Written by Sue Nowicki

What started as a slow news period definitely ramped up in the last couple days. Happy reading!

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February 17 – Disney Parks posted a fabulous video on their YouTube page. In the video Disney characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Buzz Lightyear surprised unsuspecting shoppers at a Long Island mall by shadowing their movements. The results might actually warrant a hankie or two.

February 17 – Have you ever thought about trying to visit all four Walt Disney World theme parks in one day? I have tried two park in one day and that’s tiring enough. How about trying to visit three separate Disney Parks around the globe in one day? A couple from San Diego did just that. They started in Toyko Disneyland at 9:50am then raced across the Pacific Ocean to Disneyland in California to arrive around noon then caught a flight bound for Orlando where they arrived at the Magic Kingdom with 20 minutes to spare before the Magic Kingdom closed at Midnight. (Link)

February 19 – There has been a baby boom in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Five sable antelope calves and a white rhinoceros were born in the last several weeks. (Antelope: Link/Rhino: Link)

February 20 – The “Frozen 5k” kicked off runDisney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend which included our own MouseQuester, Kate M. With temperatures in the high 30s/low 40s, Frozen Fractals were threatening but the cold never bothered them anyway. The weekend ended with much milder temperatures for the half marathon. (Link)

February 20 – Atlanta Braves Spring Training kicked off at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on February 26th with games beginning March 4th. Marquee teams such as the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers will be coming to Champion Stadium to take on the Braves. (Link)

February 23 – As predicted, ticket prices for Disney parks did indeed increase. The magic barrier of $100 was breached as a 1-day base ticket to the Magic Kingdom is now $105, or $111.83 with tax. Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure jumped to $99/day while Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios increased to $97/day. It should be noted that buying multiple day tickets will always be the best bet as the more days you purchase the cheaper it is per day. For example, a 7-day base ticket is only $47.86/day which is less than half the cost per day of a 1-day base ticket. (Link)

February 23 – Finally, we know who is replacing Tom Staggs as chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts since Staggs was promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Bob Chapek, former head Disney Consumer Products, has been announced as the successor and comes with an interesting background which includes a B.S. degree in Microbiology from Indiana University. (Link)

February 24 – With the 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival just around the corner, the Orlando Sentinel got a sneak peak at some of the amazing topiaries which will be on display. There are even two featuring our frozen friends from Arendelle. (Link)

February 24 – CruiseCritic.com named their best cruise ships of 2015. Guess who came in 1st in best cruise line overall, best for cabins, best for embarkation, best for entertainment, best for public rooms, best for service, best for families and best Bahama cruises ? (Link)

February 24 – There’s a new princess coming to the Disney kingdom. Moana, a Polynesian-inspired princess described as a ‘spirited teenager’, learns that her people are in jeopardy. She must search for a mythical island which will help her save her world and make her ancestors proud. Ron Clements and John Musker, the minds behind “The Princess & The Frog”, “Aladdin” and “The Little Mermaid”, will be directing. So far the only actor cast is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson who will voice the character of Maui, a demi-God. Casting for the voice of Moana is rumored to be down to two Hawaiian actresses. Moana scheduled to be released in 2016. (Link)

February 25 – For those who will be seeing Cinderella in a few weeks, you will be treated to a special presentation of the new ‘Frozen Fever’ short. (Link)

February 25 – In a surprising move by Walt Disney World, the 2015 dates for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party were released over two months earlier than usual. Also announced was that tickets would also go on sale earlier than normal as well. Be on the lookout for tickets to go on sale in April as opposed to May. (Link)

February 25 – Hasta La Vista, Baby! The iconic Sorceror’s Hat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is officially gone. (Link)

February 25 – Any DuckTales fans out there? If so, we found some great news for you. Disney has announced they will be revive the old series for a 2017 launch on the DisneyXD channel. (Link)

February 26 – The world of Pandora is coming alive. The newest addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom was featured on the Disney Parks Blog with the release of a short video showing Disney COO Tom Staggs, Avatar director James Cameron and legendary Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde taking a peek at some of the amazing features including a bioluminescent walk-way and forest.

February 27 – The construction taking place on the Central Plaza area between Main Street, U.S.A and Cinderella Castle is moving along and several sections are now open including the new FastPass+ viewing area in the Main Street Plaza Gardens adjacent to The Crystal Palace. (Link)

That’s all the news for now. Follow me on Twitter @JazzinDisneyMom for more Disney news.

Latest News From the World of Disney: September 11, 2015

Other posts by this author:
”The Descendants” Movie Review
Disney by Land, Disney by Sea: Part 1 & Part 2
”Tomorrowland” Movie Review
Best Walt Disney World Smartphone Apps
Restaurant Review – Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – The Way Life Should Be
A Day in the Life of Disney’s FastPass+ Service