In plans that were revealed Tuesday, the White House has announced that President Barack Obama will be paying a visit to Walt Disney World later today.  The president is expected to reveal policies that will give U.S. tourism a boost.
Central to the president’s message will be the push for visa reform, especially for countries like Brazil and China.  The process for obtaining visas to visit the U.S. from both countries is arduous, and require in-person interviews and several days’ wait to gain permission to travel here.
Air Force One will be …

The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) announced the winners of their 18th Annual Thea Awards, and several Disney attractions, as well as an Imagineer, were honored.
Star Tours – The Adventure Continues at both Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios were honored with the Award for Outstanding Achievement – Attraction Refresh, based on the extensive remake of the popular ride. Additionally, the Magic Kingdom show “The Magic, The Memories & You” received the Award for Outstanding Achievement – Show Spectacular.
The Animation Magic show aboard the Disney Fantasy, located in the Animator’s Palate …

We let you know a few weeks ago that James Cameron was spotted at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Park to get inspiration for the park’s upcoming addition, a themed land based on the film Avatar. Now, Cameron, along with his Lightstorm Entertainment production partner Jon Landau, have taken their Disney park exploring to the West Coast.
On Friday, Cameron and Landau took a tour of the Cars Land expansion site at Disney California Adventure, along with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Tom Staggs and a team of Walt Disney …

Walt Disney World Passholders are in for a special treat this holiday season. Beginning December 2, simply stop by Disney Outfitters in Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a complimentary 2012 calendar!
The calendar will feature 12 Disney art prints (November’s is shown) as well as a list of passholder dates to keep as a handy reference. In order to claim your free calendar, you must present your pass and photo I.D. Also, passholders are limited to one free calendar per household.
Are you excited to get your passholder calendar?  Leave a comment below!
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We let you know a few weeks ago about the brand-new themed land, based on the film Avatar, that will be coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World in a few years. An exciting development in the project’s progress came this week, when filmmaker James Cameron, along with his producing partner Jon Landau, took time to tour and explore the park. They were joined by Joe Rohde, an Imagineer who was heavily influential in the development of Animal Kingdom, and Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Tom …

The news of a partnership between Disney and James Cameron’s company set the Disney fan space abuzz yesterday, and while it’s far from dying down, answered some of fans’ most pressing questions.
The partnership between Disney and Cameron’s company, Lightstorm Entertainment, will bring AVATAR Land to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  Cameron directed the blockbuster film, and has two follow-up sequels in development for release in the near future.
The most interesting detail to come from the Q&A session, during which questions were fielded by Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs, had to do with the …

What began as rumor early today has now been confirmed:  as of this writing, Disney is announcing a partnership with James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment and Fox Filmed Entertainment to bring Cameron’s visionary story, AVATAR, to life at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom.
According to a press conference being held presently at Walt Disney Imagineering, Cameron and his producing partner, Jon Landau, will serve as creative consultants on projects highlighting the characters and experiences in the film.  No word yet on what an attraction might look like, but it “will take our guests deep into …

Your chances of getting a character Advanced Dining Reservation just got a little bit better, as Walt Disney World has announced a brand new character dining experience starting late this year.
The Tusker House restaurant, located in Animal Kingdom’s Harambe area, will begin offering Donald’s Dining Safari Lunch, hosted by Donald and Daisy Duck, on December 4.  Meet and greet Donald, Daisy, and other friends, all while feasting on an all-you-care-to eat buffet of African-inspired cuisine, including rotisserie meats, delicious salads, fresh vegetarian options, delicious stews, and fantastic desserts.  And never fear if you’re a fan …

Last week, excitement abounded at Disney’s Animal Kingdom when the park announced the birth of a baby elephant.  This week, we’re learning the brand new name of the male calf.
The baby elephant has been christened Jabali, which means “strong as a rock” in Swahili.  The name is fitting, as the calf, born August 24, will eventually weigh in at over 10,000 pounds!  (The newborn elephant weighed 311 pounds at birth.)  He is doing well, according to Disney officials, and is spending time bonding with his mother, twenty-five year old Vasha, …

Have you ever wanted to know more about the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?  Well, here’s your chance!
Walt Disney World and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are piloting a new program called, “Dine with Animal Specialists:  an Untamed Lunch.” Similar to the popular“Dine with an Imagineer” experience,“Dine with Animal Specialists” will give guests unparalleled access to the folks taking care of Animal Kingdom’s stars:  the animals themselves!  Guests may ask the animal expert questions, while learning fascinating facts about what it’s like to interact with the park’s wild creatures on a …