Archive for Scott

New Magic Kingdom Parade To Include Characters from “Frozen”

A fire-breathing dragon… a pirate ship with smoking cannons… a music box that’s a seashell… sassy Bubble Girls with cotton-candy hair… a mega-sized bagpipe.

Classic Disney fantasies soar to new heights with the all-new Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade set to hit the streets of Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort this March. The tribute to Fantasyland will highlight several new classic Disney and Pixar stories on a grand scale with nearly 100 performers and larger-than-life floats.

Disney Festival of Fantasy parade is the first of a new generation of parades for Disney Parks featuring never-before-used technology on eye-popping floats adorned with Disney characters from more than a dozen fairytales. Set to an all-new musical score, the dazzling parade floats will soar up to three stories tall with spirited performers donning dramatic costumes crafted at ten different design houses across the country.

“The parade celebrates and pays homage to what the Magic Kingdom is all about,” said Randy Wojcik, senior show director Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Creative Entertainment. “It has the most beautiful floats, enchanting characters, vibrant costumes that come to life; and the choreography is just glorious. Yet, it is also very kinetic, relevant and powerful on a scale never seen before at Walt Disney World.”

Seven unique units comprised of nine spectacular floats will march down Main Street, U.S.A to the beat of an original soundtrack inspired by favorite Disney films, composed by Mark Hammond, known for his work on World of Color at Disney California Adventure and the Flights of Fantasy parade at Hong Kong Disneyland. The parade has its own voice with a theme song customized for each float followed by a medley of songs woven throughout the cavalcade.

“It’s visually stunning, like mini Broadway shows rolling down the street,” said Wojcik.

Here’s the float-by-float lineup:

The Princess Garden – This pageantry of princesses celebrates Disney royalty. Cinderella, Tiana and Belle accompanied by their respective princes, ride in a garden of topiaries with woodland creatures, birds and more. Cinderella’s dress playfully twirls like a turntable, while Swan Court couples lead the 50-foot-long majestic float, capped off with a special appearance by Anna and Elsa from Disney’s hit animated feature, “Frozen.”

Tangled – A massive long ship on the high seas showcases Flynn Rider and Rapunzel in search of adventure and another Best. Day. Ever! Rapunzel’s iconic tresses weave throughout this 36-foot-long float decked out with swaying pendulums carrying dastardly thugs.

Little Mermaid – Ariel and her friends sit atop a colorfully kinetic seashell music box that boasts an enchanting musical jubilee. There’s no shortage of whimsy on this Under the Sea float with conga dancing fish kicking up their fins and bubbles galore. Shimmering fabrics and intricately designed costumes for the Lion Fish, Coral Fish, Seashell and Sea Horse performers are runway-inspired.

Peter Pan – Straight from Never Land come Peter Pan and Wendy soaring high aboard the famous Jolly Roger pirate ship complete with smoke effects and special surprises. A rainbow arch shines over Skull Rock and Tinker Bell nestled among giant flowers, while Captain Hook takes center stage on a swinging anchor. “Newsies-inspired” Lost Boys kick up their heels to high-energy choreography.

Brave – Celtic couples and a vessel shaped like an enormous bagpipe announce the arrival of Merida perched high on her majestic crown. Scottish dancers step to melodies of the Great Highlands in celebration of the popular Disney*Pixar film, “Brave.”

Sleeping Beauty – The heroic Prince Phillip battles a Steampunk-inspired Dragon as the wicked Maleficent. This float stretches 53 feet in length and 26 feet tall with a prickly spinning wheel dead center of the float. With fiery eyes and glowing effects the spectacular dragon was built on an articulating chassis allowing the float to bend and flex as it moves along the parade route – a first for Disney parades. This float was designed in a partnership with Tony Award-winner Michael Curry. There’s Prince Phillip, thorn-inspired stilt performers, dramatic raven dancers, plus the three good fairies, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather glide along the parade route.

Finale and Mickey’s Airship – The parade culminates with a 90-foot-long magical caravan of characters featuring Pinocchio, Dumbo, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Mad Hatter, Pluto and more in a splashy carnival of color. There’s Pegasus horses, dancing hippos and sassy Bubble Girls with cotton-candy-like hair celebrating Storybook Circus in New Fantasyland. Sporting zany new costumes Mickey and Minnie Mouse sit sky high in Mickey’s Airship — a giant hot air balloon that rounds out Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade.

Share this:
Share
Comments Off on New Magic Kingdom Parade To Include Characters from “Frozen” Posted in Magic Kingdom

Disneyland Paris is awarded the number one prize in the Tourism category

Disneyland Paris was awarded yesterday the 1st prize in the Tourism category, at the Relation Client® Podium. In 2003 BearingPoint and TNS Sofres created these prizes to be awarded to companies by consumers in
appreciation for the quality of their client relationship. It has been the number one
reference in the field ever since.

Among the 150 competing organisations, Disneyland Paris was awarded the first prize in the Tourism category. This is a well deserved award for the number one European tourist destination, for which the quality of the experience is at the heart of their strategy.

This prize clearly reflects the client’s opinion and demonstrates the daily commitment of the 15 000 Cast Members -the employees- at Disneyland Paris. They each pay special attention to guest satisfaction at every different moment of their visit.

Our teams work daily to maintain those quality standards and innovate. To do so they have continuous training, various studies and audits are run and the guests’ comments are closely and systematically recorded.

‘We aim for excellence throughout our business in order to offer our guests a unique experience. The feedback from our clients has always helped our teams improve our product. Our Cast Members can be very proud of being awarded the first Client Relation prize, in the name of Disneyland Paris’, Julien Kauffmann, Vice President Revenue Management and Analysis, declared.

One of the company’s priorities is guest satisfaction. To ensure it the company has invested €510 million over the last five years to develop and refurbish the park and the hotels at Disneyland Paris. These investments have already given results:
• the satisfaction rate of guests who have stayed in Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch,
Disney’s Sequoia Lodge and Disney’s Hotel Sante Fe increased 9 % after their
renovation;
• the ‘Disney Dreams!’ show, awarded the best show of the year in 2012 by the
professionals in theme parks, hit a record satisfaction rate at 93 % in 2013;
• the satisfaction rate for catering gained 5 points these last two years.

The 1st Prize in the Podium de la Relation Client (Podium for Client Relation) in the Tourism category is one of the many distinctions Disneyland Paris has recently been awarded for its service quality. At the end of 2013 for example, Euro Disney was awarded the Grand Prix de la Relation Actionnaires (Investor Relations) by Les Echos, Investir and Mazars, and the Trophée de la Clientèle for the Disneyland Hotel during the Colloque National des Directeurs d’Hôtels (National Symposium of Hotel Directors).

Share this:
Share
Comments Off on Disneyland Paris is awarded the number one prize in the Tourism category Posted in Disneyland Paris

New Fantasyland Coaster Fun, A Parade Spectacular and Much More Add to the Magic For Walt Disney World Guests in 2014

Heigh, Ho, Heigh, Ho – into another magical year we go for Walt Disney World Resort guests in 2014.

New Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom adds its crowning centerpiece in spring 2014 with the opening of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, completing the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. Also this spring, New Fantasyland inspires an all-new parade set to roll down Main Street, U.S.A.

Meantime, 2014 sees the official rollout of MyMagic+ taking the Disney guest experience to an exciting new level. Downtown Disney continues its magical, multi-year re-imagining to Disney Springs. New for 2014 will be an exotic — and aromatic — addition to the Morocco Pavilion at Epcot. And to make smiles even wider, the call will go out to all Disney guests to “Show Your Disney Side.”

These highlights and more add up to a merry menu of magic for guests in 2014:
1. Nothing sleepy about it! The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will crown New Fantasyland with family coaster fun.
2. Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will bring the magical stories of New Fantasyland to Main Street U.S.A.
3. Fit2Run, the Marketplace Co-Op, new Starbucks and more kick off the multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs.
4. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts opens a luxury resort hotel within the Golden Oak community.
5. The Orlando City Soccer Club makes ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex its home for 2014 regular season games.
6. New races welcome runDisney enthusiasts and first-time runners alike.
7. New 2014 itineraries for Disney Cruise Line will include an expanded collection of European sailings.

Here’s a closer look around:

The lovable world of Sleepy, Doc, Grumpy, Bashful, Sneezy, Happy and Dopey comes to life in spring 2014 when the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train takes New Fantasyland guests on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” Inspired by the 1937 Disney animated film classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the fun starts as guests cross a stone bridge and walk through a beautiful forest with the Dwarfs’ cottage in the distance, leading to the entrance to the attraction — and immersion into the endearing story of the radiant and kindhearted Snow White and her forest friends led by the lovable Dwarfs.

After passing through an interactive pre-show area with fun activities themed to mining, guests will proceed to the mine train. Just like the iconic movie, surprises are in store! The family-style coaster will feature first-of-its-kind ride vehicles mounted in cradle-like pivots that allow the vehicles to swing back and forth during the ride. Adding to the fun, the journey will be accompanied by beloved music from the film classic and there’s a cast of animated figures of Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs and playful forest critters.

New Fantasyland also inspires a new daytime parade, the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, scheduled to march into Magic Kingdom in spring 2014. The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will bring the magical stories of New Fantasyland to Main Street, U.S.A. through fantastic and innovative parade floats, vibrant costumes and an original soundtrack that will feature beloved songs from favorite Disney films, plus a new parade theme song. There will be no shortage of fantasy, either, according to the float-makers. Ariel and friends will grace a larger-than-life music box showcasing a colorful musical party “Under the Sea” while Scottish dancers and a float shaped like an enormous bagpipe announce the arrival of Merida. Other floats celebrate Disney Princesses; Peter Pan and Wendy soar above a pirate galleon; Rapunzel and Flynn Rider appear on a longship in search of another “Best Day. Ever.”

While Downtown Disney in 2014 continues its multi-year transformation into Disney Springs, there are exciting changes guests can experience now. Newly opened in Downtown Disney West Side: Fit2Run serves both recreational runners and athletes. In 2014, Starbucks will add two locations: a storefront at Downtown Disney West Side and a kiosk near World of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace. Also in 2014: new retail–from women’s accessories to electronics, sportswear to girl’s fashions, home design accents to salon products–will open as the Marketplace Co Op (replacing Team Disney). And there’s plenty of valet and self-parking as the Disney Springs expansion continues. Disney Springs will be a unique and vibrant shopping/dining/entertainment destination to be set amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm. Anchored by a signature water tower and grand entry, Disney Springs will boast four interconnected outdoor neighborhoods and be home to everything from shopping boutiques to flagship stores to great new restaurants and entertainment venues. With a planned completion in 2016, Disney Springs expects to double the number of venues, to more than 150.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts plans a 2014 opening for a luxury resort hotel at Walt Disney World Resort. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort will feature several dining venues including a rooftop restaurant with views to the Magic Kingdom, a 14,000 square foot spa, fitness center, three pools and a “lazy river” sports and recreational area, as well as meeting and event space, and a business center. This first Four Seasons in Central Florida is located within the Golden Oak residential community, created and master-planned by Disney.

As anticipation for the 2014 World Cup builds around the world, soccer fans vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort will be treated to more professional soccer options at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in 2014. In addition to the Disney Pro Soccer Classic and the Disney Soccer Academy, which both feature pro soccer players, the Orlando City Soccer Club will play its 2014 regular-season home games at Disney in the spring. The team will play its 14-game home schedule inside a soon-to-be expanded soccer venue at the sports complex, providing fans with a more intimate viewing experience than ever before. The Orlando City Soccer Club recently became an official MLS soccer franchise.

runDisney is expanding two of its most popular race weekends in 2014. There will be a 10K race added to the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna and the Princess Half Marathon Weekend. The new 10K races mean there will also be new “challenges” – the Dopey Challenge during Marathon Weekend (running the 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon) and the Glass Slipper Challenge during Princess Weekend (5K, 10K and half marathon). Both of these new “challenges” come with a special new medal awarded to anyone who completes the challenge.

In 2014, Disney Cruise Line will offer new itineraries, including an expanded collection of European cruises highlighting the Greek Isles. Plus, DCL will depart for the first time from homeports in Venice, Italy and San Juan, Puerto Rico. From May to August, the re-imagined Disney Magic returns to the Mediterranean, offering a rich array of itineraries, cruise lengths and ports of call. New for the season, the Magic will homeport in Venice and will call on the Greek Isles and Sicily for the very first time. In fall 2014, Disney Magic will sail out of San Juan for four Southern Caribbean cruises. Disney’s first cruise ship now boasts all-new experiences and re-imagined spaces including AquaDunk, a body slide dropping three decks, and Marvel’s Avengers Academy transporting kids 3-12 into magical worlds of brave superheroes. In summer 2014, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night cruises from Vancouver to Alaska; a special nine-nighter calls at Sitka, Alaska – a first for DCL. Joined by Disney Magic in January, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy sail from Port Canaveral, Fla. to the Bahamas including a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Disney Parks is encouraging guests to let their inner selves come out to play during “Show Your Disney Side” in 2014. Disney Side is the exact flip of the everyday, work-centric lives we lead – the more fun-loving, adventurous side that washes over anyone who sets foot inside a Disney Park. In Disney advertising and marketing, Disney Parks will make the call for all guests to “let out the fun” and show their Disney side in 2014. The program got off to a magical start in the fall of 2013 when all-stars in the social media realm showed their Disney side to the delight of millions of followers.

Epcot guests are being treated to an exciting addition to the Morocco pavilion. Inspired by the whitewashed, outdoor cafes found along the Mediterranean, Spice Road Table offers a variety of Moroccan small plates and specialty drinks – along with scenic views of World Showcase Lagoon in front of the Morocco pavilion. A collection of shops arranged “souk” style stretches along the front of the building. There is even a henna tattoo artist on hand to create temporary body art from traditional and modern designs. The space is finished in cozy booths, Moroccan light fixtures, tapestries and art representing Morocco’s indigenous Beber tribes.

There is so much more to round out the fun in 2014 for Walt Disney World Resort guests including returning favorites runDisney events led by the Walt Disney World Marathon, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Atlanta Braves Spring Training, Star Wars Weekends, Car Masters Weekend, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and much more. Another guest favorite, the hugely popular Festival of the Lion King show, relocates by mid-summer to an all-new theater in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Share this:
Share
Comments Off on New Fantasyland Coaster Fun, A Parade Spectacular and Much More Add to the Magic For Walt Disney World Guests in 2014 Posted in Walt Disney World

Meet Kanan, the Cowboy Jedi in Star Wars Rebels

Not every guardian of peace and justice was lost to the tragedy of Order 66. Introducing Kanan, a survivor of the Emperor’s Jedi purge and one of the main characters of Star Wars Rebels. (http://starwars.com)

Kanan, voiced by Freddie Prinze Jr., is a less traditional Force-wielder than fans are used to seeing. He carries a blaster, is a little sarcastic, and keeps his past a secret. “I like to call Kanan ‘the cowboy Jedi,’” says executive producer Dave Filoni. As shown in this video, his Jedi robes are long gone, replaced with armor and a holster, though a samurai-like ponytail hints at his Jedi Knight origins.

In Star Wars Rebels, set between Episode III and IV, Kanan has been underground for years, evading the Empire. If the Imperials become aware of his existence “he’s going to get killed,” says art director Kilian Plunkett. He still has his lightsaber but no longer uses it for fear of revealing his true identity – and has ultimately forsaken the ways of the Jedi Order.

Star Wars Rebels will show Kanan’s journey as he rediscovers himself, just as a rebellion begins to form against the Empire. According to Filoni, “He’s a gunslinger that needs to put the gun away and pick up the sword again, and fight for noble causes and selfless causes.” But what will happen when he chooses to reignite his Jedi weapon, fighting once again for a greater purpose?

The video closes with a tease of what’s to come: an encounter with the nightmarish Inquisitor, the Empire’s Jedi hunter.

Star Wars Rebels is scheduled to premiere in fall 2014 as a one-hour special telecast on Disney Channel and will be followed by a series on Disney XD channels around the world.

Share this:
Share
Comments Off on Meet Kanan, the Cowboy Jedi in Star Wars Rebels Posted in star wars

Becky G, Fifth Harmony and R5 Scheduled to Perform at The 2014 Radio Disney Music Awards

The 2014 Radio Disney Music Awards (RDMA), the prime awards show for kids and families’ favorite music, will take place SATURDAY, APRIL 26 at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE, it was announced today.  Rapper Becky G, an RCA/Kemosabe Records artist and Radio Disney “N.B.T.” (Next Big Thing), helped make the announcement on Radio Disney’s “Morgan & Maddy in the Morning.” The music awards show will be presented as a one-hour TV special “Disney Channel Presents the Radio Disney Music Awards” on SUNDAY, APRIL 27 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT).  Scheduled performers include Becky G, Epic Records’ Fifth Harmony and Hollywood Records’ R5. The headlining act plus more artists will be announced at a later date. The event will be preceded by a seven-city live-event tour for kids and families, “On The Road to the RDMAs.”

 

Tickets for the event, which will feature the most popular young recording artists and stars as heard on Radio Disney, go on sale today, Thursday, January 23 at AXS.com.

Share this:
Share
Comments Off on Becky G, Fifth Harmony and R5 Scheduled to Perform at The 2014 Radio Disney Music Awards Posted in Radio Disney

MARVEL’S THOR: THE DARK WORLD Blu-Ray and DVD Review

Looking for a way to battle the winter blues?  If so, pick up a copy of MARVEL’S THOR: THE DARK WORLD available on BLu-ray and DVD.   This story picks up after the AVENGERS have saved Earth in an epic battle in New York City.  Thor has returned to Asgard as its protector, Loki is imprisoned by his father Odin, and Jane Foster is investigating strange forces on Earth.  The three come together to defeat an enemy set on destroying the universe.  The action takes place in multiple locations throughout the nine realms.   Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston play Thor and Loki with perfection in their love-hate brotherly relationship.  The bonus features are outstanding!  Be sure to check out Marvel One-Shot: All Hail the King, a documentary style piece about Trevor, AKA “The Mandarin”, from Iron Man 3.  Ben Kingsley is hilarious in this role.  Sam Rockwell also has a cameo as Justin Hammer from Iron Man 2.  I also enjoyed A Brother’s Journey: Thor and Loki.   This 30 minute featurette includes behind the scenes footage, interviews with cast and crew, and even screen tests for Thor.  Can you even picture Tom Hiddleston as Thor?  Me neither.   There are deleted scenes and bloopers from the feature film as well.  When you bring home a copy of MARVEL’S THOR: THE DARK WORLD, you will be a hero to your family for sure.

Share this:
Share
Comments Off on MARVEL’S THOR: THE DARK WORLD Blu-Ray and DVD Review Posted in Disney Blu-Ray, Disney DVD, Disney Home Entertainment

Vacation Planning Tips for the Disneyland Resort

With the expansion of Disney California Adventure Park, there’s no better time for guests to enjoy special moments with their friends and families at the Disneyland Resort, making the most of their vacation and making memories that last a lifetime. There are plenty of tips for guests as they plan to stay and play at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, the three on-site hotels and Downtown Disney.

PLAN

  • Disney Vacation Planning DVD – Guests are invited to preview the magical experiences that await their next Disneyland Resort Vacation with a library of informative videos. To order a Disney Vacation Planning DVD, go to www.disneyland.com.
  • My Disneyland Membership – Guests may join “My Disneyland” for free to gain access to unique Disneyland Resort content, including vacation planning and reservation tools, behind the scenes videos, Disney games and polls.
  • Disneyland Express – Just 30 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and just 15 miles from John Wayne Airport (SNA), Disneyland Resort offers the Disneyland Express for easy bus transfer to the resort. Disneyland Resort Express also provides convenient transportation to Anaheim area hotels.
  • Dining reservations – To make the most of vacation time, guests often make dining reservations in advance at the resort’s award-winning restaurants. To make a reservation, call 714-781-DINE or send an email with date, time and contact information to dine@disneyland.com

STAY

  • Stay in the Magic – Guests discover many special benefits when they stay at one of three Disneyland Resort hotels: the recently renovated Disneyland Hotel and luxurious Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and the sunny California beachfront-themed Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.
  • Extra Magic Hour – Early Admission to the Parks – Beginning June 18, 2012, guests staying at any Disneyland Resort hotel may enjoy Extra Magic Hour entry into Disneyland or Disney California Adventure one hour before the parks open to the public. This opportunity is good for the length of a guest’s stay, with designated days for each park. To check availability, daily times and additional information, visit  www.disneyland.com and click on “Park Hours.” (Valid theme park admission and active hotel room key required.)
  • Grand Location – Guest who stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa enjoy an exclusive guest-only entrance to Disney California Adventure through the hotel. Nearby, guests also enjoy the Downtown Disney District, with its eclectic mix of entertainment, dining and shopping opportunities.
  • Storybook Vacation – At Disneyland Resort hotels, guests have the opportunity to share a meal and laughs with favorite Disney characters, relax by sparkling pools and enjoy a night on the town complete with dinner at one of several award-winning restaurants.
  • Convenience and Legendary Service – Guests who stay at Disneyland Resort Hotels are treated to exclusive conveniences throughout their stay, including a Keys to the Magic card for charging meals and merchandise to the guest room. The Package Express service delivers resort merchandise purchases right to a guest’s hotel. Hotel guests are  treated to the legendary Disney guest service throughout their vacation.
  • Great Value – Guests can find great value in multiple-day tickets and vacation packages at the Resort hotels, or at nearby Good Neighbor hotels, by purchasing online. The latest special offers are available at www.disneyland.com/offers, with information about  tickets, hotels and special packages.

PLAY

  • Disney FASTPASS Service – FASTPASS allows guests to reserve a specific time window to enjoy their favorite attractions. When guests come back during that specified window they enjoy the shorter line reserved for FASTPASS holders.
  • Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness – Guests who book their Disneyland Resort vacation with the Walt Disney Travel Company enjoy a full hour of fun and games with Mickey and some of his pals before Toontown opens to the public on select days.
  • Disney Mobile Magic – Guests get the most out of their vacation with the official Disney application for their smart devices. Disney Mobile Magic showcases GPS-enabled park maps, allows guests to view official wait times for attractions, character locations, and provides dining guides, reservation tools and interactive games all for free.
  • “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” Tour – Guests may follow in the footsteps of the man whose vision and creativity brought Disneyland park to life, Walt Disney. This 3 ½-hour guided tour covers the life of Walt Disney and stories behind the magic of Disneyland. To book this, or other tours offered by Disneyland Resort, call (714) 781-TOUR (8687).
  • Charging Lockers – Guests re-charge their batteries and get back to the fun in no time when using a series of new lockers on Main Street U.S.A. that include options for traditional AC outlet or specialized chargers for electronic devices.
  • Parent “Rider Switch” – A theme-park “rider switch” policy gives both parents a chance to enjoy their favorite attractions without double the wait. A parent who waits with a young child while the other parent rides the attraction may board the ride with minimal wait time once the first parent exits. Guests may ask a cast member about this option.
Share this:
Share
Comments Off on Vacation Planning Tips for the Disneyland Resort Posted in Disneyland

Top “Take a Break” Walk Through Attractions (Part I) by Sarah Graffam

Exciting, fast-paced, on the go, active … if this describes a trip to Walt Disney World for your family, you are not alone. After all, the rush of riding Expedition Everest or the stomach-dropping thrill of a ride on the Tower of Terror is some of the most fun you can have at the World. In fact, after I experience a Disney World thrill ride, I am usually ready to hurry right back to the queue and do it again.

But even though a trip to the World is not complete for me without an adrenaline-charged ride … or two … or three, my Disney trip survivor tip this week is to take a break and rest your senses for a bit in one of the World’s wonderful walk through attractions.

And so, in this week’s column, I am highlighting my favorite relaxing walk through attractions in the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. In our next issue, I’ll take on Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom parks.

Magic Kingdom

For me, the Magic Kingdom is the park where I feel the most busy throughout the day. Now that I have been thinking about walk through attractions in the World, I am wondering if the more hectic pace of the Magic Kingdom might be because there are relatively few walk through attractions there.

The Swiss Family Tree House takes some amount of climbing energy, though taking it slow can be a bit of a respite on a cooler day. If you aren’t chasing your children, a stroll on Tom Sawyer Island could fit the bill. But my favorite walk through attraction at the Magic Kingdom is …

… Cinderella Castle!

I love to contemplate the awesome beauty of the castles spires, survey the lush landscaping, and take a rest at the wishing well. Last, my very favorite part of the castle is the detailed and colorful beauty of the mosaics in the castle corridor.

Epcot

In contrast to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot offers a plethora of walk through exhibits, and I think the most restful ones can be found in the World Showcase, including the American Heritage Gallery, the Mexico Folk Art Gallery, the Bijutsu-kan Gallery in Japan, and the Gallery of Arts and History in Morocco. All showcase wonderful artifacts in a cool setting, but I have two favorites.

The Stave Church Gallery in Norway: The smallness of this gallery and—if you can catch it at the right moment—the silence that can be found there are perfect for a short break away from the crowds.

The House of the Whispering Willows in China, in contrast, isn’t small or usually as quiet, but I am mesmerized by its scale reproduction of the famous Terracotta Army. Amazing!

 

Share this:
Share
Comments Off on Top “Take a Break” Walk Through Attractions (Part I) by Sarah Graffam Posted in WDW Daily News

DISNEY CHANNEL ORDERS A THIRD SEASON OF ITS HIT COMEDY SERIES, “DOG WITH A BLOG”

Disney Channel has ordered a third season of its hit comedy series, “Dog With A Blog.” It was announced today by Adam Bonnett, Executive Vice President, Original Programming, Disney Channel. The family comedy follows the talking and blogging canine Stan as he helps his owners, step-siblings Avery, Tyler and Chloe and their parents Bennett and Ellen, continue to adjust to blended family life and the typical challenges kids experience at school and beyond. A favorite with kids and families, the series is currently in its second season with new episodes airing FRIDAYS (8:30 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

Share this:
Share
Comments Off on DISNEY CHANNEL ORDERS A THIRD SEASON OF ITS HIT COMEDY SERIES, “DOG WITH A BLOG” Posted in Disney Channel

Star Wars: The Clone Wars “The Lost Missions” to Premiere Only on Netflix

The Galactic Republic, Disney/ABC Television Group, Lucasfilm and Netflix Inc. today announced the highly anticipated debut of the sixth and final season of the Emmy® Award-winning series Star Wars: The Clone Wars exclusively to Netflix members in the U.S. and Canada on Friday, March 7. Accompanying the 13-episode new season dubbed “The Lost Missions” will be the entire Star Wars: The Clone Wars saga, which includes several director’s cut episodes never seen on TV as well as the feature film. This multi-year agreement also makes Netflix the exclusive subscription service for the entire Star Wars: The Clone Wars series.

In these eagerly anticipated episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, some of the deepest mysteries of the conflict between the light and the dark sides of the Force are revealed. An intrepid clone trooper discovers a shocking secret, Anakin Skywalker’s closest relationship is tested to its limits and what Master Yoda discovers while investigating the disappearance of a Jedi could forever change the balance of power in the galaxy. Fans will not only be able to watch the thrilling finale, they’ll be able to see more of The Clone Wars than ever before as Netflix will also stream the director’s cut of seasons 1 – 5.

 

“Star Wars is one of the most iconic franchises of all time and this series joins a long line of Disney content that Netflix members are and will continue to enjoy for years to come,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer. “The Clone Wars marks an important moment as Netflix welcomes more and more first-run content from The Walt Disney Company and its subsidiaries.”

 

Star Wars: The Clone Wars is the first time any Star Wars content has been available for Netflix streaming members. The deal follows a recent announcement from Netflix and The Walt Disney Company to bring multiple original series based on Marvel characters to the service in 2015. Netflix will be the exclusive U.S. subscription television service for first-run, live-action and animated movies from the Walt Disney Studios including titles from Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Disneynature and Lucasfilm beginning in 2016.  Netflix members can currently enjoy a wide range of Disney, ABC Entertainment Group and Disney Channel films and TV shows across the 41 countries where Netflix operates.

Share this:
Share
Comments Off on Star Wars: The Clone Wars “The Lost Missions” to Premiere Only on Netflix Posted in star wars
« Older Entries   Recent Entries »