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Construction on Four Seasons to Begin in December

Earlier this summer, we brought you a snippet about the Four Seasons hotel opening being delayed until 2014. Now, news out of Orlando is that the upscale hotel company has the funds in place and expects to begin construction this December.

The amount of financing Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts now has to start the long-planned project is said to be $360 million.

Beware of Pizza Scam at Disney

Visiting Mickey and friends in Orlando any time soon? You might want to skip that pizza after a long day at the parks - especially if it's offered from a flyer.

It appears some identity thieves are out to grab your credit card info by slipping phony pizza advertisements under hotel doors. Instead of ringing up a pizza parlor, the number is straight to someone who's after an identity and not an order.

Disney Holding Auditions for Finding Nemo

Ever dreamed of being in a Disney show? Now just might be your chance. Looks like Disney is searching for a few good performers for their Finding Nemo: The Musical show.

Here's an idea of what Disney is looking for:

Disney Parks Talent Casting is seeking musical theatre performers of all ethnicities and builds to portray principal and ensemble roles for Finding Nemo, the Musical, an original musical theatre production based on the Disney - Pixar hit animated feature, performed at the Walt Disney World(r) Resort in Orlando, FL.

$1 Million in Fradulent Disney Tickets Confiscated

Discount park tickets are a big business around Orlando, and one is often left wondering how legit some of those tickets are. We now know that at least some of those tickets are fradulent, thanks to a recent sting conducted along U.S. Highway 192 in Kissimmee, Florida.

Some 3,617 tickets for Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World were confiscated during the sting. The estimated cost? Over $1 million.

New Botique Now Open in Downtown Disney

For those of you who love to shop 'til you drop when visiting Disney World, there's a new store to add to your to-do list. Apricot Lane, a trendy clothing and accessories store, opened yesterday in Downtown Disney.

The trendy botique looks to offer mothers and daughters a place to find the latest fashions and carries several "celebrity-inspired" brands such as Miss Me, Lucky Brand, Vintage Havana and Chaser. Shoppers can also browse the store for unique and trendy gifts.

Keith Bradford, vice president of Downtown Disney, had this to say about the opening of the new botique:

Four Seasons Hotel Opening Delayed Until 2014

Those guests looking to stay at the Four Seasons in Orlando will find themselves in for a bit of a wait. Reports now pinpoint the opening of the upscale hotel to be sometime in 2014.

A Four Seasons hotel in Orlando has been a topic since 2007 when the company announced plans to build near Walt Disney World. The original opening date of 2010 was pushed back due to the downturn in the economy. Now, the delay can be traced to the efforts to include the 445-room hotel as a central point for Golden Oak, a new Disney subdivision.

Pamper Mom at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

Looking for a truly indulgent and relaxing Mother's Day gift idea? Check out this sweet getaway from the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.

Start Mom's day out with their Breakfast in Bed package where families can pare up with the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek's chefs to create a wonderful breakfast. The family can also help arrange a uniqe bouquet to be delivered along side Mom's breakfast.

Ridley Pearson Kicking Off 'Kingdom Keepers IV' Book Tour in Downtown Disney

Ridley Pearson will be at Downtown Disney April 4 to kick off a book tour promoting his newest novel "Kingdom Keepers IV: Power Play." After a stop at Disney's Hollywood Studios April 5, the tour brings the author to both coasts as well as points in between.

"Kingdom Keepers IV: Power Play" is the latest installment in the popular young adult series that features teenagers taking on the dark forces lurking around Walt Disney World.

Here's the complete list of dates and places for the upcoming book tour:

MONDAY, APRIL 4
4:00pm-7:00pm
Once Upon a Toy
Downtown Disney Marketplace

Orlando and Cincinnati Families Could Win Backyard Makeover

Attention all Disney lovers living in the Cincinnati, Ohio, and Orlando, Florida, areas: HGTV and JayTV want to give your backyard a magical makeover. JayTV has teamed up with HGTV to offer a chance for some lucky families to receive an overhaul of their backyards.

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Travel Tips for Winter Weather Help Plan For The Unexpected

Mother Nature can sometimes put a kink in the plans of even the most experienced traveler, but with a little pre-planning you can make sure that your family is prepared for anything. With a heavy winter storm bearing down on thirty-three states over this Thanksgiving weekend, it seems like a good time to revisit some of our previous articles on winter travel.

Top 10 Spots for a Beer with Dad at Disney

Father's Day is Sunday and to celebrate our Disney loving Dads I thought I would come up with a list of the top 10 places to share a beer with Dad at Walt Disney World. There's no shortage of spots to grab a brew, but these all have something just a little more special about them. They all have that magical spark that can make any day a celebration. So without further ado, and in no particular order... away we go!

Downtown Disney Hotels - What You Need To Know

If you've been to the Downtown Disney area you've seen the hotels. Maybe you've stayed at one or all of them. Or maybe you're wondering if it's worth it to say "off property." While we can't tell you where to stay, we can tell you that the Downtown Disney area hotels have enough magical amenities that they're worth considering for your next trip.

The Magic Kingdom's Liberty Belle Riverboat

Located in Liberty Square at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom you can find one of the more unique vessels in the Disney Fleet. An authentic steam powered stern mounted paddle wheeler ferrying guests along the Rivers of America named the Liberty Bell.

Walgreens Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival At Downtown Disney

The Walgreens Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival pays homage to the traditional water-sport festivals which originated with the Ancient Chinese. In Chinese custom, a dragon represents wisdom and is a powerful symbol of spring rain and growth. Disney World created this fun event in 2008 to inspire guests to refresh their mind and body in both amusement and health. Recently this event was honored with the "Best Single Sport Event Award" at the SportsTravel Awards.

Hiring a Car in Orlando

Though many guests coming to Walt Disney World and staying on property opt to use Disney's Magical Express for their transportation needs, sometimes it's easier and more convenient to hire a car and take a limo. I am a particular fan of using town cars for my transportation needs when a bus just doesn't cut it.

Three Great High Energy Bars

We've covered a lot of Disney Bars and Lounges over the past year, but these three are my picks for the top high energy clubs on all of Walt Disney World property. So if you're looking for a place to cap off your night with music, fun, and abundant cocktails, this is the list for you! Next time you're looking for some extraordinary Disney nightlife, give one of these three places a try.

Disney Castmember BlanketEARs Stitch for a Cause

Back in 2007, a group of Disney castmembers would meet once a week to knit caps for soldiers that were serving overseas. In the past 5 years, the group has grown into a larger organization that calls themselves the BlanketEARS.

Banana Cabana Pool Bar at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

Amongst Walt Disney World pool bars, this one may very well have the most cult-like following of all. Guests and fans of Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort will happily sing the praises of the Banana Cabana Poolside Bar at Old Port Royale. It's one of the things that this resort's guests look forward to most as they plan their next Orlando vacations.