Part of the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World was the premiere of Disney KiteTails at Disney's Animal Kingdom. We look at this surprisingly cute little offering, which includes two shows, one based on Disney's The Lion King and the other based on Disney's The Jungle Book. We also share other happenings going on throughout the park to include 50th anniversary offerings and more.
Many fans are aware of the Look and Life magazines which came out with covers and articles about the opening of Walt Disney World in October of 1971. Because it didn't have a cover photo, few have remembered Time Magazine's offering, and even less have referred to it. For me personally, it was the very first introduction to me of Walt Disney World in Florida. Its essay, maps and photos unfold little known details and insights of what the park was like on its opening days. From hatless Dumbos to roofless Mad Tea Parties; from Contemporary Hotel Construction to even a Tomorrowland train station. Here on the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World we're here to explore all of that, as well as relive what it was like for a ten year old boy studying this for the first time and dreaming about the possibilities of someday traveling to Orlando.
In the last hours of a weekday news cycle Disney chose to release further details around their new Genie+ product, which will launch on Tuesday, October 19th. That's a sign as to whether or not guests will be happy with what's being laid out before them. Along with David Zanolla, we study those details, to include pricing, availability to on-property and off-property guests (not to mention annual passholders) as we as what attractions will be included under Genie+ and what will be available for individual lightning lane purchase. We'll also compare it to the announcements made for Genie+ to be released at Disneyland. Is this something you will want to get when you visit next time? Join us and let's discuss what lies ahead.
Join us at Disney at Play for podcast notes, charts and more!
Make sure you visit with David when booking your next trip!
Disney has called Harmonious one of its most complex night-time spectaculars. In truth, Harmonious is ambitious. We look at how we got to this point in time, and examine the show in depth. We look at the song list for this show, and consider comparisons to the earlier Magic Kingdom fireworks show of Happily Ever After. We study all of the technical aspects that make up this show, and how it comes together. And then there is Beacons of Light: Epcot, which is a game changer and stands far apart from anything done at Epcot. This is a turning point in the re-development of this park and we'll look at what is working and how this is really one of the best shows Disney has ever created globally.
Be sure to check out photos, videos and links at Disney at Play.
It's not a small thing when a new fireworks show appears at Walt Disney World, and with the 50th Golden Anniversary of Walt Disney World, the Magic Kingdom has a new show in the form of "Disney Enchantment". We talk about the entire experience of seeing the show for the first time on October 1st 2021, of the crowded conditions, and of the show itself. We'll look at its technical merits and importantly, the sound track of the show. We'll compare it to its predecessors, especially "Happily Ever After", and we'll look at its pre-show Beacons of Light. This is the capstone experience for the Magic Kingdom on its 50th anniversary. How does it measure up?
You can see videos of both the Beacons of Light show and the fireworks at Disney at Play.
We are here on the morning of Walt Disney World's 50th Golden Anniversary at the Magic Kingdom. Here we have a chance to see the new welcome Cinderella Castle Show. We have a chance to see the head of Walt Disney Attractions Josh D'Amaro and visit with Jeff Vahle who is head of the Walt Disney World Resort. We check in with several woman who were hosted the original preview center. We check in on all the lands to see opening day attractions that were here in 1971. It's a full day and we present it via both video and podcast.
Tomorrow Walt Disney World will begin its celebration of it's 50th Golden Anniversary with an 18 month celebration. When you come to visit, what will you see? We'll cover all of the happenings in the parks with attractions, entertainment, decor, food & beverage and more. We'll also examine what isn't happening, what is missing in action. Is it possible that Disney will announce and premiere other offerings over the next 18 months? We'll look at that and much, much more as we canvas Walt Disney World's offering for the 50th anniversary, and prepare for October 1st.
In a space nestled between competing Disney California Adventure attractions, Disney Imagineering has created an entirely new place devoted to the Marvel super heroes. Avengers Campus is truly a unique themed land, with impressive rides, attractions and other offerings. We will look closely at this campus setting, explore its two major attractions, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! and Web Slingers: A Spiderman Adventure. As the Avengers assemble on campus we'll look at a host of entertainment offerings featuring Spiderman, Dr. Strange, Dora Milage and Guardians of the Galaxy. We'll also look at food & beverage options as well as retail and much more. Join us on Disney at Play as we experience Avengers Campus.
With one week to go prior to Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary, we talk about what's new as the resort prepares ahead. We begin at Epcot with a look at the new Club Cool and Celebrations Shop. The Space 220 Restaurant has also opened. Should you go see it? We see statues at all four parks, and in the case of Disney's Hollywood Studios, it may suggest the future of Voyage of the Little Mermaid. All this happens as Rise of the Resistance moves from a virtual queue to a standby queue in advance of Genie+. Over at Disney's Animal Kingdom Primeval Whirl faces its own extinction while Finding Nemo the Musical is delayed for a remodeling. Finally, good news as "Let the Magic Begin" park opening ceremony at Cinderella Castle returns on October 1st, along with a new float to the Electrical Water Pageant.
Photos and videos at our Disney at Play website as well. Check it out!
While I've grown up with Disneyland and have visited throughout so many years, it's been two years since I last visited. My return was a much needed one that was marked with simple charms and a beautiful park. It was filled with Disney characters making surprise visits to beautiful flower gardens spread throughout to churros at every turn. Timeless and beloved attractions awaited us as well as experiences new to us. We revisit Galaxy's edge after two years and check out construction going on in Toontown. Our four days in the parks did not provide us a chance to see everything and relive all that we have enjoyed prior. Join us as we step through not only Disneyland but Disney California Adventure where we check out the new Mickey's PhilarMagic and the Coco Celebration.
