Theme Park Insider just completed their annual single elimination tournament to determine the "World's Best Theme Park". The event coincides with the NCAA's Men's Basketball Tournament, with each crowning a champion at the end. There was some tough competition, as many peoples favorite parks didn't make it into the finals. Such runner ups include Europa Park, Cedar Point, Islands of Adventure, Tokyo DisneySea, and Disneyland Paris. The finals pitted the World's most visited park, Disney World's Magic Kingdom, against last year's winner Efteling. And, to much surprise across the US, Efteling defended its crown.


Many people in the US, already spoiled with the plethora of amusement parks found across the Country, were quite surprised to see the all might Mouse taken down by a European theme park, and one that had many readers ask "What is Efteling?"


Efteling is located in Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands, which is about an hours drive outside of Amsterdam.  It is a fantasy-themed amusement park, with a colorful cast of characters created from "elements from ancient myths and legends, fairy tales, fables, and folklore.  It's first opened way back in 1952, when the Efteling Nature Park Foundation opened their first attraction "Fairy Tale Forest".  One interesting rumor that has been floating around for years is that Walt Disney traveled to Europe, and drew inspiration from Efteling.  We can't confirm whether or not that is true, but we can confirm that Walt opened his first theme park, Disneyland in California, just three years later.

Hmmmmm...

If any of our readers have been to Efteling, please share your experience with us in the comments section.

Traveling to Disney World in Orlando is the best part of the year for many people.  For some, it's a trip they're only able to experience every few years, or even once in a lifetime.  If only Orlando was just around the corner for everyone, and didn't cost any money to travel to, or to gain admission into the parks.

Well, thank you Google, because now anyone can go walking down Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom, or walk up to Spaceship Earth in EPCOT.  Well, in a different type of reality, but one that you're able to do well wearing your pajamas and sitting on your own couch.

By now, we are all familiar with Google Street Views, and most of us have seen the Google Street Car driving around with the green camera atop its room.  Those cars have literally mapped and photographed every street in America.  And, now, they have mapped and photographed all the streets of the Walt Disney World Resort.

Now we can all go right to Cinderella Castle, walk around, and explore the park just as all those lucky vacationers were doing on that beautiful sunny day...




Or, how about visiting EPCOT...




This is such a cool thing for many reasons.  For one, this makes the parks immediately accessible to anyone and everyone.  But, for those of us who are planning an upcoming trip to Disney World, this gives people a resource to help familiarize themselves with the layout of the parks before they actually arrive.

So, a big thank you to the Google Street View Trekkers (like the one pictured below).  Although, who wouldn't have wanted to do that job?  Sign me up!

Last Friday we posted a survey asking peoples' reactions to the idea of surge pricing at Disney World.  This was in response to Disney sending out their own survey to select ticket holders, posing the same hypothetical situation.  It should be noted that Disney often surveys fans, and some of those ideas come to fruition, and some of them are never heard from again.

So far, we have had over 800 people respond to our survey.  We would like to thank everyone for their participation.  Here are the results:

What is your initial reaction after reading this article?

 

I think it's a good idea	17	2.1%
I think it's a good idea, and will help regulate park volume	57	7.1%
I'm not happy about this idea	313	38.9%
I think it's just a way for Disney to make more money	405	50.4%
This reminds me of Uber	3	0.4%
I have no opinion	3	0.4%
Other	6	0.7%

If you were planning to visit Disney World, and then realized the dates fell on peak days, would you consider changing your travel dates?

 

No, it wouldn't change my plans	48	6%
Changing plans is too tough, so I'd have to pay the higher prices	41	5.1%
Yes, I would definitely change my plans	404	50.6%
I would look into it, but it would depend on my options	272	34.1%
I have no opinion	7	0.9%
Other	26	3.3%

Prefer to briefly voice your own opinion? Go right ahead...

(Above is only a sampling of the 200 opinions we received.  For the full list of responses, and a look at the live results, please click here.) 

Great new things are coming to Orlando in 2014. Theme parks are expanding, restaurants are coming, and the arts are getting bigger and bigger. 

Parks:

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom will complete their Fantasyland expansion in 2014. The new addition to the park is already experiencing record visitors, including a months-long wait for a table at Be Our Guest. New for 2014 will be the Dwarfs' Mine Train Coaster, a family-friendly ride that will take guests on a musical journey to the mine where "a million diamonds shine. Also expect a brand new daytime parade: The Festival of Fantasy. This new event will showcase classic characters and music from best-loved Disney films.

Walt Disney World accommodations are going to reach a new level of luxury in 2014 when the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World opens. This gorgeous property will be located mere minutes from EPCOT and the Magic Kingdom. It will offer 376 standard guest rooms (if anything at the Four Seasons could ever be considered "standard"), 68 suites, a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, a full-service luxury spa, three restaurants, and -- of course -- a spectacular pool area. 

Universal Orlando certainly isn't going to be outdone by the Mouse House. They will be expanding their INCREDIBLY successful World of Harry Potter. London locations from the adored book and film series are being added, including the shops, restaurants, and even famous "bank" of Diagon Alley -- the wizard high street. But the even bigger news is how guests will travel from "London" to "Hogsmeade" -- via The Hogwart's Express. So get your owls and trunks ready. The run for Platform 9 and 3/4 is coming soon.

Universal is also opening their fourth park hotel: the Cabana Bay Beach Resort. It will be the largest on-property hotel, with 1800 rooms including moderately-priced family sites and value-priced smaller rooms. The resort will be retro-chic a'la the 1950s and 1960s, and will include a bowling alley and two huge pools complete with water slides sandy beaches, and a lazy river. 

Aquatica at Sea World is looking to break some records of their own with a new water slide that will be the tallest and steepest in the Orlando area. The Ihu Breakaway Falls will be a multi-slide attraction that is entirely unique to the area. 

LEGOLAND Florida is adding more toddler attractions based on DUPLO toys. The attractions will be farm-themed and will include a train, mini tractor rides, and a water play area geared toward kids from two to five years old.


Arts:

The Doctor Phillips area of Orlando will have an all-news arts center: the Doctor Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The center will feature two performance theatres for Broadway productions and Orlando ballet (among many other things), a 300-seat community theatre, an outdoor area, and a banquet hall.


    

Want to earn all of that Halloween candy you'll be eating soon? On Saturday, October 5 at 10pm runners and Disney villains alike will descend on Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler course will be full of nighttime thrills and chills as participants travel a course of pavement, grass, and sand from Hollywood Studios to ESPN's Wide World of Sports, then back to Hollywood Studios and on to a finish that they'll never forget. In addition to on-course entertainment and refreshments, runners will also receive a race shirt, finisher medal, and entry to the Disney Villains Hollywood Bash party.



If a creepy 10-miler isn't quite your idea of fun, there will be several other runDisney events taking place that weekend, including the Disney Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run and several Kids Races.



For more information or to register for one (or more!) of the races, click here.

On Friday, September 13th, Disney's Hollywood Studios will stay open until the 13th hour (or 1am, as us non-villains call it). Hades, lord of the dead, is hosting a creep-tacular party that you don't want to miss. We all know that the Disney villains are way more interesting than the heroes and heroines, so make sure you don't miss this event.



Naturally, this is a Disney event, so in addition to the hot club music and even hotter dancers, there will be a meet and greet with your favorite Disney villains. And in the lead up to the 13th hour, the sky will light up with the "Villainy in the Sky" fireworks display.

The dance party is part of Disney's Limited Time Magic series, which brings 52 weeks of surprises (big and small) to the Disney parks. And this Limited Time Magic is really limited - the 13th Mischief only lasts from 8pm - 1am. For more information, visit the Limited Time Magic page.

P.S. - This is a great warm-up for all of the Halloween shenanigans that Orlando has to offer.

Ladies, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think there's a Disney princess in all of us. And it sounds like Walt Disney World agrees with me.On September 18, 2013 (that's just over a week away!), the Princess Fairytale Hall will open its doors, and the princesses will be there to greet their fans.

Visitors will be able to choose if they want to meet Cinderella and a visiting princess or Rapunzel and a visiting princess. Naturally, the setting will be exquisitely royal - a Disney princess and her honored guests deserve no less! In addition to details taken from the princesses' stories (think shoes and crowns for Cinderella, and you'll get the idea), each room is also stocked with princess story books, just in case you've somehow forgotten the specifics of your princess's story. Remember, this is Disney. "No detail is too insignificant."

Want to know more? Just check out the video below!

By now, you should already have September 21 marked on your calendar for Dapper Day at Walt Disney World. (We certainly made sure to tell you about it!) If you haven't, what are you waiting for? How many chances do you get to dress up in your dapper finest and join your fellow fashionistas in stepping out in your Fall finest?


Still need some encouragement? Check out the Dapper Day Instagram feed for some inspiration. Convinced now? We thought you might be! So what are you waiting for? Go buy your discounted park passes now!

Usually, we go to the Disney resorts to indulge in a few days of family fun and roller coasters, but what if you're looking for a bit more quiet and pampering? Don't worry - Disney can provide that, too! Saratoga Springs, a two-story, full-service spa opened on July 25th at the Walt Disney World Resort.


The wood floors, stone details, and wood-beamed ceilings were inspired by 19th century resorts at Saratoga Springs, New York that were built in order to take advantage of the therapeutic properties of the natural springs. If it sounds like you might be roughing it, don't worry. "Walt Disney Imagineers incorporated nature through the design using a hummingbird motif showcased in wood carvings and furnishings; alongside authentic Native American artwork." This is Disney, after all, not upstate New York.

The spa's core themes are renew, relax, and imagine. Signature services start at $65 for the Saratoga Springs Signature Pedicure at top out at $435 for the four-hour Saratoga Springs Getaway. Additional services, from massage therapies to skincare to hand and foot treatments are also available. We can't imagine a better way to renew and relax.

I don't know about you, but there's something about Fall that makes me want to be more stylish. Summer is far too hot. Winter requires too many layers. And Spring fashion just doesn't have quite the same appeal. But Fall. Fall is amazing. And what better way to celebrate the arrival of Fall than with the Dapper Day Fall Soiree at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios? Mark your calendars for September 21, and start polishing your pearls and wingtips.



If you've never heard of Dapper Day before now, here's how the group is described on their website: "DAPPER DAY Events celebrate the tradition of stepping out in style. All sophisticated fashions, from vintage-inspired to contemporary chic, are encouraged." Sounds pretty amazing, right? If you're not sure what kind of outfits are appropriate, don't worry - you can check out the idea board on Dapper Day's site. They also have an online store with cute buttons and pins and tote bags so that you can let everyone know you're a Dapper Day participant. (Chances are that the typical park guest won't be nearly as dapper as you are, but you never know.)

Discounted park tickets are available here. The pricing options start at $59 for a 1-day, 1-theme park after 4pm pass. Please note that the discounted Dapper Day tickets are only available until September 20, so don't assume that you can be fashionably late to this party.

Coming to the Atlantic Dance Hall at the Walt Disney World Boardwalk hotel for ONE DAY ONLY, it's the D23 Disney Fanniversary Event 2013. 

This event is THE place to be if you are a Disneyana fan or Disney history buff. Members of the D23 community along with Disney archivists host this annual event, which takes fans behind the scenes of beloved "magical [Disney] moments through rarely or never-before-seen film footage, concept art, photography, and exclusive interviews with many of your favorite Disney Legends and luminaries."

What magical moments, you might ask? All kinds of them, including:

• Beloved movies such as Peter Pan, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and the first Pirates of the Caribbean film
• Beloved characters, like Mickey Mouse and Chip ‘n’ Dale
• Beloved WDW park attractions, including those that are missed, like EPCOT's Horizons and The Magic Kingdom's Mickey’s Toontown
• WDW firsts, such as the openings of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland, the launch of The Disney Channel, and the momentous founding of The Walt Disney Company itself

Pinners, rejoice! There is now an official Walt Disney World Pinterest! (There is also an official OrlandoTastic Pinterest -- you already follow that one, I am sure...)

The eight boards (so far) include "I'm going to Disney World," "What's New at Disney World," "Disney Parks Style," and -- my favorite -- "Taste of Disney." Here are just a few pins that you will find on the boards:



So jump on over and repin to your heart's content. There will be much more to come, I am sure!

It's so very fitting that the day before the debut of the new Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom is the birthday of the man who started it all, Walt Disney.

The great man was born on this day in 1901, making this his 111th birthday. Walt started his artistic interests when he was just a boy living in Missouri; the interest would lead to him starting his first animation studio , Laugh-O-Gram. From there, it was only a short eight years to Plane Crazy, the first cartoon starring the now-iconic Disney creation, Mickey Mouse.







Things were really happening over at the official Disney Parks blog this week, with announcement after announcement coming fast and furious. Here's your handy list to all of them, with links so you can get more information:


Magic Kingdom

Celebrate the Magic officially debuts: The new nighttime projection show will feature scenes from beloved Disney movies and special seasonal images, all projected ONTO Cinderella's Castle. Plans are already in place for a special Halloween Villains show, as well as holiday magic for the end of 2012.

Special Guests get special sneak peeks at the new Fantasyland: Members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida, along with Community Leaders from the area, were treated to preview access to the new Fantasyland, including character meet and greets, ride access, and the chance to try the new restaurant.

EPCOT:

First images of Test Track refurb are released: While the ride is still closed, the first images of what can be expected have been released. Thigns will be a lot more interactive, and (hopefully) a lot more fun. Stay tuned for the official opening date.

Downtown Disney:

Splitsville is getting close to opening: The luxuty bowling alley is close to announcing their official opening, WDW sources say. Nothing is ready yet, and construction is ongoing, but things are definitely on the move.

Disney Resorts:

New spa "reopening" at Grand Floridian Resort: The resort has had a basic spa for almost as long as it has been open, but now something bigger and better is coming on December 17, 2012. Fifteen treatment rooms will offer a full menu of spa delights.


More and more is being announced all the time, so keep your eyes both here and there for the latest news!

While I normally try to steer people away from hitting Walt Disney World during holidays and similar high-capacity time, 2013 brings a reason to brave those crowds, especially for hardcore Disneyphiles – “Limited Time Magic.”


As announced and explained today on the official Disney Parks Blog, Limited Time Magic means “ unexpected experiences with an extra sprinkle of Pixie Dust… that’ll appear, and then disappear when the next debuts.” The blog claims there will be 52 weeks of surprises, but isn’t entirely clear if that means each week has its own surprises or if it’s just another way of saying “we’re doing this for a whole year.”

Two things I do know: WDW and Disneyland will often have completely different surprises at concurrent times, and special days throughout the year will have signature surprises tied to the particular day. Here’s the official list so far, from the blog:

• True Love: Celebrate romance and enchantment throughout Valentine’s Week with special moments and entertainment geared to lovebirds. Disney Princes join their Princesses to meet park guests in special settings, prix fixe menus turn up at select restaurants and Valentine’s collectibles will be offered for the week.

• Independence Week: It’s red, white and blue as Disney Parks salutes America with a 4th of July Fireworks Party — for an entire week, with patriotic lighting bathing the Disney castles on both coasts. Mickey Mouse appears in his patriotic finest and guests will find special USA shirts, Ear Hats and other limited-edition souvenirs.

• Long Lost Friends Week: Lesser-known Disney characters will move from the shadows to the spotlight meet-and-greets on both coasts. Photo opps with characters that could include Flik, Clarabelle Cow, Remy, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum will surprise and delight guests. And Disney guests even have the chance to vote online for which characters they want to see.

• Pirate Week: Why talk like a pirate one day when you could celebrate these scalawags all week long? The adventures of Jack Sparrow come to life like never before during a bicoastal buccaneer bash in which Disneyland and Walt Disney World become pirate-palooza: pirate bands, pirate meet-and-greets and more.

• Dapper Dans Sing Boy Bands: The Dapper Dans, the iconic quartet from Main Street, U.S.A., will add a special finale to their show, claiming the title of the “Original Boy Band” and delivering a medley of hits from One Direction, *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys.

• Unleash the Villains: Friday the 13th in September 2013 is a special day, so Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are staying open until the 13th hour (1 a.m.). Maleficent, Captain Hook, Jafar and other Disney Villains host a dance party, complete with limited-edition collectibles and other nighttime mischief.

• Golden Horseshoe Revue: The fabled Frontierland show returns to Disneyland park for one month only, bringing back the corny jokes and enduring songs that were often enjoyed by Walt Disney himself.

The blog and the twitter account (@DisneyParks) will be announcing more as they are determined, and of course so will we. So what say you, readers? Are you willing to face the crowds for a unique Disney experience or will you stick with your normal Orlando vacation plans?

While the new Fantasyland isn't opening until December 6, 2012, pictures of the upcoming changes just keep coming! This time, it's photos from "Under the Sea -- The Journey of The Little Mermaid." 

The pictures appeared today on the official Disney Parks Blog; the attraction will open in December, just like the rest of the new Fantasyland. Here are some great shots of what you can expect when you ride this attraction (which will be inside Prince Eric's Castle, yet another new Fantasyland addition):

More Fantasyland and Downtown Disney news! First, starting at noon, August 20, 2012, WDW guests will be able to make dining reservations for Be Our Guest, the new restaurant in the new Fantasyland (first available seating: November 19, 2012).

Lunch is quick and casual, with guest-activated terminals that make ordering a snap (there also will be traditional cashiers for cash orders and special dietary requests). You order, take a seat and lunch is delivered to your table – on china, not paper. Dinner is table service. You can find the lunch and dinner menus here.

Cuisine is French-inspired to match the hit animated film’s theme, with three themed dining rooms: the mysterious West Wing with the “enchanted rose”; the Rose Gallery with twirling, larger-than-life figures of Belle and Beast; and the elegant Ballroom with domed ceiling, twinkling chandeliers and glimpses of softly falling snow outside.

Call 407-WDW-Dine for more information or to make your reservations. Be Our Guest will be part of the Disney Dining Plan (Lunch: one quick-service entitlement; Dinner: one table-service restaurant entitlement).

Downtown Disney made an announcement this week too -- a brand-new "augmented reality" attraction:


The attraction opens September 1, 2012 and will be located next door to Bongo's Cuban Cafe. Guests will be able to virtually interact with Phineas, Ferb, Dr. Doof, and Agent P via 20 different settings (including dancing the Platypus Walk). The attraction is free, so expect long lines in the initial weeks of opening and during the holiday season.

This isn't the massive reconstruction that Fantasyland has undergone, but guests visiting EPCOT's World Showcase in December will find a new culinary joie de vivre in France, when Bistro de Paris debuts a new name and a fresh new menu.

An interview with Jerome Bocuse, son of legendary French chef Paul Bocuse, on the official Walt Disney World Parks Blog explains that the changes are aiming for haute cuisine in a less formal, more fun atmosphere. Gone will be the tuxedo'd servers; new costumes will take down the stuffiness a bit, hopefully encouraging more park visitors to try the new menu.

"Our guests want to experiene true French cuisine," Bocuse says. "We want to offer a taste of the true cuisine of France – classical, but with an approachable, affordable twist."

The changes will only affect the Bistro. Les Chefs de France, downstairs, will remain the same classic brasserie menu and style.  

In addition to the new bistro, there will be a brand-new bakery. Construction has already begun near the theater exit area. Boulangerie Patisserie's menu will expand to include sandwiches and salads, and there will be seating for up to 90 in the bakery itself. The new bakery will also have a bread oven, which will supply bread for all three France restaurants via a "show bakery" for guests to enjoy.

The old pastry shop will beome Glacier, a new ice cream parlor.

A very special opportunity is available during Star Wars Weekends this year at Disney Hollywood Studios!

Fans of Star Wars Episode IV: The Empire Strikes Back will remember the iconic scene where Han Solo was frozen in carbonite at Cloud City and eventually brought to Jabba the Hutt by Boba Fett. Now you will be able to see yourself frozen in carbonite just like Han, and have a custom figurine made of the occasion, without dealing with the pain, resultant temporary blindness at being un-frozen, and the hassle of bounty hunters.

The Carbon-Freeze Me Experience at Disney Hollywood Studios is a new state-of-the-art experience that brings personalization to a whole new level. The Carbon Freezing Chamber (located near The American Idol Experience) will put you center stage as several cameras capture images of your face from many different angles. With a little computer magic, those photographs are turned into an eight-inch figurine that's shipped directly to your home.

The carbonite figurine is $99.95, but you can have more made from the same original mold for just $74.95 apeice. Guests will also receive a special light-up wrist band.

While this experience officially opens on May 18 for Star Wars Weekends, reservations are required, so call early to reserve your spot! Dial 1-407-WDW-TECH (407-939-8324) for reservations and more information.

Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog.

This Spring, the place to be for all things Star Wars is Disney's Hollywood Studios! Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May 18-June 10 will feature loads of activities as well as tons of celebrities from both the movies and the animated series.

Ray Park(pictured above), the actor who portrayed Darth Maul, will be there for week-ends I and II, and week-end IV will feature not one, but TWO Boba Fett actors!

There will also be autograph events, an amazing "Legends Of The Force" parade, behind-the-scenes presentations, and many other opportunities to see these celebrities in action. And don't forget about Hyperspace Hoopla! This action-packed show will give you a chance to see Star Wars performers strut their stuff on stage! Just head to the stage in front of the Sorcerer Mickey hat on Hollywood Blvd. in time to snap up a prime spot for the 8pm show, and the Force will be with you too!

Photo courtesy of DisneyParks Blog.