Turkey with presidential pardon not going to Disneyland

by Leigh Caldwell on

Each year just before Thanksgiving, the president pardons a turkey in a ceremony at the White House, saving that turkey from its likely fate atop a dining table. But this year, that turkey is not going to Disneyland.

Disney started flying the pardoned turkeys to California in 2005, when Disneyland was celebrating its 50th anniversary. The turkey has served as grand marshal of the the Disneyland Thanksgiving Day Parade (“The Happiest Turkey on Earth”) each year since, except for 2007, when the bird went to Walt Disney World instead.

Disney officials told the Orange County Register that this year, the lucky bird just doesn’t fit into its theme parks’ new promotion, “Let the Memories Begin.”

So the turkey that President Obama pardons this Wednesday will live out its life at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, rather than Mickey Mouse’s house.

Three previously pardoned turkeys still live in a coop at Disneyland’s Big Thunder Ranch petting zoo.

[Image credit: Flickr user Myrna Litt]

New plans released for Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World

by Leigh Caldwell on

Walt Disney World has announced plans for major renovations at Downtown Disney, a 120-acre retail, dining and entertainment complex on the eastern edge of Disney’s Florida property.

According to details released on the official Disney Parks Blog, the renovated section will be called Hyperion Wharf, and will be a “nostalgic yet modern take on an early 20th century port city and amusement pier.”

Hyperion Wharf will be located in an area formerly called Pleasure Island — Disney’s failed attempt at establishing an adult nightclub district at Walt Disney World. Since Pleasure Island closed in fall 2008, there has been a lot of speculation about what would be put into that location, right in the middle of the Downtown Disney complex.

The Hyperion Wharf plans call for shops and eateries open during the day, and lighting that transforms the area into “an electric wonderland” after dark.

The district’s name is a nod to Hyperion, the Greek God of Light, and Hyperion Avenue, the street on which Walt Disney built his first animation studio.

Disney says construction on the new district will begin immediately, and Hyperion Wharf will be completed in 2013.

Photo of the Day (09.24.10)

by Mike Barish on
It’s an absolute travesty that Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride was removed from Disney World. It is by far the greatest amusement park ride ever created and was one of the original attractions at the park when it opened in Orlando in 1971. Just 27 years later, it was replaced with a Winnie the Pooh attraction. Gone are the dual tracks, last second turns and fantastic disorientation that made Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride by far the most fantastic ride in the park.

Sure, it still exists at Disneyland, where this photo by Flickr user I Am Rob was taken. However, that Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride no longer thrills and entertains visitors in Central Florida is beyond comprehension. Bring back Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. No Toad, No Peace! Who’s with me?

Have a picture of your favorite amusement park ride? Or, even better, some great travel photos? Submit your images to Gadling’s Flickr group right now and we might use one for a future Photo of the Day.

Disney World unveils luxury pet resort

by Melanie Nayer on

Forget the dog house – soon you’ll find Pluto and his friends living the luxe life at the new Best Friends Pet Resort, a Disney World hotel designed exclusively for pets.

Reports show the resort boasts 50,000 square feet of space (almost half of which is outdoors) and can lodge 270 dogs, 30 cats and various other animals including birds, pigs (yes, pigs) and hamsters. Sorry, no turtles, snakes or lizards allowed.

The room rate starts at $39 for dogs, but that’s just for the basics. If your pet is used to living in style, the Disney Best Friends Pet Resort won’t disappoint. You can upgrade your pets’ stay with playgroups, movie time, private play areas and reading groups (that’s right, reading groups). For the ultimate pet pampering, splurge and reserve the 226-square foot suite with private outdoor play areas.

Best Friends Pet Resort will replace the five kennels existing around the Disney area and plans to open on Aug. 27, according to the Associated Press.

Disney Hawaii hotel to start accepting reservations for August 2011

by Melanie Nayer on

Ready to trade in palm trees for orchid leis? If Orlando is getting stale, but you still want the magic of Walt Disney, it’s time to start thinking ahead to Hawaii. Word on the Disney blog is that Disney plans to begin accepting reservations for its new Hawaii resort hotel in a few weeks.

Reservations for The Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii, will begin on Aug. 2. The resort is scheduled to open about a year later, on Aug. 29, 2011.

The resort will feature 21 acres of oceanfront property near historical sites and will be the first Disney hotel that’s not next to a theme park. Book one of the 360 hotel rooms or 481 two-bedroom suites, and hang 10 with Mickey & his friends on the west side of Oahu.

This first Disney Hawaii hotel will be at Ko Olina Resort & Marina and near a Marriott hotel and other resorts and condominiums. For more information and to book reservations, visit the resort’s Web site: www.DisneyAulani.com