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Tables in Wonderland Food and Wine Preview 2013!

Published June 25, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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Tables in Wonderland Food and Wine Festival Preview

For those Tables in Wonderland members who would like to try all of the dishes before the festival opens on September 27th, we’ve got great news! This year’s Tables in Wonderland Sneak Preview of the Festival will take place on Saturday July 27, 2013 at the Odyssey Pavilion at Epcot!

Cost is $133.13, tax and gratuity included, and the event is limited to 150 guests. Click HERE for self-booking and instant confirmation- but not until Monday, July 1, 2013 at 10:00am!  This event may sell out quickly so be prepared!

Have the following information ready: Tables in Wonderland Ticket Number (number beginning with a W and includes a date), First and Last Name of everyone in your party (you may purchase up to 10 tickets), Home address, Phone number, Credit Card Number, Billing Address of the Credit Card, Personal Email Address, Food Allergies (if any.)

Oh, and I would really like to go – so if someone wants to sponsor me – I will join you!

Have a magical day!

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Video! Unboxing Disney’s MagicBand and Accessories

Published June 24, 2013 by Disneyways.com

I found this super awesome video from Attractions Magazine and I couldn’t wait to share it with you! Check this out to see the MagicBand accessories unboxed and demonstrated on an actual MagicBand. Want to know what a MagicBand is and so much more? You may want to start HERE and come back to the video later.

Have a magical day!

Hot Date Night – Free Sandwich at Downtown Disney and MagicBandit Photoshoot

Published June 23, 2013 by Disneyways.com

My husband and I had a great time on Wednesday. It was a big date night for us…getting his free birthday sandwich from Earl of Sandwich, and snapping pictures of all the new MagicBand accessories for my article over at Chip & Co! Hey, after all these years, romance is in the eye of the beholder!

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Please click the logo below to head over to Chip & Co. You’ll get to see some of the great photos of all this MagicBand fun…pricing on the accessories…and lots more magical Disney stuff from ALL of Chip’s other great Disney writers!

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Photos! New Vinylmations Released

Published June 20, 2013 by Disneyways.com

JUNE 21, 2013 – Vinylmation Release

Beauty and the Beast Series (D-Street CA & D-Street FL, Disneystore.com, Disney Store -Mystery Set / $12.95 each)

Lone Ranger Set (D-Street CA & D-Street FL – LE 2000 / $26.95

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Video! Cast Member Making Cake Pops inside Big Top Souvenirs

Published June 18, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Beautiful, bright pink, Mickey Mouse shaped cake pops… hand made… right in front of you. It just doesn’t get any better!

Where can you find these? Under the Big Top inside the Storybook Circus area of the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

Many thanks to our man-on-the-scene Ramon Rodriguez for the video!

New Starbucks on Main Street! What to expect and on-scene photos!

Published June 16, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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Disney’s California adventure already has a Starbucks.

Beginning this Tuesday – we will officially be able to enjoy Starbucks here at Walt Disney World! There have been some soft openings this week and as usual – our man-on-the-scene reporter Ramon Rodriguez was there to get you some photos!

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Here are some more details on all the things we have to look forward to:

  • All drinks are offered under the Disney Dining Plan as a SNACK CREDIT!!  Yahoo!!
  • The bakery will be staffed by Disney Cast Members – not Starbucks employees.
  • Starbucks items will be sold until 11am. 11am and later,  we can get both Starbucks and Disney treats. This will include cupcakes, cookies and brownies.
  • The cinnamon rolls are not available at this time, but take heart, they will continue to be offered at Gaston’s Tavern in the New Fantasyland.
  • Unfortunately, there is no longer any indoor seating at the bakery, but at least there will be more room to stand inside.
  • The full Starbucks drink menu is on offer, beginning at park opening each day. There is a photo above but here is a link to the official menu from Starbucks in case you want to see more details.
  • There are four hot breakfast options until 11am. Three are sandwiches and one is a vegetarian wrap. There are also grab and go cold sandwiches available.
  • You CAN  use your Starbucks gift cards and mobile apps for purchases.
  • The cups are branded with both Disney and Starbucks artwork – see photo above.
  • It is not possible to redeem My Starbucks Rewards, but your purchases do earn you My Starbucks Rewards.

Exciting stuff right?! It is so exciting to know we will have this convenient and delicious new option for our cup of joe in the Magic Kingdom.

How to get a Princess Makeover when the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is fully booked!

Published June 13, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Here is an awesome World Secret I learned from Ramon at Theme Park Concierges! Have you ever tried to get your little Princess an appointment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – only to find out that they are completely booked? It’s happened to many guests I am sure – but there IS an alternative that can be just as magical and fun – with a location that can’t be beat if you are enjoying a Princess Tea or maybe dinner with Cinderella at 1900 Park Fare! By the way, did you know 1900 Park Fare dinner is the only character meal at Walt Disney World where you can meet Prince Charming? It’s true, and now, even if the Boutique is booked…you have another option to get your little Princess all dressed up to meet him.

***Update – January 2015!! The salon is now offering Perfectly Prepared Princess packages that include crowns!***

Prices start at $50 for princess hairdo, glitter and a tiara; add a little princess glow make-up for $25 more. Option three includes hair, and a  light nail polishing for $90. Kids ages 4-12 can get The Perfectly Prepared Princess Package! This is available at Ivy Trellis, Coronado Springs Casa de Belleza Beauty Salon and at the Yacht and Beach Club Resort Ship Shape Salon. Don’t forget that a 20% gratuity is added to every service. Call Ivy Trellis at 407-824-1679 for more information.

Here is the secret place!

Ivy Trellis Beauty and Barber Shop – located inside the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa at Walt Disney World! It is truly a hidden gem! As a bonus, it is even possible that your Princess will enjoy more special attention and a quieter atmosphere than she would at the Boutique. Be sure to scroll all the way down to the bottom of this post to see examples of the finished product.

You will find Ivy Trellis on the 2nd floor – in the main building, near the the Monorail. They have been known to take walk-ins but appointments are strongly encouraged. The hours of operation are normally 9:00AM-6:00PM.

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I stopped in and spoke to Robin McKenna – Master Cosmetologist at the salon for these tips on how you can make this appointment extra magical for your Princess.

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First give them a call at the salon at 407-824-1679 or 407-824-3000 (for the Grand Floridian) and ask for the Flower Girl Bundle plus makeup – and explain you are scheduling a Princess makeover for you little one. This will cost about $50 and they will add a 20% gratuity. Payment will be due after the service is provided.

Second, go to your local beauty supply store or website and order a hair extension if you would like. The salon will not have these available – you must bring your own if you want one to be used. Click HERE to see an example of styles and pricing on the hair pieces to give you an idea. The salon has makeup but you will need to bring your own glitter if you want your Princess to really sparkle.  If you don’t have time to plan ahead, you may be able to find hair extensions, ties and hair clips at Downtown Disney Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. They also have the means to do over-all pixie dusting at the Downtown Disney boutique (for free) after the makeover is complete. The Harmony Barbershop on Main Street inside the Magic Kingdom also may have pixie dust available to sprinkle.

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Last is taking care of attire, shoes and accessories. You can get wonderful home-made gowns from Etsy.com, or even make your own if you plan ahead. Upon arrival at Walt Disney World, you can try Hollywood Studios Character Warehouse, Downtown Disney’s World of Disney Store, Mouse Gear in Epcot, or the gift shop in the Contemporary resort. Animal Kingdom’s Island Mercantile has been know to carry some Princess attire as well – including Pocahontas!

The most simple solution however is M. Mouse Mercantile. This is the gift shop located right there across from Ivy Trellis Salon inside the Grand Floridian!

I found the cast members inside the gift shop to be VERY helpful!

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The selection may vary but here is what I found inside M. Mouse Mercantile on the day I visited:

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RAPUNZEL

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AURORA (SLEEPING BEAUTY)

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BELLE

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JASMINE

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MERIDA

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AND CINDERELLA

Take a look at these little beauties! They had their hair styled at Ivy Trellis and all to the attire was purchased at M. Mouse Mercantile!

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Ivy Trellis also has services for any adults that might accompany Princesses if you are interested.

Services may include things such as:

  • Lady’s Hair Cut
  • Gentleman’s Hair Cut
  • Child’s Hair Cut
  • Bang Trim
  • Color Touch Up
  • Full Color
  • Partial Foil
  • Full Foil
  • Scalp Massage with Conditioning Treatment
  • Shampoo & Blow Dry
  • Shampoo & Set
  • Up-Do’s
  • Make-up

Just call 407-824-1679 for the salon or 407-824-3000 for the Grand Floridian to book your appointment! So what are your thoughts? Do you think you might use Ivy Trellis as a preferred stop for your little Princess’s makeover, or have you already?

If you enjoyed this post be sure to check out more royal world secrets: SNOW WHITE’S BIOLOGICAL MOTHER AND HOW TO STAY DINE AND PLAY LIKE A PRINCESS AT DISNEY WORLD!

2013 Epcot “Sounds Like Summer” Dates, Times and Duration!

Published June 12, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Yeah originals are great – and there’s nothing like the real thing (Baby!). Still, I’m always looking for a great value – and for the price of nosebleed seats to see some of the acts that come to town – we can enjoy a day at Epcot and a pretty good tribute band!  Let’s get excited – the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series is HERE!

Dates are  June 9 – July 27 2013. Come on out – and if you look closely – you might find a chubby white girl covered in sunblock getting her groove on…(that’s me!)…somewhere near the American Gardens Theater.

•June 9-15: Stayin’ Alive — A Tribute to the Bee Gees

•June 16-22: Hotel California — A Salute to the Eagles

•June 23-29: Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot — The Ultimate Billy Joel Tribute Show

•June 30-July 6: Slippery When Wet — The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute

•July 7-13: SouthBound and Company — A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd

•July 14-20: The Police Experience — A Tribute to the Police

•July 21- 27: 2U — A Tribute to U2

Guests can catch the shows each night at Epcot’s America Gardens Theater with showtimes being  5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8:00pm.

NOTE! July 4th – showtimes are a little different and will be 5:15pm, 6:30pm, 7:45pm and 9:00pm.

The concerts are free with paid admission into Epcot. I don’t know why, but Disney never seems to mention the duration of each concert – so I’ll let you in on a secret.

Each set is usually about 20 minutes long.

So what do you think? Are you excited about the lineup? Have you seen any of these bands before? Please let me know your thoughts! Now if you’ll excuse me – I’ve gotta go buy some Aqua Net and start teasing my hair into place!

Big Hair

FREE Video Game Demos at Disney Now Until June 23rd 2013!

Published June 11, 2013 by Disneyways.com
Jen Jefferson is a travel agent with Glass Slipper Concierge. Jen spent some time in the parks recently and got to check out the Wii U Demos first hand! Thank you Jen for the info!
Wii U Demos at Disney – going on now through June 23rd! ~ By: Jen Jefferson
Video Gamers rejoice!  Just when you thought you had to leave your controllers at home, Disney and Nintendo have brought the living room to your vacation! Nintendo is in the Downtown Disney Marketplace to showcase their newest Wii U console and give guests the chance to test out some of their most popular games – for FREE!
The experience is  open 10am – 10pm daily, weather permitting.
Photo Credit Disney

PHOTO CREDIT: DISNEY

Now through June 23rd, Downtown Disney at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, is hosting these Wii U demonstrations.  Temporary living room pods are on hand, with Wii Gurus encouraging visitors to have a seat on the couch or bean bag, and try out the new U system and games like New Super Mario Bros. and Nintendo Land.  Photo ops with your favorite Nintendo character decor also abound.  The living room pods are located in front of Once Upon a Toy (Walt Disney World), and Earl of Sandwich (Disneyland).
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The excitement will ramp up during Car Masters Weekend, June 15th and 16th, with a preview of the new game Disney Infinity (Downtown Disney West Side, Walt Disney World).
Game On!
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World Secrets: What is in the Tunnels?

Published June 10, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Did you know that when you walk around the Magic Kingdom you are lifted one story off the ground…literally and figuratively? According to modern legend, Walt Disney was bothered by the sight of a cowboy walking through California Disneyland’s Tomorrowland en route to his post in Frontierland. He felt that such a sight was jarring, and detracted from the guest experience. When the new “Florida Project” was being planned, imagineers designed utilidors (or underground tunnels) to keep park operations out of guests’ sight. Pretty brilliant if you ask me!

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Smaller utilidor systems are built under the central section of Epcot’s Future World, primarily beneath Spaceship Earth and Innoventions, and at Pleasure Island.
Parts of Fantasyland, including the Cinderella Castle, are at third-story-level (this is why the Castle seems to loom so large as you approach it via Main Street, USA). The ground’s incline is so gradual that guests do not realize they are ascending to the second and third stories. Here’s another bit of trivia: the Magic Kingdom is built upon soil which was removed from what is now the Seven Seas Lagoon.

I was taken through the tunnels as part of my training at Disney University. I think this is pretty normal as part of orientation for all new Cast Members. So why are pictures and video so hard to find on the internet? Check out this post from Kate at YoHo YoHo A Blogger’s Life for Me to get your answer to that and more! Kate shares with you pretty candidly about her personal take on the tunnels, and what’s in them, as she worked as a Walt Disney World Cast Member!

You can read it all on her blog right here! Thank you so much Kate for sharing!

You can find a link to all of our Disneyways World Secrets here.