Disney Christmas Cards Through the Years!

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December 22, 2018

Over eight decades the artists of the Walt Disney Studios created an annual Disney Christmas Cards. Created in the early history of the Walt Disney studios, each Christmas-themed greeting card were created featuring designs and illustrations by legendary studio artists Tom Wood, Hank Porter, Bob Moore, Mary Blair, and more! These artists also created the seasonal artwork used for merchandise, advertisements, publications, and as support for motion picture releases, television programs, and Disney Parks & Resorts.

Each greeting card typically promoted an upcoming or film release. After 1955 the greeting cards featured the latest news in the “Outdoor entertainment”, otherwise known as Disney Parks & Resorts, like the picture below.

Created by an uncredited Disney Studio artist this Disney Christmas Card celebrated the successes and heightened public awareness of the Disney Organization. Recently conquering the medium of television with the Disneyland and Mickey Mouse Club TV programs, the Disney Organization really celebrated its success with a look to the new year.

In 1959, studio artist, Paul Wenzel, created the art for this year’s Disney Christmas Card using the iconic Sleeping Beauty castle. This card celebrated the 5^th anniversary of the premiers of the Disneyland TV series and the 4^th anniversary of the opening of Disneyland.

In 1971, studio artist Bob Moore created a card featuring an intricate hexagonal folding design. This Disney Christmas card represented the great gift of the recent opening of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida!

In 1982, this Disney Christmas card celebrated the new innovative Disney Park, EPCOT, with an aerial view featuring Tinker Bell. The Disney Park had recently previewed the 21^st Century park before thrilled crowds at Walt Disney World Resort.

The 1983 Disney Christmas card featured Tokyo Disneyland after a freak blizzard blanketed the resort with snow! The staff photographers knew this even was well worth documenting, which made one amazing Christmas card.

In 1977 Disneyland Paris also had an unusual snowfall! Pictured is a winter fantasy of le Chateau de a Belle au Bois Dormant. So beautiful!

The 2000 Disney Christmas card continues with the celebrations of The Disney Organizations achievements with the opening of Disney California Adventure park. Featured is the “snowcapped” Grizzly Peak, the icon of the park.

This year, readers can purchase From All of Us to All of You: The Disney Christmas Card. This book features rarely seen and seldom-published vintage Disney Christmas cards. Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Ready to experience the Disney magic yourself? Well, pack your bags and get ready! As an agent that specializes in Disney Destinations, and the official travel partner for Chip and Co, I can help you begin your journey. Just click the Key to the World Travel Picture, email me at [email protected], on facebook or fill out the form below for a free no-obligation quote.

Spoonful of Sugar Cupcake Spotted at Magic Kingdom!

By

Jessica Jones

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December 22, 2018

With the anticipated release of the film Mary Poppins Returns, on December 19^th, the Mary Poppins memorabilia just keeps coming! This spoonful of sugar cupcake is the icing on the cake! Although, I won’t be upset if they came out with even more items!

Located at the Main Street Bakery at Magic Kingdom, guests can sample this delectable treat that is undoubtedly Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! I mean, how can it not be?! I love the nod to the red and white theme of the movie with the alternating buttercream frosting colors!! Of course, who could miss the super sweet tiny white chocolate spoon on top with the sugar falling off!! This sticky chocolate pudding cupcake with buttercream frosting looks and sounds delicious!!

https://twitter.com/WDWToday/status/1075903683236413445

This cupcake should have anyone singing the famous song, “A spoonful sugar helps the medicine go down”, who knows maybe this will be the perfect pick me up when you are starting to become tired from all the fun! But, if you don’t really care for the sweet treats there is still plenty of Mary Poppins memorabilia available for guests. Have you seen the new Dooney and Bourke bags?! How about the shirts that say “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”?! I am sure the souvenirs and apparel are just getting started and I can’t wait to purchase all these items!!

Alright, so now that we have covered the spoonful of sugar cupcake in detail, go pick up your cupcake from Main Street Bakery and pretend as if you are Mary Poppins strolling down Main St, U.S.A. Be sure to snap a picture, or a few, and tell us your thoughts on these simply marvelous treats!

Source: Walt Disney World Today

Ready to experience the Disney magic yourself? Well, pack your bags and get ready! As an agent that specializes in Disney Destinations, and the official travel partner for Chip and Co, I can help you begin your journey. Just click the Key to the World Travel Picture, email me at [email protected], on facebook or fill out the form below for a free no-obligation quote.

Blair Underwood Narrates The Candlelight Processional

By

Kaitlyn

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December 22, 2018

Blair Underwood Narrates The Candlelight Processional. On December 13 and 14 of 2018, Blair Underwood appeared as one of the many talented narrators set to perform at this years Candlelight Processional at Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort.

Blair has been a veteran narrator and has performed on and off again in the Candlelight Processional for nearly 20 years! Underwood is a fan favorite every years that he performs and he thoroughly enjoys sharing the Christmas Story as an exercise of his faith.

He is best known for his roles in ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’, ‘Sex and the City’, and his role on Broadway’s ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’. He recently appeared in ABC’s ‘Quantico’ and in the Netflix mini-series, ‘Central Park Five.’

During his stay in Orlando, Blair Underwood and his family have been enjoying the Disney Parks. From visiting beloved Disney Characters at Epcot, to enjoying new attractions such as Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom, it looks like the whole family is having a great time!

Thank you for sharing the Christmas Story with the many guests at Epcot, Blair!

Keep up with the various talented narrators for the Candlelight Processional this holiday season here on Chip and Co.

The D23 Exclusive Sleeping Beauty Event Sold Out!

By

Jessica Jones

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December 22, 2018

Were you one of the lucky D23 members that was able to snag a ticket to the Exclusive Sleeping Beauty event to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of Walt Disney’s animated classic, Sleeping Beauty? As a special perk of being a D23 member, the official fan club members will have the opportunity to celebrate in the Studio Theatre at The Walt Disney Studios on February 16, 2019.

During this “Once upon a dream” opportunity, D23 Gold members and their guests will join Walt Disney Archives Director Rebecca Cline for a special presentation. Guests will be able to help celebrate some of Disney’s most romantic moments, as well as, peek behind the scenes to discover how these iconic images came to be.

After the exclusive presentation, guests will enjoy the classic fairy tale of Princess Aurora on the big screen. During the event guests will also receive a D23 popcorn bucket, bottled water, and an exclusive Sleeping Beauty-themed gift created just for this exclusive event! In addition, a limited number of D23 Gold Members were invited to join a “Happily Ever After”-themed breakfast at the Walt Disney Studios prior to the event.

Important Information to Remember.

The event will begin at 2 p.m. at the Walt Disney Studios. This event will last approximately 2 hrs.
Guests can arrive at security no earlier than 1 p.m., the Studio Theatre will open at approximately 1:30 p.m.
D23 Gold Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one guest; D23 Family members may reserve tickets for themselves and up to three guests.
Guests who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event.
D23 members must be present to gain admittance to the event.
All D23 events are subject to change without notice. There are strictly no cancellations or refunds, tickets are non-transferable.
Video or audio recording of any kind will not be permitted during the presentation and screening.

Congratulations to all the members who were able to snag a ticket to this exclusive, limited event! Be sure to let us know how it went! Are you interested in becoming a D23 member? Visit the Official Disney Fan Club for more information on prices and benefits of becoming a member.

Source: D23 Offical Fan Club

Ready to experience the Disney magic yourself? Well, pack your bags and get ready! As an agent that specializes in Disney Destinations, and the official travel partner for Chip and Co, I can help you begin your journey. Just click the Key to the World Travel Picture, email me at [email protected], on facebook or fill out the form below for a free no-obligation quote.

D23 Announces New 2019 Lineup of Magical Events

By

Katelyn G

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December 22, 2018

D23 will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2019. To honor the decade milestone, Disney’s official fan club will head to Sleepy Hollow, visit Walt’s birthplace, host tours of the Walt Disney Studios lot, and bring its “Lunch with a Disney Legend” events to even more locations.

The 2019 D23 expo will bring all of Disney’s wonderful worlds together on August 23rd-25th at the Anaheim Convention Center. D23’s biggest event of the year will bring live performances, star-studded presentations, collectibles, and more.

Additional dates, ticket information, and more details about D23 are yet to be announced for all of 2019, but for now, here is the current schedule:

January 25: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, California
January 26: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23, Burbank, California
February 16: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Sleeping Beauty, Burbank, California
February 16: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Sleeping Beauty, Walt Disney World Resort
April: Lunch with a Disney Legend, Linda Larkin, New York City
April 7: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23 (Gold Family exclusive),Burbank, California
May: The Walt Disney Family Museum event for Mickey Mouse Exhibit, San Francisco, California
May 4: D23’s Magical Screening Series: The Lion King, Walt Disney World Resort
May 11: D23’s Magical Screening Series: The Lion King, Burbank, Calif.
June: Return to Walt’s Birthplace: TBA, Chicago
June: Lunch with a Disney Legend: Legend and location TBA
June 22: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23, Burbank, California
July 20: D23 Member Mixer celebrating 90 years of Marvel Comics, San Diego, California
August 23-25: D23 Expo 2019, Anaheim, California
September 21: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Walt Disney World Resort
September 28: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Burbank, California
October: Lunch with a Disney Legend: Legend and location TBA
October 21: Sip & Stroll, Walt Disney World Resort
October 26: D23 Heads to the Hollow, Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.
November 9: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23, Burbank, California
November 16: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Up, Walt Disney World Resort
November 23: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Up, Burbank, California
December: D23 Holiday Event at Walt Disney World Resort
December: Light Up the Season with D23, Burbank, California

Keep an eye out on the Fan Club’s website for more information and additional details.

Source: D23.

Photo Copyright: D23.

There is an Incredible New Food & Beverage Kiosk Opening at Hollywood Studios

By

Heather Adamczak

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December 22, 2018

We just brought you this week at a new food & beverage kiosk was opening at Hollywood Studios, now we have a little more information about the location. The food and beverage kiosk will be opening to guests on Sunday, December 23.

It is near the former Pixar Place, which will soon reopen as an Incredibles-themed area. Called the Market, you will be able to purchase snacks and drinks, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic specialty beverages.

Source Orlando Theme Park News

Twitter is a Buzzy over stolen Cranium Command Character from Wonders of Life Attraction in Epcot

By

Chip

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December 22, 2018

Twitter is all abuzz this morning about a stolen animatronic character from the Cranium Command attraction in the Wonders of Life Pavilion at Epcot.

@Dreamfinderguy broke the news on Twitter.

Okay, I've got an update on BackDoor and a major new story to break. Buzzy was stolen from Wonders. OCPD was convinced he took him, so they got a search warrant and didn't find him. Twitter page is down for now, please contact OCPD if you know anything about Buzzy's whereabouts.

— DreamfinderGuy (@DreamfinderGuy) December 22, 2018

It seems some people managed to get into the location where Buzzy was stored and took apart his attraction to carry him out. The only thing remaining was a spot of hydraulic oil in the location he was sitting.

I know it seems like a far-fetched abduction, like something you would see on TV but Dis Twitter has taken to the news and he even has his own hashtag #findbuzzy

pic.twitter.com/nt0vYWI4dv

— Wonders of Life Archive (@WoLArchive) December 22, 2018

Cranium Command premiered on October 19, 1989, and closed permanently on January 1, 2007. Right now the Wonders of Life Building is used for as the Festival Center for Epcot Food & Wine Festival. The Wonders of Life building was refurbished earlier this year.

If you know any information please contact the Orange County Police Department…

This is Buzzy. He used to be a part of Cranium Command at EPCOT before the attraction closed. He was to be saved as a part of Disney parks history.

He has been stolen. If you recognize him or know of his whereabouts or see listings on merchant sites contact OCPD! pic.twitter.com/0VLKarhbtH

— Marissa 🦀 (@MarissaTheMoth) December 22, 2018

How many people remember Buzzy from Cranium Command? Let us know in the comment box below.

Photo credit @missmothNRG on twitter

SeaWorld’s Inside Look Event Provides a Behind-The-Scenes Sneak Peek!

By

Jessica Jones

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December 22, 2018

Guests can now get a sneak peek behind-the-scenes at SeaWorld’s Inside look event! For the first time ever, guests can access some of the least seen, but most interesting, portions of the parks along with a few special guests!

Starting on January 12, 2019, for weekend dates of January 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27^th, guests that visit the park can take a behind-the-scenes SeaWorld’s Inside Look at what it takes to maintain a premier zoological institution like SeaWorld Orlando.

Guests are invited to visit six locations, at various times in the day, to collect stamps to earn an exclusive Expert Explorer’s Pin. These locations include: SeaWorld Rescue Center, Fish House, Sea Lion and Otter Primary Housing, Animal Ambassador Hamlet, Beluga and Seal Primary Housing, and the Manta Aquarium. Let’s take a closer look at what the guests might find as they visit these locations!

SeaWorld Rescue Center. At this location, guests can visit the home base for the SeaWorld rescue team! The team will be on-site to talk about the dedicated team of filtrations experts, animal care personnel, lab technicians, and veterinarians. Each specialized team works around the clock to deliver life-saving care to animals who may be in need. Guests will also be able to ask questions and explore some of the many facilities that help SeaWorld provide their top-quality care.

Fish House. This rarely seen, but important, park area is where the dedicated team of nutrition ambassadors are housed. Each day the team start off their day before sunrise! This team provides the best diets for every fish, sea turtle, sea lion, penguin, dolphin, and killer whale!

Sea Lion and Otter Primary Housing. Guests can visit the home from the famous group of California sea lions, Pacific Walrus, and Asian small-clawed otters from Clyde & Seamore’s Sea Lion High. Now guests can hear stories from the trainers and asks questions about this great group animals.

Animal Ambassador Hamlet. The Animal Ambassador team is well known for their surprise visits in the park, appearing at local community events, and making appearances on network television programs and events. This team is comprised of an eclectic collection of small mammals, exotic birds, and a handful of well-trained reptiles.

Beluga and Seal Primary Housing. This location is an adventure of its own! Guests will start off in the food prep area for the beluga whales, seals, and walruses of the Wild Arctic. Following the maze of back hallways, guests will then get to see the variety of beluga toys before stepping outside to see the back beluga pool and weight scales! I can only imagine how big the scales must be! Lastly, guests will be able to view the harbor seal holding pools. This area is where the seals spend time relaxing while not on the job!

Manta Aquarium. The last location for the SeaWorld’s Inside Look Event is the area the Manta’s call home. Guests can meet the team of divers and aquarists who maintain the habitat. Guests will be able to learn what goes into caring for the wide array of fish, rays, sea dragons, live corals, and giant Pacific octopus!

If all of that didn’t entice you enough to visit SeaWorld during the special behind-the-scene SeaWorld’s Inside Look event, the special guests just might! Guy Harvey will appear January 12-13, OCEARCH founder Chris Fischer will appear on January 19-20, and Jack Hanna will appear on January 26-27. Sign me up for Jack Hanna, I love watching that guy!!

Regardless of the special guest stars that will also be visiting, this special SeaWorld’s Inside Look event sounds like a great time! I hope they continue with this each year! Not only is it a cool event, it is also a great learning experience for everyone!

Source: SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment

Ready to experience the Disney magic yourself? Well, pack your bags and get ready! As an agent that specializes in Disney Destinations, and the official travel partner for Chip and Co, I can help you begin your journey. Just click the Key to the World Travel Picture, email me at [email protected], on facebook or fill out the form below for a free no-obligation quote.

Ring in the New Year at Disneyland and California Adventure

By

Chip

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December 22, 2018

Can you believe it is almost 2019? If you are going to be at Disneyland or California Adventure for New Year’s Eve there are some late night events planned for both parks you won’t want to miss:

Disneyland park will feature DJs in Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and Frontierland, while over at Disney California Adventure park, there’s quite a party lined up for Hollywood Land and Paradise Gardens Park.

Here’s just a sampling of what’s in store there:

Hollywood Land

Music and Dancing – Heat up the dance floor throughout the night to tunes spun by DJ Juan.
Countdown to Midnight – A special event stage turns the intersection of Hollywood and Sunset into our very own Times Square, complete with a countdown clock ticking off the hours, minutes and seconds to the new year.

Paradise Gardens Park

Live Music – The incomparable Phat Cat Swinger performs live at the Palisades Stage in Paradise Gardens Park at 8 p.m., 9:05 p.m. and 10:45 p.m.
DJ Wendy – Join DJ Wendy Walker at the Palisades Stage, as she drops the hottest beats at 8:30 p.m., 9:45 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
East Coast Countdown – At 9 p.m., celebrate with our friends at Walt Disney World Resort as 2019 rolls in on the East Coast. Get ready for a special appearance by Mickey and Minnie, along with an awesome East Coast countdown moment.
Midnight Celebration – You won’t want to miss this midnight countdown to welcome 2019 in style, complete with celebratory music and fireworks! And DJ Wendy returns to keep the party going all the way to 1 a.m.

It promises to be one of the biggest parties of the year, launching us into 2019, which is quickly shaping up as the biggest year in Disneyland history!

On Dec. 31, Disneyland park is open from 8 a.m. – 2 a.m. and Disney California Adventure park is open from 8 a.m. – 1 a.m.

Source

El Capitan Theatre To Host ‘Happily Ever After’ Event Featuring Disney Classics

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 22, 2018

El Capitan Theatre To Host 'Happily Ever After' Event Featuring Disney Classics

Not many of us are old enough to remember seeing Disney classic like Sleeping Beauty on a big screen. But what if you could? I mean, sure, we’d watch Disney movies anywhere and anyway, but how cool would it be to see some of the classics come back to life on the big screen?

Well, the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles is giving Disney fans a chance to experience it! Through special dates taking place this winter, the theatre will be playing some of your favorite Disney films during their event so aptly entitled ‘Happily Ever After.’

Classics such as The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, Lady and the Tramp, Beauty and the Beast, and Cinderella will all be rolled back into their theatre beginning January 18th.

Here’s a breakdown of dates for each film and when they will be showing via OhMyDisney:

The Little Mermaid – January 18 – January 31

Sleeping Beauty – Only one night only, to celebrate its 60th anniversary on January 29th

Beauty and Beast – February 1 – February 10

Lady and the Tramp – February 11 – February 18

Cinderella – February 28 – March 3

So, why not start making plans now to…get your popcorn ready! We’ll be sitting on the first row read to watch each! But similar to a bad infomercial, “Wait, there’s more!” In addition to the screenings of each film, the theatre will also offer character meet and greets! Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora, and Belle will all be present to take photos and help make the experience even more memorable! So, seriously…what are you waiting for!?

Courtesy of OhMyDisney

Margaritaville Resort Orlando Announces Ribbon Cutting Event!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 22, 2018

Margaritaville Resort Orlando Announces Ribbon Cutting Event – The new year is bringing amazing things to Orlando. Margaritaville Resort Orlando makes is grande debut in mid-January 2019. A destination resorts for guests looking to get away. You may want to stay all season. The resort offers amenities such as a spa, multiple pools, shopping, and restaurants. We are sure to find our lost shaker of salt! Let’s not forget entertainment. The sounds of a six-string may be in the air if you listen closely.

If an island state of mind is what you are looking for, this is your resort. Family friendly and ready to please the friendly island-inspired staff will have you on “island time” in no time.

There is a little something for everyone. Accommodations vary with luxury hotel rooms, vacation, cottages and time-share options too!

Don’t blow out your flip flop heading to the lagoon style pool. If you do, your feet have a soft landing on beautiful sandy beaches in this very unique destination. You won’t go hungry here. You can even get a cheeseburger, in this paradise!

Centrally located just 25 minutes from the Orlando Airport this location will have you feeling like you have hopped a plane to an island paradise. No need to rent a car for delicious dining options just steps away. Signature spa treatments will relax your mind and body. Fun kid and teen club events will have everyone in your group smiling.

We here at Chip and Co are excited to share this new resort with you. We will be at the press only ribbon cutting event in mid-January and will bring even more exciting details of this destination resort to you. So, as you are counting down the last frantic hours to the big Christmas Holiday, why not put a little something under the tree for relaxation. A January getaway to an island paradise, conveniently located in central Florida!

Oh, and when you go, be sure to send us a postcard of you and your frozen concoction, or maybe just a photo! Share with us your island dream vacation with Chip and Co.! We love to hear from you!

Images copyright of Margaritaville Resort Orlando

2019 Brings Major Improvements at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 22, 2018

My dad was a kid when we went to the moon. As a result, he has loved space flight and the idea of space exploration ever since. He passed that love on to me. I remember visiting Kennedy Space Center often during summer vacations to Central Florida. Now that my son is 3, I think it is high time for me to impart the same sense of wonder and love for all things space to him. A visit to Kennedy Space Center is in definitely order, and there has never been a better time!

If YOU are planning a visit to Kennedy Space Center in the future, 2019 is the year to do it! Human spaceflight will return to Cape Canaveral in 2019 and July marks the golden 50th anniversary of the Appollo 11 mission to the Moon that changed the course of history. To celebrate these events (and to accommodate the influx of visitors because of them) the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Center has received some major updates!

The adventure begins right away. A brand new entranceway sets the tone, creating a “sense of space.” The entrance design replicates the giant crawler-transporters that deliver rockets from the Vehicle Assembly Building to their launch pad. The stunning replica will ignite visitors’ excitement and curiosity and prepares visitors for a memorable visit.

Located via a new access road which is set off of Space Commerce Way, a new parking plaza will have six total lanes with two automatic pay stations and four attended lanes to make things easier.

The 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, will be the focal point of an exciting year at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and will come to life through the reimagining of the Apollo/Saturn V Center. A galaxy of wonder and exploration awaits guests at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, which is a stop on the KSC Bus Tour. The interactive exhibit and attraction focus on the Apollo Program from the days leading up to the first launch to the Moon landings that followed. A renovated “sense of arrival” will include revamped landscaping, thematic signage and more, setting a new tone for the experience. New exhibits, such as Moon Scape, will feature a Lunar Lander and augmented reality stations enabling guests to recreate the first steps to the Moon. And the focal point of the Apollo/Saturn V Center, a dramatically suspended Saturn V moon rocket, will be enhanced with projection mapping on its side, showing the iconic footage of the Moon landing. Other new experiences and interactive opportunities will allow guests to delve deeper into what many consider one of the most significant achievements of the 20th century.

New, space-themed food outlets are available at the visitor complex as well! The existing Milky Way ice cream shop will feature an out-of-this-world new façade, complete with a panorama of the galaxy and premium, hand-dipped ice cream. The new Red Rock Grill, featuring self-service ordering, will offer a smorgasbord of specialty hot dogs and french fries. Additionally, a new dining location will breath new life to a visitor favorite experience. Interacting with astronauts is one of the most exciting experiences many have at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (and an activity I sincerely hope to do someday). The opportunity to learn about their experiences first-hand is awe inspiring. Tonmake it even better, the popular program is being updated and refreshed for a new, more personalized guest experience and it will focus on the human elements and emotions of spaceflight. A new, themed location will add to the more intimate ambiance and create an environment more suited to the event. Following the program, each guest will have the opportunity to take an individual photo with the astronaut. Talk about a priceless keepsake!

Photo courtesy of Kennedy Space Center.