MyMagic+

Do you look forward to more of Disney’s next generation advances like “MyMagic+”?

Tom Staggs, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman, wrote about MyMagic+ today on the Disney Parks blog:

“A major component of MyMagic+ is the new My Disney Experience website and mobile app, which gives guests planning their trip the latest information on all Walt Disney World Resort has to offer. We know that some people like to plan every aspect of their Disney vacation in advance while others like to plan very little, letting their day unfold spontaneously.”

“No matter where guests fall in that spectrum, My Disney Experience gives them the flexibility to plan as much or as little as they’d like to create the exact Disney experience they want. They can book dining and other experiences and reserve times for their favorite attractions, shows and more through an enhanced FastPass system, FastPass+. Once they arrive, they can use their smart phones to spontaneously change their plans in the moment, exploring our parks at their own pace and getting the most out of their visit.”

Articles:

“Disney unveils ‘MyMagic+,’ the centerpiece of its sweeping NextGen technology project” – Orlando Sentinel

“At Disney Parks, a Bracelet Meant to Build Loyalty (and Sales)” – New York Times

One bracelet to rule them all! ^_^ My preciousssss…

If you’ve ever read “Down & Out in the Magic Kingdom”, it seems we’re on our way to what Cory Doctorow wrote as science fiction years ago.

Here’s a thought: Guys! Guys! MyMagic+ can be abbreviated to MM+! (MickeyMouse) (MinnieMouse)

What are your thoughts on NextGen and MyMagic+ — leave a reply below or follow me (DisneyEcho) on Twitter and leave a comment there!

Tickets are still available! Disneyland’s famed Tahitian Terrace to reopen for one night only

Disneyland Tahitian Terrace menu by Miehana[

ANAHEIM, CA—Disneyland is preparing to re-open its legendary Tahitian Terrace restaurant to allow guests to once again surround themselves in its tropical island splendor as they dine in the heart of the theme park’s jungles of Adventureland.

The catch is that the restaurant will be opening for one night only, on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012.

“We’ve been planning this for years,” said Dave Breiland, host of the Mousetalgia podcast, which is hosting the evening along with vacation experts MEI Travel. “Disneyland has been working with us to develop the event, and everything has finally fallen into place. I think this night is going to be something very, very special.”

The Tahitian Terrace is a restaurant and dinner show that existed at Disneyland from 1962 until 1993, when the restaurant was closed and the location was re-themed to become “Aladdin’s Oasis,” and a new dinner show based on the popular animated film was offered. Aladdin’s Oasis was short-lived as a dinner show, and the space has not been used regularly as a dining location since.

In its heyday, the Tahitian Terrace served menu items such as Barbecued Pineapple Ribs, Broiled Teriyaki Steaks, and Catamaran Chicken Salads, along with its famous Polynesian Rum Cake and Jungle Julips. The menu for the special October opening will be inspired by this original menu.

The original dinner show featured Polynesian dancers, who would shimmy to the music of a three- piece band playing traditional island music. The dancers would wear various outfits appropriate for each dance, whether it be a hula dress or a Tahitian grass skirt. The show ended with a dramatic firewalk and a dance with whirling, flaming knives.
Mousetalgia’s event will imitate the original show as closely as possible. Disneyland’s entertainment department is designing both the show and the area decor, which will completely disguise the current “Aladdin”-based theming and bring the tropical paradise back to the theater for the night.

Additionally, WED Imagineer Rolly Crump will be attending the event to discuss his role in creating Adventureland’s decor, and his work on Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. Crump worked directly for Walt Disney on many elements of Disneyland Park.

“The Tahitian Terrace has been gone for almost two decades, and fans have been longing for the chance to revisit it since the day it closed,” Breiland said. “Finally, here’s their chance.”

Tickets to the event are $259 per person. Visit http://www.mousetalgiastore.com to purchase tickets, or for more information.

For more information, contact Kristen Pfeifer at (415) 260-6911, or email kristen@mousetalgia.com.

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Disney rereleases classic Song of the South

Disney rereleases classic Song of the South

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Star Wars Weekends 2011

From StarWars.com…

Star Wars Weekends 2011 will be held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 20-June 12.

A complete and more detailed Star Wars Weekends celebrity lineup will be announced soon, but here are two fan-favorites returning for 2011:

Anthony Daniels, known worldwide for his portrayal of everyone’s favorite protocol droid, C-3PO, will return this year for Weekend 1 (May 20-22) and Weekend 2 (May 27-29).

Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano, in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, will appear each weekend this year as Celebrity Host of a behind-the-scenes talk show entitled “Clone Wars: Behind the Force.” Ashley is no stranger to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Ashley, who grew up in central Florida, had one of her first show-business roles as a parade performer at the theme park.

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Disney and Yahoo might make an Internet TV deal

According to the Wall Street Journal and other sources, The Walt Disney Co. is considering making some of its television content available for Yahoo’s Internet TV service.

I think it is something the forward-thinking Walt Disney would have done had he lived long enough to still have control of his company in today’s world.

What are your thoughts? Agree or disagree?

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Disney Fantasy Sets Sail in April 2012

CELEBRATION, Fla. (Oct.18, 2010) – The Disney Fantasy will sail her maiden voyage on April 7, 2012, bringing even more innovation, unique guest experiences and personalized service for which Disney Cruise Line is renowned. A sister ship to the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy will feature an AquaDuck water coaster, magical children’s areas, world-class entertainment, delightful dining, retreats for adults and immersive experiences for guests of all ages with beloved Disney stories and characters.

Guests will be able to book Disney Cruise Line sailings, including the Disney Fantasy, for the initial part of the 2012 season beginning Oct. 20, 2010. The Disney Fantasy will sail out of Port Canaveral, Fla. on the popular seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern and western – including a stop at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

The Disney Dream will continue to sail three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, while the Disney Wonder will remain on the west coast, sailing Mexican Riviera itineraries from the Port of Los Angeles. To start the 2012 season, the Disney Magic will sail alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries.

“The Disney Fantasy continues our tradition of sailing beautifully-designed vessels that offer innovations, world-class guest service and memorable family vacation experiences like only Disney can do,” said Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz. “We are delighted to expand our offerings to provide guests with more options and more flexibility to enjoy a Disney family cruise.”

Additional Disney Fantasy details and 2012 itinerary information will be released at a later date.

Disney Fantasy 2012 Schedule (April – Aug.)

The Disney Fantasy will depart on her maiden voyage April 7, 2012, and will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel). Both itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for the seven-night Caribbean cruise itineraries on the Disney Fantasy start at $959 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Disney Dream 2012 Schedule (Jan. – Aug.)

The Disney Dream will sail alternating three-, four- and five-night cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Five-night itineraries will include two stops at Castaway Cay.

Rates for Disney Dream Bahamas cruises start at $333 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Disney Wonder 2012 Schedule (Jan. – April)

The Disney Wonder will sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas.

Rates for the seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary start at $658 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Disney Magic 2012 Schedule (Jan. – April)

Prior to the Disney Fantasy entering service on April 7, the Disney Magic will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel). Both itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for the seven-night Caribbean itineraries on the Disney Magic start at $707 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom, government taxes and fees not included.

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Guest trying to choke WDW bus driver results in bus driver placed on paid leave of absence

Advisory: This video shows a Walt Disney World guest trying to choke a Disney bus driver and the guest reportedly also threw his baby at the man! Parental discretion is advised (which is more than the male parent guest had).

From the YouTube description in the video, taken by one of the many eyewitneses, “…a man and his wife with her baby were waiting for the bus. There wasn’t enough room on the bus so the bus driver told them he would call another one. The man was enraged and THREW THE BABY AT THE BUS DRIVER. The woman got her baby and moved back away from them. (then I started recording) That’s when the man started attacking the bus driver then everyone called security… my friends and i were sitting by the line for the bus and I hurried to get my camera out. I missed recording the most intense part of this fight though.

It happened while they were at Disney’s Hollywood Studios waiting for the Epcot bus. You see enough in the 3-minute video that is VERY upsetting and it is the male adult guest who seems to be the perpetrator. What’s happening with some people nowadays?

The Orlando Sentinel reports that the Disney bus driver has been placed on paid leave of absence while what appears to be an unprovoked attack by the male guest is investigated. In the video you can hear the guest shouting at the bus driver, “We have a baby, you know”We’re supposed to get the priorities.”

Geesh! What’s up with some people nowadays?

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