The “World” According to Jack from April 2009

Disneyland Paris Resort — Last Blog

April 29, 2009 by Jack Spence

I have written 36 blogs about the Disneyland Paris Resort, and I’ve barely just scratched the surface. Although the Walt Disney World resort is larger, take a look at how many pages the Allears.net website includes to try to describe everything. A Paris website would also have to be enormous to cover all of the … Continue reading "Disneyland Paris Resort — Last Blog"

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“Green” comes to Disney Merchandising

April 27, 2009 by Jack Spence

Disney has introduced a new “green” product line. Starting this week, environmentally friendly merchandise will start appearing on shelves across property. Last year, Disney developed guidelines for what “green” meant. They wanted to make sure if a product said “green” it actually meant something. Their efforts gave birth to some surprisingly innovative merchandise. Here is … Continue reading "“Green” comes to Disney Merchandising"

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Walt Disney Studios Park Paris – Part 8 – Toon Studio — Flying Carpets Over Agrabah, Cars Race Rally, and Crush’s Coaster

April 24, 2009 by Jack Spence

Les Tapis Volants – Flying Carpets Over Agrabah For those of you familiar with the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, “Flying Carpets Over Agrabah” is the exact same attraction as “The Magic Carpets of Aladdin” in Adventureland. Sixteen flying carpets circle and soar around an ornate structure and the Genie’s lamp. However in Paris, … Continue reading "Walt Disney Studios Park Paris – Part 8 – Toon Studio — Flying Carpets Over Agrabah, Cars Race Rally, and Crush’s Coaster"

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Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village Part 3

April 24, 2009 by Jack Spence

I think “Survival of the Fittest” is a fantastic name for the Kidani Village health club! Survival of the Fittest offers state-of-the-art exercise equipment in a very pleasant atmosphere. It is also located next to the pool so a cool-down swim is just a short walk away. A number of the machines have pleasant views … Continue reading "Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village Part 3"

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Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village Part 2

April 23, 2009 by Jack Spence

I’d like to start this blog with some logistical details. Guests and Members must check-in to their respective section of the resort – either Jambo House or Kidani Village. But other than that, all resort facilities are shared. Kidani Village will have its own bus stop with service to all four theme parks, both water … Continue reading "Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village Part 2"

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Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village Preview

April 22, 2009 by Jack Spence

On May 1st, phase one of Kidani Village opens to the public. I am fortunate enough to have reservations and will be on hand for the festivities (watch for my blog). But today (April 22) I was allowed to preview the new facility. When I arrived early this morning, DVC Cast Member Kristin greeted me … Continue reading "Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village Preview"

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Walt Disney Studios Park Paris – Toon Studio — Part 7 – Art of Disney Animation & Animagique

April 21, 2009 by Jack Spence

When the Walt Disney Studios Park opened in 2002, Toon Studio was known as Animation Courtyard. The area was uninspired and building exteriors lacked magic. In January 2005, Disney announced that Animation Courtyard would receive a makeover and expand. In June 2007 the renovations were complete and the name was changed to Toon Studio. The … Continue reading "Walt Disney Studios Park Paris – Toon Studio — Part 7 – Art of Disney Animation & Animagique"

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Fort Wilderness — Swimming Pool Rehab and More

April 21, 2009 by Jack Spence

The Ft. Wilderness swimming pool has been down for rehab for several months and just reopened last week. This prompted me to take a drive to the campground and check things out. I wanted to snap a few pictures for the Ft. Wilderness Fact Sheet on the Allears.net website. I am not a camper. My … Continue reading "Fort Wilderness — Swimming Pool Rehab and More"

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Walt Disney Studios Park Paris — Part 6 — Backlot — Armageddon – Les Effets Speciaux & Moteurs… Action! Stunt Show Spectacular

April 18, 2009 by Jack Spence

Armageddon – Les Effets Speciaux (Special Effects) As you might have guessed from the title, this attraction is about movie special effects in general and specifically about the 1998 Touchstone movie Armageddon. On display outside the attraction is the drilling machine Armadillo. This was the actual prop used in the movie to bore into the … Continue reading "Walt Disney Studios Park Paris — Part 6 — Backlot — Armageddon – Les Effets Speciaux & Moteurs… Action! Stunt Show Spectacular"

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Owen Pope and Main Street USA

April 17, 2009 by Jack Spence

While looking for interesting bits of trivia in the Magic Kingdom to share with you, I recently came across a Main Street window that brought back an old memory of mine. This window isn’t located high above your head on a second story pane, but rather on the side of the Car Barn. The Car … Continue reading "Owen Pope and Main Street USA"

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