Just for Fun

All posts in the Just for Fun category

BIG HAIR IS BACK …FINALLY!

Published May 23, 2012 by Disneyways.com

I graduated high school in 1993. I am very proud to be a part of what I consider the “big hair” generation.  Just like the girl in the Peanuts cartoons – I enthusiastically embraced my “naturally curly hair”.  Just to prove it – here’s a picture of me at about that time.

  You can stop laughing now. I still love my big hair, I just style it a little differently.  Have you seen the trailers for the brand new Disney Pixar movie coming out on June 22nd? It’s called Brave, and I know it sounds weird, but bringing big hair back may be one of the things that excites me most about this movie. Merida is the main character, a skilled archer, inadvertent unleasher of chaos, a beastly curse undoer, even a Disney Princess for the feminists – and she does all of this while redefining what it meant to have beautiful BIG hair. I haven’t even seen the movie and I love her already.

Speaking of Disney Pixar movies…summer is upon us here in Florida, and I think it’s way too hot to be outside. That’s why I want to tell you about the Disney Pixar Summer Movie Weekend.  In the midst of remembering our fallen heroes, along with all the planning and grilling this weekend, you just might want to find some time to relax and unwind! It’s pretty exciting that Disney is bringing back some Pixar classics. That’s right – this weekend  you can catch Ratatouille, Toy Story 3, Up, and Wall-E at participating AMC Theaters. Prices vary but many tickets are just $6! Click here to get tickets and a list of participating AMC Theaters.

Maybe you’re more like me. To be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of seeing movies in theaters. Why risk having some kid kick my chair through the whole thing when 2 months later I could sit on my couch with my dog and enjoy the movie on my own time?  Pixar movies, however, are an exception. One has to be in a real movie theater to fully appreciate the graphics, sound, and detail of these movies. My fantasy is to head to AMC Downtown Disney 24 Dine-in Theater to see Ratatouille for the Saturday showing. I haven’t had a chance to go to the new theater or (I’m ashamed to say it…) to see Ratatouille! Alas, with so much going on, I’m afraid it will just remain a fantasy.

I will try to plan a little better and get out to see Brave after June 22nd. Who knows? Maybe I will even put on my MC Hammer pants and do a little dance for everyone in line for tickets that day. (Please Hammer – don’t hurt ‘em!!) I will definitely use lots of mousse and a diffuser on my hair for the occasion – that’s a given.  At least I will look hot when they haul me off to crazy town.

Pulling some strings at Disney World… with Harpist Christine MacPhail

Published May 19, 2012 by Disneyways.com

You know how sometimes in life you are lucky enough to meet some REALLY great and interesting people? Well, that’s what happened to me the day I met Christine MacPhail. Christine is not only a wonderful person, she has (in my opinion) one of the coolest jobs EVER.  No office grind for this lady! Christine owns her own business and has made her living  as a harpist for the past 25 years. One of her favorite places to play is Disney World.  Specifically she has played the harp for Victoria and Albert‘s in the Grand Floridian Resort, and for dozens of Disney weddings all over the property (not to mention the state of Florida).  I asked Christine what she loves most about Disney weddings. She was happy to answer, and even threw in some advice for Disney brides.

“I really love what I do,” said Christine. “It is an honor to be part of the special moments in people’s lives. At Disney the weddings always have that extra magical touch. It seems the excitement and anticipation that children have about visiting Disney World comes alive again in the bride and groom!  The Wedding Pavillion is lovely, and I really like the small intimate weddings at locations such as the Boardwalk or the Yacht Club.  I really enjoy seeing the little Disney touches, such as glass slipper place card holders or Mickey and Minnie cake toppers! Most of the couples request Disney music which is always fun for me. “When You Wish Upon a Star” is a perfect recessional song!  My only advice would be that after all the preparations have been made, just relax and enjoy your special day!”

To listen to some of Christine’s Disney music, click here, scroll down mid-page, and choose a song.

Here is a great shot of Christine at Disney’s Boardwalk (click to enlarge).

You can see the bride and groom through the strings.

Photo credit: Misty Miotto

How does one get into the business of harping? When Christine MacPhail was 6 years old she was in a museum with her family and saw a harp there. Her father ran his fingers along the strings and she was hooked! She started taking lessons and has not stopped since. When she was in college a few friends asked her to play her harp for their wedding ceremonies, and that grew into a business. Fast forward 25 years and Christine is still doing what she loves…and talk about talent?!  She can play all sorts of music genres that you might never have imagined coming from a harp. She will amaze you with some of her facebook posts on what she calls “Music Monday” You can like her fanpage on facebook here so you don’t miss a note!

***To learn more about Disney Weddings click here***

***To Download your own Disney Wedding Brochure click here***

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Seasonal Uptates Coming to The Magic, The Memories, and You

Published April 26, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Have you seen The Magic, The Memories, and You?

Just in case you aren’t familiar, it is a spectacular show that takes place each night before the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom.

I’m a big fan of the fireworks but this…well I can’t even describe how awesome I think this is. The music is beautiful. I’m such a Disnerd –  I like to listen to it in my car.

Video doesn’t really do it justice but here is a pretty good try (turn on your sound):

Disney updates the show seasonally with themed overlays and some festive elements. If you’ve had your photo taken that day by a Disney photopass photographer – make sure you look closely. You, and thousands of others watching the show, just might see that picture of you in your Goofy hat.

Disney announced yesterday they will have a new scene for the summer where Cinderella Castle will turn in to a giant sandcastle. Here’s a picture they released to kind of give us a sneak peek.

 

Inside the Magic has some more really cool news on updates!

It’s a Tall World after all!

Published April 23, 2012 by Disneyways.com

My husband is a big Starbucks fan – so I’m hoping this great news might get my Decaf Dude to come to the parks with me more often! The one and only Starbucks announced today that they will soon have a presence at all the Disney theme parks.

You’ve got to be a California girl (or boy) to be the first to see it. Starbucks says they will open the first of six Starbucks locations in June at Disney California Adventure and then Disneyland Park. Disneyland guests can enjoy their “ pick me up” at the brand new Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Café. The Fiddler location will be themed to the 1920’s vision of Buena Vista Street. Sounds pretty cool to me!

Not long after – Florida will be “perked-up” Seattle style  in the Walt Disney World resort! More specifically, we will enjoy Starbucks in Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, AND Animal Kingdom. The new locations will serve coffee, espresso, frappuccino, signature Starbucks sandwiches, pastries, and desserts.

Please note the Swan and Dolphin Resorts on Walt Disney World property have served Starbucks for quite a while. These resorts aren’t Disney owned. Now we can make magical memories right inside the parks without sacrificing our morning cup of joe from Starbucks!

I think I’m a little Orange Nerd…

Published April 21, 2012 by Disneyways.com

He’s the talk of the Disney blogs! He doesn’t sing or speak, his thoughts just go up in an orange puff of smoke over his head! Is he your ideal husband? No! He’s the Little Orange Bird!

Here is his full story if you are interested:

Now if I can just get the song out of my head! 🙂  It’s just so cheesy and wonderful.

Simba’s pride…

Published April 18, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Monday I was at Diseny’s Animal Kingdom and we stopped in to catch the Lion King show. I’ve probably seen it a hundred times. It never fails however…the lights dim, the music starts…and I’m covered in goose bumps. My eyes well up with tears and the next thing I know I’m looking around, embarrassed, and casually trying to wipe my tears away hoping that nobody sees me.

I think there are two reasons for my visceral reaction to this show. The music touches my soul, AND the movie came out right about the same time I had my first child in July of 1994. My baby was a surprise – but he was also the most beautiful and wonderful thing that ever happened to me. I think when I hear the music and see images of the Lion King it just brings all those feelings back.

Tonight, thanks to my family, I get to go see the Lion King Broadway version at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center. I doubt they even know how much it means to me. I will bring my tissues and practice wiping my tears inconspicuously…LOL

Here’s a link to some cool video of the show.

May the Force be With You – Star Wars Weekends 2012

Published April 13, 2012 by Disneyways.com

STAR WARS WEEKENDS 2012!!! Official word from Disney!!

 

Star WarsTM Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™
May 18-20, 25-27, 2012
June 1-3, 8-10, 2012

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.

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

SCHEDULED CELEBRITY APPEARANCES

  • MAY      18-20
    • Ray Park – (Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
    • Jerome Blake (Rune Haako/Mas Amedda – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
    • Dee Bradley Baker (voice of Clone Captain Rex and Clone Commander Cody – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
  • MAY      25-27
    • Andy Secombe (Watto – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
    • Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
    • Tom Kane (voice of Yoda – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
  • JUNE      1-3
    • Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
    • Silas Carson (Nute Gunray/Ki-Adi-Mundi – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
    • (Star Wars: The Clone Wars voice talent – currently TBD)
  • JUNE      8-10
    • Michonne Bourriague (Aurra Sing – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace
    • Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett – Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
    • Daniel Logan (Boba Fett – Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones)
    • Nika Futterman (voice of Asajj Ventress – Star Wars:  The Clone Wars)

Aren’t you glad you used Dial?

Published April 10, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Remember those old soap commercials that asked, “Aren’t you glad you used Dial? Don’t you wish everybody did?” See the commercial here.

If you have ever been on a Disney bus packed like a sardine can full of tourists – then you will appreciate this. Disney is testing articulated 112 person capacity busses for resort guest transportation*. I think that means if you were on Disney property today, you might just be able to see and ride on one, The bad news is, they tested something similar back in the early ‘90’s and it apparently didn’t work out. So, I’m crossing my fingers things will go better this time. In the meantime, I am stockpiling my Dial soap for the hot summer season.

Where To Get FREE Disney Wallpapers for your PC, iPad, iPhone and Android

Published April 10, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Need a new look for your PC, iPad, iPhone,or Android?

You can get FREE official Disney wallpapers by clicking here.

They are adding new ones all the time – so  check back often!

Have a magical day!

wallpaper

Official “Hidden Mickeys” to look for in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Published April 9, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Looking for a something different and fun to look forward to?

How about making a dining reservation now for either The Whispering Canyon Cafe or Artist Point over at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge?

wilderness-lodge-resort-00-full

 

You do not have to have park tickets or be a guest at any Disney resort if you want to get your Disney fix. Make a reservation for Whispering Canyon Cafe or Artist Point by calling 407-WDW-Dine.. When you arrive at the resort, you can park for free. Just let the guard know you have a dining reservation and he will wave you through. Before or after your delicious meal – you can pick up a park map at the front desk, enjoy the Lodge’s version of “Old Faithful”, gaze at the sparkling pool, sit on a comfy couch in the lobby – even catch some classic Disney cartoons playing on the hidden TV in the lobby.  If you are like my sisters…you will want to take a nice walk after your meal. Here’s a fun activity for your walk…you can look for some of these OFFICIAL Hidden Mickeys! This is EXTRA fun if you have kids in tow. Tip: Print this and take your list along!

There are 14 individual hidden Mikeys located in the common areas alone, including one in a fireplace screen:

  • Artist Point, right-hand mural—coloration of lower right-hand tree varies creating shape
  • Artist Point—cloud in the distance of the left-hand mural
  • Lobby—in a key on display between the front desk and Mercantile merchandise shop
  • Lobby—right-hand side of fireplace just below the red rocks
  • Mercantile—outside, the bus driver on the sign showing the resort transportation location
  • Outside entrance—right, inside support post below iron band at top
  • Outside entrance—right, outside support post below iron band at top
  • Territory Lounge—colored area on rear end of a pony in mural on ceiling
  • Territory Lounge—map at the entrance, one of the pots about two feet from the bottom
  • Whispering Canyon Cafe—in bottom ironwork of fireplace in back room