Disney introduces RFID technology to is hotel rooms

The keys to the kingdom at Disney World are changing.

The opening of the first phase of Disney's Art of Animation Resort on May 31 unveiled a new feature to the hotel rooms, "radio-frequency identification" keys. Normally hotel guests insert card keys into slots to open doors. But the new system allows people to place the card near a reader to unlock the door.

                                                                                         © Disney

According to an article in the Orlando Sentinel, Disney expects to retrofit all of 26,000 hotel rooms on property by the end of the next year. Work should soon begin at Disney's Contemporary Resort starting this month.

According to the article, the new key system also is convenient because the cards can be reprogrammed by remote control so if there is a problem or you need to change rooms, there is no reason to walk back to the front desk.

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Smile of The Day: Stuffed Mickey Mouse

There's nothing like walking into a store at Disney World and seeing shelves lined with Mickey Mouse. It always brings a smile to my face.

                                                                                                                                                      © Steven Liebman

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Disney continues to dominate theme park business

Disney still dominates theme park attendance worldwide but it was The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios that accounted for 45 percent of the attendance increase in North America, according to the 2011 Theme Index Global Attractions Attendance Report.

North American theme park attendance in 2011 grew by 2.9 percent, but 1.3 percentage points of that increase was due to the new Harry Potter land, according to the report, published by the Themed Entertainment Association and the Economics practice at AECOM.

Without Harry Potter, North America attendance grew by 1.6 percent. "That 1.6 percent figure points to continued, slow economic recovery from the recession and modest attendance growth for most parks, in a mature market. This is seen not just in park attendance figures but also in tourism numbers," the report states.

Even with the success of Harry Potter, Disney is still the gold standard when it comes to theme parks, filling the top eight spots on the list.

Disney World's Magic Kingdom remains the most visited park in the world with Disneyland behind it, followed by the two Tokyo Disney parks.

Here's how the parks stack up.

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Disney World increases ticket prices June 3

                                © Steven Liebman

Disney World is increasing ticket prices starting June 3 by 4.5 percent for a one-day one park base ticket up to 8.5 percent for a 10-day one park base ticket.

The increase follows prices increases at Disneyland on May 20.

In addition to the base tickets increasing the Park Hopper add-on portion is increasing for 2 or more days from $55 to $57. It remains the same for one-day Park Hopper at $35.

Annual pass holders will see a $55 increase to $574.

Because Disney World has a large amount of ticket combinations with Park Hopper, Water Park and No Expiration add-ons, the amounts of the increase will depend upon what you decide.

The specific price chart can be found here.

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A time lapse tour of Disneyland

What started out as a camera test by photographer Daniel Navarrete of Disneyland ended up a year later with a 30,000 plus photos turned into a 4 minute 42 second video time lapse tour of Disneyland and the California Adventure.

The video starts you out at the entrance to Disneyland, shows you around, takes you on a few rides, let's you experience a parade and even World of Color. It's a phenomenal accomplishment.

Thanks to Micechat.com for turning us on to this.

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To the Video: Disney World Monorail slowed down by a squirrel

Disney World employees are always caring for small animals. In this home made video, a squirrel runs on top of the monorail track slowing down one of the trains.

This may have been the most direct route for the squirrel to get to the Magic Kingdom from the Ticket and Transportation Center. The boat ride is not as fast. Or maybe the squirrel was doing the conductor a favor by leading the way. Either way, you think someone would have offered him a seat on the train.

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New season of 'My Yard Goes Disney' premieres June 1

The HGTV show "My Yard Goes Disney" returns Friday, June 1, for its second season transforming homeowners' backyards into virtual Disneylands or -- if the backyard is big enough -- Disney Worlds.

The season premiere, starting at 8 p.m. on both coasts, introduce the Morales family. Parents Geo and Gwen take their twin daughters to Disney World to meet the princesses. Gwen Morales, who grew up with the Disney fairytales, wants to keep the tradition alive for her children.

Enter HGTV and Disney Imagineers who turn the backyard into a fairytale village inspired by Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom and the topiaries of the Fantasia Gardens miniature golf course. 

Future episodes include designs inspired by Ariel's Undersea Adventure at Disneyland with a rock slide and an underground viewing window for the pool and an Animal Kingdom makeover with a pool-connected treehouse zip line and sandpit for digging dinosaur fossils.

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Disney Facts: How the Seven Dwarfs got their names

Drawings of the Seven Dwarfs from the press booklet
for the 1967 re-release of the movie.

Earlier this week we looked at all the rides at Disney World that have closed and how the names of the Seven Dwarfs have changed over time. Now (thanks to a suggestion from The Disney Freak) we are going to look at the origin of the Seven Dwarfs' names.

The original story from the Brothers Grimm did not name the dwarfs. But while Walt Disney was making the 1937 film, he realized the dwarfs would be the focal point of the movie. "Snow White was a charming but standard heroine; the prince appeared only briefly; and the witch was a fairy tale villainess. The dwarfs would have to provide most of the comedy and human interest," according to the 1967 press booklet created for the 30th anniversary re-release of the movie.

Walt wanted names that would reflect the personalities they were creating for the dwarfs. Some of the names proposed were Jump, Gabby, Wheezy, Nifty, Sniffy, Lazy, Puffy, Stubby, Shorty and Burby.

Snow White animator Woolie Reitherman said in the press booklet, “For the leader we wanted a special kind of personality, a self-appointed bumbler who tries to take command but gets all tangled up. We called him Doc. It was a good handle for a per­son in authority, and it suited his personality. The strongly identifying names were a beautifully simple way of establishing character.”

Many voices were tried to help spark character names. Actor Billy Gilbert had a terrific sneeze and inspired Sneezy. Other names came through the process of elimination. Happy and Grumpy provided a perfect bal­ance. Sleepy and Bashful came natu­rally.

“Dopey was the toughest of all,” re­members Ham Luske, another Snow White animator. “The boys tried to make him too much of an imbecile, which wasn’t what we really had in mind. We wanted to pattern him after Charlie Chaplin and tried many ap­propriate voices. The voice that came closest to what we wanted sounded too much like Doc.”

“Then somebody suggested that maybe he shouldn’t talk at all. That was the answer,” he said in the press booklet. “We decided that per­haps Dopey could talk but that he never really tried.”

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Disney donates CALIFORNIA letters from California Adventure

                                                                                      © Disney

The renovation of the California Adventure entrance at Disneyland Resort will help out the California State Fair.

Disney is donating the 11-foot-high California letters that have marked the entrance to the park since its opening, according to the Sacramento Bee.

"The letters were very popular with millions of guests over the past decade, and Cal Expo is a fitting destination to continue their legacy," Disneyland Resort President George A. Kalogridis told the Bee.

This year's California State Fair will be held July 12-29, and the Cal Expo in Sacramento.

re here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/30/4524219/disneys-california-letters-to.html#storylink=cpy

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Disney provides early look at Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Disney has provided a sneak peek to the upcoming 17th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Disney World, scheduled to run Sept. 28-Nov. 12.

More than 270 chefs from across the country, including renowned chefs like Robert Irvine and Rock Harper, will hold culinary demonstrations and tasting events as 25 ethnic and regional marketplaces feature food and wine from all over the world.

                                        Photo © Disney

Here are some of the highlights, according to a Disney news release:

• Two new marketplaces debut: TERRA Marketplace will offer vegan menu items, including Trick’n Chick’n Curry with Basmati Rice and Chili Colorado with House-Made Chips; and the FLORIDA Marketplace will have fresh twists on regional flavors.
• Each Wednesday, festival chefs will host a walking-and-tasting tour around World Showcase with stops at several marketplaces. Guests will taste five dishes and five beverage items to include beer, wine and cocktails while learning chefs’ culinary secrets.
• Special culinary programs showcase a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participating in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.
• A complimentary Marketplace Discovery Passport can be stamped at each international marketplace.
• Grand tasting events will take place Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Nov. 3, featuring not only food but more than 50 wines and beers and live entertainment.

In addition to the food, there will be a special concert series featuring:

Sept. 28-30: Night Ranger
Oct. 11-12: Smash Mouth
Oct. 13-14: Javier Colon
Nov. 5-6: Blues Traveler
Nov. 7-8: Dennis DeYoung, original member of STYX.

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Disney Facts: The changing names of the Seven Dwarfs

In honor of Snow White's Scary Adventures closing on May 31 in Disney World, we take a closer look at seven of the main characters in the story -- the famous dwarfs.

Here's a question: What were the original names of the Seven Dwarfs, before the 1937 Disney movie?

                                                                                                 © Steven Liebman
Topiaries of some of the Seven Dwarfs at Disney World.

The answer: None.

The original Brothers Grimm version of Snow White did not name the seven. It wasn't until the 1912 Broadway play "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" that they were given monikers. And the names were not what you think. They were called Blick, Flick, Glick, Pick, Quee, Snick and Whick.

Disney renamed the dwarfs for its movie to Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy and Sneezy.

The names have since been changed with each retelling of the tale, including the two Snow White movies released this year.

In "Mirror Mirror" with Julia Roberts the dwarfs are named Butcher, Chuckles, Grimm, Grub, Half Pint, Napoleon and Wolf.

In the upcoming "Snow White and the Huntsman," being released June 1, the names are Beith, Coll, Duir, Gort, Muir, Nion and Quert.

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A look back at Disney World rides that have closed

When "Snow White's Scary Adventures" closes at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World on May 31 to make way for the new Fantasyland expansion, it will join a growing number of attractions that have disappeared since the park opened in October 1971.

The landscape at the Magic Kingdom has seen swan boat rides, alien encounters and submarine voyages come and go. Here are some attractions that were once in the Magic Kingdom:

THE PLAZA SWAN BOATS

If you ever wondered why there is a boat landing on the hub in front of Tomrrowland it's because there was once a boat ride around the hub.  The Plaza Swan Boats was a seasonal ride that operated between May 1974 and August 1983 around the hub. Twelve different swan boats would make the trip around the hub.




DAVY CROCKETT EXPLORER CANOES


The canoe ride opened in Frontierland as a C ticket ride when the park opened. After boarding a 35-foot canoe, guests would paddle around the Rivers of America. The ride closed in 1994.



MICKEY MOUSE REVUE


This was an original E-ticket attraction in Fantasyland featuring audio-animatronic performers. The show closed Sept. 14, 1980.



MR. TOAD'S WILD RIDE

Another original attraction, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride allowed guests to board a jalopy and take one of two wild rides. On the first track, guests passed through the countryside into a town where a police officer orders Mr. Toad to court for speeding. In the courtroom, Mr. Toad is found guilty and heads to jail, but drives through the jail to the countryside onto a railroad track and gets hit by a train. The final scene brings the car to Hell.

If you rode the second track, you got to see Toad's trophy room and a camp. The car also does not go to court but instead heads to Winkie's Tavern.

The ride was closed in 1998 to make room for The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh.






THE SKYWAY

The famed gondola lift took passengers between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. The ride was closed Nov. 10, 1999. The Fantasyland station, which is now used for stroller parking, will soon be demolished to make way for expanded restrooms. The Tomorrowland station was demolished in 2009.

20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA

The ride opened Oct. 14, 1971, two weeks after Disney World opened because of problems with the lagoon. The attraction, which took up almost one-fourth of Fantasyland, took guests a ride with Captain Nemo on his submarine.

IF YOU HAD WINGS

This four-and-a-half-minute ride was more a promotion for Eastern Air Lines than anything else. The ride, which opened June 5, 1972, took people to various destinations throughout the Caribbean and closed on June 1, 1987.

DELTA DREAMFLIGHT

Two years after If You Could Fly closed, Delta Dreamflight opened on June 23, 1989. This attraction was sponsored by Delta Air Lines and took guests on a history of flight. It closed on June 4, 1996.

FLIGHT TO THE MOON/MISSION TO MARS/ExtraTERRORestrial ALIEN ENCOUNTER

The Flight To The Moon, sponsored by McDonnell-Douglas, opened Dec. 24, 1971, and took people on a trip to the Moon. It was revamped June 7, 1975, becoming a Mission to Mars.

On Oct. 4, 1993, Mission to Mars closed. The building was transformed and reopened June 20, 1995, as ExtraTERRORestrial. This ride was like no other Disney built; it was designed to scare you. While the opening segments were light, the main part of the show featured a carnivorous alien being teleported into a dark chamber. It kills a maintenance worker and then jumps around the guests, breathing on people's necks and dripping saliva on them. Many people thought this was a bit over the top. The ride closed on Oct. 12, 2003, and was replaced by Stitch's Great Escape!, which uses many of the same set-ups and technology.

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'Mad T Party' unveils June 15 at California Adventure

Photo by Walt Disney Company

The new “Mad T Party" show will start June 15 and run nightly through the summer in Hollywood Land at California Adventure in Disneyland.

The rest of the year, the show will be on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

According to a Disney news release, the centerpiece of “Mad T Party” is a wildly themed, oversized tea table set under a canopy of fanciful lanterns. The tea table doubles as a state-of-the-art concert stage.

The “Mad T Party” band consists of stylized characters inspired by “Alice in Wonderland,” including the Mad Hatter as lead vocalist, Dormouse on lead guitar, March Hare on bass, Cheshire Cat on drums, Caterpillar on keys, and even a special appearance by Alice herself.

When the “Mad T Party” band is not performing, the White Rabbit DJ will keep the party going. Adjacent to the main stage is the House of Cards, a place for games, dancing, drinks, live entertainment and specialty acts.

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Highland Games for kids coming to Epcot in June

In honor of "Brave," the new Disney-Pixar movie being released in June, Epcot at Walt Disney World will host the The Highland Games Tournament from June 1 to July 8.

The kid-focused tourney will have games such as Mini Caber Toss, Cake Toss, Haggis Flip and archery, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

The events will be held on the Rose Walk, where Future World connects to World Showcase, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily There will also be a kids’ playground with free enhanced wireless – this is to allow people share photos on social media sites.

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New castle show debuts at Disney World tomorrow

Starting tomorrow (May 25), the newest version of "The Magic, The Memories, and You!” castle projection show at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World debuts.

                                                                                                    Image  © Disney

 Phineas and Ferb join other Disney characters in a 10-minute summer celebration that plays out on Cinderella Castle. Videos, animation and photographs are projected on the iconic castle. 

In addition to the Disney Channel stars, the show features a surfin’ Goofy,  Timon and Pumbaa singing Hakuna Matata, and Ariel, Sebastian and the hot crustacean band at the bottom of the ocean.

In addition to the Disney characters, the show features more than 500 photographs.

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Muppets team up with Band-Aids for a new app

The Muppets and Band-Aids have teamed up with a new app that will help entertain kids when they get hurt.

Apparently covering up the boo-boo with a bright colored Band-Aid is no longer enough to calm kids.

Now, the "BAND-AID® Magic Vision app featuring Disney's The Muppets uses AR (augmented reality) technology to merge a child's real-life surroundings with graphics displayed on the digital screen that unlock a special world where the Muppets characters appear on your device in stunning view," according to a news release.

So, kids can be entertained by a singing Kermit the Frog, strike a pose with Miss Piggy or help  The Great Gonzo. The free app is available for iOS devices (iPhone 4/s or iPad 2+) in the Apple App Store.

"For nearly 100 years, parents have relied on BAND-AID® Brand to help heal their kids' cuts and scrapes which means we have also become a part of those special, soothing and nurturing moments," Hugh Dineen, vice president, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. said in the news release.

And what do you parents and kids think out there?

Head to band-aid.com/magicvision for some additional information about this new app.

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DVC to extend member service hours on July 1

Disney Vacation Club will extend its member service hours during the week starting July1.

Member services will be open from  9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.,  it was 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The weekend hours will remain the same at 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., according to an e-mail sent out to members.

DVC recently debuted a new vacation center at  DVCMember.com,. accessible almost 24 hours a day (minus 30 minutes of scheduled maintenance from 2-2:30 a.m. Eastern daily).

The Vacation Center includes the online-booking system, which "lets members book available Disney Vacation Club Resorts using vacation points, check available vacation points for any and all contracts, create and view wait lists, access records of past trips, add Disney Dining Plans and Magical Celebrations, and use the Disney Online Check-in Service. Members also may use the Vacation Center to purchase tickets and travel insurance, add Disney's Magical Express transportation and make dining reservations," according to the e-mail.

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Disney Facts: Disneyland 2012 edition

The opening of Cars Land at the California Adventure on June 15 will change the entire landscape of Disneyland Park. As the anticipation continues, Disney has released a new version of the its Disneyland Park fact sheet. 

Here's an updated look at some of Disneyland facts and some firsts.

                                                   Photo by Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort

• Disneyland resort employs 22,000 people.
• The Matterhorn Bobsleds, which reopen June 15 after a major refurbishment, was the first tubular steel roller coaster in the world when it opened in 1959.
• Disneyland created the first daily operating monorail in the western hemisphere.
• “World of Color” uses a submersible platform that’s bigger than a football field.
• More than 800 species of plants grow at Disneyland.
• The landscape surrounding the Jungle Cruise has evolved into its own ecosystem since the attraction opened in 1955. The trees have created a canopy that allows species of ground plants to grow that otherwise wouldn’t in Southern California.
• Buena Vista Street, the new road into Disney California Adventure, invites guests to step into Los Angeles of the 1920s and ’30s, experiencing the sights and sounds Walt Disney may have discovered when he stepped off the train in California in 1923.
• At 280,000 square feet and 125 feet tall at its peak, The Ornament Valley Mountain Range in Cars Land is the largest rock structure in any domestic Disney theme park.
• More than 30 different languages are spoken among Disneyland Resort cast members.
• Disneyland Resort costuming cast members maintain more than a thousand different costumes for use in the parks and hotels.
• About 50 certified scuba divers work on the Disneyland Resort Facilities team, which maintains such attractions as “World of Color,” “Fantasmic!” and Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.

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Disney Hunger Games: What part of Panem are your favorite Disney characters from?

For all the fans who love Disney and The Hunger Games artist Mae Uy has created one of the best pop-culture mashups I've seen - pairing Disney characters and the various districts of Panem.

Her artwork and the explanation of the pairings can be seen at blastedgoose.deviantart.com.

Artwork by Mae Uy blastedgoose.deviantart.com

Who do you think would win these Hunger Games? 

Here's a sampling of the lineup:

District 1 (Luxury) - Aladdin & Jasmine.

District 2 (Masonry) - Shang & Mulan.


District 3 (Technology) - Milo & Kida.


District 4 (Fishing) - Eric & Ariel.


District 5 (Power) - Hercules & Meg Power.


District 6 (Transportation) - Naveen & Tiana.


District 7 (Lumber) - Tarzan & Jane.


District 8 (Textile) - Charming & Cinderella.


District 9 (Grain) - Beast & Belle.


District 10 (Livestock) - Quasimodo & Esmeralda.


District 11 (Agriculture) - John Smith & Pocahontas.


District 12 (Mining) - "The Prince" & Snow White.

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Disney-Pixar special summer movie Memorial Day weekend

To kick off the summer season Disney-Pixar is re-releasing four films over the Memorial Day weekend.

From May 25-28 some AMC Theatres will be showing “Toy Story 3,” “Ratatouille,” “Up” and “WALL•E." Each movie will have a classic Pixar short film before it and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming movie, “Brave.”

The movies, according to a news release, are supposed to be priced at $6 each, but could change. Each movie is supposed to play once a day on a rotating schedule. Here's where you can find it playing in an area near you, amctheatres.com/pixar.

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'Where's My Water?' merchandise line being released

Swampy and Cranky are getting their own merchandise line.

Plush toys of Swampy, Cranky and Allie.

Yes, Disney is rolling out products based on the hit mobile game "Where's My Water." This is the first time Disney has created a new characters exclusively for a mobile app. A first wave of  plush and novelty toys, consumer electronics accessories and apparel will be available next month followed up by a face-to-face game, consumer electronics, stationery, home accessories and Halloween costumes in the Fall, according to a company news release.

Some select items are available now at Disney Store locations and DisneyStore.com.

For those who don't know the characters, they include: Swampy, an alligator who only wants to take a clean shower; Cranky, who only wants to eat junk food (that's literal junk); and Swampy's girlfriend Allie, who humors Swampy's attempt to bring human culture to alligators.

The game was launched in September 2011 and has been reached the top spot on the App Store in 80 different countries.

Later this year, Swampy will make his debut online in a 12 episode web series called, “Where’s My Water?, the Adventures of Swampy.”

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Disneyland ticket prices increasing May 20

Ticket prices will increase at the Disneyland Resort starting May 20, a few weeks before the June 15 opening of Cars Land at the California Adventure, the Matterhorn re-opening and a slew of other shows being introduced, the Disney Parks blog announced.

The increases range from a 16% for a 1-Day Park Hopper ticket to an 8% for a 5-Day Park Hopper ticket. And an 8% increase for a 1-Day 1-Park ticket to a 3.5% increase for a 5-Day 1-Park Per Day ticket.

Annual passes will also be increasing.

The changes:

Adult tickets - ages 10+
1-Day 1 -Park - From $80 to $87
1-Day Park Hopper - From $105 to $125
2-Day 1-Park Per Day - From $158 to $170
2 -Day Park Hopper - From $173 to $200
3-Day 1-Park Per Day - From $209 to $220
3-Day Park Hopper - From $224 to $250
4-Day 1-Park Per Day - From $234 to $245
4-Day Park Hopper - From $249 to $275
5-Day 1-Park Per Day - From $251 to $260
5-Day Park Hopper - From $266 to $290

Children - ages 3-9
1-Day 1 -Park - From $74 to $81
1-Day Park Hopper - From $99 to $119
2-Day 1-Park Per Day - From $146 to $158
2 -Day Park Hopper - From $161 to $188
3-Day 1-Park Per Day - From $193 to $205
3-Day Park Hopper - From $208 to $235
4-Day 1-Park Per Day - From $216 to $225
4-Day Park Hopper - From $231 to $255
5-Day 1-Park Per Day - From $231 to $240
5-Day Park Hopper - From $246 to $270

Disneyland Resort Annual Passports
Premium - From $499 to $649
Deluxe - From $379 to $469

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Walt Disney Marathon will offer some surprises

                                     Walt Disney Company photo

Those running in the Walt Disney World Marathon in January 2013 will go past some new sites, Disney announced this week.

The 20th annual event will start runners at Epcot and go through the three other parks, but for the first time runners will go through the Walt Disney World Speedway track and later go to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and through Champion Stadium, where the Atlanta Braves hold spring training.

In addition, some special entertainment will be placed around mile 20, a specially-designed 20th anniversary Mickey Mouse medal will be available and there will be a new post-race party at Downtown Disney, according to a Disney news release.

The special Marathon Weekend, which is Jan. 10-13, will also have events for the family such as the Kids’ Races, including the Mickey Mile, a Family Fun Run 5K on Friday, the Half Marathon on Saturday and the Marathon on Sunday.

For those feeling goofy and really needing to run, there is Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, this entails running the half marathon and the full marathon -- a total of 39.3 miles. Told you it was goofy.

A Health and Fitness Expo will also be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex featuring running experts like Jeff Galloway.

Registration is available at www.rundisney.com.

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Disney to make 'Peter and the Starcatchers' into a moive

Disney will adapt the best-selling children's novel "Peter and the Starcatchers," which has been made into a popular Broadway show, into a movie, according to Deadline.com.

The book, written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, is the origin story of Peter Pan. The Broadway adaptation, which Disney helped produce, received nine Tony Award nominations, including Best Play.

The "Peter and the Starcatchers" book series was published by Disney's Hyperion Books.

According to Deadline.com, Jesse Wigutow has been hired to write the film adaptation. Wigutow has adapted the Robert Ludlum thriller "Osterman Weekend."

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Update: Phineas & Ferb to replace Kim Possible at World Showcase in Epcot

© Walt Disney Company

Tomorrow will be the last day of the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure and Disney anticipates unveiling the new Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure next month.

The Disney Parks Blog has posted some concept art on the new interactive game which will take place in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

Armed with a “F.O.N.E.” or Field Operative Notification Equipment device, guests will be able to receive clues for each case. To solve the case, these honorary agents will trek throughout the World Showcase to the China, France, German, Japan, Mexico, Norway and the United Kingdom pavilions to help defeat Agent P's nemesis Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

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Smile of The Day: Beauty and The Beast in Fantasmic

Beauty and the Beast in the Fantasmic! show in Disneyland.

                                                                                                                                                       © Steven Liebman

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"Brave" will join "World of Color" in Disneyland

There had been talk a new scene being added to the "World of Color" nighttime show, and now Disney has announced it will be a scene from the newest Pixar/Disney film "Brave."

“Brave” is the animated story of a Scottish princess named Merida. The movie is scheduled to be released June 22.

The scene will debut June 15. 

Since the show opened in 2010, it has featured updates including "TRON: Legacy” and “Prep & Landing.” 

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Smile of The Day: Mr. Toad's Wild Ride

When at any of the Disney parks it's always important to look up. You never know what you're going to find. Here is a photo outside Mr. Toad's Wild Ride in Disneyland.

                                                                                                                                            © Steven Liebman

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Disney debuts Merida to some mixed reviews of her accent

There are some rumblings that the actresses playing the latest Disney princess sound more Irish than Scottish, according to the Daily Record.

There are two videos on YouTube of women playing the red-headed Highlands princess, Merida, star of the upcoming Pixar/Disney movie "Brave." Now can these women capture the the accent of Scots star Kelly Macdonald, who voices Merida? Well, you can decide.

Some people on YouTube don't think so:

"People say she sounds Irish. Does she hell! She doesn't sound Scottish either. As a Dubliner living in Gladgow, she has the Sean Connery 'Oirish' accent. I am scarlet for her for being thrown in without any coaching. Come on Disney with all your money get some decent voice coaching for your real life characters."

"Oh dear the accent is all over the place there's a mix of Irish and even welsh in there to those who have not heard a Scottish accent before this is not it and be more than happy to take over the role so an Scottish person plays Merida"

"Holy bejesus...that's the worst fake Irish accent I've ever heard. Someone had better tell her she's supposed to be doing a Scottish one though."

Remember this is the first round of casting for the character, and Disney has a way of refining things. Either way, I don't think the kids will mind.


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Smile of The Day: Tam Tam's of the Congo

Tam Tam's of The Congo perform at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

                                                                                                                                                          © Steven Liebman

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Disneyland introduces new guided tour

For the first time since 2005 Disneyland is introducing a new guided tour.

                                                    Walt Disney Company photo

Cultivating the Magic introduces guests to the story of how 260 acres of orange groves were transformed into Disneyland. "It’s not just pointing out plants – you discover how horticulture is used to tell a story and how it helped achieve Walt Disney’s vision for his original Magic Kingdom," according to the Disney Parks Blog.

The tours will be about two hours long and leave from the Disneyland Tour Gardens (left of City Hall) on Saturdays and Sundays at 9 a.m. and Mondays at 10 a.m.

For pricing and booking information call 714-781-TOUR.

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A haircut -- hold the bibbity bobbity

No time to get a haircut before heading to Walt Disney World? No problem!

 © Mary Liebman

You'll be humming a happy tune 

after a haircut at the Harmony

Barber Shop. 

Before our last trip to Orlando, my husband couldn't squeeze in the 20 minutes he'd need to get a trim. But there was no need for him to be shaggy all week.

While little princesses have the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique, babies, boys — and not a few grown men — have the Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street U.S.A., a real throwback to an earlier time, complete with old-fashioned barber pole outside.

I called for an appointment and sheepishly admitted it was not for a child, but for my husband. I had a good laugh with the woman taking reservations, who was not at all surprised that a grown-up would want to get a little pixie dust in his hair. Unlike dining reservations, it wasn't hard to get squeezed in at the last minute. The barber shop sees about 400 guests every week, according to Disney, and does accommodate walk-ins.

Stepping into the tiny shop with its battered leather-clad chairs and etched glass was like stepping back in time. When I was a child, my grandfather had a barber shop in Bayonne, N.J. Seeing those chairs — complete with the same little booster seats for the kids — instantly took me back more than 30 years. It was a wonderful, comfortable feeling.

And you don't have to have barbering in your blood to get that warm, fuzzy feeling. All it takes is chatting with the lovely barbers who cheerfully snip and sprinkle their pixie dust.

 © Mary Liebman

A first haircut is a breeze when Mickey Mouse is involved.

While we waited for my husband's turn, a little blond boy endured his first haircut, but he didn't flinch as the barbers skillfully distracted him with Mickey Mouse stickers. He left, as all the first haircuts do, with his new haircut covered by special "My 1st Haircut" Mouse ears.

When my husband's turn came, the staff was charmingly good-natured about the grown-up in the room. (There may have been one mom waiting for walk-in appointments for her brood who was peeved that an adult was prolonging her wait, but the staff was unfailingly cheerful.)

My husband left with a fun story to tell when he got back to work, and a nice haircut. Bonus: The may be the one thing in Disney World that costs about what you'd pay out in the real world. Prices range from $14 for children 12 and under and $19 for adults.

The Harmony Barber Shop is open to walk-ins daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. To make an appointment, call (407) WDISNEY or (407) 934-7639.

I doubt the barber shop would turn away a woman in search of a trim, but if you want a little more TLC, there's the Mandara Spa at the Dolphin resort. (You might also find references to the Ivy Trellis Salon at the Grand Floridian, but it is temporarily closed due to construction.)

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Smile of The Day: Walt and Mickey in Disneyland

Nighttime at Disneyland is always wonderful. Here's the great "Partners," Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Here's what Walt had to say about Mickey Mouse: “Mickey Mouse is, to me, a symbol of independence. He was a means to an end. He popped out of my mind onto a drawing pad . . . on a train ride from Manhattan to Hollywood at a time when business fortunes of my brother Roy and myself were at lowest ebb and disaster seemed right around the corner. Born of necessity, the little fellow literally freed us of immediate worry. He provided the means for expanding our organization . . . and for extending the medium of cartoon animation toward new entertainment levels. He spelled production liberation for us.”

                                                                                                                                  © Steven Liebman 

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Disney Question Answer to Where Water Plays a Major Role

Yesterday we asked the question:In all of Walt Disney World, name the attractions in which water sprays or plays a major role, not including water rides.

Here's the list:

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios Backlot Tour (flash flood in Catastrophe Canyon);
• Fantasmic! (dancing fountains, water screens and shiploads of character drama)
• Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3-D(surprise special effects)
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid (the entire story theme is “Under the Sea”)
• Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show (jet ski featured in one scene)
• Fountain of Nations (water ballet in Innoventions Plaza at Epcot)
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends 
• IllumiNations (a great nighttime show)
• Imagination! fountain (in Epcot)
• Journey Into Imagination with Figment (imagine bathroom fixtures installed on the ceiling)
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin (beware the spitting camel)
• The Great Movie Ride (Gene Kelly is still “Singin’ in the Rain”)
• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room (the Audio-Animatronics cast sings up a tropical storm)

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Dinner & Show deal for Cirque du Soleil in Disney World

                                                                   © Cirque due Soleil

A dinner and a show deal with House of Blues and “La Nouba” at Cirque du Soleil begins June 1, the Disney Parks blog reports

The limited offer is being touted as a 25 percent savings for adults and will be a limited time offer, but no one is saying how limited. The deal includes 1 appetizer, 1 entrée, 1 non-alcoholic/non-specialty drink and 1 dessert – gratuity not included at the House of Blues and a Category 2 ticket to Cirque de Soleil. The package costs $99 plus tax, per guest age 10 and older, and $85 plus tax for guests age 3-9.

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'Pent-up demand' may mean fewer deals at Disney resorts

 © Mary Liebman

Disney's Boardwalk Inn Resort.

There are clues in Disney's strong quarterly earnings report this week that suggest great deals may be harder to come by at Disney resorts this year, SmartMoney.com reports. 

Attendance at Disney's North American parks was up 7% during the quarter ended March 31 and per-capita spending was up 5%, the New York Times reported. Park revenue was up 10%, with operating earnings up a whopping 53%. 

Could Disney fans be suffering frugality fatigue? Disney must hope so, because SmartMoney said fewer deals seem to be available now, and fewer resorts are included. 

"I view the parks as pent-up demand," one analyst told SmartMoney. 

Perhaps Disney is feeling confident because of the expansion of California Adventure, where the 12-acre Carsland is set to open June 15. Disney CEO Bob Iger told the Los Angeles Times he has high hopes: "I believe the completion will result in a park that will stand on its own but also serve as an important and worthy neighbor to Disneyland and finally enable the two to become the destination resort we once envisioned."

If you're still hoping for a bargain, WDWinfo.com keeps an up-to-date list of Disney discounts, which currently includes free dining or discounts of 25-30% off rack rates for hotels. 

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Photo of Maleficent dragon head on highway leaving Disneyland

Imagine driving on the highway and coming upon a dragon head in front of you and wondering if a fireball is soon to come.

The grand Maleficent dragon head from Disneyland's original Fantasmic! is a sight to see on the freeway as D23, the Official Disney Fan Club, transported the head on the highway to The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum for D23 Presents Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives Exhibit. The exhibit opens July 6, 2012. Head here for some more Fantasmic! dragon facts.

                                                                                                       Photo by Business Wire

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Disney Daily Question 2: Where water plays a major role

Welcome to Day 2 of Disney Questions. We'll only be doing two this week, but will be coming back with some more puzzlers in the future.

Todays' question: In all of Walt Disney World, name the attractions in which water sprays or plays a major role, not including water rides. The answer tomorrow.

Here's the answer to yesterday's question: Can you name all of the theme park attractions in all of Walt Disney World in which guests board boats for a floating adventure? The rides: Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, Liberty Square Riverboat, it’s a small world, Norway’s Maelstrom, Living With the Land, El Rio del Tiempo (River of Time), Kali River Rapids and the raft ride across the Rivers of America to Tom Sawyer Island. And, although there is no actual water involved, we'll accept one more: the flying pirate ships of Peter Pan's Flight.

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Smile of The Day: Mickey in Fantasmic!

Mickey Mouse appears in dozens of attractions and parades all around the world. One of the best is Fantasmic! in Disneyland. Here's Mickey, lighting up the stage.

                                                                                                                                  © Steven Liebman

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Disney Question of The Day: Name the boat rides

For all of you Disney World fans, can you name all of the theme park attractions in all of Walt Disney World in which guests board boats for a floating adventure?

Hint: There are 9 rides.

The answer on Wednesday.

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DIsney Facts: World of Color

The "World of Color" at Disney's California Adventure in Disneyland is one of the most remarkable shows I've ever seen. The way the water, light, sound and projections work is a marvel. It is a must see and is hands down the best night time show at Disneyland or Walt Disney World.

The technology behind the show is fantastic. Here is a look at the show, by the numbers:

100,000: The number of digital images used during the show.

30,000: The weight in pounds of one of the submersible electrical rooms, used in the show. These rooms can travel up and down with the platform like submarines, controlling the power and infrastructure that runs the fountains and lights. 

                                                                                                © Steven Liebman
World of Color at Disney's California Adventure

1,200: The number of fountains used during the show.

600: The number of Grid Fountains.

400: The number of Chaser Fountains.

380: How wide in feet the water screen for digital projection reaches.

200: The height in feet the water from the fountains can reach.

65: The number of Dual Water Whip Fountains.

76: The number of Single Water Whip Fountains.

75: The miles miles of cable that help control the lift tables and show equipment in the lagoon.

28: The number of projectors (14 of them, submersible) which brings the images to life.

16: The amount of millions of gallons of water in Paradise Bay, where the show is located.

12: The number of Flower Spout Fountains.

10: The number of Geyser Fountains.

6: The number of Dancer Fountains.

4: The number of Butterfly Fountains.

1: The size in acres of the fountains are laid out in n Paradise Bay.

Source: Walt Disney Company

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Disney Facts: Pirates of the Caribbean

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me.

                                                                         Photo by Walt Disney Company 

But did you know that the popular ride, which first opened in 1967 at Disneyland, was not part of the inaugural attractions opened at that Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World? Disney Imagineers thought that since Florida sits in the middle of the real Caribbean there would be little interest in a pirates-themed adventure, according to the Walt Disney Company.

Soon after the Magic Kingdom opened the comments came in and many people were disappointed that there was no Pirates of the Caribbean ride. So Disney went to work and the ride finally opened Dec. 15, 1973.

Here are some facts about each of the rides, from Disney:

Walt Disney World version of Pirates of the Caribbean

• There are about 125 Audio-Animatronics figures — 65 pirates and villagers and 60 animals and birds.
• Caribbean Plaza in Adventureland, where the attraction is located, features the Spanish and English architectural styles of the 18th century West Indies. 
• There is a plunge down a 14-foot shoot that brings guests into the middle of a sea battle.
• There are two chess-playing skeletons in the attraction.
• This was the first major addition to the Magic Kingdom following the 1971 opening of the park.

Disneyland version of Pirates of the Caribbean

• The was the last ride supervised by Walt Disney.
• The attraction is housed within two large show buildings totaling 112,826 feet and featuring 750,000 gallons of water that flow through a 1,838-foot canal.
• It cost $15 million to build New Orleans Square ($8 million of which was spent on Pirates of the Caribbean). This is equal to the amount the United States paid for the real New Orleans in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803
• The façade of the attraction was partly inspired by the Cabildo building in Jackson Square in New Orleans that served as the seat of the Spanish colonial government in 1799. 

The Song

The famous song, "Yo Ho, Yo Ho; a Pirate’s Life for Me," was written by lyricist X. Atencio and composer George Bruns. Here are the complete lyrics.

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.
We pillage plunder, we rifle and loot.
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.
We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot.
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.
We extort and pilfer, we filch and sack.
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.
Maraud and embezzle and even highjack.
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.
We kindle and char and enflame and ignite.
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.
We burn up the city, we're really a fright.
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.

We're rascals and scoundrels, we're villains and knaves.
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.
We're devils and black sheep, we're really bad eggs.
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.

We're beggars and blighters and ne'er do-well cads,
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.
Aye, but we're loved by our mommies and dads,
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.

One last fact

Atencio also provided the voice for the talking skull and crossbones that delivers the warning, “Dead men tell no tales.”

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Your 2012 Fall and Holiday Guide to (Almost) Everything Disney

(UPDATED: Nov. 11)

Here's a quick look at what you can expect at Disneyland and Disney World from September to December, as well as other major Disney events. This list will be continually updated as new dates are set and announcements are made, so keep checking back.

FALL: The new Splitsville luxury bowling and dinner lounge at Downtown Disney in Disney World opens, featuring 30 bowling lanes as well as outdoor seating and billiards tables.

FALL: Shanghai, China, opens its first ever Disney Store.

FALL: The Kilimanjaro Safaris ride at Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World opens a new savannah where the "Little Red" elephant was located.

SEPTEMBER 1:  The “Phineas and Ferb & YOU: A Brand New Reality,” opens in Downtown Disney in Disney World. Guests will be able to interact with Phineas and Ferb, Agent P or Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

SEPTEMBER 1-2: The Disneyland Half Marathon weekend. This 13.1-mile course winds through Anaheim, Calif., and the Disneyland Resort.

SEPTEMBER 1-3: The Great Irish Hooley Labor Day Weekend at Raglan Road in Downtown Disney in Disney World.

SEPTEMBER 3: This is the last performance of "The Magic, The Memories and You!" projection show at Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom in Disney World. A new show will debut in November.

SEPTEMBER 4: "Hocus Pocus" released on Blu-ray.

SEPTEMBER 4-DECEMBER  7: Indiana Jones ride in Disneyland closed for refurbishment.

SEPTEMBER 4-NOVEMBER 15: Storybook Land Canal Boats in Disneyland closed for refurbishment.

SEPTEMBER 4-NOVEMBER 15: Casey Jr. Circus Train in Disneyland closed for refurbishment.

SEPTEMBER 5: International Vulture Day celebrated at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

SEPTEMBER 5: Toy Storia Mania at Disney's California Adventure closed for refurbishment.

SEPTEMBER 7: Night of Joy weekend at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. The contemporary Christian music festival takes place with a special ticket from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.  Performing is NEEDTOBREATHE, Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, Francesca Battistelli, Red,  Brandon Heath, Disciple and Royal Tailor

SEPTEMBER 7-OCTOBER 31: Tokyo DisneySea hosts a Venetian carnival-style show called “A Halloween Daydream”  featuring Disney characters joined by skeletons.

SEPTEMBER 7-9: The annual Disney Trading event returns to Epcot from September 7-9. Titled “Mickey’s Circus,” the event will feature three days of trading, for both pins and Vinylmation.

 

SEPTEMBER 8: Night of Joy weekend continues at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, again 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. The acts playing are: MercyMe, Third Day, Kutless, Chris August, Lecrae, Yolanda Adams, Thousand Foot Krutch and Dara Maclean.

SEPTEMBER 10-13: Big Thunder Ranch and Space Mountain in Disneyland closed for refurbishment and MuppetVision 3D in Disney's California Adventure closed for refurbishment.

SEPTEMBER 10-14: Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure in Disney World is closed for refurbishment.

SEPTEMBER 11: "Ghosts of the Abyss" released on Blu-ray.

SEPTEMBER 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, and 30: Mickey's Not-So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World with Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade, Happy HalloWishes fireworks and other surprises.

SEPTEMBER 13: Disneyland Haunted Mansion re-opens.

                                                                          © Steven Liebman
A skeleton band in Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade. 

SEPTEMBER 14: "Finding Nemo" in 3-D is released in theaters.

SEPTEMBER 14-18: London Fashion Week takes place where Minnie Mouse fashion is unveiled.

SEPTEMBER 14-OCTOBER 31: It's Halloween Time at Disneyland in California with special Haunted Mansion Holiday, special ghost encounters at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Space Mountain turns into Ghost Galaxy and special trick-or-treat Mickey's Halloween Party on select nights.

SEPTEMBER 15: The Little Mermaid section of Disney's Art of Animation resort opens. This is the final section of the resort.

SEPTEMBER 17: The Segway tour returns to Epcot.

SEPTEMBER 17-18: Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes in Disneyland closed for refurbishment.

SEPTEMBER 18: "Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3" released on DVD and Blu-ray, and "The Great Mouse Detective" released on Blu-ray and Movie Download.

SEPTEMBER 18-19: The Boneyard at Animal Kingdom is closed for refurbishment.

SEPTEMBER 18-20: Sailing Ship Columbia in Disneyland closed for refurbishment.

SEPTEMBER 25: "The Avengers" released on Blu-ray, DVD and Movie Download.

SEPTEMBER 25-28: Mark Twain Riverboat in Disneyland closed for refurbishment.

SEPTEMBER 26: Epic Mickey 2 European release for the Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

SEPTEMBER 26: Elephant Awareness Day celebrated at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

SEPTEMBER 28-NOVEMBER 12: The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World featuring international food kiosks and beverages, cooking demonstrations and mixology classes and wine tasting.

SEPTEMBER28-30: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend. The newly created 10-mile race takes place in and around Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The weekend includes the Disney Villains Hollywood Bash, kids’ races and a family fun run 5K at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

SEPTEMBER 28-30: Night Ranger performs at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World. And “Design Star” Season 7 Winner Danielle Colding will appear.

OCTOBER 1: Epcot celebrates its 30th anniversary.

OCTOBER 1-3: Sugar Ray performs at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 1: Bistro de Paris in the France Pavilion in Epcot is expected to reopen from refurbishment.

OCTOBER 2: "Cinderella" Diamond Edition on DVD and BLU RAY is released.

OCTOBER 4, 5, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30 and 31: Mickey's Not-So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World with Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade, Happy HalloWishes fireworks and other surprises.

OCTOBER 4-7: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas performs  at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 5: "Frankenweenie," Tim Burton's heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog, is released in theaters.

OCTOBER 5-7:  Casey Noble of  “Design on a Dime” appears as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 6: Party for the Senses takes place during the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 8-18: Starcade in Disneyland closed for refurbishment.

OCTOBER 8 - NOVEMBER 16:  The Studio Backlot and American Film Institute at Hollywood Studios are closed for refurbishment.

OCTOBER 8-10:  Boyz II Men performs  at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 11-12:  Smash Mouth performs at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 12-13: The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hosts its own Food & Wine Classic.

OCTOBER 12-14: Alison Victoria – DIY Network’s “Kitchen Crashers” appears as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 13: Party for the Senses takes place during the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 13-14: Javier Colon, winner of “The Voice,” performs at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 14: Disney Channel star Caroline Sunshine is on at for the 22nd Annual CHOC Walk in the Park at the Disneyland Resort. She will take walkers in supports of Children's Hospital of Orange County around Disney's California Adventure. More information is available at  www.chocwalk.org.

OCTOBER 15-17: Air Supply performs at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 16: "Jake and The Never Land Pirates: Jakes Saves Bucky" released on DVD; The Santa Claus 2," "The Santa Claus 3-Movie Collection" and "The Santa Claus: Special Edition" all released only on Blu-ray.

OCTOBER 17: Country Bear Jamboree is expected to re-open after refurbishment.

OCTOBER 18-19: Gin Blossoms perform at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 18 -25: The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is closed for refurbishment.

OCTOBER 19-21: Brian Patrick Flynn – HGTV.com, “Design Happens” contributor appears as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 20: Party for the Senses takes place during the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 20-21: Survivor performs at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 22-NOVEMBER 8: "it's a small world" in Disneyland closed for refurbishment.

OCTOBER 22-23: Hanson performs at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 23:  "Secret of the Wings,"  the latest Disney Fairies adventure, will be available to own on Blu-ray and DVD Combo Pack and Digital

OCTOBER 23: Downtown Disney at Disneyland opens an ice skating rink that brings you straight into the world of Tinker Bell. The rink will be between the AMC12 Theaters and the ESPN Zone for a limited time.

OCTOBER 24-25: The Pointer Sisters perform at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 24-25: The Boneyard at The Animal Kingdom in Disney World is closed for refurbishment.

OCTOBER 26-28: Sister Hazel performs at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World and Meg Caswell of – “Meg’s Great Rooms” appears as well.

OCTOBER 27: Party for the Senses takes place during the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 28-JANUARY 5, 2013: Typhon Lagoon is closed for refurbishment.

OCTOBER 29-31: Billy Ocean performs at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 31: Bat Day celebrated at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

OCTOBER 31: Disneyland will celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante in Frontierland during Halloween Time.

NOVEMBER: A new nighttime projection show on the Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom in Disney World begins. A specific date has not yet been announced.

NOVEMBER 1-DECEMBER 31: The Disneyland Resort in California turns into a holiday wonderland with Sleeping Beauty Castle lit up with icicles and lights, "it's a small world" holiday special around the globe and meet real reindeer at Santa's Reindeer Roundup in Frontierland in Disneyland.

NOVEMBER 1-8: Big Thunder Ranch closed for refurbishment.

NOVEMBER 1-2: .38 Special performs  at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

NOVEMBER 2: Mickey's Not-So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World with Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade, Happy HalloWishes fireworks and other surprises.

NOVEMBER 2: Walt Disney Studios movie "Wreck-It Ralph" is released. Ralph is tired of being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix, the "good guy" star of their video game who always gets to save the day. But after decades doing the same thing and seeing all the glory go to Felix, Ralph decides he's tired of playing the role of a bad guy. Before the movie, Disney's new short "Paperman" will also debut.

NOVEMBER 2-4: Marianne Canada of HGTV.com, “Design Happens” contributor appears as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

NOVEMBER 3:  Party for the Senses takes place during the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

NOVEMBER 3-4:  Howard Jones LIVE performs at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

NOVEMBER 5: Space Mountain closed for refurbishment.

NOVEMBER 5-6: Blues Traveler performs at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

NOVEMBER 6: "Prep and Landing Totally Tinsel Collection" released on Blu-Ray and "The Muppet Christmas Carol Special Edition" released on DVD and Blu-Ray

NOVEMBER 7-8:  Dennis DeYoung, original member of the group STYX,  performs at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

NOVEMBER 8-11: More than 100 world-class golfers will come together at the annual Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic at Walt Disney World.

NOVEMBER 9-11: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy performs at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

NOVEMBER 9-10: Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon at Epcot in Walt Disney World. 

NOVEMBER 9-11: Festival of the Masters, an open-air art festival held at Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World featuring over 150 artists.

NOVEMBER 9-12: Emily Henderson of  HGTV's “Secrets From a Stylist” appears as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

NOVEMBER 9- JANUARY 4: The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights takes place on the Streets of America at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World.

NOVEMBER 9, 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29 and 30: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World with the enchanted Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle, snow on Main Street, U.S.A., Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa and special shows.

NOVEMBER 13: "Brave" and "Pixar Short Films Collection Volume 2" released on DVD, Blu-Ray and Movie Download.

NOVEMBER 14: The windows outside Barneys New York on Madison Avenue will be unveiled to show the 2012 Electric Holiday campaign. Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino is creating an original score for the display, the released stated.

NOVEMBER18: “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” is released.

NOVEMBER 19: The New Fantasyland rides open:  Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid, The Be Our Guest Restaurant and Enchanted Tales with Belle.

NOVEMBER 20: "Cinderella II & III Special Edition 2-Movie Collection" released on DVD and Blu-ray, and "Santa Paws 2 The Santa Pups" released on Blu-ray.

NOVEMBER 22-25: The Old Spice Classic at the ESPN World of Sports in Walt Disney World with eight basketball teams and 12 games.

NOVEMBER 23-25: The Junior Soccer Showcase takes place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Walt Disney World. The FYSA-sanctioned tournament offers younger age groups the chance to experience the same great national competition as their older counterparts in the original Disney’s Soccer Showcase in December.

NOVEMBER 23- DECEMBER 30: Holidays Around the World - Candlelight Processional at Epcot in Walt Disney World. Epcot features Yuletide traditions, decorations and entertainment. The Candlelight Processional is the retelling of the Christmas story with celebrity narrators accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and choir.

NOVEMBER 23-25: Candlelight narrator is Geena Davis.

NOVEMBER 26-29: Candlelight narrator is Neil Patrick Harris

NOVEMBER 30- DECEMBER 1: Candlelight narrator is Whoopi Goldberg

DECEMBER 1-20: The Candlelight Processional and Ceremony at Disneyland starts. 

DECEMBER 1-8: The annual Pop Warner Super Bowl and Pop Warner Cheer and Dance Championships takes place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

DECEMBER 2-4: Candlelight narrator is Andy Garcia.

DECEMBER 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 21: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World with the enchanted Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle, snow on Main Street, U.S.A., Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa and special shows.

DECEMBER 4: "Finding Nemo" Ultimate Collector's Edition comes out on DVD and Blu-ray. 

DECEMBER 5-7:  Candlelight narrator is Blair Underwood.

DECEMBER 6: The grand opening of the New Fantasyland takes place.

DECEMBER 6: Test Track in Epcot is tentatively scheduled to reopen after refurbishment.

DECEMBER 8-9: Candlelight narrator is James Denton.

DECEMBER 10-13: Candlelight narrator is Jodi Benson.

DECEMBER 14-16: Candlelight narrator to be announced.

DECEMBER 17-19: Candlelight narrator still to be announced.

DECEMBER 20-22: Candlelight narrator is Trace Adkins.

DECEMBER 23-25: Candlelight narrator is Gary Sinise.

 DECEMBER 26-28: Candlelight narrator is Amy Grant.

DECEMBER 27-JANUARY 3: Disney’s Soccer Showcase takes place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. This is the ultimate place for top clubs to be seen by hundreds of college coaches looking for great soccer talent.

DECEMBER 29-30: Candlelight narrator is Marlee Matlin/Jack Jason

DECEMBER 31: New Year's Eve Part at DisneyQuest in Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World.

COMING IN 2013
Here's a sampling of what will be happening in the Disney Universe. The Ultimate 2013 Disney Universe Guide will be unveiled October 1 to help you plan your upcoming trips.

DURING THE YEAR: Tokyo Disney will update its Star Tours ride. Free Wi-Fi will be rolled out to all Disney World parks.

MID-2013: Expansion of the Aulani Disney Resort should be complete.

JANUARY 1: Disney World cuts back its Extra Magic Hours in the evening from 3 hours to 2 hours.

JANUARY 2-MARCH 19: Splash Mountain is closed for refurbishment.

JANUARY 10-13: Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

JANUARY-APRIL: More than 500 items from the Walt Disney Archives continues to be on display at the  Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.

FEBRUARY 22. 24: Disney Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World.

MAY 4: Expedition Everest Challenge 5K run.

AUGUST 9-11: The third D23 EXPO is held at the Anaheim Convention Center.

SUMMER: Phineas and Ferb assemble with The Avengers and Spider-Man in a TV special.

LATE SUMMER: The California Grill re-opens. 

LATE FALL: B Hotels & Resorts will open a new resort in the Downtown Disney.

 

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