May 15, 2011.

In most cases, these special events at Disney World and Universal Orlando during 2011 are included in the cost of the base ticket, providing an added benefit to your theme park excursion. And spring is a great time to visit Orlando since the weather is perfect and you can get a jump on the summer crowds.

Outside of the theme parks, major spring festivals and events in the Orlando area include the Arnold Palmer Invitational (formerly known as the Bay Hill Invitational), which draws top professional golfers on the PGA Tour, from March 21-27, 2011; the 11-day Central Florida Fair, which features carnival rides, live music, regional arts and crafts, food, livestock shows and amazing interactive exhibits from February 24 – March 6, 2011; and the Central Florida Home & Garden Show, the region’s largest consumer home and garden showcase, from April 15-17, 2011.

Art and culture lovers will enjoy such Orlando festivals as the 20th-annual Florida Film Festival, April 8-17, 2011; Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, one of the country’s most prestigious outdoor art festivals, from March 18-20, 2011; and Spring Fiesta in the Park, which displays the talents of more than 200 artists and craftspeople from all over the country, in early April 2010.

Good sources for more information on upcoming Orlando festivals and events include the “Orlando Seasonal Events” section of the Orlando, Florida Guide, as well as the Friday entertainment sections of the Orlando Sentinel and the Orlando Weekly, a weekly arts and entertainment publication. In addition, check out Orlando’s online calendar at www.orlandoinfo.com, the official website of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Seeking spacious and affordable accommodations during your next Orlando vacation getaway? Look no farther than Westgate Resorts, which offers comfortable suites, first-class amenities and convenient access to Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando theme parks, as well as other Orlando area attractions. Choose from Westgate Resorts properties such as Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas. For more information about Westgate Resort properties, visit www.westgatedestinations.com

Bay Hill to Host Arnold Palmer Invitational

The 2011 Arnold Palmer Invitational will take place in late March 21-27, 2011 (TBA), at the 7,137-yard, par-70 course at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida. Presented by MasterCard, The Arnold Palmer Invitational draws the world’s top professional golfers on the PGA Tour.

The event traces its history back to 1966 when it began as the Florida Citrus Open Invitational. Over the years, it has also been known as the Florida Citrus Invitational, Florida Citrus Open, Bay Hill Citrus Classic, Bay Hilll Classic, Hertz Bay Hill Classic, Nestle Invitational and Bay Hill Invitational. Palmer has owned Bay Hill Club & Lodge since 1976.

Ernie Els captured the 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational. Other previous winners of the tournament include Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson, Lee Trevino, Arnold Palmer, Fred Couples, Payne Stewart, Ernie Els, Paul Azinger, Fuzzy Zoeller, Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw.

Admission is charged to the Arnold Palmer Invitational. For more information about the 2011 Arnold Palmer Invitational, visit www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com.

Seeking spacious and affordable accommodations during your stay in Orlando to attend the 2011 Arnold Palmer Invitational? Look no farther than Westgate Resorts, which offers spacious suites, first-class amenities and convenient access to Bay Hill Club & Lodge, as well as Disney World theme parks and area attractions. Choose from Westgate Resorts properties such as Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit www.westgatedestinations.com