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Walt Disney World is declared StormReady

We’re still a few months away from Hurricane season, but preparation for storms is always ongoing at Walt Disney World. Disney has a “Hurricane Policy” (not yet updated for 2009) for their Magic Your Way Guests whose vacation might be affected by a severe storm, but what else do they do?

With picture-perfect skies outside his window most days, Walt Disney World Emergency Operations Coordinator Eric Alberts dedicates his time to preparing for inclement weather. “Safety for everybody that works or stays here is our top priority,” Alberts says as he checks the latest forecasts.

By expertly planning for severe weather in advance, Walt Disney World Resort made history in 2006 as the first theme park and resort area to be recognized by the National Weather Service as a StormReady® Community. Committed to maintaining its leadership in emergency management, Walt Disney World Resort just renewed its StormReady status through 2012 and remains the only recognized commercial site in Florida. Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Ca. has also earned recognition as StormReady.

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Disney News and Links: Where’s George Edition

Time to close a bunch of open tabs again and pass along some of the latest Disney news and links.

Is an IMAX Theater coming to Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island 24 movie multiplex? According to the AMC website there is. Click on the ‘coming soon’ button at the bottom of this page. Alas, the date is TBD. The current thought is that it would either be expanded into the parking lot or into the space of the Virgin Megastore that’s closing soon. Of course an Apple Store and ESPN Zone have also been rumored for that space.

It’s not Halloween, but FoxxFur has the spooky tale of George, the ghost who inhabits the Magic Kingdom’s Pirates Of The Caribbean Attraction.

Six Flags isn’t the only theme park company facing debt restructuring issues right now. The Orlando Sentinel has the details on Universal Orlando’s problems. They’re looking at having to pay down $1.5 billion if they can’t get everything in line. That could mean in park cutbacks or even being forced to sell some properties.

Iron Chef Cat Cora, who will soon be opening a new restaurant at Walt Disney World, welcomed a new baby to the family last week. Cat’s wife, Jennifer, gave birth to a son. Cat is also pregnant and expecting this July.

Time to add another band to the banned list from Disneyland’s Downtown Disney House of Blues. The hardcore heavy metal band Daath was kicked for inappropriate content, no chance of appeal. I think Disney’s actually more concerned with keeping the peace at its open air mall than inappropriate content on stage.

A couple of Disney blogs to add to your list if you haven’t already. DisneyShawn smartly reveals the details and backstory behind Disney World’s theme parks. Meanwhile TouringPlans.com, the website of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, has started a blog as well.

Finally, I’d like to introduce you to the Disney Fan Review video podcast. It’s a new series that looks at the creative efforts of Disney fans across youtube. Sort of like a TV station for Disney fans. I’ve embedded one of his recent episodes below the cut:

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Woman dies after colliding with bus on Disney Property

A 47 year old Clermont woman is dead after she lost control of her car and crashed into a Disney bus on Walt Disney World property Sunday. Reports say she was heading north on World Drive, when she went into the southbound lane and collided… Read More »Woman dies after colliding with bus on Disney Property

Disney Celebrates 15 Years on Broadway with deal

It started with an idea — why can’t we take the successful theme park stage show version of Beauty and the Beast and turn it into a full fledged Broadway show. Of course, people laughed at the idea of the Walt Disney Company doing stage… Read More »Disney Celebrates 15 Years on Broadway with deal

Disney gets approval for Shanghai?

ChinaKnowledge.com is reporting that Disney has cleared all the regulatory and government approvals to go ahead with its theme park to be located outside of Shanghai. sources said a press conference would be held soon in Geneva to announce the approval. Earlier media reports said… Read More »Disney gets approval for Shanghai?

John Stamos films own “What’s Next?” Commercial

John Stamos you just finished filming the last episode of NBC’s longtime series ER what are you going to do next? I’m Going to Disney World!!!! Okay, so it’s not an official entry into Disney’s “What’s Next?” campaign as John Stamos filmed this himself. But… Read More »John Stamos films own “What’s Next?” Commercial

Another Dream Prize Awarded – World’s Largest Character Breakfast

I bet you didn’t know that Disney Parks has a News Bureau, but if you listen to the voice over at the end of this video you’ll hear John Graham announce himself as part of one. Curiouser and Curiouser. I wonder if that’s an indication… Read More »Another Dream Prize Awarded – World’s Largest Character Breakfast

See DisneyNature’s Earth Movie and Save the World

Worried about the carbon footprint of your Disney habit? Now you can see a Disney film and help save the earth at the same time. Disneynature, the first new film label to be introduced by Disney in 60 years, will celebrate its premiere film, “EARTH,”… Read More »See DisneyNature’s Earth Movie and Save the World