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Let the Memories Begin Press Event – Part 1

In the same week that multiple rumors have started to spread about an expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure even to the point of survey equipment being spotted backstage, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts held a media event to highlight changes coming to Disney’s properties.

Below Al Weiss, President of Disney Parks and Resorts explains all the changes coming to Disney’s properties outside of Central Florida:

Forgetting the developments in the Disney parks around the rest of the world, and there are many, it’s hard not to compare the improvements coming to Walt Disney World with the very successful Harry Potter themed land. In the scheme of things Disney is doing a lot more than Universal Studios, but is quantity better than quality?

Follow below the jump for more from the press event:

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Big Fantasyland Expansion, Star Tours News

Tonight was the big event to kick off the “Let The Memories Begin” campaign. Disney Parks made some big news with some confirmation of Fantasyland rumors I talked about earlier and launch dates for Star Tours. I’m guessing the timeline on those earlier rumors have… Read More »Big Fantasyland Expansion, Star Tours News

Update on Tiki Room Fire

Just a quick update on some rumors swirling around the fire that took place at the Enchanted Tiki Room earlier this week. The original word from Disney was that it was just a small attic fire with only some minor damaged caused by water from… Read More »Update on Tiki Room Fire

Wild Africa Trek arrives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Editor: Please welcome back guest author Shelley Caran who was gracious enough to step in and cover the media event for the Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that was held earlier today.

As I was walking up to the check-in desk for the ‘Wild Africa Trek’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, I realized that I had no clue what I was in for!

This three-hour immersive experience challenges you to use all of your senses as you follow your expert guides through the forest, over the jungle, near the edge of a cliff, and in the peaceful savannah.

After you are geared up and observed going over the “kid’s rope bridge” in Harambe, it quickly sets in that this will not to be your typical Disney experience. On the Trek, there is no themed pavement. There are branches, stumps, and loose footings. Nature isn’t created, it is celebrated.

Our introduction into the Trek was a brief visit to the Pangani Forest where we were introduced to the Gorillas and took our first steps off the beaten path.

Leaving the last step of the ladder, we started our walk to a unique view of the hippos. Our on gear was a six foot line that could be attached to a rail, which allowed us to get up the edge of the pools for a viewing of the hippos as they were fed by a researcher.

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Fire Reported at Magic Kingdom Tiki Room

Local news is reporting a fire at the Magic Kingdom in the complex that houses the Tiki Room. The fire was in the attic of the building and was extinguished by sprinkler system. Nearby attractions in restaurants have been evacuated, No injuries have been reported.… Read More »Fire Reported at Magic Kingdom Tiki Room

Does Disney World have an answer for Universal Orlando?

Apparently the New York Times quoted my article published November 28th, 2010 where I was reacting to the news that while Universal Orlando was having a banner year, Walt Disney World actually decreased in attendance. Here’s the full context:

The first was an Orlando Sentinel story on the flat attendance at Walt Disney World. I have to think that given the poor state of the economy, Disney would have been happy to have not lost any ground. But the reality is Disney did lose ground to Universal Orlando (despite their attempts at hiding the figures). Harry Potter is drawing guests away from the mouse house and Disney still has no answer lined up. That’s very troubling.

I then went on to talk about how Osceola County can capitalize on increase in attention that’s coming Central Florida’s way with LEGOLAND Florida and the Orlando Thrill park.

Like Disney states in the NY Times article, I believe that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a net gain for Orlando tourism business. Unlike Disney World officials, I do believe that there is a high risk of guests shifting their attendance to Universal away from Disney resulting in a net-loss for Disney. Universal is already siphoning off the teens and twenty somethings and LEGOLAND Florida threatens to do the same for the 6 to 10 year old set.

Look at all the Hogwarts scarfs and t-shirts you see next time you’re at WDW. Those guests all visited Universal before coming to Disney. The money they spent there on broomsticks and Butterbeer will not be spent on mouse ears and popcorn. That doesn’t include the guests who are spending a day or two at Disney and then visiting Universal.  I can’t understand why Disney doesn’t appear to be worried.

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Lawsuit against Disney for Donald Groping Case Allowed to Continue

A Federal Judge says that a woman who claims a Disney World cast member dressed as Donald Duck groped her can proceed with her lawsuit. I’m not a lawyer, but I fail to see how this case can be tried in Pennsylvania since the alleged… Read More »Lawsuit against Disney for Donald Groping Case Allowed to Continue

Expect Crowds at Disneyland and Disney World

When I lived in Southern California during the 90s there were a few weeks where you knew it was going to be crazy busy. As a regular you just altered your plans, perhaps taking in a few more shows than usual or eating at off… Read More »Expect Crowds at Disneyland and Disney World