By Keith Mahne

If I offered you the opportunity to experience New Year's Eve at Disneyland back in 1967 would you take it? Wouldn't that be amazing?! Can you imagine the sounds in the air? The music? The excitement? Well friends, this New Year's Eve we are going to do just that! I can't think of a better way to ring in the New Year. So friends, your ticket to the event awaits you in today's new article as we travel back to New Year's Eve night at Disneyland back in 1967....

By Keith Mahne

May 1, 1989 was the debut of the Disney-MGM Theme Park. Located south of EPCOT, it was Disney's 5th theme park in the world and the third park on WDW property. Although it rained on opening day, the park was packed. It was the largest opening day press event in Disney World history, in fact. The park was so crowded that officials had to close its parking lot at only 9:15 a.m. - just about an hour after opening! An HOUR! Incredible! Join us today as we take a look back at the opening of Disney-MGM Studios...

By Keith Mahne

I hear being a Disney cast member back in the day was not just a job but a career. Walt knew how to take care of his employees. He knew if he took care of them they would take care of his Park and his guests. Pretty smart guy, but you already knew that. In the late 1970s, this tradition was still being utilized by the Walt Disney Company and their tactics for recruiting new cast members to continue Walt's legacy was pretty amazing...at least to look at. In today's new article, we have a couple of remarkable, and beautiful, late 1970s Disney recruiting brochures that you have got to see...

By Keith Mahne

How many of you remember Epcot's jaw-dropping Lights of Winter Christmas display? You know, the one that debuted for Christmas of 1994 and was retired in January of 2009. For years, Epcot celebrated the spirit of the holidays with the Lights of Winter Christmas light show, an archway of lights synchronized to holiday orchestral music. Its loss continues to be lamented by those who were lucky enough to experience this Walt Disney World holiday tradition firsthand. Join us as we remember Epcot's Lights of Winter and watch the complete show before it closed in today's article...

By Keith Mahne

What's better than Christmas at Disneyland? Food, of course! Not just any food, I'm talking about Disneyland Christmas food. Today, we are about to embark on a one hour Food Network special that explores the amazing holiday destination that is Disneyland -- the fun, the experience, the added holiday excitement and charm, all wrapped up in the park's holiday themed meals and treats. This special will not only get you in the Disney Christmas spirit, it will have you wanting to eat your computer screen. Join us as we explore some scrumptious Disneyland Christmas treats and how they're made in today's new article...

By Brittany Bell

I have another special treat for the readers of Disney Avenue. Many of you may recall the interview I did last week with a former Walt Disney World cast member which was a HUGE hit here on the site. Today we will keep that momentum going because we have a current Disneyland cast member joining us to share his magical stories of working at the happiest place on earth. In this second interview I conducted, I was lucky enough to talk with Disneyland employee Robert Pierce. Robert is currently a Day Custodial Lead for Disneyland Park after completing the Disneyland College Program in August 2014 to January 2015. Let's hear more about Robert’s duties in the parks, his experience in the college program, and his own personal take on how the spirit of Walt Disney lives on each and every day inside Disneyland…

By Kat Tretina

Each year, Epcot hosts one of Walt Disney World’s most popular events: the Candlelight Processional. This event features a celebrity narrator telling the story of the birth of Jesus, accompanied by a full orchestra and choir. Inside the American Garden Theater, which is in the very center of World Showcase, this is an intimate and beautiful holiday spectacle and a wonderful Christmas tradition for Disney fans the world over. Don't worry if you can't make it this year, here and now on Disney Avenue, we are going to visit this stunning Disney classic and capture a little piece of its magic in today's new article...

By Keith Mahne

We are about to get in the spirit of the season the 90s way with The Magic of Christmas at Walt Disney World, a 1992 direct-to-video special that was only available in the Disney Parks. We'll join Santa as he celebrates Christmas with Mickey Mouse and his pals at Walt Disney World. Come and revisit the Vacation Kingdom of the World during Christmas in the early 1990s in today's new article...

It's the most wonderful time of year here on the Disney Avenue Podcast and boy, what an amazing show we have in store for you. As many of you know, Christmas and Disney go hand in hand. I’ve yet to experience a Christmas display or Spectacle anywhere on earth that can top Disney. The beautiful lights and decorations along Main Street, the beauty of Cinderella Castle decked out in millions of lights and, of course, that little light show over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the truly breathtaking Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. As many of you may have heard by now, this year, 2015, will be the last year that Disney will be showcasing this 20-year-old holiday tradition. And so, with the Holiday Season now upon us and with the closing of the Osborne Lights, I thought, what can we do here on the Disney Avenue Podcast to really capture that Disney Christmas spirit, what can we do to entertain our listeners and bring them more of our signature interviews, history and stories from big names in the Disney stratosphere? And then it hit me! Why not continue a Disney Avenue Podcast Christmas Tradition by inviting the top Disney historian and author on the planet earth to come on the show and tell us all about the history of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights and other gone but not forgotten Walt Disney World Christmas classics. So friends, it is with Christmas cheer and everything holly and jolly, to welcome back for a third time to the Disney Avenue Podcast, the one and only, Jim Korkis. Continue after the page break and let the Christmas memories begin…

By Daisy Sparks

The Holiday Season and the Disneyland Resort go together like coal and bad kids. It's the time of year for giving and for taking strolls around Disney Parks like Disney California Adventure which is what we are going to do in today's new article by Daisy Sparks. DCA is absolutely gorgeous this time of year and so, if you'd like to take a peek inside the Park and see all the beautiful Christmas decorations, join us in today's new article and see Christmas at Disney California Adventure...

By Keith Mahne

What would the Disney Parks be without their cast members? I mean no cast members, no magic, right? Well, I have something to share with you that I think you're really going to enjoy! It happened at a Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party in 2006. A cast member dressed as Gideon Cat from Pinocchio decided they were going to "let it all hang out" and really get down. I have no doubt this will put a smile on your face and is just another example of cast members going above and beyond to create the magic. Continue after the page break and have a look for yourself...

By Genevieve Roberts

If there is one resort most guests will say they absolutely love its definitely Disney's Art of Animation Resort. The reason is simple, it's because of the fact it's new, colorful, and has those great family suites. Everyone loves their family suites, am I right? For this edition of A Walk in the Park, let's step out of the Parks and explore one of Disney's most cherished, family resorts, Art of Animation...

By Brittany Bell

I was recently lucky enough to sit down and talk with former Walt Disney World Cast Member, Dan Burgess. Dan completed the Disney College Program in 2006, working primarily in the Magic Kingdom's Frontierland. It really is amazing to get a firsthand account at what it's like working for the Mouse. We all know that Disney's Cast Members are the ones that continue Walt's legacy and bring the magic to guests each and every day. Let's hear Dan’s personal account of his time at Walt Disney World in today's new article…

By Keith Mahne

Friends, I have something REALLY cool to tell you about! Artist and friend of Disney Avenue, Chris Buchholz just released another spectacular Disney poster that will, once again, allow us to bring the magic of Disney to our own homes. With Christmas soon approaching, I can't think of a better Christmas gift to any Disney fan in your family. Join me after the page break and I'll fill you in on this amazing, new poster...

By Keith Mahne

We have a wonderful little film for you today that is sure to cause those warm, nostalgic, Christmas memories to come flooding in. It's an episode of the beloved Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color that originally aired back on December 23, 1962 on NBC. Grab some popcorn and a nice cup of hot chocolate and join us today as we watch the wonderful film Holiday Time at Disneyland starring the man himself, Walt Disney...

By Keith Mahne

Let's continue the Holiday Season the vintage Disney way with the 1958 tale of A Christmas Adventure in Disneyland. Today we'll take a listen to the story from a 1958 Disneyland Records LP that is sure to get those Christmas memories flowing. It's about two children, named John and Jane, on an adventure at Disneyland during Christmas Eve. This grand LP even included a full size booklet with some beautiful art that you'll see as well that covers eleven pages. So friends, ready to get in the Christmas spirit? Join us today for the 1958 audio adventure presented by Walt Disney titled A Christmas Adventure in Disneyland...

By Keith Mahne

Friends, it's finally the most wonderful time of the year again here on Disney Avenue. I wanted to wish everyone a joyous Holiday Season and also fill you in on some fun, holiday traditions that occur each December here on the site. Please join me after the page break and I'll fill you in on all the holiday excitement that is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit...

By Daisy Sparks

The holidays are in full swing at the Disneyland resort and it's one of the most beautiful, and crowded, times of the year to visit. For this edition of A Walk in the Park, let's check out all the amazing Star Wars additions in Tomorrowland and see some seasonal offerings around the Park because, after all, it is the most wonderful time of the year. Ready?! Let's get walking around Disneyland...

By Keith Mahne

I have something very special to share with you today. Something we really don't get to see on television any longer. I'm referring to those special Disney broadcasts that allowed us to reminisce on the good ol' days. I'd like to share something that is sure to bring you joy and will have you wrapped up in a blanket of nostalgia. It's called The Wonderful World of Disney - 40 Years of Television Magic and it's a television special that aired on ABC on December 10, 1994. So if you're ready, let's go back to those simply days when television had only three channels, the picture was black and white, and Sunday night meant Disney...

By Keith Mahne

Disney's River Country was the first water park at Walt Disney World. It opened on June 20, 1976 and ceased operations on September 30th, 2001. On January 20, 2005, The Walt Disney Company announced that River Country would remain closed permanently. Along with Discovery Island, it is one of only two Disney parks in history to close permanently and both parks were abandoned rather than demolished. Let' take a look back at Walt Disney World's very first water park as we remember River Country in today's featured article...

By Kevin Faux

The Disney Cruise Line is more than just another cruise company. Disney designed its ships to be innovative, offering unique facilities and programs, each with Disney's hallmark, first class service. People were surprised when the Disney company announced the launch of a cruise line. Would the Disney company find success on the high seas? Could the company famous for inventing modern theme parks reinvent the cruise line business? Disney decided to find out, and so will we in today's new article on the history of the Disney Cruise Line by Kevin Faux...

By Keith Mahne

Delta Dreamflight was an attraction located in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom inside Walt Disney World, and was sponsored by Delta Air Lines. While usually a line-free experience, Dreamflight remains a classic Disney attraction that was dedicated to the magic of air travel. Dreamflight also replaced an attraction called If You Had Wings, another WDW classic that was sponsored by Eastern Air Lines. Now, let's revisit this old Tomorrowland treasure by covering its history, listening to its fantastic theme song, and even taking a ride through as we remember Delta Dreamflight in today's new article...

By Daisy Sparks

Tucked away in New Orleans Square in Disneyland is a simple door. It blends in well, barely noticeable, except for the large plaque brandishing the number 33 marking its address, 33 Royal Street. Yet behind that simple door lies the most exclusive club in America, housing priceless Disney artifacts and an experience that does have a price…and it is hefty. Let's take a look around this beautiful Disneyland treasure in this week's Walk in the Park article...

By Keith Mahne

From October 1, 1981, through September 30, 1982, the Walt Disney World Vacation Kingdom promised to be alive with the most thrilling event in its history at the time. It was Walt Disney World's Tencennial, the 10th Birthday Celebration of the World! It was a year long party filled with high-stepping parades, live musical concerts, guest appearances by a bevy of top-name celebrities, fireworks galore...and a host of exhilarating surprises done up in the grand Disney style. Let's look back and remember Walt Disney World's Tencennial Celebration in today's new article...

By Keith Mahne

Although Walt Disney's version of Epcot never saw the light of day, the original EPCOT Center was something truly special. The EPCOT Center of 1983 and the Epcot we know today are two completely different worlds. Many of us have our own opinions on what the Park has become, but I think we all agree that it's important, and enjoyable, to look back at what it once was. Today, let's travel back and revisit the Park as it was in 1983 when "Center" was still part of its vernacular and CommuniCore was still the heart and soul of this unique place inside Walt Disney World...

By Randy Crane

If you have ever seen Song of the South (and if you haven’t, good luck!) or ridden Splash Mountain, you know how successful Br’er Fox and Br’er Bear are at capturing or killing Br’er Rabbit (or whatever it was they were trying to do). If you haven’t, the short version is: not at all. Let's find out how we can apply the lessons of Splash Mountain to our own lives in today's new article...

By Keith Mahne

Have you ever heard of, or even seen, the old Epcot show that once took place over World Showcase Lagoon called Skyleidoscope? It was a truly spectacular show to say the least. As this 1985 Walt Disney World News article stated, "Skyleidoscope is a fairy tale come to life. Watch Dreamfinder, the star of Kodak’s ‘Journey into Imagination,’ paint magical rainbows in the sky. Dreamfinder orchestrates more than 70 flying, swimming, and sailing vessels from his fanciful flying machine. Colorful streamers of smoke and daytime fireworks brighten the sky. Add evil dragons, heroes, and ear-catching music, and you have a crowd-pleasing, one-of-a-kind show.” Pretty amazing sounding, right? Let's explore and revisit the once incredible Epcot show Skyleidoscope in today's new article...

By Brittany Bell

Having delighted guests at Hollywood Studios since 1995, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is on its last season. Lighting up the Streets of America for the holiday season, this show truly is a spectacle that brings together families and friends. Each night a special guest flips the switch and brings light, magic and color to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As the lights sparkle and music plays for one last time, let’s learn about how the Osborne family’s Christmas display made it to Walt Disney World all the way from Arkansas in today's new article…

By EPCOT Explorer

The mid 1970s were marked with a flurry of creativity and activity for Walt Disney Productions. Main efforts centered on expanding their existing two theme parks, and looking to finally act upon Walt Disney’s plans for EPCOT in some regard. Simultaneously, Disney was broaching the subject of an Asian Disneyland in Tokyo. Despite all of these far flung and grandiose ideas, concentration settled on developing a “ride” system for a public works project. Let's examine the WEDway PeopleMover and the Community Transportation Services Division in today's new article by EPCOT Explorer...

By Keith Mahne

When Lucasfilm became part of the Walt Disney Company, it sparked rampant speculation about the future of Star Wars in Disney’s theme parks. At Disney’s recent D23 Expo, one presentation confirmed future projects were on their way, but offered nothing more than tantalizing hints of things to come. As we wait to learn more while we inch closer to the release of the long awaited Star Wars Episode VII, let’s travel back in time and take a look at the original collaboration between Disney and Lucasfilm, beginning more than 25 years ago, on the creation of Star Tours…

By Daisy Sparks

It's Thursday and that can only mean one thing...it's time for a new Walk in the Park article, of course! Disneyland is all about the details. It’s one of things that sets it apart from other theme parks. The Halloween "Tree-T" and the new Enchanted Window are two such examples of how much work goes into creating even the smallest of attractions. In this week's Walk in the Park article, let's visit the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and see the Halloween "Tree-T" and then have a look at a new Enchanted Window along Main Street, USA. Ready to go? Let's get right to it...

By Keith Mahne

The year was 1942, Walt Disney flew to Washington and met with defense and chemical warfare officials with another one of his great ideas. You see, Walt wanted to check the progress of a gas mask he’d recently designed. The mask, featuring large glass eyes, a snout and big, round ears, was designed like his signature character, Mickey Mouse. It was meant to calm terrified children during moments of crisis, but looking back at the mask, it appears it may have done the opposite. See for yourself what Walt created and decide whether you believe this could have been the world's creepiest gas masks ever created in today's new article...

By Keith Mahne

Dreams are funny things. They give us an objective in life to strive for, can be life-changing, massive in scope, and can seem so outrageous an unattainable at times. I don't believe there was anyone to walk on this planet that knew more about achieving their dreams than Walt Disney. Like Walt, I've had a few big dreams that, thanks to a little ambition and help from the man upstairs, have come true. Today, I'd like to tell you about a major, life-changing dream that is on the verge of becoming a reality and that will change DisneyAvenue.com forever...

By Kevin Faux

Fantasyland brings the tales gathered by the Brothers Grimm to life through the gracefulness of European charm. With the embodiment of childhood fantasy, the show elements allow guests the opportunity to enter the cinematic world of the Disney classics. A more history based story line brings guests out of hometown America and into the charm and gallantry of medieval Europe. Many classic attractions have come and gone over the years, but will always remain in the hearts of Disney fans the world over. Let's return to old Fantasyland and explore those attractions in today's new article by Kevin Faux...

By Randy Crane

Splash Mountain is beloved by Disney fans from all around the world. It's fun music, entertaining Audio Animatronics, and that huge drop into the briar patch keep us coming back for more. And just like Br’er Rabbit, everybody’s searching for a Laughing Place, something that brings us joy, peace and happiness. Today, let's take a different perceptive on Splash Mountain and finding our one, true Laughing Place in life...

By Daisy Sparks

Most people make careful plans on what they wear to Disneyland. That could mean wearing your Mickey Mouse ears, your favorite Disney t-shirt, or most comfortable shoes. There is one trend that has been taking Disneyland by storm over the last couple of years called Dapper Day. Let's check out the fashion at Disneyland and explore Dapper Day at the Park in today's new article...

By Genevieve Roberts

Editor's Note: Welcome friends to another edition of Disney Avenue's Walk in the Park. Many of you write in to say how much you enjoy this particular segment because it offers us the opportunity to visit the Parks and see what's new. We haven't done a Walt Disney World version in awhile but that is about to change. Today, please join me in welcoming Genevieve Roberts to the Disney Avenue family. Genevieve will be our new WDW contributor for our Walk in the Park articles while Daisy Sparks will continue to cover Disneyland. Be sure to join us each Thursday for a brand new Walk in the Park article. Whether you visit the Parks daily, yearly, or maybe about to take your very first trip, Disney Avenue's Walk in the Park will be your eyes and ears, allowing you to bring a little of that magic right to your front door. I'm thrilled to welcome Genevieve to our team. And now, here's Gen to fill you in on Epcot's amazing Food and Wine Festival. Enjoy friends...

- Keith Mahne

By Keith Mahne

Walt Disney World in the 1990s was a truly magical time for the resort. How does one describe the most magical, most spectacular vacation destination in the world during the 90s? The Walt Disney World vacation planner you're about to see does the perfect job. We are about to take a 45 minute trip back to the vacation kingdom of the world in 1993. We'll romp through the Magic Kingdom, MGM Studios, Epcot Center, Typhoon Lagoon and Pleasure Island! After that, we'll check into all the current Walt Disney World Resort hotels and see what they looked liked back then. It's going to be a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Join us as we take a trip back to Walt Disney World of 1993 in today's new article...

By Brittany Bell

It’s official: Downtown Disney is now Disney Springs. Over the course of the massive expansion, Downtown Disney went from the hub of night-life and adult fun at Disney to a family friendly shopping and dining area inspired by turn-of-the-century lakeside towns in Florida. The Disney Springs revamp doubled the restaurants and shops that were at Downtown Disney and now features over 150 venues, in addition to new pedestrian bridges, a connection to the highway and two five-story parking garages. In honor of Disney Springs becoming official, let’s take a peek at the history of Walt Disney’s World’s downtown…

By Keith Mahne

What better way to kick off October and the Halloween season than with an article on the Haunted Mansion and the great Paul Frees. I'm sure most of you know that name, but, if not, you certainly know his voice. Paul Frees was known as the man of multiple voices. From being the voice of the Pillsbury Doughboy to Professor Ludwig von Drake for the Wonderful World of Disney, perhaps Paul's most famous voice is as our "ghost host" in the Haunted Mansion attraction. As Fall comes upon us and Halloween draws near, let's get in the spirit of things by taking a listen to Paul's actual recording session for this classic Disney attraction in today's new article...

By Keith Mahne

In the summer of 1995, Michael Eisner gathered company executives in Aspen, Colorado to think of an idea for a second theme park in California. From those meetings, Disney decided it would build a park themed to the history and culture of the state of California. Construction of the park began in 1998; the park's construction was accompanied by Downtown Disney and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, and renovations of the Disneyland Hotel and Disneyland Pacific Hotel. The park officially opened on February 8, 2001. Today, courtesy of Disneyland's Cast TV, we will get a look at the openings and dedication ceremonies of the theme park, surrounding hotels and attractions...

By Keith Mahne

The attractions are thrilling, the parades are grand, the magic is in the air so the food at Walt Disney World has certainly got to measure up. There are plenty of places to appease your appetite at the vacation kingdom of the world. Sure, you can find burgers, fries, cotton candy, popcorn and the occasional turkey leg, but they also serve fancy filets, fresh fish and cuisine from around the world. Today, let's feast our eyes on the incredible food offerings found only at Walt Disney World and take an inside look at how they do it. Believe me, you're gunna be hungry after this one...

By Keith Mahne

Picture a place with maze-like hallways. You walk through those hallways, passing cubicles filled with art supplies and artwork. Photographs and doodles fill in the blanks to reveal the style and personality of the occupant. Sometimes the cubicles are the size of a broom closet, and sometimes as large as a walk-in. If you continue, you might come across a wood shop, or a sculpture studio, or a room filled with computers. Pass the library, and at certain times of the day you might hear a string trio playing bluegrass music. You're probably thinking you are observing Imagineers in action while on a tour of 1401 Flower Street (Imagineering Headquarters in Glendale, California) however, it happens all day, every day in Valencia, at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), a school made possible by Walt Disney. Join me today as we have a look at Walt's magic school where Imagineers are born...

By Keith Mahne

If you’ve ever experienced The Backlot Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, chances are you’ve seen “The Mouse” – a white airplane with a Mickey Mouse icon on its tail. As the tour states, this airplane was used to fly Walt Disney on secret scouting missions over Central Florida when he was looking for the perfect spot to build Walt Disney World. Over the course of its history, Walt's Gulfstream 1 was filled with so many legendary passengers and magical memories that make it a vital piece of Disney history. Join me today as we take a look inside Walt Disney's plane and recall a few special flights along the way...

By Daisy Sparks

The Halloween season has officially arrived at the Disneyland resort and contributing writer Daisy Sparks takes us on another one of her famous photo tours around the park! We'll see how the HUB and Big Thunder Ranch have added their festive Fall decorations, check out the Haunted Mansion with its seasonal Nightmare Before Christmas overlay, see the Fall food offerings and so much more! It's one of the best times to be at Disneyland and we're going to travel there today in this edition of Disney Avenue's Walk in the Park...

By Michael J. Kouri

Today we have a very special guest joining us to tell us all about 21 Royal Street, Disneyland's newest, high end happy haunt, the talented Michael J. Kouri. Michael is a published author of over 50 books on a wide variety of topics including history, the paranormal, collecting and Disneyana. Micheal visits Disneyland often and will be one of our "special" Disneyland reporters. I know you're going to love Michael's review of 21 Royal Street inside New Orleans Square and without further ado, here's Michael...

Every so often something extremely magical occurs in the world of Disney history and today is one of those days. A very special friend of Disney Avenue has decided to share his large collection of photos that were taken on the opening day of Walt Disney World. It was a Friday, October 1, 1971, and George Miranda and his wife Becky were on their honeymoon. The trees were newly planted, the attractions brand new, and some areas were yet to be completed. This was a very special time in their lives and also for the Walt Disney World resort. Thankfully, George had his camera and documented opening day better than anything I've ever seen. Join us today as George shares his personal memories and spectacular photos of Walt Disney World's opening day 44 years ago. This isn't just your average picture article... this, my friends, is an experience...

The Disney Avenue Podcast returns with another amazing guest from the Disney universe. Dave Bossert, who is currently the Producer, Creative Director and Head of Classic Projects at Walt Disney Animation Studios, joins host Keith Michael Mahne and Dusty Sage of MiceChat.com for a spectacular interview. Join us and listen to this highly talented artist, filmmaker and author tell us all about his storied career. This is a show you won't want to miss...

By Brittany Bell

Halloween in the Disney Resorts is now in full swing with decorations, food, theming and, of course, Halloween parties. As the resorts get a festive makeover and guests prepare for silly spooks, there is one attraction that continues its delights and frights all year round. Read on to hear the story of how the 999 happy haunts of the Haunted Mansion made their way into the Disney parks…