Jack Spence

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2009 — Part 1

March 22, 2009 by Jack Spence

The 2009 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival officially opened on Wednesday, March 18 (and runs through May 31). I wasn’t there on opening day as I usually am, but I had a good excuse. This year, Epcot held a special press event for a number of the Disney web sites like Allears.net – and I … Continue reading "Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2009 — Part 1"

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Disneyland Paris – Discoveryland — Part 1 — Entrance, Le Visionarium, and Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast

March 21, 2009 by Jack Spence

When I was a kid, Tomorrowland at Disneyland, California was my favorite land. For me, Walt’s vision of the future was fantastic. Space-aged architecture and vast amounts of concrete created an exciting world for an impressionable mind. In the early years, I could pilot a flying saucer, ride in a monorail, and visit the House … Continue reading "Disneyland Paris – Discoveryland — Part 1 — Entrance, Le Visionarium, and Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast"

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Disneyland Paris – Fantasyland — Part 5 — “it’s a small world”

March 19, 2009 by Jack Spence

Like so many other attractions at Disneyland Paris, I think their version of “it’s a small world” is superior to all the rest. Let’s start with the exterior of the attraction. The first IASW (“it’s a small world”) was in California. (Yes, I know, it was actually at the New York World’s Fair, but I’m … Continue reading "Disneyland Paris – Fantasyland — Part 5 — “it’s a small world”"

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TREN-D — Downtown Disney Marketplace

March 19, 2009 by Jack Spence

A new store opened today (March 19, 2009) at Downtown Disney, Marketplace. Replacing Summer Sands, TREN-D is a stylish shop that caters to the young-at-heart woman. Everything from handbags to jeans to blouses to jewelry is for sale here. Much of it is Disney branded, but not all. And Minnie seems to be the character … Continue reading "TREN-D — Downtown Disney Marketplace"

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Muppet*Vision 3-D Trivia

March 16, 2009 by Jack Spence

My next bit of theme park trivia involves the Muppet*Vision 3-D attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The moment you enter the building, look to your right. You will see a ticket window. Hanging in the window is a sign that says “Back in 5 minutes key is under mat.” Walk around the turnstile and look … Continue reading "Muppet*Vision 3-D Trivia"

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Disneyland Paris – Fantasyland — Part 4 — Le Pays des Contes de FÃ©es (Land of the Fairytales) & Casey Jr. — le Petit Train du Cirque (The Small Train of the Circus)

March 15, 2009 by Jack Spence

Both “Le Pays des Contes de FÃ©es” and “Casey Jr.” are located outside the perimeter of the Disneyland Railroad. To reach these attractions you must pass under a trestle. Le Pays des Contes de FÃ©es (Land of the Fairytales) This ride is an updated version of “Storybook Land Canal Boats“ found at Disneyland in California. … Continue reading "Disneyland Paris – Fantasyland — Part 4 — Le Pays des Contes de FÃ©es (Land of the Fairytales) & Casey Jr. — le Petit Train du Cirque (The Small Train of the Circus)"

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Nostalgia — Ticket Books and Transportation

March 13, 2009 by Jack Spence

I’ve had a number of requests to post more pictures of the early years of Walt Disney World. Unfortunately, I’ve already blogged any that show a difference between then and now. So last night I dug through some of the Disneyana I’ve collected over the years. I’m hoping these scraps might help appease the voracious … Continue reading "Nostalgia — Ticket Books and Transportation"

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Disneyland Paris – Fantasyland — Part 3 — Dumbo, Tea Cups, and Alice’s Curious Labyrinth

March 12, 2009 by Jack Spence

Dumbo the Flying Elephant Dumbo is a timeless classic. Both the movie and the attraction have been delighting children and adults for years. And the Dumbo attraction at Disneyland Paris is perhaps the most delightful of them all. Much of the beauty of this ride can be attributed to its location. It sits on the … Continue reading "Disneyland Paris – Fantasyland — Part 3 — Dumbo, Tea Cups, and Alice’s Curious Labyrinth"

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Tinker Bell’s Fairy Treasures

March 11, 2009 by Jack Spence

This next Disney detail is aimed more at the little ones – or at least the parents of little ones. Check out Tinker Bell’s Fairy Treasures shop in Fantasyland of the Magic Kingdom. On the sales counter near the entrance is a bell. Children are encouraged to ring this bell and loudly call out Tinkerbell’s … Continue reading "Tinker Bell’s Fairy Treasures"

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Disneyland Paris – Fantasyland — Part 2 — The Dark Rides

March 9, 2009 by Jack Spence

The Imagineers did an excellent job when designing Fantasyland. They took the charming aspects found in Disneyland, California and expanded them into a larger space without losing any of its appeal. Now, instead of having a small village, you have a lush countryside. A meandering stream runs through the area and unifies the space. Manicured … Continue reading "Disneyland Paris – Fantasyland — Part 2 — The Dark Rides"

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