R.A. Pedersen's Blog, page 7

Disney Vacation Club Offers $300 Discount on Theme Park Annual Passes to Members

Walt Disney World has just announced that Disney vacation Club members can purchase Premium Annual Passes for the Walt Disney World resort for just $399 October – December 2012. Here’s the full details straight from Disney:

Now, See the World and Save Even More…

The successes of the past year are just the beginning. Looking forward, the team is thrilled to be able to provide a sneak peak at two fantastic Member Perks that will become available on Oct 1:

From October 1 through December 31, 2012,...

First Look at the New Mermaid Wing and Ursula at Art of Animation

We muscled our way in early (not really) and we set down our tripods (not really) and took these lovely photos exclusively for you (not really). We are proud to share the lovely first-look shots of the new Little Mermaid wing of the Art of Animation Resort opening on Sepetember 15th with you (really).

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Surrounded by Flounder and friends, a larger-than-life Ariel overlooks “The Little Mermaid” courtyard and Flippinâ�� Fins pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Beginning Sept. 15, 2012, guest...

Wonder No More! Selective Demolition Coming To Empty Epcot Pavilion

Disney has filed a permit for “selective demolition” of the Wonders of Life pavilion. This essentially allows them to remove as little or as much as they like. Kimmins, however, is a major construction company from Tampa, suggesting this project is not a small modification. Kimmins in particular is known for their scrap metal salvage recycling and demolition work – the level of work that was similar to that done when Horizons was torn down and highly publicized by Disney’s own “Environmentali...

Something Gone Very Wrong on Buena Vista Street at DCA…

Have you heard? It’s only been a few months and the Disneyland Resort is already back to their old tricks when it comes to California Adventure. The elaborately decorated windows of the shops of Buena Vista Street have been stuffed to the gills with generic DisneyParks merchandise in an attempt to increase sales. MiceAge has all the gory details of the abandonment of the intricate design work being tossed aside. So much for the turn around in mindset with the relaunch of the park…

Remember the...

Countdown to #Epcot30: The Final Showing of Tapestry of Nations

On September 9, 2001, the Tapestry of Nations walked its final majestic march along the World Showcase promenade. Though it would later be revived in part as a reworked and truncated Tapestry of Dreams for the 100 Years of Magic celebration the show would never have quite the same dignity and granduer of the original. Today we’re looking back on one of the highlights of the Millennium Celebration festivities as we count down to the Epcot’s 30th anniversary on October 1st. Though the 30th wont...

New Fantasyland Photo Update

There’s not a lot of explaining to do – just lots of pretty pictures to look at as New Fantasyland begins to take on its final form. Disney did launch a new website that implies they’re going to be playing up the social media aspects as the launch of the area approaches. There seems to be a backstory involving some sort of “curse” that’s said to be preventing us from seeing the new area prior to now. Interesting way to explain why it hasn’t always been there in the context of the park. Critic...

DisneyParks Blog Bans Accuracy in Epcot History

Perhaps you’ve seen Nate Rassmussen’s post today on the DisneyPark’s Blog about The Living Seas.

It has some pretty pictures of the defunct pavilion and while it is woefully light on facts and information, it’s really not much more than harmless and nostalgic.

However, it’s in the comments section where Disney again begins their senseless wars on rewriting history. You see, “Eddie” asks about the preshow:

Is audio or video of that Walter Cronkite narrated preshow available from Disney?

And Nate r...

Disney Surveys Guests about New $200 Magic Kingdom Interactive Game Experience

A new guest survey was recently sent out asking guests about add-on experiences to the standard theme park offerings at the Walt Disney World resort. After a long and tedious sorting of their interest in everything from Ft Wilderness cart rentals (seriously) to Water Parks to park tours, respondents are finally presented with this little gem:

“A Pirate’s Life for Me: Enter the the Magic Kingdom and live out your very own pirate quest filled with adventure and surprises. Price – $199 per person...

AVATAR Project for Animal Kingdom Officially Delayed Indefinitely

The “World of AVATAR” Project for the Animal Kingdom theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort has officially been delayed indefinitely per reports coming from industry rag IGN:

Remember back in June when James Cameron announced that he would be shooting three Avatar sequels simultaneously? Well, now it seems that the filmmaker may have been getting a little ahead of himself.

Indie Wire reports that Avatar 4 will notbe a part of Cameron’s back-to-back film shoot, according to producer Jon Land...

Epcot Adding Character Meet Greet Area to Front Entry Plaza

Disney’s Imagineers filed permit today to add a character meet and greet space to Epcot. Specifically, it’s in at 1510 Avenue of the Stars. If you own a copy ofThe Epcot Explorer’s Encyclopedia then you’re privy to know that’s the front entry plaza, and specifically the former Cast Services/kennel/ATM building on the east side of the entry plaza.

No further details have been released at this time, but the permit identifies the location as “Front of Park “Meet and Greet.”