Jack Spence

“it’s a small world” – The Happiest Cruise that Ever Sailed Around the World

Posted on by Jack Spence
This article recently appeared in the weekly newsletter. But due to the hectic holidays, I’m reprinting it as a blog to give myself a break. For those of you who have already read it, there are pictures included here that were not printed in the newsletter. Thanks for understanding that I need a week off. … Continue reading "“it’s a small world” – The Happiest Cruise that Ever Sailed Around the World"
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Reedy Creek Improvement District

Posted on by Jack Spence
Have you ever wondered who governs the property of Walt Disney World? For instance, who regulates building codes, constructs roads, provides fire protection, and manages sewage. If your guess is the State of Florida or the counties of Orange and Osceola, you’d be wrong. What is to follow is a brief description of a very … Continue reading "Reedy Creek Improvement District"
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Pangani Forest Exploration Trail

Posted on by Jack Spence
I recently wrote a blog about the Maharajah Jungle Trek located in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I called this attraction a “hidden treasure” since it is so often overlooked by guests visiting this park. Today, I’m writing about its sister attraction found in Africa, the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. This is another … Continue reading "Pangani Forest Exploration Trail"
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Blizzard Beach

Posted on by Jack Spence
Since wintertime is almost here, I thought I’d write about Blizzard Beach to help us get in the mood for some cold weather. As the story goes, a freak snowstorm hit the Orlando area. A local entrepreneur, somewhat lacking in foresight, seized this opportunity and constructed Florida’s first and only ski resort. But of course, … Continue reading "Blizzard Beach"
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World Showcase Garland

Posted on by Jack Spence
As we know, the Disney Imagineers are masters when it comes to detailing their parks and hotels. And the holiday decorations they display at this time of year are no exception. Each November, Holiday Services decorates 24 resorts including Disney’s Vero Beach and Disney’s Hilton Head Island, 4 theme parks, 2 cruise ships, the Disney … Continue reading "World Showcase Garland"
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My Disney Story

Posted on by Jack Spence
Usually when I write a blog or newsletter article, I try to stay clear of my personal experiences. I like to focus on the facts and leave my encounters out of the mix. But today I’m going to depart from my usual formula and present you with a brief look at my life and how … Continue reading "My Disney Story"
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Space Mountain Reopens

Posted on by Jack Spence
On Sunday, November 22, Space Mountain reopened after a seven-month rehab — just in time for the holidays. One of the first things you might notice is the old, adjacent Tomorrowland Skyway Terminal has been razed, save the restrooms. In its place, the Imagineers added a nice plaza. This is a welcome change and adds … Continue reading "Space Mountain Reopens"
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Jungle Cruise

Posted on by Jack Spence
Jungle Cruise The Jungle Cruise has been a perennial favorite ever since it opened at Disneyland in 1955. Even though many of us have ridden this attraction so many times that we could probably skipper the boat ourselves, we still laugh at the corny jokes we’ve heard dozens of times. Why? Because sometimes it’s fun … Continue reading "Jungle Cruise"
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One Man’s Dream

Posted on by Jack Spence
On October 1, 2001, the Disney Company kicked off a year-long celebration called 100 Years of Magic to honor Walt’s birth a century earlier. The Disney/MGM Studio was selected to be the “official” park for this tribute and a Sorcerer’s Hat was erected at the end of Hollywood Blvd in honor of the event. At … Continue reading "One Man’s Dream"
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Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – 2009

Posted on by Jack Spence
I know you’re saying to yourself, “It’s too early to be celebrating Christmas.” And in most cases, I would agree with you. But partaking in this festive season at Disney World is something special. The parks and resorts take on a magical charm when decorated in anticipation of Ol’ Saint Nick. Enchantment is everywhere. So … Continue reading "Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – 2009"
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