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Disney Unveils New Attractions, Lodging For Summer

Photo courtesy Walt Disney World

This is an artist's rendering of the Treehouse Villas slated to open at Walt Disney World this summer.

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By TED JACKOVICS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 6, 2009

Walt Disney World Resort has announced a series of new attractions and events for the summer season, including a return to "treehouse lodging" at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and a tethered balloon that lifts 30 guests 300 feet over Downtown Disney.

The summer opening of the Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs will offer 60 three-bedroom villas elevated 10 feet on pedestals and beams. The concept was in place at Disney from 1975 to 2002.

Another new lodging option is the phased opening this spring and fall of Kidani Village vacation villas with thatched roofs at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas. The project involves conversion of rooms at Jambo House.

The 72-foot-diameter Aerophile will take guests on a six-minute flight at Downtown Disney. It is part of the restructuring of the food, retail and entertainment center into more of a family oriented locale compared to the nightclub orientation at Downtown Disney's West Side.

Other new events include Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May 22 through June 14, with a variety of draws, including parades and autograph sessions with "Star Wars" actors.

In July, the Magic Kingdom will reopen its Hall of Presidents, including a representation of President Obama.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817.

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