Why Disney Vacation Club needs an NYC destination – DePaoli on DeParks
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Why Disney Vacation Club needs an NYC destination – DePaoli on DeParks

Thirty years ago, Disney Vacation Club (DVC) launched, and it hasn’t stopped construction since. I think when a lot of people initially hear about DVC, they likely imagine that it’s simply vacation opportunities at the Disney Parks around the world, but it’s so much more.

Why canceling Disneyland’s Annual Pass program makes sense
 – DePaoli on DeParks
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Why canceling Disneyland’s Annual Pass program makes sense
 – DePaoli on DeParks

Recently, Disneyland Resort sent shockwaves through the Disney fan community when they announced that their Annual Passport program would be discontinued. At first, I was surprised like most, but after taking a moment to think about it, it makes complete sense.

Should Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge have a more fluid timeline? – DePaoli on DeParks
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Should Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge have a more fluid timeline? – DePaoli on DeParks

The Walt Disney Company has mentioned over and over again (and seems proud of the fact) that when guests are surveyed, character interactions in the parks are always among the top-rated aspects of a Disney vacation. Whether it’s seeing your favorite characters in a parade, show or for a meet and greet, this is always a delight for many Disney fans. That’s why it’s so baffling when we hear of Disney projects where classic characters won’t be found. (I’m looking at you early-years Epcot and Disney California Adventure.)

Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents: More controversial than it’s worth? – DePaoli on DeParks
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Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents: More controversial than it’s worth? – DePaoli on DeParks

The Hall of Presidents. All you need to do is utter those words to a Walt Disney World fan and they’ll probably have strong opinions about it. Some love this opening-day attraction and never want it to go away, while others find it to be too controversial and would love to see its demise. Regardless of where you land on that spectrum, one thing is for certain: political opinions in the U.S. are at an all-time high, causing this attraction to be problematic in current times.

Combining New Year’s celebrations of Disney’s past and present – DePaoli on DeParks
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Combining New Year’s celebrations of Disney’s past and present – DePaoli on DeParks

When I think of New Year’s Eve and Disney, my mind immediately goes to Pleasure Island. No, not the Pleasure Island from the Walt Disney animated feature, “Pinocchio;” rather, the Pleasure Island that was once part of the former Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World (now Disney Springs). I never experienced Pleasure Island much, other than walking through parts of it, but I look back now and wish I was able to experience more before its demise.

Celebrate Christmas year-round at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando
 – DePaoli on DeParks
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Celebrate Christmas year-round at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando
 – DePaoli on DeParks

As the saying goes, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year.” So, of course there are many people who wish that the holidays were available year-round. In the case of Orlando’s theme parks, there are some options where you can experience Christmas all year long. As we head toward the end of 2020, let’s take a look at some of the ways you can continue celebrating throughout 2021. Keep in mind that some of these offerings may not currently be available due to temporary closures..

‘A Christmas Carol’ in the Disney Parks
 – DePaoli on DeParks
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‘A Christmas Carol’ in the Disney Parks
 – DePaoli on DeParks

“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens is one of my favorite stories of all time. I’ve seen countless theatrical productions of this classic tale and have enjoyed various movie versions throughout the years. But did you know that there have been touches of “A Christmas Carol” found in the Disney Parks along with some unrealized concepts that never came to fruition?

If the Osborne Lights came back, where could they go? – DePaoli on DeParks
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If the Osborne Lights came back, where could they go? – DePaoli on DeParks

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios was awesome in the truest sense of the word. Even if you weren’t a particular fan of what some may consider over-the-top tackiness, I’m sure you would still be in awe at the scale of this enormous holiday light display. Sadly, we all had to say goodbye to it back in 2015 to make way for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. But what if the lights were brought back to the Disney Parks in a different location? Where might they be displayed?

The confusion within Disney storytelling dark rides – DePaoli on DeParks
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The confusion within Disney storytelling dark rides – DePaoli on DeParks

A lot of folks’ earliest memories of visiting a Disney Park are the traditional and iconic dark rides like the ones found in Fantasyland. They’ve been a staple of the Disney Parks since day one of Disneyland and are appropriate for guests of all ages to experience. On opening day, there was Peter Pan’s Flight,…