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Photo Update: Magic Kingdom – Hall of Presidents, Space Mountain, and Tomorrowland

I spent a few hours in the Magic Kingdom the other day and kept my eyes peeled for anything new or interesting. Here’s what I found: Space Mountain is closed for refurbishment officially until Winter, though signs point to a November opening. Disney is making it very clear to all Tomorrowland visitors that the famous…

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Earn a Free On-ride Photo and Front-of-the-line pass for Manta at SeaWorld

SeaWorld is just over three weeks away from officially opening its newest roller coaster, Manta, and they’re giving Web visitors a chance to receive free digital on-ride photos and front-of-the-line passes by simply spreading the word about the attraction. Visit ridetheflyingray.com to take part in a variety of online activities including following @RealShamu on Twitter,…

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What's new and upcoming at Walt Disney World

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…

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Photo Update: Harry Potter & Islands of Adventure

Let’s start our update with what’s most interesting to most people, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You can compare the above photo with a part of the concept art below. It looks to be the entrance to the new “world”. I took this picture by the old entrance to Dueling Dragons. Just past that…

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Chief Magic Official Justin Muchoney's Surprise Unbirthday Party at Epcot

Disney’s first-ever Chief Magic Official Justin Muchoney celebrated his final day in his role at Epcot, where he randomly invited park guests to join him in a surprise Unbirthday Party in The Odyssey, featuring Alice in Wonderland decorations and characters – as well as a few surprises for Justin. On Earth Day 2008, Justin Muchoney was named…

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Stars in the Parks: Perry and Panettiere

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…

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Disney Legend Marty Sklar's Letter to Imagineers Announcing His Retirement After 53 Years

Yesterday, Walt Disney Imagineers received a letter via e-mail from Disney Legend and Imagineering Ambassador Marty Sklar in which he announced that he would be retiring from The Walt Disney Company. Here are the words he wrote: I’ve always thought that the two most important dates in Disney’s parks and resorts occurred in July and…

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Menus from Sanaa, Disney's new Kidani Village Restaurant

For those who think they have eaten all there is to eat at Walt Disney World, a new African/Indian restaurant called Sanaa is opening up at Disney’s new Kidani Village on May 1, one week from today. Kidani Village is a Disney’s Vacation Club addition to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. To decide if the cuisine at Sanaa…