Dee Snider, legendary rocker, entertainer and front man for Twisted Sister came face-to-face with three savage, blood-thirsty banshees at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort.
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Actually, Dumbo is just reversing decades of flying in counter-clockwise circles. Call it “unwinding,” if you will. And in a new location within Magic Kingdom.
Guests will board Dumbo the Flying Elephant from the lovable critter’s left side — like mounting a horse … and unlike the way guests hop aboard for a whirl at Disney parks on three continents. It is scheduled to begin happening in early 2012 when select experiences in the Storybook Circus neighborhood of New Fantasyland debut just northeast of Mad Tea Party.
Also early 2012, the existing Dumbo attraction near Prince Charming Regal Carrousel will close, be refurbished and be moved to a location in Storybook Circus next to the new Dumbo attraction. The result when completed later in 2012: double Dumbos, one going this-a-way, one going that-a-way … a real circus act, if you will.
There also will be a “big top” that serves as a queue area for the popular attraction. It will feature a variety of interactive experiences currently being developed.
Two other Storybook Circus elements planned for opening early in the year are The Barnstormer and Fantasyland Station. Guests who enjoyed The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm will be happy to know the junior coaster thrills of that attraction are back with a thematic change: Goofy has sold the farm and is now a circus stunt pilot and magician, The Great Goofini. The completely re-imagined train station will serve as the gateway to Storybook Circus and all Fantasyland points beyond.
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Sit back in the good ol’ barber’s chair and get ready for a good old-fashioned haircut at Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom. Located near the Emporium gift shop with a signature candy-striped pole outside, Harmony Barber Shop transports Walt Disney World guests to a simpler time … a time when barbershop quartets entertained with harmonic tunes and when getting a haircut (or two) was a real treat.
A step into Harmony Barber Shop is a step back in time. Hair tonics and talcum powders line the dark burgundy shelves. The Dapper Dans barbershop quartet strolls by daily, singing melodious tunes in perfect harmony and entertaining guests with their humorous banter.
“Guests are always surprised to find there’s a real barbershop here,” says Mary Volley, who works at Harmony Barber Shop. ”They think it’s a display and take pictures, but once they see it they can’t get away… they end up wanting a haircut.”
Guests may be amazed to discover that some of the antiques in Harmony Barber Shop are still in service. A turn-of-the-century Western Electric phone box is still used to make phone calls. Also of note is the cash register the barbers use to ring up their sales. It dates from 1912.
Although small and quaint, Harmony Barber Shop performs between 350 and 400 services a week. Haircuts for children age 12 and under are priced at just $15. Another popular treatment for kids as well as kids-at-heart is colored hair gel, which costs $7.50. Of course there are also services for grown-ups to enjoy. An adult haircut costs $19. Beard and mustache trims are $5.
“First Haircuts” is the establishment’s specialty. Young Walt Disney World guests who receive their first haircut at the Magic Kingdom barbershop are treated to many delightful surprises, from “pixie dust” and bubbles to Mickey Mouse stickers, and an extra-special “My 1st Haircut” set of Mouse Ears and certificate. The “My 1st Haircut” special is priced at $18.
Harmony Barber Shop only accepts appointments for those staying at a Disney resort or guests who have a dining reservations. Guests without reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. All Walt Disney World guests can, however, make appointments to get their “whiskers” trimmed at these other Walt Disney World locations:
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Anchored by the Mouse “who started it all,” Walt Disney World Resort marked its 40th anniversary Saturday with a gala procession fronted by characters parading up Main Street, U.S.A. to a colorful celebration in front of Cinderella Castle.
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald, Pluto and all their pals waved to cheering crowds. Onstage, they were joined by Disney executives, singers and 40-year cast members in a colorful celebration.
It was 40 years ago – Oct. 1, 1971 — when Walt Disney World officially opened, rising from the marshy landscape southwest of Orlando, Florida. The much ballyhooed “Florida project” was the dream of visionary Walt Disney.
“We’ve grown by leaps and bounds since then,” Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton told guests assembled in front of the Castle Saturday. “But the fact remains that this place, as it appeared on October 1, 1971 was the last great vision of one of the world’s greatest dreamers.”
The Dapper Dans, a barbershop quartet, led park guests in a chorus of “When You Wish Upon a Star” and daytime fireworks and streamers shot into bright blue skies. A special edition of the “Wishes” nighttime spectacular was planned for after sundown.
Though he never lived to see opening day, Walt Disney’s legacy of family entertainment lives on — millions of smiles later — in four theme parks (including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom), two water parks, more than two dozen resort hotels, the Downtown Disney retail-dining-entertainment complex, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and other venues.
In 2012, Disney World will open a family suites value resort, as well as the first in a series of attractions that will double the size of Fantasyland – the largest-ever expansion of the Magic Kingdom.
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An all-new dining experience hosted by a Disney animal specialist is available at Sanaa at Kidani Village, located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World Resort. Over lunch, an animal expert reveals facts and myths about wildlife as guests immerse themselves in the culture and flavors of Africa.
There’s no more perfect setting, as Sanaa’s windows frame grazing zebra and giraffes, Ankole Cattle and White-Bearded Wildebeest. The experience accommodates up to 12 guests, offering an intimate, fun insider’s view, with plenty of time for questions.
Adding flavor to the experience: a four-course, African-inspired lunch made in Sanaa’s tandoor ovens. It boasts many delicacies, such as warm naan bread, savory dips, slow-cooked meats, unusual sweets and more.
After dessert, diners venture to a savanna lookout, to observe and learn more about the exotic animals grazing the landscape.
The Animal Specialist experience takes place every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Cost is $49, $29 ages 3 to 9 (special kid’s menu). The price includes the gratuity plus a $5 contribution to Disney’s Worldwide Conservation Fund. Reservations can be made up to 180 days prior to the experience.
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There will be celebrities, Disney characters and a musical fanfare when the PGA TOUR “goes to Disney World” for the season-ending Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic Oct. 20-23, 2011. There’s also likely to be some drama: The $4.7 million golf tournament Oct. 20-23 on Disney’s Magnolia and Palm courses will determine the final TOUR money rankings and which players have full exemptions in 2012.
Retired Tampa Bay Bucs linebacker Derrick Brooks is the first celebrity announced as an amateur participating in the golf Classic during the first and second rounds, played as a pro-am. Nine-time All-Pro Brooks’ National Football League career included 11 Pro Bowl appearances and selection as Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year in 2002, when the Bucs won the Super Bowl.
A tradition of the Classic during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s is returning in 2011: A cadre of characters and the red-and-white-clad Walt Disney World Band will gather at the 18th green to celebrate the tournament winner.
Golf Tournament Chairman Kevin Weickel said adding classic sounds from the legacy of Disney music “is part of making the moment truly unique and special. For many of our champions over the years, the Classic has been their first entrance to the PGA TOUR’s winner’s circle–and that is a memory you really want to make memorable with some pomp!”
That was the case in 2010 when Robert Garrigus came from behind on Sunday to claim his first PGA TOUR win. He became the 17th player to notch his first TOUR victory on Disney’s historic courses, which have hosted the Classic since 1971.
A field of 128 professionals will tee off in the quest for the $846,000 winner’s check. After two rounds, the field will be trimmed to the low 70 scores for the weekend rounds.
A one-day grounds ticket is $10; the weekly tournament badge providing admission to the grounds Oct. 17-Oct. 23 is $20. Parking is free and youth ages 17 and under are free when accompanying a paying adult.
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For a limited time, guests can purchase 4-night/5-day Magic Your Way room and ticket packages at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for select dates and enjoy a Dining Plan at no additional charge. The window to book arrangements is now through Oct. 29, 2011.
With non-discounted 4-night/5-day packages, guests get:
The arrival dates for the offer (based on availability) are: Oct. 1-Oct. 6, 2011; Oct. 22-Nov. 3, 2011; Nov. 12-17, 2011; Nov. 26-Dec. 1, 2011; Dec. 10-15, 2011; Jan. 8-12, 2012; Jan. 21-Feb. 2, 2012; Feb. 11-16, 2012; March 3-8, 2012; and March 24-29, 2012.
Important Details: No group rates or other discounts apply. Excludes suites and campsites. Advance reservations required. With the Disney Dining Plan, children ages 3-9 must choose from children’s menu if available. Excludes gratuities and alcoholic beverages. Some table service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase.
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Dining Is ‘On The Mouse’ with Select Magic Your Way Packages; Arrangements Can Be Booked through October 29, 2011
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