Archives

All posts by Disneyways.com

Star Wars Weekends 2013

Published April 9, 2013 by Disneyways.com

darth

Star Wars Weekends is an annual special event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that celebrates the legendary Star Wars Saga and the animated television series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each weekend, you can join celebrities and characters for special shows, panels, presentations and more.

The dates for 2013’s Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios have been announced.

The Disney Parks blog revealed the special event weekends will be May 17-19, May 24-26, May 31 -June 2, June 7-9, 2013.

Click HERE to see Star Wars 2013 Merchandise.

James Arnold Taylor and Ashley Eckstein will be the celebrity hosts for all 4 weekends.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios admission is required. Availability is limited for some events, which may be cancelled at any time.

In 2013 there will be more than 60 characters representing all six of the Star Wars films: Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.

Here is the list of some possible characters we may see in 2013:

(NOTE: These are characters, not the actors who portrayed them.)

Ahsoka
Anakin Skywalker
Aurra Sing
Boba Fett
Cantina Band
Chewbacca
Clone Troopers
Darth Maul
Darth Vader
Ewoks
Gamorrean Guard
Jango Fett
Jawas
Jedi Mickey

Kit Fisto
Leia Minnie
Mace Windu
Princess Leia
Luke Skywalker
Queen Amidala
R2-D2
Shaak Ti
Stormtroopers
Stormtrooper Donald
Tusken Raiders
Vader Goofy
Zam Wesell

This is the first year Star Wars Weekends will be run under new ownership, so to speak. Walt Disney Company recently purchased Lucasfilm and owns the rights to Star Wars including plans to release three new films in years to come.

jedi mickey

Guest appearances subject to change without notice.

So far we know:

  • SCHEDULED CELEBRITY APPEARANCES
    • MAY 17-19
      • Ray Park – (Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
    • MAY 24-26
      • Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
      • Warwick Davis (everyone’s favorite Ewok, Wicket W. Warrick)
    • MAY 31 – JUNE 2
      • Warwick Davis (everyone’s favorite Ewok, Wicket W. Warrick)
    • JUNE 7-9
      • Billy Dee Williams (everyone’s favorite galactic smuggler, Lando Calrissian)

Disney’s FASTPASS Service will be used for all autograph sessions during Star Wars Weekends. It works the same as it does for attractions. A limited number of FASTPASS tickets are available. You will pick up your ticket with a scheduled autograph return time (instead of a ride time). You then get to go enjoy the park until your FASTPASS autograph return time. When your return time comes you just go to the autograph location. Each guest must be present to receive a FASTPASS. Once the tickets for an actor are gone, Disney will distribute a limited number of stand by tickets with a return time. Check the park guide for more details.

Related articles

The Real Captain Jack

Published April 8, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Ride the boat from the back door of Epcot back to the Beach Club Resort if you want to meet the REAL captain Jack!!

Here he is…

20130408-195929.jpg

World Secrets! Beyond the Birthday Basics: Grown-ups Like to Celebrate at Disney too!

Published April 5, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Alicia is a Disneyways subscriber and avid reader who has a WONDERFUL “predicament”. She is celebrating her 27th birthday in Walt Disney World this year. This is her first time ever to blow out her candles in the most magical place on earth. Alicia was so sweet and persistent in asking me for some tips that might help her to make the day extra wonderful.

So…Alicia…this one’s for you…and everyone else reading this post who has wondered the same thing!

Thanks for your great question!

Alicia

Can you tell Alicia is just a kid at heart?

This is definitely one of our longer posts, and I want to respect your time. If you are too busy to read all this – stop right here and call my friend Ramon from ThemeParkConcierges.com. (407-257-9973)

Ramon has been helping families and individuals create magical Disney birthday moments for years and he is VERY affordable for the amazing value he provides. Like some sort of Disney wish granter – Ramon has access to special meet and greet opportunities, VIP seating, holiday tours, and all sorts of things that he can customize just for you, and that are probably not even listed here. He can save you a ton of time and make your birthday celebrations a breeze!

Now let’s get the ball rolling and think out side the box for a little inspiration! We’ve got free, cheap and pricey ideas for grown-up birthdays!

Drinking or Snacking Around World Showcase

Planning is crucial here – so be sure to check out THIS LINK before you attempting this idea. Now take it a step further. Create something tangible before you leave for yourself or the person who is celebrating their birthday. Look up the drink and food menus at the World Showcase pavilions and think about the items you or they would most prefer. Print a map of Epcot and write your choices on each country to represent your plan of action. Create t-shirts with the countries and all the drinks or snacks listed. Bring a sharpie to mark each one off as you go! You can buy alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and food at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom if you like those parks better – or do a snack crawl around Magic Kingdom!

Wear a HAT!

Any silly or customized hat can also be a great way to celebrate your birthday trip around the world, or any occasion really. Check out this photo my hubby took of Mike from MikeandTheMouse.com (and me!) from our last Disneyways meetup. Nothing beats a fashionable set of Mickey ears.

By the way…if you weren’t at the meetup these are the sort of shenanigans you missed. You need to come to the next one. The details will be revealed soon! 🙂

mike

Watch the Fireworks during Dinner 

Again, some planning ahead is important here. You’re going to need a list of restaurants where this is possible. Stay tuned to Disneyways for those. Better yet subscribe to get updates by email so you’ll never miss a post! Advanced dining reservations are also crucial! The good news is – fireworks viewing won’t cost you any extra if you are lucky enough to be seated for dinner in a good spot.

Take a Specialty Cruise 

Check out the options for specialty cruises at Walt Disney World here. Check out this page for the phone numbers to call. Don’t want to sit on hold? Hire Ramon to do this for you.

Pick the Plan

Here’s one that won’t add any expense at all. You or  the person celebrating their birthday gets to pick the general schedule for the day and maybe even invite a surprise guest.  The attraction and show choices are endless, and giving or having this kind of power is fuel for some wonderful birthday memories.

Set up a Small Private Event

There are a couple of ways to set up a small private event at Walt Disney World.

One is to call Private Dining at the Grand Floridian (407-824-2474) and arrange to have dinner somewhere in the hotel or at the marina during the Wishes fireworks. If you are staying in some other Disney resort – then the way to do a small private event at Walt Disney World is to work with Disney Catered Events (321-939-7278). My recommendation? Use a travel agent or hire Ramon to do all of this for you.

Beyond Birthday Cake

Sure you can get cake at Disney, if you prefer. But I hope you will go to Norway for School Bread. Get Zebra Domes from Boma or Mara in Animal Kingdom Lodge. Order Crepes from Chefs de France, ‘Smores from the ’50s Prime Time Diner, or the Tonga Toast at Kona Cafe. Bring your own birthday candle and your server will bring it out singing. Try to conquer the Kitchen Sink at Beaches & Cream. Have Dole Whip or Mickey Bar at breakfast, lunch AND dinner. Sample every kind of fudge at the Main Street Confectionery. The more off-the-wall your sweet treat is, the more you or your special someone will remember the celebration.

Book some Extra Birthday Fun

Take the Characters in Flight balloon ride at Downtown Disney. Spend a day at the Saratoga Springs Resort spa or the new Senses Spa at the Grand Floridian. Take a backstage tour at the Magic Kingdom. Book a suite or stay in a different or nicer resort than usual. Plan a shopping spree. Stay at the park until it closes. Go parasailing or waterskiing at the Contemporary. Get tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba at Downtown Disney.

Decorate Your Room

A great way to add oomph to your celebration is to decorate your hotel room. You can do this with streamers and balloons brought from home. Don’t want to do it yourself? Enlist the help of the Disney Floral and Gift Basket team. Find them online or give them a call at 407-WDW-GIFT. They have a bunch of room decorating packages available. They can also customize a basket for you. If you have something very specific in mind, get on the phone and speak to someone directly. OR save time and money by…you guessed it…hiring Ramon to do it all for you. Do I sound like a broken record yet?

Another Freebie

Grab a blanket or extra towels and watch the Wishes fireworks presentation from the beach at the Polynesian.

Do the “Usual” but still Pretty Fantastic Disney Celebration Stuff

Of course Disney has their own official ways to make birthdays a little more magical in the World. Click here for more on that. Just don’t forget to come back to this page to reference all the cool extra stuff we’ve mentioned already.

I hope one or more of these ideas will help you get started. Let’s face it, you actually may not need to jump through any magical hoops to make a Disney celebration special. A trip to Walt Disney World is pretty special all by itself. Life really can’t get much better than feeling the wind in your hair on Test Track –  or getting a hug from Mickey Mouse. I promise, you aren’t the only one who gets sentimental at Disney.

Please send me your ideas, dreams and memories of your favorite Disney birthdays! We would LOVE to hear from you!

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend Disney Villains Hollywood Bash 2013

Published April 4, 2013 by Disneyways.com

She’s breaking hearts all over the kingdom!

How does Maleficent stay in such great shape at her age? She will never tell…but  it’s probably got something to do with a little Disney magic – and possibly

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler!

As of April 4th 2013 registration is 67% Full.  Click here for details and here to see if tickets are still available. If you’re more of a spectator then a runner….(like me!)… and you have a friend or family member in the race you also have a chance to be in on something really special.

Runners and their guests are invited to party all night long with the Disney Villains at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! You’ll enjoy exclusive access to some of your favorite Disney attractions including Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ and Toy Story Mania! Plus there will be live DJs and you’ll get to meet your favorite Disney Villains.

Admission to the Disney Villains Hollywood Bash is included in The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ 10-Miler race registration for all participants. It is not included in the Disney Happy Haunted 5K or runDisney Kids Races registration.  Disney Villains Hollywood Bash Tickets for spectators, friends and family must be purchased separately.  Space is limited and tickets are non-refundable.

Disney Villains Hollywood Bash Tickets:

· $54 (2/12 – 5/21)
· $64 (5/22 – 9/4)
· $74 (9/5 – sell out)

Here’s what’s included:

Disney Villains Hollywood Bash
Saturday, October 5 – Sunday October 6, 2013
10:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.
Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Purchase your Disney Villains Hollywood Bash tickets here while they last.

Where else can you enjoy at 10 mile race – AND meet some dastardly Disney villains – all on the same night?

 

 

World Secrets – Wild and FREE – Nights at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Published April 4, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Are you ready for a wild time? Zebra, Kudu, and Uzimas – oh my!  Altogether, more than 200 mammals and birds of nearly three dozen species can be found roaming the savannas of Animal Kingdom Lodge, 24 hours a day.

So we’ve covered the WILD part of this edition of World Secrets. But what about the FREE part? Well, as gorgeous and unique as the Lodge is during the day – it truly comes to life in the evening with some unusual (and FREE!) nocturnal activities that you just can’t find any where else. Activities that create a perfect way to cap off a (not free!) romantic dinner at Boma, Sanaa, or to unwind with the family after a long day at the parks.

The secrets begin with sunset.

sunset

As the sun goes down, you can make your way to the Sunset Savanna Overlook viewing area. It’s secret? THIS savanna is designed specifically for viewing at sunset. Giraffes, zebra, impalas and more will be active at this time of day, increasing your chances of seeing them up close. It’s free to take all the photos you want, and even tripods are welcome.

Next on the list of free night time viewing fun – check out the Arusha and Uzima savannas. Each has its own unique look and feel, and not all savannas have all the animals. For instance, ostrich are unique to the Sunset savanna, zebras to the Arusha savanna, and kudu will only be found spending their wild nights on t the Uzima savanna. Giraffes are the only animal found on all three savannas.

The next World Secret is pretty well-kept! Once you’ve gotten your fill of picture-taking at the Sunset Savanna – nightfall brings the opportunity to view animals with night vision goggles! A cast member will be on hand to teach you how to use the goggles to identify the animals, or you can also pick up a  FREE guide at the front desk. This activity is currently offered at the Uzima Savanna Overlook…the price of this activity? Believe it or not, absolutely FREE.

Giraffe through night vision goggles at AKL

Usually night vision viewing is available  from 9-11 p.m., but be sure to check with a cast member, as times may change through the seasons. At night, all the savannas are illuminated by artificial moonlight as if a full moon were ever present.

How about  some FREE African story-telling while you cozy up to the warmth and crackle of a camp fire? African cast members will regale you with a story each night around the fire pit in the beautiful lobby area, or at the outdoor fire pit under the stars – usually right around 7:30PM each night. Location and times may be subject to change so be sure to double check with a cast member.

Random fact for you – Victoria Falls (or Mosi-oa-Tunya (Tokaleya Tonga:the Smoke that Thunders) is the world’s largest waterfall. You can find it in southern Africa on the Zambezi River at the border of Zambiaand Zimbabwe.

Victoria Falls LOUNGE  is a relaxing, oasis perched above Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Boma restaurant. Here you will enjoy the sounds of a gorgeous indoor trickling waterfall that is 2 stories high. Every now and then you will also hear a duo of African drummers walking down the steps. Relaxing in the beautiful atmosphere in this  quiet lounge will make you feel like you have discovered a wonderful, FREE World Secret. You may just forget you’re at Disney World.

My son found the lounge to be the perfect place to practice his latest card tricks for my nephew!

Maybe your wallet is feeling heavy from saving all that money on these free activities – and you are ready to spend some dough? Here at Victoria Falls Lounge, you can buy yourself a glass of South African wine, or indulge in your favorite martini, beer or mixed drink. (I highly recommend the Victoria Falls Mist!)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this Wild and FREE version of World Secrets. What do you love most about Animal Kingdom Lodge in the evenings?

 

 

Disney Dance Party at HS until April 6th!

Published April 2, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be holding the “Spring Break in the City Dance Party” for the remainder of the week. Positioned at Streets of America and 8th Avenue (where the Spectacle of Dancing Lights stage is typically positioned), a DJ will be performing starting at 12:30 p.m. and continuing into the evening hours, daily through Saturday, April 6. There will be music and activities for the whole family!

dhs

In other news,  the last performance of the Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun Parade and Disney Channel Rocks! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be Saturday, April 6.

LIMITED TIME MAGIC VINYLMATION “EASTER EGG” HUNT IN EPCOT – PART 2 OF 2

Published March 31, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Disney announced 2013 would bring us Limited Time Magic  and March 18th – 23rd we had a fun week full of Easter egg hunts, especially in Epcot’s World Showcase.+

To read part one of this post and get more information on the event, please click here.

I thought today, Easter Sunday, would be a good day to show you more pictures from this event. I was holding out so as not to give too much away! I hope you enjoy the photos, and I want to thank Josh of Josh Weatherly Photography for his wonderful contribution! His professional photos have his watermark on them.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Related Link: How to Make an Easter Basket Cocktail

How to Make an Easter Basket Cocktail

Published March 30, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Can’t make it to Disney for a pineapple Dole whip with rum this Easter?

How about creating your own Easter Basket cocktail from home?

Rim a martini glass with thick simple syrup and then dip into dyed green coconut flakes, then adorn with a little marshmallow peep. Think of it as your very own adult Easter Basket.

Prepare the glasses ahead of time and put them on a tray decorated with jelly beans and other seasonal delights for a stunning effect.

For the cocktail:

* 1 1/2 ounces Cherry Vodka
* 1/2 ounce Triple Sec
* 3 ounces Half and Half or Milk
* Dash Grenadine

Shake with ice until chilled. Pour into decorated glasses and serve.

20130330-111505.jpg

Limited Time Magic Rumors!! Another All Night Party?!

Published March 29, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Just a rumor for now – but I heard Friday May 24th there will be an all night party into Saturday morning in WDW’s Magic Kingdom Park.

Visions of Leap Day are dancing in my head!

How about you?

lTM

Another rumor – Magic Kingdom is considering a Limited Time Magic event that will involve Tinker Bell and her friends for a week. Word is that we will get to meet them all together and they will give out autograph cards similar to the ones we saw earlier this year from the characters during Limited Time Magic.

If the rumor is true – this event would take place in April or early May.

tink

 

Later today there will be an announcement from Disney about the ACTUAL Limited Time Magic coming for this week. Follow me on facebook and twitter for the latest on that! Have a magical day!

Related articles

Happy Anniversary!!

Published March 28, 2013 by Disneyways.com

One year ago I sat down and decided to learn how to build a site in WordPress. I had never even READ a blog in my life. I knew nothing about Twitter, Pinterest, SEO, – let alone web design! I never thought of myself as a writer, although that hasn’t really changed.

Being born and raised in Orlando, I felt a little alone in my passion for Disney. I know it’s hard to believe, but some of us who live here take Disney World for granted.

My friends and family encouraged me to start this blog – perhaps because they were ready for me to share this enthusiasm with someone ELSE for a change! Now many of them subscribe to the blog and are constantly cheering me on. They are awesome!

One year ago with their support and encouragement, I embarked on an almost entirely self-taught crash course in web design.

Despite my fears and insecurities – you all are here.

Reading my stuff, interacting with me on social media, sharing a lot of laughs – and being more of an encouragement to me than you will ever know.

I have made precious and wonderful friends and I’ve joyfully reconnected with some from my past.

I’ve made hundreds, maybe thousands of connections to others on-line, some of whom I have never met in person (yet!)- but you certainly hold a place in my heart.

I wake up each day feeling like it’s Christmas morning. I had no idea what a wonderful thing this little Disneyways blog would become in my life.

Med180px (1)

I am so excited about what the future is bringing our way! I think I’m getting better at giving you the information you are looking for through the blog…and now…I’m learning a ton about podcasting, video production, e-book publishing and so much more! Year two is going to ROCK.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing this journey with me. I look forward to many, many more anniversaries of sharing the Disney love with you.

In looking back…I wanted to share one of my posts from that first week. It still makes me laugh. I hope it does the same for you. Have a magical day!!

Click here to read about My Love for a 5 Legged Goat…