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the best place to learn about everything going on all over Disney's Worldgran fiesta
Some of the best rides around the Walt Disney World Resort are somewhat hidden from the main walkways. The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros, formerly The River of Time, is one of those attractions. As you enter the pyramid, wind your way to the back of...
disney pin trading
The Disney Co. has always sold pins in their parks. From the early years and buttons to the elaborate pins offered today around thier "world" pins and pin trading have become a staple of the Walt Disney World Resort experience. I have always collected pins; from...
welcome + greeting
I still think that the opening ceremonies they perform at the parks are a wonderful celebration. I got a little bit closer this time around, and there was even a different castmember to welcome us into the park....
launch to magic kingdom
There are so many ways to get around the Walt Disney World Resort. Some are fairly unique, like the monorail, while others are a bit more romantic like the resort launches to the parks. I have always thought the launches or water taxis are one of the more enjoyable...
refurb alert! ellen’s energy adventure
Ellen's Energy Adventure in Epcot, will be closed for refurb from January 12 - January 31, 2009.
new winnie the pooh book
The Associated Press is reporting that the Milne and Shepard estates have authorized a sequel to the beloved Winnie the Pooh books written by A. A. Milne which will be released October 5th of this year. The new author is to be novelist and playwright David Benedictus...
this just in: hall of presidents closed for refurb
Just back from the magic kingdom and noticed that the Hall of Presidents is closed until July.
wrapping up
Finishing editing the last of the Christmas episodes of 2008. Here are some great songs from the Voices of Liberty in the American Adventure at Epcot. The Voices of Liberty have been at Epcot since the beginning. Their singing is something that is not to be missed and...
breaking news: space mountain to close for refurb
Tomorrowland's Space Mountain in the Magic Kingdom, at the Walt Disney World Resort, will be closing this coming April 19th for refurb. This is the first major enhancements in about 10 years and should take the better part of 2009 to finish.
1st WDW marathon
Digging through the archives, I discovered a few interesting pieces of Disney ephemera. The first to share, in celebration of the Walt Disney World Marathon, is the brochure and entry form for the first Walt Disney World (WDW) marathon. Over the years I have collected...
start your engines
The Indy Speedway in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom has always been a favorite of children of all ages; and with good cause since it is such an iconic part of the park. I remember driving the cars when it was called the Grand Prix as a kid. Even though they are not...
on your mark
The Walt Disney World Marathon has become a premier sporting event and qualifying race for many other marathons around the country. As such, the Disney Marathon has become a week long series of events based around health and fitness. What started small has become,...
the pilot’s view
The monorail was the fastest ride at Walt Disney World for decades. It was only when they opened Test Track, at Epcot, did it have to pass that mantle on to another. Nevertheless, riding the monorail is one of the greatest attractions at Walt Disney World due to the...
the monkey king
Although this is not a traditional Western story, the legend of the monkey king is of great importance in China. He is a legendary character who accompanies the monk Xuanzang to retrieve Buddhist sutras from India. With a culture that spans millenia, the Chinese have...
helga in the german pavillion
There are so many traditions we have as we celebrate Christmas that come from Germany. From the Christmas tree and advent calendars to Christmas cookies and the type of decorations we use throughout our celebrations, much comes from Germany. Much of what we take for...
papa noel
Our last visit from one of the Santas from around the world. This stop is at the Canada Pavilion where our friends to the North know Santa by a few different names. Canada is so large and diverse in its population, that there are many cultures celebrating the...
sigrid and julenissen
The Holiday tales in Norway differ just a bit from other parts we may be familiar with. This is the tale, told by Sigrid and Julenissen. Although they know of Santa Claus and his visits, there is more to tell from our friends in Norway and how they celebrate these...
Pere Noel from France
Continuing on the world tour of Christmas celebrations we stop in one of my favorite places, France, to hear from Pere Noel and how the French celebrate the holidays. There are so many ways to celebrate the special holidays and it is amazing how many wonderful ways...