Archive for Walt Disney World

Disney ‘Pushing Boundaries’ with ‘Avatar’ Land at Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Disney has pulled back the curtain on the creative process its Imagineers go through to bring theme park attractions to life, as part of an update on how its “Avatar” land is taking shape at its Animal Kingdom theme park in Orlando.

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Latest Rendering Released as Disney Continues Design Work on the World of AVATAR

The creative, collaborative process continues on a multi-year project as Disney’s Animal Kingdom brings to life Pandora, based on the blockbuster film AVATAR. Disney recently welcomed acclaimed director James Cameron to offices in Glendale, Calif. for a status report.. Disney’s creative teams collaborating with the artists and designers at Lightstorm are focused on all the land’s iconic elements — from the magnificent floating mountains to the interactive bioluminescent forest, and even to the soaring banshees. The AVATAR-inspired land will be part of the largest expansion in Disney’s Animal Kingdom history at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.(Concept art, Walt Disney Imagineering)
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Why Disney is a bargain — even at $105 a day

As soon as Walt Disney Co. announced earlier this week that it was increasing its single-day theme-park admission to as high as $105 per person, the naysayers started naysaying.

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2015 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates Announced

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be held 20 nights in November and December.  Tickets will go on sale in April.

Dates for 2015 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are:

  • Nov. 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29
  • Dec.1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18
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2015 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Dates Announced

This year, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be held 25 nights throughout the months of September, October and November. Tickets will be on sale in April

Dates for 2015 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are:

  • Sept. 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27
  • Oct. 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
  • Nov. 1
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New Shopping Locations Open at Downtown Disney as Progress Continues on Disney Springs

Trendy new retail shops are just the beginning of an entirely re-imagined Downtown Disney. With everything from sun hats and stylish flip-flops to customized headphones and gluten-free cupcakes, Downtown Disney has become a shopper’s oasis for all to enjoy. The new offerings are part of an expansion that will double the number of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences available as the area transforms into Disney Springs.

New shopping at Downtown Disney includes:

  • The Art of Shaving– A boutique retail offering that sells high-end shaving supplies and related grooming products for the modern man. Founded by a husband and wife in a Manhattan apartment, The Art of Shaving has grown to a worldwide organization. Guests can receive expert shaving advice on products and techniques, or make an appointment for a luxurious grooming experience at the Barber Spa.
  • Apex by Sunglass Hut- A first-of-its-kind sunglass store that was built with the athlete in mind. This retail location showcases the industry’s best selection of sport performance and lifestyle eyewear including Oakley, Ray-Ban, and Under Armour. In order for guests to choose a lens to best suit their needs, Apex has developed environmental simulators so guests can test out how a specific lens will perform under a variety of light conditions.
  • Chapel Hats – A fashion forward shop that specializes in an assortment of hats for guests of all ages.  The location carries stylish hats including fedoras, cowboy hats, floppy hats, outdoors hats, kid’s hats and more. Every Chapel Hats location is themed to a different time period and is built by using old pieces of shops, factories, schools, pubs and The Downtown Disney location is themed to the 1920s.
  • Havaianas – A Brazilian-based shoe store that offers fashionable flip flops made with the highest quality rubber — with hundreds of styles to choose from. This store will feature a large assortment of colorful Havaianas for women, men and children, plus kids’ rain boots. There’s also the “Make Your Own Havaianas” and “Embellish Your Own Havaianas,” option, where guests can customize this casual footwear.
  • Sanuk– Innovative, fun and comfortable footwear with more than 175 designs will be available at this 1,000-square-foot venue. Taking its name from the Thai word for “fun,” Sanuk strives to make more innovative products that are as much about funk as they are about function. Favorite styles including Yoga Mat Sandal Collection and its patented “Not-A-Shoe” Sidewalk Surfers will be showcased.
  • Sound Lion – A new retail concept that offers the latest technology in headphones, docking stations, wireless music players and other products. Before purchasing a product, guests can hang out at their Listening Barand find which product works best for them.
  • Erin Mckenna Bakery NYC – A unique bakery with savory offerings and an all-vegan and gluten-free menu. Look for a full selection of award-winning donuts, cupcakes, cookies, bagels with vegan butter, and other delicious items daily. Some of their fan-favorite cupcakes from their flagship bakery in New York and sister bakery in Los Angeles include vanilla cupcakes with zesty lemon frosting, red velvet cupcakes with creamy vanilla frosting and brownie cupcakes with rich chocolate frosting.
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4 money saving tips when visiting Disney World

The “Happiest Place on Earth” just got more pricey. But visiting Mickey Mouse doesn’t have to break the bank. Take it from me — I go to Florida’s Walt Disney World at least twice a year.

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New Village Causeway Now Open at Downtown Disney Marketplace

This is part of an ongoing series of posts highlighting the transformation of Downtown Disney® to Disney Springs.

The Village Causeway, a bridge connecting the area near The LEGO Store across the water to Rainforest Café, is now open at Downtown Disney Marketplace. This new area is quickly becoming a favorite spot for photos, sunset viewing and shopping. Guests can enjoy these new merchandise kiosks now open on the Village Causeway:

  • Flour & Sugar – featuring baked items with Florida flavors
  • Florida Bath Co. – offering bath products made with home-grown ingredients
  • Icon Jewellery by Bico – including fine grade pewter and enhanced with Swarovski Crystals
  • Kate & Leo –  featuring items inspiring curiosity, creativity and imagination

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Behind the magic: Inside Disney’s Central Shops

When you visit Walt Disney World most visitors would agree, there’s a certain amount of magic found in all the parks. One of the parks is even called Magic Kingdom, and of course, their new program is called MyMagic+.

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Disney ticket prices to surpass $100 this week?

Walt Disney World may be on the verge of another price increase, but this one will break the $100 mark. Theme Park Insider, a website dedicated to theme park news and information, reports Walt Disney World’s price hike is coming as soon as Feb. 22.

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