AUTHOR: Stephen Porter

Stephen "Steve" Porter started going to the parks with his family in 1996. Since then he hasn't looked back! Steve was a cast member participating in the Disney College Program in 2013. Most recently he graduated from Penn State University!

Why I Love the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland

By Stephen Porter | Published February 22, 2017 | Updated February 23, 2017

In 2013, I worked as a cast member in the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland. The time I spent working there gave me an appreciation of this land and I’d love to share with you why I think it is so special. There are multiple attractions in Tomorrowland that have, or tie into, a deep Disney history. … Why I Love the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland

Red Rose Taverne Opens February 24 at Disneyland

By Stephen Porter | Published February 21, 2017 | Updated February 23, 2017

The Disney Parks Blog has just released the menu for Red Rose Taverne, which will be a limited-time Beauty and the Beast inspired eatery in Disneyland Park. The temporary re-imagining of the Village Haus Restaurant is part of Disneyland’s celebration of the new live action film opening March 17, 2017. Below are the new items you’ll … Red Rose Taverne Opens February 24 at Disneyland

Celebration at the Top – Sip, Savor, Sparkle at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Begins February 26

By Stephen Porter | Published February 21, 2017

According to the Disney Parks Blog, Thursday evenings starting February 26 until March 26, a new dining event titled, Celebration at the Top will be available at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The cost is $99 per person, plus tax and gratuity and allows guests to see a breathtaking view of the fireworks from the California Grill, which sits … Celebration at the Top – Sip, Savor, Sparkle at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Begins February 26

PETA Attempting to Push SeaWorld Investors to Vote on Seaside Sanctuaries

By Stephen Porter | Published February 17, 2017 | Updated February 18, 2017

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the animal rights organization, PETA, is attempting to push SeaWorld Entertainment investors into a vote that would send “the company’s killer whales to seaside sanctuaries.” PETA is, interestingly enough, a shareholder in SeaWorld, and as a big enough investor, they can submit a resolution, via a proxy statement, to be … PETA Attempting to Push SeaWorld Investors to Vote on Seaside Sanctuaries

What Led Up to Me Applying for the Disney College Program

By Stephen Porter | Published February 17, 2017

This story starts in 2009. I was a junior in high school, and I was fortunate enough to go on a weekend-long field trip to Walt Disney World for a business and marketing class. During this trip, I heard talks of the Disney College Program and it peaked my interest. When I returned home from … What Led Up to Me Applying for the Disney College Program

Disney Closes Side Entrance for Hollywood Studios Guests

By Stephen Porter | Published February 17, 2017 | Updated February 18, 2017

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has closed the alternative security line that is near the Guest Relations windows outside of the park. This access point was used by guests walking from the Television and Film parking lots. There are no longer any security guards there to check bags, and all guests are redirected by a cast member … Disney Closes Side Entrance for Hollywood Studios Guests

BB-8 Meet-and-Greet Coming To Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By Stephen Porter | Published February 17, 2017

Today the Disney Parks Blog released that BB-8, the beloved droid and sidekick to Rey from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, will have a character meet-and-greet beginning this spring at Star Wars Launch Bay in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. BB-8’s meet-and-greet opportunity will be in addition to the current meet-and-greet characters: Kylo Ren and Chewbacca, and neither … BB-8 Meet-and-Greet Coming To Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Permits Have Been Filed For Potential Disney World Gondola

By Stephen Porter | Published February 15, 2017 | Updated February 17, 2017

WDWMagic, an unofficial Disney fan site and forum, may have discovered permits for what might be a gondola that could transport guests from Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation. The expansion of the monorail has for years been seen as too expensive, but speculation is that a gondola … Permits Have Been Filed For Potential Disney World Gondola

Maker Studios Will Become Part Of Disney’s Consumer Division

By Stephen Porter | Published February 15, 2017 | Updated February 23, 2017

According to bloomberg.com, Maker Studios will become part of the Walt Disney Company’s consumer products and interactive media division. This move will apparently “better integrate the business.” By bringing Maker into the consumer products and interactive media division, Disney’s “ad sales employees will be able to offer marketers sponsorship opportunities across all of its businesses, … Maker Studios Will Become Part Of Disney’s Consumer Division

Sneak Peak for Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise

By Stephen Porter | Published February 14, 2017 | Updated February 17, 2017

The 2017 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival begins March 1st at Walt Disney World, and the Disney Parks Blog has just released a sneak peak of the merchandise that will be available for the event. Disney Design Group has created new artwork for this year’s event that will feature “stylized images of Mickey and Minnie … Sneak Peak for Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise