Felipe Bottrel hopped a plane from Brazil to tour a few of Orlando’s world famous attractions. Like most tourists he filmed it all, but he put his own spin on the trip. Give it a watch and you’ll see what I mean: Now that’s a… Read More »Orlando in a Spin – A Very Unique Video Tour of the Attractions
TSMM Fast pass machines ready and waiting
An outrageous story in the NY Post has been making the rounds today. According to the story, some rich New York moms are taking advantage of an unofficial $130/hr Disney World VIP concierge tour service that utilizes Guess Assistance Cards (GAC) to shorten some of the waits for the party. If true, this is a horrible abuse of a system that really is needed by those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to enjoy Disney’s wonderful theme parks without some assistance.
If you ask me, something is a little off in the story including some factually challenged details. The mom in question claims to have skipped a 2.5 hour queue for “it’s a small world.” Let me assure you that even on the 4th of July, the queue for IASW does not get that long. (Ask me again after MyMagic Plus adds totally unnecessary fastpass access to IASW, that fact may change.)
Read More »Are Rich Moms Really Cutting Queues With VIP Tours and GAC Cards?
These gates aren’t long for the world. Probably end up in some collectors living room soon
Construction on Disney Springs, the new vision for Downtown Disney, got underway earlier this month. It’s going to be a few years before the whole project is done and current vendors in the shopping center are in for an uncertain time. Will crowds continue to come if they have to negotiate a maze of construction walls and relocated parking to get there? Probably yes, but just in case, Disney World has launched a new ad campaign with the goal of keeping Downtown Disney front of mind in locals and tourists alike.
Read More »Disney releases new Downtown Disney Ads while Disney Springs Construction Begins
It’s been a long time since I managed to make it to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a walk-about. A shame because it’s my favorite park. Not for the rides or parades, there are better elsewhere on property, but for the beauty of nature. I love how Disney Imagineers built their own story about nature while still allowing plenty of room for the real version to flourish. How the two layers interact with each other adds a lot to my enjoyment of the park.
So without further ado, here are some of the new, or new to me, things I spotted on my walk this weekend:
New maps and guides have been unleashed upon the park. I like the animal guide, might encourage people to stop and smell the roses.
Looks like the new character greeting at the Discovery Island Beastly Bazaar is almost ready to open. Sounds like the big day is tomorrow.
Entertainment is one the departments that is always delivering the magic at Walt Disney World. They make shows like Beauty and the Beast look fresh every day and wow thousands of people every night with Fantasmic! However, even their best efforts can not rescue the sad reality that is the current Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade, parts of which originally came from the Share a Dream parade in 2001. On some days the whole parade passes by guests in its entirety in less than 8 minutes. It’s not the fault of the cast members, they’re giving it their all, but they’re stuck with a lame duck of a parade that’s overstayed its welcome by a number of years.
Well good news, a new daytime parade, the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, will march into Magic Kingdom in spring 2014. Disney promises the parade will bring the magical stories of New Fantasyland to Main Street, U.S.A., through fantastic and innovative new parade floats, vibrant costumes, and an original soundtrack that will feature beloved songs from favorite Disney films, plus a new parade theme song.
Read More »Festival of Fantasy Parade Announced for Magic Kingdom
We now know why Walt Disney Imagineering rushed Imagineer Kathy Magnum out east as soon as she returned from her much deserved vacation following opening Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. She has been placed in charge of the Disney Springs transformation coming to Downtown… Read More »Tour of Digital Projection Model for Disney Springs Transformation of Downtown Disney
Pleasure Island goes away.
Early this morning, we were invited to a last minute news conference at a special conference room in Downtown Disney. There, Tom Staggs, Chair Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, announced a transformation of Downtown Disney that will double the number of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Disney Springs will involved four neighborhoods – Town Center, The Landing, Marketplace, and West Side. It will open in phases with construction set to begin next in Spring 2013 and scheduled to finish in 2016.
More, including the concept art released today, below the jump:Read More »Disney Springs Announced for Downtown Disney Orlando Transformation
For most of us, vacations are a luxury. You save, plan and make priorities. Unfortunately, when it comes to Disney, it’s sometimes hard to say no to all the little extras. If your budget allows, by all means add a fancy meal or upgrade your ticket, but if you’re on a budget, here are some suggestions for things you can skip—and never miss:
1. You can’t do it all in one trip—or even ten trips. Your basic ticket is expensive and the price can initially be intimidating, but the entertainment value you get for that ticket will fill your time from sunrise to sunset. Don’t fall into the parental guilt trap and add extras like Bibbity Bobbity Boutique or fancy tea parties unless your budget allows. Your kids will be too busy to notice, I promise.Read More »Five Extras You Should Consider Skipping