Following yesterday’s naturalization ceremony at the Magic Kingdom, we had a chance to talk to senior show producer at Walt Disney Imagineering Kathy Rogers about the recent updates to the Hall of Presidents attraction. Here is our interview: Q: What was your role in the Hall of Presidents update? A: I’m responsible for coordinating the creative…
There has been plenty of coverage of Disney’s American Idol Experience attraction over the last few months (including gracing the cover of one of our recent issues), but now it’s time for the real thing. American Idol Season 9 auditions are coming to Orlando’s Amway Arena this week. Registration takes place on July 7 and…
More than 1,000 immigrants gathered on Main Street, U.S.A. early this morning to become American citizens. From more than 100 countries and ranging in age from 18 to 82, the immigrants took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States during a morning ceremony jointly hosted by Disney Parks and Resorts and United States Citizenship…
The official Web site for the White House has posted a behind-the-scenes video of President Obama recording his lines for the recent Hall of Presidents update at the Magic Kingdom along with interviews with some of Disney’s Imagineers who worked on the project: You can see the Obama audio-animatronic figure deliver the complete speech, along…
Here’s what’s happening around the tourist areas of Central Florida for July 4 this year. Magic Kingdom “Celebrate America Fireworks” will fill the sky at 9 pm. July 4 (guests who’d like to begin the celebratory weekend a day early can enjoy the special fireworks on July 3 at 9 p.m.). After the fireworks, guests…
Right now, Walt Disney World Passholders can sign up for one of several “Vacation as You Wish” sales presentations that include giveaways, character greetings, and a tour of Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Here are the official details: From July 10-12, Disney Vacation Club invites you to attend “Vacation As You Wish,” a…
The Hall of Presidents at the Magic Kingdom was recently given an overhaul, including new advanced audio-animatronic versions of US Presidents Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Barack Obama. Here’s a look at Washington and Obama as seen in the attraction, followed by my thoughts on the new show: I visited the attraction today and was…
The Pirates League is the newest buccaneer adventure in the Magic Kingdom, featuring makeovers that turn theme park guests into savvy swashbucklers. Depending on the pirate package, a trained Pirate Master can transform boys, girls (ages 3 and up) and grownups into pirates, buccaneers and maidens using facial effects, fake scars, removable teeth, hats, bandanas…
Just minutes after the press release regarding the addition of Saw to this year’s Halloween Horror Nights line-up, Universal Orlando has announced two additional icons for the year: Chucky (from the Child’s Play film series) and The Wolfman (a new movie headed to theaters in November): Find these images and more information at the official…
While the graphic above is an official promo for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights in California’s Universal Studios theme park, it has been confirmed that the Saw film series will indeed be featured at the popular Halloween event in Orlando’s Universal Studios park as well. In a press release, details for the California version were released: Saw…
