Feel the thunderous sound of Matsuriza as they perform Taiko—a time-honored form of drumming. Catch this stirring, 15-minute Japanese drum show on the main stage at the Japan Pavilion’s 5-story pagoda at Epcot theme park.

Founded by Takemasa Ishikura in 1998, this percussion troupe performs both traditional arrangements and its own compositions at locales around the world. Using handmade drums that range in height from 6 inches to 6 feet, the drummers create a unique synchronized booming rhythm that can be heard—and enjoyed—by Guests from quite a distance away.

Performances occur at different times throughout the day, so be sure to check the Times Guide at Epcot.

About Taiko — Traditional Japanese Drumming
“Taiko” is Japanese for “great drum.” The history of the great drum can be traced back centuries to religious ceremonies, harvest festivals and battlefield performances. It is widely agreed that Taiko reflects the spirit and essence of the Japanese people. Taiko drumming is more popular now than ever; its distinctive sounds can be heard in everything from western pop music to blockbuster Hollywood films.

 

Disney’s BoardWalk area contains more than 90,000 square feet of shops, restaurants and nightclubs. It encompasses Crescent Lake and is “a village on the water” near many Disney Resort hotels in Walt Disney World Resort. This quarter-mile entertainment, dining and shopping area is also conveniently close to 2 Disney Theme Parks.

With sherbet-colored building facades, striped awnings, rising columns and archways, Disney’s BoardWalk is designed after the boardwalks that were famous during the turn of the 20th century along such coastal cities as Coney Island, New York and Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Stroll along Disney’s BoardWalk during the day to explore the unusual shops and restaurants. When the sun cools down, the nightlife heats up with street performers, food vendors, midway games and lots of live entertainment.

Take a look at Disney’s BoardWalk:

Guest Services
Guest Services at Disney’s Boardwalk addresses such topics as what to wear, where to find certain merchandise and how to make a special dietary request at a Walt Disney World Resort restaurant.

Entertainment
Entertainment at Disney’s Boardwalk ranges from a dance hall to piano bar to sports-themed club Specialty Cruises. There is no admission to Disney’s BoardWalk area—where live evening entertainment can usually be found— but some venues may have a cover charge.

Dining
Dining at Disney’s Boardwalk covers a wide spectrum: bakeries, a sports bar, an upscale restaurant. Disney’s BoardWalk also has coffee carts, funnel cake kiosks and hot dog stands. Dinner ranges from $15 to $60 per person; breakfast, lunch and snacks can be from $15 USD and less per person. Ranges based on average Guest check, not including alcohol, tax and tip.

Shopping
Shopping at Disney’s Boardwalk includes stores that specialize in Disney character merchandise, ESPN and sport-themed apparel, souvenirs, swim wear and Wyland art.

Transportation
Transportation to and from Disney’s BoardWalk is available via bus and boat throughout Walt Disney World Resort, and is complimentary for Walt Disney World Resort hotel Guests. For Park Guests choosing to drive, complimentary self-parking is also available. Disney’s BoardWalk is walking distance to the International Gateway to Epcot theme park.

Inside New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom, you’ll find an old time circus with big tops and big appeal! Visit Storybook Circus and step inside Pete’s Silly Sideshow to meet some beloved Disney characters who are now circus stars.  They are are excited to show off their special talents too. Located inside one of the big-top tents in the Storybook Circus area of New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom park, this is a great place to meet new friends and pose for photos with some familiar faces.

At Pete’s Silly Sideshow in the Magic Kingdom, the custom-designed character greeting location created exclusively for Storybook Circus, you are invited to choose a path to meet either Donald Duck and Goofy or Minnie Mouse and Daisy, each playing their own unique role at the circus. At Pete’s Silly Sideshow, Donald is The Astounding Donaldo, the most charming of snake charmers. Goofy, of course, is The Great Goofini, circus stuntman extraordinaire. Daisy Duck plays the part of Madame Daisy Fortuna, a mysterious gypsy fortuneteller, and Minnie Mouse is the “Siren of the Seine,” that Parisian poodle trainer Minnie Magnifique. Detailed props and settings help reinforce each of their stories and fully immerse you in the world of the circus sideshow.

Here, you might spot one of the following Disney Characters:

Minnie Magnifique—Minnie Mouse as a circus performer
Madame Daisy Fortuna—Daisy Duck as a fortuneteller
The Great Goofini—Goofy as a daredevil stunt pilot
The Astounding Donaldo—Donald Duck as a snake charmer

Pete’s Silly Sideshow is the only place in the Magic Kingdom where you can meet these characters. Mickey Mouse can be found in Town Square Theater.

Take a look at Pete’s Silly Sideshow Meet & Greet at Magic Kingdom in Storybook Circus within New Fantasyland.

When planning a Disney magical vacation, there are two types of people.  There are those that have no reservation whatsoever about staying on property, and those contemplating whether or not to stay.  If you have any doubts, hopefully after reading this article, you will be one of those people that from now on, will never question whether to stay on Disney property or not.

 

Let me first start by saying that most of this article will be about the glorious and magnificent Disney properties that await those who wish to make their next Disney vacation magical.  Yes, you can stay off Disney property, but let me assure you, that you pay for what you get.  Disney has so much to offer their guest when staying on their property.  If you sat down and made a list of the pros and cons about staying on property, I guarantee your pro list will be twice as long as your con lists.

 

The excitement alone is unbelievable.  From the moment you step off your plan or park your car, you automatically feel the magic.  There is a sense of pixie dust in the air no matter where you go or what you do.  You are always running into Disney characters, cast members are decked out in their beautiful costumes, the decorations in every Disney building you enter is incredible and the keeping of the grounds are exceptional.

 

There are many benefits to staying on Disney property.  You receive complimentary Disney transportation on the Disney Magical Express.  So there is no need for a car.  Just hop on a monorail, boat or Magical Express bus and they will take you anywhere you want to go on Disney property.  You also will receive extrordinary hospitality from every cast member that you encounter.  The service you receive is none like you have every received before.  You, the guest, are top priority.  You will receive the highest quality of everything, because Disney spares no expense for your happiness.

 

Another benefit is Disney Dining.  You’re on vacation, right, so who wants to cook.  When a Disney Dining Package is purchased, you bet you will be getting high quality, delicious food.  If you are a family on the go, Disney’s Quick Service is the way to go.  If you are a family that likes to relax a bit and have a nice sit down dinner, the deluxe plan is for you.

 

One of the best benefits to staying on Disney property is the extended hours into the parks.  If you are a guest in one of Disney’s resorts, you have the privilege of entering the parks before the other guest arrive and staying late after the other guest leave.  This is AWESOME.  Lines are shorter and sometimes there is no wait at all.

 

Yes, you can stay in hotels in the Orlando area, but there is nothing like staying on Disney property.  If you stay somewhere else, it’s like leaving the magic behind and entering into a world of emptiness where no magic exists.  When you vacation on Disney property, and stay your whole visit, it’s like the magic never stops.  You go to sleep in magic and wake up refreshed and ready to jump right into the pixie dust for another day.

 

The next time you are considering whether or not to stay on Disney property, please hesitate no longer.  It will be one of the best decisions you will make.  I guarantee you will have the time of your life.   Let the magic continue day after day.  Disney Resorts are dwelling places where the magic never ends.

 

Savor the classic flavors of France at Be Our Guest Restaurant, now open in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom park. Located at the base of the mountain below Beast castle, this themed venue transports diners to the magical world of the popular Disney film Beauty and the Beast.

By day, Be Our Guest Restaurant serves up quick-service cuisine, so you can enjoy a short break from your park festivities. By night, it becomes a traditional table-service restaurant where you can reconnect with family and friends over satisfying fare.

Take a look at Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom in New Fantasyland

Dining Areas:

Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom in New Fantasyland features 3 uniquely themed dining rooms:

• The mysterious West Wing, featuring an enchanted rose
• The Rose Gallery with twirling, larger-than-life figures of Belle and Beast (this dining room available at lunch only)
• The Ballroom, elegantly styled with a domed ceiling, twinkling chandeliers and views of softly falling snow
• Menus

Delight in French-inspired cuisine served at lunch and dinner daily. Sample menu items may include:

• Sandwiches and salads at lunchtime, including the classic croque monsieur (ham and cheese sandwich), tuna Niçoise salad and grilled steak sandwich with garlic butter spread—plus, of course, pommes frites (French fries)
• Heartier fare at dinner, including braised pork, grilled strip steak with pommes frites, French onion soup and vegetable quiche, accompanied by a selection of wine and beer that complements the French-inspired cuisine
• For a sweet ending to a memorable meal, be sure to try a castle-made cupcake or cream puff!

Reservations: Make dinner reservations at Be Our Guest Restaurant—and get ready for an exciting, new dining experience. Reservations are not needed for lunch.

We highly recommend you visit Be Our Guest when you go to New Fantasyland!

Is it time to renovate the retro working studio theme at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios? With numerous expansions in store and floating around through rumors, one of the most profound discussion topic is the possibility of Cars Land being introduced to Disney’s Hollywood Studios within the next few years. While still just a rumor, there have been several reliable reports over the last few months that Team Disney Orlando (TDO) has been looking deeply into this project. Recently, Kathy Mangum, the show producer for Cars Land at Disneyland California Adventure (DCA) has been moved to Walt Disney World (WDW) for unknown reasons. Coincidence? I think not.

If the rumors stay true, their entailments could mean huge refurbishments to be implemented. It is proposed that Lights, Motors, Action (LMA) and presumably the Backlot Tour will be torn down and leveled out to make way for the newest addition to Hollywood Studios. Although this seems like somewhat of a big change considering Lights, Motors, Action is still one of the newer attractions at Hollywood Studios, these are only rumors and are still in the “Blue Sky” of development. Therefore, only exploration and ideas have been turned out and tossed around within the boardrooms. Both a budget and hard blueprints are still yet to be released, and there is no evidence to prove that they will ever be.

Even if the rumors are true, and let’s say for a moment that they are, would WDW be replicating the entire Cars Land or just Radiator Springs Racers (RSR)? The rumors have not detailed as to which of these is more likely, although DHS is apparently enough to tolerate the massive scale project of completing the entire cloning of Cars Land straight from California, with minor adjustments to the configuration of the present main street located directly in front of LMA and the Backlot Tour entrances.

Would Team Disney Orlando cut the rope a bit short and only include the main attraction or the entire experience? And even with the main attraction, would they also go as far as to include the man-made mountain range that captures the attention of thousands of guests a day in California? Many would find it ridiculous not to include the mountains that make the ride unique and exciting. Without them, the ride would be nothing more than a carnival ride with colored slot cars racing on a flat track. This would completely obliterate the point of adding this attraction as there would be little to no theming to Radiator Springs, which is littered with tall mountains in an old western landscape. As of right now it is hard to tell which route they will take, if one at all. Perhaps this entire scenario is only figurative, and the project will be tossed into the trash just like many others in the Disney Park’s 57 years of existence.

There is another major difference between California and Florida: weather. More often than not, Test Track is shut down and closed for hours at a time to avoid technical difficulties due to lightning. Although a mountain range could possibly withstand hurricanes using the same mechanics as Mount Everest, could an outdoor track be capable of withstanding the terrors of Florida thunderstorms? The only solution would be to completely enclose the ride in a large arena sort of deal, but yet again this would ruin the experience of being in an outdoor landscape in the middle of nowhere.

Another area that people have to take into consideration is the sponsorship of Lights, Motors, Action with Brawny. If the attraction is demolished entirely, would Disney have to make some sort of deal with Brawny or pay back the sponsorship money? This could be another reason for the idea not going into full blast anytime soon.

Let’s take a step back for a moment. Why would WDW even consider this expansion when money could be spent much more efficiently elsewhere in DCA? That’s the big questions isn’t it. In comparison to Universal Studios, WDW looks like a pebble in the ocean. Universal has recently opened a Harry Potter section that has attracted more guests than at first was estimated, resulting in Disney being thrown under the bus. Furthermore, Universal is planning to continue expanding their Harry Potter section to nearly double its size. Even with the Fantasyland expansion, Disney still can’t hold its own weight against its leading competitor. However, the light on the horizon for WDW could be Cars Land. Due to its immediate success in DCA, Cars Land could be the boost that Disney needs.

Not everyone feels this way, however. John Lasseter and other Disneyland Resort executives are against this replication in WDW because they feel as if Cars Land in California would then lose its appeal nationwide. Many people travel thousands of miles just to see Cars Land in DCA. If one was created in WDW, then many people would go to the one that is closest to them, which in most cases would be WDW. Even if it isn’t closer, many would still choose WDW over DCA primarily because WDW has many more attractions and parks while DCA only has one. Finally, DCA caught a break with the establishment of Cars Land and now it might be taken away just as quickly. Disney needs a way to overthrow Universal, but maybe Cars Land just isn’t it.

Written by Miranda Suhrbier, Teen Writer.

 

With Character Greetings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park, guests of all ages can meet and greet some favorite Disney Characters. The newest characters to join the fun are Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope Von Schweetz! Have a look at Wreck-It Ralph and Vallenope in their new meet & greet area in our video.

Imagine a place where around every corner you have the opportunity to meet and greet your favorite Disney Characters. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park, you can do just that.

Say hello and shake hands. Share warm hugs and hearty laughs with Mike and Sully from Monsters, Inc. Receive one-of-a-kind autographs from the likes of Buzz Lightyear and Woody from Toy Story. Pose alongside some familiar faces—and snap pictures so you can be sure to remember your special time together after you’ve left the park.

Look out for these Disney Characters during your visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park:

• Jake from Jake and the Never Land Pirates
• Cars stars Lightning McQueen and Mater
• Mr. Incredible
• Buzz and Woodyfrom the Disney·Pixar Toy Story movies
• Mike and Sully from Monsters, Inc.
• Phineas and Ferb, stars of their self-titled Disney Channel show
• Wreck-It Ralph, the star of the self-titled Disney film

And be sure to be on the lookout for other newly added Disney Characters in addition to Wreck-It Ralph.

Character Greetings are available throughout the day. Be sure to check the Times Guide at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park the day of your visit to find out where and when your favorite Characters will be appearing

Disney’s Polynesian Resort at Walt Disney World is a relaxing tropical paradise, featuring lush vegetation, thatched roofs, koi ponds and white-sand lakebeaches and offering a warm, welcoming world that celebrates the spirit of the South Pacific and ensures “Ho’Onanea”—the passing of time in languid tranquility. Hawaiian traditions and culture are celebrated here, including traditional hula dancing. You can even receive a hula lesson in the lobby of Disney’s Polynesian Resort! Take a look at our video:

Disney’s Polynesian Resort at Walt Disney World
With eleven 2-story and 3-story village longhouses that flank the Great Ceremonial House—built to resemble a royal Tahitian assembly lodge—the Resort has 847 luxurious rooms, decorated with rich tropical colors and furnished in traditional bamboo and rattan.

Inside the Great Ceremonial House, water cascades over craggy volcanic rocks, while coconut palms tower over more than 75 different indigenous species. Also inside is shopping, dining and an awe-inspiring torch-lighting ceremony—a Polynesian welcoming of the night that includes a traditional fire-knife dance, accompanied by authentic drumming and chants.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort offers a variety of recreation, including the Nanea Volcano Pool, featuring a 40-foot high volcano with a waterfall and tubular waterslide, fishing, boating, waterskiing and parasailing on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. Also on the Seven Seas Lagoon, a dazzling, musical Electrical Water Pageant is held nightly. Guests of the Resort also have access to nearby Senses — A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian, the flagship resort of Walt Disney World.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort has been designated by the Florida Green Lodging Program, recognizing the Resort’s environmentally responsible practices.

Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
Presented in an open-air dining theater in Luau Cove, Disney’s Spirit of Aloha dinner show is a Polynesian luau feast. This exciting celebration combines traditional music with more contemporary ditties from the animated Disney film Lilo and Stitch, and features dancing that is considered some of the most authentic this side of Hawaii.

Activities for Children at Disney’s Polynesian Resort in Walt Disney World
In addition to all the activities mentioned above, there are bike rentals, a 24-hour, high-tech game room and a children’s wet-play area located near the Nanea Volcano Pool. Children ages 3-12 can also enjoy the Never Land Club, a supervised activity center that affords parents a carefree night on the town. And children are sure to love a Character Dining breakfast hosted by Lilo & Stitch at the ‘Ohana restaurant. (Additional fee required)

Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Tinkerbell and Winnie the Pooh, this is what most people think about when they hear the word, “Disney”.  Maybe for you it’s Thunder Mountain Railroad, It’s A Small World or even Chef Mickeys.  To us Disney World and Disneyland fanatics, a smile immediately comes across our faces and we begin telling stories of vacation memories and happy times.  We get that warm, fuzzy feeling that only the magic of Disney can give.  It makes us feel like kids again.  But believe it or not, there are some, not so enthusiastic people, that cringe when they hear anything about Disney.  These people think that Disney is associated only with castles, princesses, fairy tales and cast members wearing over-stuffed character costumes.  If this is what you think when you hear the word Disney, my friend, let me take you on a journey that you didn’t even know existed.

Many people do not realize that Disney offers exquisite vacation destinations that have nothing to do with parks and overstuffed costumes.  It does however, have a lot to do with castles, wild animals, mountain climbing and white water rafting.  From the Great Barrier Reef and Tasmania, Australia; to Saigon, Hoi An and Luang Prabang, Cambodia; to the wonders of the Western World, Destinations By Disney can take you anywhere you want to go.  You can travel to France and experience museums, wine tasting and walk the beaches where brave American soldiers stormed the beaches of Normandy.  How about zip lining through the canopy of a rainforest, or viewing unique animals in the Galapagos Islands such as blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, iguanas and sea lions?  How amazing is that?  Destinations By Disney offers a plethora of wonderful destinations.  The hard part is deciding which one of these grand adventures you will take.

No need to worry about the logistics of your trip.  Airfare, lodging, dining and all accommodations are taken care of by your Disney travel agent.  Just think of all the time and effort you would put into planning such an adventure.  Why spend your valuable time trying to determine which hotel to stay at, or the restaurant in which to dine or the task of trying to keep up with your luggage?  When you book an adventure with Destinations By Disney, you are guaranteed such amenities as being greeted at the airport upon your arrival, transportation to and from your hotels, snacks are provided while en route, travel taxis and much, much more.  From your accommodations, to dinner in the evening, each travel element will always meet the Disney standards of quality and comfort.  You will also have your very own Disney trained, travel, adventure guide.  You will be saturated with cultural activities and community events that will help you better understand the way of life of others.  Private tours and backstage access to special entertainment is also provided during your adventure.   All tickets to attractions are included and there is no waiting in line.

Why wait?  If you want to travel the world and see the most spectacular scenes and do it in style, then Destinations By Disney is the way to go.  Hopefully, after reading this article when someone says, “Disney”, you will think of France, Cambodia, Egypt and all that Destinations By Disney has to offer.

“Done on your own, traveling the world can be a challenge. With Adventures by Disney, It’s as much about the things you don’t have to do, as it is about the things you get to.”

Mickey Mouse helps officials start Test Track Presented by Chevrolet back up after its re-imagining on Dec. 6, 2012. Walt Disney World President Meg Croften and a GM official join Mickey Mouse to count down to the grand re-opening of Test Track at Epcot theme park in Walt Disney World.

Get revved up for the exciting, re-imagined Test Track Presented by Chevrolet—the exhilarating driving experience, now designed by YOU! Feel like you’re part of the Chevrolet design studio as you create your own virtual custom-concept vehicle. Then, put your design through its paces (at speeds of up to 65 miles per hour) on the exciting hills, hairpin turns and straightaways of the Test Track circuit.

Take a look at what our Point of View (POV) camera captured on the newly re-opened Epcot attraction at Walt Disney World!

One Fun Ride
Buckle up in a 6-passenger “simulation car” and put a virtual vehicle that you created to the test.