News Around the World

VIDEO: Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade Debuts in Magic Kingdom!
March 10, 2014
The new Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade debuted in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World on March 9, 2014.

This parade, which is billed as a tribute to Fantasyland, features brand new, innovative floats, costumes and music and nearly 100 performers. It spotlights the following movies: "The Little Mermaid", "Sleeping Beauty", "Dumbo", "Pinocchio", "Peter Pan", "Tangled", and "Brave". Michael Curry, a Tony Award Winner who collaborated with Walt Disney World previously on the Tapestry of Nations parade and Finding Nemo the Musical, worked on this parade.

MagicBands for Annual Passholders!
March 10, 2014
This month, Walt Disney World annual passholders are receiving invitations to customize and order their MagicBands. The resort has been testing its billion-dollar technology investment, called MyMagic+, for more than a year, but the test was limited to guests staying at Disney resorts.

So, annual passholders, if you've been waiting -- patiently or otherwise -- here is what you need to know about getting your MagicBands.

Disney Gallery - Mechanical Kingdoms
March 10, 2014
Contributing photographer Jason of disneygeek.com sends us these photos from his trip to the parks on Friday, March 7, 2014. This posting features a quick look at the Disney Gallery and Disneyana store exhibit titled Mechanical Kingdoms that opened last weekend.

"Shootin' Galleries" around the Disney Parks
March 10, 2014
Shooting galleries have been a part of county fairs, carnivals, boardwalks, and amusement parks for more than 200 years, and Disney Parks are no exception to this tradition. Here's a look at the history of such shooting galleries around the Disney Parks.

Hidden Mickeys in Animal Kingdom's Africa
March 08, 2014
Hidden Mickey guidebook author Steve Barrett shares some Hidden Mickeys he's found in Animal Kingdom.

Finding "Frozen" in Disney Parks
March 08, 2014
From the kingdom of Arendelle, guests can immerse themselves in the Oscar-winning animated blockbuster hit Frozen throughout Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. From meet and greets with royalty, to vacationing at the stunning sites that inspired the blockbuster film, here's where you can enjoy your own icy adventures.

Disneyland Photo Update 2/21/14
March 07, 2014
Contributing photographer Jason of disneygeek.com sends us these photos from his trip to the parks on Friday, February 21, 2014.

Pollo Campero, Bodie's, babycakesNYC to Close 3/19/14
March 07, 2014
As part of the transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs, Pollo Campero, Bodie's All-American Grill and babycakesNYC, will close as of March 19, 2014. You will, however, still be able to purchase some babycakesNYC gluten-free products at select Walt Disney World Resort food courts and restaurants. There is no word on what might replace these eateries in this location.

Dining Database "Soft Opening"
March 03, 2014
Over the past year and a half, we've been working on a comprehensive dining database that we think will be a useful tool in helping you plan your Walt Disney World vacations. Our goal is twofold -- to make it easier for you to have all the information you need about Walt Disney World dining at your fingertips, and to make it easier for us to keep that information up-to-date.

So we've pulled together all the information we have about almost every Walt Disney World dining location -- location descriptions, dining plan and discount info, menus, restaurant and food photos, videos, even recipes -- all into one place.

Here are the two main links you'll need to start navigating your way around this new database:

Dining Location Index
http://allears.net/dining/location

Menu Index
http://allears.net/dining/menu/

Please update your bookmarks accordingly.

The 2014 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, March 5 - May 18
March 03, 2014
The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival runs March 5 - May 18, 2014. Nearly 100 whimsical topiaries and its 11 tantalizing Outdoor Kitchens with sweet and savory indulgent bites are reason enough to visit the 75-day flower and garden extravaganza. Yet the park will be packed with so much more as it transforms to a rainbow-hued wonderland of sweeping gardens and exhibits. Stars of HGTV, including Alison Victoria of Kitchen Crashers and Matt Blashaw of Yard Crashers will appear each weekend at the Festival Center, Audubon will debut its new Hummingbird Garden and Mike and Sulley Monstrous Garden opens as a fun-filled play land.

        Related Links:
         -- Outdoor Kitchen Menus with Prices
         -- New Hummingbird Garden
         -- Festival Guidemap
         -- Topiary Photo Gallery
         -- Children's Activities
         -- Peek Behind the Walls Before Opening
         -- Fairy Houses to be Sold at Festival
         -- Flower Power Concerts
         -- VIDEO: Early Preview of Festival
         -- Kermit and Miss Piggy Topiary Video
         -- Flower and Garden Video Playlist
         -- HGTV Presentations
         -- General Festival Information

24 Hours of Fun on Memorial Day Weekend
February 28, 2014
The Magic Kingdom in Florida along with Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in California will be filled with great Disney heroes and villains from 6 a.m., May 23 to 6 a.m., May 24, 2014, marking the beginning of a summer of fun at Disney Parks. The celebration on both coasts will feature a cavalcade of events showcasing the good-vs.-evil of classic Disney stories, including character meet-and-greets throughout the parks, special entertainment, event merchandise, and food and beverage offerings.

Character Fun at Chef Mickey's Video
February 28, 2014
Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort features Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Donald twice a day at breakfast and dinner. A large buffet keeps you busy while the characters make their way around all the tables.

Glass Slipper Challenge Report
February 28, 2014
This past weekend featured the sixth Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend at Walt Disney World. This year there was a new race, The Enchanted 10K. And along with the new race came a new race challenge: The Glass Slipper Challenge. Those running both the 10K and the half marathon received the Glass Slipper Challenge medal in addition to their 10k and half marathon medals.

Date Change: Destination D Attraction Rewind
February 28, 2014
Today D23: The Official Disney Fan Club announced the date of Destination D: Attraction Rewind presented by H2O plus at Walt Disney World Resort will shift to November 22 and 23. Check-in and exclusive shopping opportunities will begin on Friday, November 21.

Special Family Ticket Offer
February 25, 2014
Disney announced today a new Magic Your Way Ticket Deal - designed for families!

Beginning February 25, 2014, parties of six or more who purchase a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way ticket will get a 5th day for FREE. This offer is good now through June 14, 2014.

AllEars recommends MouseFanTravel.com for your Disney vacation!

Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend This Fall!
February 25, 2014
runDisney is expanding its portfolio of race weekends, adding a new Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA to debut November 14-16, 2014.

The new three-day race weekend will involve kids races, a 5K and a half marathon, plus several family-friendly events such as a Health & Fitness Expo and a pre-race Pasta in the Park Party. Registration opens March 25 at www.runDisney.com.

Festival of Fantasy Parade Debuts March 9
February 25, 2014
The Magic Kingdom's brand new Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will debut Sunday, March 9, 2014.

Two Attraction Rehabs Announced
February 25, 2014
Alice in Wonderland and The Little Mermaid are closing this spring for refurbishment.

Wilderness Lodge Video Gallery
February 24, 2014
The Wilderness Lodge Video gallery is now online!

Disney Raises Ticket Prices
February 24, 2014
Disney quietly raised ticket prices over the weekend for almost all the ticket categories. A one-day ticket to the Magic Kingdom is now $99. Check out the new prices. Our recommended ticket vendor, MapleLeafTickets.com is offering special pricing until close of business on Friday, March 7, 2014.

        Related Links:
         -- MapleLeafTickets Offers Special Pricing Through 3/7/14