Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.gadling.com/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Spring Break deals: Fares up overall, best deals can be found to Florida, Europe]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/24/spring-break-deals-2011-florida-europe/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/24/spring-break-deals-2011-florida-europe/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/24/spring-break-deals-2011-florida-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The folks over at Bing Travel have been studying up on 2011 Spring Break airfare, and we hate to break it to you, but they've found that the average airfare cost is up more than 10 percent over last year, to $489. But the airfare increase doesn't have to stop the beach party. If you choose wisely, there are still plenty of Spring Break deals to be had.

Bing's Spring Break Travel Forecast says that lower fares on flights to Florida (particularly Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Tampa) can still be found. The average fare for Boston to Jacksonville is $233, and you can fly from San Francisco to Tampa for $300.

And while many overseas airfares have risen since last year, average airfares from several U.S. cities to Paris, Amsterdam and Rome have dropped as much as 13 percent over Spring Break season fares in 2010.

If you are just settling into spring break planning mode, here are some tips from Bing on finding the best spring break deals:

Continue reading Spring Break deals: Fares up overall, best deals can be found to Florida, Europe

Spring Break deals: Fares up overall, best deals can be found to Florida, Europe originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airfareairfare dealsAirfareDealsairfaresamsterdambingbing price predictorbing travelBingPricePredictorBingTravelfareologistfloridafort lauderdaleFortLauderdalefranceitalyjacksonvillemiamiorlandoparisprice predictorPricePredictorromespring breakspring break 2011spring break airfarespring break dealsspring break destinationsSpringBreakSpringBreak2011SpringBreakAirfareSpringBreakDealsSpringBreakDestinationstampaThu, 24 Feb 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Black visits Atlanta zoo to name 'Kung Fu Panda' cub]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/15/jack-black-visits-atlanta-zoo-to-name-kung-fu-panda-cub/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/15/jack-black-visits-atlanta-zoo-to-name-kung-fu-panda-cub/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/15/jack-black-visits-atlanta-zoo-to-name-kung-fu-panda-cub/#commentsFiled under: ,

Actor Jack Black visits with Po, the giant panda cub at Zoo Atlanta.The only giant panda cub born in the United States last year got a name this morning. And his name is Po.

In a bit of cuddly promotional goodness, actor Jack Black, who voices the character Po in the "Kung Fu Panda" movies, was on hand this morning at the little guy's naming ceremony at Zoo Atlanta.

And the whole thing was sponsored by Dreamworks Animation. Who would have guessed it?

Raymond King, president and CEO of the Atlanta zoo, says Black "has already helped to bring the importance of saving this species to a new generation of conservationists."

Zoo Atlanta says Dreamworks is partnering with it to help panda conservation programs at the Chengdu Research Base and other panda reserves in China.

No details on Dreamworks' donation have been released. But the zoo wants you to know that "Kung Fu Panda 2," also starring Jack Black, opens May 26, 2011, on movie screens around the U.S.

You can get a live look at Po on Zoo Atlanta's Panda Cam.

Jack Black visits Atlanta zoo to name 'Kung Fu Panda' cub originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtlantaAtlanta zooAtlantaZooChengduDreamworks AnimationDreamworksAnimationgeorgiagiant pandagiant panda beargiant pandasGiantPandaGiantPandaBearGiantPandasjack blackJackBlackkung fu pandaKung Fu Panda 2KungFuPandaKungFuPanda2pozooZoo AtlantaZooAtlantaTue, 15 Feb 2011 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney vacations: Why we go]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/24/disney-vacations-why-we-go/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/24/disney-vacations-why-we-go/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/24/disney-vacations-why-we-go/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Walt Disney World is the most visited resort in the world. Other Disney resorts and Disney cruises remain huge destinations worldwide. Yet, a Disney vacation is also maligned by many people.

Believe me, I've heard all the negatives: It's overly programmed; it's pedestrian; it's gimmicky; it's hot and miserable (or cold and miserable, as the case may be).

And as a journalist who covers Disney, I have to admit that many of my trips to "The World" feel a whole lot more like work than vacation, even with my family in tow.

After a marathon couple of weeks trying to cover all the holiday happenings at Disney Parks, I spent the first half of January in Disney burn-out. But I was reminded again last week why I - and many other moms - bring our kids on Disney vacations.

While watching the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom, Tinker Bell took off from Cinderella Castle to make her nightly flight. My 7-year-old daughter, who has seen these same fireworks dozens of times, turned to me, eyes sparkling, and squealed, "Mom, Tinkerbell waved at ME!"

I cannot even express the joy I felt in that moment. I can only say it was worth a million not-so-great moments waiting in line, sweating, and dealing with kids' meltdowns and obnoxious grown-ups on vacation.

Continue reading Disney vacations: Why we go

Disney vacations: Why we go originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cinderella castleCinderellaCastleDisney CruiseDisney Cruise LineDisney Cruisesdisney dreamdisney vacationDisneyCruiseDisneyCruiseLineDisneyCruisesDisneyDreamDisneyVacationfloridamagic kingdomMagicKingdomorlandoTinker BellTinkerBellWalt Disney WorldWaltDisneyWorldMon, 24 Jan 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disneyland's Splash Mountain to be closed this spring]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/20/disneylands-splash-mountain-to-be-closed-this-spring/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/20/disneylands-splash-mountain-to-be-closed-this-spring/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/20/disneylands-splash-mountain-to-be-closed-this-spring/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you plan to visit Southern Cailfornia this spring, a ride on Splash Mountain won't be in the cards. Disneyland's famous water ride is closed for refurbishment until just before Memorial Day.

The 4-month closure is part of a regular refurbishment program at Disneyland. Big rides get spruced up every 5 to 10 years, and it was Splash Mountain's turn, reports the Orange County Register.

Splash Mountain opened at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, in 1989. It is a 9-minute long log flume ride that winds through scenes from Song of the South, the classic Disney film that tells the stories of Brer Rabbit. At the end, Splash Mountain riders find Brer Rabbit's laughing place - at the bottom of a five-story drop.

The ride has become one of Disney's iconic attractions, and versions of Splash Mountain have spread to two other Disney theme parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

No major changes to Disneyland's Splash Mountain are expected during the refurbishment period.

[Image credit: Flickr user lrargerich]


Disneyland's Splash Mountain to be closed this spring originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Walt Disney World's marketing push for 2011 is all about making memories, and the theme park behemoth put more than 500 of them on display on its most famous icon, Cinderella Castle, Tuesday night.

A new nighttime show, called "The Magic, The Memories and You" was previewed for media at the Magic Kingdom near Orlando, Florida.

The show features images captured daily by Disney's PhotoPass photographers - those guys and gals who ask you to stop so they can take your picture - and projected on to Cinderella Castle in a show set to music. At least, that's what I was expecting. What I saw was way more elaborate than that.

Through the use of animation from 16 different projectors, the castle's turrets spin, vines wind up its walls, and flames engulf it, all while photos dance across the facade. It's visually stunning, dramatic, and, well, a bit trippy. One guest at the media preview said the show reminded him of performances of Pink Floyd's "The Wall."

Continue reading Disney World debuts new castle projection show

Disney World debuts new castle projection show originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cinderella castleCinderellaCastlecinderellas castleCinderellasCastledisneydisney photopassDisney WorldDisneyPhotopassDisneyWorldFlorida ElectionsFloridaElectionslet the memories beginLetTheMemoriesBeginmagic kingdomMagicKingdomorlando bloomOrlandoBloomwalt disney worldWaltDisneyWorldWed, 19 Jan 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Troubled baby gorilla at Disney World being treated like a kid]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/18/troubled-baby-gorilla-at-disney-world-being-treated-like-a-kid/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/18/troubled-baby-gorilla-at-disney-world-being-treated-like-a-kid/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/18/troubled-baby-gorilla-at-disney-world-being-treated-like-a-kid/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Visitors to Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park often spot a tiny baby gorilla along the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. What most of them don't know is that she's much tinier than she should be. Lilly was born last year at Walt Disney World, one of only 10 to 15 gorilla births each year in the United States. And she's not growing and developing the way she should.

Lilly depends on her mother for many things that a gorilla of her age should be doing independently, and her left side seems to be weaker than her right.

Disney World scrambled for months to solve the mystery of what is wrong with Lilly, according to the Orlando Sentinel. She's even been seen by doctors who specialize in treating human kids, and gone to a local hospital for an MRI. But, while they have ruled out many serious things that could have been ailing the baby gorilla, her caretakers haven't found the problem.

So Disney has innovated and switched the focus from diagnosing Lilly to treating her. An occupational therapist who usually works with autistic kids comes to treat the baby gorilla once a week, and she gets therapy sessions twice daily from her trainers.

Everyone involved with Lilly attests that she's making progress. She remains along the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, where you can probably see her on your next visit to Orlando. Here's video from the Orlando Sentinel of Lilly and the progress she's making:

Troubled baby gorilla at Disney World being treated like a kid originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Animal KingdomAnimalKingdombaby gorillaBabyGorillaDisney WorldDisney World Floridadisneys animal kingdomDisneysAnimalKingdomdisneyworldDisneyWorldFloridagorillaLillyPangani Forest Exploration TrailPanganiForestExplorationTrailwalt disney worldWaltDisneyWorldTue, 18 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Pixar Pals parade disappoints many Disney World fans]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/18/new-pixar-pals-parade-disappoints-many-disney-world-fans/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/18/new-pixar-pals-parade-disappoints-many-disney-world-fans/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/18/new-pixar-pals-parade-disappoints-many-disney-world-fans/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Walt Disney World debuted a new parade - Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun! - at Disney's Hollywood Studios on Sunday. The new parade features characters from Pixar films Up! and Ratatouille that have never appeared in a Disney parade before.

New stuff at Disney is frequently met with breathless wonder by the many fans of all things Disney out there. But when it comes to this parade, reaction from Disney World fans, including many locals who turned out to see the parade's debut, has not been good.

In the comments sections of blogs and YouTube videos about the Pixar Pals parade, Disney fans are describing the parade as "low budget," "horrible" and "disappointing."

Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun! replaces the Block Party Bash, a street party-parade hybrid that moved through the streets of Disney's Hollywood Studios and stopped at certain points to bring the audience out to dance with characters from popular movies including Toy Story, Monsters, Inc. and A Bug's Life.

The main beefs with the parade seem to fall into two categories: First, that the parade is not different enough from its predecessor Block Party Bash, and second, that the parade is too short.

Continue reading New Pixar Pals parade disappoints many Disney World fans

New Pixar Pals parade disappoints many Disney World fans originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Disney WorldDisney World Floridadisney world vacationsDisneys Hollywood StudiosDisneysHollywoodStudiosDisneyWorldDisneyWorldFloridaDisneyWorldVacationsfloridaorlandoparadeparadespixarpixar pals countdown to funPixarMoviesPixarPalsCountdownToFunPixarsUpWalt Disney WorldWaltDisneyWorldTue, 18 Jan 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Universal Orlando announces Mardi Gras concert lineup]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/17/universal-orlando-announces-mardi-gras-concert-lineup/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/17/universal-orlando-announces-mardi-gras-concert-lineup/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/17/universal-orlando-announces-mardi-gras-concert-lineup/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Universal Mardi Gras concert lineup

Thirty Seconds to Mars, Ne-Yo and Blake Shelton are among the headliners just announced for Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras this spring.

The 2011 Mardi Gras celebration happens on weekend nights Feb. 12 through April 23 at the Universal Studios Florida theme park in Orlando, Florida.

Here's the concert lineup:
  • Feb. 12: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
  • Feb. 19: The B-52s
  • Feb. 20: KC & The Sunshine Band
  • Feb. 26: Pitbull
  • March 5: Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • March 12: Foreigner
  • March 18: Neon Trees
  • March 19: Thirty Seconds to Mars
  • March 25: OneRepublic
  • March 26: Blake Shelton
  • April 1: Sean Kingston
  • April 2: Ne-Yo
  • April 9: Lifehouse
  • April 16: The Beach Boys
Universal's Mardi Gras also includes a nightly parade with floats designed by Blaine Kern Artists in New Orleans, and, of course, lots and lots of beads.

A "French Quarter" street party serves up cajun food and musicians playing blues, jazz and zydeco.

Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras is included with regular theme park admission to Universal Studios Florida - no separate ticket is required for the concerts.

Universal Orlando announces Mardi Gras concert lineup originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>30 seconds to mars30SecondsToMarsB-52b-52sBeach BoysBeachBoysblake sheltonBlakeSheltonfloridaforeignerFrankie ValliFrankieVallikc and the sunshine bandKcAndTheSunshineBandLifehouselynyrd skynyrdLynyrdSkynyrdMardi Grasmardi gras beadsMardi Gras floatsMardi Gras paradesMardiGrasMardiGrasBeadsMardiGrasFloatsMardiGrasParadesne-yoneon treesNeonTreesOneRepublicorlandoPitBullSean KingstonSeanKingstonthirty seconds to marsThirtySecondsToMarsuniversal orlandouniversal orlando resortuniversal studiosUniversal Studios FloridaUniversalOrlandoUniversalOrlandoResortUniversalStudiosUniversalStudiosFloridaMon, 17 Jan 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Legoland California announces Star Wars attraction]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/07/legoland-california-announces-star-wars-attraction/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/07/legoland-california-announces-star-wars-attraction/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/07/legoland-california-announces-star-wars-attraction/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Legoland California to features scenes from Star Wars

Legoland California will be the first Legoland theme park to launch a Star Wars Miniland area. The Star Wars Miniland, which will have models of favorite Star Wars scenes constructed entirely of Legos, is set to open March 31.

Eight famous Star Wars scenes will be built in a 1:20 scale. The project will take more than 1.5 million Legos and, we're guessing, a dash of The Force.

The scenes will encompass the stories told in all six Star Wars movies and the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated TV series and be arranged chronologically. The models will be up to 6 feet tall, and some of them will be built to move or perform other actions when theme park visitors press buttons at the exhibit.

Legoland California also promises life-size models of Chewbacca, R2D2 and Darth Vader for family photo ops.

Two more Legoland parks - Legoland Deutschland in Gunzburg, Germany, and Legoland Billund in Billund, Denmark - will introduce Star Wars Minilands later this year.

Legoland California announces Star Wars attraction originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiadenmarkgermanyLego-Star-WarsLegolandlegoland billundlegoland californialegoland deutschlandLegolandBillundLegolandCaliforniaLegolandDeutschlandLegosLegoStarWarssan diegoSanDiegoStar WarsStarWarsFri, 07 Jan 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Harry Potter park serves up 1 millionth Butterbeer]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/06/harry-potter-park-serves-up-1-millionth-butterbeer/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/06/harry-potter-park-serves-up-1-millionth-butterbeer/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/06/harry-potter-park-serves-up-1-millionth-butterbeer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Harry Potter Butterbeer - 1 million sold

It's not just a beverage, it's an experience. That's the word from Universal Orlando Resort, which said today that the company has sold 1 million Butterbeers in its Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The creamy-smooth concoction is a favorite drink in the Harry Potter books and movies, and it's also a favorite at the theme park, where guests will wait in ride-sized lines to buy a cup. Last year, a fourth location selling the drink was added to the theme park to alleviate some of the lines.

There's no alcohol in Butterbeer. It's a sweet drink, which Universal says tastes of shortbread and butterscotch. I liken it to a cream soda. You can get both cold and frozen versions at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park where the Wizarding World is located.

There are lots of do-it-yourself Butterbeer recipes out there online, but Universal's is secret. In fact, the company says it has put special security procedures in place to keep it that way.

To celebrate the 1 millionth Butterbeer, Universal passed out 1,000 free ones on the streets of the Wizarding World.

Harry Potter park serves up 1 millionth Butterbeer originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>butter beerbutterbeerfloridaharry potterHarryPotterislands of adventureIslandsOfAdventureorlandouniversal orlandouniversal orlando resortUniversalOrlandoUniversalOrlandoResortwizarding world of harry potterWizardingWorldOfHarryPotterThu, 06 Jan 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Why you shouldn't worry about Donald Duck groping you at Disney World]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/04/why-you-shouldnt-worry-about-donald-duck-groping-you-at-disney/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/04/why-you-shouldnt-worry-about-donald-duck-groping-you-at-disney/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/04/why-you-shouldnt-worry-about-donald-duck-groping-you-at-disney/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Donald Duck groping caseThe case against Donald Duck is moving forward. A federal judge has ruled that a Pennsylvania woman's lawsuit against Walt Disney World can proceed.

April Magolon says that an actor costumed as Donald Duck at Epcot touched her breast and then joked about it in May 2008.

The Donald Duck groping case ruling allows Magolon's civil lawsuit to proceed in Pennsylvania. Disney had wanted it moved to Orlando, where the alleged incident actually happened.

Magolon isn't the first to claim that a costumed character at a Disney theme park intentionally groped her, and she won't be the last.

But this kind of intentional incident is highly unlikely because of the costumes these actors are wearing that restrict their movement and their vision. As John Frost of The Disney Blog puts it:

Many guests get incensed when they wrongly interpret the costumed workers clumsy movements as groping, but it's just not practical for a person to intentionally grope, let along joke about the action afterwords, inside one of those costumes.


Now because of the characters' "clumsy movements," an unintentional touch could happen. There are plenty of awkward Disney character photos to prove that. But an intentional grope? There's no reason to worry that it might happen to you.

Also? The person in that Donald Duck suit is almost always a woman. Sorry if that bursts your bubble, but have you seen how short Donald is? The same goes for Mickey Mouse and many other "male" Disney characters.

[Image credit: Flickr user gwaar]

Why you shouldn't worry about Donald Duck groping you at Disney World originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>April MagolonAprilMagolonDisney WorldDisney World FloridaDisneyWorldDisneyWorldFloridadonald duckDonaldDuckFloridalawsuitOrlandoWalt Disney WorldWaltDisneyWorldTue, 04 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyscraper as theme park: Architect re-imagines thrill rides on a vertical scale]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/04/skyscraper-as-theme-park-architect-re-imagines-thrill-rides-on/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/04/skyscraper-as-theme-park-architect-re-imagines-thrill-rides-on/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/04/skyscraper-as-theme-park-architect-re-imagines-thrill-rides-on/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Can you imagine a theme park in the middle of Manhattan? Finding the capital to acquire the land and raise the buildings on it to create the necessary open space would be nearly impossible.

But what if that theme park could be built vertically, as a theme park skyscraper?

Skyscraper theme parkThat's the idea behind architect Ju-Hyun Kim's vertical theme park prototypes. Kim says in order to be eco-friendly and save the world from more sprawl, the theme parks of tomorrow need to be built in the middle of cities:

Instead of sprawling parks with giant footprints, stack the park into a skyscraper. The altitude will only add to the speed and excitement of rides, and the view of the surrounding dense urban environment will be incredible. There'll be so much more to see from the top of the carousel and roller coaster on the perimeter. Best of all, it will be easily reached by public transportation, and the environmental impact will be minimal. Now is the time to build the joyful destination for families' perfect day out at the center of cities.

Kim's vertical theme park would be broken into five sections:
  • Vertigo World, which would include a carousel and observation deck at the top of the theme park skyscraper
  • Fast Land, including a flume ride and a rollercoaster
  • 360 World, with a Ferris Wheel and sky promenade
  • Abyss City, a bungee jumping platform
  • Elsewhere Universe, a geodesic dome with a gravity-free zone
Though very different from Kim's vision, theme-park pioneer Walt Disney also considered building a vertical theme park in a city's downtown. Fifty years ago, Disney was planning a River Front Square on the banks of the Mississippi in St. Louis. The five-story indoor attraction's plans are said to have included a walk-through pirate ship, audio-animatronic exhibits and a haunted house.

But the St. Louis plans for a metropolitan Disney theme park were scrapped, and the second Disney theme park -- the Magic Kingdom -- was built outdoors, horizontally, on part of a sprawling 40-square-mile swampy area now known as Walt Disney World.

You can see all the prototypes from Kim's vertical theme park proposal at ArchDaily.

Skyscraper as theme park: Architect re-imagines thrill rides on a vertical scale originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architectarchitectsarchitecturebungeebungee jumpbungee jumpingbungee-jumpingBungeeJumpBungeeJumpingferris wheelferris wheelsFerrisWheelFerrisWheelsju-hyun kimJu-hyunKimmissouriSkyscraperskyscrapersst. louisSt.Louiswalt disneyWalt Disney WorldWaltDisneyWaltDisneyWorldTue, 04 Jan 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Universal ride that caught fire will be closed for weeks]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/03/universal-ride-that-caught-fire-to-be-closed-for-weeks/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/03/universal-ride-that-caught-fire-to-be-closed-for-weeks/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/03/universal-ride-that-caught-fire-to-be-closed-for-weeks/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Universal ride fireDudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls water ride will be closed for several weeks following a fire at Islands of Adventure on Saturday night.

The Universal Orlando ride will be closed to repair the damage, and to undergo seasonal maintenance, according to Universal. Ripsaw Falls had already been scheduled to be closed for maintenance in a couple of weeks.

About 5:30 Saturday evening, the ride and surrounding Toon Lagoon area were evacuated when clouds of black smoke started billowing from the ride's roof. Forty firefighters called to the scene had the fire under control in about 30 minutes and completely out in about an hour, officials told the Orlando Sentinel.

No guests were injured in the fire, though a few were evaluated at the theme park's first aid station.

The rest of the Islands of Adventure theme park remained open during and after the fire.

The exact cause of the blaze is still under investigation.

Universal ride that caught fire will be closed for weeks originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firefloridaislands of adventureIslandsOfAdventureorlandorideripsaw fallsRipsawFallsuniversaluniversal orlandouniversal orlando resortUniversalOrlandoUniversalOrlandoResortUniversalStudioswarcraftMon, 03 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney photo privacy questions raised by new 'Let the Memories Begin' campaign]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/03/disney-photo-privacy-questions-raised-by-new-let-the-memories-b/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/03/disney-photo-privacy-questions-raised-by-new-let-the-memories-b/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/03/disney-photo-privacy-questions-raised-by-new-let-the-memories-b/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Disney photo privacy questions raised by new show

Walt Disney World and Disneyland are inviting guests to share their Disney Parks memories in the form of photos, video and stories submitted to a Disney Web site as part of a 2011 marketing campaign called "Let the Memories Begin." Videos shot by Disney visitors are being used in TV commercials for the theme parks.

And a key component of the new marketing campaign starts early this year, when Disney will begin projecting images of guests in the park that day on Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World and on It's A Small World at Disneyland.

So, how will those images be chosen, and what if you don't want your larger-than-life likeness shown?

Disney says the up to 500 photos used daily will be provided by Disney PhotoPass Photographers, those guys and gals who stop you and ask to take your picture at various scenic locations throughout Disney's theme parks.

You will be able to opt out and keep your photo out of the nightly show, Disney tells the Orlando Sentinel. That's a smart move for a company using the images in what is essentially another piece of a marketing campaign.

However, on an individual basis, you should know that photos taken of you inside U.S. theme parks are pretty much fair game. If your image winds up on someone else's Twitter stream or Flickr account, there's really nothing you can do.

Some theme parks print a generic "use of likeness" release on the physical ticket you are given; others include it in the terms and conditions you agree to when purchasing tickets online.

But lawyers say that even without some sort of printed photo release, you don't have much recourse if you want a photo removed from, say, someone else's Facebook. With thousands of people taking thousands of photos every day, there's no real expectation of privacy if your face is captured in the crowd.

Disney photo privacy questions raised by new 'Let the Memories Begin' campaign originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anaheimcaliforniacinderella castleCinderellaCastlecinderellas castleCinderellasCastledisneyDisney WorlddisneylandDisneyWorldfloridaorlandophotosprivacyprivacy issuesPrivacyIssuesPrivacyRightsWalt Disney WorldWaltDisneyWorldMon, 03 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney World says goodbye to Block Party Bash]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/02/disney-world-says-goodbye-to-block-party-bash/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/02/disney-world-says-goodbye-to-block-party-bash/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/02/disney-world-says-goodbye-to-block-party-bash/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Disney Block Party Bash

New Year's Day is a day of beginnings, but it marked the end for a Disney World parade. The Block Party Bash ended its run at Disney's Hollywood Studios on January 1.

The Block Party Bash was a rolling parade that stopped for a "street party" a couple of times along the parade route. It featured characters from DisneyPixar movies including Toy Story, Monsters Inc. and The Incredibles.

The Green Army Men from Toy Story served as hosts and narrators of the dance party, inviting park guests out into the streets to dance to "Celebration" and "Shout" along with the characters and Disney dancers clad in technicolor outfits.

Disney announced last fall that the Block Party Bash would be closing in January. It is being replaced by a new parade, the Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun!

The new parade debuts Jan. 16. It will include four DisneyPixar characters not currently seen at Disney Parks parades: Remy and Emile from Ratatouille and Carl and Russell from Up.

It is believed that the new parade will use the music from the Pixar Play Parade, which will be put on hiatus for most of 2011 at Disney's California Adventure.

There will be no afternoon parades scheduled at Disney's Hollywood Studios between Jan. 2 and Jan. 15.

[Image credit: Flickr user HarshLight]

Disney World says goodbye to Block Party Bash originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 02 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>block party bashBlockPartyBashDisney WorldDisney World Floridadisney world vacationsDisneys Hollywood StudiosDisneysHollywoodStudiosDisneyWorldDisneyWorldFloridaDisneyWorldVacationsfloridaorlandoparadeparadesSun, 02 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fire erupts at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/01/fire-erupts-at-universal-orlandos-islands-of-adventure/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/01/fire-erupts-at-universal-orlandos-islands-of-adventure/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/01/fire-erupts-at-universal-orlandos-islands-of-adventure/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A ride - a water ride, of all things - caught fire at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure on New Year's Day, causing the evacuation of a section of the theme park.

The fire happened around 5:30 p.m., according to Central Florida News 13. No injuries have been reported.

Fire at Universal OrlandoUniversal Orlando officials evacuted the ride, Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls, as well as the surrounding Toon Lagoon area.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. According to witnesses at the scene, the ride fire started on the roof.

"My source tells me a vendor truck next to the ride caught fire. A tree spread the fire to the top of the ride," according to Brian J. Smith on Twitter.

Smith tweeted the photo used here and attributed it to his sister, a theme park employee.

Ripsaw Falls is one of Islands of Adventure's original rides. It opened with the theme park in 1999.

The ride remains closed, the rest of the theme park will be open during its previously announced operating hours.

Fire erupts at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dudley do-rightDudleyDo-rightfirefloridaislands of adventureIslandsOfAdventureorlandoripsaw fallsRipsawFallstheme park fireThemeParkFireuniversaluniversal orlandouniversal studiosUniversalOrlandoUniversalStudioswater ridewater ridesWaterRideWaterRidesSat, 01 Jan 2011 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Family takes $900 cab ride home in blizzard to end Disney World vacation]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/31/family-takes-900-cab-ride-home-in-blizzard-to-end-disney-world/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/31/family-takes-900-cab-ride-home-in-blizzard-to-end-disney-world/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/31/family-takes-900-cab-ride-home-in-blizzard-to-end-disney-world/#commentsFiled under: ,

cab ride blizzard

After her family's Christmas "dream" vacation at Walt Disney World, Emilian Emeagwali faced a camp-out at the Orlando airport, possibly for days, while the Northeast dug out from a blizzard.

But, she says, she had a physical therapy practice to get back to in Elmont, New York, and she couldn't wait.

So, she switched her family's flights to arrive in Buffalo rather than a New York City airport, and figured when they got there, they would take a bus home.

Of course, when they arrived the buses weren't running, and there was no word when they might start up again. So, Emeagwali opted for a more creative solution. A cab driver said he would take her family home for $1,100. She bargained him down to $900 and then she and her five kids piled into the minivan for the cab ride.

It took 13 hours to make the 400-mile journey during the blizzard. Emeagwali has been hailed by ABC News for her "creativity."

Ummm, yeah. Fortunately, nothing happened to this family and the cab driver on this crazy trek.

I get it - she needed to get home. But, really? Would you risk your children's lives in conditions like that, driving across the state in a blizzard?

I can't imagine that once she got there she could work for several days anyway. Part of the risk of travel is getting stuck somewhere, because of weather, mechanical problems or other unexpected troubles. Maybe, just maybe, the best solution is to accept your situation and deal.

[Image credit: Flickr user Johan Lange]

Family takes $900 cab ride home in blizzard to end Disney World vacation originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fri, 31 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Chilean miners are going to Walt Disney World]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/28/chilean-miners-are-going-to-walt-disney-world/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/28/chilean-miners-are-going-to-walt-disney-world/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/28/chilean-miners-are-going-to-walt-disney-world/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Chilean miners are going to Disney World

"Esteban Rojas, you've just survived 69 days trapped 2,300 feet underground. What are you going to do next?"

"I'm going to Disney Worldl!"

OK, so maybe that's not quite the way it happened, but the 33 Chilean miners who survived underground after a mine collapse this year are being treated to a Walt Disney World vacation in 2011.

Disney has confirmed that the miners and their immediate families will be traveling to Orlando Jan. 27 through Feb. 2, 2011. In a nice added touch, rescue workers who helped save the men will get a vacation, too.

"The amazing story of these miners captured the attention of the world for demonstrating the true power and resilience of the human spirit," said Disney President and CEO Bob Iger. "We are proud to welcome these courageous men and their families to the Walt Disney World Resort."

A welcome dinner that includes Disney characters, dancing and Chilean cuisine prepared by Disney chefs will greet the Chilean families.

Over the course of their six-night vacation, the miners, rescuers and their families will visit all four Disney theme parks in Florida and serve as grand marshals of a parade at the Magic Kingdom.

Mickey Mouse is picking up the tab for the trip, and giving each family a $500 Disney gift card.

[Image credit: Flickr user Rescate Mineros]

Chilean miners are going to Walt Disney World originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chilechile minerschilean minechilean minerschilean miners trappedChileanMineChileanMinersChileanMinersTrappedChileMinersdisneyDisney WorldDisneyWorldfloridamagic kingdomMagicKingdommickey mouseMickeyMouseorlandoparadewalt disneyWaltDisneyTue, 28 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another fatal Disney bus accident]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/27/another-disney-fatal-disney-bus-accident/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/27/another-disney-fatal-disney-bus-accident/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/27/another-disney-fatal-disney-bus-accident/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Disney bus accident

There's word this morning that a tourist has been killed at Walt Disney World. The 69-year-old Massachusetts man was in the parking lot at the Port Orleans Resort when he stepped into the path of a Disney bus.

It appears that the bus driver was not at fault and will not be charged. There were passengers on the bus at the time, and none of them were injured. This marks at least the fourth Disney bus accident this year at Walt Disney World, including one in April that killed a 9-year-old boy.

Earlier this year, there were concerns that a computer dispatching system on board the Disney buses, dubbed "Magic in Motion," was a distraction for the drivers, though none of the earlier crashes this year was attributed to the driver being distracted.

Disney acted anyway and altered the system this summer so that the drivers cannot interact with it unless the bus is at a complete stop.

The Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating last night's crash, and I'm sure that Disney will conduct its own internal investigation, as well. If there are safety problems found, they need to be corrected.

But it's also time to examine Disney guests' behavior on vacation.

Disney's bus system is extensive. In fact, it's larger than the city bus systems in nearby Orlando and Tampa. The highway system and parking lots there are also extensive - there are 40 square miles to cover and hundreds of thousands of cars travel the roads each day.

Yet, I continually see distracted people in "vacation mode," pushing strollers through parking lots while their face is in a guidebook or map, children running off unattended in parking lots and, yes, people darting out in front of buses and cars and not using crosswalks.

So, don't forget your common sense and safety rules when you go on vacation. While much of Walt Disney World is about the illusion - the "magic" - those are real cars and buses driving around the roads and parking lots.

[Image credit: Flickr user Darren Wittko]

Another fatal Disney bus accident originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentbusCrashdisneydisney busDisney WorldDisneyBusDisneyWorldfloridaorlandoWalt Disney WorldWaltDisneyWorldMon, 27 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[No parades at Disney's California Adventure for most of 2011]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/21/no-parades-at-disneys-california-adventure-for-most-of-2011/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/21/no-parades-at-disneys-california-adventure-for-most-of-2011/http://www.gadling.com/2010/12/21/no-parades-at-disneys-california-adventure-for-most-of-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Disney California Adventure no parades in 2011

One classic part of the Disney theme park experience - the afternoon parade - will be missing from Disney's California Adventure for most of next year.

The Pixar Play Parade can be seen at the park through Jan. 3, but then it's not expected back until November. The hiatus is a result of a major overhaul of Disney's second California theme park.

The Orange County Register reports that Disney will have roaming street shows, called Pixar Pop-Ups, in the parade's place. The mini-shows will feature characters from popular Pixar movies such as The Incredibles and Monsters, Inc.

The overhaul at Disney's California Adventure is expected to be complete in 2012. Disney is spending $1 billion on the project to makeover the theme park. For most of next year, the major projects will be worked on.

What does that mean for visitors? Lots of construction walls, and temporary closings of corridors, eateries, shops and other venues at the park. While Disney regularly closes rides and venues for refurbishment, these kinds of major interruptions are always a risky business, because many potential visitors may decide to delay a trip to Anaheim until they can see the finished project.

[Image credit: Flickr user HarshLight]

No parades at Disney's California Adventure for most of 2011 originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AnaheimCaliforniaconstructionDisneylandDisneys California AdventureDisneysCaliforniaAdventureparadePixar Play ParadePixarPlayParadeTue, 21 Dec 2010 16:30:00 EST