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8 Royal Babies of Disney

Published July 22, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Disney Royal Babies are so fun! Let’s take a walk down memory lane and reminisce about 8 of our favorite Disney monarchs in their younger days.

Let’s begin with beautiful little Tiana as a toddler!

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She was not a Princess quite yet in this photo – but with her paper crown and a wish on a star – she was well on her way!

Bless my soul – Herc still had his (baby) rolls!

Hercules
Hercules was a demigod in Ancient Greece, pretty close to being a royal – right? Besides…this photo of little baby Herc is just so cute!

Bambi

sword and the stone

Bambi’s dad was called the”great prince” of the forest. Here is Bambi as a fawn – just about ready to begin walking in his Dad’s royal footsteps!

Tarzan

Tarzan

He would grow up to be the king of the jungle!

Health to the Princess Aurora!

Aurora

Princess Aurora was born to a King and Queen, betrothed, eventually married to her Prince! The whole kingdom arrived when she was born – she’s (kind of) a big deal don’t you think?

Simba and Nala

Simba

Shown here as a cuddly little lion cub – he just couldn’t WAIT to be king! Already hanging out with his beautiful future queen – baby Nala!

Little Merida!

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Already beautiful with her sassy big hair – here is marvelous Merida! Officially coronated in 2013 – she is certainly a Princess known for being the most gifted sports – like in archery!

Rapunzel!

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Despite being kidnapped as a baby, Punzy still managed to grow in grace and was always a princess at heart.

All photos are credit Disney including the awesome one below! Can you name some Royal Babies of Disney that we might have missed?

 

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Video! Long-Lost Friends Week

Published July 21, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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Disney Parks asked everyone to vote on their favorite characters to bring back for Long-Lost Friends week (July 15-21) as part of the Limited Time Magic promotion in 2013. The chosen characters were then available for meet and greets

I really enjoyed this 3 minute video from John Saccheri of BigFatPanda.com – and I just had to share it with you! You may recall we had him as a guest on The Disney Parks Podcast recently –  and as you can tell – he is just as much fun in person! This video also features the fabulous Shelley Caran from OnTheGoinMCO.com – and I think you’ll agree that these two make a great on-camera team!

I love that it is a real video from a real person- with no corporate filtering. It gives you an idea of what it was like to be there, including noise from the crowd surrounding the characters. Even better – it made me crack up laughing, and I hope it does the same for you! Follow BigFatPanda.com on YouTube for more great videos!

World Secrets – Zebra Domes! Are They Made of Zebras?

Published July 20, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Maybe you’ve heard of the iconic Dole Whip or maybe even the lesser known

School Bread?

The Disney parks aren’t the only place you can find iconic food items. Inside the fabulous Animal Kingdom Lodge you can find Zebra Domes – a culinary hidden gem – and possibly one of the best kept World Secrets at Disney! Some guests love Zebra Domes, and some don’t. I am one who adores these little striped treasures –  so get ready for a completely biased Zebra Dome blog post!

Despite what the name suggests, they do NOT contain bits of real zebra.

They get their name due to their striped appearance.

Zebra Dome

The main ingredients are actually espresso, heavy cream, and Kahlua. I am not usually a fan of strong coffee flavors and I don’t drink coffee at all. Zebra Domes, however, contain just a hint – and it is not over powering. They require refrigeration because they are so soft and smooth. They are not made of ice cream –  but beware –  they will melt in the heat. I tried to bring some home for my husband and they did not survive the 40 minute drive.

Zebra Dome

See the little thin layer of cake on the bottom? Mmmm….

Zebra Domes are always on the buffet menu over at Boma. No time to make a dining reservation? No problem! Just head on over to The Mara – where they are packaged in little clear boxes as a grab and go item! Bite sized pieces of heaven in a little box of 5 for $3.69 or a snack credit?! Yes please. I would like a herd of them…but once I am done they will surely be extinct. 

Can we head over to the Animal Kingdom Lodge right now? 

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So what team are you on? Do you love Zebra Domes or maybe not so much? If you haven’t given them a try yet, now you know the secret!

I hope you will find inspiration to trot over and grab some for yourself…and please let me know what you think!

17 Free and Cheap Souvenirs at Disney!

Published July 19, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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It took some searching…but we found 17 free and cheap souvenirs that you can get on property at Disney! Prices and availability are subject to change.

Here they are in no particular order:

FREE: Character drawings from Animation Studios 

FREE: Downtown Disney LEGO store offers mini models for free once a month! Check HERE for monthly dates.

FREE: Resort soap and shampoo included in the price of your room, so it’s like a gift with purchase! The scents will reminded of the resorts long after you get home.

FREE and CHEAP: Pens, pencils and small notepads are sometimes left in the resort room for you as a guest. You can also buy certain pencils in the parks for just $1.00 each!

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FREE: Celebration Pins – just ask for them at Guest Services. Some people get crafty and even make them into magnets after the return home.

FREE: Park maps

CHEAP: Antenna Toppers are 2 for $8. Bonus: they help you find your car in the parking lot. Even if you don’t have an antenna or a car these can be fun!

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CHEAP: Disney collector packs are 3 for $15.

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CHEAP: Magnets for your fridge or your metal desk at work – some are available for just $4.95.

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CHEAP: Shot glasses. You can get one from each country in Epcot and start a collection.

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CHEAP: Recyclable tote bags.

FREE: Kidcot stations are free! Kids can color and make some arts and crafts that they can take with them for FREE

CHEAP: Inside the Land Pavilion at Epcot, they sell little plants that are actually generated in the Living with the Land laboratories.

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CHEAP: Disney character dangles – another great way to bring something inexpensive home for the entire family!

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CHEAP: Keychains

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CHEAP: Pressed quarters pressed pennies!! We have so much great info on those – they get their own post – coming soon! What are some cheap and free souvenirs that you have found at Disney? Leave me a note in the comments below!

Update! Everything You Want to Know About Epcot’s Candlelight Processional 2013

Published July 17, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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When it comes to Candlelight, you have to plan ahead! There is a good, better, and best way to enjoy Candlelight. That’s why we’ve got everything you want to know about it for you here – and you can decide what works for you.

Epcot’s Candlelight Processional is  a Disney tradition now in its 43rd year! It is absolutely a must-do included in our top 5 ways to get in the Christmas spirit at Epcot! Candlelight Processional is a moving presentation of the Christmas story in readings by a celebrity narrator and music by a Mass choir and 50-piece orchestra. This event takes place in the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase in Epcot. It is an outdoor (uncovered, not climate controlled) setting and is not cancelled due to inclement weather. It is recommended that you dress accordingly – some years we actually need to wear our warm coats!

The Processionals begin on November 29, 2013, and runs every evening until December 30.

Shows are approximately 40 minutes. Each evening there are three shows — the times are 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.

2013 Tentative Narrator Schedule

Neil Patrick Harris

The tentative schedule of those who will appear as narrators for performances of Epcot’s 2013 Candlelight Processional, the annual retelling of the story of Christmas that features a mass choir and a full orchestra (subject to change):

Gary Sinise November 29 to December 1, 2013

Neil Patrick Harris December 2 to December 3, 2013

Ashley Judd – NEW! December 4 to December 5

Whoopi Goldberg December 6 to December 7, 2013

Sigourney Weaver – NEW! December 8 to December 10, 2013

Dennis Haysbert – NEW! December 11 to December 13, 2013

James Denton December 14 to December 16, 2013

Edward James Olmos December 17 to December 19, 2013

Trace Adkins December 20 to December 22, 2013

Steven Curtis Chapman December 23 to December 25, 2013

Blair Underwood December 26 to December 28, 2013

Amy Grant December 29 to December 30, 2013

There is no charge to see the Candlelight Processional (show) – it is included in your admission to Epcot. There is, however, a dinner package available for purchase. The Candlelight package includes a ticket to a guaranteed reserved seating SECTION for the Candlelight Processional (show) at American Gardens Theater  –  lunch or dinner at a select Epcot restaurant, and pre-arranged fireworks viewing.

Previously a mystery to most of us – YOU CAN NOW JUST CLICK HERE TO GET AN IDEA OF YOUR DINING TIME FOR EACH SHOW!

To book call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) or visit HERE. Be prepared to hold your package in advance with a valid credit card number. You don’t have to pay for your dinner package until you arrive at the location.

Again, you do not get a reserved seat at the show with the package – you get to sit in the reserved section. The reserved section is front and center, behind any VIP seating. Within the reserved section, seating is on a first come, first serve basis, so if you want your choice of seats, you should still arrive 30-45 minutes early.  

Seating without the dinner package is on a first come, first serve basis for each show. This means lining up 45 minutes (longer as you are closer to Christmas) before show time. 15 minutes prior to the show, seating is then opened up to those who are standing in line. Also, keep in mind if you wait in line for the 2nd or 3rd show of the night, that you will be hearing the show before yours as it is performed.

Don’t want to stand in line? You can always stroll by the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase to listen to the music and wonders of Christmas with out any sort of planning ahead.

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The Candlelight Dinner Package includes a great meal (there is a link to the menus below) – and here’s what every meal includes – no matter where you eat: 

• Appetizer • Entree • Dessert • Non-alcoholic beverage (OR one full buffet where applicable!)

If you don’t have a dining plan – here are your prices per person for the meal included in the package (pricing etc. is credit wdwinfo.com):

*Price includes tax, but not gratuity and are subject to change.*

Biergarten – Germany

  • Lunch: $35.14 (Adult)  $19.16 (Child)
  • Dinner: $55.37 (Adult)  $28.75 (Child)

Chefs de France – France  

  • Lunch: $59.63 (Adult)  $15.97 (Child)
  • Dinner: $74.54 (Adult)  $21.29 (Child)

Coral Reef– The Living Seas

  • Lunch: $57.50 (Adult)  $14.90 (Child)
  • Dinner: $69.22 (Adult)  $19.16 (Child)

Garden Grill – The Land

  • Dinner: $57.50 (Adult)  $29.81 (Child)  

La Hacienda de San Angel – Mexico

  • Dinner: $69.74 (Adult)  $17.58 (Child)

Nine Dragons Restaurant – China

  • Lunch: $41.53 (Adult)  $13.84 (Child)
  • Dinner: $53.74 (Adult)  $18.10 (Child)

Restaurant Marrakesh – Morocco

  • Lunch: $42.59 (Adult)  $14.90 (Child)
  • Dinner: $53.24 (Adult)  $18.10 (Child)

Rose and Crown – UK

  • Lunch: $46.85 (Adult)  $13.84 (Child)
  • Dinner: $59.63 (Adult)  $19.16 (Child)

San Angel Inn – Mexico

  • Lunch: $51.98 (Adult)  $15.18 (Child)
  • Dinner: $65.82 (Adult)  $17.58 (Child)

Teppan Edo – Japan  

  • Lunch: $63.89 (Adult)  $17.03 (Child)
  • Dinner: $74.54 (Adult)  $20.23 (Child)

Tokyo Dining – Japan  

  • Lunch: $63.89 (Adult)  $17.03 (Child)
  • Dinner: $74.54 (Adult)  $20.23 (Child)

Tutto Italia – Italy

  • Lunch: $58.57 (Adult)  $15.97 (Child)
  • Dinner: $71.35 (Adult)  $10.23 (Child)

Via Napoli – Italy

  • Lunch: $43.66 (Adult)  $14.90 (Child)
  • Dinner: $56.44 (Adult)  $19.16 (Child)

Here’s a tip: If you are already planning to dine at one of the restaurants in the package, take a look at the menus from around the World – and see if the price of a ticket works out better for you.

If you have a Disney Dining Plan – it will be accepted as follows: 

Magic Your Way Plus Dine – 2 TSR entitlements
Magic Your Way Plus Deluxe Dine – 2 TSR entitlements
Magic Your Way Quick Service Dine – Not eligible
Magic Your Way Premium Package
Magic Your Way Platinum Package

Christmas at Epcot

Guests are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes early to their dining reservation to check–in. Guests will receive Candlelight Seating badges at the restaurant for guaranteed seating at the America Gardens Theatre for the booked show time and for viewing of IllumiNations: Reflection of Earth (Epcot fireworks).

Click here to check out a FREE Disney holiday activity – seeing all the resort decorations!

AJ from the Disney Food Blog Answers Your Questions!

Published July 16, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Don’t you just love the subject of Disney FOOD? Most Disney fans who love Disney food are familiar with the fabulous AJ Wolfe and her fantastic website, DisneyFoodBlog.com.

AJ

A few moths ago, AJ graciously agreed to do an interview with us. Right away I sent out a call to action for you guys – all my friends and  readers here at Disneyways – and asked you to send in YOUR questions for AJ. Thank you so much to everyone who responded!

AJ recently sent me an email with all the answers to your awesome questions and she really made my day. I am so grateful to her for taking time out of her busy schedule to respond to us. I can not thank her enough! Please be sure to write to her on twitter, facebook, and visit her site often – I know she would love to hear from you! Also, don’t forget to check out the latest versions of all of AJ’s guides to Disney food! Without further adieu – here is our Q&A with AJ Wolfe.

1. John from Atlanta: What classic MK snack do you think needs a makeover?

It’s not so much a makeover, but I would love it if Walt Disney World would bring the same great garnishes to their Dole Whip floats that Disneyland currently uses. There’s something magical about a little umbrella and a cherry!

2. Heidi S. from McAlisterville, PA: I’m set in my ways and get a Dole Whip Float on every visit to the Magic Kingdom. However, I need to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. What do you recommend?

Have you tried the Citrus Swirl? It’s a great nod to Disney tradition as well, and has recently returned to the parks in its original form. A twisted combination of frozen orange juice and vanilla soft serve, you can even get this delicious treat as a float as well!

Citrus-Swirl1

3.DisneyPirate Dave from Treasure Island FL:
Is there any information in the book for people with special dietary needs like diabetes, allergies, vegan, or other?

Absolutely! We at Disney Food Blog know it’s extremely important that guests with special dietary needs are able to access the information they need to have an enjoyable visit, so we have included an extensive section in The Disney Food Blog Guide to Walt Disney World Dining on special dietary needs. It’s chock full of tips, links, and resources that you can use to plan ahead, or while you’re on the go, to ensure a safe eating experience.

4. Samantha J. from Niagara Falls, Canada:
I always thought Disney could make a ton (like they need it!) and save their guests a lot by having a PARK refillable mug, what are your thoughts on this?

I’m up for anything that makes the Disney dining experience more enjoyable! That have been rumors that Disney was testing Park Mugs, but as of this date, we haven’t seen them come to fruition.

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5. Sarah N. from Sarasota FL:What is your best cost-effective snack tip (or best suggested item to use use DDPP snack credits on)? What do you consider the most decadent snack to be? What’s the most expensive snack you’ve seen?

My best cost effective tip would be this: don’t ever leave with unused snack credits! If you find yourself with leftover snack credits on the day you’re to leave, visit one of the confectioneries or gift shops that sell items you can take with you, and use your snack purchase to buy these edible souvenirs. Not using every last credit would be a shame!

I think, hands down, the myriad of ginormous Disney cupcakes available for a snack credit would have to win my vote for most decadent snack. They’re huge, and easily shareable between a couple of people. But the new salted caramel ganache at the Boardwalk Bakery is a close second!

The most expensive snacks are usually associated with the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. They regularly feature several of the higher-priced items for a snack credit. Last year, for instance, you could get lobster for a steal! That’s also another tip that I like to give readers: if you’ll be in Walt Disney World for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which takes place September 27 — November 12, be sure to save your snack credits for a trip to the World Showcase Marketplace Booths!

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6. You must know so much about Disney food already, but was there anything new that you learned while writing this book?

There is always something new to learn about Disney food! They are constantly trying new things, and experimenting with what works and what doesn’t. I think the biggest news this year will be how My Magic + will continue to impact the way that we go about making advance dining reservations. I see the potential for that to be a real game changer for how guests weave dining into their Disney experience.

7. Are you currently working on any new projects or books?

Always! We have just released our very first DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks, and it’s already a big hit! We are currently putting the final touches on our DFB Guide to the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which is available for pre-order (and includes the 2012 guide for free). Other books in the works are an updated guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays (which also includes the 2012 guide for free). Finally, we are continuing work on additions that focus on Disneyland Parks, and Dining with Kids in Disney World as well.

8. What is the next snack you plan on enjoying when you go to Magic Kingdom?

It might depend on cravings at the time, but I’d say there’s a better than good chance I’ll enjoy an ice cream cookie sandwich from Sleepy Hollow Refreshments! No trip would be complete without one!

9. How long will the new guide to snacks be available?

For the forseeable future! We take great pride in making sure that the information in the books is current and relevant, so we release new versions annually.

10. I know we all have, or will have our own reasons for loving the book. But what do you think makes your book the very best out there and who do you think will benefit most from it?

In a nutshell, there is no other Disney guide out there that provides a complete look at all things related to Disney food, but that doesn’t stop us from creating the BEST books we can. We have the knowledge and we have done the research to bring you the most comprehensive and truly useful guides to Disney dining possible, and our books are a fantastic resource for planning a vacation at Walt Disney World. We’re constantly dreaming up new ways to make our next versions even better than the previous ones.

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Click here to browse all the latest e-guides that the Disney Food Blog has available to help you plan YOUR dining experiences on your next trip to Disney!

Tips for Keeping your Valuables Safe During your Disney Vacation ~ By Tamara Botzum

Published July 12, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Safety First ~ A Guest Post by Tamra Botzum

  Upon hearing of the struggles a friend is going through after theft of some items in her hotel room in October of 2012, I feel it’s time to think about what one should and should not do when vacationing.
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  Don’t tell people on social networking sites where you are going or when.  Having a status message like this can open your home to being robbed while you are on that fabulous Disney Cruise.  If you have an enthusiastic travel agent, ask him or her nicely not to post your vacation plans.  If you are polite, your agent should not take offense to maintaing your privacy.  Feel free to brag about your vacation when you return home!
   Posting photos online from your mobile devices can also give others a clue that you are not home.  Photos are often tagged with a location.  Status messages also can disclose where you are at the time, too.   Remember, you are on vacation, you can leave the social networking alone for a bit.
  Do you need insurance?  Check with your homeowners and car insurance policy if you are covered for theft.  You may be surprised what they will cover!   If you rent your home, check your renters insurance.  If you feel you need travelers insurance, you needn’t buy it from where you booked your vacation. Instead, try a third-party insurance company like insuremytrip.com.   You may even save some money!
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Oh my, your daughter wants to bring her iPad mini, your son wants to bring along his iPod, and you are just dying to use that brand-new digital camera!  It is a good idea to write the serial numbers down for each device you will be taking on your trip.  Take a photo of them, too.  Keep that information in a safe location at home. This includes your cell phones, too.
  Take only the credit cards you will use and make a copy of them before you leave on vacation.  Make a copy of your drivers license, too.   Keep the copies and serial number information in a secure location.   My first choice is a safe deposit box at a bank.  They come in a variety of sizes and the rental period is usually for a year.  If you must keep this important information at home, get creative.  One example, is keeping your information behind some photos hanging on your wall. Just don’t forget where you hid them.
  When you are on vacation, take precautions there, too.  Use the safe in your room.  Sure, those room safes are not known to be spacious, but it’s far better than having that new iPad stolen.  Also be sure to lock your door when you are in your room.    If you don’t want  housekeeping in the room, be sure to use the DO NOT DISTURB sign.  You can request extra towels and toiletries from housekeeping.
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If you are using public wifi, be extra careful.  Try not to check your banking or shop online when using public wifi unless you are absolutely certain you are not in a public area and the wifi is secure.  Chances are, that Amazon item you saw on your iPad app while lounging at the pool can wait until you get home.  You can never be too certain who is watching when you are busy looking at your smartphone.
  Ahh jewelry. I really love jewelry.  Try to resist the temptation of wearing expensive jewelry when on vacation.  Keeping your jewelry in a safe deposit box is a great place to keep them when away from home.  This is the time to wear the funky and colorful jewelry you know you have!  You may even find some new jewelry while on vacation.
  I hope you have found this article interesting and insightful.  We envision our vacations to be perfect, and with a little extra preparation and some diligence, you CAN have a perfectly stress-free vacation!  Do you have any additional tips on how to stay safe?  Please let me know in the comments below!  I would love to hear from you!
~Tamara
Tamara Botzum is a recent graduate of The Disney College of Knowledge and is happily selling Disney travel through CruiseDirections.com.
Tamra
Tamara and husband Spencer have visited Walt Disney World over eight times so far. Their first trip together was in 2006.  They have also visited Disneyland twice.  When Tamara is not selling Disney vacations, she enjoys reading, interacting with Disney friends on Facebook, traveling, writing short stories and crafting.

Podcast Meetup – News, Free Dining, Least Crowded Christmas Party Dates and More!

Published July 11, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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

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Disney Parks Podcast Meetup

Monorail Crawl

Location: Magic Kingdom Resorts

Date: July 20, 2013

Beginning at 5:00 PM

We want to meet you! Drinking alcohol is totally optional. Come get a soft drink or just hang out and chat!

Join us for some or all of the monorail stops!

Here is the agenda:

Outer Rim lounge – Contemporary Resort 5:00 to 6:00PM
Tambu Lounge – Polynesian Resort 6:30 to 7:30
Mizner’s Lounge – Grand Floridian Resort 8:00 to 9:00

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Tune in this week to hear some great news and information – including:

RunDisney Announces the Tinker Bell 10K at the Disneyland Resort

  •  New Menu at Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort

  • FREE DINING

  • Touring Plans recommendations for the least crowded dates to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Click here to go to this episode and listen in! 

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Join the Optimist! The worlds of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy were only the beginning…

Published July 9, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Don’t you love watching Walt Disney on TV and YouTube – or just hearing his voice? I know I do. There’s a reason everyone seemed to think of him as Uncle Walt. It is amazing to think so much joy and inspiration is still coming forth from this man. He made an amazing difference to the world during his all too short life.

WALT the Optimist

Walt represents many things to a number of people. Nobody could argue that Walt Disney was a real-life “visionary idealist” – and that trait is the big star in The Optimist,” a new alternate reality game presented through a partnership between Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development and The Walt Disney Studios.

This 6-week alternate reality game will engage us with social media, email, physical mail, and culminate at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, August 9-11, 2013.

Here is how it was explained to us on the D23 website:

“In this narrative adventure, participants around the globe linked by social media will join fictional characters to explore both virtual and physical realms, piecing together an imagined story of Walt Disney, the Imagineers and other visionary thinkers and their potential involvement in a mysterious project that sought to build a better future.”

walt2Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development head Scott Trowbridge is behind the whole thing, and here is what he had to say:

“…One of our characters has discovered some previously unknown facts that could change what we think we know about Walt Disney, Imagineering and Disneyland Park. Players can participate at different levels of engagement over the six-week story—from leveraging social media and mobile devices to visiting unique physical sites from the story in and around Los Angeles.”

Some characters and situations in The Optimist are based on real people and events. Overall though – the experience is just pretend – and not supposed to represent real history.

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The hope is to connect people around the world with each other, and to tell a story that is unbelievable yet encouraging. We could all use some encouragement at times – so I am excited about what this has in store for us!

Visit Optimist.Disney.com to learn more about the experience and get started! If you already have an account with Disney to book your resort stays and dining reservations – you will use that same login information here.

Least crowded dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2013

Published July 8, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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It’s like Christmas in July!

Tickets have been on sale for quite some time for the 2013 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and I know some of you out there are already making plans to come celebrate your holiday here in Walt Disney World! If you prefer wide open spaces to walk and shorter lines for attractions, you may be wondering what some of the best dates are to come and party. In researching the best date for the Disney Parks Podcast team to get our holiday on – I stumbled on some great information from TouringPlans.com that I wanted to share with you today.

According to the site –  last year’s crowds indicate that Tuesday Christmas parties are less crowded on average than parties held on any other day of the week. Friday is the next-best day to attend a Very Merry Christmas Party.  We can enjoy lower crowds for the Christmas parties right between the Thanksgiving and Christmas busy periods. Four of the five parties between December 3 and 10, 2013, are among the TouringPlans.com top 7 least-busy parties – but they expect Sunday, December 8th to be a bit busier. While there are no Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties during Thanksgiving week, the parties just prior to and just after that break are traditionally busy. Thursday and Sunday are the busiest days – and many November dates rank among the most crowded. You may also want to avoid the last few parties before Christmas, because they are also quite crowded.

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In general the wait times during the Christmas parties are quite low, averaging only about 9 minutes. The Christmas parties may be your best bet to enjoy some of your favorite attractions.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for the least crowded, best day to visit Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2013…

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Touring Plans says to circle Tuesday, December 10, 2013 on your calendar.

That Christmas Party, on a Tuesday in early December, was the least-crowded event in 2012’s schedule. If that date doesn’t work for you – just refer to the recommendations above for help. Don’t forget – Epcot and Hollywood Studios have SO much to offer as well during this time of year.  I hope you’ll consider coming “home” for Christmas – and we will see soon!