Walt Disney World

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Dewayne Bevil

Dewayne Bevil

don't miss: mermaid calendars at weeki wachee springs

July 4, 2008

WHAT: For the first time in history, Weeki Wachee Springs has created a calendar that stars its famed mermaids. Photographer Andrew Brusso, a Florida native with scads of celebrity photos and major magazine covers in his portfolio, captured the finned females after hearing about the park's "Save Our Tails" campaign. He'll be visiting Weeki Wachee, signing the 16-month calendars, which sell for $19.95. (You can see more of Brusso's work at andrewbrusso.com.)

Walt Disney World

Since 1971, Walt Disney World has been the top family-vacation destination in the world. With four giant parks full of rides, shows and attractions, visitors can spend days experiencing it all. Add in an array of fine restaurants and shopping venues, and you'll see that there's plenty to keep you busy on a trip to Walt Disney World, located in Orlando, Florida.

Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom was the first Disney theme park opened in Orlando, Florida, and it's also the most famous. For more than 30 years, visitors have been flocking to the park to ride classic rides, see timeless shows and experience Disney magic in ways only imagined.

Epcot

A trip to Epcot is a trip into the world of tomorrow. The futuristic attractions are fun and educational, and the dining options in the World Showcase area of the park are second-to-none.

Animal Kingdom

The most recent addition to the Disney World theme park family is Disney's Animal Kingdom. This Orlando theme park combines the classic rides, shows and attractions that Disney is known for with a completely new Disney animal experience. It's certainly more than your average zoo!

Downtown Disney

When you're done with the theme parks for the day, head over to Downtown Disney for nightlife for all ages. With restaurants, shops and more, there's some thing for all ages at Disney's massive entertainment complex in Orlando, Florida.

Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex

Fans and players alike were instantly amazed by the double-deck facility, which boasts 7,500 seats, a high-tech drainage system to keep the field in playable condition and a sense of nostalgia that normally doesn't come with newly built stadiums.

Disney for grown-ups

OK, boys and girls, including all you chiffon-wearing princesses -- it's time to go to your rooms and close your eyes and dream of whatever it is little darlings dream about these days.

Momsketeers for Disney World

It's all Beth Choisez's husband's fault.

Getting the keys to the castle

For 40 years, a peculiarly dogged urban myth has claimed that Uncle Walt is awaiting revival at the hands of science. And since the opening of Disney World in 1971, the mysterious tower has seemed the likeliest hiding place. However, the mystery is no longer. After a lavish refurbishment, the former apartments built half a century ago for Disney and his family (but never occupied) are now part of the theme park's Year of a Million Dreams giveaway.

At Disney World, a real Cinderella story

It's a little like the old joke about Grant's Tomb: Is the frozen body of Walt Disney really lying in the tower suite of Cinderella Castle in Disney World? For 40 years, a peculiarly dogged urban myth has claimed that Uncle Walt is awaiting revival at the hands of science. And since the opening of Disney World in 1971, the mysterious tower has seemed the likeliest hiding place. The mystery is no longer, however. After a lavish refurbishment, the former apartments built half a century ago for Disney and his family (but never occupied) are now part of the theme park's Year of a Million Dreams giveaway.

STILL YOUNG AT 51

Disneyland captures the young and old

It's sweltering and Disneyland is packed, but 8-year-old Katie Grace Dhority and her 6-year-old sister, Laurel, are too excited to care that it's at least 90 degrees in the shade and there are lines everywhere, even at the water fountains.

Hidden Mickeys & other secrets revealed

Let's just get this out of the way: They're chipper even when nobody's looking.

14th annual EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival

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