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• 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

• "Imagineering Legends" is the ideal gift for the Disneyana fan on your Christmas list

  Still struggling to come up with the perfect present for your family's Disney dweeb? Jim Hill points you toward Jeff Kurtti's latest book, which looks back at "The Genesis of the Disney Theme Park" Read More... Posted Wednesday, December 03, 2008 12:00 AM | 2 Comments Filed under: book, Walt Disney, Imagineering, WED, Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Marc Davis, Country Bear Jamboree, Marty Sklar, The American Adventure, Jeff Kurtti, Disney Editions, Walt Disney's Legends of Imagineering and the Genesis of the Disney Theme Park, John Hench, it's a small world, WDW, Imagineer, Christmas, 2008, holiday season , Imagineers, Snow White's Scary Adventures

• "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

• 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

• Is Disney looking to trade its 5th Avenue store in for a brand-new retail location down on Times Square?

  Since the World of Disney's lease is up in 2010, the Mouse is already on the prowl for a new spot to set up shop in NYC. Jim Hill shares what he's heard about these on-going negotiations Read More... Posted Tuesday, October 21, 2008 12:00 AM | 7 Comments Filed under: Disney, Broadway, musical, ABC, Walt Disney World, The Lion King, Disney Theatrical, Beauty and the Beast, Lunt-Fontanne Theater, Disney Store, ABC Studios, The Walt Disney Company, New York City, Mickey Mouse, restaurant, New Amsterdam Theatre, Minskoff Theatre, The Legendary Years, Disney's Pop Century Resort, NYC, Times Square, WDW, 5th Avenue, flagship store, World of Disney, Broadway musical, tourists, 2008, 2009, Disney World, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Walt Disney World Resort, Halloween, 2007, Mary Poppins, tourist , retail establishment , stage show , retail dining and entertainment complex, Virgin Megastore, Virgin, 1996 , 2010, stage, 2004, New York, Disney Stores, The Little Mermaid, movie theater, musical theater, 1990s, Wall Street, retail area, negotiations, trick-or-treat, trick or treat, square feet, retail space, commercial retail space, Wart, king, retailer, retailers, foot traffic, exposure, Paul Hoen, HoJos, Howard Johnson, American Eagle, American Eagle Outfitters, Pittsburgh, square foot, lease, Jeff Sutton, SL Green Realty Corp, Vornado, arcade, Alice's Wonderland, Toys R Us, Toys R Us Times Square, Virgin Megastore Times Square, ABC Times Square Studio, ABC Times Square Studios, retail entertainment complex, pre-show, post-show, preshow, posters, The Related Companies, retail presence, negotiating table, Rockefeller Center, Trump Tower, company representatives, real estate opportunity, real estate opportunites, construction project, construction projects

• WDW officials knew that '09 was going to be a real challenge

  Jim Hill talks about the cost containment procedures that Mouse House managers put in place over the past nine months, as they prepared for the current economic downturn Read More... Posted Friday, October 10, 2008 12:00 AM | 8 Comments Filed under: Disney, Walt Disney World, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, The Magic Kingdom, character dining, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Disney Parks & Resorts, WDW, promotional campaign, 2008, 2009, Disney World, The Walt Disney World Resort, September, Pleasure Island, Rock n Roll Beach Club, reservations , February , WDW officials , Liberty Tree Tavern , January, WDW executives, PI, What Will You Celebrate, Wall Street, economic downturn, Walt Disney: One Man's Dream, bookings, Fantasmic, Garden Grill

• "Disney at Dawn" continues the adventures of the Kingdom Keepers

  Jim Hill reviews the latest installment of this Ridley Pearson series, an adventure book for young adults which is primarily set at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park Read More... Posted Wednesday, September 24, 2008 12:00 AM | 3 Comments Filed under: book, Disney, Walt Disney, Walt Disney World, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Expedition Everest : Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, Disney's Hollywood Studios, The Magic Kingdom, Disney Editions, Sleeping Beauty, WDW, Expedition Everest, 2008, The Walt Disney World Resort, 2005, Cinderella Castle , behind-the-scenes , Maleficent, Ridley Pearson, The Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark, Kingdom Keepers II: Disney At Dawn, Kingdom Keepers, The Kingdom Keepers, Maharajah Jungle Trek, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Conservation Station, Wishes, Yeti

• Monday Mouse Watch : The Adventurers Club gets ready for its exit while the American Idol Experience delays its entrance

  Jim Hill talks about all of the changes that have been made at this Pleasure Island institution. He also shares what he knows about Disney's decision to push back the opening of DHS's newest attraction Read More... Posted Monday, September 15, 2008 12:00 AM | 7 Comments Filed under: Disney, attraction, Imagineering, Walt Disney World, Fox, Disney's Hollywood Studios, The Walt Disney Company, WDI, Glendale, WDW, Imagineer, Walt Disney Imagineering, 2008, 2009, Disney World, September, guests, Saturday , library, Pleasure Island, The Adventurers Club, Adventurers Club, night club complex, night club, capacity , Imagineers, Friday, night clubs, grand opening , May, January, DHS, PI, Spring , Walt Disney Company

• Characters come to the rescue at the Magic Kingdom

  Jim Hill explains how WDW officials used Mickey & friends as a diversion while repairs were being made on the Liberty Square bridge Read More... Posted Friday, August 29, 2008 12:00 PM | 5 Comments Filed under: Magic Kingdom, The Magic Kingdom, WDW, Fantasyland, Liberty Square, Operations, Christmas, 2008, The Walt Disney World Resort, guest, guests, holiday season , WDW guests, construction, August, WDW officials , Mickey's Pirate & Princess Party, Adventureland , Liberty Square bridge, operational issues

• Tune Tuesday : "Hello, WALL-E! Well, Hello, WALL-E ..."

  Forget about Pixar's latest production. Jim Hill talks about the many other ways that Jerry Herman's Tony Award-winning musical has popped up at the Mouse House Read More... Posted Tuesday, July 01, 2008 12:00 AM | 20 Comments Filed under: movies, Pixar, musical, Imagineering, CG, Disneyland, Walt Disney World, 20th Century Fox, Magic Kingdom, James Bond, Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Productions, The Magic Kingdom, New York City, Main Street U.S.A., Eddie Sotto, Euro Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, television, The Haunted Mansion, Rotten Tomatoes, Tony Award winner, WDI, WDW, Imagineer, Walt Disney Imagineering, film, movie, 2008, 1970s , opening weekend grosses, opening weekend, Disneyana fans, Main Street USA, Tony Award, Andrew Stanton, Tony Award-winner , CG feature, 1970 , Imagineers, Disney Pixar , Kung Fu Panda, WALL-E, New York, domestic release, 1969, Jerry Herman, showtunes , futuristic fable , Put on Your Sunday Clothes, It Only Takes a Moment, CHUD, robot, Elegance , Before the Parade Passes By , area music , E.J. Peaker , Disneyland Showtime , The Wonderful World of Disney , Donny Osmond, Merrill Osmond , introduction, Miss Molloy, dress shop , Minnie Fay , movie star, Love Bug Parade , Condorman, spoof , 1981, Woody Wilkins , Michael Crawford , Barbara Carrera , Cornelius Hackl , original Broadway production, Phantom of the Opera, Dolly Levi , extras , senior Vice President of Creative Development , Tony Baxter , turn-of-the-century , Gene Kelly , Barbara Streisand , price tag , Hello

• Will pirates soon be returning to Treasure ... er ... Discovery Island?

  In this week's Why For, Jim Hill talks about the history of Treasure / Discovery Island. More importantly, how WDW Entertainment and Food & Beverage are allegedly thinking of using the "Pirates of the Caribbean" characters to help get this place re-opened Read More... Posted Friday, June 06, 2008 12:00 AM | 14 Comments Filed under: Disney, Why For, Imagineering, ABC, Johnny Depp, WED, Walt Disney World, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Tom Sawyer Island, Lost, The Walt Disney Company, Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Bay Lake, WDW Entertainment, WDI, WDW, Imagineer, cast members, cast member, Leota Toombs, 1974, 1998, 1976, 2008, Disney World, The Walt Disney World Resort, marshmallows, Food Service, Blackbeard's Ghost , 1967, Peter Ustinov , Captain Jack Sparrow, Food & Beverage , Imagineers, April , rum , Pirates of the Caribbean films, 1960s, Disney officials , Pirates of the Caribbean franchise , January, interactive, Capt. Jack Sparrow, Raz Island, boat ride , treasure hunt , marshmallow, marshmallow roast , Treasure Island, Discovery Island, wilderness preserve , Blackbeard's Island , wizards of WED , 1950, Robert Louis Stevenson , Ben Gunn's Cave, Future Attraction, Future Attractions , The Blockhouse , Long John Silver, buccaneer, buccaneers, Spy Glass Hill , Wreck of the Hispaniola, Hispaniola, bird sanctuary , skeleton, aviary, enclosure, buzzard, buzzards , vulture, vultures, treasure map , operational hours , Yo-Ho-Ho , dough-dough-dough, snack bar, honeymoon, honeymoon cottage, honeymoon cottages , interactive gaming , Myst, pirate-themed adventure , O-Pin House, WDW Food Services, corporate groups, rum drinks , Johnny Depp lookalike