Mickey News Columns

Disney's Summer Nightastic Has Arrived!

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Nighttime at Disney as always been magical with the lights on Main Street, Fantasmic, fireworks and the ever popular Electric Light Parade. This summer is no exception. I was blessed with the opportunity to preview Summer Nightastic on Thursday.

American Idol Winner Kris Allen Celebrates At Disney's Hollywood Studios

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

After fending off challenger Adam Lambert, the newest "American Idol" winner for season eight, 23-year-old Kris Allen from Conway Arkansas continued his dream by celebrating his victory in the place where dreams come true, Walt Disney World. In the most fitting setting, here at Disney's Hollywood Studios at the "American Idol Experience" attraction based on the phenomenal hit show, Kris was honored by thousands of fans and the media. In winning the coveted title of America's "Idol" Kris won the hearts of all who came to wish him well.

"The Great Piggy Bank Adventure" At Epcot's Innovations West

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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?

Disney's Hollywood Studios 20th Anniversary...Hosted By WDWCelebrations

Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On May 1st, 1989 Disney opened its brand-new park, "Disney-MGM Studios" with celebrity guest and much fanfare. Today, May 1st 2009, Disney reached another milestone with the 20th anniversary of the parks opening. The now renamed "Disney's Hollywood Studios" opened today an hour earlier with a 8:00am rope-drop ceremony where Rilous J. Carter, Vice President of Hollywood Studios made the opening remarks and thanked all attendees for coming out to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Summer Nightastic At Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure!

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The magic of Disney Imagineers will light up the summer nights at both parks. Beginning on Friday, June 12th and continuing until Sunday, August 23rd guests will experience a Disney glow like never before.

Disney's New "Tren-D" Specialty Shop

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Walt Disney was never a man to rest on his laurels. He always strove for fresh ideas and entertainment; he even detested making sequels, even if they were his most popular works. Walt's teachings are still followed today as the new specialty shop; "Tren-D" has its grand opening this Friday, April 10, 2009. It has been in soft-opening mode for about 2 weeks now, and guest reaction to this shop where you can purchase "one-of-a-kind" items not found anywhere else on property has been very positive!

Epcot's International Flower And Garden Festival

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A sure of sign of spring is the return of EPCOT's International Flower and Garden Festival. The theme this year is "Celebrate Springtime" and the festival will sport more than 70 topiaries along with perennial favorites like the "Flower Power" concerts performing at the American Gardens theatre, Minnie's Magnificent Butterfly Garden, the World Showcase Pavilion exhibits, not to mention all the gardening workshops and sessions from top gardening experts and from Disney's own gardening pros.

New Orleans Square at Disneyland

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It's always difficult for me to pick a favorite at Disneyland; a favorite attraction, a favorite restaurant, a favorite character...but when it comes to a favorite area of the park, I would have to say New Orleans Square. I love the architecture of the real city, and other than the grit and the grime, Disney has done an excellent job of capturing the feel of the French Quarter. Walt obviously had an affinity for that city as well; from the park's opening day, New Orleans was represented as part of Frontierland in a section known as New Orleans Street.

Dining Around The World...The Kona Cafe

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Sometimes choosing a restaurant at Walt Disney World can be a challenge. Do we want to have a character breakfast, lunch or dinner? Or would a dinner show be the ticket. There is the gamut of international fares at EPCOT; or would casual or shorts and T-shirt eatery suit you? There is also the size of the restaurants. There are the large dining rooms such as Mama Melrose's or the Crystal Palace down to the smaller, like the Plaza Restaurant. Many times when we decide to eat at the World, the size of the restaurant will dictate where we'll eat that day.

The "American Idol Experience" At Disney's Hollywood Studios

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On February 12, Walt Disney revealed to the world its newest mega attraction, "The American Idol Experience", based on the cult hit TV show "American Idol" In one of the largest press events for an attraction, media from all over the country and Canada got a first look at the new guest-interactive show. The attraction is just slightly different from the TV show, due to time limits and guest schedules, for example there are no "Train Wreck" singers during the performances. All of the contestants are pooled from guests at the park, and go through a multi-step audition process before being chosen to perform on the show. Contestants must be 14 years old and up to be eligible.

Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade...Quick Review

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I had the wonderful opportunity to observe the new replacement parade for the "Disney Dreams Come True Parade" here at the Magic Kingdom this Friday. The newest offering is called "Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade" and judging from the crowd reaction, it is going to be a real hit. This new bright and bouncy parade will have you clapping your hands and tapping your toes as the Disney Dancers kick up their heels and perform to the catchy tune "Celebrate a Dream Come True".

Walt Disney World And Christmas...Perfect Together

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It's hard to believe, but another Christmas holiday season has come and gone. So why an article on the Holidays after the fact? Well studies show that many begin planning their holiday season immediately after the one just passed and I cannot think of a better time to sing the praises of staying at Walt Disney World for them. Even this early, thousands of families are planning on what to do for the holidays. Do we have a traditional stay-at-home Christmas, or spend them with the relatives, have the family over or travel to the countless venues around the country or abroad that celebrate this magical time of the year. Each and every one will guarantee many memories and good times with family and friends. But for us, the one place that has Christmas and the holidays covered in every way, shape or form is the Walt Disney World Resort.

The Grand Canyon, Dinosaurs, and a Railroad, Pt. 2

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In part one of this article (which, I am embarrassed to say was back in September!), I discussed the origins of the Grand Canyon Diorama, part of "the big finish" to the Grand Circle Tour around Disneyland aboard the Disneyland Railroad. The second half of the tunnel display is an amazing view of dinosaurs called "The Primeval World" which originated at the 1965/65 New York World's Fair. The Fair truly provided an explosion of new attractions at the park, including "it's a small world," "Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln," The Carousel of Progress, and The PeopleMover.

Mousefest 2008...The Best One Yet!

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It's hard to believe but another year has gone by and Christmas is again upon us. And with the season also comes Mousefest 2008! Time just flies by so fast. We eagerly await the coming of Mousefest, but it goes by too quickly. It's sad to say good-by to friends who all share the common love of Disney, where everyone feels like family, but I know I will see them again next year. For me, this is my 4th Mousefest, I only wish I could have attended in the beginning, but whether you're a veteran or a newbie, the same feeling of belonging is there, and I believe this is what makes Mousefest so special. I think, at least for me, this is the best Mousefest yet. Why? Well several things. First there have been a few big changes this year. For one, our much-loved "Mousefest 101" which had us taking over the Tomorrowland Noodle Station (Usually the same time the Castle Show was on!) was now in the Contemporary Resort Nutcracker Ballrooms 2 & 3. A vast improvement, everyone could hear with the PA system and no competing with the Magic Kingdom noise.

Walt Disney World Moms Panel...A New Way To Plan You Disney Vacation

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

For anyone who has not yet heard about the Walt Disney World Moms Panel, it is one of the most innovative and new ways for anyone who has never been to Walt Disney World or who has a list of questions about the parks and services to get that information on a peer to peer basis. This new addition to the Disney website, www.disneyworldmoms.com consists of a panel of real Moms (And Dads) chosen for their knowledge and experience by Disney to help others in planning their dream Disney vacation. There are countless websites, books, blogs, podcasts and everything in-between offering advice and tips, but the best place of course is Disney's own Website and vacation planning experts who can literally plan your entire vacation from soup to nuts. But the Mom's panel is made up of real parents, Moms and Dads who have gleaned their knowledge of Disney from planning their own vacations and those of friends and family, and have personally been to Disney, some countless times who can answer questions with their "Personal Opinions and Advice".