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Disney Legend Marty Sklar Dies at 83

The death of Legendary Disney Imagineer Martin A. "Marty" Sklar at age 83 has left the Disney community heartbroken. We here at Walt Disney World for Grown-ups mourn with out friends and colleagues as we honor one of the most beloved Imagineers. If you love the Disney Parks, you have been touched in some way by the indomitable spirit and Imagineering of Marty Sklar. He was a mentor to generations of Cast Members and Imagineers, and a icon to Disney fans around the globe.

Disney Parks and Resorts Celebrating 60 Years of Imagineering at D23 Expo

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Walt Disney Imagineering and the origins of Disney Parks and Resorts, and as part of the celebration Imagineering is hosting an open house at the D23 Expo in August, offering guests an unprecedented look at the creative process that happens within Imagineering.

Chat With Disney Imagineer Reveals Reimagined Test Track Details

Today over at the Disney Parks Blog, a live chat was held with Imagineer Melissa Jeselnick. The Imagineer revealed some details about the currently-being-revamped Test Track in Epcot.

First off, Jeselnick said guests can expect a totally different queue area, noting it "will look like nothing guests are used to seeing it look." The design aspect of automotives will dominate the queue; look for "items, sketches, cars and models from GM that have never been seen outside the Chevrolet family."

'Poster Art of the Disney Parks' Book Coming to Disney Parks Soon

It's a book that's been four years in the making, and now it's almost ready to make its debut in Disney Parks Stores. "Poster Art of the Disney Parks," the creation of Disney Imagineers Vanessa Hunt and Danny Handke, showcases posters utilized by Disney to convey the essence of its theme parks and attractions.

The book includes over 300 posters and concepts, including some "never before seen" prints and almost all of the original 1950's Disneyland posters. Says author and Imagineer Hunt about her book:

Articles

Classic Disney Attractions Influenced By The 1964 World's Fair

When Disneyland opened in 1955, Walt Disney's team of imagineers lacked the tools and knowledge to create most of the attractions that we see in the parks today. Many of the technological concepts that fuel todays attractions simply didn't exist yet and many exist today because of the research and experimentation of those early imagineers - with a little bit of outside help.

More Details Revealed on Rivers of Light at Disney's Animal Kingdom

As recent guests have experienced while playing at Disney's Animal Kingdom there's a lot of construction going on. One of the most obvious projects is the groundwork that have been being laid on the wide Discovery River Lake, between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest. This will be the new home of a spectacular evening extravaganza called "Rivers of Light."

Previewing The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

The last bit of the New Fantasyland is still under construction at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, but each day fans get a little closer to getting to ride on the "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train." The opening date is set for "later this Spring" but when exactly we still don't know. Walls have been down and a there were even some test riders recently. The rock-work is getting its finishing touches and the top of the mountain planted.

Limited Time Magic: Week 41

Halloween head-wear is all the rage for a this week's Limited Time Magic at the Disney Parks. Show off your high spirited fashion with a little head topping fun. After all, it is the Year of the Ear!

Visit The Song Of The South On Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain made its Walt Disney World debut in 1992 at the Magic Kingdom, after originally opening in 1989 at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. The classic flume ride was made into a Disney fan favorite under the guidance of Disney Legend Imagineer Tony Baxter.

Test Track Presented by Chevrolet

Epcot's all a buzz for the re-opening of the brand new Test Track Presented by Chevrolet. The pavilion opened originally with the park, in 1982, as GM's 'World of Motion' and then was redesigned as the thrilling 'GM Test Track' in 1998. Today, after months of closure (renovations began back in April) this Future World staple is back with a fresh coat of paint and a brand new sponsor.

Dine with an Imagineer

Have you ever wanted to sit down and chat with a Walt Disney World Imagineer? Well it turns out that Disney offers you that opportunity with their Dine with an Imagineer program.