Debra Martin Koma



Debra Martin Koma wrote about food, travel and lifestyle issues for a number of local and national publications before she fell in love with Walt Disney World on her first visit — when she was 34! She's returned to her Laughing Place more times than she can count in the ensuing years, and enthusiastically shares her passion with readers of AllEars.Net and AllEars®. Deb also co-authored (along with Deb Wills) PassPorter's Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line, a travel guide designed for all travelers to Walt Disney World who may require special attention, from special diets to mobility issues.

Tiki Room Reopening Slated for Aug. 15, 2011

Posted on by Debra Martin Koma
Original Hosts Ready to Squawk up a Storm Again, Giving Guests Even More to Chirp (and ‘Tweet’) About LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The Sunshine Pavilion, featuring a show variously known as “Tropical Serenade” and “The Enchanted Tiki Birds,” debuted on Oct. 1, 1971, in Magic Kingdom. In 1998, following substantial refurbishment, it re-launched as … Continue reading "Tiki Room Reopening Slated for Aug. 15, 2011"
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Billy Dee Williams Debuts Artwork at D23 Expo

Posted on by Debra Martin Koma
UPDATE: We just received word that the artwork by Billy Dee Williams mentioned in this blog will not be finished in time for the Expo. However, Billy Dee will still be appearing at the event to sign autographs and meet guests — and celebrate the relaunch of Star Tours! If you read the recent article … Continue reading "Billy Dee Williams Debuts Artwork at D23 Expo"
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Chiquita and Walt Disney World Resort Announce Multi-Year Alliance to Offer Fresh, Healthy Chiquita and Fresh Express Products to Disney Guests

Posted on by Debra Martin Koma
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (July 29, 2011) – Chiquita Brands International (NYSE: CQB) and Walt Disney World Resort announced an agreement today that will bring premium, healthy fresh Chiquita® and Fresh Express® products to a number of retail points at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. and Disney Cruise Line. This new strategic … Continue reading "Chiquita and Walt Disney World Resort Announce Multi-Year Alliance to Offer Fresh, Healthy Chiquita and Fresh Express Products to Disney Guests"
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What’s New (and Different!) at Disneyland Paris

Posted on by Debra Martin Koma
My family and I had an opportunity recently to visit the Disneyland Paris Resort for a day on a day trip from Paris. We planned to spend the whole day visiting both parks — Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studios. Our last visit to Disneyland Paris was in the spring of 2008, so I … Continue reading "What’s New (and Different!) at Disneyland Paris"
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ABC-TV Presents Exclusive Screenings at D23 Expo

Posted on by Debra Martin Koma
THE ABC TELEVISION NETWORK PRESENTS EXCLUSIVE SCREENINGS AND Q&As WITH THE CREATIVE FORCES BEHIND TV’S MOST ANTICIPATED NEW FALL SERIES AND ANIMATED HOLIDAY SPECIAL – “ONCE UPON A TIME” AND “PREP & LANDING: NAUGHTY VS. NICE” — AUGUST 19 AND 20 AT THE D23 EXPO “Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice,” Screening Will Be Followed … Continue reading "ABC-TV Presents Exclusive Screenings at D23 Expo"
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Untamed! Lunch with an Animal Specialist at Sanaa

Posted on by Debra Martin Koma
When I was staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge back in May, I found out about two programs at the resort that were news to me. Jiko, the table service restaurant at the Lodge’s Jambo House, was offering a weekly South African wine tasting (more on that in an upcoming blog), and Sanaa, the hidden gem … Continue reading "Untamed! Lunch with an Animal Specialist at Sanaa"
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Kakigori Cart in Japan Pavilion at Epcot Expands with Savory, Sweet Bites

Posted on by Debra Martin Koma
from the Disney Parks Blog… On a hot afternoon, nothing is better than a shaved ice, or kakigori, from the little cart in front of the Japan pavilion at Epcot. A brain freeze is inevitable as we slurp the icy, sweet treat. Now the cart, just reopened this week, has a new name – Kabuki … Continue reading "Kakigori Cart in Japan Pavilion at Epcot Expands with Savory, Sweet Bites"
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It’s a Musical “Jolly Holiday” as Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix Bring Harmony and Melodic Fun to First Night of Disney’s D23 Expo, August 19-21, 2011

Posted on by Debra Martin Koma
BURBANK, Calif. (July 29, 2011) – Disney fans attending the first day of Disney’s D23 Expo, presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, August 19-21 at the Anaheim Convention Center, will be able to end their day with an unforgettable evening of harmony provided by Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix. The popular vocal … Continue reading "It’s a Musical “Jolly Holiday” as Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix Bring Harmony and Melodic Fun to First Night of Disney’s D23 Expo, August 19-21, 2011"
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Stars of Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior to Meet Fans Every Day at Disney’s D23 Expo

Posted on by Debra Martin Koma
Perry the Platy-bus Parks in Phineas and Ferb’s Backyard Booth on D23 Expo Floor; Fans Invited to Meet the Stars of “Phineas and Ferb,” “Lemonade Mouth,” “A.N.T. Farm,” “Fish Hooks,” “So Random!,” “Good Luck Charlie,” “Kickin’ It,” “Pair of Kings,” “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” “Handy Manny” and “Special Agent Oso” Musical Performances by … Continue reading "Stars of Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior to Meet Fans Every Day at Disney’s D23 Expo"
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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Celebrates White Rhino Birth in Uganda

Posted on by Debra Martin Koma
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., July 20, 2011 – Nande, a 12-year-old female white rhino born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, gave birth June 4 to a healthy female calf at the Ziwa Sanctuary in Uganda. The baby, named Malaika (“angel” in Swahili), is the first female white rhino born in Uganda in more than 30 years. … Continue reading "Disney’s Animal Kingdom Celebrates White Rhino Birth in Uganda"
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