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Disney World Night of Joy Schedule 2013

Published August 13, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Make a joyful noise at Disney World Night of Joy 2013

NOJ

Each fall, Disney brings us encouragement and joy through the acts booked for Night of Joy.  Remember this event is not included in your regular price of admission for Magic Kingdom or even annual passes. It costs extra – so be prepared to leave the park by 7PM on these dates if you don’t have Night of Joy tickets. This is a can’t miss event if you love your Christian music sandwiched between rides on the Teacups and Space Mountain!

I think Disney works pretty hard to make sure there is a balance of high energy music and softer stuff for people like me…here’s the lineup if you want to mark you calender.

Purchase tickets while they last, by clicking HERE.

For dates and pricing on more special events coming to Disney – clicke HERE.

Friday, September 6

Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage

  • 7:40 p.m. – Steven Curtis Chapman/Michael W. Smith
  • 9:50 p.m. – MercyMe
  • 11:55 p.m. – Skillet

Galaxy Stage

  • 7:30 p.m. – Audio Adrenaline
  • 8:50 p.m. – Audio Adrenaline
  • 10:25 p.m. – Mandisa
  • 12:10 a.m. – For King and Country

Rockettower Plaza Stage

  • 8:15 p.m. – City
  • 9:40 p.m. – We As
  • 11:20 p.m. – Moriah Peters

Saturday, September 7

Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage

  • 7:40 p.m. – Francesca Battistelli
  • 9:30 p.m. – Gospel Music Association Winner Steven Musso
  • 9:50 p.m. – TobyMac
  • 11:55 p.m. – Newsboys

Galaxy Stage

  • 7:30 p.m. – Matthew West
  • 8:50 p.m. – Matthew West
  • 10:25 p.m. – Group 1 Crew
  • 12:10 a.m. – Building 429

Rockettower Plaza Stage

  • 8:15 p.m. – Jamie Grace
  • 9:40 p.m. – Jamie Grace
  • 11:20 p.m. – Plumb

Video! New Decor Color Test at The Polynesian Resort

Published August 12, 2013 by Disneyways.com
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Photo from our visit to the Spirit of Aloha show located at the Poly

Do you love the Polynesian Resort like I do? There is nothing like the sights and smells of this endearingly retro Disney Resort. We spoke a bit about the this resort on a recent episode of the Disney Parks Podcast. Perhaps you have heard about all the changes that are coming to the “Poly” as it is affectionately known by Disney fans. My friend John got an inside tip about a new color scheme that is currently being tested out in one of the hallways. Check out his video to compare the old and the new colors – I would love to hear what you think! 

Video! Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Progress

Published August 11, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Recently I got to go to Magic Kingdom with my friend John from BigFatPanda.com. You may remember him from his recent interview with us on the Disney Parks Podcast.

While John and I were touring New Fantasyland, he got this awesome video of the progress on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Check it out in all it’s hi-def glory. There is some beautiful footage here – and I love how John explains what you are seeing.

Enjoy!

The Monstrous Eye-Scream Sundae Returns for Limited Time Magic

Published July 31, 2013 by Disneyways.com

The Monstrous Eye-Scream Sundae Returns for Limited Time Magic

Disney released information on what we can expect for Limited Time Magic on the week of July 29 to August 4, 2013 – here is what it said:

“Prepare yourself for the return of a monster-sized pleasure! Courtesy of a little Limited Time Magic, you can enjoy the reappearance of the Monstrous Eye-Scream Sundae at Magic Kingdom park. Stop by The Plaza Restaurant and Plaza Ice Cream Cone to discover this chilling treat, which comes complete with 2 scoops of mint chip ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, cookie horns, a chocolate eye and sprinkles, all inside a crunchy waffle cone. Don’t miss your opportunity to scare up some summer fun—dig into this delightful dessert before the offer melts away!”

Here is the photo they showed us online:

Monstrous Sundae

Here is what we actually got:

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Video! Long-Lost Friends Week

Published July 21, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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Disney Parks asked everyone to vote on their favorite characters to bring back for Long-Lost Friends week (July 15-21) as part of the Limited Time Magic promotion in 2013. The chosen characters were then available for meet and greets

I really enjoyed this 3 minute video from John Saccheri of BigFatPanda.com – and I just had to share it with you! You may recall we had him as a guest on The Disney Parks Podcast recently –  and as you can tell – he is just as much fun in person! This video also features the fabulous Shelley Caran from OnTheGoinMCO.com – and I think you’ll agree that these two make a great on-camera team!

I love that it is a real video from a real person- with no corporate filtering. It gives you an idea of what it was like to be there, including noise from the crowd surrounding the characters. Even better – it made me crack up laughing, and I hope it does the same for you! Follow BigFatPanda.com on YouTube for more great videos!

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Update! Everything You Want to Know About Epcot’s Candlelight Processional 2013

Published July 17, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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When it comes to Candlelight, you have to plan ahead! There is a good, better, and best way to enjoy Candlelight. That’s why we’ve got everything you want to know about it for you here – and you can decide what works for you.

Epcot’s Candlelight Processional is  a Disney tradition now in its 43rd year! It is absolutely a must-do included in our top 5 ways to get in the Christmas spirit at Epcot! Candlelight Processional is a moving presentation of the Christmas story in readings by a celebrity narrator and music by a Mass choir and 50-piece orchestra. This event takes place in the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase in Epcot. It is an outdoor (uncovered, not climate controlled) setting and is not cancelled due to inclement weather. It is recommended that you dress accordingly – some years we actually need to wear our warm coats!

The Processionals begin on November 29, 2013, and runs every evening until December 30.

Shows are approximately 40 minutes. Each evening there are three shows — the times are 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.

2013 Tentative Narrator Schedule

Neil Patrick Harris

The tentative schedule of those who will appear as narrators for performances of Epcot’s 2013 Candlelight Processional, the annual retelling of the story of Christmas that features a mass choir and a full orchestra (subject to change):

Gary Sinise November 29 to December 1, 2013

Neil Patrick Harris December 2 to December 3, 2013

Ashley Judd – NEW! December 4 to December 5

Whoopi Goldberg December 6 to December 7, 2013

Sigourney Weaver – NEW! December 8 to December 10, 2013

Dennis Haysbert – NEW! December 11 to December 13, 2013

James Denton December 14 to December 16, 2013

Edward James Olmos December 17 to December 19, 2013

Trace Adkins December 20 to December 22, 2013

Steven Curtis Chapman December 23 to December 25, 2013

Blair Underwood December 26 to December 28, 2013

Amy Grant December 29 to December 30, 2013

There is no charge to see the Candlelight Processional (show) – it is included in your admission to Epcot. There is, however, a dinner package available for purchase. The Candlelight package includes a ticket to a guaranteed reserved seating SECTION for the Candlelight Processional (show) at American Gardens Theater  –  lunch or dinner at a select Epcot restaurant, and pre-arranged fireworks viewing.

Previously a mystery to most of us – YOU CAN NOW JUST CLICK HERE TO GET AN IDEA OF YOUR DINING TIME FOR EACH SHOW!

To book call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) or visit HERE. Be prepared to hold your package in advance with a valid credit card number. You don’t have to pay for your dinner package until you arrive at the location.

Again, you do not get a reserved seat at the show with the package – you get to sit in the reserved section. The reserved section is front and center, behind any VIP seating. Within the reserved section, seating is on a first come, first serve basis, so if you want your choice of seats, you should still arrive 30-45 minutes early.  

Seating without the dinner package is on a first come, first serve basis for each show. This means lining up 45 minutes (longer as you are closer to Christmas) before show time. 15 minutes prior to the show, seating is then opened up to those who are standing in line. Also, keep in mind if you wait in line for the 2nd or 3rd show of the night, that you will be hearing the show before yours as it is performed.

Don’t want to stand in line? You can always stroll by the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase to listen to the music and wonders of Christmas with out any sort of planning ahead.

candle1

The Candlelight Dinner Package includes a great meal (there is a link to the menus below) – and here’s what every meal includes – no matter where you eat: 

• Appetizer • Entree • Dessert • Non-alcoholic beverage (OR one full buffet where applicable!)

If you don’t have a dining plan – here are your prices per person for the meal included in the package (pricing etc. is credit wdwinfo.com):

*Price includes tax, but not gratuity and are subject to change.*

Biergarten – Germany

  • Lunch: $35.14 (Adult)  $19.16 (Child)
  • Dinner: $55.37 (Adult)  $28.75 (Child)

Chefs de France – France  

  • Lunch: $59.63 (Adult)  $15.97 (Child)
  • Dinner: $74.54 (Adult)  $21.29 (Child)

Coral Reef– The Living Seas

  • Lunch: $57.50 (Adult)  $14.90 (Child)
  • Dinner: $69.22 (Adult)  $19.16 (Child)

Garden Grill – The Land

  • Dinner: $57.50 (Adult)  $29.81 (Child)  

La Hacienda de San Angel – Mexico

  • Dinner: $69.74 (Adult)  $17.58 (Child)

Nine Dragons Restaurant – China

  • Lunch: $41.53 (Adult)  $13.84 (Child)
  • Dinner: $53.74 (Adult)  $18.10 (Child)

Restaurant Marrakesh – Morocco

  • Lunch: $42.59 (Adult)  $14.90 (Child)
  • Dinner: $53.24 (Adult)  $18.10 (Child)

Rose and Crown – UK

  • Lunch: $46.85 (Adult)  $13.84 (Child)
  • Dinner: $59.63 (Adult)  $19.16 (Child)

San Angel Inn – Mexico

  • Lunch: $51.98 (Adult)  $15.18 (Child)
  • Dinner: $65.82 (Adult)  $17.58 (Child)

Teppan Edo – Japan  

  • Lunch: $63.89 (Adult)  $17.03 (Child)
  • Dinner: $74.54 (Adult)  $20.23 (Child)

Tokyo Dining – Japan  

  • Lunch: $63.89 (Adult)  $17.03 (Child)
  • Dinner: $74.54 (Adult)  $20.23 (Child)

Tutto Italia – Italy

  • Lunch: $58.57 (Adult)  $15.97 (Child)
  • Dinner: $71.35 (Adult)  $10.23 (Child)

Via Napoli – Italy

  • Lunch: $43.66 (Adult)  $14.90 (Child)
  • Dinner: $56.44 (Adult)  $19.16 (Child)

Here’s a tip: If you are already planning to dine at one of the restaurants in the package, take a look at the menus from around the World – and see if the price of a ticket works out better for you.

If you have a Disney Dining Plan – it will be accepted as follows: 

Magic Your Way Plus Dine – 2 TSR entitlements
Magic Your Way Plus Deluxe Dine – 2 TSR entitlements
Magic Your Way Quick Service Dine – Not eligible
Magic Your Way Premium Package
Magic Your Way Platinum Package

Christmas at Epcot

Guests are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes early to their dining reservation to check–in. Guests will receive Candlelight Seating badges at the restaurant for guaranteed seating at the America Gardens Theatre for the booked show time and for viewing of IllumiNations: Reflection of Earth (Epcot fireworks).

Click here to check out a FREE Disney holiday activity – seeing all the resort decorations!

Join the Optimist! The worlds of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy were only the beginning…

Published July 9, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Don’t you love watching Walt Disney on TV and YouTube – or just hearing his voice? I know I do. There’s a reason everyone seemed to think of him as Uncle Walt. It is amazing to think so much joy and inspiration is still coming forth from this man. He made an amazing difference to the world during his all too short life.

WALT the Optimist

Walt represents many things to a number of people. Nobody could argue that Walt Disney was a real-life “visionary idealist” – and that trait is the big star in “The Optimist,” a new alternate reality game presented through a partnership between Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development and The Walt Disney Studios.

This 6-week alternate reality game will engage us with social media, email, physical mail, and culminate at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, August 9-11, 2013.

Here is how it was explained to us on the D23 website:

“In this narrative adventure, participants around the globe linked by social media will join fictional characters to explore both virtual and physical realms, piecing together an imagined story of Walt Disney, the Imagineers and other visionary thinkers and their potential involvement in a mysterious project that sought to build a better future.”

walt2Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development head Scott Trowbridge is behind the whole thing, and here is what he had to say:

“…One of our characters has discovered some previously unknown facts that could change what we think we know about Walt Disney, Imagineering and Disneyland Park. Players can participate at different levels of engagement over the six-week story—from leveraging social media and mobile devices to visiting unique physical sites from the story in and around Los Angeles.”

Some characters and situations in The Optimist are based on real people and events. Overall though – the experience is just pretend – and not supposed to represent real history.

optimist

The hope is to connect people around the world with each other, and to tell a story that is unbelievable yet encouraging. We could all use some encouragement at times – so I am excited about what this has in store for us!

Visit Optimist.Disney.com to learn more about the experience and get started! If you already have an account with Disney to book your resort stays and dining reservations – you will use that same login information here.

Least crowded dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2013

Published July 8, 2013 by Disneyways.com

christmaspicfont

It’s like Christmas in July!

Tickets have been on sale for quite some time for the 2013 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and I know some of you out there are already making plans to come celebrate your holiday here in Walt Disney World! If you prefer wide open spaces to walk and shorter lines for attractions, you may be wondering what some of the best dates are to come and party. In researching the best date for the Disney Parks Podcast team to get our holiday on – I stumbled on some great information from TouringPlans.com that I wanted to share with you today.

According to the site –  last year’s crowds indicate that Tuesday Christmas parties are less crowded on average than parties held on any other day of the week. Friday is the next-best day to attend a Very Merry Christmas Party.  We can enjoy lower crowds for the Christmas parties right between the Thanksgiving and Christmas busy periods. Four of the five parties between December 3 and 10, 2013, are among the TouringPlans.com top 7 least-busy parties – but they expect Sunday, December 8th to be a bit busier. While there are no Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties during Thanksgiving week, the parties just prior to and just after that break are traditionally busy. Thursday and Sunday are the busiest days – and many November dates rank among the most crowded. You may also want to avoid the last few parties before Christmas, because they are also quite crowded.

parade

In general the wait times during the Christmas parties are quite low, averaging only about 9 minutes. The Christmas parties may be your best bet to enjoy some of your favorite attractions.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for the least crowded, best day to visit Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2013…

welcome

Touring Plans says to circle Tuesday, December 10, 2013 on your calendar.

That Christmas Party, on a Tuesday in early December, was the least-crowded event in 2012’s schedule. If that date doesn’t work for you – just refer to the recommendations above for help. Don’t forget – Epcot and Hollywood Studios have SO much to offer as well during this time of year.  I hope you’ll consider coming “home” for Christmas – and we will see soon!

Lava Lounge now Open in Downtown Disney Orlando

Published July 6, 2013 by Disneyways.com
Photo Credit: DisneyFoodBlog.com

Photo Credit: DisneyFoodBlog.com

I was super excited to get to check out the brand-new Lava Lounge at Rainforest Café. Downtown Disney (soon to be Disney Springs!)  fans like me will love this place. The setting couldn’t be more perfect. It’s right on the waterfront, which is something I loved. The entrance is themed like a cave entering the side of the volcano.

Lava Lounge

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Not your average lounge lizard – the Lava Lounge has an animatronic crocodile in the front! He wakes up every few minutes to growl and show you his teeth. The kids were standing around in awe looking at this thing.

That’s not all! Without even trying the food here yet – I can tell you two of my favorite things about this place so far:

1. There was a wait to dine inside at Rainforest Café, but at the Lava Lounge, seating is first-come, first-served.

2. Not only can you order from the full Rainforest Café menu, but there’s also a special menu featuring items created just for the Lava Lounge!

With cool names for the assorted dishes such as “Volcanic Sliders”, “Tectonic Tacos”, and something called “The Jungle Runner” as a signature drink – how can you go wrong? There are lots of choices on the menu, so chances are there’s something everyone in your party will enjoy.

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Don’t let the “Lounge” title throw you off; it’s a space for all kinds of groups. The animals inside will be great for conversation, and may give you a chance to teach the kids something new.

Lava Lounge Monkey Lava Lounge Bird

For even more fun, The Rainforest Café Volcano erupts multiple times each evening with a sizzling display of flame spires, fireballs, steam bursts and fog that erupts in sync with a light and sound show. It is really impressive, and you can see, hear and even feel it from inside the Lava Lounge.  It’s the sort of thing you’d only expect to see at a Disney theme park…or maybe Las Vegas. Check out this cool video!

So have you tried the Lava Lounge yet? What did you think?

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Limited Time Magic July 8 to July 14, 2013 Experience Mickey’s America Streetbeat

Published July 5, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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July 8 to July 14, 2013

Soak up the sounds of a little Limited Time Magic as America Gardens Theatre comes alive at Epcot, thanks to the musical performances of “Mickey’s America Streetbeat.” For a limited time, join Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald as they come together with an energetic troupe of young performers—watch the fun unfold as they take part in an over-the-top display of hip hop, percussion and acrobatics. From the rhythm and tunes to the tap-dancing of their shoes, it’s set to be one incredible jam you won’t want to miss!

For tips on how to get great photos with characters – click here!