I had the remarkable opportunity to interview for my article, the two owners of the businesses of the Moroccan Pavilion, Mr. Rashid Lyazidi and his co-owner Rashid Sufani. Both men were hand-picked by the Moroccan Government and Disney for this task. These men have been with the pavilion since its opening day and have provided…
With the new Disney blockbuster movie “Saving Mr. Banks” premiered during the Christmas holidays, I could not think of a better subject to write about than the creator of the magical nanny that was the crux of the film, Mary Poppins. But to the uninitiated, Saving Mr. Banks was not centered on the film or…
My wife and I love World Showcase. The diversity of countries represented and the amazing detail always amazes me. Every countries Pavilion is a scaled-down, meticulously detailed area of the country shown, whether it be a town, countryside or plaza. The architecture and attention to historic correctness is astounding. My favorite “country” is Germany. Ever…
It’s hard to believe but the Christmas Season is again upon us! At this, the happiest time of the year, millions of families have their plans to celebrate and traditions to follow. For my wife and me, that means two things…Attending two of our favorite holiday parties at the Magic Kingdom- “Mickey’s Not-so-scary-Halloween Party and…
As a hardcore Disney fanatic, I have the need to know everything about Disney, and I mean everything! Dates, cost, how much, who did it, who thought it, how many and the list goes on. A scant 5 to 8 years ago, there were only a few of these “Trivia” sites to consult. Today, like…
Search the name “Disney”. Immediately, thousands of hits will fill the screen…Websites, blogs, forums, podcasts and too many more to mention. The newest entry into the fray is video podcasts, or vidcasts, all focusing on our favorite subject, Disney. I have waded through many of these productions, some good, and some bad. But all seem…
People always give me a strange look when I tell them that Halloween is our favorite holiday and time of year! My wife and I love the parties, the spooky movies on TV, the costumes and trick-or treaters. We have Halloween decorations galore and love giving out candy! And I can’t think of a better…
One could say without much argument the Walter Elias Disney was one of the most influential people of the 20th century, or perhaps, even in history. He was a dreamer, showman, and a creative and innovative genius, a man not afraid to follow his dreams to fruition, even when the experts, friends and even family…
Several years ago I wrote a piece about Florida’s weather and how it affects our outings to Walt Disney World. Since this year’s rainy season is in full swing, and it’s been pretty active, I decided to delve into the subject once again. Many people think that Florida is unbearably hot and sticky in the…
Ever since Walt Disney met the young Arribas’ brothers, Tomas and Alfonso at the New York World’s fair in 1964 and saw their beautiful glass works of art, he wanted a shop in Disneyland. It was the beginning of a collaboration that has lasted till this day. Known as an “Operating Participant” their shops are…
Walt Disney World is always in a constant state of flux. Cherished attractions are replaced, songs change, as well as parades and shows; replaced with new and time relevant material. Walt always wanted fresh and new venues for his guests and the parks were never intended to be a museum. Case in point is the…
If you love classic cars, Disney movies, music and a chance to go back to the fabulous ’50s, then downtown Disney was the place to be on Father’s Day weekend. This popular event, now in its third year showcases amazing classic, modern and tricked out trucks by the Muscle Car Network of Central Florida. The…
Rebel forces and Imperial Storm troopers again roam Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Star Wars Weekends. This weekend – June 7-9 – is the last weekend for 2013’s event. Held here annually at the Studios since 2003, George Lucas’ universe is now firmly in Disney hands, since Disney acquired the franchise from 68 year old creator,…
There is so much to love about Disney! The shows, attractions, the parks, and for many, the simple pleasures of just walking down Main St. USA. For myself, I have a personal love and fascination with Disney History. I am very partial to the history of the company and Walt and his family. Since covering…
With Disney’s new movie, “Oz, The Great and Powerful” showing on the silver screen, I cannot think of a better subject to talk about than the author of these iconic tales of the “Magical land of Oz.” For many people who were weaned on the 1939 MGM classic “The Wizard of Oz” starring Judy Garland,…
Has anyone ever heard of the Disney Design Center? Well if you enjoy all the amazing events and displays at Walt Disney World, you can thank this branch of the Disney Company. They are responsible for setting up and maintaining all the amazing props that make up almost all events, including EPCOT’s Food and Wine…
Walt Disney could without any argument be included among history’s greatest legions of Innovator’s, Dreamers and Showmen. Walt had the uncanny ability to know what would work, and was a stickler for perfection. He was also the eternal optimist. No matter what, Walt always had a bright outlook, even during bankruptcy; it seemed nothing could…
We have all heard the old saw…”You can’t see the forest for the trees” and I think that it originated in Walt Disney World. The most magical place on earth is literally a treasure trove of visual, audio and olfactory treats for the senses. There is nowhere one can go in the parks that does…
It didn’t take long for me to decide what article I would open the year 2013 with. After surviving another Christmas season, I decided what better way to begin the New Year in the middle of winter than talk about the most magical vacation spot in the tropics! And yes Disney fans, I’m talking about…
Walt Disney World and photography, perfect together. Each year there are untold millions of pictures taken annually at Walt Disney World. These pictures are taken with everything from a $15 throwaway camera to a top-of-the-line Canon 1D Mark 4. And the people taking these pictures come from the ranks of amateur and professional photographers alike….
