The Halloween Decorations Cometh!!!!

So, I was at the Magic Kingdom yesterday. The pumpkins have started to sprout all over Main Street USA, as well as the "citizen scarecrows" when you first walk into the park. Its a great time of year when WDW starts getting decorated for the holidays. Christmas is just around the corner! When you are walking down Main Street USA, pay close attention the different pumpkins up high in the different windows. They are all real pumpkins with a lacquer finish. Each pumpkin is themed to the different window it is in, for example, the pumpkins over the ice-cream parlor have a ice-cream cone in it. Also pay attention to the larger bronze statues around the hub in front of the castle, they are themed to Halloween and only come out at this time of year. Can you find Goofy? Also, for the Disney Nerds out there...the Halloween cups are out at the various quick service locations and the napkins will be coming next week!!! Probably just in time for the first "Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party" MNSSHP, which starts on September 14th. Expect a full trip report of that event on  September 21st.

PHJ

Tattooine Traders to stay open unitl January....

So, Star Tours closed it's blaster shields for the rest of 2010 yesterday while it gets its amazing makeover in 3D!!!! The good news is that "Tattoine Traders", the gift shop at the exit of the ride is going to remain open for the rest of the year and close it doors sometime in January, You have one last chance to get that coveted, very limited star speeder 1000 preview vehicle. When your there, press the button and listen to the message that says "Star Tours is proud to introduce the Starspeeder 1000" is that Carrie Fishers voice I hear?? Anyoe know more?

PHJ

DUFFY THE BEAR COMING TO EPCOT

Move over Figment, looks like EPCOT is getting a new mascot....DUFFY THE BEAR! Everyone keeps asking who Duffy is, If you have ever taken a trip to Tokyo Disneyland, you might have a better idea. The story goes like this. Mickey was about to embark on a trip across the sea. Minne wanted to give him a present to keep him company, so she made a little Teddy Bear and gave it to Mickey the day he set sail. Mickey put the bear into his duffle bag, thats where the name Duffy came from. Attached to the bear was a bottle with a note from Minie that he could read while he was on his journey to make him feel at home. One night while he was sleeping on the boat he had a dream about Duffy wearing a sailors suit and Duffy handed him the note. The next morning when Mickey woke up, the note was in his hand! When Mickey came back home he explained everything about Duffy the Bear. Everyone in the whole town wanted one, so Minnie started to make enough Duffy's for everyone. Now Duffy is coming to the world showcase pavillion at EPCOT in late September. my guess is that he is going to be in Japan, but I am sure he will make his rounds through world showcase. Its always exciting to see new characters make their way into WDW. I think the characters are what connect children and adults so closely to the magic that is Walt Disney World. Shortly a New princess will make her way to the Magic Kingdom Park...Rapunzle. She'll be there along with Flynn Ryder in Mid-October. If you want to get a glance of her now, head over to the Hollywood Studios and go into the "Art of Animation" building. If you choose to skip the tour like always do, simply take the line that says "character meet and greets". When you get into the building, make a sharp left into the first room and you'll see a whole bunch of concept art and models from Rapunzle, which is scheduled to hit theatres November 24th. I wonder what characters are heading are way after Duffy, Rapunzle, and Flynn Ryder??? Maybe a new automobile coming to the Hollywood studios in June??! Who know...

PHJ