disney news

 (2/24/11) In a somewhat surprising move that I feel is somewhat of a sad reflection of the more clueless nature of the Walt Disney World management team, they have now decided that the new Mickey Mouse Meet ‘n Greet area going into Main Street’s Town Square Theater will need to be put onto the FastPass system. Yep… if you want to avoid an extreme and painfully long wait in the stand-by line, you’ll need a Fastpass ticket from now on just to see the main Mouse.
    Getting to see the main characters anymore is getting to be as difficult as getting a doctor appointment at a time that is convenient for you. So now we have a reservation system for Mickey… so what’s next? Tipping the bouncer to get into Mickey’s VIP Lounge?
    (2/23/11) The big news from the Magic Kingdom today was all about a big change in place at the very end of the ride. I’ve been sent several reports about how the final hallway of mirrors where “The ghosts will follow you home” has been changed. From the description, the normal effect has been replaced with a series of visible projectors shooting images of ghosts onto screens. (In fact, you can see yourself in the video clip embedded below posted by Inside the Magic. Click here to see their own update about the new ghost projections.)
    Now before everyone grabs the pitchforks and torches, I’m heard several times that this is just a new temporary effect while they work to install something much better for the ride’s finale. More when we find out…


    (2/7/11) I’m told that the Tiki Room will reopen on March 27th, once they’ve had time to repair all the damage from the fire back on January 12th.
    (1/31/11) According to a reader, Splash Mountain was seen testing empty logs with the new lap bars in place all day long over the weekend to get ready to reopen this week.
    Meanwhile MouseSteps has posted pictures from the Magic Kingdom this week, where a new temporary bridge to Adventureland has been put in place while they work on the main bridge. Then it’s over to Fantasyland to look at all the new concept artwork posted to all the walls.
    (1/27/11) Orlando Parks News has a huge update from the Magic Kingdom this week, with a look at all the projects around Fantasyland and rehabs in Adventureland and beyond. They have also posted a closer look at the new Lap Bars on Splash Mountain as well, so check it out.
    (1/22/11) If you subscribe to the official Screamscape Twitter, you already know this (and if not... what’s a matter with you?). The rumors are 100% true... Splash Mountain is currently adding a large single lap bar to each and every row on the logs. As outraged as I am about the very concept of this, unfortunately we as guests, have only ourselves to blame. Apparently there are a large number of morons out there who think it’s funny / cool / xtreme to either stand-up during portions of the ride, combined with an equal number of stupid tourists who think that at the first time of a ride stoppage, they are free to jump out of the log and go wandering about inside the mountain. Then the real fun begins as CMs are sent out to search every nook and cranny inside the gigantic structure for these lost guests before they can turn the ride back on. (So maybe we should all agree, as a theme park loving community, that if we’ve in a park and see someone doing something stupid... say something and stop them.)
    Adding insult to injury, this will cut down on the capacity of the ride as well in two ways. Previous policy allowed for groups of three that could fit (3 kids, 2 adult & 1 small child) to sit in one row, for a maximum of 12 riders per log. Now I know this didn’t happen all the time, but with the new lap bars two riders per row is all that will be allowed. Secondly, the ride’s capacity will be cut again as the dispatch time between logs has been raised from 12.5 seconds to an estimated 15-20 seconds per log to allow for increased loading time to deal with guests loading more slowly due to the lap bars and time for the ride crew to give each bar a quick tug.
    Now for the good news... the lap bars are nothing like what Universal put on Ripsaw Falls. Instead they are very similar in style to what is used on Big Thunder Mountain. I’ve also been sent a pictures showing off the new restraints. Thanks to everyone who responded about this... I must have had between 20-25 different people contact me today to confirm this unfortunate news.
    (1/21/11) While Splash Mountain is currently undergoing rehab, I was sent a strange rumor today claiming that there are whispers going around the park that when Splash reopens later this month, the cars could have new lap bars installed.
    I would certainly hope this is completely false… but after seeing the crazy logs they have on Ripsaw Falls at Universal and what a mess Disney has made the logs over at Disneyland, I’m unsure. Anyone with contacts “in the know” able to clear this up for us?
    (1/17/11) FloridaThrills dropped by the Magic Kingdom to get a peek at the new “Let the Memories Begin” promotional decorations that are now covering up the main entrance area. There is also a new Fantasyland photo update below as well.
    Speaking of the Magic Kingdom, the Tiki Room is still closed while they work to repair the fire damage. According to a Screamscape source, it could be closed for awhile as the fire is rumored to have caused severe damaged the Iago animatronic figure that comes down from the ceiling. With no replacement figure on hand, the show could be closed until a replacement is made.
    (1/15/11) According to the latest passholder mailer, Mickey’s Toontown Fair will close down on February 12th. So visit now, while you can. If not… you can always check out MousePlanet’s final Tribute.
    (1/13/11) According to the local news, a small fire started in the attic of the Tiki Room at the Magic Kingdom earlier today, but was quickly put out by the automated sprinkler system. No injuries were reported.
    In other news, a nice general photo update of the various rehab projects going on in the park this week has been posted to Orlando Parks News Finally MouseSteps takes one last tour through Mickey’s Toontown Fair before it vanishes forever, as well as dropping by the Haunted Mansion to try and get a peek at what is going on in the Graveyard. The Tomorrowland Speedway is now also down to just 2 of the 4 lanes, as it looks like they are preparing to alter the course of the speedway a bit along with the closure of Toontown Fair..
    (1/3/11) Check out the NYE fireworks that took place at the Magic Kingdom over at Amusement Insider this week.
    (12/29/10) Take a peek inside the new Disney Operational Command Center bunker, under Cinderella Castle, to see how Disney is now attempting to fine tune and tweak how the park runs and lessen the stress of waiting in line. Inside this giant command center, covered with wall to wall monitors, Disney follows the flow of the crowds around the parks. Too many people in Fantasyland? They’ll dispatch a mini parade style show to draw some of those crowds over towards Tomorrowland. If the lines are too long at Pirates, they may dispatch Captain Jack Sparrow into the queue to entertain the masses. If this all sounds a bit too familiar somehow, then you’ve probably seen the 1973 film Westworld, directed by Michael Crichton. Yes, the same Crichton who went on to create the Jurassic Park novels, based on the similar idea of yet another theme park gone crazy.
    In Westworld, the story revolved around an ultra premier theme park experience called Delos, divided into several themed lands such as MedievalWorld, RomanWorld and WestWorld, inhabitated by lifelike robots to simulate the local population. Guests arrive, and are taken down into a Utilidor style network of underground hallways for orientation and to get into costume and then taken to their respective worlds. Pulling all the strings from a deep underground bunker was the Central Control Room. If a guest was having a bad time, they would manipulate the experience (and actions of the bots) to enhance that guests experience. Having a bad time in MedievalWorld? Then next thing you know you’ve just defeated the Black Knight in a duel and gained the attention of the princess, all under the ever watching eyes and ears of the command center crew.
    For a great look at the daily start-up of the resort from the Control Room, check out the video clip embedded below, but jump ahead to the 2:45 mark, followed by an early morning wake up call from the resort’s evil gunslinger played by Yul Brynner. If you haven’t seen it before, it’s really worth watching and gives you all kinds of interesting ideas of just what other plans Disney may have up their Next Gen sleeve. Next time you see a child lose a Balloon in a Disney park and see a CM come up and give away a new one to the crying child, it will make you think a little harder about just who was really watching.


Ride Rehabs - The following information is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate.
Tiki Room - NOW CLOSED through 3/26/11
Toontown Fair – Closes For Good 2/12/11

2011 - Haunted Mansion Queue Rehab - In Progress - (2/14/11) Some all new pictures of the new Haunted Mansion queue section have been posted to MyTravelingMouse this week. You can see a metal frame going around the other edge that I imagine may be for a new covered pathway perhaps.
    (2/10/11) Want to see what’s new in the Haunted Mansion queue area this week? Make the jump over to JeffLangeDvd.com and scroll down past the football player nonsense to see the latest pictures and even a video.
    From the look of things, they are creating a nice little addition into the graveyard area soon to be full of new tombstones, columbarium and crypts… of the interactive nature. There is also a staircase up that goes up into a turnaround that perhaps will head back towards the old entrance doorway into the Mansion’s foyer.
    If we take ideas that Disney has been playing with for their test queue events into consideration here (like the one at Rock ‘n Roller Coaster) I have to wonder if groups of guests will be released into this new graveyard area for some free roaming playtime for 5-10 minutes before their groups are called up the steps and into the mansion proper.
    (1/27/11) One of our readers sent in a small batch of new pictures showing off the latest changes to
the Haunted Mansion’s graveyard scene in the queue, as the renovation continues. Anyone know when they are expecting this to be finished?
    (1/11/11) Orlando United has posted some new pictures of the former Haunted Mansion queue-side graveyard area. While we don’t have much in the way of new themeing in yet, there is a ton of conduit sticking up out of the ground, which means there may be lots of fun new interactive items coming our way very soon.
    (10/20/10) Orlando United has posted a few new pictures showing off the hillside outside the Haunted Mansion where the tombstones used to be. Yes… used to be. Currently it looks like they have all been removed.
    (10/16/10) Disney seems to have begun the rumored upgrade work to the Haunted Mansion queue graveyard at the Magic Kingdom. The view of the graveyard is now blocked off by a construction barrier.
    (10/8/10) A posting over at Orlando United claims that the queue area for the Haunted Mansion will soon be replaced with a “Next Gen” style interactive queue, which will include the replacement of the tomb stones in the graveyard with new “interactive” tombstones. I’m not so hot on the idea of removing the old tombstones myself, but I wouldn’t mind seeing some fun new ones added, much like the one added a few years ago that has the eyes that look around.

disney info

(10/13/10) Amusement Insider drops into Mickey’s Not So Scary and posts an update of nearly 100 new photos from the upcharge event at the Magic Kingdom.
(10/8/10) A posting over at Orlando United claims that the queue area for the Haunted Mansion will soon be replaced with a “Next Gen” style interactive queue, which will include the replacement of the tomb stones in the graveyard with new “interactive” tombstones. I’m not so hot on the idea of removing the old tombstones myself, but I wouldn’t mind seeing some fun new ones added, much like the one added a few years ago that has the eyes that look around.
(9/17/10) Over 300 pictures taken at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party can be seen at MouseSteps this week.
(9/10/10) Orlando United has posted the first pictures of the Boo To You parade at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, taken during a CM Preview performance.
(9/9/10) MouseSteps takes a look around the Magic Kingdom at all the new Halloween decorations going up, as well as a peek at what’s new in Fantasyland.
(9/7/10) A new photo update from the Magic Kingdom as they add all the Halloween decorations to the park can be seen at WDW MouseTails this week, as well as a peek at the Little Mermaid site.
(8/25/10) Local WDW sources tell us that the characters on the Small World merchandise are not planned to be added to the ride and that the merchandise may simply be repurposed designs created originally for Disneyland but modified for use at WDW. The true primary purpose of the lengthy rehab is to reverse the way the load/unload traffic works. When it reopens guests will load in through the longer “exit” queue pathway and exit up the old entrance ramp.
(8/23/10) WDW Mouse Tales has posted an interesting update this week from the park. In addition to the basic construction updates to Fantasyland and Main Street. Then they came across something that may give a clue as to what’s going on inside Small World during the current rehab. New Small World merchandise can now be found in Fantasyland gift shop outside Philharmagic that clearly shows classic Disney characters mixed in with the Small World dolls. Is a top secret upgrade to Small World taking place like the one done to Disneyland? Oh... and in case it wasn’t mentioned before, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority has gone back to being called the Peoplemover once again... or TTA: Peoplemover if you will.
(8/17/10) Orlando Parks News has a new construction update from the Magic Kingdom this week.
(8/16/10) Summer Nightastic may be ending but you can relive it again with this great photo coverage of the Fireworks Spectacular from the Magic Kingdom posted to Amusement Insider this week.
(8/2/10) Storytime with Belle will come to an end with the final show on September 12th. It will be replaced with a new Meet ‘n Greet experience for the Tangled characters (Rapunzel & Flynn Ryder) starting October 15th.
(7/30/10) WDW has confirmed today that they will be keeping the Main Street Electrical Parade INDEFINITELY.
(7/11/10) I actually missed this when it was posted back in May but The Theme Park Guy managed to get permission for a rare low-altitude fly-over the Magic Kingdom and posted some great pictures of the park showing of the size of the Fantasyland expansion site as well as a look down into the former River Country waterpark.

Ride Rehabs - The following information is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate.
Small World – NOW CLOSED through 10/22/10

Late 2010 - Space Mountain in Starry-O-Phonic Sound - (8/31/10) Good news for Disney fans, the new rumored Audio system on Space Mountain has now opened to the public. Disney has created a new old-time looking attraction poster to promote it, calling it “Starry-O-Phonic Sound”. According to the posting it is , “a new composition that’s exclusive to the attraction at Magic Kingdom Park that will play with varying sound effects throughout all “flights” on 60 newly installed speakers. “Starry-O-Phonic Sound” compliments a slew of enhancements that debuted on Space Mountain last year, including new lighting, storyline elements and updated decor.”
Want to take a quick listen? WDWMouseTales.com braved the ride a few hours ago to record it and post it on YouTube for everyone to enjoy. Follow the link or check out the embedded version below! However, as I feared, this is a poor substite for having an actual on-board audio system, as the audio is very hard to hear for much of the ride, other than the occasional loud sound effect.

international Food Wine festival dates

Sept. 30-Oct. 3 Starship starring Mickey Thomas (“We Built This City”)
Oct. 4-6 En Vogue (“Free Your Mind”)
Oct. 7-8 Better Than Ezra (”Good”)
Oct. 9-11 Sister Hazel (“All for You”)
Oct. 12-13 Kool & The Gang (“Celebration”)
Oct. 14-16 Spyro Gyra (“Morning Dance”)
Oct. 17-18 Jon Secada (“Just Another Day”)
Oct. 19-20 Sister Sledge (”We Are Family”)
Oct. 21-22 Vanessa Carlton (”A Thousand Miles”)
Oct. 23-25 Taylor Dayne (”Tell It to My Heart”)
Oct. 26-28 Boyz II Men (“Motownphilly”)
Oct. 29-31 John Waite (”Missing You”)
Nov. 1-2 Taylor Hicks (“Do I Make You Proud”)
Nov. 3-5 Billy Ocean (”Caribbean Queen”)
Nov. 6-8 Los Lobos (“La Bamba”)

Epcot International Food and Wine festival

Imagine setting a table that stretches for than more than a mile - 1.2 miles to be exact. Epcot executive chef Jens Dahlmann knew that preparing for the 14th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, which starts next Friday, was a daunting challenge.

But guest and cast feedback from past festivals made his objective clear.

"My goal became authenticity and fresh looks at these cuisines," says Dahlmann. "We are showcasing the world, so we need true tastes of the world. And the fact is, we have that essential knowledge within our immense and diverse culinary team."
Dahlmann held internal cook-offs to fine-tune dishes he knew he wanted on the 2009 menu. "It gave everyone on the culinary team a chance at taking ownership of this event."

From the cook-offs he selected staff-refined dosas (crepe-like street food with veggie fillings) for the Indian kiosk and an arroz con pollo (a chicken and rice dish) for the Puerto Rican kiosk.

He also rethought how the food was presented. At some kiosks in the past, desserts weren't fast sellers.

"Sometimes guests are more interested in savory not sweet. Moet & Chandon's champagne kiosk, located at the entrance to the World Showcase promenade, was a perfect place to add classic European confections," he said. "Individual kiosks will still offer a sweet treat. But this year, as guests pass by the sparkling wine, they now have an appropriate food pairing."

They also have added an $8 price tag to the 45-minute culinary demos and wine seminars at the Festival Welcome Center, which were free in previous years. Dahlmann said the idea to charge for those events actually came from guest feedback.

"A ticket guarantees a seat," he said.

In the welcome center, a state-of-the-art kitchen demonstration stage is replacing the trade-show feel of past culinary demos. Among the celebrity guests and authors scheduled to take that stage are Jamie Deen and Bobby Deen (check out my conversation with Paula's sons in Wednesday's Cooking & Eating section), Patti LaBelle, Cat Cora, Alan Wong, Suvir Saran and Andrea Immer Robinson.

At the pricey but always fab Party for the Senses, held every Saturday night throughout the festival, guests who like VIP attention can tack on $75 to the $135 cost for admission to the Wine View Lounge. The exclusive seating area has private tables, a premium bar and an artisanal cheese station.

"And they will be greeted with a signature wild-hibiscus sparkling wine," says Dahlmann. The petals of the ruby flowers unfurl as they are tickled by the bubbles of the Italian prosecco. It's an ultra-elegant presentation.

While wine is center stage, beer is getting a bump in prominence this year with a "Beer Hop" between the France and Morocco pavilions. For $12, guests can sample four brews from a selection of ales, lagers and craft beers from around the world.

And tequila will undoubtedly get its due this year as well. Open now but likely new to festivalgoers, La Cava del Tequila is a 30-seat bar inside the Mexico pavilion. With more than 70 tequilas ($8-$50) and lots of tapas-style eats, it's another opportunity to toast the culinary celebration.

Dahlmann, who oversees a team of 350 culinary professionals, promises fan favorites for the wine festival menu as well.

"The food and formats that work year after year are important to the overall success of the festival," he said. "We think our new twists will be just as successful."

Beer awaits festivalgoers
The Boston Beer Co., the folks who make Samuel Adams, are hosting the "History of Beer in America" with daily demonstrations at Epcot's American Adventure Pavilion.



• EAT TO THE BEAT: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy opens the wine festival concert series at the American Gardens Theatre in World Showcase. Orlando.metromix.com

• READ OUR REVIEWS OF FESTIVAL FARE: Our Theme Park Rangers will guide you to the best of global eats. OrlandoSentinel.com/ThemeParkRangers

Heather McPherson can be reached at 407-420-5498 or hmcpherson@orlandosentinel.com.

Heather McPherson

Cast contributes to fest's menu
Iris Ojeda's family and friends know that she's a great cook. Now the world can taste her award-winning arroz con pollo.

Epcot executive chef Jens Dahlmann looked within Disney's culinary ranks for wine festival menu inspirations by holding internal competitions. Chef Ojeda, 49, entered the chicken and rice competition at the last moment — and won.

"I am very proud. I still don't believe that my dish is one of the foods featured at the festival," said the Puerto Rico native. "My family is talking about it all the way up in Philadelphia."

She says the key to her recipe is respecting the sofrito, a flavoring sauce made by sauteing diced vegetables with garlic.

Chef Dahlmann says Ojeda's recipe stood out because the flavors of the rice, cilantro, capers and green olives were clearly defined. "This is a classic Puerto Rican dish. Too often arroz con pollo can veer toward Spanish paella. And her recipe was perfect for the servings we need for a festival of this magnitude."

Guests can meet Ojeda, as she and many of the other cast contributors will be serving up their food at this year's festival.

Walt Disney World makeover: Magic Kingdom getting new Fantasyland with Little Mermaid ride

Walt Disney World is about to embark on a sweeping facelift for the Fantasyland section of the Magic Kingdom, in what the resort calls the biggest overhaul in the theme park's 38-year history.

Plans revealed Saturday call for adding a lavish ride based on The Little Mermaid, expanding a popular Dumbo children's attraction, new interactive areas featuring some of Disney's best-known princesses, and more.

In addition, Disney said it plans to update Star Tours, the Star Wars-themed simulator ride in Disney's Hollywood Studios, with new 3-D effects.

The refurbished Star Tours will debut in 2011. The Fantasyland overhaul will be complete by 2013. Disney declined to say how much it will spend on the projects.

The twin announcements are a Disney World response to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the hugely anticipated project being built by rival Universal Orlando in its Islands of Adventure theme park. Industry experts expect Wizarding World, a collection of attractions, shops and restaurants based on the novels by British author J.K. Rowling, to prove a huge draw when it opens in 2010; one that threatens to siphon attendance away from Disney.

But perhaps more importantly, said Robert Niles, publisher of themeparkinsider.com, Disney's Fantasyland expansion could team with Universal's Wizarding World in helping reignite overall travel to Orlando, which has slumped badly amid the global recession.

"There might be some Harry Potter fans who are waffling on the expense of trips to Orlando. But if you can throw in something new at Disney, maybe they'll make the trip," Niles said. "At this point, travel isn't a zero sum game. They've got to get people on planes traveling again."

To drive the expansion, Disney is turning to one of its most enduring and lucrative franchises: princesses. The vast majority of the Fantasyland overhaul will focus on Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and others in the company's stable of animated heroines.

The biggest-ticket addition will be the Little Mermaid attraction, an enclosed ride that will carry guests through Ariel's underwater realm. It will use an Omnimover ride system similar to that of the Haunted Mansion, and will move through scenes featuring characters and songs from the 1989 movie.

The ride, which has a working title of Under the Sea: Journey of The Little Mermaid, will be the same as one being built as part of the $1 billion overhaul of Disney's California Adventure theme park in Anaheim, Calif., though the twin attractions will have different exteriors.

But what's more, Disney World will construct individual areas -- be it a castle, cottage or chateau -- where guests can interact with some of the company's best-known princesses and other characters from their movies. Children will be able to dance with Cinderella, celebrate Aurora's birthday with the Good Fairies, or play a role with Belle in a performance in the library of the Beast's castle.

The Beast's castle, taken from the 1991 film Beauty and the Beast, will also include a three-room themed restaurant.

"Princesses are certainly one of Disney's strengths. Obviously, there's some limited appeal in terms of gender and age," Niles, of themeparkinsider.com, said. "But anyone who's had a young daughter knows they can be extremely persuasive."

Chris Beatty, a senior concept designer with Walt Disney Imagineering, said a goal is to make the company's iconic princesses appealing to a wider demographic. For example, some villains from the princesses' movies will also be incorporated to help the area appeal to boys.

"We're tailoring our experiences to kind of have that broad appeal," Beatty said. "There're just some great, classic stories, and we know for any guests that travel to the Magic Kingdom, that's always one of the highlights."

Beyond princesses, the plans call for doubling the size of and relocating Dumbo the Flying Elephant to a new "circus grounds" that will include an interactive queue under a big-top tent to entertain children waiting in line. Disney will add a new Pixie Hollow character-greeting area, home to Tinker Bell and other fairies.

To accommodate the expansion, Disney will raze most of Mickey's Toontown Fair, the smallest of the Magic Kingdom's "lands." Gone will be both of the walk-through country houses where guests were guaranteed to meet Disney's most famous characters: Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Disney says Mickey and Minnie will get new homes near the front entrance of the park. The children's roller coaster, the Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm, will remain, though it will be re-themed, likely with a circus overlay linking it to Dumbo.

The first phase of the Fantasyland expansion, including the Mermaid ride and the princess areas, is scheduled to open in 2012. Pixie Hollow will follow in 2013.

For Star Tours, which debuted in Hollywood Studios in 1989, Disney plans to add new video and dialogue sequences recorded by George Lucas' Lucasfilm studio. The updated 3-D effects will incorporate characters from the three Star Wars prequel films released between 1999 and 2005.

An identical Star Tours at Disneyland will also be upgraded.

Online Disney fan forums have been abuzz about a potential Fantasyland expansion for much of the summer, after blueprints were mysteriously leaked. Disney refused to comment on the plans for weeks, instead waiting to make the announcement at a fan convention this weekend in Anaheim.

just a look back on old rides

enjoy every one i hope you like them i know i did

Jaws Ride VS Jungle Cruise 2

you make the call i like jaws my self but jungle cruise is funny

trusted source reports that Disney is reviving a Stitch show

A trusted source reports that Disney is reviving a Stitch show that will be presented this year during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom. It's name: "A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas," but it will include the rascally character.

Expect it on the stage where Stitch was previously seen for the short-lived, much-panned Stitch's Supersonic Celebration.

A Disney official told me they have nothing to announce at this time.

Reasons to believe: You had to know that stage wasn't going to sit idle forever. But it has a distinct look that isn't going to work for just anything, say, princesses, for example.

DSC04763

On August 10, when I was at MK to collect my Fun Card, I wandered over to Tomorrowland to see how deserted it felt. Mainly, on this side of Tomorrowland I bumped into smokers. But look, scaffolding on the site of the late, not-so-great SuperSonic Celebration (above). How much distress could it have gone under? A clue is given.

I had already been wondering about Very Merry, especially Mickey's Twas the Night Before Christmas Show, which has been staged on the Galaxy Palace Theater. That was adjacent to Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin -- until the stage was demolished earlier this year.

But now I'm wondering about the interactive portions of the new show, if any. Very Merry is always after-hours, therefore after dark. Do they have the technology to project audience members onto the big screen? Or is that even planned. Not that they need to copy all the elements of the SuperSonic show. Santa, help us!

Very Merry runs for 19 select nights, beginning Nov. 19.

Sidenote: Disney officials confirm that the first night of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights has been moved up to Nov. 10 at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It was originally on the calendar for Nov. 30. It will run through Jan. 4.

Tequila bar opening at Epcot, but attraction in Japan closes

The World Showcase section of Walt Disney World's Epcot theme park is in the midst of some small but noteworthy comings and goings.

A week from today, the resort expects to launch the soft opening of La Cava del Tequila, a 46-seat lounge inside the Mexico pavilion. Disney says the space will chronicle the history of Mexico's most famous export.

Oh, and it will also sell some 70 varieties of tequila. The drinks will be offered both straight and in margaritas; Mexican appetizers will also be for sale.

But even as one attraction arrives, another is departing. The Tin Toy Stories exhibit in the Japan pavilion has closed.

Considered something of a hidden jewel in Epcot, the oft-overlooked exhibit displayed more than 350 antique Japanese tin toys, a colorful collection that included characters ranging from Mickey Mouse to Godzilla.

Discount food coupons

http://tosfd.incentrev.com


good stuff on a tight budget

Disney World raises ticket prices; one-day pass up 5.3% to $79, from $75

Even as it tries to lure recession-saddled consumers with deep discounts on hotel rooms and food, Walt Disney World is raising the price of its theme-park admissions to new heights.

Beginning Sunday, Disney World will increase the base price of a one-day, one-park ticket to $79 -- up $4, or 5.3 percent. The price of a similar ticket for a child between the ages of 3 and 9 will climb $5, or 7.9 percent, to $68.

Prices for the resort's more popular multiday-ticket packages will also rise, climbing between 2.6 percent and 4.7 percent. In keeping with Disney World's strategy of driving guests toward extra days in its parks -- rather than those operated by rivals Universal Orlando or SeaWorld Orlando -- the smallest increases are reserved for tickets good for four or more days.

What's more, Disney will raise the price of adding a "Park Hopper" feature to any ticket -- which allows a customer to visit multiple Disney parks in one day -- to $52, up from $50. The price of adding a "Water Park Fun & More" feature, which allows admission to secondary venues such as water parks and DisneyQuest, will also rise to $52 from $50.

Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty said tickets represent good value for consumers, even after the increases. Disney last raised its admission prices in August 2008.

"We survey our guests regularly and, in our research, nearly nine out of 10 guests rate the value of our theme parks as good, very good or excellent," Prunty said. "Our pricing is based on the high-quality experience we deliver to our guests, and our guests continue to agree that a ticket to Walt Disney World represents a great entertainment value."

Still, Disney's latest price hike is not as aggressive as other increases in recent years, in a likely reflection of the challenging economic environment.

For example, the price of a five-day park-hopper -- which analysts say is among Disney's most frequently purchased ticket options -- will rise 2.9 percent to $280. That's the smallest percentage increase in at least four years, according to data compiled by the stock-research firm Pali Capital; Disney raised the price of the same ticket by 4.6 percent last year.

Disney's price increase could be a precursor to similar announcements by Universal and SeaWorld, because the three theme-park resorts have historically raised prices in concert with each other. A spokesman for Universal said the resort had nothing to announce Friday, while a spokesman for SeaWorld said it had no plans to raise ticket prices "at this time."

Jason Garcia can be reached at jrgarcia@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5414.

Disney's Yacht Club Resort: Traveler Reviews

here are some reviews some people have made i am posting this for info and its up to you if you want to go to disny's yacht club resort on your tip


Around February we decided to go to Disney World for vacation from May 4- May 11. We usually go places like Jamaica, Mexico, etc., but I persuaded my parents to take us to Disney World (I'm 13) . We all agree it was the best vacation we have ever had. I did months of planning in advance. But I found out the best book ever was The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2009. You can buy it on Amazon for about $20. But it also allows you to go to a website called touringplans.com and print out touring plans of Disney World. Those plans were a life saver! The longest we waited was to meet Ariel in Ariel's Grotto. That was a 30 minute wait. The plans tell you in order what to do. We followed the "Happy Family" touring plan, which included a 3 hour or more break from the parks in the middle of the day. We were done with everything we wanted to do in Disney World in one week using these plans. Some people complain about hating being on a schedule. But its really loose guidelines you don't always have to follow! They were just amazing.

Okay, more about our hotel. The Yacht club was awesome! The people there were just so nice, we really didn't want to leave! As you walk in the huge lobby they have a little corner with old cartoons playing, which are fun to watch. The atmosphere is so calming, that after a hot, tiring day, you feel relaxed. Not to mention the pool is fantastic! The Yacht Club shares a Pool with the Beach Club, but its more like a mini water park! Its has a fun water slide, a relaxing sand bottom pool, and a lazy river. The downside is that you have to pay to rent an inter-tube. I don't think it's worth it. They also have a beach but you can't swim in the water.

The rooms were also very elegant. We originally booked a water view room on a regular level. When we got there, we were awarded Family of the day and got upgraded to Concierge level. That was a nice treat, but I wouldn't pay to stay on concierge level. The one thing thats was cool about it was the lounge. In the morning they had breakfast, in the afternoon snacks, and the evening dessert and Appetizers. They also had a happy hour with beer and wine at a certain time at no extra cost. If you aren't planning on booking concierge level, bring your own breakfast foods like granola bars, oatmeal, etc. You don't want to break the bank paying for breakfast. And again, I don't think we would pay the extra money to stay on the concierge level. The only difference is a slightly bigger balcony and the lounge. Are you going to pay $100+ for breakfast per day? I wouldn't. So, overall, the Yacht Club was an amazing hotel! When we go back in two years, there is no question about where we are staying!

If you are going to stay on Disney property, I would highly recommend the Disney Dining Plan. I think that was one of the keys to our great vacation! When you check in, you get your hotel key which is called your "Key to the World" card. On it are all of your meals and snacks. So whenever you eat, you just swipe your card and you're covered! They give you a receipt that tells you how many meals/snacks you have left. We weren't hungry at all! They give you such large portions there! It was awesome. You can check out more about it at DisneyWorld.com or The Unofficial Guide.

The restaurants we went to were all awesome. The first night we went to Cinderella's Royal Table in the Cinderella Castle. That took up two of our meals but was worth it. We all agree it was the best dinner. In the beginning you meet Cinderella and take photos (two of which you get to keep) and get autographs. Later they preform a show, that was cool too. The food was pretty good but the experience was even better! I would highly recommend it but hurry and book soon cause it fills up fast! We also had my sisters (10 and 6) dress up as there favorite princesses and we did their hair. We bought really nice cinderella and Sleeping Beauty dresses at a garage sale for bout $10 each. You might want to try that instead of paying a lot at the Boutique they have there. They next day we went to Crystal Palace, which was cool too since we got to meet all the Pooh characters. Then we went to Princess Story book dining in Norway. That wasn't our favorite and we wouldn't go again. The food wasn't good and we had seen the princesses earlier so it wasn't as special. That one you do get two free photos as well though with one of the princesses. Then we went to ESPN club, right across the lake in front of the hotel. That was good. We did that the night we didn't have any plans ( because of the Cinderella dinner) It wasn't expensive and the food was really good. Then we went to Tepen Ido, a Japanese food restaurant where they cook the food right in front of you. That was really good too. The steak was awesome. Then we went to the Grand Floridian Cafe, which was good too. They had American food, the Steak was good there as well. The last night we went to the Sci-Fi dine in theater. That was cool but bring a sweatshirt! It was so cold in there we couldn't enjoy ourselves! All i was thinking about the whole time was my jacket sitting in the hotel room. Other than that. the food was pretty good and the short clips of old movies were entertaining.

When you are at the parks, look around for cast members who look like they are searching for someone. My dad saw some and told them to pick my sisters. In Animal Kingdom, they were Honorary Presenters and they got to present the Regal Emperor scorpion when the park opened. We were also let in early :) . So my dad and I were the very first of the day on Expedition Everest!

They also have this great thing called Disney's Photo Pass. We bought a cd of all the pictures before our vacation for $99. You get a card and give it to any of the cast members with a camera and they take really cool pictures of you. When you are back home you can view all your photos online, add borders and more. The CD was really worth it because we have about 300 pictures!

Lastly, remember to buy a park hopper pass, make dinner reservations in ADVANCE and get fast-passes!

I hope this helps!

traveling to orlando heere are some tips

Purchase tickets in advance
Purchasing multi-day, multi-park tickets in advance saves you money and time by allowing you to bypass the crowds at the ticket windows and walk right to the turnstiles. Purchase Universal Orlando’s Bonus Pass, only available online, and get 5-days of admission for less than the price of a two-day ticket. You can also save on shipping charges by buying online and picking up your tickets at the electronic will call at the front gate of either theme park, Universal Studios® or Islands of Adventure.

Where to stay
For convenience and value, nothing beats the On-Site Hotels at Universal Orlando® Resort, which put you within walking distance of both theme parks and Universal CityWalk®. PLUS, enjoy special park privileges including UNIVERSAL EXPRESS ride access, just show your room key card and bypass the regular lines at your favorite Universal Orlando rides and attractions. No Express Pass or ride reservations are necessary when you stay on-site!

usf ride clips and helpful tips form Disney land but good for Disney world