Florida Archives - Page 75 of 114 - Uncle Walt's Insider
Totally Cinderella Castle being taken apart, and not Lotte World Theme Park in Korea. By Ziggymaster [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons

Cinderella Castle disassembled for cleaning

Don't worry -- it's only for a few years. WALT DISNEY WORLD, FL -- Officials at the Walt Disney World Resort and Spa announced today that Cinderella Castle is being disassembled for cleaning (pictured above). According to a statement, this is normal periodic maintenance for the Magic Kingdom icon. The castle should be fully rebuilt by the Summer of 2023. Some confusion Many folks who see the deconstructed castle are expressing confusion, since it is common knowledge that Cinderella Castle is inflated. (Uncle Walt's ... Read more
Not a Disney park. Photo courtesy Pixabay.

Universal Orlando names friendliest Team Member

Its their latest attempt to copy Disney improve guest service. ORLANDO, FL -- Universal Orlando Resort and Nail Salon has announced their first ever 'Friendliest Team Member of the Year.' The winner was selected by leaders based on feedback from actual guests. Keeping up with the Disneys Universal Orlando has long been thought of as 'The Other Theme Park in Orlando'. Known for their large collection of 3D motion simulators [Ed.: and not much else!], Universal is often people's sixth choice for entertainment when ... Read more
Mickey and Minnie wave to the crowds. Photo source Depositphotos_69250695_original.jpg.

Disney character Cast Members: no costumes for Halloween!

If the Disney characters you meet at the parks are real to you, do not go there today. Or read this article. LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL -- Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, Consumer Products and Spas, has a special treat for certain Disney Cast Members: "You do not have to wear a costume today!" On a day when many people around the globe celebrate Halloween by putting on costumes, there are some folks in Disney Parks and Spas who spend every day wearing costumes. In fact, ... Read more
Steve, the replacement for Epcot's Illuminations. Photo © 2018 Disney (no relation).

Illuminations replacement: “a guy named Steve”

Disney goes low-tech for Epcot's new nighttime spectacular. WALT DISNEY WORLD, FL -- Illuminations: Reflections of Earth has been a crowd favorite at E.P.C.O.T. Center and Spa since the early 90's. Illuminations, a dazzling combination of music, fireworks, pyrotechnics, yogurt, lasers, torches, live marine mammals, and a rotating globe with continent-shaped video screens (which show scenes of earth's history, mankind's achievements, and occasional live sporting events), remains extremely popular. [Note: The yogurt thing might just be me. I always enjoy a drinkable yogurt during Illuminations.]  In ... Read more
Ticket pricing guide. Photo by numerologysign [CC BY 2.0] via Flickr.

WDW ticket prices to be based on horoscopes

Just one week after date-based ticket prices start, Disney changes the system again. WALT DISNEY WORLD, FL -- It was only last month that the Walt Disney World Resort and Spa announced date-based pricing for its park admission. Shortly after that, the company responded to guest backlash by modifying the system, where admission was free but exiting the parks cost money. Now the system is changing again, to a variable-pricing system that a Disney spokesperson claims "takes all the guesswork out of it": ... Read more