Walt Disney World Resort sure had a memorable year – from celebrating major anniversaries to marking continued progress on new attractions, the Disney Parks Blog team really had a lot of exciting news to cover in 2011.

That said, here are their picks for the top-five Walt Disney World Resort stories of the year.

1. Magic Kingdom Park Marks 40 Years – I was lucky enough to cover this milestone in person at Magic Kingdom Park on Oct. 1.
2. Mickey Tests Some Magic Words at Walt Disney World – In my opinion, this was one of the most amazing videos we posted in all of 2011. It shows a Mickey meet-and-greet experience that was tested earlier this year at Magic Kingdom Park.
3. AVATAR Coming to Disney Parks – Social Media Director Tom Smith broke the story of a new land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom back on Sept. 20. The new area will based on James Cameron’s award-winning film, “AVATAR.”
4. Beast Castle: Behind the Scenes with Walt Disney Imagineers – This blog post was our first inside look at the new Beast Castle, currently under construction in New Fantasyland. The area will begin opening in phases in fall 2012.
5. Walt Disney Imagineers Install Nemo Icons at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – This video post gave our readers their first look inside this new resort, which is set to open in phases beginning in May 2012.

What would you add to the list?

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Chip (6718 Posts)

Chip is owner of and webmaster of Chip and Co - Your source for Disney Park News, Planning Tips, Giveaways, and More. When he is not writing about Disney News, or Planning Tips, you will find him counting down the days to his next Disney World Vacation. Watch for him at the 2013 D23 Expo or over on the Chip and Co Facebook Page.