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How to take Disneyways with you wherever you go…on your iPhone

Published October 28, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Go to Disneyways.com on your iPhone and then look for this little square with the arrow in it (pictured above).  After that you hit the option  “add to home screeen” and you should see the Disneyways app (website icon) on your phone.

Now all you have to do is tap the icon and we will be at your fingertips with the latest post on top!

I frequently use the post with the all the resort addresses for my GPS – so I really like having it handy. Click the link below to be taken to that directly.

Email me if you have questions at disneyways@disneyways.com

Thanks so much for taking us with you – and have a magical day!!

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Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights – Secrets and History

Published October 27, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Usually when I tell people I am headed to Hollywood Studios to catch the  Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights, folks will ask, “OZZY Osborne?” I usually just laugh and reply, “no, not those Osbornes.” Although that would be a hilarious twist!

In fact the Osborne families could not be more different. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights started modestly in Arkansas as a single home’s annual display.

osborne

This festive display of lights and sparkling holiday bulbs was designed by Arkansas businessman and philanthropist, Jennings Osborne. This tradition began years ago when Jennings strung 1,000 red lights as a Christmas gift to his daughter, Breezy. Soon, their 22,000 square-foot home was covered in millions of lights.  Every year, Jennings Osborne and his family set up an elaborate collection of holiday lights and over the years, the collection of lights grew, and grew… and grew! In 1995, the Osborne family decided to share their magic with the world, and Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort happily offered to become the new permanent home for this exceptional exhibition of holiday cheer.

Approximately every 10 minutes, the lights “dance” to holiday music, while “Florida snow” falls in the background, making this the perfect Christmas setting. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights is a CAN’T MISS if you will be anywhere near Disney’s Hollywood Studios around Christmas time.

You will want to look for  the infamous mannequin leg lamp from “A Christmas Story” (and check out what show is on the TV!) You’ll also find the more obvious hidden Mickeys at EVERY turn.

There are also surprises that sometimes the cast members are not even aware of! Each year a black cat is hidden somewhere among the lights. The story goes that when the lights were unpacked back in 1995, a Halloween Cat decoration had been mistakenly packed in, and was still used anyway. Each year it gets placed in a different location for guests to hunt. Here are pictures of him from years past so you know what to keep your eyes open for!

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This is NOT your grandmother’s Christmas lights – it may be one of the most amazing things you’ve seen in your life. Come bask in the glow of one of the most popular holiday traditions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Come see the trees, spinning carousels, 3-D and motion-based displays. Delight in the flying angels, toy soldiers and giant Santa Claus light creations all strung along the high-rise backlot cityscape of Streets of America.

The best part?? The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is included with standard admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park! Video does not do it justice but it gives you an idea. Please let me know if you will be coming to see this event!

 

Gather Your Family Around Disney’s Magical Fireplace

Published October 27, 2012 by Disneyways.com

This season, bring home the warmth of Disney’s magical fireplace! Discover hidden Mickeys, see spectacular fireworks, and enjoy lots more surprises…all set to holiday music…including songs sung by your favorite characters!

I have never seen this DVD myslef, but one review I read stated that you can listen to a selection of traditional holiday songs OR enjoy the glow and sounds of a virtual fireplace.  I imagine that children would really enjoy the songs! However,  I think if I were to order it for myself,  I would need the option of shutting the singing off and just hearing the fire. The “special surprises” include the shadows of the characters walking through the flames.

Is it just me or does this remind you of the Bible story about  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?

To learn more about the Magical Fireplace DVD, check out the OFFICIAL ad from Disney, and get ordering information click here.

Disney says there are a limited number of videos and they are having a sale on them right now. I would love to hear from someone who actually owns this DVD! If you have one will you share your thoughts?

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Nearly Sold Out! WDW Marathon Weekend

Published October 26, 2012 by Disneyways.com

The Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna will take place January 10-13, 2013. Marathon weekend is reported to have every mile filled with Disney fun.  The running routes  from Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo, through all four Theme Parks, and ends with a medal  featuring Mickey and friends!

Registration is still open for certain events:

· Walt Disney World® Marathon – Sold Out
· Walt Disney World® Half Marathon – Sold Out
· Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge – Sold Out
· Disney Family Fun Run 5K – 73% Full
· runDisney Kids Races – 53% Full
· Pasta in the Park Party

* The marathon relay will not return to the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend in 2013.

— Spectator Information

As a spectator, you play a huge part in supporting your runner by cheering them on and motivating them throughout their training. Below is a guide to help you watch your runner during their magical race at the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend.
The Online Planning Tool is designed for spectators to plan their route along the race course so they can see their runner at key milestones. The ChEAR Squad offers several spectator packages from reserved viewing areas to VIP treatment in the Race Retreat.
Make sure you read the helpful tips on arriving to the race and parking on race day as well as the additional information about viewing your runner in the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks.
ChEAR Squad
Be a part of the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend when you join the CHEAR Squad!
CHEAR Squad packages are available for purchase and include:
· Marathon Weekend E-newsletter containing information for race weekend
· Reserved viewing location at the Finish Line
· Much more!
For package details and to sign up to be a ChEAR Squad member, visit the ChEAR Squadpage in the Event Overview section.

Start Line Viewing: Start line viewing is accessible via the Wonder Lot and does not require a Theme Park ticket. There is no seating at the Start Line for spectators.

Finish Line Viewing: The Finish Line is located in the Imagine Lot of Epcot. Spectators can see their runners at the Finish Line. There will be a limited number of complimentary seats along the Finish Line available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Course Viewing:  Spectators will be able to see their runner run through the Magic Kingdom Park near Cinderella Castle (Mile 5.3 for the Half Marathon). This location will be open at 5:30am. Guests do not need a ticket to enter the Magic Kingdom for course viewing, but to enter the ChEAR Zone area, they will need a ChEAR Zone wristband. A ticket is required once the park opens for the day and standard parking rates apply after 7am.
If Guests want to watch their runner in another Walt Disney World Theme Park, they will need to purchase a Theme Park ticket once that park is open for the day. Standard parking rates apply after 7am. Transportation to these parks is available through the WDW monorail and bus systems.

Runner Tracking: Runner tracking sign-up is available at runDisney.com or by visiting the Expo.

Itinerary

Thursday, January 10, 2013 · 9:00am-7:00pm – Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo – ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
· 3:00pm – runDisney Kids Races – ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
· 4:30pm – Mickey Mile – ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
· 6:30pm – Pasta in the Park Party – Epcot®

Friday, January 11, 2013 · 5:00am-6:00am – Bus transportation (no monorail transportation today) from Resorts to Epcot for Family Fun Run 5K
· 6:30am – Family Fun Run 5K Starts – Epcot
· 9:00am-7:00pm – Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo – ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
· 11:00am – runDisney Kids Races – ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
· 12:30pm – Mickey Mile – ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
· 6:30pm – Pasta in the Park Party – Epcot®
Saturday, January 12, 2013 · 3:00am – Bus/Monorail transportation begins from all Walt Disney World Resorts to Half Marathon start
· 4:00am – Racers should be on the transportation to make it to check-in on time
· 5:00am-7:00am – Transportation to Epcot is suspended due to the race start
· 5:30am – Walt Disney World® Half Marathon Starts – Epcot®
· 10:00am-5:00pm – Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo – ESPN Wide World of Sports
· 12:30pm – Mickey Mile – ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
· 6:30pm – Pasta in the Park Party – Epcot®
Sunday, January 13, 2013 · 3:00am – Bus/Monorail transportation begins from all Walt Disney World Resorts to Marathon start
· 4:00am – Racers should be on the transportation to make it to check-in on time
· 5:00am-7:00am – Transportation to Epcot is suspended due to the race start
· 5:30am – Walt Disney World® Marathon Starts – Epcot®
· 4:00pm-8:00pm – Downtown Disney® After Party

Cinderella’s Makeover

Published October 25, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Cindy has a new hairstyle AND a new dress! Check out the photos and the slideshow below! Are you a fan of her new look?

Join us over at our Princess fan page on facebook by clicking here.

(I do not claim ownership to these photos…)

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10 Disney Villains You Can See at WDW

Published October 24, 2012 by Disneyways.com

David Letterman isn’t the only one with top 10 lists.  Here’s where you can get your villain fix!

1. Maleficent  from “Sleeping Beauty.”– Catch her in Fantasmic! over at Hollywood Studios. When she transforms herself into a dragon and sets the river on fire, it’s one of the most awesome moments in the entire nighttime spectacular. You can also see her in the Dream Along with Mickey show at Magic Kingdom.

2. Captain Hook – The Dream-Along with Mickey show at Magic Kingdom Park, as he and Mr. Smee face off against their old nemesis.

3. Ursula – Before New Fantasyland, we’ve been able to go “Under the Sea” with Voyage of the Little Mermaidat Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

4. Jafar – From “Aladdin” during the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade at Magic Kingdom Park

5. The Queen from Snow White– Catch her in Fantasmic!

6. Governor Ratcliffe – He’s in Fantasmic! too. If you remember, he  is the self-serving villain from “Pocahontas,” who is greedy and wants gold!

7. Lady Tremaine – Cinderella’s stepmother and her two awkward daughters, Anastasia and Drizella. They do character meet and greets in the Magic Kingdom. You can also find them during character dining times over at 1900 Park Fare Restaurant in the Grand Floridian.

8. Gaston –  Gaston takes part in Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and beginning this fall, you’ll actually have a chance to meet him when he begins making regular appearances outside Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland.

9. Evil Emperor Zurg – look for him at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (attraction) in Magic Kingdom!

10. Headless Horseman – Nothing says Halloween quite like “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” and no villain is more ominous than the Headless Horseman, who makes special appearances ONLY during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park.

Disney Parks Blog has great photos of them all! (Insert evil laugh here.)

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Frozen Draft Beer Now in Epcot’s Japan Pavillion!

Published October 23, 2012 by Disneyways.com

“Frozen

Photo from Disney Parks Blog. 

Frozen Kirin draft beer?

It’s very popular in Tokyo, Japan, and sold at more than 650 locations. However, you can only find it in one spot in the continental U.S. and that is  the Japan Pavilion at Epcot.

(It’s also sold in Honolulu). You canl find the frozen Kirin in the Garden House, the Kabuki Cafe and in the Tokyo Dining restaurant!

That swirl on top isn’t soft serve ice cream. It is actually a light frozen topping made of beer that is reported to keep the draft  cold for about 30 minutes. The swirl actually tastes like beer! It actually keeps the beer cold so you can enjoy it a little slower in the Florida heat.  But who wants to do that? This frozen Kirin draft beer will set you back $8.

Here’s what they had to say over at Disney Food Blog:

“While the beer underneath is completely liquid at all times, the head on the glass is essentially super aerated and chilled — a frozen foam of beer, pretty much. This protective foam works as a mini-refrigerator, keeping the liquid beer beneath colder for longer.

The head slowly melts back down into liquid beer if you wait long enough, but it does stay in tact for about 10-20 minutes in my experience.

It’s a bit hard to work around to get a sip of the liquid beer (if you’ve had butterbeer in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, you have an idea of the phenomenon); but it doesn’t alter the taste of the brew.”

Have you tried it? What did you think?

 

Mermaids invade Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction at WDW

Published October 21, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Last month we talked about changes over at Pirates with the Bye Bye Blackbeard blog.

Today there is yet another fun, new thing to look for at the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Walt Disney World!

First Capt. Jack Sparrow was added, then Barbosa, Davy Jones and Blackbeard. Now something else from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies have been added to the ride at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. YIKES!! Watch out for evil mermaids as seen in On Strange Tides.

After you ride past the ghostly projection on the fog screen at the start of the ride, look down to your left or right and you may see a shape splashing in the water. Then check out the famous beach scene and you’ll notice one of the skeletons doesn’t look like the others. Eeeewwww….

Here’s a video from Attractions Magazine showing the creepy mermaids. Watch to the end to see them in slow motion:

Candlelight Processional Narrator Change!!

Published October 20, 2012 by Disneyways.com
English: Lea Salonga in New York

English: Lea Salonga in New York (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Disney has announced that Olivia Newton John, the celebrity narrator scheduled to appear in the Candlelight Processional December 14-16 is no longer available to participate in this year’s performances. Award-winning singer and actress, Lea Salonga will now be the celebrity narrator for December14–16. Ms. Salonga’s credits include roles in Miss Saigon and Les Miserables. She also provided the singing voice of two official Disney Princesses: Jasmine in Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan.