With Spring officially here, it is time to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather! And as the days begin to grow longer, Disney World’s Extra Magic Hours will be appreciated all the more. For those not in the know, Extra Magic Hours are special times before or after normal park hours when the theme parks of Disney World are open to offer guests a full day of magic and excitement during their visit. Each of the park’s Extra Magic Hours fall on different days, and to help you completely plan your Disney World vacation we’ve highlighted exactly when each park’s Extra Magic Hours will be.

 Walt Disney World’s Morning Extra Magic Hours in April, 2008

Magic Kingdom: 2, 10, 17, 24
Epcot: 1, 4, 11, 16, 23
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 5, 12, 19, 26
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 7, 14, 21, 28

Walt Disney World’s Evening Extra Magic Hours in April, 2008

Magic Kingdom: 7, 13, 20, 27
Epcot: 4, 11, 18, 25
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 6, 14, 21, 28
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Of course, with Disney World being the encompassing theme park experience that it is, it is to be expected that there will occasionally be attractions and rides shut down for maintainence. Fortunately, this April is expected to see only two attractions shut down for refurbishment, ensuring that you’ll find a busy time regardless of the parks you decide to visit. The following refurbishments for April are:

Magic Kingdom
Minnie’s Country House - closed April 1 through 23

Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The American Film Institute Showcase - closed April 1 through 30

If you’ve ever longed to camp out under the stars, surrounded by family, friends and exotic animals from around the world, then your dream can come true this April in Nashville, TN

On April 19, the Nashville Zoo will be holding its always popular Zzzoofari Slumber, and as the name implies visitors will have the chance to camp inside the zoo. Throughout the course of the night special activities including twilight tours, hayrides, crafts, animal presentations and various games will be held to ensure that there’s something to keep the crowd busy. Of course, special reservations are required to attend the event, so those interested are advised to look into details as soon as possible.

For those that plan on visiting the Nashville Zoo, but don’t want to take part in the sleep over, there are a wide range of lodging options offered throughout downtown Nashville as well as the Music Valley area. Whether looking to spend the night at a quaint motel or hoping to be indulged with the grandeur of the Gaylord Opryland, there’s a stay to find nearly every traveler in Nashville

And if you can’t find time to get to Nashville on such short notice, don’t worry: Zzzoofari Slumber is scheduled to be held a number of times throughout the year, with future dates set for May 24, June 14, and September 6.

Gatlinburg’s Dollywood routinely offers area visitors a lively time of thrill rides, live entertainment, theme park dining and general fun, but throughout the Spring season travelers will also find an encompassing look at world culture with Dollywood’s Festival of Nations. Set for March 21 through May 5, Festival of Nations highlights artistry and entertainment from a variety of cultures for an interactive and entertaining learning experience for the entire family. Song, dance, craftsmanship, cuisine and much more will all be displayed throughout the entirety of the festival, with various acts, demonstrations and exhibits all being displayed.

And while the full line-up for the festival is far from set, there are already a number of great options rounding out Festival of Nations to ensure another successful time of cultural exploration in the Smokies.

Browse the list below for an idea of what to expect from this year’s Festival of Nations at Dollywood.

Dollywood’s Festival of Nations’ Special Features

• Calpulli Mexican Dance Company: April 3 - 28
• Chiemgau Schuhplattler (Bavarian Folkdancing): March 21 - 31
• Kayumanggi Philippine Performing Arts: April 23 - May 5
• Villa de Alhama (Spanish Folklore): March 28 - April 4
• Rhythm of the Dance: March 21 - May 5
• Ecuador’s Atahualpa: March 21 - May 5
• O’Malley’s Place: March 21 - May 5
• Zambia Vocal Group: March 21 - May 5

Each year, Spring marks the rejuvenation of Branson’s entertainment scene, with numerous new acts arriving and old acts revamping their routines. And those wanting to brush up on the new entertainment options and exciting changes that have taken place will find no better way to experience the new look of Branson than through BransonFest! Some of Branson’s most popular entertainers come together throughout the festival to highlight segments of their shows, offering Branson visitors an energetic look at what will be in store for the new year.

This year’s BransonFest is set to run from Tuesday, April 8 through Saturday, April 12, with performances held at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. Shows will be held on Tuesday at 7 p.m., Wednesday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Saturday at 2 p.m.

Over 50 shows are set to participate throughout the course of the five day festival, ensuring that even if you choose to take in multiple BransonFest performances you’ll be sure to find something different each time! Below, you’ll find a tentative list of performers and shows set to take part in this year’s BransonFest!

2008 BransonFest Performances

#1 Hits of the 60’s
12 Irish Tenors
Acrobats of China
Andy Williams in concert with The Entertainers
Barbara Fairchild
Branson Brothers
Broadway
Buck Trent
Celebrate America
Clay Cooper
Comedy Jamboree
Country Tonight
Dalena Ditto
David Somerville
Doug Gabriel
Genus Record Sports Juggler Albert Lucas
Goldwing Express
Grand Jubilee
Hughes Brothers
Island Fire
Jim Barber - Hamner Barber Variety Show
Jim Stafford
Joey Riley
Justin Flom
Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers
Legends in Concert
Les Brown Jr. & His Band of Renown
Liverpool Legends
Lost in the 50’s
Magnificent Seven Show
Mickey Gilley
Penny Gilley
Pierce Arrow
Red, Hot & Blue
Ricky Boen & Texas Mud
Roy Rogers Jr. & The High Riders
Scott Rileys Jamming Country Morning
SIX
Spirit of the Dance
The Brett Family
The Dutton Family
The Haygoods
The Lennon Sisters
The Original Comets
The Promise
The Rankin Brothers Classic Music Revue
The Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley
The Sweethearts of Branson
Tom Mullica
Tony Roi
Wade Benson Landry & Friends
Yakov

Please Note: The Grand Ole Opry does not release final lineups until the Wednesday prior to each performance. This list will be updated weekly as new performers are confirmed and added to the lineup.

Friday, March 14 - Order Tickets

Jeannie Seely
Jimmy C. Newman
Chris Young
Jimmy Dickens
Jan Howard
Andy Griggs
Jean Shepard
Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
Jim Ed Brown
Connie Smith
Rhonda Vincent

Saturday, March 8 - Order Tickets

6:30 performance

Nashville Irish Stepdancers
Jimmy Dickens
The Whites
Jimmy C. Newman
Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Carrie Underwood
Little Big Town
Lady Antebellum
Jim Ed Brown
Jean Shepard
Opry Square Dancers
Hal Ketchum
Jack Greene

9:30 performance

Nashville Irish Stepdancers
Jimmy Dickens
The Whites
Little Big Town
Jeannie Seely
Carrie Underwood
Jean Shepard
Lady Antebellum
Opry Square Dancers
Hal Ketchum
Jack Greene

Please Note: The Grand Ole Opry does not release final lineups until the Wednesday prior to each performance. This list will be updated weekly as new performers are confirmed and added to the lineup.

Tuesday, March 11 - Order Tickets

Riders In The Sky
Jimmy Wayne
Connie Smith
The Grascals
Bill Anderson
Joe Diffie
Jimmy Dickens
Craig Morgan

Though it is still a ways off, those planning on visiting Nashville for the 2008 CMA Music Festival would do well to start finalizing their plans before it is too late. Regarded as one of Nashville’s most popular annual events, the CMA Music Festival brings out both country music stars and fans in mass numbers. Last year’s event saw nearly 200,000 people visit over the weekend! This year’s festival is set to be held from June 5 – 8, with a variety of activities including nightly concerts, autograph sessions, BBQ championship, auctions and much more for a varied time of country music entertainment!

As of this posting, the following stars are set to be at the 2008 CMA Music Festival, with many more to follow:

• Rodney Atkins
• Faith Hill
• Alan Jackson
• Jewel
• Miranda Lambert
• Kellie Pickler
• Sugarland
• Taylor Swift
• Josh Turner
• Carrie Underwood
• Dwight Yoakam

If you are visiting Nashville for the CMA Music Festival, then there’s a good chance that you’re a fan of country music. And if so, despite the many great activities taking place throughout the festival, the greatest country music experience is one completely separate from the festivities – the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry has long been a staple of quality country music, and is held as one of the most renowned concert series in history. And Nashville travelers will have the chance to experience the Grand Ole Opry three times throughout the festival, once on Friday, June 6 and twice on Saturday, June 7. Of course, with so many country music fans in town during the weekend tickets are sure to go fast!

Don’t miss out on what many consider the country music spectacle of the year. Set your plans to attend the 2008 CMA Music Festival before it is too late!

Gatlinburg in the Spring is a truly amazing sight. The radiant Sun shining above the picturesque Smoky Mountains, vibrant display of wildflowers and countless outdoor activities come together for a true slice of mountain paradise. And while the general atmosphere in itself is more than reason enough to visit, Gatlinburg’s SpringFest ensures that you’ll find plenty to keep you busy while marveling in the beauty of the region.

Beginning on March 12 and running through June 8, SpringFest presents a wide variety of events ranging from the always popular Ribfest & Wings to the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. And aside from the many special events scheduled throughout the season, visitors will also find a general décor of rebirth blanketing the area as baskets of fresh flowers are set throughout the town and street performers take to the warm weather to entertain both passing locals and visitors alike.

To help you plan your Gatlinburg vacation during SpringFest, we’ve highlighted the many activities and events that will be taking place throughout the celebration this year!

Schedule of Events for Gatlinburg SpringFest:

• Annual Easter Arts & Crafts Show: March 19 – 22
• Gatlinburg’s Ribfest & Wings: April 17
• Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage: April 23 – 27
• 27th Annual Scottish Festival & Games: May 17 – 18
• Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival: May 17 - 18