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June 2014

Magic Kingdom Central Plaza Project Update for June 2014

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As we have posted before, the Central Plaza, or hub, at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World is undergoing an update. The finished version will have more of a park like setting, with ample walking space to navigate around parades and shows, more outdoor dining seating, plus special viewing areas for fireworks and more.

Since our previous update Disney has added sand and earth to provide a way for construction vehicles to get to and from each side of the moat. At few more of the structures have been removed. Most of the progress has been made on the Crystal Palace side of the hub with extra dirt brought in to level the ground. There has also been some work on the paths around the entrance to Adventureland.

I do find it interesting that they’ve essentially given up trying to keep water out of the area on the Tomorrowland side. It may account for how slowly the project is progressing. But given all the rain in Central Florida, I’m not surprised.

More photos below the jump for those who can’t watch the brief video:

Read More »Magic Kingdom Central Plaza Project Update for June 2014

The Star Wars: Episode VII cast photo as recreated by LEGO

We all saw the photo announcing the cast of Star Wars Episode VII during the first script reading. Well LEGO has come out with it’s own unique spin on that photo and, frankly, it might be a little better than the original. What do you… Read More »The Star Wars: Episode VII cast photo as recreated by LEGO

An Olaf Summer Planned For Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Update: story updated with official details from today’s announcement. I visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Monday and took in their 6-8pm concert party “Rock Your Summer.” It was fun and attracted a small crowd. But obviously not doing it in terms of drawing a significant… Read More »An Olaf Summer Planned For Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Celebrity Spotting: Singer Ariana Grande Celebrates 21st Birthday at Walt Disney World

Who doesn’t want to spend their birthday at the most magical place on earth? I know it’s my favorite way to celebrate. On June 24, 2014, singer Ariana Grande made Minnie Mouse jealous with a birthday kiss for Mickey Mouse in front of Cinderella Castle… Read More »Celebrity Spotting: Singer Ariana Grande Celebrates 21st Birthday at Walt Disney World

Disney Performing Arts Program Prepares Rising Stars

As a student involved in the performing arts in high school, one of my dreams was to travel to Disneyland with our show choir and perform. Alas, we never were able to convince the rest of the choir to fundraise enough money to make the… Read More »Disney Performing Arts Program Prepares Rising Stars

The Disney Blog 10th Anniversary kicks off a year of giving

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The Disney Blog came to life in June of 2004. I had been blogging off and on about personal things, the real estate market (while we attempted to sell our home), and career prospects since 1998. I had also been writing for the Disneyland travel planning website LaughingPlace.com since August of 1999. But when I looked around in 2004, there weren’t any blogs that focused on the entire Disney company, just a few talking about Walt Disney World and showing off photos of the parks and resorts. You’re supposed to write about your passion, and there are few things I’m more passionate about than the legacy of Walt Disney and all the magic he brought to the world.

Sadly, some of the original posts I wrote during that time were lost when moving from Typepad to self hosted WordPress. But thanks to Archive.org, we have a good luck at how simple the blog was at its beginning.

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We’ve tried to keep as much of that simple look and feel as possible through the years. But it does look like technology has finally caught up with us. We’ll be exploring options for moving to a responsible design or a mobile template in the near future.

But enough about the blog, this is really about you. The readers. I would probably still be writing about Disney in one form or another, but I definitely wouldn’t be working this hard on The Disney Blog if it wasn’t for you. Thank you for all the emails, comments, social media likes and shares, and for telling your friends about the blog.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Disney Blog, we’re throwing a “Year of Giving.” Each week we’ll be giving away prizes. Some large, some small. But all with the goal of saying thank you for being part of The Disney Blog community! Read More »The Disney Blog 10th Anniversary kicks off a year of giving

Fastpass+ having interesting affect on popular attraction wait times

MyMagic+ and Fastpass+ has been turned on for everyone at Walt Disney World since February 2014. It has certainly changed the way we experience the parks as a local and I’ve noticed a subtle shift in attraction patterns for the larger group of visiting tourists… Read More »Fastpass+ having interesting affect on popular attraction wait times

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – On Ride POV Video

We finally got the entire Frost family on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train together. Of course, I had to break out the camera and record the moment resulting in this on ride POV video taken from the back row. There is a bit of an extended… Read More »Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – On Ride POV Video