food IS a theme park
Superman’s nemesis Lex Luthor hasn’t bought Six Flags, but it sure feels like it…
©Six Flags
Last month, Six Flags Magic Mountain announced that the iconic, once record-breaking shuttle coaster Superman: Escape from Krypton – – has been permanently closed.
The Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is about to change forever, as longtime headliners Aerosmith are about to cede the attraction to the Muppets. However before the Bad Boys of Boston turn the keys to their super-stretch lim0 over to Kermit and co., we’re looking back at nearly 30 years of Hollywood Studios’ most rockin’ ride.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
The Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith first roared to life at Hollywood Studios – – then known as Disney/MGM Studios – – in 1999. However, the road to the ride’s opening had nearly as many twists and turns as the Vekoma coaster itself.
For just over five decades, Space Mountain has been the crown jewel of the Magic Kingdom and arguably the most famous Disney thrill ride in pop culture. Yet this marvel of ride design still holds some secrets within its intergalactic interior.
Space Mountain
The Magic Kingdom’s Space Mountain, which is the first Space Mountain overall, opened at Walt Disney World in January of 1975. The revolutionary-for-the-time indoor coaster was an immediate smash, becoming the resort’s first true thrill attraction, and ushering in a new era for both Disney and the theme park industry overall. In the years since, versions have been built at Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland, and the name Space Mountain has become iconic in pop culture. Despite all of that, there are still some things many may not know about the iconic ride.
A major piece of Florida’s theme park history is closing after over 80 years.
©Visit Central Florida
More than 30 years before Disney World changed the landscape of Florida tourism forever, Cypress Gardens was the most famous attraction in the Sunshine State. Originally opened in 1936 by the legendary Dick Pope Sr., the botanical garden and theme park was headlined by a water-skiing show that drew in millions of guests – – including some huge celebrities – – to see daredevil performers including Pope’s son Dick Pope Jr. The show’s success popularized the sport, made the park’s home of Winter Haven the “water skiing capital of the world”, and put Florida on the metaphorical map for millions.
Cowabunga dudes!
Did someone say millennial memories?
A lot has changed about Walt Disney World over the last 50+ years, especially since the 1990s and early 2000s, meaning that there are a lot of things millennials once experienced at the parks that would seem wildly out of place now! Whether you’re a millennial who saw these during your youth or just wish you’d gotten to experience them, the fact that they once existed at Disney World will likely still blow your mind.
Disney California Adventure’s incredibly popular World of Color show almost looked very different.
World of Color – ONE
The World of Color water show debuted at the Disneyland Resort in 2010 and has gone through a few different iterations over the past several years. Today, it has evolved into World of Color — ONE, honoring Disney’s centennial. The show occurs at Paradise Gardens Park (formerly Paradise Pier) in Disney California Adventure and features special water effects, projections, and sound and lighting effects. It also almost featured drones.
Disney is getting dragged into politics again.
Magic Kingdom
For much of 2022 and 2023, Disney found itself locked in a political battle with Florida governor and Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis. Issues initially spurred from Disney’s objection to the controversial DeSantis-backed Parental Rights in Education Act legislation in Florida, before exploding into a larger “culture war” issue regarding Disney’s “special district” status in Florida. The issue seems to be resolved through a settlement and a new Disney deal with Florida earlier this year. However, the company has now been dragged back into the political spotlight thanks to the upcoming 2024 United States Presidential Election.
History at the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”
Magic Kingdom
American history has been part of Disney’s theme parks pretty much since the beginning, as Walt Disney found several ways to bring references to the country’s history into Disneyland. However, not even Walt could imagine that a history-changing moment would actually take place at a resort in Disney World.
Private bathrooms, shorter coffee lines, and cursed attractions?? People have been GATEKEEPING the best parts about Magic Kingdom from you! So we’re putting a stop to that RIGHT NOW.
Cinderella Castle in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
I don’t have to tell you that Magic Kingdom is an amazing place filled with amazing things — because you already KNEW that. What I CAN tell you, though, is that Magic Kingdom is an amazing place filled with amazing things you DON’T know about, too.
Heads up Halloween fans, you’ve got to get to Disney’s online shop ASAP.
This is Halloween
Spooky season is one of the most popular at Disney, and in-turn each year’s line of Halloween merchandise is some of Disney’s most popular. This year, Disney has teamed with one of their regular brand partners for something quite special.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
