While the big change -- a major expansion of Fantasyland -- won't happen until 2012 and 2013, Walt Disney World has several changes and new attractions that will be in place by summer. Among them:* A 10-minute projection show that transforms Cinderella Castle into a shimmering spectacle (pictured) called “Let the Memories Begin.” The show, to be presented on select nights at the central Florida theme park, will be highlighted by images of Walt Disney World guests photographed that same day in the Magic Kingdom.
* At Disney's Hollywood Studios, the Star Tours attraction (scheduled to reopen May 20) depicts an earlier chapter of the Star Wars saga than the original Star Tours did, so the spaceship of choice is now the Starspeeder 1000. C-3PO, a new pilot (by accident) takes the controls for a journey to the "metropolitan" planet Coruscant or to Tatooine (pronounced tætu'in), an arid planet on the "Outer Rim," or to some other planet within Star Wars' mythical universe. Even the outcome of the adventure may change from one "launch" to the next.* Also, Animal Kingdom will add a new extra-cost experience, Wild Africa Trip. Jake and the Never Land Pirates will be part of Disney Junior -- Live on Stage at Hollywood Studios, which also plans a new parade called Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun. Also at the Hollywood park, TV's Phineas and Ferb will put on an interactive show.
Visit www.disneyworld.com
(Photo/Walt Disney Co.)
Trivial question
What is the name of the country once called Dutch Guiana? (Answer somewhere below.)
What'll it cost you to fly standby?
It's 1 p.m. and your flight's not scheduled until 6. Naturally, you don't want to hang around the airport, but will requesting standby for an earlier flight take a bite out of your budget. According to travel guru Terry Trippler's Airline Rules To Know, that all depends upon the airline and what kind of ticket you have. Example: If you have a refundable ticket, American Airlines charges no fee. But if you have a nonrefundable ticket, the same-day standby option isn't available. Ah, but there are exceptions such as active duty U.S. Military on orders or personal travel, and persons with certain AA awards cards. It's complicated, so be sure to check the airline's policy well in advance.
Fascinating fact
All of Australia's large, permanent lakes have been created by dams. You might say they are unnatural.
St. Thomas resort at 50% off
The Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa, an all-inclusive resort in St. Thomas, is holding a Winter Value Sale. Guests get up to 50 percent off all-inclusive nightly rates for travel through Dec. 22. Those rates include meals and beverages, entertainment, half-day access to the supervised Kid’s Club, and an activities program featuring snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, scuba instruction, miniature golf and family movie nights. Guests can book the special rates from $368 double occupancy through April 3 by calling 888-582-9104 or visiting www.sugarbaywyndham.com.
Worth quoting
“Kilometers are shorter than miles. Save gas, take your next trip in kilometers.” -- George Carlin
Pardon me boy, is this the Transylvania Station?
Calling all fans of Dracula and/or train travel: The Great Canadian Travel Company has a four-day, three-night train package called “Transylvanian Journey.” Beginning from Budapest,the journey follows the course of the blue Danube to Istanbul and provides sightseeing on the Bosphorus. Passengers will find stunning scenery and ancient architecture as they pass through rural Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria. Included are three nights’ accommodation on the Danube Express, all meals (with drinks) on the train, drinks in the train’s lounge car, and all tours, excursions and entries during the journey. The price is about $3800, and there are five departures between May 4 and Sept. 21. Visit www.greatcanadiantravel.com/europe-hungary-transylvania-train-tour.
Trivial answer
What was once Dutch Guiana is now Surinam.
