Fantasmic! has a new addition... finally! Maleficent the Dragon is a fully animated, 45 feet tall, 32 feet wide, 9 ton audio-animatronic. She is controlled and monitored by four computer systems, which enable her wide range of movement. Maleficent comes alive moving her eyes, ears, mouth, neck, tongue, wings and body. She is able to contract to 22 feet, underneath the stage.

Disney Cast Members Annual Canoe Race
Posted on - 8/25/2009
Yes, you read the headline correctly! The Cast Members from Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure (DCA) and other Disney owned ventures (ESPN Zone, ABC, etc) race canoes on the Rivers of America at Disneyland.

"The Great Piggy Bank Adventure" At Epcot's Innovations West
Posted on - 5/20/2009
Today Walt Disney World in co-operation with T.RowePrice unveiled its new hands-on interactive attraction "The Great Piggy Bank Adventure" here at Innoventions West. Mickey News was on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and a chance to play the new game. Aimed at helping families learn the basic concepts and strategies of savings and personal finance, it could not have come at a better time. With the economy struggling, what better way for parents and kids to get together and learn how to save and manage their money?

The Art of Walt Disney Lives On
Posted on - 8/12/2008
On Thursday, August 7, 2008 the United States Postal Service released the fifth and final stamp sheet in the Art of Disney series.

Dining Around The World...Flame Tree Barbecue
Posted on - 2/21/2008
Animal Kingdom opened in 1998 and even though its Disney's largest park; the one thing it lacked was an abundance of restaurants as in the other three parks. The only table service eatery was the Landry owned Rainforest Cafe, but this was outside the main gate, not "In the Park" All the other places to dine were counter-service and kiosks scattered about. With the opening of the new "Yak and Yeti" in Asia, the table service part was solved.

Disney Tid-Bit... Germany's New "Attraction"
Posted on - 2/7/2008
While on our way for dinner at Germany's Biergarten, my wife and I stopped by to see the train display and check for any new hidden Mickey's. What we saw was just empty spaces where the little town was and most of the track was gone.

Disney's Haunted Mansion...Our Favorite Attraction
Posted on - 2/6/2008
Since I spend half my life at the theme parks, the most-asked question I receive from friends and family is "What is your favorite attraction?" Without hesitation, I tell them the Haunted Mansion. Why? Because not only have I loved ghost stories and movies since I can remember, but this attraction is the quintessential embodiment of the true Disney experience. It is also one of the most popular rides in all of the Disney parks.

Walt Disney's Dream of an Apartment in New Orleans Square Becomes Reality
Posted on - 1/31/2008
In the 1960's Walt Disney envisioned a larger apartment to be used by himself, brother Roy, their families, friends and special guests. Walt selected Dorothea Redmond to create the concept art. Sadly, when Walt passed away in December 1966, plans were halted on the construction. For the past 40 years, the space originally planned for this apartment had other uses. Most recently as the Disney Gallery for the past 20 years.

Ahoy Mateys, There's A New Pirate Of The Caribbean!
Posted on - 1/30/2008
Early in the morning on the 29th day of January, a new pirate was brought aboard The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland. Amid fanfare and pirate shenanigans, Jenifer Greenwell was introduced as the newest member of the crew.

On Property Hotel vs Walt Disney World Resort
Posted on - 8/20/2007
It comes to a surprise to some visitors, but there are non-Disney hotels that are located on Walt Disney World property. Of course, the question is what are the differences between a Disney hotel on a non-Disney hotel if they are both located inside Walt Disney World? Here's a list of what distinguishes a Disney owned hotel from the others:

Upcoming events for Disney Fall 2007
Posted on - 8/13/2007
Walt Disney World keeps changing and improving in following that great Disney quote, "Disneyland will never be completed, as long as there is imagination left in the world." Here are some of the upcoming events this fall at Walt Disney World

5/28/07 Disneyland Resort Photo Report
Posted on - 6/3/2007

My Club 33 Caper
Posted on - 5/29/2007
Due to a generous friend, I had the opportunity to lunch at Club 33. A private club nestled in New Orleans Square within the realm of Disneyland. Our large group gathered in the Court Of Angels, in anticipation of our exciting treat.

The Opening Of The "Gran Fiesta Boat Ride" In Epcot's Mexican Pavilion
Posted on - 4/8/2007
The venerable "El Rio del Tiempo" boat ride in the Mexican pavilion closed its doors on Jan 1st of this year in preparation of a rehab for a change in the storyline to reflect the Disney classic 1944 short film starring Donald Duck, "The Three Caballeros", which was released on February 3rd, 1945. In this film, which was a wartime film designed to cement friendship and relations with South America, has Donald Duck transported into an Alice-in-Wonderland scenario where he experiences a Book on Brazil in a surreal setting. Here his friends Jose Carioca, a cigar-smoking Parrot from Brazil and Panchito Pistoles, a Mexican Charro Rooster try to keep Donald from losing his head over the beautiful South American woman.

Walking Around The World... Epcot's International Flower And Garden Festival Pictures...
Posted on - 4/7/2007

Here is the start of the International Flower and Garden Festival at EPCOT. So I can share some of the beauty and innovative flora and topiary displays, and give the folks a taste of what are in store for them when they arrive at this international showcase, here are a gaggle of pictures taken on opening day. Enjoy!

Alfredo Di Roma Ristorante Closing!
Posted on - 3/1/2007
Walt Disney world has announced that the Alfredo Di Roma Ristorante which has been at the Italy pavilion in EPCOT for over 20 years is closing permanently at the end of July 2007.

Walt Disney World Update
Posted on - 2/28/2007
The 4th annual chef demo in honor of black history month will be held on Thursday, march 1st from 2-4pm in the Walt Disney story theater. All are welcome to come learn how to prepare African American southern style cuisine and taste the results.

The Year of a Million Dreams Press Event - Part IV
Posted on - 2/26/2007
The last day of the press event, the Media was invited to the Fantasia H room in the Contemporary Resort to hear Disney executives tell of new attractions, services and products coming soon to the parks and resorts. Meg Crofton, President of the Walt Disney World Resort opened the event, speaking about all the new technologies, services, shows and the commitment the Disney Company has towards it's guests. She than introduced the Head of Walt Disney Imagineering, Creative Executive, Tom Fitzgerald. Tom introduced the new and exciting attraction that will replace the MGM Studios Who Wants to be a Millionaire Play it! The new attraction is "Toy Story Mania". He describes it at the "Next Generation interactive ride" The new attraction, based on the movie "Toy Story" and it's characters will be for kids and adults. The games are inspired by classic midway games such as Ring Toss, Darts, etc. The big difference is the characters are manning the games. Even the carnival barker will be Mr. Potatoehead, a next-generation six foot tall audio-animatronics figure. This new animatronics figure will be able to do what no other can, like take off one of his ears and hand it out to you. And just like Crush, he will know what you are wearing and be able to talk to you.

Head Chef Transferred
Posted on - 2/24/2007
Head Chef Michael Viola of Tony's town square restaurant worked his last day this Friday, Feb, 23rd. He is being transferred to the Akershus of Norway and Chef Mark Norberg of Akershus will begin training for about 4 to 6 weeks at Tony's Town Square Restaurant as head chef" now dave said these type of transfers are sometimes not even know by the managers of the restaurants involved. He had told me a month ago that rumors that mike would be transferred were going around, but the final move is known at the last minute.

The Year of a Million Dreams Press Event - Part III
Posted on - 2/23/2007
Friday the 26th: Meeting at the Fantasia H room in the Contemporary Resort, we heard of the new and exciting products, services and technologies that will be coming soon at the Disney theme parks and resorts.

The Year of a Million Dreams Press Event - Part II
Posted on - 2/19/2007
Thursday the 25th was a full scheduled day and I arrived in the Magic Kingdom at 8:15am. Again it was raining to beat the band, cold and dreary. But at the Castle, the sun shown for the Davis family of Lilonia Arkansas. This family made history as the First family to spend the night in Cinderella Castle! Mother Angie, Father Brian, sons Kolton, 8, Dallas 11 and sisters Katy 10 and big sister Jessica 16 brought all the sunshine needed. When I got a chance to speak to them, the story of how they won a week's stay at Walt Disney World and a night's stay in the Castle was one of Disney Legends. Angie explained she entered the contest on-line at www.Disneyparks.com/rules. The question was "Why do you deserve a stay at Walt Disney World?" Angie believes when she explained her husband was in the Army stationed in Iraq, that might have been the reason she won. But when she found out she had won, ABC contacted the Army and arranged for Brian to get leave during the stay! That is magical by any means.

The Year of a Million Dreams Press Event - Part I
Posted on - 2/13/2007
The "Year of a Million Dreams" which replaced the "Happiest Celebration on Earth" had its International Press Event here at Walt Disney World. Starting on Wednesday the 24th and ending on Friday the 26th, was to showcase to the Media all the new and exciting events, shows and new attractions that Disney has in store for the year. This "Magical" year will let guests at Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World here in Orlando realize their dreams. The schedule for the mega-event is as follows:

Mickey News Tours The "Cinderella Castle Suite"
Posted on - 1/29/2007
This much talked about room where a lucky family will be chosen to spend the night and be immersed in all the trappings of Cinderella's world is being shown to select members of the media. The room not only is a "Magical" place to spend the night, it also decorated and designed to give the Families staying here a chance to become part of that story.

Never Mind the Asteroids, Here Comes the Red Hot Chili Peppers!!
Posted on - 1/22/2007
Space Mountain is now hotter than ever! Just when you think a Disney attraction is topped out on thrills... Along comes a twist...

Latest Developments at Walt Disney Studios, Disneyland Resort Paris...
Posted on - 10/10/2006
The Tower of Terror at the Walt Disney Studios, Disneyland Resort Paris, was a concept that the Imagineers apparently had when the park was first conceived, but due to financial constraints was never put into reality when the park was finally fully developed, and eventually opened.

Star Wars Weekends Is Almost Here!
Posted on - 5/12/2006
Since my last visit the anticipation to go back to the "Weekends" was unbearable! The costumes, events, and all the people are just FUN!!!!!!!!!!! Plus for some die hard Star Wars fans, people straight off the movie set of Star Wars make appearances...

Construction Park Photo Update
Posted on - 5/10/2006

Subtle Changes In The Haunted Mansion
Posted on - 5/4/2006
If you are a stickler for detail, and we know Disney is, then you will notice a few changes the next time you ride the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. The attic room has been going through a few changes that are pretty exciting.

Pirates Of The Caribbean Soft Opening
Posted on - 5/2/2006
Those of you who are long time visitors of Mickey News know I do not put up things that are rumors, as there are plenty of sites out there that make up stuff all the time. We try and get it right from Disney before we make any announcement but this one comes from a very reliable source, and we are going to go out on a limb and report it.

I have news from all four Walt Disney World Parks and Downtown Disney...
Posted on - 4/29/2006
In Magic Kingdom news, Pirates of the Caribbean, as you may already know, has been closed to put in the famous movie characters such as Barbossa and Captain Jack Sparrow! It will be temporarily reopen on April 8th, 2006. It will then close again on May 1st to finish putting in the Disney Touch! The ride is expected to be permanently open on July 7th.

3-22-2006 Block Party Bash Photo Update
Posted on - 3/27/2006

2-22-2006 Park Photo Update
Posted on - 2/25/2006

2-5-2006 Park Photo Update
Posted on - 2/9/2006

2-1-2006 Park Photo Update
Posted on - 2/6/2006

1-8-2006 Park Photo Update
Posted on - 1/12/2006

12-27-2005 Park Photo Update
Posted on - 12/30/2005

12-15-2005 to 12-16-2005 Park Photo Update
Posted on - 12/27/2005

New Year's Eve Celebration at the Walt Disney World
Posted on - 12/15/2005
How about kicking off the New Year at the Walt Disney World? Here are your options:

Snowballs are coming to Candy Palace
Posted on - 12/1/2005
Since it is again Christmas time, the Uber-Decadent treat of SNOWBALLS are on the Candy maker's list! They are walnut chocolate fudge, rolled in a caramel, then rolled in coconut! Sold in packs of three.... you too can have seasonal diabetes for just 4.00! Wash 'em down with a hot coffee from the Market House... and get ready for the sugar jitters! Just the BEST!!

Disney World Events in November
Posted on - 11/10/2005
The year-ending holiday season is the best time to pay a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort. There are more season-specific events during this time than any other. This is great news for you if you happen to be traveling to Orlando in the upcoming month, but the number of events can be a bit overwhelming and daunting to keep up with so we have outlined the latest happenings at the Walt Disney World Resort for your convenience.

The newest window display on Main Street U.S.A at Disneyland Resort
Posted on - 5/25/2005
At the Disney Clothiers, I was looking from the sidewalk and noticed something familiar but surreal. It is a 'diorama' or window dressing of Walt Disney’s Fire House Apartment!! I looked at it and for a minute it made me feel deja vu. (Yes, I have been in the Apartment) but then I looked and it wasn't my eyes deceiving me, it is intended as a mock up of the exclusive apartment!!

Cinderella's Royal Table Character Breakfast
Posted on - 3/27/2005
Without a doubt Cinderella's Royal Table Character Breakfast is the most sought after of all character meals. This “Once Upon a Time" character breakfast is offered daily in the Magic Kingdom from 8 until 10:30 a.m. and takes place inside the Cinderella Castle – a venue that adds magic to the affair.

A Disneyland Emergency!
Posted on - 1/7/2005
Did you know the exclusive flavor of ice cream for Disneyland, Fantasia is now in Yesterland!! This is an emergency to call upon ALL Mousketeers to let Disneyland know it is surely missed and really must be put back on the menu!! This flavor has the distinction of being celebrated with an anniversary, too!!

From Across the Pond… A Disney Store UK Christmas Update
Posted on - 1/2/2005
So what has been going on this side of the Atlantic in the few months I have been away from my desk?

Jennifer Love Hewitt in Disneyland. The brief encounter.
Posted on - 11/24/2004
I have received lots of emails from Jennifer Love fans asking for all the details from the encounter. First off I'd like to say some of you sent me pictures of her with 2 men one being her Brother and one being a guy named Scott. The guy who was with her was neither of those people. The guy with her was about the same height as her.

All about Melissa
Posted on - 11/14/2004
I vividly remember the first time I went to Walt Disney World, I was about two years old, and my parents had brought me to the Orlando area to visit my uncle. Seeing numerous billboards picturing everyone's favorite mouse, I cried and pleaded to see him. . .so my parents, thinking I was too young to fully enjoy Disney, took me to Downtown Disney (which was then known as Disney Village Marketplace). In a toy store, I played with a giant plush toy of Mickey Mouse, and truly believed it was the real thing.

Pirates Of The Caribbean; In My Eyes.
Posted on - 7/20/2004
Pirates of the Caribbean is a fascinating and thrilling ride through the mischief and fun of the pirates found within. It is a treasure trove of adventures just waiting to be discovered by all who enter.

Hidden Mickey at Disneyland.
Posted on - 7/11/2004
Here is another Hidden Mickey that we took a picture of on our last trip to Disneyland in June. Of course this is an extreme close-up and it doesn’t give you much of a hint at all where it is, but try to see if you can figure it out.

Find the Hidden Mickey.
Posted on - 6/24/2004
Here is an extreme close-up of a Hidden Mickey found somewhere at the Disneyland Resort.