A World View - Enjoying Walt Disney World

Photo-Realistic Image of Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure Park

2012-01-28T07:38:00.000-05:00

I normally don't post about Disneyland, but the new Cars Land development is very exciting. Mary Ann and I really hope to get out west sometime soon and pay our first visit there, and this looks really good! The post is from the Disney Parks Blog.

Disney Yellow Shoes Creative Group recently created a photo-realistic composite of Radiator Springs Racersthat you may see in the coming weeks in advertisements or other promotional material as we race toward making Cars Land a reality, but we wanted you to be the first to see it. The composite is a combination of images designed to give you a glimpse of what the attraction will look like when it opens this summer.

All I can say is “Kachow!”

LEGO "Dragon" Celebrates Chinese New Year

2012-01-24T18:29:00.001-05:00

Jan. 23 marked the start of the Chinese New Year! 2012 is the Year of the Dragon and according to the Chinese zodiac, dragons often do things in grand fashion. This larger-than-life LEGO creature is no different at 30ft. in length and can be spotted in Village Lake across from the LEGO Imagination Center at Downtown Disney Marketplace at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. He’s technically a sea serpent but no less commanding a presence in his watery home. Happy new year!

[Story by WDW News; Photo by Bruce Brodsky]

Monday Magic: Making My Favorite Disney Breakfast: Tonga Toast

2012-01-23T20:44:00.002-05:00

[From DISNEY PARKS BLOG] - We can’t imagine there’s any Disney fan who hasn’t tasted the indulgent Tonga Toast, on the menu at Disney’s Polynesian Resort since 1971.

In case you haven’t tried the deep-fried concoction, check out this “Taste of Disney” video, part of the series for Disney.com. Chef Lawrence Searl from Disney’s Kona Cafe shows you how to make this delicious breakfast treat at home. For the full recipe, go to www.disney.com/taste.

For me, Disney magic simply is… Disney!

2012-01-20T06:43:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the first stop aboard Magical Blogorail Red. Enjoy the ride as we share with you what Disney Magic means to us.

From the moment I walk into a Disney Park, the world around me is transformed to a different place and a different time. [Please note with grateful appreciation for allowing public viewing, the photos in today's post are from Express Monorail.]

Of course, the most profound change occurs as you enter the Magic Kingdom; you travel from today, whatever day it is, moving through a tunnel-like entrance and opening into the sunshine one-hundred years earlier. There is music in the air, dancers in the street, the aroma of fresh popcorn, and turn-of-the-century storefronts reminding you that you really are in another century and somewhere other than the sunshine state.

The same feeling of being in another place and time happens to me when I enter every Park. Epcot, for example, brings me back to the New York World's Fair, where I visited many times as a young teenager. The icon of Spaceship Earth reminds me of the globe in Flushing Meadows that represented that exposition; and Walt Disney permeated all aspects of the Fair… just like today in Walt Disney World.

Similarly from your fist step through the gates of Disney Hollywood Studios you enter the Hollywood of yesterday; and Animal Kingdom moves you across the earth to other continents. All in all, Disney magic is simply… being Disney.

Being Disney can also mean different things to different people. But in fact, in a Disney video made just after Walt Disney World opened in 1971, the magic was summarized and illustrated in a promotional short-subject movie called, "The Magic of Walt Disney World". I found this posted by Widen Your World on You Tube.

So much of what made WDW special at its opening is still special (and magical) today. I recently watched this video, and even 40 years later, some of the statements included fully represent the magic I still feel today.

"Even a hotel is an adventure."
"Getting around here is another fun experience."
"There is something for everyone in this Magic Kingdom."
"Another land and another time."
"A feeling of participation and personal pride in our American heritage"
"In the Magic Kingdom, anything is possible"
"From the hub, its very center, all roads lead to fun and new experiences."
"The appeal of the Magic Kingdom will always be to the imagination of every guest."
"Darkness descending on Walt Disney World is perhaps the most beautiful time of all; and the appearance of everything begins to change."

In closing, if there is one icon of the resort which best represents the magic of Walt Disney World... it is Cinderella's Castle – a place of constant change and transformation. The Castle is central to the life of the entire Kingdom: in the evening it is a movie screen; every hour of the day it is a destination; walk through and view the Castle corridor, it is a portal to another land; little girls enter this portal as innocents and leave a princess; plus, it is a stage for live entertainment; a sparking Christmas gift; as well as the backdrop for a seasonal selection of fireworks like no where else on spaceship earth.

NOTE: The photos in today's post are from Express Monorail, whose superb collection of Walt Disney World images on Flickr constantly feed my personal imagination with every new addition to his website. The Express Monorail site photographer Joe Penniston is simply one of the best, who has magic in his lens.

Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is GROWING UP DISNEY.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ A World View
2nd Stop ~ Growing Up Disney
3rd Stop ~ Disney Donna Kay
4th Stop ~ Disney on Wheels
Final Stop ~ My Dreams of Disney

Hola Mickey! Disney Parks Celebrates 5th Annual Walt Disney World Moms Panel Allowing Guests to Ask Vacation Planning Questions in Spanish

2012-01-17T17:39:00.001-05:00

Included in the Fifteen New Park-Savvy Panelists are the First-Ever Disneyland Resort and runDisney Specialists

WALT DISNEY WORLD NEWS - Disney Parks announced today the Walt Disney World Moms Panel has unveiled a new feature – the panelists can receive and answer guests’ questions in Spanish. In addition to the first-ever bilingual offerings, two new specialty areas will be added to the site − Disneyland Resort and runDisney. These features are available to guests at www.DisneyWorldMoms.com.

The Walt Disney World Moms Panel is an online forum that serves as a resource for planning Disney Parks vacations. From the most thrilling attractions at Disneyland Resort and how to make the most of Disney Vacation Club points at Walt Disney World Resort to the decks of Disney Cruise Line and immersive international itineraries of Adventures by Disney, the Walt Disney World Moms Panel advises and adds their own experiences to help turn dream vacations into reality. As the Moms Panel expands, Disney Parks will look to rebrand in 2012 with exciting details to come later this year.

“When we first launched the Moms Panel in 2008, we dreamed of offering guests the ability to ask questions in various languages. Launching the Spanish option in our fifth year turned our dreams into reality and we’re excited to see the questions and new visitors to the site that come as a result of these new features,” said Leanne Jakubowski, Director, Social Media; Walt Disney World Resort.” As Walt once said, ‘You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.’ The Walt Disney World Moms Panel is living proof of that statement and we believe Walt would be proud of the magic our panelists are making for families around the world.”

Disney Parks received thousands of applications from the U.S., Canada and United Kingdom to be considered for the Walt Disney World Moms Panel. Each panelist went through three rounds of interviews before they were selected to follow in the footsteps of more than 60 moms, dads, grandparents and guardians who have signed on to share their knowledge and passion for the Disney brand with others.

Meet the 2012 Walt Disney World Moms Panel:

Amanda Ficili; Mendocino, Calif. (Disneyland Resort) – Known as the “Disney Go To Girl,” this stay-at-home mom is a coast-to-coast Disney Parks storehouse of knowledge. The proud holder of a Disney Premiere Passport, Amanda grew up a short while from Walt Disney World and now spends every moment she gets enjoying Disneyland Resort.
Andrea Houston-Lingman; Jamison, Pa. (Disney Vacation Club) – A high school English teacher by day and a “Disney Sherpa” by night, this Disney Vacation Club Member enjoys Disney vacations of all shapes and sizes. When she’s not teaching, Andrea chaperones Walt Disney World trips for students and enjoys the parks with her husband and two children.
Ari Krell; Reseda, Calif. (Disneyland Resort) – Growing up in the shadows of Sleeping Beauty Castle, Ari is now the father of two little princesses of his own, guiding his girls around Disneyland, from the twists and turns of Space Mountain to breakfast with Cinderella. Never far from the magic, this Disney dad thinks of Disneyland Resort as his own backyard.
Ashley Forster; Suffolk, Va. - As a proud military wife, Ashley has visited Walt Disney World on her honeymoon, with her husband and two children, and on her annual solo “mommy time” trip. When this Disney vacation planning addict is not preparing for or enjoying a visit to the Mouse’s house, she and her crew like to explore the magic of their local area, taking road trips or soaking up the sun at the nearest beach.
Elisabeth Lackey; Myrtle Beach, S.C. (Adventures by Disney) – From the Great Wall of China to the open planes of South Africa, Elisabeth and her family have traveled the world with Adventures by Disney. When she is not embarking on unforgettable global adventures, Elisabeth can be found teaching preschool, tucked away with her favorite book and of course, planning her family of six’s next Disney vacation.
Jodie Hilson; Thomasville, Ga. – This registered nurse has grown up with Walt Disney World – from losing her first tooth on her first visit to the Magic Kingdom to riding Toy Story Mania with her four children. Jodie’s family of six loves all things Disney so much they named their gray colored cat “Pixie!”
Kim Dillen; Charlotte, N.C. – A self-proclaimed ‘Type A’ planner, Kim has experience visiting Walt Disney World as the parent of a special needs child, and believes that it’s the little things that can add the most magic to a vacation. Along with her husband and two children, Kim has seen and done it all, from Hidden Mickey hunts to Magic Kingdom birthday celebrations.
Kirsten Etmanski; Burlington, ON – Since she was seven years old, Kirsten has been making the journey from her home in Canada to Walt Disney World. A stay-at-home mom to a son and daughter, Kirsten spends her day dreaming of an “Around the World – a la Disney” vacation, planning her extended family’s next family reunion and helping friends and neighbors plan their own magical getaways.
Laura Munkel; Elkhart, Ind. (Disney Vacation Club) - As a family practice physician, Laura is known as an expert around the office when it comes to anything and everything Mickey Mouse. Laura and her family have traveled around the globe with their Disney Vacation Club membership, from Orlando to Germany, Anaheim to Castaway Cay, this mother of three believes that fairytales truly do exist.
Lori Lovell; Morganfield, Ky. (runDisney) - When she’s not participating in a runDisney event, this sports broadcasting major turned homeschooling mom is busy planning her family’s next Disney vacation. As a mom of two boys, Lori has celebrated many major milestones at Walt Disney World, including runDisney weekends with her husband, friends and family.
Malanie Rivera; Jamaica, N.Y. (Spanish-Language) - This bilingual New Yorker is a single mom of two children and an occupational therapist for special needs children. Malanie enjoys helping others plan magical Disney moments, including her brother’s engagement at Cinderella’s Royal Table.
Nancy Walshe; Lilburn, Ga. (Disney Cruise Line) – From the moment she first saw the Disney Wonder docked in Port Canaveral, this teacher of special needs students has been hooked on planning Disney Cruise Line vacations. Whether she is sailing the high seas with her extended family or running the Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World, Nancy is dedicated to spreading pixie dust everywhere she goes!
Scott Houston; Calhoun, Ga. – Much like the middle school children he works with daily as an assistant principal, Scott loves unleashing his inner child on his Disney vacations. Scott enjoys collecting priceless memories with his wife and son from Test Track to the decks of Disney Cruise Line.
Stacy Cacciatore; Fort Mill, S.C. – As an author, tri-athlete and fitness guru, Stacy is passionate about making exercise and health fun for all ages. As a mom of a prince and princess, Stacy also loves making memories at Walt Disney World with her family, celebrating her children’s birthdays in the parks each year.
Sue Farrell; Little Sutton, Cheshire (UK) – From across the pond, Sue is always preparing for her family’s next extended stay at Walt Disney World. Having experienced everything from Easter to a hurricane in the parks, this UK mum enjoys helping others plan their international magical escapes.

Alumni panelists will also join in and continue sharing their time-tested tips and advice on the Walt Disney World Moms Panel. Guests can find all panelists answers, an extensive library of how-to videos, some to soon be available in Spanish and more at www.disneyworldmoms.com.

About the Walt Disney World Moms Panel

Entering its fifth year, the Walt Disney World Moms Panel is an online forum where guests can get tips and insights for a Disney vacation from real moms, dads, grandparents and guardians who have mastered the art of planning Disney vacations. Guests can pose questions to the panelists, as well as gain access to other vacation-planning tools for booking a Disney vacation. Featuring just 12 members during its inaugural year in 2008, the panel now boasts 42 park-savvy panelists as a result of the popularity of the site and an ever-growing number of questions submitted by curious guests. For more information and to meet the panelists, visit www.disneyworldmoms.com.

Win a Vacation for the Person That Inspires You the Most!

2012-01-16T12:01:00.002-05:00

Good Morning America's "Disney Parks Memory Makers" Search

Is there someone you know who is so extraordinary that he or she has changed your life?
Wouldn't it be great if Good Morning America (GMA) and Disney could help YOU … change THEIR life?
Well – here's your chance!

Enter GMA's "Disney Parks Memory Makers" Search, and tell us about that special person. If we select your Nominee as one of our three winners, you could thank them with a customized, V.I.P. Disney dream family vacation. It's a once in a lifetime treat that is so magical, so enchanted, that the memories will last a lifetime.

Submit an essay, not to exceed 200 words in length, explaining who the special person is in your life is ("Nominee") what he or she has done to change your life, and why that person deserves a Memory Makers vacation at either the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida or the Disneyland® Resort in Southern California. Entrants cannot nominate themselves, but Winner may invite Entrant as one of his or her three guests. Entries should include heartfelt language that speaks to the power and importance of creating memories.

Entries should also indicate a preference for the prize package at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida or the Disneyland® Resort in Southern California.

Each Entrant must also include a photo of himself/herself and the Nominee if declared a Winner. Entrants must have full rights to use any photos submitted; photos may not be the protected works of another party; entries submitted with inappropriate or offensive photos will be immediately disqualified.

CLICK HERE for the Entry Form.

Wookiees, Jedi and Droids, Oh My! Star Wars Weekends Returns to the Walt Disney World Galaxy in May 2012

2012-01-14T07:48:00.000-05:00

WALT DISNEY WORLD NEWS... Star Wars Weekends returns to the Walt Disney World Resort during May and June 2012, as Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrates the Star Wars film saga and the hit animated television series Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

The annual special event, included in regular theme park admission, will be held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 18-June 10, 2012.

The power of the Force and magic of Disney combine as plenty of out-of-this-world characters – including Wookiees, droids, Ewoks, bounty hunters and Jedi – roam the streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios for meet-and-greet opportunities with guests.

The centerpiece of the celebration is the spectacular 3-D attraction, “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.” The attraction, which opened last spring at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, uses eye-popping 3-D, a dramatic musical score and motion simulator-based technology to immerse guests in the Star Wars galaxy like never before.

“Jedi Training Academy,” one of the interactive entertainment experiences at the theme park, allows young guests to learn from a Jedi Master before testing their newly acquired skills in a battle with Darth Vader.
Also featured at Star Wars Weekends: the chance for fans to purchase one-of-a-kind Star Wars memorabilia, Star Wars games, plus there’s special Star Wars parades and motorcades, star conversations and autograph sessions with Star Wars actors and creative talent (celebrity lineup will be announced at a later date). The ever-popular “Hyperspace Hoopla” ends each Star Wars Weekends day with a show filled with comedy, dancing, high-energy music and many of the famed Star Wars characters.

For more information and future updates, guests may go online to disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends or starwars.com.

New Sorcerer Mickey Topiary Conducts Floral Magic at 19th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 7-May 20

2012-01-12T20:59:00.001-05:00

Colorful New Gardens, Popular Gardening Workshops and Whimsical Fun in Store

WALT DISNEY WORLD NEWS – A little gardening magic will go a long way when an eight-foot-tall floral Sorcerer Mickey topiary holds court at the entrance to the 19th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 7-May 20 at Walt Disney World Resort. Standing atop a 12-foot-tall floral mountain cliff and towering above the park’s front-entrance topiary bed, the commanding Sorcerer Mickey will direct a riot of color in the manicured shapes of dancing broomsticks, buckets, mushrooms, hippos, alligators and elephants straight from the classic Disney film, “Fantasia.”

Disney topiary specialists worked to create the striking new design with innovative materials and recycled elements from years past, says festival horticulture manager Eric Darden. An earlier version of Sorcerer Mickey stood less than five feet tall; a larger frame was built, Darden says, to more accurately reflect the character in the front-entrance Fantasia scene. The new Fantasia “mountain” grew from a 2003 topiary piece that once held a “Steamboat Willie” Mickey Mouse display.

“The challenge is to use our resources, repurpose them, and keep them fresh every year,” Darden says. “These are some of our most popular characters from a topiary standpoint, and ‘Fantasia’ was a groundbreaking film for its music and animation techniques.”

The front-entrance floral spectacle will welcome guests to a festival packed with new displays, featured speakers and hands-on fun for all ages.

Don’t Miss!

For 75 festival days, Epcot guests can explore topiaries and gardens, learn planting, style and design techniques and rock to the tunes of popular Flower Power concerts:
Bambi’s Butterfly House, three times the size of the festival’s original, will be a-flutter with multiple species of brilliant butterflies. At Imagination Walkway by Innoventions West.
Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden - Fabulous Disney fairy topiaries alight to greet young fans who enter this whimsical garden designed with play structures for children ages 2-5. At the Test Track Walkway.
The HGTV Designers Stage will present HGTV celebrities each Friday through Sunday and nationally recognized garden personalities Monday through Thursday. At the Festival Center.
The Flower Power concert series will welcome back 20th century pop favorites this year when Jose Feliciano, Chubby Checker and The Wildcats, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Davy Jones and seven other bands rock the America Gardens Theatre with their timeless tunes. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Performers and appearance dates subject to change.

Petal Power

Thirty million blooms, 240 floating mini-gardens on two ponds, 700 container gardens of flowers, herbs, plants and vegetables, dozens of Disney character topiaries, 30 “flower towers” of impatiens and sweeping beds of floral designs will create a tapestry of brilliant color across the 260-acre Epcot landscape. It takes more than one full year and 400 Walt Disney World horticulturists to plan and prepare for the 75-day festival. One of the most interesting challenges is finding just the right plant materials to bring the park’s topiaries to life.
The front-entrance “Fantasia” rock cliff topiary will be carpeted with a “blackish-purple Ajuga,” says Disney plant specialist Heather Will-Browne. White and blue flowers will represent streams of water tumbling down the rock face, she adds, and the “Fantasia” theme will be carried out with masses of hot pink geraniums, blue delphiniums, white poppies, violet petunias and blue pansies, among others. Other show-stopping character topiaries: Lightning McQueen and Mater from “Cars 2″ at the Japan showcase; Buzz, Woody and Lotso the teddy bear from “Toy Story 3;” and the Fab Five – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto and Goofy — outside the Festival Center.
The horticulture team also will plant new landscape looks outside the Italy and Norway pavilions, Will-Browne says. In Italy, gardeners will display a mix of containers overflowing with bright flowers and pots of fragrant herbs used in Italian cuisine. Around Norway, “we’ll do a white show of geraniums, violas, snap dragons, poppies and alyssum,” she says. A small Norway meadow will feature “a mass of brilliant, wild mixed color.” Each of the park’s other nine World Showcase countries will feature special festival landscape elements.

More Festival Fun

The Festival Center- Guests can shop for festival merchandise, attend demonstrations and get ideas and tips from master gardeners. In Future World between Universe of Energy and Mission:SPACE.
Disney Gardening at Home presentations - Disney horticulturists will share gardening tips and lead guests in a hands-on, take-home activity at the Festival Center.
Special Festival Weekend Celebrations - An Art in the Garden celebration of plein air artists is scheduled March 23-25; a Florida Federation of Garden Clubs gathering will be April 27-29; and a Fresh from Florida Farmer’s Market salute is slated for May 4-6.

More information about the 19th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or by visiting disneyworld.com/flower when festival time approaches. The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

Brazil’s Costa Establishes New Streak at Dramatic Walt Disney World Marathon

2012-01-08T19:20:00.000-05:00

Brazilian runner wins second straight Disney Marathon after fierce battle with perennial winner Adriano Bastos; Virginia Beach’s Renee High easily wins women’s title; field of more than 16,500 pushes weekend total to record 56,000 runners

WALT DISNEY WORLD NEWS - Brazilian runner Fredison Costa did it again, holding off his heavily-favored countryman Adriano Bastos on Sunday to win his second straight Walt Disney World Marathon presented by Cigna.

Costa waged a fierce battle with the 7-time champion Bastos throughout the 26.2 mile race through Disney’s four theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios – before narrowly winning. Costa crossed the finish line in 2:19:01 – just 14 seconds ahead of Bastos (2:19:15), who had won six Disney Marathons in a row before Costa’s back-to-back feat.

Renee High of Virginia Beach, VA., was the first woman to cross the line. High, who is scheduled to run the marathon at the US Olympic Trials next week in Houston, completed the race Sunday in 2:48:33 just ahead of Emily Kroshus (2:53:11) of Boston and Christa Stephens (2:55:10) of St. Petersburg, Fla.

Costa, 34, and Bastos 33, ran virtually shoulder to shoulder through much of the race. But with about two miles to go, Costa inched ahead slightly and maintained that slim lead until the end top become the first person other than Bastos to win back-to-back Disney Marathon titles since Brazil’s Santiago de Araujo did it in 1998 and 1999. Costa’s time was even quicker than a year ago when he won with a time of 2:21:15. Matt Hensley of Port St. Lucie, Fla. was third (2:23:11).

“I think a victory is a victory and they are always very special,” Costa said through an interpreter. “But I think this was such a difficult time overcoming some things for me. I’ve been through so many things that this race was very, very special to me.”

Douglas Morton of Sebring, Fla. won the men’s Masters Division (runners age 40 and over) with a time of 2:35:52 and Terri Rejimbal of Tampa won the women’s Masters Division (3:09:33). In the wheelchair division, Krige Schabort of Cedartown, Ga. (1:46:16) won for the fourth straight year.

On Saturday, Jose De Morais of Brazil won the 13.1-mile Disney Half Marathon with a time of 1:10.12. Rosa Chacha of Ecuador was the top woman finisher, posting a time of 1:16.43.

In all, runners from all 50 states and 60 other countries took part in a variety of Disney Marathon Weekend events, such as the Family Fiesta 5K, Kids Races and the Disney Half-Marathon in addition to the Disney Marathon. And once again more than 6,500 runners put themselves to the ultimate test – Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge – by running the half-marathon on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday.

Registration for the 2013 Disney Marathon Weekend opens this spring. To register or for more information on all runDisney events, visit rundisney.com. Also follow us on Twitter @disneysports and Facebook (ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex).

First Blogoversary: $120 CASH Giveaway!

2012-01-06T20:19:00.006-05:00

Disney Contests and Sweepstakes, one of the "A World View" family of websites, is joining with other bloggers and the lead sponsor "Matter of Cents" in a Rafflecopter contest whose prize is $120 cash.

WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disney and General Motors Renew Alliance and Create Magic for Guests at a Re-Imagined Test Track Experience

2012-01-06T17:07:00.000-05:00

Two of the world’s most recognized brands extend an alliance that will create a new experience for millions of Guests at Epcot.

WALT DISNEY WORLD NEWS – Disney and General Motors have renewed their long-term business relationship with a new multi-year corporate alliance.

As part of the new alliance, GM will be actively involved with Walt Disney Imagineering in the development of a re-imagined, design-centric Test Track experience. The refurbished Test Track will be presented by one of GM’s most famous brands, Chevrolet. As Chevrolet marks its 100th anniversary, the new alliance agreement enables General Motors to tell its story in new and exciting ways to millions of Guests from around the world and continue as the official vehicle sponsor of Walt Disney World Resort.

“We are excited to renew our long-term alliance with General Motors,” said George Aguel, Senior Vice President, Corporate Alliances for the Walt Disney Company. “This unique agreement extends collaboration between two of the most recognized brands in the world, a relationship that spans over 30 years. The re-imagined Test Track Presented by Chevrolet will continue our shared goal of providing unique and innovative experiences that engage Disney guests in exciting and interactive ways.” ”

“As a global brand, Chevrolet is looking forward to welcoming Guests from around the world to the re-imagined Test Track,” said Joel Ewanick, Global Chief Marketing Officer for General Motors. “The best of Disney and the best of Chevrolet will come together to bring Guests an immersive experience in the design process of the vehicles they see on the road today and will see in the future.”

Plans call for closing the current GM Test Track in April 2012, with an anticipated opening of Test Track Presented by Chevrolet scheduled for fall 2012.

As part of the re-imagining, the Future World attraction will feature a sleek new “Chevrolet Design Center at Epcot” immersing Guests in the fascinating world of automotive design. Amid upbeat music, engaging media, dramatic lighting and a collection of Chevrolet concept cars and model vehicles, guests themselves will become automotive designers – and peer into the future of personal transportation in the process.

At interactive design and styling workstations, Guests will be able to create their own custom concept vehicles. The adventure will then shift into high gear as Guests buckle into their 6-person “SimCar” ride vehicle and put their design through its paces on the exhilarating hills, switchbacks and straight-aways of the Test Track circuit.

Their performance testing complete, Guests will move into a post-show area filled with special effects and be scored on how well their custom concept vehicle did. And of course, Guests will be able see the very latest Chevrolet vehicles in an all-new state-of-the-art showroom.

Leap Year 2012 Calls for ‘One More Disney Day’ and 60 Free Disney Vacations

2012-01-01T08:30:00.002-05:00

Plus Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resorts Turn Feb. 29 into 24 Hours of Nonstop Theme Park Magic

WALT DISNEY WORLD NEWS… Disney Parks guests can get the most out of February 29 when Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California celebrate Leap Year by keeping a theme park on each coast open for 24 hours of nonstop memory-making fun.

For the first time ever, the Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park will stay open 24 hours straight as part of a bi-coastal salute called “One More Disney Day.” From 6 a.m., February 29 to 6 a.m., March 1, 2012, local time, guests can fill the extra day of leap year with a marathon of Disney magic and fun.

60 DISNEY PARKS
FAMILY VACATION SWEEPSTAKES

And for 60 days straight – from Jan. 1, 2012 to Feb. 29, 2012 – a daily winner will be chosen in the “Disney Parks One More Disney Day Sweepstakes” to receive a Disney Parks vacation. One entrant each day will win a vacation for four to make memories at either Disneyland Resort in California or Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. CLICK HERE TO ENTER.

For the past year, Disney Parks has invited guests to “let the memories begin,” noted Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

“We’re honored that so many guests have shared their Disney memories with us as part of ‘Let the Memories Begin’, and I’m pleased to announce that the campaign will continue throughout 2012,” Staggs said. “To celebrate, for the first time ever, the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Parks will remain open for 24 hours on Leap Day, so that our guests can take advantage of every minute of their extra day to make memories with friends and family.”

In addition to the extra time, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California will feature a special offer:

Guests get one more day and night of memory making, free when they buy a 3-night/3-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Co. room and ticket package at select Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort hotels. The package offer is good for arrivals most nights Feb. 26 – March 10, 2012 and must be booked by Jan. 31, 2012.

New Years Fireworks at Walt Disney World

2011-12-31T09:00:00.002-05:00

Unable to be there myself (although I'm not sure I would brave the crowds during this week of Touring Plan Number 10 visitor levels), I look for pictures and videos of those wonderful guests sharing their experiences during this time of the year.

A great way to search are the recent posts on The Disney Bloggers Collection, but also You Tube uploads in the last few days.

Leading the pack for me is JeffLangeDVD and his Fantasy In The Sky New Years Eve Fireworks from the Polynesian Resort beach. His great video collection on You Tube is located at (http://www.youtube.com/user/JeffLangeDVD?feature=watch)

AllEars (http://www.youtube.com/user/AllEarsNet?feature=watch) has a shorter video with highlights from three parks at Walt Disney World.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Race Brings Scary Good Times Back to Walt Disney World

2011-12-26T17:07:00.000-05:00

New 10-mile event is reminiscent of Tower of Terror 13K race from 2009; Race debuts Sept. 29, 2012 and is sixth signature runDisney event and second nighttime race at Walt Disney World; Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend shifts to early Nov.

WALT DISNEY WORLD NEWS – Reviving the scarily popular Twilight Zone Tower of Terror theme, runDisney unveiled its newest race today, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend, which debuts next year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando.

The nighttime race, scheduled for Sept. 29, is the reincarnation of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K last held in 2009. The new event has a similar race course – through the set of “Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show” and past Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat – but features runDisney’s first-ever 10-mile distance that finishes, appropriately enough, near The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Runners will receive a finisher medal inspired by the Tower of Terror and then celebrate their achievement at a villainous post-race party with their family and friends, where they will enjoy live music, characters – including your favorite Disney villains – and have exclusive access to attractions like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Star Tours and Toy Story Mania.

“The 10-mile distance has emerged in popularity as beginning runners, who are fast becoming super fans of the sport, consider it the next big challenge after a 5k or 10k,” said veteran race director Jon Hughes, who will serve as race director for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror event. “Take into account the unique night race combined with Disney’s Tower of Terror theme, and it’s ‘the must do’ event for 2012!”

The new The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror race is the sixth signature runDisney event and the second nighttime race at Walt Disney World along with the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, which shifts to Nov. 9-10 next year during the final weekend of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. As with all runDisney events, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror race weekend will involve a variety of events, including a 5K and Kids’ races, plus a Health and Fitness Expo, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney.

Race registration opens Feb. 14, 2012 at runDisney.com. For more information on runDisney events and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend, visit www.runDisney.com.

2011-12-25T10:08:00.001-05:00

TO OUR READERS:
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and to every one of us, a very happy and safe Holiday Season.

Bruce and Mary Ann - Animal Kingdom Lodge Christmas Tree

On behalf of "A World View-Enjoying Walt Disney World" and our family of websites including "Disney Contests & Sweepstakes", "Travel Contests & Sweepstakes" and the "Disney Bloggers Collection", our sincere thanks and appreciation for visiting our websites. It is our sincere hope that you enjoy and benefit from the information shared here. We have met many people through the technology of the Internet, which is a wonderful experience for us; and we look forward to even more new friends and exciting activities over the next year.
Best Wishes,
Bruce and Mary Ann Brodsky

"The Night Before Christmas" from Walt Disney

2011-12-24T11:12:00.002-05:00

From December 9, 1933, Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies "The Night Before Christmas".

Video from CensoredSmiffy

A narrator sings the opening stanzas of the classic poem while we see the house at rest. Santa lands on the roof, comes down the chimney, and opens his bag. The toys march out and decorate the tree, with the toy soldiers shooting balls from their cannon, a toy airplane stringing a garland like skywriting, and the toy firemen applying snow. A blimp delivers the star to the top. Meanwhile, Santa fills the stockings. His laughter awakens the children, who sneak out. The toys rush to their places, and Santa escapes up the chimney just in time. The closing verse is sung.
[IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0024380/plotsummary]

From Wikipedia:

Silly Symphonies is a series of animated short subjects, 75 in total, produced by Walt Disney Productions from 1929 to 1939, while the studio was still located at Hyperion Avenue in the Silver Lake district of Los Angeles. Unlike the Mickey Mouse series, to which it is a sister series, Silly Symphonies did not usually feature continuing characters (an exception being the characters in The Three Little Pigs which had three sequels). Donald Duck got his start in aSilly Symphonies cartoon (The Wise Little Hen, 1934), and Pluto's first appearance without Mickey Mouse was also in a Silly Symphonies cartoon (Just Dogs, 1932). Characters such as Donald Duck were separated from the Silly Symphonies group to have their own cartoon series. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silly_Symphonies]

Walt Disney World Resort Sends 2011 out with a Bang

2011-12-23T20:07:00.000-05:00

WALT DISNEY WORLD NEWS — New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest fireworks evenings of the year at Walt Disney World Resort, a place where fireworks are both spectacular and an every-night occurrence. Fireworks and nighttime shows will light up the skies and create a mood of celebration at three theme parks on Dec. 31, 2011, while revelry of other sorts takes place elsewhere throughout the Vacation Kingdom.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store:

Magic Kingdom presents a double helping of pyrotechnics: “Wishes” nighttime spectacular with a holiday overlay at 8:30 p.m. and “Fantasy in the Sky” at 11:51 p.m.
Epcot‘s “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” delights revelers with a salute to the new year at 7 p.m. and 11:42 p.m.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the 25-minute spectacular “Fantasmic!” that combines water, fire, lights, lasers, fireworks and music will be presented at 6:30 and 8 p.m., with the popular “Lights! Camera! Happy New Year!” fireworks display at midnight.
At DisneyQuest, located at Downtown Disney, there is a family-friendly cyber celebration from 8 p.m. -1 a.m. Kids are entertained with a DJ and dance party, plus unlimited access to all the games and DisneyQuest attractions including Buzz Lightyear’s Astroblasters, Virtual Jungle Cruise and CyberSpace Mountain. There’s a confetti drop and festive party favors as the clock strikes midnight. Partygoers also get a coupon for a pizza, hot dog, chicken casesar wrap or hamburger, plus chips and soda. Price is $45 advance purchase – or $55 day of, including tax. Call 407-934-7639 to reserve tickets.
At Cirque du Soleil, located at Downtown Disney, all guests attending the Dec. 31 performances will receive a limited-edition Walt Disney World/Cirque trading pin. Shows are at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. For pricing contact 407/WDW/SEAT
Registered guests at select Disney resort hotels will be treated to music and entertainment. At Narcoosee’s restaurant (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa), for instance, there will be a four-course dining experience for $149, plus DJ, balloon artist and special fireworks viewing at 8:30 and 11:51.
Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort offers a special-ticket New Year’s Eve party from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. with video DJ Tony Zapulla.

For specific information about other holiday dining offerings at Disney resort hotels on Dec. 31, call 407/WDW/DINE.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Race Brings Scary Good Times Back to Walt Disney World

2011-12-22T12:00:00.011-05:00

[Walt Disney World News] – Reviving the scarily popular Twilight Zone Tower of Terror theme, runDisney unveiled its newest race today, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend, which debuts next year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando.

The nighttime race, scheduled for Sept. 29, is the reincarnation of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K last held in 2009. The new event has a similar race course – through the set of “Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show” and past Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat – but features runDisney’s first-ever 10-mile distance that finishes, appropriately enough, near The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Runners will receive a finisher medal inspired by the Tower of Terror and then celebrate their achievement at a villainous post-race party with their family and friends, where they will enjoy live music, characters – including your favorite Disney villains – and have exclusive access to attractions like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Star Tours and Toy Story Mania.

“The 10-mile distance has emerged in popularity as beginning runners, who are fast becoming super fans of the sport, consider it the next big challenge after a 5k or 10k,” said veteran race director Jon Hughes, who will serve as race director for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror event. “Take into account the unique night race combined with Disney’s Tower of Terror theme, and it’s ‘the must do’ event for 2012!”

The new The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror race is the sixth signature runDisney event and the second nighttime race at Walt Disney World along with the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, which shifts to Nov. 9-10 next year during the final weekend of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. As with all runDisney events, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror race weekend will involve a variety of events, including a 5K and Kids’ races, plus a Health and Fitness Expo, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney.

Race registration opens Feb. 14, 2012 at runDisney.com. For more information on runDisney events and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend, visit http://www.rundisney.com/.

Christmas by Candlelight

2011-12-21T06:57:00.001-05:00

Candlelight Processional, an inspirational retelling of the Christmas story accompanied by a mass choir and 50-piece orchestra, punctuates the reason for the season during this time-honored Epcot tradition. Through Dec. 30, a celebrity narrator (from a lineup that includes Susan Lucci, Neil Patrick Harris and Blair Underwood) takes to the America Gardens Theatre stage and shares the story of Christ’s birth. Show times are at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. (Walt Disney World News; Matt Stroshane, photographer)

And here is one of our favorite videotographers, Jeff Lange with highlights from opening night of the Epcot Candlelight Processional with narrator Mira Sorvino. Check out his You Tube site, but also his great website MouseSteps.Com.

"Cara Goldsbury's Glass Slipper Digest" is the 500th Blog on The Disney Bloggers Collection

2011-12-18T07:46:00.000-05:00

This week the Disney Bloggers Collection has reached a very special milestone… 500 bloggers on this directory of Disney-related blogs and feeds. Honestly, I would have never thought that we would locate and post this many fan sites; and I just have a feeling there are a lot more to be found.

Many of you might know Cara Goldsbury through her book, The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World Resort and from a series of article reprints we had previously run in A World View. Recently I happen to be updating the Bloggers Collection and needed one more to make 500, when an e-mail arrives at the same time from Cara announcing her brand new blog, Glass Slipper Digest.

How does The Disney Bloggers Collection work? The site is formatted to include the most recent story at the top of the page, and as a new post appears on a blog listed on the site, it would move to the top and the remaining sites would move down a notch. This process continues post after post.

BruceWDW of A World View

It started back in May 2010, when I began to compiling a list of Disney-related blogs and feeds to use as research for my then new blog, A World View. As a planning resource, one of the main features of stories I posted were the links to other blogs and websites having useful Disney planning information.

It wasn't long before I had several dozen sources of Disney information on my resource list so I thought it might be a good idea to publish my list for others to use as well, and keep adding to it as I found more. Well I reached the first 100 websites, than 200, and 300, and the hits just kept on coming. Then this week, we reached 500 Disney-related blogs and feeds found on the Internet.

When we first started the website, our tagline was "New Every Hour" since there would be about 24 new stories a day. It wasn't long, after the about 300 or so sites were listed, that the tagline changed to "New Every Half Hour" since at least 48 new stories were posted each day among all the blogs in the listing. We haven't changed the tagline recently although we should. Today it's not unusual to have 60, 75 or even 100+ new articles posted any single day; I'm sure I'll be changing the tagline soon to "New Every 15 Minutes".

Most of our newest listings are coming from readers, so it you find a Disney-related blog (or have one of your own) please let me know. I can be reached at brucewdw@gmail.com. And thank you Cara for number 500!

Want to share the Collection with your readers, why not Post Our Button on your website.

The Attractions I Would Like to See Disney Parks Update Next

2011-12-16T06:40:00.002-05:00

Welcome to those of you joining me from MY DREAMS OF DISNEY and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the Final stop on our Magical Blogorail. [And how about that neat new branding logo!]

Today you have been reading about ideas for updating attractions at Disney Parks. But right now is actually a pretty good time to visit Walt Disney World if you haven’t been there for a while; with the next several years even better. Several updates and improvements have been and are being now made.

The biggest coming expansion in the parks is Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom in 2012, starting with Storybook Circus having two Dumbos, a Great Goofini roller coaster and a new Train Station. Later in the year the new Journey of the Little Mermaid (Under the Sea), a Beauty and the Beast Village and more. Then in 2013 we’ll see a new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster and the remainder of Storybook Circus featuring Pete’s Silly Sideshow.

One of the most exciting enhancements that took place in 2011 is the new Interactive Queue at The Haunted Mansion, also in the Magic Kingdom. The guest interaction is excellent and entertains our senses of sight, touch and sound. And of course the multiple scene selection of Star Tours in Disney’s Hollywood Studios truly added to the innovation technology Disney is known for.

There have been many upgrades to resorts in the last few years, mostly themed rooms aligned with Disney movie properties; and these enhancements continue to grow. Personally, I am really looking forward to the Pop Century neighbor, The Art of Animation Resort, planned for opening in May 2012. What is truly special are the family suites (all 1,120 of them) designed after Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid. This will be in addition to the standard Value rooms.

But what I would like to see updated next. Actually, there are several recommendations I would make to Disney Imagineers and management if I had the opportunity.

Let’s start with the Muppets. BUILD MUPPET LAND! It is just amazing to me that “Avatar” was the choice for a new “land” at Walt Disney World. Yes, Disney is jealous of Universal and their success in attracting young boys to Harry Potter. But they will always get that population for a day or two, since the rides cross-town are more aggressive than at WDW. On the other hand, the Muppets have been around forever, and they have a multi-generational audience. The success of the new Muppet movie (and past Muppet productions), You Tube videos and ongoing educational programming on children's TV are proof that Muppet Land would be a great success.

The Coaster Views Channel on You Tube

One ride that can use a significant update at DHS is The Great Movie Ride. It’s at least two generations out of date. I understand the story is based on 1930’s Hollywood, but the new millennium has arrived and 20 years of recent movies have come and gone. This stop does not represent something for today’s audiences to enjoy.

I love Soarin’, and will rush over for a fast pass immediately upon arrival at Epcot (plus try to get a second ride without waiting too long). But the flight over California needs to be changed for an East Coast location. And even if it wasn’t a new venue isn’t it time for a new California film? It’s a movie, likely one of the least expansive upgrades that could be done for an attraction.

Also at Epcot, I think it’s time to do something with Ellen’s Energy Adventure. I like Ellen DeGeneres, and think any new production should bring her and the Science Guy back for a sequel.

And although Animal Kingdom is the newest park, they are getting a new set of attractions with Avatar Land. But there is one improvement that is absolutely necessary.

FIX THE YETI.

That’s enough for today. We can all find things we would love to add, change, enhance or delete (like Stich’s Great Escape in the MK, and Sounds Dangerous in DHS); but for me, I will still try to go every year, changes or not.

Thank you for joining Magical Blogorail Red this month. We will be back January 20th with an all new theme. Keep checking in with our blogs in between loops to keep up to date with our Disney info, photos and stories. If you are looking for more Disney magic, you can make your way over to The Magical Blogorail website to see all our members and their blogs, as well as all our previous loops.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1^st Stop ~ Growing Up Disney

2^nd Stop ~ Heidi's Head

3^rd Stop ~ My Dreams of Disney

Final Stop ~ A World View

Jeepers, Leapers! Fantasy on Land and at Sea adds to the Fun for Disney Guests in Leap Year 2012

2011-12-09T17:59:00.000-05:00

[WALT DISNEY WORLD NEWS] – What leap year brings with it in 2012, besides an extra day, is nonstop fun for Disney guests. At Walt Disney World Resort, they can spin with Dumbo as a new Fantasyland begins stirring to life, luxuriate in new royal guest rooms or family suites, chase down villains in a new interactive game in Magic Kingdom, or get behind the wheel of a Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche on a new supercar racing circuit. At sea, the all-new Disney Fantasy of Disney Cruise Line enters service with exciting new shipboard fun.

And to all of the above add the exciting mid-year debut of Cars Land at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif.

Here’s a quick leap around what’s in store in 2012:

The Exotics Course featuring “supercars” (January 2012) — Beginning around mid-January, Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Resort will feature a brand-new adrenaline rush, the “Exotic Driving Experience.” The Exotics Course at Walt Disney World Speedway, a new one-mile circuit custom-built for the attraction, will be home to a riding experience for guests in “supercars” by Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, and Porsche. Thrill-seekers can get behind the wheel of these epic vehicles or navigate the circuit with a professional driver. Reservations for 2012 can be made at www.exoticdriving.com.

Sorcerers invade the Magic Kingdom (early 2012) – In an all-new interactive experience, “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom,” Merlin the magician will recruit guests as apprentice sorcerers to undertake missions to subdue villains and ne’er do wells. Armed with magic spells in the form of special cards, guests must search for the magic symbols that lead them to animated villains’ hiding places. By casting different magical spell cards, players can do battle with Yzma, Kronk and other “baddies” hiding throughout the land. From fireballs to frantic frogs and cyclones, there are spells to bring down each and every villain, with a simple flick of the wrist. This immersive role-playing adventure is included with park admission.

New Fantasyland (early 2012) – The largest expansion project in Magic Kingdom history will open in phases beginning February 2012 at Walt Disney World Resort, featuring attractions and experiences in an area that will nearly double the size of Fantasyland. Among the novelties, guests will be able to fly high with The Great Goofini or with Dumbo the Flying Elephant, “immerse” themselves in Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid and “be our guest” at the Beast’s Castle. Out of the gate in early 2012 will be The Barnstormer coaster, Fantasyland Station and – for the first time anywhere turning counter-clockwise – the first half of the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction. Completion of The New Fantasyland is scheduled for 2014 with most new experiences open by 2013.

Royal Guest Rooms (mid-February 2012) – Imagine waking up in a place where Disney Princes and Princesses have stayed. Beginning mid-February 2012, Walt Disney World guests staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will discover special treasures left behind by the stars of favorite animated films such as “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Princess and the Frog.” In quarters befitting the young Princes and Princesses of the family (their parents, too!), guests can unwind amid remarkable décor. They’ll be able to watch “fireworks” swirl as they recline in ornate beds, curl up in custom linens and more. It is majesty and fun, rolled into one. Each of the 512 Royal Guest Rooms sleeps up to four guests in two queen beds.

Launch of Disney Fantasy (March 2012) – The Muppets leading guests in an interactive detective adventure game around the ship. Guests’ own drawings springing to life and dancing with animated Disney characters. Two new Broadway-caliber, spectacular musical stage shows. A Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for magical princess and pirate makeovers. A fanciful water play area called AquaLab. Disney Fantasy, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, will bring to life these innovations and more, offering a cruise experience from stem to stern that caters to every member of the family. The 4,000-passenger Disney Fantasy will sail week-long Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla., with its maiden voyage scheduled for March 31, 2012. For a “boatload” of information about the new ship, go to www.disneycruise.com, click on the Ships & Activities tab and choose Disney Fantasy.

Disney Cruise Line Visits New Ports, Offers New Itineraries (beginning May 2012) – For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line will set sail from three new ports in 2012 – New York, Seattle and Galveston, Texas – with several new itineraries planned. Beginning in May, the Disney Magic will sail 20 cruises from New York – including eight-night cruises to the Bahamas, five-night cruises up the New England coast to Canada and two-night weekend cruises. Also beginning in May, the Disney Wonder will sail 14 seven-night cruises from the Port of Seattle to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Beginning in September, the Disney Magic will sail 12 seven-night cruises from the Port of Galveston to the Western Caribbean. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit www.disneycruise.com call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (May 2012) – A new resort hotel inspired by Disney animation will feature 1,120 family suites themed after “The Lion King,” “Cars” and “Finding Nemo,” and 864 themed rooms in “The Little Mermaid” wings. Animated scenes will carry throughout building exteriors and room interiors and feature larger-than-life icons from the animated films in courtyard areas. Nemo will be the first wing to open, in May 2012, at the resort hotel — Disney World’s 25^th. The “Cars” wing is scheduled to open in late July and “The Lion King” wing in late September. The final wing, themed after “The Little Mermaid,” will debut in late 2012. Crowned by a 35-foot-tall model of King Triton, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will be located next to Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

Upscale entertainment center (late 2012) – Splitsville, a 50,000-square-foot facility that combines bowling with billiards, dining, music and nightlife, is in development for Downtown Disney West Side.

Hit the Road with Mater and Lightning McQueen (summer 2012) — Some of the biggest thrills in the Disney California Adventure expansion are just down the road. Crowning the multi-year expansion project in 2012 will be the opening of Cars Land, inspired by the Disney•Pixar blockbuster “Cars.” Cars Land will feature three immersive family attractions showcasing characters and settings from the movie, including one of the largest and most elaborate attractions ever created for a Disney park: Radiator Springs Racers, a twisting turning, high-speed adventure through the town and desert valleys of Radiator Springs. Other Cars Land attractions will include Luigi’s Flying Tires (striking a chord with anyone who remembers the Flying Saucers in Tomorrowland) and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, a spinning attraction with a musical, hoedown theme. Guests also will enjoy “Cars”-themed dining and shopping locations.

Monday Magic: This is my favorite time to visit Walt Disney World

2011-12-05T06:00:00.004-05:00

Mary Ann and I have visited Walt Disney World in every season, but there is no better time than during the Christmas celebration in the parks and the resorts at the happiest place on earth. Unfortunately, we are unable to come down this December, so we rely on the generosity of others who do, and who post great You Tube videos of their experiences.

This is Monday Magic, and today we'll bring you some of these recordings as it is almost (almost!) like being there.

Jeff Lange of the JeffLaneDVD You Tube Channel, and who also has a web site where he sells his wonderful recordings (http://jefflangedvd.com/), has provided all of us some of the best videos around. Here are some of what I'm missing this year which I'm sure you will enjoy as well. [He has even co-produced a photo book about Christmas at Disney.]

First, one of my favorite activities during a Christmas visit are the Epcot Storytellers. Here are three of them:

PERE NOEL from France

NOEL from Canada

SIGRIG & JULENISSEN from Norway

And Christmas at Disney is never complete without seeing the Candlelight Processional in the American Gardens Theater. Here is a compilation of the first performance in 2011 with Mira Sorvino as narrator.

Moving over to Disney Hollywood Studios, the most amazing of displays of course is the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. It is just amazing to me that nearly the totality of this street-long lighting extravaganza was actually part of a families actually Christmas displays. [We probably have their neighbors to thank for bringing it all to Orlando.] Here are a couple of minutes of what is a much longer walking, viewing and listening tour.

A visit to Walt Disney World during the Christmas holidays is probably one of those times of the year that having a car provides the greatest flexibility; but if you don't have personal transportation it is worth the effort to find your way over to several resorts; in particular the Grand Floridian and the Beach Club but also the Boardwalk and Fort Wilderness. Here is a preview of two of these:

Disney's Beach Club and the Gingerbread Carousel

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House

We so wish we can be there. Early December is one of the best times of the year to visit. The weather is moderate, the crowds are sparse and the prices are value. Anyway, please enjoy the videos; and thank you Jeff Lange.

Shop Amazon's Holiday Toy List

Win a Kindle Touch or $50 Gift Card to Amazon from Winter Wonderland Giveaway Event

2011-12-02T20:44:00.002-05:00



Welcome to the Winter Wonderland Giveaway Event. Disney Contests & Sweepstakes (an affiliate of A World View) has partnered up with lots of different and wonderful bloggers to bring you some fabulous prizes, just in time for the Holiday Season!

Giveaway starts December 2nd at 12:01 AM EST to December 15th at 12:01 AM EST. Giveaway winners will be announced through Rafflecopter widget and notified by email by end of the day on December 17th, 2011. Winners must reply to email notification within 48 hours of delivery, or a new winner will be chosen. 

Participating Blogs that made these giveaways possible:

Pink Dandy Chatter
Outnumbered Mama
PS Mom Reviews 
Pawsitive Living
Spilled Milkshake
Thrifty Divas
Indiana Coupon Savings
Social Studies Momma 
The Frugal Mom 
Debs Dealz 
Mamalou's Gems 
Magical Mouse Schoolhouse 
Disney Contests and Sweepstakes
$uper $avin' Momma 
Personalized Sketches and Sentiments
Half-Pint House Handouts
Horseshoes 
Chitown Cheapskate 
Get Outta My Head Please 
Capturing Magical Memories 
Finger Click Saver
Tenuous Thoughts of Candy
Reading Teen
Sober Julie Doing Life 
One Busy Moma
All In One Mom
Luv Saving Money
Jenny At Dapperhouse
My Secret Home
Black, Divorced and Virtuous
A Gal Needs...
Mommy2Nanny3Doggy1 
Sweeping The USA 
Between The Lines
Mommies and Beyond 
Crunchy Beach Mama
Savin' It Up 
Mayra's Secret Bookcase
The Working Writer's Club
Counting My Kisses 
Lily's Laundry 
Thrifty Mommas Tips 
Yummy Boy Mummy 
Celebrate Women Today
As Mom Sees It

GIVEAWAY PRIZES:
*Winner will receive one Wi-Fi, 6" E Ink Display Kindle Touch
*This giveaway is open to the US Only
*There will be 1 winner chosen to win this giveaway
***
* Winner will receive one $50 gift card to use at Amazon.com
* This giveaway is open to the US Only
* There will be 1 winner chosen to win this giveaway


May Need to Click
"READ MORE" BELOW 
TO SEE ENTRY FORM

GIVEAWAY ENDS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15TH AT 12:01 AM EST
GOOD LUCK!!!

Christmas by the Numbers at Walt Disney World Resort

2011-11-22T19:08:00.000-05:00

Holiday revelers delight in this cheery, family-friendly event featuring “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” an exclusive fireworks extravaganza – “Holiday Wishes,” and a holiday edition of “The Magic, The Memories and You!” that features lighting effects transforming Cinderella Castle into a gift wrapped in paper and bows and a giant gingerbread house.

[WALT DISNEY WORLD NEWS] – Miles of garland, ribbon, twinkling lights and glitter transform Walt Disney World Resort into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Here’s a sample of what guests will experience throughout the Vacation Kingdom:

1,300 decorated trees throughout property
A wreath 25 feet in diameter adorning the Cirque du Soleil building at Downtown Disney West Side
10 miles of twinkling rope lights in the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
150 tractor-trailer truckloads of decorations for 24 resorts, 4 theme parks, Downtown Disney and other locations
15 miles of garland strung and 1,314 wreaths hung throughout the Vacation Kingdom
300,000 yards of ribbon and bows draping over Christmas trees across property
8.5 million lights strung throughout Walt Disney World Resort
100 percent of the lighting used for holiday décor is LED
11 countries dressed for Holidays Around the World at Epcot World Showcase
More than 800 performers each night during Candlelight Processional at Epcot
More than 200 guest choirs during the entire run of Candlelight Processional
A Christmas tree in Magic Kingdom with a base 25 feet wide
One 70-foot-tall tree takes center stage in Disney’s Contemporary Resort entrance lobby featuring nearly 35,800 white LED lights
6 life-sized creations cooked up by Walt Disney World pastry chefs, including:
One 16-foot-tall gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa baked with 1,050 pounds of honey and involving more than 160 hours of decorating
One life-size gingerbread carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort featuring ponies made of chocolate and fondant, giant candy cane poles, handcrafted poinsettias and hand-painted portraits of famous Disney characters
100 percent chance of snow flurries during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, taking place on select holiday evenings in Magic Kingdom
365 days of the year that guests can shop for holiday merchandise at the Disney’s Days of Christmas shop in Downtown Disney Marketplace