My Theme Park Fanatic!

Seven Dwarves Mine Train Update!

2014-02-12T10:07:00.003-07:00

I couldn't hold out any longer so I decided to start posting again with an all new update of the Seven Dwarves Mine Train ride at Magic Kingdom!! I've watched this attraction being constructed over the last couple of years and get more and more excited every time I visit the park! I know you guys are excited to ride this also. I think one the things I'm most excited to see will be the actual mine itself with all of the sparkling diamonds and the dwarves hard at work. I'm curious about the coaster itself since there will be a rocking motion in each mine car as you travel along the track which should make for one very unique ride! Enjoy the pics of the new attraction and other shots around the park. Let me know if you're planning on visiting the attraction after if opens and what excites you most about the new ride!

The Original Journey Into Imagination!

2013-08-25T13:40:00.001-06:00

So, I've been tossing around this idea for a while and thought it would be cool to do a throwback to some of the earlier attractions at Walt Disney World that are now long gone. Many of us grew up with these rides and most of us really do miss them! I think it's important to remember our past so that way those memories that we have can continue to be with us for generations to come. As technology changes and people's taste in various mediums adapts, so do the attractions and shows we find in any environment. I've gotta say, I miss Alien Encounter in Magic Kingdom and even Snow White and the old Spaceship Earth. There are also a great many people, including myself, that sorely miss the original Journey Into Imagination at EPCOT. I first went to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT when I was six years old and then revisited in 1999 before subsequently moving to central Florida in 2002 to live out my dreams. It only took me one visit to this magical place, Walt Disney World, that I was so hooked that I moved my entire life here! I've included an incredible video tribute to the original Journey Into Imagination by Martin Smith that I think you'll really enjoy. I personally feel there has never been an attraction so beloved and had such a following as the original Journey Into Imagination. So, take some time out of your day and come with me on a journey into your imagination!

Limited Edition Tomorrowland '67 Button Packs - Get Yours Today Before They're Gone!!

2013-07-12T18:14:00.000-06:00

A good friend of mine has created these amazing souvenir button packs that celebrate Disneyland's 1967 New Tomorrow Land! These will make for some awesome gifts for friends and family and the Disney fanatic in your life! Check out more about this exciting new offering on his site ImagineeringDisney.com. You'll want to hurry as supplies are limited and you won't want to miss out on these awesome collector's items and best of all they're only $12 with free shipping!! Check them out today!

ImagineeringDisney.com

Downtown Disney Construction Update!

2013-07-12T09:23:00.003-06:00

So I was at Downtown Disney last night and took some shots of the construction starting to get underway over on the West Side. Those construction tarps they've put up are pretty tall so thank goodness I have a good reach and long arms lol! I was wondering when the construction was going to go into full swing but it appears as for right now each area is going go to be done piece by piece as to not take away from the feel of that good ole Disney Magic. I also grabbed a shot of the front of the new Curl store that just opened and it looks pretty cool. I'll have a more lengthy update coming really soon!

New Video of Volcano Erupting at Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney!!

2013-06-09T20:08:00.000-06:00

As I was at Downtown Disney last night I got to see an awesome sight, the new volcano erupting at Rainforest Cafe! You should see how big, I mean huge the fireballs that come out of the volcano are! You can actually feel the heat from far away and the affect is awesome! Check it out now! Also, sorry for the video quality, I didn't expect to video anything while I was there. Enjoy!

Disney Announces "Monstrous Summer" All Nighter 24hr Event at Magic Kingdom, Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure!

2013-04-26T14:31:00.000-06:00

Well, to kick off the new Disney/ Pixar movie Monster's University, Disney has decided to provide guests with even more excitement next month with keeping Magic Kingdom, Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure open for a full 24hrs on May 24th!!! Check out the cool pics and video of the new announcement. I can't wait to be in the park all night and watch the sun come up! This has got to be one of my favorite things to do!

Disney Cruise Line Announces "Magic Transformation"!

2013-04-26T13:50:00.003-06:00

Just announced today, the Disney Magic is going to undergo an amazing transformation in which some great new features to the ship will be added among which consist of a newly redesigned grand atrium lobby! Click the picture for more. Check out the cool new slide that the ship is going to receive! I don't know about you but I can feel the excitement of taking the plunge right now! Just a quick question for all our readers, what have you guys heard regarding the supposed two new ships that Disney will possibly build? Does any one have any inside info on if it's really going to happen or not? Alright, enough with the words, enjoy the pictures!

New Update: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Panorama!

2013-04-04T13:18:00.000-06:00

We're back with a brand new update of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train construction site.. Make sure you click on the picture to view all of the other pictures! I went to Magic Kingdom earlier this week and got some more panoramic shots of the construction area of Seven Dwarfs during the daytime and also at night. Near the bottom of the post you'll see a picture of the top of one of the turrets at the entrance to new Fantasyland. Is it just my imagination or does anyone else see the discoloration at the bottom of the turret? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I wouldn't think you'd have discoloration like this not till long after this section has been open. Hope you guys enjoy and please let me know what you think! Also, if there are any other requests, please let me know!

In Panorama, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Construction Pics!

2013-03-08T11:15:00.001-07:00

It's time to celebrate our 100th post on My Theme Park Fanatic! with an awesome look inside the construction site of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train! Be sure to click on this main picture for more pics!! I ventured out to the park today and just got home from Magic Kingdom and have posted my findings here. I took some regular as well as some panoramic shots to show you the full landscape of the ride. I don't know about you guys but this should prove to be one amazing ride! Just a question for all you readers, what do you guys think about the pace of construction and do you think the ride experience will be a good one? Enjoy the pics!

Transformer's the Ride Coming to Universal Orlando Summer 2013!!

2012-11-02T14:26:00.004-06:00

Click on pic for more! Just a quick post to let everyone know that it's now official that Transformer's the Ride will be coming to Universal Orlando! Construction has been well underway and is moving very quickly so that the attraction can open summer of next year. Check out this cool video announcement Universal made. I don't know about you but I sure can feel the excitement and am blown away by how quickly construction is moving along! Have a great Friday everyone, and enjoy the videos!

A Look Inside Bonjour Village Gifts!

2012-11-01T11:33:00.000-06:00

Click on the picture for more! I thought it would be neat to post this.. Bonjour Village Gifts is located in the new Fantasyland section at Magic Kingdom. I'm happy to note the great details that went into this merchandise location. Situated in a small French french village on the town's square, Bonjour Gifts features everything dealing with Beauty and the Beast. This little shop is the perfect addition to the French village and sure enough to create lots of hustle and bustle with eager shoppers but hopefully will retain it's quaint, personal feel. To me it looks like this shop has been there for centuries with it's beautiful architecture and old world feel. Enjoy the pics from Mouse Planet!

Video of New Living Statues at Downtown Disney!

2012-10-26T11:45:00.002-06:00

Click on the picture for more! I've been around Disney World more times than I can remember and I'm always amazed at the neat little sideshow acts that are carefully placed throughout the parks, but I think that the living statues is great new addition to Downtown Disney. These statues look so lifelike and amazing, well, they are lifelike! I've posted this really cool video showing off the elaborate makeup and costuming that adorn these live pieces of art. You might remember seeing these statues in the France and Italy pavilions at EPCOT and now they're at Downtown Disney! Check out this clip at the bottom of the page, it's sure to make you smile and brighten your day! Enjoy!

New Test Track UPDATE!!

2012-10-25T10:13:00.002-06:00

Click the picture for more! As we get closer to the reopening of Test Track, it appears that cosmetic work on the outside of the building is really starting to pick up speed. Even though this isn't a huge major overhaul to the outside of Test Track, it is a much needed fix that the attraction needs to bring it up to speed with its change over into the digital age and it's rebranding with Chevrolet. I'm excited to get in there and experience the new soundtrack, lighting systems and technological advancements the Imagineers have installed. I know that the ride vehicle platforms will be the same ones from the previous version, but I'm wondering if the ride will be any smoother? I don't know about you, but I'm so excited with all of the changes taking place over there and in about a month and a couple of weeks, we'll be able to check it out! Enjoy the pics!

Update: Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Downtown Disney!!

2012-10-24T13:24:00.002-06:00

Click the picture for more! For months now Downtown Disney has been undergoing a transformation where the old Virgin Megastore use to be to make way for the new Splitsville Luxury bowling alley and restaurants. This is going to be an awesome addition to Downtown Disney I feel and am extremely excited to hit this place up when it opens. I mean, look at the pictures below and you'll know what I'm talking about.. So many yummy items to try out, everything from sushi to mini filet burgers! There are going to be thirty lanes to bowl on, pool tables and the coolest thing is that you'll have your own bowling concierge who will bring your shoes to your bowling lane and a waitress to take your food order too! Man, I'm so excited for this place! Enjoy the pics!

Wow - Be Our Guest Restaurant New Beverages and Music Box!!

2012-10-23T12:52:00.001-06:00

Click on the picture for more! Here's some great new offerings from Be Our Guest restaurant at Magic Kingdom. Now you'll be able to enjoy two signature drinks in the restaurant, an all-natural fruit juice punch and wild berry extract sweetened with organic cane juice topped with lemon-lime foam, or an all-natural lemonade sweetened with organic cane juice and topped with wild berry foam! You'll be able to enjoy these yummy beverages in a light up, castle themed glass!

Within the Be Our Guest restaurant you'll have to opportunity to enjoy your meal in one of three exquisite dining rooms. I've chosen to highlight one of those which you'll see in the pictures below. The formal gallery dining room features a richly detailed music box with Belle and the Beast dancing atop, swirling and lovingly looking into each others eyes. I love the idea that the Imagineers had in having this center piece play actual music box music. The colors around the room are stunning and I have to say I'm so excited to dine there myself and to take my family!

An Amazing Night Time Aerial Look at Disney's California Adventure!

2012-10-22T11:18:00.001-06:00

Click on the picture for more!! Like many of you, I've had the grand opportunity of visiting Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. I came across these really great pictures from high above California Adventure that I just have to share with everyone. I'm so excited to go back and visit now that the new Cars Land is complete! Look at all the amazing color around the park. One of my most favorite memories from this park was the night time show, "World of Color". I thought the technology and sheer color that was produced from the show was incredible. It was amazing to me how the water danced and came alive. I've seen the Fountains at Bellagio in Vegas and thought that was amazing but I feel it pails in comparison to The World of Color. I hope you enjoy these cool pics in hopes that they'll be an uplift and brighten your day!

Share your experience if you've been to Disney's California Adventure. What's your fondest memory? What's your favorite attraction?

Disney's Aulani, An In-Depth Look!!

2012-10-18T11:29:00.000-06:00

Click picture for more!! Aulani is Disney Vacation Club's first resort in Hawaii and is located on the island of Oahu. I had the opportunity to visit the resort before it opened August 29th last year. Although I could only look in from the outside I saw an amazing structure that would soon be a place of peace and respite to thousands of families every year. This place is just amazing and the fun never seems to stop! A very dear friend of mine is going to have the opportunity very soon to start working at Aulani and I can't wait to see what she thinks of the experience.. I'm so jealous! Enjoy the pictures of the beauty and the authentic culture of Hawaii you'll find at Disney's Aulani!

Grand Floridian Update!

2012-10-13T23:40:00.003-06:00

Click on the picture for more!! I love the Grand Floridian because of how timeless and pristine the Resort is. There's no mistaking it's beauty as you wisp by on the monorail or pull up to it's main entrance. I like the bright red roofs that contrast against the white colored walls. The grounds are always impeccable and the main lobby is incredible. I've visited the Grand Floridian so many times throughout the years. My favorite time at the resort is Christmas time. I love the smell of the gingerbread house in the lobby that hits you right as you walk in the doors. The aroma is amazing around this time of year and with the subtle, soothing sounds of the jazz band that plays nightly in the lobby, it just makes this place absolutely perfect. The Disney Vacation Club has been in the process of building a new addition on to the resort to accommodate more of it's patrons. Here's an update of the new wing and also the new small Mad Hatter water park that just opened. Hope you like!

Gaston's Tavern, All New Fantasyland Update!!

2012-10-12T10:54:00.001-06:00

Click the picture for more! Check this out, here's some new pictures inside and outside Gaston's Tavern in the new Fantasyland. I love the movie Beauty and the Beast and can remember seeing it in the theater when it first came out in 1991 and was amazed by how lifelike the images were on the screen. It's hard to believe the movie was released twenty one years ago! Gaston always reminded me of an egotistical jerk, ha ha. I'm glad though that he get's his own tavern because that's where one of the greatest songs in the whole movie was set. At the tavern we'll be able to try Le Fou's Brew which I'm sure will be very tasty! I hope that the tavern will be just as lively as the one in the movies. It would be so cool if there was the same music from the movie being played in the tavern along with dancing characters. Here's the latest pictures just released from Disney Parks Blog, enjoy!!

The Guardians of Beast's Castle!

2012-10-11T10:53:00.004-06:00

Click on the picture for more! Well, these sure are a menacing bunch of characters, aren't they? I think they're just what Fantasyland needs. Among all the kiddie rides and attractions and fun light-heartedness of the new land, I'm finding these protectors bring a welcomed contrast to the surroundings. I don't know about you, but I really feel depth and contrast in all the new areas of Fantasyland that are taking shape. Every time I look at something new that the Imagineers have created in this new project they've taken on, I'm astounded at the details, creativity, and story telling that is behind each one of these different areas. Here's a brief look at the faces of the guardians who stand watch at Beast's castle and some of the new details around the castle itself in the new Fantasyland. Hope you enjoy!

New Fantasyland Update!!

2012-10-10T15:04:00.001-06:00

Click picture for more!! Here's a quick update on Fantasyland. Supposedly cast member previews will begin with the next coming weeks. Man, I wish I could be there! I can only think of what's going through all the cast member's minds there getting to see the new land for the first time! Think of all the cool new things to see and all the new things to taste. I'm really happy with what I've seen so far and think this is just what the Magic Kingdom needed to revitalize things not only for us locals but for the rest of the world too!

Has anyone been to any of the new sections of Fantasyland yet? Share your experiences!

Test Track Reopening Day Set!!

2012-10-09T15:31:00.001-06:00

Click on the picture for more! With it's closing date back on April 15 this year, Test Track has been undergoing a transformation into the digital age! The attraction is set to open December 6th to much fanfare I'm sure. If you're one of the lucky few you might even be given the chance to ride beforehand! Disney typically does soft openings on mostly all of their rides and attractions to work out all the bugs before the grand opening or in this case the reopening. I'm really excited to see what's going to come about from this new transformation. I know that whatever the Imagineer's have up their sleeves will be amazing. I've seen renderings and have been involved in conversations regarding this rehab and just how much it's going to change what we've all come accustomed to seeing over the past decade and longer inside and outside the ride building. Only time will tell just how much of a drastic difference the ride experience will truly be. No doubt I'm sure it will be one that will be welcomed with much anticipation. I first rode Test Track back in 2002 when I moved to Orlando. It's been one on the list of many of my favorite attractions. Just as a side note, the picture on the very bottom you'll see the new paint scheme that has been chosen for the ride vehicles!

Have you heard anything interesting about the ride itself that you'd like to share? What are you most looking forward to when Test Track reopens?

As always, thanks for your comments!

Share your Memories of Your Favorite Disney Attraction!!

2012-10-08T16:40:00.001-06:00

Click the picture for more!! Share your favorite memory of your most favorite ride or attraction at Disney. Here's mine...I first visited Walt Disney World when I was six, which was back in 1986. There was only two theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort at that time which were Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. One of my fondest memories at that time was riding Peter Pan's Flight at Magic Kingdom. Even though it's been over 26 years since I first rode this amazing attraction, it still feels like it was just yesterday. My favorite part was being able to soar through the air and see all the teeny-tiny villages and characters below. The florescent colors inside were spectacular and added to the thrill of being high in the air. There were mermaids and aqua blue waters, ships and sword fights! Of course, there was the all menacing Captain Hook and funny, yet harmless, Mr. Smee with the ferocious crocodile going tick-tock tick-tock. And, then there was poor defenseless Wendy all tied up trying to get freed. Then at the last second Peter swoops in to save her and the ride comes back down to earth and to a peaceful end with Peter, Wendy, John and Michael all reunited again. I remember vividly trying to reach down to touch the buildings but could never quite seem to reach that far! Guess I was higher up than I thought!

Let's hear about your favorite Disney ride or attraction and when you first experienced it. What memory do you remember the most? Have you ever revisited your favorite ride or attraction? Have you taken your family with you?

Thanks for reading and as always, have a magical day!

Disney's Wilderness Lodge - An In Depth Look Through Pictures!

2012-10-06T23:13:00.000-06:00

Click the picture for more!! I thought I'd take some time and explore around the Walt Disney World Resort by featuring a great hotel on the property. The resort I've chosen is Disney's Wilderness Lodge. This amazing hotel is an experience in and of itself. There are several attractions to visit and the ambiance and high level of theming is incredible. I have not only visited here several times but have also worked and stayed here for enjoyment.

Let's start off by driving up to the resort. I first remember seeing this amazing property tucked away so neatly in the woods that I totally felt as though I was in total seclusion. At first sight, it's port a cache lead me to believe that I was really entering into an enormous yet warm and cozy mountain lodge in the great northwest. When I entered the lodge I was mesmerized by the sheer size of the lobby and the rustic chandeliers that hung from the ceiling. The smell that permeated the lobby was a delicious mouthwatering aroma that made my stomach so hungry. This was followed by people laughing loudly and boisterous servers who cracked jokes, all in good fun of course, with their dining guests. I'm talking about the whispering canyon cafe, of course. I've eaten there and it really is a great place to enjoy a tasty meal and have a good time. Around the corner from there is Wilderness Lodge's signature restaurant, Artist Point. I've also had the wonderful opportunity of dining here and what a remarkable experience it was. The atmosphere and ambiance is calming and tranquil. The offerings at Artist Point are like the restaurant is called, artistic. This is a wonderful place to dine and enjoy a yummy assortment of dishes with an artistic flair. As I left the restaurant I went back to the lobby. One of things that impressed me the most was the majestic fireplace in the far left corner of the lobby. Rising from the fireplace at the bottom all the way to the top, the rock work is exquisite and changes colors on the way up. I took a seat in front of the roaring fire and just stared up the huge rock face of the fireplace while rocking back and forth in one of the several comfy rocking chairs. Ah, this really is the perfect place to relax and just take in the goodness of life I told myself! Of course, being in central Florida there's only so much even I can take of being near the heat of a lit fireplace, so I moved on. I strolled around the lobby and heard the sound of a running creek right in the lobby! Just over the creek is a wooden bridge which I walked up on to the center. I watched the water bubble up from inside the lobby and run outside down rocks. I got more curious to see where this water ran so I went outside for more exploring. Boy, and I thought this was all there was to see! The water from the flowing creek which originated inside the lobby of the lodge cascaded down several rocks and ended up with a dramatic waterfall into a beautiful lagoon. Next up was the lodge's pool which was very inviting and rather large. I must say the jacuzzi was steamy and very relaxing looking too. On the back side of the pool and along the edge of Bay Lake was one of the most impressive sights I saw. There is geyser rightly named "Old Faithful" that erupts like clock work ever hour on the hour and makes a really cool hissing and whistling noise when it blows! If this wasn't enough, just around the corner from Old Faithful is a white sandy beach lined with chaise lounges! I thought to myself with all these great attractions at the hotel, who would want to leave? But, wait I told myself! What about the theme parks? I wondered if there was an easy way to get to the theme parks from Wilderness Lodge and found out there totally is. Past the geyser I found a walkway lined with warm flickering lanterns which lead under oak trees draped with Spanish moss. At the end of the pathway was a ferry that takes you out on Bay Lake, right past the Contemporary resort, into the Seven Seas Lagoon and right up to the front of the Magic Kingdom! From here you can enter right into the Magic Kingdom, take a monorail to EPCOT or a bus to Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom. Well, that concludes my own personal tour of Disney's Wilderness Lodge. If you have never visited the Wilderness Lodge or stayed there, I'd highly recommend it!

If you have a story you'd like to share about Disney's Wilderness Lodge about when you or your family stayed there or just visited, please feel free to comment! This resort is near and dear to my heart and can't wait to return to visit there again soon!

Amazing Views Inside Pete's Silly Sideshow at the New Fantasyland!

2012-10-05T13:01:00.002-06:00

Click the picture for more! Ok, imagine going into Magic Kingdom park and having the opportunity to see a live sideshow under the big top! Well, you won't have to imagine much longer because that's just what you're going to get to do at Pete's Silly Sideshow in the new Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom theme park.

For me I can see being able to interact with Donald and Daisy Duck, Minnie Mouse and even Goofy and how fun it will be to see the silly sideshows they're running. Look at the pictures and you'll see how highly themed this area is going to be. This isn't your every day run of the mill character meet and greet that you'll typically find on the side of the walkway at other theme parks. No, the Imagineers at Disney felt that this needed to tell a story and completely immerse you and I in it. The story goes that you're entering into Pete's Silly Sideshow Circus under the big top. Inside we'll be given the opportunity to choose between a path to meet the Astounding Donaldo and Great Goofini or Madame Daisy Fortuna and Minnie Magnifique. Each of the characters will have their own specific sideshow that they run.

I can't wait for this to open because of the level of detail and how much fun it'll be to see Daisy, Donald, Minnie and Goofy in such a whimsical setting. I really like all the cool lighting that the pictures show and how realistic the props and sets look. What do you guys think about this section of the park? What do you like best about what you see in the pics? Do you think it'll be a big hit? On another note, what's your favorite part of the new Fantasyland?