I had a chance to visit the Magic Kingdom today and log in to the new free WiFi public network in the park. I didn’t do any formal load testing, but the video and photos I took uploaded nicely. I definitely plan to use it… Read More »Free WiFi at the Magic Kingdom
With this episode of “From the Drawing Board” Disney takes us behind the construction walls to provide a sneak peak of “The Lion King” courtyard at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, set to open August 10th! The new wing celebrates the journey of Simba, with… Read More »Behind the Construction Walls at Disney’s Art of Animation Lion King Wing
We’re getting our first glimpse inside the new bowling slash nightclub location that is coming to Downtown Disney. Splitsville, located in Downtown Disney West Side, will contain 50,000 square feet of fun and 30 lanes on two floors. This newly released concept art is of… Read More »Our first Glimpse inside Splitsville – Bowling is coming to Downtown Disney
Yesterday Season 11 American Idol Winner Phillip Phillips visited the Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ theme park version of the popular reality TV contest, spent some time answering questions, and even greeted park guests who were performing as part of the show. I love that they do… Read More »American Idol Winner Phillip Phillips at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Ok. Bare with me as I try something new with the Magic Kingdom photo update. Rather than simply use a Google+ photo album, I’ve take advantage of the Google+ Hangout screenshare feature to capture a slideshow while I add a narrative over it. If you… Read More »Hanging Out in the Magic Kingdom Photo Update
Disney’s Hollywood Studios continues to be one of Walt Disney World’s more neglected properties. It will be seeing some major changes soon, not in the park, alas, but in how you get to it. Road work is under way that will funnel all guests to the parking lot via the main entrance. Right now a significant portion of guests enter off Buena Vista Drive, which only has two lanes and sometimes back up into the intersection. In the future, that traffic will be redirected around the park to Osceola Parkway where a new off ramp will direct guests to the main entrance. The work they’ve done so far looks pretty nice, but it will be a bit difficult to get used to the change. The Buena Vista Drive route will still be used by busses and as an exit from the park.
One hopes they’ll also take advantage of this to reroute the entry road and allow for a little more expansion on that side of the park. Speaking of expansion, we heard that they’re once again looking at adding a Nemo themed coaster similar to the one in Paris to Pixar Place. Not sure how much weight I put behind that rumor. We do know for sure that DHS will be getting Fastpass Plus. The electrical requirements have been added to a number of attractions, as you can see on the floor to the right of the Tower of Terror entrance here:
There is some work being done on the secondary entrance for American Idol Experience. This could be related to Fast Pass Plus too.
There is no longer an American Idol Experience store.
For many fans Walt Disney World has two seasons, the winter holidays and everything else. There is no question that the parks, resorts, and surrounding areas look all the more magical with the Christmas decorations. Guests are often in a better mood too as they share some special family time in the parks. This year the holiday season starts building on November 9th and Walt Disney World has lined up some extra merry for good measure.
In fact, here is a video from Disney showing how preparations are already underway for this year’s decorations.
Here are some of the highlights from around the resort:
Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will have its longest-ever run with 20 magical nights from November 9-December 21. For a quarter century, Walt Disney World guests have been mesmerized by this must-see event, a grandly festive tradition immersing families in the holiday spirit. Dates for 2012: Nov. 9, 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30 and Dec. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21. Beginning at 7 p.m. (after regular park hours), guests with special event tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can enjoy all the holiday splendor with lively stage shows, spectacular fireworks, a unique holiday parade and favorite holiday traditions including complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. NOTE: this is a hard ticket special event after regular park hours; purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Entertainment, Fireworks and More: Santa’s elves have transformed the Magic Kingdom into a winter wonderland with festive wreaths, bows, garland, sparkling lights, parades and towering Christmas trees. The fun includes the Holiday Wishes nighttime spectacular: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks, plus live entertainment with Disney characters all dressed up for the holidays.
Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle: Cinderella Castle transforms into a glimmering ice palace for the holidays — thanks to a special effects spectacle bathing the castle in 200,000 shimmering white lights. Magic Kingdom guests are treated nightly to the dramatic castle celebration and stage show.
Read More »Walt Disney World Plans Magical 2012 Winter Holiday Season
If you had the pleasure of going on the upgrade experience ‘Wild Africa Trek‘ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in June or July, you might have taken home an unwelcome guest with you. The Orange County Health System and Walt Disney World report that a stomach… Read More »Mysterious Illness Breaks Out on Animal Kingdom’s Wild Africa Trek