New 3D Characters at Walt Disney World

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train 

Opens May 28 at 

Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs announced that the “crowning jewel” of New Fantasyland, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, will officially open on May 28.  A special dedication ceremony was held today at Magic Kingdom Park, in which invited guests got a sneak peak at the new ride.   

Imagineers Bring Full 3D Audio-Animatronics to Life

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at Imagineers working on some of the most advanced Audio-Animatronics ever created!

Watch this video to see how they’re bringing them to life at the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction at Magic Kingdom Park.

Photos and videos are courtesy of Disney Parks and Walt Disney Imagineering.

Walt Disney would be proud to see his dreams coming alive in this new edition to WDW.

   

“Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is both literally and figuratively the centerpiece of New Fantasyland, so we knew it had to be something special,” Tom Staggs said. “The attraction appeals to everyone in the family and provides just the right blend of heart, humor, and thrill while keeping with the charm of this special land.” 

We found this video on YouTube - you are on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train thanks to  Attractions Magazine:


The exterior portion of the train ride reminds us a lot of Big Thunder Mountain, but once inside, there is no comparison. According to Walt Disney Company, "the family-style coaster features an innovative new ride system that allows cars to swing back and forth as they travel down the track. The cars are even designed to reflect similar vehicles that appear in the film, handmade of wood by the Dwarfs, shaped by an axe, and used to haul rocks and jewels."

The attraction opens on May 28, so be sure to keep checking here and the Disney Parks Blog for updates.

Introducing Disney AquaDuck

Disney Dream AquaDuck           Credit: Cheri Severino Diekhaus

AquaDuck

Have you been to Walt Disney World in Florida and gone to one or more of the water parks there?   Perhaps you've been to River Country, Typhoon Lagoon, or Blizzard Beach?    If not, maybe you've been to a local water park in your area.   If you have, I suspect you have some pleasant memories of those times splashing in the water, going down water slides, or just relaxing on a lazy river ride.

Speaking of splashing, have you ever ridden on Splash Mountain in Disneyland or Walt Disney World? 

Did you ever think you could go on a water ride as much fun as those rides on a cruise ship?   Well, we have some good news for you.   On Disney Dream you can ...

Introducing the Cruise Industry's First Water Coaster Ride

AquaDuck is a thrilling "water coaster," whose entrance is on Deck 12, Aft aboard the Disney Dream. In a cruise industry first, Guests are propelled at high speeds from Deck 12, Aft through an acrylic tube on a breathtaking journey up, down, around and off the side of the ship, through the Forward Funnel and—following a mammoth drop—into a lazy river.

Developed by the Disney Imagineers, this elevated water coaster—the first of its kind at sea—travels 765 feet and features an exciting 4 deck drop. It was designed for Adults and Children at least 48" or taller.

AquaDuck affords breathtaking views of the ocean and ship below—that is, if you're brave enough to keep your eyes open during this exciting ride! It also offers a bird's-eye view of the exciting new pools available to family, kids and adults on the Disney Dream.

Fun Facts & Tips

The AquaDuck water coaster boasts a thrilling 4-deck drop and safely carries Guests over the side of the ship and back.

AquaDuck is the first water coaster on a Disney Cruise Line ship—or, for that matter, any cruise ship—setting the standard for height, length and excitement.

Be one of the first to enjoy this new attraction onboard Disney Dream or plan now to be one of the first to try the AquaDuck on her sister ship, Disney Fantasy, when she starts sailing in 2012.