Disney opens $350 million hotel

Walt Disney World welcomed the first guests to its newest hotel Thursday morning, after a quick character-and-confetti-filled ceremony.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-new-disney-hotel-opens-20120531,0,4554300.story?track=rss

Don't Miss: Car Masters Weekend at Downtown Disney

WHAT: More than 100 classic, exotic and muscle cars will be displayed at Disney World this weekend. They'll be flanked by activities related to Disney's "Cars" movies, including Lightning McQueen meet-and-greets, topiaries and an all-day movie marathon with "Cars" and "Cars 2" at the AMC Downtown Disney 24 theaters. Making guest appearances will be automotive designer Chip Foose and Jay Ward, a Disney-Pixar filmmaker.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-downtown-disney-car-masters-20120531,0,6653693.story?track=rss

New Disney Art of Animation hotel opens door to technological upgrades

What may be the most interesting feature in Disney's Art of Animation Resort can be found in the most mundane of places: the doors.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-art-of-animation-nextgen-20120530,0,6735269.story?track=rss

Disney Cruise Line announces Pixar themed cruises!

Disney Cruise Line's Pacific Coast cruises will be Pixar-themed.

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

Pixar taking over Disney Wonder cruises this fall

Disney Cruise Line is embracing the power of Pixar with themed cruises off the coast of California this fall.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/vs-disney-cruise-line-pixar-cruises-053012,0,5070535.story?track=rss

Florida lands own marketplace at 2012 Epcot Food & Wine

Walt Disney World has released more details about the next Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which begins Sept. 28.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-epcot-food-wine-florida-20120529,0,4886453.story?track=rss

"Brave"-style tournament games coming to Epcot

The Highland Games Tournament is coming to Epcot, straight from the new Disney-Pixar film "Brave."

URL: http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/Theme_Parks_Attractions/Brave_-style_tournament_games_coming_to_Epcot.htm

Disney Fantasy rescues four men at sea

The Disney Fantasy has rescued four men who were stranded on a small raft.

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

Summer edition of "The Magic, The Memories, and You!" debuts

"The Magic, The Memories, and You!" debuted its summer edition on May 25.

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

Brush fire burning near Downtown Disney in Orlando

A small brush fire is burning off International Drive near the Orange-Osceola county border.

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

End is near for Snow White's Scary Adventures

The last trips through Snow White's Scary Adventures, one of the original Disney World attractions, will be Thursday, May 31. Here's a look at the Fantasyland ride's past and Snow White's future.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-snow-white-scary-adventures-20120525,0,1222204.story?track=rss

President Obama to speak at Disney World in June

President Barack will be speaking at Walt Disney World in June.

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

iCloud reveals Disney Cruise Line cast member as possible iPhone thief

A woman used iCloud to find her iPhone, allegedly stolen by a Disney Cruise Line cast member.

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

Guests at Discovery Cove to receive SeaWorld and Aquatica tickets

Discovery Cove tickets now include 14-day tickets to SeaWorld and Aquatica.

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

Disney to hold career expo for military veterans this week in Orlando

Earlier this year, the Walt Disney Co.announced its "Heroes Work Here" initiative designed to hire, train and support military veterans. And on Thursday, Disney is sponsoring a veterans career expo here in Orlando.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-to-hold-career-expo-for-military-veterans-this-week-in-orlando-20120522,0,7893351.story?track=rss

Disney delivers grant checks to local children's charities

If you run a children's charity in Central Florida and Mickey Mouse shows up at your door, you know a big check is not far behind.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-grants-20120521,0,946382.story?track=rss

Disneyland Paris cast members go on strike

Costumed characters at Disneyland Paris went on strike last week after a fight about a sexual harassment allegation.

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

Magic Kingdom guests can meet Merida, star of 'Brave'

Merida, the heroine of an upcoming Disney-Pixar animated film, already has a home at the Magic Kingdom.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-merida-brave-magic-kingdom-20120521,0,204599.story?track=rss

Disney's Aulani listed on Conde Nast's Hot List

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii has been named one of the top twelve U.S. hotels on Conde Nast Traveler's "2012 Hot List."

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

Case has closed on Kim Possible game at Epcot

Friday, May 18, was the final day to participate in the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure at Walt Disney World.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-epcot-kim-possible-last-day-20120517,0,5490014.story?track=rss

NextGen, Fantasyland drive capital-spending increase for Disney

Spending on a pair of big-ticket projects at Walt Disney World -- the "Next Generation Experience" technology initiative and the expansion of the Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland section -- has sent an already big theme-park construction bill even higher so far this year for theWalt Disney Co.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-parks-capital-spending-20120517,0,7260739.story?track=rss

Disneyland raising ticket prices May 20

Disneyland ticket prices will increase Sunday May 20.

URL: http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/disneyland/Disneyland_raising_ticket_prices_May_20.htm

Micky Dolenz takes Epcot stage, sings in honor of Davy Jones

Micky Dolenz played to a full house at Disney World on Friday -- but he really would have preferred not to be.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-epcot-micky-dolenz-davy-jones-20120518,0,2373115.story?track=rss

Disney giving $1.5 million to Central Florida children

Walt Disney World is giving $1.5 million in grants for Central Florida children.

URL: http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General_Disney_News/Disney_giving_1_5_million_to_Central_Florida_children.htm

Friday is Kim Possible game's last day at Epcot

Friday, May 18, will be the final day to participate in the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure at Walt Disney World.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-epcot-kim-possible-last-day-20120517,0,5490014.story?track=rss

Disney Marathon route to include baseball stadium, speedway

The Disney Marathon announced changes to its route for its 20th-anniversary race.

For its 20th anniversary in January, the Walt Disney World Marathon will take a detour.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-marathon-course-change-20120517,0,2659410.story?track=rss

Last chance to stop and smell the Epcot International Flower & Garden Fest

WHAT: It's the final weekend of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Fest at Walt Disney World. Guests can take in thousands of blooms and dozens of the famed topiaries spread across the theme park, but there's still a little star power left in the fest. Singer Micky Dolenz will perform in the Flower Power concert series in the slot left empty by the death of former bandmate and co-star Davy Jones, who died in February. Meanwhile, HGTV designer Genevieve Gorder will speak about "Turning Your Landscape Inside Out" in the Festival Center.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-epcot-flower-garden-20120517,0,6700874.story?track=rss

Disney's Star Wars Weekends strike back

When you see Imperial Stormtroopers standing guard above the turnstiles at Disney's Hollywood Studios , you have to know it's not just another day at the theme park. It's time for the 12 t h edition of Star Wars Weekends and, assuming you're not a rebel spy and allowed in the gate, you're about to see the intermingling of two pop-culture titans, Disney and Star Wars. Here are five must-see elements of the event, which runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through June 10.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-star-wars-weekends-20120517,0,1355704.story?track=rss

Disneyland monorails get new faces and personalities

Three Disneyland monorails have gotten a makeover.

URL: http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/disneyland/Disneyland_monorails_get_new_faces_and_personalities.htm

New build-your-own droid feature coming to Disney in time for Star Wars Weekends

If you feel a tremor in the Force, it might be the feeling of throngs of Star Wars fans' wallets getting lighter because of a new merchandise feature at Disney's Hollywood Studios opening in time for Star Wars Weekends.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/orl-disney-star-wars-weekends-droid-experience-story-051612,0,3862754.story?track=rss

Disney to award record $1.5 million to benefit Central Florida kids

Walt Disney World Resort will launch an effort on Wednesday to award a record $1.5 million in grants to help Central Florida children.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-walt-disney-grants-for-kids-20120515,0,2397255.story?track=rss

"Brave" scenes added to World of Color

Scenes from the new film "Brave" will be added to World of Color at Disney California Adventure.

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

Central Florida theme parks hiring for the summer

SeaWorld, Universal and Disney are all looking to hire workers for the busy summer season.

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

Star War's Droid Factory opening at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney will soon open the Droid Factory, a new customizable Star Wars merchandise experience for their guests.

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

Disney officially announces plans for "The Avengers" sequel

After last weekend's record-breaking $207 million opening, Disney CEO Bob Iger officially announced plans for a sequel to "The Avengers."

URL: http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/Television_and_Film/Disney_officially_announces_plans_for_The_Avengers_sequel.htm

Disney institutes limit on Duffy products

Disney has put a purchase limit on their Duffy the Disney Bear products.

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

Disney earnings up for the second quarter

The Walt Disney Co. has released their earnings report for the second quarter of the fiscal year.

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

Harry Potter coming to Universal Studios Japan before Hollywood

Universal has announced a $500 million expansion of their Osaka park that will bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Japan.

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

Micky Dolenz will salute Davy Jones at Epcot's Flower Power concerts

Micky Dolenz, who rocketed to fame in the short-lived TV show "The Monkees" in the 1960s, will pay tribute to his late co-star and bandmate Davy Jones during concerts at Epcot next weekend.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-micky-dolenz-davy-jones-epcot-20120511,0,205819.story?track=rss

Sounds Like Summer concerts pay tribute to Bon Jovi, Bee Gees, U2, more

Disney World has released the lineup for its Sounds Like Summer Concert Series, performances at Epcot by tribute bands.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-sounds-like-summer-concerts-20120510,0,5224479.story?track=rss

Orange you glad that Bird is back at Disney?

Ramblings and a semi-rant of a Theme Park Ranger:

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-dewayne-bevil-disney-orange-bird-20120510,0,6337408.column?track=rss

Disney quarterly profit jumps 21% thanks to parks, TV advertising

In a positive sign for the state of the economy, the Walt Disney Co. said Tuesday that improvements in two of its most consumer-sensitive businesses -- theme parks and television advertising -- lifted the company to 21 percent profit growth during the second quarter of its fiscal year.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-second-quarter-earnings-20120507,0,6268511.story?track=rss

Freeze yourself in carbonite at Disney's Star Wars Weekends

Guests will be able to purchase personalized figures of themselves frozen in carbonite at Star Wars Weekends.

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

Disney Cruise Line makes first-ever trip to Hawaii

In the ever-increasing world footprint of Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Wonder made its first-ever call to Hawaii.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/vs-disney-cruise-line-disney-wonder-hawaii-050812,0,3730861.story?track=rss

Guests stuck on Revenge of the Mummy at Universal

The Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Orlando was evacuated Monday after one of the attraction's cars experienced a technical glitch.

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

Theme Park Rangers answers your F.A.F.Q -- Frequently Asked Fantasyland Questions

The new Fantasyland skyline is filling in, and Disney officials are talking more and more about the Magic Kingdom expansion. Here are a few FAFQ: Frequently Asked Fantasyland Questions.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/orl-daily-disney-fantasyland-faq-050712,0,6274335.story?track=rss

Family claims Disney ruined vacation by not allowing child on cruise

A family alleges, "Disney ruined their family vacation.

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

Eat to the Beat lineup includes 'Voice' winner, Boyz II Men, Howard Jones, more

Disney World has released the list of performers for this year's Eat to the Beat concert series, which is tied to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The lineup consists of supergroups of the past and individual singers, including Javier Colon, winner of the first season of "The Voice," an NBC singing competition.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-epcot-eat-to-the-beat-20120504,0,2873183.story?track=rss

Disneyland's Club 33 accepting new members

Club 33 at Disneyland to accept new members.

URL: http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/disneyland/Disneyland_s_Club_33_accepting_new_members.htm

Epic news for Marvel fans: New Avengers storybook apps released for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch

This weekend, Marvel fans in the U.S. will get to see Captain America, Hulk, Thor, Iron Man and other peacekeepers of S.H.I.E.L.D. do what they do best, and in 3-D, IMAX, Surround-sound fury, too.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-new-avengers-storybook-apps-released-for-iphone-ipad-and-ipod-touch-20120503,0,144088.story?track=rss

Not-So-Scary and Very Merry tickets now on sale

Wow. I'm still wrapping my head around that we're in the month of May, but Disney World is already selling tickets to its special fall and winter events at Magic Kingdom: Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party andMickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-halloween-christmas-tickets-20120504,0,1199208.story?track=rss

Police officer arrested for burglary at Disney theme park

Charges were filed against an Orange County Sheriff's deputy this week after he was caught breaking into a van.

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

Disney opens new wine cellar at Epcot's Italy Pavilion

Wine has a more fitting home at Walt Disney World with the opening of Tutto Gusto wine cellar in the Italy Pavilion at Epcot.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/orl-disney-epcot-tutto-gusto-wine-cellar-opens-050212,0,325199.story?track=rss

Orlando Sentinel restaurant review: House of Blues Orlando

The House of Blues Orlando opened in 1997 in Downtown Disney with a signature Southern-inspired cuisine.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-dining-house-of-blues-review-20120429,0,18414.story?track=rss

Night of Joy tickets now on sale

Tickets are now on sale for 30 t h edition of Night of Joy, the two-night Christian-music gathering at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World has announced.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-night-of-joy-tickets-20120503,0,1034798.story?track=rss

New Pirates of the Caribbean attraction coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios?

A new Pirates of the Caribbean attraction may soon be opening at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

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

'Pirates of the Caribbean' attraction set for Disney's Hollywood Studios

An attraction based on the four "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies, starring Johnny Depp, will open this fall at Disney's Hollywood Studios, the Disney Parks Blog revealed Wednesday.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-pirates-hollywood-studios-20120502,0,7598795.story?track=rss

Florida residents can get 25 percent off La Nouba tickets

Florida residents can get 25 percent off Cirque du Soleil La Nouba tickets for shows through June 22.

URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/orl-cirque-du-soleil-la-nouba-florida-resident-discout-050212,0,3964962.story?track=rss

New dining options in Epcot's Italy Pavilion

Tutto Italia Ristorante, in Epcot's Italy Pavilion, reopened today after a lengthy refurbishment.

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