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Home Authors Posts by George Taylor

George Taylor

George Taylor
24 POSTS 27 COMMENTS
George has been obsessed with Disney theme parks since the first time he saw a photo of the Haunted Mansion in the early 70s. He started writing about Disney in 2007 and has amassed one of the world's largest Disney-related libraries.
Yes, dear reader, Busch Gardens Tampa (1959) and Busch Gardens Williamsburg (1975) were not the only Busch Gardens theme parks. In fact, the Tampa location was not the first park built by the Anheuser Busch Company. Have you heard of... Busch...
Did you know that the first looping roller coaster in America was shut down because of whiplash and snapped necks? And the grandaddy of American coasters reached an incredible 50 miles per hour (almost 50 years before the automobile...
Disney fans and theme park historians (like me!) always love seeing photos of their favorite theme parks in the early days of construction. I recently came across a collection of rare photos of the building process of the Magic...
Disney has always taken the time to document their projects, whether it's animation, film or theme parks. I recently ran across a treasure trove of photos from the development and construction of the Walt Disney World Resort. I have...
Amusement parks and theme parks didn't start in 1955 with the opening of Disneyland. And contrary to popular belief, they didn't even start back in the 1890s at Coney Island. Their history is long and winding, much more than...
Let's take the plunge into the history of water rides! Have you ever wondered how the earliest boat rides evolved into classics like Splash Mountain and it's a small world? Attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean didn't just spring up overnight....
Here's something to roar about. Animal Kingdom is joining in the holiday festivities at Walt Disney World this year. There are new decorations, fantastic character meet and greets, and even a holiday version of the Tree of Light Awakenings...
Did you know that the first amusement park rides were used as training simulators for soldiers! Read on to find out more... So, just what constitutes a flat ride? In a previous column, I shared a video about the history of...
West Center Street at the Magic Kingdom has been gone from Main Street since 2001 when the Emporium expanded. East Center Street still exists as a quiet reprieve from a busy area of the park. There are peaceful alcoves...
The History of Dark Rides When you think about visiting a Disney Park and enjoying your favorite attraction, is it Pirates of the Caribbean? The Haunted Mansion? Small World? Spaceship Earth? Many of the classic and well-loved Disney attractions all have...
When people plan their Disney World vacations, they usually center around two things: Flight of the Banshee fastpasses and/or their favorite character dining experience. With over 35 different character meals across Walt Disney World, there are many to choose...
For years after the announcement, the press, public, government officials and cast members all hounded Disney CEO Donn Tatum and President Card Walker about EPCOT Center. Where was it? When would it be built? When could people move into Walt's...
If you're visiting Central Florida any time soon, then you need to experience one of the best new attractions and one of the best roller coasters in Orlando. Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure opened on June 13 at Universal's Islands...
I've been a Central Florida resident for a full year and I own annual passes to the Disney parks, both Universal Orlando parks, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens Tampa and Fun Spot America. Obviously, my weekends are full of theme parks...
Do you remember the World Cruise at Walt Disney World? How about the Moonlight Cruise? No, these weren't boat trips around the World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT Center. They were special cruises you could take on authentic steamships on the...
If you're looking for something to keep you busy while you wait for Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure to open for the day at Universal's Islands of Adventure, I've got the perfect thing for you. One of my favorite things...
Busch Gardens Tampa is a short road trip from the Magic Kingdom. It's a classic theme park rich with history, animals and world-class roller coasters! But it's the animal-related activities that really impress me. From feedings to animal health...
The Last Standing Magic Kingdom Ticket Booth! You've heard the phrase, "That was an E-Ticket ride", right? Before Disneyland, most amusement parks offered free admission and you paid for each ride. In most cases, the ride operator rented space from the...
I've got some amazing photographs from the opening months of the Magic Kingdom in 1971. Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World were a new thing to Floridians, who made up most of the visitors until the 1972 summer season. Most...
Punch it, Chewie! Those of you on the West Coast have been reveling in the opening of your new Star Wars land at the Disneyland Resort. It has been excruciating for those of us on Disney's other coast to wait...