Mickey and the Magical Map

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On May 25, Fantasyland Theatre (nee Videopolis) debuted a new live show, "Mickey and the Magical Map." Without giving too much away...The story begins with the Sorcerer Yen Sid (perhaps familiar from the Epic Mickey games) directing his Mapmakers to paint a map able to transport dreamers to all the places they imagine.
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My family’s experience at Walt Disney World’s Monstrous Summer All-Nighter

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How long could two kids and their parents last at the Magic Kingdom when the theme park was open 24 hours? We set out to find out Friday at the Monstrous Summer All-Nighter. My husband and I are night owls, routinely staying up until 3 a.m. or later, so that was in our favor. However, both our 10-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter had a full day of school before we headed to the Magic Kingdom in the afternoon, so they were tired. But they were really excited about the event, so that adrenaline helped fuel their determination to stay awake. When we arrived about 4:30 p.m., the Transportation and Ticket Center parking lot was already about two-thirds full. I wondered if the park would close because of capacity crowds at some point, but we continued to see folks arriving all night.
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Monstrous Summer All-Nighter Kick-off

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One of the big Limited Time Magic events for 2013 was the Monstrous 24-Hour "All-Nighter". For the second time, in recent memory, the Magic Kingdom would stay open for 24 hours, from 6:00 a.m. on May 24 to 6:00 a.m. on May 25. Also, sister parks in California, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure would also be open for 24 hours. Unique to this event would be special appearances by Mike and Sully in the Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It! party/parade, the two serving as Grand Marshalls in the Celebrate a Dream Come True, a Monster Mania Dance Party, special merchandise, food, beverages and other surprises.
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SeaWorld’s Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin opens

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Just as it did with Turtle Trek, SeaWorld Orlando is again educating and entertaining its visitors about a particular species by telling a story through the point of view of one animal. This time, though, the experience is more immersive, including a restaurant and other themed areas. The new Antarctica section of the park opens today (May 24) and its centerpiece ride, Empire of the Penguin, takes visitors on a journey with Puck, a baby penguin. Much like last summer's new Turtle Trek, Empire of the Penguin appeals to its audience by showcasing one animal's battle against nature and then allowing guests to observe the animals in their habitat.
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Tips for kids at Disney World’s Star Wars Weekends

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Disney fans, who also are Star Wars fans, know that for four weekends in May and June, Disney's Hollywood Studios turns into a mecca for all things related to that galaxy far, far away. As the event has grown, so have the number of things that are geared toward kids. This year, we had a more casual approach to our arrival time because we weren't seeking an autograph. That was a mistake, though. The Force is not with families who do not line up outside the turnstiles at least an hour before park opening.
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D23 Launches Reimagined Website June 17

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On June 17, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, will launch a new free level of membership, as well as a massive reimagining of its D23.com website, opening up the wonderful worlds of Disney like never before to its members. The website will provide access to newly digitized content that delves deeply into The Walt Disney Company's vault of material, past and present, along with exclusive glimpses of the future. In addition to its existing gold and silver levels, this new free level includes: Access to all exclusive content on D23.com Exclusive, limited-edition merchandise and collectibles Subscription to Weekly D23 FanFare E-newsletter with breaking news and special offers Discounted tickets to the D23 Expo 2013: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Access to the Members Only content on D23.com An array of discounts and special offers D23.com will continue to offer the latest Disney news free to all guests who visit the site. But D23 Members can unlock even more magic in each section by logging in and accessing content whenever a golden key is shown.
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3 Levy restaurants host kids cooking school at Downtown Disney this summer

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Levy Restaurants is again offering a summer cooking school for kids ages 6 to 12, who may be the foodies of the future. The kid-friendly cooking class takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Fulton's Crab House, Portobello Restaurant and Wolfgang Puck Cafe. The Levy cooking school is $37 per child. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis until the event is full. To sign up, call 407-828-8996.
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SeaWorld Announces Lauren Alaina to Promote Antarctica: Empire of the Penguins

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SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment has partnered with award-winning country artist Lauren Alaina to perform the official theme song for the new attraction at SeaWorld Orlando, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, opening May 24, 2013. Alaina recorded two songs for SeaWorld, including the theme song for the ride in Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, and a remix version called "Antarctica: One World, One Family." Alaina also will be performing the song live at SeaWorld Orlando for the attraction grand opening the week of May 24.
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