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John and Donna Gross "The Full Mickey - At a Discount!" The Wall Street Journal
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Kim writes: "I just read the article about the 5ft height requirement to ride in the front seat of the log on Splash Mountain. Is that going to be a new change? (The article says that the height requirement has been in place for two years.) I have a picture of my family on Splash Mountain from August 2008 with a friend's son in the front who was 48in at the time. I also have a picture of my family from July 2009 (just two weeks ago) where me and two of my sons are in the front row. My sons (who are in the front row) are 45in and 44in. So, if that's a current requirement, it hasn't really been enforced. Just curious... BTW, Thanks for all your great info. It's made several trips to Disney possible."
Kim, I was only aware that you had to be at least 40 inches tall. I checked
Disney's site: "Height Requirement: 40" (102 cm) or taller" I guess it's not a rule that is commonly known or it's something that only the castmembers are aware of and they don't always enforce it. Thanks for your kind comments!
2 builders hired for Disney World's Fantasyland
expansion
Main Street Electrical Parade Lights the Night Again as Walt Disney World
Resort Launches ‘Summer Nightastic!’
What happens when things actually do sort-of, kind-of go horribly wrong
at a Disney theme park
Disney’s working to raise Guest awareness of its "365" & "Pirate"
makeovers
Pocahontas was once envisioned for the Rivers of America and
Disney to keep DisneyQuest open!
Magic Kingdom: Princess Tiana now holding court, putting on a show
The Laughs Are Still Fresh After More than 35 Years and 34,400 Performances
at ‘Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue’
Walt Disney World makeover: Magic Kingdom getting new Fantasyland with
Little Mermaid ride
Disney to shift Night of Joy back to Magic Kingdom next year
‘The Princess and the Frog’ riverboat show coming to Disneyland,
Disney World
Princess Tiana character revealed, Frontierland show on tap
Did you know? 5-foot-tall Splash Mountain height requirement
Images of Disney canoe races at the Magic Kingdom
Disney's Fairy Godmother isn't her usual dizzy self
New Fantasyland or just plain fantasy? Look at (alleged) plans starring
plenty of princesses
Burning question: Where does pre-show end and attraction begin?
Fast Facts: The Hall of Presidents
The Sculpting of a President
Disney unveils faux Obama on the Fourth of July
Hail to the chief: Obama makes Disney debut at Hall of Presidents
Celebrating Citizenship, 1,000 Immigrants To Be ‘Sworn In’ July
3 on Main Street, U.S.A. at Walt Disney World Resort
Barack Obama Joins Disney’s Hall of Presidents in Major Makeover
Showcasing New Storyline, Music and Technology
Magic Kingdom Eats: From Quick Bites to Lunch with a Princess
Stitch’s Supersonic Adventure to close June 27.
Tired of long lines at Disney? Now, there's an app for that
Wait may be more fun at Disney's Space Mountain
Hall of Presidents to Reopen in July
Flash Mountain: Disney no longer to screen for breast-baring coaster
riders
Scenes from Stitch's SuperSonic Celebration set-up
Yo ho: Pirate makeover coming to Magic Kingdom in June
Still bothered by the changes that were recently made to "it’s a
small world" ? "Get a key and open your minds"
Theme park etiquette: Reserving parade viewing spots at Disney and
Universal
Person reports alleged battery at Disney's Small World ride
Disney loves a parade and asks you to celebrate
Cinderella Castle Royal Suite will stay open in 2009
WDW's Galaxy Palace Theater to be replaced with Cast Member
parking
Renovations to bring Disney World's Hall of Presidents into 21st century
The attraction is now closed for eight months to allow for refurbishment
and the creation of a robotic 44th president.
It's Tinker Bell's week with Magic Kingdom attraction opening and DVD
release
Disney's Pixie Hollow
Tinker Bell and friends attraction coming to Disney World
Jessica Schel touched a water fountain at Typhoon Lagoon and won a night's
stay at Cinderella Castle.
"This years 4th of July show at the Magic Kingdom will be an all new presentation
with new music and new name. The title of the show will be 'Disney's Celebrate
America! - A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.'" This has not been confirmed
by Disney.
"A Clermont woman who was beaten by another park visitor at Walt Disney World
has sued the theme park, saying that its negligence caused her to
suffer permanent injuries."
Walt Disney World Guests ‘Go Galactic’ In New Live Tomorrowland Show: ‘Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration’ LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - He’s been called the "Guru of Gross-Out" and "the Maker of Mischief." Now Stitch stars in his very own live show, "Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration," an out-of-this-world spectacle that combines comedic quips and musical madness for Walt Disney World guests. The all-new show at Magic Kingdom stars the cosmic cut-up from Walt Disney Pictures’ "Lilo & Stitch" as he invades a zany interactive experience at the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland. Guests join in a Galaxy Day celebration when the outdoor stage comes alive with high-energy music, dazzling dance moves and real-time animation. The 25-minute show features the same cutting-edge technology used in "Turtle Talk With Crush" and "Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor," letting guests interact with an animated Stitch in one-on-one encounters. The fuzzy, loveable alien officially known as "Experiment 626" spots specific guests in the audience, asks questions and entertains them in a playful and personalized way. Whether Stitch takes digital snapshots of audience members or comments on clothing they’re wearing, the show is different every time. He engages audience members of all ages, making them the "stars" of the intergalactic interlude. In the show, guests follow Stitch as he pilots a "borrowed" space cruiser. Stitch joins a cast of cosmic characters – including party host Tip Trendo, space diva dancers and two malfunctioning, breakdancing robots – on his celebratory journey to planet Earth. "‘Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration’ immerses Tomorrowland guests into Stitch’s whimsical world using real-time animation technology," said Kristine Bunnell, show producer for Walt Disney World Entertainment. "And during this year’s ‘What Will You Celebrate?’ our show gives guests another reason to party." "Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration" is scheduled six times daily. For more information about show times or Walt Disney World Resort, guests may visit disneyworld.com. (Source: Press Release, 05/07/09)
The Pirates League Sets Sail in Magic Kingdom June 29 Calling all scoundrels, rogues and ne’er-do-wells – Captain Jack and the crew of the Black Pearl want you. Starting in late June, the Pearl drops anchor in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom for The Pirates League, recruiting and training Walt Disney World guests of all ages in the scurrilous ways of buccaneers. Each guest checking in at the plunder-filled pirate’s lair gets an official pirate name. Then it’s off to Muster Station for applications of beards and eye patches, scarves and scars, earrings and gold teeth - all done with the savvy skill of a veteran pirate who shares his own tales of sea-sailing adventures. After the new buccaneers recite a sacred pirate oath, they are officially part of Captain Jack’s motley crew, leaving their old identities behind. Past a hidden portal and into the treasure room, the shipmates have their "pirate portrait" taken before being turned loose on an unsuspecting Adventureland - and no doubt feeling right at home at the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Guests can choose from three daily pirate packages: * First Mate Package: Includes bandana; choice of facial effects; scars; tattoos; fake teeth; earring and eye patch; sword and sheath; pirate coin necklace; * one 5x7-inch photo; and personalized pirate oath -- $49.95 plus tax. * Empress Package: Includes bandana; shimmering makeup; face gem; tattoos; nail polish; earring and eye patch; sword and sheath; pirate coin necklace; * one 5x7-inch photo; and personalized pirate oath -- $49.95 plus tax. * Captains Package: Includes choice of costume/outfit from selection; choice of facial effects; scars; tattoos; fake teeth; earring and eye patch; sword and sheath; pirate coin necklace; three 5x7-inch photos; and personalized pirate oath -- $124.95 plus tax. Newly donned swashbucklers can test their pirate prowess on the streets of Adventureland where they search for clues and discover treasures. And for mateys who need a little more training, learn the secrets for survival by the captain himself during "Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial." Boys, girls and grownups ready for the pirate life can start the process by calling 407/WDW-CREW beginning May 11. For more information about The Pirates League, visit disneyworld.com/crew. (Source: Press Release, 05/11/09)
Magic Kingdom Hosts Bash with Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Interactive wizardry that combines comedy, real-time animation and live musical madness will dazzle guests during Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom. Beginning in May, Stitch will host a zany interactive experience at the new Rockettower Plaza Stage. Guests are invited to participate in a Galaxy Day celebration when the new outdoor stage comes to life with music and a giant LED screen displays real-time, interactive animation. The new show incorporates the same interactive technology used in "Turtle Talk With Crush" and "Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor." Shows will take place six times daily. (Source: Press Release, 04/15/09)
A member writes:
Looks like it depends on the whim of castmembers who are looking for visitors who fit a certain profile. The best tip we can give you is to wear Disney shirts and mouseears and show a lot of enthusiasm when you enter and make your way through the park. Kim answers:
Thanks, Kim. Looks like those who are chosen to stay overnight at the Castle are REALLY lucky to be at the right place at the right time! |
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Mike writes about the Harmony Barber Shop at the Magic Kingdom: "A friend told us today that on Mainstreet there is a barbershop where children can have a haircut, their hair dyed for a day, and glitter put in there hair. We are leaving for our affordable disney.com trip on Sunday night and wonder if you have heard of this." Yes, it's a real barber shop. I know they have colored hair gel. I was not aware of the glitter, but that wouldn't surprise me. Look for the Harmony Barber Shop on the left side upon entering, between the car barn and the Emporium. Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM. Open all week. No appointments accepted - just walk in. Haircut: $17 (adults); $14 (kids 12 or younger). Colored hair gel: $5. Beard trim: $10; mustache trim: $10.
Cindy writes about the Magic Kingdom Barbershop: "Hi John! Just wanted to share about the Barbershop in Magic Kingdom. My husband and daughter have had their hair cut there several times. They do have Mickey mouse shaped glitter that they will sprinkle on your hair when they complete your haircut. The colored hair gel can be applied in several different ways, but most often in the shape of Mickey Mouse. The barbershop brags that no two guests will have the same design in hair gel in the same day. The most exciting service they offer is children's first haircuts (my daughter is lucky that her first three haircuts were there). When they cut your child's hair for the first time, they will give you a certificate commemorating the haircut, save a lock of hair and give you a pair of Mickey Mouse ears embroidered with "First Haircut" on the back. It was a wonderful keepsake. The beautician that did my daughter's first haircut covered her in Mickey stickers, so my daughter was so busy pulling off the stickers that she never even noticed that they were cutting her hair. They do a fabulous job with kids. If you are lucky, you may also get a chance to have the barbershop quartet sing to you while you get a haircut. This happened once to us and was a great piece of the magic!"
Billy writes: "At Mickey's Toontown Fair what character runs the service garage? I say Pete and my sister says Goofy. Who is right or are we both wrong or it is someone else? Can you help us?... Love your newsletter. [It] helps me out when it is time to go to Disney World. [Helps] my sister too. It's great just to sit down and read The Disney News. The News shows how much time you and your wife put in the paper. Thanks again for a great newsletter." It's Pete's Garage! You win! Glad you are enjoying the newsletter!
Cynthia writes: "Dear John, My parents are going to be at WDW tonight (April 25) and tomorrow in celebration of their 45th anniversary. I heard that Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian was a good place to get dessert and view the fireworks so they have seating there for 9:30 pm tonight. However, they have asked if you know of a better place to view them, perhaps even a location within the park where they could have a seat, but not necessarily a restaurant. Any info you have is appreciated. Just trying to give them a magical time on this mini-honeymoon trip. Thanks!" Have them go to Toontown in the Magic Kingdom and watch them from there. If they're early enough they can grab one of the benches! Cynthia wrote back: "Thanks John for the reply. I spoke with them last night and they had decided to go on to Narcoosee's in hopes of seeing the fireworks from there. I called the restaurant before hand and told them that my parents had priority seating and that it was their 45th anniversary, and honeymoon. I asked if they could acknowledge the occasion to make it special for them. From the account I received from my folks, the staff came through. When my parents arrived, the gentleman at the podium greeted them with congratulations and said that they were holding for them the best table in the house. That of course thrilled my father. The server then brought them a menu and printed right on the menu was "Happy Anniversary Alton and Gayle!" After Dad ate his flavorful clam chowder and Mom her fresh greens, the server brought a delicious key lime dessert with a candle and more congratulations. The dessert was on the house! Soon after, the lights went down and the music from the Magic Kingdom began. My parents sat at their "best table in the house," and enjoyed the much anticipated fireworks; after which the restaurant erupted in applause. When I spoke to them later, they were strolling back to their room at the French Quarter and could not say enough about their fabulous day and evening at Walt Disney World. They have one more day and are planning to attend the flower and garden festival at Epcot. I'm sure today will be magical as well. Thanks again for the great book and information you give. We have been to WDW three times since buying the book and learning from the many tips you provide. We have saved money and time, and you have enriched our Disney experiences. God bless you and yours." I love a happy ending! Thanks again, Cynthia, for your kind comments!
Holly writes: "I know (or think I know, haha!) that a 'soft opening' means an unannounced type - but is that only for passholders? One of my daughters and I..., are heading to MK this weekend (we are driving up to Orlando to pick up a prom dress, if you can believe that!) and want to try to catch It's A Small World; I've heard they are having soft openings for that and Soaring and a few other things.....Any inside scoops you can throw my way?? I did read... that Soaring was not open right now due to some snafu, but hope it will be Saturday afternoon....Let me know anything you think would help us Saturday?? Thanks! PS - Had the opp to chat with your/'our' (LOL) travel guru, Beth, down here in Naples last month; what an awesome find she is!!! Yours in Ears!" From time to time Disney offers a soft opening for AP holders only, but generally everyone is allowed to sample the ride on a soft opening day. Yes, Disney closed Soarin' temporarily due to technical glitches. Hopefully, it was back up when you got there. People seem to like the changes to Small World. Beth is a hard worker and a pleasure to work with.
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