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Video! “Glow with the Show” Mouse Ears Debut at Fantasmic!

Published October 16, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Last night was the very first official night that guests were able to try the “Glow with the Show” Mouse Ears on Disney World property. “Glow with the Show” Mouse Ears illuminate in sync with the show! It is really a gorgeous and amazing thing to see – so instead of trying to explain it – here is an AWESOME video from the event. Video credit goes to the fantastic BigFatPanda.com

It was perfect timing because the Fantasmic show at Hollywood Stuios also celebrated it’s 15th anniversary – so debuting these ears was s a GREAT way to do it with a bang! The hats cost $25.00 including tax. They are improved over the California version but to me they were still pretty heavy and the strap was not super comfortable. This is just my opinion though. My reccomendation is if you know someone that has some – try them out before buying to see what you think! Soon the hats will debut at Magic Kingdom for the Wishes fireworks show – and during Celebrat the Magic – our castle projection show.  I can’t wait to see how guests will embrace this technology here in Florida as time goes on.

What do you think? Will you be buying a pair of these ears and giving them a try?

A First Look at the Disney Collection by Vera Bradley “Where’s Mickey?” Design

Published October 15, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Today Disney released a first look at the brand new Disney by Vera Bradley collection called “Where’s Mickey?” If you recall, back in August we predicted more Vera by Disney patterns would be released.

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Photo credit Disney

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Photo credit Disney

I am happy to announce that Steven Miller of the Disney Parks Blog informed us that the new “Where’s Mickey” pattern was release at the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney Marketplace on Tuesday, October 29th! I have seen photos on social networks of the bags in the stores already. No information yet on when the new pattern will be available to purchase on the Disney Store Online. It will be featured on several familiar and popular styles such as the hipster, backpack, large duffel, Smartphone wristlet and more. In addition to a future release at the World of Disney Store in Florida, the “Where’s Mickey?” color will also be available on Disney Parks online store and at select Disneyland Resort locations in the coming months.

Depending on what style you choose, most likely, measurements will be the same as the previous line . You can click either of the pictures below to see those numbers.

Vera Vera

In other exciting news, you can visit DisneyStore.com/VeraBradley starting October 21, 2013, to get the “Just Mousing Around” and “Midnight With Mickey” colors online!

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Cheshire Cafe Gourmet Cake Cups ~ Written by Guest Author Dawn Mathis Losch

Published October 15, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Cheshire Cafe Gourmet Cake Cups ~ Written by Guest Author Dawn Mathis Losch

**Update from Krista October 28, 2013: This treat is no longer being offered in the Magic Kingdom at this time. We hope they will bring it back one day!***

I just got back from one of my monthly trips to Disney, where I had to try the new Gourmet cupcake at the Cheshire cafe in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland.

The Cheshire cafe used to be the Enchanted Grove.  It has been updated with lots of pretty vines, and a pink striped smiling Cheshire cat on the sign. They sell cereals, muffins, fruit, slushies, and coffee now as well.

As soon as I saw the news about a new item being offered, I could not wait to try it. I am not a chocolate fan,so vanilla was the way to go.

The gourmet cupcakes are offered in a Chocolate coffee-ish flavor called Mad Hatter mocha, and Cheshire cupcake cake cup, which was vanilla.

It is a parfait looking dessert with layers of vanilla frosting, (lots of it), and vanilla cake. It is topped full of fun colored sprinkles.

You will definitely want to have your sweet tooth ready, because this is sure to kick it into overdrive.

I think the funnest thing about this dessert was the picture decoration on top.  It was totally edible, and it was neat to be eating a sugar picture.

Both the cupcake cups were reasonably priced at 4.19. I shared mine with my husband and daughter.

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Dawn Mathis Losch lives in New Port Richey Florida with her family. She is also a regular contributor to Addicted to Mickey, a community page about Disney.

New Disney Princesses to Appear in the Parks!

Published October 9, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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There is always room for more Disney princesses! It’s a good thing too, because more are coming very soon! Back in August, Laura wrote an awesome guest post all about the new Disney movie coming to theaters! The movie is simply called “Frozen.” We have also posted information and video about the new Frozen gallery that has been placed in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Now we have even more exciting news on this chilling topic!

The Disney parks blog has officially announced that Anna and Elsa from the movie will begin appearing in Epcot beginning in November. They have not stated a specific date but there are  RUMORS that they could appear as early as October 27th. However this is not official news, so just keep that in mind.

Frozen Logo

Photo credit Disney

In the comments section of the Disney Parks Blog Shawn Slater stated that these characters are “only expected to appear in Norway at Epcot through January 4, 2014.” History has shown however – that character meet and greets can be extended if the characters and movie are exceptionally popular.

Again, not official news, but  there is speculation that the we will be able to meet the new Princesses inside the Puffin’s Roost store. We do know for sure that they will be appearing at the Norway Pavilion at Epcot, along with a new gallery exhibit exploring how the culture and beauty of Norway-inspired the filmmakers in the creation of “Frozen.”. This gallery will be different than the one you can currently see at Hollywood Studios.
If you like the thought of seeing these princesses we have more good news. During the evenings this holiday season, a sequence celebrating “Frozen” will join “Celebrate the Magic,” the nighttime projection show that transforms Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. So what are your thoughts? Are you excited about the new movie? How do you feel about a new meet and greet with Elsa and Elsa?

Photo credit Disney

Photo credit Disney

What is it like to be immortalized on a Disney ride? Find out here!

Published October 6, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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What is it really like to hear your own voice coming back at you on a Disney ride? How about being immortalized on Disney attractions on BOTH costs? There is not a whole lot of people in the world who can answer this question from experience. Recently on the Disney Parks Podcast we were EXTREMELY fortunate and humbled to interview Mark Silverman. He is THE voice of Rod Serling on the Tower of Terror ride – on both coasts.

Check out the show and you will notice is that he is at TRUE Disney fan, in addition to being so amazingly talented and kind. Before recording, he revealed to me that when he was a kid, he actually collected water from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and kept it in a little bottle on his nightstand! As a child he also recorded all the voices and rides on cassettes – and played them as he fell asleep each night. During this episode of the Disney Parks Podcast, you will hear him recite the different lines from memory, in the voice of each respective character that it belongs to. Incredible! 

We were especially excited to be able to ask him what it really feels like to hear your own voice coming back at you while enjoying a Disney attraction in the parks.

In fact, we got to cover a LOT of fun stuff – including: 

  • How Mark got the job and what it was like on the day of the grand opening of the ride 
  • The story of how he actually fooled Silvester Stallone’s mother on the Larry King Show
  • The technique Mark used to really capture the voice of Rod Serling
  • The line Mark misses the most from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction
  • His take on what it is like to attend D23 as a Disney celebrity
  • Other voices he does in the parks – and for the Disney company in general

There is SO much more, you will just have to listen in to get it all!

You can catch this episode by visiting DisneyParksPodcast.com directly from your computer. Then just click “Listen Now!” From there, just 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. For more ways to listen, click here. Thank you for tuning in, and have a magical day!

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A Warm Hug and The Frozen Gallery

Published October 1, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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The Animation Gallery in the Magic of Disney Animation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios was recently updated with artwork from Disney’s “Frozen” The movie will be released in theaters on Thanksgiving, November 27th, 2013.  The display features lots of drawings and sketches of the characters from the movie. (There is a hug for you at the bottom of this post so be sure to scroll all the way down to find it!)

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Exclusive Video from BigFatPanda.com  

Disney’s Frozen Official Trailer 

Last but not least…click this link for a big HUG!

The People’s Choice Podcast Awards: Why and HOW to Nominate Us

Published October 1, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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At the Disney Parks Podcast, we appreciate you, as our friends and audience of listeners. We put our best efforts forward to entertain, provide information and help you plan and get the most out of your Disney vacation…just like we would for our own family. We hope you are enjoying the podcasts as much as we are enjoying recording them for you!

Last year the Disney Parks Podcast was very honored by your help and thoughtfulness, and received your nomination for the travel category of the podcast awards. Since then, I have been very fortunate to be invited as a co-host on the show, as well as to work behind the scenes. (My first episode was #42 on May 1, 2013.)

We have worked extra hard, and acquired some wonderful Disney celebrity interviews in the last few months. We have also brought you news sprinkled with ways to enhance your enjoyment of the Disney Parks. The work shows – and we believe this show has the potential to become one of your favorite Disney podcasts – if it’s not already!

If you agree, and would like to see the podcast get recognized for it’s achievements, we hope you will honor us by nominating the show once again in 2013 for the People’s Choice Podcast Awards.



It would mean SO much to us to win this award, but we can’t do it without your help, and it’s super easy for you to be a part!

Beginning October 1, 2013 please go to Podcast Awards and nominate the Disney Parks Podcast for “People’s Choice” or “Best Produced“ but most importantly, please also submit us for the “TRAVEL” category .




To nominate us you will need:

Podcast name – The Disney Parks Podcast
Podcast URL: http://disneyparkspodcast.com/
Your Name
Your Verifiable E-mail Address: Make sure your e-mail address is valid. They will use special validation techniques to check the validity of the account. No verification will be sent immediately!

A percentage (not all!) of the nominations will receive an e-mail several days after the nomination. If you get chosen and don’t verify, your nomination won’t count. 😦

Comments are critical so the reviewing team understands why we are deserving of being nominated to the category.

Here are some examples of what others have said:

It’s rare that I add a newer Disney Podcast to my library but just hearing one episode made it an easy add! The hosts are easy to listen to and have a wealth of Disney news and information!I now look forward to DPP each week in my iTunes feed! Keep ’em coming guys, you’re doing a great job!

I love the information they cover on the podcast. Really provide great insight. In my family we are big Disney people so this is helpful for all of our trips! Love the new format and looking forward to the guest interviews.

Great Job. Great way to keep up to date with the parks. Love the podcast!

Nominations will halt at 11:59PM Eastern on October 15, 2013.

To begin, just click on any of the Podcast Award banners (like the one below) or click HERE.

Thank you so much for your consideration!



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Disney Foods and Drinks You Should Put on Your Bucket List

Published September 28, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Tune in to the Disney Parks Podcast this week to check out our picks for the 100 Disney foods and drinks you should put on your bucket list! We welcome special guests Chip from Chip & Co.com and Sarah Norris of Gluten Free and Dairy Free at Walt Disney World!

Click HERE to learn more about our relationship with the Disney Parks Podcast!

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Click HERE to find out how YOU can win an autographed copy of Marty Sklar’s new book called Dream it! Do it!

Highlights of the interview include:

  • Zebra domes – they are not made from parts of real zebra
  • The names of all the ovens at Via Napoli (they are named after the 3 active volcanos in Italy!)
  • Are you still gluten free if the chicken you eat has gluten in it’s food…and what is turkey milk?
  • How to get a low-carb burger at Beaches and Cream
  • Your exclusive invitation to Sarah’s fireworks dessert party – and your opportunity to punch Chip in the face!
  • We close with some of Chip’s BEST Disney tips

By the way – my friend Wendy has an awesome site with over 100 ACTIVITIES you should have on your Disney bucket list! You can check out her site HERE.

Meetups Coming Soon!!

Published September 27, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Join us at the next Disney Parks Podcast meetup located at Epcot during

The International Food and Wine Festival!

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Goody bags and giveaways sponsored in part by:

Little Keiki Bou-Tiki

and

Mary Morales – Travel Agent with Glass Slipper Concierge 

Estimated times we will be at each location are listed below.

Join in for all the stops or just a few if you’d like!

The meetup will begin at the Belgium booth at 2pm

New Zealand 3pm

Florida Local 4pm

Hops & Barley 5 – 6pm

We will end up at the 6:45 show at the American Gardens Theater  to Night Ranger perform!

No RSVP required. Park admission, food and wine is on you.

We always have a lot of fun – and it’s a great way to meet other Disney fans and make new Disney friends!

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Get up to the minute information on this event and more by following us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Saturday November 23rd come and join us as we set sail around Bay Lake and visit all the lounges along the way.

Blue Launch watercraft transportation ends at 11:30pm but route may vary depending on demand.
Times and places are subject to change due to weather and other factors:

We will begin at the TerriTONY Lounge (also known as the Territory Lounge in Wilderness Lodge!) 4PM – 5PM

We will then sail to Ft. Wilderness! Time permitting, we will head to Crockett’s Tavern in Ft Wilderness and from there – we will catch the bus to the Chip ‘n Dale meet and greet at the campfire sing-a-long.
(Fire lighting is at 6:30 with the sing-a-long starting at 7pm-7:30pm)
We will then sail to the Contemporary Resort to enjoy The Wave Lounge, and then board the boat back to the Wilderness Lodge some time before 11:30pm (The Wave Lounge closes at midnight.)

No park admission necessary, but drinks and food are on you.

Fun and games and other wild things we can think of can be enjoyed by all.

We are looking for individuals and small businesses to sponsor giveaways, s’mores supplies, and goody bags for this event!

Please contact me for information!

We hope you will join us at one or both of these events so we can meet you!!

Get up to the minute information on this event and more by following us on Facebook and Twitter!

 

The Disney, The Dreamers, and Me

Published September 27, 2013 by Disneyways.com

It seemed like we talked about it for a year – but the date of the Disney Dreamer facebook group meetup (2013) finally arrived. It was a HOT September day…I had a crazy morning before I left the house…and some plans with my family that evening. I was very thankful to be able to work it out so that I could still visit with the Disney Dreamers that afternoon as planned!

This video has some crazy music that will begin as soon as you hit play. I am new at the whole video thing so please don’t judge!! 🙂

Lots of ladies and a few gentlemen showed up for the occasion. What a wonderful treat to see some of these girls from the group who I have known since the early days of the blog. Samantha, and Tamara  who have even been guest authors, and sweet Krista…my partner on the Princess facebook page! (Sorry I can’t name everyone, but you guys know who you are! ;))

In addition – there were about a couple of dozen new friends there – including Aunesty (of TemporaryTourist fame!), and I always enjoy hanging out with the local Disney Dreamers too!

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My worst and only “problem” that afternoon was wondering if we would all get soaked riding those new boats that Disney had placed in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction…(I think the majority of us stayed pretty dry by the way.)

Aren’t Disney meetups just the greatest?! Have you enjoyed some magical gatherings at the parks? What are some of your memories of those times? Please leave them in the comments section below!

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