The Chinese Theater at Hollywood Studios

Welcome to the Hollywood that never was, but always will be.

This spectacular Chinese themed theatre is possibly the most visited Hollywood landmark. It was the creation of Hollywood showman Sid Grauman.  The architects of the building were Meyer & Holler. The theater opened on May 18, 1927.  It was the followup for Grauman to the successful Egyptian theater which Meyer and Holler had also developed.  Grauman wanted a a "palace type theatre" of Chinese design for his new movie theater.

Photograph by Matthew Cooper.

The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness

Big Thunder Mountain is a rollercoaster-type attraction located in Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom. Guests board a mine train at the Big Thunder Mining Co. for a trip through the mountain range.

Photograph by Brett Kiger.

Awesome Spaceship Earth

Spaceship Earth is the iconic structure of Epcot, the second of four theme parks built at Walt Disney World in Orlando. It is not only one of the most recognizable structures of any theme park in the world, but also the name of the attraction that is housed within the 18-story geodesic sphere that takes guests on a time machine-themed experience using the Omnimover system. 

The 15-minute dark ride shows guests how advancements in human communication have helped to create the future one step at a time. Passengers journey back in time to witness the origins of prehistoric man. Passengers then make several stops to witness important breakthroughs in communication throughout history—from the invention of the alphabet to the creation of the printing press to communication via computers. Then, after answering a few questions, Siemens technology allows guests to see what their future will look like.

Picture by Matthew Cooper.

My WDW Valentine's Day

Every February 14, across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine.

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine's didn't begin to appear until after 1400. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. (The greeting is now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.) Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.

From all of us, to all of you, happy Valentine's day (picture by Reidmix).

The Little Mermaid's Big Mirror

Be surrounded in the artistry, enchantment and magic of Walt Disney and Disney movies. Stay at a Disney Resort hotel that invites you to explore the storybook landscapes seen in such classics as Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid. From delightfully themed family suites to wondrously detailed courtyards, Disney’s Art of Animation “draws” you and your family in to become a part of some of your animated favorites. 

Have you noticed that Ariel's eyes really are looking straight at her reflection in the pool. I wonder if this was intentional...

Picture by Brett Kiger.

WDW monorail and Contemporary Resort wreath

During the holiday season, you will find this giant Mickey wreath hanging outside the Contemporary Resort and facing the Magic Kingdom.

The giant Mickey rreath stands about 4 stories tall and is made up of 25 pieces. It is the largest holiday Mickey on display, and one could hardly call it a "hidden Mickey" : )

Picture by Matthew Paulson.

We're Going To Disney!

So, unless you've been living under a rock for the past couple of months, you've heard the news...

Luke Skywalker and Han Solo are joining Mickey Mouse, Buzz Lightyear and Iron Man in Disney's roster of heroes. Last October, Disney announced that it was buying Lucasfilm for $4 billion, adding the legendary Star Wars franchise to the entertainment giant's stable of characters.

Here's a fan's take on the whole deal. Picture by Jim Bauer.

Newport Bay Club at Disneyland Paris Vs. Yacht & Beach Club at WDW

At the turn of the century, the social elite relaxed in elegant seaside resorts, in the midst of the most exclusive Yacht Clubs in the world.

Inspired by this nautical theme the architecture of Disney's Newport Bay Club combines the casual elegance of white shingles, blue and white shades and wide porches reminiscent of a 1920's New England mansion in Cape Cod.

Decorated in nautical white and blue, your room has one large double bed or two double beds, a bathroom, telephone, television with international channels, radio, air conditioning, minibar and safe. There are also some larger family rooms available at the Newport Bay. These sell out fast as they are very limited in number. The hotel also offers a wide choice of themed Suites which can be booked at a supplementary price, but which offer a wide range of additional features and amenities.

Picture by Tom Bricker.

Just chillin' at the Boardwalk beach

Disney's BoardWalk is an entertainment complex at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. First opened in 1996, the BoardWalk lies alongside Crescent Lake and is situated between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. The resort is owned and operated by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. The Inn, Atlantic Dance Hall, and other features of the boardwalk were designed by Robert A.M. Stern.

The BoardWalk entertainment district lies along a 1/4-mile long authentic boardwalk, reminiscent of Coney Island, New York. Guests can rent surreys or bicycles to travel around the Epcot resorts, enjoy classic midway games and street performers, go dancing at the Atlantic Dance Hall, or enjoy a "dueling pianos" show at Jellyroll's.

The BoardWalk features a wide range of restaurants. The Big River Grille & Brewing Works is the only microbrewery at Walt Disney World, and serves American cuisine along with its unique selection of beers. ESPN Club is a modern sports bar presented by the Disney-owned sports network, complete with broadcast facilities for special events. Kouzzina by celebrity chef Cat Cora offers Mediterranean cuisine for breakfast and dinner; prior to 2009, the location was occupied by a restaurant named Spoodles.

Picture by Scott Smith.

When worlds colide at Epcot

A curvy take on the Mission: Space showbuilding exterior by Jeff Krause.

Riding high over Storybook Circus

Magic Kingdom's original 1971 version of this attraction was designed differently than its 1955 Disneyland counterpart. On opening day, it soft-opened without, not only Timothy and his disco ball, but the elephants' hats as well. The hats and disco ball were eventually added after a couple of months, but the Timothy Mouse figure wasn't added for about two years.

The ride was later updated with the sixteen vehicles and the new ride mechanism in 1993. However, it did not include a central water feature like its Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland counterparts; the utilidors running directly below the attraction prevented the installation of water pipes necessary for the water features to operate.

For nostalgic visitors, a replica of Magic Kingdom's 1971 version currently exists at Tokyo Disneyland, being the only park to still feature ten flying elephants and Timothy spinning on a disco ball. It is also the only other park, aside from Disneyland, to have Timothy holding a whip.

Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland is currently undergoing a large expansion and renovation that began in 2011. An expanded Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride was built in this new location with an interactive queue.

The Dumbo vehicles, which are richly detailed and vibrantly colored, now spin clockwise from the original version, which was reconstructed next to the new one, that soft-opened on June 22.

The two rides therefore counter-rotate from each other. The attraction also features a new soundtrack and artwork panels at the bottom of the carousels that tell the story of Dumbo, like the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel attraction. H

owever, a new central hub was introduced that lacks the hot air balloon with Timothy Mouse and the magic feather. This figure has been moved to above the attraction's marquee. A signature feature of this version is an indoor queue themed to the Bigtop from the film. Inside guests receive ticket-themed pagers where they can wait until prompted, and small children can play in the play area themed to Dumbo's fire rescue stunt scene.

Image by Scottwdw.

Add a little romance to your WDW vacation

While Valentine’s Day is traditionally low-key at Walt Disney World, this year is an exception because of Disney’s Limited Time Magic, which promises a different magical promotion every week of the year. For the week of Valentine’s Day, Disney is boasting about “castles blushing pink, surprise meet-and-greets with Disney princes and princesses, and candlelit dinners for couples in love.”

We’ve got a few more suggestions for adding a little romance to your theme park vacation any day of the year - not just Valentine’s Day!

Get Pampered

We love the world-class spas at the Disney resorts for manis as pedis or full massages. Senses at the Grand Floridian just reopened in December after a major renovation and now boasts 15 soothing treatment rooms! Another tranquil option is the Mandara Spa at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort Hotel. Set your appointments as soon as possible since this is a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.

Up, Up and Away


A hot air balloon ride is a one of those once-in-a-lifetime activities that oozes romance. We have wonderful memories flying over spectacular sites in the Orlando area, from the theme parks to the orange groves and forests, to swamps and marshlands untouched for thousands of years. Upon landing, you can participate in the traditional champagne toast like we did.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Horse-drawn carriages travel along the pathways of the Port Orleans-Riverside Resort for 30-minute trips up and down the Sassagoula River or through the lush pines and cypresses at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. The trip costs $45 per carriage.

The Old Faithfuls


Flowers and chocolate are synonymous with Valentine’s Day, so why not give them Disney-style? Have a flower arrangement designed by a Disney florist delivered to your room. To add even more “enchantment,” ask the Dream Maker to add on the “Romance with Rose Petals” package. The gift includes a plentiful supply of rose petals sprinkled in your resort room.

For some sweets for your sweetie, stop by the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop in Downtown Disney for the best chocolate treats and coffee drinks in the area. While you’re there, you can snuggle up for a movie at the AMC Theater.

Have a “Private” Fireworks Viewing

At the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party, you and your sweetie will get reserved seats for the single best fireworks-watching location inside Magic Kingdom AND you get to enjoy unlimited desserts!

Take a moonlit stroll along the beach in front of the Polynesian Resort and then watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks show from there.

Alternately, catch the Electrical Water Pageant from the beach at the Wilderness Lodge. Stop by the Wilderness Lodge Mercantile to stock up on provisions for an impromptu picnic or just a bottle of wine and chocolates.

Under the BoardWalk

Stroll along the beach in front of Disney’s Beach Club Resort then head over to Disney’s BoardWalk to play carnival-style games. If you’re looking for a nightclub atmosphere, try Atlantic Dance Hall or Jellyrolls. You’ll feel like giddy teenagers again in no time!

Go on a Specialty Cruise

From the Fireworks Cruise that ends with a spectacular view of a fireworks show to the Intimate Dining Cruise, there are a variety of specialty cruises available to make your night even more romantic. Since IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth is our favorite fireworks show, we love the IllumiNations cruises. While this is definitely in the splurge category, it is sure to please!

Plan a Romantic Dinner

The most popular choice for a romantic dinner is Victoria and Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. It has earned the coveted AAA Five Diamond award 13 years in row! Reservations can be very hard to come by for Victoria and Albert’s as well as some of the restaurants listed below. If the restaurant of your choice is full, we recommend you call or check the dining reservation website daily until your trip for any cancelations.

As part of Limited Time Magic, Disney is offering candlelit dinners for two with prix fixe menus the week of Valentine’s Day at the following locations:

Artist Point @ Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
The Wave … of American Flavors @ Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Hollywood Brown Derby @ Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Yachtsman Steakhouse @ Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

The Babysitter’s Club


Don’t let the kids keep you from celebrating! Guests at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel can use the Children’s Activity Centers at the deluxe hotels (Animal Kingdom Lodge, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht and Beach Club). The centers feature kids-friendly arts and crafts, movies and dinner.