Author Archives: Tracy Woods

The Disney Studio Strike, Part 1

In August 1941, Walt described his feelings about the strike that had crippled his Studio for many months, and that was on the verge of being settled. He said “The lies, …half truths that were placed in the public press cannot be easily forgotten. I was called a rat, a yellow-dog employer, and an exploiter of labor. They took the salaries of my messenger boys and claimed them to be the salaries of my artists.” This devastating event came about, ironically, as a result of the Studio’s recent success, and the triumph of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” The … Continue reading →

Epcot – Not Just for Big Kids Anymore

If you’re anything like me, you may think that Epcot doesn’t offer quite as much fun for kids as adults. It always seemed to me that my young son would not enjoy Epcot as much as he would the Magic Kingdom, or Animal Kingdom. Boy was I wrong. With all of the updates Epcot has made in recent years, even at four years old, my son had a blast! The Imagination Pavilion has lots of hands on attractions for kids to enjoy, including a Kodak exhibit where you can take a family photo, then add fun special effects, like morphing, … Continue reading →

Have You Met PAL Mickey?

Disney has a new product out. He’s not cheap, I promise you that, but after reading about what he does, I personally think it’s totally worth the money (I believe he’s around $40). This is an adorable plush Mickey Mouse doll, but he does so much more than your average Mickey! This plush will talk to you throughout the parks, and tell you about things going on! PAL Mickey interacts with attractions, offers insider tips, and reminds you about showtimes, parades, and will tell you when characters are nearby. He also tells you about short wait times for attractions! It’s … Continue reading →

Happy Birthday!

One Hundred and Five years ago today, Elias and Flora Disney welcomed their fourth son into the world. He was named after their pastor, and gave him his father’s name for a middle name. Walter Elias Disney was destined to make the world a more magical place. Let’s learn some lesser known facts about Disney’s birthdays, just for the occasion. Walt was an unassuming man, and he didn’t make a big fuss over his own birthday, but he did send annual birthday letters to his little sister Ruth, whose birthday was just a day after Walt’s. After his move to … Continue reading →

Little Odds and Ends Around the Magic Kingdom

Most of the overlooked attractions that I mentioned in my previous two blogs were free, but there are some little goodies, lots of tasty treats, that are worth their cost! Here are a few of those odds and ends! At Aloha Isle, you can get Dole Whips, which are a nearly famous Disney treat, a pineapple and frozen yogurt concoction. In the Enchanted Grove in Fantasyland, you can get the Strawberry Swirl, with is a super tasty treat! It’s made with strawberries that are twirled in non fat vanilla yogurt! In Adventureland, in the Sunshine Tree Terrace, you can get … Continue reading →

More Magical Secrets: Frontierland and Adventureland

Looking for more fun hidden and overlooked magical touches in the Magic Kingdom? That’s what I am here for. In Frontierland, there aren’t a ton of attractions, but there’s lots of fun! The raft ride to Tom Sawyer Island isn’t just for looks, or for atmosphere. There’s lots of stuff to DO once you get to the other side! Tom Sawyer Island is where Fort Langhorne is located. This is a play area for kids, so the kids can blow off some steam! If you feel adventurous, try to find one of the paintbrushes that Tom and Huck left behind! … Continue reading →

Magic Kingdom Overlooked: Main Street USA

There are plenty of attractions at Walt Disney World theme parks, and I want to discuss those great little attractions that are the most commonly overlooked! The little things are usually where you will find the most charming touches at the parks! Walking into the Magic Kingdom is an experience in and of itself. You will hear people laughing and hustling about, enjoying the magic. You will see bright bunches of Mickey Mouse balloons, and smell the wonderful baked and brewed goods on Main Street USA. Those are the obvious things…how about the subtle little details? If nothing else, take … Continue reading →

Holidays at the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT

It is that time of year. It’s the time of year when Walt Disney World transforms into a magical holiday experience. There are special events at all the theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort, and in Downtown Disney. At the Magic Kingdom theme park, there’s a total holiday extravaganza going on. There’s a new parade, called Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade, and of course the Very Merry Christmas Party that Heather wrote a recent blog about about. Also, there’s a fireworks spectacular every night. There are beautiful holiday decorations all over the park, and this year, “Holiday Wishes: … Continue reading →

Other Holiday Events at Walt Disney World Resorts

In addition to the special holiday events at the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, there are events all over the Walt Disney World Resort! Be sure to check out the events at the Disney MGM Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the Downtown Disney area. At Disney’s MGM Studios, go see the “The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights presented by SYLVANIA.” You can stroll down New York Street and be dazzled by millions of lights. These lights are synchronized to a symphony, with carousels, angels, and Santa with his reindeer! This spectacle has been newly enhanced this season, and certainly makes … Continue reading →

Working for the Mouse

Yes, when you work for Disney, you work for the mouse 😉 That’s what we call it anyhow. Working for Disney can really be a great experience…it’s whatever you make it. If you’re looking for big bucks, and you aren’t “skilled labor” (some sort of professional training or schooling), then look elsewhere. The pay is not great…they don’t hide that. But with SO many employees, it’s not easy to pay them each a LOT. What they lack in pay though, they make up for in perks and benefits. Disney is nearly always hiring. When you are hired on, you are … Continue reading →