Win Four Tickets to Disney on Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic at Amway Arena

Published July 27, 2015 by Disneyways.com

There is nothing like the excitement of a Disney on Ice show! It is so much fun to see all the grown ups and kids all dressed up like their favorite characters – ready to see all of their Disney favorites in a whole new way. Get ready for the ultimate Disney experience at Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt! Be charmed by a cast of over 50, with Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse, sweetheart Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and Disney Princesses including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana. Relive the magic of Disney’s Frozen with Anna, Elsa and the hilarious Olaf as they discover that true love is the greatest magic of all. It’s going to be tough for me not to sing-along to the over 30 unforgettable songs – including “Let It Go,” “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” and “Hakuna Matata.” Exciting moments from Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Disney’s The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and more will leave the whole family with memories to last a lifetime. Show off your moves at the Disney Magic of Healthy Living dance-along pre-show inspired by the Disney Healthy Living commitment as the celebration of the century skates into Orlando! This will be a show to remember!

Photo Credit Feld Entertainment

CLICK HERE TO BE TAKEN TO THE RAFFLECOPTER AND ENTER TO WIN!!

If the above link doesn’t work for you please click here…. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tickets are for Disney on Ice show at Amway Arena/Orlando only. You must email me by August 25th 2015 at Disneyways@Disneyways.com to specify if you are able to attend Opening night, Friday Sept 4th at 7:30pm or Saturday Sept 5th at 11am! Sorry, no changes can be made after this date. Winner can each pick up (4) tickets at the Amway Center Box Office starting Thursday, September 3rd 2015 during regular Box Office hours (Monday through Friday | 9am to 6pm and three (3) hours prior to any event). We recommend picking up your tickets no later than 30 minutes prior to show time. Paid parking is available in the nearby GEICO garage. Tickets provided by Disney on Ice – Disneyways is not responsible for delivery.
I am a Feld Entertainment Blogger Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and other exclusive opportunities.

Not local to Orlando? That’s OK!! There is probably a show coming near you! As a Disneyways reader – you can even save $5 off per ticket with code MOM5. Not valid on VIP or Rink Side seating. Hurry for the best available seats! Code expires September 3, 2015.

Enter to win a $100 Disney Gift Card and MORE!

Published July 13, 2015 by Disneyways.com

Living The Dream Podcast has partnered with Homes4uu, Wild Florida and Gatorland, to host an amazing sweepstakes! Click HERE for details and your chance to enter! The last day to play is August 1, 2015.

Why I Love the Cranberry and The Epcot Cranberry Bog – and Why You Should Too

Published July 10, 2015 by Disneyways.com

IMG_8535[1]

The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is one of my favorite times of the year to visit Epcot. Sure the food, merchandise, cooking demonstrations and drinks are fun…but for me…it’s also got a lot to do with the Ocean Spray Cranberry bog. When I saw photos of various members of the media donning waders and being served food and drinks INSIDE that bog, I thought to myself, that is how I will KNOW I have truly arrived! Sadly, despite my best efforts, my Epcot cranberry bog days are yet to come. But that’s OK – everyone has to have a Disney dream, right? Mine just happens to involve wearing waders!

Here are those elusive waders! All lined up and ready to wear!

Here are those elusive waders! All lined up and ready for the media to wear!

That beautiful bog, and cranberries in general are still just as fascinating to me. The Epcot cranberry bog is over 1300 square feet and home of 500 pounds of cranberries! It is a site to see in the middle of a theme park! Cranberry growers as well as cast members standing in and around it, are happy to engage guests with facts and information on how the fruit is not only harvested but also used. Here is some fun information that I have learned so far:

Wet Harvesting

A lot of people think that cranberries grow under water. Makes sense, since we usually see the berries floating on top of the water. Cranberries do not grow in water however. They grow on long running vines in marshes or “bogs” made up of acid, peat soil and sand near wetland systems. The floating cranberries we’re seeing is actually the result of wet harvesting. The bog is flooded with up to 18 inches of water the night before the berries are to be harvested. Once the area is flooded, the berries (which have air pockets) float to the top. For those stubborn cranberries still left hanging, a tractor-like machine called a “ruby slipper” comes through and “slips” the ruby berries right off their vines. From there, they’re corralled together, loaded into trucks, and shipped off to be processed into all their different forms. A few of those lucky berries will end up at Epcot for the bog display.

IMG_8529[1]

Dry Harvesting

Fresh cranberries, the ones you buy in the produce aisle every fall, are harvested using the dry method. Not quite as glamorous if you ask me…but it’s the best way to get the absolute freshest of berries. For this, cranberry growers use a mechanical picker that looks like a large lawnmower. It has metal teeth that comb the berries off the vine and deposit them in a burlap sack at the back of the machine. I would imagine this is much easier then picking them all by hand like they did in the old days!

IMG_8534[1]

It’s not just about sauce and jelly. Every part of the cranberry plant has a purpose for which it is used. Greens are reused in compost, juice is pressed, and the skins become Craisins. (By the way, be sure to pick up a free sample pouch of craisins at the booth near the Epcot cranberry bog! Who says nothing at Disney is free?)

Beginning with the Native Americans, who used cranberries in medicines and clothing dyes…modern people are still finding creative uses for cranberries. Cranberries can be added to countless dishes, from quick breads, yeast breads, salads, relishes, salsas and chutneys, to soups, grain-based entrees and of course, desserts. It’s always a good idea to add a half-cup of chopped cranberries to your favorite banana bread or apple muffin recipe.

Drop some into your leafy green/spinach salad (especially good with dried cranberries), or toss a handful into a pilaf or stuffing. Impress your dinner guests with a cranberry glaze, or slow-cook some berries with your favorite chicken or pork. Before baking apples, fill the cored centers with cranberries, then sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.

Have you ever heard of cranberry mustard? It is said to get the pork and salmon on your plate singing! (Just heat some whole-berry cranberry sauce with a touch of sherry and honey, mix with an equal amount of your favorite brown or Dijon-style mustard, and if you like, throw in a dash of ground ginger. Voilà! Homemade cranberry mustard…mmmm…)

Some very successful musicians even decided to name their band “The Cranberries”. Do you suppose they are fans of the fruit as well?

Photo credit The Cranberries

So, there you have it. Who knew cranberries could be so useful – and inspirational enough to name your rock band after them? Just remember the next time you are at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, be sure to slow down a bit to appreciate the cranberries, and that beautiful Ocean Spray cranberry bog. It’s the stuff Disney dreams are made of (OK..well…maybe just mine!)

**This article was originally posted in the September 2013 Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW Newsletter

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free at WDW is an amazing website customized just for guests of Walt Disney World who have special dietary needs. I would like to thank Sarah Norris – editor and founder of GFDF at WDW for her friendship and partnership through the years! Be sure to check out the amazing resource that she has created!

“The Complete Walt Disney World 2015” by Julie and Mike Neal – A Book Review by Samantha Jolicoeur

Published June 24, 2015 by jpmdo

This is not the first time I have read the Neal’s books, and much like their previous years’ books, this one did not disappoint. With extensive details and photos that immerse the reader into the magic, you will find yourself turning page after page!

As a mother of 3, two of which being 1 year old twins, I do not find much time for myself these days and, to my dismay, I am not too hip on the latest news going on with the World, Walt Disney World, that is. I used to pride myself in “being in the loop” and staying on top of news, but it just isn’t feasible these days. I knew, with my upcoming trip, I wanted to get some additional information from more than the Internet. I wanted something reputable, and I knew this book would be a fantastic place to start.

I put the children to bed, finished up the daily chores, and got comfy with the book. Needless to say, I read it all in one sitting, long into the early hours of the next morning. I could not get enough of the detailed information and color photos. ALL of the photographs in their books are in full color and taken by the authors – how amazing is that?

I found only one Tinkerbell-sized error in the book and that was mentioning that 8+ guests will be charged an automatic 18% gratuity on their table service bills (page 360). The correct information regarding this policy is actually 6 or more guests, infants included.

Onto the pleasantries, and this book is chock full of them! Julie and Mike include so many details of each and every aspect of the Walt Disney World Resort. I love how they incorporate their own preferences and opinions. I am always looking for true reviews, in lieu of basic, every day knowledge. It made me feel like I was speaking with the authors, not just reading a book about Disney.

The book is laid-out in a way where you can find any topic very easily: organized by Parks, Accommodations, new information, MyMagic+, Characters, and so much more! They go through the very best of each Park, and then a more in-depth review is done later within the chapter. Above and beyond the detailed explanations of each attraction, you will find Hidden Mickey tips and other special secrets. Personally, I am a fan of the Tips and Facts – you can never soak in enough Disney trivia! There is also other useful information, such as approximate wait times based on time of day, and an example of the best course of action to conquer your Park day. With their vast Park knowledge and experience, I would bet that their plans are top notch!

There truly is not one piece of information you will NOT find in this wonderful book. From where to find ATMs to where to eat the best steak. It is easy to find the information you are looking for, as well, if you are not keen on reading the entire book (although, I do not recommend that). Each section is color-coded, there is an A-Z section that approaches almost every relevant Disney subject, and, finally, an index at the end of the book to direct you to the exact page discussing the topic you are looking for.

I would recommend this book to each and every person, Disney-newbie or veteran, young or old. I have read many different Disney travel guides, books, trivia and, so much more, but this is the very best of the best. They have kept up with the very latest information, and you seriously cannot beat their tips and advice. Children will love to read this book along with you and learn all about the attractions before experiencing them. You will be able to help them get an idea of what to expect before the trip, plus there is information regarding scare factors.

Not that you’ll need help doing so, but this book will increase your excitement about your upcoming trip! You won’t have to worry about whether the information is up-to-date, because these books have been coming along yearly for quite some time now, and I do hope they continue! You can purchase their books online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

“There is more treasure in books, than in all the pirates’ loot on Treasure Island” – Walt Disney

Match The Species – Poop Treats at Disney’s Animal Kingdom by Guest Authors Amber and Jacquie Montes de Oca

Published June 19, 2015 by jpmdo

**UPDATE: Disney discontinued these treats and they are no longer available.**

What do Disney, sweet treats and poop have in common? Our favorite topics of conversation!

When we heard there were new treats at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and they look like animal poop, of course we had to find out more about them and better yet… taste them!

So we started our journey by arriving at Disney’s Animal Kingdom then made our way to Africa.

We then found the location… Zuri’s Sweets Shop right across from the new Harambe Market.

And there, among the other sweets… Match the Species Treats (animal poop)!

Of course we had to try all four. And this is what we thought:

Elephant Poop: Chocolate peanut butter fudge with sweet rolled oats and yellow coconut flakes.

J: I could tell right away it tasted like peanut butter, then the oats and coconut made their appearance. It’s dense and cakey. Yummy

A: To me it tastes like peanut butter and coconut. It’s a bit hard to bite into.

Hippo Poop: Chocolate fudge caramel brownie with peanut butter and rolled oats.

J: Very similar taste as the Elephant Poop, except for the coconut. Also dense and cakey. Feels a bit heavy when you pick it up.

A: Same thought, very similar to the Elephant Poop.

Cotton Top Tamarin Poop: Pretzel pearls coated in chocolate peanut butter fudge with sweet rolled oat flakes.

J: Again, similar taste to both the Elephant and Hippo Poop, however this one is harder to bite into.

A: Also similar taste as the two above, however this one has that extra pretzel taste. Watch your teeth… hard to bite into.

Giraffe Poop: Rolled chocolate fudgy brownie and freshly made caramel.

J: This one was my favorite. Soft brownie texture and more of a chocolate taste.

A: I liked this one the best as well. Soft and rich.

In conclusion, although it’s a bit disappointing that three of the four tasted almost the same, this is definitely a fun thing to get if anything for the topic of conversation and it definitely will be fun for both kids and adults!

About the authors:

Jacquie is an annual passholder and Disney fan who visits the parks often with her oldest daughter Amber. She is a freelance social media strategist, consultant, advisor, and content creator for Living the Dream Podcast.

Amber Montes de Oca is a huge Disney fan. She’s an annual pass holder and loves to visit the Disney parks often. Her hobbies are singing, acting, and drawing. She has a BA from the University of Central Florida.

Movie Review: Disney’s Tomorrowland

Published May 22, 2015 by Disneyways.com

Ever since I first heard about this movie at the D23 event back in November – I could NOT wait to see it. Since then, they have started showing previews inside the Imagination theater in Epcot! If you are in the parks – be sure to check out this preview in 4D!

This amazing Disney movie from Brad Bird is a mystery adventure starring George Clooney. Even if you think you have seen George Clooney – you may never have seen him like this. He is funny, and surprisingly endearing. He really made the character of Frank come alive.

The story goes that a former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), who is now a bit angry and disillusioned, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with curiosity about science, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever.

This movie is BEAUTIFUL – visually appealing in ways I never could have imagined. Go see it in theaters if you can to really get what I am talking about here! In short – I loved it – and I would totally go see it again. Tune in to the Disney Parks Podcast for a full review from Tony and myself.

Don’t forget that the official Tomorrowland App with Apple Watch integration is now available to download HERE!

Solar Eclipse at Disney Springs as Seen By Sharon Judy

Published May 7, 2015 by Disneyways.com

My husband and I have a Thursday morning routine . We get our computer bags packed and head to Disney Springs Starbucks for some early morning business . Well this morning was extra cool with the breeze blowing. So relaxing!!! Ready to get down to business and get some work done we round the corner to see the most incredible solar eclipse I have ever seen!!! Not just any solar eclipse but a Disney solar eclipse. The Characters In Flight Balloon was in just the right spot. Sun shining brightly behind it. I take pictures of EVERYTHING!!! So when I tell you I couldn’t get my phone out fast enough it’s an understatement… Lol… Hope you all enjoy!!!

Has anyone else seen this once in a lifetime sighting?

Review! Out of this World Dining at Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dinner by Guest Author Mary Morales

Published May 6, 2015 by Disneyways.com

I had the pleasure of enjoying the first service of the Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dinner at the Hollywood and Vine on May the 4th. This is a special character dining event available at Hollywood Studios from 5/4/15 – 6/14/15 (the end of Star Wars weekends) from 4:15 pm – 8 pm.
Let me start by saying, I attended the first event on May the 4th last year and it has much improved. Last year, I waited over 2 hours for my reservation, was rushed through photos and they had grossly overbooked the venue. I went to a second service later in the season and still found many of those issues.
This year is a great improvement! I was seated approximately ten minutes past my reservation time and went to the queue to wait for my pictures with Jedi Mickey. The wait was less than 10 minutes and they were very good about allowing me to get the photos that I wanted. I received a special Star Wars photopass card and an autograph card from all the characters. Those who went last year, will recall it was Chip and Dale at the initial photo offering.

Once inside, my server explained the offerings of the buffet and I was provided with a two sided placement (blue and red) so that I could choose to join the Force or the Dark side for the evening. The placements roll up to form light sabers and provide some table entertainment. I was allowed to take several of these home as souvenirs.

The buffet had some wonderful offerings, which included chicken and corn chowder, a prosciutto and cantaloupe salad, tomatoes with mozzarella and balsamic reduction, make your own pasta station, meat carving station, lobster macaroni and cheese and many Asian inspired dishes. They also had the lower to the ground children’s favorites offerings like chicken nuggets, tater tots and macaroni and cheese. The food was flavorful and well stocked. Best of all, the traffic flow of the buffet was extremely well managed.
What I enjoyed most was reading the signs above the dishes as their names had been changed to reflect characters, locations and events in the Star Wars movies.

Desserts were small works of art themselves! They had chocolate covered strawberries, beautiful themed cupcakes, tarts, cakes and my personal favorite – wookie cookies!!!!! I also highly recommend each of the cupcakes – Darth Vader, Yoda and Jabba!!!

The servers and character handlers did an excellent job of letting us know the ETA for our visitors and the character interactions were amazing. Ewoks Chip and Dale arrive separately and were playful and sassy.

Princess Leia Minnie Mouse was her fashionably beautiful self.

Donald was taking his storm trooper role very seriously!

Darth Goofy was just loveable!!

They had Creature Cantina music playing in the background, which added to the overall delightful atmosphere!

Event Pricing:
$57.99 per adult, $34.99 per child
Ist show of Fantasmic package adult $63.99, child $38.99
Two Dining Plan Entitlements on the Disney Dining Plan
This was such a fun event! I loved seeing my favorite Disney characters rocking their Star Wars side. Great food, great servers, great interactions! I cannot wait to go back!! Wishing you all a truly magnificent Star Wars weekends this year and May the Force Be With You!!!!!

Mary Morales is a Travel Specialist with Mad Hatter Adventures and the official Travel Specialist of Disneyways. She can be found at https://www.facebook.com/MaryMoralesDisneyTravel. She is an avid Disney Traveler and spends at least 4 months a year on property. A Disney Foodie, Mary runs the Disney Food Fans group on Facebook. Specializing in special needs and special diets travel, but plans for all, Mary enjoys making magic for everyone!!! You can follow her on Instagram (@tinksthinks123) or Twitter (@tinksthinks123) to see her many Disney adventures.

Celebrating Cinco De Mayo – Disney Style! – By Guest Author Josh Snyder

Published May 4, 2015 by jpmdo

Ay amigos! It’s that time of year again. Time to celebrate Cinco De Mayo. For those of you that are too Central Florida bound to make it to Mexico to celebrate, you can have your own special celebration, right here in Walt Disney World. Head over to EPCOT to start your festivities. There are several different ways to do this. Here’s a list of my top 5 (plus an extra one for adults only).

5. Meet Donald Duck at Mexico – this is an often overlooked character meet and greet, since it’s a little off the beaten path. However, Donald shows his true Mexican love in a great sombrero and Mexican-inspired outfit. He can be found beside the Mexico pavilion on a little off-street.

4. Sombrero Time – take time to try on sombreros. While you’re doing this, take pictures to capture the moments, like Krista has done below. This is a great opportunity to get out of the sun and enjoy a wonderful time with friends (or even by yourself). Post your picture on Facebook, then challenge your friends to do the same thing (maybe even come up with a contest to see who can make the wackiest face).

3. Lunch at La Cantina De San Angel – for a great way to celebrate without actually going inside the Mexico pavilion, stop by La Cantina De San Angel outside for a quick bite with a Mexican flare. This a counter service location, and the service is pretty quick and always yummy. I recommend the Tacos De Barbacoa. It’s delish!

2. Dinner at San Angel Inn Restaurante – this excellent restaurant is located inside the Mexico pavilion and has seating that overlooks the beginning of the Three Caballeros boat ride (similar to the Blue Bayou Restaurant and Pirates Of The Caribbean at Disneyland). The atmosphere is set to remind of you twilight in Mexico, which is always the right time for a fiesta. This is a very popular restaurant and reservations are HIGHLY recommended.

1. Gran Fiesta Tour starring The Three Caballeros – this ride is the ultimate in Mexican celebrations. Take a fun boat ride through some of the history and sites of Mexico, while in search of Donald Duck, along with Jose and Panchito. This is a great ride for the whole family. It’s indoors, you’re seated the whole time, and it’s nicely air conditioned (great for those hot and humid early summer/late spring days).

BONUS HIGHLIGHT: For adults, there’s a great little place in the Mexico pavilion called La Cava Del Tequila. That’s right, it’s a TEQUILA BAR and it’s AWESOME!!! Make sure to check this out for some “adult libations”. You can also pick up Kahlua chocolate truffles in the shop outside La Cava. Perfect for some adult alone time at home.

I hope this helps you to enjoy Cinco De Mayo while on your festive trip to Walt Disney World. I know it helped me.

“Yacht Club” Club Sandwich at the Boathouse Resturant Disney Springs … Review by Sharon Judy

Published April 15, 2015 by Disneyways.com

Emily (my daughter)and I shared the “Yacht Club” Club. This is big enough for 2 to share and at $15.00 made it a good price. We even had leftovers to take home.

It was really good. Roasted Turkey, bacon, cucumber, lettuce, tomato,chipotle honey mayo… Just a hint of spice. The bread soaks up all the mayo and blends all the flavors really well. I will order this again. The French fries were very crispy and buttery tasting.

Lawrence from Texas was our waiter and he made sure that we were all taken care of and answered all my questions.