The late Walt Disney took pride in imagination and
innovation, and his successors are trying to live up to
that legacy. That's why you can expect to find something
new at Disney World each year. If you are planning a visit
to Orlando, Central Florida and Disney World this summer,
then read on and find out about some new additions to the
famed the theme park.

The first thing that might catch your eye this summer is
the reopening of the Hall of the Presidents. There will be
a new addition, President Barrack Obama whose
Audio-Animatronics replica will join those of the previous
43 presidents. This high-tech trip through American
history has been part of Disney World since its opening in
1971 and the Disney "imagineers" are hard at work adding
new elements (besides President Obama) to the current show.

Are you ready to join the Pirates League? Well, beginning
in late June you will be able to get your chance in
Adventureland where a "recruiting office" for the Pirates
League will be set up. Recruits will get a pirate name,
beard, eye patch, scarves, earrings, and even gold teeth.
Once you take the pirate oath you will be sent out on an
adventure in Adventureland. Pirates League packages start
at $49.95 plus tax.

Speaking of pirates, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort now
offers pirate-themed accommodations. More than 300 rooms
now have ship-themed beds and pirate décor.

This year (2009) there is also a new dining option at
Disney's Animal Kingdom. It is Picnic in the Park al fresco
dining. The "take-out" meal includes sandwiches or chicken
and includes side dishes, dessert and bottled water for
each guest. A meal for three costs $24.99. The picnic meals
can be ordered near the park entrance and picked up (within
two hours at the Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery located
within the park).

At the close of the day's activities you can also take park
in a party. Cast members, such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie
Mouse and Goofy, gather near the entrance of Disney's
Kindom each evening as the park closes. It's called the
Adventurers' Celebration Gathering and it is a street party
where guest join in conga line dancing as the Disney
characters drum out the beat from their safari vehicle.

Another new sight in the skies over Disney World is
Characters in Flight. This is a tethered hot air balloon
that is decorated with images of Disney characters such as
Tinkerbell, Dumbo and Peter Pan. The red and yellow balloon
reaches heights of 400 feet above Downtown Disney providing
guests with a panoramic view. Tickets for the balloon ride
are $16 for age 10 and up, and $10 for children between 3
and 9. The balloon's gondola holds 30 people at a time and
the duration of the trip is six minutes. Tickets are sold
on a first-come, first-served basis.

When you touch down from your balloon ride you might also
want to check out a new restaurant in Downtown Disney.
Located on Pleasure Island, Paradiso 37 features the
cuisine of 37 different countries of North, Central and
South America. The new restaurant is open from 11:00 AM
till the late night and also features nightly entertainment.

When you visit Disney World take a look at the new features
and make your visit a bit different from the last time.