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• Let George Do It: One-time WDW busboy becomes Disneyland’s newest president

  Jim Hill looks back over this Park & Resorts vet's 38-year-long career with the Company. In particular why George Kalogridis was chosen to help guide the Disneyland Resort through its upcoming transitional period Read More... Posted Tuesday, October 13, 2009 12:00 AM | 1 Comments Filed under: Disney, Downtown Disney, Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Epcot, Disney's California Adventure, The Walt Disney Company, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Paris, Disney Parks & Resorts, Disneyland Hotel, Walt Disney Studios, cast members, cast member, 1971, 1976, 2009, Disney World, The Walt Disney World Resort, pin, 2012, 2010, Rich Ross , pins, 1988, millennium celebration, opportunity, Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Park, Chairman of Walt Disney Studios, DLP, Ed Grier, regional theme park, Al Weiss, George Kalogridis, busboy, senior management, senior management position, UCF, Contemporary Resort Hotel, Disney Wonder, University of Central Florida, training issues, adversity, Creating Magic: 10 Common Sense Leadershio Strategies from a Life at Disney, transition period, transitional period, Winter Olympics, Nagano, Olympic pins, IBM, Coca-Cola, Happiest Place on Earth, Resort Operations, maintenance, general manager, 15th anniversary, Sunshine Plaza, Anaheim property, Grand Flo, development team, Disney's World of Color, gay

• Gary Vaynerchuk wants you to think outside of the box wine

  Jim Hill reports in from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Where the “King of Social Media” held court this past Friday Read More... Posted Monday, September 28, 2009 12:00 AM | 0 Comments Filed under: Disney, theme park, Walt Disney World, Epcot, Orlando, World Showcase, Brazil, Mickey Mouse, Hollywood, 2009, Disney World, The Walt Disney World Resort, international, Variety, November, Food & Beverage , Green, Red, marketplace, Walt Disney World Resort, rock star, Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival, International Food and Wine Festival, Food and Wine Festival, wine seminar, education, entertainment, Gary Vaynerchuk, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, sheep butt, socks, Odyssey, Odyssey restaurant, vintage, vintages, WDW visitor, King of Social Media, mantra, You gotta try new things, chianti, Chianti Classico, Shiraz, Green Point Reserve, Green Point Reserve Shiraz, Satori Di Verona, wine world, wine, Napa, Washington State, Walla Walla, reds, white, whites, vintner, vintners, authentic experience, Misha, WDW visitors, food, drink, U.S., Pinot, varieties, webcast, The Thunder Show, confidence, box wine, cuisine, international marketplaces, marketplaces, Rio de Janeiro, Bangkok, foodie, 14th annual International Food & Wine Festival

• "The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World" will give you a renewed appreciation of the WDW Resort

  Jim Hill reviews Susan Veness’ new paperback, which features over 600 seldom-told tales about the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Read More... Posted Wednesday, June 10, 2009 12:00 AM | 1 Comments Filed under: book, Disney, Imagineering, Walt Disney World, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, The Magic Kingdom, Main Street U.S.A., Central Florida, WDW, Imagineer, The Tree of Life, Liberty Square, Disney World, The Walt Disney World Resort, Main Street USA, entrance area, books, Imagineers, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Walt Disney World Resort

• "The Art of the Walt Disney World Resort" is worth going out of your way for

  Jim Hill reviews Jeff Kurtti & Bruce Gordon’s latest book. Which features some spectacular sketches & concept paintings for WDW rides and resorts that were never built Read More... Posted Wednesday, May 27, 2009 12:00 AM | 14 Comments Filed under: book, A Christmas Carol, Imagineering, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, The Magic Kingdom, Main Street U.S.A., Jeff Kurtti, Bruce Gordon, Disney Editions, WDI, WDW, Imagineer, Walt Disney Imagineering, hotel, resort, Disney World, The Walt Disney World Resort, attractions, shows, rides, UK, Euro Disney, Charles Dickens, art of book, concept painting, artwork, sketches

• Why the bloom is never off the rose at Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival

  Jim Hill chats with Eric Darden, horticultural manager for this WDW annual event. Who reveals what goes on after-hours so that Guests will always see beautiful bedding plants whenever they attend this 75-day-long festival Read More... Posted Thursday, May 21, 2009 12:00 AM | 2 Comments Filed under: Disney, theme park, Walt Disney World, Epcot, WDW, theme park visitor, 2009, The Walt Disney World Resort, 2006, Epcot Flower & Garden Festival, theme parks

• WDI panel to be a high point of Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ 20th anniversary celebration

  Jim Hill showcases some early DHS construction shots as he talks up next Friday’s festivities at the studio theme park Read More... Posted Thursday, April 23, 2009 12:00 AM | 1 Comments Filed under: Disney, Imagineering, Michael Eisner, Walt Disney World, Disney-MGM Studios theme park, Bob Weis, Orlando, George Lucas, Disney's Hollywood Studios, WDI, WDW, Walt Disney Imagineering, MagicalMountain, panel discussion, Disney-MGM Studios, studio theme park, The Walt Disney World Resort, studio , WDWCelebrations , Magical Mountain, Imagineers, construction, CEO, 1989, 1986, plussing, Superstar Television, 1988, swamp, 20th anniversary, Walt Disney World Resort, Studio 20, The Studios Thing, Bob Hope, Eric Jacobson, Tom Fitzgerald, Disney-MGM Studio Tour, Slapstick Stunt Theater, Disney Film Festival, scrub pine, swampland, Disney-MGM Studio and Studio Tour Attraction, Chinese Theater, movie palace, Premiere Theater, Starring Rolls Cafe

• What gloom & doom? It's still "Happy Poly Days" over at Disney's Polynesian Resort

  Tired of all the bad news coming out of Orlando these days? Jim Hill uses Jeff Lange's photographs as an excuse to write about WDW's most popular hotel Read More... Posted Friday, December 05, 2008 12:00 AM | 5 Comments Filed under: Disney, resorts, Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Disney's Polynesian Resort, Seven Seas Lagoon, Central Florida, WDW, Jeff Lange, 1971, hotel, resort, tourists, 2008, Disney World, The Walt Disney World Resort, October, guest, guests, tourist , hotels, Lake Buena Vista , occupancy rate , January, pool, JeffLangeDVD, gingerbread , occupancy rates, retail entertainment complex, ocean, dog, Walt Disney World Resort, wave machine, Santa Paws, DTD, dogs, Disney's Beach Club Resort, carousel, gingerbread carousel, merry go round, merry-go-round

• "Dream Castle Lights" dazzle at night, disappear during the day

  Jim Hill talks with Rob Hamberg, veteran WDW Entertainment show producer. Who discusses the development of this new holiday spectacle for the Magic Kingdom Read More... Posted Tuesday, December 02, 2008 12:00 AM | 3 Comments Filed under: Disney, Walt Disney World, The Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney Resort, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, WDW, Tokyo, Christmas, 2008, Disney World, The Walt Disney World Resort, 2007, December , November, Cinderella Castle , 2006, August, Disney Weddings, Disney theme park, holiday, Walt Disney World Resort

• "When You Wish Upon a Wishbone" and other Turkey-related tales

  In honor of Thanksgiving, Jim Hill offers up a brief selection of tips that will hopefully help make the long holiday weekend far more enjoyable for you, your friends and your family Read More... Posted Thursday, November 27, 2008 12:00 AM | 2 Comments Filed under: Disney, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Disney Store, coffee, Central Florida, WDW, 2008, The Walt Disney World Resort, Thanksgiving, New England, fundraiser, December , January, WDW Food Services, Black Friday, Thanksgiving sale, ocean, turkeys, Walt Disney World Resort, Thanksgiving Day, turkey, Lenny DeGeorge, Executive Chef, roast turkey, Cars 2: World Grand Prix, holidays, tryptophan, holiday sale, Orlando area, Polar Bear Club, Polar Bear Club Plunge, Florida's First Polar Bear Club Plunge, New Englanders, seasonal fundraiser, Atlantic, Gaylord Palms, Gaylord Palms Resort, Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center, ICE!, bathing suit, ice sculptures, swimwear, fundraising event, hot cocoa, certificate, official member, Speedo, webcam, seasonal exhibition, waiver, waiver of liability, Chef, cocoa, midnight

• IAAPA Attractions Expo showcases the spectacular and the surreal

  Jim Hill reports in from the floor of the Orange County Convention Center. Where 25,000 themed entertainment professionals have gathered for their annual convention Read More... Posted Thursday, November 20, 2008 12:00 AM | 4 Comments Filed under: animation, theme park, attraction, Steve Martin, teen, tourists, 2008, 2009, The Walt Disney World Resort, attractions, shows, rides, ride, show, tourist , theme parks, animatronic , exhibit, IAAPA, IAAPA Attractions Expo, OCCC, International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, conference, trade show, Orange County Convention Center, Andreas Petrides, Egyptian, King Tut, exhibition, exhibit space, exhibition space, cowpoke, stallion, climbing structure, Mark Hanson, exhibition floor, teens, Flogo, Walt Disney World Resort, concept painting, Lost Worlds of Jules Verne, Jules Verne, Pumpkin King, Mandalay Bay, inflatables

• Disney World now offering discounted Merchandise Credits to select Guests

  Jim Hill talks about a test that's currently underway at the WDW Resort. Where people who have already bought vacation packages are now being offered the chance to purchase a $500 Walt Disney World Merchandise Credit for just $395 Read More... Posted Thursday, November 13, 2008 12:00 AM | 4 Comments Filed under: Disney, Downtown Disney, Orlando, Central Florida, WDW, tourists, 2008, Disney World, The Walt Disney World Resort, guest, guests, shops, WDW guests, tourist , retail dining and entertainment complex, WDW officials , consumers, Credit Crunch, Central Florida tourism, retail area, retail entertainment complex, consumer spending, targeted, retail sales

• Seldom-seen concept art a highlight of "The Imagineering Field Guide to Disneyland"

  Jim Hill checks out the latest volume in Alex Wright's "Imagineering Field Guide" series and finds that this 128-page paperback does an excellent job of summing up the history & the appeal of the Happiest Place on Earth Read More... Posted Wednesday, November 12, 2008 12:00 AM | 5 Comments Filed under: book, Disney, Imagineering, Disneyland, Epcot, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, The Magic Kingdom, Disney Editions, Herb Ryman, John Hench, Disneyana, WDI, it's a small world, WDW, Imagineer, Fantasyland, 2008, 2009, The Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyana fans, 1955, Imagineers, April , hippo

• Monday Mouse Watch: Will Pop Century be rebranded as Disney's Animation Inn and Suites?

  Jim Hill talks about what the future may hold for this troubled WDW Value Resort. Which involves completing construction of the Legendary Years and then turning both sections into a family-friendly suites-based hotel Read More... Posted Monday, November 10, 2008 12:00 AM | 14 Comments Filed under: Disney, Michael Eisner, Walt Disney World, The Walt Disney Company, Shelly Smith, Disney Parks & Resorts, Disney's Pop Century Resort, value resorts, Disney's All Star Music Resort, WDW, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, 2008, Disney World, The Walt Disney World Resort, 2001, 2003, WDW management , WDW officials , 1994, economic downturn, TouringPlans.com, FabRocks.com, Value Resort, model rooms

• Will Disney World's new "Buy 4 Get 3 FREE!" promotion really be enough to get you to book a trip to Orlando in early 2009?

  Jim Hill talks about that new WDW incentive program that Bob Iger revealed as part of yesterday's earnings call. Which includes a free $200 Disney Gift Card for those who buy a vacation package before December 20th Read More... Posted Friday, November 07, 2008 12:00 AM | 13 Comments Filed under: Disney, Bob Iger, Walt Disney World, promotion, The Walt Disney Company, marketing, Disney Parks & Resorts, WDW Entertainment, 9/11, Central Florida, WDW, Christmas, 2008, 2009, Disney World, The Walt Disney World Resort, annual passholders, guest, Disney World vacation, WDW guests, Disney Dining Plan, WDW management , advance reservations, advance reservation, WDW vacations, WDW officials , cost over-runs , WDW executives, bottom line , 911, Walt Disney Company, Disney theme park, business plan, fiscal year, bookings, earnings, earnings call

• Disney hopes that our next Commander-in-Chief can inspire some consumer confidence

  According to Jim Hill, Mickey doesn't really care who the next President is. Just as long as this guy can then convince the American people to once again start planning trips to Anaheim & Orlando Read More... Posted Monday, November 03, 2008 12:00 AM | 20 Comments Filed under: Disney, resorts, Bob Iger, Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Anaheim, Orlando, The Walt Disney Company, The Hall of Presidents, Disneyland Resort, Four Seasons Hotel & Resorts, Russia, Disney Parks & Resorts, 9/11, WDI, Burbank, WDW, resort, White House, 2009, Disney World, The Walt Disney World Resort, Disney World vacation, high profile project, niche park , advance reservations, advance reservation, WDW vacations, President, Commander-in-Chief, George W Bush, CEO, 2010, President of the United States , consumers, Thomas Staggs, Jungle Trek, Disney's Jungle Trek, Walt Disney Company, Disney theme park, China, Wall Street, economic downturn, economy, fiscal year, Presidential election, consumer spending, earnings, CFO, quarter, Vice President, Vice Presidents, Joe Biden, Sarah Palin, Congress, intellectual property, The White House, piracy, anti-piracy, Valerie Edwards, Director of Sculpture, Barack Obama, chainmail, fashion magazines, Obama Biden, fashion magazine, consumer confidence, recession, Presidential candidate, Presidential candidates, earnings call, Four Seasons, The Four Seasons