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Category Archives: Rides
Storybook Circus ‘soft-opens’ at Magic Kingdom Park Photos
This week was a big day for the Magic Kingdom! The first phase of the new Storybook Circus area of Fantasyland “soft” opened to guests including:
- The first part of “Dumbo, the Flying Elephant,” with Dumbo spinning clockwise for the first time in Magic Kingdom history
- “The Barnstormer, Starring The Great Goofini,” a family coaster attraction featuring Mickey’s best pal and
- “The Fantasyland Train Station,” one of the three stops for The Walt Disney World Railroad.
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“The Storybook Circus area pays tribute to the traveling circuses of the 1950s and 1960s – the setting for Walt Disney’s Dumbo – and we’ve put a lot of signature Imagineer details into every nook and cranny” said Chris Beatty, Creative Director, Fantasyland Expansion for Walt Disney Imagineering.
Dumbo, one of the circus’ most famed acts, flies guests around the Big Top area – featuring shiny new red and gold colors (inspired by ‘50s- and ‘60s-era tin toys), newly-created signature illustrations from one of the animators of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” and a beautiful new water feature circling the base of the attraction – a first for the Magic Kingdom Park attraction.
“We were truly honored to be asked to design the new Dumbo,” Beatty said. “Every time a new piece of it came in, it would get us excited all over again.”
The Storybook Circus has just set up shop and peanuts, hoof and paw prints can be seen in the walkways – remnants of the circus animals and guests milling about the area.
The Great Goofini, the circus’ stuntman, presents for guests one of his most daring stunts – The Barnstormer – which features an amazing array of aerial acrobatics. Some of the Great Goofini’s other stunts can be seen in posters around the circus area including “Bear Wrasslin” and “Aquamaniac.” The stunts and posters are a tip of the hat to some of the great Goofy short subjects of the ‘50s and ‘60s.
And the Fantasyland Train Station design pays homage to both the elegant train travel of America’s past and Disney history, complete with a Casey-Junior-inspired weather vane and Carolwood Park sign, with “Fair Weather Place,” a nod to “Fair Weather Route,” Walt’s tag line for the Carolwood Pacific Railroad, the steam engine Walt Disney had running through his backyard.
The attractions are in what we, in the biz, call “soft opening,” which means that they will be open at certain times and not at others.
This is just the first phase in what will become the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom Park history – nearly doubling the size of Fantasyland.
Related articles
- Fantasyland’s Storybook Circus Will Open By Late March, Snow White Closing May 31st (chipandco.com)
- Soft Opening of Storybook Circus and New Buses Coming to Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
Soft Opening of Storybook Circus and New Buses Coming to Walt Disney World
Here there guys and gals Anonymouse here.
Its been a busy week already and its only Tuesday! Yesterday the Magic Kingdom decided to open the doors early on the Storybook Circus. Opening the Great Goofini & Dumbo.
There is no reason to reinvent the wheel so I will post a link to one of my favorite Disney Videographers Jeff Lange who I think has some beautiful pictures and video available to check out.
If that News/Gossip wasn’t enough it seems Disney has been testing out some new buses around the parks. These accordion style buses should help with the overcrowding that seems to occur every time I at Walt Disney World.
Check out this video to see them in action.
So far there is just one being tested. As far as how many seats being added or if they fit in the traditional parking space is not being released. What I would love to see is Disney running more vehicles off of Bio Diesel or other alternative fuels instead of stinky old diesel.
Anywho that is all the Disney Gossip I have right now. For my past Gossip articles be sure to check them out here.
Got any good gossip/rumors? Please email me at AnonyMouse@chipandco.com or on my Facebook Page
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- Fantasyland’s Storybook Circus Will Open By Late March, Snow White Closing May 31st (chipandco.com)
Grand Opening of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Theatre on June 15
The Happiest Place on Earth will get even happier June 15, 2012, with the grand opening of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and the Carthay Circle Theatre at Disney California Adventure park. The exciting, new additions will complete the five-year expansion of Disneyland Resort, a premier, multi-day vacation destination in Southern California with two theme parks, three hotels and the Downtown Disney shopping and dining district.
With four new attractions opening at Disney California Adventure park, full day-to-night experiences at both parks, and the magical transformation of the Disneyland Hotel with new pools, themed suites and remodeled rooms, guests of all ages will enjoy more fun and adventure than ever before at the Disneyland Resort.
Cars Land expands Disney California Adventure by 12 acres and immerses guests in the thrilling world of the Disney•Pixar blockbuster “Cars.” Guests will feel as if they have stepped into the town of Radiator Springs as they enjoy three family attractions showcasing characters and settings from the movie, plus “Cars”-themed dining and shopping locations such as Flo’s V8 Café, Ramone’s House of Body Art and Radiator Springs Curios.
One of the largest and most elaborate attractions ever created for a Disney park, Radiator Springs Racers is a twisting, turning, high-speed adventure through Ornament Valley and the town of Radiator Springs. Luigi’s Flying Tires invites guests to glide on air aboard special tires, whirling around with their pals. At Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, guests will whip around behind a baby tractor and enjoy tunes from a giant jukebox built from Mater’s most prized possessions.
Starting June 15, guests will enter Disney California Adventure along Buena Vista Street, a place that transports them to an era when Walt Disney arrived in California with new dreams: 1920s Los Angeles. Buena Vista Street features Red Car Trolleys, inspired by the transportation system that once served Southern California, and the Carthay Circle Theatre, modeled after the site of the 1937 world premiere of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Carthay Circle Theatre will include a lounge and the elegant Carthay Circle Restaurant, designed to be the premier dining location in Disney California Adventure.
Adding to the fun at Disney California Adventure this summer will be the new Mad T Party in Hollywood Land, the return of Pixar Play Parade, and the new Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop at Pacific Wharf. Mad T Party will feature nighttime, family fun inspired by the wild and whimsical world of Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland.”
The summer debuts of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Theatre complement previous additions to the park, including the 4D fun of Toy Story Mania; the spectacular after-dark “World of Color” show; The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure; Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta and Paradise Garden Grill restaurants, plus the re-themed attractions Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Silly Symphony Swings and Goofy’s Sky School.
To accommodate a media preview and make final preparations for the exciting debuts, Disney California Adventure will be closed June 14. The fun, new attractions, locations and entertainment will open to the public June 15.
Related articles
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Disney Work Planning Tips for Plus Sized Travelers
What to do when one size doesn’t fit all?
With millions of visitors from around the world, it would be impossible to fabricate accommodations that would be ideal for everyone in Disney parks. If the “one size fits all” philosophy doesn’t apply to you, don’t worry, you aren’t out of luck.
There are three main areas where the majority of size worries may arise: rooms, restaurants and rides. In true Disney style…there really is something and somewhere for everyone; let’s look at what Disney is doing to make their parks fit for everyone.
- Rooms: If you would prefer a king sized bed, be sure to request one at the time of your reservation.. Rooms with king beds are becoming increasingly limited so if this is important to you, be sure to note it up front. While the Disney resorts have all of that Disney magic you’ve come to love, they may not have the square footage you have become accustomed to. Value resorts generally have the same square footage (approximately 260 sq ft) the moderates vary in size. To view the room layouts and footage and take a virtual tour click here. Caribbean Beach offers the most space (340 square feet) and the other moderates have 314 square feet.
- Restaurants: When you make your dining reservations, request a table or booth, whatever is more comfortable for you and when you check in at your restaurant, make your request again with the host or hostess. There are chairs without arms available at most restaurants. If you have any additional concerns about your dining experience, ask a cast member; they should either assist you, or find someone who can.
- Rides: If there is ever any doubt that one size doesn’t fit all, take a visit to Fantasyland. These rides are built for little one’s and you’ll find the accommodations are suited for pint sized prince’s and petite princesses. Look around the attraction before you get in line and see if you think the space is adequate for you, some attractions have ride cars outside so you can physically “test drive” them. Disney is always focused on safety first, ask a cast member for a seatbelt extender if you aren’t comfortable with the standard lap belt. Here’s a fast fact-Rock’n Roller Coaster and Test Track have more leg room in the front cars, Space Mountain has more leg room in the back car.
Of course there are far more needs than fit into these categories, so here are a few extra tips:
- The restrooms will all have a limited amount of handicapped accessible stalls which will give you more space.
- The turn styles at the park gates aren’t the only way in, ask to go through the stroller gates if you’re worried about fitting through the turn style.
- Know your options-Different rides and attractions offer different types of seating (lap bar, overhead bar, theatre seating, etc) know what doesn’t work for you and ask a cast member if alternatives are available.
- Check weight and activity restrictions on tours and special experiences, for example horseback riding and the Segway tour have a limit of 250lbs.
- If you have a specific worry that isn’t listed, ask a cast member, or your Disney travel agent or do some research online. Our friends over at Passporter have an entire forum dedicated to “Pooh sized” travelers and they have unlimited tips, tricks and resources!
Know any more planning tips for plus size individuals let us know in the comment box below!
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Top 5 Walt Disney World Attractions that are Underrated
Anyone planning a trip to Disney or who has been there before knows that are certain attractions that get a lot of attention and fill up the queues really quick. Therefore, some other Disney attractions that may not offer the latest technology or the biggest thrills sometimes get overlooked and are definitely underrated. This is unfortunate since some of Disney’s best secrets are underrated attractions. Therefore, I have compiled a list of Top 5 Underrated Disney World Attractions for you to check out on your next trip to Disney World!
1. Carousel of Progress-This attraction came from the mind of Walt Disney himself and was shown at the 1964 New York World’s Fair to raving reviews! Today, this show still runs in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom and has the honor of being the longest running show in American theater! The Carousel of Progress is unique in that the theater rotates around to different stages where you get to see how progress and new inventions impacted daily life in the early twentieth century. This charming show is both educational and entertaining. It’s usually not at the top of many Disney guest to-do lists; but it definitely should be! All ages enjoy it and it gives us a glimpse into the mind of Walt Disney himself.
2. TTA-This attraction is a favorite among Disney regulars, and it’s one of my personal all-time favorites too. The Tomorrowland Transit Authority WedWay People Mover has guests board a vehicle which takes you on a covered track all around Tomorrowland and even into some of the buildings and attractions! This attraction is rather simple in that the gentle ride and the view is the primary draw; but its underrated because it’s so enjoyable! Our family likes to hop on the TTA to get off our feet, enjoy the breeze you get from moving down the track, and enjoy good conversation. The seats in each car face each other which is ideal for chatting and planning the rest of the day. It’s also a great attraction for parents who have tired kids or who just need a break from the heat and crowds.
3. The American Adventure-This attraction is an audio-animatronic show located at the American Adventure pavilion at Epcot. I think this show gets overlooked as most of the attention focuses on the Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents; but the American Adventure is just as good, if not better, with it’s elaborate sets and variety of American heroes. In fact, one of the audio-animatronics actually twirls a lasso! This patriotic show is moving, entertaining, and I believe it’s a must-see for any Disney guest!
4. Living with the Land-Living with the Land is a gentle boat ride located inside The Land pavilion at Epcot. This attraction educates guest about the earth and different landscapes before taking them through greenhouses where guests witness new agricultural methods. Adults will find it very interesting; and kids will enjoy the ride and seeing Mickey shaped pumpkins being grown!
5. Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse-This classic Disney attraction is based off of the Disney film which was based off of the famous novel! This attraction is one of the most comfortable, innovative treehouses you have ever seen! At The Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, you walk through the different rooms in this tree and see how the Robinsons used whatever they had to make a home, such as a huge seashell for a sink! There are tons of detail and clever egineering everywhere so be sure to take your time and keep your eyes open!
So what do you think? Do you think these attractions are underrated? Are any of these attractions some of your favorites?
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