3 On Your Side: Newest Orlando Attractions
By Jim Donovan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Are you planning a trip to Orlando anytime soon? It's one of the most popular vacation destinations for families in our area. Think you can't afford to go right now? Not so fast, tonight on Eyewitness News at 11, 3-On Your Side Consumer Reporter Jim Donovan will show you some of the best ways to save. But first, Jim takes a look at some of the new things you can expect to see if you do indeed plan a trip.
The Orlando theme parks are always adding new attractions and some of the parks themselves are brand new! I went and checked them out in person.
Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom is the in midst of the biggest overhaul in its history. Dumbo the Flying Elephant had a facelift and a second Dumbo ride is on its way. Goofy's Barnstormer roller coaster has been transformed into the Great Goofini and the new Fantasy Land, almost double in size, is set to open by year's end.
We also got a sneak peak at the new Art of Animation value resort opening May 31st. Gary Hoffmann from Walt Disney World Resorts says, "We have suites and have standard value rooms. We have 864 standard value rooms and then 1120 suites which actually sleep six."
Over at Universal Orlando Resort the Wizardly World of Harry Potter is still bringing in huge crowds. But Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is set to take center stage this summer too. Mike West of Universal says, "It's going to be a great three dimensional, 3-D adventure for guests coming to the park. You're going to meet Gru and his girls and the favorite characters from the film."
It's only been open since October, but LEGOLAND Florida is building up rave reviews too. From it's Miniland USA to its Ford Driving School and Aqua Zone Wave Races, Jill Swidler of LEGOLAND Florida says, "This park was built especially for families with kids 2-12. We've got your first roller coaster if you're only four years old, we've got great roller coasters for kids that are eight nine, ten and 11." By the way, LEGOLAND's water park opens for the first time this Saturday, May 26th.
Walt Disney World:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/
Universal Orlando Resort:
http://www.universalorlando.com/Theme-Parks/World-Class-Theme-Parks.aspx
LEGOLAND Florida:
http://florida.legoland.com/
Visit Orlando:
http://www.visitorlando.com/
