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Former Disney Imagineer reminisces about creating the original Star Tours

Former Walt Disney Imagineer Mark Eades (pictured here) was the media producer for the original Star Tours attraction, which first officially opened at Disneyland in California in 1987 and later at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (then Disney-MGM Studios) in Florida in 1989. With Disney’s announcement that they will be revamping the attraction into Star Tours II,…

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Photos and videos from The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has become a Christmastime tradition in Central Florida. The lights debuted at the Studios on Nov. 24, 1995, but they weren’t dancing to the music until 2006. From 1995 to 2003, the spectacle lit up Residential Street, part of the Studio Backlot Tour. In…

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Out of the Loop: A look at Disneyland’s holiday overlays

By Andy Guinigundo When I visited Disneyland this past November, I was excited that I’d able to experience the ride “overlays” of The Haunted Mansion and it’s a small world. A tiny part of me was somewhat skeptical however. Would the overlays be silly or poorly executed? I had to experience it for myself. Think…

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Photos and video from Epcot's Candlelight Processional with Whoopi Goldberg

Award-winning actress and co-host on ABC’s “The View,” Whoopi Goldberg was the featured celebrity narrator in the Candlelight Processional from Dec. 18 to 20. The Candlelight Processional is a holiday tradition which combines a retelling of the Christmas story accompanied by a 50-piece live orchestra and a mass choir. We were able to attend the…

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Muppets to lead a VoluntEARS pre-parade cavalcade at Magic Kingdom

Starting Jan. 8, 2010, Disney’s Honorary VoluntEARS Cavalcade will be coming through the Magic Kingdom (and Disneyland in California) each afternoon just before the daily parade. Muppets characters Kermit, Miss Piggy and Sweetums, along with parade dancers, will join special floats and vehicles celebrating volunteerism and presenting Honorary VoluntEARS serving as grand marshals of the…

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Star Wars Weekends to return to Disney's Hollywood Studios in May 2010

Disney has announced the dates for Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2010 as: May 21 – 23, May 28 – 30, June 4 – 6, June 11 – 13. Prior to today’s announcement, many fans thought Disney might change their usual May/June dates for the annual Star Wars-themed event to surround Star…

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Photos and videos of Justin Bieber's concert in Celebration

Radio Disney held a concert in the town of Celebration last Saturday as part of the nightly holiday Now Snowing event. The headliner was 15-year-old Justin Bieber. The corner of Front Street and Market Street was jammed with fans – mostly preteen and teen girls. Whenever someone on stage mentioned Justin’s name, I bet you…

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Tonight's Now Snowing event in Celebration includes a performance by Justin Bieber

The town of Celebration’s Now Snowing celebration features simulated snow falling on Market Street on the hour from 6 to 9 every night in December. The event also includes horse-drawn carriage rides, strolling Charles Dickens carolers, photos with Santa, ice skating and more. But tonight’s event includes a special Radio Disney concert featuring a performance…

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Captain EO confirmed to return to Disneyland in California

The official Disney Parks blog has finally confirmed the long-rumored return of “Captain EO” to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. beginning in February 2010, but only for a “limited engagement.” The 17-minute, fan-favorite 3D film stars the late Michael Jackson in a sci-fi battle and will temporarily replace “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience” in Disneyland. Unfortunately,…

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Out of the Loop: Disney Christmas in Paris and Hong Kong

By Andy Guinigundo There is perhaps no place more magical during the holidays than a Disney park. That is true stateside and internationally. Let’s take a peak a two international holiday celebrations Disney style. Paris, France – “A Fairytale Christmas Celebration” at Disneyland Paris commenced on Nov. 8 and will continue into the New Year…