Mickey and Minnie celebrate a Birthday today!

Today back in 1928 Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse appeared in their first cartoon Steamboat Willie. Happy Birthday to the ionic mice!!! It's amazing to see how far Mickey and Minnie have come in 82 years!!

Phineas and Ferb join the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Another one of the must sees at Walt Disney World during their Christmas celebration is the Osborne Family dancing lights. Well this year visitors are in for a treat! Phineas and Ferb will be joining in on the celebration. Unfortunately, they will not be making an appearance. Their voices will appear in a recording and they will briefly take over controlling the lights.

Mrs. Potts Cupboard getting a new names

It looks like Mrs. Potts Cupboard at Magic Kingdom is getting a new name. According to latest maps Mrs. Potts Cupboard is now going to be called Storybook Treats. The name changed probably has something to do with the Fantasyland expansion and the location of the Beauty and the Beast area within the new Fantasy Forest. However, this doesn't really make sense since Mrs. Potts is a character of Beauty and the Beast. None the less this name change is happening.

Gingerbread House At Grand Floridian Will Be On Display Soon

If you visit Walt Disney World during Christmas time, one of the must sees is the huge gingerbread house the Grand Floridian displays in their lobby. The gingerbread house will go up on display on November 15, 2010. The house is will be open for display everyday from 10am-10pm. If you are at the happiest place on earth during November 15 and January 3 you have got to put this on your to do list!

Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade Halting For A Week

If you are visiting Animal Kingdom anywhere from November 7- November 13 do not expect to see Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade. The parade is going to be on hiatus this week is due to the Cotton Top Tamarins that are being moved into their habitat around the base of the Tree of Life. This downtime of the parade will give them a chance to settle into their new environment and not be stressed out by all the commotion. Also during this time the parade will switch over to it's holiday parade.  Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade will begin on Novemver 14, 2010.

Disney Facts

Here is a little Disney fact for everyone today. Did you know that 70% of the visitors at Walt Disney World are first time vistors?? This seems hard for me to comprehend since I have been so many times I have last count.

Are Big Announcements On The Way From Disney???

When it comes to Big Announcements with Disney sometimes they can be a bit disappointing and other times they can be really great. Well it seems that Disney World employee has hinted at some very interesting information about our favorite theme parks! She shared that there will be an official announcement about the Fanstyland expansion at Magic Kingdom in the very near furture. I have no idea what that could possible be. She stated that the rumor of Illuminations being removed from Epcot was crazy and they have no plans of taking it out of the park.  She did state that IF the World Of Color would be brought to Epcot it would only be for a short time as it wouldn't fit in with World Showcase. She wouldn't confirm or deny if there was going to be an expansion at Pixar's place, all she said was you will have to wait and see. So this could be BIG news!!! Pixar Place could be getting some new rides/attractions! I personally think an Up attraction we be really cool!

Typhoon Lagoon is now closed for it's annual refurbishment

Just to let everyone know that Typhoon Lagoon is now closed for it's annual refurbishment. Not worry though if you are vacationing in Orlando and want to cool off you can still go to Blizzard Beach. Typhoon Lagoon will not reopen until January 16 2011.

Free Disney Dining Plan extended

One of the great things about Disney is they are always offering some sort of discount when it comes to planning your Disney Vacation. Even though they have decided to raise ticket prices they still kind of help you out in other ways. Well Disney has decided to extended their free dining plan with select Disney packages. If you book a 5-night/6-day non-discounted Magic Your Way package at select Disney Moderate you qualify for a free Disney Dining plan that includes 1 Table-Service Meal, 1 Quick-Service Meal and1 Snack everyday. Or if you book a 5-night/6-day non-discounted Magic Your Way package at select Disney Value Resorts you are eligible for the quick service Disney dining plan which includes, 2 Quick-Service Meals, 2 Snacks and one Resort Refillable Drink Mug per person (refillable only at your Disney Resort Hotel)

Offer valid for arrival dates from 8/15-10/7/10, 10/22-10/28/10, 11/12-11/18/10, 11/27-12/2/10, and 12/10-12/21/10.

Main Street Electrical Parade Has Been Extended

This is such exciting news. If you were not able to go to Disney World this summer, Magic Kingdom in particular you are in for a real treat. Disney has decided to extend The Main Street Electrical Parade indefinitely. The last time this wonderful electrical parade was at Magic Kingdom was the summer of 1996. This parade features floats and live performers covered in thousands of electronically-controlled lights and a synchronized soundtrack triggered by radio control along key areas of the parade route. For it's return to Magic Kingdom Disney has added a Tinerbell float as well as Pinocchio and the boys from the classic film’s Pleasure Island sequence join the parade, and Snow White joins the Seven Dwarfs on a diamond mine float.

The rest of the floats that are in the parade are as follows:

Blue Fairy


Casey Jr. Circus Engine

Alice in Wonderland

Mushroom with Butterfly and Ladybug

Snails

White Rabbit

Mushroom with Alice and Cheshire Cat

Fireflies

Mushroom with The Caterpillar and Frog (originally a butterfly)

Turtles

Centipede

Cinderella

Pumpkin Coach

Ballroom

Cinderella's Ball w/ Prince Charming and stepsisters

Clock Tower

Peter Pan (1985–1996)

Pirate Ship w/ Captain Hook, Peter Pan and Wendy

Smee's Boat w/ Mr. Smee

Dumbo's Circus

Hippo and King Leonidas Calliope

Four Ring Circus with Dumbo and Clown (split into two parts)

Bear Balancing on Barrels

Elephant Bathing

Briny Deep/Pinocchio Underwater (1977–1984)

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1985–1996)

Dopey's Mine Train with Dopey, Snow White, Doc, Grumpy, and Sneezy

Dwarf Mine with Happy, Sleepy, and Bashful

Pinocchio on Pleasure Island (1985–1996)

Funhouse Face and Pleasure Island Part 1

Pleasure Island Part 2 w/ Pinocchio and Lampwick.

Sleeping Beauty Dragon (1972) (later changed to Chinese Dragon)

Pete's Dragon (1977–1996, replaced Chinese Dragon)

Return To Oz (1985)

Disneyland's 25th Anniversary (1980) (replica of Sleeping Beauty Castle)

Mickey Mouse's 60th Anniversary (1988)

It's a Small World (1972–1988)

Disneyland's 35th Anniversary (1990) (logo float)

To Honor America

Disney Neon Finale (1977 & 1978) w/ Mary Poppins (character), Bert, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, Donald Duck, Chip, Dale, Baloo, King Louie, Pooh, Tigger and Piglet

Fox and the Hound (1980

Character Meet And Greet Animal Kingdom

One of the most exciting things about going to Disney World is being able to see all the characters and being able to get your picture taken with them and if you have children to get their autograph. While this might sound easy often times it isn't because you simply have no idea where the characters will be or what time you will be able to find them. Below is a list of where you will be able to find many characters at Magic Kingdom. Also keep in mind that you can stop by guest relations and they will be able to answer you question about a specific character and what time you will be able to find them. Also be sure to check you park map. They often indicate where characters will be.


Oasis Main Entrance


Location: Main entrance plaza just before the ticket booths

Characters: Meeko, Rafiki, Timon (sometimes: Pluto and Br'er Rabbit)

Times: 10am-2:30pm

Africa

Location: Bradley Falls- Starting behind Tamu Tamu Refreshments, along the walkway from Africa to Asia

Characters: Baloo, Flik, King Louie, Terk

Times: 9am-2:20pm

Terk moves to camp Minnie Mickey from 2pm-4pm

Camp Minnie-Mickey

Location: Kiosks near Festival of the Lion King

Characters: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck (Daisy Duck appears in place of Donald for one hour- around noon-1pm)

Times: operating hours vary based on park hours. Typically 10:00am-4:50pm

Location: Festival of the Lion King area

Characters: Chip 'N Dale

Times: 10:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-2:20pm

Location: Festival of the Lion King area

Characters: Thumper and Miss Bunny

Times: 10:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:00pm

Location: Good Time Gathering Spot- Pocahontas theatre (operates seasonally)

Characters: Chip 'N Dale, Meeko, Pocahontas, Thumper and Miss Bunny

Donald's Safari Breakfast

Location: Tusker House Restaurant, Africa

Characters: Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Mickey Mouse, Goofy

Times: 8:15am-11:30am

Discovery Island

Location: Island Mercantile

Characters: Lilo and Stitch

Times: 9:00am-1:50pm, 3:00pm- varies based on park closing

Location: Discovery Island Character Landing

Characters: Tigger, Pooh, Eeyore

Times: operating hours vary based on park hours. Typically 9:00am-11:50am, 1:00pm-4:50pm

Rafiki's Planet Watch

Location: Inside Rafiki's Planet Watch

Characters: Pocahontas, Rafiki, Jiminy Cricket

Times: 10:15am-1pm, 2:15pm-4:30pm or 5:00pm

Dinoland, USA

Location: Chester and Hester's Dinorama

Characters: Goofy and Pluto

Times: 11:30am-2:30pm, 3:00-varies based on park closing

Walt Disney World Raising Ticket Prices Again

This is probably the last words people want to hear or read especially at this day in time when the economy is in the crapper. Well looks like Disney World doesn't really care about that because starting Thursday August 5, 2010 Disney World will raise their ticket prices.

Now a one-day adult base ticket increases to $82 from $79. A one-day child base ticket increases to $74 from $68 (ages 3 – 9). Children under the age of 3 do not require theme-park admission media.

As you can expect multi day passes have also increased in price as follows:

2-day adult: $162 ($156); 2-day child: $146 ($133)

3-day adult: $224 (219); 3-day child: $202 ($187)

4-day adult: $232 ($225); 4-day child: $209 ($192)

5-day adult: $237 ($228); 5-day child: $214 ($195)

6-day adult: $242 ($231); 6-day child: $219 ($198)

7-day adult: $247 ($234); 7-day child: $224 ($201)

8-day adult: $252 ($237); 8-day child: $229 ($204)

9-day adult: $257 ($240); 9-day child: $234 ($207)

10-day adult: $262 ($243); 10-day child: $239 ($210)


The park hoppers and water park add ons have also been raised $2, from $52 to $54. If you want a no expiration ticket you are not spared either those prices will be increased as well. Costing between $22, for a 2-day ticket, and $213, for a 10-day ticket.

My suggestion to everyone is if you are planning on going to Disney World sometime later this year I would hop online and purchase your tickets TODAY so you won't have to pay the extra couple pf dollars.

Epcot Character Meet And Greet

One of the most exciting things about going to Disney World is being able to see all the characters and being able to get your picture taken with them and if you have children to get their autograph. While this might sound easy often times it isn't because you simply have no idea where the characters will be or what time you will be able to find them. Below is a list of where you will be able to find many characters at Magic Kingdom. Also keep in mind that you can stop by guest relations and they will be able to answer you question about a specific character and what time you will be able to find them. Also be sure to check you park map. They often indicate where characters will be.



Main Entrance


Location: By the Legacy Fountain in front of Spaceship Earth at the Main Entrance

Characters: Daisy Duck, Stitch

Times: Approximately 9am to 2pm

Character Spot

Location: Inside Character Spot in Future World

Characters: Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy

Times: 9am - closing varies (typically 5:30pm is the earliest close)

Garden Grill Restaurant

Location: Inside the Garden Grill Restaurant (diners only)

Characters: Mickey Mouse, Chip and Dale, Pluto

Times: 4pm to 9pm

Future World West

Location: between the Land Pavilion and Innoventions West breezeway

Characters: Chip 'N Dale

Times: 11:30am-4:15pm

Mexico

Location: Outside on the Walkway beside the Mexico Pavilion, near to the Margarita Bar

Characters: Donald Duck

Times: Approximately 1pm to 7pm

Norway

Location: Inside Restaurant Akershu (diners only)

Characters: Typically- Aurora, Belle, Ariel, Jasmine, and Mulan

Times: 8:30am-8:30pm

Morroco

Location: Outside, at the edge of the lagoon

Characters: Jasmine, Aladdin, Genie

Times: 12:15pm to 7pm

France

Location: Outside, in front of the France Pavilion

Characters: Belle, Beast, Aurora, Marie

Times: Approximately 11:30am to 6:30pm

Location: The Remy Experience (Audio Animatronic show for diners) inside Chefs de France

Characters: Remy

Times: Approximately 12:30pm, 1:40pm, 2:50pm, 5:20pm

Germany

Location: Outside, next to the Glas und Porzellan shop

Characters: Snow White

Times: Approximately 11:30am to 6pm

China

Location: Outside of the Temple of Heaven

Characters: Mulan

Times: Approximately 11am to 6pm

The American Adventure

Location: On the walkway by the side of the Liberty Inn

Characters: Surprise appearances from Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, Goofy, Country Bears, Mad Hatter, Alice, Pocahontas

Times: Occasional surprise appearances, with no published schedule.

United Kingdom

Location: Outside of The Tea Caddy shop

Characters: Mary Poppins, Alice

Times: Approximately 1:20pm to 5:30pm

Location: Inside the Toy Sholdier shop

Characters: Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore

Times: 1pm to 4:45pm, 5:30pm to 8:15pm

It's A Small World Is Closed For Refurbishment

Attention everyone going to Walt Disney World anytime soon. The famous ride It's A Small World located in Magic Kingdom's, Fantasyland has closed for refurbishments. This iconic Disney ride will  reopen on Saturday October 23rd.

Makes me wonder what in the world they are doing to it. Most of the time when Disney closes down a ride to do refurbishments they usually update the ride somehow. What are you thoughts on this? Or do you feel they should close the ride permanently and replace it with something more up to date?

Power Rangers Leaving Disney Hollywood Studios

You better hurry to Disney Hollywood Studios if you want to catch a last glimpse at the Power Rangers. They will be leaving the park August 8, 2010 and will NOT be returning. It has something to do with the licensing of the Power Rangers.

So if your child or yourself love the Power Rangers make sure you see them one last time before they are gone for good!

Magic Kingdom Character Meet And Greets

One of the most exciting things about going to Disney World is being able to see all the characters and being able to get your picture taken with them and if you have children to get their autograph. While this might sound easy often times it isn't because you simply have no idea where the characters will be. Below is a list of where you will be able to find many characters at Magic Kingdom. Also keep in mind that you can stop by guest relations and they will be able to answer you question about a specific character and what time you will be able to find them. Also be sure to check you park map. They often indicate where characters will be.


Updated Schedule for Disney’s Magic Kingdom Meet and Greets

All locations, characters, and times are subject to change.

Town Square

Location: In front of City Hall, Exposition Hall, and the Flag Pole
Characters: Daisy Duck, Pinocchio, Chip ‘N Dale Pluto, Pooh and Tigger
Times: 9:00am-2:30pm Daisy Duck, Pinocchio, Pluto, pooh and Tigger 4:00pm-7:30pm- Chip, Dale, Pluto, Pooh and Tigger only

Crystal Palace

Location: Inside the Crystal Palace (diners only)
Characters: Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet
Times: 9:00am-closing varies based on park hours, typically 9pm

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Location: Inside Cinderella’s Castle (diners only)
Characters: Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine and Snow White
Times: 8:05am-closing varies based on park hours

Fantasyland

Location: Outside Tinker Bell’s Treasures
Characters: Peter Pan
Times: 10:00am to 4:45pm

Location: Fairytale Garden next to Cinderella’s Castle and the Enchanted Grove
Characters: Lady Tremaine, Anastasia and Drizella
Times: 9:00am-12:45pm

Location: Cinderella’s Fountain
Characters: Fairy Godmother
Times: 9:00am-1:15pm
Location: Wishing well
Characters: Snow White
Times: approximately 9am-3pm

Location: The Mad Tea Party
Characters: Alice and the White Rabbit
Times: 9:30am-3:30pm

Tomorrowland

Location: Between Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Carousel of Progress
Characters: Buzz Lightyear
Times: 11:15am-6:30pm

Location: In front of the Tomorrowland Stage
Characters: Chip ‘N Dale
Times: 9am-4pm

Location: Variable
Character: Stitch
Times: Variable until 3pm

Toontown

Location: Judge’s Tent
Characters: Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
Times: 10am- closing varies based on park hours

Location: Disney Princesses at the Hall of Fame
Characters: Belle, Cinderella and Princess Aurora
Times: 10am-closing varies based on park hours

Location: Pixie Hollow at the Hall of Fame
Characters: Tinker Bell and up to 3 of her fairy friends- possibly: Silvermist, Rosetta, Fawn, Iridessa or Terence
Times: 10am-closing time varies based on park hours

Liberty Square

Location: The Glade, area behind the Christmas shop
Characters: Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen
Times: 10am-5pm

Frontierland

Location: Across from the Golden Horseshoe
Characters: Davy Crockett Donald Duck
Times: 9am-3pm

Location: Splash Mountain/Pecos Bill area
Characters: Woody and Jessie
Times: 10:00am-5:30pm

Adventureland

Location: Outside of The Pirates League
Character: Pirate Goofy
Times: approximately 9am-5pm
Location: Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Characters: Aladdin and Jasmine
Times: 9:30am-4:00pm
Location: Adventureland Veranda near Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse and Aloha Isle

Characters: Ariel and Prince Eric
Times: 10:00am-5:30pm


Please keep in mind that not all these character will be seen on a daily basis.

Disney Hollywood Studios Character Meet And Greet

One of the most exciting things about going to Disney World is being able to see all the characters and being able to get your picture taken with them and if you have children to get their autograph. While this might sound easy often times it isn't because you simply have no idea where the characters will be. Below is a list of where you will be able to find many characters at Magic Kingdom. Also keep in mind that you can stop by guest relations and they will be able to answer you question about a specific character and what time you will be able to find them. Also be sure to check you park map. They often indicate where characters will be.

Buzz Lightyear & Woody


Buzz and Woody will be available for meet-n-greets this week at 10:00am to 2:30pm; 4:10pm to 7:30pm

Location: Pixar Place

Indoor Cars

The Cars characters can be found in a dedicated area themed to Luigi's Garage near the exit to Muppetvision 3D. You will be able to meet Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater.

Cars will be available for meet-n-greets this week at 9:00am to 10:00pm

Location: Backlot

Outdoor Chip & Dale

Chip & Dale are usually found in front of the Sorcerer's Hat. Chip and Dale are among the most common characters to find in the parks and they're out very often.

Location: In front of the Sorcerer's Hat

Outdoor Donald Duck

Donald is seen the least among the "Fab 5" but does appear quite a bit in front of the hat.

Location: In front of the Sorcerer's Hat

Outdoor Goofy

Goofy is usually found in front of the Sorcerer's Hat. He's a common character to find and should appear multiple times throughout the day.

Location: In front of the Sorcerer's Hat

Outdoor Green Army Man

Outside of the entrance to Toy Story Midway Mania, you will often find a Green Army Man (or two) interacting with guests. Their schedule is sporatic, but are usually out a few times per day.

Location: Pixar Place

Outdoor Handy Manny

Handy Manny has a dedicated outdoor meet-n-greet area outside of the Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! attraction where he appears regularly throughout the day.

Location: Animation Courtyard

Outdoor Little Einsteins

The characters from the pre-school tv show can be found at the Studios in a couple of locations. They have a dedicated meet-n-greet area outside of the Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! attraction as well as during character breakfast meals (breakfast and lunc) at Hollywood & Vine. The characters available for meet-n-greet are Leo, June, Annie and Quincy.

Location: Animation Courtyard

Outdoor Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear

Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear, also known as "Lotso", is a character from the film " Toy Story 3" and meets guests at the featured meet-n-greet area inside the Magic of Disney Animation. He is available to meet for much of the day, although his meet-n-greet will eventually be replaced by the next big Disney film.

Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear will be available for meet-n-greets this week at 10:30am to 2:30pm; 3:45pm to 6:00pm

Location: Magic of Disney Animation

Indoor Mickey Mouse

Mickey can be found every day at the end of the Magic of Disney Animation building in a dedicated area with a Hollywood Studios backdrop. Mickey is wearing his Sorcer Mickey costume from Fantasia.

Mickey Mouse will be available for meet-n-greets this week at 10:00am to 7:30pm

Location: Magic of Disney Animation

Indoor Minnie Mouse

Minnie is often found in front of the Sorcerer's Hat. Minnie, along with most of the "Fab 5" characters, is out in force quite a bit. You shouldn't have any difficulty in finding her.

Location: In front of the Sorcerer's Hat

Outdoor Monsters, Inc

The Monsters Inc characters can be found at the conclusion of the Backlot Tour, across from Studio Catering Co. in a dedicated area. You'll be able to meet Mike Wazowski and Sully.

Mike and Sully will be available for meet-n-greets this week at 11:00am to 2:40pm; 3:40pm to 6:15pm

Location: Backlot

Outdoor Pluto

Pluto is typically found in front of the Sorcerer's Hat and is an easy character to find. He's also one of the most playful and is great for guest interaction. Often he will be paired up with another character, such as Goofy.

Location: In front of the Sorcerer's Hat

Outdoor Power Rangers

The Power Rangers are comprised of one character from a number of different Power Ranger shows. These include

Red S.P.D. Power Ranger

Pink Mystic Force Force Power Ranger

Yellow Operation Overdrive Power Ranger

Blue Jaguar Jungle Fury Ranger

Power Rangers RPM Ranger Green


The Power Rangers will be available for meet-n-greets this week at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm (until August 8,2010 then they will no longer be apart of Disney)

Location: Streets of America

Outdoor The Incredibles

Characters from the Incredibles can be found at the end of the Magic of Disney Animation tour in a dedicated area for meet-n-greets. You can find Mr Incredible, Elastigirl as well as Frozone.

The stars of "The Incredibles" will be available for meet-n-greets this week at 11:30am to 2:30pm; 3:40pm to 6:30pm

Location: Magic of Disney Animation

Indoor Winnie the Pooh Characters

Characters from the classic Winnie the Pooh series appear for meet-n-greets in front of the Sorcerer's Hat. Currently, these include Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and Eeyore.

Location: In front of the Sorcerer's Hat