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Author Archives: Brittany DiCologero

Brittany is a New England-based writer focused on the history of the Walt Disney World Resort. She is the author of "Red, White, and Disney: The Myths and Reality of American History at the Walt Disney World Resort," and "Brittany Earns Her Ears."

Complimenting Cast Members at Disneyland Just Got Easier!

Five cheerful Disneyland Cast Members in yellow shirts pose together, with a smartphone and Mickey Mouse graphic in the foreground celebrating a magical Cast Compliment moment at the park.

Disney Cast Members are the most important part of what makes a trip to Disney Parks and Resorts so magical, and we love sharing new ways to recognize them for their hard work in making the magic. Earlier this year, Guests visiting the Walt Disney World Resort were given an update in the My Disney Experience app that allows them ...

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Poor Merryweather! Iconic ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Character Gets Stuck on Main Street, U.S.A.

A Festival of Fantasy Parade fairy performer in a dazzling blue costume playfully appears stuck during the show, while three beloved animated fairies from the classic Disney cartoon join in nearby, adding magical whimsy to the Main Street celebration.

The Festival of Fantasy Parade is one of the most magical experiences at Walt Disney World, allowing Guests to see lots of beloved characters with an upbeat soundtrack and gorgeous costumes. One of the most memorable sequences in the parade is the Sleeping Beauty (1959) unit, which features Prince Phillip, the Maleficent dragon, and the three fairies who watch over ...

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Did You Know These Facts About the African Painted Dogs in Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

Pluto, outfitted in explorer gear, relaxes beside a shady tree as two African Painted Dogs stand proudly on nearby rocks, all enjoying the adventure and magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park is home to more than 2,000 animals across 300 species of animals. And, one of the most convenient ways to see some of the wildlife during your visit to this Disney Park is by taking a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris in Harambe Village. This single attraction covers more ground than Magic Kingdom Park, allowing the ...

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Is Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park About to Reopen?

Goofy greets guests beside the iconic winding water slide at Disney’s Blizzard Beach, surrounded by vibrant summer fun as the beloved water park reopens under sunny skies.

Disney water parks offer Guests exploring the Walt Disney World Resort an exciting way to cool off right in the middle of the magic. Both Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are expertly themed with their own storylines and hit water attractions that keep Guests coming back year after year. While both theme parks typically undergo short refurbishments in the ...

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Visiting International Disney Parks Is About to Get Easier

The iconic Disney castle glowing at dusk, with Donald Duck welcoming visitors beside a passport, plane tickets, and a colorful “Online Passport Renewals Disney” sign—inviting guests to magical adventures at the park.

Is visiting every Disney Park on your bucket list? It might take some time with Disney Resorts and theme parks in Anaheim, Orlando, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, but it is certainly possible with a little push in the planning department (and a big push on your wallet!) International travel continues to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic, and ...

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2023 Booking Information Now Available for Disney’s Most Immersive Overnight Stay

Goofy strikes a playful pose in front of the Galactic Starcruiser hotel, joined by R2-D2 and Chewbacca, with Star Wars spaceships soaring above—capturing the thrilling energy of a visit to this epic Disney experience.

The Walt Disney World Resort is not only known for its theme parks. Disney Resort hotels offer Guests the chance to stay fully immersed in the magic as they explore all four theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, and more throughout their stay. While each Resort transports Guests to a unique time and place, where they can feel at home ...

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The Things We Always Skip at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Maleficent joins the Haunted Mansion ghosts outside a glowing, eerie Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, capturing the event’s magical, spooky atmosphere.

It might still be summer, but Halloween is in full swing at the Walt Disney World Resort! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicked off the season in the Magic Kingdom on August 12, 2022, and the fun continues through Halloween night on October 31, 2022. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returned this year for the first time since 2019, with many fan-favorite ...

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PHOTOS: First Look at Design Details in EPCOT’s New ‘Moana’ Attraction

A construction crew brings the Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, to life as Moana greets guests against a backdrop of lush tropical scenery in the heart of the park.

EPCOT is currently undergoing the most extensive renovation project in the history of this Disney Park. Once complete, the newly redesigned EPCOT will feature cohesive theming among the three neighborhoods that replaced Future World (World Celebration, World Nature, and World Discovery), alongside World Showcase. One of the new attractions coming to EPCOT during its redesign is Journey of Water, Inspired ...

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Buffet Dining is Returning to This Popular Disney World Character Restaurant!

Mickey, Goofy, and Donald, dressed in safari gear, strike a fun pose by a feast of international dishes inside the lively African-inspired Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Character dining is one of the most exciting experiences a family can have at the Walt Disney World Resort. Not only do Guests have the opportunity to meet several of their favorite characters without spending the time tracking them down out in the theme parks, but they can also enjoy a delicious, all-you-care-to-enjoy meal. There are iconic character restaurants in ...

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Navigating Disney Genie+ Is Finally Easier With the Latest Update

A cheerful couple enjoys Disney World, checking their Disney Genie+ schedule on their phone as the magical Genie from Aladdin floats beside them, with Cinderella Castle towering in the background.

If you feel at least a little bit confused while trying to use Genie+ at Walt Disney World, you are not alone. Despite several updates to the system, Guests still find navigating Disney Parks with Genie+ to be quite the endeavor as doing so strategically seems to require extensive background knowledge on attractions, shows, and not only the best times ...

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