wdw Archives - Page 96 of 128 - Uncle Walt's Insider
Artist's sketch of the Vatican pavilion at Epcot. Public domain, courtesy Pixabay.

Lost Attractions: Epcot’s Vatican City pavilion

"Lost Attractions" is a recurring feature on Uncle Walt's Insider, where we shine the spotlight on planned attractions that were never built. Rumors are flying once again about pavilions being added to EPCOT Centre's World Showcase, the "permanent world's fair." No specific plans have been announced, but as our reader poll below shows, front-runners for the new pavilion include Guam, Cleveland, and Morocco. But to us, the most interesting rumor is for a pavilion based on the Vatican City -- because a Vatican ... Read more
A day of light crowds on Main Street USA. Photo courtesy U.S. Air Force (www.af.mil).

2019 Walt Disney World crowd calendar

We show you the best time to go. If you're planning ahead, that is. UNCLE WALT'S H.Q., SVALBARD -- While Uncle Walt's Insider has been your go-to source for super-reliable theme park news for over 80 years*, we've only recently become aware that some folks actually like to plan vacations in advance? Some of you actually look for information online to help you decide when to travel to Disney parks. Huh, that's strange. We usually just chuck stuff into a duffel bag and ... Read more
What Would Walt Do? You ask, Uncle Walt answers!

Hey Walt, what’s up with these feral cats?

"Ask Uncle Walt" is a regular feature of Uncle Walt's Insider: you ask, Uncle Walt answers! Today's question: "Hey Walt, what's up with these feral cats?" Submitted by Waldo E., Fort Wayne, IN. Hi Waldo, Thanks for asking. The feral cat question is probably the second most asked question at Guest Relations! (Questions about churro cart locations are by far the top question asked, leading almost 7 to 1.) The feral cat can be easily explained, but first I need to give you a history lesson. You ... Read more
Cinderella Castle (inflatable) at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom Park. Public domain, via Pixabay.

Uncle Walt’s debunks Disney urban legends

We tackle the myths, legends, and tall tales that have sprung up about Disney parks. UNCLE WALT'S H.Q., SVALBARD -- Disney Parks and Resorts and Spas are, without question, the most popular parks, resorts and spas ever created by a rodent. With so many people attending every year, it's only natural that some rumors and stories pop up from time to time about the Disney parks. But are those stories true? Well, there is a relatively obscure fact-checking website out there that is ... Read more
The mismatched socks of the Dapper Dans. Photo by Daniel Orth [CC BY-ND 2.0] via Flikr.

Accusations of hazing among Dapper Dans

Troubling treatment of first-year performers. WALT DISNEY WORLD, FL -- Emil Horton*, 28, has been singing with the Dapper Dans at the Magic Kingdom for almost eleven months. While Horton describes his role as "loads of fun" and "the job of a lifetime," he tells Uncle Walt's Insider that rookie "Dans" can be subjected to some rough treatment. Mild to serious hazing "It starts pretty subtly," Horton shares. "The first week after training, I'm out performing on the street with the other three guys. ... Read more