Peek inside The Legend of Jack Sparrow before it officially opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow, a new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, is undergoing a soft opening ahead of its grand opening on Dec. 6. My family and I were able to cast off and experience the new attraction this past weekend and get a glimpse of Disney’s beloved and rum-loving pirate. Our wait … Continue reading "Peek inside The Legend of Jack Sparrow before it officially opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios"
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Polar Express, Shamu and Clyde & Seamore at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration

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Today, I’m going to pick up where Deb left off in our coverage of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. As she mentioned, at the media event, we had to choose among the holiday attractions and shows because of the timing, so we decided to divide and conquer! The Polar Express Experience When we arrived at the park, … Continue reading "Polar Express, Shamu and Clyde & Seamore at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration"
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‘Disney Epic Mickey 2’ and ‘Power of Illusion’ — everything you need to know!

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Just in time for the holidays, Disney Interactive has released sequels to its popular Epic Mickey video game that was released in 2010 for Wii only. “Epic Mickey 2: The Power of 2” is available for most gaming consoles, including Wii, Wii-U, XBox 360, PlayStation 3 and Apple and PC products. “Epic Mickey: The Power … Continue reading "‘Disney Epic Mickey 2’ and ‘Power of Illusion’ — everything you need to know!"
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Disney Store starts Magical Friday sales tonight

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Like so many other retailers this holiday season, Disney Store has rolled out sales ahead of Black Friday, which it calls Magical Friday. Each day this week, Disney Store has offered special deals to its online customers. The online sales blitz leads up to more than 150 Disney Store locations — including Orlando’s Florida Mall … Continue reading "Disney Store starts Magical Friday sales tonight"
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Santa’s Fireside Feast begins with Christmas season at SeaWorld Orlando

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My 10-year-old son and I attended the first night of the event this season, which was a new experience for us, with some friends. Typically, the price of the dinner show -- $29.99 for adults and $19.99 for children ages 2 to 9 -- includes reserved seating for A Sesame Street Christmas afterward. Guests are advised to pick up their seating passes at the Information and Reservations Counter at least 90 minutes before their meals. Then, guests can gather outside Seafire Inn Restaurant. To the left of the main doors is a pathway along the waterfront that leads to the check-in podium and a backdrop for a complimentary family photo. Silly or serious smiles welcome!
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What’s new at Disney World’s Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

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There is nothing quite like The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios to put everyone in the Christmas spirit. And this year, the Disney entertainment team has added two more goodies to the experience. Goofy's Winter Wonderland has been set up in Tri-City Square, to the right of the huge lighted globe as you approach it from the Streets of America. It's in the location where the Nativity had been for many years. Don't worry, though, the Nativity is still part of the annual display, just as Jennings Osborne intended when he created this Christmas experience. Look for it near the Premiere Theater.
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Review: Dinner at Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland

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At a recent passholder preview of New Fantasyland, my family and I were thrilled to discover Be Our Guest was open for dinner that evening. Reservations were being accepted outside the restaurant for that night only. Cast members were accommodating when we asked to be seated in the West Wing. Because it's such a small dining room compared to the Ballroom, there are no promises made that guests will get a table there, but the hostess will take a request when you check in and are given a pager. The Ballroom and the West Wing are the only two dining rooms open for dinner.
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Review: Lunch at Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland

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During a recent passholder preview of New Fantasyland, I was excited to find Be Our Guest open for lunch AND dinner. With Be Our Guest dinner reservations booked into March, this was a rare opportunity to dine at Magic Kingdom's newest restaurant. Given that each meal has a separate menu and different service, my family and I decided to dine there twice in the same day -- and we were happy we did. Today, I'll tell you about our lunch experience and then I'll be back with a separate blog post about dinner. First, lunch is a step up from other Disney World counter service restaurants in that guests order their food and then it is brought to their tables by the waitstaff. No juggling trays, bags and kids at the same time! As we entered Beast's castle, we were directed into the Armory Room for a short wait. We were entertained there by the Suits of Armor who talk to each other and to guests. Plus, the lunch menu is displayed on waist-high screens for guests to peruse.
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Clang, Clang, Clang Goes the Trolley … with seasonal Magic Kingdom shows

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As my family and I made our way down Main Street, U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom a couple weeks ago, we saw the park’s old-time trolley stopped and performers dancing on the pavement. There’s nothing unusual about that, if you’re in the Magic Kingdom before lunchtime. What was different, though, was the music and the … Continue reading "Clang, Clang, Clang Goes the Trolley … with seasonal Magic Kingdom shows"
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Taping of Orlando segments of Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade expected later this month

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It may just be the start of November, but the folks at Walt Disney World and Disneyland are busy planning and taping segments for this year's Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade, which airs -- you guessed it! -- on Dec. 25. However, the Christmas special traditionally is taped in California in early November and in Orlando the first weekend in December. That looks like the case again this year. According to an organization representing hundreds of student musicians and dancers scheduled to perform in the parade, taping will take place Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1. Sunday, Dec. 2 is earmarked as the rain date.
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