Magic Kingdom

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Parts of "Very Merry" Comes To Magic Kingdom Now Through New Year's

Looks like Walt Disney World is incoporating some elements from the after-hours, special-ticket-required Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party into its daytime Magic Kingdom schedule now through New Year's. Guests braving the crowds at the Magic Kingdom this year can now catch Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and "Holiday Wishes," a nighttime fireworks display.

2012 Night of Joy Lineup Released

Even though we're not quite done with 2011, plans for next year's Night of Joy are already underway. Recently, Disney released the lineup of artists set to perform during this contemporary Christian music fest. Night of Joy is slated to run Friday, September 7 and Saturday, September 8, 2012, at the Magic Kingdom.

The acts that will bring music to the Disney stages on Septemer 7 are: Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, NEEDTOBREATHE, Red, Francesca Battistelli, Brandon Heath, Royal Tailor, and Disciple.

Walt Disney World Testing Mickey's Voice

After all these years of silence when strolling through the park, it seems Mickey may have found his voice. There are reports coming out of the Magic Kingdom that the iconic mouse is greeting guests with words.

It looks like Disney is giving the speaking Mickey a test run over the next few weeks. While Mickey has spoken in the past at Disneyland in 2010 and the most recent D23 Expo, this will be the first trial of him vocally interacting with guests inside a WDW park.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party To Feature New Characters

It's a favorite for many Disney fans and guests, and this year it will feature some new characters. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, set to kickoff this next Tuesday, will bring fan favorites to the Magic Kingdom during the season.

Phineas and Ferb, who received their own meet and greet experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios this summer, will park-hop to the Magic Kingdom. Look for them to be available for pictures and autographs in Tomorrowland.

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.

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.

Details Surface Regarding Walt Disney World's 40th Anniversary Celebration on October 1

Disney to date has seemed fairly tight-lipped about what's in store to celebrate 40 years of Walt Disney World. Recently, though, some of the big day's plans have emerged and give guests an idea of what to expect on October 1 at the Magic Kingdom.

First off, a special 40th anniversary presentation will start at 10 a.m. at the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage. Mum's still the word on the presentation's details, but it's said that many guests have been planning for an early trip to the MK that day.

Magic Kingdom Parking Signs Get Hero and Villain Updates

It's heroes versus villains at the Magic Kingdom . . . well, sort of. It appears that earlier this week work began to update the Magic Kingdom's parking lot to help make it easier for guests to locate their cars.

Construction on Four Seasons to Begin in December

Earlier this summer, we brought you a snippet about the Four Seasons hotel opening being delayed until 2014. Now, news out of Orlando is that the upscale hotel company has the funds in place and expects to begin construction this December.

The amount of financing Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts now has to start the long-planned project is said to be $360 million.

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Articles

Four Fantastic In Park Breakfasts at Walt Disney World

When talking about Disney Dining there's often a big focus on what's for dinner, sometimes we tend to forget that there are other meals in the day. At heart, I'm a breakfast girl, and some of you out there may be as well, after all "they" say it's our most important meal. I love all sorts of breakfast foods, and with late nights at the park my family tends to sleep in and often we don't even get out of the room before 10:00am.

Disney Time Sweepstakes to Give Away 31 Vacations in January 2013

Disney has announced a brand new sweepstakes for the coming of 2013 and you could win some Disney Time! Starting on January 1st, and throughout the remainder of the month Disney Parks will award no less than 31 Vacations! Hopeful fans may submit one entry daily by choosing one of their choice of the following vacations, at either the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resorts. There's even a special trip geared just towards Grown Ups!

The Magic Kingdom's Liberty Belle Riverboat

Located in Liberty Square at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom you can find one of the more unique vessels in the Disney Fleet. An authentic steam powered stern mounted paddle wheeler ferrying guests along the Rivers of America named the Liberty Bell.

Walt Disney World 2012 Christmas by The Numbers

Disney's Enchanted Florist leads a small army of designers and florists, every year to create the miles of garland, glitter, twinkling lights and ribbon transform Walt Disney World Resort into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Along with the larger Events Group, she and her marry elves work year round to plan on making every year even more magical then the last. Here are just a few of the details that go into making the whole property twinkle.

LeFou’s Brew Mocktail at Gaston’s Tavern

Now that the New Fantasyland has been conducting soft openings, guests are reporting on all of the magic just waiting for us outside of Cinderella's Castle walls. We've talked a little previously about fun mocktails that can be found at Walt Disney World's bars and lounges, but what about in Park fun?

Walt Disney World's Bay Lake

Across the Water Bridge from the Seven Seas Lagoon and behind Disney's Contemporary Resort is the beautiful Bay Lake. A natural body of water with two small islands Bay Lake is about one mile across and 35 feet deep. When Walt Disney and his staff were searching for property in Florida to but Walt Disney World, Bay Lake was one of the reasons that they chose the spot they did. Walt believed that it was an attractive feature that would add amenities and value to his guests.

Tips for Magic Kingdom Parade Watching

What time is the 3 o'clock parade is a popular question cast members at the Magic Kingdom are asked over and over again. In fact, they've even made a t-shirt with the question on it. But, if you want to be a little savvier than that, here are a few tips for Magic Kingdom parade viewing.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Begins Again on Nov. 9th, 2012

Now that the Halloween Season is past it's time to look forward to what many Disney fans believe is the most magical time of the year, the Winter Holiday. Beginning this weekend, on November 9th, 2012 you can celebrate the magic of the holiday season with your family at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. This special after hours event is held on select nights in November and December at Magic Kingdom theme park!

The Country Bear Jamboree at the Magic Kingdom

Melinda touched on it last week and I wanted to delve a little deeper into the Country Bear Jamboree in the Magic Kingdom's Frontierland. Recently reopened after having been closed for refurbishment. Disney knows that rehabs can put fans of an attraction on edge. Though it's important to keep everything in good shape, most guests want their favorites to remain the same.

A Walk Down Main Street USA

Main Street, U.S.A. is the first "themed land" inside the main entrance at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom and other Disney Parks around the world. As you walk beneath the train station overhead, you cross through a portal to another time. You notice that there's a Victorian theme throughout Main Street, yet the architectural styles represent several distinct areas of the country.