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UCF Football Team to Appear in Special Mini-Parade at Magic Kingdom

Published January 8, 2014 by Disneyways.com

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In honor of the University of Central Florida football team’s historic 52-42 win over Baylor at the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, members of the team will appear in a special mini-parade at Magic Kingdom Park. The event is planned for Sunday, January 12, at 2 p.m., stepping off from Frontierland and heading toward Main Street, U.S.A.

Due to this event, several Entertainment offerings have been updated as follows:

  •  Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party: 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 4:20 p.m.
  •  Main Street Trolley Show: 9:15 a.m., 10:10 a.m., 12:10 p.m., 1:05 p.m.
  •  Dream Along With Mickey: 2:20 p.m. show cancelled
  •  Frontierland Hoedown: 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:25 p.m., 4:15 p.m.

Disney-Inspired New Year’s Resolutions

Published January 1, 2014 by Disneyways.com

Happy New Year! Everybody is resolving to become kinder, smarter, healthier, and happier in the New Year. If you’re still looking for your resolution, look no further. Here are some perfectly magical ideas to better yourself in 2014 – brought to you by Disney:

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Grateful

Published December 27, 2013 by Disneyways.com

I was what you might call a “surprise” Christmas baby. Born on December 26th – my Mom said I was her “Christmas Joy” so she named me Krista Joy. She always went out of her way to make sure my birthday was special and totally separate from Christmas. This year was no different. December 14th, 2013 I arrived at her house to meet with everyone for family portrait day. After a few hundred pictures or so family portraits – this amazing group of people totally surprised me with a cake, presents and a song! To say I was surprised is an understatement. THANK YOU to all my wonderful friends and family for your birthday wishes.

The day of my actual birthday I was overwhelmed by about 175 birthday messages on facebook. I love you all…and thank you for filling up my facebook wall with such sweet messages. I can’t begin to tell you how touched I am that so many of you wonderful people took time out of your day to leave me a note.  My day was so much more brighter knowing that you’re all a part of it.

I am so very GRATEFUL for each of you.

 

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #85 – An Interview With Jim Korkis Part 1

Published December 11, 2013 by Disneyways.com

I have listened to Jim Korkis speak on many of my favorite podcasts for years, and maybe you have too. I remember seeing Jim at an event at Disney – and just flipping out that I actually got to see him in person! Never in a million years did I dream I would one day be able to speak with him myself. Jim is someone that you can talk to for 5 minutes, and he makes you feel like you have been friends forever. When Jim and I first began communicating – I immediately began teasing and bragging to my friends that “Jim Korkis is my new BFF!”

I am nothing special though, I think he makes most everyone feel that way.

Many of us recognize Jim Korkis as an internationally respected Disney Historian who has written hundreds of articles about all things Disney for over three decades. He is also an award-winning teacher, a professional actor and magician, and the author of several books. For those interested in reading more about Jim Korkis’ “Vault of Walt: Volume 2”, including an excerpt from the book, please click HERE.


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In the sequel to his best-selling Vault of Walt, Disney historian Jim Korkis returns to the Vault and brings back 28 more behind-the-scenes stories about Disney films, Disney parks, and Walt himself. We were VERY fortunate to get to interview Jim about his new book The Vault of Walt Volume 2! I have enjoyed this book so much and the podcast team and I wanted you to know more about why you need to buy this for your collection!! We are going to talk with Jim about Mickey Mouse’s birthday and some other fun stuff too. Jim is not afraid to give you the real story – and the whole story – so get ready for some GREAT information! Just a few of the of the highlights include:

  • Jim reveals how luxurious our podcast studio really is — complete with milkshake machine and foot massages! (HA!!)
  • What makes this volume of Vault of Walt different than the first
  • How you can help insure there is a Vault of Walt 3
  • What is Disneylandia?
  • Where can you see a model built by Walt himself inside Disney World?
  • How Walt’s housekeeper died a millionairess….

Here are some ways to tune in:

You can catch Jim’s episode by visiting DisneyParksPodcast.com directly from your computer. Look for the small grey circle with the sideways white triangle inside. Click on that circle and make sure your speakers are on. The show will begin immediately.

We are so very grateful to Jim for coming on the show! He was extremely generous with his time, and to our delight, this interview is only the first of two parts! Please head over to iTunes and subscribe so you can be one of the first people to hear Part 2!

Free Printable: Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?

Published December 10, 2013 by Disneyways.com

It almost always feels like summer here in Orlando. But, do you want to build a Snowman? Here is a printable Olaf that you can keep with you, even when it’s warm out!

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Anna, me, and Elsa at Epcot. I am totally obsessed…

CLICK THE PHOTO BELOW TO ENLARGE AND PRINT!

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Video Update! 7 Dwarfs Mine Train Coaster

Published December 9, 2013 by Disneyways.com

My friend John over at BigFatPanda.com published a really cool video update of the progress of construction on the 7 Dwarfs Mine Train Coaster that is located right in the middle of New Fantasyland in Walt Disney World.

Seemingly overnight, there has been an addition of a few scenic elements that we will encounter at the top of the mine train’s first lift. When mine cars pull out of the load area, they will go up the track to the top of the mountain, where a crane sits – with two familiar vultures perched on top! These vultures originally appeared in Orlando’s original Snow White’s Scary Adventures attraction. This is the last stop before the mine train’s cars plunge into a mine shaft. Weeee!!

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Official word from Disney:

“The lovable world of Sleepy, Doc, Grumpy, Bashful, Sneezy, Happy and Dopey comes to life in spring 2014 when the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train takes New Fantasyland guests on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” Inspired by the 1937 Disney animated film classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the fun starts as guests cross a stone bridge and walk through a beautiful forest with the Dwarfs’ cottage in the distance, leading to the entrance to the attraction — and immersion into the endearing story of the radiant and kindhearted Snow White and her forest friends led by the lovable Dwarfs.
After passing through an interactive pre-show area with fun activities themed to mining, guests will proceed to the mine train. Just like the iconic movie, surprises are in store! The family-style coaster will feature first-of-its-kind ride vehicles mounted in cradle-like pivots that allow the vehicles to swing back and forth during the ride. Adding to the fun, the journey will be accompanied by beloved music from the film classic and there’s a cast of animated figures of Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs and playful forest critters.”

Check out John’s video below! 

Disney Inspired Jewelry at a NEW Discount for Christmas

Published December 7, 2013 by Disneyways.com

I got a note from Julie this week and have posted it for you over on this page! Be sure to check it out if you are looking for something special this Christmas for that Disney lover in your life! Have a magical weekend!

Julie

Tokyo Disneyland Exclusive: The Magical Dreamlight Wand

Published December 6, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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All of these photos came directly from Trish our Tokyo Disney correspondent! Here’s what she had to say:

“During Episode 80 of the podcast Tony wondered why Tokyo Disneyland uses the Magical Dreamlight Wand instead of the Glow with the Show Ears. There are two reasons that I can think of, with the first being that the person who purchased the wand can actually enjoy seeing the wand as it changes colors along with the show. The second reason has to do with the show viewing rules and courtesy to others. Before the show starts there is always an announcement asking guests to remove large hats and head bands so as not to block the view of others.”

In an effort to fulfill our mission of bringing you Disney news from around the globe – The Disney Parks Podcast is super excited to introduce a new segment to the news each week that will get you up to the minute on what’s new at Tokyo Disney Resort AND Tokyo Disney Sea! Because many of us may never get to visit the park in person, we are delighted to bring just a little bit of this amazing park to YOU!

Our wonderful Disney Parks Podcast Correspondent Trish – is an American girl living minutes away from Tokyo Disney Resort. She enjoys going by bicycle when the weather is nice! Having grown up in Florida and going to WDW each year of course she loves going to Disney Parks! Trish hopes everyone enjoys her updates from Tokyo Disney Resort and that they will inspire people to visit! For photo updates from the resort please check out Trish’s twitter account @DreamSweetsLove – and we will also be posting links to her periodically on all the Disney Parks Podcast media outlets! Thank you Trish for these amazing photos!

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Joanne’s Stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite

Published December 4, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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There is only one hotel room INSIDE all of The Magic Kingdom…the Cinderella Castle Suite. The Cinderella Castle Suite has become the dream experience for a few very lucky Disney fans and celebrities. In just a few short years, it has attained the cult-like status of exclusive Club 33 restaurant or Walt’s Apartment in Disneyland, and rightfully so, as it’s arguably more exclusive than either of those locations. Recently we had a very special guest on our show who was able to stay in the castle suite during the month of September 2013 and we know you will be super excited to hear about her experience just like we are! Click the photo below to be taken to this episode of the Disney Parks Podcast! Our thanks to Joanne for this wonderful interview!

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Baby Sinclair, Pregnant Polar Bears and More on this Holiday Theme Park Round-up

Published December 3, 2013 by Disneyways.com

The Orlando Water Hole podcast is a local favorite. You can always count on the podcast’s wonderful host, Ben, to keep you up to date on what’s going on here in the town where Mickey Mouse lives. I was super excited to be included along with Maureen from AutismAtTheParks.com and Kellie from SeaWorldMommy.com to come on to the show and talk about holiday highlights at all of your favorite Orlando theme parks. It was such an honor to be included in this esteemed panel!

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Ben was a terrific host, as always and he kept the show at right around 30 minutes. As a podcaster this is no easy task, especially with 4 guests on the show at once! I hope you’ll tune in and find the show helpful if you are a local or a tourist who wants to come spend some time in the parks this holiday season! You can catch the show by clicking HERE.

Highlights include:

  • Who is selling Hot Toddies… Mmmmm
  • Where you can find a giant hippo as a holiday icon!
  • New enhancements to classic Disney attractions.
  • The connection beagles have to polar bears.
  • Where in Orlando you can find Baby Sinclair.
  • Where you can hear the festive sounds of Mannheim Steamroller live!
  • Favorite holiday events outside the theme parks!