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Wall Removal Reveals Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Coaster’s Big Drop & More

A large sweeping drop will send passengers on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train speeding past a waterfall and over a wooden bridge.

A large sweeping drop will send passengers on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train speeding past a waterfall and over a wooden bridge.

The walls are down around a small section of Snow White’s mountain at the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland expansion. So we’re back with a second update on the roller coaster this month. Work by Disney’s artisans and craftsmen (and women) appears to be is progressing at a rapid pace now. When workers aren’t putting finishing touches on the show details others are testing the cars on the track and working out the kinks of the dispatch and safety system.

Still no word on an official opening date, but some say soft opens could come as soon as April. Here’s video of taken of the newly open area yesterday as well as updates from all around Snow White’s Mountain.

Many more photos of the newly revealed vista and other progress on Snow White’s Mountain below the jump:

Read More »Wall Removal Reveals Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Coaster’s Big Drop & More

Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade – Production & Design Team Interviews

The Magic Kingdom is getting a new parade in March, but this week we’ve been treated to a special preview of a few of the gorgeous floats and designer costumes that will set Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade apart from all others. A talented team… Read More »Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade – Production & Design Team Interviews

Festival of Fantasy Parade Designer Costumes Preview

Designer costumes from the parade's finale.

Designer costumes from the parade’s finale.

The old saying goes, don’t judge a book by its cover, but when the coverings are amazing designer costumes for the Magic Kingdom’s next parade, I feel okay getting a little excited. Today the media was treated to a sneak peek at a few of the most extravagant and elaborate costume designs in Disney Parks history. Guests will get their first view when the cast of Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade dance through the streets of Magic Kingdom. We were lucky enough to be invited and have a special preview for you today. There is nearly 5 minutes of video and over 15 photos in this update. So strap in and hang on, here we go…

The new daytime parade, Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, is a celebration of Fantasyland. The parade will bring the characters found in this enchanting land to America’s runway – Main Street, U.S.A.. Packed with innovative parade floats; a new soundtrack featuring classic favorites from Disney films and an original theme song; and an impressive array of stunning costumes, Festival of Fantasy is the parade the Magic Kingdom has deserved for well over a decade.

Two costumes from the Steampunk inspired Maleficent float.

Two costumes from the Steampunk inspired Maleficent float.

Costume designer Mirena Rada is no stranger to Disney Parks, as her body of work includes design projects for Disneyland Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. But when she was brought on to create costumes for Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, Rada reached a new milestone – designing for a Walt Disney World Resort theme park.

“This was a personal first and it turned out to be a very different experience from other projects,” said Rada. “Everything here at Magic Kingdom is done on a considerably bigger scale and the resources are aplenty. I took every opportunity to avail myself of these specialties.”

Video of costumes on the runway is best viewed in 720HD on full screen so you can see all the details.

Lots more to see below the jump, including over 15 more photos of Rada’s designer costumes:
Read More »Festival of Fantasy Parade Designer Costumes Preview

Inside Disney World’s New Day Spas

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Taking a trip to Walt Disney World? Have all your dining reservations booked, a list of your must-see attractions and shows, and Fastpass+ planned out? Whoa there partner. You’ve left out one of the most crucial parts of your vacation, the relaxation. You certainly can spend your Disney trip in commando-mode bouncing from location to location, but I recommend setting aside a little downtime where you can be pampered and find that relaxing moment you know you need. Afterwards, you’ll feel renewed and ready to take on the rest of Walt Disney World.

If that sounds like a good idea to you, two newly reimagined full-service spas at Walt Disney World Resort are set to take guests on a sensory journey designed to renew, relax and energize. Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort both feature unique looks and feel and have slightly different selections when it comes to treatments.

However, guests visiting either location between now and Feb 28 can usher in the new year with a seasonal menu of rejuvenating treatments that include a Chocolate and Strawberry Facial to tone, tighten and detoxify and a Mimosa Champagne Scrub and Body Wrap that hydrates and refines.

Here is more about the refreshing offerings that await guests at both spa locations:
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2014 Hidden Mickey Pins to Be Arriving Soon

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If you’re a fan of trading pins at the parks, you’ll be excited to hear that the Hidden Mickey pins for 2014 will be released soon to cast members! The first wave will feature favorite characters and attractions from both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, as well as the “it’s a small world” collection that will be shared between parks to mark the famous attraction’s 50th anniversary.

From the selection of Disneyland pins, I’m especially loving the Tiki Faces and Oswald. And the tiles, which are inspired by the art on Carthay Circle on Buena Vista Street, are also great collectibles.

And for the Walt Disney World collection, the Parking Lot signs are back again, along with some new choices. I particularly like the Colorful Pascal (because he’s the best Disney sidekick ever) and the Character Sketch Pads.

Pictures of the Wave A pins from Disneyland and Walt Disney World are below:
Read More »2014 Hidden Mickey Pins to Be Arriving Soon

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Cars Paint & Design with Walt Disney’s Imagineers

We’re very excited to receive this new video interview with Walt Disney Imagineers Ben Van Beusekon and Mary Mac Eachin who explain the creative process behind designing and producing themed cars for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster. In the video, they reveal that in… Read More »Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Cars Paint & Design with Walt Disney’s Imagineers

Inside Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Roller Coaster – The Details

Yesterday we updated you with an overall look at progress on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train construction site, today we have a collection of photos that focus on the smaller details from within the belly of the attraction. These details come from the portion of… Read More »Inside Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Roller Coaster – The Details

Walt Disney World Given Top Marks for Safety Achievement

It should go without saying that a commitment to safety is the number one priority for Walt Disney World. You don’t often see it in action at the parks, it tends to happen backstage, but there is always some project going on with the goal… Read More »Walt Disney World Given Top Marks for Safety Achievement