Uncle Walt's Insider Marty, Author at Uncle Walt's Insider

MagicBands. Photo credit: elisfkc via Wikimedia Commons

Heartbroken teen discovers MagicBands use common technology, not magic

Albuquerque resident Terry Rice had a major letdown on his recent vacation to Orlando-area theme parks. Rice, 15, describes himself as a fan of both Disney and Harry Potter, and was excited when his parents announced plans to take he and his younger sister to Orlando for the first time. Although he enjoyed his time visiting the Walt Disney World Resort, Rice was dismayed to learn that Disney's "MagicBands" were not magic at all. "That was like the coolest thing ever," Rice says ...

Artist's rendition of the new entrance to Disneyland. By Chris Hagerman [CC BY 2.0 ] via Wikimedia.

Six Flags: how to take your kids on a pretend Disney vacation while saving money

People love Disney Parks vacations, but let's face it -- they can be expensive! Not only are admission costs high, but Disney has inconveniently located their parks in only two of the fifty U.S. states, so travel costs can add up if your family doesn't live on either coast. Fortunately, there is a low cost solution available for an affordable "Disney" vacation that is likely within driving distance of your home: Six Flags! The Six Flags Entertainment Corporation owns and operates twelve ...

October 5, 2017 by Marty in Other

Spotlight: Music in the Disney Parks

Never count the Disney Company out when it comes to creativity, especially when it comes to music. Going to a Disney park has always been a treat for all the senses. Just by strolling onto Main Street USA, your eyes take in the themed buildings, the landscaping, the castle ahead of you; there are smells of baked goods, cinnamon churros, and cast members sweating in polyester costumes; your sense of touch is engaged as you are jostled by eager children racing down ...

October 3, 2017 by Marty in Spotlight

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights to reopen in Pandora – The World of Avatar

Fans of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights were saddened in 2016 when Disney ended the popular musical street attraction, but they now have reason to celebrate. In a press release Friday, the Walt Disney World Resort announced that the light show will return when holiday decorations appear this year, but in a new home -- the recently-opened Pandora - The World of Avatar in Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The Osborne Lights have a storied history. Originating at the home of a ...

September 26, 2017 by Marty in Florida

Lonely World: Tips for romance at the bus stops

Note: "Lonely World" is an ongoing series featuring romance tips for single adults visiting theme park destinations on their own. "Stan" (not his real name) visits the Walt Disney World Resort frequently. As a 32-year-old lifetime resident of Sanford, Florida, and an annual Passholder, he enjoys riding rides, splashing in the water parks, and dining at the World's many fine restaurants. But unlike most visitors to Walt Disney World, Stan doesn't visit with family or friends. Instead, his visits are almost always entirely ...

September 22, 2017 by Marty in Spotlight