Disney to giveaway a vacation each day in January

Disney is giving away one vacation a per day during the month of January to either Disneyland or Walt Disney World.

The vacations are part of the Disney Time promotion sweepstakes just announced on Dick Clark's  New Year's Rockin' Eve. You can get the information from the Disney Time Sweepstakes website.

According to the website you can choose one of five vacations:

Character Cuddles and Happy Happenings

If you believe in the magic of Disney, this is the vacation for you! You’ll be greeted with a welcoming in-room décor package, enjoy up-close cuddly encounters at a Disney Character dining experience and get special VIP viewing at a Disney Theme Park parade or show. This is a magical 5-day/4-night vacation for 4 that includes air transportation, hotel accommodations, Theme Park tickets, Disney’s PhotoPass® Service, $500 Disney Gift Card, a welcome basket, with extra special magical surprises and delights.

New Discoveries and Magic Makeovers
Get ready to be immersed in Disney magic from being a character to conquering evil villains! This vacation includes two Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Princess makeovers or two Pirates League experiences*, or one of each. Disney’s Family Magic Tour, a fun guided interactive quest to save the Magic Kingdom® Theme Park from a dastardly Disney Villain scheme, is also included. Plus you’ll share extra hugs and giggles at a Character Dining experience. This is a magical 5-day/4-night vacation for 4 that includes air transportation, hotel accommodations, Theme Park tickets, Disney’s PhotoPass® Service, $500 Disney Gift Card, a welcome basket, along with special surprises and delights for big and little believers who wish be part of the magic.

Wild Fun and Amazement
If you like your entertainment big, wild and colorful, this vacation is for you! At Walt Disney World® Resort, this vacation has you diving into some cool water park thrills, taking a Wild Africa Trek through the Pangani Forest for some close creature encounters at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park and enjoying amazing dinner extravaganzas like Fantasmic! Dining at Walt Disney World® Resort. At Disneyland® Resort, it’s special World of Color dining and viewing*, a one-day Adventures By Disney® Lights! Camera! Magic! Tour of Hollywood and Fantasmic! V.I.P. seating with desserts included. This vacation is action packed with eye-popping shows and entertainment! It’s a delightful 5-day/4-night vacation for 4 that includes air transportation, hotel accommodations, Theme Park tickets, Disney’s PhotoPass® Service, $500 Disney Gift Card, a welcome basket, along with special adventures you’ll never forget!

Big Thrills Beyond the Theme Parks
Looking for fun and adventure beyond the Disney Theme Parks? This is your kind of vacation! At Walt Disney World® Resort, dive into some Water Parks thrills, enjoy a shopping spree, and choose from a world of recreational options from kayaking to miniature golf. At Disneyland® Resort, enjoy an Adventures By Disney® Lights! Camera! Magic! experience, plus a shopping spree and a special World of Color Dining and viewing* experience. It’s an all-out fun 5-day/4-night vacation for 4 that includes air transportation, hotel accommodations, Theme Park tickets, Disney’s PhotoPass® Service, $500 Disney Gift Card, a welcome basket, along with special thrills and options that are sure to keep you smiling.

Grownup Fun and Romance
Who says a Disney Parks vacation is just for kids? There’s nothing more magical that adult time in and around the Disney Parks, with unlimited kidlike playtime too if you wish. At Walt Disney World® Resort, enjoy some Water Park thrills, a fine dining experience for four, plus a round of golf or spa treatment. You have great choices. At Disneyland® Resort, take in some fine dining and a night on the town at Downtown Disney. The entertainment is plentiful, and you’ll get to do it up right! This vacation is a fun-filled 5-day/4-night vacation for 4 that includes air transportation, hotel accommodations, Theme Park tickets, Disney’s PhotoPass® Service, $500 Disney Gift Card, a welcome basket and special surprises and delights for grownups without kids.

 

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Couple visits Disneyland everyday in 2012

Today ended a streak for Tonya Mickesh and Jeff Reitz.

Today was the 366th day in a row the couple has visited Disneyland. That's right. Non-stop. Every day during the past year they came through the turnstiles and became nationally known as the “everyday Disneyland couple," according to the Orange County Register.

When the couple entered Disneyland this morning, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs was waiting to greet them at Sleeping Beauty Castle and made them honorary citizens of Disneyland. And, gave them a one-night stay in 2013 in the Disneyland Dream Suite, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

“Jeff and Tonya have an affinity for Disney Parks that is shared by many of our guests, and I wanted to take the opportunity to congratulate them on reaching this milestone,” Staggs said.

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Smile of The Day: Mickey Mouse sends Goodbye to 2012

It's time to say so long and "Bon Voyage" to 2012 with Mickey Mouse at Animal Kingdom in Disney World.

                                                                                                                                                   © Steven Liebman

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New Year's resolutions for Disney fans

"Go to Disney World" is the one New Year's resolution I can keep every year, without fail. But where's the challenge in that? How about some resolutions for this year's Disney travel experience that aren't so easy to keep? Here are a few ideas -- plus, some thoughts on how to follow through.

1. Do something new. 

This year it will be especially easy to keep this resolutions, with the opening of New Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom, the new Pirates of the Caribbean experience at Hollywood Studios and a few new restaurants at Epcot.

On our last visit we checked all of these things off the list, including Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar at Epcot, the new(ish) wine bar in the Italy pavilion. It was one of our favorite meals of the trip: cured meats and Italian cheeses accompanied by flights of Italian wine. We also had room for dessert at the Norway pavilion. (Hey, how about desserts around the world? That's new!)

© Mary Liebman

Up close and personal with a 

hungry, hungry hippo on the

Wild Africa Trek.

Also new to the Epcot eating scene: Monsieur Paul, which has taken the place of the Bistro de Paris, and the expanded Boulangerie Patisserie bakery and pastry shop. Plus there are rumors of a new waterside restaurant at the Morocco pavilion due later this year.

If you still need some help, consider these ideas:

• Try a tour or an experience: The Wild Africa Trek and Dine with an Imagineer are both worth the time and money. Wild Africa is a special treat for animal lovers, especially hippo lovers, and Dine with an Imagineer is great for those who want an inside look at what it's like to work for Disney. 
• Stay at a new resort: Most people are creatures of habit to some extent. If you're someone who loves the Boardwalk and stays there every visit, shake things up a bit and try something different. 
• Visit at a different time of year: Disney really knows how to throw a holiday. Christmas at Disney World is nothing short of magical, but Halloween is also fun -- and it coincides with the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot. Speaking of Epcot, there's also the Flower & Garden show in the springtime.  

2. Do something that scares you. 

Maybe this qualifies as new, or maybe it's something you've done before that gave you a good fright. For me, this list is short: Tower of Terror. Every time, I tell myself I'm going to try it, and every time I chicken out. If you want to test your limits, what better place to try than safe, comfortable Disney World?

And yes, you can check this off if you visit Disney and the thing that scares you is "children."

3. Ride a kids' ride. 

There is something truly magical about Dumbo, even if you're a grown-up riding all by yourself. We rode Dumbo at night when there was no line (imagine!), and it was really special. Right next door is the Great Goofini roller-coaster -- another winner of a kids' ride, even if it is a little too short.

Go on -- let your inner child let loose to have a little fun.

4. Notice the details. 

© Mary Liebman

The Winnie the Pooh queue area

can keep you entertained for 

most of the wait time.

You can't miss the big stuff -- Cinderella's castle, the beautiful architecture of the World Showcase, the wonderful entertainment. But Disney also is a master of the little things, and it pays to take notice. 

On one recent visit we saw Enchanted Tales with Belle. The line takes you through Maurice's cabin, and it's full of wonderful little details: Belle's favorite book ("Sleeping Beauty"), a portrait of Belle with her mother, the notches on the wall documenting Belle's growth over the years. All these little details add up to an even more rich experience -- and a slightly less loathsome wait in line.

5. Visit WDW without gaining weight. 

I can't be the only one who routinely comes back from a visit to Disney World with an unwanted souvenir (or five). Every trip, I vow to do better, and last time I almost managed it. I think it's possible -- I really do. Here's how:

• Don't drink. As much fun as drinking around the World (or around the Monorail) is, I can't do it every night anymore. And let's face it, drinking at Disney is both expensive and a little disappointing. The Mouse isn't exactly known for a generous pour. 
• Eat sushi. It's hard to go wrong with sushi as diets go, and there are lots of places around Disney for standard and creative fare: the bar at Wolfgang Puck's at Dowtown Disney; Kimono's at the Swan; the Kona Island Sushi Bar at the Polynesian; and, of course, the Japan pavilion at Epcot.  
• Limit desserts. It's easy to say no to those terrible desserts Disney foists upon you with every quick-service meal on the dining plan. It's a little harder to refuse the Dole Whip or the cookie ice cream sandwich. So I allow myself one or two of those treats a week. And I spend the rest of the time telling myself, "It's not as good as it looks." 
• Look for healthy alternatives. To its credit, Disney has done a great job trying to offer healthy alternatives. The seared tuna salad at the Be Our Guest Restaurant is a thing of beauty. The "good" options are there if you look for them. 

6. Get every discount you have coming to you. 

You could spend a fortune in just a few days at Disney World or Disneyland. No, you will spend a fortune. That's just the way it is. Once you get to Disney, there are a lot of discounts available for food and merchandise, whether you're a DVC member or an annual pass holder or a Visa card holder or even a AAA member. You'll never remember all of them, so get into the habit of asking at every register whether they offer any discounts.

And always look at your receipt: We've found that during the off-season, you'll often get a coupon for 20% off merchandise if you buy before noon. That can add up if you have a long shopping list.

7. Take time to relax. 

It's tempting to just go-go-go while you're visiting a Disney resort. There's so much to do! And you've paid so much, you don't want to miss a minute. But you'll also end up exhausted, so be sure to take some time to relax. Rent a paddleboat. Go to a spa. Hang out at the pool. If you're traveling with kids, take advantage of one of Disney's child-care options so you can go out for a romantic dinner.  

I'm getting more relaxed just thinking about it! 

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Disney movies scheduled for 2013

Superheroes, fairy tales and Walt Disney are the subject of a slew of movies scheduled to be released in 2013 by the Walt Disney Pictures and and all of its subsidiaries.

This includes new Iron Man and Thor movies and a couple of prequels with "Oz The Great and Powerful" and "Monster's University."

Here are the scheduled release dates:

Oz The Great and Powerful
March 08, 2013

Directed by Sam Raimi, the movie imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum's book series. Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a circus magician is taken by a story from Kansas to the Land of Oz he thinks he has got it all - fame and fortune. That is until he finds himself meeting the three witches, Theodora ( Mila Kunis),  Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams) who are not convinces he is the great wizard everyone is expecting. He must find out who is good and who is evil before it's too late.

Iron Man 3 
May 3, 2013

Directed by Shane Black, this latest installment pits Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downy, Jr.) against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy's hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man? Also starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale with Jon Favreau and Ben Kingsley.

Monsters University
June 21, 2013

Here's how Mike Wazowski and James P. "Sulley" Sullivan became friends while at college, in this prequel to "Monsters Inc." And don't forget you can find out all you need about attending the university and the Monsters University site.


The Lone Ranger
July 03, 2013

Director Gore Verbinski, takes on another legend showing how John Reid (Armie Hammer) turns into the masked lawman with the help of Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp).


Planes
August 9, 2013

Inspired by the world of Pixar's "Cars," "Planes" was supposed to be released on Blu-ray and DVD in the spring of 2013, but Disney is is now releasing it in the theaters. In this tale, Dusty Crophopper, a lowly crop dusting plane who lives in Propwash Junction and dreams of competing in a world-famous aerial race. There is just one problem, though. Dusty is afraid of heights


The Little Mermaid 3D
September 13, 2013

This 1989 classic of the teen mermaid who just wants to be "where the people are" is being re-released in 3D, joining other Disney classics which have been recently released.


The Delivery Man
October 04, 2013

Vince Vaughn stars as an immature middle-age man who discovers he has fathered over 530 children throughout the years through sperm donations. When many of them file a lawsuit to find out who Dad is, Vaughn mist decide whether he is going to become a real father.


Thor: The Dark World
November 08, 2013

Thor, Chris Hemsworth, battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith who wants to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save all.

Frozen
November 27, 2013

This animated musical is based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale The Snow Queen. It features  Kristen Bell as Princess Anna and Idina Menzel as the Snow Queen.  When Anna is cursed by the Snow Queen, Anna's hope of reversing the curse to go through a journey across the icy landscape.


Saving Mr. Banks

December 20, 2013

Tom Hanks portray Walt Disney in a movie examining Walt Disney's 23-year pursuit of the film rights to the popular novel "Mary Poppins." When Poppins author P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson) travels from London to Hollywood in 1961 to finally discuss Disney’s desire to bring her beloved character to the motion picture screen (a quest he began in the 1940s as a promise to his two daughters), Disney meets a prim, uncompromising sexagenarian not only suspect of the impresario’s concept for the film, but a woman struggling with her own past. During her stay in California, Travers’ reflects back on her childhood in 1906 Australia, a trying time for her family which not only molded her aspirations to write, but one that also inspired the characters in her 1934 book.

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Disney DVD releases coming in 2013

The early part of the 2013 brings the release of a few Disney movies on DVD and Blu-Ray, including the latest Tim Burton movie, some Marvel superheroes and special  and a couple of collections.

Here's the schedule:

January 18

"Tim Burton's Frankenweenie" comes out on Blu-Ray and DVD.

February 5

"Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's The Wizard Of Dizz" comes out on DVD.

"Marvel Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes Volume 6" is released on DVD.

"Marvel Ultimate Spider-Man: Avenging Spider-Man" is released on DVD.

"Peter Pan" Diamond Edition is released on Blu-Ray and DVD. This  special edition has some extras on both versions. The Blu-Ray bonus features include: Enhanced High Definition Picture And Sound, an introduction By Diane Disney Miller,  never-before-seen deleted scenes, never-before-seen alternate ending,  deleted songs and "Growing Up With Nine Old Men." The DVD features include an introduction By Diane Disney Miller and Tinker Bell: A Fairy's Tale.

February 28

"Phineas And Ferb: Animal Agents" on DVD.

March 12

"Atlantis: The Lost Empire" on Blu-Ray and DVD.

Mulan I & II 2-Movie Collection on Blu-Ray and DVD.

The Hunchback Of Notre Dame I & II: 2 Movie Collection on Blu-Ray and DVD.

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Disney World Star Wars Weekend dates announced for 2013

The Force is very strong at Disney now they own LucasFilms and The Force will again be strong at Hollywood Studios in Disney World in 2013 with the return of "Star Wars" weekends.

The weekends will take place between May 17 and June 9 with James Arnold Taylor and Ashley Eckstein returning as celebrity hosts for the annual special event, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

                                                                                                                 © Disney

Arnold is the voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi on the Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV series and Eckstein is the voice is the voice of Anakin’s ambitious Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, on Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Arnold will be the Official Celebrity Host and Eckstein is the Celebrity Host of “Behind the Force,” a live show that takes fans behind-the-scenes in the Star Wars universe.

Among the things that happen every Friday-Sunday are special shows, presentations and celebrities as well as the Hyperspace Hoopla, which takes place at the end of each day with music, comedy and dancing. You never know which Ewoks, Wookiees, Stormtroopers and Jawas you'll see.

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2012 Top Disney Smiles of The Day

We try as often as we can here to give you something to smile about. (Though, when normally one thinks of Disney you really can't stop yourself from smiling.) During 2012 we posted here more than 160 Smiles of The Day - some photos, some videos and some jokes.

Here are the Top 5  most popular Smiles of The Day, determined by our readers:

No. 5 - Elephants playing in the elephant pool on the Jungle Cruise in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World.

No. 4 - Goofy, Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck taking a bow during a stage show in front of Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom in Disney World.

No. 3 -  This gopher outside The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh Ride in the Magic Kingdom in Disney World finds the entire situation a hoot.

No. 2 - Do you remember this look? To commemorate the Walt Disney World's 25th anniversary the Cinderella Castle was turned into a 18-story birthday cake.

No. 1 - The inside of Mickey Mouses house (specifically his bedroom) at the old Mickey's Toontown Fair in Magic Kingdom. Toon Town Fair.

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Disneyland is on list of top 10 Instagram places

The list of the Top 10 Instagrammed places in the world in 2012 includes Disneyland, according to the company.

                                                                      © Steven Liebman
Toontown in Disneyland.

While Instagram has lost about a fourth of its users over the flap of its pivacy policy, it still touts over 100,000 photos taken around the world - and Disneyland Park is number three.

The most popular - Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. I guess there are a lot of people who go through that airport.

Here is the complete list.

1. Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand
2. Siam Paragon  shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand
3. Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California
4. Times Square in New York City
5. AT&T Park in San Francisco
6. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
7. Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles
8. Eiffel Tower in Paris
9. Staples Center in Los Angeles
10. Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles

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Disney to sell limited-release Mickey Ear Hats in 2013

It will be a Happy New Ear Disney Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

Starting in January limited-release Disney Ear Hats will be available each month as part of the Disney Parks' Limited Time Magic, according to a Disney news release.

Each week during 2013 at the parks Disney will offer a special experience. And each month the special has will be available, starting off with a week-long “Bling in the New Year” dance party to celebrate the start of 2013. Including live entertainment on Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom, the dance party will feature Disney characters dressed in their New Year’s best starting Dec. 30 through Jan. 5.

Here are some more of the Limited Time Magic Weeks coming to Disney:

                                                                                    ©Disney

True Love: Celebrate romance and enchantment throughout Valentine’s Week with special moments and entertainment geared to lovebirds. Guests can celebrate their Valentine as Magic Kingdom and Disneyland turn up the romance, complete with their iconic castles bathed in hues of red and pink. Disney Princes join their Princesses to meet park guests in special settings, prix fixe menus turn up at select restaurants and Valentine collectibles will be offered for the week.

Independence Week: It’s red, white and blue as Disney Parks salutes America with a 4th of July Fireworks Party — for an entire week, with patriotic lighting bathing the Disney castles on both coasts. Mickey Mouse appears in his patriotic finest and guests will find special USA shirts, Ear Hats and other limited-edition souvenirs.

During “Long Lost Friends Week,” lesser-known Disney characters will move from the shadows to the spotlight with meet-and-greets on both coasts. Photo opps with characters that could include Flik, Clarabelle Cow, Remy, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum will surprise and delight guests. And Disney guests will even have the chance to vote online for which characters they want to see.
Pirate Week: Why talk like a pirate one day when you could celebrate these scalawags all week long? The adventures of Jack Sparrow come to life like never before during a bicoastal buccaneer bash in which Disneyland and Walt Disney World become pirate-palooza: pirate bands, pirate meet-and-greets and more.

Dapper Dans Sing Boy Bands: Dapper Dans, the iconic quartet from Main Street, U.S.A., will add a special finale to their show, claiming the title of the “Original Boy Band” and delivering a medley of hits from One Direction, *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys.

Unleash the Villains: A Friday the 13th in 2013 is a special day, so Disneyland and Disney Hollywood Studios are staying open until the 13th Hour (1 a.m.). Maleficent, Capt. Hook, Jafar and other Disney villains host a dance party, complete with limited-edition collectibles and nighttime mischief on Sept. 13.

Golden Horseshoe Revue: A tribute to the fabled Frontierland show comes to Disneyland for one month only, bringing back some of fun-filled humor, songs and dance numbers often enjoyed by Walt Disney himself.

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Merry Christmas to All

Merry Christmas To All.

Here's a short clip from the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Hollywood Studios in Disney World.

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A photo slideshow of Disney World during the Holidays

In honor of the Christmas holidays, here is a a slideshow of photos around Disney World, including Hidden Mickeys at the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Hollywood Studios.

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Disney will release animated 'Planes' in theaters in August

Disney plans on taking what was to be a a direct to video release and instead put it in the theaters.

Inspired by the world of Pixar's "Cars," Walt Disney Pictures is planning to put out a movie called "Planes" on August 9, 2013, according to screencrush.com.

The movie was supposed to be released on Blu-ray and DVD in the spring of 2013, but Disney is now changing its plans.

According to Disney the story goes like this: Dusty Crophopper, a lowly crop dusting plane who lives in Propwash Junction and dreams of competing in a world-famous aerial race. There is just one problem, though. Dusty is afraid of heights

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Disney finalizes Lucasfilm acquisition

Disney on Friday announced it is has completed its acquisition of Lucasfilm Ltd. LLc.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Lucasfilm to the Disney family,” Robert A. Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company said in a company news release. “Star Wars is one of the greatest family entertainment franchises of all time and this transaction combines that world class content with Disney’s unique and unparalleled creativity across multiple platforms, businesses, and markets, which we believe will generate growth as well as significant long-term value."

Lucasfilm’s assets include not only the Star Wars franchise by its live action film production, consumer products, animation, visual effects, and audio post production, as well as LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound.

The total value of the deal was about $4.06 billion.

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Smile of The Day: Disney Angel

Taking photographs during the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Hollywood Studios in Disney World is always fun.

Whether searching for the Hidden Mickeys in the lights or just photographing the street, you can always find something new every year to captivate you.  This year, it was taking photos of the angels in the reflections of the windows along the Streets of America.

                                                                                                                             © Steven Liebman

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Cinderella Christmas Castle video

The Christmas spirit is every where, especially when it comes to the Celebrate The Magic show at The Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. This is where Cinderella Castle erupts with projected images.


 

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Smile of The Day: A winter hello from Donald Duck

Many people do not think Donald Duck is friendly fellow. But he is. Here Donald gives the crowd a wave while on parade at the Animal Kingdom.

                                                                                                                                                       © Steven Liebman

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Disney World to host major African-American exhibit

More than 40 pieces of art, artifacts, books, sculptures and documents about the African-American story will be on display next year in Walt Disney World.

Click on image to see the book

The Kinsey Collection, which has been traveling around the world will be on display at the American Adventure at Epcot on March 9, 2013, according to a Disney news release.

The Kinsey Collection is part of a personal artifacts collected by Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, who have been married for over 40 years. The couple have amassed one of the largest private collections of African American art and artifacts spanning 400 years of history, according to the couple's website.

The Kinsey Collection has been on tour since 2007 and has been seen by over 3 million visitors. It has also received the the President’s National Award for Museum and Library Services.

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Smile of The Day: Dapper Dans sing Jingle Bells at Disney World

There are many renditions of "Jingle Bells," but none better than the Dapper Dans at The Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

Every holiday season, the quartet comes out with a great routine.

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Disneyland adds 10K race to the Half Marathon weekend

A new 10K race is being added to the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend next year, Disneyland has announced,

Disneyland publicity photo of the start
of the 2012 Disneyland Half Marathon.

The new race, to take place over the Aug. 30-Sept. 1 2013 weekend will be a timed event and will take runners through Disneyland, California Adventure and the streets of Anaheim. 

Each finisher will receive a specially designed commemorative medal. And for those runners looking to challenge themselves more they can register for what Disney is calling the Dumbo Double Dare, which involves running the 10K on Saturday and the Half Marathon on Sunday (19.3 miles total). 

“The 10K distance is the third most popular distance for runners next to the 5K and half marathon, so this race weekend will have it all,” runDisney Events Manager Kathleen Duran said in a news release. 

In addition to those two races, the weekend also includes Kids Races, the Family Fun Run 5K,  a two-day Health and Fitness Expo where guests can check out the latest in fitness apparel, running gear and high tech gadgets, plus speakers such as runDisney training consultant Jeff Galloway and runDisney nutrition consultant Tara Gidus. Runners and guests can add to their race weekend experience by purchasing tickets to a Pasta in the Park Party.

Registration opens for all Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend races on Jan. 22, 2013. For more information about the race weekend and other runDisney events, go towww.rundisney.com.

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Disney to announce new gaming initiative in January

Disney is rumored to announce a new gaming initiative in January which could incorporate collectible toys to interact with console games, according to a report by Polygon.

The Jan. 15 press event, called Disney Infinity, will feature John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios and a principal creative advisor at Walt Disney Imagineering, as well as John Pleasants, co-president of Disney Interactive, according to the website.

While nothing official has come out on what Disney Infinity actually is, many of the Disney fan sites and and gaming sites are speculating that Disney is going to try to take on Skylanders, the successful Activision franchise that incorporates toys with gaming avatars. 

An October New York Times story, has Pleasants talking about Disney working on a console game with "extensive mobile and online applications in which various Pixar and Disney characters will interact with one another for the first time. 

So imagine purchasing a Disney/Pixar/Star Wars character with an RFID chip in it that can be played with on console, computer and mobile gaming platforms. 

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Kodak picture spots leaving Disneyland and Disney World

The famed Kodak Picture Spots will be no more in U.S. Disney parks.

The Eastman Kodak company which has been the official film and camera partner for over five decades is ending its relationship with Disney on Dec. 31, according to the Orange County Register.

This means that all picture spot signs will be coming down around the parks, as well as the Kodak name from all the camera centers and kiosks in Disneyland and Disney World. In addition, its sponsorship for Mickey's PhilharMagic at the Magic Kingdom and MuppetVision 3D at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Disney World will be removed.

This change is part of Kodak's attempt to come out of bankruptcy by early 2013.

                                                                                             © Steven Liebman
A Kodak Picture Spot of the Cinderella Castle

The Kodak Picture Spot pointed you in the perfect direction for that magical Kodak moment, whether it helped you get the perfect shot for the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland or Cinderella Castle in Disney World.

"Disney and Kodak have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship for many years and Kodak thanks Disney for its outstanding partnership," Audrey Jonckheer, a Kodak spokeswoman, said in a statement to the newspaper.

Over the years Kodak also sponsored numerous attractions at the parks. Including these, from the Disney Wiki:

• Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World: Magic Journeys (1987-1993)
• Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: Movie Set Adventure (1990-present); MuppetVision 3D (1991- present)
• Epcot in Walt Disney World: ImageWorks (1982-1998); ImageWorks: The What-If Labs (1999-2010); Magic Journeys (1982-1986); Journey Into Imagination (1983-1998); Honey, I Shrunk the Audience (1994-2010); Journey Into Your Imagination (1999-2001); Journey Into Imagination With Figment (2002-2010)
• Disneyland: Magic Journeys (1984-1986); Honey, I Shrunk the Audience (1998-2010)
• California Adventure: MuppetVision 3D (2001-present)

Kodak was one of three original partners with Disney. The remaining companies are Coca-Cola and Carnation, now Nestlé, according to the website.

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Smile of The Day: Santa Goofy at Animal Kingdom

The holidays are in full swing at the Disney Parks. At Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World, the afternoon parade features Goofy dressed up as Santa waiving to the crowds.

                                                                                                                                                  © Steven Liebman

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Disney releases cruise itinerary for 2014

The Disney Magic will be heading back to Port Canaveral, Florida in 2014, joining the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy, while the Disney Wonder will call Miami its homeport.

Disney has just released the following itineraries:

Three-night Bahamas - rates start at $420 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Ports: Port Canaveral, Nassau, Castaway Cay

                                                                                     © Disney
Disney publicity photo

Dates: Disney Dream departures Jan.-Aug., 2014; Disney Magic departures Jan.-May, 2014

Four-night Bahamas - rates start at $480 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Ports: Port Canaveral, Nassau, Castaway Cay
Dates: Disney Dream departures Jan.-Aug., 2014; Disney Magic departures Jan.-May, 2014

Seven-night Eastern Caribbean -  The Disney Fantasy will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruises, including St. Maarten and St. Thomas with three days at sea. Rates start at $1,155 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Ports: Port Canaveral, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Castaway Cay
Dates: Disney Fantasy departures Jan.-Aug., 2014

Seven-night Western Caribbean - The Disney Fantasy will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Western Caribbean cruises, including Grand Cayman, Costa Maya and Cozumel with two days at sea. Rates start at $1,120 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Ports: Port Canaveral, Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Castaway Cay
Dates: Disney Fantasy departures Jan.-April, 2014

Seven-night Western Caribbean, including Jamaica - at Falmouth, Jamaica, guests can sample the city’s history and culture, taste Jamaica’s signature jerk recipes, enjoy lush tropical scenery on a bamboo raft river ride and visit the spectacular Dunn’s River Falls located nearby. Rates start at $1,120 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Ports: Port Canaveral, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, Castaway Cay
Departure dates: Disney Fantasy departures May-Aug., 2014

Bahamas and Western Caribbean from Miami (Jan.-May, 2014)In 2014, the Disney Wonder will sail from Miami on four-night Bahamian and five-night Western Caribbean cruises. Rates start at $352 per person for four-night cruises and $440 for five-night cruises departing from Miami for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Four-night Bahamas
Ports: Miami, Castaway Cay, Nassau, Key West
Departure dates: Jan. 15, 29, Feb. 12, 26, March 12, 26, April 9, 23

Five-night Caribbean
Ports: Miami, Grand Cayman, Cozumel
Departure dates: Jan. 10, 24, Feb. 7, 21, March 7, 21, April 4, 18

Five-night Caribbean, including Castaway Cay
Ports: Miami, Cozumel, Castaway Cay
Departure dates: Jan. 19, Feb. 2, 16, March 2, 16, 30, April 13, 27

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A look at Disney's Cars Land float in the Rose Parade

For the past 75 years Disney has been providing floats for the Rose Parade and this year is no different.

© Disney

This year's float will be celebrating the newest edition to Disneyland's California Adventure - Cars Land.

The 125-foot long float, called “Destination: Cars Land,” re-creates the town of Radiator Springs with flowing water, smoke-puffing baby tractors and 45 animated parts, including replicas of Lightning McQueen and Sally, according to a Disney news release.

Here are some of the highlights, according to Disney:

• At the front of the float, is a postcard-style “Welcome to Cars Land” sign, flanked by a trio of “baby tractors” emitting puffs of smoke while their eyes move in a playful manner. 
• Further “up the road” are likenesses of Lightning McQueen and Sally, moving forward and backward as if jockeying for race position. 
• The main buildings of Radiator Springs are marked by spinning signs for the town’s landmarks, including the Cozy Cone Motel and Flo’s V-8 Café. 
• The iconic Radiator Springs mountain range, a Cars Land landmark, is re-created on the float, with characters Luigi and Guido perched on the rocks. 
• The mountain range is home to a miniature version of the popular Radiator Springs Racers attraction, complete with small-scale race cars zooming across the landscape. 
• Barney Stormin’ the airplane tows a banner that reads: “The Happiest Place on Earth Just Got Happier.” 

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Hidden Mickeys at Osborne Family Lights in Disney World

In 1995, the Osborne family of Little Rock, Arkansas decided to donate their large light collection to Disney and the tradition of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights began in Hollywood Studios in Disney World.

Every year when Disney puts up the display, which includes millions of lights, they incorporate numerous Mickey Mouse heads which are obvious, but also many Hidden Mickeys.  Here are a sample of the dozens that you can find:

                                                                                                                                                     ©  Mary Liebman

                                                   ©  Mary Liebman

                                                ©  Mary Liebman

                                                                                                                                                  ©  Mary Liebman

                                                                                                                                                      ©  Mary Liebman

                                                                                                                                                      ©  Mary Liebman

                                                                                                                                                 ©  Mary Liebman

                                                ©  Mary Liebman

                                                  ©  Mary Liebman

                                                                                                                                                    ©  Mary Liebman

                                                                                                                                                     ©  Mary Liebman

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Smile of The Day: Mickey and Minnie on parade

There's nothing like being at a Disney park and seeing Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse go by on a float. Here they are at The Magic Kingdom in Disney World.

Photo by Steven Liebman

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Smile of The Day: Toy Soldiers on Parade

A favorite of many during the Christmas Parade  in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World are the Toy Soldiers.

Photo by Steven Liebman

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Disney sees new restaurant, new technology and new events in the parks

There has been a lot going on recently in the Disney Universe and not of lot of time to write about each individual happening. So to help everyone catch up, here are some quick updates from Disneyland and Disney World, including news on a new restaurant at Epcot, a new holiday experience in Disneyland, an opening date for Splitsville in Disney World's Downtown Disney and the introduction of more technology at Disney World.

Up first is the restaurant in Epcot. The Monsieur Paul restaurant takes the place of Bistro de Paris in the France pavilion. “Monsieur Paul introduces the culture and the authentic taste of French cuisine that Chef Paul Bocuse has been preaching to the world,” Jerome Bocuse, son of the famous French chef and president and owner of the company that runs Monsieur Paul, said in a news release. More info here.

The Jingle Jangle Jamboree is unveiled in Frontierland at Disneyland park with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Here's a video showing what it looks like.

Splitsville, the new mega-bowling alley/restaurant, opens Dec.19 in Disney World's Downtown Disney.

New RFID readers have been installed this week around various Disney World resorts, Orlando Attractions Magazine reports.

During the past year all of the door locks at the various resorts have been changed to RFID locks, so all you have to do is tap the card to a reader above the doorknob for the door to unlock. Now, you\'ll be able to charge to your room by simply tapping the card to a reader instead of it having to swiped by a cashier.

A Cast Member told us this week that if the charge is over $50 you will have to type in a PIN, which you will program at the front desk when you check in.

The next step will be using the technology for park entrance purposes, which could be coming soon.

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Smile of The Day: Santa Donald Duck topiary

As we continue with our holiday-themed "Smiles," we take a look at a Donald Duck topiary wearing a Santa hat in Epcot in Walt Disney World.

Photo by Steven Liebman

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Smile of The Day: Pluto and his dog house

The holiday topiaries are all around Epcot in Walt Disney World for the holiday season  Here's Pluto with his dog house.

Photo by Steven Liebman

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A review: Test Track 2.0 opens at Disney World

The revamped Test Track has re-opened in Epcot in Disney World -- redressed, smoothed out and, it seemed, speeded up.

Gone from the queue is the rhythmic clanking and whooshing you might hear on an assembly line or in a test facility. Instead there are sleek touch screens which prompt you to design your "Sim Car." After creating the car you upload it on to a card to take it to the next step. Each person in your party can create their own Sim Car, or you can use the same one for up to six people. Be aware that the Fast Pass line gives you fewer choices when making the car than the Stand By line.

Steven Liebman photo

Next, you head for the ride car. (Gone is the introductory film, and the lines to get to the car are a lot less hectic since no one is exiting pre-show theaters to clog up the lines.)

The cars have been updated, but are basically the same -- six people in a car, two rows of three people. There is a video display in the center panel and, like the old ride, it may work and it may not. While you wait to enter the car, you take the card used from creating your sim vehicle and upload it to the ride car.

The ride itself has not been altered. The turns, the climbs and even the tractor-trailer almost hitting you remain. However, the acceleration feels faster and the braking and sudden turns are a lot smoother and less jarring.  

The set dress is reminiscent of the movie "Tron." The blue iridescent lines throughout the ride lead you through track. Backgrounds are created in an Etch-a-Sketch way with white lines appearing as you pass.

Along the way, after each "test phase" you Sim Car is scored based on the physical test you just experienced. The final test is the one many get on the ride for in the first place, the 60 mph outside loop. Again, it's a much smoother ride.

After the ride, you can use your card to make your own Chevrolet commercial for the car you designed, and you can even race your own car against others. While the racing idea is cool, it is a little confusing since you need to remember which car is yours.

All-in-all, this is a great update to the ride.  Even if you don't like the story behind the ride, you're getting a much smoother and what feels faster experience.    

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Smile of The Day: Santa Stitch topiary

Welcome to the holiday season as Stitch greets everyone to Epcot in Walt Disney World and Holidays Around the World.

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Disney reaffirms Avatar will be coming to Animal Kingdom

After making an initial announcement that Disney and James Cameron would bring Avatar to Disney World, management at Disney has been mum.

Now maybe they wanted to focus on New Fantasyland. Maybe they had a change of heart when they purchased the Star Wars franchise. But fear not Pandora fans, this past week Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to Avatar in the Animal Kingdom, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

"We've gotten more excited about Avatar as we\'ve gone through development. Because we are finding that really playing around with this notion of allowing guests to visit Pandora can be very magical," Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs told the newspaper.

When it will open is still unknown. Avatar 2 and 3 are speculated to the filmed at the same time. Shooting has not even started, but director James Cameron said filming might start in 2013. So if Avatar 2 comes out at that time and Avatar 3 a year or two later, one would think that Disney would want to cash-in on the tie-ins.

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Smile of The Day: Christmas Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse

There's nothing like walking around Epcot at Walt Disney World and coming up Christmas topiaries of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse greeting you.

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Disney's big day has come - New Fantasyland opens Dec. 6

The big day has come for Walt Disney World.

After spending some $300 million, New Fantasyland officially opens. In addition, the rehabilitated Test Track will also officially open in Epcot and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack Sparrow opens at Hollywood Studios.

                                                                                                   © Steven Liebman

Though most of New Fantasyland has been open for a while it is still exciting when it comes to the official opening.

Here's a short tour of the new area (with links to photos and stories):

First you will find Storybook Circus which houses two Dumbo, the Flying Elephant attractions, the Barnstomer Coaster, the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station water play area and the Fantasyland Train Station.

But the big draw is the new area. As you walk behind the new castle walls to the left you find Enchanted Tales with Belle.

Billed as an "interactive storytelling experience," Enchanted Tales is a much more elaborate version of the old Storytime with Belle, in which Belle dressed up the kids in the audience and had them act out the parts in the stories she told. Storytime had plenty of fans, which explains why the attraction has grown up into Enchanted Tales, a lovely experience whether or not you're in the target audience.

Next to that is the Beast's castle, standing majestically upon a hill. This is the home to the Be Our Guest Restaurant which features a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, gallery, and mysterious “West Wing” of the castle.

Next to that to the right is Gaston's Village. It is here where you first enter the small village to see a large fountain statute of Gaston in the square. The burly, narcissistic "town hero" steps on his sidekick Le Fou. You can grab a quick Turkey Leg and Le Fou's Brew, at Gaston's Tavern and go shopping at Village Gifts.

And if you are lucky enough, you will meet the man himself - Gaston. Some of us think he will become the most popular greeting character around.

Next to the village is Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid, where guests travel with Ariel and her friends retelling the story of The Little Mermaid.

Still to come in the Castle Courtyard in the center of Fantasyland in 2103 is Princess Fairytale Hall . This is where it will be possible to have your photo taken with a variety of princesses including Aurora, Cinderella, Tiana and Rapunzel.

And in 2014 the The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster will open. This features a first-of-its-kind ride system with a train of vehicles that swing back and forth, responding to every twist and turn of the track.

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