Hollywood Studios Star Wars weekends 2012 going on now!

Star Wars weekends at Disney

I’m a bit late on this, but better late than never right! Just wanted to give you all a heads up that the annual Star Wars weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is going on now.

Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Hollywood Studios theme park at Disney you can catch lots of characters, shows and events from the Star Wars movies.

On each of the days at 12:40 PM will be the Legends of the Force parade up Hollywood Boulevard that will have all your favorite Star Wars characters and some that may surprise you.
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Disney’s Art of Animation resort video and pictures

One of the newest Disney resorts being made will be opening in late May, and they recently had a press review for it. Disney’s Art of Animation resort is a very stunning looking Disney hotel, as you can see in these videos and pictures.

It has more than 1,000 suites plus 800 normal hotel rooms. There seems to be a different theme for each wing of the resort. The pool is very big and seems to be done in a “Finding Nemo” theme, which is fitting.

Other themes for the different wings will be the Cars wing, the Lion king wing, and the Little Mermaid wing. I’m not sure if just the Finding Nemo wing will be open in May or all of the resort.
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Walt Disney New Storybook Circus in Fantasyland youtube video

As I mentioned here in another post a week or two ago, one part of the new Fantasyland project at Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park is now open. A part of that is called Storybook Circus.

I’m sure your all wondering just what it looks like, so here’s a cool Disney youtube video of it. It’s actually quite a long video that gives you lots of details of what is inside.

Part of the Storybook Circus area is the re-done Dumbo ride, which you can see in this video. They added lots of details to the ride making it look even better.

Another part of Storybook Circus has Goofy’s “Great Goofini” Barnstormer roller coaster. It’s a mild roller coaster made for small kids but adults can also ride it.

The Magic Kingdom train also has a station here that is really done up in a cool way with lots to see. Some of the video also shows a bit of the other parts of the new Fantasyland under construction that will open later.

So check out the video of Disney’s new Storybook Circus area to see what you can go on and do now, plus some peeks at what is to come! :)

First part of new Fantasyland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom open

New Fantasyland rides at Disney now open

Most Disney fans may or may not know that Fantasyland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park has been going through some makeovers. New attractions are being built and long time rides are being moved and touched up.

Well one of the first sections of the new Fantasyland has opened, just in time for the spring breakers. The new Dumbo ride and Goofy’s Barnstormer roller coaster are both now open with a new look.

They both do the same thing as they always did. But the Dumbo ride has a new color theme to it, with some different scenes painted on the ride. Golden storks also are on the top of the ride.
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Fly in and see Disney’s Epcot flower and garden festival 2012!

Disney's Epcot flower and garden festival

Soon it will be time for Disney’s Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival for 2012! This is a great annual event and many fly in from all over the world to be a part of it.

If you’re a landscape and gardening enthusiast, you probably watch the HGTV channel pretty regularly. Now you can get in on the scene in person when HGTV hosts the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. The dates for the events will take place beginning March 7, 2012, and will continue through May 20.

You will want to check out the best flights to Florida deals you can find and be a part of this popular annual Disney event. There will be lots of experts on hand to help you with landscaping ideas, gardening designs, and ways to improve the looks of your yard and your home’s exterior.

Some of the experts you’ll recognize from your favorite HGTV shows, and others will be from the University of Florida. You’ll even have a chance to pose your questions to the pros. Different topics are discussed daily, ranging from floral arrangements to garden insects.

You’ll love all the displays at the festival, too. Some of these include bonsai gardens, spice and herb plants, orchids, and a lovely English tea garden. Your visit will be enhanced with some famous musical talents in the Flower Power Concert Series.

Among the performers will be Starship, The Guess Who, Jose Feliciano, The Spinners, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Chubby Checker and the Wildcats, The Turtles, members of Electric Light Orchestra, The Monkey’s Davy Jones, Herman’s Hermits, and Three Dog Night’s Chuck Negron.

Kids will have a blast at this event, too. They’ll especially enjoy the whimsical topiary presentations of their favorite Disney characters. They’ll also love the Butterfly House and the Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden, which includes play structures just for kids.

The youngsters can find even more play structures at Let’s Get Moving, which is located at the Imagination Walkway. So book your flight now and come down to enjoy Disney’s Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival for 2012!

Disney Epcot GM test track ride getting makeover

Disney Epcot GM test track ride getting a makeover

If you’ve kept up with the news at Disney for the past couple of years, you probably know that General Motors, the huge auto maker, has had some financial problems.

Also, if you’ve been to Epcot, you’re most likely familiar with the GM Test Track ride attraction. In light of GM’s woes, many Test Track fans were concerned about the fate of the premier attraction. Not to worry – GM and Disney have made a new deal!

Test Track is currently scheduled to close in the spring of 2012, but it’s going to reopen in the autumn, better than ever. The Chevrolet will be the new star, and guests to the theme park will have the chance to design and create their own custom Chevies.
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Things to see and do on your Florida Vacation

Things to do in Florida

People from all over the globe enjoy great Florida vacations. The Sunshine State has just about anything you’d want in a warm vacation spot. Visitors to Florida can enjoy famous theme parks, world-class shopping, awesome seafood, exciting shows, and the pulse of vibrant nightlife.

Of course, Florida is also rich in history and wildlife, including many historic sites and eco tours into swamps, maritime forests, and the Everglades. The main attraction of Florida holidays however, is its beautiful water and beaches, and every beach town or city has its own unique charm. For example, on the Panhandle, you’ll find quiet family beaches like Mexico Beach, St. Joe Beach, and Cape San Blas.

Further west are Panama City, Destin, and Pensacola, with tons of things to do and see. Tampa has all the amenities of a big city, with the added bonus of nearby beaches. South of Tampa, visitors can enjoy the calm, blue-green waters of Anna Maria Island, Naples, Ft. Myers, and Marco Island, along with the fascinating history of the Greek sponge docks of Tarpon Springs.

On the Atlantic, you’ll find Amelia Island, a sleepy shrimping town that’s become a popular destination for Florida holidays. South of Amelia Island is Jacksonville, with miles of beach and lots of attractions. If you prefer stepping back in time, visit St. Augustine. Daytona has wide beaches and great surfing. Ft. Lauderdale, the original scene of the spring break tradition, shouldn’t be overlooked, either.

Miami and Miami Beach are in a class all their own. With its international culture, it’s almost like visiting a foreign city. And then there are the keys, a long chain of islands that served as the home of poets, novelists, and scallywags.

Even if the beach isn’t “your thing,” Florida is still a wonderful destination. In the interior are the rolling green hills of horse farms and citrus groves, thriving metropolitan areas, and huge lakes that provide amazing fishing and boating opportunities. :)

Biggest Disney store, World of Disney at Disney’s downtown marketplace

The biggest Disney store, World of Disney at downtown Disney marketplace

If you ever wondered what and where the biggest Walt Disney World store is, it’s The World of Disney store, located in the downtown Disney marketplace at the Walt Disney World resort in Florida.

The downtown Disney marketplace has many other Disney stores, but none compare to the 50,000 square foot World of Disney store, both in size and sales. Inside this store you can find just about everything Disney.

From plush Mickey Mouse dolls, Princess dresses, Disney key chains, Disney snow globes and more you can find it here. Every Disney character in some form can be found inside.
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Disney cruise ship Fantasy stage shows revealed

Stage shows for the new Disney Fantasy cruise ship

Disney has given us a tiny peek at what stage shows they will be having aboard their new Disney cruise ship, the Disney Fantasy.

Disney has been famous for a lot of things – movies, theme parks, unforgettable characters, and cartoons. Beginning in 1995, a new dimension was added with the Disney Cruise Line.

The first Disney ship, Disney Magic, made its maiden voyage in 1998. The second ship, Disney Wonder, first sailed in 1999. A third ship, Disney Dream, began operating in 2011. Disney cruises have become so popular that starting in 2012, a new Disney ship will be setting sail.
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Walt Disney World marathon weekend January 5th-8th 2012

Walt Disney World marathon weekend 2012

If you’re a runner, few things are more exciting to you than competing in a marathon. Even better – what if the course runs through the magical world of Disney? If you sign up for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, you can enjoy this unique experience, along with other great events.

During the weekend of January 5th through the 8th 2012, Walt Disney World in Orlando, along with CIGNA, will be hosting four days of competitions and festivities to appeal to runners and their families.

Events include a marathon, a marathon relay, and a 13.1-mile half-marathon. If you’re up to the challenge, check out Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, where participants complete the 13.1-mile course on Saturday, and then run the full marathon on Sunday – 39.3 miles in all.

The kids won’t be left out of the fun. If they’re under the age of 14, they can join in the Kids’ Dashes or in the Mickey Mile – there’s something for every age! Babies 12 months and younger can compete in the Diaper Dash, and toddlers from one to three years can enter the 100-meter dash.

The 200-meter dash is for kids ages four to six, and the seven and eight-year-olds can run the 400-meter dash. On Friday, any child 13 or under can enter the Mickey Mile event. All participants will receive official tees, goody bags, a special medallion, refreshments, and more.

As a great way to kick off your Marathon Weekend, purchase tickets for Pasta in the Park. This event will be held on Thursday evening, at Epcot’s World ShowPlace Pavilion.

Included will be a buffet dinner with green salad, potato salad, roasted chicken, pasta dishes, bread, fruit, and dessert. Along with the meal, guests can enjoy Disney characters, fireworks, a laser show, and music.

So come out to the Walt Disney World marathon weekend January 5th to 8th 2012. To enter or find out more visit the Disney marathon home page for lots more details. See you there! :)

Disney’s festival of the masters art show 2011 picture gallery

Disney's festival of the masters art show 2011

Hi everyone, I hope you got to go to this years Disney’s festival of the masters art show 2011 at downtown Disney and the west side. I went Friday, beautiful day and not too crowded.

I got to see many of the same artist that I saw last year, but there was plenty of new ones too. I was a bit hesitant to take pictures this year because a lot of artist don’t want pictures taken of their work.

That’s because many competitors try to copy others work. Or if you have paintings, some people take good quality pictures of them and turn around and sell them online, ouch!
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Walt Disney World Thanksgiving Day events, Thanksgiving dinner restaurants 2011

Walt Disney World Thanksgiving day events and places for Thanksgiving dinners 2011

Once again it’s almost Thanksgiving day! Many people ask what is going on at Walt Disney World during Thanksgiving day, November 24th. To be honest there really is nothing special that takes place at Disney on that day.

Contrary to what some have heard there is NO special Thanksgiving day parade at any of the Disney theme parks. There may be one over at Disneyland in California, but not here in Orlando.

Of course Thanksgiving day does fall right in the middle of the Holiday season. In the past Disney would put up all the Christmas decorations the night after Thanksgiving day, or the weekend following it.
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