Here are some of the new things happening around Walt Disney World this summer. We’ve written about some of these before, but some of this is brand new information. Be sure to get a copy of our Summer 2009 issue for more information on many of these happenings. Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration Everybody’s favorite galactic pal [...]

They’re all ears. Singer/songwriter Katy Perry (left) and actress Hayden Panettiere strike a pose April 25, 2009 with Minnie Mouse at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The duo was enjoying the theme park prior to their evening performance for the Disney Grad Nite, an annual, in-park celebration for high school seniors. Panettiere stars on the NBC series [...]

The Characters in Flight helium balloon ride at Downtown Disney officially opened on April 21, 2009. The balloon, operated by Aerophile, takes up to thirty guests 400 feet in the air for around five minutes, providing 360-degree views of all of Walt Disney World and the surrounding Orlando area. One of the most-discussed aspects of [...]

At this past weekend’s FX! International Show, a Disney products panel was held, hosted by Disney product developer Brad Schoeneberg, in which new merchandise was revealed for the upcoming Star Wars Weekends event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here are some of the highlights (click the images to enlarge them): New to this year’s Star Wars [...]

From wdwcelebrations.com: On Friday May 1, 2009, the date of the anniversary, the park will open at 8:00 am with a special rope drop ceremony welcoming guests into the park to kick off the celebration. In addition, two special sessions to commemorate the anniversary will take place in the Premiere Theater, one at 9:00 am [...]

Recently, we have added downloadable high-definition versions of our most recent videos to our Videos section. These include: MC Hammer at Universal Studios Mardi Gras A tour through The Holy Land Experience Racing experiences at the Walt Disney World Speedway Zipline Safari at Forever Florida 2009 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival opening celebration The American [...]

Volume 2, Issue 3 (April / May 2009) of Orlando Attractions Magazine is now available for preview and pre-Order. FEATURES: • COVER STORY: Idol Opportunity Visitors to Disney’s Hollywood Studios get into the act in the new American Idol Experience. • Unleash Your Inner Celebrity VIP tours offer a unique way to see Orlando’s theme [...]

Disney Interactive Studios today announced Toy Story Mania!, inspired by the Disney/Pixar animated feature Toy Story, will be released exclusively for the Wii home video game console this fall. Toy Story Mania! showcases an array of entertaining games based on Disney’s Hollywood Studios attraction, while featuring the iconic characters and humor from the popular Disney/Pixar [...]

ESPN the Weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Feb. 27 to March 1) will feature a “who’s who” lineup of athletes and ESPN personalities involved in a one-of-a-kind experience for sports fans of all ages. The growing list of big names from sports scheduled to appear during the sixth edition of ESPN the Weekend includes Super [...]

Rounding out our ongoing coverage of the American Idol Experience world premiere event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on February 12, 2009 is a video series of the entire show that Disney put on for the media. I’ve split it into several parts for easier consumption. It’s kind of like watching the American Idol television show [...]

Here’s another fun video from the premiere of the American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It features all 27 of the American Idol celebrities that were in attendance for the event gathering together and posing for the cameras, chatting between shots. httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7Qdvg573E0 Included in this video are Jordin Sparks, Fantasia Barrino, Kelly Clarkson, Paula [...]

While on the blue carpet, we had a chance to interview eight of the American Idol celebrities that were in attendance for the premiere of the American Idol Experience attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Here are the interviews: httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL72sVp0lMk Justin Guarini, American Idol Season 1 Runner-Up httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJR3ORkM9JI Carly Smithson, American Idol Season 7 Finalist httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7rB4_W-3-8 [...]

Here are just a few samples of the more than 100 pictures now in our photo gallery from The American Idol Experience premier on Thursday night. You’ll see all the stars in attendance from the motorcade, to the blue carpet interviews, to the show, to the photo shoot afterwards and the after party. Click Here [...]

The new American Idol Experience attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios was host to the largest gathering of American Idol alumni ever, including all seven previous winners. David Cook and Carrie Underwood performed separately and together on the attraction’s stage.  Here are all three performances with high-quality binaural audio (wear headphones for the best experience): httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPpe9qDnM-4 [...]

You can watch the celebrity arrivals down Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios LIVE right here tomorrow (February 12) from 4:30 p.m. through 6:45 p.m. EST at http://attractionsmagazine.com/idol.php The video stream uses Windows Media so watching on a computer running Microsoft Windows is highly recommended. The video may not work on a non-Windows computer.

Here’s the official list of American Idol celebrities that you can see during the motorcade at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on February 12 at 4:30pm:Paula AbdulDavid ArchuletaFantasia BarrinoBo BiceJason CastroDavid CookBucky CovingtonDiana DeGarmoMelinda DoolittleSimon Fuller (Idol Creator)Josh GracinJustin GuariniTaylor HicksMichael JohnsLaKisha JonesKimberley LockeSanjaya MalakarMandisaSyesha MercadoRyan SeacrestChris SlighCarly SmithsonJordin SparksPhil StaceyRuben StuddardCarrie UnderwoodBrooke WhiteAce Young While the [...]

American Idol runner-up and fan favorite David Archuleta speaks about The American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98BsWqYE1bI

Volume 2, Issue 2 (February / March 2009) of Orlando Attractions Magazine is now available for pre-order! We’re expecting it back from the printer very soon, so orders should be mailed out this week. This new issue includes: • Solving Top Secret Missions with Kim Possible New adventure at Epcot turns guests into undercover agents. • Vehicular [...]

If you’re not an American Idol fan, don’t stop reading quite yet, as you might be surprised with my thoughts about this new attraction. Before I walk you through my tour from earlier today via photos, here are a few quick reactions: 1. The American Idol Experience is quite entertaining. I watch American Idol on [...]

Here’s a look at the complete audition process for Disney’s American Idol Experience: httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjbuMXxEWnI The attraction officially opens on February 14 but is currently open in a “test and adjust” phase.