Jack Spence

Cinderella Wishing Well – Magic Kingdom

Posted on by Jack Spence
Like so many other articles I write, I can’t talk about Disney World without first mentioning Disneyland. The first Disney wishing well appeared on March 27, 1961. As the story goes, Walt received an anonymous gift postmark from Italy. In the package were figurines of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, meticulously carved of Carrera … Continue reading "Cinderella Wishing Well – Magic Kingdom"
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Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee

Posted on by Jack Spence
Today, October 26, 2009, Princess Tiana was formally welcomed into the Disney family. As with any royal ceremony, Disney pulled out all the stops to receive their ninth and newest princess. Many of our favorite characters were on hand at Cinderella Castle to greet this lovely lady. With the help of Mickey Mouse, a town … Continue reading "Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee"
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Sum of all Thrills

Posted on by Jack Spence
On October 14, 2009, a new attraction opened in Innoventions East at Epcot (near Electric Umbrella). “Sum of all Thrills,” presented by Raytheon, promises to be a real crowd pleaser and I predict long lines as more people discover this innovative ride. “Sum of all Thrills” allows guests to custom-design their own roller coaster, bobsled, … Continue reading "Sum of all Thrills"
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Maharajah Jungle Trek

Posted on by Jack Spence
For centuries, the rajahs of Anandapur hunted tigers in this mystical forest. In 1544, King Bhima Disampati decreed the forest a royal preserve and built a hunting lodge for himself and invited guests. In an effort to make his “sport” easier, he had his subjects enclose much of this area, effectively trapping his prey. Befittingly, … Continue reading "Maharajah Jungle Trek"
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Mission: Space

Posted on by Jack Spence
Before Mission: SPACE, there was Horizons. Horizons opened exactly one year after Epcot on October 1, 1983. The attraction used Disney’s Omnimover conveyance system and allowed guests to view the future through the eyes of scientist and authors both past and present. The closing of Horizons (January 9, 1999) was generated by several events. First, … Continue reading "Mission: Space"
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‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Posted on by Jack Spence
‘Ohana means family in the Hawaiian language. And when you eat at the ‘Ohana restaurant located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House at the Polynesian Resort, the cast members will do their best to make you feel like you belong to their clan as everyone is called “cousin.” I hadn’t eaten at … Continue reading "‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort"
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Chester & Hester Meet & Greet

Posted on by Jack Spence
A new, or should I say old, service station has been built at Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama. Once a spot for motorist to fill up their gas tanks and have their cars serviced, this structure now houses a Meet & Greet opportunity in front of a giant “Greetings from Dinoland USA” postcard. Here, guests can … Continue reading "Chester & Hester Meet & Greet"
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TTA — Tomorrowland Transit Authority – Update

Posted on by Jack Spence
Update: October 3, 2009 Yesterday, I rode the TTA. I was surprised to hear a new audio track had replaced the old narrative. A cast member told me this change took place on Thursday, October 2nd – the day I was riding. Gone are the old jokes about keeping your forward facing tentacles inside your … Continue reading "TTA — Tomorrowland Transit Authority – Update"
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More Disney’s Hollywood Studios Details

Posted on by Jack Spence
During World Wars I & II, Victory Gardens (also known as War Gardens) were encouraged by various governments, including the United States. Citizens were asked to plant fruits and vegetables in their backyards and on apartment terraces and rooftops. This additional produce would help lower the price of food that the U.S. War Department needed … Continue reading "More Disney’s Hollywood Studios Details"
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Buzz Lightyear Returns – Magic Kingdom Parade

Posted on by Jack Spence
Buzz Lightyear On May 31, 2008, the space shuttle Discovery rocketed from earth to rendezvous with the International Space Station (ISS). Besides it seven human crew members, a galactic hero was onboard for the mission. Buzz Lightyear journeyed “to infinity and beyond” once again. But this time, instead of doing battle with the infamous Emperor … Continue reading "Buzz Lightyear Returns – Magic Kingdom Parade"
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