The April schedule for the Travel Channel is jam-packed with Disney-related shows. Here’s a run-down:

April 6th

• 9AM: Undiscovered Walt Disney World
• 10AM: Disney Cruise Line
• 11AM: Walt Disney World Behind the Scenes

April 11th

• 9PM: Samantha Brown’s Disney Favorites
• 1AM: Samantha Brown’s Disney Favorites

April 18th

• 9PM: Disney Splurge
• 12AM: Disney Splurge

April 23rd

• 2PM: Walt Disney World Behind the Scenes
• 3PM: Disney Animal Kingdom
• 4PM: Disney Cruise Line
• 5PM: Samantha Brown’s Disney Favorites
• 6PM: Disney on a Dime
• 7PM: Walt Disney World Behind the Scenes

April 26th

• 9PM: Disney on a Dime
• 12AM: Disney on a Dime

April 27th

• 9AM: Disney on a Dime
• 10AM: Disney Splurge
• 11AM: Samantha Brown’s Disney Favorite

Looks like April 23rd might be a good day to set the timer or TiVo!

Photo Source: Susan Gunelius

Post from: The Disney Traveler

I got to ride on The Haunted Mansion on Sunday, and I have to admit that I really liked the changes.  Of course, I don’t want to give anything away, but major changes were made in the opening hallway scene, along the staircase where spiders used to lurk on gigantic spider webs and in the attic. 

The most significant change is in the stairway which now becomes a series of haunted stairs to nowhere.  The special effects are very well done.  The second biggest change is the addition of a story to the attic scene about a bride and her series of dead husbands.

I will warn parents that I think the new version is a bit scarier than the old version.  My three year old triplets were frightened, but they handled it well.  I expect that young children could be very scared by this ride.  While parts of The Haunted Mansion seemed hokey in the past, the effects are a bit more intense and realistic now.

If The Haunted Mansion is a ride you usually bypass during your trip to Walt Disney World, I would definitely recommend taking the time to visit it to see the new additions and changes. 

Post from: The Disney Traveler

Also, the final images in the montage included a heavy saturation of people and events who were popular in the 1980s (the last time the film was updated).  Finally, the montage has been revised to include some more current Americans and the Twin Towers were removed.

Again, the changes are minimal, but the updated film is worth seeing next time you visit Epcot in Walt Disney World.

Post from: The Disney Traveler

The theme for the Haunted Hayrides is “Vineland, Mystery, Magic or Myth,” and guests can join in the fun on select dates in October.  The price is $15.00 for ages 10 and above and $10.00 for children under 9 years old.  Advanced tickets can be purchased beginning October 10, 2007, or they can be purchased on the day of the hayride at the Fort Wilderness Kennel.  Groups up to 30 guests can reserve an entire wagon for $350.

Disney’s Haunted Wagon Hayrides at Fort Wilderness sound like a lot of fun for the whole family.  I think my triplets might be too young to really enjoy it this year, but I’d love to hear all the details.  If you get the chance to go on a Haunted Hayride, please stop back by Disney for Families and More and leave a comment telling us all about it!

Post from: The Disney Traveler

There are high-top tables and stools inside and regular tables and chairs on the deck outside where guests can enjoy their ice cream while watching the fountain.  The menu includes a number of ice cream flavors available in cups, cones, waffle cones, milk shakes or as ice cream sandwiches (with the ice cream of your choice between two big chocolate chip cookies).  The shop uses Edy’s ice cream.  My family has tried several flavors of cones, waffle cones, cups and milkshakes, as well as the chocolate chip cookies, and everything we have tasted so far has been delicious (particularly on a hot day in August/September).

Epcot needed a place for guests to get ice cream on hot days other than the McDonald’s option at the Refreshment Port and ice cream carts scattered throughout the park.  Now, if they could just get better service in the newly opened ice cream shop, I’m sure it will be a big hit.  That’s my only complaint right now.  The service is terrible, but hopefully, that will improve soon.

Post from: The Disney Traveler

The exhibit will include authentic artifacts from well-known Americans.  Items will change periodically to keep the exhibit fresh.  Early visitors will see George Washington Carver’s microscope, Thomas Edison’s phonograph and motion picture projector, Abraham Lincoln’s hat, and artifacts from Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, Benjamin Franklin, Mark Twain, Col. John Herrington and Sen. Daniel Inouye.

History lovers, make sure you include the National Treasures exhibit in Epcot’s American Pavilion during your next trip to Walt Disney World!

Post from: The Disney Traveler

When the attraction reopens this fall, the Ghost Host will be updated with new digital audio.  The new enhancements will allow the Ghost Host to move around the stretch room as well as in guests’ doom buggies.  But sounds are not the only updates that will take place in The Haunted Mansion.  Some of the most popular ghosts and thrills will be revamped as well.

A lightening storm will be added to the gallery enhancing the eeriness of the portraits that watch guests ride by.  The crystal ball will levitate and several grooms will join the bride in the attic.  Both the grooms and the bride’s bouquet will undergo changes during the ride, which Disney is keeping secret until The Haunted Mansion begins welcoming visitors again.

It’s great to see subtle changes enhance a popular ride.  Sounds like The Haunted Mansion will be a must-see on your next trip to Walt Disney World!  I know I can’t wait!

Post from: The Disney Traveler

1. The monorail system boasts 13.6 miles of track.
2. Each monorail is 203 feet long.
3. Each monorail has 6 cars.
4. Monorails have been running continuously at Walt Disney World since 1971.
5. In 1990, the monorails were modernized with upgraded safety features and more capacity.
6. Each monorail can carry up to 365 passengers
7. The monorail system features two main sections for passenger transporation.  The original section links the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary Resort, Ticket & Transportation Center, Polynesian Resort and Grand Floridian Resort and circles the Seven Seas Lagoon.  The second section opened in 1982 and links Epcot with the Ticket & Transportation Center.
8. Monorails travel on rubber tires.
9. The monorail track beam is just 26″ wide.
10. Monorails carry approximately 150,000 passengers each day.
11. There are 12 monorails in the fleet identified by a uniquely colored stripe.

Post from: The Disney Traveler

The decor of the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater screams “drive-in” from top to bottom.  As your family is escorted to the dining area, you’ll immediately feel like you are at a 1950s drive-in movie theater complete with waiters and waitresses on rollerskates! 

A huge movie screen is mounted high on the wall at one end of the restaurant, and the lights are low to simulate an evening under the stars (and stars do shine above).  In front of the movie screen sit rows of dining cars that look like they were driven right off the streets of the 1950s.  Each convertible car includes 3 rows of seats for diners to enjoy their meals while watching 1950s sci-fi movie clips on the big screen.  Additional dining cars are available which are set up as tables rather than 3 rows of seats, and umbrella tables are available in the back of the restaurant to accomodate different party sizes and needs.

If you’re visiting Disney-MGM Studios, I highly recommend that you enjoy a meal at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater for a one-of-a-kind experience.  Kids love this restaurant because it’s so unique.  The menu includes American cuisine with sci-fi movie inspired names for the menu items, and reservations are a must.  In fact, this restaurant fills up very quickly, so if you think you’d like to dine there during your Walt Disney World vacation, you should call 407-WDW-DINE well in advance of your trip to ensure you can get a reservation at the time you want.

Post from: The Disney Traveler

I started bringing by triplets to this show when they were approximately 1 1/2 years old.  They enjoyed the music and puppets then, but now, they love everything about this show.   At nearly 3 years old, they constantly ask to go see, “the Bear” show.  In fact, we’re going to see it tomorrow!

The Playhouse Disney Live on Stage show is hosted by a Disney cast member (always named Jamie) who introduces Bear in the Big Blue House and his friends Ojo, Tutter, Treelo, Pip and Pop.  When the music starts and everyone starts to dance, Tutter feels shy and doesn’t want to join the fun.  In order to help him feel “less shy,” Jamie presents three stories to Tutter.  The first features characters from Jo Jo’s circus.  The second features Stanley and his pet goldfish, Dennis, and the third story features Winnie the Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Woods. 

It’s a fun, interactive show complete with music, dancing, streamers and bubbles falling from the ceiling.  Your kids will help Jo Jo scare away Goliath’s hiccups, say hi to a gorilla with Stanly and Dennis, bounce with Tigger and sing the goodbye song with Bear and Luna.  Warning, all seating is on the floor, but small children are encouraged to get up and dance.  It’s a show truly made for preschoolers!

Post from: The Disney Traveler