Saturday, September 19, 2009

Disney World Backstage Tours

Disney World Backstage Tours



When you watch a show, all you see is the performance played out by the cast members. A lot of planning comes before this is done on stage. If you want to explore that, you can join a Disney World Backstage Tour at a reasonable price.

Disney backstage tours are guided and are open for guests 16 years of age and up. When you decide to sign up for one, you will be required to wear a photo ID to visit the various sets and locations. Let's get to know some of them.

Magic Kingdom Disney MGM has a backstage tour that lasts 7 hours long. It costs $199 and runs from Monday to Friday. You don't have to pay for theme park admission to participate and cannot use this to enter the park.

Backstage Safari is another and lasts about 3 hours. Here, you will get to visit the different animal facilities including the veterinary hospital and elephant barn. Tickets cost $45 each plus theme park admission. This runs on weekdays except on Tuesday.

Dive Quest at Epcot center is a 2 + hour program that includes a 30 minute underwater adventure. You get to swim inside a tank and see sharks, turtles and different species of fish. You don't need to be certified diver to join this tour. The ticket cost $140 which is already inclusive of the diving gear, shirt and refreshments.

If you want to learn more about our friends from the deep, there is another program which lasts 3 + hours that teaches you about Dolphin behavior. This experience will allow you to interact with these animals. Tickets costs at $150 each which includes a souvenir shirt. This is open on weekdays starting at 9:45am.

Another is the Undiscovered Future World in Epcot. This 4 + hour tour will tell you how this place was created. There will be a lot of walking involved here so make sure you are using comfortable footwear. This tour is open to those above 16 years of age. The cost of the ticket is $49 each and theme park admission is required. Tours start at 10:30am and open Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

There are a total of 17 different backstage tours to choose from. You have to find out which of these look interesting to you before signing up.

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Disney World Cruises

Disney World Cruises



More people are going on cruises. If you think that this is just for couples, think again because Disney World cruises promises to make this a fun filled vacation for the entire family.

Disney world cruises set sail to the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Mexico. Since these destinations are quite close to the mainland, most of these last for just a few days.

Most packages last 8 days and 7 nights with the first 3 days at the amusement park before you get to board the ship. Those who want to stay longer can go on either the Mediterranean or transatlantic adventures as well.

Unlike other cruises liners, Disney World is quite new in the business and they only have 2 vessels. These are namely the Wonder and the Magic. Both of these have similar features and amenities on board that can hold 2400 guests each. There are plans to add two more ships to the fleet that can hold about 4,000 passengers by 2011 or 2012.

Each night on board one of these ships promise to be different because guests will experience a rotational dining system. This means you will get to eat in one of three dining rooms nightly while most only offer this in one large room.

Meals are included in the package so the only thing you have to spend money for will be drinks. You can avoid this by bringing some on board for the entire trip.

Despite the large number of passengers, you will notice that the state rooms and suites are not cramp making it possible to hold 5 passengers.

There are many things to do on board and to help you out, they have counselors that plan games and other activities. For those who want to spend some time away from the kids, you can ask the crew to assign someone to babysit.

Given the popularity of Disney World cruises, customers are advised to book their trip at least 6 months in advance. On the day of your departure, make sure you are there at least 2 hours before they make it a point to leave on time. If you miss your boat, they will try to make arrangements for you to meet up at the port where the ship will be docking. Should there be weather problems, the trip will be rescheduled at a later date.

One thing you should keep in mind when you go for a Disney World cruise or any other is to bring your passport. You are leaving US territory and you have to show this to the customs agent when you make a port call.

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Disney World Safari

Safari



There was a time that you had to go to the zoo to see wild animals. Today, Disney World Tours offers guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with these creatures as a guest at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Disney World Safari is a unique deluxe resort that is built around a private animal reserve. In an area that spans 33 acres, there are three separate savannahs that are now home to more than 200 mammals and birds.

The resort lodge has 1,293 rooms. Each one features handcrafted furniture and art from Zimbabwe. Some rooms have butterfly mask designs on their headboard. Those who stay in the suite can't help but notice the dome, hut like living room that has its own dining room, office, kitchen and porches that offer a great view of the savannah.

There is one standard room, concierge level rooms as well as one and two bedroom suites. Some rooms can hold 4 people while others can have as many as eight. Depending on the size of the room you get, you may be sleeping on a bunk, queen or king size bed.

Just before sunset three nights a week, guests are invited to hop aboard a pop top vehicle to see what a typical North African safari is like. Some of the animals you could see throughout the trip include the African spoonbills, the bongo, the greater kudu, the zebra, the wildebeest, the spiral-horned antelope impala, and the pink-back pelicans.

But you don't have to take a ride to see these animals because some of them will roam near your balcony.

Aside from the animals, the food served at this resort is very unique. You can go to Jiko-the cooking place which is considered to be fine dining and enjoy some of South Africa's dishes. Each dish served is paired with some of South Africa's best wines together with sweet desserts. You can also go to Boma: Flavors of Africa that is buffet style, Mara a food court and Victoria Falls which is a lounge.

Other things you can do here are take a dip in the pool that has a 67 foot water slide, enjoy an in room massage and even a facial. There is a play area for children and nightly campfire storytelling given by the cast members.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is 5 miles away from Orlando International Airport. Nightly rates at this place start at $225 per night.

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Disney World's Blizzard Beach

Disney World's Blizzard Beach



Who said you can't create a water park with a ski resort as your theme? Disney World has once again proven that you can with the opening of Blizzard Beach.

Blizzard Beach is just one of two water parks that the Disney franchise operates. The first thing that greets guests the moment they enter is Mt. Gushmore, a 90 foot snow capped mountain that features slalom courses, toboggan and water sled runs. Don't forget the 120 foot high Summit Plummet that happens to be the country's tallest and fastest free fall speed slide that can be seen from almost anywhere in the park.

One of the water park's newest attractions is the Downhill Double Dipper which is a side by side racing slide. This stands 50 feet high and 200 feet long. You can travel more than 25mph until you go shooting out into the water below.

The park has a few other attractions. These include the Slush Gusher, the Teamboat Springs, Snow Stormers, Runoff Rapids and the Chair Lift.

Below Mt. Gushmore is a sandy beach. Here, you can enjoy the wave pool, the lazy river or get something to eat from one of the two snack bars namely Avalunch and The Warming Hut, a polar pub lodge as well as a play area for pre-teens and children.

Kids can also enjoy similar attractions that are catered for the older generation, there is a kiddies version of Blizzard Beach known as Tike's Peak. There is also Melt Away Bay, Cross Country Creek and Blizzard Beach Ski Patrol Training Camp.

With the number of attractions at this water park, you will have to wait in line until it is your turn because they do not give free passes here. It is best to come early and do the popular rides first. Just to give you an idea, the longest waits are at the Chair Lift, Downhill Double Dipper, Slush Gusher and Summit Plummet.

You may also come later in the afternoon because those who come in the morning don't usually stay around until closing.

It really gets hot during the summer so you should bring some sunscreen. Since the ground gets pretty slippery, you should always wear water shoes or flip flops. As for what you should wear, be sure to have a real bathing suit because some of the sides have strict bathing suit regulations.

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Disney Worlds Contemporary Hotel

Disney Worlds Contemporary Hotel



Disney Worlds Contemporary Hotel is one of three that is a Monorails ride away from the theme park. In fact, this is one of first to be built. It has just undergone a facelift.

This 15 story hotel has over 655 rooms and you are sure to enjoy your stay while enjoying the stunning views of either Bay Lake or Cinderella's Castle.

The Contemporary Hotel has 3 types of rooms. There is the Standard guest room, the Tower and the Suites. Both the Standard and the Tower can have a maximum of 5 guests while the Suite can handle from 3 to 8. All of them have a balcony or patio.

Each room has two queen size beds or one king size bed, an ergonomic work station, remote control flat screen TV, high speed internet access, a ceiling fan, telephone with a separate data port, in room safe, bathroom, hair dryer, iron and ironing board.

Some of the things guests can avail of include nightly turn down service, a refrigerator, coffee and coffee maker. If you are hungry, there are three restaurants to choose from. These are namely Chef Mickey's, Concourse Steakhouse and California's Grill. There are 2 snack bars and 3 lounges to visit if you want to grab a snack.

For those who want to have some fun, you can jump in one of the two swimming pools near the marina or work on a tan by the white sand beach. You can play volleyball here as well as tennis. Just be sure to bring your own equipment. Those who only brought their running shoes can go for a run through the jogging trial.

People who prefer to stay indoors and still work up a sweat can go to the Olympic Fitness center that has state of the art exercise equipment and then end it with aromatherapy, deep tissue or Swedish massage.

Guests who love the water can borrow a Canopy boat, Pontoon boat or Sea Racer. There are also instructors on hand to teach you how to use them for an extra fee.

As for kids, they can hang out at the Arcade located at the Food & Fun Center or the playground that is open 24 hours.

Room rates at the Contemporary may be as low as $230 during the off season to almost $3,000 during the peak season if you decide to use the Concierge service.

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Disney World's DisneyQuest

Disney World always comes out with new attractions so that people will come back for more. One attraction is Disney World's DisneyQuest that features cutting edge virtual reality technology with classic Disney imagination.

DisneyQuest is a 5 story amusement park that occupies a space of 100,000 square feet located in the Downtown Disney West Side entertainment district near the end, across from House of Blues and next to Cirque du Soleil.

Guests who come here will first go to the Ventureport. It is a crossroad that leads to four unique entertainment environments namely the Explore Zone, the Score Zone, the Create Zone and the Replay Zone.

What sets these 4 virtual reality environments apart? Well, the Explore zone lets you reminisce with some of the old Disney stories. In the Score zone, you get to compete against other players to see who among you is the best. The Create zone allows you to invent things while the Replay zone is filled with rides and games.

Some of the other adventures you may find here include;

1. Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold that takes a crew of four into a 3-D world of plundered towns, fortress islands and erupting volcanoes for an action-packed adventure that lasts five-minutes long.

2. You can even try out the Song Maker which allows you to make your own song.

3. The Virtual Jungle Cruise allows to get on board a raft and paddle for your life through the rapids.

4. Cyber Space Mountain allows you to make your own roller coaster.

5. There is the Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam where players are part of the pinball game.

6. Lastly, there is Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride that lets you fly through the streets of Agrabah.

When you get hungry, you can grab a bite to eat at the Cheesecake Factory. If you want to get a souvenir, don't forget to drop by the onsite retail shop.

The operating hours of DisneyQuest is from 11:30am until midnight on Friday's and Saturday's. The place closes at 11:00pm from Sunday until Thursday.

The rate to enter DisneyQuest is $31 for adults plus tax while $25 for children under the age of 9. If your child plans to check it out, he or she should always be accompanied by an adult.

DisneyQuest is just one of the many attractions within the Disney World complex. So if you get a chance to drop by, this is one place you shouldn't miss.

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Disney World's Epcot Aqua Tour

Disney World's Epcot Aqua Tour



Most of us have probably been to Sea World and seen Shamu as well as the other animals. But do you ever get the chance to go into the tank with them? The answer is no. This is an experience you will never forget if you head down to Disney World's Epcot Living Seas Pavilion.

Disney World's Epcot Living Seas Pavilion is located inside the Epcot center. It is a tank that holds 5.7 million gallon of water, 203 feet in diameter, 27 feet deep and home to more than 65 species of marine life.

For only $115 per person, you can go on a 2 hr. + tour with 30 minutes of it in the water. Part of what you pay for includes the gear you will need, some refreshments, a T-shirt as well as a group photo.

You don't need any special certifications to participate so just sign up. Anyone above the age of 8 is allowed to join as long as they are accompanied by an adult and dressed in a swimsuit. Since the water temperature could hit above the 70's, you are required to put on your wetsuit.

Before you get in the water, you are required to watch a 10 minute film about the type of creatures you will see in the water. When it is over, you head to the locker room to put on the wet suit then meet with the rest of the group in the dive tank.

Two simple rules that guest should follow are;

1. Guests who join the tour are not allowed to bring cameras. Other members of your party will be allowed to carry it so they can take some snapshots of you while in the tank.

2. Another thing you should remember is that when you are in the tank, you are not allowed to touch anything. If you get too close to the corals or any of the animals, the dive will end and you will be escorted out of the park.

Some of the creatures you could see in the dive tank include a giant sea turtle, a black nosed and brown shark. Chances are you might even see Mickey Mouse swimming there since he is sometimes hired for a special event.

Disney World's Epcot Living Seas Pavilion is open daily from 12:30pm on. To ensure you have a spot at the tour, call in advance to make a reservation.

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Disney World's Polynesian Resort

Disney World's Polynesian Resort



Disney has 3 luxurious hotels that are a Monorail's ride away from the theme park. These are namely the Floridian, the Contemporary and the Polynesian. Although they are a bit pricey, there are certain benefits you get being a guest.

What makes the Polynesian Resort different from the other two is that you feel like you are staying in one of those islands in the South Pacific. The hotel has a total of 853 rooms each with a Hawaiian motif. These are located in eleven two and three story A-frame long houses that have exotic names such as Autearoa, Fiji, Hawaii, Niue, Rapa Nui, Rarotonga, Samoa, Tahiti and Tokelau.

Each of these buildings are scattered over the grounds that have more than 75 species of dense vegetation. There are three white sanded beaches dotted with hammocks for you to lie in as well as lounge chairs. At night, pathways are torch lit and you can hear soft Hawaiian melodies playing nearby.

There are a lot of things you can do at the resort. You can jump in and cool off at the pool or the beach, have fun at the arcade, eat in one of the fine restaurants, borrow a camera, have someone come over to babysit the kids, shop, exercise, fish or borrow one of their watercraft rentals for an extra fee. Every major credit card is accepted so you can save your cash for use in the theme park.

Some of the places you can eat here include the Polynesian Luau, Ohana's Feast, Captain Cook's Snack Co., the Kona Cafe, the Tambu Lounge and the Barefoot Pool Bar.

The standard room is 407 square feet and can accommodate up to five adults and a child under the age of 3. Here, you get to sleep in one of two queen size beds while king size beds are available if you choose to stay in a suite.

Aside from the kind of bed in the room and the size, the rest is the same. You have a bathroom, use turndown service which is only available upon request, irons, safe, minibar, some furniture, newspaper delivery, air-condition, fan and a refrigerator that can be rented for $10 a day.

Regular check in at the Polynesian Resort is at 3pm while checkout is at 11am. If you take a morning flight, you will be given a temporary room and then be told to transfer once the room you booked for is ready.

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Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon

Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon



This summer, you can cool off at Disney Worlds Typhoon Lagoon. This water park which first opened in 1989 is still attracting a lot of visitors with its centerpiece, the 100 foot Mount Mayday where the parks 2 speed slides, 4 twisting body slides and three tube slides are all located. You won't have a hard time finding it because you will notice Ms. Tilly, a shrimp boat situated on top of the mountain.

Beneath the 100 foot man made mountain, the theme park spreads out to a 2 + acre lagoon that is surrounded by white beaches. If the weather gets to you, there is plenty of shade around thanks to the lush vegetation.

Some of the other attractions at the theme park are Ketchakiddie Creek, Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, Castaway Creek, Humunga Kowabunga, Storm Slides, Gang Plank Falls, Mayday Falls, Keelhaul Falls and Shark Reef.

In case you need anything, you can head down to Singapore Sal's Beachwear, Gifts & Sundries. If you have to store some stuff, you can rent a locker for $5 or $7 for a larger one. There is a refundable fee of $2 when you turn in the key.

Guests can borrow towels for $1 each. For those that need a life vest, you can get these for free since you are not allowed to bring other floatation devices into the park.

When you feel hungry, you can get some snacks at Leaning Palms, Typhoon Tilly's, Lowtide Lou's Snacks and Lets Go Slurpin.

If you need some medical attention, you can go to the First Aid Station that is located near the Leaning Palms Snack Bar.

There are certain regulations that should be follow when inside the park.

1. Swimwear that has exposed metal is not allowed to be worn inside the park.

2. Children under the age of 10 should always be accompanied by an adult.

3. Although the park is open from 10am to 5pm, this may change depending on the weather conditions.

4. If you have made reservations beforehand and the park is suddenly closed, you will not be given a refund.

5. Even if you buy a ticket to enter this water park, you cannot use this to enter any of Disney's other water parks.

The park is closed for one month every year for repairs and maintenance. Adults pay $35 plus tax while children the age of 10 to 4 will pay $29 plus tax. Anyone under three is free.

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Eight Tips For You To Enjoy Your Disney World Vacation

Disneyworld theme parks have grown through the years. In fact, there are now 4 places to choose from namely Animal Kingdom, Epcot Center, Magic Kingdom and Disney Worlds Hollywood Studio. But these places share 4 things in common. These are tips which you should know to enjoy your Disney world vacation.

1. If you are going for a ride with one of your kids who is too young to enjoy it by themselves, practice baby swapping. Basically, one of you will get in the ride first and then the other one takes over so both of you will be able to spend some time with your kid.

2. Go to the amusement park of your choice early because most of these places are packed by around lunch time while others close early. To be able to maximize your time there, check if the extra magic hour is applicable.

The extra magic hour entitles guests who stay at the Disney resort hotels to enter the amusement park an hour before the official opening time. You just have to know which of the four theme parks does this so you can enjoy it.

3. So you don't get sunburn, take a break in the afternoon by going back to your hotel and returning in the late afternoon or evening especially since three of these have fun filled activities when the sun goes down.

4. Aside from going to the park early, you can use the Fastpass which cuts down the waiting time so you can enjoy the most popular rides.

5. Although food and drinks are served at the park, you can save on money by bringing some of your own inside.

6. If you really feel hungry, then go for establishments that serve buffets. Chances are you will be stuffed and won't eat another meal until dinner time. Since these places are always packed, use advanced reservations so you can get a seat quickly instead of waiting in line.

7. Instead of walking to the theme park or doing the same thing to go back to your hotel, why not take a ride using the Disney Transportation System. These are free for guests to use and you can choose from the bus, the boat or the Monorail.

8. The weather is surely going to be warm during the summer. So that you can stay cool, don't forget to wear loose clothes, shoes and perhaps a pair of trunks if you decide to get wet in the water park.

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Enjoyable Disney World Vacations

Disney world vacations are indeed the ultimate stress relievers for any person young and old. Here, the chance of dreams filled with fun and excitement turning into reality is higher because of the amenities you can use and the activities that you can do.

But, if not planned properly, Disney world vacations can be quite a hassle. Aside from spending a huge sum of money, there is a possibility that you won't enjoy it because of the loopholes that may come along the way.

To ensure that you have an enjoyable Disney world vacations, it is a must that you plan it very carefully. Aside from ensuring that you and your family have a good time, it also lessens the possibilities of you spending too much money.

What You Can Do

Just like in any vacation, Disney world vacations require a lot of preparation to ensure that it will be an enjoyable and memorable event not only for you but also for the people you are with. To ensure that you have enjoyable Disney world vacations, here are some of the things that you should do:

1. Getting Disney world vacations help and tips online. With the aid of the Internet, Disney has created some sites where people especially families who plan to go on a Disney vacation can get help and some tips in making the vacation worthwhile with less expenditure. Disney has created a Disney family club for people who wants to have a Disney vacation can get immediate access to the site. Since a Disney vacation costs so much, Disney also created the ultimate Disney savings site where people can save more on their total trip. Through this site, people who are planning and who are saving some bucks for the most-anticipated Disney vacation can learn more about discounts on tickets, foods, Disney merchandise, hotels and much more.

2. Check out the services and amenities available. If you want a successful vacation at the Disney world, check out the services and amenities available. You can do this by asking friends who have been on a vacation or surfing the net. Many links can connect you to the official sites which have been around for years and has been helping a lot of families to have fun and affordable Disney vacations.

3. Look for great deals and discounted offers. Vacations will surely be nicer if you can use discounts and limited offers. Make sure that before you book anything for your vacation, you have checked the sites because there might be great deals offered by Disney. Some of the tempting deals include low prices on Disney rooms, tickets, dining, souvenirs, cruises, and Disney vacations.

After doing these simple steps, you can now start plotting and planning your vacation and dream about all the fun that awaits you and your family during Disney world vacations.

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First Timers Tips For Those Going To Disney World Tour

First Timers Tips For Those Going To Disney World Tour



Disneyland has grown. Through the years, it has expanded to 4 theme parks in the US with one in Europe and two in Asia. Wherever you go, you are likely to enjoy your experience. For those who have never been before, here are some first timer tips.

If Disneyland is far from where you live, it is a good idea to start planning for this trip months in advance. Should this trip bring you to either California or Florida, be sure to come during the winter because it is pretty hot in both places during the summer.

It wouldn't hurt to access Disney's website at Disneyworld.com to find out the current ticket prices, the rate at the Disney resort hotel, ongoing and upcoming special events so you know which rides and shows are suitable for your kids. Although you can get a map at the entrance, you can download and print this from their website as well as make your lodging reservations.

First timers can buy the one day one park admissions. But given that the price is not that far from the premium annual pass, you can buy the annual pass which will allow you to return next year without having to pay the admission. This may get you a hotel at a discounted rate.

In case you don't have access to the web, you can get a brochure or look at bulletin board once you get there to see what time the shows are especially the fireworks, which attractions are undergoing maintenance, if there are any parades and who will take part in the live entertainment.

Whatever you do, keep 4 things in mind when you are here on vacation the crowd, the heat, the peak hours and the special events so you can maximize this trip to its fullest. If you find the Disney hotel rates a bit expensive, rent a car and stay in a hotel a few miles away as this will allow you to get there early.

First timers who have been to Disneyland are likely to come back in the future. Important items not to forget to bring aside from your plane tickets include your camera, pair of sunglasses and sunscreen. This will allow you to take pictures or even videos which you can watch over again while keeping your skin protected from the sun's rays.

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Getting Around While On Disney World Vacations

Getting Around While On Disney World Vacations



Conducting research is the best way to equip yourself on how to get around during Disney world vacations. If you understand and memorize the sure-way steps of getting around the area, rest assured that you will have the finest vacation of your life.

Despite its huge size, getting around Disney world can be bliss. The easiest and cheapest means would be by foot. Walking from one place to another is the most convenient way of getting around especially if the attractions are "walk able." You don't have to worry that you might get lost when you walk because most of the theme park features are interconnected by walkways and accompanied by lots of sign boards that will point you where you want to go. If you, one of your family members or friends have feet problems, you can make use a strollers and wheelchairs that can be rented.

You can also get around the place by taking bus rides. One great thing about Disney world is that it is a showcases a wonderful and reliable bus system. If you are staying inside the Disney property, you really don't have to rent a car because the routes of the buses are facilitated in such a way that it is convenient for those who are coming from the resort to the theme park. The most common buses would be the "Typhoon Lagoon" and "Blizzard Beach." Bus rides are efficient, however, you might find it a waste of time to wait 15 minutes just for the bus to get you to a specific place.

Monorail is another means of getting around Disney world. Monorail systems include the "Express," "Resort," and "Epcot" which travels from once specific place to another. Although traveling by monorail is fast and time-saving, it is disappointing to know that the monorail service is limited to certain areas only.

If you need to travel on top of the water, opt for a small and large ferry boats that can transfer you from the one place to another inside the Disney world. Traveling through ferry boats can give you a different view of the theme parks that will really make you appreciate how beautiful these facilities are.

If your budget can afford it, renting a car is the best means of getting around during Disney world vacations. This is quite applicable especially to those who are staying outside the Disney property. Having your own transportation can ensure that you can control your activities without having to wait or mingle with so many people on public transportation systems.

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Disney World Vacations: A Dream Come True

Disney World Vacations: A Dream Come True



If you were given a chance to go to the most magical and exciting place, what would you choose? Majority will definitely choose Disney world vacations. This is because the Disney World is one of the most magical places on earth because of its amenities and services offered that you couldn't find anywhere else.

Where Dreams Come To Life

The Disney world is one of the most sough-after places in the world because it can cater to all kinds of audience. Being here doesn't require any age limits as long as you are child at heart and you know how to appreciate the things that are simple yet beautiful.

Being one of the most magical and enchanting vacation destinations in the world, Disney world vacations are utopia where stress and worries vanish. Disney world vacations provide not only fantasy but also exaltation of being in a land of dreams. Being in a Disney Vacation World provides fun entwined extremes and exciting adventures.

Disney world vacations include a tour on theme and water parks that will surely immerse you and your kids in a world filled with excitement, thrill, and wonder. Disney world vacations will also give you countless opportunities for dining, shopping and recreation that would definitely satisfy each member of the family.

When you plan for a Disney world vacations, your top priority should be your children. Disney world vacations first and foremost offer kids and parents a magical and exciting vacation experience. Among the many things that Disney Vacation world offers at the theme parks are the amenity everbody can enjoy.

Indeed, going on a Disney World Vacation will give everybody the chance to visit the Magic Kingdom where a storybook of fantasies will unravel before your very eyes. In this particular part of you Disney Vacation World, Disney classics are brought to life through attractions such as Cinderella's Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Hall of Presidents and the like. The Animal Kingdom, on the other hand features various wildlife exhibits and encounters. Another exciting part of the Disney world vacations is the Epcot Center where anybody can touch the future and travel the world with an amazing array of attractions and live performances.

Lastly, one of the most entertaining parts of the Disney world vacations is the Disney's MGM Studios that will reveal the behind the scenes in the worlds of movies, music and television. On-site restaurants, water parks, shopping centers, and fabulous nightlife can be experienced during Disney world vacations by strolling down the downtown area and along the boardwalk.

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When the Red Sox Arrive in Florida for Spring Training, Winter Blues in New England Disappear

When the Red Sox Arrive in Florida for Spring Training, Winter Blues in New England Disappear



Traditionally, the first sign of spring in New England is the reporting of pitchers and catchers to the Red Sox spring training facility in Fort Myers, Florida in mid-February. While still dealing with snowstorms, and cold temperatures here in New England, we are able to live vicariously through our beloved Red Sox who are enjoying eighty degree temperatures and sunny days in Florida. We know that when they make the trip back north to Boston, at the end of March, they'll bring some of that warm weather back with them.

As more and more players arrive in Fort Meyers, we are re-introduced to the personalities that we, as diehard Red Sox fans, will follow for the next six-plus months. We are reminded of their heroics from seasons past, especially the long-awaited World Series championship in 2004. We are reminded of Manny being Manny, Big Papi's 2005 MVP caliber season, Curt Schilling's warrior-like performances in the 2004 World Series, and all of the other reasons that we, as diehard Red Sox fans, have become so attached to this group of players in recent years.

The spring of 2006 brings new faces to Boston, like Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell, Coco Crisp, Alex Gonzalez, etc. It also brings rumors of a possible return to Boston of one of the greatest pitchers of all-time, former Red Sox ace Roger Clemens. That right there is enough to help us forget about the cold days and snow, and look forward to late August and September, when the Red Sox will be in the midst of a heated pennant race with the hated arch-rivals, the New York Yankees.

Even with the Patriots winning 3 out of the past 5 Superbowls, Boston is still a baseball town, and the legions of fans that follow the team through their spring training practices and meaningless exhibition games is a testament to that. Maybe it's because we know that once the Sox begin spring training, springtime in New England is only a little over a month away, or maybe it's because we've had to go five-plus months without our beloved Red Sox. Either way, when the Red Sox report to spring training, the winter blues seem to instantly disappear throughout New England.

Jeff Reidy is the owner of WickedPissahSports.com, a site dedicated to covering the entire Boston sports world.


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XBOX 360: Superman Returns Review

XBOX 360: Superman Returns Review



The XBOX 360 is a masterpiece in gaming entertainment. It has the potential to do plenty of spectacular things with video games. However, there are some games that don't always use the XBOX 360 to it's full potential. Thats not to say those games are bad; its just that if a little more work was but into them, they could have been truly great. "Superman Returns" is a recent title that fits into that category, as it seems to have been developed and released much to quickly. The "Superman Returns" movie was released in the summer of '06, and then in November, the video game was released for a few different gaming consoles; more specifically the XBOX 360.

The storyline of the video game seems to stick with the movie. Although, if you didn't see the movie, there is a good chance you will get lost a number of times with the storyline's overall plot. While playing, you will often ask yourself, "Why do I have to do this, why do I have to do that?" Your first instinct might be "Oh, I must have missed a cut-scene or some dialog", but actually, the storyline is just that vague. Even those of you who have seen the movie may become confused at times with some of the situations and how they tie in with the actual movie. The storyline is there, but then again it seems as though it is not there and its really just a bunch of short stories tied together. Luckily, there is more to look forward to than just the storyline of "Superman Returns".

Anyone familiar with Superman knows that he protects the city of Metropolis from evil doers and "bad" guys. Batman has Gotham, Superman has Metropolis; thats just how it is. Since you happen to be controlling Superman, you are going to get to do everything that Superman is capable of. That means: running at incredible speeds, flying faster then a speeding bullet, lifting massive objects with ease, melting objects with heat vision, freezing enemies with frost breath, using super breath, and much more. Unfortunately, Superman is incapable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound. As a matter of fact, Superman can not even jump at all in this game, which can be quite frustrating at times. However, with all of his other abilities, the average gamer should be satisfied.

Well, all those super powers wouldn't be fun if there were no bad guys to use them on. Fortunately, there will be plenty of bad guys in the city at all times; so you won't have any trouble finding someone to unleash your awesome powers on. Its nice to just have superpowers to defeat enemies, but Superman has more then just flashy powers. He has an entire arsenal of excellent combos that can be used to weaken his enemies.

A lot of the combos will lead players to lots of button smashing, but it is button smashing at its best. Once you have weakened your enemy with all that button smashing, you can finish them off. You could just punch them a few more times, or you could no something more fun. Use the D-Pad to select your Heat Vision power, then target the enemy and set him ablaze. If you're feeling like the villain deserves even more punishment, select "Super Breath", blow the targeted enemy high into the sky, then quickly switch to "Heat Vision" and use it on the enemy. Its truly a wonderful sight to see an enemy falling out of the sky on fire, plummeting to his ultimate doom.

Powers and combos are not your only tool. Another great advantage you have in combat is your strength. Your strength allows you to pick up immense objects and hurl them at nearby enemies, whether they are in the air or on the ground. You can also pick up stop signs, street lamps, traffic lights, etc. and then use that object as a "bat" and bash up enemies with it. You can also grab enemies and throw them where ever you wish; such as off a building, into a building, high into the air, into the ocean, into the ground, etc. You can pretty much do anything with/to an enemy; so the questions isn't "What can I do with this enemy?", its "What should I do with this enemy?"

Even though you have a lot of combat options, don't just assume that the enemies will let you do whatever you want. They will fight back, and they will fight hard. Some of them will in fact be target dummies that won't put up much of a fight, but there will be plenty of enemies that won't be taken down so easily. Some of the enemies will even be vulnerable to certain powers, while others will be impervious to them. There is even an enemy that will get stronger when a specific power is used against it. As a precaution, always be sure you learn the strengths and weaknesses of an enemy you are facing; if not, you'll be in more trouble then you thought.

The combat system is indeed fun and constantly fighting enemies with your powers can provide plenty of entertainment, but there is a problem. You will be basically completing the same objectives over and over. Since the game is done in chapters, you will have to complete a series of objectives to complete a chapter. The problem is not with the quantity of objectives, but the quality of them. Most of the objectives are quite similar, which usually puts a bad taste in the players mouth. Most players will say, "I have already done this! Why the heck do I have to do it again?!" Obviously, you won't say this in the first hour or two of playing, but after awhile you will notice the similarities of many of the games objectives.

Superman is invulnerable; so the question is, "How do you make a game with an invulnerable hero fun?" Well, instead of Superman having a health bar, the city of Metropolis does. When City begins to recieve damage, the health bar will slowly diminish over time. This means if a robot is tossing cars around and setting buildings on fire, the city will lose "health". Thats when you intervene and stop the destruction. However, you are equally capable of destroying the city as well. So if you start picking up cars and lobbing them at your enemies, you might cause some extra damage. Therefore, try to get the enemy into a wide open space. That way you don't have to worry about the surrounding buildings or the passing civilians. The civilians can be a real pain because they will frequently become injured and thats when you must bring them to an ambulance. Fighting villains, saving citizens, and preventing the destruction of Metropolis can get pretty hectic at times, not to mention frustrating; but remember, you're Superman, you can handle it. But, if you get tired of being a hero, play as Bizarro and wreck havoc instead of saving the day.

"Superman Returns" is not the most graphically spectacular game, but then again, its not dull either. "Superman Returns" for the XBOX 360 is definitely better in the visuals department then any of its other ports, such as the PS2 or XBOX versions. The city is also much larger and more detailed in the XBOX 360 version of the game. The PS2 and XBOX consoles seem to have traded detail for space, as each of the buildings look nearly identical and rather plain & boring. As stated earlier, "Superman Returns" had a lot of potential, but unfortunately it was rushed to meet the DVD release and some things didn't get a lot of attention.

Overall, "Superman Returns" (for the XBOX 360) seems like a pretty good game. It does have some weak areas that should have been looked into, but not all games can be perfect. Obviously, opinions will vary on this game; some say it "stinks to high heaven", while other gamers think its excellent. The only true opinion that matters is yours, so just try it out and see what you think.

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XBOX 360- Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas Multiplayer

XBOX 360- Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas Multiplayer



Every gamer knows that FPS (first-person shooters) can be extremely fun. There are good first-person shooters and then there are bad ones. The good ones are usually instantly noticeable, as they do something completely different or they perfect something that has already been done. Well, "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas" isn't revolutionary, but it brings plenty of entertainment to the table. Many XBOX 360 owners already have XBOX live accounts, but an online account is pretty worthless without any fun online multiplayer games. Not only does "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas" have an awesome single player campaign, but its multiplayer battles are absolutely excellent.

Multiplayer is not always about killing other online players; sometimes, its about teaming up with some friends and playing through the game cooperatively. In co-op mode, you and 3 others can group up and tackle the single player campaign together. Obviously, if you have beaten the game 5 times and are sick and tired of campaign mode, this may not be the best option. However, if you have never completed the campaign on realistic mode, teaming up with a few friends and doing so is sure to be lots of fun.

Instead of giving orders to a marginally-intelligent computer generated side-kick, co-op mode means you will have a living human player by your side (virtually that is), whom of which can think and make decisions on their own (which is usually a good thing). As you might have guessed, communication with your team won't be a problem and you can pretty much plan out every detail of the mission before you proceed. Not to mention, discussing things with your squad mates (via an XBOX 360 head-set) is definitely better then just dealing with mindless drones.

Even though the co-op option is always there, its the choice of many gamers to over look it and get right into the fray with other players. An online match can support up to 16 players, which will usually lead to a very impressive display of firefights and explosions. Plus, there are plenty of different maps that players can choose from, ranging from gigantic casinos to smaller hotels; so there should be something for everyone.

Online play has quite a few different types of matches; such as your classic team frag matches and "retrieval" (which is sort of like capture the flag). Each and every match will have the same basic guideline, as well as a different overall objective. That basic guideline or "rule" is; "If you see the enemy, kill'em!" That will usually apply to every FPS, but reminders never hurt.

What makes "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas" such a great online FPS is the new "wall hugging" feature that has been implemented. You can quickly take cover behind objects, such as walls, boxes, slot machines, etc. and then continue to fire at your enemies. These cover tactics create an intense feeling for most players. Thats because if you aren't behind cover, you are pretty much begging to have some enemy rounds pumped into you. Taking cover behind slot machines, throwing grenades, and rappelling down the side of a building is plenty of fun, but its the little things that makes this game truly great. One of those little things is a new feature called Persistent Elite Creation, or P.E.C.

P.E.C. allows players to continually use their own unique character and customize that character how ever they see fit. Of course, there will be guidelines to this and you can't customize your soldier to look like a clown, but there are still plenty of options for players. While playing, players are awarded for different things, such as playing time, enemy kills, won matches, etc. These awards are presented in the form of ranks; the more you play and the better you get, the more you will advance in rank.

Your rank is not a worthless title either, it gives you access to more advanced gear and weaponry. Having access to different body armor is one of those highlights of increasing your rank, as it can greatly increase your protection against incoming enemy fire. However, most body armor will decrease your movement speed. So if you like to move around like a mongoose, body armor might not be your best bet. Then again, if your more of a "Stand and Fight" type of soldier, body armor will suit you well. Your weapon choices can also be customized to match your every need. Therefore, you can alternate between having a laser sight or a rifle scope and see which one suits you more during the heat of battle. Players have a wide range of different clothing they can select from as well. Clothing may seem trivial, but this is your character and you will be able to use him/her in every match your in; so make them look as awesome as possible.

Another great feature of this P.E.C. system is that you can actually take a picture of your face and map it to your characters body. This is done through the use of the Xbox Live Vision camera. Already some people are thinking, "Is my character going to look all goofy?" Nope, not one bit. The image is manipulated to seem normal and not "out-of-place". It is pretty awesome sight to see your face on your created soldier; others think it is a bit creepy. But either way, its a wonderful feature that many players seem to enjoy.

"Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas" seems to have hit a home-run on all accounts, especially the multiplayer aspect of the game. If you still have doubts about this games online capabilities, you can check them out for yourself. The XBOX live marketplace has an online multiplayer demo that you can download and play free of charge. So if you have 20 minutes, download it and experience this masterpiece for yourself. After a few minutes (maybe an hour) of playing, you won't be able to stop yourself from buying it.

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Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas Review

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas Review



The XBOX 360 has lots of games that are hits and plenty that aren't. One game, or rather one franchise, has always been quite popular among FPS (first-person shooter) fans. That franchise is "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six"; and with its newest game, "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas", the franchise proves to become even more popular. Currently, "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas" is only available for the XBOX 360, but it will be available to PS3 owners in February of '07.

If you got this game solely for single player purpose (which would be a shame), you won't be disappointed. Terrorists have invaded and mobilized in the casinos and big name hotels of Las Vegas. Obviously, this can not go unanswered, so a special assault team has been called in. You are the leader of this elite counter-terrorist assault squad. The goal of the terrorists is sketchy and only bits and pieces of information can be confirmed. What is known is that their plan involves the McGuffin device; which, if used, will kill millions of innocent people. Your teams mission is to find out the terrorist's intentions and basically stop them from completing their main objective. There will be a few twists and turns that might keep you guessing, but overall, the storyline is pretty straight forward.

The "Rainbow Six" franchise has always made combat a big aspect of the game, which isn't a surprise considering that the game would be dull without it. The big change in "Vegas" is the new feature of taking cover. Obviously, you could take cover in other "Rainbow Six" games by ducking or moving behind an object, but in this game you can actually put your back up against the object in front of you. From that position you can do a many different things.

If you want the incoming enemies to know you are there and to come no closer, you can use blind fire and they will retreat and/or take cover. Then again, if you want to be more accurate and take out enemies faster, you can pop your head out and take aim. If the object happens to be smaller and you need to crouch in order to take cover behind it, you can actually switch up your shooting method by alternating between "over-the-top" and "around-the-side" firing. Aside from shooting at enemies, you can also throw grenades while behind cover; but you have to be careful, as doing so can leave you vulnerable to incoming fire. Even though you will be moving and shooting via a first-person perspective, when you "take cover" behind an object, your perspective turns to third-person. The idea may sound confusing, but it is done rather simply and most players will find that this new feature is definitely appreciated.

You and your two squad mates can move very quickly, whether it be rappelling off of a rooftop, roping through a skyscraper window, or just breaching a room and eliminating all enemy forces inside. The rappel line has got to be one of the most interesting (and fun) aspects of entry. You can make your way slowly down the side of the building (free of noise), or you can do a few downward rappelling jumps and reach your entry point even faster (at the cost of making noise though). And, as if that wasn't cool enough, you can turn upside down and scout out the room without being seen by the enemy. This enables you to see the inside of the room and relay any enemy positions to your team members. Relaying enemy positions to your team isn't a waste of time; it actually enables your team to enter a room and eliminate all enemies within seconds. Charging into a room without any knowledge of enemy positions is very dangerous and usually results in your team's death; so be cautious.

Your teams overall AI is pretty sharp. Each of your team members will react to the environment and keep you updated on important information; such as enemy movement, grenades, etc. Team commands are very simple and can be performed by a simple press of a button. You can tell your team to enter an area from a certain "entry" point, stand-by at a specific location (such as a door or window), or just fall in line behind you. Obviously, there are many more commands you can issue to your squad, but you'll find out more about that while playing.

There are different difficulty levels that player may choose from. The realistic setting is not for the faint of heart or the easily frustrated. Unlike normal mode, where you can survive several hits before retreating, the "realistic" setting is in fact realistic. Thats not to say its "one shot, one kill", but lets just say you better not take multiple bullet wounds simultaneously. When playing on the realistic setting, enemies will react more quickly and be more alert to their environment; so that means you need to be extra careful. Sprinting from one room to another wildly is never a good idea; that goes for any difficulty setting. Therefore, if you ever need to get somewhere in a hurry, lob a smoke grenade to conceal your team's movement. Otherwise, you will be cut to ribbons before you can even utter the word "retreat".

Other "Rainbow Six" titles are not known for their spectacular looking graphics, but "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas" seems to have had a big leap in visual quality. The details of the soldiers, as well as their weapons & gear, are outstanding. The graphics aren't revolutionary and they probably don't compare to the graphics of a game like "Gears of War", but then again, not many games do.

This game shines its own light; it has great gameplay, a good storyline, impressive combat, excellent graphics & sound, and so much more. If "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas" is not on your "must own" list, you need to seriously think about adding it. It has everything a gamer could want in a FPS video game. So what are you waiting for?

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xBox 360 Game Review: War in the Pacific - Battlestations: Midway

xBox 360 Game Review: War in the Pacific - Battlestations: Midway



You are Henry Walker, a young Navy man stationed in Hawaii, when the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor. The nation mobilizes for war, and you take charge of a small vessel. You gradually rise in the ranks to become an officer, and as you do, your fleet gets bigger.

There haven't been too many good naval strategy games made for any game system. Eidos' Battlestations: Midway combines naval strategy with combat action to make a game that makes you feel like you were there.

This game has a heavy story, but it's really not important to enjoy the game. The story parts are made to look like old footage of the war. It's a cool effect, but the most important part of the game is strategy. If you're into that, you'll really like Battlestations: Midway.

The game has 11 major battles in the Pacific, from Pearl Harbor the Midway. You fight your way through the battles, at first in charge a small vessel. Eventually you get to command a whole fleet. It actually gets tougher at that point, because you have to coordinate all of them. You sometimes have to switch back and forth between different vessels, and the movement can be a little slow.

One thing about Battlestations: Midway, is that you have to watch the tutorial. Of course, you don't have to, but if you just go in with guns a-blazin', you're not going to know what you're doing! Sit through the tutorial and you'll learn how to fly, maneuver, fight and repair stuff. It's a snoozer, but it's all worth it.

You can play through the game in the regular mode, or you can choose online mode. Online you can play with up to 7 other players, who can choose Japanese or American ships. The online play mode has lots of options, so you can set virtually every parameter of your battle.

There's also a "challenge" mode, and they aren't kidding when they call it that. Basically, if you want to get massacred and go out in a blaze of glory, you can use the challenge mode. You can pick either the American or Japanese side, where the cards are stacked against you, and withstand a full frontal assault by your enemy. Experienced players may not get creamed immediately.

The pace of the game is also great. A game like this could get boring and repetitive, but there's enough variety thrown in that it doesn't. After you've been on the water for a while, there'll be an air battle to shake things up. The variety of battles keeps it moving.

One of the only drawbacks of the game is the graphics. The game is nothing much to look at. The colors are all grey, blue and green, and there isn't much detail. Still, it's a strategy game, and it more than makes up for its visual dullness with strategy and action.

Battlestations: Midway is a game that will only appeal to a set group of gamers; those who are into strategy and naval history. But, if that's your thing, Battlestations: Midway is a great gaming experience.

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Cheats And Codes For xBox 360: February's Top 4

Cheats And Codes For xBox 360: February's Top 4



All xBox 360 fanatics who want to have an edge with the most popular titles know how important it is to get their hands on the latest cheats and codes. If you are one of the brave who isn't concerned with the "ethical" issues of using this information to your advantage, please read on. Below you will find five of the most popular cheats and codes for top xBox 360 titles as uncovered for February, 20007.

Cheat Number 1: Increase Your Chainsaw Power In "Dead Rising"

If you enjoy fighting zombies as Frank West in "Dead Rising", you already know how helpful many of the items in the shopping mall can be. In some cases, they can even add more power to the weapons you collect. For example, after destroying Adam the clown, you've likely picked up his chainsaws to use against the undead. Here's the cheat: As soon as you've got his chainsaws, go to a bookstore and get a copy of the book "Engineering". As long as this book is in your possession, your chainsaws will last several times longer. Saw away!

Cheat Number 2: Unlock All Boxing Venues In "Fight Night Round 3"

Fight Night Round 3 is one of the top ranked boxing titles for the xBox 360. The realism of fist-to-face action comes alive with the incredible graphics and audio. On top of that, there are so many great venues to battle in, that this game never seems to go stale. If your patience does wear thin though and you want to unlock all the venues at once, just do the following. First, go to the "create champ" mode. Next, create a new character and give him the firstname "NEWVIEW". When you save this character, all the boxing boards will be unlocked for you!

Cheat Number 3: Restore Your Health In "Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter"

Based on the Tom Clancy novel, this Ghost Recon title is a graphically superior tactical fighting game that has become very popular since it's release. As your character Scott Mitchell is fighting in Mexico City though, he might take a few more hits than you'd like. Before Scott kicks the bucket, try this cheat:

First, press pause during game action. Now, hold down the back button and the right and left triggers at the same time. While these are held down, enter LB, LB, RB, X, RB, Y. If you do this, your health should be restored back to 100% and you can continue the battle.

Cheat Number 4: Instant Weapons In "Saints Row"

Being a member of the 3rd Street Saints and trying to take back the city of Stilwater has plenty of challenges. Luckily, the fight becomes a little easier if you know how to spawn extra weapons when you need them. Want an instant rocket launcher? No problem, just dial "#Rocket Enables". How about a pipe bomb? Punching "#Pipebomb Enables" into your cell will get you one. And if you're about to engage in some hand-to-hand combat, call "#Knife Enables" and you'll have a knife at your disposal.

Keep in mind though, never save your game when using any of the above cheats, as it will disable all of your achievements!

With theses cheats and codes for the xBox 360 added to your gaming arsenal, you'll soon find you have an advantage over your competitors. Remember to use this information judicially though, as incorporating too many cheats into your gameplay can destroy some of the thrill of the more challenging titles.

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xBox 360 Game Review - Back To School: College Hoops 2K7 for XBox 360

xBox 360 Game Review - Back To School: College Hoops 2K7 for XBox 360



Back To School: College Hoops 2K7 for XBox 360 Game Review - Some people have said that College Hoops 2K7 a little too closely resembles NBA 2K7, but I beg to differ. There's a lot more detail with College Hoops, you can see the crowd going crazy during the game. You've got the band playing fight songs, and the coaches really teaching the teams. It's way different than NBA 2K7.

What they've done with College Hoops 2K7 is really capture the college atmosphere, and that's something no other college sports game has been able to do. You can't just make a pro sports game, change the teams and stats, and call it a college game. If you've ever watched college sports, you know there's a big difference, and College Hoops 2K7 really gets it.

And, it's more than just atmosphere. College Hoops 2K7 has 325 schools to choose from, and it has all the updated mascots and school songs to go with them. You can play pretty much any team in the NCAA, so everybody's happy.

But, it's quite a bit like College Hoops 2K6. In fact, that's where you'll be a little disappointed. It's pretty much the same game. You know they could have improved the graphics or added some new special features for the 2007 edition, but they didn't, and that's a little disappointing.

With College Hoops 2K7, you can play either a single game, or you can do a whole tournament and try to send your team to the finals. You can also work on your basketball chops on a practice court, so you can get yourself used to the way the player moves. There are tons of new moves packed in, so you can make the players to all kinds of stuff.

In play, you have player mode, where you can control the players dribbling, running and shooting; or you can go on coach mode and set the game's strategy. The players' moves are a lot like NBA 2K7, and you could blast the designers for their unoriginality. But, if you've played a bit of NBA 2K7, you don't have to learn new controls, so it's actually a good thing.

When you play, you use Legacy mode. With the usual Legacy mode, you play and play in the minors until your team gets better and you can head for the finals. You can also do "open" Legacy mode where you can pick any team and control them for a game or two.

The only thing I didn't like about the action of the game is the passing. It seems especially tough to get the ball to go exactly where you want it to, when it seems like it should be a simple thing. And, when the players catch the ball, they stop for a minute and collect themselves, which is unrealistic and slows the game down.

College Hoops has been the #1 rated college basketball game for a couple of years. If you're into good, realistic college basketball action, I highly recommend College Hoops Y2K.

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xBox 360: Can You Add Any Computer Hard Drive To Yours?

xBox 360: Can You Add Any Computer Hard Drive To Yours?



One of the real limitations of the xBox 360 is its hard drive. Currently, the additional "official" 20 GB hard drive for the xBox 360 sells for around US $100.00. Most of us already know that 20GB hard drives come much cheaper than that. If only there was a way to connect other, cheaper hard drives to our xBox 360, we could save a lot of money and not be slaves to Microsoft. Luckily, there are already some hacks that will allow you to do just this. Here's an introduction to a couple of the favorites.

xBox 360 Hard Drive Hack #1 - The USB Adapter Hack

If you don't want to mess around with the inside of your xBox, you can take advantage of the 360's USB port to add extra memory to your system cheaply and easily. What you need to do is find any USB storage device, or a hard drive that supports a USB 2.0 adapter. In this case, you'll also need to get the adapter too.

Now you have to put your drive together with the USB adapter and plug it into your PC. With Windows XP, installation should be automatic, but older versions of Windows may require you to install a driver for your particular adpater first.

If your hard drive is less than 32GB, you can just go to the "Administrative Tools" section of your Control Panel and use the "Computer Management" function to create FAT32 partition on your drive. When that's finished, follow through with formatting. Keep in mind that larger drives will require a 3rd party partition software, since Windows does not support these options on anything larger than 32GB.

Finally, load whatever media you want to access with your xBox onto your newly formatted hard drive. Unplug it from your PC and connect it to your 360. From your xBox menu, go to Media, then to "portable device". You should see all the content available.

xBox 360 Hard Drive Hack #2 - The Western Digital SATA BEVS HDD Hack

Some hackers are reporting that you can format and install a much cheaper Western Digital SATA BEVS hard drive into your xBox 360 instead of the pricey Microsoft version. This requires downloading a software tool that will help copy important "signature" information from the xBox onto your Western Digital hard drive, so when you install it in your xBox 360, it won't be rejected by the machine. Besides being a cheaper option, the fact that you can install this internally is a nice touch. On the other hand, you have to be a bit of a tech-geek to do the formatting and installation. Also, you are still limited to just an additional 20GB of memory.

If this interests you though, and you're not worried about opening your xBox 360 and voiding the warranty, just do a search for the tool called "HDDHacker" by TheSpecialist.

Unfortunately, Microsoft makes it very difficult to use cheaper alternatives to increase the memory on your xBox 360. Lucky for us though, this just makes the hackers more inventive and they will likely continue to find quicker, easier and less expensive ways to mod the xBox 360. In the future, maybe Microsoft will wise up to what its customers really want and make it easier to add a hard drive of your choice to your machine. Until then, keep checking the xBox 360 homebrew websites to keep up on the latest hacks.

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The Top 3 xBox 360 Compatible Headphones Reviewed

The Top 3 xBox 360 Compatible Headphones Reviewed



If you've shelled out the cash for an xBox 360, you'll likely want to do everything you can to enjoy all of it's features to the fullest. Although the exceptional graphics are one of the key selling-points of this console, the sound card is also very powerful. Many game publishers have taken full advantage of this and include incredible audio tracks and sound effects in their games. If you don't have high quality xBox 360 compatible headphones though, you can't enjoy this feature to its fullest without annoying the neighbors. Here are reviews of 3 of the best sets you can choose from.

Top Of The Pile: Pioneer Wireless Headphones Model SE-DIR800C

Only for the true audiophile, these headphones provide the ultimate audio experience for any xBox 360 gamer. They have integrated Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, are wireless, light and run on two AA batteries. They are very simple to intergrate into your system too. Just plug them in, connect the coaxial or the red and white audio cables and switch everything on.

These headphones really bring xBox 360 games to life. You'll hear the punches in the fight games and think you are getting hit and you'll find yourself looking over your shoulder when cars pass you in the racing games. They are that good. Furthermore, they also are the best headphones if you decide to play your DVDs through the xBox 360 since their extremem range reveals details in the digital audio tracks cheaper headphones miss.

There are a few cons though. For starters, the price runs near $400. Furthermore, the line of site wireless range is limited - don't try to go around a corner into the next room with these on - the audio will drop right out. Also, if you're into live multiplayer gaming, you'll want to look elsewhere, since this headphone set does not sport a microphone.

Best All-Around Wireless: Turtle Beach Ear Force X2 Wireless Headphones

The new Ear Force X2 headphones from Turtle beach are a reasonably priced headset/headphone combo. Although the sound response is not quite at the level of the Pioneer ones above, the fact that the run almost $300 cheaper, at around $99 per pair, makes them much more accessible to a majority of xBox 360 gamers.

Players are reporting that this set also wears very comfortably making them perfect for extended game play. Although the wireless feature still requires you to maintain line of sight with the transmitter, you can still move around quite a bit without interrupting the signal.

Another bonus is the extra audio cables that will allow you to use these headphones with the rest of your audio and home theater equipment, even when you're not using your 360.

The chat audio and game audio are integrated, so you get full stereo audio - even while your communicating with fellow gamers if you are using xBox live. The sound quality still manages to pick up fine details such as gunshots, bringing the expected realism to the games, while at the same time manages to filter out almost all of the hiss and white noise that plague cheaper headphone sets.

Tritton AX360 Surround Sound Headphones

If you're willing to sell out a few more dollars for high quality audio and still have communication functions built in, you can't go wrong with the Tritton AX360 surround sound headphones. The sound quality is almost as impressive as the Pioneers, but this is not a wireless headset. Of course, at only around $129.00 per pair, dealing with cords suddenly doesn't seem like such a bother.

Each earcup has eight speakers and these reproduce true Dolby 5.1, so you get the full theater effect from your games. The microphone is easy to detach for when you're not communicating over multiplayer games and although these headphones aren't exactly lightweight, the cushioning provides plenty of support so you can game for extended periods without ear fatique. If you're intent on high-fidelty and still want a mic built in, these headphones are the way to go.

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Two Players, One xBox 360 Live Account: Can It Be Done?

Two Players, One xBox 360 Live Account: Can It Be Done?



Especially for families, being able to have multiple players using the same xBox 360 is very important. Luckily, the xBox 360 comes with the ability to set up different profiles for every family member allowing them to keep track of their games, media, stats and more. When it comes to using xBox live though, things get a bit trickier. Here's what you need to know.

1. xBox Live Gold Accounts

This is a very important point - two profiles cannot be configured to share the same xBox live Gold account without using techniques that go against Microsoft's terms of service. If you want to give these types of hacks a try, expect to get banned. Otherwise, if everyone in your family wants to use xBox Live Gold, you have two options.

Option #1 - Buy an xBox Live Gold account for each player in your family. Although this will allow each family member to have their own profile to use with xBox Live, this option can be very expensive. xBox Live Gold accounts cost around $49 per year per account, so multiple accounts can add up fast. If you do decide to go this route, make sure to look for discounts. Amazon frequently offers sales on 12 month xBox 360 Live Gold memberships, so it can pay to shop around first.

Option #2 - Learn to share. That's right, just buy one xBox Live Gold account, create a profile and let family members take turns sharing it. This will save you a lot of money, depending on how many in your household, and it will also teach the younger players important lessons about taking turns. When you really stop and think about it, if everyone wants to play at once, why not just play some of the games in multi-player mode and compete with your own family members?

2. xBox Live Silver Accounts

If the members of your family want to have their own profiles and enjoy some of the online features the xBox live has to offer, why not just create Silver accounts? Silver accounts are completely free and Microsoft will usually allow you to set up enough on one console so each family member can have their own. Granted, you won't be able to play the online multi-player games with a silver account, but when you're ready for that, go back to step one and learn to share.

Silver accounts still allow players to access arcade games, shopping and other media though. Plus, players can access voice chat and text messaging with their other online friends, making this free level very entertaining all on it's own.

Remember though, if you've ever been banned from xBox live before, you won't even be able to get a free silver account. That still beats being a Korean kid though. In Korea, nobody under the age of 14 can use xBox live!

Hopefully, the above information will set the record straight for anyone trying to figure out how 2 players can share an xBox live account. Just remember to stay on the right side of Microsoft's TOS and you shouldn't run into any problems.

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xBox 360 Game Review - A Great Alien Shoot 'Em Up - Lost Planet: Extreme Condition

xBox 360 Game Review - A Great Alien Shoot 'Em Up - Lost Planet: Extreme Condition



A Great Alien Shoot 'Em Up - Lost Planet: Extreme Condition xBox 360 Game Review - A group of humans try to colonize an icy planet, all the while besieged by hostile aliens. The human colonists need thermal energy for power. Your job is to strap on your ice suit, and head out to find the energy you need, all the while fighting off alien attacks.

Lost Planet is a third person game with non-stop action. It's a simple alien shoot 'em up, with crazy level bosses and some really wicked fight scenes. This alien world is too cold for humans, so you have to constantly worry about your heat level. This adds to the action to give the game something more. Sometimes you wear a Vital Suit, which gives it a mech combat sort of feel. And, it's realistic because shooting an alien's head, for example, will take him down faster than shots to the body.

In Lost Planet, you move through the levels fast. There is no downtime whatsoever in this game. It's a challenge because you have to stop every now and then to recharge your energy. You can't just run straight through shooting at everything that moves. And, the aliens are SMART. There's none of this patterned movement you see in old arcade alien games, where they wander right out in front of your gun sights.

There is single player mode, multiplayer mode, and you can play it online. You can play online with a total of 16 players. You can download maps, extra weapons and new missions. The multiplayer mode is cool, but it can become a little cluttered up. You can have up to 16 players, but 2 or 3 will really enhance the game and give you the best multiplayer action.

You play not only on the ground, but in vehicles too. You don't have to use the vehicles, but they can come in handy sometimes. Like other alien fighting games, the vehicles can become a burden if you don't need them. You have to learn to use these special weapons and vehicles so that they'll help you and not hold you back.

The graphics and scenes are cool. It's all these frozen arctic wastes, with towers and mountains in the background. It's really stunning and realistic, and it makes the game much eerier. From beginning to end, you'll be constantly impressed with the visuals. The explosions are some of the best I've ever seen, and everybody likes good explosions.

The level bosses, especially, are really cool and imaginative. It takes some strategy to kill your enemies. When they get hit, the spot glows orange. That's the color of their energy, like their blood. So, you have to keep trying to hit the orange spot. That's the way to take them down.

One bad thing about the game is that it's too short. You can beat it in about 10 hours. Still, it's action-packed enough that you'll want to take it for a ride again and again.

Lost Planet is one of the few games made just for XBox. It's nothing revolutionary, but just a good, well-made, fast-action game with cool graphics and effects.

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Buy An xBox 360: Payment Plan Options

Buy An xBox 360: Payment Plan Options



With the xBox 360 still holding strong against the new PS3, many new gamers are planning on purchasing one. The biggest problem though is the price. At between $299 and $399 dollars it can be tricky coming up with the purchase cost all at once. Luckily, most of the major retailers offer some type of payment plan that makes the purchase much easier. Here's a look at several popular payment plans for the xBox 360.

Walmart's "Bill Me Later" Program

If you purchase an xBox 360 from Walmart, you have the option to use their "Bill Me Later" program. This gives you up to 90 days to pay for your xBox 360 at the retail price without any extra finance charges. The payment option is actual in the form of a loan from Chase Bank, but as long as you complete your payment within the first 3 months, you won't be charged any interest. You have to make sure and specifiy you want to use the "No Payments For 90 Days" option when you choose to use the "Bill Me Later" program.

If you have any questions, make sure to ask the salesperson before you sign any agreements and make your purchase. Rembember, if you miss your payments or are late, the interest and finance charges can add up fast.

Best Buy's Credit Card

Best Buy also offers great pricing on the xBox 360. Furthermore, you can apply for a Best Buy credit card. If approved, you can also split your payments over 90 days without worrying about paying any interest. Keep in mind, this credit card is only good for in-store purchases, but if you don't make your payments on time it can still affect your real world credit rating.

As always, use store credit like this with caution. These no-interest finance options sound great - and they can be helpful if you carefully budget your money and keep track of your payments. Unfortunately, they also make it tempting to buy more than you can afford. You'll have to ask yourself, is it really a good idea to buy an xBox 360 on this type of credit if in the end you have to pay extra fees, fines and interest because you didn't budget well?

Paypal Credit With Ebay Purchases

If you want to get a low price on an xBox 360 and split the payments up, you might consider shopping for yours on eBay. Many eBay sellers who deal in gaming consoles also offer financing plans if you make your purchase through paypal. The details of these options vary and are only available to United States residents who pass the credit approval process. With some of the financing allowing for payments to be split up over many months without interest though, the combination of eBay prices and Paypal credit is worth looking into.

Keep in mind though, when shopping through eBay, be very careful who you deal with. Despite eBay's strict rules enforcement, some scam artists still manage to list and sell gaming consoles such as the xBox 360 with no intention of delivering them. Luckily, in order to offer the paypal credit option, sellers have to pass a screening process which makes them much more likely to be safe to deal with.

Many other retailers offer variations on these payment plans, so you'll probably want to do a bit more research to find out which one is rigth for you. The descriptions above should give you an idea of what to expect though and give you a solid basis for comparing any other xBox 360 payment plan options you come across.

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xBox 360 Game Review - A Trekkie's Dream: Star Trek Legacy

xBox 360 Game Review - A Trekkie's Dream: Star Trek Legacy



A Trekkie's Dream: Star Trek Legacy xBox 360 Game Review - There haven't been a lot of good Star Trek games out there. Trekkies are more old school; they'd rather watch the show, the movies or go to conventions in Vegas and geek out together. You don't find as many Star Trek fans hunched over their game consoles getting their fix.

So, along comes Star Trek Legacy. The game was designed with the old school trekkie in mind; the look and feel of the game resembles the old TV show. It ties together all the Star Treks through the ages, from Kirk to Picard, more successfully than any attempt has before. The story is complex, and to tell you about it might give some things away. Let's just say that it's an integral part of the game.

Basically, you have to save a Vulcan scientist as your first mission, and in carrying out the mission, you uncover a mystery. It goes from there and the plot thickens, and in the end it all gets tied up. Your enemies have the power to travel through time, which makes things tricky for you. You'll see all your favorite foes here; the Klingons, the Romulans and Borgs.

Unfortunately, you won't see any of your favorite characters. It's a third person space fight game, where you play the Federation Captain and carry out missions. You have to blast your way through the adventure, but it also takes some strategy and careful thinking. It also takes some serious practice learning how to fly your ship. The controls are pretty complicated. You can swivel the ship around in a full 360, but it's tough to end up where you want to. You don't have many landmarks in space, so navigation can be difficult.

You have a command center, where you can view the mission's objectives and a map of the solar system. From there, you can dispatch fleets here and there to engage the enemy. It's kind of like your dashboard, where you can control all the action that's going on and plot your next move.

Star Trek was never just about combat, and Star Trek Legacy isn't either. As captain, you'll be involved in exploration, securing supplies and carefully planning your next move. The story part of the game keeps it interesting.

And don't worry, you have Warp Speed. What Star Trek adventure would be complete without it. Unfortunately, the Warp Speed on Star Trek Legacy looks a little cartoony and unrealistic. Maybe that's part of the design to make it look "retro," like the old series.

You also get to control a variety of Federation ships, including three different Enterprises. The ships look cool, with lots of detail in the graphics, and each has its own special features and abilities.

Star Trek Legacy has a whole bunch of multiplayer modes. You can engage your enemy in a quick space battle, or you can have an all out war with your opponent. The many features you have to choose from make the multiplayer function lots of fun.

Star Trek Legacy is meant for die-hard Star Trek fans who may not have enjoyed any of the older Star Trek games put out. I think it comes much closer than any before it.

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xBox 360 Game Review - Soccer on the XBox - Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007

xBox 360 Game Review - Soccer on the XBox - Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007



Soccer on the XBox - Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 xBox 360 Game Review - Konami has always been the underdog of sports games. They never had EA backing, or the support of the big sports companies. But, they always managed to create games that played like a dream.

Winning Eleven is Xbox's first soccer offering. It's basically the same as the PS2 game but with improved graphics. It doesn't have all the features of the PS2 game.

Konami's soccer games in the past have always had an edge over everybody else's. This is because of the stunning realistic movement of the players. The team really plays together like a real team. The developers have really studied the physics of soccer and used the best technology available for the game.

Winning Eleven also has the best graphics I've ever seen on any soccer game. The backgrounds are so realistic you can almost make out the fans' faces, and the players look almost real. This is helped by the smooth movement of the game.

There are lots of set-up options so you can build your team. You can play quick games, career games or online play with other Winning Eleven players.

Most of Winning Eleven follows its predecessors, with the exception that there is more you can do offensively. There are so many ways to control dribbling, you really have to practice with the machine before you can start playing. If you know how to do it, you can control the ball perfectly, just like a real soccer game. You can stop or turn quickly, and even control how much time there is between taps on the ball. The controls are so sensitive to the touch, you can practice and learn how to finesse it just like you want to. The degree of control the player has is one of the best things about this game. You have tons of options for passes, using button combos on the controller for short, long or through passes. They've used AI technology to create the players, so you can really develop your passes like a real soccer pro team.

After you've reached a certain score (meaning that you have the technique to do them) there are a bunch of tricks you can do. You can fake out the other players, or do jutes or other common soccer tricks. These are tough to do, but can come in handy and make your game much tougher. When you first try to do tricks, it'll seem slow, clumsy and impossible. But, practice makes perfect.

The only thing I don't like about the game is the horrible music. For some reason, soccer games always have a terrible techno-electronic soundtrack. It might be the tastes of the primarily European audience. It's a minor detail, but it gets annoying. Some music preference features might be a good idea for future versions of the game.

If you want the most realistic soccer video game experience, XBox's Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 is just what you need. With some practice and experience, you'll be able to control your players so well, it's like a real game of soccer.

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xBox 360 Game Review: Gears of War

xBox 360 Game Review: Gears of War



xBox 360 Game Review: Gears of War - It's an odd thing to say about a game whose chief appeal is hacking enemies apart with a chainsaw, but Gears of War is a pretty game. Epic's new third-person shooter lives up to its considerable hype, the first game to really show what the Xbox 360 can do. Without graunching to a halt to load up new scenes or getting choppy when the action gets a little intense, Gears of War looks and sounds superb. Lucky, because it's not really offering a hell of a lot else that's new.

Gears of War has a setting and a plot. You can tell it's a scifi combat game, because it's got every space marine cliché you'd expect. You can tell there's a plot, because you start off with your character Marcus Fenix being busted out of prison by his old friend Dom. Fighting your way out of that acts neatly as your tutorial, and then you and Dom join the rest of the squadron you'll be spending the rest of the game with, on a mission to rescue the missing Alpha Squad. While there's a bit more background than that if you do the reading, it's not integral to the game. There can't be plot because there are no characters, just very expertly-rendered grunts who don't wear helmets so you can see how great their skin texturing is.

Gears is a 'duck and cover' game. Charging in blindly will get you killed just like you'd expect, only faster. Written down like this, sneaking from bullet-riddled wall to abandoned car and popping up long enough to shoot sounds like it would quickly get repetitive and boring. If you're not sure about how absorbing it would be, try sneaking up one someone else while they're playing. This is what great graphics and sound give you: a real feeling of tension and menace that sucks you right into the game. You can hear the locust attacks coming, bullets pinging around you as you try to manouever to outflank your enemy.

While it's short on variations in weaponry, game play, scenarios, maps, and enemies, you just might not notice, especially on your first play through. The basics are done very, very well. The weapon you'll use for most of the game, the Lancer, comes equipped with a bayonet-mounted chainsaw. On the rare occasions you get close enough to a locust to use it, the experience is deeply satisfying. It fountains gorgeous sprays of blood and makes a noise like, well, a chainsaw tearing through meat. Your big kick-ass weapon is the Hammer of Dawn, which is as stunning as you'd expect satelite-mounted weaponry to be. It's nicely restricted, though, as it can only be used outside and with clear skies. Much like the chainsaw, if you could use it all the time, it just wouldn't be as much fun.

Gears comes with three difficulty levels: casual, hardcore, and insane, which unlocks after you finish the game once. All ramp up the difficulty towards the end of the game, but you can choose your level for each play session, so if you're struggling with a particular section, you can tone it down, then back up again once you're through. That's one of the little things this game does well.

Another is multiplayer. As well as the eight-player team mode available with Xbox Live, you can play two-player split-screen co-op as well. The other player, who takes over Dom, can drop in and out at any point. The game is a lot more interesting and tactical with two players, and some levels seem particularly designed for co-operative play.

The game is a bit on the short side, and can be finished in around ten to fifteen hours. Often when a game feels short like this, it's to push players to online multiplayer games. That makes it seem a little strange that there are only ten different maps available for that. There are three different gameplay modes, but they're all minor variations on team deathmatch. It's possible Microsoft will have more online content for Gears of War coming out in the future, but with all the hype, the launch content does seem a bit scant.

What it comes down to is this. If you like third-person shooters, you're going to love Gears of War. And if you don't, you aren't. There's nothing about it to suck in people who wouldn't normally play this kind of game.

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