Search Results for: blog the hidden magic of walt disney world

Disney Park Secrets: Disneyland’s Feral Cats

Disneyland really is the happiest place on Earth for all beings, cats included. I’d heard rumors of this but I never thought it was true: Disneyland employs an “army” of feral cats to keep the park rodent-free. Alley Cat Allies, a national organization for the protection/understanding of feral cats, reports on the details. No one knows exactly when the feral cats moved into Disneyland; they weren’t put there intentionally. They’ve definitely been there for at least 25 years, and some think they’ve been there since the park opened in 1955. Perhaps it was built on land on which feral cats … Continue reading →

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Expands to Tabletop Game

I haven’t reported on Disney World’s live action role-playing game Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom since its debut in February. The game was out, it seemed well-received, so there didn’t seem to be much else to say about it. While I was focusing on other Disney news, however, the game’s done more than just be a success. It’s a total smash. Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom (SMK) is so popular at Disney World that there just aren’t enough portals available for all of the guests that want to play. Because I haven’t talked about SMK for a while, here’s a … Continue reading →

Honoring Alice Davis: Legendary Disney Costume Designer

Costumes designed by Alice Davis This year I missed out on my annual tradition of profiling important women in Disney history for Women’s History Month. My March was very busy this year so I just didn’t have time to do the necessary research. Luckily, the perfect profile has fallen into my lap. This month costume designer Alice Davis was honored on Disneyland’s Main Street, USA, as a new window in her honor was unveiled. Alice Davis isn’t a name you’ll hear much when talking about the movies; she only had involvement in a couple, including, “Sleeping Beauty.” Her stamp is … Continue reading →

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Debuts This Month

I said I would bring you more information on Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom when I had it, and now I do and am. The game will open at the Magic Kingdom in late February, and because that’s only few weeks away, more and more and more details are emerging. First the official Disney Parks blog rounds out the story of the game. Players act as Merlin’s apprentice sorcerers. His crystal ball was broken into four pieces, which scattered around the Magic Kingdom. Merlin’s apprentices must race against more than 20 Disney villains to get the pieces back to Merlin … Continue reading →

Check into a Disney Character Room

I’m torn between two very different impulses when thinking about my eventual Disney World vacation. One part of me wants to keep the vacation simple, to stay in a hotel with a kitchen outside of the resort so I can save money on lodging and food. That’s the part of me that will probably win out. If I’m to afford a Disney vacation, that’s likely what I’ll have to do. But there’s another part of me, the kid still in there that’s especially pushing me to make that trip to Orlando. That part doesn’t necessarily want to go all out, … Continue reading →

Disney Park Secrets: The Mark Twain Riverboat

After exploring the Hidden Magic of Disney World I decided to start a new recurring column: uncovering secrets of the Disney Parks. Today focuses on a special ride at Disneyland: the Mark Twain Riverboat. The ship sidles its way for twelve minutes around the Rivers of America attraction, taking guests for a short scenic cruise. Horns and bells are used to signify the arrival and departure of the Riverboat, and also to communicate specific messages to other crafts also sluicing through the waters, the Rafts to Pirate’s Lair and Davy Crockett’s Explorer canoes. What’s so special about the Mark Twain … Continue reading →

Four Seasons to Open at Disney World

I’ve always thought one couldn’t take a much more luxurious vacation than a Disney vacation, and if one stayed at a fancy hotel in the Disney parks, one could have everything one might possibly want. It’s probably because I’ve never stayed in anything close to a luxury hotel, but apparently none of the options are quite fancy enough. That’s the only reason I can think that Disney World’s letting an outside hotel chain into its premises, even if it is a Four Seasons. USA Today reports that the “ultraluxury” hotel chain has reached a deal with Disney World to build … Continue reading →

The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World

Can you see the hidden Mickey in the ceiling of this Epcot store? The last of my books about Disney World, “The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World,” is for the park’s devotees. Its subtitle is, “Over 600 secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom,” and author Susan Veness makes good on that promise. If you’re a fan of Disney World, not just of its rides but of its whole experience, this is the book for you. If you’ve been to the park so many times that now you’re starting to notice all of its … Continue reading →

A Hidden Jewel: The Timekeeper

One of the true pleasures of going to Disney World or Disneyland is going to see the attractions hosted within the parks. One of these attractions must be new because I don’t recall seeing it the last time I was there (2005), but trust me – it’s on the top of my list to see the next time I set foot in the Magic Kingdom. What is this jewel that is making the top of my list? It’s called: The Timekeeper The Timekeeper is a time-travel movie adventure that is open seasonally. The presentation lasts about 20 minutes and you … Continue reading →

What Goes on Behind the Scenes at Disney

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a cast member at one of the Disney parks or resorts? Maybe you think this would be an ideal job? Disney employs a great many individuals in various capacities from vendors to characters to performers and much, more. Well, if you’ve ever been curious, there are now resources that will allow you to check out what does go on behind the scene with the hardworking men and women who make up the Disney cast members. We Are Disney is the name of the website and it was launched by … Continue reading →