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

A few of the non-Disney gondolas. Photo by DisneyTouristBlog.com, used by permission, modified.

Skyliner delayed; wrong characters put on gondolas

Walt Disney World's new gondola system has... too much character? WALT DISNEY WORLD, FL -- Just months from its projected opening, the Disney Skyliner and Spa gondola system has encountered a new snag. Rather than leave the vehicles wrapped as originally planned, they decided to decorate each ride vehicle with cartoon characters. One problem: no one told the designers that they were limited just to Disney characters. There's variety, at least Ride vehicles show characters from such non-Disney properties as Shrek, the Flintstones, H.R. Puff-n-stuff, Star ...

The Walt Disney Concert Hall, Plan B. Photo by Tuxyso [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons.

Disney Concert Hall was to be plain, square, until dog ate blueprints

Should architect Frank Gehry still get credit for the design, or his dog Bosco? LOS ANGELES, CA -- The Walt Disney Concert Hall has a look all of its own, and architect Frank Gehry has been hailed for its unique look. But did he actually create the design? Musicians, architects, and the general public hailed the look of the Hall when it opened in 2003, sure. But newly discovered documents indicated that the original design was for a plain, square, stone building. Intentionally boring How ...

June 22, 2019 by Marty in California

Construction continues on the second-largest Ferris wheel in Central Florida. Photo by BrokenSphere [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikipedia Commons.

“Almost record-setting” Ferris wheel coming to Animal Kingdom

When completed, the new "Wheel of Life" will be the second-tallest in Central Florida. WALT DISNEY WORLD, FL -- Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Spa continues to expand. And now the Tree of Life will be complemented by a large Ferris wheel, to open in the Spring of next year! "We are tremendously excited about this new addition to the park," says Disney (the company) spokesperson Jun Disney (no relation). "The hat is coming down again, and the new 'Wheel of Life' ...

June 20, 2019 by Marty in Florida

Chaos at the first (and last) ever Magic Kingdom Balloon Festival. Photo by ErikAggie [CC0] via Pixabay & adventurejay.com

Chaos reigns at first Magic Kingdom Balloon Festival

It seemed like a good idea on paper. WALT DISNEY WORLD, FL --The so-called "First Annual Magic Kingdom Royal Balloon Festival" is likely to be the last. The Magic Kingdom is still recovering from yesterday's debacle, where over 500 hot air balloons and their crews were added to the already heavy June crowds. "Not pretty" "We really didn't think this one through," says Disney (the company) spokesperson Jun Disney (no relation). "It was not pretty. Someone in middle management had been to the Albuquerque Balloon ...

June 19, 2019 by Marty in Florida

Jar Jar Binks, alone at his meet-and-greet. Video still from ThemeParkReview via YouTube

No lines for Jar Jar Binks meet-and-greet

Most characters draw crowds of fans in an instant. Not this one. DISNEYLAND, CA -- Disneyland's new area, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, is a runaway hit, now that they've added churro light sabers. And guests absolutely love meeting their favorite characters from the hit movie series. And they're apparently shunning their least favorite. No love "We've got fans flocking around Chewbacca," says Disney (the company) spokesperson Jun Disney (no relation). "If he stops walking around, a queue to meet and take photos with him forms ...

June 18, 2019 by Marty in California