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Walt Disney World News

A Photo Out of this Galaxy

Tuesday morning, Walt Disney World® 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 shows Epcot’s® popular Future World Mission: SPACE® 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 from Walt Disney World® Resort). This mission marks the 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 Wars™ – Star Wars™ Weekends Photo Review

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

Celebrate this cosmic anniversary with a recap of photos from week #1 of Star Wars™ 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 Wars™ Weekends Week #2 Schedule

Star Wars Weekends 2012The schedule of events for the second week of Star Wars™ Weekends has been announced.

  • Celebrity Host Meet and Greet at Echo Lake – will use Disney’s FASTPASS® Service
    • James Arnold Taylor (Voice behind Obi-Wan Kenobi and Plo Hoon in Star Wars™: The Clone Wars) – 9:45a
    • Ashley Eckstein (Voice behind Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars™: The Clone Wars) – 4:30p, 5:45p
  • Additional Celebrity Meet and Greets at Echo Lake – will use Disney’s FASTPASS® Service
    • Ray Park (Double lightsaber wielding Sith, Darth Maul from the Phantom Menace) – 10:15a, 1:45p
    • Andy Secombe (Watto from The Phantom Menace) – 10:15a, 1:30p, 4:30p
    • Tom Kane (Voice of Yoda from Star Wars™: 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 Jones™ 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 Wars™ 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 Wars™ Weekends will take place Fri – Sun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ 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 Maker® Leslie Aldridge

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

Since January 2012, the corner of Frontierland® Area that is home to the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad® 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 Railroad® Attraction will live up to its reputation as “the wildest ride in the wilderness.”

So contact an Off to Neverland® Travel Magic Maker® today to book your next trip to Walt Disney World® Resort. Then you and your family can take in the full experience of the Magic Kingdom® Park’s Mountain Range including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad® Attraction, Space Mountain® Attraction and Splash Mountain® 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 Kingdom® Park and Disneyland® Park

Merida, Disney•Pixar’s Princess from the upcoming movie “Brave” has begun her all-new character greeting experience!

At the Magic Kingdom® Park in Florida, Merida and the mischievous 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 the Disneyland® Park, Merida’s meet & greet takes place in Adventureland® area near the iconic “it’s a small world”® Attraction.

Take a look at our photo gallery of the amazing Fairytale Garden at Magic Kingdom® Park.

Merida will meet guests at Magic Kingdom® Park and Disneyland® Park intermittently throughout the day. Refer to your times guide for more information. Disney•Pixar’s “Brave” 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 World® Marathon Course Announced

Walt Disney World MarathonrunDisney has announced details on the course for the 2013 Walt Disney World® Marathon. Taking place on 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 World® theme parks, the Walt Disney World® Marathon route offers plenty of scenary for runners and will be the most magical 26.2 miles you will ever run on Earth! The course starts at Epcot®, continues on to the Magic Kingdom® Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios® before an exhilarating finish back at Epcot®. 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 the Walt Disney World® Speedway! Also, a run through Champion® 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 Sports Complex, but full entertainment details have yet to be released! Also, an additional post-race party will be held in the Downtown Disney® Area on Sunday.

Registration is currently open for all of the different Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend races. Please contact your Magic Maker® 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 Wars™ Weekends Begin

SWW HostsThis morning, fans of all ages will assemble at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® for the opening day of Star Wars™ 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 with Star Wars™ 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-greet opportunities will be with Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars™: 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 World® Resort Beyond the Bun – Part 2

By Magic Maker® Tara Radulski

At Walt Disney World® Resort, some refer to it as Quick Service, others refer to it as Counter Service, some may even call it “fast food”.  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 Kingdom® Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. This week we will pick up where we left off with Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ and Epcot®!

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.  Now, I will admit that the expected burgers and fries, pizza and chicken strips are available.  But much better options abound!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios™

Not exactly Rodeo Drive, but a little searching will find you some quality Quick Service meals here too.  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) sandwich on basil asiago artisan bread with a sundried tomato pesto.

Epcot®

With the all the nations of the World Showcase within a 1.3 mile loop, there are amazing Quick Service Options in Epcot®.  The Tangierine Café 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; Mediterranean wraps served with tangierine couscous salad and lentil salad; lamb, chicken and Falafel wraps; as well as many other Mediterranean Specialties such as Morrocan kefta sandwiches, vegetable platters, and even a Mediterranean sliders combo made up of  lamb, chicken and falafel 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.  Sunshine Seasons offers options such as ginger Mongolian beef; spicy cashew chicken; roasted beets and goat cheese salad; 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 World® 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 Wars™ Weekends Week #1 Schedule

Star Wars Weekends 2012The schedule of events for the first week of Star Wars™ Weekends has been announced.

  • Celebrity Host Meet and Greet at Echo Lake – will use Disney’s FASTPASS® Service
    • James Arnold Taylor (Voice behind Obi-Wan Kenobi and Plo Hoon in Star Wars™: The Clone Wars) – 9:45a
    • Ashley Eckstein (Voice behind Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars™: The Clone Wars) – 4:30p, 5:45p
  • Additional Celebrity Meet and Greets at Echo Lake – will use Disney’s FASTPASS® 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 Wars™: 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 Jones™ 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 Wars™ 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 Wars™ Weekends will take place Fri – Sun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ 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 Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park

Rhino baby with mother at Disney's Animal KingdomA special “Disney mom” has a new reason to celebrate this Sunday after giving birth to a white rhino calf at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® 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 Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Ironically enough, his mother, Kendi, was the first 13 years ago!

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

Rhino Baby with mother

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

Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park 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, 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 previous Kilimanjaro Safaris® Expedition at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park:

  • White rhinos are named not for their color, which is gray, but for the shape of their mouths. The word “weit” in Afrikaans means wide.
  • The white rhino is among the world’s largest land mammals, second only to the elephant. 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 rhino’s sense of smell are larger than the animal’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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