Jack Spence

Via Napoli

August 6, 2010 by Jack Spence

Yesterday (August 5, 2010) Disney held grand opening ceremonies for its newest Epcot restaurant, Via Napoli. I was on hand to capture the festivities and sample the food. Yea! Located in the Italy Pavilion, this restaurant is operated by Nick Valenti, Restaurateur and CEO, Patina Restaurant Group and will be the first authentic Italian pizzeria … Continue reading "Via Napoli"

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Quiz – Costumes and their Attractions – Answers

July 27, 2010 by Jack Spence

Here are the answers to yesterday’s quiz. I hope you did well. Once again, please don’t send me your answers. There are no prizes to win or winners to be announced. This is strictly for your amusement. 1. This picture was taken at the American Adventure in Epcot. However, this same costume can be seen … Continue reading "Quiz – Costumes and their Attractions – Answers"

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Quiz – Costumes and their Attractions – Questions

July 26, 2010 by Jack Spence

It’s time for another quiz. This one is geared to those of you who frequent the Walt Disney World parks. As you know, I’m always preaching that you should pay attention to the details. Well today’s quiz deals with a “detail” that is in plain sight, the cast members’ costumes. This is something that all … Continue reading "Quiz – Costumes and their Attractions – Questions"

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Tom Sawyer Island

July 24, 2010 by Jack Spence

I suspect that when most of you are planning your vacation to Walt Disney World, Tom Sawyer Island isn’t high on your “must see” list. More likely, you’re thinking about which resort to stay at, where to eat, character meet-and-greets, and possibly a ride on Space Mountain and Kilimanjaro Safaris. But you probably won’t even … Continue reading "Tom Sawyer Island"

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It’s Disney Theme Parks Quiz Time — Answers

July 19, 2010 by Jack Spence

Here are the answers to yesterday’s quiz. I hope you got them all right. This first picture was taken at Hong Kong Disneyland. This fountain is outside of the park in a “crossroads” location. Guests arriving by bus, train, and walking from the hotels meet at this location before entering Hong Kong Disneyland. Long term … Continue reading "It’s Disney Theme Parks Quiz Time — Answers"

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It’s Disney Theme Park Quiz Time – Questions

July 18, 2010 by Jack Spence

It’s time to pull out your thinking caps again. I have another Disney quiz for you. This time, you have to name at which of the eleven Disney Parks the picture was taken. Now I realize that most of you have not been to all of the parks around the world, so I’m going to … Continue reading "It’s Disney Theme Park Quiz Time – Questions"

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Port Orleans French Quarter – Part Two

July 7, 2010 by Jack Spence

Thanks for checking back for Part Two of my French Quarter blog. Leading from The Courtyard to Doubloon Lagoon (the swimming pool area), is a rather unique walkway. Here you’ll find a number of jazz-playing gators to liven things up. This is also an irresistible picture spot. Here’s a shot of a much-younger me on … Continue reading "Port Orleans French Quarter – Part Two"

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Port Orleans French Quarter – Part One

July 6, 2010 by Jack Spence

I recently wrote an article about Port Orleans – Riverside. Today I’m going to discuss its sister resort, Port Orleans – French Quarter. In the beginning, the French Quarter was known only as Port Orleans. It did not become Port Orleans – French Quarter until it merged with nearby Dixie Landings in the spring of … Continue reading "Port Orleans French Quarter – Part One"

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Splash Mountain Part Two

July 1, 2010 by Jack Spence

We all know that Song of the South and Splash Mountain were based on the characters of Joel Chandler Harris. But most of us don’t know the background story that the Imagineers gave this fabled mountain. Legend has it that deep in the “New-nited States of Georgia,” live critters that walk and talk in the … Continue reading "Splash Mountain Part Two"

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Splash Mountain Part One

June 30, 2010 by Jack Spence

As I so often do, I must start today’s blog back at Disneyland. And to begin the story of Splash Mountain, I must first discuss the Carousel of Progress. By 1970, this transplant from the New York World’s Fair was experiencing a decline in attendance. General Electric, the attraction’s sponsor, felt that the majority of … Continue reading "Splash Mountain Part One"

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