Disney World’s Avatar Project – How Fans Are Taking It?

Disney World Tickets

Disney's New Avatar Project

The Official Ticket Center 12/20/2012 ~ It was Just a year ago, when we were acquainted with one of the most exciting Disney World projects. The animation empire Walt Disney Co. had announced its plans for an “Avatar Land” in the Animal Kingdom. The initial announcement came as a great relish for die-hard Avatar fans; had elevated their excitements to new heights. Indeed the very thought of James Cameron’s mysterious  Planet Pandora and the amazing tall- blue natives – the flying dragons is awe-inspiring to many. And with Disney’s proclamation of bringing the actions of Pandora to life is seen as an unbelievable experience in the offing.

However, after months of no hard news or any official disclosure from Disney on this matter fans are losing their patients now. The only thing that people heard about the project is the initial announcement and few rumors about some kind of mysterious “flight simulator ride”, which is probably what Disney is planning for the new Avatar Land project. Also there was a strange sight of a “dragon prototype” spotted by few others, who tried to connect it with probably the Disney World’s version of an Avatar Dragon. Nothing is clear so far about the schedules of the project and neither there is any real information about the kind of attractions the project will have. People begin to believe that the Disney-Imagineers are either very secretive about the project and its nature or the project is not in their list of important Plans at all.

There is also the sense that the anticipations of Avatar Land will get crushed forever. Some are of the opinion that the project is heading to a complete shut down owing to various uneasy-circumstances that surface, such as creative differences between Disney-Imagineers and Cameron. Also the speculations about Cameron’s Avatar sequels (running off-schedules, including fourth Avatar might not be in the production at all) send a dis-heartening signal. Moreover, given the news of other major upcoming Disney plans, including “Cars Land” and “Star-Wars” expansion (following the recent Lucasfilm Acquisition by Disney) the hopes of getting an Avatar Land soon is becoming a distant cry.

However, I suspect that the prospect of an Avatar Land in Disney Animal Kingdom is still alive and going great. According to the news article published at IGN Entertainment – “Update on Walt Disney World’s Avatar Land” dated December 7, 2012 it seems Disney-Imagineers are secretly excited in taking forward the project in a grand style. They are all set to take on the challenges of bringing the world of Pandora and its characters to life, including other very rich, magical places of the upcoming sequels of James Cameron. But when we will have the first- real Pandora experience and rides is still a mystery and I believe the fans will have to bear a long wait for this until Disney thinks otherwise.

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New Fantasyland Spreads Even More Magic

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With an unprecedented two Dumbos aloft, guests get to their flights faster aboard one of the park’s most iconic attractions. Connecting the two Dumbos, a new “big top” area allows guests to immerse themselves in circus lore in a series of fun, interactive experiences before a spin with their favorite circus elephant.

Magic Kingdom guests blink back in amazement at the scene: not one, but two colorful Dumbos spinning through the sky above Storybook Circus.

To the delight of fans of the beloved Dumbo, the Flying Elephant attraction, a second Dumbo flies alongside. The playful pachyderm is joined in Storybook Circus by the Barnstormer Coaster re-themed to the Great Goofini, the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station water play area and the Fantasyland Train Station — all part of the multiyear, largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history.

There’s more to come as the expansion of the New Fantasyland – nearly doubling in size — continues at Walt Disney World Resort. In fact, so many more attractions are coming on line later this year that Dec. 6, 2012 has been set as the Grand Opening of Fantasyland. Previews are currently taking place.

Slated to make their debuts:

  • Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, a major attraction where guests will travel with Ariel and her friends through their exciting adventures above and below the waves – all against a musical backdrop of songs from the film. The new attraction combines the enduring appeal of a classic Disney “dark ride” with wonderful technological innovations to offer guests a personal journey into the scenes of the film. Adventurers will feel as if they are descending below the ocean’s surface. Once “under the sea,” guests will find themselves immersed in the story of “The Little Mermaid,” sharing Ariel’s adventure through a magical cast of characters and a captivating musical score that will entice everyone to sing along.  The fun continues at “Ariel’s Grotto,” a meet-and-greet with the mermaid heroine herself.
  • The castle of the Beast stands majestically upon a hill across an old stone bridge from Ariel’s new home. The Be Our Guest Restaurant will feature a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, gallery, and mysterious “West Wing” of the castle. With seating for 550, this magnificent facility will offer “great food fast” service by day and full-service table dining in the evening. Nearby in Belle’s Village, guests will find the rousing Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts.
  • Just outside the village is Maurice’s cottage and Enchanted Tales with Belle. The adventure begins in Maurice’s workshop, where an enchanted mirror is the doorway to a captivating new kind of storytelling experience: guests will be transported to the Beast’s library to meet Belle and Lumiere, and share in a lively, interactive re-telling of the “tale as old as time.”

“Fantasyland is a place where a very special kind of memory is made: where children just old enough to understand the moment come in contact with princesses and heroes and meet their most beloved friends,” said Meg Crofton, president, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, United States and France.

“We are excited about sharing our treasured stories in new ways and giving guests the opportunity to interact with their favorite characters like never before.”

Beyond 2012, there’s more in store for Fantasyland guests:

  • Located in the Castle Courtyard in the center of Fantasyland, Princess Fairytale Hall will be the new home for visiting royalty in the Magic Kingdom.  The castle-like entrance will feature walls of stone and stained glass windows, opening up into a large gallery – an airy space with a high ceiling, where portraits of the Disney princesses adorn the walls. When it’s time for their audience with a princess, guests will proceed to elegantly finished rooms to meet Aurora, Cinderella and other Disney princesses, such as Tiana and Rapunzel (2013).
  • The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will take guests on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” The coaster will feature a first-of-its-kind ride system with a train of vehicles that swing back and forth, responding to every twist and turn of the track. The journey will be accompanied by music from the classic Disney film and animated figures of Snow White and the Dwarfs  (2014).

The Spirit of the Season at Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Studios Holiday Events

Universal Studios Holiday Events

The Official Ticket Center 12/11/20102 Universal Orlando Resort’s Holidays celebration is where families create holiday memories to last a lifetime. With one-of-a-kind holiday traditions that all ages can enjoy, it’s the only place where guests can come face-to-face with The Grinch at Grinchmas, watch majestic Macy’s balloons wind through the streets and hear Christmas music sensation – Mannheim Steamroller – perform beloved holiday classics. Beginning Dec. 1 and running through Jan.1, the Holidays at Universal Orlando offers incredible holiday experiences at both theme parks.
At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, families will be filled with holiday cheer as Grinchmas comes to life throughout Seuss Landing. Guests can watch the heartwarming live show, “Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular,” featuring The Grinch and the Whos from Who-ville accompanied by an original musical score by Mannheim Steamroller. Guests can also meet The Grinch and the Whos and on select dates, purchase and enjoy a special breakfast with the characters.
At Universal Studios Florida, the Macy’s Holiday Parade will fill the streets every evening with the same larger-than-life balloons seen in the famous New York City parade.  This year, the parade will include all-new Nutcracker and Mouse King “trycaloons” – tandem tricycles that appear to be pedaled by whimsical balloon characters from the popular holiday tale. Guests will also enjoy colorful holiday characters, fantasy-filled floats and a tree-lighting ceremony by Santa Claus.
Returning this year with more concerts than ever before is Mannheim Steamroller – the masters of Christmas music with more than 40 million albums sold worldwide. The acclaimed musical group will take to the Music Plaza stage in Universal Studios eight nights this year to perform their memorable holiday hits for guests. Performance nights are Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23.

All theme park holiday entertainment – including Mannheim Steamroller concerts – is included as part of two-park or multi-day admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
New Year’s Eve at Universal CityWalk
On December 31st, guests can celebrate the New Year at one of the hottest parties of the year – Universal CityWalk’s New Year’s Eve celebration. This year’s electrifying event features a rockin’ concert by one of today’s top artists, access to seven of CityWalk’s high-energy nightclubs, all-you-can-eat gourmet cuisine and a midnight champagne toast.
For more information on the Holidays at Universal Orlando, vacation packages and ticket offers, visit www.officialticketcenter.com

Get Ready for Laughter and Lunacy with the Storybook Circus Giggle Gang in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom

The Official Ticket Center ~ It just keeps getting better and better at the Walt Disney World Resort.

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Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, New Fantasyland is proud to present the Storybook Circus Giggle Gang!
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What would a circus be without clowns? At Storybook Circus in Magic Kingdom Park, our masters of mirth tickle your funny bone with a whirlwind of wackiness. Just wait until you meet boss clown Chuckles Buffoon McMonkeyshine III and his protégés, Whinny Horselaugh and Snort. Together, they engage in circus shenanigans, from classic calamities to clown calisthenics. They’re sure to have you in stitches!
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Joining the Storybook Circus Giggle Gang is the Silly Saxtet, parading onto the circus grounds with their own unique twist on circus music standards, and featured clown Wowzer, a specialty performer who takes center ring and keeps his audience enthralled with amazing feats of thrills, chills and hilarity.
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Inspired by everything from Walt Disney’s “Dumbo” to the music of Spike Jones, the Storybook Circus Giggle Gang also has its roots in the classic traditions of The Greatest Show on Earth. Several members of the ensemble are graduates of the famed Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College.
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“I feel like I’m going back to my roots,” said Show Director Mark Renfrow, himself a member of the Clown College Class of ’83. “People are going to be really surprised by the Storybook Circus Giggle Gang. They’re just so approachable and fun. They really bring the whole circus area to life.”

The Storybook Circus Giggle Gang debuts this week, as part of the grand reveal of New Fantasyland!