Tag: top 10

Top 10 Highlights of Hollywood Studios Park History

Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the third theme park built at the Walt Disney World Resort, officially opened 29 years ago today – on May 1, 1989.

In honor of today’s anniversary, take a fun-filled walk through the park with the top 10 highlights of the park’s history:

1. The Chinese Theater – Modeled after the Hollywood landmark, this near replica is a 9/10 scale of the original building. In 2019, the theater will be home to the first attraction dedicated to the mouse himself: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

2. Gertie the Dinosaur – Created by Winsor McCay in 1914, Gertie sprang to life on the vaudeville screen as who many believe was the first animated character to show a distinct personality, paving the way for our own cast of characters – including Mickey Mouse himself.

3. The Hollywood Brown Derby – Inspired by the historic Hollywood locale, this signature dining location features three items from the original menu: the famous cobb salad, grapefruit cake and the Shirley Temple cocktail.

4. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – A 40-foot-tall guitar greets you at the entrance to the first Disney attraction to take guests upside down. Take off from 0 to 60 to the sound of over 900 speakers blasting the music of Aerosmith throughout the attraction.

5. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – Join the 2nd Unit of the “Raiders of the Lost Ark” film crew and experience the thrills of a live set.

6. BaseLine Tap House – Baseline Tap House, which offers “small bites and dreamy flights” was once the Figueroa Printing Company, a mom-and-pop print house that enjoyed great success through the mid- and late-20th century. Look around and you may see some of their work.

7. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Climb aboard a starspeeder and travel the galaxy! Did you know that in the latest version of this fan-favorite attraction you can find yourself landing on a planet in the outer rim of the galaxy known as Batuu? It’s the planet from the upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

8. Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage – This Broadway-style show enchants audiences with a tale as old as time. The show premiered the same day as the animated feature on Nov. 22, 1991 and is the longest-running stage show at a Walt Disney World theme park.

9. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Hold on tight as you’re transported to the 5th dimension via a most uncommon elevator. Imagineers watched 156 episodes of “The Twilight Zone” in preparation for this iconic attraction.

10. Fantasmic! – With over 50 performers, pyrotechnics, laser lights, one million gallons of dancing water, a 40-foot-tall dragon and five costume changes for Mickey Mouse himself, Fantasmic! is the perfect way to end your day celebrating Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Some imagination, huh?

May 1, 2018
‘Black Panther’ Sails Past ‘Titanic’ To Third Highest Grossing U.S. Film All Time

Marvel’s “Black Panther” is still clawing its way into the record books. This weekend the film passed director James Cameron’s “Titanic” becoming the third highest-grossing U.S. film of all time.

“Titanic” was once king at the box office and it sat as the number one highest grossing domestic film of all time for nearly a decade. The film held onto the spot until it was surpassed by Cameron’s next blockbuster film “Avatar” ($760.5m) and both were eventually passed by Disney’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” ($936.6m), which still currently holds the number one spot in the U.S. Well there is a new cat in town and the king of Wakanda just sank “Titanic”.

On Saturday, The Ryan Coogler-directed film starring Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, Michael B. Jordan and Danai Gurira finished with a domestic total of $665.3 million which easily passed “Titanic” which sits at $659.5 million. After Sundays numbers post it will have a strong hold on third place. These numbers are lifetime totals as the film had already had taken the third spot domestically by Friday if you consider initial release gross earnings.

Marvel’s ground breaking film — which has been hailed not only for Coogler’s exceptional world building and layered story but also for its virtually all-black cast of superstars — overtook Marvel’s “Avengers“ to become the biggest-selling superhero film of all time.

“Black Panther” had enough steam to pass “Titanic”, but likely won’t be able to pass “Avatar”. This is still a huge feat for the superhero flick though as “Titanic” was ranked in the top three for two decades.

The only thing that stands a chance at dethroning “Black Panther” from the third spot in the near future is the upcoming release of “Avengers Infinity War” on April 27, 2018. Experts predict that “Infinity War” will bringing between $175 million and $200 million during its first weekend, but that is still less than the $202 million “Black Panther” brought in.

“Black Panther” banked $202 million opening weekend landing fifth-place on the all-time charts. Still at this point “Black Panther” remains Marvel’s highest domestic-grossing film ever and it’s also the tenth highest movie of all time in worldwide sales with $1.29 billion globally.

If “Infinity War” does surpass “Black Panther”, you can bet some of those ticket sales will be from people there to see their new favorite actor Chadwick Boseman reprise his role as Black Panther and Avenger where the world of Wakanda has a pivotal role in the film as The Avengers try to stop Thanos from completing his set of Infinity Stones.

Including the films that would be under Disney’s banner with the recent acquisition of 21st Century Fox, Disney already owns seven of the top ten worldwide highest grossing films of all time and now with this new milestone they own all of the top three highest grossing domestic films.

April 8, 2018
The Top 7 Restaurants at Disneyland Paris

In addition to the extensive list of attractions, Disneyland Paris also has some amazing dining options. They have more than 25 dining outlets, including table service, counter service and buffet restaurants.

It’s so hard to narrow down the options, but if you want to have the true dining experience in Disneyland Paris, here are my picks for the Top 7 restaurants at the resort.

1. Disneyland Paris Hotel Inventions

Inventions restaurant is a buffet, located inside the Disneyland Hotel. Meet your favorite characters, in different outfit themes each week. If you want to eat here, remember to make a reservation, as this is a popular place to eat, and understandable, it’s so cute in its Victorian style and is all in all a great experience!

2. Bistrot Chéz Remy (Ratatouille)

Shrink down to rat size, right next to the Ratatouille ride and eat at Remy’s Bistrot. The decorations is worth the visit itself. Here you have table service, the food is typical French dining, so you can sit back and relax, while feeling as tiny as a rat in a lovely French atmosphere. Reservation is recommended here, as it’s very popular!

3. Plaza Gardens Restaurant

Located on Main Street U.S.A, where you can be lucky enough to get a view over the castle, and even see the fireworks from the large windows, or you can choose to start the day with breakfast at the morning buffet! Even if you’re not able to see the castle you will enjoy the view inside this Victorian old building! Hurry up and get the food on your plate from the big buffet, because your favorite characters are waiting to meet you at your table! Reservations can be made, the lines tend to get long in the evening.

4. Auberge de Cendrillion

Have your taste of French cuisine while surrounded by your favorite princesses and princes, at Cinderella’s majestic medieval banquet hall! You can sit back and enjoy the atmosphere, because here they have table service. Don’t worry about the mice, I promise Suzy and Perla is friendly! This is a very popular place to eat, so make your reservations to a romantic seating for all ages.

5. Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show with Mickey and Friends Dinner Show

Holster and gallop to the heart of the old west for the biggest Disney dinner show in Europe. You’ll enjoy a Texan meal, while watching a show on how the West was won in a spectacular battle shown in the arena! Reservations can be made!

6. Walt’s an American Restaurant

Serving sophisticated and contemporary American cuisine with European influence, this is a Victorian-style tribute to the life and work by Walt Disney. While sitting at your table you’ll fell like you’re inside Walt’s home, each room is reflected by one of the 6 magical worlds in Disneyland Park Paris. Reservations can be made. Table service, and very elegant place, with great service!

7. Cafè Mickey in Disney Village

Enjoy your favorite characters while having table service at the evening in an Italian style, or breakfast buffet in the morning. Reservations can be made, and is a good idea, it’s a very popular place. It’s a great way to start the morning if you’re walking from one of the Disney Hotels, you can stop by Cafè Mickey and enjoy a breakfast with characters, before entering the parks. Very kid friendly.

April 4, 2018
The Last Jedi Blasts Into The Top 10 Highest Grossing Films All Time

Although Star Wars: The Last Jedi was met with mixed reviews and probably won’t come close to the box office earnings of The Force Awakens, it is still a huge financial success for Disney. The most recent installment to the Star Wars saga is now one of the top 10 highest grossing films of all time.

The film cracked the top 10 and is now sits as the ninth highest grossing film of all time. It passed Frozen which now holds the 10 spot and it pushed Beauty and the Beast out completely, dropping it to 11th. It’s not likely, but it’s possible it could still gain a spot or two before it’s all said and done. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 sits at number eight with $1.34 billion.

With Disney now owning 7 of the Top 10 highest grossing films of all time — everytime a Star Wars, Marvel or Disney movie starts breaking records — they are basically just rearranging the top 10 with their own movies and will eventually just end up controlling a majority of the top 20 highest grossers. One small sad bit of news that comes with all this is that Toy Story 3 has now been pushed out of that top 20.

The film has now officially crossed the $1.31 billion mark at the global box office, which includes $700 million from the overseas market. The film is nearing the end of its box office run after 49 days in theaters. The film has brought in more than $600 billion domestically and brought in $4.2 million this weekend. The Last Jedi is also the sixth-biggest grosser ever in North America.

It’s not all about breaking records, but the film has already set several. Disney-Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi brought in more than $220 Million during its opening weekend making it the second biggest opening day total behind only Star Wars: The Force Awakens ($247M).

Those numbers make it the fourth film in domestic box office history to cross the $200 million threshold in its opening weekend. It is also had the second highest opening day total bringing in $104 million. It’s the second highest opening day for a film in U.S. history and once again second only to The Force Awakens.

The film fell 35% from The Force Awakens in the U.S. and globally even more, down around $750 million from The Force Awakens. But when a film with a $225 million production budget brings in $1.3 billion in global sales, Disney isn’t losing any sleep.

January 28, 2018
Disney Cruise Line Top Ten Ways to Experience Star Wars Day at Sea

This is the cruise you are looking for. If you are a Star Wars fan then get ready to set sail aboard the Disney Fantasy for Star Wars Day at Sea for galactic adventures in 2018.

To prepare your family for the out-of-this-galaxy fun, check out these top ten ways to experience Star Wars Day at Sea.

1. Choose your costume wisely. Before you even step on the ship, choose a side and plan your day’s attire. Whether you resemble Jedi, Wookiees, droids, Stormtroopers or other iconic Star Wars characters, dressing up adds to the fun for young and old alike.

2. Indulge in the Star Wars films. In the days leading up to the epic celebration, check out all of the Star Wars feature films in the Buena Vista Theatre, culminating in a showing of the newest film, Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

3. Encounter heroes who inspire you. New in 2018, you are guaranteed a time to meet and take photographs with C-3PO and R2-D2, Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Before you even step onboard, reserve these character encounters on disneycruise.com.

4. Celebrate with other fans. The family costume party in the atrium is one of the day’s epic events not to be missed. It’s a great chance to celebrate your love for Star Wars and meet other fans who share your affinity.

5. Be open to making new friends. You never know who you might meet roaming the ship. Jawas, Rebels, Storm Troopers and others are often spotted out on the deck. Plus, your kids can meet C-3PO, Storm Troopers and more at Star Wars: Command Post in the youth club.

6. Make it a family adventure. Share your love for Star Wars with your kids by joining the special activities for families, such as droid racing in the atrium, learning to draw your favorite Star Warscharacters, and helping track the Porgs wreaking havoc throughout the ship.

7. Send your kids to Resistance training. At Star Wars: Command Post, Younglings can embark on an action-packed training adventure with members of the Resistance who will teach them how to hone their skills to defeat First Order Stormtroopers.

8. Cheer as Padawans face the dark side. In “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple,” Force-sensitive children can learn the ways of the Jedi and use their new-found skills in a final face-off with Darth Vader and, new to 2018, Kylo Ren.

9. Watch the epic saga come to life on stage. The “Summon the Force” deck celebration is where you can unleash the Force during games, music and a galactic dance party. The event features stunts, special effects and favorite Star Wars characters, including Rey for the first time in 2018.

10. Get inspired by a stunning fireworks show. The day’s grand finale is a spectacular pyrotechnics display set to John Williams’ iconic music. Both lifelong Star Wars fans and those new to the adventure are sure to get chills as you watch the pyrotechnic show with family by your side.

Star Wars Day at Sea returns to the Disney Fantasy from January to April 2018.

If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Travel Time with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

December 19, 2017
Top 10 Best Kept Secrets at Disney Parks

You could go to Disneyland or Disney World and never do the same thing twice. One reason is how much fun it is to investigate all of the hidden secrets within the parks. Disney World is the most magical place on earth and is so vast yet detailed that is holds many fun secrets that delight and entertain. Below is a list of the Top 10 Best Kept Secrets Disney Parks.

Number 10: The Bench Where Walt Disney First Envisioned Disneyland Is Now in Disneyland

Photo: Bethcourtneysimmons, Griffith Park Bench, CC BY-SA 3.0

He originally considered building Disneyland in Griffith Park, near Disney Studios, but the space didn’t turn out to be large enough. The bench from the park is now located in the foyer of “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.”

Number 9: The FAA Put a Flight Restriction on Disney World Airspace After 9/11

Due to security concerns, a no-fly zone was put into effect within a three mile radius of Cinderella’s Castle after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.

Number 8: Disney World Is Second Only to the US Military as the Nation’s Largest Consumer of Explosives

Thankfully, it’s only because of the frequency of their knock-out fireworks displays.

Number 7: Disneyland Has Feral Cats Living in the Park.

Photo: Sam Howzit, Cat of Disneyland (27825807731), CC BY 2.0

Though knowledge of their existence has been carefully guarded from reaching the ears of Mickey for decades, Disneyland actually has a number of feral cats who roam the park at night in order to help control the… mouse population. In exchange, the kitties are all spayed/neutered, given regular shots, fed, and even have their own website at disneylandcats.com.

Number 6: The Skull on the Pirates of the Caribbean Ride Is Real

When the ride first opened at Disneyland in 1967, its designers found that the fake skeletons available were too flimsy. Despite the creepiness factor, they discovered that actual human skeletons worked much more to their liking and originally used several that the UCLA Medical School had lying around. Though have since been replaced by fakes, the skull and cross bones seen above are among the few genuine human remains left inside the ride.

Number 5: Walt Disney Once Ordered Trash Cans Be Placed Exactly 25 Steps From the Hot Dog Booth at Disneyland

He chose this super specific distance because that’s exactly how long it took him to eat a hot dog.

Number 4: CInderella’s fountain may have some details you haven’t noticed

As you pass through the castle from Main St. and emerge into Fantasyland you will see a water fountain right in front of a statue of Cinderella. From the right vantage point it looks as though the crown behind her is on her head.

Number 3: Disney Parks Are Designed to Enchant Your Sense of Smell

Disney Parks use “Smellitizers” to ensure that various areas are equipped with the appropriate smells. They produce everything from the amazing “baked goods” smell on Main Street to the musky sea smell on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

Number 2: The Window Above the Fire Station on Disneyland’s Main Street Looks out From Walt Disney’s Private Apartment

You can still see a light in the window that used to be lit in order to announce that Disney himself was on the property. After he passed away, it was lit permanently and is now never extinguished in order to symbolize his constant presence in the world he created.

Number 1: There’s a Secret Suite in Cinderella’s Castle

Cinderella’s castle at Walt Disney World houses a secret suite. At Disneyland, the so-called Dream Suite is located above the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in New Orleans Square. It was originally intended to be an apartment for Walt Disney and his family, but he passed away before it was finished being built. It rocks 24 karat gold floor tiles, stained glass windows, and a magic mirror that doubles as a television. Disney now occasionally allows families who win a competition to stay in the suite for the night.

This is just a few of the many secrets from the Disney Parks. Leave us some comments on your favorite secrets.

November 24, 2017
Top 10 Best Walt Disney World Rides
Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Do you want to know which rides and shows are must-sees at the resort’s four theme parks? Disney Dork’s has ranked the Top 10 best rides and attractions and here is our list.
Number 10: Toy Story Mania
Location: Sunset Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The wildly popular 4D shoot-’em-up game rises above its all-ages carnival format to mix sheer joy with overzealous competition that’s well worth the resulting arm cramp
Number 9: Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Blast off to a Star Wars galaxy far, far away in this spiffy, updated version of the first motion simulator ride. The technology behind the ride, which, among other things, allows multiple possible story lines, is truly astonishing. An expanded Star Wars land, which will bring two new attractions and a reportedly astonishing level of detail and immersion scheduled to open in the Studios park in 2019. Read my review of Star Tours.
Number 8: Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Location: Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom

It’s easy to forget how good this 3D adventure through the pinnacle of ’90s Walt Disney animation is, but with its whimsy, humor, and a starring role for Donald Duck, it’s more than just an excuse to plunge into the cold AC on a hot summer day.
Number 7: Pirates of the Caribbean

Location: Adventureland in Magic Kingdom

As far as dark rides go, the Magic Kingdom mainstay is as classic as it gets. With new life breathed into it by way of Johnny Depp’s likeness and the successful film series by the same name, it’s renewed as an equally enjoyable choice for all generations.
Number 6: Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom

Incredibly nostalgic and necessary to preserve Disney’s history, the famed rotating theatre is a historic gem — but considering its slow-paced and always a great place to cool off and rest while soaking in some classic Disney.

Number 5: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Location: Sunset Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The iconic Hollywood Tower Hotel haunts visitors from its cobwebbed lobby to the very last plunge past the “fifth dimension,” utilizing an ever-changing drop sequence for endless thrills, whether or not you’re familiar with its namesake program.

Number 4: Test Track

Location: Future World Epcot

A fan favorite for good reason — it’s the most aggressive coaster at Walt Disney World — Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is a solid adrenaline rush set to the rock band’s classic hits whose speedy start outweighs its glow-in-the-dark decor feeling somewhat outdated.

Number 3: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Location: Sunset Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

A fan favorite for good reason — it’s the most aggressive coaster at Walt Disney World — Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is a solid adrenaline rush set to the rock band’s classic hits whose speedy start outweighs its glow-in-the-dark decor feeling somewhat outdated.
Number 2: Soarin’ Around the World
- Location: Living with the Land Pavilion in Epcot
Peaceful, tranquil, and amazing! An engaging Disney E-ticket ride that uses pioneering “flying theater” technology, Soarin’ is a charming adventure. In 2016, it traded in a tour of California for international destinations including China, South America, and Australia.

Number 1: Avatar Flight of Passage
- Location: Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney takes the flying theater ride system it developed for Soarin’ to the next level with this breathtaking attraction. Tethered to an avatar, you’ll experience the thrill of riding a banshee high above the moon of Pandora. It debuted in 2017 immediately vaulting itself into what we consider the best ride at Walt Disney World.

These are our top 10 rides. What are your favorite rides?
November 17, 2017