Saturday, January 30, 2016

A History of Epcot's Living Seas Pavilion

By Kevin Faux




The Living Seas pavilion at Epcot has been a fan favorite attraction since its debut in 1986. The excitement of underwater exploration, exhibits devoted to oceanic study, and the wonder of live aquatic animals have given the attraction a special allure. Although the pavilion has changed over the years, it's always fun to look back at what once was. That's just what we'll do in today's new article as we look back at the history of Epcot's Living Seas pavilion...

Monday, January 25, 2016

80 AMAZING Photos of Imagineers at Work

By Keith Mahne




Walt Disney Imagineers truly are the dreamers, the doers, and the masterminds of magic. These are the folks responsible for some of the most awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping creations of all time. Today I'd like to share with you 80 amazing photos taken over the years that feature the Imagineers at work. Think of this as a tribute to the men and women who make dreams come true every day...

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Disney Documentary Hour: A Day at EPCOT Center

By Keith Mahne




Welcome back to another one of our Disney Documentary Hour segments here on Disney Avenue featuring our favorite videos from Disney history. You are going to love today's documentary titled A Day at Epcot Center. It walks us through a day at the Park and was released in the early 1990s. It features old fan favorites such as Horizons and the original Wonders of Life pavilion, which were later additions to Epcot. Grab your favorite fanny pack and join us as we return to Epcot of yesteryear...

Thursday, January 21, 2016

46 Vintage Photos of Epcot's Imagination Pavilion That Will Blow You Away

By Keith Mahne




Today we are going to embark on a little "journey"of sorts. Not just any journey, this one is to the early 1980s and 90s when Epcot's Imagination pavilion was still sponsored by Kodak and one could still find attractions like Magic Journeys, Makin' Memories, ImageWorks and, of course, the original Journey Into Imagination. So friends, if you love the days when Epcot was followed by "Center" and your eyes lit up as you passed through the Rainbow Corridor, then you are going to be blown away by these 46 vintage photos of Epcot's Imagination pavilion...

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Making of: The Great Movie Ride

By Keith Mahne




The Great Movie Ride is a classic Disney attraction in every sense of the word. Located as the centerpiece of Disney's Hollywood Studios, it takes guests through scenes from famous films throughout motion picture history. The attraction, housed perfectly inside a recreation of Grauman's Chinese Theatre, is a must-do on any visit to the Park. Join us today as we return to our popular Making of segment and take a look at the creation of one of the most beloved attractions ever to come out of Walt Disney Imagineering...

Saturday, January 16, 2016

EPCOT and the FBI

By Keith Mahne




The year was 1981 and the Walt Disney Company was well underway on its third theme park. Although not quite like the dream of a true Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow that Walt Disney had in mind, but rather EPCOT Center, a place dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, namely technological innovation and international culture. Of course, one of the main highlights of EPCOT is the exhibits of countries from all around the world. What makes this unique is that each country is staffed by student ambassadors. Believe it or not, when the FBI got wind of this they became very concerned that EPCOT might become overrun with Communist spies. Join us today as we take a look at newly released documents that prove the FBI was keeping tabs on the grand experiment taking place at Walt Disney World...

Friday, January 15, 2016

Making Star Wars Land “Fit”

By Brittany Bell




Since its announcement at the 2015 D23 Expo, the highly anticipated Star Wars Land has created a buzz around Disney Parks. At Walt Disney World, the land will be a part of the complete overhaul of Hollywood Studios. This fitting environment of movies and movie magic makes for a seamless introduction of the land into the new story of Hollywood Studios. Over on the West Coast at the Disneyland Resort, though, Star Wars Land is replacing the area formerly known as Big Thunder Ranch. In a park inspired by timeless representations of worlds of adventure and fantasy, guests and fans are left wondering how Star Wars Land will fit into the overall theme of Disneyland. However, the area in which Star Wars Land will soon call home was actually supposed to be Discovery Bay—a land inspired by invention and discovery. In today's article, let's see how the original plans for Discovery Bay, the new plans for Star Wars Land, and how, in this context, Star Wars Land makes a little more sense…

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

"Follow Us" to Walt Disney World of 1983

By Keith Mahne




Do you ever have those days when all you want to do is sit around and watch old Disney Park footage from the good ol' days? I know I sure do! Today I'd like to share with you one of my all time favorites. When I think of vintage Walt Disney World I think of the footage captured in this short film. Join me now and see what I mean as we watch the 1983-84 Walt Disney World promotional film titled "Follow Us." Trust me, you won't want to miss it...

Monday, January 11, 2016

The Presence of WestCOT in Disney Parks

By Brittany Bell




In the 1980s and 90s Walt Disney World was booming. Now boasting 3 immensely popular theme parks and new hotels popping up on property, Disney World was achieving its goal of becoming an international tourist destination. However, over on the West Coast, Disneyland still sat almost the same as it had when Walt opened the park in 1955: one park with one hotel. Michael Eisner and Frank Wells had recently taken over the Walt Disney Company, and set their sights on developing Disneyland into a multi-day international destination much like its Florida counterpart. The idea that sprang from this: a California version of Walt’s vision of EPCOT: the (West Coast) Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. However, with budget constraints and the recent failure of Euro Disneyland (now Disneyland Paris) and complaints from the surrounding community, the WestCOT plan was abandoned. Though it may not have become a reality, some of the ideas and themes from the planned park did make their way into the Disney parks around the world. Let's discover where some of the best ideas for WestCOT are alive and well today in the Disney Parks…

Saturday, January 9, 2016

‘Finding Nemo – The Musical’ Raises the Bar for Theme Park Entertainment

By Rebekah Coley




It is common knowledge that the worldwide Disney Parks and Resorts are renowned for being a hub of thrilling attractions, delicious restaurants, and countless shops. Did you know that the parks also offer a variety of stage productions for the theatre lover/non-thrills seeking guest? If you’ve never gotten a chance to check out Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom production of Finding Nemo – The Musical consider putting this on your “must-do” list. Join us today for a full review of this amazing show that you absolutely won't want to miss...

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

An In-Depth Look at Walt Disney World's Impact on Central Florida

By Keith Mahne




When Walt Disney began his search for the right place to make his dreams come true, he used a variety of criteria to make his decision. Among them was the need for a place that promised a strong future. That place just so happened to be Central Florida. Believe it or not, with or without Walt Disney World, Central Florida's growth was inevitable, making this location the prime spot for Walt's dream. Let's explore and look back at Walt Disney World's impact and the close relationship Central Florida and the Mouse have had in today's new article that you won't want to miss...

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Why You Should Stay At Disney's Pop Century Resort

By Genevieve Roberts




If you are looking for a fun resort to stay at during your visit to Walt Disney World vacation, look no further than Disney’s Pop Century Resort. It’s an incredibly fun place for your entire family. It’s filled with decades of American pop culture and you can’t help but walk around and say, “Whoa, I remember that!” Let's explore some great reasons to consider a stay at Disney's Pop Century Resort during your next visit to Walt Disney World in today's new article...

Monday, January 4, 2016

Why You Should Get Up Early For Animal Kingdom

By Kat Tretina




Disney’s Animal Kingdom is slowly but surely becoming a fan-favorite among Walt Disney World guests the world over. Absolutely enormous, it is over 500 acres and is the largest of all the Disney parks. With its sprawling size, it typically feels less crowded and less hectic. While it has some top-notch attractions and thrills, the wildlife is the real star of the show. Let me explain why you should get up early for Animal Kingdom in today's new article...

Saturday, January 2, 2016

42 Vintage Disneyland Advertisements That Will Blow You Away

By Keith Mahne




Vintage Disneyland advertisements were some of the most beautiful things to look at back in the day. They knew how to capture the spirit of the Park and lure guests in to experience the magic. I wouldn't be surprised if Walt Disney personally gave the OK on many of these old ads. Looking at them you will, no doubt, be reminded of the Disneyland that was and the one that lives in our hearts for eternity. So friends, please enjoy 42 vintage Disneyland advertisements that will blow you away...