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Former Monorail Pilot’s Explanation of Crash

Update: NTSB preliminary report is now out with best details about accident so far. A former Monorail Pilot has made a video with what looks to be the best explanation so far of exactly what happened this morning at 2AM that resulted in the tragic… Read More »Former Monorail Pilot’s Explanation of Crash

High Flying Fireworks Act at SeaWorld

If you’re heading out to your neighborhood fireworks display tomorrow or even one of the Disney parks, you can still sneak in another show by going to SeaWorld Orlando tonight for their special fireworks display. In the above photo technician Andrew Hage checks the connections… Read More »High Flying Fireworks Act at SeaWorld

LEGOland coming to Central Florida?

I’m all about keeping Central Florida as the premier theme park vacation destination in the world. So I think it’s a terrific idea if LEGO wants to build one of their themeparks here. That’s the rumor that was just posted on Screamscape. The not-so-great part… Read More »LEGOland coming to Central Florida?

“Diana – The People’s Princess” exhibit coming to Downtown Disney Orlando

Those of us of a certain age undoubtedly remember the tragedy, the incredible public outpouring of grief, and the immense sadness that surrounded the loss of Princess Diana in 1997. Personally, there is still a hole in my heart where her tremendous spirit of humanity once existed. I still have a set of video tapes from when I recorded her funeral and procession. Just thinking of it brings back memories of millions of flowers, to the point where flower shops were sold out nationwide, laid in her honor.

It has just been announced that the People’s Princess Charitable Foundation, Inc. (PPCF) is bringing “DIANA–The People’s Princess” – a major new exhibit of royal artifacts – to Walt Disney World Resort. Opening in early July 2009, this limited-time experience showcases the life and story of Princess Diana, one of the most iconic and inspirational figures in recent history, including a sampling of the royal dresses Diana chose to auction for charity and hundreds of authentic artifacts relating to her life.

“DIANA–The People’s Princess” exhibit will be held in the 17,500-square-foot setting at Downtown Disney West Side adjacent to DisneyQuest that formerly housed the giant record store. This unique exhibition is one of the largest collections of royal dresses and rare artifacts ever assembled for an American audience which provides an in-depth historical perspective of her life. The exhibit includes five rarely seen royal dresses worn by Princess Diana.

“We look forward to The People’s Princess Charitable Foundation bringing this unique experience to our Downtown Disney guests,” said Kevin Lansberry, vice president of Downtown Disney. “We remain committed to offering guests new and exciting experiences they can only have at the Walt Disney World Resort.”

“The late Princess used her globally renowned platform brilliantly,” commented Maureen Rorech Dunkel, founder of PPCF. “She understood that the many different experiences she had in her life, both positive and negative, made her more relatable to the public. She used this quality to connect to the common masses and in doing so became known as ‘The People’s Princess.’ She used her compassion to bring support to all those in need and is still to this date, almost 12 years after her tragic passing, regarded as one of the most influential humanitarians of all time.”

A hint at some of the items on display:

  • Royal Doulton figurine of Diana in her wedding dress – Made in 1981 at the time of the royal wedding, the doll is wearing an exact replica of the famous wedding dress.
  • The Black Velvet “V” Neck – Designed by Bruce Oldfield and worn by Diana for her official royal portrait in 1985.
  • Wedding Breakfast booklet – Contains guest names and two tickets to observe the bride and bridegroom before and following the wedding ceremony in the quadrangle at Buckingham Palace and Clarence House.
  • Three-foot doll of Diana as a young girl – Released by the Great American Doll Company in 1998 as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales.

Tickets may be purchased at the exhibit – $14.50 (ages 10 and above), $5 (ages 3-9). The exhibition will run through Nov. 30, 2009. Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.  I hope you’ll join me there.

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Get paid to play in Orlando in “67 Days of Smiles” promotion

Inspired, no doubt, by the Australian promo where one lucky soul is paid to spend a year living on an island paradise and using social media to tell the world about his experience, the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau has come up with a very similar idea. One lucky couple will be paid to enjoy 67 days of fun and excitment exploring everything the Orlando area has to offer.

The Orlando CVB says the selected pair will do everything from roller coaster riding to hang gliding, swimming with dolphins, golfing, shopping, gator wrestling, museum exploring, theatre-going and more.

As the winning pair, you’ll be expected to report on your experiences using cell phones, a digital video camera and still camera supplied to you and share your 67 Days of Smiles with the world through social media tools like blogs, Twitter and Facebook.

The “67 Days of Smiles” will begin this year in late August and end in early November. Both people in the pair must be over 21 and pairs can be any combination of friends, family, or co-workers. All pairs are required to complete a personal profile; submit 500 words in English regarding why their smiles should be chosen; and upload a 60 second or less video in English of both applicants along with photos of both applicants at VisitOrlando.com/67DaysofSmiles by June 30, 2009.

The full press release is below the cut:

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