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.

1. 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. 
2. The New Fantasyland opening at Walt Disney World. This is the largest expansion project in Magic Kingdom history will open in phases, featuring attractions and experiences in an area that will nearly double the size of Fantasyland. Among the novelties, guests will be able to fly high with The Great Goofini or with Dumbo the Flying Elephant, “immerse” themselves in Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid and “be our guest” at the Beast’s Castle.
3. Cars Land opens in Disneyland. Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater and other characters come to life in the new 12-acre land in Disney California Adventure Park. Attractions include Luigi's Flying Tires, whip around behind a baby tractor at Maters' Junkyard Jamboree and head out on Radiator Springs Racers which lets you race up to 40 mph through Ornament Valley's red-rock formations.
4. Beauty and the Beast in 3D." This hits theaters Jan. 13. This 1991 classic was the first animated film to ever be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.
5. Launch of the Disney Fantasy. On March 31, the latest in Disney cruises shoves off with a new interactive detective game starring The Muppets and two new musical stage shows.
6. Disney/Pixar's latest movie "Brave" is released June 22. The movie is set in the mystical Scottish Highlands, where Merida is the princess of a kingdom ruled by King Fergus and Queen Elinor. An unruly daughter and an accomplished archer, Merida one day defies a sacred custom of the land and inadvertently brings turmoil to the kingdom. In an attempt to set things right, Merida seeks out an eccentric old Wise Woman and is granted an ill-fated wish. Also figuring into Merida’s quest — and serving as comic relief — are the kingdom’s three lords: the enormous Lord MacGuffin, the surly Lord Macintosh, and the disagreeable Lord Dingwall.
7. New rooms and resorts at Walt Disney World. Guests staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will discover stars of favorite animated films such as “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Princess and the Frog" in their rooms. Some room guests will be able to watch “fireworks” swirl as they recline in ornate beds, curl up in custom linens. Each of the 512 Royal Guest Rooms sleeps up to four guests in two queen beds. And Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, inspired by Disney animation opens featuring 1,120 family suites themed after “The Lion King,” “Cars” and “Finding Nemo,” and 864 themed rooms in “The Little Mermaid” wings is scheduled to open.
8. "The Avengers" movie is released on May 4. This is every Marvel fan boy's and fan girl's dream come true. Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Nick Fury, the Black Widow and Hawkeye join forces.
9. DVC members making reservations online. Starting Jan. 19, Disney Vacation Club members will be able to make online reservations. This will be a slow roll out.
10. Disneyland Parks celebrates is 20th Anniversary on April 1 with the world premiere of Dreams - A Magical Immersive Nighttime Spectacular that will take over Disneyland Park each night with a dazzling visual feast of special effects, bringing to life greatest Disney characters.
11. Disney's Newsies comes to Broadway in New York for a limited engagement March 15 to June 10. Ticket go on sale Jan. 30.
12. Epic Mickey 2 the game is to be released Nov. 30. The game is the sequel to Epic Mickey with new adventures and also includes a new "old" character - Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. That's right Mickey's predecessor is part of the game.

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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 here.

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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 rendering of the Disneyland Shanghai

Shanghai Disneyland will be a Magic Kingdom-style park that will blend Disney storytelling and characters with all-new attractions and experiences tailored specifically for the people of China, according to the Shanghai Disneyland Resort website.

The park will feature several themed lands and include an interactive Disney castle that will contain entertainment, dining and performance experiences that will be unique to Shanghai Disneyland. An 11-acre green space at the center of the theme park will differentiate Shanghai Disneyland and reinforce the themes of sustainability and nature that will be integrated throughout the park. The space will also be a place where friends and family can enjoy local cultural celebrations and customs together.

The resort will be located on a 963-acre site in Pudong, Shanghai, with additional room to expand in the future. At opening, the resort will include Shanghai Disneyland, two themed hotels, a large retail, dining and entertainment venue, recreational facilities, a lake and associated parking and transportation hubs.

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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 the tube and spreading debris.

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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 Dream" was a home movie made in 1956 by Robbins and Meg Barstow. The film documents their family's free trip to the newly opened Disneyland. The one-week trip was a prize from a contest sponsored by Scotch tape. The movie was shot with a 16mm handheld camera and is 30 minutes long. The National Film Registry added this in 2008  citing its "fantastical historical snapshots" of early Southern California and the budding importance of the home movies.

Under the terms of the National Film Preservation Act, each year the Librarian of Congress names 25 films to the National Film Registry that are "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant. Annual selections to the registry are finalized by the Librarian after reviewing hundreds of titles nominated by the public (this year 2,228 films were nominated) and conferring with Library film curators and the distinguished members of the National Film Preservation Board, according to a news release.

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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 with his opening words from Disneyland.

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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 increase from 2009. New York City reported 48.7 million tourists last year," according to a Bloomberg article.


Now priceline.com is coming out with its list of of top destinations to ring in the 2012. Guess which area is at the top. Yes, it is New York City. It is the first time in seven years NYC has edged out Las Vegas. But Disney folk do not feel bad. The Disney/Lake Buena Vista area ranks 20 on the list.

Here's the rundown, based on hotel booking requests made by customers of its Name Your Own Price hotel service for the New Year's weekend:

1. New York City, Times Square/Theater District
2. Las Vegas, Strip Vicinity South
3. New York City, Midtown West
4. Las Vegas, Strip North
5. New York City, Midtown East
6. New York City, Central Park South
7. New York City, Madison Square Garden/Convention Center Area
8. New Orleans, French Quarter
9. New York City, Empire State Building Area
10. New York City, Chelsea Area
11.New Orleans, Downtown Area
12.New York City, Hell's Kitchen
13. Las Vegas, Strip Vicinity North
14. Chicago, North Michigan Avenue/River North Area
15. New York City, Upper East Side
16.San Francisco, Union Square East
17. Chicago, Millennium Park/Loop/Grant Park Area
18. San Francisco, Union Square West/Nob Hill
19. New York City, Upper West Side
20. Orlando, Downtown Disney/Lake Buena Vista
21. Las Vegas, Near Strip West
22. Las Vegas, Near Strip East
23. Miami, South Beach/Collins Avenue Oceanfront
24. Miami, South Beach/Ocean Drive
25. New Orleans, Convention Center and Warehouse/Arts District
26. Las Vegas, Convention Center Area
27. San Francisco, Financial District/Embarcadero
28. New York City, Queensborough Bridge Area
29. Orlando, Sea World/International Drive/Convention Center
30. Miami, South Beach/Central
31. Miami, Downtown
32. San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf
33. New York City, Soho/Tribeca
34. Philadelphia, Downtown
35. New York City, Downtown/Financial District
36. Atlanta, Downtown
37. Los Angeles, Hollywood
38. Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort Area/Int'l Drive North
39. Orlando, Disney/Maingate/Celebration
40. Nashville, Downtown/Vanderbilt/Metrocenter
41. Minneapolis, Downtown
42. San Francisco, SOMA/Moscone Center
43. Miami, International Airport Area
44. New Orleans, Garden District
45. San Francisco, Fremont St. Vicinity
46. New York City, Lower East Side
47. San Diego, Downtown/Harbor Island
48. Orange County, Disneyland/Anaheim South/Orange/Garden Grove
49. Orange County, Disneyland/Anaheim Nort'
50. Toronto, Downtown South

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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 run will be held in Hollywood Studios and take place Sept. 29, according to a Disney news release.

The nighttime race, will be the sixth signature Disney event and the second nighttime race, the other is the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, which moves to Nov. 9-10 next year during the final weekend of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. 

Race registration opens Feb. 14, 2012. More information is available here. 

To help you out for other race planning or other planning for 2012 go here for the complete list of events.

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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 been launched and the following video tease shows a montage of clocks moving forward.

Only time will tell.

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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 performances by the Grammy-winningMariachi Divas," according to the release.

Bilingual activities will take place for children including face-painting, coloring, crown decorating and other activities. There will also be special food carts serving Three Kings Day treats.

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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. Disneyland
2. Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
3. AT&T Park
4. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
5. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
6. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
7. MoMA – Museum of Modern Art
8. Golden Gate Bridge
9. Metropolitan Museum of Art
10. Parque do Ibirapuera
11. Siam Paragon
12. Mission Dolores Park
13. Terminal 21
14. LACMA – Los Angeles County Museum of Art
15. Times Square

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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 movie's website: "Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. In “Brave,” a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts.

"Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Wise Woman (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late."

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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 fundamentals, integrated design elements, green products, and intelligent systems that enhance the home’s sustainability. Guests will then head to interactive stations which contain additional information.

The goal is to teach people how to "reduce their personal impact on the planet, as well as changes they can implement in their own homes to make them more sustainable, healthier, safer, and more durable," the release states.

The second exhibit is one that there is not a lot of information on - Habit Heroes. Some of have called it an interactive game. That's about all that has been out there. Posters plastered around Innoventions with statements like "It takes a special kind of hero to break a bad habit."

What we do know is that on Sept. 26, Disney Enterprises Inc. registered the trademark "Habit Heroes" under the category of Education and Entertainment Services. The description provided to the United States Patent and Trademark Office states that "HABIT HEROES" is for amusement park services.

Then between Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 Disney put out an open casting call for voice over actors for a Habit Heroes Online Game.

Hopefully, more to come soon.

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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.

JANUARY
Walt 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, while the second runner goes through Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios before finishing at Epcot. The marathon relay will be run simultaneously with the Disney Marathon and share the same course. The Disney Family 5k Fun Run will take place Jan. 6, Disney Kid’s Races will be held Jan. 6-7, and Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge will take place Jan. 7-8. There’s also Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo Jan. 5-8.

Exotic Driving Experience, mid-January: Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Resort will feature a brand-new one-mile circuit custom-built for the attraction in “supercars” by Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, and Porsche. People can get behind the wheel of these vehicles or navigate the circuit with a professional driver.

FEBRUARY
Royal Guest Rooms, mid-February: Guests staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will discover stars of favorite animated films such as “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Princess and the Frog" in their rooms.  Some room guests will be able to watch “fireworks” swirl as they recline in ornate beds, curl up in custom linens. Each of the 512 Royal Guest Rooms sleeps up to four guests in two queen beds.

Half-marathon weekend, Feb 24-26: Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend brings women of all ages together to participate in the event. The race starts just outside Epcot and runners make their way toward Cinderella Castle inside Magic Kingdom Park. After a run through the Magic Kingdom, they head back to Epcot along World Drive. After a trip past Spaceship Earth and out to World Showcase, runners  complete the course. There is also a Disney Royal Family 5k on Feb. 25 in Epcot, and Disney Royal Family Kids’ Races on Feb. 25.

Atlanta Braves Spring Training, Feb. 27- March 28: The Atlanta Braves hold spring training at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

MARCH
Flower and Garden Festival, March 7-May 20: The 19th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival takes place. Over 75 Disney character topiaries are among the over 100 topiaries arranged throughout Epcot. The festival includes Disney·Pixar character topiaries representing Buzz, Woody and Lotso from Toy Story 3.

Launch of Disney Fantasy, March 31: The Muppets leading guests in an interactive detective adventure game around the ship. Two new musical stage shows are unveiled. The 4,000 passenger ship sets sail for week-long Caribbean cruises.


EARLY 2012
Sorcerers invade the Magic Kingdom:  In an all-new interactive experience, “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom,” Merlin the magician will recruit guests as apprentice sorcerers to undertake missions to subdue villains and ne’er do wells. Armed with magic spells in the form of special cards, guests must search for the magic symbols that lead them to animated villains’ hiding places. By casting different magical spell cards, players can do battle with Yzma, Kronk and other “baddies” hiding throughout the land. From fireballs to frantic frogs and cyclones, there are spells to bring down each and every villain, with a simple flick of the wrist.

New Fantasyland: The largest expansion project in Magic Kingdom history will open in phases beginning in 2012 at Walt Disney World Resort, featuring attractions and experiences in an area that will nearly double the size of Fantasyland. Among the novelties, guests will be able to fly high with The Great Goofini or with Dumbo the Flying Elephant, “immerse” themselves in Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid and “be our guest” at the Beast’s Castle. Completion of The New Fantasyland is scheduled for 2014 with most attractions opening by 2013.

MAY
Disney Cruise Line Visits New Ports, TBA: The Disney Cruise Line will set sail from three new ports – New York, Seattle and Galveston, Texas. 

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, TBA: A new resort hotel inspired by Disney animation opens featuring 1,120 family suites themed after “The Lion King,” “Cars” and “Finding Nemo,” and 864 themed rooms in “The Little Mermaid” wings. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will be located next to Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

Star Wars Weekends:  Disney’s Hollywood Studios turns into a giant Star Wars fan-fest on May 18-20; May 25-27; June 1-3; and June 8-10.

LATE 2012

Splitsville opens: Upscale entertainment center, Splitsville, a 50,000-square-foot facility that combines bowling with billiards, dining, music and nightlife, in Downtown Disney West Side is scheduled to open.

SUMMER 2012

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series: Various dates at Epcot where tribute bands play.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
Night of Joy, Sept. 7 and Sept. 8: Top contemporary Christian music performers headline the annual celebration throughout Magic Kingdom. 

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party,  September and October, TBA:  A fright-fest in Magic Kingdom featuring a children’s parade and trick-or-treating throughout the park.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Set. 28-Nov. 11:  Savor fine wines and delectable cuisine during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival featuring live entertainment, guest chefs, culinary demonstrations, seminars and winemaker dinners.

Children’s Miracle Network Classic, Oct. TBA: About 130 golfers come to play in the Children's Miracle Network Classic. 

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
Festival of the Masters, Nov. 9-12: More than 200 artists from across the country showcase their wares throughout Downtown Disney.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, Nov.-Jan., TBA:  This holiday light display on the Disney’s Hollywood Studios backlot features millions of sparkling holiday bulbs.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Nov.-Dec., TBA: This is a special event with live entertainment,  fireworks and a special parade.

Holidays Around the World, TBA: Epcot is transformed into an international celebration of Yuletide traditions filled with festive decorations and live entertainment including the Candlelight Processional, the retelling of Christmas with a special celebrity narrator and a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.

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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 candy.

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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 Party.

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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 show.

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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 bottom of my heart."

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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 holidays.

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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 2013.

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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 here.

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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 of Animals, Science and Environment for Disney Parks said in the release.

Some things to know about the pigs:

• Kunekune means plump in the Maori language
• The pigs became nearly extinct in the 1980s before breeding efforts increased their numbers
• They weigh between 90 and 120 pound when fully grown
• They eat shrubs, weeds, bird eggs, snakes and mice. 
• Their color can be black, white, red, brown or gold tipped. 

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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 on a very unusual journey to a place where 100 acres that was to be magic is now site of ruins after developers ran out of money.

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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 at RealD 3D-equipped theatres in North America while supplies last.

The limited-edition 3-D glasses are designed to fit children 8 years of age and younger.

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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 Party.

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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 World.

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Holiday Photo: Santa Stitch

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

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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 Spin.

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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 dogs sold each year.
1.8 million: turkey drum legs consumed each year.
300,000: the number of pounds of popcorn sold each year.
Source: Walt Disney World Public Relations

MORE DISNEY FACTS
How big is Walt Disney World?
The Epcot Innoventions Fountain
The scoop on the Fantasmic! Dragon
Disneyland Dining by The Numbers
Walt Disney's Speech via Morse Code

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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, gallery and mysterious west-wing, according to the Disney Parks Blog. 


Surrounding the castle will be Gaston's Tavern, Village Gifts and the cottage of Belle's father, Maurice. The Disney Parks Blog also has a look at the behind the scenes construction of the castle.

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Holiday Photo: Santa Goofy

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

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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 out.
• Videos featuring holiday songs from entertainers all around the World.
• A look at the new British Revolution.
• Smiles of the Day featuring new photos.
• A peek at new construction in Fanstasyland.
• A new set of Disney Facts.
• A look ahead at 2012 at Walt Disney World.
• Photo galleries of the holidays around Walt Disney World.

We hope you enjoy.

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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 Epcot.

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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 Day.

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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 clean is a huge task. According to the Walt Disney Co.,  if you were to wash and dry one load of laundry every day for 52 years, you’d clean as much as the folks at Walt Disney World Laundry do in a single day. An average of 285,000 pounds of laundry is done each day and up to 32,000 garments are dry-cleaned daily.

To get all the guests around more than 270 Walt Disney World buses are used. The only cities in Florida with larger bus fleets are the cities of  Miami and Jacksonville. 

Check out some more Disney Facts.

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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 Day.

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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 includes a new entrance to the park, and the creation of  Cars Land.

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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 Track.

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