Have you ever been at the beach and tried to build a replica of Cinderella Castle out of sand? It ain’t easy, trust me. But this summer, you’ll be able to see how Disney turns the real Cinderella Castle into a sand castle as part… Read More »Phineas and Ferb to Host All New “The Magic, The Memories, and You” Castle Projection Show
Took a stroll through the Magic Kingdom over the weekend and discovered that things are really in high gear throughout most of the new Fantasyland expansion project. Here are photos with some of the highlights (all the photos have larger versions if you click on them).
Work is in high gear to get the Casey Jr Soak Zone ready for the summer. Since I took this photo they’ve added even more, including many of the circus animals that will double as water fountains. Also note the landscaping and work on the red tent. Apparently the red-tent will be a meet and greet area featuring Donald, Chip & Dale, Goofy, and similar classic characters..
Although the Dumbo ‘tent’ was once all beautifully painted, they’ve stripped off that finish and started new work on the exterior.
Read More »New Fantasyland Update – Magic Kingdom Expansion Progress
The Disney Institute started as a dream of Michael Eisner that guests coming to the resort would carve out a bit of their time to learn something of they way Disney crafts its magic brand. Turns out, not so much. But a rather large nugget… Read More »Disney Institute growing its business consulting role
As you might expect Disney is searching overseas for a few red-haired Scottish lasses to play Princess Merida from the upcoming Pixar animated film Brave. According to a story in the Daily Record, the ideal candidate would be someone who is bilingual (Gaelic and English),… Read More »Disney Searches for Scot to Play Merida in Parks
Okay. Pleasure Island as it once was is long gone. These days the signs remain but the entertainment experience is completely different. For a while it looked like we’d get Hyperion Wharf (a name I like, but am not sure it was right for at… Read More »What should happen next at Downtown Disney Orlando?
With Father’s Day on the horizon, a son could make his race fan father very happy with a gift of a VIP Day with former Formula One driver Christian Fittipaldi at the Exotic Driving Experience (EDE) on the Walt Disney World Speedway. Exotic Driving Experience, which opened in January, offers customers the chance to climb behind the wheel and drive exotic supercars on a real racetrack.
The Disney Blog had the honor of completing a ride-along with Fittipaldi at the wheel and it was quite the experience. Today, EDE announced a new offering, VIP Day with Christian Fittipaldi. Here’s a video of our ride along with Fittipaldi at the wheel.
EDE has partnered with the renowned international driver to offer an exclusive exotic car driving program this summer. Limited to only 24 participants, this is truly the ultimate driving event for supercar enthusiasts.
Read More »Exotic Driving Experience Schedules VIP Day with Christian Fittipaldi
The kind souls at Walt Disney Imagineering were nice enough to share this time-lapse video of construction at New Fantasyland. The video runs through about March 23rd or so, so the latest construction on the Mine Train isn’t shown. But it is still an enjoyable… Read More »New Fantasyland Time-Lapse Video
One of the many fun jobs Walt Disney World’s ambassadors enjoy is to take Mickey Mouse out to reward achievers in the community. This last week, Mickey Mouse visited local schools this week to recognize 18 students in the five-county area as Disney Dreamers & Doers Shining Stars.
Disney Dreamers & Doers recognizes students throughout Central Florida who serve as role models at school, at home and in their community. Approximately 400 students were chosen as their school’s 2012 Disney Dreamer & Doer.
In addition to a visit from Mickey Mouse and the prize patrol, Disney Dreamers & Doers ShiningStars receive a Mickey Mouse statue known as a “Mousecar”, Walt Disney World annual theme park passes for themselves and their immediate family, a gold medallion and a special invitation to attend the upcoming Kids and Nature Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort.
From the Dreamers & Doers, a panel of judges selected 18 Shining Stars from elementary, middle and high schools in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Polk counties, as well as the Florida Virtual School. These students are considered the best of the best. They consistently demonstrate outstanding character, lead by example and have a caring spirit.
“The Disney Dreamers & Doers program is just one way we demonstrate our commitment to the children of Central Florida,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of Community Relations for Walt Disney World Resort. “We are so proud of all these students, especially the Shining Stars. They offer bright hope for the future as each of them has a special spark. They truly are making a difference in our community and inspiring others to do the same.”