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New book explores Walt Disney and his prized Epcot project

In the middle of Central Florida swamplands and ranch property, Walt Disney aspired to build the greatest American city ever conceived – Epcot. While Disney would die before realizing this epic achievement, he still left behind the blueprint for one of the boldest and most unique projects ever proposed on American soil. Walt and the…

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Classic attraction to reopen Aug. 15 as Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

The old management is gone and the classic attraction at the Magic Kingdom will be back to its original form when it reopens Aug. 15, 2011. The show formerly known as Tropical Serenade, The Enchanted Tiki Birds, and most recently, The Enchanted Tiki Room-Under New Management, will now be known as Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki…

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New book details the inside story behind the creation of Walt Disney World

It’s a plot Jack Bauer would love – a clandestine project by one of America’s most brilliant business leaders punctuated with multiple code names, fake identities, make-shift affiliations, and unique regulatory arrangements. And while almost every traveler recognizes Walt Disney World as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, what might surprise them are…

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From stamps to Sleeping Beauty: Q&A with a former Disney animation artist

Ron Dias is an animation artist who worked for Disney Studios more than 50 years. He has also done extensive work for most of the other big Hollywood studios. The world first took note of Dias when, as a 19-year-old student, his work was chosen for a special children’s stamp by the U.S. Post Office….

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38 Years of Magic: Happy Birthday to Walt Disney World

On Oct. 1, 1971, exactly 38 years ago, Walt Disney World first opened to the public. The resort at the time featured just one theme park, the Magic Kingdom, and two hotels, the Polynesian Village Resort and the Contemporary Resort. Today, the ongoing celebration at Walt Disney World is called “What Will You Celebrate?” and…