Sams Disney Diary: The Podcast

"Disney Kitetails" debuted as part of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration. The new daytime entertainment takes place multiple times at Animal Kingdom's Discovery River Theater; check your Disney experience app for times. Performers fly windcatchers and kites of all shapes and sizes. On the water, elaborate three-dimensional kites – some stretching to 30 feet long – depict Disney animal friends, including Simba, Zazu, Baloo, and King Louie. These colorful creations dance through the sky to the beat of favorite Disney songs in an uplifting, vibrant experience for the whole family. Kite tails consist of two separate 10-minute shows, each unique theme: Jungle Book or Lion King. This performance is the Jungle Book. Thanks for watching, be sure to hit that subscribe button for the Lion King Kite Tails performance.

Let's face it, Theme Parks, including Walt Disney World, can be tiring. During the 50th Anniversary Celebration, I spent some time with Mark Dukes, Director of ESPN Wide World of Sports and Disney Water Parks, to look beyond the parks. Not exactly a relaxing vacation for some, but rest assured, Walt Disney World is a vacation destination, with something for everyone in the family. For more information on Disney Golf, Miniature Golf, FootGolf, and Golf Lessons,

Journey through ancient and modern China during a spectacular 14-minute Circle-Vision 360° film. Reflections of China located in the China Pavillion of Epcot's World Showcase. The show premiered in May 2003, replacing the opening day Wonders of China 360 movie. The show is narrated by an actor playing Li Bai, an ancient Chinese poet, who takes the viewer on a tour of the Chinese countryside and historical structures and buildings. As of this video, Reflections of China is scheduled to close in December 2021, replacing a new film, "Wondrous China" – Part of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration and the first Disney Circle-Vision file produced and projected in a seamless format. Some sites that are seen are The Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City in Beijing, the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, Hunan, Guilin, Suzhou, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

The Matsuriza Taiko Drummers made their return to Epcot's World Showcase on October 1st, 2021. The welcome addition to World Showcase brings more live entertainment options to guests' experiences, check your My Disney Experience app for showtimes. According to Disney: Japanese Taiko drums have been enthralling audiences for years in religious ceremonies, festivals, and even on battlefields as soldiers prayed for victory. Come witness the thrill of Taiko for yourself!

Former Walt Disney World Ambassador, Ken Facey walks us through everything happening as part of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration! https://youtu.be/odP7_zqDd2c

Sergio, the Italian Mime, is back at Epcot's World Showcase, Sergio along with most other live Epcot Entertainment offerings, fell victim to the Walt Disney World COVID-19 shut down in March of 2020. While Sergio wasn't part of the July 2020 reopening, we are happy to report that Sergio is Back and performing multiple shows at Epcot's Italy Pavilion; check the My Disney Experience App for showtimes. Sergio may look a little different than you remember; the pre-pandemic Sergio shared some details on Instagram, we hope to see you back soon. Here is Sergio from November 2021 https://youtu.be/SLwwuLEoWIg

Where am I? I got here by car, but exploring by boat, lots of towering pine trees, totem poles, crackling fires, and even a spotting geyser, thing you know? The answer might surprise you. It's all this time on Great Hotels when Samantha Brown gives us an up-close look t Disney Wilderness Lodge. https://youtu.be/Yg4yp9neHxY

The year is 1920, and you have escaped to Florida to bask in the ocean breezes of your Victorian seaside paradise. Guests here find the grace and elegance of a grand hotel awaiting them. Is it all but a lingering dream? Nope! It’s the Walt Disney World Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and it’s this episode of Great Hotels with Samantha Brown. Quality Enhanced. https://youtu.be/D_WCg62Nxro

Being the Disney Nerd that I am, when I see a sign that says "Walt Disney Archives" with a directional arrow, I will follow it. The Walt Disney Archives was established in 1970 to collect, preserve and make available for research the historical materials relating to Walt and the company he founded. In the Celebration of Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary Becky Cline, the Director of the Disney Archives, was more than happy to share a small piece of the Walt Disney World Archive collection. https://youtu.be/x69V0BNV70Q

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure recently opened at Walt Disney World’s Epcot, part of the France Pavilion Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure invites guests into the flavorful world of Disney and Pixar's Academy Award®-winning film "Ratatouille." The family-friendly attraction, allows guests to feel as if they shrink to the size of Chef Remy and scurry through Gusteau's famous restaurant. They discover Remy's Ratatouille Adventure in World Showcase as part of a newly expanded France pavilion, where the real is made fantastic in a reimagining of Paris inspired by the film. What goes into making an attraction like Remy’s? I had an opportunity to ask the creative team at Pixar, and did you know, Pixar has a theme parks department? I spoke to Pixar’s Krista Sheffler and Jerome Ranft about the Pixar connection in the parks. https://youtu.be/w5MnxtosK1I

offerings all around. From 50th Anniversary Merchandise to Savory Celebratory Sweets, you can immerse yourself in enchanting entertainment, discover fashion-forward pieces that add a little sparkle to your wardrobe, and delight in delectable dining and refreshing beverages. https://youtu.be/Z4Uh6U_f_V8

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a family-friendly adventure featuring a totally new type of roller coaster experience; it's a storycoaster that rotates 360 degrees, so you're always focused on all the action as you help the Guardians save the galaxy. Not only that but Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will also feature the first reverse launch on a coaster in Disney history and is one of the longest enclosed coasters in the world. It's a massive experience that will match the scale and adventure of the Guardians of the Galaxy films. Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind is set to open in 2022. During the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary kickoff, I talked to Alex Wright, Walt Disney Imagineering Sr. Creative Director, on the project. https://youtu.be/bWpLFtahppg

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser introduces the concept of Story Living, a two-day immersive experience that takes you on your own Star Wars adventure. The Starcruiser isn't a hotel; according to Bob Chapek, Walt Disney Company CEO the Starcruiser is a "100% immersive" experience that "will culminate in a unique journey for every person who visits." During the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration, I caught up with Ann Morrow Johnson, Executive Producer and Creative Executive for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. I asked her about Story Living and the March 1 Launch. https://youtu.be/4oHuuS5TuoY

Tom Fitzgerald has been part of Walt Disney Imagineering since 1979, supervising the story, development, and production of many of Disney's most popular attractions and shows. Tom became executive vice president and senior creative executive for Walt Disney Imagineering in 2001. During the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary kickoff, I caught up with Tom in Space 220. https://youtu.be/5FhB64BEcCY

The Walt Disney World 50th anniversary celebration includes over 150 specialty food items across Walt Disney World resort. And of course, Epcot is joining the party, offering ten 50th anniversary-themed specialty Dessert items. I like to call it the Festival within Epcot's Festivals, the Epcot Dessert Festival. These items will be available for the 18-month Celebration so you can get them through April 2023. I had an opportunity to get a close-up look at each of the EARidescent 50th anniversary-themed desserts. https://youtu.be/jF21gerZiJ4

A runDisney race is anything but ordinary. Move with magic through Disney Parks all over the world. Become part of adventures that could take you under the sea, through classic enchantment, and into a springtime of surprises. During the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Kickoff, we got our first look at the 2022 Walt Disney World Marathon Medals. The race is set for January 5 to 9th, and check out all the medals, from the 5k, to the dopey challenge. https://youtu.be/MRGJnrx-UQk

Debuting October 1, 2021 a new nighttime spectacular, "Disney Enchantment," at Magic Kingdom Park. Launching with "The World's Most Magical Celebration," this evening extravaganza takes guests on a journey filled with adventure, wonder and empowerment. Inspiring everyone to believe in magic, "Disney Enchantment" features stunning fireworks, powerful music, enhanced lighting and, for the first time, immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A. The show's stirring soundtrack is anchored by an emotional original song, "You Are the Magic," written and performed by multiple GRAMMY® winner Philip Lawrence, whose musical career began as a Disney cast member performing in Walt Disney World shows. https://youtu.be/1C74l54mWyM

After more than a year of waiting, Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life, the new family-friendly show, is set to premiere at Disney Springs, November 18, 2021. The collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Walt Disney Imagineering is a live acrobatic journey telling the story of Julie, a determined girl who discovers an unexpected gift left by her Disney animator father: an unfinished animation. As she dives into the inner world of animation guided by a surprising pencil, Julie embarks on an inspiring quest filled with her childhood Disney memories, brought to life through Cirque du Soleil's innovative design and dazzling performances. Tickets are available at cirquedusoleil.com/drawntolife. https://youtu.be/OBkr31HxB0Q

The Voices of Liberty have been performing at Walt Disney World's Epcot since opening day, October 1, 1982. The Cappella group typically performs inside The American Adventure Rotunda; social distancing has moved them to the outdoor American Garden Theater. This full performance was recorded at the American Garden Theater on October 1, 2021, the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort and the 39th anniversary of Epcot; it marks the second-ever performance of the 50th-anniversary anthem, The Magic Is Calling. https://youtu.be/mEPRCYizmls

Disney Photo Pass services allow you to capture all of your Disney Memories. Using the My Disney Experience Mobile app will enable you to preview all your Disney PhotoPass photos from Walt Disney World Resort, then purchase photo downloads and print to share. Choose just your favorites or buy them all with Memory Maker! Disney Magic Shots add character and other fun surprises to your pictures, and with over 40 special effects, there is always a surprise. New "Tiny World Magic Shots" take photos to a new dimension, putting you in the middle of 360-degree photo capture, available at Star Wars" Galaxy's Edge and Epcot. New "Super Zoom Magic Shots" bring a new dynamic video feature to the photo pass experience. The super zoom feature you and your family near Cinderella Castle is in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge and Animal Kingdom. Be sure to ask your PhotoPass photographer to add the special Disney magic. During the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary, I spoke to Dan Hammer-Hodges. He had some exciting news to share at