Walt Disney World

Following a week of sneak previews and Passholder previews, the Hall of Presidents officially re-opened debuting its newest member – President Barak Obama. The new show carries the subtitle “A Celebration of Liberty’s Leaders” and for the first time features speaking roles for three presidents.

Sad news from Walt Disney Word: 21 year old cast member, Austin Wuennenberg, died today from an early morning collision between two Monorail trains. The two trains collided at around 2 a.m. at the Transportation and Ticket Center, which is the hub for Walt Disney World’s transportation system.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, in partnership with Florida State University’s Dedman School of Hospitality and Department of Management Information Systems (MIS)—both housed in the College of Business, has developed an application for Apple’s iPhone and iTouch which allows users to access in-depth resort information.

The Walt Disney Company is partnering with Best Friends Pet Care to develop a full-service, luxury pet “resort” which will be located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The one-of-a-kind facility will cater to park and resort guests, as well as Walt Disney World employees, providing a full range of pet hospitality services including dog and cat boarding, day care and grooming services, and doggy day camp.

Dewayne Bevil of the Orlando Sentinel was able to get a sneak peek of the Hall of Presidents attraction that has been revamaped and is scheduled to reopen on July 4th at The Magic Kingdom. While the big news is the addition of our 44th president, Barak Obama, there are additional changes and updates as well.

When plans for Walt Disney’s second theme park in Florida were being developed, the Imagineers decided to design a system of tunnels, called “Utilidors,” under the park so that cast members and service people can travel from land to land without being seen by guests and thus help keep the magic in place.

Fans of Jiko-The Cooking Place and Boma-Flavors of Africa have a new reason to dine at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge with the debut of “Sanaa” on May 1 in the resort’s new Kidani Village expansion. The menu in the 150-seat, family-oriented restaurant reflects the art of African cooking with Indian flavors.

Is this a sign of things to come – official trailers for attractions at Disney Parks? If so, I welcome them with enthusiasm. An example of this is a recently created preview I came across of The Haunted Mansion attraction at Walt Disney World in Florida.

Walt Disney World’s Swan & Dolphin Resort is helping guests celebrate their birthday with a free night’s stay. The way it works is to books at least a three-night stay over your birthday and you will then receive your birthday night free.

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida this year? If so, you might want to book your accommodations at one of the seven Downtown Disney Resort area hotels as they are currently offering some fantastic deals.

What has been long-rumored is finally confirmed – the refurbishment of the original Space Mountain located at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida is a go. The attraction will close on April 19 (right after the Easter break crowds leave) and officially return “late 2009,” though a target date of November 22 has been reported.