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Walt Disney World News

A Photo Out of this Galaxy

Tuesday morning,ย Walt Disney Worldยฎย Resort photographer Matt Stroshane had an opportunity to catch a rare photograph at the early hours of the morning.

SpaceX Rocket Soars Over Mission: Space

This shot showsย Epcot’sยฎ popular Future Worldย Mission: SPACEยฎ Attraction in the foreground as the flame from the SpaceX Rocket streaks across the background. At 3:44 a.m. Eastern, the SpaceX Falcon 9 launched from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (appox. 60 miles fromย Walt Disney Worldยฎย Resort). This mission marks theย first commercial company in history to attempt to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station.

For all those photo buffs, this photo is a 64-second exposure of f11 at ISO 100 utilizing a neutral density filter.

By |2017-06-27T10:22:47-05:00May 27th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|0 Comments
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35 Years of Star Warsโ„ข – Star Warsโ„ข Weekends Photo Review

Yesterday,ย Star Warsโ„ข celebrated spending 35 years in a galaxy far, far away! On May 25, 1977, Star Warsโ„ข Episode IV: A New Hope was released into theaters (under the name “Star Warsโ„ข“).

Celebrate this cosmic anniversary with a recap of photos from week #1 ofย Star Warsโ„ขย Weekends!

By |2012-05-25T10:26:28-05:00May 26th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: , , , , , |2 Comments
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Star Warsโ„ข Weekends Week #2 Schedule

Star Wars Weekends 2012The schedule of events for the second week ofย Star Warsโ„ข Weekends has been announced.

  • Celebrity Host Meet and Greet at Echo Lake – will use Disney’sย FASTPASSยฎ Service
    • James Arnold Taylor (Voice behind Obi-Wan Kenobi and Plo Hoon in Star Warsโ„ข: The Clone Wars)ย – 9:45a
    • Ashley Eckstein (Voice behind Ahsoka Tano in Star Warsโ„ข: The Clone Wars) – 4:30p, 5:45p
  • Additional Celebrity Meet and Greets at Echo Lake –ย will use Disney’sย FASTPASSยฎ Service
    • Ray Park (Double lightsaber wielding Sith, Darth Maul from the Phantom Menace) – 10:15a, 1:45p
    • Andy Secombeย (Watto from The Phantom Menace) – 10:15a, 1:30p, 4:30p
    • Tom Kaneย (Voice of Yoda from Star Warsโ„ข: The Clone Wars) – 3p, 4:30p, 5:45p
  • Padawan Mind Challengeย (registration at park opening near ABC Sound Studio) – 2:10p, 6:30p
  • Hyperspace Hoopla – 8:00p
  • Jedi Training Academy(sign-up in front of Indiana Jonesโ„ข Epic Stunt Spectacular) – 9:15a, 9:45a, 10:15a, 10:45a, 11:15a, 11:45a, 12:15p, 1:30p, 2:00p, 3:45p, 4:15p, 4:45p, 5:15p, 5:45p, 6:15p, 6:45p
  • Star Warsโ„ข Character Encounters (locations around Star Tours – The Adventure Continue, Backlot Tour and Premiere Theater) – 9a-7p
  • Behind the Force – 11:00a, 1:45p
  • Stars of the Saga – 3:15p
  • Obi-Wan and Beyond – 4:45p
  • Visit to the Maul – 6:00p

Star Warsโ„ขย Weekends will take place Fri – Sun atย Disneyโ€™s Hollywood Studiosโ„ข through June 10, 2012.

By |2017-06-27T10:22:47-05:00May 25th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: , , , , , |0 Comments
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Thunder Returns to the Mountains

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

by Magic Makerยฎ Leslie Aldridge

The rhythmic clacking of the train echoes through the thunderous mountains of Frontierlandยฎ Area. The joyous squeals of kids and adults alike pierce the air. And with that, the world famous Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resort Mountain Range is once again complete with the May 28, 2012 re-opening of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroadยฎ Attraction.

Since January 2012, the corner of Frontierlandยฎ Area that is home to the Big Thunder Mountain Railroadยฎ Attraction appeared to be dormant. But in reality, Disney Imagineers have been working behind the scenes for the last five months to upgrade the 32-year old ride and enhance the already exhilarating mine car coaster ride. With its many dips, twists and tight banking turns, this nearly three-minute train ride will bring smiles to the faces of everyone who braves the caves and caverns of this Old West mining settlement.

While no one knows exactly what awaits riders, you can rest assured the Big Thunder Mountain Railroadยฎ Attraction will live up to its reputation as โ€œthe wildest ride in the wilderness.โ€

So contact an Off to Neverlandยฎ Travel Magic Makerยฎ today to book your next trip to Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resort. Then you and your family can take in the full experience of the Magic Kingdomยฎ Parkโ€™s Mountain Range including Big Thunder Mountain Railroadยฎ Attraction, Space Mountainยฎ Attraction and Splash Mountainยฎ Attraction.

Thrilling and fun-filled memories wait for you.

 

By |2017-06-27T10:22:47-05:00May 24th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: , , , |2 Comments
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Merida Begins Meeting Guests at Magic Kingdomยฎ Park and Disneylandยฎ Park

Merida,ย Disneyโ€ขPixarโ€™s Princess from the upcoming movie โ€œBraveโ€ has begun her all-new character greeting experience!

At theย Magic Kingdomยฎ Park in Florida, Merida and theย mischievousย three bear cubs from the film will appear in a setting inspired by her home in the Scottish Highlands. While waiting to meet Merida and her Scottish clan inside Fairytale Garden, guests are entertained by an interactive queue with archery and other activities.

At theย Disneylandยฎ Park, Meridaโ€™s meet & greet takes place inย Adventurelandยฎ area near the iconicย โ€œitโ€™s a small worldโ€ยฎย Attraction.

Take a look at our photo gallery of the amazing Fairytale Garden atย Magic Kingdomยฎ Park.

Merida will meet guests at Magic Kingdomยฎ Park and Disneylandยฎ Parkย intermittently throughout the day. Refer to your times guide for more information.ย Disneyโ€ขPixarโ€™s โ€œBraveโ€ opens in theaters June 22nd.

By |2012-05-21T09:00:02-05:00May 21st, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: , , , |0 Comments
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2013 Walt Disney Worldยฎ Marathon Course Announced

Walt Disney World MarathonrunDisney has announced details on the course for the 2013ย Walt Disney Worldยฎ Marathon. Taking place onย Sun, January 13, 2013, this year’s event will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Marathon.

With a course that travels through all four Walt Disney Worldยฎย theme parks, the Walt Disney Worldยฎย Marathon route offers plenty of scenary for runners and will be the most magical 26.2 miles you will ever run on Earth! The courseย starts atย Epcotยฎ, continues on to theย Magic Kingdomยฎ Park,ย Disney’s Animal Kingdomยฎ Theme Park andย Disneyโ€™s Hollywood Studiosยฎย before an exhilarating finish back atย Epcotยฎ. Along the way, you will find many photo opportunities along the way with Disney characters and parade floats.

In celebration of the 20th Anniversary, runDisney has made a couple changes to the route. Between miles 8 & 9, the course will take a lap around theย Walt Disney Worldยฎ Speedway! Also, a run throughย Championยฎ Stadium, the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves will be part of the course! A “Mile 20 Spectacular” is also being planned inside the ESPN Wide World of Sportsย Complex, but full entertainment details have yet to be released! Also, an additional post-race party will be held in theย Downtown Disneyยฎ Area on Sunday.

Registration is currently open for all of the differentย Walt Disney Worldยฎ Marathon Weekend races. Please contact your Magic Makerยฎ for full details.

By |2017-06-27T10:22:48-05:00May 19th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: , |1 Comment
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Feel the Force – Star Warsโ„ข Weekends Begin

SWW HostsThis morning, fans of all ages will assemble atย Disneyโ€™s Hollywood Studiosยฎ for the opening day ofย Star Warsโ„ขย Weekends. This annual sci-fi event, which is included with regular theme park admission, includes several different interactive activities, exclusive merchandise, and meet-and-greet opportunities withย Star Warsโ„ข celebrities and characters. Be sure to watch our Facebook page as we post some updates and photos from the event all weekend long!

One of this year’s celebrity meet-and-greetย opportunitiesย will be withย Ashley Eckstein, the voice ofย Ahsoka Tano in Star Warsโ„ข: The Clone Wars. While these autograph sessions are a lot of fun, sometimes they turn a little “weird!” Check out the video below.

By |2017-06-27T10:22:48-05:00May 18th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: , , , , , |0 Comments
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Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resort Beyond the Bun – Part 2

Byย Magic Makerยฎ Tara Radulski

At Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resort, some refer to it as Quick Service, others refer to it as Counter Service, some may even call it “fast food”. ย It is all those things, but it is also much more than what you would expect from “amusement park” food. Last week, in the first of our two part series, we looked at the Quick Service dining options at Magic Kingdomยฎ Park and Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdomยฎ Theme Park. This week we will pick up where we left off with Disneyโ€™s Hollywood Studiosโ„ข and Epcotยฎ!

Clients who are on one of the Disney Dining Plans, especially those on the Quick Service Dining Plan, always ask me what the best places to eat a quick meal are. ย Now, I will admit that the expected burgers and fries, pizza and chicken strips are available. ย But much better options abound!

Disneyโ€™s Hollywood Studiosโ„ข

Not exactly Rodeo Drive, but a little searching will find you some quality Quick Service meals here too. ย The Backlot Express offers guests a Southwest salad of mixed greens, crisp corn tortilla, black bean relish, avocado, chicken and cilantro vinaigrette; a grilled turkey and cheese sandwich on multigrain ciabatta with arugula and red peppers; or even a grilled vegetable (including mushrooms, red peppers, zucchini, tomato, watercress and cheese)ย sandwich on basil asiago artisan bread with a sundried tomato pesto.

Epcotยฎ

With the all the nations of the World Showcase within a 1.3 mile loop, there are amazing Quick Service Options in Epcotยฎ. ย Theย Tangierine Cafรฉ in the Morrocco pavilion has tasteful plates such as chicken and lamb platters served with side of hummus, tabouleh and a tangierine couscous salad with fresh Moroccan bread;ย Mediterranean wraps served with tangierine couscous salad and lentil salad; lamb, chicken and Falafel wraps; as well as many otherย Mediterranean Specialties such as Morrocan kefta sandwiches, vegetable platters, and even a Mediterranean sliders combo made up of ย lamb, chicken and falafelย pita pockets.The Katsura Grill in the Japan pavilion will not disappoint either with its assortment of sushi rolls, curried rice and udon.

Future World is home to Sunshine Seasons in the Land pavilion, some of the BEST Quick Service in all of the theme parks. ย Sunshine Seasons offers options such as ginger Mongolian beef; spicy cashew chicken; roasted beets and goat cheese salad;ย Togarashi seared tuna noodle salad; an oak grilled vegetable flatbread sandwich; or oak-grilled sustainable catch Niciose style.

As you can see from last week’s post, as well as this week, you will think again before you use the words “fast food” to describe the Quick Service / counter service food options at the Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resort!

By |2017-06-27T10:22:48-05:00May 17th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|0 Comments
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Star Warsโ„ข Weekends Week #1 Schedule

Star Wars Weekends 2012The schedule of events for the first week ofย Star Warsโ„ข Weekends has been announced.

  • Celebrity Host Meet and Greet at Echo Lake – will use Disney’sย FASTPASSยฎ Service
    • James Arnold Taylor (Voice behind Obi-Wan Kenobi and Plo Hoon in Star Warsโ„ข: The Clone Wars)ย – 9:45a
    • Ashley Eckstein (Voice behind Ahsoka Tano in Star Warsโ„ข: The Clone Wars) – 4:30p, 5:45p
  • Additional Celebrity Meet and Greets at Echo Lake –ย will use Disney’sย FASTPASSยฎ Service
    • Ray Park (Double lightsaber wielding Sith, Darth Maul from the Phantom Menace) – 10:15a, 1:45p
    • Jerome Blake (Rune Haako/Mas Amedda from The Phantom Menace) – 10:15a, 1:30p, 4:30p
    • Dee Bradley Baker (Voice of Captain Rex from Star Warsโ„ข: The Clone Wars) – 3p, 4:30p, 5:45p
  • Padawan Mind Challenge(registration at park opening near ABC Sound Studio) – 2:10p, 6:30p
  • Hyperspace Hoopla – 8:00p
  • Jedi Training Academy(sign-up in front of Indiana Jonesโ„ข Epic Stunt Spectacular) – 9:15a, 9:45a, 10:15a, 10:45a, 11:15a, 11:45a, 12:15p, 1:30p, 2:00p, 3:45p, 4:15p, 4:45p, 5:15p, 5:45p, 6:15p, 6:45p
  • Star Warsโ„ข Character Encounters (locations around Star Tours – The Adventure Continue, Backlot Tour and Premiere Theater) – 9a-7p
  • Behind the Force – 11:00a, 1:45p
  • Stars of the Saga – 3:15p
  • Obi-Wan and Beyond – 4:45p
  • Visit to the Maul – 6:00p

Star Warsโ„ขย Weekends will take place Fri – Sun atย Disneyโ€™s Hollywood Studiosโ„ข May 18 – June 10, 2012.

By |2017-06-27T10:22:49-05:00May 15th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: , , , , , |0 Comments
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A Special Mother’s Day at Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdomยฎ Theme Park

Rhino baby with mother at Disney's Animal KingdomA special “Disney momโ€ has a new reason to celebrate this Sunday after giving birth to a white rhino calf at Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdomยฎ Theme Park.

After a 16-month gestation period, Kendi gave birth to her fourth calf Friday, May 4. The unnamed healthy male is the ninth white rhino which has been born at Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdomยฎ Theme Park.ย Ironically enough, his mother, Kendi, was the first 13 years ago!

โ€œThe birth of a white rhino calf is certainly something to celebrate since the population of this species is endangered in the wild,โ€ said Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., vice president of Animals, Science and Environment for Disney Parks. โ€œItโ€™s encouraging that with protection and careful management, the global population of white rhinos continues to grow.โ€

Rhino Baby with mother

Guests visiting Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdomยฎ Theme Park unfortunately won’t be able to catch aย glimpse of the little one quite yet.ย The calf and mother will spend some time off the savannah bonding before they return to the herd in the coming weeks.

Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdomยฎ Theme Parkย participates in a white rhino breeding program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The program focuses on sustaining the white rhino population in North America. Beyond breeding programs,ย The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund and the Disney Foundation have provided more than $1 million in support to programs in Africa and Asia to protect the last five remaining species of rhino.

And now, a few White rhino fun facts that you may have learned on a previousย Kilimanjaro Safarisยฎ Expedition atย Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdomยฎ Theme Park:

  • White rhinos are named not for their color, which is gray, but for the shape of their mouths. The word โ€œweitโ€ in Afrikaans means wide.
  • The white rhino is among the worldโ€™s largest land mammals, second only to the elephant.ย A male rhino can grow to more than 5,000 pounds as an adult.
  • A rhino can move its ears independently to pick up sounds but it depends most on smell.
  • The receptors responsible for the rhinoโ€™s sense of smell are larger than the animalโ€™s entire brain.
  • The white rhinoceros has the widest set of nostrils of any land based animal.
By |2017-06-27T10:22:49-05:00May 12th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: , |0 Comments
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