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Make Plans Now For Ringing in 2012 At Walt Disney World

As the familiar song goes, what are you doing New Year's Eve? How about ringing in 2012 at Walt Disney World? Recently, Disney put out the scoop on what to expect at the parks during the last few hours of 2011.

The Magic Kingdom will celebrate by offering two fireworks shows on December 31, 2011: a holiday-themed "Wishes" show at 8:30 p.m. and a 11:15 p.m. showing of "Fantasy in the Sky." It looks like a countdown to the new year is also planned.

Epcot is holding two "Illuminations" for guests at 7:00 p.m. and 11:42 p.m. (yep, the time is that specific) to help ring in 2012.

Third WDW MouseAdventures Coming In November

The creative minds over at MousePlanet.com are planning their third Walt Disney World MouseAdventures event for this November.

The Adventures, which have been popular in Disneyland for more than ten years, will take place November 12 at Disney's Hollywood Studios and looks to be geared towards those who have a vast knowledge of all things Disney.

Disney Execs Reminisce About 40 Years

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, and two Disney execs were there for the very first day. Recently, they gave an interview to the Orlando Sentinel about their experiences with the company forty years ago.

VP Phil Holmes, who is still employed with the company, began his career at Disney working at the Haunted Mansion. He recalled the park's first day, saying he was responsible for taking guests' E-tickets (part of a ticket system at the time that dictated which attraction a guest could get in to).

More Details on Saturday's Celebration of 40th Anniversary

Here are a few more bits of info that have surfaced about the big day coming this Saturday, October 1. Disney is planning a morning parade and a nightcap of special fireworks to help celebrate the Magic Kingdom's 40 years of being the happiest place on earth.

Two New Dining Experiences at Disney

There are two new dining experiences on the horizon for Walt Disney World guests - a character lunch and a holiday dinner.

First off, the Animal Kingdom's Tusker House will be expanding the Donald and Daisy-themed character breakfast to include a character lunch. Starting December 4, the Donald's Dining Safari lunch will let guests enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet with African touches in a character dining atmosphere. Reservations for this new experience began September 15.

Disney Fined $69,000 by OSHA for Safety Violations

OSHA has cited and fined Walt Disney World for safety violations following the March death of a worker on the Animal Kingdom ride Primeval Whirl.

Russell Roscoe, a maintenance employee, was killed by one of the ride's vehicles in March as he was working on the roller coaster. The Primeval Whirl, originally closed in January for refurbishment, remained closed after the accident.

Swan and Dolphin to Host Second Annual Food & Wine Classic in October

Walt Disney World Foodies, take note: the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is gearing up to host its second annual Food and Wine Classic next month. The Classic looks to combine great food, wine and music along the causeway near Crescent Lake.

Along with the bevy of treats and eats from the resorts' award-winning restaurants, guests will have the opportunity to meet celebrity chef Todd English as well as many other resort chefs.

WDW Moms Panel Seeking Applications Starting September 12

Walt Disney World is seeking a few good moms to join their 2012 Moms Panel. Starting September 12 at 9 a.m. ET, applications can be submitted for consideration of joining the ranks of panelists who provide information and guidance to those planning Disney vacations.

This year, those who are knowledgeable about Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, Adventures by Disney, runDisney and Disney Vacation Club are being sought to join the panel.

Interested in applying for the panel? Here are the necessary qualifications:

  • Be at least 18 years old.

Grand Floridian Spa Closing in September

Walt Disney World will soon be down to one full-service spa as the spa at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa will be shutting down temporarily starting September 19.

Last Friday, Disney spokesman Brian Malenius stated, "We are in the early stages of an expansion project at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa." He went on to add the spa will "temporarily close this fall as part of a planned renovation."

Free Dining Plan Offer Back!

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World for this fall, winter or early next year? Then you're in luck! The ever-popular complimentary dining plan offer is back for those purchasing a package trip to WDW.

Here's what you need to know: guests who buy a non-discounted package of room and tickets for four nights/five days at certain Disney resorts will receive a free dining plan. The free plan offer is good for certain dates from October 2011 to March 2012.

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Simple Ways to Treat Mom at Walt Disney World

If you are planning on being in Walt Disney World over Mother's Day, don't forget to treat Mom to something special while you're touring. There are lots of ways that you can show her how much she means while still enjoying a fun family vacation.

Disney's Magical Star Cocktail

We've talked about the legendary Blue Glow-tini and Dad's Electric Lemonade, but today we've got another glowing review for a Disney cocktail that will light up your celebration in a whole new way. It's blue, it's red, it's a magical delight with a fun souvenir glow cube that can't pick just one color!

5 Things We Love About Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

During my youth I spent many a summer riding my bike and splashing in the water at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort Campground. Set within 750 acres of beautiful pine and cypress forest Disney's Fort Wilderness is a year round retreat for good old fashioned family fun. So wonderful are the childhood memories I just had to share with you 5 things that We Love about this unique Disney destination.

2014 Princess Half Marathon Weekend Gets A Royal Up-Do!

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort has become one of the premier women's running events in the nation, and next year it's getting royal addition! Princesses will be able to challenge themselves even more with an Enchanted 10K and a two-race challenge to add a little more bling to your castle.

Kick Off a ‘Monstrous Summer’ With 24 Hours at the Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World Resort will kick off a Monstrous Summer by keeping three theme parks open for 24 nonstop hours on Memorial Day Weekend. The Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park will be open to guests from 6 a.m. local, May 24 to 6 a.m. local May 25, 2013.

Must Have Souvenirs from Walt Disney World

We've all experienced that moment at Walt Disney World when you walk into a store on property and your eyes light up because you've found "it" - the perfect souvenir. For some it's an ear hat or a photo frame or a coffee mug. If you have kids you know all too well that for them, the perfect souvenir is everything in the store.

Voyage With The Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland

The original Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland was the last attraction that Walt Disney oversaw the construction of, opening just three months after his death in 1967. The attraction earned raves from guests and by popular demand a version of the attraction debuted at Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida on December 15, 1973.

Walt Disney World Limited Time Magic: Week 17

There's a party going on and you're all invited! April April 22 to April 28, 2013 Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating the 15th Anniversary of Disney's Animal Kingdom Park by throwing a "Party for the Planet." Come join the festivities centered around this Earth Week event and meet some of your favorite Disney Characters, purchase collectable merchandise, then try out some sweet treats!

Why Is The Rum Gone? Five Fantastic Rum Cocktails at Walt Disney World

Pirate Captain, Jack Sparrow is known for his love of rum. It's one of the things that the two of us have in common, and maybe you do too! In his honor I thought that I would gather together a few of the most popular Rum Drinks that you can try on your next Walt Disney World Vacation.

Disney Weddings Series: The Memories Collection

It's true that for the right price Disney can make just about all of your wedding dreams a reality. With several package collections and almost limitless customization options Disney Fairytale Weddings have the ability to make grand dreams come true for even the fussiest of Princess. But what if that's not what you're looking for? Is there a Disney Fairytale Wedding option for couples that want a intimate private event?