Creating a first-of-its kind attraction that would combine unique aerospace technology with classic Disney storytelling presented a world of technical challenges to Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative development and design arm of the Disney theme parks. Specifically, how would Imagineers use technology to create a realistic experience of rocketing to Mars? The answers are found in technical know-how and innovation, research and consultation with space professionals, and a dramatic storyline inviting guests to explore a new world.

The power of a wish combines with magical moments from cherished Disney films and dazzling pyrotechnic effects to create “Wishes,” the biggest, boldest fireworks show ever presented for Magic Kingdom guests at Walt Disney World Resort.

The American Adventure, the flagship pavilion of Epcot World Showcase, celebrates the spirit of America’s history and diversity. The pavilion is home to the American Adventure show, housed inside a 108,000-square-foot Georgian-style mansion. In the dramatic 29-minute presentation, one of the most elaborate ever created using Audio-Animatronics figures, hosts Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain take guests on a journey into the birth of a new nation and the resulting spirit of its creation.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Hang on to your hats, cowboys (and cowgirls), aboard this runaway train through the Old West on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Walt Disney World Resort. The landmark attraction in the heart of Frontierland transports Magic Kingdom guests on a harrowing journey through an abandoned gold mine, with red stone slopes, mysterious caverns, spiraling buttes and fun-filled adventures along the way.

With the launch of the groundbreaking “Turtle Talk With Crush” attraction at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney has established yet another theme park landmark in keeping with Walt Disney’s simple philosophy, “I believe in being an innovator.”

Through a rich combination of storytelling, guest service, imagination and complex engineering born out of years of research and development, Disney’s resorts around the world have become synonymous with cutting-edge achievements in themed entertainment since Disneyland opened in 1955.

Happy haunts — 999 to be exact — welcome ghoulish-loving guests to The Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World Resort with a doom buggy-full of tricks and treats in the eerie gothic manor.

Operating hours for Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks and other major venues are available online at disneyworld.com. Click here to check operating hours (will open a new browser window). Park hours, events and entertainment times are subject to change without notice.

During a 43-year Hollywood career, which spanned the development of the motion picture medium as a modern American art, Walter Elias Disney, a modern Aesop, established himself and his product as a genuine part of Americana. David Low, the late British political cartoonist, called Disney

  EPCOT FACT SHEET Excitement of discovery: Walt Disney envisioned a showcase for innovation. A place where people could experience the cutting edge of technology. A place celebrating human achievement. The embryo of an idea grew to become Epcot, the Disney discovery park — 305 acres of attractions, shows, interactive presentations, dining, shopping and architectural …

Dancing flames, cascading fountains and eye-popping fireworks synchronized to a dramatic musical score light the skies and decorate the lagoon of Epcot World Showcase during