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45 Years of Voyages on Pirates of the Caribbean®

45 years ago today, guests at the Disneyland® Park took the first ride on the Pirates of the Caribbean® attraction. Since its opening on March 18, 1967, it has become a guest favorite and a version of it can now be found in 4 Disney Theme Parks.

In honor of its birthday, enjoy some Pirates of the Caribbean® factoids on us!

  • The original Pirates of the Caribbean® attraction in Disneyland® Park is the last attraction that Walt helped design. He passed 3-months before it’s opening.
  • Written in 1967 by George Bruns and Xavier Atencio, “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” is the Pirates of the Caribbean® attraction’s theme song.
  • Pirates of the Caribbean® attraction was not part of the original plans for Magic Kingdom® Park. It was believed that because of Florida’s close proximity to the Caribbean, there would be little interest. Due to high guest demand, the attraction was quickly built and opened by the end of 1973.
  • In the queue of Pirates of the Caribbean® at Magic Kingdom® Park, guest will find two skeletons locked in a cell playing chess who are stuck in a stalemate.
  • At Disneyland® Park, guests can eat at the Blue Bayou which overlooks the opening to Pirates of the Caribbean®
  • The attraction at 3 Disney Parks include references to Jack Sparrow, Captain Barbossa and the blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean” films. All three include the smoke/waterfall effect with projections of:
    • Davy Jones and Blackbeard, alternately, at Disneyland® Park
    • Blackbeard at Magic Kingdom® Park at Walt Disney World® Resort
    • Davy Jones at Tokyo Disneyland®
  • The Pirates of the Caribbean® attraction can be found inside the Adventureland® Area at Magic Kingdom® Park, Tokyo Disneyland®, and Disneyland® Paris. Disneyland® Park is the only place you will find it in a different land – New Orleans Square.

Check out this video of the Capt. himself, Walt Disney, discussing the plans for the original Pirates of the Caribbean® attraction in Disneyland® Park

Irish Eyes and Tastes in the Downtown Disney® Area

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Raglan-Road-DancersSt. Patrick’s Day may only come once a year, but it is ‘just another day’ at Raglan Road™ Irish Pub and Restaurant in Walt Disney World® Resort’s Downtown Disney® Area. Open daily for lunch, dinner, and late-night light meals, Raglan Road™ serves up authentic Irish food and entertainment. With a design and decor based off pubs in the Emerald Isles, you will likely forget that you are in Central Florida after taking a seat inside.

Guests eating at Raglan Road™ can choose from Irish classics like beef stew, colcannon soup, and Sheperd’s pie. Live entertainment, available most days, includes traditional Irish music from their house band as well as spectacular, award-winning dancers. Guest on-the-go can still curb their hunger at Cookes of Dublin – Raglan Road’s™ quick-service dining location.  Raglan Road™ and Cookes of Dublin are both participating locations for the 2012 Disney Dining Plan.

Irish Eyes and Tastes in the Downtown Disney® Area

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Raglan-Road-DancersSt. Patrick’s Day may only come once a year, but it is ‘just another day’ at Raglan Road™ Irish Pub and Restaurant in Walt Disney World® Resort’s Downtown Disney® Area. Open daily for lunch, dinner, and late-night light meals, Raglan Road™ serves up authentic Irish food and entertainment. With a design and decor based off pubs in the Emerald Isles, you will likely forget that you are in Central Florida after taking a seat inside.

Guests eating at Raglan Road™ can choose from Irish classics like beef stew, colcannon soup, and Sheperd’s pie. Live entertainment, available most days, includes traditional Irish music from their house band as well as spectacular, award-winning dancers. Guest on-the-go can still curb their hunger at Cookes of Dublin – Raglan Road’s™ quick-service dining location.  Raglan Road™ and Cookes of Dublin are both participating locations for the 2012 Disney Dining Plan.

By |2017-06-27T10:23:10-05:00March 17th, 2012|Categories: Disney News|0 Comments

Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure To Be Re-Themed

Epcot® has announced that their Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure will be re-themed this summer.

Disney Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure will turn Epcot’s® guests into secret agents and help Agent P outwit Dr. Doofenshmirtz in several daring plots. These various missions will take the secret agents through 7 of Epcot’s® World Showcase Pavilions. With the help of  their “high-tech secret agent device,” agents who successfully complete their missions will defeat Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

No dates have been set for the switch over from Kim Possible to Agent P.

Magical Cuts on Main Street, U.S.A.®

Tucked in the corner of Main Street, U.S.A.® inside the Magic Kingdom® Park is a hidden gem guaranteed to take you back to a simpler time. The Harmony Barber Shop, located near the Emporium gift shop, is the Magic Kingdom® Park’s fully-functioning barber shop that has been in continuous operation since 1975. Complete with hair tonics and talcum powders, barbers at the Harmony Barber Shop serve approximately 400 guests per week.

“First Haircuts” have turned into the shop’s specialty. All guests receiving their “first haircut” while  inside this quaint shop get an extra special “My 1st Haircut” set of Mickey Ears and a certificate! With a wide range of services, the young aren’t the only guests visiting the Harmony Barber Shop – many are “young at heart!”

At Harmony Barber Shop, even the small details weren’t overlooked.  A turn-of-the-century Western Electric phone box is still used to make phone calls. Also, cast members use a cash register from 1912 to ring up their sales!

Advance reservations for Harmony Barber Shop can be made for those staying at a Disney resort or guests who have a dining reservation. Guests without reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Daily reservations are limited, so be sure to contact your Magic Maker® so your reservation can be made well in advance.

Magical Cuts on Main Street, U.S.A.®

Tucked in the corner of Main Street, U.S.A.® inside the Magic Kingdom® Park is a hidden gem guaranteed to take you back to a simpler time. The Harmony Barber Shop, located near the Emporium gift shop, is the Magic Kingdom® Park’s fully-functioning barber shop that has been in continuous operation since 1975. Complete with hair tonics and talcum powders, barbers at the Harmony Barber Shop serve approximately 400 guests per week.

“First Haircuts” have turned into the shop’s specialty. All guests receiving their “first haircut” while  inside this quaint shop get an extra special “My 1st Haircut” set of Mickey Ears and a certificate! With a wide range of services, the young aren’t the only guests visiting the Harmony Barber Shop – many are “young at heart!”

At Harmony Barber Shop, even the small details weren’t overlooked.  A turn-of-the-century Western Electric phone box is still used to make phone calls. Also, cast members use a cash register from 1912 to ring up their sales!

Advance reservations for Harmony Barber Shop can be made for those staying at a Disney resort or guests who have a dining reservation. Guests without reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Daily reservations are limited, so be sure to contact your Magic Maker® so your reservation can be made well in advance.

By |2017-06-27T10:23:10-05:00March 15th, 2012|Categories: Disney News|0 Comments

Disney Fantasy™ Christening Party

by: Magic Makers Kim Marko and Megan Caceres

 

From the moment that you walked into the port you could feel the excitement…it was a true celebration Disney Cruise Line® style for their newest cruise ship, the Disney Fantasy™.

On March 1st, 2012, for the first time ever, New York City played host to the Christening of Disney Cruise Line’s® newest cruise ship the Disney Fantasy™.  Magical Pier 88 will be the port for the outgoing cruises on the Disney Magic® this summer and fall.

We started our adventure by picking up our credentials which included the evening’s itinerary as well as our dining “rotation.” Stopping for pictures before walking the red carpet had us both smiling but nothing in our wildest dreams could explain the feeling as we walked into the Atrium and saw the big champagne bottle surrounded by guests, and Disney Cruise Line® cast members welcoming us with appetizers and champagne but the most thrilling feeling was seeing everyone’s excitement in being there for this amazing event.

Fantasy Christening ShowWe were soon called to the Walt Disney Theater where we were entertained by Disney Fantasy’s™ entertainment cast who gave us a highlight of the wonderful shows that will be appearing on the Disney Fantasy™; Aladdin (from Disneyland® Resort), Believe (from Disney Dream™), and a new production just for Disney Fantasy™, Wishes. Our host for the evening was Neil Patrick Harris who entertained us along with the cast. He was joined by Jerry Seinfeld who provided the comedy and Heather Headley who dazzled us with her amazing voice as she sang songs from Tangled, and The Lion King.

Fantasy ChristeningThere was quite a lineup of  New York based celebrity guests, including Tim Gunn, Ty Pennington, Alan Cummings, Meredith Veira, Nancy Grace, Mayor Bloomberg, and Bob Iger. After a wonderful show, which only had us wanting to book immediately we were then ushered into the Atrium for the Christening Ceremony. Robert Iger and Karl Holz were joined by the crew of the ship, Mickey Mouse
As Mariah sent her blessings to the ship, the crew, and all who would sail aboard this magnificent ship, confetti rained down upon us and spontaneous exuberance filled the room….it was definitely a moment I will never forget.and the Godmother of the Disney Fantasy™, Mariah Carey. Mariah’s husband Nick Canon and Minnie took over the duty outside the ship and we started the countdown…

Royal Court on the Disney Fantasy

After the momentous event the guests headed to the respected dining location for the evening. We were seated at the Royal Court, such a beautiful restaurant and we spent time getting to know our table guests.

The menu was a variety of delectable appetizers, entrees and desserts combined from the wonderful menus of the Disney Fantasy’s™ dining locations. Our appetizers were a sampler of Iced Lobster and Jumbo Shrimp, Smoked Salmon Tartare and Ahi Tuna and Avocado. We then had choices of Mushroom Glazed Portobello, Roasted Duck, Pan Seared Sea Bass, Rack of Lamb or a Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Lobster Tail. If that was not enough our dessert sampler of Celebration Cake, Tahitian Vanilla Crème Brulee and Mini Lava Cake was proof of the wonderful menus that await those cruising on the Disney Fantasy™.

Once we finished our meal and rolled out of the Royal Court guests dispersed and found themselves touring this amazing ship and visiting the after party in the Europa Entertainment District.

Oceaneer ClubWe found ourselves wandering the ship from the pool to the spa (I think it was about at this point that we thought stowing away might be a great idea). The spa…can we say that who would want to never leave this wonderful place. We toured the Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, Vibe and Edge…and throughout the tour you could hear the oohs and aahs from everyone as we went from area to area.

The night finally had to come to a close…as all good things do, but as we were leaving we were given some mementos from the night, but even without the mementos this wonderful experience was the best gift in itself. We will never forget our party with Mickey about the wonderful Disney Fantasy™.

The Disney Fantasy™ will take her maiden voyage on March 31, 2012. It’s not too late to join the Disney Fantasy™ for one of the inaugural voyages. Contact your Magic Maker® today to start planning!
Request a Quote

*Image of Royal Court is Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art

Disney Fantasy™ Christening Party

by: Magic Makers Kim Marko and Megan Caceres

 

From the moment that you walked into the port you could feel the excitement…it was a true celebration Disney Cruise Line® style for their newest cruise ship, the Disney Fantasy™.

On March 1st, 2012, for the first time ever, New York City played host to the Christening of Disney Cruise Line’s® newest cruise ship the Disney Fantasy™.  Magical Pier 88 will be the port for the outgoing cruises on the Disney Magic® this summer and fall.

We started our adventure by picking up our credentials which included the evening’s itinerary as well as our dining “rotation.” Stopping for pictures before walking the red carpet had us both smiling but nothing in our wildest dreams could explain the feeling as we walked into the Atrium and saw the big champagne bottle surrounded by guests, and Disney Cruise Line® cast members welcoming us with appetizers and champagne but the most thrilling feeling was seeing everyone’s excitement in being there for this amazing event.

Fantasy Christening ShowWe were soon called to the Walt Disney Theater where we were entertained by Disney Fantasy’s™ entertainment cast who gave us a highlight of the wonderful shows that will be appearing on the Disney Fantasy™; Aladdin (from Disneyland® Resort), Believe (from Disney Dream™), and a new production just for Disney Fantasy™, Wishes. Our host for the evening was Neil Patrick Harris who entertained us along with the cast. He was joined by Jerry Seinfeld who provided the comedy and Heather Headley who dazzled us with her amazing voice as she sang songs from Tangled, and The Lion King.

Fantasy ChristeningThere was quite a lineup of  New York based celebrity guests, including Tim Gunn, Ty Pennington, Alan Cummings, Meredith Veira, Nancy Grace, Mayor Bloomberg, and Bob Iger. After a wonderful show, which only had us wanting to book immediately we were then ushered into the Atrium for the Christening Ceremony. Robert Iger and Karl Holz were joined by the crew of the ship, Mickey Mouse
As Mariah sent her blessings to the ship, the crew, and all who would sail aboard this magnificent ship, confetti rained down upon us and spontaneous exuberance filled the room….it was definitely a moment I will never forget.and the Godmother of the Disney Fantasy™, Mariah Carey. Mariah’s husband Nick Canon and Minnie took over the duty outside the ship and we started the countdown…

Royal Court on the Disney Fantasy

After the momentous event the guests headed to the respected dining location for the evening. We were seated at the Royal Court, such a beautiful restaurant and we spent time getting to know our table guests.

The menu was a variety of delectable appetizers, entrees and desserts combined from the wonderful menus of the Disney Fantasy’s™ dining locations. Our appetizers were a sampler of Iced Lobster and Jumbo Shrimp, Smoked Salmon Tartare and Ahi Tuna and Avocado. We then had choices of Mushroom Glazed Portobello, Roasted Duck, Pan Seared Sea Bass, Rack of Lamb or a Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Lobster Tail. If that was not enough our dessert sampler of Celebration Cake, Tahitian Vanilla Crème Brulee and Mini Lava Cake was proof of the wonderful menus that await those cruising on the Disney Fantasy™.

Once we finished our meal and rolled out of the Royal Court guests dispersed and found themselves touring this amazing ship and visiting the after party in the Europa Entertainment District.

Oceaneer ClubWe found ourselves wandering the ship from the pool to the spa (I think it was about at this point that we thought stowing away might be a great idea). The spa…can we say that who would want to never leave this wonderful place. We toured the Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, Vibe and Edge…and throughout the tour you could hear the oohs and aahs from everyone as we went from area to area.

The night finally had to come to a close…as all good things do, but as we were leaving we were given some mementos from the night, but even without the mementos this wonderful experience was the best gift in itself. We will never forget our party with Mickey about the wonderful Disney Fantasy™.

The Disney Fantasy™ will take her maiden voyage on March 31, 2012. It’s not too late to join the Disney Fantasy™ for one of the inaugural voyages. Contact your Magic Maker® today to start planning!
Request a Quote

*Image of Royal Court is Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art

By |2017-06-27T10:23:10-05:00March 15th, 2012|Categories: Disney News|0 Comments

“Soft Opening” of Storybook Circus at Magic Kingdom® Park

New DumboSome of Monday’s guests at Magic Kingdom® Park were among the first to experience parts of Storybook Circus! This “soft opening” brought one carousel of Dumbo the Flying Elephant®, a re-themed Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini, and the Fantasyland Station of the Walt Disney World® Railroad to life and gave us a taste of what to expect for the rest of the expansion.

The Dumbo the Flying Elephant® attraction has received a new water feature at its base that sparkles and shines at night. When completed, Dumbo the Flying Elephant® will double its capacity with two carousels – the new one spinning clockwise while the old one will continue to fly counter-clockwise.

The Barnstormer, Starring The Great Goofini“The Barnstormer, Featuring  The Great Goofini”  is a family roller coaster taking you on the twists and turns of Goofy’s aerial  acrobatics stunt show for the big top!

When complete, the Storybook Circus area will also have a Casey Jr. splash area.

Through this “soft opening” stage, Storybook Circus will not hold regular park hours, but will be open intermittently. This area of Storybook Circus is expected to officially open to the public by the end of March.

Pre-Summer Room Only Savings at Disneyland Resort

This offer is no longer valid. Please click here to view all current Disneyland® Resort specials.

Paradise Pier Hotel

Spring is the perfect time to visit the Disneyland® Resort in sunny Anaheim. You can save up to 25%* on most stays Sun-Thu night at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort for arrivals Apr. 16 – Jun 9, 2012. Other discounts are available for Fri & Sat nights.

Offer Details:

Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel

  • Save 25% off a room-only reservation most Sun-Thu nights, or save 20% off a room-only reservation most Fri-Sat nights

Disneyland® Hotel or Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa

  • Save 20% off a room-only reservation most Sun-Thu nights, or save 15% off a room-only reservation most Fri-Sat nights

Booking & Travel Windows:

Book this offer now – May 26, 2012 for arrivals Apr. 16 – Jun. 9, 2012. Travel on this offer must be completed by Jun. 10, 2012.

Be sure to ask your Magic Maker® about adding Disney Character Dining
and Disneyland® Resort Theme Park tickets to your reservation.

Request a Quote

*Savings of up to 25% on Sunday through Thursday night stays is based on the non-discounted price for the same room at Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel on most nights from April 16, 2012 to June 9, 2012. Offer is valid when booked between March 13, 2012 and May 26, 2012. Travel must be completed by June 10, 2012. Offer not valid on suites or with previously booked rooms. Excludes applicable taxes and fees. Check for offers for different hotels and room types. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and five (5) people maximum per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

By |2017-06-27T10:23:10-05:00March 13th, 2012|Categories: Disney News|0 Comments