In a pairing of director Tim Burton and actor Johnny Depp, Disney has apparently struck gold with a live-action recreation of Alice in Wonderland. In just three days, the movie has raked in an amazing $116.1 million dollars.

That astronomical figure places it at number one for a release of a movie outside of the traditional blockbuster months of May, July or November.  Even more amazing, it puts it at number six for the highest openings overall.

Not content to stop there for breaking records, the movie also toppled numbers in the 3D market.  About 70% of the weekend income for the movie came from 3D patrons thoroughly beating out Avatar’s $55 million opening which had been the record-holder.

IMAX numbers were just as impressive with an estimated $11.9 million brought in from the giant screens once again beating out the previous record-holder Avatar.

Aside from Depp, the movie also features the talents of Mia Wasikowska, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway and Alan Rickman just to name a few.  The movie is a modern recreation of Lewis Carroll’s mid-1800 story of a young girl who falls into a fantasy world.

The Disney Company had a hit once before with this movie when it released the animated version in 1951.

Another fun attraction located in Fantasyland of the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World is The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.  This ride loads kids and adults alike in a honey pot for a trip through the world of Pooh.

Plans for a Winnie the Pooh ride started surfacing almost immediately after the Disney movie starring the character was released in the late 1970’s.  However, for one reason or another, it would be two decades before the cuddly bear would have his own attraction in any of the Disney Parks.

Leading the way was Walt Disney World, who opened their Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh during the summer of 1999. It was actually an addition of some controversy owing to the fact that Disney closed down a classic attraction named Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and replaced it with Pooh.

Nonetheless, the new Pooh proved popular, especially with kids and versions of it were rolled out into the other Disney Parks around the world.

Fun-loving guests “hop aboard” a moving honey pot which transports the travelers into the fictional world of Pooh beginning with the hundred acre wood, of course, on a rather blustery day.  From there the rides moves on and we spot Tigger who is deep in a story about Heffalumps and Woozles.

Weary from the day, Pooh takes a nap and starts to dream, treating riders to a very strange experience including several versions of heffalumps.  Closing out the ride, the entire cast is seen partying after the end of the rain and Pooh, of course, is eating some honey!

Truly a fun ride for everyone.

Did you like this video and article?  Then take a few minutes to see more Disney video tours!

Thanks to CMaxxStudios for the video above.

The September 2010 Operating Park Hours for the four theme parks of Walt Disney World have been released. Those four theme parks include the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and the Animal Kingdom.

The two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, are scheduled to operate daily from 10AM-5PM. with the exception of September 1-4 when they will operate 10AM-6PM.

Extra Magic Hours (hours when certain parks will open early or stay open late for Disney Resort Guests only) are noted with EMH.

September 2010 WDW Park Hours Schedule

For a park by park daily breakdown of hours, see the information provided below.

Magic Kingdom Park Hours

• Wednesday, September 1, 2010 – 9AM-9PM
• Thursday, September 2, 2010 – 9AM-10PM (8-AM-9AM EMH)
• Friday, September 3, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Saturday, September 4, 2010 – 9AM-10PM
• Sunday, September 5, 2010 – 9AM-10PM (10PM-1AM EMH)
• Monday, September 6, 2010 – 9AM-10PM
• Tuesday, September 7, 2010 – 9AM-9PM
• Wednesday, September 8, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Thursday, September 9, 2010 – 9AM-9PM (8AM-9AM EMH)
• Friday, September 10, 2010 – 9AM-6PM
• Saturday, September 11, 2010 – 9AM-6PM
• Sunday, September 12, 2010 – 9AM-9PM (9PM-12AM EMH)
• Monday, September 13, 2010 – 9AM-9PM
• Tuesday, September 14, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Wednesday, September 15, 2010 – 9AM-8PM
• Thursday, September 16, 2010 – 9AM-9PM (8AM-9AM EMH)
• Friday, September 17, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Saturday, September 18, 2010 – 9AM-11PM
• Sunday, September 19, 2010 – 9AM-9PM (9PM-12AM EMH)
• Monday, September 20, 2010 – 9AM-9PM
• Tuesday, September 21, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Wednesday, September 22, 2010 – 9AM-8PM
• Thursday, September 23, 2010 – 9AM-9PM (8AM-9AM EMH)
• Friday, September 24, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Saturday, September 25, 2010 – 9AM-11PM
• Sunday, September 26, 2010 – 9AM-8PM (8PM-11PM EMH)
• Monday, September 27, 2010 – 9AM-9PM
• Tuesday, September 28, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Wednesday, September 29, 2010 – 9A,-9PM
• Thursday, September 30, 2010 – 9AM-7PM (8AM-9AM EMH)

Epcot Park Hours

• Wednesday, September 1, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World (8AM-9AM EMH)
• Thursday, September 2, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World
• Friday, September 3, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World (9PM-12AM EMH)
• Saturday, September 4, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World
• Sunday, September 5, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World
• Monday, September 6, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World
• Tuesday, September 7, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World (8AM-9AM EMH)
• Wednesday, September 8, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World
• Thursday, September 9, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World
• Friday, September 10, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World (9PM-12AM EMH)
• Saturday, September 11, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World
• Sunday, September 12, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World
• Monday, September 13, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World
• Tuesday, September 14, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World (8AM-9AM EMH)
• Wednesday, September 15, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World
• Thursday, September 16, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World
• Friday, September 17, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World (9PM-12AM EMH)
• Saturday, September 18, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World
• Sunday, September 19, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World
• Monday, September 20, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World
• Tuesday, September 21, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World (8AM-9AM EMH)
• Wednesday, September 22, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World
• Thursday, September 23, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World
• Friday, September 24, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World (9PM-12AM EMH)
• Saturday September 25, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World
• Sunday, September 26, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World
• Monday, September 27, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World
• Tuesday, September 28, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World (8AM-9AM EMH)
• Wednesday, September 29, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World (9PM-12AM EMH)
• Thursday, September 30, 2010 – 11AM-9PM World Showcase, 9AM-7PM Future World

Hollywood Studios Park Hours

• Wednesday, September 1, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Thursday, September 2, 2010 – 9AM-8:30PM
• Friday, September 3, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Saturday, September 4, 2010 – 9AM-7PM (8AM-9AM EMH)
• Sunday, September 5, 2010 – 9AM-8:30PM
• Monday, September 6, 2010 – 9AM-7PM (7PM-10PM EMH)
• Tuesday, September 7, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Wednesday, September 8, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Thursday, September 9, 2010 – 9AM-8:30PM
• Friday, September 10, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Saturday, September 11, 2010 – 9AM-7PM (8AM-9AM EMH)
• Sunday, September 12, 2010 – 9AM-8PM
• Monday, September 13, 2010 – 9AM-7PM (7PM-10PM EMH)
• Tuesday, September 14, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Wednesday, September 15, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Thursday, September 16, 2010 – 9AM-8PM
• Friday, September 17, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Saturday, September 18, 2010 – 9AM-7PM (8AM-9AM EMH)
• Sunday, September 19, 2010 – 9AM-8PM
• Monday, September 20, 2010 – 9AM-7PM (7PM-10PM EMH)
• Tuesday, September 21, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Wednesday, September 22, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Thursday, September 23, 2010 – 9AM-8PM
• Friday, September 24, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Saturday, September 25, 2010 – 9AM-7PM (8AM-9AM EMH)
• Sunday, September 26, 2010 – 9AM-8PM
• Monday, September 27, 2010 – 9AM-7PM (7PM-10PM EMH)
• Tuesday, September 28, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Wednesday, September 29, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Thursday, September 30, 2010 – 9AM-8PM

Animal Kingdom Park Hours

• Wednesday, September 1, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Thursday, September 2, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Friday, September 3, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Saturday, September 4, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Sunday, September 5, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Monday, September 6, 2010 – 9AM-5PM (8AM-9AM EMH)
• Tuesday, September 7, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Wednesday, September 8, 2010 – 9AM-5PM (5PM-8PM EMH)
• Thursday, September 9, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Friday, September 10, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Saturday, September 11, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Sunday, September 12, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Monday, September 13, 2010 – 9AM-5PM (8AM-9AM EMH)
• Tuesday, September 14, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Wednesday, September 15, 2010 – 9AM-5PM (5PM-8PM EMH)
• Thursday, September 16, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Friday, September 17, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Saturday, September 18, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Sunday, September 19, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Monday, September 20, 2010 – 9AM-5PM (8AM-9AM EMH)
• Tuesday, September 21, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Wednesday, September 22, 2010 – 9AM-5PM (5PM-8PM EMH)
• Thursday, September 23, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Friday, September 24, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Saturday, September 25, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Sunday, September 26, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Monday, September 27, 2010 – 9AM-5PM (8AM-9AM EMH)
• Tuesday, September 28, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Wednesday, September 29, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
• Thursday, September 30, 2010 – 9AM-5PM

****We make every effort to insure the accuracy of these hours when first published. Please keep in mind, however, that Disney often changes its hours to adjust for expected crowd levels and special occasions. Please contact Disney World if you want to verify hours before your visit.

Calling all brave individuals! You have been recruited to assist in the prisoner transportation of a terrible monster….well, a nuisance at least!

Stitch’s Great Escape, located in Tomorrowland of the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, is an updated and more family friendly version of the ride which occupied the location before Stitch called ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter.

The new attraction uses basically the same setup as the previous one had.  First, guests are loaded into a pre-show area where they are informed by the audio-animatronic “prisoner teleportation officer” that they are going to have to assist in the transportation of a LEVEL 3 (highly dangerous) criminal.

From there, guests move into the “high security area” which is a circular theater where all the chairs face the center where a tube is located.  After sitting down, restraints are lowered over the guests and then the prisoner is transported into the tube.

It does not take long for the prisoner to escape, causing massive destruction (including the loss of lights in the theater).   The next few minutes are spent mostly in the dark with the sounds of the prisoner and even the “smell” of him invading the guest’s senses.

Most will recognize the voice of the monster as that of Stitch, the lovable alien who starred in the 2002 Disney animated feature Lilo & Stitch.  His comedic demeanor does much to lighten the otherwise desperate situation.

Many younger kids will still find this attraction scary, so keep that in mind when allowing them to enter.

Did you like this video and article?  Then take a few minutes to see more Disney video tours!

Thanks to mirandasusername for providing the video shown above.

Tucked away in the very back of Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom of Walt Disney World is a meet and greet area for one of Disney’s best loved princesses.  Called Ariel’s Grotto, the alcove is located between the Pinocchio Village Haus restaurant and Pooh’s Playful Spot.

Ariel, of course, was made famous in the 1989 Disney animated blockbuster “The Little Mermaid.” She was portrayed as the rebellious daughter of King Triton, ruler of the seas. Her biggest desire was to shed her flipper and grow two legs to join man on land (and fall in love).

As it would be impossible for Ariel to walk around with her flipper, her grotto is one of the few places where youngsters can get their picture with her in full costume.  She remains stationary on the rock while kids come up to her for her autograph and some snapshots.

Ariel is able to move her flipper, and of course interacts with the children.  Asking them questions and a several well-placed smiles puts the kids at ease before the photographer does their job.

The grotto is decorated with many ‘under the sea’ artifacts including coral, sea-shells, starfish, etc.  It also serves as a play area for kids.

Did you like this video and article?  Then take a few minutes to see more Disney video tours!

Thanks to SpenceJT who provided the video above of a young girl meeting Ariel.

Anticipation and excitement filled anxiously awaiting Michael Jackson fans as hundreds lined up to be among the first to once again experience the classic 3-D attraction Captain EO.

Francis Ford Coppola directed the feature which first appeared in 1986 at the height of Michael Jackson’ popularity.  It placed Jackson as the captain of a crew who could best be described as riffraff.  Through their ineptness, the team tries to deliver a gift to the Evil Queen (played by Anjelica Huston) only to find they are captured and sentenced to die.

In true Jackson fashion, his gift to the Queen is musical in nature, but things do not go as planned.  Once again, the crew seems more of a burden than a help, but then the music starts to play and Jackson is “empowered” with music giving him the ability to fend off the guards.

The attraction was featured in Disneyland and other Disney parks until about 1994, when its popularity sagged.

However, shortly after the unexpected death of Jackson last year, fans almost immediately started calling for its return.  In December of 2009, plans were unveiled for its February 2010 return to Disneyland.

It opened on February 23 in the Tomorrowland Theater where it replaced the Honey, I Shrunk The Audience attraction.

Thanks to M1ssCHALlNA for the first part of the attraction shown in the video above.

Boarding ride vehicles designed like the beds of the seven dwarfs, guests are transported to a make believe world in Snow White’s Scary Adventures located in Fantasyland of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Just a word of warning in advance, despite changes in recent years, the ride can still be a bit on the scary side for some youngsters.

Based on the first animated feature ever created by Walt Disney, it is not surprising to find that a version of this ride was present when Disneyland had its grand opening in 1955.  In the original, Imagineers confused guests by creating a Snow White ride without the heroine.  Guests never once seen her image, but instead were supposed to “take the place” of Snow White, something guests did not comprehend.

Today, Snow White does appear in the ride, much to the delight of kids and adults.  She is featured almost immediately on the steps of the Queen’s castle shortly after guests board the ride vehicles in the painted mural queue area.

From there, guests are taken through a dark ride incorporating several scenes from the movie including a forest scene with the hunter warning Snow White to “Run away, and never come back!”  A musical scene with audio-animatronic dwarfs is featured as well adding a bit of comedy to the more sinister ride.

Make sure to watch for Dopey on the bridge waving to you near the end of the ride!

As stated before, some young children can be frightened by the ride with an estimated six appearances of the evil queen included.  Forewarning the kids can help, but base your decision to ride on your child.  It would not make for a pleasant Fantasyland visit if your child is reduced to tears.  (Save that for when you say they can’t have another Mickey Ears bar!)

Did you like this video and article?  Then take a few minutes to see more Disney video tours!

Thanks to bsslegel for the video shown above.

The Mad Tea Party, located in Fantasyland of the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, is one of those rides that you either love with a passion, or avoid like the plague.

Based on the UnBirthday Party from Walt Disney’s animated feature Alice in Wonderland, the ride attracts many people, especially teenagers, so plan on a wait.  It involves small tea cups that riders sit in which spin around. Those prone to motion sickness will obviously want to skip the ride for that very reason.

For those that do want to experience the fun, pick a cup and have a seat.  Each cup sits at most 4 people so plan your larger families accordingly.  Once down, the 1.5 minute ride will begin.

The entire ride itself consists of three giant turntables that rotate clockwise as the entire platform rotates counter-clockwise.  Add to that the spin you can put on the tea cup itself (counterclockwise) and you can see how those susceptible to motion sickness will have issues.

Magic Kingdom historians will be interested to know that the Mad Tea Party was an original attraction when the park opened in 1971.  Slightly different than the original Disneyland version, the one in the Magic Kingdom has a canopy to protect from the rain and the sun, as well as a tea pot in the center featuring an animated mouse!

Did you like this video and article?  Then take a few minutes to see more Disney video tours!

Thanks to BlueBear21 for providing the video of the ride shown above.  Of interest, Alice in Wonderland characters sometimes join in the ride like they did during this taping.

Truly one of the best kiddie rides in the Magic Kingdom of Walt Disney World is Dumbo The Flying Elephant. Based on an original Disneyland attraction, the Disney World version opened with the park in 1971.

Anyone who has seen the Walt Disney movie Dumbo from 1941 knows the story of how a small elephant (with big ears) ends up being able to fly.  Through the help of his friend, Timothy Mouse, and a magic feather, the child pachyderm overcomes his fear and takes flight.

With this thought in mind, a child ride was envisioned that would allow guests of all ages to enjoy a short trip aboard Dumbo.

The ride is most popular with the pre-k through 2nd grade kids, but there are many adults who will not visit the park without taking a ride themselves.  The line tends to be long, so head for it first thing in the morning, or during a parade.

Up to two guests may board each Dumbo, which take off for a two-minute ride counterclockwise around the hub.  A control is located in front of you which enables to to raise or lower the height of your ride vehicle as it moves.  Once the ride is over, you are automatically lowered back down to the ground for your exit.

This is a must-see for anyone with young kids, and a bit of fun for you older visitors as well.

Did you like this video and article?  Then take a few minutes to see more Disney video tours!

Thanks to jasman24 for the above video.

The complete March 2010 Park Hours for Disneyland and California Adventure have recently been released and we have that information for you below in a convenient calendar format. If you would like the operating schedule for an individual park instead, that is provied further below. Morning Magic Hours on noted with "MMH."

Special event times can be found on Disneyland’s website or on the park maps available when you enter the park.

Disneyland / California Adventure March 2010 Park Hours Schedule

Disneyland

• Monday, March 1, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Tuesday, March 2, 2010 – 10AM-8PM (9AM-10AM MMH)
• Wednesday, March 3, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Thursday, March 4, 2010 – 10AM-8PM (9AM-10AM MMH)
• Friday, March 5, 2010 – 8AM-12AM
• Saturday, March 6, 2010 – 8AM-12AM (7AM-8AM MMH)
• Sunday, March 7, 2010 – 8AM-12AM (7AM-8AM MMH)
• Monday, March 8, 2010 – 9AM-8PM
• Tuesday, March 9, 2010 -9AM-8PM (8AM-9AM MMH)
• Wednesday, March 10, 2010 – 9AM-8PM
• Thursday, March 11, 2010 – 9AM-8PM (8AM-9AM MMH)
• Friday, March 12, 2010 – 8AM-12AM
• Saturday, March 13, 2010 – 8AM-12AM (7AM-8AM MMH)
• Sunday, March 14, 2010 – 8AM-12AM (7AM-8AM MMH)
• Monday, March 15, 2010 – 8AM-12AM
• Tuesday, March 16, 2010 – 8AM-11PM (7AM-8AM MMH)
• Wednesday, March 17, 2010 – 8AM-12AM
• Thursday, March 18, 2010 – 8AM-12AM (7AM-8AM MMH)
• Friday, March 19, 2010 – 8AM-12AM
• Saturday, March 20, 2010 – 8AM-12AM (7AM-8AM MMH)
• Sunday, March 21, 2010 – 8AM-12AM (7AM-8AM MMH)
• Monday, March 22, 2010 – 8AM-12AM
• Tuesday, March 23, 2010 – 8AM-12AM (7AM-8AM MMH)
• Wednesday, March 24, 2010 – 8AM-12AM
• Thursday, March 25, 2010 – 8AM-12AM (7AM-8AM MMH)
• Friday, March 26, 2010 – 8AM-12AM
• Saturday, March 27, 2010 – 8AM-12AM (7AM-8AM MMH)
• Sunday, March 28, 2010 – 8AM-12AM (7AM-8AM MMH)
• Monday, March 29, 2010 – 8AM-12AM
• Tuesday, March 30, 2010 – 8AM-12AM (7AM-8AM MMH)
• Wednesday, March 31, 2010 – 8AM-12AM

California Adventure

• Monday, March 1, 2010 – 10AM-6PM
• Tuesday, March 2, 2010 – 10AM-6PM
• Wednesday, March 3, 2010 – 10AM-6PM
• Thursday, March 4, 2010 – 10AM-6PM
• Friday, March 5, 2010 – 10AM-9PM
• Saturday, March 6, 2010 – 10AM-9PM
• Sunday, March 7, 2010 – 10AM-10PM
• Monday, March 8, 2010 – 9AM-6PM
• Tuesday, March 9, 2010 – 10AM-6PM
• Wednesday, March 10, 2010 – 10AM-6PM
• Thursday, March 11, 2010 – 10AM-6PM
• Friday, March 12, 2010 – 9AM-9PM
• Saturday, March 13, 2010 – 9AM-9PM
• Sunday, March 14, 2010 – 9AM-10PM
• Monday, March 15, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Tuesday, March 16, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Wednesday, March 17, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Thursday, March 18, 2010 – 9AM-7PM
• Friday, March 19, 2010 – 9AM-10PM
• Saturday, March 20, 2010 – 9AM-10PM
• Sunday, March 21, 2010 – 9AM-10PM
• Monday, March 22, 2010 – 9AM-8PM
• Tuesday, March 23, 2010 – 9AM-8PM
• Wednesday, March 24, 2010 – 9AM-8PM
• Thursday, March 25, 2010 – 9AM-8PM
• Friday, March 26, 2010 – 9AM-9PM
• Saturday, March 27, 2010 – 10AM-10PM
• Sunday, March 28, 2010 – 10AM-10PM
• Monday, March 29, 2010 – 10AM-10PM
• Tuesday, March 30, 2010 – 10AM-10PM
• Wednesday, March 31, 2010 – 10AM-10PM

****We make every effort to insure the accuracy of these hours when first published. Please keep in mind, however, that Disney often changes its hours to adjust for expected crowd levels and special occasions. Please contact Disneyland if you want to verify hours before your visit.