Changes

News

Kodak to End Imagination! Pavilion Sponsorship

The relationship between Walt Disney parks and Eastman Kodak is soon to end after over a half-century long run. The partnership started in 1955, when Disneyland originally opened, and at present there are over 50 Kodak picture spots in Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Although Kodak will not disappear completely from Disney parks, the presence will be slightly decreased.

Kodak has provided corporate sponsorship for Mickey's Philharmagic in the Magic Kingdom and the Imagination! Pavilion at Epcot. Support for the Imagination! Pavilion and Tomorowland theater will end as a result.

"The Village Beatniks" Leave Animal Kingdom

After twelve years of entertaining guests at the Animal Kingdom, the "Village Beatniks" have left Walt Disney World. The five-person percussion ensemble, which performed vivid African music at the "Discovery Island" section of the park, performed their last show on September 25, 2010.

The "Beatniks" have delighted thousands of park-goers over the years " and had a knack for encouraging guests to play along and engage in the full experience. Part musicians, part storytellers, the "Beatniks" told many mythical stories of Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Franck's Bridal Studio at Disney Goes High Tech

If you've ever dreamed of a magical Disney wedding, but were concerned about putting together a wedding from a long distance, then read on. Recently, Franck's Bridal Studio at WDW underwent a high tech makeover with much of the focus on helping brides and grooms better prepare for their big day from virtually anywhere.

Forum Posts

Articles

Changing and Cancelling Your Walt Disney World Reservations

We all look forward to our Walt Disney World Vacations once they're booked. However sometimes things don't go quite right and life rears it's ugly head, making for a trip that needs to be canceled or postponed. It's the worst-case scenario, but if you know what you need to do in advance it doesn't need to be difficult or fraught with drama. There have been some changes and updates since we first published this piece, so our regular guest blogger Holly L.

New Flavors Of The Southwest Served Up At Pecos Bills Tall Tale Inn and Cafe

If there's one thing that you can be sure of at Walt Disney World, it's that things are going to change. There's always something new going on, attractions refreshed, new lands added, and restaurants and menu's relaunched - it's part of what makes each and every Disney vacation special and magical. Now, I know we've recently sung the praises of the burgers and BBQ at Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, well, forget all of that, because Disney just launched a brand new menu for the establishment.

A Few Tips On Tipping at Walt Disney World

On of the most frequent questions that gets asked in the Walt Disney World for Grown-ups member forums usually goes along the lines of "Who do I need to tip on my Walt Disney World Vacation?" Tipping is a highly personal choice, and you should never be required to leave a tip, especially when you experience poor service, but it is the custom in the US to leave a tip for certain service providers. We've gathered together a few tips on tipping to answer your questions.

Disney History: Epcot World Showcase Then & Now

One of the areas in Walt Disney World that has remained the most constant since its opening is Future World in Epcot. Of course after 33 years, small changes are evident everywhere, but the broad, sweeping changes that we have observed at other parks have not happened in World Showcase.

A Quick Guide To Walt Disney World's MyMagic+

The Walt Disney Company has a long history of innovation, and after many years of speculation on the next generation of projects they have rolled out a collection of groundbreaking tools to make it easier than ever for guests to create a personal and customized experience. MyMagic+ is a new way for all Walt Disney World guests to experience more of the magic by connecting nearly all aspects of the Walt Disney World vacation experience, and beginning right at home.

Disney's Hollywood Studios Celebrates Its 25th Year

Happy 25th Anniversary, Hollywood Studios! Opened as Disney-MGM Studios on May 1, 1989, Hollywood Studios was the fifth theme park to be built by Disney Imagineers and the third to be constructed at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Let's explore briefly the origin, purpose, and identity of this park.

Five New Cocktails On The 2014 Disney Parks Bar and Lounge Menu

The standard Disney Bar and Lounge Cocktail Menu has been updated for 2014! Our occasional correspondent Erik H. just returned from Walt Disney World where he made notes on the new menu, and of course did some taste testing for us! This round of beverage program changes has seen nine of the 2013 drinks removed from the standard lounge cocktail menu.

New Disability Access Service Card Program Launching at Disney Parks October 9th, 2013

Last year the Walt Disney World Guest Assistance Card (GAC) program came under fire when it was uncovered that some guests had discovered a way to game the system. An increase in the volume of requests, growing abuse, and some very bad press coverage meant that Disney was finally forced to make changes to the program that offers access to its attractions for guests with a wide range of disabilities both obvious and invisible.

Rumor: Stormwater Project Paves The Way For Future of Downtown Disney

Over the past few years it seems like there has been a lot of "Blue Sky" planning for Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney area but very little actually happening to change the face and feeling of this popular location. Many feel that sections of the shopping, dinning and entertainment district have been suffering from a lack of identity and direction since the closure of Pleasure Island in 2008.

Race Courses: They Can Make or Break You

NOTE: Not All of the runDisney events mentioned in this article are still held.

When I first started running, I never gave much thought to the actual race course itself. I was more concerned about actually finishing the race and not getting swept! (If you're not familiar with being swept, for Disney races you must keep a 16 minute/mile pace on the course or you will get picked up by race officials and taken to the end of the race.) Now as I've done more races, I have become increasingly aware of the course and what challenges it will hold.