Monday, April 30, 2012

Walt Disney World to test new FastPass+ system

Select Walt Disney World guests will be part of a test for "FastPass+", part of the upcoming NextGen initiative.

URL: http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/Theme_Parks_Attractions/Walt_Disney_World_to_test_new_FastPass_system.htm

Saturday, April 28, 2012

SeaWorld showcases new technology in TurtleTrek

Details on SeaWorld Orlando's new film "TurtleTrek" as well as plans for the new area named, "Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin."

URL: http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/seaworld/SeaWorld_showcases_new_technology_in_TurtleTrek.htm

Friday, April 27, 2012

Opening dates for Disney's New Fantasyland

Disney has announced some opening dates for their much-anticipated New Fantasyland.

URL: http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/Theme_Parks_Attractions/Opening_dates_for_Disney_s_New_Fantasyland.htm

Firmer Fantasyland dates, more details released

Walt Disney World revealed a more specific timeline for Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland expansion and other details about upcoming attractions at its "What's New, What's Next" session for members of the media on Friday.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-fantasyland-test-track-20120427,0,5983367.story?track=rss

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Cruise deal watch: Disney Dream ocean-view rooms for as low as $632

Now that the Disney Fantasy has made the scene, it's time to look out for deals on sister ship the Disney Dream. One interesting phenomenon of these two sister ships is the price for ocean-view cabins can sometimes cost less than the inside cabins.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/vs-disney-dream-4-day-bahamas-cruise-042512,0,7285996.story?track=rss

'Phineas & Ferb' masterminds share tips at Disney

The creators of "Phineas & Ferb," the popular Disney Channel animated series, were at Disney's Hollywood Studios Wednesday, watching their creations interact with guests and meeting with cast members that are incorporating their characters into animation classes at the theme park.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-phineas-ferb-20120425,0,4402503.story?track=rss

New tipping policy for Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line has instituted a new procedure for gratuities on all their ships.

URL: http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/disney-cruise-line/New_tipping_policy_for_Disney_Cruise_Line.htm

Walt Disney World Speedway to host VIP Day with Christian Fittipaldi

On June 8, the Walt Disney World Speedway will host VIP Day with Christian Fittipaldi.

URL: http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/Theme_Parks_Attractions/Walt_Disney_World_Speedway_to_host_VIP_Day_with_Christian_Fittipaldi.htm

Just another test!

Sorry for all the tests

URL: http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General_Disney_News/Just_another_test.htm

Monday, April 23, 2012

Disney builds up the less-glamorous 'guts' of its hotel rooms

Walt Disney World has historically set its hotels apart by designing them with over-the-top themes, from an African village to a national park lodge to a sprawling ode to popular culture.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-hotel-guts-20120423,0,7428661.story?track=rss

Disney Cruise Line putting tea cups back in the cupboard

Disney Cruise Line has decided to hang up its tea bags. All four cruise ships in the fleet will no longer offer High Tea beginning later this summer.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/vs-disney-cruise-line-high-tea-palo-ending-042312,0,3879109.story?track=rss

Starbucks to open in Disney theme parks

Seattle coffee retailer Starbucks will open locations in each of theWalt Disney Co.'s six U.S. theme parks, the two companies announced Monday.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-starbucks-deal-20120423,0,4082900.story?track=rss

Starbucks to open in Disney theme parks

Seattle coffee retailer Starbucks will open locations in each of the Walt Disney Co.'s six U.S. theme parks, the two companies announced Monday.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-starbucks-deal-20120423,0,4082900.story?track=rss

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Walt Disney signs up Chinese firm to co-produce 'Iron Man 3'

The partnership with DMG Entertainment is Walt Disney's second deal in the Asian nation in the last week.

HONG KONG -- In a move that underscores the importance of the fast-growing Chinese movie market to Hollywood, Walt Disney Co. has struck a partnership with a Beijing firm on its big-budget American superhero film "Iron Man 3."

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/la-fi-ct-iron-man-china-20120417,0,1576327.story?track=rss

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Jane Goodall attends 'Chimpanzee' premiere

Chimpanzee is the latest documentary from Disneynature

Chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall took a break from the rainforests of Africa on Friday for a chance to walk the red carpet in Orlando Goodall and the crew behind "Chimpanzee," the latest documentary from Disneynature, posed for cameras outside the AMC Downtown Disney theater before heading in for the film's world premiere.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-jane-goodall-chimpanzee-disney-20120417,0,6791626.story?track=rss

Disney revives Orange Bird in Adventureland

Back when Walt Disney World was just one park in a big empty wilderness south of Orlando, there was a strange bird with a head shaped like an orange that bobbed about the Magic Kingdom.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-adventureland-orange-bird-20120417,0,33342.story?track=rss

Friday, April 13, 2012

Disney film 'Chimpanzee' makes world premiere in Orlando

Jane Goodall, film directors attend red-carpet event at Downtown Disney

Chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall took a break from the rainforests of Africa on Friday for a chance to walk the red carpet in Orlando.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-chimpanzee-movie-disney-20120414,0,552030.story?track=rss

Disney film 'Chimpanzee' makes world premiere in Orlando

Jane Goodall, film directors attend red-carpet event

Foremost chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall took a break from the rainforests of Africa on Friday for a chance to walk the red carpet in Orlando.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-chimpanzee-movie-disney-20120414,0,552030.story?track=rss

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Disney Fantasy: Romp through Europa

An easy-to-spot difference between the Disney Fantasy cruise ship and its older sister Disney Dream is in the nightclub areas. The floor plans for the areas are practically identical, but the Fantasy's adult-entertainment district, called Europa, has a more unifying theme or backstory: Spend a night in Europe.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-fantasy-europa-20120410,0,867057.story?track=rss

Star Wars Weekends celebrity lineup set

Walt Disney World has unveiled the celebrity lineup for the 2012 edition of Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-star-wars-weekends-20120410,0,700336.story?track=rss

Epcot's Test Track to put it in park on April 15

Sunday, April 15, is the final day to ride Test Track at Epcot before it shifts into renovation mode.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-epcot-test-track-closes-20120410,0,6501871.story?track=rss

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Disney Fantasy like a floating art museum with hidden treasures

Art is in the eye of the beholder, and since the Disney Fantasy can hold 8,000 passenger eyes, it's no wonder the halls are decked with frame after frame of Disney artwork.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/vs-disney-fantasy-cruise-ship-artwork-040512,0,7350501.story?track=rss

Chubby Checker & the Wild Cats headline Epcot's Flower Power

WHAT: Epcot's Flower Power Concert Series continues with appearances by Chubby Checker, the man who put "The Twist" at the top of the Billboard charts in two separate releases in 1960 and 1962. It also sparked a swiveling dance sensation back in the day. Kids, ask your grandma, but it was kind of the "Cha Cha Slide" of a half-century ago. Checker's concerts are tied to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which features lush gardens, detailed topiaries, a butterfly garden and appearances by HGTV designers and stars.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-epcot-chubby-checker-20120405,0,4232268.story?track=rss

New Pixar film 'Brave' heroine Merida coming to Magic Kingdom

Don't know Merida? Soon you'll be able to meet her at Magic Kingdom.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/orl-merida-brave-pixar-disney-world-040512,0,3403373.story?track=rss

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Universal announces opening date for 2 new attractions

Universal Orlando has announced May 8 as opening date for the debut of two new attractions - "Universal's Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories" and "Universal's Superstar Parade."

URL: http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/universal/Universal_announces_opening_date_for_2_new_attractions.htm

Disney-Sony promotion gives website visitors a chance to win a Walt Disney World vacation and more

Happy memories are great. Happy memories that bring you new electronic swag are even sweeter, though.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-and-sony-promotion-gives-website-visitors-a-chance-to-win-a-walt-disney-world-vacation-and-more-20120403,0,2162602.story?track=rss

Under The Sea at Disney's Castaway Cay

Sentinel photographer Joe Burbank takes you on an underwater snorkeling safari

After weeks of christenings, celebrities and preview cruises, the Fantasy, the newest ship from Disney Cruise Line, is finally on its official Maiden Voyage this week, a 7-day sail to the Caribbean, including stops at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-story-underwater-at-disneys-castaway-cay-fla360,0,6223672.story?track=rss

Universal hotel to remove feral cat colonies

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando is removing the feral-cat colony that lives on its hotel grounds.

URL: http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/universal/Universal_hotel_to_remove_feral_cat_colonies.htm

Under The Sea at Disney's Castaway Cay

Sentinel photographer Joe Burbank takes you on an underwater, snorkeling safari

After weeks of cristenings, celebrities and preview cruises, the Fantasy, the newest ship from Disney Cruise Line, is finally on its official Maiden Voyage this week, a 7-day sail to the Caribbean, including stops at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. On assignment last week on the preview cruise for the travel industry and media, I had the opportunity to take Team Florida 360's GoPro Sports Cameras underwater to check out the stingrays and tropical fish. Standing at a sandy, sun-soaked Bahamian beach inside the lagoon's protective breakwater, I have to say I had my doubts as to just how many fish I would actually see. But I was pleasantly surprised by the amazing array of tame stingrays in the Stingray Adventure, and the large schools of snapper varieties and various tropicals at the sunken boat sites several hundred yards offshore. A Mickey statue, about 10-feet down in the form of a traditional ship figurehead from an old "shipwreck," was a nice surprise. I spent several hours shooting the colorful underwater scenes on the photo-and-video snorkeling safari, using the GoPro Hero 2 camera, equipped with a special housing designed to correct for underwater optics.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-story-underwater-at-disneys-castaway-cay-fla360,0,6223672.story?track=rss

Monday, April 2, 2012

Under The Sea at Disney's Castaway Cay

Sentinel photographer Joe Burbank takes you on an underwater, snorkeling safari

After weeks of cristenings, celebrities and preview cruises, the Fantasy, the newest ship from Disney Cruise Lines, is finally on it's official Maiden Voyage this week, a 7-day sail to the Caribbean, including stops at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. On assignment last week on the preview cruise for the travel industry and media, I had the opportunity to take Team Florida 360's GoPro Sports Cameras underwater to check out the stingrays and tropical fish. Standing at a sandy, sun-soaked Bahamian beach inside the lagoon's protective breakwater, I have to say I had my doubts as to just how many fish I would actually see. But I was pleasantly surprised by the amazing array of tame stingrays in the Stingray Adventure, and the large schools of snapper varieties and various tropicals at the sunken boat sites several hundred yards offshore. A Mickey statue, about 10-feet down in the form of a traditional ship figurehead from an old "shipwreck," was a nice surprise. I spent several hours shooting the colorful underwater scenes on the photo-and-video snorkeling safari, using the GoPro Hero 2 camera, equipped with a special housing designed to correct for underwater optics.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-story-underwater-at-disneys-castaway-cay-fla360,0,6223672.story?track=rss

Underwater at Disney's Castaway Cay

A sunny day and crystal clear water make perfect conditions for a snorkeling photo safari

After weeks of cristenings, celebrities and preview cruises, the Fantasy, the newest ship from Disney Cruise Lines, is finally on it's official Maiden Voyage this week, a 7-day sail to the Caribbean, including stops at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. On assignment last week on the preview cruise for the travel industry and media, I had the opportunity to take Team Florida 360's GoPro Sports Cameras underwater to check out the stingrays and tropical fish. Standing at a sandy, sun-soaked  Bahamian beach inside the lagoon's protective breakwater, I have to say I had my doubts as to just how many fish I would actually see. But I was pleasantly surprised by an amazing array of tame stingrays, large schools of snapper varieties and various colorful tropicals at the sunken boat sites several hundred yards offshore. Using a special housing designed for optical correction underwater, I spent several hours shooting with the GoPro Hero 2 camera on a photo-and-video snorkeling safari.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-story-underwater-at-disneys-castaway-cay-fla360,0,6223672.story?track=rss

Disney chairman Tom Staggs on Fantasy, Fantasyland

With the Disney Fantasy cruise line now on its maiden voyage to the Caribbean, many Disney Cruise Line fans are wondering if the company will add another a ship -- the fifth -- to its fleet. That's one topic the Sentinel covered with Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, last week during a preview cruise aboard the $900 million ship.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-tom-staggs-fantasy-20120402,0,2212268.story?track=rss

'Avengers' movie rides Disney World monorail

Disney's ownership of Marvel Comics has received its biggest visual boost at Disney World as the exterior of one of the famed monorail trains has been themed to promote "The Avengers" movie.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-world-monorail-avengers-20120330,0,2055810.story?track=rss

Giant chocolate Easter eggs on display at Grand Floridian Resort

A special chocolate Easter egg collection is on display at the Grand Floridian through April 9.

URL: http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General_Disney_News/Giant_chocolate_Easter_eggs_on_display_at_Grand_Floridian_Resort.htm

SeaWorld to host Viva la Musica

SeaWorld Orlando will hold Viva la Musica on Saturdays April 14 - May 5, an annual festival celebrating Latin culture.

URL: http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/seaworld/SeaWorld_to_host_Viva_la_Musica.htm