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Become a Wilderness Explorer at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

If you have seen the Disney/Pixar film Up you might remember that young Russell is a Wilderness Explorer who loves to have great adventures and earn badges based on those adventures.

Soon guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom will have a chance to become Wilderness Explorers just like Russell, experiencing the park in a way that will deepen their understanding of animals and our natural world.

Two New Interactive Games Launching This Spring at Walt Disney World

Get ready for a swashbuckling good time at the Magic Kingdom, because according to the Disney Parks Blog Pirates are taking over Adventureland this spring with a new interactive entertainment adventure.

Imagineers Reveal Backstory of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad's Founder and President

The Walt Disney Imagineers are hard at work on a new project in Walt Disney World - updating Big Thunder Mountain Railroad's queue area.

The Magic Kingdom attraction is receiving a new, interactive queue, which will include the backstory of the gentleman pictured to the right, one Barnabas T. Bullion, the Founder and President of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. His story is as follows:

'Limited Time Magic' Planned for Disney Parks in 2013

Got plans to visit Walt Disney World in 2013? You may want to take note of this: Disney recently announced (with a huge ice castle in New York City's Time Square) they will be adding something called "Limited Time Magic" to their parks next year. Disney describes this new bit of magic as "unexpected experiences with an extra sprinkle of Pixie Dust . . . that'll appear, then disappear when the next debuts."

Here are just a few of the things Disney has in store for next year:

Zebras To Be Finale of Safaris at Animal Kingdom

It may seem hard to believe that zebras haven't been a part of Animal Kingdom's Kilimanjaro Safaris for a few years. But that won't be the case much longer as Disney is slowly reintroducing the white-and-black striped animals to the theme park's savanna where they will be featured in the finale for the safari attraction.

A herd of fifteen zebras have called the backstage, behind-the-scenes areas of AK home since February and have been acclimating to the new surroundings since. The zebras, of the Plains variety, are all female and range in age from five to ten years old.

News Tidbits: Animal Guides and New Home for Marie

Here are a couple of news tidbits for those of you heading out to the parks soon that have to do with Disney's Animal Kingdom and an Epcot character meet and greet.

First up, the next time you find yourself at AK, check out the new animal guides. Found at the main entrance, the tip board and Mombasa Marketplace, the animal guides should cover most animals found within AK. These guides look to be in a trial phase which began just the other day (October 1) and should be available through November 30.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Queue To Go Interactive

There seems to be a trend going on at Walt Disney World involving interactive queues for attractions. It's recently been announced Frontierland staple Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be the next ride at WDW to jump aboard the interactive queue wagon.

New Seating Coming Soon For "Fantasmic" Show

"Fantasmic," one of the most popular attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios, is slated to have more seating available in the near future. Disney is planning to install more benches at the show's amphitheater by the end of this month.

The plan to install the new seating stems from interviews by Disney with DHS guests. Says Dan Cockerell, vice president of DHS:

Mini Ear Hats to Hit Disney Parks This Fall

Anybody who sets foot inside a Disney park can see guests love Disney hats, and now those hat-loving guests will have one more option this fall: MousekeEars.

Orlando Planning New Sculptures Around Its Downtown Area

If you ask anyone what structures come to mind when you mention central Florida, Cinderella's Castle or the Epcot Ball are certainly forerunners in the answer. Orlando is looking to bring some of that notoriety within its city limits with plans to add nine large, new sculptures in its downtown area, and they are also looking for ideas from artists worldwide.

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New Parade Marching into the Magic Kingdom Next Year

A brand new parade will march its way down Main Street U.S.A. at Disney's Magic Kingdom in the spring of 2014, according to an announcement made at the "Monstrous Summer" press event.

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2013

With the new year comes new adventures and when "Food is a Theme Park" you need a tour guide as talented and knowledgeable as AJ Wolfe of the The Disney Food Blog. For the third year in a row her eBook "The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2013" takes its place as the definitive source for all of your Walt Disney World Dining needs.

Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus Questions Disney on MyMagic+

Last week Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger received a letter from the Co-Chairman of the Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus, Edward Markey, (D- Mass). The letter called the company on the carpet and demanded answers to seven multi-part questions about the collection of personal date from guests, with a focus on youth.

New Cocktails at the Tambu Lounge

While waiting for Dinner at Ohana my traveling companion and I decided to check out some of the new drinks on the Disney Cocktail Menu. We had become well acquainted with the Lapu Lapu and appetizer menu on previous trips, this time we thought we should get a little adventurous.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Spa to Reopen December 17th

After more than a year without one the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa will once again be home to an actual Spa, and this time it's Disney owned and run. Stepping out from behind the cover of a third party contractor Disney Parks and Resorts welcomes home a lush new retreat at the Grand Floridian. "Senses," the first of several new Disney Spas across property, is opening for business on December 17th, 2012.

The Country Bear Jamboree at the Magic Kingdom

Melinda touched on it last week and I wanted to delve a little deeper into the Country Bear Jamboree in the Magic Kingdom's Frontierland. Recently reopened after having been closed for refurbishment. Disney knows that rehabs can put fans of an attraction on edge. Though it's important to keep everything in good shape, most guests want their favorites to remain the same.

Charming Disney Bracelets

They say everything old becomes new again, and that's certainly the truth when it comes to fashion. One of my favorite childhood treasures is coming back strong all over Disney Parks, the charm bracelet!

runDisney: There’s Something For Everyone

runDisney events are increasing in popularity every year. It is so great to see more people adopting a healthy lifestyle in order to participate in these events. Disney is doing a great job of diversifying their races to appeal to runners at all levels. From walkers, to moderate runners, to experienced marathoners, there is something for everyone.

2012 Food and Wine Festival Marketplace Booth Menus

The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is taking place from September 28-November 12, 2012 at the Walt Disney World Resort. I can't wait to get back down to Disney and experience all the wonderful flavors of the world that this event offers. From the chatter going on over in the Walt Disney world For Grown Ups Forum, many of you can't wait either!

Disney Phineas and Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure

Kim Possible has been closed since May 18th and we eagerly await the launch of Disney Phineas and Ferb: Agent P's World Showcase Adventure sometime in late June!