Free Universal Orlando Tickets for Kids

British families who want to experience the magic of big-screen movies at Universal's two theme parks in Orlando, Florida are being offered free kids' tickets in 2007.

The US resort of Universal Orlando, which includes Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, is giving a child ticket free with an adult ticket - a saving of £52. The Free Kids Ticket is available when holidaymakers buy a full price adult two-day, two-park ticket (which also includes a third day for free).

The ticket must be bought between January 1st and April 30th 2007 for travel at any time next year. The offer includes entrance to both parks – Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure.

For more information see www.universalorlando.co.uk

Orlando Plans $68 million ad campaign to promote itself as ultimate famaily destination

ORLANDO, Fla. (December 15, 2006) – Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (Orlando CVB) executives today announced plans to launch a two-year, $68 million advertising campaign highlighting Orlando’s unique and powerful family vacation experiences over competing vacation options. Launching in first quarter 2007, the unprecedented Orlando destination advertising campaign appeals to the current mindset of moms who are looking for ways to use vacation time to reconnect family members and bring them closer together.

With the slogan, “Built for families. Made for memories.”, the new campaign is the most integrated and comprehensive undertaking in Orlando’s history and represents a 240% increase in advertising spending over 2005-2006 levels.

Low Disney Prices for January and February 2007

This is the Year of a Million Dreams at Disney World and hopefully there will be enough to go around for all the kids who have their hearts set on receiving a trip to Orlando as a holiday gift. Savvy parents will opt to sit out the holidays at home and instead take advantage of the value season, one of the best times to save a buck and headaches at Disney. The shortest lines come from now until December 19, in what is known as December dead weeks, and then again in the holiday hangover period, specifically from January 1 through early February.

The mouse is also offering a hangover helper with specially discounted packages that includes free ticket upgrades worth about $100 per person. The upgrades turn the Magic Your Way base ticket into a Park Hopper that allows visitors to come and go from one theme park to another each day. The Free Water Park Fun and More Upgrade permits a total of four visits per person to their choice of a Disney water park, DisneyQuest indoor interactive theme park, or the downtown Disney Pleasure Island nightclubs.

The four-night Magic Your Way package is available for travel most nights January 1- February 14, starting at $377 per adult, $221 per junior, and $182 per child based on double occupancy. This offer and includes a standard room at a Disney value resort, theme park tickets, and free ticket upgrades. Call Walt Disney Travel Company at 800-327-2996 and ask for package code zcm. The booking deadline is December 16.

Information before you travel to Orlando

For information on Orlando or to get a free holiday planning pack, contact the Orlando Tourism Bureau on 0800 018 6760 or visit www.orlandoinfo.com/uk

Before heading out there on holiday, visit the website to download a free Orlando Magicard. This is a discount card which gives you savings at 68 establishments in the Orlando area including attractions, dining, evening entertainment and shopping. It's free and can be downloaded at www.orlandoinfo.com/uk/magicard Click on the link and print it off.

The Orlando Magicard can also be ordered online to be sent to you in the post.
And while in Orlando, visit the Official Visitor Center at 8723 International Drive, at the southeast corner of International Drive and Austrian Row to find out about local events.