12 things to look for from Disney in 2012

As the New Year starts lets take a look at dozen things to look forward to in 2012 coming from Disney.Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom staying open for 24 hours on Leap Day - Feb. 29, 2012 - as part of the "One More Day" campaign. The company is also giving away 60 vacation packages. The New Fantasyland opening at Walt Disney World. This is the largest expansion project in Magic Kingdom history will open in phases, featuring attractions...

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One More Disney Day means Disneyland and Magic Kingdom will be open for 24 hours, plus a giveaway

On Leap Day in 2012, Disneyland Park and the Magic Kingdom Park will be open for 24 hours for the first time ever,  the Disney Parks Blog announces.The parks will remain open starting Feb. 29 at 6 a.m. as pat of the One More Disney Day campaign.In addition starting now, Disney Parks.com is giving away a vacation package every day until February 29. They are vacation packages for 4 to either Disney World or Disneyland.To enter, you can go he...

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Ride construction at Shanghai Disneyland to begin in spring, report says

Construction of attractions at Shanghai Disneyland are supposed to begin this spring, according to a report in the Shanghai Daily.Road work, drainage systems, as well as traffic structures has already started for the park, which is scheduled to open in 2015. The latest stage of construction is to include, the park, hotels and attractions.According to the article, work has begun on a 10-kilometer waterway attraction that will enclose the site.Artists...

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Disneyland cancels nightly fireworks for seventh time

Disneyland has cancelled its nightly fireworks show"Believe in Holiday Magic" today for the seventh time in eight nights.Disney began cutting the fireworks on Dec. 22 after an employee was taken to the hospital for a possible ear injury, according to an article on the Orange County Register website.The company is making a decision on a day-to-day basis on whether the show will go on. The news article quotes a fire report stating that an employee preparing the fireworks into a tube heard a sound shortly before the shell detonated in the tube, destroying...

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"Bambi" is 5th Disney film to be named to the National Film Registry

Walt Disney's classic "Bambi" has become the fifth  "Disney" film to be named to the National Film Registry, the Library of Congress announced this week."Bambi" joined the likes of "Forrest Gump" and Billy Wilder's "The Lost Weekend" to be named to the registry, bringing the total films on the list to 575.This marks the fourth Disney produced film to be named to the registry. The others are "Fantasia," "Pinoccho" and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."There is one other Disney film on the list, but this one was not produced by Disney."Disneyland...

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Smile of The Day: Cinderella Castle, "The Magic, The Memories and You"

For nearly a year “The Magic, The Memories and You!” show has been projected on Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom and "it's a small world" at Disneyland.In Disney World, 16 high-powered projectors transform Cinderella Castle with over 5,000 images with as many as 500 images taken by PhotoPass photographers that day. Animation also turns the castle's turrets spin and rocket into space. For the holiday, the castle also appeared to be wrapped in gift paper and bows and covered in candy stripes.At the end Walt Disney's image is projected...

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Disney World among top places to be for New Year's Eve

Earlier this month New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer had a bit of a tiff over which area received more visitors - New York City or the Orlando region which is home to Disney World.The New York mayor said NYC is continuing it's dominance over Orlando. The Orlando mayor pointed out that the Florida resort area "was the first U.S. destination to attract more than 50 million visitors, with 51.5 million in 2010, a 10.5 percent...

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Disney marathon weekend sold out, new race announced

If you still haven't signed up for the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend, you're a little late. The weekend is sold out, according to Disney.The marathon weekend includes a number of races for family and kids. The main attraction is the 26.2-mile race which goes through Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.But don't worry, if you still need a race to run Disney has added the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror theme run. The 10-mile...

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Smile of The Day: Photos of Cinderella Castle fireworks

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Could Disney announcement mean special 24-hour day?

Speculation is going around on what the special announcement to be made New Year's Eve on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest" and  "Univision Television Feliz 2012"will bring.  Today, during the "Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade" the announcement of the "One More Disney Day" campaign was made.But what is "One More Disney Day?" Stitch Kingdom speculates it could mean that Disney World and Disneyland could stay open all day for the 2012 leap year on Feb. 29. What is known is that a "One More Disney Day" website has...

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Smile of the Day: Video of Osborne Family Lights

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Disneyland observing Three Kings Day for first time

Disneyland for the first time will observe Three Kings Day as part of the holiday celebration, the company announced in a news release.The observation will be held Jan. 6-8, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Disneyland park at Zocalo Park area. Zocalo Park which is Spanish for "Town Square" is located in Frontierland."Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will appear in Fiesta costumes and other characters will join them: The Three Caballeros: Donald Duck, Jose Carioca and Panchito. Entertainment highlights include folklorico dance along with musical...

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Disneyland - The most popular place to share photos on Instagram

The numbers are in and the most popular place for  people to share their photos on Instagram is --- Disneyland.According to the company's blog, Disneyland topped a list of 15 which includes, in order:1. Disneyland2. Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)3. AT&T Park4. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)5. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)6. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)7. MoMA – Museum of Modern Art8. Golden Gate Bridge9....

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Disney Pixar movie Brave is anticipated to boost tourism in Scotland

VisitScotland Chairman Mike Cantaly tells the BBC Scotland that next year's summer release of Pixar's "Brave" could bring a big boost in tourism to Scotland during tough economic times, according to stv.tv website. "This is Disney. At the box office it's reckoned to be several folds bigger than Bravehart, a movie people still talk about today," he said. The movie, scheduled for release June 22, portrays a rugged mystical Scotland "like it's never been seen before across the world" Cantaly said. Here is the movie's description, according to the...

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Behind the scenes of The Muppets new game on the Disney Cruise Line

A new video showing more about an interactive game aboard the Disney Fantasy starring the Muppets has been released. According to the Disney Parks Blog, "In this Midship Detective Agency game, Pepe the King Prawn offers to take on detective duties to help Kermit and the rest of the Muppets find the missing props for their big performance. Kermit, worried about Pepe’s lack of detective skills, turns to the guests for help."...

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Innoventions at Epcot getting new exhibits

Innoventions is getting a couple of new exhibits, one focusing on green building and another looking at a group of superheroes promoting good habits.Green Builder Media is sponsoring a a green home exhibit highlighting whole-home automation, energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environment quality, security, multi-generational design, and durability, according to a company news release.Guests will take a guided tour and show building science...

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Your Guide to What's Happening at Disney World in 2012

For everyone who loves to plan their trip to Walt Disney World, that is if you haven't already, here are some of the events and things to look forward to in 2012.JANUARYWalt Disney World Marathon Weekend Jan. 5-8: For the first time during the 26.2 mile marathon a buddy can join in for the Disney Marathon Relay. Each runner will go 13.1 miles through Walt Disney World’s four theme parks. The first runner will travel through Epcot and Magic Kingdom,...

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New Pez candy released for Cars 2

The Pez Pull & Go series for Disney’s Cars 2 is now available in stores, according to a new release by the company.Lightening McQueen, Mater, and Finn McMissile are the three dispensers. The cars are attached to the top of the PEZ dispenser with a magnet and can be removed for play. They can then be reattached to the dispenser base, which look like tires. Each dispenser, according to the release, includes two rolls of can...

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Smile of The Day: Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade

A photo slideshow of Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, complete with a special appearance by Santa Claus himself, during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Par...

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Holiday Photo: Slideshow of Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is held on select nights during the winter at the Magic Kingdom. In front of Cinderella Castle Mickey and his crew perform a fun-filled castle sh...

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Smile of the Day: Video of Osborne Lights performing "Feliz Navidad"

This favorite song of many, Feliz Navidad --performed by Jose Feliciano -- is put to the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights treatment on the Streets of America at Disney's Hollywood Studios This was taken last year. Next week, we will post new video from this year.Some facts about this popular song: The song was written in 1970 with the simple Spanish chorus, "Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad" meaning "Merry Christmas, a prosperous year and happiness" is followed in English by "I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas from the...

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Holiday Photo: A view down Main Street in Disney World

A view down Main Street in The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World during the holida...

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Toy Story Mania opening in Tokyo Disneyland

The Toy Story Mania attraction will be opening in Tokyo DisneySea on July 9, 2012, according to a news release. This will be the first ride at the Tokyo Disney Resort to incorporate 3-D technology with a ride. The attraction will be located in Toyville Trolley Park, a new area themed to an old-fashioned amusement park. Guests will enter through a 26-foot giant Woody head, to board the ride, the release states.Tokyo Disney announced last month it was updating its Star Tours ride. That update should be complete by 20...

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Holiday Photo: In silhouette

A bit of a moody photo as cast members prepare for a show in front of the castle in the Magic Kingdom.You can also check out other Holiday Photos he...

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Smile of The Day: Voices of Liberty sing Chanukah

 The Voices of Liberty normally sing Americana, folk and patriotic songs in the rotunda of the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot, but this time of year the group sings holiday songs. Here they give a little concert of songs for Chanukah.   ...

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3 rare kunekune pigs debut at Animal Kingdom

Three not so little pigs are debuting at Disney's Animal Kingdom.Three kunekune pigs, which are a rare breed, are making their debut at the park. The animals are found in New Zealand but are believed to have originated in China, according to a Walt Disney World News release.“Most people have heard about endangered species in reference to wild animals, but many domestic animals are at risk of extinction as well,” Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., vice president...

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Inside China's deserted Disneyland

Could this have been China's Disneyland?Forty-five minutes from the center of Beijing sits the ruins of "Wonderland." Promoted at the time by developers as "the largest amusement park in Asia," the Reuters photography blog reports it now sits vacant.Construction stopped 10 years ago. The blog -- with stunning photos, that you need to check out -- shows and reports on "the skeletal remains of a palace, a castle, and the steel beams of what could have been an indoor playground in the middle of a corn field. Photographer David Gray takes you...

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Free kids collectable 3-D glasses will be available with 3-D "Beauty and The Beast"

Parents get ready. "Beauty and the Beast" will be released in 3D on Jan. 13 with special limited-edition RealD 3D kids’ glasses, according to RealD Inc., the company working with Disney to re-release the movie.The glasses will feature movie-themed colors and images of the film’s characters, including the Chip, Mrs. Potts and the Beast, according to a company news release. The glasses will be distributed at theaters free of charge with the purchase of a child’s ticket to see “Beauty and the Beast” in 3D. Glasses will be available exclusively...

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Holiday Photo: Mike Wazowski

Mike Wazowski waves as he enters the stage during a show in Tomorrowland during Mickey's Verry Merry Christmas Par...

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Smile of The Day: Video of Goofy and the Gang singing "Santa Claus Parade"

Goofy dressed as Santa comes out during a show at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at The Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney Wor...

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Holiday Photo: Santa Stitch

Stitch dresses up as Santa Claus during a show at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Par...

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Photo Gallery of Disneyland's Toontown

 Mickey's Toontown in Disneyland is full of great toon architecture and has one of the best rides around - Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Sp...

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Disney Facts: How much you eat at Disney World

Food. Wonderful food. Glorious food.Eating at Walt Disney World is just as much fun and as exciting as many of the attractions. The most popular foods are the staples, hot dogs and hamburgers. Here are some of the most popular foods consumed by the numbers:75 million: the number of Cokes consumed each year.13 million: bottles of water sold annually.10 million: hamburgers sold annually.9 million: pounds of French fries sold each year.6 million: hot...

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A look at the new Beast's Castle

The largest expansion project in Magic Kingdom history is taking place in Fantasyland. Starting in February 2012 new attractions will start to open and it is expected to be complete by the end of  2014. The Beast's Castle during construction of new Fantasyland.One of the highlights of the new area is the Beast's Castle, based on "Beauty and The Beast." The castle sits on top of the new Be Our Guest Restaurant which will feature a ballroom,...

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Holiday Photo: Santa Goofy

Goofy dresses as Santa Claus during a Castle Show at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Par...

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Coming this week: The Holidays in DIsney World

We've been silent this past week as we have have taken our annual December Disney trip. Actually, we just got back a few hours ago. It was highlighted by a some new experiences: our drinking around the Monorail and a haircut at the Harmony Barber Shop in the Magic Kingdom. These adventures will be written about shortly, but here is what you can expect during this week:Holiday Photos featuring Santa Goofy, Santa Stitch and the Magic Kingdom all decked...

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Holiday Photo: Mickey Mouse and Friends celebrate

During the Very Merry Christmas Party at The Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Mickey Mouse and friends wish everyone Happy Holidays during the "Celebrate the Season" show....

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Holiday Photo: Candlelight Processional

The chorus for the Candlelight Processional at Epc...

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Smile of The Day: A fairy godmother vamps it up

A fairy godmother during a parade at The Magic Kingdom vamps it up for the camera.Here are some more Smiles of The D...

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Disney Facts: How big is the World?

So exactly how big is the Walt Disney World Resort? Covering 40 square miles, it is about the size of San Francisco or two Manhattan islands. Of the more than 25,000 acres, less than 35 percent has been developed with a quarter designated as a wilderness preserve. Nearly 12 percent of  the property, an area equivalent to nearly 3,000 football fields, is devoted to gardens and maintained landscapes.To keep the resort running it takes about 62,000 employees making the resort the largest single-site employer in the U.S. And to keeping everything...

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Disney Facts: Epcot Innoventions fountain

The fountain at Epcot Innoventions Plaza can shoot water 150 feet in the air, that's within 30 feet of the top of Spaceship Earth. If all of the shooters were fired at once, there would be 2,000 gallons of water in the air. Check out some more Disney Facts....

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Smile of The Day: Dumbo

There is nothing like taking a ride on Dumbo and soaring with a smiling elephant.Also check out some of the previous Smiles of The D...

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Ghiradelli opening location inside Disney California Adventure

Ghirardelli will open a store inside Disney California Adventure park. The store will be located in the Pacific Wharf area of the part and open in late spring 2012, according to a Disneyland news release. "The addition of  a world-renown brand like Ghirardelli highlights our focus on providing quality, immersive experiences that transport our guests to a different place – in this case to San Francisco,” Mary Niven, vice president of Disney California Adventure park, said in the release.The park is now undergoing and expansion which...

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Smile of The Day: Take a ride on The Test Track

Do you have the need? The need for speed? Enjoy the loop on The Test Tra...

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Smile of The Day: Photo of the Dinosaur Smile

There's nothing like looking up at The Animal Kingdom and seeing a dinosaur smi...

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ESPN Sports Complex at Disney World is expanding

The ESPN Wide World of Sport Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort will be expanding by early 2012, according to Walt Disney Co. "The sports complex is adding four multi-purpose playing fields on the north side of the complex for football, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey. The new fields, which will increase the complex’s outdoor playing fields to more than 30, will be equipped with full lighting and scoreboards, plus digital video boards and audio systems. In addition, lighting will be added to five existing playing fields, increasing...

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Is this the end of Disney hotel expansions off property?

At one time Disney had plans to create standalone hotels, retail centers and parks throughout the country but they no longer have anything on the drawing board, according to an article in the Orlando Sentinel.Last week the Walt Disney Company scuttled plans to build a 500-room, hotel at the National Harbor.This decision comes after the Aug. 29 opening of the Aulani resort in Hawaii. The article goes on to discuss the issues involved in creating these hotels and that Disney is still considering building away from the Walt Disney Resort in Florida...

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The scoop on the Fantasmic! Dragon - Disney Facts

One of the highlights of Fantasmic! in Disneyland is the fire-breathing dragon, which resembles the dragon from "Sleeping Beauty."©Steven LiebmanWhen stretched to full height, the dragon stands 45 feet tall, but when waiting for its appearance below the stage it contracts to 22 feet. To get on stage during the finale it takes 35 seconds and the beast sits on a custom-built elevator.According to the Disney Parks public relations, the dragon is 32...

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Muppets debuting on Disney Cruise Line

The new Disney ship setting sail in March will feature an interactive game on board featuring the Muppets, the Disney Cruise Line News website reports.The Disney Fantasy will debut an interactive game called "The Case of the Stolen Show" in which guests will assist Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo and more than 20 other Muppets find their props and instruments so the Muppets can put on a show. The ship will also have numerous other technical...

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Holiday Photo: Mickey and Santa

Mickey Mouse and Santa shake hands as part of the Osborne Family of Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studi...

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Long-lost Disney film short found in London

A British firm says that it has found a short film of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in its archives. The film has not been seen since World War II, according to an article in The Telegraph of London.The five minute silent film, made in 1928, is called "The Hungry Hobos" and shows Oswald and his friend Peg Leg Pete on a train and hungry. Walt Disney made 26 films of Oswald before starting his own company. Oswald, as we all know, later morphed into Mickey Mouse. The film is going up for sale at an auction house in Lond...

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Disney Facts: Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story Mania

Mr. Potato Head at the Toy Story Mania ride is one of the most advanced Audio-Animatronic figures created by the Walt Disney Imagineering, according to the Disneyland Public Relations.Not only was more time spend programming Mr. Potato Head than any other Audio-Animatronic figured created by the imagineering department, it says more lines of dialogue than any other figure created by the department,In addition, it is the first figure that can remove a body part and re-attatch it. This is done when Mr. Potato head removes his hear. It also has eyes...

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Disney Facts: Disneyland Dining by The Numbers

There are over 75 choices of eating establishments at Disneyland Resort. They range from the signature dining of Napa Rose to the corn dogs at the Stage Door Cafe. Here's a quick look at some fun dining facts.16,000: The number of bottles in the wine cellar at Napa Rose at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.14,000: The number of bowls of Charred Nebraska Corn Chowder  consumed annually at Storyteller’s Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian...

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Holiday Photo: Partners in silhouette

Even though the Partners Statue in The Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World faces toward Main Street, the silhouettes make it look as thought Walt Disney is pointing out Cinderella Castle to Mickey Mou...

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Smile of The Day: British Invasion Concert Part 2

The popular Beatles tribute band The British Invasion finished its run at The United Kingdom pavilion at Epcot on April 30. The band was replaced by The British Revolution.The term British Invasion was coined to described the number of rock and roll, bear, pop and rock performers from the U.K. who came to the U.S. from 1964 to 1966.Did you you know that includes 37 different bands. Can you name them all?Here's The British Invasion performing "Hard Days Night." The first part of the concert series is them playing "Hel...

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Smile of The Day: British Invasion Concert Part 1

The British Invasion ended its run at Epcot in Walt Disney World after performing for 14 years. The band performed numerous covers of The Beatles in the gazebo behind the Great Britain Pavilion.They covered classic Beatles songs as well as music from other British groups that were part of the Rock bands and performers from the United Kingdom who came to the U.S. from 1964 to 1966. Here is the band playing "Help." You can also watch them playing "Hard Days Nigh...

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Disney Facts: Macy's Thanksgiving Balloons at Walt Disney World

For nearly 85 years large balloons have been walked down New York City streets as part of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. For a brief period those large balloons were brought to the Disney-MGM Studios, when it was was called that.In 1992, Kermit, the Frog, Betty Boop, Santa Goofy and Humpty Dumpty all hung out out along the old New York Street backlot. Eventually, the balloons and parade moved to Universal Studios.All photos here were taken during...

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Christmas by the Numbers at Walt Disney World

The Walt Disney World Resort has been turned into a winter wonderland this holiday season. Here is a look at what you'll find.8.5 million lights strung throughout Walt Disney World Resort300,000 yards ribbon and bows draping over Christmas trees across property1,314 wreaths hung throughout the resortThe Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Hollywood Studios1,300 decorated trees throughout property800 performers participate...

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